October 14, 2025
Tech News
In a nostalgic look back, the latest episode of Version History explores the rise and fall of BlackBerry Messenger (BBM), an app that transformed texting from an expensive luxury to a free service. BBM cut carriers out of the texting equation, offering features long before they became standard in messaging apps. Despite its innovative spirit, BBM could not maintain user loyalty as technology shifted away from BlackBerry devices, ultimately leading to its decline.
Transitioning to the film industry, the unique Japanese horror film, House, is receiving renewed attention as audiences seek unconventional viewing experiences for Halloween. With a plot that defies explanation, its blend of surreal visuals and nightmare logic offers a captivating, if bewildering, cinematic journey. Critics praise its influence on contemporary horror, emphasizing its absurd yet compelling nature.
In a surprising move, the Dutch government has taken control of Nexperia, a Chinese-owned chipmaker, amid concerns over technology transfer to its parent company, Wingtech. This intervention aims to safeguard crucial technological capabilities within Europe, with reports suggesting it comes after administrative shortcomings at Nexperia. The action has already triggered a notable decline in Wingtech’s stock shares.
Amidst shifting corporate landscapes, Apple has quietly retired its Clips app, removing it from the App Store after nearly eight years of operation. Initially launched as a response to platforms like Snapchat, Clips allowed users to create and edit videos with ease. Without future updates, users are encouraged to save their content, as compatibility with current devices may diminish over time.
Meanwhile, the battle over technology ownership continues, as recent expansions in U.S. export controls complicate the operations of foreign-owned firms like Nexperia. With the Dutch government’s intervention, these complexities raise concerns about economic security within Europe, aligning with similar tech struggles observed globally.
Tech Explained
Text Messaging – Text messaging refers to the act of sending short written messages between mobile devices. Initially, such messages incurred costs per text, but apps like BlackBerry Messenger revolutionized the landscape by providing free messaging over the internet, changing how people communicate.
Chipmaker – A chipmaker is a company that designs and manufactures computer chips, essential components that power electronic devices. Nexperia, for example, produces various chips for automotive and consumer electronics, showcasing the strategic importance of semiconductor manufacturing to national security.
Export Control – Export control encompasses federal regulations that govern the transfer of technology and materials to other countries. These controls prevent the transfer of sensitive technologies that could pose a security risk, as seen in the U.S. restrictions affecting companies like Wingtech.
App Store – The App Store is a digital distribution platform for mobile applications, primarily associated with iOS devices. By removing the Clips app, Apple signals a shift in focus away from certain applications, allowing users to prioritize newer technologies that may better suit their needs.
Semiconductor – A semiconductor is a material that can conduct electricity under certain conditions, forming the foundation of modern electronics. Chips produced by companies like Nexperia rely on semiconductor technology, enabling various applications from everyday electronics to advanced automotive systems.
