This Week's Top Tech Updates
Apple Bets Big: Metal 4 Ushers AI On-Device Graphics
Apple has shaken the developer world by unveiling Metal 4, a graphics API with built-in AI processing. Mac apps can now run AI workloads directly on-device—no cloud required. This shift empowers privacy-first, lightning-fast AI features for native apps and marks Apple’s opening salvo in the new AI race.
Jack Dorsey Launches BitChat: Internet-Free Messaging
Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey debuted BitChat—a decentralized, Bluetooth-based chat app that works without SIM, account, or internet, using mesh networks for peer-to-peer encrypted communication. With no sign-up needed and self-destructing, password-protected group chats, BitChat could be a lifeline during blackouts, natural disasters, and censorship events. Early access is on Apple TestFlight, but expect a wider rollout soon.
ChatGPT Agent Transforms Virtual Productivity
OpenAI’s new ChatGPT Agent enables users to assign complex, end-to-end tasks. This “agent mode,” now live for Pro, Plus, and Team users, allows ChatGPT to browse the web, book appointments, generate presentations, run code, and securely access apps like Gmail and GitHub—automatically, using its own virtual computer. The move establishes ChatGPT as an AI-powered virtual assistant that acts, not just answers.
AI Tools Power Rankings: July 2025
Claude 4 Sonnet: Sets new code reasoning records for developers. Claude 4 Opus: Excels at long-term, strategic software tasks. Gemini 2.5 Pro: Leads for context window size and multimodal abilities. Cursor IDE: AI-native code editor with explosive user growth. GPT-4.1: Maintains top-tier coding and generalist AI benchmarks. Other trending tools this month: Canva’s Magic Studio, DeepL’s writing assistant, Perplexity AI for research, and GitHub Copilot for developers.
TCS Layoffs Signal AI-Driven Transition in Indian IT
India’s largest IT firm, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), will lay off about 12,000 staff (2% of its workforce) this year—mainly at the mid- and senior level—as it adapts to slowing demand and the AI revolution. The move includes strict new deployment rules, delayed hiring, and cost cuts. Laid-off staff will get severance pay, notice, insurance extension, and outplacement support, with redeployment options having proven limited. This tectonic shift is being closely watched as a bellwether for global IT industry trends.
Other Trending News in Tech
Australia expands teen social media bans to YouTube
The expansion of social media bans to YouTube in Australia is escalating global debates on digital safety.
Investments Surge in Decentralized Social Media
Investments are surging in decentralized social media, satellite tracking, and ultralight smart materials.
Amazon Prime Day 2025
Amazon Prime Day 2025 debuts as India's first 3-day shopping mega-event, highlighting the nation’s surging e-commerce growth.
JioPC Launches Affordable AI-Enabled Computer
JioPC launches an affordable AI-enabled computer for the Indian market, prioritizing cloud tools and accessibility.
Tech Topic of the Week: Decentralized Apps
What are Decentralized Apps?
Decentralized applications (dApps) are gaining ground, running on peer-to-peer networks rather than centralized servers. They enable censorship resistance, enhanced privacy, and new economic models in everything from finance and gaming to messaging and knowledge sharing.
Why are Decentralized Apps Important?
Censorship Resistance
dApps provide a platform that is resistant to censorship, ensuring that users can freely interact and share information without fear of being silenced.
Enhanced Privacy
With decentralized applications, user data is not stored on a central server, reducing the risk of data breaches and enhancing user privacy.
New Economic Models
dApps enable the creation of new economic models, such as decentralized finance (DeFi), which allows for peer-to-peer financial transactions without intermediaries.
Innovation Across Industries
Decentralized applications are driving innovation across various industries, including finance, gaming, social media, and more.
Quick Bytes
Meta hires a former OpenAI leader to run its new superintelligence lab.
PayPal’s stock slides as margin growth stalls.
Samsung backs South Korean quantum tech unicorn Qubitix in a landmark AI hardware deal.
Amazon expands AI-powered retail checkout globally.