The new language of AI tech workers: Silicon Valley slang, 996ers and NPCs | The Indicator
October 27, 2025, 3:22 AM EDT. Planet Money's The Indicator explores a fresh workplace dialect born from the AI boom. Jasmine Sun guides listeners through Silicon Valley slang-from 996ers to NPCs-and asks what this language reveals about job anxiety, power dynamics, and the broader tech industry culture. The episode profiles a labor market reshaped by ongoing AI buildout and considers how this worldview influences negotiations over roles, rewards, and the future of work. A revealing window into how the language of AI tech workers mirrors ambition and unease as the field evolves.
Quantum computing and AI unite to probe particle physics with LHC data
October 27, 2025, 3:06 AM EDT. In this Physics World Weekly podcast, experts discuss how quantum computing and artificial intelligence can help physicists search for rare interactions in data from an upgraded Large Hadron Collider. Guest Javier Toledo-Marín, based at the Perimeter Institute and connected to TRIUMF, explains the team's work on a paper titled "Conditioned quantum-assisted deep generative surrogate for particle-calorimeter interactions." The episode is recorded at the Perimeter Institute in Waterloo, Canada, and highlights how gate-based quantum computing scales with support from Delft Circuits, which provides IO solutions for quantum hardware.
Why Rigetti Computing Stock Fell 13.9% This Week
October 27, 2025, 2:54 AM EDT. Rigetti Computing's shares slipped as rumors swirled around its CEO Subodh K. Kulkarni selling his stake, though he still holds around 0.8% via stock options. The stock later rebounded briefly on reports the Trump administration might take an equity stake, then tumbled again after a Commerce Department denial that talks were underway with quantum companies. The week underscored the volatility of pure-play quantum plays: JPMorgan's investment enthusiasm helped earlier gains, while unverifiable reports about government involvement cooled momentum. Analysts caution that the stock is currently inflated relative to fundamentals, with a speculative backdrop for quantum names. Investors may want to see valuations normalize before piling into Rigetti or other pure-play quantum plays.
Polish tops complex AI tasks in multilingual LLM benchmark, study finds
October 27, 2025, 2:52 AM EDT. An international study by Microsoft, the University of Maryland, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst benchmarked six LLMs (OpenAI, Gemini, Qwen, Llama) across 26 languages using a new multilingual long-context benchmark. The results were surprising: in the most complex tasks, Polish achieved an average accuracy of 88%, finishing first, while English ranked sixth at 83.9% and Chinese around 62.1%. The second-best was Russian, followed by French, Italian, and Spanish; the worst included Sethoto, Tamil, and Swahili. The study highlights that language families (Slavic, Romance, Germanic) and scripts (Latin, Cyrillic) influence performance, especially at 64K-128K context lengths. Researchers note that dominant pretraining data in English/Chinese doesn't always predict top performance in long contexts.
AI-written code accelerates development, but security bottlenecks loom, per OX Security report
October 27, 2025, 2:50 AM EDT. OX Security's Army of Juniors: The AI Code Security Crisis finds AI-generated code often looks clean but hides flaws that can become systemic risks. The study analyzed 300+ repositories, including 50 using AI tools like GitHub Copilot, Cursor, or Claude. It found AI code is not more vulnerable per line; the issue is velocity. Speed erodes code review, debugging, and oversight, letting vulnerable code reach production in days instead of months. Security teams remain overwhelmed, handling hundreds of thousands of alerts, and AI-assisted coding worsens the bottlenecks. The report lists ten anti-patterns common in AI code-from excessive comments, avoidance of refactors, over-specification, to by-the-book thinking-that breed technical debt and monolithic architectures. The danger lies in user ignorance about security, not AI's raw skill.
Bluepoint's Cancelled Live-Service God of War Project Leaks Online, New Screenshots Hint at Multiplayer Direction
October 27, 2025, 2:48 AM EDT. Bluepoint Games reportedly worked on a live-service God of War for PS5, but the project was cancelled after a recent review, per Bloomberg. The cancellation was one of two live-service titles Sony scrapped earlier this year. Alleged leaked screenshots, surfaced via MP1ST, show large open-worlds designed for multiplayer play, including a location named Hades' Armory and other Greek assets. Sony says it will continue to work with Bend Studio and Bluepoint to determine next projects, with no public comment from Bluepoint. A job listing hints at a future third-person melee game focusing on refined combat systems. While the live-service concept won't be released, the leaks offer a rare glimpse at a potential multiplayer direction for the God of War franchise.
OpenAI reportedly rolling out genAI music tool
October 27, 2025, 2:42 AM EDT. OpenAI is reportedly planning a genAI music tool that can generate music from text and audio prompts. The launch timeline isn't public, and it's unclear whether this would be a standalone product or an integration with ChatGPT or the Sora video app. Use cases include adding music to existing videos or creating instrumental versions of vocal tracks. This development comes amid OpenAI's broader push into new products, including ChatGPT Atlas and in-chat apps, plus the Sora release. CEO Sam Altman and leadership have stressed continued AI investments to deepen OpenAI's market leadership.
Amazon's Holiday Black Friday Deals: 27 Top Picks from Ninja, Apple, Nespresso & Shark
October 27, 2025, 2:40 AM EDT. Amazon has unveiled its holiday shop and early Black Friday deals, bringing discounts on popular gadgets and home essentials. The retailer's Black Friday event includes 27 best favorites from brands like Ninja, Dyson, Apple, LG, Lego, Shark, and Amazon's own smart-home line. Highlights include the Ring Battery Doorbell at a record-low $49.99, the Ninja Crispi air fryer at $159.99, and the Dyson Airwrap at $399.99. Shoppers can browse heavily discounted coffee makers, TVs, AirPods, robot vacuums, and more, with early offers that rival the main event. TechRadar's deals editor hand-picks these Black Friday picks to help you kick off holiday shopping early, plus the list is expanding as new early offers drop. Check Amazon's "27 best Black Friday favorites" for the latest savings.
Tesla Extends Subscriptions and Free Trials During Service Downtime
October 27, 2025, 2:38 AM EDT. Tesla has introduced an automatic extension policy for vehicles in service longer than one business day. Active subscriptions like FSD and Premium Connectivity, plus free trials, will be extended to cover the downtime. No manual requests are needed-the extension is handled by Tesla's integrated service software and will appear in appointment reminders. This policy underscores Tesla's software-driven, direct-to-consumer approach to customer experience during service delays. Note: it does not apply to Extended Service Plans.
Tesla Semi serial production on schedule for late-2025 start at Reno plant
October 27, 2025, 2:36 AM EDT. Tesla says serial production of the Class 8 Semi remains on track to start by late 2025 at its Reno, Nevada plant. The new facility is designed to produce up to 50,000 trucks annually as Tesla refines the Semi's design and explores autonomous driving capabilities. Production is expected to ramp through 2026, with Uber Freight partnerships expanding EV truck adoption. Tesla notes progress on the line after completing the building, installing equipment, and validating trucks on the road, while Musk has signaled potential future autonomous Semis beyond the initial rollout. The focus remains getting more Semis on the road, then adding self-driving features.
Adobe Project Indigo Adds iPhone 17 Support, Front Camera Disabled Until iOS 26.1
October 27, 2025, 2:34 AM EDT. Adobe's Project Indigo gains iPhone 17 support, but the selfie camera remains disabled until Apple's upcoming iOS 26.1. The popular computational photography app now runs on the new square-format front sensor, but Adobe temporarily disabled front-facing access to preserve stability. With this workaround, users can still enjoy Indigo's distinctive rear-camera processing on iPhone 17, even as full selfie functionality waits for iOS 26.1. Adobe says the change is temporary while it finishes compatibility work, signaling continued trust in Indigo's softer, more natural rendering relative to stock cameras. Photographers can expect a smoother update path once Apple delivers the iOS 26.1 release.
Bank of America: AI Has Limited Impact on US Employment, Fuels Growth
October 27, 2025, 2:30 AM EDT. Bank of America's Institute finds that AI-related capital spending is boosting GDP growth in 2025, driven by software and computing investments. After a brief Q1 dip, GDP rose at a 3.8% annualized rate in Q2, aided by technology- and AI-related spending. The study finds little sign that AI is causing widespread job losses; when comparing AI usage to employment changes across large industries, the correlation is slightly negative and not statistically significant. In contrast, white-collar sectors like finance, professional services, and information show a positive link between AI usage and job growth, suggesting AI mainly boosts productivity for white-collar workers. The report notes caveats: during downturns, AI could enable larger layoffs. It also notes growing tech spending among small firms, reflecting broad diffusion of AI productivity tools across industries.
Microsoft Bans Sexy AI and the Debate Over Replacing Humans at Paley Summit
October 27, 2025, 2:26 AM EDT. At the Paley International Council Summit, industry leaders debated whether AI will replace humans, warning the trajectory is clear even if the timing varies. Mustafa Suleyman, Microsoft AI CEO, said labor-replacing tech is accelerating and will force urgent questions about incomes, identity, and purpose. He noted teams hiring psychologists, therapists, scriptwriters, and humanities experts to teach AI social intelligence. He argued the operating system era is ending as machines begin to speak our language, creating a persistent companion or agent that sits atop daily platforms. Some warn against over-empathizing with AI and myths of consciousness, while Suleyman insists we must build AI for people, not to be a person-a civilization-scale challenge as AI becomes a partner, not just a tool.
Leaked Screenshots Hint at Canceled God of War Multiplayer Setting
October 27, 2025, 2:24 AM EDT. New gallery details reveal a canceled God of War multiplayer project that would revisit the series' Greek setting from the original trilogy. Screenshots show classical Greek architecture, landscapes, and assets like pottery, with an armory attributed to Hades-an unusual tie-in given Kratos' history. The armory appears in two variations: standard and a cursed version where red corrosion spreads through the environment, hinting at effects on players. While the visuals are convincing and echo the modern God of War style, neither Bluepoint nor Sony has confirmed them, so the gallery could be a hoax. With Bluepoint reportedly focused on a new third-person melee game, some suggest parts could be reused in a remake/remaster of the 2005 title, but verification remains essential.
Samsung debuts tri-fold smartphone at APEC, reshaping foldables
October 27, 2025, 2:22 AM EDT.Samsung unveils a tri-fold device at the APEC summit in Gyeongju, folding inwards in a bold G shape. The phone pairs a 6.5-inch cover display with a 10-inch main screen, aiming to blend smartphone, tablet and laptop experiences. Rumors point to a Snapdragon 8 Elite under the hood, a 200MP main camera with 100x zoom, and software tuned for its triple-screen design, including multiwindow support. Samsung also leans into its Galaxy ecosystem, even as Huawei gains ground in foldables and whispers of an iPhone 18 foldable surface, intensifying the race to redefine mobile devices.
Nvidia to Hit a $5 Trillion Market Cap by 2026, Leading the 'Ten Titans' AI Growth Wave
October 27, 2025, 2:20 AM EDT. Nvidia is approaching a $5 trillion market cap, driven by surging AI demand and cloud spending. Despite premium valuations, the stock has delivered eye-opening growth as data-center GPUs power modern AI workloads. Nvidia's earnings have surged dramatically, with rapid year-over-year expansion aided by its role in AI pipelines for hyperscalers such as AWS, Microsoft, Alphabet, OpenAI, Meta, and Oracle. The so-called Ten Titans-Nvidia, Microsoft, Apple, Alphabet, Amazon, Broadcom, Meta, Tesla, Oracle, Netflix-now account for a large slice of the S&P 500, underscoring how megacap tech can drive broader market moves. If AI demand remains robust, Nvidia's earnings trajectory could justify a continued premium multiple into 2027.
Quantum Echoes Reveal Google's Quantum Computer's Potential
October 27, 2025, 2:16 AM EDT. An in-depth look by Emily Conover at how researchers use quantum echoes to probe and map Google's quantum computer, revealing how signal patterns reflect qubits, decoherence, and control fidelity. The piece explains how these insights could advance error correction, boost coherence times, and move toward practical quantum advantage in cryptography, optimization, and beyond. It highlights the challenges of scaling to larger quantum processors while underscoring the potential near-term impact of Google's platform.
OpenAI's chip deals heighten pressure on TSMC as AMD and Broadcom scale AI hardware
October 27, 2025, 2:14 AM EDT. OpenAI's latest deals with AMD and Broadcom lock in multi-GW hardware programs as it maps out a future of massive AI workloads. The agreement with AMD envisions about 6 GW of GPUs, with the first 1 GW deploying in late 2026, while Broadcom will assemble 10 GW of AI accelerators and Ethernet systems through 2029 to speed interconnection in OpenAI's data centers. Industry observers warn the numbers reflect estimates more than precise counts, and that Broadcom will largely integrate pre-designed blocks per customer specs. The arrangement adds pressure on TSMC, the current fabrication bottleneck, even as Lumai and others explore optical processors. Beyond the financials, the deals signal how the AI industry is reshaping hardware supply chains and the race to scale model serving and inference.
Tesla Reinstates Mad Max Mode Amid Safety Scrutiny and Regulatory Probes
October 27, 2025, 2:12 AM EDT. Tesla has revived its controversial Mad Max driving mode within the Full Self-Driving (FSD) system as part of the FSD v14.1.2 update, promoting a more aggressive driving style with higher speeds and frequent lane changes. The move comes amid ongoing regulatory investigations and lawsuits over Autopilot and FSD safety, with authorities including the DMV and NHTSA scrutinizing marketing and operation. The mode, first introduced in 2018, has been linked to accidents and a 2022 recall after reports of rolling stops and speeding. Tesla says drivers must remain vigilant and ready to take over, while continuing to market FSD as a path toward full autonomy.
California Dealer Says 'No One Wants A Cybertruck Anymore' – Is Now The Time for a Deal?
October 27, 2025, 2:10 AM EDT. A California dealer, Jason Xie of Alfa Romeo of San Jose, argues that demand for the Cybertruck has cooled, with Founders Editions piling up and prices under pressure. A viral TikTok clip highlights his view that the truck is unique but not attractive at its price, with potential buyers preferring rivals like Rivian. Industry data mirrors the anecdote: Cybertruck depreciation is steep, with CarEdge and iSeeCars showing 5-year declines around 48-60% and first-year losses of 34-45% in some cases. Dealers are discounting to move stock as supply grows, while insurance, repair costs, parts shortages, heavy curb weight, and a high base price around $100k complicate ownership. The piece frames a shift from 'must-have' to inventory risk, possibly creating a window for buyers before prices settle.
Nothing OS 4 adds Lock Glimpse and pre-installed third-party apps, sparking bloatware debate
October 27, 2025, 2:08 AM EDT. Nothing's Android 16-based Nothing OS 4 for the Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro adds an AI dashboard and a new Lock Glimpse lock-screen feed. The controversial feature, which rotates wallpapers and quick-view widgets, has fans calling it bloatware. Co-founder Akis Evangelidis says the wider plan is to pre-install a selective set of third-party apps on certain devices-potentially including Instagram-to help manage BOM costs and create software-based revenue streams. CEO Carl Pei has previously criticized Instagram as bloatware, highlighting a shift in Nothing's strategy toward sustainability via partnerships. Nothing promises these apps will be minimal and easy to remove, with full transparency about what's installed and why. The move marks a notable departure for the brand as it weighs software revenue against user experience and device profitability.
Perplexity Founder: Maps Are the Hardest; MapmyIndia Countered With 1995 Mapping Milestone
October 27, 2025, 2:06 AM EDT. Perplexity founder claimed maps are the hardest, perhaps impossible, insisting that only a few giants can pull it off. MapmyIndia shot back, noting it has been building maps since 1995 and now offers house-number-level detail-far beyond many global players. The Indian firm highlighted its partnerships, including with Zoho, and signaled openness to collaborate with Perplexity AI. With Mappls powering government, transport, and logistics, MapmyIndia argues that homegrown maps can match global standards and form the backbone of a nation's digital future: 'Built in India. For India. For the world.'
Samsung Developing Exynos Satellite Modem for SpaceX 6G NTN
October 27, 2025, 2:04 AM EDT. Samsung is reportedly designing an advanced Exynos modem with a built-in NPU to enable direct connectivity to SpaceX's LEO satellites. The device would bypass ground stations, boosting real-time link performance. A KED Global report claims the chip would deliver dramatically faster beam identification (55x) and channel prediction (42x) compared with current LEO modems, improving satellite path tracking and data throughput. The plan suggests Samsung could supply the modem for SpaceX's planned 6G non-terrestrial network (NTN), aimed at global coverage for autonomous vehicles and humanoid robots. If successful, direct satellite networks could redefine mobile connectivity and threaten traditional cellular architectures, potentially fueling a multi-trillion-dollar market by 2040. Samsung's push follows a recent high-profile order from Tesla, underscoring its push into space-grade chips.
Apple iPhone warning over risky AirPlay setting that could let hackers in
October 27, 2025, 2:02 AM EDT. A TikTok alert warns iPhone users about a vulnerability dubbed "Airborne" that could let attackers on the same Wi-Fi network abuse the AirPlay feature. The issue centers on the Automatically AirPlay option under AirPlay and Continuity settings; hackers could exploit devices listening on AirPlay to access data if this is set to Automatic. Apple has issued patches and updates, but devices still on older iOS versions remain at risk. The vulnerability affects third-party AirPlay implementations as well, according to Oligo researchers quoted by Wired, making many devices potentially vulnerable for years. Users should consider configuring AirPlay to Never or Ask rather than Automatic. Oligo CTO Gal Elbaz notes the broad ecosystem complicates patch timelines, underscoring the importance of updates.
Perplexity's Comet browser aims to challenge Chrome, seeks internet independence
October 27, 2025, 2:00 AM EDT. Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas is pushing the company's newly launched Comet AI browser as a challenge to Google Chrome and Google's dominance of the web, saying the Internet is too important to stay in one company's hands. He shared a clip on X and cites a bold bid to acquire Chrome for $34.5 billion as a signal of intent. Perplexity aimed to buy Chrome in 2023, despite an $18 billion valuation, and promised to invest $3 billion over two years in Chrome's development while keeping Chromium open source and leaving default search unchanged. The DOJ has argued Chrome's sale could curb a monopoly. Comet, built on Chromium, adds AI tools like an AI sidebar, summarization, email drafting, task automation, workspaces, and real-time fact-checking. Availability: India Pro users on Windows/macOS, Android pre-orders, iOS coming; Bharti Airtel partnership.
Shiitake-powered memristors: fungus-based neuromorphic chips offer green, radiation-resistant computing
October 27, 2025, 1:56 AM EDT. Researchers at Ohio State University demonstrated fungal computing via mycelial networks, using shiitake mushrooms to create memristors that are sustainable, low-cost, and biodegradable. The shiitake mycelium memristors show brain-like properties, including adaptive signaling and potential for in-situ learning in neuromorphic architectures. Tests show RAM-like performance up to 5,850 Hz with about 90% accuracy across voltages and frequencies, suggesting potential for edge computing, aerospace, and embedded firmware. The approach aims to bypass rare-earth metals, offering green computing advantages and radiation resistance, bridging bioelectronics and unconventional computing.
Ohio State Researchers Unveil Mushroom-Powered Living Computers with Organic Memristors
October 27, 2025, 1:54 AM EDT. Researchers at Ohio State University are turning science fiction into reality by developing living computers powered by mushrooms. In a study reported by OSU News, edible fungi such as shiitake have been engineered to function as organic memristors, a key component for data processing. These bio-based devices demonstrate memory effects comparable to conventional chips and could inspire other computing elements influenced by neural activity. Proponents argue that mushroom-based systems can operate with lower standby power, offering a more eco-friendly and potentially cheaper alternative to traditional semiconductors. The work also suggests a path to reducing reliance on scarce materials, as mycelium substrates enable new forms of computation without the high energy draw of data centers. Lead researcher John LaRocco notes the broad potential for bioelectronics and next-gen materials.
OpenAI reportedly developing AI music-generation tool with Juilliard collaboration
October 27, 2025, 1:50 AM EDT. According to The Information, OpenAI is exploring an AI music-generation tool that can turn text and audio prompts into musical outputs. The company has reportedly worked with students from the Juilliard School to help create training data. Potential uses discussed include generating guitar accompaniment for a vocal track or adding music to videos. Some sources say Juilliard students annotated musical scores to train the model. This wouldn't be OpenAI's first foray into music AI and mirrors efforts from startups like Suno and ElevenLabs expanding in this space. The report signals a broader trend of AI-generated music; while practical demos are still limited, the field is expanding and raising questions about data and rights.
Lenovo Legion Glasses Gen 2: The Ultimate AR Display for Handheld Gaming
October 27, 2025, 1:48 AM EDT. Lenovo's Legion Glasses Gen 2 upgrade delivers a true AR companion for handheld gaming. Boasting a 126-inch virtual display, lighter lenses for improved comfort, and straightforward USB-C connectivity for streamlined video output, these glasses shine when paired with a handheld like the Legion Go 2 or Steam Deck. They let you extend a game's display or multitask without slumping, turning your device into an immersive dual-screen setup. While compatible with laptops and desktops too, the real value is the portable, edge-to-edge visuals that keep you in the action. Price: $299.
OnePlus Pad 3 Gets $100 Off on Amazon: Flagship Power in a Big Tablet
October 27, 2025, 1:44 AM EDT. OnePlus Pad 3 is on sale at Amazon for $599 (down from $699), a strong alternative to the Galaxy Tab S. The 13.2-inch tablet packs a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, 12 GB of RAM, and a spacious 12,140 mAh battery with 80-watt charging. It features a bright 13.2-inch IPS LCD display up to 900 nits and a slim profile at about 5.97 mm thick and 1.5 lb. A keyboard can turn it into a laptop substitute, and a new Stylo pen with haptic feedback is available separately. The Wi-Fi only model with 256 GB storage is currently the only option in stock. This price cut makes it a compelling flagship Android choice for power users.
Australia's ACCC sues Microsoft over Copilot-driven price hikes in Microsoft 365
October 27, 2025, 1:40 AM EDT. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission filed a lawsuit accusing Microsoft of misleading consumers about Copilot in Microsoft 365. The regulator says from October 2024 about 2.7 million Australian customers were steered toward newer, pricier Personal and Family plans, with annual prices rising 45% to A$159 for Personal and 29% to A$179 for Family after the AI feature's integration. It argues a cheaper 'classic' version without Copilot was not clearly disclosed and only revealed during cancellation, violating Australian consumer law. The ACCC seeks penalties, redress for customers, injunctions, and costs. Penalties can reach the greater of A$50 million, three times the benefit, or 30% of turnover. Microsoft has not issued a public statement; the case tests how AI features fit into consumer software regulation in Australia.
HEO Uncovers XJY-7 Satellite Details with Satellite-to-Satellite Imaging
October 27, 2025, 1:38 AM EDT. Australian firm HEO has used satellite-to-satellite imaging to image and model China's XJY-7 remote sensing test satellite, shedding light on its design and behavior ahead of reentry. Launched on Long March 8's maiden flight in December 2020 by CAST, XJY-7 was described as a technology verification satellite. HEO's observations confirm a large deployable SAR antenna and a spinning bus to power fixed solar arrays. The company performed simultaneous imaging from multiple satellites, producing a high-fidelity 3D model from 2D views across different geographies. The work illustrates how non-Earth imaging (NEI) can augment traditional Space Domain Awareness (SDA), revealing deployment states, attitude behavior and time-tagged patterns that are often inaccessible to ground-based sensors. This approach promises new transparency into mysterious or classified spacecraft.
NVIDIA Directs AIC Partners to Prioritize 16 GB RTX 5060 Ti Amid Rising VRAM Demand
October 27, 2025, 1:34 AM EDT. NVIDIA has reportedly directed its AIC partners to prioritize the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB SKU, relegating the 8 GB variant to secondary status. This aligns with gamer demand for greater VRAM, as Mindfactory.de data shows the 16 GB model outselling the 8 GB version by more than 16x. The MSRPs differ by about $50-$429.99 for the 16 GB vs $379.99 for the 8 GB-yet buyers favor the extra VRAM for current and future titles, especially those leveraging path tracing. The shift could influence future mid-range GPUs, and the 16 GB SKU may hold higher resale value in secondary markets.
Global Smartphone Envelope Tracker IC Market to Reach USD 3.77B by 2034 Driven by 5G Power Management
October 27, 2025, 1:32 AM EDT. The Smartphone Envelope Tracker IC Market is projected to reach USD 3.77 billion by 2034, up from USD 1.28 billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 11.4% (2025-2034). Key drivers include rising power management needs and longer battery life in increasingly capable 5G smartphones, plus growth in IoT devices. The 5G envelope-tracking segment dominates with about 71.6% of revenue, while the Mid-Range ($200-$500) segment accounts for roughly 52.4%. Asia-Pacific led in 2024 with 45.7% market share, and China recorded strong growth at 14.6% CAGR. Industry innovation, such as MediaTek's MT6308MP envelope-tracking solution (Dimensity 700), underscores the push toward more efficient wireless power in modern devices.
Memory Price Surge Ripples Through China's Smartphone Supply Chain, Hits MediaTek and Xiaomi
October 27, 2025, 1:30 AM EDT. The memory price surge is driving higher costs for DRAM and NAND amid a global memory supercycle, with lead times for LPDDR5X stretching to 26-39 weeks. As wafer and foundry costs climb into 2026, MediaTek margins could face pressure while smartphone ASPs rise. Xiaomi has already trimmed some prices, with the Redmi K90 experiencing memory-linked price gaps. Industry outlets warn memory suppliers (Samsung, SK hynix, Micron) could lift prices by up to ~30% in Q4, weighing on mid- and low-end models from brands like Realme, vivo, OPPO, and iQOO. If costs stay elevated, device pricing and consumer choice may shift through 2025-26, affecting margins across the smartphone supply chain.
1 Trillion Quantum Leap: Alphabet's Willow Chips Set to Power Quantum AI by 2035
October 27, 2025, 1:16 AM EDT. Alphabet is quietly building a quantum AI empire with a processor named Willow, aiming to exploit quantum computing advantages for AI beyond Gemini. While investors chase LLM metrics and cloud supremacy, DeepMind and Alphabet's broader portfolio are fueling a potential trillion-dollar quantum market. Willow uses self-correcting qubits to manage errors as workloads scale, addressing one of quantum computing's biggest hurdles. In tests, it reportedly completed a computation that would take the world's fastest supercomputer 10 septillion years-highlighting the magnitude of potential speedups. Yet practical rollout remains challenging. The piece frames Alphabet's strategy as a long-term lever across cloud, cybersecurity, custom semiconductors, and AI applications, positioning Willow as a cornerstone of its quantum ambitions.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Adds Industry-First Antioxidant Index Health Tool
October 27, 2025, 1:00 AM EDT. Samsung is introducing an industry-first antioxidant index health tool to the Galaxy Watch 8 series, marking a major upgrade in wearable health monitoring. The feature, developed after years of R&D, aims to bring a clinical-grade metric to everyday users by analyzing data from built-in sensors and an update-enabled algorithm. The tool focuses on tracking nutrition and overall health status, helping users tailor diets and schedules based on age and health conditions. Samsung positions the feature against rivals like Apple, emphasizing long-term health tracking and broader accessibility, and hints that older Galaxy models could receive similar capabilities via future updates.
iPhone 18 rumored to upgrade RAM with LPDDR5X to 12GB/16GB, signaling end of the iPhone 17 era
October 27, 2025, 12:34 AM EDT. Rumors claim the iPhone 18 will get a major RAM upgrade with LPDDR5X, offering 12GB or 16GB variants-roughly a 50% boost over the iPhone 17's base RAM. The current lineup has 8GB on the base iPhone 17 and 12GB on the Air/Pro models, enabling stronger on-device AI processing. Apple is reportedly in talks with Samsung to supply LPDDR5X RAM and is also engaging SK Hynix and Micron for higher-capacity modules. If accurate, the upgrade could accompany a broader iPhone 18 family launch in 2026, with the standard model possibly arriving later than the Pro variants; timelines hint at a September 2026 release for high-end models and a March 2027 window for the base 18/18e.
Elon Musk's Life After Washington: Tunnels, Mars, and Global Ambitions
October 27, 2025, 12:32 AM EDT. Elon Musk remains a magnet for ambitious, even far-fetched projects after a provocative stint in government. In a bid to slash the cost of grand infrastructures, Kirill Dmitriev-the head of Russia's wealth fund and adviser to Vladimir Putin-proposes a Siberia-to-Alaska tunnel to be built by The Boring Company. He suggests costs could fall from $65 billion to $8 billion. The piece notes Musk's short-lived role in politics as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under President Trump, and sketches Musk's broader plans-from colonizing Mars and controlling the brain via Neuralink to this provocative tunnel idea nearing Nome, Alaska. Critics say such a project would mainly move troops and risks public skepticism; the article teases more details behind a paywall.
Should Schools Ban Smartphones and Social Media? Policy, Mental Health, and Academic Outcomes
October 27, 2025, 12:28 AM EDT. Rampant student smartphone use and social media raise questions about learning goals, online safety, and free speech in U.S. schools. Recent data show 95% of teenagers have access to smartphones, with near-constant internet use, and rising reports of cyberbullying. Surveys from the Pew Research Center and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) indicate mixed views: many leaders say devices hurt academic performance and attention, while a majority support banning cellphones during class for middle and high school students. Thinkers like Jonathan Haidt warn that social media can harm mental health and healthy development. The debate centers on balancing access to technology with focus, safety, and long-term academic outcomes and student well-being.
AI Expectations Could Create Economic Bubble, Expert Warns
October 27, 2025, 12:18 AM EDT. An economics expert warns that surging AI adoption may be inflating a speculative bubble that could impact the economy if it bursts. Dr. Larry Straub of Newman University says the disruption wouldn't end the world, but could necessitate a rebuild as expectations outpace reality. The piece notes that nearly every major US company uses AI, yet some leaders and students warn about inflated claims from some firms. Straub remains cautiously optimistic, urging patience and balanced deployment, while student Anthony Canavino says ChatGPT is a valuable learning tool but that some companies are stretching what AI can do. The expert stresses that both upsides and downsides are overblown and that steady progress is key.
How to Make AI More Useful: Focus on Small AI for Global Development
October 27, 2025, 12:14 AM EDT. American author Bhaskar Chakravorti argues that the AI hype around powerful large language models obscures opportunities for the developing world. While analysts warn that AI infrastructure spending could reach $2.8 trillion by 2029, there are not enough use cases for big AI to justify the cost. The author contends the real potential lies in small AI-narrow, pragmatic applications that can be deployed across low- and middle-income countries. The use cases are plentiful, addressing long-standing problems and delivering tangible benefits to about 6.7 billion people in the developing world. To prevent a burn-rate crash, investors and policymakers should prioritize accessible, scalable AI solutions that improve poverty alleviation, health, agriculture, and infrastructure, rather than chasing monolithic, high-capacity systems.
Haptic Internet Infrastructure Market to Reach USD 18.69B by 2034 with 35.9% CAGR
October 27, 2025, 12:02 AM EDT. Global Haptic Internet Infrastructure Market is projected to reach USD 18.69 billion by 2034, up from USD 0.87 billion in 2024, at a CAGR of 35.9% (2025-2034). North America held a dominant 43.5% share in 2024 (≈ USD 0.37 billion). The market enables high-fidelity, low-latency touch across remote operations, VR/AR, telemedicine, and industrial automation via advanced networks and tactile devices. Key growth drivers include ultra-low latency, expansion of 5G/6G, and rising cloud/edge computing adoption. Notable moves include the Tata Communications-AWS collaboration to build an AI-ready network in India. Leading segments are Hardware (54.2%), Industrial Automation & Remote Control (28.7%), and Enterprises (B2B) (70.3%).
SpaceX Falcon 9 Set for Monday Launch from Vandenberg to Deploy 28 Starlink Satellites
October 27, 2025, 12:00 AM EDT. SpaceX plans a Falcon 9 launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base on Monday to deploy 28 Starlink satellites into low-earth orbit. The window runs roughly 2:12 p.m.-6:12 p.m. local time. Residents in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties may hear a sonic boom about 8-10 minutes after liftoff, a common effect for missions from the West Coast. If successful, the mission expands SpaceX's Starlink constellation to improve global internet coverage. The brief window and potential noise impacts are notable for nearby communities and observers watching for updates on liftoff status.
