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In one small step for robot-kind — thousands of them, really — humanoid robots ran alongside actual humans in a half-marathon in the Chinese capital on Saturday. The bipedal robots of various makes and sizes navigated the 21.1-kilometer (13.1-mile) course supported by teams of human navigators, operators, and engineers, in what event organizers say was a first. As a precaution, a divider separated the parallel courses used by the robots and people. While flesh-and-blood participants followed conventional rules, the 20 teams fielding machines in the Humanoid Robot Half-Marathon competed under tailored guidelines, which included battery swap pit stops. AI robots become a major trend in China’s consumer market The Sky Project Ultra robot, also known as Tien Kung Ultra, from the Tien Kung Team, claimed victory among the nonhumans, crossing the finish line in 2 hours, 40 minutes and 42 seconds. Awards were also given out for best endurance, best gait design and most innovative form.

Netflix fared better than analysts anticipated during the first three months of the year, signaling the world’s largest video streaming service is still thriving as President Donald Trump’s policies cast a pall on the economy. The numbers released Thursday indicated Netflix is still building on the momentum that enabled it to add 41 million worldwide subscribers last year — the biggest annual gain in the company’s 27-year history. But it’s unclear precisely how many more subscribers Netflix picked up during the January-March period because this report marks the first time that that the Los Gatos, California, company hasn’t provided a quarterly update on its total subscribers. Netflix announced last year it would no longer report subscriber numbers beginning with this quarter as the company seeks to shift investors' focus to its profits after topping 300 million global subscribers in December. As part of that emphasis Netflix is working to sell more advertising to supplement subscription dollars. Netflix’s sharper focus on its finances paid off in this year’s first quarter with earnings of $2.9 billion, or $6.61 per share, a 24% increase from from the same time last year. Revenue climbed 13% from the same time last year to $10.54 billion. Both numbers exceeded forecasts compiled by FactSet Research. Without providing details, Netflix cited ongoing subscriber growth as the main reason for its strong start this year. Hollywood director arrested for swindling Netflix out of $11 million The robust growth came against a background of economic chaos and Trump’s fluctuating trade war. The tech industry has been hit particularly hard by the sweeping tariffs that Trump unveiled April 2 because so many bellwether companies rely on international supply chains that have been provided some relief by temporary freezes and exemptions from the fees. But Netflix’s global streaming service hasn’t been touched by Trump’s tariffs yet, making the company a notable exception that has enabled its stock price to increase 9% so far this year, while the market values of most other major tech companies have plummeted. “Netflix remains a standout in an otherwise volatile tech landscape,” said Andrew Rocco, a who tracks the stock market for Zacks Investment Research. The company's shares rose nearly 3% in extended trading after its report came out. The trade war could still hurt Netflix if it triggers a recession or fuels inflationary pressures as many economists fear. In those scenarios, more consumers may curtail their discretionary spending on entertainment. The economic volatility could also result in a slowdown in advertising to the detriment of Netflix’s efforts to sell more commercials for a low-priced version of its streaming service that accounted for most of its last year’s subscriber growth. “We’re paying close attention clearly to the consumer sentiment and where the broader economy is moving,” Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters said during a Thursday conference call. “But based on what we are seeing by actually operating the business right now, there’s nothing really significant to note.” Peters also said Netflix's low-cost option, currently priced at $8 per month in the U.S., should help insulate its video streaming service if households start tightening their belts. Hollywood director arrested for allegedly swindling $11M from Netflix In a sign of its confidence, Netflix reaffirmed its previous prediction for annual revenue of roughly $44 billion, up 13% from 2024. “Historically in tougher economies, home entertainment value is really important to consumer households,” Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos noted during the conference call.

A US federal judge has ruled that Google holds an illegal monopoly in the digital advertising technology sector, marking another major setback for the tech giant in a growing wave of antitrust challenges. The decision comes after the US Department of Justice and 17 states filed a lawsuit accusing Google of unlawfully dominating the digital tools that determine how online ads are placed and distributed. This is the second time within a year that Google has been found guilty of monopolistic practices—following a previous ruling that concluded the company had a monopoly in online search. Google said it would appeal against the decision, reports BBC. In response, Google has vowed to appeal the latest ruling. Lee-Ann Mulholland, Google’s head of regulatory affairs, defended the company’s practices, stating, “Publishers have many choices, and they choose Google because our tools are effective, affordable, and easy to use.” ICC opens inquiry into Hungary for failing to arrest Netanyahu However, US District Judge Leonie Brinkema stated in her ruling that Google had “wilfully engaged in a series of anticompetitive acts” to gain and maintain dominance in the online advertising market. She emphasised that such behavior harmed not only Google’s publishing clients but also damaged market competition and ultimately impacted consumers. The court found Google guilty on two counts related to monopolistic behavior, while a third allegation was dismissed. Mulholland highlighted the partial win, saying, “We won half of this case and will appeal the other half,” and pointed out that the court did not find Google's acquisitions, such as DoubleClick, to be harmful to competition.

The expanding frontier of the metaverse has amplified demand for AR (Augmented Reality) and VR (Virtual Reality) across industries. Indian universities and institutes now offer structured courses tailored for students holding HSC qualifications, regardless of their academic background. Designed to meet diverse learning goals, these programs cater to aspiring students, tech enthusiasts, and seasoned professionals alike. SAARC students, along with learners from Bangladesh, can find clear pathways into this forward-looking field through these programs. Let’s explore the leading Indian institutions providing the best AR-VR programs in 2025. Top 10 Indian Universities and Institutes Offering AR-VR Courses in 2025 Some of the best institutions in India that offer short and long courses in AR (Augmented Reality) and VR (Virtual Reality).  Chandigarh University, Punjab The specialised Bachelor of Computer Applications in AR and VR at Chandigarh University is designed to shape industry-ready professionals. This four-year undergraduate program welcomes candidates who have completed their HSC or its equivalent in any stream. Applicants must secure at least 55 percent marks from a recognised board. Read more: 10 Essential Tech Skills for Thriving in the Metaverse by 2030 The curriculum blends theoretical foundations with hands-on projects. The semester fee is Rs. 89,000, which converts to approximately BDT 1,26,285 (Rs. 1 = BDT 1.42). The program opens doors to roles in the gaming, architecture, education, and simulation industries. Visualite Academy, Chennai An open-door policy defines the diploma course in AR and VR at Visualite Academy. Applicants need only a basic educational background—an 8th-grade pass or higher, making the course widely accessible to tech enthusiasts. Depending on the learner’s commitment, the diploma can be completed in three months, six months, or one year. Fees are structured based on course length, starting at Rs. 90,000 (BDT 1,27,704) for the 3-month option. Longer choices include Rs. 1,00,000 (BDT 1,41,892) for 6 months and Rs. 2,50,000 (BDT 3,54,731) for the full year. Read more: Top 10 Football Live Streaming Apps for iOS and Android in 2025 The academy emphasises real-world applications, offering placement assistance in industries like engineering, design, bioinformatics, and gaming. Parul University, Gujarat Offering a streamlined pathway into immersive technologies, Parul University’s Diploma in AR and VR equips students with relevant skills in just 12 months. Applicants who possess SSC and HSC qualifications can apply for this diploma. With a total course fee of Rs. 25,000 (BDT 35,474), the program remains one of the more affordable options. The curriculum balances technical learning with project-based exposure. This is ideal for those aiming to enter fields like entertainment, education technology, and virtual simulations. Read more: 7 Warning Signs Social Media Is Affecting Your Child’s Mental Health Arena Animation, Jaipur A specialised program titled Gaming AR-VR Prime introduces students to immersive design, development, and storytelling. This three-year course welcomes candidates who have passed their 12 years of academic study. With a fee of Rs. 4,50,000 (BDT 6,38,517), the course covers both core technical modules and creative game-building essentials. The course prepares students for industries like gaming, education, and virtual content creation. Graduates can explore roles such as VR/AR developer, interaction designer, or simulation specialist in the expanding tech world. Additional Skill Acquisition Programme (ASAP), Kerala Focused on industry-relevant skills, ASAP Kerala offers a course titled AR/VR Development using Unreal. Over 120 hours, learners engage with Unreal Engine tools, blueprints, and real-time project execution. Read more: Best 10 Smartphones Releasing in April 2025 The course fee is Rs. 31,000, which converts to around BDT 43,987. Entry is open to developers, designers, and tech enthusiasts. The training includes interactive blueprinting, mini-game creation, and a final showcase project. This compact but practical course is ideal for those aiming to start AR/VR careers without long-term academic commitments. Malla Reddy University, Hyderabad A four-year B.Tech in VR and AR at Malla Reddy University focuses on both theory and applied tech. Students must hold valid SSC and HSC certificates with at least 45 percent marks for eligibility. Tuition is set at Rs. 8,00,000 (BDT 11,35,142). Read more: Home Safety Digital Lockers and Vaults: Popular Models with Price Ranges in Bangladesh Throughout the course, learners develop expertise in interactive environments, virtual modelling, and digital simulation. Graduates often move into specialised roles across industries like gaming, architecture, healthcare simulation, and immersive training systems. Maya Academy of Advanced Creativity (MAAC), Ahmedabad The Professional Diploma in AR/VR at Maya Academy of Advanced Creativity focuses on sharpening both creative and technical mastery. Students are introduced to the latest tools, design logic, and software frameworks. The course runs for 1 to 3 years, allowing learners to pace their education based on personal goals. Applicants should have cleared secondary and higher secondary examinations from an accredited institution. The total course fee stands at Rs. 50,000 (BDT 70,947). This program enables graduates to confidently pursue roles in content design, simulation modeling, and immersive experience creation. Read more: April 2025 Video Games: 8 Exciting Virtual Games Scheduled for Launch JustAcademy, Mumbai For those passionate about interactive content, JustAcademy’s AR Development Training in Mumbai is a short but effective starting point. The course is built to prepare students for hands-on AR project development and real-world problem-solving. Lasting three months, the training charges Rs. 20,000 or BDT 28,379 in total fees. The program is open to individuals who have completed their higher secondary education from a recognised body. Beyond technical lessons, the academy offers strong placement assistance, which improves employment opportunities in the AR sector. This training is especially suited for individuals keen to step into design studios, marketing agencies, or gaming companies. NobelProg, Chennai Designed for beginners, NobelProg’s Getting Started with AR Training Course offers a well-balanced mix of theory and hands-on exercises. Entrepreneurs, content producers, journalists, web designers, and developers are welcome to join without prior coding or tech experience. Read more: 10 Best Alternatives to Skype in 2025 The training lasts for 35 hours, priced at Rs. 4,46,652 (BDT 6,33,767). The course format combines lectures, open discussions, and practical lab work. Participants will explore core AR workflows, application frameworks, and content design logic. Indian Institute of Film and Animation, Srinivasanagar A specialised diploma in game designing and VR at the Indian Institute of Film and Animation offers targeted training in immersive content creation. The 16-month program welcomes students holding a certificate of a 12-year formal education from an accredited institute or board. The total tuition fee is Rs. 1.4 lakh (BDT 1.99 lakh). Read more: Which phones are getting One UI 7 first and when This diploma introduces learners to the technical foundations of VR storytelling, user interface design, and interactive asset development. Graduates will find pathways into gaming studios, animation firms, and tech-driven entertainment sectors. Final Words Exploring AR and VR education across India reveals a rich mix of opportunities suitable for every ambition and budget. Institutions like Malla Reddy University and Arena Animation feature programs with comparatively higher tuition fees. Those seeking mid-range courses can consider names like Visualite Academy, Indian Institute of Film and Animation, and Chandigarh University. Meanwhile, JustAcademy, Parul University, and ASAP emerge as standouts for delivering skill-focused training at the most affordable levels. Read more: Top 10 Holy Quran Apps on iOS and Android in Ramadan 2025 On the whole, the right AR-VR learning path for an individual depends entirely on his/her career goals and financial considerations.

 Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg emphasized in federal court on Wednesday that he bought Instagram and WhatsApp because he saw value in the companies — not to take out competitors, as the Federal Trade Commission alleges in a historic antitrust trial. Zuckerberg took the stand for the third day in the trial, wrapping up his testimony as the first witness Wednesday afternoon. He took questions from Meta attorney Mark Hansen, who has argued that his client hardly has a monopoly in social media, as the FTC claims, and still faces stiff global competition. Hansen focused some of his questioning on emails sent by Zuckerberg and his associates that the FTC cited in earlier testimony to illustrate the Facebook founder's alarm over the growth of Instagram and his sense that he needed to neutralize its threat. Zuckerberg said he’s very focused on inventing new things, and understanding what other people are creating is a big part of the process. At any given point in his company’s history, he said, similar tones of concern could be found in emails about what other companies were doing better than his. “This is my job," Zuckerberg said. "I need to understand what is going on, and I need to push our teams to move quickly” to learn about what is going on in a very competitive market. Hansen questioned Zuckerberg about competition, particularly from TikTok, the popular social media site owned by Beijing-based company ByteDance, and the the growth of the video-sharing platform YouTube, which is owned by Alphabet. Zuckerberg testified that people spend more time on YouTube than on Facebook and Instagram combined. While Hansen noted that the FTC doesn't consider YouTube to be a Meta competitor — because it doesn't have the same friend-sharing technology as Facebook — Zuckerberg said YouTube has built in ways to share videos. Spotify says it's back after an hourslong outage disrupts thousands of users The FTC contends Meta has used a monopoly in its technology that facilitates connecting with friends and family to generate enormous profits as consumer satisfaction has dropped. The case could force the tech giant to break off Instagram and WhatsApp, startups it bought more than a decade ago that have since grown into social media powerhouses. Daniel Matheson, the FTC's attorney who questioned Zuckerberg, has repeatedly brought up his own words in emails to associates before and after the acquisition of Instagram to try to show Zuckerberg was more interested halting Instagram's alarming growth than improving the product. Under questioning by Hansen, Zuckerberg insisted that he had no intention of acquiring Instagram only to slow its development and end a threat. He said the focus was on "having it run as an independent brand.” Hansen noted that the FTC is making similar claims about the acquisition of the messaging app WhatsApp: that Zuckerberg was afraid of the company's potential. “It’s something I thought about," Zuckerberg said, noting the app's formidable capabilities, but he added that he later learned not to be worried because the owners didn't share the same vision or direction. He said his interest in buying it was “the usage of it.” “I thought the app was important and valuable,” Zuckerberg said. The trial, which is slated to last weeks, will feature other Big-Tech figures. After Zuckerberg, Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook's former chief operating officer, took the stand. The trial is one of the first big tests of President Donald Trump’s FTC’s ability to challenge Big Tech. The lawsuit was filed against Meta — then called Facebook — in 2020, during Trump’s first term. It claims the company bought Instagram and WhatsApp to squash competition and establish an illegal monopoly in the social media market. Facebook bought Instagram — which was a photo-sharing app with no ads — for $1 billion in 2012. Instagram was the first company Facebook bought and kept running as a separate app. Until then, Facebook was known for smaller “acqui-hires” — a popular Silicon Valley deal in which a company purchases a startup as a way to hire its talented workers, then shuts the acquired company down. Two years later, it did it again with the messaging app WhatsApp, which it purchased for $22 billion. Japan's anti-monopoly watchdog accuses Google of violations in smartphones WhatsApp and Instagram helped Facebook move its business from desktop computers to mobile devices, and to remain popular with younger generations as rivals like Snapchat (which it also tried, but failed, to buy) and TikTok emerged. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg is presiding over the case. Late last year, he denied Meta’s request for a summary judgment and ruled that the case must go to trial.

Spotify experienced a widespread outage Wednesday — with tens of thousands of users reporting problems with the popular music and audio streamer. But the platform said it was back up and running hours later. “All clear — thanks for your patience,” Spotify wrote on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, just after noon E.T. The company pointed to its support account, @SpotifyCares, for users who might need further assistance, reports AP. Earlier in the day, many Spotify users said that they were having difficulty loading both the app and desktop site, playing or hearing songs and using its search function. In addition to loading and playback issues, downtime updates noted that some users were also having problems accessing the platform’s support site. Japan's anti-monopoly watchdog accuses Google of violations in smartphones Spotify told The Associated Press that the outage began around 6:20 a.m. ET on Wednesday — but said it was “back up and functioning normally” by 11:45 a.m. ET. Outage reports appeared to peak just after 9:30 a.m. ET, when more 48,000 users shared problems with Spotify, per data from Downdetector. As of the early afternoon, just under 1,500 reports lingered. Spotify did not immediately provide more information about what might have caused the outage. But the Stockholm-based company previously said that “reports of this being a security hack are completely inaccurate." Spotify currently boasts having a total of more than 675 million users around the world, including 263 million subscribers across over 180 markets.

Japanese regulators on Tuesday accused US tech giant Google of violating anti-monopoly laws, echoing similar moves in the US and Europe. Google Japan said in a statement that it found the action “regrettable.” It said it has invested in Japan significantly to promote innovation as a technology leader, AP reports. The Japan Fair Trade Commission’s “cease and desist order” says Google must stop the pre-installation of the Google search engine in Android smartphones, which it said in effect shuts out competition. It’s unclear if Google, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., based in Mountain View in the Silicon Valley, will take legal action to fight the order. In the US, a judge ruled last year that Google’s ubiquitous search engine illegally exploited its dominance to squash competition. Google has denied the allegations, arguing that it’s immensely popular because people like what it offers. The appeals process is likely to take years. Japanese regulators began their investigation into Google in 2023. They said they consulted with overseas authorities dealing with similar cases. European regulators have also slammed what they see as Google’s monopolistic dominance. Tuesday’s move marks the first time the Japan Fair Trade Commission has taken such an action against a major global technology company.

As the boundaries between physical and virtual worlds dissolve, the Metaverse is poised to redefine interaction, innovation, and digital enterprise. This immersive ecosystem demands more than imagination—it requires a sharp command of next-generation technical capabilities. Let’s explore the most demanding tech skill set to drive success in the metaverse by 2030. 10 In-demand Tech Skills to Succeed in the Metaverse Economy . Advanced Programming Core programming languages like C++ and C# form the foundation of Metaverse development. C++ offers low-level memory control ideal for performance-intensive virtual environments, while C# is essential for scripting within Unity-based projects. Read more: 7 Warning Signs Social Media Is Affecting Your Child’s Mental Health These languages power avatars, object behaviours, and backend logic across immersive platforms. Demand for developers fluent in these software continues to grow, especially in  - Game studios- Simulation platforms- Enterprise metaverse projects Platforms such as Codecademy, Coursera, and Microsoft's Learn portal offer structured pathways for mastering these programming languages. VR/AR Software Development Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) development rely heavily on engines like Unity and Unreal. Unity supports rapid prototyping and cross-platform deployment, whereas Unreal excels in high-fidelity rendering. These tools are used to build interactive training simulations, virtual showrooms, social spaces, and metaverse gaming worlds. Read more: Best 10 Smartphones Releasing in April 2025 VR/AR developers are in high demand across industries, from healthcare to education and retail. Learning paths include - Unity Learn- Unreal Online Learning- XR (Extended Reality) boot camps that offer hands-on experience in creating real-time, interactive 3D applications 3D Modeling and Animation Creating realistic avatars, environments, and dynamic objects in the Metanetwork hinges on expert-level 3D modelling and animation. These skills bring digital worlds to life, enhancing immersion and interaction. Artists and technical animators use tools like Blender, Autodesk Maya, and Cinema 4D to produce characters, textures, and visual effects. Read more: Assassin’s Creed Shadows Game Review: What’s New As per Horizon Grand View Research, the global 3D animation market reflects this booming demand. The market already generated USD 25,259.6 million in 2024 (over BDT 30,077 crore) and is projected to hit USD 51,028.6 million (more than BDT 60,760.7 crore) by 2030. The CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) is 12.3%. Career opportunities span gaming, virtual production, fashion tech, and education. Skill acquisition is accessible through platforms like CG Spectrum, Udemy, and Skillshare. Blockchain Engineering and Smart Contract Development Decentralisation in metaplatforms depends on blockchain frameworks, where smart contracts automate transactions, ownership, and governance. Engineers proficient in Solidity (Ethereum), Rust (Solana), and Web3.js are driving the development of digital assets, token economies, and interoperable virtual platforms. Read more: Best Free Blockchain Development Courses in 2024 Applications range from NFT marketplaces to decentralised identity systems and virtual land registries. As enterprises and startups scale blockchain-based metaverse ventures, skilled developers remain in high demand. Learning can begin through free resources like - CryptoZombies- Moralis Academy - MIT's blockchain curriculum Practical GitHub contributions and hackathons further solidify expertise. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Implementation AI and machine learning technologies shape intelligent behaviours across Metaverse systems-—from NPCs (non-player characters) to personalised content delivery. These implementations enhance realism, automate moderation, and enable user-specific interactions. Read more: Home Safety Digital Lockers and Vaults: Popular Models with Price Ranges in Bangladesh Neural networks, NLP (Natural Language Processing), and computer vision are increasingly integrated into Metaverse platforms. The aim is to interpret human gestures, speech, and decision-making patterns. The job market favours ML engineers, AI specialists, and data scientists with domain knowledge in immersive systems. Gaining proficiency involves mastering Python, TensorFlow, and PyTorch, with structured learning paths on platforms like - DeepLearning.AI- Fast.AI- Google’s ML Crash Course Read more: 10 Best Alternatives to Skype in 2025 Real-Time Computer Graphics and Rendering Visual immersion in the Metaverse relies on advanced real-time graphics and rendering techniques. These enable high-quality visuals without compromising performance. This includes mastering shaders, ray tracing, and optimisation algorithms. Applications extend across gaming, virtual architecture, simulation training, and digital twin environments. Research and Markets (The World's Largest Market Research Store) report shows a significant expansion in the global computer graphics market. It rose from USD 221.80 billion in 2023 (more than BDT 264101.5 crore) to USD 238.19 billion in 2024 (over BDT 284462.8 crore). Now it is projected to reach USD 372.42 billion (above BDT 443447.6 crore) by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.68%. Learning pathways include NVIDIA’s Deep Learning Institute, Unity and Unreal Engine tutorials, and university-led graphics courses. Read more: Which phones are getting One UI 7 first and when Network Infrastructure and Cloud Computing Architecture The scalability and responsiveness of the Metaspace depend heavily on robust network infrastructure and distributed cloud systems. Skills in building and managing cloud-native applications and latency-optimised networks are critical for delivering seamless virtual experiences. Technologies like Kubernetes, Docker, AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud play central roles in hosting real-time environments and data-heavy simulations. Professionals with cloud certifications and networking expertise are in high demand across sectors such as - Gaming- Virtual conferencing- Enterprise XR platforms Practical skills can be developed through vendor-specific training programs (like AWS Certified Solutions Architect). Read more: Top 10 Holy Quran Apps on iOS and Android in Ramadan 2025 Cybersecurity for Virtual Environments With rising interoperability and digital asset transactions, the metaverse is a prime target for cyber threats. Cybersecurity experts who understand virtual environments are essential to defend decentralised systems and protect digital identities. Key focus areas include encryption protocols, zero-trust architecture, threat modelling for XR platforms, and blockchain forensics. Learning pathways include certifications such as - CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)- CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association) Security+- Labs from platforms like TryHackMe, Hack The Box, and Cybersecurity Virtual Labs. Read more: Top 10 Best Offline Android Games Under 200MB for Low-End Phones Data Analytics and Big Data Engineering Decision-making within the metaplatforms hinges on vast, real-time data-—from user interactions and movement patterns to asset performance and behavioural analytics. Big data engineering enables the structuring, processing, and querying of these large-scale datasets. On the other hand, analytics transforms raw information into strategic insights. Use cases span immersive retail analytics, virtual ad targeting, and optimisation of interactive environments. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, job disruption may impact 22% of global roles by 2030, but 170 million new jobs are expected to emerge. Skills in SQL, Hadoop, Spark, and tools like Tableau or Power BI are highly sought after.  Learning can be accelerated through platforms like DataCamp, edX, and IBM’s data engineering pathways. Read more: Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition Review: A True MacBook Competitor or Just Hype? UX/UI Design Designing for spatial computing demands a unique approach to user experience and interface layout. UX (User Experience) / UI (User Interface) professionals must account for 3D space, movement, gesture control, and device-specific constraints. Applications include virtual marketplaces, training environments, and social hubs. Skilled designers with knowledge of the following software become increasingly valuable: - Figma- Adobe XD- 3D prototyping tools like ShapesXR and Gravity Sketch Learning resources include Coursera’s AR/VR design courses, Meta Spark tutorials, and HCI (Human-Computer Interaction)-focused design programs. Read more: Avro Keyboard: Groundbreaking Journey of a Bangla Typing Software by Mehdi Hasan's Team Bottom Line These 10 in-demand skills define the future-ready toolkit for thriving in the evolving Metaverse landscape. From advanced programming and VR/AR software development to 3D modelling, blockchain engineering, and AI/ML implementation, technical fluency fuels innovation. Real-time graphics, cloud infrastructure, and cybersecurity safeguard interactive ecosystems, while big data analytics and UX/UI design shape user engagement and decision-making. Mastery of these hard skills ensures adaptability and relevance as virtual experiences grow central to global interaction, commerce, and collaborative creation by 2030. Read more: How to Verify If Your Smartphone is Truly Brand New and Never Used Before

Nvidia announced Monday that it will produce its artificial intelligence super computers in the United States for the first time. The tech giant said it has commissioned more than one million square feet of manufacturing space to build and test its specialized Blackwell chips in Arizona and AI supercomputers in Texas — part of an investment the company said will produce up to half a trillion dollars of AI infrastructure in the next four years. “The engines of the world’s AI infrastructure are being built in the United States for the first time,” Nvidia founder Jensen Huang said in a statement. “Adding American manufacturing helps us better meet the incredible and growing demand for AI chips and supercomputers, strengthens our supply chain and boosts our resiliency.” Nvidia’s announcement comes as the Trump administration has said that tariff exemptions on electronics like smartphones and laptops are only a temporary reprieve until officials develop a new tariff approach specific to the semiconductor industry. White House officials, including President Donald Trump himself, spent Sunday downplaying the significance of exemptions that lessen but won’t eliminate the effect of US tariffs on imports of popular consumer devices and their key components. Zuckerberg defends Instagram and WhatsApp deals as Meta faces landmark antitrust trial “They’re exempt from the reciprocal tariffs but they’re included in the semiconductor tariffs, which are coming in probably a month or two,” US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday. Nvidia said in a post on its website that it has started Blackwell production at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. chip plants in Phoenix. The Santa Clara, California-based chip company is also building supercomputer manufacturing plants in Texas — with Foxconn in Houston and Wistron in Dallas. Nvidia's AI super computers will serve as the engines for AI factories, “a new type of data center created for the sole purpose of processing artificial intelligence,” the company said, adding that manufacturing in the US will create “hundreds of thousands of jobs and drive trillions of dollars in economic security over the coming decades." Mass production at both plants is expected to ramp up in the next 12-15 months, Nvidia said. The company also plans on partnering with Taiwan-based company SPIL and Amkor for “packaging and testing operations” in Arizona. In a statement Monday, the White House called Nvidia’s move “the Trump Effect in action.” Trump “has made US-based chips manufacturing a priority as part of his relentless pursuit of an American manufacturing renaissance, and it’s paying off — with trillions of dollars in new investments secured in the tech sector alone,” the White House said. Earlier this year, Trump announced a joint venture investing up to $500 billion for infrastructure tied to artificial intelligence by a new partnership formed by OpenAI, Oracle and SoftBank. The new entity, Stargate, was tasked with building out data centers and the electricity generation needed for the further development of the fast-evolving AI in Texas, according to the White House. The initial investment is expected to be $100 billion and could reach five times that sum.

Newly announced U.S. tariff exemptions on electronics like smartphones and laptops are only temporary, according to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. The Biden administration is preparing a separate tariff policy focused on semiconductors, expected in the coming months. On Sunday, top officials including President Donald Trump sought to downplay the significance of the exemptions, which lessen — but don’t eliminate — the impact of tariffs on key consumer tech products. “These items may be spared from reciprocal tariffs for now, but they’re still part of the upcoming semiconductor tariff framework,” Lutnick said during an appearance on ABC’s This Week. Trump added confusion by posting on social media that there was no true exemption, saying the products are simply shifting into a new category and will still face a 20% tariff. The measure is part of his broader strategy to penalize China over fentanyl trafficking. Announced late Friday, the exemptions cover products like smartphones, laptops, monitors, hard drives, and some chips — items largely not manufactured in the U.S. The move is expected to temporarily ease price pressures for tech consumers and manufacturers. China’s Ministry of Commerce welcomed the exemption as a positive step, though it reiterated calls for a full rollback of U.S. tariffs. Big tech firms like Apple, Samsung, and Nvidia were seen as immediate beneficiaries, though the looming uncertainty around future tariffs may dampen investor confidence. U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirmed that while many finished products are exempt, machines used to manufacture chips are not. The exemptions mark another shift in the Trump administration’s evolving tariff strategy. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stressed on CBS’s Face the Nation that the policy change is not a true exemption but a reclassification under national security-related tariffs. “There’s no room for a patchwork of carve-outs,” Greer said. “We need a unified front.” Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One over the weekend, said more clarity would come Monday. He later posted on TruthSocial that the administration is reviewing the entire electronics and semiconductor supply chain. The move sparked speculation that the administration recognizes its China-focused tariffs haven’t driven tech manufacturing back to the U.S. Building domestic production capacity would require massive investment and years of development — potentially driving up iPhone prices and hurting sales. The trade turmoil has taken a toll on tech stocks, particularly the so-called “Magnificent Seven” — Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, Amazon, Tesla, Google parent Alphabet, and Facebook parent Meta. Their collective market value dropped by over $2 trillion earlier this month before partially rebounding after a pause in tariffs outside China. The electronics exemption had been seen as a positive sign by industry leaders, many of whom, like Apple CEO Tim Cook and Tesla’s Elon Musk, supported Trump’s inauguration with hopes of favorable policy shifts. Apple recently pledged $500 billion in U.S. investment and 20,000 new jobs over four years. Still, the mixed signals from Washington have rattled the industry. Analyst Dan Ives of Wedbush called the weekend’s developments “dizzying,” warning of continued uncertainty for companies trying to plan their supply chains and inventories. Apple, Samsung, and Nvidia declined to comment on the matter.