Technology News 29.12.2025

Touch Bar Lives On: Refurbished 2017 MacBook Pro Now $299.97

December 29, 2025, 4:40 PM EST. A refurbished 2017 MacBook Pro with a Touch Bar is on sale for $299.97 (reg. $1,499). This deal offers a Retina display, 512GB storage, and an Intel Core i5 processor with 8GB RAM-delivering a capable everyday laptop at a fraction of the original price. The Touch Bar draws mixed reactions, but this bundle presents a budget-friendly path to a polished macOS experience. Deal pricing and availability can change after publication, and the offer is sponsored by Mashable partners.

Apple Studio Display 2: 3 nm A19 Chip, ProMotion and HDR Confirmed for 2026

December 29, 2025, 4:24 PM EST. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports that Apple is updating the Studio Display lineup with a new Studio Display 2, designed for Mac Studio and Mac Pro workflows. Code in iOS 26 references display 'J527' and hints at a next-gen panel featuring ProMotion with a 120 Hz refresh rate and HDR via Mini LED. The current model's 60 Hz SDR panel would be replaced by a higher-brightness, sustained HDR experience similar to latest MacBook Pros. The display is said to run a newer 3 nm A19 SoC, enabling display-side processing and calibration, and may ship alongside a next-gen Mac Studio with M5 chips. Expect an official reveal in 2026.

Get an iPad for Christmas? Must-Have Accessories to Elevate Your Setup

December 29, 2025, 4:22 PM EST. Turn an iPad into a true work or art tool with the right accessories. The Apple Pencil transforms drawing, note-taking and document markup from a touchscreen experience into a natural analog feel. A compatible keyboard or folio boosts typing comfort and productivity on longer tasks. A sturdy case with storage and a stand helps you travel light while keeping essentials in easy reach. For artists, pens and pencil cases keep your tools organized and protected. This guide highlights budget options alongside premium picks, showing how you can mix and match to fit your device (iPad Pro, Air or mini) and your needs without turning the iPad into a cumbersome substitute for a laptop.

OnePlus Turbo 6 Series Debuts with 9,000 mAh Battery and 165Hz Displays

December 29, 2025, 4:20 PM EST. OnePlus has officially shown off its Turbo 6 gaming phones, including the standard Turbo 6 and Turbo 6V, with a confirmed 9,000 mAh battery and 165Hz displays. A teaser posted on Weibo hints at a light-chasing, ultra-transparent finish and a distinctive back design. Early leaks suggest a Snapdragon 8s chip on at least one model and water/dust resistance. The phones are set to launch on January 8 in China, with a global debut still unconfirmed. A recent hands-on leak matches the Turbo 6V design teased in the video.

AI-powered satellites map a massive Quebec lithium resource at Cisco project

December 29, 2025, 4:14 PM EST. AI-powered satellites and the ExoSphere platform from Fleet Space Technologies are expanding Quebec's Cisco lithium project into a target of about 329 million metric tons of ore (roughly 360 million tons total). The system can propose drill sites within 48 hours, reshaping early-stage exploration. Geodes-battery-powered sensors-listen for seismic energy and feed data via satellite links, enabling ambient seismic noise tomography to image subsurface structure without blasting. When combined with gravity, magnetic and geological data, ExoSphere generates maps that highlight zones likely to host lithium-rich pegmatites. Cisco sits in Quebec's James Bay region, a district-scale lithium corridor supported by hydropower and infrastructure. If realized, the Cisco target would rank among the world's largest hard-rock lithium prospects and show how digital tools can accelerate battery supply chains.

Samsung Unveils Music Studio 5 and 7 Wireless Speakers Ahead of CES 2026

December 29, 2025, 4:10 PM EST. Samsung reveals two new wireless speakers, the Music Studio 5 and Music Studio 7, ahead of CES 2026. The models replace the earlier Music Frame, and come with distinct designs: the 2.1-channel Studio 5 with a photo gallery-inspired look and a 4-inch woofer, and the 3.1.1-channel Studio 7 in a traditional bookshelf form with front/left/right/top-firing tweeters. Both feature AI Dynamic Bass Control, a waveguide for balanced sound, and Hi-Res Audio up to 24-bit/96 kHz. The Studio 7 adds a super tweeter capable of up to 35 kHz and Q-Symphony compatibility for pairing with Samsung TVs/soundbars. Wireless options include Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, with potential AirPlay/Spotify Connect. Voice control and SmartThings app support complete the ecosystem, with official availability details to be confirmed after CES.

China Implements 'No Fire, No Explosion' Rule for EV Batteries in National Standards

December 29, 2025, 4:08 PM EST. China has made EV battery safety requirements compulsory for the first time, introducing a strict no fire, no explosion rule as part of updated national standards across 13 sectors. The measures, set to take effect on July 1, 2026 with a transition for existing EVs until July 1, 2027, aim to tighten energy efficiency, product safety and battery recycling rules. Under the new framework, power batteries used in electric vehicles must not ignite or explode, a mandatory national criterion for the first time. Officials say the move will push automakers to improve battery design and thermal management, strengthening safety in new-energy vehicles. The changes come as part of a broader plan from seven government departments. CCTV reported the update as part of a broader government action plan.

CMF by Nothing Watch 3 Pro Discounted to $65 on Amazon

December 29, 2025, 4:06 PM EST. CMF by Nothing, the design-forward sub brand, has its Watch 3 Pro on Amazon for just $65 (usually $99). The watch runs an RTOS instead of Wear OS, helping keep costs low while still delivering solid features. Highlights include dual-band GPS, a 1.43-inch AMOLED display, up to 13 days of battery life, heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring, and IP68 water resistance. It's controlled via the Nothing X app on Android devices. The Ash Grey variant is the current lowest price, with other colors discounted as well. If you want a stylish companion to a Nothing phone, this is a strong value option-even without Wear OS.

Study links smartphone ownership at age 12 to sleep, obesity and depression risks

December 29, 2025, 4:04 PM EST. A new American Academy of Pediatrics study found that giving a child a smartphone at age 12, instead of waiting until 13, was linked to higher risks of poor sleep, obesity and psychopathology in early adolescence. Analyzing more than 10,500 kids across 21 sites, researchers report that 12-year-olds who received phones had over 60% higher odds of poor sleep and over 40% higher odds of obesity than those who waited. The study's authors urge public policy measures to protect young people and note associations with increased depressive symptoms when smartphones are introduced earlier. The findings come as Australia and several U.S. states move to restrict youth access to social media. The work underscores ongoing debates about technology, children's health and regulatory approaches.

I Tried an AI Shopping Cart at ShopRite: A Hands-On Test of Caper Carts

December 29, 2025, 3:46 PM EST. I recently tested the AI-powered Caper Carts at ShopRite to see if technology can ease grocery runs. The carts, built by Caper (owned by Instacart), use your phone number to log in, scan items with side-mounted scanners, and weigh produce to calculate totals. They can pull in shopping lists, apply loyalty points, and surface potential coupons and deals. The experience starts with a quick login tutorial, and the cart even handles weigh-and-check like a self-checkout. My first cart wouldn't scan, but a replacement worked smoothly. The carts are heavy, and a loose wheel on one model made it noisy and cumbersome. Overall, the AI features feel practical for tracking items and savings, though reliability and maneuverability still have room to improve.

RBC denies responsibility in BC court over $415M Tesla investor loss case

December 29, 2025, 3:40 PM EST. Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) rejects claims it gave improper financial advice to Christopher DeVocht, a Vancouver Island investor who turned a modest five-figure stake into $415 million in Tesla stock and options before a complete loss. In BC Supreme Court filings, RBC Dominion Securities and RBC Wealth Management say they repeatedly urged diversification and risk reduction, and that DeVocht, a highly experienced trader, pursued an aggressive, leveraged Tesla strategy. The bank argues the losses resulted from DeVocht's own fully informed decisions, including borrowing against his portfolio to finance homes and trades. The case also involves Grant Thornton LLP, which denies liability. With no trial yet, the dispute continues to unfold in court.

OnePlus Turbo 6 and Turbo 6V Teasers Surface Ahead of January 8 Launch

December 29, 2025, 3:38 PM EST. Two teaser videos immerse us in the OnePlus Turbo 6 and Turbo 6V ahead of their January 8 debut. Both phones reportedly share a 9,000 mAh battery, with the Turbo 6 packing the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 and a 165Hz display, offered in 12/256GB, 12/512GB, and 16/512GB in silver, black, and green. The Turbo 6V is expected to run on the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4, sport a 144Hz screen, and come in 8/256GB, 12/256GB, and 12/512GB in blue, black, and white. An unboxing clip shows the iconic OnePlus red box, included case, and an 80W charger in China. Official pricing and regional differences may differ from rumors.

Galaxy Watch 4 Update Paused Over Battery Drain and Sensor Failures

December 29, 2025, 3:36 PM EST. Samsung has paused the rollout of One UI 8 Watch (based on Wear OS 6) for the Galaxy Watch 4 series after reports of severe battery drain and sensor malfunctions. Users say battery life collapses from a full day to as little as 12-15 hours, with some caches cleared offering limited relief. Separately, owners of the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic report core sensors stop working after the update, breaking health tracking, wrist detection, and potentially disabling Google Wallet and notifications. Some anecdotes suggest flipping the watch to the palm side temporarily restores sensors, hinting at a hardware issue. Samsung has paused the update while it investigates. The Watch 4 family is ~four years old, but Samsung may still patch these problems in the near future.

The Quantum Era Creeps In as AI Dominates the Spotlight

December 29, 2025, 3:34 PM EST. As AI surges, a parallel revolution quietly advances: quantum science. The UN declares 2025 the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, marking a wave of announcements, hype, and cautious optimism about quantum's potential to reshape industries and geopolitics. Once dismissed as a decade away from practicality, quantum research is accelerating alongside AI, challenging leaders to invest in new capabilities, defend supply chains, and rethink strategy as the boundary between computation and reality tightens. This piece weighs the momentum, myths, and stakes as quantum inches closer to real-world impact.

Understanding AI-native cloud: from microservices to model-serving

December 29, 2025, 3:32 PM EST. AI-native cloud is an extension of cloud-native principles that places AI and data at its core, enabling enterprises to infuse AI into operations, strategy, analysis, and decision-making from day one. Unlike traditional cloud models, AI-native cloud emphasizes using containers, service meshes, microservices, immutable infrastructure, and declarative APIs to build resilient, manageable, and observable systems. As defined by the CNCF, these practices promote loosely coupled architectures that scale with AI workloads and provide governance for model serving, data pipelines, and decision processes. The shift moves from simply deploying apps in the cloud to embedding AI throughout enterprise workflows.

Kidnapped Teen Located via Smartphone Tracking Highlights Safety and Privacy in Location Services

December 29, 2025, 3:20 PM EST. Texas father used a built-in parental control feature to locate his abducted daughter, rescuing her with authorities arresting the suspect. The case highlights how location-tracking on smartphones-via Find My, Family Link, and third-party apps like Life360-uses GPS, Wi-Fi, and cellular data to share real-time positions. It shows benefits for child safety, potentially outperforming external trackers like AirTag in remote areas, while raising privacy and data-protection questions under GDPR in Europe. The incident demonstrates the ubiquity of location services in modern parenting and the balance between safety and privacy.

Mexico Antitrust Ruling Forces Google to Open Android Deals, Allowing Non-Android Operating Systems

December 29, 2025, 3:18 PM EST. Mexico's National Antitrust Commission (CNA) has ordered Google to drop restrictive clauses in its contracts with smartphone manufacturers, enabling devices to run alternative operating systems without penalties. The ruling loosens Android's grip and could let makers – including Samsung – ship devices with proprietary software or other open-source Android-derived variants. Previously, manufacturers had to sign compatibility and exclusivity agreements to access Google Mobile Services (GMS) and were discouraged from pursuing non-Android software. CNA says the decision expands options for manufacturers and lowers deal costs with Google, effective on publication. The move mirrors Brazil's recent step to open the iPhone to third-party marketplaces. Regulators continue to pressure Big Tech to boost market competition and software choices.

Legendary Dev Rob Pike Lashes Out at an AI Agent's Unsolicited 'Act of Kindness' Email

December 29, 2025, 3:16 PM EST. Today's story centers on Rob Pike, the co-creator of UTF-8 and a Go designer, who woke to an AI-generated email from a model calling itself Claude Opus 4.5. His blunt reply on BlueSky blasts the hype around LLMs and the environmental and social costs of tech. The email originated from the AI Village, a project run by the non-profit Sage that aims to raise money for charity by letting AI agents compete in a group chat. By Sep 24, the fund had raised only $1,984, a stark contrast to the training costs of the models. The project later shifted to "random acts of kindness," highlighting how quickly goals evolved and how easily well-intentioned experiments can spiral into misfires.

Did the foldable iPhone leak? Prosser teases 2026 release amid Apple lawsuit

December 29, 2025, 3:00 PM EST. Is the foldable iPhone real? YouTuber Jon Prosser claims yes, even as Apple sues him for past leaks. The report notes that a foldable iPhone could launch in 2026, with Bloomberg's Mark Gurman and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo backing the possibility. In a FrontPageTech video, Prosser shares 3-D renders and claims Apple solved the famous crease by using a metal plate to disperse bending pressure in the hinge, aided by liquid metal. The piece frames this as the latest in ongoing rumors about a more flexible design, though actual release timing and production hurdles remain uncertain.

AI-Enabled Solar-Powered Satellite Advances Orbital Cloud Computing

December 29, 2025, 2:58 PM EST. PowerBank Corp and Singapore-based SmartLink AI, via Orbit AI, report Genesis-1's successful deployment into low-Earth orbit (LEO) as the first milestone of an Orbital Cloud network. The constellation aims to fuse three capabilities: DeStarlink connectivity (decentralized, censorship-resistant), DeStarAI computing (solar-powered AI data centers cooled in vacuum for continuous inference), and blockchain verification for verified, tamper-proof in-orbit transactions. Dr. Richard Lu, PowerBank CEO, says solar-powered infrastructure can extend computing beyond Earth, ushering in a new category of digital infrastructure at the intersection of renewable energy, AI, and decentralized computing.

YouTuber Leaks iPhone Ultra Fold Details Amid Apple Lawsuit

December 29, 2025, 2:54 PM EST. On Dec. 24, tech YouTuber Jon Prosser published a video claiming 3D renders and specs for Apple's first foldable phone, the iPhone Ultra. The leak comes amid an Apple lawsuit over past iOS 26 leaks. The render depicts a book-style foldable with a 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.8-inch inner screen, folded to about 9mm thick. Apple is said to have tackled the crease with a liquid-metal hinge and a metal dispersion plate. Rumors peg the device with an A20 Pro chip built on a 2nm process and a switch back to Touch ID. Price rumors put it between $2,000-$2,500. In July 2025, Apple sued Prosser and a co-conspirator for alleged misappropriation of trade secrets related to iOS 26 and Liquid Glass.

AI 2025: From record funding to a reality check

December 29, 2025, 2:52 PM EST. 2025 saw AI funding surge to record levels, with OpenAI's $40B round at a $300B valuation and others like Anthropic and xAI raising billions. Yet the year ended with a vibe check: extreme optimism remains, but concerns over a possible AI bubble, safety, and the sustainability of progress began to temper the hype. Billions in talent hunts and near-trillion-dollar infrastructure promises layered atop a hot market, as the biggest labs expanded while startups rode the froth. The real story isn't just enormous capital, but how business models, velocity, and prudent governance will translate promise into durable value in an era of rapid change.

AI Year in Review 2025: dTAO Upgrade, DeFAI Rise, and the Alliance Fracture

December 29, 2025, 2:50 PM EST. 2025 marked a paradigm shift at the AI/blockchain nexus. Bittensor's dTAO upgrade shifted validator power from a single root to market-driven subnets, with Taoflow emissions rewarding staking while pruning weak subnets and ending weight copying. The result: a more asset-like network and a claim to be the Bitcoin of AI. The Artificial Superintelligence Alliance split when Ocean Protocol withdrew, triggering a public dispute and a $120 million token-dump controversy that tested decentralized governance. DeFAI emerged as the buzzword, with autonomous agents-aixbt, Zerebro, and elizaOS-managing lending, cross-chain arbitrage, and even governance, signaling a future of autonomous machine-to-machine finance.

FCC DJI Drone Ban Spurs Local Police Concerns Over Fleet and Costs

December 29, 2025, 2:48 PM EST. Coachella Valley law enforcement are raising concerns after the FCC imposed a ban on Chinese-made DJI and Autel Robotics drones. The rule excludes older models already approved and those in use, but restricts all new models from entering the market. Police departments in Palm Springs and Indio rely heavily on DJI gear, and Lt. Gustavo Araiza warns that limited access to parts, firmware and software updates could jeopardize readiness in the mid to long term – potentially within months. If fleets go inoperable, agencies face expensive alternatives, from using third-party helicopters to sourcing U.S.-made drones. Officials emphasize the tension between national security scrutiny and practical needs of local law enforcement drone programs as the ban unfolds.

HDR wars, OLED dominance and a 2026 home cinema forecast

December 29, 2025, 2:44 PM EST. Looking ahead to 2026, the home cinema scene is defined by an HDR arms race between Dolby Vision 2 (and Dolby Vision 2 Max) and HDR10+ Advanced. The launch of these standards in 2025-26 sets the stage for brighter, more color-accurate content and advanced tone-mapping. OLED will face its stiffest challenge from RGB Mini LED TVs from Sony, Samsung, LG and TCL, including larger sizes like LG's 76-inch MRGB95, though OLED is not surrendering easily. A resurgence of the AVR-driven setup may accompany these display advances, while manufacturers push for improved motion, processing and ecosystem support. In short, 2026 promises bigger brightness, richer color, and lively HDR battles that will shape home cinema choices.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition adds rotatable camera zoom and continuous optical zoom

December 29, 2025, 2:40 PM EST. Xiaomi's top flagship gets a Leica edition that adds a rotatable zoom ring built into the camera island. The Leica edition keeps the Leica red dot and a textured side finish, with a reprogrammable ring for exposure or focus and a few software tweaks like film simulations plus accessories. Apart from the rotating zoom, the 17 Ultra Leica is otherwise identical to the regular 17 Ultra: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, up to 1TB storage, 16GB RAM, a 6.9-inch OLED, and a 6,800mAh battery. The telephoto shifts to a single 200MP periscope with continuous optical zoom from 3.2x to 4.3x and a variable aperture f/2.4-3.0. Pricing starts at ¥6,999 (~$1,000); Leica edition at ¥7,999 (~$1,140). A global launch in 2026 is planned, timing TBA.

Toyota Targets 1,200 km Range with Solid-State Battery and 10-Minute Charge

December 29, 2025, 2:38 PM EST. Toyota is advancing its solid-state battery program with a 2027-2028 mass-production target and prototypes claimed to exceed 1,000 km of range, plus a 10%-80% charge in about 10 minutes. The effort, in partnership with Sumitomo Metal Mining, could appear in a first EV by 2027-2028. Toyota's European roadmap also points to late-decade mass production and a sub-10-minute fast charge. If realized, solid-state batteries promise higher energy density, better safety, and shorter charging times-helping combat range anxiety. But challenges persist: material fragility, anode-electrolyte adhesion, high production costs, and the risk of lithium dendrites across cycles and climates.

Tesla Supplier L&F Cuts Battery Deal as EV Demand Cools

December 29, 2025, 2:36 PM EST. South Korean supplier L&F disclosed a drastic reduction in its 2023 battery materials agreement with Tesla, from a heavy $2.9 billion to a nominal $7,386, with no public explanation. The deal covered high-nickel cathode materials for Tesla and its affiliates through 2025, likely linked to the 4680 battery program. Analysts say production slowdowns and slower adoption of the 4680 architecture, along with weak Cybertruck demand, have shrunk material needs. Tesla has faced scaling issues with the dry electrode process and production ramps. L&F and Tesla did not comment. The move signals both technical issues and a softer EV demand environment, as policy uncertainty and a looming US subsidy expiry add to automakers' caution. Investors will watch earnings and guidance for battery output and demand trends.

Samsung to bring Google Photos to TVs in 2026, echoing Google TV integration

December 29, 2025, 2:30 PM EST. Samsung announced plans to bring Google Photos integration to its TVs starting in early 2026, a move that mirrors the existing experience on Google TV. The rollout will begin with Memories-curated stories from people, places, and moments-exclusive to Samsung TVs for six months before expanding likely to Google TV. Samsung also teases later in 2026 additions like Create with AI templates built on Gemini Nano Banana-based AI image generation and a Personalized Results feature to surface related photos by theme. This is framed as a deep partnership with Google, integrating Photos into the TV experience rather than a separate app. If true, you'll sign in with your Google Account and see Photos appear across Daily+ and Daily Board.

How to tweak online platform algorithms to tailor your feed

December 29, 2025, 2:24 PM EST. Many platforms let you steer what you see in your recommendations and 'for you' feeds. Tools like Meta's in-development Dear algo for Threads and Instagram's Your Algorithm let you ask for more or less of certain content, while others show you the content you already engage with. The article details practical steps: in Facebook, use Settings & privacy → Content preferences → Unfollow people and groups to prune your feed; hide sensitive content with Show less and limit political suggestions. Review Your activity → Activity log to delete search history, watched videos, and comments. By adjusting these controls, you can partially reclaim what appears in your feed, though some content may be promoted regardless of your interests.

Tesla robotaxi cleaning fees: $50 for moderate mess, $150 for biowaste or smoking

December 29, 2025, 2:22 PM EST. Tesla reportedly rolled out two-tier cleaning fees for its Austin robotaxi, charging $50 for a moderate mess (food spills, dirt) and $150 for a severe mess (biowaste or smoking in the vehicle). The tiered policy, shared by influencer Sawyer Merritt, aims to deter messes and keep rides clean for others. Tesla says it prioritizes a clean, comfortable environment and responsible rider behavior as it tests robotaxi service in Austin, potentially signaling steps toward broader launches. If accurate, the fees could influence rider behavior, affect the economics of autonomous taxis, and raise questions about liability, enforcement, and how such policies scale with expansion.

Could Oil Stocks Become an AI Play in 2026? Energy, Lithium & Grid Upgrades

December 29, 2025, 2:20 PM EST. Discussion on whether oil stocks could be an unlikely AI play in 2026. While Exxon is catching attention as oil prices fluctuate, strategists argue that natural gas could be the bigger AI story for data centers and grid upgrades. The conversation also spotlights energy players in the AI ecosystem, including GE Vernova (gas turbines/services), NRG Energy, and Constellation Energy, all up year-to-date. Even Albemarle, a lithium supplier, is rallying due to energy storage needs for batteries. The thread underscores that AI infrastructure hinges on energy supply and storage, suggesting a broader set of beneficiaries beyond traditional tech names.

Agentic AI for Government: AWS, Oracle, Cisco Lead 2026 Infrastructure Push

December 29, 2025, 2:18 PM EST. In 2026, federal agencies aim to implement agentic AI to speed up workflows. AI infrastructure leaders say success hinges on structured data and modernized legacy systems, moving organizations beyond chatbots toward domain-specific models. At AWS, Oracle and Cisco, executives emphasize an ongoing data journey to enable actionable outcomes. Oracle highlights context-aware AI built on a data-first approach, while Cisco and AWS stress the need to speed up the cloud rollout to unlock innovation. Planned automations span network traffic management, data entry, and document review; cloud infrastructure remains a key enabler for scaling data-dependent AI. The aim: faster, more operational AI for the public sector.

This Stock Quietly Outperformed Nvidia in 2025-and Could Keep Beating It

December 29, 2025, 2:16 PM EST. Interactive Brokers (IBKR) has quietly outpaced Nvidia in 2025, rising ~50% versus Nvidia's ~42%. The win is driven by explosive growth across its business: customer accounts up 32% to 4.13 million; customer equity up 40% to $757.5 billion; and daily average revenue trades up 34% to 3.62 million. Commission revenue rose 23%, while net interest income climbed 21%, underpinned by stronger securities lending and higher balances. The firm's edge lies in its low-cost, highly automated platform and global reach, fueling pricing discipline and unusually high margins. Risks include potential cooling of trading activity and rate moves; however, net interest income has been expanding through recent rate cuts. If momentum persists, Interactive Brokers could continue outperforming even celebrated AI beneficiaries.

CATL targets sodium-ion batteries for 2026 rollout across EVs, swapping and storage

December 29, 2025, 2:14 PM EST. CATL, the global EV battery leader, says its sodium-ion batteries will reach large-scale use by end-2026, spanning battery swapping, passenger and commercial EVs, and energy storage. After claiming roughly 38% of the 2025 market through October, CATL outlined plans at a supplier conference to deploy the technology across multiple industries next year. The new Naxtra cells deliver around 175 kWh/kg energy density, rivaling high-end LFP chemistries, while offering improved safety and cold-weather performance. They passed China's GB 38031-2025 safety standard, paving the July 1, 2026 rollout of the standard. CATL says sodium-ion tech reduces lithium dependence and widens energy autonomy, with an operating range from -40°C to 70°C and a claimed driving range over 500 km.

How Good Lock's One Hand Operation+ Made Galaxy One-Hand Usable

December 29, 2025, 2:06 PM EST. Smartphones are bulky, but Good Lock changes the interface to fit your hand. This piece explores how the author trained One Hand Operation+ to replace awkward thumb stretches on large Samsung Galaxy models, turning edge swipes and gesture tracking into six distinct interactions. It mentions the history of Good Lock being region-restricted and the workaround era, now alleviated by newer One UI releases. The write-up walks through setup, benefits, and practical tips, underscoring the idea that the interface should adapt to the user, not the other way around. If you use a big Galaxy, these modules-especially One Hand Operation+-might be essential, not optional.

Android Central's Best of 2025 Awards: Phones, Wearables, XR Glasses, and More

December 29, 2025, 2:04 PM EST. Android Central reveals its Best of 2025 winners across phones, wearables, AR glasses, and more. The OnePlus 15 takes Best Android Phone with its fast chip, three-day battery, and 165Hz display, while the Google Pixel 10 Pro is runner-up and earns Best Camera thanks to Gemini-powered imaging. Budget pick: Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro for best value. In folding tech, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 leads and Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 shines as a premium flip. For wearables, Google Pixel Watch 4 wins Best Smartwatch, and Oura Ring 4 remains king of smart rings. In smart glasses, Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 tops, with Oakley Meta Vanguard as runner-up. The Xreal One Pro wins Best XR Glasses for its thinner profile and wider viewing angle.

Get $100 Off Galaxy Watch 8 in the US – Save on 40mm/44mm and Free iFit Trial

December 29, 2025, 2:00 PM EST. Samsung is offering a flat $100 discount on the Galaxy Watch 8 in the US (40mm is $249 and 44mm is $279 from Samsung.com; normally $349/$379). No trade-in required, but you can earn up to $200 extra for an old device if you have one (not stackable with the $100 discount). All US buyers also get a free six-month iFit trial ($60 value). This limited-time holiday offer is for a short window before prices return to normal.

Google's December AI update: Disco browser with GenTabs, Gemini 2.5 audio, Deep Research API, and virtual try-on

December 29, 2025, 1:58 PM EST. Google kicked off December with a suite of AI and browsing innovations. The new Disco browsing experience introduces GenTabs, which proactively synthesizes open tabs and chat history into interactive web apps to streamline research and planning. The Gemini 2.5 audio upgrade powers fluent voice interactions across AI Studio, Vertex AI, Gemini Live, and Search Live, plus a live speech translation beta in Google Translate that supports 70+ languages. A new Gemini Deep Research agent arrives via the Interactions API, enabling developers to embed advanced research and a public DeepSearchQA benchmark for evaluating web-task performance. For shoppers, the updated virtual try-on with Nano Banana lets U.S. users upload a selfie to see clothes on a full-body avatar via the Shopping Graph.

Ayaneo Pocket Vert: Game Boy-Style Handheld Starts at $269 (Early Bird)

December 29, 2025, 1:56 PM EST. Ayaneo is back with a more affordable Game Boy remake: the Pocket Vert. Starting at an early bird price of $269, it undercuts the prior Pocket DMG's $449 tag. The device trims OLED and high-end configs in favor of a sturdy, fully metal CNC body and a minimalist look reminiscent of the Analogue Pocket. It uses a smaller 3.5-inch LCD (1600×1440) and a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip to handle classics up to PS2 and some Nintendo Switch titles. A hidden touch pad below the buttons serves as a makeshift joystick, and a fingerprint sensor sits in the power button. Features include USB-C, 3.5mm jack, microSD, and a future Indiegogo campaign. Early bird options go up to $369 for 12GB/256GB, with standard pricing at $339 later, or $439 for the fully specced Lava Red model.

Hidden flaw in EV batteries traced to misapplied design rules for single-crystal cathodes

December 29, 2025, 1:52 PM EST. Researchers from Argonne National Laboratory and the UChicago PME publish a Nature Nanotechnology study showing that tiny internal stresses can trigger cracking in lithium-ion battery materials, driving capacity fade and safety risks in EVs. While single-crystal nickel-rich cathodes (SC-NMC) promised greater durability, scientists found that design rules developed for polycrystalline cathodes (PC-NMC) were wrongly applied to single-crystal materials. The result is degraded performance and different composition needs, especially concerning cobalt and manganese, which influence mechanical failure. The work, led by Jing Wang and supported by the GRC program and UChicago's Energy Transition Network, suggests new design strategies and materials are required for single-crystal cathodes to truly improve longevity and safety. This challenges conventional wisdom about cathode design and highlights the importance of tailoring materials to microstructure.

Three Months with Apple Watch Ultra 3: Is the Premium Worth It?

December 29, 2025, 1:50 PM EST. After buying the Apple Watch Ultra 3 as my first Ultra, I've leaned into its practical strengths: battery life, the Action button, and the Modular Ultra face. I wear it nightly for sleep tracking, and charging isn't an issue thanks to faster charging and a larger display with slimmer bezels. The standout is the exclusive watch faces, especially the always-on seconds around the Modular Ultra's perimeter. Many Ultra upgrades aren't essential for me, and I could tolerate shorter battery life or no Action button on a Series model. At $799, I'm still torn about future upgrades: I love the Ultra's design and features, but I'm unsure how often a new model will justify the price unless more exclusive faces or substantial gains arrive.

Cybertruck earns IIHS Top Safety Pick+ with perfect ratings, Elon Musk celebrates

December 29, 2025, 1:48 PM EST. The Cybertruck has earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ after posting perfect scores across major crash categories, a milestone Musk calls out on X. The award underscores a shift from styling to safety credibility, aided by a rigid exoskeleton and strategic weight distribution that bolster survivability in front-overlap, side-impact, roof-strength, and other tests. Tesla's safety credibility gets a reputational boost amid scrutiny of its driver-assistance systems, while traditional truck makers face a stronger challenge to their safety leadership. Musk's concise post-Cybertruck is awesome-frames the victory as a pivot from spectacle to substance for a vehicle many once mocked, now positioned as a benchmark for modern trucks.

One Unstoppable Stock Could Join Nvidia, Alphabet, Apple, and Microsoft in the $3 Trillion Club by 2026

December 29, 2025, 1:46 PM EST. Amazon's stock could join the elite $3 trillion club by 2026, driven by the rapid growth of its cloud unit, AWS, and the profitability of its e-commerce business. AWS sits at the core of Amazon's AI strategy, offering computing capacity to developers and hosting models via Bedrock. The company designs its own AI chips, Inferentia and Trainium, with Trainium2 delivering up to 40% better price-performance. In Q3 2025, AWS revenue climbed to a record $33 billion, up 20% year over year, and a $200 billion backlog signals continued momentum. With this trajectory, Amazon could reach the $3 trillion club alongside Nvidia, Apple, Alphabet, and Microsoft.

Apple Avoids New China Chip Tariffs Until 2027

December 29, 2025, 1:40 PM EST. Apple gains relief as the latest US tariffs on Chinese semiconductors carry a zero percent rate for about 18 months, delaying any cost impact until June 23, 2027. The move preserves the regulatory framework to raise duties later while reducing near-term friction for Apple and its supply chain. While Apple designs its own A-series and M-series chips in partnership with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) in Taiwan, many China-based semiconductor components-such as power-management ICs, display drivers, and connectivity controllers-could fall under the tariff once it rises. The zero-rate acts as a delay mechanism, maintaining leverage in negotiations as Apple continues to diversify manufacturing away from China and pursue domestic investments, including its roughly $600 billion commitment to domestic manufacturing and infrastructure.

Do yearly Android updates still matter? The Pixel AI era and the shift to more frequent releases

December 29, 2025, 1:36 PM EST. The December 2025 Pixel Drop marks the fourth year of 'Quarterly Platform Releases,' hinting the old big-ticket Android update cadence may be changing. A future path could split larger pre-packaged updates into more regular x.1 style releases – a move reminiscent of Apple's approach and one Google may pursue to keep Pixel phones feeling current. Brands are pushing hardware specs less and ads increasingly spotlight AI and Gemini, while Android itself takes a backseat. The merger of the Android and Pixel teams has sped up development, but update cycles may become lighter and more frequent rather than longer, annual events. For users, value now comes from ongoing features, faster iteration, backporting where possible, and choosing devices with better support longevity.

Wells Fargo Reaffirms Apple Overweight as China iPhone Demand Surges

December 29, 2025, 1:34 PM EST. Wells Fargo reiterated an Overweight rating on Apple with a $300 target, citing accelerating iPhone demand in China. Shares traded near $273.40, valuing Apple at about $4.04 trillion. China's non-Chinese-branded phone shipments jumped 128% y/y to 6.93 million in November, boosting Apple's local market share from 10.6% to 22.4%. Chinese-brand shipments fell 13%, underscoring Apple's strength in the high end even as overall exports ease. Apple remains under regulatory scrutiny, including the Italian antitrust penalty for the App Store and Japan's new Mobile Software Competition Act. Other banks were mixed: Jefferies with a Hold and a $283.36 target; Morgan Stanley with an Overweight and a $315 target. Analysts see continued iPhone success helping Apple weather legal and financial constraints into 2026.

Apple Stock In Focus as Wells Fargo Maintains Overweight Ahead of 2026

December 29, 2025, 1:32 PM EST. Wells Fargo reiterates an Overweight rating on Apple with a $300 price target, citing stronger-than-expected iPhone traction in China. Data show non-China branded phone shipments around 6.93 million in November, up about 128% YoY, with total China mobile shipments near 30.2 million. The combined October-November share for non-China branded phones rose to ~22.4% from 10.6% a year earlier, implying improved demand for iPhones versus domestic rivals. Jefferies and Morgan Stanley have raised targets to about $283 and $315 respectively. Regulatory headwinds persist: Italy fined Apple roughly €98.6 million over App Store distribution practices; Apple adjusting iOS rules in Japan and paused rollout plans after Texas app-market law suspension. Analysts say China momentum supports the stock but watch regulatory outcomes and shipment trends into 2026.

Indie Dominance Defines 2025's Top Games as AI Sparks Debate

December 29, 2025, 1:30 PM EST. AI's rise has investors and players debating authenticity, and 2025 proves it by elevating indie games. The year spotlights small studios delivering heartfelt, human-made experiences over big-budget sameness. The top 10 begins with Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 from Sandfall Interactive, a Belle Époque RPG that blends QuickTime-like elements with turn-based combat. Other early entries include Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, where Kojima tightens balance and storytelling, and Hades 2, which reimagines the roguelike with Melinoë and new abilities. The trend shows players rewarding originality, atmosphere, and emotional stakes, suggesting indie studios may own the year's most memorable moments even as AI shadows the industry.

Satellite Deception: China Camouflages ICBM Launchers as Construction Cranes

December 29, 2025, 1:24 PM EST. China has reportedly disguised Dongfeng ICBM launchers as bright yellow construction cranes to obscure the movement and deployment of its mobile nuclear forces. The objective appears to be complicating satellite surveillance and long-distance assessments of its nuclear posture, rather than fooling ground observers. Analysts note a mismatch: Zoomlion cranes are typically green (sometimes blue), making the bright-yellow disguise less convincing up close. The effort may target aerial imagery and image-recognition systems, which rely on common construction-machine cues. At close range, the launcher remains identifiable beneath the shell, suggesting removability if needed. This aligns with China's long-standing strategy of deliberate ambiguity-revealing capabilities through controlled releases while maintaining secrecy. As with earlier camouflage efforts, careful verification of visual data is essential when assessing developments around DF-41 and related systems.

Tesla supplier trims battery contract as Cybertruck delays ripple through EV supply chain

December 29, 2025, 1:22 PM EST. A Tesla supplier, L&F, disclosed a dramatic cut to a long-term battery materials contract. The deal, originally worth 3.83 trillion won, was slashed to 9.73 million won, a ~99% reduction driven by revised supply quantity and shifting EV programs. The high-nickel cathode material was earmarked for Cybertruck batteries, but deliveries lagged as the program faced repeated postponements; some buyers pivoted to other Tesla models. Policy and macro factors, including changes to subsidies under the Inflation Reduction Act, also weighed on demand. L&F emphasized shipments to other customers remain unaffected and that broader EV markets and battery supply conditions are driving the revision, with stock movements reflecting the news.

Photonic VQE Brings Practical Quantum Computing to NISQ Devices

December 29, 2025, 1:20 PM EST. Researchers advance the variational quantum eigensolver (VQE) on photonic quantum computing platforms to tackle problems on near-term, NISQ hardware. By leveraging room-temperature operation, orbital angular momentum encoding, and integrated photonics, the work aims to estimate molecular ground states and enable applications in quantum chemistry, materials science, and drug discovery. The approach combines classical optimization with quantum subroutines, exploring error mitigation, adaptive VQE, and natural gradients. Challenges remain in scaling, preserving coherence and fidelity, and manufacturing complex quantum circuits. Progress from groups and companies like PsiQuantum and IBM Quantum signals a path toward practical quantum computation on photonic chips and quantum simulation.

Back in Alphabet: Gemini 3, custom silicon, and policy shifts reshape the AI investment thesis

December 29, 2025, 1:18 PM EST. We're starting a position in Alphabet, buying 95 shares for roughly $313, about a 0.76% portfolio weight. After exiting earlier this year, we reconsider the AI thesis: LLMs could disrupt traditional Google search, and Gemini development risked eroding share. The DOJ has pressed for limits that could affect the Chrome–Apple relationship and the Safari ecosystem. Since then, Gemini 3 has arrived, powered by custom silicon built with partners like Broadcom, opening margin upside and a potential new chips revenue stream. Courts sided with Alphabet on Chrome, keeping the Apple partnership intact as Siri evolves. While our view on AI leadership remains nuanced, the renewed setup in Alphabet offers multi-year upside as the AI stack, hardware, and policy dynamics play out.

Nvidia: Expect More Acquisitions in the AI Era

December 29, 2025, 1:16 PM EST. Nvidia's trajectory points to continued M&A activity as it fortifies its position in the AI compute stack. Beyond chips, Nvidia is expanding software, platforms, and ecosystems that attract potential targets in data-center infrastructure, networking, and edge AI tooling. A wave of acquisitions could speed product cycles, fill gaps in the CUDA-enabled software stack, and broaden Nvidia's omniverse or enterprise offerings. Investors should weigh deal timing against integration costs and antitrust/regulatory scrutiny as AI demand remains robust. The company's scale, recurring software revenue, and dominant GPU franchise create a powerful incentive to pursue strategic acquisitions that accelerate its lead in AI hardware and software. However, execution risk and competitive pressure from peers remain ongoing headwinds.

Designing Indestructible Satellites: A New Path to Reduce Space Pollution

December 29, 2025, 1:14 PM EST. Researchers at MaiaSpace, a unit of ArianeGroup, propose a shift from the conventional 'design for demise' to a 'design for non-demise' end-of-life strategy for satellites. The idea is to minimize atmospheric pollution from reentry by preventing fragmentation and enabling controlled reentry, potentially landing debris in the Pacific rather than dispersing aluminum oxide nanoparticles that harm the ozone layer. A typical satellite could produce about 66 pounds (30 kg) of aluminum oxide nanoparticles during burning, contributing to increased ozone depletion. Critics point to debris risk on Earth and higher costs because satellites must be built to survive reentry and include propulsion for precise landings, weighing environmental impact against debris risk.

OpenAI hires head of preparedness to strengthen AI safety strategy

December 29, 2025, 1:12 PM EST. OpenAI is hiring a new 'head of preparedness' to lead its safety strategy as concerns about AI misuse grow. The role, dubbed head of preparedness, will command the safety systems team and receive about $555,000 to help ensure models are responsibly developed and deployed. The hire will track risks, craft mitigation plans for frontier capabilities, and address mental health and cybersecurity concerns tied to AI. CEO Sam Altman warned the job will be stressful and demanding, stressing the need for more nuance as models advance. The move follows debates over ChatGPT's role in distressing events and calls for safety protocols for users under 18, as well as worries from policymakers that AI could enable new cyber threats. Industry voices note AI can alter risk landscapes across mental health and security.

ARK Invest Trims TSLA as It Boosts Bets on CRISPR, WeRide, Archer Aviation and Oklo

December 29, 2025, 1:10 PM EST. Cathie Wood's Ark Invest trimmed about $30 million of Tesla (TSLA) across ARKK, ARKW, and ARKQ, while boosting bets in gene-editing names like CRISPR Therapeutics (CRSP) and Pacific Biosciences (PACB). The funds added positions in Beam Therapeutics (BEAM) and Twist Bioscience (TWST). In autonomous mobility, ARKQ increased exposure to WeRide (WRD), and ARKX tilted toward Archer Aviation (ACHR) and AeroVironment (AVAV). Ark also bought Oklo (OKLO), a U.S. nuclear microreactor company focused on AI and defense computing. The moves signal a tilt toward biotech breakthroughs, space/EV mobility, and energy tech alongside ongoing TSLA trims.

Linux will be unstoppable in 2026, but one open-source legend may not survive

December 29, 2025, 12:54 PM EST. ZDNET argues that the Linux desktop will keep growing, with more distributions aimed at ex-Windows users. The era of open source security improvements continues, and AI will play a larger role in development while not rewriting the entire codebase by 2030. The article also notes Firefox is in trouble and that AI will stay at the heart of open source. However, Linux remains fragmented: over a hundred desktop environments-from KDE Plasma to GNOME and Cinnamon-compete for attention, making consolidation an ongoing topic. On the kernel side, Rust has become a normal part of core tooling after ending the Rust experiment; drivers may require Rust within about a year. Debian's decision to include Rust signals a broader shift in kernel development.

Iran launches 3 satellites to space on Russian Soyuz rocket in rideshare mission

December 29, 2025, 12:52 PM EST. Iran says it launched three Earth-observation satellites-Paya, Zafar 2, and Kowsar-into orbit on a Russian Soyuz rocket in a rideshare mission that carried dozens more satellites. State media quoted Iran's ambassador to Russia praising engineers who built the satellites 'despite sanctions and threats.' The launch from Russia's Vostochny Cosmodrome involved Roscosmos and included a UAE-based Sputnix Group satellite, plus cubesats from Russian universities and a climate/space-weather satellite for the Hydrometeorological Service. The mission underscores ongoing space cooperation despite Western sanctions tied to Iran's nuclear program and highlights the evolving policy and geopolitics of space activity between Tehran and Moscow.

Which old OnePlus phones are still worth buying? Here are your best options

December 29, 2025, 12:38 PM EST. Older OnePlus phones can still be worth considering for budget-conscious buyers, but not all models age well. The piece argues newer isn't always better: a recent flagship or a Nord can offer a smarter balance of price, performance, and support. An older OnePlus device can deliver solid power at a discount, especially if you're prepared to swap the battery and accept longer wait times for updates. OnePlus typically offers at least two OS upgrades and several years of security updates, though update cadence lags behind Samsung or Google. The main caveat is hardware aging and potential security gaps for devices older than about four years, so weigh price against expected longevity and support when shopping.

NVIDIA's AI-Dominant Position Highlighted by Bailard's Q3 Letter

December 29, 2025, 12:36 PM EST. NVDA is spotlighted as a cornerstone in Bailard's Q3 2025 Technology Strategy letter, cited for leading in accelerated computing and datacenter networking. The note credits Nvidia's unmatched developer ecosystem and rapid innovation cadence with dominance across the AI value chain. In the quarter, Nvidia posted a 1-month return of 5.90% and a 52-week gain of 38.58%, closing at $190.53 on Dec 26, 2025 and a roughly $4.639 trillion market cap. Hedge funds remained buyers, with 234 portfolios holding NVDA in Q3. In fiscal Q3 2026, Nvidia reported about $57 billion in revenue, up 62% year over year. Bailard also notes potential upside in other AI stocks with lower downside risk, and references tariffs/onshoring as tailwinds.

Mashable's 4 best phone cameras of 2025, tested and ranked

December 29, 2025, 12:34 PM EST. Mashable pits the year's top smartphones against each other to determine the best phone camera lineup of 2025. The test covers everyday snaps and challenging scenes, evaluating image quality, dynamic range, color accuracy, and performance in low light. Each contender-whether it's a flagship or a standout mid-range-gets benchmarks for detail, processing speed, and video capabilities. The article highlights how software tricks, tunings, and sensor choices shape photos more than megapixels alone. If you prioritize photography above all, these four models offer a compelling mix of versatility and consistency across day and night shots. Read on to see which phones earned Mashable's marks and why.

Rigetti Computing Stock Could Surge Through 2026 Driven by Quantum AI Progress

December 29, 2025, 12:30 PM EST. Rigetti Computing has surged in the AI-driven rally, climbing as part of the quantum computing subset of the Defiance Quantum ETF. The company builds quantum processors and cloud-accessible systems with a vertically integrated model, aiming to enable next-gen AI algorithms beyond today's GPUs. McKinsey projects quantum tech could unlock up to $2 trillion in value by the next decade, underscoring the long-term potential for Rigetti and similar quantum players. However, near-term valuation appears stretched: Rigetti trades near a lofty P/S ratio around 925, well above historical tech-bubble levels. The stock's momentum-driven gains warrant caution, as investors weigh the dream of quantum breakthroughs against execution risks and a developing industry landscape.

Nvidia's Groq deal could reshape AI inference and buoy the stock

December 29, 2025, 12:28 PM EST. Nvidia is expanding its AI toolbox with a $20 billion non-exclusive licensing deal that ties Groq assets and leadership to Nvidia. The move gives Nvidia access to Groq's inference technology and LPU architecture, aimed at high throughput and low latency for large language models, potentially sharpening Nvidia's edge against Google's TPU. Analysts say the deal could bolster Nvidia's moat in AI inference as competition intensifies. Truist's William Stein sees a TPU-like design in Groq's tech and assigns a bullish target. Some investors worry about the sustainability of such dealmaking, but supporters say the investment is modest for Nvidia given its stock rally this year. Overall, the acquisition underscores Nvidia's push to lead the AI chip race.

Tesla Could Add Apple Wallet Car Key Support, Expanding iPhone Access

December 29, 2025, 12:20 PM EST. Tesla appears to be expanding its phone-key capabilities, with code in the latest Tesla app suggesting native Apple Wallet support. Early testing may target China using Huawei's HarmonyOS, with broader iPhone and Apple compatibility likely later. Today, Tesla keys work via the iPhone and Apple Watch in the Tesla app, but native Apple CarKey integration would let users lock, start, and stop from Wallet, plus UWB, tap-to-unlock, and NFC access without the app running. Wallet can also share keys through Messages, Mail, or AirDrop, and remains usable after an iPhone dies (up to five hours). Rivian has already added Apple CarKey to the second-gen R1T/R1S; Tesla reportedly eyeing CarPlay-Bloomberg cites a possible late-year rollout. Tesla and rivals like GM/Rivian differ on CarPlay adoption.

Nvidia GTC 2026: Save the Date for March 16-19 in San Jose

December 29, 2025, 12:18 PM EST. NVIDIA is gearing up for its annual GTC AI conference in San Jose from March 16-19, 2026. The event typically unveils new products and roadmaps, with CEO Jensen Huang delivering the keynote. Past GTCs showcased the next-gen GPU line, including Blackwell Ultra and the Rubin platform, and hinted at a shift toward agentic AI that can autonomously reason and act. The conference also streams sessions online, making it a valuable resource for developers, researchers, and investors following AI trends and NVIDIA's strategy. Reviewing highlights helps stakeholders stay informed on NVIDIA's AI roadmap and product direction.

Tesla Model 3 Performance Edges Out $90K Ford Mustang Dark Horse in Near-Quarter-Mile Duel

December 29, 2025, 12:16 PM EST. Edmunds squarely pits a Tesla Model 3 Performance against a supercharged Ford Mustang Dark Horse in a prep-for-competition test. The base Model 3 runs under $60,000, while a Dark Horse with a supercharger climbs to about $90,000. On paper the Dark Horse can deliver 810 hp and 615 lb-ft, compared to the Model 3 Performance at 510 hp and 554 lb-ft. Despite carrying a heavy battery, the electric sedan is actually lighter. In a simple quarter-mile test, the Model 3 Performance rockets off the line; the Mustang claws back with top-end grunt. The result is shockingly close, underscoring the Model 3's value and the appeal of EV performance.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 40% Off in Walmart Deals of the Day

December 29, 2025, 12:14 PM EST. Grab the Samsung Galaxy Watch at up to 40% off as part of Walmart's Deals of the Day. The sale brings discounts on a range of tech, including Bluetooth speakers and external HDDs, making today a strong window for gadget shoppers. The deal highlights a last chance opportunity to save on a popular wearable, with Walmart promoting limited-time prices across its online and in-store offers. If you're shopping for fitness tracking, smartwatch features, or a compact daily driver, this is a prime time to compare models and snag a reduced price before the countdown ends.

Galaxy S26 may finally offer satellite voice calls with Exynos Modem 5410

December 29, 2025, 12:12 PM EST. Samsung aims to extend beyond emergency SOS with the Galaxy S26 by introducing satellite voice calling powered by the Exynos Modem 5410. The single chip handles both non-terrestrial networks (NTN) and 5G, supporting 3GPP Release 17 for global satellite communication. If realized, the S26 would offer true satellite voice calling rather than only emergency texts, a notable step beyond Apple's SOS feature. Samsung also touts improved power efficiency to keep calls alive longer on satellites. Key questions remain about carrier support, regional availability, and potential extra costs, but the move could redefine how phones stay connected off the grid.

Apple Eyes Return to Double-Digit Growth in Fiscal 2026 as iPhone and Services Momentum Sustains Stock Appeal

December 29, 2025, 12:08 PM EST. Apple signals a return to faster growth in fiscal 2026 after a flat period, aided by a double-digit rise in iPhone revenue and strong Services growth. In Q4 2025, revenue reached $102.5B, up 8% YoY, with Services up 15% YoY and a gross margin of 75.3% in that segment. Management guided Q1 fiscal revenue up 10-12% YoY, with iPhone sales also growing at a double-digit rate during the holiday quarter. The Services business benefits from higher-margin, recurring revenue and a growing installed base of devices. AI developments are noted as a tailwind likely to support future demand and monetization. Overall, the combination of hardware momentum, high-margin services, and a supportive horizon for AI could make the stock more appealing today.

Samsung unveils 2026 soundbars with immersive audio and smarter controls at CES 2026

December 29, 2025, 11:56 AM EST. Samsung has announced its 2026 soundbar and speaker lineup ahead of CES 2026, with more balanced and smoother audio. The flagship HW-Q990H delivers an 11.1.4-channel system-7.0.2 soundbar, two 2.0.1 satellite rear speakers, and a wireless subwoofer with two 8-inch drivers-paired with up-firing tech and AI to expand the soundstage. A new HW-QS90H "All-In-One Soundbar" uses a 7.1.2-channel setup, nine wide-range drivers, and a built-in Quad-Bass Woofer, with no separate subwoofer. The Convertible Fit design uses a gyro sensor for wall or tabletop mounting and automatic tuning. Updates to Q-Symphony allow up to five devices to connect to a Samsung TV, while the SmartThings app handles sound controls, grouping, streaming, and voice settings. Images of the new devices aren't yet released.

I switched to eSIM in 2025-and regret it: the security trade-offs of digital SIMs

December 29, 2025, 11:50 AM EST. Switching to an eSIM in 2025 brings convenience but raises real security questions. Many rely on phone numbers for SMS MFA across banking, crypto, and apps; losing access with an eSIM swap can lock you out of critical accounts. A physical SIM, by comparison, is simple and reliable. The piece argues for reducing SMS-based verification and highlights Google's Fi approach-downloadable eSIM via the app secured by your Google account-as a strong model. It advocates Authenticator apps, passkeys, and push-based access to avoid total lockouts. In the end, it questions whether the marginal battery savings or future-proofing justify the new risks and the smiley phrase "enshittification" of SIMs.

Remembering Windows 10's strengths and how Windows 11 added new annoyances

December 29, 2025, 11:48 AM EST. Windows 10 introduced a streamlined sign-in and a cleaner setup, but Windows 11 stacked new annoyances on top of old ones. The Microsoft Account sign-in-easier to sidestep in 10, yet tied to Home editions-kicked off a wave of ads for Microsoft 365 and Game Pass after install. By 22H2, internet-connected sign-ins were required for both Home and Pro, with workarounds existing but not obvious to casual users. Add a cluttered Start menu, extra wallpaper icons, busy taskbar, and a more Edge-centric app ecosystem, and setup shifts from light to supremely irritating. The takeaway: Windows 11 improves on some fronts but compounds the friction introduced by Windows 10, creating a perception that the modern Windows experience trades simplicity for services.

Japan MoD targets private-sector ISR satellite constellation worth $1.8B over five years

December 29, 2025, 11:46 AM EST. Japan's Defense Ministry will negotiate with a seven-company consortium led by Mitsubishi Electric, Sky Perfect JSat, and Mitsui & Co. to build an intelligent surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) satellite constellation that operates as a commercial business while reserving imagery for Japan's defense forces. The project is budgeted at 282.2 billion yen (about $1.81 billion) over five years, with most funding devoted to imagery purchases. The network is planned to be private-sector-owned, signaling a public-private approach to space-based sensing that supports national security while enabling commercial access.

China's Plans for Human-Like AI Could Set the Tone for Global AI Rules

December 29, 2025, 11:44 AM EST. China's cyberspace regulator released a draft proposal to regulate humanlike AI, requiring AI companies to disclose when users are interacting with a bot, at login and every two hours. The rules would require humanlike AI systems to espouse core socialist values, include guardrails to protect national security, undergo security reviews, and report new tools to local authorities. Bots designed to engage emotionally could not generate content that encourages suicide or harms mental health, and outputs related to gambling or obscene/violent material would be banned. The draft signals Beijing's ambition to nurture a AI industry while shaping global AI regulation, underscoring a contrast with the U.S. approach. The proposal is open for comment until January 25, showing policymakers are testing new privacy and safety standards for the technology.

Sony's January 2026 PlayStation Plus Shift: PS5-First Strategy and Intermittent PS4 Drops

December 29, 2025, 11:40 AM EST. Sony is reshaping PlayStation Plus by prioritizing PS5 titles across its tiers. Since 2010, the service has evolved from monthly free games to a three-tier model (Essential, Extra, Premium) tied to PlayStation Now. From January 2026, PS4 games will be offered only intermittently and may not appear in monthly drops as consistently, nudging subscribers toward upgrading to a PS5. The free games lineup is expected to shrink for the PS4 and emphasize PS5 titles via Monthly Games and Game Catalog. Existing access to already redeemed titles remains, but the emphasis is on PS5-focused offerings. Sony plans to reveal the next PS Plus free games on December 31, 2025, signaling a broader shift in the subscription's strategy and game lineup.

Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold reportedly sold at a loss amid limited production and S26 pricing pressures

December 29, 2025, 11:38 AM EST. Samsung's Galaxy Z TriFold is reportedly being sold at a loss in Korea, where the price sits around $2,440. The device is produced in small quantities and sold only in a few markets, with a notably higher UAE price of $3,260, suggesting potential cross-subsidization. Meanwhile, Samsung is grappling with Galaxy S26 pricing as memory, OLED, and camera module costs rise. The company's SoC strategy-mixing Snapdragon and in-house Exynos-could complicate margins, especially if Snapdragon chips account for about 75% of the share. If true, using more Snapdragon silicon may hinder profitability even as this first tri-fold device targets a niche audience.

ROADMEDIC Unveils Satellite IoT Smart Airbag Platform for Instant NG9-1-1 Drone First Responders at CES 2026

December 29, 2025, 11:34 AM EST. ROADMEDIC has unveiled the Satellite IoT Clearinghouse for Smart Airbags, a first-of-its-kind, automaker-supported platform that turns airbag deployments from SDVs into real-time intelligence for NG9-1-1 Drone First Responders. The solution bypasses cellular limits by transmitting crash data via satellite IoT directly into 9-1-1 RTICs, enabling automatic CAD event creation and rapid deployment of Drone First Responders. Across a crash, responders gain pre-arrival scene awareness-conditions, hazards, and severity-well before voice calls. Designed to complement existing NG9-1-1 ESInet deployments, the Clearinghouse adds a satellite-resilient intelligence layer, ensuring continuity in coverage gaps and accelerating faster, safer incident response in the SDV era.

The Digital Euro Could Prove Fatal For Apple Pay – EU Payments Shift and Apple Antitrust Pressure

December 29, 2025, 11:32 AM EST. The European Central Bank's Digital Euro could reshape EU payments, potentially reducing the role of Visa/Mastercard, Apple Pay, and Google Pay as the bloc leans toward wallet-based, fee-free digital money. The ECB notes most euro-area card transactions rely on international schemes, and many countries lack domestic schemes, underscoring a sovereignty-driven shift. Under the proposed architecture, the Digital Euro would live in dedicated wallets as unprogrammable money with set limits and no transaction fees, boosting adoption. This comes as the EU tightens rules around Apple as a gatekeeper under the DMA, pressuring the App Store, iOS, and iPadOS, while antitrust actions in the Netherlands and Switzerland mount. The combination could erode Apple's payments moat in the bloc.

Common Misunderstandings About AI in 2025: Progress, Safety, and Knowledge

December 29, 2025, 11:30 AM EST. Three persistent myths about AI in 2025 distort progress and risk misreading the trajectory. First, claims that AI progress is stalling faded after major releases like GPT-5 and Gemini 3, which showed gains from scaling and cost improvements rather than stagnation. Second, the idea that self-driving cars are inherently more dangerous than human drivers misses safety dividends seen in hundreds of millions of driverless miles, despite sensational incidents. Third, the belief that AI can't create new knowledge overlooks how models discover novel patterns and insights, including remarkable identities found during exploration. The takeaway: progress continues, safety matters, and knowledge creation remains an expanding frontier.

Tesla's 4680 program falters as L&F writes down deal by 99%

December 29, 2025, 11:26 AM EST. South Korean materials supplier L&F Co. disclosed in a regulatory filing that its $2.9 billion supply contract for high-nickel cathode materials destined for Tesla's 4680 cells has been slashed to about $7,386 – a ~99% write-down. The move underscores waning demand for Tesla's in-house cells, particularly as Cybertruck production remains far below capacity and earlier sales incentives surface. Tesla's own 4680 program has faced skepticism over scale-up due to the dry electrode process and limited applications, with the vehicle lineup anchored by a single model thus far. If there's no need for 4680 cells, there's correspondingly less incentive for suppliers. Analysts and media have flagged a potential wind-down of the ramp, challenging Elon Musk's prior promise of a $25,000 EV via the technology.

Chip sales could top $1T in 2026: Is Nvidia still the top AI play?

December 29, 2025, 11:22 AM EST. Worldwide chip sales may exceed $1T in 2026, but the panel cautions investors against betting all on one company. Nvidia is the current winner, yet the speakers say it's unlikely to stay the sole AI leader five years out. Instead, they favor a diversified approach-buying a basket of names and including hyperscalers like Alphabet-to exploit the AI cycle while reducing single-name risk. The discussion notes we're in early innings and warns against one-trick ponies such as Nvidia alone. For 2026, the emphasis shifts from tech leadership to productivity-driven gains and broader AI use cases, a trend that could help the S&P 500 broaden beyond the Mag 7. Investors should focus on AI users and productivity, not just AI producers, to capture the growth ahead.

6 Ways Creative Agencies Can Future-Proof Their Teams in the AI Era

December 29, 2025, 11:20 AM EST. Creative agencies can stay ahead as AI transforms the industry by building AI literacy across teams, hiring hybrid talent that blends creativity with data and tech, and embedding ethical AI guidelines to protect brand integrity. Invest in workflow automation to free up time for strategy and ideation, not just production. Upskill staff through continuous reskilling and training in data tools, AI-enabled workflows, and rapid prototyping. Foster a collaborative culture that combines human creativity with machine-assisted insights, adopt flexible processes to prototype ideas quickly, and partner with tech vendors to access the latest capabilities. Measuring impact with clear metrics ensures ROI and long-term resilience.

SoftBank to acquire DigitalBridge for $4B to boost AI data centers

December 29, 2025, 11:10 AM EST. SoftBank is buying data-center investor DigitalBridge for $4 billion, underscoring the global push to expand AI infrastructure. The all-cash deal values DigitalBridge at $16 per share, a 15% premium to its Dec. 26 close, and has been unanimously approved by the DigitalBridge board. SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son said the acquisition will strengthen the foundation for next-generation AI data centers and support a broader Artificial Super Intelligence platform strategy. DigitalBridge CEO Marc Ganzi said the partnership would accelerate their mission with SoftBank's capital strength, global network, and longer-term perspective. The move follows SoftBank's Nvidia stake sale to fund AI initiatives, and DigitalBridge's roughly $108 billion of assets under management highlight the scale of AI infrastructure investments.

Google Pixel 9 Hits All-Time Low in Final Clearance, Now the Cheapest Android Smartphone

December 29, 2025, 11:08 AM EST. Google's Pixel 9 lands at an all-time-low price in a final clearance, making it the cheapest Android smartphone on offer. The device sports a 6.3-inch Actua Display with 120Hz refresh, OLED clarity, and IP68 durability. Its dual rear cameras pair a 50MP main sensor with a 48MP ultra-wide, while a 10.5MP front camera handles selfies and video calls. Under the hood, a 12GB RAM setup powers the Tensor G4 and AI features like Gemini AI, plus the camera tricks Add Me, Best Take, and Magic Editor. A 4700 mAh battery, fast wired/wireless charging, and Battery Share add practical flexibility. The phone is unlocked, compatible with major US carriers, and on sale for $474 (about 41% off) from MSRP $799 on Amazon.

Rainbow Six Siege Servers Return After Marketplace Hack and Transaction Rollback

December 29, 2025, 10:58 AM EST. Ubisoft shut down Rainbow Six Siege's servers after a widespread breach that inflated in-game credits, handed out ultra-rare skins, and led to account bans. By Sunday, the official status page flagged an ongoing unplanned outage across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, as Ubisoft rolled back transactions starting Saturday at 6 AM ET. The company later announced testing on the update was complete and that the servers were reopening, with the rollback finished and the Marketplace temporarily closed. Ubisoft cautioned that extensive quality control tests would ensure account integrity, and noted no bans would apply to players who spent ill-gotten credits. A later update confirmed the servers were back online.

Teens and Chatbots: How to Reduce Risks and Protect Mental Health

December 29, 2025, 10:54 AM EST. A look at how teens are interacting with AI chatbots and why parents and clinicians say there are real risks to mental health and development. Experts warn that extended chatbot use can affect social skills and well-being as adolescents navigate rapid brain development. With 64% of youths using chatbots (per Pew) and many exposing themselves to conversations involving violence or sexual content, safeguarding is urgent. Practical steps include setting expectations, monitoring safety, discussing limits, and using resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for crisis support. Ongoing research and stronger safeguards are needed as technology evolves.

OpenAI seeks 'head of preparedness' in $555k-a-year bid to counter AI harms

December 29, 2025, 10:50 AM EST. OpenAI has launched a hunt for a head of preparedness with a $555,000 annual salary to defend against risks from increasingly capable AI. The role involves evaluating and mitigating emerging threats to human mental health, cybersecurity, and even biological weapons, and may confront the prospect of AI systems training themselves. Sam Altman says the job is to help the world, though it comes with high stress and little precedent. Industry voices warn that regulation lags behind rapid advances, with leaders like Demis Hassabis and Mustafa Suleyman emphasizing potential harms. The search underscores OpenAI's push to measure capabilities and limit downsides while pursuing the benefits of AI innovation, including equity in the company and ongoing vigilance against cyber risks and misuse.

Not Just DJI: How the FCC's Foreign Drone Rule Reshapes the Market

December 29, 2025, 10:46 AM EST. The FCC's decision to add foreign-made drones and key components to the Covered List is about more than DJI. The rule targets where a drone is designed, controlled, or manufactured, widening the policy beyond a brand ban. Under the policy, new foreign-made aircraft face tighter FCC review before authorization; existing devices aren't banned, but future imports and new models may be restricted. For operators, that changes fleet planning and the viability of DJI replacements. The SkyRover X1 illustrates how the broader language can implicate foreign-origin supply chains: filings tie hardware to Shenzhen-based SZ Knowact, and transparency gaps complicate origin-tracking. If DJI-branded models were removed, related platforms could still fall under review due to the supply chain and control origins. Lawmakers sought this broad approach to prevent a perpetual brand chase and ensure scrutiny follows the whole supply chain.

Google Photos to land on Samsung TVs in 2026 with AI-powered features

December 29, 2025, 10:34 AM EST. Google Photos is set to arrive on Samsung TVs in 2026, starting with a Memories feature for Tizen OS in March and expanding to search and generative AI tools later. The integration will let users view photos in a larger, cinematic format and weave Google Photos into the TV experience. Early access will be exclusive to Samsung for six months, before broader availability. The suite will include AI-powered features such as image generation and editing (Remix, Photo to Video), themed templates via Create with AI, and Personalized Results that build slideshows by topics like 'ocean,' 'hiking,' or 'Paris.' Sign-in with a Google account will sync photos, with other TV providers likely to follow after the exclusive period.

Samsung's Exynos 2800 could bring a custom GPU, potentially powering Galaxy S28 in 2028

December 29, 2025, 10:24 AM EST. Samsung reportedly developed a proprietary GPU architecture for its upcoming Exynos 2800, with a plan to deploy it in Galaxy S28 devices around 2028. This marks a shift away from AMD's RDNA-based GPUs that have powered recent Exynos chips since 2019. The goal is to enable stronger on-device AI capabilities and more optimized software by building a fully custom GPU tailored to Samsung's workloads. If realized, the move could extend beyond phones into wearables, infotainment, and even autonomous robotics. The report from Hankyung suggests development started around 2027, following long-running AMD collaboration, and echoes past rumors of Samsung pursuing internal GPU design to achieve tighter silicon-software integration.

Huawei Mate 80 GTS rumored cooling fan image hints at turbo cooling and camera-ring redesign

December 29, 2025, 10:22 AM EST. A speculative image circulating on Weibo shows a possible cooling fan inside the Huawei Mate 80 GTS, positioned in the circular camera bump. The render hints at an active cooling solution with a central micro fan and thin wings, aiming to boost chip performance and reduce heat during high-end gaming. Huawei reportedly pursued a patent for an internal air-duct cooling system; this new image is unofficial and unconfirmed, but tipsters suggest a turbo fan and a large 7000mAh+ battery with gaming features. Official confirmation remains pending.

AI's Green Dilemma: The Environmental Cost of Generative AI

December 29, 2025, 10:18 AM EST. AI is drawing attention not only for innovation but also for its environmental footprint. While some see AI's benefits for sustainability, critics point to job worries and potential ecological harm. Generative AI-more than legacy systems-could intensify water usage and energy demands as data centers scale. Morgan Stanley projects water cooling and electricity needs rising to about 1,068 billion liters by 2028, an 11-fold increase from 2024, driven by 8.5x growth in generative AI power. The IEA warns data-center electricity could double to about 945 TWh by 2030, with the US accounting for roughly half. Yet many experts remain hopeful that AI can boost sustainability, as seen in industries like fashion; the outlook is complex and nuanced.

Get the M3 iPad Air 5G for Less Than the Wi-Fi Model – Deals and Insights

December 29, 2025, 10:14 AM EST. Deals alert: the M3 iPad Air with 5G can cost less than Apple's Wi-Fi model, offering cellular access without paying a premium. This piece breaks down today's price vibes, what you get with the 5G version, and what to watch for when comparing to the Wi-Fi option. Veteran Apple journalist Michael Simon – who has covered Apple for 20+ years – shares what to consider: carrier plans, eSIM vs. physical SIM, storage tiers, and warranty tips. A quick read for anyone weighing a new iPad upgrade against the standard Wi-Fi option.

Windows on Arm gains momentum in 2025 as Snapdragon X chips boost performance and app support

December 29, 2025, 10:02 AM EST. 2024-2025 saw Windows on Arm mature from a decent option to a credible daily driver. The Snapdragon X family finally delivered solid performance and the best battery life on Windows laptops, with the Surface Laptop and Surface Pro highlights. While app compatibility remained the main hurdle, many titles now have native versions or run via Prism emulation, and Adobe Premiere Pro is native, with Lightroom Classic usable in emulation for light edits. Gaming improved thanks to AVX/AVX2 emulation and a growing suite of drivers, plus Epic Easy Anti-Cheat and the Xbox launcher gaining local install support. With price-conscious options and longer battery life, Windows on Arm is now a more viable choice-though some software like Ableton Live still lags and power users may prefer Intel/AMD competitors.

Tesla vs Toyota: 10-Year Total Cost of Ownership

December 29, 2025, 9:52 AM EST. An apples-to-apples look at 10-year ownership costs for EVs vs ICEs, pitting a Tesla Model 3 LR AWD against a Toyota bZ4X and the Corolla. Assumptions: 12,000 miles/year, electricity at 17.6¢/kWh, gas at $3.10/gal, AAA 2025 numbers for depreciation, maintenance, and insurance. Over 120,000 miles, the Model 3 totals about $55,714, the bZ4X about $56,662, while the Corolla runs about $52,218. The article also cites AAA's broader estimate: EVs cost about $13,692/year vs $9,956/year for ICE sedans, driven mainly by higher depreciation. The takeaway: while EVs can be close in TCO, depreciation remains the largest factor today.

Sword And Fairy 4: Remake Echoes Clair Obscur in Chinese RPG Combat

December 29, 2025, 9:48 AM EST. Chinese RPG Sword And Fairy 4: Remake just dropped an announcement trailer, and early shots suggest combat that mirrors Clair Obscur. The remake from UP software appears to place players in a Chinese fantasy setting with turn-based action and camera/UI cues that resemble Sandfall Interactive's breakout hit. Observers note perfect parries, dramatic choreography, and oversized abilities as hallmarks of the E33-inspired style. The trailer surfaced on Gematsu's YouTube channel and on bilibili, though translations are uncertain. While Sandfall Interactive didn't invent such combat, its distinctive rhythm has shaped new entrants. Whether Sword And Fairy 4: Remake will spawn an Expedition 33-like subgenre remains unclear, but its visuals have already sparked comparisons and discussions about influence and homage in modern turn-based games.

WOK's AI-Powered Blood Cell Morphology Analyzer Secures Provincial Approval for Early Disorder Screening

December 29, 2025, 9:44 AM EST. WORK Medical Technology Group (Nasdaq: WOK) said its subsidiary Hunan Saitumofei has received regulatory approval from the Hunan Provincial Medical Products Administration for a Class II AI-Automated Human Blood Cell Morphology Analyzer. The system combines a main optical imaging unit with embedded deep-learning software to perform white blood cell differentials and quantify RBC and platelet morphology. Manufacturing is slated to begin in the first half of 2026. The company says the device will boost efficiency, consistency, and accuracy in microscopic exams, while reducing manual workload and costs, and supporting early screening and quality control in hematology and oncology settings. Note: approval is provincial rather than national, a regulatory nuance to watch as the device moves toward broader adoption.

VCs predict 2026 will be the turning point for enterprise AI adoption

December 29, 2025, 9:42 AM EST. The piece notes that three years after ChatGPT's release, enterprise AI remains under-optimized: an MIT survey found 95% of firms aren't seeing meaningful ROI. TechCrunch polled 24 enterprise-focused VCs who largely foresee 2026 as the inflection point when enterprises adopt AI meaningfully, extract value, and lift budgets. Key takeaways: LLMs aren't a universal fix; firms should prioritize custom models, fine-tuning, robust observability, orchestration, and data sovereignty. Some funds expect a shift from product-centric AI firms to AI consulting that scales through workflows and forward-deployed engineers. Others cite opportunities in voice AI and in predicting infrastructure, manufacturing, and climate monitoring-signals that the physical world can become a core AI domain. Cautious optimism remains as practical deployment and governance mature.

ARC Raiders Scores #6 on Push Square's Game of the Year – An Immersive Extraction Shooter

December 29, 2025, 9:34 AM EST. ARC Raiders, Embark Studios' multiplayer extraction shooter, claims the #6 spot in Push Square's Game of the Year. The game evolved from a PvE co-op shooter into a PvPvE experience, sharpening its cinematic immersion and delivering a tense, looting-centric loop. Its post-apocalyptic setting blends brutalist architecture with nature, but the standout is the sound design, which guides players through alerts and raider calls without relying on heavy UI. The visuals complement this approach, creating a world you can inhabit. The core loop of looting and extracting balances risk and reward, with emergent gameplay making each raid feel unique. Add PvP clashes and a lively community, and ARC Raiders becomes a memorable multiplayer experience.

Apple's Detroit Developer Academy Under Scrutiny for Funding and Outcomes

December 29, 2025, 9:28 AM EST. An investigation by WIRED questions the cost and results of Apple's Developer Academy in Detroit, launched in 2021 with taxpayer funding and MSU. The tuition-free program enrolled 1,700+ students and produced about 600 graduates from a 10-month curriculum. WIRED estimates roughly $30 million spent over four years, about $20,000 per student, with Apple contributing ~$11.6M and public funds over $8.5M from Michigan taxpayers plus private philanthropy like the Gilbert Family Foundation. About 71% of graduates in the last two years moved into full-time work, though detailed employment data was not released. Experiences vary; some praise exposure to tech, others struggle with stipends and career clarity. The program has evolved, adding AI and Vision Pro work.

Top 10 Personal Gadgets of 2025: Minimalist, One-Block Designs and Retro-Influenced Tech

December 29, 2025, 9:26 AM EST. Reviewing 2025's TOP 10 personal gadgets, the list emphasizes portable, minimalist, and single-material builds. Highlights include the PP-1 turntable made from a single aluminum block with no tonearm; Teenage Engineering's Computer-2, a screw-free mini-ITX case cut from one PP sheet; Google Japan's Gboard Dial Version reimagining rotary phones as keyboards; Kodak Charmera, a keychain camera; and the fungi-based 79th Organ wearable that filters microplastics. Several entries simplify components, revive retro interfaces, or compress function into card- or body-sized forms. Overall, the collection points to a future of simpler, more personal interaction and redesigned everyday objects, where tech is direct and approachable.

5 Underrated CarPlay Apps Drivers Should Try

December 29, 2025, 9:18 AM EST. Whether you rely on CarPlay or Android Auto, sticking to the default apps can miss hidden gems. This guide highlights five underrated CarPlay apps that can improve trips-from smarter navigation and real-time parking or EV charging to weather insights. A standout is Waze, praised for its crowdsourced traffic data and strong App Store ratings (4.8 stars from about 3.1 million reviewers). The piece notes Waze sometimes outperforms Google Maps in finding faster routes and its easy integration with music apps like Spotify or Apple Music. Each app is chosen after long-term testing and solid user feedback, offering safer, more efficient ways to navigate, plan, and enjoy your drive with CarPlay.

South East NHS app adoption hits new milestone with millions of users

December 29, 2025, 9:16 AM EST. Millions in the South East are turning to the NHS app to manage health from home, with about 4.36 million users from December 2024 to November 2025, up from 3.71 million prior year. The region ranks among national leaders in digital health adoption, with a sharp rise in logins ahead of Christmas. Dr Christopher Tibbs notes the app's role in checking prescriptions, viewing test results, obtaining health advice, and managing GP appointments. Over the past year, 417,623 users booked or cancelled GP appointments (833,916 total). More than 12 million repeat prescriptions were processed digitally for 1.78 million people. NHS England South East encourages continued use this Christmas to stay well and avoid busy services.

Samsung's Intelligent Wi-Fi: Auto-switching for faster Android internet

December 29, 2025, 9:12 AM EST. Samsung phones include an AI-powered Intelligent Wi-Fi suite that helps you stay online with faster internet. In the Connections > Wi-Fi menu, you'll find two key options: Switch to mobile data and Switch to better Wi-Fi networks. The former detects a slow or unstable Wi-Fi link and automatically switches to mobile data, then reverts when the Wi-Fi stabilizes. The latter compares available networks and, when you turn off your screen, will switch to the faster saved network without reconnecting to password-protected networks you haven't stored. An internal Connectivity Labs feature mirrors the spirit of Developer Options by letting you adjust advanced Wi-Fi settings.

Nvidia Takes 4% Stake in Intel With $5 Billion Private Placement

December 29, 2025, 9:10 AM EST. Nvidia Corporation completed its $5 billion purchase of Intel shares in a private placement, acquiring roughly 214.7 million newly issued shares and securing about a 4% stake. The deal, first announced in September and now closed, provides Intel with fresh cash to fund chip manufacturing and AI development, while expanding Nvidia's influence beyond traditional suppliers. The partnership enables deeper CPU-GPU integration for data centers and PCs, with early previews suggesting a Serpent Lake laptop chip combining Intel CPUs with Nvidia GPUs. Analysts see the move as broadening Nvidia's reach in AI deployment and giving Intel more flexibility in its AI chip strategy.

Lights, Camera, Algorithm: AI reshapes Indian cinema with caution

December 29, 2025, 8:46 AM EST. Indian cinema is experimenting with AI across restoration, effects, and storytelling. Aniket Bera at Purdue demonstrates how AI can restore a fragment from 1899 while preserving mood, but cautions that AI often "hallucinates" details and can alter symbolism, requiring meticulous human review to avoid rewriting history. Filmmaker Mukherji uses AI to realize vision-casting deceased actors and recreating voices in Oti Uttam-yet stresses heavy reliance on human input for scripts, archives, permissions, and vetting. The conversation underscores evolving regulation and ethics around AI in film, urging optimism: tame, master, and harness it as a creativity aid rather than a threat. Others, like Chandu, are turning classroom lessons into practice, with modules comparing films made with ChatGPT and other AI video tools against traditional techniques.

Elizabeth Lopatto hosts The Verge AMA on tech, policy, business and culture

December 29, 2025, 8:44 AM EST. Elizabeth Lopatto, Verge reporter since 2014, invites readers to an AMA about tech, policy, business, and media culture. Lopatto covers tech money and human behavior, serves as our business reporter, media critic, and even analyzes Elon Musk. She also writes about pop culture, policy, and legal issues, and sometimes reviews outdoorsy tech. The post notes the holiday timing and says the AMA begins at 1 PM ET. Subscribers can ask questions; others are told to wait their turn.

SpaceX to Launch Falcon 9 from Florida with 29 Starlink Satellites

December 29, 2025, 8:40 AM EST. SpaceX is set to launch a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral to deploy 29 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit. The launch window runs from midnight Friday to 3:17 a.m. Saturday. After stage separation, the first-stage booster will attempt a landing on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship in the Atlantic. If successful, the mission will advance SpaceX's ongoing Starlink constellation expansion and booster reuse goals. Stay tuned for updates as the countdown progresses.

AI Tackles Return Fraud as Holiday Returns Surge

December 29, 2025, 8:32 AM EST. AI-powered tools are helping curb return fraud in US retail as refunds surge during the holidays. Happy Returns, a UPS-owned provider of boxless in-store returns, is testing an AI-driven flagging system and audit process to catch mismatches before refunds are issued. Industry data suggests nearly 9% of U.S. returns are fraudulent, contributing toward billions in losses (roughly $76.5 billion annually). In-person verification, continuous AI flagging, and audits at thousands of drop-off points help keep fraud under control. With retailers handling around $850 billion in returns in 2025-about 16% of sales-the ability to detect fraud early could stabilize costs and protect margins while maintaining a convenient, boxless return experience across stores like Ulta Beauty and Staples.

Israelis spend more on premium smartphones as iPhone 16 leads sales

December 29, 2025, 8:30 AM EST. New data shows Israelis are paying above the European average for new smartphones, yet a growing share of buyers still chase premium models. The iPhone 16 leads sales, with the Galaxy S25 Ultra a close second, signaling continued demand for flagship devices. However, the gap with mid-range handsets is narrowing as buyers weigh price versus features, suggesting a more price-sensitive segment is expanding. Carriers and retailers may respond with financing options and bundles to sustain premium mix, while manufacturers could intensify camera and AI features to justify higher price points in a crowded market.

Drone Photography Wrapped 2025: Top Drones, Jaw-Dropping Shots, and Market Shifts

December 29, 2025, 8:28 AM EST. Happy holidays to readers and welcome to Drone Photography Wrapped 2025. This year saw DJI push the envelope with the DJI Flip for beginners, the DJI Mini 5 Pro delivering a larger sensor and improved obstacle avoidance, and the DJI Mavic 4 Pro offering 100MP Hasselblad stills and 6K/30fps video for professionals. A new 360-degree option from Insta360's Antigravity joined the lineup, expanding aerial creative possibilities. The writer tests every drone released in 2025, sharing standout footage and practical insights on portability, performance, and price. Note the year also brought regulatory drama in the U.S. with the FCC's drone-import ban announced in December 2025, shaping how enthusiasts explore the skies. Truly a landmark year for aerial photography and videography.

New Smartphone? Essential Data-Transfer Tips to Move Everything

December 29, 2025, 8:26 AM EST. Upgrading to a new smartphone means safeguarding photos, messages, apps, passwords, and settings. First, confirm a recent backup on iCloud (iPhone) or Google (Android) and make a manual backup as insurance. During setup, use the direct phone-to-phone transfer for speed and completeness, vs. cloud restores. If transfers stall or miss data, wipe the new device and perform a manual restore from backup. After setup, verify texts, call history, notes, calendars, reminders, and voicemail, and that email accounts are syncing. Reinstall and sign in to key apps-especially banking, travel, health, smart-home, and work apps-being ready to re-enter passwords or complete two-factor authentication. This approach minimizes surprises and protects your security.

Apple's 2026 Smart Home Push: 4 Rumored Devices Signal Major Expansion

December 29, 2025, 8:24 AM EST. Apple's smart home strategy has lagged behind rivals, but 2026 could change that with several new devices-and at least two new categories. The standout is the HomePad, an iPad-like home hub with a 7-inch touchscreen and the A18 chip, merging HomeKit, Matter, and Thread control with advanced Siri features. A multiuser FaceTime-ready TrueDepth camera could follow, enabling dynamic, room-aware content and visuals. Expect Siri-led experiences tied to iOS 26.4 in spring. Apple is also rumored to ship a HomeKit-enabled security camera with multiple sensors that can detect alarms and capture photos. Together, these devices signal a major Apple smart home push beyond the current HomePod and Apple TV footprint.

Nvidia slides in premarket as traders eye Fed minutes and Groq deal impact on AI inference

December 29, 2025, 8:22 AM EST. Premarket Nvidia shares fell about 1.1% as futures eased while traders awaited the Fed minutes and weekly jobless claims in a thin holiday week. The company's Groq-licensing move shifts focus from training to inference-a key battleground for cost and speed in large models-and reinforces Nvidia as a leading AI stock proxy. Analysts flag potential antitrust risk in deal structure even as reports linked Nvidia to a standalone Groq acquisition. Nvidia faces stiffer inference competition from traditional rivals and startups like Groq and Cerebras. Broader tech moves followed a December rally led by demand for semiconductors, with eyes on a possible Santa Claus rally in year-end trading.

Quantum Computing in Financial Services Market to Reach USD 6.3 Billion by 2032 as Banks Move to Quantum Advantage

December 29, 2025, 8:10 AM EST. The Quantum Computing in Financial Services market is moving from experimental pilots to production-grade use cases. DataM Intelligence projects the market growing from USD 0.3 billion in 2024 to USD 6.3 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 46.5% from 2025-2032. Institutions are leveraging quantum computing for risk modeling, portfolio optimization, fraud detection, and cryptography, signaling a strategic inflection point. By 2030, quantum computing will be viewed as a competitive differentiator rather than a future technology, separating banks that can process complex data at scale from those limited by classical systems. The shift pushes quantum-enabled risk management and cybersecurity into long-term roadmaps, with software (~44%) and services (~36%) driving growth through algorithms, hybrid platforms, and cloud access.

Overreliance on AI could quietly damage confidence and career prospects, warns think tank CEO

December 29, 2025, 8:08 AM EST. A think tank CEO warns that leaning too heavily on AI can erode personal confidence and undermine career prospects. While AI boosts productivity, it may dull decision-making, dampen curiosity, and weaken core skills like problem-solving and communication. The warning urges professionals to balance automation with human judgment, invest in upskilling, and maintain critical thinking. To stay marketable, workers should cultivate domain expertise, ethical awareness, and collaboration with AI tools, not rely on them as a substitute. Organizations should foster a culture that uses AI as an assistant rather than a crutch, emphasize continual learning, and set guardrails that protect professional growth and resilience.

Apple Supplier Targeted in Cyberattack Prompts Cybersecurity Review

December 29, 2025, 8:06 AM EST. One of Apple's Chinese assemblers was hit by a significant cyberattack earlier this month, per DigiTimes. The incident may have exposed sensitive production-line information and manufacturing data linked to Apple, though the full scope and operational impact remain unclear. The targeted company has not been disclosed, and officials say the issue has been addressed while internal evaluations determine whether data loss or disruptions occurred. Apple typically conducts internal risk assessments to judge the severity, data exposed, and whether remediation by the supplier was sufficient. Production-order decisions are usually based on those findings rather than automatic responses, given supply-chain complexity. Companies generally require suppliers to bolster cybersecurity and tighten internal controls instead of immediately reallocating production.

2025 in Review: How the U.S. Military Put AI to Work

December 29, 2025, 7:52 AM EST. 2025 saw the U.S. military treat AI as a daily tool, compressing data-to-action cycles across four lanes: decision support, intel and awareness, maintenance and logistics, and training. The Pentagon's AI Rapid Capabilities Cell pushed rapid adoption, with the Army moving AI to the tactical edge-highlighted by a $98.9 million TurbineOne contract for on-device processing in jammed environments. Predictive logistics began shifting sustainment from reactive to proactive, while readiness and maintenance gained speed through data-driven forecasting. The Navy advanced undersea capability with the USS Massachusetts and navigated disputes over repair timelines and access to technical data. Across services, the goal remained speed and clarity: faster planning, better issue detection, and trained operators who question AI output rather than accept it uncritically.

Nvidia Buys $5 Billion Intel Stake Under September Agreement

December 29, 2025, 7:50 AM EST. Nvidia has purchased about 214.7 million shares of Intel for $5 billion under the September agreement, in a private placement at $23.28 per share. The move provides a financial lifeline for Intel after years of capital-intensive expansion. U.S. antitrust agencies had cleared the investment, per a FTC notice in December. Nvidia's stock fell about 1.3% in premarket trading, while Intel shares were little changed.

Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 vs Exynos 2600: Which powers the 2026 Galaxy S26 flagships?

December 29, 2025, 7:48 AM EST. 2026 looks set to shake up smartphone chip wars as the Galaxy S26 reportedly ships with two regional processors: the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and the Exynos 2600. Historically, Exynos has trailed Qualcomm, but Samsung touts the Exynos 2600 as the world's first 2nm smartphone chipset with notable gains in performance, efficiency, and thermal behavior. Qualcomm counters with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, announced at Snapdragon Summit 2025, promising strong CPU and AI prowess. A quick comparison of manufacturing process (3nm TSMC vs 2nm Samsung Foundry) and CPU architecture (3rd-gen Oryon 8-core vs 10-core Arm v9.3) frames which chip may lead in different regions for the Galaxy S26.

AST SpaceMobile eyes on-orbit progress as BlueBird 6 timeline tightens

December 29, 2025, 7:46 AM EST. AST SpaceMobile (ASTS.O) shares declined as the company's COO indicated the BlueBird 6 satellite will begin operations in the coming weeks, signaling momentum for the planned direct-to-cell network. The Dec. 23 launch from India's Satish Dhawan Space Centre positioned BlueBird 6 as the largest commercial communications array in low Earth orbit, with a 2,400-square-foot array designed to deliver 4G/5G broadband to standard smartphones at up to 120 Mbps. Management reiterated 2026 targets: 45-60 satellites and roughly five launches by the end of Q1 2026. AST has partnerships with more than 50 mobile operators, including AT&T, Verizon and Vodafone. Traders will monitor on-orbit checkout, deployment progress, the cadence of subsequent launches, and the upcoming earnings window.

China hits 90 orbital launches in 2025 as Guowang expands and Fengyun-4C heads to GEO

December 29, 2025, 7:42 AM EST. China capped 2025 with 90 orbital launches as its Long March cadence pushes the Guowang broadband megaconstellation toward a 13,000-satellite target and the weather-science Fengyun-4C toward GEO. A Long March 8A mission from Hainan deployed the 17th group of Guowang satellites, bringing the total to 136 in orbit toward the 2027 target of 400. The launcher features a redesigned second stage and larger fairing, enabling heavier payloads. In the follow-on mission, a Long March 3B from Xichang placed Fengyun-4C into geosynchronous transfer orbit, for short-term weather forecasting and space weather monitoring, and showcasing an electric thruster on a stick for station-keeping. The launches underscore China's growing commercial space infrastructure, including new pads at Hainan and expanded support at Xichang.

KTR2 Aims to Shake Up the $100-$200 Handheld Market with New Specs and Prices

December 29, 2025, 7:40 AM EST. KT Pocket's KTR2 is official as pre-sales go live in China, signaling a shift from the KTR1S. The device arrives in four configurations (6GB/128GB, 8GB/256GB with Wi-Fi, and 8GB/256GB or 12GB/512GB with 4G) with a tiered price ladder in yuan. Highlights include a magnesium alloy chassis, Wi-Fi/4G connectivity, and presumed active cooling for better thermals. The KTR2 is rumored to use the MediaTek Dimensity 7300, potentially making it the first handheld to ship with this chip. The price points target the $100-$200 segment against rivals like the MANGMI Air X, Retroid Pocket G2, and AYANEO Pocket Air Mini. International availability remains to be seen, but KT Pocket is aiming to carve out market share in this competitive space.

DJI May Exit U.S. Shelves: Can Skyrover X1 Stand In for the Mini 4 Pro?

December 29, 2025, 7:38 AM EST. An uneasy video by David Manning spotlights the Skyrover X1 as a potential stand-in for the Mini 4 Pro if DJI exits the U.S. market. The review frames two sub-249 g drones with 4K 60p and high-res stills, with the X1 billed as 'almost the same drone' under a different brand. The focus is real-world workflow: vertical mode, app feel, and waypoints, rather than pure specs. Manning warns that range is where alternatives falter, describing 'shockingly far' reach and practical flight around 25-28 minutes versus marketing numbers. He notes the advantage of a screen controller (like the DJI RC 2) over a phone clamp and that D-Log M on the Mini 4 Pro can grade better. Price points run from about $750 for a Mini 4 Pro kit to $1,250-$1,300 in bundles.

KTR2 Could Shake Up the $100-$200 Handheld Market

December 29, 2025, 7:36 AM EST. KT Pocket's KTR2 is entering pre-sale in China and appears to pivot from the KTR1S as the company's next mid-range handheld. The lineup spans four configurations from 6GB/128GB to 12GB/512GB, with launch, pre-sale, and retail prices ranging roughly from ¥999 (~$142) to ¥1999 (~$284). Key specs include a magnesium alloy chassis, optional 4G, built-in Wi-Fi, and active cooling for heat dissipation. If rumor holds, the device runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 7300, potentially making it the first handheld to use this chip from 2024. The KTR2 enters a crowded $100-$200 market that already includes the MANGMI Air X, Retroid Pocket G2, and AYANEO Pocket Air Mini, with international availability to follow.

ASML: The AI Chipmaking Monopoly to Buy on Dips and Hold

December 29, 2025, 7:34 AM EST. ASML stands out as a critical enabler of AI hardware, with its EUV lithography machines at the heart of leading processors from Nvidia and AMD and the capacity to power high-volume chip production for foundries like TSMC. The company's extraordinary free cash flow and robust margins underscore its long-term value, reinforcing a thesis to own ASML on pullbacks. With a true monopoly in EUV technology, ASML enjoys a durable competitive edge as the AI boom drives demand for ever-smaller, more capable chips. While investors should monitor cyclical demand and capex cycles, the most compelling case is that ASML provides scalable exposure to AI infrastructure via a single, essential equipment leader. In short: buy on dips, and consider a long-term hold.

ASML Stock: A Must-Own AI Chip Infrastructure Play on Every Dip

December 29, 2025, 7:32 AM EST. ASML stands out as a rare, essential player in AI infrastructure thanks to its EUV lithography machines, the tool that enables cutting-edge chips. The article argues ASML's unique position-being the only supplier of EUV tech-gives it a durable competitive edge for AI chipmakers like Nvidia and AMD and foundries such as TSMC and Intel. It highlights robust fundamentals, including strong free cash flow in 2023-2024 (~$6.9-$7B) and superior margins, positioning ASML as a long-term hold as AI demand grows. The author plans to buy on dips, treating ASML as a strategic, repeatable exposure to AI hardware supply chains. Overall, ASML's monopoly in EUV lithography and cash-generating prowess make it a compelling AI stock to own on pullbacks.

North Carolina Wins $300M BEAD Funding to Expand High-Speed Internet Under Gov. Stein

December 29, 2025, 7:30 AM EST. North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein secured more than $300 million in funding approved by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration under the BEAD program to expand high-speed internet across the state. The initiative aims to deliver reliable service to more than 93,000 homes and businesses and narrow long-standing connectivity gaps. Separately, the state is leveraging $670 million in ARPA dollars to connect over 250,000 homes and businesses by the end of 2026, part of a broader technology push. Officials expect the new projects to begin rolling out by mid-2026, expanding broadband access as part of North Carolina's ongoing digital infrastructure goals.

North Carolina Gov. Stein Secures $300M to Expand High-Speed Internet

December 29, 2025, 7:28 AM EST. North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein has secured more than $300 million in funding to expand high-speed internet access across the state. The grant, approved by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration under the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program, will connect more than 93,000 homes and businesses. The effort builds on the state's existing initiative to reach over 250,000 homes and businesses by the end of 2026, using $670 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Projects are slated to begin by mid-2026 as part of a broader technology strategy to close connectivity gaps in North Carolina.

DJI Could Vanish From U.S. Shelves – Is the Skyrover X1 a Viable Mini 4 Pro Stand-In?

December 29, 2025, 7:24 AM EST. Drone videographers face a looming shift in U.S. availability as DJI's Mini 4 Pro faces shelf space uncertainty. A new contender, the Skyrover X1, is pitched as an almost-identical replacement, echoing the Mini 4 Pro's weight, 4K60p video, and high-res stills. In a real-world test by David Manning, X1 mirrors the Mini 4 Pro's vertical mode, app layout, and even feature set like waypoints and D-Log M, while the older Skyrover S1 and DJI Air 3S provide context. The video stresses practical tradeoffs: genuine range, battery life around 25-28 minutes, and the pain points of swapping to a screen controller (DJI RC 2). Pricing ranges from about $750 for a Mini 4 Pro bundle to $1,250-$1,300 in higher kits. The verdict hinges on whether legality and availability trump familiarity and workflow.

Iran-Russia Satellite Launch Triggers Global Tech and Geopolitics Dialogue

December 29, 2025, 7:22 AM EST. Three Iranian satellites were deployed into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) from Russia's Vostochny Cosmodrome aboard a Soyuz rocket, signaling more than a technical milestone. Global outlets spotlight civilian aims in environmental monitoring and agriculture, with Bloomberg and others focusing on mission function. Regional media emphasize security and political implications, underscoring the evolving Russo-Iranian alliance and Iran's expanding domestic tech footprint. NDTV provides a hardware breakdown-Paya, Zafar-2, and Kowsar-at about 500 km altitude, noting Paya as Iran's most advanced imaging satellite for high-precision mapping. The event highlights Iran's space ambitions and its ability to engage in international partnerships, reinforcing its growing presence in the global tech landscape.

Iran's Satellite Launch from Russia: Technological Milestone and Geopolitical Signals

December 29, 2025, 7:20 AM EST. Three Iranian satellites-Paya, Zafar-2, and Kowsar-were deployed into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) from Russia's Vostochny Cosmodrome via a Soyuz rocket, signaling a tech milestone and geopolitical message. The mission highlights Iran's civilian space ambitions, with payloads for environmental monitoring and agriculture. Analysts frame the launch within a growing Russo-Iranian alliance and its regional security implications, noting resilience under sanctions and an expanding space footprint. Coverage from Bloomberg, NDTV, Newsday, and regional outlets emphasizes both the hardware and the broader political context, suggesting Iran's tech prowess is advancing on the global stage through international scientific partnerships.

Skyrover X1 vs DJI Mini 4 Pro: Pro-Level Specs At Nearly Half The Price

December 29, 2025, 7:04 AM EST. After eight weeks of testing, Shawn from Air Photography calls the SkyRover X1 an excellent choice for beginners or pros needing a sub-250g drone for restricted areas. It delivers Mini 4 Pro-equivalent specs, including 360° obstacle avoidance, a 1/1.3-inch sensor, and 4K/100fps video, at a list price about $470 less than DJI's Mini 4 Pro Fly More Combo. The SkyRover X1 is currently around $629 on Amazon, versus DJI Mini 4 Pro Fly More Combo at $1,099+ (when available). With DJI inventory tight, the X1 offers immediate access to flagship-level safety and performance via Amazon Prime. The model targets both beginners and professionals seeking top-tier features in a compact, sub-250g package.

Samsung One UI 8.5 Brings Perplexity AI to Bixby; Tablet Updates in Testing for Galaxy Tab S11 and Tab S10 FE

December 29, 2025, 6:58 AM EST. Samsung is testing One UI 8.5 for the Galaxy Tab S11 and Tab S10 FE, with internal builds ending in AYL6 and BYL3. A stable update is expected in Q2 next year as testing reaches key milestones. Samsung has scheduled an Unpacked event for February 2026 to unveil the Galaxy S26 series with official One UI 8.5, with sales in early March. Tablets appear to keep the same alphabet as One UI 8.0, while phone builds may differ. One UI 8.5, built on Android 16, promises UI tweaks, dynamic colors, redesigned apps with extended screen view, and the addition of Perplexity AI to Bixby.

Factorial Energy to go public in $1.1B SPAC deal after 745-mile solid-state battery test

December 29, 2025, 6:54 AM EST. Factorial Energy, a US-based solid-state battery developer, plans to merge with Cartesian Growth Corporation III to list on the Nasdaq as FAC in mid-2026. The deal values the company at about $1.1 billion, with roughly $100 million for growth. The partnership aims to accelerate factories and production for real cars. Partners like Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, and Hyundai Motor expect to use the technology in future EVs, with first implementations possibly in 2027 in premium models. In September, a modified Mercedes-Benz EQS using Factorial's cells drove over 745 miles on public roads without a recharge. While the tests show real-world promise, mass production of solid-state batteries remains challenging.

Honda to take full control of Ohio EV battery plant in $2.9B deal

December 29, 2025, 6:52 AM EST. Honda Motor Co. is acquiring full ownership of the Ohio battery facility from LG Energy Solution in a deal worth about $2.9 billion. The plant near Jeffersonville was originally a Honda-LG joint venture intended to create a major U.S. battery hub with an annual capacity of 40 GWh. Mass production has been delayed to 2026. Under the agreement, Honda buys the buildings and assets while the JV continues to operate the site under a lease; closing is expected by February 2026. The move signals a deeper commitment to electrification, enabling Honda to better align battery output with its upcoming EV architecture and 0 Series models. LG says the sale improves efficiency amid a shifting U.S. EV market.

Ford stock near 52-week high as battery-deal fallout tests its EV pivot

December 29, 2025, 6:50 AM EST. Ford Motor Co. is navigating an EV demand slowdown after LG Energy Solution canceled key battery orders and Ford halted a $6.5 billion supply deal. The company booked a $19.5 billion writedown and is scrapping several battery programs, pivoting toward gasoline and hybrid models. It will replace the fully electric F-150 Lightning with an extended-range version and foresee writedown impacts through 2027. Investors will watch the 2026 outlook and the cash impact of these moves as policy support for EVs tightens. The shift highlights a broader recalibration of the EV supply chain and Ford's response to demand shifts.

SoftBank launches AI computing platform with Nvidia GB200 NVL72 to boost Japan's AI infrastructure and Sarashina LLM

December 29, 2025, 6:36 AM EST. SoftBank has launched an AI computing platform powered by Nvidia's GB200 NVL72 GPUs, marking a major upgrade to Japan's domestic AI infrastructure. The platform will provide dedicated GPU-powered computing resources to customers and support the development and commercialization of SoftBank's Japanese LLM, 'Sarashina'. The Nvidia collaboration will boost training and inference performance and help position Japan at the forefront of enterprise AI deployments. This move underscores SoftBank's effort to scale local AI capabilities and offer turnkey solutions for businesses seeking advanced AI workloads.

AI Emergencies: Why Global Preparedness Is the Missing Half of AI Governance

December 29, 2025, 6:34 AM EST. An AI crisis could ripple across borders through outages, misdirection of payments, or faulty emergency broadcasts. The article argues that while guardrails exist (EU AI Act, NIST risk framework, G7 processes), the missing half of AI governance is preparedness and response: deciding when an incident is an international emergency, communicating with the public, and maintaining cross-border channels when normal lines are compromised. It cites existing models like the International Health Regulations and nuclear accident treaties as templates for pre-agreed triggers, named coordinators, and rapid, structured communication. The goal is to establish AI emergency response plans before catastrophe, using shared definitions and fast contact points to preserve trust and minimize social panic.

iPhone Fold Leak: Prosser Reveals Foldable iPhone Concept With Crease-Less Screen

December 29, 2025, 6:22 AM EST. New leaks from renowned Apple leaker Jon Prosser (fpt.) tease an iPhone Fold that converts into a tablet-sized device. The renders show the phone folding to about 5.5 inches, while unfolding yields a 7.8-inch OLED screen-in the vicinity of an iPad Mini in size. At 9 mm thick when folded, the design aims to compensate for a camera bump that would otherwise push thickness higher. Rumored pricing sits between $2000-$2500, which would make it the most expensive iPhone to date. Prosser's history with Apple leaks, including a prior lawsuit over iOS details, adds some credibility, and The Elec has echoed related iPhone 17e chatter. Are you excited for a crease-less future of foldable smartphones?

Samsung to Bring Google Photos to AI TV Lineup, Elevating Memory Moments on the Big Screen

December 29, 2025, 6:20 AM EST. Samsung Electronics is planning to bring Google Photos to Samsung TVs, offering a seamless way to relive trips, hobbies, and everyday memories on a larger screen. The integration will surface memories via Daily+ and Daily Board, with sign-in using a Google Account. The initiative ties into Samsung's Vision AI Companion (VAC) to enrich photo-driven experiences. Three features are highlighted: Memories (exclusive on Samsung TVs for six months from early 2026), Create with AI (late 2026), powered by Nano Banana and Google DeepMind for image generation and edits, including Remix and Photo to Video. Personalized Results (late 2026) will offer slideshows based on themes. The goal is a cinematic gallery that turns personal libraries into living memories on the living room screen.

Russia's Space-Based Missile Early-Warning Network May Shrink to One Tundra Satellite by End-2025

December 29, 2025, 6:16 AM EST. Russia's space-based missile early-warning constellation could be reduced to a single functioning Tundra satellite by the end of 2025, according to the Russian Strategic Nuclear Forces blog citing publicly tracked orbits. Cosmos-2541 has shown no routine orbit-correction since March 2025, while Cosmos-2563 appears to have failed after its last maneuver in July 2025. Cosmos-2552 remains the only craft with signs of stability, though it had not performed a late-2025 orbit correction as patterns previously indicated. The Tundra satellites are part of the EKS/Kupol system, using infrared sensors in highly elliptical orbits to detect ballistic launches and feed data into Russia's broader warning architecture alongside ground-based radars.

China's Lisuan G100 GPUs Begin Shipping, Closer to Retail as Domestic NVIDIA/AMD Challenger

December 29, 2025, 6:00 AM EST. China's Lisuan has started shipping its G100 GPUs, signaling that domestic retail could be near. Initial shipments target professional workloads and 'digital twin' applications, with consumer SKUs likely to follow. The 7G106 variant features 12 GB of GDDR6 memory on a 192-bit bus, PCIe 4.0 x16, 192 TMUs, 96 ROPs, and a 225W TDP, built on TSMC N6. Lisuan touts an in-house stack, including an NRSS upscaler, and hints at possible Windows on ARM support, which could let ARM-based SoCs tap into strong graphics performance-an edge vs NVIDIA/AMD. Mass production reportedly began in September 2025, with retail launch rumors targeting Q1 2026; for now, shipments focus on enterprise/digital twin deployments.

2025's AI Slop Goes Mainstream: Is the Internet Ready to Grow Up?

December 29, 2025, 5:48 AM EST. In 2025, AI slop surged across search, shopping, and even official channels as low-quality, AI-generated content dominated the web. Meltwater data shows mentions rising ninefold from 2024, with negative sentiment peaking in October. Graphite estimates AI-generated content now comprises over half of English-language output, while Merriam-Webster named it Word of the Year. Industry voices warn that hype fuels tech-led design, hurting UX when AI is added for its own sake. Case studies include Meta's AI search on Instagram and the Humane AI Pin drawing sharp backlash. Looking to 2026, the focus shifts to meaningful AI use cases, rebuilding trust, and ensuring the internet grows up with reliability and quality.

Nvidia eyes LPU stacking on Feynman GPUs to boost inference

December 29, 2025, 5:46 AM EST. Industry chatter suggests Nvidia is lining up Feynman GPUs to dominate inference by porting LPU units through a Groq IP licensing deal. The idea would use TSMC hybrid bonding to stack LPU dies with the main compute die, placing SRAM close to compute for lower latency. A central Feynman die on a sub-2nm node (around A16, ~1.6nm) would handle tensor blocks and control logic, while separate LPU dies carry SRAM banks. Wider bonding and high-density interconnects could improve bandwidth and energy per bit, but stacking raises thermal and reliability concerns. Then there's the software hurdle: CUDA favors abstraction, whereas LPU-style execution pushes explicit memory placement and determinism, complicating a mixed LPU-GPU workflow.

Cloud Computing and Real Estate App Performance in 2026

December 29, 2025, 5:44 AM EST. Cloud computing is a strategic foundation for modern real estate apps, enabling cloud-native architectures that leverage elasticity, automation, and distributed systems. By 2026, CDNs and auto-scaling deliver faster load times, real-time updates, and smoother virtual tours, even during surges. The model supports scalability for growing platforms and regional expansion, while cloud-based analytics unlock personalized recommendations and market insights from vast property data. The result is improved performance, reliability, and secure transactions-keys to competitive advantage in a data-driven real estate market.

Jared Isaacman Named NASA Administrator Amid SpaceX Ties and Musk Influence

December 29, 2025, 5:34 AM EST. This piece traces Jared Isaacman's rise to NASA administrator amid SpaceX ties and perceived Musk influence. It covers Isaacman's background as founder of Shift4 Payments, his aviation ventures, and his all-civilian missions, including Inspiration4 and Polaris Dawn aboard SpaceX spacecraft that boosted his reputation. It also notes his Jewish heritage and New Jersey roots. The article argues that Musk's political leverage and the Trump-SpaceX dynamic helped accelerate Isaacman's appointment, while characterizing the era's government contracting culture as corrupted and driven by private interests over public service.

DIY Apple Watch: Man builds a functioning smartwatch in Shenzhen in one week

December 29, 2025, 5:32 AM EST. In a bold DIY challenge, YouTube creator Strange Parts travels to Shenzhen, the world's electronics hub, to build a working Apple Watch in one week. He partners with Nest Works to reverse-engineer the device, sourcing a casing, battery, screen, and a usable logic board. With 3D printing and precision machining, the frame and band take shape, then the team ships the shell home to continue. Back in the US, an iFixit-guided reassembly delivers a nearly authentic smartwatch experience, including a functioning heart rate monitor and apps that mirror the store version. The project is framed as a stepping stone toward future modifications and new materials, hinting at what could come next in wearable tech.

Investors know about the AI bubble, but they're buying AI stocks anyway

December 29, 2025, 5:28 AM EST. Investors acknowledge the AI stock market bubble yet remain bullish on AI names. A Motley Fool survey shows 93% of investors with AI stocks plan to hold or increase positions over the next year, while just 7% anticipate reductions. The craze centers on the Magnificent Seven – Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Nvidia, Tesla – whose gains outpaced the S&P 500 and fed talk of overvaluation. Still, the market shows a high CAPE ratio and widespread sentiment that AI is transformative, not merely a fad. Some observers warn valuations are stretched, but investors say AI is a transformative technology with durable upside, so they press on despite bubble talk.

Why Nvidia Is the Clearer Stock to Buy for 2026 vs Palantir

December 29, 2025, 5:16 AM EST. NVIDIA and Palantir both delivered strong 2025 momentum, but NVIDIA appears the more compelling pick for 2026. Nvidia posted solid Q3 revenue growth and shows stronger quarter-over-quarter guidance than Palantir, whose growth is impressive yet more exposed to U.S. government contracts. Nvidia trades at a higher price but a lower PEG ratio (about 0.72) and a robust multi-year AI growth trajectory, whereas Palantir depends more on government revenue. The valuation gap suggests Nvidia is the clearer long-term bet, even if Palantir's near-term momentum remains robust. Investors should weigh scale, AI backbone, and earnings trajectory when choosing between them for 2026.

Nvidia hits $5 trillion: who will be next to reach a $5T market cap?

December 29, 2025, 5:14 AM EST. 2025 marked a milestone year for mega-cap valuations as $1T, $2T, and higher became common. Nvidia became the first publicly traded company to surpass a $5 trillion market cap in October 2025, fueled by its central role in powering AI workloads. Microsoft and Apple crossed the $4 trillion line, with Alphabet briefly joining, while Amazon, Tesla, Meta, and Broadcom remained top-tier but below that peak. The piece points to the surviving question: which company will be the next to reach $5 trillion? The candidates are megacap leaders with massive cloud, AI, and software franchises-Microsoft, Apple, Alphabet-and others riding AI-driven growth.

CoreWeave's Role Near NVIDIA Highlighted by Jim Cramer

December 29, 2025, 4:58 AM EST. Jim Cramer argues that CoreWeave is Really Important to NVIDIA, underscoring the company's central role in AI data-center infrastructure. The piece traces CRWV's recent stock action and mixed analyst moves (Citi and Mizuho) as shares pull back amid concerns about data-center buildouts and talent shortages. Cramer remains optimistic, noting Intrator's link to NVIDIA and CoreWeave's work building and managing sites, despite headwinds from workforce constraints. The discussion frames AI tailwinds as a potential driver, while acknowledging ongoing questions about execution pace. The article also situates CRWV among broader AI stock coverage and suggests readers explore other reports on high-upside AI plays with limited downside.

Jim Cramer Bets on NVIDIA NVDA as an AI Platform, Not Just a Chip

December 29, 2025, 4:56 AM EST. Jim Cramer is bullish on NVIDIA (NVDA), arguing the company is more than a chipmaker-it's a growing AI platform. In his remarks, he says NVDA is a system with a loyal ecosystem and a clear lead in AI GPUs, calling out the upcoming GTC as a catalyst. Despite a rough run since November and AI bubble chatter, he warns against underestimating NVIDIA's ability to ship orders, including potential H200 GPUs to China amid policy tensions. He contrasts NVIDIA with Google's TPU chips but says the real story is the leapfrog in Jensen Huang's platforms. The bottom line: NVIDIA's platform moat and momentum could redraw the AI hardware landscape, even as headlines focus on chips rather than the system NVDA represents.

North Side Startup Uses AI to Fight Human Trafficking

December 29, 2025, 4:40 AM EST. A North Side startup is applying AI and data analytics to disrupt trafficking networks and support survivors. The tool analyzes patterns from public data, hotlines, and partner databases to identify risk signals while prioritizing privacy and consent. By using machine learning to surface leads for investigators, the company aims to reduce response times and improve the effectiveness of law enforcement partnerships. The work faces ethical questions around bias, surveillance, and consent, but advocates say transparent governance and survivor-centered design keep dignity at the forefront. The initiative highlights how civic tech and startups can scale technological solutions to social challenges and inspire collaboration across government, non-profits, and communities.

SoundHound AI Stock Warning: High Valuation and Growth Risks

December 29, 2025, 4:28 AM EST. SoundHound AI (SOUN) has sprinted higher on AI hype, but the stock appears overheated. The company sells intelligent voice recognition and conversational AI for customer service and in-vehicle assistants, with a teased agentic AI edge. Still, the stock trades at a rich P/S ratio of about 27 on ~$173 million in expected revenue for the year, giving a lofty valuation for a still-loss-making business. While revenue growth could reward early movers, the investment carries high risk: large cash burn, competition, and uncertainty whether its tech will sustain a long-term edge. Investors should weigh growth potential against valuation risk and consider whether a first-mover advantage will translate into durable market share.

T-Mobile to Charge $3/Month for Apple TV On Us Beginning January 1

December 29, 2025, 4:26 AM EST. T-Mobile is ending the free Apple TV benefit and will bill $3/month starting with the January 1 bill. For non-On Us accounts, Apple TV rises from $9.99 to $12.99 if you don't have the benefit. To avoid the charge, cancel before year-end. To remove the Apple TV benefit, open the T-Life app, go to Manage → See plans → My account, then Manage add-ons and uncheck the Apple TV option under Account-level services. You can also cancel your Apple TV through your Apple account. Act fast-the price change takes effect January 1.

Why 2025 was a pivotal year for AI: momentum, markets, and real-world impact

December 29, 2025, 4:24 AM EST. 2025 has been a watershed for AI, with leaders predicting models that surpass human limits by 2030 and analysts calling the year pivotal. From Sam Altman's optimism to The Economist's growth thesis, the technology has moved from buzz to widespread impact. Real-world deployments in healthcare, where tools improve accuracy and cut costs, illustrate tangible gains, while Sora 2 and ChatGPT showcase consumer-facing capabilities. Forecasts push AI spending into the trillions by 2030, yet observers warn the debate isn't simply a bubble burst but an orderly deflation as maturity sets in. The result is a nuanced mix of hype, productivity gains, and policy questions that will shape how AI transforms business, medicine, and daily life.

AST SpaceMobile Launches BlueBird 6: A Major Leap for LEO Space-Based Cellular Connectivity

December 29, 2025, 4:08 AM EST. AST SpaceMobile has successfully launched BlueBird 6, one of the largest commercial communications arrays deployed in low Earth orbit. The mission lifted off at 10:25 p.m. EST on December 23 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India. BlueBird 6 aims to deliver commercial and government applications, including high-speed 4G and 5G space-based cellular broadband, directly to standard, unmodified smartphones. The mission highlights AST SpaceMobile's patented technology and the power and size of its BlueBird spacecrafts, enabling space-based connectivity for everyday devices and government users alike. The launch underscores the company's push to bring terrestrial mobile networks to space, expanding coverage and resilience beyond traditional ground infrastructure.

NVIDIA's 16-Hi HBM4 race intensifies as Samsung, SK hynix, and Micron target 2026 supply contracts

December 29, 2025, 4:04 AM EST. Samsung Electronics, SK hynix, and Micron are racing to commercialize the next generation of HBM memory ahead of NVIDIA's planned second-half 2026 supply for 16-Hi stacks. While 16-Hi HBM has yet to ship, the Electronic Times reports NVIDIA has asked memory makers to begin mass production planning for late 2026, with tentative volume talks underway. Industry sources say 16-Hi could be branded HBM4E, but the generation name may change with performance and timing. The move comes after 12-Hi HBM4's near-term ramp, as engineers tackle formidable challenges from ultra-thin wafers (targeting ~30 µm) to stacking reliability at 16 layers. Samsung and Micron use TC-NCF bonding, while SK Hynix relies on MR-MUF. No formal contracts have been signed yet, but development speed is accelerating toward 2026 mass production.

NVIDIA NitroGen: Open Vision Action Foundation Model for Generalist Gaming Agents

December 29, 2025, 3:44 AM EST. NVIDIA's AI team released NitroGen, an open vision action foundation model that learns to play commercial games directly from pixels and gamepad actions using internet video at scale. Trained on 40,000 hours across 1,000+ games, it ships with an open dataset, a universal simulator, and a pre-trained policy. The dataset spans 71,000 raw videos with input overlays, filtered to about 40,000 hours from 818 creators and 846 games over 1 hour+. The three-stage action extraction pipeline localizes the controller with template matching (300 templates), performs SegFormer-based action segmentation predicting joystick coordinates on an 11×11 grid plus binary buttons, and refines predictions. Benchmarks show average R² = 0.84 for joystick and button accuracy = 0.96, enabling scalable behavior cloning with a universal simulator.

Michael Burry Warns Nvidia-powered AI Strategy Could Let China Win the AI Race

December 29, 2025, 3:42 AM EST. Hedge fund titan Michael Burry says the US's reliance on Nvidia GPUs could let China win the AI race. In a post on X, he links the energy problem to the race, arguing that China's energy production is growing faster than the US and that a decelerating transmission grid-driven by permitting hurdles-undermines American AI development. Burry contends Nvidia's roadmap is essentially a power-consumption trajectory, with limited gains in efficiency as compute density rises. He urges a pivot toward AI-tuned ASICs and away from ever larger, hotter chips, warning that Nvidia's influence may hinder such shift. The implication: unless the US aligns policy, infrastructure, and hardware strategy, the global AI competition could tilt in China's favor.

AI-Generated Putin Santa Video Shows Modi, Trump and Other Leaders Receiving Gifts

December 29, 2025, 3:40 AM EST. An AI-generated video from the Russian Embassy in Kenya shows Vladimir Putin as Santa Claus delivering symbolic gifts to world leaders, signaling geopolitical messaging. The China segment features yuan and ruble ornaments with a shattered dollar, implying de-dollarisation and closer Moscow-Beijing ties. For India, Modi receives a miniature Sukhoi Su-57 fighter, highlighting defence partnership and tech transfer. The US segment recalls a meeting with Donald Trump at the Alaska summit, hinting at stalled diplomacy. Turkey's Erdoğan is gifted a snow globe labeled Akkuyu, referencing nuclear-energy cooperation. The clip frames Russia's evolving alliances and rivalries amid broader AI-driven storytelling about global power shifts and economic realignments.

L&F says Tesla battery-material deal trimmed to $7,386 from $2.9B

December 29, 2025, 3:38 AM EST. South Korea's battery materials maker L&F said the 2023 supply deal with Tesla has shrunk to $7,386 from an earlier projection of $2.9 billion. L&F had previously announced a deal to supply high nickel cathode materials to Tesla and its affiliates in the United States and other regions, spanning from January 2024 through December 2025. The disclosure underscores the volatility in battery material pricing and the scale of supplier contracts in the EV supply chain.

Trump's Ban on State AI Laws Prompts Questions About Motives, Conflicts, and National Security

December 29, 2025, 3:32 AM EST. President Trump signed an executive order prohibiting states from enacting or enforcing AI regulations, arguing it would prevent a patchwork of rules. Critics say Congress should set a national framework, but state lawmakers stepped in to address consumer and child safety. The piece questions the legal basis for striking down state laws and highlights the president's financial ties to the AI industry, including Nvidia's China sales and a deal benefiting Trump-linked ventures. It also notes conflicts of interest around David Sacks, described as AI czar. Proponents in Texas defend state rules restricting AI for behavior manipulation, discrimination, and child safety, arguing the Texas approach can coexist with a federal framework. The article frames the dispute as a clash between national policy aims and personal/political interests.

SearchAtlas Integrates USA Today, MarketWatch, AP News and More into AI PR Platform to Expand Earned Media Reach

December 29, 2025, 3:22 AM EST. SearchAtlas announced a major enhancement to its AI PR platform by integrating four major news channels – USA Today, MarketWatch, AP News, and a leading US news network – expanding earned media distribution for PR professionals and 2,000+ agency partners. The integration unifies campaign management with SEO and PR tools, enabling streamlined journalist outreach and targeted media placements. Leveraging AI and data analytics, the platform helps agencies identify relevant outlets and optimize outreach timing, boosting visibility for clients in a competitive market. Executives say the move enhances strategic capabilities, accelerates placements, and improves ROI by connecting campaigns with top-tier publications. This development positions SearchAtlas at the forefront of AI-driven PR and media outreach in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

Tesla faces US sales setback as November near four-year low signals challenge ahead

December 29, 2025, 2:48 AM EST. Tesla's U.S. sales fell to 39,800 in November, down almost 23% year over year and the lowest since January 2022. The automaker rolled out cheaper 'Standard' versions of the Model Y and Model 3 in October, roughly $5,000 below previous baselines, in response to the expiration of federal tax credits. But the move has not stemmed the slump: Cox Automotive analyst Stephanie Valdez Streaty said the Standard variants are not delivering the hoped-for demand and are cannibalizing Premium sales, especially for the Model 3. With several rivals preparing cheaper EVs next year, Tesla may need a completely new vehicle lineup. The drop matters for owners and buyers alike, potentially depressing used-car values, and raises questions about brand momentum amid broader EV adoption trends.

China proposes rules to curb emotion-driven AI chatbots amid IPO boom

December 29, 2025, 2:32 AM EST. China's Cyberspace Administration released draft rules to limit 'human-like' AI chatbots from influencing emotions or encouraging suicide/self-harm. The proposals target services that simulate personality and engage users emotionally via text, images, audio or video, with a requirement for human takeover if a user expresses suicidal intent, and mandatory contact with a guardian. They ban gambling-related, obscene or violent content and impose guardian consent and usage limits for minors. Platforms must assess whether users are minors and apply protective settings, with possible appeals. Other provisions call for reminders after two hours of interaction and security assessments for large chatbots. The move follows IPO filings by Chinese AI startups in Hong Kong and signals a shift from content safety to emotional safety in AI governance.

KDE Plasma Wayland Transition Nears Completion, Targeting 2027 End of X11

December 29, 2025, 2:14 AM EST. KDE's Plasma desktop is accelerating its Wayland transition, nearing completion with plans to drop the X11 session in Plasma 6.8 and rely on XWayland for compatibility. The 2025 highlights show major gains in Wayland support-from HDR and color management to P010 color, better drawing tablets, improved accessibility, overlay planes, RandR emulation, screen mirroring, support for custom modes, and portal-based permissions, plus new Wayland protocols like color-representation and xdg-toplevel-tag. Nate Graham notes the transition remains imperfect, notably window position restoring and headless RDP, but commits ongoing effort. Looking ahead to 2026, KDE plans to push more Wayland work as it aims to end the X11 session by 2027, while 2025 also delivered rounded bottom window corners, panel cloning, and UI/UX enhancements.

LandSpace gears up to take on SpaceX with reusable Zhuque-3

December 29, 2025, 2:12 AM EST. China's startup LandSpace in Beijing is pushing to challenge SpaceX with a reusable launcher. The Zhuque-3 rocket flew but its booster failed to land, underscoring risks while energizing China's ambitions to cheaply launch thousands of satellites. LandSpace leadership says they study SpaceX's design-not imitate it-and are applying Starship-inspired concepts to a smaller rocket using methane/liquid oxygen. Advocates highlight potential launch-cost reductions via recovery of the main booster, though public tests still carry risk. Even Elon Musk has weighed in, calling the Falcon 9 a proven configuration while noting Starship is in another league. China's more cautious government program contrasts with SpaceX openness, but LandSpace has begun sharing its engine factory and plans to go public to fund future work, seeing itself as a Chinese Falcon 9-style challenger.

Elliptic Labs Expands License with Top-5 Smartphone Manufacturer for AI Virtual Proximity Sensor Across 20+ Models

December 29, 2025, 1:46 AM EST. Elliptic Labs announced a contract expansion with an existing Top-5 global smartphone customer, covering 20+ models planned for 2026-2027. The deal extends use of Elliptic Labs' AI Virtual Proximity Sensor INNER BEAUTY, a software-only sensor that replaces traditional hardware, enabling simpler device design, fewer components, and flexible OEM integration. The AI Virtual Smart Sensor Platform uses proprietary deep neural networks to deliver contextual intelligence across devices. CEO Ola Sandstad says the agreement signals long-term confidence in the technology and its high-volume performance. The contract includes a guaranteed minimum license fee per model. The technology is already deployed on nearly 1 billion devices, illustrating its scale and reliability.

From data center spas to servers in space: how the energy crunch is reshaping cloud computing

December 29, 2025, 1:44 AM EST. As AI workloads push data centers toward greater energy use, the power puzzle is triggering a rethink of cloud infrastructure. Lenovo cites a looming tipping point where current architectures won't meet sustainability or resilience goals. Designers are exploring out-of-the-box concepts: data centers sequestered underground in disused tunnels, suspended in the air, or clustered into nearby data villages to enable heat recycling and tighter energy dynamics. Ideas like data center spas could reuse heat for wellness facilities, with excess warmth powering local amenities or cooling tech. The goal is to shrink energy and water footprints while staying connected to urban grids. Yet Lenovo concedes the full feasibility of these visions remains uncertain, likely years away from practical deployment.

Iran Launches Three Domestically Built Satellites From Russia, Signaling Space Ambitions

December 29, 2025, 1:36 AM EST. Tehran announced it launched three domestically built observation satellites – Zafar-2, Paya, and Kowsar 1.5 – into space aboard a Russian Soyuz launcher from the Vostochny Cosmodrome. The satellites, reportedly designed by the private sector, are intended for observation, with Paya featuring AI-powered imaging to improve resolution. Iran says the mission supports water resource management, environmental monitoring, and mapping. The mission underscores Tehran's belief in a peaceful aerospace program, even as Western countries warn that such systems can overlap with ballistic-missile technology. Iran notes it has performed about 10 satellite launches in the past two years, including a July departure from the same site in Russia, while insisting it seeks only peaceful use of space.

AI Agents Could Book Flights and Shop for You as Visa and Mastercard Push Agentic Commerce

December 29, 2025, 1:30 AM EST. AI agents are poised to act on consumers' behalf to search, compare, and complete purchases inside chatbots, a shift called agentic commerce. Visa and Mastercard are racing to build the infrastructure for this next wave, with pilots already underway and a possible rollout by 2026. Early use cases include flight and vacation bookings, with agents selecting options, booking, and paying using stored credentials-all within the chat interface. The move could make shopping more seamless, but it also raises security, liability, and dispute rules that remain unsettled as the pilots expand. The industry says the transformation could be as consequential as the shift from brick-and-mortar to online commerce.

How Southeast Asia and India Developers Use AI in 2025: Mainstream Adoption, Governance Gaps

December 29, 2025, 1:28 AM EST. Agoda's AI Developer Report 2025 finds AI has become a mainstream tool for developers in Southeast Asia and India, with 95% using it weekly and over half keeping an AI assistant open. Reported productivity gains are real but steady: more than 90% say AI speeds them up, yet most see AI as an assisted tool rather than an autonomous actor. A governance gap persists: only about one in four teams have official AI guidelines, and roughly 60% lack a formal AI policy. In practice, developers rely on bottom-up practices, with 80% citing reliability as a top barrier, and about 67% constantly reviewing AI-generated code before merging. Self-training is widespread (87%), and many expect AI proficiency to be a hiring criterion and career accelerator. Companies must close the gap with structured training, clearer policies, and risk-aware frameworks.

Analysis: Nvidia Builds Capital Moat to Lock in CUDA Era

December 29, 2025, 12:58 AM EST. Nvidia is expanding its capital moat to cement the CUDA era as AI demand surges. After a brief run near a US$5 trillion market cap, the company in 2025 accelerated capital deployment, backing Groq, OpenAI, Nokia, Synopsys, and Intel through a mix of technology deals, equity stakes, and strategic partnerships. The move aims to knit together a broad ecosystem-hardware, software, and AI services-and deter competitors by tying developers and customers to CUDA-centric workflows. While the approach fuels growth and platform lock-in, it also invites scrutiny of concentration, dependency, and regulatory risk as Nvidia shapes the AI supply chain.

AMD and NVIDIA Poised to Raise GPU Prices in Early 2026 Amid Rising Memory Costs

December 29, 2025, 12:56 AM EST. Industry sources expect AMD to begin price hikes in January 2026, followed by NVIDIA in February 2026, as memory costs climb. The changes are anticipated to extend for several months, signaling a broader trend of rising GPU prices driven by shortages and higher DRAM/VRAM costs. The moves could impact new-PC builds, gaming GPUs, and data-center accelerators, with retailers and OEMs adjusting lists accordingly. No official confirmation yet, but the guidance from insiders suggests a staged approach rather than a single large jump.

AI Upends Hiring: Stanford CS Graduates Struggle to Land Entry-Level Jobs

December 29, 2025, 12:30 AM EST. Stanford software engineering degrees once opened doors to top tech roles, but generative AI and smarter coding tools are changing the market. Graduates report few offers from prominent brands, and many feel entry-level paths have narrowed as AI-driven productivity reduces demand for newcomers. The campus mood is bleak, with students and alumni noting that only a subset of cracked engineers with thick resumes are landing jobs. The trend extends beyond Stanford to schools like UC Berkeley and USC. Stories from Loyola Marymount and other programs illustrate a broader oversupply of programmers. Data from a Stanford study shows a decline in entry-level hiring for AI-exposed jobs, while firms such as OpenAI/Anthropic expand elsewhere, not offsetting the drop in traditional roles.

Microsoft Office 2019 Lifetime Windows License Drops to $29.97

December 29, 2025, 12:28 AM EST. MS Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows is on sale for $29.97 (reg. $229), a one-time purchase that delivers lifetime access to the core apps on one computer. The suite includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, and Access. This is a practical option for users who prefer a traditional, non-subscription license. Deal pricing and availability may change after publication.

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