DeepSeek highlights some of China's key advantages: a deep pool of skilled software engineers, a vast domestic market, and government support via subsidies (Bloomberg)

PS5 users can now purchase games via the PlayStation Store using Apple Pay, joining existing payment options like credit/debit cards and PayPal. This feature utilizes a QR code method introduced in iOS 18, allowing transactions both on-console and through third-party browsers. Users can confirm purchases on their iPhones, and Apple Card holders earn 2% cash back, with potential future support for PS4 consoles. Full Article

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is implementing a plan to photograph all individuals in vehicles crossing into Mexico or Canada, including backseat passengers, utilizing facial recognition technology to verify identities against travel documents. This initiative mirrors a similar program for incoming vehicles and is part of broader immigration enforcement strategies during a time of declining approval ratings for President Trump, who has faced criticism for his administration's hardline policies. Although the CBP's current system...

Welcome to Startups Weekly This week in the startup world was active, featuring notable exits and unconventional liquidity events, despite the absence of significant IPOs. Key developments and trends were highlighted, providing insights into the evolving landscape of startups. For a comprehensive recap of everything you can't miss, sign up to receive the weekly newsletter in your inbox every Friday. Full Article

Former Apple designer Jony Ive expressed his concerns about the unintended consequences of smartphones during an interview with Stripe, emphasizing that he feels a personal responsibility for these effects. With over two decades at Apple, where he designed iconic products like the iPhone, he is now co-founding the design firm LoveFrom and hinted at working on a new device with OpenAI, focusing on positive user impacts. Ive noted the rarity of safety discussions surrounding AI...

Samsung has enhanced the display feature with the introduction of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which boasts a screen protected by Corning Gorilla Armor 2, offering superior durability compared to the standard Gorilla Glass commonly used in smartphones. This upgrade builds upon the advancements made with the Galaxy S24 Ultra, showcasing Samsung's commitment to improving device resilience. The Gorilla Armor series made its debut recently, setting a new standard for screen protection in flagship devices. Full...

Google announced the rollout of new AI-powered countermeasures to combat scams across its platforms, including Chrome, Search, and Android. The company will utilize Gemini Nano, its on-device large language model, to enhance Safe Browsing in Chrome 137 for desktops, providing instant insights on risky websites. This initiative aims to improve user safety by leveraging advanced technology to identify and mitigate potential online threats. Full Article