Direct satellite to phone connectivity could threaten traditional telecoms, but prohibitively expensive satellite launches mean that likely won’t happen anytime soon: Space startup Lynk successfully demonstrated a two-way link between an unmodified mobile phone and its satellite, which, if scaled, could be used to provide satellite internet anywhere on earth.
Invoking the Defense Production Act may be an imperfect but necessary step towards fixing the chip shortage: The Biden administration is split on using the Cold War-era law.
Amazon could take steps backw with security drones and robots: The release of a controversial new in-home Ring drone could negate months of efforts by the company to soften its image and improve privacy practices.
Law enforcement officials claim a Model X with Autopilot engaged injured five police officers—more fuel forregulators’ growing scrutiny of Tesla.
Big Tech’s undersea cable expansion could trap it in a geopolitical crossfire: Facebook’s addition of Asian landing points will make its 2Africa undersea cable the world’s largest when it's finished.
US looks to set an example with Chinese telecom equipment reimbursements: The FCC’s $1.9B program will reimburse small US carriers for replacing banned Huawei and ZTE telecommunications equipment.
Silicon batteries could resolve lithium-ion battery shortage and save carmakers money: Researchers created a solid-state silicon battery they say lasts longer and charges faster than lithium-ion batteries.
Schools and libraries across the US will split $1.2B and 3M devices from the Emergency Connectivity Fund.
Lina Khan confirms large firms are the FTC’s primary target: The chairwoman released a memo to staff detailing her policy priorities and outlining potential action.
The new rules would force electronic makers to standardize USB-C charging ports, taking direct aim at Apple’s iPhone.
Bosworth’s promotion marks Facebook’s pivot toward a hardware-backed metaverse: The company’s head of VR and AR will replace Mike Schroepfer as CTO.
Apple is letting users show proof of vaccine through their Apple Wallet—an app they’re already spending more time in thanks to the pandemic.