ICYMI: the week's 7 biggest tech stories from Amazon breaking the internet to Samsung's big XR swing at Apple

Apple has made a small but significant improvement to the M5 MacBook Pro by making its battery easier to replace. This change is important as it enhances the device's longevity and user-friendliness, allowing users to maintain their laptops more effectively. With this update, Apple continues to show its commitment to sustainability and customer satisfaction.

The author expresses a fondness for their Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 while highlighting a feature from the Vivo X Fold 5 that they wish was available on their device. The Vivo Workbench enhances the user experience on the Vivo phone, showcasing how innovative features can elevate the functionality of foldable smartphones. This comparison not only reflects personal preference but also emphasizes the competitive landscape in the smartphone market, where users are increasingly looking for unique functionalities.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 has received a glowing review, particularly highlighting its sleek design and impressive screen quality. This makes it a standout choice in the high-end Android tablet market, especially when compared to its larger counterpart, the Tab S11 Ultra. Its 11-inch size strikes a perfect balance for users seeking portability without sacrificing performance, making it an ideal option for both casual users and professionals alike.

As Tim Cook approaches his 65th birthday, discussions about his potential retirement and succession plans at Apple are heating up. This is significant because it could shape the future direction of one of the world's most valuable companies. Reports suggest that Apple is already considering several candidates to take over the CEO role, which highlights the importance of leadership continuity in maintaining the company's innovative edge.

Unpairing your Apple Watch from your iPhone can be a straightforward process, and it's important to know how to do it correctly. This guide walks you through the steps to ensure that your devices are disconnected without losing any data. Understanding this process is essential for users who may want to sell their watch or troubleshoot connectivity issues.

Samsung and Google are gearing up to revolutionize the tech landscape with their upcoming smart glasses and mixed reality headsets. The insights shared by Google's head of Android and Samsung's COO for mobile experiences highlight the exciting possibilities these devices could bring, including enhanced live AI capabilities. This innovation matters because it could change how we interact with technology in our daily lives, making it more immersive and intuitive.

In 2025, the Apple Watch Ultra continues to impress with a variety of high-quality bands from brands like Nike, Apple, Nomad, and WithIt. Our expert reviews highlight the best options available, ensuring that users can find the perfect strap to match their style and needs. This matters because a great band not only enhances the watch's functionality but also allows for personal expression, making the Apple Watch Ultra a versatile accessory for any occasion.

Amazon has provided insights into the recent AWS outage that disrupted numerous websites, highlighting the complexities of cloud infrastructure. This incident is significant as it underscores the reliance on cloud services for online operations and raises questions about the resilience of such systems. Additionally, the article touches on other tech news, including a record-setting hack of Jaguar Land Rover and security concerns surrounding OpenAI's new Atlas browser, illustrating the ongoing challenges in cybersecurity.

The article reflects on the Sokal affair, which took place thirty years ago, highlighting its impact on academic discourse and the critique of postmodernism. This retrospective is significant as it invites readers to consider how the event shaped discussions around intellectual rigor and the boundaries of academic publishing, making it relevant to ongoing debates in the field.

Chevrolet has unveiled its new Bolt electric car, priced under $30,000, making it one of the most affordable options in the electric vehicle market. This new model not only comes at a lower price point than its competitors but also addresses the shortcomings of the previous version, enhancing its appeal to budget-conscious consumers. This development is significant as it could encourage more people to consider electric vehicles, contributing to a greener future.

The excitement is building as we get our first glimpse of the upcoming Paranormal Activity game, developed by the creators of The Mortuary Assistant. This new title promises to deliver a chilling experience that fans of the horror genre will love. With its strong reputation for immersive gameplay and spine-tingling narratives, the developer aims to elevate the franchise to new heights. This game matters because it taps into the growing interest in horror gaming, offering players a chance to engage with their fears in a thrilling way.

The article discusses how ELF binaries are executed in computing environments, providing insights into their structure and functionality. Understanding ELF binaries is crucial for developers and system administrators as it helps in optimizing program performance and troubleshooting issues. This knowledge is particularly relevant in the context of software development and system security.

A new paper discusses an efficient implementation of 'Self', a dynamically-typed object-oriented programming language. This is significant as it highlights advancements in programming languages that can enhance performance and flexibility in software development, appealing to developers interested in innovative coding techniques.

TinyKVM has provided an update that highlights its ongoing developments and improvements. This matters because it showcases the project's commitment to enhancing its features and user experience, which could attract more users and contribute to the growth of the open-source community.