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  • McDonald's pulls AI-generated Christmas ad in the Netherlands after backlash
    December 11, 2025, 6:32 AM EST. McDonald's Netherlands has pulled an AI-generated Christmas ad after sharp online backlash. The spot, titled "the most terrible time of the year," shows chaotic holiday scenes-from Santa in a traffic jam to a cyclist sliding in the snow-and urges audiences to retreat to McDonald's until January. Critics mocked the campaign as soulless, with readers writing that it "ruined my Christmas spirit." McDonald's said the goal was to reflect Dutch holiday stress, while Sweetshop Films defended AI as expanding the toolbox and keeping humans in charge. The debate spilled onto social media, with questions about the human role in AI work. Coca-Cola has since released its own AI-generated holiday ad, underscoring a broader industry trend.
  • SpaceX Starlink launch near Phoenix could light up the night sky from Vandenberg
    December 11, 2025, 6:24 AM EST. SpaceX is targeting a night launch to deploy 27 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit, with a four-hour launch window that begins just before 1 a.m. Wednesday. A Falcon 9 rocket will lift off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County. If skies are clear, the ascent could be visible across the Phoenix valley. The SpaceX site will post updated start times and offer a livestream for those watching from indoors. If you miss it, a second California Starlink mission is planned for late Friday or early Saturday. Follow @kstonezone for updates.
  • Spotify's AI-powered Prompted Playlists let you curate Discover Weekly with your own prompts
    December 11, 2025, 6:22 AM EST. Spotify launches Prompted Playlists in beta in New Zealand, letting users type detailed prompts to shape a playlist with its AI. By combining the user's input with listening history, the feature curates tracks that align with exact instructions and can regularly refresh based on the same prompt. It expands on Discover Weekly by offering a user-controlled algorithm rather than generic curation, complements existing AI DJ prompts, and mirrors moves on platforms such as Instagram that emphasize user intent. The rollout signals a broader push toward greater user control over algorithmic recommendations and personalized discovery, with a limited start in New Zealand and plans for wider availability.
  • SpaceX IPO could be the craziest ever, valued above $1 trillion
    December 11, 2025, 6:14 AM EST. Investors are signaling strong interest in a potential SpaceX IPO that could raise more than $25 billion and value the rocket and satellite company at more than $1 trillion. Market chatter suggests an IPO as early as June, with Reuters sources noting substantial demand from retail investors. While SpaceX remains high-risk and capital-intensive, strategists say the upside of its current operations and long-term Mars ambitions could attract eager buyers. Elon Musk's unorthodox leadership and public persona are reminders that risk and drama are part of investing in breakthrough tech. If public, SpaceX would join Musk's portfolio of ventures, including X, The Boring Company and xAI, highlighting the growing appetite for space-oriented technology and policy-driven innovation.
  • Garmin watches at their lowest prices: 6 deals to shop now
    December 11, 2025, 6:00 AM EST. Garmin's Black Friday savings linger, with most watches still discounted and many at all-time lows. This guide rounds up six standout deals across the lineup to fit every budget. Highlights include the Garmin Forerunner 265 for $299 at Amazon and the Garmin Fenix 8 for $749. Whether you want track-ready GPS watches or more affordable options, these deals cover it all. We also flag a top pick for gifting and tips to lock in the best price before the window closes. If you're shopping early for the holidays, bookmark these deals and check back for updates as prices swing.