Technology News 31.12.2025

December 31, 2025
Technology News 31.12.2025


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IDC Warns Global Memory Shortage Could Hit PC and Smartphone Sales in 2026

December 31, 2025, 3:36 AM EST. IDC warns an unprecedented memory chip shortage could slow PC and smartphone demand in 2026. DRAM prices have surged as AI data centers outstrip supply, prompting a potential, permanent reallocation of silicon wafer capacity. Memory now represents 15-20% of device manufacturing costs, forcing manufacturers to raise prices and possibly curb volume. Smartphones could face a 2.9-5.2% YOY drop in 2026, with ASP gains of 3-8%. PCs may shrink about 4.9% YOY, while PC ASP could rise 4-8%. Major players like Lenovo are better positioned to weather constraints, but the industry as a whole could enter an era of more expensive memory and storage rather than cheap, abundant supply.






Former Sony Executive Proposes a Universal Gaming Format to Expand the Console Market

December 31, 2025, 3:22 AM EST. Former Sony Interactive Entertainment head Shawn Layden proposes a bold idea: create a single, licensed gaming format-a consortium like VHS/DVD/Blu-ray-to unlock a larger, unified market. Layden notes the total console install base has hovered around 250-300 million per generation, and argues the industry must 'crack the cap' by standardizing formats rather than competing hardware. He cites Betamax's failure against VHS due to licensing breadth, and points to how Blu-ray and DVD succeeded through broad licensing across manufacturers. By licensing a universal gaming format to many makers, Layden suggests that licensing and distribution could accelerate adoption beyond traditional consoles, inviting non-traditional players into gaming and expanding the overall industry.

Exclusive: Nvidia seeks extra H200 production from TSMC as China demand surges

December 31, 2025, 3:18 AM EST. Nvidia is trying to bolster H200 output by approaching TSMC to ramp up production as China demand climbs. Chinese tech firms have placed orders for more than 2 million H200 chips for 2026, while Nvidia holds about 700,000 units in stock. It's unclear how much extra volume Nvidia intends to order from TSMC, but some sources say production could start in Q2 2026. The plan underscores potential strains in global AI chip supply as Nvidia balances strong Chinese demand with constraints elsewhere amid export controls. Pricing for Chinese clients is said to be around $27,000 per chip. Nvidia says it manages its supply chain, and licensed China sales will not affect U.S. shipments. TSMC declined to comment.





























Hawaii launches Safe Roads Challenge app to reward safe drivers with gift cards

December 31, 2025, 2:16 AM EST. Hawaii is rolling out the Safe Roads Challenge app from the state DOT to reward drivers for safer habits behind the wheel. After 129 roadway fatalities in 2025 – the highest in nearly two decades – the program aims to change behavior, noting that preliminary data says about 90% of deaths involve driver behavior. The free app uses GPS to track trips and scores performance on factors like acceleration, braking, cornering, swerving, phone use, and staying within the speed limit. Drivers scoring at least 80 points can win $25 gift cards each month and enter a year-end grand prize draw. Officials emphasize privacy, noting the app does not sell personal or location data to insurers. The first challenge starts January 1, with social competition encouraged among friends and family.

The phone is dead. Long live the next interface – True Ventures bets on new human-computer interfaces

December 31, 2025, 2:14 AM EST. True Ventures co-founder Jon Callaghan argues that smartphones won't be the primary interface to technology in five to ten years, or may disappear entirely. His thesis: current phones are a clumsy, error-prone gateway to artificial intelligence and data, prompting the firm to back new human-computer interfaces that blend software and hardware. Over two decades, True has quietly built a portfolio of about 300 companies and roughly $6 billion in assets, with 63 exits and seven IPOs. The firm's latest signal is Sandbar, a hardware device Callaghan calls a 'thought companion'-a voice-activated ring intended to replace or complement phones. The strategy: invest early in new forms of interaction, as exemplified by Fitbit, Ring, Peloton and more.





















AirPods Pro 3: Three Months In, Major Leap in Sound, Comfort, and Durability

December 31, 2025, 1:30 AM EST. After three months with the AirPods Pro 3, the verdict remains: Apple's best wireless earbuds keep getting better. The design looks similar to the Pro 2, but the reengineered case and buds now wear an IP57 rating for dust, sweat, and water resistance. The standout change is a new foam tip that vents deeper into the ear canal, sharpening Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and sealing more effectively-but it can feel uncomfortable at first. Some users reported ear irritation or even bleeding until the tips break in. The upside is a more secure acoustic seal once you settle on the right size; larger tips helped for the reviewer. In short, sound quality, fit, and durability have advanced, making the Pro 3 a notable leap forward.

Apple's 2026 Roadmap: 15 New Devices, AI Upgrades, and a Folding iPhone

December 31, 2025, 1:28 AM EST. Apple's 2026 roadmap reportedly includes 15 new devices and major software updates. Hardware lines span an affordable MacBook with an A19 Pro chip and bright color options, the M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pros, and the M5 Ultra Mac Studio with massive CPU/GPU cores for AI workloads. The lineup also likely adds a refreshed M5 Mac mini and broader updates across the Mac ecosystem. On the software side, expect the long-awaited AI-powered Siri to debut with iOS 26.4 in spring, followed by iOS 27 and smarter Apple Intelligence features later in the year. Rumors point to a folding iPhone among 2026 launches, signaling a bolder, more ambitious product strategy for Apple.

NVIDIA and AMD Kick Off CES 2026 with AI-Driven Keynotes

December 31, 2025, 1:26 AM EST. Tech giants NVIDIA and AMD will headline CES 2026 with CEO keynotes from Jensen Huang and Lisa Su, signaling the year ahead for AI. Huang is expected to spotlight data centers, physical AI, robotics, and autonomous tech, with Nvidia's Cosmos foundation model platform likely central to accelerating AI deployment. Su will balance consumer and enterprise themes, delivering updates to Ryzen CPUs, Radeon graphics for AI PCs and gaming, along with EPYC processors and Instinct GPUs for cloud workloads. CES is framed as a showcase for breakthrough technology, and Wedbush hints at a shift toward consumer AI-robotics, wearables, and smart home devices. Investors will watch for signs that AI demand broadens beyond data centers in 2026.






Apple iPhone 16 tops India's smartphone chart in 2025, Counterpoint data show

December 31, 2025, 1:14 AM EST. Apple's iPhone 16 has emerged as the most popular smartphone in India for 2025, according to Counterpoint data. The firm says Apple sold about 6.5 million units in the first 11 months, with the iPhone 15 also among the top five. The chart reflects a shift away from Android domination, fueled by demand across metros and smaller cities and strong sales during Flipkart's Big Billion Day. With three months left, the iPhone 16 leads Apple's shipments in India, contributing to a record regional revenue as Apple expands its retail footprint in emerging markets. Executives highlighted an all-time India revenue and ongoing momentum toward a larger global milestone as iPhone 17 launches approach.

Eurogamer Readers' Top 50 Games of 2025: A Vote-Driven Countdown

December 31, 2025, 1:12 AM EST. Eurogamer's readers have spoken: here's their top 50 games of 2025, a vote-driven countdown that sparks lively debate in the comments. The piece teases the upcoming Eurogamer staff list and even jokes about the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour clinching the top spot-though it didn't make the cut. The extract shows entries 50-46-from Anno 117: Pax Romana to Despelote-highlighting varied genres and cheeky descriptions that fuel discussion. Expect the full staff 2025 Best Games list to arrive soon.

Inside Rocket Lab's bid to outpace SpaceX in the private space race

December 31, 2025, 1:10 AM EST. Rocket Lab is expanding its cadence and ambitions as a private space company in New Zealand. While SpaceX logs record launches with its Falcon 9s and Starlink, Rocket Lab is ramping from 16 launches last year to about 20 this year, aiming for one flight per week. The interview with CEO Peter Beck and engineers describes a lean, scrappy operation centered at APC – the Auckland Production Complex – where all Electron builds and testing occur. In contrast to SpaceX's deep pockets, Rocket Lab relies on agility, relentless iteration, and a strong domestic culture. The story shows how a startup from New Zealand is chasing higher cadence to compete with larger rivals.






Two AI Stocks Outpacing NVIDIA in 2025 With Bigger Gains Ahead

December 31, 2025, 12:58 AM EST. Two AI-focused stocks are moving to challenge NVIDIA's dominance in 2025, with investors eyeing outsized gains as demand for generative AI, edge computing, and software-enabled AI tools accelerates. The pair offer exposure to different AI lanes-from chip accelerators to AI software platforms-potentially delivering higher growth multiples if NVIDIA's lead narrows or supply chains stabilize. Key catalysts include AI model training demand, data center expansion, and partnerships that expand AI workloads. Risks include competition, regulatory scrutiny, valuation levels, and cyclical changes in tech spending. For risk-tolerant portfolios, these names could complement big-cap chip leaders as the AI market evolves.

Ford Reaffirms Apple CarPlay Support, CarPlay Ultra Not Headed to Ford

December 31, 2025, 12:56 AM EST. Ford has confirmed it will continue to support Apple CarPlay in its vehicles, countering headlines about a shift away from the feature. CFO Sherry House said at the 2025 Barclays Global Auto and Mobility Tech Conference that giving customers access to technology remains a priority, and Ford will keep enabling third-party infotainment options. The stance contrasts with GM, which has dropped CarPlay/Android Auto in some models. However, Ford also remains noncommittal on CarPlay Ultra-Apple's deeper integration-after CEO Jim Farley signaled concerns about control and feature scope. Ford's position may preserve consumer choice and maintain a competitive edge over rivals while defusing anxiety among current and prospective owners who want familiar interfaces.







Space Force offers access to new SLC-14 site at Vandenberg for heavy/super-heavy launches

December 31, 2025, 12:40 AM EST. WASHINGTON – The U.S. Space Force issued an RFI on Dec. 29 inviting launch providers to use Space Launch Complex 14 at Vandenberg Space Force Base. The undeveloped site would host heavy-class (20,000-50,000 kg) and super-heavy (>50,000 kg to LEO) vehicles. Officials say a heavy/super-heavy launch capability would enhance national-security launches, diversify the government's portfolio, and accelerate satellite reconstitution due to higher lift capacity. The RFI calls SLC-14 the most viable large-scale option at VSFB, though it sits far from utilities-rail near the boundary is about 600 meters away. Proposers must show financial maturity, and the Space Force prefers new vehicles with unique capabilities (e.g., point-to-point transport or payload return) to begin operations within five years of leasing.

nVent positions itself for AI-era data-center cooling boom in Minnesota

December 31, 2025, 12:38 AM EST. One of Minnesota's younger public companies, nVent, is riding the AI-driven surge in data centers. The Anoka plant makes water-based cooling products laser-measured for precision to prevent overheating in chips and servers. CEO Beth Wozniak, who helped guide the company's spin from Pentair, says nVent is at the heart of the electrification of everything and of data-center infrastructure. The company, now about 12,000 employees globally, has seen its stock rise roughly 50% over the last year and aims to grow revenue from about $2 billion to nearly $4 billion by 2025. nVent is expanding capacity with a new Blaine manufacturing facility planned for next year, underscoring strong demand to support AI-driven data-center builds.
















GTA 6, Resident Evil 9, AI and EA: Gaming trends to watch in 2026

December 31, 2025, 12:06 AM EST. Predicting 2026 in gaming is risky, but the year looks set for blockbuster releases and big strategic moves. If GTA 6 arrives on 19 November, it could be a cultural moment and likely break records, even as publishers race to space their releases. Take-Two remains confident despite Rockstar staff changes. Capcom lines up Resident Evil Requiem and Pragmata, with Sony pushing Saros and more PlayStation exclusives. Insomniac's Wolverine targets autumn, while IO Interactive's 007 First Light debuts in May. Nintendo rides the Switch 2 wave with titles like Pokopia and online The Duskbloods from FromSoftware. With AI and EA under scrutiny, the industry braces for shifts in strategy, acquisitions, and the cadence of high-profile launches.


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Goodbye to the Tech That Died in 2025

Technology News

  • IDC Warns Global Memory Shortage Could Hit PC and Smartphone Sales in 2026
    December 31, 2025, 3:36 AM EST. IDC warns an unprecedented memory chip shortage could slow PC and smartphone demand in 2026. DRAM prices have surged as AI data centers outstrip supply, prompting a potential, permanent reallocation of silicon wafer capacity. Memory now represents 15-20% of device manufacturing costs, forcing manufacturers to raise prices and possibly curb volume. Smartphones could face a 2.9-5.2% YOY drop in 2026, with ASP gains of 3-8%. PCs may shrink about 4.9% YOY, while PC ASP could rise 4-8%. Major players like Lenovo are better positioned to weather constraints, but the industry as a whole could enter an era of more expensive memory and storage rather than cheap, abundant supply.