Plug into this week’s essential tech headlines from across the web. We’re breaking down the stories you won’t want to miss, from iPhone 17 to an Optimus rival robot and more. Check out this week’s tech news blog!
Gmail Adds a Purchases Tab to Track Orders and Shipments
Google is rolling out a new Purchases tab in Gmail that gathers order confirmations, shipping estimates, and package-tracking cards into one place so users can see their online orders at a glance. The tab lives in the Gmail sidebar on web and mobile, and Google is also tweaking the Promotions filters to surface timely deals from brands you engage with most. This aims to reduce inbox clutter and make order management faster without hunting through search results or filters. If you rely on email for receipts and tracking, the Purchases tab should simplify post-checkout chaos.
Apple’s Fall Event Rumors Point to iPhone 17, Air Pro, and an Ultra Watch
Rumors about Apple’s fall showcase suggest a big lineup: iPhone 17 family updates, a new Air Pro Max-like audio product. In addition, an updated Watch Series and an Ultra model, as well as refreshed AirPods, were also announced. Leaks on the iPhone 17 point to iterative camera and performance improvements alongside tighter integration of on-device AI features. Of course, these iPhone 17 features will be central to Apple’s messaging this year. Accessory makers and app developers for the iPhone 17 should watch for new hardware specs and APIs. Likewise, such iPhone 17 news could affect cases, batteries, and feature parity. If you’re planning upgrades or product launches, Apple’s event is likely to set the tone for the holiday buying season and eager iPhone 17 fans.
Ant Group Shows Off R1, a Humanoid Robot Aimed at Tesla’s Optimus
Chinese conglomerate Ant Group revealed R1, a humanoid robot prototype positioned as a competitor to Tesla’s Optimus, showcasing walking, manipulation, and general-purpose robotics ambitions. R1 combines legged mobility with articulated hands and aims to tackle logistics and light-industrial tasks, signaling that more Big Tech players are entering humanoid robotics. The prototype underscores rapid progress in mechatronics and on-device reasoning, but commercial viability still hinges on cost, reliability, and developer ecosystems. If scaled, R1 could accelerate automation in warehouses and service roles across the region.
Reddit Tests Publisher Tools: Read Articles and See Analytics In-App
Reddit is piloting a publisher’s beta that lets readers open full news articles inside the app and gives publishers analytics on engagement and referral traffic. The move aims to keep users on Reddit longer and offers publishers native metrics that clarify how discussions convert into readership. For newsrooms, it means another distribution channel with Reddit-specific audience insights; for users, it reduces context-switching between apps. Expect careful rollout and opt-in publisher partnerships as Reddit balances engagement with ad and subscription models.
Vimeo Agrees to Be Acquired by Bending Spoons for $1.38B
Vimeo accepted a takeover bid from European app studio Bending Spoons in a deal valued at about $1.38 billion, creating a privately held video-creation and hosting company focused on growth and product investment. The acquisition promises more product-focused iteration—potentially faster feature development—outside the pressures of public markets. Creators should monitor roadmap signals for editing, hosting, and monetization tools; Bending Spoons has a history of building consumer apps and may push Vimeo toward more integrated creator services. The sale also reshuffles competition in the creator-platform space, where scale and developer velocity matter.
Ferrari Revives the Testarossa as a 1,035 hp Plug-In Hybrid
Ferrari reintroduced the Testarossa nameplate as a plug-in hybrid hypercar packing roughly 1,035 horsepower, blending a V-engine with electric drive for blistering performance and a modern retro aesthetic. The car balances dramatic straight-line speed with hybrid efficiency, showing Ferrari’s path for pairing exhilarating dynamics with electrified powertrains. Pricing lands in the hypercar stratosphere, and production will be limited, keeping it firmly in the collector and enthusiast realm. It’s a statement that legacy supercars can embrace electrification without losing their soul.
Grammarly Expands Its AI Writing Support to Five New Languages
Grammarly used its AI stack to add support for five new languages, broadening grammar, clarity, and tone suggestions for a wider global audience across writing platforms. The expansion extends Grammarly’s utility beyond English-dominant workflows and helps non-English creators produce polished content with AI-assisted suggestions. Businesses and multilingual teams will likely see improved internal communications and localized content capabilities. As Grammarly scales language coverage, expect continual improvement in contextual nuance and style guidance for international users.