Uzbekistan's economy grew 8.5% in the first half of 2026, driven by structural reforms since 2017, with significant increases in investment, exports, and sectoral growth, alongside improved credit ratings from Moody's and Fitch.
Russia's upgraded Yak-130M combat trainer aircraft, featuring over 50% modernized equipment including advanced sight systems and radar, was inspected by President Putin. The aircraft, capable of employing a broad range of armaments, completed its debut test flight in June 2026, with full trials and export deliveries planned for December 2028.
Ferrari dominated Friday practice at the Hungarian Grand Prix, with Charles Leclerc leading, though he anticipates a tight qualifying. Aston Martin's new car showed significant improvement, despite Lance Stroll's suspension failure. Mercedes faced difficulties, with championship leader Kimi Antonelli finishing 13th.
Stocks face a muted open after a sell-off, influenced by rising oil prices and AI spending concerns. Key companies like Intel, Nvidia, Amkor, American Express, SLB, Deckers Outdoor, GE Healthcare, Dell, Verizon, and Oracle report mixed earnings and strategic developments.
Fernando Alonso expresses optimism about Aston Martin's significant car upgrade, including a new chassis and aerodynamic changes, for the Hungarian Grand Prix. He cautions against high expectations, emphasizing understanding the car's direction rather than immediate results, as the team aims to catch up after a challenging season start.
Alibaba Group Holding's mapping unit, Amap, has upgraded its ABot AI framework, which unifies a robot's core functions into a single system. The new framework features five specialized foundation AI models designed to overcome the industry's challenge of siloed, independently operating robot models.
Apple is reportedly planning extensive chip upgrades and design changes for its Mac lineup through 2027, including a new MacBook Neo with A19 Pro, M5/M6 chip updates for iMac and MacBook Pro this fall, and a MacBook Ultra with an OLED touchscreen by early 2027. OLED screens are also set to gradually arrive on iPads and other Macs.
Samsung has launched its Z Flip 8 foldable smartphone, featuring a thinner, lighter design, a stronger Flex Titanium hinge, and new AI-powered camera and software features including MyFan cam and Gemini integration. Priced at $1,200, it also offers customizable front display panels and chipset variations by region.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra offers subtle design tweaks, a thinner profile, improved displays, a new titanium layer for crease reduction, faster charging, a larger 5,000mAh battery, and an upgraded ultra-wide camera. However, its $2,100 starting price and the existence of the base Z Fold 8 raise value concerns for the reviewer.
Samsung officially unveiled the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, its new foldable flagship, featuring a higher-resolution display, sharper 50MP ultrawide camera, larger 5,000 mAh battery, and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip. It maintains the Z Fold 7's dimensions and weight while offering IP48 resistance.
Samsung's new Z Fold 8 Ultra features an "invisible" crease thanks to Flex Titanium display tech, upgraded Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, a 5,000mAh battery, 45W charging, and a 50MP ultrawide camera. The device starts at $2,099.99, a $100 increase from its predecessor.
Samsung has launched the Galaxy Watch 9, featuring minor improvements over its predecessor, including Google's Wear OS 7, a new Snapdragon Wear Elite chip for enhanced speed and efficiency, and larger batteries. It retains AI-enhanced health-tracking features and starts at $380, with general availability on August 7.
Meghalaya's government launched a homestay subsidy scheme, offering up to 70% support, to boost accommodation for the National Games 2027 and foster long-term community-owned tourism. The initiative aims to address temporary housing needs while creating entrepreneurship and livelihoods.
Apple, 28 Temmuz'da ABD'de "Apple Upgrade" kiralama programını duyurarak iPhone, iPad ve Mac gibi cihazlara aylık ödemelerle sahip olma imkanı sunacak. Klarna iş birliğiyle hayata geçecek sistem, kullanıcı sadakatini ve cihaz döngülerini hızlandırmayı hedefliyor.
Apple is reportedly launching an "Apple Upgrade" device leasing program on July 28th, backed by Klarna, to replace existing financing options. It will cover most new iPhones, Macs, iPads, and Apple Watches with 24 or 36-month leases, requiring a soft credit check.
India's consumption patterns have dramatically shifted from basic needs to experiences and lifestyle choices, now driving nearly 60% of the country's GDP. While this boom is visible across urban and rural areas, fueled by rising incomes and aspirations, it also raises concerns about increasing household debt and financial insecurity, particularly among younger generations who prioritize immediate gratification over long-term savings.
Nintendo's Splatoon Raiders, the first spin-off in the popular ink-splattering series, is critiqued as a conventional cooperative action game. While designed for multiplayer, its straightforward missions and familiar mechanics make it feel pedestrian, lacking the unique charm and depth of the main Splatoon titles.
South Korea upgraded a flood alert for the Imjin River near the North Korean border to a full warning due to heavy rains and North Korea's unannounced release of water from the Hwanggang Dam, prompting safety warnings for residents.
Turkey has refused to approve a €27 billion NATO military fuel pipeline upgrade, demanding prioritized funding for its 21 projects. This eleventh-hour bid delays a crucial deal to extend the Cold War-era network, aimed at preparing for a potential conflict with Russia.
Artificial Intelligence is currently undergoing testing on the International Space Station (ISS) to assist cosmonauts with daily reports and optimize work processes, as stated by Sergey Krikalev, Deputy CEO of Roscosmos State Space Corporation.
Apple's rumored iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, expected September 2026, may feature significant camera upgrades, a new A20 Pro chipset, and potential price increases due to rising component costs, with US prices possibly starting around $1,099-$1,299.
Hyperliquid plans a HIP-4 upgrade allowing external operators to create prediction markets, challenging Polymarket. Deployers must stake 500,000 HYPE ($31.7M), with validators retaining broad oversight. This aims to expand market creation beyond validators, mirroring the success of HIP-3's perpetual futures.
President Trump will temporarily use an older Air Force One for about a month while the new Qatari-gifted jet undergoes upgrades. The new aircraft has faced scrutiny over its foreign origin and perceived lack of advanced security systems, prompting a recent switch during a NATO summit.
Cardano activated its van Rossem hard fork, upgrading the mainnet to version 11. This update is expected to lower smart contract execution costs and prepares the network for the Ouroboros Leios scalability upgrade, anticipated in late 2026.
