Tech Roundup: Meta Subscriptions, Sony True RGB TVs, and AI Safety Bill
Smartphones & Gadgets
Vertu returns with a $6,800 folding phone – The luxury brand's AlphaFold features a strangely outdated processor for 2026, but targets a niche market. [Source]
Motorola Edge 70 Pro+ appears on Geekbench – Ahead of its June 4 India launch, the phone reveals MediaTek MT6899 chip, 12GB RAM, and Android 16. [Source]
Oscal Pilot 6 rugged phone reviewed – Features a high-res Samsung camera, large battery, 98dB speaker, and a thermal camera, ideal for outdoor workers. [Source]
Apple developing anti-snatching iPhone feature – Uses gyroscope and Apple Watch to instantly lock a stolen phone, similar to Android's Theft Detection Lock. [Source]
AI & Tech Policy
Meta rolls out paid subscriptions for Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp – Plans start at $2.99/month for WhatsApp Plus and $3.99 for Facebook/Instagram Plus, offering features like story insights, custom app icons, and Super Hearts. Meta also tests AI subscriptions ($7.99/month Meta One Plus and $19.99 Premium). [Source]
Illinois passes America's strongest AI safety bill – Requires companies like OpenAI and Google to have third parties confirm safety standards. Governor Pritzker says he will sign. [Source]
YouTube now automatically labels AI-generated content – Videos with significant photorealistic AI use get a prominent label below the player. Automatic detection system complements creator disclosures. [Source]
Anthropic's Claude Code gets JavaScript workflows – New feature allows defining multi-step tasks in a workflow.js file, reducing token usage for complex automations. [Source]
TV & Home Entertainment
Sony launches groundbreaking True RGB TVs – The Bravia 9 II and 7 II use independently controlled RGB LEDs for superior color accuracy and viewing angles. Coming to Australia in June, priced from $3,299 (55-inch). [Source]
Automotive & Transport
Rivian R2 deliveries start June 9 – Invitation-based system for the electric SUV. Deliveries begin with premium versions, and orders can be placed via Rivian's app. [Source]
Space & Connectivity
Amazon to acquire Apple's Globalstar stake – Amazon will take over Apple's 20% equity in Globalstar, ensuring satellite connectivity continues for iPhone users via Amazon's Leo network. [Source]
Security & Legal
Google employee arrested for $1.2M Polymarket insider trading – Michele Spagnuolo allegedly used confidential Google Search data to make bets. Charged with commodities fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. [Source]
Gaming
Sega cancels 'Super Game' plan – The company will refocus on classic reboots and movies, shelving the ambitious online multiplayer initiative. [Source]