Pulisic has not spoken with the media this week.
Day: September 5, 2025
Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, known as the ‘Iron Lady of the Pacific’, likely to be replaced by leader of opposition Fast party
Samoa’s first female leader, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, has failed to win a majority in the Pacific nation’s elections this week, capping months of political infighting.
Official results published by the electoral commission on Friday showed the opposition Fast party won 30 out of the 50 contested seats in parliament.
TCL Unveils PlayCube Projector Designed for Camping
TCL has introduced its new PlayCube projector, a unique device resembling both a Rubik’s Cube and a sci-fi robot, specifically designed for outdoor use. The all-in-one projector, powered by Google TV and boasting up to three hours of battery life, will be available starting September 5, with a price tag of €799 (approximately $930), reports 24brussels.
The PlayCube measures 5.9 x 3.8 x 3.8 inches and weighs 2.7 pounds, featuring a glass lens and 1080p resolution lit by 750 ISO lumens. TCL claims this allows for small-screen viewing during the day and larger video projections at night. Operating noise is under 26 decibels, manageable by the built-in 5W speaker or a standard 3.5mm audio port. The projector includes HDMI, USB, and Wi-Fi connectivity, making it versatile for various viewing preferences.
Incorporating advanced features, the PlayCube is Netflix-certified and offers a twistable design to project images at different angles. Added intelligence enables automatic focus adjustments, obstacle avoidance, and keystone correction, enhancing user convenience for camping experiences.
As a longtime advocate for portable technology, I find TCL’s initiative intriguing, particularly its appeal to outdoor enthusiasts and travelers. While the price may be considered steep, the PlayCube’s innovative functionality could justify the investment for those seeking portable entertainment solutions.
The announcement at IFA 2025 has generated significant interest among tech enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike, as companies continue to innovate to meet the growing demand for versatile, high-quality recreational gadgets. TCL’s commitment to enhancing outdoor experiences through technology could redefine how users engage with entertainment outside traditional settings.
Ecuador’s Constitutional Court Strikes Down Key Referendum Proposals
Ecuador’s Constitutional Court has rejected three of the seven proposals put forth by President Daniel Noboa for a potential referendum in December, including a controversial measure aimed at allowing the impeachment of supreme court justices, reports 24brussels.
The Court cited concerns that the impeachment proposal undermined fundamental constitutional principles, including judicial independence and the system of checks and balances, rendering it unsuitable for an amendment. Additionally, the Court dismissed a proposal to abolish the Citizen Participation and Social Control Council (CPCCS), an entity responsible for appointing state authorities such as the Attorney General.
The rejection drew criticism from Vice President María José Pinto, who expressed disappointment over the Court’s decision regarding part of the executive’s referendum questionnaire. She explained that funds generated from the referendum would have contributed to addressing chronic childhood malnutrition, a critical issue under her purview. “It was a good strategy to fund things we haven’t been able to do,” Pinto stated in an interview with local radio.
Addressing malnutrition remains a pressing challenge for the government, with Pinto indicating the goal is to reduce the affected population from 19.3 percent to 15 percent. Despite the Court’s ruling, Pinto affirmed that efforts to secure alternative funding sources for social initiatives would persist.
President Noboa’s proposal for the referendum, initially set for December, may be moved up to November 30. In a recent international media interview, the president expressed optimism about the outcome, particularly regarding a question concerning foreign military bases in Ecuador, which he argues are necessary for monitoring criminal activities in the region. However, this has raised concerns among experts and social activists regarding potential risks to sovereignty and human rights.
During his visit to Quito, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the United States would consider deploying troops to Ecuador upon receiving a formal invitation. Noboa’s plan for the referendum has now been reduced to four questions following the Court’s ruling. In addition to the military bases, the remaining topics include proposals to adjust work hours in the tourism sector, reduce the number of assembly members, and eliminate state funding for political organizations, the latter two already approved by the National Assembly and requiring public approval via referendum.
Adobe Launches Premiere Video Editor for iPhone
Adobe has announced the upcoming launch of its Premiere video editor on iOS devices, providing users with “pro-level” editing capabilities for free. The app is set to launch later this month, and an Android version is also in development, reports 24brussels.
The new Premiere app will feature a multi-track timeline, supporting unlimited video, audio, and text layers. Users can expect automatic captioning, 4K HDR support, and convenient one-tap exporting to platforms such as TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram, complete with automatic resizing for each platform.
While the Premiere app will be available for free download, Adobe has indicated that charges may apply for additional cloud storage and generative AI credits. The application will offer capabilities such as AI-generated sound effects and speech enhancement through Adobe Firefly, alongside a library of fonts, images, sounds, music, and video assets that users can utilize at no extra cost.
This new mobile offering marks a shift from Adobe’s earlier mobile option, Premiere Rush, which was a simplified version of the video editor. Mike Polner, vice president of creator product marketing, emphasizes that the new Premiere is designed to provide “pro-level creative control” while simplifying the user experience. He stated, “With Premiere on iPhone, we’re bringing that same creative power that filmmakers, designers, animators, and YouTube creators use to produce hit commercials, iconic music videos, Oscar-winning films, and viral content to the most convenient place to move from capture to publish: your phone.”