Category: 4. Technology

Google on Monday announced a series of updates intended to bring its Gemini AI and other AI-powered tools deeper into the classroom. At the ISTE edtech conference, the tech giant introduced more than 30 AI tools for educators, a version of the Gemini app built for education, expanded access to its collaborative video creation app Google Vids, and other tools for managed Chromebooks.

The updates represent a major AI push in the edtech space, where educators are already struggling to adapt to how AI tools, like AI chatbots and startups that promise to help you “cheat on everything,” are making their way into the learning environment.

School-aged kids and teens today are more likely to ask ChatGPT for help with their homework (or to even do it for them) than they are to ask a teacher to explain the concepts again. In higher ed, meanwhile, colleges are wrestling with whether or not plagiarism detectors can even identify AI-written content.

Amid this disruption, Google is charging ahead with AI tools, saying it thinks that “responsible AI” can help drive “more engaging and personalized learning experiences,” when used in conjunction with human-led teaching.

Since announcing its plans to bring Gemini to the classroom last year, Google on Monday said that its Gemini AI suite for educators is now available for free to all Google Workspace for Education accounts.

This includes over 30 new features, like the ability for teachers to brainstorm ideas, generate lesson plans, and personalize content for students using AI technology.

Over the next several months, Google will give teachers the ability to create interactive study guides using the AI research tool Notebook LM, along with their classroom materials.

Teachers can also create custom versions of the Gemini AI called “Gems,” which will work as AI experts that help students who need extra support or want to better understand the subject.

This is essentially just taking an activity that students are already doing — asking an AI chatbot to explain a topic or answer questions — and redirecting that activity back to Google’s own AI technology, where it’s specifically been trained on the teacher’s own classroom materials.

Soon, teachers will also be able to offer students real-time support for the AI-powered reading buddy when using the Read Along in Classroom tool.

Google is expanding basic access to its AI-powered video creator, Google Vids, as well, to make it available to all Google Workspace for Education users. Teachers can use the tool to make instructional videos, while students can use Vids for things like book reports or other assignments.

The company is also rolling out a series of new features designed to track student progress against learning standards and skills, view analytics on student performance and engagement, better secure Gemini user data and data in Gmail, manage who has access to AI tools like Gemini and Notebook LM, have better control over Google Meet waiting rooms, and more.

Plus, along with a handful of updates for managed Chromebooks, Google introduced new teaching mode called Class Tools. This allows teachers to connect directly with their students via Google Classroom and share content to the kids’ screens, like videos, articles, slides, and quizzes. These tools can be adapted to the student’s own language, if need be, and are designed to keep kids focused on learning by restricting browsing to specific tabs.

New York, NY, June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), a global nonprofit that activates the entrepreneurial mindset in young people, is proud to announce the launch of Next Level Startup: Make AI Your Cofounder, a groundbreaking new online learning experience debuting this fall. Designed specifically for the rapidly growing homeschool and school choice community, Next Level Startup brings NFTE’s proven entrepreneurship education to learners seeking flexible, project-based learning with real-world outcomes.

Amid a national surge in school choice and a shifting educational landscape, Next Level Startup meets the moment—delivering a personalized learning experience designed for independent learners to take the spark of an idea and turn it into a viable business venture. The program combines concierge-style guidance with the latest in generative and agentic AI tools, positioning students to use technology as a creative collaborator from day one.

“With Next Level Startup, we’re blending the best of entrepreneurship education with the power of emerging AI technologies, all in a flexible format that meets the needs of today’s learners,” said Dr. J.D. LaRock, President and CEO of NFTE. “Whether a student wants to launch a business, build career readiness, or gain a competitive edge in a changing world, this program is designed to help them thrive.”

Key features of the program include:

• Concierge Learning Experience: Personalized support as students work through an online, dynamic, project-based curriculum with a virtual instructor.
• AI Integration: Real-time use of generative and agentic AI tools as business development partners.
• Add-On Enhancements:
  • Access to industry coaches and mentors.
  • A “competition in a box” toolkit, culminating in the opportunity to participate in person at NFTE’s acclaimed National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge.
  • Eligibility for the Entrepreneurship and Small Business (ESB) certification.

Beyond entrepreneurship, this innovative new program supports critical upskilling for the future of work. Students will learn how to use AI to accelerate idea generation, build robust business models, and gain essential skills in communication, strategy, and innovation.

By offering direct access to national networks, credentials, and competitions, Next Level Startup gives homeschool and school choice students a launchpad for both entrepreneurial and career success—on their own terms.

For more information about Next Level Startup, email getstarted@nfte.com.

For media inquiries, please contact Denise Berkhalter, APR, 917-281-4362, at mediainquiries@nfte.com.

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About NFTE:

Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) ignites the entrepreneurial mindset with unique learning experiences that empower students to own their futures. A global nonprofit founded in 1987, NFTE provides high-quality entrepreneurship education to middle school, high school and postsecondary students. NFTE brings the power of entrepreneurship to students, regardless of family income, community resources, special needs, gender identity, race, or ethnicity. NFTE has educated more than a million students, delivering our programs in school, out of school, in-person, online, or through hybrid models. Visit nfte.com to learn more.

Solos has launched the next generation of its smart glasses in the AirGo A5 and AirGo V2, both of which offer seamless voice control and advanced video capabilities.

The Solos AirGo A5 are everyday glasses with intelligent features. They offer automatic power-on/off and hands-free wake-up word functionality, so you can simply say “Hey Solos” to engage AI tools like SolosChat without reaching for a phone. You can jump in with follow-up questions as well.

Upgraded directional audio minimizes sound leakage for a more private listening experience, while enhanced bass delivers richer, deeper sound quality across music, calls, and voice responses.

Compatible with all frame fronts in the existing AirGo 3 lineup, the AirGo A5 offers an easy upgrade path for current users. They will be available starting in Q3 2025, with presales beginning in August, starting at US$249.

Meanwhile, the Solos AirGo V2 are slim smart glasses that combine a camera, AI, and real-time connectivity features in a slim, feather-light design made for all-day comfort. Equipped with a slim 16MP camera featuring advanced Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS), wearers can capture high-resolution images and Full HD video, even during movement.

New to this model is live video streaming powered by ultra-low-power Wi-Fi, enabling real-time sharing without sacrificing battery life. The AirGo V2 also introduces SolosChat 3.0, a multi-modal AI platform that combines image, video, audio, and text for deeper, more dynamic interactions. You can do things like identify objects, translate signs, and get quick answers from multiple AI models, including ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and DeepSeek.

The AirGo V2 retains all the intuitive user features introduced in the A5, including auto power-on/off, wake-up word activation, natural, interruptible conversation, and enhanced directional audio for private listening. It continues Solos’ signature modular system equipped with SmartHinge so you can easily swap out frame fronts to match your style.

A swappable battery also provides added flexibility if you’re looking to extend video recording time and power through longer days. Enjoy adjustable nose pads and temple tips.

The Solos AirGo V2 is expected to launch in Q4 2025 and will start at US$299.

As part of its open platform approach for design and software, Solos is working with select SDK partners to explore new AI-driven applications across accessibility, consumer technology, and healthcare. Initial collaborations include Envision, Deutsche Telekom, and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, which is piloting speech therapy use cases. These partnerships highlight the growing potential for smartglasses to support real-world needs across industries and Solos’ open architecture to work with partners for smart glasses development.

Elden Ring Tarnished Edition has recently been rated by the Entertainment Software Rating Board. With the ESRB finalizing its review of the game, it could mean the Elden Ring Switch 2 edition could be launching sooner than some expected.

‘Elden Ring’ Switch 2 Release Date Could be hinted at with ESRB Rating completed

Although Elden Ring Tarnished Edition was initially revealed during the Switch 2 Direct in April, no release date was given at the time. However, the popular FromSoftware RPG was recently rated by the ESRB for Nintendo’s console on June 30. This could actually give us an idea when we can expect the much-anticipated port.

Once a title is rated by ESRB, they sometimes release 4 to 6 months after it. “Sometimes” being the important keyword here, as this isn’t always the case. But it’s true for a lot of games. With FromSoftware stating that Elden Ring Switch 2 was set to launch “sometime in 2025”, it could launch on Switch 2 anytime between August through December. So while there is no guarantee, it looks like the game isn’t going to be delayed into 2026, as some fans had worried.

As a side note, I can’t help but be amused reading ESRB’s rating of Elden Ring Switch 2 edition. “ELDEN RING Tarnished Edition is rated M for Mature 17+ by the ESRB with Blood and Gore, Language, Suggestive Themes, and Violence. During the course of the game, a humanoid monster is depicted partially nude, with scales/scars covering its breast and pelvic regions. The word “sh*t” appears in the dialogue.” I sometimes forget how weird Elden Ring gets. The fact that we can play it on a Nintendo console is just kind of mind-blowing, as a 90s kid.

‘Tarnished Edition’ to be featured during July Nintendo Direct?

With a Nintendo Switch 2 Direct rumored to be happening in July, some have theorized that the release date for Elden Ring Tarnished Edition could be announced then. Although the “leaked” Direct also claims a Metaphor: ReFantazio port is also going to be revealed at the event. Maybe it’s just me, but this is starting to sound a little too good to be true. But hey, you never know!

Another thing I’m curious about is how Elden Ring will actually perform on Switch 2. There is no way that it actually runs at 60 FPS, as it struggles to maintain that on PS5. But if FromSoftware is able to keep it locked at 30 FPS with decent graphics, it could be the best way to play the open-world RPG on the go. I’ve actually beaten the game on my Asus ROG, and it’s far from perfect.

FromSoftware is teaming up with Nintendo again, with the release of The Duskbloods. The exclusive multiplayer is scheduled to launch sometime in 2026. So Elden Ring releasing in 2025 would be a good warm-up for players diving into FromSoftware for the first time. Then again, you can play Dark Souls right now on Nintendo Switch 2. Even if it doesn’t have an upgraded version, it still runs decently!

Xbox is in a weird place right now, and I’m not the only one who thinks so. In fact, people with more important opinions on the subject than myself seem to agree: if Microsoft doesn’t get its shit together on hardware, the box as we know it is cooked. Laura Fryer, the former director of the Xbox Advanced Technology Group for the original Xbox project back in May 2000 and former executive producer for Microsoft Games Studios up until the Xbox 360 days, put it bluntly in a recent video.

“Obviously, as one of the founding members of the Xbox team, I’m not pleased with where things are today. I don’t love watching all of the value that I helped create slowly get eroded away,” Fryer said in a video on YouTube. “I’m sad because, from my perspective, it looks like Xbox has no desire—or literally can’t—ship hardware anymore. So, this partnership is about a slow exit from the hardware business completely. Personally, I think Xbox hardware is dead.”

The partnership that Fryer is referring to is, of course, the Xbox and Asus team-up that will see the release of the ROG Xbox Ally handheld that was announced at Computex earlier this month. The criticism from within the games industry and fans is that Microsoft didn’t design the handheld device, instead outsourcing the work to Asus, which modified its existing ROG Ally X handheld PCs, and then slapped Xbox software onto it. Was it laziness on Microsoft and Xbox’s part? Or is it afraid to commit to Xbox hardware?

Ouch. As rough as those words may be, it’s hard not to agree. Out of the gate, Xbox’s current generation of consoles, the Series S and X, were all but trounced by Sony and the PS5, the latter of which snatched a commanding 70 percent of the market share in the first five years of both consoles’ lives. There are a lot of reasons for that, and arguably the biggest is that PlayStation had the exclusive titles that made people actually want to buy a console. But pinning it on game exclusives doesn’t paint the full picture. Part of the problem is that Xbox, for all its past Gamer with a capital “G” glory, got boring. So yes, Xbox is in a weird place right now, but people still want consoles, which means it’s time for them to get even weirder—yes, I’m talking hardware, too.

First, let’s start with the boring box that Xbox houses all of that X in. It sucks. It’s a snooze that makes year-over-year smartphone design feel innovative. Sure, it’s sterile and can mesh with your new-build city-dwelling decor, but it’s also—on the downside—half-assed. If you’re selling people hardware that plays games, they ought to know that it’s a console and not a VCR you forgot to sell in 1997. Say what you will about the PS5 (it’s ugly; that’s the only correct opinion), but Sony took a swing with it. It made sure that everyone who bought one felt like they were buying a console, and like it or not, you eat with your eyes. If you want to give people a reason to buy your console, maybe try giving them a reason. Nintendo did that with the Switch in 2017, and as far as I can tell, that’s going (checks watch) really f*cking well.

Speaking of the Switch, Xbox should probably find a way to differentiate its hardware functionality-wise. As dominant as the PS5 has been in the console business, it’s still fundamentally the same machine as the Xbox. That’s a shame, considering Xbox had ample opportunities to bring hardware in exciting new directions over the years. Not to be the Kinect guy, but damn did Microsoft bungle XR big time—and then again, it bungled XR with the HoloLens. In the multiverse, there’s a timeline where Xbox used its experiments with XR via the Kinect and HoloLens to snatch value from the trembling hands of Sony and Meta’s Quest headsets. That is not this timeline, as we all know, but if it really wants to give Xbox a future worth financing, maybe there’s still room to take those more daring expeditions into gaming and refresh them for today’s age.

The last thing Xbox needs to do to get weird is a little more nebulous—it needs a new identity. Sure, Game Pass has been a ray of light in an otherwise dim outlook for Xbox, but turning the consoles into subscription machines doesn’t exactly scream, “We see you gamers, and we hear you.” Xbox can still continue to sell Game Pass subscriptions, don’t get me wrong—I love Game Pass, and being able to stream games on devices like the Quest 3 feels like a revelation to me. But the emphasis on Xbox being the thing that gets you to the thing makes hardware feel like an afterthought. Gaming on a console that you’ve spent $500 on should feel native; it should feel complete; it should feel like an Xbox, not a PC. That goes back to game exclusives, partly. Sony has had no issues getting weird with its exclusives—Death Stranding, for example, is one of the weirdest games you can play, and now Death Stranding 2 is a PS5 exclusive, which is apparently devastating some gamers. Sucks for them, but it’s kind of a huge win for PlayStation. It’s also more proof that Xbox doesn’t need to be the Netflix of gaming; it needs weird, magnetic titles that make its console feel experiential.

As you may have gathered, this would all be kind of a huge shift for Xbox, and it’s debatable whether Microsoft even has the will to make any of it work. I know the last few years have been lackluster for Xbox, but people still want consoles, and the recent success of the Switch 2 all but proves that. Nintendo, for its part, didn’t earn that success the easy way. It took a gamble with the Switch by redefining its hardware, pivoting inward towards games, and ended up releasing the defining console of our generation. That’s all to say, the ball is in your court, Microsoft. Are you going to go out with a bland, forgettable box? Or get weird and, at the very least, go down swinging?

If you’re a Galaxy phone user, Samsung warns that you need to activate some new features as soon as you can.

In a recent press release, Samsung explained that as phone thefts continue to rise around the world, it’s critical for users to make sure they enable their phone’s security measures – some of which are new to One UI 7.

Also: Phone theft is on the rise – 7 ways to protect your device before it’s too late

One of the areas getting an update is Theft Protection, which Samsung called “a multi-layered suite of features developed to safeguard personal data.” Existing and updated features in this suite include:

• Theft Detection Lock: This feature uses machine learning to detect motions associated with theft (like a sudden snatch and rapid acceleration), and instantly locks the screen to stop unauthorized access. Pixel devices introduced a similar feature last fall.

• Offline Device Lock: If your device is disconnected from the network for an extended time, the screen gets automatically locked.

• Remote Lock: If your phone has already been stolen, you can lock it remotely using your phone number and a quick verification step. You can also regain control of your account and explore additional recovery options.

These features build on the standard Android safety protection, Samsung noted, but take security a step further by introducing additional protection for high-risk scenarios when your access credentials have been compromised.

To turn on these features, head to your device’s settings menu and find security and privacy, then “Lost Device Protection” and “Theft Protection.”

Samsung also recommended enabling new anti-robbery features that were released in One UI 7, including: 

• Identity check: Samsung lets you define trusted places (say, your home in Google Maps) where your phone stays unlocked. With the “Safe Places” feature, if you’re outside a trusted place, your phone will require biometric authentication for any sensitive security changes. This helps keep your device safe even if someone has your PIN.

• Security Delay: If someone attempts to reset biometric data, your phone puts a one-hour waiting period in place. This gives users time to lock their stolen phone from another device before unauthorized access can occur.

These features are also under the Security and Privacy Section of the settings menu, but under “Lost Device Protection.”

Also: 5 warning signs that your phone’s been hacked – and how to fight back
Samsung said the updated theft features are becoming available now on previous flagship devices like the Galaxy S24 series, Z Fold6, Z Flip6, Z Fold5, Z Flip 5, S23, and S22 series, with future updates coming to even more Galaxy smartphones.

Features like this are starting to become commonplace. Android rolled out broader anti-theft measures last fall, added a few more in May, and even introduced some enhanced protections just a few days ago. Apple introduced its own version for iPhones last January.

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It’s time for an electrifying event in Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet during a mass outbreak of Electric-type Pokémon. From Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. PDT to Sunday, July 6, 2025, at 4:59 p.m. PDT, you’ll encounter groups of Dedenne, Pawmi, Pachirisu, Morpeko, Plusle, and Minun throughout the Paldea region, the land of Kitakami, and the Terarium at Blueberry Academy. Shiny Pokémon are more likely to appear during these special mass outbreaks, so don’t be shocked if you see Pokémon with unusual color schemes. Look for the following Pokémon in these locations:

• Paldea – Dedenne and Pawmi

• Kitakami – Pachirisu and Morpeko

• Blueberry Academy – Plusle and Minun

Mass outbreaks are a phenomenon in which many of the same species of Pokémon appear in one location. To participate in mass outbreak events, you will need to download the latest Poké Portal News and install the latest update data for your game.

Get charged up and have fun during this mass outbreak event, Trainers!

GET $150 OFF: As of June 30th, all colors of the Apple MacBook Air 2025 (M4 Chip, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) are on sale for $849, down from their regular price of $999, for a savings of 15%, or $150 off.

We already got excited about Apple’s 2025 MacBook Air hitting $150 off ahead of Prime Day, but last week you could only get one color: Starlight. Now we’re doubly hyped, with all colorways going on sale for the same 15% price cut… Yes, that includes Sky Blue, classic Silver, and Midnight. The choice is yours.

Right now, all colorways of Apple’s 2025 MacBook Air (M4 Chip, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) are on sale for $849, saving you $150.

The new Macbook Airs incorporate Apple’s supercharged M4 Chip, which are supported by 16GB of RAM. Even with a remarkably thin profile, these computers churn through calculations, so whether you’re running scientific experiments, performing, gaming, or simply opening lots of tabs, you’ll have the power you need.

Beyond computing power, the 2025 Air has a Retina display with 1 billion colors and a 12MP camera. It will support you in graphic design projects and online meetings.

Grab this deal to get any color of Apple’s 2025 Macbook Air (M4 Chip, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) for $150 off, and pay $849.

Built as the portable option among Apple’s laptops, the Air manages to fit an impressive battery in its half-inch thick body, and holds a charge for up to 18 hours. With such good battery life, it’s an excellent around-town laptop.