Tech

SoftBank Invests $5.4 Billion in AI Robotics, Pledging a 'Groundbreaking Evolution'

SoftBank is embarking on a significant expansion in the robotics industry, committing $5.4 billion to acquire the robotics division of ABB. This strategic investment underscores the Japanese conglomerate's renewed focus on advanced automation and artificial intelligence. Founder Masayoshi Son has articulated a bold vision for the future, declaring 'Physical AI' as SoftBank's next major endeavor. This initiative is expected to drive substantial advancements and foster a groundbreaking evolution in how AI interacts with the physical world, moving beyond the company's previous ventures into robotics, such as the well-known but ultimately underperforming 'Pepper' robot.

SoftBank's substantial investment in ABB's robotics segment is a pivotal step in strengthening its foothold in the rapidly evolving field of robotics. This acquisition is currently awaiting regulatory approval but is set to significantly bolster SoftBank's existing portfolio, which already includes interests in prominent robotics enterprises such as Skild, AutoStore Holdings, and Agile Robots. By integrating ABB's industrial robotics expertise, SoftBank aims to create a more comprehensive and influential presence in the market, enabling them to pursue more ambitious projects and innovations.

Masayoshi Son's declaration of 'Physical AI' as the company's new frontier signals a strategic shift towards more tangible and interactive AI applications. This vision extends beyond mere software algorithms to encompass intelligent machines that can operate and interact within physical environments. Such a direction promises to redefine various industries, from manufacturing and logistics to healthcare and daily life, by leveraging AI to enhance robotic capabilities and autonomy.

The acquisition of ABB's robotics division is not an isolated event but rather a key component of SoftBank's overarching strategy to become a dominant force in the global artificial intelligence landscape. The company is systematically allocating substantial capital into four core strategic areas: advanced chips, robust data centers, sustainable energy solutions, and cutting-edge generative AI technologies. These investments collectively form a cohesive ecosystem designed to support and accelerate the development of super-intelligent AI, ultimately aiming to transform numerous facets of human society and economic activity.

The move into 'Physical AI' represents a bold and calculated risk for SoftBank, building on past experiences in the robotics space while embracing new technological paradigms. The goal is to move past the limitations of earlier attempts, like the 'Pepper' robot, and harness the full potential of AI to create truly intelligent and adaptable robotic systems. This renewed commitment reflects a long-term strategy to not only participate in but to lead the next wave of technological innovation, ensuring SoftBank remains at the forefront of the artificial intelligence revolution.

Top Picks: What Readers Purchased During October Prime Day

During October Prime Day, Mashable's audience demonstrated a keen interest in a diverse array of products, from cutting-edge electronics to daily necessities and unique collectibles. This curated list unveils the top 20 items that captured readers' attention and wallets, providing a glimpse into the prevailing consumer preferences and the most compelling discounts available during the event. The popular purchases span a wide spectrum, including coveted Apple gadgets, innovative water filtration systems, and practical smart home devices, highlighting both predictable bestsellers and a few unexpected choices.

Apple AirTags emerged as a standout favorite among readers during Prime Big Deal Days. These compact Bluetooth trackers, designed to integrate seamlessly within the iOS ecosystem, offer more than just travel convenience. They prove invaluable for locating frequently misplaced items like keys or wallets, catering to those prone to forgetfulness. The four-pack of Apple AirTags was notably priced at an unprecedented low of $64.99, a savings of $34.01, bringing the cost per AirTag to an attractive $16.25.

Another significant acquisition by Mashable readers was the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air, which returned to its all-time low price of $799. This laptop, recognized as one of October Prime Day's premier offerings, delivers exceptional processing speed thanks to its M4 chip, all while remaining under the $1,000 mark. Its appeal lies in its powerful performance combined with an accessible price point.

A surprisingly popular item was the Beats Pill x Kim Kardashian portable speaker. This stylish audio device saw one of the most substantial price drops during the event, plummeting to $49.99 from its original $149.95, representing a 67% discount. Readers eagerly seized this opportunity, saving nearly $100 on the fashionable speaker.

Crest 3D Whitestrips maintained their status as a perennial Prime Day classic. While typically a costly bathroom staple, the reduction to $29.99 made them a much more economical purchase for restocking, solidifying their consistent popularity during sales events.

Pokemon enthusiasts also made their presence felt, with the Pokemon TCG Scarlet & Violet Binder Box becoming a top seller. This premium bundle combines a themed 9-pocket binder with five Black Bolt booster packs and a code for Pokémon TCG Live, offering both utility and entertainment for collectors and players alike.

The DJI Mini Mic, a favorite among content creators, also saw considerable interest. Praised for its high-quality audio capture at an affordable price, its Prime Day discount to $79 made it an irresistible choice for readers looking to enhance their recording capabilities.

Among audio devices, the Apple AirPods 4 were a clear winner. Priced under $100, these earbuds offer spatial audio, water and sweat resistance, and an impressive 30 hours of battery life with their charging case, presenting excellent value.

Mashable's readership also demonstrated a leaning towards outdoor and emergency preparedness items, evidenced by the high demand for the LifeStraw. This personal water filter, capable of protecting against bacteria and parasites, was available for under $10, making it a compelling classic Prime Day deal. Additionally, the LifeStraw Peak Series, a more advanced emergency filter with enhanced clog reduction, also proved popular, selling for 25% off its original price and under $20.

For those seeking portable power solutions, the Anker Solix C1000 power station garnered significant attention. Having previously earned a Mashable Choice Award, its 60% discount during Prime Big Deal Days made its robust performance and versatility even more appealing at $799. A more budget-friendly alternative, the Jackery Explorer 300, also sold well, offering $100 off its price at $159 for camping and outdoor adventures.

In the home entertainment category, the Insignia 75-inch QF Series QLED 4K Fire TV quickly sold out, highlighting strong demand for large, integrated smart televisions. Its return to stock on the final day of Prime Day allowed more readers to acquire this 4K Fire TV at a discounted price of $399.99, saving $250. The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K also remained a top streaming device, providing 4K streaming capabilities for a mere $24.99.

Smart home upgrades were also on many shopping lists, with Kasa Smart Plugs leading the way. A four-pack of these Alexa and Google Home compatible plugs, allowing remote control of various appliances, was available for $23.99, saving buyers $6. Holiday shoppers also took advantage of deals on the Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar and the Pokemon TCG Holiday Calendar, securing festive items ahead of the season. Finally, the Shark cordless pet vacuum, a highly coveted item, sold out rapidly, underscoring its popularity among pet owners.

The October Prime Day event was a clear indicator of reader preferences, showcasing strong demand for both cutting-edge technology and practical everyday items at competitive prices. From Apple's highly sought-after AirTags and MacBooks to personal water filters and smart home devices, consumers actively pursued and acquired a diverse range of products. The event underscored the allure of significant discounts on popular brands and functional goods, catering to varied interests and needs.

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Anker's Nebula P1: A Portable Projector with Detachable Speakers

Anker is introducing an innovative portable projector, the Nebula P1, designed to offer enhanced flexibility with its unique detachable speaker system, catering to modern entertainment needs.

Experience Cinematic Freedom with Anker's Nebula P1 Projector

Unveiling the Nebula P1: Redefining Portable Projection

Anker's Soundcore division is broadening its range of portable projection devices with the debut of the Nebula P1. This all-in-one system boasts a distinctive feature: a pair of integrated speakers that can be separated from the main unit, allowing users to position them optimally for an immersive audio experience. The Nebula P1 mirrors the functionality of its larger counterpart, the Nebula X1 Pro, but comes in a significantly more compact form factor, weighing a mere 5.3 pounds, a stark contrast to the X1 Pro's 72 pounds. Currently, the device is available for purchase on Anker's official website for $799, with a special promotional price of $719 on Amazon for a limited period. Shipments are anticipated to commence in mid-October 2025.

Performance and Pricing: A Closer Look at the Nebula P1

While the full retail price of the Nebula X1 Pro stands at $5,000, the more compact Nebula P1 is designed with a different set of specifications. It delivers a native resolution of 1080P and an LED light source capable of producing 650 ANSI lumens of brightness. To achieve the maximum projected screen size of 180 inches, as advertised by Anker, it is advisable to operate the projector in a dimly lit or dark environment.

Enhanced Usability: Smart Features and Power Considerations

Setting up the Nebula P1 is straightforward, thanks to its integrated autofocus, automatic keystone correction, and a built-in gimbal that provides 130 degrees of movement for easy angle adjustments. This ensures a sharp and correctly aligned image with minimal effort. However, prospective users planning outdoor movie nights or presentations should note a key power requirement: while the P1's two detachable 10W Bluetooth speakers offer an impressive battery life of up to 20 hours, the projector unit itself does not have an internal battery and must remain connected to a power source during operation. This means an extension cord will be a necessary accessory for extended outdoor usage.

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