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Hey everyone, Ritik here! Welcome back to RSN, where we bring you the latest in tech, from the ripple effects of tariffs on gadget prices to new console wars and the future of streaming codecs. This week’s stories remind us that technology, at its core, is a tool meant to amplify our creativity and convenience, even if it sometimes tangles with politics, economics, and complex legal battles. The future is so uncertain at this point but nevertheless, let’s dive in!
"Expect higher prices and no, production isn’t coming home."
What’s Happening: With President Trump imposing sweeping tariffs on global imports, many of your go-to devices, smartphones, laptops, smartwatches, and even hearing aids are about to get pricier. In some cases, costs could jump by 20 to 50 percent. Although companies like Apple have partially shifted to Vietnam, tariffs there remain steep. Some tech makers are stockpiling inventory, so you may not see an immediate price hike, but expect it by fall if tariffs persist. Why It Matters to You: If you’re considering an upgrade, you might want to buy soon. Once existing inventory dries up, new stock could carry price tags that reflect these tariffs. And no, these taxes won’t magically bring large-scale gadget manufacturing back to the U.S. anytime soon building that capacity would take years (if not decades). Why It Matters to the World: Tariffs on tech components ripple throughout global supply chains, impacting device availability and innovation. As costs climb, companies might reduce R&D spending, and consumers could hold onto devices longer slowing the overall tech cycle.
"Faster screens, custom chips, and a head-to-head on handheld gaming."
What’s Happening: Nintendo’s Switch 2 arrives on June 5 at $449.99, slotting right between Valve corporation’s Steam Deck LCD ($399) and Steam Deck OLED ($549). The new Switch boasts a 7.9-inch 1080p 120Hz LCD display with VRR and HDR, plus a custom NVIDIA processor supporting DLSS and ray tracing. Meanwhile, Valve’s Deck stands strong with its massive game library, frequent Steam sales, and user-upgradable storage. Why It Matters to You: If you love portable gaming, you face an intriguing choice. The Switch 2 grants access to Nintendo’s exclusive titles, boosted by advanced features like ray tracing. The Steam Deck, conversely, taps into an enormous (and often discounted) PC library. Either way, we’re getting more power in handhelds than ever before. Why It Matters to the World: The Switch 2’s strong hardware shift underscores an evolution in handheld gaming—one that blurs console and PC lines. Competition between Valve and Nintendo can drive broader innovation, from enhanced display tech to flexible software ecosystems.
"Project Kuiper blasts off to challenge Starlink."
What’s Happening: Amazon will soon launch the first 27 satellites of its Project Kuiper constellation, targeting mid- to late-2025 for initial internet service. With more than 3,200 satellites planned, Kuiper aims to match Starlink in delivering fast, low-latency coverage worldwide. Dishes will come in multiple sizes, supporting speeds up to 1Gbps. Costs could dip below $400, potentially cutting into Starlink’s market share. Why It Matters to You: If you live in a rural or underserved area with unreliable broadband, Amazon’s satellites offer another option for robust internet. A second major space-based provider means more competition possibly leading to better prices and improved service speeds. Why It Matters to the World: Connecting remote regions has huge implications, from economic growth to more inclusive online communities. But with thousands more satellites in low Earth orbit, expect ongoing debates about space debris, orbital congestion, and the long-term sustainability of satellite constellations.
"The fight for the next generation’s default AI tool is on."
What’s Happening: Rival AI startups OpenAI and Anthropic announced nearly simultaneous pushes into the college market. Anthropic’s Claude AI for Education claims a new “Learning mode” to encourage critical thinking, while OpenAI made ChatGPT Plus free for college students in the U.S. and Canada through May. Both aim to become the academic community’s go-to AI resource. Why It Matters to You: If you’re a student or educator, these competing offers could mean free or heavily discounted access to advanced AI tools. For day-to-day tasks like research, essay drafting, and data analysis that’s an immediate productivity boost. Why It Matters to the World: Whichever AI brand cements itself in academic workflows could shape how the next generation learns to think and collaborate with artificial intelligence. This early adoption might ripple far into the future, influencing how AI is integrated into workplaces and broader society.
"A better, more efficient codec so why isn’t it everywhere?"
What’s Happening: AV1, developed by an alliance of tech giants, promises around 30 percent more efficiency than older standards like H.265. It’s also supposedly royalty-free and yet adoption remains spotty. Netflix and YouTube partially stream AV1, but others like Max, Peacock, and Paramount+ have held off. Hardware limitations, competing codecs (like VVC/H.266), and legal ambiguities around patents complicate its widespread use. Why It Matters to You: Better codecs like AV1 mean crisper, higher-resolution streaming without hogging your bandwidth. But to reap those benefits, your TV, computer, or phone needs the right hardware decoder. Plus, streaming services actually have to adopt it. Why It Matters to the World: As we move toward 4K, 8K, and immersive streaming experiences, efficient codecs are crucial for bandwidth savings and environmental impact (fewer data centers, less energy usage). If AV1 can clear legal hurdles and gain hardware support, it could become the backbone of tomorrow’s media ecosystem.
From the looming gadget price hikes caused by tariffs to Amazon’s leap into satellite internet, this week’s stories underline a crucial point: tech is deeply intertwined with politics, economics, and consumer choices. While advanced handheld consoles, next-gen streaming codecs, and fierce AI rivalries promise greater convenience and power, they also highlight a world wrestling with regulatory issues, supply chain upheavals, and patent minefields. Even so, technology remains an incredible tool, one that can bring us closer, unlock new ideas, and enrich our daily lives. So long as we navigate its complexities with both optimism and foresight.
— Ritik Sharma, Founder, RSN (Ritik Sharma Newsletter)