Browsing: Technology

Apple has introduced the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, showcasing significant enhancements in camera technology, performance, and battery life. These new models boast a 48-megapixel Fusion Main camera with a variable aperture, marking a first for the iPhone. Powered by the latest A20 Pro chip and equipped with a redesigned thermal system, both devices are available for preorders starting September 12, with retail launches scheduled for September 18 across more than 65 countries and regions.

U.S. battery manufacturing is growing while key materials still come from China. In 2025, China was responsible for over 80% of global battery cell production. The country also accounted for approximately 85% of cathode active material and more than 90% of anode active material. The International Energy Agency included these figures in its 2026 global electric vehicle outlook. Additionally, Chinese manufacturers supplied nearly three-quarters of worldwide electric vehicle battery deployment in 2025, covering the entire industrial spectrum from mineral refinement to finished cells and manufacturing equipment. Despite rapid growth in capacity, the United States has expanded its lithium-ion battery manufacturing at a faster percentage rate than China. During 2025, U.S. lithium-ion capacity increased by about 50%. Nevertheless, the country remains highly dependent on imported raw materials, with 100% net import reliance for natural graphite recorded in 2025. China was one of its main graphite suppliers over the past four years, with Chinese processors maintaining a dominant role in producing battery-grade graphite. China maintains control over the most critical segments of the battery supply chain To address these upstream vulnerabilities, federal funding has been directed toward processing and manufacturing stages, as well as recycling. On Aug. 20, the U.S. Department of Energy announced a $500 million investment in seven projects within the United States. These initiatives focus on critical mineral processing, domestic battery manufacturing, and recycling. One project will recover and refine materials from used lithium-ion batteries and manufacturing scrap,

Japan Enhances Investment Fraud Detection with Advanced AI Tools TOKYO, JAPAN / RankWire.AI / – The deployment of artificial intelligence in Japan’s efforts to combat investment fraud aims to identify warning signals at an earlier stage, resulting in more timely interventions. The Consumer Affairs Agency announced this initiative on September 1. By analyzing consumer complaints for specific language and recurring patterns associated with fraudulent schemes and failing companies, AI will serve as a complement to existing keyword searches. This will facilitate quicker alerts, investigations, and enforcement actions when data indicate serious risks.

China’s digital industry posted strong revenue and profit growth in the first half of 2026. The majority of this revenue was generated by China’s top digital hubs. The top 10 provincial-level markets produced a combined total of 17.21 trillion yuan, a rise of 13.2%. These regions accounted for 83.1% of the national digital industry revenue and contributed 87% to the overall revenue growth. Manufacturing in the digital realm experienced faster growth in both production and earnings during the first half. The electronics industry’s value-added output increased by 14.8% from a year earlier. Revenue at leading electronic information manufacturers reached 12.15 trillion yuan, up 17.8%. Their combined profit rose 66% to 703.6 billion yuan. Key contributors to this profit increase included integrated circuits, computer manufacturing, and specialized electronic materials.

UN child safety push targets AI, disinformation and harmful online platform practices. The Department of Global Communications issued the report in anticipation of International Youth Day on Aug. 12. According to the findings, over 82% of individuals aged 15 to 24 are internet users worldwide. Such connectivity supports learning, civic participation, and economic inclusion. Yet, exposure to harmful online environments can negatively impact their cognitive, emotional, and social development. The report highlights that children and adolescents are still acquiring the skills necessary to critically evaluate the information they encounter online. The UN categorizes these threats into three main groups: technological risks, distribution system vulnerabilities, and harmful content. Risks associated with technology include the misuse of digital tools and artificial intelligence. Concerns related to access and distribution involve algorithms, digital inequality, and reduced independent journalism. Harmful content encompasses disinformation, online harassment, and hate speech. The report notes that these issues often intersect, as technology influences how information is disseminated and which content gains prominence across digital platforms. Digital platforms under scrutiny for child safety issues A central focus of the briefing is on how major tech companies design their digital offerings and their revenue-generation strategies. It warns that attention-based algorithms can foster practices that prey on psychological vulnerabilities among young users. Data collection and behavioral advertising are also identified as enabling highly tailored marketing efforts. The report raises concerns about exposure to extreme content and features that foster compulsive usage. It urges tech firms and AI developers to embed child rights and safety considerations into

The launch of Japan’s H3 rocket carrying the Michibiki No. 7 navigation satellite was successfully accomplished on Tuesday. The vehicle, designated H3 Flight No. 9, lifted off at 4:23:31 a.m. Japan time from the Tanegashima Space Center. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, or JAXA, verified that the satellite separated approximately 29 minutes and four seconds after liftoff. The agency confirmed that the rocket followed its planned trajectory and placed QZS-7 into its designated orbit.

A decision issued by a New Mexico state court requires Meta to contribute $567 million to a fund dedicated to youth mental health and child safety improvements, following a ruling that labeled its platforms as creating a public nuisance. The verdict was announced by Presiding Judge Bryan Biedscheid of the First Judicial District Court in Santa Fe after a three-week bench trial. The court found that Facebook and Instagram played a significant role in worsening a youth mental health crisis and failed to adequately protect minors from online exploitation.

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

Under the theme, “AI and Trade: Turning Potential into Progress,” the discussions will center on artificial intelligence and its implications for global commerce. The agenda emphasizes policies that broaden access to AI tools while fostering more inclusive international trade. The meeting will be informed by the World Trade Report 2025, which serves as a crucial reference point. According to WTO modeling, artificial intelligence has the potential to boost global trade by as much as 37% by 2040, with an estimated increase of up to 13% in worldwide gross domestic product.

EU AI Act rules bring new labels and disclosures for synthetic content across Europe. Organizations offering systems that interact directly with individuals are now obliged to inform users when AI is involved. The disclosure is not necessary if the artificial origin of the interaction is obvious to a reasonably informed person. Additionally, providers of systems that generate synthetic text, audio, images, or video must incorporate machine-readable indicators. These marks should enable detection of AI-generated or manipulated content, where technically feasible. Standard editing tools are exempt from this requirement when they do not substantially alter the input or its meaning.