Image: made using DALL·E (Custom edited by me)
Hey everyone, Ritik here! Back to RSN, your curated guide to the most important stories in technology, design, AI and the digital future. In today’s issue, we’re looking at the next phase of defense innovation from SpaceX, a major antitrust trial for Meta, Google’s big geothermal energy bet in Asia, and whether or not physical video games still matter. It is crazy to see how much AI is driving all of this innovation below. I sometimes wonder that are the law makers making sure that the so called "super Intelligence" continues to progress in the right direction. Nevertheless, Let’s dive in!
"Private space goes military — meet the satellite-powered shield."
What’s Happening: Elon Musk’s SpaceX is stepping into national defense in a big way. According to reports, the company is developing a missile defense system called “Golden Dome,” with ambitions to rival traditional military systems like Israel’s Iron Dome. The system uses satellites in low Earth orbit to detect and track missiles, which would then be intercepted by projectiles launched from Earth. The U.S. military reportedly sees SpaceX as a frontrunner, and it has already received classified contracts to test the concept. The ambition is to create a “global shield” — one that protects the U.S. and its allies from ballistic missile threats in real time, leveraging SpaceX’s Starlink-like network of satellites.
Why It Matters to You: If you’re following how private companies are reshaping global defense, this is the story to watch. A commercial satellite company taking on missile defense marks a new era in tech-enabled security, and this could influence how future conflicts are deterred or managed.
Why It Matters to the World: This signals a major shift in global defense strategy: space is no longer just for communication or observation, but real-time defense. A SpaceX-led shield could redraw alliances, redefine sovereignty, and intensify the militarization of space.
"Meta’s past deals face future consequences."
What’s Happening: The FTC’s antitrust case against Meta — centered on its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp — is headed for trial. The government argues that these purchases allowed Meta to eliminate competition and solidify a social media monopoly. Meta insists that the deals were lawful and that users still have many alternatives. At the core of the case is the idea of “network effects” — the more people on a platform, the harder it is for alternatives to gain traction. If the FTC wins, it could lead to a forced breakup of Meta’s empire or new limits on future acquisitions in tech.
Why It Matters to You: This trial could determine how much control Big Tech has over your digital life — and whether real alternatives can thrive.
Why It Matters to the World: A win for the FTC would be a landmark antitrust victory, potentially triggering global scrutiny of similar tech acquisitions and reshaping how digital markets are regulated.
"The earth’s heat fuels Google’s carbon-free future."
What’s Happening: Google just signed its first-ever geothermal energy power purchase agreement in Asia, specifically in Taiwan. The deal, struck with local renewable energy provider, marks a big step toward decarbonizing Google’s energy footprint in the region. Unlike solar or wind, geothermal provides clean, always-on power — a major advantage for data centers that need reliable electricity 24/7. This is part of Google’s broader plan to operate entirely on carbon-free energy by 2030.
Why It Matters to You: Google’s energy choices affect more than just the company — they influence how sustainable your everyday digital activities are, from YouTube to Search.
Why It Matters to the World: Geothermal energy has long been underutilized. Google’s move could kickstart investment in this low-carbon, high-potential power source across Asia and beyond.
"Nintendo vs the Steam Deck — who wins the hybrid console war?"
What’s Happening: The Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to arrive soon — but questions are swirling around its relevance in a market increasingly crowded by powerful handheld PCs like the Steam Deck. While the Switch 2 is expected to have upgraded specs (rumors suggest 1080p, 120Hz support), it’s still largely targeting a casual, family-friendly audience with a closed ecosystem. In contrast, competitors offer open operating systems and access to broader libraries. Nintendo’s edge? A massive fan base, iconic games, and backward compatibility with existing Switch titles.
Why It Matters to You: If you’re a gamer, your next handheld might come down to ecosystem vs. performance. The Switch 2 will need to earn your dollars.
Why It Matters to the World: This is a test of whether specialized gaming hardware can still thrive in an age where general-purpose devices dominate. Nintendo’s next move could determine if consoles as we know them survive.
"Discs vs downloads: What do you really own?"
What’s Happening: A quiet but emotional debate is intensifying: physical games vs. digital downloads. With the rise of all-digital consoles and growing reliance on cloud storage, physical game collectors worry about preservation, ownership, and access. Nintendo, Xbox, and PlayStation are all moving toward more digital-first experiences, yet physical game sales still account for a sizable chunk of revenue. Industry insiders say this transition is more than a format shift — it’s a philosophical question of control.
Why It Matters to You: Digital is convenient, but you don’t actually “own” your games — licenses can be revoked, and servers shut down. Choose wisely. This comes from me personally using physical games for the longest time, and I agree in some sense the ownership feels truer.
Why It Matters to the World: This debate mirrors a broader cultural shift around digital ownership. The outcome could reshape how we define possession in a fully digital age.
From private space shields to geothermal power and the future of video game ownership, RSN010 proves we’re in a tech era where everything — even defense and entertainment — is up for reinvention. But beyond the headline-grabbing innovations, deeper questions emerge: Who controls the new digital frontier? What does “ownership” mean when everything is virtual? How do we build an equitable tech-powered world? As always, we’ll be here, following the threads that shape tomorrow. This was the RSN010 the 10th edition of the newsletter. I wanted it to make anyone who read this wonder and think more, question what is happening with of course being aware of what is happening today with tech. I feel it's Important to question, always.
— Ritik Sharma Founder, RSN (Ritik Sharma Newsletter)