Trump’s new tariffs might make your next phone more expensive

Technology is everywhere, from our phones to TVs, and it all starts with tiny chips made of silicon. But making these chips isn’t easy, and right now, one major company in Taiwan is in the spotlight because of new U.S. tariffs.
What’s Happening?
President Donald Trump has announced plans for tariffs as high as 100% on chips coming from Taiwan. He made these comments at a recent conference in Miami, stating, “In the very near future, we’re going to be placing tariffs on foreign production of computer chips, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals to bring these jobs back to America.” He pointed out that companies have moved their production to Taiwan.
Who Does This Affect?
This mainly targets Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), which makes most of the world’s advanced chips. They produce chips for big names like Apple, Google, and Nvidia. If these tariffs go through, it could mean higher prices for many tech gadgets.
What Does This Mean for Consumers?
For those who love gadgets, this could mean pricier phones. Tech expert Marques Brownlee explained that the chip is often the most costly part of a smartphone. A 100% tariff could increase a $500 phone’s price to $700, which is a 40% jump. This would affect all devices using Taiwanese chips.
Why Is This Happening?
The idea is to encourage companies to produce chips in the U.S. instead of Taiwan. While the U.S. has companies like Intel, they’re not as advanced as TSMC. TSMC does have a plant in Arizona, but it produces far fewer chips compared to its factories in Taiwan.
Can the U.S. Compete?
Yes, but it would take a lot of money and time. To match TSMC’s output, the U.S. would need to build many new factories. Each factory costs billions, takes years to build, and needs thousands of workers. Not to mention, there would be huge demands for materials like concrete and steel.
What’s the Response from Taiwan?
Taiwan has pointed out that their relationship with the U.S. in tech is beneficial for both countries – the U.S. designs, and Taiwan makes the chips. However, with the current political climate, these tariffs could become reality any day, impacting both economies and technology prices around the world.
Really interesting video – @Nothing asked me for the specs of my 2025 Dream Phone, then they broke down roughly what the bill of materials would actually cost
– 6000mah battery: $13
– 6.1″ 120Hz 1440p LTPO AMOLED: $35
– S24 Ultra back cams, Pixel 9 selfie cam: $80
– 1TB UFS 4.0,… pic.twitter.com/V2weq6zhQ3— Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD) January 26, 2025
Google Meet gets a fresh new look with Material 3 design

Google Meet is getting a big update to its look, thanks to the new Material 3 design. This change brings a cleaner and more modern style to the video calling app, making it easier and more enjoyable to use.
With Material 3, Google Meet now has rounder buttons, softer colors, and better spacing between elements. The main controls, like the microphone, camera, and end call buttons, are now larger and easier to tap. The icons and text are also clearer, which helps users find what they need quickly during a call.
Another improvement is the new “expressive” color system. This feature lets the app’s colors match your device’s wallpaper or theme, giving each user a unique and personalized experience. The changes also make Google Meet more accessible, as the new design is easier to read and use for everyone, including people with vision difficulties.
These updates are rolling out to both web and mobile versions of Google Meet. Google says the new look will help people feel more comfortable and focused during their meetings. Overall, the Material 3 update makes Google Meet not only look better but also work better for all its users.
Android
Easy ways to change Android Auto’s look with light and dark themes

Android Auto is a helpful tool that lets you use your phone’s apps safely while driving. It connects your phone to your car’s screen, making it easier to use maps, music, and calls. One of the features many people like is the ability to change how Android Auto looks by switching between light and dark themes.
How to switch between light and dark themes
Android Auto offers two main themes: light and dark. The light theme uses brighter colors, which can make the screen easier to see during the day. The dark theme uses darker colors, which can be more comfortable for your eyes at night or in low light.
To change the theme, follow these steps:
- Open the Android Auto app on your phone.
- Go to the settings menu.
- Find the “Theme” option.
- Choose between “Light,” “Dark,” or “Set by car” (this lets your car decide the theme based on the time of day or your car’s settings).
Why themes matter
Using the right theme can make driving safer and more comfortable. The light theme is good for bright days, while the dark theme helps reduce glare at night. Having these options means you can pick what works best for you, making Android Auto easier to use in any condition.
In short, Android Auto’s theme options are simple to use and help you drive more safely by making the screen easy to see, no matter the time of day.
Google Drive and Files by Google get fresh updates for easier use

Google is rolling out some helpful updates to two of its popular apps: Google Drive and Files by Google. These changes are designed to make managing your files and watching videos much smoother.
First, Google Drive is getting a new video player. Now, when you upload a video to Drive and open it, you’ll notice a fresh look that matches Google’s latest design style. The controls, like play and pause, are easier to use and look cleaner. This update makes it simpler to watch videos directly in Drive without needing to download them first.
Meanwhile, the Files by Google app is also getting a makeover. The app is adopting Google’s Material 3 design, which means it looks brighter and more modern. The buttons and menus are easier to see and use, making it simpler to find, move, and organize your files. There are also new color options and improved icons, so everything feels more user-friendly.
Both updates show Google’s commitment to making its apps more helpful and enjoyable to use. Whether you’re watching videos in Drive or sorting files on your phone, these changes aim to save you time and make things less complicated. If you use these apps, keep an eye out for these new features—they should arrive soon!
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