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https://www.ft.com/content/3cdbd3b7-1373-4d8e-ae6f-a465117bc4b2
Shares of South Korean chip heavyweights Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix surged Thursday, a day after the two companies partnered with artificial intelligence major OpenAI as part of the U.S. firm’s Stargate initiative.
Shares of Samsung hit their highest levels since January 2021, rising over 4%, while SK Hynix stock surged more than 9% to reach its highest since 2000.
OpenAI said in a statement that this partnership will “focus on increasing the supply of advanced memory chips essential for next-generation AI and expanding data center capacity in Korea.” The ChatGPT-maker added that the two chipmakers plan to scale up production of advanced memory chips, which are critical to powering its AI models.
The announcement came as OpenAI CEO Sam Altman met with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Seoul, along with top leaders from Samsung and SK Hynix.
Earlier this month, SK Hynix announced that it was ready to mass-produce its next-generation high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips, cementing its leading position in the AI value chain. HBM is a type of memory used in chipsets for artificial intelligence computing, including those from global AI giant Nvidia, a major client of SK Hynix.
HBM4 chips are expected to be the primary AI memory chips needed for Nvidia’s next-generation Rubin architecture—a more powerful AI chip designed for global data centers.
SK Hynix has been a main chip supplier to Nvidia, while rival Samsung has reportedly been working to get its HBM4 chips certified by Nvidia.
This is breaking news; please check back for updates.
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/10/02/sk-hynix-samsung-shares-openai-stargate-korea.html
**Pos Malaysia Berhad Appoints Shahrin Oli Mohamed as New Group Chief Technology Officer**
Pos Malaysia Berhad, the national postal and parcel service provider, has announced the appointment of Shahrin Oli Mohamed as its new Group Chief Technology Officer, effective 20 October 2025. Shahrin succeeds Rahavendra, who previously served as Group Chief Digital & Transformation Officer.
In her new role, Shahrin will lead the company’s overall technology strategy, drive digital innovation, and accelerate the modernisation of Pos Malaysia’s core IT infrastructure. Her appointment marks a significant step in strengthening the company’s position as a leading logistics and e-commerce enabler. She will report directly to Charles Brewer, Group CEO.
Shahrin brings over 20 years of extensive international experience in technology leadership, digital transformation, and IT management across various industries, including energy and fleet solutions. Prior to joining Pos Malaysia, she was Executive Partner at Gartner Gulf, where she provided strategic counsel to boards and C-suite executives across the MENA region, Africa, and India.
During her tenure at Gartner Gulf, Shahrin spearheaded transformative initiatives in digital strategy, data and analytics, innovation, and technology adoption across multiple sectors. Her expertise will be instrumental in enhancing Pos Malaysia’s technological capabilities, focusing on developing the agentic AI roadmap, automating operations, optimizing last-mile delivery solutions, improving customer experience through digital platforms, and strengthening cybersecurity measures.
Charles Brewer commented on the appointment saying,
“We are delighted to welcome Shahrin to our leadership team. Her proven track record in driving technological excellence and digital growth aligns perfectly with our strategic vision to future-proof our operations and deliver greater value to our customers. As we continue to navigate the evolving logistics landscape, Shahrin’s leadership will be crucial in harnessing technology to create a more agile, efficient, and innovative Pos Malaysia.”
Shahrin expressed her enthusiasm about the new role, stating,
“I am honoured and excited to join Pos Malaysia, an institution with an incredibly rich history and a critical role in connecting Malaysians. The opportunity to lead the technology transformation of a national icon is both a challenge and a privilege. I look forward to working with the talented team here to build robust, scalable technology solutions that will not only streamline our operations but also create seamless and delightful experiences for our customers in this digital age.”
Shahrin holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Manchester and a Bachelor of Computer Science (Hons) from Universiti Sains Malaysia.
https://www.digitalnewsasia.com/business/pos-malaysia-appoints-shahrin-oli-mohamed-new-group-chief-technology-officer-accelerate
It’s never a bad day when a device you own receives a software update that adds awesome new features. Today, we’re excited to share a surprise update for the Pixel Buds Pro 2 that brings a huge quality of life improvement.
The update was spotted by 9to5Google, revealing that the Pixel Buds Pro 2 can now display the battery percentage for individual components. Even better, this detailed battery information can be shared across any Pixel device that has previously connected with the earbuds.
To experience this new feature, you’ll need to update your Pixel Buds Pro 2 to the latest firmware version 4.467. After updating, activate the Pixel Battery widget on your compatible Pixel device. Once set up, you’ll be able to see the battery life for each separate component—the charging case and each individual earbud.
This enhancement is a big deal, as it provides more detailed insight into your earbuds’ charge levels. No longer will you have to guess which component needs charging, and you won’t always need to check one specific device to monitor the battery status.
Additionally, if you’ve paired your Pixel Buds Pro 2 with multiple Pixel devices, you can view the charging status from any of those devices. The earbuds don’t have to be continuously connected to each device to see their battery levels, making this feature incredibly convenient.
Google’s Pixel Buds continue to improve with every update. Be sure to install the latest firmware to enjoy this and other enhancements.
https://www.androidpolice.com/the-pixel-buds-pro-2-charging-indicator-change/
**YouTube Pays Donald Trump $24.5 Million to Settle Lawsuit Over Channel Suspension**
*By Mudit Dube | September 30, 2025, 11:25 AM*
YouTube has agreed to pay former U.S. President Donald Trump $24.5 million, settling a lawsuit he filed in 2021. The legal action alleged that the platform wrongfully suspended his channel following the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. This settlement is the latest in a series of multimillion-dollar agreements between Trump and major tech companies over decisions related to his social media accounts.
### Details of the Lawsuit
Trump’s lawsuit accused YouTube and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai of engaging in “impermissible censorship.” He argued that the platform holds “an unprecedented concentration of power, market share, and ability to dictate our nation’s public discourse.” Trump claimed that suspending his channel violated his First Amendment rights and sought damages in the trillions for what he described as censorship.
### YouTube’s Response and Channel Suspension
YouTube justified its decision to suspend Trump’s channel by citing violations of its policies against inciting violence. On January 12, 2021, the platform initially suspended the channel for seven days after Trump posted a video defending his speech to supporters before the Capitol riot as “totally appropriate.” This suspension was later extended indefinitely due to ongoing concerns regarding potential violence.
### Policy Shifts and Channel Reinstatement
In a recent policy update, YouTube announced that it would reinstate creators who were previously banned for spreading misinformation about COVID-19 and the 2020 U.S. presidential election. The company emphasized its support for diverse conservative voices on the platform.
Following a thorough review of real-world violence risks, YouTube reinstated Trump’s channel in March 2023. The company highlighted the importance of giving voters access to content from all major national candidates ahead of elections.
### Trump’s Other Settlements with Media and Tech Giants
YouTube is not the only major company to reach a settlement with Trump over account suspensions and content restrictions. Previously, ABC and CBS parent company Paramount settled with Trump while seeking Federal Communications Commission approval for an $8 billion merger with Skydance. The merger was approved shortly after the settlement.
In addition, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, settled a lawsuit with Trump in January 2025 for $25 million. Elon Musk’s social media platform X (formerly Twitter) paid $10 million to settle another lawsuit with Trump earlier in February.
—
This latest settlement underscores the ongoing tension between major social media platforms and high-profile political figures regarding content moderation and free speech on digital platforms.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/youtube-pays-24-5m-to-settle-trump-lawsuit-over-account-suspension/story
Riot Games has announced that Teemo, the Marksman/Mage from League of Legends, is the latest character to join the roster for *2XKO*, an upcoming fighting game. Fans will be able to play as Teemo starting on day one when *2XKO* launches in early access next month.
Teemo’s arrival was revealed through a brand-new trailer that showcases his unique moveset in *2XKO*. The tricky Yordle wields a slingshot, dart gun, and his signature mushrooms, using these tools to keep enemies off balance in battle.
One of Teemo’s standout abilities is his ultimate, where he tosses a barrage of explosive mushrooms. These not only deal heavy damage to opponents but also knock them into the air, creating openings for follow-up attacks.
The announcement trailer is loaded with clever nods to popular memes, other Riot Games titles, and memorable moments from fighting game community (FGC) history — including the legendary Daigo Parry. This attention to detail has quickly captured the attention of fans both old and new.
With Teemo joining the *2XKO* roster, players can look forward to bringing a mix of mischievous tactics and explosive gameplay to the fast-paced fighting action. Stay tuned for the early access launch next month to try him out for yourself!
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146154/teemo-2xko-roster-announcement
The 2025 VCT season is culminating with **Champions**, a global tournament featuring the best players that Valorant has to offer. As the competition heats up in Paris, you can stay updated with the Valorant Champions Bracket to keep track of the standings and scores in Valorant’s biggest tournament.
### Valorant Champions Paris Bracket
Below is the current bracket for VCT Champions Paris. We will continue to update it as more games are played and teams advance through the stages. The bracket is maintained and regularly updated by Riot Games on the official Valorant esports website.
The upper bracket features Valorant heavyweights such as **NRG** and **FNATIC**, who are set to face off on Friday, October 3.
### How to Watch
Matches can be watched live on the official Valorant Twitch channel. If you miss any of the live action, replays are available after the day’s competition concludes, allowing you to catch up at your convenience.
Stay tuned for more updates and follow all the exciting moments as the battle for the VCT Champions title unfolds in Paris!
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146149/valorant-champions-bracket-2025-vct
The 2025 VCT season is reaching its climax with Champions, a global tournament showcasing the best players that Valorant has to offer. As the competition intensifies in Paris, you can stay up to date with the standings and scores using the Valorant Champions Bracket.
**Valorant Champions Paris Bracket**
Here is the current bracket for VCT Champions Paris. We will continue to update it as more games are played and teams advance throughout the tournament. The bracket is maintained by Riot Games and is kept up to date on the official Valorant esports website.
The upper bracket features Valorant heavyweights such as NRG and FNATIC, who are set to face off on Friday, October 3. Fans can watch all matches live on the Valorant Twitch channel. Additionally, matches are rerun after the day’s competition concludes, providing multiple opportunities to catch the action.
Stay tuned and follow along as Valorant’s biggest tournament unfolds in Paris!
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146149/valorant-champions-bracket-2025-vct
# ‘Black Panther’: The Film That Put Africa on the Futuristic Map
*By Vinita Jain | Sep 29, 2025, 03:58 PM*
The 2018 blockbuster *Black Panther* redefined the portrayal of African culture and technology, offering the world a vivid glimpse into an Afro-futuristic vision. Through its depiction of the fictional nation of Wakanda—boasting advanced technology and a rich cultural heritage—the film challenged long-standing stereotypes and presented a unique blend of tradition and innovation. This article explores how *Black Panther* reshaped Afro-futurism through its visual storytelling, character development, and cultural impact.
## Wakanda’s Technological Marvels
Wakanda’s advanced technology was a central element in redefining Afro-futurism. The film showcased the fictional metal vibranium’s extraordinary potential to power cities, heal injuries, and enhance everyday life. This portrayal challenged outdated notions by highlighting the possibility of African nations leading global technological advancements rather than being depicted as primitive or underdeveloped. By focusing on innovation rooted deeply in African culture, *Black Panther* opened new perspectives on what an African future could look like.
## Cultural Heritage Meets Modernity
*Black Panther* beautifully blended cultural heritage with modernity. Traditional African attire, music, and rituals were presented alongside futuristic designs and innovations. This duality demonstrated that cultural identity and progressiveness are not mutually exclusive. Embracing one’s heritage does not mean rejecting modernity; instead, integrating both can create a holistic and dynamic identity.
## Empowering Narratives Through Characters
The film’s characters played a pivotal role in redefining Afro-futurism by embodying empowerment and leadership. T’Challa’s journey as a king who balances tradition with progress resonated with audiences worldwide. Meanwhile, Shuri’s portrayal as a brilliant scientist challenged gender norms within African narratives and served as an inspiring role model. These characters defied stereotypes while promoting themes of unity, strength, and resilience.
## Global Impact on Perceptions of Africa
Beyond cinema, *Black Panther* had a profound global impact on how Africa is perceived. It sparked important conversations about representation, identity, and cultural pride on an international scale. The film’s unprecedented success proved that stories rooted in African experiences could resonate universally when told authentically with powerful visuals and narratives. This shift has since inspired other filmmakers to explore similar themes, broadening the scope of African stories told worldwide.
*Black Panther* not only entertained millions but also transformed the narrative around Africa’s future—celebrating its heritage while imagining limitless possibilities.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/how-black-panther-redefined-afro-futurism/story
**’Black Panther’: The Film That Put Africa on the Futuristic Map**
*By Vinita Jain | Sep 29, 2025, 03:58 pm*
The 2018 blockbuster *Black Panther* fundamentally redefined the portrayal of African culture and technology, providing the world with a vivid glimpse into an Afro-futuristic vision. Through its depiction of the fictional nation of Wakanda—an advanced society rich in cultural heritage—the film challenged prevailing stereotypes and showcased a unique fusion of tradition and innovation. This article explores how *Black Panther* reshaped Afro-futurism through its visual storytelling, character development, and cultural impact.
### Wakanda’s Technological Marvels
At the heart of *Black Panther*’s Afro-futuristic narrative lies Wakanda’s groundbreaking technology. The film introduced vibranium, a powerful resource capable of energizing entire cities, healing injuries, and enhancing daily life. This portrayal challenged conventional depictions of Africa by positioning an African nation as a leader in technological innovation rather than as primitive or underdeveloped. By rooting its futuristic advancements deeply in African culture, *Black Panther* revolutionized perceptions of what an African future could realistically look like.
### Cultural Heritage Meets Modernity
*Black Panther* masterfully blended rich cultural heritage with modernity. Traditional African attire, music, and rituals featured prominently alongside futuristic designs and innovations, illustrating a dynamic interplay between the old and the new. This duality emphasized how cultural identity can coexist harmoniously with progress, underscoring the idea that honoring one’s heritage need not contradict embracing modern advancements. Instead, the film presents an integrated, holistic vision of identity.
### Empowering Narratives Through Characters
The film’s characters played a pivotal role in redefining Afro-futurism by embodying empowerment and leadership. T’Challa’s journey as a king balancing tradition with forward-thinking ideals resonated globally, while Shuri’s character—a brilliant scientist—challenged gender norms within African narratives. Together, these characters defied stereotypes and offered powerful role models, promoting themes of unity, strength, and resilience.
### Global Impact on Perceptions of Africa
Beyond its success as a cinematic achievement, *Black Panther* had a transformative impact on global perceptions of Africa. It sparked meaningful conversations about representation, identity, and cultural pride on an international scale. The film’s authentic storytelling and compelling visuals demonstrated that narratives rooted in African experiences could engage universal audiences. This paradigm shift has inspired other filmmakers to explore similar themes, further expanding the reach of Afro-futurism in storytelling.
*Black Panther* remains a landmark film that not only entertained millions but also reimagined Africa’s place on the map of the future.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/how-black-panther-redefined-afro-futurism/story
