Author: Jessica Moore P.E.

Jessica Moore P.E. brings a distinctive engineering perspective to technology journalism, with her professional licensure informing rigorous analysis of industrial computing and automation systems. Her expertise spans the convergence of operational technology and IoT ecosystems, where she deciphers how edge computing architectures are reshaping smart infrastructure. Moore's writing uniquely bridges engineering precision with accessible explanations of emerging technologies, offering readers both technical depth and practical industry insights.
InnovationScienceTechnology

China’s Next Five-Year Plan Prioritizes Tech Self-Reliance Amid US Tensions

Beijing is mapping out an ambitious technology independence strategy in its next five-year plan, with advanced semiconductors and artificial intelligence taking center stage. The push comes as China’s R&D spending reaches $505 billion annually, creating new opportunities to attract global talent amid US budget constraints.

Strategic Shift Toward Technological Independence

China is doubling down on its quest for technological self-sufficiency, with top leaders in Beijing this week outlining a comprehensive strategy to overcome foreign dependencies in critical sectors. According to communiques from high-level political meetings, the country’s upcoming 15th five-year plan will prioritize what officials term “key core technologies” – a clear reference to areas where China currently relies on Western innovation.

by Jessica Moore P.E.
HardwareManufacturingTechnology

HMS Networks Debuts Atlas2 Plus for Predictive OT Network Monitoring

HMS Networks has introduced the Anybus Atlas2 Plus, an industrial Ethernet monitoring solution designed to provide 24/7 visibility and predictive diagnostics for operational technology networks. The system reportedly helps engineers detect and resolve issues before they cause production downtime, supporting multiple protocols including PROFINET and EtherNet/IP.

Predictive Monitoring for Industrial Networks

Industrial connectivity specialist HMS Networks has rolled out what sources describe as a significant upgrade to its network monitoring capabilities with the Anybus Atlas2 Plus. According to company reports from Halmstad, Sweden, this industrial Ethernet solution aims to give operational technology teams something they’ve long needed: predictive visibility into network health before problems escalate into costly downtime.

by Jessica Moore P.E.
InnovationSoftwareTechnology

Apple’s iOS 26.1 Liquid Glass Tint Shows Minimal Battery Impact in Testing

Recent analysis of Apple’s iOS 26.1 beta indicates the new Liquid Glass tint feature offers minimal battery life improvements despite user expectations. Testing conducted under controlled conditions showed virtually identical power consumption between tinted and clear modes. The findings suggest visual preferences rather than battery concerns should drive user decisions about the transparency setting.

Battery Expectations vs Reality

Apple’s latest iOS 26.1 beta introduced a subtle but noticeable visual tweak—a “Tinted” option for Liquid Glass that reduces translucency for users preferring more opaque interfaces. Almost immediately, speculation began circulating about whether this setting might deliver unexpected battery savings. After all, rendering fewer transparent effects could theoretically reduce GPU workload and extend power reserves.

by Jessica Moore P.E.
BusinessGamingSoftware

Microsoft Confirms Halo Franchise Going Multiplatform, Starting With PS5

Microsoft has confirmed that the Halo franchise will be multiplatform moving forward, with the upcoming Halo: Campaign Evolved remake launching on PlayStation 5. The announcement signals a major strategic shift for what was once Xbox’s flagship exclusive series, potentially opening the door for more Halo titles on competing platforms.

The End of an Era for Xbox Exclusives

In what represents one of the most significant platform strategy shifts in gaming history, Microsoft has confirmed that the Halo franchise will be multiplatform “going forward,” according to announcements made during the Halo World Championship livestream. The confirmation came after the reveal of Halo: Campaign Evolved, a ground-up remake of the original game that will launch simultaneously on Xbox and PlayStation 5 in what appears to be just the beginning of Master Chief’s expansion beyond Microsoft’s ecosystem.

by Jessica Moore P.E.
BusinessStartupsTechnology

X’s Ad Chief Exits Amid Executive Exodus from Musk’s Empire

X’s global head of revenue operations has left the company after less than a year, marking the latest in a series of senior departures from Elon Musk’s operations. John Nitti was considered a potential successor to former CEO Linda Yaccarino, who resigned in July. The exit comes amid reported frustration with Musk’s leadership style and strategic shifts.

Another Key Executive Departs

X’s advertising leadership team has suffered another significant blow with the departure of John Nitti, who served as global head of revenue operations and advertising innovation. According to sources familiar with the matter, Nitti left the company on Friday after just ten months in the role—a surprisingly brief tenure for an executive once seen as potential CEO material.

by Jessica Moore P.E.
EnergyScienceTechnology

Black Silicon Solar Breakthrough Sparks Global Manufacturing Race

A technological breakthrough in black silicon solar cells is reportedly set to reduce solar electricity costs by another 10%, according to recent industry analysis. The development has ignited what sources describe as a manufacturing arms race between the U.S., China, and Europe to dominate next-generation solar production. Market observers suggest this could accelerate solar adoption while reshaping global supply chains.

Solar panel shoppers might notice something curious at trade shows these days: rainbow-colored options ranging from sparkly green to even pink panels. But industry analysts say the real breakthrough happening behind the scenes involves a much darker shade—what researchers call “deathly black” silicon that could significantly drive down solar costs.

The Efficiency Advantage of Darkness

by Jessica Moore P.E.
BusinessManufacturingTechnology

Rivian CEO Calls R2 Launch ‘Inflection Point’ Amid New Layoffs

Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe described the company’s upcoming R2 SUV as an “inflection point” for the electric vehicle maker, drawing parallels to Tesla’s Model 3 moment. The comments came just before the company reportedly announced layoffs affecting hundreds of employees as part of restructuring efforts.

Strategic Shift Amid Workforce Reductions

Electric vehicle startup Rivian is navigating turbulent waters as it positions its upcoming R2 model as a make-or-break product while simultaneously reducing its workforce. According to multiple reports, the company initiated layoffs affecting more than 600 employees this week, representing approximately 4.5% of its total workforce.

by Jessica Moore P.E.
InnovationScienceTechnology

DNA Injection Technique Produces Long-Lasting COVID Antibodies in Human Trial

A novel DNA-based approach has demonstrated the ability to produce stable, broadly neutralizing antibodies against COVID-19 for at least 72 weeks in human volunteers. The technique combines plasmid DNA injections with electrical pulses to turn muscle cells into antibody factories. While promising, the method faces practical deployment challenges and potential public acceptance hurdles.

A New Frontier in Antibody Production

Researchers have reportedly achieved what many in biotech have been chasing for years: getting human bodies to manufacture their own protective antibodies against viruses for extended periods. According to newly published clinical trial results in Nature Medicine, a technique combining DNA injections with electrical pulses successfully produced stable COVID-19 antibodies in volunteers for at least 72 weeks—and potentially much longer.

by Jessica Moore P.E.
HardwareInnovationTechnology

Boox Palma 2 Pro Packs Color E Ink and 5G Into Pocket-Sized Reader

Onyx Boox has introduced the Palma 2 Pro, a pocket-sized e-reader featuring a color E Ink display and 5G connectivity. The device runs Android 15 but lacks phone calling capabilities, positioning it as a distraction-free reading companion. At $399.99, it represents an intriguing alternative to traditional e-readers and smartphones.

A New Direction for E-Readers

While Amazon’s Kindle has dominated the e-reader landscape for nearly two decades with remarkably consistent form factors, Onyx Boox appears to be charting a different course. The company has unveiled its second-generation Palma device, reportedly shrinking the e-reading experience into something that closely resembles a smartphone—complete with color display and mobile data connectivity.

by Jessica Moore P.E.