- TikTok’s U.S. rescue: Trump moves to bless a deal with Oracle & Silver Lake as investors, cutting ByteDance’s stake under 20% [1]. All U.S. user data to be hosted on Oracle’s cloud, with an official teasing “real household names” among new backers [2].
- Google on trial: DOJ pushes to break up Google’s ad empire, demanding it sell its AdX exchange to restore competition [3]. Google fires back that the plan is “radical and reckless,” granting regulators “broad and unparalleled power” [4].
- Airports under attack: Major European hubs (Heathrow, Berlin, Brussels, etc.) are crippled by a cyberattack on airline check-in systems, forcing manual backups. Experts warn it exposes “the fragile and interdependent nature” of aviation’s digital backbone [5] – “the threat is significant and very real” [6].
- Musk’s robotaxi uproar: Elon Musk promised “robotaxis” in San Francisco, but regulators were alarmed to learn Tesla meant human-driven cars using “Full Self-Driving” mode. “They don’t want to tell regulators they have an automated-driving system… because then they become subject to a lot more regulations,” noted autonomy law expert Matthew Wansley [7].
- 5G megadeal in UK: Newly-merged VodafoneThree tapped Ericsson and Nokia for a £2 billion ($2.7 B) 5G network buildout [8]. The decade-long project will upgrade ~7,000 sites across Britain, promising faster speeds via next-gen radio gear (with energy-smart antennas) in cities like London and Edinburgh [9].
- SpaceX boosts U.S. spy sats:SpaceX launched a clandestine Falcon 9 mission from California on Sept 22, lofting the 11th batch of NRO “proliferated architecture” satellites [10]. The network favors swarms of smaller satellites over a few big ones to enhance resilience and coverage. “To stay ahead… the NRO is modernizing its architecture – delivering more capability faster with increased resilience,” officials said [11].
- Ransomware ripple effects: Beyond airports, Jaguar Land Rover’s UK factories have been shut for nearly three weeks after a cyberattack [12], idling thousands of workers and suppliers. It highlights how one breach can cascade through just-in-time supply chains, sparking calls for stronger vendor safeguards [13].
- Hardware hits & misses:Raspberry Pi, the hobbyist microcomputer maker, reported a 7% drop in first-half earnings (to $19.4 M) but says demand is rebounding strongly as the second half begins [14]. Meanwhile, chip equipment firm ASM cut its 2025 outlook amid a slowing semiconductor cycle (and U.S.-China tech friction), even as it outlined ambitious 2030 growth targets [15].
- Gadgets & consumer tech: Luxury audio brand Bang & Olufsen unveiled “a new era of wearable sound” – its Beo Grace wireless earbuds launching in November for a jaw-dropping £1,000 (~$1,500) [16]. B&O boasts noise-cancellation 4× better than any prior model and breakthrough battery tech lasting 4× longer [17]. In more familiar tech, Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro is flying off shelves – demand is so high that buyers face extended wait times for some models [18]. And early adopters of Google’s Pixel 7 are flagging battery overheating in recent updates [19], adding to Google’s device headaches.
Global Tech Policy & Big Tech Battles
TikTok’s Last-Minute Reprieve in U.S.
A high-stakes TikTok divestment deal is coming to fruition in Washington, staving off a looming ban. President Donald Trump will sign an order declaring that TikTok’s U.S. operations have a buyer that meets legal requirements, a White House official said [20]. Under the plan, China’s ByteDance will retain less than 20% of TikTok, with the U.S. entity controlled by existing American stakeholders and new heavyweight investors [21]. Oracle and private equity firm Silver Lake are confirmed participants, and the full roster “is going to be real household names,” the official hinted [22]. As part of the agreement, all American user data must reside on U.S. servers run by Oracle [23], addressing long-standing national security fears about Chinese data access. Trump’s order will also pause enforcement of a congressionally mandated TikTok ban for 120 days to let the deal close [24]. The breakthrough – apparently blessed by Beijing [25] – marks a rare easing of U.S.-China tech tensions and a relief for TikTok’s 170 million American users and creators [26].
Google Fights ‘Radical’ Breakup in Ad Tech Trial
Google is squaring off with U.S. antitrust enforcers in an Alexandria, VA courtroom, seeking to prevent a forced breakup of its lucrative online advertising business [27]. The Department of Justice (DOJ), joined by several states, opened a trial this week pushing Google to sell off its AdX ad exchange – a platform that currently nets Google a 20% fee on digital ad auctions [28]. DOJ attorney Julia Tarver Wood argued that after a judge found Google had unlawfully tied AdX to its dominant ad server, only a divestiture can “restore competition” and eliminate Google’s ability to self-deal [29]. “Leaving Google with the motive and the means to recreate that tie is simply too great a risk,” Wood warned in her opening statement [30]. Google’s counsel, Karen Dunn, blasted the government’s remedies as “radical and reckless”, asserting they would unfairly yank Google out of the market and give regulators “broad and unparalleled power” over a major tech platform [31]. Google proposes policy tweaks instead – like making its auction algorithm open-source or easing compatibility for rival ad tools [32] – but regulators argue those steps aren’t enough. The trial comes amid a bipartisan crackdown on Big Tech that began in the Trump era and spans multiple cases targeting Meta, Amazon, and Apple [33]. With billions in ad revenue at stake, industry watchers say this case could reshape the digital ads landscape and set a precedent for how far authorities can go in curbing Big Tech’s market power.
Other Policy Headlines in Brief
- Amazon vs. New York: Amazon has filed suit to block a tough new New York state labor law before it takes effect [34]. The e-commerce giant argues the law – which mandates disclosure of productivity quotas and stiff fines for overworking warehouse staff – unfairly targets its operations, while labor advocates say it’s needed to protect workers. This legal showdown adds to Amazon’s ongoing tussles with regulators and unions over worker treatment.
- EU Antitrust: German software titan SAP is offering concessions to EU regulators examining its $8 billion purchase of data analytics firm Tipalti [35]. According to sources, SAP will allow rival software better interoperability as an olive branch to allay competition concerns [36]. Brussels’ scrutiny of the deal underscores Europe’s aggressive stance on big tech mergers.
- Crypto Cooperation: The UK and US agreed to smooth cross-border access to capital markets and collaborate on crypto regulation, a joint announcement revealed [37]. The transatlantic allies plan to align rules on crypto trading and enforcement as part of a broader financial partnership [38]. This comes as both jurisdictions grapple with how to rein in digital asset risks without stifling fintech innovation.
Cybersecurity & Incidents
Ransomware Chaos Hits European Air Travel
A brazen cyberattack on airline IT systems threw some of Europe’s busiest airports into disarray over the weekend. Hackers targeted the MUSE check-in/boarding software – used by multiple carriers and provided by Collins Aerospace (a unit of RTX) – crippling self-service kiosks and baggage drops across airports in London, Berlin, Brussels, Dublin and more [39] [40]. With electronic check-in down, airports scrambled to revert to manual processing: printing boarding passes, manually tagging luggage, and warning travelers to expect long delays and cancellations [41]. By midday Sept 21, at least 29 flights had been canceled and many more delayed, with Heathrow asking airlines to halve Sunday departures to manage the chaos [42]. Collins’ parent RTX confirmed a “cyber-related disruption” and said it was working urgently on a fix [43]. Officials initially had few details on the attackers, but ransomware is strongly suspected [44]. In fact, on Sept 22 the EU’s cybersecurity agency publicly confirmed ransomware was behind the airport outages (no ransom demand details were disclosed). Cyber experts note that such a synchronized hit on aviation systems signals determined adversaries: “These kinds of sweeping outages are typically the result either of ransomware attacks… or deliberate digital sabotage,” one analyst explained [45].
The incident underscored the alarming knock-on effects of attacks on shared services. Rafe Pilling, threat intelligence director at Sophos, said the widespread airport disruption highlights “the fragile and interdependent nature of the digital ecosystem underpinning air travel.” [46] Each airline and airport relies on common vendors, so a single point of failure cascaded across countries. “We’ve seen huge impact across retail and automotive [from ransomware] this year,” Pilling added, “[now] the threat is significant and very real.” [47] Frustrated passengers described being left in the dark: “We haven’t been told anything except that there was a technical fault… online you can read it was probably a cyberattack,” one traveler in Berlin said [48]. Airlines like easyJet managed to work around the issue and avoided cancellations [49], but others were caught flat-footed. European and national cyber agencies are investigating urgently to identify the perpetrators and bolster defenses, as this attack comes amid a surge of high-profile ransomware hits on critical sectors – a trend forcing governments to rethink cyber resilience for transportation [50].
Factories and Firms Reeling from Hacks
The aviation hack was just one of several major cyber incidents reverberating through industry in recent days. In the UK, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has suffered an extended production shutdown approaching its third week [51]. A cyberattack earlier this month knocked out JLR’s IT systems, halting output at multiple auto plants. The outage has idled thousands of workers and left over 1,000 suppliers in limbo as JLR’s just-in-time supply chain sputtered [52]. According to Wired, the automaker’s ordeal illustrates how deeply a single ransomware strike can snarl manufacturing: assembly lines sit silent, parts pile up, and losses mount into the millions daily [53]. JLR is racing to restore systems with outside cybersecurity experts, but the slow recovery is prompting questions about whether manufacturers have robust enough backups and incident response plans.
Elsewhere, U.S. school districts are grappling with ransomware aftermath as well. Uvalde’s school district in Texas – victim of a recent attack – announced it restored critical systems like phones and gradebooks just in time for classes [54]. And in Pennsylvania, the state Attorney General revealed new details on a summer breach, pledging transparency and improved defenses after criminals leaked government data [55].
On the threat intelligence front, security researchers flagged a newly discovered critical flaw in WatchGuard Firebox firewall appliances [56]. The vulnerability, an out-of-bounds write in the VPN component, could let attackers execute code on unpatched devices [57]. WatchGuard issued patches and urged immediate updates as this gear is widely used by businesses for remote access. Meanwhile, ransomware gangs remain brazen – trackers logged a slew of fresh victim data dumps across the U.S., Europe, and Asia in the past 48 hours [58]. Analysts warn that some extortion groups now wait weeks after initial network access to post victims online, complicating incident response [59]. It’s a sobering reminder that cyber threats spare no sector, from airports to automakers to schools, and resilience planning is imperative.
Hardware & Telecom Updates
5G Leap Forward: Nokia & Ericsson Score Huge UK Deal
In a significant telecom shakeup, VodafoneThree – the newly merged UK mobile operator – has awarded a £2 billion ($2.7 billion) contract to Ericsson and Nokia to build out its 5G network over the next decade [60]. The deal, announced Sept 22, cements Ericsson as the primary supplier (with a £1.1 billion share) and brings Nokia back into the fold as a key vendor for thousands of 5G sites across Britain [61] [62]. This comes just months after Vodafone UK and rival Three completed their merger, forming “VodafoneThree” and pledging £11 billion investment to create one of Europe’s most advanced 5G infrastructures [63].
Under the new contracts, Ericsson will deploy its latest 5G radio access equipment — including energy-efficient hardware and smart antennas — to boost coverage and speeds, especially in major cities [64]. Nokia will supply core network gear and radio kit to about 7,000 cell sites, marking its return as a supplier for these networks after having been sidelined in recent years [65]. Notably, the project will phase out Huawei and older equipment at many sites in line with UK mandates to purge high-risk vendors. For Ericsson and Nokia (the Nordic rivals), this massive win is a much-needed boost amid a global telecom slump and U.S. market headwinds [66]. Both firms have faced slowing demand and tariffs, so a multi-year UK rollout helps fill their order books.
The UK government has touted the VodafoneThree merger’s network buildout as a win for connectivity – promising better rural 5G coverage and faster deployment of new services. However, critics worry reducing major operators from four to three could harm competition in the long run. The 5G build will be closely watched as a test of whether consolidation can accelerate infrastructure upgrades without raising consumer prices. For now, British mobile users can expect a density of 5G towers in coming years, with the companies saying customers in London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast should see “significantly enhanced data speeds” as new kit comes online [67].
Hardware Business Pulse: Raspberry Pi & Chipmakers
Raspberry Pi, the maker of beloved credit-card-sized computers, signaled that its supply woes are finally easing. The UK-based company (which IPO’d in 2024) revealed its second-half outlook is strong, with demand picking up after a challenging first half [68]. For the six months through June, Raspberry Pi’s adjusted earnings fell 7% to $19.4 million, as component shortages crimped production and sales of its low-cost PCs [69]. It still managed to sell 3.6 million units in H1 (just slightly fewer than last year) [70]. CEO Eben Upton said they are on track to hit full-year targets [71], and indeed July-August saw a rebound with pent-up orders being fulfilled. The company’s upbeat tone reflects broader improvements in the electronics supply chain: after two years of chip shortages, hobbyists and educators can more readily buy Pi boards again. Analysts expect Raspberry Pi’s annual profit to reach ~$43 million if trends hold [72], as new product models (like the Pi 5) drive a cycle of upgrades.
In the semiconductor arena, Dutch chip equipment maker ASM International made waves by cutting its 2025 revenue forecast while simultaneously unveiling ambitious 2030 targets [73]. ASM told investors that weaker demand in the memory chip segment and delayed orders (amid U.S.-China export curbs) will hit second-half sales. It now sees 2025 revenue slightly down from prior projections [74]. However, the firm struck an optimistic long view – projecting that by 2030, adoption of its deposition machines for advanced 2nm and 1nm nodes will double its revenue from current levels. This dual message encapsulates the mixed outlook in chips: short-term headwinds due to the PC/smartphone slump and geopolitics, but long-term growth as AI and cloud data centers require ever-more cutting-edge silicon (though AI chips are beyond our scope here).
Also of note, Intel, AMD, and MediaTek are reportedly among the first in line for TSMC’s upcoming 2nm chip production, as the foundry lines up 15+ customers for its next-gen process [75]. This indicates chipmakers are racing to secure future capacity at the leading edge, even as current demand wobbles. It’s a reminder that innovation cycles continue unabated – those who invest through the downturn aim to emerge stronger when the semiconductor upcycle returns.
Consumer Electronics & Gadgets
Ultra-Luxury Earbuds & Audio Innovations
If you thought Apple’s AirPods were pricey, Bang & Olufsen (B&O) has entered the chat with $1,500 earbuds. The Danish luxury audio firm unveiled its Beo Grace wireless earbuds (billed as “a new era of wearable sound”) and slapped on a jaw-dropping price tag of £1,000 (approx. $1,500) [76] – about 5× the cost of Apple’s AirPods Pro. For that money, buyers get craftsmanship and tech pushed to extremes. B&O claims the active noise cancellation (ANC) is four times more effective than any of its previous earbuds [77], thanks to advanced adaptive filters. Even more impressively, a new battery chemistry and low-power design purportedly yield four times the battery life of typical high-end earbuds [78] – potentially putting multi-day use on a single charge within reach. The Beo Grace buds are slated to launch in November 2025 [79] and target the ultra-premium segment of audiophiles who demand both cutting-edge specs and luxe aesthetics (the design features brushed metal and fine ceramics). While clearly not for everyone’s budget, they exemplify how consumer audio is embracing extravagance: earlier this year B&O even teased a limited-edition $4,000 headphone, suggesting an appetite for upmarket, statement-making gear among well-heeled tech connoisseurs.
More accessible audio news: Sennheiser introduced an innovative boom microphone accessory (the HD 500 BAM) that converts its audiophile headphones into gaming headsets, catering to high-fidelity gamers [80]. And LG debuted a Bluetooth speaker with a built-in AI DJ that can take voice requests and analyze your music, all processed on-device for privacy [81] – a creative twist as smart speakers continue to evolve.
Smartphones: Apple’s Hot Streak, Google’s Heat Problem
On the mobile front, Apple’s latest flagships are a hit – perhaps too much of a hit. The iPhone 17 Pro series is in scorching demand, to the point that Apple’s online store now quotes lengthy shipping delays for certain models [82]. Within a week of release, many configurations sold out in retail channels, and customers placing new orders report wait times of 4–6 weeks in some regions. This isn’t entirely unexpected (new iPhones often see early shortages), but industry observers say the demand appears to outstrip even Apple’s high forecasts this cycle [83]. Some analysts attribute it to the iPhone 17 Pro’s camera upgrades and the buzz around its new titanium design, which have made it the “must-have” iPhone of late. Apple is reportedly boosting production to catch up by the holiday season. In the meantime, buyers eager for the latest Pro might need to hunt across carriers and stores – or exercise patience as Apple ramps supply.
On the Android side, Google’s Pixel 7 (released previously) has run into a worrying issue: users are complaining of overheating and battery drain after recent software updates [84]. Social media and forums saw an uptick in reports that Pixel 7 and 7 Pro handsets get uncomfortably hot during normal use, with battery life plummeting post-update. Google has yet to officially comment, but some suspect a bug in a background process or a new feature like video calling enhancements that is taxing the processor. The company has a patchy track record with its self-designed Tensor chip and power management, and this snafu comes as it prepares to launch the Pixel 8. Pixel fans are hopeful a firmware patch will fix the thermal glitch quickly, as prolonged heat can degrade a phone’s components. The episode serves as a reminder that even well-reviewed devices can stumble with software gremlins – and smartphone makers must balance pushing updates with ensuring they don’t unintentionally turn up the heat (literally) on users.
Other Notable Gadget Buzz
- Action Cams: GoPro confirmed its next-gen 360° camera, the GoPro Max 2, will be revealed next week [85]. Leaks hint at improved resolution and perhaps a second new camera model, stoking excitement among adventure videographers.
- Smart Accessories: Luxury pen maker Montblanc surprised tech circles by releasing a $880 e-notebook that digitizes handwritten notes in style [86]. The leather-bound tablet is as much status symbol as productivity tool.
- Gaming: Logitech launched the Pro X2 Superstrike gaming mouse, blending analog input tech and haptic feedback for more immersive control [87]. It’s part of a trend of high-end PC peripherals catering to esports and pro gamers seeking any performance edge.
- Console Prices: U.S. gamers got bad news as Microsoft hiked Xbox Series X prices by $50, the second increase this year [88]. The company cited inflation and high demand, but it makes the Xbox pricier than the PS5 in its home market – a risky move that could tip the console wars.
Space & Science Technology
SpaceX Launches Spy Satellites Amid Space Security Push
The U.S. quietly bolstered its orbital intelligence fleet on Sept 22 with the help of SpaceX. A Falcon 9 rocket roared off a foggy pad at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 10:38 AM local time, carrying a classified payload for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) [89]. Dubbed NROL-48, this mission is the 11th launch in a new NRO program building out a “proliferated architecture” of spy satellites [90]. Unlike traditional spy sat constellations that rely on a handful of huge, exquisite satellites, the NRO’s new approach uses many smaller, cheaper satellites in diverse orbits to perform surveillance and communications [91]. The idea is to create a resilient mesh that’s harder for adversaries to disrupt – if one satellite is blinded or destroyed, dozens more fill the gap. “To stay ahead of the competition and operate in a heightened threat environment, the NRO is modernizing its architecture in space and on the ground – delivering more capability faster with increased resilience,” NRO officials explained in a mission briefing [92]. The agency noted that deploying a greater number of satellites will yield “an order of magnitude more signals and images… greater revisit rates, increased coverage, [and] more timely delivery of information.” [93]
Neither SpaceX nor the NRO disclosed details of the individual satellites launched, as is customary for intelligence missions [94]. However, analysts believe these are likely modified versions of SpaceX’s own Starlink satellites outfitted for military use [95], given SpaceX’s deep involvement. Notably, the Falcon 9’s first stage successfully landed back at Vandenberg after boosting the payload – a rare return-to-launch-site landing, which suggests the mission’s mass was relatively light. The launch marks SpaceX’s 100th orbital mission of 2025, further cementing its role as the Pentagon’s go-to ride to space.
This comes as the militarization of space is a growing concern. Just days earlier, France’s top space commander warned of increased “hostile” actions in orbit by Russia and others [96]. And the U.S. Space Force has been war-gaming scenarios of satellite attacks. By rapidly populating orbit with robust constellations via reusable rockets, agencies like NRO aim to stay a step ahead in the new space race – where resilience and quantity may trump the old ethos of a few highly sophisticated satellites. As one space analyst put it, “proliferated LEO constellations are becoming the backbone of national security space – it’s about outpacing the threat and not putting all your eggs in one basket.”
Space Station Delivery & International Ventures
In other space news, Northrop Grumman’s latest Cygnus cargo ship is finally set to reach the ISS after a software hiccup caused a brief delay [97]. The resupply mission will bring food, science experiments, and a new space toilet to the astronauts once it launches from Wallops Island on Thursday [98]. Meanwhile, Russia announced it’s developing a Starlink competitor constellation “at rapid pace,” according to Roscosmos chief Yuri Borisov [99]. The planned mega-constellation, named “Skif,” is Moscow’s bid to ensure independent satellite internet and possibly to counter Starlink’s growing influence (notably, SpaceX’s Starlink has aided Ukraine’s communications during the war, irking Russian officials). Borisov claimed initial Skif satellites are already under construction.
Back on Earth, space policy made headlines at the U.N. aviation conference in Montreal, where officials grappled not just with conventional air safety but the specter of cyberattacks (given the European airport chaos) [100] and even antisatellite missile tests. It’s a reminder that realms of air and space security are increasingly intertwined.
Finally, a U.S. federal court handed SpaceX a win, rejecting an environmental lawsuit that sought to block the FAA’s approval of expanded Starship launch operations in Texas [101]. The court found that the FAA’s review was sufficient, allowing SpaceX to press ahead with its aggressive Starship testing campaign. This clears a legal cloud as Elon Musk’s company aims for the next orbital attempt of Starship – a key to its Mars ambitions – in the coming months.
Autonomous & Electric Transportation
Tesla’s “Robotaxi” Plan Spurs Regulator Backlash
Tesla’s ambitious robotaxi vision hit a speed bump of reality and regulation. Elon Musk shocked regulators in California when word leaked in late July that Tesla planned to roll out “robotaxis” in the Bay Area imminently [102]. Given that Tesla does not have permits for driverless ride-hailing in California, officials were perplexed – and alarmed – by Musk’s claim that approval was in hand [103]. It turned out Tesla was using the term “robotaxi” loosely. Internally, Tesla refers to its existing Full Self-Driving (FSD) beta software (which still requires an attentive human at the wheel) as a form of supervised robotaxi service [104]. In Austin, Texas, Tesla has been testing a ride-hailing program where employees ferry passengers in Teslas running FSD – not true driverless vehicles. Musk’s vow to “rapidly expand” robotaxis to San Francisco was essentially an extension of that employee-operated pilot, not an autonomous fleet launch [105]. But the distinction wasn’t clear publicly, leading to confusion.
According to emails obtained by Reuters, California state officials and the U.S. NHTSA were caught off-guard and pressed Tesla for answers [106]. One state deputy transportation secretary raised concerns about “public misconceptions” and demanded Tesla clarify that these Bay Area rides would not be autonomous [107]. Tesla’s policy staffer replied that the plan was only to offer rides to friends/family of employees in “non-autonomous vehicles,” essentially private carpooling, and noted Tesla had informed the California Public Utilities Commission of this limited rollout [108]. However, Tesla declined to make any public statement to dispel the robotaxi confusion [109], frustrating regulators.
The crux, as law professor Matthew Wansley observed, is that Tesla is trying to have it both ways – hyping “robotaxis” to investors and consumers, but avoiding calling it autonomous to sidestep legal scrutiny [110]. “Tesla wants all the benefits of marketing ‘robotaxis’ and ‘self-driving’ … but none of the regulatory burden or legal risk,” Wansley said [111]. This strategy is risky. Musk’s bold promises about a massive robotaxi network (he told shareholders it could serve half of the U.S. population by year-end if expansion goes “hyper-exponential” [112]) are now part of Tesla’s sky-high $1 trillion valuation [113]. Yet the company has no permits for driverless operation in California or most states. Emails show even Texas – friendly territory for Tesla – only allows its Austin program with safety drivers present [114].
Regulators are signaling patience is wearing thin. California’s DMV already reprimanded Tesla in 2022 for misleading marketing of “Full Self-Driving.” Now, after this episode, officials may impose stricter oversight on any Tesla pilot projects. Musk’s timeline optimism is also under the microscope. Dan Crowley, a portfolio manager at a Tesla-invested fund, noted investors will tolerate Musk’s notorious delays only up to a point. “If we’re at the same place in two years… I wouldn’t be ecstatic,” Crowley said of the still-elusive full self-driving rollout [115]. In short, Tesla’s robotaxi saga highlights the tension between technological ambition and regulatory reality. As truly driverless competitors like Cruise and Waymo expand (albeit with setbacks of their own), Tesla is rebranding a human-driven service as “robotaxi” – a semantic gambit that may not fly much longer with watchdogs.
EV and Autonomy Bits
- Nissan embraces AI driving tech: Nissan showcased a prototype of its Infiniti QX80 SUV equipped with Wayve’s AI-powered autonomous driving system in a demo in the UK [116]. The concept uses machine learning to handle complex traffic without HD maps. Nissan’s tie-up with London-based startup Wayve hints at a future where automakers might license advanced AI drivers rather than develop them entirely in-house (drawing a contrast with Tesla’s go-it-alone approach).
- EV charging gets a boost: The U.S. government announced a deal with Tesla, GM, and other carmakers to adopt Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) connectors for a national EV charging network. This move aims to eliminate the current compatibility issues between Tesla Superchargers and other EVs, effectively making Tesla’s plug the industry standard – a win for consumers and Tesla’s technology, though some critics note it concentrates influence in Tesla’s hands.
- Autopilot legal scrutiny: An important jury trial in California over a fatal Tesla Autopilot crash began this week (a first of its kind). It will test Tesla’s liability for its driver-assist system, which the family of the victim argues is dangerously flawed. The outcome could set a legal precedent for holding semi-autonomous systems accountable in accidents, even as Tesla maintains that drivers must remain in control.
In summary, the past 48 hours in tech saw major developments across the board – from headline-grabbing deals and trials in the U.S., to security crises hobbling critical infrastructure abroad, to leaps forward (and stumbles) in the gadgets and vehicles that shape our daily lives. It’s a vivid reminder that the tech world never stands still. As one week’s news rounds out, the next innovations – and disruptions – are already on the horizon.
Sources: Reuters [117] [118] [119] [120] [121] [122] [123] [124] [125] [126] [127] [128] [129] [130] [131] and TechRadar [132] [133].
References
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