Browsing: Technology

The iPhone Duo is Apple’s first foldable iPhone and starts at $1,999 in the US. The iPhone Duo features a 5.4-inch external screen that serves as the primary display for daily use when the device remains folded, while opening it reveals a larger 7.6-inch Super Retina XDR screen, optimized for multitasking and larger applications. Both displays are equipped with ProMotion and Always-On capabilities, with outdoor brightness reaching 3,000 nits. Apple constructed the device’s enclosure using Grade 5 titanium and developed the hinge from over 100 components. Additionally, it holds an IP68 rating, ensuring resistance to dust and water. The design and usability of the foldable iPhone are heavily influenced by its software, with Apple creating iOS 27.1 to seamlessly support both open and closed modes. Split View allows users to position two apps side by side on the internal display, and they can also operate two windows from the same app, saving these configurations for future use. The expanded screen permits two Home Screen pages, and Touch ID remains integrated into the side button for biometric authentication. Enhanced multitasking features enabled by the larger display The device’s camera system includes a 48-megapixel Fusion Main camera and a 48-megapixel Fusion Ultra Wide camera, with the main sensor supporting a 2x optical telephoto zoom. The Duo Preview feature allows users to see a live image of the subject on the outer display while someone else takes the shot,

A notable upgrade in the camera system is the inclusion of a 48-megapixel Fusion Main camera featuring a variable aperture. The lens incorporates six internal blades, allowing it to shift between four different aperture settings. Users can fine-tune aperture, shutter speed, and white balance directly within the Camera app. An exposure histogram can also be displayed to assist in framing scenes accurately. The revamped imaging system introduces new options for texture and grain within Photographic Styles, while videographers can add Cinematic effects after recording. Apple is also rolling out Reference Image, a feature for users who need to verify whether a photo has been modified. This opt-in functionality captures signed sensor data at the moment an image is taken in Reference mode, which Private Cloud Compute processes into a reference image that can be compared within the Photos app. Apple intends to expand support for the SynthID standard through a software update later this year. Metadata embedded in images will serve as another method to detect AI-generated or edited content. Variable aperture enhances control for photographers The A20 Pro chip, fabricated using a 2-nanometer process, combines a six-core CPU with a seven-core GPU, which Apple claims can perform up to 40% faster than the A19 Pro. The chip also features a Dual 16-core Neural Engine with 32 cores dedicated to AI processing. Its new thermal design places the processor closer to a larger vapor chamber, enabling the system to deliver up to 40% higher sustained performance compared to the previous generation

Graphite, cathodes and anodes remain central to U.S. battery supply chain security. According to the International Energy Agency, China was responsible for over 80% of the world’s battery cell production in 2025, with approximately 85% of cathode active material and more than 90% of anode active material also originating from China. These components are fundamental to lithium-ion battery manufacturing for electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Furthermore, the International Energy Agency identified China as the primary hub for producing lithium iron phosphate batteries, often referred to as LFP batteries. During 2025, U.S. battery manufacturing capacity saw rapid expansion with the opening or development of new plants by various companies. Nonetheless, the supply chain remains heavily reliant on imported or processed materials from abroad, with natural graphite serving as a prominent example. In 2025, the United States reported complete net import reliance for natural graphite, with China continuing to be a significant supplier, and Chinese processors dominating the production of battery-grade graphite used in traditional lithium-ion anodes. Addressing the Deeper Supply Chain Challenges for Critical Materials The U.S. Department of Energy has allocated new funding to bolster the segments of the supply chain that remain underdeveloped domestically. In August 2026, the department announced a $500 million investment across seven projects focused on critical minerals, battery technology, and recycling initiatives. These projects aim to advance domestic processing, recover materials from used batteries, and develop alternative anode materials. The department

Japan is broadening its efforts to tackle investment fraud by deploying artificial intelligence to identify early warning signs within consumer complaints. The new system will scrutinize complaint language, solicitation tactics, and similarities with previous cases to detect potential risks. The authorities pointed out cases involving foreign investment products, overseas real estate, and arrangements linked to deposited goods. AI system enhances early detection of consumer scams.

China’s digital sector achieved a total revenue of 20.71 trillion yuan in the first half of 2026, marking a 13.6% increase compared to the same period last year. Overall profits surged by 19.3% to reach 1.79 trillion yuan, with a profit margin of 8.6%. Leading provincial digital markets dominated the industry landscape, generating 17.21 trillion yuan in revenue. Central China’s digital industry experienced growth rates surpassing the national average, reaching a revenue of 2.86 trillion yuan—an increase of 28.3% year-on-year. China’s intelligent computing capacity reached 2,185 EFLOPS using FP16 measurement, showing a 177% growth compared to the previous year.

Online child safety grows urgent as AI and digital information risks expand globally. This briefing was issued by the Department of Global Communications in advance of International Youth Day on Aug. 12. As per the report, over 82% of individuals aged 15 to 24 are active internet users worldwide. While digital connectivity offers significant opportunities for education, civic participation, and economic involvement, it also exposes young people to harmful content, often before they have fully developed the skills necessary to evaluate such information critically. The document warns that these online risks can hinder cognitive, emotional, and social growth among youth. The report categorizes these dangers into three primary groups: threats related to technology, which encompass the misuse of artificial intelligence and other digital tools; distribution-related risks, such as algorithms that influence what information is seen and the unequal access to trustworthy sources; and content-based dangers, including disinformation, harassment, and hate speech. It highlights the interplay of these issues, as digital systems directly shape what users encounter and how quickly content spreads, thereby amplifying risks for young audiences, especially when platforms combine automated suggestions, personalized content, and data collection mechanisms. Focus Shifts to Platform Architecture The briefing also explores how business models relying heavily on user attention, personal data, and targeted advertising contribute to these challenges. Engagement-driven systems tend to expose children to extreme material and features that encourage frequent platform use, with personalized marketing introducing additional risks for young users. The report urges technology firms and AI developers to incorporate children’s rights and

On Tuesday, Japan successfully executed the launch of its H3 rocket, which carried the Michibiki No. 7 navigation satellite into space. The mission, identified as H3 Flight No. 9, took off from the Tanegashima Space Center precisely at 4:23:31 a.m. Japan time, with JAXA confirming that the rocket maintained its planned trajectory throughout the operation. The satellite detached approximately 29 minutes after liftoff and reached its designated orbit as scheduled.

The decision was issued by Presiding Judge Bryan Biedscheid of the First Judicial District Court in Santa Fe following a three-week bench trial, during which the court determined that Facebook and Instagram played a significant role in exacerbating a youth mental health crisis and failed to adequately safeguard minors from online dangers and exploitation.

OpenAI is expanding access to ChatGPT by offering Free and Go users the ability to engage in unlimited text exchanges with GPT-5.6 Luna. The company announced that this update will start next week and will be governed by safeguards to prevent misuse. During this rollout, GPT-5.6 Luna will serve as the default model for these accounts. Additionally, free users will gain a Think button, enabling the system to allocate more time for complex questions before providing a response.

The World Trade Organization is set to hold its inaugural World Trade and Tech Day on September 14 at its headquarters in Geneva, bringing together trade officials, technology policymakers, business leaders, and other stakeholders for a comprehensive discussion. Under the theme, “AI and Trade: Turning Potential into Progress,” the event aims to explore how artificial intelligence can be integrated into international trade policies to promote broader access to AI tools and foster more equitable global commerce, emphasizing the importance of policy measures that support inclusion.