Tech

Humanoid robots, driven by AI and robotics advancements, are generating excitement, with some suggesting a “ChatGPT moment” is imminent. Companies like Tesla and emerging Chinese startups are developing robots for manufacturing, logistics, and other sectors. While experts anticipate significant global economic impact, widespread adoption faces technological, manufacturing, and regulatory hurdles. Ethical considerations and clear operational guidelines are also critical. Analysts predict increasing robot shipments, but a gradual integration into various sectors is expected.

Chinese EV makers made a strong showing at Munich’s IAA Mobility, signaling aggressive expansion plans in Europe. Companies like Xpeng and GAC aim to disrupt the market with competitive pricing, advanced technology, and innovative features. While traditional European automakers face challenges in keeping pace, they are responding with new EV models and tech advancements. The increased competition is reshaping the automotive landscape.

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff expressed admiration for Palantir’s growth and high revenue multiple, acknowledging its premium pricing strategy. He hinted at a possible re-evaluation of Salesforce’s pricing models. Competition between the two companies extends to government contracts. Palantir focuses on value creation, justifying its higher price points with customized data solutions, while Salesforce emphasizes competitive pricing. Palantir’s market capitalization is now at $406 billion, surpassing Salesforce’s $231 billion, despite Salesforce reporting significantly higher revenue. Salesforce shares are down 27% this year.

OpenAI launched “OpenAI Grove,” a program to support early-stage AI entrepreneurs. The five-week intensive program, running from October 20th to November 21st, 2025, offers mentorship from OpenAI’s technical leaders, early access to tools and models, and in-person workshops. It targets individuals with nascent AI ideas, differing from OpenAI’s Pioneer Program which supports more established ventures. The program aims to foster a vibrant AI ecosystem, reflecting the surge in AI investment, which accounted for 71% of U.S. venture funding in 2025. Applications are open until September 24th.

Opendoor is undergoing a major transformation led by co-founder Keith Rabois and new CEO Kaz Nejatian, following investor pressure and leadership changes. Rabois plans to streamline operations, reduce headcount significantly from 1,400 to around 200, and reinstate in-person work. These changes aim to address profitability concerns and refocus the company’s strategy. While the initial market reaction was positive, analysts remain cautious about the underlying fundamentals and persistent cash burn. The company’s future depends on successful implementation of the turnaround plan.

Gemini Space Station shares surged up to 40% in its Nasdaq debut after raising $425 million in its IPO, exceeding expectations and valuing the company at $3.3 billion. The IPO signals growing confidence in the digital asset industry. Founded in 2014 by the Winklevoss brothers, Gemini has become a major crypto exchange, holding over $21 billion in assets. Despite reporting net losses, Gemini offers diverse services and the Winklevoss brothers remain bullish on Bitcoin, predicting it could reach $1 million and advocating for strategic regulation.

Apple has delayed the launch of its new, ultra-thin iPhone Air in China due to regulatory hurdles surrounding eSIM technology. Chinese wireless carriers require government licenses for devices with eSIM functionality, which are currently pending. The iPhone Air, boasting a radical redesign and a focus on eSIM, was slated for pre-orders this Friday with retail availability on September 19th. Apple is actively working with regulators to expedite the approval process. The delay highlights the increasing scrutiny of foreign technology and China’s emphasis on cybersecurity.

Tether is deepening its commitment to the U.S. market by appointing a CEO for U.S. operations, Bo Hines, and launching USAT, a stablecoin for U.S. institutions. USAT, operating under the GENIUS Act framework, will utilize Tether’s Hadron platform and involve Anchorage Digital as issuer and Cantor Fitzgerald as a reserve custodian. While USDT remains dominant globally, USAT aims to compete directly with competitors like USDC within the U.S. This strategic move seeks to address regulatory concerns and attract risk-averse entities, integrating digital assets into traditional finance.

The FAA announced a pilot program to accelerate air taxi integration, with Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation participating. This initiative aims to establish operational frameworks for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft through collaborative projects. The program follows an executive order promoting eVTOL development and aims to reduce emissions and congestion. Archer and Joby anticipate trial operations and FAA flight testing, respectively, emphasizing the potential for widespread air taxi services and U.S. leadership in advanced air mobility. Partnerships with entities like United Airlines and collaborations in the Middle East underscore global ambitions.

Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 feature Live Translation, entering a competitive market with Google and Meta, who are also developing real-time translation capabilities. AirPods Pro 3 will initially translate select languages into English (and vice versa), requiring a compatible iPhone with Apple Intelligence. Google’s Pixel 10 offers “Voice Translate,” preserving speaker inflections, while Meta integrates translation into Ray-Ban glasses. OpenAI is also exploring hardware. The advances pose a challenge to the translation industry. Dedicated translation device companies emphasize their linguistic expertise amidst growing competition.