Author: dmitriy.vasyura@gmail.com

An expert predicts key trends in the smartphone industry for 2025. These include improved AI, enhanced security, multi-screen displays, eco-friendly manufacturing and new battery technologies.

The introduction and empowerment of artificial intelligence will still drive the smart phone industry. But it's not just AI that will set the tone. On the main trends of 2025 in the field of smartphones in his author's column on Forbes told the world-famous futurologist, author of books on AI Bernard Marr, writes UNN.

AI-based voice assistants

Perhaps the most transformative application of AI in the smartphone ecosystem in 2025 will be the continued addition of LLM functionality (a type of artificial intelligence program that can recognize and generate text, among other tasks) to AI assistants. We've already seen this kind of thing with Apple adding Apple Intelligence to Siri and Google's Gemini merger with Android. This means that the conversational capabilities of our phones will become more natural and human-like.

Apple unveils new iPad mini with support for Apple Intelligence and Pencil ProOctober 15 2024, 02:01 PM • 12177 views

User experience based on artificial intelligence

In addition to LLM-based voice features, AI should be expected to improve the user experience in more subtle ways, such as extending battery life, optimizing storage, and improving camera functionality. Devices are expected to become capable of anticipating user behavior and intuitively allocating resources in a more personalized way.

Privacy and security

As phones gain the ability to learn more about us through their scanners and sensors and become increasingly important in our lives, the importance of keeping them safe increases.

This year, an innovation has already been presented when a phone is able to recognize a possible theft. The expert predicts further development of features that use encryption, biometrics and artificial intelligence on the device, designed to protect the valuable data they store.

Not-so-smart phones

As the subset of phone users suffering from “feature fatigue” grows, futurologist expect to see a further increase in interest in “dumb” phones. These minimalistic devices are designed to reduce the impact on users' lives of the many distractions of feature phones. Or simply to provide a secure device that, if lost or stolen, will make little difference to the owner's life.

More affordable multi-screen displays

Dual-screen displays have been around for some time, and this year saw the introduction of a three-screen model. This push to expand screen area without increasing device size shows that smartphone buyers have an appetite for devices with larger displays and innovative form factors, even though current models are expensive. This means we're likely to see cheaper models appear in the near future.

After years of development, Amazon unveils its first color KindleOctober 17 2024, 07:09 AM • 12163 views

Sustainability in smartphone manufacturing and design

As consumer behavior is increasingly driven by environmental concerns, manufacturers are responding by adopting more sustainable practices throughout the lifecycle of their products. Apple and Samsung have increased the percentage of recycled materials used in their devices, a trend that is likely to continue into 2025. Apple, in particular, has stated that it intends to reach 100% recycled cobalt use in its batteries in the near future.

There is also a move towards greater use of modular parts such as batteries and screens that can be easily replaced to improve repairability and recyclability, extending product life.

Better battery technology

New developments in battery technology will continue to change the smartphone user experience throughout 2025. Major manufacturers are known to be working on developing solid state batteries that will significantly improve the life and charging speed of batteries used in devices. They are also less prone to overheating and could address safety concerns and reduce the incidence of battery failure. We can also expect ongoing incremental improvements such as improved wireless charging and artificial intelligence-based battery management.

Advanced connectivity solutions

While many parts of the world are still waiting to reap the benefits of deploying true 5G networks, other advanced networking solutions promise to revolutionize smartphone usage in the near future. One of the major innovations is the deployment of satellite networks – the most prominent of which is Starlink. This could lead to the expansion of mobile coverage to even the most remote regions of the planet, as well as providing resilience in the face of technological disruptions or natural disasters in areas with good connectivity at present.

X changed its terms of service to let its AI train on everyone’s postsOctober 22 2024, 05:38 AM • 16209 views

Intelsat has confirmed the total loss of its 33e satellite due to an “anomaly”. The US Space Force is tracking about 20 fragments, and ExoAnalytic Solutions reports 57 pieces of space debris.

A Boeing-built communications satellite has collapsed in orbit. Intelsat said on Saturday that its 33e satellite stopped working due to an "anomaly," and on Monday confirmed its "complete loss," UNN reports citing The Verge.

Details

"We are coordinating with the satellite manufacturer, Boeing, and government agencies to analyze the data and observations," Intelsat said. The company has since set up a board to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the cause of the anomaly.

The satellite's destruction comes at a bad time for Boeing, after the company's troubled Starliner mission and fraud charges in connection with the 737 Max crash, the newspaper writes.

The US Space Force also confirmed the incident.

"The U.S. Space Force (S4S) has confirmed the destruction of Intelsat 33e (#41748, 2016-053B) in GEO on October 19, 2024 at approximately 04:30 UTC. Approximately 20 associated pieces are currently being tracked and analysis is ongoing. S4S has not identified any immediate threats and continues to conduct routine rendezvous assessments to ensure the safety and sustainability of the space sector," the statement said.

It is reportedly unclear how many fragments in total, as satellite tracking company ExoAnalytic Solutions reports tracking 57 pieces of debris.

AddendumAddendum

Intelsat 33e was launched in 2016 to provide connectivity across Europe, Asia and Africa. The satellite experienced engine problems shortly after launch, and it entered orbit later than expected. Another engine problem in 2017 reduced its expected 15-year lifespan by 3.5 years. Intelsat 29e, a satellite also manufactured by Boeing, was declared a "total loss" in 2019 after just three years in space.

Qatar Airways operated the first flight with free Starlink WiFi, reaching speeds of 215 Mbps. Musk took part in a video call with the CEO of Qatar Airways at an altitude of 38,000 feet, demonstrating the capabilities of the new system.

On Tuesday, October 22, Qatar Airways made its first flight using SpaceX CEO Elon Musk's Starlink. During the test flight, the billionaire made a video call with the CEO of Qatar, who was on board the plane. UNN reports this with reference to Business Insider.

Details

Qatar Airways has launched its first flight using Starlink Internet. Flight QR1, operated by a Boeing 777 aircraft, departed Doha for London Heathrow at around 8 a.m. ET on Tuesday.

Business Insider went on board and found that the Internet download speeds reach 215 megabits per second, which is faster than many home Internet connections.

Starlink WiFi is also free for passengers in all cabins, while the airline's regular WiFi costs $10 for the entire flight – at a speed of about 5 Mbps.

Thanks to the higher speed, passengers can make video calls, watch streaming videos, and play online games. It is noted that for business travelers, Starlink will be a great helper, as regular WiFi on an airplane usually has low speed and connection problems.

Qatar plans to introduce Starlink on 12 Boeing 777-300 aircraft by the end of 2024, and next year on all its 777 and Airbus A350 aircraft.

During the previous test flight, Musk participated in a video call with Qatar Airways CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Mir. From an altitude of 38,000 feet, Al-Mir showed Musk the cabin of the aircraft, as well as the view from the flight deck, while the SpaceX CEO was at home in the United States.

Will allow flying up to 2 thousand kilometers: Russians installed Starlink terminal on Shahed-136September 25 2024, 04:31 PM • 25435 views

"This is very cool. I'm right now at home on Starlink," Musk said during the conversation.

Saad bin Ali al-Kharji, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Qatar Tourism, said that the connection on the plane is better than the Internet on the ground.

"It's only going to get better," Musk replied. "We're constantly improving: we're launching new satellites and continuing to improve the software.

"So over time, I think you'll see it getting better and better," he added.

"By providing Starlink with reliable and uninterrupted internet on board, we are connecting people to what they love most, even at 35,000 feet, making every journey with us an unforgettable experience," Al Mir said in a press release.

AddendumAddendum

Qatar, recognized as the world's best airline by Skytrax, has become the second carrier after Hawaiian Airlines to launch Starlink. United Airlines and Air France are among the other airlines that have announced plans to install Starlink.

Starlink satellite Internet is now available in ZimbabweSeptember 7 2024, 09:20 PM • 20631 view

CERT-UA has detected a massive malicious message campaign under the guise of integration with Amazon and Microsoft. The attacks targeted government agencies, businesses, and military formations and may have been prepared since August 2024.

The Computer Emergency Response Team of Ukraine (CERT-UA) has detected a massive distribution of malicious messages under the guise of integration with Amazon and Microsoft services and the implementation of zero-trust architecture. Government agencies, enterprises and military formations were targeted. UNN reports this with reference to the State Special Communications Service.

Details

According to the State Service of Special Communications, the emails contain attachments in the form of files with the ".rdp" extension, which, when launched, will allow hackers to access disks, audio devices and other resources on the local computer. They will also be able to run third-party programs/scripts on the victim's computer.

It is likely that the cyberattacks have been prepared since at least August 2024 and are not limited to Ukraine

– the State Special Communications Service added.

Addendum

If you suspect that you may have become a victim of an attack, contact CERT-UA:

E-mail: [email protected],

Tel. +38 (044) 281-88-25.

Recall

On October 16, it was reported that malware was being distributed via Telegram, allegedly from the technical support of the "Reserve+" application.

The Director of KFI called for the creation of an electronic register of weapons components for the rapid identification of Russian weapons. This will speed up the exchange of information with partners and help in international litigation.

To quickly identify the weapons used by Russia against Ukraine, it is important to create an electronic register of weapons components. This will speed up the exchange of information with partner countries. This was stated by the Director of Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise (Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise) during the first large-scale international scientific and practical conference dedicated to solving problematic issues in the field of forensic explosive examinations and identification of missile and artillery weapons, UNN reports.

It is now important to quickly identify weapons components, as the data obtained can serve as an evidence base for international litigation. Today we are talking about topical issues of expert work that is already being actively carried out, and at the same time we are considering new important areas. We are currently considering the possibility of creating an electronic database of weapons components, which will greatly facilitate the work of experts and ensure prompt data exchange between countries

– said Oleksandr Ruvin.

In addition, he said, it is equally important for experts to use modern technologies, such as X-ray, 3D scanning and modeling, to identify complex explosive devices and projectiles in detail.

In addition, one of the innovative proposals is the use of space photography to analyze the sites of use of missile and artillery weapons, which opens up new opportunities for conducting examinations in hard-to-reach combat zones

– emphasized Oleksandr Ruvin.

According to the Director of the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise, cooperation between key expert organizations in Ukraine and international partners is crucial for improving the quality of research on Russian weapons used in Ukraine. After all, the information collected during the examinations is of critical importance not only for Ukraine, but also for the international community. The use of this data in court proceedings can help bring those responsible for Russian war crimes to justice and document violations of international law.

It is worth noting that the conference was attended by about 100 leading experts from different countries, demonstrating the need for international cooperation in combating the challenges posed by Russia's armed aggression. Among the participants were leading foreign experts, representatives of security and defense agencies, law enforcement officers, and representatives of forensic institutions.

Add

The Russians are constantly trying to modify and modernize all types of missiles and drones they have, which are used for attacks on Ukraine. Earlier , UNN reported on the results of the latest research by experts from the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise of Russian weapons and the role of Western components in its changes.

Two new military bonds named after Avdiivka and Debaltseve have been added to the Diia app. The bonds have yields of 15.6% and 16.5%, respectively, with maturity dates in 2026 and 2027.

New bonds named after the cities of Avdiivka and Debaltseve have appeared in the Diia app. This was announced by Deputy Prime Minister for Innovation, Education, Science and Technology Development – Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov in his Telegram, UNN reports.

"Avdiyivka and Debaltseve – added 2 military bonds to Diya," wrote Fedorov.

The bonds will have the following rates:

– Debaltseve. The interest rate is 16.5% and the maturity date is 12.05.2027;

– Avdiivka. The interest rate is 15.6% and the maturity date is 20.05.2026.

You can buy bonds in the app without commissions and additional fees.

Recall

In early October, a military bond "Vovchansk" was added to the Action with a rate of 15% and a maturity date of 2025.

The price of bitcoin fell to $67,161.7 due to uncertainty over the US elections and expectations of a smaller Fed rate cut. Traders predict an increase in volatility due to the expiration of $4 billion in options.

The price of bitcoin declined on Wednesday amid weak demand for risky assets due to uncertainty over the upcoming US elections. Traders are also expecting less interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.

Writes UNN with a link to Investing.

The world's largest cryptocurrency lost 0.5% to trade at $67,161.7, after failing to break the $70,000 mark earlier this week.

The fall in global stock markets indicates that risk appetite remains weak, while the upcoming expiration of bitcoin options worth about $4 billion could increase volatility in the cryptocurrency market in the coming days.

The latest polls and online forecasts show that Republican candidate Donald Trump has an advantage over Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. However, the race remains tight, and the outcome is difficult to predict two weeks before the vote.

The previous optimism about the Trump presidency, which caused cryptocurrency prices to rise, is gradually weakening. Trump is in favor of cryptocurrencies and promises to introduce favorable regulation if elected. Harris also announced her intention to create a clear regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies.

Cryptocurrency markets continued to be pressured by a stronger dollar as rising expectations for slower interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve pushed the US currency to nearly three-month highs. Traders are pricing in the possibility of a 25 basis point Fed rate cut in November and forecasting a higher final rate, which pushed Treasury yields to three-month highs, thereby putting pressure on risky assets.

Higher rates create unfavorable conditions for speculative assets such as cryptocurrencies, as they limit the amount of liquidity available for investment in this sector.

In the broader cryptocurrency market, altcoin prices also declined on Wednesday, following the drop in bitcoin. The second largest cryptocurrency by capitalization, Ether, lost 1.4%, dropping to $2,610.01. Ether's volatility is expected to increase this week due to the expiration of options worth about $1 billion.

There was also a decline in prices for XRP, SOL, MATIC, and ADA from 0.4% to 3%. The DOGE memo token lost 4.7% of its value.

Recall

On Monday, bitcoin reached a three-month high due to increased speculation about Donald Trump's possible victory in the 2024 elections.

Hyundai Rotem is working on a hydrogen-fueled tank for the military. The new tank will have stealth capabilities, autonomous driving, and a 130-mm cannon, and its production is scheduled for after 2040.

South Korean defense technology company Hyundai Rotem Co. is working on the world's first hydrogen-fueled tank for the military, Yonhap reports, citing industry sources, UNN reports.

Details

According to the sources, in cooperation with the Defense Development Agency and other defense technology research institutes, Hyundai Rotem is developing a next-generation tank model as part of plans to modernize the K2 main battle tank.

This new tank, which is scheduled for production after 2040, will be equipped with hydrogen fuel cells that will replace the K2 tank's diesel engine.

This will be the first time a hydrogen-powered tank has been developed.

Musk tested the first Starlink on a Qatar Airways planeOctober 23 2024, 07:19 AM • 15413 views

The tank's hydrogen fuel cells will generate enough power to overcome steep slopes and difficult terrain.

In addition, it will have stealth capabilities, autonomous driving and unmanned control, as well as a 130 mm smoothbore gun.

"The next-generation tank will have a more powerful preemptive strike capability with an artificial intelligence-based fire control system," said a Hyundai Rotem spokesperson.

The company plans to first develop a hybrid model that uses diesel fuel and electricity, and then create a full-fledged hydrogen-fueled tank.

X changed its terms of service to let its AI train on everyone’s postsOctober 22 2024, 05:38 AM • 16209 views

The winners of the 100 Ideas for Cities Hackathon have been selected. The jury evaluated the projects based on the criteria of meeting the needs of communities, feasibility, innovation, and social impact.

As part of the large-scale project "Hackathon 100 Ideas for Cities", the results are being summarized and the winners are being determined. The official announcement is scheduled for the All-Ukrainian Forum of Mayors on November 8 in Kyiv.

The jury consisted of experts from various fields, and now the best ideas for rebuilding Ukrainian cities after the war have been selected. The competition brought together architects, urbanists, community representatives, and international experts who jointly searched for the most innovative and realistic solutions to address today's challenges. Each jury member shared his or her impressions of the process, which helped to form a holistic view of the future of rebuilding Ukrainian cities.

How were the winners determined?

Iryna Yarmolenko, the author and executive director of the project, says:

"The process of selecting the winners was quite complex and multifaceted. We evaluated each project according to clearly defined criteria, such as relevance to the needs of the community, feasibility, innovation, and social impact. Each of these aspects mattered, as it was important not only to create beautiful concepts, but also to understand how they can really change people's lives on the ground.

In addition, the jury dealt with a variety of projects, from small landscape concepts to large-scale urban solutions. "Our goal was to find a balance between ambitious projects and those that are ready for implementation. We were looking for projects that could be implemented in a short time, but also have the potential to be scaled up to other communities," Iryna added.

Key evaluation criteria

Each of the jury members had their own priorities when evaluating the projects. For example, Christian Wittig, an international expert in architecture and urbanism, emphasizes the importance of social value and community involvement: "We evaluated not only the technical implementation or the aesthetic aspect, but also the extent to which the project will contribute to community integration. Cities are rebuilt not only through architecture, but also through people's interaction and participation in the rebuilding process. This helps cities preserve their identity and find new ways of development.

Innovation and compliance of projects with modern challenges also played an important role. Luigi Fiumara, an architect from Italy, notes: "it was especially important for me to see how the projects meet the needs of the new Ukrainian society — not only at the material level, but also at the level of soul and spirit. Projects that offer non-standard solutions to social and infrastructure problems stand out for their originality and potential to become a symbol of rebirth.

Olga Syutikova, UNDP environment specialist and biotechnologist engineer, emphasized realism: "I always paid attention to how ready the project is to be implemented in specific conditions. The war has made its own adjustments to the plans of many cities, so it is important that projects are not just innovative, but also meet modern realities.

Discussion and consensus building

The discussion process between the jury members was intense and sometimes emotional. Zoryana Tikhonchuk, who also served as chairman of the jury committee and coordinators, emphasizes: "the discussions were lively, because each of us has our own view on what is a priority in recovery. This is natural, as everyone has their own experience and focus. However, this is what makes our decisions balanced — as a result, we took into account both the social and architectural aspects of each project.

These discussions helped the jury come to a common decision that took into account the diversity of approaches. "We managed to find a balance between creativity and realism. Some projects needed clarification and refinement, but it is important that a large percentage of them have great potential for implementation," adds Iryna Yarmolenko.

Zoryana Tikhonchuk and Iryna Yarmolenko

Prospects for implementation

One of the key questions raised by the jury was the practical implementation of the projects. Iryna Yarmolenko expressed optimism about this: "We have long ago started negotiations with various organizations that could support the implementation of many projects. The Dream platform, with which we have been actively working since the start of the project, should also help to attract the necessary resources, and the active role of local governments is crucial here.

Christian Wittig also emphasized the importance of social investment: "The projects we have seen bring not only material innovations, but also hope for local communities. This is especially important for cities such as Kreminna, Bakhmut, and Mariupol, which are currently occupied but have a huge potential for recovery in the future, and we wanted to support and preserve this hope through the Hackathon.

Community reviews

Zoryana Tikhonchuk notes that the feedback from communities regarding the proposed projects is mostly positive.

"Local communities appreciate the attention to their needs and see these projects as real opportunities for infrastructure development and improvement of living conditions. It is important that the projects meet the specific needs of the communities and are not detached from reality. Some communities were expecting design estimates, but this is not possible within the framework of the Hackathon. The cost of project ideas ranges from UAH 50 to 200 thousand, and the project design document is a full-fledged certified activity of UAH 1 million and above."

Zoryana Tikhonchuk

This opinion is supported by other members of the jury. Olha Siutikova emphasizes: "Although the projects differ in scale and complexity, each of them is important for a particular community. We tried to objectively assess all aspects and at the same time take into account their specifics." Olha Siutikova even shared her impressions: "There are some real masterpieces among the projects. For example, the concept of Maria Prymachenko Park in Ivankiv or the project of a rehabilitation center in Poltava. They not only meet the needs of communities but also have the potential to become new symbols of urban architecture.

Future plans

The next step after the Hackathon will be further cooperation with communities and investors to scale the best projects, and we still have more than a hundred applications that have not been selected by the architects this season. Iryna Yarmolenko summarizes: "We plan to continue to work actively to attract investment and hope for support from international organizations. We would like to help communities at all stages – from the preparation of project documentation to the practical implementation of solutions.

This hackathon was an important stage on the way to the restoration of Ukrainian cities. The projects presented offer not only new infrastructure solutions, but also innovative approaches to social revival. And most importantly, they give hope for a better future for many Ukrainian communities.

In the next publications, UNN plans to familiarize readers with the projects in more detail.

About Hackathon "100 Ideas for Cities"

One of the largest projects to restore Ukrainian cities after the war is the Hackathon "100 ideas for cities", organized by The Project innovation and reconstruction for society (IRS) and the NGO "Сlub of Mayors".

The hackathon has already brought significant results, bringing together 63 developed architectural ideas for participating communities from all over Ukraine. Currently, 250 applications have already been received from communities in 22 regions, which is about a hundred communities. the project involves 139 formed architectural teams, 20% from abroad: Belgium, Chile, Austria, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Italy, the Netherlands and Slovakia.

We, the project participants and organizers, have a responsible task to implement several projects that are important not only for a single community but for the whole of Ukraine. We also plan to provide the Office of the President and the Prime Minister with unified solutions that can become the basis for the development of similar projects in many communities in Ukraine, including schools, kindergartens, ASCs, rehabilitation centers, memorials, and sports infrastructure

author of the project, IRS Director Iryna Yarmolenko

Elon Musk announced plans to launch Tesla's self-driving taxi service in California and Texas in 2025. The company is already testing the service with employees, but will need regulatory approval for a commercial launch.

Billionaire Elon Musk said he hopes to launch a service that will allow people to call Tesla self-driving cars in California and Texas in 2025, and claims that his company is already testing this service with employees, UNN reports citing TechCrunch.

Details

The comments, made Wednesday at Tesla's third-quarter earnings conference call, go further than what Musk promised two weeks ago at the Cybercab presentation. On that stage, Musk promised that Model 3 and Model Y owners would be able to use an "unsupervised" version of Tesla's Full Self-Driving software in California and Texas. But he did not mention a taxi network, despite the fact that Tesla has been teasing this idea for years, the publication writes.

It is unclear whether Tesla needs to obtain a permit from the California Department of Motor Vehicles to conduct the tests, which Elon Musk said his company is already conducting.

David Lau, Tesla's vice president of software, said during a phone call that the cars that employees called in had drivers to ensure safety. And to be clear, no Tesla car can currently drive itself without human intervention.

Today, Tesla's Full Self-Driving, or FSD, software is considered an advanced driver assistance system – not an autonomous driving system like the one Waymo uses in its Robotax. FSD offers some automated features that are available on highways and city streets, but the system still requires the driver's attention and control.

Musk said during the call that Tesla will go through the proper regulatory approval process in California before opening such a service to ordinary consumers, although he complained about bureaucratic red tape and said he expects a smoother process in his home state of Texas. The regulatory process in California for launching a commercial robotaxi service has several layers that require approval from the Department of Motor Vehicles and the California Public Utilities Commission. Waymo is the only company authorized to operate a commercial driverless robotaxi service in San Francisco.

Musk also suggested that Tesla could launch the service in other states by the end of next year.

As the publication notes, these statements come after years of over-promising by Musk about Tesla's ability to develop software that can autonomously drive cars. And Musk acknowledged on Wednesday that cars equipped with what Tesla calls Hardware 3, which it began building into its electric vehicles in 2019, may not eventually be able to drive themselves. If Tesla ever gets to the point where its software can drive vehicles unattended and it doesn't run on Hardware 3, Musk has promised to replace the hardware at no cost to owners.

Elon Musk presented a robotaxiOctober 11 2024, 04:06 PM • 13005 views