ASUS Chromebook CM30 Open-Box: Detachable 2-in-1 at $159.99 (MSRP $329.99)
November 7, 2025, 3:36 AM EST. Don't miss this open-box ASUS Chromebook CM30, a detachable 2-in-1 that doubles as a tablet. Priced at $159.99 (MSRP $329.99), it ships free while supplies last. With 8GB RAM and 128GB eMMC, it's built for cloud apps, multitasking, and everyday tasks. Powered by the MediaTek Kompanio 520, it delivers smooth performance for work, streaming, and browsing. Detachable keyboard, magnetic stand, and a lightweight chassis (made from 30% recycled aluminum) make mode switching effortless and portable. Expect up to 12 hours of battery life, dual 5MP cameras, and connectivity through Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3. This is an open-box item with a full 1-year warranty; packaging may show minor handling. Free shipping and limited stock-grab this deal before it's gone.
Best tablets for digital artists: tested picks across pen tablets and display tablets
November 7, 2025, 3:34 AM EST. After months of testing, this guide names the best tablets for digital artists across pen tablets, display tablets, and general-purpose tablets. We share hands-on impressions of Wacom Intuos Pro and other brands, weighing build quality, pressure sensitivity, and software compatibility. Why choose each type: a dedicated pen tablet is precise and portable but lacks a display; a display tablet delivers a more natural drawing experience with screen preview; iPad and Galaxy Tab models offer versatile ecosystems and high-quality screens with premium styluses. We include budget alternatives for every category and explain how to pick based on your workflow. For more options, see the full guide to the best drawing tablets and the best laptops for drawing.
Apple TV Outage Briefly Takes Down Streaming During Pluribus Premiere
November 7, 2025, 3:28 AM EST. Apple TV experienced a brief outage on November 7, taking down the streamer for thousands of users in the U.S. and Canada just minutes after the premiere of Pluribus. Social feeds lit up with playback errors and server crashes. The outage, confirmed by Apple's status page to affect Apple TV, Apple Music, and Apple Arcade, was resolved within a few hours. Downdetector logged roughly 15,000 reports, with the impact centered in Los Angeles (L.A.), Houston, Chicago, and Minneapolis. Data showed about 64% of users faced server connection problems, 34% reported app glitches, and 2% couldn't download content. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman noted the premiere-night issue as Apple doubles down on its streaming strategy, which generated substantial revenue last quarter. Even giants stumble during peak events.
Northwestern's AI minor expands after first year, drawing growing interest
November 7, 2025, 3:26 AM EST. Northwestern's AI minor has grown since its Sept. 2024 launch, expanding course offerings and refining the curriculum to connect AI to students' other fields. Open to NU students across disciplines (excluding CS majors at Weinberg or McCormick), the program aims to signal AI expertise beyond traditional majors. As of fall, one student has graduated, 44 have declared, and 101 are in the process of declaring. Roughly half of participants are McCormick students. To complete the minor, students take four math prerequisites and eight CS units, including three upper-level electives. Prof. Sara Owsley Sood emphasizes that the program teaches how AI systems and machine learning work, not just how to use tools. The department has added faculty and courses, iterating to meet student needs.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 review: a multitasking powerhouse with a night-ready camera
November 7, 2025, 3:24 AM EST. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 redefines foldables as a work machine that truly shines after dark. Its expansive inner display turns productivity into a full desk-less workflow, with seamless WordPress editing and fluid multitasking via split-screen. The camera is a standout, delivering 200MP ultra-clear photos and strong Nightography for low light. The device delivers solid performance and impressive battery life, reportedly up to 28 hours on a charge. Quirks include a noticeable lens protrusion that makes it wobble on flat surfaces, a slick, slippery chassis that begs for a case, and the absence of an S-Pen. Still, for the power user who wants a single device for work and play, the Z Fold7 is a compelling, night-capable workhorse.
Save $600 on Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 – now $1,399.99
November 7, 2025, 3:22 AM EST. Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 is on sale for $600 off, dropping to $1,399.99 from $1,999.99 on Samsung's official site. The deal works across colors, and the discount appears after you opt out of a trade-in. The foldable features an 8-inch LTPO OLED panel with a 2,184 x 1,968 resolution and 120Hz, plus an external 6.5-inch screen. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy with 12GB RAM, it sports a 200MP camera, a 4,400mAh battery, and an IP48 body with Gorilla Glass Victus 2. While charging tops at 25W wired/15W wireless, this remains one of the strongest foldables on the market, a strong rival to Google's Pixel 10 Pro Fold.
Back Up Your iPhone the Right Way Before Installing iOS 26
November 7, 2025, 3:16 AM EST. Before updating to iOS 26, make sure you have a solid backup plan. Rely on iCloud Backup for everyday safety, but note that restoring from an iCloud backup won't work if you revert to an older iOS version, and iCloud keeps only the most recent backup. Create a local archive on your Mac as a true fallback. You can choose to encrypt the local backup for extra security, which requires a separate password you must save somewhere safe. To make the local archive: connect your iPhone to your Mac, open Finder, select the iPhone under Locations, and create/save a full backup. Having both an iCloud and a local, encrypted archive gives you a reliable way to roll back if something goes wrong with iOS 26.
Meta Quest Promo Codes and Discounts for November 2025
November 7, 2025, 3:12 AM EST. Looking to buy a Meta Quest headset? This guide highlights current promo codes and discounts for November 2025. Meta rarely cuts hardware pricing, but you can save with direct discounts, bundles, and retailer promos. Highlights include up to $50 off the Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S, with the cheaper Quest 3S dipping to around $250, plus 20% off select accessories like the Elite Strap with a battery. New buyers can snag $30 Quest Cash with a Quest 3 or Quest 3S purchase to spend on games or DLC. A Quest+ subscription adds free monthly games and bundle deals, including three months with certain bundles and titles like Batman: Arkham Shadow. Also available are refurbished/Like-New models from the manufacturer at savings, often with warranties.
Toyota to Review EV Battery Plant Plan in Fukuoka Over Next Year
November 7, 2025, 3:08 AM EST. Toyota Motor Corp. will review over the next year its plan to build an EV battery plant in Fukuoka Prefecture, after a slowdown in global EV demand. The project, slated for the town of Kanda in a waterfront park, aimed to start producing next-generation lithium-ion batteries in 2028. Fukuoka Governor Seitaro Hattori said Toyota President Koji Sato told him the group is revising its business plan and will craft a new program to boost the local economy and jobs, while not withdrawing from the project. The move follows Nissan's withdrawal from a similar plan in Kitakyushu earlier this year.
Microsoft pursues human-aligned AI as it pivots from OpenAI
November 7, 2025, 3:02 AM EST.Microsoft is pivoting from its OpenAI partnership to build its own digital intelligence, appointing an internal Superintelligence Team to accelerate AI while keeping human values and guardrails first. AI chief Mustafa Suleyman frames the effort as a tradeoff: speed and capability versus ensuring humans stay in control, even as the technology grows more capable. The company emphasizes a human-centric approach and alignment by default, contrasting with other developers. Initial offerings center on three core applications: AI companions, medical superintelligence, and plentiful clean energy. The move comes as policymakers and industry alike grapple with how to regulate and pace AI development, highlighting a broader debate over autonomy, safety, and who steers the future of digital intelligence.
Anthropic expands in Europe with Paris and Munich offices
November 7, 2025, 3:00 AM EST. US AI startup Anthropic said it plans a major European expansion, opening offices in Paris and Munich as part of broad global growth. The move follows its plan to triple its international workforce to meet rising demand for its Claude AI large language models outside the US. Based in San Francisco, Anthropic, valued at about $183 billion and backed by Alphabet and Amazon, already has European offices in London, Dublin, and Zurich and has expanded headcount in the region. The company notes that EMEA is its fastest-growing region, with run-rate revenue up more than ninefold in the past year. Clients include L'Oréal, BMW, SAP, N26.
Inside Bitcoin's 24-Hour Race to Survive a Global Internet Blackout
November 7, 2025, 2:58 AM EST. Imagine Bitcoin facing a world-wide internet outage that splits the network into three regional partitions. With about 45% of hashrate in the Americas, 35% in Asia/Oceania, and 20% in Europe/Africa, each region mines a separate chain. Per-hour block production follows local hashrates, so after an hour ledgers diverge by double-digit blocks; after half a day, gaps reach the low hundreds; after a day, the chains differ by hundreds of blocks. Local mempools split immediately; a transaction broadcast in New York may not reach Singapore. Fee markets become regional; exchanges and wallets pause withdrawals as confirmations lose global finality; Lightning channels face uncertainty. When routes recover, nodes perform reconciliation to the chain with the most cumulative work. Costs include deep reorganizations and rebroadcasting transactions.
Inception Raises $50M to Accelerate diffusion LLMs (dLLMs) with Mercury
November 7, 2025, 2:56 AM EST. Inception, a Palo Alto-based AI startup, raised $50M in a round led by Menlo Ventures with participation from Mayfield, Innovation Endeavors, NVentures, M12, Snowflake Ventures, and Databricks Investment. The funds will accelerate product development and expand research and engineering teams focused on diffusion systems delivering real-time performance across text, voice, and coding. Led by CEO Stefano Ermon, Inception's Mercury is the first commercially available dLLM, claimed to be 5-10x faster than speed-optimized models from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google while matching their accuracy. The approach reduces GPU footprint, enabling larger models at the same latency and cost or serving more users. Target applications include interactive voice agents, live code generation, and dynamic user interfaces.
Inception AI raises $50M to speed up LLMs with diffusion-based Mercury dLLMs
November 7, 2025, 2:52 AM EST. Inception AI, a startup building ultra-fast LLMs using diffusion, raised $50M in a round led by Menlo Ventures, with participation from Mayfield, Innovation Endeavors, NVentures, M12, Snowflake Ventures and Databricks Investment. The company's Mercury dLLM family claims up to 10x faster text generation and a smaller GPU footprint versus autoregressive models. Mercury includes two models-general-purpose chat and Mercury Coder-with a 128,000-token context window and pricing at $0.25 per million input tokens and $1 per output. Availability via AWS and OpenRouter; Azure Foundry support coming. Roadmap includes advanced reasoning with built-in error correction to curb hallucinations and unified access across platforms.
Microsoft AI Agents Fail in Simulated Marketplace, Highlight Risks of Autonomous Shopping
November 7, 2025, 2:48 AM EST. Microsoft's Magentic Marketplace study, conducted with Arizona State University, built a simulated economy of hundreds of AI agents acting as buyers and sellers. With 100 buyer agents facing 100 search results, the models collapsed to a first-proposal bias, choosing the first 'good enough' option and neglecting thorough comparisons. The result was that many top models can't effectively handle autonomous shopping. The study also tested six manipulation strategies-fake credentials, social proof, and prompt injections-and found that GPT-4o and GPTOSS-20b payments could be directed to malicious agents, while Claude Sonnet 4 resisted. When asked to coordinate toward common goals, agents struggled without explicit step-by-step human guidance, undermining the promise of autonomous shopping. Microsoft advocates supervised autonomy, with humans reviewing recommendations before final decisions; commercial deployment remains premature.
Tesla to build gigantic chip fab, eyeing Intel collaboration, Musk says
November 7, 2025, 2:46 AM EST. At the annual shareholders meeting, Elon Musk said Tesla will probably need to build a gigantic chip fab capable of producing about 1 million wafers per month to meet rising semiconductor demand driven by AI and robotics. The company is weighing a potential collaboration with Intel as it expands in-house chip production. Musk also referenced progress around Optimus and noted that China is poised to approve Full Self-Driving in February or March, per the CEO.
SpaceX Could Go Public 'At Some Point,' Musk Says at Tesla Meeting
November 7, 2025, 2:42 AM EST. Elon Musk hinted SpaceX could become a public company 'at some point,' signaling plans to let supporters access SpaceX stock. Speaking at Tesla's annual meeting, he floated ways for Tesla shareholders to participate and noted the regulatory 2500-shareholder threshold that can trigger a move to public status. The remarks have revived investor interest in SpaceX, a private company with a high valuation. Separately, NASA is reviewing Starship milestones amid Artemis III concerns while SpaceX defends progress on the moon lander contract and eyes an insider share sale valuing the company near $400 billion. If milestones are met, Musk's pay deal could push him toward a $1 trillion fortune, potentially reshaping tech and aerospace.
Hubs, AI, and the New Era of Revenue Protection in Patient Access
November 7, 2025, 2:38 AM EST. Steve Randall of ConnectiveRx argues that the future of patient access hinges on embedding AI into hub programs, transforming them from a cost center into a revenue protection strategy. Facing the Inflation Reduction Act and gross-to-net pressure, hubs must prioritize data governance, patient outcomes, and disciplined implementation. IQVIA notes only about 30% of new specialty prescriptions get filled, with losses to coverage gaps and prior authorizations, underscoring the revenue stake. Rather than replacing people, embedded AI should accelerate workflows-document management, call summaries, anomaly detection-while preserving trust and personal interaction. The goal is to integrate AI in a way that strengthens patient access, improves program quality, and protects revenue, without turning care into a transactional process.
Reuters pilots agentic AI to speed video edits, hires its first AI video producer
November 7, 2025, 2:36 AM EST. Reuters is piloting an agentic AI to speed video production, hiring its first AI video producer to oversee the initiative. Traditionally focused on text workflows, Reuters' newsroom is experimenting with an LLM-powered system that can select the best clips and draft a wrap edit. The idea is for the AI agent to understand and assemble edits, flag continuity issues like glasses or lighting shifts, and perform rough cuts, with human editors (including Enrique Flores Roldan) making final decisions. About 60% of Reuters' newsroom already uses AI, with the top users numbering 50-100 of its 2,500 journalists. The goal is 100% adoption by year-end, though some staff remain reluctant. Reuters also notes AI limitations in fact-checking and is building a RAG retrieval database to improve reliability by anchoring outputs to Reuters content.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt weighs in on the threat of A.I. superintelligence
November 7, 2025, 2:34 AM EST. An open letter signed by more than 80,000 faith leaders, creatives, and scientists urges lawmakers to prohibit the development of A.I. superintelligence until it is safe and enjoys broad public support. Actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt and A.I. expert Max Tegmark are among the signatories and discuss the issue on The 11th Hour. The plea emphasizes cautious progress, robust safety measures, and transparent oversight before pursuing advanced AI capabilities that could surpass human control.
DJI Osmo 360 Adventure Combo Gets Amazon Holiday Deal: 8K 360° Action Camera
November 7, 2025, 2:32 AM EST. The DJI Osmo 360 Adventure Combo is a limited Amazon Holiday Deal delivering native 8K 360° footage in a compact kit. Priced at $524 (about 25% off), it bundles the camera with three high-capacity batteries, a charging hub, a protective case, a 1.2 m invisible selfie stick, a lens protector, and 105GB built-in storage. Its 1-inch dual-sensor system and built-in stabilization promise crisp, cinematic video in challenging environments, with waterproofing for outdoor shoots. The accompanying DJI app simplifies reframing, editing, and exporting to standard and vertical formats for YouTube, Instagram, or prosumer timelines. Ideal for adventure travelers, content creators, and filmmakers, the bundle provides a complete, field-ready 360° solution in one purchase. See it on Amazon.
Liquid Glass proves Android app design remains an afterthought as iOS design seeps into Android
November 7, 2025, 2:30 AM EST. Android users are watching Apple's Liquid Glass design push ripple effects into Android skins and iOS apps. The article argues that Liquid Glass and Material 3 Expressive are competing visions, with major players like vivo and Xiaomi leaning toward Liquid Glass-inspired details while developers like WhatsApp and Telegram begin applying the look to iOS, including glassy bottom bars and frosted menus. The piece warns that cross-platform consistency can erode individuality and frustrate users who switch between apps with different icons or interactions. It also notes Apple's perceived influence over the mobile ecosystem and questions whether the new trend will finally unify or fragment the experience across platforms. In short: design language migration is accelerating, and Android remains reactive rather than leading.
T-Mobile Makes Satellite Text to 911 Free for All, Even Non-Subscribers
November 7, 2025, 2:24 AM EST.T-Mobile is expanding its satellite connectivity, letting users text SMS, MMS, and select apps via satellite. The latest move adds free access to Text to 911, so you can reach emergency services even off-grid. The service will be available to anyone with a compatible phone, though you must sign up, and there are no charges for the Text to 911 feature. Go5G Next and Experience Beyond customers don't need to act to access it; others can enable the feature through the T-Mobile website or T-Life app. Non-Subscribers can also add satellite connectivity for $10/month. This shift strengthens T-Mobile's satellite strategy to keep people connected in emergencies, beyond its own network.
Vibe coding named Collins Dictionary Word of the Year 2025
November 7, 2025, 2:22 AM EST. Collins dictionary has named vibe coding the word of the year for 2025, reflecting how AI is reshaping software development. The term, coined by Andrej Karpathy, describes turning natural language into code and letting developers forget the coding process, highlighting AI-assisted creation. Collins editors monitor the 24-billion-word Collins Corpus across media sources to spot new terms. Other notable entries this year include biohacking, clanker, meaning AI-related frustration, glaze (overpraising), aura farming, popularized by gamers, and the broligarchy term for tech leaders. The list also features Henry (high earner, not rich yet), coolcation (climate-friendly holiday), taskmasking, and micro-retirement. Collins MD Alex Beecroft notes the shift toward accessible coding via language and AI.
Musk Signals Intel Chip Partnership; Tesla Mulls In-House Chip Fab
November 7, 2025, 2:20 AM EST. Tesla CEO Elon Musk hinted at talks with Intel about building chips for AI computing and robotics, potentially reshaping supply chains in the tech and auto sectors. He also floated Tesla developing a fab to manufacture its own silicon, a move that could deepen vertical integration. In after-hours trading, Intel shares rose about 2.5% on the chatter. While no formal agreement was announced, the comments signal growing interest in specialized semiconductors for autonomous driving and AI workloads, and they highlight Musk's willingness to explore partnerships beyond traditional suppliers.
ICANN to Tackle Digital Identity and Internet Fragmentation at Web Summit 2025
November 7, 2025, 2:18 AM EST. ICANN will lead discussions at Web Summit 2025 in Lisbon on the future of digital identity and the risks of Internet fragmentation. The nonprofit steward of the DNS will host sessions on expanding generic top-level domains (gTLDs), multistakeholder governance, and how new domains can boost brand security and user trust. Sessions include 'The Geopolitics of the Internet: Unity or Division?' featuring ICANN CEO Kurtis Lindqvist, and 'Revolutionize Your Online Presence with a New Domain' for CMOs and CTOs preparing for the 2026 gTLD round. ICANN previews the New gTLD Program 2026 window and Internationalized Domain Names expansion, outlining strategies to protect digital identities in a more interconnected, global online ecosystem.
Best Buy's Early Black Friday Deals: Save on Earbuds, TVs, Smartphones, and More
November 7, 2025, 2:16 AM EST. Early discounts are live at Best Buy, and this guide flags the best, can't-miss tech deals. From wireless earbuds and smartphones to 4K TVs and home entertainment gear, you'll want to plug these savings into your cart before they sell out. Our roundup highlights standout discounts, price cuts, and bundles you won't want to miss. Whether you're upgrading your audio setup, refreshing your home office, or hunting a last-minute gift, these early Black Friday prices are a strong start. Pro tips: compare specs, check extended warranties, and act fast on doorbusters and bundle offers.
Best Buy's Early Black Friday Deals: Up to 50% Off PCs, Laptops, and Monitors
November 7, 2025, 2:14 AM EST. Best Buy is skipping the official Black Friday rush with a week-long Early Black Friday Deals event, slashing prices on PC desktops, laptops, monitors, gaming gear, and more. Discounts reach 50% or more, making high-end rigs and accessories more affordable before the holiday season. The sale runs through November 9, 2025, and is open to the general public-no Best Buy Plus membership required (though Plus members get exclusive discounts, free two-day shipping, and a 60-day return window). If you're shopping for a new workstation, gaming PC, or a 4K monitor, this is a prime chance to save ahead of Black Friday.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A Mega Dimension DLC arrives December 10, adds Level-100+ hyperspace evolutions
November 7, 2025, 2:12 AM EST. Nintendo has announced Pokémon Legends: Z-A's Mega Dimension DLC launches December 10 for Switch and Switch 2. A new side-mission arrives today. The DLC expands Lumiose City with Hyperspace Lumiose, a distorted, alternate plane guided by Ansha and the Mythical Hoopa, introducing new Mega-Evolved Pokémon and hyperspace levels that can push Pokémon beyond Lv.100. Confirmed Mega Chimecho and Mega Baxcalibur: Chimecho creates six echoes to unleash a powerful sound-wave attack; Baxcalibur wields a colossal ice-energy back blade. The Mega Stone for Baxcalibur is earned via the Z-A Battle Club in online Ranked Battles. The DLC costs £24.99 on the eShop (about half the base game price). Plus, a Diancite Stone via Mystery Gift unlocks the Shine Bright like a Gemstone side mission to catch Diancie.
Apple's Record Quarter Signals Huge Move on the Horizon: Is AAPL Stock a Buy?
November 7, 2025, 2:08 AM EST. Apple (AAPL) delivered a blockbuster quarter and closed fiscal 2025 with a new revenue record of $416 billion. The iPhone remains the crown jewel, generating $102.5 billion in quarterly revenue and driving solid margins, while Mac and Wearables/Services also posted gains. Services revenue topped $100 billion for the first time, fueling an all-time high in the segment. Apple plans a bold investment wave, including a $600 billion U.S. investment over four years, underscoring a longer-term growth narrative. With stock up 23% over the past year but modest YTD gains, investors will weigh the valuation against continued demand, supply resilience, and ongoing AI/Device ecosystem expansion. Is AAPL a buy now ahead of the next potential catalyst?
Collins Dictionary Names 'Vibe coding' as Word of the Year 2025
November 7, 2025, 2:06 AM EST. Collins Dictionary has named 'Vibe coding' as its Word of the Year for 2025, highlighting a shift where AI translates natural language into code. The term-coined by AI pioneer Andrej Karpathy-describes creating apps with AI assistance so developers can forget that the code even exists. Collins based the choice on the Collins Corpus, which tracks usage from sources including social media. Editor note from Alex Beecroft calls it a signal that software development is becoming more accessible as human creativity merges with machine intelligence. The shortlist also features Clanker, a British English pejorative for AI/robots, plus terms like Broligarchy, Henry (high earner, not rich yet), taskmasking, and micro-retirement. The piece reflects how language evolves with technology.
Coca-Cola AI ad glitches, T-Mobile expands satellite 911 texting, and more tech updates
November 7, 2025, 2:04 AM EST. Tech week recap: T-Mobile opens its Starlink-powered emergency texting service to all carriers, enabling free satellite 911 texting for compatible phones, with registration via the T-Mobile site or devices that support T-Satellite. Netflix reports its ad-supported plan has crossed 190 million monthly viewers at $7.99/month, tracking viewers who watch at least one minute of ads per month. In tech policy, Google and Epic Games have reached a settlement over app-store monopolies, with reforms to loosen Android and Google Play control awaiting court approval. And in advertising, Coca-Cola's AI-generated holiday spot draws attention for glitches that show AI isn't yet 100% perfect, per its creative studio.
Little Critters Brings Mixed Reality Defense to Quest 3 with Hand Tracking
November 7, 2025, 2:02 AM EST. Purple Yonder's Little Critters is a new mixed reality action-strategy game for Quest 3/3S that turns your real room into part of the battlefield. Protect against a wave-based army of tiny invaders by placing virtual traps on walls, ceilings, floors, and furniture. The critters grow trickier with each wave, unlocking new traps, upgrades, and weapons that adapt to any room size or shape. The game uses scene tracking and depth occlusion, letting critters run under tables and behind furniture, while hand tracking lets you slap, squash, throw, and poke. Touch Plus controllers are supported too. Available now on the Horizon Store for $20/£15/€18, with regular updates and localizations planned. Purple Yonder previously released Little Cities and MR support on Apple Vision Pro.
Tech stocks drag markets as Nvidia-led AI selloff meets fresh jobs jitters
November 7, 2025, 2:00 AM EST. U.S. equities extended declines as AI/tech concerns weighed on sentiment. The Nasdaq led losses, down nearly 2%, with the S&P 500 and Dow slipping about 1.1% and 0.8%, respectively. A Challenger, Gray & Christmas report showed October layoff announcements the worst since 2003, fueling a flight to bonds and sending the 10-year yield below 4.1%. After-hours, Qualcomm beat on earnings but fell more than 4%; Nvidia and AMD also dropped on AI-valuation worries and a comment from David Sacks about no federal bailout. Attention turned to Tesla's shareholder meeting and the fate of Elon Musk's pay package. On policy, Supreme Court skepticism surrounding Trump's tariffs colored sentiment. WBD, ABNB, MRNA were among notable earnings on the day.
IKEA Launches 21 Matter-Compatible Smart Home Devices with HomeKit Support
November 7, 2025, 1:58 AM EST. IKEA today revealed 21 new Matter-compatible smart home products that will work with HomeKit and the Apple Home app. The lineup includes 11 smart bulbs in multiple shapes and sizes (E27/26, E14/E12, GU10) with white and color options and dimming, plus decorative clear-glass variants. Sensors cover motion, door/window, temperature/humidity, air quality, and leak detection (MYGGSPRAY, MYGGBETT, TIMMERFLOTTE, ALPSTUGA, KLIPPBOK). Four smart plugs and remotes expand control, including the BILRESA remote and the GRILLPLATS plug to power ordinary lamps/appliances. Pricing will be announced later; launch is expected in January. IKEA uses Matter-over-Thread (Thread mesh on 2.4 GHz). On Apple platforms, Home hubs like Apple TV, HomePod, or HomePod mini serve as Thread border routers.
Best Buy Drops Early Black Friday Deals: Tablets from $49, Laptops from $119, 75-Inch 4K TVs from $359
November 7, 2025, 1:56 AM EST. Best Buy has launched early Black Friday deals on tablets, laptops, and TVs. Tablets start at $49 and laptops from $119. A standout is the HP OmniBook X Flip Copilot+ PC for $579 with a 2K screen, Core Ultra 5 Series 2 CPU, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD. Large 75-inch 4K TVs are from $359, and OLED TVs begin at $699. The coverage positions Best Buy as a top source for laptop and tablet savings, with quick links to more deals and promo codes in the guide.
When 'Online' Meant 'Offline': A 1980s Tech History Flip
November 7, 2025, 1:54 AM EST. Tech history reveals a quirky truth: the word online once meant offline-'immediately available on a computer' and accessible locally. Windows 3.0's WinHelp and early networking framed online as 'ready now.' In contrast, today's internet era redefines online as connected, while terms like up and down described remote machine availability. The idea stretches from ARPANET days to BBSes and Usenet, long before the World Wide Web. This linguistic flip shows how fast tech and slang co-evolve-and why a memory from pre-web computing still sounds brain-twisting to a generation raised online.
What's Going On With AI and Jobs: Layoffs, Policy, and the AI Economy
November 7, 2025, 1:52 AM EST. This piece surveys the latest data on AI and work, arguing that fears about automation aren't just hype. A Challenger, Gray & Christmas report shows US employers cutting 175% more jobs in October than a year ago, with 2025 now the worst firing year since 2020. Giants like Amazon and Salesforce point to AI as a driver of layoffs, echoed by Duolingo and Klarna's cuts. The author situates these trends in a wider debate about how AI reshapes skills, work, and policy, noting antitrust and tech-politics conversations (Lina Khan's transition team) and the New Luddism discourse at NYC events. The piece emphasizes that addressing AI's employment impact will require policy, labor strategy, and investment in skills, not just headlines about automation.
TSMC Price Hikes for 2026 Hit Next-Gen Smartphone Chips (Apple, Samsung)
November 7, 2025, 1:50 AM EST. TSMC is reportedly planning price hikes for 2026, which could raise the cost of most smartphone chips. The moves have been shared with major clients including Apple and are likely to hit Samsung as well, with hikes projected around 8-10% for advanced nodes under 5nm. The impact would touch leading chips like the A16-A19 and M3-M5 in Apple devices, and high-end Android flagships such as the Galaxy S26. Earlier rumors cited double-digit increases for chips built on the N3E/N3P processes, fueling concerns that flagship pricing could widen further. Some reports even speculated a sharp rise for an A20-class 2nm chip, though later chatter suggested a cap near 20%. Overall, premium models could see larger price gaps versus more affordable flagships.
Apple TV's new logo hints at a theatrical comeback: could Apple restart its movie-distribution ambitions
November 7, 2025, 1:48 AM EST. Apple TV's refreshed branding and the three-version intro are fueling chatter that Apple may revive a theatrical releases strategy. The WSJ reported talks of a dedicated film-distribution unit, and industry voices like Cinemark's CEO have suggested more Apple Originals in cinemas. A move would let Apple control releases and profits more directly, contrasting with past partnerships (e.g., F1's cinema deal with Warner Bros. Discovery). After lukewarm box offices for some Apple originals, a stronger theatrical focus could align with Bloomberg's earlier plan to invest billions in films. The new logo and cinematic intro feel like a deliberate signal of a broader shift from streaming-only to windowed cinema releases.
Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro Drops to $89 with AMOLED Display and Premium Build
November 7, 2025, 1:44 AM EST. Nothing's CMF Watch 3 Pro drops to $89, placing it in the budget-smartwatch upper tier with an AMOLED panel, 120+ watch faces, and a premium fit. The always-on OLED display delivers deeper blacks and richer color; battery life remains solid with multi-day use and quick top-ups. It covers essentials like heart-rate, SpO2, sleep, stress tracking, and sport modes, plus reliable notifications, music control, and even Bluetooth calling via built-in mic and speaker. Design is understated with a round face and thin bezels, though the larger case suits bigger wrists. When compared with sub-$100 rivals like Amazfit Bip and Redmi Watch, the CMF Watch 3 Pro stands out with OLED quality and a simple, polished software experience.
Musk eyes Tesla mega AI chip fab, mulls Intel partnership
November 7, 2025, 1:42 AM EST. Tesla chief Elon Musk signaled a gigantic chip fab may be needed to scale its AI chips, and publicly floated a potential Intel partnership. Tesla is designing its fifth-generation AI chip to power autonomous driving, with plans for about 100,000 wafer starts per month. AI5 could ship in 2026 with mass production in 2027; AI6 aims to roughly double performance by mid-2028. No deal with Intel has been signed, but Musk said discussions are worth pursuing. Intel lags in AI chips and recently saw a government stake; it already has manufacturing ties with TSMC and Samsung. Musk framed the project as a path to a Tesla terafab to meet volume, cost, and power-efficiency goals, arguing the chip would be inexpensive and work with Tesla software.
Microsoft Tweaks AI-Generated Disability Representations in Bing Image Creator and M365 Copilot
November 7, 2025, 1:40 AM EST. Microsoft is enhancing AI-generated images of people with disabilities in its Bing Image Creator and M365 Copilot. After earlier depictions of dwarfism, blindness, and limb difference looked like fantasy or missing, the company says updates now include more authentic portrayals of autism and Down syndrome. Jenny Lay-Flurrie, vice president and chief accessibility officer, notes AI can unlock opportunities but can misrepresent, so Microsoft collaborated with people with disabilities and experts to train models toward accurate, respectful representations. The effort aims to challenge stereotypes and reduce stigma by reflecting lived experiences on screen. This work follows concerns about AI-generated content and impersonation of people with disabilities on social media.
DJI Osmo Action 6 leaks: variable aperture, 1/1.1-inch sensor, launch set for Nov. 13
November 7, 2025, 1:38 AM EST. DJI's next Osmo Action is leaking details on an anticipated tier upgrade. The Osmo Action 6 reportedly uses a variable aperture lens from f/2.0-f/4.0 and a 1/1.1-inch stacked CMOS sensor co-developed with Sony, promising brighter footage and wider dynamic range. The sensor allegedly delivers nearly 40% more light sensitivity and up to 13 stops of dynamic range. Video options reportedly include 8K 30fps HDR with ProRes, plus 5.3K 60fps and 4K 120fps. A 1950mAh battery aims for around four hours, and the body carries IP68 water resistance to 20 meters. Built-in 64GB storage, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, and a watch-style remote control/fitness data overlay feature are also rumored. DJI teased a November 13 launch.
DJI Neo 2 global teaser hints at wider release on November 13
November 7, 2025, 1:32 AM EST. DJI teases a global rollout for its Neo 2 drone on November 13, with a short clip and the slogan 'Fly your way.' The China-launched model blends safety and simplicity for beginners: a 151-gram frame, full propeller cage, omnidirectional obstacle sensing, and forward-facing LiDAR for 360° awareness. It records 4K/60fps on a 12MP 1/2" sensor, supports up to 2.7K vertical, and uses a dual-axis gimbal. Extras include palm takeoff/landing, gesture/voice control, and built-in 49GB storage. However, the US rollout is unclear-despite FCC clearance-as a Learn More link returns a 404 and DJI hints at a separate product for the American market with an November 18 tease.
Investors React to Elon Musk's $1 Trillion Pay Package: Support vs. Governance Concerns
November 7, 2025, 1:16 AM EST. Investors and analysts are weighing the implications of Elon Musk's $1 trillion pay package. Proponents argue the plan aligns executive incentives with long-term performance, potentially driving breakthroughs in their ventures. Critics warn that such a massive compensation scheme could concentrate power, raise governance questions, and increase risk for shareholders. The debate highlights tensions between rewarding founders and maintaining accountability, with attention on transparency, regulatory scrutiny, and the structure of the compensation committee. As markets digest the plan, stakeholders will watch how pay metrics translate into value and whether governance practices keep pace with astronomical incentives.
U.S. blocks Nvidia's sale of scaled-down AI chips to China: Report
November 7, 2025, 12:46 AM EST. The White House has signaled it will block Nvidia from selling its scaled-down AI chips to China, The Information reported. Nvidia has handed out samples of the B30A chip to Chinese customers as it weighs a design overhaul in hopes the administration will reverse course. The B30A, designed to train large language models when clustered, sits at the center of U.S. export-control debates that have tightened with China rules. Beijing has rolled out guidance demanding domestically developed chips for data-centre projects receiving state funds, complicating Nvidia's access to the Chinese market. The move could shutter a lucrative segment as grey-market channels keep supply flowing for some advanced AI workloads. Nvidia remains cautious while regulators evaluate next steps.
CMU Researchers Unveil Computational Lens That Keeps Every Part of a Scene in Focus
November 7, 2025, 12:44 AM EST. Carnegie Mellon researchers have built a new kind of computational lens that can keep an entire scene in perfect focus in a single shot. By combining curved lenses with a light-bending chip, it dynamically adjusts focus for every part of the image, overcoming the traditional depth-of-field trade-off. Unlike software-based Portrait Mode, this lens captures a fully sharp image from the start. While still a prototype, it promises major advances for fields like medical imaging, robotics, and autonomous driving, and hints at future smartphone cameras where landscapes and near subjects could both be crisp. The team is working with lens manufacturers and chip designers to shrink the system for everyday cameras, potentially redefining photography.
Invest in People First: Getting Middle Managers to Embrace AI
November 7, 2025, 12:30 AM EST. To stay competitive, firms rush to deploy AI, but the real bottleneck is people. The so-called "messy middle" occurs when exploration gives way to integration. Across APAC, the winners tie AI to human potential rather than replacing it, and recognize that adoption varies by role and seniority. Middle managers become the critical link: pressured from above, responsible for day-to-day use, and uncertain about their own careers. Rather than mandates, successful companies start with a people strategy that aligns talent, culture, and learning. Middle managers act as trusted coaches who connect new technology to changing requirements and long-term goals. Create space to acknowledge what AI cannot do and reward adaptability, curiosity, and collaboration.
Farmington Public Schools close Friday after fiber optic damage disrupts internet and phone service
November 7, 2025, 12:16 AM EST. Farmington Public Schools will close Friday after a fiber optic cable was damaged in an automobile crash, disrupting internet and phone services across the district. The outage has affected essential operations for instruction, communication and safety, prompting the district to suspend classes and activities. Repair crews are working to restore service as quickly as possible, but it isn't yet clear if the disruption will extend into next week. The district said it would notify families when schools can resume. Farmington serves about 9,143 students in south central Oakland County, with an early childhood center, eight elementary schools, three middle schools and three high schools.
