The best Alexa smart speaker I've tested isn't an Echo -- and it's $30 off for Prime Day

The EU is under pressure to address China's tight grip on rare earth minerals—critical for everything from smartphones to electric cars—but there's no easy solution in sight. With an EU-China summit approaching, tensions are flaring as lawmakers warn that Europe is caught between US trade policies and China's strategic control over these essential resources.

Editor’s Note: Rare earths are the invisible backbone of modern tech, and China controls most of the supply. If tensions escalate, Europe could face serious disruptions in industries like clean energy and defense. This isn’t just about trade—it’s about who holds the keys to the future economy.

If you're a hybrid worker looking for a dependable laptop without breaking the bank, Lenovo's ThinkPad E14 is a solid pick—and it just got cheaper. With a speedy AMD Ryzen 7 processor and a 25% discount for Prime Day, it’s down to $799. Basically, a good deal for a workhorse that won’t let you down.

Editor’s Note: Hybrid work isn’t going away, and having a reliable laptop matters. This deal makes a well-reviewed business laptop more accessible—just in time for Prime Day shoppers who’ve been waiting for a quality machine at a lower price. If you’ve been eyeing an upgrade, now’s a decent time to jump.

Rakuten, the Japanese e-commerce and fintech giant, is gearing up to raise roughly $1 billion by issuing yen-denominated bonds. Daiwa Securities, one of the banks handling the deal, confirmed the move—a sign Rakuten is tapping the debt market to fuel its next phase of growth (or maybe shore up finances—the article doesn’t say why).

Editor’s Note: Big companies like Rakuten often turn to bonds when they need cash without diluting shareholders. For watchers of Japan’s tech scene, this could hint at expansion plans, refinancing, or just smart financial housekeeping. Either way, it’s a hefty sum—worth keeping an eye on how they use it.

If you've been eyeing Apple gadgets but waiting for a discount, Amazon's Prime Day still has some solid deals on AirPods, iPads, and MacBooks—even on day three of the sale. This roundup highlights the best remaining bargains before they’re gone.

Editor’s Note: Prime Day isn’t just a one-day frenzy—some of the best Apple discounts are still hanging around. For anyone who missed the early rush or hesitated, this is a last call to snag premium tech at lower prices. It’s rare to see Apple gear discounted this much, so if you’ve been holding out, now’s the time.

Garmin just made life easier for runners, cyclists, and anyone who hates fumbling with their phone mid-journey. Their latest update lets Google Maps directions pop up right on your Garmin watch—so you can keep your phone tucked away and still know exactly where to turn. No more awkward stops or squinting at a tiny screen while moving.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a convenience upgrade—it’s a safety and usability win. For active folks, pulling out a phone to check directions can be annoying or even risky (imagine biking in traffic). By streamlining navigation onto a wearable, Garmin’s tapping into a real pain point. Plus, it’s another step toward making smartwatches truly independent from phones.