Category: technology

Weekend Discussion – September 21, 2025

Hey Shacknews, it’s time for Weekend Discussion! Let’s officially close out our weekend with a quick roundup of fun and interesting tidbits.

—

**Your Daily Dose of Sudoku**
They’re having a laugh with this puzzle—four numbers and four lines? Okay, that’s a new twist!

—

**Captcha: Impossible**
I love how this guy trolls scammers. Sometimes you’ve got to have a bit of fun.

—

**Dark Souls 3 Was Beautiful**
The map at the end of the world was stunning. Definitely a memorable experience.

—

**Crazy That LEGO Is Now a Commodity**
I hope LEGO keeps going with their unique creations and community-made ideas. Crossovers are cool and all, but that’s not why I love LEGO.

—

**To Git Gud or Not to Git Gud?**
Making a game hard, but not frustrating, sounds hard. It’s always a tough balance to strike.

—

**Time for a Strange Video**
Alien hunting is all the rage these days.

—

**Cheeky Will and His “Steroids”**
I felt a bit bad for his friend, but he took it like a champ.

—

**Weekend Vibes: What I’m Listening To**
– *The Taste of Ink* — The Used
– *Du Hast* — Rammstein
– *So Far Away* — Crossfade
– *Face Down* — The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

—

**Here Are Some Shacknews Articles from This Week:**
– *Dying Light: The Beast* Review: The real monsters are exactly who you’d expect
– *Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds* Review: The scenic route
– The top five most terrifying Kirby bosses
– This Week in Switch 2: Nintendo Prices, Emerald Rush, Hyrule Warriors & Console War Talk (09/18/25)

—

There you have it, Shacknews. Your Weekend Discussion for another beautiful weekend.

Please consider subscribing to **Shacknews Mercury** to support our site for as little as a dollar a month. Want to support us for free? You can do that by checking out **Shackmaps**, our interactive video game map platform where you can find collectibles and more in games you love to play—and it’s free!

—

Thanks for stopping by, and have a fantastic week ahead!
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146017/weekend-discussion-september-21-2025

Weekend Discussion – September 21, 2025

Hey Shacknews, it’s time for Weekend Discussion! Let’s officially close out our weekend with some fun and interesting highlights.

—

**Your daily dose of sudoku**

They’re having a laugh with this puzzle. Four numbers and four lines? Okay, let’s see how you handle that one.

—

**Captcha: Impossible**

I love how this guy trolls scammers. Sometimes you just have to fight back in the most creative ways.

—

**Dark Souls 3 was beautiful**

The map at the end of the world is truly something to behold. A stunning finale to an incredible journey.

—

**Crazy that LEGO is now a commodity**

I hope LEGO keeps pushing forward with their unique creations and community-made ideas. Crossovers are cool and all, but that’s not why I like LEGO. It’s the originality and creativity that make it special.

—

**To git gud or not to git gud?**

Making a game challenging—but not frustrating—sounds hard. Balancing difficulty to keep players engaged without discouraging them is truly an art.

—

**Time for a strange video**

Alien hunting is all the rage right now. Check out this intriguing take on “extraterrestrial adventures.”

—

**Cheeky Will and his “steroids”**

I felt a bit bad for his friend, but he took it like a champ. Sometimes you just have to laugh it off!

—

**Weekend Vibes: What I’m listening to**

– The Taste of Ink – The Used
– Du Hast – Rammstein
– So Far Away – Crossfade
– Face Down – The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

What’s on your playlist this weekend?

—

**Here are some Shacknews articles from this week:**

– *Dying Light: The Beast* review: The real monsters are exactly who you’d expect
– *Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds* review: The scenic route
– The top five most terrifying Kirby bosses
– This Week in Switch 2: Nintendo Prices, Emerald Rush, Hyrule Warriors & Console War Talk (09/18/25)

—

There you have it, Shacknews! Your Weekend Discussion for another beautiful weekend.

If you enjoyed this roundup, please consider subscribing to **Shacknews Mercury** to support our site for as little as a dollar a month.

Want to support us for free? Check out **Shackmaps**, our interactive video game map platform where you can find collectibles and more in the games you love to play—and it’s completely free!

Have a great week ahead!
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146017/weekend-discussion-september-21-2025

Apple’s next MacBook Pro may feature these 5 upgrades

**Apple’s Next MacBook Pro May Feature These 5 Major Upgrades**

*By Akash Pandey | Sep 21, 2025*

Apple is reportedly working on a major redesign of its MacBook Pro, marking the first significant update since 2021. The revamped model is expected to launch sometime in 2026, bringing a range of exciting new features and improvements.

**1. OLED Display for Enhanced Visuals**

One of the standout changes in the new MacBook Pro will likely be the introduction of an OLED display. This upgrade promises better brightness and more accurate color reproduction, enhancing the overall viewing experience for users. Additionally, Apple may remove the controversial notch and replace it with a smaller camera hole cutout, offering a cleaner and more modern look.

**2. Thinner Design**

The 2026 MacBook Pro is expected to sport a thinner chassis, making the laptop more sleek and portable. While specific details about the exact dimensions are still scarce, this design evolution aligns with Apple’s trend of making their devices progressively lighter and more compact.

**3. Touchscreen Integration**

Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has predicted that Apple might introduce touchscreen capabilities to its Mac lineup as early as 2026. This would mark a significant shift for Macs, which have traditionally relied on keyboard and trackpad input. Evidence suggests Apple is actively exploring touchscreen technology for future devices, hinting at enhanced interactivity and versatility for users.

**4. Cellular Connectivity**

Another groundbreaking feature rumored for the new MacBook Pro is built-in cellular connectivity. Apple is said to be developing its own in-house modem for Macs, which could enable constant internet access without the need for Wi-Fi. This would make the MacBook Pro a true on-the-go device, perfect for professionals who require seamless connectivity everywhere.

**5. Next-Generation M6 Chip**

Powering the 2026 MacBook Pro will be Apple’s next-generation M6 chip family, reportedly manufactured using TSMC’s cutting-edge 2nm technology. This advancement is expected to deliver significant improvements in both performance and energy efficiency compared to previous models, ensuring faster processing speeds and longer battery life.

—

With these anticipated upgrades, the 2026 MacBook Pro could redefine what users expect from a professional laptop. From an OLED display and touchscreen support to cellular connectivity and the powerful M6 chip, Apple seems poised to bring a fresh wave of innovation to its Mac lineup. Fans and professionals alike should keep an eye out for official announcements in the coming months.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/oled-to-cellular-connectivity-macbook-pro-may-feature-these-upgrades/story

Apple’s next MacBook Pro may feature these 5 upgrades

**Apple’s Next MacBook Pro May Feature These 5 Major Upgrades**

Apple is reportedly working on a significant redesign of its MacBook Pro, marking the first major update since 2021. According to rumors, the revamped MacBook Pro is expected to launch sometime in 2026, bringing several exciting new features and improvements.

**1. OLED Display**

One of the most anticipated upgrades is the introduction of an OLED display for the first time in a MacBook Pro. This change promises improved brightness and better color accuracy, enhancing the overall visual experience for users. Additionally, the new model could eliminate the notch, opting instead for a smaller camera hole cutout for a cleaner look.

**2. Thinner Design**

The 2026 MacBook Pro is expected to boast a thinner design, contributing to a more sleek and portable device. While specific details on the slimmer profile remain scarce, this evolution aligns with Apple’s ongoing commitment to refining the form factor of its devices.

**3. Touchscreen Integration**

Supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has predicted that Apple may introduce touchscreen capabilities to its Mac lineup as early as 2026. This speculation is supported by increasing evidence of Apple’s interest in incorporating touchscreen technology into future Macs, potentially transforming user interaction.

**4. Cellular Connectivity**

In a notable advancement, the upcoming MacBook Pro could become Apple’s first cellular-enabled Mac. Reports suggest that an in-house modem is in development, which would allow the device to offer cellular connectivity, providing users with internet access on the go without relying on Wi-Fi networks.

**5. Next-Generation M6 Chip**

Powering the new MacBook Pro will be the next-generation M6 chip family, expected to be Apple’s first to utilize TSMC’s cutting-edge 2nm technology. This chip upgrade is set to deliver significant improvements in both performance and energy efficiency compared to previous models.

With these anticipated upgrades, Apple’s 2026 MacBook Pro aims to redefine professional laptop performance and user experience. Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the official launch.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/oled-to-cellular-connectivity-macbook-pro-may-feature-these-upgrades/story

H-1B visa fee hike: Beneficiaries like Musk, Nadella, Pichai silent

**H-1B Visa Fee Hike: Beneficiaries Like Musk, Nadella, Pichai Remain Silent**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 21, 2025, 06:25 PM*

Silicon Valley’s tech giants, including Elon Musk, Sundar Pichai, and Satya Nadella, have remained notably silent following the announcement of a new $100,000 fee on H-1B visa petitions. The fee hike was introduced by the Trump administration last Saturday, sparking surprise given that some of these leaders, notably Musk, have previously expressed strong opposition to changes in the H-1B visa system.

**Musk’s Previous Stance on H-1B Visa Changes**

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, has been vocal about the importance of the H-1B visa program. In December, Musk took to X (formerly Twitter) to highlight that many critical contributors to his companies are beneficiaries of the H-1B visa. He went as far as threatening to “go to war” if the system was altered in a way that could harm these professionals.

**Details of the New Rule**

The recent regulation, signed by President Trump, imposes a hefty $100,000 fee on H-1B visa petitions. According to the administration, the goal is to ensure that only “extraordinarily skilled” individuals enter the U.S. workforce, preventing companies from using foreign professionals to replace American workers.

This fee hike predominantly affects Indian professionals, who make up approximately 71% of all H-1B visa holders.

**Clarifications on the Fee**

The administration clarified that this new rule only applies to *new* visa petitions and does not impact existing H-1B visa holders who are re-entering the country. Karoline Leavitt, White House spokesperson, explained on X that “this is NOT an annual fee. It’s a one-time fee that applies only to the petition.”

A petition refers to a company’s request to bring a skilled foreign worker to the U.S. workforce.

—

The response—or lack thereof—by influential tech leaders continues to draw attention as the industry assesses the impact of this significant policy change on talent acquisition and innovation.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/h-1b-visa-s-100-000-fee-what-are-silicon-valley-ceos-saying/story

VinFast India taps Hyundai executive as its CEO

**VinFast India Taps Hyundai Executive as Its CEO**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 21, 2025, 02:58 PM*

—

**Vietnamese EV Maker VinFast Appoints New CEO in India**

Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer VinFast is set to appoint Tapan Ghosh, currently Vice President and Head of Sales at Hyundai India, as the CEO of its Indian operations. Ghosh has already submitted his resignation to Hyundai and is expected to join VinFast India on October 16.

This leadership change comes shortly after VinFast launched its two new electric SUVs, the VF6 and VF7, in the Indian market.

—

**VinFast’s Growing Presence in India**

So far, VinFast’s strategy in India has been overseen by Pham Sanh Chau, CEO of VinFast Asia. The company has established an assembly plant in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, with plans to initially produce 50,000 cars. Production capacity is expected to scale up to 300,000 units over time.

VinFast has also committed to investing nearly $2 billion in India over the next few years to strengthen its operations and expand its local footprint.

—

**Tapan Ghosh’s Industry Experience**

Tapan Ghosh brings extensive automotive industry expertise to VinFast. Beginning his career with Hindustan Motors in 1995, Ghosh has worked with several major companies, including Honda Cars, Mahindra & Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki India, and Tata Motors. Since joining Hyundai in 2013, he has played a key role in driving sales growth.

His appointment as CEO is expected to add significant value to VinFast’s ambitions in India by leveraging his deep understanding of the local market.

—

**VinFast’s Market Entry Strategy vs Tesla**

VinFast’s approach to entering India contrasts with Tesla’s. Tesla entered the Indian market in July with showrooms in Mumbai and Delhi but maintains limited operations and remote leadership.

VinFast, on the other hand, is focusing on local manufacturing and leadership, a strategy experts believe is vital for success in India’s competitive EV segment.

—

**Challenges Ahead for VinFast in India**

While VinFast has surprised many by pricing its cars competitively alongside established Indian brands like Tata and Mahindra, gaining consumer trust remains a significant challenge.

According to Puneet Gupta from S&P Global Mobility, “Customers already have inhibitions about EVs, so an added uncertainty about a relatively unknown brand in the Indian market will not make things easy for VinFast.”

The appointment of a seasoned Indian automotive leader like Ghosh is seen as a critical step in overcoming these challenges and building confidence among Indian buyers.

—

**Conclusion**

VinFast’s aggressive investment and localization efforts, combined with Tapan Ghosh’s leadership, mark a pivotal moment in the company’s journey to establish itself as a strong player in India’s rapidly evolving electric vehicle market.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/auto/vinfast-to-appoint-hyundai-s-tapan-ghosh-as-india-ceo/story

Indian Embassy in US issues emergency number for H-1B concerns

**Indian Embassy in US Issues Emergency Number for H-1B Concerns**

*By Akash Pandey | Sep 21, 2025, 01:47 PM*

**Overview**

The Indian Embassy in the United States has issued an emergency assistance number for Indian nationals amid growing concerns following a new proclamation by President Donald Trump. The proclamation imposes a $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications, raising alarm among thousands of Indian tech professionals working in the US.

The embassy shared an official message on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Indian nationals seeking emergency assistance may call cell number +1-202-550-9931 (and WhatsApp).”

—

**Impact on Indian Tech Professionals**

The announcement of the hefty new fee has triggered widespread worry about its impact on Indian tech workers and remittances sent back home. Indians make up approximately 71-72% of all H-1B visa recipients, highlighting the significance of this policy change.

Fortunately, a senior official from the US administration clarified that the annual fee applies only to new H-1B visa petitions and does not affect existing visa holders or those renewing their visas. While this offers some relief, uncertainties remain among businesses and affected individuals.

—

**Important Note**

The emergency number provided by the Indian Embassy is intended strictly for urgent assistance related to the new fee structure and is **not** for routine consular queries.

—

**Diplomatic Response**

In response to these changes, the Indian government has instructed all its missions and posts in the US to provide maximum support to Indian nationals preparing to travel or return in the next 24 hours.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is closely analyzing how these new rules could affect Indian families and professionals living in the US.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal commented on the situation, saying, “The full implications of the measure are being studied by all concerned.” He emphasized that both Indian and American industries have a shared interest in fostering innovation and creativity, suggesting ongoing consultations to find the best way forward.

—

The situation is evolving, and Indian nationals affected by these changes are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and utilize the emergency assistance number if needed.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/h-1b-row-indian-embassy-issues-emergency-number-for-assisting-nationals/story

Madhya Pradesh Transco: Capacitor Banks At 412 Substations Ensuring Quality Power

**MP Transco Enhances Power Quality Across Madhya Pradesh with Capacitor Bank Installations**

*Indore (Madhya Pradesh)*: To ensure quality power supply to electricity consumers, the Madhya Pradesh Power Transmission Company (MP Transco) has installed capacitor banks at the majority of its extra high tension (EHT) substations. Out of the company’s 417 substations, capacitor banks of various capacities are currently operational at 412 locations.

In addition, at older substations, new capacitor banks are being installed wherever necessary, along with enhancements to existing capacities. Energy Minister Pradyuman Singh Tomar stated that these efforts will help provide electricity consumers in the state with stable, standard voltage power supply.

### Robust Installed Capacity of 9,278.5 MVAR

Presently, MP Transco operates:

– 32 capacitor banks at the 145 kV level in 220 kV substations
– 719 capacitor banks at the 36 kV level in 132 kV substations

In total, MP Transco manages 751 capacitor banks with a combined installed capacity of **9,278.5 MVAR**, significantly contributing to the delivery of high-quality power at standard voltage levels across Madhya Pradesh.

### Upgrading Aging Capacitor Banks

Amar Kirti Saxena, Chief Engineer at MP Transco, mentioned that the company has identified 52 old capacitor banks which have surpassed their service life and no longer meet the required capacitive load. These substations require capacitor banks with higher MVAR capacity.

To address this, MP Transco has launched a campaign to replace these outdated units with enhanced-capacity capacitor banks, ensuring all substations consistently supply power of reliable quality and standard voltage.

### Benefits of Capacitor Banks in Power Transmission

Power transformers at Extra High Tension substations commonly experience inductive loads from devices such as irrigation pumps and household appliances. This inductive load causes voltage drops and adversely affects power quality.

Capacitor banks counteract this issue by providing capacitive load, which balances the inductive effects. This results in an improved power factor and ensures consumers receive reliable electricity at the desired standard voltage.

### Capacitor Banks in Indore’s EHV Substations

MP Transco transmits electricity in Indore through Extra High Voltage (EHV) substations operating at 400 kV, 220 kV, and 132 kV levels. These include:

– One 400 kV substation
– Four 220 kV substations: South Zone, Indore East Bicholi, Manglia, and Jaitpura
– Seven 132 kV substations: Rau, Satyasai, Electronics Complex, Niranjanpur, Mahalaxmi Nagar GIS, Indore West (Navadapanth), Chambal, and Pologround

To maintain quality power supply at standard voltage across these substations, capacitor banks have been installed as per requirements, with a total installed capacity of **319.5 MVAR** in Indore’s EHV substations.

—

These ongoing upgrades underscore MP Transco’s commitment to delivering dependable and quality electricity to consumers throughout Madhya Pradesh.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/indore/madhya-pradesh-transco-capacitor-banks-at-412-substations-ensuring-quality-power

X to have AI-driven feed by November, says Elon Musk

**Next Article X to Have AI-Driven Feed by November, Says Elon Musk**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 20, 2025, 6:46 PM*

Elon Musk has announced that X will soon feature a completely AI-driven feed. The change is scheduled for implementation by November 2025, aiming to deliver more personalized user timelines that are less influenced by mainstream algorithms or political content.

This significant shift was confirmed when Musk retweeted Nikita Bier, X’s Product Head, who outlined the plans for a more tailored user experience on the platform.

**User Control: Grok to Power Personalized Feeds**

The upcoming changes will provide users with greater control over their X experience, enabling them to customize their feeds according to their interests. This personalization will be powered by Grok, X’s intelligent AI assistant.

Musk stated, “The algorithm will be purely AI by November, with significant progress along the way. We will open source the algorithm every two weeks or so.”

**Platform Evolution: Moving Away from Political Content**

Bier highlighted X’s move away from mainstream algorithmic feeds and politically charged content, explaining, “The goal for your X timeline is to get out of the mainstream algo and the political crusades and find your niche.”

These updates form part of X’s ongoing transition toward AI-driven curation, designed to offer users a more meaningful and customized experience while granting them more control over the content they see.

**AI Advancement: Grok Can Now ‘Read Aloud’ in Human-Like Voice**

In addition to feed enhancements, Musk announced a new feature for Grok. The AI assistant can now “read aloud” responses using a natural, human-like voice.

This update was shared by X user @amXFreeze, whose tweet Musk retweeted, showcasing the improvement.

Stay tuned as X continues to evolve, offering smarter, more personalized social media experiences powered by AI.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/x-getting-ai-driven-feed-this-november/story

Exit mobile version
Sitemap Index