Browsing: Technology

Apple introduced the iPhone Duo on Sept. 9, marking its first foldable iPhone. The device starts at $1,999 in the U.S. and opens to a 7.6-inch inner display. When closed, it uses a 5.4-inch outer screen for standard phone tasks. Apple will open preorders on Oct. 16, with retail availability starting Oct. 23. The launch gives Apple a new iPhone form factor alongside its conventional smartphone lineup. Apple’s iPhone Duo adds a foldable form factor to the company’s smartphone lineup.

Apple has revealed the new iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, boasting significant upgrades in camera technology, performance, and battery life. These latest models include a 48-megapixel Fusion Main camera with a variable aperture, marking a first for the iPhone. Powered by the new A20 Pro processor and equipped with a redesigned thermal system, the phones are available for pre-order starting September 12, with retail launches scheduled for September 18 across more than 65 countries and regions.

The United States is boosting local battery manufacturing efforts as it seeks to lessen reliance on China. However, the core challenge lies deeper within the supply network. China continues to lead in producing battery materials, processing, and essential manufacturing technologies used globally. While U.S. factories have expanded their production capacity, many still rely on imported components and refined minerals. This dependency has made graphite, cathodes, anodes, and lithium iron phosphate materials key focal points in Washington’s battery development strategy.

Japan is advancing its efforts to combat investment scams by implementing a new artificial intelligence system designed to identify warning signs sooner. The system will analyze consumer complaints for specific language and patterns associated with fraudulent schemes and distressed businesses. The AI system will review approximately 900,000 consultation records annually within PIO-NET, Japan’s national consumer complaint database. It will compare incoming complaints against contextual data and key phrases derived from previous cases. The system aims to detect solicitation techniques, business frameworks, and early indicators of collapse.

Most of the national digital revenue was generated by China’s leading digital hubs. The top 10 provincial-level markets contributed a combined revenue of 17.21 trillion yuan, an increase of 13.2%. These markets accounted for 83.1% of China’s total digital industry income and were responsible for 87% of the overall revenue growth. Leading regions included Guangdong, Jiangsu, Beijing, Shanghai, and Zhejiang. Central China saw digital industry revenues amounting to 2.86 trillion yuan, which is a 28.3% increase from the previous year.

United Nations has issued a call for accelerated measures to safeguard children and young people from escalating online information hazards. An upcoming UN issue brief highlights significant concerns such as disinformation, hate speech, harassment, algorithmic manipulation, and artificial intelligence. The report also emphasizes dangers related to data harvesting, targeted behavioral advertising, and digital systems engineered to capture and retain attention. This alert coincides with the reality that youth increasingly depend on online platforms for education, communication, information exchange, and civic engagement.

Japan achieved a successful launch of its H3 rocket, carrying the Michibiki No. 7 navigation satellite into space. The rocket lifted off from the Tanegashima Space Center at 4:23:31 a.m. Japan time and placed QZS-7 into its designated orbit, expanding Japan’s navigation network with the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System.

A court in New Mexico has mandated that Meta contribute $567 million to a fund aimed at addressing youth mental health and safeguarding children after it was determined that its platforms constituted a public nuisance. The ruling was issued by Judge Bryan Biedscheid of the First Judicial District Court in Santa Fe, following a three-week bench trial. The court found that Facebook and Instagram played a significant role in exacerbating a youth mental health crisis and failed to adequately protect minors from online exploitation.

OpenAI is expanding ChatGPT access for Free and Go users with GPT-5.6 Luna as the default model. The company said unlimited text chats will become available next week, subject to safeguards against abuse. Free users will also gain a Think button for questions that need deeper reasoning. Limits will remain for file uploads, image generation and other tools. OpenAI announced the changes on August 6 as part of a broader update to ChatGPT.

The event will also focus on obstacles limiting broader AI adoption. Many firms still lack reliable internet connectivity, sufficient computing capacity, skilled labor, and affordable financing. Smaller enterprises often encounter additional legal and technical challenges when entering digital markets. During a June discussion on AI and trade, WTO’s small-business group explored these issues, highlighting how new tools can improve market research, lower costs, and enhance access to trade information.