Consumer Technology Association SmartBrief
Starship lands on US sidewalks with 9M speedy deliveries
Created for NPkvdejmf6@niepodam.pl | Web Version
 
October 17, 2025
 
 
Consumer Technology Association SmartBrief
News covering the consumer technology industrySIGN UP ⋅   SHARE
ADVERTISEMENT
 
Today's Digital Pulse
 
Kia aims to produce 200K affordable EVs annually by 2027
 
MUNICH, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 12: The electric car manufacturer KIA presents its concept car EV2 at the Open Space Area during the IAA Mobility in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, on September 12, 2025. The IAA is taking place as German automakers are seeing profits lag and are struggling to maintain market share while Chinese automakers are making strong gains, especially with electric cars. (Photo by EyesWideOpen/Getty Images)
(EyesWideOpen/Getty Images)
Kia is looking to offer lower-prices electric vehicles via large-scale production of its EV2 and EV4 models in 2027. The automaker aims to manufacture 100,000 units each of the EVs, with the majority of production taking place at the Zilina plant in Slovakia. The production strategy is central to Kia's goal of increasing its battery-electric vehicle output in Europe nearly threefold within two years.
Full Story: InsideEVs (10/17)
share-text
 
The Power of AI in Contact Centers
AI offers a solution for contact centers to achieve more with fewer resources, without compromising quality. Join the webinar with Salesforce and Leaptree on October 29th and learn the three types of AI every contact center leader needs: Predictive AI, which automates QA scoring; Generative AI, which delivers clear agent feedback; and Autonomous AI, which drives real-time training. Register now!
ADVERTISEMENT
 
 
 
Smart Home
 
Apple, NBCU to Launch Apple TV, Peacock Streaming Bundles
 
The Apple TV appears on a smartphone screen, and the Peacock logo displays as the background on a laptop screen in this photo illustration in Athens, Greece, on October 16, 2025. Apple TV joins with NBC's Peacock to offer a new streaming bundle. (Photo Illustrationby Nikolas Kokovlis/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
(NurPhoto/Getty Images)
Apple and NBCUniversal said they will sell Apple TV and Peacock streaming bundles to US subscribers starting Oct. 20. US customers can save more than 30% by subscribing to the Apple TV and Peacock Premium (ad-supported) bundle for $14.99 per month, or Apple TV and Peacock Premium Plus (mostly ad-free) for $19.99 per month, the companies said.
Full Story: TV Tech (10/16)
share-text
 
 
Roku AI update gives recs for movies, live sports tracking
PC Magazine (10/16)
 
 
How AI opens doors to smarter living
CNET (10/17)
 
 
Outdated TVs can get a new life on screen
BGR (10/17)
 
Register Today for CES® 2026
The world will be watching as innovators show up to challenge convention and shape what's next at the world's most powerful tech event. Register today.
ADVERTISEMENT
 
 
 
Vehicle Tech
 
M-B concept blends vintage, modern technology
 
M-B concept blends vintage, modern technology
(MBUSA)
Mercedes-Benz's Vision Iconic concept car draws inspiration from prewar luxury vehicles as well as modern technology. Key features include neuromorphic computing for more efficient data processing and promises to reduce energy consumption in automated systems by up to 90%. The concept also debuts steer-by-wire controls and previews SAE Level 4 autonomous driving, enabling hands-free operation in certain conditions.
Full Story: AutoWeek (10/14), T3 (10/15)
share-text
 
 
GM, other automakers near Apple Wallet car key support
9to5Mac (10/14)
 
 
Ferrari to use "power levels" for EV driving experience
InsideEVs (10/14)
 
 
Acura is ending AcuraLink features, citing costs
WebProNews (Lexington, Ky.) (10/14)
 
The 88% Budget Trap Costing App Marketers Growth
While 88% of consumer app marketing spend stays locked in walled gardens like Google and Meta, users are spreading their time across 3 million independent apps. Marketers who follow this shift see up to 214% ROAS improvements—but most budgets haven't caught up yet. Access the insight
ADVERTISEMENT:
 
 
 
Featured Content
 
Sponsored Content from Netline
 
 
 
 
 
Tech News
 
BMW makes a splash with electric paddleboard
 
BMW makes a splash with electric paddleboard
(BMW Group)
BMW has partnered with SipaBoards to produce the BMW Tourer Electric, an electric paddleboard with a quiet water jet motor, swappable batteries and GPS. The board, which can accommodate two paddlers, offers up to seven hours of use and can be folded into a backpack.
Full Story: T3 (10/14)
share-text
 
 
Google Maps now includes Electrify America real-time EV charging details
InsideEVs (10/17)