Category Archives: business

artificial intelligence, business, consumer electronics, technology

Amazon reveals range of new Kindle, Ring and Echo devices powered by AI

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Online juggernaut Amazon has unveiled its next generation of Kindle, Ring, and Echo devices, among other gadgets, all powered by artificial intelligence and connected to Alexa+, its AI-infused personal assistant that made its debut in February.

The line-up, announced at a presentation and showcase in New York on Tuesday, includes new cameras for its Ring video monitoring device featuring an AI facial recognition system. This new feature allows users to register friends and family and receive notifications about who is at the front door.

Amazon also introduced four new Echo devices revamped with Alexa+. These smart speakers provide personalized insights, such as alerts if the user left the front door unlocked after midnight.

In addition, the Seattle-based company revealed a series of Alexa+-infused Fire TVs. These TVs enable more personalized searches, like finding a specific scene in a movie or getting commentary about the previous day’s football game.

The presentation marked the first major product event for Panos Panay, who joined Amazon in 2023 to lead the company’s devices and services teams. Panay brings with him a 19-year career at Microsoft, where he served as chief product officer.

Speaking to an audience of several hundred journalists and bloggers, Mr. Panay emphasized how Alexa+ and artificial intelligence are enabling technology to work seamlessly in the background. “Products creating subtle shifts in all our behaviour, driven by AI, integrated into the hardware,” he said. “And flowing natural through the products themselves. Whether it’s a camera catching what you missed; your Fire TV updating you on a game; or your Kindle remembering exactly where you left off.”
https://www.breakingnews.ie/world/amazon-reveals-range-of-new-kindle-ring-and-echo-devices-powered-by-ai-1813170.html

business, development, politics, technology

Piyush Goyal Hails CM As A Progressive Leader

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**Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu’s Technology-Driven Governance Earns Praise at 30th CII Partnership Summit**

VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu’s commitment to technology-driven governance, progressive approach, and leadership received widespread acclaim at the 30th CII Partnership Summit held in New Delhi on Tuesday.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal lauded Naidu during the summit, highlighting the Chief Minister’s forward-thinking approach and dedication to integrating technology into administrative processes. Goyal also commended Naidu for his exemplary leadership in hosting the summit for the seventh time.

Speaking at the event, Goyal praised Naidu for pioneering initiatives such as Hyderabad’s Hi-Tech City and the development of Amaravati. Additionally, he acknowledged the launch of smart industrial cities in Andhra Pradesh as a landmark achievement.

“Chandrababu Naidu truly believes in high technology-driven administration and governance. He has introduced several technology-driven initiatives across government departments,” Goyal stated.

He further noted Naidu’s efforts in creating one of the most modern and contemporary new capital cities in Amaravati. “And Andhra Pradesh is the only state where three new industrial plug-and-play smart cities are coming up at Krishnapatnam, Orvakal, and Kopparti,” Goyal added.
https://www.deccanchronicle.com/southern-states/andhra-pradesh/piyush-goyal-hails-cm-as-a-progressive-leader-1907263

business, consumer electronics, technology

Apple planning hardware event in October: What to expect

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**Apple Planning Hardware Event in October: What to Expect**
*By Mudit Dube | Sep 30, 2025, 05:10 PM*

After the recent launch of the iPhone 17 series, Apple is reportedly preparing for another event this October. The tech giant is expected to showcase a variety of new products at the upcoming event, continuing its tradition of fall hardware reveals.

### What’s on the Horizon?

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is likely to unveil new iPad Pro models powered by the latest M5 chipset. These new iPads are rumored to feature dual front cameras designed for both portrait and landscape modes, enhancing user experience for video calls and photography.

### Product Lineup

Alongside the refreshed iPad Pro, Apple is said to be planning several other product launches:

– **Vision Pro Headset:** Anticipated to receive upgrades including a faster M4 or M5 chip, a redesigned head strap for improved comfort, and possibly a sleek Space Black finish.
– **Apple TV:** Expected to feature the A17 Pro or N1 chip, support for Wi-Fi 7, and enhancements that will prepare the device for future Apple Intelligence features.
– **HomePod mini:** Likely to get an updated S-series chip, improved sound quality, a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, and potentially new color options.
– **AirTag:** The updated model is rumored to offer longer tracking range, enhanced durability, and clearer battery alerts.

### Apple’s October Event History

Apple has a consistent history of hosting notable product launches in October.

– In **2021**, Apple introduced MacBook Pro models with M1 Pro and M1 Max chips, AirPods 3, and new HomePod mini colors.
– In **2023**, the “Scary Fast” event showcased MacBook Pro and iMac models equipped with M3 chips.

However, Apple skipped October events in both **2022 and 2024**, making this year’s event particularly anticipated.

### MacBook Pro and Future Developments

While MacBook Pro models featuring M5 series chips are rumored to be already in production, they may not be launched until early 2026. Additionally, Apple is reportedly working on future Mac updates, which include OLED displays and slimmer designs, signaling ongoing innovation for its laptop lineup.

### Conclusion

This October, Apple fans can expect exciting new hardware upgrades, particularly with the new iPad Pro and Vision Pro headset. Along with refreshed accessories like Apple TV, HomePod mini, and AirTag, the event promises a robust lineup designed to enhance the Apple ecosystem. Stay tuned for official announcements as the event date approaches.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/apple-october-2025-event-new-ipad-pro-vision-pro-expected/story

america, business, politics

Episode 2: Inside the Fight Against Mamdani

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**WalkAway Campaign YouTube Channel**
*September 29, 2025*

—

Brand stated, “My button says ‘End the smear and do the shmear’ for Mamdani with a bagel and cream cheese.” This was a strategic response to Erin Burnett’s question: *“How can Jewish voters vote for you given the past accusations of your being anti-Semitic and pro-Palestinian?”*

His answer continued: *“Voters know I stand for all the policies overall that mean lower food prices and better lives for them.”* However, many felt this was not a sufficient answer.

—

**A Jewish Voter’s Concern**

“But, but why do I get pushed into this van with the others? I’m a Jewish voter who voted for Mamdani,” expressed one concerned individual.

—

**Comment by frank ballenger**
*“There’s a battle outside and it’s raging. It’ll soon shake your windows and rattle your walls.”*

—

**Response to frank ballenger**

“Hes such a phony. He fabricated an entire load of BS as a response to constant messages telling him ‘the only good Muslim is a dead Muslim.’ Fighting back tears, he says:

*‘My focus has always been on making this a city that’s affordable, on making the city that every New Yorker sees themselves in. And it pains me to be painted as if I am somehow in opposition to the very Jewish New Yorkers that I know and love and are such a key part of this city.’*

What a fraud. What a liar.

He supports the killers of Jews in Israel. He is in a religion that, as claimed by the poster, requires endless jihad, commands followers to kill Jews, condemns non-believers to slave status, and allows followers to lie, cheat, kill, and steal to achieve world domination. They label him a communist, “which is just as deadly and sinister as his Muslim cult.”

—

**Comment by Organic Panic**
*”‘Was I molested? I think so,’ Ashley Biden responded, referring to her father joining her in the shower.”*

**Response to Organic Panic**

“Has he lived in NYC a long time?”

—

*Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright.*
https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/4343414/posts

business, government, politics, technology

EU Competitiveness Fund will not finance research activities

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The European Commission has confirmed that all research and innovation funding will be channelled through Horizon Europe. This comes under its proposal for the post-2027 EU budget instruments.

The planned European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) will focus exclusively on deployment, separating its role from research and innovation funding.

According to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, all research and innovation activities must be funded through a Framework Programme. Massimiliano Esposito, head of the strategic planning unit in the Commission’s research directorate general, emphasized this point on September 23.
https://sciencebusiness.net/news/r-d-funding/planning-fp10/eu-competitiveness-fund-will-not-finance-research-activities

business, controversy, entertainment, online media, safety

MrBeast defends trapping man in burning building for $500,000…

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**MrBeast Defends Trapping Man in Burning Building for $500,000 Stunt**

*By Tom McArthur | Published 7 hours ago*

MrBeast, the world’s biggest YouTuber, has defended his latest stunt video titled **“Would You Risk Dying for $500,000 (372,000)”** which features a professional stuntman escaping a blazing building while collecting bags of cash.

The fiery spectacle sparked fury online, with some viewers calling it dangerously irresponsible and expressing concern that it could encourage others to attempt risky behavior. In response, MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, stated,
> “I take safety more serious than you could ever imagine.”

Donaldson has more than 440 million YouTube subscribers and is believed to be the platform’s highest-paid creator. Beyond YouTube, his business ventures include a fast-food chain and an Amazon TV gameshow called *Beast Games*.

—

**The Stunt and Backlash**

The video, posted Saturday on YouTube, has already amassed over 45 million views. It features Eric, the contestant and professional stuntman, taking on seven “death traps.” These include being shot out of a cannon into flames, surviving massive explosions, and escaping from what appears to be a mock small house engulfed in fire.

Despite the dramatic and highly produced scenes, the stunt has received condemnation on social media. Some users described it as dystopian and “humiliating,” while others questioned the real danger involved, labeling it more of a PR stunt.

Eric successfully completed the challenges and won $350,000 (260,000).

—

**MrBeast Addresses Safety Concerns**

Reacting to the backlash, MrBeast reassured fans on social media platform X (formerly Twitter):
> “This blew up, if you’re curious obviously we had ventilation for the smoke and a kill switch to cut off the fires. We had professionals test this extensively and the guy in the video as stated is a professional stuntman. I take safety more serious than you could ever imagine.”

A pinned comment on the original YouTube video further explained:
> “We also had a pyro team [specialists in fire effects] controlling the fires and multiple fire suppression methods on every challenge to ensure we could essentially turn off the fire if there was ever an issue. But our stunt coordinator did an amazing job as always, and none of these systems were ever needed. Just wanted to be transparent with you all since I saw some concern!”

—

**Other Ventures and Controversies**

As one of the most popular content creators globally, MrBeast is involved in several business projects. Last year, he hosted *Beast Games*, an Amazon series featuring 1,000 contestants competing in elimination challenges for a $5 million (3.9 million) cash prize.

However, the series became the subject of a lawsuit where some participants claimed they had been “exploited” during filming. Donaldson dismissed these allegations as “blown out of proportion.”

Additionally, in May, the Mexican government accused MrBeast of “exploiting” the Mayan pyramids for a video. The previous month, he issued an apology after fans reported having a “horrible” experience at a Las Vegas event held in his name.

—

**Conclusion**

While MrBeast’s latest stunt video continues to draw massive attention and millions of views, it has also ignited discussions about the fine line between entertainment and safety. Donaldson’s firm assurances about professional supervision and safety measures indicate a commitment to responsible content creation amid the theatrics that have come to define his brand.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cder5l8pw8lo

business, energy, environment, policy, technology

India’s first deep-sea mineral auction indefinitely postponed: Here’s why

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**India’s First Deep-Sea Mineral Auction Indefinitely Postponed: Here’s Why**

*By Mudit Dube | Sep 29, 2025, 05:20 PM*

India’s inaugural auction of deep-sea mineral blocks, rich in critical minerals, has been indefinitely postponed. According to government officials who spoke to Moneycontrol, the decision comes following a lukewarm response from potential bidders.

### Initial Launch and Auction Blocks

The auction was launched in November, offering 13 mineral blocks for bidding. These included three lime mud blocks, three construction sand blocks, and seven polymetallic nodule blocks. These blocks are spread across a vast region from the Arabian Sea in the west to the Andaman Sea in the east.

### Multiple Deadline Extensions and Postponement

Initially, the bidding deadline was set for February 27, but it was extended multiple times—to April 2, May 1, and then August 22. Despite these extensions, the auction did not take place on August 22 as planned. An official confirmed to Moneycontrol that the government decided to postpone the auction to encourage broader participation. A new date for the event is yet to be announced.

### Importance of Mineral Deposits

The blocks on offer are rich in critical minerals such as cobalt, copper, manganese, and nickel. These minerals are essential for manufacturing electric vehicles (EVs), defense equipment, and renewable energy technologies—industries that are crucial for India’s strategic growth and technological advancement.

### Environmental Concerns and Local Opposition

Despite the strategic significance, the auction has met with resistance from political parties in Kerala and local fishing communities, who have raised concerns about the environmental risks linked to undersea mineral exploration.

### Technological Challenges

Experts highlight that technology poses a significant challenge for India’s deep-sea mineral exploration. Arvind Virmani, a member of NITI Aayog, noted at the India Mining Summit on September 18, “Basically, the entire supply chain, including technology, has become concentrated. Now the whole world is scrambling to create new technologies.”

### Strategic Context: Reducing Dependence on China

China dominates the production of critical minerals, including rare earth elements utilized in electronics, EV batteries, and defense sectors. This dominance has global implications, especially following Beijing’s export restrictions on certain essential minerals.

In response, India launched the National Critical Mineral Mission earlier this year in January. The initiative aims to boost domestic exploration, enhance processing capabilities, and promote recycling of critical minerals to reduce reliance on imports and improve supply chain resilience.

—

India’s postponement of the deep-sea mineral auction underscores the complexities involved—from technological hurdles and environmental concerns to the need for wider stakeholder participation. The government’s strategic focus remains on harnessing critical mineral resources essential for the country’s future, while balancing ecological and socio-economic factors.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/india-s-first-deep-sea-mineral-auction-postponed-amid-poor-response/story

business, energy, environment, policy, technology

India’s first deep-sea mineral auction indefinitely postponed: Here’s why

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**India’s First Deep-Sea Mineral Auction Indefinitely Postponed: Here’s Why**

*By Mudit Dube | Sep 29, 2025, 05:20 PM*

India’s maiden auction of deep-sea mineral blocks, which are rich in critical minerals, has been indefinitely postponed. The decision follows a lukewarm response from potential bidders, according to government officials who spoke to Moneycontrol.

### Initial Auction and Response

The auction was launched in November, offering 13 mineral blocks, which included three lime mud blocks, three construction sand blocks, and seven polymetallic nodule blocks. As this was India’s first attempt at such an auction, some companies submitted numerous queries, highlighting the novelty and complexity of deep-sea mineral exploration.

### Schedule Changes and Extensions

Originally, the bidding deadline was set for February 27. However, the deadline was extended multiple times—to April 2, May 1, and then August 22. Despite these extensions, the auction did not take place on August 22 as planned. A government official confirmed that the postponement aims to attract wider participation in the auction. Currently, a new date for the event has yet to be finalized.

### Strategic Importance of the Mineral Deposits

The auctioned mineral blocks cover a vast area stretching from the Arabian Sea in the west to the Andaman Sea in the east. These blocks are rich in critical minerals such as cobalt, copper, manganese, and nickel. Such resources are essential components for electric vehicles (EVs), defense equipment, and renewable energy technologies.

### Environmental and Local Concerns

Despite the strategic importance, political parties in Kerala and local fishing communities have voiced concerns regarding the environmental risks of undersea mineral exploration. These apprehensions have added complexity to the auction process.

### Technological Challenges

Experts have highlighted technology as the biggest hurdle in India’s deep-sea mineral exploration efforts. Arvind Virmani, a member of NITI Aayog, noted during the India Mining Summit on September 18 that the entire global supply chain, including technology, is highly concentrated, with countries worldwide racing to develop new technologies to access these resources.

### Addressing China’s Dominance

China remains the world’s largest producer of critical minerals, including rare earth elements vital for electronics, EV batteries, and defense systems. Beijing’s export restrictions on certain critical minerals have raised global concerns over supply security.

In response, India launched the National Critical Mineral Mission in January. This strategic initiative aims to boost exploration activities, enhance domestic processing capabilities, and promote recycling of critical minerals to reduce dependency on imports and strengthen India’s position in the global supply chain.

—

India’s deep-sea mineral auction marks an important step towards securing essential resources for future technologies. However, challenges related to bidder participation, technology, and environmental concerns must be addressed to move forward successfully.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/india-s-first-deep-sea-mineral-auction-postponed-amid-poor-response/story

business, energy, environment, policy, technology

India’s first deep-sea mineral auction indefinitely postponed: Here’s why

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**India’s First Deep-Sea Mineral Auction Indefinitely Postponed: Here’s Why**

*By Mudit Dube | Sep 29, 2025, 05:20 PM*

India’s inaugural auction of deep-sea mineral blocks, rich in critical minerals, has been indefinitely postponed due to a lackluster response from potential bidders, government officials informed Moneycontrol.

### Background of the Auction

Launched in November last year, the auction featured 13 mineral blocks. These included three lime mud blocks, three construction sand blocks, and seven polymetallic nodule blocks. These blocks are located from the Arabian Sea in the west to the Andaman Sea in the east and are abundant in valuable minerals such as cobalt, copper, manganese, and nickel — all crucial for electric vehicles (EVs), defense equipment, and renewable energy technologies.

### Schedule Changes and Extensions

The original bidding deadline was set for February 27 but was extended multiple times — first to April 2, then May 1, and later August 22. However, as confirmed by an official, the auction did not take place on August 22 as initially planned.

Officials cited the need for broader participation in the auction process as the main reason behind the indefinite postponement. They also mentioned that some companies submitted several inquiries due to the novelty of this auction format. Currently, no new date has been finalized for the auction.

### Environmental and Political Concerns

Despite the strategic importance of these mineral resources, there has been opposition from certain quarters. Political parties in Kerala and local fishing communities have raised concerns about the potential environmental risks associated with undersea mineral exploration.

### Technological Challenges in Deep-Sea Exploration

Experts acknowledge that technology remains the biggest hurdle for India’s deep-sea mineral mining ambitions. At the India Mining Summit held on September 18, Arvind Virmani, a member of NITI Aayog, highlighted the challenge: “Basically, the entire supply chain, including technology, has become concentrated. Now the whole world is scrambling to create new technologies.”

### Strategic Importance Amid Global Supply Chain Dynamics

China dominates global production of critical minerals, including rare earth elements vital for electronics, EV batteries, and defense. Its export restrictions have heightened concerns worldwide about supply security.

In response, India launched the National Critical Mineral Mission in January to enhance domestic exploration, improve processing capabilities, and promote recycling of these key minerals to reduce dependency on imports.

—

India’s postponement of its first deep-sea mineral auction underscores the complexities involved—from technological and environmental challenges to geopolitical considerations—in securing critical resources essential for the country’s green and defense initiatives. The government continues to work towards creating a conducive environment for wider participation and successful execution of this strategic auction in the near future.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/india-s-first-deep-sea-mineral-auction-postponed-amid-poor-response/story