WHAT’S INSIDE:

• Porsche's EV, Prime Day, Samsung Foldables, SMS Shopping, AI Browsers

• Feature: Amazon Prime Day Travel Deals — US & Caribbean Tourism Hotspots

• Latest food and dining and food technology news

• Arts and culture news, intersection of tech and entertainment

• The latest sports news and sports tech

• Futurism, the latest in future concepts and cutting edge deep tech

• Latest news in wellness and wellbeing tech, biotech, medtech and more

TOP CONSUMER TECH NEWS

Porsche's EV Surge — Macan EV sales now make up nearly 60% of total Macan sales, despite overall sales decline. BEV and PHEV models account for 36.1% of sales. Future EV models the Cayenne and 911 are expected to follow.

Prime Day Hits $23.8B — Prime Day is projected to generate a record $23.8B in U.S. sales, driven by mobile purchases and personalized deals.

Samsung Foldables — Samsung unveils the Z Fold7 with a thinner design, larger displays, and a 200MP camera. The Z Flip7 features a 4,300 mAh battery and DeX support. Preorders open.

SMS Shopping Revolution — OneText has secured $4.5M to develop a text-to-buy network, enabling SMS-based purchases using AI for personalized recommendations.

AI Browser Race — OpenAI to launch an AI web browser and Perplexity launched its Comet AI browser to rival Google Chrome.

Also Charges Ahead — The Rivian micromobility spinoff, has secured $200M to launch micro-EVs, including e-bikes, with designs debuting later this year.

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FEATURE ARTICLE 

Amazon Prime Day Travel Deals — US & Caribbean Tourism Hotspots

This Amazon Prime Day (or should that be week now? Let’s be honest.) has been another solid performance for the company although opened 41% lower y-o-y, but an interesting emerging trend is the explosion of exclusive travel discounts on airfare, hotel bookings, and vacation packages, with a special focus on domestic and Caribbean travel.

Domestic tourism is booming and Jeff Bezos and wife Lauren Sanchez, are constantly cruising the Caribbean in Bezos' $500 million superyacht, "Koru", and doing business to expand Amazon's travel deals and partnerships in the region. Whether you’re planning a quick domestic getaway or dreaming of the sun-kissed beaches of the Caribbean, this year’s Prime Day offers some irresistible travel deals that make booking your next adventure easier than ever.

Picture it, you could cruise the seas like a Bezos in his prime, watch the T20 Cricket world cup in Barbados, party in St Lucia for carnival, or set up a DAO and offshore bank in the British Virgin Islands or Caymans. You do you. But the last days of Prime sales could be the perfect time to score a deal on a tip at home or over the seven seas.

Get Prime Day deals on Travel 

With more Americans traveling than ever before this summer, Prime Day has become the perfect opportunity to snag deals on domestic trips. According to AAA, a record-breaking 72.2 million Americans traveled domestically over the Independence Day weekend. This summer surge reflects a growing demand for accessible and diverse travel experiences across the U.S. As air travel has remained popular, with over 5.84 million passengers flying, Prime Day discounts on domestic flights to top vacation spots are also now emerging as a key to unlocking your next adventure.

Top Domestic Deals to Watch:

• National Parks: From the Grand Canyon to Yellowstone, discounts on guided tours, park accommodations, and even exclusive experiences like stargazing or photography workshops are available.

• City Escapes: Popular cities like New York, San Francisco, and Miami are offering big savings on luxury hotels and boutique stays. Look for deals on curated experiences like private city tours or cooking classes.

• Beach Destinations: If you prefer a coastal getaway, packages to Florida, California, and Hawaii are up for grabs. Discounted resort stays and adventure-packed excursions like snorkeling or surfing lessons.

Caribbean Comeback: The Region’s Tourism Revival

As the Caribbean continues to recover from the pandemic, it is also experiencing a tourism boom this summer, driven by increased air connectivity, major events, and diverse travel offerings. The U.S. remains the dominant market for Caribbean tourism, with travelers flocking to the region for everything from cultural events to luxury beach resorts.

Key Caribbean Destinations Seeing a Surge:

• Dominican Republic: Leading the charge, the Dominican Republic has seen a 7% increase in travel intent year-over-year. Prime Day offers fantastic deals on accommodations and tours, especially to the popular Punta Cana and Santo Domingo.

• Puerto Rico: Interest in Puerto Rico is up 44%, fueled by the high-profile Bad Bunny residency. With Prime Day discounts, you can enjoy affordable stays in historic San Juan or explore the island’s natural beauty.

• Jamaica: Known for its reggae culture, waterfalls, and lush landscapes, Jamaica continues to be a sought-after destination. Special rates for all-inclusive resorts and adventure tours are part of Prime Day offers.

Caribbean Deals for Adventurers & Culture Seekers:

• Saint Lucia: Renowned for its dramatic volcanic mountains, Saint Lucia’s diving, hiking, and waterfalls are best experienced with guided tours available at discounted rates.

• Barbados: With the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup drawing global attention, Barbados sees an influx of sports fans and travelers. Take advantage of Prime Day offers to catch the action and soak in the vibrant beach culture.

• Bahamas: From piratical history, deserted treasure islands to secret lagoons, the Bahamas offers an unparalleled experience for water sports enthusiasts. Prime Day cruise deals to the Bahamas will save you big while you explore the island's hidden gems.

Caribbean Cruise Comeback

Cruising like an 80's Bezos is back in full force too, and the Caribbean is one of the most popular cruise destinations. Despite being in the rainy season, the weather in the Caribbean remains sunny and warm, making it an ideal destination for families and adventure seekers alike.

Top Caribbean Cruise Deals:

• Bahamas & Florida Cruises: These quick 3- to 4-night cruises offer the perfect balance of sun, sand, and sightseeing, with Prime Day discounts on select itineraries.

• Eastern Caribbean Cruises: Sail from Florida to the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, experiencing world-class beaches, snorkeling, and cultural heritage.

• Luxury Cruise Deals: For those looking for a more exclusive experience, Prime Day presents discounts on luxury Caribbean cruises with stops in Saint Martin, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands.

Event-Driven Travel: Festivals & Cultural Celebrations

The Caribbean’s tourism boom is also fueled by major cultural events that are expected to continue throughout the summer. From the T20 Cricket World Cup in Barbados to carnival festivities in Saint Lucia and Antigua, these events offer unique travel opportunities, and Prime Day can help you plan your getaway.

Notable Caribbean Events:

• Puerto Rico's Bad Bunny Residency: For music lovers, Puerto Rico’s Bad Bunny residency promises to be a cultural phenomenon. Prime Day deals offer discounts on hotel stays and VIP event tickets.

• Carnival Season: Saint Lucia, Grenada, and Antigua are seeing increased travel bookings due to vibrant carnival celebrations. Whether you're a culture lover or a party enthusiast, these events provide an unforgettable travel experience.

Plan Your Next Trip

Prime Day presents the perfect opportunity to plan your next vacation at a fraction of the cost. Your dream vacation is just a click away.
Mashable has a great summary of some of the best deals here.

FOOD + DRINK

AI Chef in Dubai — WOOHOO restaurant debuts in Dubai this September, featuring AI Chef Aiman that creates innovative flavor combinations, while human chefs still prepare the actual dishes.

Glenmorangie x F1 — Glenmorangie becomes the Official Whisky of Formula 1 in a 10-year partnership with LVMH, featuring Harrison Ford as promoter at the British Grand Prix.

Olo's Next Chapter — The restaurant tech company is being acquired by Thoma Bravo for $2 billion, transitioning to private ownership to boost growth and services while offering shareholders a premium.

Maha's Impact — Anti-seed oil sentiment surged at the Summer Fancy Food Show, highlighting MAHA's growing influence in the specialty food sector.

Silkworm-Powered Protein Revolution — Startup Loopworm raised $3.25 million to develop sustainable protein production using engineered silkworms for aquaculture and pet nutrition.

ARTS + CULTURE

Diddy’s Civil Lawsuits — Sean Combs is facing over 50 civil lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct dating back to the 1990s, while his lawyer asserts the claims are fabricated extortion attempts.

Hamptons Fine Art Fair — The Hamptons Fine Art Fair returns to Southampton for a 19th Edition hosting 135 galleries and nearly 600 artists with new themed booths and the inaugural Hamptons Jewelry Show.

Google vs EU — Google faces an EU antitrust complaint over its AI Overviews, which allegedly misuse publisher content, impacting traffic and revenue for independent journalism.

Superman Review — DC Studios released James Gunn's new Superman movie, many reviews say it offers a modern and refreshing portrayal that reinvigorates the franchise.

Odyssey Teaser Revealed — Christopher Nolan debuts a teaser for his film "The Odyssey," showcasing Tom Holland and Matt Damon, building anticipation for its epic narrative.

PORTS DESK

U.S. Wimbledon Wins — The U.S.’ Amanda Anisimova upsets No. 1 seed Aryna Sabalenka to advance to today's Wimbledon final against Iga Swiatek. Top US Men’s seed Taylor Fritz reached his first Wimbledon semifinal, earning over $1M before going down to world No, 1 Jannik Sinner.

Wimbledon's AI Controversy — Tennis players have criticized Wimbledon's AI line judges for incorrect calls affecting match outcomes. Players urge a balance between human and AI tech.

Premier League's AI Revolution — The Premier League and Microsoft announced a five-year partnership to enhance fan experiences with AI and cloud technology, engaging 1.8B fans through new digital tools.

Fantasy Life Boost — Fantasy Life, led by Matthew Berry, secured $7M from investors including LeBron James and John Legend. The funds will enhance its app, and acquire Guillotine Leagues.

Streaming Surge in Sports — A study reveals 90% of sports fans now stream live games, with Prime Video leading the market. Younger audiences are driving this trend.

FUTURISM

Reviving the Moa — A partnership between Colossal Biosciences, Sir Peter Jackson and a Maori tribe aims to bring back the extinct New Zealand’s giant moa bird using genetic engineering. Initial efforts are underway in NZ.

XPANCEO's Visionary Leap — XPANCEO has secured $250M to develop AI-powered smart contact lenses that aim to replace smartphones and AR glasses.

End of 9-5? — Marc Andreessen predicts the obsolescence of 9-5 jobs by 2034, as affordability trends suggest work may become unnecessary.

Glowing Biosensors — A self-illuminating biosensor using quantum tunneling detects biomolecules at picogram levels without external light sources, potentially transforming point-of-care diagnostics and eco monitoring.

Tiny Nose Robots — Researchers have developed micro-robots that target sinus infections, guided by magnetic fields and light activation. Promising in animal trials, they may reduce antibiotic use.

Compostable Kicks — Stella McCartney introduces plant-based sneakers that are fully compostable, pushing the boundaries of sustainable fashion by utilizing eco-friendly materials.

WELLBEING TECH

Vaccine Policy Suit — Six medical organizations sue Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and HHS over vaccine restrictions, seeking to reinstate Covid vaccines as recommended for pregnant women and children.

New Autoimmune Heroes — Engineered natural killer cells offer a promising and safer alternative to CAR T cell therapies for autoimmune diseases by targeting harmful autoantibody-producing cells, potentially resetting the immune system.

AI Drug Pioneers — Isomorphic Labs, a DeepMind spinout, raised $600M to start human trials for AI-designed drugs, promising breakthroughs in oncology and immunology by streamlining drug discovery processes.

Autonomous Surgical Robot — A robot trained on surgical videos successfully performed gallbladder removal without human assistance on a lifelike patient, responding to voice commands like a novice surgeon.

Da Vinci 5's EU Debut — Intuitive Surgical's da Vinci 5 robot earns CE mark approval for diverse minimally invasive procedures in Europe, with manufacturing ramping up.