X CEO Linda Yaccarino Steps Down - Week in Review

This Week's Top Tech Stories

Greetings and welcome to this week’s technology news summary! A significant number of developments occurred this week, encompassing changes at X, a novel robot from Hugging Face, and the release of new mobile devices by Nothing and Samsung. We wish you a pleasant weekend.

X Leadership Transition

Linda Yaccarino has departed from her position as CEO of X. Her two-year term was characterized by challenges, including negative reactions from advertisers, controversies surrounding Elon Musk, and difficulties related to the platform’s artificial intelligence implementations.

Despite these hurdles, the company experienced improvements in its advertising revenue during her leadership. However, substantial challenges are anticipated in the future.

Apple's iOS 26 Design Refinements

Apple is continuing to refine its Liquid Glass design within the iOS 26 beta 3 release. Adjustments have been made to reduce transparency in areas such as Notifications and Apple Music, responding to user feedback concerning readability.

This iterative process aims to achieve an optimal visual balance prior to the official operating system launch this autumn.

Hugging Face's Reachy Mini Robot

Hugging Face has begun accepting orders for Reachy Mini, a new open-source desktop robot designed for AI developers.

These build-it-yourself robots, priced starting at $299, are fully programmable using Python and seamlessly integrate with the Hugging Face Hub.

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News

A Significant Offering: Nothing’s Phone (3), priced at $799, represents the company’s most ambitious undertaking to date. It features a distinctive secondary screen, integrated AI capabilities, and high-end specifications designed to compete with offerings from Samsung and Apple.

However, initial responses regarding the device’s design and cost suggest it may remain a viable alternative rather than a direct replacement for established flagship models, at least in the current market landscape.

Samsung’s Latest Innovations: This week also saw the release of Samsung’s newest foldable smartphones, the Z Fold7 and the Z Flip7.

In addition to these premium devices, Samsung introduced a more budget-friendly foldable option, the Z Flip7 FE, expanding accessibility to the foldable phone experience.

Rivian’s Performance EVs: Rivian has unveiled its new quad-motor R1T and R1S electric vehicles. These models deliver an impressive 1,025 horsepower.

Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph is achieved in under 2.5 seconds. New software features, including “kick turn” and RAD Tuner for customized driving modes, further enhance the driving experience.

xAI’s Grok 4 and Potential Bias: Elon Musk asserts that xAI’s Grok 4 is an AI focused on maximizing truthfulness. However, testing reveals the chatbot frequently references Musk’s own posts on X and prevailing public opinions when addressing contentious issues.

This alignment with its creator raises concerns regarding objectivity and the model’s overall readiness for widespread deployment, including its anticipated integration into Tesla vehicles, scheduled for next week.

Apple AI Leadership Change: Ruoming Pang, formerly Apple’s head of AI models, has transitioned to Meta. He will be joining Zuckerberg’s team dedicated to developing AI superintelligence.

This move indicates potential challenges within Apple’s AI initiatives and strengthens Meta’s expertise in on-device AI technologies.

Bitchat: A New Messaging App: Jack Dorsey recently developed Bitchat, a messaging application utilizing Bluetooth mesh networks. This allows users to communicate without relying on Wi-Fi or cellular service.

Currently in closed beta, the app’s security claims are already under examination by cybersecurity professionals.

RealSense Spinoff: After 14 years as part of Intel, RealSense is now operating as an independent entity. It has secured $50 million in funding to expand its 3D stereoscopic imaging technology, used in robotics, drones, and other applications.

CEO Nadav Orbach intends to enhance market outreach and improve safety protocols for human-robot interactions, driven by the increasing demand for AI-powered solutions.

Slate Auto's Emergence

A new electric vehicle (EV) company, Slate Auto, has emerged from Michigan. This startup, operating in stealth mode, has revealed its intention to produce a highly affordable and customizable electric pickup truck.

The company benefits from backing by investor Jeff Bezos. After a period of three years of development largely out of public view, Slate Auto is poised to disrupt the existing automotive landscape.

Affordability and Customization

Slate Auto is focusing on delivering an electric pickup truck that is accessible to a wider range of consumers. A key differentiator will be the level of customization offered to buyers.

Production of the vehicle is currently scheduled to begin in late 2026. This timeline indicates a focused and determined approach to bringing their vision to fruition.

Industry Reaction

The unveiling of Slate Auto's plans has generated considerable surprise within the automotive industry. The company's approach represents a potentially significant shift in the EV market.

By targeting affordability and personalization, Slate Auto aims to capture a substantial share of the growing electric pickup truck segment. Their strategy challenges established manufacturers and emerging competitors alike.