September 30, 2025
Tech News
Electric aircraft maker Beta Technologies has filed for an initial public offering in the U.S., joining the busy listing season driven by strong stock markets and investor demand. Focused on electric aviation, Beta’s aircraft reportedly have operating costs that are 42% lower than traditional planes, enhancing its investment appeal.
The company aims to trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “BETA” and is backed by significant partnerships. Notably, it has teamed up with GE Aerospace to develop a hybrid electric turbogenerator while seeking to capitalize on the growing interest in electric vehicles and clean technology.
In another development, the social network Bluesky will implement age verification for users in Ohio, complying with new regulations that protect children online. The platform will use Kids Web Services’ age verification solution, enabling users to provide verification through several methods, including facial scans.
This proactive measure follows Bluesky’s experience with inconsistent age verification laws in other states, which impacted its operations. The necessity of these regulations, while aimed at safeguarding children, could deter new users from joining the platform amidst larger competition from tech giants like Meta.
Shifting the focus to the gaming industry, Electronic Arts (EA) has announced it is being acquired in a massive $55 billion deal. The acquisition, involving significant players like Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners, is expected to close in early 2027, subject to necessary approvals.
This landmark deal comes in a period of challenge for EA, which has faced layoffs and project cancellations lately. Following the acquisition, EA will remain headquartered in California and continue with its current leadership, aiming for sustainable growth within the gaming landscape amid current turbulence.
Tech Explained
Initial Public Offering (IPO) – An IPO is the process by which a private company becomes publicly traded on a stock exchange by offering its shares to the public. This allows the company to raise capital from investors in exchange for ownership stakes.
Electric Aircraft – Electric aircraft are powered by electric motors instead of traditional engines. They utilize energy stored in batteries or produced by fuel cells, aiming to reduce environmental impact and operating costs, making air travel more sustainable.
Age Verification – Age verification refers to the processes used to confirm a person’s age, particularly in contexts involving access to age-restricted content. This often includes the submission of a government-issued ID, facial scans, or alternative identification methods to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
Public Investment Fund (PIF) – The Public Investment Fund is Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, aimed at investing in promising sectors both domestically and internationally. It seeks to diversify the economy away from oil dependency and enhance return on investments across various industries.
Gaming Industry – The gaming industry encompasses the businesses and markets involved in the development, marketing, and monetization of video games. With rapid growth in recent years, it has attracted significant investments and reshaped entertainment, culture, and technology trends.
