: Apple Set to Launch iPhone SE & PowerBeats Pro 2 on Feb 11

: India’s Startup Boom Needs Action, Not Just Policy

Here’s a quick rundown of the biggest tech headlines making waves today. From the Apple Set to Launch iPhone SE to Hiring Crunch Hits Singapore Polytechnic, let’s dive into the top tech stories of the day.

Apple is reportedly set to launch a new iPhone SE and PowerBeats Pro 2 on February 11, according to Bloomberg. The fourth-gen iPhone SE is expected to feature a USB-C port, a design similar to the iPhone 14, and compatibility with Apple Intelligence. It may also introduce Apple's first in-house modem. The budget-friendly handset is likely to gain traction in China and India. Meanwhile, the PowerBeats Pro 2 could feature built-in heart rate tracking. Later in 2024, Apple may refresh the MacBook Air, iPad Air, and introduce a new smart home hub, but these are not expected at the event.

The Union Budget 2025 provides a major boost to India’s startup ecosystem, focusing on innovation, entrepreneurship, and infrastructure. Key highlights include a ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds for startups, dedicated deep-tech funding, increased tax exemptions to boost consumer spending, and an ₹11.21 trillion capital expenditure plan for infrastructure. Fiscal discipline at a 4.4% deficit reassures investors. However, efficient fund deployment, deep-tech talent retention, AI regulations, and higher R&D investment are critical for success. If executed well, these reforms could position India as the world’s second-largest startup ecosystem, challenging China’s dominance in the coming decade.

Singapore's polytechnic graduates faced a tougher job market in 2024, with full-time employment dropping to 54.6% from nearly 60% in 2023. Engineering and IT graduates saw higher unemployment due to a tech sector downturn, while health sciences and humanities remained stable. A survey of 7,600 graduates found 87.5% secured some form of employment within six months, but unemployment rose from 7.3% to 12.5%, matching 2020’s pandemic levels. Nearly 49% opted for further studies. Lawmakers expressed concerns over declining job opportunities and urged action to address hiring challenges for polytechnic graduates.

American foundations and university endowments are increasing cryptocurrency investments amid a market boom, fearing they’ll miss out on gains. The University of Austin is launching a $5 million bitcoin fund, while Emory University disclosed bitcoin ETF holdings. The $4.8 billion Rockefeller Foundation is also considering crypto exposure. Crypto venture funds report growing institutional interest, with Pantera Capital seeing an eight-fold increase in endowment clients since 2018. As companies explore Bitcoin for financial strategies, more transparent regulations are boosting confidence in crypto adoption. Yale was an early adopter, investing in crypto funds in 2018 when Bitcoin was far cheaper.

Technology is improving every day. Now, artificial intelligence (AI) is helping people sleep better. AI-powered sleep trackers give useful information about sleep patterns. They also provide real-time feedback and personal sleep advice. In 2025, these devices are smarter than ever. Here are the best AI sleep trackers available this year.