Top 7 Tech Stories This Week: Nintendo Switch 2 Leak, Microsoft Turns 50, and More

This week in tech was anything but dull. Whether you’re a gamer, a gadget freak, or just like staying ahead of the curve, there was something for everyone. From major hardware teasers to milestone anniversaries, here’s a quick rundown of the seven tech stories that made the most noise.

1. Nintendo Switch 2 Teased — And It’s About Time

After months of whispers and leaks, Nintendo finally gave us a not-so-subtle nod that the Switch 2 is in the works. While there’s no official release date yet, insiders say the next-gen console could hit shelves before the holidays. The rumored specs include a bigger OLED screen, faster load times, and backward compatibility — a big win for longtime fans. If true, this could be Nintendo’s answer to the PS5 and Xbox Series X.

2. Microsoft Hits the Big 5-0

Hard to believe, but Microsoft just celebrated its 50th anniversary. The company that brought us Windows, Excel, and Xbox has officially been shaping the digital world for half a century. In a blog post from CEO Satya Nadella, he highlighted the company’s evolution — from a scrappy startup in New Mexico to a trillion-dollar cloud-powered giant. A little nostalgia, a lot of future talk. Classic Microsoft.

3. Apple Cracks Down on App Store Clones

Apple’s been quietly sweeping the App Store for copycat apps — especially those ripping off trending tools. This week, several look-alike AI apps and fake fitness trackers vanished overnight. While Apple didn’t say much publicly, developers received notice that they violated “intellectual property guidelines.” Translation: Don’t try to out-Apple Apple.

4. Instagram Tests “Flipside” — A Private Feed for Close Friends

Instagram is tinkering with a new feature called Flipside, aimed at folks who want more privacy without ditching the platform. Think of it as a separate feed for your inner circle — kind of like a private Instagram within your main account. It’s currently being tested in select regions, but if it rolls out globally, it could change how people share online. Less pressure, more real life? We’ll see.

5. Tesla’s Robotaxi Plans May Be Closer Than You Think

Elon Musk stirred the pot again, tweeting that Tesla will reveal its long-promised robotaxi on August 8. The autonomous ride-hailing car has been teased since 2019, but this is the first time we’ve gotten a hard date. While Musk tweets aren’t exactly ironclad promises, investors are watching closely. If Tesla nails this, it could upend the ride-share market in a big way.

6. Google and Reddit Strike AI Deal

This one raised some eyebrows: Google signed a multi-year deal with Reddit to train its AI models using Reddit content. That means Google’s chatbot — likely Gemini — will have access to real, unscripted conversations straight from the source. Privacy advocates are already calling for transparency. Reddit users, on the other hand, are split between “cool” and “creepy.”

7. Spotify Introduces AI-Powered Playlist Builder

Music lovers, this one’s for you. Spotify just rolled out a new AI tool that lets users create playlists with just a text prompt. Want a playlist for “cooking dinner while it’s raining outside”? Just type it in, and boom — a custom playlist appears. It’s still in beta and only available in certain countries, but it’s another sign that AI is quietly reshaping our everyday tools.

The tech world never hits pause — and this week was no exception. From fresh takes on gaming to breakthroughs in AI, these stories show just how fast things are shifting. Whether you’re cheering Nintendo’s next move or side-eyeing Google’s Reddit deal, one thing’s for sure: tech doesn’t sleep, and neither should your curiosity.