Consumer Technology Association SmartBrief
Gravity hits the gas with blazing-fast EV chargers
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June 27, 2025
Consumer Technology Association SmartBrief
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Today's Digital Pulse
Could OpenAI be the next autonomous vehicle company?
(SOPA Images/Getty Images)
Sam Altman's OpenAI is reportedly working on advanced autonomous vehicle technology using its Sora video software, though commercialization is not imminent. There is no word yet as to whether OpenAI, which recently worked with Applied Intuition, needs to catch up to competitors on real-world data or is focusing on "advanced simulation, synthetic data or a breakthrough in 'generalizable' AI," The New York Times writes.
Full Story: The New York Times (6/25) 
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Smart Home
TV remains central to US life as viewers multitask
(Maskot/Getty Images)
The average American watches 24 hours of television each week, with two-thirds reporting that they watch TV most or all of the time, a survey by Optimum reveals. Eating, browsing on phones and socializing lead the lists of other activities that nearly 90% perform while viewing.
Full Story: TV Tech (6/26) 
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Vehicle Tech
Gravity's newly installed stations in Los Angeles are equipped with 500-kilowatt EV chargers, which are among the fastest currently available. The chargers can theoretically deliver a full charge in just five minutes, making them 90 times faster than typical AC/Level 2 chargers. The infrastructure includes curbside "tree" designs to improve accessibility and convenience for EV owners.
Full Story: The Cool Down (6/25) 
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Tech News
Beli, a food review app combining social media with restaurant recommendations, is gaining popularity among Generation Z, especially in New York City. The app allows users to share reviews with friends, track dining experiences and gain status through gamification. However, some users criticize it for promoting generic, overhyped restaurants and diminishing local favorites.
Full Story: TASTE (6/24) 
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Retail Trends
Sources: Walmart tests "dark stores" to speed online orders
(Walmart)
Walmart is reportedly piloting "dark stores," starting in the Dallas area and Bentonville, Ark., to speed online order fulfillment. The stores, which are closed to the public, function as micro-distribution centers for popular items. This initiative mirrors Amazon's strategy and complements Walmart's efforts, including drone delivery, geospatial technology and automated fulfillment centers. Walmart previously experimented with this approach before and during the pandemic and is now revisiting the strategy to enhance its delivery speed.
Full Story: Chain Store Age (6/26),  Bloomberg (6/24) 
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Association News
When vision meets investment, innovation hits the road. In this month's CTA Member Spotlight article, discover how CTA member FM Capital's $240 million fund is accelerating progress in the transportation and mobility space -- supporting trailblazing CTA member companies like Aurora Labs and Gatik.
CES is the most powerful tech event in the world -- the proving ground for breakthrough technologies and global innovators. This is where the world's biggest brands do business and meet new partners, and the sharpest innovators hit the stage. CES 2026 takes place Jan. 6-9, 2026, in Las Vegas. Sign up now to stay in the loop and be the first to know when registration opens.
CTA Foundation's 2025-2026 sponsorship opportunities are now live, with new à la carte style engagement levels and benefits -- to better align with your goals and passions. Reserve your sponsorship today and help open doors for accessibility and longevity tech at CES 2026, the world's largest consumer tech showcase.
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SmartBreak
Dogtown and Z Boys trailer
(Sony Pics at Home/YouTube)
You'd think the first skate park -- for mostly skateboards -- would have opened up in Huntington Beach, Calif. Nope, that claim goes to which city?
VoteCarlsbad, Calif.
VoteKona, Hawaii
VoteTokyo, Japan
VoteTucson, Ariz.
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