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  • The Weekly Wrap Up ( 11-17 Aug )

    The Weekly Wrap Up ( 11-17 Aug )

    Tech Week in Review: (August 11–17, 2025)

    Welcome to this week’s Weekly Wrap Up, your go to simplified rundown of the biggest tech headlines from August  11 through August 17, 2025. Investors hang tight as the markets responded to U.S. trade maneuvers and AI chip policy, big-name firms made strategic moves, AI developments surged forward, and Infosec kept serving up drama. Here’s what you need to know to stay ahead of the curve.

    Major Highlights

    1)Chipmakers Pay Up for China Licenses
    Nvidia and AMD have struck an unprecedented deal; by agreeing to hand over 15% of revenues from China AI chip sales to the U.S. government in exchange for export licenses. Intel’s CEO Lip-Bu Tan headed to the White House amid this semiconductor power play and mounting pressure.

    2) Markets Tread Lightly Ahead of Inflation Readings
    U.S. markets opened flat this week, with the Dow down about 0.5%. Investors were eying the Federal Reserve’s next move as inflation data loomed and trade policy hung in the balance.

    AI & Innovation Moves

    3) Cohere Scores a Big Win
    AI startup Cohere led the fundraiser headlines with a giant $500 million round, valuing the company at around $6.8 billion. A clear sign that enterprise AI is still drawing heavyweight capital.

    4) SpaceX & Amazon Team Up for Kuiper Launch
    On August 11, SpaceX flew its 100th mission of 2025, launching 24 Kuiper satellites for Amazon’s Project Kuiper from Florida, further strengthening the rival satellite-internet race.

    Tech Events This Week

    5)AI4, Visual Studio Live & More
    August hosted a vibrant lineup of tech gatherings:

    Visual Studio Live (Aug 4–8, Redmond): deep dives into GitHub Copilot and Azure OpenAI.

    AI4 (Aug 11–13, Vegas): spotlight on giants like Geoffrey Hinton and Fei-Fei Li.

    TechCon 365 & TechMentor (Aug 11–15): hands-on Microsoft 365, AI, and IT leadership content.

    RTC Career Summit (Aug 13, virtual): women in tech connected live.

    Science & Tech Nuggets

    6) GPT-5 Hits the Scene
    On August 7, just before our week, OpenAI launched GPT-5, boasting “PhD-level intelligence.” This next-gen AI brought stronger reasoning, expanded token context, and rapid adoption in startups and big tech.

    That wraps up August 11–17. From chip diplomacy shaping trade policy to AI funding & global satellite launches, it’s been a whirlwind.

    Thanks for checking in, and don’t forget to share, comment, and follow us on socials to stay powered up and in the loop.

    References

    Investors.com – Dow Jones, S&P 500, Nasdaq Today: Nvidia, AMD chip export license deal

    Investopedia – 5 Things to Know Before the Stock Market Opens August 11, 2025

    The Times (UK) – Live: FTSE 100, global markets and corporate updates

    TechStartups – Cohere raises $500M, valued at $6.8B

    TS2.Tech – Beyond AI: August 11–12 tech news highlights (SpaceX & Kuiper)

    TechRadar – Top Tech Conferences: The Ultimate Event Guide

    Wikipedia – 2025 in Science (GPT-5 launch)

  • Samsung vs Apple: A Rivalry Built on Competition & Cooperation

    Samsung vs Apple: A Rivalry Built on Competition & Cooperation

    Samsung vs Apple: A Deep Dive into a Storied Rivalry

    Apple and Samsung have had quite an interesting relationship and rivalry for many years now. They have spent over a decade battling in courtrooms, competing for market share, making fun out of each other, and the most shocking while ironic decisions of working together to make each other’s products.

    Early Partnership

    This brings us to a time before they were trading blows, when Samsung was one of Apple’s most important suppliers. In the beginning of the iPhone era, Samsung provided key components; such as processors, memory chips, and OLED displays, this was key to helping build Apple it’s flagship products. This close relationship gave Samsung a front-row seat to Apple’s design and strategy.

    A Relationship Soured, A Rivalry Begins!

    The seeming inevitable turning point came in 2011 when Apple sued Samsung, and accused them of copying the iPhone and iPad’s design and features, like rounded edges, app icons, and bounce-back scrolling. Samsung soon shot back with its own lawsuits, and the battle quickly spread worldwide.

    Courtroom Drama

    In 2012, Apple won a $1.05 Billion U.S verdict, a gigantic blow to Samsung, though later with many appeals the amount reduced. Cases dragged on for years, eventually reaching the U.S Supreme Court and involving over 50 lawsuits across various countries. In 2018, the companies finally settled, bringing an end to one of the world’s longest legal wars.

    Marketing Battles

    Samsung basically started this one, they brought the fight out of court. They went for apple in public, they went after their ads and stunts. From mocking iPhone fans in commercials to setting up pop-up stores near Apple launches, Samsung positioned themselves as the bold, innovative alternative.

    Rivals/Enemies Who Work Together

    Despite the obvious bad blood, business is business at the end of the day. Samsung has continued supplying Apple with displays and components, especially for iPhones. Apple has however slowly diversified it’s suppliers, but Samsung remains a key player in its supply chain, and vice versa, with Apple being one of Samsung’s most important clients.

    The 2025 Twist

    This year, the two companies surprised everyone, yet again, by announcing a renewed partnership. Samsung will produce advanced image sensors for future iPhones in its Texas facility. It’s a strategic move that shows how necessity often outweighs rivalry and competition.

    Why It Matters

    The story of these two titans of the tech industry is a perfect example of competitive cooperation; where rivals compete fiercely in the market but collaborate when it benefits them both. It’s a reminder that in tech, relationships are rarely simple, and today’s enemy could be tomorrow’s enemy that I’m happy to work with for my benefit.

    Thank You for reading. Please follow us on our socials, X ( @TechQuestJourn ) and Instagram ( @TheTechQuestJournal ). 

  • Phone Battery Life

    Phone Battery Life

     Does your phone battery hate you? Do you want to know why?

    A battery can only do so much before it gives up and dies for good, but if you are doing any of these things you are probably wasting the life span of your device’s battery a lot sooner than one may hope.

    Here’s what secretly murders your battery:

    • Screen brightness if you’re phone screen looks like you are staring directly at the sun, it to bright. 
    • Apps lurking in the background. Do you need GPS app running while you sleeping. I guess you will if you get lost in your dreams.
    • Changing to 100% every time. imagine eating until you’re stuffed three times a day . That’s your battery’s life.

    How to stop the abuse on your device’s battery:

    • Switch to dark mode. Your eyes and battery will thank you (and you’ll look cooler).
    • Turn off background refresh for apps you don’t actually need stalking you.
    • Keep your charge between 20% and 80%. Your battery’s “comfort zone”.

    You’re battery isn’t out to get you, it just needs better habits. Treat it kindly, might squeeze out an extra year before needing a replacement.

    Hope this was helpful thanks for reading

    Please follow us on X @TechQuestJourn, follow us on Instagram @TheTechQuestJournal and also check out our YouTube Channel at thetechquestjournal 

  • The uncanny valley effect

    The uncanny valley effect

    The uncanny valley effect

    Have you ever watched a movie (Cats), with a human like figure that just isn’t right, computer animation (CGI character), Hyper-realistic masks or realistic humanoid robot and it gives you that uncomfortable/uneasy feeling like it’s going to steal your soul, that feeling is the uncanny valley effect. 

    Origin/history of the term

    An article published in the 1970s, by a Japanese robotics professor named Masahiro Mori. Masahiro first described the effect as “an artificial entity become more human-like, our positive emotional response increases until a point where subtle imperfections cause a sharp drop in affinity, leading to feeling of uneasiness or revulsion.” 

    The What and the Why Robots just give you the Creeps? ” The uncanny valley effect on the Brain”
    The Uncanny valley effect is a hypothesized psychological and aesthetic relation between an object’s degree of of resemblance to a human being and the emotional response to the object. The uncanny valley hypothesis predicts that an entity appearing almost human will risk eliciting eerie feelings in viewers.

    There are several potential reasons for the uncanny valley effect such as:

     Categorization difficulty: Our brains struggle to categorize these figures, leading to confusion and unease.

     Perceptual distortions: Subtle imperfections in the figure’s appearance can trigger a negative emotional response. 

    Evolutionary basis: Some theories suggest an evolutionary basis, where the uncanny valley effect might be linked to avoiding potential threats like the sick or dead. 

    Diagram of The Uncanny Valley Effect 

     


     More in-depth view into uncanny valley effect on the Brain

    1. Facial Recognition System Gets Confused 

    The FFA meaning Fusiform Face Area in the brain is specialized for recognizing faces. When your brain sees something that’s very close to being human, it initially accepts it as a face but something is off weather it’s the lifeless eyes, unnatural expression, so the brain struggles to interpret it. The mismatch causes cognitive dissonance: your brain can’t decide if it’s human or not.
    Resulting in the uneasy or eerie feelings. So the brain is stuck between a “real person” (which can also be creepy) and something’s that looks like it’s from a horror movie.

    2. Amygdala Triggers a Threat or Fear Response

    The amygdala is the part of the brain responsible for the emotional responses and threats detection. The response to the almost human like appearance is the core reason why your brain responds with the feeling of something “wrong”, therefore your brain interprets as illness, death, deception. This defense mechanism is to preserve one from encountering diseased or dead bodies. which look human but have an unnatural quality.
    Resulting in fear, disgust or anxiety inducing, even if it not inherently danger. 

    3. Violation of Social Expectations

    The brain expects coherent social cues: expressions, eye movement, timing, tone of voice. If you see a robot or avatar that that smiles at the wrong time, or blinks too slowly, it breaks your mental “script” ( “social script”: smiling at the right time or blink occasionally and not stare into your soul). This activists the medial prefrontal cortex and superior temporal sulcus, which process social behavior.
    Resulting the entity causes discomfort because it is not following your minds ideas of “human rules,” even though that thing may look human it’s not.

    4. Identity Conflict or Moral Confusion (Conceptual Uncanny Valley)

     If a robot or Ai seems to display emotion or consciousness, your brain doesn’t know how to categorize it. This can cause existential discomfort or moral questions like “Is it alive?,” “Should I trust it?,” “Am I talking to a person or a machine?”
    This may engage the default mode network, responsible for empathy, self-reflection and theory of mind.

    The difference types of uncanny valley effect (The type of creepy)


    Visual/Appearance-Based:

     Face looks human but… not quite right. (physical appearance is “off”)
    Example: The Polar Express

    Behavioral: (doing weird things)

    Movements or gestures are robotic or unnatural. Weird blinking, delayed reactions…
    Example: Beowulf, creepy robots

    Auditory:

    The voice tone, timing, or rhythm doesn’t feel right. (Voice sounds like Siri)
    Example: Ai voiceovers, old assistants 

    Conceptual/ Existential:

    The character blurs the line between machine and person, causing confusion or disconfort (Ai says “I have feelings” and now you feel weird)
    Example: Emotional chatbots 

    Static vs. Dynamic:

    Static: Object is still, photo or idle pose. Like a mannequin with realistic skin.
    Dynamic: Movement, interaction, responsiveness. Like a robot blinking at odd intervals.
    Looks fine when still, but become uncanny when it moves or interacts. (Looks okay still, but then it starts moving and goes nightmare fuel)
    Example: Rogue One

    Example of Movies which exhibit the uncanny valley effect (and the types of creepy)

    The Polar Express (2004)- 

    Types & Why:
    • Visual/Appearance
    • Behavioral
    • Static & Dynamic
    • The Lifeless eyes, stiff facial expressions, unnatural movement and timing
    Final Fanstasy (2001)-
    Types & Why:
    • Visual/Appearance
    • Behavioral 
    • Skin and facial textures were realistic, but characters lacked real emotion or gestures 

    Tron: Legacy (2010)-
    Types & Why:
    • Visual
    • Auditory 
    • Conceptual
    • CGI young Jeff Bridges looked “almost human,” but facial expressions didn’t fully match


    Rogue One: A Star wars story (2016)-
    Types & Why:
    • Visual/Appearance 
    • Conceptual 
    • Static & Dynamic
    • Digitally recreated actors were realistic but unnerving in close-up expressions and motion 


    Cats (2019)-
    Types & Why:
    • Visual 
    • Behavioral 
    • Conceptual 
    • Human faces on animal bodies created an identity mismatch, plus awkward body movements 


    Beowulf (2007)- 
    Types & Why:
    • Visual
    • Behavioral 
    • Static & Dynamic
    • Faces were hyper-realistic but robotic; small cues like blinking or smiling felt unnatural


    Alita: Battle Angel (2019)-
    Types & Why:
    • Visual 
    • Conceptual 
    • Enlarged anime-like eyes pushed realism in a weird direction; discomfort lessened over time

    Final Thoughts: Stay Out of the Valley 

    The uncanny valley teaches us that almost human is often worse than not human at all. If your robot looks real but moves like a mannequin on low battery, our brains go, “No thanks.”

    So here’s the golden rule:
    Don’t be too human. Be clearly fake and proudly so.

    Turns out, little honesty goes a long way (especially with robots)

    We thank you for reading and hope you found this post informative. We ask that you please share and comment below, tell us what you thought. Please follow us on our socials, X (@TechQuestJourn) and Instagram (@TheTechQuestJournal) and if you want to to connect with us you contact us on our email: contact@thetechquestjournal.com. We truly appreciate all the support we receive.

  • The Weekly Wrap Up (Aug 3rd – 8th 2025)

    The Weekly Wrap Up (Aug 3rd – 8th 2025)

    Tech Week in Review: Apple’s $600B US Push, Pixel 10 Teasers, Windows 11 AI Update, #TeamWater & More

    Welcome to this week’s Weekly Wrap Up, our weekly series where we dive into the biggest tech headlines from the past week. Here’s this week’s wrap-up from the 3rd of August 2025 to the 8th 2025. It’s a week full of bold moves, new updates, and surprising collaborations. Apple dropped a historic announcement with a $600 Billion investment in U.S. manufacturing, Google continued teasing it’s AI-first future with the Pixel  10, and Microsoft rolled out one of it’s most significant Windows 11 security updates ever. Meanwhile. Gaming fans rejoiced at the newest Xbox Game Pass additions, and the creator economy made waves with MrBeast and Mark Rober’s powerful #TeamWater initiative.

    Here’s all the tech stories that you need to know to be in the know!

    Highlights

    1) Apple Commits $600 Billion to U.S Manufacturing Amid Tariff Shakeup

    This might be the largest domestic tech investments in recent history. Apple has pledged to inject $600 Billion into U.S manufacturing and supply chain expansion over the next four years. This includes the creation of new facilities, 20,000 R&D and AI jobs, and US based production of critical iPhone and Apple Watch components; like display glass and microchips.

    This comes in direct response to President Trump’s sweeping 100% Tariff on imported chips and semiconductors, aimed at pushing Big Tech to shift operations back to U.S soil. Apple is one of the few companies to secure exemptions; likely due to their large domestic investment and partnership with TSMC in Arizona.

    The announcement caused a ripple effect on Wall street: The substantial investment pledge has led Apple’s Stock to surge to 5.2%, lifting the NASDAQ to near-record highs. Investors see this as a clear sign Apple is future-proofing its supply chain strengthening it’s U.S political standing.

    2) Google Rolls Out Pixel August Update & Teases Pixel 10 Launch

    Google has released its August 2025 Pixel update for eligible devices, fixing a critical security bug affecting Android 16 users. The improvements include smoother gesture navigation, more stable 3-button control, and several under-the-hood security enhancements. This is considered a crucial patch ahead of the upcoming Pixel 10 launch.

    Speaking of the pixel 10 launch, google has used this opportunity to ramp up the hype by teasing the Pixel 10, expected to be unveiled on August 20, 2025. A cheeky ad campaign took shots at Apple’s delayed Siri updates, positioning the Pixel 10 as the “AI smartphone leader.”

    It’s expected to have features such as:

    • A more powerful Gemini AI assistant
    • Enhanced Pixel Screenshots with instant translation
    • Circle to Search upgrades
    • Possibly, a new AI-driven camera chip.

    This bold pre-launch positioning signals Googles’s intent to dominate the AI phone race.

    3) Windows 11 Security Update Brings Major AI & UX Improvements

    Microsoft released it’s August 2025 Security Update for Windows 11 (v24h2), introducing boths patches and some major feature upgrades:

    • A new AI-powered Settings assistant, helping users troubleshoot and personalize more easily.
    • Expanded Windows Recall, now with manual reset/export options to give users more control over memory-based AI prompts.
    • A faster Quick Machine Recovery tool, designed to restore systems after update errors or boot issues.
    • A redesigned Black Screen of Death, replacing the blue version to align with dark-mode themes.
    • UX improvements for Snap Layouts, Search, and PIN entry screens. 

    These updates are apart of Microsoft’s broader AI strategy to make Windows smarter, safer, and more user-friendly for both pros and casual users alike.

    4) Xbox Game Pass Adds Assassin’s Creed Mirage & More

    Microsoft has kicked off august with a killer lineup on Xbox Game Pass, headlined by Assassin’s Creed Mirage, which officially launches on the service August 7. This marks the first time a flagship Ubisoft title hits Game Pass on day one for Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers.

    Other titles added at the beginning of August:

    • A short Hike
    • Katamari Damacy Reroll
    • Everspace 2
    • Quake II Remastered
    • Train Sim World 4
    • My Time at Sandrock

    This shows that Xbox is continuing to double down on day-one content and diverse game libraries to keep Game Pass fresh and competitive.

    5) #TeamWater Raises $40M to Provide Clean Water Worldwide

    Two of the Biggest Youtubers, MrBeast and Mark Rober, have launched #TeamWater, a global campaign that has already raised $40 million to provide clean drinking water to communities that lack the vital resource. The initiative aims to deliver 6 million person-years worth of clean water across Asia, Africa, and Latin America

    This is a wide reaching endeavour, a full-fledged collaboration with major clean water charities and more than 3,000 influencers in 31 countries. Their videos are driving global visibility for the cause, making this one of the largest creator-led humanitarian tech efforts ever.

    Latest Highlights From 8th August 2025

    1) OpenAI Launches GPT-5, A Major Leap in AI Capability

    OpenAI has officially made GPT-5 available for the masses. It’s a next generation AI model with advanced performance across coding, reasoning, math, writing, and visual tasks. It employs a unified architecture that smartly chooses between faster responses or deeper reasoning depending on the task.

    The model has been made accessible to all ChatGPT users, though there are restrictions on the free version, with usage limits, while the Pro tier offers extended capabilities for around $200/month. Developers can also access it via API. The new version has introduced new improvements such as, reduced hallucination rates, strong multilingual support, and a massive 256,000 – token context window. Coding performance now gleams with a intuitive UI sensitivity.

    OpenAI’s GPT continues to grow it’s market share and it’s global reach. India has been highlighted by Sam Altman, The CEO of OpenAI, as the second-largest and fastest-growing market, with the potential to surpass the U.S. OpenAI continues to forge partnerships to ensure affordability and announced Altman’s visit to India in September.

    2) California Rolls Out Free AI Training in Schools and Colleges

    California Governor Gavin Newsom revealed an AI education partnership with tech giants Google, Microsoft, IBM, and Adobe; to deliver AI training across high schools, community colleges, and California State Universities at no cost to the state. The program targets over two million students, and is meant to equip future professionals with generative AI skills, cyber-security knowledge, and Copilot training. Newsom has emphasized preparing an AI-ready workforce to sustain California’s leadership in innovation amid global competition and technological disruption.

    3) Seattle Tech Faces Massive Workforce Shift Amid AI Surge

    In 2025 Seattle’s tech sector has endured over 22,000 layoffs, mainly due to AI-driven restructuring across companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Expedia. Employers are increasingly prioritizing critical thinking and familiarity with AI Tools over traditional coding credentials. Versatility and adaptability have become paramount. This aligns with national reports, that by July, AI-related layoffs accounted for 27,000+ job cuts in tech, and total tech job postings have dropped substantially since early 2020.

    From trillion-dollar companies reshaping geopolitics to creators mobilizing for global causes, this week has showed just how powerful the digital world has become. Whether it’s AI-driven upgrades, policy-driven innovation, or entertainment-led disruption,  the changes are coming fast.

    We thank you for reading and ask that you please share, comment and follow us on our socials.

    References

    Apple & Tariffs

    1. Apple increases US commitment to $600 billion, announces ambitious program – Apple Newsroom – Link

    2. Trump announces Apple’s plan to invest $100bn in US manufacturing – The Guardian – Link

    3. 100% tariff on chips and semiconductors? Trump plans big tech crackdown – Economic Times – Link

    Google Pixel & Android Updates
    4. Google rolls out August 2025 Pixel update with critical bug fix and other improvements – Times of India – Link
    5. How do you define soon? Google targets Apple’s Siri delays as it teases the Pixel 10 – TechRadar – Link

    Windows 11 Update
    6. 8 new features arriving with the August 2025 Security Update for Windows 11 – Windows Central – Link

    Xbox Game Pass
    7. Xbox Game Pass adds Assassin’s Creed Mirage and seven other titles in first half of August – Times of India – Link

    #TeamWater Campaign
    8. YouTubers MrBeast and Mark Rober $40 million #TeamWater campaign delivers over 6 million years of clean drinking water – Times of India – Link

    GPT-5 Launch
    9. OpenAI unveils GPT-5, free for all with usage limits – Times of India – Link
    10. Introducing GPT-5 – OpenAI – Link
    11. At GPT-5 launch, Sam Altman says India may surpass US as top market – India Today – Link

    California AI Training Initiative
    12. Newsom leans into AI as ‘the future’ in new policy announcement – SFGate – Link
    13. Governor Newsom Partners with World’s Leading Tech Companies to Prepare Californians for AI Future – Governor of California – Link

    Seattle AI Workforce Changes
    14. Seattle tech braces for AI workforce shake-up – Axios – Link

  • The Weekly Wrap-Up (27th July – 1st August)

    The Weekly Wrap-Up (27th July – 1st August)

    Top Tech News This Week (July 27 – August 1, 2025): AI Breakthroughs, Apple’s AI Push, Microsoft Hack, and Global Trade Shakeups





    This week, there have been many explosive developments from the world of tech; from massive AI moves by Apple and Google to a high-profile cyberattack on Microsoft systems. As the world’s top tech giants release earnings and shift focus to AI infrastructure. We’re also seeing rising geopolitical tensions with new U.S. tariffs and strong tech-led economic growth in Taiwan. Meanwhile, space exploration takes a cinematic leap with NASA’s first Netflix streamed launch, and a Japanese innovation gives us a glimpse into the future of AI-assisted decision-making. We’ll explore all of the biggest tech headlines from the past week.

    Major Highlights

    1) Microsoft SharePoint Cyberattack

    • Microsoft SharePoint Servers were targeted in a global wide hack, compromising data from numerous organizations, including U.S. agencies and research institutions

    2) Leadership Shake-Up & AI Talent Moves

    • Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and HR Head Kristin Cabot have resigned following their widely publicized viral “incident” during a ColdPlay concert.
    • Microsoft continues aggressive talent poaching, hiring AI experts from Google Deepmind, including a key engineer behind the Gemini chatbot.

     3) Massive Layoffs & Workforce Restructuring

    • Intel has announced it’s layoffs of 24,000 employees and canceled plans for major factory expansions.
    • CEOs from across the tech industry have attributed the job cuts to AI-driven restructuring, though experts of the field suggest a broader mix of investor pressure and economic trends.

    4) Big Tech Earnings & Trade Signals

    • Microsoft, Meta, Apple, Amazon are prepared to report their earnings, with investor focus on AI investments, efficiencies, ans capex forecasts following Alphabet’s hike to $85B for cloud and AI infrastructure.
    • A new U.S-EU trade deal reduced possible tariffs, easing some inflation concerns and supporting tech sector valuations.

    5) AI Regulation & M&A Developments

    • Washington lawmakers are debating lifting chip exports bans to China, while Nvidia has resumed sales of the H20 GPUs to China, ordering 300,000 units from TSMU.
    • Palo Alto Networks acquired CyberArk for $25 Billion, signaling consolidation in AI-powered cybersecurity.

    6) Big Tech and Nuclear Energy

    • Companies like Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon are partnering with some aging U.S. nuclear power plants to secure carbon-free energy for AI-heavy data centers; though critics warn of and inpact on the grid and higher consumer prices.

    7) Nintendo Direct: Third-Party Titles, No Mario

    • On July 31, Nintendo revealed it’s new Partner Showcase, focusing on third-party games (e.g Star Wars Outlaws, Apex Legends) expanding to both the original Switch and the new Switch 2, Notably, no flagship first-party titles were featured.

    AI & Innovation Highlights

    • At the World AI Conference in Shanghai, AI pioneer Geoffrey Hinton urged global cooperation to manage AI risks
    • Google launched new tools: Imagen 4 (advanced text-to-image), Veo 3 (AI video with sound), Flow ( AI filmmaking ), and enhanced reasoning mode “Deep Think” in Gemini 2.5 integrated across search, Chrome, and Workspace
    • Anthropic introduced sub-agents in Claude Code for task-specific workflows and tighter context management
    • OpenAI is teasing an imminent GPT-5 launch in early August, with strong safety reviews underway
    • Amazon has rolled out DeepFleet, an AI model to co-ordinate 1M+ warehouse robots, improving fleet efficiency by 10%
    • Tesla has quietly launched a limited Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, with pilot-supervised vehicles, indicating early deployment of self-driving capabilities.

    Infrastructure & Platform Developments

    • Intel’s foundry ambitions have faltered, shifting their strategy away from heavy investment as it faces competition from TSMC
    • Starlink, it’s integrated service with T-Mobile, has experienced hours-long outages. This has lead to raising concerns about the stability of expanding satellite internet networks.
    • Palantir has surpassed top-20 U.S. public companies in value on booming demand for enterprise/government AI platforms

    Newest Headlines as of 1st August 2025

    Economic & Trade Tech

    • Taiwan Q2 GDP surges 7.96% year-on-year amid booming global demand for semiconductors and AI tech, with TSMC leading the charge.
    • U. S. imposed sweeping new tariffs up to 41% on imports from dozens countries, triggering global market reactions just before the august 1st deadline.

    Corporate AI Strategy & M&A

    • Apple CEO Tim Cook has signaled a major AI push: Apple has plans to increase spending on AI infrastructure and is open to acquiring larger AI firms; the tech giant has already acquired 7 smaller AI firms this year.

    Space & Launch Updates

    • NASA-SpaceX Crew-11 mission has been delayed to 1st August due to the weather. It is supposed to be the first SpaceX crew launch to be streamed on Netflix in real-time.

    AI Research Coming Out of Japan

    NTT unveils AI tech to visualize expert decision making:

    NTT has created a new AI tool that can understand how experts make decisions. It learns this by listening to conversions and can get it right about 90% of the time. The goal is to help companies keep expert knowledge when people retire or to guide teams during emergencies.

    As we say goodbye to July and step into August, it’s clear things will continue to shake up, with the pace of innovation continuing to quicken. From breakthroughs in AI and Major corporate shifts to space exploration, the field of technological advancement continues to evolve rapidly. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, investor, or just trying to keep up, it’s important to always to stay informed, now more than ever. Be sure to check back with us in another week to catch you up again, with another weekly wrap up. Please share your opinion with us in the comments. Also we ask you help us in our growth by following us on our socials, we’re on X (@TechQuestJourn ) and Instagram (@TheTechQuestJournal).

     

    Thank You

    References

    Times of India. Microsoft SharePoint hacked; Astronomer CEO and HR head resign; Realme and iQoo launch phones; AI talent war heats up.

    Washington Post. Why Big Tech is investing in nuclear energy.

    Times of India. Nintendo Direct July 2025: Star Wars Outlaws, Apex Legends and more games coming to Switch consoles.

    Reuters. Artificial Intelligencer: DC’s divided on selling chips to China.

    Reuters. CEO Tim Cook says Apple ready to open its wallet to catch up in AI.

    Reuters. Taiwan Q2 GDP grew fastest in four years on strong tech demand.

    Times of India. NASA SpaceX Crew-11 launch delayed due to bad weather; new liftoff set for August 1, 2025.

    NTT Group. NTT develops AI technology to visualize expert decision-making.

    Axios. Big Tech earnings meet tariff chaos.

    The Guardian. Trump’s new tariffs spark global reaction – live updates.

    GigiKenneth.com. The Weekly Tech Pulse: July 21–27, 2025.

    Champaign Magazine. AI by AI: Weekly Top 5 — July 21–27, 2025.

    Investopedia. Big Tech Earnings Preview: What to Watch.

     

  • The Cloud Explained

    The Cloud Explained

    Understanding the cloud in a simple but informative way, From How It Works and Why It matters (So, if ever you wanted to know but we’re afraid to ask)

    What Is the Cloud? ( little hint, it’s not up there)

    To Simply Explain the “Cloud” , it is a server accessed over the internet (so, it’s not a real Cloud). The Cloud stores data, run programs, or host services without the need to store things physically on your devices like your phone and computer…


    How It Works?

    To understand the Cloud it may be easier to imagine it as a huge network of computers called servers, in data centers all over the world. 

    These servers:

    • Store files via providers such as Google Drive or Dropbox
    • Run apps or websites like Netflix, YouTube and many more
    • Power software remotely like Microsoft 365, Adobe Creative Cloud etc
    • So when you use the cloud, you’re basically renting power and space from someone else’s supercomputer.


    • Real-life Example: To understand how it is used in everyday life 
    • Google Drive: Storing your files and making them accessible anywhere.
    • Netflix: Streaming movies off the Cloud servers. 
    • iCloud: Syncs your Appledata between devices.
    • Dropbox: Backingup and sharing files
    • Microsoft Azure/ Amazon AWS: Hosts websites, and databases


    Concepts Exploration 

    1. Cloud Storage

    Storing files online instead of on your device 

    Example: You upload photos to Google Photos, you can access them from any device.

    2. Cloud Computing

    Running software or doing tasks in the Cloud.

    Example: Canva processes your graphic designs online, it doesn’t need to be installed.

    3. Cloud Hosting

    Hosting websites, apps, or games on cloud servers.

    Example: Shopify stores your online store on Cloud servers so it loads faster for everyone.


    Types of Cloud 

    Public Cloud:

    Services shared across many users 

    Examples: Google Cloud, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure 

    Private Cloud:

    Dedicated to one company or organization 

    More secure, but more expensive 

    Hybrid Cloud:

    Combines both public and private 

    Used by many large businesses for flexibility


    Common Services in the Cloud:

    SaaS (Software as a Service): Gmail, Zoom, Canva, Microsoft Teams

    PaaS (Platform as a Service): Heroku, Google App Engine 

    IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): AWS EC2, Microsoft Azure, DigitalOcean

    Think of it like:

    SaaS = renting a house already furnished 

    PaaS = renting a house with space to build your own furniture 

    IaaS = renting land to build your own house from scratch


    What are the Benefits of the Cloud ?

    • Access anywhere, anytime
    • No need for expensive hardware 
    • Automatic backups
    • Scalability (start small, grow easily)
    • Collaboration (multiple users can access files or apps)


     Risks / Concerns 

    Security & privacy – Your data lives on someone else’s server 

    Internet dependence – No access if your connection drops

    Subscription costs – Many Cloud services charge monthly 

    Data loss (rare) – Only if a provider shuts down without notice


    Who Uses the Cloud?

    Students: Store homework, use apps like Google Docs

    Businesses: Host websites, run customer data, email services

    Developers: Test software, deploy apps, manage data

    Gamers: Play games streamed from the cloud (especially e.g., Xbox Cloud Gaming)

    Content Creators: Edit videos/ photos without powerful computers 


    What is the possible Future of the Cloud?

    • More AI-powered Cloud tools 
    • Cloud gaming will rival consoles
    • Serverless Computing Developers won’t need to manage servers at all
    • Stronger privacy controls and data localization laws


    Too cut the long short

    The Cloud let’s you store, access and run apps and services over the internet, without needing all the power or data stored locally on your device.


    We thank you for reading and hope you found this post informative and helpful. We ask that you please share and comment below, tell us what you thought. Please follow us on our socials, X (@TechQuestJourn) and Instagram (@TheTechQuestJournal) and if you want to to connect with us you contact us on our email: contact@thetechquestjournal.com. We truly appreciate all the support we receive.

  • How to Speed Up Your Android/iPhone Without Buying a New One

    How to Speed Up Your Android/iPhone Without Buying a New One

    Is your phone slowing down to a snails pace?

    If you are like many people whose devices are lagging and becoming increasingly frustrating to use, before you think of buying a new one, try some of these smart tips to help you speed up your Android or iPhone, let’s try to get the longest life out of your devices without it being mortally wounding to do so. With just a few changes in your settings and a few tweaks in your habits, you can improve your performance, free up space, and breath new life into your current phone.

    What to do?

    Here’s our recommendations:

    1) Restart Your Phone Regularly

    The same as your computer, your phone benefits greatly from a fresh start. Restarting your phone:

    • Clears memory
    • Stops background processes
    • Can fix tempory lags

    Try restarting your phone once a week  for consistent performance

    2) Delete Unused Apps

    Over time, apps pile up. Many of them:

    • Run in the background
    • Use memory and battery
    • Take up storage

    Go to Settings > Apps and remove what you don’t need.

    On iPhone, you can also offload apps to save space without deleting data.

    3) Free Up Internal Storage

    Low storage = slow phone

    Your device needs free space to run smoothly and effectively, especially for updates and  and system operations.

    Tips:

    • Delete large videos or move them to the cloud
    • Use Google Photos or iCloud for backups
    • Remove downloaded files you no longer need

    Aim to keep at least 20% of your storage free.

    4) Clear Cache and Junk Files

     For Android:

    • Go to Settings > Storage > Cached Data and clear it.
    • Or use tools like:

      1. Files by Google
      2. CCleaner
      3. SD Maid

     For iPhone:

    While there’s no universal “clear cache” button, you can:

    • Go to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data
    • Offload or reinstall apps with large cache sizes

     

    Android-Specific Speed Tips

    5) Disable Animations ( Developer Options )

     

    1. Go to Settings > About Phone
    2. Tap Build Number 7 times to unlock Developer Options
    3. Then go to Developer Options and set:
    4. Window animation scale – Off
    5. Transition animation scale – Off
    6. Animator duration scale – Off

    This removes unnecessary effects and speeds up navigation.

    6) Use Lite Versions Of Apps

    Install lightweight alternatives:

    • Facebook Lite
    • Messenger Lite
    • YouTube Go

    They use less RAM and load faster, especially on older devices.

    7) Restrict Background Apps

    • Go to Setting > Apps
    • Tap the app > Battery > Restrict background activity

    With this small step you’ll save both your speed and your battery.

    8) Keep Android Updated ( If Possible )

    Updates often fix performance bugs and improve the stability of your device.

    Check under Settings > System > Software Update

    9) Try a Lightweight Launcher

    Replace bulky launchers with:

    • Nova Launcher
    • Niagara Launcher
    • Smart launcher

    They’re fast, simple, and very customizatable. These have lost some popularity over the past few years as android manufacturers have made their own launchers better and easier to use, generally if you have newer android versions, for the newer versions and if your phone is still supported you needn’t install a custom launcher.

     iPhone-Specific Speed Tips

    10) Turn Off Background App Refresh

     Setting > General > Background App Refresh > Off

     This stops apps from using resources when you’re not using them.

     

    11) Reduce Motion and Transparency

    • Settings > Accessibility > Motion > Reduce Motion – On
    • Settings > Accessibilty > Display & Text Size > Reduce Transparency – On

    These changes lessen system animations and improve performance.

    12) Offload Unused Apps Automatically

    •  Settings > iPhone Storage > Offload Unused Apps – On

    This removes apps you don’t use but keeps the data safe.

    13) Clear Safari Cache

    • Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data

     It frees up to space and can improve browser speed.

    14) Update iOS and Your Apps

    Apple regularly pushes performance updates.

    • Settings > General > Software Update

    Also, check the App Store for app updates, they often fix laggy behaviour.

    Bonus Tip: Check Your Battery Health

    iPhone:

    Go to Settings > Battery Health & Charging

    If it says Performance Applied, your phone may be intentionally slowing down due to battery issues.

    Android:

    Check in Settings > Battery or use third-party apps like AccuBattery.

    Low battery health can cause slowdowns and overheating.

    If needed, consider a battery replacement before a full device upgrade.

    Here are some Helpful Tools:

    For Android:

    • SD Maid: Junk and cache cleaner
    • Files by Google: Storage cleanup and file manager
    • CCleaner: Tempory files cleaner

    For iOS:

    • Battery Life: Monitor Battery Health

    Having a faster phone, doesn’t always mean you have drop your hard earned dimes on a new device, and let’s face a lot phones stay the same for many years, even with the new releases. With the right habits and a few settings tweaks, your current Android or iPhone can feel noticeably faster and more reliable.

    FAQ

    Q: Does factory resetting help?
    A: Yes, it can drastically improve performance, but only as a last resort.

    Q: Is it safe to clear cache?
    A: Yes. Clearing cache doesn’t delete your data—just temporary files.

    Q: Will updating slow down my phone?
    A: In older devices, it might seem slower due to added features, but updates usually include important performance and security fixes.

    We thank you for reading and hope this was helpful to you. Please tell us if you used these tips and if they helped you. Please leave a comment and share your results and don’t forget to bookmark this page for the next time your device feels sluggish. Please don’t forget to also follow us on our socials. 

  • Australia’s New Internet Laws 2025

    Australia’s New Internet Laws 2025

     Face Scans, IDs and AI Age Guesses: Welcome to Australia’s New Online Rules

    What the New Age Verification Laws Mean, How They Work and Whether the Robots think you’re too Young to Google “Shrek Memes”

    Starting December 2025, the internet in Australia is about change drastically and no at the same time. It’s not a social media ban or New TikTok dance law, now the Australians will need to prove their age before using anything and everything from Google Scarch to chatbots and even app stores.

    Whether you’re 12 or 42 ( or just look really young in bad lighting, it’s bad news for you), the Australian government wants to remind you how old you really are, before you can embark on journey explore the web.

    Now let’s break down what’s happening, why it’s happening, how it works and whether it’s going to be a dystopia disaster and a way to control their citizens or just a concerned government looking out for the best interest of the people.

    The reason why this is happening? 

     According to the Australia’s government, led by the eSafety Commisdioner Julie Inman Grant is implementing mandatory age verification for major of platforms. What is the goal ? you may ask, To protect minors (especially those under 16 years of age) from harmful content like: Pornography, Violent videos, Self-harm content, Online gambling and Presumably the comment section of most YouTube videos.

    This is alongside a national push to ban kids under the age of 16 from using social media altogether. While some teens argue this is a violation of their human rights (aka,TikTok, Instagram), the government sees it as a long-overdue effort to safeguard children’s mental health and digital wellbeing.

    How it works: “You shall not pass” (without an ID)

    Here’s where it gets interesting. To continue using platforms like Google, Bing, Instagram, ChatGPT and even some apps and websites users will need to verify their age.

    So here are a few of the “convenient” ways you can verify you are old:

    1. Facial Age Estimation (Ai will count the face wrinkle like the rings of a tree)

    • You take a selfie.
    • Ai analyzes your facial features and analyzes facial structure or “guesses” your age.
    • If the system thinks you’re 14 but you’re actually 22… well, grab your moisturizer
    • PROS: Fast and low-friction.
    • CONS: May misjudge ages, especially for people of color or people with disabilities.

    2. Government ID Upload (if you hide your ID from the light of day because you’re old or something, you can’t, the Ai needs to know)

    • Upload a driver’s license, passport, or other legal ID.
    • It’s checked for authenticity and matched with your face.
    • Your face says “millennial” ; your ID says “geriatric Gen Z”
    • PROS: Accurate 
    • CONS: Privacy Concerns, especially if stored improperly.

    3. Credit card or Mobile Verification (You can have a credit card but you need permission to use the internet!)

    • Adult users may be verified through existing financial accounts.
    • Because nothing says “definitely not a kid ” like having a credit score.
    • PROS: Easy to implement with payment platforms.
    • CONS: Not all users have credit cards or verified mobile numbers.

    4. Parental Consent (You can have parental consent but you need to verify the parental?)

    • For minors, a guardian can verify and approve access.
    • Good luck explaining why your child needs Reddit for “homework.”
    • PROS: Child-safe.
    • CONS: Not scalable for mass platforms.

    5. Behavioral and Algorithmic Inference (this is weird)

    • In some cases, platforms may estimate age based on behavior (search history, language, app usage).
    • If you’ve ever Google “how to cook rice”, congrats, you’re probably an adult.
    • PROS: Can work in background.
    • CONS: Accuracy varies and raises ethical concerns.

    6. Access Granted or Restricted:
    Once age is verified:

    • If you’re 16+: You can access the full platform.
    • If you’re under 16: You may be: 

    1. Blocked from using the platform 

    2. Redirected to Child-safe version (if available)

    3. Required to get parental consent 

    For users who don’t verify their age, platforms must restrict access, like blurring content, disabling features, or redirecting users elsewhere.


    Where It Applies: Pretty much everywhere you go online 

    • Search engines: Google, Bing…
    • Social media: Instagram, TikTok, X, Snapchat…
    • Messaging services: WhatsApp, Discord…
    • AI tools and chatbots: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini…
    • App stores: Apple, Google Play…
    • Video platforms, forums and mortise
    • Some content websites, especially those with adult or violent material.

    This applies to logged-in users first, but platforms must provide restricted views for those who aren’t signed in, like blurred content or blocked features.


    PROS: Supposed Good Stuff 

    Protects Minors from Harmful Content: This system help filter dangerous content away from kids and supports healthier online experiences. To add more detail, helping block access to pornography, Self-harm sites, gambling and violent media for users under 16.Supports healthier digital environments for kids and teens.

    Holds Platforms Accountable/ Increases Pressure on Tech Giants: No more “we’re just the platform” excuses. Tech giants must now take responsibility for who accesses what. Pushes companies like Meta, Google and OpenAI to build in safety features, instead of waiting for waiting for public backlash.

    Sets Clear Legal Responsibility: Platforms are now legally required to comply, shifting the burden from parents to tech companies. Helps standardize safety across services like Google, TikTok and ChatGPT.

    Multiple Verification Options: From AI face scans to IDs to parental checks. To be more specific allows platforms to choose from a range of tools: Facial Age Scans, ID Uploads, credit card checks, etc and make it easier for companies to implement solutions that fit their audience.

    Sets a Global Precedent/Global Leadership in Online Safety: Australia joins countries like the UK and EU in leading digital child safety policy. Australia is one of the first countries to enforce nationwide, cross-platform age verification, setting an example for other governments (UK, EU, Canada).


    CONS: The Not-So-Great Stuff 

    Privacy Concerns/ Risks: Uploading an ID or scanning your face feels a bit… invasive. Critics warn about data misuse, tracking and surveillance creeping. Also uploading government IDs or facial data raises concerns about data collection, storages and potential breaches and not all platforms are clear about how long data is kept or where it’s stored.

    Accuracy Issues: Facial estimation tech is notoriously glitch, especially with diverse faces or atypical features. You might get flagged as underage even if you’re paying taxes and back pain.

    Barriers to Access: Some users, especially teens, immigrants or the unranked, may be blocked entirely from key parts of the internet.

    Implementation Challenges: Many platforms may face high costs and technical complexity to integrate multiple Verification systems. Smaller or international websites may pull out of Australia rather than comply.

    Anonymity Erosion & Free Speech Concerns: An internet that always knows your age is also one that’s less anonymous. That’s a concerned for activists, vulnerable groups or people seeking private help online. To elaborate, Critics warn it may erode anonymous access to the web, especially for whistleblowers, survivors, or people in crisis and ID checks may chill free expression and limit access to support forums or educational content.

    Bypass Risk: Users could still use VPNs, fake IDs, or shared accounts to bypass restrictions, limiting overall effectiveness.


    Does the tech actually work 

    Sort of, Trials with over 1,000 Aussies showed promising results, but there were significant error rates, especially in age estimation using facial AI. The systems guessed within ±3 years, which isn’t so bad… unless you’re 16 trying to watch a PG-13 trailer.

    Also, digital rights experts warn: even the best tech can be bypassed with VPNs, fake accounts, or a little creative sibling borrowing.


    So who’s watching the Rules?

    The eSafety Commissoner will enforce the law and can issue fines of up to AUD $49.5 million per violation.

    All major platforms must comply, and those that don’t may be banned or face massive penalties.


    Final Thoughts 

    So, it seems that all the Australians out there are going to have to dust off their ID, and hopefully check their lighting before that face scan, and remember: in the new web, it’s not what you search, it’s whether you’re old enough to search it.

    But the real question is, is it too controlling and is it really about protecting your kids or is there more to it ? And will the rest of the world adopted this practise?

    Thank you for reading! We hope you found our article informative and thought provoking. Please feel free to tell us what you thought in the comments and please visit our socials. Find us: @TechQuestJourn on X (formally Twitter), on @thetechquestjournal on Instagram, Please feel free to also visit us on our YouTube channel: The Tech Quest Journal also if you want to contact us via our email: contact@thetechquestjournal.com. Once again we Thank You!

    Key Sources 

    The Guardian

    Reuters 

    ABC News Australia 

    Wikipedia/ Legislative Records

    Mobile ID World/ Cyber Security Review 

  • The Weekly Wrap Up 20 to 25 July

    The Weekly Wrap Up 20 to 25 July

    All the Major Tech Break Throughs, Policy Shifts and News, From 20-25 July 2025





    Here’s last week’s wrap-up, we apologize for the delay, but here are all the headlines from the past week which we will explore and give you quick run down on all of the highlights

    Many of these headlines are repetitive, so I will mention them but I will not bore anyone with excessive repetition.

    1) OpenAI Unveils ChatGPT Agent (July 20)

    OpenAI has rolled out it’s new AI agent mode, known as ChatGPT Agent, which can act on a person’s behalf; browsing the web, booking appointments, and making purchases autonomously. It follows the reports that OpenAI’s newest reasoning model achieved a “gold medal” level performance at the International Mathematics Olympiad. GPT-5 is rumored to launch soon with a modular, routed architecture. Just for info’s purposes, routed architecture is a smart design where only specific parts of the model (called “experts”) are activated based on the input. Instead of using the whole model every time, GPT-5 routes each prompt to the most relevant experts, saving computing power and boosting efficiency; this approach allows GPT 5 to be faster, more powerful, and specialized in handling a wider range of tasks like writing, coding, or reasoning. Think of it as a team of specialists where each one does a specific job and is only called upon for the right job.

    2) AI Breakthroughs: NVIDIA & DeepMind Advancements (July 20-21)

    DeepMind has predicted that Artificial Intelligence could achieve human-level-solving within five years. In the meanwhile, NVIDIA and university collaborators released a technique called DiffusionRenderer that integrates CGI elements, into the real-world video with impeccable light and shadow realism.

    3) Major Science Achievements Unveiled (July 20-21)

    Satelite imagery has revealed China’s massive fusion laser facility under construction in Mianyang. Scientists also detected a long-theorized magnetic phenomenon in gold and copper using advanced laser techniques, solving a 150 year old physics mystery.

    4) *UPDATE* Intel Leadership Shake-Up & Layoffs (Mid-Late July)

    Intel’s Chief Strategy Officer Safroadu Yeboah-Amankwah, who exited the company in June; his duties have since been Sachin Katti. In July, Intel began cutting upto 20% of it’s workforce, including eliminating it’s automotive chip divion. The restructuring is led by CEO Lip-Bu Tan and targets refocusing on core AI and chip-making efforts.

    5) World AI Conference in China (WAIC) Kicks Off (July 25)

    During the World AI Conference in Shanghai, more than 80 Chinese firms including Huawei and Alibaba showcased their AI innovations. Western companies , such as Alphabet, Amazon, and Tesla, also participated in the event. Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized AI self-reliance as China’s strategic goal for 2030.

    6) Fusion AI Summit Launch in India (July 25-26)

    Visakhapatnam hosted the inaugural Fusion AI summit, covering eight AI domains including decentralized and agentic AI, hyperautomation, and edge computing. Key figures like Nvidia’s South Asia MD attended the event. Andhra Pradesh aims to position itself as one of India’s top three AI hubs by 2030.

    7) U.S. AI Action Plan & AI.gov Launched (July 23)

    President Donald Trump unveiled a national AI startegy, launching AI.gov and a $92 Billion investment package to spur infrastructure, open-source models, energy grid upgrades, and local tech manufacturing. Many analysts say major tech companies are set to be the chief beneficiaries.

    8) TAKE IT DOWN Act Becomes Law

    The United States enacted the TAKE IT DOWN Act, mandating platforms remove consensual intimate deep-fake content. It seeks to confront the harming and alarming misuse of AI via stronger regulatory enforcement across websites and social media.

    9) PR Newswire Weekly Recap: Tech Press releases (July 21-25)

    These are the most notable announcements of the week:

    • Deloitte and Palantir’s new alliance for data-driven transformation
    • Paypal launching PayPal World, a cross-border payment platform
    • Instructure’s Canvas Career, an AI- powered, skills-based learning platform.
    • KuCoin’s xStocks, tokenized equity trading for crypto users

    10) Fintech Features: Major Deals & Leadership Moves

    These are the highlights from FinTech Futures:

    • Xelix, a UK AI AP automation startup, raised $160M in Series B Funding
    • Finova taps former Thought Machine exec Gareth Richardson as new CEO
    • Monzo is migrating it’s pensions and investment services to Seccel
    • Corpay agreed to acquire Alpha Group International for $2.2B
    • Pinnacle Financial and Synovus announced an $8.6B merger, expected to close in Q1 2026

    11) Market & Stock News (July 25)

    Investors were ecstatic as they watched Nasdaq and S&P hit records, Bitcoin neared $116k, while gold futures have dipped. Intel posted a surprise loss despite beating revenue estimates, prompting massive layoffs and stock drop. Paramount/SKydance merger ($8B) won regulatory approval. Deckers Outdoor and Newmont delivered strong earnings reports


    Quite a few spicy and juicy things went down this past week, which have left us with thought provoking questions and ideas. Catch us again next week ( actually this week, again apologies) where we’ll cover all the tech highlights currently happening.

    We thank you kindly for reading and ask that you please share our blog and help us build our audience so that we can continuing to keep having conversations with you our readers about a topic we are passionate about. Please also follow us on X (Twitter) @TechQuestJourn and Instagram @TheTechQuestJournal. If you have any suggestions please feel free to email us via contact@thetechquestjournal.com . We hope to hear from you.


    References & Sources (Tech News: 20–25 July 2025)

    TS2 Technology News

    AI’s Most Shocking Developments on July 20, 2025
    https://ts2.tech/en/the-future-is-here-ais-most-shocking-developments-on-july-20-2025/

    Science Breakthroughs That Shocked the World: July 20–21, 2025 Roundup
    https://ts2.tech/en/science-breakthroughs-that-shocked-the-world-july-20-21-2025-roundup/

    Times of India

    Vizag to Host Fusion AI Summit on July 25–26
    https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijayawada/vizag-to-host-fusion-ai-summit-on-july-2526/articleshow/122769547.cms

    Investopedia

    5 Things to Know Before the Stock Market Opens – July 25, 2025
    https://www.investopedia.com/5-things-to-know-before-the-stock-market-opens-july-25-2025-11778989

    Reuters

    Tech Firms Showcase AI Innovations in China Under U.S. Sanctions
    https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/tech-firms-showcase-ai-innovations-china-under-us-sanctions-2025-07-25/

    PR Newswire

    Weekly Recap: 11 Tech Press Releases You Need to See
    https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/weekly-recap-11-tech-press-releases-you-need-to-see-302513559.html

    FinTech Futures

    Top 5 Fintech News Stories of the Week – 25 July 2025
    https://www.fintechfutures.com/fintech/fintech-futures-top-five-news-stories-of-the-week-25-july-2025/

    India Times

    Massive Tech Layoffs in 2025: Intel CSO Exits After Major Cuts
    https://indiatimes.com/technology/news/massive-tech-layoffs-in-2025-now-the-chief-behind-the-cuts-exits-amid-silence-662421.html

    Wikipedia

    Timeline of Donald Trump’s Second Presidency (Q3 2025)
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_Donald_Trump%27s_second_presidency_(2025_Q3)

    TAKE IT DOWN Act
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TAKE_IT_DOWN_Act