Week in Review: X CEO Linda Yaccarino steps down

Welcome to this week's roundup of significant events in the tech world! We have a lot to cover, from leadership changes at X to exciting new products from various companies. In a surprising turn of events, Linda Yaccarino has stepped down as CEO of X after two challenging years. Her tenure was marked by advertiser challenges, controversies involving Elon Musk, and ongoing issues related to AI. While Yaccarino was able to make improvements to the company's advertising business, the future still presents obstacles that the platform must navigate. On the software front, Apple is refining its Liquid Glass design in the latest beta of iOS 26. Following user feedback about visibility issues, the company has made adjustments to areas such as Notifications and Apple Music, aiming to find a suitable balance before the official release this fall. In robotics, Hugging Face has launched the Reachy Mini, a new open-source desktop robot geared towards AI developers. Priced at $299, these build-it-yourself robots can be fully programmed in Python and are compatible with the Hugging Face Hub, showcasing a commitment to empowering the developer community. Meanwhile, the tech scene is buzzing with the release of Nothing's latest device, the $799 Phone (3). Featuring a unique second screen and advanced AI capabilities, this phone aims to compete directly with offerings from Samsung and Apple. However, mixed reviews regarding its design and pricing suggest it might be seen as an alternative rather than a direct competitor for now. Samsung also made headlines with the introduction of its new foldable phones, including the Z Fold7 and Z Flip7, alongside a more affordable option, the Z Flip7 FE. In the automotive sector, Rivian has unveiled its new quad-motor R1T and R1S electric vehicles, boasting an impressive 1,025 horsepower and the ability to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 2.5 seconds. With sophisticated software features and in-house motors, Rivian is positioning its flagship models as it prepares for the upcoming release of its more budget-friendly R2 series in 2026. On the AI front, Elon Musk has touted xAI’s Grok 4 as a highly objective AI. However, recent testing indicates that the chatbot frequently references Musk's own posts and opinions, raising concerns about its objectivity and readiness for use in Tesla vehicles, which are expected to incorporate the technology soon. Furthermore, Apple has lost a key figure in its AI efforts, as Ruoming Pang, the head of AI models, has transitioned to Meta to join their expanding AI team, highlighting ongoing challenges within Apple's AI division. In an interesting development, Jack Dorsey has been working on a new Bluetooth-based messaging app called Bitchat, which allows communication without Wi-Fi or cellular service. While currently in closed beta, its claims of security are under scrutiny from researchers. Lastly, RealSense, after 14 years with Intel, is spinning off into its own entity with $50 million in funding aimed at enhancing its 3D imaging technology for various applications, including robotics and drones. CEO Nadav Orbach is focused on scaling operations and improving safety in human-robot interactions as demand for AI-driven solutions continues to rise. In a surprising reveal, Slate Auto, a Michigan-based electric vehicle startup backed by Jeff Bezos, announced plans for an ultra-affordable and customizable electric pickup truck, with production expected to begin by late 2026. This move could potentially disrupt the current market dynamics significantly.