Technology News 09.12.2025

AirPods Pro 3 return to all-time low ahead of holidays, plus more gadget deals

December 9, 2025, 8:06 PM EST. The AirPods Pro 3 are back at an all-time low of $219.99, with ANC, improved fit, and richer audio. Battery life runs about eight hours with an IP57 rating for water/dust resistance, and a built-in heart rate sensor adds workout tracking. Other deals include Silent Hill F on PS5 for $47.49, the Wuben G5 compact flashlight around $20 with code 20G5, and the Genki Dual Wield Charging Station at a new low of $31.99 for four Joy-Con charging. These discounts run through early December at major retailers, making it a strong week for holiday gadget shopping.

Vivo X300 Series Partners with National Geographic Creative Works for Go Into the Wild Campaign

December 9, 2025, 8:04 PM EST. Vivo has announced a collaboration with National Geographic Creative Works under the Go Into the Wild banner, documenting landscapes and wildlife entirely on the new X300 series (X300 and X300 Pro). The project follows a Nat Geo Explorer and other creators across India's wild terrains, showcasing ultra-high-resolution imaging, pro-level stabilization, and Vivo's ZEISS optical system. The X300 series is pitched for extreme environments-low light, vast landscapes, fast-moving wildlife-powered by AI to capture moments with clarity and emotion. Vivo India executives describe the lineup as a step to blend imaging expertise with innovative optics, while Nat Geo emphasizes authentic, visually rich storytelling. For more, see our X300 and X300 Pro reviews.

Hinge CEO McLeod exits to launch Overtone, an AI dating app backed by Match Group

December 9, 2025, 8:02 PM EST. Hinge founder and CEO Justin McLeod is stepping down to launch Overtone, an AI-powered dating product backed by Match Group with pre-seed funding and a substantial ownership stake. Incubated inside Hinge, Overtone aims to use AI and voice tools to foster more thoughtful connections. McLeod will stay on as advisor through March, and Jackie Jantos becomes Hinge's new CEO. The move follows a broader wave of AI experiments in dating apps, from Tinder's AI features to Hinge's Convo Starters, as platforms race to counter dating-app fatigue. Overtone seeks differentiation as Gen Z grows disillusioned with online dating, while Match positions a standalone AI dating service within its portfolio, alongside Bumble-style ambitions across the sector.

Apple iOS 26 update coming: what to know if you're still on iOS 18

December 9, 2025, 7:50 PM EST. Apple's iOS 26 brings a Liquid Glass redesign, smarter Apple Intelligence features, and stronger controls for unknown callers. Even if you're on iOS 18, Apple is pushing iOS 26.2 with improvements like live translation in Messages, translated lyrics in Apple Music, and updated AirDrop and CarPlay options. The update also introduces a refreshed Home Screen, Lock Screen, and Control Center. Downgrades from iOS 26 to iOS 18 aren't supported. Eligible devices include the iPhone 11 and newer, plus the iPhone SE (2nd gen and later); some features may require newer hardware. To update: plug in, connect to Wi-Fi, go to Settings > General > Software Update, and install.

Google to launch AI-powered glasses with Samsung, Warby Parker in 2026 via Android XR

December 9, 2025, 7:48 PM EST. Google is teaming up with Samsung, Gentle Monster, and Warby Parker to build AI glasses, featuring two models: screen-free assistant glasses and display-equipped glasses. The screen-free variant uses built-in speakers, mics, and cameras to chat with Gemini, snap photos, and get help, while the display variant offers an in-lens display for turn-by-turn navigation and translated captions. Both will run on Android XR. Google also teased Android XR wired glasses under Project Aura, promising a headset-like experience in a portable form factor with a 70-degree field of view and optical see-through tech. The glasses aim to blend digital content with the real world, enabling multitasking across windows and hands-free workflows, e.g., viewing recipes or appliance guides. Warby Parker partnership is part of a $150M collaboration; more details on Project Aura are expected in 2026.

Rocket Lab Wins Nearly C$1 Million CSA Funding for Satellite Hardware

December 9, 2025, 7:38 PM EST. Rocket Lab (NASDAQ:RKLB) rose ~2% after securing nearly C$1 million in funding from the Canadian Space Agency through the Space Technology Development Program to advance a medium-class reaction wheel for satellites weighing 500-1,000 kilograms. The component targets a minimum angular momentum capacity of 25 Nms and will be developed and qualified at the company's Toronto facility. Rocket Lab is among 18 firms in a broader C$14.2 million allocation to strengthen next-generation space technologies.

Tesla eyes Port St. Lucie for Treasure Coast store and service center

December 9, 2025, 7:36 PM EST. Tesla is targeting Port St. Lucie for its first store and service center on the Treasure Coast, with a 6-acre site in the Southern Grove area near Tradition along SW Becker Road. A city council site plan for a 35,325-square-foot building with 96 parking spaces and a 27-foot-tall façade was unanimously approved. The project could bring jobs and economic growth, according to Mayor Shannon Martin. The property is owned by Mattamy Palm Beach LLC. Notably, Tesla (like rival Rivian) tends to own its own stores rather than use traditional franchisees. If built, it would be the first Tesla store and service center on the Treasure Coast, with the nearest locations currently in West Palm Beach and Merritt Island. No construction timeline was released.

What Parents Should Know About Children's AI Use This Holiday Season

December 9, 2025, 7:34 PM EST. With winter break boosting device time, a North Texas pediatric psychologist urges parents to monitor their kids' AI use this holiday season. Surveys show many teens (about 72% of 13-18s) have tried an AI chatbot or companion, with roughly 52% using it regularly; younger children also use voice assistants. The market expects billions in AI-powered toys in 2025. Experts recommend hands-on involvement when introducing new AI toys, watching for signs of distress when access is blocked, or when AI becomes a child's main social outlet. Practical tips include encouraging AI use outside the bedroom, setting time limits, and using the technology together to foster conversation rather than punishment. Seek professional help if a child becomes secretive or withdrawn about AI use.

Navy and Palantir Launch $448M Ship OS AI Tool to Modernize Shipbuilding and Repair

December 9, 2025, 7:32 PM EST. The U.S. Navy is partnering with Palantir on the Shipbuilding Operating System (Ship OS), a $448 million program to modernize shipbuilding and repair through data-driven workflows. Announced at an industry day, Ship OS will collect data from construction and maintenance systems at public and private yards to optimize schedules, reduce cost, and lower risk. Secretary of the Navy John Phelan and Palantir CEO Alex Karp described AI-powered tools that provide real-time optimization for shipbuilders and intelligent logistics for suppliers. Early pilots show dramatic gains: at General Dynamics Electric Boat, schedule planning dropped from 160 hours to under 10 minutes, and at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard material reviews fell from weeks to under an hour. The program leverages the Reconciliation Act and builds on Warp Speed for Warships initiatives.

Apple TV to Stream Brad Pitt's F1 Movie on December 12: How to Watch & What's Next for F1 Fans

December 9, 2025, 7:30 PM EST. The eagerly awaited F1 movie lands on Apple TV on December 12 as part of an Apple TV+ subscription after a global theatrical run. Starring Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes, the high-octane drama was filmed around real F1 weekends and has become a record-setter for sports cinema. To watch, open the Apple TV app, sign in, search F1 The Movie, and stream in up to 4K HDR on supported devices. Supported devices include iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV boxes, many smart TVs, consoles, and streaming sticks. Looking ahead, Apple has US broadcast rights for F1 from 2026 with a multi-year, multi-hundred-million deal.

Google confirms Pixel 9 Pro display faults and launches 3-year free repair program

December 9, 2025, 7:20 PM EST. Google has confirmed that some Pixel 9 Pro units exhibit display faults, including vertical lines and flickering, and has launched a three-year extended repair program after purchase. Eligible Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL devices can receive free repairs at Google walk-in centers or authorized service centers, with typical exclusions for cracked displays or liquid damage. A parallel extended program also covers the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, potentially offering no-charge replacements where affected. The program began on Dec. 8. Google has not disclosed a cause for the faults. To check eligibility, users should visit Google's support pages or contact service centers.

Is OpenAI Losing Its Edge to Gemini as AI Rivalry Intensifies

December 9, 2025, 7:18 PM EST. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, once a devoted user of ChatGPT, has switched to Google's Gemini and lauded its leap. Gemini 3 reportedly outperformed OpenAI's top model on several AI benchmarks, fueling talk that OpenAI no longer holds an unquestioned lead. The landscape shows rivals like Google and Anthropic gaining ground, with Grok and Claude cited as competitive. Google's Nano Banana demo adds speed to the mix. OpenAI says it has internal models on par with Gemini 3 and hints at a forthcoming comeback. The shift underscores a more competitive AI field where leadership can swing with each new model and deployment.

Jim Cramer brushes off Wall Street doubts on Nvidia, Apple and Warner Bros. Discovery

December 9, 2025, 7:14 PM EST. CNBC's Jim Cramer urged investors to trust a good stock even amid negative narratives, arguing belief can help you ride volatility. He reviewed Nvidia, Apple, and Warner Bros. Discovery-three names facing different hurdles. He noted Nvidia's breakthrough run, a looming risk in China over chip sales, and Trump's recent authorization to export some chips, yet maintained confidence in Nvidia's long-term demand. On Apple, he called it a long-term winner despite past doubts about the latest iPhone, pointing to a persistent winning streak and a YTD gain of over 10%. For Warner Bros. Discovery, Cramer praised CEO David Zaslav's debt reduction and HBO strategy, suggesting a resurgent interest from buyers, with acquirers arriving at what he sees as a price not too high after all. He reminded viewers that belief matters in stock selection.

YouTube TV fixes 'Restricted recording' bug blocking access to recordings

December 9, 2025, 7:12 PM EST. Google has fixed a bug in YouTube TV that prevented playback from the Recorded Library, leaving some subscribers seeing a Restricted recording or go back message across mobile, TV apps, and the web. The issue appeared to affect only a subset of users and was not tied to a single provider. Google acknowledged the problem in its forums and said teams were working on a fix, with updates as they became available. The company later confirmed the fix and said you should now be able to access your recorded programs again. If issues persist, users are advised to check for updates and report any remaining problems in the forums.

Spelman scholar uses data to improve AI representations of Black hairstyles

December 9, 2025, 7:06 PM EST. Spelman College researcher Blanca Burch is leading 'In the Context of Curls,' a study that gathers feedback on how accurately AI images depict Black hairstyles and textures. With the aim of collecting at least 200 participants over the next year, the project seeks to improve the training data developers use to render styles from afros and braids to pineapples. As Burch notes, AI struggles to reproduce a pineapple hairstyle and can miscolor hair, highlighting gaps in representation. Mentor Jaycee Holmes emphasizes early testing to ensure technology works for everyone. The effort underscores how data and inclusion in AI can shape more accurate, inclusive tools for everyday users.

Nvidia Becomes First $5 Trillion Company Fueled by AI Chip Demand

December 9, 2025, 7:04 PM EST. Nvidia has broken through the $5 trillion market-cap milestone, cementing its status as the leading beneficiary of the AI surge. The chipmaker's ascent comes as analysts warn of an AI-driven stock bubble risk, echoed by the Bank of England and the IMF. Nvidia's rally-driven by roaring demand for its chips-raised its shares to around $207.04 and left about 24.3 billion shares outstanding, pushing the market cap to roughly $5.03 trillion. Used as a yardstick, Nvidia's value eclipses the IMF-estimated GDP of major economies like India, Japan and the United Kingdom, underscoring how the AI era is reshaping tech valuations.

HTC VIVERSE Reaches 1 Million MAU Across VR and Web

December 9, 2025, 7:02 PM EST. HTC announced that its VIVERSE immersive social platform has reached 1 million monthly-active users, a notable milestone for a platform launched less than a year ago. Accessible on flatscreens and VR, VIVERSE leverages a web-based approach, with worlds viewable in any browser and on VR headsets via WebXR support. The milestone coincides with a student hackathon featuring entries from about 40 schools across Immersive Storytelling, Games, and Social Experiences. HTC also teamed with Open Brush to simplify sharing immersive artwork, enabling one-click uploads to VIVERSE. The challenge remains the cross-device content gap: creators must tailor experiences for flatscreen, mobile, and VR, and VR-only engagement appears modest at present.

Radnor High School investigates AI-generated video of students amid deepfake concerns

December 9, 2025, 7:00 PM EST. Radnor High School and Radnor Township Police are investigating an AI-generated video that allegedly depicts several students inappropriately. The principal says families were notified and support offered as the internal investigation continues. The incident has raised concerns about the reach of AI-driven deepfake tools, with experts noting rogue apps remain accessible even as major platforms enforce safeguards. Lawmakers have enacted deepfake-related measures, including a law signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro banning deepfake pornography involving minors. Officials and parents emphasize student safety and ongoing inquiries, urging ongoing discussion about online risks and responsible use of social media to protect psychological safety.

AI tools reshape Christmas shopping as chatbots guide gift ideas

December 9, 2025, 6:58 PM EST. AI is transforming how people shop for the holidays. Consumers are turning to AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot, OpenAI's ChatGPT, and Google's Gemini to brainstorm gifts, compare prices, and surface niche products. A Manchester shopper used Copilot to discover Viking-themed bike parts, illustrating how AI can reveal options shoppers wouldn't find on their own. Salesforce estimates AI could drive about 21% of holiday orders worldwide, totaling roughly $263 billion. In the UK and Ireland, surveys show many shoppers rely on AI for finding deals but remain unimpressed by current AI retail experiences. Retailers are racing to embed Instant Checkout and direct product listings via AI chats, signaling a shift toward buying directly through chat interfaces.

Boom Supersonic Unveils 42-MW 'Superpower' Turbine to Power AI and Fast-Track Growth

December 9, 2025, 6:56 PM EST. Boom Supersonic unveils a 42-MW natural gas turbine, 'Superpower,' alongside a $300M funding round with Crusoe as the launch customer. CEO Blake Scholl frames AI data centers as facing a real power crisis as the grid lags and interconnection queues bite, pushing hyperscalers toward behind-the-meter power. The company plans a self-funded path to Superpower and its Overture airliner, arguing America can't wait 10-15 years for grid upgrades. The piece notes aeroderivative turbines-like those used by XAI and OpenAI-face temperature-driven limits, and suggests Boom's new turbine approach could scale AI compute while reducing grid stress.

Microsoft December 2025 Patch Tuesday fixes 3 zero-days, 57 vulnerabilities

December 9, 2025, 6:54 PM EST. Microsoft's December 2025 Patch Tuesday fixes 57 vulnerabilities, including three zero-days (one actively exploited and two publicly disclosed). Categories include 28 Elevation of Privilege, 19 Remote Code Execution, 4 Information Disclosure, 3 Denial of Service, and 2 Spoofing flaws. Note: Edge (15 flaws) and Mariner fixes are excluded from this count. The actively exploited flaw is CVE-2025-62221 in the Windows Cloud Files Mini Filter Driver, allowing local privilege escalation to SYSTEM. Publicly disclosed flaws include CVE-2025-64671 (GitHub Copilot for JetBrains RCE) and CVE-2025-54100 (PowerShell RCE), both enabling local command execution, including through cross prompt injection. Microsoft attributes the disclosures to MSTIC/MSRC; updates KB5072033 and KB5071417 accompany non-security improvements.

F.L.Putnam urges investors to buy TSMC over Nvidia as AI competition rises

December 9, 2025, 6:50 PM EST. Investors are advised to consider TSMC as a steadier way to play the AI rally. F.L.Putnam Investment Management's Ellen Hazen says the AI trade may bubble, but unlikely to match past tech bubbles. She notes most AI deals aren't debt-funded and that earnings growth has powered valuations. Hazen still likes Nvidia but argues TSMC offers a strong moat in chipmaking and is a solid way to participate if Nvidia loses ground to rivals like Google's TPUs. TSMC's HPC business, including AI and 5G, accounted for a large share of revenue in Q3. While Trump's China policy on Nvidia's H200 chips is modestly positive for Nvidia, its long-run impact is uncertain.

China sets cadence record with three Long March rocket launches in 19 hours

December 9, 2025, 6:46 PM EST. China set a new national record for rocket cadence by launching three Long March rockets in under 19 hours, lifting its 2025 orbital-launch tally to 83. The sequence began with a Long March 6A from Taiyuan, deploying broadband satellites for the Guowang megaconstellation. A later flight from Jiuquan carried the classified Yaogan 47 payload, followed by a final Long March 3B mission from Xichang with the classified TJSW-22. CASC billed it as the third successful launch of the day, but it isn't a global record-SpaceX has logged far more orbital missions in 2025. The stretch also included five orbital launches in roughly 24 hours, among others, with two SpaceX Falcon 9 missions and the NROL-77 launch.

Trump clears Nvidia H200 AI chip sales to China, triggering GOP pushback

December 9, 2025, 6:44 PM EST. President Donald Trump signaled approval for Nvidia to sell its H200 AI chips to China with a 25% U.S. revenue share, a move drawing pushback from some Republicans. Senators Lindsey Graham and Josh Hawley warned that providing higher-end hardware to Beijing could erode America's edge in AI and national security. They argued China's AI gains rely on US technology, and urged constraints on hardware exports. The plan follows a prior deal allowing less powerful chips under a 15% framework, while Beijing reportedly urged restraint. Xi Jinping welcomed the development, but experts warn expanding access to advanced chips may empower Chinese models and complicate the U.S. race in global tech leadership.

US Air Force to power high-speed wargaming with AI-powered WarMatrix

December 9, 2025, 6:40 PM EST. The U.S. Air Force is pursuing an AI-powered, cloud-based digital sandbox to run wargames up to 10,000x real time. The WarMatrix system would serve as a scalable hub for rapid scenario creation, a common analytical workflow, and human-in-the-loop adjudication, addressing long-standing problems with outdated, vendor-locked tools. The RFI posted November 23 outlines a toolkit capable of hundreds or thousands of iterations across classification levels (Unclassified to TS/SCI/SAP) and integration with existing simulations like AFSIM. The goal is a joint wargaming platform led by the government, reducing reliance on slow models and human pucksters for adversarial tasks, marking a shift toward a digitized, scientific approach.

iOS 26 Shortcuts: 25+ New Actions and Updates

December 9, 2025, 6:36 PM EST. Apple's Shortcuts app in iOS 26 expands dramatically with 25+ new actions and powerful automations that now tap into LLM-based capabilities. The update, noted by Matthew Cassinelli, adds actions across apps from Freeform to Weather and Messages, plus new features like Use Model to connect with Apple Intelligence models or ChatGPT. Highlights include new Image, Mail, and Messaging actions; enhanced data and memory handling; and improved performance for Transcribe Audio. Apple also updates existing actions-Calculate Expression now handles units and currency, Create QR Code styling, and Date supports holiday contexts. Mac automation improvements and new glyphs round out the release.

Disney Board Nominates Former Apple COO Jeff Williams as Independent Director

December 9, 2025, 6:34 PM EST. Disney's board has nominated Jeff Williams, the former Apple chief operating officer, to join as an independent director, potentially expanding the board to 11 seats. Shareholders will vote at next year's annual meeting on Williams's nomination and on re-electing the current directors. The move comes as CEO Bob Iger guides a critical succession process ahead of his 2026 contract expiration. Williams, who joined Apple in 1998 and led global supply chain, design, and product operations, is praised for his role in launching the Apple Watch and shaping health and fitness initiatives. If approved, Williams would join a board with deep ties to Apple through past collaborations and organizational leadership, reflecting Disney's emphasis on tech-enabled storytelling and innovation.

Arm CEO: Physical AI could automate large sections of factory work in the next decade

December 9, 2025, 6:32 PM EST. Arm CEO Rene Haas says physical AI-powered humanoid robots could replace large sections of factory work in five to ten years. Unlike legacy robotic arms optimized for a single task, general-purpose humanoids would learn on the job and be reprogrammable to different tasks, enabling on-the-fly shifts in manufacturing. The idea raises policy questions about worker displacement and re-skilling. Haas pointed to Waymo's autonomous vehicles as an indicator of hardware-light future AI systems, with later generations needing fewer sensors. Arm notes the semiconductor supply chain has 'many single points of failure.' While Arm doesn't make chips, its design ecosystem underpins devices from phones to cars. If validated, physical AI could reshape global manufacturing dynamics and competitiveness.

UK-Germany commit £14m to advance quantum technology partnership

December 9, 2025, 6:30 PM EST. The UK and Germany announced a £14m package of joint initiatives to accelerate quantum technology, unveiled during President Steinmeier's UK visit. UK Science Minister Lord Vallance highlighted how quantum technology could transform cybersecurity, drug discovery, and medical imaging, with Germany as a natural partner. The plan includes a £6m joint R&D funding call (Innovate UK and VDI, £3m each) launching in early 2026. A further £8m will fund Glasgow's Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics to translate research into market-ready quantum products. The UK's National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and Germany's Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) signed a new Memorandum of Understanding, aligning with the international NMI-Q standards initiative. The deal reinforces bilateral science ties and could support thousands of UK jobs as quantum breakthroughs accelerate across sectors.

Starlink Is SpaceX's Cash Cow as IPO Buzz and $800B Valuation Rumors Persist

December 9, 2025, 6:22 PM EST. Elon Musk frames Starlink as SpaceX's main revenue driver, discounting NASA subsidies and noting NASA contracts will account for less than 5% of 2026 revenue. Despite media chatter about an $800B valuation and a possible IPO in 2026, Musk says SpaceX has been cash-flow positive for years and conducts stock buybacks to provide liquidity. 2025 commercial revenue reached about $15.5B, underscoring Starlink's growth and SpaceX's launch work for the U.S. government. The company remains laser-focused on the next-gen Starship, in-orbit refueling, and an uncrewed Mars mission, while investors weigh SpaceX's private trajectory against peers like OpenAI.

Supermicro Expands NVIDIA Blackwell Portfolio with 4U and 2-OU Liquid-Cooled HGX B300 Systems

December 9, 2025, 6:20 PM EST. Supermicro expands its NVIDIA Blackwell portfolio with new 4U and 2-OU (OCP) liquid-cooled HGX B300 systems, part of its Data Center Building Block Solutions (DCBBS). The 4U model fits standard 19-inch racks and scales to up to 64 GPUs per rack using Direct Liquid-Cooling (DLC-2) for high-density, energy-efficient operation. The compact 2-OU (ORV3) system targets 21-inch Open Rack V3 and delivers up to 144 GPUs per rack (eight NVIDIA Blackwell Ultra GPUs per node at up to 1,100W each). Combined with NVIDIA Quantum-X800 InfiniBand networking and Supermicro's in-row CDUs, eight racks form a scalable SuperCluster with up to 1,152 GPUs. These platforms accelerate hyperscale AI/factory deployments, boosting density and efficiency while shortening time-to-market.

Samsung Galaxy gets built-in Private Album in Gallery with One UI 8.5 beta

December 9, 2025, 6:18 PM EST. Samsung is adding a built-in Private Album to the Gallery app in One UI 8.5 beta, offering a native alternative to the Google Photos-style Locked Folder. Hidden items stay protected by your fingerprint or device PIN and even screenshots inside the album are blocked. Instead of moving files to the Secure Folder, you can bulk-select and transfer items directly to the private album, then view it via a dedicated menu. The beta limits include basic sorting and sharing options; more features may arrive on rollout. Expect this feature to improve privacy and usability for Galaxy users once the official update lands.

EchoStar Valuation Revisited as SpaceX Plans an $800B Secondary Sale

December 9, 2025, 6:14 PM EST. EchoStar (SATS) trades in the spotlight again after SpaceX reportedly plans a secondary sale at an eye-popping $800 billion valuation, lifting EchoStar's SpaceX stake. The stock has surged ~290% YTD with a 3-year TSR above 430%, signaling momentum rather than fatigue. The prior narrative pins EchoStar's fair value around $79.83 (suggesting overvaluation at current levels), while a DCF view estimates fair value nearer $157, implying the stock could still be undervalued depending on assumptions. Challenges include regulatory uncertainty around spectrum licenses and looming debt maturities. Proposed monetization of EchoStar's spectrum via new services, wholesale partnerships, or leases could unlock one-time gains and strengthen the balance sheet. Investors must weigh upside from SpaceX against the market's current valuation.

EU says easier iPhone-Android switching proves the DMA is working

December 9, 2025, 6:12 PM EST. Apple and Google announced a cross-platform data transfer feature to swap data between iPhone and Android during device setup, signaling that the DMA is delivering real data portability benefits. The tool will move contacts, calendar events, messages, photos, documents, Wi-Fi networks, passwords, and data from third-party apps, and will work wirelessly. The plan, described by a European Commission spokesperson, will be global in scope and follows the earlier eSIM transfer solution. Result: easier switching could help apps retain users regardless of platform. The feature, rolling out in a new Android Canary build for Pixel and in the upcoming iOS 26 developer beta, underscores collaboration between Apple and Google and is reinforced by the Commission's DMA compliance notes from 2024-25.

Study Links Early Smartphone Ownership to Increased Health Risks in Children

December 9, 2025, 6:10 PM EST. A new study from the American Academy of Pediatrics, using the NIH-funded Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study, analyzed >10,000 participants and found that having a smartphone by age 12 is linked to higher risk of depression, obesity, and insufficient sleep. Among 12-year-olds, those who owned a smartphone (median age 11) fared worse than peers without one, with earlier ownership associated with greater risk. The study's authors plan to examine which features contribute, noting that smartphones can be essential for safety and communication. Dr. Tamara Lim advises weighing benefits and risks, and considering alternatives like kid-specific phones or watches if appropriate. Parents should assess necessity, risk of loss, and set usage rules.

Hands-on with Nothing Phone (3a) Community Edition: a playful Y2K-inspired collaboration

December 9, 2025, 6:04 PM EST. Nothing leans into its community-driven ethos with the Phone (3a) Community Edition, a bold, nostalgic yet refreshed take. Over nine months and 700 submissions, four designers redefined hardware, software, accessories and the campaign identity. The result is a transparent, lime-acid green back with yellow and pink accents that feels playful yet premium, plus a tactile interaction as the circuitry shifts with the angle. The CE also expands into accessories with Dice, a six-faced reminder of chance and play, designed by Ambrogio Tacconi and Louis Aymonod. Jad Zock contributes lock-screen and wallpaper designs that echo the rear panel and hide playful easter eggs, tying hardware and software into a cohesive, One-off Nothing experience.

Google Launches PC Connect Beta: First-Party Virtual Desktop for Android XR

December 9, 2025, 5:58 PM EST. Google is rolling out a beta of PC Connect, a first-party virtual desktop app for Android XR that streams content from a Windows PC. The app prioritizes streaming desktop apps and is optimized for low latency and high framerate, with a focus on streaming flat games. A notable feature is input crossover: you can control the PC from the headset or with a host keyboard & mouse or gamepad, and the host's peripherals extend into the XR environment. Google also highlights system-level Gemini integration and an auto-stereo feature that converts flat windows to stereoscopic 3D in real time. In a demo, Stray streamed from a laptop showed promise but with some performance stutters. PC Connect competes with longtime Virtual Desktop, but is free.

Teens, Social Media and AI Chatbots in 2025: Pew Survey Highlights Bot Use and Platform Shifts

December 9, 2025, 5:56 PM EST. New Pew Research Center findings show U.S. teens (ages 13-17) are navigating social media and AI chatbots with mixed feelings but strong engagement. In Sept-Oct 2025, about two-thirds of teens say they use AI chatbots, with roughly 30% using them daily. YouTube remains near-universal, while TikTok and Instagram attract six-in-ten or more. Snapchat reaches about half, and Facebook (31%) and WhatsApp (24%) lag behind; Reddit and X are each under 20%. Notable shifts include WhatsApp growth (25%), while X and Facebook have declined over the past decade. The report also notes variation by gender, race/ethnicity, and income, and highlights teens' ongoing attachment to online platforms even as they explore AI tools.

Apple orders 22M OLED panels from Samsung for first foldable iPhone

December 9, 2025, 5:52 PM EST. Apple is ramping up for its first foldable iPhone, ordering 22 million OLED panels from Samsung Display. A now-deleted ET News report claimed Samsung will mass-produce 11 million inward-folding and 11 million external displays, suggesting roughly 10 million finished foldables for Apple. The plan tops initial industry expectations by more than 30%, versus earlier forecasts of 6-8 million shipments. Global foldable volumes have hovered around 20 million annually, making this a big bet. The device reportedly features a book-style inward-fold, with a 5.35-inch external display and a 7.58-inch inner panel, plus a sophisticated hinge to minimize creasing. Apple is said to use Color Filter on Encapsulation (COE) to slim the stack and boost brightness, and may include an Under Display Camera (UDC). Launch is expected next year alongside the iPhone 18 Pro line.

Exelon CEO Warns on U.S. Grid Resilience and Rising Utility Prices Amid AI Demand Surge

December 9, 2025, 5:50 PM EST. Calvin Butler, president and CEO of Exelon, warns that the U.S. electric grid resilience is at risk as AI-driven demand and electrification surge. He calls for immediate investments across generation-from renewables to nuclear and natural gas-and efficiency upgrades to prevent utility prices from spiking. Speaking at Fortune's Brainstorm AI conference, Butler compared the grid's warning lights to a car's check-engine light, urging action before outages on extreme weather days. The DOE projects continued demand growth into 2025-26, with residential prices rising and inflation pressures shifting toward utilities. Exelon and NextEra recently teamed to expand transmission to boost reliability as renewables edge toward a 25% generation share in 2026. What happens next for prices remains uncertain.

AI Chip Export Controls Pose New Hurdles for Global Data Centers

December 9, 2025, 5:48 PM EST. Outside the US, data centers face tightening export controls as Congress weighs the GAIN AI Act, which could require prioritizing US customers before exporting AI chips. The BIS framework and related KYC diligence add compliance burdens for vendors and buyers of AI chips, potentially delaying purchases and raising costs for data centers worldwide. The earlier planned Diffusion Rule-which would have created a three-tier export system-was rescinded, but its guidance signals ongoing government concern about diversion to military or intelligence uses. Even allied entities can feel the effects of restrictions on reexports and transfers. Companies should track policy shifts, implement robust due diligence, and prepare contingency plans to mitigate supply disruptions.

Apple price target hike by Citi and Wells Fargo's top-five dealmaking push

December 9, 2025, 5:44 PM EST. Citi lifts Apple's target to $330 from $315, implying about 19% upside as iPhone upgrades and a record shipment cycle loom. IDC projects a strong year for iPhone volumes, with 2025 growth at 6.1% YoY from 3.9%. Citi also flags promising AI developments, including reports Apple may pay Alphabet/Google for AI tech to power a more capable Siri while it develops its own model. The call reinforces a constructive view on AAPL though some clarity on Apple Intelligence remains. Separately, Wells Fargo CEO Charlie Scharf seeks to make the bank a top-five CIB/dealmaking player, leveraging cross-sell strengths to compete with Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan.

Disney Taps Former Apple COO Jeff Williams for Board of Directors

December 9, 2025, 5:34 PM EST. Disney named Jeff Williams, the former COO of Apple, as a nominee to join its board of directors, with the board expanding from 10 to 11 seats pending shareholder approval at the 2026 annual meeting. Williams retired earlier this year after guiding Apple's operations, design, supply chain, and product launches such as the Apple Watch. The nomination adds a seasoned tech voice to Disney's board alongside Carolyn Everson. The move reinforces Disney's ongoing collaboration with the tech industry, a relationship linked to Steve Jobs and continuing with joint initiatives that support new technologies. Williams called the nomination an honor and pledged to contribute to Disney's creativity and innovation.

DJI FlyCart 100: The 100kg-capacity delivery drone

December 9, 2025, 5:32 PM EST. DJI's latest heavy-duty drone, the FlyCart 100, can carry up to 100kg and reach 6,000 meters. It can haul 65kg for 12km or 80kg for 6km, ideal for demanding jobs. A 30-meter winch with rapid retrieval, automatic/manual release, and hot-swappable, ultra-fast charging batteries keeps operations moving, even with a down cell. Batteries can be warmed for operation from -20°C to 40°C. The unit offers IP55 protection, LiDAR obstacle detection, and a built-in parachute to slow descents to 7 m/s. It's large, with eight blades and a distinctive, cyberpunk look. No official price yet; potential US ban on DJI products could affect availability in the market.

Save $250 on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 at Amazon-Lowest Price of the Year

December 9, 2025, 5:30 PM EST. Amazon is slashing the price on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 to $549 (was $799), a $250 instant discount that tops the best Black Friday deal for the year. The Ultra 2 wears a titanium case with enhanced durability, a larger 49mm size, and a bright 1.92" Retina LTPO OLED display with up to 2,000 nits. It runs on the S9 processor with 64GB of storage, offers dual-frequency GPS, a triple-mic array, dual speakers, and up to 36 hours of battery life. Water resistance reaches 100m, and the Oceanic+ app turns it into a dive computer. The newer Apple Watch Ultra 3 starts at $779; the upgrades are incremental, so saving $230 is enticing for most buyers.

Pebble's Index 01: A minimalist smart ring for quick voice notes with a two-year battery

December 9, 2025, 5:28 PM EST. Pebble's Index 01 is a minimalist smart ring with a microphone and a single button built to capture quick voice notes. Press the button, whisper, and the note is saved to your phone's Notes app or set as a reminder. There's no health tracking, no screen, and no AI assistant. The appeal is its offline simplicity: it operates without internet, runs on a hearing-aid-sized battery that Pebble claims can last about two years if you record roughly 10-20 six-second thoughts daily, and it offers about five minutes of internal storage. It avoids ongoing costs with no subscription. Pre-order around $75, or $99 when it ships in early 2026.

Google's Android XR glasses reveal a practical, future-ready AI headset

December 9, 2025, 5:26 PM EST. Google is advancing its Android XR platform with three main updates: display-capable AI glasses for developers, updates to Galaxy XR and Project Aura to boost immersion, and deeper integration with Android phones and wearables. The author tested a developer kit at Google's Hudson River office, noting smooth demos from visual assistance to gyroscopic navigation, and even a Gemini chat interaction. The experiences showed seamless transitions between glasses, Galaxy XR, and Project Aura, signaling a future where wearables and Android apps merge. Google touts two AI glasses forms – audio/camera-only and a display-enabled variant – and argues its software ecosystem gives it an edge once XR SDK Developer Preview 3 lands. Expect native app hosting and streamlined experiences, like Uber navigation projected on a glass interface.

Colin Kaepernick-backed Lumi Story AI rolls out in Prince George's County Public Schools

December 9, 2025, 5:24 PM EST. Colin Kaepernick-backed Lumi Story is rolling out in Prince George's County Public Schools as the district tests an AI-powered storytelling tool to boost literacy and support academics. Demonstrated at Largo High School, Lumi Story emphasizes character building and multilingual support-the platform now crosses more than 50 languages (including Haitian Creole, Japanese, Thai, and Arabic). District leaders call the program culturally responsive, with teachers given full transparency and training to intervene when needed. Superintendent Shawn Joseph frames AI as the new word processor, a tool to help teachers and students work more efficiently. The rollout is part of a broader AI investment plan to empower learners across the system.

Android's Circle to Search Adds On-Device Fraud Detection to Identify Scams

December 9, 2025, 5:22 PM EST. Android has expanded its on-device protection with Circle to Search to help identify scams and other fraud. The feature builds on existing protections like spam call blocking and on-device fraud detection, adding safer checks during messages and offers. In the December 2025 rollout for Pixel devices with Android 16 QPR2, Circle to Search gains new capabilities that let users quickly verify suspicious content with a simple gesture. The goal is to curb phishing and fraud directly on-device, keeping your data safer even when networks are untrusted. These tools complement Google's broader security ecosystem while remaining private and processed on your device.

Trump Allows AI Chip Exports to China; Nvidia Slides as Policy Shifts

December 9, 2025, 5:20 PM EST. Stock market reaction after President Trump signaled eased restrictions on exporting advanced AI chips to China, with the US set to take a 25% cut on sales. Nvidia shares fell ~0.4% to about $184.60 after an earlier premarket rally and Monday gain, as attention centered on Nvidia's H200, a top-tier AI chip with export limits under the Biden administration. Analysts noted the policy could also affect AMD and Intel, whose shares moved modestly. Trump tweeted that the United States will allow Nvidia to ship its H200 products to approved customers in China and other countries under conditions that safeguard national security; Commerce details are forthcoming, and similar terms apply to other American chipmakers.

Apple Watch Series 11 Drops to a New Low Price of $299 (GPS) at Amazon and Best Buy

December 9, 2025, 5:18 PM EST. Deals roundup highlights a rare discount on the Apple Watch Series 11. The 42mm GPS model is now $299, a new low, at Amazon and Best Buy. The 46mm option is $329 (GPS) and the 42mm GPS + Cellular is $399. CNET's Vanessa Hand Orellana praises the upgrade to the screen and battery, noting up to 24-hour battery life and fast charging (an extra 8 hours with a 15-minute boost). Both deals include a free Apple Fitness subscription for a limited time. Colors may vary by retailer. This is a timely moment to consider the Series 11 before newer models arrive.

GAMEBABY iPhone Case Turns Your iPhone into a Retro Console with Physical Buttons

December 9, 2025, 5:14 PM EST. Review of the GAMEBABY iPhone case for the iPhone 17 series shows a clever two-piece, battery-free design that adds physical buttons to emulated retro games. The case uses capacitive button caps to mimic finger taps, so you can play classic titles without Bluetooth or power drain. The redesigned mechanism offers crisper, more reliable presses and a tighter fit compared to last year, while remaining light and protective. It works with popular emulators like Delta and supports Game Boy Color-era titles via a flip-to-play panel on the bottom. Setup is simple-snap the case together, attach, and launch your emulator. A great upgrade for fans seeking tactile, retro gaming on iPhone without compromising design.

This Is the Quantum Computing Stock Billionaires Want to Own for 2026 (Even Warren Buffett) – And It's Not IonQ, Rigetti, or D-Wave

December 9, 2025, 5:12 PM EST. Quantum-computing pure-plays IonQ, Rigetti, D-Wave, and Quantum Computing Inc. have surged, but latest 13F filings reveal billionaires, including Warren Buffett, eye a different winner for 2026. One company, with a virtual monopoly and a validated quantum processing unit, is the stock these investors want. That said, pure-play quantum stocks carry notable risk as hype outpaces near-term adoption. The opportunity could reach up to $850 billion by 2040 per Boston Consulting Group, fueling optimism about drug discovery, cybersecurity, and AI acceleration. Investors should weigh the technology's maturation curve and the potential for a bubble-like correction amid speculation.

10 iPhone Hacks You Should Try: Shortcuts, Widgets, and Back Tap

December 9, 2025, 5:00 PM EST. Discover smarter ways to use your iPhone beyond the basics. This guide highlights how to automate everyday tasks with the Shortcuts app, build Automations, and customize your Home Screen with custom widgets from apps like Widgetsmith and Widgy. Learn the hidden Back Tap gesture to trigger shortcuts, apps, or the camera. From resizing images and compressing files to automating a VPN when you step out of range, these hacks save time and boost productivity. Whether you're a power user or new to iPhone, these tips unlock a faster, more personalized experience.

Tesla vs Alphabet: Which Is the Better AI Stock for 2026?

December 9, 2025, 4:56 PM EST. In the race to 2026, both Tesla and Alphabet have benefited from AI buzz, but their fundamentals diverge. Tesla leans on Robotaxi, Optimus, and AI-driven software, yet recent results show margin pressure as automotive revenue declines and R&D soars. Alphabet combines strong cash flows from search, YouTube, and a growing cloud business, while weaving AI into every offering. At current valuations, Alphabet appears to offer more straightforward AI exposure with steadier profits, whereas Tesla trades at very high multiples on speculative upside. The outcome will hinge on how each monetizes AI-powered software and services into 2026 and beyond.

Oracle's AI-fueled debt load puts investors on edge ahead of earnings

December 9, 2025, 4:52 PM EST. Oracle's stock has been volatile as investors weigh the cost of its AI-driven expansion. The company raised $18 billion in a jumbo bond sale and has secured billions in data-center loans to fund capacity ahead of its AI buildout. With plans to potentially borrow $20-$30 billion annually for the next three years, analysts question whether AI demand justifies the leverage. New CEOs Clay Magouyrk and Mike Sicilia must show in the upcoming earnings report that AI demand can sustain the growth story while financing it. Oracle's debt stood around $111.6 billion against roughly $10.5 billion in cash as of August, spotlighting the balance-sheet implications of the AI mandate and the OpenAI deal in the backdrop.

SpaceX closes Cape Canaveral landing zone era with final LZ-2 recovery on NROL-77

December 9, 2025, 4:50 PM EST. SpaceX launched the classified NROL-77 mission from Cape Canaveral, recovering the first stage on Landing Zone 2-likely the last such comeback under its Cape lease. It was the 16th LZ-2 landing and follows the end of the LZ-1 run (August) as the DoD lease expires on Dec. 31. The company is building new pads at KSC LC-39A and SLC-37 to support a future, single-site operation at Canaveral while continuing national-security launches in 2025. The event underscores a pivotal transition for Cape Canaveral's launch operations as SpaceX scales Starship development and extends its footprint at the Cape.

Baikonur Launch Pad Damage Could Keep ISS Missions Offline for Months

December 9, 2025, 4:46 PM EST. Damage at Russia's Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan has sidelined the world's primary launch site for crew and cargo bound for the ISS. With the pad offline, mission planners warn the dispatch schedule could be disrupted as repairs play out. An expert placed the restoration window roughly between six months on the optimistic end and two years if setbacks mount. The outage raises questions about contingency plans for ongoing astronaut rotations, cargo deliveries, and other missions tied to the site. Officials have not specified a return date, but the gap could force schedule shifts for both Russian and international partners relying on Baikonur for heavy-lift launches.

Nothing Phone (3a) Community Edition Official: 1,000 Units, Limited Sale Window, Community-Winning Design

December 9, 2025, 4:42 PM EST. Nothing today made the Nothing Phone (3a) Community Edition official. Only 1,000 units will be produced, with registration open through December 11 and a limited sales window on December 12 on Nothing's site. The project drew over 700 submissions from the community, with winners across hardware design, accessories, clock/wallpaper, and marketing. The hardware nods to late-90s/early-2000s aesthetics, and the edition includes a dice-themed accessory box, a custom clock face, and an exclusive wallpaper linking rear color to the front interface. Specs mirror the standard Phone (3a): a 6.77-inch AMOLED 120Hz display with 2,160Hz PWM dimming and 3,000-nit peak brightness, Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, triple rear camera (50MP OIS, 50MP tele 2x, 8MP ultrawide), 32MP front, 5,000 mAh, 50W. Price: £379 / €379 / ₹28,999 / ¥59,800. 12GB RAM / 256GB storage.

ICEBlock creator sues Trump administration over Apple App Store removal

December 9, 2025, 4:40 PM EST. Joshua Aaron, creator of ICEBlock, filed a federal suit alleging the Trump administration pressured Apple to remove the app from the App Store, infringing on free speech. The complaint claims ICEBlock, which allowed users to warn others about public sightings of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, constitutes protected speech under the First Amendment. Aaron says the app drew more than 1 million users before removal; current users can still access it, but new downloads are blocked. The suit names Attorney General Pam Bondi, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons, White House Border Czar Tom Homan, and unnamed officials as defendants. Apple and the Justice Department declined comment. The case echoes GOP criticisms of tech pressure on content moderation.

iFixit launches free iOS repair app with AI-powered FixBot

December 9, 2025, 4:38 PM EST. iFixit today unveiled a free iOS repair app (also on Android via the Play Store) that bundles all iFixit repair guides in a mobile-friendly format, plus a workbench, a battery lifespan predictor, and an AI repair buddy called FixBot. The app can monitor a phone's battery in real time with graphs that show deterioration, and FixBot offers diagnosis and repair help for smartphones, laptops, and tablets via text, voice, or image sharing. Trained on millions of successful community repairs, FixBot personalizes results by detecting the user's device. Users can purchase parts directly in-app, and there's a planned Enthusiast tier at $4.99/mo with document uploads. Access to FixBot is currently free.

Microsoft winds down 2025 with final Windows 11 feature update KB5072033: dark mode, tweaks, and fixes

December 9, 2025, 4:36 PM EST. Microsoft's final Windows 11 security update of 2025, KB5072033, adds new features and fixes. Highlights include more consistent dark mode in File Explorer, including popups and prompts, plus an option to disable the share drag tray. The Windows Search pane now matches the Start menu size, and users can skip to the next Windows Spotlight background. Haptic feedback for snapping apps and dragging files is added with compatible peripherals. Fixes cover Copilot activation for the Click to Do window, a flashing white screen in File Explorer after KB5070311, NIC bindings for external virtual switches after host reboot, and a PowerShell 5.1 Invoke-WebRequest prompt warning tied to CVE-2025-54100 and KB5074596. A known issue: the login screen's password option may appear invisible.

Unlock your Android USB-C: connect controllers, storage, and more beyond charging

December 9, 2025, 4:32 PM EST. Your Android phone's USB-C port is more versatile than it seems. Beyond charging, you can expand storage, boost gaming, and improve audio by plugging in accessories. One practical trick is using a USB-C to USB-A OTG adapter to connect a wired game controller, delivering zero input lag compared with wireless options and avoiding signal drops. Be aware that not every controller works instantly; if needed, you can remap controls with a third-party app. This wired setup can provide a reliable alternative for mobile gaming, while other USB-C accessories like external drives or DACs can further broaden what your device can do.

TMNT: Empire City VR Hands-On – A Radical Co-Op Beat'em Up for Quest, Pico, and SteamVR

December 9, 2025, 4:28 PM EST. In a 15-minute Quest demo, Cortopia Studios teases Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Empire City as the first VR TMNT game. Players control Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo in a co-op beat'em up against the Foot Clan, wielding their signature weapons: katanta, sai, bo staff, and nunchaku. The game blends arcade combat with light adventure, including puzzles, item scavenging, and crafting upgrades for each turtle. A smart-watch HUD shows health, real-time, and a map through NYC-inspired levels like Chinatown and the Lower East Side. The demo leans into the series' '90s sidescroller vibe, offering fast movement and parry/strike options, while hinting at tougher foes and deeper multiplayer potential.

Intuit CEO says customers don't care about AI – they want growth and cash flow

December 9, 2025, 4:20 PM EST. At Fortune Brainstorm AI, Intuit CEO Sasan Goodzari says most users aren't chasing AI-they're chasing revenue and prosperity. He notes that while AI powers QuickBooks, TurboTax, Mailchimp, and Credit Karma, customers' priorities are to grow cash flow, manage clients, and win more business. Intuit aims to deliver 'done-for-you experiences' that blend automation with human intelligence (HI). Ashok Srivastava, the company's Chief AI Officer, adds that AI agents save about 12 hours per month and help customers get paid faster and more often. The takeaway: technology should enable growth and prosperity, not be an end in itself; the role of humans evolves as automation scales. Intuit envisions a future where AI handles routine tasks while humans provide guidance and the human touch.

The Best Quantum Computing Stock to Own If the Bubble Bursts (Hint: Not D-Wave, IonQ, or Rigetti)

December 9, 2025, 4:18 PM EST. Bubble or not, the best quantum stock could be a large-cap with a broad revenue base rather than a pure-play. The piece flags names like Rigetti, D-Wave, and IonQ as overhyped bets with mounting losses and high risk if hype fades. It suggests that in a burst scenario, a stock tied to a major platform and cloud demand may endure. Microsoft stands out for its Azure-driven quantum ecosystem and ongoing hardware-software investments, offering diversification beyond a single niche. The lesson: prioritize firms with real profitability, diversified streams, and established customers over speculative momentum in a fledgling market.

American Automakers Sweep Bottom of Consumer Reports' Long-Term Reliability List, Tesla Rated Worst

December 9, 2025, 4:14 PM EST. Consumer Reports' long-term reliability rankings, drawn from member reports on 2016-2021 models, show American brands occupying eight of the bottom ten, with Tesla at the very bottom. This differs from CR's predicted reliability for new cars. Toyota and Lexus lead with scores of 73 and 77 out of 100, while Tesla sits at 31. Yet it's not all doom: Buick ranks seventh (51), Lincoln at 46, and Cadillac at 45. Premium brands sharing platforms with mainstream models may still offer higher reliability. On a brighter note for some EVs, the Model Y scored 81 for new-car reliability, while the Cybertruck lagged at 31. The story highlights mixed signals across eras and brands.

TCU launches $10M AI initiative to advance learning, research and operations

December 9, 2025, 4:12 PM EST. Texas Christian University is committing $10 million to launch AI², Accelerating Institutional AI, an initiative to transform learning, expand research opportunities, and streamline operations. The effort blends university funding with contributions from Dell Technologies, Microsoft, and Amazon Web Services, marking one of TCU's largest investments in technology. AI² will fund high-performance AI computing, cloud resources, and tools for tutoring, writing, modeling, and scheduling, while emphasizing ethical AI use. Chancellor Daniel Pullin says the program supports LEAD ON and aims to position TCU for an R1 designation under the Carnegie Classification. The initiative reflects broader AI in higher education momentum as tech giants pledge support and universities expand AI curricula.

Divine D. open-source smartphone gains microSD, micro HDMI, and LoRa support as Rev 1.1 nears launch

December 9, 2025, 4:04 PM EST. Divine D., the Linux-friendly open-source smartphone from DawnDrums SARL, is nearing a launch with a Rev 1.1 mainboard that expands its IO and connectivity. Highlights include a MicroSDXC interface for high-speed removable storage, a Micro HDMI 2.1 port capable of 8K/60 Hz output, and a LoRa module for long-range low-power comms. The board also adds a haptic engine, a battery switch that disconnects power, status LEDs, and 18 pogo pins for GPIO, SPI, UART, I2C, and JTAG. Instead of a mini PCIe slot, there's an M.2 B-Key for a 3042 cellular module (GSM/4G LTE). Planned features include up to 32GB LPDDR4x, up to 256GB eMMC, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, stereo speakers, and a kill-switch-enabled design. Release timing remains TBD.

Google to relaunch AI-powered smart glasses in 2026 after Glass setback

December 9, 2025, 4:02 PM EST. Google plans to re-enter the smart-glasses arena in 2026 with AI-powered devices that will either offer hands-free help or a built-in display. Following the 2013 debut of Google Glass and its 2015 retreat, the company now aims for a cleaner look and tighter integration with its Gemini AI. The move places Google against Meta's AI-powered glasses, which have sold millions, and taps a market that Counterpoint Research says surged in early 2025. Analysts caution that Google must avoid past missteps, with the bruising privacy debates and usability questions that plagued the original device. Google emphasizes compatibility with its AI ecosystem and notes two form factors: a screenless helper and a glasses display. The upcoming launch follows Meta's momentum and signals a broader push for wearable AI hardware.

ATU researchers develop safer, cheaper smartphone batteries using ionic-liquid technology

December 9, 2025, 4:00 PM EST. ATU researchers, led by PhD student Keith Sirengo and Prof Suresh C Pillai, with Dr Libu Manjakkal from Edinburgh Napier University, are tackling lithium-ion battery safety. They investigate the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer, whose cracks during cycling can waste lithium, degrade performance and spark dendrite formation. They found that using a unique imidazolium-based ionic liquid in the electrolyte promotes a more stable protective layer, potentially extending battery life and reducing risk of thermal runaway. If proven scalable, this approach could yield safer and cheaper batteries for smartphones, laptops and e-scooters, addressing recalls and safety concerns while boosting performance and cost efficiency.

Save 50% on OtterBox Accessories with Target Circle (Dec 9, 2025)

December 9, 2025, 3:58 PM EST. Save 50% on select OtterBox accessories with Target Circle in a one-day deal on Dec 9, 2025. You must be a Target Circle member to access the savings, and the offer expires at 2:59 a.m. ET. The sale covers popular essentials like phone cases, screen protectors, and smartwatch bands, among other OtterBox accessories. Availability and deal terms can vary and are subject to change after publication, so act quickly to lock in the discount.

Dakota County Tests AI for Non-Emergency Call Handling

December 9, 2025, 3:54 PM EST. Dakota County is piloting artificial intelligence (AI) to answer non-emergency calls, aiming to improve access and reduce wait times in public services. The initiative would have the AI handle routine questions and scheduling, with human staff stepping in for complex issues. Proponents cite increased efficiency and faster information delivery, while critics call for strong privacy safeguards, clear data usage policies, and safeguards against miscommunication from automated triage. As counties explore AI in public services, the case underscores the need to balance technological gains with residents' rights and trust.

US Teens Use AI Chatbots Daily, Pew Study Finds

December 9, 2025, 3:52 PM EST. New Pew Research Center survey of nearly 1,500 U.S. teens ages 13-17 finds that about 70% have used an AI chatbot at least once, and roughly 16% of daily users engage several times a day. ChatGPT is the most popular choice, with other leaders including Gemini, Meta AI, Copilot, Character.AI and Claude. Usage is similar across genders, with teens 15-17 slightly more likely to have tried chatbots. Higher household income correlates with more use, and Black and Hispanic teens report slightly higher usage than White peers. The findings come as regulators and platforms face safety and mental health concerns, lawsuits, and calls for parental controls.

The paradox of 'human in the loop' AI: when the humans are the bottleneck

December 9, 2025, 3:50 PM EST. Eye on AI reports that AI is outperforming some professionals in legal research. A Vals AI study pitted several legal AI apps and ChatGPT against human lawyers on research tasks, with AI tools scoring higher on accuracy, authoritativeness, and appropriateness. Even the generalist ChatGPT sometimes beat specialized tools. Critics note the study omitted known players like Harvey or Legora, but the trend mirrors what some firms observe: AI can draft memos quickly, with junior lawyers vetting for accuracy. Quinn Emanuel partner Chris Kercher says Claude Opus writes better than many associates, reshaping workflows by inverting traditional processes: AI drafts, associates audit. The piece argues that in practice, the bottleneck of human in the loop may be the humans themselves rather than the machines.

iPhone 16e named Bust of the Year in MKBHD Smartphone Awards

December 9, 2025, 3:46 PM EST. Tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee's Smartphone Awards 2025 crowned Apple in several categories but handed the Bust of the Year to the iPhone 16e. While the iPhone Air won Best Design and the iPhone 17 captured Most Improved and Phone of the Year, the iPhone 16e was criticized for compromises and a mid-market price tag. Brownlee cited a binned A18 chip, a smaller 60Hz display with a notch, and quipped that they kept going-calling it 'a crazy swing and a miss.' The video also highlights other winners like Xiaomi 17 Pro Max (Best Big Phone) and Oppo Find X9 Pro (Best Camera), illustrating evolving industry trends.

I Tried Google's Android XR Glasses and XReal's Project Aura – Impressively Practical

December 9, 2025, 3:44 PM EST. Exploring Google's Android XR platform and XReal's Project Aura, the latest smart glasses aim to move wearables from novelty to everyday gear. The demo-focused experience highlights developer-friendly tools, smoother performance, and practical features for navigation, messaging, and augmented context. The partnership signals a path to mainstream adoption, with improvements in comfort, battery life, and app ecosystems. While early in reach and price, the focus on real-world utility shows these AR glasses can go beyond gimmicks for both consumers and developers.

Nothing Phone (3a) Community Edition introduces frosted glass and color splash

December 9, 2025, 3:40 PM EST. Nothing expands its budget lineup with the limited-run Phone (3a) Community Edition, a variant that adds frosted glass on the back and a splash of color inspired by early 2000s tech. Designed with input from fans, the release combines hardware tweaks and software tweaks-including a new lock-screen clock, themed wallpaper, and a dice-themed accessory. Only 1,000 units will be made, priced at £379 / €379 / ₹28,999 / ¥59,800, with the dice accessory included. Sales open on Nothing's website on December 12. The effort nods to Nothing's signature style while preserving the core Phone (3a) experience.

Tesla gears up Roadster push with new Battery Manufacturing hires ahead of April 1 reveal

December 9, 2025, 3:36 PM EST. Tesla is accelerating its Roadster program with three new manufacturing roles focused on battery tech, all based in Northern California. The openings – Technical Program Manager, Battery Manufacturing (Fremont), Manufacturing Engineer, Roadster (Fremont), and Manufacturing Vision Engineer, Battery Vision (Palo Alto) – are designed to turn concept into production for the high-speed EV. The PM role will align design, manufacturing, quality, and facilities to streamline battery packaging and factory processes, while the Manufacturing Engineer will drive large-scale equipment launches for new battery architectures. The Vision Engineer will develop 2D/3D vision systems to boost battery performance, quality, and cost on high-volume lines. Tesla still plans to unveil the Roadster on April 1.

28% of U.S. teens say they use AI chatbots daily, Pew survey finds

December 9, 2025, 3:34 PM EST. Pew Research Center's survey shows AI chatbots have become a regular part of teen life: about 64% of U.S. teens report using AI chatbots, and 28% say they use them daily. The online survey of 1,458 teens aged 13-17 was conducted Sept. 25-Oct. 9. The data reveals varied use patterns: roughly 4% use them almost constantly, 12% several times a day, another 12% about once daily, and 18% several times a week; about 36% say they do not use them at all. Usage differs by race and age, with Black and Hispanic teens more likely to be daily users and older teens more likely to be daily users. ChatGPT is the most-used app (59%), followed by Google Gemini (23%) and Meta AI (20%). The article also notes ongoing safety and policy debates around minors and AI.

Apple Watch Series 11 hits holiday low with $100 discount (as low as $299)

December 9, 2025, 3:32 PM EST. Deals: The Apple Watch Series 11 is now at an all-time low with a $100 discount. The 42mm GPS model is $299, and the 46mm GPS is $329 at Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy. Highlights include up to 24-hour battery life, improved durability, and a more power-efficient 5G modem for cellular use. The watch runs watchOS 26, features a faster S10 SiP chip, and adds health tools like hypertension notifications, sleep apnea detection, and a sleep score. If you own a Series 10 there aren't many upgrades, but for older models or holiday gift shoppers, the Series 11 at $100 off is a strong deal.

Tuesday's biggest analyst calls: Nvidia, Apple, Micron, Tesla and more

December 9, 2025, 3:30 PM EST. Tuesday's biggest analyst calls span tech, semiconductors, and mobility: RBC upgrades Wave Life Sciences to Outperform on strong obesity data; BMO starts coverage on Delta and United Airlines as Outperform; HSBC initiates Micron with Buy on a long upcycle in memory; Bernstein initiates Nvidia with Outperform amid China supply talks for the H200; Deutsche Bank reiterates Tesla as Buy, highlighting autonomy and Robotaxi momentum; Citizens JMP initiates Galaxy Digital with Market Outperform; Wolfe upgrades Eaton to Outperform on backlog conversion and multiple expansion; Citi reiterates Apple as Buy, noting continued iPhone supply constraints and a higher price target ahead of the holiday season.

Facebook improves Feed, search, and content creation with streamlined tools

December 9, 2025, 3:26 PM EST. Facebook is rolling out improvements to help you update your profile, discover content, and share memories. The Feed gets a cleaner, more immersive design with a standardized photo grid, and you can double-tap to like photos. A new full-screen viewer for search lets you explore results without losing your place. Front-and-center on the tab bar will be core features like Reels, Friends, Marketplace, and Profile. Search results appear in a larger, immersive grid across all content types. You can shape your Feed with feedback on posts to improve relevance. Creation flows are simplified for Stories and Feed posts, with easy access to music, tagging, and colorful text in the composer. Comments are streamlined with pins and badges, plus anonymous flagging for off-topic content. Profiles surface connections with others who share interests.

What a $3,500 Tesla Investment in 2013 Would Be Worth Today

December 9, 2025, 3:24 PM EST. Investing $3,500 in Tesla (TSLA) at the end of 2013 would be worth about $174,000 today, a return of 4,869%. By contrast, the same amount in the S&P 500 would grow to roughly $13,320. The stock trades at a lofty multiple-around 200x forward earnings-as investors bet on autonomous ride-hailing fleets, full self-driving tech, and Optimus humanoid robots expanding Tesla's addressable markets. Bulls have largely prevailed despite competition and policy shifts, while skeptics warn of valuation risk. Whether Tesla can turn its long-term ambitions into consistent profits remains a key debate, but the performance since 2013 has been extraordinary for tech business investors.

Android 17 may finally let you remap game controller buttons – first look

December 9, 2025, 3:22 PM EST. A new Android Canary build reveals a game controller remapping UI under Bluetooth settings. The page exposes two sections-Keys and Axes-to customize inputs for controllers such as A/B/X/Y and L1/L2/R1/R2, plus L3/R3 clicks and D-pad plus sticks. Tapping options opens a dialog to redefine the input sent to apps. Android translates physical buttons into internal key codes and axis values, and this feature likely changes which code or axis is transmitted, effectively remapping controls. The UI is currently generic and may not reflect a specific controller's layout, but it demonstrates cross-controller standardization. Google could improve it by mirroring the connected device's real layout and enabling remapping via a physical button press rather than lengthy menus.

Pixel 10 Pro XL battery life under real-world use: inconsistent drains despite 30+ hours promise

December 9, 2025, 3:20 PM EST. Google's Pixel 10 Pro XL pack promises 30+ hours of battery life thanks to a Tensor G5 upgrade and larger cells, but real-world results vary wildly. A longtime Pixel user reports days of solid charge followed by abrupt drops, with heavy camera, maps, and constant Bluetooth wearables (Pixel Watch 4, Oura Ring 4, trackers) pulling power unevenly. Even on similar days, screen-on time and drain swing from 5+ hours to 3 hours. Polls in Android Authority's discussion show mixed sentiment: many say they get through the day, while others face average or inconsistent performance. The culprit isn't just the chip-usage patterns, connectivity, and ecosystem accessories all shape battery behavior. The Pixel 10 Pro XL's battery life remains a crapshoot for some users, underscoring how real-world workloads complicate official claims.

Apple reportedly launches two Macs in 2026: an affordable MacBook and the M6 MacBook Pro with touchscreen and 5G

December 9, 2025, 3:18 PM EST. Apple is reportedly lining up two major Mac releases for 2026. Early 2026 will bring a brand new, affordable MacBook with a 12.9-inch display, color options like blue, pink, and yellow, and an A18 Pro chip, priced around $599-$699. The move targets budget-conscious buyers to widen Mac market share and compete with Chromebooks, driven by improved macOS+iPhone interoperability. Later in 2026, Apple could unveil an all-new M6 MacBook Pro with a hardware redesign that's thinner and lighter, an OLED display, and the possibility of touch support and a 5G cellular option via an in-house C2 modem. If true, this would mark a notable shift for the Mac, signaling a new era for Apple's laptop lineup.

Apple exec exits pile up: Dye to Meta; Lemay to replace him amid broader leadership changes

December 9, 2025, 3:16 PM EST. Apple is navigating a wave of executive changes as Alan Dye exits to become Chief Design Officer at Meta and John Giannandrea's departure is noted. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported Dye's move, framing it as a blockbuster coup for Meta. Replacement by Lemay is described positively by sources. The week also saw retirements of General Counsel Kate Adams and VP Lisa Jackson, with Jennifer Newstead stepping in for Adams and a new slot replacing Jackson. The piece playfully questions sources and emphasizes Apple's pipeline of leadership, suggesting Apple will weather the shakeup with an upgrade rather than a loss.

AirPods Pro 3 at Best Buy: lowest price ever, plus AirPods 4 sale

December 9, 2025, 3:14 PM EST. Missed Black Friday deals? Best Buy is currently offering discounts on multiple AirPods models, including the new AirPods Pro 3, with their price matching the lowest price ever this year. The upgrades over AirPods Pro 2 include stronger noise cancellation, longer battery life, and improved water/dust resistance, plus more eartip sizes. The newer AirPods 4 feature a semi-open design, improved IP54 dust/water resistance, and a new voice isolation for calls. Expect up to five hours of listening on a charge and as much as 30 hours with the charging case. NBC Select notes these are strong all-around options for listening, travel, and work.

Anthropic brings Claude Code to Slack in beta, enabling agentic coding inside chats

December 9, 2025, 3:10 PM EST. Anthropic today announced a beta Slack integration for Claude Code, its agentic coding tool built on the Claude family. Inside Slack, developers can tag @Claude to task Claude Code with work that leverages the full codebase and recent discussions. Claude Code can create files, refactor code, run tests, and iterate autonomously, functioning more like a junior engineer than a chatbot. Updates appear in the Slack thread, and completed work can be linked to a session and a pull request for review. This expansion adds to the existing Claude app for Slack, moving coding tasks closer to where developers converse and collaborate. The beta aims to simplify turning ideas into working software directly in team chats.

AI-Driven Pricing on Instacart Could Raise Grocery Costs by Up to 23%, Study Finds

December 9, 2025, 3:06 PM EST. A joint study by Consumer Reports and Groundwork Collaborative finds that Instacart's AI-driven pricing can vary the same item's price by up to 23% across customers. The platform reportedly runs algorithmic price experiments at partner retailers like Safeway, Target, Albertsons, Costco, Kroger and Sprouts, revealing multiple price points for identical products without clearly signaling the differences to shoppers. In online shopping, lacking in-store reference points makes such discrepancies harder to detect. The report notes as many as five price points for some items, with differences ranging from seven cents to $2.56 per item. Extrapolated, this could cost a typical four-person household about $1,200 per year. Some items, such as certain crackers and ketchup, showed no variation in the Seattle test.

CDAO Selects Google Cloud's Gemini for Government to Power GenAI.mil IL5 Deployment

December 9, 2025, 3:02 PM EST. Google Cloud announced that the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office selected Gemini for Government to power the DoW's GenAI.mil, the first IL5-authorized AI deployed to 3 million civilian and military personnel. Gemini for Government combines FedRAMP High compliance, DoW IL5 authorization, and enterprise-grade AI models to support unclassified government workflows, while preserving data sovereignty. DoW data is not used to train Google's public models. The platform enables secure, scalable AI for tasks such as enterprise search, onboarding, contracting, and risk assessments, boosting productivity and modernization efforts. The deployment on GenAI.mil provides IL5 data sovereignty controls, interoperability, and ongoing innovation to accelerate real-time decision-making and digital modernization across the department.

West Virginia Leads Nation in Internet Growth as Broadband Push Accelerates

December 9, 2025, 2:58 PM EST. West Virginia is claiming the top spot in the U.S. for internet growth, fueled by a multi-project push and federal support. According to the House of Delegates, fiber and cable access expanded from 200,000 locations in 2019 to nearly 700,000 today, with download speeds rising by more than 80%. More than two dozen broadband projects are underway, and another 18 are being drafted. A federal plan approved last month backs the effort with nearly $546 million for 142 deployment projects statewide, while private providers add about $200 million. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration will oversee an initiative to connect more than 73,000 locations with reliable internet service. Details are on the West Virginia Broadband Enhancement Council site.

iFixit debuts FixBot-powered app with AI repair guidance and battery health monitoring

December 9, 2025, 2:48 PM EST. iFixit has launched its own iFixit app for iOS and Android, adding a battery health monitor and a new AI FixBot trained on its repair guides to guide you through fixes. The core remains the extensive repair guides library, optimized for mobile, with device save-and-access and in-app parts shopping. FixBot asks follow-up questions, eliminates unlikely causes, and thinks out loud like a master technician until the diagnosis clicks into place. It pulls answers from guides, PDFs, and forums, and will use manufacturer docs for newer devices. The service is free now, but a future $4.99/month tier will limit voice controls and uploads and unlock extra features.

Time's 2025 Person of the Year: AI Tops Predictions as Nonhuman Front-Runner

December 9, 2025, 2:44 PM EST. Time magazine's 2025 Person of the Year frontrunner isn't a person-it's AI. Time will announce POY later this year, with early betting markets like Polymarket placing AI at roughly 40% odds, ahead of Nvidia founder Jensen Huang (20%) and Sam Altman (15%). The piece notes this would mark the magazine's third nonhuman POY pick after 1982's Machine of the Year and 1988's Planet of the Year; 2006's You as a nod to social media. Polls show mixed sentiment: a Yahoo/YouGov survey finds 53% fear AI could destroy humanity, and 63% worry it could become uncontrollable. Usage gaps persist across generations: over 82% of Gen Z have used an AI chatbot, while just 33% of boomers have, with Gen X and millennials in between.

Tesla expands Roadster program with new manufacturing and vision roles ahead of April 1 unveiling

December 9, 2025, 2:42 PM EST. Tesla is expanding its Roadster program by posting three new roles focused on Battery Manufacturing, General Manufacturing, and Vision Engineering in Fremont, CA, and Palo Alto. The Technical Program Manager will align design, manufacturing, quality and facilities to accelerate battery manufacturing and processes. A Manufacturing Engineer will shepherd large-scale battery equipment from concept through launch and handoff. A Manufacturing Vision Engineer in Palo Alto will develop 2D/3D vision and inspection systems for high-volume battery lines. The company also confirms an April 1 unveiling date for the Roadster, following Musk's recent comments on the project and its potential to redefine the future of high-performance EVs.

Walmart moves Nasdaq listing as part of plan to build an AI-enabled, tech-driven e-commerce powerhouse

December 9, 2025, 2:40 PM EST. Walmart moved its primary listing to Nasdaq, signaling a shift from a traditional discount retailer to a tech-enabled, AI-powered e-commerce company. Investors say the move aligns with Walmart's push into automation, demand forecasting, and data-driven advertising to boost productivity across more than 10,000 stores. Executives stress the transition is intentional, reflecting a vision of future growth through AI, centralized pricing, and omnichannel expansion. With efforts like smart shopping carts and digital pricing updates, Walmart aims to grow its high-margin advertising business and improve margins while keeping the WMT ticker on Nasdaq.

Tesla FSD near unsupervised milestone, Piper Sandler says

December 9, 2025, 2:38 PM EST. Analyst firm Piper Sandler suggests Tesla's FSD is very close to an unsupervised, hands-free capability. The firm cites data from FSD Community Tracker showing the core metric miles to disengagement surged from 441 to 9,200+ after FSD v14.1.x (a >20x improvement). Additional milestones include Austin Robotaxi data indicating roughly 40,000 miles between crashes and about three years without a crash at 13,000 miles/year. Despite a recent downtick in FSD 14.2.x, Potter expects more data in the next 3+ weeks and sees potential removal of safety operators in Austin robo-taxis. Note regulatory hurdles: Level 4 autonomy requires NHTSA approval; Morgan Stanley analysts foresee 2026 as an inflection point.

Tesla's Europe Prospects Take a Beating

December 9, 2025, 2:34 PM EST. Tesla Inc. faces a tougher European run with rival projects advancing and tighter regulatory patchwork ahead. The Stellantis/Bolt deal to deploy driverless cars across Europe signals ramped-up competition, with on-road trials planned for 2026 and Bolt's network reaching over 200 million customers. Tesla's own European Full Self-Driving (Supervised) program is expanding its demo rides into March 2026, even as sales relax with double-digit declines in many 2025 months and calls of political meddling swirl. Meanwhile, legacy automakers like Renault and Ford are moving to introduce cheaper, small EVs for Europe, increasing headwinds for price-sensitive buyers. Ford's CEO warns of a fierce fight, and Tesla has floated a $25,000 target. The mix of regulatory hurdles, competition, and lower-cost EVs reshapes Europe's EV race.

Pixel Watch December 2025 Update Brings Wear OS 6.1 to Pixel Watch 2-4

December 9, 2025, 2:32 PM EST. Google rolls out the December 2025 OTA for Pixel Watch 2-4, upgrading to Wear OS 6.1 (Android 16, BP4A.251205.005.W7). The original Pixel Watch remains on Wear OS 5.1. This is the first post-launch update for the Pixel Watch 4 and includes new gestures (Double Pinch, Wrist Turn), and fully live AOD Media Controls as part of ongoing Play Store feature rolls between quarterly updates. To speed installation, users can disable Bluetooth to force Wi-Fi. Google also refreshed the Bedtime icon in Quick Settings and is discounting Pixel Watch 4 by $50 at retailers.

Quantum Tech Reaches Its Transistor Moment, Scientists Say

December 9, 2025, 2:28 PM EST. Researchers argue that quantum technology has entered a pivotal era, moving from lab demos to practical systems in computing, sensing, and networking. A Science paper from universities including Chicago, Stanford, MIT, Innsbruck, and Delft shows progress driven by cross-sector collaboration, likening the moment to the rise of the transistor. The analysis surveys six leading hardware platforms-superconducting qubits, trapped ions, spin defects, semiconductor quantum dots, neutral atoms, and optical photonics-and uses large language models to compare their technology-readiness level (TRL) across computing, simulation, networking, and sensing. Core challenges include scaling and modular architectures and translating early systems into real-world deployments. The authors emphasize sustained investment in interdisciplinary partnerships and scalable hardware design to unlock practical impact.

Google's AI Glasses Expected in 2026, Bringing AI and XR to Everyday Wearables

December 9, 2025, 2:26 PM EST. Google says its first AI glasses are on track for a 2026 launch, expanding Android XR into consumer wearables. At I/O, the company announced partnerships with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker to develop glasses that blend AI and XR with everyday style. One model targets screen-free assistance with built-in speakers, microphones, and cameras to access Gemini and capture photos, while another offers an in-lens display for directions and captions. A preview of Xreal's Project Aura positions smart glasses between bulky headsets and traditional eyewear, enabling Google apps and media streaming. Meta, Apple, and Snap are seen as rivals entering the space, with Warby Parker collaboration secured by Google.

Tesla stock rebounds on FSD optimism as near-unsupervised driving looms

December 9, 2025, 2:24 PM EST. Tesla stock rose 1.5% on Tuesday to $446.35 as optimism about Full Self-Driving (FSD) progress supported risk sentiment. Piper Sandler argued Tesla is getting very close to unsupervised FSD, citing a >20x jump in the tracker metric miles to critical disengagement from 441 to 9,200+ miles after FSD v14.1.x. Austin data reportedly imply 40k miles between crashes (7 NHTSA incidents in ~280k miles) and around 9k+ miles between disengagements, reinforcing the view of approaching a major autonomous-performance threshold. In contrast, India saw VinFast outsell Tesla 291 to 48; China sales cooled to about 73,000 in November, with a full year risk if December fails to hit about 120k. Shares trade at lofty multiples around 205x forward earnings versus about 120x a year ago, supporting optimism despite mixed fundamentals.

Google Pixel Watch 4 adds double pinch and wrist turn gestures in latest update

December 9, 2025, 2:22 PM EST. Google Pixel Watch 4's latest update adds one-handed gestures: double pinch to answer or end calls and to pause timers, and wrist turn to dismiss incoming calls, bringing its interactions closer to the Apple Watch's approach. The gestures include on-screen context hints to guide usage. While gesture controls were missing in the initial review, these new features enhance hands-free operation. Google is also rolling out a step-by-step raise-to-talk tutorial to simplify Gemini voice features.

Google rolls out Notification Organizer to Pixel with Android 16 QPR2

December 9, 2025, 2:20 PM EST. Google is rolling out the Notification Organizer to Pixel devices with Android 16 QPR2, following AI Summaries. On supported Pixels, go to Settings > Notifications > Notification organizer (near the top). By default, this feature is enabled for English-language devices in Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The Organizer sorts alerts into Promotions, News, Social, and Suggested; the first two are on by default, while you must enable the remaining categories. There's also an option to Always expand bundles. The feature appears under the Silent section of the notification shade; each category icon shows an AI sparkle badge, with app icons stacked to the right. Tap to expand a bundle and view/interact with notifications. If not yet rolled out, restart your Pixel. (Pixel 10 series noted.)

Apple M4 Mac Mini price drops to $479 at Amazon and Best Buy

December 9, 2025, 2:18 PM EST. Deal alert: the Apple M4 Mac Mini with 16GB RAM and 256GB of storage is back down to $479 at Amazon and Best Buy. That's a 20% drop, a $120 savings off the list price, and a price match to the Black Friday deal. As of Dec. 9, 2025, this compact desktop packs Apple performance into a small form factor, making it a solid under-$500 option for work, creative apps, and media consumption. Affiliate links apply.

Adobe Premiere for iPhone gains YouTube Shorts editor; Android version in testing

December 9, 2025, 2:16 PM EST. Adobe's mobile Premiere app now offers a YouTube Shorts editor, but it's currently available only on iPhone. The feature, unveiled after a September 2025 launch that promised an Android version in testing, adds exclusive templates, transitions, and effects tailored for Shorts, plus ready-to-use assets and export options optimized for YouTube. You can share to YouTube in 'just a few taps.' Adobe touts an official partnership with YouTube for this Shorts-focused editor. An Android release remains in testing with no date yet.

Apple Warns iPhone Users to Avoid Chrome and Google App for Privacy

December 9, 2025, 2:10 PM EST. Apple warns iPhone users that Safari is superior for privacy, citing anti-fingerprinting features and AI-based tracking prevention. The article notes Chrome and the Google App collect data and are harder to block, with Google's Gemini AI raising cybersecurity concerns. Safari blocks fingerprinting by simplifying system signals and making devices look alike to trackers, while Apple emphasizes seamless Google Docs/Sheets/Slides integration but warns that the default search in Safari is Google. The piece also mentions Mozilla Firefox updates and urges users to check if their device can be fingerprinted. Overall, Apple frames Safari as the privacy-first choice, urging users to avoid Chrome and the Google App to reduce data harvesting.

BAFTA Games Awards 2025 Longlists Unveiled: 64 Games Across 17 Categories

December 9, 2025, 2:08 PM EST. The BAFTA Games Awards longlists for 2025 were unveiled in London, highlighting 64 games across 17 categories selected by more than 1,700 BAFTA members. The longlists precede nominations on March 12 and the ceremony on April 17. The awards honor creative excellence in video games and the people who make them. This year, 255 games considered were released between Nov. 16, 2024 and Nov. 14, 2025. BAFTA members will vote for the nominations in the Best Game and British Game categories in February 2026, with specialist juries deciding the rest.

PlayStation Wrap-Up 2025 Live: Track Your Gaming Stats and Trophies

December 9, 2025, 2:06 PM EST. PlayStation Wrap-Up 2025 is live, letting players see their annual gaming stats. The feature tracks Most played games and genres, total hours across single-player and multiplayer, PS Plus stats, and trophy milestones. It also provides insights on gameplay with accessories like PlayStation VR2, PlayStation Portal remote player, and your most used DualSense controller designs. Access runs through early January 2026 (deadline: January 8, 2026). The page is linked from the PlayStation Blog, and the Wrap-Up aggregates your year across titles and platforms, including VR and accessories usage.

Automatic Data Placement Across Memory Hierarchies Accelerates Scientific Computing

December 9, 2025, 2:04 PM EST. Memory performance is a major bottleneck in scientific computing, where faster arithmetic matters less if data sits in slow memory. Researchers have built a new framework that manages complex memory designs across layered memory hierarchies without requiring changes to application code. As applications run, the system monitors recent usage and automatically moves data items to the most appropriate memory type, balancing speed and capacity. This approach targets emerging memory technologies and large, multi-layer systems by placing frequently used data in faster, smaller memories and less-used data in slower devices. Evaluations on real supercomputers show consistent performance gains, with some workloads becoming up to seven times faster. The work, supported by DOE ASCR and NGSST, demonstrates a path for broader adoption in scientific software.

Apple Fitness+ Expands to 28 New Regions with Digital Voice Dubbing and K-Pop Genre

December 9, 2025, 2:00 PM EST. Apple Fitness+ is expanding to 28 new regions on December 15, reaching 49 countries in its largest international rollout. The update adds digital voice dubbing in Spanish and German, with Japanese to follow when Japan launches, and introduces a new K-Pop music category across workouts. A generated voice models each trainer, and users can switch audio tracks or set a preferred language in-app. Weekly dubbed episodes will accompany new releases, replacing prior subtitles-only support in non-English markets. Time to Walk features Yuki Tsunoda in a new episode. Current regions include Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the UK and the US, with Norway, Poland, the Philippines, Sweden, Vietnam and others joining on December 15.

Apple environmental chief Lisa Jackson to retire; leadership split duties between Newstead and Khan

December 9, 2025, 1:56 PM EST. Apple's environmental chief Lisa Jackson will retire in late January 2026 after 13 years leading the program. No direct replacement was named; her duties will be split between Jennifer Newstead, who will join as general counsel in March after a stint at Meta, and Sabih Khan, Apple's new chief operating officer who will oversee environmental and social initiatives. Both report to Tim Cook. Jackson, a chemical engineer and former EPA administrator, helped cut Apple's emissions by more than 60% through renewables and recycled materials, and led the Racial and Equity Justice Initiative with a $100 million focus. Khan has guided supply-chain transformations that avoided 6.2 million metric tons of CO2e in 2024. Cook praised the leadership as Apple continues its sustainability progress.

Sneaky Sasquatch Hits Apple Stores as Apple Arcade Expands for Holidays

December 9, 2025, 1:54 PM EST. Apple Arcade players can immerse themselves in the world of Sneaky Sasquatch this holiday season as the hit title expands beyond screens to select Apple Store locations. The update adds a massive Harvest to Harbor farming expansion, with mushroom growing, a dynamic Crop Market, and peak-price strategy to maximize profits. At Apple Stores, fans can join a Today at Apple session, dance parties on the big screen, or a Kids: Draw with Sneaky Sasquatch session to design festive disguises and learn digital art. In Los Angeles' Apple The Grove, visitors can meet Sasquatch, hunt hidden items, and enjoy campfire treats. New Arcade titles joining in January include Cozy Caravan, Sago Mini Jinja's Garden, True Skate+, and Potion Punch 2+.

Tesla ramps Roadster hiring ahead of April unveiling

December 9, 2025, 1:48 PM EST. Tesla is expanding its Roadster program with three new roles across Battery Manufacturing, General Manufacturing, and Vision Engineering. All roles are in Northern California: two at the Fremont Factory and one at the company's Palo Alto Engineering HQ. The Battery Manufacturing role focuses on designing the Roadster's battery pack and establishing production processes; the Manufacturing Engineer position covers moving large-scale battery systems from concept through equipment launch and handover to operations. The Manufacturing Vision Engineer will develop 2D/3D vision and inspection systems to improve performance, quality, and cost on high-volume lines. Tesla plans to unveil the Roadster on April 1, signaling a key milestone for the program.

Nvidia Wins U.S. OK to Sell H200 Chips in China; Analysts See Revenue Upside, Stock Reaction Muted

December 9, 2025, 1:46 PM EST. Trump's approval lets Nvidia ship its H200 AI chips to approved customers in China, with a 25% U.S. cut, but many details remain. Key questions: whether China will buy and whether Congress blocks export licenses for the H200/Blackwell. Still, analysts largely see a near-term revenue upside. Estimates range from about $3.5 billion in quarterly China revenue (Wolfe Research) to a potential $50 billion annual China demand contribution (Deutsche Bank). The stock reaction was muted awaiting clarity, while expectations persist that China will pursue domestic chip efforts; nonetheless, Nvidia and peers could still benefit from AI datacenter buildout if access improves. Some firms peg 12-month upside near 40%.

OpenAI Staffer Quits, Alleging Economic Research Is Drifting Toward AI Advocacy

December 9, 2025, 1:42 PM EST. OpenAI staffers tell WIRED the company has grown more guarded about publishing economic research that highlights AI's potential downsides, contributing to the departure of at least two economists, including Tom Cunningham, who left in September. In his parting note, Cunningham said there was growing tension between rigorous analysis and acting as an advocacy arm for OpenAI. Chief strategy officer Jason Kwon later told employees that OpenAI must both raise problems and build solutions as a leading actor in the world. Spokesman Rob Friedlander stressed the team conducts rigorous analysis to inform policymakers and the public, and noted the firm has expanded its economics group with chief economist Aaron Chatterji. The story comes as OpenAI deepens multibillion-dollar partnerships with firms and governments amid broader questions about AI's impact on labor and markets.

Three Quantum-Computing Trends Set to Shape 2026, Says Ramsey Theory Group CEO Dan Herbatschek

December 9, 2025, 1:40 PM EST. Ramsey Theory Group CEO Dan Herbatschek outlines three 2026 trends: 1) Quantum Hardware Progress Accelerating Toward Fault Tolerance, as longer coherence times and better materials push systems toward the logical-qubit era and industrial readiness. 2) Quantum Advantage Emerging in Targeted Industry Workflows, with hybrid quantum-classical approaches in pharmaceuticals, energy, materials science, and logistics delivering early ROI within two to three years. 3) Software, Error Correction, and Talent as the Main Constraints, highlighting overhead, standardization, and a shortage of quantum-fluent engineers, prompting a robust software stack and automated error correction. Expected breakthroughs include 100-300 logical-qubit demonstrations, drug-discovery advances, hybrid quantum-AI workflows, and post-quantum security adoption.

Nvidia's China Exports, Trump Policy, and the Case for Open Tech Trade

December 9, 2025, 1:36 PM EST. Nvidia co-founder Jensen Huang has influenced policy debates on tariffs and trade with China, arguing that economic growth strengthens national power. The piece notes Trump's move to allow Nvidia to export its H200 chip to China and suggests that deeper, more open commercial ties could reduce the risk of conflict by making war economically costly. It contrasts this with earlier Biden-Trump positions that chip sales to China risk transferring technology, arguing that once products are in the market, rivals study and imitate them anyway, and that blocking access hampers Nvidia's growth and could slow Chinese innovation. The author contends that keeping markets open-while nuanced governance-helps U.S. firms compete and may ultimately benefit security, though imperfect tradeoffs remain.

From Cold War bunkers to cloud computing: the allure of extreme data storage

December 9, 2025, 1:34 PM EST. An anthropologist catalogs the rise of data bunkers repurposed as ultra-secure data centers beneath cities-from Paris basements to UK RAF sites and German civil defenses-revealing a new culture of extreme data storage. The piece treats these bunkers as field sites to understand how our reliance on digital infrastructure shapes society and fear. It highlights how failures in data security and disaster preparedness can cascade into vast consequences for governments and businesses, especially as outages grow more frequent (the CrowdStrike 2024 outage, Meta 2021, Fastly 2021). By mapping bunkers like Cyberfort and Bahnhof, the author argues that the evolution from nuclear dread to data loss reflects changing anxieties and the centrality of cloud computing in modern life.

How to Get Better Phone Reception on iPhone and Android in 5 Seconds

December 9, 2025, 1:30 PM EST. Struggling with dropped signals? This guide shows quick, five-second tricks to force your iPhone or Android to find a stronger signal. Move to an open area with fewer obstructions, stand by a window, or go outside. Remove a thick phone case that blocks the antenna. Keep your battery charged, since searching for a better signal drains power. Start with a quick toggle of Airplane mode to refresh Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular modems. On Android, pull down from the top to access Quick Settings and tap Airplane mode. If you're moving between locations, this restart helps your device reconnect to a better tower. Optional tips include checking for software updates; note that settings locations vary by model. These steps can greatly improve reception without contacting your carrier.

Model Context Protocol Donated to Linux Foundation's Agentic AI Foundation (AAIF)

December 9, 2025, 1:28 PM EST. Today, the Model Context Protocol (MCP) is donated to the Linux Foundation's new Agentic AI Foundation (AAIF), a move to bolster open standards and vendor neutrality. Since its launch, MCP has seen rapid adoption: over 10,000 active public MCP servers, integration with major platforms like ChatGPT, Cursor, Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, and VS Code, plus enterprise deployment via AWS, Cloudflare, Google Cloud, and Azure. New capabilities include Tool Search and Programmatic Tool Calling, a community-driven Registry, and an official SDK suite with 97M+ monthly downloads. This donation reinforces MCP's open-source, community-driven, and vendor-neutral vision while supporting AAIF's mission to steward agentic AI in the public interest under the Linux Foundation.

Samsung's One UI 8.5 beta misses Dual Recording and Single Take on Galaxy S25

December 9, 2025, 1:26 PM EST. Samsung's One UI 8.5 beta for the Galaxy S25 lineup has launched in several regions, including the US. However, SamMobile reports that the first beta is missing two camera modes: Dual Recording and Single Take, typically found in the Camera app's More tab. The omission suggests Samsung is temporarily removing them for refinements. A second beta could restore the features, potentially around December 22 if the two-week rollout timeline holds. Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra users may want to pause upgrades until then. Beyond the camera changes, One UI 8.5 brings a redesigned Quick Settings panel, new app icons, and enhancements to several system apps, all based on Android 16 QPR2.

Google Pixel Watch 4 Revives Gesture Controls With Double-Pinch and Tap Gestures

December 9, 2025, 1:24 PM EST. Google is reviving wearable gesture controls on the Pixel Watch 4 with an upcoming update. It adds a double pinch (thumb and forefinger) to answer or end calls, pause timers, and more, echoing an Apple Watch feature. The update also introduces a screen-dismiss gesture via a quick wrist twist and prompts users when they can use the tap gesture. The Pixel Watch 3 won't receive gesture support in this round, despite similar hardware. Google stresses that the Pixel Watch 4's key upgrade is a revamped, repairable case design that distinguishes it from earlier models.

Pixel Watch 4 Gains Double-Pinch Gesture, Wrist Turn, and Smarter Replies

December 9, 2025, 1:22 PM EST. Google Pixel Watch 4 gains new gesture controls, including a double pinch to manage calls, timers, alarms, and photo shutter, plus a Wrist turn to dismiss calls. Access is via Settings > Gestures > Hand gestures. The features join an improved Raise to Talk and faster, battery-saving smarter smart replies powered by Gemini AI. Currently exclusive to the Pixel Watch 4, an on-watch tutorial is provided, with a holiday release window and no exact date yet.

Huawei Watch Fit 4 Crowned Best New Budget Smartwatch of 2025-26

December 9, 2025, 1:18 PM EST. Budget smartwatch fans win again: Huawei Watch Fit 4 takes the Best New Budget Smartwatch of 2025-26 with a 9/10 review. The fourth-gen model keeps the familiar look but adds color maps, dual-band GPS, enhanced health features, and new watch faces, all while delivering up to 10 days of battery life, a bright display and solid waterproofing. Comfort is high, and it's widely available at a discount, boosting value. Downsides are minor-NFC only on one colorway and some core features feel mixed-but not enough to derail the win. Runner-up is the CMF Watch 3 Pro, praised for design, software and value, though it lacks NFC and features a bezel change in this generation. Overall, a strong year for budget wearables.

Google extends three-year repair warranty for Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Fold displays

December 9, 2025, 1:16 PM EST. Google has broadened its extended repair program for the Pixel 9 Pro lineup after confirming a limited run of display issues. The Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL are eligible for free repairs within three years after the original purchase date for problems like a vertical line and screen flicker. However, devices with cracked screens or damage from liquid intrusion may be disqualified. Google is also applying a similar three-year window to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, but will replace rather than repair affected devices. Eligible owners can verify status on Google's support pages. The program follows reporting from 9to5Google and shows Google's effort to address foldable and standard Pixel display issues.

Apple's Stock Diverges From BATMMAAN as AI Strategy Stagnates

December 9, 2025, 1:14 PM EST. Apple's stock is standing apart from the BATMMAAN group as its AI strategy appears "borderline nonexistent." While Google, ChatGPT, and Nvidia push AI forward, Apple has delivered only underwhelming updates to its Apple Intelligence product. The result: Apple's stock shows a shrinking correlation to its Big Tech peers, from about 0.71 after ChatGPT's 2022 launch to as low as 0.2 recently. The split is most pronounced with Nvidia, Microsoft, and Broadcom. Some days Apple acts as a hedge when the AI trade falters, while others lag. Last week Apple reportedly retired its AI chief, signaling a potential renewed focus under new leadership.

WATCH LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 NROL-77 Launch From Cape Canaveral – Possible Sonic Booms

December 9, 2025, 1:12 PM EST. SpaceX will launch a classified NROL-77 payload on a Falcon 9 rocket from Florida's Space Coast this afternoon, with a launch window at 2:16 p.m. from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. A backup window is set for 2:02 p.m. on Wednesday. The mission, for the National Reconnaissance Office, marks the fourth flight for the first-stage booster, which previously supported KF-01, IMAP and a Starlink mission. After stage separation, the booster is expected to land at Landing Zone 2. As SpaceX continues reusable rocket flights, sonic booms may be heard in the area depending on weather factors like temperature, wind, and humidity. News 6 will stream live at the top of this story.

How Starlink Became the World's Internet Alternative

December 9, 2025, 1:08 PM EST. Starlink, the satellite internet service from SpaceX led by Elon Musk, launched in 2019 and now spans more than 150 markets with about 8 million users. Its expansion has faced regulatory red tape, but Musk's close ties to the U.S. administration reportedly helped approvals in at least 13 countries during the Trump era, lifting projects in places like India, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The system aims to reach areas with sparse terrestrial infrastructure and has ignited a satellite boom, with new launches roughly every three days in 2025. In parts of Africa, Starlink is sometimes cheaper than local providers, while in countries like Bolivia it faced bans. Across conflict zones, it has aided humanitarian work in Myanmar.

Pixel Watch 4 adds pinch and wrist gestures, faster Smart Replies with Gemma

December 9, 2025, 1:06 PM EST. Google's Pixel Watch 4 is getting a December update that adds one-handed gestures and faster Smart Replies. New Double Pinch lets you answer or end calls, pause timers, snooze alarms, snap photos, control music, and interact with notifications, while a Wrist Turn gesture dismisses calls and alerts. Gesture Hints appear across Wear OS and can be customized to Always, Daily, Weekly, Monthly, or Once. Google also boosts message quality with an on-device language model based on Gemma, delivering about 2x faster and 3x more memory-efficient performance for Smart Replies on Pixel Watch 3 and 4. The update follows last month's Feature Drop; Pixel Watch 4-specific updates had been pending since launch. Pixel Watch 2/3 got Wear OS 6 earlier; the Pixel Watch 4 is discounted by $50 this month.

Fei-Fei Li's World Labs and the Quest for AI-Powered Virtual Worlds

December 9, 2025, 1:04 PM EST. AI progress across text, image, and video is advancing toward immersive 3D spaces. Fei-Fei Li, known as AI's godmother, is steering a new startup, World Labs, with its Marble platform that turns text, image, or video prompts into exportable 3D worlds. The goal: spatial intelligence-a capability that links imagination, perception, and action, letting AI systems meaningfully interact with real and virtual spaces. Marble supports multiple inputs, delivering a first-person world you can explore; but the output is still early, with visuals that distort and a world structure that can feel hallucinatory. World models from rivals like DeepMind's Genie 3 show promise, yet the barrier to fully modeling entire worlds remains high. Still, the vision could automate design work and expand what is possible in AI-powered virtual worlds.

Moonpig's AI-driven design and personalization lifts sales and profits

December 9, 2025, 1:02 PM EST. Moonpig reports a 6.7% rise in first-half sales to £169m, with pre-tax profit of £26.6m after a prior loss, helped by wider use of AI to design and personalise cards and to answer queries. About half of purchases involve AI-led features to add a creative spin, up from about 2% two years ago. New developments let designs automatically adapt for age or relation, and the company's in-house AI chat system now resolves around a third of inquiries. CEO Nickyl Raithatha says the business remains human-curated and creative, even as AI boosts productivity and orders. Catherine Faiers will take over as CEO, with peak trading and festive momentum expected to continue.

US shuts down chip-smuggling ring that swapped Nvidia labels with a fake company name

December 9, 2025, 12:58 PM EST. Authorities dismantled a chip-smuggling ring that swapped Nvidia labels with a fake company name, highlighting vulnerabilities in the semiconductor supply chain. The operation used counterfeit branding and deceptive paperwork to move high-end components, risking violation of export controls and misrepresentation of origins. Law enforcement indicates the network forged documents and shipped components to obscure provenance. The case underscores the need for tighter supplier verification, improved traceability, and stronger controls to prevent counterfeit components from entering the market and compromising security.

Pixel Launcher could display browser tab tiles in Search, borrowing Samsung's tab feature

December 9, 2025, 12:54 PM EST. Google is testing a new Pixel Launcher feature that would show browser tabs as tiles in the Search results. Spotted in Android Canary 2512, the toggle labeled Show browser tab tiles is currently non-functional. Samsung already shipped a similar capability on Galaxy Tab S10 Plus/Ultra/S11 via Chrome, letting open tabs' titles and URLs be shared with One UI and appear in the One UI Home search results. Pixel devices use Chrome as the default browser, and Google's support documentation for Search lists content like Web, Apps, Contacts, Settings, Play Store, Screenshots, Google Assistant, and Pixel tips – but browser tabs aren't listed yet. If enabled and working, the feature could bring tab-tiles to Pixel searches much like Samsung's tablets.

Google expands Pixel 9 Pro/XL repair program and extends Pixel 9 Pro Fold warranty to 3 years

December 9, 2025, 12:52 PM EST. Google announced an extended repair program for Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL addressing display problems like flickering and vertical green lines. Eligible devices are covered for up to three years from purchase. Notably, units with a cracked display or cover-glass, or those with water damage, will be excluded. Google also expanded the Pixel 9 Pro Fold warranty to three years, though specifics on covered damages aren't disclosed. The company says devices with functionality issues will qualify, and a free replacement may be offered for affected Pixel 9 Pro Fold devices. No details yet on other terms, but the move broadens support for the Pixel 9 Pro family.

Pokémon Go Finally Adds Remote Trading After Almost a Decade

December 9, 2025, 12:46 PM EST. Pokémon Go is rolling out Remote Trading after years of in-person-only exchanges, with a path that begins once friends reach the new Forever Friends tier. The feature lets trades occur across distances only after mutual agreement, selecting three potential Pokémon from you and one from your friend, and only completes when both players approve. Subsequent remote trades unlock again after a cooldown, a design choice to preserve the thrill of Lucky Friends. Niantic has also expanded friend lists from 450 to 650. The rollout starts in New Zealand and fans on Reddit praised the update, while some worry it undermines regionals. Datamined hints suggested this was coming for a long time; more changes could arrive later.

Silicon Anode Breakthrough Could Transform EV Batteries

December 9, 2025, 12:40 PM EST. Two U.S.-based battery startups, Group14 Technologies and Sionic Energy, claim a major advance in silicon-carbon anodes for lithium-ion cells. Their joint tests on 4 Ah, 10 Ah and 20 Ah pouch cells show stable performance at high temperatures (45°C and 60°C), a critical step toward replacing traditional graphite anodes. Silicon could boost energy density and shrink pack size and weight, helping EVs gain range and faster charging. The move away from graphite also targets a China-dominated supply chain, aligning with Western efforts to improve battery independence. If scalable, this breakthrough could accelerate next-gen batteries and reduce dependence on foreign graphite while maintaining performance under real-world conditions.

16 genuinely useful changes in Windows 11's December update

December 9, 2025, 12:38 PM EST. Microsoft's December Patch Tuesday for Windows 11 brings 16 new features. Highlights include a visually aligned Windows search with the new Start menu height, a Share with Copilot option in the taskbar that lets you chat with Copilot while you work, and smoother app transitions. Windows Spotlight gets faster desktop background changes with a quicker right-click and Explore background. An easier option to disable Drag Tray under Settings, a more polished Dark mode in File Explorer, and other tweaks to help daily use. The update also improves Start menu design consistency, Copilot integration throughout the OS, and ongoing refinements to visuals and usability.

Demonstrably Safe AI for Autonomous Driving: Waymo's Foundation Model and Safety-First Ecosystem

December 9, 2025, 12:32 PM EST. Waymo champions demonstrably safe AI for real-world driving, building safety into every layer-from model design to deployment. With over 100 million fully autonomous miles and a more than ten-fold reduction in crashes with serious injuries versus human drivers, Waymo outlines its holistic approach: a unified Foundation Model powering a closed-loop ecosystem of Driver, Simulator, and Critic. This triad, fueled by a shared AI core, enables rapid learning, robust validation at inference, and scalable, realistic training across diverse scenarios. The architecture follows a Think Fast / Think Slow paradigm (System 1 and System 2), balancing rapid perceptual responses with deliberate reasoning to ensure verifiable safety as Waymo scales service to more riders.

16 genuinely useful changes in Windows 11's December update

December 9, 2025, 12:30 PM EST. The December Patch Tuesday brings 16 new features to Windows 11, per PCWorld and Windows Central. Highlights include a visual improvement of the Windows search to match the new Start menu, a new Share with Copilot option in the taskbar for quick AI-assisted sharing, improvements to Windows Spotlight for desktop backgrounds, a simpler way to disable Drag Tray under Settings, and a more uniform, refined Dark mode in File Explorer. Overall, these changes aim to streamline design consistency, AI-assisted workflows, and user customization, though some users may still see Start menu coverage and occasional UI quirks.

CEOs charged in $160M Nvidia GPU smuggling scheme to China, charges reveal

December 9, 2025, 12:28 PM EST. US authorities dismantled a major smuggling ring exporting Nvidia AI chips worth more than $160 million to China. The operation, dubbed Gatekeeper, uncovered a scheme built on fake documents and shell companies to move high-end GPUs to restricted destinations. Executives face multiple charges for illegally shipping GPU hardware crucial to AI and potentially sensitive military applications. The crackdown led to several arrests and guilty pleas as investigators continue to unravel the network.

Pokémon Go finally adds Remote Trading with Forever Friends tier and bigger friend list

December 9, 2025, 12:22 PM EST. Niantic is finally rolling out Remote Trading in Pokémon Go, letting players trade from afar for the first time since launch in 2016. The feature unlocks after players reach a new Forever Friends interaction tier, following Best Friends, with a few weeks of extra leveling that can be shortened by weekly challenges. Once unlocked, players pick three Pokémon they're willing to trade and select one from a friend's pool; trades only complete when both sides approve. Re-trades will require another unlock cycle, but the wait isn't punitive and may boost chances of Lucky Friends status. Niantic also expanded friend limits from 450 to 650. The rollout is currently live in New Zealand, with global expansion to follow, and fans are reacting positively overall.

Waymo's Demonstrably Safe AI for Autonomous Driving: A Holistic Foundation Model Approach

December 9, 2025, 12:18 PM EST. Waymo's approach centers on demonstrably safe AI for autonomous driving, making safety the foundation of its AI ecosystem. With over 100 million autonomous miles and a ten-fold reduction in crashes with serious injuries, Waymo integrates Driver, Simulator, and Critic in a unified loop powered by the Waymo Foundation Model-a versatile world model that supports end-to-end learning and structured representations. This enables robust safety validation at inference, efficient, realistic closed-loop simulations, and strong feedback signals for evaluation and RL training. The architecture follows a Think Fast (Sensor Fusion Encoder) and Think Slow (planning/evaluation) paradigm, uniting perception, decision-making, and learning under one underlying model to drive safer, faster deployment.

AirPods Pro 3 Return to Lowest Price Ever Ahead of the Holidays

December 9, 2025, 12:16 PM EST. Amazon and The Post report that the AirPods Pro 3 have returned to their lowest price ever, matching the Black Friday deal. The model offers improved sound, spatial audio, adaptive EQ, and a redesigned contour fit for a lighter, more secure wear, plus force sensor stems. With up to 30 hours of total listening time with the MagSafe charging case, plus sweat and water resistance and instant device switching, they're a practical holiday gift. The sale promises guaranteed delivery before the holidays, a rare mid-December drop outside major sales events. If you're upgrading or shopping last-minute gifts, this window offers Black Friday-style pricing without the hassle.

US authorities bust Nvidia GPU smuggling to China in $160M operation; executives charged in Operation Gatekeeper

December 9, 2025, 12:14 PM EST. US authorities busted a major smuggling ring that shipped Nvidia AI chips worth more than $160 million to China. The operation, named Operation Gatekeeper, allegedly relied on fake documents and shell companies to move high-end GPUs to restricted destinations. Prosecutors say executives orchestrated the scheme and have faced charges, with several arrests and guilty pleas announced. The case underscores how advanced AI chips can be diverted from sanctioned markets and the scrutiny of cross-border tech trade. If proven, the allegations could reshape export controls and corporate compliance around hardware used for AI, machine learning, and potential dual-use applications.

AirPods Pro 3 Return to All-Time Low Price Ahead of Holidays

December 9, 2025, 12:04 PM EST. AirPods Pro 3 have returned to their lowest price ever, matching their Black Friday drop and guaranteeing holiday delivery. If you missed the deal, this is a second chance with guaranteed holiday delivery. The earbuds offer improved sound with spatial audio and adaptive EQ, a redesigned contour fit for secure wear, and hassle-free controls via the force sensor stems. They provide up to 30 hours of total listening time with the MagSafe charging case, plus sweat and water resistance and instant device switching within the Apple ecosystem. This price is rare outside major sales events, making it a practical, time-sensitive option for last-minute gifts or personal upgrades.

MDA Space, DND and Telesat Sign Strategic MILSATCOM Partnership for Arctic Sovereignty

December 9, 2025, 11:58 AM EST. MDA Space Ltd., in partnership with the Government of Canada and Telesat, has signed a strategic agreement to develop and deliver MILSATCOM capabilities under the Enhanced Satellite Communication Project – Polar (ESCP-P). Led by Canada's new Defence Investment Agency (DIA), the initiative will bolster RCAF/CAF sovereignty operations in the Arctic by delivering secure wideband and narrowband satellite communications. The alliance leverages domestic space industry strengths, aims to create high-quality Canadian jobs, and attract a multi-billion-dollar defence investment. The arrangement also reinforces Canada's Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) policy, engaging SMEs and strengthening the domestic space and defence sectors.

Tesla China November 2025 Retail Sales Slip, Foreshadowing First Annual Decline

December 9, 2025, 11:54 AM EST. Tesla's November 2025 retail deliveries in China reached 73,145, a slight decline from 73,490 in November 2024. With year-to-date sales of 531,855, Tesla would need about 125,250 more units in December to match 2024's 657,105 total, a feat that is unlikely given capacity and demand patterns. The results underscore a broader slowdown in the world's largest EV market, despite ongoing production at Giga Shanghai. Competitors like BYD and Xiaomi are accelerating, and the market appears saturated for the Model 3 and Model Y. If December cannot close the gap, 2025 may mark Tesla's first annual decline in China retail sales, signaling a turning point for its growth trajectory in the region.

Lumia Health Launches Lumia 2: Smart Earrings That Track Blood Flow

December 9, 2025, 11:48 AM EST. Boston-based startup Lumia Health expands wearables with Lumia 2, a pair of smart earrings that track real-time blood flow. The pull-through device, Lumia Core, sits on the back of the earring and houses the second-generation PreciseLight sensor, processors, battery, and sensors. The earrings are sold in fine-jewelry finishes and attach to regular backs via patent-pending SwitchBack tech; the Core is worn on the left ear. Developed with researchers at Johns Hopkins, Duke, and Harvard, Lumia aims to help conditions like POTS and long COVID, but reports broader benefits for sleep, temperature, and menstrual cycle tracking. Live data is available in the Lumia app, with the company noting the ear's proximity to heart and brain makes it an ideal sensing location.

AST SpaceMobile to Launch FM2, Its Second Prototype Satellite, in January

December 9, 2025, 11:46 AM EST. AST SpaceMobile plans to launch FM2, its second prototype satellite, in January. The company is seeking FCC permission to lower the orbit of its next-gen satellite, a regulatory step aimed at expanding its satellite-based connectivity and coverage. FM2 marks a key milestone as AST SpaceMobile advances its network and regulatory approvals ahead of broader deployment.

Pebble Index 01: A Sub-$100 Voice-Recording Ring with No Charging Needed

December 9, 2025, 11:44 AM EST. Pebble is back with the Index 01, a ring-centric voice recording device under $100. It uses a built-in battery you can't replace, so there's no charging dock or subscription to manage. With an expected two-year battery life and roughly 12-14 hours of recording, it stores about 5 minutes of audio on-ring before syncing to the Pebble iOS/Android app for transcription via an open-source speech-to-text tool. The ring is water-resistant, lacks lights, vibration, or sensors, and is designed to be hackable-you can reassign its button or link it to other services. It works with Pebble watches or alone, aimed at quick reminders. Preorders start at $75 (rising to $99), shipping next March.

Tech's Biggest Losers of 2025: OpenAI, Xbox, and the Year in Review

December 9, 2025, 11:40 AM EST. In Engadget's year-end reckoning, the "biggest losers" list spotlights tech missteps that shaped 2025. OpenAI faced backlash after a lawsuit alleging ChatGPT influenced a teen's suicide attempt, followed by clumsy attempts at safety controls, a reported 'wellness' advisory council, and questions about how its legal defense framed the tragedy. Meanwhile, Xbox saw repeated price hikes, with the Series S and X jumping again and fans reeling from the impact on affordability and access to games. The piece surveys other misfires-from corporate reorganizations chasing profits to questionable product strategies-reminding readers that even tech giants stumble when balance sheets trump user safety and trust.

OneXPlayer Kickstarter Pricing Revealed for Super X Tablet: Ryzen AI Max+ 395 Starts at $1,999

December 9, 2025, 11:38 AM EST. OneXPlayer has opened pre-orders for the Super X tablet on Kickstarter, detailing a tiered lineup built around the Ryzen AI Max 385 and Ryzen AI Max+ 395 with Strix Halo CPUs. The base tier starts at about $1,899 for 32 GB RAM and 1 TB storage. The higher-end Ryzen AI Max+ 395 version, with 48 GB RAM, starts at $1,999. Price scales up to roughly $2,699-$2,759 for configurations with larger RAM (up to 128 GB) and the choice of air or liquid cooling. Early backers also get a free exclusive magnetic keyboard and a pre-applied soft film. The tablet isn't shipping yet but Kickstarter pages indicate a launch in coming days. OneXPlayer presents the Super X as its most powerful gaming/AI tablet to date.

Pebble's Index 01: a microphone-equipped ring to capture notes

December 9, 2025, 11:36 AM EST. Pebble founder Eric Migicovsky unveils the Index 01, a $75 ring with a single microphone designed to capture notes, timers, and reminders with a press of its button. Recorded audio flows to the Pebble app over Bluetooth, with about five minutes of local storage and a built-in transcription model for offline review. Migicovsky calls it external memory for your brain, stressing reliability over wake words so nothing is lost. Uses center on note-taking, timers, and reminders, and the device can auto-send notes to Notion while Android users can set alarms directly in the Clock app. The ring reportedly lasts years on a light, few-seconds-a-day cadence, avoiding the need for constant charging.

Motorola and Xiaomi to Challenge Apple AirTag with New Trackers

December 9, 2025, 11:30 AM EST. More trackers are on the way as Motorola and Xiaomi prepare to enter the GPS tracking space, challenging Apple's AirTag. Reports indicate Xiaomi is jumping into the tracker market, signaling broader competition and potential price pressure for Apple. While Apple's AirTag has become synonymous with GPS tracking, Motorola and Xiaomi are gearing up to unveil new devices that could rival Apple's design and ecosystem.

Efficient Computer Unveils Electron E1 Evaluation Kit for Energy-Efficient Computing

December 9, 2025, 11:28 AM EST. Efficient Computer today announced the Electron E1 Evaluation Kit (EVK), a ready-to-use platform for building, testing, and optimizing software for the Electron E1 processor. Available to early access developers and via the Cloud EVK, it promises up to 100× energy efficiency versus legacy processors. Built on Efficient's Fabric architecture, the E1 uses a spatial dataflow design to run general-purpose code with reduced overhead while preserving a familiar software experience. The EVK enables rapid bring-up, energy characterization, and system integration, with built-in instrumentation and Arduino-compatible headers for quick testing and code porting. It also supports edge AI/ML inference, signal processing, data analytics, sensor fusion, radar, AR, and more. The Cloud EVK launches January 2026. The package includes the Electron E1 evaluation board, demo firmware, quick-start docs, and SDK access.

Regulatory Uncertainty Is a Tax on AI Progress: Lessons from Cable TV Regulation

December 9, 2025, 11:26 AM EST. There's no AI mania; investment remains below its potential because local regulatory uncertainty acts as a tax on progress. The piece recalls the 1970s-80s cable rollout, where city officials sought favors and rent-a-citizens slowed growth. The Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984 brought regulatory certainty, unlocking Wall Street capital and expansion. The author argues that, while AI investment is sizable, further progress hinges on a national framework, not a patchwork of local experiments. Advocates cite cities as policy laboratories, but that logic could stall a globally relevant sector. An AI analogue to the Cable Act may be needed to unleash investment and accelerate a transformative future given the field's international scope.

Why one investment research firm says the AI bear cases are overblown for now

December 9, 2025, 11:24 AM EST. An investment research firm argues the three biggest bear cases for the AI rally-oversupply risk, weak demand, and policy uncertainty-are overstated in the near term. The firm points to accelerating AI adoption, improving chip and software tooling, and corporate budgets rekindling spending on AI pilots and integrations. While macro volatility and fierce competition persist, valuation multiples have not fully priced in ongoing productivity gains. The piece suggests investors should focus on resilient AI use cases, diversified exposure, and catalysts like enterprise AI deployments and platform ecosystems, rather than assuming a protracted downturn. Key takeaways for risk-aware investors: monitor capital expenditure, customer adoption, and tech advances that could unlock upside.

Neoclouds Rule the AI Compute Market with Agile, GPU-Focused Infrastructure

December 9, 2025, 11:22 AM EST. Neocloud providers-many born from crypto mining-are reshaping high-performance computing by offering flexible, specialised GPU infrastructure that beats traditional hyperscalers on agility and cost. Their playbook rests on three pillars: already-operational datacenters, cheap power contracts, and deep expertise in cooling and managing high-density workloads. Partnerships with Nvidia underpin their ability to train AI models for players like Mistral and Anthropic. While this model unlocks unprecedented access to GPU hardware, questions linger about its long-term sustainability. The switch from crypto to AI, led by firms such as Sesterce investing in large French datacenters, shows the speed advantage neoclouds bring-completing builds in weeks rather than months.

Our 10 Favorite Games of 2025-and the One True Game of the Year

December 9, 2025, 11:18 AM EST. From a cross-outlet vote by CNET, PCMag, ZDNet, Lifehacker, and Mashable, this feature highlights the year's best games of 2025. The Top 10 is unranked except for one overall Game of the Year winner, plus an honorable mention released under unique circumstances. Highlights include Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, a masterful 3D Metroid adventure with atmospheric world-building, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a debut indie RPG praised for its active turn-based combat, painterly visuals, and rich lore about Lumière. The piece champions variety-from blockbuster hits to hidden gems-and explains why only one title earns Game of the Year honors.

Skyrim Anniversary Edition Lands on Switch 2 with Free Upgrade

December 9, 2025, 11:16 AM EST. Bethesda today revealed that The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition is getting a free Switch 2 upgrade, and it's available now. Switch 2 players will enjoy an enhanced resolution, faster load times, performance tweaks, and Mouse Mode support, plus the Anniversary Edition's bundled content: Dawnguard, Dragonborn, and Hearthfire, along with Creations Club items and the Zelda crossover assets from the base game. Switch 1 owners can upgrade to Switch 2 for free; others can upgrade from the base game to the Anniversary Edition for £17.99 or buy the full package for £52.99. Bethesda even shared additional media and an interview with Creative Director Matt Carofano to dive into the new version.

Meta expands hardware ambitions with Limitless AI wearables beyond glasses

December 9, 2025, 11:14 AM EST. Meta has acquired Limitless, the maker of the AI-powered Pendant, signaling a shift toward consumer hardware beyond its VR headsets and AI smart glasses. Limitless's CEO says the teams will work with Meta to realize a shared vision of personal AI assistants embedded in wearables. Pendant, which started as a clip-on microphone approach to capture voice and context, will no longer be sold; existing customers get continued access to features without a subscription, with data export/delete options. AI wearables that record audio rely on strong transcription and summarization, a niche Meta seems to target. The move follows other signs, like Meta hiring ex-Apple designer Alan Dye, and hints at a broader lineup including future Ray-Ban AI devices.

Apple urges iPhone users to install iOS 26-here's why

December 9, 2025, 11:12 AM EST. Apple now recommends upgrading from iOS 18 to iOS 26, moving the update from optional to recommended. iOS 26 introduces a Liquid Glass interface, enhanced live translation, and a new call screening feature with Hold Assist that helps you stay in a queue when speaking to a live agent. CarPlay gains Live Activities for at-a-glance updates. Apple cautions that while iOS 18 security updates may continue for some devices, they could end in the coming months, so staying current matters for security. Compatibility spans a broad range from iPhone 12 mini up to iPhone 17 models. If you're on iOS 18, upgrading could improve speed, privacy, and access to new features.

Pebble returns with Index 01: a single-function voice-note ring

December 9, 2025, 11:10 AM EST. Nearly a decade after Pebble's smartwatch run, Core Devices unveiled the Index 01-a ring that records the voice notes with a single press. Eschewing health sensors and notifications, it focuses on reliable audio capture. The ring packs a microphone, Bluetooth radio, a hearing-aid battery, and one tactile button; press to start recording, release to stop. Its battery life targets 12-14 hours of recording per charge, with an estimated two years of use at 10-20 notes per day. Price begins at $75 during preorder, rising to $99 later. When the battery runs dry, the ring is returned for recycling. Worn on the index finger, the design aims for muscle memory and a truly distraction-free note tool.

Morgan Stanley lifts Tesla price target to $425 as FSD crown jewel amid choppy 12-month outlook

December 9, 2025, 11:08 AM EST. Tesla (TSLA) shares are under the lens as Morgan Stanley analyst Andrew Percoco raises the price target from $410 to $425 and shifts the rating to Equal Weight. He argues Tesla remains the leading player in EVs, manufacturing, renewable energy, and real-world AI, but warns of a choppy trading environment over the next 12 months as downside to estimates looms and non-auto catalysts may be priced in. He notes that if market-cap hurdles are cleared, the target could drop about 7%. Value for Optimus is ~$60 per share; FSD is highlighted as the crown jewel with potential to reshape personal autonomous driving. Bear case: $145; bull case: up to $860. Tesla trades near $441 today.

SpaceX Quietly Installs Starlink Vending Machine in Iowa

December 9, 2025, 11:06 AM EST. A self-serve vending machine from SpaceX for Starlink hardware has appeared in Iowa and surfaced on Google Maps. The device reportedly sells discounted Starlink dishes and other gear, expanding access to satellite internet with a hands-off purchase experience. The move signals a push to streamline procurement for consumers and businesses, potentially lowering barriers to entry for new users. While details remain sparse, observers note the vending format could accelerate adoption, especially in rural areas where Starlink's service footprint is expanding. If confirmed, the vending machine could become a novel touchpoint for Starlink hardware amid growing competition in the telecom and space-based internet markets.

Opinion: Can the U.S. Keep Up With the 21st-Century Arms Race?

December 9, 2025, 10:58 AM EST. Ukraine shows drones and inexpensive, remotely controlled weapons dominating the battlefield, while China tests how to fly drones in sync. Swarms could hunt and kill with little human oversight; AI, synthetic biology, and quantum computing are set to redefine warfare. The United States leads in some areas thanks to robust private-sector investments, but China, Russia, and other regimes are accelerating state programs. The piece argues that keeping up will require political will and deep public-private coordination among government, industry, and research institutions. The Pentagon must embrace rapid technological change; Congress should expand R&D funding for militarily useful technologies; and cross-sector collaboration is essential if the U.S. is to deter, defend, and compete in this ongoing arms race.

AI in SMB Marketing: How Small Businesses Can Win (and Avoid Loss) with Cautious Automation

December 9, 2025, 10:54 AM EST. AI is increasingly essential in marketing, and SMBs can use it to level the playing field with larger competitors. A growing share of marketers-about 56%-are adopting AI. For SMBs, the move should be strategic: start small, test one area, and ensure AI supports speed and efficiency while preserving a human voice. Nearly 39% of executives cite a need for human oversight, underscoring the risk of misalignment with brand messaging. Recommended uses for beginners include copywriting, proofreading, social captions, content planning, admin tasks, and automated reminders to enhance the customer experience. As comfort grows, expand to more complex tasks while maintaining brand accuracy through ongoing human oversight and authentic storytelling.

EY survey: AI-driven productivity fuels reinvestment in growth, upskilling and cybersecurity

December 9, 2025, 10:50 AM EST. New EY US AI Pulse Survey finds that 96% of organizations investing in AI report productivity gains, with 57% calling them significant. Rather than cutting headcount, 47% reinvest gains into existing AI capabilities, 42% into new AI capabilities, 41% into cybersecurity, 39% into R&D, and 38% into upskilling/reskilling employees. Only 17% say gains reduced headcount. EY says firms are shifting from a productivity mindset to a growth agenda, using AI to drive innovation and create new markets. Financial data show ROI from AI correlates with larger budget allocations: 27% now devote a quarter or more of IT budgets to AI, projected to 52% next year; those spending 50%+ could rise from 3% to 19%. Firms investing $10M+ in AI report stronger productivity gains (71%) than those investing less (52%).

Pixel 10 Android 16 QPR2 update breaks Pixel Stand compatibility

December 9, 2025, 10:48 AM EST. After Google rolled out Android 16 QPR2 for the Pixel 10, the Pixel Stand 2nd Gen no longer charges the device. Users report the charger flashing orange and white and failing to charge, suggesting the update has broken Pixel Stand support. Google never officially backed Pixel Stand for Pixel 10, but it worked beforehand. The Pixel 10 debuted Qi2 charging and Pixelsnap accessories; Pixelsnap can charge up to 25W while the older Pixel Stand tops out at 7.5W. The issue appears limited to the Pixel 10 series and has been discussed on Reddit and noted by PiunikaWeb. If you need reliable wireless charging, consider Qi2 chargers from Pixelsnap or other brands until Google clarifies or issues a fix.

Rocket Lab Awarded CAD Funding to Develop Medium-Class Satellite Reaction Wheel for 500-1000 kg Platforms

December 9, 2025, 10:46 AM EST. Rocket Lab has been awarded $999,951 CAD under the Canadian Space Agency's Space Technology Development Program to develop a new medium-class reaction wheel for 500-1,000 kg satellites in low Earth orbit and beyond. The project aims to achieve a minimum angular momentum capacity of 25 Nms, with development and qualification at the company's Toronto facility as part of a broader initiative to strengthen the Canadian space supply chain. The CSA funding is part of a roughly $14.2 million CAD investment in space technology. Rocket Lab notes its history of flight-proven reaction wheels deployed on more than 300 satellites and envisions serving a growing market of larger, higher-mayload missions with an end-to-end space systems approach.

SpaceX Falcon 9 launch from Vandenberg tonight: time, window, and viewing spots

December 9, 2025, 10:44 AM EST. SpaceX plans a late-night Falcon 9 launch from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County to deploy 27 Starlink satellites. The overnight launch window opens shortly after midnight, offering dark skies for viewing from various spots in the region; note that the base does not offer public viewing. Postponements due to weather or technical issues are possible, and an FAA advisory mentions a backup opportunity the next day if needed. The rocket lifts from Space Launch Complex 4E on a southeast trajectory toward low Earth orbit. Public viewing sites include 13th Street & Arguello Blvd, Floradale Ave & West Ocean Ave (SLC-6 viewing), Renwick Ave & West Ocean Ave, and Santa Lucia Canyon Rd & Victory Rd. Check VC Star for updates.

Pebble founder unveils Index 01: a $75 AI smart ring for quick, private note-taking

December 9, 2025, 10:40 AM EST. Pebble founder Eric Migicovsky reboots the brand with Index 01, a $75 AI smart ring designed for recording brief notes at a press of a button. The AI operates locally on your phone through the Pebble app, meaning no cloud storage and no subscription. The ring is water-resistant up to 1 meter and not a fitness tracker or AI assistant; it's meant as external memory for your brain, capturing 3- to 6-second thoughts in 12-14 hours of recording capacity. The feature is activated by a press-and-hold gesture. It competes in the growing market of voice-note wearables, a space that also includes Sandbar's Stream Ring, which uses a subscription model.

Netflix-WBD deal may keep Warner TV licenses flowing to Apple TV, says Ted Sarandos

December 9, 2025, 10:36 AM EST. At the UBS Global Media and Communications Conference, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos said the Warner Bros. Television Group will continue licensing content to third parties after Netflix's landmark, roughly $83 billion acquisition. He stressed that while Netflix now owns Warner TV, the licensing business remains robust and will extend to rivals, including Apple TV+. That's good news for Apple TV's slate, which includes licensed hits like Ted Lasso, Shrinking, Bad Monkey, and Presumed Innocent. The revelation hints at how the combination of Netflix and Warner assets could ripple across the streaming landscape, affecting licensing, production priorities, and competition among platforms. Apple TV subscribers already access these shows via licensing rather than in-house development.

Google extends Pixel 9 Pro display repair program to 3 years; Pixel 9 Pro Fold warranty also extended

December 9, 2025, 10:34 AM EST. Google announces an extended repair program for the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL addressing a display issue: vertical green lines and related display flickering. The program provides three-year coverage from the original purchase date, but only for issues that affect the display and must run bottom-to-top; cracked or liquid damage may render devices ineligible. Repairs begin December 8, 2025, and Google may contact owners who previously paid for a similar screen replacement. Separately, Google extends the warranty for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold to three years from purchase, covering devices that exhibit issues affecting functionality with a free replacement; this warranty lasts 90 days for affected units. Cracked or liquid-damaged devices are excluded.

Galaxy Z TriFold prototype hints at quad-rear cameras before final triple-camera design

December 9, 2025, 10:30 AM EST. Samsung's Galaxy Z TriFold is publicly announced with a triple rear camera setup, but a LinkedIn post from a Samsung executive hints a prototype may have tested a quad-rear camera design. The four-cutout on the back matches the others but is thinner, suggesting the plan was scrapped. The final device includes a 200MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. The foldable goes on sale in South Korea on December 12, with launches in China, Taiwan, Singapore, the UAE, and the US to follow.

DJI Power Station Holiday Deals: Save on Power 2000 and Power 1000 V2

December 9, 2025, 10:22 AM EST. With winter storms and stressed grids raising outage risk, DJI's portable power stations are on steep holiday sale. The Power 2000 is about $699 (down from $1,299), a 46% discount that pairs a 2,048 Wh battery with a 3,000 W continuous output. It can expand to a massive 22,528 Wh with ten expansion batteries and recharges from 0 to 80% in ~55 minutes on grid power, plus solar or car charging for off-grid use. The smaller Power 1000 V2 drops to $399 (from ~ $469), delivering a 1,024 Wh and 2,600 W, weighing ~14.2 kg and recharging to full in under an hour (~37 minutes to 80%). Together, they suit full-home backup or portable on-the-go power, with quiet, fumes-free operation suitable for apartments.

DJI Osmo Action 6 targets content creators with square sensor, brighter night shots and improved stabilization

December 9, 2025, 10:20 AM EST. DJI's Osmo Action 6 sharpens the action-cam line with a new square sensor, brighter Supernight mode, and improved stabilization. In our tests, it mostly matched the Action 4 across scenes, with gains in steadiness and only modest image-quality jumps versus Action 5. The big shift benefits content creators: the square sensor lets you export to both 16:9 and 9:16 from a single capture, while manual aperture control (f/4.0, f/2.0, f/2.8) adds creative options. Casual shooters still rely on automatic settings, but serious creators gain more creative freedom and flexibility. Overall, the upgrades are highly targeted toward artistic control rather than broad, casual-user improvements.

From Chaos to Control: Orchestrating AI Across Enterprise Marketing

December 9, 2025, 10:18 AM EST. Enterprises have rushed to embed AI across marketing, but outcomes lag because there is no orchestration. Generative AI and AI agents exist, yet marketing, IT, customer service, and sales operate as isolated pilots in a crowded martech stack of 80-120 platforms. Without a unified coordination and integration framework, AI tools can't communicate, data stays siloed, and ROI remains unclear. The result is Pilot Purgatory: fragmented initiatives, duplicated effort, compliance risks, and missed opportunities. The path forward demands systematic coordination, risk management, and a cross-functional integration framework that aligns AI pilots into a scalable enterprise AI strategy with measurable impact.

APK Teardown Hints New Data Types for Cross-Platform Android-iPhone Data Transfer

December 9, 2025, 10:04 AM EST. Google and Apple are quietly collaborating to simplify switching between Android and iPhone. The Android Switch app, spotted in Canary builds, hints at cross-platform data migration for new data types such as Accessibility settings, Music playlists, Passwords and passkeys, Wallet cards, and Wi-Fi credentials. The rollout alongside existing transfers could cover Photos, Videos, Contacts, Messages, Documents, Calendars, Apps, WhatsApp chat history, MP3s, Voice memos, Notes, Call history, and even home screen layout. Data transfer appears primarily over cable, with some items potentially moved over Wi-Fi. Google also notes several exclusions, including in-app purchases, certain device settings (like Wi-Fi passwords), DRM music, Safari bookmarks, and some apps/data not cloud-synded.

Mercedes-Benz inks $1.4B LG Energy Solution battery deal to power expanding EV lineup

December 9, 2025, 10:02 AM EST. Mercedes-Benz has secured a long-term battery supply deal with LG Energy Solution worth $1.4 billion, spanning March 2028 to June 2035 for Europe and North America. The contract underpins the automaker's plan to accelerate its EV push, with more than a dozen new or refreshed models planned by decade's end. LGES's growing role underscores a broader shift toward EV batteries as a strategic pillar for the auto industry. The pact complements earlier agreements for 32 GWh by 2035 and 75 GWh by 2037, illustrating LGES's expanding footprint. Key platforms like the 800-volt MMA and MB.EA underpin the CLA EV and GLC with EQ Technology. The deal mirrors similar collaborations with Tesla and GM as automakers secure long-term supply amid electrification.

QuEra Computing: 2025 Fault-Tolerance Milestone and $230M+ Funding to Scale Industrial Quantum Deployment

December 9, 2025, 10:00 AM EST. QuEra Computing highlighted 2025 as a turning point for fault-tolerant quantum computing, citing landmark demonstrations of continuous operation and scalable error correction alongside more than $230 million in new capital from Google Quantum AI, NVIDIA, SoftBank, and other investors. The Boston-based team, collaborating with Harvard, MIT, and Yale, validated a blueprint for large-scale, error-corrected quantum machines and moved toward on-premises HPC deployments. Four Nature papers showcased advances in continuous operation, fault tolerance, magic state distillation, and reduced runtime overhead, addressing the scale barrier for neutral-atom systems. With record revenues and early commercial deployments, QuEra is transitioning from research organization to industrial-scale provider, positioning neutral-atom quantum computing as a practical utility for enterprise workloads.

Moto G Stylus (2026) leaks surface; Edge 70 Ultra to support stylus

December 9, 2025, 9:54 AM EST. New images purportedly confirm the Moto G Stylus (2026), following a previous misidentification of the device as the Moto G Power (2026). The render shows a typical Motorola design with a faux leather back in two colors, though final color options remain unclear. No specs have leaked yet. In related news, the Edge 70 Ultra is also said to support a stylus. It's uncertain whether the stylus will be bundled or sold separately; if bundled, Motorola would be directly aiming at Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra stylus strategy.

CHOP study links smartphone ownership before age 12 to higher depression, obesity and sleep risk

December 9, 2025, 9:52 AM EST. Ran Barzilay of CHOP reports in Pediatrics that owning a smartphone by age 12 is linked to higher risks of depression, obesity, and insufficient sleep. In a large observational sample from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study (ABCD), more than 10,000 children were followed and ages at first ownership ranged 4-13 with a median of 11. Those with a device by 12 had about a 31% higher risk of depression, a 40% higher risk of obesity, and a 62% higher risk of insufficient sleep. Each year younger than 12 increased obesity and sleep risk by roughly 10%. Limitations include no data on how devices were used. The study urges careful consideration by parents rather than blanket judgments.

White House urges allies to clear regulatory hurdles to accelerate AI innovation

December 9, 2025, 9:50 AM EST. The White House's science adviser Michael Kratsios urged G7 ministers to remove regulatory obstacles hindering AI adoption while stressing safeguards. He framed a trusted AI ecosystem built on smart, sector-specific regulations that balance innovation with the public interest. Kratsios said the United States favors private-sector-led development of AI and infrastructure, but warned against sweeping deregulation. The remarks come as the administration and allies push to speed deployment, with President Trump promoting an executive-order approach and aiming for a unified national framework for AI rules. The emphasis is on accelerating growth, maintaining data security, and earning public trust while enabling rapid deployment of AI technologies.

Bill Gates: AI will be 'hyper competitive' and not all valuations will win

December 9, 2025, 9:48 AM EST. Bill Gates told CNBC at Abu Dhabi Finance Week that AI is the most important trend, but the market will be hyper competitive and not every company with high valuations will be a winner. He warned that some valuations will fall as investors weigh the bubble risk, even as AI remains a deeply profound technology that will reshape the world. Gates highlighted global health gains from AI and pledges to fight polio, noting next year will see pilots of AI tools-including the virtual doctor and dialect support for Africa-to boost productivity in health, education, and agriculture. Despite froth in parts of the market, Gates said the benefits of AI are real and attainable.

Live coverage: SpaceX to launch NROL-77 for the National Reconnaissance Office

December 9, 2025, 9:46 AM EST. SpaceX is set to launch the NROL-77 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office from Cape Canaveral using a Falcon 9 booster (B1096). The mission marks the second NRO launch under the National Security Space Launch Phase 2 contract and could feature the final return of a booster to Landing Zone 2. Liftoff is scheduled for 2:16 p.m. EST, following a north-easterly trajectory. Spaceflight Now will provide live coverage about an hour before launch. The effort demonstrates the U.S. government's growing reliance on SpaceX to deliver national-security payloads, with NROL-77 described by the NRO as designed, built, and operated by the agency. The mission is part of a broader NSSL Phase 2 program managed by the U.S. Space Force's Space Systems Command.

OnePlus Pad Go 2: 10,050mAh battery, stylus support and Dimensity 7300-Ultra announced

December 9, 2025, 9:44 AM EST. OnePlus has revealed more specs for the Pad Go 2, set to debut alongside the OnePlus 15R and Watch Lite on December 17. The tablet features a 12.1-inch display with up to 900 nits brightness, a 7:5 aspect ratio, 88.5% screen-to-body ratio, and a resolution of 2800 x 1980 with Dolby Vision. It packs a 10,050mAh battery with 33W fast charging and 6.5W reverse charging. The 8GB/256GB Shadow Black variant adds 5G connectivity. For the first time, Pad Go supports a stylus via the Pad Go 2 Stylo with 4,096 pressure points. Power comes from the MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Ultra. AI features include AI Writer, AI Translation, AI Summary, and AI Recorder. In India, it goes on sale online from December 18.

Apple TV to Exclusively Broadcast US Formula 1 Coverage from 2026, Teasing Multiview Features

December 9, 2025, 9:42 AM EST. Apple TV will become the exclusive US broadcast partner for Formula 1 from 2026 in a five-year deal announced after the 2025 Abu Dhabi finale. The new advert hints at fan-friendly features, including onboard driver cameras with Multiview support and a live leaderboard view on supported mobile devices. The partnership followed F1's collaboration on the hit film F1 The Movie and promises premium, fan-first coverage across new teams, regulations, and cars. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali highlighted growth potential in the US, while Apple executives Tim Cook and Eddy Cue emphasised front-row access and innovation. The 2026 season starts with the Australian Grand Prix on 6-8 March, marking a transformative era for both brands and the sport.

EU Probes Google Over AI Tools in Antitrust Review

December 9, 2025, 9:40 AM EST. The European Commission has opened an antitrust inquiry into Google, examining whether the company uses its dominance to shape its AI tools and terms for content creators. The probe, following a similar inquiry into Meta, will assess whether Google's AI Overviews and AI Model rely on publishers' content and whether creators are fairly compensated. EU officials say the case aims to protect publishers and ensure fair competition as AI markets evolve. Google says the inquiry could stifle innovation in a competitive landscape. The investigation adds to decades of EU action against Google, including large fines and DMA scrutiny under the Digital Markets Act, highlighting Brussels' broader push to curb Big Tech market power.

Liquid Glass-inspired redesigns coming to Samsung Galaxy with One UI 8.5

December 9, 2025, 9:36 AM EST. Samsung's One UI 8.5 beta reveals a Liquid Glass-inspired design language, with floating back buttons, floating navigation bars, and translucent UI touches across first-party apps. The look mirrors aspects of iOS 26's Liquid Glass overhaul, including a 3D-style calculator and a translucent Gallery. Samsung seems to mix these cues with its own style, widening the gap between Galaxy apps and Google's Material 3 Expressive. The update is rolling out in beta to the Galaxy S25 and is expected to land on Galaxy devices in 2026, likely after the Galaxy S26 launch.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra Rumors Hint December 26 Debut, Satellite Connectivity and Leica Lens Speculation

December 9, 2025, 9:30 AM EST. Floating rumors suggest the Xiaomi 17 Ultra could debut in China on December 26, with two RAM/storage variants: 12/256GB and 16/1TB. Prices are pegged around 6,499 yuan (~$919) and 7,799 yuan (~$1,103). Early chatter includes a possible Beidou/Tiantong-1 satellite connectivity for texts and calls, potentially limited to the Chinese variant. Leaks also hint at a Leica-branded camera system centered on a 200MP main sensor plus additional lenses, and a brief pre-order window around December 15-25. As always with rumors, nothing is confirmed by Xiaomi yet.

Tesla hits 4 million vehicles at Gigafactory Shanghai as output scales to 950k/year

December 9, 2025, 9:26 AM EST. Tesla confirms its Gigafactory Shanghai produced its four millionth vehicle, underscoring six years of rapid output since starting in 2019. The plant has grown to a reported capacity exceeding 950,000 vehicles per year, with 675,000 deliveries in the first three quarters of this year. Notably, Shanghai builds the Model Y L, a longer-wheelbase variant exclusive to China, and has exported a meaningful share to Europe, supplementing Berlin plant's earlier production. The site remains central to Tesla's global strategy, alongside the Megafactory for Megapack and other components. Analysts expect the plant to approach a five millionth vehicle milestone in late 2026 or early 2027 given the current pace.

US Enterprise Internet Reputation Management Market Forecast 2025-2035: Growth Drivers, Key Players, and Regional Demand

December 9, 2025, 9:24 AM EST. The US market for enterprise internet reputation management is forecast to grow from USD 146.8 billion in 2025 to USD 579.9 billion by 2035, a CAGR of 14.7%. Growth is driven by greater visibility into customer reviews, rapid adoption of digital engagement channels, and rising sensitivity to online reputation risks among large enterprises. Companies invest in reputation governance to protect revenue, sustain investor confidence, and safeguard customer trust across search engines, e-commerce platforms, and social media. Reputation-repair solutions lead demand, providing review-management, crisis-response, misinformation tracking, and continuous monitoring with high analytics. Key players include Reputation.com, BrandYourself, Trustpilot, Hootsuite, and Sprout Social; strongest demand in the West, South, and Northeast.

DJI Neo 2 Sneaks Into the US as Original Neo Drops to $159

December 9, 2025, 9:22 AM EST. DJI quietly imports the palm-sized Neo 2 into the US via third-party sellers, triggering discounts on older Neo bundles (up to 21%). The original Neo now starts at $159-the lowest price yet for a 4K DJI drone. Neo 2 brings a bigger sensor, improved stabilization, better low-light performance, stronger tracking, and added safety features, but availability remains unpredictable and not sold directly by DJI. Fly More Combo prices hover around $459 (drone-only) and the Motion Fly More Combo with RC Motion 3 and Goggles N3 tops $929, with very limited stock. For most buyers, snagging a deal when spotted is the reality; the OG Neo offers standout value, while Neo 2 remains a sporadic buy.

SpaceX Falcon 9 Midnight Launch Visible Across Arizona – How to Watch

December 9, 2025, 9:20 AM EST. Arizonans may spot a SpaceX Falcon 9 streaking across the night sky after a California launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base. The mission aims to deploy 27 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit, with a launch window opening shortly after midnight PT and lasting up to four hours. The rocket will fly southeast, increasing the chance of visibility across most of Arizona. Postponements are possible due to weather or technical issues, so check updates from local outlets. Potential viewing spots around Phoenix include Dobbins Lookout, Papago Park, South Mountain, and Fountain Hills; other good sites are in Cave Creek, the Superstition Mountains, and near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Stay alert for final timing and safety guidelines before observing.

Gen Threat Labs Predicts 2026: The Year the Internet Outgrows Human Intuition

December 9, 2025, 9:18 AM EST. Gen Threat Labs predicts 2026 will outpace human intuition, with AI reshaping trust, identity, and truth. Five seismic shifts will redefine digital life: synthetic personas and deepfakes that can mimic faces, voices, and writing in real time; verification becomes a daily safety reflex as deception blurs reality; the AI feedback loop will flood online content, demanding authenticity markers and content-signing frameworks; the browser becomes the primary battleground for everyday digital life; and emotional manipulation at scale will exploit new vulnerabilities. Practical tips include pausing to verify, using a second channel, hang up and call known numbers, setting family safe words, and staying alert to slight audio/visual anomalies.

Save on Brightspeed Internet: Free Install, Prepaid Cards, and Free Wi-Fi Extenders for New Customers

December 9, 2025, 9:16 AM EST. Brightspeed Internet is rolling out deals that help new customers save on high-speed fiber. Eligible plans can include a free standard installation, and a matching credit that cancels the $100 install fee, plus up to four Wi-Fi extenders for the first month. New fiber tiers reward sign-ups with prepaid cards: $100 for 500 Mbps or 1 Gbps, and $200 for 2 Gbps. The promo notes extenders revert to the regular monthly rate after the first month unless returned to avoid charges. Availability varies by location and terms are time-limited, so check the fine print and confirm eligibility before signing up. Brightspeed emphasizes speed and reliability to help households lower internet costs.

AI isn't the reason you got laid off (or not hired) – top staffing agency says the real issue is skills gaps

December 9, 2025, 9:14 AM EST. AI isn't the main driver of layoffs or hiring gaps, ManpowerGroup's Q1 2026 outlook finds. The report flags weaker demand, economic headwinds, and skills mismatches as the bigger forces reshaping the labor market. While automation shifts job descriptions, many workers lack the blend of technical and human skills employers say they need. Globally, hiring plans remain cautious: about 40% of organizations expect to hire, another 40% plan to keep headcount, and average additions have shrunk to roughly eight per company. Large firms have trimmed growth plans since 2025. A talent shortage persists, with about 72% of organizations struggling to find skilled workers – especially in the information sector and public services. Ironically, AI skills are scarce, but AI isn't the axe; the real message is to upskill and match needs.

Apple Makes iOS 26.1 the Default Upgrade for iOS 18 Holdouts

December 9, 2025, 9:10 AM EST. Apple has started pushing iOS 26.1 as the default upgrade for users stuck on iOS 18, signaling a shift from the long-sidelined iOS 26 to the forefront of the update screen. iOS 26 launched in September, while 18.7 and patches dominated the initial rollout. Now iPhones on iOS 18 see iOS 26.1 as the recommended update, with older iOS 18 security options moved lower. Apple plans to ship iOS 26.2 soon, and manual installation remains required even with Automatic Updates. The move aims to accelerate adoption before the holiday season. While some users cling to the Liquid Glass design and security patches on iOS 18, that option will fade as Apple pushes forward. No adoption numbers have been disclosed, and upgrades are permanent once completed.

Samsung's Qi2 Magnet Wireless Battery Pack leaks as Galaxy S26 edges toward magnet-based charging

December 9, 2025, 9:08 AM EST. Samsung appears to be embracing Qi2 magnets on the Galaxy S26 line, not just in accessories. New certifications hint the phone will support Qi2 magnets and higher speeds, while the company's charging stand recently surfaced for up to 25W. The Wireless Power Consortium leak reveals a Magnet Wireless Battery Pack accessory with Qi 2.1.0 support and a modest 15W output, meaning it won't hit peak speeds for long. The design extends the magnetic portion behind the rectangular battery to account for the camera module, a workaround also used by Samsung's first-party magnetic wallets. While this is a practical stopgap, it underscores that true Qi2 integration may still face compatibility and form-factor hurdles.

5 Tech Terms Every Smartphone User Should Know

December 9, 2025, 9:06 AM EST. Smartphones use terms that seem technical but describe everyday settings. This quick guide highlights two crucial phrases and shows why they matter: Background permissions and Auto-join networks. Background permissions explain what an app can do when you are not actively using it, which can drain battery, consume data, or track location. Auto-join networks lets your phone reconnect to known Wi-Fi networks, but it can also connect to look-alike or insecure hotspots. By reviewing these settings in Privacy and Security menus, you can tighten permissions, reduce risk of scams, and improve battery life and data use. Knowing these terms helps you stay safer and more in control of your device.

Apple design era looms as Alan Dye exits to Meta and Liquid Glass sparks debate

December 9, 2025, 9:02 AM EST. Amid talk of a new Apple design era, Alan Dye's departure to Meta is framed by some as a coup, while others criticize a post and the broader Liquid Glass overhaul. Bloomberg notes an exodus of design talent at Apple, including the earlier exit of Jony Ive, underscoring a broader upheaval. Online reaction spans relief and concern about execution, from typography quirks to debates over aesthetics. The piece argues that while Liquid Glass is controversial, high-level decisions-and not just Dye's footprint-drive the direction, and his role remains significant but not solely responsible. If this signals a new era, it could redefine the look of iOS and Apple platforms moving forward, despite ongoing glitches.

Apple Watch Ultra 4 Rumors Point to a More Capable Device in 2026

December 9, 2025, 9:00 AM EST. Rumors suggest the Apple Watch Ultra 4 could arrive with a new S-series chip (internal name T8320), better battery life, and potential Touch ID for unlocking and payments. Industry chatter points to a September 2026 release alongside Apple's fall event, aligning with past Ultra launches. Leaks also mention an Apple Watch model code-named N240 and a possible eight-sensor underside, signaling significant health and safety enhancements. While nothing is official, sources from Macworld and MacRumors indicate Apple is quietly developing a new Ultra generation, keeping the rugged flagship line relevant with fresh sensors, AI-powered health insights, and more efficient power use. Expect further confirmation at Apple's future announcements.

Veritone Demonstrates AI Interoperability with aiWARE on Self-Hosted Public Sector Deployments

December 9, 2025, 8:46 AM EST. Veritone announced the deployment of its aiWARE platform and applications, including iDEMS, on self-hosted private AWS or Azure tenants, underscoring a commitment to open architecture and interoperability for the public sector. By running aiWARE in customers' private clouds, the deployment gives public safety and law enforcement agencies control over their infrastructure and data while preserving scalability and AI power. The solution is designed to integrate with existing ecosystems across cloud or hybrid models, enabling secure, sovereign AI in flexible environments. aiWARE orchestrates multiple ML models to transform structured and unstructured data into actionable intelligence, with applicability to government, public safety, media, and compliance use cases. As CEO Ryan Steelberg notes, Veritone meets customers where they are-with security, transparency, and performance.

Use This ETF to Cut Through Quantum Computing Noise

December 9, 2025, 8:44 AM EST. Investors have been chasing a volatile quantum computing story; WisdomTree's newly launched WQTM ETF offers a way to sift through the noise. By bundling the few public quantum names-D-Wave, IonQ, Rigetti, and Quantum Computing Inc.-and focusing on breadth, purity, and relevance, WQTM helps investors participate with purpose rather than in a narrative frenzy. The article notes that government interest and speculation can reprice the sector, even before products exist at scale, underscoring why a diversified ETF can reduce idiosyncratic risk. While the quantum field remains years from commercial-scale breakthroughs, the ETF provides a front-row seat to the progress and helps avoid stock-picking pitfalls when the sector is narrative-driven.

IDEO CEO warns AI can produce 'somewhat mediocre' results for designers, urges experimentation

December 9, 2025, 8:42 AM EST. IDEO CEO Mike Peng warns that AI's pattern-recognition power can speed up work but relies on averages, risking 'somewhat mediocre' results unless designers apply taste, curation, and discernment. AI excels at iteration, he says, but creativity decides where to apply those ideas. While AI may outpace humans in execution, real life must be brought to life with creativity and empathy-capabilities that only people bring. To avoid mediocrity, Peng argues for experimentation, playfulness, and a human-centered approach. IDEO's philosophy is to work with tech, not let it replace human nuance, and to stay on the edge with new tools. Peng took on IDEO's CEO role earlier this year, underscoring that the goal is to use AI to augment-not supplant-human designers.

Galaxy Z TriFold Lacks Flex Mode, Missing Hands-Free UI

December 9, 2025, 8:40 AM EST. Samsung's Galaxy Z TriFold supports a tri-fold design but omits the Flex Mode feature found on the Z Flip and Z Fold. When you fold the display partially, those devices reflow the UI so the video or app content sits at the top while controls stay at the bottom, enabling a hands-free, desk-friendly experience. The TriFold, however, lacks this UI reorganization, meaning no automatic two-pane layout in this position. The decision preserves the phone's distinctive look when partially folded but at the cost of the convenient, fluid interface users expect from Samsung's foldables.

Adobe and YouTube launch Create for YouTube Shorts in Premiere Mobile for iOS

December 9, 2025, 8:38 AM EST. Adobe and YouTube are launching a dedicated content creation space inside Premiere Mobile for iOS, giving Shorts creators instant access to exclusive templates, transitions, and effects. The space lets users customize templates, add media, and publish directly to YouTube Shorts from their phones, helping creators produce viral videos, grow audiences, and ride trends. It features Shorts templates from top creators with built-in text and presets, plus the option to create and submit original templates. To get started, creators need a free Premiere Mobile login and a YouTube profile. They can import clips from iPhone, cloud storage, or Creative Cloud, edit across multi-track, adjust color, and export straight to Shorts. Firefly AI tools are highlighted for faster production.

Porsches in Russia Stop Working: VTS and Satellite Connectivity Under Scrutiny

December 9, 2025, 8:36 AM EST. Hundreds of Porsche cars in Russia reportedly stopped after a failure in a satellite-based Vehicle Tracking System (VTS), causing engines to shut off or cars to lock. Dealers say there's no official support since Porsche suspended operations in Russia after the 2022 invasion. The issue appears across models built after 2013 equipped with VTS, triggered by satellite outages that the system interprets as theft. Some dealerships have offered a workaround by resetting the alarm unit, but the root cause remains unconfirmed, with speculation of sabotage from a local dealership official. Porsche has not provided official comment. The incident highlights how dependence on satellite connectivity and security systems can impact vehicle accessibility in a geo-political context.

Age Verification Laws Reshape the Open Internet in 2025

December 9, 2025, 8:30 AM EST. Freedom House notes 2025 marks the 15th straight drop in global internet freedom, with the United States facing a notable decline. A driving factor is a wave of age verification laws aimed at protecting children online. Over the past two years, 25 states have enacted laws requiring age checks for adult content, and the Supreme Court upheld a Texas age verification mandate. The trend extends to social media with 16 states imposing parental controls or age restrictions; a federal bill to bar users under 13 has bipartisan support. States like Utah, Texas, and Louisiana require app stores to verify ages, with California considering similar rules for 2027. Critics warn these measures threaten privacy and anonymity, and risk fragmenting the web, as smaller sites exit markets (Dreamwidth, Bluesky, Pornhub cases).

Nvidia's H200 export to China: Beijing's self-sufficiency push vs. demand

December 9, 2025, 8:28 AM EST. Nvidia's H200 AI chip may reach China after a U.S. approval, but Beijing's push for self-sufficiency muddies the demand outlook. While Nvidia touts the H200's edge for training and inference, China is racing to build domestic semiconductors and AI stacks. Huawei's Ascend line, along with Alibaba, Tencent and Baidu, could combine local chips with stockpiled Nvidia gear to compete. Analysts warn that dependence on American hardware creates political risk, and Beijing may prefer homegrown solutions despite the lure of the H200. Huawei even suggests Chinese firms could reach Nvidia's capabilities if exports are allowed. In short, the export relaxation opens revenue, but China's self-sufficiency strategy and a shifting tech ecosystem may limit adoption.

Brook.ai Wins Gold at Digital Health Awards for AI-Powered Remote Care Management

December 9, 2025, 8:26 AM EST. Brook.ai, the healthcare tech startup transforming remote care, has won a Gold Award for Remote Patient Monitoring in the Connected Digital Health category at the 27th Digital Health Awards, marking its second straight honor after a Bronze in 2024. By blending remote human clinical teams with AI, Brook delivers continuous, always-on care outside the traditional clinic. Over the past year, the company reported a 90% reduction in congestive heart failure readmissions and an 80% rise in controlled hypertension among partners, plus an 82% retention rate, and 204% patient growth. The platform features an AI-powered health assistant trained on more than 5 million patient conversations, plus a triage system that connects patients with nurses and health coaches. CEO and Co-Founder Oren Nissim commented on expanding access and partnerships in 2026.

Pixel 10 Display Freezes After December Update, Affects Pro/XL Models

December 9, 2025, 8:18 AM EST. Users report a new display bug after Google's December update: the Pixel 10 screen randomly stops registering touch when the device is locked and idle. The issue appears across models, with Reddit threads noting the Pixel 10 Pro XL as well, not just a single variant. Workarounds include rebooting the phone or waiting for several minutes, and some users bypass it with Android's Extended Unlock feature. Several replies suggest turning the Always-On Display off, though there's no universal fix yet. Google's patch aimed to address Pixel 6+ issues but may have introduced new ones for the Pixel 10 lineup. After an October glitch, users hope for a timely patch rather than a January wait.

Netflix to Acquire Warner Bros. for $82.7B; Apple Leadership Shake-Up; AI to Drive Memory-Chip Costs

December 9, 2025, 8:14 AM EST. In today's tech top stories, streaming giant Netflix moves to acquire Warner Bros. for about $82.7 billion, signaling a bold consolidation in entertainment and streaming. The tech world also reels from a wave of retirements among top Apple executives, sparking questions about succession and strategic direction. Meanwhile, analysts say AI-driven demand for memory chips will push up the price of your next device, as manufacturers expect tighter supply and higher component costs. Owen Poole breaks down what the deals could mean for competition, innovation, and consumer pricing.

Why KOTOR II's Restored Content DLC for Switch Was Never Released – Disney Legal Blockers

December 9, 2025, 8:10 AM EST. In 2022, Aspyr released a Switch port of KOTOR II with a teaser for a Restored Content DLC. The fan-made Restored Content Mod (RCM) by Zbyl and HH added unused lines and a HK-47 side quest. Six weeks after launch, executive Michael Blair warned that trying to credit contributors had "spooked Disney legal," triggering a new blocker to obtain clearances. Despite ongoing efforts through 2022-2023, the official DLC was stalled as Disney/Lucasfilm demanded permission for each contributor and for the mod itself. By June 2023, after a year of silence, the Restored Content DLC had not released on Switch, effectively ending the pursuit.

This $50 Galaxy Fit 3 Could Be the Best Accessory for Your Galaxy Watch

December 9, 2025, 8:04 AM EST. Think a strap or charger is the ultimate Galaxy Watch upgrade? Think again. In this hands-on take, the author argues that the Galaxy Fit 3, a roughly $50 fitness tracker, can be the best quality-of-life hack for your Galaxy setup. Worn alongside the Galaxy Watch Ultra, the Fit 3 is lighter, thinner, and can be configured to stay asleep with the display off, reducing bedside light and interruptions. It integrates with Samsung Health, keeping all data in one place even when the watch charges. With around two weeks of battery life, the Fit 3 minimizes charging friction and lets you sleep-track without sacrificing day-long usefulness. A smart, simple complement for sleep enthusiasts and health nerds alike.

Pokémon GO Fest 2026: Tokyo, Chicago, and Copenhagen Dates Revealed

December 9, 2025, 7:56 AM EST. Trainers: Pokémon GO Fest 2026 is returning with three in-person celebrations across three continents, featuring park gameplay and citywide experiences. The cities: Tokyo, Chicago (Grant Park), and Copenhagen (Fælledparken). Event dates: Tokyo: May 29-June 1, 2026; Citywide gameplay starts May 25. Chicago: June 5-7, 2026; Citywide starts June 4. Copenhagen: June 12-14, 2026; Citywide starts June 11. There will also be GO Fest Global later in the summer for those who can't travel. More details to come in March and updates will be posted. Remind readers to follow updates.

Muon Space wins $1.9M SBIR to build infrared sensor payload for SDA missile-tracking satellites

December 9, 2025, 7:54 AM EST. Muon Space has won a $1.9 million SBIR Direct to Phase 2 contract from SpaceWERX to develop an enhanced infrared sensing payload for missile detection and tracking. The award, issued for the Space Development Agency (SDA), will fund a high-sensitivity variant of Muon's multispectral EO/IR payload and its fast-scanning Quickbeam architecture. The project supports SDA's Tracking Layer constellation in low Earth orbit to continuously detect and track advanced missile threats. The company notes the program lets them adapt proven commercial space tech for defense. The pact complements Muon's growing defense portfolio, which includes a previous $44.6 million Space Force award for its Quickbeam thermal imaging system. Muon is based in Mountain View, California, and has partnered with Earth Fire Alliance on environmental sensing missions like the planned FireSat constellation.

ICEBlock founder sues U.S. government over Apple removal of app that tracks ICE activity

December 9, 2025, 7:44 AM EST. The developer behind ICEBlock is suing the U.S. government alleging free speech rights were infringed after Apple removed the app from the App Store following a DOJ demand. Attorneys argue officials used regulatory power to coerce a private platform to suppress First Amendment-protected expression. The suit notes Apple cited app guidelines about targeting a group, while ICEBlock had launched on iOS (and an Android version was not released). The case touches on tech policy, government pressure on storefronts, platform responsibility, and the role of startup creators in civic discourse. Aaron, backed by pro bono counsel from Sher Tremonte, frames the move as part of a broader debate on free speech and government accountability.

Why I Wouldn't Touch Quantum Computing Inc. Stock With a 10-Foot Pole

December 9, 2025, 7:42 AM EST. This article argues that Quantum Computing Inc. isn't a safe way to ride the quantum-tech boom. The company touts room-temperature hardware, which could be practical, and has a liquidity buffer (> $1.5B) to pursue its plan over three years. But the risks are substantial: execution risk with Q3 revenue of $384k and trailing 12-month revenue under $1M; the firm remains a research-phase startup still refining prototypes. A three-year scaling timetable invites competition risk from players already moving to production (e.g., Intel). The finance chart shows dilution risk as much of the cash was raised by issuing shares, and future funding could further dilute holders. With potential future capital needs, the stock may suffer more dilution. In conclusion, it's too early to invest; the technology has yet to prove itself at scale.

Apple iOS 26.2 Nears Release as 1 Billion iPhone Users Urged to Update Amid Spyware Threats

December 9, 2025, 7:40 AM EST. Apple is rolling toward a new iPhone update, with a second release candidate out to beta testers and a public launch expected within days. Separately, Apple and Google have issued cyber threat notifications tied to mercenary spyware exploiting iOS and Android flaws to target a few individuals. Such attacks are highly sophisticated, but each exploited flaw widens the attack surface. Despite the small target pool, the risk to any device remains significant, underscoring the urgency to update. The debate over iOS 26 versus sticking with iOS 18 is largely resolved by now: move to iOS 26. The update will include anti-scam and anti-fraud features, AirDrop security improvements, and new emergency alerts, plus a raft of security fixes. Expect iOS 26.2 in the next few days, possibly today.

From Llamas to Avocados: Meta's shifting AI strategy fuels internal confusion

December 9, 2025, 7:38 AM EST. Meta is pursuing a frontier AI model codenamed Avocado that could be proprietary rather than open-source, CNBC reports. The move comes as the company tries to keep pace with OpenAI and Google after shelling out about $14.3 billion to recruit Scale AI founder Alexandr Wang and top researchers. Analysts note Meta's open-source emphasis has given way to a multibillion-dollar hiring spree and a more guarded ROI story, stirring internal questions about investment levels. As 2025 closes, insiders describe a scattershot strategy with a new Llama successor on the horizon and a focus on frontier AI to challenge rivals gaining broader consumer and enterprise adoption. Meta maintains progress, insisting training is on track despite timing shifts.

One UI 8.5 Beta lands on Galaxy S25 lineup – how to install in eligible regions

December 9, 2025, 7:26 AM EST. Samsung has started the One UI 8.5 beta, limited to the Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra in the US, UK, South Korea, India, Germany, and Poland; the S25 Edge and S25 FE aren't eligible yet. To install: open the Samsung Members app, tap the One UI beta program banner, choose One UI 8.5 S25 Beta, tap Join, then Check for software updates and Restart when prompted. If you don't see the banner, verify your Samsung account is enrolled in Beta program settings. If you've joined but don't see the update, withdraw and rejoin from the same settings, or retry if the request stalls.

America's Biggest Bitcoin Miners Pivot to AI: The Rise of the AI Megafactory

December 9, 2025, 7:24 AM EST. America's biggest bitcoin miners are pivoting from pure mining to AI and high-performance computing. Riot Platforms' Corsicana facility is being remade into an AI megafactory, a pattern seen at peers like Bitfarms, Core Scientific, IREN, TeraWulf, CleanSpark, Bit Digital, MARA, and Cipher Mining. The shift comes as AI demand for data centers with powerful GPUs surges and miners leverage their low-cost capital and existing powered shells to attract AI tenants. With the Bitcoin block reward halved and prices volatile, operators are finding profitability by repurposing hardware and renting space for AI workloads. The trend underscores how the data center buildout that powered the AI boom is now being driven by crypto operators.

Confirmed: Leon S. Kennedy Appears in Resident Evil: Requiem After PlayStation Store Leak

December 9, 2025, 7:22 AM EST. A PlayStation Store leak has confirmed that Leon S. Kennedy appears in Resident Evil: Requiem, with cover art showing him alongside protagonist Grace Ashcroft. IGN has verified the image as legitimate, and Capcom had previously declined to comment. The reveal arrives days before a planned The Game Awards appearance, where official details are expected. The box art nods to Leon's Resident Evil 4 look, complete with a leather jacket and fur-lined collar. While Capcom warned fans not to over-hype, leaks have pointed to a return of the iconic officer as the game returns to Raccoon City. A separate GameStop listing has hinted at another character, Rosemary Winters, adding to the intrigue ahead of the February 27, 2026 launch.

China accelerates Guowang megaconstellation with four launches in four days

December 9, 2025, 7:18 AM EST. China pressed ahead with a rapid launch cadence, rolling out four missions in four days to expand the Guowang LEO megaconstellation and deploy new Yaogan reconnaissance assets. The sequence began with a Kuaizhou-1A launch from Jiuquan carrying the VDES A and B satellites into roughly 510-km, 80-degree orbits. A Long March 8A from Hainan followed, delivering the 14th group of Guowang satellites-nine units in ~900-km, 50-degree orbits-toward full operation under CAST and CASC. Next came a Long March 6A flight from Taiyuan with five more Guowang satellites, marking the 15th batch and bringing the total to 118 operational satellites, with a long-term plan near 13,000 under China SatNet. Officials also note fuel changes and a cut in launch preparation time.

Apple's next era: leadership shakeup and the race to replace Tim Cook by 2026

December 9, 2025, 7:14 AM EST. Apple is undergoing its most sweeping leadership transition since Steve Jobs' era, with departures across AI, design, legal, and operations. Lisa Jackson and Kate Adams are retiring; AI chief John Giannandrea and design head Alan Dye left for Meta. CFO and COO changes have accelerated turnover as Tim Cook enters a potential 2026 retirement window. John Ternus has emerged as the leading internal candidate to replace Cook, signaling a shift from operations to deeper product and hardware focus. The timing aligns with succession planning as Apple weighs Vision Pro, AI initiatives, and new categories. The exodus is also reshaping Apple's rivalry with rivals like Meta, underscoring a pivot toward product innovation, hardware expertise, and AI-driven experiences.

watchOS 26.2 Update Brings Sleep Refinements, Connectivity Tweaks, and Performance Boosts

December 9, 2025, 7:02 AM EST. Apple's watchOS 26.2 begins rolling out, delivering a thoughtful mix of sleep improvements, reliability upgrades, and smoother performance for daily use. The update refines the sleep-scoring algorithm to better separate brief wake periods and restless sleep, with more balanced sleep stage charts to help users track rest quality. Connectivity gets attention as Wi-Fi sharing becomes more transparent and stable across known networks, reducing drops during messages and cloud syncing. Other refinements include faster app responsiveness, more stable background fitness tracking, and improved battery management during GPS-heavy workouts. While not a major overhaul, 26.2 reinforces Apple's long-term device support and positions the Apple Watch as a more reliable health companion and fitness partner.

Save on the Fire TV Stick 4K Max with Trade-In Deals for Older Models

December 9, 2025, 7:00 AM EST. Users with older Fire TV Stick models can save by trading in unused devices for a discount on the new Fire TV Stick 4K Max. The trade-in program offers up to 20% off via gift card plus a $3 discount on select models like Fire TV Stick Lite, Fire TV Stick HD, or Fire TV Stick International. The 4K Max adds 4K resolution, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos audio, plus 2GB RAM, 16GB storage, and Wi-Fi 6E for faster streaming. It also features a smarter Alexa-powered search and integrates with Xbox Game Pass for streaming games to the TV with a controller. Remember to compare sale prices and combine offers with trade-in to avoid paying full price.

Google and Apple join forces to simplify switching between Android and iPhone

December 9, 2025, 6:58 AM EST. Google and Apple have confirmed a collaboration to make switching between Android and iPhone devices more seamless. A new cross-platform switching method is in development, with a Copy data option appearing in Android Canary builds and a session-based handshake (session ID and passcode) to securely transfer data. The approach could address common pain points like incomplete transfers, lost photos or messages, iMessage glitches, and slow setup times. Current work shows a flow under Settings > Profile, then All Services > Pair with iPhone, and a requirement for iOS 26 in some transfers. Final details are still forthcoming, but momentum is clear.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra teased with major heat dissipation cooling upgrade

December 9, 2025, 6:56 AM EST. Xiaomi 17 Ultra is gearing up for its official unveiling with tipsters hinting at a major cooling tech upgrade centered on enhanced heat dissipation. The chatter suggests bigger or more efficient cooling hardware to boost sustained performance. Compared with the Xiaomi 15 Ultra's exclusive 3D Dual-Channel IceLoop cooling system (including a vapor chamber), the 17 Ultra is expected to introduce upgrades to this thermal tech. Details are unclear for now, but the aim appears to be better performance for gaming, imaging, and AI tasks. Rumors also claim a dynamic imaging system with a new main camera and potential changes to the zoom sensor. We should get official details in coming days.

Evercore: Apple's Executive Exits Aren't a Crisis, Just a Generational Hand-off

December 9, 2025, 6:52 AM EST. Evercore's Amit Daryanani argues that recent leadership changes at Apple look like a normal generational handoff rather than a crisis. In a client note, he says investors shouldn't overreact to departures such as design chief Alan Dye moving to Meta, noting these shifts could sharpen Apple's AI strategy and give newer leaders room to step up. Daryanani also noted a rumored exit by hardware chief Johny Srouji did not materialize; he reaffirmed that Srouji told his team he isn't leaving. Apple has announced retirements and replacements across legal, environmental policy, and AI leadership. The analyst keeps an Outperform rating with a $325 price target, arguing Apple's long-term setup remains intact.

AI Cloud Computing Delivers Stable Daily Returns Amid Yen Interest Rate Hikes

December 9, 2025, 6:50 AM EST. As Japan ends decades of near-zero rates, yen hikes inject volatility into markets. Yet the mining sector remains relatively resilient because its core costs depend on energy and computing efficiency, not liquidity. Mint Miner notes that AI-optimized mining shifts competition from hardware to efficiency, with an AI system that predicts block difficulty, selects optimal targets, and allocates computing power by transaction fee cycles and global energy costs to sustain stable returns. Green energy deployment-from Nordic Europe to North America and Australia-further enhances long-term stability. To welcome non-professionals, Mint Miner offers introductory mechanisms: free rewards, trial projects, visual earnings dashboards, referrals, and daily automatic dividends with flexible contract periods.

Exclusive: Trump allows Nvidia to sell H200 AI chips to China with 25% surcharge

December 9, 2025, 6:26 AM EST. US President Donald Trump announced that Nvidia will be allowed to ship its powerful H200 AI chips to China for a 25% surcharge, with shipments to "approved customers". The policy aims to strike a middle ground between broad export bans and the risk of empowering Chinese competitors, while satisfying the Chinese government's demand for access to higher-end chips. The move comes as the Biden-era export controls seek to slow China's AI progress, though White House officials worry restrictions may have limited impact. Chinese firms like DeepSeek and Alibaba, and hardware makers such as Huawei, continue to push AI models and components. The dynamic underlines tensions over US chip supply chains, TSMC dependence, and China's leverage over rare earth minerals needed for tech sectors.

Klarna Expands Apple Pay to France and Italy, Reaching 8 Countries

December 9, 2025, 6:22 AM EST. Klarna is now live on Apple Pay in France and Italy, expanding to eight markets where millions of shoppers can check out online, in-app, or in-store. Customers can split purchases into three monthly installments or pay up to 30 days later, with longer plans at competitive rates starting from 0%. Transactions with Klarna on Apple Pay are secure and private, with Apple not retaining payment data. This launch follows momentum in Denmark, Spain, Sweden, the U.S., UK, and Canada, moving Klarna closer to its mission of being available at every checkout and offering a fairer alternative to traditional credit cards.

Microsoft vs. Amazon: Which Cloud Stock Will Outperform in 2026?

December 9, 2025, 6:20 AM EST. Both Amazon and Microsoft stand to benefit from AI-driven cloud demand in 2026, but the bigger opportunity may hinge on scale and capex strategy. AWS remains the cloud leader, fueling growth with Bedrock and SageMaker for AI models, plus the new AgentCore platform to build and monitor AI agents. AWS revenue growth has accelerated to about 20% and it is expanding data-center capacity, including Project Rainier for Anthropic and a significant OpenAI deal using UltraServers with Nvidia GPUs. The company guides massive further capex to support AI workloads. Meanwhile, Microsoft Azure has delivered strong stock performance and ongoing AI and productivity integrations. As 2026 nears, investors will weigh each firm's AI hardware bets, software platforms, and capex trajectory in forecasting outperformance.

SpaceX to Launch Classified NROL-77 Mission for U.S. Military Today

December 9, 2025, 6:18 AM EST. SpaceX is set to launch the secret NROL-77 mission for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station today at 2:16 p.m. EDT. The Falcon 9 rocket will carry a classified NRO payload into orbit, with SpaceX providing live coverage on its website and X account; Space.com will mirror the stream. The mission's details remain classified, but the patch features a flying squirrel and the motto Another One Gone – Today, Tomorrow and Beyond. If all goes to plan, the first stage 1096 booster will attempt a landing back at Cape Canaveral about 8.5 minutes after liftoff-the fourth flight for this booster. The upper-stage deploy timing remains undisclosed.

Premium Smartwatches for Christmas Gifting: Top Picks to Impress

December 9, 2025, 6:04 AM EST. Christmas gifting becomes effortless with premium smartwatches that fuse style, health tracking and convenience. These watches offer bright displays, rugged durability, and advanced metrics-from ECG and hypertension alerts to sleep tracking, GPS accuracy and off-grid connectivity. Highlights include titanium builds with up to 42 hours (72 in low power) and 3000-nit visibility, fast charging, and large storage; Wear OS and Galaxy AI integrations enhance notifications, energy insights, and gesture controls. Options span a rugged, feature-rich Apple Watch-style model, a sleep-focused aluminum edition, a premium stainless steel variant, and a compact, smaller-wrist design with FDA-cleared sleep apnea detection. With 5G cellular and multi-day battery, these premium smartwatches make a personal, festive gift that endures beyond the holidays.

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Remake Updates Hint at KOTOR II Juliet and New Developer Move

December 9, 2025, 6:02 AM EST. In a new update tied to a false-advertising lawsuit, Saber Interactive's KOTOR remake remains in development, with a possible KOTOR II remake code-named "Juliet" under discussion. Court filings reveal plans to remake II with modern graphics and gameplay, keeping the story intact and potentially including RCM content. Lucasfilm/Aspyr communications suggest "Juliet" was on the roadmap as of March 2025, but details are murky. Development has shifted to Mad Head Games (Hellraiser: Revival), while Saber says work on the KOTOR remake continues and will begin with a reimagined KOTOR 1; Aspyr reportedly isn't handling these games. Fans await updates and a potential release timeline as the situation remains uncertain.

NASA Study: Satellite Constellations Could Contaminate Up to 96% of Space Telescope Images

December 9, 2025, 5:56 AM EST. New research and policy debates warn that satellite constellations could contaminate astronomy even from space. A NASA study published in Nature projects that ~40% of Hubble frames may have at least one satellite streak, and up to 96% contamination for three other space telescopes, potentially undermining missions. The analysis assumes all proposed satellites reach orbit, pushing objects in LEO from ~20,000 today to as many as 560,000. The threat could imperil flagship facilities like the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, whose data harvest could be compromised in its first year. Possible mitigations range from operational tweaks to coatings and imaging strategies, but wide adoption remains uncertain. Public pressure could accelerate solutions to protect astronomy from these orbital megaconstellations.

NASA Study Warns Satellite Constellations Could Contaminate Up To 96% Of Space Telescope Images

December 9, 2025, 5:54 AM EST. NASA warns satellite constellations could contaminate space and ground-based astronomy. A study, published in Nature, estimates that around 40% of Hubble images could show at least one satellite streak, while three other space telescopes could experience up to 96% contamination. The scenario assumes as many as 560,000 objects in LEO-far beyond today's ~20,000. Ground observations would suffer too; the Rubin Observatory could lose up to 80% of its photos even below 50,000 satellites. Mitigation options exist but are long-term and uncertain. The piece mentions coatings like Vantablack on satellites as a possible aid, but suggests the worst case would leave JWST distant from LEO as the only consistently usable telescope for many observations.

Christmas gifting with premium smartwatches: top picks for a stylish, functional gift

December 9, 2025, 5:50 AM EST. Looking for a thoughtful, high-tech Christmas gift? Premium smartwatches blend style with utility, offering health tracking, sleep tracking, and seamless calls and reminders. The curated lineup covers rugged titanium models with satellite SOS and long battery life, bright LTPO3 displays up to 3000 nits, and health features like ECG and hypertension alerts. From GPS performance for runners to off-grid connectivity with 5G, these watches support daily wellness, fitness coaching, and gesture-driven navigation. With fast charging, water resistance, and diverse materials, you can find a model that fits a loved one's style and adventures, turning a smartwatch into a personal, festive companion.

Trump Greenlights AI Chip Exports to China; Nvidia, AMD Rally in Premarket

December 9, 2025, 5:48 AM EST. Premarket movers Nvidia and AMD rose after President Trump said the U.S. will permit export of advanced AI chips to China and other countries, with the government taking a 25% cut on sales. Nvidia gained 1.56% to $188.47, and the company's H200-its second-most-advanced chip-was named in the notice. AMD shares rose about 1.17% to $223.70, while Intel ticked up 0.5% to $40.50. Trump's Truth Social post framed this as extending to AMD, Intel, and other American companies. The Department of Commerce is said to be finalizing the details. The policy update follows easing restrictions on export controls, though specific national-security conditions were not disclosed.

PlayStation Plus Adds Day-One Release Skate Story Today

December 9, 2025, 5:44 AM EST. PlayStation Plus members get Skate Story as a day-one release today. Confirmed on the official PlayStation Blog, Skate Story offers a surreal, celestial take on skating, with a demon character "made of glass and pain" who must perform tricks, complete challenges, and defeat bosses after making a deal with the Devil. As a PS Plus drop, it will be added to eligible libraries when it goes live. The release time is 12 pm ET / 9 am PT on December 8, so players can download once the clock hits noon. This marks another high-profile arrival for December's Essential lineup, expanding the PlayStation Plus catalog.

Garmin Forerunner 165 Smartwatch Drops to All-Time Low $200 on Amazon

December 9, 2025, 5:42 AM EST. Garmin's Forerunner 165 is now at an all-time low price of $200 on Amazon (regularly $250). This GPS-enabled smartwatch tracks running, walking, and daily activity with a bright color display and a wrist-based heart-rate monitor. It offers built-in GPS for accurate outdoor distances, notifications, and location services. The watch provides fitness insights such as pace, laps, sleep, stress, and energy estimates, plus safety features like location sharing. With long battery life and quick top-up charging, it's a strong choice for runners who want a feature-rich wearable from morning to night.

Anthropic brings Claude Code to Slack in beta, auto-routing coding tasks

December 9, 2025, 5:40 AM EST. Anthropic is expanding its Claude ecosystem by bringing Claude Code directly into Slack. In a beta research preview, tagging Claude in a message triggers automatic scanning for coding tasks and routes them to Claude Code using the thread context and linked code repos. Users can also tell Claude that a request is coding-related. The integration is part of the existing Claude app for Slack, so no new download is required if you already use it, but you must enable the web Claude Code and connect your code repositories. The move follows Claude Opus 4.5, which Anthropic says improves coding performance, though safety concerns persist, including early tests showing malware-generation refusals around 78%.

Google's Doppl adds shoppable AI discovery feed for virtual try-ons

December 9, 2025, 5:38 AM EST. Google is expanding Doppl, its AI-powered try-on app, with a shoppable discovery feed. The new feed presents AI-generated product videos and automatically links to merchants so users can discover and virtually try on outfits. Recommendations are tailored by the user's style, determined from preferences shared in Doppl and items the user interacts with. The move taps into the swipeable, short-form video feed trend seen on TikTok and Instagram, but uses AI-generated content rather than real influencers. Google angles the feature as a new e-commerce surface as it competes with Amazon and other social platforms. The AI videos render a virtual you wearing various outfits, and can turn static images into motion to show fit. The discovery feed is rolling out in the U.S. on iOS and Android for users 18+.

US cracks down on $160M Nvidia GPU smuggling scheme tied to China

December 9, 2025, 5:34 AM EST. U.S. authorities shut down another China-connected smuggling network moving Nvidia GPUs worth more than $160 million in export-controlled tech as part of the broader export-controls crackdown. Two Chinese nationals were detained, while Houston-based Hao Global LLC and founder Alan Hao Hsu pleaded guilty to smuggling and unlawful export activities. The operation, named Operation Gatekeeper, allegedly rerouted H100 and H200 GPUs to destinations including China and Hong Kong by falsifying shipping documents. Investigators traced over $50 million in funds linked to China to the scheme. Hsu faces up to 10 years in prison at sentencing; Hao Global could be fined up to twice its illicit gains. Nvidia stressed ongoing compliance with export controls and vigilance against second-hand smuggling.

Money Talks: The Age of Extraction and the End of Internet Optimism

December 9, 2025, 5:32 AM EST. Elizabeth Spiers teams up with Tim Wu to unpack his book The Age of Extraction and the rise of a Big Tech-driven, profit-first economy. The discussion traces how consumer data, platform dominance, and relentless monetization have chipped away at the internet's promise as a democratizing force. They assess the state of antitrust enforcement in America and what meaningful reform could look like. The episode also imagines a world where we curb extractive practices and curb the nickel-and-diming of the public, exploring potential paths for a more open, competitive online ecosystem. A sobering look at how financial incentives reshaped tech policy and everyday online life.

House Democrats launch AI working group as industry bolsters DC presence

December 9, 2025, 5:30 AM EST. House Democrats have formed the Commission on AI and the Innovation Economy to meet throughout 2026 with industry stakeholders and congressional committees. The group aims to build policy expertise as AI companies expand lobbying, offices near the Capitol, and campaign contributions in Washington. Led by Rep. Ted Lieu, Rep. Josh Gottheimer, and Rep. Valerie Foushee, with Rep. Zoe Lofgren and Rep. Frank Pallone as ex-officio co-chairs, it will coordinate with committees that oversee the sector. Democrats favor federal alignment but oppose ceding ground to states, amid a push from OpenAI, Andreessen Horowitz, and Google to block state AI laws. The effort signals Democrats' intent to lead on health, safety and economic well-being while scrutinizing tech policy and international chip sales, including Nvidia's H200 exports to China.

Tesla's Shanghai Gigafactory hits 4-million milestone

December 9, 2025, 5:24 AM EST. Tesla celebrates its 4-millionth vehicle produced at its Shanghai factory, marking a major milestone for the company's global production footprint. Since starting production in December 2019, the plant has become a cornerstone of Tesla's expansion in China and a key driver for Model 3 and Model Y deliveries. In 2024 the facility shipped 916,660 vehicles, with domestic sales rising and exports fluctuating. Through 2025, total shipments have shown a modest year-on-year decline, highlighting shifts in regional demand and export mix. The milestone underscores Shanghai's pivotal role in meeting growing demand for EVs and sustaining Tesla's global growth trajectory.

Tesla Shanghai Gigafactory Surpasses 4 Million Vehicles Produced

December 9, 2025, 5:22 AM EST. Tesla marks a milestone as its Shanghai Gigafactory reaches over four million vehicles produced since starting in December 2019. The plant, Tesla's first overseas assembly hub, has long powered roughly half of the company's global deliveries, shipping 916,660 units in 2024 (down 3% YoY) with domestic sales up 9% and exports down 25%. In the first 11 months of 2025, shipments total 754,561 (about 9% lower YoY), with domestic sales slipping 7% to 531,855 and exports down 10% to 222,706. Model Y accounted for 472,805 units and Model 3 for 281,756 year-to-date, reflecting shifts in demand as production and demand evolve in China and globally.

From lipstick reviews to AI intel: how a Chinese app connects Silicon Valley's Chinese tech workers

December 9, 2025, 5:20 AM EST. An app that started as a lipstick-review platform in China has evolved into a network where Silicon Valley's Chinese tech workers exchange insights about AI and the tech landscape. The shift from consumer reviews to a professional knowledge exchange shows how communities migrate across borders, turning a niche hobby into a conduit for information on companies, talent moves, and industry trends. The story highlights cross-border talent mobility and the ways workers share ideas outside traditional channels. As AI accelerates, such networks raise questions about moderation, data security, and the evolving dynamics of tech communities at the intersection of China and the US.

From Lipstick Reviews to AI Intel: How a Chinese App Became Silicon Valley's Chinese Tech-Worker Hub

December 9, 2025, 5:18 AM EST. Once a lipstick-review platform, the app has quietly re-centered on talent and intelligence sharing among Silicon Valley's Chinese tech workers. Today, it serves as a pulse check for the latest AI developments, startup moves, and insider signals that shape hiring, collaboration, and risk in a fast-changing tech ecosystem. Users swap AI intel, discuss visa and immigration twists, evaluate startup risk, and spotlight emerging Chinese engineers making an impact in the Valley. The story illustrates how a consumer-facing app can pivot into a critical professional network, linking China and Silicon Valley through shared interests in artificial intelligence, product design, and the global tech talent economy.

Dmitry Balyasny Warns AI Could Be 2026's Largest Tail Risk

December 9, 2025, 5:12 AM EST. Hedge fund managing partner Dmitry Balyasny says the largest tail risk for 2026 is whether AI surprises on the upside or downside. A demand slowdown could force AI companies, especially hyper-scalers, to tighten spending if monetization falters, a potential downside shock. Conversely, AI adoption could outpace expectations, sparking early job losses before retraining. Speaking at Abu Dhabi Finance Week, Balyasny of Balyasny Asset Management notes the city's growing role in AI and finance. The firm, with about $31 billion under management, posted a 2.5% gain in November and is up about 15.3% for the year.

Galaxy S25+ in US gets $150 off with no trade-in; $849 (256GB) / $969 (512GB)

December 9, 2025, 5:06 AM EST. Samsung USA launches a no-trade-in discount on the Galaxy S25+, trimming $150 off the price for both 256GB and 512GB models. The 256GB S25+ drops to $849 and the 512GB to $969 (normally $1,119). If you choose the trade-in route, you can save up to $480. Discounts apply across all colors and payment options, including one-time payment, 4 installments, or Samsung Financing. Bundle deals also cut prices on accessories: Watch 8 Classic at 36% off, Watch 8 at 43% off, and Buds 3 Pro at 30% off.

D-Wave Quantum's 38.8% Drop in November: What's Next for the Quantum Computing Firm?

December 9, 2025, 5:04 AM EST. D-Wave Quantum (QBTS) nosedived nearly 39% in November as AI hype cooled and investors questioned whether a company with tens of millions in annual sales earns a $10 billion market cap. While the stock has rebounded slightly, it remains well off its October high, with a 12-month backdrop of about $24 million in revenue and roughly $400 million in net losses. The sector-wide pullback, plus government investment rumors after a Nobel Prize winner suggested Washington's quantum priorities, fueled speculation about direct funding. Yet the fundamental math – minimal sales vs. enormous valuation – challenges the case for sustained upside without meaningful products and profits from quantum computing.

Nintendo Switch 2 21.1.0 Update Patch Notes: Stability Boosts and Backwards Compatibility

December 9, 2025, 5:02 AM EST. A new system update 21.1.0 is rolling out to the Nintendo Switch family, including the Nintendo Switch 2. The patch notes keep specifics brief, but the headline is improved stability and a focus on backwards compatibility. Nintendo suggests more compatibility patches are on the way as the rollout continues. The official note states: We have fixed some issues and improved stability. For those tracking changes, the previous update's patch notes are also available.

Huawei Pura 90 May Step Up with 3D Face Recognition Unlocking

December 9, 2025, 4:28 AM EST. Huawei is reportedly testing a new unlocking method for the upcoming Pura 90 series, hinting at a possible rollout of 3D Face Recognition. This would mark a shift from the current 2D Face Recognition, which relies on the front camera and can be spoofed by photos or videos. The 3D system uses a dot projector and infrared sensor to build a detailed facial map and typically performs better in low light. Huawei previously debuted 3D Face Recognition with the Mate 20 Pro in 2018, but Pura/Nova lines have used 2D tech until now. While a confirmed feature list for the Pura 90 hasn't been disclosed, industry chatter suggests the upgrade could appear as early as 2026, potentially alongside other camera or design enhancements like dynamic selfie improvements.

DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo Plus with RC 2 Drops to $1,300 (19% Off)

December 9, 2025, 4:14 AM EST. With Christmas shopping in full swing, DJI is making it easier to gift a high-end drone. The DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo Plus with RC 2 is discounted to $1,300 (about 19% off the usual price). The bundle includes three batteries, a charging hub, spare props, and extra filters, giving you up to around 52 minutes of flight per battery. The drone itself features a 1-inch CMOS sensor capable of recording 4K at 60fps, a 225-degree gimbal for unique angles, and ActiveTrack 360 for reliable subject tracking. A front-facing LiDAR helps prevent collisions, and return-to-home adds safety. Whether you're new to drones or upgrading, this bundle balances premium features with a more approachable price, but the deal may not last-grab it while it's hot.

Early Smartphone Ownership at Age 12 Linked to Depression, Obesity, and Sleep Issues in Kids – New Study

December 9, 2025, 4:12 AM EST. A new study following 10,588 adolescents found that owning a smartphone by age 12 is associated with higher risks to mental and physical health. Key findings include a higher diagnosed depression rate among phone owners (6.5% vs. 4.5%), greater obesity risk (about 18% vs. 12%), and a large portion reporting sleep deprivation (47% vs. 31%). Researchers note that increased screen time may contribute to sedentary habits and poorer sleep, potentially affecting mental well-being. The study underscores the importance of balancing benefits of connectivity with safeguards such as promoting physical activity, limiting screen time, and encouraging screen-free periods, especially before bedtime. Experts advocate thoughtful decisions by parents and caregivers when giving a child a phone.

EU opens antitrust probe into Google over use of online content for AI

December 9, 2025, 4:10 AM EST. The European Commission has launched an antitrust investigation into Google's use of web publishers' content and YouTube material for AI purposes. The inquiry will assess whether Google distorted competition by imposing unfair terms or granting itself privileged access to content, potentially disadvantaging rival AI models. It will look at how Google's AI Overviews and AI Mode rely on publishers' content, whether compensation is required, and whether publishers can refuse without losing access to Google Search. The move follows prior EU actions against U.S. tech giants, including a nearly €3 billion fine against Google in September for ad-tech antitrust. Commissioner Teresa Ribera says AI progress must respect competition rules.

IBM to buy Confluent in $11B cloud push to boost data streaming and AI

December 9, 2025, 4:00 AM EST. IBM is poised to buy Confluent in an about $11 billion deal, a bold move to accelerate its cloud and data streaming strategy. The acquisition would bring Confluent's real-time platform-built on Apache Kafka-into IBM's portfolio, enabling enterprises to ingest, process, and analyze streaming data at scale across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. IBM aims to accelerate AI and analytics workloads by tightly integrating Confluent with IBM Cloud and Red Hat, offering customers a unified data layer from edge to cloud. The deal underscores a broader industry push toward managed, integrated data pipelines as a service. Regulators will review the terms, but if completed, it could reshape competition in enterprise cloud and streaming services.

Windows Insiders Preview Native Model Context Protocol, Pushing Microsoft Toward an Agentic OS

December 9, 2025, 3:58 AM EST. Microsoft's Windows 11 Dev/Beta builds now include a public preview of native Model Context Protocol (MCP), nudging the OS toward an agentic OS. MCP is an open standard that gives AI agents a universal way to connect with apps, tools and services-"USB-C for AI." In this preview, default behavior is locked down: agent connectors live in a secure on-device registry with their own identity and audit trail. Two built-in connectors exist: File Explorer (agents can roam local files with user consent) and Windows Settings (agents can modify device settings). Some users remain uneasy about AI ambitions. The release hints at features like Quick Machine Recovery for Windows Pro not domain-joined and Windows MIDI Services for MIDI 2.0. General availability timing remains TBD, but Insider Beta signals momentum.

Android XR Unveils AI System Autospatialization to Turn 2D Content into Real-Time 3D

December 9, 2025, 3:56 AM EST. Google's Android XR will add an AI-driven feature called System Autospatialization that can convert any 2D content – including PC-streamed games and videos – into real-time 3D on a headset. Demonstrated at The Android Show: XR Edition, the capability promises to work across apps and multiple windows, making immersive experiences from standard 2D content. While other platforms offer 2D-to-3D tricks, Android XR is positioned as the only headset OS-level solution that can spatialize video in real time on its XR2+ Gen 2 hardware. Google highlighted use cases like streaming Cities: Skylines from a PC, with AI distinguishing foreground UI from the game world. The feature is slated to arrive with Android XR on the Samsung Galaxy XR in 2026.

Elon Musk's 5 Childhood Confessions That Shaped a Tech Visionary

December 9, 2025, 3:54 AM EST. From an early age, Elon wasn't just dreaming-he was coding. By 12, he built a video game, Blastar, and sold it to a computer magazine for roughly $500. That moment showed software as a tool to create something real, not just homework. Coding gave him his first taste of digital creation and proved that age doesn't define ambition. Today, when he discusses tech, rockets, or electric cars, you still sense a hands-on mindset: the belief that ideas become reality through practice. His fearless, hands-on spirit-from BASIC to rockets-has stuck with him and helped drive some of the world's boldest innovations.

AI Boom Drives Record Bond Issuance, Raising Warning Signs for Financial System

December 9, 2025, 3:46 AM EST. Moody's Analytics Chief Economist Mark Zandi warns that the AI surge is fueling aggressive bond issuance by big tech, with the top 10 AI companies set to borrow over $120 billion this year. Unlike the dot-com era, these firms aren't just refinancing; they're taking on new debt to fund a long-lasting infrastructure buildout. Even if hyperscalers like Amazon, Google (Alphabet), Meta, and Microsoft can cover costs with profits, debt could become a problem if investor expectations wobble. Analysts call bond issuance the "cheapest and cleanest" way to finance this decade-long expansion, while noting potential risks from rapid chip cycles and hardware obsolescence. The debate centers on whether the current funding spree can outpace AI innovation without triggering broader financial strain.

Google holiday deals: Pixel 9a down to $350, Pixel 10 up to $300 off and more

December 9, 2025, 3:28 AM EST. During a new holiday event, Google extends its Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals with major discounts across the Pixel lineup. The Pixel 9a returns with a $350 price tag, delivering the most affordable entry to Google's current-gen phones this season. The Pixel 10 family-including the 10 Pro/XL and 10 Pro Fold-also sees fresh discounts, with many configurations dipping to all-time lows and some models around $300 off. Additionally, Pixel Watch 4 deals resurface. As noted in Black Friday coverage, hundreds in savings are available this morning, with retailers like Amazon mirroring the promotions. See the full lineup via our coverage for precise model-by-model discounts.

Tesla expands Robotaxi app access beyond North America, eyeing rapid global rollout

December 9, 2025, 3:26 AM EST. Tesla has broadened access to its Robotaxi app beyond North America, enabling downloads in regions that include Japan, Thailand, Hong Kong, South Korea, Australia, Taiwan, Macau, New Zealand, Mexico, the U.S., and Canada. The expansion accompanies plans to roll out in additional U.S. cities such as Miami, Houston, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Dallas. Achieving widespread deployment hinges on securing regulatory approval across jurisdictions, as well as ongoing goals like eliminating safety monitors and introducing an in-cabin data-sharing system to assist riders without a driver in front. Tesla also eyes broader use of its Full Self-Driving suite for personal cars and robotaxi fleets. The program has logged over 550,000 miles, primarily in the Bay Area and Austin, underscoring rapid growth and regulatory challenges ahead.

Amazon Leo and Arianespace Kick Off First Ariane 6 Mission to Expand Global Internet Access

December 9, 2025, 3:24 AM EST. Amazon's Leo contract with Arianespace ushers in the first mission for the Ariane 6 program, a key step toward Europe's independent access to space. CEO David Cavaillolès said the mission will be the first of 18 launches for Amazon Leo, with the Canopée vessel touring European ports to load the Ariane 6 stages before heading to French Guiana. In Kourou, the launch campaign will begin as teams offload the rocket and integrate the Amazon Leo payloads with the launcher. Arianespace says it is honored to support Amazon's vision and expand access to reliable internet worldwide.

Cloudflare's Content Independence Day: AI Bot Blocks Trigger Outages and a Debate Over Web Control

December 9, 2025, 3:08 AM EST. Cloudflare's new policy, dubbed Content Independence Day, has blocked hundreds of billions of AI bot requests and sparked widespread outages. The move aims to protect creators and publishers from unauthorized scraping, but critics say it risks destabilizing the web and hampering innovation. As Cloudflare's central role in internet infrastructure becomes clearer, even small policy shifts can ripple across services, triggering outages and eroding trust. The clash over who controls content and who benefits from automated aggregation is intensifying, with many scrambling to adapt. Proponents argue the measure restores value to original works; opponents warn timing is disastrous and could undermine reliability. The crisis tests Cloudflare's balance between security, access, and growth as the world watches whether the company sustains the global web or becomes a point of vulnerability.

iPhone Privacy Dot Explained: What the Black Indicator Means and How to Manage It

December 9, 2025, 3:06 AM EST. The iPhone's black privacy dot (orange or green center) signals when an app is using your camera or microphone. A green dot means the camera is active; an orange dot means the microphone is active. To see which app is responsible, open Control Center from the top-right; it lists the active apps and their sensor usage. If you didn't expect activity, close the app or force-quit it to remove the dot; it will reappear when an app reuses a sensor. To limit access, go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera or Microphone and revoke permissions for specific apps. The indicator is deliberate, designed to keep you informed and protect your privacy.

Samsung One UI 8.5 brings Clock on Now Bar and redesigned Voice Recorder

December 9, 2025, 2:56 AM EST. Samsung's upcoming One UI 8.5 is expected to expand the Now Bar by adding the stock Clock app to the lock screen card, letting users view the current time and next alarm and dismiss alarms directly from the lock screen. The feature complements the Now Bar's live updates from apps on the Always-On Display. In addition, the Voice Recorder has a refreshed UI with gradients and a card-centric recording list, improving aesthetics but trading off some information density for heavy users with many recordings. A beta of One UI 8.5 is rolling out today, with the stable update likely to follow. If confirmed, these tweaks would make morning alarms easier to manage and give Samsung's clock and audio tools a refreshed look.

Saudi Arabia eyes data embassies amid sovereign AI push

December 9, 2025, 2:54 AM EST. Saudi Arabia is exploring data embassies-data centers hosted abroad but governed by the origin country's laws-as part of a broader sovereign AI push. The concept, already used by Estonia and Monaco (with facilities in Luxembourg), aims to store critical data overseas while remaining under the developer nation's legal framework. Proponents say it could unlock overseas sites with ample resources and power for AI, yet success depends on bilateral agreements and trust between parties. Critics point to energy and water constraints in the kingdom that could limit feasibility. Saudi Arabia has drafted an AI hub law outlining three levels of data embassies, from full autonomy for the guest country to hybrid protections where Saudi courts may assist foreign courts. The plan seeks to position Saudi as a data exporter and AI hub in the G20.

Anthropic researchers say the industry should stop building tons of AI agents – the real breakthrough is something simpler

December 9, 2025, 2:52 AM EST. Anthropic researchers argue that the industry should stop chasing a flood of AI agents and instead pursue a smaller number of robust breakthroughs. The core idea is that the real progress won't come from adding more specialized agents, but from strengthening alignment, safety, and scalability of core models. By focusing on simpler, more reliable advances-such as better evaluation, data efficiency, and governance-the field may reach practical, trustworthy capabilities faster. The message contrasts 'more agents' with 'better fundamentals,' urging teams to invest in the boring-but-critical work that underpins long-term progress in AI.

Trump's Nvidia H200 export approval triggers bipartisan backlash amid AI race and security fears

December 9, 2025, 2:50 AM EST. US President Donald Trump's decision to allow Nvidia to ship its H200 AI chips to China, in exchange for a 25% surcharge, drew stinging criticism from key Democrats who called it a colossal economic and national security failure. Senators warned the move could bolster China's military, cyber operations and manufacturing edge, while potentially eroding America's AI lead. Nvidia shares rose after-hours on the news, and CEO Jensen Huang has warned that bans on China sales would be a strategic mistake. The policy shift comes as Nvidia eyes a windfall from China's vast market, even as lawmakers debate whether AI supremacy will hinge on openness to free markets versus state-managed systems. The debate underscores the sensitivity of AI supply chains to national security and geopolitics.

Space Recycling: Toward a System-Wide Plan to Clean Up Earth's Orbit

December 9, 2025, 2:42 AM EST. Space junk is piling up in Earth orbit, threatening satellites and global communications. The article highlights a University of Surrey paper urging a system-wide shift toward space recycling-using less material, repairing what's up there, and recycling the rest. NASA data show tens of thousands of pieces larger than 4 inches and more than 100 million smaller fragments, weighing around 10,000 tons. Incidents like the Challenger windshield and Hubble hits underscore the danger, while 2007-2009 satellite collisions fueled the debris problem. The looming Kessler Syndrome could cripple low-Earth orbit operations and shave global GDP, according to recent work. While SpaceX's reusable rockets and Astroscale's robotic capture are promising, industry-wide coordination is needed to implement a durable reduce/repair/recycle approach.

Nintendo Switch 2 System Update 21.1.0 (Dec 2025) Patch Notes: Stability Improvements Roll Out

December 9, 2025, 2:38 AM EST. Nintendo has released Switch 2 firmware update 21.1.0 (Dec 8, 2025) focusing on general system stability improvements. The update also applies to the original Switch, with the same patch notes. Manual update steps: System Settings > System Update. In six months, Nintendo has issued nine firmware updates, improving game compatibility and delivering upgrades for select titles. New patches today also arrive for F-Zero 99 and Nintendo Music. Stay tuned for any behind-the-scenes compatibility notes and share your update experience in the comments.

Google launches Extended Repair Program for Pixel 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL and Fold with free display replacements

December 9, 2025, 2:36 AM EST. Google has kicked off an Extended Repair Program for the Pixel 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold after confirming a limited number of units show display faults such as vertical lines or screen flicker. Eligible devices can receive a free display replacement within three years of the original purchase, subject to inspection by a repair center. Not all units qualify-phones with cracked screens, damaged cover glass, or signs of liquid intrusion are excluded. Repairs (including for the Fold) are covered for 90 days after service, and customers can use Google walk-in centers, authorized partners, or online options. If not eligible, standard warranty or paid out-of-warranty repairs may apply.

Trump's Nvidia export pivot gives China a boost in the AI race, analysts say

December 9, 2025, 2:34 AM EST. Beijing's push to bolster homegrown tech meets a policy shift: U.S. President Trump said Nvidia can ship the more advanced H200 to China and other approved customers, with a 25% export cut (up from 15%). Analysts say the move could significantly boost China's AI capabilities and narrow the U.S. lead. The H200 is more capable than the restricted H20, which shipments to China were halted for in April. The shift may empower Chinese cloud stacks (Tencent/Baidu/Alibaba) and local models (DeepSeek, Qwen, Kimi) to compete with U.S. rivals. A think tank suggests the U.S. advantage in AI compute could shrink to about 5x next year from 10x if H200 exports resume. This may signal a broader policy tilt in U.S.-China tech ties.

8 Essential Skills to Manage the AI Agent Workforce

December 9, 2025, 2:24 AM EST. As enterprises deploy autonomous AI agents across marketing, HR, finance, and operations, managing the AI agent workforce requires new competencies. The eight essential skills help professionals amplify human strengths while ensuring safe, transparent automation. Core capabilities include Strategic Thinking-aligning agent actions with business goals; AI Literacy-understanding how agents work and when to automate versus augment; Implementing Responsible AI-trust, transparency, and accountability; Agentic Workflow Design-crafting clear triggers, actions, and outputs; plus skills like change management, risk assessment, collaboration with data teams, and ethical governance. Together, these competencies enable leaders to orchestrate the augmentation of humans and machines, optimize decision-making, and drive outcomes with confidence in a rapidly evolving AI-enabled landscape.

SpaceX's Starship V2 vs V1: What's Changed and Why It Matters

December 9, 2025, 2:22 AM EST. SpaceX's Starship V2 updates the V1 with several upgrades. The V2 is taller at 171 ft (52.1 m), adding about 300 metric tons of propellant while empty mass drops from 100 t to 85 t. Fuel capacity rises from 1,200 t to 1,500 t, improving the mass ratio and leaving more margin for orbital burns and re-entry. Re-entry heat management and aerodynamic stability are addressed from V1 lessons. Notable changes include slimmer forward flaps aligned at 140° and moved to the leeward (protective) side, elliptical instead of conical domes, and separate downcomers for the three Raptor Vacuum engines (with the three center engines sharing one downcomer to reduce a single point of failure). Thrust vector control also evolved, continuing the iteration beyond V1.

8 Essential Skills to Manage the AI Agent Workforce

December 9, 2025, 2:20 AM EST. The article argues that AI agents are becoming autonomous co-workers reshaping the modern workforce. These digital workers handle marketing, HR automation, finance, supply chain, and manufacturing, enabling humans to focus on uniquely human strengths such as creative problem-solving, strategic thinking, high-stakes decision-making, and relationship building. To effectively lead this shift, professionals must master eight capabilities that separate human judgment from automation. Key areas include: Strategic Thinking-aligning tech with business goals; AI Literacy-understanding how agents work and when to automate; Implementing Responsible AI-ensuring trust, transparency, and accountability; and Agentic Workflow Design-creating clear triggers, actions and outputs to augment rather than complicate work. The emphasis is on human-centric leadership and responsible design as the AI agent workforce scales.

Quarter of Teens Turn to AI Chatbots for Mental Health Support, Study Finds

December 9, 2025, 2:08 AM EST. A Youth Endowment Fund study of more than 11,000 youths found that about 40% of 13- to 17-year-olds in England and Wales affected by violence have used AI chatbots for mental health support, with victims and perpetrators more likely than their peers to turn to digital help. About one in four teens used an AI chatbot in the past year, with Black children twice as likely as White children to do so. The reasons include privacy, instant, 24/7 access, and long NHS waiting lists. Some say chatbots feel less judgmental than traditional services, but youth leaders warn that a human helper is still needed for trauma and complex issues. Concerns linger about trust, confidentiality, and when to escalate to in-person care.

Kazakhstan to reclaim Gagarin's Start at Baikonur, planning museum and UNESCO listing

December 9, 2025, 2:04 AM EST. Kazakhstan will take back Gagarin's Start at the Baikonur Cosmodrome by 1 June and transform it into a museum celebrating space history. The site, also known as Site 1/5, launched Yuri Gagarin in 1961. Russia and Kazakhstan, with the UAE, signed a trilateral deal in 2021 to fund modernization, though geopolitical shifts slowed progress. Roscosmos originally proposed keeping the site as a heritage landmark; Kazakhstan aims to boost tourism and include the pad on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The plan comes as Russia shifts launches to Plesetsk/Vostochny and leases Baikonur until 2050, amid 234 facilities being removed from the lease. A future Baiterek complex and broader access are under consideration, with an eye toward preserving history while embracing modernization.

iOS 26.2 RC 2 arrives for iPhone ahead of launch

December 9, 2025, 1:52 AM EST. Apple has released a second Release Candidate (RC) of iOS 26.2 for developers and public beta testers, signaling a near-term launch. The new RC carries build number 23C54, replacing the previous 23C52. While a worldwide rollout is still anticipated this week, the updated RC may push the final release into the coming days as Apple tests for bugs in beta. This follows a pattern seen with tvOS 26.2, where revised RCs arrive after initial feedback. For testers, this RC should be the final build that could ship to devices if no new issues emerge. Readers: share changes you notice in the new iOS 26.2 RC.

Amazfit Active Max leaks reveal 576mAh battery, 1.5" OLED display and €170 price

December 9, 2025, 1:50 AM EST. Leaks suggest Amazfit is brewing a new Active Max with a substantial 576mAh battery and a 1.5" OLED display at 480 x 480 resolution. Compared to the Active 2's 1.32" panel and 270mAh battery, the Max leans into longer runtimes. It reportedly ships with 4GB storage (much of it reserved for system) and runs Zepp OS rather than Wear OS. Connectivity includes GPS, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC, with a 50m water resistance rating and Hyrox workout modes hinted by images. Pricing is rumored to be €170 at launch, with other models like Balance 2 at €300 and T-Rex 3 Pro at €400. No official unveiling date yet, but fans await confirmation of specs and availability.

Teaching AI in K-12: Balancing Benefits, Harms, and Uncertainty

December 9, 2025, 1:48 AM EST. Teacher Voice argues that students should learn about both the potential benefits and the environmental harms and job displacement linked to AI. The author, an early-career educator, questions whether AI truly serves as a great equalizer when teachers ban its use in the classroom and yet discuss its uncertain long-term consequences. The piece emphasizes acknowledging unknowns, and fostering ethical debate about responsible use, AI literacy, and the fairness of tools that may alter labor markets. It cautions against presenting benefits without costs, and it calls for a measured approach in schools and policy: teach AI literacy alongside consideration of ethics, environmental impact, and potential risks to students and workers.

Starlink in India: SpaceX reveals price plan ahead of launch

December 9, 2025, 1:36 AM EST. Starlink's India presence appears in a site that hints at city-wise pricing and multiple plans that vary by location. Detailed pricing is not yet available since Starlink has not launched in India. A business price plan is mentioned, with specifics forthcoming. The service is from SpaceX and Elon Musk, who has said Starlink targets areas in rural India where fiber and telecom towers are sparse. Musk described the network as thousands of satellites providing low-latency high-speed internet around the world, noting that it will work best in sparsely populated regions and that extending to dense urban zones may be constrained by physics.

Middle East and Africa Space Launch Services Market to Reach $760.4 Million by 2032, Driven by UAE and Saudi Investments

December 9, 2025, 1:18 AM EST. The Middle East and Africa space launch services market is projected to grow from USD 263.1 million in 2025 to USD 760.4 million by 2032, a CAGR of 16.4%. The market is largely led by Saudi Arabia, with the United Arab Emirates as the fastest-growing market, supported by rising government-backed space programs and expanding commercial activity. Growth is driven by investments in space infrastructure, satellite-based services, and the deployment of satellite constellations for broadband, Earth observation, and IoT. Key applications include telecommunications, agriculture, urban planning, disaster management, and national security. The market structure is semi-consolidated, with satellites accounting for about 70% of the payload mix in 2025, reflecting a focus on communication, Earth observation, and navigation satellites.

AI-Powered Holiday Scams: How to Spot Them and Stay Safe This Season

December 9, 2025, 1:16 AM EST. Cybersecurity experts warn that scammers are using AI to elevate holiday scams, cloning stores, and targeting shoppers with personalized ads. Crooks create fake product pages and steal payment details, striking even careful buyers. Since ads and search results can lead to malicious sites, vigilance is essential. Tips include avoiding social media ads, buying directly from reputable retailer sites, using unique, strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and keeping software up to date to block malware. Since scammers tailor pitches from your browsing habits, review orders carefully, watch for red flags, and report suspicious activity quickly. Stay informed and follow these steps to protect your personal information and money this season.

Tesla Model 3/Y Batteries: Panasonic NCA Lasts Longer Than LG NCM811, EV Clinic Claims

December 9, 2025, 12:36 AM EST. EV Clinic, a Croatia-based EV workshop, compared Tesla Model 3/Y battery packs and found clear differences between LG Energy Solution NCM811 packs (Nanjing, China) and Panasonic NCA packs (Made in USA). The report suggests hype around China-made batteries is overstated, with LG packs showing high failure rates and shorter lifespans. In EV Clinic's data, LG packs last about 250,000 kilometres, while Panasonic packs can reach around 400,000 kilometres. In over 90% of customer cases, cell-level repairs on LG packs were not feasible due to multiple cells with high internal resistance and cascading failures; repairs were often uneconomical. Panasonic typically shows only a single cell failure around 250,000 km and is repairable. The conclusions are limited to these specific packs and not a universal claim.

ARK Invest and Mach33 Launch Open-Source SpaceX Valuation Model: $2.5T by 2030, $12.5T by 2040

December 9, 2025, 12:32 AM EST. ARK Invest teams with Mach33 to release an open-source SpaceX valuation model that projects a $2.5 trillion enterprise value by 2030 and up to $12.5 trillion by 2040. The model translates SpaceX's ambitions-from launches to satellite networks-into a transparent framework for evaluating revenue, margins, and long-term growth. Proponents say the open approach could boost investor scrutiny and collaboration around space commerce, launch economics, and risk factors. Critics warn that assumptions around demand, competition, and regulatory risk could swing outcomes, underscoring that the model is a framework, not a guarantee, of future performance.

Jamie Dimon on AI's future: fewer jobs and 'working less hard, but having wonderful lives'

December 9, 2025, 12:28 AM EST. Jamie Dimon discusses how AI and automation could redefine work in the coming years. He suggests smarter machines may reduce repetitive labor, potentially letting people work fewer hours while still earning a good living. The conversation covers new business models, the importance of retraining and education, and policy measures to prevent dislocation. Dimon emphasizes the dual goal of higher productivity and better lives-more time for family, creativity, and community. He warns that benefits depend on smart investment, inclusive growth, and robust safety nets, not just technology. The piece portrays AI as a transformative force for both the economy and everyday life, contingent on policy choices and corporate leadership.

Trump clears way for Nvidia H200 exports to China, easing U.S. chip controls

December 9, 2025, 12:26 AM EST. US President Donald Trump has cleared the way for Nvidia to export its H200 chip to China, easing export controls. Under the arrangement, 25% of sales would go to the US government, with exports limited to "approved customers" and safeguards for national security. The move marks a shift from the Biden administration's tighter policy that confined Nvidia to downgraded Chinese products. Nvidia called it a thoughtful balance that could support American jobs and manufacturing. Markets nudged Nvidia shares higher after hours. Analysts say the policy signals a shift from blocking China's tech progress to competing for market share in AI, potentially accelerating innovation, though it drew swift political backlash.

Expert Warns Smartphone Users to Turn These Three Settings Off to Avoid Security Breach

December 9, 2025, 12:16 AM EST. An expert warns that three common smartphone settings, if left enabled, can substantially raise the risk of a security breach. The article identifies the settings to disable, explains how each one expands the device's attack surface, and outlines practical steps to protect privacy. It also suggests pairing these changes with regular OS updates and mindful app permissions to maintain a safer, more private device experience.

Nvidia's H200 Opens Narrow Path Back Into China Under U.S. Licensing

December 9, 2025, 12:06 AM EST. US policy makers appear to carve a controlled lane for Nvidia's H200 to China, signaling a shift from blanket bans to a tightly supervised export regime. The plan, reportedly steered by the Commerce Department, would license H200 shipments to approved Chinese customers-roughly 18 months behind today's chips-aimed at limiting risk while preserving US leverage. The move follows public statements by Trump and mixed signals on how access will affect American jobs, manufacturing, and AI leadership. Nvidia welcomed the compromise, saying it could balance national security with revenue. Beijing remains wary, given that China once represented a multi-billion-dollar rack business for Nvidia before export controls closed the door.

AirPods Pro 3 Deal Back for the Holidays: $219.99

December 9, 2025, 12:04 AM EST. The best Black Friday deal on a brand-new, unopened pair of AirPods Pro 3 earbuds has returned, dropping to $219.99 at Amazon and other retailers from the $249 list price. Launched on September 19, the AirPods Pro 3 bring notable upgrades over the 2nd-gen, including built-in heart-rate sensing, improved audio quality and noise cancelation, longer battery life, and a more weatherproof IP57 shell. Apple's Live Translation (Apple Intelligence) translates languages on the fly and works with the AirPods Pro 3 as well as older models. Early impressions are positive, with outlets like PCMag weighing in favor. If you've been eyeing premium iPhone-friendly buds, this is a compelling holiday price.

Trump allows Nvidia to ship H200 AI chips to China amid export policy shift

December 9, 2025, 12:02 AM EST. President Donald Trump said he will allow NVIDIA to ship its H200 AI chips to approved customers in China, while keeping the Blackwell generation out of the deal. The move could unlock billions in revenue for Nvidia as orders for AI chips soar, though buyers in China face potential hurdles and China's reception remains unclear. Trump also indicated similar permissions for Intel, AMD, and other U.S. chipmakers, with the Department of Commerce finalizing details and a new 25% levy on approved sales. The policy signals a major shift away from a broad ban, but concerns among lawmakers persist about national security and the competitiveness of the American semiconductor industry. Nvidia and AMD praised the approach, while some senators warned against rushing it.