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Technology

Apple CarPlay Support Dropped by Car Manufacturers

by Sophie Lin - Technology Editor
written by Sophie Lin - Technology Editor

A growing number of automotive manufacturers are scaling back or eliminating support for Apple CarPlay in both current and upcoming vehicle models. This strategic shift isn’t about technological incompatibility, but a calculated move to retain control over the in-car experience and capture a larger share of the burgeoning automotive services market. The move comes as Apple prepares to launch CarPlay Ultra, a more deeply integrated system designed to control nearly all vehicle functions.

The decision by automakers reflects a desire to protect revenue streams generated through their own infotainment systems and subscription services. For years, CarPlay has been a popular feature, offering drivers seamless integration with their iPhones. However, this convenience comes at a cost for manufacturers, who relinquish control over the user interface and data generated within the vehicle. The rise of connected car services – from navigation and entertainment to maintenance and remote diagnostics – represents a significant potential revenue source, and automakers are keen to maintain ownership of this ecosystem. The core issue revolves around data control and the potential for Apple to dominate the in-car experience, limiting automakers’ ability to offer and monetize their own services.

CarPlay Ultra: A Catalyst for Change

Apple’s announcement of CarPlay Ultra has accelerated this trend. Unveiled in May 2025, CarPlay Ultra is designed to extend beyond the central infotainment screen, taking over control of instrument clusters, climate controls, and other vehicle functions. According to reports, this deeper integration is viewed by many automakers as an encroachment on their core business. “CarPlay Ultra represents a significant change for automakers,” as noted in a report by Tech Economy Executive Briefing. Source. The system’s ability to control a wider range of vehicle features raises concerns about brand identity and the potential for diminished customer loyalty to the automaker’s own technologies.

Automaker Resistance and Consumer Preferences

Several major automotive manufacturers are already resisting the full implementation of CarPlay Ultra. They are prioritizing the development and enhancement of their proprietary infotainment systems, often coupled with subscription-based services. However, completely abandoning CarPlay isn’t an option for most, as it remains a highly sought-after feature among consumers. According to the same Tech Economy report, existing CarPlay functionality continues to be popular with drivers, leading most automakers to maintain support for the current version. This creates a complex situation where manufacturers are balancing the desire for control with the demand to satisfy customer demand.

The Data Control Battle

Underlying this shift is a growing competition over data access and control between automakers and technology companies. Connected vehicles generate vast amounts of data about driver behavior, vehicle performance, and usage patterns. This data is valuable for improving vehicle design, developing new services, and personalizing the driving experience. Automakers are determined to retain control over this data, fearing that Apple could leverage it to gain an unfair advantage in the automotive market. The struggle for data dominance is likely to intensify as vehicles grow increasingly connected and autonomous.

Current CarPlay Support: A Snapshot

Despite the growing resistance to CarPlay Ultra, Apple maintains partnerships with a vast number of vehicle manufacturers. As of February 2026, CarPlay is supported in over 800 different vehicle models. Apple’s official list details current and upcoming support. Brands like Acura, Audi, BMW, and Bentley currently offer CarPlay integration, while others, such as Infiniti, Koenigsegg, and Lada, do not. The availability of CarPlay also extends to aftermarket car audio systems from companies like Alpine, Clarion, and Pioneer.

The Future of In-Car Infotainment

The automotive industry is at a crossroads. The battle between open platforms like CarPlay and closed, proprietary systems will continue to shape the in-car experience for years to approach. Automakers are betting that they can offer a more compelling and profitable ecosystem by retaining control over the infotainment system and leveraging the data generated by connected vehicles. Apple, is pushing for a more seamless and integrated experience, potentially at the expense of automaker control. The ultimate winner will likely be the company that can best balance innovation, user experience, and data privacy.

As the automotive landscape evolves, consumers will have more choices than ever before when it comes to in-car technology. The coming years will be crucial in determining whether CarPlay Ultra gains widespread adoption or whether automakers successfully chart their own course. What remains clear is that the fight for control of the connected car is far from over.

What are your thoughts on the future of in-car infotainment? Share your opinions in the comments below!

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Technology

ChatGPT vs. Financial Advisors: AI Portfolio Test & Results

by Sophie Lin - Technology Editor
written by Sophie Lin - Technology Editor

The financial industry is facing a novel wave of disruption, and it’s not coming from traditional competitors. A recent sell-off in wealth management stocks, triggered in part by the launch of Altruist’s AI-powered tax planning tool, highlights growing investor anxieties about the potential for automation to reshape the landscape of financial advice. But can artificial intelligence truly replace the nuanced judgment of a human financial advisor? One test involved putting a leading AI chatbot to the task of constructing an investment portfolio from scratch.

The experiment began with a simple prompt: build a model investment portfolio for a 53-year-old with £640,000 (approximately $808,000 USD as of February 21, 2026) in cash, aiming to reach £1 million by age 60. The goal was to optimize for risk-adjusted returns. The response, delivered in a matter of seconds for a monthly fee of roughly $20, was surprisingly comprehensive and well-reasoned, prompting a reassessment of AI’s capabilities in the financial sector.

AI’s Proposed Portfolio Allocation

ChatGPT proposed a diversified portfolio with a focus on growth, allocating 45% to stocks, 10% to private markets, 20% to investment-grade bonds, 15% to alternatives and real assets, and 10% to absolute return investments. Within the equity portion, the AI recommended a 30% weighting in developed markets, 10% in emerging markets, and 5% in UK stocks, anticipating returns of 7-9%. The private equity allocation suggested utilizing listed private equity trusts, secondary funds, and diversified private equity trusts, projecting annual returns of 9-12%.

For fixed income, the AI advised a 10% weighting in UK gilts and a global aggregate bond fund, hedged back into pounds, aiming for a 3-5% return. The remaining 15% was allocated to real assets and alternatives, including 7% in infrastructure, 5% in listed property trusts, and 3% in a gold or commodity exchange-traded fund. The inclusion of a multi-asset manager was suggested to help manage volatility.

Beyond the Numbers: Justifying the Approach

What set ChatGPT’s response apart wasn’t just the portfolio construction, but the reasoning behind it. When pressed on the basis for its return assumptions, the AI demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of financial modeling. It explained it could have employed a complex stochastic capital markets model, but opted for a simpler approach – expected returns equal to income yield plus real growth plus inflation – adjusted for current valuations.

This decision, the AI explained, was driven by the relatively short seven-year time horizon. Detailed valuation assumptions over such a period are inherently unreliable, as prices can remain above or below their long-run signify for extended periods. Instead, ChatGPT “eyeballed” each asset class, adjusting returns based on whether they appeared undervalued or overvalued. For example, US equities, trading near all-time highs, received a “valuation drag,” while emerging markets and UK stocks, considered relatively cheaper, received a boost. The AI confirmed its approach aligned with the results a more complex model would likely produce.

The Implications for Financial Advisors

The ability of an AI to articulate such a nuanced investment strategy raises serious questions about the future role of human financial advisors. While AI may not fully replace the personal touch and behavioral coaching that advisors provide, it can undoubtedly automate many of the analytical tasks currently performed by humans. The recent market reaction to Altruist’s launch, with stocks of companies like Raymond James Financial Inc. Dropping 8.8% and Charles Schwab Corp. Sinking 7.4% as reported by WealthManagement.com, underscores the growing concern about the potential for AI to disrupt the industry.

But, as Tony Mudd, a LinkedIn commentator, pointed out, AI is more likely to be a productivity tool than a complete replacement. It can remove administrative burdens, enhance data analysis, and improve documentation quality, allowing advisors to focus on the aspects of their job that require uniquely human skills – empathy, judgment, and the ability to navigate complex emotional situations.

The rise of AI in financial services is not about eliminating advisors, but about redefining their role. As AI continues to evolve, financial professionals will need to adapt and embrace these new tools to remain competitive and deliver value to their clients. The next phase will likely involve integrating AI-powered tools into existing workflows and developing new services that leverage AI’s capabilities to provide more personalized and effective financial advice.

What are your thoughts on the role of AI in financial planning? Share your comments below and let’s continue the conversation.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

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Technology

Dark Matter Galaxy Found: CDG-2 Reveals Universe’s Hidden Structures

by Sophie Lin - Technology Editor
written by Sophie Lin - Technology Editor

In the vast expanse of the universe, most galaxies shine brightly, beacons of billions of stars. But astronomers have recently identified a remarkable outlier: a “ghost galaxy” dubbed CDG-2, composed of approximately 99% dark matter and so faint it’s barely detectable. This discovery, made possible by the combined power of NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope, the European Space Agency’s Euclid observatory, and the Subaru Telescope in Hawaii, offers a rare glimpse into the enigmatic nature of dark matter and the formation of galaxies.

The elusive CDG-2, located roughly 300 million light-years away in the Perseus galaxy cluster, challenges conventional understanding of galactic structure. While dark matter is known to constitute a significant portion of the universe’s mass, typically outweighing visible matter by a factor of five to one, this galaxy takes that dominance to an extreme. The findings, published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, are prompting scientists to rethink how galaxies can form and evolve in dark matter halos.

Finding such faint galaxies is an extraordinary challenge. David Li of the University of Toronto, Canada, and his team employed a novel approach, focusing not on direct starlight but on identifying tight groupings of globular clusters – dense, spherical collections of stars that often orbit galaxies. These clusters can act as signposts, hinting at the presence of a hidden galactic core. “This represents the first galaxy detected solely through its globular cluster population,” Li stated, as reported by the ESA Hubble site. “Under conservative assumptions, the four clusters represent the entire globular cluster population of CDG-2.”

Hubble’s high-resolution imaging revealed a close collection of four globular clusters within the Perseus cluster. Further analysis, combining data from Hubble, Euclid, and Subaru, uncovered a faint, diffuse glow surrounding these clusters, providing crucial evidence of an underlying galaxy. The galaxy shines with the light of approximately 6 million Sun-like stars, but the four globular clusters account for a remarkable 16% of all the visible light within CDG-2.

The Role of Dark Matter and Stellar Stripping

The extreme composition of CDG-2 is likely a result of its environment within the crowded Perseus cluster. Gravitational interactions with other galaxies have likely stripped away much of the hydrogen gas needed for star formation, leaving behind a dark matter-dominated remnant. Globular clusters, being tightly bound by gravity, are more resilient to these disruptive forces, making them reliable tracers of these faint, ghostly galaxies. As Space.com reports, dark galaxies like CDG-2 are faint and nearly invisible compared to more typical galaxies.

The discovery highlights the power of advanced statistical techniques and collaborative observations in uncovering the universe’s hidden components. Researchers are increasingly relying on machine learning and sophisticated tools to analyze the vast amounts of data generated by large sky surveys, such as those from Euclid, NASA’s upcoming Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, and the Vera C. Rubin Observatory.

Future Dark Matter Galaxy Searches

The Hubble Space Telescope, a joint project between NASA and ESA, continues to be a cornerstone of astronomical discovery after more than 30 years of operation. NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center oversees Hubble’s operations, with support from Lockheed Martin Space. The Space Telescope Science Institute manages the telescope’s scientific operations for NASA.

As these large sky surveys expand, astronomers anticipate discovering more of these dark matter-dominated galaxies, providing valuable insights into the distribution of dark matter and the processes that govern galaxy formation. The ongoing exploration of these elusive objects promises to reshape our understanding of the cosmos and the fundamental forces that shape it.

What will these future observations reveal about the prevalence of dark galaxies and their role in the universe’s structure? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and please share this article with your network.

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Technology

Phil Spencer & Sarah Bond Exit Xbox: Asha Sharma Takes the Helm

by Sophie Lin - Technology Editor
written by Sophie Lin - Technology Editor

The gaming industry is undergoing a significant shift as Phil Spencer, CEO of Xbox, and Sarah Bond, President of Xbox, are both departing Microsoft, marking the end of an era for the gaming division. Spencer, a veteran of the company since 1988, will officially step down on Monday, February 23rd, according to IGN. The unexpected move signals a new chapter for Xbox as it navigates a rapidly evolving gaming landscape.

The changes come as Xbox prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary, and as the company continues to integrate recent acquisitions, including Activision Blizzard. The departure of both Spencer and Bond, who was widely considered his successor, has prompted Microsoft to appoint Asha Sharma, previously the head of Microsoft’s AI products, as the new CEO of Microsoft Gaming. This transition underscores the growing importance of artificial intelligence within the company’s future strategy.

In an email to employees, Spencer explained that he informed Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella of his intention to step down last fall, aiming for a deliberate transition to ensure stability. “Xbox has always been more than a business. It’s a vibrant community of players, creators, and teams who deeply care about what we build and how we do it. And they deserve a thoughtful and deliberate plan for the path ahead,” he wrote. He will remain as an advisor through the summer to facilitate a smooth handover.

Satya Nadella echoed Spencer’s sentiments, expressing gratitude for his leadership. “I want to thank Phil for his extraordinary leadership and partnership,” Nadella stated in a separate email to staff, as reported by IGN. “Over his 38+ years at Microsoft, including the last 12 leading the Gaming business, Phil has transformed what we do and how we do it.”

Asha Sharma’s Vision for Xbox

Asha Sharma’s appointment marks a significant shift in leadership for Xbox, bringing in an executive with a strong background in artificial intelligence. Sharma previously held leadership positions at Meta and Instacart before joining Microsoft. In a message to employees, Sharma outlined her three core commitments: delivering great games, reaffirming Xbox’s commitment to its core fanbase, and shaping the future of gaming. She emphasized the importance of consoles, stating a renewed commitment to the Xbox platform itself, although also acknowledging the expanding gaming landscape across PC, mobile, and cloud.

“The first thing I need to do is understand what makes this work and protect it. That starts with three commitments. First, great games. Everything starts here. We need to have incredible games that players love before we do anything else. Unforgettable characters, stories that produce us experience, innovative gameplay, and creative excellence,” Sharma wrote. She also announced the promotion of Matt Booty to Chief Content Officer, overseeing the creation and quality of games across the division.

Recent Challenges and Future Outlook

The leadership changes come at a complex time for Xbox. While Spencer oversaw the landmark acquisitions of Bethesda for $7.5 billion and Activision Blizzard for $69 billion, as IGN reported, the division has faced recent challenges, including sluggish hardware sales and price increases for both devices and Game Pass subscriptions.

Despite these headwinds, Microsoft is optimistic about the future, with a strong lineup of games planned for 2026. Confirmed titles include Forza Horizon 6, a new installment in the Fable series, and a return to the roots of Gears of War. Fans are also anticipating a remake of the classic Halo: Combat Evolved, aiming to recapture the franchise’s former glory.

The transition in leadership at Xbox represents a pivotal moment for the gaming giant. Asha Sharma’s focus on AI and player experience, coupled with Matt Booty’s oversight of content creation, suggests a strategic direction aimed at innovation and a renewed commitment to the Xbox community. The coming years will be crucial in determining whether this new leadership can navigate the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities within the dynamic gaming industry.

What are your thoughts on the new leadership at Xbox? Share your opinions in the comments below!

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