Tue. 05/13 – The Thin-Phone Era Is Here

May 13, 2025 16m

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Episode Description

The new thin phone era is definitively here with the Galaxy S25 Edge. Apple is working on a way to control your iPhone with your brain. For the first time a flagship DJI drone is NOT available in the US. And flying drones are cool, but you know what else is cool? Submarine drones. Sponsors: For 40% off your order, head to Udacity.com/RIDE and use code RIDE Links: Samsung Debuts $1,099 S25 Edge, Kicking Off Wave of Thin Phones (Bloomberg) Galaxy S25 Edge Hands-On: This Thin Phone Left a Deep Impression (CNET) Apple to Unveil New AI Tool to Increase iPhone Battery Life (Bloomberg) DJI is skipping the US with its most advanced drone yet (The Verge) German defence start-up plans underwater drones for naval surveillance (FT) Audible to Partner With Publishers to Create AI-Voiced Audiobooks (Bloomberg) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AI-Generated Summary

The Galaxy S25 Edge: The New Thin-Phone Era

Samsung has launched the Galaxy S25 Edge, marking the start of a new era of ultra-thin smartphones with a thickness of just 5.8mm and weight of 163 grams. This device, which arrives on May 30th at $1,099, is a response to consumer demand for lighter, slimmer phones in an increasingly bulky smartphone landscape. The Edge features a 6.7-inch display, 12GB of memory, and storage options of 256GB or 512GB. While focusing on design, some trade-offs including lesser camera specs and battery capacity may raise questions about overall performance and battery life.

Apple’s Innovations: Brain-Controlled Devices and AI Battery Management

Apple is working on groundbreaking technology that allows iPhone users to control their devices using brain signals through a partnership with startup Synchron. The brain-computer interface promises a novel way of interacting with iPhones, particularly beneficial for those with disabilities. Additionally, Apple is gearing up for the release of iOS 19, featuring AI-powered battery management aimed at optimizing the battery life of the upcoming thinner iPhone 17, leveraging usage data to improve efficiency.

DJI's Game Changer: Mavic 4 Pro Drone Not Launching in the US

DJI revealed its latest Mavic 4 Pro drone, praised for its advanced features including a 360-degree rotating gimbal and a 100-megapixel camera. However, this is notable for the omission of a US launch due to tariffs and customs issues, marking a significant shift for the company. The Mavic 4 Pro introduces innovative capabilities, including improved battery life and tracking technologies, indicating DJI's continued evolution while navigating complex regulatory landscapes.

Defense Innovations: Autonomous Underwater Drone Fleet

Helsing, a German Defense Tech startup, has showcased its SG-1 Fathom autonomous underwater drone fleet, which utilizes AI to detect and classify sounds underwater, significantly enhancing naval reconnaissance capabilities. With the ability to operate for up to three months and at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods, this development reflects a broader trend towards technologically sophisticated approaches in modern warfare.

Audible's AI-Powered Audiobook Expansion

Audible is partnering with publishers to transform print and e-books into AI-narrated audiobooks, aiming to significantly expand the audio literature market. With over 100 AI voices available in multiple languages, this initiative seeks to increase the accessibility and availability of audiobooks, catering to a growing demand while competing with streaming platforms like Spotify.