The exemptions cover $390 billion in yearly US imports
Why it matters: The Trump administration has granted a reprieve to global technology manufacturers by exempting smartphones, laptops, CPUs, memory chips, and electronics to make semiconductors from its sweeping tariffs on imports – a move that could ease pressure on companies like Apple and Nvidia while offering relief to consumers.
Starting at $499, the Pixel 9a delivers excellent battery life, strong performance, impressive cameras, and a durable IP68-rated build. With seven years of software updates, its understated design hardly matters.
The big picture: Google unexpectedly released a firmware update for the Pixel 4a smartphone earlier this year. Many users reported that the update made their devices unreliable or even unusable, leading them to question whether it was truly necessary. Now, an Australian organization has revealed the real reason behind the update.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL is Google's flagship phone, featuring a 6.8" Super Actua display and an impressive camera system, powered by the Tensor G4 chip with advanced AI capabilities.
The big picture: Apple has introduced a redesigned version of its entry-level iPhone that is also debuting new branding. The iPhone 16e is based on the flat-edge design that Apple reintroduced with the iPhone 12 and comes packed with modern hardware and software capabilities – but at a price point that significantly increases the cost of entry compared to the old SE.
Cutting corners: Apple Intelligence is now an "opt-out" feature across the entire Apple ecosystem, despite still being marketed as a beta product. Most users aren't keen to have incomplete features forced upon them, but shoving AI down everybody's throat is a popular trend among corporations dabbling in the technology.
Editor's take: After years of half-filled promises and underwhelming realities, it looks like Samsung has finally succeeded in bringing the kind of seamless experience that we all hoped AI, digital assistants, and agents would or could bring to our mobile devices. Well, to be fair, it's Samsung in conjunction with Google (along with some help from Qualcomm) that's making the magic happen inside the just-launched Galaxy S25.
Facepalm: Software updates are traditionally designed to improve a device's performance and overall functionality. Occasionally, however, manufacturers are forced to release updates that have a known negative impact on performance. While the stated goals may change, users are never pleased when they are forced to sacrifice amenities like speed and battery life they once enjoyed.