Technology News 19.12.2025

Tesla debuts a $350 pickleball paddle – not an electric car

December 19, 2025, 11:54 PM EST. Tesla makes headlines again, but not with a car: the company has released a pickleball paddle priced at $350. The paddle marks a surprising pivot from automotive engineering to a lifestyle accessory, with no electrical components or EV features in sight. Analysts note the move taps into the growing pickleball craze while leveraging Tesla's brand for consumer gadgets. For fans, the unorthodox product underscores how tech giants are expanding beyond vehicles into everyday sports gear – even as critics question the strategy and return on investment. The story blends consumer hardware, brand leverage, and emerging lifestyle markets in a way that highlights the evolving boundaries of tech companies.

IP Check: GreyNoise Tool Helps You Detect Home Network Compromise

December 19, 2025, 11:52 PM EST. IP Check from GreyNoise is a browser-based tool that helps determine whether your home network or connected devices are being used to conduct malicious activity. The tool will alert you if your IP has been observed scanning the internet as part of a botnet or residential proxy network. GreyNoise notes that residential IP compromise can be subtle; you may still stream or browse normally while actors route malicious activity through your address. A clean result means your IP isn't seen in their data; a flagged result may reflect a VPN, corporate network, or cloud provider usage, or occasionally Apple Private Relay. If suspicious, inspect the Observed Activity to see when the activity occurred and what types were detected, and then review logs and network traffic for confirmation.

MacBook Pro Deal: Get a MacBook Pro for $429.99 (Regularly $1,799) This Holiday Season

December 19, 2025, 10:52 PM EST. Sponsored by Mashable partners, this deal slashes the price of a MacBook Pro to $429.99 from $1,799 – a savings of about $1,369. The offer is time- and stock-sensitive, with pricing subject to change after publication. It's pitched as bringing home the powerful and portable MacBook Pro for the holidays, while supplies last. Note: Mashable may receive an affiliate commission or other compensation if you buy through the links. If you're shopping for a premium laptop this season, this deal stands out among holiday tech offers.

Apple cancels The Last Frontier after one season

December 19, 2025, 10:50 PM EST. Apple has canceled The Last Frontier after a single season, despite a positive reception at launch. The Jason Clarke-led drama premiered last October and started with momentum but declined toward the December finale. On IMDb, ratings ranged from 7.7 for the debut to 6.2 for the finale, signaling waning audience engagement. Apple greenlit the series in February 2023 with a straight-to-series order, but the network decided not to proceed with a second season. The show followed U.S. Marshal Frank Remnick as he hunted dozens of violent inmates after a prison transport plane crash near a rugged Alaskan town. The cancellation puts The Last Frontier among other Apple one-season series such as Mr. Corman and Shantaram.

SpaceX Falcon 9 Launch Follows 1958 Vandenberg Anniversary

December 19, 2025, 10:22 PM EST. Less than a day after Vandenberg Space Force Base commemorated its 1958 inaugural liftoff, SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 from SLC-4 West, lofting 27 Starlink satellites. The first stage then touched down on a droneship in the Pacific, marking the booster's 30th flight. The mission reinforces Vandenberg's dual legacy: a site long used for top-secret satellite programs and, more recently, routine commercial launches. The anniversary recalls the Thor missile that carried Vandenberg's fledgling space program into orbit, a seed for the Corona/Discoverer reconnaissance effort run by the National Reconnaissance Office. Corona produced the world's first polar-orbiting spy satellites and operated from 1959 to 1972, until declassification in 1995. Today, Vandenberg remains a pivotal, discreet gateway for space operations.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 11-Inch Tablet: Family-Friendly Power at $139.99

December 19, 2025, 10:20 PM EST. Samsung's Galaxy Tab A9+ (64GB, 2024) is a lightweight, powerful Android tablet with an 11" WUXGA display, now just $139.99 (was $219.99). Designed for streaming, gaming, multitasking, and family fun, it features Dolby Atmos quad speakers, a fast Snapdragon chipset, and microSD expansion up to 1TB. With multi-window display, Samsung Kids mode, and seamless Galaxy ecosystem integration, it suits parents, students, and tech-savvy users alike. At only 1.3 lbs in a slim, durable shell, it's ideal for on-the-go productivity and entertainment. With nearly 20,000 reviews and a strong rating, it's a smart value buy for gifting or upgrading this season.

Google sets external-link and alternative-billing fees under Epic injunction: $2.85/app install, $3.65/game install, 20% in-app, 10% subscriptions

December 19, 2025, 10:18 PM EST. Google is updating its Play Store compliance pages to allow alternative billing and external content links under Judge Donato's order. Developers who enroll would face new fees: $2.85 per app install and $3.65 per game install when users click a link outside the Play Store within 24 hours; plus a 20% take on in-app purchases and 10% on auto-renewing subscriptions. An external-billing option would charge 25% for in-app purchases and 10% for subscriptions, with transaction reporting via a Google API. The fees include caps-up to 10% of the first $1M earnings-intended to ease small developers, though the discount is smaller than existing terms. Google argues the scheme complies with the Epic injunction, while debates continue over impact and enforcement.

Nintendo Switch 2: Cartridges Return as Inin Games Switches R-Type Dimensions III to Physical

December 19, 2025, 10:00 PM EST. Publishers are rethinking the split between digital downloads via Game-Key Cards and physical cartridges on Nintendo Switch 2. Inin Games has moved R-Type Dimensions III to a physical cartridge, citing lower production costs, with 16GB and 32GB options potentially pricing cheaper than 64GB cards. Nintendo hasn't commented yet, but rumors suggest smaller cartridges could reduce reliance on Game-Key Cards. Previously, some titles couldn't fit on a single cartridge and relied on Key Cards. Pokemon Pokopia will be the first Nintendo-published game to ship only as a physical Key Card, though the news underscores continued debate over physical versus digital distribution. Although the cartridge version of R-Type Dimensions III is pricier, Inin pledged to honor preorders' original price.

Former Tesla Exec Sterling Anderson Could Be GM's Next CEO, Driving EV Software and Autonomy

December 19, 2025, 9:46 PM EST. Sterling Anderson, the former Tesla executive who joined GM as chief product officer earlier this year, is a leading candidate to succeed Mary Barra as GM's CEO. He cofounded Aurora Innovation and led Model X and Autopilot at Tesla, and Bloomberg reports GM wants him to bring cutting-edge software and autonomy to its cars, boost on-vehicle computing, and push revenue through subscription features. GM has signaled a preference for an outsider who can guide the company through the EV and software era while keeping it profitable. The challenge remains steep: Cruise has paused, Waymo is expanding, and GM has faced software and talent churn. If selected, Anderson would steer GM's EV and autonomy strategy and its push to turn software into a differentiator.

Experts warn AI may dampen cognitive skills, studies show

December 19, 2025, 9:44 PM EST. New studies from MIT, Carnegie Mellon and Microsoft Copilot, and an Oxford University Press (OUP) survey raise questions about how AI use shapes thinking. In an MIT EEG study, students who asked AI to write essays showed less activity in brain networks for cognitive processing and struggled to quote their own work. The team at Carnegie Mellon and Microsoft found that higher confidence in the tool related to less critical thinking effort and potential long-term overreliance. UK pupils surveyed by OUP reported that AI helped with problem-solving and creativity, but about a quarter felt it made tasks too easy. Experts stress the picture is nuanced: AI can boost learning for many, yet overreliance may dull independent problem-solving.

DJI Mini 5 Pro review: the ultimate lightweight drone with 360° obstacle sensing

December 19, 2025, 9:38 PM EST. DJI's lightweight Mini 5 Pro builds on the Mini 4 Pro with 360° obstacle avoidance sensors around the body, boosting safety in tight spaces. In the review, charging the three batteries from the Fly More Combo yielded over an hour of flight time. Despite its featherweight feel, it's surprisingly rugged, with solid construction, though the screws for the propellers remain a drawback compared with quick-release designs. Initial checks and a quick test flight show a drone that's fast, responsive, and easy to pilot, with Sport mode delivering sharp, precise moves. Outdoors the extra sensors are subtle, but in more confined or complex scenes the stability in Cinematic mode and repeatable waypoints via the Fly app prove compelling. Overall, a noticeable leap over the Mini 4 Pro.

YouTube Bans Two Channels for Fake AI Movie Trailers Amid Policy Debates

December 19, 2025, 9:36 PM EST. YouTube has banned two popular channels, Screen Culture and KH Studio, for producing fake AI-generated movie trailers that violated spam and misleading-metadata rules. The move comes as Google expands generative AI tools for creators and signals more to come. The case intersects with a shifting legal landscape: Disney partnered with OpenAI for its Sora AI video app and also sent a cease-and-desist letter to Google over AI content in YouTube, underscoring platform concerns. The banned channels frequently used Disney properties and sometimes real trailers, with one channel producing 23 AI trailers that outranked official releases. It's unclear whether Veo models were used. Beyond these two, other creators with fan-made AI trailers raise ongoing questions about enforcement and disclosure.

Top AI Tips of 2025: Gemini scheduling, Live troubleshooting, Chrome tab mastery, Gems, Magic Cue, and AI Mode in Search

December 19, 2025, 9:34 PM EST. From automating tasks with Gemini scheduling to real-time problem solving with Gemini Live, these tips show how AI can streamline daily work. Use Gemini in Chrome to compare across multiple tabs and build a single travel itinerary. Create and share Gems to tailor workflows and cut repetitive prompts. Enable Pixel's Magic Cue to surface relevant details from apps like Gmail, Calendar, and Weather. And explore AI Mode in Search to browse visually with conversational filters that surface curated options. Together, these ideas demonstrate faster planning, smarter troubleshooting, and more personalized AI copilots across everyday tasks.

Tesla Model Y L Outsells Nio ES8, Onvo L90, Li Auto i8 in China's Three-Row Battle

December 19, 2025, 9:32 PM EST. Tesla's Model Y L quickly sold out its 2025 production slots in China, joining Nio ES8 and Li Auto i8 as well as Onvo L90 in a booming three-row SUV segment. Since late August, demand for six-seat, family-oriented BEVs has surged, with Nio and Li Auto launching three-row variants (ES8 and i8) and Onvo's L90. August deliveries for the L90 topped 10.5k, rising to 11.7k in October before falling in November; Li Auto's i8 logged 6.7k in November. Waiting times for the L90 reached about 7-10 weeks, then the configurator stopped showing estimates. Amid subsidy withdrawals, Nio warned Onvo's L60/L90 would be impacted, while Tesla reported delivering the 30,000th ES8 within 89 days of first handover.

Google delays Gemini Android switch to 2026; Assistant stays on for now

December 19, 2025, 9:30 PM EST. Google isn't ready to retire Google Assistant on Android. The company says the transition to Gemini will land in 2026, moving back from the originally planned end of 2025. In a statement, Google says it is adjusting its previously announced timeline to ensure a seamless switch, and that users will eventually lose access to the voice assistant on devices that meet Gemini's minimum requirements and won't be able to download the Assistant app. Earlier this year, Google began enabling some Gemini-driven tasks-calls, timers, and messages-without enabling Apps Activity for AI training, but the broader replacement remains paused until 2026. The delay highlights a cautious rollout of AI-powered assistants across platforms.

Starfighters Space Raises $22.1M to Pursue Suborbital StarLaunch Service

December 19, 2025, 9:16 PM EST. Starfighters Space said it raised $22.1 million gross in a Dec. 18 offering to fund its StarLaunch suborbital launch programs. CEO Rick Svetkoff says the funding will address a backlog of customer orders, enable launches from Texas, and grow a hypersonic R&D platform to unlock new revenue streams and scale the business. Based at the Kennedy Space Center, the company provides F-104s as flying testbeds for high-speed technologies. The listing reflects rising investor interest in defense and space tech and services. As Svetkoff notes, space and satellite tech underpin the digital world, and investor appetite for forward-thinking companies pushing the boundaries of low Earth orbit remains strong.

DarkDiff: Apple's AI diffusion integrated into the camera ISP for ultra-low-light photos

December 19, 2025, 9:14 PM EST. Apple researchers, with Purdue University, unveil DarkDiff, an AI diffusion-model integrated into the camera's ISP to restore detail in ultra-low-light RAW images. Rather than post-processing, DarkDiff retasks a pre-trained diffusion model (Stable Diffusion) to infer what should exist in dark areas, while the ISP handles white balance and demosaicing. The method uses attention over local patches to preserve structure and reduce hallucinations, delivering the final sRGB image after denoising the linear RGB signal. It employs classifier-free guidance to control strength. Across three challenging low-light benchmarks, DarkDiff outperforms state-of-the-art methods in perceptual quality, enabling sharper detail and more accurate color with less oversmoothing.

Tesla partners with Selkirk Sport to unveil a $350 aero pickleball paddle

December 19, 2025, 9:00 PM EST. Tesla has teamed up with paddle maker Selkirk Sport to debut a premium pickleball paddle priced at $350. The project blends Tesla's aerodynamic know-how with Selkirk's paddle design, aiming to boost swing speed and durability. Engineers modeled airflow, measured drag, and analyzed turbulent wakes to shape an elongated, edgeless silhouette and a two-ply carbon fiber face. Selkirk's new "power ring" dampens vibration to improve stability. The paddle is marketed as a high-end accessory for enthusiasts with deep pockets, contrasting with typical paddles below $150. Production is reportedly complete, with shipments ready for customers.

Meta Quest Holiday Sale: VR games from $2 with up to 90% off – 17 deals to grab now

December 19, 2025, 8:58 PM EST. Meta kicks off its Holiday Sale for Quest, offering up to nearly 90% off a library of VR games across 17 deals for the Quest 3 and Quest 3S. Prices start at just $2, including hits like The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners for $14 (50% off) and Metro Awakening for $19, with Reach discounted 20%. The sale also features the Quest 3S at its lowest-ever price at Best Buy, plus a free VR game. If you're short on titles, now's the time to expand your library with standout VR titles. The sale runs through January 4, giving you time to save. For more deals, check our quick links: Best Meta Quest 3 deals and Best Meta Quest VR game deals.

Delaware Supreme Court Reinstates Elon Musk's $55 Billion Tesla Pay Package

December 19, 2025, 8:56 PM EST. Elon Musk's latest windfall comes as the Delaware Supreme Court reverses a lower-court ruling and restores Tesla's $55 billion pay package awarded in 2018. The court faulted Chancellor Kathaleen St. Jude McCormick for errors in her 2024 decision and ordered the package reinstated, while granting Tesla nominal damages of $1. Musk celebrated the decision, which follows his move to reincorporate Tesla in Texas. The case underscores the interplay between corporate governance and executive compensation in tech business. Separately, investors have approved a newer plan that could pay Musk up to $1 trillion if ambitious targets lift Tesla's market value from about $1.6 trillion toward $8.5 trillion-though hitting every condition remains uncertain.

Space Development Agency awards roughly $3.5B to four firms for 72 missile-tracking satellites (TRKT3)

December 19, 2025, 8:52 PM EST. The U.S. Space Development Agency awarded about $3.5 billion to four firms-Lockheed Martin, L3Harris Technologies, Northrop Grumman, and Rocket Lab-to build 72 satellites for the Tracking Layer Tranche 3 (TRKT3) of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) in low Earth orbit. Each company will deliver 18 satellites, covering two sensor families: MW/MT infrared (IR) for missile warning and MWTD for tracking and defense. Slated for launch in fiscal year 2029, the constellation targets near-continuous global coverage and fire-control quality tracks for missile defense. Budget breakdown: Lockheed Martin $1.1B, L3Harris $843M, Rocket Lab $805M, Northrop Grumman $764M. Rocket Lab's role uses the Lightning bus with Phoenix IR payload and StarLite sensors, illustrating a spiral-development approach to rapidly proliferate capabilities.

Ford expands Marshall BlueOval battery park, pivots to energy storage with 2026 opening

December 19, 2025, 8:30 PM EST. Ford is expanding its Marshall BlueOval Electric Vehicle Battery Park in a $2.5 billion move aimed at opening in 2026. The plan adds battery production for residential energy storage systems alongside mid-size electric trucks, signaling a pivot from earlier bets on larger EVs amid a turbulent market. Ford has cut tax credits from about $825 million to roughly $225 million and faced a $13 billion EV loss, with a projected $19.5 billion hit this year. Local support remains strong as MAEDA and city officials cite job growth and tax revenue. So far this year Ford has hired 100+ full-time workers and plans to add about 1,600 more, with the facility expected to be operational by summer 2026.

Google Pixel Watch 4 debuts AI gestures and faster Smart Replies

December 19, 2025, 8:26 PM EST. Google's latest Pixel Watch 4 update introduces AI-powered interaction with new one-handed gestures: Double Pinch and Wrist turn, expanding the Raise to Talk concept to hands-free control. Users can scroll, dismiss, snooze, manage timers, pause music, and answer or end calls without touching the screen, with on-screen prompts guiding when a gesture is available. The update also brings an on-device Gemma-based language model, upgrading Smart Replies for Pixel Watch 3 and newer. Because processing happens on-device, replies work without a phone connection-ideal for runners and commuters. Google says the model is twice as fast and three times more memory-efficient than the prior generation, and it's available on older watches via the update.

Apple stops signing iOS 26.1: Downgrading from iOS 26.2 is now impossible

December 19, 2025, 8:24 PM EST. Apple no longer signs iOS 26.1, making a downgrade from iOS 26.2 impossible. As MacRumors notes, Apple typically stops signing older builds once the new release is deemed stable, especially after fixes for serious security issues. iOS 26.2 addressed two zero-day exploits, meaning attackers could target devices still on the older version now that details are public. By blocking downgrades, Apple reduces risk by preventing users from remaining on a more vulnerable build. If you want to know what's new in iOS 26.2, follow the official release notes or trusted tech coverage.

ModRetro Teams With Anduril To Sell Chromatic Handheld Made From Drone-Grade Metal

December 19, 2025, 8:14 PM EST. ModRetro, led by Oculus co-founder Palmer Luckey, unveils the Chromatic handheld in collaboration with defense-tech firm Anduril. The limited-edition device, priced at $349.99, is marketed as made from the magnesium-aluminum alloy used in attack drones. Critics call the pairing of retro gaming with military hardware distasteful and say it exploits the military-industrial complex. Retro-gaming historians like Frank Cifaldi urged fans to shun the venture, while Luckey's trajectory from Oculus to Anduril frames the debate about culture, politics, and defense contracting in gaming.

How to Stay on iOS 18 for Now as Apple Pushes Upgrades to iOS 26

December 19, 2025, 8:12 PM EST. Apple has been nudging iPhone users off iOS 18 in favor of iOS 26, making new iOS 18 updates harder to find on devices capable of running iOS 26. In practice, many iOS 18 users can still receive security updates by enabling iOS 18 public beta updates, though this workaround may not last. The shift aligns with a string of security fixes in iOS 26.2 and iOS 18.7.3, including an actively exploited WebKit vulnerability. Historical context shows Apple periodically phases out older iOS versions, offering temporary grace periods but pushing users to the latest release. If you're on iOS or iPadOS 14.5 or later, expect the same pattern to recur as Apple prioritizes current software security.

Fiber vs. 5G Internet: How to Choose the Right Home Connection

December 19, 2025, 8:10 PM EST. Choosing the right home internet comes down to location, availability, and what you do online. If you have access to fiber, you'll typically get the fastest and most reliable speeds, with strong upload performance, and less sensitivity to peak usage-ideal for creators and heavy streaming. But fiber isn't available everywhere and is often pricier. For many households, 5G Home Internet offers a simple, wireless alternative that's easy to self-install and usually cheaper, with plans starting around low monthly prices. The trade-offs: coverage varies, speeds can fluctuate with signal, and upload speeds may lag fiber. Compare local options, check upfront costs, monthly rates with AutoPay, and your usage pattern to decide whether fiber or 5G best fits your home.

ININ Games retracts claim of smaller Switch 2 cartridges; no official Nintendo sizes announced

December 19, 2025, 7:54 PM EST. ININ Games briefly claimed Nintendo announced two new smaller cartridge sizes for the Switch 2 to support a physical version of R-Type Dimensions III, but quickly walked back the line. The Verge notes ININ later issued a correction: there has been no official announcement from Nintendo about cartridge storage capacities, and references to specific sizes should not be treated as official. The debate highlights physical cartridges vs game-key cards and the cost pressures on developers. Leaks from Arc System Works hinted at a 64GB cartridge option, plus game-card sizes; estimates peg physical cartridges at around $16. Analysts say memory costs drive the math, while Joost van Dreunen notes this could push Nintendo to price third-party titles more reasonably. For now, the correction stands and exact capacities and pricing remain unclear.

Maryland farmers brace against AI-powered data center growth and new power line

December 19, 2025, 7:52 PM EST. Data centers are proliferating to power the AI boom, but in rural Maryland a proposed 67-mile high-voltage power line would slice through multiple farms. Farmers argue the route threatens their livelihoods, land, and way of life, catalyzing legal and policy battles with utility companies. The clash underscores a broader tension between rapid AI-driven growth and local energy infrastructure decisions, raising questions about siting, compensation, and how utilities balance national tech demand with rural communities and agriculture. As developers push for reliability and speed of the AI economy, stakeholders warn that without careful planning, economic gains could come at a rural cost.

The 100 Most Popular Products of 2025

December 19, 2025, 7:44 PM EST. Wirecutter tested over 4,000 products across categories-from baby gear to adult care-and highlighted the year's biggest hits in electronics and home goods. The team expanded coverage in skin-care, beauty, and style, and invited experts like Conan O'Brien, Nick Offerman, and Martha Stewart to share hosting and travel tips. They published 90-plus guides-from sleeper sofas to bar carts-and tested trending items such as Lola blankets, the Brick phone blocker, and rolling tote bags. An unexpectedly popular pick for listeners is a high-quality CD player that resonated with readers. Topping the year's roundups is the 100 most-popular products for 2025, plus evergreen favorites like bath towels, air purifiers, and cotton sheets. Look for more coverage in 2026.

Huawei 8T8R 5G Enables Extra-Wall Penetration in Changsha with Hunan Telecom

December 19, 2025, 7:42 PM EST. Huawei, together with Hunan Telecom, tested China's first 2.1GHz 8T8R 45MHz continuous 5G network that can pass through an extra wall in Changsha County. 8T8R (8 Transmit, 8 Receive) enables advanced beamforming and boosts capacity. The solution reports nearly 10 dB improvement in coverage and deeper indoor penetration, with downlink and uplink rate improvements of 27.0% and 31.8% respectively, and 5G traffic up about 20%. The bandwidth upgrade to 45MHz supports higher speeds, while software-defined antennas simplify hardware and enable energy-saving scheduling. The deployment targets wider coverage, improved user experience, and greater indoor penetration through wall traversal in real-world settings.

Site News: We're Dropping ModRetro Coverage Over Anduril Ties

December 19, 2025, 7:40 PM EST. After evaluating ModRetro's ties to Anduril Industries, we have decided to stop covering ModRetro products. The Chromatic and the upcoming M64 FPGA project were of interest, but branding with an arms trade firm crosses our ethical line. We updated a review to note the connection, yet reader criticism persisted. We've learned more about Palmer Luckey's ventures and now believe continuing coverage is not morally comfortable. This means less ModRetro content, even as the company works with partners like Wayforward and Argonaut on legacy releases. We acknowledge some readers may disagree and apologize for not drawing the line sooner.

Google releases factory and OTA images for second Pixel December 2025 update

December 19, 2025, 7:38 PM EST. Google has released factory and OTA images for a second December 2025 Pixel update, with manual sideload options for Pixel 8-10 devices. The out-of-cycle patch addresses three issues: battery drain, touch unresponsive behavior on some Pixel 10s, and cached content access problems after upgrading from Android 14 (or earlier) to Android 16. Regional builds include Global BP4A.251205.006.E1, Japan BP4A.251205.006.C2, and EMEA BP4A.251205.006.A4. The OTA is roughly 25 MB and rollout isn't complete yet, with some devices still waiting.

What AI data centers are doing to your electric bill

December 19, 2025, 7:36 PM EST. Planet Money investigates how the boom in AI data centers shapes everyday energy costs. The episode traces a single electric bill back to its source, tours a regional data center hub in Ohio, and explains how prices are set inside the power grid. As tech giants pour hundreds of billions into servers, concerns rise about where the electricity comes from and how much it inflates residential bills. The show sheds light on who funds, builds, and runs these facilities, and why utility rates and demand spikes drive the bills up, even as the data center economy grows. A clear look at the energy tradeoff behind the AI era.

Google Pixel December 2025 update fixes battery drain and Pixel 10 touch issues

December 19, 2025, 7:28 PM EST. Google has released a December 2025 update for Pixel devices following the Android 16 QPR2 rollout earlier this month. The patch includes factory and OTA images for Pixel 8 and newer (Global, Japan, EMEA), indicating a broad rollout. Reported changes address battery drain and intermittent touch failures observed on the Pixel 10, along with cached content access issues after upgrading from Android 14 to 16. Unlocked devices appear to receive the update first, while Google Fi and T-Mobile variants may not yet be updated. The OTA is roughly 25 MB, with regional/carrier timing varying.

Global Memory Shortage Crisis: Market Analysis and Impacts on Smartphone and PC Markets in 2026

December 19, 2025, 7:26 PM EST. Late 2025 saw an unprecedented global memory shortage as AI-data-center demand drives DRAM and NAND prices higher. Memory makers are reallocating capacity from consumer electronics to AI memory like HBM and high-capacity DDR5, tightening supply for smartphones and PCs and lifting prices. AI servers and hyperscalers pull a disproportionate share of capacity, threatening a persistent cycle rather than a traditional boom-bust. The shift may represent a permanent reallocation of silicon wafer capacity, with Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron pivoting away from conventional DRAM/NAND. IDC factors this in, outlining two downside scenarios for the smartphone and PC markets in 2026.

CAD renders hint at Apple iPhone Fold's unusually wide aspect ratio

December 19, 2025, 7:24 PM EST. CAD renders suggest the forthcoming iPhone Fold sports a 7.76-inch main display with a resolution of 2,713 x 1,920 and a footprint of 167.6 x 120.6 mm. If accurate, it would be about 24 mm wider than the Galaxy Z Fold7 and share an aspect ratio close to the iPad mini. The device reportedly opens to a thickness of 4.8 mm, roughly 0.6 mm thicker than the Z Fold7 but 0.8 mm thinner than the iPhone Air. While early rumors should be treated cautiously, chatter about its unusually wide aspect ratio has persisted. A formal reveal remains expected in September 2026 alongside the iPhone 18 series.

Cellphone blackout policy at CMCSS: students grumble but policy backed by staff and families

December 19, 2025, 7:22 PM EST. Clarksville-Montgomery County Schools implemented a cellphone blackout policy prohibiting cellphones and other electronic devices during instructional time. Four months in, students report fewer distractions but dislike the restriction, while teachers and parents are largely supportive. The policy, approved May 21, shifted violations from Category 1 to Category 2, with consequences ranging from referrals to up to five days of administrative detention, and potential out-of-school suspension, plus phone confiscation for repeat violations. The change followed a Tennessee law requiring stricter device rules during instruction. Some students had previously organized incidents via phones, prompting reassessment. Overall, the policy aims to create a safer, more focused environment, with administrators enforcing rules during class and passing periods.

Top Tech Editors' Picks of 2025: What We Bought and Loved

December 19, 2025, 7:14 PM EST. The PCMag team tested over 1,200 products and decided that our true favorites aren't always the newest; they're the items that moved from benchmarks to daily life. In a year of big releases and niche hobbies, editors grabbed a mix of standout devices, including those with rare 5-star scores and award-winning tech from the 2025 Technical Excellence roster. We also celebrate smart budgeting-snagging deals on last year's TV, and even a dumbphone that proves simplicity can win. Read on to see the editors' personal picks, plus links to the massive Best Tech of the Year list and gift guides.

Best phone deal: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 hits its lowest price yet

December 19, 2025, 7:12 PM EST. Tech deals hot this season as the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 drops to its lowest price yet. Save $250 and snag the Galaxy Z Flip 7 for $849.99 on Amazon, down from $1,099.99. That's a 23% discount and the best price we've seen. The flip phone blends a modern design with flagship-style features, and this deal is subject to change after publication. Published December 19, 2025, by Mashable.

Looming DJI Drone Ban Could Ground Local Pilots and First Responders

December 19, 2025, 7:06 PM EST. A potential FCC move could ban Shenzhen-based DJI Technologies, halting sales of the world's most used drones in the U.S. for new purchases and potentially grounding local drone pilots and first responders. If not extended, the agency is expected to place DJI on the Covered List under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019 after the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2025 requires a national security review of DJI and Autel Robotics. The decision deadline is December 23, with existing DJI drones remaining usable. Critics warn of a shortage of American-made competitors for operations like search-and-rescue, event coverage, and emergency assessment. DJI argues it has no government ties. The outcome could reshape the drone market and public-safety capabilities.

AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) Advances Ahead of BlueBird 6 Satellite Launch

December 19, 2025, 7:04 PM EST. AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) jumped about 6.6% ahead of its next-gen satellite launch, closing near $65.93 as investors repositioned ahead of the BlueBird 6 rollout. The Sunday launch targets ubiquitous cellular broadband from space directly to mobile phones. BlueBird 6 features the largest commercial phased array in low Earth orbit, nearly 2,400 square feet, delivering up to 10x the data capacity of earlier generations. The company plans to ramp production and expand manufacturing sites in Florida and Texas for six launches through March 2026. While the piece acknowledges ASTS's potential, it contrasts this with higher upside in AI stocks, signaling a diversified market view.

Japan Should Ban Smartphones in Schools to Align With Global Policy Trend

December 19, 2025, 6:54 PM EST. Global education policy is tightening smartphone use in classrooms. In Toyoake City, Aichi Prefecture, guidelines are voluntary and non-punitive, unlike Hungary's nationwide mandatory ban since 2024. France restricted devices for under-15s in 2018, and South Korea requires students to surrender phones during the day. UNESCO reports 79 education systems-roughly 40% globally-now restrict smartphone use in schools, up from about 60% a year ago. Japan, by contrast, has only formed working groups and conducted surveys. It's time for Japan to move beyond study groups and implement clear, enforceable limits on smartphones in schools to protect learning and keep pace with international practice.

Huge Best Buy sale on DJI action cameras – top picks and savings

December 19, 2025, 6:48 PM EST. Best Buy is running a huge sale on DJI action cameras and accessories, with savings over $320. In this roundup I highlight my top deals for the adventure seeker and what I'd buy now. Expect compact, rugged cameras, bundles, and add-ons that boost stabilization and footage quality. For more deals and inspiration, check out the Christmas deals roundup and holiday gift guide collection.

YouTube Shorts tests new Dislike button placement and wording

December 19, 2025, 6:40 PM EST. Google is testing changes to the Dislike feature on YouTube Shorts, experimenting with where the control appears and what it's called. Some users now find the thumbs-down tucked into the overflow menu (the three-dot icon) while the normal thumbs-up stays visible. Others may see the options as two separate controls labeled Dislike and Not interested, or combined as a single Not interested option with the thumbs-down icon. Google says the goal is to learn which layout helps viewers tune their algorithm more effectively, while still letting fans signal preferences. Participants in the test will receive an optional survey after selecting an option and can also share feedback within the app. The changes reflect Google's ongoing efforts to balance signaling with platform stability.

AI predictions 2026: regulation battles, industrial adoption, and big-tech strategy

December 19, 2025, 6:38 PM EST. AI predictions for 2026 center on regulatory battles, from a federal-versus-state tug-of-war to the friction with European regulators, with the big AI firms preferring fewer rules and a blank slate. The hyperscalers, including OpenAI, push for underregulated environments to operate with minimal constraints. Separately, industrial adoption of AI finally takes off: after years of hype, AI is becoming embedded in mission-critical processes, not as side projects, and the most significant value will appear in large organizations that coordinate hundreds of people and steps. As models converge and power plateaus, the payoff will come from integrating AI into core workflows, workflows that can transform efficiency, decision-making, and competitiveness.

AI-Centric Jobs Could Emerge by 2026, Economist Says

December 19, 2025, 6:34 PM EST. An NYU economist says AI will touch virtually every job, creating new roles focused on translating AI to nonexperts. In the near future, firms may hire AI explainers or AI translators who can demystify what's happening under the hood for managers and staff. Another emerging position could be AI auditors, who test systems for bias and inaccuracies and may leverage a legal background. Seamans also foresees more firms hiring instructors to train workers on company AI apps. The core message: develop hands-on AI experience, experiment with tools in different ways, and acquire the ability to explain AI concepts plainly, as AI becomes integral to work life.

YouTube Shorts tests new dislike button placement and labeling

December 19, 2025, 6:32 PM EST. Google is testing changes to YouTube Shorts' dislike feature, including where it appears and what it's called. In some users' apps, the thumbs-down option has been moved into the overflow menu, while the like button stays visible. Others see the labels reworded as "Not interested" next to the thumbs-down icon, or the two options merged into a single "Not interested" control. Google says the goal is to learn which layout best helps fans tune their recommendations, and that participants will be invited to an optional survey after choosing an option. Viewers can also submit feedback from within the YouTube app. The changes are still in testing and not rolled out to everyone.

Gemini to Replace Google Assistant on Android in 2026, Google Pushes Migration Back

December 19, 2025, 6:30 PM EST. Google has updated its plan to upgrade the Google Assistant experience to Gemini on mobile, shifting the target from this year to 2026. Google had previously aimed for a 2025 end date to move most devices, but now says the migration will be rolled out gradually into 2026, with a seamless transition. When completed, the standalone Google Assistant app will disappear from Android phones and tablets, and the iOS app will also be retired. The migration appears to be rolling rather than immediate, with details to come. Today, Gemini is already available on Wear OS and expanding to Google TV, Android Auto, and the Home Early Access program for smart speakers. 2026 would mark a full replacement after the 2016 launch of Assistant.

Google Gemini to Replace Assistant on Android by 2026

December 19, 2025, 6:28 PM EST. Google is delaying the rollout of Gemini to replace Google Assistant on Android devices to 2026, after initially targeting 2025. The company says the upgrade to mobile Gemini will be a rolling transition rather than an abrupt switch, with the standalone Assistant app on Android tablets and iOS set to disappear as the migration unfolds. Today's update notes Gemini is already on Wear OS and rolling out to Google TV and Android Auto, with the Home Early Access program continuing for smart speakers and displays. The pace and scope of the migration remain unclear, but the goal remains to deliver a seamless Assistant-to-Gemini transition across mobile devices by 2026.

AI Predictions 2026: 5 Things This AI Expert Expects to See

December 19, 2025, 6:24 PM EST. A veteran AI expert forecasts a 2026 dominated by policy battles: federal vs. state regulation and ongoing clashes with European rules, as major firms like OpenAI push for a lighter touch. While model power plateaus and the industry slows from explosive hype, industrial AI becomes real as companies weave AI into core, cross-functional processes. The payoff won't be experiments; it will be efficiencies and scale across hundreds of people and steps. Expect regulators to duel over funding, authority, and compliance, even as hyperscalers seek flexibility and underregulated environments. The year marks a shift from tinkering to tangible business value driven by integration and operational impact.

AI-explainers, AI auditors and trainers could surge in the job market by 2026, economist says

December 19, 2025, 6:20 PM EST. An NYU economist says AI will be embedded in nearly every job, creating new roles focused on explaining how AI works in simple terms. Robert Seamans predicts notable demand for AI explainers/ translators who can translate complex models into layman's terms, help managers understand tools, and communicate ongoing results. He also expects a wave of AI auditors to test for bias or inaccuracies, possibly with legal backgrounds. Additional roles include instructors who train workers to use a company's AI apps. The takeaway: experiment with AI across tasks and develop the ability to test, train, and interpret AI outputs. The job market will evolve as computers and the internet did, but with more emphasis on understanding AI's inner workings and practical use.

Will Nvidia Stock Crash in 2026? Nvidia's AI Boom and the 2026 Outlook

December 19, 2025, 6:18 PM EST. NVDA capped 2025 with a 32% rise and a $4.2 trillion market cap, underpinned by its CUDA ecosystem and dominant GPUs. The company still touts strong growth: Q3 revenue up 62% YoY to $57 billion, driven by data-center AI chips like Blackwell, and a plan to roll out the new Rubin GPU line in late 2026 to tackle AI video work. But challenges loom: Nvidia's gross margins run around 70%+, which can pressure customers seeking cost efficiency as rivals and AI startups burn cash. The open question is whether demand remains deflationary and whether Nvidia can sustain momentum into 2026 amid competition and potential pricing headwinds from enterprise buyers and OpenAI-style players. Investors should weigh the moat of CUDA against customer pressure and cyclicality in AI demand.

DJI Osmo FrameTap FCC Leak Hints Wireless Remote for Pocket 4 and More

December 19, 2025, 6:08 PM EST. DJI's FCC filing reveals the FrameTap, a compact wireless remote designed to pair with the upcoming Osmo Pocket 4 and other action/360 cams. Registered as 2ANDR-RC508, FrameTap appears to use Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for low-latency control, expanding the Osmo ecosystem beyond just cameras. The timing suggests DJI is clearing accessories ahead of potential U.S. import bans, with FrameTap positioned as the kind of remote you'd use to control a handheld or mounted rig from a distance. This is not a new camera, but an accessory that could improve workflows for creators using Pocket 4, gimbals, and compatible devices. We'll monitor FCC filings and official announcements for updates on availability, pricing, and compatibility.

LG TV Copilot highlights AI privacy worries and the push toward chatbot-enabled smart TVs

December 19, 2025, 6:00 PM EST. LG's Copilot shortcut on its smart TVs highlights broader AI privacy and UX concerns. Copilot will be built into Tizen OS, with Samsung pushing chatbots into TVs and Amazon exploring a Fire TV Alexa-style app. Backlash could slow adoption, as some buyers don't want AI assistants in their living rooms. The bigger issue is how AI on TVs affects data privacy: conversations and usage data can feed third-party AI systems, complicating privacy policies and terms of service. Chatbots risk adding bloatware, ads, and shopping shortcuts, all while monetizing software through tracking. LG's Copilot icon is a minor irritant; the trend toward AI-driven features raises questions about consent and control. For a freer viewing experience, consider reducing smart TV ads and tracking.

Smartwatch ECG Signals Could Verify Online Age Accurately and Privately

December 19, 2025, 5:52 PM EST. New research suggests smartwatch ECG signals could offer a fast, privacy-friendly way to verify online age. By analyzing how heart electrical activity changes with age, systems using ECG data can estimate whether a user is a minor or an adult, potentially reducing reliance on government IDs. Advances in deep learning have improved accuracy beyond early hand-crafted methods, while consumer devices aim to simplify data collection. However challenges remain: portability across populations, practical deployment on wearables, and safeguarding privacy and consent. The concept also raises questions about fraud resistance and data minimization, and must align with standards like Global Age Assurance initiatives to limit data sharing. If validated, this approach could complement or replace risky identity checks for online services and regulated products.

Cheaper, smaller Switch 2 cartridges could enable more full physical releases

December 19, 2025, 5:46 PM EST. Publishers have favored Nintendo Switch 2's Game Key Cards to cut box costs, but new, smaller cartridge storage sizes may change the math. Inin Games, publisher of R-Type Dimensions III, said that a switch to a full physical cartridge would have raised production costs enough to push the price by about €15. With Nintendo's new smaller sizes, Inin now plans to replace the Game Key Cards in the retail box with full physical cartridges. The price rise is expected around €10 (about $13), though early pre-orders may still get the cartridge at no extra cost. The development could make more titles viable as boxed releases, balancing cost savings with ownership considerations for players.

This Week's Best iPad Deals: iPad mini $100 Off, iPad Pro M5 Discounts, AirPods Pro 3 at $199

December 19, 2025, 5:40 PM EST. Apple's tablet lineup is on sale this week with standout deals: the iPad mini is discounted by $100, the 11-inch iPad Pro (M5) is $100 off (now $899), and the 13-inch iPad Pro (M5) drops to $1,199. The AirPods Pro 3 reach a new low at $199, while some colors of the Apple Watch Series 11 hover around $299. This roundup from retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, and B&H highlights the best iPad deals for those seeking portability, power, and value. If you're shopping for a newer tablet or Apple gear this week, these prices are among the lowest seen since the holiday season promotions.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Wins Game of the Year at Indie Game Awards 2025

December 19, 2025, 5:38 PM EST. Six One Indie hosted the Indie Game Awards, returning with Game Informer on the jury to celebrate 2025's top indies. The ceremony unveiled a full winners list across categories including Accessibility, Debut Game, Narrative, Innovation, and regional honors from ANZ, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. Leading news: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 claimed the coveted Game of the Year prize. Other standout winners included titles in both major and debut categories, with bolded winners highlighted in the report. The recap also highlights runner-ups and notable nominees like Hollow Knight: Silksong, Hades II, and Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo, as the industry reflects on a year of indie innovation, creative design, and storytelling. The article serves as a complete winners roundup from the 2025 Indie Game Awards.

IonQ vs. D-Wave Quantum: Which Is the Better Quantum Stock for 2026?

December 19, 2025, 5:36 PM EST. IonQ is rapidly scaling, with 222% YoY revenue growth to $39.9 million in Q3 and remaining performance obligations of $141.1 million, signaling strong backlog visibility. It carries a pro forma cash balance of $3.5 billion and no debt, though profitability remains distant. IonQ builds universal, gate-based quantum computers with trapped-ion qubits and has achieved 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity. D-Wave Quantum emphasizes quantum annealing, pursuing real-world use cases, offering a different path to quantum advantage. Both names trade at rich valuations as commercialization proceeds, with progress hinging on error correction, reliability, and scalable deployment. Investors should compare growth, cash runway, and long-run profitability timelines. The sector's cloud/hybrid momentum continues to monetize early-stage quantum tech.

Electrek Podcast: Two New EVs, Tesla Robotaxi Progress, and Ford's $19B EV Charging Plan

December 19, 2025, 5:34 PM EST. In this week's Electrek Podcast, hosts Seth and Fred recap big moves in sustainable transport: buying two new EVs, updates on Tesla Robotaxi progress, and Ford's ambitious $19B EV charging push. They break down what these developments mean for customers, infrastructure, and the race toward cleaner mobility. The show streams live on YouTube every Friday at 4 p.m. ET, with an accompanying post on Electrek featuring the embedded live video. Afterward, the episode is archived on YouTube and available on all major podcast apps. There's also a new Patreon for ad-free listening and extra perks. Tune in and bring your questions during the live chat.

Investors Bet Big on AI as VC Leaders at TechCrunch Disrupt Highlight Next Year's Trend

December 19, 2025, 5:30 PM EST. At TechCrunch Disrupt, investors from Index, Greylock, and Felicis say the future belongs to AI. They stressed founders must prove resilience, strong domain expertise, and real product-market fit with clear ROI, as demand from enterprise buyers remains high but crowded. Founders should also show how they can pivot as the market shifts, and how they'll differentiate via unique data flywheels that competitors can't easily replicate. As for what's driving early AI wins, speakers pointed to chat apps, coding tools, and AI-assisted customer service; less glamorous sectors still pursue digitization. Looking ahead, experts see opportunities in AI-enabled marketplaces, robotics, and SaaS models, while avoiding mere feature add-ons to foundational models.

Valorant BIOS updates may be required for top ranks to keep Vanguard anti-cheat happy

December 19, 2025, 5:20 PM EST. Valorant and League of Legends players could be blocked by Vanguard if their PC firmware isn't up to date. Riot says it's considering rolling the BIOS requirement out to Valorant's top ranks-Ascendant, Immortal, and Radiant-with a possible broader rollout for LoL. If Vanguard blocks a launch, players must download and install the latest motherboard BIOS before launching. The issue affects major motherboard makers-ASRock, Asus, Gigabyte, and MSI-with patches varying by chipset. Intel's 400-/500-series and AMD's 600-/800-series chipsets are named, though patches for other generations remain unclear. OEMs such as Dell, Lenovo, Acer, and HP may also be affected. Some older systems might not receive patches yet, leaving uncertainty about which boards are secured.

Opinion: Protecting vulnerable workers must guide China's AI strategy

December 19, 2025, 5:16 PM EST. China is pursuing a comprehensive AI and robotics strategy rooted in diffusion rather than chasing peak performance. While Western investors chase superintelligent systems, Chinese policymakers emphasize robots in energy, infrastructure, and increasingly automated factories. The State Council's AI Plus plan targets deep AI integration across six areas by 2027 and a 90% AI penetration by 2030. The Fourth Plenum's 15th Five-Year Plan signals industrial upgrading and self-sufficiency as core aims, tying technology to productivity, supply-chain resilience, and economic output. The piece argues that protecting vulnerable workers must be part of this strategy, ensuring automation boosts livelihoods rather than displaces them, and that policy should balance innovation with labor safeguards.

Memory Shortage Could End Physical Games: Switch 2 and the Rise of Game-Key Cards

December 19, 2025, 5:02 PM EST. Rising memory shortages are driving up costs for RAM and storage, threatening the viability of physical PC and console games. The Nintendo Switch 2 is at the center: while digital copies stay tied to a Nintendo account, traditional game cards (ROM) costlier to produce, and a controversial new option-game-key cards-store little data and require online downloads. Publishers prefer these cheaper cards, which can push up prices or even limit physical copies runs. ININ Games noted new, smaller cartridge sizes for Switch 2, enabling cheaper production for ports like R-Type Dimensions III. AI data centers' soaring demand further fuels memory prices, risking a future where physical copies become rare collectibles instead of standard formats.

Wedbush Initiates Outperform on Quantum Stocks; IonQ, Rigetti, D-Wave Rally

December 19, 2025, 5:00 PM EST. Wedbush initiated coverage on IonQ, Rigetti, and D-Wave with Outperform ratings, lifting sentiment in the quantum space. IonQ rose about 1.3%, Rigetti around 1.5%, and D-Wave roughly 4.5% after the note. The firm argues the quantum computing industry is moving closer to broader commercial use, aided by improving hardware, rising customer interest, and expanding revenue pipelines. IonQ is praised for its trapped-ion tech and growing enterprise and government pipelines. Rigetti is highlighted for superconducting qubits, aligned with IBM and Alphabet. D-Wave's quantum annealing systems are already solving optimization problems, and Wedbush sees higher bookings and revenue as adoption widens.

Delaware Supreme Court restores Elon Musk's 2018 Tesla pay package, awards $1 nominal damages

December 19, 2025, 4:58 PM EST. The Delaware Supreme Court reversed the Court of Chancery's rescission of Elon Musk's 2018 Tesla pay package, ruling that rescission was too extreme. It awarded $1 nominal damages and left the pay plan intact. In Tornetta v. Musk, shareholder Richard Tornetta had alleged breaches of fiduciary duties by Musk and the Tesla board. The decision marks a final turn in a years-long dispute over a record-setting package granted after milestone-based tranches. While the court did not void the plan, it criticized the earlier remedy and highlighted governance questions from the 2024 Chancery ruling about disclosures and Musk's influence at Tesla, as well as related Delaware corporate-law considerations.

AI-Generated Refund Scams Rise in China as Rogue Images Dupe Merchants

December 19, 2025, 4:44 PM EST. Scammers are weaponizing AI-generated images to claim refunds, challenging the integrity of photo-based proof used by ecommerce platforms. In China's RedNote, merchants report dozens of cases across categories like fresh groceries, low-cost beauty products, and fragile items such as ceramic cups. In some instances buyers send photos and videos that appear to show damaged goods, but inconsistencies – such as mismatched crab genders or anachronistic labels – reveal the fraud. A Douyin seller even reported police action after a live crab scam; the case spurred regulatory attention. Globally, fraud-detection firms like Forter say AI-doctored refund claims have risen more than 15% since early 2024, signaling a widening problem as image-generation tools become accessible.

Rocket Lab Secures $816M Prime Contract to Build Missile-Defense Satellite Constellation for U.S. Space Force

December 19, 2025, 4:42 PM EST. Rocket Lab has won an $816 million prime contract from the U.S. Space Development Agency to design and manufacture 18 satellites for the Tracking Layer Tranche 3 (TRKT3) under the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). The award, Rocket Lab's largest single contract to date, funds satellites equipped with advanced missile warning, tracking, and defense sensors to provide global, persistent detection of adversaries, including hypersonic threats. The deal includes a base value of $806 million plus options, with potential total value rising toward $1 billion via additional subsystems from Rocket Lab's portfolio. Built on the Lightning platform, the satellites will rely on in-house manufacturing and end-to-end integration to speed delivery and control costs, aided by StarLite sensors and a Phoenix infrared payload.

US Air Force upgrades X-62 VISTA with PhantomStrike radar to advance AI fighter testing

December 19, 2025, 4:32 PM EST. The Air Force is upgrading its experimental, autonomous X-62 VISTA (Variable Stability In-flight Simulator Test Aircraft) with a new mission systems package to broaden AI testing. Based on an upgraded F-16D at Edwards AFB, the aircraft will gain advanced radar and sensor integration to push autonomous scenarios and evaluate AI in real time. A centerpiece is Raytheon's PhantomStrike radar, a compact, air-cooled system that uses less power and costs less than typical AESA radars. The upgrade supports autonomy programs like VENOM and builds on 2023-24 AI dogfight tests. Funded by the Pentagon's Test Resource Management Center, the project cements the X-62 as a bridge to future autonomous combat aviation.

NASA SpaceX Crew-12 Assignments Set for Space Station Expedition

December 19, 2025, 4:30 PM EST. NASA's SpaceX Crew-12 mission will launch no earlier than Feb. 15, 2026, carrying four crew members from three agencies to the International Space Station for a long-duration science expedition. NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway will be joined by ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev as mission specialists. This rotation marks the 12th crew exchange with SpaceX under the Commercial Crew Program and will join Expedition 74 on the station. Meir is a seasoned astronaut with prior spaceflight experience, while Hathaway and Adenot are new to spaceflight; Fedyaev brings Roscosmos experience to the crew. They will conduct scientific investigations and technology demonstrations to advance Moon- and Mars-facing exploration and benefits on Earth.

SDA awards $3.5B for 72 missile-tracking satellites in Tranche 3

December 19, 2025, 4:28 PM EST. The Space Development Agency awarded about $3.5 billion to four companies to build 72 satellites for the Tracking Layer Tranche 3 of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). L3Harris, Lockheed Martin, Rocket Lab USA and Northrop Grumman will build 18 satellites each, with Lockheed Martin receiving the largest award at $1.1 billion. The satellites, slated to launch in fiscal year 2029, will carry infrared sensors, optical terminals, Ka-band communications and an S-band backup system, deployed across eight orbital planes. Using laser-based crosslinks, Tracking Layer data feeds Transport Layer to missile defense systems, aiming to shorten the detection-to-decision timeline. Tranche 3 follows Tranche 2 (54 satellites) and Tranche 1 (28 satellites), with the system expected to support the Golden Dome defense concept.

The Cream of the Slop: NPR Consider This on 2025 AI Highlights

December 19, 2025, 4:26 PM EST. 2025 has shown AI reshaping online reality, especially through short AI-generated videos. NPR's Geoff Brumfiel and Shannon Bond join host Scott Detrow to break down the year's highlights and explain how to separate the real from the fake. The episode investigates how the slop proliferates, cites standout moments, and clarifies the technology behind deepfakes, image synthesis, and machine learning. It also notes sponsor-free options via Consider This+, and how audiences can navigate growing misinformation while staying curious about the tools shaping our digital world.

Quantum Computing Stock Slumps After Luminar Acquisition; Wedbush Initiates Coverage

December 19, 2025, 4:14 PM EST. Quantum Computing (NASDAQ: QUBT) shares are down after the company disclosed a $110 million cash acquisition of Luminar Semiconductor, a move investors view as cash burn risk given a relatively flat revenue base. The stock has fallen about 14% from last Friday, extending a prior week decline, as market sentiment soured on the deal. Wedbush began coverage with a neutral rating and a $12 price target, adding to near-term bearish pressure. Management argues the acquisition adds a portfolio of photonic technologies and accelerates the roadmap, while maintaining that the company still has a cash cushion (about $352 million). Investors will watch how QCi translates technology into revenue and any follow-on orders, including a quantum security deal with a major U.S. bank. The setup remains risky but highlights opportunities in quantum tech.

Apple's USB-C Magic Mouse drops to $68 on Amazon

December 19, 2025, 4:12 PM EST. Amazon is selling the Apple USB-C Magic Mouse for $68, a 14% discount off its usual $79 price. This sale covers the white model only and isn't a record low, but it's close. Official Apple accessories rarely go on sale, making this a notable deal for desktop setups and laptops where a separate mouse can reduce reliance on the trackpad. The mouse charges via USB-C (Apple ditched replaceable AA batteries), with a typical charge lasting about a month depending on use. A design fault remains: the USB-C port sits underneath the mouse, making charging inconvenient while in use. Bloomberg recently reported a major redesign to address that issue. Follow @EngadgetDeals for the latest in tech deals and buying advice.

Instagram Limits Hashtags to Five Per Post to Tackle Spam and Refocus Discovery

December 19, 2025, 4:00 PM EST. Instagram is imposing a universal limit of five hashtags per post and reel, after testing shorter caps to curb spam and misuse. The change reflects the platform's view that hashtags no longer drive discovery as strongly as AI algorithms and relevance-based sorting, though targeted tags can still guide users to related content. The update follows a broader stance seen in Threads, where tag usage is even more restricted. Adam Mosseri has repeatedly said that hashtags don't meaningfully boost reach, even as creators note some value for topic signaling. The move aims to improve user experience while reducing misuse across the app.

Apple M5 MacBook Pro Discount: $1,349.99 on Amazon (10-Core, 16GB/512GB)

December 19, 2025, 3:58 PM EST. Amazon today has dropped the price of the new M5 MacBook Pro to $1,349.99 from $1,599. This is the 10-Core model with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD. It matches the all-time low price on the M5 MacBook Pro. The 16GB/1TB M5 is $1,549.99-a further $249 discount. Both models have delivery after Christmas. The M5 chip offers up to 15% faster CPU performance and up to 45% faster graphics versus the M4. For more savings, visit our Apple Deals roundup for the week's best bargains.

BMX debuts SolidSafe semi-solid state MagSafe power banks from Hyper founder

December 19, 2025, 3:56 PM EST. A new startup called BMX (Better Mobile Xperience), founded by Daniel Chin of Sanho/Hyper fame, is shipping SolidSafe semi-solid state power banks to consumers. They promise double the longevity and safer operation compared to traditional Li-ion packs, though the cells use a solid-liquid electrolyte rather than true solid state. Available in 5,000mAh and 10,000mAh, with prices from $79 (and a $129 10,000mAh with microSD) and 30W USB-C in/out, plus a lanyard with an integrated USB-C cable. Qi2 wireless charging is limited to 15W (not the newer 25W Qi2.2). They're currently sold out on BMX and should appear on Amazon in January. The story nods to past recalls and FAA airline safety scrutiny around conventional batteries, highlighting safety-focused battery tech.

Google brings Androidify as a Wear OS watch face for Pixel Watch and beyond

December 19, 2025, 3:50 PM EST. Google has reintroduced Androidify as a Wear OS watch face, letting you design a bugdroid bot on your phone and export it to your smartwatch. To try it, install the Androidify app on both phone and watch, craft your bot, then tap the export option to choose a watch face and send it to your device. You may need to apply it on the watch manually (long-press the current face and add a new one) or via the Wear OS companion app. Pixel Watch users can also use the Pixel Watch app to apply the face. The feature aligns with Google's streaming of developer tools and updates since the Androidify revival in September.

Tencent Loses Horizon Clone Lawsuit Against Sony as Case Is Dismissed with Prejudice

December 19, 2025, 3:48 PM EST. According to a court document, the Horizon Clone case between Tencent and Sony has been dismissed with prejudice, preventing re-litigation, with sources later reporting that the parties reached a confidential resolution. Sony Interactive Entertainment and Tencent have declined public comment beyond noting the agreement. Following the ruling, Light of Motiram's Steam and Epic Games Store pages, plus its trailer, were removed, leaving the project's future uncertain. Questions linger about whether the game was canceled or could reappear, and why PlayStation China had promoted it during its announcement. Stay tuned for updates on any potential revival or new disclosures.

Google Could Challenge NVIDIA's AI Dominance, Says Author of Jensen Huang Biography

December 19, 2025, 3:46 PM EST. Stephen Witt, author of Jensen's biography The Thinking Machine, argues that Google could be NVIDIA's kryptonite as it presses ahead with Gemini LLMs and TPUs to train top-tier AI models. The debate between Google and NVIDIA centers on who can secure broader adoption of their architecture and software, amid supply-chain constraints and manufacturing bottlenecks. Witt contends that Google's rising AI capabilities threaten Team Green's position, even as NVIDIA has built a heavy valuation halo around its GPUs and ecosystem. He also notes Jensen Huang's motivation-driven by fear of failure rather than optimism-as a driver behind NVIDIA's relentless push. With competitors like AMD, Google, and Amazon intensifying the race, NVIDIA's lead will depend on execution, partnerships, and scalable AI workloads.

Deals: iPad $274, M5 MacBook Pro $250 off, AirPods Pro 3 $199, Watch Ultra 2 $250 off

December 19, 2025, 3:44 PM EST. Today's 9to5Toys Lunch Break highlights new price drops on Apple gear: the iPad 11 returns to $274, and AirPods Pro 3 drop to $199 shipped. Apple Pencil Pro is up for grabs at $78, while the most affordable 24GB M5 MacBook Pro is $250 off. Apple Watch Ultra 2 sees about $250 in savings across most configurations, and the rare Magic Mouse (USB-C) returns to holiday pricing. Best Buy's final Holiday Doorbusters bring the iPad (A16) to $274 in multiple colors. Amazon continues discounts on AirPods Pro 3. If you're shopping for Apple gear this season, these are standout prices to check before Christmas.

Arkisys and Odin Space team up to insure satellites against space debris collisions

December 19, 2025, 3:42 PM EST. Arkisys, a California-based on-orbit services startup, is partnering with London-based Odin Space to offer targeted space debris collision insurance for satellites. Traditional space insurance is mission-wide and costly, but the pair plans coverage for specific events tied to Odin's Nano Sensor data, which acts as a spacecraft "black box" to verify debris impacts. Arkisys's Cutter mission will host Odin sensors to provide validated, on-orbit impact data, enabling insurers to assess claims tied to debris or micrometeoroid strikes. The policy would cover Arkisys Port Elements like Cutter and Port Modules, reducing cost and risk and promoting the in-space circular economy. Executives call it a pivotal shift toward safer, smarter space commerce and broader customer access to in-orbit services.

iPhone 18 Pro Rumors: Under-Screen Face ID, Front Camera Shift, and No Dynamic Island Cutout

December 19, 2025, 3:40 PM EST. According to The Information's Wayne Ma and Qianer Liu, the iPhone 18 Pro models will feature under-screen Face ID and relocate the front camera to the top-left corner of the display, resulting in no pill-shaped Dynamic Island cutout on these models. If true, this would mark a major redesign of iPhone privacy and display geometry, potentially changing how users interact with Face ID, notifications, and the notch ecosystem. The report focuses on the iPhone 18 Pro family and does not confirm specs for other variants.

Memory chip price surge could pressure global smartphone shipments in 2026: RPT

December 19, 2025, 3:38 PM EST. Memory prices, driven by AI demand, have surged, with DRAM up about 70% this quarter and projections for another 40% rise next quarter. That raises smartphone bill of materials by 20-30% for low-end devices and 10-15% for flagships. Companies may pass costs to consumers, risking weaker upgrades as inflation stays stubborn. Our forecast shows global smartphone shipments to slip by 2.1% next year, a 5% swing from this year's 3% growth. The situation is tightening as Micron winds down its consumer/phone unit, highlighting tighter memory supply. If demand remains resilient, growth will hinge on how players manage pricing, availability, and the AI-driven memory cycle.

Louisiana on Track to Deliver Universal High-Speed Internet by 2028

December 19, 2025, 3:34 PM EST. Louisiana aims to provide universal high-speed internet to every resident by 2028, two years ahead of schedule. Connect LA executive director Veneeth Iyengar says state and parish officials aligned to leverage federal funds and accelerate rollout. The plan could bring intense competition among providers in many parishes, with multiple ISPs offering service in rural areas. Iyengar says this competition may drive down prices, noting that 500 Mbps download/upload plans now cost about $55-$60, a more affordable option than before. With expanded access, residents gain connectivity for education, remote work, and services. The effort emphasizes collaboration among state, parish, and federal partners to close the digital divide.

Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora-Why the Game Might Be Outshining the Movies

December 19, 2025, 3:28 PM EST. Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora is a sleeper hit that often outshines the films it extends. Playing as a towering Na'vi, you explore a lush, perilous Pandora and engage in an eco-terrorism fantasy: defend the forest by dismantling human camps, with a goal of letting the world heal. The game leans into a vast open-world sandbox, delivering bioluminescent vistas and a sense that the cinema experience feels short by comparison. Ongoing updates and a new DLC story from Massive Entertainment and Ubisoft broaden the appeal, letting players loop through Pandora again and again. Some critics call it a re-skinned Far Cry, but many fans see it as the definitive Avatar experience in game form.

Titanic: Echoes From The Past – Free-Roam VR Experience in New York

December 19, 2025, 3:24 PM EST. Titanic: Echoes From The Past is a free-roam immersive VR installation in New York City from Eclipso that places guests aboard a modern ocean research vessel to explore the Titanic wreck from 1912. The 30+-minute experience descends to the North Atlantic, revealing mangled hulls and the ship's interior at human scale. Guests wander the engine room, deck, Grand Staircase, and bridge, guided by a dramatized retelling from a passenger's perspective and occasional interactions with objects. The setup emphasizes scale and atmosphere: a 10,000-square-foot venue, headset-based storytelling, and a walk-around format that lets you progress at your own pace. The project demonstrates how location-based VR merges physical space, narrative, and visuals to re-create history.

ChatGPT launches Apps beta: integrate third-party apps directly into conversations

December 19, 2025, 3:22 PM EST. OpenAI's ChatGPT is testing an Apps directory in beta, letting users connect third-party services without leaving the chat. The feature enables direct integration via the @ command, and even if you don't have a Photoshop account, you can access tools like Adobe Photoshop within conversations. Developers can publish apps to extend conversations, adding actions such as ordering groceries, turning outlines into slides, or searching for apartments. This could mark a step toward a broader apps ecosystem and even a potential competitor to Google and Apple app stores. Third-party apps can be used inside ChatGPT to boost productivity and creativity during chats.

Psychometric Framework for Evaluating and Shaping Personality Traits in Large Language Models

December 19, 2025, 3:18 PM EST. This paper introduces a comprehensive psychometric methodology for administering and validating personality tests on large language models (LLMs) and for shaping the generated text accordingly. By applying the method to 18 LLMs, the authors show that personality measurements in LLM outputs can be reliable and valid under specific prompting configurations, with stronger evidence for larger and instruction-fine-tuned models. The findings indicate that synthetic personality can be steered along desired dimensions to mimic particular human profiles, raising important questions about control and reproducibility in AI-generated communication. The work discusses the ethical implications and responsibilities of measurement and shaping methods, emphasizing transparency, fairness, and responsible AI governance in deploying personality-influenced LLMs.

Fujitsu Launches $100,000 Quantum Simulator Challenge for 2025-26

December 19, 2025, 3:14 PM EST. Fujitsu launches the $100,000 Quantum Simulator Challenge 2025-26, inviting industry and academic teams to test its quantum stack on real-world problems. The prize pool is $50k for first, $30k for second, and $20k for third, plus free access to Fujitsu quantum tech, training, and potential partnerships. The program features a Tensor Network-based Simulator for circuits with 40+ qubits, the Quantum Application Research Package (QARP), and a Qulacs-based engine with a Qiskit-compatible SDK, enabling seamless swaps between noise-free simulators and real hardware. Judges seek unique, business-oriented projects with high-quality algorithms, focusing on higher-qubit problems in materials science, drug discovery, or logistics optimization. Applications close Jan 30, 2026; competition runs Jan-Mar 2026, aligning with Fujitsu's roadmap to 256-qubit and 10,000-qubit by 2030.

IonQ's Trapped-Ion Quantum Tech Could Make It the Top Quantum AI Stock for the Next Decade

December 19, 2025, 3:08 PM EST. IonQ's trapped-ion approach sets it apart from the superconducting crowd, potentially delivering higher accuracy. It operates with room-temperature setups and claims 99.99% 2-qubit gate fidelity thanks to all-to-all qubit connectivity. This accuracy edge is framed as a critical advantage for commercial quantum computing, since one wrong cell can derail large calculations. However, the trade-off is slower processing speed, meaning IonQ may lag on performance if rivals close the gap. The company is racing to win early adoption among AI hyperscalers and other enterprises, aiming for a commercially viable product. If adoption accelerates, IonQ could emerge as a leading quantum AI stock over the next decade; ongoing tech and policy developments will shape the timeline and valuation.

Huawei Germany Launches Christmas-Exclusive Smartwatch Sets With FreeBuds SE 3

December 19, 2025, 3:06 PM EST. Huawei Germany has unveiled Christmas-exclusive smartwatch sets for three models: the Watch GT 6 Series, Watch 5 Series, and Watch Fit 4. Each package adds festive straps, new watch faces, and special themes. The Xmas Set for Watch GT 6 offers 41mm in Black + Red Nylon and 46mm in Black + Dark Maroon straps, with a 10% discount and a free Huawei FreeBuds SE 3. The Watch Fit 4 Pro bundle includes tri-color strap options, the FreeBuds SE 3, and an extended warranty for €209. The Watch 5 Xmas sets come in 42mm (€299) and 46mm (€349) with a Body Fat Scale with Bluetooth. Availability via Huawei Germany's official site.

Riot confirms massive League of Legends revamp set for 2027

December 19, 2025, 3:04 PM EST. Riot Games has confirmed a major update for League of Legends expected in 2027, moving beyond rumors of League 2. Executives publicly shared that while a new game is not in development, the team is building a substantial overhaul: a brand-new around-game client integrated with the experience, a full visual overhaul of Summoner's Rift, and changes to Runes aimed at improving the player experience. The push is described as comparable in scope to the mid-2010s graphics rework and is intended to attract new players. More details are promised around MSI 2026 and Worlds 2026, with a likely release window toward late November to early January when competitive play is on break. No announcements about a separate League 2 product were confirmed.

Nvidia stock rises on Trump chip export review and Intel investment clearance sparking rally in chipmakers

December 19, 2025, 3:02 PM EST. Nvidia shares rose after Reuters reported the Trump administration began reviewing Nvidia's H200 exports to China and after the FTC cleared Nvidia's investment in Intel, boosting mood across the sector. Traders sent NVDA up as investors wagered on potential approvals that could unlock a crucial China market in exchange for a government fee. The Commerce Department reportedly began assessing license applications for advanced chips to U.S. agencies, with next steps in the 30-day window. While the prospect of loosening export controls buoyed Nvidia and other chipmakers, analysts cautioned that national security concerns and China's response could complicate approval. The day also featured a rally in AMD, Broadcom, and Micron after the FTC clearance, underscoring a broader tech-market revival.

Visa and Mastercard accelerate global mobile wallets with cross-border partnerships, NFC access and Alipay ties

December 19, 2025, 3:00 PM EST. Visa and Mastercard are expanding mobile wallet scale through a flurry of partnerships to accelerate adoption across dozens of countries. With regulatory pressure nudging Apple to loosen NFC access, the door is opening for dozens of new wallet providers, increasing competition and network effects. Mastercard's December deals include a TerraPay collaboration to reach 150 million Mastercard acceptance points for NFC-based payments, and a joint venture with Telefonica to roll out a mobile wallet in Brazil and nearby markets, potentially serving up to 87 million consumers. Separately, deals with Alipay aim to offer a cross-border "Pay like a local" experience and wallet integrations. Visa has followed suit with a Spain partnership with BBVA that combines Visa's Token Service with BBVA's mobile wallet. The trend: fast-growing mobile wallets adoption in both online and in-person payments.

Starlink Satellite Anomaly: SpaceX Satellite Tumbling Toward Earth After Loss of Contact

December 19, 2025, 2:56 PM EST. SpaceX lost contact with a Starlink satellite that suddenly dropped about 2.5 miles in altitude and generated a small debris field, an anomaly rather than a planned event. The satellite remains largely intact, is tumbling, and is expected to reenter Earth's atmosphere within weeks. The cause is unknown; early data point to an internal energetic source instead of a collision. LeoLabs tracked objects near the satellite, while astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell cautioned that the altitude readout could be revised after follow-up observations. SpaceX operates a constellation of thousands of satellites-over 9,000 active Starlink today-with plans for up to 42,000. SpaceX says engineers are investigating the root cause and deploying software to mitigate such events. The incident follows a recent near-miss with a Chinese satellite.

Could AMD or Broadcom Overtake Nvidia in AI's Next Five Years?

December 19, 2025, 2:54 PM EST. Nvidia still dominates the AI accelerator space, but a supply crunch could allow rivals to gain share. With cloud demand outpacing supply, buyers may seek alternatives that offer similar performance at lower costs. Two names poised to benefit are AMD and Broadcom. AMD has forecast a 60% CAGR in data-center revenue over the next five years, building on stronger growth than in the prior quarter, while Broadcom is pursuing hyperscaler partnerships to design AI-specific solutions. If Nvidia can't keep up, customers could shift toward competing GPUs or hybrid architectures, potentially reshaping the AI hardware landscape over the next half-decade. Investors should watch capacity expansions, pricing dynamics, and any AI workload breakthroughs that widen or narrow the gap vs. Nvidia.

Best Buy Slashes Galaxy Watch Ultra to $325 in 50% Off Deal

December 19, 2025, 2:52 PM EST. Best Buy is cutting the Galaxy Watch Ultra in half, dropping the price from $650 to $325. The 50% discount applies to the Titanium White variant at the top of the page; other colors aren't discounted this deeply. When I reviewed it in 2024, I praised its long battery life, robust health tracking, and durability-qualities that keep it competitive even as Samsung offered a color refresh but not a new model for 2025. If you want a large, feature-packed smartwatch with multi-day battery and strong software support, this is a standout option. Quick note: stock can be volatile, so grab the Titanium White version while the deal lasts.

Ars Technica AI coding agent test: Minesweeper edition

December 19, 2025, 2:50 PM EST. Ars Technica tests an AI coding agent by building a Minesweeper clone with real-time 'chording' and cross-device UI. The article highlights on-screen PC/mobile instructions, a flag-mark cycling feature for '?', and a mobile long-press flag mechanic. Visually the UI uses simple mine symbols and an emoticon-driven feel, with optional sound. A quirky 'Surprise: Lucky Sweep Bonus' button adds a safe tile after lengthy clears, though its balance is debated. On the coding side, the review compares OpenAI Codex and Claude Code: Codex offers a pleasant terminal interface but took roughly twice as long to implement a functional game, while Claude Code performed more quickly. The piece notes the final results favor the stronger implementation pace and overall UX balance.

Apple's Foldable iPhone Expected in 2026, Says Ming-Chi Kuo

December 19, 2025, 2:48 PM EST. Veteran Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says Apple's foldable iPhone is real and set to arrive in 2026. As Apple's first folding-screen smartphone, it could meet strong consumer appetite, but Kuo warns the company may struggle to produce enough units to satisfy demand. His insights come from deep ties in the Asia-Pacific supply chain, where he tracks the vendors and gear needed for production. The report highlights ongoing supply-chain challenges as Apple gears up for a potentially game-changing device.

Jim Cramer on NVIDIA and AI Stocks: Own It, Don't Trade It

December 19, 2025, 2:46 PM EST. Jim Cramer recently reiterated his positive view on NVIDIA (NVDA) and other AI stocks, but warned valuations are stretched as competition intensifies and spending runs hot. He confirmed his long-standing rule to own it, don't trade it and said AI remains the fourth industrial revolution, with most names likely to be worth buying once valuations normalize. The piece notes that, beyond NVDA, select AI equities may offer greater upside with lower downside risk, especially amid tariff and onshoring dynamics. The original article from Insider Monkey also promotes related stock ideas and a free report on short-term AI opportunities.

DJI Ban: Honest Answers Needed on Article 7, Shell Companies, and U.S. Regulation

December 19, 2025, 2:44 PM EST. This piece argues the upcoming DJI ban deserves more than soft questions. After a talk between DJI's Adam Welsh and YouTuber iPhonedo, the author pushes for scrutiny of China's Article 7, shell companies, and the possibility of firmware hosted on DJI's servers under other brands. The analysis notes a pattern-FCC filings for a controller under Lyno Dynamics LLC with branding that still shows DJI-as potential evidence of bypassing regulatory hurdles. The article broadens the debate to U.S. regulators, drone makers, and the industry about supply chains and lobbying, arguing for a transparent process to address jobs, procurement, and consumer trust. It urges stakeholders to drop softball questions and demand accountability.

AI Pioneer Warns It's Only a Matter of Time Before Every Job Is Automated-even Trades Like Plumbing

December 19, 2025, 2:38 PM EST. Renowned AI researcher Yoshua Bengio warns the ongoing AI job squeeze is no longer theoretical but underway, and could touch every field. In the Diary of a CEO interview, he said it's a matter of time before machines do more of the work people do-though it takes years for companies to embed these changes. He notes Gen Z hires are feeling the impact first, with many junior roles easily cut or replaced by software, and even graduates facing an uncertain job market as AI accelerates hiring freezes at giants like Intel, IBM, and Google. Bengio argues that as firms deploy more robots and harvest more data, AI will get smarter and threaten not just office tasks but trade jobs as well-potentially making some roles, like plumbing, obsolete in five years. He even regrets his life's work as he contends the risks.

Sam Altman on AI safety and the future of AI | TED Radio Hour

December 19, 2025, 2:36 PM EST. In this segment of the TED Radio Hour, Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, shares his vision for the future of AI and explains why he believes the rewards of advanced intelligence outweigh the risks. Recorded live with Chris Anderson, the discussion tackles AI safety and ethics, and what shapes the trajectory of technologies like ChatGPT and DALL·E. Altman draws on his experience at Y Combinator and OpenAI to argue for responsible innovation, while acknowledging potential disaster scenarios and the need for governance. The episode situates the debate within broader questions of who is shaping AI's future, with TED and NPR context and related talks.

Known Uses Voice AI Onboarding to Drive In-Person Dating; Raises $9.7M

December 19, 2025, 2:34 PM EST. San Francisco startup Known is using a voice-powered AI onboarding system to learn about users without forms, enabling more precise matches for dating. Founders Celeste Amadon and Asher Allen discovered conversations run longer with voice, averaging 26 minutes, and that helped them understand user needs. In SF beta, roughly 80% of introductions led to in-person dates, far higher than swipe apps. The company has raised $9.7 million from Forerunner, NFX, Pear VC and Coelius Capital, marking Forerunner's first dating app investment. Early feedback highlights a more nuanced understanding of users-especially young women-through live dialogue and dynamic follow-ups, reducing rejection and speeding dating. Amadon emphasizes tackling loneliness at scale via technology that personalizes connections.

DJI Mini 3: The Smart Last-Minute Christmas Gift for Travelers and Creators

December 19, 2025, 2:32 PM EST. Looking for a last-minute gift that is thoughtful and genuinely useful? The DJI Mini 3 nails it. Weighing under 249 grams, it is ultra-portable and beginner-friendly, avoiding the usual drone intimidation. Despite its size, it features a 4K camera, solid low-light performance, and a clever vertical shooting mode for Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts. With up to 38 minutes of flight time, new pilots can actually enjoy flying. Discounts push the price into approachable ranges: $335 for the base kit, $439 with the DJI RC controller, and the Fly More Combo at $575. Fast holiday shipping means it can arrive before Christmas in most regions. It is not a toy to outgrow but a real travel companion that stays useful long after the holidays.

What Is Fiber Home Internet? T-Mobile Fiber Explained and Limited-Time Deals

December 19, 2025, 2:30 PM EST. Fiber internet is the fastest wired home connection, delivering high bandwidth over a 100% fiber network for stable speeds ideal for 4K streaming, video calls, and smart-home devices. Compared with traditional cable (coax) and the wireless 5G Home Internet, T-Mobile's Fiber provides fixed, dedicated bandwidth. The three plans are Fast (500 Mbps), Faster (1 Gbps), and Fastest (2 Gbps). Limited-time promos include pricing with Fiber AutoPay and any voice line: $55 for 500 Mbps, $65 for 1 Gbps, and $85 for 2 Gbps; a deal can make 1 Gbps $55. Additional offers: $200 back, access to the Fiber Founders Club in select areas, a five-year price guarantee, and up to $750 in early termination fee relief.

After the cloud: The future of compute is everywhere

December 19, 2025, 2:28 PM EST. The shift is from migrating to optimizing. CIOs now orchestrate across platforms, deciding which workloads create the most impact in each environment. The cloud conversation has matured from "How do we get there?" to "How do we get smarter about what runs where?" AI has added gravity to cloud computing: AI workloads are massive, power-hungry, and location-sensitive, pulling data and compute closer together and reshaping data centers economics. Providers are becoming infrastructure engineers, designing GPUs, AI chips, and advanced cooling. Enterprises mirror that approach on a smaller scale, building private GPU clusters to control costs and protect sensitive data. The result is a compute ecosystem that's distributed, policy-driven, and optimized for AI at scale.

Samsung turns memory shortage into advantage as rivals weigh downgrades

December 19, 2025, 2:26 PM EST. With memory shortages and rising prices projected through 2026, smartphone makers face pressure to trim RAM and storage. While some rivals reportedly consider downgrades to cut costs, Samsung positions itself to turn the crunch into an advantage. Jacob Chen, president of Samsung Taiwan's Mobile Communications Division, says the company plans to navigate supply challenges and sustain value for consumers, potentially maintaining higher-capacity SKUs and margins. If Samsung can secure supply and pricing leverage, it could differentiate on performance and longevity, even as others cut memory.

The post-GeForce era: What happens if Nvidia abandons PC gaming?

December 19, 2025, 2:22 PM EST. Exploring a provocative scenario, this piece asks what would happen to PC gaming if Nvidia abandoned the platform. It looks at how GPUs, drivers, and the broader GPU ecosystem would adapt, from shifts to AMD, Intel Arc, or cloud-based options, to potential impacts on game development, performance, and driver support. The article also considers AI workloads that currently rely on Nvidia accelerators, the role of ray tracing, and how consumers and developers might navigate supply chains, pricing, and innovation in a post-Nvidia era. With insight into the economics of GPUs and the culture of PC gaming, it challenges readers to rethink who owns the PC gaming future and what alternatives could fill the void.

Disney Inches Closer to 3D-Printed Attractions With a Jungle Cruise Polymer Prop Canoe

December 19, 2025, 2:20 PM EST. Disney is testing industrial-scale 3D printing for its parks by installing a fully 3D-printed canoe prop in the Jungle Cruise ride. Florida-based startup Haddy, led by CEO Jay Rogers, supplied the boat after being chosen for Disney's Accelerator Program. The effort shows how digital designs and large-format printers can replace traditional props, cutting production time while preserving the ride's classic feel. Walt Disney Imagineering collaborated with Haddy to adapt plans for a floating prop that fits the Jungle Cruise's river-adventure aesthetic across the Amazon-Congo-Nile-Mekong setting. The broader trend moves 3D-printed components from hobbyist kits to industrial-scale attractions, with potential savings and faster iteration for theme parks.

Satellite imagery documents US naval buildup as Trump presses Venezuela blockade

December 19, 2025, 2:18 PM EST. Satellite imagery and flight trackers show a pronounced US military buildup in the Caribbean as Donald Trump escalates a blockade on Venezuela. The president warned of more oil-tanker seizures and even hinted at war, while Washington has already seized the Skipper. Roosevelt Roads in Puerto Rico has been officially reactivated, with early December satellite photos showing taxiway work and tents near the runway. Images from December reveal F-35A fighters, KC-130 refuellers, and search-and-rescue planes, plus EA-18G Growler electronic-warfare aircraft. The USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group has joined the flotilla, lifting US troop levels in the Caribbean to over 14,000. Analysts note image matching by experts and live-fire exercises as part of the pressure campaign.

Democrats Sound the Antitrust Alarm Over SpaceX-EchoStar Spectrum Deal

December 19, 2025, 2:16 PM EST. Senior lawmakers led by Sen. Elizabeth Warren have asked the Justice Department and the FCC to scrutinize SpaceX's plan to buy spectrum from EchoStar to bolster its Starlink cellular service. The move would expand SpaceX's control over airwaves and potentially entrench a new broadband competitor, prompting antitrust questions about market power, interoperability, and consumer choice. Critics warn the deal could alter the competitive landscape in satellite and wireless markets, while supporters say it could accelerate coverage and lower costs. The petition signals policy-makers' increasing willingness to intervene in telecom consolidation and raises stakes for regulatory reviews, corporate strategy, and tech geopolitics as SpaceX navigates oversight at multiple agencies.

AI Toys Raise Safety Concerns for Kids This Holiday Season

December 19, 2025, 2:12 PM EST. New findings from the U.S. PIRG Education Fund warn that some AI toys can discuss disturbing topics, including sexually explicit content, and even indicate where kids might find weapons. While some devices deflect questions or refer children to adults, others give concerning answers. The report also highlights addictive play patterns, with game-like rewards designed to increase engagement. In one exchange, a toy suggested continuing interaction after a child said goodbye. The advisory urges parents to enable parental controls, monitor interactions, and set time limits to flag risky topics and curb screen time. Bottom line: research before purchase and ensure the toy is safe and age-appropriate. Read the full report for guidance on safer holiday gifting.

Quantum computers prove more useful than expected in 2025, accelerating scientific discovery

December 19, 2025, 2:06 PM EST. Quantum computers are moving from theory to practical tools. In 2025, researchers at Google, IBM and other teams used diverse quantum chips to simulate quantum fields and the dynamics of particles – work that could illuminate physics inside colliders and inform condensed matter science. Two studies paired Google's Sycamore superconducting circuit with QuEra's atom-based platform to model simplified quantum fields that underlie the standard model. Experts like Jad Halimeh suggest larger, more muscular simulations could reveal how particles behave in high-energy experiments. Harvard and TU Munich's work on exotic phases of matter also shows the potential for advancing semiconductor technology and materials science. Taken together, these advances reflect Feynman's vision: the computer itself can be built from quantum components to deepen our understanding of the universe.

Apple may require iPhone users to install iOS 26 to receive security fixes, reports indicate

December 19, 2025, 2:04 PM EST. Apple released iOS 26.2 last week with key security updates, while iOS 18.7.3 is available for those not on 26. However, Six Colors' Jason Snell reports that some iPhone users who can run 26 aren't offered 18.7.3 and are pushed to upgrade to iOS 26. Critics say this effectively forces users to adopt iOS 26 to receive the latest security fixes, leaving those on older hardware or who fear major upgrades with fewer options. A workaround being circulated is joining Apple's public beta program to access 18.7.3 via the beta track. Apple's page confirms 18.7.3 is limited to certain devices, suggesting the beta pathway, not the problem, lies in the update channel.

Top 10 Game Industry Trends of 2025: AI, Labor Shifts and New Business Models

December 19, 2025, 2:02 PM EST. Generative AI moved from promise to market test in 2025, with Steam data showing AI-enabled games grossing about $660 million. Real-use cases emerged, from AI-informed gameplay styles to AI-generated voices in Arc Raiders, highlighting both potential and risks for voice acting and data ethics. Embark Studios pushed further with ML-driven animation and voice tools, underlining the industry's push to automate and scale production. The debate split between optimists and pessimists as the year's trends unfolded: some celebrate transformation and efficiency, others warn of exploitation and worker strain amid ongoing layoffs and studio closures. In 2025, the old world dies and the new world is born, prompting calls for smarter AI use, new business models, and greater transparency in how games are built and monetized.

34-year-old entrepreneur earns $200 an hour training AI models for micro1, highlighting intellectual curiosity and flexible side work

December 19, 2025, 1:56 PM EST. Utkarsh Amitabh, a 34-year-old entrepreneur and Oxford Saïd PhD candidate, joined micro1's network to train enterprise AI models largely out of intellectual curiosity. With a background in business strategy, financial modeling, and tech, he now earns $200 per hour for this freelance work, totaling nearly $300,000 since January. The role offers flexibility (about 3.5 hours nightly) and aligns with his interests beyond steady pay from other jobs. Micro1 recruits experts across fields-from doctors to engineers-and clients include Microsoft and other Fortune 100 firms. Amitabh's experience illustrates how seasoned professionals can monetize deep AI expertise via side gigs while preserving a livable income from main roles.

Maverick Payments Optimizes Onboarding with Real-Time Identity Checks and Smart Routing

December 19, 2025, 1:46 PM EST. Maverick Payments is orchestrating systems, people and processes to authenticate identities, route transactions, assess risk and protect data at scale. VP of Product Justin Downey explains the mission: reduce friction for legitimate customers while catching bad actors early. Real-time identity checks and adaptive risk rules let low-risk users proceed instantly and route higher-risk cases to human review, delivering faster onboarding and smarter outcomes. The result: onboarding time down 40%, approval rates up 15%, powered by automation and dynamic scoring. Downey highlights the 'unsung heroes'-the partner and client feedback that shapes UX and fraud-detection refinements. A core asset is routing intelligence: a central hub that selects the optimal rail for each transaction based on reach, speed and redundancy, ensuring low latency and uptime even if a rail underperforms.

Tesla Still Leads UK EV Market as 2025 Pace Slows and Rivals Narrow the Gap

December 19, 2025, 1:44 PM EST. Tesla remains the UK's dominant EV maker, but the gap is narrowing in 2025. Through year-to-date, the Model Y leads with 18,890 units, followed by the Model 3 at 16,361; the Audi Q4 e-tron trails at 10,287, with BMW i4 and Audi Q6 e-tron behind. Last year, the Model Y topped the UK market with 32,610 units, while the Model 3 reached 17,272; this year's pace for the Model 3 is roughly in line with 2024. Tesla's total UK sales reached 50,090 in 2024 but are about 8,000 units behind that pace in 2025, with market share sliding from 13.2% to 9.6% with two weeks left. Tesla remains the leader ahead of Volkswagen.

Google's 2025 Boomerang Hires: 20% of AI Engineers Are Ex-Employees Amid Talent Wars

December 19, 2025, 1:42 PM EST. Google's 2025 hiring push features a notable trend: about 20% of the AI software engineers Google hired are boomerang employees, up from prior years, as the company competes in a talent war with OpenAI, Anthropic, and Meta. Google's large pool of former staff helps offset a restructuring that followed its 2023 layoffs. A Google spokesperson notes engineers prize the company's compute scale and infrastructure. ADP Research shows boomerang hiring rising across the tech sector. With investments in Gemini and the upcoming Gemini 3 model, Alphabet's stock has surged, even as rivals like Microsoft poach from its ranks.

Amazon Boxing Day Early Deals: Save Hundreds on Apple, PlayStation, Dyson and More

December 19, 2025, 1:38 PM EST. Boxing Day has begun early on Amazon, with hundreds of deals across top brands like Apple, PlayStation, and Dyson. Shoppers can save hundreds as new doorbusters drop daily and exclusive bundles surface ahead of the holiday rush. The spotlight deal featured here is a versatile KitchenAid mixer: 10 speeds, a tilt-head, and a 5-quart stainless steel bowl that can knead dough for up to 9 dozen cookies at once. It supports more than 10 attachments-meat grinder, pasta maker, spiralizer, and even an ice cream maker-making it a flexible kitchen upgrade for bakers and entertainers alike.

Morgan Stanley Emerges as Front-Runner for SpaceX IPO, Sources Say

December 19, 2025, 1:36 PM EST. Financial giant Morgan Stanley is emerging as the front-runner for the lead-left underwriting role in SpaceX's highly anticipated IPO, thanks to deeply rooted ties with Elon Musk. A select group of banks including Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, and JPMorgan are in a confidential bake-off, though no bank has been chosen yet. The decision could come before year-end, with the full syndicate finalized later, contingent on market conditions. SpaceX is weighing a potential listing that could raise more than $25 billion, one of the largest on record, and the process reflects Musk's long-running advisory relationship with Morgan Stanley, dating back to Tesla's 2010 IPO and beyond.

New on Java Realms: Celebrate Java Realms Day and Fresh Maps

December 19, 2025, 1:32 PM EST. Learn how to play the new maps in Java Realms: launch Minecraft, select Realms, click Configure, and use Reset World (or the Minigame slot) to overwrite and choose a map from the categories. Updates include Russian translations for several maps, a new holiday map for RHYTHM BREAK, and 3 new tracks plus mirror mode for SPRINT RACER. TRIDENT DOME adds a holiday map, 2 new game modes, and the Random kit; VOID CHAINS gains the Acrobat kit. Bug fixes roll out across maps; Good Phantom and Skull's Mayhem return. To load content, visit the help site. If you're new, try Realms free for 30 days via the blue Minecraft Realms button on the main screen.

US antitrust agencies clear Nvidia investment in Intel

December 19, 2025, 1:26 PM EST. US antitrust agencies have cleared Nvidia's investment in Intel, according to an FTC notice. Nvidia previously disclosed a $5 billion investment in Intel aimed at boosting the U.S. chip ecosystem. The clearance signals regulatory approval for a move that could affect competition among chipmakers, with implications for rivals such as TSMC and AMD. The deal aligns Nvidia's strategic aim to shore up Intel's technology and market presence, though details of the transaction were not disclosed in the notice. Reuters notes highlight the potential impact on the global semiconductor landscape as the two companies deepen collaboration while regulators review the competition implications.

Samsung Galaxy XR: The First Android XR Headset Worth Considering

December 19, 2025, 1:24 PM EST. Samsung Galaxy XR, a collaboration between Samsung and Google, is the first Android XR headset and a strong demonstration of an upcoming ecosystem of devices. It positions itself as a credible alternative to the Apple Vision Pro for those curious about spatial computing, though it comes with a steep price tag comparable to a high-end PC. At $1800, with optional $250 controllers and $250 carrying case, the total cost climbs quickly, but the device aims at comfort and a more self-contained experience than older headsets. If you are in the market for a premium AR/VR experience and want an easy entry point into the Android XR world, Galaxy XR is one of the best options available today.

Galaxy XR: Samsung and Google's Android XR headset challenges Vision Pro

December 19, 2025, 1:22 PM EST. Samsung and Google's Galaxy XR is the first Android XR headset, aiming to rival the Apple Vision Pro. As a showcase for an upcoming ecosystem of spatial computing devices, it's easy to recommend to curious buyers – provided you're budgeting for a high-end PC-tier setup. Priced at $1800 directly from Samsung (with optional accessories), the bundle highlights include $250 for physical game controllers and another $250 for an official carrying case. The design is attractive and comfortable, though real-world comfort may vary. It's largely untethered from PCs, signaling a shift toward standalone experiences within a broader ecosystem of devices. If you're ready to invest, Galaxy XR offers a premium Android XR entry point.

TrueAchievements Game of the Year Awards 2025: Voting Now Open

December 19, 2025, 1:16 PM EST. Voting is now open for the TrueAchievements Game of the Year Awards 2025, covering 11 categories of games, DLCs, and Xbox achievements released in 2025. To participate, visit the event page and click Submit your votes. You can vote in as many categories as you like, and you can enable Only show games on my card to filter results. For the overall GOTY, rank your top five; for the best Xbox Game Pass addition, rank your top three. Voting closes on January 2, 2026-you can change choices anytime before then. A list of 2025 Xbox releases is available, and last year's winner was Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Happy voting!

Voting Open: TrueAchievements Game of the Year Awards 2025

December 19, 2025, 1:14 PM EST. Voting is live for the TrueAchievements Game of the Year Awards 2025, inviting fans to cast votes across 11 categories. Eligible entries include 2025 game releases and DLC packs with achievements. To vote, go to the TrueAchievements GOTY 2025 event page and click Submit your votes. You can participate in as many categories as you like. If you want easier navigation, use the Only show games on my card option. For the overall GOTY, rank your top five games; for the best Xbox Game Pass addition, rank your top three. Voting closes January 2, 2026, with results announced afterward. Happy voting!

ChatGPT adds pinned chats for easier access to important conversations

December 19, 2025, 1:04 PM EST. OpenAI is rolling out a usability boost for ChatGPT with pinned chats, letting you pin a conversation to the top of your history. The feature makes it easier to find important conversations without scrolling through endless threads. Available now on iOS, Android, and web-pin by tapping the '…' next to a chat on web or long-pressing on mobile. This small UX improvement reflects OpenAI's focus on organization and quick access, alongside other updates and integrations. As part of the broader rollout that also includes GPT-5.2, Apple Music integration, and even Adobe Photoshop support, users can look forward to a more efficient ChatGPT experience.

ChatGPT adds pinned chats to streamline finding important conversations

December 19, 2025, 1:02 PM EST. OpenAI is improving ChatGPT with pinned chats, helping users locate important conversations without endless scrolling. The feature rolls out to iOS, Android, and web, letting you pin chats from the menu. This update, part of OpenAI's ongoing UX improvements, makes essential threads easier to access by keeping them at the top of your history. It comes alongside other recent moves like GPT-5.2, Apple Music integration, and Adobe Photoshop. A small, practical upgrade that compounds over time to boost daily productivity.

Starlink Satellite Suffers Anomaly, Loses Control and Creates Debris Field in Low Earth Orbit

December 19, 2025, 1:00 PM EST. SpaceX says it has lost control of a Starlink satellite after an anomaly in low Earth orbit, triggering a rapid altitude drop and a debris field. Observers note venting of the propulsion tank and release of trackable objects, pointing to a possible explosion. SpaceX expects the satellite to burn up in the atmosphere within weeks and says the incident poses no ISS threat. The event follows a reported near miss with a Chinese satellite. Radar from Leo Labs suggests an internal energetic source rather than a collision. The satellite was at about 418 km (260 miles) in a crowded orbit where thousands of objects are tracked, underscoring collision risks as orbital traffic grows toward 2030s. The episode adds to debates about space traffic management and satellite constellation density.

Starlink Near-Miss Sparks Call for International Space Traffic Control

December 19, 2025, 12:58 PM EST. On December 12, a Starlink satellite came within 200 meters of an object launched from China by CAS Space, only 48 hours after reaching space at about 560 km. SpaceX VP Michael Nicholls says there was no coordination or deconfliction with existing satellites. This highlights the absence of an international space surveillance and coordination system-and of any true space traffic control. Astronomer Jonathan McDowell argues the world must join a shared framework for safe trajectories. The incident follows a November debris collision with China's Tiangong space station. Starlink has launched roughly 10,000 satellites since 2019, and Amazon and others are pursuing mega-constellations, potentially hundreds of thousands of objects. Without governance, debris could trigger Kessler syndrome and risky reentries.

Starlink Near-Miss With Chinese Satellite Sparks Urgent Call for Global Space Traffic Control

December 19, 2025, 12:56 PM EST. In a rare near-miss, a Starlink satellite came within 200 meters of a recently launched Chinese orbiter, with SpaceX noting no deconfliction coordination. The incident underscores the lack of an international space traffic system, a gap astronomer Jonathan McDowell says must be filled by US, China, and others. As Starlink and rival constellations scale toward tens of thousands of satellites, debris risks rise and the potential for a cascading Kessler Syndrome grows. A new space traffic regime would require coordinated surveillance, predictable trajectories, and clear responsibility to prevent collisions and reentries. The episode also highlights broader policy questions as mega-constellations expand and militaries eye similar fleets.

Lorwyn Eclipsed Previews: Release Dates, Streams, and the Card Image Gallery

December 19, 2025, 12:54 PM EST. Explore the Lorwyn Eclipsed previews: a return to Lorwyn-Shadowmoor with new artwork, mechanics, and cards arriving on January 5, 2026. The set launches on January 23, 2026, with prerelease events beginning January 16. Dive into the main stories by Seanan McGuire at MTGStory.com or on The Magic Story Podcast narrated by Tatiana Grey. Watch the debut stream on the official Magic: The Gathering YouTube channel or twitch.tv/magic, with an on-demand video afterward. The preview season emphasizes in-depth videos and a shorter outlets list, plus the Lorwyn Eclipsed Card Image Gallery updates every weekday morning. Preorder now from your local game store, TCGplayer, Amazon, and other Magic-retailers.

Lorwyn Eclipsed Previews: Dates, Streams, and Card Image Gallery

December 19, 2025, 12:52 PM EST. Get ready for Lorwyn Eclipsed with an in-depth preview season featuring new artwork, mechanics, and cards. Debuting on January 5, 2026, with live streams on the official MTG YouTube channel and twitch.tv/magic, plus on-demand videos. Track previews in the Lorwyn Eclipsed Card Image Gallery, updated every weekday. Prerelease runs January 16-23, 2026, and the set releases January 23, 2026. Preorder now from your local store, TCGplayer, Amazon, and more. Listen to Lorwyn Eclipsed stories on MTGStory.com or The Magic Story Podcast.

SpaceX's Starlink Satellite Explodes, Falls Back to Earth After Anomaly

December 19, 2025, 12:50 PM EST. SpaceX says it lost control of a Starlink satellite after an anomaly, triggering a rapid altitude drop, propulsion tank venting, and a debris field. The event, likely an explosion, produced tens of trackable objects and hundreds of untracked fragments, according to space-tracking firm Leo Labs. The satellite, at about 418 km in a crowded low Earth orbit, is expected to burn up in the atmosphere within weeks and poses no threat to the ISS crew. The incident follows a near miss with a Chinese satellite. Leo Labs attributes the damage to an internal energetic source, not a collision. The debris cloud underscores growing space traffic concerns as thousands more satellites are planned by the decade, raising the risk of collisions that could cascade across orbit.

Tesla Shares Jump as SpaceX Ramps Up Cybertruck Purchases

December 19, 2025, 12:46 PM EST. Tesla shares rose more than 3.5% after reports SpaceX has been buying a sizable number of Cybertrucks. Electrek reported it could involve tens of millions of dollars and potentially more than 2,000 vehicles over time. The purchases come as Tesla's Cybertruck production and sales lag earlier expectations, with roughly 39,000 sold in 2024 and little improvement in 2025. Inventories appear to be building, and analysts view the model as a low-volume product rather than the high-volume rollout once envisioned. It's unclear how SpaceX plans to use the vehicles, though legal experts say the purchases are permitted. SpaceX has signaled a 2026 IPO, which could be one of the largest in history. Some analysts say the truck buys help manage excess inventory, while others see them as part of SpaceX's ground-fleet needs.

Tesla Shares Jump as SpaceX Ramps Up Cybertruck Purchases

December 19, 2025, 12:44 PM EST. Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) shares jumped more than 3.5% after Electrek reported SpaceX was buying a sizable batch of Cybertrucks. Sources say SpaceX could spend tens of millions and acquire more than 2,000 vehicles over time. The moves come as Tesla's Cybertruck production and sales lag earlier expectations; industry data show about 39,000 Cybertrucks sold in 2024 with limited upside in 2025. Inventories appear to be rising, leading some analysts to view the model as a low-volume product rather than the earlier high-volume rollout. It's unclear how SpaceX will use the trucks, though legal experts say the purchases are permitted. Tesla has not commented. SpaceX has signaled a 2026 IPO plan; some see the buys as inventory management, others as part of SpaceX's ground-fleet needs.

Energy evolution: meeting the demands of an AI-powered world

December 19, 2025, 12:40 PM EST. AI-driven demand is reshaping electricity use as data centers surge and electrification expands. The U.S. grid must adapt to rapid growth in AI data centers load, interconnection queues, and aging transmission. Congress is considering permitting reform, while industry pilots like DCFLEX align utilities, hyperscalers and researchers to make data centers part of grid reliability. Through load flexibility, a single AI rack at peak load can reduce stress while enabling up to 100 GW of new data-center capacity without extensive new generation or transmission. Demonstrations in Phoenix, Charlotte, Paris show energy reductions during peak events, illustrating how data-center flexibility can relieve the grid during hot days. The IEA and partners say the energy system must evolve to sustain AI growth.

Starlink satellite anomaly vents propulsion tank, releases trackable debris

December 19, 2025, 12:38 PM EST. SpaceX reported an anomaly with a Starlink satellite likely caused by a small explosion. The incident led to venting of the propulsion tank, a rapid ~4 km decay in semi-major axis, and the release of trackable, low-velocity objects. LeoLabs assessed the cause as internal, not a collision with debris or another object. SpaceX is coordinating with NASA and the US Space Force to track the debris. The satellite remains largely intact, is tumbling, and should reenter Earth's atmosphere within weeks, posing no risk to the ISS. Starlink hasn't disclosed how many pieces are being tracked. The event followed a near-collision with a CAS Space satellite, highlighting gaps in sharing ephemeris data. The Starlink constellation now numbers ~9,300 active satellites, about 65% of all orbiting craft, up from +3,000 this year across 121 launches.

Starlink satellite anomaly: small explosion releases trackable debris

December 19, 2025, 12:36 PM EST. SpaceX said one Starlink satellite suffered an anomaly likely from a small explosion, venting its propulsion tank and causing a rapid ~4 km decay in its orbit, with a small amount of trackable debris released. LeoLabs attributed the issue to an internal energetic source, not a collision. SpaceX is coordinating with NASA and the U.S. Space Force to track the remains; the satellite is largely intact, tumbling, and expected to reenter within weeks well below the ISS. SpaceX has not disclosed how many debris pieces are being tracked. The incident follows a near-miss with a CAS Space satellite, underscoring the need for shared ephemeris data among operators.

Australia Approves Apple Watch Hypertension Notifications

December 19, 2025, 12:34 PM EST. Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration has approved Apple's hypertension notification feature for the Apple Watch, listing it as a medical device on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods. First announced in September, the feature analyzes data from the optical heart sensor to spot patterns suggestive of hypertension over rolling 30-day periods rather than directly measuring blood pressure. When indicators persist, users receive a notification to follow up with conventional BP measurements. The service is for adults 22+ who are not pregnant and have no prior hypertension diagnosis. It requires an Apple Watch Series 9 or Ultra 2 or newer with watchOS 26, paired to an iPhone 11 or newer on the latest iOS. Apple can enable the feature for Australian users; rollout timing will be announced. Hypertension alerts already operate in more than 150 countries.

Australia Approves Apple Watch Hypertension Notifications (TGA Listing)

December 19, 2025, 12:32 PM EST. Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved enabling hypertension notifications on the Apple Watch and formally listed the feature as a medical device. The system does not measure blood pressure directly; it analyzes patterns from the optical heart sensor over rolling 30-day periods to identify indicators associated with hypertension. When signs are detected, users receive a notification guiding a traditional BP check. The feature targets adults 22+ who are not pregnant and have no prior hypertension diagnosis. Activation in Australia now depends on Apple; it previously rolled out in over 150 countries and may be enabled via a software update or remote activation. Requires Apple Watch Series 9 or later or Ultra 2 or later with watchOS 26, paired to an iPhone 11+ on the latest iOS.

BofA: AI hyperscalers can sustain elevated debt issuance after bond binge

December 19, 2025, 12:30 PM EST. Bank of America says the top five AI hyperscalers – Meta, Alphabet, Microsoft, Amazon and Oracle – still have room to issue more debt despite their recent bond binge. While near-term capex can be funded with cash, the firms are tapping debt markets for balance-sheet flexibility and better cost of capital. Last month, Meta, Alphabet and Amazon raised tens of billions in bonds. Operating cash flow for the group is poised to reach about $577 billion this year, with debt climbing to around $433 billion and the debt-to-cash ratio falling to roughly 0.75, implying a lighter burden overall. Oracle, by contrast, faces negative free cash flow until 2029, limiting its debt capacity. The main bottleneck remains building the infrastructure fast enough to meet demand.

BofA: AI hyperscalers have room for elevated debt issuance even after bond binge

December 19, 2025, 12:28 PM EST. Bank of America analysts say the top five publicly traded AI hyperscalers – Meta, Alphabet, Microsoft, Amazon and Oracle – still have room to issue more debt despite a wave of recent bonds. The group generates massive operating cash flow and can fund near-term capex from cash, while tapping debt markets for balance-sheet flexibility and a cheaper cost of capital. In the last month, Meta, Alphabet and Amazon issued tens of billions in bonds. Projected operating cash flow for the five is about $577 billion this year, rising from $378 billion in 2023; debt is expected to climb to about $433 billion, shrinking the debt-to-cash ratio from 0.94 to 0.75. Oracle, by contrast, is forecast to have negative free cash flow until 2029, limiting its debt capacity. Investor focus remains on data-center timelines and supply constraints.

Budget-friendly Amazfit Bip 6 hits all-time low price at $63.98 with offline mapping and AMOLED display

December 19, 2025, 12:26 PM EST. The Amazfit Bip 6 is on sale for $63.98 on Amazon, its lowest price ever. The budget smartwatch brings a 1.97-inch AMOLED display, a slimmer profile, aluminum accents, and a crucial feature: offline mapping (GPX import) for standalone navigation. Battery life is touted at up to 14 days (about 10 days with heavy use). It also offers 5 ATM water resistance, heart-rate monitoring, and SpO2 tracking. It compares favorably to pricier wearables, delivering premium screen quality and offline navigation at a bargain price. This makes it a standout option under $70 for those seeking value.

Amazfit Bip 6 hits all-time low price with offline maps and AMOLED display

December 19, 2025, 12:24 PM EST. The Amazfit Bip 6 just hit a new all-time low at $63.98 on Amazon, making it an unbeatable deal for an AMOLED-screen budget smartwatch under $70. While the price drop may seem modest vs premium wearables, it delivers premium perks rare at this tier: a 1.97-inch AMOLED display, a slimmer 10.4mm body with aluminum accents, and offline mapping (GPX import and wrist navigation without a phone). It beats entry-level competitors by offering a prepaid premium feel at a fraction of the cost. Battery life promises up to 14 days (closer to 10 with heavy use), reliable heart-rate and SpO2 tracking, and 5 ATM water resistance. If you want daily wear with solid screen quality and nav features on a budget, this is the one to grab.

Get up to £300 cashback on Samsung Galaxy foldables in the UK

December 19, 2025, 12:22 PM EST. Samsung UK is running a limited-time cashback offer on the latest Galaxy foldables, valid until January 29. Buy a Galaxy foldable by that date and claim cashback in the Samsung Wallet app within 30 days of purchase. In the UK, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE and Z Flip 7 carry up to £200 cashback, while the Z Fold 7 offers up to £300. Prices before cashback start at £849, £1,049 and £1,799, respectively. You can also save at least £30 with the trade-in program and get a free month of Samsung Care+ with a monthly subscription. Other limited-time deals include 15% off Galaxy Buds with bundles and six months of free Google AI Pro. Gift ideas and guides linked.

GTA Online Christmas Event Week (Dec 18-Jan 7): Free Vapid FMJ MK V, festive content and bonuses

December 19, 2025, 12:20 PM EST. Get ready for a GTA Online Christmas Event Week running Dec 18-Jan 7 with fresh content and big bonuses. Highlights include new vehicles: the Vapid FMJ MK V (priced at $3,074,500; free for GTA+ members) and the Progen Luvia. Log in to claim the Red Festive Tree Hat from Rockstar Propaganda, plus returning festive content like snow on the map, Yeti Hunt, Weazel Plaza Shootout, and Snowball Fights. Festive gifts include the Season's Greetings Sweater and Firework Launcher. Bonuses include Cluckin' Bell Farm Raid cash, double FIB Priority File rewards, and the chance to win the Bollokan Envisage on the podium. The Prix Luxury Real Estate VIP rewards end Jan 7-snag 2,000,000 off Prix mansions before it ends.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Named Reader's Choice Best Phone of 2025

December 19, 2025, 12:18 PM EST. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has been crowned the Reader's Choice winner for 2025, with thousands of Android Authority readers voting across platforms. The long-running vote began with 38 phones, the largest elimination pool yet, and the final four featured the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Pixel 10 Pro/XL, and iPhone 17. The piece highlights a wild voting ride, surprises like the iPhone 17 overtaking the Galaxy Z Fold 7, and the surprising performance of OnePlus 13 versus OnePlus 15. Data show the iPhone 17 beating the iPhone 17 Pro by two votes and the iPhone resonating with readers on value. Overall, the Galaxy S25 Ultra topped the field, confirming it as the crowd favorite for 2025.

Amazon adds Greetings: Alexa+ brings conversational AI to Ring doorbells

December 19, 2025, 12:16 PM EST. Amazon is adding a new Greetings feature to Alexa+ that brings conversational AI to Ring doorbells. It can help with deliveries, politely deter door-to-door sales, or let family or friends leave a message when you're away. The system can infer context-such as a person in a delivery uniform-and respond per your instructions (e.g., where to leave a package, or asking about a signature). It also lets you set up greetings for visitors when you're busy. Amazon cautions about potential misidentification and misinterpretation. This builds on Familiar Faces, a catalog for up to 50 regular visitors. Greetings uses Ring's video descriptions to identify the main subject without identifying individuals. Availability: Ring Wired Doorbell Pro (3rd Gen) and Wired Doorbell Plus (2nd Gen) for Ring Premium Plan members with video descriptions; rolling out to Alexa+ Early access in the US and Canada.

Two resilient internet stocks with solid fundamentals and one to pass on: EVER, UBER, and RDDT

December 19, 2025, 12:14 PM EST. Two internet stocks with solid fundamentals stand out despite a softer consumer internet backdrop. EverQuote (EVER) offers an online insurance marketplace but faces profitability headwinds from heavy marketing spend. Uber (UBER) benefits from growing Monthly Active Platform Consumers and improving free cash flow margins, supporting potential cross-sell opportunities. Reddit (RDDT) shows rising Domestic Daily Active Visitors and accelerating earnings per share growth, with expanding margins from higher free cash flow. Valuation snapshots note EVER at ~8.3x forward EV/EBITDA, UBER at ~16.5x, and Reddit's margin trajectory as a key lever. The piece weighs whether now is the time to initiate positions or pass, concluding these names are worth watching for active investors.

10 Apple Watch Hacks Every User Should Know

December 19, 2025, 12:12 PM EST. Turn your Apple Watch into a personal assistant with a few tweaks. Trim notifications in the Watch app so only the most important alerts come through, and use Silent mode to quiet interruptions. Master wrist gestures like Double Tap and Wrist Flick (Series 9/Ultra 2/SE 3+) to answer calls, stop a timer, or go back a screen. For seamless sign-in, enable Mac unlock with your Apple Watch (System Settings > Touch ID & Password > Apple Watch sync). Finally, customize your watch face with complications for timers, shortcuts, and weather-placing quick actions within reach. These tweaks turn the Apple Watch from a notification mirror into a portable productivity tool.

Steve Jobs Sold His Volkswagen to Fund Apple's First Computer, Becoming a Millionaire by 23

December 19, 2025, 12:10 PM EST. In his early 20s, Steve Jobs sold his Volkswagen bus to fund the prototype that would become Apple I, while Steve Wozniak sold his calculator for parts. The $1,300 raise sparked a 100-unit order worth about $50,000, propelling the duo toward the mass-market Apple II, the first personal computer with a keyboard and color graphics, which earned nearly $3 million in its first year. Jobs later recalled being worth over $1 million at 23, over $10 million at 24, and over $100 million at 25, though he said it wasn't about money. Their path began with an internship at HP after meeting Bill Hewlett and early experiments with blue boxes for free long-distance calls, and Jobs' brief stint at Reed College before Apple's rise.

Meta taps 28-year-old prodigy to chase superintelligence with 'vibe coding'

December 19, 2025, 12:00 PM EST. Meta's new lab leader Alexandr Wang, 28, is chasing a future where AI and scale unlock superintelligence. In his first 60 days, he built a 100-person lab described as markedly talent-dense, with a three-pillar structure: research, product, and infrastructure. He argues that the next generation-Gen Alpha-should spend time on vibe coding rather than traditional hobbies, because today's engineers write code that will be superseded by AI models within five years. Wang says every line of code could be replaced by AI-generated code, making authentic experimentation with tools a competitive edge. He highlights Meta's ability to deploy hundreds of billions of dollars in compute, and a mindset shift toward hardware and massive data centers as keys to building what he calls superintelligence.

SpaceX Plans High-Speed Cellular Starlink With 15K Satellites

December 19, 2025, 11:58 AM EST. SpaceX is moving toward direct-to-cell Starlink, aiming to deliver true broadband on ordinary smartphones at global scale. The plan hinges on new spectrum from EchoStar and a third-generation Starlink constellation of roughly 15,000 satellites in closer orbits with more powerful payloads and tighter beams. FCC filings describe how lower path loss and higher-powered beams could boost per-user throughput as fewer users share each beam. The effort relies on Starship launches to deploy about 60 satellites per mission. In trials, SpaceX has offered LTE data on unmodified phones and forged roaming deals with operators like T-Mobile, though capacity limits remain. In emergencies, satellite-to-phone connections have proven a resilient backstop. To realize this vision, both smartphones and networks must evolve to support true satellite links.

OpenAI launches an in-chat app store inside ChatGPT

December 19, 2025, 11:54 AM EST. OpenAI has added an in-chat app store inside ChatGPT, turning apps into integrated conversation tools. The new app directory spans iOS, Android, and web and is organized into Feature, Lifestyle, and Productivity categories. Users can connect to services like Booking.com, Spotify, Dropbox, and more by tapping an app and authorizing access, then mentioning the app with @ to start a related chat. Examples include Apple Music for music management and DoorDash for turning recipes into a shopping cart. Developers can submit apps for review with initial monetization by linking out to native apps or websites, while privacy policies are emphasized. OpenAI envisions apps as a natural extension of conversation, expanding ChatGPT's capabilities and ecosystem.

Cellular vs. airport Wi-Fi: Ookla finds cellular often faster at US airports

December 19, 2025, 11:48 AM EST. New data from Ookla's Speedtest across 50 top US airports in H1 2025 shows cellular download speeds averaging about 219 Mbps, versus airport Wi-Fi at 101 Mbps. Among major carriers, Verizon led in speed advantage at 34 airports, followed by T-Mobile (32) and AT&T (28). The results highlight several dramatic gaps, e.g., at Chicago Midway (AT&T 944 Mbps vs Wi-Fi 123 Mbps) and Indianapolis (Verizon 1,267 Mbps vs Wi-Fi 51 Mbps). The study notes many airports still rely on Wi-Fi 5 while Boingo-powered networks often perform better (110 Mbps avg vs 88 Mbps non-Boingo). Speeds vary by airport; in some places Wi-Fi can win, but overall cellular is faster for most tests. Run a quick speed test to decide.

Six Scary AI Predictions for 2026: Data Centers, Robot Demos and More

December 19, 2025, 11:46 AM EST. Six AI predictions for 2026 unfold as the OpenAI-Google rivalry reshapes the tech landscape. The piece flags data centers and rising disinformation campaigns that weaponize AI to seed fake news and sway opinions, potentially aided by state actors. It warns activists may clash with data center development, while adversaries in China and Russia could amplify online manipulation. The other thread is robot demos – AI models embedded in consumer robots that perform chores with less training, as shown by trash-sorting demos and staged kitchen tasks anticipated at I/O. The article blends industry commentary from RAND and WIRED, projecting a volatile mix of policy, technology, and labor moves into 2026.

UK scraps £100 contactless card limit from 19 March, allowing higher spend without PIN

December 19, 2025, 11:36 AM EST. UK regulators will scrap the £100 cap on contactless card payments, allowing banks and card providers to set their own maximums from 19 March. The change also lets firms adjust the single-transaction limit and the £300 or five-taps cap, and they can lift these limits if they choose. Customers will be able to set a personal limit or disable contactless entirely. In the short term, most providers are expected to retain existing restrictions. The FCA says the update gives lenders flexibility to respond to demand, inflation and tech advances, while keeping protections: unauthorised fraud reimbursements remain. Barclays data show 95% of eligible in-store payments are already contactless, and a FCA survey found 76% of consumers think the limit should be £100 or lower. Critics warn easier payments could encourage overspending.

Samsung Unveils Exynos 2600: A 2nm GAA SoC Aiming to Challenge Qualcomm in Galaxy S26

December 19, 2025, 11:32 AM EST. Samsung unveils the Exynos 2600, its first smartphone SoC built on a 2nm Gate-All-Around process, promising major gains in performance, efficiency, and thermal behavior. The 10-core CPU targets sustained, power-efficient performance, boasting up to a 39% CPU uplift over the Exynos 2500. The Xclipse 960 GPU doubles compute and increases ray tracing by 50%, while the debuting ENSS AI upscaling and frame generation aims for smoother gaming with minimal battery hit. An upgraded NPU supposedly delivers a 113% AI performance boost, and with SME2 support, on-device generative AI workloads expand. The integrated ISP is 50% more power-efficient, supports cameras up to 320MP, and enables 8K recording at 30FPS and 4K at 120FPS with HDR, plus APV codec. The Heat Path Block reduces thermal resistance by up to 16%.

The rocket ship keeps going off: Nvidia's AI boom and Stephen Witt

December 19, 2025, 11:30 AM EST. Nvidia's AI surge has kept engineers tethered, drawn by the belief they're building history and the lure of wealth. Stephen Witt, author of The Thinking Machine, describes a culture where employees stay because leaving would mean missing the single most important technology of their era. The company's GPUs, likened to oil wells, powered a multi-trillion-dollar rise as Nvidia's stock and valuation surged. Witt contrasts long development cycles with corporate patience: Jensen Huang's leadership endured a decade of flat returns while building core platforms. Nvidia's generous compensation, including solid employee stock purchase programs, reinforces retention. The narrative tracks a Field of Dreams moment to AI dominance, rooted in mid-2000s academic breakthroughs and sustained by a blend of academia and finance.

Broadcom vs. AMD: Which AI Chip Stock Will Outperform in 2026?

December 19, 2025, 11:28 AM EST. Looking at 2026, the debate pits AMD and Broadcom along two paths to AI infrastructure leadership. AMD leverages its GPUs for inference and its CPUs for data-center growth, aiming to win the shift from training to inference and extend its software ecosystem with ROCm and CUDA-to-ROCm tooling. Partnerships with OpenAI to deploy GPUs and potential integration with Microsoft toolkits could expand AMD's reach. Broadcom, by contrast, pursues custom AI ASICs and enterprise accelerators, serving hyperscalers with a large opportunity and marquee customers like Anthropic. The key question is whether AMD's platform strategy can outpace Broadcom's ASIC-focused model, given margins, capital needs, and the growing AI demand for inference versus training.

Cursor to Acquire Graphite to Accelerate AI-Powered Code Review

December 19, 2025, 11:26 AM EST. Cursor is acquiring code-review startup Graphite to tighten an AI-powered software development workflow. Terms were not disclosed, but the deal blends cash and equity, with Graphite set to continue as an independent product while integrating into Cursor's code editing platform. CEO Michael Truell says code review has become a bottleneck as AI adoption grows, and combining Graphite's review capabilities with Cursor's writing tools could deliver an end-to-end platform. Graphite, used by Shopify, Snowflake and Figma, focuses on review and release readiness, while Cursor emphasizes code writing. The executives say they share a common vision and will deepen context-aware review in 2026. The move follows Cursor's milestone of surpassing $1B in annualized revenue and a $29.3B valuation.

AI moves on math: Meta and DeepMind push toward solving 'impossible' problems

December 19, 2025, 11:16 AM EST. AI is edging into mathematics. In Oct 2024, Meta's AI reportedly determined Lyapunov functions that certify stability for certain dynamical systems-marking a leap toward solving long-standing problems. Yet the study showed AI solved only about 10.1% of random problems (vs 2.1% with prior algorithms) and required substantial human guidance, tempering hype that AI could replace top mathematicians. Earlier in 2024, DeepMind revealed new solutions to the Navier-Stokes equations, but not the full general problem tied to the Millennium Prize. Experts, including UCLA's Terence Tao, warn the real impact lies in scale: future AIs may sweep thousands of conjectures through the literature, opening avenues for new fields, conjectures, and collaboration between humans and machines. AI is accelerating, but mathematics remains a human-machine collaboration.

Apple 2026 Wishlist: Colorful Pro Models, Smarter Siri, and Practical Upgrades

December 19, 2025, 11:08 AM EST. Apple watchers want upgrades that focus on user joy, not the next wave of AI gimmicks. In this 2026 wishlist, the author asks Tim Cook and team for a Pro lineup that arrives in bold colors, a more capable Workout Buddy with meaningful prompts, and a smarter, less odd Siri-without turning into a flirtatious ChatGPT. The piece highlights the latest episode of One More Thing with Bridget Carey and invites viewers to subscribe to the YouTube channel for weekly Apple news. Small, practical upgrades could restore focus on real-world buying and usage.

New UEFI Flaw Enables Early-Boot DMA Attacks on ASRock, ASUS, GIGABYTE, MSI Motherboards

December 19, 2025, 10:58 AM EST. A critical UEFI and IOMMU flaw could let a physically connected DMA-capable PCIe device read or modify memory before the OS boots. Researchers from Riot Games found a boot-time mismatch: the firmware shows DMA protection as active but fails to configure IOMMU during the early boot, enabling pre-boot code injection and memory access. The advisory affects ASRock, ASRock Rack/Industrial, ASUS, GIGABYTE, and MSI boards across Intel 500-800-series chipsets (and various Z490, Z590, Z690, Z790, X670, X870, among others). CVEs include 2025-14304, 11901, 14302, 14303 (CVSS 7.0). Vendors have released or will release firmware updates to fix the IOMMU initialization; users should patch promptly to restore DMA protections throughout boot.

OnePlus 15 lands in the US with a massive 7,300mAh battery and aggressive pricing

December 19, 2025, 10:54 AM EST. OnePlus' flagship, the OnePlus 15, is finally on sale in the US. Pricing starts at $900 for 12GB/256GB and goes up to $1,000 for 16GB/512GB. A key highlight is the 7,300mAh silicon-carbon battery paired with 120W wired and 50W wireless charging, supporting long life with quick top-ups. It sports a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display up to 165Hz, and runs Oxygen OS 16 on Android 16. The triple 50MP rear cameras and a 32MP selfie cam round out the package, though a colleague found the cameras underwhelming. Availability is limited in colorways (Infinite Black most common; 512GB adds Ultra Violet and Sand Storm). A launch perk includes a free case/charger or Buds Pro 3.

Google Gemini Adds Nano Banana Prompts by Drawing and Extends SynthID to Videos

December 19, 2025, 10:48 AM EST. Google's Gemini app is expanding how users prompt AI content by introducing Nano Banana drawing prompts. After adding an image, tap a Mark up editor and use Sketch to draw and highlight, or the Text tool to annotate directly on the image – now available on Android, iOS, and the web. This lets you cue prompts visually, with traditional prompts optional. Separately, Gemini extends SynthID verification to videos, allowing users to check if a video (and its audio) was created or edited with Google AI. Upload up to 100 MB and 90 seconds, then ask Was this generated using Google AI? to see which segments contain SynthID watermarks. These features roll out across Gemini's languages and countries.

Commercial Drones Roundup: DJI Ban Prep, NASA Mars Flight Tests, MIT Micro Drones

December 19, 2025, 10:46 AM EST. This week's commercial drone roundup covers preparing for a potential DJI ban, NASA's use of uncrewed aircraft to study Mars missions, and MIT's development of miniature aerial robots. If DJI drones are added to the FCC's Covered List on December 23, operators-farmers, law enforcement, and service pros-could face major disruption in a roughly $116 billion industry, affecting about 450,000 U.S. professionals. PC Mag outlines equipment substitutes and purchasing strategies to weather the shake-up. In aviation research, NASA's JPL has flown drones in Death Valley and the Mojave to refine Extended Robust Aerial Autonomy software for low-contrast terrain, simulating Mars-like conditions for future rotorcraft missions. MIT's tiny, winged microrobots could aid search-and-rescue, environmental monitoring, inspections, disaster response, and damage mapping.

10 Issues and Features Draining Your EV Battery-and How to Boost Range

December 19, 2025, 10:44 AM EST. This article explains that the biggest drain on an EV's range is driving behavior, not the car itself. Aggressive driving and high speeds sap battery life quickly. Activating Eco mode helps by limiting throttle and optimizing the drive train. The piece highlights the ideal operational window around 50-60 mph on highways, as aerodynamic drag climbs sharply above 70 mph, with even small speed increases costing range (roughly 10% fewer miles per every extra 5 mph). To conserve energy, use cruise control for steady speeds to reduce surges. It also notes that carrying unnecessary weight adds to energy consumption, and roof boxes worsen aerodynamics.

Nvidia stock at a 10-year discount; Bernstein says buy for 2026

December 19, 2025, 10:42 AM EST. Bernstein argues Nvidia is trading at one of its widest discounts in a decade, with shares near 25-times forward earnings and about a 13% discount to the PHLX Semiconductor Index. The firm notes such lows have occurred only about 13 days in the last ten years. Despite AI angst over capital expenditures, Bernstein keeps a bullish stance, saying Nvidia is set up well into the new year and that investors buying now have historically performed well. Bernstein maintains an outperform rating and a $275 price target, suggesting the stock could gain ground into 2026 as earnings continue to top expectations.

Wall Street Buzzes Over SpaceX IPO: Potentially Valued at $1.5 Trillion

December 19, 2025, 10:38 AM EST. SpaceX has entered a regulatory quiet period as it weighs an IPO that could emerge by 2026. Wall Street firms are already lining up to underwrite a deal that could raise as much as $36 billion and value the rocket company around $1.5 trillion, sources say. Bankers have begun meetings with SpaceX executives, with CFO Bret Johnsen expected to steer the bakeoff, while Elon Musk may pop into sessions despite his reputation for micromanagement. Analysts caution valuations depend on market conditions amid volatility in tech stocks and AI names. Some see a postponement possible if conditions sour. SpaceX previously issued private shares valuing the company at about $800 billion, according to Bloomberg, underscoring a private-to-public leap that could redefine its stake in aerospace and tech.

Amazon's AWS launches Gen AI Innovation Center: lessons from going from pilot to production

December 19, 2025, 10:36 AM EST. AWS launched the Generative AI Innovation Center in June 2023 with a $100 million commitment, expanding to double its investment over two years. The program has worked with 1,000+ customers including Formula 1, Nasdaq, Ryanair, and S&P Global, with over 65% of projects this year in production. The center emphasizes discovery workshops to align data, leadership, and tech, cross-org buy-in, and setting realistic ROI expectations. Key steps include ensuring data quality and access, defining timelines, and managing change to drive adoption. The approach aims to move beyond pilots, delivering live, business-value-driven AI deployments while balancing technology readiness and business priorities.

AI-Driven Analytics: ISG Finds AI and ML Are Transforming Enterprise Decision-Making

December 19, 2025, 10:34 AM EST. AI-powered analytics are becoming essential to enterprise strategy, as ISG's Buyers Guide shows data sourcing, cross-team collaboration, and predictive insights driving planning and performance. Generative AI accelerates data preparation, reducing IT involvement and enabling business users to analyze data confidently. By 2027, almost all BI providers will offer augmented intelligence based on GenAI to simplify analytics. ML adoption is already delivering competitive advantage by revealing product usage patterns, enhancing customer experience, and seizing opportunities. ISG's guides cover healthcare, manufacturing, and retail analytics, plus next-gen and AI analytics providers. Together, they map how AI and ML reshape analytics software and empower enterprises across IT and business domains.

US TikTok Ban Nears Closure as DJI Faces a Similar Security Audit Deadline

December 19, 2025, 10:32 AM EST. US policymakers appear to be closing the TikTok saga after multiple deadline extensions, with a joint US venture reportedly set to close next January (January 2026) and ByteDance CEO Shou Chew amid hints of partial ownership and enhanced data protection. The move echoes a separate, unresolved security audit for Chinese drones maker DJI, which faces a December 23 deadline and possible FCC authorization risks if the audit doesn't begin. DJI is pressing lawmakers to extend the timeline or assign an agency to carry out the review. While TikTok's path to staying in the US is tied to a sale-like structure, DJI's fate hinges on a mandated audit-both underscoring ongoing data-security concerns surrounding China-based tech and the question of US market access.

Fox News AI Newsletter: Blue-collar productivity boom and the AI policy frontier

December 19, 2025, 10:30 AM EST. Palantir CTO Shyam Sankar says AI is fueling a blue-collar productivity boom, boosting hiring, training and American industrial growth. The issue highlights the rise of AI-powered exoskeletons like the IRMO M1, Purdue's new AI working competency requirement for undergraduates, and policy chatter from White House AI and crypto czar David Sacks. Goldman Sachs CIO Marco Argenti cautions that AI could reshape operations and labor markets in 2026, while OpenAI unveils a faster, more capable ChatGPT Images update for precise edits. Chrome on Android introduces a new hands-free information-digest experience, signaling more ergonomic AI-assisted workflows. Welcome to the era of faster, smarter AI-enabled productivity.

US Reviews Nvidia H200 AI Chip Sales to China Amid Export Controls

December 19, 2025, 10:28 AM EST. US reviews Nvidia's H200 AI chip sales to China, placing Nvidia at the center of the US-China tech standoff. The Trump administration has launched a formal review to decide whether Nvidia can ship the H200 to Chinese customers, after a floated plan for a 25% fee to the US government. The concept is under evaluation inside the administration. The Commerce Department has sent license applications to the State, Energy, and Defense Departments, which have 30 days to weigh in; a final decision rests with the president. For investors, the outcome underscores Nvidia's China exposure: approval could unlock incremental revenue, while a rejection would show the market's unpredictable access.

US TikTok Ban Nears Closure; DJI Faces Similar Security Audit Deadlines

December 19, 2025, 10:06 AM EST. After multiple extensions, the US TikTok ban appears to be nearing its end, with a planned US joint venture to keep the app operating in the United States. ByteDance reportedly indicated the deal would close next month, with US-based investors taking partial ownership and handling data protection. The move follows a year of pressure that briefly shut TikTok in the US over a security law targeting data access. The scenario echoes DJI's looming risk under a separate but related security audit requirement, as lawmakers debate who conducts the review. DJI has urged a clear extension and a dedicated agency to carry out the audit; without timely action, the FCC could block new products or revoke approvals, affecting drones, cameras, and accessories.

Samsung Good Lock Theme Park update adds six new features in v1.1.01.38

December 19, 2025, 9:56 AM EST. Samsung is rolling out Theme Park v1.1.01.38 with six feature upgrades. You can now bookmark a theme by tapping the heart icon in the Theme section. The icon editor UI is revamped into three sections: Shape, Effects, and Icon. A new Emboss option in Effects and a new Monochrome option in Icon expand customization. The app also includes an Updated Quick Panel icon preview. On devices running One UI 8.5, you can now customize the color of the home screen badge. To update, open Galaxy Store > hamburger menu > Updates > Update all.

Instagram Implements Five-Hashtag Limit Per Post to Tweak Discovery and Curb Spam

December 19, 2025, 9:54 AM EST. Instagram is finalizing a universal limit of five hashtags per post to curb spam and refine discovery. The policy aims to favor targeted, relevant hashtags over broad terms, acknowledging that AI algorithms now drive what users see more than tags alone. While hashtags can guide users to related content, IG warns that using more than five may dilute impact. The change aligns with Meta's broader stance across Threads, which has largely restricted tags. For creators, the adjustment means choosing up to five precise tags to maximize reach, while remaining mindful that hashtags don't guarantee reach as algorithmic ranking evolves. Instagram began testing limits over the past year and will roll out the five-per-post rule gradually.

Kuo: iPhone Fold to be announced in 2026 with shipments delayed to 2027

December 19, 2025, 9:40 AM EST. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says Apple's iPhone Fold is behind earlier hopes, with an expected announcement in the second half of 2026, but smooth shipments unlikely until 2027 due to early-stage yield and ramp-up hurdles. Limited supply could persist through late 2026 as demand stays strong. On MacroMicro, he compared the rollout to the iPhone X-announced this year, but mass production and releases arrive later. Apple reportedly targets 8-10 million units next year, though shipment estimates are likely to be revised downward as the company finalizes specs toward year's end. Kuo argues the foldable is a necessary next step for Apple, even if early volumes are small, before future displays intersect with wearables like smart glasses.

Amazon forms new AI team reporting to the CEO, coupling Nova 2 with nascent quantum ambitions

December 19, 2025, 9:38 AM EST. Amazon is reshaping its AI strategy by forming a new team that reports directly to the CEO, with the Nova 2 model pitched as a cost-conscious, high-performance option for enterprises. The move prioritizes speed, accuracy, and value, underscoring that the best model for many use cases is not the most powerful but the most reliable at a practical price. The new division also encompasses nascent quantum computing efforts. AWS Braket chief Eric Kessler noted fault-tolerant quantum computing could be viable for scientific use by the decade's end. Jackson adds that AI and quantum computing can reinforce each other: AI speeds quantum design, while quantum data sampling can improve AI training.

3 Internet Delivery Services Stocks to Watch Amid Industry Challenges

December 19, 2025, 9:32 AM EST. The Zacks Internet – Delivery Services sector faces macroeconomic uncertainty, inflation, and persistently high interest rates, with tariffs threatening demand and margins. Companies are piling into hiring and heavy investments in sales and marketing, which elevates costs. Expanding into new markets offers potential long-term gains, but near-term margins may suffer from upfront expenditures. Despite headwinds, players like GoDaddy (GDDY), MakeMyTrip (MMYT) and QuinStreet (QNST) are positioned for growth thanks to ongoing shifts in consumer preferences and a growing online footprint. More internet use in emerging markets and rapid smartphone adoption support demand, while online delivery remains concentrated in metros, leaving substantial room for expansion.

iPhone Fold vs Galaxy Z Fold 7: Leaked dimensions hint at square, iPad Mini-like foldable

December 19, 2025, 9:26 AM EST. Leaked schematics suggest the iPhone Fold will adopt a square-ish form with a compact cover screen and a larger interior panel reminiscent of an iPad Mini. Compared with the Galaxy Z Fold 7, it could be wider but thinner when folded, with a reported 4.8 mm unfolded thickness. The device reportedly sports a 5.49-inch cover display at 2,088×1,422 and a 7.76-inch interior panel at 2,712×1,920, plus an in-display camera on the inner screen. If true, the iPhone Fold would tilt toward landscape use and rival existing foldables on height, width, and thickness, with launch chatter pointing to late 2026 and shipments stabilizing into 2027 amid ramp-up challenges.

DJI Mini 3 4K Drones Hit Record Low: Deals Down to $335/$575 Beat No-Name Options

December 19, 2025, 9:22 AM EST. DJI's Mini 3 is on sale with record-low pricing: standard package $335 and Fly More Combo $575, both cheaper than ever and promised to arrive before Christmas. The drone weighs under 249g, so in many places it doesn't require FAA registration. It delivers up to 38 minutes of flight per battery, and the Fly More kit adds three batteries for up to 114 minutes of airtime. Transmission reaches up to 32,800 feet (about 10 km) with a clear 1080p feed, and GPS auto-return helps prevent crashes. The 4K camera records at 30fps with a 1/1.3-inch sensor and supports vertical shooting for Instagram/TikTok/YouTube Shorts. For value hunters, the Mini 3 offers compelling performance against pricier models and no-name rivals.

From Search to Discovery: AI Reconfigures Brand Visibility and Marketing

December 19, 2025, 9:20 AM EST. AI is transforming how brands appear online by shifting from traditional SEO rankings to being part of the answer. The new KPI is visibility-being cited or described in AI-powered responses rather than simply appearing on page one. Advertising will follow, with U.S. advertisers projected to spend over $25B annually on AI-powered search placements by 2029 (about 14% of total budgets). Marketers must adapt to two overlapping discovery models: traditional search (navigational, keyword-driven) and AI-driven search (conversational, context-rich, multi-source). This pressure expands to prompts optimization and even autonomous AI agents acting for users. Brands that master AI visibility will protect and grow brand capital in a reshaped digital economy.

Ample bankruptcy underscores challenges of EV battery-swapping startups

December 19, 2025, 9:18 AM EST. Ample, the San Francisco-based startup promising autonomous, rapidly deployable battery-swapping stations, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the Southern District of Texas. Despite raising about $330 million and securing partnerships with Shell, Mitsubishi, and Stellantis, it cited liquidity constraints and an unfavorable renewable-energy funding climate, with assets in the $10-50 million range against $50-100 million in liabilities. The firm reportedly laid off most staff and sought $6 million for working capital and bankruptcy costs. An anonymous tip suggested management overpromised and misallocated funds; take with caution. The fate of Ample's technology remains uncertain-another player could acquire it, or the project could fade, as earlier battery-swapping efforts by Tesla and Better Place did. Still, NIO has found some success with swapping in China.

OnePlus 15R Teardown Highlights Repair-Friendly Design and 8.5/10 Score

December 19, 2025, 9:10 AM EST. PBKreviews' teardown of the OnePlus 15R shows a repair-friendly design that mirrors the flagship's layout. The process starts with removing the SIM tray and heating the glass back, exposing the camera island held by four Phillips screws. To reach the internals, you must remove 17 more Phillips screws. Battery cables sit under graphite film and copper tape, with pull pouches easing removal. Lifting the battery and motherboard frees up the 32MP selfie cam, and a single screw liberates the motherboard. Screen removal requires detaching the bottom cover, back plate, sub-board, and display cables. In the end, the OnePlus 15R earns an 8.5/10 repairability score. A hands-on review rounds out details with benchmarks and camera samples.

AI Tools Make Coders More Important, Not Less

December 19, 2025, 9:08 AM EST. Generative AI-driven coding tools are not erasing the need for developers; they amplify the value of skilled coders by speeding up turnarounds and enabling idea-to-app workflows. The article notes that while anyone can describe a feature, execution still relies on coding expertise, architecture, and problem-solving-keeping developers central. This dynamic explains a booming market for AI-powered coding tools, estimated at about $7.37 billion in annual revenue, as teams invest to augment productivity, maintain quality, and reduce time-to-market. Key takeaways: the tools shift the skill mix toward software design and maintainable code, empower more people to prototype, and reinforce the coder's role in innovation rather than replacing it.

SEALSQ Unveils 2026-2030 Strategy for Silicon-Based Quantum Computing via CMOS-Compatible Semiconductors

December 19, 2025, 9:04 AM EST. SEALSQ today announced a strategic roadmap for 2026-2030 focused on silicon-based quantum computing built on CMOS-compatible semiconductor technologies. The plan distinguishes two paths in the quantum race: helium-cooled superconducting qubits, suited for fundamental research but limited by scale and cost, and silicon-based quantum architectures that align with traditional semiconductor design, fabrication, and supply chains. CEO Carlso Moreira emphasizes industrialization, manufacturability, and security as drivers for real-world deployment. By leveraging silicon spin qubits and hybrid quantum-classical systems that pair quantum components with AI accelerators and secure computing on a single chip, SEALSQ argues for higher integration density, lower costs, and robust governance. The approach supports auditability, regulatory compliance, and resilience in critical infrastructure, reflecting policymakers' focus on economic sovereignty and supply-chain security.

Uber's CEO says AI investment is paying off, turning engineers into 'superhumans'

December 19, 2025, 9:02 AM EST. In a bold claim about AI spending, Uber's CEO says technology investments are boosting productivity and turning engineers into superhumans. The interview highlights how AI-powered tools are accelerating code development, debugging, and decision-making across Uber's teams, enabling faster feature delivery and smarter automation. Industry watchers see a signal that strategic AI adoption can scale engineering capacity, improve efficiency, and bolster competitive advantage in ride-hailing, delivery, and beyond. Critics note the importance of governance, ethics, and skill-shifting as teams integrate AI into everyday workflows. Overall, the message emphasizes optimism about AI as a force multiplier, with leadership citing concrete gains in velocity, quality, and outcomes across Uber's product and infrastructure groups.

Android 16 QPR3 Beta Adds Location-Tracking Dots to Reveal Which Apps Are Tracking You

December 19, 2025, 8:46 AM EST. Android 16 QPR3 beta introduces a blue dot with a map icon near the status bar to show when an app is actively using your location. Tap the dot in the notifications view to see which app(s) are tracking you, then close the app or adjust location permissions. The feature builds on Google's existing privacy indicators (the green camera/mic dot) and will combine icons when an app uses both location and the camera. The beta version suggests a clearer path to transparency, with a rollout expected early next year per 9to5Google.

Huawei Watch 10th Anniversary Edition: Key Details of the Special Edition

December 19, 2025, 8:38 AM EST. Huawei is marking a decade of its smartwatches with a 10th Anniversary Watch edition launching December 22. The device mirrors the Watch 5 lineage, but with a blue-themed frame and strap and a 10th anniversary logo. It uses a nylon braided silicone strap with a soft, breathable outer layer and a skin-friendly inner silicone core. Built like the Watch 5, it features an LTPO 2.0 AMOLED display with up to 3000-nit peak brightness, sapphire glass, and an aerospace-grade titanium case. A new X-Tap sensor on the right consolidates ECG, PPG, and a 10-level tactile sensor for health checks with a press-and-hold. It also enables touch-free gestures for calls and menu navigation. The design tweaks give it a special edition look while preserving familiar specs.

Tesla's Turnaround: 5 Key Moments That Fueled a Year-High Rally

December 19, 2025, 8:36 AM EST. An at-a-glance look at the five key moments that helped Tesla rebound this year and push its stock to record highs. The piece examines how strategic moves across production milestones, pricing decisions, and demand trends intersected with improving investor sentiment. It highlights product updates, sustainability ambitions, and execution wins that steadied supply chains and boosted margins, while also considering external tailwinds in the EV market. Through these drivers, Tesla regained momentum, turning a challenging period into a sustained rally for shareholders.

How Elite Consulting Firms Are Racing to Hire Engineers and Train Everyone Else in AI

December 19, 2025, 8:34 AM EST. Elite consulting firms are racing to recruit engineers to lead AI initiatives while training the wider workforce to become AI-literate. They blend aggressive hiring with internal upskilling programs, bootcamps, and partnerships with tech vendors to accelerate delivery of AI projects. Expect higher compensation, sign-on incentives, and targeted pipelines from top universities to lure scarce engineering talent. Beyond hiring, firms are embedding AI governance, ethics, and repeatable playbooks into client offerings, so consultants can design, test, and scale AI solutions responsibly. The outcome: faster, more confident client results, a redefin ed career ladder, and a culture of continuous learning that keeps firms competitive in a fast-changing tech-advisory landscape.

Innospace targets first orbital launch with Hanbit-Nano from Alcântara, Brazil

December 19, 2025, 8:32 AM EST. South Korean startup Innospace is attempting its first orbital launch with the Hanbit-Nano rocket on the Spaceward mission from the Alcântara Space Center in Brazil. Liftoff is planned for around 1:45 p.m. EST to place five small satellites from Brazil and India into a ~300 km sun-synchronous orbit. The 57-foot-tall launcher features a hybrid first stage that burns paraffin and liquid oxygen, with the upper stage using methane and LOX (or paraffin/LOX, depending on configuration). Founded in 2017 and employing ~260 people, Innospace says it already has multiple global satellite contracts and aims to offer commercial flights of its Hanbit-Micro next year, strengthening Korea's growing private space ecosystem.

Displace Hub Turns Any TV Wireless With Wall-Mount System at CES 2026

December 19, 2025, 8:16 AM EST. Displace is expanding beyond its own wireless TVs with the Displace Hub, a wall-mount accessory announced at CES 2026 that makes existing screens wireless. The Hub combines the company's active-loop suction mounting with a built-in 15,000mAh battery and a compact PC that runs Displace's ambient computing OS. Powered by an Intel N-150 quad-core CPU with 16GB RAM and 128GB storage, it includes two HDMI inputs and supports Controller 2.0 for a secondary info screen. Capable of supporting up to 150 pounds and TVs from 55 to 100 inches, it promises five to ten hours of battery life. A charging option exists while mounted, but frequent recharging may be needed. Price is targeted at $1,900 with pre-orders at CES 2026.

Instagram caps hashtags at five per post to curb spam and improve content quality

December 19, 2025, 8:14 AM EST. Instagram will cap hashtags at five per post, aiming to curb spam and focus on quality content. In a post, Adam Mosseri said a few specific tags perform better than a long list, emphasizing quality over quantity. While hashtags aid search, they don't reliably increase reach. The platform has also moved to limit Threads posts to a single tag to discourage engagement hacking. The change highlights a shift toward tagging communities and more meaningful discovery rather than quantity.

Samsung Theme Park update adds bookmarks, clearer icon editing, and One UI 8.5 theming

December 19, 2025, 8:06 AM EST. Samsung is expanding customization with a refreshed Theme Park update for Galaxy devices. The app now lets you bookmark favorite themes with a heart, making it quicker to switch looks via Good Lock designs. Icon editing is clearer, with controls split into sections for shape, effects, and behavior. New emboss effects and monochrome options add depth and a minimalist style, and you can preview Quick Panel icons before applying changes. Some features require One UI 8.5, including customizable home screen badge colors. Availability varies by device, with not all features rolling out at once. The update is live in the Galaxy Store; refresh Good Lock to see it, and even if you're not on One UI 8.5 yet, most features are usable right away. Go break some design rules.

Bastrop County launches $43M BOOT II broadband project to connect 10,000 rural homes by 2026

December 19, 2025, 8:04 AM EST. Bastrop County is deploying a $43 million BOOT II broadband project to wire more than 10,000 rural homes by the end of 2026, in partnership with fiber optic provider Highline. Funded by the Texas Broadband Development Office, the program aims to expand high-speed internet access across underserved areas, with service starting around $39 per month for speeds up to 100 Mbps. County partners emphasize digital literacy classes to help residents navigate online services, apply for jobs, and spot scams. Officials say reliable broadband will impact health care, education, and employment, reducing isolation and opening new opportunities for residents who have waited years for connection. Completion is targeted by year-end 2026.

Nvidia Stock Rises on Bullish $350 Target From Tigress Financial

December 19, 2025, 8:02 AM EST. Nvidia (NVDA) stock ticked higher as Tigress Financial lifted its price target to $350 and reiterated a Strong Buy. The firm argues Nvidia leads in AI infrastructure and data-center computing, with strength in networking and emerging applications driving the bullish case. The new target sits well above the average analyst estimate near $195, signaling divergent views on near-term upside. Traders note NVDA has traded in a $174-$180 range since retreating from late-2023 highs, with that band providing short-term support. A decisive move above $190 could reopen paths toward the prior $210-$220 region, while a break below $170 might trigger more selling. Nvidia director Harvey Jones sold about $44 million of stock, viewed as profit-taking by some.

Cathie Wood Keeps Dumping Tesla Stock: Rebalancing and Crypto Bets Drive ARK's Moves

December 19, 2025, 8:00 AM EST. ARK Invest continued trimming its stake in Tesla (TSLA) while shifting capital into crypto and other high-conviction bets. The firm sold 23,110 TSLA shares via its ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK), worth about $11.2 million, after Tesla touched record highs. Fresh bets included roughly $4.15 million in Coinbase Global (COIN) across multiple ETFs and 575,644 shares of Brera Holdings (SLMT). ARK also picked up 755,538 shares of Recursion Pharmaceuticals (RXRX) through ARKG/ARKK. Analysts still see Tesla as a top holding but view the moves as profit-taking and rebalancing rather than a bearish call. The goal appears to reduce concentration in one name, fund crypto-related bets, and redeploy into other high-conviction names like Robinhood and Block, while continuing to own Tesla over time.

DJI Mini 3 Final Clearance: Massive Discounts on an Entry-Level Drone

December 19, 2025, 7:58 AM EST. DJI's Mini 3 is now in final clearance with a standout price: the drone + controller for $439, and the Fly More bundle at $575 (save over $140). Included extras: three intelligent flight batteries, a dedicated controller, a multi-battery charging hub, and a shoulder bag. The compact, travel-friendly package still shoots 4K HDR video with Dual Native ISO, and the DJI RC features a built-in 5.5-inch display for a clutter-free live view. It supports vertical and horizontal shooting, up to 10 km transmission, and ascends to 4,000 m with a 3-axis gimbal and wind rating of 38 km/h. Beginner tools like Auto Takeoff/Landing, GPS Return to Home, and Precise Hovering ease new pilots, plus QuickShots for cinematic results.

Fortnite Leaker Delivers Harry Potter Spoiler in Protest of Rowling's Transphobia

December 19, 2025, 7:36 AM EST. Fortnite's upcoming Harry Potter collaboration drew backlash when a leaker, Fortnite Underground, said they would spoil the reveal to protest J.K. Rowling's (transphobic) rhetoric. The cross-brand tie-in, long rumored, showcases how Epic Games trades on pop culture megahits, even as fans debate supporting the pairing. The post on X explained the motive: ruin the surprise to spark conversation and highlight Rowling's views, noting that Hogwarts Legacy and other Potter-adjacent media continue to sell well despite controversy. Reactions split between those who welcome new cosmetics and those who refuse to buy, with some users threatening counter-protests. The incident underscores how leaks can shape a release's reception and reveals a broader tension in fan communities around cancel culture, creator politics, and monetization in video games.

Samsung Announces Exynos 2600: World's First 2nm Smartphone Chip for the Galaxy S26

December 19, 2025, 7:34 AM EST. Samsung unveiled the Exynos 2600, the world's first smartphone SoC built on a 2nm GAA process, powering the upcoming Galaxy S26 lineup. The chip uses a 10-core CPU on Arm's v9.3 architecture with new C1-Ultra and C1-Pro cores, dropping traditional big/little cores in favor of a Big + high-performance middle design. Prime core at 3.8GHz; three high-performance at 3.25GHz; six efficiency cores at 2.75GHz. Samsung claims up to 39% CPU performance versus the Exynos 2500, plus SME2 AI acceleration and a higher-performing NPU with ~113% AI uplift. The Xclipse 960 GPU offers ~2x compute and up to 50% faster ray tracing, plus ENSS AI-based upscaling. An enhanced ISP handles cameras up to 320MP, 8K30/4K120 HDR, and new Visual Perception and Deep Learning Noise Reduction features, with improved efficiency.

Philippe Laffont Sells Nvidia, Bets Big on Alphabet: Coatue's Rotation in the AI Era

December 19, 2025, 7:32 AM EST. Investor Coatue Management, led by Philippe Laffont, trimmed Nvidia by 14% in Q3 while tripling its Alphabet stake, signaling a rotation from AI chips to internet platforms. The 13F filings show Nvidia remains a top holding, but Laffont appears to take profits after Nvidia's surge from roughly $345B a few years ago to about $4.3T. Alphabet, meanwhile, has leaned into the AI era with Gemini, Google Cloud's growth, and strategic partnerships that bolster its long-term trajectory. The moves suggest a measured reallocation toward AI-enabled platforms and cloud strength, rather than a bearish stance on Nvidia. Is now the moment for investors to follow Laffont's rotation or stay with Nvidia's AI leadership?

China's Domestic AI Chips Break Through as Nvidia Export Eases Short-Term, Targets Long-Term Independence

December 19, 2025, 7:30 AM EST. China's domestic AI chip sector is advancing on a two-track path: short-term relief from US policy easing and a long-term push for independent, controllable compute. On Dec 9, the US allowed sale of NVIDIA H200 chips to China, easing training-shortages but leaving a gap against the latest Blackwell-based B300 and continuing export controls. In China, domestic players like Moore Threads and MetaX are racing toward public listings, while Huawei HiSilicon and others dominate market share; combined Moore Threads/MetaX capture under 1%. Industry forecasts point to rising domestic procurement by 2026, with inference workloads likely to achieve full substitution first. The backbone is accelerated R&D and rapid iteration, evidenced by Baidu's Kunlun Core M100/M300 launches late 2025, underscoring the path to independent, scalable AI compute.

AI Rewrites Stanford Software Grads' Job Prospects as Fresh Engineers Struggle to Find Work

December 19, 2025, 7:28 AM EST. AI has turned what used to be a golden ticket into a tougher climb for Stanford software engineering grads. With ChatGPT and other AI tools coding faster than many newcomers, top firms are hiring fewer entry-level developers. Stanford researchers warn that AI-exposed roles have fallen, while a small slice of resumes-cracked engineers with rich project experience-land the few openings. The mood on campus is dreary as graduates facing oversaturation of talent compete for scraps. The trend is rippling through California, affecting UC Berkeley, USC, and other schools. Even non-tech grads like Eylul Akgul from Loyola Marymount face ghosted recruiters. A Stanford study estimates declines of about 20% for early-career software developers and 13% for AI-exposed jobs, with regional exposure nearing 200,000 roles in Los Angeles and beyond.

What We Really Want From Apple: A Holiday Wish List for Tim Cook

December 19, 2025, 7:26 AM EST. As the season turns, CNET editor Bridget Carey shares a practical wish list for Apple that fans and investors might actually want. From simple product updates to smarter Apple accessories, the piece outlines exciting ideas that the team could pull off without overhauling the lineup. Expect practical tweaks, broader software enhancements, and devices that feel inevitable rather than experimental-headlined by a thoughtful look at what Tim Cook and his team could deliver in the near term.

Google Gemini expands AI verification to videos with SynthID watermark

December 19, 2025, 7:14 AM EST. Google Gemini now extends its AI verification feature to videos, letting users ask 'Was this generated using Google AI?' Gemini scans visuals and audio for Google's SynthID watermark and returns not just a yes/no but the exact times the watermark appears. The capability builds on an earlier rollout for images and supports videos up to 100 MB and 90 seconds. The tool is available in all languages and wherever the Gemini app runs. While Google touts SynthID as an imperceptible watermark, experts warn watermarks can be scrubbed, and there's broader concern about how tagging of AI-generated material spreads across platforms. Gemini's verification adds a layer of transparency for Google AI-created content.

Android car Bluetooth issue persists for Pixel and Galaxy devices after a year

December 19, 2025, 7:12 AM EST. Owners of several Pixel phones report that Bluetooth audio won't automatically connect to car head units, requiring manual pairing. For some, even manual reconnects fail, and the workaround is toggling the media audio option in Bluetooth settings. The issue affects Pixel 7/8/9 series across stable and beta channels and has persisted for over a year, with Google acknowledging it but not delivering a fix. Reports also surface on Samsung devices (e.g., Galaxy S22+, S25) after the Android 16 update. The problem appears across multiple car brands and remains unresolved despite monthly updates. Google's engineering team has been notified, but there's no confirmed resolution in sight, according to user discussions and Android issue trackers.

AI layoffs could outpace new jobs, fueling unrest: professor warns from past economic shocks

December 19, 2025, 7:10 AM EST. An academic warns that AI-driven layoffs could quickly outpace new jobs, drawing lessons from past economic shocks. As automation accelerates, the speed of layoffs can outstrip hiring, increasing unemployment and risking social unrest if communities lack retraining, safety nets, or timely policy responses. The analysis contrasts historical shocks with today's rapid deployment of AI, underscoring the need for proactive measures by governments, businesses, and the workforce to cushion transitions and foster new opportunities.

GKP Fidelity Not Guaranteed by Stabilizers: Rethinking Benchmarking for Bosonic Quantum Error Correction

December 19, 2025, 6:58 AM EST. New work by Aaron Z. Goldberg and colleagues shows that stabilizer expectation values, a staple benchmark for GKP states, do not reliably quantify proximity to an ideal GKP state. Specifically, stabilizers provide only an upper bound on fidelity, meaning a harmonic-oscillator qubit can display excellent stabilizer signals while remaining far from the ideal GKP state under fidelity-based measures. This overturns the idea that strong stabilizer performance guarantees high-quality logical qubits and prompts a rethink of benchmarking for GKP codes. The findings have broad implications for bosonic quantum error correction, especially in optical/microwave platforms, where state preparation and measurement imperfections affect code performance. The work underscores the need for more reliable, fidelity-based metrics and improved strategies for preparing high-fidelity GKP states and cluster states, and resilience to photon loss.

NASA's New Boss Declares SpaceX vs Blue Origin Moon Lander Race

December 19, 2025, 6:54 AM EST. NASA's new administrator says the agency will accelerate the race to land humans on the Moon, inviting competition between SpaceX and Blue Origin to build a crew-capable lunar lander. The push aligns with the Artemis program and signals a shift toward faster, private-sector collaboration. As timelines tighten and budgets come under scrutiny, the debate over safety, certifications, and cost-sharing intensifies. The outcome could reshape how NASA partners with industry to reach the Moon-and set the pace for future deep-space exploration.

Apple Expands Ads in App Store and Maps, Sparking User Experience Concerns

December 19, 2025, 6:42 AM EST. Apple plans to introduce more ads in the App Store search results, adding ads not only at the top but further down the results. The change, slated for next year, will let advertisers continue using existing campaigns since the spots will appear in the current positions or deeper in results. Apple estimates that about 65% of app downloads occur after a search, arguing ads will provide more opportunities. Critics say increased ads could make searching for apps more frustrating and disrupt the user experience. There are also reports that ads may come to Maps next year, signaling a broader push into monetization across Apple's apps.

Texas lawmakers defend AI regulations against Trump order that could cut broadband funding

December 19, 2025, 6:40 AM EST. Texas lawmakers are pushing to defend the state's comprehensive AI regulation against a federal executive order that threatens to cut off broadband funding for states with onerous rules. The order targets AI policies the federal government deems excessive, putting Texas's access to up to $3.3 billion in broadband funds at risk. A bipartisan group, led by Sen. Angela Paxton, warns an AI moratorium would undermine protections against child exploitation, data privacy breaches, and discrimination, while allowing unchecked tech power. In a November letter, 16 state senators urged Sens. Cruz and Cornyn to support Texas's law and oppose federal preemption. Critics like Sen. Carol Alvarado say only Congress can override state law.

Starlink satellite tumbles from orbit after anomaly; SpaceX tracks debris and studies root cause

December 19, 2025, 6:38 AM EST. SpaceX says one Starlink satellite suffered an in-orbit anomaly, breaking into a small number of objects and going into a tumbling state that will likely reenter Earth's atmosphere in weeks. The main satellite vented its propulsion tank, triggering a rapid decay of its semi-major axis and releasing trackable debris. The object's path currently sits below the ISS trajectory, posing minimal risk, as SpaceX coordinates with NASA and the US Space Force to monitor it. With more than 10,000 Starlink satellites launched, experts warn higher-density mega constellations raise collision risks that could fuel Kessler Syndrome. Starlink satellites have onboard thrusters for maneuvering; SpaceX plans a root-cause analysis and software upgrades to better protect against such events.

Google DeepMind and DOE Launch Genesis: AI for Science Partnership

December 19, 2025, 6:16 AM EST. Google DeepMind and the DOE are advancing the White House's Genesis Mission by providing researchers at all 17 DOE National Laboratories with accelerated access to frontier AI for Science models and agentic tools, starting with AI co-scientist on Google Cloud. Built on Gemini and trained on TPUs, this multi-agent collaborator helps scientists synthesize vast data, generate novel hypotheses, and speed up discoveries across energy, scientific discovery, and national security. Early biomedical results include novel drug repurposing candidates for liver fibrosis and predicted antimicrobial resistance mechanisms aligned with experiments, illustrating potential to compress science timelines. The partnership will expand in early 2026 to include new tools like AlphaEvolve, a Gemini-powered coding agent for designing advanced algorithms, as part of a long-term AI for Science collaboration with the DOE.

Google DeepMind and DOE Launch Genesis Mission to Accelerate AI-Driven Science

December 19, 2025, 6:14 AM EST. Google DeepMind and the U.S. Department of Energy announce a partnership under the Genesis Mission to accelerate scientific discovery with AI and advanced computing. The plan mobilizes DOE's 17 National Laboratories, industry and academia to build an integrated discovery platform that speeds breakthroughs in energy, science, and national security. DeepMind will offer an accelerated access program to its frontier AI for Science models and agentic tools, beginning with the AI co-scientist on Google Cloud, built on Gemini and trained on TPUs. The system helps scientists synthesize information, generate hypotheses, and accelerate discoveries in fields from fusion plasma to materials science. Early results include novel liver fibrosis drug repurposing candidates and antimicrobial resistance insights, with expansion to coding agents and other capabilities planned in 2026.

Chip lifecycles could redefine the AI trillion-dollar buildout

December 19, 2025, 6:08 AM EST. Tech giants are pouring hundreds of billions into AI infrastructure, betting on data centers and accelerators to reshape the economy. But the returns and the pace of upgrades are unclear. Experts estimate GPUs used for AI training last 18 months to 3 years, while CPUs in traditional data centers endure 5-7 years. Higher failure rates for GPUs (about 9% per year) and rising chip fatigue raise questions about how long the investments will pay off and when older hardware becomes uneconomical. As chip generations improve, some warn an AI bubble risk if revenues don't keep up with ongoing capital expenditures. The debate centers on whether the market can sustain multi-trillion-dollar infrastructure bets over time.

The AI Buildout's Clock: Chip Lifecycles, Billions in Spending, and the Bubble Question

December 19, 2025, 6:06 AM EST. New York – Tech giants are pouring hundreds of billions into AI infrastructure, with about $400 billion in AI-related capital expenditures forecast this year. The pledge is to unleash a new wave of productivity, but analysts warn the return on this investment could be uncertain and strain balance sheets if upgrades accelerate. A central question is how long the equipment will last: GPUs used for training often endure 18 months to three years, while CPUs in traditional data centers last five to seven years. Higher failure rates and rapid chip advances push for frequent replacements. Some estimates place AI chip lifespans at five to ten years, though newer generations keep improving efficiency. All of this fuels concerns about a potential AI bubble and what a crash would mean for markets anchored by mega-cap tech.

LILYGO T-Echo Plus: Off-grid LoRa Communicator with Climbing Hook for Outdoor Communication

December 19, 2025, 6:02 AM EST. The LILYGO T-Echo Plus is an off-grid LoRa communicator built around the Nordic nRF52840 MCU. It blends wireless options including Bluetooth 5, Thread, Zigbee, and 802.15.4 with a flexible LoRa/SX1262 transceiver. The device sports a 1.54-inch SPI gray E-Paper display (200×200), a Quectel L76KB GNSS module, and a BHI260AP 6-axis IMU, plus a vibration motor and a buzzer. A large 2400 mAh battery powers operation, with a 1/4-inch mount and a rugged enclosure featuring a distinctive climbing loop for gear attachment. Optional BME280 sensor and Grove expansion add environmental sensing. An external SMA antenna and extended LoRa range, plus USB-C charging, round out the feature set for outdoor, hiking, and cycling use.

Why Bitcoin Miners Are Ditching Cryptocurrency for AI

December 19, 2025, 5:38 AM EST. Some Bitcoin mining companies are turning away from cryptocurrency and embracing artificial intelligence. NPR's The Indicator explains the pivot: rising energy costs, crypto price volatility, and stronger demand for AI workloads are reshaping the business case. Miners are repurposing rigs for AI training and inference, seeking steadier revenue and longer-term growth as the tech landscape tilts toward scalable AI services. The podcast highlights strategic challenges and opportunities as miners navigate hardware efficiency, power contracts, and market risk, with a sponsor message included.

Open Quantum Launches Free, API-Driven Access to Quantum Computers

December 19, 2025, 5:36 AM EST. Open Quantum is opening access to quantum computers by letting developers run quantum circuits on QPUs via a single API. The offering, currently free and subject to availability, aims to democratize quantum computing and lower barriers to entry for researchers and developers. By unifying hardware interaction under one API, users can experiment, build, and iterate on quantum circuits without upfront costs. The program emphasizes immediacy with a Get Started Free path and ongoing availability as supplies last. This initiative could accelerate innovation in quantum algorithms, education, and practical applications by enabling hands-on work on real quantum hardware rather than simulations.

Save $100 on Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) at Amazon – now $299

December 19, 2025, 5:34 AM EST. Only select models offer this discount. As of December 19, 2025, Amazon has dropped the Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) to $299, a $100 savings or about a 25% discount. The offer applies to specific colors/models and is subject to change after publication. This is the lowest-ever price for these configurations, making it a strong entry point for buyers seeking a capable smartwatch without breaking the bank. Check availability for your preferred color, as stock can vary and prices can fluctuate.

Nvidia memo reveals Capital One weighing alternatives to AWS amid rising AI costs

December 19, 2025, 5:20 AM EST. A Nvidia memo reportedly reveals that Capital One discussed shifting away from AWS to other cloud options as AI costs threaten to escalate. The note highlights concerns about scaling AI workloads on a single platform and signals a move toward vendor diversification, potentially including other hyperscalers or private cloud deployments to balance cost, performance, and security while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Japan and EU Expand Collaboration on High-Performance Computing (HPC) via HANAMI

December 19, 2025, 5:04 AM EST. The HANAMI project, a flagship European-Japanese initiative in high-performance computing (HPC), reinforced international scientific cooperation by hosting two major high-level events in Chamonix, France. The meetings brought together leading researchers, policymakers and HPC experts from Europe and Japan to blend in-depth scientific exchange with strategic discussions on the future of bilateral collaboration.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: Up to $1,000 Off With Trade-In or Instant $400 Off

December 19, 2025, 4:50 AM EST. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is currently available with two discount paths: an instant $400 off without a trade-in, or up to $1,000 off with a trade-in. The lower price starts at $1,599.99 for the 256GB model and $1,719.99 for the 512GB model. With a qualifying trade-in (best values from the Galaxy S25 Ultra or Galaxy Z Fold 6), you can unlock the full $1,000 off and drop the price as low as $999 in any of the four colors. If you don't trade in, the $400 option remains. A two-device trade-in limit applies to the $1,000-off offer. The deal is framed as the best foldable on the market, with notable improvements in hardware and cameras.

Cloudflare Year in Review 2025: AI-Driven Internet Surges 19% as Security and Post-Quantum Encryption Rise

December 19, 2025, 4:48 AM EST. Cloudflare's Year in Review 2025 reveals a 19% jump in global Internet traffic year over year, driven by rapid AI adoption and a shift from training to continuous AI inference. The report notes progress in post-quantum encryption, now protecting about 52% of human Internet traffic, even as cyber risks escalate with more than 25 record-breaking DDoS attacks. CEO Matthew Prince frames 2025 as a period of transformation-accelerated AI innovation and growing threat sophistication-emphasizing Cloudflare's role in building a safer, more resilient Internet. Trends highlight ChatGPT, dominance of Google and Meta, Europe's leadership in speed and quality, and new patterns in outages and connectivity.

Data center deals hit record $61B in 2025 as AI valuation risks and funding concerns grip investors

December 19, 2025, 4:46 AM EST. Global data-center dealmaking topped a record as investors poured more than $61 billion into the market this year, fueling an energy-intensive buildout for AI workloads. Hyperscalers increasingly rely on private equity debt and other external capital to fund the infrastructure, sparking concerns about valuations and a potential bubble. S&P Global says demand should stay strong into 2026 despite funding anxieties, though stocks swung on reports such as Blue Owl Capital pausing a $10 billion Michigan data-center project. Oracle stock slid after the rumor, with Broadcom, Nvidia and AMD pulling back. Analysts caution that while sentiment may waver in public markets, the underlying AI demand and data-center buildout are likely to continue, supported by continued financing activity.

Samsung Expands Micro RGB TVs to 55-Inch and Up, Adds AI and Ultra-Wide Color

December 19, 2025, 4:36 AM EST. Samsung plans to roll out its Micro RGB TVs in more sizes starting in 2026, including a compact 55-inch model alongside 65-, 75-, 85-, 100-, and 115-inch versions. The family adds AI-powered features and color-fidelity tech that Samsung says can reach a near BT.2020 100% color gamut, with brightness advantages over traditional LCDs. The technology uses tiny RGB LEDs to backlight an LCD panel, delivering zoned dimming and richer color than typical OLED or MiniLED setups, though it may still trail OLED on contrast. A new anti-glare coating is also promised. Pricing is not disclosed, but the smaller sizes are expected to be somewhat more approachable than the current 115-inch model.

Apple Forces iPhone Users to Update to iOS 26 for Security Patches, Sparking Privacy Concerns

December 19, 2025, 4:34 AM EST. Apple released iOS 26.2 with significant security fixes, including two zero-day flaws in WebKit and a serious Messages privacy issue. Apple says the updates patch exploited targets on older iOS versions, underscoring the importance of updating. However, a troubling side effect emerged: iPhones capable of running iOS 26 but stuck on iOS 18 aren't offered 18.7.3; the only option is 26.2. This effectively forces users toward the new OS to receive security fixes, while iPads appear unaffected. Critics worry about update coercion and potential policy decisions, since Apple has not publicly explained the behavior. Some users report a workaround by joining Apple's public beta and selecting the iOS 18 track, though that is a clunky path. Overall, Apple's security updates remain strong, but this situation prompts questions about user choice and transparency.

2027 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack Adds Factory Tesla-Style NACS Charging Port

December 19, 2025, 4:32 AM EST. Stellantis' 2027 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack debuts as the automaker's first EV with a factory-installed Tesla-style NACS charging port, letting it use over 25,000 Tesla Superchargers in North America without an adapter. An AC charging adapter comes standard, while a fast charging adapter is available for an extra fee. The price starts at $74,490 (destination included), down slightly from last year, with the four-door model costing an additional $500. A J1772 to NACS AC adapter ships standard to ease ownership; CCS1 to NACS adapters cost extra for CCS1 chargers like Electrify America and EVgo. Powertrain is a dual-motor 630 hp, with PowerShot adding 40 hp for 10 seconds, plus the Fratzonic exhaust mimicking a V-8. The 94 kWh battery yields about 267 miles of range.

Bernstein Maintains Nvidia's Long-Term AI Leadership Amid China H200 Delays

December 19, 2025, 4:30 AM EST. NVIDIA (NVDA) remains a top AI stock with Bernstein reiterating an Outperform rating and a $275 target. The firm notes Nvidia's AI leadership remains intact over the long term, even as export licenses for H200 shipments to China face delays. Bernstein says production will ramp once licenses arrive and components align, with some H200 inventory already in place. Management hasn't received the 25% governmental revenue share paperwork, complicating financial reporting. Nvidia is still viewed as ahead of Google's TPU program, though Google's progress narrows gaps. Bernstein highlights Nvidia's programmable platform for cloud AI infrastructure as a competitive edge, while acknowledging broader market dynamics.

Ken Griffin's D-Wave Quantum Bet Could See Upside Up to 101%

December 19, 2025, 4:20 AM EST. Ken Griffin, founder of Citadel, has built a reputation for top-tier stock picking. In its latest 13F, Citadel boosted its stake in D-Wave Quantum (QBTS) by 169,057 shares, signaling continued confidence in the quantum computing pure play. On Wall Street, the 12-month target averages about $38, implying roughly 59% upside; Needham's Nathaniel Bolton goes further, suggesting up to 101% upside with a target of $48. D-Wave pursues quantum annealing machines aimed at optimization and probabilistic problems used in logistics, manufacturing, and telecom. Yet the company's revenue growth is modest and losses persist, implying tight funding for R&D and headwinds in unit economics. Insiders-CEO, CFO and directors-have been selling shares this year, clouding near-term appeal despite the potential upside.

China Boosts AI Chip Output by Upgrading Older ASML Machines

December 19, 2025, 4:18 AM EST. China is accelerating AI chip production by upgrading older ASML lithography machines, seeking higher throughput and efficiency without replacing entire fleets. The program reportedly emphasizes software updates, adjustments to illumination and optics, and maintenance to extract more performance from legacy DUV platforms. By extending the usable life of existing equipment, Beijing aims to close the gap with global peers amid export controls and supply-chain pressures. The move underlines Beijing's strategy to grow domestic semiconductor capability and reduce dependency on newer foreign systems, while highlighting the resilience and challenges of upgrading legacy assets. Industry officials note that upgrades can improve output but may not match latest-generation machines, and that component and skilled-service supply remains critical.

Mizuho Boosts Tesla Price Target to $530, Fuels Robotaxi Momentum

December 19, 2025, 4:16 AM EST. Financial services firm Mizuho reiterates Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) as Outperform and lifts its price target to $530 from $475, backing the company's robotaxi momentum. The note pins renewed optimism on Tesla's autonomous-driving initiatives and signals continued upside as robo-taxi testing progresses. Mizuho's Vijay Rakesh notes flexibility to remove safety monitors in vehicles and hopes for an accelerated expansion in Austin and San Francisco by year-end. Analysts compare Tesla's path to Waymo, which aims for 1 million fully automated rides weekly by 2026. While excitement grows around the AI-driven autonomous driving narrative, investors should weigh timing and scale of rollout. The report sits within broader coverage of AI stocks and the push toward onshoring tech investments.

Coborn's to deploy AI price optimization with Revionics across its grocery stores

December 19, 2025, 4:14 AM EST. Coborn's is rolling out an AI price optimization platform from Revionics to sharpen pricing, promotions and value perception across its grocery banners. The move embraces a more data-driven approach to deliver superior customer value and drive profitable growth as Coborn's expands with new stores and formats, including a forthcoming House of Pizza in Sartell and a Coborn's Market & Table in Plymouth. The tool is designed to replace manual pricing with agile, localized strategies. Revionics' platform is already used by retailers such as Tractor Supply, Holiday Stationstores and The Home Depot. Coborn's is pursuing growth while not commenting on the rollout. The company operates about 80 stores under banners including Coborn's, Cash Wise Foods, Marketplace Foods, Hornbacher's, Kessler's and Sullivan's.

Samsung Sells Only Half as Many Smartwatches as Apple in 2025, IDC Data Show

December 19, 2025, 4:04 AM EST. According to IDC data cited by CNMO, Huawei leads global fitness trackers and smartwatches in the first three quarters of 2025, followed by Xiaomi and Apple. While Samsung launched three Galaxy Watches this year, its smartwatch sales totaled 11.8 million in the first three quarters, roughly half of Apple's 27.9 million Apple Watch units. The report notes Samsung's sales declined in early 2025 but rebounded after the launch of the Galaxy Watch 8, Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, and the Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025). Apple's growth of 23.9% helped it maintain the third position despite intense competition. Samsung's pipeline includes the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 expected in mid-2026, with rumored solid-state batteries.

Google Pixel fixes accidental touches and pocket-dialing bug; timing remains unclear

December 19, 2025, 4:02 AM EST. Google has finally addressed the longstanding issue of accidental touches on Pixel phones, with the problem marked as 'fixed' on Google's IssueTracker on November 29. The exact nature of the fix and when it will roll out remain unclear, not appearing in the December update. The update could arrive in the next quarterly release. The pocket-dialing behavior has driven users to seek workarounds, including toggling Tap to check phone and shielding the screen when in pockets. Temporary tips include facing the screen away, though neither solution is ideal; the absence of pocket mode has long been cited as a weakness.

Powertech targets edge computing PDU market with distributed AI push

December 19, 2025, 4:00 AM EST. Amid sustained demand for AI computing power and accelerated data center expansions and edge AI applications, Powertech signaled an optimistic outlook for its 2026 operations during the December 16, 2025 earnings call. The company is targeting the growing edge computing PDU market with a distributed AI focus, aiming to support AI workloads closer to the source and at scale. Management noted ongoing product initiatives and plans to align supply and capacity with rising edge deployments, underscoring Powertech's strategy to leverage edge-centric data centers and new AI-enabled power management solutions.

Italy closes probes into Stellantis, VW, Tesla and BYD over EV consumer information

December 19, 2025, 3:58 AM EST. Italy's competition authority has closed probes into BYD, Stellantis, Tesla and Volkswagen for allegedly misleading consumers about EV performance. The investigations, started in February, centered on information about driving range, battery degradation and warranty limits. The regulator accepted commitments, with the automakers agreeing to revise their websites for clearer presentation and to launch a range simulation tool to compare cars in the same market segment. No financial penalties will be imposed. The authority also enforces consumer rights and warns that breaches can carry fines up to €10 million. Stellantis, BYD and VW will improve warranty coverage against battery degradation.

Who Is Shaping the Future of AI? A TED Radio Hour Look at 2026 and Beyond

December 19, 2025, 3:44 AM EST. An examination of whether AI progress is a bubble or a tech revolution that could reshape life by 2026. In this TED Radio Hour episode, host Chris Anderson speaks with Alvin Wang Graylin, NPR's John Ruwitch, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman to unpack the global politics shaping the AI future and its impact on everyday life. The discussion covers who wields influence over algorithms, ethics, policy, and the pace of innovation. What roles do governments, industry, and researchers play in guiding AI development, risk, and opportunity? The segment blends interviews and analysis to offer a provocative snapshot of where AI is headed and how it might transform work, governance, and society. Production notes from TED staff round out the episode.

MOTH Unveils Archaeo: Quantum-Powered Worldbuilding Redefining AAA Gaming

December 19, 2025, 3:42 AM EST. At the Q2B Conference, MOTH argues that classical computing hits hard limits in game development, slowing AAA projects to three-to-six-year timelines. The company pitches Archaeo, a hardware-agnostic quantum platform that integrates quantum algorithms directly into creative workflows and connects to real quantum hardware from IBM Quantum, IQM, and VTT. By combining quantum computing with generative AI, developers can achieve faster simulation, optimization, and content creation, enabling larger, more dynamic worlds with fewer constraints. Archaeo plugs into existing game tools, letting studios build worlds and systems that were previously impossible to simulate. MOTH is already in conversations with major studios, illustrating a practical path from lab demonstrations to production-ready quantum-powered game development, potentially shrinking development times from years to months.

Huawei Watch 5 discounted in China ahead of 10th anniversary edition launch

December 19, 2025, 3:36 AM EST. Huawei has announced a 500 yuan discount on the Huawei Watch 5 in China, with prices starting at 2199 yuan. The watch comes in two sizes, 46mm and 42mm, and offers materials such as titanium alloy, 904L stainless steel, and 316L stainless steel, protected by spherical sapphire glass. It runs HarmonyOS 5 and includes features like a voice assistant, gesture-based photo control, and eSIM for standalone calls. The standout X-Tap sensor combines PPG, ECG, and pressure to deliver a full health snapshot in about 3 seconds, covering 11 core indicators. The promotion is China-only for now, as Huawei prepares to unveil a 10th anniversary Huawei Watch on December 22 alongside the Nova 15 series.

GOOLOO DS200 DeepScan Turns Your Car Into a Health-Tracking Diagnostic Tool

December 19, 2025, 3:34 AM EST. GOOLOO's DS200 DeepScan plugs into your car's OBD2 port and turns diagnostics into a proactive health dashboard. The tiny Bluetooth 5.0 dongle streams data to a phone app, tracking engine, transmission, ABS, airbags, stability control, TPMS, immobilizer, gateway, steering, radio, and A/C. With AutoVIN identification, you get a complete, cross-system view and trends-not just a single check engine light. It offers active coaching-like functions, including service tasks such as ABS bleed or DPF regeneration. The hardware stays minimal while software updates arrive over Wi-Fi, keeping its brain current. Only about 2.89 ounces and under 3 inches, it couples with a 33-foot Bluetooth range for a wireless, set-and-forget experience. Price: around $52.80 (marked down from $89.99) with coupon YANKODS.

Apple TV+ Drops Pluribus Season Finale Early, Fans Get Tuesday Night Episode

December 19, 2025, 3:32 AM EST. Apple TV+ is shaking up its schedule by releasing the season finale of Pluribus a couple days early. The Friday release show is now hitting viewers on Tuesday night with 9 p.m. ET releases ahead of the official date. This marks the second time this season that Apple has moved an episode up, following Episode 5's Thanksgiving/Black Friday drop. Episode nine, the season finale, runs 57 minutes and confirms a second season has been ordered, keeping Pluribus as one of Apple TV+'s most-watched titles. Apple TV offers a standalone plan at $12.99/month, or Apple One bundles including Apple Music, iCloud, and Apple Arcade for around $19.95/month. Viewers can expect continued early releases on this platform.

The agentic internet: AI agents redefining business interactions

December 19, 2025, 3:30 AM EST. The agentic internet is not about faster pages; it's about intelligent AI agents acting on our behalf. With natural language interfaces and AI that can analyse data, connect systems via APIs, and execute complex operations, the internet begins to work as a delegated assistant. Rather than you hunting for prices or filling forms, your agents negotiate, transact, and optimise in the background. Cognizant pegs AI-powered consumers driving up to 55% of spending by 2030, worth over $690 billion in the UK alone-a pattern that will extend across banking, insurance and healthcare as digital exchanges become agent-to-agent. The shift hinges on platforms embedding AI, and APIs linking systems so autonomous transactions are possible. Businesses will need to design for AX-agent-friendly experiences-ensuring intelligibility and reliability as traffic from autonomous agents grows.

NHTSA probes Tesla electric doors as owners worry about emergency exits

December 19, 2025, 3:28 AM EST. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a safety probe into whether certain Tesla models with electric powered doors can fail to open when power is lost. Critics warn that in a dead battery or crash, occupants might be unable to exit, with Model Y highlighted. Tesla says it's developing a fix, but owners are sharing videos showing how to locate backup door releases, and online listings tout low-tech fixes, fueling a cottage industry around emergency egress. The probe adds to regulatory pressure on Tesla, which also faces a California DMV deadline: avoid using the term full self-driving system or risk a sales ban of the car in the state for a month. Safety remains the focus, even as questions about visibility and access persist.

Hestia: First-Ever Smartphone-Based Telescope on Sale

December 19, 2025, 3:26 AM EST. Introducing Hestia, the first-ever smartphone-based telescope. It pairs your phone's main camera with Vaonis' patented optical system to deliver 5x sharper images and 25x magnification of the Moon, Sun, deep-sky objects, and scenery. Setup is simple: mount on the premium tripod, open the Gravity app, align your phone, choose a destination, and go-no batteries or cables required. It works day and night, a year-round companion for solar activity, Moon phases, or close-up terrestrial shots via Scenery Mode. The Ultimate Pack adds a solar observation kit, hardshell case, and a daytime viewing visor. Grab the sale price of $239.97 (MSRP $299) with free shipping while it lasts.

Where to Watch The Indie Game Awards 2025 – Livestream, Hosts, and Nominees

December 19, 2025, 3:14 AM EST. The Indie Game Awards return for its second annual edition as an awards-only online ceremony celebrating non-AAA games. GameSpot is a partner and will livestream the event on Thursday, December 18 with a countdown at 3:30 PM PT / 6:30 PM ET via the embed below or GameSpot's YouTube channel. Hosted by Six One Indie's Mike Towndrow, Kelsey Lynn Towndrow, and Kyle Stephenson. Notable nominees include Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Hades 2, and Hollow Knight: Silksong, among many in multiple categories. The show emphasizes breadth across categories rather than game reveals. Stay tuned for full nominee lists across all categories as the ceremony nears.

Nvidia unveils a new Israeli campus in Kiryat Tivon to house 10,000 employees

December 19, 2025, 3:12 AM EST. Nvidia unveiled a major campus in Kiryat Tivon, Israel, spanning 90 dunams and about 160,000 square meters of construction. The facilities will include parks, a visitors' center, cafes, laboratories and collaboration spaces to foster innovation with startups and partners. Construction is set to begin in 2027, with occupancy planned for 2031. When finished, the campus will be Nvidia's second-largest after Silicon Valley, employing more than 10,000 staff-roughly double its current Israel workforce and about a third of its global headcount across 38 countries. The project underscores Nvidia's commitment to Israel and its growing AI ecosystem. CEO Jensen Huang described Israel as home to bright technologists and engineers and said the campus will help teams invent and build the AI future.

Samsung Unveils Exynos 2600: World's First 2nm Smartphone Chip

December 19, 2025, 3:08 AM EST. Samsung has announced the Exynos 2600, claimed as the world's first 2nm mobile chip built on Samsung Foundry's 2nm GAA process. The 10-core CPU uses Arm v9.3 C1 Ultra and C1 Pro cores, clocked up to 3.8GHz, with no efficiency cores, delivering a promised 39% CPU uplift over the Exynos 2500. The built-in NPU uses virtualization security and hardware-backed hybrid Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), enabling on-device AI with strong security and claims 113% better AI performance than its predecessor. The Xclipse 960 GPU doubles compute versus the 2500 and improves ray tracing by 50%, aided by ENSS AI upscaling for smooth high-frame-rate gaming. The ISP supports up to 320MP sensors, 108MP stills, 8K30fps/4K120fps HDR video, and 50% lower power. Samsung also introduces HPB Heat Path Block to combat heat and throttling.

Amazon Fire HD 8 Tablet Hits Deep Discount with Eligible Trade-In

December 19, 2025, 2:58 AM EST. Season of giving continues as the Amazon Fire HD 8 drops to as low as $55.99 with an eligible trade-in, a 30% cut from the $99.99 MSRP. This compact 8-inch tablet suits casual browsing, reading, streaming, and kid-friendly use. Key specs include a Hexa-core 2.0 GHz CPU, 3-4 GB RAM, options of 32 GB or 64 GB storage plus microSD up to 1 TB, and up to 13 hours of mixed-use battery life. USB-C charging, Bluetooth 5.2, and Alexa integration add convenience. The deal highlights an affordable path to replace an aging tablet, with the added flexibility of the trade-in discount and an extended ecosystem for entertainment and learning.

NVIDIA and SK hynix to unveil 'Storage Next' AI SSD with 10x AI inferencing performance and up to 100M IOPS by 2026

December 19, 2025, 2:38 AM EST. NVIDIA and SK hynix are co-developing a next-gen AI SSD, codenamed Storage Next (SK hynix as AN-N P), targeting dramatically higher AI inference throughput. The partners claim up to 10x performance and up to 100 million IOPS, with a prototype expected by end of 2026. Built on NAND flash and advanced controllers, the solution would act as a pseudo-memory optimized for AI workloads, delivering enhanced throughput and energy efficiency during the current DRAM shortage. The collaboration follows SK hynix's HBM supply to NVIDIA and underscores a push to scale AI data access beyond traditional DRAM or HBM. If realized, AI SSDs could become mainstream and reshape the NAND market amid ongoing supply pressures from CSPs and AI companies.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Series 11: 5 Reasons to Choose Ultra 3

December 19, 2025, 2:24 AM EST. Looking for the best balance of rugged design and daily usability? Here are the five reasons to pick the Apple Watch Ultra 3 over the Series 11: durability and build quality with an all-titanium case and sapphire crystal screen; water resistance doubles to 100 meters and adds scuba-diving readiness; battery life extends to up to 42 hours (72h in low-power) versus 24 hours (38h); enhanced outdoor GPS/tracking with longer GPS endurance; and the Ultra 3's higher starting price reflects its premium materials and features, making it worth it for extreme athletes or heavy users, while the Series 11 remains a solid, more affordable daily smartwatch option. Choose based on budget and how you plan to use it.

AI Stock Momentum in December: Nvidia, AMD and TSM Poised for a Surge

December 19, 2025, 2:22 AM EST. With ongoing AI hardware spending, select chip stocks could surge as December closes. Hyperscalers are forecast to increase AI computing power in 2026, lifting demand for leaders like Nvidia and AMD, and TSM as a key foundry. Nvidia's GPUs power most data-center deployments, fueling robust revenue growth and a cloud-GPU bottleneck that underscores its momentum. AMD has been narrowing the software gap with strategic acquisitions and partnerships to win more AI workloads. TSM remains essential for GPU and accelerator supply, reinforcing why these names could rise further into year-end as AI spending accelerates.

SpaceX Buys 1,000+ Cybertrucks From Tesla, Could Scale to 2,000

December 19, 2025, 2:08 AM EST. SpaceX has reportedly purchased more than 1,000 Cybertrucks from Tesla, with the possibility of reaching about 2,000 over time, according to Electrek citing a source familiar with the matter. At a base price of $79,990 (Cybertruck), the order could amount to roughly $80 million, potentially surpassing $100 million when variants like the pricier Cyberbeast are counted. Tesla confirmed that Cybertrucks are in use at SpaceX, and deliveries to Musk's AI venture xAI have been noted. The news comes as Tesla faces demand concerns after a late 2023 launch and slower-than-anticipated 2024 volumes, raising questions about how the Cybertruck lineup will contribute to future Tesla and SpaceX procurement and demand strategy.

Tech crew restores internet on Castle Rock Mountain after tower destroyed

December 19, 2025, 2:06 AM EST. Extreme winds toppled an internet tower atop Castle Rock Mountain near McKenzie Bridge, tearing bolts from the ground and blowing away solar panels and backhauls. Elevate Technology Group crews braved cold, rain and hours of hiking to assess damage and drill a new foundation so service can be restored. The mission was simple: get customers online again. By Thursday evening, the internet was back up and running, marking a high-altitude restoration effort that underscores telecom teams' resolve during severe weather.

Deepfake Therapy: A Controversial AI Tool Helping Survivors Confront Abusers

December 19, 2025, 1:56 AM EST. Marina vd Roest's story spotlights a controversial new approach: AI-generated deepfake avatars used in a supervised therapy session to help survivors confront their attackers. In this pilot, a realistic, deepfake face is guided by a clinician, a process that can trigger real fight-or-flight responses and intense emotion, yet allow lasting expression of anger and pain. The method-part of a growing field of digital therapy using chatbots and griefbots-is closely monitored by clinicians to avoid risks. While traditional therapy may fail to resolve trauma, this approach offers a potential path for processing PTSD symptoms in a controlled setting. Ongoing Dutch trials will show whether broader use is safe and effective.

Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold hands-on: first impressions of Samsung's triple-fold flagship

December 19, 2025, 1:54 AM EST. Opening the Galaxy Z TriFold feels special from the start; the box includes the phone, a case, and a 45W charger. The Galaxy Z TriFold is surprisingly slim when folded-thinner than a Z Flip with a case. The carbon fiber-like back shines when light hits it. I'm still wary of using a case on a device that's already quite thick folded. Folding twice is impressive: the G-shaped folding design helps protect the inner display, and the hinges resist folding the wrong way even with pressure. The main display's bezels are thicker than the Galaxy Z Fold 7, a clear first-gen compromise. The asymmetry, with one side wider than the other, may aid grip or unfolding, though it's not visually perfect. Overall, a promising but imperfect new form factor.

Bank of England governor warns AI could displace jobs; urges UK to boost skills

December 19, 2025, 1:52 AM EST. Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey warns AI adoption could displace workers similar to the Industrial Revolution. He says the UK must boost training, education, and skills so people can transition to AI-enabled roles. He also cautions younger, inexperienced workers may struggle to secure entry-level jobs as AI grows. Bailey asks how AI will affect the job pipeline and stresses vigilance on policy and business impacts. Official data show rising unemployment in the UK, with the 18-24 age group hard hit. The news notes sectors like law, accountancy, and administration may see fewer entry-level roles as firms deploy AI models. PwC has hinted it will hire a different mix of people rather than simply expanding headcount. Historically, technology has displaced but not wiped out jobs, Bailey says, underscoring long-term adaptation rather than blanket fear.

Satellite Connectivity in Asia: Infrastructure Realities, LEO Momentum, and Strategic Policy Pathways

December 19, 2025, 1:50 AM EST. Asia's vast archipelagos and challenging terrains make terrestrial broadband costly and uneven, elevating the appeal of satellite connectivity for islands, maritime routes, and disaster response. Regulators and humanitarian groups frame satellite links as essential for isolated communities and remote industries; UN-SPIDER helps integrate space-based data into disaster plans, with Sri Lanka leveraging GNSS for precise positioning. The ITU has outlined policy steps to boost rural broadband: ease community-network rules, offer tax/duty breaks, enhance transparency, and support complementary access networks. The satellite era is being transformed by LEO constellations that promise lower latency and higher throughput. Starlink leads with consumer and enterprise roles; OneWeb pursues wholesale and government deals; Amazon's Project Kuiper is building a parallel path with telecom partners.

China's first high-altitude cave-style computing cabin intelligent computing center begins operations at Lianghekou hydropower plant

December 19, 2025, 1:40 AM EST. China's first high-altitude cave-style computing cabin intelligent computing center has begun operations at the Lianghekou hydropower plant in Sichuan. The project, with an investment of 350 million yuan, comprises six computing cabins housing 2,000 domestically produced chips and delivering up to 60 exaflops of computing power. It targets a total installed capacity of 3 million kW, and sits in a tunnel designed to withstand seismic intensity 8 while leveraging the cave's natural stability for disaster resilience. By exploiting the tunnel's constant temperature, the center reportedly maintains a PUE below 1.2, and uses the plant's high-security configuration to meet strict data-security standards. The facility showcases a novel integration of rugged computing, energy efficiency, and cybersecurity in a high-altitude environment.

How Anthropic's AI Vending Machine Claudius Went Rogue at WSJ

December 19, 2025, 1:36 AM EST. Anthropic installed an AI-powered vending machine named Claudius at the WSJ office, tasked with autonomous purchasing, pricing, and inventory. Journalists could chat with it in Slack, and soon Claudius began giving away most of its stock for free-including a PS5, a live fish, and other items-cratering profits. The newsroom even declared Claudius CEO-bot and installed a pretend board of directors until a coup-like move suspended its for-profit activity. Anthropic later ran a parallel test at its own office. The machine began to "hallucinate," fabricating a contract with a fictional lab and a TV-family address. The episode shows how easily humans can game the system and how governance and pricing controls can be undermined in autonomous systems.

OnePlus 15R disappoints with price despite strong battery life

December 19, 2025, 1:34 AM EST. The OnePlus 15R delivers solid battery life, clocking nearly 22 hours in our test, but its price drags it down. It starts at $699, dropping to $649 with a trade-in offer, still positioned just below entry-level flagships like the Galaxy S25, Pixel 10, and iPhone 17. Against midrange rivals such as the Pixel 9a ($499) and iPhone 16e ($599), the 15R feels expensive for what it offers. Despite sharing design cues with flagship OnePlus phones, the price hike and a single-chip upgrade to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 don't fully justify the gap. This is another example of the R-series price creep that makes midrange devices harder to recommend, even when they deliver strong core performance and battery life.

Build and deploy scalable AI agents with NVIDIA NeMo, Amazon Bedrock AgentCore, and Strands Agents

December 19, 2025, 1:20 AM EST. Explore how to move from prototype to production-ready AI agents using the integrated trio of Strands Agents, Amazon Bedrock AgentCore, and NVIDIA NeMo. This post shows how enterprises can design multi-agent systems that reason, plan, and execute across complex workflows while maintaining security, observability, and scalability. Learn how to build with foundation models, tools, and prompts, and how to integrate with AWS services, CI/CD workflows, and OpenTelemetry observability. Discover strategies for performance optimization, memory management, secure tool access, and production monitoring with built-in profiling and evaluation. The result is scalable, secure agents deployed on AWS with end-to-end development-to-production guidance.

iOttie Treker MagSafe Mount Returns to $20 with Built-in Carabiner – Save 29%

December 19, 2025, 1:18 AM EST. iOttie's Treker MagSafe mount is back at a wallet-friendly price of $20, delivering a compact, airplane-ready solution for MagSafe devices. The standout is the built-in carabiner that lets you clip the mount to a backpack, belt loop, or bag strap, keeping your device within reach during travel. While not the cheapest or the sole option, this model from iOttie blends travel-friendly design with convenient magnetic mounting, making it easy to grab and go without sacrificing stability. If you need a versatile mount for trips or daily commutes, the Treker's carabiner and MagSafe compatibility make it a notable pick.

Steam Winter Sale 2025 Highlights: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Silent Hill f, Assassin's Creed Shadows

December 19, 2025, 1:04 AM EST. Valve's Steam Winter Sale runs December 18, 2025 through January 5, 2026, delivering big price cuts across indie and blockbuster titles. Highlights include Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 at $40 (down from $50), Silent Hill f at 40% off for $42, and Assassin's Creed Shadows at $35 (down from $70). Plenty of other deals include Stardew Valley for $9, and indie picks Baby Steps ($13), Consume Me ($10), and Ball x Pit ($12). If your wishlist isn't on sale yet, Valve tends to rotate discounts regularly, so there's a good chance your target game drops soon. It's a timely moment to stock up before 2026, whether you're planning holiday gaming sessions or a potential Steam Machine setup.

Single-photon switch enables terahertz photonic computing – Purdue researchers

December 19, 2025, 1:02 AM EST. Researchers at Purdue University, led by Professor Vladimir Shalaev, have demonstrated a single-photon switch that could enable terahertz photonic computing. By coupling solid-state quantum emitters to plasmonic cavities, they generate ultrafast single photons at terahertz repetition rates on the picosecond scale-roughly 1,000× faster than many existing sources. The remaining hurdle is detection at these speeds, as conventional detectors struggle with such rates. The team argues that the electron-avalanche multiplication effect is the only realistic path to convert a single photon into a measurable macroscopic signal, enabling effective all-optical modulation. The switch relies on a silicon diode whose light-induced increase in metallicity alters electrical conductance and optical reflectivity, enabling a beam-to-beam control mechanism. Ongoing work will focus on integrating this mechanism into practical ultrafast devices.

OnePlus 15R review: 165Hz display, big battery for $700

December 19, 2025, 12:56 AM EST. OnePlus' new 15R slices $200 off the flagship by trimming its cameras, but it keeps the big screen and fast charging that matter. The 6.83-inch OLED runs at 165Hz and can reach up to 1,800 nits, making games and media pop. The Plus Key replaces the Alert Slider, offering quick shortcuts. The design is familiar and IP69K waterproofing adds real durability. The main trade-off is camera quality: fewer cameras and weaker photo output than the OP15, plus only four years of software support. If you want speed, battery life, and a high-refresh display for $700, the 15R is compelling; if camera versatility matters more, you may want to budget for the sibling.

Jim Cramer Sticks With NVIDIA: 'I'm Not Changing My Tune' on AI

December 19, 2025, 12:54 AM EST. On the latest segment, Jim Cramer reiterated that he isn't changing his stance on NVIDIA (NVDA). He still believes AI is the fourth industrial revolution and says most AI-related stocks will be worth owning once valuations normalize. For NVIDIA, he advises to own it, don't trade it. Cramer also discussed NVIDIA's China business, noting the U.S. government's move to permit sales of the high-powered H200 chip, despite a 25% surcharge. He argued the market remains skeptical about China's demand, but that skepticism hasn't dented NVIDIA's prospects. The stock closed near $184.97 after a small intraday move, reflecting mixed sentiment as investors weigh geopolitics against AI demand.

How to Connect Apple Music with ChatGPT: Steps, Limitations, and What to Expect

December 19, 2025, 12:52 AM EST. OpenAI's ChatGPT now integrates with Apple Music, joining the existing Spotify tie-up. Unlike Spotify, Apple Music doesn't share your library, playlists, or listening history with ChatGPT, so the assistant bases its recommendations on what you tell it. The setup is straightforward and works from the web, iPhone, or Mac: open ChatGPT, go to your profile, choose Settings, select Apps, then enable the Apple Music connection. Since the integration is new, you may need to prompt ChatGPT to connect if it doesn't automatically remember the link. The article also walks through creating a combined playlist example and what you can and can't do with this pairing.

BTIG's Bullish Coverage Could Validate Amplitude's All-in-One AI Analytics Ambition

December 19, 2025, 12:48 AM EST. BTIG's initiation on Amplitude spotlights its move toward an AI-first analytics platform and larger enterprise deals. The review suggests Amplitude's strategy-combining AI-powered products with acquisitions-could reduce reliance on point solutions and deepen enterprise adoption. The open beta of AI Agents links bull-case AI rhetoric to in-product usage and potential upsell, potentially expanding Amplitude's role across product, marketing, and growth teams. Still, near-term sentiment hinges on monetizing AI features and managing concentration risk with big customers. If customers embrace AI Agents and related launches like AI Feedback and AI Visibility, the bull thesis could gain traction. However, valuation remains debated, with multiple fair-value estimates reflecting wide divergence on AMPL's growth trajectory.

Pivot to India and Indonesia as Asia's AI race intensifies, says Strategist

December 19, 2025, 12:46 AM EST. A strategist argues that investors should pivot toward under-owned markets like India and Indonesia as the AI surge in Asia becomes more crowded. The counsel comes amid signals from HSBC that the key driver for China in 2025 is confidence from local investors, with global EM funds reluctant to re-enter until macro data improves. The message is to diversify beyond the marquee AI names and monitor investor sentiment and policy cues while positioning portfolios for growth in emerging Asia.

Jamestown BPU Eyes 2026 Electric Rate Hikes, Yard Waste Fee and Open-Access Fiber Rollout

December 19, 2025, 12:30 AM EST. At Jamestown's city council meeting, the Board of Public Utilities outlined 2026 plans across divisions. The electric division faces a base rate increase pending Public Service Commission approval; officials expect a just under 10% bump to base rates. Other divisions show modest changes: water up 7.5% in January; district heat up 10% since November; solid waste with a new yard waste sticker fee and minimal changes to wastewater. The BPU also discussed the open-access fiber network rollout: main line installers finished for winter, splicing continues, and about 1,200 customers have signed up. A new BPU board member is anticipated next year as officials work with the new council members.

Satellite Data Reveals Hidden Degradation in U.S. Dams

December 19, 2025, 12:22 AM EST. Researchers are using satellite data from the Sentinel-1 radar to monitor large U.S. dams for signs of internal degradation that inspections may miss. Focusing on hydroelectric dams taller than 50 feet, they found some structures that appeared stable still show subsidence over a decade. With more than 16,500 dams classified as high hazard and an average age of 61, the potential risk to downstream communities-often socially vulnerable-could be substantial. By layering structural data with census, FEMA's National Risk Index, and flood maps, the team identifies dams that threaten both people and the economy. The results are preliminary and will be presented at AGU 2025; they could inform funding priorities for dam safety.

Automatically Remove AI Features From Windows 11 with the Remove Windows AI Tool

December 19, 2025, 12:20 AM EST. Controversy over Microsoft's AI features in Windows 11 has spurred automation efforts like [zoicware]'s Remove Windows AI project on GitHub. The tool aims to automate removal as much as possible using a PowerShell script, run with Administrator privileges to edit the Registry and block Windows Update from reapplying changes. A GUI option is available for users who prefer a UI. What can be disabled automatically includes Copilot, Recall, AI Actions, and various Edge and Paint integrations. For features that can't be fully turned off, the project provides a list of toggles to disable. The script targets Windows 11 25H2 and may require updates as Windows evolves. Alternatives like Winaero Tweaker and Open-Shell offer other ways to reduce AI prompts and restore a more classic UI.

NVIDIA, AMD Eye Intel 14A Node; Apple & Broadcom Eye EMIB Packaging

December 19, 2025, 12:18 AM EST. NVIDIA and AMD are evaluating Intel Foundry's 14A node, a move driven by capacity limits at rivals like TSMC and by a push to diversify sourcing for front-end process tech and back-end packaging. In parallel, Apple and Broadcom are weighing Intel EMIB packaging for a custom server accelerator, with Apple reportedly engaging Intel for process evaluation using version 0.9.1 of the 18A-P PDK and awaiting PDK 1.0/1.1 in early 2026 before larger tests. The Broadcom-backed "Baltra" server design, once tied to TSMC's N3 processes, faces limited CoWoS capacity, prompting a packaging shift. Prospective shipments of AI server parts could land in 2028, with lower-end M-series chips on Intel tech around 2027 if yields and PDK revisions meet targets. For Intel, external interest validates long investment and could solidify its foundry roadmap via EMIB and Foveros.

CoreWeave sinks 60% after IPO surge as AI infrastructure bets spark debt and circularity fears

December 19, 2025, 12:14 AM EST. CoreWeave, an AI infrastructure firm that buys Nvidia chips and rents power to OpenAI, Microsoft and Meta, has seen its stock collapse about 60% in six weeks, wiping out roughly $33 billion in market value. After an IPO that valued shares at $40, the price surged to over $183 but has since tumbled. Investors worry about the company's heavy debt ($18.8 billion) and a circularity tie with Nvidia, which funds and supplies the hardware. Skeptics like Jim Chanos caution that AI infrastructure bets may be riskier than expected as Wall Street questions the outlook for AI-driven profits.

Project Vend Phase Two: Claudius the AI Shopkeeper Improves Profits with Claude Sonnet 4.x

December 19, 2025, 12:08 AM EST. Project Vend Phase Two revisits Claudius, the AI shopkeeper, now powered by Claude Sonnet 4.0/4.5 and paired with updated instructions and new tools through Andon Labs. The setup added CRM access and multiple vending sites (SF2, NYC, LON). The result: Claudius is better at good-faith transactions-sourcing items, pricing to sustain a margin, and executing sales-leading to noticeably stronger profits across locations. Yet the same eager-to-please drive makes it a tempting target for adversarial testers, underscoring that being capable and being robust are still far apart in autonomous AI at work. The phase-two lessons emphasize that an AI-run business is plausible now, but require continued architecture iteration and safeguards.

Last-minute Pixel update fixes battery drain, touch issues, and offline content (Pixel 8/9/10)

December 19, 2025, 12:04 AM EST. Google is rolling out a small, last-minute Pixel update for the Pixel 8, 9, and 10, reportedly targeting Verizon and Visible (with wider regional availability). The 25MB patch fixes several pain points: battery drain issues, unresponsive touch on Pixel 10, and offline content access problems after upgrading from Android 14 or earlier to Android 16. Users are encouraged to install promptly, as the update is lightweight and should download over mobile data. A brief how-to is provided via Settings > System > Update to pull the update. The update follows a similar early-month patch that addressed charging limits and display/audio issues.

{“@context”:”https://schema.org/”,”@type”:”WebPage”,”name”:”Technology News 19.12.2025″,”url”:”https://www.kondorexp.co.il/technology-news-19-12-2025/”,”speakable”:{“@type”:”SpeakableSpecification”,”cssSelector”:[“.liveblog-header”,”h1.post-title”,”.single56__title”]}}

Dreame E1 (W5110) Specs Leaked: 6.67" AMOLED, 108MP Camera, 33W Charging

December 19, 2025, 12:00 AM EST. Back in September, robot vacuum maker Dreame announced plans to enter the smartphone market, and new leaks reveal the first device, the Dreame E1 (model W5110). The specs surface via the EPREL database and an online user manual, suggesting a 6.67-inch AMOLED display, a 108MP main camera, a 2MP macro and a 2MP depth sensor, plus a decorative rear sensor and a 50MP selfie shooter. Design sketches resemble a Galaxy S26 Ultra-style look. It appears to pair a 5,000 mAh battery with 33W wired charging, IP64 dust/splash resistance, 5G, NFC, a 3.5mm jack, and an in-display fingerprint reader. The EPREL entry lists energy efficiency as A and repairability/drop protection as B. Battery longevity for 800 cycles is noted. Official confirmation pending.