Consumer Technology Association SmartBrief
Innovative drones take flight for the future
Created for NPy7hz0ktx@nie.podam.pl | Web Version
May 5, 2025
Consumer Technology Association SmartBrief
News covering the consumer technology industrySIGN UP ⋅   SHARE
Today's Digital Pulse
Karate Kid enters the Roblox dojo
(Gamefan)
Gamefam and Sony Pictures are launching Karate Kid Training Simulator on Roblox as a promotional effort for the film "Karate Kid: Legends," premiering May 30. Players can train with characters such as Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Han in various locations, participate in weekly challenges and earn exclusive rewards.
Full Story: Digital Trends (4/29) 
LinkedIn X Facebook Email
Smart Home
Roku is expanding beyond streaming devices by introducing smart home products, such as cameras and smart bulbs, in order to boost the appeal of its streaming devices by letting users manage smart homes via their TV sets. The platform is aiming for simplicity in its partnership with Walmart in order to separate itself from more complex systems like Amazon's.
Full Story: The Streamable (5/4) 
LinkedIn X Facebook Email
Gaming
Epic Games plans to reintroduce Fortnite to iOS in the US following a court ruling that prevents Apple from taking a commission on purchases made outside its App Store. The game has been absent from iOS since August 2020.
Full Story: The Verge (4/30) 
LinkedIn X Facebook Email
Free eBooks and Resources
Free eBooks and resources brought to you by our sponsors
Tech News
Cached-DFL has self-driving cars talking -- to each other
(Metamorworks/Getty Images)
Researchers have developed Cached Decentralized Federated Learning, an AI framework that enables self-driving cars to share information without direct connections, creating a quasi-social network. The system allows vehicles to exchange data on navigation, traffic patterns and road conditions, enhancing efficiency and safety while maintaining privacy by storing data in trained AI models rather than a central server.
Full Story: Live Science (5/2) 
LinkedIn X Facebook Email
Retail Trends
Retailers are adjusting their strategies in response to the tariff impact, with many facing the prospect of leaner inventories for major sales events like Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday. "Many front-loaded cargo in advance of the tariffs taking effect, but they have not been able to bring in everything all at once," said Jonathan Gold, NRF's vice president of global supply chain. "Retailers also slowed or paused holiday orders, especially from China because they cannot afford to pay the massive 145% tariff."
Full Story: CNBC (5/2) 
LinkedIn X Facebook Email
Last Week's Top Headlines
Association News
Join us Monday, May 12 at 12 p.m. ET for a CTA Virtual Roundtable to explore how standardizing health technologies can improve outcomes in women's health. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear diverse perspectives, ask questions and contribute to a dialogue focused on addressing the unique health challenges women face and how innovation and collaboration can help meet those needs. Register today -- for CTA members only.
LinkedIn X Facebook Email
Learn how drones have evolved from niche devices into intelligent, autonomous tools transforming industries from emergency response to underground exploration and smart delivery. With groundbreaking innovations recognized at the CES Innovation Awards®, drones are reshaping safety, logistics.
LinkedIn X Facebook Email
Each year CTA invites the global technology industry to propose the best speakers from all backgrounds to speak on the CES stages, one of the world's most influential platforms. Sign up for the CES 2026 Call for Speakers "Notify Me" form today to be alerted when proposal submissions are open.
LinkedIn X Facebook Email
Learn more about the Consumer Technology Association: