U.S. President Donald Trump is increasingly counting on the tech sector and the development of artificial intelligence to deliver on his economic agenda, a reality laid bare this week as he hosted Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The crown prince has committed to invest $1 trillion with U.S. companies, a pledge that is largely about using Saudi Arabia’s oil and natural gas reserves to pivot his nation into becoming an AI data hub.

“We will work closely with friends and partners like those in this room to build the largest, most powerful, most innovative AI ecosystem in the world,” Trump said at the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum on Wednesday.

Sitting in the front row of the audience at the Kennedy Center were Nvidia co-founder Jensen Huang and tech billionaire Elon Musk.

Trump took credit for the new investments and stock market performance this year — both of which have been a function of the AI buildout. For all of Trump’s claims that his tariffs are generating new investments, much of that foreign capital is going to data centers for AI’s computing demands or the power facilities needed to run those data centers.

The president called the stock market gains “amazing,” yet leading stock indices fell Tuesday over growing anxiety about whether AI companies are fueling a broader financial bubble.

There are also growing political risks for Trump if the AI buildout further pushes up utility prices for American consumers or if the jobs he promises in the sector fail to materialise.

The consultancy Oxford Economics released an analysis Tuesday that said AI investments offset the “extreme uncertainty” in the U.S. economy this year — uncertainty caused in part by Trump’s tariff hikes that have elevated inflation and potentially contributed to a slowdown in hiring.

The firm noted that AI companies are starting to rely on debt to pay for the growth in the sector, which could suggest “a more vulnerable phase” next year for the boom.

The race for investments is evidenced in Saudi Arabia’s own commitments, which rose from $600 billion during Trump’s visit there in May to $1 trillion when Prince Mohammed came to the White House on Tuesday.

Trump said he’s already pushed Prince Mohammed to increase that figure, saying he lobbied the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia backstage before their appearance at the Kennedy Center.

“While we were taking the picture, I said, ’Could you make it $1.5 trillion?’” Trump said. “So he’s got something to think about.”

When Blackstone Group CEO Stephen Schwarzman was asked at the forum what the most important growth stories were at the summit, the billionaire investor said, “AI and, you know, power.”

“Those are the two things that we spend a lot of time on,” he said. “At Blackstone, my company, we’re the largest developer, the largest owner, of data centers in the world. And this is a really explosive area.”

Tareq Amin, CEO of Humain, said his Saudi-backed AI company was launched when Trump visited the Middle Eastern nation in May. His company saw the opportunity to build data centers and AI infrastructure by leveraging Saudi Arabia’s energy production and U.S. technology.

“Yes, it is an ambitious, crazy thing,” Amin said with confidence.

Musk, whose xAI company has a chatbot called Grok, predicted that AI and robots would eventually allow work to become optional for human beings, that money would become “irrelevant” and poverty would cease to exist.

“AI and humanoid robots will actually eliminate poverty,” said Musk, the head of Tesla and SpaceX. He added that robots would “make everyone wealthy.”

Nvidia’s Huang, appearing on stage with Musk, did not make as bold a prediction. He said: “Everybody’s jobs will be different. I think that that’s for sure.” Huang spoke ahead of the $4.5 trillion computer chip company announcing its quarterly earnings Wednesday. The company afterward reported strong earnings for its third quarter with net income climbing 65% from a year ago.

During Trump’s remarks, the president asked Huang if any other country could compete with its Blackwell chip that is enabling much of the AI development.

“Not yet, sir,” said Huang from the front row.

Published – November 20, 2025 10:34 am IST

Nvidia shares climbed Wednesday after it beat quarterly earnings expectations on fierce demand for its sophisticated chips that power artificial intelligence.

The solid results come amid increasing talk among Wall Street analysts of an AI bubble, with all eyes on how Nvidia, the industry’s bellwether company, will weather the doubts.

“There’s been a lot of talk about an AI bubble,” Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang said on an earnings call. “From our vantage point, we see something very different.”

Jensen reasoned that companies around the world are shifting from classical computing machines and software relying on CPUs to AI-infused systems needing graphics processing units (GPUs) that are Nvidia’s specialty.

Add to that software programs rapidly adapting to the AI age and a trend of AI “agents” capable of independently tending to computer work, according to Jensen.

“Nvidia is chosen because our singular architecture enables all three transitions across every phase of AI,” Jensen said.

“Our customer financing is up to them. We see opportunity to grow for quite some time.”

AI is already paying off for internet giants in the form of improved recommendation engines and efficiencies, according to Jensen.

“The internet has trillions of pieces of content,” Jensen said.

“How could they possibly figure out what to put in front of you and your tiny screen, unless they have really sophisticated recommender systems to do so well; that has gone generative AI.”

AI industry rivals have been pouring billions of dollars into Nvidia’s prized GPUs to power the technology despite questions regarding how the investments will pay off.

Wedbush analyst Dan Ives referred to Nvidia earnings as a “pop the champagne” moment for the tech sector and a sign that worries of an AI bubble are overstated.

Nvidia reported profit of $31.9 billion on record-high quarterly revenue of $57 billion, sending shares up more than 5 percent.

It also took in some 60 percent more money in the quarter than it did during the same period the prior year, according to earnings figures.

“Blackwell sales are off the charts, and cloud GPUs are sold out,” Huang said, referring to the latest model of its state-of-the-art hardware.

“The AI ecosystem is scaling fast, with more new foundation model makers, more AI startups, across more industries, and in more countries.”

Revenue in the current quarter is expected to be $65.0 billion, nearly $3 billion more than forecast by Wall Street analysts.

Most of the money brought in during the recently ended quarter came from Nvidia’s unit devoted to GPUs for data centers.

Nvidia was valued at more than $4.5 trillion based on the number of outstanding shares.

In the period, Nvidia announced strategic partnerships with OpenAI to deploy at least 10 gigawatts of systems for next-generation AI infrastructure, while Anthropic will adopt one gigawatt of compute capacity using Nvidia’s latest systems.

Nvidia is caught up in U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war with China, where Beijing has responded by expressing national security concerns about Nvidia chips and urging Chinese businesses to rely on local suppliers instead.

Sales of H-20 GPUs, which are designed for the Chinese market due to US restrictions on exports of AI chips to that country, tallied only $50 million in the quarter, according to chief financial officer Colette Kress.

“Sizable purchase orders never materialized in the quarter due to geopolitical issues and the increasingly competitive market in China,” Kress said on an earnings call.

“To establish a sustainable leadership position in AI computing, America must win the support of every developer and be the platform of choice for every commercial business, including those in China.”

Published – November 20, 2025 09:32 am IST

Apple emphasized that this year’s selections highlight a diverse and talented group of developers [File]
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

With a new class of iPhones, come a new class of accessories. DailyObjects’ Stack ecosystem for the iPhone 17 Pro Max presents itself as a modular set of accessories designed to extend both the utility and appearance of Apple’s flagship phone. The range includes cases, stands, grips, and wallets that attach magnetically, offering a flexible setup for different usage scenarios. While the system is thoughtfully designed in several respects, a few choices in execution make it a mixed experience overall.

The Stack’s signature phone case is the foundation of the lineup. It has a smudge-free matte finish, an elevated geometric pattern, and the brand’s signature dot texture, which does make the device easier to hold. The gloss-finish buttons feel responsive, and the cutouts for the camera and ports are precisely aligned. It’s clear that attention has been given to the tactile experience. The case certainly feels sturdy.

However, the case is noticeably heavy, especially when paired with the already large iPhone 17 Pro Max. Over time, that added weight becomes apparent in everyday use, particularly for users who frequently hold their phones rather than keeping them on a surface. While the anti-slip grip helps offset this somewhat, the bulk may not suit those who prefer a minimal or lightweight setup.

MagSafe compatible

The MagSafe compatibility is reliable across all Stack accessories, with a firm magnetic connection that keeps attachments in place. The Stack Wallet Stand, for example, snaps securely onto the case and functions as both a card holder and a stand. The aluminium-alloy build feels solid, and the plush interior prevents cards from scratching. It can hold up to three cards, which should be sufficient for most day-to-day needs. The integrated stand uses a precision friction hinge, which feels stable and opens smoothly. That said, the hinge could have benefited from a wider range of adjustable angles. The current motion feels somewhat limited, and users who like finer control over viewing positions, like between upright video calls and slightly reclined reading, might find the range restrictive.

The stand’s dual-orientation support is a practical feature, allowing the phone to rest in both portrait and landscape modes. This makes it convenient for reading, quick video calls, or watching content without needing a separate stand. However, its utility comes at the cost of extra weight when attached to the case, which adds to the overall heft of the device.

Consistent magnetic strength

The Stack Phone Grip & Stand follows a similar design approach. It has a collapsible hinge that folds flat when not in use, which helps maintain portability. The matte surface improves grip, and the magnetic strength is consistent. This accessory is straightforward and functional, and can be useful for those who want more stability when holding or propping up their phone.

The Stack Flex Stand is one of the more versatile pieces in the lineup, designed for adjustable desk or countertop use. Its stainless-steel shaft and precision hinge offer 0°–80° adjustability, which makes it more flexible than the wallet stand. It works well in both portrait and landscape orientations and folds flat for portability. Still, even here, the hinge could feel more fluid; there’s a sense that the brand has prioritized compactness over adjustability.

The Stack Colour Plates provide simple aesthetic customization through interchangeable magnetic panels. They attach securely and allow users to change the look of their phone case without replacing it. While this feature doesn’t add functional value, it fits neatly into the modular concept DailyObjects is pursuing.

Lanyard support missing for now

The Stack Lanyard is designed for hands-free convenience with a braided cord, metal accents, and adjustable length for different wearing styles. However, for the iPhone 17 Pro Max version of the case, lanyard holes are not yet available, which limits the accessory’s use for now. The omission feels noticeable, especially given how the lanyard complements the brand’s focus on mobility.

Taken together, the Stack ecosystem for iPhone 17 Pro Max demonstrates a cohesive design language and consistent build quality. The materials and finishes are premium, and the accessories integrate neatly with each other. The modular concept has merit, particularly for users who like to adapt their setup for different needs—whether for work, travel, or casual use.

However, the ecosystem is not without compromises. The added weight of the case and accessories detracts from comfort in long-term use. The hinge limitations on the wallet stand make it less versatile than it could be, and the absence of lanyard attachment points reduces the practicality of one of the key accessories. These are small but meaningful oversights that affect the overall experience.

Verdict

The Stack series for iPhone 17 Pro Max is a well-constructed and visually appealing ecosystem that emphasizes modularity and design uniformity. It performs reliably in magnetic connectivity and protection, but the physical heft and a few incomplete features prevent it from being as refined as it appears on paper. For users who prioritize durability and enjoy an organized, modular setup, the system will likely be satisfying. Those looking for lightness or maximum flexibility, however, may find it somewhat cumbersome in everyday use

Published – November 20, 2025 08:01 am IST

President Donald Trump walks on stage during the Saudi Investment Forum with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the Kennedy Centre, on November 19, 2025, in Washington.
| Photo Credit: AP

Meta said that it would start removing teenagers from its platforms ahead of the ban coming into force.
| Photo Credit: Reuters

Experts say 90% criminal cases involve digital evidence and 98% of prosecutors say digital evidence is pivotal, adding that digital evidence is no longer optional but essential.
| Photo Credit: Reuters