Lots has happened this past week in the tech world! With Nintendo revealing its Switch 2 console, TikTok CEO reportedly set to attend Trump’s inauguration, and more, there’s much to catch up on. So, let’s get started!
Nintendo Reveals Switch 2 Console
Nintendo announced on Thursday that its highly anticipated Switch 2 hybrid console will be released later this year, highlighting a larger screen and upgraded controllers as part of its effort to revitalize its struggling hardware business.
The company revealed the Switch 2 in a video trailer, which begins by showcasing the current model of the console before demonstrating the removal of the “joy-con” controllers, causing the tablet to expand in size. The video then features the joy-cons growing larger and shifting to a matte black color.
TikTok CEO to Be at Trump’s Inauguration
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is set to attend President Trump’s inauguration, where he will join other tech industry leaders, including Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos, on the dais, according to sources cited by NBC News.
This news comes just days before the potential U.S. ban on TikTok, which could result in the app being removed from platforms like Google Play and Apple’s App Store if the Chinese-owned company fails to sell its U.S. subsidiary to an American firm.
Biden’s New Executive Order on Cybersecurity
On Thursday, the Biden administration unveiled an executive order on cybersecurity, establishing new standards for companies selling to the U.S. government and requiring greater transparency from software providers.
The White House aims to implement new regulations “to strengthen America’s digital foundations,” as explained by Anne Neuberger, deputy national security advisor for cybersecurity and emerging tech, during a briefing with reporters on Wednesday.
Tesla Offers Cybertruck Discounts
Tesla has started offering discounts on new Cybertruck vehicles this week, according to listings on the company’s website.
The discounts reach up to $1,600 off the price of new Cybertrucks, depending on the configuration, and up to about $2,600 for demo models in inventory. The listings also indicate that production of the angular, unpainted steel pickups has reportedly slowed recently at Tesla’s factory in Austin, Texas.
DJI Removes No-Fly Zones
For over a decade, DJI drones were automatically restricted from flying over certain areas in the U.S., including airports, power plants, emergency zones like wildfires, and sensitive locations like the White House, thanks to the company’s geofencing system.
However, in a surprising move amid growing skepticism about drones in the U.S. and a specific incident where a DJI drone interfered with wildfire-fighting efforts in Los Angeles, DJI is removing its strict geofence. Now, DJI drones will no longer be prevented from flying into these “No-Fly Zones,” but instead, pilots will receive a dismissible warning—leaving it up to the operator’s discretion, common sense, and fear of legal repercussions to avoid these restricted areas.
