Image: made using DALL·E (Custom edited by me)
Hey everyone, Ritik here! Welcome back to RSN, where we explore the tech transformations shaping how we connect, innovate, and stay inspired. This week, we’re talking about lasers competing with satellites, a promising new budget phone from Google, Boeing’s unexpected astronaut saga, Apple’s shuffle in AI leadership, and my beloved smartwatch brand’s return, Pebble Tech is back. So Let’s dive in!
"Lasers through the sky instead of satellites in orbit."
What’s Happening: Taara is graduating from Alphabet Inc.’s X “moonshot” incubator, aiming to bring high-speed internet to remote areas with line-of-sight laser beams. Alphabet retains a minority stake, while Taara secures additional funding to expand globally. Capable of transmitting up to 20Gbps over distances of about 12.5 miles, Taara’s optical links can cross rivers or islands more quickly and cheaply than laying fiber. Why It Matters to You: If you live in or near a region with limited broadband options, Taara’s technology could be a game-changer—offering faster speeds at lower costs than Starlink. That means more connectivity choices for small towns, rural communities, and niche use cases like festival coverage. Why It Matters to the World: Companies like Starlink have been leading the race to connect the disconnected with satellites, but Taara’s Earth-based lasers may sidestep some logistical hurdles. More competition can drive innovation—and ultimately bring reliable, high-speed internet to some of the world’s most underserved locations.
"Google’s budget phone gets bigger, brighter, and still under $500."
What’s Happening: Google unveiled the Pixel 9A at $499, upping the ante with a 6.3-inch 120Hz display, Tensor G4 chip, IP68 water resistance, and a second rear camera. Its sleek new design ditches the camera bump for a flush housing, meaning no more wobbly phone on your table. Despite its bigger screen, the 9A remains light, has a beefier battery, and supports Qi wireless charging. Why It Matters to You: For under $500, you get a high-refresh display, an ultrawide camera, and seven years of security updates—making it ideal for those craving a future-proof, value-packed smartphone. It also levels the playing field against Apple’s pricier iPhone 16E. Why It Matters to the World: Budget-friendly devices that offer advanced features push the smartphone market toward better value overall. As Google competes more aggressively, expect other manufacturers to respond, giving consumers more power—and more features—for less money.
"A short trip turned into a nine-month saga—then SpaceX stepped in."
What’s Happening: NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams finally made it back to Earth after technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner forced them to stay aboard the International Space Station for nine months. They returned via SpaceX’s Crew-10 mission, highlighting NASA’s flexibility when dealing with unforeseen spacecraft problems. Why It Matters to You: Space exploration is risky, but redundancy and partnerships (like NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration leaning on SpaceX when Boeing’s craft falters) show that multiple players in the aerospace world can safeguard our astronauts. It’s a reminder that competition in space travel often leads to safer missions and more robust solutions. Why It Matters to the World: Boeing’s Starliner hiccups underscore the challenges in commercial spaceflight, especially when deadlines slip. But the safe return of these astronauts also demonstrates how agile collaboration can keep crewed missions viable, even in the face of significant setbacks.
"Revamping voice AI after Tim Cook’s crisis of confidence."
What’s Happening: Mike Rockwell, previously leading the Vision Pro headset team, is now heading Siri at Apple. This strategic shift aligns with CEO Tim Cook's ambition to advance Apple's capabilities in cutting-edge AI. Rockwell’s appointment signals Apple's intention to significantly enhance Siri, potentially by integrating the AR/VR innovations his team developed. Improving Siri is critical for Apple, given its vast ecosystem and extensive user base worldwide. A more efficient, powerful, and deeply integrated AI—not just a traditional "in-house" assistant, but a dynamic AI agent—could fundamentally transform how we interact with technology. Why It Matters to You: A more dynamic, context-aware Siri could profoundly change how you interact with your Apple devices. If Rockwell applies the same creative approach seen in Vision Pro to Siri, you may soon see more intuitive voice commands and better integration with immersive apps. Why It Matters to the World: Apple’s behind-the-scenes reorganization speaks to the intensifying AI arms race. As ChatGPT, Gemini, and others surge ahead, Apple aims to stay competitive by shaking up its AI division. For consumers, that means a new wave of voice tech that might finally meet the lofty expectations set for Siri years ago.
"Everything old is new again—and it’s still delightfully retro."
What’s Happening: Core Devices, founded by Pebble Tech’s creator Eric Migicovsky, is reviving the best of Pebble Tech’s design ethos with two new watches. Running on open-sourced PebbleOS, the watches—Core 2 Duo ($149) and Core Time 2 ($225)—feature e-paper displays, multi-week battery life, side buttons, and that classic minimal look. The Duo even uses leftover Pebble hardware components. Why It Matters to You: If you miss the days of truly epic smartwatch battery life and simpler notifications, these new “Pebble in spirit” devices might scratch that itch. They’ll let you reconnect with the practicality and customization that made Pebble so beloved back in the day. Why It Matters to the World: As the wearable market grows more complex—focus on app ecosystems, color OLEDs, and advanced health sensors—there’s room for a niche product that prioritizes longevity, straightforward design, and an active dev community. Core Devices’ success could spark a new wave of minimal, user-friendly smartwatches.
This week's tech developments caught my attention for their practical innovation. Taara's line-of-sight lasers are quietly reshaping global connectivity, challenging traditional satellite networks, while Google's push for affordable smartphones underscores accessibility. NASA's reliance on SpaceX after Boeing's Starliner setbacks highlights the power of collaboration. Similarly, Pebble’s minimalist design revival by Core Devices reminds us that great ideas endure when user experience is prioritized. Looking ahead, I anticipate a rise in localized solutions like laser-based internet, stronger commercial space partnerships, and deeper AI integration, especially with Apple's recent Siri leadership shuffle and practical tests like Vision Pro. Industries facing new challenges will likely innovate faster, collaborate more, and thoughtfully revive successful ideas. This blend of proven concepts and bold experimentation makes the future of technology particularly exciting. As always, stay tuned to RSN to see how these twists and turns reshape the way we connect, work, and play in our lives.
— Ritik Sharma, Founder, RSN (Ritik Sharma Newsletter)