HeyWhatsNew: Trump Launches Gold-Plated Phone Plan and Alexa Gets an AI Upgrade
Hey Heyuppers! Another week, another wave of buzzworthy tech and fresh ideas. Here’s a round-up of everything making headlines in the week beginning 16/06/2025.
Amazon Rebuilds Alexa from the Ground Up with AI
Amazon is releasing a completely redesigned version of its voice assistant, named Alexa+, powered by generative AI. According to Daniel Rausch, Amazon’s VP of Alexa and Echo, this is the most significant overhaul of the platform to date. AI played an important role throughout the development process, from writing code to testing responses. During training, engineers used a large language model to evaluate Alexa’s outputs, helping select the most accurate and helpful responses. The new Alexa+ will offer a more conversational and personalized experience, with the ability to remember user preferences and complete online tasks like purchasing groceries or finding concert tickets.
Beyond improving the assistant itself, Amazon’s approach signals a broader shift in how AI is transforming the workplace. As tools like generative AI become more integrated into development workflows, they are accelerating productivity and reshaping engineering roles. CEO Andy Jassy noted that while this increased efficiency may reduce the need for some traditional roles, it will also create demand for new types of work. With over a million users already testing Alexa+ in early access, Amazon plans a wider rollout later this summer.
Adobe’s Firefly is Available on iOS and Android
Adobe is expanding its push into AI with the launch of a Firefly mobile app for iOS and Android, building on the redesigned web version it released in April. The app allows users to generate images and videos using prompts, powered by Adobe’s own Firefly models as well as third-party tools like OpenAI’s GPT, Google’s Imagen 3 and Veo 2, and Flux 1.1 Pro. Users can also take advantage of features like generative fill and expand, and Creative Cloud subscribers can start projects on mobile and seamlessly continue on web or desktop.
In addition to the new mobile offering, Adobe is broadening its support for more third-party models such as Kontext by Black Forest Labs, Ideogram 3.0, and Gen-4 Image by Runway. Firefly Boards, Adobe’s collaborative whiteboarding tool, is also getting an upgrade with the ability to generate videos using both Adobe and competitor models.
Trump Family Launches a Mobile Network
The Trump Organization has announced Trump Mobile, a wireless mobile network that highlights American-made devices and services. Plans start at $47.45, a price tag that symbolizes Donald Trump’s 45th and potential 47th presidency. The launch was introduced by Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump at Trump Tower in New York, where they positioned the service as a patriotic, tech-forward alternative aimed at consumers who feel underserved by mainstream providers.
Trump Mobile will operate using all three major U.S. wireless networks and promises customer support based entirely in the United States. One of the first products offered is the gold-colored “T1” smartphone, available for pre-order at $499. The service will also come with additional perks, including telemedicine access, roadside assistance, and unlimited texting, making it more than just a typical phone plan.
Next-Gen Xbox to Feature AMD Chip with Open Store Access
Microsoft has officially confirmed it’s working on the next generation of Xbox consoles built in partnership with AMD. While AMD has long been Xbox’s chip supplier, this time, the partnership marks a bigger shift. According to Xbox president Sarah Bond, the next-gen Xbox experience will be “not locked to a single store or tied to one device.” The new systems are expected to run on Windows, hinting at a more open, PC-like ecosystem, and will support everything from cloud gaming to handhelds. This aligns with Microsoft’s recent reveal of the ROG Xbox Ally, a handheld made by ASUS that runs Windows and supports storefronts like Steam. Bond emphasized cross-device gaming, deeper visual quality through new silicon, and full backward compatibility with existing Xbox libraries.
The company is pushing an Xbox platform that spans living rooms, hands, and the cloud rather than just one box under the TV. Microsoft looks ready to break from tradition, moving away from the console rivalry with Sony and toward a more open, cross-platform future. Their choice to partner with AMD also means it won’t use Nvidia’s DLSS upscaling tech, as the focus appears to be on AI-enhanced gameplay, immersive graphics, and a seamless gaming experience across all kinds of devices.
16 Billion Passwords Leaked in Data Breach
A massive data breach has exposed 16 billion passwords that are connected to major platforms like Apple, Facebook, Google, and even government services. This makes it one of the largest leaks ever reported. Researchers uncovered 30 datasets containing billions of login credentials, most of which are newly exposed. This isn’t recycled old data; it’s fresh, weaponizable intel that hackers can use to launch phishing attacks and take over accounts at a massive scale. Google has already urged billions of users to change their passwords, while the FBI warned Americans to stay cautious about suspicious SMS links.
Although the data was exposed only briefly, giving little time to trace who controlled it, the breach’s scale and scope are staggering. Experts say the leak comes from multiple info-stealing malware, but it’s still unclear how many accounts were compromised. Their advice? Don’t reuse or share passwords, use strong password managers, and stay vigilant for signs of hacking. This breach is a serious reminder that password security remains critical in our increasingly digital lives.
That’s all for this week’s highlights. We’ll catch you next week with more new updates and exciting tech news!
