LirOptic, an Irish firm headquartered in Dublin and spun out from University College Dublin, has been selected for the Luminate NY Accelerator Programme in Rochester, New York. The company has developed shapeshifting and tunable optical lenses that enhance smartphone camera performance and reduce CCM size. During the seven-month program, LirOptic will receive an initial $100k investment and compete for up to $2m in follow-on funding. The company aims to scale its business with access to industry leaders and mentors.

Volla Messages, positioned as a peer-to-peer alternative to popular messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram, is currently in its early stages and lacks robust features and security measures. The app, which is based on the Holochain technology, promises enhanced data security and privacy but has not yet implemented end-to-end encryption. The company plans to release more features, including audio and video conferencing, but lacks transparency and a fully documented whitepaper.

The Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (TSMC) announced a $100 billion investment in the United States over the next four years, following more than $65 billion already invested. The deal aims to expand semiconductor operations in the U.S. to avoid 25% tariffs and support advancements in AI and smartphone technology. Taiwan's government downplays national security concerns, emphasizing the need to maintain high-tech manufacturing processes in Taiwan and build resilient semiconductor supply chains. Opposition leaders, however, raise concerns about the potential impact on Taiwan's defense capabilities.

This article discusses how Samsung's DeX feature allows users to transform their Galaxy S25 Ultra into a desktop-like computer by connecting it to a monitor or TV. The feature is praised for its ease of use and compatibility with popular apps, making it a viable alternative for users who primarily rely on Google, Microsoft, Adobe, and other popular services.

JP Morgan analyst Bill Peterson reiterated an Overweight rating on Enovix Corp's shares with a price target of $15.00, anticipating fourth-quarter results to meet expectations. Enovix is expected to deliver battery samples to its first customers by Q2 2025, potentially securing an order by Q3 2025 for a fourth-quarter 2025 ramp in smartphone production. Enovix is also positioning itself to secure design wins and capture significant market share in the years ahead.