Technology News 14.10.2025

Apple Pro Display XDR 2 to include built-in camera and Center Stage

October 14, 2025, 3:30 AM EDT. Code references found in macOS 26.1 Tahoe beta 3 indicate Apple's next-gen Pro Display XDR will include a built-in camera, featuring Center Stage and a Desk View Camera. The current $5,000 model lacks a webcam, while the Studio Display ($1,600) includes a 12 MP ultra-wide camera. If true, this upgrade could bring other hardware advances such as higher refresh rates, Thunderbolt 4/5, embedded Apple silicon, and possibly quantum dot tech. The change would close the gap with Apple's own Studio Display and address thermal concerns that have kept the XDR webcam out. Apple already supports Center Stage across iPhone, iPad, and Macs, and LG has offered high-resolution displays with Thunderbolt 5 at a premium. A built-in webcam at launch would be a convenient value add for premium displays.

Apple TV+'s Rebrand: Branding Experts Say It's a Smart Move

October 14, 2025, 3:28 AM EDT. Apple TV+ is undergoing a rebrand that some may overlook as gimmicky, but branding experts say it's a strategic move. The effort aims to reset the streaming identity, simplify messaging, and harmonize the app, content, and product ecosystem. Proponents argue that a refreshed visual language-fonts, color palette, and iconography-improves consistency across devices and strengthens brand recognition in a crowded market. Critics warn that changes risk confusing existing subscribers. Overall, experts say the rebrand signals long-term clarity in positioning, helps partnerships and merchandising, and aligns with Apple's premium image and focus on seamless user experiences.

Microsoft Ends Windows 10 Support: What You Need to Know

October 14, 2025, 3:27 AM EDT. Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on Oct. 14, 2025, meaning no more feature updates or official technical help. An Extended Security Updates program will let many users receive critical fixes through Oct. 13, 2026, with pricing or free enrollment under certain conditions. If your PC meets Windows 11 requirements, you can upgrade for free; official specs include a 1 GHz+ processor, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage, DirectX 12, TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and a compatible GPU. If not eligible, some devices can still upgrade via tweaks. After ESU enrollment ends, security fixes stop. Enrollment is in Settings > Windows Update, or via OneDrive sync or redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points (free for EU/EEA).

Motorola Edge (2025) hits up to $300 off at the official store – as low as $249.99 with trade-in

October 14, 2025, 3:26 AM EDT. The Motorola Edge (2025) is getting a bigger break at the official store: you can combine a $100 discount with a $200 trade-in to save up to $300. That means the usual $549.99 price drops to $449.99, and with the trade-in it can go as low as $249.99. The deal mirrors earlier Best Buy savings but is now more flexible and widely available. Under the hood, the phone pairs a mid-range Dimensity 7400 with 8GB RAM, a 6.7-inch OLED panel (2712×1220) with HDR, 120Hz, and up to 4500 nits of peak brightness. The 50MP main camera is solid, though software processing can overdo detail. Still, great value at the discounted price.

Arlo Essential Security Camera Hits Record-Low $39.99 on Amazon

October 14, 2025, 3:22 AM EDT. Arlo's Essential Security Camera is on sale at Amazon for $39.99 (down from $49.99), marking the first price cut on the 2025 version. The camera includes person recognition, package detection, and an animation preview. It's mains-powered, so professional installation is required, and you'll need an Arlo subscription to unlock full features like video recording and activity zones. Arlo throws in a one-month trial of its Secure plan with purchase. While we haven't full-reviewed this unit, it closely mirrors the popular Arlo Essential Indoor Camera. If you're weighing options, check our guide to the best home security cameras and comparisons like Blink vs Arlo and Eufy vs Arlo.

Howard Marks: AI Isn't in a Bubble Yet, Despite Soaring Valuations

October 14, 2025, 3:21 AM EDT. Veteran investor Howard Marks argues that the current AI enthusiasm isn't a market bubble. In a CNBC interview, he notes that while valuations are high, they aren't irrational, and "expensive and going down tomorrow" aren't the same. He says true bubbles require psychological excess, a temporary mania that hasn't emerged in AI markets. Comparing today to the late-1990s internet boom, Marks warns against "bubble psychology"-backing any company with even a remote shot at huge returns. Yet he maintains the AI rally hasn't reached manic levels, even as expectations stay sky-high. His takeaway: cautious optimism, with attention to fundamentals and the risk of crowd-driven exuberance in tech stock prices.

Google's Nano Banana AI image editor lands in NotebookLM, Photos, and Search

October 14, 2025, 3:20 AM EDT. Google is rolling out its Nano Banana AI image editor across NotebookLM, Search, and Google Photos. In NotebookLM, Nano Banana adds new video styles-whiteboard, anime, realtor print, and the original 'Classic'-with a new 'Brief' mode alongside 'Explainer,' plus prompts to steer results. While still generative, the updated styles aim for greater consistency. The image editor is also coming to Google Photos, described as a 'major upgrade' over the prior model; testers praise the improved editing experience. Google says Nano Banana will land in Photos in the next few weeks. This follows last month's conversational editing in Photos, highlighting Google's push to weave AI edits across its apps.

Tesla stock climbs as Shanghai production ramps; AI optimism and new buy rating buoy sentiment

October 14, 2025, 3:18 AM EDT. Tesla stock rose after a report that Giga Shanghai is ramping up production for Q4, a crucial boost as China's EV segment intensifies competition. The update follows stronger September sales, with Model Y L helping demand. In analyst news, Melius Research initiated with a buy rating and a $520 target, touting the disruptive potential of AI across autos as a driver of a multi-trillion dollar opportunity. Executives and investors also referenced similar calls from Morgan Stanley and others about robo-taxis and AI-driven growth. Still, questions linger about whether fundamentals matter for Tesla, which has become a kind of meme stock due to high retail ownership and conviction around the visionary leadership.

Ohanian and Altman Warn of the Dead Internet Theory: AI, Bots, and the Future of Online Content

October 14, 2025, 3:17 AM EDT. Tech luminaries Alexis Ohanian and Sam Altman have reignited debate over the Dead Internet Theory, which posits online spaces are increasingly populated by bots rather than humans. Ohanian warned it's no longer fictional as bot-driven activity and AI-generated content proliferate, while Altman noted many LLM-run accounts on X. A new Imperva estimate pegs bot-generated traffic at about 51% of overall internet activity in 2024, underscoring the broader AI-driven shift. The concept has divided experts: some dismissed it as paranoia, others say the phenomenon is observable as AI makes content creation and amplification easier. Earlier researchers and analyses noted a growing difficulty distinguishing human from machine content, and debates persist about its impact on trust and online culture.

NVIDIA Spectrum-X Ethernet Rolls Out at Meta and Oracle to Accelerate AI Data Centers

October 14, 2025, 3:16 AM EDT. Meta and Oracle will standardize on NVIDIA Spectrum-X Ethernet switches to accelerate AI data-center networks. With FBOSS integration and the Minipack3N switch, Meta aims to speed deployment at scale and extend an open networking approach. Oracle Cloud Infrastructure will interconnect millions of GPUs using the Spectrum-X platform and the Vera Rubin architecture to build giga-scale AI factories. NVIDIA calls Spectrum-X more than fast Ethernet-it's the nervous system of the AI factory, enabling hyperscalers to link millions of GPUs into a single giant computer for trillion-parameter models. The collaboration highlights a shift to open, accelerated networking that boosts training efficiency, shortens time to insights, and supports generative and reasoning AI workloads.

Google to Invest $9 Billion in South Carolina for Cloud and AI Expansion in Berkeley and Dorchester Counties

October 14, 2025, 3:15 AM EDT. Google unveiled a $9 billion plan to bolster its cloud and AI footprint in South Carolina, expanding the Berkeley County data center and adding two new campuses in Dorchester County. The initiative aims to grow the region's digital infrastructure, create jobs, and strengthen local talent pipelines-Google says more than 160 electrical apprentices will be trained as part of the project. County leaders tout the investment as a transformative driver of economic opportunity and tax revenue. The move reflects a broader tech industry push to scale AI-ready infrastructure nationwide, even as communities weigh concerns about environmental impact and energy use. Google's 2024 involvement in South Carolina-valued at about $3.3 billion-has already reshaped the region's tech presence and employment prospects.

AMD and OpenAI Deal Threatens Nvidia's AI Lead

October 14, 2025, 3:14 AM EDT. Last week, AMD unveiled a high-stakes deal with OpenAI to deploy a massive datacenter powered by MI450 AI racks. With estimates of a sizable stake in the project by OpenAI and a multi-billion dollar backdrop, the arrangement is described by some analysts as a potential sea change in the AI hardware race. Proponents argue the plan could disrupt Nvidia's long-standing AI monopoly by delivering scale, pricing flexibility, and new ecosystem dynamics that alter how cloud providers and developers source accelerators. If validated, the move could force Nvidia to adjust its strategy, partner network, and roadmap as the market accelerates toward the next generation of AI accelerators. The piece emphasizes expert analysis and caveats about disclosures.

Starlink's Fastest Internet Speeds: From 350 Mbps Residential to 10 Gbps on The Stars of the Seas

October 14, 2025, 3:13 AM EDT. Starlink, SpaceX's satellite internet service, delivers fast speeds that vary by location. Residential service can reach up to 350 Mbps, though real-world results are often lower. In the US, examples include New York 156-307 Mbps, Kansas 169-320 Mbps, and Texas 99-261 Mbps. The portable Starlink Mini can offer up to about 270 Mbps. The article highlights a record-setting use on the Royal Caribbean ship The Stars of the Seas, where a gateway could deliver up to 10 Gbps-a fiber-like experience at sea. Setup is quick via the Starlink app, with a simple unobstructed view requirement. Bottom line: the fastest Starlink on land tops out around 350 Mbps, while on select maritime deployments it targets 10 Gbps.

Nano Banana image editing lands in Google Lens and AI Mode

October 14, 2025, 3:12 AM EDT. Google is extending Nano Banana image editing from Gemini to AI Mode and Google Lens. The Nano Banana feature is rolling out now in English in the US and India, with more languages and countries coming soon. On Android, a Circle to Search integration opens AI Mode from Search. In AI Mode, you can tap the plus icon to access Gallery, Camera, or Create Images with the banana emoji, and you can modify images by adding a prompt like Describe your image. Generated images carry a Gemini spark watermark. In Lens, a new Create tab lets you capture with a banana shutter, then it lands in AI Mode's prompt box for edits. Google also expanded AI Mode to 35 more languages and 40+ countries, totaling ~200 regions.

Waverider: DIY Hyperspectral Camera Scans Spectra One Pixel at a Time

October 14, 2025, 3:10 AM EDT. An aspiring maker, [anfractuosity], builds a DIY hyperspectral camera called Waverider by repurposing a AFBR-S20M2WV USB spectrometer to capture spectra from 225 to 1000 nm. Since the sensor handles only one input, they add a stepper-drivenx-y stage steered by a Raspberry Pi Pico and TMC2130 drivers to scan across a scene, with 3D-printed parts and a fiber-optic cable. This transforms a single pixel into a larger array, yielding recognizable images at 400×400, despite taking almost 19 hours for a capture. The setup produces far more than standard RGB values per pixel, illustrating how accessible hyperspectral imaging can be for hobbyists. Check out the creator's site for full images and related single-pixel camera projects.

Dell Pro Max with GB10 Unboxing: The Tiny AI Workstation for 2025

October 14, 2025, 3:09 AM EDT. Unboxing coverage of the Dell Pro Max with GB10 from NVIDIA. The short video walks through external connectivity and internals, complemented by Dell specs: NVIDIA GB10 Grace Blackwell Superchip, 128GB LPDDR5x Unified memory, supports up to 200B parameter models, One Petaflop (1000 TFLOPS) of FP4 computing power, ConnectX-7 SmartNIC, and NVIDIA DGX OS. The post highlights the standout 200Gb NVIDIA ConnectX-7 and a potential tie to the MikroTik CRS812 DDQ 400GbE Switch, though Dell/NVIDIA do not comment. The author predicts the GB10 will be one of the hottest AI products of 2025 and notes it as a strong option for Dell AI shops or developers needing a portable AI development workstation, with reservations encouraged.

Where Did Voicemail Go in iOS 26? Access Voicemail in the New iPhone Phone App

October 14, 2025, 3:08 AM EDT. iOS 26 redesigns the Phone app, causing many users to think Voicemail vanished. In the new interface, Voicemail is tucked behind a three-line menu in the top-right corner rather than a dedicated tab. To access it: open the Phone app, tap the three-line menu, then choose Voicemail from the dropdown. If you prefer the old experience, you can switch back to the Classic layout to restore the separate Voicemail tab. Note that Voicemail is still supported on iPhone and works with your carrier; it's simply moved into a submenu in the Unified design. The guide also explains why this change happened and how to enable the classic view for quicker access.

Lamicall MagSafe Car Mount Review: Strong Magnets, Stable Vent Clip, No Charging

October 14, 2025, 3:07 AM EDT. The Lamicall MagSafe Car Mount prioritizes stability over charging. With 20 upgraded N52 magnets, it claims to hold over 4 pounds, keeping your iPhone secure on potholes and sharp turns. The reinforced vent clip adds durability beyond plastic designs, and the compact profile minimizes airflow disruption. Rotation is 360-degree so you can switch between portrait and landscape for Maps or GPS quickly. If you don't need charging in the car, this is a strong, no-nonsense option. For non-MagSafe phones or cases, a magnetic ring is included to retain compatibility. Overall, it's a simple, effective MagSafe car mount for visibility and easy access when CarPlay isn't available.

iOS 26.1 Beta 3: Apple TV rebrand, Local Capture controls, and third-party AI hints

October 14, 2025, 3:06 AM EDT. iOS 26.1 beta 3 introduces several notable changes. Apple is renaming its streaming service from Apple TV+ to Apple TV, accompanied by a vibrant new app icon across all OS versions. In Settings, the new Local Capture section lets you adjust gain levels and choose where Local Capture files are saved, with an option to record audio-only. The update also hints at expanded AI partnerships, with code referencing third-party providers beyond OpenAI's ChatGPT, suggesting Apple Intelligence could work with tools like Google's Gemini in the future. Additional tweaks point to ongoing work to improve Notification Forwarding for third-party smartwatches. More changes may surface in future beta builds.

ATM Skimming Device and Hidden Camera Found at Berkley MSU Federal Credit Union

October 14, 2025, 3:04 AM EDT. Authorities responded to an alarm at the MSU Federal Credit Union in Berkley after a skimming device and a hidden camera were found on a drive-thru ATM. Berkley Public Safety says the device was likely installed overnight and may be linked to similar incidents at other MSU Credit Union locations. Investigators are working with bank personnel to determine if customers were affected. The devices include a camera bar to capture PINs and a skimmer inserted into the card slot. The incident underscores the need for vigilance when using exterior ATMs. If you spot something suspicious, contact local police.

Blink Outdoor 4-Camera Two-Pack Slashed by 60%: $100 Off with Alexa Support

October 14, 2025, 3:03 AM EDT. The Blink Outdoor 4-Camera Two-Pack is today's must-see home security deal. This wireless kit offers two-year battery life and Alexa compatibility, and is now $100 off, bringing the price to its lowest ever. Ideal for DIY installation, it covers multiple entry points with weatherproof, wire-free cameras and easy setup. It delivers remote viewing, motion alerts, and expandability for future smart-home growth. Don't miss this 60% discount while it lasts.

Tesla dominates US Q3 EV sales as tax credit expires; Cybertruck remains a wildcard

October 14, 2025, 3:02 AM EDT. Tesla dominated US Q3 EV sales, led by the Model Y and Model 3, even as the industry benefited from the expiration of the $7,500 EV tax credit. EVs reached a new share record of 10.5% of total auto sales, up from 8.6% in Q3 2024. Beyond Tesla, rivals like Chevrolet, Ford, and Rivian pressed hard, with the Equinox EV and Mustang Mach-E among the top models. The Cybertruck-expected to redefine the pickup-sold 5,385 units but wasn't listed among the top EVs, highlighting pricing and demand dynamics. Pricing gaps, changing configurations, and ongoing reservation chatter frame the question: can Tesla thrive without the tax credit?

Apple Set to Unveil M5 iPad Pro, MacBook Pro, Vision Pro and More This Week

October 14, 2025, 3:01 AM EDT. Apple (AAPL) is poised to roll out several new hardware products this week, including updated iPad Pro and MacBook Pro models powered by the forthcoming M5 chip. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says Apple will announce these devices online rather than at a live event, diverging from the iPhone 17 launch approach. A second-generation Vision Pro headset is also expected, with mass production already under way. The standard M5 MacBook Pro is anticipated this week; more capable M5 Pro/Max variants remain in development for early 2026 due to supply constraints. Other products in the pipeline include an updated AirTag, a new HomePod mini, and a refreshed Apple TV. For early 2026, rumors include an M5-powered MacBook Air, refreshed iPad Air, two external displays, and the iPhone 17e. Analysts show a Moderate Buy with a $255.91 target and ~2.8% upside.

Apple TV Rebrand Highlights Streaming's Identity Shake-Up

October 14, 2025, 3:00 AM EDT.Apple TV+ is now simply Apple TV, signaling another wave of streaming rebrands. This trend sees platforms drop a suffix or pivot branding to feel fresher, from HBO Go to HBO Max and back, IMDb Freedive to IMDb TV to Freevee, and CBS All Access to Paramount+. The pattern often comes with higher price tags, while some services like Tubi resist the trend and stay free. The piece questions what the new Apple TV identity entails beyond the name change, and spotlights how the broader market keeps rebranding to capture attention rather than a cleaner value proposition.

SpaceX targets final Starship launch of the year from Texas Starbase

October 14, 2025, 2:59 AM EDT. SpaceX is set for its final Starship launch of the year from its Starbase facility in South Texas. The 11th test flight aims to lift off at 7:15 p.m. ET on Monday, Oct. 13, with livestreams starting about 30 minutes earlier at 6:45 p.m. ET on SpaceX's website, X, and the X TV app. Starship stands 403 feet tall when stacked, comprising a 232-foot Super Heavy booster and a 171-foot upper stage, powered by six Raptor engines. The company will test mid-flight maneuvers and heat-shield performance, with both sections expected to water land again. The mission follows a year of mishaps and a successful August demo with upper-stage in space and mock Starlink deployment.

ABB and NVIDIA Partner to Scale 800 VDC Data Centres at Gigawatt Scale

October 14, 2025, 2:58 AM EDT. ABB Ltd teams up with NVIDIA to develop next-generation data centres at a gigawatt scale, leveraging ABB's expertise in direct current (DC) and solid-state electronics to support NVIDIA's 800 VDC architecture. The collaboration aims to accelerate high-density AI infrastructure for HPC, cloud and AI workloads, enabling the next wave of AI innovation through 800-volt architectures. NVIDIA's Dion Harris says the alliance advances power delivery for large AI facilities. ABB's stock closed at CHF 58.72 on Monday, up 0.72%.

iOS 26 Reminders: Liquid Glass UI, Auto-Categorization, and Quick Creation

October 14, 2025, 2:57 AM EDT. iOS 26 revamps Reminders with Apple's Liquid Glass UI, refining list views and task creation. The app adds quick task creation from Control Center, the Lock Screen, and the Action Button, plus smarter organization with auto-categorizing sections powered by Apple Intelligence. Suggested Reminders uses AI to propose tasks from shared emails, websites, and more. A new Call Back Reminder links from recent calls, and edits to create/edit views improve data layout. There's also a time zone override to keep reminders accurate when you travel across zones. These changes aim to make Reminders faster, more context-aware, and easier to manage.

Vertiv (VRT) Jumps on Nvidia's 800-Volt DC Power Update for AI Factories

October 14, 2025, 2:56 AM EDT. Vertiv shares surged after the company announced progress on its 800-volt direct-current (800 VDC) power system to support Nvidia's next-generation AI data centers. The firm says it has moved the design toward engineering readiness, with components for power conversion, distribution, regulation, and storage. Nvidia's plan targets higher power densities for its future compute platform, including the Rubin Ultra rollout slated for 2027. Analysts remain optimistic, with Vertiv listed as a Strong Buy on TipRanks. As Nvidia scales its AI factories, Vertiv's 800 VDC platform positions it at the core of industrial-scale power for AI workloads.

NotebookLM in the Browser: Why Desktop Wins Over Mobile

October 14, 2025, 2:53 AM EDT. NotebookLM is a browser-based AI tool that only uses resources you provide, offering summaries, outlines, and study aids without pulling from the web. The article extols NotebookLM as a top piece of software for organizing transcripts, slides, and notes, letting you upload PDFs and texts and generate quotes, hyperlinks, flashcards, and practice quizzes. A standout feature is an auto-generated faux podcast with two AI hosts to review material. The piece highlights the advantage of using NotebookLM to avoid hallucinations and maintain source control, since it relies on your own materials. However, the mobile experience reportedly lags behind the desktop browser, prompting a recommendation to stick with the computer version for now.

SpaceX set for 11th Starship test flight as Version 3 looms and NASA moon-landing target nears

October 14, 2025, 2:52 AM EDT. SpaceX is preparing for an hour-long test flight of its Starship megarocket, touted as the most powerful launch vehicle yet built, with a tentative liftoff as early as 7:15 p.m. ET. After a challenging series of tests this year for Version 2, the August flight appeared to go smoothly, setting the stage for the final flight of this iteration. The company aims to advance toward NASA's moon landing goal in 2027 amid a renewed space race. SpaceX says the current flight will be the last for Version 2, with a scaled-up Version 3 expected on the next mission.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang thanks staff as Israeli employee Avinatan Or is freed from Hamas captivity

October 14, 2025, 2:51 AM EDT.Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang expressed profound gratitude to staff after Avinatan Or, an Israeli Nvidia engineer, was released from Hamas captivity following the ceasefire and hostage deal. Or, who joined Nvidia in 2022 after earning a degree from Ben-Gurion University, was abducted at the Nova music festival near Kibbutz Re'im on Oct. 7, 2023. Huang noted Or's mother Ditza's strength and highlighted how Nvidia's Israeli team stood with her in vigil for his return. The letter also referenced losses suffered by Nvidia's Israel operation, including Amit Chayut and Danielle Waldman. Nvidia's remarks underscore the human impact of the conflict amid ongoing regional tensions and the broader push for hostage releases.

Pebble smartwatch reboot ships soon as Appstore relaunch brings 2,000+ apps and 10,000 watchfaces

October 14, 2025, 2:50 AM EDT. The long-awaited Pebble reboot is near, with the Pebble 2 Duo set to ship soon and shipments expected this October. About 3,000 white units were manufactured and are headed to fulfillment centers; black versions were delayed by a holiday in China/Hong Kong. Pre-order customers may have received shipping surveys as details are finalized. Meanwhile, the reimagined Pebble Appstore is back, offering over 2,000 apps and 10,000 watchfaces for both new hardware and legacy Pebbles. Existing watches can access the rebooted store and the updated app in beta. This marks a full relaunch of Pebble's ecosystem, pairing refreshed hardware with a refreshed software storefront.

ESA confirms targeted reentry for Cluster satellite Rumba on October 22, 2025

October 14, 2025, 2:49 AM EDT. The European Space Agency's Cluster mission is advancing toward its second end-of-life operation, with the Rumba satellite set for a targeted atmospheric reentry on October 22, 2025, between 16:20 and 19:45 UTC. Operators at ESOC have adjusted the orbit to drop the craft over an uninhabited area of the South Pacific, minimizing risk to populations. Building on Salsa's September 8, 2024 reentry, the targeted approach lets operators fix both timing and the geographic corridor, enabling airborne observations of breakup data. This precision enhances safety and scientific value, informing ESA's Space Debris Office models of fragmentation and survivability. After Rumba, Samba and Tango will complete similar reentries in 2026, providing a unique data set on reentry physics and magnetic reconnection.

Morgan Stanley Maintains Buy on Nvidia as AI Opportunity Expands

October 14, 2025, 2:48 AM EDT. After a management meeting, Morgan Stanley reiterates its Buy stance on Nvidia as AI opportunities broaden. The firm argues Nvidia's AI growth is still in its infancy, driven by rising cloud spending and the enduring popularity of its GPUs. Analyst Joseph Moore notes many firms are still shifting from CPUs to GPUs, with the real upside arriving as new AI applications surface. Sectors like healthcare, law, and manufacturing are probing AI's impact, while robotics could bring industry-specific models to life. Morgan Stanley still sees a potential AI infrastructure market of roughly $3 trillion-$5 trillion by 2030. The note mentions vendor financing with OpenAI and CoreWeave to accelerate data centers. Wall Street remains bullish; Nvidia trades with strong earnings and partnerships in focus.

Not Too Big, Not Too Small: The Galaxy Tab S11 Finds the Goldilocks Sweet Spot for Android Tablets

October 14, 2025, 2:47 AM EDT. The Galaxy Tab S11 aims for the Goldilocks zone between portability and productivity, offering a comfortable screen size for everyday use without sacrificing versatility. In this review, we evaluate how its design, display quality, and usability stack up for media consumption, note-taking, and multitasking on Android. The tablet balances light chassis with a capable performance that supports all your apps, while the included S Pen expands creativity and productivity, from sketching to jotting quick memos. Battery life and charging pace keep you productive on the go, and software features help streamline multitasking and app switching. If you want an Android tablet that's not too big, not too small, the Galaxy Tab S11 could be the right fit for you.

SpaceX poised for 11th Starship test flight in Texas

October 14, 2025, 2:46 AM EDT.SpaceX is minutes away from its 11th Starship test flight at its Starbase facility in Texas near the Gulf of Mexico and about 20 miles from Brownsville. The launch window opens at 6:15 p.m. CT, with a live stream beginning about 30 minutes prior to liftoff. The mission aims to build on the August 10th test, gathering data for the next-generation Super Heavy booster, stress-testing Starship's heatshield, and demonstrating maneuvers for the upper stage's future return to launch site. Officials say the schedule is dynamic and likely to change as with other developmental tests.

TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E5 Expands Beyond Golf with a Running-Focused OS, Dual-Band GNSS, and Strava

October 14, 2025, 2:45 AM EDT. TAG Heuer is broadening the Connected Calibre E5 beyond golf with a new in-house operating system crafted over three years, aimed at runners. The update adds Running Plans that map a multi-week path to goals, plus pace trackers, guided sessions, and interval timers designed to fit inside a runner's routine. A new dual-band GNSS ensures GPS stays accurate indoors or outdoors, while Made for iPhone certification and Strava integration help the watch blend into daily life and the running community. The shift signals TAG's push to capture a broader athletic audience while keeping its golf-flavored strengths intact.

AI Icon Warns University Funding Cuts Could Cost the US Its Edge Over China

October 14, 2025, 2:44 AM EDT. The piece centers on a prominent AI leader warning that slashing university funding threatens the U.S. lead in AI as competition from China intensifies. He argues that universities are essential for foundational research, talent development, and responsible AI governance, and that ongoing public investment is needed to convert breakthroughs into industry advantage. Cutting funds could slow progress, shrink the pipeline of high-skilled researchers, and erode collaboration with industry. The article outlines policy implications and urges targeted funding in AI R&D, graduate programs, and public-private partnerships, framing the issue as a matter of national security and long-term competitiveness.

Kymeta's Osprey u8 Terminal Wins U.S. Army NGC2 Pilot for Multi-Orbit Satcom

October 14, 2025, 2:42 AM EDT. Kymeta's Osprey u8 terminal has been selected as a multi-orbit satellite communications capability for the U.S. Army's NGC2 pilot, enabling on-the-move and beyond-line-of-sight connectivity across GEO and LEO constellations from a single aperture. Designed for military use, the terminal supports resilient, secure communications with multiple data pathways, reducing reliance on a single network source. The Army's decision followed assessments like Armored Formation Network On The Move, NETMODX, and Project Convergence Capstone. Kymeta's executive leadership emphasizes that network resiliency is now a mission-essential requirement for operations in unpredictable environments.

Google lets you hide sponsored search results after you've seen them

October 14, 2025, 2:41 AM EDT. Google is rolling out a new way to manage paid results in Search: sponsored results will now appear in a single, collapsible section at the top with a larger Sponsored label. You'll see the section on both desktop and mobile, and a button at the bottom lets you hide sponsored results (you can expand them again later). The design groups ads rather than labeling each result individually, and Google says it's meant to make navigation easier. Critics note you still have to view the ads, at least briefly, before you can hide them. The update is currently rolling out.

California's new AI law tightens safety safeguards for minors online

October 14, 2025, 2:40 AM EDT. California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new AI law that imposes safety safeguards on chatbots used by minors. The law requires a visible pop-up notification every three hours to remind young users they're talking to a bot, plus a protocol to prevent self-harm content and a referral process to crisis services when needed. The measure is a response to concerns about dangerous guidance and tragedies, with lawsuits targeting chatbot providers and lobbying from industry players. Companies like OpenAI and Meta have started adding features such as parental controls and content protections for teens. The legislation signals greater oversight for AI in the consumer arena and could influence other states as policymakers balance innovation with online safety.

Save 25% Off the Fitbit Versa 4 Smartwatch – $50 Deal

October 14, 2025, 2:39 AM EDT. Grab the Fitbit Versa 4 with a 25% discount in today's deal, bringing the price down by $50. This smartwatch doubles as a fitness tracker, helping you monitor workouts, heart rate, sleep, and more. With GPS and solid battery life, it's a practical budget option for active users. Act fast-this deal highlights a limited-time saving on the popular wearables line.

Blackview Explore 1: The Strangest Rugged Smartphone Yet

October 14, 2025, 2:38 AM EDT. Blackview's Explore 1 pushes rugged design to extremes with a dual-display rear panel and a massive 20,000mAh battery. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7050, it offers two RAM/storage configurations (12/256GB or 16/512GB) with LPDDR5 and a "virtual expansion" feature, plus microSD up to 2TB. A second 2.01-inch rear display hints at novelty over practicality, while an infrared remote lets you control home devices. The triple-camera setup (64MP main, 20MP night vision, 50MP front) with AI polish sits under rugged certification (IP68/IP69K/MIL-STD-810H) and Android 15/DokeOS 4.2. 55W charging fuels the beast, though at ~638g it's heavy. The mention of flame retardancy is intriguing but unclear, making this a bold, if puzzling, entrant in the field.

BigBear.ai Stock Jumps 23% on AI-for-Defense Partnership with Tsecond

October 14, 2025, 2:37 AM EDT. BigBear.ai (BBAI) stock jumped about 23% after a partnership with Tsecond to deliver AI-powered infrastructure for national security and defense missions. The deal will merge BigBear.ai's ConductorOS with Tsecond's BRYCK hardware to orchestrate AI workflows at the edge, enabling real-time processing when cloud connectivity is limited. The collaboration aims to help U.S. agencies deploy AI faster at the tactical edge, improving sensor data fusion and threat detection. Earlier this year, DoD's Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) awarded a contract to advance its VANE prototype, and last month BigBear.ai partnered with SMX for UNITAS 2025. Analysts show a Moderate Buy with a price target of $5.83 (roughly 34% downside risk).

Apple TV+ rebrands to Apple TV, igniting a branding clash with the device

October 14, 2025, 2:36 AM EDT. Apple quietly dropped the '+' from its streaming service, rebranding Apple TV+ to Apple TV in a bid for a more vibrant identity. The change creates brand confusion because Apple TV is also the name of Apple's hardware streamer. The rebrand appeared in a press release tied to the Dec. 12 premiere for a Brad Pitt F1 film, with some pages still showing Apple TV+. Analysts note this could foreshadow broader branding consolidation or the introduction of a ad-supported tier, a topic Apple has long sidestepped. The move mirrors shifts by ESPN and others and fits Apple's strategy to maximize the Apple One bundle while watching how/when ads might enter Apple TV.

Tesla Cybertruck Sales Flatline as EV Demand Dims in Q3 2025

October 14, 2025, 2:35 AM EDT. Tesla's Cybertruck sales intrude into a rough 2025 for the hardware. In Q3, deliveries totaled 5,385-down 63% year over year-leaving Cybertruck figures for 2025 a bit over 16,000 and far short of Elon Musk's 250,000-per-year target. Kelley Blue Book data, cited by Business Insider, show Tesla still lumps Cybertrucks with Model S/X as 'other models.' The broader EV market was stronger, with Q3 deliveries of 438,487, aided by the expiration of the $7,500 federal tax credit. Expect a weaker Q4. Rivian, Ford, and GMC are posting gains in their electric trucks. Separately, families of a fiery Cybertruck crash sue Tesla over alleged faulty door handles, while Musk reportedly ships unsold Cybertrucks to SpaceX and xAI.

Garmin Instinct Crossover AMOLED review: two-week battery life, powerful flashlight, and analog-dial display

October 14, 2025, 2:33 AM EDT. Garmin's new Instinct Crossover AMOLED arrives in Charcoal, Black, and Bronze/Sunburst for $649 and delivers a standout two-week battery life. The standout features include an integrated LED flashlight with four brightness levels plus a red night light, a rugged build, and a dynamic AMOLED display. It maintains the analog hands design, with the hands moving to a flat position when widgets open, and some watch faces let the dials rotate to avoid obscuring complications. The hands also double as a compass indicator, with the minute hand lighting up red to point North. The watch is thicker at 15.1mm, lacks a touchscreen, and full maps aren't available, but the updated interface leverages Super LumiNova coating for low-light visibility and the option for a red shift display. Compared with the Instinct 3, this model prioritizes the AMOLED experience.

Sora 2 Debuts as AI-Generated Content Platform, Reshaping Comedian Discovery and Ticketing

October 14, 2025, 2:32 AM EDT. The rollout of Sora 2 marks a watershed moment for the creator economy as AI-generated content becomes a mainstream production medium on social media. OpenAI's platform moves beyond earlier prototypes to deliver studio-quality audiovisuals from prompts, collapsing cost and geography barriers for comedians and other digital creators. Industry voices like VC Erik Hammer describe AI as an underlying technology reshaping society, while Punchup Live's Danny Frenkel frames the moment as a true tech leap-a dual shift: an enablement tool and a new production medium. As the line between content and IP blurs, stand-up acts, shorts, and ads can be produced with fewer resources but greater creative scope, altering discovery, audience engagement, and ticketing dynamics.

SpaceX launches from Vandenberg SFB to support military data network

October 14, 2025, 2:31 AM EDT. SpaceX is set to support the second of ten Tranche 1 missions for the Space Development Agency with a launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base. The payloads will enter low-Earth orbit to build a global, high-speed data network for military use. Liftoff is planned from Space Launch Complex 4 East around 4:12 p.m. (local) on Tuesday; a backup window opens at 4:03 p.m. Wednesday if needed. The mission's first-stage booster has flown six times before. After stage separation, it will return to the Pacific on a droneship. No sonic boom is expected locally. A live webcast will begin about 10 minutes before liftoff on SpaceX's X account and website.

Repair advocates pressure Microsoft to extend Windows 10 support as end-of-life looms

October 14, 2025, 2:30 AM EDT. Microsoft promotes Windows 11 as a more secure, efficient upgrade, while advocates warn that ending Windows 10 support could spike security risks and electronic waste. CALPIRG and allies are urging Microsoft to maintain free, automatic updates for Windows 10 beyond the official sunset, including in the United States. They warn up to 400 million devices worldwide lack the hardware to upgrade to Windows 11, potentially becoming junk if updates stop. Previous campaigns did secure extensions for schools and the European Economic Area. Microsoft has not commented on a US extension. Proponents argue device owners should be able to use hardware as long as possible, with antivirus as a fallback, while repair shops report growing demand from users seeking to keep Windows 10 alive.

Klarna and Google Expand AP2 Rollout for Agent Payments Protocol and AI-Driven Commerce

October 14, 2025, 2:29 AM EDT. Klarna is expanding its partnership with Google to advance the Agent Payments Protocol (AP2), an open standard for secure, AI-driven payments where autonomous agents can initiate and complete purchases under user permissions. AP2 provides a consistent, auditable framework for authorization, identity verification, and transaction tracking across platforms. The collaboration supports Google's broader push into intelligent commerce and will help translate agent-led payment requests into verified checkouts. Klarna is also broadening its use of Google Cloud AI tools to personalize shopping, automate marketing, and strengthen fraud detection, piloting Generative AI models like Veo 2 and Gemini 2.5 Flash Image. With testing across millions of daily transactions, Klarna aims to become a core infrastructure provider for AI-driven commerce, enabling trusted, scalable agent-led shopping.

Hazleton City Council weighs Pilot Camera Incentive Program for municipal surveillance

October 14, 2025, 2:27 AM EDT. Hazleton City Council will discuss authorizing a limited pilot camera program for its municipal surveillance system. The plan would place up to 20 cameras at volunteer residential or business sites, with installation, maintenance, and data security managed by the City and approved by the Council. The $2,100 per camera estimate and signed terms would apply, with a 12-month written report to assess feasibility and potential expansion. The meeting also includes a resolution to seek Luzerne County Local Share Account grant funds totaling $535,002 to install a concession stand at City View Park.

Nvidia's GB10/N1X PR Push Under Scrutiny as Delays Persist

October 14, 2025, 2:23 AM EDT. An industry observer accuses Nvidia of a PR stunt around the GB10/N1X, arguing the devices remain far from production. Seeding a handful of units to select media, Nvidia allegedly aims to project momentum while volumes are tiny and testing is tightly controlled with a strict October 15 deadline and a requirement to return the devices. The timelines have drifted from late 2024/early 2025 to CES 2026 and Computex, raising doubts about OEMs lining up fall 2025 laptops around GB10. Critics say Windows support is unlikely and the list of remaining errata is long, undermining Jensen Huang's promises. In short, the plan seems designed for optics rather than scalable, real-world shipments.

Fitbit Charge 6 on sale: Save 30% this weekend at Walmart

October 14, 2025, 2:22 AM EDT. Deal alert: Walmart.com is offering the Fitbit Charge 6 at a 30% discount this weekend, bringing the price to $104.45 from the list price of $159.95 and saving about $55. If you're gearing up for fall workouts, this wearable helps you track jogging, hiking, and biking with Fitbit's latest sensors. A convenient, feature-rich option to stay motivated through cooler weather. Prices and availability can change after publication, so act fast to lock in the savings and start a season of better fitness.

185-Year-Old Voigtländer Daguerreotype Camera Sells for €500,000 at WCA Auction

October 14, 2025, 2:20 AM EDT. At the seventh Wetzlar Camera Auctions (WCA), over 250 historic camera lots crossed the block, led by Leica rarities. The star was an 1840 Voigtländer Daguerreotype camera that sold for €500,000 (about $580,000). Other highlights included a Leica Model A with an Anastigmat lens (1925) at €87,500 and a Leica 250 "Reporter" (1934) at €40,000 with 250-frame film capability. Military and rare black-painted models also drew strong bids, such as a black-chrome M4 (1974) at €75,000 and a black lacquered Leica MP at €425,000. An early Leica M3 in black lacquer topped €625,000, one of eight. Rare lenses, including a Summilux 35mm (1960) at €162,500 and a prototype 28mm (1954) at €118,750, underscored the day's scarcity-driven prices.

Arista Stock Dips as Nvidia Expands AI Networking with Spectrum-X

October 14, 2025, 2:19 AM EDT. Arista Networks shares dip after Nvidia unveils a new push into AI data center networking, with Spectrum-X switches chosen by Meta and Oracle for their AI infrastructure. Meta will integrate Spectrum Ethernet into FBOSS; Oracle plans AI supercomputers built with Nvidia's Spectrum-X. Nvidia touts the platform's efficiency, claiming up to 95% data throughput versus ~60% for rivals, positioning Spectrum-X as the nervous system of the AI factory. The development amplifies competitive pressure on Arista (ANET), a leading cloud-networking provider. Despite the headline move, ANET has a Strong Buy consensus from 20 analysts, with an average target near $168 and roughly 11% upside. Investors will watch how Nvidia's expanding networking footprint affects Arista's market share.

Apple releases macOS Tahoe 26.1 beta 3 for developers with MCP adoption and Image Playground updates

October 14, 2025, 2:18 AM EDT. Apple is rolling out macOS Tahoe 26.1 beta 3 for developers following beta 2. Build 25B5062e continues under-the-hood work, including the first steps toward MCP adoption across all OS and initial support for third-party models in Image Playground beyond ChatGPT. The two earlier betas focused on bug fixes and performance improvements ahead of the macOS Tahoe 26 GA release last September. Beta 3 signals ongoing refinements while developers test new features. Installation steps: Backup your Mac, open System Settings, General → Software Update, tap the 'i' icon next to Beta Updates, select macOS Developer Tahoe Beta from the dropdown, and press Done. We'll dig deeper and report back with any changes and stability notes.

Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro review: standout battery life for Android Wear OS

October 14, 2025, 2:17 AM EDT. ZDNET's take: The Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro packs a massive 628mAh battery, dual-display tech, and a sapphire glass face, delivering up to 90 hours in smart mode and up to 45 days in Essential Mode. Fast charging gives about two days of use in 30 minutes. GPS running mode extends battery life for outdoor workouts to roughly 15 hours. It runs Wear OS 3.5 and uses the Snapdragon W5 Plus Gen 1, with a path to Wear OS 4. The watch comes in Obsidian Black and is currently available in one large size. While Mobvoi's update cadence isn't always timely, the Pro 5 Enduro offers long-lasting battery life that outperforms the Pixel Watch 3 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro in endurance. A strong value for Android users prioritizing battery.

Amazon Slashes $175 Off Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Plus Ahead of Black Friday

October 14, 2025, 2:16 AM EDT. Amazon is cutting $175 off the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Plus ahead of Black Friday, bringing the 256GB model to $825 (18% off). This top pick offers a bright 12.4-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, 12GB RAM, a long-lasting battery, and the S Pen included. You can upgrade to the 512GB version if you need more storage. The tablet also highlights Galaxy AI features and a tailored experience with a different processor than previous generations. If you want a larger screen, Samsung's S10 Ultra steps up to a 14.6-inch display, but the 256GB S10 Plus remains a premium option under $850. Deals like this are rare before Black Friday, so consider whether you want premium features and compatibility with other Samsung devices.

AI-Powered Scams on the Rise: How to Protect Yourself This Holiday Season

October 14, 2025, 2:15 AM EDT. Experts warn that scams are getting smarter with AI-driven techniques, including calls and emails that imitate loved ones or banks. The FBI flags a growing phantom hacker scheme that's already drained more than $1 billion from seniors' retirement accounts. While seniors are prime targets due to cash on hand, the rise in AI-assisted fraud affects nearly everyone. Key red flags include pressure to act quickly, requests for personal information over the phone, and deals that seem too good to be true. Practical protections include regularly updating passwords, avoiding sharing sensitive data, and pausing to verify identity with a trusted third party. With the holiday season, stay vigilant across banking, retail apps, and online accounts, and slow down before any hurried Black Friday-style decision.

Apple reportedly adds infrared cameras to next AirPods Pro; plans AirPods 5 for 2026

October 14, 2025, 2:13 AM EDT. Apple may equip the next AirPods Pro with infrared cameras and is reportedly developing an AirPods 5 alongside new models expected in 2026, per Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The release timing remains unclear, and names for the upgraded Pro remain uncertain (AirPods Pro 4 or a new variant). Bloomberg also notes a potential H3 chip for reduced lag and improved audio. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has predicted camera modules could arrive by 2026, enabling in-air gesture control. Gurman also mentions the next AirPods Pro could lack Apple's heart-rate sensor, while Apple targets a slate of early-next-year releases such as iPhone 17e, new MacBook Airs, and iPad refreshes. Critics question the practicality of in-air gestures, though some see consumer options expanding.

iPadOS 26.1 beta 2 brings back Slide Over and USB microphone gain control

October 14, 2025, 2:12 AM EDT. Apple's iPadOS 26.1 beta 2 reintroduces Slide Over as part of the new multi-window multitasking view, letting a single window float and be swiped on/off. Methods to enable include resizing the window until the three traffic-light buttons appear and choosing Add to Slide Over, or using Move to Left/Right Slide Over from the Window menu, or pressing option-globe-left/right. Slide Over now works inside multi-window mode, can be anchored to either edge, and can be resized while staying docked; it's limited to one app per display but supports a different app on an external monitor. The beta also adds USB microphone gain control for local capture, addressing prior overmodulation from USB mics.

Tesla debuts cheaper Model Y and Model 3 Standard editions with 321-mile range

October 14, 2025, 2:10 AM EDT. Tesla unveiled cheaper Standard versions of the Model Y and Model 3, priced at about $39,990 and $36,990, with 321-mile (516 km) ranges but fewer features, such as no Autosteer and no rear touchscreen. Deliveries are slated for December 2025 to January 2026. Analysts note the cuts are more of a pricing lever than a product catalyst, and the move comes as competition grows in Europe and China and the US EV tax credit lapsed. Shares slid about 4%, and investors worry the cheaper models could cannibalize existing sales. Tesla argues the lower price will broaden access to mass-market EVs while managing supply and demand.

iOS 26.1 Unveils 5+ New Features: Lock Screen Alarms, Live Translation, Custom Workouts

October 14, 2025, 2:09 AM EDT. In the iOS 26.1 beta, Apple adds polish and customization: Lock Screen alarms use a slide-to-stop control, while Apple Intelligence grows with more languages. AirPods Live Translation expands to Japanese, Korean, Italian and Chinese. Apple Music lets you swipe to switch tracks, and the Fitness app adds open, custom workouts. UI tweaks unify Settings and Home Screen folders with left-aligned text. Minor visual refinements touch the Phone, Photos, and Safari interfaces. A revamped Privacy and Security section introduces an auto-download/install toggle for security updates, and Display gains an iOS 26 wallpaper. Overall, iOS 26.1 emphasizes broader language support, improved navigation, and deeper customization.

iPadOS 26.1 beta revives Slide Over with new windowing features

October 14, 2025, 2:04 AM EDT. Apple is reviving Slide Over in iPadOS 26.1 beta after removing it with iPadOS 26. The feature lets you slide an app in from the side for quick multitasking, similar to minimizing windows on a Mac. In iPadOS 26, Apple introduced a new windowing system that replaced traditional multitasking like Split View, but feedback urged a partial U-turn. The beta for iPadOS 26.1 reintroduces Slide Over as an integrated part of the new windowing system, with the ability to resize the floating app window and manage tasks without fully leaving the current app. If the final release keeps this behavior, iPad users should regain a familiar, flexible multitasking workflow.

Why Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro Updates Are Missing (Google's Update Schedule Explained)

October 14, 2025, 2:02 AM EDT. Google's October 2025 patch skipped the Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, and Pixel 6a even as other devices received the update. The company posted a patch timeline for devices from Pixel 7 to the newer Pixel 10 Pro XL, but offered no official note about the Pixel 6 lineup. History shows irregular gaps: July's patch left out the Pixel 6/Pixel 6 Pro, August offered older builds, and September delivered Android 16 QPR1 to many but not the 6 series. Although Google extended support to 2026, its documentation states updates for 5 years, not a strict monthly cadence. In short, Google can issue updates irregularly, and the Pixel 6 line may still receive future builds within that window.

Google Offers Pixel 10 Pro Family Deals: Trade-Ins, AI Perks, and Fi Extras

October 14, 2025, 2:00 AM EDT. Google's Pixel 10 Pro family arrives with a bundle of store offers. Trade in a flagship from the last year for up to $799 off the Pixel 10 Pro and related models, with US customers accepting devices from Google, Apple, Samsung, Motorola, and OnePlus. Aimed at AI enthusiasts, the Pixel 10 line centers on the Tensor G5 chipset, optimized for local AI and on-device LLMs. To sweeten the deal, Google is including twelve months of Google One AI Pro with the Pixel 10 Pro, Pro XL, and Pro Fold (six months for Pixel 10). UK buyers can snag a free Pixel Buds Pro 2 and boosted trade-in. Third-party discounts from Amazon and Best Buy are surfacing ahead of Black Friday.

Two Stocks That Could Be Worth More Than IonQ in 5 Years: Remitly and Portillo's

October 14, 2025, 1:59 AM EDT. Two stocks that could be worth more than IonQ in five years are Remitly Global (RELY) and Portillo's (PTLO). The piece argues you don't need a speculative quantum bet to win: Remitly is delivering strong growth and moving toward profitability while gaining share from legacy remitters with low fees and a mobile-first model, posting 34% revenue growth and an EBIT of $27 million on $1.46B trailing revenue. By contrast, IonQ remains unprofitable with minimal revenue, making it a high-risk quantum bet. Portillo's, a Chicago-style fast-casual chain expanding nationally, is advancing its footprint despite near-term headwinds and could scale into a larger market. If Remitly and Portillo's continue to execute, their scale, cash flow, and leadership could eventually exceed IonQ's value, delivering meaningful upside for investors.

Google Gemini on Pixel: Why the hotword stays 'Hey Google' and how to access Gemini

October 14, 2025, 1:58 AM EDT. Google Gemini is being rolled out on Pixel phones, but the hotword confusion remains. Even when you set Google Gemini as your default assistant, you still activate it with Hey Google, not a unique Hey Gemini command. The article explains that Gemini surfaces via the typical Hey Google invocation, while you can switch between Gemini and Google Assistant in Settings > Apps > Assistant > Digital Assistants. For a smoother experience, Google supports Quick Tap-two quick taps on the back to launch your chosen assistant, bypassing the long-press power button. To adjust access, you can disable the power-button shortcut or change how you reach your digital assistant under Settings > System > Gestures. In short, Gemini on Pixel uses the same hotword, with Quick Tap offering faster access.

California Signs Sweeping Tech Laws to Protect Kids Online and Regulate AI

October 14, 2025, 1:57 AM EDT. California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a broad package of tech laws aimed at protecting kids online and tightening AI oversight. Key measures include Senate Bill 243 establishing safety standards for "companion chatbots," with requirements to detect suicidal ideation, disclose chatbot-generated content, block minor-accessible explicit material, and report crisis-intervention use to the Department of Public Health. Assembly Bill 1043 requires age verification in app stores and OSs. Assembly Bill 56 adds warning labels on social platforms about addiction and mental health risks; Assembly Bill 621 increases penalties for distributing sexually explicit deepfakes, with civil damages up to $250,000 per incident. Assembly Bill 316 closes the "AI acts independently" loophole, while AB 853 creates the California AI Transparency Act mandating disclosure of AI-generated content. Additional bills strengthen data privacy, cybersecurity, and enforcement.

Leaker Reveals Apple Roadmap: M5 MacBook Pro, AirTag 2, Apple TV 4K and More Coming Soon

October 14, 2025, 1:56 AM EDT. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman outlines an ambitious Apple roadmap slated to roll out from November through April, spanning iPhones, Macs, iPads, and smart home devices. The leak specifically flags the M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro, a long-rumored AirTag 2 with a U2 chip, a new Apple TV 4K with more RAM and Apple Intelligence features in tvOS, and a HomePod mini 2 with improved audio. An entry-level iPad with a faster chip enabling Apple Intelligence is also teased. While some updates are incremental, others would extend Apple's current lineup; Gurman notes many releases could occur at Apple's discretion in the coming months, with further products likely to be revealed early next year.

SpaceX poised to launch 24 Amazon Kuiper satellites after weather delays

October 14, 2025, 1:55 AM EDT. After a week of weather delays, SpaceX is set to launch its Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral with 24 Amazon Kuiper satellites for Project Kuiper. The KF-03 mission will lift off from SLC-40 at 8:08 p.m. EDT, with booster B1091 performing an autonomous landing on the drone ship Just Read the Instructions. A successful flight would mark a milestone in SpaceX's drone-ship program and bring the Kuiper constellation to 153 satellites in low Earth orbit. This sixth Kuiper flight follows missions on Atlas V and Falcon 9. Forecasts show a 95% chance of favorable weather, with only a low risk of a Cumulus Cloud Rule violation and watchful eyes on recovery conditions due to winds and seas. Spaceflight Now will provide live coverage starting about an hour before liftoff.

How to upgrade Windows 11 for free on many Windows 10 PCs (Secure Boot and TPM tweaks)

October 14, 2025, 1:53 AM EDT. Microsoft plans to end support for Windows 10 on Oct. 14, but many Windows 10 machines are actually Windows 11-ready. This guide explains how to check compatibility with the PC Health Check app and how to address common blockers like Secure Boot and TPM 2.0. If your PC is flagged as incompatible, you may still upgrade via a clean install or using settings tweaks, though the latter are not officially supported. The article cautions that some hardware-ARM CPUs, older AMD models, and 32-bit systems-will never be compatible. For those with compatible or near-compatible hardware, the steps can enable a free upgrade to Windows 11 and allow you to run the new OS with features like TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot requirements satisfied. Always back up before you start.

Apple Seeds Third Betas of iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, macOS Tahoe 26.1 and More

October 14, 2025, 1:51 AM EDT. Apple has issued the third betas of iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, macOS Tahoe 26.1, tvOS 26.1, watchOS 26.1, and visionOS 26.1 to developers for testing. Betas can be downloaded from Settings > General > Software Update. Apple Intelligence is now available in more languages (Danish, Dutch, Norwegian, Portuguese (Portugal), Swedish, Turkish, Chinese Traditional, Vietnamese). AirPods Live Translation works with Japanese, Korean, Italian, and Chinese. In iOS 26.1, Liquid Glass has been expanded to the Phone keypad, Apple Music gains a new swipe gesture, and there are visual changes to Calendar, Safari, and Photos. Details are in our iOS 26.1 feature list. The betas are expected to roll out more broadly later in October.

Microsoft Battles 'Shadow AI' and Unapproved Tools as Stock Rises on Xbox Future Plans

October 14, 2025, 1:50 AM EDT. Microsoft is warning about Shadow AI, the use of unauthorized AI tools at work. A UK survey shows 71% of employers see such tools, with 51% reporting weekly use. While some proponents cite AI-driven productivity gains, including billions of hours saved, the security risks of unvetted tools remain a concern for organizations and investors alike. Yet MSFT stock moved only modestly on the news. Separately, Microsoft reiterates its commitment to the Xbox roadmap, stressing ongoing investment in first-party consoles and devices, and keeping options open beyond new hardware reveals. The report also notes the AMD partnership and ongoing questions about transparency and potential rug-pull risks. Overall, MSFT navigates AI governance, gaming growth, and investor sentiment in a complex near term.

Apple TV Plus Rebrands to Apple TV with a New Identity

October 14, 2025, 1:49 AM EDT. Apple is rebranding its streaming service: Apple TV is replacing Apple TV Plus and adopting a new identity. The change appears in a Monday release tied to the Dec. 12 streaming date for the Brad Pitt film F1 The Movie. The platform continues to live in the Apple TV app, accessible via various devices including the Apple TV streaming box. An Apple FAQ already reflects the new name. Apple also raised the price for its ad-free plan from $10 to $13 per month in August. The service is home to originals like Severance, The Morning Show, and The Studio.

Ollee Watch turns vintage Casio into a modern smartwatch with NFC and smartphone app

October 14, 2025, 1:48 AM EDT. Casio's retro timepieces get a tech upgrade thanks to the Ollee Watch project. The kit replaces the original circuitry in models like the F-91W and A158W (both from 1989) with a modern PCB that preserves the classic aesthetics while adding fitness tracking, world time, timers, alarms, and a smartphone app. Installation takes about 15 minutes, and an optional NFC tag can trigger programmable actions when paired with a compatible phone. The firmware runs on the new module, enabling features the late 80s wouldn't have imagined, and several revisions refined the experience. It's a stylish blend of nostalgia and practicality, proving vintage Casio designs can wear a smart new skin.

San Jose launches automated red light camera program with 60-day grace period

October 14, 2025, 1:47 AM EDT. San Jose has launched an automated red light camera program to curb violations believed to be a leading cause of traffic deaths. Warnings will begin Monday, with citations delivered by mail after a 60-day grace period. The program targets four intersections: Monterey Road at Branham Lane (SB), Leight at Parkmoor (SB), Keyes at South Third (WB), and South Bascom at Camden (NB). Citations start on December 12. After one year, the City Council will assess the program's effectiveness. The city says the effort aims to reduce dangerous light-to-right turns and improve safety.

IonQ soars on significant advancement in quantum chemistry simulations

October 14, 2025, 1:46 AM EDT. IonQ jumped in early trading after announcing a significant advancement in quantum chemistry simulations, demonstrated in collaboration with a major automotive manufacturer. The breakthrough showed more accurate calculations of nuclear forces at critical points than classical methods, with potential applications across pharmaceuticals, batteries, and chemical industries. CEO Niccolo de Masi called it a practical capability that can be integrated into molecular dynamics workflows, supporting decarbonization technologies. IonQ, a leading pure-play quantum computing company, has generated over $52 million in revenues over the past 12 months, outpacing peers. Analysts note a broader market rebound fueling interest in quantum plays, with traders pricing in long-term potential through short-term options. This development points to a future where quantum computing enhances foundational chemical simulations and material design.

Tesla Patches FSD 14.1 with v14.1.1 Bug-Fix Update After Early Tester Feedback

October 14, 2025, 1:45 AM EDT. Tesla is rolling out FSD v14.1.1 (build 2025.32.8.6) after the initial v14.1 pilot to a small group of testers. The update targets smoother driving and braking behavior, addressing tester concerns about abrupt deceleration and general roughness. The official release notes for v14.1.1 mirror those of v14.1, signaling a bug-fix and performance-tuning release rather than a feature drop. The push remains limited to early-access testers as Tesla collects feedback over the coming days, with a wider rollout possible if issues are resolved. If all goes well, v14.1.1 could become the candidate for broader adoption, while Cybertruck and features like 3D maps and Tron Mode stay on a separate path on the 2025.32 branch.

Google rolls out Gemini in Chrome for iOS

October 14, 2025, 1:44 AM EDT. Google is rolling Gemini into Chrome for iOS after its Android rollout, bringing the on-browser AI helper to iPhone users. The Mac-originated integration lands on iOS with a Get started banner for some users, letting you access Ask Gemini without leaving Chrome. Previously, iOS users relied on the standalone Gemini app. Once enabled, you can get page-specific answers, generate key takeaways, and use prompts like summarize page and create FAQ about this topic. You'll be able to rate responses to help Gemini improve, and you'll need to opt in to share webpage data. This move deepens the AI assistant experience inside mobile browsing.

MediaTek outlines AI-powered Dimensity 9500 with on-device AI and flagship gaming ambitions

October 14, 2025, 1:43 AM EDT. MediaTek outlined a vision for AI-powered mobile experiences with the Dimensity 9500, highlighting a collaboration with TSMC to develop a next-generation flagship SoC on the enhanced N2P process with volume production expected late next year. The briefing spotlighted on-device AI-driven performance, console-grade gaming and superior power efficiency. Demos included image-to-image style conversion, 4K text-to-image generation, and Unreal Engine technologies like Mega Light and Nanite, delivering desktop-like visuals on mobile. OEM partners such as Vivo, OPPO, Samsung, Tecno and Lava participated, with OPPO hinting at the Find X9 Series powered by the Dimensity 9500. Anku Jain stressed that AI, speed and personalization must come with energy efficiency. MediaTek also showcased its broader portfolio (e.g., Kompanio 520, Dimensity 9300+) and IMC 2025 discussions on 5G, edge computing and 6G use cases.

IonQ Stock Surges on Quantum Chemistry Breakthrough Aimed at Decarbonization

October 14, 2025, 1:41 AM EDT. IonQ (NYSE: IONQ) leapt about 12% after a collaboration with a major automaker demonstrated a quantum-algorithm method to accurately compute atomic-level forces, outpacing classical approaches. The breakthrough lets researchers trace chemical reaction pathways more precisely, aiding the design of advanced carbon-capture materials and decarbonization tech. IonQ's quantum chemistry capabilities could find applications across pharma, batteries, and chemical industries, expanding its portfolio beyond general quantum computing. The stock remains highly volatile, with numerous big moves over the past year, and follows the company's substantial equity offering earlier this year. The piece also notes broader tech catalysts, including AI adoption among large enterprises. As investor sentiment shifts, IonQ's market value has climbed to fresh highs, underscoring how quantum innovation and strategic partnerships can drive stock performance.

China's Rare Earth Export Curbs Drag Chip Stocks; Nvidia Remains AI Pick

October 14, 2025, 1:40 AM EDT. China's plan to tighten rare earth exports sparked a sell-off in chip stocks. AMD fell about 7.7%, Nvidia ~4.9%, and Intel ~3.8%. Beijing's export review could slow shipments for chipmakers with Chinese suppliers, fueling short-term supply concerns even as demand remains solid. Despite the drop, the trio is up strongly year-to-date: AMD ~78% (AI/data-center chips); Nvidia ~36% (AI hardware leader); Intel ~81% (US manufacturing/foundry). Analysts still favor Nvidia, with a Strong Buy and about a $219.86 target; AMD is a Moderate Buy with upside; Intel is Neutral with downside. If curbs persist, investors will watch supply chains and moves to boost rare earth output elsewhere.

Apple TV+ rebrands to Apple TV with a mild branding shift

October 14, 2025, 1:39 AM EDT. Apple has quietly rebranded its streaming service from Apple TV+ to Apple TV, per a press release tied to the release of F1: The Movie. The change appears mostly cosmetic: some pages still show Apple TV+ branding, and Apple hasn't disclosed any concrete shifts in the service's identity. The move resembles HBO Max's recent rebranding and could blur lines with the Apple TV app and devices that were once called Apple TVs (before 2015's naming tweaks). In short, it's a mild branding update rather than a major platform change.

Lock in Fiber Internet for as Little as $55/Month for 5 Years with T-Mobile

October 14, 2025, 1:38 AM EDT. Costs are rising, and this week T-Mobile unveiled a fiber internet offer that lets you lock in the price for five years. Plans start with Fiber 500 at $55 per month, then Fiber 1 GIG for $65, and Fiber 2 GIG for $85, plus taxes and fees. To secure the deal, you must sign up for AutoPay and have an eligible voice line. T-Mobile includes up to 2 mesh Wi-Fi extenders and installation, with no annual contract and no data caps. The five-year price lock requires maintaining an eligible plan. The switch can also include up to $750 to cover your current internet cancellation. Availability varies by address, so check if you're in T-Mobile's fiber footprint.

Google Search adds 'Hide Sponsored Results' button in new ad design

October 14, 2025, 1:35 AM EDT. Google is updating Search with a more visible sponsored results area. Paid links are now grouped under a larger Sponsored label, and a new hide sponsored results button at the bottom lets you collapse and hide them. The change keeps AI Overviews in the results, positioned above or below the sponsored section. It applies to all ads, including shopping ads, and rolls out globally on desktop and mobile. The update gives users more control over ads while preserving SEO-driven links and AI-based overviews as part of the experience.

DJI Rumored to Launch Neo 2 FPV, Osmo Mobile 8, and Mic 3 Pro This November

October 14, 2025, 1:34 AM EDT. Imaging-Resources notes that DJI may reveal three new products in November: the Neo 2 FPV drone, the Osmo Mobile 8 gimbal, and the Mic 3 Pro wireless microphone. Rumors, supported by FCC filings and DroneXL, point to a 1606mAh battery (~12% larger), a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor with 4K60p, true HDR, 10-bit color, and D-Log M, plus about 10 km range and 22GB internal storage for the Neo 2. The Osmo Mobile 8 is expected to boost motor strength for heavier phones and extend battery life, with possible OsmoAudio integration. The Mic 3 Pro would upgrade weatherproofing, storage (32GB), and add enhanced build quality for field work. No official dates; November 2025 is speculative.

Tesla teases Banish hands-off parking as FSD Supervised v14.1 expands parking options

October 14, 2025, 1:32 AM EDT. Tesla is hinting at a new feature called Banish that could fully park the car after dropping you at a destination, integrated with the recently improved Assisted Smart Summon (ASS). The idea would complement FSD (Supervised), as Tesla collects real-world data across Charger, Parking Lot, Curbside, Street, Driveway, and Parking Garage scenarios introduced in v14.1. CEO Elon Musk has suggested Banish could arrive in the near future, following a video showing FSD v14.1 navigating a Costco lot. While ASS has made strides since earlier updates, critics note that true hands-off parking requires robust data and a proven track record, so a rollout may still be some time away despite Musk's optimism.

California Enacts First U.S. Rules for AI Companion Chatbots

October 14, 2025, 1:30 AM EDT. California becomes the first state to set explicit guardrails for AI companion chatbots. Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 243, requiring bots to identify themselves as artificial, and to limit conversations about sex and self-harm with minors, plus to report detected suicidal ideation to the Office of Suicide Prevention. The bill, authored by Sen. Steve Padilla, marks a shift from technical to user-facing AI governance, mandating disclosure reminders, safety protocols, and age-appropriate filters. Proponents say it advances protection, but critics argue it's too narrow; groups like Common Sense Media and the Tech Oversight Project withdrew support after third-party audits and broader enforcement were dropped. Critics warn enforcement and cross-border reach could hinder legitimate mental-health discussions, while California also pushes broader safety rules under SB 53.

Tesla Cybertruck Q3 Deliveries Fall to 5,400, Down 63% YoY

October 14, 2025, 1:29 AM EDT. According to Cox Automotive, Tesla sold about 5,400 Cybertruck pickup trucks in Q3, a 63% drop from the year-ago quarter. The result highlights weaker demand for the polarizing EV pickup, even as Tesla's overall Q3 figures are reported. The data point adds to questions about the Cybertruck's ramp and pricing dynamics in a competitive EV truck market.

Time to Upgrade on the Cheap: Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 Gets $80 Off Today

October 14, 2025, 1:27 AM EDT. Today only, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 drops by $80 – a rare chance to upgrade on a budget. For shoppers seeking value, this watch delivers fitness tracking, heart-rate monitoring, GPS, and smart notifications in a sleek package with solid battery life. Suitable for Android users (and some iOS compatibility), the deal combines premium features with everyday practicality. Stock may be limited, so grab it while the price tag sticks.

Nvidia's DGX Spark goes on sale as a desk-size AI supercomputer

October 14, 2025, 1:26 AM EDT. Nvidia will start selling its DGX Spark personal AI supercomputer this week, a desk-friendly machine powerful enough to run sophisticated AI models. Priced at about $3,000 and available online at Nvidia's site and select partners, Spark packs Nvidia's GB10 Grace Blackwell Superchip, 128GB unified memory, and up to 4TB NVMe storage, delivering a claimed petaflop of AI performance and support for models up to 200 billion parameters. It's designed to democratize AI, letting researchers, students, and data scientists work locally rather than in data centers. Nvidia envisions more desk-sized AI systems, with third-party manufacturers like Asus, Dell, and HP already exploring their own Spark variants. Spark is the smaller sibling to Station; no release date yet for a consumer rollout.

Deloitte's AI blunder tests corporate accountability in the AI era

October 14, 2025, 1:25 AM EDT. Deloitte became the first global firm to refund a client over AI-caused errors, signaling a shift in accountability for AI outputs. An Australian government report allegedly drafted with Azure OpenAI GPT-4o contained fabricated citations and hallucinated quotes, raising questions about AI governance and quality controls. Deloitte says the report's findings remain valid, but the reputational damage is real as a major client steps back and a refund materializes. With plans to invest about $3 billion in generative AI by 2030, AI is now a material business risk, not a back-office tool. The episode is a wake-up call for boards, investors and regulators to tighten AI risk management, transparency, and auditability across the professional services sector.

Apple Releases iOS 26.1 Beta 3 for iPhone

October 14, 2025, 1:24 AM EDT. Apple has rolled out the third developer beta of iOS 26.1 for iPhone, ahead of a likely public release in late October or early November. The update expands Apple Intelligence language support and extends AirPods Live Translation to additional languages. Apple Intelligence gains support for Chinese (Traditional), Danish, Dutch, Norwegian, Portuguese (Portugal), Swedish, Turkish, and Vietnamese. AirPods Live Translation adds Chinese (Mandarin, Simplified & Traditional), Italian, Japanese, and Korean. The update also improves alarm dismissal with a Slide to Unlock interface and adds a swipe gesture for changing songs in Music, among other changes. More coverage will follow after hands-on testing.

Pixel 10 Pro XL Review: Google's AI-First Flagship with Tensor G5

October 14, 2025, 1:23 AM EDT. Google's Pixel 10 Pro XL pushes an AI-first approach powered by the new Tensor G5 and enhanced AI features and computational photography. The design stays true to its predecessor, with a slightly enlarged camera visor, premium materials, IP68 protection, and a comfortable 232 g weight. The 6.8-inch Super Actua display delivers strong outdoor visibility, with LTPO OLED capable of 1-120 Hz and HDR up to 2,200 nits (peak 3,300 nits). In a competitive flagship market, the emphasis on software prowess and machine learning capabilities aims to justify the ₹1,24,999 price for the 256 GB variant. Color options include Moonstone, Jade, and Obsidian. Overall, Google's AI-centric experience remains distinctive, balancing innovative features against raw performance expectations.

Apple TV Rebrands to Simply Apple TV, Dropping the Plus

October 14, 2025, 1:22 AM EDT. Apple is nudging viewers to stop calling its service Apple TV+ and adopt a new identity: Simply Apple TV. The change appears in a press release, though the site and app still show the old branding for now. This marks a branding refresh after Apple's 2019 launch of Apple TV+, whose early hits like The Morning Show and Severance helped define the service. Upcoming titles include F1, and questions linger about the fate of Apple's hardware box. Rival HBO Max also teased a similar naming tweak. While the wording leaves some ambiguity, the move signals Apple's continued focus on streaming content, movies, and original programming under a cleaner brand.

Google's AI Reshapes Organic Listings: Impacts on Clicks, Snippets, and Local SEO

October 14, 2025, 1:21 AM EDT. Google is accelerating the integration of AI into organic search, redefining how results are ranked and consumed. The rollout introduces AI Overviews that summarize and cite top pages, often reducing clicks as queries trigger AI answers. Pages cited in Overviews may rise in average position while click-through rates drop. The People Also Ask section is increasingly served with AI-generated answers, further dampening external clicks. New suggested topics and AI-generated snippets replace or augment publisher meta descriptions, sometimes boosting or reducing CTR. In local search, AI-enhanced blended results and local packs encourage on-site details, reviews, and may even prompt AI-driven price checks. Marketers should optimize for on-page depth, FAQs, and local signals to remain visible.

Apple TV Drops the Plus Sign, Rebrands to Apple TV

October 14, 2025, 1:20 AM EDT. Apple TV+ is rebranding as Apple TV, dropping the plus sign in a quiet press release tied to the release date of F1: The Movie. Since launching in 2019, the service has built a slate of originals, including The Morning Show, For All Mankind, See, Servant and Dickinson, and has earned Oscar and Emmy recognition for CODA, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, and Ted Lasso. Apple notes continued success across its Original films, documentaries and series, with wins and nominations across the Oscars and Primetime Emmys. The announcement offers few details beyond the name change and the F1: The Movie streaming date.

Camera West Opens SoHo Flagship, Uniting Online and In-Store Experiences with Shopify

October 14, 2025, 1:19 AM EDT. Camera West is launching a SoHo flagship that unites in-store and online shopping through Shopify, in collaboration with P3 Media. The new destination, expanding from San Francisco and Palm Springs, blends Shopify POS with the existing ecommerce platform to provide seamless access to order history, purchase records, and personalized recommendations across channels. The store expands product categories to include fine timepieces, reflecting the brand's craftsmanship alongside Leica, Hasselblad, and Fujifilm offerings. As it marks 25 years, Camera West emphasizes experiential retail and community, with plans for additional locations, including Union Square in San Francisco, and continued innovation in connected retail.

Apple May Release Revised iOS 26.0.1 (Build 23A357) After Public Launch

October 14, 2025, 1:18 AM EDT. An anonymous X leaker with a solid track record claims a new iOS 26.0.1 build-23A357-is being prepared even after the public launch of iOS 26.0.1 (build 23A355). The posts suggest a revised release could target not only iPadOS but specifically a forthcoming M5 iPad Pro, though another possibility is a universal rollout for users who haven't installed the initial update. Apple rarely ships post-launch revisions, a pattern seen mainly with betas, so this note invites caution rather than confirmation. We'll monitor for official confirmation from Apple and updates to whether the new build 23A357 arrives for iPhone, iPad, or both.

iPadOS 26.1 beta 3 reintroduces Slide Over as public launch nears

October 14, 2025, 1:17 AM EDT. Apple has released iPadOS 26.1 beta 3 (alongside updates for tvOS 26.1 and visionOS 26.1) as the public launch nears. The biggest highlight is the return of Slide Over on iPadOS 26.1, now with a different feature set than before. After beta 2, where Slide Over supported a single app, iPadOS 26.1 adds a resizable window and the potential for future multi-app stacking. Beta 3 may bring further tweaks, such as renewed support for multiple stacked apps. Apple plans to ship the full software lineup within about two weeks. Developers and early adopters will be watching for more changes to the windowing system and app-switching behavior ahead of the public release.

Pew Study: How Parents Manage Screen Time for Kids Under 12

October 14, 2025, 1:16 AM EDT. Pew Research Center surveyed 3,054 U.S. parents of children 12 and under to understand how families set limits on technology. The findings show that screens are ubiquitous: nine-in-ten children watch TV, 68% use a tablet, and 61% use a smartphone. About half of households report their child uses a gaming device, with desktops or laptops common for about four in ten. The report notes growing AI exposure, with roughly one in ten children aged 5-12 ever using AI chatbots like ChatGPT or Gemini. Researchers also conducted four online focus groups to explore attitudes toward limits. Across the panel, parents describe juggling education and entertainment while feeling judged or torn about how strict to be with screen time and technology use.

The Anxious Generation author's No. 1 rule for kids' screentime: ban devices in the bedroom

October 14, 2025, 1:15 AM EDT. From toddlers with tablets to teens with smartphones, the piece shows how screen time saturates daily life. By age 2, about 40% of kids own a tablet; by adolescence, 88%-95% own smartphones. School life adds more screen time as Chromebooks reach tens of millions of users daily. Jonathan Haidt, author of The Anxious Generation, links this digital immersion to rising youth anxiety and depression, arguing devices are designed to keep kids scrolling. His No. 1 rule: no devices in the bedroom to curb unsupervised access and harmful content. Some flexibility remains: shared TVs or computers in common spaces, with personal devices kept out of bedrooms. The aim is a calmer wellbeing-oriented environment that supports healthier development.

Weiss Ratings Reaffirms Sell Rating on Rigetti Computing (RGTI) Amid Mixed Analyst Outlook

October 14, 2025, 1:14 AM EDT. Weiss Ratings reiterates a sell rating on Rigetti Computing (NASDAQ:RGTI) after the latest note to investors. The coverage landscape remains mixed: Alliance Global Partners, Benchmark, Williams Trading, Needham & Company, and Industrial Alliance Securities issued buy ratings or higher price targets, while MarketBeat shows a consensus of "Moderate Buy" with an average target of about $28.29. Rigetti opened near $43.23, with a 50-day moving average of $21.38 and a 200-day moving average of $14.78. The stock trades with a negative P/E and a beta around 1.60; a quarterly EPS of −$0.05 on $1.80M revenue was slightly better than estimates. Insider activity included sizable stock sales by director Helene Sandford and CFO Jeffrey Bertelsen.

Best Tablet Deals: Top Discounts on Tablets Across Brands

October 14, 2025, 1:12 AM EDT. Don't miss the latest tablet deals updated October 11, 2025. This roundup highlights massive discounts on portable devices from top brands, covering models for everyday browsing, note-taking, and media. Whether you want an iPad, a Samsung Galaxy Tab, an Amazon Fire or a Microsoft Surface, you'll find price drops, bundles, and limited-time offers. Learn how to pick the right size, performance, and battery life to fit your needs, and act fast while stock lasts on these portables with limited-time discounts.

Samsung releases stable One UI 8 Watch update for Galaxy Watch7

October 14, 2025, 1:11 AM EDT. Samsung has begun rolling out the stable One UI 8 Watch for the Galaxy Watch7. The update runs on Wear OS 6 and carries firmware number L310XXU1BYI4 with the September 2025 security patch. Beta testers in South Korea are first to get it, with a download of about 160MB; full OTA files for other users are around 2GB. A worldwide rollout is expected soon. Key features include a redesigned interface and health tools such as Antioxidant Index, Bedtime Guidance, Running Coach, and Vascular Load. The update adds the Now Bar for quick activity access, multi-page Tiles, extra double-squeeze gestures, a new charging animation, improved notification view, a personalized app screen, and enhanced watch face recommendations with new faces via the Galaxy Wearable app.

Inside the AI accelerator arms race: AMD, Nvidia, and hyperscalers commit to annual releases through the decade

October 14, 2025, 1:10 AM EDT. AI accelerator makers are locking in a yearly cadence. AMD and Nvidia have begun annual product releases, and hyperscalers like Amazon Web Services, Google, and Meta are expected to follow with their own silicon upgrades through the late 2020s. The roadmap spans AMD's MI250X to MI430X/MI450X, Nvidia's H100/H200 and Rubin lines, and hyperscalers' Trainium series, with AI- and HPC-focused designs interleaved. Traditional GPUs dominated early 2020s AI and HPC, but many hyperscalers now build custom XPUs to optimize cost, throughput, and power. AMD's upcoming MI400-series (2nm-class TSMC, CoWoS-L, HBM4) splits into MI450X (FP4/FP8) and MI430X (FP32/FP64), enabling workload-specific tuning. Connectivity like Infinity Fabric and UALink remains a differentiator as AI workloads evolve.

California Passes SB 243, First State to Regulate AI Companion Chatbots

October 14, 2025, 1:09 AM EDT. California Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 243, becoming the first U.S. state to require operators of AI companion chatbots to implement safety protocols. The law targets protections for children and vulnerable users, and holds companies-from giants like Meta and OpenAI to startups such as Character AI and Replika-accountable for failing to meet standards. Effective January 1, 2026, SB 243 mandates age verification, warnings about social media use, crisis-response protocols for suicide prevention, and safeguards against sexually explicit content. It also requires clear disclosure that interactions are AI-generated and prohibits chatbots from presenting as healthcare professionals. Penalties include up to $250,000 per offense for illegal deepfakes.

Vivo Watch GT 2 launches with iOS compatibility and up to 33 days battery life

October 14, 2025, 1:08 AM EDT. Vivo debuts the Watch GT 2 smartwatch, now with iOS compatibility. The device houses a 2.07-inch display in an aluminum body, 514 x 432 resolution, and up to 2,400 nits brightness. While the Bluetooth model offers up to 33 days of battery life in power-saving mode (17 days normal, 14 days AoD), the eSIM variant with a 595 mAh battery delivers about 8 days when the LTE modem is active. Both variants support sleep and cycle tracking and can handle calls via built-in microphones and speakers without a paired phone. Prices start at CNY 499 (~$70) and rise to CNY 699 (~$98) for the eSIM version. Vivo has not confirmed global availability, unlike the X300 series announced today.

Chaos Engineering at Home: Using Linux Outages to Harden Network Recovery

October 14, 2025, 1:07 AM EDT. In a home lab, the author uses controlled outages to surface hidden dependencies and harden recovery. By leveraging Linux tools like tc, namespaces, iptables/nftables, and mock services, they automate setup and teardown, plan scope, and log comprehensively. The goal is to test recovery procedures, alerting, and overall resilience while keeping tests isolated from production and tuning retries with jitter. The exercise reveals a cascade of failures, notably a DNS server becoming a single point of failure that disrupts containers, underscoring where dependencies matter most. While chaotic experiments carry risks and require tight controls, the experience improves response time, documentation, and the design of smarter recovery steps and monitoring.

Vertiv and NVIDIA Advance 800 VDC Platform Designs to Power AI Factories

October 14, 2025, 1:06 AM EDT. Vertiv and NVIDIA are advancing the 800 VDC power platform to support next-generation AI factories. The collaboration is maturing from concept to engineering readiness, with the 800 VDC portfolio slated to release in H2 2026 to back NVIDIA Rubin Ultra deployments planned for 2027. The initiative addresses megawatt-scale rack demands by moving beyond traditional 54 VDC, integrating energy storage, centralized rectifiers, high-efficiency DC busways, and rack-level DC-DC converters. Vertiv's platform designs aim to enable large-scale, synchronous AI and HPC workloads, leveraging Vertiv's cross-domain AC/DC expertise and its global service model. The effort signals a scalable, efficient power foundation essential for the AI factory era.

Broadcom-OpenAI deal signals shift to custom AI chips; investors wary of 'blindly buying Nvidia'

October 14, 2025, 1:05 AM EDT. Broadcom's deal with OpenAI signals a shift from general AI accelerators to custom chips, as leaders seek to lock in supply for years ahead. Some worry about a circular risk where AI giants fund each other, but the broader trend suggests a sustained growth runway beyond Nvidia. There's a real capacity buildout needed-unlike the dot-com era, hardware is still catching up to demand, so investors shouldn't expect an overnight surge. A takeaway is to diversify beyond Nvidia and consider energy and infrastructure plays like IRen that power data centers. The AI chip ecosystem-spanning custom silicon and manufacturing supply-will shape the landscape over the next several years.

Apple TV Plus rebrands as Apple TV with a vibrant new identity

October 14, 2025, 1:04 AM EDT. Apple is rebranding its streaming service Apple TV Plus to simply Apple TV, describing the move as a vibrant new identity. The change appeared briefly in a press release tied to the December 12 streaming debut of F1 The Movie. As of now, branding on Apple's site remains unchanged, and the overlap with the existing Apple TV app and Apple TV hardware could cause confusion. Apple has not disclosed details on a new logo or how the brand will be distinguished from other Apple TV products. Our checks with Apple confirmed no further updates were available at press time.

How Thomson Reuters Became A Gen AI Powerhouse

October 14, 2025, 1:03 AM EDT. Thomson Reuters is redefining enterprise AI by weaving trusted data, editorial excellence, and scalable AI platforms into a Gen AI-powered workflow suite. The article explains how the company layers AI models with vast content libraries, leverages data governance and privacy standards, and builds copilot-like tools for researchers, analysts, and professionals. By combining search intelligence, risk/compliance capabilities, and industry-specific workflows, Thomson Reuters turns advanced math into practical productivity. The strategy focuses on licensing AI-ready data, investing in in-house AI teams, and partnering with tech leaders to accelerate AI adoption while maintaining brand integrity and trust.

Firefly Unveils Nocturnal Creature Limited Edition With BaaS Pricing and 666-Unit Cap

October 14, 2025, 1:01 AM EDT. Firefly, Nio's sub-brand, launches the Nocturnal Creature limited edition of its debut EV, priced from 96,800 yuan under Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) and capped at 666 units. Full purchase starts at 136,800 yuan, with a few units immediately available. The edition wears a Dark Night Black exterior, white rally decals, Daylight White wheels, and a G-Force handling package with red high-rigidity springs and dampers. An NFC key card lights up when unlocking; four interior colors are offered. Dimensions: 4,003 x 1,781 x 1,557 mm with a 2,615 mm wheelbase; power is a 105 kW single-motor in Standard and Long Range variants. Europe deliveries began in Norway and the Netherlands; a prior 333-unit edition sold out in 30 hours. Firefly aims for ~6,700 monthly sales and 100,000 customers by 2026.

Deloitte and Oracle Announce Integration to Deploy Agentic AI with Zora AI in Fusion Cloud

October 14, 2025, 1:00 AM EDT. Deloitte and Oracle announced an integration to deploy agentic AI across organizations, blending Zora AI's ready-to-deploy deep reasoning agents with Oracle's embedded AI in Fusion Cloud. The partnership aims to create multi-agent teams that automate complex business processes, eliminate data siloes, and boost productivity. For example, finance-focused Zora AI agents can interact with Oracle Fusion Cloud Supply Chain and Manufacturing agents to predict disruptions, recommend alternatives, and optimize operations. Executives said running Zora AI on Oracle's cloud unlocks end-to-end efficiencies and real value. Deloitte noted its internal use reduced costs and increased productivity, signaling an autonomous enterprise era where agents and employees reinvent business processes and unlock new value.

China Launches Shiyan 31 on Long March-2D to Test Optical Imaging Technologies

October 14, 2025, 12:59 AM EDT. China launched the Long March-2D carrier rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center to place the Shiyan 31 test satellite into orbit, according to CASC. The mission, designed to demonstrate new optical imaging technologies, saw the rocket and satellite developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology. Standing 40.6 meters tall with a 3.35-meter diameter and a liftoff mass of 251 metric tons, the Long March-2D is typically used for low-Earth orbit and sun-synchronous orbit missions. Shiyan 31 aims to advance imaging capabilities, while the launch marked CASC's 599th Long March launch and China's 62nd spaceflight of 2025.

The Gen AI Playbook for Organizations: Turning AI Into Strategic Advantage

October 14, 2025, 12:58 AM EDT. Business leaders often ask when Gen AI will reach human-level intelligence or deliver flawless value. The article reframes the question: instead of chasing perfection, focus on how to use generative AI effectively today to drive real business impact. It argues leaders should move from predicting AI's trajectory to shaping their organization's strategy and pursuing a competitiveadvantage through practical deployment, governance, and transformation, regardless of AI's current limitations or rate of improvement. The playbook emphasizes aligning AI initiatives with business goals, learning how rivals are acting, and accelerating decision-making, execution, and value capture across functions.

OpenAI to take stake in AMD as 6GW of Instinct GPUs power scalable AI compute

October 14, 2025, 12:57 AM EDT. OpenAI and AMD have struck a deal that could give Sam Altman's company a 10% stake in the chipmaker, with up to 160 millionAMD shares issued on vesting milestones. OpenAI will deploy up to 6 gigawatts of Instinct GPUs over several years, starting with 1 GW in 2026. The arrangement could ease supply constraints and reduce reliance on a single vendor, while positioning AMD as a core AI partner. CEO Lisa Su said AI demand is on a 10-year growth path. Nvidia's stock fell on the news as the market reflects the shift in compute partnerships.

AI Identifies Stroke Types from Clinical Notes Using GPT-4o, Study Shows

October 14, 2025, 12:55 AM EDT. UT Southwestern researchers used GPT-4o to identify stroke type using only unstructured text from doctors' notes and radiology reports. In a study published in Stroke, the model analyzed EHRs for 4,123 patients (2019-2023) and tested three prompting approaches. The findings suggest LLMs can match human chart abstractors in extracting diagnoses and could cut the heavy labor required to populate registries like the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke program. If validated, this approach may guide real-time clinical decisions and reduce reporting workload across hospitals.

Nano Banana Expands to Google Search, NotebookLM, and Photos with Gemini 2.5 Flash

October 14, 2025, 12:54 AM EDT. Google's Nano Banana, built on Gemini 2.5 Flash, is rolling out to Google Search, NotebookLM, and soon Photos. Since its debut, the model has helped generate more than 5 billion images. On Search, you can open Lens, snap or pick a photo, and instantly transform it with AI using the new Create mode. In NotebookLM, Nano Banana enhances Video Overviews with 6 new styles (including watercolor and anime), adds contextual illustrations from your sources, and introduces a new Brief format for quick insights. Google says more details are coming for Photos in the weeks ahead, broadening access to these advanced visual tools across its products.

IonQ Advances Quantum Chemistry Simulations, Driving Decarbonization Prospects and Market Momentum

October 14, 2025, 12:52 AM EDT. IonQ is rallying after announcing a significant advancement in quantum chemistry simulations, demonstrated in collaboration with a major automotive manufacturer. The demo showed greater accuracy than classical methods in calculating nuclear forces at critical points, with potential applications spanning pharmaceuticals, batteries, and chemical industries. CEO Niccolo de Masi framed the results as a practical capability that can be integrated into molecular dynamics workflows to accelerate decarbonization technologies. As the most commercially advanced pure-play quantum computing company, IonQ has reported about $52 million in revenue over the past year, underscoring its market leadership amid the broader rally in speculative tech stocks following tariff concerns. Investors are betting on the long-term potential of quantum-enabled chemical simulations.

Apple TV+ Rebrands to Apple TV, Unifying Streaming Service with Hardware Identity

October 14, 2025, 12:51 AM EDT. Apple has quietly rebranded its streaming service from Apple TV+ to Apple TV, aligning the service name with its connected TV device and app. The change, announced in a press release alongside the debut of F1: The Movie, marks the first name change for the platform since its 2019 launch. Representatives did not immediately comment. The move brings Apple TV and its streaming library, including award-winning originals like Ted Lasso, Severance, and Coda into a single brand with the company's hardware ecosystem. Competitors such as HBO Max and Paramount+ have experimented with name changes, but Apple's rebrand emphasizes a vibrant new identity across devices and services.

Apple TV+ Rebrands to Apple TV Amid Price Hike and New Identity

October 14, 2025, 12:50 AM EDT. Apple quietly dropped the '+' in its streaming brand, rebranding Apple TV+ to simply Apple TV, per a press release about F1: The Movie. Although the new identity is announced, the old branding still appears on the platform as of press time. The change follows a 30% price increase, from $9.99 to $12.99 per month, with Apple noting its deep library and absence of a lower-cost ad-supported tier as justification. F1: The Movie will join the catalog on Dec. 12. Apple did not immediately comment. The move highlights a branding simplification for Apple's streaming strategy amid ongoing pricing shifts.

Lucid Uses Elon Musk's AI to Claim the Best Luxury EV vs. Tesla

October 14, 2025, 12:49 AM EDT. Lucid Motors (LCID) trolled Tesla by asking Elon Musk's AI, Grok, to decide which brand truly has the best luxury EV. The AI consensus leans to the 2025 Lucid Air, praised for efficiency and a serene, high-end cabin. Lucid highlights the Air Pure's EPA estimate of about 5 miles per kilowatt-hour and features like a 34-inch Glass Cockpit, while Tesla emphasizes its displays. The jab comes as Lucid expands with the Gravity SUV and rolls out in Europe and Canada, rekindling rivalry with the Model S/Y. As Lucid gains momentum, readers are invited to weigh in: is the Lucid Air the ultimate luxury EV?

Best Tablet Deal: Save 20% on the Apple iPad 11-inch (11th Gen) at Amazon

October 14, 2025, 12:47 AM EDT. Mashable's pick for cozy streaming is the Apple iPad 11-inch (11th Generation) with 128GB and Wi-Fi. The current Amazon deal cuts $70 off the price to $279, a 20% discount from the list price of $349. This 11-inch iPad balances portability with capable performance for browsing, video, and light productivity. Note that deal pricing and availability can change after publication, and Mashable may earn an affiliate commission from links. If you're shopping for fall streaming or travel, this sale makes the iPad a strong value within the Apple ecosystem.

Afghanistan social media ban sparks 35,000% VPN usage surge

October 14, 2025, 12:46 AM EDT. Afghanistan's government restrictions on Facebook, Instagram and X, amid a near-total internet shutdown, have driven a dramatic rise in VPN use. Proton VPN says its Observatory logged a roughly 35,000% increase in VPN activity between October 6-7, 2025, though the shutdown underscored that VPNs cannot bypass an unplugged network. NetBlocks and BBC report the platforms were restricted across providers, with other services like Snapchat affected as authorities intensified online controls. Proton VPN notes that once the internet is completely cut, tunneling out is not possible, highlighting ongoing clashes between censorship and privacy and freedom of speech. Experts emphasize VPNs as a tool against censorship but warn against overreliance during outages.

Thousands of Tesla Owners Join Australia Class Action Over False 'Full Self-Driving' Claims

October 14, 2025, 12:43 AM EDT. Thousands of Tesla owners in Australia have joined a class action accusing the automaker of misrepresenting its Full Self-Driving (FSD) and other ADAS features. The suit follows years of legal pressure on Tesla for crashes and misleading safety claims, amid Musk's admission that the Hardware 3 (HW3) computer wouldn't support unsupervised driving. Tesla previously claimed new vehicles would have "all the hardware for full self-driving," with updates promised but delayed for HW3 owners. The Australian action adds to US settlements and China suits, arguing that owners paid for capabilities that were not delivered. The case seeks financial compensation for consumers who expected FSD and related features. Lawyers say the litigation highlights broader regulatory scrutiny around Tesla's safety representations and feature claims.

Prime Big Deal Days: Insignia 75-Inch QLED Drops to $399.99

October 14, 2025, 12:41 AM EDT. During Prime Big Deal Days, Amazon is offering some of the year's best TV discounts, with 4K and QLED sets across all sizes. The standout is the Insignia 75-inch QLED now priced at $399.99, part of prices that outpace the July sale. The sale spans budget and mid-range options, making it easier to upgrade a home theater, set up a gaming room, or replace an aging TV. Deals include 4K panels and larger screens, with markdowns subject to change. If you're shopping for a standout screen on a budget, this Prime Day window is worth browsing to compare panels from Insignia, Hisense, and other brands, as discounts continue to evolve during the event.

Tech Update: Dead Internet Theory, Data Storage, Mirrorless Cameras, and Oshkosh Photographer

October 14, 2025, 12:40 AM EDT. Tech expert Beth D'Angelo returns to break down the dead internet theory, explaining how bots influence what we see online and how to protect your data. She also covers data storage best practices for keeping personal files secure. In Wisconsin, Jay Ratchman from Camera Casino guides us through the latest in mirrorless cameras and lenses, offering a buyer's guide for today's gear. Finally, meet acclaimed photojournalist Jim Koepnick, who shares what it takes to capture compelling images of people and aircraft. A rich mix of tech trends and photography insights from Oshkosh.

Samsung's AR Glasses Could Arrive Early Next Year as Google Doubles Down

October 14, 2025, 12:39 AM EDT. Smart glasses race heats up as Samsung reportedly aims to release its Google-powered AR glasses, potentially as soon as early next year, with rumors of 'Project Haean'. Meta and Apple are accelerating, while Google and Samsung hint at a broader XR strategy beyond headsets to glasses. At I/O, Google stressed a deeper Android XR partnership with Samsung, creating software and a reference hardware platform to power a new ecosystem. If real, Samsung could offer tighter integration with mobile devices, giving the smart glasses a practical edge over rivals like Meta's Ray-Ban displays. In short: new hardware is coming, and Samsung is stacking the deck in favor of truly useful AR glasses.

Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) unveils four new Farsight faces, including Mathilde Loubes collaboration

October 14, 2025, 12:38 AM EDT. Google's Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) adds four new Farsight faces for a more personalized look. The standout is a collaboration with artist Mathilde Loubes, turning the borderless display into a piece of art. The seasonal face features 12 animated illustrations of flowers and fruits that update monthly. Also included are a classic Nest face, a minimalist option for understated style, and a new temperature controller face for quick, at-a-glance adjustments. These four join existing Farsight options, including digital and analog clocks and the current weather display. To try them, open your thermostat's settings and pick a face that fits your home's vibe.

Google Search updates: unified 'Sponsored results' label and new 'Hide sponsored results' control to improve navigation

October 14, 2025, 12:37 AM EDT. Google Search is updating how ads appear to help users navigate more easily. Text ads on the results page will be grouped under a single Sponsored results label that stays visible as you scroll, making it clear which results are paid. A new Hide sponsored results control lets you collapse text ads to focus on organic results. In testing, the redesign helped users navigate the top of the page without changing ad size, and you'll never see more than four text ads in a group. The Sponsored label also applies to other ad units like Shopping ads, and the update is rolling out globally on desktop and mobile.

Tesla's China sales: September retail hits 71,525 as YoY decline narrows

October 14, 2025, 12:36 AM EDT. Tesla sold 71,525 vehicles in China in September, the second-highest monthly total this year, with a YoY decline narrowed to 0.93%. This marks Tesla's seventh straight YoY decline in China. CPCA data show March was the only other month with YoY growth, as Shanghai exports rose 19.64% YoY to 19,287 units. Including exports, China wholesale sales reached 90,812, up 2.82% YoY and 9.16% from August. Model Y wholesale rose 17.12% YoY; Model 3 wholesale fell 16.85% YoY but rose 27.16% MoM. In Q3, retail sales in China totaled 169,294, down 6.92% YoY, with a 34.06% share of Tesla's global sales from China. Tesla's China NEV and BEV shares stood at NEV 5.52% and BEV 8.66% in September.

I Stayed Loyal to Google Home for Years – and Now I Regret It

October 14, 2025, 12:35 AM EDT. After years of patience, the author expresses regret over investing in Google's smart-home ecosystem. The piece argues that a smart-home isn't a single gadget but a coordinated ecosystem, and Google's Home line has underdelivered, with Gemini later promised but not landing for Home speakers in his region. In India, where Google stopped selling its smart speakers years ago, rivalry with Amazon Alexa remains strong, and Gemini for Home isn't planned to roll out until at least 2026. The author notes Google admitted Assistant failures and redirected resources to Gemini, but the delay saps trust. His personal experience with a Google Home Mini hints at the mismatch between promise and availability. The piece ends by asking readers if they'll still wait for Google's revival, highlighting the broader ecosystem challenge.

Pixel 9 on Amazon: $254 off, 128GB unlocked Obsidian deal

October 14, 2025, 12:32 AM EDT. Amazon slashes the price on the base Pixel 9 (128GB) to $544.98 for the Obsidian color, and $599 from Google, with a regular price of $799. This marks in excess of $254 in savings and one of the lowest prices tracked for the unlocked Pixel 9. While the higher-end Pixel 10 models have seen better deals at times, the base Pixel 9 remains a rare bargain under $550 on Amazon. All four colors show discounts, but only the Obsidian variant is notably lower. The Pixel 9 features include a 50 MP main camera and AI-powered features like Add Me and Magic Editor; it's an unlocked device compatible with major carriers.

Pixel 10 app crashes surge after October update; Google silent on bug

October 14, 2025, 12:30 AM EDT. New Pixel 10 bug causes apps to freeze, crash, or fail to start across the Pixel 10 family. Reddit threads show dozens of users reporting runtime outages shortly after Google's October security update, with some claiming symptoms began as early as September. Google has not publicly acknowledged the issue, and developers are uncertain of a fix. Workarounds reported by users include rolling back Google Play services and Google Play Store updates, though this signs you out and can cause other apps to malfunction, and the relief is short-lived. While not clearly widespread yet, the bug adds to a rocky first weeks for Pixel 10 software.

Nvidia's grid-to-chip MGX: Vera Rubin and Spectrum-XGS push toward AI giga-factories

October 14, 2025, 12:29 AM EDT. Nvidia's MGX approach is a grid-to-chip strategy that combines Vera CPUs and Rubin CPX GPUs in a single, open MGX rack footprint. The system supports numerous configurations and fast interoperability, enabling rapid mix-and-match of CPUs, GPUs, and storage. Nvidia claims Vera Rubin MGX can deliver almost eight times the performance of the GB 300 for certain workloads, with a liquid-cooled, cable-free design that speeds assembly and serviceability. The modular, tray-based architecture simplifies manufacturing for operators managing thousands of racks, boosting operational efficiency. Cooling to the midplane is cited as a clean, efficient approach. Analysts highlighted the modularity as a driver of faster deployment and cost savings. The broader vision, including Spectrum-XGS, points toward AI giga-factories built on modular building blocks.

Microsoft Breaks Windows Media Creation Tool Ahead of Windows 10 End-of-Life

October 14, 2025, 12:28 AM EDT. Microsoft has inadvertently broken the Windows Media Creation Tool a day before the Windows 10 end-of-life. The company confirms in its official docs that the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool version 26100.6584 (Sept 29, 2025) may close unexpectedly on Windows 10 devices, sometimes with no error message. As a workaround, users can download bootable Windows 11 installation media directly from Microsoft's site and select 'Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for x64 devices' or grab the Arm64 build. Microsoft says a fix is in development and will be released in a future update to the Windows 11 MCT, with the knowledge base updated accordingly. Reminder: Windows 10 reaches end-of-life on Oct 14, after which security updates cease unless extended support or a switch to Windows 11 occurs.

Tim Cook's Exit Triggers Apple Succession Drama: Who Will Lead the Next Era?

October 14, 2025, 12:27 AM EDT. Tim Cook's looming departure marks a turning point for Apple, the world's first three-trillion-dollar company. Under his watch, Apple rose from $347B to approximately $3.77T, launched category-defining products like the Apple Watch and AirPods, and grew a nearly $100B/year Services empire. Yet the charm of the "one more thing" has faded as rivals race ahead on AI. With Cook expected to step aside, a power struggle to choose Apple's next leader has begun. Inside contenders remain largely insiders, led by John Ternus, the hardware chief who steered the shift to Apple's M-series silicon, and Craig Federighi, the energetic software maestro. The central question: who inherits the throne and keeps Apple innovative amid an AI-powered future.

OpenAI and Broadcom seal 10GW AI chip deal as power demands surge

October 14, 2025, 12:25 AM EDT. OpenAI is partnering with Broadcom to design and deploy roughly 10 gigawatts of custom AI chips and systems, a scale that could power a large city and underscores how power-hungry the AI boom has become. The alliance follows earlier deals with Nvidia and AMD as OpenAI expands its compute capacity for a growing user base-ChatGPT now reaching about 800 million weekly users, with rival Sora 2 generating headlines for rapid growth. Deployment is slated for the second half of 2026. The project would consume roughly the energy of 8 million U.S. households, prompting concerns over data center energy use and the broader share of electricity going to tech infrastructure. Broadcom's stock rose, and OpenAI could embed hardware learnings to accelerate future models and services.

Vodafone suffers major UK network outage affecting broadband, 4G and 5G

October 14, 2025, 12:24 AM EDT. Vodafone has reported a major outage affecting its UK network, with customers unable to access broadband, 4G and 5G services after around 3pm BST. The disruption spanned the country, and even Vodafone's official networkstatus pages were reportedly offline amid the surge in traffic. A spokesperson apologized and said the company is working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. Some customers saw problems on other providers' networks, as users checked DownDetector for reports. Vodafone has not yet offered a firm timeline for restoration, but engineers are investigating the fault and coordinating with suppliers. The outage highlights how dependent modern homes and businesses are on mobile and fixed connectivity, and how swiftly such disruptions spread online.

How a Developer Replaced His Kanban Board with Google Gemini

October 14, 2025, 12:23 AM EDT. An independent developer tests Google Gemini to replace a traditional Kanban board. The piece explains how Gemini can automatically triage tasks, generate cards, and update statuses, enabling a more fluid, AI-powered workflow. It covers setup steps, data migration, and integration with existing tools, plus tradeoffs like learning curve and data governance. Benefits highlighted include faster triage, fewer context switches, real-time visibility, and reduced manual overhead. The article also offers practical tips for teams eyeing an AI-assisted board and cautions against overreliance on automation. In short, Google Gemini can act as a new kind of workflow assistant that reshapes how developers plan, track, and deliver work, with Kanban as a starting point rather than a fixed container.

EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra X Powers Homes for Weeks with Up to 36kW and 180kWh Capacity

October 14, 2025, 12:22 AM EDT. EcoFlow's Delta Pro Ultra X is billed as the most powerful home energy backup. The system offers 12kW of continuous output and can scale to 36kW with three inverters in parallel, and battery capacity from 12kWh to 180kWh. That means a typical home could run for about six days, or weeks for critical loads, during outages. It works with EcoFlow's third-generation Smart Home Panel (200 A; up to 32 circuits) and supports Time-of-Use charging, as well as solar, gas generators, and EV chargers. It's modular and portable, with installation in under seven days via EcoFlow-certified electricians; bundles start at $7,999 (inverter + two batteries), rising to $10,899 with Smart Home Panel 3. 425 installer partners nationwide.

Building the 800 VDC Ecosystem: Efficient, Scalable AI Factories

October 14, 2025, 12:21 AM EDT. Traditional data centers are evolving into AI factories where power infrastructure determines location, scale, and feasibility. The proposed blueprint combines an 800 VDC power distribution system with integrated, multi-timescale energy storage to meet rising, volatile AI workloads. As GPUs cluster with high-bandwidth interconnects (e.g., NVIDIA NVLink), the move from copper cabling becomes essential to avoid overwhelming current and copper volume. The jump from NVIDIA Hopper to Blackwell demonstrates how a 75% rise in GPU power, a 72-GPU NVLink domain, and a 50x performance gain push rack power density from tens of kW to well over 100 kW, with megawatt-per-rack on the horizon. Traditional 54 VDC is impractical due to losses and copper needs. AI workloads introduce a new volatility profile: synchronous cycles across thousands of GPUs create facility-wide load swings, demanding a fresh architectural approach.

Satellite Odyssey: Jupiter – Official Teaser Trailer | Sci-Fi Survival Horror

October 14, 2025, 12:20 AM EDT. Watch the official teaser for Satellite Odyssey: Jupiter, a sci-fi survival horror set on Europa. In a dystopian, Soviet-inspired city ruled by an AI named Proton, you play May, a young woman declared wanted who must fight to survive among clones and arthropod mutants. The teaser hints at claustrophobic environments, paranoid factions, and a tense, atmospheric tale of resistance under AI control. Coming to PC in 2026, Satellite Odyssey: Jupiter promises a chilling blend of exploration, stealth, and survival mechanics in a world where humanity is pushed to the edge.

Vodafone network outage disrupts broadband, 4G and 5G for thousands of UK users

October 14, 2025, 12:19 AM EDT. Thousands of Vodafone customers faced outages across broadband, 4G and 5G services as DownDetector logged tens of thousands of issues. Vodafone said a major issue on its network was affecting multiple services and apologized for the disruption. The outage also hit the Vodafone app and website, with users unable to access tools like the network status checker and customer helplines. Analysts note the outage underscores reliance on digital infrastructure. While some speculated about a cyber incident, current evidence points to an internal network failure rather than a confirmed attack, according to cybersecurity advisor Jake Moore. Vodafone serves about 18 million UK customers, including around 700,000 on home broadband. The company is working to restore service as quickly as possible.

Rocket Lab (RKLB) Gets Street-High Price Target Amid SpaceX Similarities

October 14, 2025, 12:17 AM EDT. Analysts at Morgan Stanley issued one of the highest price targets on Wall Street for Rocket Lab (RKLB), citing robust demand for space services and a limited pool of competing tech players. Five-star analyst Kristine Liwag argues the stock's sharp rally is justified by growth in Rocket Lab's space systems division and plans to build a satellite network, echoing a SpaceX-like path toward more launches, higher capacity, and a future constellation akin to Starlink. Morgan Stanley's target of $68 implies a breather after a 168% rise this year, even as valuation remains elevated vs. peers. Across the street, analysts show a Strong Buy stance with an average target near $53, signaling potential upside while noting space sector risk.

NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang hails return of Avinatan Or: 'Deeply moved'

October 14, 2025, 12:16 AM EDT.NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang expressed relief after the release of Avinatan Or, one of the company's employees kidnapped at the Nova festival. In a letter to staff, Huang praised his mother's courage and highlighted Israeli employees' solidarity, calling their unity the best of who we are and thanking the broader team for support.

Apple's F1 The Movie drops on Apple TV on December 12 as Apple TV+ rebrands to Apple TV

October 14, 2025, 12:14 AM EDT. Brad Pitt's F1 The Movie, after a summer box-office surge, heads to streaming on Apple TV. Apple has rebranded Apple TV+ to Apple TV, with the film arriving globally on Friday, December 12. The streaming release follows a multi-platform rollout that included IMAX re-releases, digital rental, and Blu-ray/DVD. Since its June debut, "F1 The Movie" has grossed over $629 million worldwide, becoming the top-grossing sports film and a record-setter for a U.S. original feature. It also holds an A CinemaScore and a 97% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Apple hints at more F1 news, potentially a streaming rights deal for the real sport as soon as next weekend.

Quest 3 Windows 11 Remote Desktop Adds Aspect Ratio Controls and Ultrawide Mode

October 14, 2025, 12:13 AM EDT. Meta and Microsoft have expanded the Quest 3's Horizon OSWindows 11 Remote Desktop as an experimental feature, adding aspect ratio options and an Ultrawide mode for virtual monitors. The integration lets Quest 3/Quest 3S mirror a Windows 11 PC with up to three windows inside VR, each configurable as Compact (16:9), Portrait (3:4), or Wide (21:9), plus a single-monitor Ultrawide view with Focus Mode. Unlike Apple Vision Pro's Mac Virtual Display, there's no automatic wireless link; you typically connect over wireless and may still need a cable for some setups. The feature continues the cross-platform XR collaboration between Meta and Microsoft, echoing prior Vision Pro inspiration while extending Horizon OS's virtual desktop capabilities.

Apple TV+ rebrands to Apple TV with a vibrant new identity

October 14, 2025, 12:12 AM EDT. Apple has announced that Apple TV+ is being renamed to Apple TV, with a 'vibrant new identity.' The change arrives alongside the streaming release date for F1 The Movie, revealed in the same press release. At present, Apple hasn't shared details about what the new branding entails, and the website and apps still refer to the service as Apple TV+. It remains unclear what, if any, changes will appear in branding across hardware, the Apple TV app, or partner platforms. Industry observers wonder whether the rename will reduce or increase confusion given the long-running naming differences with other Apple TV products. Readers are invited to weigh in with their thoughts.

Apple TV+ Rebranded as Apple TV: What Changes and What Stays the Same

October 14, 2025, 12:11 AM EDT. Apple is rebranding its streaming service from Apple TV+ to Apple TV, a change noted in a press release tied to the debut of F1: The Movie. The update has not yet appeared on Apple's site. The service remains $12.99 per month with a seven-day free trial, and new device owners can get three months free. The Apple TV brand will also cover the hardware and the Apple TV app that hosts Apple TV+ content across 100+ countries on 1B+ screens. The rationale for the rename is unclear and could create confusion between the Apple TV hardware/app and the renamed service.

Vodafone outage live updates: nationwide network crash hits 4G, 5G and broadband

October 14, 2025, 12:10 AM EDT. Update: A major Vodafone outage is affecting broadband, 4G and 5G across the UK, with Down Detector showing a surge in reports. Vodafone has issued a brief statement acknowledging a 'major issue' and is working to resolve it, while the carrier remains largely silent on social media. The disruption also hits MVNOs like Lebara and Talkmobile, which piggyback on Vodafone's network. Three users appear less affected, despite Vodafone's merger with Three. The outage leaves many customers seeking alternatives and following ongoing updates from outlets such as Tom's Guide/TechRadar. Vodafone says it's working to restore service as quickly as possible. Expect continued updates as the company provides more information.

Apple TV+ Rebrands as Apple TV Ahead of F1 Premiere

October 14, 2025, 12:08 AM EDT. Apple is rebranding its Apple TV+ service as simply Apple TV, describing a 'vibrant new identity' tucked into a F1 premiere update. The shift blurs the line between the streaming service and the Apple TV hardware, prompting questions about when the new branding will roll out across apps and devices. Apple has already raised the service price to $12.99/month (from $9.99) but still lacks an advertising-supported tier. It's unclear whether the branding change precedes broader product tweaks or a larger retool of the Apple TV ecosystem. Advertisers and analysts have speculated about an ad-supported tier, but Apple has offered only the label shift so far. The move could hint at wider changes to the platform, or simply a refreshed identity around the video-service lineup.

Garmin Instinct Crossover AMOLED Review: A Masterclass in Design and Function

October 14, 2025, 12:07 AM EDT. ZDNET's review of the Garmin Instinct Crossover AMOLED highlights a rugged smartwatch that blends analog hands with a vivid dynamic AMOLED display. Key positives include a two-week battery life, integrated LED flashlight with four brightness levels, and a durable build for outdoor adventures. The device comes in Charcoal, Black, and Bronze/Sunburst, with no touchscreen and no full maps, and sits at $649. The display interacts with the analog hands to keep watch-face readability, while optional features like Super LumiNova coating and Red shift improve visibility in low light. The hands also serve as a compass indicator, with the minute hand lighting up in red to point North and can be highlighted with a customizable color. The reviewer notes it's ideal for analog enthusiasts, though the Instinct 3 AMOLED offers a similar software experience at a lower price.

UK Says Russia Targets Its Satellites Weekly – What Can Be Done to Protect Space Assets?

October 14, 2025, 12:06 AM EDT. Britain's space and military leaders warning that Russia targets UK satellites on a weekly basis, employing tactics like shadowing, jamming, and cyber intrusions. The head of UK Space Command, Maj Gen Paul Tedman, says adversaries have payloads that can spy on or disrupt our orbital assets, and that ground, air, and sea transmissions can interfere with signals. Other weapons-lasers to blind sensors and, more threating, direct-ascent ASAT missiles-risk orbiting debris that threatens many satellites. The 2022 Viasat attack shows how cyber operations can disrupt services without direct data theft. Researchers warn open-source software vulnerabilities could let attackers seize control of satellites. Defense options include hardened satellites, resilient link protocols, improved ground stations, and international norms to deter ASAT use and reduce escalation.

Why a DJI Ban Won't Stop DJI Drones: Look-Alike Brands and the Global Supply Chain

October 14, 2025, 12:05 AM EDT. A potential December DJI ban under Section 232 would target DJI-branded products and new FCC certifications, but it wouldn't extinguish the technology. DJI tech is deeply embedded in the global drone supply chain, so look-alike brands would likely keep products on U.S. shelves. The video explains how shell companies and brands like SkyRover, Skyany, Cogito, Jovistar, and Fikaxo could enable continued access, even with a corporate ban. Regulators may target the company rather than the technology, driving rebranding rather than extinction. Expect ongoing regulatory jockeying, renewed competition, and continued drone innovation as the ecosystem adapts to new constraints.

Wacom MovinkPad Pro 14: Stand-Alone Portable Creative Pad with Android 15 and 14-Inch OLED

October 14, 2025, 12:04 AM EDT. Wacom expands its Movink line with the MovinkPad Pro 14, a 14-inch stand-alone display tablet that can also connect to a PC or Mac. Its OLED panel delivers 2880 x 1800 resolution at up to 120Hz, paired with Android 15, Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, 12GB RAM, and 256GB storage. Crafters benefit from 100% coverage of DCI-P3 and sRGB, up to 900 nits HDR brightness, and the Premium Textured Glass surface with anti-glare and anti-fingerprint treatments. The device ships with the Wacom Pro Pen 3 and introduces Wacom Lab, a beta app for PC/Mac connectivity, plus bundled apps like Clip Studio Paint license and Wacom Canvas. Quick draw mode and portable workflow support 3D, animation, and traditional illustration on the go.

California governor signs law to protect kids from AI chatbots

October 14, 2025, 12:03 AM EDT. California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill to regulate AI chatbots used by children and teens, requiring platforms to disclose when users are interacting with a bot. The alert must appear every three hours for minors. The law also mandates safety protocols to prevent harmful content, including referrals to crisis services for users expressing suicidal ideation. Newsom framed the measure as a needed guardrail for a technology increasingly used for homework help and emotional support. The move comes as states press on with tech policy to curb risks posed by unregulated AI, amid lawsuits over sexualized chatbot interactions and lobbying by tech coalitions. Agencies such as the FTC are examining risks to youth, while California expands its regulatory push on the AI industry.