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Schaeffler and Neura Robotics Team Up on Humanoid Component Development

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor November 4, 2025

written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

Schaeffler AG is⁤ partnering with Neura Robotics to jointly develop and supply humanoid robots for industrial applications, ‍the companies announced Tuesday. The collaboration aims to integrate Schaeffler’s expertise ‌in precision ⁣mechanics, robotics, ‌and automation with Neura Robotics’ advancements in humanoid robotics technology.

The partnership addresses a growing demand‍ for flexible automation solutions in manufacturing and logistics, particularly as labor shortages intensify and companies seek to enhance productivity. Schaeffler will‍ contribute ⁣key components and systems, while neura Robotics will ‍focus on the ⁣robots’ software and overall⁣ integration. The initial focus will be on developing ‍robots capable of performing ⁣tasks in environments where automation is currently challenging or uneconomical, with plans⁢ for ⁤broader deployment across various industries.

Schaeffler will hold a minority stake in Neura Robotics as part of the agreement,solidifying a long-term commitment to ⁤the venture. The companies anticipate the first jointly developed robots⁤ will be available for⁢ pilot projects in 2024, with ⁢series production slated for 2025. Neura Robotics,‌ founded in 2019, has already developed the “mesa” humanoid robot,‌ designed for diverse industrial tasks.

November 4, 2025 0 comments

Technology

OpenAI secures freedom to dilute its investors

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor October 29, 2025

written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

OpenAI Gains Power to Dilute Investor Stakes in Governance overhaul

SAN FRANCISCO, May 13 – OpenAI ⁣has amended its ‌governance structure, ⁤granting itself the authority to dilute the ownership stakes of investors who ⁢fund future, ‌possibly competing, AI ventures. The move, revealed ⁣in a company blog post Monday, aims to safeguard OpenAI’s ‍core mission as a non-profit while navigating the increasingly complex ‍landscape of artificial ⁢intelligence growth and investment.

The change allows OpenAI,⁢ currently structured wiht ‌a non-profit⁣ controlling a for-profit arm, to reduce the equity of investors should they back rival AI projects. ⁤This addresses‌ a key concern that backers of OpenAI could⁢ simultaneously finance competitors,⁢ creating conflicts of interest and potentially undermining the company’s ⁢safety-focused approach. The revised structure impacts investors in the for-profit OpenAI LP, including Microsoft,⁤ which has invested billions in the company.

The shift ⁣comes as OpenAI‍ faces escalating competition and scrutiny regarding the rapid ‌advancement of AI technology. Previously, investors held critically important influence over OpenAI’s direction. ⁤Now,the non-profit board will retain ultimate control,ensuring alignment with its charter to benefit ⁣humanity. This restructuring is designed to‌ prevent a scenario where financial ⁢incentives prioritize profit over safety,⁣ a critical consideration given the potential societal impact of advanced AI.

According to OpenAI’s announcement, the non-profit will have the power to “claw back” equity from investors who fund ‌projects deemed to be in direct competition‌ with OpenAI’s mission. The specifics of what constitutes a competing project will be ⁤resolute by a‍ newly formed‌ committee. The ⁢company stated this measure is “necessary to ensure that OpenAI⁤ remains focused⁤ on its mission” and to “protect against conflicts‌ of interest.”

The move signals a hardening of OpenAI’s ‍stance as it seeks to maintain‌ its position as a leader in responsible AI development. It ⁢also underscores the growing tension between the pursuit of innovation and the ‍need for ethical considerations in the rapidly evolving AI industry. Microsoft, OpenAI’s primary financial backer with⁢ over $13 billion ‌invested, has been informed of the changes and their potential implications.

October 29, 2025 0 comments

Technology

Snap aims to boost retention with new features for Snapchat+ subscribers

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor October 29, 2025

written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

Snapchat is rolling out a suite of new features exclusively for its⁤ Snapchat+ ⁣subscribers, aiming ⁢too increase user retention adn incentivize continued membership in the premium tier. ‌The updates, announced Tuesday, include a range of enhancements from priority access to new features to exclusive customization options and increased Ghost Mode protection.Snap’s push⁢ to bolster Snapchat+ ⁤- which launched in August 2022 ⁤and currently boasts over 7 million paying subscribers as of January – comes as competition intensifies ‍in the social media landscape.By offering tangible‍ benefits beyond the ad-free experience, Snap hopes to solidify its premium user base and drive further subscription growth,‍ a key component of the company’s revenue diversification strategy. The new features are designed to deepen engagement and provide a more personalized Snapchat experience for paying members.

Among the ‌new perks are⁣ “Snapchat Select,” granting Snapchat+ users early access to experimental features, and enhanced Ghost Mode, allowing subscribers⁣ to conceal their location on the Snap Map for longer‌ periods and from more people. Subscribers will also gain access to exclusive Snapchat lenses, filters,‌ and Bitmoji customization options.‍ A new “Dream Speed” feature will allow Snapchat+ users to respond to snaps ⁤faster, and a “Director’s ‌Cut” feature‌ will provide access to exclusive content from select creators.

Snapchat+ currently costs $3.99 per month in the United States. The company reported a 20% year-over-year increase in Snapchat+ subscribers during its most recent earnings call, demonstrating the growing ⁢appeal of the premium offering. ⁢Snap plans‍ to continue adding new features and benefits to Snapchat+ throughout ⁤the year,‌ further differentiating the⁤ service and attracting new subscribers.

October 29, 2025 0 comments

Technology

Apple suppliers Skyworks, Qorvo agree to create $22 billion radio-chip giant

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor October 28, 2025

written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

Apple suppliers Skyworks Solutions and‌ Qorvo on Monday announced a definitive agreement to combine in a deal valued ⁢at approximately $22 billion, creating a⁢ radio-frequency (RF) chip powerhouse poised to capitalize on the growing demand for⁣ advanced connectivity in smartphones and beyond. The all-stock transaction aims to strengthen both⁤ companies’ positions as key providers to Apple, their largest customer, and accelerate innovation in areas like‌ 5G, ‌6G, and Wi-Fi.

The⁢ merger ‌arrives as the mobile industry increasingly relies on sophisticated RF solutions to support evolving wireless standards and the proliferation of connected devices. By uniting Skyworks’ expertise in front-end solutions wiht⁣ Qorvo’s capabilities in power amplifiers and connectivity, the combined entity will offer a more comprehensive portfolio to Apple and other customers,⁤ possibly lowering costs and streamlining supply chains.‍ The deal ‍is expected to close in the second half of 2024, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals.Under the terms of the agreement, Qorvo shareholders will receive 1.2 shares of Skyworks for each share thay own. The ⁣combined company will operate under the Skyworks Solutions name and will be headquartered in⁣ Irvine, California. ‍Liam Griffin will serve as executive chairman,and Stephen Volk will continue as ‌president and CEO.

“This strategic combination will create a leading RF solutions‍ provider with a broad portfolio, scale, and financial flexibility to drive innovation and long-term value creation,” said Stephen Volk,⁢ president and CEO of Skyworks.‌ “Together with Qorvo, we will be better positioned to serve our customers and capitalize on⁤ the significant opportunities ahead.”

Qorvo president and CEO Brent Schuster added, “This transaction is ⁢a compelling value proposition⁣ for qorvo shareholders, and we are excited about the potential to create a stronger, more competitive company.”

October 28, 2025 0 comments

Business

NextEra Energy partners with Google to restart Iowa nuclear plant

by Priya Shah – Business Editor October 28, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

NextEra Energy and Google are partnering to revive a shuttered nuclear plant in Iowa, a move signaling renewed⁣ investment in nuclear⁣ power as a carbon-free⁣ energy source. The companies announced plans ⁢Tuesday to restart⁢ the Duane arnold Energy Centre near Palo, iowa, with Google committing to purchase the facility’s output.

The agreement aims to bring⁤ the‍ 615-megawatt nuclear ‌plant back online by 2030, providing ‌clean energy ⁣to power Google’s ‍data centers and operations. The‍ Duane‌ Arnold plant was previously owned by Central Iowa Power Cooperative but⁢ ceased operations in 2020, citing economic challenges. This collaboration represents a novel⁣ approach to nuclear plant ownership and operation,with NextEra taking on the technical aspects⁣ while google provides long-term financial backing through a ‍power purchase agreement. The project underscores the growing demand for around-the-clock, carbon-free electricity and the‍ potential for nuclear energy to play‍ a⁣ key role⁤ in decarbonizing the grid.

NextEra Energy, a leading clean energy company,⁣ will oversee the plant’s refurbishment and operation, leveraging⁢ its expertise in ⁣nuclear power management. Google⁢ will purchase the energy generated by the plant, contributing to its goal ‌of operating on 24/7 carbon-free energy by 2030. The financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.

“This is a⁣ unique opportunity to ⁣bring a ⁤valuable carbon-free resource back⁤ online,” said Eric Silagy, president and CEO of NextEra Energy Resources. “We’re ‍excited to partner with Google to demonstrate the potential for nuclear energy to contribute to a clean energy future.”

Google’s commitment to purchasing the plant’s output ⁢provides the financial certainty needed to justify the significant ⁢investment required ⁤to restart‍ the facility. The project is expected to create⁤ hundreds of jobs during the refurbishment process and provide a⁤ stable source of ⁤clean⁣ energy for the region.

The restart of ⁢Duane Arnold comes as the Biden administration promotes nuclear energy as a key component of⁢ its climate agenda, offering tax credits and other incentives to support the industry.The project could serve as a⁤ model for revitalizing ⁤other retired nuclear plants across the ⁣country.

October 28, 2025 0 comments

Technology

Big Tech to report earnings under specter of AI bubble

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor October 27, 2025

written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

Big Tech companies are bracing for earnings reports⁤ this ‍week ⁤amid growing scrutiny over the potential for an artificial intelligence “bubble,” ‍with investors eager to discern whether the‍ massive investments in the ‍technology will translate into ⁢significant‍ revenue.‍ Microsoft, Alphabet, and Meta are among those set ⁣to‍ release results, facing pressure to demonstrate tangible returns from⁣ their AI initiatives after a year of soaring stock valuations fueled by‍ AI hype.

The earnings season arrives as ‌concerns mount that the market ⁣might potentially be⁤ overestimating‍ the near-term profitability ⁣of AI.⁣ While companies have touted advancements in generative AI and large language models, translating those ‍breakthroughs into bottom-line growth remains a important challenge. Analysts will be closely examining metrics beyond revenue, including user engagement, cost structures related to AI advancement, and projections for future AI-driven income. The ⁤reports could significantly impact investor‍ sentiment and potentially⁤ trigger a market correction if expectations aren’t⁢ met.

Microsoft kicks off⁤ the tech earnings deluge⁣ on Thursday, followed ‌by alphabet and Meta next week.‍ Investors will ⁤be looking for clarity on how AI ⁤is impacting core businesses like cloud computing (Microsoft Azure),search advertising (Google),and social media (Meta). Executives have repeatedly emphasized AIS transformative potential, but‍ concrete financial details have been limited.

“The market has priced in‍ a lot of optimism around AI,” said ⁤Dan‍ Ives, Managing Director at Wedbush Securities, in a recent research note. “These earnings reports will be a crucial test of whether that optimism is justified.”⁤

The ⁣pressure isn’t solely financial. Regulators are also increasing their focus on Big Tech’s AI development, raising⁣ questions about ⁢data privacy, algorithmic bias, and potential antitrust ‍concerns. These regulatory headwinds add⁢ another layer of complexity ‍as companies navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

October 27, 2025 0 comments

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