Stay up to date with the latest in tech and innovation. From Apple’s new customization tools to stylish Prada spacesuits and clean energy initiatives, we’ve got the top headlines for you. Check out the week’s biggest tech news below!
Apple Expands Business Customization for iPhone
Apple will soon allow businesses to customize their brand’s appearance in emails, phone calls, and payments on iPhones. Through its Business Connect tool, companies can add logos and brand names to be displayed in apps like Mail, Phone, and Wallet. The new Branded Mail feature and Business Caller ID aim to make businesses more identifiable and reduce spam confusion, with the updates rolling out later this year and next. Additionally, businesses using Tap to Pay will be able to display their logos during transactions.
Prada and Axiom Collaborate on Stylish Spacesuits for NASA’s Moon Mission
Prada and Axiom Space have teamed up to design the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU). The sophisticated new Prada spacesuit will be for NASA’s Artemis III mission. Of course, the suit will be built to withstand the harsh conditions of the lunar South Pole. In addition, the Prada suit combines high-performance materials and advanced features with a touch of Prada’s style. It includes custom-made gloves, lunar-ready boots, and a helmet with lights, an HD camera, and 4G/LTE communication. The AxEMU will debut on the moon no earlier than September 2026.
Amazon Invests in Nuclear Energy for Carbon-Free Power
Following Google’s recent deal, Amazon has announced new agreements to develop small modular reactors (SMRs) for clean energy. Amazon is partnering with Energy Northwest to fund and build four SMRs in Washington by the early 2030s, with potential expansion to generate 960MW. Amazon is also investing in X-energy, a startup working on advanced nuclear reactor designs, to support additional SMR projects across the U.S. by 2039. These efforts aim to provide carbon-free electricity to help Amazon and other tech companies meet their climate goals while addressing the energy demands of data centers.
Airbnb Launches Co-Host Network for Easier Property Management
Airbnb has introduced its new “Co-Host Network,” allowing hosts to find and hire co-hosts directly through the app. Co-hosts can assist with tasks like managing listings and communicating with guests, with various payout options available. The network, which has been piloted for years, is now available in countries like the U.S., Canada, and the UK. This update is part of Airbnb’s 2024 Winter Release, which includes additional guest-focused upgrades.
Meta Adds Activity Status to Threads
Meta is introducing an “activity status” feature to Threads, allowing users to see who is currently online by displaying a green bubble next to their profile picture. This feature, aimed at encouraging real-time engagement, can be toggled on or off in the settings. Despite the absence of direct messaging on Threads, Meta hopes the feature will enhance user interaction. Additionally, the platform is working on a Community feature that could further leverage the online status for group-based communication.
Google Shopping Introduces Personalized Feed and AI Recommendations
Google Shopping is launching a personalized feed on mobile and desktop, offering users product recommendations based on their recent searches and YouTube activity. The feed includes recently viewed items, suggested products, and in-line videos, with options to refine preferences through a “thumbs-down” feature. Additionally, Google is rolling out a personalized deals tab and AI-generated product summaries, providing tailored shopping tips and recommendations. These updates are rolling out in the U.S. over the coming weeks.