AI Is Making Housing More Expensive: Higher Rents and Data-Center Costs
October 22, 2025, 2:28 AM EDT. Artificial intelligence is reshaping the housing market by influencing listings, pricing, and search dynamics. Critics warn that AI-driven demand and data centers expansion are pushing up costs and making homeownership harder to reach. In San Francisco, a surge in AI activity has correlated with a 6% rent uptick, with rents near NYC's, underscoring how technology-driven demand tightens housing supply. Analysts warn that data centers and related infrastructure may siphon capital, power, and water away from homes, potentially lifting bills across neighborhoods. The trend also raises concerns about AI-generated listing images and staging, which some call deceptive, even as others say AI can still streamline searches and provide insights that shorten the buying process. The net effect depends on policy, pricing, and implementation.
iPhone 17 review: base-model iPhone gains 120Hz Pro Motion and bigger storage at the same price
October 22, 2025, 2:26 AM EDT. Apple's iPhone 17 finally brings a 120Hz Pro Motion display and the always-on display to the base model, while keeping the price and adding storage. The 6.3-inch screen fits a tougher glass, with the new A19 chip delivering brisk performance alongside solid battery life (about 44 hours of mixed use). Storage starts at 256GB (up to 512GB) and runs iOS 26 with a refined interface. Connectivity includes 5G, Wi-Fi 7, USB-C, and more; camera setup is a 48MP main + 48MP ultrawide, front 18MP. Overall, strong value for buyers who want flagship feel without Pro pricing.
Google sheds $150B after OpenAI's Atlas unveil, signaling AI-driven browser disruption
October 22, 2025, 2:16 AM EDT. OpenAI unveiled Atlas, an AI-powered web browser, triggering a dramatic drop in Alphabet's market value-about $150 billion at one point. The six-second teaser on X showed browser tabs before a livestream where Sam Altman called Atlas a 'rare once-a-decade' rethink of the browser. Alphabet shares slid as much as 4.8% intraday, then closed down ~2.4%. Atlas embeds ChatGPT into every page and introduces an agent mode that can control your cursor and keyboard to complete tasks. Built on the Chromium base, Atlas aims to challenge Google Chrome while Google doubles down with Gemini AI across Chrome. With AI competition intensifying, investors will monitor how search advertising and dominance may be affected.
Over 800 Signatories, Including Wozniak and Branson, Call for Pause on AI Superintelligence
October 22, 2025, 2:14 AM EDT. More than 800 signatories, from Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak to Virgin's Richard Branson and Meghan Markle, are urging a pause on developing superintelligence until it can be done safely and controllably. The coalition spans AI pioneers like Yoshua Bengio and Geoff Hinton, safety researchers such as Stuart Russell, academics, media figures, religious leaders, and former politicians. The statement warns that unchecked superintelligence could threaten economic stability, civil liberties, dignity, and national security, potentially even human extinction. It calls for a formal prohibition on progress until there is broad public buy-in and a robust scientific consensus that the approach is safe and controllable. The push comes amid competition among tech giants-from OpenAI to Meta-as some groups urge stronger safety and governance around advanced AI systems.
AI bubble named top market tail risk, yet funds still bet on stocks
October 22, 2025, 2:12 AM EDT. Bank of America's Global Fund Managers Survey shows an AI bubble now named the top market tail risk for the first time. Among 166 managers overseeing about $400 billion, more than half say AI stocks are in a bubble, and a record 60% say global stocks are overvalued. Yet optimism remains: respondents are the most net overweight on equities since January, with emerging markets and European stocks favored and banks the most overweight sector in Europe. Federated Hermes' Lewis Grant calls AI era-defining, warning fundamentals and valuations can't be ignored forever, even as the long-term AI investment case stays compelling. The takeaway: concerns about an AI bubble haven't dampened risk appetite or the willingness to bet on growth.
Satya Nadella nets record $96.5 million pay package as Microsoft's AI bets pay off
October 22, 2025, 2:10 AM EDT. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella earns a record $96.5 million pay package as the company's AI bets pay off. The compensation underscores leadership rewards tied to strategic bets in cloud and AI, reflecting investor confidence as Microsoft expands enterprise solutions and platform capabilities. This milestone illustrates how large tech firms connect executive incentives to performance in fast-moving fields like AI and cloud computing.
iQOO 15 Ultra teased as gaming productivity flagship with SD Gen 5 and QHD+ display
October 22, 2025, 2:08 AM EDT. IQOO is expanding the 15 lineup with a high-end Ultra variant geared toward gaming productivity. After the official iQOO 15 launch in China, the company is quietly developing an iQOO 15 Ultra (name not finalized) that sits above the standard model. Luo Feng, iQOO VP of Products, confirmed its existence, hinting at a device positioned between Pro and Ultra. The Ultra is expected to inherit core specs like a QHD+ display, gaming triggers, an active cooling system, and IP68 dust/water resistance, while adding top-tier performance with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and a periscope telephoto camera. Wireless charging is also anticipated. Exact arrival remains unclear, but it's described as the most powerful iQOO yet, focused on gaming and productivity.
iQOO 15 breaks sales records in China on launch
October 22, 2025, 2:04 AM EDT.iQOO 15 and its Honor of Kings Edition surged to record-breaking sales in China, with the base model selling more units in the first 30 minutes than its predecessor did on day one. The Honor of Kings Edition sold out quickly, with a new batch due on October 24. The device features a 6.85-inch LTPO AMOLED display at 144Hz, a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC, options up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage, and a triple camera system led by a 50 MP main with OIS. It packs a 7,000 mAh battery with 100W wired and 40W wireless charging, and runs Android 16 with OriginOS 6. International launch is planned for November.
Ground-to-Satellite Laser Communications Reach New Heights with Next-Gen Error Correction Codes (NICT, NITech, JAXA)
October 22, 2025, 2:02 AM EDT. Researchers from NICT, NITech, and JAXA demonstrated ground-to-satellite laser communications resilient to atmospheric turbulence by deploying next-generation error correction codes. The study tackles burst data errors caused by turbulence by applying advanced coding schemes, notably 5G NR LDPC and DVB-S2 codes, marking a departure from traditional methods. In a practical test, a 60 Mbps downlink was assessed using a one-meter optical ground station and a satellite equipped with the LUCAS system, highlighting real-world performance gains. Results show substantial improvements in transmission reliability, underscoring the potential for scalable deployment of ground-to-satellite laser links. This collaboration advances robust high-throughput space communications and informs future satellite networks in challenging atmospheric conditions.
Android Canary 2510 Delivers Flashlight and Navigation Button Tweaks
October 22, 2025, 1:54 AM EDT. Android's Canary channel update, version 2510, introduces user-facing changes focused on flashlight utility and navigation button tweaks. The update aims to streamline quick access and improve one-handed usability by adjusting button gestures and behavior. As with Canary builds, users may encounter early-stage changes and occasional quirks while Google continues to refine the experience before wider Android releases. This release underscores Google's ongoing experimentation with core UX shortcuts and efficiency improvements in the Android ecosystem.
Samsung Galaxy XR: Almost all Android apps run in Android XR, Google says
October 22, 2025, 1:52 AM EDT. Google says the Samsung Galaxy XR will run almost every Android app in Android XR without extra development. Apps will appear in a movable floating panel and automatically support XR input methods-eye and hand tracking, controllers, mice, and keyboards-without a compatibility mode. Apps designed for phones or larger screens can resize or reflow in XR, and adaptive designs will be the default going forward (Android 16). GPS-only features might exclude some apps, but otherwise most experiences should feel responsive on XR. Compared with Vision Pro, Galaxy XR's lower price could give developers a larger audience, while preserving familiar app behavior and look on AR/VR hardware.
Steve Bannon, Meghan Markle Among 800 Public Figures Urge AI 'Superintelligence' Ban
October 22, 2025, 1:50 AM EDT. Around 800 public figures, including Steve Bannon and Meghan Markle, signed a letter calling for a ban on AIsuperintelligence and urging policymakers to address safety and governance concerns. The appeal frames superintelligence as a risk that could exceed human control, highlighting the current policy debate over how to regulate advanced AI tech. Proponents call for international standards and stronger oversight to curb potential dangers while still enabling responsible innovation.
SpaceX targets record Falcon 9 flight with 133rd 2025 launch from Vandenberg
October 22, 2025, 1:48 AM EDT. SpaceX is set to break its launch record today (Oct. 22) with a Falcon 9 mission carrying 28 Starlink satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base at 10:16 a.m. EDT. If all goes to plan, it will be the 133rdFalcon 9 flight of 2025, surpassing last year's mark. The company will livestream the ascent on its website and X, starting five minutes before liftoff. Booster 1075 is expected to return to the Pacific on the drone ship Of Course I Still Love You about 8.5 minutes after liftoff, while the upper stage deploys the satellites roughly an hour later. The milestone continues a year of SpaceX records, including Starlink achievements.
Elon Musk attacks NASA chief as Artemis race tightens over Moon landers
October 22, 2025, 1:44 AM EDT. Elon Musk openly attacked NASA administrator Sean Duffy on X, calling him unable to hold the top job with a 2-digit IQ after NASA said it would consider moon landers not built by SpaceX. NASA is seeking competition for the Artemis program, planning a lunar landing within Trump's second term and aiming to beat China. Duffy argued the agency won't rely on one company and will push forward with rivals. SpaceX has a $2.9 billion Artemis III contract but Starship has faced delays and explosions this year. Musk defended SpaceX, saying the company is moving like lightning. Duffy welcomed the challenge: 'The race to the Moon is ON.' He is the acting administrator, with reports he may keep the role; Musk has previously backed Jared Isaacman for the top job.
Netflix goes all-in on AI to power recommendations, ads and content
October 22, 2025, 1:40 AM EDT. Netflix is all-in on generative AI across its platform, calling it a "significant opportunity" for better recommendations, its ads ecosystem, and movie/TV production. In its earnings letter, the company said AI will help creators tell stories faster and in new ways, with tools that empower partners. It cited real-world uses like de-aging characters in Happy Gilmore 2 and AI-assisted pre-production for wardrobe and set design on Billionaires' Bunker. Netflix insists AI will augment creativity, not replace it, even as industry players voice concerns about job displacement and copyright. The note underscores a broader push to embed AI into streaming, production, and promotion tech while addressing labor and content-use worries.
OpenAI's ChatGPT Atlas browser turns the web into a conversation
October 22, 2025, 1:34 AM EDT. OpenAI's ChatGPT Atlas marks a bold shift: a browser where the chatbot is central. Atlas embeds ChatGPT as the main interface, turning the internet into a conversational space where you can summarize, edit, and act on pages without leaving your flow. It preserves session memory, supports a persistent sidebar chat, and can run in agent mode to bookings or document tasks, with a visible cursor so actions feel tangible. When you click a link, the page opens beside the chat, continuing the conversation. Safety guards are in place; memory is transparent and you can browse incognito to leave no trace. If widely adopted, Atlas could redefine the browser as an AI-powered assistant guiding every click across the web.
Prince Harry and Meghan join call for ban on AI 'superintelligence'
October 22, 2025, 1:32 AM EDT. Prince Harry and Meghan joined a diverse group of scientists, artists and political figures to urge a ban on developing AI superintelligence until there is broad scientific consensus and robust safety safeguards. The letter targets tech giants such as Google, OpenAI, and Meta, arguing that unchecked progress could threaten civilization, civil liberties and national security. Signatories include Stuart Russell, Yoshua Bengio, and Geoffrey Hinton, plus unlikely allies like Steve Bannon and Glenn Beck, in a bid to broaden public buy-in. The call clarifies it is not merely a moratorium but a proposal to require strong safety measures before further work on systems that could outperform humans on most cognitive tasks. The effort aims to steer AI development toward humanity-focused progress rather than rapid, uncontrolled advancement.
Pixel 10 Pro Fold review: Google sticks to a heftier, business-focused foldable vision
October 22, 2025, 1:30 AM EDT. Google's Pixel 10 Pro Fold continues the brand's folded-for-work approach, but it doesn't quite capture the fun factor of its predecessor. While Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 leans into a slimmer, more pocketable form, Google doubles down on heft and a differentiated foldable experience. Highlights include a slightly larger outer display, a revamped hinge that feels gearless and sturdier, and an IP68 rating for dust and splashes. The phone also packs a bigger battery, a newer processor, and faster charging, underscoring Google's vision to target power users who value durability and premium build over svelte ergonomics. In practice, it's well-built and reliable in daily use, yet the overall feel still skews toward a grown-up business vibe rather than pure fun.
AI models misrepresent news events nearly half the time, study says
October 22, 2025, 1:28 AM EDT. A study by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the BBC found that AI models such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, and Perplexity misrepresent news questions in about 45% of cases. Researchers tested more than 2,700 responses from 22 public outlets across 18 countries and 14 languages. The biggest issue was sourcing: 31% of answers included information not supported by the cited source or misattributions. Accuracy shortfalls affected 20%, and lack of proper context affected 14%. Gemini had the most significant issues (76%), mainly due to sourcing errors, while all models made basic factual mistakes (e.g., a claim about surrogacy in Czechia or the Pope's status). The study urges firms to publish results transparently and work to reduce these errors.
Harry and Meghan join AI pioneers urging ban on superintelligent systems
October 22, 2025, 1:26 AM EDT. Harry and Meghan have joined AI pioneers and Nobel laureates in calling for a ban on developing superintelligent AI systems. The signatories urge a prohibition on ASI development until there is broad scientific consensus on safety and strong public buy-in. Organized by the Future of Life Institute (FLI), the statement lists figures such as Geoffrey Hinton, Yoshua Bengio, Steve Wozniak, Richard Branson, Susan Rice, Mary Robinson, and Stephen Fry, alongside Beatrice Fihn, Frank Wilczek, John C. Mather and Daron Acemoğlu. It targets governments, tech firms and lawmakers, echoing an FLI call in 2023 for a hiatus in powerful AI. While leaders like Mark Zuckerberg say ASI could be in sight, some experts warn the race is driven by competition rather than near-term breakthroughs. Polls show broad support for robust regulation.
Unlikely Coalition Calls for Ban on Superintelligent AI Amid Rapid Advances
October 22, 2025, 1:24 AM EDT. Hundreds of public figures, including Nobel laureates, former military leaders, artists and royalty, signed a statement advocating a ban on work that could yield computer superintelligence. The proposal seeks a prohibition until there is broad scientific consensus on safety and strong public buy-in. Organized by the Future of Life Institute, the effort now has more than 800 signatories, ranging from Geoffrey Hinton to Steve Bannon and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The manifesto comes as OpenAI, Google, Meta and others pour billions into new AI models, fueling a debate over whether AI could reach artificial general intelligence and, later, superintelligence. The group argues for a slowdown in development until risks can be understood and controlled.
Colorgate controversy could influence recommendations for the iPhone 17 Pro
October 22, 2025, 1:22 AM EDT. Apple's latest drama around the iPhone 17 Pro's finish persists with Colorgate – an apparent color shift in the Cosmic Orange variant that fades toward crimson or pink. After earlier Scratchgate concerns about the anodized aluminum frame, reports from Reddit, Facebook, and TikTok show some units changing hue with sun exposure. No official Apple statement yet; the phenomenon appears isolated and not widely reported, but it's enough to raise questions for prospective buyers. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max rely on an aluminum finish that promises bold color and durability, yet critics warn color stability matters as photos surface of pinkish or rose-gold discoloration. Whether Colorgate becomes a lasting reputation issue remains to be seen, but it could influence purchase decisions and recommendations.
Android adds option to flip Pixel's 3-button navigation to match Samsung
October 22, 2025, 1:20 AM EDT. Google is adding a new setting to Android that lets you reorder the three-button navigation bar, enabling the flipped Recents-Home-Back layout many Samsung users recognize. The feature is live in the latest Android Canary build (2510) under Settings > System > Navigation mode > 3-button navigation. It lets you switch from the default Back–Home–Recents to Recents–Home–Back. Expect a rollout to Beta and then Stable, though it may miss the upcoming QPR2 and arrive with QPR3 in March. This small but welcome customization for Pixel owners is part of a broader Android 16 cycle.
Sesame: Oculus founders' AI startup raises $250M and launches beta
October 22, 2025, 1:18 AM EDT. Sesame, a conversational AI startup and smart glasses maker led by Brendan Iribe and Ankit Kumar, has raised a $250 million Series B and opened an early beta of its iOS app. The company aims to embed a personal AI agent that speaks with a natural voice like Maya and Miles into lightweight eyewear, allowing users to search, text, and think via voice. The beta comes after demos that drew millions of interactions and strong praise for its ability to generate expressive speech, not just translate outputs. With Oculus veterans like Nate Mitchell and Angela Gayles on the team, Sesame positions itself at the intersection of hardware and AI software, though hardware availability remains forthcoming.
Tesla's $1 Trillion Pay Package: Elon Musk, AI Ambitions, and the Delayed Robotaxi
October 22, 2025, 1:16 AM EDT. Tesla Inc.'s board is set to approve an unprecedented $1 trillion, 10-year compensation plan for Elon Musk, a move critics say inflates pay amid waning market share and messy execution. The package features about $31 billion in restricted stock and could swell beyond $113 billion if milestones are met, but ISS warns the award's magnitude is unwieldy. The automaker's ambition to pivot from car maker to an AI and robotics powerhouse faces headwinds as Optimus robot efforts stall and the promised robotaxi network lags behind rivals like Waymo, Uber, and Zoox. Analysts note a shift in valuation narrative, with some, like Wedbush's Dan Ives, emphasizing AI and robotics as the core growth driver, while leadership changes and departures raise questions about execution.
Huawei Mate 70 Air spotted in China Telecom listing, first device in the new Air series
October 22, 2025, 1:14 AM EDT. Huawei's first device in the new Air line, the Mate 70 Air, briefly appeared in China Telecom's database under model SUP-AL90 before being removed. The listing showed black, white, and silver color options and preinstalled HarmonyOS 5.0. Specs at a glance included a 6.9-inch 1920×1200 panel and variants of 12GB+256GB and 12GB+512GB (likely placeholder). eSIM support remains unconfirmed, and Huawei has yet to clarify where the new Air model sits in the Mate family. The listing's takedown suggests the information could be provisional or test data, but it underscores Huawei's ongoing push to expand the Mate lineup with an Air entry.
Apple Vision Pro Dual Knit Band First Impressions: A More Balanced Fit
October 22, 2025, 1:10 AM EDT. Early impressions of the Apple Vision Pro's Dual Knit Band suggest a noticeably more balanced weight distribution, especially compared with the original Solo Knit Band. With a half-notch dial adjustment, weight shifts toward the rear netting so the top straps feel less burdensome on the scalp, though adjusting the fit can still be fiddly. The larger size I received offers generous adjustability across both straps, allowing subtle changes for couch lounging or upright use. The Experience hinges on a self-fit moment: you physically align the lenses and then use the dual dial to balance immersion. In use, the device remains $3,500 and functionally similar to a face computer, but many will trade consistency for a more comfortable, rear-weighted feel once dialed in.
Save Up to 25% on Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 – Still a Powerful Wear OS Smartwatch
October 22, 2025, 1:08 AM EDT. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 remains a strong Wear OS smartwatch option as the Galaxy Watch 8 arrives. This deal shaves up to 25% off the usual price for both the 40mm and 44mm models. It features a BioActive Sensor, support for over 100 workouts, and the Workout Routine creator. Inside, a 3nm processor promises faster performance with about 30% better power efficiency than its predecessor, helping battery life. If you want a capable Samsung wearable at a discount, this older model is still worth a look. Note: article contains affiliate links.
Ethereum Bull Flag Emerges as DeepSnitch AI Presale Surges to $440k, Robinhood Expands Tokenized US Stocks on Arbitrum
October 22, 2025, 1:06 AM EDT. Disclaimer: This is a press release. The Ethereum ecosystem remains optimistic, with new ETFs on the horizon and Layer-2s like Optimism, Base, and Arbitrum expanding. Among them, ARB leads the RWA race as Robinhood tokenizes nearly 500 US stocks on Arbitrum. Meanwhile, the DSNT presale hit over $440,000, drawing interest from traders of all sizes. DeepSnitch AI deploys five intelligent agents to monitor on-chain activity, track whales, flag rug pulls, and deliver real-time insights via Telegram. By turning blockchain data into accessible signals, DSNT targets rapid decision-making and broad retail participation in crypto markets.
New cross-border study finds widespread AI misinformation in news answers
October 22, 2025, 1:04 AM EDT. A consortium of 22 public service media outlets, including DW, evaluated four AI assistants-ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, and Perplexity AI-and found that about 45% of responses misrepresent news content, with 31% showing serious sourcing problems and 20% containing major factual errors. DW alone reported 53% of its questions with significant issues and 29% with accuracy problems. Notable errors included mislabeling Olaf Scholz as German Chancellor and Jens Stoltenberg as NATO secretary general. The study, aligned with a BBC report from February 2025, analyzed 3,000 AI answers across 18 countries and multiple languages using the same criteria: accuracy, sourcing, context, editorialization, and distinguishing fact from opinion. Researchers warn that these systemic distortions threaten public trust and democratic participation. AI use for news is rising, per Reuters Digital News Report 2025.
OpenAI launches Atlas browser to compete with Google Chrome
October 22, 2025, 1:02 AM EDT. OpenAI has unveiled Atlas, a new web browser designed to challenge Google Chrome. The browser integrates AI-assisted browsing features and claims to offer smarter search, more secure browsing, and tighter ChatGPT integration. In a discussion with NBC News, tech contributor Joanna Stern explores how Atlas differs from existing AI-enabled browsers and why it might appeal to users seeking faster task completion, better AI recommendations, and seamless access to OpenAI services. Atlas signals OpenAI's expansion beyond chat into mainstream software, potentially shifting browser dynamics and user expectations for privacy, security, and AI-powered productivity.
Samsung Galaxy XR hands-on: a smarter, more open Vision Pro rival at half the price
October 22, 2025, 1:00 AM EDT. Samsung's Galaxy XR arrives as a leaner, more open alternative to Vision Pro. Priced at about half the price for many configurations, Samsung leans on Google's Android XR platform and partnerships with Qualcomm to offer a broader, more flexible open ecosystem. Hardware shares many similarities- inside-out tracking, hand and eye tracking, and passthrough vision– but key differences matter: the Galaxy XR weighs about 545 grams and uses a thicker, more comfortable head cushion. It lacks an outward-facing display, unlike the Vision Pro. A modular design with an external battery pack and integrated spatial audio targets longer wear, while Google's AI and Gemini-powered controls push a more connected experience.
Astronauts' motion sickness on splashdown: can virtual reality help them stay sharp?
October 22, 2025, 12:58 AM EDT. New research highlights how astronauts can suffer motion sickness during splashdown and how VR might help keep them sharp. The article explains the brain's vestibular system-which detects movement-and how conflicts between what eyes see and what the inner ear feels trigger nausea, a problem in cars, ships, and orbit. It shares personal anecdotes about reading in a car versus watching the road ahead, illustrating why consistency between sensory signals matters. In space, astronauts expect Earth gravity, so moving in microgravity creates unique conflicts. Researchers, including a team of aerospace engineers, are exploring VR as a training and mitigation tool to reduce cybersickness and preserve performance during spaceflight tasks.
The New Apple Vision Pro Review: Faster M5, Better Strap, Still Expensive
October 22, 2025, 12:56 AM EDT. Apple's Vision Pro returns with the M5 processor, a more balanced head strap, and improved audio-video quality, delivering faster performance and up to an hour more battery life. But the core proposition is still the same: it's still absurdly expensive at $3,500 and suffers from limited app support. The headset remains heavy and can feel bulky during long sessions, and it doesn't work seamlessly with all Apple devices. The new strap design redistributes weight, aided by a new dial for fit, yet the Vision Pro is still a niche product rather than a universal computer. There are intriguing possibilities-compatibility with PlayStation VR2 controllers and a wireless stylus-but until price and software catch up, it's not for everyone.
Samsung Galaxy XR Undercuts Vision Pro With Android XR
October 22, 2025, 12:54 AM EDT. Samsung just rolled out the Galaxy XR in the US and South Korea for $1,800, a lower hurdle than Vision Pro while aiming to rival it with an Android XR platform built atop Google's ecosystem. Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2, the headset features 4K micro-OLED displays at 90 Hz per eye, eye tracking, and iris authentication, with Made for XR apps from the Google Play Store. Built with a lighter, more plasticky chassis than Apple's device, the Galaxy XR relies on hand input with optional controllers and a tethered battery. Battery life runs about 2 hours (2.5 hours for video). Samsung demonstrated a similar experience to Vision Pro, though premium feel and thermal performance vary, and you can opt for magnetic prescription inserts and a light blocker for immersion.
AI Energy Boom: The Hidden Toll-Booth Infrastructure Play Powering the AI Era
October 22, 2025, 12:52 AM EDT. AI is driving huge capital, but the real bottleneck is electricity. AI data centers consume massive power, straining grids and pushing prices higher. A little-known company-not a chipmaker or cloud platform-could be the ultimate backdoor winner: it owns critical energy infrastructure assets and can execute large-scale EPC projects across oil, gas, renewables, and industrial facilities. It also plays a pivotal role in U.S. LNG exports. With policy moves on tariffs and onshoring, this "toll booth" operator could collect fees as demand for AI surges. Investors may want to monitor this energy-infrastructure exposure as AI and policy collide.
Kevin O'Leary Promotes AI Extras to Cut Movie Costs, Sparking Hollywood AI Debate
October 22, 2025, 12:48 AM EDT. Kevin O'Leary argues that AI extras could save millions by replacing background actors in films like Marty Supreme. In a Hill interview promoting his cameo in Timothée Chalamet's project, he frames AI as a budget extender-suggesting a film budget that might allow two movies by spending less on background work. He cites Tilly Norwood (an AI actress unveiled at the Zurich Summit) and the AI musician project Velvet Sunset, while noting SAG-AFTRA's warning about AI's impact on performers. He even misspeaks by calling Norwood "Tilly Norwell." O'Leary contends an AI extra can work around the clock and age at will, highlighting a broader debate about AI's place in Hollywood, film financing, and the art of making movies.
Samsung Galaxy XR Beats Apple Vision Pro: 5 Key Upgrades
October 22, 2025, 12:46 AM EDT. Hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy XR shows a more approachable XR path than the Apple Vision Pro. At $1,799 vs $3,500, Galaxy XR undercuts the competition while offering strong value. Samsung includes launch perks worth about $1,000 ( Google AI Pro, YouTube Premium, Google Play Pass, NBA League Pass, Adobe Project Pulsar ) plus 3 months of YouTube TV for a dollar. The headset weighs about 545g, lighter than the Vision Pro's 750g, and is powered by a snappy Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chip within a compact design. With Android XR platform integration and ecosystem perks, Galaxy XR is positioned to address five areas: price, weight, performance, perks, and ecosystem.
Samsung Unveils Galaxy XR: A New AI-Native XR Era on Android XR
October 22, 2025, 12:44 AM EDT. Samsung Electronics today unveils Galaxy XR, a new category of AI-native devices designed for immersive experiences, optimized for multimodal AI. Built on the Android XR platform developed with Google and Qualcomm, Galaxy XR marks the first device in a broader XR journey and paves the way for future form factors, including AI glasses. The headset leverages Gemini at the system level to deliver natural, conversational interactions through voice, vision and gesture, turning surroundings into an intelligent collaboration partner. The collaboration with Google and Qualcomm aims to create a scalable Android XR ecosystem that unlocks new ways to discover, play and work across devices. Galaxy XR emphasizes a shift from tools to assistants that can understand context and surroundings.
Samsung & Google unveil Galaxy XR: first Android XR headset priced at $1,800
October 22, 2025, 12:42 AM EDT. Samsung and Google unveiled the first Android XR headset, the Galaxy XR, priced at $1,800 and available now in the US and Korea. Powered by the Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 and featuring a micro OLED display with 3,552 x 3,840 resolution and 96% DCI-P3 color, it edges out the Vision Pro in some specs but caps at 90Hz. It offers dual high-res passthrough cameras, six external cameras for tracking, eye-tracking sensors, and iris recognition for unlocking. It supports hand tracking and gesture control, or can be used with controllers, a keyboard and mouse, or connected to a PC desktop. Audio delivers Dolby Atmos via six microphones, while battery life runs up to about 2 hours of general use and 2.5 hours of video. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4; weight is around 545 g, with an external battery pack.
Nylon Trail Loop lookalike Apple Watch band hits $6.50 in 3 colors
October 22, 2025, 12:40 AM EDT. Budget-friendly and practical, this nylon Trail Loop lookalike Apple Watch band is priced at $6.50 and comes in three colorways. It's a solid option if you want to wear a lightweight band without worrying about scuffs or stains. It won't match premium bands in feel or durability, but for casual daily wear it offers great value in a pinch.
OpenAI's Atlas browser aims to redefine search and challenge Google
October 22, 2025, 12:38 AM EDT. OpenAI unveiled Atlas, a new AI-driven web browser, in a surprise livestream with Sam Altman announcing a bold rethink of how we browse. The company argues that the chat experience can replace traditional URL boxes and search boxes, positioning Atlas as a rival to Google's Chrome. With ChatGPT boasting hundreds of millions of weekly users, Atlas could lure users away from Chrome and blunt Google's ad targeting and search leverage. Atlas's engineering lead Ben Goodger framed the shift as a back-and-forth, multi-turn search, a departure from conventional results pages. While Google has integrated AI into search, Atlas promises a deeper conversational traversal of the web, signaling a broader AI era for browsers and, potentially, antitrust-sensitive competition.
Galaxy XR: Android's First XR Headset Redefines Immersive Computing
October 22, 2025, 12:36 AM EDT. Galaxy XR introduces Android XR, featuring an infinite screen for all your apps and Gemini by your side. It blends immersive virtual spaces with real-world awareness, navigated by voice, hands, and eyes. As an Android device, you can access Google Play apps reimagined for XR and a growing lineup of XR experiences and games. Expect titles from Crunchyroll, HBO Max, YouTube, and more, plus updated Maps, Photos, Chrome, and Meet. Built on open standards like OpenXR, WebXR, and Unity, the ecosystem is ready for more content – with Gemini Live helping you act across apps through natural conversation.
Samsung Galaxy XR hands-on: a cheaper, more value-packed alternative to Vision Pro launches today
October 22, 2025, 12:34 AM EDT. Samsung's Galaxy XR launches today at $1,799, a sharp contrast to Apple's Vision Pro at $3,499. In a hands-on demo, Samsung argues the experience is similar but far better value, aided by an explorer pack that includes a free year of Google AI Pro, Google Play Pass, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV; three months at $1/month for YouTube TV; plus a free season of NBA League Pass. The device is lighter and more comfortable than Vision Pro, with a cushioned front piece, removable bottom light seal, and balanced weight. Hardware sits between Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3, using mini-LEDs, 4K resolution, up to 90Hz, and up to 2.5 hours of battery life. Availability: the US and Korea today.
Samsung and Google push into AI-powered mixed reality with Galaxy XR headset
October 22, 2025, 12:32 AM EDT. Samsung unveils the Galaxy XR, a $1,800 mixed-reality headset built with Google and powered by Qualcomm, aimed at challenging Apple's Vision Pro. Samsung and Google pitch the device as a stepping stone to AI glasses in development with Warby Parker and Gentle Monster, centered around Google's Gemini AI. The headset delivers a 4K-quality immersive display, external world projection, and gesture/voice controls, with early buyers receiving a free year of YouTube Premium and Gemini access. Visually it mirrors Apple's design, but Samsung stresses its longer-term AI strategy rather than a single standout app. The move reflects a broader industry shift away from the metaverse toward practical AI experiences and eyewear partnerships that could expand the XR category.
AI slop: The internet's next wave of AI-generated video and its political risks
October 22, 2025, 12:30 AM EDT. Two tech giants recently rolled out AI-generated video apps, signaling a new era of AI-generated video that critics call AI slop. In conversation with Lucy Hough, tech journalist Chris Stokel-Walker breaks down the visual absurdities-giraffes evading cops, Stephen Hawking memes, and other surreal montages-made plausible by rapid advances in AI. The piece surveys how tools from OpenAI (Sora 2) and Meta (Vibes) are shaping culture, humor, and misinformation, and asks what this means for trust online. With politicians like Donald Trump sharing fabricated clips, the potential for misinformation, manipulation, and political polarization rises. The question is how platforms, creators, and audiences will respond.
Globalstar Certifies RM200M Two-Way Satellite IoT Module for Global Geographies
October 22, 2025, 12:24 AM EDT. Globalstar has certified its RM200M two-way satellite IoT module across major geographies, making it commercially available for global deployments. The low-power module delivers true two-way connectivity and combines satellite and cellular options in a single device, expanding IoT coverage for assets in logistics, transportation, energy, agriculture, and environmental monitoring. With this certification, Globalstar aims to accelerate activations and expand reach into hard-to-connect territories. 'With the RM200M module now certified across major geographies, we've moved to true global reach with our two-way connectivity,' said Mersad Cavcic, Globalstar's chief product officer. Industry watchers note the rollout aligns Globalstar with other satellite IoT providers and enables customers to monitor and manage assets more efficiently worldwide, leveraging a beta program earlier this year.
Samsung's Galaxy XR: Gemini-powered mixed reality headset challenges Apple Vision Pro
October 22, 2025, 12:20 AM EDT. Samsung's Galaxy XR, launched Oct. 21 for $1,800, is Samsung and Google's bold bet in mixed reality. The headset runs Android apps on a larger virtual screen while Gemini is embedded throughout the OS, answering questions about what you see. Aimed at productivity and entertainment, it supports 3D viewing of Google Photos, and uses gesture and speech controls plus a Gemini summon button and touchpad. Samsung positions it as a major rival to Apple Vision Pro, signaling a new PC era where an AI-powered assistant behaves like a pocket Jarvis, helping you explore maps, learn about landmarks, or pull up context as you look around.
Rigetti Computing Stock (RGTI) Risks: Could It Fall Toward $30?
October 22, 2025, 12:16 AM EDT. Rigetti Computing's stock (NASDAQ: RGTI) has rallied and corrected as investors chase a nascent quantum computing industry. Over the past month, the shares dropped about 23% from roughly $56 to $43, with the broader sector pulling back after a speculative run. The article argues the stock remains unattractive based on current fundamentals and acknowledges the possibility of further downside, potentially near $30, given recent trading ranges. It notes that traditional financial metrics offer limited guidance for a quantum stock whose value hinges on long-term technology development and commercialization timelines. For diversified exposure, Trefis highlights a HQ Portfolio approach in partnership with Empirical Asset Management to reduce risk while pursuing upside.
Samsung Galaxy XR: Could It Be an Apple Vision Pro Killer?
October 22, 2025, 12:14 AM EDT. After trying Samsung's Galaxy XR at launch, the author frames it as a potential rival to Apple's Vision Pro. Built as part of Google's Android XR platform with Samsung as a key partner (Project Moohan), the Galaxy XR aims to define a new category of AI-native devices for immersive, multimodal experiences. In hands-on notes, the headset is noticeably lighter than the Vision Pro-19.2 ounces vs. 26.4-thanks to a different front-weight balance. The included strap, reminiscent of the Meta Quest Elite design, distributes weight with a cushioned back ring and an easy-adjust wheel, reducing wobble during wear. The pass-through view aligns with ordinary vision, keeping awareness intact, though it may reduce immersion compared with the Vision Pro. Clip-on light blockers will be included to improve comfort and visibility.
Suzanne Somers AI Clone Created by Husband After Her Death, Promising 24/7 Fan Chatbot
October 22, 2025, 12:12 AM EDT. Two years after Suzanne Somers' death, her husband Alan Hamel says he's helping develop an AI clone, dubbed the Suzanne AI Twin, to answer fans' questions. In an interview with People, Hamel described training the AI with Somers' 27 books and hundreds of interviews so it can respond in her voice. He envisions a 24/7 AI chatbot on SuzanneSomers.com that could guide fans on health topics, with answers sourced from medical professionals. Somers reportedly expressed interest in the project during her life, and Hamel says the goal is to honor her wish to provide information to readers and followers. The project blends technology, celebrity legacy, and digital interaction, and has elicited reaction about authenticity and consent.
Amazon Plans to Replace Up to 600,000 Jobs With Robots by 2033, NYT Report Says
October 22, 2025, 12:10 AM EDT. New York Times reports that Amazon is ramping up its robot fleet to replace human workers, potentially eliminating up to 600,000 jobs by 2033. Internal documents suggest a shift toward automation to meet rising demand, while Amazon says it remains a major job creator and plans to hire 250,000 for the holiday season. The company reportedly aims to frame the move as advancing technology rather than automation or AI, even using terms like cobot to imply collaboration. Amazon emphasizes upskilling and investment in new roles, and says the leaked materials reflect one team's perspective rather than the company-wide strategy. If realized, the changes would reshape the size of its US workforce, which totals about 1.5 million employees, across warehouses and delivery.
Netflix Co-CEO: AI Can't Replace Creativity – Taylor Swift Example
October 22, 2025, 12:08 AM EDT. In a discussion about AI and creativity, Netflix's co-CEO argues that no machine can fully replicate human ingenuity. They cite Taylor Swift as a case where distinctive artistry, emotional nuance, and storytelling remain uniquely human. The remarks frame a broader debate about the role of AI in entertainment, suggesting that AI might assist with tasks but cannot supplant the personal voice and cultural impact of creators. The takeaway for platforms, studios, and artists is clear: while AI tools will grow, creativity and human imagination remain central to compelling content and audience connection.
Google Wallet Adds Live Updates Travel Info on Android 16 and Samsung One UI 8
October 22, 2025, 12:04 AM EDT. Google Wallet now supports Live Updates travel information on Android 16, letting users see flights, train trips, and events on their lockscreen without opening apps. The feature extends the dynamic notifications already used for navigation, ride-hailing, and orders. In addition, Samsung's Now Bar on One UI 8 with Google Play services 25.41 will display the same travel info from Google Wallet. This marks broader accessibility of travel details across devices, simplifying at-a-glance planning right from the lockscreen.
Apple AirTag 4-Pack Hits Record-Low Price on Amazon
October 22, 2025, 12:02 AM EDT. Apple AirTag 4-Pack is available on Amazon for a record-low price of $64.99, or about $16.25 per tag. The four-pack lets you tag keys, bags, and more, with location tracked via the Find My network and UWB for precise finding. Each AirTag uses a standard CR2032 battery with an estimated one-year life. This deal marks a rare price drop, best for Apple device users since Android support is limited. The article also mentions alternatives for Android users and notes the find-and-beep features. Ready to grab the bundle while it lasts.
