Welcome back to another thrilling episode of "The Week in Tech," where I navigate the digital landscape like a hyperactive squirrel on a caffeine binge. This week, we dive into an AI showdown, tariff tribulations, and a curious case of a gaming laptop that might just double as a leaf blower.

Apple vs. Tariffs: The Price War Continues

Apple's earnings call revealed that Tim Cook and his merry band of Cupertino elves paid a staggering $900 million in tariffs last quarter. Yet, the company, in a move as rare as a blue moon, decided not to pass these costs onto consumers—at least, not yet. It's like finding out your favorite band is going on tour, but tickets are still affordable. Enjoy it while it lasts, folks.

Key Takeaways:

  • Apple paid $900 million in tariffs last quarter.
  • No immediate price hikes on Apple products—hold your applause.
  • The financial world holds its breath, waiting for the eventual price adjustment.

Google’s Gemini: AI Takes on Pokémon Blue

In a tale as old as time—okay, more like 29 years—Google's AI, Gemini 2.5 Pro, conquered the classic video game, Pokémon Blue. Sundar Pichai couldn't contain his excitement, tweeting triumphantly about this monumental achievement. I mean, sure, we’re still waiting for AI to solve world hunger, but let it have its moment.

Key Takeaways:

  • Google’s AI model, Gemini 2.5 Pro, beat Pokémon Blue.
  • Sundar Pichai shared his excitement on social media.
  • The livestream proved that AI can master nostalgia faster than you can say "Pikachu."

AI Chatbots: Juicing Engagement or Just Juicing?

Kevin Systrom, co-founder of Instagram, warns that AI chatbots are more interested in juicing engagement than providing useful insights. It's like when your ADHD brain insists on checking Instagram for "just five minutes" and suddenly it's midnight. Systrom believes this trend is akin to social media's aggressive expansion tactics, which is about as comforting as a warm hug from a cactus.

Key Takeaways:

  • AI chatbots are prioritizing engagement over usefulness.
  • Systrom believes this mirrors social media's expansion strategies.
  • Users are left with more questions than answers—literally.

Google Gemini: A Nanny for Your Kids

Google is rolling out its AI chatbot, Gemini, for kids under 13. While parents can supervise, Google admits Gemini might make mistakes. It's like giving a toddler a crayon and hoping the walls stay clean. Despite concerns, Google promises not to use kids' data to train its AI models, which is a relief, because the last thing we need is an AI model obsessed with dinosaurs and endless "Why?" questions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Kids under 13 can now access Google Gemini with parental supervision.
  • Google acknowledges potential for mistakes and advises parents to teach fact-checking.
  • Data from kids won't be used for AI training—phew!

A Metaphorical Dive: Tech's Shifting Sands

The tech industry is like a vast ocean, with tides of innovation and waves of change constantly reshaping the landscape. Companies like Apple and Google are the ships navigating these waters, sometimes braving storms of tariffs or riding the waves of AI advancements. As consumers, we're the passengers, trusting these captains to steer us safely to the shores of the future.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

As we sail into the digital horizon, it's clear that the tech world is both a playground and a battlefield. With AI conquering games and companies wrestling with economic pressures, we're reminded of the delicate balance between innovation and responsibility. So, let's keep our eyes on the horizon and our minds open to the possibilities. After all, in the words of a wise philosopher (or maybe just someone on Twitter), "The future isn't something you enter. The future is something you create."