Welcome back to Week in Review!

We have a wealth of updates for you this week, featuring a leadership change at X, a new robot from Hugging Face, fresh smartphone releases from Nothing and Samsung, and much more. Enjoy your weekend!

Shifting gears:

This week, X CEO Linda Yaccarino stepped down after a tumultuous two-year period fraught with advertiser pushback, Elon Musk controversies, and AI setbacks for the platform. While the ad business improved during her tenure, the challenges ahead remain significant.

Transparency matters:

Apple is adjusting its new Liquid Glass design in iOS 26 beta 3, reducing transparency in features like Notifications and Apple Music following user feedback concerning readability. This is another move as they seek the right balance prior to the OS launch this fall.

Adorable innovation:

Hugging Face is now accepting orders for its new open-source desktop robot, Reachy Mini, which is targeted at AI developers. Priced from $299, these build-it-yourself robots are entirely programmable in Python and connect with the Hugging Face Hub.

This is TechCrunch’s Week in Review, where we summarize the week’s most significant news. Would you like this delivered as a newsletter to your inbox every Saturday? Sign up here.

News

Nothing Phone 3 Image Credits: Ivan Mehta

A whole lot of Nothing:

Nothing’s $799 Phone (3) is its most ambitious offering yet, featuring a unique second screen, AI capabilities, and flagship specs designed to compete with Samsung and Apple. However, mixed responses to its design and price may position it as an “alternative” rather than a full “replacement” for now.

Samsung’s latest:

Samsung introduced new foldable phones this week, including the Z Fold7 and Z Flip7, alongside a more affordable option, the Z Flip7 FE.

Dreaming of this ride:

Rivian has unveiled its powerful quad-motor R1T and R1S EVs, offering 1,025 horsepower and the ability to accelerate from 0 to 60 in under 2.5 seconds, complete with new features like “kick turn” and RAD Tuner for personalized driving modes. Rivian is betting its $115,000+ flagship will hold strong until more budget-friendly R2 models are expected in 2026.

Impressive innovation:

Elon Musk claims xAI’s new Grok 4 is a “maximally truth-seeking AI,” though testing reveals that the chatbot often references Musk’s posts and public statements when addressing controversial topics. This alignment with its founder raises legitimate questions about objectivity and Grok’s readiness for widespread use, especially as Musk plans to integrate it into Teslas next week.

Another shift:

Ruoming Pang, Apple’s former head of AI models, has departed for Meta, joining Zuckerberg’s expanding AI superintelligence team. This transition indicates ongoing challenges in Apple’s AI initiatives and adds vital on-device AI expertise to Meta’s roster.

Prioritizing safety?

Jack Dorsey spent the weekend developing a Bluetooth-based messaging app called Bitchat, which facilitates communication through Bluetooth mesh networks, enabling users to chat without Wi-Fi or cellular service. The app is currently in closed beta, but concerns about its security claims are emerging from the research community.

New beginnings:

After 14 years at Intel, RealSense is launching as an independent entity with a $50 million funding boost to enhance its 3D imaging technology for robotics, drones, and other applications. CEO Nadav Orbach plans to intensify market strategies and elevate safety measures for human-robot interactions as demand for AI technology surges.

Analysis

Slate Auto’s electric truck. Image Credits: Slate Auto

Revealing plans:

Slate Auto, a discreet Michigan-based EV startup supported by Jeff Bezos, shocked the market with plans for a remarkably affordable, customizable electric pickup truck. After operating in secrecy for three years, the company aims to disrupt the industry with production set for late 2026.