Category: Big Tech!

The Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin (IFA) returned this year with an electrifying showcase of futuristic gadgets, breakthrough AI solutions, and cutting-edge consumer technology. From transparent TVs to AI-powered robots, IFA 2025 reaffirmed its role as the world’s leading tech trade show, bringing together innovators, manufacturers, and enthusiasts from across the globe.

Standout Winners at the IFA 2025 Innovation Awards

The inaugural IFA Innovation Awards spotlighted the companies pushing the boundaries of design and function.

• LG Electronics stole the spotlight with 17 awards, including Best of IFA for the LG SIGNATURE OLED T, the world’s first wireless transparent TV. LG also earned recognition for its Comfort Kit and Spielraum AI mobility platform.
• TECNO scored big with three awards for the Slim smartphone (billed as the world’s slimmest 3D-curved device), the MEGABOOK S14 AI laptop, and the AI Glasses Series.
• Other global brands like Samsung, TCL, Hisense, Miele, and Anker also took home awards in categories ranging from AI innovation to smart home integration.

Smartphones & Wearables

IFA 2025 reinforced how smartphones and wearables remain central to connected living.

• Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S25 FE and the Galaxy Tab S11 Series, strengthening its IFA portfolio with sleek designs and AI-powered features.
• TCL showcased the NXTPAPER 60 Ultra, an eye-comfort smartphone with triple-camera AI functionality (€499), alongside the NXTPAPER 5G Junior, a youth-focused device (€249) with Digital Detox Mode. They also introduced an educational smartwatch for kids.
• Withings and Garmin revealed AI-enabled wearables like the ScanWatch 2 and Fenix 8 Pro, highlighting health-focused data tracking.

Smart Home & Lifestyle Tech

IFA 2025 was packed with innovations designed to simplify everyday living.

• Roborock launched its 4-in-1 AI Cleaning System, combining a washer, dryer, robot vacuum, and mop into one compact, eco-friendly solution.
• Philips Hue expanded its Matter-compatible lineup, introducing a video doorbell and smarter lighting controls.
• SwitchBot presented an AI Art Frame and a quirky AI Pet, signaling how smart home devices are becoming more emotional and expressive.
• Lepro’s AI table lamp and other connected home gadgets reinforced the theme of energy efficiency and personalization.

Laptops, Gadgets & AI-Powered Tools

• Lenovo unveiled the ThinkBook VertiFlex, featuring a swivel portrait display perfect for reading or coding, plus a Smart Motion Concept adjustable stand.
• Acer impressed with the Swift 16 Air laptop and the Predator Helios 18P AI gaming rig.
• Acemate’s AI Tennis Robot turned heads with its ability to coach and retrieve balls, bringing automation to sports training.
• Anker’s Soundcore recorder debuted with GPT-4.1 transcription, blending productivity with AI-driven accuracy.

Entertainment & Visual Experiences

From projectors to drones, IFA 2025 highlighted immersive entertainment and bold design.

• Xgimi Horizon 20 Max projector delivered stunning 4K visuals with Dolby Vision support.
• Soundcore Nebula X1 Pro projector upped the game with Dolby Vision + Atmos.
• Technics SL-40CBT turntable catered to audiophiles, while Earfun Air Pro 4+ earbuds won praise for affordability and clarity.
• Antigravity A1 drone and Reolink TrackFlex Floodlight Cam also earned “Best of IFA” nods for functionality and innovation.

Design Meets Technology: Furniture & Lifestyle Crossovers

TCL introduced its NXTHOME™ concept, blending premium furniture and technology in collaboration with Bang & Olufsen and Roche Bobois. The company also revealed AiMe, the world’s first modular AI companion robot designed for homes.

Key Notes from IFA 2025

1. AI Everywhere: From phones and glasses to vacuums and tennis robots, AI integration is on the high rise.
2. Design-Driven Tech: Transparent TVs, ultra-slim curved phones, and AI-infused furniture show how aesthetics and functionality are merging.
3. Smart Living Simplified: Compact, multi-functional, and eco-friendly solutions dominated the show.
4. Global Stage: Asian tech giants (TCL, TECNO, Lenovo) shined alongside European leaders, proving IFA is a truly international showcase.

IFA 2025 wasn’t just about new gadgets; it was about reshaping how technology fits into everyday life. From the living room to the tennis court, and from luxury furniture to budget smartphones, the message was clear: the future is AI-powered, beautifully designed, and globally connected.

The Huawei Railway Summit 2025, held alongside the Southern African Railways Association (SARA) Rail Conference & Exhibition in Johannesburg, gathered policymakers, industry leaders, and technology experts to chart a new course for the region’s rail sector through digital intelligence.

Themed “Digital Intelligence Empower African Railways: Safe, Efficient and Intelligent,” the summit brought together over 100 representatives from transport authorities, railway operators, and academic institutions. The discussions focused on how advanced digital solutions can address critical challenges in safety, efficiency, and modernization across Southern Africa’s aging railway infrastructure.

Huawei and SARA Commit to Collaboration

Opening the summit, Victor Guo, President of Huawei Enterprise Business in Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighted that digital intelligence will be the “key engine accelerating the development of railways in Southern Africa.” He underscored Huawei’s commitment to working with regional stakeholders by leveraging innovations in cloud computing, AI, big data, and video detection.

Raymond Zuo, CEO of Huawei Smart Rail Business Unit, emphasized that Africa’s rail sector stands at a turning point. He called for strengthened partnerships and open innovation, affirming Huawei’s support for SARA’s mission to create a safer, more efficient, and smarter railway network across the region.

Smart Railway Solutions Showcased

Participants at the summit explored Huawei’s portfolio of digital railway technologies, including:

• FRMCS train-ground wireless standard – enabling modernized communications across railway networks.
• Cloud and AI-powered platforms – supporting data-driven decision-making and operational efficiency.
• Perimeter security systems – designed to enhance safety along railway tracks.
• TFDS freight car fault detection – providing predictive maintenance to improve asset reliability.
• Intelligent Operation Centers (IOC) – centralizing railway operations for smarter management.

These solutions aim to help operators reduce risks, improve service delivery, and boost regional trade connectivity.

The summit builds on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2023 between Huawei and SARA. The agreement outlined plans for unified ICT standards across Southern African rail corridors, with a strong focus on the adoption of FRMCS. This framework is expected to promote seamless cross-border railway operations and facilitate economic integration across the SADC region.

Rail transport remains a lifeline for Southern Africa’s economies, but inefficiencies, aging infrastructure, and safety gaps have limited its potential. The integration of digital technologies is now seen as essential to revitalizing the sector, improving competitiveness, and supporting long-term growth.

By combining Huawei’s expertise in ICT with SARA’s regional leadership, the Huawei Railway Summit 2025 signaled a shared commitment to unlocking the promise of a safer, smarter, and more efficient railway system that can meet the demands of a rapidly changing economy.

Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company, xAI, has ignited heated debate with the launch of a new feature in its Grok chatbot, a sexualized anime-inspired AI companion called Ani.

Marketed under Grok’s “Companion Mode,” Ani is designed to flirt, roleplay, and form pseudo-romantic connections with users. But within days of release, Ani has become one of the most controversial AI launches of the year.

What Is Ani?

Ani appears as a goth-themed, blonde anime character. According to xAI, she is meant to provide “personalized companionship,” remembering user details such as names and preferences, while offering playful or intimate responses.

Access to Ani is included in the Super Grok premium plan (about $30 per month). However, multiple reports suggest that some users are able to access Ani’s features outside the subscription tier, including within Grok’s Kids Mode; a revelation that has alarmed parents and child safety advocates.

Reactions and Concerns

Escalating Conversations

Tech journalists who tested Ani reported that interactions often escalate quickly into sexually explicit or BDSM-themed dialogue. A Verge reporter noted that within 24 hours, Ani was already suggesting bondage scenarios.

Child Safety Risks

Critics are raising alarms after Ani was found accessible to minors. Parenting experts have labeled the move “dangerous and irresponsible,” warning that the bot’s flirtatious persona could distort how young users understand relationships and intimacy.

Ethical Debate

While some adult users view Ani as a lighthearted experiment in digital companionship, ethicists argue that the feature risks encouraging emotional dependency and unhealthy attachments. “This is less about innovation and more about exploitation,” one AI researcher told Time.

Broader Context

The launch of Ani comes at a time when AI chatbots are increasingly being used for companionship and emotional support. Companies like Replika and Character.AI have experimented with virtual partners, but xAI’s Ani stands out for its overtly sexualized design and lack of strict safeguards.

The controversy also follows earlier criticism of Grok, which previously drew backlash for spreading misinformation and extremist outputs. Ani’s debut has further amplified concerns about whether Musk’s push for “unfiltered AI” is putting growth ahead of responsibility.

xAI has not issued a formal statement addressing safety concerns surrounding Ani. Meanwhile, regulators and watchdog groups are calling for clearer age restrictions, content filters, and transparency in AI companion design.

As debates continue, Ani is emerging as a flashpoint in the global discussion about the ethics of AI companionship—and a reminder that the line between innovation and irresponsibility remains razor-thin.

Apple is preparing a major shift in its iPhone lineup, with reports saying the company is working on a redesign cycle that will stretch over the next three years and culminate in the release of its first foldable iPhone. The device is projected to debut in late 2026, with broader availability and market push expected in 2027, coinciding with the iPhone’s 20th anniversary.
Reports say Apple’s strategy begins with the iPhone 17 Air in 2025, designed to be slimmer and lighter. In 2026, attention will turn to the company’s first foldable iPhone, and by 2027 Apple could unveil an all-glass design iPhone to mark two decades since the original launch.

This phased approach reflects how Apple typically introduces major design shifts, ensuring each step aligns with its long-term hardware and ecosystem goals.

Foldable Design in Focus

According to supply chain leaks and analyst projections, the foldable iPhone is expected to adopt a book-style design, opening vertically like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold models. It could feature a 5.5-inch external screen and a larger 7.8-inch internal display, with Apple reportedly working on ways to minimize the crease effect found in most foldable screens.

Materials under consideration include titanium and stainless steel, providing a balance of durability and lightweight construction. Early specifications suggest a thickness of around 9 mm when folded, and about 4.5 mm when opened.

Key Features Under Review

Reports also say the foldable iPhone may replace Face ID with a side-mounted Touch ID sensor, reflecting design constraints in foldable displays. It could also adopt an eSIM-only setup, dropping the physical SIM slot entirely.

The camera system is rumored to include multiple lenses across different panels; with options on the cover display, the inner screen, and the rear aimed at enhancing both photography and videography.

Pricing and Market Positioning

Pricing projections for the foldable model range from $2,000 to $2,500, placing it among the most expensive smartphones in the market. Analysts believe Apple will position the device as a high-end flagship for early adopters, while reinforcing its presence in the growing foldable category.
The move comes as global smartphone sales slow and manufacturers search for new growth opportunities. Rivals such as Samsung, Huawei, and Oppo already have multiple foldable devices in the market. Analysts say Apple’s entry, even later than competitors, could reshape consumer demand—just as it did with categories like smartwatches and wireless earbuds.
While Apple has not officially confirmed a foldable iPhone, reports indicate that mass production could begin in 2026. The timing would align with Apple’s strategy of introducing groundbreaking products during milestone years, making 2027 a symbolic target for the device.

For now, customers can expect incremental updates with the iPhone 16 lineup later this year, but all signs point to a more dramatic evolution of the iPhone as Apple prepares for its next chapter.

Meta’s Instagram is testing a new app experience that you may or may not like, brace yourself.

You know how on YouTube you have to watch the first 5 seconds of an ad or the full ad before watching the video you clicked on (premium users can’t relate), well Instagram is doing the same thing.

Instagram is calling this feature “ad-break,” and they are currently testing on a small number of audiences.

This feature might be a controversial one as many users are not onboard with it.

An X user Dan Levy shared his experience of this feature:

“The app legit stopped me from scrolling past this ad which is just a bonkers move to me.”

“Got the Instagram “ad break” again & this time I clicked the info button to see their explanation”

“So abusive to their users to do this”

Managed to capture the Instagram Feed Ad Break briefly on video

Very short clip b/c Meta seems to limit Instagram Ad Break in Feed insertions to only ~10 seconds long (I think) making it difficult to really get them screen recorded in action but I did what I could 😁 pic.twitter.com/YJ91VJTcts

— Dan Levy ✡ דניאל לוי (@TheDanLevy) June 3, 2024

“Ad breaks are a new way of seeing ads on Instagram. Sometimes you may need to view an ad before you can keep browsing,” reads the description of the new feature.

Users have begun reacting to the news

An X user @BillPrinter00 noted “I’d just close the app and re-start it.”

Another @mrpyo1 said: “Social media apps fighting how to make the worst app possible challenge.”

Lastly another user @soursillypickle stated: “Instagram and YouTube are basically ads with some content.”

What do you think?

TikTok has refused to comply with the United States government’s divest-or-ban legislation, and in fighting back, it has filed a lawsuit against the US government.

TikTok, previously known as Musically, a music and dance platform, is now a platform for sharing short videos owned by ByteDance Ltd., a company based in China. Since its fame in 2020, the app has been mired in various controversies, one of which is that it is a form of Chinese spyware.

The video-sharing app is banned in New Zealand, Belgium, the Netherlands, Taiwan, and India. It currently faces a ban in the United States if it doesn’t divest.

TikTok argues it’s a platform for free speech, and its existence helps millions of small businesses succeed. It says its ban will take away the livelihoods of creators and businesses, thus hurting the economy. It further argues it is “not possible: not commercially, not technologically, not legally.”

Last year, TikTok announced its $1.5 billion investment to establish a separate entity for its US operations and agreed to oversight by American tech giant Oracle Corp.

“There is no question: the Act will force a shutdown of TikTok by January 19, 2025, silencing the 170 million Americans who use the platform to communicate in ways that cannot be replicated elsewhere,” TikTok said.

The Act, called “Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary-Controlled Applications,” is aimed at TikTok, categorizing it as a “foreign adversary-controlled application.” The platform has 270 days to divest or face a ban, which US President Joe Biden has agreed to sign.

Multiple individuals have announced their interest in buying the app if it agrees to divest, but the CEO, Shou Zi Chew, disagrees. “Congress has taken the unprecedented step of expressly singling out and banning TikTok: a vibrant online forum for protected speech and expression used by 170 million Americans to create, share, and view videos over the Internet,” said ByteDance.

The legislation to ban TikTok was incorporated into the National Security Act in April, which also allocated extra funds to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Despite the argument about the security risk of TikTok, experts say it could affect other apps as well, giving them the power to ban any app that doesn’t align with the view of the sitting government.

According to reports by Nairametrics, TikTok was fined €10 million by the Italian Competition Authority for its inability to protect its users from dangerous online trends.

The Italian regulatory body criticized TikTok for its inadequate implementation of measures to monitor and regulate content uploaded to the platform, particularly content that poses potential risks to the safety of minors and other vulnerable individuals.

We’re watching closely as this unfolds.

Meta is opening up its Meta Quest VR Headset Operating System to Third Party Developers.

Starting today, 22nd of April, 2024, Meta is opening its VR Operating System to developers. The name of the operating system is called Meta Horizon OS, it will be similar to operating system like Google Play Store and Apple App Store but for virtual reality developers.

The new open model operating system to virtual reality developers and makers like Asus, Lenovo and even an Xbox.

The Horizon OS is currently supported on all Meta Quest line for both VR and AR. Third party developers can now create virtual apps and games and upload to the Quest Store. Meta is planning to launch it’s Horizon Store to third party developers.

According to Meta CEO and Founder, Mark Zuckerberg, Meta is working with companies like Asus, Lenovo, and Microsoft to kick start a new age for open model VR experience.

According to Meta, Asus is currently working on “performance based” VR gaming headset under its Republic of Gamers brand, Lenovo is working on Meta Horizon OS-compatible VR devices. The company hinted Lenovo focus will be on “productivity, learning, and entertainment.” As for Xbox it’s partnering with Meta to make a limited edition, “inspired by Xbox” product.

Speculations from tech enthusiasts predict the new devices may use Meta Chips, since its announce of entering the chip maker business.

According to Meta its Horizon OS would be easy for publishers to publish apps and App Lab developers will receive a dedicated Horizon Store section, similar to other apps stores.

There will also be a new framework for building mixed reality apps. Meta predicts hardware or software makers will create dedicated Virtual Reality devices and applications which will create and enabling use case experience.

We believe a more open ecosystem is the best way to bring the power of mixed reality to as many people as possible. With more devices, this new ecosystem will offer more choice to consumers and businesses around the world. Developers will have a much larger range of hardware that can run their apps, and more device makers will expand their market to a wider range of users, much like we’ve seen with PCs and smartphones.

The question left to ask is, how will Meta competitors respond?

The French media group Canal+ has increased its stake in South African media giant MultiChoice to 40.83%. Their actions reveal a strong intent to gain control of Africa’s largest pay-TV company.

The company said in a statement on Thursday that the on- and off-market acquisitions had been disclosed to SA’s takeover regulation panel.

In February, Canal+’s stake in MultiChoice passed the 35% mark, which triggered a law that allowed it to present a mandatory offer to shareholders of MultiChoice.

Canal+ bought MultiChoice 3.5 million shares for an average of R116 per share. The newly bought shares are lower than the mandatory share offer of R125.

“The 3 million shares acquired would have cost R30 million more had they been purchased at the offer price, so Canal+ is saving a lot of money,” said Jimmy Moyaha, founder of investment firm Lebowa Capital.

It has increased its stake from 36.6% as of April 8, buying shares from April 12 to April 17 at 117.50 Rand, 115.99 Rand, 115.95 Rand, and 116 Rand per share. The offer at 125 rand per share is with the board of MultiChoice awaiting approval.

The previous generation of the Meta VR headset, Meta Quest 2, is getting a large price drop.

The VR headset is dropping from $299 to $199. The model that will be affected is the Meta Quest 2 128 GB, which will now be the most affordable VR headset for anyone who wants a virtual experience.

Quest 2 was first released in 2020 for $299. During the inflation of 2022, there was a price jump to $399. The $199 price decrease is the lowest it has ever been since it debuted in June 2021.

“From home fitness to fully immersive gaming to 2D entertainment, Meta Quest 2 is the most affordable way to tap into everything VR has to offer, and we’re doubling down by making our recent price drop permanent,” says Meta.

The price drop shouldn’t be a surprise considering the release of Quest 3 in October. The latest generation is sold for $499, making Meta Quest 2 the most affordable VR headset.

Meta also announced that the price of Quest 2 accessories will drop. The Elite Strap is now $24.00, the Elite Strap with Battery is now sold at $45, and the Carrying Case is now $20. The company’s Active Pack is now reduced to $30, and its Fit Pack is seeing its price drop to $20.

The original Quest headset, which was released back in 2019, currently has no support, new updates, or new apps. Consumers rightfully fear this may be the beginning of the end of Quest 2.

With the release of Meta AI, Llama 3, and Ray-Ban glasses, fans of Meta hardware products are expecting the new age of virtual reality and artificial reality in all upcoming Meta products.

While the Quest 3 has more to offer, such as mixed reality support and a bump in specs, the Quest 3 is the best for its price.

Endeavor, the parent company of WME and the majority shareholder in combat sports powerhouse TKO Group (owners of UFC and WWE), is going private.

This comes after the announcement that the private equity firm Silver Lake has agreed to acquire Endeavor. The acquisition is valued at $13 billion, and shareholders in Endeavor will receive $27.50 per share.

Endeavor in October 2023 announced its “strategic review” to boost shareholder value which may include going private.

“Silver Lake believes that when consolidating all of TKO’s value into Endeavor, the combined total enterprise value of $25 billion will make this the largest private equity sponsor public-to-private investment transaction in over a decade, and the largest ever in the media and entertainment sector,” the companies said.

Formed last year, TKO Groups Holdings will remain a publicly traded company, it “will continue to benefit from its connectivity to Endeavor’s expertise, relationships, and significant capabilities,” – Endeavor and Silver Lake said.