Chris Liu

Amazon and Apple have joined forces in a strategic collaboration that could significantly impact the competitive landscape of the streaming industry. Later this month, Apple TV Plus will become available as a $9.99 monthly add-on to Amazon's Prime Video service in the U.S., offering subscribers access to Apple's content directly through Amazon's platform. This move aims to expand Apple TV Plus's reach and bolster its user base as it competes against streaming giants like Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, and Prime Video itself.

Apple is reportedly gearing up to refresh its Mac lineup with the much-anticipated launch of M4-powered devices, according to industry insiders. Speculation suggests that Apple is planning a Mac-focused event later this month, with a possible announcement set for October 31, the same day as its quarterly earnings report. The company is expected to unveil the new M4-based MacBook Pro models, a redesigned Mac mini, and an updated iMac, aiming to introduce these products just in time for the holiday shopping season.

Google is bringing significant upgrades to its Google Shopping platform, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) features to enhance the shopping experience for users. The newly announced AI-powered tools are designed to offer personalized shopping suggestions and helpful tips, marking a key step in Google's broader efforts to monetize its massive investments in generative AI technologies. This move comes as the tech giant continues to compete with other Big Tech firms in the race to dominate the AI landscape.

China's cybersecurity landscape took a significant turn as the Cybersecurity Association of China (CSAC), a group with ties to the Chinese state, urged a security review of Intel products sold within the country. The association's accusation that Intel has repeatedly harmed China's national security has added a new layer of tension between the U.S. and China amid their ongoing tech rivalry. On Wednesday, the CSAC released a statement via its official WeChat account, calling for a comprehensive investigation into Intel's products, raising concerns about alleged vulnerabilities and hidden surveillance capabilities embedded within its processors.

Shares of U.S. chipmakers surged on Thursday after Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), the world's largest contract chipmaker, delivered an upbeat sales forecast driven by booming demand for artificial intelligence (AI) processors. The company's strong third-quarter earnings, bolstered by record profits, reassured investors about the resilience of AI-related demand, sending a wave of optimism across the semiconductor industry.

The Hong Kong government has introduced a ban on the use of popular communication apps such as WhatsApp, WeChat, and Google Drive on government-issued devices, a move aimed at addressing rising concerns over cybersecurity threats and data privacy. This new directive, issued by the Digital Policy Office, has stirred frustration among many civil servants who rely on these apps for their daily work, but officials argue that it is a necessary step to mitigate risks posed by hacking and data breaches.

Xiaomi has officially launched its latest flagship smartphone, the Xiaomi 15, marking a significant leap in its compact phone series. Unveiled at a highly anticipated event in China, the Xiaomi 15 features a premium design paired with top-tier specifications, positioning it as one of the most powerful standard models in the company's history. The phone introduces several key improvements over its predecessor, including a cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, a new camera system developed in collaboration with Leica, and advanced display technology.

On Tuesday, October 29, Reuters reported, citing sources familiar with the matter, that OpenAI has decided to abandon its lofty chip factory plan due to the high costs and time required to establish such a network. Instead, the company is focusing on in-house chip design.

Apple has introduced a redesigned Mac Mini equipped with the company's latest M4 chip, marking the first major overhaul of the desktop since 2010. As part of a week filled with Mac-related announcements, the tech giant revealed the significantly smaller and more powerful Mac Mini, which now boasts impressive new features, including ray tracing and enhanced performance, all while maintaining a starting price of $599. Preorders for the new Mac Mini are now available, with the product expected to reach stores by November 8.

Apple has agreed to acquire Pixelmator, a prominent image editing application developed in Lithuania, as the tech giant looks to expand its portfolio of AI-powered creative tools. Pixelmator announced the acquisition on Friday, noting that the deal remains subject to regulatory approval. Founded in 2007, Pixelmator is best known for its powerful image editing software for Apple's platforms, including Pixelmator Pro and Photomator, both of which have become popular alternatives to Adobe Photoshop on iOS and Mac devices.