Innholdsfortegnelse for #706 i Techlife News

Apple is expanding its silicon design efforts with specialized chips for smart glasses, next-generation Macs, and artificial intelligence (AI) servers, as announced this week. The initiative aims to power a non-augmented reality (AR) smart glasses product to compete with Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses, enhance Mac performance with M5 chips, and support AI server infrastructure with a high-end processor codenamed Baltra. For consumers, developers, and the tech industry, these developments highlight Apple’s focus on integrating advanced AI and hardware across its ecosystem to maintain a competitive edge. The smart glasses chip, targeted for mass production by 2026 or 2027, will enable features like audio playback and AI-driven environmental recognition. The M5 chips, expected in Macs by late 2025, will boost AI capabilities, while the Baltra AI server chip, developed with Broadcom, is…

Alphabet, Google’s parent company, experienced a sharp 7.3% drop in its stock price, erasing approximately $160 billion in market value, following testimony from an Apple executive suggesting a potential decline in Google’s dominance as the default search engine on Safari, as reported this week. The executive, Eddy Cue, revealed during an antitrust trial that Safari searches declined for the first time in April 2025, attributing the shift to users increasingly turning to AI-powered search tools. For investors, tech industry observers, and consumers, the development raises questions about Google’s long-standing search market leadership and its $1.92 trillion valuation. Cue’s testimony, part of a U.S. Department of Justice case against Google’s search monopoly, indicated Apple is exploring AI search options from providers like OpenAI and Perplexity for Safari, potentially altering its $20…

Technology and fashion are increasingly converging, and the partnership between Apple and Hermès is testament to that. The Hermès Apple Watch collection exemplifies how two industry giants can merge cutting-edge technology with timeless craftsmanship to cater to an elite clientele seeking an A-class lifestyle and unlock new use cases for Apple’s equipment. A LUXURY PARTNERSHIP Since its inception in 2015, the Apple and Hermès collaboration has redefined what a smartwatch can be, blending Hermès’ heritage of artisanal excellence with Apple’s technological prowess. The partnership was a bold move by Apple to position its wearable as a luxury accessory,appealing to consumers who value exclusivity and craftsmanship. The Gold edition, in particular, targets those who seek the ultimate in opulence, featuring premium materials like polished titanium or stainless steel paired with Hermès’…

Volvo Cars reported an 11% decline in global sales for April, totaling 58,881 vehicles compared to the previous year, driven by a significant 32% drop in fully electric vehicle (EV) sales, as announced this week. The Sweden-based automaker, majority-owned by China’s Geely, saw electrified vehicles, including plug-in hybrids, fall 16%, accounting for 45% of total sales, while fully electric models comprised 20%. For investors, consumers, and the automotive industry, the slump reflects challenges from U.S. tariffs, shifting consumer preferences, and intense competition, prompting Volvo to withdraw its earnings forecast for the next two years. The sales decline, which sent Volvo’s shares down 3% and contributed to a 29% year-to-date stock drop, highlights the impact of new U.S. tariffs under President Donald Trump, affecting Volvo’s strategy in the American market. The…

Elon Musk will proceed with his lawsuit against OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, despite the company’s decision to maintain nonprofit control over its operations, according to a statement from Musk’s lawyer, Marc Toberoff, reported this week. The legal action, filed in 2024, accuses OpenAI of breaching its founding mission to develop artificial intelligence for humanity’s benefit by pursuing a for-profit model. For OpenAI’s users, investors, and the AI industry, the ongoing dispute highlights tensions between the company’s nonprofit roots and its commercial ambitions, with Musk alleging OpenAI prioritizes profits for Altman, investors, and Microsoft. OpenAI, which operates ChatGPT with 320 million monthly users, announced it would retain nonprofit governance, reversing a plan to become a fully for-profit entity, following pressure from Musk, former employees, and civic leaders. The nonprofit…

Microsoft will terminate Skype, its internet-based calling and messaging service, effective May 5, 2025, concluding 22 years of operation since its launch in 2003, as announced this week. The company is shifting focus to Microsoft Teams Free, urging Skype users to transfer their accounts, chats, and contacts to the new platform. For longtime users, businesses, and technology observers, the closure marks the end of a service that reshaped online communication, with Microsoft highlighting Teams’ advanced features as its future consumer offering. Acquired by Microsoft for $8.5 billion in 2011, Skype pioneered free voice and video calls, peaking at over 300 million monthly users in the mid-2010s. Competition from Zoom, WhatsApp, and Apple’s FaceTime, alongside Microsoft’s emphasis on Teams, reduced Skype’s daily users to 36 million by 2023. Users can migrate…

Taiwan-based Foxconn, formally known as Hon Hai Precision Industry and a major producer of Apple’s iPhones, has secured a deal to manufacture electric vehicles (EVs) for Japan’s Mitsubishi Motors, with production set to begin in Taiwan. The agreement, confirmed by a source familiar with the matter, targets Australia and New Zealand for initial vehicle rollouts starting in late 2026, marking Foxconn’s first major EV contract with a global automaker. For Mitsubishi, the partnership aims to reduce production costs and accelerate its EV lineup development, while Foxconn seeks to expand its automotive ambitions beyond consumer electronics. Foxtron, a joint venture between Foxconn and Taiwan’s Yulon Motor Co., will produce the EVs under a memorandum of understanding with Mitsubishi, as announced by both companies. The deal follows Mitsubishi’s discussions with Nissan and…

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman testified before a Senate Judiciary subcommittee this week, advocating for government regulation of artificial intelligence to address its risks and benefits, marking his first appearance before Congress. The hearing, focused on oversight of AI, saw Altman joined by IBM’s chief privacy officer, Christina Montgomery, and New York University professor emeritus Gary Marcus, who discussed the need for safeguards to prevent misuse of powerful AI systems like ChatGPT. For policymakers, tech developers, and the public, the testimony highlights growing concerns about AI’s potential to spread misinformation, disrupt jobs, and impact elections, with lawmakers seeking to balance innovation and safety. Altman, whose company has 320 million monthly ChatGPT users, proposed a U.S. or global agency to license advanced AI models and enforce safety standards, emphasizing the technology’s transformative…

Microsoft has announced Gears of War: Reloaded, a remastered version of the original 2006 Gears of War game, set for release on August 26, 2025, across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Xbox Game Pass, as revealed this week. This marks the first time a Gears of War title, previously an Xbox exclusive, will launch on Sony’s platform, continuing Microsoft’s shift toward multiplatform releases. For gamers, developers, and industry observers, the move expands the reach of the iconic third-person shooter, known for its intense combat and cooperative gameplay, to a new audience while updating it for modern hardware. Developed by The Coalition with Sumo Interactive and Disbelief, Gears of War: Reloaded features 4K resolution, 120 FPS multiplayer, and cross-play support, priced at $39.99. The remaster includes all content from…

A federal judge has declared Google’s digital advertising network an illegal monopoly, marking the second such ruling against the tech giant in less than a year, as reported this week. U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema in Virginia found that Google unlawfully maintained dominance in publisher ad servers and ad exchanges, exploiting its $1.8 trillion market position to suppress competition. For advertisers, publishers, and tech industry observers, the decision signals potential upheaval in Google’s ad tech business, which generates tens of billions annually, as the case moves to a penalty phase later this year or early next. The ruling follows a 2023 Justice Department lawsuit accusing Google of anticompetitive practices, such as tying its ad server and exchange products to exclude rivals, harming publishers by reducing their revenue. Google, planning to…

Netflix has announced a significant redesign of its TV and mobile app interfaces, introducing an AI-powered search feature and a TikTok-style vertical feed, set to roll out globally starting May 19, 2025. The overhaul aims to enhance user experience by making content discovery more intuitive and personalized, addressing the challenge of navigating the platform’s vast library. For subscribers, content creators, and streaming industry observers, the update signals Netflix’s push to stay competitive in a crowded market, leveraging advanced technology to keep its 320 million global users engaged. The new TV interface offers detailed title information, responsive recommendations, and a personalized “My Netflix” hub, while the mobile app’s vertical feed delivers short, engaging video clips to spark interest in new shows and movies. The OpenAI-powered search, available on select devices, allows…

Google has launched a new feature called Simplify for its iOS app, enabling users to transform complex or technical web text into clearer, more understandable language using artificial intelligence, as announced this week. The tool, powered by the Gemini AI model and developed by Google Research, allows iPhone users to highlight jargon-heavy text on a webpage within the app and generate a simplified version without leaving the page. For students, professionals, and casual readers, Simplify addresses the challenge of deciphering dense content, making information more accessible across fields like medicine, law, and technology. To use Simplify, users select text on a webpage in the Google app and tap a “Simplify” icon, prompting a pop-up with a rephrased, digestible explanation that retains key details. Google’s testing showed that simplified text improved…

The Michigan House of Representatives has introduced legislation to ban TikTok on state-owned devices, citing concerns over foreign influence and data security risks posed by the Chinese-owned app. The bill, spearheaded by Rep. Andrew Beeler, R-Port Huron, targets apps controlled by foreign adversaries, specifically naming TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, due to fears that user data could be accessed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). For Michigan’s public sector, taxpayers, and tech policy observers, the move reflects growing national security anxieties about TikTok’s operations, building on a 2023 state policy that restricted the app on government devices, except for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s promotional account. The legislation aligns with a broader U.S. push to limit TikTok, which has over 170 million American users, amid debates over privacy, free speech, and…

The Trump administration, led by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, unveiled a plan this week to overhaul the U.S. air traffic control system, addressing aging infrastructure, staffing shortages, and outdated technology that have contributed to recent aviation incidents. The proposal, requiring tens of billions in funding, aims to modernize the system to prevent crashes like the January 2025 midair collision near Washington, D.C., which killed 67 people. For air travelers, airline operators, and policymakers, the initiative seeks to restore confidence in a strained aviation network facing growing safety concerns. Duffy, joined by CEOs of the five largest U.S. airlines and families of crash victims, outlined the need for new telecom systems, radars, and infrastructure, alongside hiring thousands of air traffic controllers. The plan, presented to Congress for funding approval, faces skepticism…

Apple reported a robust second quarter for fiscal 2025, ending March 29, 2025, with revenue of $95.4 billion, a 5% increase year-over-year, and earnings per share of $1.65, up 8%, surpassing Wall Street expectations. The Cupertino-based company highlighted strong iPhone demand, with sales reaching $46.84 billion, a 2% rise from $46 billion the previous year, exceeding analyst estimates of $45.94 billion. For consumers, investors, and the tech industry, the results reflect Apple’s resilience despite tariff challenges, with CEO Tim Cook noting a shift to sourcing most U.S.-sold iPhones from India to mitigate costs. The quarter saw double-digit growth in services revenue, climbing 12% to $26.65 billion, though slightly below projections of $26.71 billion. Mac sales increased 7% to $7.95 billion, and iPad sales rose 15% to $6.4 billion. However, Greater…

Apple’s upcoming iOS 18.5 update, set for release next week, will enable carrier-provided satellite connectivity, such as T-Mobile’s Starlink service, on iPhone 13 models, including the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max, as reported this week by MacRumors. The feature allows users to send text messages in areas without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage, enhancing connectivity for T-Mobile subscribers with compatible devices. For iPhone users, carriers, and the tech industry, this expansion broadens access to satellite-based communication, previously limited to iPhone 14 and newer models, addressing connectivity challenges in remote regions. T-Mobile’s Starlink service, part of a beta program launched in December 2024, uses SpaceX’s direct-to-cell satellites to provide texting capabilities, with plans for data and voice support in the future. The iOS 18.5…

OpenAI announced this week that its nonprofit parent will retain control over the organization, reversing earlier plans to transition into a fully for-profit company, as reported by Reuters and other sources. The decision, driven by pressure from civic leaders, former employees, and co-founder Elon Musk, ensures the nonprofit board continues to oversee the ChatGPT maker’s operations while restructuring its for-profit arm as a public benefit corporation (PBC). For AI developers, investors, and public interest advocates, the move addresses concerns about OpenAI’s mission to prioritize societal benefits over profits in the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence sector. The nonprofit will remain the sole governing body and a major shareholder in the PBC, securing significant resources to advance its charitable goals, according to board chair Bret Taylor. The restructuring follows a tumultuous period,…

DoorDash announced record first-quarter revenue of $3.03 billion, up 21% from the previous year, alongside two major acquisitions: Britain’s Deliveroo for $3.9 billion and New York-based SevenRooms for $1.2 billion. The San Francisco-based food delivery company saw total orders climb 18% to 732 million, a quarterly high, but its shares fell 5% after missing Wall Street’s revenue expectations of $3.09 billion. For investors, merchants, and consumers, the acquisitions signal DoorDash’s ambition to expand its global footprint and diversify its platform beyond delivery. The Deliveroo deal, valued at £2.9 billion, enhances DoorDash’s presence in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, adding nine countries to its operations. The SevenRooms acquisition, a hospitality tech firm, aims to boost in-store sales for merchants by integrating reservation and customer management tools into DoorDash’s Commerce Platform.…

A private Japanese lunar lander, Resilience, developed by Tokyo-based ispace, has successfully entered lunar orbit, setting the stage for a historic touchdown attempt in early June 2025, as announced this week. Launched by SpaceX in January 2025 alongside a U.S.-based Firefly Aerospace lander, Resilience is now circling the moon at an altitude of 280 miles, preparing to land in Mare Frigoris, a basaltic plain in the northern hemisphere. For space exploration enthusiasts, scientists, and the global tech industry, this mission marks Japan’s second bid for a private lunar landing, following ispace’s 2023 attempt that ended in a crash. The lander carries a micro rover equipped with a scoop to collect lunar soil for analysis, along with other scientific experiments, aiming to contribute to lunar resource exploration. ispace’s CEO, Takeshi Hakamada,…