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Robotaxis Race Ahead, Gaming Gets a Boost, and a Dubious Phone Claim
From autonomous vehicle battles to free PlayStation Plus games and a questionable "Made in USA" phone, this week’s tech news is packed with surprises.
Rob LeFebvre
June 26, 2025
Robotaxi Showdown: Tesla Breaks Rules, Zoox Builds Pods, Waymo Publishes the Receipts
Waymo, Tesla, and Zoox are locked in a fierce robotaxi race, each with distinct strategies. Waymo leads with over 10 million paid rides, using lidar and radar for safety, and plans expansion to Miami and Tokyo. Tesla’s Austin trial with Model Ys faces scrutiny for traffic violations, relying solely on cameras and AI. Zoox, Amazon’s contender, is set to produce 10,000 steering-wheel-free pods annually in its new California factory, launching in Las Vegas soon. Safety, scalability, and regulation remain key challenges.
PlayStation Plus Turns 15—Here’s What You’re Getting Free in July
PlayStation Plus celebrates 15 years with a stellar July lineup: Diablo IV, The King of Fighters XV, and Jusant. Available from July 1, these games cater to action RPG, fighting, and adventure fans. Diablo IV offers dark, cooperative gameplay, while The King of Fighters XV delivers intense battles. Jusant provides a unique climbing adventure. Subscribers also get exclusive discounts and a chance to win a PS5 Pro in a sweepstakes.
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Quest 3 Xbox Edition Is Real and It’s Built for Console Gamers
Meta and Microsoft have collaborated on the Quest 3 Xbox Edition, a $400 XR headset tailored for console gamers. It includes a pre-installed Xbox Cloud Gaming app and a controller, enabling seamless cloud gaming without a console. Available in 128GB and 512GB variants, it launches this fall with enhanced visuals and comfort over the Quest 2. This partnership aims to make XR gaming more accessible, competing with Sony’s PSVR 2.
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How You Can Finally Move Chrome’s Address Bar in Android
Google Chrome’s latest Android update allows users to move the address bar to the bottom of the screen, improving one-handed usability. Accessible via a flag in Chrome’s settings, this feature mirrors iOS functionality and caters to larger phone displays. The update also enhances performance and security, with early user feedback praising the ergonomic change. It’s rolling out gradually, so check your app settings to enable it.
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Trump’s “Made in USA” Phone? Yeah, About That…
(Photo: Trump Mobile)
The Trump Mobile T1, initially marketed as a “Made in USA” smartphone, has dropped that claim amid skepticism. Likely a rebranded device from a Chinese manufacturer, it features standard specs like a 6.5-inch display and 5G support. Critics question its originality and pricing, with no clear evidence of U.S. manufacturing. The controversy highlights challenges in tech branding and transparency, leaving consumers wary.
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Until next time,
AI EXPLAINED team