NVIDIA has officially raised the prices of its GPUs, with the GeForce RTX 5090 now retailing for over $2,500 across multiple retailers—a 10% to 15% price hike that reflects broader cost pressures. According to DigiTimes, this increase affects not just consumer GPUs like the RTX 5090 but also AI accelerators such as the B200. The company is reportedly adjusting pricing to offset the impact of geopolitical tensions, U.S. tariffs, and its costly shift in supply chains, particularly its move from Asian foundries to TSMC’s Arizona facility. This transition has led to higher production costs, which are now being passed on to consumers. Inventory issues and inflated prices had plagued the RTX 50 series launch from the start, and the latest hikes further dent their appeal. On the AI front, chips like the H200 and B200 have also seen a 10%–15% price increase, with server manufacturers revising quotes to reflect these changes. With the export restrictions on models like the H20 hurting revenue, NVIDIA appears unwilling to absorb further losses, opting instead to protect margins—albeit at the expense of affordability for consumers and businesses alike.

TikTok has launched AI Alive, a new AI-powered feature that transforms static photos into immersive, animated videos within TikTok Stories. Designed to make content creation more dynamic and accessible, AI Alive allows users to animate photos with movement, effects, and ambient sounds—turning simple snapshots into short, cinematic experiences. Available exclusively through the Story Camera, the tool gives creators full control over editing, even without prior experience. For example, a sunset photo can be turned into a vivid video with drifting clouds and ocean sounds. AI Alive-generated stories are visible in the For You and Following feeds, as well as on the user's profile. To ensure safety and transparency, TikTok reviews all AI Alive content through a multi-step moderation process and labels it as AI-generated, including embedding C2PA metadata. This launch highlights TikTok’s continued focus on empowering creators while upholding trust and safety within its global community.

Audible has announced the rollout of AI technology to narrate audiobooks and, later this year, to offer AI-powered translations. Through “Audible-managed” or “self-service” production options, publishers can select from over 100 AI-generated voices in multiple languages. Audible claims the technology will expand access to audiobooks and help more stories reach global audiences. However, the move has sparked significant backlash from authors, translators, and voice actors, who argue that AI lacks the emotional depth, nuance, and cultural insight of human narration. Critics also warn that it could marginalise underrepresented voices, reduce storytelling to a mechanical process, and prioritise cost over creativity. The Society of Authors has called for greater transparency and author consent, emphasising that creators must retain the choice of whether their work is narrated by humans or AI. While Audible frames the innovation as a tool for accessibility and efficiency, concerns remain about its impact on artistic quality and the livelihoods of creative professionals.

Chegg announced it will lay off approximately 22% of its workforce—about 248 employees—as part of a major cost-cutting and restructuring effort in response to declining demand for its services. The online education company, known for textbook rentals and homework help, has been losing web traffic as students increasingly turn to AI tools like ChatGPT and Google's Gemini platform. Chegg also cited competition from AI companies offering free academic access as a key challenge. As part of the restructuring, the company plans to close its U.S. and Canadian offices by year-end and reduce spending on marketing, product development, and administrative functions. The company expects the move to result in savings of up to $110 million by 2026, though it will incur up to $38 million in related charges in the short term. In Q1, Chegg reported a 31% drop in subscribers and a 30% decline in revenue. The company also recently filed a lawsuit against Google, accusing it of hurting traffic and undermining content providers through its AI-generated search summaries.

Digital wallets are rapidly transforming global payments by offering speed, security, and transparency—three features now central to their growing adoption. Once seen as niche tools, they’re now crucial for Gen Z users sending money abroad and SMBs engaged in international trade. According to PYMNTS Intelligence and TerraPay, over half of U.S. consumers not yet using digital wallets cite speed as the main factor that would persuade them to adopt, with SMBs echoing this need for real-time transfers. While speed draws users in, security builds trust, with 36% of consumers and 25% of SMBs citing safety concerns as a key barrier. Importantly, the issue is less about actual risk and more about a lack of visible, standardised safeguards. Transparent compliance and trust frameworks can help build long-term loyalty. Meanwhile, transparency, though often overlooked, is emerging as a critical factor, with about one-third of prospective users valuing real-time payment tracking. As users grow less tolerant of vague or delayed cross-border payments, digital wallets that offer visibility into transaction status are becoming indispensable for businesses and consumers alike.

Mastercard has partnered with crypto payments FinTech MoonPay to enhance the global use of stablecoins in everyday transactions. The partnership allows consumers and businesses to send, receive, and spend stablecoins across international markets using Mastercard-branded cards linked to stablecoin balances. These balances are instantly converted into fiat currency at over 150 million locations where Mastercard is accepted. The initiative leverages infrastructure from Iron, a stablecoin-focused platform MoonPay acquired in March, to turn crypto wallets into digital bank accounts. This integration aims to make cross-border payouts and disbursements more efficient, especially for gig workers, contractors, and creators. The move comes as Mastercard strengthens its role in digital asset adoption, having recently launched similar partnerships, including one with crypto exchange OKX. The trend reflects the growing relevance of stablecoins in a geopolitically uncertain world, where small and medium enterprises are increasingly turning to stablecoin payments to overcome the limitations of traditional banking systems and improve cash flow efficiency.

Saudi Arabia’s new AI-focused subsidiary, HUMAIN, has announced a landmark strategic partnership with NVIDIA to position the Kingdom as a global leader in AI, digital transformation, and GPU cloud computing. The partnership includes building AI factories in Saudi Arabia powered by hundreds of thousands of NVIDIA’s most advanced GPUs, starting with an 18,000-GPU Grace Blackwell supercomputer. These hyperscale data centres will support the development of sovereign AI models and drive innovation across multiple industries. HUMAIN will also implement NVIDIA’s Omniverse platform to enable “physical AI” applications like robotics and digital twins in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and energy. Additionally, the partnership aims to train and upskill thousands of Saudi citizens in AI, robotics, and simulation technologies, aligning with Vision 2030 goals for economic diversification and digital leadership.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) and HUMAIN have announced a strategic partnership to invest over $5 billion in building an “AI Zone” in the Kingdom. This groundbreaking initiative will include cutting-edge AWS infrastructure, such as AI-dedicated servers, UltraCluster networks, and services like Amazon SageMaker, Bedrock, and Amazon Q, designed to accelerate AI training, inference, and application development. The AI Zone builds on AWS’s existing $5.3 billion investment in a new AWS cloud region set to launch in 2026 and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to become a global leader in AI. The collaboration aims to drive innovation across key sectors such as healthcare, education, energy, and government by enabling personalised services and more efficient operations through AI. HUMAIN will leverage AWS technologies to develop local solutions, foster the adoption of Arabic Large Language Models (ALLaM), and co-create an AI agent marketplace for public sector applications. Additionally, the partnership will support Saudi Arabia’s startup ecosystem and commit to training 100,000 citizens in AI and cloud computing, including programs tailored to empower women in tech. This initiative underscores Saudi Arabia’s ambition to lead in AI innovation, boost its digital economy, and cultivate future-ready talent.

Chinese startup AgiBot is rapidly training humanoid robots in a Shanghai warehouse to perform real-world tasks like folding clothes and making sandwiches. The robots operate 17 hours a day to generate massive datasets used to refine their AI systems. This effort aligns with China’s broader strategy to address slowing growth, labour shortages, and trade tensions by automating factory work through humanoid robotics. Backed by strong government support, China has allocated over $20 billion to the sector in the past year and is planning a ¥1 trillion ($137 billion) startup fund focused on AI and robotics. President Xi Jinping's endorsement and frequent visits to humanoid robot firms, like AgiBot and Unitree, further highlight the strategic priority of this sector. China's advantage lies in its advanced AI models (like DeepSeek) and efficient hardware production, which are driving down costs. Analysts predict the average cost of a humanoid robot will fall from $35,000 to $17,000 by 2030, compared to Tesla’s $50,000–$60,000 unit costs. While concerns over job displacement exist, Chinese authorities argue long-term job creation will outweigh short-term labour disruption, likening it to past industrial revolutions. With potential global annual sales reaching 1 million humanoid robots by 2030, China is aiming to lead the next phase of manufacturing innovation through AI-driven automation.

The Mastercard Economics Institute’s Travel Trends 2025 report reveals that while economic factors like exchange rates and geopolitical tensions influence travel, personal motivations- such as wellness, nature, and culinary experiences- are increasingly shaping consumer decisions. Africa is emerging as a leading destination for purpose-driven travel, offering unique attractions from Namibia’s wellness retreats and South Africa’s wilderness adventures to Morocco’s vibrant food scene. The report notes that South Africa and Zambia lead in spending near national parks, while Marrakech and Cape Town are recognised culinary hotspots. Wellness-focused destinations like Namibia, Botswana, and Kenya are also gaining traction. Globally, trends show that travellers are motivated by passions and experiences, with destinations like Finland and Tokyo drawing attention for adventure and cultural appeal. Sports tourism is also on the rise, as demonstrated by a spike in Japanese visitor spending in Los Angeles during Shohei Ohtani’s World Series debut. While business travel is increasingly regional, some markets, like the UK, are expanding their reach. Mastercard emphasises the importance of data-driven insights in shaping inclusive and resilient tourism, particularly across Africa.

Meta Platforms Inc., in partnership with EssilorLuxottica, has launched the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses in India, marking a significant step into one of the world's fastest-growing consumer tech markets. Available for pre-sale from May 13, 2025, and official purchase from May 19, the glasses integrate Meta’s AI to offer hands-free interaction through voice commands like “Hey Meta.” Users can access features such as local recommendations, playlist suggestions, language translation, and device controls, with offline language packs and live translation in multiple languages to follow later in the year. Equipped with a 12MP ultrawide camera, five microphones, and open-ear speakers, the glasses support up to 30 minutes of hands-free livestreaming to Instagram and Facebook, catering to creators seeking real-time, authentic content sharing. The Meta View app enhances user experience with editing tools and social sharing options, while software updates will continually expand functionality. Offered in Wayfarer, Wayfarer Large, and Skyler styles, the eyewear is compatible with various lenses and includes UV protection. Priced from Rs 29,900 and packaged with a charging case, the launch reflects Meta’s strategy to blend smart technology with stylish eyewear, leveraging India’s expanding interest in wearable devices.

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