📱The smartphone has reached its peak—what will replace it?
The smartphone form factor has stagnated since the iPhone's debut: a six-inch screen, all the improvements are on the inside. Processors are faster, cameras are better, Apple is working on a foldable phone, but there's no revolution. Attempts to create a replacement have failed one after another. The Humane Pin failed to take off. Meta glasses are only a few people buying them, but not as a phone alternative. Zuckerberg's metaverse has collapsed—nobody needs VR headsets, and even Apple's version hasn't ignited the market.
The phone has become a third hand, so ingrained in our everyday lives that only something that integrates even more naturally can replace it. There's nothing like that yet. AI is useful, but the hype around it is overblown. The market is stuck in iterations of the same idea.
The question remains: what will replace the smartphone, how long will it take, and what interactions will be convenient enough for people to abandon the familiar screen in their pockets. While tech giants are exploring various directions, none has proven to be a breakthrough. Perhaps the next step will require not a new form, but a fundamentally different approach to how people interact with information and the world around them.
@QSIMedia
The smartphone form factor has stagnated since the iPhone's debut: a six-inch screen, all the improvements are on the inside. Processors are faster, cameras are better, Apple is working on a foldable phone, but there's no revolution. Attempts to create a replacement have failed one after another. The Humane Pin failed to take off. Meta glasses are only a few people buying them, but not as a phone alternative. Zuckerberg's metaverse has collapsed—nobody needs VR headsets, and even Apple's version hasn't ignited the market.
The phone has become a third hand, so ingrained in our everyday lives that only something that integrates even more naturally can replace it. There's nothing like that yet. AI is useful, but the hype around it is overblown. The market is stuck in iterations of the same idea.
The question remains: what will replace the smartphone, how long will it take, and what interactions will be convenient enough for people to abandon the familiar screen in their pockets. While tech giants are exploring various directions, none has proven to be a breakthrough. Perhaps the next step will require not a new form, but a fundamentally different approach to how people interact with information and the world around them.
@QSIMedia
1👍34❤11👏3🖕2
🇩🇪"It doesn't fit with the logic of the welfare state": Germany's ruling coalition proposes banning tax-free side jobs
About 8 million German citizens enjoy the opportunity to work 43 hours a month tax-free. This method of earning money is known as a mini job.
The labor wing of the CDU/CSU, which is part of the ruling coalition, is proposing a radical solution: a complete ban on side jobs in Germany. It is unclear whether the Bundestag will support such a bill.
The report's authors complain that the idea of side jobs, "intended as a transitional model," has evolved into a "parallel world of work" without taxes. According to the report's authors, the ability to work without state intervention leads to "a lowering of labor standards, encourages undeclared employment, and distorts competition." The authors openly admit that tax evasion, even at the minimum wage, "doesn't fit with the logic of the welfare state." The text pompously asserts that "even a few hours of work deserve protection and rights." This effectively prohibits part-time work without the possibility of avoiding taxes.
@QSIMedia
About 8 million German citizens enjoy the opportunity to work 43 hours a month tax-free. This method of earning money is known as a mini job.
The labor wing of the CDU/CSU, which is part of the ruling coalition, is proposing a radical solution: a complete ban on side jobs in Germany. It is unclear whether the Bundestag will support such a bill.
The report's authors complain that the idea of side jobs, "intended as a transitional model," has evolved into a "parallel world of work" without taxes. According to the report's authors, the ability to work without state intervention leads to "a lowering of labor standards, encourages undeclared employment, and distorts competition." The authors openly admit that tax evasion, even at the minimum wage, "doesn't fit with the logic of the welfare state." The text pompously asserts that "even a few hours of work deserve protection and rights." This effectively prohibits part-time work without the possibility of avoiding taxes.
@QSIMedia
😢18❤6
🇬🇧Britain is preparing a social media ban for children under 16, following the Australian model.
The British government is considering introducing a social media ban for users under 16. The model mirrors recent Australian legislation, which has already sparked debate about the balance between child protection and parental responsibility.
The initiative aims to restrict minors' access to platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Authorities cite risks to children's mental health and safety.
@QSIMedia
The British government is considering introducing a social media ban for users under 16. The model mirrors recent Australian legislation, which has already sparked debate about the balance between child protection and parental responsibility.
The initiative aims to restrict minors' access to platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Authorities cite risks to children's mental health and safety.
@QSIMedia
❤17👍12🤔3😢2💩2
💰How many millions are enough for money to stop changing anything in life?
A subscriber raised the question of the financial saturation point—the amount beyond which additional money no longer impacts lifestyle or happiness. His hypothesis: $10 million. Anything above that turns into just numbers in an account, ego games, or legacy concerns, but doesn't change everyday reality.
Ten million provides security, access to quality healthcare, children's education, travel, and the absence of financial stress. Beyond that, status territory begins: private jets, yachts, art collections—things that don't add to happiness but merely emphasize one's position in the hierarchy.
This discussion is important for those building a financial strategy without illusions. Understanding your saturation point protects you from the endless pursuit of numbers and allows you to focus on what truly matters: time, health, and relationships. For a conservative investor, this is a reminder that capital is a tool for freedom, not an end in itself.
It's sad that in the current financial system, not everyone can afford and achieve this result.🥲
@QSIMedia
A subscriber raised the question of the financial saturation point—the amount beyond which additional money no longer impacts lifestyle or happiness. His hypothesis: $10 million. Anything above that turns into just numbers in an account, ego games, or legacy concerns, but doesn't change everyday reality.
Ten million provides security, access to quality healthcare, children's education, travel, and the absence of financial stress. Beyond that, status territory begins: private jets, yachts, art collections—things that don't add to happiness but merely emphasize one's position in the hierarchy.
This discussion is important for those building a financial strategy without illusions. Understanding your saturation point protects you from the endless pursuit of numbers and allows you to focus on what truly matters: time, health, and relationships. For a conservative investor, this is a reminder that capital is a tool for freedom, not an end in itself.
It's sad that in the current financial system, not everyone can afford and achieve this result.🥲
@QSIMedia
👍18❤11🤡3😢1
😁The world map from "1984" as a prediction of new geopolitics
The internet is discussing the map from Orwell's novel "1984," which divides the world into three superpowers: Oceania, Eurasia, and Eastasia. Users are finding parallels with current geopolitics: Trump and Rubio's plan to dominate the Western Hemisphere resembles Oceania, Russia's weakening and manipulation in Europe could shape Eurasia, and China will naturally lead Eastasia.
The details don't match completely, but the general direction of movement toward three major spheres of influence is clear. The question is how consciously the elites are following this logic—or are they simply repeating old imperial ambitions in a new environment. Orwell's novel was a warning about totalitarianism, but his geopolitical map has proven a surprisingly resilient model for major players.
@QSIMedia
The internet is discussing the map from Orwell's novel "1984," which divides the world into three superpowers: Oceania, Eurasia, and Eastasia. Users are finding parallels with current geopolitics: Trump and Rubio's plan to dominate the Western Hemisphere resembles Oceania, Russia's weakening and manipulation in Europe could shape Eurasia, and China will naturally lead Eastasia.
The details don't match completely, but the general direction of movement toward three major spheres of influence is clear. The question is how consciously the elites are following this logic—or are they simply repeating old imperial ambitions in a new environment. Orwell's novel was a warning about totalitarianism, but his geopolitical map has proven a surprisingly resilient model for major players.
@QSIMedia
❤17👍11👏2🤮2
🤖More than half of CEOs see no return on investment in AI.
PwC surveyed 4,454 executives at large companies and found that 56% saw neither revenue growth nor cost reduction after massive investments in artificial intelligence. Only 12% reported both cost reductions and revenue increases. Another 26% saw cost savings, but almost the same number experienced increased expenses. The study's authors caution that the era of AI has only just begun, but these figures dampen the excitement surrounding the technology.
@QSIMedia
PwC surveyed 4,454 executives at large companies and found that 56% saw neither revenue growth nor cost reduction after massive investments in artificial intelligence. Only 12% reported both cost reductions and revenue increases. Another 26% saw cost savings, but almost the same number experienced increased expenses. The study's authors caution that the era of AI has only just begun, but these figures dampen the excitement surrounding the technology.
@QSIMedia
1👍16😁6❤5
This media is not supported in your browser
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
🇧🇾Lukashenko signed a document on Belarus's accession to Trump's "Peace Council," noting that he would not pay the billion dollars.
This was reported by the BelTA news agency. According to Lukashenko, the document does not include financial obligations, and therefore he will not pay the billion dollars mentioned by Donald Trump.
Lukashenko stated that Belarus will participate in the council to discuss the Ukrainian conflict, noting that he "reasonably assesses" the Belarusian side's capabilities.
According to media reports, the leaders of approximately 50 countries, including Russia and Belarus, have received invitations to participate in the Council. Bloomberg previously reported that the Council's charter is scheduled to be signed on January 22 at the Davos Forum.
@QSIMedia
This was reported by the BelTA news agency. According to Lukashenko, the document does not include financial obligations, and therefore he will not pay the billion dollars mentioned by Donald Trump.
Lukashenko stated that Belarus will participate in the council to discuss the Ukrainian conflict, noting that he "reasonably assesses" the Belarusian side's capabilities.
According to media reports, the leaders of approximately 50 countries, including Russia and Belarus, have received invitations to participate in the Council. Bloomberg previously reported that the Council's charter is scheduled to be signed on January 22 at the Davos Forum.
@QSIMedia
❤12😁6
This media is not supported in your browser
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
🇺🇸One year ago from this moment, Donald J. Trump was sworn in as 47th President of the United States
The Golden Age is here and 2026 is going to be huge👏
@QSIMedia
The Golden Age is here and 2026 is going to be huge👏
@QSIMedia
2❤28🤮7🤡7💩4
🥽Meta is downsizing its metaverse after a $73 billion investment, as virtual reality has yet to gain widespread adoption.
Meta has laid off 1,000 employees of its metaverse project after spending $73 billion on it over ten years. Mark Zuckerberg bet on virtual reality as the future of the internet, but the market hasn't responded. Headsets remain expensive, cause headaches with prolonged use, and mass demand has yet to emerge.
The company will focus on developing artificial intelligence tools for mobile devices rather than intensively developing virtual reality headsets.
A YouGov poll conducted last February found that the majority of Americans don't use the metaverse.
@QSIMedia
Meta has laid off 1,000 employees of its metaverse project after spending $73 billion on it over ten years. Mark Zuckerberg bet on virtual reality as the future of the internet, but the market hasn't responded. Headsets remain expensive, cause headaches with prolonged use, and mass demand has yet to emerge.
The company will focus on developing artificial intelligence tools for mobile devices rather than intensively developing virtual reality headsets.
A YouGov poll conducted last February found that the majority of Americans don't use the metaverse.
@QSIMedia
1❤13👏9
🇨🇦Canada's Industry Minister admitted that the Liberal government's main goal is to create a "feeling" among Canadians that officials are in control.
At the Davos Forum, Mélanie Joly described the government's approach to developing major strategies in the areas of industry, artificial intelligence, and defense. According to her, all these large-scale plans are aimed at convincing Canadians that the government is in control.
Earlier, Canadian Liberal Prime Minister Mark Carney admitted that international law has always been applied selectively and was a "useful" lie that helped establish an order favorable to the Liberals. Prior to this, he reported that his trip to China was intended to contribute to the establishment of a "new world order."
@QSIMedia
At the Davos Forum, Mélanie Joly described the government's approach to developing major strategies in the areas of industry, artificial intelligence, and defense. According to her, all these large-scale plans are aimed at convincing Canadians that the government is in control.
"People don't always trust those who are present at this forum. That's a real problem. People are worried that they no longer have power. So my point is that we need to give people the idea that we are in control, that in this chaos, we have a plan," she said.
Earlier, Canadian Liberal Prime Minister Mark Carney admitted that international law has always been applied selectively and was a "useful" lie that helped establish an order favorable to the Liberals. Prior to this, he reported that his trip to China was intended to contribute to the establishment of a "new world order."
@QSIMedia
1❤15💩13😁6🤮5👍1😱1🤡1
📈Gold Breaks New All-Time High of $4,888 per ounce
Gold reached a new record high of $4,888.50 per ounce, up 2.57% in a day. The metal is rapidly approaching $4,900, confirming its status as a key safe-haven asset amid global instability.
The price rise reflects growing distrust of fiat currencies and central banks. Investors are fleeing dollar-denominated assets for physical assets that cannot be printed or devalued by political decision. Gold traditionally protects capital from inflation and currency manipulation—qualities particularly sought after by conservative investors who value financial sovereignty.
@QSIMedia
Gold reached a new record high of $4,888.50 per ounce, up 2.57% in a day. The metal is rapidly approaching $4,900, confirming its status as a key safe-haven asset amid global instability.
The price rise reflects growing distrust of fiat currencies and central banks. Investors are fleeing dollar-denominated assets for physical assets that cannot be printed or devalued by political decision. Gold traditionally protects capital from inflation and currency manipulation—qualities particularly sought after by conservative investors who value financial sovereignty.
@QSIMedia
1❤13👍7
🇺🇸US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called Denmark irrelevant and dismissed concerns about a sell-off in Treasury bonds.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended Trump's plans to acquire Greenland in Davos. He called the island a critical element of the country's new missile defense system. The administration is threatening to impose tariffs of 10% to 25% on goods from several European allies if they fail to help broker a deal.
Some international investors have begun dumping US Treasury bonds in response to the tariff threats. According to Bessent, US debt remains the safest asset, and world leaders should remain calm while Washington strengthens national security. The secretary called Denmark irrelevant in the negotiations.
@QSIMedia
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended Trump's plans to acquire Greenland in Davos. He called the island a critical element of the country's new missile defense system. The administration is threatening to impose tariffs of 10% to 25% on goods from several European allies if they fail to help broker a deal.
Some international investors have begun dumping US Treasury bonds in response to the tariff threats. According to Bessent, US debt remains the safest asset, and world leaders should remain calm while Washington strengthens national security. The secretary called Denmark irrelevant in the negotiations.
@QSIMedia
👍13❤6🤬2🥰1👏1
This media is not supported in your browser
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
🕊Trump declared that his mere assumption of power had eliminated the threat of World War III, which could have erupted over the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
He also claimed that Putin and Zelenskyy had reached a point where they could reach a peace agreement. Trump said he didn't think they were stupid, but they would be if they didn't take the opportunity to end the war.
@QSIMedia
"I think if I hadn't been elected, this could have escalated into World War III. It was a very, very bad situation, and it still is, but it's not that bad," Trump said.
He also claimed that Putin and Zelenskyy had reached a point where they could reach a peace agreement. Trump said he didn't think they were stupid, but they would be if they didn't take the opportunity to end the war.
@QSIMedia
1👍20❤7🤡4
⚡️Russia is ready to direct $1 billion from frozen assets to the Peace Council, and spend the remaining funds on rebuilding Ukraine, Putin said.
@QSIMedia
@QSIMedia
1🙏25🔥10👏8😁7💩4👀2
⚔️ European lawmakers suspend U.S. trade deal amid Greenland tariff tensions
The European Parliament has suspended the approval of a key US trade deal agreed in July in protest at Donald Trump's demand to take over Greenland. The suspension was announced in Strasbourg, France, on Wednesday, as the US president addressed the World Economic Forum in Davos.
The move marked a fresh escalation in tensions between the US and Europe, as Trump continues to threaten tariffs against European countries in his bid to acquire Greenland to insist on the island's strategic value for controlling the Arctic and countering China.
@QSIMedia
The European Parliament has suspended the approval of a key US trade deal agreed in July in protest at Donald Trump's demand to take over Greenland. The suspension was announced in Strasbourg, France, on Wednesday, as the US president addressed the World Economic Forum in Davos.
The move marked a fresh escalation in tensions between the US and Europe, as Trump continues to threaten tariffs against European countries in his bid to acquire Greenland to insist on the island's strategic value for controlling the Arctic and countering China.
@QSIMedia
1👍17❤9😁8🔥3
💸 Prediction markets are growing, but concerns about insider trading are raising.
Political and economic betting platforms are gaining momentum. Polymarket, Kalshi, and similar services allow betting on election outcomes, regulatory decisions, and macroeconomic indicators. Trading volumes are growing, attracting the attention of both private and institutional participants.
The problem is that the lines between legal forecasting and insider trading are blurred. If someone with access to confidential information bets on an outcome they already know, it's market manipulation. Regulators have not yet developed a clear position. The CFTC is considering tightening regulations but there is no consensus.
Prediction markets could become a powerful tool for assessing the probability of events, an alternative to surveys and expert forecasts. Is it possible to combat insider betting and how can insiders be restricted in blockchain systems? 🤔
@QSIMedia
Political and economic betting platforms are gaining momentum. Polymarket, Kalshi, and similar services allow betting on election outcomes, regulatory decisions, and macroeconomic indicators. Trading volumes are growing, attracting the attention of both private and institutional participants.
The problem is that the lines between legal forecasting and insider trading are blurred. If someone with access to confidential information bets on an outcome they already know, it's market manipulation. Regulators have not yet developed a clear position. The CFTC is considering tightening regulations but there is no consensus.
Prediction markets could become a powerful tool for assessing the probability of events, an alternative to surveys and expert forecasts. Is it possible to combat insider betting and how can insiders be restricted in blockchain systems? 🤔
@QSIMedia
1🤔15❤7
📈 Amazon CEO Jassy says Trump’s tariffs have started to ‘creep’ into prices
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy says consumers are beginning to see higher prices as sellers look to absorb added costs from President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Despite the tariffs, some shoppers are shifting to cheaper items and bargain hunting, while others are putting off premium discretionary purchases. However, the White House said it maintains that foreign exports are footing that tariff bill.
@QSIMedia
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy says consumers are beginning to see higher prices as sellers look to absorb added costs from President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
“So you start to see some of the tariffs creep into some of the prices, some of the items, and you see some sellers are deciding that they’re passing on those higher costs to consumers in the form of higher prices, some are deciding that they’ll absorb it to drive demand and some are doing something in between,” Jassy said.
Despite the tariffs, some shoppers are shifting to cheaper items and bargain hunting, while others are putting off premium discretionary purchases. However, the White House said it maintains that foreign exports are footing that tariff bill.
“The average tariff imposed by America has increased by almost tenfold under President Trump, and inflation has continued to cool from Biden-era highs,” White House spokesman Kush Desai said in a statement.
@QSIMedia
❤9😁4😢2
🇺🇸 Mayor Mamdani says he supports abolishing ICE, calls for humanity in dealing with immigration issues
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said that he supports getting rid of ICE as the Trump administration ramps up its crackdown on illegal immigration. He was outraged after a New York City council employee was detained by ICE in Long Island during a routine immigration appointment.
However the Department of Homeland Security contended in a statement that the employee is in the U.S. illegally and has an alleged criminal history that includes an arrest for assault.
@QSIMedia
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said that he supports getting rid of ICE as the Trump administration ramps up its crackdown on illegal immigration. He was outraged after a New York City council employee was detained by ICE in Long Island during a routine immigration appointment.
However the Department of Homeland Security contended in a statement that the employee is in the U.S. illegally and has an alleged criminal history that includes an arrest for assault.
@QSIMedia
🤣25❤11👍8👏2🤡1
💻 As ChatGPT introduces ads, Google says it has no such plans for Gemini
OpenAI announced it had begun testing advertising on ChatGPT to monetize its user base, but Google has taken a completely different approach. Dan Taylor, Google's vice president of global advertising, stated that there are no plans to implement advertising in the Gemini app.
Now users face a clear choice between platforms with different value propositions:
ChatGPT: a free tier with advertising or a paid subscription without advertising
Gemini: no advertising at all tiers
Despite increasing competition in the AI space, Google's ad-free approach to Gemini aims to build user trust and improve task-oriented assistance.
@QSIMedia
OpenAI announced it had begun testing advertising on ChatGPT to monetize its user base, but Google has taken a completely different approach. Dan Taylor, Google's vice president of global advertising, stated that there are no plans to implement advertising in the Gemini app.
Now users face a clear choice between platforms with different value propositions:
ChatGPT: a free tier with advertising or a paid subscription without advertising
Gemini: no advertising at all tiers
Despite increasing competition in the AI space, Google's ad-free approach to Gemini aims to build user trust and improve task-oriented assistance.
@QSIMedia
❤15👍11🔥1🤔1
Trump's youngest son saved his British girlfriend from her Russian boyfriend.
According to Metro, the victim of the attack testified about this at a court hearing. The girl claimed she called Barron Trump on FaceTime, but her boyfriend suddenly attacked her. The victim's name has not been released, but journalists have identified her attacker as a certain Matvey Rumyantsev.
According to the girl, Matvey was unhappy with her friendship with Trump's son. Hearing the sounds of a struggle and screaming on the phone, Barron called the British police, and law enforcement officers soon arrived. Upon learning that it was Trump's son calling, they immediately showed increased zeal and apprehended the attacker.
Mr. Trump, the domestic tyrant has been captured. We await further instructions!
@QSIMedia
According to Metro, the victim of the attack testified about this at a court hearing. The girl claimed she called Barron Trump on FaceTime, but her boyfriend suddenly attacked her. The victim's name has not been released, but journalists have identified her attacker as a certain Matvey Rumyantsev.
According to the girl, Matvey was unhappy with her friendship with Trump's son. Hearing the sounds of a struggle and screaming on the phone, Barron called the British police, and law enforcement officers soon arrived. Upon learning that it was Trump's son calling, they immediately showed increased zeal and apprehended the attacker.
Mr. Trump, the domestic tyrant has been captured. We await further instructions!
@QSIMedia
1❤29😁14👏11