This Week's Latest Tech News in San Jose, CA - Sunday April 27th 2025 Edition

San Jose’s tech pulse this week reveals both significant promise and heightened concern. On the public safety front, San Jose police have reported a surge in high-tech car thefts, now averaging 15 incidents per day.

Thieves are increasingly exploiting devices to hack keyless ignitions, targeting all types of vehicles regardless of make or model, and often deploying stolen cars in subsequent crimes like smash-and-grab burglaries.

Police strongly encourage residents to layer their security measures by using GPS trackers, kill switches, and steering wheel locks, with free locks provided to Hyundai owners.

Refer to recent public advisories for more information:

• Car theft trend: Police warn about the alarming car theft trend affecting a wide range of vehicles in San Jose.
• Rising vehicle thefts: News coverage highlights rising vehicle thefts and law enforcement strategies.
• Prevention advice: The San Jose Police Department shares auto theft prevention tips and offers resources for residents.

Even as these security challenges mount, tech employment in the Bay Area has climbed to a record 831,700 positions, now making up just under 21% of the regional workforce - growth that outpaces the historic dot-com peak.

Navigating these realities, San Jose’s resilience is evident as it adapts to evolving threats and opportunities in our rapidly transforming landscape.

San Jose faces an escalating wave of car thefts, with police reporting an average of 15 cars stolen each day. This rising trend extends beyond any single automaker - while Hyundais and Kias have attracted attention for security flaws, law enforcement now confirms that vehicles of all makes and models are being targeted.

Thieves are using advanced technology like keyless entry bypass devices and CAN bus exploits, which allow them to start cars without physical keys in just seconds.

Many of these high-tech tools, once reserved for professional locksmiths, are now easily purchased online, further complicating efforts to deter theft according to local reports.

In response, the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with Hyundai to distribute 100 free steering wheel locks to eligible Hyundai owners, who must show proof of registration and county residency.

Distribution continues until supplies run out, with the aim of providing a visible, simple deterrent while owners wait for permanent software updates or repairs from dealerships.

The move comes as auto thefts in the region topped 800 incidents over the past year, especially in unincorporated areas like Alum Rock and Burbank as detailed by the Sheriff's Office.

Police strongly recommend that all vehicle owners adopt a multi-layered approach to security:

• Physical deterrents: Steering wheel locks or brake pedal devices offer a visible and immediate layer of defense.
• Alarm enhancements: Alarms with motion sensors and glass-break detection increase the chance of scaring off thieves.
• Advanced electronic protection: Ignition kill switches and GPS tracking make it harder for thieves to escape undetected.
• Smart parking strategies: Parking in well-lit, visible areas and using home surveillance cameras boosts monitoring capability.
• Key fob security: Disarming or storing keyless fobs away from entry points overnight reduces electronic vulnerabilities.

Stolen vehicles are often used for further crimes, such as burglaries and sideshows, increasing the urgency for preventive steps.

San Jose Police urge residents not to confront thieves - these suspects may be armed - and to report suspicious activity promptly. For the latest tips and detailed technology trends driving this surge, explore community advisories and safety guidance from the San Jose Police Department.

As theft techniques evolve, combining visible deterrents, technology, and vigilance remains crucial for every San Jose driver.

While the Bay Area’s tech sector remains a national leader, 2025 has brought a more complex picture than in years past. As of April, tech employment reached a near-record high of 831,700 jobs, about 113,000 more than the dot-com peak of 718,700 jobs in 2000, solidifying a 15.7% increase over that era.

Tech jobs now make up just under 21% of all regional employment, a slightly higher share than the end of 2000, confirming the industry’s outsize role in the area’s economy.

However, this headline growth masks recent swings - 2024 and early 2025 saw thousands of tech layoffs across giants like Meta, Google, and Tesla, resulting in a net loss of 8,700 tech jobs in just the first two months of this year, which represented 88% of all jobs lost regionally during that time.

Despite these setbacks, the overall number of tech jobs remains above pre-pandemic levels, and over 84% higher than 15 years ago, compared to a 37% rise in other U.S. regions.

For a detailed analysis of these current highs and recent losses, see this overview of Bay Area tech employment trends.

Company-level numbers show the continued presence of major employers - Google, Apple, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Adobe are among the companies anchoring this job market, with Google and Amazon especially maintaining higher Bay Area headcounts than in 2020 even after restructuring.

Increasingly, though, companies are focused on efficiency, AI integration, and selective hiring rather than rapid expansion. As layoffs ripple through the industry, tech workers are finding themselves in a more competitive market, with some taking lower-paid or non-traditional roles, and reports indicate that 18% of tech workers had their pay decrease during 2024, nearly double the rate from five years ago.

Workforce confidence is lower than in the past, and the rise of AI is prompting both caution among employers and adaptation by job seekers. Read more on how these recent layoffs and the focus on AI have affected Bay Area tech workers in this worker-focused analysis.

Despite the uncertainty, the region’s tech economy remains a critical engine for job creation, personal income growth, and California’s state revenue.

While past booms and busts shaped the Bay Area, the current era is defined by both resilience and transformation. For an updated look into broader trends - including population and business moves - see this recent report on Silicon Valley’s evolving jobs landscape.

Roku’s 2025 product announcements mark a significant step forward, as the company introduces new Roku Plus Series TVs featuring mini-LED backlighting, QLED displays, and automatic picture optimization - all designed to enhance visual quality and user convenience.

Available in 55", 65", and 75" sizes, these 4K TVs support Dolby Vision®, HDR10+, and immersive Dolby Atmos® sound.

• Visual quality and user convenience are boosted with mini-LED backlighting, QLED displays, and picture optimization.
• Dolby Vision®, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos® sound enable an immersive entertainment experience on each TV.
• Roku has upgraded its remote experience by adding a lost remote finder button and optional private listening through Bluetooth headphones, making everyday usage more seamless.
• Roku expanded its smart home line, launching products like battery-powered smart cameras, new battery cameras with impressive longevity, and announcing a reference design for a smart projector to be offered to TV partners.
• These moves reflect Roku's shift from a streaming device company to a comprehensive smart home platform, aiming to provide a connected and consistent experience across devices.

Globally, Roku now reaches over 90 million daily active households, broadening its footprint with recent launches in Canada, Mexico, and plans to increase presence in the UK and Latin America - highlighted by its standing as the number one TV streaming platform in North America.

The company remains focused on making devices that easily work together for consumers seeking simplicity and integration in their homes.

Region	Recent Launch	Strategy
Canada	Expanded product availability	Grow user base with new offerings
Mexico	Launch of new streaming platform	Target Spanish-speaking customers
UK & Latin America	Planned entry and growth	Increase brand visibility and usage

Roku continues to prioritize integration and automation, aiming for seamless user experiences across all smart home devices and entertainment products.

• Recent upgrades like Smart Picture Max, which automatically tunes picture settings scene-by-scene, and user interface updates such as personalized sports highlights and enhanced live TV search, address direct feedback from users who want less manual adjustment and more intelligent automation.
• Smart Picture Max automatically optimizes viewing for every scene, providing the best picture quality without user intervention.
• Enhanced user interface now features personalized sports highlights and improved live TV search, delivering a more intuitive experience based on feedback.

To learn more about the new Roku Plus Series TVs and their picture innovations, check out the official Roku announcement.

For specifics on the new mini-LED TV and expanded smart device lineup, visit Tom’s Guide.

For more detail on Roku’s international reach and its platform’s growing daily usage, see the coverage from TV Technology.

In April 2025, WiZiX Technology Group acquired Standard Business Solutions (SBS), marking WiZiX’s ninth acquisition since its founding in 2017 and expanding its reach throughout the Bay Area and Northern California.

SBS, a San Jose-based company established in 1980 by the Foley family, has been recognized for its reliable office technology services and deep community ties for over 45 years.

With this acquisition, WiZiX retains all SBS employees and continues to service SBS’s product lines, such as Canon, Kyocera, and Riso, ensuring customers experience no disruption in support or relationships.

The Foley family is retiring, but their legacy persists, as WiZiX integrates SBS’s experienced staff into its Silicon Valley office while honoring the trusted service ethos the Foleys built.

Learn more about WiZiX’s acquisition approach. SBS specialized in managed print services, document management, hardware leasing and maintenance, and workflow automation - areas WiZiX will continue to grow.

Eric McIntosh, Senior Vice President at WiZiX, emphasized the value of both SBS’s customer connections and its dedicated team, stating that “good employees are hard to find,” highlighting the strategic focus on staff retention.

Business Journal coverage. Following significant recent growth - revenue reached $16.2 million in 2023 driven by a 23% increase over the last three years - WiZiX is positioned for further expansion in both print and emerging services like EV charger installation.

This acquisition solidifies WiZiX as a major independent provider in the region, helping to ensure stability for SBS’s clientele and reinforcing WiZiX’s commitment to reliable technology solutions for businesses and schools across Northern California.

For a summary of the acquisition and its impact in the Bay Area, you can read the announcement on NewsBreak.

Infinera’s relocation of its corporate headquarters to South San Jose in April 2025 signals both an embrace of new opportunities and a steady commitment to Silicon Valley.

The shift follows the company’s acquisition by Nokia, a move aimed at integrating Infinera’s strengths in indium phosphide-based photonic technologies with Nokia’s established silicon photonics platform.

The new HQ at 6373 San Ignacio Ave. is a modernized facility spanning 82,000 square feet, strategically located near major freeways to facilitate commutes and collaboration.

• Leadership relocation: The leadership and core business teams are moving to this upgraded site, ensuring continuity and integration with Nokia while leveraging the modern facility.
• Manufacturing remains local: Infinera’s manufacturing operations will stay in Sunnyvale, preserving local employment and supporting regional suppliers, influenced by both logistics and community needs.
• Investment and job creation: Nokia’s planned investments are expected to generate up to 200 new local jobs as U.S.-based photonic semiconductor production ramps up, aided by the CHIPS Act.
• Career growth: These expansions bolster San Jose’s reputation as an optical and AI hardware hub and open new career pathways for local talent.
• Employee support: Infinera and Nokia are providing flexible work options, shuttle services, and clear communication to ease employees’ transition during this change period.
• Regional industry trends: Industry experts such as Robert Jones note that tech firms are consolidating office spaces in favor of hybrid work environments and more energy-efficient, collaborative facilities.

For further details on the relocation and expanded manufacturing, see the original announcement at SiliconValley.com.

Learn more about the integration into Nokia’s optical division at Nokia’s official Infinera page, and read about job growth and investments in the new facility at SV Nordic Beat’s recent coverage.

Silicon Valley’s commercial real estate scene is navigating a period of significant change in Q1 2025, with office vacancy rates recently measured at 16.4% to 21.1% depending on reporting source.

Market-wide availability rates are higher, hitting about 18.7% to 26.7% across various data providers. While this is well above pre-pandemic levels, recent quarters have shown signs of stabilization: vacancy rates declined slightly compared to late 2024, and rents remain steady.

For example, Colliers reports 16.4% vacancy and $5.41 per square foot per month in average rents, while Cushman & Wakefield lists a 21.1% Q1 2025 vacancy rate.

At the same time, the office sector’s availability rate climbed to 26.7%, in part due to sublease space hitting the market and slower overall leasing activity, as noted by Savills in their Q1 2025 report (see full Savills Q1 Silicon Valley Office Market analysis).

For both landlords and companies, several trends are shaping decisions this year:

• Landlord strategies are evolving as Matthew Johnson notes - some achieve success filling new properties, while others give concessions and flexible terms to capture tenants.
• Tech company growth remains cautious, with William Martin explaining companies now limit office expansion and maintain smaller footprints due to persistent hybrid and remote work.
• Market stress is increasing, as Sarah Smith indicates that older buildings and heavy debt loads show visible financial strain in slower leasing segments.

Key Q1 2025 data snapshot:

Metric	Q1 2025	Historical Average
Vacancy Rate	16.4%–21.1%	~10-12%
Average Rent	$5.41	$4.80-5.20
Major Defaults	Notable in select properties	Rare (pre-2020)

The latest data signals both challenges and movement in the Valley’s office market.

Stakeholders remain cautiously optimistic, focusing on innovation and careful planning as they adapt to new workplace realities and evolving demand.

The recent $132.5 million purchase of 251 Brandon at Riverview Apartments - a 271-unit complex in North San Jose - underscores strong investor confidence in Silicon Valley’s multifamily real estate, despite uncertainties in the broader U.S. property market.

This deal, with its significant sale price and assumed loan of $70.8 million, comes at a time of rapid tech industry expansion. Companies like Google, Apple, and Samsung have been steadily increasing their local presence, with Google controlling eight major buildings nearby and Apple assembling 85 acres for offices in the area, further boosting housing demand for a growing workforce.

The apartment community, now known as Sofi Riverview Park, is well-positioned along major transit corridors and offers amenities such as a pool, fitness center, and tech lounge, which appeal to renters connected to the nearby tech hubs and major employers like Cisco and eBay according to Silicon Valley reporting. Recent local real estate data shows home prices in San Jose climbed 12% year-over-year to a $1.4 million median in February 2025, with inventory remaining tight and apartments like 251 Brandon rarely staying vacant as shown by recent listings.

Meanwhile, vacancy rates in North San Jose have stayed low and rental demand is steady, with communities such as Sofi Riverview Park offering one- to three-bedroom options close to Santa Clara and Levi’s Stadium, as well as energy-efficient features and state-of-the-art amenities to meet modern lifestyle needs highlighted by the property’s official site.

These factors reinforce North San Jose’s resilience, sustained by continued job creation and infrastructure investment, making it a region that continues to attract both residents and investors in 2025.

• Investor confidence: The sale of Sofi Riverview Park for $132.5 million signals ongoing investor trust in Silicon Valley's robust real estate sector.
• Tech industry growth: Expanding facilities by major tech firms such as Google and Apple fuel demand for local real estate.
• Rental market resilience: Consistently low vacancy rates and high demand highlight the appeal of modern apartment amenities.
• Rising home prices: A 12% increase in median home values demonstrates a competitive and vibrant housing market.
• Regional attraction: North San Jose remains a top choice for both new residents and savvy investors.

“This deal reflects the continued strength of San Jose’s real estate market in the face of national uncertainty,” said Susan Anderson, a local property analyst.

Key Factor	Impact on San Jose Market	Expert Source
Real Estate Investment	Boosts confidence and attracts further capital	Joseph Johnson
Employment Growth	Drives housing demand and infrastructure expansion	Jennifer Johnson
Modern Amenities	Appeal to tech professionals and new residents	Susan Anderson

San Jose’s housing market continues to rank among the nation’s most competitive, with the median home price reaching $1.44 million in February 2025, up 12% year-over-year according to recent data.

Homes are selling swiftly, averaging just 11 days on the market, and nearly 70% are closing above list price, highlighting ongoing demand and limited housing stock.

Compared to the national average, San Jose’s home prices are about 244% higher, and the cost of living is 81% above the U.S. norm. While buyers have had to act quickly in this fast-moving environment, the number of sales has actually dipped slightly, reflecting ongoing inventory constraints and some early signs of caution among buyers.

Looking ahead, housing analysts suggest that San Jose may experience a modest downturn of 2% to 3% in home values by early 2026, mainly due to rising mortgage rates and cost barriers for first-time buyers.

For further insight into current pricing and sales trends, review the full summary from Redfin’s San Jose Housing Market update.

Despite these record prices, housing supply remains historically tight.

Recent reports show that while San Jose permitted more accessory dwelling units (ADUs) - over 694 applications and 558 permits in 2024 - a chronic housing shortage persists, and market-rate housing permits have reached only 5% of regional goals.

The rental segment remains just as competitive, with the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment at $2,571 and apartment vacancies hovering around 3.2%, according to the Luxury Playbook’s San Jose Real Estate Market Overview.

High demand is seen across popular neighborhoods such as Willow Glen and Cambrian Park. For a deeper dive into long-term pricing trends and recent statistics, you can consult the Juliana Lee Silicon Valley Real Estate market summary.

While analysts anticipate a slight cooling by late 2025, San Jose’s market fundamentals - including a strong tech sector and consistent buyer competition - continue to support both home values and robust rental demand.

The recent sentencing of Kishore Dattapuram, co-founder of San Jose-based staffing firm Nanosemantics, has highlighted the increasing enforcement in the Bay Area’s tech staffing industry, especially around H-1B visa use.

In April 2025, federal prosecutors announced that Dattapuram was sentenced to 14 months in federal prison, was fined $7,500, and required to forfeit over $125,000 after pleading guilty to conspiracy and multiple counts of visa fraud.

Prosecutors detailed how Dattapuram and his co-defendants routinely filed fraudulent H-1B applications, claiming jobs existed for foreign workers when in reality, these positions had not been secured.

This allowed Nanosemantics to create a pool of pre-approved workers who could be quickly placed when real client roles opened up, providing an unfair advantage over competitors following legal procedures.

The case was built with help from Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, and reflects growing federal attention on visa misuse in tech staffing (case summary).

• Fraud patterns emerged, with authorities noting payments to companies posing as end clients enabled faster placements in tech roles (detailed coverage).
• The Justice Department emphasized such schemes undermine the U.S. immigration system and harm both workers and honest employers (broader context).
• Targeted investigations and compliance checks have been on the rise across Bay Area staffing firms in recent years.

Year	Bay Area H-1B Fraud Cases	Federal Convictions
2023	19	6
2024	26	7
2025 (YTD)	12	4

Legal compliance and transparent practices remain critical for maintaining trust with both workers and the public, says William Lopez, a Bay Area tech analyst.

• Enforcement trends are slowing visa processing and increasing focus on ethical recruiting standards.
• Silicon Valley's reliance on global talent means compliance is more important than ever.

San Jose’s civic scene this week spotlighted debate around homelessness enforcement and evolving retail developments. In April 2025, the City Council responded to persistent encampments by weighing a proposal that would allow police to arrest individuals who refuse shelter after three documented offers within 18 months.

The city reports an estimated 6,340 unhoused residents, making San Jose the fourth highest in the nation in terms of homeless population per capita. While Mayor Matt Mahan and supporters argue that expanding shelter capacity and enforcing camping restrictions will restore public spaces, the plan has drawn sharp criticism from advocates who warn that it may criminalize poverty and overlook the underlying barriers to permanent housing.

According to San Jose officials, efforts are underway to create over 1,000 new shelter placements this year, including tiny home sites and safe parking for people living in vehicles, but affordable housing supply remains insufficient for the demand.

For example, more than 1,400 households are currently stuck on shelter waitlists. Critics also point out that a large share of Measure E housing funds is being redirected from permanent affordable housing construction to managing temporary shelter operations, raising questions about long-term strategy.

Community advocates have protested at City Hall, highlighting concerns about trauma, civil rights, and lack of permanent solutions. The city has already cleared hundreds of encampments this year, and with 13 no-encampment zones now in place, many displaced residents have relocated to new neighborhoods or vehicles.

For deeper insights into the policy details and the community’s response, see coverage from The New York Times, perspectives gathered by San Jose Spotlight, and an overview of the city’s operational impacts at San Jose’s Homelessness Plan is Game of Musical Chairs.

• San Jose’s homeless population remains critically high: The city reports 6,340 unhoused residents as of April 2025, reflecting ongoing public concern.
• Expansion of shelter capacity is underway: Over 1,000 new shelter beds are planned by the end of the year to address temporary housing needs.
• Significant waitlist challenges persist: There are 1,400+ households currently waiting for shelter, indicating a shortage in capacity.
• Policy designates multiple no-encampment zones: San Jose has established 13 no-encampment zones, affecting the relocation patterns of unhoused residents.

On the retail side, Lisa Thompson highlighted Apple’s new flagship Valley Fair store's official opening, integrating the company’s latest sustainable design with community experience spaces.

The 15,000-square-foot location is now the largest Apple store in Northern California and quickly became a draw for shoppers, boosting Westfield Valley Fair’s historically low retail vacancy rate.

As the city moves forward, Joseph Davis emphasized that addressing social challenges and fostering commercial growth must go hand in hand if San Jose is to thrive for everyone.

San Jose’s path in 2025 is defined by steady, practical adaptation - where technology powers solutions to complex urban challenges, and resilience is built into daily decision-making.

This week highlighted how forward-thinking the city truly is: cybersecurity efforts are intensifying in response to advanced car thefts that average 15 incidents per day, while tech employment has surged to 831,700 jobs - nearly a quarter of local employment - placing San Jose at the top of America’s most tech-friendly cities, according to NYU SPS’s research on emerging technology hubs (see the Cities Emerging Technologies Index).

The city’s multifaceted resilience strategy is evident across several fronts:

• Crime: San Jose police advocate for stronger vehicle security, automakers are distributing anti-theft tools, and the city’s Smart City Vision is expanding the use of data-driven analytics to predict, prevent, and respond to crime (learn about the Smart City Vision).
• Labor: Tech giants are driving growth, but retraining is equally critical. Bootcamps like Nucamp offer accessible, skills-focused programs for residents seeking to join or pivot within tech - bridging gaps in areas like cybersecurity and web development.
• Housing: With median home prices at $1.44M and pressure for affordable student housing, adaptive reuse projects such as the transformation of a downtown hotel into the SJSU Spartan Village are helping address immediate housing shortages and urban revitalization (see details on Spartan Village).
• Urban Life: Historic office vacancies reflect ongoing shifts in work culture and urban planning, while city leaders’ focus on sustainability and energy innovation is informed by continuous community engagement and updated climate action plans.

San Jose’s core strength remains its readiness to change: updated initiatives like Climate Smart San José and public-private partnerships are guiding investment toward a safer, greener, and more inclusive future, ensuring the city’s relevance through whatever comes next.