Technology

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, tech giants are constantly exploring new avenues for revenue growth. This move reflects broader industry trends, where companies are seeking to capitalize on their vast user bases. According to a report from Bloomberg’s Power On newsletter, Apple is planning to introduce advertising into its Maps app as early as next year. The proposed ads won’t be intrusive, such as pop-ups or commercials. Instead, businesses will be able to pay for promoted spots that appear in search results, similar to how Google Maps has been doing since 2009. This strategic decision could have significant implications for Apple’s ecosystem, potentially altering the user experience and raising concerns about data privacy. ...

As the world hurtles towards an AI-driven future, the US is facing a critical challenge that could undermine its leadership in this field: a severe electricity shortfall. This move reflects broader industry trends, where the increasing demand for AI computing power is outpacing the available energy supply. The US currently leads the world in AI development, but this advantage is threatened by the growing electricity gap. To put this into perspective, the first $1 trillion invested in AI infrastructure could create over 5 percent in additional GDP growth over a three-year period, according to an internal OpenAI analysis. However, this growth is contingent upon the availability of sufficient electricity to power the AI infrastructure. The US added only 51 gigawatts of new power capacity in 2024, while China added 429 gigawatts, creating an “electron gap” that puts US leadership at risk. ...

The healthcare industry is witnessing a significant shift towards personalized medicine, with technology playing a vital role in this transformation. This move reflects broader industry trends, where companies like Fitbit are leveraging AI to provide tailored guidance and support to users. As part of this effort, Fitbit’s new Gemini-powered health coach is debuting in preview today, offering a glimpse into the future of health and wellness. For premium subscribers in the US using Android devices, this new feature will be available first, with plans to expand to iOS “later this year,” according to Taylor Helgren, Fitbit product manager. This development is a testament to the growing importance of AI in healthcare, enabling users to receive customized advice and recommendations to improve their overall well-being. As the health coach rolls out, it will be interesting to see how it integrates with Fitbit’s existing suite of health and fitness tracking features. ...

As the world becomes increasingly digital, the way we travel is also undergoing a significant transformation. This move reflects broader industry trends towards a more streamlined and efficient travel experience. Apple’s latest announcement is a prime example of this shift, as the company is set to introduce a new feature to Apple Wallet that will allow users to create a digital ID using their passport. This development is particularly significant in the context of the Real ID rules, which began enforcement in May, rendering many state IDs insufficient for TSA checkpoints. ...

The Chinese market has just witnessed the arrival of the highly anticipated OnePlus 15 flagship, marking a significant milestone for the company. This move reflects broader industry trends, where smartphone manufacturers are increasingly focusing on emerging markets to drive growth. As the global smartphone landscape continues to evolve, the OnePlus 15’s launch in China is a strategic step towards expanding the company’s presence in the region. With the company promising a global launch “soon”, fans and enthusiasts around the world are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to get their hands on the new device. Although release plans for other regions are still unconfirmed, the anticipation surrounding the OnePlus 15 is a testament to the brand’s loyal following and the excitement surrounding its latest offerings. ...

The quest to restore vision to the blind has taken a significant leap forward with the development of a tiny wireless eye implant at Stanford Medicine. This innovative device, known as the PRIMA chip, has been shown to partially restore vision to individuals with advanced macular degeneration, a condition that affects over 5 million people worldwide. By combining the implant with a pair of advanced smart glasses, patients can regain their ability to read and recognize shapes and patterns. ...

As the tech industry continues to evolve, Apple has once again raised the bar with its latest lineup of M5-powered devices. The new iPad Pro, 14-inch MacBook Pro, and Apple Vision Pro are now available, featuring the incredibly powerful M5 chip. This move reflects broader industry trends towards more efficient and powerful processing, enabling users to tackle demanding tasks with ease. The M5 chip is the driving force behind these new devices, delivering up to 3.5x faster AI performance and significant boosts to overall performance. For instance, the new iPad Pro with M5 unlocks the most advanced iPad experience ever, packing an incredible amount of power into its stunning thin and light design. With iPadOS 26, users can enjoy unprecedented capabilities, such as enhanced Neural Engine and higher unified memory bandwidth. ...

The future of mobile technology has taken a significant leap forward with the introduction of Samsung’s Galaxy XR, a device that embodies the perfect blend of artificial intelligence (AI) and extended reality (XR). This move reflects broader industry trends towards creating more immersive and interactive experiences for users. As Won-Joon Choi, Chief Operating Officer of Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics, notes, “With Galaxy XR, Samsung is introducing a brand-new ecosystem of mobile devices.” ...

As the world of display technology continues to evolve, Samsung Electronics remains at the forefront of innovation. The company’s pioneering work in quantum dot materials has led to the development of cadmium-free QLED TVs, which offer unparalleled picture quality and color reproduction. But what makes these TVs so special, and how do they achieve such stunning visuals? To understand the magic behind Samsung QLED TVs, it’s essential to delve into their internal components. The operating module, often referred to as the “brain” of the TV, oversees critical functions such as power supply, remote control reception, and SmartThings connectivity. The main PCB (printed circuit board) acts as the central nervous system, ensuring the TV operates smoothly and efficiently. ...

The latest update to Adobe’s Project Indigo camera app brings support for the iPhone 17 series, but not without some compromises. This move reflects broader industry trends, where companies are struggling to keep up with the rapid pace of smartphone innovation. The app’s initial inability to adapt to the new square-format selfie sensor in the iPhone 17 series highlights the challenges of developing for emerging technologies. As a result, Adobe has decided to disable access to the front-facing camera in Project Indigo, allowing the app to finally support the iPhone 17 series. This decision may seem counterintuitive, but it underscores the company’s commitment to providing a functional experience, even if it means limiting certain features. By doing so, Adobe can ensure that users can still leverage the app’s core capabilities, such as its advanced computational photography features. ...

As the world becomes increasingly reliant on technology, it’s essential for the next generation to develop skills that will prepare them for the future. This move reflects broader industry trends, where companies are investing heavily in AI and cybersecurity. Scouting America, one of the largest youth organizations in the United States, has taken a significant step in this direction by introducing artificial intelligence and cybersecurity merit badges. With over 1 million youth members, including nearly 200,000 female participants, Scouting America is committed to providing its members with relevant and modern skills. The new badges, which include the “AI merit badge” and the “cybersecurity merit badge,” will equip Scouts with essential knowledge and skills to navigate and protect the digital world. As Scouting America notes, “Both badges focus on real-world practice, not just reading about technology.” ...

As the days get shorter, the debate about daylight saving time (DST) heats up. On November 2, most of the US will “fall back” by one hour, marking the end of DST. This move reflects broader industry trends, where technology and society intersect, affecting our daily routines and overall well-being. The time change can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to negative health consequences, such as increased risk of cardiovascular events, drowsy driving, and mental health concerns. ...