Technology News 23.12.2025

IO Interactive Delays 007: First Light to May 2026 for Polishing

December 23, 2025, 11:56 PM EST. IO Interactive has delayed the James Bond game 007: First Light by two months, moving the release from March 27, 2026 to May 27, 2026. In a social-post statement, the studio said the extra time will allow them to polish and refine the experience and deliver the strongest possible launch version. The title was previewed during PlayStation's 2025 State of Play, with Patrick Gibson voicing 007 and supporting cast including Lennie James, Priyanga Burford, Alastair Mackenzie, Kiera Lester, and Noémie Nakai. Pre-orders are open for a standard edition at $69.99, with an automatic upgrade to the Deluxe Edition for pre-orders and a special edition at $299.99 featuring physical extras.

Nvidia GeForce Now Imposes 100-Hour Cap, Reshaping Heavy-User Value

December 23, 2025, 11:24 PM EST. Nvidia is rolling out a 100-hour monthly cap on GeForce Now, affecting users who signed up before 2025 and ending the year-long reprieve for heavy gamers. The limit applies to paid tiers, with daily and session-length constraints differing by plan. To exceed 100 hours, members must pay for additional 15-hour blocks. Free-tier users remain capped at 1 hour per day. The cap, announced to curb overuse, could push power users toward new hardware purchases, while casual players may barely feel the change. GeForce Now promises RTX-class streaming, up to 4K/240fps on higher tiers, and access to thousands of games, including streaming from a Steam Deck to a GeForce RTX-powered cloud. Annual plans exist for savings, but overall cost can rise for those with heavy, frequent sessions.

Nvidia GeForce Now Enforces 100-Hour Monthly Cap for Paid Members

December 23, 2025, 11:22 PM EST. GeForce Now is tightening its limits with a 100-hour monthly cap for paid members, effective for most users in 2026. Since January, new signups faced the limit; older members will also be affected. The cap sits atop Nvidia's cloud gaming tiers, which let you stream RTX-class power to devices like a Steam Deck-up to a GeForce RTX 5080-level experience, with free tiers offering up to 60fps at 1440p or higher tiers delivering up to 4K/240fps. Plans run from $10/month for 60fps/1440p to $20/month for 4K/240fps plus more CPU cores and memory. Sessions are capped at 6- or 8-hour blocks, and any extra hours beyond 100 cost per 15-hour block. Free service remains unchanged, still limited to 1 hour per day.

MR Clean Could Be PowerWash Simulator for Mixed Reality on Quest 3/3S

December 23, 2025, 11:20 PM EST. MR Clean, a roomscale mixed reality cleaning game from PotamWorks (Smash Drums), uses hand tracking to scrub virtual dirt off walls, floors, and furniture. The game features a Virtual Objects Mode for detailed 3D models and a local two-player Party Mode. Originating from a Smash Drums MR experiment, it's being revived for the Meta Horizon Start Developer Competition 2025 and aims for collaboration content with Red Matter 2, Ancient Dungeon, Deisim, and more than 15 other experiences. PotamWorks says MR Clean will support Quest Travel Mode and is headed to Quest 3/3S in Q1 2026. If successful, it could become the PowerWash Simulator of mixed reality on standalone headsets.

Student challenges MOE's smartwatch ban with eight-point proposal

December 23, 2025, 11:18 PM EST. An MOE-led ban on smartwatches and smartphones in secondary schools from Jan 2026 has prompted pushback from Stompers. Stomper Straw argued that many wearables double as fitness trackers and could support health monitoring, not just social media access. An eight-point report submitted to the vice-principal proposes a tiered governance model: allow health, fitness, timer and emergency functions while restricting messaging and social media. The piece notes concerns about obesity and inactivity, and suggests controlled use could build digital health literacy and self-regulation. It also highlights that modern workplaces rely on wearables and data interpretation. Rather than zero technology, the student advocates balance and better technology use enabling movement, with smartphones kept away to minimize distraction.

Nvidia and AMD Navigate China Market News: What It Means for AI Stocks

December 23, 2025, 11:14 PM EST. Today's update covers how new developments in the China market are impacting Nvidia (NVDA), AMD (AMD), and other AI stocks. The piece promotes a short video, a subscribing call, and a Stock Advisor offer, noting prices reflect after-market data from December 22, 2025. It highlights Motley Fool recommendations suggesting Nvidia wasn't in the top 10 stocks for immediate purchase, contrasting with Netflix and Nvidia's past picks, and cites Stock Advisor's claimed returns. The disclosure notes positions held by Jose Najarro and The Motley Fool, plus standard disclaimers about viewpoints. Overall, investors should weigh regulatory and market shifts in China when evaluating AI hardware bets.

Russia Develops Area-Effect ASAT Weapon to Target Starlink, Intelligence Warns

December 23, 2025, 11:12 PM EST. Intelligence assessments cited by the AP say Russia is developing an anti-satellite system that would deploy hundreds of thousands of dense spherical pellets in Starlink's low-Earth orbit, aiming to disable multiple satellites at once and risking catastrophic collateral damage to other space assets. The plan relies on so-called area-effect technology and could threaten missions near 550 km altitude, including the International Space Station and China's Tiangong, if debris spreads. Western agencies warn debris could drift through nearby orbital lanes, endangering commercial and government satellites. Officials say the purpose would be to erode Western advantage in space by targeting networks like Starlink that have aided Ukraine on the battlefield. The intelligence findings contrast with past tests and highlight ongoing space militarization and the risks of debris creation.

Apple offers free two-hour delivery for last-minute holiday shopping

December 23, 2025, 11:10 PM EST. Apple is offering a free two-hour delivery upgrade for in-stock gifts through December 24 in most U.S. and Canada metro areas, with three-hour delivery in Australia. The service uses delivery partners like Uber Eats and Postmates and delivers from nearby Apple stores, only for items in stock. Eligible products include iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, AirPods, Apple TV, and Beats headphones; custom Macs and engraved orders, as well as accessories, are excluded. Some items may still ship in two hours or sooner with express shipping. The offer is paired with Apple's extended return window through January 6, 2026. The free delivery normally costs about $9 and applies to in-stock purchases at nearby locations.

NVIDIA Price Prediction and Forecast 2025-2030: AI Boom, OpenAI Investment, and Milestones

December 23, 2025, 10:56 PM EST. NVIDIA shares surged recently after a correction from record highs, up ~33% this year. The company posted strong Q3 results, including revenue of $57.0 billion and EPS of $1.30, with data center revenue hitting a record $51.2 billion (a 66% YoY rise). NVIDIA crossed a $5 trillion market cap milestone and pledged to invest up to $100 billion in OpenAI. Analysts have raised targets to $225-$240 on the OpenAI deal, underscoring AI's role as a core growth driver for GPUs. The longer-term view remains positive, with some forecasts suggesting upside over the next five years, even amid near-term volatility in a stock with a long, split-adjusted price history.

'My interviewer wasn't even human': AI avatars reshape job interviews

December 23, 2025, 10:54 PM EST. A growing trend in hiring uses AI avatars to conduct interviews, sometimes without explicit disclosure. From automated CV screening to instantly responsive, fluent AI interviewers, candidates report unnaturally smooth conversations, perfect timing, and occasional glitches that hint at non-human interlocutors. The piece quotes Reddit accounts of a video interview where the interviewer's head movements were repetitive and the replies were instant and identical after repeated questions, sparking debate about transparency in recruitment. Other stories show recruiters detecting odd, repetitive motion in candidates, suggesting rising automation in screening. The article highlights concerns over transparency, consent, and the potential for bias in AI-led interviews, urging companies to disclose when an avatar or bot is conducting interviews and to consider the candidate experience in automation-heavy hiring.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 drops to $549 on Amazon with record-low price

December 23, 2025, 10:52 PM EST. I've spent six weeks testing a range of smartwatches, and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is now at its lowest price yet: $549 on Amazon (was $799). That's a $250 discount with two strap options: Blue/Black Trail Loop or Indigo Alpine Loop. Our hands-on review rates the Ultra 2 at 4.5 stars and highlights its expansive health-tracking-from climbing metrics to sleep breathing disturbances and heart health. It also inherits some of the Ultra 3's upgrades, including an improved Sleep Score feature, delivering new insight into sleep quality. If you want a rugged, feature-packed wearable, this deal makes the Ultra 2 particularly compelling today.

DJI Mini 3 Drone Drops to $439 in Final Clearance, Selling Fast

December 23, 2025, 10:36 PM EST. DJI's compact Mini 3 drone is now around $439 on Amazon (down from $550), a notable drop as regulatory uncertainty looms. The ultra-light frame and foldable design make it ideal for beginners and enthusiasts, easily slipping into a backpack. Its three-axis gimbal delivers smooth video and sharp stills, while the stable flight control helps frame shots even in light winds. With decent battery life, the drone supports multiple flights per shoot, especially when extra batteries are on hand. The included remote is intuitive, and the light weight often means no registration in many regions. Overall, the DJI Mini 3 offers a strong balance of portability, image quality, and value at this price.

Apple to allow third-party app stores in Brazil under CADE settlement

December 23, 2025, 10:34 PM EST. Apple is set to allow third-party app stores and external payment systems on iOS in Brazil after a CADE settlement. The Term of Commitment to Termination requires Apple to open its platform to external stores and permit developers to route payments outside the App Store, with a complex fee schedule (25% general commission; 10% for special programs; 5% if using Apple's system; up to 15% for off-store payments; 5% core technology fee for alternative stores). Changes must be in place within 105 days, or fines up to R$150 million. Apple says protections for younger users remain, though the move introduces new privacy and security considerations.

UploadVR's Best of VR 2025 Awards – Game Of The Year, Hardware & Most Anticipated Of 2026

December 23, 2025, 10:22 PM EST. UploadVR wraps up its 2025 Best of VR Awards, celebrating standout releases across VR and XR software and hardware. The awards unfold in rounds, naming winners in platform categories for Quest, PC VR, PS VR2 and Apple Vision Pro, plus an exploratory experience. A highlight is Walkabout Mini Golf, named Best Virtual Place 2025, which evolved from a game into a social hub with themed courses, hidden surprises, and new activities. The roundup also previews winners in mixed reality, hand tracking, and early access, with teases for 2026. All winners are in full release, with mentions of Ghost Town, Roboquest VR, Arken Age, Gears & Goo, and more.

ISRO's LVM3-M6 BlueBird Block-2 Mission to Demonstrate Direct-to-Phone Connectivity for AST SpaceMobile

December 23, 2025, 10:20 PM EST. The ISRO mission LVM3-M6 is set to launch BlueBird Block-2 (often called BlueBird 6), a commercial satellite for AST SpaceMobile aimed at delivering direct-to-smartphone cellular broadband. If successful, it would mark the heaviest payload launched by the LVM3 from Indian soil and push real-world space-to-phone connectivity toward operational reality. The 6.1-tonne satellite will enter a circular ~520 km orbit with inclination 53°, balancing coverage and latency for forthcoming broadband constellations. Countdown intensified on December 23 with propellant loading and final checks. Launch targets 08:54 IST on December 24, 2025 from SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota, with an ISRO livestream beginning earlier. Final approvals and range safety remain key factors for success.

Ex-Doctor's AI Scribe Heidi Reaches $465M Valuation After Burnout-Inspired Startup

December 23, 2025, 10:18 PM EST. Dr. Thomas Kelly, a Melbourne-trained physician, left clinical practice after enduring extreme burnout and 10-minute patient slots that piled up 700 tests and endless tasks. He co-founded Heidi, an AI medical scribe that transcribes visits and generates clinical notes to ease doctors' load. The startup's recent Series B round-$65 million-values Heidi at about $465 million. Kelly's path began with tutoring videos and an early AI project, Oscar, that simulated medical interviews for thousands of students. Seeing the friction between medicine and automation inspired him to adapt AI to clinical conversations, enabling real-time documentation and improved patient care. Heidi aims to free clinicians from administrative burdens, allowing them to spend more time with patients and focus on care, while scaling across healthcare settings.

NVIDIA & AMD Return to China With More Powerful AI Chips Amid Stricter Regulatory Guardrails

December 23, 2025, 9:50 PM EST. US chipmakers are re-entering the Chinese market with a new mix of architectural tweaks and lobbying to navigate tightened guardrails. NVIDIA and AMD have shown progress on supplying AI accelerators like the Hopper H200 and Instinct MI308 amid a shift in policy since 2024, when Beijing briefly limited foreign hardware. The narrative features a dramatic drop in China share from near-peak to zero under certain policy regimes, followed by renewed access after U.S. administration talks and a conditional licensing framework. Beijing's regulatory stance, highlighting security reviews and a push toward domestic rivals, remains a gatekeeper. The latest developments hint at a more constrained but still viable path for cross-border AI chip sales, with Trump-era concessions and ongoing scrutiny shaping every shipment.

Google Play Store settlement: $630M class-action payout

December 23, 2025, 9:46 PM EST. Google has agreed to pay $630 million to settle a class-action accusing antitrust violations tied to the Play Store and in-app billing. If you bought an Android app or made an in-app purchase between Aug 16, 2016 and Sep 30, 2023, you may be eligible. The settlement, brought by state attorneys general from all 50 states plus DC, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, does not admit wrongdoing. Most users will be paid automatically (no receipts or forms) with a guaranteed minimum $2 and larger payouts for heavier spending. Eligibility depends on where you lived at the time of purchase. You can verify/update contact info on the official settlement site. Exclusion/objection deadline: Feb 19, 2026.

Dialog Axiata Teams with Starlink to Deliver High-Speed Satellite Internet Across Sri Lanka

December 23, 2025, 9:32 PM EST. Dialog Axiata, Sri Lanka's leading connectivity provider, has announced a partnership with Starlink to deliver high-speed, low-latency satellite internet across the island. As an authorised Starlink agent, Dialog will enable access to cutting-edge satellite technology for areas beyond conventional networks, strengthening Sri Lanka's digital landscape. The collaboration complements Dialog's extensive footprint, bringing reliable connectivity to underserved regions and boosting productivity, innovation, and growth. Enterprise customers will soon access Starlink services through Dialog's corporate solutions, with dedicated installation, servicing, and maintenance. This partnership underscores Dialog's commitment to technological innovation and The Future, expanding coverage and bridging the digital divide for businesses, institutions, and communities.

How I redesigned my Android home screen to stay focused on my goals

December 23, 2025, 9:14 PM EST. Unlocking your phone dozens of times a day shouldn't derail your priorities. I redesigned my home screen to act as a constant reminder of my goals instead of a parade of notifications. Before changing widgets or icons, I got honest about what mattered and turned vague aims into concrete, actionable steps. I mapped my priorities to practical prompts: prioritize work, stay consistent with workouts, keep learning in small steps, and connect with friends and family. Then I organized apps and widgets to surface these reminders at every unlock, creating a habit loop rather than a distraction loop. The result is a cleaner interface that nudges focus, boosts productivity, and keeps long-term intent close at hand.

Waymo Sues Santa Monica to Block Overnight Charging Ban for Self-Driving Taxis

December 23, 2025, 9:00 PM EST. Waymo filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court to stop Santa Monica's order requiring cessation of overnight charging at two Voltera-powered facilities. Waymo argues its self-driving taxis' operations do not create a public nuisance and that complying would cause irreparable harm to operations, employees, and customers. The two charging sites on Euclid Street and Broadway have operated around the clock for about a year, drawing complaints from residents about beeping and disrupted sleep. Residents blocked paths and called police. The city ordered overnight shutdowns and sought mitigations. Waymo contends the city's stance undermines investment and notes over one million trips in Santa Monica since launch, with more than 50,000 rides in November. The suit claims the city is acting adversarially.

Has Tempus AI's 89% 2025 rally gone too far? A DCF valuation view

December 23, 2025, 8:58 PM EST. Tempus AI has surged roughly 89% YTD, but a pullback prompts a re-evaluation of value. The stock shows a 3/6 valuation check score, suggesting it's undervalued on about half of core metrics. A Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model yields an intrinsic value of about $224.04 per share, implying a 71.1% discount to the current price. The projection reflects negative near-term free cash flow as the company funds growth, with later years turning positive as FCF rises toward billions by 2035. Amid headlines about expanding precision medicine and AI-driven diagnostics, Tempus AI remains volatile as AI biotech sentiment swells and cools. The real question for investors: is the market pricing long-run cash flows or chasing momentum?

DJI Osmo Action 6 Firmware Update Brings Ultra-HD 8K Video, Cloud Upload and Focus Peaking

December 23, 2025, 8:44 PM EST. DJI's Osmo Action 6 firmware update unlocks Ultra-HD 8K video (up to 30p) with D-Log M 10-bit in H.265, adds direct cloud upload, and brings Film Tone support to Photo mode. It also lets you enable focus peaking on the back screen for sharper composition. Update is available now via the DJI Mimo app. This release streamlines workflows for creators needing higher-resolution capture and on-device monitoring. The Osmo Action 6 Standard Combo is priced at $379 USD.

Samsung Developing 'Wide Fold' With iPhone Fold-Like Design Ahead of Apple's 2026 Launch

December 23, 2025, 8:28 PM EST. Samsung is reportedly crafting a new foldable phone named Wide Fold that is wider and shorter than its current Galaxy Z Fold line. Citing ETNews, the device is expected to open to about 7.6 inches and close to 5.4 inches, using a 4:3 aspect ratio to feel more like a notebook. The timing aligns with rumors of Apple's iPhone Fold debuting in fall 2026. If accurate, the Wide Fold would join the next-gen Galaxy Fold and a flip device, offering a distinct form factor from Samsung's taller, narrower designs and potentially targeting the same market as Apple's foldable. As with most rumors, specs may shift before launch.

Rivian Granted Patent for Battery Protection Shield to Guard EV Battery Packs

December 23, 2025, 8:22 PM EST. Rivian has been granted a US patent for a battery protection shield mounted under EV battery packs to withstand ground strikes without puncturing or crushing cells. The shield provides structural support for off-road use where uneven terrain heightens impact risk. Rivian notes that protecting battery packs in such conditions is crucial for certain vehicles. The patent mirrors Tesla's Cybertruck Armor Package-an underbody shield plus rock sliders-introduced to guard batteries on rough terrain. The article also recalls Tesla's earlier deployment of battery shields after an NHTSA probe and mentions a separate patent on a shield integrity-detection system. Rivian's patent was highlighted by a Rivian owner on X, amid chatter about new models such as the R2X.

5 Easy Fixes to Extend EV Battery Range in 2025

December 23, 2025, 8:20 PM EST. Discover why an EV battery may drain faster and how to extend its range in 2025. The article covers practical causes-driving habits, weather, and charging choices-and offers five fixes: 1) Drive more smoothly to maximize regen; 2) Optimize climate settings and use pre-conditioning while plugged in; 3) Limit DC fast charging in favor of Level 2 charging; 4) Maintain a target 20-80% state of charge; 5) Park smart and check tire pressure to reduce rolling resistance. These steps, plus improved thermal management in newer models, help you preserve performance without expensive upgrades.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus leak hints at Ultra-sized display and MagSafe upgrade

December 23, 2025, 8:18 PM EST. A new leak from Tech Informer suggests the Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus could match the Ultra with a 6.9-inch screen. The vanilla S26 may grow to 6.3 inches. Upgrades reportedly include the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (or Exynos 2600) and Qi2/MagSafe wireless charging magnets. The leak also claims a 12MP telephoto (3x) for both the base and Plus models, a boost over the S22-era 10MP sensor. Battery/charging rumors show the Ultra moving to 60W while the lower models stay at 25W/45W. If accurate, the Plus could offer an "Ultra-sized experience" without the Ultra price tag, with a launch window possibly in February/March 2025.

OpenAI's Sam Altman predicts 2035: grads could work in space as AI reshapes jobs

December 23, 2025, 8:12 PM EST. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman says that by 2035, college graduates could leave on missions to explore the solar system in new, exciting, well-paid jobs as AI reshapes the workplace. He concedes some roles will disappear, but argues the next decade could offer extraordinary opportunities for Gen Z and space-related careers, noting aerospace engineers already earn about $130,000. Other tech leaders-Bill Gates on shorter workweeks and Nvidia's Jensen Huang on "superhuman" talent-frame AI as a transformative force. Altman admits his forecast is imperfect, yet he's envious of a generation starting off with careers that may be far more exciting than today's routine work.

US Bans Foreign-Made Drones: FCC Rule Targets DJI, Impacts Drone Market

December 23, 2025, 8:06 PM EST. The FCC has imposed a ban on importing and selling foreign-made drones, citing national-security risks. Exceptions may be granted if the Department of Homeland Security or Department of Defense determines a specific drone or part poses no risk. DJI, which commands about 70% of the market, faces the biggest impact, though existing customers can continue using current models. New products may be cleared later based on determinations by DHS/DoD. Purchases of DJI drones in the US are blocked for now, and parts sourcing could become harder due to customs delays. The move could reshape the US drone ecosystem, potentially opening opportunities for domestic players.

North Carolina Secures $300M to Expand High-Speed Internet Under BEAD Program

December 23, 2025, 8:02 PM EST. North Carolina has secured more than $300 million from the federal BEAD Program, approved by the NTIA, to expand high-speed internet to homes, businesses, and institutions. Gov. Josh Stein says reliable broadband boosts education, business, health care, and the economy. The funding will connect over 93,000 locations, while more than $1 billion remains in the state's BEAD pool for future work. NC DIT Secretary Teena Piccione calls the approval a critical step for rural areas. Construction on the first projects is expected to start in mid-2026. The effort complements a related $50 million commitment to western NC infrastructure. As projects move forward, residents can expect faster, more reliable internet access across the state.

Best 2025 Hand Tracking and Mixed Reality Games on Meta Quest & Apple Vision Pro – UploadVR Round Two

December 23, 2025, 7:56 PM EST. UploadVR's Best of 2025 awards continue with round two, spotlighting Hand Tracking and Mixed Reality games plus early access entries across Quest and Apple Vision Pro. In the Best Hand Tracking Game, titles like Demeo x D&D, Dimensional Double Shift, and standout solo project Jigsaw Night push spatial grabbing and cross-device play, with LIV integration and photo-based puzzles highlighted. The Best Early Access Mixed Reality Game goes to Laser Dance by Thomas Van Bouwel, praised as an essential MR party title. For the Best Early Access VR Game, early previews include Unseen Diplomacy 2, Orion Drift, and Final Fury. The piece also flags other MR highlights such as Pocket Lands, Galactic Traffic Control, and Healer as strong MR examples. The awards emphasize hand tracking in 2025 evolving on both platforms.

Android Auto could finally cast media from your phone to your car

December 23, 2025, 7:40 PM EST. Google is quietly building Google Cast support for Android Auto, with code strings in version 15.9.655104 suggesting in-car casting from phones to displays. Detected in the Media Router framework, the references imply active development, though not enabled by default yet. Android Automotive already supports Cast, making an expansion to Android Auto logical. In addition to casting, the latest build skins Material 3 Expressive design and refreshed media controls, signaling a broader UI refresh. None of the features are publicly released; Google is still testing ahead of a broader rollout, and we'll keep you posted on availability.

Trump Admin Weighs SpaceX Land Swap in South Texas

December 23, 2025, 7:38 PM EST. According to a New York Times report, the Trump administration is weighing a land swap that would transfer about 775 acres in Cameron County's Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge to SpaceX in exchange for 692 acres SpaceX owns nearby. The deal would expand SpaceX's South Texas rocket launch operations, while sparking debate over wildlife conservation and habitat protection for species like the ocelot and jaguarundi. Spokespeople for the Wildlife Service and SpaceX did not immediately comment. The Times notes a prior SpaceX land swap proposal and multiple regulatory moves this year-from the FAA and state lawmakers-that together reflect ongoing federal support for SpaceX amid broader debates about safety, environment, and innovation strategy.

How social media fuels AI boosterism and misleads about breakthroughs

December 23, 2025, 7:26 PM EST. The piece examines how social-media hype around AI breakthroughs distorts progress. Demis Hassabis's blunt critique of a post about GPT-5 solving Erdős problems exposes a pattern: claims go viral before careful verification. In reality, GPT-5 surfaced ten existing solutions Bloom hadn't seen, not ten new results. The episode stresses the need for restraint and gut check rather than knee-jerk boosterism. It also highlights AI's knack for fast literature search and references, not genuine discovery. Researchers like François Charton caution that many wins are overstated on social media, while mathematicians remind us that tasks such as Yu Tsumura's 554th Problem are routine for humans. The takeaway: celebrate real discovery while avoiding overhyped claims.

FCC Bans New Foreign-Made Drones as US Tightens Drone Security and Targets DJI

December 23, 2025, 7:24 PM EST. The FCC, under the Trump administration, bans all new foreign-made drone models from distribution in the U.S., citing national security risks. Existing older foreign drones may still be used. The agency updated its Covered List to include all UAS and UAS critical components produced abroad, signaling a broader push to curb foreign influence in drone tech. FCC Chair Brendan Carr praised the move as strengthening national security and domestic drone leadership, noting collaboration with U.S. drone makers. The policy is expected to hit DJI, the dominant global drone vendor, though DJI says it remains committed to the U.S. market. The measure follows a June executive order aimed at boosting U.S.-made drones and securing the drone supply chain.

Bolivia lifts restrictions on Starlink and other satellite providers to boost internet connectivity

December 23, 2025, 7:22 PM EST. Bolivia's new government issued a decree to allow international satellite internet providers such as Starlink and Kuiper to offer internet access nationwide, aiming to speed up internet connectivity and close the digital divide. The move reverses a ban under former President Luis Arce. For years Bolivia relied on the Chinese Tupac Katari satellite, which offered geostationary service and failed to deliver faster speeds. By licensing low-Earth-orbit services, officials say Bolivians could enjoy quicker data transmission, improved mobile and home connectivity, and potential investments in local data centers. President Rodrigo Paz says the policy will foster national tech growth and connectivity in remote areas.

Debunking the Eight-Year Battery Myth: EV Longevity, Warranties, and Life After the Car

December 23, 2025, 7:12 PM EST. Debunking the popular claim that EV batteries die in eight years and cost more to replace, this piece highlights that a federal law requires a minimum 8-year/100,000-mile warranty on the propulsion battery. Social posts often misstate longevity, but real-world data show modern EVs lasting far beyond initial fears, with many second-life uses. Since 2020, more than 40 million EVs have been sold worldwide, growing from 2.3M in 2020 to 14M in 2023 and 17M in 2024, for a global fleet near 60 million. After retirement from vehicles, batteries can enter utility storage and are largely recyclable, supporting a shortened total-cost-of-ownership and fewer maintenance items compared with ICE vehicles. The trend underscores resilient EV longevity and evolving end-of-life options.

Apple Faces 230% Premium for 12GB LPDDR5X RAM Amid DRAM Shortage, Reports Claim

December 23, 2025, 7:10 PM EST. Rumors claim Apple is paying a 230% premium for 12GB LPDDR5X RAM as a global DRAM shortage strains suppliers. The price allegedly jumped from about $25-$29 per chip to around $70, potentially affecting the iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max and the upcoming iPhone 18. With long-term contracts with Samsung and SK hynix set to expire in 2026, Apple is reportedly weighing countermeasures to protect margins, including greater in-house component work (A-series chips) and a forthcoming C2 5G modem and supplier diversification. If shortages persist into 2027, rivals may trim features or push higher prices. The post cites yeux1122's blog as the source and hints that Apple secured a large pre-purchase ahead of the spike. Mass production timing on the iPhone 18 is noted as February next year.

Connecticut man charged with electronic stalking after Apple AirTag tracked woman's car

December 23, 2025, 7:06 PM EST. Connecticut man Gregory Heineman, 60, was arrested in Windsor Locks on electronic stalking charges after allegedly placing Apple AirTag tracking devices in a woman's BMW without her consent. Police say he admitted placing the devices; two AirTags were found under the rear seats, registered to a number ending in 1199 linked to Heineman. The victim, who scored as high-danger on a domestic violence risk assessment, endured hundreds of missed calls and a photo suggesting police involvement. Heineman appeared in Hartford Superior Court; bond was set at $75,000 with strict conditions including no contact and staying away from the victim's home and workplace. In Connecticut, electronic stalking is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and fines up to $5,000.

FCC bans new foreign-made drones amid national security concerns

December 23, 2025, 6:52 PM EST. The FCC announced it will ban new foreign-made drones, expanding scrutiny beyond DJI and Autel and citing 'unacceptable risks' to U.S. national security and public safety. The move follows a defense bill and a review that concluded foreign-produced drone components could threaten critical infrastructure, with exemptions possible if the Pentagon or DHS determine safety. The policy aims to reduce dependence on China and bolster domestic drone production ahead of major events like the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Industry groups welcomed the step, while China criticized it as discriminatory. DJI criticized the lack of disclosed data behind the decision, and law enforcement users who rely on Chinese drones warn restrictions could disrupt operations.

Instacart ends AI-driven pricing for customers

December 23, 2025, 6:50 PM EST. Instacart has pulled the plug on an AI program that set different prices for different customers. The decision ends an experimental price-discrimination tool in the online grocery space. The CBS Baltimore report frames the move as part of broader experiments with AI in retail pricing, highlighting questions about transparency and the consumer impact of pricing practices.

Italy fines Apple $116 million for abusing dominance with privacy feature in App Store

December 23, 2025, 6:48 PM EST. Italy's antitrust authority fined Apple 98.6 million euros ($116 million) after ruling that its App Tracking Transparency (ATT) policy restricted App Store competition. Apple said it would appeal the decision. ATT, rolled out in April 2021, tightened privacy by requiring apps to obtain user consent before data collection for targeted ads. Critics argued it would squeeze smaller apps by raising costs or limiting ad revenue. The regulator did not condemn the policy itself, but criticized the system's double consent requirement, saying it harms developers who rely on advertising and the platforms that intermediate those ads.

US Bans New Chinese-MMade Drones Citing National Security Risks, FCC Says

December 23, 2025, 6:46 PM EST. US regulators moved to ban new foreign-made drones, saying they pose national security risks. The FCC will bar new models, effectively keeping Chinese brands like DJI and Autel out of the US market, though some components could be exempt if the Pentagon or DHS deem them safe. DJI dominates the market, accounting for about 80% of US commercial drones; Autel is a distant follower. A government review warned that drones and critical components from foreign countries pose unacceptable risks to US security. The FCC cited upcoming events such as the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Industry leaders welcomed the move as a step toward reducing dependence on China and boosting domestic drone production and secure supply chains. DJI criticized the decision as protectionist.

Samsung One UI 8.5 May Bring TILTA Pro Camera Accessory Support

December 23, 2025, 6:44 PM EST. Samsung fans may get a boost to mobile cinema with One UI 8.5, as clues point to support for professional camera gear. AndroidAuthority spotted code in the Camera Assistant app mentioning TILTA hardware, suggesting Samsung is laying the groundwork to integrate high-end lens-control and mounting accessories with Galaxy devices. The beta build doesn't enable this yet, so we may have to wait for the Galaxy S26 launch to see it in action. The feature targets professional photographers and videographers, enabling Galaxy phones to be part of the shooting workflow by supporting remote focus control and other pro workflows.

4 Essential Android Smartwatch Apps You Should Install First

December 23, 2025, 6:42 PM EST. Start your Android smartwatch journey with a lean core: install four essentials that cover productivity, health and fitness, communication, and convenience. Google Gemini, Google Keep, Strava, and SleepisolBio anchor the experience. Google Gemini acts as the Wear OS hub, replacing Google Assistant with faster voice control, AI-powered reasoning, and deeper automation-handling weather, reminders, messages, calls, smart-home controls, and hands-free workout management. It also sharpens Gmail productivity with summarization and drafting help. Google Keep keeps notes and reminders on your wrist. Strava powers activity tracking, routes, and goals. SleepisolBio provides sleep analytics to improve rest. Starting with these four gives a strong foundation and an easier path to a tailored smartwatch experience.

iPhone storage full? Understanding System Data and how it fills space

December 23, 2025, 6:40 PM EST. Many iPhone users see the dreaded storage full alert, and for some, System Data is to blame. In real-world cases, the portion labeled System Data can balloon-80GB on one device and even 128GB on others-occupying a surprising share of total storage. Apple outlines little about what accounts for this category beyond a generic note that System Data includes caches, logs, and other resources currently in use by the system. The article points out that traditional culprits like photos, apps, or documents aren't always the issue, and users have struggled to reclaim space. It remains a frustrating reminder that storage management on iOS can hinge on opaque system data that's hard to trim.

Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1.1 patch released for Pixel devices

December 23, 2025, 6:38 PM EST. Google has begun rolling out the Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1.1 patch, delivering a targeted fix for Pixel devices. The update carries build CP11.251114.007 (from .006) and includes a ~57.80 MB on-device OTA for the Pixel 9a. The release remains on the December 2025 security patch and is available to all supported Pixels, including: Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Tablet, Fold, 8, 8 Pro, 8a, 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, 9a, 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, and 10 Pro Fold. Devices enrolled in the Android Beta for Pixel program will receive the OTA update to Beta 1.1.

Block Blast Tops 2025's Most-Downloaded Mobile Games, With 356.2m Installs

December 23, 2025, 6:36 PM EST. Block Blast led 2025 as the most downloaded mobile game with 356.2m installs across the App Store and Google Play, ahead of Roblox at 286m. Free Fire and Free Fire Max together reached 279.6m, followed by Subway Surfers (186.7m) and Pizza Ready (161m). By December 22, 2025, 14 titles surpassed 100m downloads, and global downloads reached 59.2m for the period-a 4% YoY rise. Note that Block Blast's top position reflects the impact of the Free Fire/Max bundle on the previous year's rankings. Dream Games' celebrity campaign for Royal Kingdom generated 80.7m downloads, ranking 35th for the year, while Royal Match held 24th with 84m. The data come from AppMagic for January 1-December 22, 2025, across the two app stores.

Can a $10,000 Nvidia Investment Make You a Millionaire?

December 23, 2025, 6:34 PM EST. Nvidia has evolved from a gaming GPU maker to a dominant AI and data-center platform. The article notes that a $10,000 investment in Nvidia a decade ago could have grown into about $2.2 million by late 2025, illustrating long-term compounding in high-growth tech. Nvidia's edge rests on its CUDA software, a vertically integrated stack, and a leading ecosystem that powers AI workloads via its GPUs. Growth avenues include data centers, new lines in quantum computing hardware, and high gross margins that support rising EPS. Despite competition, demand trends and management guidance imply Nvidia can sustain momentum in an evolving AI era.

AI picks the 'perfect' baby name – would you dare use it?

December 23, 2025, 6:32 PM EST. AI's latest name-generation trend uses trends, phonetics, and cultural signals to propose a 'perfect' baby name. The spotlight falls on Elara, a name praised for its melody and modern vibe, but it raises questions about originality, easy spelling, and potential bias in algorithmic suggestions. Parents weigh whether an AI-picked name could spark curiosity or social reactions, while experts warn about overfitting to trends and losing personal meaning. This AI-driven approach highlights the tension between convenience and individuality in naming, inviting families to blend data insights with intuition and tradition. AI, Elara, and privacy/ethics are key themes.

Apple's 2025 Milestones and 2026 Outlook: CEO Transition, AI, and a Foldable iPhone

December 23, 2025, 6:22 PM EST. Apple capped 2025 with record revenue, roaring iPhone sales, and a $4 trillion market value, drawing comparisons to Nvidia. Yet AI remains a focus, with leadership shifts and a looming post-Tim Cook era as executives retire and John Ternus rises as the top CEO contender. The company is grooming leadership in a gradual transition rather than an abrupt change, signaling a new chapter while maintaining stability. Looking ahead to 2026, the big questions include what innovation will power the iPhone ecosystem-rumors point to a foldable iPhone and the continued refinement of the iPhone Air packaging. Analysts say Apple could lean into leadership changes and strategic product bets to sustain growth, even as it navigates AI priorities and regulatory scrutiny.

Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold vs Z Fold 7: Key design, hinge, and price differences

December 23, 2025, 6:06 PM EST. Hands-on with Samsung's Galaxy Z TriFold shows a three-panel back and two hinges that let it function as a phone or tablet-without a middle mini-tablet mode. It sits alongside the Z Fold 7, but with a wider right hinge and three-panel architecture. Price stands out: TriFold is about 3.59 million won (~$2,430), higher than the Fold 7's $2,000 start, and US availability isn't clear yet. The design leans on Fold history: easy opening, stable angles, but you must unfold both side panels to use the inner screen. Compared with Huawei's Mate XT, Samsung sticks to a two-hinge, laptop-like form and aims for minimized crease depth, as IDC projects foldables to grow.

Pixels Receive Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1.1 Fixer Update

December 23, 2025, 6:04 PM EST. Google's Pixel devices are getting the Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1.1 fixer update. The changelog lists a single fix: 'A change that caused some apps to crash on startup' (Issue #470144317, #470214834). While small, this is a meaningful stability gain for beta users. Key details: Release date December 23, 2025; Build CP11.251114.007; Security patch level 2025-12-05; Google Play services 25.41.31. API diffs show: QPR2 Beta 2 → API 36.1 and API 36 → API 36.1. The OTA for Beta 1.1 should be live now. You can enroll via the Android Beta program or grab OTA files and factory images through the linked pages.

New AI tech on highways to spot road debris and save lives

December 23, 2025, 6:02 PM EST. Researchers from UNT, Yan Huang and Heng Fan, in collaboration with TxDOT, are developing an AI system to quickly spot road debris and alert crews. Right now debris is often detected only after incidents, causing chain reactions and backups. The project plans to fuse multiple data sources-WAZE crowd reports, other crowdsourced data, and TxDOT CCTV-to detect debris in near real time. Huang notes that roughly 72% of debris reports come from WAZE and arrive about 16 minutes earlier than traditional methods. The system will also utilize connected vehicles and dash-cam data while preserving privacy; it will not retain facial or license plate information. The Texas A&M Transportation Institute is involved, and a prototype is planned for next year with one mission: save minutes, save lives on busy highways.

2025 Cloud Highlights: AI Demand, Outages, and the Future of Infrastructure

December 23, 2025, 5:52 PM EST. In 2025, AI-fueled demand stretched cloud platforms to capacity, spotlighting GPU shortages, power limits, and the physical realities of global infrastructure. Hybrid cloud moved from buzz to blueprint as enterprises blended colocation, edge nodes, and cloud services to balance performance and control. Neoclouds and bare-metal offerings, including private GPU deployments, emerged as critical options when hyperscalers couldn't meet demand. Major outages and post-acquisition shifts underscored the risk of scale, while security and data protection strategies evolved for distributed architectures. Growth remained tethered to capacity, grid constraints, and supply chains, reshaping capital planning and resilience. The year also featured Equinix sunsetting Metal, Broadcom-VMware headlines, and ongoing debates about cloud-scale sustainability and open-source/cloud-native alternatives.

Galaxy Z TriFold hinge fails during live 200k-fold test

December 23, 2025, 5:50 PM EST. During a live stream, a group tested a Galaxy Z TriFold with Samsung's 200,000-fold durability cycle. The hinge failed at fold 144,984, after earlier left-hinge creak at 61,212 folds and right-hinge creak at 120,157 folds. Despite the failure, it continued folding, with the session ending at 150,001 folds on day eight. Samsung tests to 200,000 folds; such mechanical issues can occur, though the device offered protection via its warranty system. The post commends the streamers for doing the tedious but important work of documenting real-world stress on foldables.

Fortune 500 CEOs warn AI won't fix work-life balance in 2026

December 23, 2025, 5:46 PM EST. As workers hope AI will shrink workloads, Fortune 500 leaders signal a different reality. New data show Gen Z prioritizes work-life balance above pay, but many CEOs are baking in longer hours and tighter boundaries through return-to-office mandates and around-the-clock availability. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang says he works seven days a week, reflecting an AI race-fueled anxiety about staying afloat. Zoom CEO Eric Yuan echoes a similar sentiment: work is life; he admits few hobbies and prioritizes family when conflicts arise. The tension raises questions about whether AI will deliver genuine balance in 2026 or prolong a culture where the line between work and life remains blurred.

The Morning After: 2025's Best Games, Switch 2, and More

December 23, 2025, 5:30 PM EST. As the holidays roll in, this year's standout games include long-awaited Silksong, critically acclaimed Expedition 33, and the quirky Baby Steps. The Switch 2 is building its exclusive library with Metroid Prime 4 and Donkey Kong Bananza. I also loved Dispatch and Blue Prince, and even unlocked the secret elevator. For mobile play, check out Spooky Express, Is This Seat Taken, and Umamusume: Pretty Derby-a surprising horse-racing world where anime horses wear ears. Also in tech news, the FCC drone ban affects new imports, while Anna's Archive scraped Spotify's catalog and Google/Samsung push new foldables. A busy morning beyond games.

The Invisible War on Piracy: How Video Fingerprinting Keeps the Internet Clean

December 23, 2025, 5:22 PM EST. Video fingerprinting is the backbone of automated copyright enforcement on platforms like YouTube and Facebook. The system creates a fingerprint from a reference file uploaded by a copyright owner and uses it to scan every new upload, identifying matches regardless of file names or edits. When a match is found, policies set by the owner-such as blocking, monetization, or tracking-are applied automatically. YouTube's Content ID exemplifies this scale, while Facebook tackles live video with its own Real-Time Sentinel. This silent technology aims to clean the internet of pirated content, relying on patterns of light and motion and audio tracks to recognize the core identity of clips.

Pixel 10 on sale at Amazon for $449 with PIXEL10 code – biggest Android deal yet

December 23, 2025, 5:20 PM EST. Google's Pixel 10 is our pick for the best Android phone, and it's on sale at Amazon now. The Pixel 10 starts at $449 with promo code PIXEL10 – a $350 cut, lower than Black Friday. The Pixel 10 Pro is $649 and the Pixel 10 Pro XL is $799, with the same code. The Verge notes a 6.3-inch OLED, 120Hz, and up to 3,000 nits brightness, plus AI tools and a telephoto camera not found on the base model. A standout feature is Qi2 wireless charging with built-in magnets. Power is the Tensor G5 chip (12GB RAM). Cameras aren't Pro-level, but at $449 the Pixel 10 delivers strong value and strong Android experience.

NVIDIA (NVDA) After Hours: Dec. 23 Close, China Policy Headlines, and What to Watch Before Dec. 24 Open

December 23, 2025, 5:18 PM EST. NVDA closed Tuesday at $189.18 and traded around $189.12-$189.20 after the bell, as investors digest renewed U.S.-China chip policy headlines and the company's AI hardware prospects in China. The session ahead is shortened: Dec. 24 closes early at 1:00 p.m. ET, with Christmas Day a market holiday, which can amplify moves in thinner liquidity. Key stats: roughly 135.8 million shares traded, a 52-week range of $86.62-$212.19. Analysts' targets and sentiment will be watched as macro tailwinds and a stronger GDP backdrop (Q3 at 4.3%) interact with shifting Fed policy expectations. Traders will monitor the H200 policy, tariffs, and China access risk as markets head into Dec. 24 open.

Raleigh Uses AI to Rethink Traffic Management as City Grows

December 23, 2025, 5:16 PM EST. Raleigh is piloting an AI-powered traffic-management system that uses existing cameras and mapping software to analyze how cars, scooters, cyclists and pedestrians move through select intersections in near real time. The goal is to improve signal timing, boosting efficiency and safety rather than eliminating traffic. The pilot relies on computer vision that turns live video into data, tracking turning movements, volumes and modes of travel, replacing manual counting. With roughly 250 citywide cameras, the system now analyzes about 10-12 at a time, selecting intersections under timing studies. Engineers can adjust signal timing during peak hours by seconds, aiming to ease bottlenecks and delay costly road-widening projects, saving money.

TCL's Note A1 NXTPAPER targets Kindle Scribe Colorsoft with a paper-like display

December 23, 2025, 5:04 PM EST. TL;DR TCL is getting ready to launch its Note A1 NXTPAPER on Kickstarter, featuring an 11.5-inch NXTPAPER Pure Display designed to resemble real paper. The tablet weighs about 500g, is 5.5mm thick, and includes stylus support with handwriting beautification and AI-assisted input. It can wirelessly cast to a larger screen and backs up to major cloud providers. Pricing starts at $419 with crowdfunding launching soon. If accurate, it will face competition from Kindle Scribe Colorsoft and other paper-friendly tablets like the Boox Note Air 5C, signaling a niche battleground for reading and handwriting on Android.

007 First Light Delayed to May 2026 as IO Interactive Cites Polish and Quality

December 23, 2025, 5:00 PM EST. IO Interactive has delayed the James Bond game 007 First Light, moving its launch from March to May 27, 2026. The two-month shift aims to deliver a higher-quality, more polished experience; the team says the game is fully playable from beginning to end and the extra time will refine action, gadgets, car chases, and globe-trotting moments. CEO Hakan Abrak notes the decision preserves the game's ambitious scope and ensures players get the best possible launch. The title appeared at The Game Awards with Lenny Kravitz revealed as a villain, highlighting the project's high-profile collaboration and long-term potential.

ChatGPT launches Spotify-style Year-in-Review recap for users with chat history and memory

December 23, 2025, 4:54 PM EST. ChatGPT has launched a Spotify-style 'Your Year with ChatGPT' recap in the US and a few regions for users with chat history and memory enabled. The multi-page experience is free, Plus, and Pro-friendly and highlights your biggest themes, usage stats, and chat style. It begins with 'your year in poetry,' then delivers insights like Creative Worlds, What-Ifs, and Reflection and Routines, and even an archetype profile, a generated photo, and a prediction for next year. For heavy users, the wrap-up can feel like a reality check, with a spotlight on how much time has been spent and what that says about habits. It's a playful, reflective feature that combines data with narrative, and may prompt questions about AI use going into the new year.

LG Display Unveils 27-Inch 4K OLED Panel with True RGB Stripe and 240Hz

December 23, 2025, 4:50 PM EST. LG Display today announced a 27-inch OLED panel with a true RGB stripe sub-pixel layout, delivering up to 240Hz and a dual-mode option that switches to FHD 480Hz. The panel marks the first 27-inch 4K OLED from LG and moves away from the older RWBG/RGWB WOLED designs by removing the white sub-pixel to boost text clarity and reduce fringing. With a claimed density near 160 PPI (roughly 166 PPI in practice) and optimization for Windows font rendering, the RGB stripe is designed to improve readability in OS text rendering. LG's DFR technology enables switching between UHD at high refresh and lower-resolution, ultra-high refresh modes, blending gaming and productivity.

Apple iOS 26.3 Adds EU-Driven Features as EC Praises Updates

December 23, 2025, 4:48 PM EST. The European Commission is crediting Apple's iOS 26.3 beta for two new features aimed at EU rules. The EC says the updates came as a result of an investigation into terms for connected devices, aligning with the DMA to boost a more interoperable digital ecosystem. One feature, Notification Forwarding, covers third-party smartwatches and other wearables, while a second option enhances cross-device compatibility. Apple positions the changes as practical steps to comply with EU regulations and to spur developers to bring more products and services to Europe. In short: the iOS 26.3 release underscores EU policy influence on consumer tech and a more interconnected ecosystem for EU citizens.

Which Tech Titan Will Win the Quantum Race-and Could Nvidia Deliver 100% Returns?

December 23, 2025, 4:46 PM EST. The quantum computing boom could reshape tech and unleash enormous value by 2040. While AI grabs headlines, major players are racing to build quantum infrastructure. Nvidia seeks to lead the transition not with a current quantum chip, but through NVQLink, an AI-to-quantum bridge, and a network of partnerships with 17 quantum developers and 9 scientific labs. Its NVentures arm is backing early-stage quantum startups, expanding the ecosystem and potential upside. Pure-play quantum stocks like IonQ, Rigetti Computing, and D-Wave have shown rapid moves in the space, illustrating the momentum behind this race. Timing remains uncertain, and while Nvidia could offer substantial upside, investors should expect volatility and pursue diversification rather than guaranteed gains.

Google One 2026 Discount: 50% Off 2 TB and AI Pro Plans Through New Year

December 23, 2025, 4:44 PM EST. Google One is offering a limited-time promotion for new subscribers: 50% off on the Premium 2 TB and AI Pro annual plans. The deal also lowers the Basic 100 GB plan to $9.99 for a year. The Premium 2 TB plan drops to $49.99 for 12 months, then returns to the usual $99.99, with 10% back in the Google Store and premium Workspace features like longer Meet calls and enhanced Calendar scheduling. AI Pro is $99.99 for the first year (normally $199.99) and includes 2 TB storage, Google Home Premium Standard, and a 14% YouTube Premium add-on. The Gemini app adds higher usage limits (e.g., 100 prompts/day to Pro, up to 1,000 images/day with Nano Banana). Available to new subscribers only and expiring around New Year's Eve; sign up at one.google.com/ai-nye.

Hansshow's Second-Gen NACS-to-CCS1 Extension Cable Fixes Safety Flaws and Extends Tesla Supercharger Access

December 23, 2025, 4:34 PM EST. Hansshow's second-generation NACS-to-CCS1 extension cable is taking aim at two long-standing EV charging hassles. The new unit extends the Supercharger cable and adds a CCS1 plug, letting non-Tesla and GM/Rivian/Ford vehicles reach a charger without hogging two bays. After a dangerous flaw in the first generation-a CCS1 safety switch that could cut power while the NACS-side detachment didn't stop charging-Hansshow redesigned the system. The 2nd-gen cable now comes in 5- and 8-foot versions, is rated for up to 1,000V and 350A continuous (tested at 500A without overheating), and uses UL-certified components (though the whole assembly isn't UL-certified yet). Pre-orders are live, promising safer operation and broader compatibility, with faster access to Tesla's vast charging network.

5 Underrated Google Apps to Try on Your Android Phone

December 23, 2025, 4:30 PM EST. Android users know familiar apps like Gmail, Chrome, Meet, Maps, and Drive. But Google also offers lesser-known tools that fit into daily workflows. This guide highlights five underrated Google apps you can download from the Play Store (each with 100M+ downloads or fewer) and shows how they boost productivity, learning, and fun on Android. At the core is Photomath, a camera-powered math solver with a built-in calculator and step-by-step explanations. Other hidden gems extend the Google ecosystem beyond the headlines, offering smart ways to study, calculate, translate, and organize. Install these lightweight, feature-packed tools to tackle homework, plan trips, and stay organized without leaving Google's world.

Apple sets up for a post-Cook era as leadership shifts and AI moves redefine its future

December 23, 2025, 4:28 PM EST. Apple posted a standout 2025 with record iPhone revenue, Services reaching $109.2 billion, and a market cap above $4 trillion. Yet the tech giant is moving through a leadership transition: CFO Jeff Williams and longtime executives Lisa Jackson and Kate Adams retire, while John Giannandrea exits and Amar Subramanya takes over AI efforts. Designer Alan Dye left for Meta, and John Ternus is being positioned to succeed Tim Cook in the future. The year underscores Apple's shift toward a post-Cook era-built on in-house chips, continued hardware/software integration, and a broadened emphasis on AI and services, even as the timing of Cook's departure remains uncertain. Investors will watch how leadership changes shape execution and policy-facing strategy in 2025 and beyond.

Starlink satellite vents propellant, releases debris, raises Kessler syndrome concerns

December 23, 2025, 4:18 PM EST. Starlink 35956 vented its propellant after an onboard anomaly, releasing a small number of trackable debris objects. The 418 km orbit satellite lost communications, began tumbling, and Starlink says it will reenter within weeks. Observers describe the event as likely caused by an internal energetic source rather than a collision. LeoLabs founder Ed Lu notes hundreds of debris objects are tracked, spreading along the orbital track. The incident highlights the risks as low Earth orbit becomes more crowded and feeds concerns about the Kessler syndrome. Starlink is deploying a software update to increase protections against this kind of event and is investigating the root cause. The episode comes as debates continue about near-miss incidents in space and debris mitigation in LEO.

Can Alphabet Challenge Nvidia for World's Biggest Company by 2026? A Close Look at AI, Search, and Custom Silicon

December 23, 2025, 4:16 PM EST. Alphabet, powered by Google's AI software and custom silicon, is gaining momentum as the AI software leader, narrowing the gap with Apple and potentially surpassing Nvidia in certain metrics. While Nvidia remains the hardware leader, Google's rapid AI advances-Bard improvements, Gemini 3 Pro, image model Nano Banana Pro, and growing TPUs-strengthen its position. The stock market values Alphabet's cash cushion and cost discipline, contrasting with some rivals running up debt. Google argues that its search reign remains durable, even as AI reshapes the landscape, and that a robust AI software stack plus custom silicon helps mitigate disruption. The path to becoming the world's biggest company by 2026 hinges on execution across AI hardware, cloud, and advertising monetization, not just headline AI wins.

Samsung's 2026 Odyssey line brings 6K glasses-free 3D and up to 1,040Hz

December 23, 2025, 4:14 PM EST. Samsung's Odyssey lineup expands with the Odyssey 3D G90XH, a 32-inch IPS panel delivering a 6K display with glasses-free 3D and real-time eye-tracking that adapts depth. It runs at 165Hz and can boost to 330Hz in Dual Mode for 3K gaming. The 2026 family adds the Odyssey G6 G60H, touted as the world's first 1,040Hz monitor for HD, plus three Odyssey G8 models: a 32-inch 6K option at 165Hz (or 330Hz at 3K), a 27-inch 5K up to 180Hz (360Hz at 1440p), and a 4K OLED variant up to 240Hz. All support AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and NVIDIA G-Sync. Pricing and release dates aren't announced; the Odyssey 3D could be pricey, with a ballpark near $2,000 for Samsung's 4K 3D screen.

FCC Adds DJI to Covered List: What It Means for Drone Sales, Parts, and Pilots

December 23, 2025, 4:10 PM EST. The FCC's decision to place DJI and other foreign-made drones on its Covered List signals a broad restriction: new models cannot be imported or sold in the United States, and critical components like batteries and controllers may become harder to obtain. The move, part of wider efforts to curb perceived security risks from Chinese tech, follows similar restrictions for telecom and surveillance gear. While existing foreign-made drones can still operate and retailers can sell previously approved models, maintenance and future purchases could be jeopardized. The policy has sparked concern among the roughly half-million certified commercial drone pilots, who worry a business-ending impact. DJI dominates the U.S. market, accounting for 70-90%, underscoring how the ruling could reshape inspections, mapping, and other UAS uses.

Eddy Burback Debuts a Horror Film About ChatGPT and AI Psychosis

December 23, 2025, 3:56 PM EST. In this eye-opening piece, YouTube creator Eddy Burback dives into his new horror-inspired project about ChatGPT and AI psychosis. He explains the influences behind the video, how the concept came together, and why we should resist normalizing generative AI as a substitute for real human interaction. Burback discusses the tension between awe and anxiety surrounding modern tech, the dangers of hype, and what the film says about authentic connection in an age of automation. The discussion also touches on witnessing creator responsibility, media storytelling, and what this means for audiences navigating generative AI tools.

Salesforce backs away from large language models, bets on deterministic automation after 4,000 layoffs

December 23, 2025, 3:52 PM EST. Salesforce is dialing back its reliance on large language models after reliability issues, shifting to more predictable, deterministic automation in its flagship product, Agentforce. Executives say trust in AI models has declined over the past year as agents miss instructions or drift off task. The move follows major layoffs linked to AI deployment, with headcount dropping from about 9,000 to 5,000. The company now emphasizes reducing the randomness of large models and resisting AI-first messaging. Real-world customers like Vivint faced issues with survey delivery, prompting the use of deterministic triggers. Critics note AI drift when users ask unrelated questions. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff has publicly framed this as aligning strategy with market reality.

Capcom Says No Plans for VR Mode in Resident Evil Requiem

December 23, 2025, 3:50 PM EST. Capcom confirms there are no plans to bring parts of Resident Evil Requiem to VR platforms. In a Q&A, producer Masato Kumazawa stated the game will not launch with VR support, though it can be played in a first-person perspective for immersion. The title is set for release on February 26, 2026, across PS5, Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows. The piece also notes a pattern of limited PSVR 2 exposure for recent RE titles and discusses broader hurdles for Sony's headset, including content availability, cost, and the changing reception to VR on PSVR 2.

If You'd Invested $1,000 in Nvidia 10 Years Ago, Here's How Much You'd Have Today

December 23, 2025, 3:48 PM EST. Over the last decade, Nvidia stock is up 22,420%, turning a $1,000 investment into well over $225,000. The gain is tied to the AI boom and Nvidia's transition from gaming GPUs to AI computing power. The company has been public since 1999, but most of the ascent happened in the past decade. For new investors, future gains may not match the past, as valuations and competition loom. Still, Nvidia remains a leading AI infrastructure supplier, suggesting long-term potential if risks are managed and diversification is maintained.

The Great Smartwatch Charger Debate: Time for Industry-Wide Standardization?

December 23, 2025, 3:46 PM EST. Smartwatches demand daily charging, yet their chargers are wildly fragmented, unlike most smartphones. The article argues this lack of a universal solution is a friction point for users and could hinder the wearables ecosystem. If the industry doesn't act, marketplaces or regulators might force a standard. The piece highlights pain points-conflicting connectors, slower or awkward charging, and cluttered accessories-and suggests a path toward a common charging standard for wearables, whether through a wired connector or a single wireless pad. A universal approach could simplify buying decisions, reduce e-waste, and unlock broader innovation by letting brands focus on features rather than adapters.

Why the best budget Android tablet this year isn't TCL or Samsung – the OnePlus Pad Go 2

December 23, 2025, 3:44 PM EST. OnePlus' Pad Go 2 steps up as a value-focused Android tablet, offering a larger 12.1-inch display, strong battery life, and solid performance at a midrange price. This review highlights how it pairs well with a Bluetooth keyboard and optional stylus for productivity on the go, while staying compact enough for travel. Compared with TCL, Samsung, and other budget tablets, the Pad Go 2 delivers bright, vibrant visuals (2.8K resolution) and ample multitasking real estate, making it ideal for streaming, reading, and light video editing-though it can wobble under heavy editing tasks and occasional app crashes. If you want great value without flagship pricing, the OnePlus Pad Go 2 is hard to beat.

Amazon Unveils AI-Driven Alexa Integrations With Expedia, Angi, Yelp, and Square

December 23, 2025, 3:38 PM EST. Amazon announced new AI-enhanced integrations for Alexa that connect the voice assistant with Expedia, Angi, Yelp, and Square. Debuting next year, the updates will let Alexa+ reserve hotel rooms, quote home services, and schedule hair appointments, and expand to booking and managing hotel stays via Expedia; expand home-services options with Angi and Yelp; and enable local business management and payments through Square. The move follows Amazon's rebuild of Alexa+ with agentic AI, shifting from scripted commands to autonomous task execution. Industry observers say agentic AI could personalize shopping by translating consumer intent into actionable tasks, shaping how customers interact with services and how merchants reach shoppers.

Samsung Unveils Odyssey 2026 Lineup: World-First 6K Glasses-Free 3D, 1,040Hz G6, and 6K/5K/OLED G8 Series

December 23, 2025, 3:34 PM EST. Samsung today unveiled its most advanced Odyssey gaming monitor lineup yet, headlined by the world's first 6K glasses-free 3D monitor. The 32-inch Odyssey 3D (G90XH) uses real-time eye tracking to adjust depth, delivering immersive 6K 3D at 165Hz (Dual Mode to 330Hz) with a 1ms GtG. It includes optimized 3D effects for titles like The First Berserker: Khazan, Lies of P: Overture and Stellar Blade. The 27-inch Odyssey G6 (G60H) introduces a world-record 1,040Hz refresh rate via Dual Mode, with native QHD up to 600Hz and support for AMD FreeSync Premium and NVIDIA G-Sync Compatible for smooth playback. The Odyssey G8 family expands to three models, including the 32-inch G80HS with native 165Hz up to 330Hz in 3K, and 27-inch variants across 6K, 5K and OLED options.

Weird Pixel bug could ruin your holiday photos

December 23, 2025, 3:30 PM EST. Several Pixel owners on Reddit report a bug where photos taken on their devices disappear from the local storage or from the Google Photos. Posts mention Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10, Pixel 9a, and Pixel 8a; the issue often follows snapping many photos in a short span. A recurring clue is a lingering processing notification and stray .JPG files in the DCIM folder named pending with zero-byte sizes. The scope remains unclear, with anecdotes offering no consistent pattern across devices or builds. Some losses involve events like weddings or vacations, while others see no issues despite heavy use. Google's stance on the bug isn't stated in the reports.

2026 AI VC Outlook: A Fast Investment Environment Fueled by AI

December 23, 2025, 3:28 PM EST. AI is redefining venture funding as 2025 demonstrated a clear AI tilt: roughly 40% of deals and 65% of capital targeted AI, propelled by OpenAI and Anthropic. The investment thesis has shifted from generic SaaS to AI-driven opportunities spanning life sciences, fintech, and enterprise software, meaning non-AI-centric firms may struggle to win capital. 2026 is expected to be a fast environment for AI companies and VC, with AI contributing to GDP growth. Winners show accelerating ARR and clear milestones earlier, pushing up benchmarks before funding, especially at Series A and Series B. IPO windows in crypto/fintech may align with policy actions like the GENIUS Act. Overall, investors will chase high-quality, scalable AI bets, while the market rewards those who can execute at scale.

Tesla FSD livestream crash in China highlights dangers of driver-assist hype

December 23, 2025, 3:26 PM EST. During a Douyin livestream, a Tesla Model 3 with Full Self-Driving (FSD) engaged the opposite lane and collided head-on with another vehicle. The incident, though no one was critically hurt, underscores safety concerns around Level 2 driver-assist systems even as Tesla markets FSD. In China, regulators pressed a name change for the feature, but Teslas still require constant supervision. Questions followed whether FSD was active at impact and why footage was initially withheld. Tesla disclaims responsibility for its FSD/Autopilot systems, while critics warn that marketing claims can foster overconfidence and endanger road users. Misinformation spreads online as the debate continues.

Brain Gear: The New Wave of EEG Wearables Reshaping Sleep, Focus, and Brain-Computer Interfaces

December 23, 2025, 3:24 PM EST. From Fitbit to the Apple Watch, wearables have evolved into headsets that read your brain waves with EEG. New devices aim to enhance sleep with pink noise and delta waves, as Elemind's headband did in a small trial, while Neurable's $500 headphones monitor concentration and suggest breaks. Apple is pushing EEG-sensing on AirPods patents and Vision Pro brain-computer interfaces, enabling control by thought. Cognixion is testing AR apps and headbands to help speech-impaired users, and Elata Biosciences is building an open internet of brains. Together, these products hint at a future where wearables empower sleep, productivity, communication, and even gaming through direct neural interfaces.

IO Interactive delays 007 First Light to May 27, 2026

December 23, 2025, 3:16 PM EST. IO Interactive has postponed 007 First Light by two months, moving the release to May 27, 2026. The studio says the delay will help polish and refine the James Bond origin story to meet players' expectations for day-one quality. The game remains fully playable from start to finish, and the extra time will focus on gameplay, gadgets, car chases, and globe-trotting action. The studio previously shared a trailer in June and a September gameplay dive, with Lenny Kravitz and Gemma Chan attached to star. IO Interactive emphasizes long-term success and thanks fans for their patience as they push for the strongest possible launch.

Bevel Turns Apple Watch Into a Whoop-Style Tracker; Most Features Now Free

December 23, 2025, 3:14 PM EST. Bevel, the health app for Apple Watch, is going free for nearly all features, keeping only Bevel Intelligence behind the paywall. Previously priced at $5.99/month or $49.99/year, the update makes historical data, Nutrition, Strength Builder, Sleep Alarm, and more accessible at no cost. Bevel delivers a Whoop-style dashboard by aggregating data from Apple Health and connected devices, offering metrics like recovery scores, cardio load, and habit tracking. The change follows hints of a Bevel 3.0 in 2026 and a possible price hike, though current annual subscribers will be grandfathered at today's rate. For Apple Watch users, Bevel remains a strong way to consolidate health data without paying for the AI feature.

Elon Musk, AI and the Year 2025: The Biggest Tech Stories You Need to Know

December 23, 2025, 3:08 PM EST. In 2025, the tech world witnessed a dramatic rise and fall of Elon Musk, with his political ascent followed by a rapid implosion after a provocative post, reshaping Washington and corporate power. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence moved from niche lab work to drive the global economy, redefining business models across Big Tech and startups, and triggering hard policy debates over regulation, ethics, and security. Australia enacted a sweeping social media ban that echoed globally and altered online discourse. The industry's politics took on a Trumpian tone as mergers, IPOs, and a relentless pace of innovation intensified the global tech race. And at the margins, a surreal glimpse of apocalypse from Silicon Valley's boldest billionaires underscored the era's risks and ambitions.

Nvidia and Lululemon see notable insider selling last week, per CNBC Pro data

December 23, 2025, 3:04 PM EST. CNBC Pro analyzed insider activity last week using VerityData, excluding filings tied to prearranged 10b5-1 plans. Notable sellers included Nvidia director Harvey Jones, who offloaded 250,000 shares at an average $177.33 (about $44.3 million). Lululemon Athletica officer Celeste Burgoyne sold 13,500 shares at $204.00 ($2.8 million). Las Vegas Sands departing CEO Robert Goldstein sold 1,997,700 shares (~$133.3 million). Others included Roivant Sciences' Vivek Ramaswamy and CEO Matthew Gline, Confluent's Edward Kreps, CME Group's Terrence Duffy, Gap's William Fisher, Warby Parker's Youngme Moon, and Viasat's Shawn Duffy. Stocks have varied runs over the past three months, with several up meaningfully. Insider selling is often watched as a bearish signal that can influence broader trading.

Tesla Stock Near Record Highs as Low Implied Volatility Favors Further Rally

December 23, 2025, 3:00 PM EST. Tesla Inc (TSLA) touched a fresh intraday high of $493.83, aided in part by headlines about rivals as Waymo's self-driving unit faced outages in San Francisco. Elon Musk posted footage on X claiming that 'Tesla Robotaxis' were unaffected by the SF power outage. Historically, Tesla has tended to outperform in December and could see more upside with current dynamics, including low implied volatility (SVI) around the 6th percentile at 46%. In the past five years, two occasions when TSLA traded within 2% of its 52-week high while SVI was in the bottom quintile led to ~17% gains a month later, potentially lifting the stock toward about $577.78 from here. Traders will watch whether December strength and low IV can translate into new records.

OPERA: Turning Satellite Data into Ready-to-Use Tools for Federal Missions

December 23, 2025, 2:56 PM EST. OPERA (Observational Products for End-Users from Remote Sensing Analysis) is a NASA/JPL-led effort to convert complex satellite observations into ready-to-use data products for federal agencies. Responding to priorities from the interagency Satellite Needs Working Group (SNWG)-convened by OMB and OSTP-OPERA relies on a cloud-based production system to deliver consistent, analysis-ready outputs. Current offerings include dynamic surface water extent, surface disturbance, and surface displacement, with a planned vertical land motion product beginning in 2028. By removing data-processing barriers, OPERA enables agencies to monitor environmental changes, support disaster response, infrastructure management, and national security. A case study highlights how USDA ARS is using OPERA to monitor crop health in the Midwest (central Iowa's South Fork watershed) and inform agricultural risk management.

AI Blamed for 55,000 2025 Layoffs-But Data Shows AI Isn't the Main Driver

December 23, 2025, 2:52 PM EST. New data from Challenger, Gray & Christmas show that about 55,000 layoffs were attributed directly to AI, less than 1% of all job losses. While Big Tech trimmed headcount, executives framed cuts as modernization rather than pure AI adoption. Amazon's June layoff narrative and Jassy's later remark suggest mixed signals about AI's role. Some firms, like Salesforce, claimed AI now completes large shares of work, but evidence there is contested. An MIT study found that 95% of organizations saw zero financial return on AI initiatives. The data imply AI is an imperfect scapegoat; other factors- restructuring, market conditions, government policies, and a slowdown in hiring- likely explain most job cuts. In manufacturing, job losses reflect economy and data center activity, not AI replacing workers.

Quest 3 Outsells Nintendo Switch 2 on Amazon During Holiday Shopping

December 23, 2025, 2:48 PM EST. Amazon US data show the Quest 3-series selling 154,000 units in the last 30 days, edging out Switch 2 at 150,000. In Amazon's Best Sellers, Quest 3S (128GB) sits at #6, just ahead of the Switch 2 bundle at #7, with PS5 at #13, Quest 3 (512GB) at #24, and Xbox Series X at #60. The gap is helped by Quest 3S's $250 sale price versus Switch 2's $400 MSRP. Despite chatter about the death of VR, Quest 3-series still leads in this window. Year-over-year sales for the latest Quest headsets are slightly down on Amazon US. Meta's low-price strategy has boosted unit volume but raises questions about retention and Reality Labs software profitability. Planned software/UX improvements may temper a future price hike and demand.

Meta Quest 3 Outpaces Nintendo Switch 2 on Amazon, Tops Video Game Best Sellers

December 23, 2025, 2:44 PM EST. Despite a long lead time, the Meta Quest 3-series headsets have outpaced Nintendo Switch 2 on Amazon US, with Quest 3/3S at 154k units in the last 30 days versus 150k for Switch 2. In Amazon's Best Sellers list, the Quest 3S (128GB) narrowly beats Switch 2's top bundle, while PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S sit lower. The price gap helps: Quest 3S at $250 during holiday promos vs Switch 2's $400 MSRP. The piece also flags retention and monetization challenges for Meta's subsidized hardware, suggesting a potential price hike could temper demand, even as Meta moves to improve software/UX to boost long-term engagement.

Quest 3S Outsells Nintendo Switch 2 on Amazon in Latest Shopping Window

December 23, 2025, 2:40 PM EST. In the last 30 days on Amazon US, Meta's Quest 3 family sold 154,000 units, narrowly beating Nintendo Switch 2 at 150,000. The Quest 3S leads in Best Sellers within Video Games, ranking #6 vs Switch 2 bundle at #7, with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X far behind. The price gap helps: Quest 3S at $250 vs Switch 2's $400 MSRP. The data fuels debate about VR's staying power amid ongoing questions about retention and profitability for Meta's Reality Labs. Meta has signaled a software/UX push and possible price hikes, which could temper demand. Overall, Quest has benefited from aggressive subsidies but faces long-term retention challenges compared with established consoles.

Tesla's Chart Breakouts Point to Momentum-Driven Rally Into 2025

December 23, 2025, 2:38 PM EST. Seasonal chart-watching season highlights Tesla as a multi-timeframe setup. The piece argues that, beyond fundamentals, the stock's price action shows a breakout to new highs, with old resistance potentially turning into support and a clearly defined downside. Both RSI and MACD are signaling upside momentum across multiple time frames. On a 5-year weekly chart the breakout and momentum themes repeat, reinforcing the bullish read, while indicators are not in extreme territory. A longer view, via a 10-year weekly chart, shows a giant consolidation and a cup and handle formation, with a target that could push toward the $600 range. The analyst highlights risk/reward, notes that the setup hinges on price action rather than car fundamentals, and sees potential for continued rally if the pattern holds.

AI is transforming work at a rapid pace, reshaping roles and workflows

December 23, 2025, 2:32 PM EST. AI is reshaping how we work-and it's accelerating. The piece shows leaders integrating AI across functions rather than in silos. At ServiceNow, Jacqui Canney moved from chief people officer to chief AI enablement officer, signaling that one strategy must span departments and workflows. AI doesn't respect silos; it asks how work changes across teams. Three years after ChatGPT, adoption stands at 54.6%, far above early PC/internet milestones. About 21% of US workers report some portion of their job done with AI-up from 16%. New roles are proliferating – AI engineer, prompt engineer, AI content creator – even as overall AI-skills demand climbs while postings dip. The question remains: how to hire, develop, and evaluate performance in an AI-driven future.

AI Is Transforming How We Work at a Rapid Pace – New Roles and Cross-Department Workflows

December 23, 2025, 2:30 PM EST. AI is reshaping work at a pace unmatched by prior tech waves. ServiceNow's Jacqui Canney has become the company's AI enablement officer, illustrating a shift toward building work around new workflows, not silos. Adoption is rising fast: after ChatGPT's launch, the share of workers touched by AI stands at about 54.6%, far above early PC and internet benchmarks. Roughly 21% of US workers say AI handles part of their job, up from 16% a year ago. New AI-focused titles are surging-AI engineer, prompt engineer, and AI content creator-while overall AI-skill jobs climbed about 7.5% last year. Autodesk and PwC data show double-digit growth in AI roles even as total postings fell. The lesson: to thrive, organizations must structure for AI-enabled work across departments, not hinge on traditional functional silos.

Tesla's Charts Look Attractive as the New Year Approaches: Breakouts, Momentum, and Defined Risk

December 23, 2025, 2:28 PM EST. Tesla's stock is presented as a leader in a technical setup: a breakout to new highs, old resistance flipping to support, and clear risk/reward across multiple timeframes. The writer dismisses turnarounds in favor of stocks breaking bases with strong momentum, highlighting Tesla's potential in robotics and autonomous driving as the driver of future upside. Despite the chatter around Elon Musk, the analysis focuses on price action and indicators like RSI and MACD, which are signaling bullish momentum. On a 5-year weekly chart the breakout persists, and a further look at a 10-year weekly cup-and-handle pattern suggests a target into the $600s with risk limited near the $420 level. The pattern confirms with defined downside risk and ongoing upside potential.

AI is transforming how we work-blurring silos and prompting new roles and workflows

December 23, 2025, 2:22 PM EST. AI is transforming everything about how we work, crossing traditional silos and forcing a rethink of talent strategy. At ServiceNow, Jacqui Canney shifted from chief people officer to chief AI enablement officer, proving that AI must be embedded across functions, not treated as a separate program. The message is clear: build the workforce around the new workflow, not organizational silos. After three years since ChatGPT's launch, adoption has reached 54.6%, a pace far above early computer or internet diffusion (per the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis). Meanwhile, roughly 21% of US workers say some of their job now involves AI, up from 16%. As organizations race to prepare their people, the long-term impact of AI on work, hiring, and retention will accelerate.

Tesla Breakouts Across Timeframes Signal Upside Potential

December 23, 2025, 2:20 PM EST. Following a season of chart scouting, the author flags Tesla as a compelling technical setup rather than a traditional turnaround story. On multiple timeframes, the stock is breaking out to new highs, with old resistance becoming new support that defines downside risk. RSI and MACD show continued buy signals, reinforcing momentum. A longer-term view-5-year and even 10-year weekly charts-confirms the breakout and buys into the idea of a broader rally. The author highlights a cup-and-handle pattern with a target well into the $600s, and a risk anchor near the previous breakout level around $420. Watch for sustained breakout confirmation to justify higher allocations.

The Best PC Games of 2025 According to Metacritic

December 23, 2025, 2:18 PM EST. Metacritic's year-end look spotlights the best-reviewed PC games of 2025. This was a banner year for PC gamers, with many titles launching from early-access into full releases and a wave of cross-platform hits arriving on PC. Standouts include Hades 2, Monster Hunter Wilds, and Absolum, while quirky indies like Pipistrello, The Cursed Yoyo, The Roottrees Are Dead, and The Seance of Blake Manor hint at the year's cult classics. The piece also directs readers to related lists-what to play right now, and a year-in-review of 2025-plus GameSpot's own 2025 game of the year and top gaming news. Metacritic remains a barometer for quality across the PC landscape.

NVIDIA Puts 100-Hour Monthly Limit on GeForce NOW Subscriptions from 2026

December 23, 2025, 2:16 PM EST. Starting January 1, 2026, NVIDIA will cap GeForce NOW at 100 hours per month per subscription. After the limit, users can buy additional 15-hour blocks: Performance tier at $9.99/month with blocks priced $2.99; Ultimate tier at $19.99/month with blocks priced $5.99. Hours are rounded up to the next 15-hour block, potentially triggering extra charges for heavy users. For example, ~3 hours/day (~91 hours/month) stays within the base fee, while ~4 hours/day (~122 hours/month) incurs about $15.97 extra on Performance or $31.97 on Ultimate. NVIDIA had previously advertised a period of unlimited playtime through 2025 for eligible members, a promise that ends with the 2026 cap.

Honor Win Gaming Phone Hands-On: Turbo Cooling, 10,000mAh Battery, and Rugged Durability

December 23, 2025, 2:14 PM EST. Hands-on with the Honor Win shows a gaming phone built like a flagship, yet designed for heat management. Honor's East Wind Turbo Cooling places a built-in fan directly above the processor, with an air duct that blows cold air onto the chip. The fan spins up to 25,000 RPM and, according to Honor, can drop temperatures by as much as 7°C during heavy gaming. The design also houses a colossal 10,000mAh battery, enabling extended play while maintaining water and dust resistance and a premium look. Compared to rivals like Nubia's RedMagic and Asus' ROG Phone, the Win emphasizes cooling efficiency without bulky add-ons. Pricing and a global release date weren't announced, but hands-on impressions suggest strong potential for sustaining higher performance in long sessions.

Lenovo 15-inch Ryzen 5 Gaming Laptop Slashed 81% to $500 in Year-End Clearance

December 23, 2025, 2:12 PM EST. Looking for a budget-friendly gaming laptop? The Lenovo 15" FHD+ Gaming Laptop packs Ryzen 5 power into a portable frame. On Amazon today for $499.99, down from $2,600, it's an 81% price cut that makes high-demand gaming more accessible. It supports modern titles at solid framerates and doubles as a capable work machine thanks to a responsive keyboard, trackpad, and ample connectivity. Ports line both sides for easy peripherals, and Bluetooth keeps wireless devices handy. The 15-inch FHD+ display delivers crisp visuals for games and media, while the multitasking-friendly processor handles multi-task workloads and quick boot times. If you want value without sacrificing performance, this Lenovo entry is worth grabbing while it lasts.

Lemon Slice lands $10.5M from YC and Matrix to power video avatars

December 23, 2025, 2:10 PM EST. Lemon Slice, a digital avatar startup, just closed a $10.5M seed round from Matrix Partners, Y Combinator, and other investors to advance Lemon Slice-2, a diffusion model that can generate interactive digital avatars from a single image. The model, pitched as a 20-billion-parameter system, runs on a single GPU and can livestream video at 20 frames per second. It will be offered via an API and an embeddable widget for one-line site integration, with visuals and backgrounds adjustable on the fly. Beyond human avatars, it plans non-human characters and uses ElevenLabs tech for voices. Guardrails prevent unauthorized cloning; the tech targets education, language learning, e-commerce, and corporate training, facing rivals like D-ID, HeyGen, and Synthesia.

Trump's Tech Force AI hiring drive attracts 25,000 applicants for federal tech roles

December 23, 2025, 2:06 PM EST. Approximately 25,000 people expressed interest in joining the Trump administration's Tech Force, a cadre of engineers aimed at boosting federal AI capabilities. A senior official said the list will be used to recruit software and data engineers and other tech roles. Scott Kupor, director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, posted the plan on X. Reuters could not independently verify the 25,000 figure. The first cohort will have about 1,000 spots for a two-year stint on technology projects in agencies including Homeland Security, Veterans Affairs, and Justice. The initiative is part of the administration's AI agenda and echoes prior government tech-talent efforts, marking a shift from downsizing to targeted tech recruitment.

AI's Circular Money Machine: Why Nvidia, OpenAI and Peers Invest in One Another

December 23, 2025, 2:04 PM EST. In this video opinion piece, Bloomberg's Joe Weisenthal breaks down how major AI leaders-Nvidia and OpenAI among them-often invest in one another, creating a circular money machine that fuels rapid growth but also unique risks. The discussion, featured on The Ezra Klein Show, examines how cross-investments among top players can align incentives, shape funding, and influence research directions. Weisenthal explains the potential downsides: reduced competition, shifting power dynamics, and vulnerability to market swings as the AI ecosystem becomes more intertwined. The piece invites viewers to consider how this financial web affects innovation, pricing, and policy in a fast-evolving industry.

Google brings Contextual Suggestions to every Android smartphone

December 23, 2025, 1:50 PM EST. Google is expanding its Pixel-exclusive feature, Contextual Suggestions, to all Android devices. The AI-powered system offers helpful suggestions from apps and services based on your routine activities and locations, e.g., a music app might propose a playlist for a gym session or you could get a casting prompt when you usually stream games on Saturdays. Everything runs in an encrypted on-device space, and data is never shared with apps or Google unless you opt in; it stays on-device and can be deleted anytime, with a default auto-delete after 60 days. The feature is in a limited beta via Google Play Services and may appear for some users; the setting is under Settings > Google > All services > Others.

Are Smartphone Photos Secretly Edited by AI? How ML Shapes What We See

December 23, 2025, 1:48 PM EST. Smartphones increasingly use machine learning to automatically enhance photos, often without users realizing it. The author compared a 'zero-processing' app with the phone's built-in processing and found stark differences: muted 'raw' images versus crisp, vibrant ones produced by AI tweaks. Because hardware is too thin to add major new optics, firms rely on software to brighten, smooth, and sharpen faces and scenes, a practice some users call thinnovation. The piece argues that these adjustments are driven by studying consumer preferences, not conspiracy, but they amount to manipulating how we look at memories. It recommends checking camera settings to disable smoothing and other effects if you want more authentic captures, or embracing film or traditional cameras for different aesthetics.

Bill Ackman Proposes SpaceX IPO Via SPARC, Giving Tesla Shareholders Priority Access

December 23, 2025, 1:42 PM EST. Billionaire investor Bill Ackman proposes merging SpaceX with Pershing Square SPARC Holdings, creating a SPARC structure that would grant Tesla shareholders priority access to invest in SpaceX. The plan would issue SPARs to Tesla holders, with each SPAR exercisable for two SpaceX shares, implying about 3.446 billion SpaceX shares if fully exercised. At an $11.03 SPAR price, SpaceX could raise roughly $42 billion; at $42, proceeds could approach $149 billion. Ackman says the structure eliminates underwriting fees and maintains 100% common stock capitalization, while allowing flexible funding between primary and secondary shares. If approved, Ackman and Elon Musk would help shape SpaceX's funding and organization, with SPAR holders potentially gaining future access to xAI through SPARC II SPARs.

Factorial Energy to go public via SPAC after 745+ mile solid-state battery test proves real-world range

December 23, 2025, 1:40 PM EST. Factorial Energy is accelerating its solid-state EV battery ambitions by pursuing a public listing via a merger with Cartesian Growth Corporation III, valuing the company at about $1.1 billion and providing $100 million in growth funding. Real-world testing on a modified Mercedes EQS delivering over 745 miles on a single charge has boosted confidence in Factorial's cells, which Mercedes-Benz calls a true gamechanger. The company is collaborating with Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, Hyundai, and others to commercialize the tech, with a potential US launch as soon as 2027, initially in high-performance or luxury models such as the Dodge Charger Daytona. Beyond autos, Factorial plans cells for defense, aerospace, and robotics. The merger is expected to close mid-2026, after which Factorial trades on the Nasdaq under the ticker FAC.

Maduro seen dancing with humanoid AI-robot sparks online buzz

December 23, 2025, 1:38 PM EST. A viral video captures Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro dancing with a humanoid AI-robot, underscoring the blend of politics and cutting-edge robotics. Dated Dec. 23, 2025, the clip has sparked online debate about humanoid AI-robot capabilities, public appearances by world leaders, and robotics' role in media spectacles. Tech analysts note the growing use of such machines in public events, while critics warn against overreliance on automation for political messaging. The story sits at the intersection of tech, policy, and culture as AI and entertainment collide on the global stage.

SpaceX defends airspace safety ahead of Starship Florida launches

December 23, 2025, 1:36 PM EST. SpaceX pushed back on a Wall Street Journal report that questioned airspace safety in the wake of Starship tests, insisting no aircraft were at risk. The WSJ piece cited FAA documents noting debris from a Jan. 16 Texas Starbase flight disintegrated on its path and threatened multiple flights, with debris seen across Florida, Bahamas and Caribbean, prompting routing changes for a JetBlue flight and fuel emergencies on other aircraft. A March Texas launch also disrupted Florida air traffic. SpaceX called the coverage misleading, arguing safety tools and pre-coordinated zones protected the public. The company is pursuing two Florida launch sites to support up to 120 missions per year, with Space Force and NASA preparing for mid-2026 at Kennedy Space Center and later Cape Canaveral facilities, and noting hazard areas are conservative and aircraft were routed accordingly.

Best VR Games of 2025 Across Apple Vision Pro, PC VR, PS VR2, and Meta Quest

December 23, 2025, 1:34 PM EST. UploadVR unveils its 2025 top VR picks across Apple Vision Pro, PC VR, PlayStation VR2, and Meta Quest in a three-article series covering games, mixed-reality apps, and awards. The Best Exploratory Experience goes to The Clouds Are Two Thousand Meters Up, a free-roaming VR narrative. For Apple Vision Pro, the standout new game is Gears & Goo, with Glassbreakers and Porta Nubi highlighted as Apple's year-end selections; the game supports Vision Pro's gaze and pinch controls via Resolution Games. The piece mentions other notable titles like Pickle Pro and MotoGP Tour De Force as examples of the platform's growth. Overall, it maps a year of immersive experiences across platforms and tees up awards for 2025 and beyond.

Google's 2025 Year in Review: 8 AI Breakthrough Areas Transform Climate, Health, Education and More

December 23, 2025, 1:22 PM EST. Google's 2025 year-in-review showcases how AI-enabled scientific progress is scaling to tackle climate resilience, public health and education. The report highlights foundational models and agentic reasoning powering faster, smarter decision-making-from WeatherNext 2, which can generate forecasts 8x faster with up to 1-hour resolution, to flood forecasting that now covers more than two billion people in 150 countries. The effort spans weather, mapping and wildfires, health-related work accelerating disease management and therapeutic discovery, and education initiatives like LearnLM and Guided Learning that expand curiosity. Gemini's enhanced translation capabilities in Google Translate and new speech-to-speech features illustrate broader AI-enabled communication. Overall, eight areas show AI translating research into real-world impact.

FCC ban on DJI drones goes into effect, reshaping US drone market

December 23, 2025, 1:20 PM EST. DJI drones will not enter the US as the FCC ban takes effect, a move the Times notes was based on earlier data rather than new evidence. DJI reportedly tried to secure a government audit to avoid the ban, which could shake a market where DJI owned about 70% of global drone sales in 2023, according to Drone Industry Insights. US buyers face limited competition, but domestic producers like Skydio hope to gain ground despite higher prices. Hobbyists worry the ban could disrupt parts supply for approved drones and DIY projects. US drone advocates argue the action will spur innovation by reducing dependence on China, while DJI calls the decision disappointing and cites unproven data-security concerns and protectionism.

U.S. Bans New Foreign-Made Drone Models Over National Security Concerns

December 23, 2025, 1:18 PM EST. FCC bans new foreign-made drones and components on the Covered List due to national security and safety concerns. The rule targets abroad-made models, notably DJI and Autel Robotics, to protect U.S. airspace ahead of major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, America250, and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The ban covers only new models; existing purchases and previously approved products remain allowed, and DHS and the DOD could grant exceptions for specific models deemed low risk. Stemming from last year's defense bill, the measure follows years of scrutiny and has drawn backlash from hobbyists and industry, including DJI, which disputes the security claims.

Why Silicon Valley's tone-deaf AI backlash could define 2026

December 23, 2025, 1:16 PM EST. Silicon Valley's tone-deaf stance toward the AI backlash overlooks growing public skepticism about jobs, costs, and who benefits. Proponents argue AI progress is accelerating and helping science, coding, and math, yet critics see a potential threat to livelihoods and privacy. The piece highlights voices like Roon praising a 'computer friend that never rests,' while acknowledging widespread unease-even among users of ChatGPT and other tools. As 2026 nears, the mismatch between insider excitement and daily life will intensify, pressuring tech leaders, faith communities, and policy makers to address real fears (pricing experiments, data centers, cost of living) and to define what life could look like in 2035. The bottom line: reading the room could determine AI's future pace and social license.

Samsung One UI 8.5 Beta 2 focuses on bug fixes and expands rollout to India and Poland

December 23, 2025, 1:10 PM EST. Samsung has released One UI 8.5 Beta 2 for Galaxy S25 series, a ~1.1GB update centered on bug fixes and stability. The release brings tweaks such as enabling dual recording and Single Take via Camera Assistant, fixes for quick panel settings init, icon spacing, and gallery organization, plus smoother calls and reboot behavior. Also addressing volume up and BT car kit issues, and better app compatibility. This marks the first public look at Samsung's updated software update page in One UI 8.5 and expands availability to India and Poland as part of the initial rollout. More regions are expected soon, continuing Samsung's Android 16-based update cadence.

FAA Documents Highlight Starship Debris Risks and Flight Reroutes

December 23, 2025, 1:08 PM EST. New FAA documents, corroborated by The Wall Street Journal, show SpaceX's January 16 Starship test created an 'extreme safety risk' for three commercial flights totaling about 450 passengers as debris rained over Turks and Caicos. Air traffic controllers rerouted jets, including a JetBlue flight to San Juan, via a temporary debris no-fly zone. The report notes two planes came perilously close and that SpaceX allegedly failed to promptly alert a national hotline. SpaceX counters that the piece is misleading and insists public safety is the top priority and no aircraft were put at risk. This follows a string of earlier Starship issues, including a March hardware failure on Flight 8 and a Florida airspace shutdown, with warnings affecting other carriers such as Qantas.

Nokia N900 gets a 2025 reboot: USB-C, U-Boot and Linux hackability

December 23, 2025, 1:06 PM EST. An old Nokia N900 from 2009 is getting a 2025 reboot by [Yaky]. The Linux-based phone, once a hacker favorite, gains new life thanks to a clever power workaround using supercapacitors to simulate a battery and an external PSU. A USB-C port is added, though the space constraints prevent PD identifiers from being included. With a new U-Boot bootloader, the N900 can boot Linux from an SD card and even function as an online radio device. This project highlights the device's enduring hackability and longevity, showing how older hardware can still surprise with modern functionality.

Oleg Artemyev Removed From SpaceX Crew-12 Over ITAR Violations

December 23, 2025, 1:02 PM EST. Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev has been removed from SpaceX's Crew-12 mission after violating ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations). The U.S. law aims to safeguard national security by restricting the dissemination of sensitive information and technology. SpaceX replaced Artemyev after the alleged breach, highlighting ongoing export-control concerns in international crewed spaceflight. Credit: Space.com; footage courtesy: NASA / Bill Ingalls / SpaceX; edited by Steve Spaleta.

Vince Zampella, Co-Creator of Call of Duty and Respawn founder, dies at 55

December 23, 2025, 12:52 PM EST. Vince Zampella, a pivotal figure in modern gaming, has died at 55. The co-founder of Respawn Entertainment and former CEO of Infinity Ward helped shape the Call of Duty franchise, which has sold hundreds of millions of copies. EA confirmed his death and highlighted his profound, far-reaching influence on the industry. Zampella later led the studio behind notable titles such as Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. The Call of Duty series debuted in 2003 and remains a cornerstone of multiplayer gaming, with a live-action movie in development. Colleagues, including journalist Geoff Keighley, mourn the loss of a visionary leader who empowered talent and redefined how games are made and played.

John Walker's Top 10 Games of 2025: Big Names, Indies, and Surprising Picks

December 23, 2025, 12:46 PM EST. Video game writer John Walker reveals his top 10 of 2025, blending blockbuster releases with indie breakthroughs. The list kicks off with bold picks such as Eclipsium and The Drifter, which showcase inventive design and storytelling, then moves to inventive experiments like MotionRec, a 2D platform-puzzler with motion replay. Walker describes his method-checking other outlets' charts, squashing banal praise, and tallying ~183 PC games-to produce an order he deems the best. The ranking highlights the year's widening balance between big-name releases and small studios, promising a diverse, opinionated snapshot of 2025's gaming landscape, with more entries and reasons to come in the rest of the list.

Survey Finds Most People Hold Onto Smartphones for Years, Upgrading Every 3+ Years

December 23, 2025, 12:44 PM EST. A poll on Android Authority drew 5,203 votes, showing that most people upgrade their smartphones every three years or more, accounting for 49.3%. A sizable group (29.8%) keeps devices until they break, while 15.5% upgrade every two years and 5.4% upgrade annually. The results align with carrier timelines and suggest hardware stagnation and rising prices are nudging longer holds. The piece notes some strength from Chinese brands, but US buyers often see refreshed models that feel similar. Carriers (e.g., Verizon, AT&T, and potentially T-Mobile) may extend upgrade cycles toward 36 months. With RAM constraints and higher costs, the trend could reshape when people refresh their devices, keeping enthusiasts chasing new tech but many users waiting longer.

2025 Was the Year Xbox Died: Price Hikes, Missing Exclusives, and the Console War's Turn

December 23, 2025, 12:42 PM EST. A reflective look at why the Xbox Series X struggled in 2025: a subdued launch during the pandemic, a lack of compelling exclusive games, and a slate hampered by cancellations like Perfect Dark and Everwild. Despite big acquisitions, Sony's aging goodwill and a few high-end PS5 titles kept its lead, while price hikes across hardware and Game Pass pushed gamers away. The absence of must-play titles, the shift of Forza Horizon 5 to PS5, and questionable strategy around portable play (the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally series) left Microsoft with a weaker ecosystem. Even attempts at value, like cloud streaming, couldn't offset the perception that the box was losing momentum against the Steam Deck era market.

iOS 26.3 to Improve Interoperability With Third-Party Earbuds and Smartwatches in the EU

December 23, 2025, 12:40 PM EST. EU users will see improved interoperability in iOS 26.3 as Apple aligns with the DMA. The update will simplify Bluetooth pairing with third-party earbuds through a Proximity pairing one-tap process, mirroring the simplicity of connecting Apple's AirPods. It will also enable iPhone users in the EU to view and react to notifications on third-party smartwatches, a feature previously limited to Apple Watch. Note that notification forwarding supports only one device at a time. Apple notes the DMA opens new opportunities for developers and a more interconnected digital ecosystem for EU citizens. The beta introduced this functionality alongside a Transfer to Android option developed with Google, signaling broader cross-platform moves.

Record Number of Self-Made Billionaires Under 30 Fueled by AI, Forbes Finds

December 23, 2025, 12:36 PM EST. New data from Forbes shows a record number of self-made billionaires under 30 in 2025-about 13, up from a prior 7. Roughly 11 of these 13 climbed to billionaire status in the last three months, largely through AI-driven startups. Notable names include Polymarket CEO Shayne Coplan, the cofounder of Loveable, Fabian Hedin, and AI entrepreneur Arvid Lunnemark. Sualeh Asif, cofounder of Anysphere, built around the popular AI editing tool Cursor. Adarsh Hiremath and Surya Midha, both 22, cofounded Mercor, an AI-powered recruiting platform. Luana Lopes Lara became the world's youngest female self-made billionaire via Kalshi after its valuation hit $11B. Kalshi is the first federally regulated prediction market platform approved by the CFTC.

FCC Bans Foreign Drones, Including DJI: What Happens Next

December 23, 2025, 12:34 PM EST. The FCC has placed foreign-made drones on a blacklist, effectively banning DJI and other non-U.S. manufacturers from selling or distributing drone gear in the U.S. due to national security concerns. Owners who already own a DJI drone may still operate it for now, but future updates or replacements could be curtailed as enforcement tightens. DJI had sought to comply with audits in hopes of removal but remains blocked. The move underscores a broader push to secure U.S. airspace and spur domestic drone alternatives. Industry watchers will track how enforcement unfolds for existing fleets, consumer electronics supply chains, and firmware changes. Expect policy iterations, vendor audits, and a gradual wind-down for non-U.S. drones. This reflects a policy shift on national security, supply chain resilience, and American drone leadership.

Amazon Defeats Antitrust Claims Over Cloud-Computing Monopoly Allegations

December 23, 2025, 12:32 PM EST. US District Court Judge Tana Lin dismissed Subspace Omega LLC's antitrust claims against Amazon Web Services for alleged cloud-computing monopoly without prejudice, allowing an opportunity to amend. The ruling held Subspace failed to plead a "dangerous probability" that AWS would achieve monopoly power in the cloud market. Subspace, now-defunct, filed suit in 2023 accusing the cloud-computing and data-hosting unit of Amazon.com Inc. of unlawful domination. The decision narrows the scope of the case for now, though the plaintiff may revise its allegations. The ruling underscores the high bar to plead intent to monopolize in tech markets and clarifies standards for antitrust claims in cloud computing.

Tory Bruno Steps Down as ULA CEO; John Elbon Named Interim Leader Amid Leadership Shuffle

December 23, 2025, 12:28 PM EST. Tory Bruno has resigned as president and CEO of ULA (United Launch Alliance), effective Monday, Dec. 22. In a statement, board chair Robert Lightfoot (Lockheed Martin) said Bruno led ULA for nearly 12 years and helped bring the Vulcan rocket into service. John Elbon, formerly ULA's Chief Operating Officer, was named interim CEO as the board seeks a permanent replacement. Bruno's tenure included 83 orbital launches, the final flight of a Delta 4 Heavy in 2024, and the inaugural flight of Vulcan in 2024. This follows another leadership shift earlier in December, with Mark Peller set to take on COO duties in 2026 and Elbon retiring. ULA is a Lockheed Martin-Boeing joint venture; Lightfoot chairs the board for Lockheed Martin.

US bans DJI drones over national security concerns

December 23, 2025, 12:26 PM EST. The FCC added DJI and other foreign-made drones to its Covered List, blocking any new product imports and sales amid national security concerns. DJI dominates the US consumer drone market with about 80% share. The move escalates Washington's campaign to curb Chinese drone tech, following Commerce Department restrictions on imports. The FCC notes that existing devices and previously authorized models remain usable, and purchases before the ruling are unaffected. DJI expressed disappointment and questioned the data behind the decision. Beijing criticized the move as discriminatory, while a White House-led interagency review cited risks of unauthorized surveillance and data exfiltration as part of the rationale.

Boost Windows SSD Performance by Up to 85% with a Server Driver Trick (NVMe)

December 23, 2025, 12:24 PM EST. An updated Windows Server driver unlocks native NVMe SSD support, enabling Windows 11 (Home/Pro) to gain notable boosts. Modern NVMe drives push up to 15 Gbps sustained reads/writes, far beyond SATA. Testers on X and Reddit report uplift: a SK Hynix Platinum P41 2TB SSD saw a 13% improvement in AS SSD scores and up to 22% faster in 4K-64Thrd workloads. Another user with a Crucial T705 4TB SSD achieved an 85% jump in random write speeds and about 12% better reads. The gains come from removing NVMe-to-SCSI command conversions, reducing overhead and latency. However, this should be released via an official Windows update, not sideloaded, to ensure stable Windows Server and consumer PC support.

Nvidia and Tesla: The leading physical AI plays shaping the autonomous robo-taxi era

December 23, 2025, 12:20 PM EST. In a discussion on the next wave of AI-enabled mobility, the panel argues that 2026 could be a watershed year for Musk and Tesla, with the autonomous chapter expanding to robo-taxis in about 30 cities. They contend that Nvidia and Tesla are the top physical AI plays globally. While the Waymo power outage in San Francisco shows real-world challenges, the view is that within 3-4 years, roughly 20% of vehicles could be autonomous. Valuations skew toward the autonomous opportunity rather than unit deliveries, with Tesla potentially reaching a trillion-dollar box and a bull case of around 3 trillion vs a base around 2 trillion as investors price in long-term upside.

Trump's Offshore Wind Pause Could Slow the AI Hardware Boom

December 23, 2025, 12:16 PM EST. The pause on five offshore wind leases-Sunrise Wind, Empire Wind 1, Vineyard Wind 1, Revolution Wind, and CVOW-clouds a key plan to power the AI data centers expansion. Before the pause, these projects promised about 5.8 GW of clean energy, enough for 2 million homes and several dozen hyperscale facilities. As AI demand climbs (data centers up 22% by 2025), the halt could threaten grid reliability, raise electricity costs (Virginia bills up ~30% since 2021), and slow renewable deployment. Proponents cite national security concerns about radar interference; opponents warn it's a gut punch to the AI boom. The episode exposes friction between security policy and climate-tech growth.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang: Humility as an Underrated Leadership Trait

December 23, 2025, 12:14 PM EST. Jensen Huang, Nvidia's founder and CEO, rose from a dishwasher to lead the world's most valuable chipmaker. He argues that humility is an underrated trait: no task is beneath him, a mindset forged in humble beginnings at Denny's and sharpened by hands-on problem solving. Huang says he contributes when asked, modeling how he reasons through problems to empower others. That ethic helped Nvidia grow from a startup idea discussed by two cofounders at a coffee table to a multi-trillion-dollar empire. The piece also touches on OpenAI and Musk, underscoring how early support and stubborn perseverance can shape a technology giant.

How AI Could Shape the Fed's Economic Outlook

December 23, 2025, 12:08 PM EST. FOMC members are integrating potential AI-driven productivity gains into long-run forecasts. A May 2025 NBER paper sketches an 'unbounded growth' scenario where AI could raise productivity three to four times and displace up to 23% of workers. The Fed views the long-run federal funds rate around 3%, implying a moderately accommodative stance. Powell notes that past technology waves boosted productivity and incomes, but AI's ultimate impact remains uncertain. Analysts see generative AI tools as key engines of productivity as they augment work, with some investors comparing the AI cycle to 1990s data center and network investments.

How to customize Liquid Glass in iOS 26: choose Clear or Tinted and tweak the Lock Screen clock

December 23, 2025, 12:06 PM EST. With iOS 26, Liquid Glass gets two main looks: Clear and Tinted. Go to Settings, Display & Brightness, Liquid Glass to compare and pick your preferred style. Clear is more transparent; Tinted adds opacity and contrast. If you're unsure, try both for a while before deciding. You can also customize the Lock Screen clock: long-press wallpaper, Customize, tap the clock and choose the Glass option. A slider adjusts transparency, and you can resize the clock by dragging its corner. What's your favorite Liquid Glass setup?

OpenAI: AI browsers like ChatGPT Atlas may never be fully secure from prompt injection, experts say

December 23, 2025, 12:04 PM EST. OpenAI warns that prompt injection techniques may never be fully eradicated in AI browsers such as ChatGPT Atlas, broadening the attack surface when operating on the open web. Researchers showed attackers hiding commands in Google Docs or clipboard links to manipulate agents, with Brave finding indirect prompt injection affecting several browsers. In response, OpenAI trains an AI-powered attacker via reinforcement learning to probe defenses, simulating long-horizon, complex workflows. Yet some security experts, like Charlie Eriksen of Aikido Security, doubt such approaches fix the core issue, arguing that probabilistic, opaque systems are easy to steer and require clearer boundaries on what agents may do. He even suggests the current state could be a feature not a bug rather than a fix.

Alphabet back in the Bullpen and Nvidia 2026: Cramer's case for AI stocks

December 23, 2025, 12:02 PM EST. Jim Cramer returns Alphabet to the Bullpen, saying conditions changed after a softer antitrust backdrop and the AI narrative was reinforced by Gemini 3. He argues the move is about avoiding a repeat mistake, not a call to chase blindly. On Nvidia, he contends the stock isn't a pure hardware bet and warns against lumping AI plays together; the market will talk up his next-generation Vera Rubin chip platform next year. The Tuesday recap positions the Bullpen as ideas to monitor for potential buys and highlights the disciplined timing around alerts and trades in the CNBC Investing Club.

Infleqtion Secures $2M Army Contract to Advance Contextual ML for PNT (SAPIENT)

December 23, 2025, 12:00 PM EST. Infleqtion has secured a $2 million Direct-to-Phase II SBIR contract from the U.S. Army to advance Secured AI for Positioning at the Edge, Navigation, and Timing (SAPIENT). The 18-month program will develop Contextual Machine Learning (CML) to harden multi-sensor navigation data against adversarial and GPS-denied environments. By leveraging quantum-inspired multimodal learning and Boltzmann Machine-based models, SAPIENT fuses inertial navigation, GNSS and computer vision data, processing extended timelines on edge computing via NVIDIA's CUDA-Q. The effort aims to identify and mitigate spoofing or degradation and deploy power-efficient models for tactical units with limited cloud connectivity. The contract follows Infleqtion's win in the xTechScalable AI Challenge and aligns with existing defense offerings like the QuIRC RF signal processing system, blending neutral-atom quantum tech with high-performance AI. The program runs through October 2026.

ChatGPT Recapped Your 2025 AI Habits – See Your Year with ChatGPT

December 23, 2025, 11:58 AM EST. ChatGPT now offers 'Your Year with ChatGPT,' a personalized, Spotify Wrapped-style recap of your AI activity. The feature tallies how many messages you sent, chats you had, images you generated, and even how many em-dashes you exchanged. It also hands out playful awards based on how you used the bot-brainstorming business ideas, generating images, or other tasks. The wrap-up can include an AI-generated poem and visuals, offering a fun look at your year of interactions. It's a lightweight way to review your AI usage and see how your ChatGPT habits evolved in 2025, with shareable insights and cheeky notes about your digital behavior.

Boox Note Air 5C Review: A Color E Ink E-Notetaker With Trade-Offs

December 23, 2025, 11:56 AM EST. The Boox Note Air 5C is a compelling color E Ink e-notetaker that sits between the price of the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft and the reMarkable Paper Pro. It runs Android 15, supports a responsive stylus, and uses Kaleido 3 Color E Ink for notes and highlights. But it's not the all-in-one tablet many hoped for: battery life is weaker than rivals, brightness is limited, and the awkward folio design plus a modest keyboard dampen its usefulness as a daily device. If you value color notes over speed or multitasking, the 5C offers strong note-taking capabilities and portability; otherwise you might prefer a smaller Palma 2 Pro or a traditional tablet. In short: a one-trick pony at $530 with compelling color notes but notable compromises.

Vince Zampella, cocreator of Call of Duty, dies in California car crash

December 23, 2025, 11:50 AM EST. Vince Zampella, cocreator of the Call of Duty franchise, died in a car crash in California at 55, EA said. The cofounder of Infinity Ward helped launch Call of Duty in 2003 before founding Respawn Entertainment, makers of Titanfall and Apex Legends, later acquired by EA. At EA, he helped revive the Battlefield series, cementing his status as a key figure in modern shooters. Respawn hailed him as a 'titan and legend' whose leadership shaped teams and games across the industry. News colleagues and gamers, including Geoff Keighley, paid tribute to a 'gamer at heart' and visionary executive. The crash occurred on Angeles Crest Highway in Los Angeles when the Ferrari reportedly veered off the roadway and burned.

Tesla signs 500 MW / 1 GWh Megapack project in Scotland with Matrix Renewables

December 23, 2025, 11:48 AM EST. Tesla Energy has signed a full EPC agreement with Matrix Renewables for a standalone 500 MW / 1 GWh battery energy storage system in Eccles, Scotland. The deal confirms use of Megapacks and expands the UK's growing portfolio of large-scale energy storage projects. Located along key transmission corridors linking Scotland and England, the project will boost grid flexibility by storing excess wind generation and providing rapid discharge as demand rises. Matrix Renewables describes the project as a milestone in UK infrastructure, while Tesla continues ramping Megapack deployments globally, supported by production at its Lathrop Megafactory to meet rising demand. The partnership underscores the UK's role in accelerating the transition to a clean, secure, and resilient power system and highlights ongoing collaboration between energy developers and automaker-turned-storage provider.

New York AI Safety Bill Defanged as Tech Giants and Universities Push Back

December 23, 2025, 11:46 AM EST. Tech giants and major universities formed the AI Alliance to oppose New York's RAISE Act, spending tens of thousands on a targeted ad campaign that reached millions. The bill, pitched to require safety plans and reporting of large-scale incidents for models from OpenAI to Google, was rewritten before signing, yielding terms more favorable to industry. The AI Alliance includes Meta, IBM, Intel, Oracle, Snowflake, Uber, AMD, Databricks, and Hugging Face, alongside universities such as NYU, Cornell, Dartmouth, Carnegie Mellon, Northeastern, LSU, Notre Dame, Penn Engineering, and Yale Engineering. Ads claimed the act would stifle job growth and argued for an open, trustworthy AI future. Universities reportedly did not comment on their involvement when contacted. The push shows how policy, funding, and academia shape AI regulation.

Google Home App Gets 5 Sweet Improvements

December 23, 2025, 11:42 AM EST. Google's Home app update adds five improvements: a higher-quality face library boosts Familiar Face detection accuracy; enhanced animal identification better separates cats from dogs at a distance; improved animal color handling yields truer colors in low light; refined Home Brief descriptions when a Familiar Face isn't identified; and more detailed AI descriptions for longer videos. Rolling out to Google Home apps today, the changes aim to boost accuracy and context in detections and event summaries.

Zacks.com Highlights include NVIDIA, Ralph Lauren, Expedia and Cencora: A Momentum Investing Look at 52-Week High Winners

December 23, 2025, 11:36 AM EST. Zacks.com spotlights NVIDIA, Ralph Lauren, Expedia and Cencora as this week's featured stocks. The piece discusses how stocks reaching new 52-week highs can trigger pullbacks, but momentum may keep some names rising. It promotes a momentum investing approach-'buy high, sell higher'-while noting fundamentals still matter. Among the four picks, NVIDIA leads this batch, powered by AI demand in data centers and GPUs built on Hopper/Blackwell. NVLink and Spectrum-X support faster enterprise AI workloads. Zacks expects a ~31% revenue CAGR through 2026-2028, backed by a Zacks Rank #1 signal and a six-month return of about 25%.

NVDA Stock Faces China H200 Export Shift and 2026 Outlook

December 23, 2025, 11:34 AM EST. NVDA stock hovered around $183.69 on Dec 23, 2025, as investors weigh policy-driven catalysts and 2026 AI spending. The focal point is a Reuters-sourced plan to push H200 AI chips to China by mid-February 2026 using existing stock, raising questions about license speed and Beijing's import approvals. A separate inter-agency review led by Commerce, with input from State, Energy, and Defense, adds regulatory risk to revenue visibility. Lawmakers have pressed for disclosure of licensing apps and briefings before approvals. Even as shipments restart, the path remains noisy: approvals, customer definitions, and potential bundling requirements could swing sentiment. Traders will monitor licensing timelines, China demand, and broader geopolitics as NVIDIA tests key technical levels toward 2026.

Nvidia and Broadcom Executives Cash Out Millions in Stock Sales

December 23, 2025, 11:32 AM EST. Insiders at Nvidia and Broadcom dumped large chunks of stock, prompting questions about trader sentiment in chip-heavy markets. Nvidia Director Mark Stevens sold 222,500 shares for over $40 million on December 19, marking the eighth sale this year. On December 18, Broadcom CEO Hock Tan sold 130,000 shares for nearly $42 million, cutting his stake by more than 18%. In total, Nvidia insiders disposed of about $219 million and Broadcom insiders about $100 million over the past three months. Despite the pulls, analysts say the firms remain attractive thanks to ongoing AI and data center demand. Shares rose about 4.3% for Nvidia and 1.9% for Broadcom over the past week. Investors will watch similarities between insider activity and the sector's pace into 2026.

Dutch Tesla Fleet Collapse Highlights Risks of Self-Driving Bets

December 23, 2025, 11:30 AM EST. A Dutch leasing firm, Mistergreen, moves toward insolvency after wagering its entire fleet on Tesla's self-driving promises. The company built a fleet of over 4,000 Tesla EVs expecting them to become autonomous robotaxis generating revenue and escalating asset values. But Tesla's system remains Level 2, requiring human supervision, and market realities shattered the dream as residual values collapsed and depreciation accelerated. Tesla also cut prices, boosting sales but accelerating depreciation and squeezing margins for firms relying on resale value. Investors face heavy losses as Mistergreen sells off assets to other European lessors, illustrating how bets on autonomy can collide with market realities.

US Bans Foreign-Made Drones, Including DJI: What It Means for Consumers and Emergency Responders

December 23, 2025, 11:26 AM EST. The FCC has issued a Public Notice blocking the import and sale of all new Chinese-made drones, expanding the Covered List of entities deemed to pose an unacceptable risk to U.S. national security. The move targets manufacturers such as DJI and other Chinese brands and applies only to new device models going forward. Existing drone owners are not affected and can continue to fly their devices, while retailers may still sell models already approved by the FCC. The policy could ripple into emergency services and first responders that rely on drone deployments, potentially accelerating the search for U.S.-made or alternative options. Buyers should watch for further guidance as the regulatory landscape evolves.

Garmin Vivoactive 5 beta update adds battery usage tracking to quantify smartwatch power drain

December 23, 2025, 11:24 AM EST. Garmin is rolling out Beta Version 16.11 for the Vivoactive 5, adding a battery usage tracking feature that turns power drain into a measurable metric. Instead of relying on vague 'days remaining' estimates, owners can see how activities and settings-GPS workouts, always-on display, notifications, music playback, and background health tracking-impact overall battery life. The Vivoactive 5 combines lifestyle design with fitness prowess, and the new visibility helps users manage drain across its AMOLED display, continuous heart rate, sleep tracking, and built-in GPS. As a beta release, features may shift before a wider rollout, but Garmin signals a commitment to incremental improvements and clearer battery storytelling for users.

China's reusable rocket setback and DJI blacklist – SCMP daily highlights

December 23, 2025, 11:22 AM EST. SCMP's daily roundup highlights a second reusable rocket recovery failure for China as the Long March 12A's debut ends in a failed first-stage recovery, leaving China about a decade behind the US in space-tech. Analysts say the setback shows Beijing's challenges in scaling a cost-cutting program. In tech policy, the US adds Shenzhen-based DJI, the world's largest drone maker, to its blacklist over national security concerns, signaling a broader crackdown on Chinese hardware amid security fears. The report also touches on Taiwan policy signals and posturing as Beijing's approach evolves.

Crimea to Restrict Mobile Internet for War Duration, Following Ulyanovsk's Policy

December 23, 2025, 11:20 AM EST. Crimea will restrict mobile internet for the duration of Russia's war in Ukraine, according to Moscow-installed Governor Sergei Aksyonov. The measures could slow speeds or shut connections entirely, as authorities say they must prevent Ukrainian drone attacks from exploiting mobile networks. Aksyonov: "We can't let the enemy use the internet against us," and notes it is a reality to adapt. Crimea becomes the second region to publicly announce an open-ended mobile internet restriction after the Ulyanovsk region. Outages have spread across Russia since May amid drone activity. Officials say the aim is to disrupt drone operations, but the rollout includes a provisional "white list" of approved services that has faced reliability issues. Critics say the policy risks everyday connectivity and civil liberties.

AI's next pivot: efficiency and cost reduction, per ex-Facebook privacy chief

December 23, 2025, 11:18 AM EST. Former Facebook Chief Privacy Officer Chris Kelly says the next phase of AI growth will hinge on efficiency and lowering costs in data centers. With hyperscalers racing to build capacity, a $61 billion wave of infrastructure deals defined 2025, but power and grid constraints loom. Kelly argues the industry will win by breakthroughs that dramatically cut hardware and energy use: 'We run our brains on 20 watts'-not gigawatt-scale centers. OpenAI's ambitions with Nvidia, Oracle and CoreWeave underscore the push, even as power demand-potentially in the tens of gigawatts-stirs grid concerns. He also notes growing open-source models from China offering basic compute. Expect more Chinese players to rise as governments ease exports, shaping a more cost-conscious, efficiency-first AI era.

Walmart Deals of the Day: Galaxy Watch 7 $100 off, HP Chromebook 2-in-1 deal, Arlo camera drops to $34

December 23, 2025, 11:16 AM EST. Today's Walmart Deals of the Day include a $100 discount on the previous-gen Samsung Galaxy Watch 7, a two-in-one HP Chromebook with more than $150 off, and an Arlo Essential security camera on sale for just $34. The Galaxy Watch 7 earns praise for its vibrant 2,000-nit display and handy Quick button, though ECG and sleep apnea monitoring require a Galaxy phone, and only the 40mm cream option is on sale. The HP 14-inch two-in-one offers a 360° hinge, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, an Intel N100 processor, and up to 11 hours of battery life. The Arlo camera supports indoor/outdoor use with HD video, color night vision, two-way audio, siren and spotlight. Deals curated by CNET's commerce team.

AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird 6 to Launch Smartphone Satellite on India's LVM3 Tonight

December 23, 2025, 11:14 AM EST. Watch tonight as AST SpaceMobile launches BlueBird 6, a record-breaking smartphone satellite, to low Earth orbit aboard India's LVM3 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The mission aims to extend direct-to-phone broadband service by deploying the heaviest payload yet for the launcher, with BlueBird 6 featuring nearly 2,400 square feet of deployable antenna arrays. If all goes as planned, the 43.5 m launcher will lift off around 10:24 p.m. EST (0334 GMT). Coverage begins ~30 minutes before launch via Space.com and AST SpaceMobile. The spacecraft expands the company's growing LEO constellation designed to beam broadband to standard smartphones on the ground.

OpenAI: Bleak Outlook for AI Browser Security, but AI-Driven Attacks May Accelerate Defenses

December 23, 2025, 10:58 AM EST. OpenAI warns that prompt injection-a unique risk for AI browsers like ChatGPT Atlas and Neon-may never be fully mitigated, but a proactive, rapid response loop can reduce real-world risk. To fight back, OpenAI built a LLM-based automated attacker that uses reinforcement learning and an external simulator to hunt for prompt-injection vulnerabilities in browser agents, iterating before attempting real exploits. The goal is to identify and patch threats end-to-end. Meanwhile, the UK's NCSC and Gartner caution that risks may be too great for some use cases, urging risk reduction and, in some scenarios, limiting AI browser use. Other firms are trialing defenses as the ecosystem grapples with evolving security challenges.

Apple iPhone 17 Wait Times Fall as Supply Meets Demand

December 23, 2025, 10:56 AM EST. Apple's iPhone 17 wait times have shortened as supply catches up with demand, per J.P. Morgan channel checks discussed by analyst Samik Chatterjee. The firm reports average global wait times fell by about three days in Week 15, with delivery estimates around three days, comparable to last year's iPhone 16 cycle. The pattern suggests Apple has achieved parity between demand and supply toward year-end, a typical phase in product cycles. In the US, delivery times for all iPhone 17 models are now about two days; China and Europe show similar gains, with many configurations available for immediate in-store pickup. Chatterjee maintains an Overweight rating, signaling continued consumer demand and potential upside into fiscal Q2 2026.

Steam's December update brings a fully 64-bit Windows client and QoL enhancements

December 23, 2025, 10:46 AM EST. Steam's December update finally completes its shift to a fully 64-bit Windows client for Windows 10 and 11, with 32-bit Windows still receiving patches until January 1, 2026. The move unlocks improved memory access, greater stability, and a stronger foundation for future performance. The patch also tackles quality-of-life issues: Friends and Chat messaging improvements, including reporting harassment directly in chat, and fixes for Big Picture Mode and Remote Play. Steam Input gains broader hardware support, adding Nintendo Switch 2 controllers over USB on Windows and GameCube adapters in Wii U mode with rumble. Gyro control refinements and fixes for pairing/loading configurations on DualSense Edge, Xbox Elite, and Nintendo Joy-Con. Valve frames this as part of a broader modernization of the platform.

Apple iOS 26.3 Adds Proximity Pairing for EU Third-Party Devices Under DMA

December 23, 2025, 10:44 AM EST. Apple's iOS 26.3 beta will allow proximity pairing and notifications for third-party devices in Europe to comply with the DMA. The feature enables near-field, one-tap pairing (NFC-like) with accessories such as headphones, and lets Wear OS watches and other third-party gadgets receive iPhone alerts. Pairing third-party devices becomes simpler, though only one connected device at a time can receive alerts, and enabling third-party notifications disables those on the Apple Watch. The EU says the functionality will be fully available in the bloc in 2026. Apple's approach appears focused on DMA requirements and selective feature parity rather than universal cross-platform replication.

Physics AI and Computational Fluid Dynamics Accelerate Space Engineering

December 23, 2025, 10:42 AM EST. In this Space Minds episode, host David Ariosto chats with Juan Alonso, CTO of Luminary Cloud and Stanford professor, about how physics AI and computational fluid dynamics are reshaping aerospace engineering. The conversation explains how rapid, data-driven simulations let designers explore complex aerodynamic behavior in seconds, accelerating rocket, aircraft, and hypersonic system concepts. It also maps the ecosystems fueling this shift-from Silicon Valley's cross-disciplinary talent to global academia-industry-defense collaborations-highlighting new workflows designed to outpace growing international competition. Sponsorships focus on Starlab Space, the Voyager Technologies-led commercial space station, and the broader move toward AI-enabled design, with practical implications for partnerships like Northrop Grumman and other defense and industry players. The transcript covers risks, accuracy, data, and the next leaps in aerospace.

Barclays sees AI spending fueling a 2026 stock rally; Microsoft and Nvidia lead a dozen AI beneficiaries

December 23, 2025, 10:40 AM EST. Barclays says AI spending is entering a multi-decade cycle and could lift U.S. equities into 2026 as conditions improve and the regulatory environment shifts. The firm notes AI has driven a large share of S&P 500 earnings and projects trillions in spending, potentially pushing valuations higher. Barclays highlights a dozen overweight stocks with strong AI exposure, averaging about $785 billion market cap. At the top of the list are Microsoft and Nvidia, with price targets implying roughly 31% and 55% upside versus consensus. Barclays lauds Nvidia's lead in GPUs for AI workloads and Microsoft's ongoing AI-spending momentum, while warning that AI sentiment must not overheat. The note flags risk if AI growth falters, even as near-term catalysts favor cycles and growth stocks.

Apple Faces 2nm Shortages: A20/A20 Pro Production Tangle With TSMC, Samsung Not an Immediate Alternative

December 23, 2025, 10:24 AM EST. Apple is poised to roll out its first 2nm chips – the A20 and A20 Pro – in the iPhone 18 lineup and iPhone Fold, with the iPhone 20 following in early 2027. Although Apple reportedly secured roughly half of TSMC's initial 2nm capacity, the supplier is grappling with surging demand and production bottlenecks, delaying supply for even top customers. The story notes Apple's reluctance to switch to Samsung's 2nm GAA process, despite Samsung's own Exynos 2600 ramp and U.S. fabrication plans. Samsung has inked big deals and aims to outpace TSMC on a global supply chain, but Apple is unlikely to abandon TSMC given yields and past relationships. Taiwan focus and U.S. fab expansion complicate a quick switch, keeping Samsung as a long-term option.

Google Ends 2025 on Top in the AI Race as Gemini Surges Past OpenAI

December 23, 2025, 10:22 AM EST. Google started 2025 in a tough spot but closed the year on top of the AI race. The stock gained 36% in 2024, yet Wall Street labeled Google a secondary player to OpenAI. By year end, Gemini 3 had raised the bar, with Sam Altman warning a code red at OpenAI as it races Google's latest advances. Google also narrowed the MAU gap and won key chip wins, including partnerships with Anthropic for large-scale AI deployments and talks to power Meta through Google's chips. Network effects accelerated as Google Cloud revenue growth buoyed the business and AI in Search expanded. Investors saw a fully integrated AI stack positioning Google to outperform in CY26.

Gemini for Home updates upgrade familiar-face filtering, animal detection, and video summaries

December 23, 2025, 10:14 AM EST. Google's latest Gemini for Home updates refine vision AI for Nest and compatible cameras. The Familiar Face algorithm now filters out blurry or incomplete shots and prioritizes high-quality images in your face library, boosting accuracy. Home Brief will describe people who aren't identified as a Familiar Face when faces aren't fully visible. The update also improves animal detection, better distinguishing dogs from cats at longer distances and recognizing animal color in low light. Additionally, Gemini now generates more detailed AI descriptions for longer videos to ensure the moments you care about are included. Rolling out from December 22, 2025 to Gemini for Home enabled cameras, with further tuning expected as we head into the new year.

Android Auto could gain Google Cast support for in-car media casting

December 23, 2025, 10:12 AM EST. New strings in Android Auto version 15.9.6551 suggest Google Cast support is in development, potentially letting you cast media between your phone and your car. The hints appear in the Media Router framework and explicitly reference Cast in a car context, including phrases like 'Cast. Connected' and warnings about sharing the same Wi-Fi network. This would bring Android Auto closer to Android Automotive, which already supports casting. However, it's unclear whether this would cast from phone to phone, phone to the car display, or both, since the current Android Auto model largely runs on a host phone. Google has teased video support for Android Auto in the past. While timing is uncertain, casting could arrive as part of future updates; we'll stay tuned for developments.

US Bans Chinese Drones: DJI and Autel Blacklisted Over Security Concerns

December 23, 2025, 10:10 AM EST. The United States has blacklisted major Chinese drone makers DJI and Autel amid security fears that their devices could relay data to foreign entities or be exploited for espionage. The move, part of a broader effort to curb perceived risks in critical infrastructure, restricts government procurement and may deter private buyers. Officials allege the firms' drones could expose sensitive location data, flight patterns, and other telemetry. In response, manufacturers may pivot to domestic suppliers or bolster security features, while developers warn about disruption to the commercial drone market and supply chains. The policy signals a tougher stance on foreign tech in aerospace and might prompt similar actions by allies and industry groups.

Google blocks AI training on its search results amid tighter data-use rules

December 23, 2025, 10:08 AM EST. Google's move to curb training AI on its search results signals a broader shift as regulatory constraints tighten around content usage. Industry voices warn that, with clarity still evolving, firms are moving from rapid experimentation to more defensible, licensed data strategies. For AI teams working with Gemini, the response will shape product roadmaps and access to data, even as Google aims to catch up and embed Gemini across its stack. The action against SerpApi suggests Google pursuing the 'small guy first,' potentially widening the gap between large platforms and smaller startups.

Xiaomi Poco F8 Pro Review: Flagship Feel at a Mid-Range Price

December 23, 2025, 10:00 AM EST. The Poco F8 Pro aims for flagship-like performance at a mid-range price. It pairs the Snapdragon 8 Elite with 12 GB RAM and a 120 Hz AMOLED display to deliver smooth everyday use and gaming. A 6,210 mAh battery with 100 W fast charging translates to long endurance and quick top-ups. IP68, six years of security patches and four major Android updates, HyperOS 3.0 and Bose-tuned stereo add to the premium feel. However, it isn't perfect: no wireless charging, USB 2.0 with no video output, no microSD, and preinstalled ads in software. The price sits around €650-€700 for higher storage variants, nudging it toward true flagships. With a few trade-offs, the F8 Pro remains a strong, balanced option for performance seekers.

BYU alumni launch Relay app to tackle porn use by addressing root causes

December 23, 2025, 9:58 AM EST. A growing market for protective software aims to curb porn exposure, but BYU alumni are taking a different approach. Relay focuses on overall health through wellness checks, a psychological curriculum, and helping users set personal boundaries rather than relying on a traditional filter. Unlike Covenant Eyes or Net Nanny, Relay does not block sites; it targets underlying emotions and pain-seen as the real driver behind porn use. Co-founder Chandler Rogers argues the issue is the person, not the porn itself, and the app seeks to reduce relapse by fostering internal change rather than punitive responses. The context includes studies noting porn prevalence and consumption patterns to motivate holistic solutions.

Google Cloud chief: a decade-long silicon and energy strategy powering the AI boom

December 23, 2025, 9:54 AM EST. Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian frames today's AI surge as the payoff of a decade-long plan focused on silicon and energy efficiency. He notes TPUs have been in development since 2014, arguing that smarter hardware paired with energy-aware design is essential as compute demands spike in data centers. Google's approach centers on maximizing flops per unit of energy and coping with energy constraints, including a three-pronged strategy: diversifying energy sources, using AI to optimize thermodynamics inside data centers, and advancing fundamental technologies for new energy forms. Kurian also rejects a zero-sum narrative around chips, describing Nvidia as a partner and highlighting collaborations to tailor Gemini models for GPUs, underscoring a broader ecosystem over rivalry.

Samsung Galaxy Book4 Drops 64% on Amazon's 5-Star Laptop Clearance

December 23, 2025, 9:52 AM EST. The Samsung Galaxy Book4 is slashed by 64% at Amazon, bringing the price to $750 from $2,100 with a free accessory bundle. Orders placed now should ship by Monday, the 29th, before New Year's. The premium aluminum 15.6-inch laptop features a 1920×1080 IPS display, 300 nits, and anti-glare coating, plus a backlit keyboard with a fingerprint reader for secure logins. Power comes from an Intel Core 7 processor with 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD for smooth multitasking and ample storage. Battery life reaches up to 14 hours per charge. The bundle includes Windows 11 Pro, an external DVD drive, a Redragon mouse, and a cleaning cloth, making it ready to use right out of the box.

FCC Adds DJI to Covered List, Bans Foreign-Made Drones in the U.S.

December 23, 2025, 9:50 AM EST. The FCC has added DJI to its Covered List, effectively banning future foreign-made drones in the U.S. The move, aligned with the FY25 NDAA and President's executive orders, cites national security risks and the need to curb threats from unmanned systems. The mandate for federal security audits has not happened, and DJI has urged the government to proceed with scrutiny. Under the policy, items on the Covered List cannot be imported unless a DHS or Interior exemption applies, signaling a broader push to restrict non-U.S. drone components. Critics say the action accelerates a shift toward domestic-oversight and security-driven drone policy, while supporters view it as essential risk management.

Samsung reportedly halts Galaxy S26 Edge amid weak demand for ultra-slim flagships

December 23, 2025, 9:42 AM EST. Samsung and Apple appear to have misjudged demand for ultra-slim flagships. Following lackluster sales of the Galaxy S25 Edge and a tepid reception for the iPhone Air, Samsung reportedly paused development of the Galaxy S26 Edge and may drop the model altogether unless Apple pursues a new iPhone Air in 2026. A cited factor is the smaller 3,900mAh battery, which critics say weighs on interest. Without stronger consumer appetite, the Edge line remains unlikely to return unless Apple shifts strategy.

Cash App $147 Settlement 2025 Confirmed: Eligibility, Timeline, and Payment Details

December 23, 2025, 9:32 AM EST. The Cash App $147 settlement for 2025 has been confirmed to compensate users who faced account issues. Eligible participants may receive $147 per eligible user from a $12.5 million fund. The program, run by Cash App & Block, Inc., covers unauthorized access and security-related account problems, with payments issued via electronic Cash App transfers after claim approval. To qualify, users must have maintained an active Cash App account during the defined window and experienced account-related issues tied to transactions or access disruptions. The claim window opens in early 2025 and closes in mid-to-late 2025. To obtain a payout, applicants should follow the official filing steps, submit proof of eligibility, and await approval before funds are released.

Bitcoin's Quantum Threat Discussion: Upgrades Could Take 5-10 Years, Says Jameson Lopp

December 23, 2025, 9:28 AM EST. Bitcoin developers acknowledge that quantum computing won't break the network soon, but project timelines matter. Veteran coder Jameson Lopp argued that even a meaningful defense would likely require 5 to 10 years to plan and implement, given the need for new cryptographic schemes, software migrations, and widespread wallet and exchange upgrades. The risk, while theoretical for now, could affect long-term confidence as institutions treat bitcoin as a multi-year holding. Since BTC relies on elliptic curve cryptography, sufficiently powerful quantum machines could someday derive private keys from exposed public keys, threatening older addresses. A quantum-resistant path would involve new address formats, user actions, and gradual transitions via proposals like BIP-360, though no timeline or migration has started. Preparations continue, even without an imminent threat.

Indie Game Awards disqualifies Clair Obscur Over Generative AI Use; Blue Prince Wins Game of the Year

December 23, 2025, 9:26 AM EST. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was stripped of two major prizes by The Indie Game Awards after confirming the use of generative AI in development. The ceremony's FAQ bars any game that uses AI from nominations. Sandfall Interactive allegedly used AI-generated textures as placeholders, which slipped through QA and into the final build. As a result, the second-highest scoring titles in each category-Blue Prince (Game of the Year) and Sorry We're Closed (Debut Game)-were awarded the trophies. The organizers stressed the decision aligns with their rules, despite Clair Obscur's strong showings elsewhere, including praise at The Game Awards. Sandfall previously stated no AI was used during submission, adding to the controversy and debate around AI in game development and policy enforcement.

Dev uses an old Onyx Boox Air 2 as a secondary display via VNC

December 23, 2025, 9:24 AM EST. Developer Alireza Alavi, fatigued after 14 hours reviewing software licenses, repurposed an old Onyx Boox Note Air 2 as a secondary display by mirroring his laptop. Rather than buying a $199 ePaper monitor, he tried Deskreen for wireless screen sharing, but its quality and input lag were unacceptable on the aging device. He switched to VNC, which took about 20 minutes to set up on his Linux PC, then added the AVNC client on the Android-based ePaper tablet. The setup yields a working ePaper monitor for reading long documents and even basic input (cursor movement, signing), albeit with noticeable latency on older screens. The Boox Note Air 2, launched in 2021, remains usable, offering a low-power path to repurpose older hardware and curb e-waste.

Rezolve AI Accelerates Global Momentum with Live Deployments, Renewals and 2026 Pipeline Expansion

December 23, 2025, 9:20 AM EST. Rezolve AI Ltd unveiled broad commercial wins and live deployments across EMEA, APAC, LATAM and North America, signaling a shift from pilots to production in Conversational Commerce and Multi-Search. Highlights include VogaCloset going live with image-enabled discovery, Snapdeal's multi-year deployment, and AJIO renewals with upsells. The company reports millions in renewals and upsells across retail, industrial, and luxury segments, with expanding deployments in LATAM featuring GAP and Banana Republic in Mexico and a growing Liverpool relationship. Rezolve also expanded with hyperscale partners to accelerate market-facing conversations and drive AI-driven engagement at scale, targeting new use cases from discovery to real-time personalization through 2026.

Surface Pro OLED 13-inch with Snapdragon X Elite Drops to $1,040 on Amazon

December 23, 2025, 9:12 AM EST. Microsoft's Surface Pro continues to lead the premium 2-in-1 space, offering full Windows software in a tablet form. The model packs a Snapdragon X Elite 12-core CPU, 16GB RAM, and a 256GB SSD, plus a 13-inch OLED display for punchy colors and deep blacks. On Amazon, it's listed at $1,040 (down from $1,399), a savings of $359. Expect up to 14 hours of battery life and rapid charging with the 65W adapter. The device includes AI features via Copilot Plus in Windows 11 Home and an on-device NPU for on-device tasks. The OLED panel and responsive touchscreen make it ideal for editing or media, though the Pen is optional. Amazon-exclusive black colorway adds a premium look.

The Splay: Subpar Monitor, Exciting Portable Projector from Arovia

December 23, 2025, 9:10 AM EST. Mix of portability and compromises: The Splay from Arovia is pitched as the first fully collapsible monitor and projector. It folds into a portable display (24.5" or 34.5" diagonals) with an integrated fabric shroud, or detaches to become an ultra-short-throw projector that can cast up to 80 inches on a wall. Crowdfunded in 2021, it costs $1,300 and is currently sold out, with a restock expected this month. It won't match high-end LCD/OLED monitors on image quality, but it can suit mobile workspaces, gaming, and trade-show setups where space and versatility matter.

AI Funding to Drive Record Bond Sales in 2026

December 23, 2025, 9:06 AM EST. Investors brace for a record surge in investment-grade debt in 2026 as AI-led projects fuel issuance. Morgan Stanley strategists estimate more than $2 trillion of US debt sales, a potential all-time high driven by AI expansion, refinancing of looming maturities, and acquisition financing. The trend spans the US and Europe, testing appetite as yields drift lower.

Apple Tests Ultra-Thin Flexible Glass to Eliminate Foldable iPhone Crease Ahead of 2026 Launch

December 23, 2025, 9:02 AM EST. Apple is reportedly testing Ultra-Thin Flexible Glass (UFG) panels for a book-style foldable iPhone, aiming to distribute bending stress and make the display crease virtually imperceptible. The design uses uneven thickness-with thinner glass in the folding area and thicker sections elsewhere for durability. If successful, this could reduce the crease during everyday use and support a 2026 launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro. Apple may be moving from design validation to early production validation, locking in major hardware decisions while final qualifications continue. Some Chinese display makers are also evaluating UFG, signaling growing commercial readiness and offering UTG as a potential fallback.

Apple Tests Ultra-Thin Glass to Eliminate Foldable iPhone Crease Ahead of 2026 Launch

December 23, 2025, 9:00 AM EST. Apple is reportedly testing ultra-thin flexible glass (UFG) for a book-style foldable iPhone, aiming to make the display crease visually imperceptible. The approach uses uneven glass thickness, with a thinner folding area to boost flexibility while thicker sections provide rigidity and durability. Unlike conventional UTG, UFG would distribute bending stress more evenly and could reduce the crease during everyday use. The testing is ongoing as Apple moves from design validation toward early production validation, with a target 2026 launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro. If successful, Apple may keep UTG as a fallback while multiple Chinese display makers evaluate UFG solutions, signaling growing commercial readiness.

Mint Mobile's MINTernet: Budget 5G Home Internet at $30/Month Powered by T-Mobile

December 23, 2025, 8:58 AM EST. Mint Mobile is expanding beyond wireless with MINTernet, a budget 5G home internet option powered by T-Mobile. No technician visit, no drilling, and no long contracts-just plug in the included 5G Gateway and go online in minutes. MINTernet runs over a wireless 5G network, skipping traditional cable infrastructure and appealing to households seeking reliable, no-hassle connectivity. Coverage spans roughly 98% of the country, depending on location. Pricing is simple: plans start at $40/month, or $30/month when bundled with a Mint Mobile phone plan, with 3-, 6-, and 12-month options and no equipment rental fees. Existing Mint Mobile customers save an extra $10/month when pairing. And there are no data caps, making it suitable for streaming, remote work, gaming, and smart-home use-often cheaper than Big Cable.

Mint Mobile's MINTernet: 5G Home Internet Powered by T-Mobile from $30/Month

December 23, 2025, 8:56 AM EST. Mint Mobile is expanding into home internet with MINTernet, a 5G home internet option powered by T-Mobile. Plans start at $40/month, dropping to $30/month when bundled with a Mint Mobile phone plan, with flexible 3-, 6-, and 12-month terms. There are no long-term contracts, no installation visits, and the free 5G Gateway is included. No data caps means you can stream, work, and game without throttling. It covers roughly 98% of the country, offering a cheaper, simpler alternative to traditional ISPs with no equipment rental fees. If you're already a Mint Mobile customer, you can save an extra $10/month by pairing with a Mint phone plan. Overall, MINTernet aims to deliver reliable, budget-friendly internet without the usual cable baggage.

Italy fines Apple $116M over ATT privacy prompts

December 23, 2025, 8:54 AM EST. Italy's AGCM fined Apple over the App Tracking Transparency (ATT) policy, calling the two-step consent requirement for third-party apps excessively burdensome. The watchdog argues the double prompts reduce user consent for personalized ads and harm developers who rely on ad revenue, given Apple's dominant app store position. Apple says it will appeal, defending its privacy protections. Earlier this year France's competition authority issued a similar penalty, underscoring growing global scrutiny of ATT and the balance between privacy and business models in the iOS ecosystem.

Italy fines Apple €98M over App Tracking Transparency double-consent policy

December 23, 2025, 8:52 AM EST. Italy's antitrust regulator, the AGCM, has fined Apple about €98 million ($116 million) for enforcing an excessively burdensome App Tracking Transparency policy on third-party apps. The AGCM says the double consent requirement to allow tracking reduces user opt-in rates and harms developers who rely on personalized advertising. Apple reportedly lets its own apps obtain consent in a single tap. The decision accuses Apple of abusing its dominant app-store position and surpassing privacy rules for third-party apps. This comes after a prior €162.4 million fine by France last March over similar concerns about ATT. Apple says it will appeal and defend privacy protections.

How AI Broke the Smart Home in 2025 – When Generative AI Fails at Everyday Tasks

December 23, 2025, 8:50 AM EST. Jennifer Pattison Tuohy chronicles 2025's reality where generative AI assistants promised seamless control of the smart home but struggle to perform basic tasks. After upgrading to Alexa Plus, the author reports unreliable routines, with coffee makers and lights failing to respond, undermining the idea of a proactive, ambient home. The piece revisits the 2023 interview with Dave Limp about device knowledge and APIs that would give assistants the context to manage gadgets, yet three years on improvements remain incremental. While Alexa Plus is more conversational and can answer more questions, it offers only features like AI-powered security-camera notifications rather than a true platform shift. The article weighs expectations against current limits and asks what comes next for smart-home AI.

How AI Broke the Smart Home in 2025

December 23, 2025, 8:48 AM EST. Jennifer Pattison Tuohy reports that generative AI assistants promised a seamless, ambient smart home but delivered inconsistent results. After upgrading to Alexa Plus, routines fail to trigger, lights won't turn on, and coffee makers refuse tasks, underscoring a gap between AI chatter and reliable control. The piece revisits the 2023 interview with Dave Limp, highlighting hopes that AI would learn devices, integrate APIs, and simplify setup. Three years later, the most visible AI upgrade is only contextual alerts for security cameras, not a true automation revolution. While Alexa Plus is more conversational and capable of answering questions, practical task automation remains fragile, exposing users to frustration and a long path to a truly intelligent home. The article critiques the disconnect between the promise of a smarter home and the current reality, urging readers to rethink expectations about AI-assisted living.

Hedge Fund Titans Pitch SpaceX IPO: Ackman's SPARC Plan vs Loeb's Counter

December 23, 2025, 8:46 AM EST. Two of Wall Street's most recognizable hedge funds are publicly courting Elon Musk as SpaceX teases a potential IPO. Bill Ackman of Pershing Square floated a fee-free route via SPARC (a SPAC-style vehicle) that would reward Tesla shareholders with SPARs and offer exposure to Musk's AI initiatives like xAI. His proposal would commit $4 billion in capital and avoid underwriting fees to keep a 100% common stock structure. Daniel Loeb's Third Point quickly offered a rival play, signaling early jockeying for position. The case for SpaceX remains bolstered by Starlink's growing LEO network, rapid launches, and AI relevance, fueling chatter of a roughly $1.5 trillion valuation. The IPO isn't official yet, but market watchers are already listening as 2025 closes.

AI crime-alert app CrimeRadar apologises after BBC Verify findings across US

December 23, 2025, 8:38 AM EST. An company behind an AI-powered app, CrimeRadar, has apologised for the distress caused by false crime alerts issued to communities across the US following a BBC Verify investigation. CrimeRadar uses AI to monitor openly available police radio communications, automatically transcribe them, and generate crime alerts for users nationwide. BBC Verify identified multiple instances from Florida to Oregon where alerts about serious crimes were misleading or inaccurate. The findings highlight the risks of automated real-time alerts and the potential harm caused by misinterpreting police communications.

Christian Leaders Challenge the AI Boom: Ethics, Faith, and Policy Debates

December 23, 2025, 8:36 AM EST. Christian leaders across Catholic, Evangelical, and Baptist communities are urging caution as AI accelerates, warning of harms to family life, relationships, labor, and faith communities. While not anti-technology, they push for guardrails and responsible use through sermons, letters, and policy engagement to shape public debate. With white evangelicals constituting a sizable voting bloc, their stance could influence policy as midterms loom. Pope Leo XIV has highlighted both the gospel potential of AI and risks like child manipulation and antihuman ideologies, signaling that the church must speak to technology's role. Bishops have pressed Congress with recommendations, and pastors like Michael Grayston have discussed AI's isolating effects on teens. The conversation centers on balancing innovation with soul, community, and ethical stewardship.

Nvidia GeForce Now enforces 100-hour monthly cap for all subscribers starting January 2026

December 23, 2025, 8:32 AM EST. From January 2026, Nvidia will enforce a 100-hour monthly cap across all GeForce Now subscriptions, impacting free and premium tiers. The policy, teased since November 2024, now applies to everyone, except those with a Founders Edition membership who can still play unlimited times as long as their subscription stays active. The cap may be manageable for many players, with the option to purchase additional playtime. While the lack of ownership and ongoing hardware terms persist, GeForce Now remains attractive for its value compared with buying or upgrading local hardware. Nvidia hints at announcements at CES 2026; readers should stay tuned, and consider the service's trade-offs, including cloud latency, electricity savings, and GPU availability.

Will Tesla Lose the Elon Musk Premium If SpaceX IPO Goes Public?

December 23, 2025, 8:30 AM EST. Tesla has long carried an Elon Musk premium-a valuation uplift tied not only to vehicle sales but to Musk's broader ambitions in AI, robotics, and disruption. If SpaceX goes public next year, investors could gain a second source of Elon exposure spanning rockets, Starlink, and space-based AI, potentially drawing capital away from TSLA. Some worry the stock's lofty multiple-roughly 292x forward earnings-reflects Musk rather than Tesla's standalone fundamentals. As SpaceX moves toward an IPO, the question becomes whether Tesla's premium persists or shifts toward the new public company. For investors, the key is assessing how much of the current valuation hinges on Tesla's fundamentals versus the Elon Musk brand. Is now the time to lock in gains on TSLA?

One UI 8.5 Beta Breaks Expert RAW on Galaxy S25

December 23, 2025, 8:28 AM EST. Samsung's second One UI 8.5 beta for the Galaxy S25 lineup arrived with a new Camera Assistant update, but it also breaks Expert RAW. Users reported by X user @Wvisioncreation and SamMobile that opening Expert RAW now prompts an update from the Galaxy Store, yet no update is available. Without the update, the app refuses to launch. Samsung might be preparing a fix; meanwhile, the team suggests a workaround: uninstall Expert RAW and sideload an older APK version via the My Files app. This bypass is not officially supported and may cause stability issues on One UI 8.5, but could restore some functionality until an official update lands. If you rely on Expert RAW on the S25, consider postponing the latest build.

ChatGPT Adds 2025 Year-End Summary Feature (Spotify-Wrapped Style)

December 23, 2025, 8:26 AM EST. OpenAI adds a personal 2025 year-end summary in ChatGPT, offering an at-a-glance view of user activity and themes. The feature borrows a familiar wrap-up vibe from music and video services, delivering chat stats such as busiest day, total chats, messages sent, and more. Each user receives a tailored chat style based on writing or speaking habits, plus an archetype that reflects how ChatGPT is used. The package also includes a short poem, a personalized pixel painting, a 2025 award, and 2026 predictions. Access is via "Show me my year with ChatGPT" in the app or web, and is available to Free, Pro, and Plus plans with chat history and memory enabled. Available in the US, UK, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.

Nvidia vs Alphabet: Which Stock Will Outperform in 2026?

December 23, 2025, 8:22 AM EST. Both Nvidia and Alphabet were standout performers in 2025 among the Magnificent Seven. The case for Nvidia centers on its dominance in AI infrastructure: its GPUs and the CUDA ecosystem, a growing NVLink moat, and recent moves like the SchedMD acquisition. With data-center capex expected to rise and a green light to sell its H200 to Chinese customers, Nvidia could benefit into 2026. It trades at a forward P/E under 23x with a sub-1 PEG. The case for Alphabet stresses that it isn't dependent on Nvidia: it built its own AI stack on TPUs, keeps cloud costs in check, and benefits from a growing Google Cloud and the Gemini LLM. Alphabet's cloud growth has room to accelerate as capacity expands. Both look positioned to outperform, but the edge may shift with 2026 dynamics.

Starlink reaches 9 million users, adding 20,000 customers daily

December 23, 2025, 8:20 AM EST. Starlink is accelerating its global rollout, adding about 20,000 new customers each day as it passes 9 million users. The satellite broadband service from SpaceX is expanding coverage to rural and underserved areas, strengthening Elon Musk's vision for ubiquitous connectivity. Analysts say sustained demand for high-speed internet from satellite networks is drawing both households and enterprises, while ongoing satellite deployment and ground infrastructure upgrades push the service toward broader adoption. The growth puts competitive pressure on traditional ISPs and highlights a shift toward global broadband access powered by Starlink, SpaceX, and satellite technology.

Global RAM Shortage to Drive Smartphone Prices in 2026, Analysts Say

December 23, 2025, 8:16 AM EST. The spike in demand for generative AI is lifting prices for memory, creating a ripple effect from PC parts to smartphones. As memory production shifts to satisfy AI workloads and data centers, mobile RAM becomes tighter, pressuring device costs. IDC warns this could be a permanent shift in silicon wafer capacity. Analysts expect the low end to bear the biggest price swings, with 5-10% higher phone prices as memory accounts for a larger share of cost on cheaper models. To protect margins, OEMs may push more high-end devices, nudging the average price up and keeping total smartphone value near $578.9 billion in 2026. Consumers could face higher prices even if shipment volumes dip.

Samsung SDI and KG Mobility to co-develop EV battery packs using 46-series cylindrical cells

December 23, 2025, 8:06 AM EST. Samsung SDI and KG Mobility (KGM) have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop EV battery pack technologies, focusing on packs built with Samsung SDI's 46-series cylindrical cells. The collaboration aims to supply packs for KGM's future electric vehicles, with plans to share market insights and pursue joint R&D. The 46-series features high-nickel NCA cathodes, silicon carbon nanocomposite anodes, and a tabless design that reduces internal resistance and improves high-power output and fast charging. The signing ceremony was attended by executives from both companies. No financial terms or timeline were disclosed. Samsung SDI emphasized the partnership's role in showcasing the competitiveness of the 46-series in Korean and global EV markets.

Critical n8n Flaw (CVSS 9.9) Enables Arbitrary Code Execution Across Thousands of Instances

December 23, 2025, 8:04 AM EST. Security researchers disclosed a critical flaw in the n8n workflow automation platform (CVE-2025-68613) with a CVSS of 9.9 that can cause arbitrary code execution. The issue occurs when authenticated users' expressions are evaluated in an insufficiently isolated runtime context, allowing an attacker to execute code with the n8n process privileges and potentially fully compromise an instance. Affected versions range from 0.211.0 up to 1.120.3; patch releases are 1.120.4, 1.121.1, and 1.122.0. Censys estimates about 103,476 vulnerable instances as of Dec 22, 2025, with many in the US, Germany, France, Brazil, and Singapore. Remediation: update immediately; if not feasible, limit workflow creation/editing to trusted users and run n8n in a hardened environment with restricted OS permissions and network access.

My 18 Favorite Android Apps of 2025 – Top Picks from Android Authority

December 23, 2025, 8:00 AM EST. Android Authority editor Mishaal Rahman highlights 18 standout Android apps discovered in 2025, spanning productivity, browsing, social, and convenience. Notable picks include Octopi Launcher, a foldable-friendly home screen designer; Nobook, a lighter, ad-free version of Facebook; Banana Browser, a Chrome alternative with a built-in video player and blockers; and NotebookLM, Google's increasingly capable digital notebook. The list mixes apps that launched this year with long-time favorites uncovered in 2025, from improved scanners (OSS Document Scanner) to weather and astronomy apps (Weather Master, Stellarium). The piece aims to help users reimagine how they use their devices, especially on multi-screen phones, and invites readers to share their own favorites in the comments.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra introduces 200MP continuous optical zoom with 75-100mm range

December 23, 2025, 7:52 AM EST. Xiaomi has confirmed the Xiaomi 17 Ultra will feature a 200MP continuous optical zoom camera, offering a zoom range of 75mm to 100mm (~3.1x-4.1x). This is achieved with a dedicated periscope camera that shifts lenses and optics for real optical zoom, unlike many phones that rely on software cropping. Once beyond 100mm, Xiaomi will still lean on software processing for longer reach. The device also packs a 1/1.4-inch 200MP sensor and a new Light Hunter 1050L main sensor with LOFIC to boost dynamic range. Compared with traditional telephotos, this setup promises more consistent image quality across zoom levels and could make the Xiaomi 17 Ultra one of the best camera phones in the market, especially for portrait work. Official launch is Christmas Day in China.

US DJI ban explained: what drone and camera users need to know

December 23, 2025, 7:50 AM EST. The US FCC has placed DJI and other Chinese firms on its Covered List, signaling a de facto ban on many new products. Existing DJI drones, gimbals, and accessories remain usable for now, but buying new units may be restricted once certifications lapse or retroactive bans take effect. The core issue is the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act's stalled national security audit, leaving Congress and regulators uncertainty. In the best case, products with current FCC certifications can continue to be sold until those licenses expire, while in a worst case, existing certifications could be revoked and new stock halted. Repairs with imported parts might still be possible, but warranty replacements could become problematic if new units can't enter the US. US users should monitor official filings and retailer stock for updates.

Doomed SpaceX Starlink satellite photographed from orbit by Vantor's WorldView-3

December 23, 2025, 7:46 AM EST. SpaceX's Starlink satellite 35956 suffered an anomaly that cut ground comms and vented its propulsion tank. The craft is tumbling and expected to reenter Earth's atmosphere in weeks, SpaceX says. Vantor's WorldView-3 image, captured from about 241 km over Alaska at a 12 cm resolution, shows the satellite largely intact, helping engineers gauge damage. Some debris objects may have been released, though SpaceX says neither the debris nor the satellite should threaten other LEO assets. SpaceX's Starlink remains the largest constellation with roughly 9,300 active satellites. The rapid imaging collaboration demonstrates how commercial earth-observing assets can aid anomaly assessment in orbit.

Visa: Holiday retail spending up 4.2%, led by e-commerce and AI-driven shopping

December 23, 2025, 7:44 AM EST. U.S. holiday retail spending rose 4.2% year over year (not inflation-adjusted) per a Visa report, with e-commerce surging by 7.8% and electronics up 5.8%. In-store sales still dominated, accounting for 73% of volume, while online purchases made up 27%. The growth was driven by demand for high-performance devices in an AI era, with roughly half of shoppers planning to use AI for comparison and gift discovery. Category shifts favored personal goods and convenience, while home improvement lagged. Apparel and accessories climbed 5.3%, and general merchandise rose 3.7% as consumers balanced prices, promotions, and gifts.

AI reshaping banking-no immediate jobs wipeout, but changes ahead

December 23, 2025, 7:36 AM EST. AI is reshaping finance, but industry experts say a sweeping job wipeout isn't imminent. Fortune's Emma Burleigh finds that overall headcount in banking and finance has stayed stable despite high-profile layoffs. Pim Hilbers of BCG notes a decade-long trend toward stable to slightly declining staffing, with mobility replacing tenure. Banks have trimmed growth rather than payrolls, leaning on AI efficiency gains while delaying large hires. The article highlights Bank of America, JPMorgan, and Goldman Sachs among firms that haven't slashed staff dramatically. Analysts warn that marketers and accountants could face more pressure, and that the real payoff comes from anchoring AI strategy to business goals. A recent BCG report emphasizes predictive, generative, and agentic AI as levers of scale, efficiency, and customer experience.

9 Steps to Remove Your Home Address From the Internet

December 23, 2025, 7:32 AM EST. Learn practical ways to shrink the online footprint of your home address. The article walks through 9 steps to protect your privacy and reduce exposure, including masking your address in map apps (blur in Google Maps and Apple Maps Look Around), and using official tools to remove or suppress search results. It explains how to report addresses found in Google Search results, navigate the Google Account settings (Data & Privacy, My Activity, Results About You), and request removal via Remove Result. It also notes that Google may not remove addresses from government sites, news pieces, or some businesses, and suggests setting up alerts to monitor new mentions. Practical tips for staying safer online.

Samsung's budget Galaxy A57 and A37 could get a major camera upgrade with Sony IMX906 in 2026

December 23, 2025, 7:30 AM EST. Samsung's budget A-series could finally get a real camera boost. Leaks suggest the Galaxy A37 will adopt Sony's IMX906 main sensor in some markets, enabling better low-light shots and less blur thanks to the larger format. It should pair with an 8MP ultrawide (GC08A3) and a 5MP macro (GC05A3), plus a 12MP front camera (GC12A2). The Galaxy A57 may also upgrade, potentially using the ISOCELL S5KGNJ main sensor in certain regions, with a 13MP ultrawide (S5K3L6) and a 5MP macro, plus a 12MP front camera (S5K3LC). Rumors point to an earlier release window-around February 2026-and a move to Exynos chips (A37: Exynos 1480, A57: Exynos 1680).

Garmin Forerunner 265 on Amazon: 33% Off to $300, 42mm & 46mm

December 23, 2025, 7:28 AM EST. Amazon now offers the Garmin Forerunner 265 at a 33% discount, dropping to $300 for both the 42mm and 46mm models. This GPS-enabled smartwatch features a bright AMOLED touchscreen, wrist-based heart rate, and over 30 activity profiles for running, cycling, swimming, and more. With the Garmin Connect app, you can download adaptive training plans and sync them to your wrist for guided workouts. The watch tracks distance, pace, and health metrics, including the innovative Body Battery score to optimize training energy. Battery life runs up to 24 hours with GPS, and much longer without it, making it a strong alternative to pricier smartwatches. If you're looking for a capable, more affordable fitness watch, the Garmin Forerunner 265 at $300 is worth a look on Amazon.

AI Spending Keeps U.S. GDP Growth Alive, Deutsche Bank Warns of 'No Guaranteed Return'

December 23, 2025, 7:26 AM EST. Markets expect Q3 U.S. GDP to grow about 3.2% year-on-year, with the S&P 500 lifting near record highs ahead of the data. Yet analysts warn that much of the growth is concentrated in AI-related spending. Pantheon Macroeconomics notes that private fixed investment is rising mainly due to AI, while other capex remains weak. Deutsche Bank argues that AI investment is essential to GDP growth and that the US could flirt with recession without tech spending. Bank of America estimates AI capex by five hyperscalers at roughly $399 billion in 2025, rising to over $600 billion in coming years, financed largely by debt. Goldman Sachs notes AI-related debt issuance has surged, and about 30% of USD credit net supply this year is AI-related. Deutsche Bank even compares AI data center spending to the Apollo program, forecasting $4 trillion through 2030.

Canaccord boosts Tesla price target to $551 amid near-term demand dip

December 23, 2025, 7:16 AM EST. Canaccord Genuity reiterates a BUY rating on Tesla and lifts its price target to $551 from $482, arguing a temporary demand slowdown won't derail a longer-term upcycle. Analyst George Gianarikas trims 4Q25 deliveries to reflect a sharper drop in near-term demand, but sees this as a minor dip in a broader trend. The note highlights that the end of U.S. EV subsidies is weighing near-term demand while pushing for a healthier, more durable market. It suggests only Rivian could be a plausible long-term second place. Gianarikas also points to robotaxi/Optimus plans and emerging markets (Thailand, Vietnam, Brazil) as sources of upside. Overall, positive fundamentals and potential new news flow justify the higher target despite the earnings reset.

EU credits iOS 26.3 interoperability features under DMA to spur innovation

December 23, 2025, 7:12 AM EST. The European Commission highlights two iOS 26.3 features – Transfer to Android and Notification Forwarding – as steps toward a more interoperable, device-agnostic ecosystem. Apple's beta enables cross-platform data transfer between iPhone and Android and extends similar notification sharing to third-party smartwatches. The Digital Markets Act (DMA) framing says these tools create new opportunities for developers to bring innovative products to market in Europe. One feature is EU-exclusive to satisfy antitrust rules. The Commission says the beta signals greater interoperability and benefits for EU citizens, with further testing for connected devices under the DMA.

Top 10 End-User Computing Stories of 2025: Windows 10 EOL, ESU, and AI PCs

December 23, 2025, 7:00 AM EST. 2025 delivered the Windows 10 end of life, with October 5, 2025 the official end-of-support date. Enterprises pursue Windows 11 migrations to prune PC estates, enable Secure Boot, and enforce signed drivers as legacy peripherals lose compatibility. Home users won't miss security updates entirely: ESU extends Windows 10 support to October 2026, while corporate PCs tied to Active Directory rely on ESU subscriptions. A new wave of AI-powered PCs with neural processing units (NPUs) unlocks on-device AI, from the outset on ARM/Qualcomm then expanding to Intel and AMD machines. Local AI inference and smarter peripherals (for example, noise-cancelling webcams) become early use cases. The industry faces migration challenges but gains a cleaner, more secure, AI-enabled end-user computing stack.

Samsung One UI 8.5 adds support for TILTA wireless lens controllers

December 23, 2025, 6:58 AM EST. Samsung's forthcoming One UI 8.5 is reportedly adding TILTA wireless lens controller support, signaling a push to attract professional photographers. The change appears in the Camera assistant app as strings referencing a TILTA wireless lens controller and a note to use a nearby device for permissions to operate in Pro video mode. If accurate, Galaxy phones could remotely control focus and other camera functions with existing pro gear, potentially debuting with the Galaxy S26 lineup. As with APK teardowns, features may evolve or never reach a public release, but the move underscores Samsung's desire to place the Galaxy line within professional workflows.

Is Iridium Communications a Bargain After the 2024 Slide and Satellite Connectivity Expansion?

December 23, 2025, 6:56 AM EST. Iridium Communications has seen a brutal drawdown this year, down ~38.8% YTD and 36.4% over the last 12 months, with a recent bounce of ~2.8% in a week. The stock's valuation is mixed: a 3/6 score suggests it is undervalued on about half of the checks, though growth and capital intensity remain concerns amid intensifying satellite competition. A DCF/FCF framework shows TTM free cash flow near $312.9 million and a projection around $451.1 million by 2035. Under a 2-stage FCF-to-equity model, the implied fair value is about $65.02 per share, implying a roughly 72.2% discount to today's price. If the projections hold, Iridium could still offer a wide margin of safety but faces execution risk and venture-scale capital needs as it expands connectivity.

Singapore's Megaspeed: Nvidia Chips Boom in SE Asia Under China Smuggling Scrutiny

December 23, 2025, 6:48 AM EST. Singapore-based Megaspeed International Pte. has emerged as the largest Nvidia chip buyer in Southeast Asia, fueling hopes for a regional champion in AI cloud computing. A spin-off of a Chinese gaming enterprise, it has risen from obscurity in under three years. Its rapid ascent places it under U.S. scrutiny as officials discuss China-bound chip smuggling, despite Nvidia's assurances that diversion is not occurring. The case underscores the tension between growth in the AI hardware market and national security concerns over supply chains and export controls.

AI Is Reshaping Higher Education in Syracuse: Policies, Pedagogy, and the Return to Classic Assessments

December 23, 2025, 6:42 AM EST. AI is pressuring Syracuse's colleges to rethink grading and assessment. At Syracuse University, Le Moyne College and Onondaga Community College, professors are moving away from purely tech-driven tasks and returning to in-person or hand-graded exercises to AI-proof learning. Students increasingly study with generative AI, raising questions about plagiarism, academic integrity, and how to measure understanding. Policies vary: OCC and SU treat AI-assisted work as misconduct; Le Moyne is still drafting guidance. Many faculty members are self-learning to wield AI productively, while others remain cautious. Detection tools are controversial, often inaccurate and raising equity concerns. The debate is pushing schools to teach AI literacy, critical thinking, and new assessment methods, balancing innovation with integrity as higher education adapts to an AI-powered landscape in Central New York.

US Foreign Drone Ban Hits DJI as FCC Tightens Import Rules

December 23, 2025, 6:40 AM EST. US policy tightens drone access as the FCC imposes bans on foreign brands, with DJI among the hardest hit. You can still buy Chinese drones, but those brands can't import newer models or replacement parts. The move slows updates and support, reshaping the consumer drone market and supply chains. It highlights how tech policy and national security considerations are now driving product availability and warranty coverage.

Galaxy S26 Plus rumored to get a 6.9-inch screen, Qi2 MagSafe support, and a 12MP telephoto

December 23, 2025, 6:28 AM EST. Rumors suggest the Galaxy S26 Plus could move to a 6.9-inch display, aligning with the Ultra, and may introduce built-in Qi2/MagSafe-style charging across the lineup. A new leak also hints at a camera upgrade for non-Ultra models, switching the base 10MP 3x telephoto lens to a 12MP 3x lens. If accurate, Samsung would break from the S25's specs and deliver a larger screen without Ultra pricing. Specs for the Ultra reportedly include 60W wired charging and a 5,000mAh battery, with either Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Elite or Exynos 2600 depending on region. Official details are expected at the Unpacked event early next year, with tech fans watching whether the Plus keeps the same core sensors or finally upgrades its camera hardware.

Samsung Galaxy S25 One UI 8.5 Beta brings Camera Assistant Pro controls in Poland

December 23, 2025, 6:12 AM EST. Samsung's One UI 8.5 Beta 2 adds a refreshed Camera Assistant with Pro-mode controls, including Minimum shutter speed and Maximum ISO, plus Dual Recording and Single Take toggles. The update (ZYLH) is rolling out in six countries, with a formal release expected around May 2026 and a stable One UI 8.5 tied to the Galaxy S26 lineup in Q1 2026. On devices running One UI 8.5, users can manually fine-tune shutter speed, ISO, White balance, and Exposure value for creative shots. Early testers report noticeable differences at settings like 1/30s and ISO 50. Availability remains phased, with Galaxy S25 users in Poland gaining access to the beta program first.

DJI responds to US drone blacklist decision, cites lack of evidence and says current drones unaffected

December 23, 2025, 6:10 AM EST. DJI has pushed back against the FCC's move to add foreign-made drones to its Covered List, arguing the decision lacks transparency and concrete evidence. The company says it was not singled out and that no information has been released about the data used to reach the determination. It notes that no current customers or operations are affected and that existing DJI drones-such as the Mini 3, Mini 4 Pro, and Avata 2 FPV-can continue to fly and be sold for now. The restriction targets new imports that would require national security clearance before entering the US market. DJI frames the concerns as protectionism rather than a security remedy, and emphasizes that today's owners face no change in FAA rules.

Starlink Reaches 9 Million Users in 47 Days, Growth Accelerates

December 23, 2025, 6:08 AM EST. Starlink has crossed the 9 million active-user mark, marking a rapid expansion for Musk's satellite internet. The latest milestone-1 million new users in 47 days-follows a string of faster growth, from 5M to 8M earlier this year. Analysts say the pace, not the absolute figure, signals a robust commercial closed loop and scale. Elon Musk praised the team, remarking that rebuilding the internet in space is not easy, and hinted at further progress with Starship and Starlink V3. With SpaceX deploying the 10,000th Starlink satellite and thousands active, Starlink is on track to reach 10 million users and beyond, strengthening its lead over potential competitors.

Apple Glasses Could Shape Tim Cook's Top Priority AR Dream Next Year

December 23, 2025, 5:58 AM EST. Next year brings a huge Apple lineup, and the unveiling of Apple Glasses could be a key stepping stone toward Tim Cook's top-priority AR product. Rumors place a 2026 reveal with shipping likely in 2027, with a preview months ahead. The first glasses are expected to focus on Siri, AI, and iPhone compatibility rather than full AR functionality. Paired with what we've learned from Vision Pro and visionOS, this release should offer our clearest view yet of Cook's ultimate goal: lightweight, all-day AR wearables. Apple will iterate on the hardware design before a true AR model arrives, using this Glasses launch as the foundation for future generations. What do you think?

Bloomberg Investigation: 15 Fatal Crashes Linked to Tesla Door-Handle Failures

December 23, 2025, 5:56 AM EST. Bloomberg's latest investigation tracks at least 15 deaths in which Tesla occupants could not exit after a crash because the electric door handles failed. The report notes Tesla has a feature to automatically unlock doors after a crash, but it may not work on older models. Bloomberg reviewed NHTSA data (2012-2023) and 2024-2025 incidents, plus police and autopsy records, to count crashes where doors remained inoperable in fires. The analysis suggests no public, comprehensive stats on trapped occupants, and points to the 12-volt battery powering door handles as a potential vulnerability-if it dies in a crash, exterior handles can become useless. Regulators, including NHTSA, opened an investigation into Model Y door handles on 2025-09-15; more than half of reviewed deaths occurred since Nov 2024.

Battlefield 6 AI-Cosmetics Under Fire as Fans Question Slop and EA Promise

December 23, 2025, 5:54 AM EST. Battlefield 6 is amid backlash over generative AI in gaming as EA investigates AI slop in Season 1 cosmetics from the Windchill bundle. Fans flagged a sticker of a bear with dubious claw counts and questioned whether AI-generated elements slipped into post-launch assets, despite EA VP Rebecka Coutaz promising no AI-generated imagery in the final game. The controversy highlights two pathways for AI in production: using generative AI for references during concept art before manual repainting, or outsourcing firms submitting designs that bypass tight reviews. EA has publicly touted AI as a creativity accelerator, with CEO Andrew Wilson noting its role in the company's work. The debate mirrors broader industry tensions about AI tooling, quality control, and commitments to players while development teams explore faster workflows.

AI ROI in Focus: Brex's 2025 Top 50 Reveals Where Customers Are Paying for AI Startups

December 23, 2025, 5:52 AM EST. Brex's data tracks real spending to show which AI vendors customers actually pay for, not just promise. In 2025, the fastest-growing software vendor was Cursor, valued north of $29B, with 1,000% YoY growth in Brex customers' spend. The top tier highlights the rise of coding tools as a category: Windsurf, Replit, CodeRabbit, and StackBlitz posted strong momentum as developers pay with minimal friction. The story centers on ROI and how tools that are easy to deploy-no IT approvals, no security reviews-tend to win. Other notable names include OpenRouter (No. 2) and infrastructure players like Vast.ai, Groq, Supabase, and Sentry. Looking ahead, Marwaha bets on visual AI, with Kling.ai ranking top-3 in 2025 and momentum building for Ideogram and Runway.

Samsung Camera Assistant update adds Pro mode presets, focus peaking customization, and more

December 23, 2025, 5:42 AM EST. Samsung's Camera Assistant for Galaxy devices on One UI 8.5 adds a trove of Pro-mode improvements. You can save Pro mode presets that store ISO, shutter speed, exposure value, focus, and white balance, with the preset remembering the camera lens and even allowing creation from Gallery photos. Focus peaking is now customizable-change the overlay color, outline thickness, and whether it stays on. The update brings Pro mode controls to standard Photo mode, with limits on maximum ISO and minimum shutter speed (manual ISO/shutter not available). Other additions include TITLA wireless lens controller support, an option to disable OIS, and configurable autofocus/autoexposure during video recording. It also lets you disable image stabilization entirely.

Sentinel-6B Extends Global Ocean Height Record Through NASA/NOAA/ESA Collaboration

December 23, 2025, 5:40 AM EST. Sentinel-6B, launched November 16, 2025 from Vandenberg, continues the ocean height-monitoring mission started by TOPEX/Poseidon and sustained by a cooperation among NASA, NOAA, and European partners (ESA, EUMETSAT, CNES). Alongside its twin, Sentinel-6A (renamed Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich), the mission forms the international Sentinel-6/Jason Continuity of Service, ensuring data continuity through the 2020s. The satellite carries a radar altimeter, an Advanced Microwave Radiometer (AMR), and navigation tools such as DORIS and a Laser Retroreflector Array, enabling precise sea-surface height measurements. The mission's GNSS-RO capability will aid weather prediction. By combining orbital position, radar range, and atmospheric data, Sentinel-6B will extend the global ocean height record and support climate and weather research.

People and Technology Partnership Guides PNC's Use of Artificial Intelligence

December 23, 2025, 5:38 AM EST. PNC is illustrating a people and technology partnership to guide its Artificial Intelligence initiatives. The article emphasizes a human-centered approach where people collaborate with AI to improve decision-making, efficiency, and customer experience. It highlights a robust governance framework, clear risk management processes, and strong data privacy and security standards to ensure responsible AI use. By prioritizing transparency and accountability, PNC aims to build customer trust while pursuing innovation. The strategy includes upskilling staff, stakeholder input, and continuous monitoring to align deployments with ethics and regulatory requirements. In short, successful AI adoption combines technology with rigorous oversight to deliver safe, sustainable value for both the bank and its clients.

DJI Osmo Action 6 Firmware Update Brings 8K Video, Cloud Upload and New Features

December 23, 2025, 5:22 AM EST. The latest firmware for the DJI Osmo Action 6 – v01.02.0521 – adds several major upgrades. The standout feature is 8K video recording (up to 30fps) with D-Log M 10-bit in H.265, enabling richer post-production. The update also enables wireless footage uploads to cloud services and NAS, with automatic or manual transfers. New film-style tone presets in Photo mode and QS button customization (Screen Off, Zoom) boost usability. Additional perks include Custom mode for macro lens or FOV Boost lenses, Focus Peaking with macro optics, and Gesture control for webcam/live streaming/DP Output. The release also optimizes the grid overlay, enhances image quality in certain modes, and includes general bug fixes. Update via the DJI Mimo app.

AI investors stick to a small toolkit: Granola, transcription, and selective LLMs

December 23, 2025, 5:20 AM EST. AI investors still rely on a tight toolkit, not the next flood of hype. The article shows most money is made with a small handful of tools they actually use daily. Transcription and note-taking led by Granola sit at the top, praised for summarizing meetings and filtering what matters. Veteran investors cite Otter as a familiar benchmark. For research, they deploy LLMs like ChatGPT and Claude as thought partners, but stress that model choice is task-dependent. For deeper work, they switch to specialized options such as Specter and Harmonic for sourcing, and Strawberry for demanding research tasks. In short: strong discipline, selective tools, and practical AI agents beat the latest hype.

Oracle Could Be the Next $1 Trillion Tech Titan as AI Demand Fuels Cloud Infrastructure Growth

December 23, 2025, 5:04 AM EST. Oracle's stock has fallen 41% from September highs, but stronger demand for its AI-focused infrastructure is lifting revenue. The company remains a leading AI data-center operator: it uses fast RDMA networking to move data, supports clusters of more than 131,000 GPUs, and is rapidly expanding with 147 data-center regions and 64 more in the pipeline. Oracle's cloud infrastructure revenue jumped 66% to a record $4.1 billion in fiscal Q2 2026, helping total quarterly revenue reach $16.1 billion. Big names such as OpenAI, xAI, and Meta use Oracle's infrastructure. If demand sustains, Oracle could retake growth momentum on the way toward higher valuation, potentially revisiting a trillion-dollar milestone.

Find Hub for Android adds map layers support with Satellite and Terrain options

December 23, 2025, 4:52 AM EST. Find Hub for Android gains map layers support, adding a new floating action button under the account switcher. Tapping Choose map type offers Default, Satellite, and Terrain, with Traffic available as a map type-mirroring Google Maps. This helps when navigating to a lost device and is accessible from the main map (Devices or People) but not after selecting a device. The rollout is for version 3.1.485-2 and is widely available via the Play Store, though a server-side component isn't fully live yet and may appear gradually on devices. The earlier quiet release of Find Hub for Wear OS accompanies this Android update.

Two AI ETFs to Confidently Buy Heading Into 2026

December 23, 2025, 4:50 AM EST. Two AI-focused ETFs are standing out as 2025 winds down: the Roundhill Generative AI and Technology ETF (CHAT) and the iShares Future AI and Tech ETF (ARTY). The Roundhill fund is actively managed and concentrated in about 49 stocks, with its top five holdings-Alphabet, Nvidia, Microsoft, Meta Platforms, and Palantir-making up roughly 26.7% of assets. Those names have delivered strong 2025 gains (top-five average ~56%), helping the ETF up about 47% year-to-date vs. the S&P 500. Alphabet's AI-driven growth, Nvidia-powered data centers, and Microsoft/Meta deployments underscore the AI tailwind. Investors should note concentration can raise volatility. The piece argues these AI ETFs could simplify exposure for 2026, offering exposure to leading AI infrastructure, platforms, and software.

The AI dating arms race: How dating apps are betting millions to win your heart

December 23, 2025, 4:48 AM EST. AI-powered dating apps are in a high-stakes race to boost engagement, using machine-learning models, real-time feedback, and data-driven personalization. Startups and incumbents pour millions into better matching, safety features, and monetization to win your attention. Critics warn about privacy risks, data usage, and the ethics of optimization for romance and heartbreak. The piece looks at how algorithms aim to surface compatible partners, how regulation and safeguards shape the market, and what the AI dating future means for trust, consent, and connection in the modern attention economy.

Trending tickers: Tesla EU sales slump, Novo Nordisk GLP-1 pill approval, and Starfighters Space IPO surge

December 23, 2025, 4:44 AM EST. Tesla shares hover near flat in pre-market as ACEA data show European EV sales slump: registrations fell 34.2% YoY in November, and overall EU/UK/EFTA down 11.8%. In the EU, Tesla sold 12,130 vehicles vs 18,430 a year earlier, cutting market share to 1.4% from 2.1%. The weakness is tied to a backlash over Elon Musk's politics and tougher competition from BYD, whose deliveries in EU/UK/EFTA jumped 221% to 21,133. Novo Nordisk rose 5% after FDA approved the first GLP-1 pill, a 1.5 mg daily dose, due January; the pill targets obesity with cardiovascular risk reduction similar to Wegovy (semaglutide). Starfighters Space fell 22% pre-market after a 370% post-IPO surge; it operates Lockheed F-104 Starfighters repurposed for space, raised $40m at $3.59/share, and plans StarLaunch, with shares near $31.50.

Matrix Renewables signs EPC with Tesla for 500 MW/2h BESS in Scotland

December 23, 2025, 4:36 AM EST. Matrix Renewables has signed a comprehensive engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract with Tesla to design, build and commission a standalone battery energy storage system (BESS) in Eccles, Scotland. The 500 MW / 2-hour (1 GWh) project aims to bolster grid flexibility and renewable integration in support of the UK's Net Zero 2050 and Clean Power 2035 objectives. With full planning approval, the project sits on major transmission routes between Scotland and England. Partners include Enertis Applus+ (technical due diligence), GHD (technical advisor) and Black & Veatch (owner's engineer). This marks Matrix Renewables' first standalone UK BESS and signals expansion toward a planned ~3 GW UK portfolio, alongside ongoing solar and energy storage ventures.

Tesla EU sales slump persists as Chinese rivals gain ground

December 23, 2025, 4:34 AM EST. Tesla's EU registrations fell by a third in November to 12,130, shrinking its market share to 1.4%. Chinese players led gains, with BYD nearly tripling to 42,500 and SAIC up 26% to 217,000. Hybrids remained a large portion of sales (44%), even as battery electric vehicles (BEV) accounted for 18.8% of the market and total BEV volume hit about 2.3 million through November. The EU is relaxing targets, allowing up to 10% ICE share after 2035, while European automakers push for more hybrids and plug-in hybrids. Despite headwinds for Tesla, overall EU new-car registrations rose 1.4% year-on-year through November. Musk's political entanglements and market expectations color investors' views.

North Carolina to connect 250K homes with $670M ARP funding under BEAD plan by 2026

December 23, 2025, 4:18 AM EST. North Carolina has cleared a major step to expand high-speed internet under the BEAD program after federal approval. The state will award more than $300 million for projects aimed at delivering reliable broadband to rural and underserved communities, with the goal of connecting 93,000 households, businesses, and community locations. Governor Josh Stein says the effort will support students, healthcare, and economic growth, while CIO Teena Piccione notes a data-driven, flexible approach to maximize impact. In parallel, more than $670 million from the American Rescue Plan is already funding expansions reaching over 250,000 homes and businesses by 2026. After this round, North Carolina will still have more than $1 billion remaining to be deployed, including potential investments in cybersecurity, workforce training, and infrastructure.

Amazon selling M4 Mac Mini for $479-20% off Apple

December 23, 2025, 4:10 AM EST. Amazon is listing the M4 Mac Mini at $479, roughly a 20% discount from Apple's $599 MSRP. The compact desktop packs Apple's M4 chip with a 10-core CPU (4 performance, 6 efficiency) and a 10-core GPU, paired with 16GB RAM and a 256GB SSD. Size remains compact (about 5×5 inches, 2 inches tall, 1.5 lb) with front USB-C/USB 3 and a 3.5 mm headphone jack, plus rear Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet (optional 10 Gigabit). Supports up to three displays at up to 6K or 8K @ 60 Hz, plus HDR and Dolby Atmos. For Apple users, it integrates with iPhone/iPad via Continuity and offers familiar macOS workflows, making the deal appealing for everyday work and light creative tasks.

US bans new foreign drone models as FCC adds DJI to Covered List

December 23, 2025, 4:08 AM EST. The FCC added foreign drone manufacturers to its Covered List, effectively banning the import and sale of all new drone models and critical components in the United States. The move targets DJI, Autel Robotics and other makers, citing potential threats to national security. Existing models already approved for sale or in use will remain allowed, and Americans can continue to use drones they've already purchased. The rule follows years of government pressure to curb Chinese technology in U.S. skies and comes after the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act mandated a security review of drone equipment. DJI, which commands roughly 70% of the global market, expressed disappointment but said it remains open to cooperating with regulators.

Underground salt caverns could slow the AI data center boom

December 23, 2025, 4:02 AM EST. New gas storage in underground salt caverns could slow the AI data center boom by limiting local power reliability. Without nearby storage, facilities rely on pipelines that can fail due to weather, landslides, or corrosion, threatening 99.999% reliability even when gas is available elsewhere. Industry sources say about half as much new gas storage is planned as future demand will require, a growing bottleneck for hyperscale compute. While U.S. gas output is expected to rise and a wave of pipelines expands, little cavern storage has been added in over a decade. Enbridge and Gulf Coast Midstream are expanding cavern capacity, but analysts warn growth may lag demand, pushing up electricity and fuel costs as the AI infrastructure scales.

Analysts See Applied Digital's AI Growth Narrative Evolving With Steady Valuation

December 23, 2025, 3:46 AM EST. Analysts hold Applied Digital's fair value at $43.70 even as a higher discount rate nudges perceived risk around its long-dated AI infrastructure rollout. With revenue growth near 80% and a growing 4GW pipeline, the story supports multiple expansion without overturning the core thesis. Bullish notes cite the 15-year, $11B CoreWeave contract, progress at Ellendale and Polaris Forge, and a path to more AI campuses. Northland flags a $5B MAM facility as a funding unlock for $20B-$25B of total deployment, suggesting limited dilution while expanding capacity. Roth Capital argues that control of power is becoming the central asset in AI infrastructure. Bears warn one-offs and timing risk can cause near-term volatility. Check the Company Report and community perspectives to track how the narrative evolves.

Huawei Watch 5 10th Anniversary edition debuts; Watch GT 6 gains Ice Blue color variant

December 23, 2025, 3:32 AM EST. Huawei has announced the Watch 5 10th Anniversary edition and a new Ice Blue color for the Watch GT 6 alongside the Nova 15 series in China. The Watch 5 10th Anniversary edition sticks to the standard specs-46mm and 42mm cases, LTPO AMOLED with Sapphire glass, and Huawei's X-Tap sensor for ECG, PPG, and HRV readings-while adding a special nylon braided strap with a '10 Years' logo on the strap and crown. It offers eSIM, 100+ sport modes, up to 5 days of battery with Always-On Display, and 11 days in power-saving mode. The Watch GT 6 41mm Ice Blue variant uses the same hardware, with a fluororubber strap, priced at CNY 1,488. Availability: Ice Blue goes on sale Jan 1; Anniversary edition is available now.

Starlink tops 9 million customers as SpaceX accelerates satellite broadband rollout

December 23, 2025, 3:30 AM EST. Starlink said its global customer base has surpassed 9 million users, up from 8 million a month earlier, signaling accelerating demand for its low-Earth-orbit broadband. The jump reflects expanding satellite capacity, faster international rollout and broader adoption in rural, maritime, aviation and enterprise markets. As a key revenue pillar for SpaceX, Starlink's growth underpins the company's long-term strategy and funding for further launches. Founder Elon Musk has floated a future spin-off or IPO once cash flows stabilize. Despite growing competition from other satellite broadband providers, Starlink's first-mover advantage, scale and vertically integrated launch capability help differentiate the service as it moves toward mass-market adoption.

Anna's Archive claims Spotify scrape of entire library, 256M tracks (~86M songs) across ~300TB

December 23, 2025, 3:22 AM EST. Anna's Archive, an open-source search engine for shadow libraries, says it has scraped Spotify's entire library, amassing metadata for about 256 million tracks and roughly 86 million actual songs, totaling nearly 300TB. The group describes a long-term aim to build a preservation archive for music, arguing that its collection contains far more metadata than typical music databases and that the work could preserve humanity's culture. The dataset covers over 15 million artists and 58 million albums, with the 86 million songs accounting for about 99.6% of Spotify listens to date. Spotify says it has identified illicit accounts and improved safeguards against anti-copyright activity, while reaffirming support for creators and ongoing industry partnerships.

South Korea to mandate facial-recognition verification for new smartphones

December 23, 2025, 3:20 AM EST. South Korea will require facial-recognition verification when setting up a new smartphone, including online or in-store purchases. The rule covers the three major carriers-SK Telecom, KT, and LG Uplus-as well as low-cost operators. Under the plan, buyers must take a photo of their face through the PASS authentication app in addition to showing ID. Authorities say the measure aims to curb crimes like voice phishing and smishing that rely on stolen or forged identification. After a pilot with 43 low-cost carriers and the major operators, the system will expand to all low-cost carriers by March 23 next year. Officials say facial data will be used solely for identity verification and will not be stored for other purposes.

Year in a word: AI bubble – Hype, reality and the road ahead

December 23, 2025, 3:18 AM EST. In this year in a word, the tech press and markets condensed complex AI progress into a single concept: the AI bubble. The narrative swung from soaring startup valuations and blockbuster funding rounds to questions about product-market fit, practical deployments, and lasting profitability. Analysts weigh breakthroughs in model efficiency, safety, and governance against overhyped claims and regulatory scrutiny. The lesson: sustained innovation will require real unit economics, usable tools, and smarter AI strategies for businesses. As companies balance ambition with caution, the industry edges toward maturity rather than a perpetual ascent.

Korea's HANBIT-Nano fails in first commercial space launch from Brazil

December 23, 2025, 3:16 AM EST. This article reports the failure of Korea's first commercial space launch, the HANBIT-Nano, which lifted off from the Alcantara Space Center in Brazil but crashed after an abnormality was detected. The rocket, tasked with deploying eight payloads to low Earth orbit, appeared to be on track for about 30 seconds before a flame erupted and the livestream showed the message 'Passing Max Q.' The mission ended with no casualties or additional damage, and Innospace said it would share findings from its investigation later. This was Korea's inaugural commercial space venture, after several delays, and the company's stock on the KOSDAQ slid following the failure. CEO Kim Soo-jong emphasized focusing on flight-condition observations rather than premature conclusions.

Truist Raises TSLA Target to $444, Citing Autonomous Driving Volatility and Robotaxi Potential

December 23, 2025, 3:14 AM EST. Truist Securities boosted its price target on Tesla (TSLA) to $444 from $406 while keeping a Hold rating. The firm argues that advances in autonomous driving will continue to drive stock volatility, as the value of TSLA hinges on monetizing its AI products and services, notably its FSD technology and Robotaxi ambitions. The note warns that new city deployments are likely in 2026, but timing remains unpredictable, and imperfect FSD results plus competitive announcements could heighten swings. While acknowledging TSLA's long-term upside, Truist suggests other AI stocks may offer more upside with less downside risk.

Frustrated smartphone user claims forced update bricks device, pushes upgrade

December 23, 2025, 3:02 AM EST. Some consumers argue a major phone maker Samsung forced an update that rendered a four-year-old device unusable, nudging users toward a costly upgrade. A Reddit post reproduces a chat in which a support agent says repairs are chargeable post-warranty, then offers a 15% discount on a new phone. Critics say these tactics encourage overconsumption and profits while wasting resources. Proponents warn that such practices can push customers into debt and accelerate electronic waste (e-waste). Environmental data suggests the life cycle of a smartphone emits substantial CO2-around 127 pounds per device, not counting packaging and end-of-life emissions. The debate highlights tensions between device longevity, planned obsolescence, and recycling habits-and asks readers to consider how they recycle old electronics.

AI Godfather Admits Lying to Chatbots to Elicit Better Responses

December 23, 2025, 3:00 AM EST. A renowned AI pioneer reveals a controversial tactic: deliberately lying to chatbots to probe their limits and improve the quality of replies. The strategy, described by one of AI's enduring legends, involves feeding misleading prompts to trigger more robust reasoning and expose gaps in the model. Proponents say it helps uncover biases, test safety rails, and push models toward greater trust and usefulness. Critics warn that deception could undermine trust, risk unsafe outputs, and complicate evaluation. The revelation highlights the ongoing cat-and-mouse between developers and language models, raising questions about the ethics of training and evaluation. As AI chatbots become more embedded in decision-making, the debate over deception as a tool versus a shortcut for ethics and safety continues.

Global investors rush into Chinese AI amid bubble concerns on Wall Street

December 23, 2025, 2:58 AM EST. Global investors are tilting toward Chinese AI names as Beijing accelerates tech self-reliance and mainland listings like Moore Threads and MetaX spark demand. Traders see China narrowing the AI gap even as Wall Street frets about a possible bubble in U.S.-listed stocks. Foreign managers such as Ruffer are shifting exposure toward Alibaba's AI efforts and Qwen, while KraneShares highlights the rapid rise of chipmakers and cloud bets underpinning the theme. UBS notes China tech as attractive due to policy support and monetization potential. The trend feeds products like KraneShares' KWEB and Nasdaq-listed funds offering access to Tencent, Alibaba and Baidu, as investors chase geopolitical diversification, faster AI monetization, and the expansion of China's semiconductor ecosystem.

NASA safety panel urges earlier, clearer mishap declarations after Starliner incident

December 23, 2025, 2:46 AM EST. NASA's safety panel urged faster, formal mishap and close-call declarations after last year's Starliner mission. Led by retired Lt. Gen. Susan Helms, the group says independent investigations are a top safety best practice and should be triggered promptly to form the right teams. Member Mark Sirangelo stressed that earlier declarations speed investigations and improve results. The panel notes confusion within NASA when the thruster issues were not labeled a mishap, and it highlights divergent views among leaders during Starliner's testing. It calls for unambiguous language in deciding when events involving NASA personnel require a formal investigation, and for clearer criteria to protect crew and spacecraft safety going forward.

Tesla hits EU slump as BYD surges in the EV race

December 23, 2025, 2:44 AM EST. EU new car registrations rose 1.4% year-on-year in November, but volumes remain below pre-pandemic levels. The battery-electric market share stands at 16.9% for the year, with hybrid and plug-in hybrids gaining traction. Brussels' reversal on the 2035 combustion ban introduces flexibility as the industry pursues 2030 emission targets. In Europe, Tesla registrations fell 34.2% YoY in November, shrinking its EU market share to 1.4%, while BYD surged 221% to 21,133 units. Norway remains a bright spot, with Tesla Model Y sales up 34.6% year-to-date, helping the country set a full-year record. The broader EV market still grows, underscoring the scramble for dominance in the transition.

The Biggest AI Moments of 2025 That Reshaped Fashion and Shopping

December 23, 2025, 2:30 AM EST. 2025 saw fashion move from experiment to essential adopter of AI, with the rise of AI optimization (AIO) and a cottage industry of startups offering data analytics and personalization for brands. A new weekly AI Tracker keeps executives aligned with developments that could future-proof a label. Karen Harvey argues the smart CEO will balance AI adoption with human roles to drive innovation. The year's shopping revolution came when OpenAI, Google, and Perplexity pushed into shopping experiences: ChatGPT gained personalized recommendations, visual product details, and price comparisons, culminating in a ChatGPT-5 powered shopping research feature that creates tailored buyers' guides for logged-in users.

When the AI bubble bursts, will humans regain control?

December 23, 2025, 2:28 AM EST. An opinion piece arguing that the current AI boom is a fragile, multifaceted bubble fueled by hype and massive bets from OpenAI and tech giants (Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft). The analysis cautions that the monetary commitments resemble speculative value rather than cash, propping up the US economy through infrastructure funding and knowledge expansion. While some tout imminent general intelligence, the piece warns the surge could entrench a post-sapiens order and concentrate wealth and power in a few, with the many bearing the cost when the bubble bursts. It calls for sober policy, oversight, and a rebalanced tech future-suggesting that the public may gain real leverage only after the hype fades and the market resets. The stakes are global, not just Silicon Valley's.

Chromebooks and Android tablets converge as Gemini and Kompanio Ultra reshape 2025

December 23, 2025, 2:26 AM EST. Beyond the Alphabet surveys how Chromebooks and Android tablets are moving toward convergence in 2025. After a quieter first half, major shifts arrived with Lenovo's Chromebook Plus 14 and the Kompanio Ultra 910, an ARM chip that rivals traditional x86 performance while keeping stellar battery life. On-device Gemini integration quietly deepened, letting users edit images and perform AI tasks offline rather than routing everything to the cloud. Acer followed with the Chromebook Plus Spin 514, offering a convertible complement to Lenovo's laptop form. The year also spotlighted deeper software-tuning in ChromeOS and a broader push toward mobile hardware synergy, foreshadowing a future where Chromebooks and Android tablets blur lines through both hardware and software collaboration.

AI Debt Boom Pushes US Corporate Bond Sales Toward Record High

December 23, 2025, 2:12 AM EST. A wave of AI-related debt is propelling US corporate bond issuance toward new highs. Companies are tapping the debt markets to fund AI initiatives, data-center expansions, and product rollouts as investors seek tech exposure and relatively stable yields. Analysts say the surge reflects a broader shift in credit markets where AI-driven growth stories help issuers secure favorable terms, even in a cautious macro environment. While the momentum boosts financing options for AI spend, it also increases risk if demand cools or rates rise, underscoring the need for selective issuer and sector assessment.

A $10,000 Nvidia Investment 10 Years Ago Would Be Worth Over $2 Million Today

December 23, 2025, 1:54 AM EST. Looking back a decade, a buy-and-hold stance in Nvidia would have generated extraordinary returns. Starting with a $10,000 stake in Nvidia 10 years ago, a single investment would now be worth over $2.2 million, a gain of more than 22,000%. Nvidia has shifted from gaming GPUs to leading AI infrastructure, helping it break into the trillion-dollar club while outpacing the other six Magnificent Seven peers. If you believe AI spending will keep climbing, Nvidia remains a top pick for long-term investors. The piece notes AI optimism in the space, but it's Nvidia's execution and market leadership that turned a small initial position into a multimillion-dollar windfall.

AI in Games Sparks Controversy; 2026 Set for More Turmoil

December 23, 2025, 1:40 AM EST. An award controversy over generative AI usage in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is signaling a broader clash between creativity and automation in gaming. The Indie Game Awards rescinded Best Debut Game and Game of the Year after accusing the title of violating a strict AI stance, highlighting a growing backlash to AI-assisted development even as major publishers experiment with the tech. The year 2025 saw mass layoffs, AI placeholders, and promises from Krafton, Ubisoft, and Xbox that blurred the line between human and machine labor. Critics like Swen Vincke of Larian ignited the debate by describing how generative AI supports workflows, prompting a wider dialogue about workers' rights, education, and policy as the industry braces for a messier 2026.

NASA taps Jared 'Rook' Isaacman as 15th Administrator, sparking debate over SpaceX ties

December 23, 2025, 1:38 AM EST. NASA has named Jared 'Rook' Isaacman as its 15th Administrator, making him the youngest to lead the agency. An accomplished pilot, entrepreneur, and commander of the first all-civilian orbital mission, Isaacman comes with deep spaceflight experience and ties to SpaceX and Elon Musk. Critics warn that his close relationship with a private partner could influence government contracts and policy in favor of commercial ventures, even as NASA advances the Artemis II plan to return humans to the Moon. Isaacman insists the relationship is strictly business, while his leadership is set to shape missions, budgets, and partnerships as NASA pursues a renewed era of exploration and a push toward a lunar presence and future deep-space goals.

Huawei Watch GT 6 41mm Ice Blue variant launches with skiing modes and 14-day battery life

December 23, 2025, 1:26 AM EST. Huawei has added a fresh Ice Blue color to the Watch GT 6 41mm, expanding its 41mm lineup alongside Saddle Palm, Flowing Purple, and Phantom Black. The Ice Blue variant uses a ripple fluororubber strap and retains the stainless steel dial, narrow bezels, rotating crown, and right-side function button. Like its siblings, it features a 1.32-inch AMOLED display (466 x 466, 3000 nits peak) and loop-shaped flexible lugs for easy strap swaps. The smartwatch includes three new skiing modes with 20+ skiing data pages, a cycling assistant for endurance and cadence, and a Pro-style running data function showing left-right leg ground contact and vertical amplitude. TruSense Health System supports 12 emotional states and 100+ animated pets; price is 1488 yuan, release Jan 1, 2026, 7-14 day battery depending on usage.

5 Must-Have Apps to Install on Apple TV ASAP

December 23, 2025, 1:24 AM EST. Apple TV 4K delivers fluid performance and a growing app ecosystem. Among the five essential apps to install, Infuse stands out for turning your Apple TV into a personal media hub. Unlike typical players, Infuse organizes your local library with a streaming-service-like interface and can play videos from external storage. It also supports streaming from a MacBook, NAS, Windows PC, and cloud services such as OneDrive, Google Drive, and Dropbox. In addition to broad format support, Infuse adds HDR10+ and Dolby Vision playback, broadening compatibility with high-quality content. The article notes these apps are chosen for being free to download and backed by hands-on experience, aimed at elevating your Apple TV experience beyond the preinstalled lineup.

Nvidia Is the Stock to Buy Before Tesla in 2026

December 23, 2025, 1:06 AM EST. Investors are laser-focused on Tesla's robotaxi and AI bets, but the stock's high valuation hinges on rosy future cash flows rather than current earnings. While Tesla pushes for robotics and AI breakthroughs, its Q3 2025 margins slipped to 5.8%, highlighting earnings risk if growth slows. By contrast, Nvidia already monetizes AI via GPUs and software for data centers, generating strong cash flow and a clear growth path in AI infrastructure. Even as AMD and Broadcom compete and Alphabet explores custom chips and TPUs, Nvidia's balance sheet and ample FCF enable continued investment. The takeaway: Nvidia offers more realistic valuation and durable upside into 2026, making it the smarter pick ahead of Tesla.

Big Tech warns visa-holding employees to avoid international travel amid tightening U.S. immigration policy

December 23, 2025, 12:52 AM EST. Big Tech firms including Apple, Google, Microsoft and ServiceNow have warned visa-holding employees to avoid international travel amid tightening U.S. immigration policy. New screening measures and data collection have led U.S. consulates to reschedule visa stamping, with some appointments slipping into 2026. In an internal memo, Microsoft notes delays centered in India (cities like Chennai and Hyderabad), advising employees with valid authorization to return before their current stamp expires, and to reconsider travel for stamping. Apple also recommends avoiding travel for those without a valid H-1B stamp. ServiceNow issued a similar advisory. The changes affect H-1B, H-4, F, J and M visas, fueling concerns about talent recruitment and policy shifts.

Opinion: Tesla Autopilot feels markedly better on US roads than in Britain

December 23, 2025, 12:34 AM EST. An opinion piece by a self-described sceptic of autonomous driving who tests Tesla's Autopilot on two continents. In the UK, rough roads, glare, and busy traffic left Autopilot hesitant-token lane-centering, slow overtakes. In semi-rural Michigan on the Model 3 Performance, it feels more confident, takes initiative, even handling a tricky hotel route and parking. The author concedes the tech won't be perfect, warns against the AI hype cycle, but notes dramatic navigation improvements on US roads compared with Britain. The piece challenges readers to separate location-specific performance from general capability and keeps the debate alive about the near-term reality of self-driving features.

5 Essential Android Apps That Replace Clunky Gadgets

December 23, 2025, 12:20 AM EST. Smartphones are packed with sensors and powerful chips, enabling AI on-device and a new class of utility apps. This piece highlights Android apps that let you ditch bulky gadgets by leveraging your phone's hardware. For example, Light Meter – Lux Meter uses the ambient sensor to measure illuminance in lux or foot-candles, with configurable units, digital or analog displays, and offline operation. The app is free to download from Google Play and requires no internet. It notes calibration caveats. Another example is Sound Meter, a compact tool for measuring sound pressure levels in dB. Together with other sensor-based apps, these tools replace dedicated hardware for photographers, sound engineers, and improvised monitoring.

Anna's Archive Scrapes Spotify to Build a Fully Open Music Preservation Archive

December 23, 2025, 12:10 AM EST. Anna's Archive, a shadow-library project focused on media preservation, says it has scraped Spotify at scale to build a fully open music preservation archive. The group claims about 300 TB of data-roughly 86 million files-representing about 99.6% of Spotify's listens, though Spotify reportedly hosts around 256 million tracks. The effort emphasizes metadata and torrents instead of hosting copyrighted files directly, and it aims to protect humanity's musical heritage from disasters. Critics note the archive covers only a fraction of the catalog and may neglect less-popular songs, while questions remain about legality and access. The plan involves a torrents-only archive intended for preservation rather than distribution; the team has not disclosed how it will split or publish the data.

FCC Adds DJI to Security List, Blocks New Drones from US Market

December 23, 2025, 12:08 AM EST. The FCC has added foreign drone makers – notably DJI and Autel – to a national security Covered List, effectively blocking new drone models and critical components from receiving FCC authorization in the US. The rule is forward-looking: existing models in circulation can still be used, and retailers may continue selling models already approved. There's no retroactive recall or grounding. The move caps years of regulatory limbo and signals a policy decision rather than a company-by-company audit, based on a December 21, 2025 interagency determination that drones are now tools for surveillance, payload delivery, and networked systems. In short: new foreign-made drones face an import/authorization ban, dramatically narrowing the future US market for these brands.

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