Welcome to today’s curated collection of interesting links and insights from 2025/08/18. Our AI-powered system has processed and summarized 34 URLs to bring you the key takeaways.
As previously aired🔴LIVE on Clubhouse, Chatter Social, and TikTok.
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1. He Sold His Likeness. Now His Avatar Is Shilling Supplements on TikTok.
Dallas actor @ScottJacqmein licensed his likeness to TikTok to create a digital avatar that advertisers can use to pitch products through AI-generated videos. The avatar has appeared in promos for an insurance-quote marketplace, a daily horoscope app, and a puzzle game, with gestures and a voice that resemble him even though he did not perform the footage. By letting his likeness roam the internet without in-person shoots, the arrangement lets brands deploy him for any compliant product, raising questions about consent, control, and the reach of a creator’s image. While he says he’s not anti-AI or anti-TikTok, he regrets not fully foreseeing the implications after seeing his avatar in the wild. The episode highlights a broader shift in commercial work driven by #generativeAI and #digitalavatar technology, prompting debate about creators’ rights, platform rules, and how such tools should be governed on #TikTok.
2. Report: Microsoft’s latest Windows 11 24H2 update breaks SSDs/HDDs, may corrupt your data
Microsoft’s latest Windows 11 24H2 update has been reported to cause critical issues with SSDs and HDDs, potentially leading to data corruption. Users have experienced problems ranging from decreases in disk performance to severe data loss after installing the update. The update appears to interfere with drive integrity and may corrupt stored information, prompting concerns about its stability. Microsoft is aware of the situation and investigating the issue while users are advised to hold off on applying this update until a fix is released. This development highlights the risks of applying large-scale system updates without thorough validation on storage hardware compatibility.
3. How China Went From Clean Energy Copycat to Global Innovator
China has moved from being seen as a copycat to becoming a global innovator in clean energy, driven by a surge in high quality research and patent activity. From 2000, when China filed 18 clean energy patents, to 2022, when it filed more than 5,000 high quality filings across multiple countries, Chinese applicants increasingly seek protection abroad, with multi-country filings used by @Yann Ménière, chief economist at the #European Patent Office, as a proxy for true patent quality. The data show that China led in #batteries and #solar, while #wind and #smartgrids remained stronger in Europe, illustrating a shift in strengths across technologies. Analysts attribute this progress to Beijing’s strategic policies and a maturing academic environment, and @Yann Ménière notes that China has moved from imitator to innovator. Together, the rise in high-quality patents signals China’s growing role in the global energy transition away from fossil fuels.
4. Nearly a Million Patients Hit by DaVita Dialysis Ransomware Attack
Nearly a million patients were affected by a ransomware attack on DaVita Dialysis, impacting the confidentiality and availability of patient data. The cyber incident exposed sensitive information including names, dates of birth, medical record numbers, and health insurance details. DaVita Dialysis responded by notifying affected individuals and reinforcing its cybersecurity measures to mitigate further risks. The breach highlights the vulnerability of healthcare #infrastructure to ransomware threats and the ongoing challenge of protecting patient data. This event emphasizes the need for stronger cybersecurity protocols in healthcare organizations to prevent similar attacks.
SkyDefense’s CobraJet (#CobraJet) is an autonomous combat drone designed to counter drone swarms at a fraction of the cost of traditional weapons. It uses Teledyne FLIR sensors and Nvidia #AI chips for onboard processing, and its Visual Realtime Area Monitoring (#VRAM) lets ground commanders monitor autonomous missions and coordinate with other CobraJet units, with humans able to intervene when needed. An internal weapons bay and external hardpoints support kamikaze drones, small missiles, fragmentation projectiles, or precision munitions, giving it #multirole capability and enhanced maneuverability to engage nimble drones. SkyDefense frames CobraJet as a solution to asymmetric warfare against drone swarms, noting Ukraine’s drone activity as context and signaling interest from law enforcement, Homeland Security, and the U.S. military; as @NickVerini says, this squadron-like AI-powered approach can reduce costs while increasing effectiveness.
At IgniteTech, @Eric Vaughan treats generative #AI as an existential inflection point and replaced nearly 80% of staff within a year to accelerate adoption. He launched an AI-centric regime, introduced ‘AI Monday’ where all work centers on AI, reimbursed AI tools, funded education, and brought in outside experts, with 20% of payroll devoted to mass-learning. Resistance and sabotage emerged, particularly among technical staff, leading to departures as the company pushed for AI-only work. Marketing and sales teams were more enthusiastic about AI’s possibilities, underscoring uneven uptake. Vaughan says he would do it again, insisting that changing minds was harder than adding skills and that the existential threat demanded ruthless action.
7. New Gmail Phishing Attack With Weaponized Login Flow Steals Credentials
A sophisticated phishing campaign targets Gmail users by abusing legitimate infrastructure to host multiple attack stages, culminating in a pixel perfect Gmail login page with @Google branding that steals credentials and security codes. The attack begins with deceptive New Voice Notification emails that redirect victims through a chain of compromised sites, starting with the legitimate @Microsoft Dynamics platform to gain credibility and evade filters, and ending on a CAPTCHA page hosted at horkyrown.com. The final page mimics Gmail and asks for primary credentials, 2FA codes, backup codes and security questions, while obfuscated JavaScript using AES and anti debugging hides its true function and redirects to servers in Russia such as purpxqha.ru #2FA #Gmail. Stolen data is sent to attacker controlled servers over encrypted channels, exploiting cross site requests and a multi layer infrastructure that includes the horkyrown domain registered via Onamae and linked to Karachi, Pakistan. Users should verify login requests through official channels, while organizations should strengthen email security and monitor for campaigns using legitimate platforms like Dynamics, and block domains such as horkyrown.com #Dynamics #Gmail #phishing.
8. YouTube Is Making a Play to Host the Oscars
YouTube is positioning itself to become the primary platform for hosting the Oscars, aiming to revolutionize how the event is streamed and consumed. The company plans to leverage its vast user base and advanced streaming technology to offer a more interactive and engaging experience, contrasting with traditional broadcast methods. This strategy reflects YouTube’s broader goal to dominate major live events and expand its footprint in the entertainment industry. By hosting the Oscars, YouTube could attract a younger, digitally savvy audience while securing valuable advertising and sponsorship opportunities. The move underscores the shifting dynamics in media consumption, where digital platforms increasingly challenge legacy broadcasters for premier content.
9. Japan’s 1st osmotic power plant begins operating in Fukuoka
Japan’s first osmotic power plant began operations in August in Fukuoka, showcasing a next-generation renewable energy source that is not affected by weather or time of day and emits no carbon dioxide. The plant uses the #osmotic_power process, drawing electricity from the osmotic movement when concentrated seawater created by extracting fresh water is separated by a permeable membrane from treated water, with a turbine driven by the resulting pressure. The agency expects about 880,000 kilowatt-hours annually to power a desalination facility serving the city and surrounding areas, and this plant is the world’s second operator after a Danish firm that started in 2023. @Akihiko_Tanioka, professor emeritus at @Institute_of_Science_Tokyo and an osmotic-power expert, says the development could spread not only in #Japan but worldwide, signaling a practical deployment of #salinity_gradient_power.
10. Elon Musk and SpaceX Face Scrutiny Over Government Contracts and Tax Benefits
Elon Musk’s SpaceX has recently come under scrutiny for its receipt of substantial government contracts and tax benefits, raising questions about the company’s contributions versus its public support. Reports reveal that while SpaceX has secured lucrative deals from agencies like NASA and the Department of Defense, critics argue that these contracts and tax incentives may not reflect a fair return to taxpayers given Musk’s immense personal wealth. The controversy highlights the challenge of balancing innovation encouragement with accountability in the #aerospace industry. Stakeholders debate the fairness of public funds aiding a billionaire-led enterprise, prompting calls for greater transparency and possible reform in contract awards. This situation exemplifies broader tensions around #public-private partnerships and equitable resource distribution in high-tech sectors.
11. CD turns 43: How the format changed music forever
The Compact Disc (#CD) revolutionized music consumption 43 years ago by offering a more durable, higher-quality, and convenient alternative to vinyl and cassette tapes, permanently reshaping the music industry. Developed through collaboration between Sony and Philips, the CD format introduced digital sound that eliminated the wear and distortion issues inherent in analog formats. This innovation enabled the rise of digital music distribution and playback, influencing trends from music production to consumer habits. Despite the later rise of digital streaming, the CD’s introduction marked a pivotal technological shift that paved the way for the modern music era. The article highlights the CD’s lasting impact on music accessibility and quality, underscoring its role as a transformative milestone in audio media history.
12. How to run desktop Linux apps on Android
Running desktop Linux apps on Android devices is possible by using several methods including app containers, remote desktop clients, and Linux emulation environments. Tools like #UserLAnd provide a user-friendly way to run a full Linux distribution on Android without root access, enabling users to install and run various desktop applications. Remote desktop apps such as #VNC Viewer and #Chrome Remote Desktop allow access to a Linux desktop running on another machine remotely. Alternatively, more advanced users can employ Linux deploy methods or root their devices for greater control. These approaches expand Android’s functionality, making it a versatile platform for developers and enthusiasts seeking desktop Linux capabilities on mobile hardware.
13. NextDNS Rolls Out New Feature to Bypass Age Verification Checks on Adult Websites
NextDNS has introduced a new feature aimed at bypassing age verification checks on adult websites by modifying DNS requests. This functionality addresses challenges users face when accessing age-restricted content that requires verification steps, enhancing browsing convenience and privacy. By intercepting and altering DNS queries, NextDNS streamlines access without compromising security, which reflects a growing trend in privacy-focused internet service providers innovating around content access restrictions. The update may impact how users interact with #ageverification protocols on adult sites, indicating NextDNS’s evolution in providing flexible digital solutions. This feature demonstrates NextDNS’s commitment to optimizing user experience in navigating restrictive online environments.
Valve has introduced a new #performance overlay in the latest Steam client beta that offers more accurate #GPU utilization monitoring than Windows Task Manager. This overlay provides real-time statistics directly within Steam, allowing gamers to see precise GPU load without third-party tools. Valve emphasizes that this integrated tool uses data directly from the GPU driver, leading to more reliable measurements. By embedding this feature in Steam, players gain easier access to performance insights, enhancing their ability to optimize gaming experiences. This move aligns with Valve’s commitment to improve PC gaming usability through in-house software enhancements.
An AI age-check tool being tested by @YouTube aims to guess users’ ages from viewing history and restrict accounts if it believes someone is under 18. The system, currently rolled out in a limited U.S. test, ignores the age you typed during signup and infers age from what you watch, potentially labeling content like Minecraft lore videos, toy unboxings, and slime videos as evidence of a child; under-18 users would see no targeted ads, cannot binge certain content, and may be nudged to take breaks. If an adult is misclassified, they must submit a government ID, a credit card, or a selfie to prove otherwise, raising concerns about a two-year margin of error and about data retention and security. Critics say the tool shifts censorship power to Big Tech and away from parents, noting that YouTube Kids already exists and questioning why an age-check system is needed at all. Although the test covers only a small U.S. group for now, experts warn it could become permanent or expand if it proves effective, highlighting tensions between child-safety goals and surveillance concerns #AI #ageVerification
16. Pentagon-Funded Experiment Develops Robots That Change By Consuming Other Robots
The Pentagon-funded project explored creating #robots capable of modifying themselves by consuming parts of other robots, advancing the field of adaptive robotics. Researchers demonstrated how these robots could overcome damage and enhance functionality autonomously by integrating components from peers, which could revolutionize durability and versatility in robotics. This approach uses principles similar to biological systems, allowing machines to self-heal and evolve in real time, addressing challenges in unpredictable environments. The experiment reveals potential benefits for military and industrial applications where resilience and adaptability are critical. This innovation showcases progress in autonomous machines that can dynamically optimize themselves, aligning with broader goals of intelligent #robotics.
@NVIDIA says H20 export controls didn’t slow China’s AI progress and instead stifled U.S. economic and technology leadership, arguing that for the U.S. to win the AI race its full stack platform must remain the global standard. The stance is voiced through an op ed by @Aaron Ginn of Hydra Host shared by Nvidia on X, noting that despite White House export bans from April to July China continued advancing in AI and that Chinese firms have moved a billion dollars worth of Nvidia GPUs in the past three months, with Nvidia linking to Ginn’s op ed in the Wall Street Journal. Ginn contends that doubling down on GPU export controls fails under scrutiny and real world conditions, and that Nvidia’s CUDA platform and its toolkits are more important and harder to replicate than hardware alone. The piece also references criticism of Biden’s AI diffusion rule and indicates that Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang shares the view that export controls have been a failure, while some experts argue the ban should remain to support Washington’s strategy of building the most powerful AI chips in America. Overall, Nvidia frames its stance as aimed at shaping global standards rather than limiting access, tying back to the linked WSJ op ed and the commentary by @aginnt.
18. Normal Computing tapes out world’s first thermodynamic chip for energy-efficient AI workloads
Normal Computing has developed the world’s first thermodynamic chip aimed at enhancing energy efficiency for AI workloads by fundamentally changing how data is processed. Unlike traditional electronic chips, this chip leverages thermodynamics to perform computation by exploiting heat flow and entropy, which can significantly reduce energy consumption. The approach challenges existing silicon-based processor architectures, promising up to an order of magnitude improvement in power efficiency for AI inferencing tasks. By integrating principles of physics and engineering, this technology may enable more sustainable and cost-effective AI deployments. The advancement highlights a shift towards energy-conscious computing solutions to support the growing demands of AI applications.
19. FBI issues warning to all smartphone users — a dangerous new scam could be at your door
The @FBI warns of a new variant of the brushing scam that targets smartphone users by sending unsolicited packages containing a QR code. When scanned, the code prompts the recipient to provide personal and financial information or to download malicious software that can siphon data, including credit card numbers and credentials for bank, securities, and crypto accounts. Unlike traditional brushing scams that rely on fake reviews, this version relies on curiosity and a lack of sender information to entice scanning. The FBI urges several precautions: beware of unsolicited packages, beware of packages without sender information, review phone permissions before authorizing access to websites and apps, and never scan QR codes from unknown origins; if targeted, change account profiles, request a credit report, and report to the FBI via the IC3 portal with as many details as possible. Reporting helps curb #brushing_scam and #QR_codes abuse and highlights the importance of staying vigilant with smartphone interactions.
20. Washington’s hydropower has created a data center boom. Some are concerned about its future.
Quincy, Washington, a small agricultural town along the Columbia River, has become a data center hub powered by abundant hydropower, reshaping its economy. Since 2007, the arrival of @Microsoft, @Yahoo, and other centers has driven tax revenue, created jobs, and funded local amenities, while powering a broader AI and internet boom. Yet critics warn that data centers demand substantial #power and #water, stress small-town resources, and employ fewer people than traditional factories, raising questions about long-term sustainability. The Columbia River helps reduce the strain in Quincy, but concerns remain about the long-term resource balance; residents like Lisa Karstetter describe the relationship between data centers and agriculture as a “beautiful marriage” that delivers needed tax revenue. The town’s experience shows how a data center boom can bring economic gains while testing water and energy limits, with the outcome depending on managing growth and resources responsibly.
21. Watch Figure 02 Humanoid Fold Laundry in New AI Demo
The latest Figure 02 demo shows a humanoid robot folding six towels at about 22 seconds per towel, signaling progress toward automated household chores. The author tested their own folding against the robot in a setup designed to resemble the demo. Figure CEO @Brett_Adcock has shared footage of the robot crouching to load a washing machine, and other firms such as #Neo from 1X are pursuing similar domestic-task demos, highlighting a broader push in #AI and #robotics for laundry. Yet the piece notes that despite these advances, automated laundry is not yet ready for everyday use, with progress appearing incremental rather than revolutionary.
Shark AI uses fossil shark teeth to engage middle school students in learning about #paleontology and #artificial-intelligence, illustrating that AI literacy can start outside traditional computer-science classes. The curriculum consists of five modules aligned with national and state standards, guiding students to build and evaluate #computer-vision models that classify fossil teeth using real specimens and a 3D-printed megalodon tooth. Students are introduced to AI types such as #natural-language-processing, automated speech recognition, and #computer-vision, then apply tools like @Google Teachable Machine to train and assess models, with references to @Google Lens as a real-world example of computer vision. The program emphasizes that non-computer scientists can use and teach AI, aiming to broaden access across schools and addressing teachers’ preconceptions and discomfort with AI. By integrating AI into science classrooms and linking to real-world applications, Shark AI aims to spark sustained interest in AI, data science, and the nature of science among students and teachers alike.
23. Counterforce Health uses AI to streamline health insurance claims and improve efficiency
Counterforce Health is leveraging AI technology to transform the health insurance claims process by automating routine tasks and reducing administrative burdens. The company’s platform uses machine learning algorithms to accurately process and analyze claims data, resulting in faster approvals and fewer errors. This innovation addresses inefficiencies and high costs traditionally associated with manual claims management. By integrating AI, Counterforce Health enhances operational efficiency and enables insurers to focus more on patient care and less on paperwork. Their approach exemplifies how #AI can optimize healthcare administration and drive industry-wide improvements.
24. Scoop: White House loyalty rating for companies
The Trump administration has developed a scorecard assessing the loyalty of 553 companies and trade associations based on their support for the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OB3). This internal tool evaluates various forms of public and private support, such as social media posts, press releases, advertisements, attendance at events, and testimonials. The rating system categorizes organizations as having strong, moderate, or low support. Examples of companies with strong ratings include @Uber, @DoorDash, @United, @Delta, @AT&T, @Cisco, Airlines for America, and the Steel Manufacturers Association. The scorecard is intended to guide senior White House staff in evaluating corporate engagement when considering industry requests, ensuring that companies’ past support is taken into account during lobbying efforts.
The White House has expressed strong approval of its ‘Big Beautiful Bill,’ emphasizing its potential to advance key domestic priorities such as infrastructure and economic growth. Officials highlight that the legislation, which allocates significant funding toward rebuilding and modernization projects, aims to address long-standing challenges in transportation, energy, and climate resilience. Critics, however, voice concerns about the bill’s cost and scope, questioning its fiscal impact and regulatory reach. Despite these debates, the administration argues that the bill will generate jobs and enhance national competitiveness, framing it as essential for future prosperity. This stance illustrates the White House’s strategy to align extensive government investment with broader economic and environmental goals.
25. Louisiana AG Calls Out ‘Escape to Epstein Island’ Roblox Game in Lawsuit
The Louisiana Attorney General, @Liz_Murrill, filed a lawsuit against #Roblox accusing it of prioritizing profits over child safety and pointing to a game labeled All Ages called Escape to Epstein Island. The suit argues Roblox facilitated the distribution of child sexual abuse material, failed to implement safety controls, and did not warn parents and young users about risks. Roblox responded that it has safeguards and has rolled out 40 new features in the past year, acknowledging that bad actors may try to circumvent protections. The article notes Roblox has 111.8 million daily active users, with 34% of them aged 13 or younger, and mentions experiences like Diddy Party and Public Bathroom Simulator Vibe as not kid-friendly, with creators able to label experiences as All Ages, enabling access to inappropriate content; the Escape to Epstein Island example is cited, and a report found 3,334 users trading child sexual abuse material on the platform. The lawsuit seeks a permanent injunction under the Louisiana Unfair Trade Practices Act and is set against broader safety pressure, including a petition by @RoKhanna urging Roblox to do more for user safety.
26. BlackBerry Classic is being revived with Android, and it can be yours for $400
A Chinese company, Zinwa Technologies, is reviving the BlackBerry Classic Q20 by installing Android on it and marketing the result as the Zinwa Q25 Pro for $400. The revived handset gets a new main board with a MediaTek Helio G99, 12GB RAM, up to 256GB storage, a 50MP rear camera, an 8MP front camera, USB Type-C, 4G LTE support, and a roughly 15% battery upgrade, while maintaining the original capacitive trackpad. The bare-bones Android 13 with no firm update plan is noted by @TusharMehta, while Zinwa plans a limited rollout with pre-orders and shipping to the first 100 backers by the end of August, aiming for mass production by mid-September. The price includes a DIY retrofit kit for $320, and the company sells camera modules and batteries separately, with hints it could retrofit other BlackBerry models such as the Passport and KeyOne in the future. While the project leans on #Android and #BlackBerry heritage, there is no guaranteed long-term software support, though #Android16 could improve keyboard support.
27. EU push to protect digital rules holds up trade statement with US, FT reports
The European Union is delaying a joint trade statement with the United States due to its insistence on upholding strict digital trade rules, according to Financial Times reports. The EU aims to protect its regulatory autonomy on digital policies, resisting pressure to weaken its standards as part of broader trade discussions. This position highlights the growing tensions between the EU’s focus on digital sovereignty and the US’s push for more open digital markets. The standoff complicates trade negotiations and underscores differing approaches to digital regulation between the two economic powers. The impasse signals ongoing challenges in aligning international digital trade frameworks.
In Atlanta, Uber users are canceling rides with human drivers to maximize their chances of getting a self-driving Waymo taxi. The description notes that riders drop human-driver trips to increase odds of matching with @Waymo’s self-driving cars. This suggests consumer demand for autonomous ride hails and positions @Waymo as a driverless option gaining traction in urban mobility. The trend highlights competition between traditional rideshares and autonomous services and may influence riders to weigh safety, reliability, and speed when choosing a ride. It underscores the broader move toward #self-driving technology in urban transportation and the ongoing rivalry between Uber and @Waymo.
29. Polestar sets production car record for longest drive on a single charge
@Polestar’s stock single-motor Polestar 3 set a #world_record for the farthest drive on a single charge in the UK, traveling 581.3 miles in 22 hours 57 minutes. The run was completed by three efficiency drivers, @Sam Clarke, @Kevin Booker, and @Richard Parker, achieving 5.1 miles per kWh with an average speed under 25 mph. The piece notes that ‘longest EV drive on a single charge’ is a nebulous category and longer ranges have been reached under different conditions, such as a Chevy Silverado with extreme mods for 1,059 miles and a Lucid Air Grand Touring for 749 miles. CEO Michael Lohscheller frames the feat as a proof point of the Polestar 3’s efficiency and signals ongoing pushes in #electric_vehicle technology, while the article cautions that this record under stock tires and optimized conditions is not directly comparable to other high-mileage stunts.
30. The era of AI hacking has arrived
AI has ushered in an arms race between hackers and cybersecurity teams, with both sides adopting #AI tools to speed their work. Russian hackers reportedly embedded an AI program in phishing attachments to search victims’ computers for sensitive files, a tactic documented by the Ukrainian government and security firms as the first known case of building malicious code with large language models #LLMs. LLMs like #ChatGPT can translate plain language into code and summarize documents, making skilled hackers faster even though they are still error-prone. Google’s security lead @HeatherAdkins says this is ‘the beginning of the beginning,’ noting that initial use of Google’s #Gemini to hunt vulnerabilities has already uncovered at least 20 important overlooked bugs, while @AdamMeyers of CrowdStrike observes growing AI use by adversaries across nations and criminal groups. Overall, the trend points to an escalating cat-and-mouse dynamic where defenders use AI to fix flaws before criminals exploit them.
@Earendel, once hailed as the most distant star, may instead be a compact #globular_cluster rather than a single star or binary, according to new JWST analysis. Evidence from #NIRSpec spectroscopy shows Earendel’s continuum and spectral features resemble globular clusters seen in the local universe, and its brightness and size fit a distant cluster rather than a lone star. The object sits in the Sunrise Arc about 12.9 billion light-years away and was magnified by gravitational lensing near a finely aligned region, which can boost brightness by hundreds to thousands of times. This interpretation aligns with expectations for how globular clusters would appear in the first billion years of the universe, strengthening the case that Earendel could be a cluster rather than a star. It underscores how JWST spectroscopy and #gravitational_lensing analyses refine classifications of extreme-distant sources and may shift which object holds the record.
32. Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket to launch Mars probes
Blue Origin is preparing to launch its New Glenn rocket, designed to transport payloads to Mars and beyond, marking a significant advancement in interplanetary exploration. The New Glenn features powerful engines and increased payload capacity, enabling it to carry sophisticated Mars probes that will gather critical data on the planet’s surface and atmosphere. This development aligns with the growing interest in #Mars exploration and the pursuit of sustainable human presence beyond Earth. @BlueOrigin’s technology showcases the potential for private companies to contribute significantly to space exploration missions. The introduction of New Glenn supports ongoing efforts to expand humanity’s reach in the solar system and advance scientific understanding of our planetary neighbor.
33. Today’s BI Newsletter: The Quiet Cracking of the U.S. Workplace
The U.S. workplace is undergoing subtle but significant strains, as many employees face stress, burnout, and a reevaluation of job value and satisfaction. Data show increased turnover intentions and mental health challenges, indicating a workforce quietly pushing back against traditional work expectations. The rise of remote work and shifting employee priorities have disrupted conventional office dynamics and productivity models. Companies are challenged to adapt to these changes by rethinking benefits, flexibility, and workplace culture to retain talent. This shift marks a critical moment for business leaders seeking to understand and respond to evolving employee needs.
A new report suggests @Apple will shake up the iPhone 18 lineup in 2026 by phasing out the base iPhone 18 and adding a foldable model along with a lower-cost entrant. The lineup would grow to five models, including iPhone 17e, iPhone 18 Air, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and a #foldable iPhone, per @ETNews. The foldable entry is expected to carry a steep price, estimated between $2,000 and $2,500, signaling a premium option within the range. Before the 18 lineup, Apple would release the iPhone 17e, with the iPhone 17 Air replacing the Plus variant, a move aimed at avoiding excessive clutter while expanding choices. Overall, the report frames a strategy to balance breadth and price segmentation, keeping flagship appeal intact while extending the family.
That’s all for today’s digest from 2025/08/18! We found and processed 34 URLs. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s collection of insights and discoveries.
Thanks Patricia Zougheib and Dr Badawi for curating the links
See you in the next one! 🚀