By Darius Popa Tesla has said Cybercab employee rides are starting soon at its Texas factory. The announcement came with a clip of a gold Cybercab, butterfly doors up and no steering wheel or pedals, driving itself across the outbound lot, Mashable reports. Note the tense. Tesla said the rides are “starting soon”, not that they have started, and […] This story continues at The Next Web
Source:: The Next Web
Except for the second user/refurbished smartphone markets, AI means the days of cheap phones are over, with huge price pressures putting low-end vendors out of business.
Omdia data confirms that Apple and Samsung are undisputed kings of the hill, combining for 42% of the market even as smartphone sales overall have seen a 4% average decline.
The two companies increased market share by 4% (Apple) and 2% (Samsung) compared with 2Q25. Meanwhile, the situation is becoming much worse for smaller vendors as memory prices spiral, leaving their businesses under immense strain. Data from Counterpoint Research tells a similar story, indicating Apple growth against a background of market decline.
It’s important to put the impact of raised RAM costs into perspective. While Apple and Samsung make products at the kind of scale that enables them to cut better deals, smaller makers don’t have the same advantage, leaving them far more exposed to memory price driven pressures.
Memory prices are crushing the low end
And they really are exposed; not only are sales declining, but Omdia analyst Runar Bjorhovde notes that vendors at that end of the market are dealing with hugely destructive DRAM price hikes over just the past year — up to four or five times higher in some cases. That degree of increase is the kind of business-focused tsunami that drives people out of the market altogether and certainly leaves companies exposed to M&A activity.
Right now, memory and storage can account for more than 60% of the product cost, Bjorhovde said. And as costs continue to increase, what profitability that does exist in the low-cost, high competition lower end smartphone space is being utterly mauled. Omdia forecasts a 22% decline in the sub-$400 smartphone segment as a result.
“Samsung Electronics and Apple — the two market leaders — made huge market share gains…, whereas most players beyond went through steep volume declines,” Bjorhovde said.
From volume to value
Apple’s decision to expand its addressable market with the iPhone ‘e’ series just adds pressure, while Samsung’s enduring popularity helps make it difficult for smaller vendors to generate profit through market scale. “To adapt, vendors are shifting their strategies from volume to value by reoptimizing portfolios and adjusting retail pricing,” he said.
“Although memory and storage costs are the biggest challenges for vendors, they are far from the only challenge,” Bjorhovde said. “New semiconductor bottlenecks, such as within foundries, are adding further cost pressures.”
With the cost of manufacturing set to continue to rise, it’s generally accepted that we’ll see the average selling price of smartphones climb in the coming 12 months, with Apple set to lead the market toward higher cost builds with the new Pro and Ultra iPhones this September.
Apple’s decision to hold smartphone prices so far has added another price pressure to low-end vendors; the longer it holds its prices down, the longer and more painful will smaller vendors hang onto their own low-price structure to compete.
Future shock: AI hardware
A further wild card is in Apple’s recent lawsuit against OpenAI, which accuses the ChatGPT maker of “illegal reliance on misappropriated trade secrets” in its hardware plans. OpenAI is thought to be planning an AI-driven iPhone competitor.
We’ve heard speculation about these plans before, of course. But what seems to be emerging in the wake of Apple’s litigation are hints OpenAI intends to introduce its first AI hardware product at some point in 2027.
Assuming that schedule remains on track, OpenAI will likely impose further component pricing pressure across the whole industry. After all, Apple’s customer loyalty leads the industry, and Samsung has built something similar. So, the companies with the most to lose to OpenAI will be the same set of smaller vendors who are already struggling with component price-driven market complexity.
OpenAI products will demand the same memory, similar processors, manufacturing, and other components as other devices, prompting further pricing pressure. That’s likely to put some small vendors out of business entirely, even as standard smartphone prices increase.
Fragmentation will be next
Those outcomes won’t be universal, as the desire for sovereign data services and growing mistrust of US tech companies suggest OpenAI’s products might see limited adoption in most markets. But they could serve to accelerate divergence in smartphone purchasing patterns worldwide, while adding to market pressure.
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Source:: Computer World
By Deepti Pathak Losing an important file by mistake can be frustrating, especially if you’ve already emptied the Recycle…
The post How to Recover Permanently Deleted Files for Free? appeared first on Fossbytes.
Source:: Fossbytes
By Hisan Kidwai The Rolling Stones are heading to Roblox with a brand-new interactive experience that celebrates the band’s…
The post The Rolling Stones Launch a Roblox Game Celebrating 60 Years of Rock History appeared first on Fossbytes.
Source:: Fossbytes
By Varun Mirchandani Apple’s canceled self-driving car project reportedly became the technological foundation for Apple Intelligence, helping create the Neural Engine and the AI hardware powering today’s iPhones, Macs, and Apple AI servers.
Source:: Digital Trends
By Darius Popa Ubisoft has remade the best-loved game in its biggest franchise. Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced arrives 13 years after the original, and the BBC found it largely worth the wait. The Caribbean looks spectacular now. New underwater sections and coral reefs show off what modern hardware can do with a setting that was always the game’s […] This story continues at The Next Web
Source:: The Next Web
By Darius Popa Netflix executives have reportedly discussed adding always-on live channels to the service. The channels would run genre-based programming around the clock, all comedies or all action films, according to a Wall Street Journal report relayed by The Verge. They have also discussed folding rival streaming subscriptions into Netflix itself. Peacock was named specifically, appearing as a […] This story continues at The Next Web
Source:: The Next Web
By Paulo Vargas I tried inventing AI gadgets too absurd for the tech industry. Then I found toothbrushes, litter boxes, headphones, and appliances that had already beaten me there.
Source:: Digital Trends
By Sudhanshu Kumar Mangalam A new leak has revealed the processors, batteries, storage configurations, connectivity features, and possible prices of Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Watches.
Source:: Digital Trends
Step into any online casino, and the experience is more than just spinning reels or flipping cards—it’s a carefully crafted atmosphere where layout and organization quietly invite you to explore, linger, and discover. Behind the flashy graphics and sound effects, the spatial design of game libraries and lobby interfaces deeply influences how players engage with entertainment options, shaping mood and curiosity in ways that are often overlooked.
Unlike physical casinos with their physical pathways and distinct rooms, virtual casinos rely on digital architecture to evoke a similar sense of wonder and choice. This digital space isn’t random: categories, menus, and featured sections all play their part in guiding users through a wealth of game styles and themes without overwhelming their senses.
Online casino platforms typically organize their offerings by creating distinct categories that are more than mere labels—they represent curated experiences. There’s usually a dedicated space for slots, where themes range from mythological quests and vibrant urban nightlife to minimalist fruit machines and cinematic adventures.
Beyond slots, table games often receive their own zone, where blackjack, poker, and roulette variants live alongside their live dealer versions. This separation respects the different rhythms of play: one fast and colorful, another more strategic and contemplative. Casual games and jackpot rooms often form additional layers, allowing players to sift through without pressure.
Sometimes, the platforms will highlight trending or newly added games in a rotating banner or a spotlight zone. This subtle nudge is designed to spark curiosity rather than dictate choices, encouraging visitors to step out of their comfort zones and discover something unexpected. Even within game lists, filters and search functions empower users to customize their journey, honing in on preferred themes, volatility levels, or other features intrinsic to game enjoyment.
Visual hierarchy plays a crucial role in how an online casino feels. Bolder colors and larger icons draw attention to new releases or jackpots, while softer tones outline less urgent categories. This contrast helps players navigate without cognitive overload, making the experience feel intuitive rather than artificially guided.
Interactivity also contributes to immersion. Hover effects reveal additional details about games; quick demos let visitors sample gameplay without commitment; and smooth transitions between categories maintain a seamless rhythm that mirrors real-world exploration. The way these elements respond to mouse movements and clicks can create a sense of agency, strengthening the connection between player and platform.
Many platforms adapt their layouts responsively, recognizing that casino entertainment is accessed on everything from desktop monitors to smartphones. The design shifts accordingly, sometimes converting sprawling grids into swipeable carousels or stacking menus vertically to fit smaller screens. This adaptability doesn’t just serve convenience—it directly shapes the feeling of intimacy or expansiveness, changing how players experience casino variety on different devices.
One of the most fascinating aspects of online casino layout is how themes and stories are grouped together to enrich player discovery. Beyond basic categories, some sites create thematic collections that invite deeper engagement. For example, a “Mythology & Adventure” cluster may bring together slot games inspired by gods, heroes, and legends, all within easy reach.
This type of curation invites players to enter mini-universes, where visual and narrative threads carry through the game selection. It’s akin to wandering into a dedicated section of a bookstore or streaming service, where each choice feels connected to the last. In turn, this reduces decision fatigue and entices visitors to explore adjacent titles they might otherwise overlook.
Online casinos have grown beyond solitary digital slots or tables; many integrate social and live dealer elements that create a feeling of shared thrill. The layout of these spaces is designed to bridge the gap between solo play and communal excitement, often featuring live video feeds, chat functions, and interactive tables with real dealers.
These live zones typically position themselves as special environments within the overall casino. Their presence and accessibility remind players that the online world can still echo the spontaneous energy of a land-based casino floor, fostering real-time interaction and vibrant atmosphere.
The organization of live casinos and social hubs respects this energy by clustering multiple tables, game show styles, and chat rooms in a way that feels busy yet navigable—much like stepping into a buzzing gaming lounge without it becoming chaotic or overwhelming.
As online casinos continue evolving, the invisible hand of layout and design will remain at the heart of the player experience. It’s a quietly powerful form of storytelling and navigation, weaving together variety, curiosity, and mood to create entertainment that’s as much about feeling as it is about games themselves.
If you’re ever curious to peek behind the curtain, exploring a diverse platform such as a $1 deposit casino can reveal how these layouts set the tone for new and seasoned players alike—a subtle architecture of choice shaping every play session.
Step into any online casino, and you’ll often be met with a dazzling cascade of colors, flashing lights, and an endless parade of animated banners. For many, this sensory overload is synonymous with excitement and thrill. But beneath all that visual noise, there is a quieter, more refined experience waiting to be discovered—one where clarity, smooth navigation, and a calm atmosphere take center stage.
Online casino entertainment, especially for adult audiences who appreciate quality downtime, is evolving. It’s no longer just about flashy graphics and loud sound effects; rather, it’s about crafting a seamless environment where players can immerse themselves with ease and genuine enjoyment. This article breaks down the elements that contribute to a smooth session flow, highlighting how clarity can elevate the entire online casino journey.
There’s something undeniably satisfying about a sleek, uncluttered casino interface. When a platform avoids overwhelming its users with pop-ups, banners, and animated distractions, it invites a more focused kind of play. The clean design often features logical groupings of games, intuitive menu layouts, and clear labels, making it simple to browse without feeling rushed or confused.
Players who seek prolonged entertainment sessions value interfaces that respect their time and attention. Instead of bombarding visitors with flashy promotions, minimalist sites use subtle cues like soft hover effects and concise, well-placed callouts to guide the user’s journey. Without the typical din, the feeling is almost like visiting a sophisticated lounge rather than a carnival, where comfort improves engagement.
The hallmark of a standout online casino experience lies in the way players move through the site. Seamless navigation feels less like clicking through a maze and more like drifting through a curated gallery of entertainment. Smooth transitions between browsing options and game screens keep the user immersed and relaxed, eliminating frustrations that come with lag or confusing layouts.
Such flow can be achieved with cleverly designed filters, well-organized categories, and honestly, a bit of restraint in how many choices are offered at once. Players don’t want to feel overwhelmed by endless scrolling or a barrage of menus. Instead, they benefit from a balanced variety presented in digestible chunks, helping them discover new favorites without cognitive fatigue.
For those exploring unconventional options, such as casinos not on gamstop, clarity in navigation becomes even more important. Clear, respectful presentation of alternative casino experiences ensures players can make informed choices smoothly, embracing diversity without chaos.
Games often form the heart of online casino entertainment, but how these games are showcased significantly affects session quality. The best platforms spotlight games with crisp imagery, short descriptions, and user-friendly previews that invite curiosity but don’t overwhelm.
Imagine browsing through a collection of slots or table games accompanied by clean thumbnails and just enough information to pique your interest. This kind of thoughtful presentation lets players feel in control—they can decide quickly whether a particular slot’s theme or a dealer’s style suits their mood, making the entertainment experience personalized and natural.
Moreover, platforms that avoid cluttered carousels or excessive auto-play trailers grant players the time to thoughtfully consider each option. This respect for the player’s pace enhances both initial impressions and long-term enjoyment.
Sound is a powerful element in any entertainment venue, and online casinos are no exception. However, it’s the balance that transforms noise into ambiance. Subtle background music, gentle audio cues, and volume controls that let players tailor their soundscape contribute immensely to a satisfying session.
Platforms committed to clarity often opt for ambient soundtracks and restrained sound effects, steering clear of incessant jingles or overlapping noises that compete for attention. This approach not only makes navigation easier but creates a calm, inviting space where adult players can truly relax, browse, and enjoy without stress.
It might seem counterintuitive that less noise and fewer distractions lead to more fun in a space traditionally associated with high-energy vibes. Yet, adult players in particular appreciate the mental space provided by clarity. It lets them unwind, get into a rhythm, and savor the variety of games online casinos offer.
This kind of experience promotes longer, more satisfying sessions—a perfect blend of entertainment and relaxation. Players can transition naturally from casual browsing to focused play without interruption or sensory overload, making online casino entertainment less a frantic dash and more a pleasant exploration.
In a world awash with flashy options and aggressive marketing, the subtle art of clarity in online gaming spaces offers a refreshing reprieve. Sometimes, the most exciting features are the ones you hardly notice because they let you enjoy what truly matters: the games, the moment, and the pleasure of seamless engagement.
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Apple’s suit names two former employees — Chang Liu and Tang Tan, former vice president for product design, iPhone and Apple Watch — as well as OpenAI and that company’s recently-acquired firm, io Products, alleging “trade secret misappropriation and breach of contract.”
Jony Ive, who sold io Products to OpenAI, is not named in the lawsuit, though it seems relevant that Tan was one of the senior ex-Apple executives who founded that company.
For its part, OpenAI issued a brief statement in response to the litigation. “We have no interest in other companies’ trade secrets,” the company said. “We remain focused on building innovative technology that empowers people everywhere.”
The allegations against Tan
Some of the claims and allegations included in Apple’s lawsuit include:
That in the months before leaving Apple, Tan met with OpenAI or its collaborators and discussed meetings with a key Apple supplier.
He emailed himself information about suppliers and internal summaries.
When interviewing former Apple staffers for jobs, he used confidential information, such as internal project code names, to gain even more knowledge.
He asked candidates to bring actual parts from Apple to interviews to discuss — and a then-Apple employee screenshotted and downloaded files concerning a highly confidential Apple project before attending an OpenAI recruitment session.
Tan asked Apple employees to bring CAD/design artifacts to their interviews.
Tan allegedly instructed new hires on how to avoid scrutiny when leaving Apple, such as instructing them not to tell the company they had taken jobs at OpenAI.
The ‘so funny’ laptop bug
The lawsuit also claimed that after quitting Apple for OpenAI in January 2026, Chang Liu managed to keep or “otherwise acquire” an Apple-issued notebook which he used to access confidential data on the company’s private network while at OpenAI. “LOL, I found out I can access the [server], so funny,” Liu texted a friend still working at Apple.
The suit alleges that he made no effort to report the situation, which was a bug in the system he had uncovered. Apple eventually discovered the exfiltration was taking place and took steps to prevent it, but Liu allegedly downloaded more than 1,000 pages of data, including “confidential technical presentations, spreadsheets, PDFs, and written work product,” Apple said.
“Only OpenAI and Mr. Liu know all the ways they have been exploiting the trove of Apple confidential information he stole, and to the extent they have not concealed or destroyed the evidence of these misappropriations, it will be investigated thoroughly in discovery.”
Apple’s lawsuit also alleges Liu was simultaneously coaching a current Apple employee named Alyssa Peng on how to copy files from Apple workstations without triggering the security team, asking her to get specific confidential information and using Apple’s stolen data to help her get ready for an eventual OpenAI interview.
Why this could get bigger
There’s much in the litigation that it will garner serious international attention as it unfolds. Apple’s argues that a competitor with access to so much of its own proprietary information could “bypass years of independent research and development, skip the capital expenditure required to build genuine expertise, and bring products to market faster and at lower cost, harming the value of Apple’s investments.”
It’s not just the secrets behind actively-used processes Apple is protecting; the company is also asserting its rights to regain control of information it has assembled over time concerning processes and manufacturing attempts that have failed. That’s understandable – you can invest a lot of money in finding out what doesn’t work and knowing that is a trade secret in itself.
“OpenAI coaches candidates to prepare for their interviews by studying Apple’s confidential engineering documentation, internal presentations, and proprietary technical materials,” the litigation claims. “OpenAI then uses its insider Apple information to ask detailed questions to extract more: about Apple’s proprietary tools, vendor management processes, engineering methodologies, manufacturing workflows, and supplier relationships, for example.
“OpenAI has turned to trade secret misappropriation to free-ride off Apple’s decades of innovation,” Apple said. “This is the tip of the iceberg.”
The lawsuit also confirms that Apple often designs and customizes the specialized machinery used in its suppliers’ factories, and that trade secrets concerning those efforts have been grabbed. The suit notes that OpenAI works with established Apple suppliers Foxconn, Luxshare, and Goertek on its own hardware.
If true, these allegations go right to the top of OpenAI’s hardware development plans. Tan is now OpenAI’s Chief Hardware Officer.
The lawsuit points out that OpenAI now employs more than 400 Apple engineers and executives (including the company’s former Vision Pro Vice President), suggesting its entire approach to hardware recruitment is based on extracting Apple’s proprietary knowledge from potential hires.
“Apple lacks visibility into what’s been happening behind closed doors at OpenAI, where such misconduct is normalized and exemplified by leadership,” the lawsuit argues. “This much is clear, however: at every level, from members of its Technical Staff to its Chief Hardware Officer, and in coordination with business partners, OpenAI has been stealing Apple’s trade secrets and confidential information. As a natural result, OpenAI’s nascent hardware business now rests on the shakiest of foundations, rotten to its core by its illegal reliance on misappropriated trade secrets.”
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Source:: Computer World
By Shimul Sood A seemingly harmless PNG image could fool AI coding assistants into exposing sensitive data, according to new security research.
Source:: Digital Trends
By Shimul Sood Researchers say popular AI tools have reportedly been misused by terrorist groups despite built-in safeguards, highlighting the darker side of generative AI.
Source:: Digital Trends
By Ana-Maria Stanciuc The European Commission issued preliminary findings on Friday accusing Meta of building Facebook and Instagram to be addictive, giving the company a formal opportunity to respond before Brussels reaches a final decision that could trigger fines of up to 6% of its global annual revenue. Based on Meta’s 2025 turnover of roughly $201 billion, that […] This story continues at The Next Web
Source:: The Next Web
By Alina Maria Stan OpenAI’s head of safety systems, Johannes Heidecke, is leaving the company following an internal restructuring that merges its safety and research teams under a single leader, Wired reported on Friday. Chief Research Officer Mark Chen told staff in a memo that safety teams would now report to Mia Glaese, whose title has been expanded to […] This story continues at The Next Web
Source:: The Next Web
Consumer electronics prices are shooting up. Energy prices are increasing fast. Even water bills are climbing. For a technology that promises “efficiency,” the ongoing AI gold rush seems to be taking things away, much like the proverbial gift that keeps on grabbing.
With hundreds of billions in AI investment already racked up for 2026, it’s important to remember the entire industry is currently built on a mountain of debt — and much of this borrowed money is being spent on data center capacity. That’s true, even though consumers would probably rather have a cheap Mac than spend money on an AI subscription service.
All this debt is being amassed because a small number of people at a very small number of firms have decided to make huge investments in the tech, which at present requires huge quantities of energy, memory and data center capacity to run.
But it won’t always be this way.
A mountain of debt, but we’re short of memory
Look, the industry as it is now just doesn’t seem sustainable. Trillions are being spent and memory vendors are shifting capacity to make the high-value, high-bandwidth memory these server farms require — at the expense of traditional consumer electronic suppliers.
The rapid rollout just creates AI tech will need to be replaced, likely at greater cost, in a few years’ time. In a nutshell, the industry is spending trillions to make billions; Sequoia’s David Cahn estimates the AI revenue gap between infrastructure expenditure and the revenue to justify it has already fallen $600 billion a year short.
At some point, the VC money will run dry, after which it is inevitable deployment will slow and demand for all the components — including memory used in these large language model (LLM) data centers will fall. Some analysts think capex growth in the sector could halt by mid-2027.
At that point, memory vendors will have expensive production facilities and extensive defaults on their order books. If the 2027 prediction is true, those vendors will feel this impact in the form of reduced forward orders by the end of 2026.
The problem is that the investments have become so vast that any slowdown will have consequential effects across all sections of the economy.
After the gold rush
Almost certainly, the technology will continue to improve, and the problems we’re looking to solve today might no longer be challenges once fresh innovation strikes. So, what happens next?
Let’s think about memory, the biggest pain point at the moment and where we will (hopefully) find future innovation. At present, some of the largest LLMs sit inside data centers supported by vast quantities of memory. These machines are built to handle really complex tasks, but most of the time are used to search the web, deliver writing assistance and summarize documents. Those frequently-transacted tasks barely stretch the capabilities of these services and Apple, and others have already figured out how to run such tasks on device.
That’s the first obvious space in which to innovate – to invest in 1-bit data LLM systems to miniaturize and distill models so they actually run on the device you’re using, rather than relying on all those remote servers.
The Apple shopping list
Apple’s interest in 1-bit data LLM pioneer PrismML speaks volumes about where the iPhone maker sees LLM development going, as did its acquisitions of Kuzu Inc., WhyLabs Inc, Pointable Inc., and Datakalab Inc. in recent years.
The beauty of PrismML’s tech is what it can do. It was recently used to compress Alibaba’s huge 27-billion-parameter Qwen 3.6 model from 54GB down to under 4GB, running with all 27 billion parameters active simultaneously — all without sacrificing benchmark performance.
The kicker? It managed to run that advanced, sophisticated AI model on an iPhone 17 Pro. My take? Just as music used to be captured on reel-to-reel tape and is now digitized and in the air, AI will move from the data center to the device, possibly faster than people expect.
Apple has three pillars for AI: On-device for most of what you need, on Private Cloud Compute servers for most of the rest, or via third-party server-based systems for the most demanding tasks. That’s a blueprint for how the industry will evolve as technologies represented by PrismML tend toward bringing more of that intelligence to the device. Over time, those local tasks will become more sophisticated, eroding the available market for today’s heavily-indebted AI incumbents.
Emerging priorities such as the need for privacy, data sovereignty, and trusted cloud will also spur the emergence of a multipolar AI future in which no one vendor dominates, further complicating their journey to profitability. It’s a model that favors the kind of service-agnostic, edgeAI approach Apple has taken.
EdgeAI for the rest of us
In the end, I don’t think there will be a need for much of the AI data center capacity now being built, because Apple and others will figure out how to use data minimization to transact sophisticated AI tasks on the device. For the most part, EdgeAI will deliver the consumer AI experience, while data centers cater to more sophisticated use. One day, after this gold rush has run its course, we’ll peer outside of our basements to see which of today’s AI firms actually are the chosen ones.
They may not be the ones you expect.
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Source:: Computer World
By Varun Mirchandani Anthropic has added an in-app browser to Claude Code on desktop, allowing the AI coding assistant to browse websites, read documentation, and interact with web pages directly inside the app.
Source:: Digital Trends
By Varun Mirchandani Apple has sued OpenAI, alleging the company orchestrated a campaign to steal confidential product information through former employees as both companies race to build next-generation AI hardware.
Source:: Digital Trends
By Darius Popa Volkswagen has announced plans to gut its sprawling product range as it fights the worst crisis in its history. The carmaker will cut its model lineup by up to half over the coming years, CNBC reports. The group will also shrink production capacity to nine million vehicles a year. That is well below the 12 million […] This story continues at The Next Web
Source:: The Next Web
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