Apple announced the launch of a new API called the “Advanced Commerce API,” aimed at enhancing in-app purchase capabilities on the App Store. This announcement was made on January 23, 2025, and seeks to provide developers with innovative methods to support large content catalogs, creator-driven experiences, and customizable subscription models.

Apple launches advanced commerce API for in-app purchases

The Advanced Commerce API addresses three primary use cases: apps that offer extensive libraries of one-time purchase content requiring frequent updates, apps providing access to creator-led content with one-time or renewable subscriptions, and subscription services that include optional add-ons as renewable purchases within a broader subscription framework. With this new API, developers can leverage Apple’s existing payment infrastructure, which includes end-to-end payment processing, tax compliance, and customer service integration.

Apple clarified the eligibility criteria for developers wishing to utilize the API in a new support document.

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This announcement reflects Apple’s efforts to refine its App Store policies amid scrutiny, especially from regulatory bodies in the European Union. The introduction of the Advanced Commerce API is in part a response to challenges faced by apps with unconventional monetization models, such as Patreon. In 2022, Apple mandated that Patreon adopt the App Store’s billing system for in-app purchases.

Apple stated, “The App Store facilitates billions of transactions annually to help developers grow their businesses and provide a world-class customer experience. To further support developers’ evolving business models — such as exceptionally large content catalogs, creator experiences, and subscriptions with optional add-ons — we’re introducing the Advanced Commerce API.”

Developers can apply to use this API to more flexibly manage their in-app purchases within their apps, utilizing the trusted App Store commerce system.

Featured image credit: Apple

Leaks surrounding the PlayStation 6 indicate that its chipset design is nearing completion, with initial test production expected to start later this year, paving the way for a potential release in 2027.

PlayStation 6 chipset design nearing completion for 2027 release

KeplerL2, a reliable leaker, reported that while the PlayStation 6 chipset’s design is ready for fabrication, it is likely to undergo several iterations before entering final production. Historically, Sony has launched new consoles approximately two years after reaching this design stage, which supports the 2027 release date assumption.

The timing aligns with Sony’s typical release cycle, where consoles have been spaced out by about seven years: the PS3 debuted in 2006, the PS4 in 2013, and the PS5 in 2020. The current supply chain issues faced by the PS5, however, might make it feel newer than it is, especially as significant game releases have been lacking.

The PlayStation 6 chipset will reportedly be in collaboration with AMD, utilizing AMD’s Zen 6 architecture, which is projected to launch for personal computers in 2026 using TSMC’s 3nm and 2nm processes. The existing PS5 is based on a custom 7nm AMD Zen 2 CPU.

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Further details from the leak suggest that the GPU will be an early version of gfx13, originally intended as AMD’s RDNA 5, which was later abandoned in favor of a unified UDNA technology designed for both gaming and datacenter applications. This optimized fork is expected to focus solely on gaming performance.

If these details hold true, the PlayStation 6 would be a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the PS5. Meanwhile, there is anticipation around the next-generation Xbox console, which Microsoft hinted could launch in 2028, concurrent with the expected release of future PlayStation devices. Additionally, rumors suggest Sony may be developing a new handheld console, potentially reviving the concept of portable PlayStations since the launch of the PlayStation Vita in 2012.

Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/Ideogram

Google has introduced a new security feature called Identity Check for supported Android devices, designed to lock sensitive settings behind biometric authentication when users are outside of trusted locations.

Google introduces identity check to enhance Android security

When activated, Identity Check mandates explicit biometric authentication for specific actions when the device is not in an approved area. These actions include:

• Accessing saved passwords and passkeys with Google Password Manager
• Autofilling passwords in apps from Google Password Manager, except in Chrome
• Changing screen lock options, such as PIN, pattern, and password
• Altering biometrics like Fingerprint or Face Unlock
• Running a factory reset
• Turning off Find My Device
• Disabling any theft protection features
• Viewing trusted places
• Turning off Identity Check
• Setting up a new device with the current one
• Adding or removing a Google Account
• Accessing Developer options

Identity Check also enhances the protection of Google Accounts, thwarting unauthorized access to any Google Account signed in on the device.

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This feature is currently available exclusively for Google Pixel phones running Android 15 and select Samsung Galaxy devices operating on One UI 7. Users can enable it by navigating to Settings > Google > All services > Theft protection > Identity Check.

This announcement aligns with Google’s ongoing strategy to bolster device security against theft, which also includes features like Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, and Remote Lock. Recently, Google announced the global rollout of its AI-powered Theft Detection Lock to all Android devices running Android 10 and later.

Furthermore, Google is collaborating with the GSMA and industry experts to combat mobile device theft, sharing information and tools for prevention.

In a related development, Google launched the Chrome Web Store for Enterprises, allowing organizations to curate a list of extensions that can be safely installed on employees’ browsers, minimizing the risk of users installing harmful or unverified add-ons.

Recently, a spear-phishing campaign targeted Chrome extension developers, leading to the insertion of malicious code intended to harvest sensitive data, including API keys and session cookies from significant platforms like ChatGPT and Facebook for Business. This supply chain attack has reportedly been active since December 2024, according to analysis from French cybersecurity firm Sekoia.

Sekoia described the threat actor as persistent, noting that by late November 2024, the attacker shifted tactics from distributing their own malicious Chrome extensions via fake websites to compromising legitimate extensions through phishing emails, malicious OAuth applications, and code injections into already compromised extensions.

Featured image credit: Google

Vince Holding Corp. ($VNCE) saw its stock rocket 65.96% on January 23, 2025, closing at $3.90, as investors cheered the announcement of P180’s majority acquisition of the company. Pre-market trading shows a slight dip of 1.79%, with shares at $3.83. The acquisition also brought a significant $27 million reduction in secondary debt, leaving the company with a manageable balance of $7.5 million.

Vince Holding stock rises 66% after P180 acquisition announcement

Brendan Hoffman’s expected return as CEO by February 3, 2025, further fueled investor optimism. Hoffman, who previously served as CEO for five years, is seen as a driver of innovation and growth. This leadership shift, alongside P180’s operational expertise and digital focus, positions Vince Holding for a revitalized future in luxury fashion. P180’s track record, including strategic investments in Altuzarra and elysewalker, reinforces its commitment to premium retail growth.

The market’s enthusiasm reflects confidence in Vince’s new trajectory. With healthier financials and a promising full-price business model, investors see potential in the brand’s transformation. P180’s control over 65% of Vince’s shares and its innovative monetization platform, CaaStle, are expected to accelerate profitability and multi-channel capabilities.

For investors, Vince Holding’s bold restructuring is a promising turn. The combination of strategic debt reduction, experienced leadership, and P180’s backing signals potential for long-term gains.

Yes, the 65.96% stock surge and the positive impact of the acquisition could lead to immediate gains. The acquisition’s reduction of secondary debt and the return of Brendan Hoffman as CEO both contribute to market optimism. Investors looking for a short-term opportunity could capitalize on the current enthusiasm, though the slight pre-market dip signals potential volatility, so careful monitoring is recommended.

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With P180’s backing and its track record of strategic investments in luxury retail, Vince Holding has the foundation to thrive in the long run. However, it remains essential to observe how the leadership transition under Hoffman plays out and whether operational changes lead to solid financial results. Investors looking for long-term value might want to wait until the company proves the effectiveness of its restructuring.

While the stock is currently buoyed by positive news, the market’s optimism might be short-lived if Vince’s financial restructuring and leadership changes fail to produce results. The dip in pre-market trading could indicate potential market skepticism, especially considering the uncertainty surrounding early operational adjustments. Investors with a lower risk tolerance may want to stay cautious until more concrete evidence of success emerges.

For investors seeking exposure to the luxury retail sector, Vince Holding, with its revamped leadership and new operational strategies, could be an intriguing play. The substantial reduction in secondary debt ($27 million) strengthens Vince Holding’s balance sheet, positioning it for financial stability. For those focused on improving corporate health, this restructuring could enhance the company’s ability to reinvest in growth and profitability, making Vince a promising opportunity, provided the debt reduction leads to better cash flow management.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. We do not endorse any specific investment strategies or make recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of any securities.

Featured image credit: Vince

President Trump expressed a desire for lower interest rates during a virtual address to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, stating, “I’ll demand that interest rates drop immediately,” and suggesting that rates should decrease globally as well.

Trump calls for immediate interest rate cuts at Davos

Trump indicated that he would like to see interest rates drop significantly, attributing potential lower inflation to falling oil prices. He mentioned an intention to communicate a strong statement to the Federal Reserve regarding rate reductions and said he would consider discussing this with Fed Chair Jerome Powell at an appropriate time.

Short-term interest rates are determined by the Federal Reserve (FED), which conducts policy meetings eight times a year where members vote on rate adjustments to maintain stable prices and maximum employment. The committee includes seven members appointed by the president and 12 reserve bank presidents; however, there are no upcoming vacancies for the next 12 months, and Powell’s term extends until May 2026. Speculation had circulated about Trump attempting to replace Powell, but he confirmed last month he would not pursue that course.

Despite potential appointees favoring rate cuts, the impact on consumer borrowing costs remains uncertain if global investors perceive that these officials would not effectively manage inflation. The Fed primarily controls short-term rates, while the interest rates that affect consumers most, such as for car loans and mortgages, are influenced by global bond markets. These markets react to various factors, including inflation, economic growth, and government debt issuance.

Should bond investors foresee a reduction in budget deficits, they might anticipate lower rates in the future, subsequently lowering mortgage and car loan rates. While Trump can influence the prospective outlook on deficits and growth through indirect means, the most effective way to lower rates may stem from decreasing the budget deficit, controlling inflation, and appointing credible Fed governors.

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Market reactions to Trump’s comments

The dollar index dropped 0.7% to a one-month low after Trump’s comments, which included a potential easing of tariffs on China. The euro appreciated by 0.8% to $1.05, while the British pound increased by 0.7% to $1.243.

Investment managers suggest the Federal Reserve will face substantial pressure from the Trump administration throughout the year. Olivier De Larouzière, chief investment officer for global fixed income at BNP Paribas Asset Management, remarked that there are “good reasons” for investors to consider rate increases by 2026, emphasizing that the market would closely observe Fed communications in response to Trump’s statements.

Following Trump’s comments, U.S. Treasury yields declined, with the 10-year Treasury yield falling by 1 basis point to 4.632% and the 2-year Treasury yield decreasing by nearly 2 basis points to 4.268%. Investors anticipate additional economic data releases, including the S&P Global Composite PMI Flash and existing home sales numbers.

BlackRock CEO Larry Fink indicated that Trump’s initiatives to inject capital into the private sector could spur new inflationary pressures, alerting to the potential for increased interest rates as a consequence. Fink suggested the 10-year Treasury yield could reach 5.5% if inflation is reignited.

Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/Midjourney

Meet Nataliya, an AI consultant who combines academic background with practical industry experience. A principal data scientist with international experience and former lecturer in Machine Learning, Nataliya has led AI initiatives in the manufacturing, retail, and public sectors.

In this interview, she discusses how her background and real-world experience shape her approach to AI projects. We will shed light on AI’s opportunities and responsibilities and share practical thoughts on where AI is headed next.

Nataliya, thank you for joining us. Could you start by telling us a bit about your background and what initially led you into AI?

Of course! I’ve always enjoyed math and problem-solving. When I was studying math and computer science, I discovered machine learning and found it fascinating—it let me combine theory with practical problem-solving in all kinds of industries. After working on a few projects, I realized that data-driven approaches could really transform businesses, so I decided to focus on machine learning in both academia and industry.

You currently serve as a principal AI consultant. What does that role entail on a day-to-day basis?

It’s a blend of strategy and hands-on work. First, I help organizations figure out where AI can really make a difference, whether that’s optimizing supply chains or personalizing customer experiences. Then I lead data science projects—designing models, laying out data pipelines, and making sure everything is tested thoroughly. It’s not just about fancy algorithms; it’s about solving real problems and making sure the solutions last.

Speaking of technical solutions, which technologies do AI practitioners typically rely on, especially when building solutions for businesses?

Cloud platforms are usually a big go-to because they take care of many of the basics—storage, compute power, experiment tracking, etc. That means we can build and test prototypes faster, manage deployments more smoothly, and scale up when needed. They also have built-in monitoring and versioning, making tracking how the models evolve more straightforward. Of course, there are times when data privacy rules or very specialized needs mean we can’t just rely on the cloud, so we adapt to those cases.

You’re also recognized as a Google Cloud Champion Innovator. How does that tie into your approach to cloud-based AI solutions?

The recognition highlights a strong technical aptitude with Google Cloud products and a commitment to sharing knowledge with the community. It’s a wonderful validation of my work and a chance to stay connected with a vibrant community of cloud professionals. It also lets me collaborate directly with Google’s teams, keeping me at the forefront of new features and best practices, ultimately benefiting the clients I consult.

Generative AI has been quite a hot topic. Why do you believe it’s so transformative?

For me, generative AI stands out because of its accessibility and quick impact—almost anyone can try out a large language model and see immediate results. That tangibility makes the technology feel powerful and valuable. Beyond that, we’ve dramatically expanded the range of activities where generative AI can play a role. It’s no longer just about generating text; it can create images, write code, and more. The challenge is to use it responsibly and align it with real-world needs rather than just hype.

You mentioned your experience as a machine learning lecturer at Kharkiv National University. How did teaching shape your approach to AI in industry?

Teaching was incredibly valuable. It forced me to break down complex concepts into simpler terms, which really helps when explaining AI to clients or colleagues who don’t have a technical background. It also gave me a stronger appreciation for the foundational theory, which I think leads to better, more robust solutions in the long run.

How do you see AI making a lasting impact in education?

I’m really excited about AI’s potential to personalize learning and predict where students might need extra help. It can help keep learners engaged and on track. At the same time, we must be careful, especially with younger students, to ensure AI tools are used responsibly and don’t become distractions. Balancing innovation with accountability is key.

From your experience, what are the significant challenges in AI development, and how do you address them?

The first challenge is avoiding the “shiny object syndrome”—not every cool new AI technique actually solves a real business problem. You have to stay focused on clear objectives and measurable results. Another big one is navigating the legal and ethical side: making sure outputs are accurate, fair, and compliant. And of course, data can be a challenge—finding the right data, cleaning it, and ensuring it’s high-quality. To tackle these, I plan projects carefully, involve domain and legal experts, and test models thoroughly before rolling them out widely.

Finally, do you have any advice for aspiring AI professionals who want to follow a path similar to yours?

I’m a big advocate for diving deep into the technical details, but AI is such a broad field now that there’s no single path. Get hands-on experience—it’s a good way to learn. Pick an area that interests you, whether it’s computer vision or large language models, and start experimenting with real datasets. Focus on what excites you, learn the core theory, and build as many small, practical projects as you can. Don’t be afraid to fail a few times; that’s usually when you learn the most. Also, keep an eye on new frameworks and techniques—things change fast, and staying adaptable is huge.

Featured image credit: Matt Botsford/Unsplash

In December 2024, the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) entered into force in Europe, marking the beginning of the transition period for organizations and businesses to adapt to the new cybersecurity requirements. This regulatory document aims to enhance quality and security standards by requiring manufacturers and retailers to support and update digital components throughout the lifecycle of their products. The CRA covers both hardware and software, affecting not only EU manufacturers but importers, so the US companies that operate or sell their products in EU countries will be affected, too. The legislation will profoundly impact several market segments, such as Internet of Things products. While companies have until 2027, when compliance obligations become mandatory, the CRA marks an important step in recognizing the importance of cybersecurity for a great range of products and creating structures that will protect the interests of the end customers. Anton Snitavets, a Lead Information Security Engineer at Doumo, a Senior member of IEEE, a fellow member of the Hackathon Raptors community, and a Certified Information Security Systems Professional, explains what the modern approach to cybersecurity entails and what factors businesses should take into account to protect their customers and themselves.

The shift towards an integrated approach

Anton Snitavets points out that cybersecurity has become an integral part of their operations for more businesses, not just some protective measures or security rules imposed on existing processes. This is particularly true for companies that specialize in software development. Anton encountered a similar issue in 2017 when he started working at Aras Corp as a DevSecOps Engineer. To improve the software development process, he implemented the Secure Software Development Lifecycle (SSDLC), which made the software development process significantly more secure by adding new means of detecting and eliminating cybersecurity risks before they lead to negative consequences. He integrated the existing software solutions along with the custom ones he developed himself, making the software development process more productive and reliable. Specifically, he improved the process of developing updates for the Aras Innovator Software, an engineering product management solution used by Aras customers, with major engineering companies such as General Motors and Airbus among them.  As a result, within 3.5 years, he significantly increased product quality, eliminated multiple vulnerabilities in the software, and increased its stability and security, which is especially important for a software solution used for complex engineering tasks. After joining Doumo recently, he is implementing similar approaches as a Lead Information Security Engineer, working on integrating the SSDLC with cloud infrastructure.

“The fact that more companies, similar to the two mentioned above, focus significant effort on making the development processes more secure highlights that for security measures to be efficient, they need to become an integral part of the software development cycle,” he comments. “The companies that have not already implemented this approach will need to learn to apply it throughout the development lifecycle.”

Developing tailored solutions

This shift towards a more integral approach to information security leads to another significant change. Businesses must develop tailored solutions that answer their needs precisely instead of relying on readily created ones. “Ready-made solutions do not often cover all cases and scenarios, leaving out specific vulnerabilities unprotected or, conversely, wasting company resources on measures that aren’t necessary in a particular case,” explains Anton Snitavets. “This is why companies need solutions that account for the specifics of their operations and related common risks.” His experience provides enough examples of why developing tailored solutions and accounting for specific situations and threats is essential, as it improves the development process and makes the product more secure for the end user. At Aras Corp, he developed and implemented a solution for code analysis that allowed developers to detect vulnerabilities such as SQL injections and path traversal risks in the product code, as well as vulnerabilities specific to a particular product. After the analyzer was implemented, several dozen vulnerabilities were detected and fixed. In addition, implementing the analyzer made the product safer and secure for end users to develop custom solutions, enabling them to detect and resolve potential risks in the early stages of development.

Anton Snitavets mentions one more critical concept companies will have to adopt: they will have to focus on preventing threats and acting proactively instead of focusing solely on protecting themselves from known threats and responding to breaches that have already happened. To achieve this goal, a flexible system of analysis and reporting is required, which will allow the company to monitor the current state of the infrastructure, predict and detect potential risks, and eliminate them before they cause any losses. This is the type of work Anton Snitavets conducted at Jabil Inc., where he worked as a Cloud Security Engineer from 2022. To improve the security compliance posture in the company, he developed an original reporting framework to promptly get informed about the security state of the cloud resources. To do so, he adapted existing security standards. He integrated a software solution to aggregate data about the state of the cloud information that had a crucial role in company operations, helping to keep its security compliance rating at the highest possible level.

The necessity of continuous learning

It is important to add that technology is constantly moving forward, and along with new protective measures, new threats emerge. “While cybersecurity professionals develop new, more robust, and resilient ways to protect data and ensure the stable operations of the digital infrastructure, malicious actors find new attack vectors, trying to use emerging technology to their advantage,” explains Anton Snitavets. This is why it is necessary for a cybersecurity professional to learn continuously, both in theory and practice, exploring new methods and solutions and finding efficient ways to apply them to the tasks at hand.

Throughout his career, Anton Snitavets has followed this principle. Even while studying, he started working as a software developer, gaining experience that provided a solid foundation for his future career. He then worked continuously on acquiring professional certifications, including the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), which is considered one of the most challenging cybersecurity certifications to obtain.

“It is important to combine acquiring formal certifications, which prove the professional skills of the individual, with a constant exploration of emerging technologies and putting newly acquired knowledge into practice,” explains Anton Snitavets. “Becoming a cybersecurity expert requires high dedication and discipline because the cost of mistakes can be significant.

One must constantly move forward and act proactively to implement efficient information security processes. New regulatory measures like CRA will push companies to adopt better security practices. However, even before becoming mandatory, companies must advance their approach to cyber security to protect themselves and their clients against emerging threats. “

Tesla has announced that its redesigned Model Y SUV will arrive in North America, including the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, in March with a starting price of $59,990.

Tesla’s redesigned Model Y SUV to launch in North America

The updated Model Y’s global launch coincides with its upcoming release in China and other Asian markets, marking a shift from Tesla’s previous strategy that saw staggered launches for different regions. This launch follows the rollout of the refreshed Model 3 sedan at the end of 2023 and its subsequent North American availability in early 2024.

This new Model Y is introduced during a critical period for Tesla, as the company delivered fewer vehicles in 2024 compared to 2023. Tesla has informed investors that it is in a transitional phase between two significant growth waves. CEO Elon Musk indicated that the company plans to introduce new models based on existing production lines, potentially at a lower price point than current offerings, which start in the low $40,000 range.

The upcoming Model Y, referred to as the “Launch Series,” features a 320-mile range battery and includes Tesla’s advanced driver-assistance software known as “Full Self-Driving (Supervised),” which is typically an $8,000 option. In contrast, the previous Model Y variant starts at $44,990 and offers a 337-mile rear-wheel drive option.

Significant changes to the exterior design of the Model Y include a new, streamlined front fascia with a cinched nose and a light bar across the hood. The rear features an enhanced light strip that spans its full width. Inside, the updated SUV boasts a configurable light strip, a new rear-passenger touchscreen, powered rear seats, and improved suspension.

Nike’s launch of the Model Y Juniper version offers additional features such as ventilated seats, reclining second-row seats, and faster Wi-Fi connectivity. Orders for the new variant commenced for customers in Canada and Europe, following its availability in China.

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Tesla’s automotive division is under increasing pressure due to rising competition in the EV market. Executives plan to provide insights into Tesla’s fourth-quarter and year-end results on an earnings call. The company’s last new model, the Cybertruck, began deliveries at the end of 2023 and became the best-selling electric truck in the U.S. in 2024. However, it did not significantly bolster Tesla’s overall sales, which experienced a decline for the first time during the same year.

In the backdrop of these developments, Musk’s involvement in financing President Trump’s 2024 campaign has brought additional scrutiny, especially after Trump signed an order that may repeal the federal electric vehicle tax credit, which Tesla has historically benefited from. Such a repeal could negatively affect Tesla’s competitors in the electric vehicle market, according to analysts.

Prior to this Model Y release, research indicated that Musk’s political rhetoric and the aging vehicle lineup contributed to a decline in Tesla’s reputation.

Images: Tesla

Nvidia has launched the RTX 5090, claiming it to be the fastest consumer GPU available, with a price set at $2,000. This release is the first instance where Nvidia has created a $1,000 price gap between its 80 and 90 class cards, making the RTX 5090 significantly more expensive than the RTX 5080, which is priced at $999.

Nvidia RTX 5090: 32GB VRAM, AI power, and a $2,000 price tag

For gamers, the RTX 5090 may seem exorbitant, as $2,000 could typically buy a complete high-performance 4K gaming setup. However, a few scenarios may justify the investment in the RTX 5090. It offers a remarkable upgrade for those seeking superior performance over the RTX 4090, which retails for around $1,600 to $2,500. While the $549 RTX 5070 is suggested to offer performance comparable to the RTX 4090, serious gamers who already possess the RTX 4090 may feel compelled to upgrade to the RTX 5090 for its advanced capabilities.

The RTX 5090 is noted for its significant performance improvements compared to its predecessor, the RTX 4090, which itself had a substantial advantage over the RTX 3090. Reviews indicate that creators have noted the RTX 5090’s exceptional speed, solidifying its appeal to enthusiasts willing to pay for top-tier performance.

A substantial factor for some consumers is the VRAM. The RTX 5090 features 32GB of VRAM, twice that of the RTX 5080, which may be crucial for users who can’t afford to experience VRAM limitations. Nvidia has faced criticism for the VRAM capacities in its other cards, particularly as the RTX 5080 retains the same VRAM as the previous-gen RTX 4080 Super and the RTX 5070 Ti.

The RTX 5090 is also marketed as a resourceful option for professionals involved in AI computing. Nvidia has placed substantial emphasis on AI capabilities, highlighting the increased AI TOPS of each card during its CES presentation. Professionals seeking a high-performing AI accelerator may find the RTX 5090 an appealing option due to its improved specifications over the RTX 4090, which currently costs over $2,000.

However, the RTX 5000 series has received criticism regarding its pricing and advertised performance gains. Nvidia claims the RTX 5070 can perform at RTX 4090 levels, but this assertion rests heavily on the effectiveness of DLSS 4 and Multi Frame Generation, features that may not deliver the anticipated user experience.

Additionally, there are concerns that the price of the RTX 5000 series may not provide a competitive edge over older or forthcoming GPUs, particularly with AMD’s RDNA 4 architecture expected to launch soon, which may offer better alternatives at similar price points. Some believe it is possible to secure a last-generation GPU for an adequate gaming experience, especially as prices drop among the RTX 4000 series.

Furthermore, many features from the RTX 5000 series, including new DLSS capabilities, are expected to be backported to the RTX 4000 and even RTX 2000 series. This potential availability of advanced features on older models might dissuade consumers from investing in the expensive RTX 5000 series unless they require the unique performance enhancements that come with it.

Statistical data shows that the majority of gamers do not prioritize 4K gaming, with only 4.21% using 4K as their primary resolution. Most gamers are still utilizing 1080p screens, suggesting a limited market for high-end 4K gaming performance.

Should you buy an Nvidia RTX 5090?

For general consumers: Maybe. The Nvidia RTX 5090 offers exceptional performance but at a high price. For most consumers, there are other GPUs available that provide good value without such a steep price tag.

For gamers: Maybe. If you’re gaming at 4K or aiming for the best possible performance, the RTX 5090 could be worth the investment. However, for most gamers, especially those playing at lower resolutions like 1080p, the RTX 5090 may be overkill.

For professionals (AI/computing): Yes. If you’re working with AI or need top-tier computing performance, the RTX 5090 is a strong choice, offering significant upgrades over the RTX 4090, particularly with its improved AI capabilities and 32GB of VRAM.

For enthusiasts: Yes. For those seeking cutting-edge technology and future-proofing their setup, the RTX 5090 offers immense power and performance improvements that will keep your system ahead of the curve.

For budget-conscious buyers: No. If you’re looking for good performance without breaking the bank, there are more affordable options like the RTX 5070 or RTX 4090 that offer excellent performance at a lower price.

For tech analysts: Maybe. The RTX 5090 brings strong performance improvements, but the price may not be justified for everyone, particularly considering the effectiveness of DLSS and other features that could be available on older models.

For those upgrading from RTX 4090: Maybe. If you’re already using the RTX 4090, the RTX 5090 may not provide a huge leap unless you need the advanced features and VRAM for very demanding tasks like high-end AI work or 4K gaming at ultra settings.

Featured image credit: Nvidia

Samsung has announced that its Galaxy S25 series will no longer include the Samsung Messages app, marking the discontinuation of a messaging service that had been a staple on its smartphones.

Samsung switches to Google Messages

The Galaxy S25 devices will ship exclusively with Google Messages pre-installed, a shift from previous models that included both Samsung Messages and Google Messages. The tech giant has been progressively sidelining its own messaging app since it began integrating Google Messages into its devices in 2021, starting with the Galaxy S21 series.

Samsung has indicated that the move to Google Messages is part of a broader strategy that embraces Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging, which enhances user experience for Android-to-Android messaging and across platforms. This transition aligns with Apple’s recent adoption of the same standard.

Samsung’s decision to sunset Samsung Messages follows its current-generation foldable devices, which had already replaced Samsung Messages with Google Messages. Samsung stated, “With the close collaboration between Google and Samsung, we have opted to migrate all services to Google Messages and are sunsetting Samsung Messages.” The statement further clarified that the Samsung Messages app is no longer available in the Google Play Store, although users who have it installed can continue to utilize the app.

What Samsung’s Galaxy S25 AI platform means for you

Although Samsung Messages has been available for download on Samsung devices from the Galaxy Store, there is uncertainty regarding whether it will receive future updates or features. New users of the Galaxy S25 will only have access to Google Messages, consolidating the messaging experience.

Notably, Samsung previously announced in July 2024 its plans to make Google Messages the default messaging app on new devices. This decision was apparent with the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6, which featured Google Messages as the primary option, while still retaining Samsung Messages for switching purposes.

The removal of Samsung Messages may impact users accustomed to particular features unique to the stock app, such as user-created chat folders and advanced message organization.

How to download and install Samsung Messages?

The Samsung Messages app will no longer come pre-installed on the Galaxy S25 series, as Samsung fully transitions to Google Messages. However, users who prefer Samsung Messages should still be able to download and install it from the Galaxy Store:

• If you prefer using Samsung Messages on your Galaxy S25, you can still download and install it manually.
• Open the Galaxy Store app on your Galaxy S25.
• Use the search bar to find the Samsung Messages app.
• Tap on the app and select Install to download it onto your device.
• Go to your phone’s Settings app.
• Scroll down and tap on Apps or Default apps (varies by device).
• Look for the Default apps section and select Messaging app.
• From the list of available apps, select Samsung Messages as your default option.
• Ensure Samsung Messages has the necessary permissions for messaging, notifications, and contacts.
• Manually back up your messages if possible and import them into Samsung Messages.
• Send a few messages to verify that it works as expected and that notifications appear correctly.

Featured image credit: Samsung

Hugging Face has released two new AI models, SmolVLM-256M and SmolVLM-500M, claiming they are the smallest of their kind capable of analyzing images, videos, and text on devices with limited RAM, such as laptops.

Hugging Face launches compact AI models for image and text analysis

A Small Language Model (SLM) is a neural network designed to produce natural language text. The descriptor “small” applies not only to the physical dimensions of the model but also to its parameter count, neural structure, and the data volume used during training.

SmolVLM-256M and SmolVLM-500M consist of 256 million parameters and 500 million parameters, respectively. These models can perform various tasks, including describing images and video clips, as well as answering questions about PDFs and their contents, such as scanned text and charts.

Sam Altman to brief officials on ‘PhD-level’ super AI

To train these models, Hugging Face utilized The Cauldron, a curated collection of 50 high-quality image and text datasets, alongside Docmatix, a dataset comprising file scans with detailed captions. Both datasets were created by Hugging Face’s M4 team, focused on multimodal AI technologies.

The team asserts that SmolVLM-256M and SmolVLM-500M outperform a significantly larger model, Idefics 80B, in benchmarks such as AI2D, which assesses models’ abilities to analyze grade-school-level science diagrams. The new models are available for web access and download under an Apache 2.0 license, which allows unrestricted use.

Despite their versatility and cost-effectiveness, smaller models like SmolVLM-256M and SmolVLM-500M may exhibit limitations not observed in larger models. A study from Google DeepMind, Microsoft Research, and the Mila research institute highlighted that smaller models often perform suboptimally on complex reasoning tasks, potentially due to their tendency to recognize surface-level patterns rather than applying knowledge in novel contexts.

Hugging Face’s SmolVLM-256M model operates with less than one gigabyte of GPU memory and outperforms the Idefics 80B model, a system 300 times larger, achieving this reduction and enhancement within 17 months. Andrés Marafioti, a machine learning research engineer at Hugging Face, noted that this achievement reflects a significant breakthrough in vision-language models.

The introduction of these models is timely for enterprises facing high computing costs associated with AI implementations. The SmolVLM models are capable of processing images and understanding visual content at unprecedented speeds for models of their size. The 256M version can process 16 examples per second while consuming only 15GB of RAM with a batch size of 64, leading to considerable cost savings for businesses handling large volumes of visual data.

IBM has formed a partnership with Hugging Face to incorporate the 256M model into its document processing software, Docling. As Marafioti explained, even organizations with substantial computing resources can benefit from using smaller models to efficiently process millions of documents at reduced costs.

Hugging Face achieved size reductions while maintaining performance through advancements in both vision processing and language components, including a switch from a 400M parameter vision encoder to a 93M parameter version and the use of aggressive token compression techniques. This efficiency opens new possibilities for startups and smaller enterprises, enabling them to develop sophisticated computer vision products more rapidly and reduce their infrastructure costs.

The SmolVLM models enhance capabilities beyond cost savings, facilitating new applications like advanced document search through an algorithm named ColiPali, which creates searchable databases from document archives. According to Marafioti, these models nearly match the performance of models 10 times their size while significantly increasing the speed of database creation and search, making enterprise-wide visual search feasible for various businesses.

The SmolVLM models challenge the conventional belief that larger models are necessary for advanced vision-language tasks, with the 500M parameter version achieving 90% of the performance of a 2.2B parameter counterpart on key benchmarks. Marafioti highlighted that this development demonstrates the usefulness of smaller models, suggesting that they can play a crucial role for businesses.

Featured image credit: Hugging Face

Ford Motor Co. is recalling 272,827 Broncos and Mavericks due to a power problem related to internal defects in 12-volt batteries that can lead to vehicles stalling unexpectedly or failing to start.

Ford recalls 272,827 Broncos and Mavericks over battery defects

The National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that the affected batteries, manufactured by Camel Battery of China, have internal manufacturing defects, including weld failures that can create open circuits. The recall includes vehicles produced between February 2021 and October 2023, when Ford discontinued the use of these specific batteries. It is estimated that the defects affect only 1% of the vehicles equipped with the impacted batteries.

As of November 20, 2024, Ford has not received any reports of accidents, fires, or injuries caused by this issue, although the NHTSA cautioned that the potential for a crash could be increased due to the battery problems. The automaker first learned of the issue in September 2024 following an informal inquiry from NHTSA’s Office of Defect Investigation, which connected the problem to 19 reports of vehicles losing power.

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The NHTSA indicated that previous recalls involving the 2021-2023 Ford Bronco Sport SUVs and 2022-2023 Ford Maverick pickups also reported issues with loss of power, including the failure to activate hazard lights. The recall remedy in those cases involved software updates designed to enhance detection of battery problems and provide warnings to drivers.

Owners of the recalled vehicles will be notified by mail and instructed to report to a Ford or Lincoln dealer for inspection of the batteries. If a vehicle is found not to have a Ford Absorbed Glass Mat 12V battery, one will be installed at no cost. Vehicle owners who have already addressed the battery issue prior to the recall may be eligible for reimbursement under NHTSA’s recall reimbursement plan.

Featured image credit: Ford

Stock futures edged lower in overnight trading Thursday after the S&P 500 hit a record closing high following President Donald Trump’s call for immediate interest rate reductions and a decrease in crude prices.

Stock futures dip following new S&P 500 record high

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 were marginally lower, while Nasdaq 100 futures inched down around 0.15%. The S&P 500 notched its first record close since December 6, closing at 6,118.71, surpassing its previous all-time high of 6,090.27.

Stocks received a boost after Trump stated he would “demand that interest rates drop immediately” during his virtual address to world leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. He also mentioned intentions to ask Saudi Arabia and other OPEC nations to lower oil prices. Adam Crisafulli, founder of Vital Knowledge, remarked that “Trump’s Davos speech contained some ostensibly positive lines…but there was very little either incremental or within his control.”

Optimism surrounding Trump’s pro-business policies has driven risk assets higher this week, with the Dow and S&P 500 gaining 2.5% and 2%, respectively, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite rose about 2.2%. Investors are closely monitoring the 10-year Treasury yield, which has been rising due to strong corporate earnings. BlackRock CEO Larry Fink noted that Trump’s efforts to unleash private sector capital could increase inflationary pressures and lead to a retest of the 5% level for the 10-year rate.

In related financial developments, the Bank of Japan raised rates by 25 basis points to 0.5%, the highest level since 2008. Following this decision, the Japanese yen strengthened against the U.S. dollar, reaching 155.3 as of 1:30 p.m. Singapore time. Core inflation in Japan rose to a 16-month high of 3% in December, aligned with expectations from a Reuters poll.

Trump’s speech included a remark that he “likes Xi very much,” referring to Chinese President Xi Jinping. He suggested collaborating with Xi to end the war in Ukraine. Additionally, a survey released by the American Chamber of Commerce in China indicated that 30% of U.S. companies in China are speeding up their plans to relocate manufacturing or sourcing, the highest proportion since 2022.

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Trump also signed an executive order aimed at promoting cryptocurrency in the U.S., which focuses on establishing technology and regulations around crypto. A significant aspect includes creating a working group to evaluate a national digital asset stockpile.

Boeing projected a significant loss of approximately $4 billion for the fourth quarter, equating to a loss of $5.46 per share, with anticipated revenue of $15.2 billion, falling short of estimates. The company has not reported an annual profit since 2018, concluding 2024 with a midair incident and facing a debilitating labor strike and layoffs.

During discussions of European market conditions at Davos, Larry Fink described pervasive pessimism but suggested that the situation might be “near a bottom.”

The S&P 500’s increase of 0.53% on Thursday contributed to its record closing high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.92%, and the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.22%, marking the fourth consecutive positive session for all three indexes. Following Trump’s comments on oil prices and interest rates, the 2-year Treasury yield, which is sensitive to short-term interest rates, edged lower.

Next week, the U.S. Federal Reserve is set to meet, although the likelihood of a rate cut is minimal, per CMEGroup’s FedWatch Tool. However, it is anticipated that remarks from Chair Jerome Powell during his press conference may introduce market volatility.

Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/Midjourney

Shares of Nikola Corporation closed down 27.8% on Thursday after reports indicated the electric truck manufacturer is considering selling parts or the entirety of its business. The stock closed at 85 cents per share, having reached a new 52-week low of 76 cents earlier in the trading session.

Nikola’s shares plummet 27.8% amid bankruptcy fears

Bloomberg News reported on the potential sale and mentioned that Nikola is also exploring options to bring on partners and raise new funds. This news follows Nikol’s warning to investors in its third-quarter conference call that it had sufficient cash to support operations only through the first quarter of 2025, ending the third quarter with $198 million in cash.

Nikola CEO Steve Girsky stated during the earnings call that the company is “actively talking to lots of potential different partners who value what we do and value what we’ve built.”

In the afternoon session, Nikola’s shares plunged 21.4% amid rumors regarding Girsky’s possible departure, raising fears about bankruptcy. Fred Lambert, editor-in-chief of Electrek, indicated on X (formerly Twitter) that a bankruptcy filing is “in the hands of lawyers.” Nikola has not commented on these rumors.

Nikola’s stock has displayed extreme volatility, experiencing 88 price moves greater than 5% over the last year. The company’s share price has decreased 34.5% year-to-date and is currently trading 97.3% below its 52-week high of $31.20 reached in March 2024. An investment of $1,000 in Nikola shares five years ago would now be valued at approximately $2.72.

Girsky, a former bank analyst and General Motors executive, took the company public via a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) in June 2020, which encouraged other electric vehicle firms to pursue similar public listings.

Following the report of potential bankruptcy, Nikola stock was observed trading down by 16.2%, reaching $0.98 at the last check on Thursday. The company has reportedly lost over 94% of its value over the past year.

Further developments detailed by Lambert include increasing staff layoffs and prolonged silence from the company regarding production and delivery figures. A flyover of Nikola’s factory showed more than a hundred trucks standing idle without batteries.

Nikola’s challenges began in 2020 when short-seller Hindenburg Research accused the company of fraud. Hindenburg described Nikola as an “intricate fraud,” notably criticizing a promotional video showing the “Nikola One in Motion,” which was alleged to have been staged. In December 2023, former CEO Trevor Milton was convicted of fraud after the jury determined he provided false information about the company.

Following his conviction, Milton claimed in April 2024 that Nikola’s board is compromised and must dismiss Girsky and others to prevent bankruptcy. He also filed a multi-billion dollar derivative lawsuit in June against the company’s legal officer and directors, describing misconduct and malpractice.

In October, Nikola reported third-quarter revenue of $25.18 million, falling short of analyst projections that estimated $37.23 million, and reported an adjusted loss of $2.75 per share, compared to the anticipated loss of $2.35 per share.

What to do?

• If you’re holding shares: Consider whether the risk aligns with your investment strategy. The potential for bankruptcy could render shares worthless. Be cautious and weigh the likelihood of recovery versus complete loss.
• If you’re considering buying: Even at a low price, the risks are immense. Buying now would essentially be a speculative bet, not an investment. Proceed only if you are willing to lose the full amount.

Look for signs of fraud or mismanagement. The company’s history of accusations, convictions, and legal disputes raises red flags. Ensure you thoroughly vet other investments for similar issues to avoid falling into another speculative bubble.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. We do not endorse any specific investment strategies or make recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of any securities.

Featured image credit: Nikola Corp.

OpenAI has launched a research preview of Operator, a general-purpose AI agent capable of independently performing tasks by taking control of a web browser. This feature is first available to U.S. users on ChatGPT’s $200 Pro subscription plan, with plans to expand to additional user tiers in the future.

OpenAI Operator explained

Operator can automate various tasks, including booking travel accommodations, making restaurant reservations, and online shopping. Users can select from categories such as shopping, delivery, dining, and travel within the Operator interface. When activated, a dedicated web browser window pops up, showing users the actions Operator performs alongside explanations. Users can maintain control of their screens while Operator operates in its own browser environment.

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The AI agent is powered by a Computer-Using Agent (CUA) model, which combines the vision capabilities of the GPT-4o model with advanced reasoning. CUA interacts with the front end of websites without requiring developer-focused APIs. This functionality allows it to use buttons, navigate menus, and fill out forms as a human would. OpenAI collaborates with various companies, including DoorDash, eBay, Instacart, and Priceline, ensuring Operator adheres to their terms of service agreements.

OpenAI states that the CUA model is designed to ask for user confirmation before finalizing tasks that have external effects, such as submitting an order or sending an email. Despite its capabilities, OpenAI cautions that CUA may not perform reliably in all scenarios and struggles with complex tasks like creating detailed slideshows, managing intricate calendars, or navigating non-standard web interfaces.

For sensitive tasks, such as banking transactions, user supervision is required. Operator does not collect or screenshot user data, and it mandates direct oversight on particularly sensitive sites like email and financial services, enabling users to address any errors promptly.

Operator has certain limitations. OpenAI enforces rate limits—both daily and task-dependent—and specifies that certain tasks, like sending emails or deleting calendar events, will be refused for security reasons. OpenAI plans to revise these restrictions in the future, although no specific timeline is provided.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0Cjiq8P6iU

Operator may also encounter difficulties with complex web interfaces, password fields, and CAPTCHA checks, prompting the user to intervene at that point. OpenAI acknowledges the safety risks associated with AI systems that can take actions on the web, emphasizing the necessity to prevent potential exploits by malicious actors.

OpenAI has implemented several safety measures. The agent requests user control input during sensitive transactions and conducts user confirmations before significant actions. Operator rejects specific high-risk tasks and requires direct supervision on sensitive platforms. Investigative measures include cautious navigation to prevent prompt injections, a monitoring system to pause operations during suspicious activities, and an automated detection pipeline for updated safeguards.

What is OpenAI’s Operator, and how does it work?

Operator is a general-purpose AI agent that can autonomously perform tasks on the web using a dedicated browser. It interacts with websites by clicking buttons, navigating menus, and filling forms.

How is Operator different from other AI tools like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant?

Unlike traditional assistants, Operator doesn’t just process information; it can perform actions on the web, like booking accommodations or ordering groceries, by interacting with websites directly.

What tasks can Operator perform autonomously?

It can handle repetitive tasks like booking travel, ordering food, making reservations, and shopping online.

Why is Operator being launched as a research preview first?

The research preview allows OpenAI to gather feedback, improve safety, and refine the tool before wider deployment.

What is the Computer-Using Agent (CUA) model, and how does it enable Operator to interact with websites?

CUA combines GPT-4o’s vision capabilities with advanced reasoning, enabling Operator to see and interact with graphical user interfaces like buttons and forms.

Can Operator perform complex tasks like creating slideshows or managing calendars?

Not yet. Operator struggles with complex interfaces and specialized workflows.

What are the rate limits or task limitations for using Operator?

Operator has dynamic daily and task-specific usage limits, and it cannot perform tasks like sending emails or handling CAPTCHAs.

How does Operator handle sensitive tasks like banking or entering payment details?

It requires user supervision for sensitive actions, like inputting payment or login details, and does not store such data.

How does OpenAI ensure the safety and reliability of Operator?

Operator is designed with safeguards, including user confirmations, takeover mode for sensitive inputs, and monitoring for malicious activity.

What safeguards are in place to prevent Operator from making mistakes or being misused?

It asks for user confirmation before completing significant actions and employs monitoring systems to pause tasks if suspicious activity is detected.

How does Operator handle privacy concerns, and can users opt out of data collection?

Users can opt out of data collection, delete browsing data, and control privacy settings through Operator’s interface.

What happens if Operator encounters phishing attempts or malicious websites?

It’s trained to detect and ignore malicious inputs, and a monitoring system can pause tasks if something suspicious occurs.

Who can use Operator, and how much does it cost?

Currently, Operator is available to U.S. users on ChatGPT’s $200 Pro subscription plan.

When will Operator be available outside the U.S., especially in Europe?

OpenAI plans to roll it out globally, but Europe may take longer due to regional considerations.

Will Operator eventually be included in all ChatGPT subscription tiers?

Yes, OpenAI plans to expand access to Plus, Team, and Enterprise tiers.

Will developers be able to build custom tools using the CUA model in the future?

Yes, OpenAI plans to release the CUA model in the API for developers to create their own agents.

Which companies is OpenAI collaborating with for Operator, and how does this benefit users?

OpenAI is partnering with companies like DoorDash, Instacart, and Uber to optimize Operator’s functionality while respecting terms of service.

Featured image credit: OpenAI

Electronic Arts (EA) reported a 7% drop in shares after the company lowered its full-year bookings guidance due to underperforming games, particularly its soccer franchise, EA Sports FC, in extended trading.

EA shares drop 7% after lowering bookings guidance

For the fiscal third quarter ending December 31, EA expects to report approximately $2.215 billion in net bookings, a decrease from its previous guidance of $2.4 billion to $2.55 billion. The company projected revenues for the December quarter at about $1.88 billion, with diluted earnings per share anticipated at $1.11.

The full fiscal year bookings expectation, ending March 31, has been revised to a range of $7 billion to $7.15 billion, down from previous guidance of $7.5 billion to $7.8 billion. EA noted that net bookings encompass both physical game sales and revenue from online games.

This guidance revision highlights a downturn in EA’s prominent soccer video game franchise, which has operated under the FIFA brand since 1993, but has been sold as EA Sports FC since the contract with FIFA ended in 2022. The company also disclosed that the role-playing game “Dragon Age: The Veilguard” had 1.5 million players during the quarter, which fell nearly 50% short of expectations.

EA CEO Andrew Wilson stated, “During Q3, we continued to deliver high-quality games and experiences across our portfolio. However, Dragon Age and EA SPORTS FC 25 underperformed our net bookings expectations.”

Despite seeing two years of double-digit growth in net bookings for its Global Football franchise, EA indicated a slowdown in sales during the December quarter. The company anticipates a year-over-year decline in Global Football sales and a mid-single-digit percentage decline in bookings from online sales, or live services, for fiscal 2025. The soccer franchise was cited as the primary contributor to the live services shortfall.

EA recently refreshed FC 25 with new content and gameplay improvements, along with an annual “Team of the Year” update, which received positive feedback from players.

The company is scheduled to provide a more comprehensive report of its results on February 4.

Okay, so EA just took a hit after lowering their yearly forecast, and it’s got investors sweating. Here’s the breakdown:

The bad news:

• Their big soccer game, EA Sports FC, isn’t selling as well as they hoped. This is a major blow, considering it’s one of their flagship franchises.
• “Dragon Age: The Veilguard” also flopped, with player numbers falling way short of expectations.
• They’ve had to slash their full-year earnings forecast, which never inspires confidence.

The not-so-bad news:

• They’re still expecting decent revenue and earnings for the December quarter.
• They’ve just released a big update for FC 25, which might boost sales.

So, what’s an investor to do?

Honestly, it’s a tricky situation. EA is a solid company with a strong track record, but this news definitely raises some red flags.

• Sell? If you’re risk-averse, it might be tempting to cut your losses and run. But keep in mind that EA could bounce back, especially if their FC 25 update gains traction.
• Buy? This could be a buying opportunity if you believe in EA’s long-term prospects. The stock price is down, which means you can get in at a discount.
• Hold? This might be the safest option for now. Wait and see how things play out over the next few months. Pay close attention to their full earnings report in February.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. We do not endorse any specific investment strategies or make recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of any securities.

Featured image credit: EA

Samsung has confirmed a tri-folding Galaxy smartphone during its Unpacked event in San Jose, which also introduced the Galaxy S25 series. The company provided a brief mention of the device, referred to as “multi-fold,” and displayed an image on a screen indicating its plans for the future.

Samsung unveils tri-folding Galaxy smartphone concept

The announcement was made while discussing Samsung’s extended reality (XR) plans, which include a new headset codenamed Project Moohan, developed in collaboration with Google and Qualcomm, as well as an initiative to create smart glasses.

There have been numerous rumors regarding the potential expansion of Samsung’s foldable lineup to include a tri-folding phone, especially after Huawei launched a similar device. Speculations suggest that this smartphone could be unveiled as early as Q3 2025, potentially alongside updates to the Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip devices. The tri-folding display is expected to measure between 9.9 to 10 inches when unfolded, positioning it firmly in the tablet category.

What Samsung’s Galaxy S25 AI platform means for you

Samsung continues to lead in the folding phone market, and during the event, the company shared a roadmap showcasing future products, including the tri-folding smartphone. Although no specific release dates were provided, analysts believe the device could arrive sooner rather than later, given the maturation of the Galaxy Z Fold 6.

Despite ongoing challenges that foldable phones face, such as bulky designs and noticeable creases, these devices serve as valuable productivity tools. The addition of another display has the potential to enhance usability and facilitate the dual-functionality as Android tablets.

Samsung’s display division has already demonstrated prototype tri-fold concept phones at CES 2025, indicating serious consideration for the device’s development. Matthew Bolton, TechRadar‘s Managing Editor, reported witnessing two variations of the prototype at CES: one folding in a Z-shape, as hinted by Samsung, and another where the left and right screens fold over the center screen. Although hands-on interaction was restricted, Bolton highlighted the designs’ capability to offer considerable additional space and their approach toward fulfilling the concept of “a tablet that turns into a phone.”

Would you buy it, though?

On the one hand, the concept is undeniably cool. A phone that unfolds into a tablet-sized display? That’s a productivity and entertainment beast right there. Imagine the multitasking possibilities, the immersive video experience, the sheer convenience of having a big screen in your pocket.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Foldable technology is still relatively new, and let’s be honest, those first-gen devices had their fair share of issues. Durability, creases, bulkiness – these are all valid concerns, especially when you’re talking about a phone with three folds.

And then there’s the price tag. We all know these things are going to cost a small fortune. As much as we love cutting-edge tech, we also appreciate a good value proposition. So the question becomes, does the added functionality justify the premium price?

We also need to consider the software side of things. Will app developers optimize their creations for this new form factor? Or will we be stuck with stretched-out UIs and compatibility issues?

Look, we’re not dismissing the tri-fold. It has the potential to be a game-changer, especially for professionals and power users who crave a portable workstation. But for the average consumer, it might be a bit overkill.

We’re cautiously optimistic. If Samsung can nail the durability, optimize the software experience, and maybe bring the price down to earth, then we might just have a winner on our hands. But for now, we’re content to observe from a distance and see how this technology unfolds (pun intended).

Featured image credit: Future

During its latest Galaxy Unpacked event, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S25 phone lineup, which includes the base S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra. The devices prioritize a new “integrated AI platform” that performs multiple tasks based on user prompts. Samsung also teased an “Edge” variant of the S25, as well as a pair of AR glasses expected to launch later this year.

Details of the Galaxy S25 lineup

The Galaxy S25 and S25+ are priced at $800 and $1,000, respectively, and their designs resemble that of the iPhone while retaining the characteristic three vertical camera bumps of Galaxy devices. Both phones feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC and 12 GB of RAM to support their AI capabilities. While they do not include the larger camera sensors found in the S25 Ultra, they come equipped with new AI functionalities, including “cross-app actions,” Now Briefs, and an Audio Eraser.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra stands out in the lineup with its more rounded corners, distinct from the other models. It shares the same processor and RAM as the S25 and S25+, but adds a 50 MP ultra-wide lens for enhanced landscape photography. Additionally, the Ultra employs the ProScaler technology from Samsung’s TVs to boost on-screen image resolution to QHD+. The device continues to feature the built-in S Pen, though the new version lacks the air actions present in previous iterations.

The new Galaxy S25 Edge is a surprising addition, reminiscent of earlier Samsung mobile devices. Specific details regarding its specifications and camera functionalities have yet to be disclosed. Reports indicate that this model will be slimmer than its S25 counterparts, and further information is anticipated soon.

AI and smart glasses advancements

Samsung emphasized its commitment to AI, showcasing smart glasses with a new conversational AI assistant projected for release later in the year. While details remain scarce, these glasses are expected to support Android XR similar to the company’s Project Moohan AR headset, which was also displayed at the Unpacked event.

The integrated AI platform features a built-in Gemini AI that allows users to conduct “cross-app actions.” By holding the side power button on the S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra, users can access a pop-up assistant to issue voice or text commands. This capability facilitates tasks across both Samsung and Google applications, including email searching and calendar management. Currently, support is limited to WhatsApp and Spotify, with plans for more app compatibility through a new APK.

Samsung also introduced a conversational search functionality for the Gallery and Settings apps to ease the navigation process, though it does not change settings automatically. The Galaxy S25 lineup will come with a “Now Bar” on the lock screen, providing real-time updates, including weather information and personalized health metrics based on user habits.

Further enhancements include an Audio Eraser feature capable of isolating soundtracks in video content, allowing users to adjust the volume of different audio sources. This feature aims to help eliminate background noise in various settings, ensuring clear audio capture during video recordings.

Additionally, Gemini Live allows users to upload images and converse with Google’s AI about those images, offering insights into photo composition or related content. The functionality will extend to files uploaded to the AI and linked YouTube videos.

Circle to Search receives updates, enhancing its ability to provide AI overviews for image and text searches. It will also offer improved recognition of numbers, email addresses, and URLs, as well as the ability to identify sounds from videos.

The Galaxy S25 series includes new AI-supported features for the Gallery app that allow users to conduct audio searches. This capability is similar to that of Shazam, letting users hum melodies to identify songs.

Samsung’s “AI Select” feature simplifies content capture on screen and introduces GIF recording directly from videos without additional software. While it has time constraints for recording GIFs, it streamlines the process for users looking to create and share animations quickly.

Professional videographers will benefit from the ability to shoot in logarithmic format directly through the camera’s Pro mode, supporting 10-bit HEVC recording for advanced post-processing in editing software like DaVinci Resolve.

In health tech advancements, Samsung Health is set to provide enhanced tracking features, including a vascular load indicator and antioxidant index, to support users in dietary management. Future updates will incorporate AI for a more personalized health assistant experience, with further details expected later in the year.

Okay, so Samsung’s new Galaxy S25 phones are all about AI. What you need to know, in summary is this:

• Do more with less effort. You can tell your phone to do stuff across different apps, like searching your email or adding events to your calendar. No more jumping between apps, your phone just takes care of it.
• Find things faster. Looking for a specific photo or setting? Just ask your phone. It’s like having a built-in search engine for everything on your device.
• Sound control in videos. They’ve got this “Audio Eraser” thing that lets you control the different sounds in a video. So you can, like, mute the background noise and make the voices clearer. Pretty cool, huh?
• AI for your photos. Upload a picture and the AI can tell you all about it. It can even find similar photos online.
• Easy GIF making. You can make GIFs straight from videos now. No extra apps or anything.

Featured image credit: Samsung

Google has committed to a new investment exceeding $1 billion in the AI startup Anthropic, reinforcing its stake in the competitor to OpenAI as the technology race intensifies among Silicon Valley giants, according to Financial Times.

Google invests over $1 billion in AI startup Anthropic

This latest funding follows Google’s previous investments totaling approximately $2 billion, which secured a 10% ownership interest in Anthropic, along with a substantial cloud services agreement between the two companies. Anthropic is recognized primarily for its Claude family of AI models.

In addition to Google’s investment, Anthropic is reportedly close to securing another $2 billion in a separate funding round, led by Lightspeed Venture Partners, which is expected to elevate the startup’s valuation to around $60 billion. The startup faces stiff competition from OpenAI and Elon Musk’s xAI, both of which had substantial fundraising success last year, alongside competitors such as Microsoft and Meta.

How Anthropic’s MCP might finally make AI less dumb about context

Amazon has heavily backed Anthropic, recently announcing an additional $4 billion investment, bringing its total investment to $8 billion. This funding marks the largest venture investment by Amazon to date and positions Amazon as a minority stakeholder without a board seat. As part of this agreement, Amazon Web Services became Anthropic’s primary cloud and training partner.

Anthropic’s revenue reached an annualized $1 billion as of December, exhibiting roughly a tenfold increase year-over-year, primarily driven by enterprise sales. Despite this growth, investors remain cautious regarding the near-term profitability of Anthropic and its competitors, given the high costs associated with the development of advanced AI models.

Notably, Anthropic has achieved significant technological milestones. In October, the startup announced advancements in AI agents capable of performing complex tasks similarly to human operation on computers, including interpreting screens, navigating websites, and executing multi-step commands. Recently, Anthropic released Claude 3.5 Sonnet, its latest AI model, and Claude Enterprise, marking its most significant product launch since the introduction of the Claude chatbot.

Anthropic was established in 2021 by former OpenAI employees and has distinguished itself by emphasizing AI safety. The company has also recruited numerous staff members from OpenAI, including a co-founder.

Featured image credit: Anthropic

Millions of users worldwide experienced significant service interruptions with OpenAI’s popular ChatGPT on Thursday, causing widespread frustration and operational challenges for businesses and individuals relying on the AI chatbot.

Is it possible to fix ChatGPT bad gateway error 502?

According to outage tracking site Downdetector.com, thousands of users reported major disruptions, with peak reports reaching over 6,000 in the United Kingdom and more than 4,500 in the United States. Users encountered persistent “Bad gateway” error messages when attempting to access both the website and mobile application.

OpenAI acknowledged the technical issues, confirming “elevated error rates” during a critical period between 3:33 am and 4:23 am Pacific Standard Time. The company quickly moved to address the problem, implementing a fix and continuously monitoring the service’s performance.

The outage primarily affected users’ ability to access their chat histories and engage with the AI platform. Some users took to social media to express their frustration, with one British developer, James Hull, dramatically asking, “ChatGPT is down… How do I function?”

This incident is particularly significant given ChatGPT’s massive user base, which reached 300 million active global users in 2024 and currently commands over 60% of the AI tools marketplace. The service disruption raises questions about the reliability of AI technologies that many businesses and individuals now depend on daily.

While OpenAI resolved the immediate technical issues, the outage highlights the potential vulnerabilities in AI service infrastructure. The company’s quick response—resolving the problem within approximately one hour—demonstrates their commitment to maintaining service stability.

This was not the first service interruption for ChatGPT. The platform’s last major reported outage occurred on December 26, when the service was unavailable for three hours. Such incidents underscore the ongoing challenges of maintaining robust infrastructure for rapidly scaling AI technologies.

For users seeking alternatives during the downtime, experts recommended exploring other AI chatbot platforms to ensure continued productivity. OpenAI’s transparent communication about the issue and swift resolution will likely help maintain user confidence.

Bad gateway error fixes that worked in the past

Users experiencing ongoing ChatGPT access issues did employ several strategic approaches to resolve connection problems. The intermittent service disruptions required a methodical troubleshooting process to restore AI functionality.

How to fix ChatGPT Bad Gateway error: The web server reported a bad gateway error

Internet connectivity plays a critical role in resolving access issues. Users should first restart their router or modem, ensuring a stable network connection. Switching between WiFi and mobile data can help isolate potential network-related problems that might be preventing ChatGPT access.

Browser-specific solutions can address many technical obstacles. Clearing cache and cookies, disabling browser extensions, and trying alternative browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Edge can often resolve connection errors. Using incognito or private browsing mode may also bypass local browser-related issues.

Device versatility offers additional troubleshooting options. Users can attempt accessing ChatGPT through the mobile app, switch between different devices, or use multiple browsers to determine if the issue is device-specific. Repeated page refreshes and completely closing and reopening the browser can sometimes resolve temporary connection problems.

For users facing prolonged disruptions, alternative AI platforms provide immediate solutions. Services like Claude 3, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, and Perplexity AI can serve as temporary replacements while waiting for ChatGPT to fully restore services.

If technical issues persist beyond 15 minutes and standard troubleshooting fails, users are advised to consult OpenAI’s official status page or contact their support center. The ongoing server-side challenges may require direct intervention from OpenAI’s technical team to completely resolve access limitations.

Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/Ideogram

SK Hynix, a leading South Korean memory chipmaker, reported record quarterly earnings of 19.77 trillion won ($13.7 billion) on Thursday, driven by robust sales of high bandwidth memory (HBM) utilized in generative AI chipsets. However, its shares fell by 2.7% as CFO Kim Woohyun cautioned about uncertainty in memory demand for 2025.

SK Hynix reports record earnings, shares dip amid 2025 demand concerns

In the quarter ended December, SK Hynix’s operating profit surged to 8.08 trillion won ($5.6 billion), marking a remarkable 2,236% increase year-on-year. Revenue rose approximately 75% compared to the same period a year earlier, and on a quarter-on-quarter basis, revenue was up 12%, while operating profit grew by 15%. These results highlight the chipmaker’s advantage from the AI server boom, especially as it serves as a key supplier to U.S. AI chip designer Nvidia.

“With prolonged strong demand for AI memory, the company achieved [an] all-time high result through world-leading HBM technology and profitability-oriented operation,” SK Hynix stated in its earnings release. HBM, a type of dynamic random access memory (DRAM), involves vertically stacked chips to optimize space and lessen power consumption. Other key players in the HBM market include Micron Technology and Samsung Electronics.

The fourth-quarter results capped a year in which SK Hynix achieved record yearly revenue, surpassing its previous high in 2022 by over 21 trillion won. The operating profit also eclipsed a record set in 2018, during a semiconductor “super boom.” During the earnings call, management indicated a potential slight increase in capital expenditures in 2025, notwithstanding demand uncertainties.

Despite the concerns regarding 2025, SK Hynix forecasts continued sales growth for HBM and other DRAM products, driven by ongoing investments in AI servers by major tech companies and the expanding consumer market for AI-enabled PCs and smartphones, which is expected to see sales increase in the latter half of the year. Kim noted, “The memory industry is transitioning from a commodity market driven by volume and price to a customized market focused on high performance and high quality products.”

This year, SK Hynix anticipates DRAM demand growth in the mid to high teen percentage range, while NAND demand is projected to rise in the low teen percentage. NAND chips often accompany DRAM in PCs, servers, and smartphones. Daiwa Capital Markets analyst SK Kim described SK Hynix’s fourth-quarter earnings as “quite robust,” but acknowledged investor apprehensions about an adjustment period in the market.

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SK Hynix shares have increased by 29% so far this year, as per LSEG data. Despite the record quarterly results, the stock slipped after investors reacted to stagnant smartphone demand and uncertainties surrounding AI spending in 2025. The company achieved more than a 20-fold increase in December-quarter operating profit, eclipsing earnings from rival Samsung Electronics for the first time, yet saw a stock slide after a 30% share rally this year.

SK Hynix’s growth reflects a global surge in datacenter spending and its pivotal role in supplying HBM chips that Nvidia accelerators rely on for AI training. Recent developments include a $100 billion venture involving SoftBank Group, OpenAI, Oracle, and MGX to fund and construct datacenters, prompting interest in industry players like Nvidia and Arm Holdings.

SK Hynix expects its HBM sales to more than double this year and announced a 25% increase in its annual dividend to 1,500 won per share. Analyst Sanjeev Rana at CLSA Securities Korea asserted that SK Hynix will benefit significantly from the Stargate project due to its substantial lead in product quality and production yields, indicating competitors will require time to catch up.

The company plans to launch its advanced 16-layer HBM4 chips in the second half of 2026, ahead of Samsung and Micron Technology. HBM constituted 40% of SK Hynix’s total DRAM chip revenue during the quarter. The company predicts that demand for high-end memory will continue to grow alongside investments in AI servers and increased focus on data inference. While smartphone demand remains weak, SK Hynix foresees growth in sales of AI-integrated PCs and devices later in the year.

SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, speaking at CES in Las Vegas, confirmed that SK Hynix is accelerating development to meet Nvidia’s demand, having recently conferred with Nvidia co-founder Jensen Huang about strengthening their partnership. The company has pledged approximately $15 billion for high-end chip demand in South Korea and an additional $3.9 billion for an advanced packaging facility and AI product research center in Indiana.

According to Bloomberg Intelligence, SK Hynix’s first-quarter sales may experience a sequential decline but should show substantial year-on-year growth. The robust 75% increase in the fourth quarter was primarily fueled by HBM chip demand. The average selling price for DRAM rose by approximately 10% sequentially in the fourth quarter, while the ASP for NAND chips decreased by about 5% sequentially. First-quarter DRAM bit shipments may reflect a low-teen percentage drop after a 5% rise in the fourth quarter, and NAND bit shipments are anticipated to decline by a high-teen percentage from the previous quarter due to seasonal weakness in non-AI application demand.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. We do not endorse any specific investment strategies or make recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of any securities.

Featured image credit: SK Hynix

Nvidia Corporation’s stock is experiencing a resurgence, boosted by the announcement of the Stargate initiative, a major project aiming to enhance artificial intelligence infrastructure. This joint venture could generate a $500 billion investment over the next four years, with a significant portion allocated to Nvidia.

• Nvidia’s stock is climbing, fueled by the $500 billion Stargate initiative, with over $100 billion expected to flow directly to the company.
• Analysts compare the opportunity to Broadcom’s AI growth, with Nvidia positioned as a key beneficiary despite recent export restrictions.
• Financially, Nvidia outshines industry peers with 65% EPS growth, 57% revenue growth, and a net margin of 56%.
• Strategic collaborations, like those with Mayo Clinic and IQVIA, position Nvidia at the forefront of AI advancements in healthcare and beyond.
• The stock’s upward potential, combined with hedge fund interest and undervaluation metrics, reinforces its status as a top AI investment pick.

Nvidia’s stock rises on $500 billion Stargate initiative plan

According to Melius Research analyst Ben Reitzes, well over $100 billion of the Stargate spending could be directed toward Nvidia, alongside other companies such as Broadcom and Arista Networks. Following the announcement, Nvidia’s stock rose 4.1% on Wednesday after a 2.3% increase on Tuesday.

The Stargate initiative was unveiled by former President Trump, alongside executives from OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle. Reitzes likened this announcement to Broadcom’s CEO Hock Tan’s previous forecasts regarding AI, suggesting that Stargate presents a comparable long-term opportunity for Nvidia.

Reitzes addressed worries about Nvidia’s future growth, particularly after the Biden administration imposed restrictions on AI-chip exports. He noted the potential for the Trump administration to relax these rules, indicating that Nvidia could continue to thrive regardless. He remarked that the U.S. market could be larger than previously anticipated, based on projections of increased spending on Nvidia products.

Nvidia’s financial metrics and market position

Nvidia is strategically positioned to capitalize on the Stargate initiative. The company’s stock has traded between $130 and $150 since October, with an anticipated breakout to a target of $180. Investors see the stock as undervalued despite its forward PE ratio of 31 compared to the industry median of 20.

Nvidia’s expected earnings per share (EPS) growth stands at 65%, with revenue growth projected at 57%. Its net margins also lead the industry at 56%, significantly higher than the 20% industry median. These metrics reinforce Nvidia’s growth potential amid ongoing advancements in AI technology.

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To leverage Nvidia’s prospective growth from the Stargate project, a bullish call spread strategy is suggested, involving a purchase of the March $141 call while selling the March $165 call. This strategy caps the maximum risk at $763 per contract, with a maximum reward potential of $1,637 if Nvidia’s stock exceeds $165 at expiration.

Nvidia continues to expand its role in the AI sector, developing custom AI models in partnerships with organizations such as IQVIA and collaborating with the Mayo Clinic for AI-driven pathology solutions. Management indicated at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference the significant opportunities that AI presents within the $10 trillion healthcare industry, emphasizing AI’s role in addressing labor shortages.

Nvidia ranks first among semiconductor stocks as a key player in the AI boom, attracting considerable interest from hedge funds, with 193 holders.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. We do not endorse any specific investment strategies or make recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of any securities.

Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/Midjourney

In a notable cryptocurrency launch, more than 7% of users from a sample of CoinLedger traded Donald Trump’s meme coin, Official Trump, just days before his presidential inauguration, Axios reports. Released on January 18, the token achieved a high price of $73.43 on January 19.

Why that’s huge:

• The token saw unmatched engagement, with 7.47% of users trading it, far outpacing competitors like Melania’s and Iggy Azalea’s tokens.
• Its price surge to $73.43 and stabilization around $40 showed strong speculative interest, generating $58 million in trading fees.
• Trump’s control of 80% of the supply raised concerns about price manipulation and national security risks linked to foreign influence.
• The controversy highlighted regulatory gaps and financial exploitation risks in celebrity-backed crypto projects.
• The launch brought crypto into mainstream conversations, driving adoption but also damaging its reputation with ethical and geopolitical concerns.

Official Trump token rockets to $73

According to CoinLedger’s research, 7.47% of 1,391 sampled users had traded the Official Trump token by January 19, while only 1.9% traded the Melania Meme token on its launch day. In contrast, Australian pop star Iggy Azalea’s MOTHER token saw just 0.7% user interaction in the same timeframe, indicating that Trump’s offering garnered 11 times more engagement than that of a previously popular meme coin.

CEO David Kemmerer noted that the market’s response reflects investors seeing potential for profit. Following its initial spike, the Official Trump token has settled around $40 since the inauguration.

Winners and losers of $TRUMP coin

Controversy among crypto insiders

Trump’s move to enter the cryptocurrency space surprised many, particularly during the Crypto Ball event held shortly before his inauguration. The TRUMP currency’s launch brought a surge of interest in cryptocurrency but also sparked concerns among crypto insiders. They expressed that Trump’s control of at least 80% of the token’s supply raised ethical issues, allowing him to exert considerable influence over its market price.

Angela Walch, a crypto researcher, commented, “The crypto sector put someone in power whose first act is to emphasize and take advantage of the opportunity for grift within crypto,” describing the situation as embarrassing. Critics argue that the tokens open avenues for possible bribery and conflicts of interest, indicating they could be exploited for financial gains from foreign entities.

Legal experts caution that the potential for financial influence may threaten national security, with concerns that foreign agents could leverage significant holdings in TRUMP to sway political decisions. Puja Ohlhaver of Harvard’s Allen Lab remarked that the arrangement risks prioritizing Trump’s interests over those of the American public.

During his inauguration preparations, Trump launched the Official Trump token via CIC Digital LLC, an affiliate of his organization, which took the market by surprise. Transaction delays occurred on blockchain and exchange platforms as demand surged, and within a day, the controlling team was reported to hold tokens worth approximately $51 billion on paper.

Shortly after TRUMP’s launch, Melania Trump introduced her own token, MELANIA, which subsequently diminished the market cap of the Official Trump token. The price of TRUMP experienced a swift drop from over $70 to around $45 within an hour of MELANIA’s release. Analysts indicated that Trump’s team appeared to have benefited significantly from trading fees related to these tokens, with estimates suggesting they accrued $58 million shortly after launch.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. We do not endorse any specific investment strategies or make recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of any securities.

Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/Ideogram

CNN is expected to announce significant layoffs on Thursday, as part of a strategy by CEO Mark Thompson to shift the network’s focus towards digital content. Reports suggest that these cuts will primarily affect off-camera staff, with production jobs moving from New York and Washington, D.C., to CNN’s Atlanta facilities, while most on-air talent will remain safe.

CNN prepares for major layoffs as it shifts focus to digital content

These layoffs come amid CNN’s ongoing struggle with declining viewership. Thompson has communicated a vision supported by an investment of over $70 million from corporate parent Warner Bros. Discovery, aimed at bolstering CNN’s digital operations. CNN plans to explore new properties related to health, wellness, and other engaging topics, as detailed in an internal memo from July.

The impending cuts are expected to help CNN reduce production costs by consolidating teams and potentially relocating some shows to Atlanta, where operational expenses are lower. Currently, CNN employs around 3,500 individuals worldwide.

Diverse changes are also occurring in the broader news media landscape, with NBC News reportedly planning its own layoffs, although those will be limited to fewer than 50 positions. Both CNN and NBC News opted to delay their announcements of job cuts until after the U.S. presidential inauguration.

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Thompson has emphasized the need for CNN to realign its coverage strategy, urging staff to avoid pre-judging public figures like President Donald Trump. In recent meetings with notable anchors, he advised against expressing outrage and encouraged a focus on open-minded coverage of Trump’s forthcoming term.

The network’s recent initiatives include the introduction of a digital paywall, charging frequent visitors to its website $3.99 per month. This move indicates CNN’s commitment to developing digital subscription products in response to shifting consumer behavior away from linear television.

Thompson’s strategic adjustments denote a significant change from the previous leadership approach under Jeff Zucker, as CNN continues to navigate intense competition from other networks, particularly in the wake of viewership numbers from the inauguration event.

Fox News, for instance, pulled in 10.3 million viewers during the inauguration, surpassing CNN and showing the challenges the network faces in capturing a wider audience.

Featured image credit: CNN

A Delaware judge has sanctioned Sheryl Sandberg, former COO and board member of Meta, for allegedly deleting emails linked to the Cambridge Analytica privacy scandal. The ruling stems from a case initiated by Meta shareholders against Sandberg and former board member Jeff Zients in late 2022.

Delaware judge sanctions Sheryl Sandberg over email deletions

The plaintiffs claimed that Sandberg and Zients utilized personal email accounts to discuss matters related to a 2018 shareholder lawsuit. This lawsuit accused Facebook leaders of breaching legal obligations and fiduciary duties by failing to adequately protect user privacy. Additionally, the plaintiffs alleged that both former board members deleted emails from their personal accounts, despite a court instruction to preserve such communications.

The judge highlighted compelling evidence regarding these allegations in a decision issued on Tuesday. According to the ruling, “the defendants disclosed Sandberg’s personal Gmail account, maintained under a pseudonym, that she used to ‘communicate about matters potentially relevant to the claims and defenses in this action.’” The judge further noted that Sandberg’s legal counsel provided vague responses during interrogatories, implying that rather than using an auto-delete function, Sandberg selectively chose which emails to erase.

As a result of the sanctions, the judge heightened the legal standard for Sandberg’s affirmative defense to requiring her to demonstrate her case with “clear and convincing” evidence, in contrast to the easier burden of “preponderance” of evidence. Furthermore, the judge awarded certain expenses to the plaintiffs.

A spokesperson for Sandberg told TechCrunch that the plaintiffs’ claims were baseless, asserting, “All work emails were preserved on Facebook’s servers.”

This legal dispute is rooted in allegations that Meta officials violated a 2012 Federal Trade Commission (FTC) order, which mandated that the company cease the unauthorized collection and sharing of Facebook users’ personal data. The allegations included claims that Facebook sold this data to commercial partners, such as Cambridge Analytica, and removed required disclosures from privacy settings.

In 2019, Meta agreed to pay $5 billion to the FTC to settle accusations of violating the 2012 order. The company has faced additional regulatory penalties in Europe.

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SoundHound AI, Inc. ($SOUN) shares surged 21.11% on January 21, 2025, closing at $16.52, with pre-market trading pushing the price up by another 1.82% to $16.82. This sharp rise comes as the company announced a groundbreaking partnership with Rekor Systems to revolutionize emergency vehicle technology through audio-visual AI integration, showcasing the growing potential of SoundHound’s voice AI solutions.

SoundHound jumps 21% on Rekor partnership to transform emergency tech

The collaboration with Rekor aims to bring hands-free, voice-enabled management of critical systems in police vehicles, using SoundHound’s advanced conversational AI. By integrating Rekor Scout’s® vehicle recognition software, the solution enhances operational efficiency and safety for law enforcement by enabling seamless control of ALPR systems, sirens, and in-car tools. Rekor’s advanced recognition software already functions in over 90 countries, further cementing this partnership’s potential global impact. Investors reacted positively, considering the expansion of SoundHound’s customer base into new, high-demand sectors such as public safety and emergency response.

Why SoundHound AI stock is breaking records

SoundHound’s meteoric rise last year, climbing 836%, highlights its growth trajectory in the voice AI market, despite recent pullbacks. CEO Keyvan Mohajer emphasized the transformative potential of the Rekor partnership, signaling continued innovation. The company is leveraging its diversified revenue streams across industries, including automotive and hospitality, while targeting a $140 billion addressable market for voice AI.

For investors, SoundHound’s recent rally underscores its innovative potential in a burgeoning market. However, its lack of profitability and competition from tech giants remain critical challenges. If the Rekor partnership successfully expands SoundHound’s applications and revenue, the stock could sustain its upward momentum. Long-term investors should watch for progress in profitability and adoption across diversified sectors to gauge the company’s resilience.

Securing a major partner in a specialized field often drives speculative enthusiasm. The market tends to respond strongly to announcements that hint at broadening use cases, especially in sectors like public safety where high-stakes applications signal significant revenue potential.

Landing deals that pair advanced audio AI with critical infrastructure attracts immediate attention. Investors are quick to price in future market dominance, fueling rapid share price movements before actual results materialize.

Early-stage AI ventures frequently see dramatic swings tied to milestone events. A single contract or partnership can trigger a surge, mirroring past patterns where lofty expectations lift valuations, only to face correction if execution lags.

Similar breakthroughs in voice-enabled technology historically prompted short-term spikes. Companies riding initial success often discovered that sustaining growth required continuous innovation and partnership expansion.

Competition from established tech giants intensifies both hype and risk. Market leaders with extensive resources can overshadow smaller players, causing volatility when investors question whether a newcomer’s edge will hold.

Converting buzz into profitability remains a crucial hurdle. While promising collaborations generate optimism, actual earnings growth and scaled adoption ultimately determine long-term stability and share price resilience.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. We do not endorse any specific investment strategies or make recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of any securities.

Featured image credit: SoundHound AI

Rigetti Computing ($RGTI) shares catapulted 42.22% on January 21, 2025, closing at $13.98, following a volatile month marked by sharp declines and speculative rebounds in the quantum computing sector. In pre-market trading, the stock gained another 3.93%, reaching $14.53, signaling strong investor interest after recent developments in quantum technology.

RGTI rises 42% as investors bet on quantum computing breakthroughs

On January 8, Rigetti shares suffered a severe 40% plunge following Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s comments suggesting practical quantum computing solutions could be 15 to 30 years away. This statement triggered a sector-wide selloff, with Rigetti and its peers, such as IonQ and D-Wave Quantum, facing significant declines. By January 9, Rigetti’s stock plummeted an additional 45%, closing at $10.04. Analysts had already warned of overvaluation, highlighting the risks associated with speculative enthusiasm in the sector.

Despite this, Rigetti rebounded significantly in the latter half of January. Nvidia’s first-ever ‘Quantum Day’ at its 2025 GPU Technology Conference reignited investor confidence, sparking a 22% surge in Rigetti’s shares on January 16. This momentum has continued, bolstered by Rigetti’s robust advancements, such as the release of the Ankaa-3 quantum system in late 2024. These innovations underscore the company’s potential as a leader in quantum computing technology.

Analyst Craig Ellis of B. Riley recently raised his price target on Rigetti to $8.50 from $4.00, maintaining a “Buy” rating. Ellis pointed to Rigetti’s progress in scaling quantum systems to handle tasks beyond classical computers’ capabilities. This bullish outlook likely fueled the stock’s latest rally, alongside broader market optimism for quantum computing.

For investors, Rigetti’s sharp climb represents both an opportunity and a cautionary tale. While the company’s advancements signal promise, the sector’s inherent volatility and long commercialization timelines necessitate careful evaluation. Those considering an investment in Rigetti should focus on its technological milestones and financial stability, remaining mindful of the speculative risks that continue to define the quantum computing space.

Why so volatile?

Early-Stage Tech Sensitivities: Quantum computing is still in its nascent phase, so any news—positive or negative—tends to spark oversized market reactions. When the path to commercialization is uncertain, swings become more pronounced.

• Investors closely watch each new prototype, patent, or demonstration. Missed targets or breakthroughs can trigger abrupt changes in sentiment, leading to rapid price fluctuations.
• Technologies promising radical transformation often follow a hype cycle, where excitement pushes valuations far ahead of actual progress. This pattern can result in dramatic climbs followed by sudden drops when expectations recalibrate.
• Many quantum computing firms are pre-revenue or have limited commercial traction. The lack of stable cash flow makes them more vulnerable to speculation and broad market shifts.
• Frontier tech sectors—like biotech, space exploration, or early internet—have experienced similar volatility in their formative years. Early adopters in these fields often faced severe price swings tied to technological feasibility concerns and investor mood.
• Prominent voices in the tech industry can fuel big moves. Even vague remarks about timelines or feasibility often trigger intense reactions from traders, underscoring how perceptions can overshadow fundamentals.
• While quantum computing holds vast potential, the combination of long development horizons and uncertain breakthroughs means share prices can remain erratic. Investors typically weigh any new advancements against the sector’s inherent risk and unpredictability.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. We do not endorse any specific investment strategies or make recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of any securities.

Featured image credit: Rigetti

U.S. Energy Corp. ($USEG) skyrocketed 63.36% on January 21, 2025, closing at $3.79. The stock’s momentum reflects a combination of insider activity, operational milestones, and broader sector support. CEO Ryan Smith’s acquisition of 500 shares at $2.31 per share on January 17, totaling $1,155, has sparked investor confidence, especially as the stock has surged 76% in just a week. Smith also disposed of 42,301 shares to cover tax obligations, but his remaining holdings now stand at 832,749 shares, reinforcing his commitment to the company’s future.

U.S. Energy stock rises 63% on helium discovery and sector momentum

Operationally, U.S. Energy Corp. reported significant developments, including a substantial helium discovery in Montana, with concentrations of up to 1.5% confirmed by independent lab results. This positions the company as a leader in both helium production and carbon sequestration initiatives. The company has also resolved its Nasdaq compliance issue, cleared its debt, and initiated a development program targeting industrial gases in Northwest Montana. The sale of its South Texas assets for $6.5 million in cash further bolsters its liquidity, now estimated at $22 million. Additionally, U.S. Energy renewed Ryan Smith’s contract through 2027, signaling leadership stability amid its growth initiatives.

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For investors, U.S. Energy Corp.’s recent surge shows the market’s positive response to both strategic insider moves and operational progress. The helium discovery, alongside debt clearance and asset sales, strengthens the company’s financial and strategic position. However, with the stock now exhibiting overbought conditions, as indicated by its RSI, caution is warranted for those considering new positions. The company’s planned development of additional wells in early 2025 offers promising growth prospects, while its strong liquidity and renewed leadership ensure stability in navigating this growth trajectory.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. We do not endorse any specific investment strategies or make recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of any securities.

Featured image credit: Mikhail Nilov/Pexels

INNOVATE Corp (VATE) made headlines on January 21, 2025, closing at $9.52, a dramatic 86.30% increase from its previous close. The $4.41 surge in stock price reflects strong investor confidence following the FDA approval of MediBeacon’s TGFR System. This innovative diagnostic technology, developed by MediBeacon, a subsidiary of INNOVATE, offers a groundbreaking method for non-invasive kidney function assessment, eliminating the need for traditional blood draws or urine analysis. Pre-market trading, however, showed a slight pullback of $0.43, bringing the stock to $9.09.

INNOVATE Corp skyrockets 86% on FDA approval of kidney diagnostic tech

The TGFR System employs a combination of a fluorescent tracer agent, Lumitrace® (relmapirazin), a sensor, and a monitor to provide real-time data on kidney function. Its accuracy, with a P30 value of 94%, ensures that 94% of GFR estimations are within +/- 30% of measured GFR. The system is versatile, requiring no adjustments based on demographic variables like age, weight, sex, or race, making it a universal solution for monitoring Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). This innovation addresses a critical global health issue, as over 800 million people worldwide suffer from CKD, signaling a significant market opportunity for MediBeacon and INNOVATE Corp.

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The FDA approval marks a major milestone for INNOVATE Corp, with substantial implications for its valuation and market presence. Posts on X highlighted investor enthusiasm, with some analysts speculating the stock could climb as high as $36. The TGFR System is expected to transform kidney diagnostics by reducing costs, streamlining clinical workflows, and improving patient outcomes. Such a disruptive technology positions INNOVATE Corp as a leader in medical innovation, potentially attracting partnerships and expanding its reach within the healthcare sector.

Market sentiment has been overwhelmingly positive, bolstered by the TGFR System’s potential to reshape diagnostics. Analysts have praised the system for its clinical efficiency and scalability, providing INNOVATE Corp with a competitive edge in the rapidly growing medical technology market. Additionally, the system’s applicability across diverse patient populations underscores its global relevance, paving the way for widespread adoption in both developed and developing healthcare systems.

For investors, INNOVATE Corp’s FDA approval shows the importance of innovation in driving long-term growth and value. This milestone not only validates MediBeacon’s cutting-edge approach but also strengthens INNOVATE’s position as a key player in life sciences. While the stock’s explosive growth reflects market confidence, investors should watch for the system’s commercial adoption rates, revenue generation, and potential collaborations with major healthcare providers. Balancing this optimism with close attention to execution strategies will be crucial as INNOVATE navigates its next phase of growth. The TGFR System’s success could set the stage for future breakthroughs, making this an exciting moment for stakeholders in both the company and the healthcare sector at large.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. We do not endorse any specific investment strategies or make recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of any securities.

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The number of ransomware attacks on businesses is increasing every year. Companies of all sizes are susceptible to these cyber crimes because they don’t take proper protection measures. Once the attack occurs, and the data is exposed, businesses face significant financial and reputational consequences.

The main cause of successful ransomware attacks on organizations is existing vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals exploit these vulnerabilities to demand more money, ruin the company’s reputation, and capitalize on stolen data. 

Two main aspects of protection against these attacks are ransomware recovery and prevention. Understanding how they work can help you protect your business.

What is a ransomware attack?

A ransomware attack is a type of cybercrime where malicious software, or ransomware, infiltrates a computer system and encrypts sensitive data. Attackers demand payment, often in cryptocurrency, to restore access. If you don’t pay the ransom, the criminal keeps the data locked, leaks it to the public (or worse, competitors), or both. 

Statistics show that the most common way that ransomware attacks spread is through existing vulnerabilities. They can enter your system via:

• Phishing emails: Attackers use deceptive emails to trick employees into clicking on malicious links or downloading infected attachments.
• Exploiting security flaws: Outdated software and unpatched systems provide easy entry points for ransomware.
• Compromised websites: Visiting infected websites or downloading unauthorized software can introduce ransomware into a system.

Small and medium-sized businesses are just as much at risk as larger enterprises. While the most common targets are critical infrastructure and state institutions, smaller financial companies and healthcare providers are also appealing to cyber criminals.  

Evolution of ransomware attacks

Ransomware has evolved dramatically over the years, becoming more sophisticated and harder to combat.

Early ransomware

In its earliest form, ransomware involved basic encryption and unsophisticated attack vectors. Attackers used to target individuals rather than companies mostly because they didn’t have the tools to go further.

Modern ransomware:

Today’s ransomware leverages advanced encryption techniques and targets high-value organizations. Attackers often employ “double extortion,” where they demand a ransom not only for decryption but also to prevent sensitive data from being leaked online.

Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS):

A more recent development, RaaS allows even novice cybercriminals to launch attacks using ransomware tools provided by experienced developers. This “business model” makes ransomware attacks more accessible and prevalent.

Ransomware prevention: Key steps

Preventing a ransomware attack requires a proactive and multi-layered cybersecurity strategy. Here are the essential steps:

Regular software updates and patching

Keep all software and systems up to date. Cybercriminals often exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated systems. Implement automated patching tools to minimize delays.

Employee education

Train employees to recognize phishing emails, avoid suspicious downloads, and follow safe browsing practices. Awareness is the first line of defense against ransomware.

Endpoint security solutions

Deploy antivirus software, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems. These tools can help identify and block ransomware before it infiltrates your network.

Data backup strategies

Create regular backups of critical data and store them offline or in secure cloud environments. This ensures you can recover your data without paying a ransom.

An important part of the data backup strategy should be the creation of immutable backups. This data, which cannot be altered or deleted (even by system admins), adds an extra layer of protection. It allows you to recover your data in full without paying a ransom.

Access control and privilege management

Restrict access to sensitive data to only those employees who need it. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security.

Network segmentation

Divide your network into isolated segments to limit the spread of ransomware if an attack occurs. This can prevent a single infection from crippling the entire organization.

Ransomware detection

Although not strictly preventive, ransomware detection plays a major role in minimizing the impact of an attack. Early detection mechanisms, such as monitoring for unusual file encryption activity or unauthorized access attempts, allow stopping ransomware in its tracks.

Ransomware detection is part of the multi-layered cybersecurity strategy that also includes using ransomware recovery software.

Ransomware recovery: Main points

If your organization falls victim to a ransomware attack, you need to take quick action. The faster you can react to the problem, the more likely you are to limit the impact of the attack.

Isolate the infection

Immediately disconnect infected systems from the network to prevent further spread. Avoid shutting down the systems entirely, as this could erase forensic evidence.

Assess the scope of the attack

Work with your IT team or a cybersecurity expert to determine which systems and data have been affected. Identifying the ransomware variant can help in recovery efforts.

Notify relevant parties

Inform stakeholders, including employees, clients, and partners, as appropriate. In many cases, ransomware attacks must also be reported to regulatory authorities.

Restore from backups

If you have reliable backups, restore the affected systems and data. Ensure the ransomware is completely removed before restoring to avoid reinfection.

Evaluate paying the ransom

While paying the ransom may seem like a quick fix, it should be a last resort. Paying does not guarantee the return of your data and may encourage further attacks.

Pros and cons of Recoverware

Off-the-shelf recoverware tools and services can assist businesses in recovering from ransomware attacks. Here are some benefits and challenges to consider:

Pros:

• Quick Recovery: Designed to restore systems and data quickly, minimizing downtime.
• Cost-Effective: More affordable than paying a ransom or purchasing custom recoverware.
• Legal Compliance: Helps businesses meet regulatory requirements for data recovery.

Cons:

• Limited Effectiveness: May not work against highly sophisticated ransomware variants.
• Dependency Risk: Relying solely on recoverware without preventative measures can leave businesses vulnerable.
• False Sense of Security: Recoverware isn’t a substitute for comprehensive cybersecurity practices.

High-quality custom ransomware recovery solutions can be the difference between a lost reputation and a quick recovery without downtime. However, finding the one that suits your business perfectly while fitting the budget can be tricky. 

Keeping your data safe the smart way

Ransomware attacks pose a significant threat to businesses of all sizes, but understanding how these attacks work and implementing effective prevention and recovery measures can safeguard your organization.

The best defense against ransomware is a proactive one. By prioritizing both prevention and cybersecurity measures and data protection with effective cyber recovery solutions, businesses can protect sensitive data, maintain trust with customers, and avoid the costly consequences of cyber attacks.

Netflix (NFLX) stock surged over 14% in after-hours trading Tuesday following the company’s announcement of 18.9 million new users in the fourth quarter. This figure marks the largest quarterly subscriber gain in Netflix’s history, along with revenue and earnings surpassing expectations.

Netflix stock soars 14% on record subscriber growth

The streaming service also declared a $15 billion stock buyback and revised its full-year revenue outlook upwards. Netflix now anticipates 2025 revenue to be between $43.5 billion and $44.5 billion, an increase from the previous range of $43 billion to $44 billion.

Subscriber growth was bolstered by significant events, including two consecutive NFL games, a boxing match featuring “Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson,” and the return of “Squid Game.” In light of these gains, Netflix announced price increases for its service. The company stated, “We are adjusting prices today across most plans in the US, Canada, Portugal and Argentina.”

The ad-supported plan will increase to $7.99 from the previous price of $6.99. The Standard ad-free tier will now cost $17.99, up from $15.49, while the Premium plan will rise by $2 to $24.99. Additionally, users looking to add an extra member will see the monthly fee increase by $1 to $8.99.

Wall Street analysts had projected that Netflix would report an increase of 9.18 million subscribers after it gained 13.12 million paying users in Q4 2023. The company announced last spring that it would cease to report subscriber metrics starting this year.

Netflix’s current price hikes come after a significant gap; the last increase in the standard tier occurred in early 2022, with a more recent raise for the premium plan in late 2023. The ad-supported service, priced at $6.99 since its late 2022 launch, is seeing its first price adjustment.

In early 2023, Netflix altered its strategy by cracking down on account sharing. This change required account holders to pay to add extra users or have those users acquire their own accounts. Notably, the ad-supported plan became a popular alternative for users who did not want to pay for the standard tier. On the earnings call, Co-Chief Executive Greg Peters described the ad tier as “an incredible entertainment value,” emphasizing that the new price represents “a highly accessible entry point.” During the last quarter, 55% of new signups were for the advertising tier where available.

Comparatively, the new $17.99 price for the standard tier is lower than the $18.99 charged for the ad-free version of Hulu and the $16.99 cost for the ad-free version of Max.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. We do not endorse any specific investment strategies or make recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of any securities.

Featured image credit: freestocks/Unsplash

Google is rolling out Android 15 QPR2 Beta 3 to Pixel devices, with the most significant change being the removal of the globe icon in the bottom-right corner when only one keyboard/language is set. This update became available on January 21, 2024.

Google rolls out Android 15 QPR2 Beta 3 for Pixel devices

Previously, in Android 15 QPR1, a globe icon appeared when the keyboard was open, allowing users to switch languages and access Google Voice Typing. However, users of Gboard who only utilized one language faced issues, accidentally tapping the globe and bringing up the menu while attempting to hit enter. The option to remove the globe icon had been requested since December.

In QPR2 Beta 3, the globe icon no longer appears if there is no second language or keyboard app set, which improves usability. The globe will still show if an additional language is configured, switching accordingly or displaying a menu with a long press.

Android 15 QPR2 is expected to reach stable release in March, coinciding with the next Pixel Feature Drop, while one last patch for QPR1 is scheduled for February. The Beta 3 version currently feels stable.

Quarterly Platform Releases (QPRs) provide more significant updates than monthly bug fixes, focusing on UI tweaks and new features without waiting for major version releases. Google claims these QPRs are suitable for general use, with the definite launch of Android 15 QPR2 planned for March.

This Pixel update takes theft protection to the next level

Resolved issues in Android 15 QPR2 Beta 3

The Beta 3 release includes multiple fixes addressing developer- and user-reported issues. Notably, it resolves problems that could cause devices to restart during phone calls and issues with resuming apps from the app overview that would lead back to the home screen.

Additional fixes address the language picker menu, preventing it from causing the input method editor to hide in certain applications. Fixes also involve eliminating a clicking sound during video recording, restoring functionality to wireless charging, and resolving stability issues related to connected Wear OS devices.

Other repairs include addressing null pointer exceptions that previously caused the system UI to crash and improving the Android Beta Feedback app’s reliability when submitting bug reports. This app is accessible on Pixel devices for users to report issues, and there is a dedicated community on Reddit.

Android 15 QPR2 Beta 3 (BP11.241210.004) features the January 2025 security patch and is available for various models including the Pixel 6 series, Pixel 7 series, Pixel 8 series, Pixel 9 series, and the Android Emulator. Installations are primarily conducted through the Android Beta Program, though users can also flash or sideload the update.

The release information for Beta 3 includes a build number of BP11.241121.013, with security patch levels dating to December 2024, and support for x86 (64-bit) and ARM (v8-A) architectures. Google Play services is noted as version 24.45.32.

For users interested in downloading Android 15 QPR2 Beta 3, links are available for the factory image and OTA file, although the Beta Program should already support over-the-air updates.

Featured image credit: Samuel Angor/Unsplash

Apple Intelligence will be switched on by default starting with iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, and macOS 15.3. The update will automatically enable AI-powered features for new users and those upgrading their operating systems.

Apple Intelligence to be enabled by default in iOS 18.3

This AI update applies to devices that support Apple Intelligence, including the iPhone 15 Pro and later, iPads, and Macs with the Apple Silicon M1 chip or later, as well as the most recent version of the iPad mini.

For users upgrading to macOS 18.3, Apple Intelligence will be activated automatically during the onboarding process. After setting up their devices, users can disable Apple Intelligence by navigating to the Apple Intelligence & Siri Settings pane and turning off the Apple Intelligence toggle, which will disable the related features.

Users must manually disable Apple Intelligence after updating their devices if they do not wish to utilize features such as AI notification summaries, Image Playground, and text rewriting tools. A recent update to iOS 18.3 beta has paused AI notification summaries for news and entertainment apps following inaccuracies in a summary of a BBC headline. Apple will enhance the identification of notification summaries on the iPhone’s lock screen and clarify that they “may contain errors.”

Apple suspends AI news notifications, it’s not ready yet

Apple has started distributing the iOS 18.3 update for eligible iPhones, marking a significant expansion of Apple Intelligence’s availability. Previously, users had to manually activate this feature, which could be challenging for less tech-savvy customers.

The rollout of Apple’s initial AI features, which includes notification summaries (currently paused due to reported errors), writing tools, Image Playground, ChatGPT-powered Siri, and Visual Intelligence, is nearly complete. The writing tools assist users in proofreading and rewriting text, while Image Playground allows users to generate custom images through simple text prompts. ChatGPT-Powered Siri enhances search results and aids in understanding complex topics. Visual Intelligence, an advanced tool akin to Google Lens, enables users to point their iPhone camera at subjects and ask related questions.

Apple Intelligence will be enabled by default for eligible iPads and Macs running their respective updates, iPadOS 18.3 and macOS 15.3. Notably, Visual Intelligence is exclusive to the iPhone 16 series, which features a dedicated camera control button.

A recent survey conducted by online smartphone marketplace SellCell reveals that Apple customers may not be as enthusiastic about Apple Intelligence as the company anticipated. Among over 1,000 iPhone owners with the latest hardware, only 41.6% expressed interest in trying the new features. Furthermore, of those who did, 73% found the tools to be “not very valuable” or adding “little to no value” to their smartphone experience, while only 11.1% deemed them valuable.

The dissatisfaction among users largely stems from the perception that the features do not provide significant innovation within the AI landscape. This sentiment may suggest a growing fatigue regarding AI technologies.

Concerns over the environmental impact of AI-related infrastructure, including contributions to electronic waste and significant water usage, are also emerging. Critics argue that investment in AI features that deliver minimal technical value to consumers exacerbates these environmental issues.

Despite Apple’s promotion of its Apple Intelligence features as substantial advancements enhancing user privacy and opportunities, there is a rising need to understand and combat potential greenwashing tactics. Awareness of the realities versus marketing claims is essential in navigating these narratives.

Currently, Apple faces substantial criticism and demands to remove its Apple Intelligence features following a notification in December 2024 that inaccurately summarized a BBC report regarding Luigi Mangione, the suspect on trial for the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

Featured image credit: Apple

Several Wall Street analysts have downgraded Apple (AAPL) stock ahead of the company’s December-quarter earnings report scheduled for January 30, 2025. Investment bank Jefferies downgraded Apple to underperform from hold, while Loop Capital reduced its rating to hold from buy. Additionally, JPMorgan cut its price target for Apple.

Wall Street analysts downgrade Apple ahead of earnings report

According to Investors.com U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi recently sold shares of Apple, increasing her investments in other tech firms such as Alphabet (GOOGL) and Amazon (AMZN). Jefferies analyst Edison Lee expressed concerns over “weak” iPhone sales, particularly in China, and forecasted that Apple could miss estimates for its fiscal first quarter. He highlighted that sales expectations for current and upcoming iPhones remain high, largely due to a slower rollout of AI features branded as Apple Intelligence. Lee remarked, “Current expectations for Apple Intelligence to kick-start a super upgrade cycle are too high, in our view,” predicting a gradual rollout.

Loop Capital analyst Ananda Baruah also downgraded Apple stock, noting signs of “materially softening iPhone demand.” In a client note, Baruah stated that the expected generative AI features did not enhance iPhone 16 sales and described the Apple Intelligence rollout as “dismal.” He commented, “The new Siri promised is rife with issues and user experience has been extremely disappointing.” Furthermore, he mentioned that AI features intended to assist in writing have faced poor reception.

JPMorgan analyst Samik Chatterjee retained an overweight rating on Apple but reduced his price target from $265 to $260, voicing caution about the company’s outlook. He cited concerns regarding smartphone market share loss in China, limited traction for AI features, and foreign exchange headwinds. Chatterjee noted that the focus preceding the earnings report is less about the quarter itself and more about Apple’s future direction.

On January 30, Apple will report results for the first quarter of its fiscal year 2025, which encompasses the vital holiday quarter. Analysts predict this report is crucial for Apple’s stock, especially given the company’s push to revive revenue growth after a period of stagnation. Since 2022, Apple has not shown significant revenue growth, though it has managed earnings improvements through share buybacks and enhanced profitability.

As of Tuesday, Apple shares dropped 3.2%, closing at $222.64, reflecting a notable decline of approximately 12% in 2025. Jefferies projected a price target of $200.75 per share down from $211.84, citing weak demand in both the iPhone market and the broader consumer electronics sector. The firm anticipates that Apple may also struggle to meet its March quarter guidance.

JPMorgan noted that the strong dollar and limited appetite for Apple products are contributing factors to its downgrading sentiment. Moreover, they stated that Apple’s premium phones do not benefit from the local government subsidies available to low-to-mid-tier competitors.

Recent data from Canalys revealed that Apple lost its position as the largest smartphone seller in China last year, with its latest iPhones lacking the recently launched AI capabilities.

Featured image credit: Medhat Dawoud/Unsplash

Oracle shares (ORCL.N) jumped nearly 9% in Frankfurt on Wednesday after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a significant investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure by Oracle, OpenAI, and SoftBank (9984.T). Trump unveiled a joint venture called Stargate, which plans to invest $500 billion at the White House the previous day.

Oracle shares surge after Trump announces $500 billion AI investment

This joint venture aims to expedite the development of AI technology by deploying $100 billion “immediately” with a long-term goal of reaching at least $500 billion to establish new infrastructure for OpenAI, including data centers and physical campuses. Masayoshi Son, CEO of SoftBank, will serve as the venture’s chairman.

Initial funding will come from SoftBank, OpenAI, Oracle, and Abu Dhabi state investor MGX, beginning with the construction of the first computing system in Texas. While SoftBank and OpenAI are the lead partners, SoftBank will handle financing and OpenAI will manage operations. Technology contributions will be made by Arm Holdings Plc, Microsoft Corp., and Nvidia Corp., in addition to Oracle and OpenAI.

Trump has indicated a broad strategy to maintain U.S. leadership in AI, encouraging private-sector investment and promising to streamline permit processes and reduce regulatory barriers. This initiative will involve tech industry leaders, including Elon Musk and incoming AI-crypto czar David Sacks, who have joined his administration.

In the wake of Trump’s announcement, shares of SoftBank rose 9.7% in Tokyo, marking their largest intraday increase since August. The S&P 500 saw over 400 shares rise during U.S. trading on Tuesday, with the index up almost 1%, fueled by expectations surrounding the new AI investment initiative.

Could Musk or Ellison buy TikTok? Trump thinks so

During the announcement, Trump stated he would utilize emergency declarations and executive actions to facilitate construction projects, including improved access to energy. Both Trump and the executives emphasized AI’s potential applications in health and other sectors, which they believe will stimulate U.S. economic growth. “AI holds incredible promise for all of us, for every American,” said Larry Ellison, Oracle’s co-founder.

Despite the enthusiasm, uncertainties remain regarding the actual commitments involved. Son had previously met Trump at Mar-a-Lago to discuss SoftBank’s $100 billion investment plans for the upcoming presidential term, which relate to this announcement. Ellison mentioned that many of the data centers for the initiative are already under construction and that OpenAI has proposed substantial plans for investing in AI infrastructure.

Prior to taking office, Trump had announced a $20 billion investment from Dubai-based billionaire Hussain Sajwani for new data centers across the country. Shortly after his swearing-in, he lifted AI restrictions imposed by the Biden administration and enacted measures to enhance U.S. energy development in anticipation of rising power demands from data centers.

However, some skepticism exists regarding whether the Stargate initiative represents a significant increase from past plans. Questions about SoftBank’s capacity to fund the initiative had been raised after last month’s announcement from Son. Bloomberg previously reported that SoftBank may consider leveraging project financing schemes to transform tens of billions into hundreds of billions of dollars, given their ¥3.8 trillion ($25 billion) in cash and equivalents at the end of September.

Kirk Boodry, an analyst at Astris Advisory, suggested that SoftBank might need to contribute $25 billion to $30 billion for its involvement in the project. He anticipates that SoftBank will attract limited partners, likely from the Middle East, as it did with the Vision Fund, while potential asset sales might also be on the horizon. Takashi Fujiwara, head of fixed income management at Resona Asset Management Co., pointed out that this situation could lead to increased expectations for yields on future SoftBank bond issues due to financial pressures on the company.

Winners and losers of $TRUMP coin

Since winning a second term, Trump has maintained close ties with Silicon Valley leaders, including major figures like Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Tim Cook, and Sundar Pichai, who attended his swearing-in ceremony on Monday.

OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman has been actively working to build a global coalition among policymakers and industry leaders to ensure the availability of chips, energy, and data center capacity necessary for AI advancement. OpenAI has also communicated to the Biden administration the urgent need for extensive data centers capable of consuming energy comparable to entire cities.

SoftBank has previously invested in OpenAI’s latest fundraising round. According to OpenAI Chief Financial Officer Sarah Friar, the company chose to partner with SoftBank due to its “access to lots of capital” and readiness to invest in critical areas like power and data centers.

In a Fox News interview, Ellison mentioned that the Stargate project has been in development “for a long time.” Construction for the first data centers is already underway in Texas, which will later be transitioned to Altman and OpenAI for the training of their next model.

Altman stated, “The scale of this investment obviously is huge. And what I think that says about the likely progress of the technology, at least what all of us believe, is correspondingly huge.”

As cloud infrastructure providers such as Microsoft, Amazon.com Inc., and Oracle compete to enhance computing capacity, Oracle has already made substantial commitments for building new data centers, with expectations to double its capital expenditures this fiscal year to over $14 billion largely due to these initiatives.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. We do not endorse any specific investment strategies or make recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of any securities.

Featured image credit: Oracle

President Donald Trump expressed openness to Tesla CEO Elon Musk or Oracle Chairman Larry Ellison purchasing TikTok during a press conference held to announce a $500 billion artificial intelligence infrastructure investment.

Trump pitches TikTok to Musk and Ellison: Half to the U.S., half to you

Trump suggested a proposal in which the buyer would give half of TikTok’s value to the United States in exchange for a permit to operate.

“Larry, let’s negotiate in front of the media,” Trump remarked, highlighting a collaborative approach. Ellison responded positively to the idea, stating, “Sounds like a good deal to me, Mr. President.”

This discussion arises amidst TikTok’s uncertain status in the U.S., as Trump signed an executive order on Monday that stops enforcement of regulations aimed at banning the app for 75 days. This action follows a Supreme Court decision legitimizing a law that penalizes app stores and service providers hosting TikTok unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, sells the platform.

Analysts have valued TikTok’s U.S. operations at approximately $50 billion. Trump indicated that the app would be “worthless” without a U.S. permit but could be valued at $1 trillion with one. Musk and Ellison’s potential acquisition of TikTok reflects their close ties to the Trump administration, with Musk previously being a significant financial backer for Trump’s campaigns.

Is TikTok really being sold to Elon Musk: Here is the full story

MrBeast might be the name too

Other offers for TikTok have emerged, including a bid from YouTube creator MrBeast, also known as Jimmy Donaldson, whose investor group is reportedly being advised by the brother of Trump’s attorney general nominee. On January 13, Donaldson jokingly stated, “Okay fine, I’ll buy TikTok so it doesn’t get banned,” but his seriousness was confirmed by his lawyer.

The urgency for a sale is underscored by a looming 75-day deadline after Trump delayed the ban implementation. After the ban appeared imminent, TikTok briefly went offline but resumed operations following Trump’s announcement to enforce the delay.

MrBeast’s consortium aims to buy TikTok while maintaining operations to ensure continuity for its 170 million American users, according to statements from the investor group. They emphasize their offer as a solution that addresses national security concerns without disrupting TikTok’s service.

Additionally, discussions surrounding TikTok’s sale to a U.S.-based company have been ongoing since 2020, when Trump previously attempted to ban the app. With recent legal mandates tightening around ByteDance, the pressure is mounting as TikTok faced a temporary blackout before Trump’s executive order intervention.

Other potential bidders include a group led by billionaire Frank McCourt, which also involves prominent investors like Kevin O’Leary. McCourt’s team has refrained from stating the exact amount of their bid but indicated a valuation of TikTok’s assets at approximately $20 billion.

Featured image credit: Nik/Unsplash

For most developers, running a basic AI model on a massive spreadsheet is now a rite of passage, hoping that it would magically churn out some brilliant new insights. However, more often than not, the machine just chokes on the sea of jumbled rows and columns, barely providing anything of value.

This is a great way for young professionals to learn that when data isn’t arranged coherently, no AI, no matter how advanced, can be saved from fizzling out. Working with artificial intelligence requires versatile data tools, and in this article, we cover more reasons for this.

The AI appetite

Machine learning programs feast on information. However, not all munchies arrive in neat containers. There are endless formats, spreadsheets, databases, images, and random text blobs. An algorithm can’t reach star status if forced to comb through chaotic bits and bytes. 

Versatile data tools, the likes of SpreadJS, a Javascript spreadsheet integration framework, on the other hand, whip that chaos into order. They act like backstage organizers who label costumes, set up stage props, and make sure nothing catches fire before the spotlight hits.

The all-round data toolkit

Universal data platforms reduce the headache of dealing with multiple sources, countless file types, and unwieldy data streams. They’re not just about storage or quick queries. They help refine raw info, making it readable, consistent, and complete. 

Many analytics teams complain about wrestling with five different systems before discovering an all-in-one solution. Suddenly, their algorithms start gliding through training sessions without crashing every couple of hours. That’s the power of a dependable toolkit, less chaos, more results.

Such platforms are already here and are increasingly being used by organizations and dev teams the world over. We expect them to become more mainstream and gain critical mass over the next couple of years.

The path toward smarter AI

The future is brimming with advanced neural networks, generative models, and fancy predictive engines. None of these innovations can thrive without organized, high-quality data. Flexible tools allow these models to stay fed and fueled, no matter how large or diverse the dataset becomes. 

Think of them as the ultimate sidekick, quietly handling every behind-the-scenes hassle. With a bit of help from robust systems, artificial intelligence stands poised to tackle complex decisions, lift productivity, and impress even the most skeptical onlooker.

Despite the monumental advances in AI in recent years, so far they only serve to augment human efforts but are largely incapable of running on their own. By fine-tuning the data funnels, AI systems will get a lot more advanced, reaching true human capabilities in the years ahead.

Conclusion

The forces of AI remain very much in their nascent stages, with plenty of nuts and bolts of these systems still being fine-tuned. However, once everything is in order, as we expect them to be over the next few years, the true potential of AI will be revealed to the world.

Versatile data tools, of course, play a crucial role in this regard, and in some ways have been the catalyst that the segment has long awaited. 

Remember the back gesture bug that has been a thorn in Pixel users’ sides for the past few months? The frustrating issue, first reported around three months ago, has continued to trouble users, but it seems there is finally light at the end of the tunnel—a fix is reportedly on its way.

Google to fix back gesture bug on Pixel phones

The root of the issue appears to trace back to the stable Android 15 update, which rolled out predictive back gestures as a default feature. Predictive back gestures, designed to enhance navigation fluidity by visually previewing the destination of a back action, may have inadvertently introduced this bug. According to user reports, this feature affected the right-to-left swipe gesture for navigating to the previous screen. While swiping from left to right worked as intended, the right-to-left gesture often required multiple attempts to register, making navigation frustrating and inconsistent.

Pixel users quickly took to forums and online communities to share their grievances. Many reported that toggling gesture navigation settings could temporarily alleviate the issue, while others suggested tweaking the sensitivity settings. However, these fixes provided mixed results. Some users claimed success with these methods, while others found them ineffective, leaving a significant portion of the user base grappling with the bug.

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Google’s response and timeline

Google became aware of the problem on October 17, 2024, when the issue was flagged in the company’s internal issue tracker. Despite user frustration and increasing reports, it has taken Google over three months to address the problem. As of January 2025, the issue has been “marked as fixed” in Google’s issue tracker, as reported by PiunikaWeb. The resolution is expected to be rolled out in the upcoming security update.

A screenshot from Google’s issue tracker confirms this development, showing that the bug has been identified and resolved internally. This announcement has provided some relief to users who had grown impatient with the prolonged wait for a solution.

Temporary workaround

For users still dealing with the bug, there is a temporary workaround that may help restore some functionality until the fix is officially released. By disabling and re-enabling gesture navigation, you may be able to mitigate the problem. Here’s how:

1. Open Settings and navigate to System → Navigation mode.
2. Select the 3-button navigation option to disable gesture navigation.
3. Restart your device.
4. Return to Settings → System → Navigation mode.
5. Re-enable gesture navigation by selecting the Gesture navigation option.

What to expect next?

While Google has not provided a specific timeline for the rollout of the fix, it is likely to be included in the next monthly security update. Pixel users should keep an eye on their devices for the update notification, as it will address this long-standing annoyance. Additionally, this incident raises questions about Google’s internal testing processes, particularly for core navigation features that significantly impact user experience.

For now, the upcoming fix offers a much-needed resolution to a problem that has affected Pixel users’ everyday device interactions. If you’re among those impacted, hang tight—relief is on the horizon.

Featured image credit: Google

Intel (INTC) shares were a significant disappointment in 2024, following the unexpected retirement of CEO Pat Gelsinger and the appointment of interim co-CEOs without a clear strategy. Investors remain skeptical about the company’s potential for a turnaround.

Risks linked to Intel 18A manufacturing process

Intel 18A is the fifth and final process node in Intel’s five-nodes-in-four-years manufacturing plan. Progress has been made in catching up with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in terms of manufacturing technology, and Intel 18A is intended to restore competitiveness, featuring a new transistor design and the first process to utilize backside power delivery, which can enhance performance and efficiency. However, the pace of securing major customer commitments for Intel 18A has been slow, raising concerns as the company requires additional wins to justify the substantial investments for volume production.

Multiple upcoming product lines, including Clearwater Forest and Panther Lake, are set to use Intel 18A for manufacturing. Any delays or issues with this critical process could hinder both the foundry business and the launch of necessary products, jeopardizing the overall comeback for Intel.

Is AMD stock undervalued: Why now could be the perfect time to buy

Challenges in the PC and AI markets

In the desktop CPU market, Intel is facing significant hurdles. The previous generation Raptor Lake chips exhibited stability issues leading to extended warranties. Meanwhile, the newly released Arrow Lake chips do not perform as well as Raptor Lake or competing AMD CPUs in gaming. Despite several software fixes aimed at improving Arrow Lake’s performance, it remains less appealing for gamers, with findings from Tom’s Hardware suggesting that these fixes inadvertently improved the performance of older Intel chips instead.

Intel is also falling behind in artificial intelligence (AI), despite the Gaudi line of AI accelerators presenting a favorable value proposition on paper. Adoption is hindered by immature software, resulting in missed sales targets, as the company aimed to sell $500 million worth of AI accelerators in 2024 but failed to meet that goal. Additionally, Intel plans to integrate Gaudi with its data center GPUs into a new product line, which is unlikely to significantly boost its AI business in 2025, particularly as AMD has been performing better in this segment.

The absence of a strong AI accelerator business could further pressure Intel’s stock as investors explore other opportunities in the burgeoning AI market.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. We do not endorse any specific investment strategies or make recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of any securities.

Featured image credit: Intel

When it comes to building a resilient and profitable portfolio, selecting the right investments is key. In 2025, a mix of well-established dividend payers, innovative growth companies, and strategic funds are catching the attention of savvy investors. From 3M’s bold restructuring efforts to Brookfield Infrastructure’s steady cash flow generation, and from ExxonMobil’s robust dividend history to Illinois Tool Works’ sector-spanning resilience, these companies present intriguing opportunities. Add to that the JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF, offering a unique passive income strategy, and you have a lineup worth exploring.

3M aims for growth through restructuring

3M’s new CEO, Bill Brown, is committed to positioning the company for growth despite a challenging global economic environment. Interest rate pressures are likely to hinder revenue growth outlook for 2025; however, Brown’s comprehensive restructuring plan focuses on improving margins and earnings. This involves revitalizing product development through research and development, enhancing machinery asset utilization, optimizing delivery processes, improving inventory turnover, consolidating suppliers, and implementing lean management techniques.

Previous management had prioritized the healthcare business and faced uncertainties from litigation over PFAS chemicals and faulty combat arms earplugs. Although 3M will make multi-year payments related to these legal issues, clarity on these matters now exists. With a new CEO, there is potential for self-help initiatives to drive margin expansion and earnings growth.

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Brookfield Infrastructure presents passive income opportunities

Brookfield Infrastructure’s units are currently valued at about 2.9 times operating cash flow, which is a discount to their five-year average cash flow multiple of 4.3. The company operates a diversified portfolio of infrastructure assets, including transportation (42% of the company’s funds from operation), midstream (21%), utilities (26%), and data assets (11%).

From 2009 to 2023, Brookfield Infrastructure achieved a 15% compound annual growth rate in funds from operations (FFO). The management anticipates more than 10% annual growth in FFO per unit, supported by a backlog of projects totaling approximately $7.8 billion as of September 30. The company also targets a consistent annual distribution growth of 5% to 9%, allowing for stable returns for income investors.

ExxonMobil might be a strong addition

ExxonMobil is considered a strong addition for portfolios focused on steady growth and dividend income. The company expects earnings and operating cash flow to rise at compound annual growth rates of 10% and 8%, respectively, from 2024 to 2030, aided by increased production from its Permian Basin assets. It boasts a long history of dividend growth, having increased its dividend for 42 consecutive years, maintaining a payout ratio of 86% over the last five years.

Illinois Tool Works: An eye-catcher

Investors might also find value in Illinois Tool Works (ITW). The company’s diversity, having exposure to various sectors including automotive, food processing, and welding equipment, enhances its resilience in economic downturns. ITW is recognized as a Dividend King with 53 consecutive years of dividend increases, with its most recent dividend raise of 7% occurring in August 2024.

JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF

For a different approach to passive income, the JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF provides a yield of 7.3%. The fund invests a minimum of 80% of its assets in equities and implements a strategy that utilizes equity-linked notes (ELNs) to generate monthly income through sold call options linked to the S&P 500 index.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. We do not endorse any specific investment strategies or make recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of any securities.

Featured image credit: pvproductions/Freepik

The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) announced that a recent cybersecurity breach affecting PowerSchool may have compromised personal student information from 1985 to 2024. The breach, discovered on January 7, has caused concern as it potentially impacts medical information, health card numbers, and home addresses.

Toronto school board reports cybersecurity breach affecting student data

PowerSchool serves as a cloud-based platform used by many school boards to retain student and staff records. In a communication to parents and guardians, Interim Director of Education Stacey Zucker explained that the specific details of the compromised data vary depending on a student’s enrollment period.

The TDSB reported that records for students enrolled from September 3, 1985, to August 31, 2017, may have included names, dates of birth, genders, health card numbers, home addresses, phone numbers, and additional information. For students who attended from September 2017 through December 28, 2024, the accessed information may include names, dates of birth, genders, health card numbers, medical records such as allergies, home addresses, phone numbers, residency information, as well as parent, guardian, or caregiver details, and emergency contact information.

Notably, the TDSB confirmed that medical information related to its support services team, which includes various health professionals, was not affected by the breach. Canadian privacy officials are currently investigating the incident.

In response to the breach, PowerSchool announced it will provide complimentary identity protection services for two years to all impacted students and educators, along with two years of credit monitoring for adult students and educators, irrespective of whether their Social Insurance Numbers were compromised. The TDSB has assured that it does not store Social Insurance Numbers or financial data within the PowerSchool system, indicating that such information remains secure.

“PowerSchool will be offering two years of complimentary identity protection services for all students and educators whose information was involved and will also be offering two years of complimentary credit monitoring services for all adult students and educators whose information was involved. We are doing this regardless of whether an individual’s Social Security Number was exfiltrated.”

-PowerSchool

TDSB spokesperson Ryan Bird stated that PowerSchool has assured all school boards that the compromised data has been deleted and not stored elsewhere. Bird expressed ongoing concerns regarding the breach and emphasized collaborative efforts with PowerSchool to enhance system security.

According to TechCrunch, Romy Backus, an administrator from the American School of Dubai, received a notification from PowerSchool about the breach and took immediate steps to understand its impact, as the initial communication did not specify which data was compromised. Backus noted a lack of actionable information, leading to confusion among school administrators who were trying to ascertain the extent of the breach. Administrators across various affected schools turned to each other for guidance, resulting in a noticeable surge in communication among users on their email listservs.

Backus utilized her technical knowledge to identify compromised data at her school and subsequently created a comprehensive guide for fellow administrators detailing the breach patterns and steps for investigation. This guide was shared widely across PowerSchool user forums, gathering thousands of views and becoming a critical resource for schools navigating the aftermath of the breach.

Doug Levin, co-founder of the K12 Security Information eXchange, noted the significance of such collaboration within the education community, particularly during large-scale incidents like the PowerSchool breach, as schools often lack robust cybersecurity resources.

PowerSchool spokesperson Beth Keebler acknowledged the supportive environment fostered among its customers, highlighting the cooperative efforts during the security crisis.

As of the latest update, the TDSB has assured current and former students that there is no ongoing unauthorized access to data.

Featured image credit: PowerSchool

Samsung is set to unveil its new flagship phones, the Galaxy S25 series, during the Galaxy Unpacked event on January 22, 2025, at 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. GMT in San Jose, California. The event will feature the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, and Galaxy S25 Ultra, alongside updates to the Galaxy AI features introduced last year.

Samsung prepares to unveil Galaxy S25 series on January 22

The Galaxy S25 is expected to feature a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, Qi2 wireless charging support, enhanced AI capabilities, and a slightly redesigned chassis compared to the Galaxy S24. Pre-orders for the phone may begin right after the launch event, with a potential on-sale date of February 7.

Similarly, the Galaxy S25 Plus will share these improvements and offer a larger battery and faster wired charging. It is anticipated to be the preferred option for users who favor a bigger screen experience.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is rumored to include a new 50MP ultra-wide camera, significantly enhancing its camera setup compared to the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s 12MP ultra-wide camera. This addition is expected to provide a more consistent photographic experience across its four optical zoom levels.

There is speculation around the possible introduction of a Galaxy S25 Slim model, emphasizing a thinner design while retaining notable features from the Ultra edition. Additionally, a cheaper version of the foldable Galaxy Z Flip model, possibly named Galaxy Z Flip FE, might also be announced or previewed during the event.

Software updates and wearables

One UI 7 will accompany the Galaxy S25 phones, based on Android 15. This update promises to enhance user experience by incorporating more advanced AI features and introducing a new “Now Bar” for easier notification access.

Samsung may also showcase the Galaxy Ring 2, a sequel to its first smart ring, likely featuring improvements in design and battery life. Information regarding the Galaxy AR headset, also referred to as Project Moohan, could be unveiled, as this collaboration with Google and Qualcomm is anticipated to launch in 2025.

In addition, the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s screen will utilize Samsung’s exclusive ProScaler technology, ensuring sharper visuals and brighter colors for a more lifelike display experience. The device will feature a 6.86-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x display and require a QHD+ screen resolution setting, lacking support for WQHD+ resolution.

Samsung has prepared to launch the Galaxy S25 series in San Jose, California, with general availability expected by mid-February following the start of pre-orders on the same day as the launch event.

Live coverage of the Galaxy Unpacked event will be available on Samsung’s website, Samsung Newsroom, and the Samsung YouTube channel.

Featured image credit: Samsung

Donald Trump launched a memecoin, dubbed Official Trump with the TRUMP ticker, over the weekend, which briefly became the second-biggest meme token in crypto history with a market value exceeding $14 billion shortly after its launch.

The frenzy and early winners

A frenzied scramble of buying from sophisticated trading bots and insiders propelled its value rapidly. Several investors made millions during the initial trading hours. One early investor traded $1 million for nearly 6 million Trump coins and is currently sitting on $304 million in unrealised profits. This investor also transferred some tokens to other wallets for sale on the market. Another significant early buyer invested around $1 million and holds $78 million in unrealised profits, having sold a small portion of their Trump holdings for $1.7 million.

Despite initial skepticism regarding the token’s legitimacy, traders began investing as it gained viral status on social media. However, the rapid rise was followed by a steep decline, with market value sliding over 52% within one hour. Currently, the token’s worth has recovered somewhat but remains approximately 30% off its peak market value, sitting at around $10 billion. Trump’s memecoin is now the third-biggest meme token in cryptocurrency, trailing Dogecoin at $54 billion and Shiba Inu at $12 billion.

The subsequent slump in value coincided with the launch of Melania Trump’s own memecoin, which peaked at nearly $2 billion. This new token likely siphoned liquidity from Trump’s memecoin as traders sought to invest early in the latest offering from the Trump family. Onchain data showed a rotation of profits from the Trump token to Melania’s shortly after her coin’s release.

7% of crypto traders jumped on Trump’s meme coin: Here’s why that’s huge

Reactions are mixed

Late investors in the Trump memecoin faced significant losses amid the price decline. One trader lost $6.4 million on an initial investment of $25.7 million, selling most of their holdings following the drop. Another trader reported a $5 million loss on a $17.8 million investment, having sold 82% of their Trump token assets at a loss.

The volatile world of $TRUMP coin has created both euphoria and despair among traders, as evidenced by the polarizing reactions on X. Some users are basking in newfound wealth, while others are left grappling with devastating losses.

One user, Greg (@greg16676935420), expressed the depths of his misfortune: “I just lost every last dollar I had ($37.28) buying the Trump and Melania crypto coins. I’m literally shaking and throwing up right now.” His experience is a stark reminder of the risks involved in speculative trading.

In contrast, others are riding high on staggering gains. The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) highlighted one trader’s remarkable success: “This trader bought a total of $308,800 of $TRUMP coin. Their current unrealized gain is $34.9 MILLION. They have also already cashed out $3.6 million in profit. This volatility is HIGHLY risky.” While the numbers are jaw-dropping, the cautionary note about the volatility adds a sobering perspective.

The coin’s meteoric rise has also reportedly boosted Donald Trump’s fortune. According to The Kobeissi Letter, “Donald Trump has seen a 400% increase in net worth since the launch. This puts his net worth at ~$28 billion, up from $5.6 billion in November 2024. Of course, most of this is in illiquid assets as he is currently in the lock-up period.”

Amid this chaos, some users are celebrating life-changing gains. Roshi (@roshicrypto8) tweeted, “500+ people became millionaires with $TRUMP coin. Literally nuts.”

The $TRUMP coin phenomenon has clearly divided its traders into two camps: winners reaping fortunes and losers lamenting their risks. As the crypto frenzy continues, it’s evident that this digital currency carries both tremendous potential and equally high stakes.

Stock markets tread lightly: No new tariffs on China yet, Trump warns of actions ahead

Crypto traders awaited Trump’s inauguration speech with anticipation and were disappointed when he did not mention cryptocurrency in a 30-minute outline of his policy priorities. Following the speech, Trump’s official memecoin dropped 25% in one hour to a low of $38, before recovering slightly to around $41, maintaining a total value of $8.2 billion at the time of reporting. The crypto markets also reacted, with Bitcoin dropping 5% in that hour before trading around $103,000.

Trump’s entry into the cryptocurrency scene marks a significant shift, especially considering his prior statements labeling Bitcoin as “a scam against the dollar.” As the crypto industry invested heavily in the 2024 elections, more than $130 million flowed into federal ballots. Trump began courting industry executives, stating that supporters of crypto should vote for him. He has since made promises to create a U.S. Bitcoin strategic reserve and launched his DeFi platform, World Liberty Financial, which aims to act as a stablecoin issuer.

World Liberty Financial managed to sell 20 billion tokens just hours before Trump’s inauguration. The launch of these presidential meme tokens illustrates the volatile nature of cryptocurrencies, with the $TRUMP token experiencing price fluctuations that erased approximately $7.5 billion in market value shortly after the debut of the $MELANIA token.

This emergence of politically linked tokens raises regulatory questions. Analysts indicate that the situation could represent significant conflicts of interest given Trump’s role in regulating the crypto industry while being directly linked to these speculative assets. World Liberty Financial also recently converted $20 million worth of USDC into Ethereum, indicating a strategic investment approach as they begin to establish a foothold in the crypto landscape.

As World Liberty Financial’s portfolio grows, it currently holds $327.6 million in crypto, notably including 57,000 ETH valued around $184 million. The company also retains substantial stablecoin assets and token holdings in key DeFi protocols. This strategic positioning suggests potential plans for advanced financial products.

Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/Ideogram

According to a research study conducted by Zhenzhen Zhuang, Jiandong Chen, Hongfeng Xu, Yuwen Jiang, and Jialiang Lin from Guangzhou Institute of Science and Technology and Guizhou Normal University, large language models (LLMs) are transforming academic peer review through the introduction of Automated Scholarly Paper Review (ASPR). Their survey, titled Large Language Models for Automated Scholarly Paper Review: A Survey, provides a comprehensive overview of the coexistence phase between ASPR and traditional peer review, underscoring the transformative potential of LLMs in academic publishing.

The researchers examined how LLMs, such as GPT-4, are integrated into peer review processes, addressing key challenges such as technological bottlenecks and domain-specific knowledge gaps. They explored innovations like multimodal capabilities, iterative review simulations, new tools like MAMORX, and datasets such as ReviewMT that enhance ASPR’s effectiveness. The study also investigated the reactions of academia and publishers to ASPR and outlined the ethical concerns associated with these technologies, such as biases and data confidentiality risks.

Can 256M parameters outperform 80B? Hugging Face’s SmolVLM models say yes

1. The emergence of Automated Scholarly Paper Review (ASPR)

Large Language Models (LLMs) have ushered in a new era for academic peer review through the concept of Automated Scholarly Paper Review (ASPR). This approach harnesses the computational power of LLMs to transform traditional, human-led peer reviews into efficient, unbiased, and scalable processes. With ASPR, academia is witnessing a paradigm shift toward technology-driven precision.

1.1 What is ASPR?

Automated Scholarly Paper Review (ASPR) is a system that integrates LLMs to manage and optimize peer review tasks. By automating essential activities like summarizing manuscripts, identifying errors, and generating detailed feedback, ASPR ensures rigor that matches, and often surpasses, traditional methods. It doesn’t merely enhance human efforts; it redefines the framework of academic evaluations.

ASPR relies on advanced models like GPT-4 to deliver consistent, high-quality evaluations. These models are trained to process extensive text, assess complex methodologies, and provide unbiased feedback, making ASPR a game-changing innovation for scholarly publishing.

1.2 Why academia needs ASPR

The peer review process is often criticized for being slow, inconsistent, and influenced by subjective biases. These inefficiencies delay the publication timeline and affect the credibility of academic output. ASPR directly addresses these flaws with its ability to rapidly analyze manuscripts and generate actionable insights.

Through LLMs, ASPR delivers precise and reliable reviews at an unprecedented speed. It identifies ethical concerns, checks for methodological accuracy, and ensures adherence to academic standards. For a sector under constant pressure to publish rigorously and swiftly, ASPR provides the necessary technological boost to uphold academic integrity while meeting growing demands.

2. Key technologies driving ASPR

ASPR’s transformative potential stems from the integration of cutting-edge LLM capabilities. These technologies tackle longstanding challenges in peer review, offering new ways to process complex academic content and simulate human interactions. These technologies’ evolution lays the groundwork for a more efficient and reliable peer review ecosystem.

2.1 Long text and multimodal processing

Writing long-form scholarly content has always been challenging, but LLMs have significantly advanced the field. Models like GPT-4 can now process extensive texts—up to 64,000 tokens—enabling detailed analysis of entire manuscripts in one pass. This ensures that every aspect of a paper, from introduction to references, is thoroughly reviewed.

Moreover, LLMs have become multimodal, meaning they can analyze text, figures, tables, and multimedia content. This capability ensures that reviews are comprehensive and account for all critical elements of a scholarly manuscript. It’s no longer just about text; the entire context of a paper is considered.

2.2 Multi-round review simulations

Peer review is iterative, often requiring multiple rounds of feedback and revisions. Traditional methods struggle with inefficiencies in this process, but LLMs excel in simulating multi-round interactions. By incorporating the back-and-forth dynamics between authors, reviewers, and editors, these models replicate the nuances of human-led reviews.

In practice, this means ASPR systems can suggest improvements, evaluate revisions, and offer further feedback in a structured and dynamic manner. This iterative capability ensures that manuscripts receive detailed and actionable critiques, aligning ASPR reviews closely with traditional academic expectations.

2.3 Emerging tools and datasets

ASPR’s rapid development is supported by an ecosystem of tools and datasets tailored for automated peer review. Platforms like MAMORX and Reviewer2 optimize the generation and evaluation of review comments. These tools work in tandem with datasets such as ReviewMT, which fine-tune models for specific academic domains and tasks.

These resources are more than just supporting structures; they are the foundation for ASPR’s scalability and adaptability. By enabling precise, domain-specific evaluations, these tools and datasets are driving ASPR closer to becoming the standard in scholarly publishing.

3. Challenges and ethical considerations

Adopting LLMs for Automated Scholarly Paper Review (ASPR) comes with its own challenges and ethical dilemmas. While these models showcase remarkable potential, their current limitations, risks to data confidentiality, and inherent biases demand scrutiny and robust solutions.

3.1 Limitations of current LLMs

Large Language Models are powerful, but they are not infallible. Inaccuracies and biases often emerge in their generated reviews, raising concerns about their reliability in critical academic evaluations. These issues stem from the models’ reliance on training data, which may not always reflect the nuances of specialized fields.

LLMs also struggle with domain-specific expertise. While they can process and generate general feedback efficiently, they lack the profound understanding required to evaluate cutting-edge or niche research topics. This gap limits their effectiveness in providing detailed, meaningful critiques.

3.2 Privacy and confidentiality concerns

Using cloud-based LLMs to review manuscripts introduces significant data security and confidentiality risks. Academic peer reviews require strict privacy protocols, and uploading unpublished work to third-party servers can lead to unintended data exposure.

To mitigate this, there are growing calls for deploying privately hosted LLMs. Such models would ensure that sensitive information remains within secure, institution-controlled environments, aligning with the confidentiality requirements of academic publishing.

3.3 Addressing bias in review comments

Bias in LLM-generated reviews is a critical challenge. Training data often carries biases related to geography, gender, or academic prestige, which can inadvertently influence the model’s evaluations. This affects the fairness of reviews and undermines trust in ASPR systems.

Mitigating bias requires targeted strategies, such as incorporating diverse and representative datasets during training and implementing bias-detection mechanisms within the review pipeline. By addressing these biases, ASPR can ensure that evaluations are equitable and impartial.

4. The future of ASPR

As LLMs evolve, so too does their role in reshaping academic peer review. ASPR is not just a technological upgrade; it is a glimpse into the future of scholarly evaluation. However, realizing this vision demands overcoming technical and ethical hurdles while aligning with academic norms.

4.1 Towards fully automated peer review

LLMs have enormous potential to standardize and streamline academic evaluations. By automating labor-intensive tasks, ASPR can establish a new benchmark for speed, accuracy, and consistency in peer reviews. This automation is particularly valuable as publication volumes grow exponentially.

Challenges remain, particularly in ensuring that ASPR systems can meet the rigorous demands of diverse academic disciplines. Addressing issues like domain expertise, adaptability, and the ability to evaluate novel research will be critical to achieving full-scale implementation.

4.2 Integration into academic norms

Adopting ASPR within traditional academic frameworks requires a careful balance. Publishers and academia must work collaboratively to establish guidelines that ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability in LLM-assisted reviews. Resistance to automation stems from fears of diminished human oversight. However, these concerns can be alleviated through clear policies and ethical safeguards.

Aligning LLMs with the core values of academic research\u2014rigor, integrity, and innovation\u2014is essential. As ASPR becomes a standard tool in scholarly publishing, its integration must reflect the collective goals of academia: fostering knowledge, advancing discovery, and maintaining the highest evaluation standards.

Featured image credit: Amanda Jones/Unsplash

Wall Street investors observed that, in the short term, asset classes like gold and bitcoin may reflect the performance seen during Donald Trump’s first presidency. The sentiment surrounding Trump’s pro-business second term has largely been optimistic, with the S&P 500 up nearly 4% since the presidential election. Recently, the index increased by 2.9%, marking its best weekly performance since early November. This growth occurs amid market uncertainty, including potential tariffs, a decrease in the rate cut cycle, and questions regarding the new administration’s regulatory agendas.

Market performance during Trump’s previous term

During the first 100 days of Trump’s prior presidency in 2017, the three major indexes experienced significant gains: the S&P 500 rose by 5.3%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 6.1%, and the Nasdaq Composite gained 9.2%. Current investor sentiment suggests that another substantial rally may be unlikely this time. Jeff Kilburg, founder and CEO of KKM Financial, stated, “In contrast to Trump 1.0, we’ve seen the S&P 500 have two consecutive years of nearly 25% returns. It’s really challenging to have a repeat unless we see additional consumer strength and additional profits from corporations.”

Art Hogan, chief market strategist at B. Riley Wealth Management, noted that the current phase calls for a pause in the rally as investors await clarity on new administration policies, indicating, “We’re basically flat on the year.”

Stock markets tread lightly: No new tariffs on China yet, Trump warns of actions ahead

Sector-specific analysis

In 2017, the technology sector saw an 11.5% rise during Trump’s first 100 days, while the energy sector fell by 8.2%. However, in the current year, the energy sector has gained 9.2%, leading the market, whereas technology stocks are down 0.2%. Investors expect energy stocks will maintain their strong performance. Hogan remarked, “The supply and demand for energy product is much more balanced than what has been reflected in the commodity prices.”

While artificial intelligence advancements will likely benefit technology stocks, investors do not foresee the sector achieving the same momentum as in past years. Kilburg stated, “Technology is still going to be a theme in 2025, but I think there’s a massive repricing coming in the first half of the year just because they’ve gotten too big, too fast.” Hogan and Kilburg also highlighted health care and financials as sectors that could outperform in the near future.

Predictions for crude oil and gasoline

Crude oil prices fluctuated during Trump’s initial term but ultimately declined. Currently, all three investors predict rising prices for crude oil. Kilburg stated, “If Trump is able to bring peace in the Middle East— which seemingly he has already brought here before the inauguration—then the price of oil is going to go up.” West Texas Intermediate and Brent crude futures have risen over 8% in 2025. Additionally, Boockvar cited new U.S. sanctions against Russian oil producers as a catalyst for potential price increases.

Regarding gasoline prices, which rose from January to April 2017, predicting their future trajectory is more complex this time. Boockvar explained that gasoline prices have not yet reflected the recent increases in crude oil. Hogan mentioned, “We’re likely going to see the average price per barrel of oil in the $75 to $85 range for WTI. That translates to at or about $3 in gasoline, all things remain equal.” Conversely, Kilburg warned that the pain at the pump may rise for U.S. consumers due to earlier lower crude oil prices.

Gold, bitcoin, and the U.S. dollar outlook

All investors anticipate that gold prices will rise over the next 100 days, echoing trends from 2017. Hogan pointed to geopolitical uncertainty as a reason, while Kilburg referenced inflation concerns. Boockvar remarked, “Gold has been able to rally in the face of a strong dollar and rising real rates, and that’s because of the voracious demand from central banks.”

On the other hand, bitcoin’s trajectory may be influenced by administration policies, with Hogan suggesting that a crypto-friendly approach could enhance its value. Bitcoin has recently topped the $100,000 mark. However, Kilburg cautioned against potential retracement, saying, “It’s an old adage to buy the rumor, sell the news. If we don’t have the U.S. government buying bitcoin in the first 100 days, then we will see a pullback in bitcoin.”

The U.S. dollar increased in value against major currencies from January to April 2017 and has shown similar patterns post-Trump’s reelection. Boockvar predicted that this dollar rally might lose momentum, stating, “I have a feeling that Trump’s going to want a weaker dollar.” Hogan noted that a declining GDP rate in the U.S. may also limit dollar strength.

Despite this, Kilburg expressed optimism that the dollar could continue to rise, though he stated, “We’re not going to see another 10% leg higher unless we see something massive tariff-wise.”

Treasury yields amid changing economic conditions

Since 2017, yields on U.S. Treasurys have increased significantly, with the 2-year Treasury yield recently around 4.283% and the 10-year yield at approximately 4.623%. Investors predict that the 2-year yield will likely remain stable, reflecting anticipated Federal Reserve monetary policy. Hogan explained, “The two-year likely continues to mirror what our interpretation of the Fed monetary policy is going to be.”

The 10-year yield, which reflects broader economic growth sentiment, may settle between 4.25% to 4.75%. Kilburg stated that a temporary steepening of the yield curve could occur as bondholders may seek increased returns for risk. “I actually think we’re going to have a short-term move in the 10-year above 5%. Then there’ll be a flush out of repositioning by some of the biggest institutionally positioned Treasury holders,” Kilburg added.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. We do not endorse any specific investment strategies or make recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of any securities.

Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/Ideogram

Canon has launched its “Live Switcher Mobile” app, specifically designed for iOS devices, enabling users to stream live from up to three camera views. However, the app does not support Canon’s own digital cameras at launch.

Canon launches Live Switcher Mobile app for iOS users

Live Switcher Mobile allows users to set how many seconds each viewpoint is displayed before automatically switching to another camera. The app supports on-screen captions and real-time comments, although the comments feature is limited to streams on YouTube and Twitch. Users can also stream to other platforms supporting RTMP, such as Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

The app is available for free but comes with limitations; maximum resolution is capped at 720p, and users will see ads and watermarks. A paid subscription, priced at $17.99 per month, increases streaming resolution to 1080p and removes ads and watermarks.

We’re obsessed with this iOS 18.3 beta 3 notification update

Live Switcher Mobile can connect to an unlimited number of iPhones and iPads running iOS 16 or later, but not Android devices. One device acts as the host, providing the switching interface and serving as the primary camera. Additional devices can be used to provide alternative angles or stream live gameplay.

Users can switch video feeds manually or set intervals for automatic switching between eight and twenty seconds. The app supports multiple video streams through a picture-in-picture effect and offers options for text and image overlays to enhance live broadcasts.

Despite its limitations compared to free apps like OBS Studio and Streamlabs, Canon’s Live Switcher Mobile provides an accessible option for new influencers entering live streaming. Canon has confirmed that compatibility with its digital cameras is planned for a future update.

Canon’s decision to omit support for its own digital cameras in the Live Switcher Mobile app may seem puzzling, but it likely comes down to prioritizing simplicity and accessibility at launch. By focusing on iOS devices, Canon eliminates the need for additional hardware or complex integrations, making the app more appealing to beginner streamers who are already familiar with their phones.

This approach also positions the app as a direct competitor to other mobile-based streaming solutions, targeting a demographic that values portability and ease of use. While the absence of Canon camera support might disappoint existing Canon users, it aligns with a strategy to first establish the app as a versatile mobile tool before introducing advanced features for seasoned creators.

Or maybe it’s just a blunder.

Featured image credit: Canon

The codenames for Google’s upcoming Pixel 11 series have leaked according to an exclusive Android Authority article, revealing a bear theme for the 2026 devices while the Pixel 10a may utilize the Tensor G4 SoC instead of the anticipated Tensor G5, potentially as a cost-saving measure.

Google’s Pixel 11 series codenames leak: Bear theme revealed

According to documents viewed by Android Authority, the codenames for the Pixel 11 lineup include “cubs” for the standard version (4CS4), “grizzly” for the Pro model (CGY4), “kodiak” for the Pro XL (PKK4), and “yogi” for the Pro Fold (9YI4). The Pixel 10a is designated as “stallion” (STA5).

This bear-themed naming convention follows Google’s previous animal-themed codenames, which have shifted from fish to birds, cats, dogs, reptiles, and horses with each new Pixel generation. Starting from the Pixel 6, Google has transitioned its codenaming strategy accordingly.

Currently in early development stages, the Pixel 10a’s design is under consideration for its chip, with Google evaluating whether to use the custom Tensor G5 or the Samsung-designed Tensor G4, which debuted with the Pixel 9 series in 2024. Any decision regarding the chip could impact the price and feature set of the Pixel 10a.

Price is speculated to be a significant factor influencing this decision. The Tensor G5 is a larger chip, measuring 121 mm², and its increased production costs might lead Google to prefer the Tensor G4 for this midrange device. Industry expectations suggest that a cost-optimized Tensor G6 may be necessary before a fully custom Google system on-chip (SoC) appears in a mid-range model.

If Google opts for the Tensor G4, the mid-range Pixel 10a may lack many new features associated with the Pixel 10 series, which are expected to leverage the enhanced capabilities of the Tensor G5 AI and camera hardware. As of now, these decisions have not been finalized, with the launch of the Pixel 9a anticipated in the coming months.

Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/Ideogram

A new leak suggests that Apple’s upcoming iPhone SE 4, expected in March or April 2025, will introduce a significant design change, potentially incorporating the Dynamic Island feature found on higher-end models.

Apple’s iPhone SE 4 to feature Dynamic Island design change

Previously, it was believed that the iPhone SE 4th generation would feature a cut-out at the top of the display. However, leaker Evan Blass revealed images that appear to highlight the Dynamic Island, sparking surprise given the SE’s focus on affordability through simpler components and older designs.

The iPhone SE has historically been a budget-friendly option, often utilizing the latest processors housed in older designs. The shift to an entirely new design for the SE 4 seems to indicate a break from this trend. Reports suggest that this new model may be based on the iPhone 14, which lacks the Dynamic Island. It is confirmed that the new SE will include a USB-C port, a requirement for sales in the EU.

As the launch date approaches, Apple has maintained a level of secrecy regarding the SE 4’s final design. The device is expected to feature Face ID instead of Touch ID, and an OLED display rather than an LCD. Various sources have provided differing information, leading to speculation about its design.

Blass’s leak included an image of source code referencing the iPhone SE (4th Gen), which raises questions about the rumored alternative designation as “iPhone 16E.” This code may serve as a placeholder, making the final naming uncertain.

The alleged design of the new iPhone SE features a Dynamic Island in place of a traditional notch, a feature currently present on the iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16 collections. This has prompted conflicting reports regarding whether SE 4 will adopt the Dynamic Island or a notch design.

Rumored specifications for the iPhone SE 4 include a 6.1-inch OLED display, Face ID, a USB-C port, a single 48-megapixel rear camera, a newer A-series chip, and 8GB of RAM to support Apple Intelligence. Additionally, it is expected to be equipped with the first Apple-designed 5G modem.

Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst of the Apple supply chain, predicts that the iPhone SE 4 will be released in either March or April 2025, aligning with the launch schedule of its predecessors.

The current iPhone SE closely resembles the iPhone 8 and includes features such as a Touch ID button and a Lightning port, which are considered outdated. The pricing for the existing model starts at $429, and a slight price increase is anticipated for the upcoming version.

The leak also hinted at new iPad Air and entry-level iPad 11 models, which do not seem to feature any significant design changes and are likely to be announced around the same time.

Image credits: Evan Blass (via MacRumors)

Stock markets in the Asia-Pacific region experienced modest gains on Tuesday following President Donald Trump’s indication of possible new tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China. Traders reacted cautiously after Trump pledged to initiate a “golden age” for America without announcing fresh import taxes on his first day in office.

Asia-Pacific stock markets gain amid Trump’s tariff hints

Trump has outlined an ambitious agenda that includes trade reforms, lower taxes, and regulatory cuts aimed at boosting corporate profits. However, some economists warn that these measures could lead to inflation, potentially prompting the Federal Reserve to increase interest rates.

In the Oval Office, Trump stated, “We’re thinking in terms of 25 percent on Mexico and Canada, because they’re allowing vast numbers of people… and fentanyl to come in.” He directed federal agencies to investigate ongoing trade imbalances and assess unfair trade practices and alleged currency manipulation by other nations.

New tariffs on China may be contingent upon the outcome of discussions regarding the future of the social media app TikTok, with Trump stating that if Beijing obstructs an agreement, it would be “somewhat of a hostile act.” He emphasized, however, that the US is not prepared to impose tariffs on all imports at this time.

During his election campaign, Trump proposed a universal tariff of 10% and expressed intentions to impose a 60% import tax on China. He has argued that tariffs will enrich Americans, although critics contend that such costs will likely be passed onto consumers. Additionally, Trump announced plans to create an “External Revenue Service” to manage the collection of tariffs and duties.

Dow futures rise 0.2%, Bitcoin smashes $109K pre-Trump orders

On Tuesday, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index rose by 1%, Japan’s Nikkei 225 was up 0.1%, South Korea’s Kospi increased by 0.2%, and Australia’s ASX 200 gained approximately 0.6%. The US dollar also regained some strength against major currencies, including the pound and the euro.

Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM Trade, noted that “market sentiment was dented during the signing of executive orders,” indicating that investors received clearer details on the Trump tariff plans, which impacted market mood. Analysts anticipate that Trump’s return to the White House may reintroduce market volatility.

US markets were closed on Monday due to the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. Trump’s threats regarding tariffs negatively affected the Mexican peso, which declined 1.1% against the US dollar, and the Canadian dollar, which fell 0.9%. Both currencies had previously strengthened after Trump suggested he would delay any immediate tariffs on key partners to assess the trade situation.

Eric Winograd, an economist at AllianceBernstein, expressed that such volatility “is the new normal,” with the Trump administration’s policies likely to be less predictable than those observed under the Biden administration.

In European markets, Trump threatened the EU with tariffs if it did not purchase more US oil, stating, “They don’t take our cars… So we’ll figure that out with either tariffs or they have to buy our oil.” This announcement contributed to the euro’s decline by about 0.5% against the US dollar.

Bitcoin prices experienced fluctuations, briefly reaching $109,241 on inauguration day before falling 0.9% to trade at $101,666 due to the absence of any cryptocurrency policy mention in Trump’s address.

Asian traders showed relief as Trump refrained from enacting immediate trade restrictions against China, although he warned that such actions could be considered if Beijing did not grant the US partial control over TikTok. The CSI 300 index was flat, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose by 0.9% during Tuesday’s trading.

The offshore renminbi strengthened to a six-week high of 7.25 against the dollar before weakening to 7.28. Jason Lui, head of APAC equity and derivative strategy at BNP Paribas, assessed that avoiding “the worst-case scenario from a risk-asset perspective” was beneficial, given that there were no new tariffs on China on the first day.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. We do not endorse any specific investment strategies or make recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of any securities.

Featured image credit: Essow K/Pexels

OpenAI may soon release an AI tool capable of taking control of users’ PCs and performing actions on their behalf, referred to as the Operator tool. Software engineer Tibor Blaho, known for accurately leaking upcoming AI products, claims to have found evidence supporting this development.

OpenAI plans January launch for AI tool Operator

OpenAI is reportedly aiming for a January launch of Operator. Blaho’s recent discoveries include hidden options in OpenAI’s ChatGPT client for macOS that allow users to define shortcuts to “Toggle Operator” and “Force Quit Operator.” Furthermore, Blaho notes that OpenAI has added references to Operator on its website, although these references are not yet publicly visible.

OpenAI to launch autonomous AI agent Operator in January

According to Blaho, the website also contains unpublished tables comparing the performance of Operator with other computer-using AI systems. If the numbers are accurate, they indicate that Operator is not entirely reliable, depending on the task. For instance, in a benchmark on OSWorld, which simulates a real computer environment, the “OpenAI Computer Use Agent (CUA)” scored 38.1%, better than Anthropic’s model but significantly below the 72.4% score achieved by humans. The OpenAI CUA does outperform human agents on the WebVoyager test, which assesses an AI’s web navigation skills, but it underperforms on another benchmark, WebArena.

Operator appears to struggle with tasks typically easy for humans. In tests requiring Operator to sign up for a cloud provider and launch a virtual machine, it succeeded 60% of the time. Meanwhile, it managed to create a Bitcoin wallet only 10% of the time, according to the leaked benchmarks.

OpenAI is entering the AI agent space at a time when competitors like Anthropic and Google are also advancing in this area. Analytics firm Markets and Markets projects the market for AI agents could reach $47.1 billion by 2030. While AI agents remain in a primitive stage of development, some experts express concerns about their safety, especially if technology improves rapidly.

One leaked chart indicates that Operator performs well in certain safety evaluations, particularly in resisting attempts to engage in illicit activities and search for sensitive personal data. Reportedly, safety testing has contributed to the lengthy development cycle of Operator. OpenAI co-founder Wojciech Zaremba criticized Anthropic’s recent agent release for lacking safety measures, indicating potential backlash if OpenAI were to expedite a similar release.

Criticism has been directed at OpenAI by AI researchers and former staff for allegedly prioritizing the rapid productization of technology over safety measures.

Image credit: Tibor Blaho

The UK’s most promising startups, listen up! The Burning Heroes Founders Association is back in London, and they’re bringing the heat with their highly anticipated Pitch Competition. This isn’t just another event; it’s a golden ticket to connect with top-tier venture capitalists and gain invaluable exposure. Think of it as speed dating for startups and VCs but with the potential for a seriously committed relationship (and funding!).

This year’s competition promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a diverse range of investors from firms like Begin Capital, Future Planet Capital, Main Set, Mercia Ventures, Palta, ULTRA.VC, and Wayra, all hungry to discover the next big thing. Whether your startup is revolutionizing SaaS, building the next killer app, or pioneering green tech solutions, Burning Heroes welcomes you with open arms.

But it’s not just about the funding. Burning Heroes is renowned for its commitment to fostering a supportive and collaborative environment for early-stage founders. 

Every participant gains valuable visibility, and the top five startups receive personalized feedback from industry veterans, giving them the edge they need to succeed. And let’s not forget the sweet prizes! ANNA, the business account that takes the pain out of taxes, is offering four annual subscriptions to their “Big Business” plan. Who wouldn’t want to win that?

This year, Burning Heroes is shining a spotlight on female-led startups with a focus on social impact. In partnership with ULTRA.VC and WOMEN IN TECH, they’ve created a special nomination that offers incredible benefits, including fast-tracked access to ULTRA.VC’s accelerator program, exclusive mentorship, and a powerful network to tap into. It’s a fantastic opportunity for women entrepreneurs to break barriers and make a real difference in the world.

Kirill Baranov, the driving force behind the London competition, emphasizes the importance of this event in today’s challenging fundraising landscape. With the competition expected to attract 100 promising startups, the energy at the Home Grown Club London on February 10th, 2025, is sure to be electric.

So, if you’re a UK startup ready to take the next step, don’t miss this chance to ignite your journey. Head over to the Burning Heroes website before January 28th, 2025, and submit your application. This could be the spark that sets your startup ablaze!

In the fast-moving digital era, businesses are always in search of effective ways to develop robust software solutions. Nearshore software development and offshore development are two dominant models in the global tech outsourcing landscape. While both models have their advantages, they also have their challenges. This article discusses the differences, benefits, and potential pitfalls of each and helps you decide which one will best suit your needs.

Advantages of working with nearshore software development companies

When businesses consider outsourcing, the concept of nearshore software development often stands out due to its strategic advantages. Nearshore software development companies, located in neighboring or nearby countries, offer proximity in time zones, cultural alignment, and cost-effective solutions. This model aims to bridge the gap between the more expensive onshore model and the highly cost-efficient but distantly located offshore approach.

The main advantage of nearshore development includes ease of communication. Shared working hours facilitate real-time discussions and hence reduce time zone differences. An example would be a technology firm in Germany, where communications with a nearshore partner are seamless because of the negligible time differences between these places.

Understanding on the level of cultural proximity is also an active component for effective partnering. Nearshore teams naturally have similar awareness in respect to regional business practices, consumers, and even linguistic idioms. It minimizes risks of miscommunication and provides exactly the deliverables a company wants.

Nearshore development is the middle ground, cost-wise. While it is not as cheap as offshore, it ensures quality, communication, and project timelines are not sacrificed. The geographical proximity also allows for in-person meetings from time to time, which can be very important for more complex projects requiring deeper involvement.

Nearshore software development: Bridging the gap

Nearshore software development evens up, fuses, and integrates all the great characteristics of the onshore and offshore development model. This can thus be something to attract organizations literally stuck between the two poles of proximity and cost-effectiveness.

Perhaps the greatest benefit is real-time collaboration. Unlike an offshore team, maintained across countries with huge time differences, nearshore teams operate during overlapped hours. This helps to speed up decision-making, respond quickly to queries, and flawlessly execute milestones of the project. For instance, companies based in the United States have been working with teams stationed in Mexico or Colombia to keep agile workflows running and reduce turnaround times.

Agility is further enhanced by the nearshore model supporting iterative processes: sprint planning, regular updates, and testing. Teams operating in similar time zones can participate in daily standups, progress reviews, and brainstorming sessions, keeping all stakeholders on the same page. This level of collaboration works to great advantage in software projects that require dynamic adjustments or user-centric design.

That provides a big nearshore advantage-thoroughly minimized and reduced language obstacle. When contracting offshore in several countries such as India or in another country like the Philippines, languages are strong even in English tone, yet much subtler implications seem somehow different culturally between nations, further raising the chance to misinterpret even vital things. Closer cultural heritage suggests that nearshore developers will allow effortless or painless communication.

Why opt for a nearshore software development company?

In selecting a nearshore software development company, what one is after is an investment into the quality and, in many aspects, efficiency of such software. For such a setting, a software development company finds a strategic position at which it becomes easy to have cost-effective solutions without any sort of project integrity compromises. Most of the time, proximity means timelier predictability with better risk management.

Probably the single biggest plus associated with a nearshore partnership: they have a keen eye on the development of a long-term relationship. Since the distance involved is somewhat smaller, a nearshore developer is usually very open to either hosting face-to-face meetings or to on-site visits. This better interaction allows the team members to trust one another and provides scope for improved solutions to challenges.

Another important factor is the legal framework of the nearshore regions. The countries favored for nearshore outsourcing, such as those in Eastern Europe or Latin America, generally have quite clear laws concerning data security and protection of intellectual property. For companies working with sensitive information or proprietary technology, this can be a major advantage.

Besides, nearshore companies have certain niches or specializations in either particular industries or technologies. For example, some specialize in mobile app development, while others are purely into fintech or e-commerce. Having domain expertise like this ensures that any solution the nearshore teams handle will be custom-made solutions for clients’ needs.

Understanding offshore development: When cost takes center stage

However, offshore development, while often vaunted because of its cost advantages, is not without a host of its problems. A common concept, offshore teams are in most cases located very far away from where the actual product is being released and may be based in Asia or Eastern Europe. These locations offer significantly lower labor costs than those found in the United States or Western Europe, especially for companies with shoestring budgets.

But such offshore development cost benefits come at a potential cost in other important parameters: pressures from time zone differences often lead to miscommunicated or delayed communications, misaligned schedules, and extended timelines of projects. A company headquartered in New York with a team in Bangalore could find coordination of real-time discussions very challenging, especially when the projects are in critical stages.

Moreover, cultural differences in work ethics, communication styles, and ways of doing business can sometimes interfere with effective collaboration. Although many offshore developers are highly qualified, their understanding of a client’s target market is limited by the geographical and cultural distance.

The case for nearshore vs. offshore development

When comparing nearshore and offshore models, the decision often boils down to priorities. If cost reduction is the primary goal, offshore development may be the better option. However, for businesses seeking a balance between affordability, quality, and collaboration, nearshore development emerges as the more viable choice.

Nearshore development offers better communication, faster project execution, and higher levels of trust. Its proximity to the client ensures greater accountability and the possibility of in-person interactions, which can be invaluable for certain projects. In contrast, while offshore development provides undeniable cost benefits, its limitations in communication and cultural alignment may impact the overall success of the project.

Which one serves you?

Nearshore versus offshore development-it’s not necessarily about which one outflanks the other in a competition for superiority but, in essence, about which one will serve your enterprise goals best. Companies of nearshore software development are a godsend to any organization that needs to be hand-in-glove on real-time collaborations, cultural compatibilities, and high-quality outputs. They definitely have the proper mix of flexibility and knowledge to handle this type of intricate project while communications and trust would be intact.

In contrast, offshore development is still an option for budget-conscious companies or those whose projects are simple and involve less collaboration. The final decision should be based on your project needs, long-term goals, and the type of relationship you want to have with your development team.

By weighing both the pros and cons of each model, you will make a choice that optimizes costs for your enterprise and at the same time guarantees success and scalability for the software solutions. With the emerging trends in the tech industry, opportunities keep opening up both in nearshore and offshore development; this brings in excitement for businesses to innovate and grow.

Featured image credit: Chris Reid/Unsplash

Microsoft has announced a temporary fix for a known issue causing classic Outlook to crash when writing, replying to, or forwarding an email. This problem emerged after updating Outlook for Microsoft 365, Outlook 2021, Outlook 2019, or Outlook 2016 to Version 2412 (Build 18324.20168), released on January 7, which triggers “0xc0000005” exception codes.

Microsoft announces temporary fix for classic Outlook crashes

To verify if the crashing issue affects your Outlook, Microsoft advises checking the Windows Event Viewer Application Log for crash Event 1000 or Event 1001, alongside specific event details outlined in a recently published support document.

The Outlook team has identified a fix for this bug, planned for rollout to customers in the Current Channel on January 28, with Version 2501 Build 18429.20000. In the interim, affected users can revert Outlook to version 2411 (Build 18227.20162), which is not impacted by the crash issue.

To revert to the earlier version, users should search for ‘Command Prompt’ in the Windows search box, right-click the ‘Command Prompt’ icon, and select ‘Run as administrator.’ They then need to enter the following commands in the Command Prompt:

Last week, Microsoft also released a fix for another issue causing Microsoft 365 applications and classic Outlook to crash on Windows Server 2016 or Windows Server 2019 systems. Earlier in January, it announced plans to automatically install the new Outlook email client on Windows 10 systems, starting with the February 2025 security update. In recent months, Microsoft provided temporary fixes for additional known Outlook problems, including one that led to crashes after opening and another affecting Gmail sign-in for classic Outlook users.

Featured image credit: Microsoft

The hacker known as IntelBroker has claimed responsibility for breaching Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), exposing sensitive data, including source code, certificates, and personally identifiable information (PII), now available for sale online. This incident was revealed in a conversation with Hackread.com and later announced on Breach Forums, a cybercrime forum the hacker administers.

IntelBroker claims breach of HPE, sensitive data exposed

IntelBroker, previously linked to numerous high-profile data breaches, stated that the breach resulted from a direct attack on HPE’s infrastructure, rather than through compromising a third party, which is common in other breaches. The hacker is reportedly demanding payment in Monero (XML) cryptocurrency to maintain anonymity.

The stolen data, according to IntelBroker, includes source code, private GitHub repositories, Docker builds, both private and public cryptographic certificates, user data related to old deliveries, and access to APIs and WePay. A data tree and two internal screenshots were shared, demonstrating what appears to be a development or system environment containing both open-source and proprietary assets.

Hackread.com’s analysis of the data tree revealed references to private keys and certificates, suggesting potential exposure of sensitive cryptographic material. Source code for HPE products like iLO and Zerto was identified, indicating leaked proprietary implementations. Further analysis uncovered files associated with private repository directories, along with .tar archives pointing to compromised development resources.

The screenshots provided insights into HPE’s internal systems, with one showcasing details of the SignonService web service, including endpoint addresses and WSDL links. The second screenshot disclosed sensitive configuration details, exposing credentials for Salesforce and QIDs integrations, as well as internal URLs, which may highlight serious security vulnerabilities within HPE’s infrastructure.

This breach marks a new incident for HPE, which previously encountered a cybersecurity incident in January 2024 when it disclosed to the SEC that state-sponsored Russian hackers breached its servers, targeting mailboxes of employees in critical functions.

IntelBroker has been associated with other significant breaches, including a reported attack on Cisco in October 2024, during which terabytes of data were stolen due to a misconfigured public-facing DevHub resource. The hacker also claimed to have breached Nokia and AMD, indicating a pattern of targeting large companies for sensitive data acquisition.

Featured image credit: HPE

Microsoft has patched a significant security vulnerability that left Windows 11 vulnerable to malware attacks for over seven months. Users are strongly urged to apply the update immediately to secure their systems.

Microsoft patches critical Windows 11 vulnerability after seven months

The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2024-7344, allowed malicious actors to install harmful code on devices, bypassing many built-in security protections in Windows 11. It exploited a weakness in how certain third-party firmware utilities managed secure UEFI boot processes, granting attackers elevated system privileges and enabling their malicious payloads to remain undetected.

This issue arose from the manner in which some legitimate system utilities utilized Microsoft-approved digital certificates. Microsoft employs a strict manual review process for third-party firmware apps that operate during the secure boot phase. However, a researcher from security firm ESET discovered at least seven different vendors using a signed firmware component named “reloader.efi” insecurely.

Windows 11 24H2 is here but do not update yet!

These utilities could inadvertently bypass Microsoft’s security checks through a custom executable loader, allowing any firmware code, including unsigned binaries, to execute despite being blocked by secure boot protections. This vulnerability provided a pathway for sophisticated attackers to embed malware within legitimate utilities.

The vendors whose system utilities inadvertently exposed this risk include Howyar Technologies, Greenware, Radix, Sanfong, WASAY, CES, and SignalComputer. All have released updates to rectify the security issue. Additionally, Microsoft has revoked the digital certificates associated with the affected firmware versions to prevent exploitation of the vulnerability.

The persistence of the vulnerability for over seven months is notable, as ESET notified Microsoft of the issue in July 2024. There is no evidence that the vulnerability was actively exploited in real-world attacks, but its prolonged existence raises concerns regarding patch management.

Microsoft has issued an update to resolve CVE-2024-7344, and Windows 11 users should ensure they have all the latest patches installed, particularly those rolled out during the January 14th Patch Tuesday release.

Featured image credit: Windows/Unsplash

The price of Solana (SOL) surged over 60% from approximately $185 on January 13 to over $290 on January 19, before experiencing significant volatility, dropping to nearly $230 and then recovering to above $260. Notably, SOL is up 40% in a week.

Solana price surges over 60% amid meme coin launch

This large price fluctuation can be attributed to the launch of a meme coin, $TRUMP, on Solana’s blockchain by President Donald Trump. This coin is now the largest meme coin on the Solana network, boasting a market capitalization of $10 billion. Consequently, SOL has ascended to become the world’s fifth-largest cryptocurrency, with a total market cap of $130 billion.

Dow futures rise 0.2%, Bitcoin smashes $109K pre-Trump orders

The cryptocurrency market has seen a rally following Trump’s victory in the U.S. presidential elections, as optimism grows that the new administration will adopt a friendly stance towards digital currencies. During a rally, Trump stated his intention to make the U.S. the “crypto capital” of the world, which has helped Bitcoin surpass the $100,000 milestone, more than doubling from $44,000 at the start of the year. Ripple’s XRP has also witnessed substantial gains.

The $TRUMP coin has experienced a remarkable 700% increase since its launch. In addition to this, First Lady Melania Trump has introduced the $MELANIA coin, which now has a market capitalization exceeding $1 billion. The purpose of the $TRUMP coin is to represent support for its associated values and symbolism. The official website clarifies that the meme coin is not intended as an investment product or security and is non-political.

The distribution of $TRUMP includes 10% for public access, another 10% reserved for liquidity, and 80% allocated to content creators and CIC Digital, connected to The Trump Organization. Solana itself serves as a platform for rapid, low-cost transactions and the development of decentralized applications. Alongside $TRUMP, notable coins on Solana’s platform include Raydium, Jupiter, and Bonk.

With Trump set to be sworn in as the 47th president of the U.S., he has appointed Paul Atkins, regarded as crypto-friendly, to lead the SEC, while David Sacks will serve as the AI & Crypto Czar. This is perceived as beneficial for the cryptocurrency sector.

Solana’s performance in the past week indicates that this breakout may signal the onset of a more extensive rally. Analysts anticipate further growth driven by the potential approval of an ETF for SOL, as asset managers such as Bitwise, VanEck, 21Shares, and Canary await a decision later this week. Although a Solana ETF may attract less investment than those for Bitcoin and Ethereum, its approval would enhance SOL’s market credibility and facilitate institutional investment.

Despite the impressive 40% increase in just a week, Solana’s price history over the years has been volatile. Returns for SOL have been 11,171% in 2021, -94% in 2022, 976% in 2023, and 78% in 2024, highlighting its considerable fluctuation compared to the S&P 500.

Starting the week with renewed recovery, Solana strives to achieve a new all-time high, potentially surpassing the $300 mark. Following a rebound from a bearish Sunday, during which Bitcoin marked a new all-time high at $109,000, Solana is witnessing robust demand.

After an intraday gain of nearly 7%, Solana rose to $270 after a dip from an all-time high of $295. Although it concluded Sunday with a 3.68% drop, the subsequent gain indicates a bullish engulfing candle, suggesting buyers are regaining control. With indications of a new bullish rally, speculation about surpassing the $300 mark is growing.

Solana price analysis

A review of the daily chart highlights a bullish breakout above a local resistance trendline, supported by a double-bottom reversal near the $175 mark. Buyers have maintained control above the 200 EMA line, contributing to an impressive 58% price increase over the past week, with the current market price rising nearly 60% from a low of $169.22.

The bullish rally has produced a series of consecutive bullish candles on the daily chart for the past week, despite the all-time high on Sunday, which closed on a bearish note, interrupting the bullish streak.

Technical indicators remain positive. The 50 and 20 EMA lines have crossed favorably, suggesting continued upward momentum. The daily RSI has entered the overbought zone, enhancing the validity of bullish forecasts.

Fibonacci levels indicate that upcoming price targets for Solana include $286 and $317, suggesting robust potential for surpassing the psychological $300 mark. Conversely, the critical support level remains at $244, aligning with the 78.60% Fibonacci level.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. We do not endorse any specific investment strategies or make recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of any securities.

Featured image credit: Solana/X

BigBear.ai (BBAI) has faced significant challenges since its public debut on December 8, 2021, via a merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), initially opening at $9.84 per share. Although the stock peaked at $12.69 on April 13, 2022, it subsequently fell to a low of $0.63 by December 29 of the same year.

BigBear.ai’s stock struggles despite recovery efforts under new leadership

Currently, BigBear.ai’s stock trades at approximately $3.40. The share price has seen a recovery due to the company’s stabilization efforts under CEO Mandy Long, who took over in October 2022. An investment of $1,000 at the stock’s record low would have grown to nearly $5,400 over two years, yet it remains over 70% below its all-time high.

BigBear.ai climbs 22%: Can McAleenan’s leadership fuel the stock even more?

BigBear.ai’s business model and challenges

BigBear.ai specializes in AI-powered data-mining and analytics tools designed to facilitate faster and more informed decision-making for its clients. The company distinguishes itself with its “observe, orient, and dominate” modules, which integrate easily into existing software infrastructures and are developed for edge networks instead of core networks, contrasting with traditional cloud-based analytics services.

However, BigBear.ai has struggled to meet its initial revenue projections, aiming for a rise from $182 million in 2021 to $388 million in 2023. The company reported only $146 million in revenue in 2021, with a modest growth of 6% in 2022 and stagnation at $155 million in 2023. Contributing factors to this slowdown included macroeconomic challenges, increased competition, and the bankruptcy of its significant client, Virgin Orbit, in 2023. Comparatively, competitors like Palantir and C3.ai managed faster growth despite similar market pressures.

Recent developments and future projections

Under Mandy Long, BigBear.ai acquired AI vision-technology developer Pangiam and secured new government contracts while implementing spending cuts aimed at improving its adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA). These actions have positively impacted revenue projections and nudged adjusted EBITDA toward break-even levels. For 2024, analysts predict an 8% revenue increase to $168 million with a negative adjusted EBITDA of $1 million. Expected revenue growth for 2025 is around 14%, reaching $193 million with a projected positive adjusted EBITDA of $5 million.

Bulls in the market anticipate that BigBear.ai’s government contracts, partnerships with Palantir and Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Pangiam’s growth will drive expansion over the next several years. The company has also improved its financial standing by refinancing $182 million of its convertible notes due in 2026 with new notes maturing in 2029.

Can BigBear.ai’s stock balance growth and losses to hit $7?

Despite these improvements, uncertainties persist, particularly with the recent leadership change as Pangiam’s founder, Kevin McAleenan, has succeeded Mandy Long as CEO. It remains to be seen if McAleenan will continue Long’s initiatives or implement new strategies.

If BigBear.ai meets Wall Street’s expectations through 2025 and sustains a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10% for the following decade, it could achieve $500 million in revenue by 2035, potentially leading to a valuation of $2 billion based on a multiple of four times its trailing sales. However, much of the recent growth is linked to the Pangiam acquisition rather than organic development of its core business. Should additional acquisitions be necessary, it may lead to further dilution for investors, as the company has already increased its share count by 85% since going public.

BigBear.ai’s key government contract amounting to $165 million with the U.S. Army is distributed over the next five years, and other partnerships have not yet produced significant revenue. The company’s latest quarter report showed total liabilities of $256 million and a high debt-to-equity ratio of 2.6, raising concerns about its ability to manage debt obligations without organic revenue growth.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. We do not endorse any specific investment strategies or make recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of any securities.

Featured image credit: Bigbear.ai

Tesla (TSLA) and Rivian (RIVN) experienced challenging operational years in 2024, with Tesla’s stock significantly increasing while Rivian’s shares dropped approximately 43%. Tesla’s stock performance benefited from a late surge following Donald Trump’s election victory, as CEO Elon Musk supported him and took on an advisory role.

Tesla’s stock surges while Rivian faces steep decline in 2024

In terms of vehicle deliveries, Rivian reported 51,579 vehicles delivered in 2024, representing a 3% increase from 2023. In contrast, Tesla delivered nearly 1.79 million vehicles in 2024, down from 1.81 million the previous year. Rivian’s growth came despite a production shutdown for a retooling upgrade and component shortages later in the year. Tesla faced its first-ever decline in yearly deliveries due to increased competition and sales pressures in markets like China and Europe.

Rivian shares jump 4% on whopping $6.6 billion loan for Georgia EV plant

Looking ahead, investors remain optimistic about Tesla’s future potential, particularly in autonomous driving and robotaxi technologies rather than solely focusing on electric vehicle sales. During a significant event, Tesla showcased a two-seat cybercab designed without a steering wheel or pedals, expected to be priced under $30,000 with production slated to begin before 2027. However, specific details regarding the technology, driving range, and safety features of the vehicle have not been disclosed.

Despite challenges, Tesla has made no strides toward developing a fully autonomous vehicle, and its Supervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology has been involved in several notable accidents and investigations. Musk has advocated for the removal of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) car crash reporting requirements, an effort potentially supported by the Trump administration. This alteration could facilitate the approval of Tesla’s autonomous driving technologies and pave the way for its robotaxi operations.

Tesla stock slides 1.7% but climbs 3.8% pre-market: What’s next?

Currently, Waymo, owned by Alphabet, is the sole provider of paid robotaxi rides in the United States. However, its technology is more costly due to its reliance on lidar. Tesla acquired lidar sensors last year, leaving open the question of whether it will integrate this technology to enhance its offerings. If Tesla successfully develops an affordable autonomous robotaxi, it could capitalize on significant market opportunities.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. We do not endorse any specific investment strategies or make recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of any securities.

Featured image credit: Freepik

Dow Jones futures rose early Monday, along with S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures, while Bitcoin reached a record high. U.S. markets are closed for the Martin Luther King holiday, coinciding with Donald Trump’s inauguration, where the incoming president is expected to issue numerous executive orders.

Wall Street eyes Trump’s crypto push as futures gain ahead of inauguration

The stock market experienced a strong rally last week, with the Nasdaq and S&P 500 indices moving back above their 50-day moving averages. Treasury yields fell following tame inflation data, and positive earnings reports helped buoy the major indexes. Bitcoin surged to near record highs due to expectations of pro-crypto policies from Trump.

Stocks such as Tesla (TSLA), ServiceNow (NOW), Vertiv (VRT), Amazon.com (AMZN), and Broadcom (AVGO) displayed buy signals. Other actionable stocks included Goldman Sachs (GS), Energy Transfer (ET), Viking Cruises (VIK), and Quanta Services (PWR).

Trump launched his own cryptocurrency, the $TRUMP meme coin, on Friday, which saw a rapid increase in value, with Trump businesses controlling around 80% of it. Melania Trump also introduced her own meme coin, $MELANIA.

TikTok resumed operations after adhering to a U.S. law that banned it starting Sunday. Trump announced plans to issue an executive order granting the Chinese-owned app a temporary reprieve.

In today’s futures market, Dow Jones futures rose slightly compared to fair value. S&P 500 futures climbed 0.1%, and Nasdaq 100 futures advanced by 0.2%. Bitcoin surpassed $108,000, even reaching over $109,000 overnight.

U.S. stock and bond markets are closed Monday, so investors may not receive a clear initial reaction to Trump’s actions until Tuesday. Global stock markets are open today.

Trump’s expected executive orders

Trump will be inaugurated on Monday and is anticipated to immediately issue between 100 to 200 executive orders covering topics such as energy policies, deportations, Bitcoin, and TikTok.

These executive orders could significantly impact Wall Street and specific sectors, although markets may have already factored some changes in. On Friday, Trump reported a “very good” call with Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding trade and TikTok, which may ease fears related to the trade war as Trump resumes his presidency.

Market performance overview

The stock market displayed strong performance last week, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising 3.7% and briefly surpassing its 50-day moving average. The S&P 500 increased by 2.9%, and the Nasdaq composite rose 2.45%, both exceeding their 50-day lines. The small-cap Russell 2000 climbed approximately 4% but remains below the 50-day line.

Growth ETFs also saw notable recovery, with the Innovator IBD 50 ETF (FFTY) rising 3.6%, and the iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF (IGV) increasing by 3.2%. The VanEck Vectors Semiconductor ETF (SMH) rallied 4.5%. The SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF (XHB) saw significant gains, surging 8.1% for the week.

Bitcoin nearly reached $106,000 on Friday, trading at 104,767.70. The surge in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies was linked to reports surrounding a pro-crypto executive order from Trump to establish a crypto advisory council, supported by a sentiment of rising Treasury yields.

Notably, Tesla stock surged 8.05%, closing at 426.50 for the week and rebounding from its 10-week line. Tesla’s upcoming earnings report on January 29 could attract significant attention, particularly regarding Elon Musk’s plans for self-driving technology and the company’s forthcoming “affordable” EV model.

If markets respond positively to Trump’s executive orders, the upcoming days are expected to show increased activity on Wall Street.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. We do not endorse any specific investment strategies or make recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of any securities.

Featured image credit: rawpixel.com/Freepik

Nvidia (NVDA) CEO Jensen Huang announced significant developments for the company during the CES 2025 technology conference held on January 7. He revealed that data center operators are expected to invest $1 trillion over the next four years to enhance their infrastructure for artificial intelligence (AI) development, a segment that currently represents 88% of Nvidia’s total revenue.

Nvidia’s CEO announces $1 trillion AI investment at CES 2025

Nvidia has positioned itself for the autonomous vehicle market, with its automotive business now gaining traction after more than two decades of relative obscurity. Major global automotive brands, including Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, BYD, Volvo, and Toyota, are adopting Nvidia’s Drive platform to advance their self-driving technologies. The Drive platform offers comprehensive hardware and software solutions essential for autonomous driving, utilizing Nvidia’s latest chip, Thor. This chip processes data from a vehicle’s sensors to determine optimal actions on the road.

Nvidia stock slides 2% amid new AI export limits: Should you be worried?

Alongside the Drive platform, Jensen Huang indicated that automotive companies are investing in DGX data center systems equipped with Nvidia’s GB200 GPUs based on the Blackwell architecture. These GPUs are vital for continuously training self-driving software. Additionally, Nvidia introduced Cosmos, a multimodal foundation model that allows companies to conduct millions of real-world simulations using synthetic data, which serves as a basis for software training.

Huang emphasized that the autonomous vehicle sector could emerge as the first multitrillion-dollar opportunity in the robotics field. Technologies like autonomous ride-hailing could generate $14 trillion in enterprise value by 2027, primarily benefiting autonomous platform providers such as Nvidia.

Nvidia’s fiscal year 2025 will conclude at the end of January, and the company has reported $1.1 billion in automotive revenue over the first three quarters. When extrapolated, this could result in approximately $1.5 billion in full-year revenue. Huang projected that in fiscal 2026, Nvidia’s automotive revenue could escalate to an impressive $5 billion.

Current focus on data center chips

While the automotive segment promises long-term growth, Nvidia’s immediate focus remains on data center operations. Wall Street analysts forecast that Nvidia could achieve total revenue of $196 billion during fiscal 2026, making the automotive sector’s anticipated $5 billion contribution comparatively minor.

Nvidia has commenced shipping its new Blackwell GB200 GPUs, with rapid sales growth anticipated. By April, revenue from Blackwell chips is expected to surpass that from the prior generation of Hopper architecture chips, signaling a swift evolution in Nvidia’s business operations.

The GB200 NVL72 system delivers AI inference capabilities up to 30 times faster than its predecessor, the H100 GPU system. This advancement is expected to facilitate the development of the most sophisticated AI models to date. The demand for Blackwell chips currently exceeds supply, likely bolstering Nvidia’s revenue and profit in fiscal 2026. Reports suggest a new version, referred to as “Rubin,” may be introduced later this year, further solidifying Nvidia’s dominance in the data center GPU market.

Nvidia’s stock has experienced a dramatic increase of 830% since the beginning of 2023, boosting the company’s market value from $360 billion to approximately $3.3 trillion. Despite this substantial growth, Nvidia’s shares may still be undervalued, trading at a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 53.6. This figure is lower than its 10-year average P/E ratio of 59. Analysts estimate Nvidia’s earnings per share in fiscal 2026 could reach $4.44, leading to a forward P/E ratio of 30.6.

In order to align with its 10-year average P/E ratio of 59, Nvidia’s stock would need to increase by 92% within the next year. Historically, Nvidia has exceeded Wall Street estimates, indicating potential for further stock value increases. However, investors should remain vigilant of emerging competition from other chip manufacturers, such as Advanced Micro Devices, which plans to launch a rival to the Blackwell chips in the coming months.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. We do not endorse any specific investment strategies or make recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of any securities.

Featured image credit: Nvidia

According to Android Authority, the Android 16 Beta for Pixel devices is scheduled to commence in January 2025, with key dates emerging regarding its release timeline. Notably, Android 16 is set to roll out in Q2 of 2025, ahead of the usual Q3 schedule, following Google’s decision to advance the first Developer Preview from February to November.

Android 16 Beta for Pixel devices to launch in January 2025

Recent comments from a Google employee on the Android Gerrit platform have unveiled several crucial milestones for the upcoming beta releases. The employee discussed the timeline for an upcoming “bugfix”/“feature” and outlined the intended testing procedure. They mentioned that changes for Android 16 Beta 2 are due by January 22, with Beta 3 changes expected by February 19. The scheduled release for Beta 3 is March 12.

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“Ideally yes, this should be a standard feature flag and go over the same soak time. However, we may want to have this flag enabled asap in a Beta to get early validations. Beta 2 is going to be challenging considering that changes are due for Jan 22 which won’t give us enough time to do QA on it except if we make it part of this week prebuilt. Beta 3 changes due are Feb 19, but Beta 3 will only be released on March 12, almost at the same time of our bug fix cutoff. If these changes are fully ready / validated on our side and can be merged today, we can try including in Beta 2 (and in this case we should keep it under a bugfix flag). If we need more time, then Beta 3 is the only option and I would recommend switching to a standard flag,” the message read.

The first three Android 16 Beta Releases are expected to follow Google’s established monthly schedule outlined in November:

• Beta 1: Initial beta-quality release, distributed as an over-the-air update to early adopters.
• Beta 2: An incremental beta-quality release.
• Beta 3: The first Platform Stability milestone, which will include final APIs and behaviors. This will also open Play publishing.

While the January 22 deadline pertains to internal changes, it does not guarantee that Android 16 Beta 1 will be rolled out on that date. However, given the pace of the month, the historical trends suggest a release could be imminent. The explicit date of March 12 for Beta 3 provides a target for the subsequent phase of the beta program.

Additionally, after reaching Platform Stability with Beta 3, Google may release more beta builds for final testing in April and May before delivering the stable version for AOSP and Pixel devices in Q2 2025. Developers and users can anticipate several significant changes and new features with Android 16, which are expected to be assessed in upcoming beta iterations.

The January release will be available for Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, and later models. Based on the Developer Previews already released, forthcoming builds are poised to introduce improvements in volume control, user interface, accessibility features, battery life, and support for medical records.

Expectations are set for early January concerning the release of the first Android 16 beta, with subsequent versions planned for February and March.

Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/Ideogram

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, is scheduled to meet with U.S. government officials on January 30, 2025, to discuss advancements in artificial intelligence, specifically the unveiling of “PhD-level” super AI agents capable of complex human tasks.

Sam Altman to discuss super AI agents with U.S. officials

Recent reports from Axios indicate a growing enthusiasm and concern among OpenAI staff regarding breakthroughs in agentic AI, which focuses on specialized, task-specific AI agents. While errors and hallucinations have previously limited AI capabilities largely to low-stakes tasks, advancements suggest a possible shift towards higher-stakes applications.

The Axios report elaborated that these “PhD-level” artificial intelligence agents could potentially execute responsibilities currently reserved for highly educated professionals. The potential implications of such developments have sparked discussions among industry leaders, including Mark Zuckerberg of Meta and Salesforce CEO, about the ongoing trend of AI replacing mid-level human jobs.

Zuckerberg specifically noted that by 2025, Meta would likely have AI capable of functioning as mid-level engineers, stating, “Over time, we’ll get to the point where a lot of the code… is actually going to be built by AI engineers instead of people engineers.”

In the broader context, companies like Microsoft are actively competing to mainstream super agentic AI technologies. Microsoft Azure has begun offering limited agentic AI solutions primarily focused on customer support. Future enhancements could enable Microsoft Copilot to handle intricate tasks, such as creating complex spreadsheets or even generating personalized software applications through intuitive prompts.

Furthermore, advancements in AI could allow for the conceptualization and execution of entire gaming environments based on user’s commands, effectively streamlining what has typically required extensive human effort.

OpenAI has also recently released an “Economic Blueprint,” highlighting that with appropriate regulations and infrastructure, AI could significantly contribute to reindustrialization in the U.S. However, concerns over tech literacy among elected officials remain, particularly regarding their ability to navigate impending social changes due to these technologies.

Despite the potential for AI to offer substantial productivity gains in various sectors, significant challenges persist, particularly in terms of reliability and the tendency for generative AI to produce incorrect information. Sources from within OpenAI indicate a mix of excitement and apprehension about these advancements, suggesting that the forthcoming innovations could have profound implications for labor markets and societal structure.

Featured image credit: Growtika/Unsplash

Apple’s redesigned Mail app is expected to debut on the Mac with the release of macOS 15.4 in April, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The new app was first introduced to iOS devices in December with iOS 18.2.

Apple’s redesigned Mail app to debut with macOS 15.4

Gurman also noted that the redesigned Mail app will make its way to the iPad at the same time as the Mac. The new app features a design that has already been previewed during the unveiling of the M4 Macs in October, although it was not part of the macOS 15.3 beta released earlier this year.

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The upcoming macOS 15.4 release will include an AI-based feature that prioritizes messages and organizes content into different inboxes, a capability that is currently available on iPhones and iPads. The email sorting feature categorizes messages into primary, transaction, promotions, updates, and all mail.

“But there’s another, more under-the-radar feature coming in April as well: The Mac will get the upgraded Mail app that uses AI to prioritize messages and sort content into different inboxes. Right now, iPad and iPhone users are able to tap into the feature — which is terrific — but Mac customers have been left behind. That changes with macOS 15.4, I’m told. For those not familiar with the feature: It sorts mail into a primary category, as well as ones for transactions, promotions, updates and all mail.”

-Mark Gurman

Despite Gurman’s statements regarding the availability of the new Mail app for iPad users, it has not yet launched in iPadOS 18.2 or iPadOS 18.3. The new app is anticipated to arrive with the release of iPadOS 18.4.

Featured image credit: Mariia Shalabaieva/Unsplash

Quantum computing has gained significant attention on Wall Street following Alphabet’s (GOOG 1.62%) (GOOGL 1.60%) announcement of a milestone with its new quantum chip, Willow. Alphabet stated that Willow can exponentially reduce errors as it scales up, completing a standard benchmark computation in five minutes—an operation that would take one of the fastest supercomputers today 10 septillion years.

Quantum computing buzz grows on Wall Street after Alphabet’s breakthrough

This announcement triggered a rally in Alphabet’s stock and led to a surge in shares of smaller pure-play quantum computing companies, including D-Wave Quantum (QBTS -9.29%), Quantum Computing (QUBT -9.65%), Rigetti Computing (RGTI -12.54%), and IonQ (IONQ -6.40%). However, stocks in these companies saw declines in January after pushback from several prominent tech CEOs. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang claimed that “very useful” quantum computing is 15 to 30 years away. Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg shared a similar sentiment, asserting that useful quantum computing is quite distant and that “pretty smart AIs” will likely be available sooner. Former Cisco Systems CEO John Chambers stated that quantum computing is still a way off in the “AI decade.”

Despite this, quantum stock leaders have defended their technology and business prospects. Investors should note that quantum computing remains an emerging technology, with firms like Quantum Computing, D-Wave Quantum, and Rigetti Computing generating little to no revenue. IonQ is the largest among these companies, with a 2024 revenue guidance of $38 million to $42 million, although it doubled its revenue in the third quarter. Its market cap stands at $9 billion, resulting in a price-to-sales ratio exceeding 200, indicating substantial investor optimism.

While the potential of quantum computing stocks is debated and the timeline for disruption is uncertain, traditional AI is currently more deserving of investment due to its rapid growth and disruption across various industries. We identify two AI stocks that are particularly favorable for investment in 2025: Micron Technology and TSMC.

Micron Technology shows AI demand growth

Micron Technology (MU 3.07%) is recognized as a memory chip supplier experiencing a surge in demand driven by AI technologies. The company reported an 84% increase in revenue during its fiscal first quarter, reaching $8.7 billion. Notably, its data center revenue grew more than 400% year-over-year and 40% sequentially, attributed to robust AI demand.

Micron maintains a close partnership with Nvidia, believed to be its largest customer. Following Nvidia’s announcement of using Micron’s chips in its new Blackwell platform, Micron’s stock rebounded. Although Micron’s stock fell after a recent earnings report presented weak guidance, management indicated a return to strong growth is forthcoming, presenting a compelling opportunity for investors. With a forward P/E ratio of 14, the stock appears undervalued relative to its growth potential.

TSMC’s robust market position

Another AI stock projected to be essential for 2025 is Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) (TSM -1.53%). TSMC is the largest contract chip manufacturer in the world, producing chips for clients such as Nvidia, Apple, and Broadcom. The company commands over 50% of the third-party chip manufacturing market and approximately 90% of the advanced chip market, reinforcing its crucial role in the global economy.

In the fourth quarter, TSMC reported that 74% of its revenue derived from advanced chips, classified as being 7 nanometers or smaller. The company achieved a revenue growth rate of 38%, with its operating margin nearing 50% during this period. With sustained AI demand and an anticipated broader recovery in the chip sector, TSMC is positioned for another strong performance in 2025 and beyond.

Recently, leading AI companies have propelled the stock market, including Nvidia and Amazon, resulting in significant gains across the S&P 500, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, and the Nasdaq, each of which posted double-digit increases. As AI technologies continue to shape various industries, quantum computing, which leverages quantum mechanics for problem-solving, also continues its development. During the CES event, Jensen Huang suggested that practical quantum computers are about 20 years away, leading to a significant drop in shares for quantum firms like Rigetti Computing and Quantum Computing.

Despite these challenges, quantum companies are advancing their technologies. Rigetti recently launched its 84-qubit Ankaa-3 system, achieving an accuracy milestone. Quantum Computing is also focused on scaling up crystalline lithium niobate for optical integrated circuits and is currently establishing a manufacturing facility.

As the outlook for quantum computing remains cautious, Microsoft announced its “quantum ready” initiative for businesses to prepare for this emerging technology by 2025. Furthermore, Nvidia has scheduled its first Quantum Day for March 20, as part of its annual AI conference, to discuss advancements in the field, hinting at efforts to potentially shorten the timeline for useful quantum computing.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. We do not endorse any specific investment strategies or make recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of any securities.

Featured image credit: Google Deepmind/Pexels

According to a report published by The Register, OpenAI’s ChatGPT crawler is reportedly vulnerable to manipulation, allowing it to potentially initiate distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks on arbitrary websites. This issue remains unacknowledged by the tech company.

OpenAI’s ChatGPT API shows vulnerability to DDoS attacks

A write-up from security researcher Benjamin Flesch, shared this month via Microsoft’s GitHub, details how a single HTTP request to the ChatGPT API can instigate a flood of network requests from the ChatGPT crawler, specifically the ChatGPT-User agent. This vulnerability could amplify one API request into as many afs 5,000 requests directed at a targeted website every second.

Flesch describes the flaw as a “severe quality defect” in the handling of HTTP POST requests to a specific API endpoint called by OpenAI’s ChatGPT. This endpoint is used to return information on web sources cited in the chatbot’s output. When the chatbot references specific URLs, the attributions API fetches information from these sites. An assailant can craft a long list of URLs, each slightly different yet pointing to the same site, resulting in simultaneous requests to that site.

According to Flesch, the API does not verify if hyperlinks are repeated within the list or enforce a limit on the total number of hyperlinks submitted. This allows an attacker to send thousands of hyperlinks in a single HTTP request, effectively flooding the target website.

Using a tool like Curl, attackers can submit an HTTP POST request to the ChatGPT endpoint without needing an authentication token. OpenAI’s servers on Microsoft Azure will respond by initiating requests for each hyperlink sent through the request parameter. This action can overwhelm the targeted website, as the crawler, using Cloudflare, will access the site from different IP addresses with each request.

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The victim site would likely receive requests from approximately 20 different IP addresses simultaneously, making it difficult for them to trace the source of the attack. Even if a website enables a firewall to block the IPs associated with the ChatGPT bot, the bot will continue to send requests.

“Due to this amplification, the attacker can send a small number of requests to the ChatGPT API, but the victim will receive a very large number of requests,” Flesch explained.

Flesch reported the unauthenticated reflective DDoS vulnerability through multiple channels, including the OpenAI BugCrowd platform and Microsoft’s security teams, but received no responses. The Register also reached out to OpenAI for comments but did not receive a reply.

Additionally, Flesch pointed out another issue related to this API, which is vulnerable to prompt injection. This flaw allows the crawler to process arbitrary questions using the same attributions API endpoint, rather than only fetching website data as intended.

Flesch criticized OpenAI for failing to implement basic security measures, such as deduplicating URLs or limiting the size of URL lists. He speculated that the API might be an experimental project for OpenAI’s AI agents, lacking the necessary validation logic to prevent this type of abuse. He noted that established norms in software development typically prevent such flaws to ensure robust performance.

“I cannot imagine a highly-paid Silicon Valley engineer designing software like this, because the ChatGPT crawler has been crawling the web for many years, just like the Google crawler,” Flesch stated. “If crawlers don’t limit their amount of requests to the same website, they will get blocked immediately.”

Featured image credit: Matheus Bertelli/Pexels

On the day a new federal law banning TikTok took effect in the United States, Instagram announced a new app called Edits, which is widely regarded as a clone of CapCut, a popular video-editing tool used for TikTok content. Edits is part of Instagram’s ongoing competition with TikTok, which has faced national security scrutiny due to its ties to the Chinese company ByteDance.

Instagram launches Edits app to rival TikTok amid ban

Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, stated, “There’s a lot going on in the world right now. No matter what happens, we think it’s our job to make the most compelling creative tools for those of you who create videos.”

TikTok has approximately 170 million U.S. users and in recent legal documents claimed that any temporary outage could put it at a competitive disadvantage. Following the announcement of TikTok’s ban, apps like CapCut also went offline, although TikTok briefly returned when President-elect Donald J. Trump indicated plans to issue an executive order to pause the ban.

In his announcement, Mosseri emphasized that Edits is designed for creators to edit videos on their phones and to save ideas for future posts. He noted that the app allows users to work on videos and share them across multiple platforms, not just Instagram. Edits can be preordered in the Apple App Store, with availability for Android expected in February.

Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, has publicly acknowledged the competitive pressures presented by TikTok. At a recent meeting, Meta’s chief marketing officer remarked on preparing for a potential influx of TikTok users to Meta’s platforms. To align more closely with TikTok’s format, Instagram also altered its layout to emphasize vertical content.

Instagram’s ongoing efforts to compete with TikTok have included the introduction of Reels in 2020, which is a direct imitation of TikTok’s short-form video feature. This has proven to be successful, with a recent survey indicating that 29 percent of U.S. internet users would likely turn to Instagram Reels if TikTok were no longer available, compared to 23 percent who would spend more time on YouTube Shorts.

Among advertising professionals, Instagram has maintained an advantage, with 56 percent of ad buyers stating their clients aim to prioritize Reels advertising this year. In contrast, only 24 percent preferred YouTube Shorts and 20 percent favored TikTok.

According to the details shared by Mosseri, Edits boasts a full suite of creative tools, including a dedicated tab for inspiration, a higher-quality camera, standard editing features, and the ability to share drafts with collaborators. The app will also provide powerful insights into video performance, including engagement metrics and a live insights dashboard. This dashboard will offer details on follower and non-follower interactions and user behavior, such as how often specific videos are skipped.

“Today we’re announcing a new app called ‘Edits’ for those of you who are passionate about making videos on your phone,” Mosseri stated. “You can preorder the app today in the iOS App Store, and it’s coming to Android soon.”

Featured image credit: Taylor Brandon/Unsplash

A new law banning TikTok has come into effect in the United States, resulting in the app becoming unusable shortly before its enforcement. TikTok notified users that a law banning its operation had been enacted, stating, “you can’t use TikTok for now.”

U.S. bans TikTok amid security concerns, Trump plans intervention

The ban stems from concerns regarding the app’s ties to the Chinese government. TikTok was given until January 19 to be sold to a U.S. buyer approved by the government to avoid the ban, but this deadline was not met. On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the law prohibiting TikTok unless its parent company, ByteDance, divested ownership.

President Joe Biden stated that he would leave the matter for his successor, Donald Trump, who indicated he would likely grant TikTok a 90-day reprieve from the ban once he took office. Trump declared, “The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done, because it’s appropriate,” suggesting he would announce it following his inauguration.

As part of the ban’s enforcement, users reported TikTok was removed from both Apple and Google’s U.S. app stores, with TikTok.com also showing no videos. A message within the app conveyed, “We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office.”

In the hours leading up to the platform’s shutdown, content creators posted farewell videos, with user Nicole Bloomgarden expressing concern that losing access to TikTok would lead to a significant salary cut, while Erika Thompson noted that educational content on the platform would be the “biggest loss” for the community.

On the same day, UK government officials stated there were currently no plans to follow the U.S. path regarding TikTok, emphasizing that they would review the situation based on any perceived threats to national interest. Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones dismissed the notion of banning it for casual users, stating, “for consumers who want to post videos of their cats dancing, that doesn’t seem like a security threat to me.”

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Approximately 12 hours after the initial shutdown, TikTok announced its return for many users, crediting Trump’s intervention. The notification read, “Thanks for your patience and support. As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.” Users had previously encountered a message indicating the app was unavailable due to the new law.

Trump revealed plans to issue an executive order after his inauguration to delay enforcement of the law. He urged TikTok’s partners to reinstate the app, assuring them there would be no liabilities for maintaining service prior to his order. Trump mentioned he was considering a joint venture, suggesting a 50-50 partnership between ByteDance and a prospective American owner.

Despite the app’s brief downtime, securing TikTok’s long-term availability in the U.S. may prove challenging. Trump’s executive order could face pushback from within his party, with Republican Senators Tom Cotton and Pete Ricketts advocating a strict separation from any ties to China, arguing that such connections jeopardize user security and privacy.

Even with Trump’s pledges, experts noted that he cannot unilaterally overturn the law passed by Congress without legislative action. The ban represents a culmination of lengthy efforts to sever U.S. access to TikTok amid national security apprehensions regarding ByteDance, which has until January 19, 2025, to divest TikTok based on the law.

Currently, solutions to maintain TikTok’s availability hinge on either legislative reversal of the ban or a successful sale to a non-Chinese entity. Multiple bidders, including a group led by billionaire Frank McCourt, have expressed interest, although ByteDance remains steadfast in not intending to sell.

Featured image credit: visuals/Unsplash

Nauticus Robotics, Inc. (KITT) plunged 28.23% today, closing at $2.22 after shedding $0.87 in value. This sharp decline places the stock near the bottom of its 52-week range, adding to ongoing challenges for the company. In pre-market trading, however, the stock showed signs of recovery with a 9.91% increase to $2.44.

KITT falls 28%: Insider sales and dilution fears spook investors

A recent $33 million debt-to-equity conversion agreement has likely fueled the sell-off, as market participants adjust to potential dilution of shareholder stakes. At the same time, outcomes from a recent stockholder meeting added to the uncertainty. While the approval to issue shares for converting Series A Preferred Stock and debt was achieved, a proposal to increase authorized shares to 5 billion was not approved. This rejection could signal investor hesitancy over aggressive financial restructuring strategies.

CEO John W. Gibson, Jr.’s recent sale of 3,190 shares at $6.03 per share on January 6th also likely dented investor confidence. Insider selling, particularly from senior leadership, is often interpreted as a bearish signal, raising concerns about the company’s short-term outlook. Adding to this, Nauticus has seen dramatic stock price volatility recently, including a 32.79% drop earlier this week, as profit-taking and speculative trading activities dominate investor sentiment.

How insider selling triggered Nauticus Robotics’ 33% stock slide

In similar cases, significant debt-to-equity conversions often lead to short-term sell-offs as investors grapple with potential dilution of their shares. For example, when small-cap firms like Plug Power undertook aggressive financial restructuring, their stocks initially tanked but later rebounded once the market absorbed the changes and the companies demonstrated operational improvements.

For Nauticus, the $33 million conversion has spooked shareholders, especially given the failure to approve an increase in authorized shares to 5 billion. This rejection may indicate skepticism about the company’s financial management and future capital-raising plans, leaving its growth initiatives in question.

CEO John W. Gibson, Jr.’s recent sale of shares at $6.03 likely exacerbated the decline. Historically, insider selling by senior leadership is often perceived as a lack of confidence in the company’s near-term prospects. Stocks like Nikola and Hyzon Motors experienced similar patterns, where insider selling led to steep drops as investors feared deeper internal issues. This activity, coupled with heightened volatility, adds to the bearish outlook.

The rejection of a proposal to expand authorized shares sends mixed signals. On the one hand, shareholders appear wary of over-aggressive dilution strategies. On the other, it leaves the company with limited flexibility to raise funds for expansion or debt management, potentially stalling growth in its robotics technology.

However, it’s worth noting that small-cap stocks like Nauticus have historically shown significant rebounds when their underlying technology or industry tailwinds catch market attention. If Nauticus can demonstrate meaningful progress in its robotics innovation or secure partnerships, this could act as a catalyst for recovery.

Today’s steep decline reflects ongoing apprehension surrounding Nauticus Robotics’ financial restructuring and insider activity. The rejection of the share increase proposal may indicate limited options for future fundraising, which could constrain growth initiatives.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. We do not endorse any specific investment strategies or make recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of any securities.

Featured image credit: Nauticus Robotics

BigBear.ai Holdings, Inc. (BBAI) shares climbed 22.42% today, closing at $4.15. This surge comes amid significant developments, including the announcement of Kevin McAleenan as the new CEO, which has sparked optimism for future growth. The stock also saw a pre-market uptick of 2.89%, continuing its upward momentum.

Market bets on AI momentum and fresh leadership

H.C. Wainwright’s recent price target increase to $7 has further fueled investor interest, citing strong demand for AI solutions and an improved financial position. The broader enthusiasm for AI stocks in 2025 adds to the rally, as BigBear.ai benefits from positive market sentiment. Additionally, increased institutional ownership has been observed, signaling confidence in the company’s long-term prospects and aligning with analyst upgrades.

Where BigBear.ai stock could land over the next decade

The recent rise in short interest has introduced volatility, with speculative trading amplifying gains as momentum builds. Meanwhile, discussions on X highlight BigBear.ai’s prominent position in the AI space, reflecting the market’s excitement surrounding the company’s strategic direction under its new leadership. Strong options activity in January also indicates heightened interest in the stock’s potential future movements.

In similar cases, the appointment of high-profile leaders tends to trigger immediate stock rallies. Investors often perceive new leadership as a signal of fresh strategy and potential operational improvements. However, historical data shows that such spikes can be short-lived if the incoming CEO doesn’t deliver results within the first few quarters. For example, when Palantir appointed key strategic officers in 2023, their stock saw an initial pop but retraced as execution lagged.

For BigBear.ai, McAleenan’s tenure could bring stability and strategic clarity to capitalize on the burgeoning AI market. Early indications, such as H.C. Wainwright’s price target upgrade to $7, suggest that analysts are confident in his vision.

AI stocks in 2025 has created a fertile environment for BigBear.ai. In similar instances, companies tied to AI innovation often see increased institutional investment during periods of market hype. This pattern can amplify momentum in the short term, especially when coupled with analyst upgrades.

Can BigBear.ai’s stock balance growth and losses to hit $7?

For example, C3.ai experienced a sharp rally in early 2023, buoyed by analyst upgrades and AI hype, but the stock’s gains faded as earnings failed to justify lofty valuations. BigBear.ai’s ability to avoid a similar fate will hinge on demonstrating progress in its operational and financial goals.

Options activity in BigBear.ai suggests that traders are pricing in significant future volatility. These dynamics could lead to amplified movements, with the stock either climbing closer to the $7 target or pulling back if expectations aren’t met.

BigBear.ai’s 22.42% climb reflects a strong endorsement from both institutional investors and analysts. With a new CEO at the helm and a favorable backdrop for AI companies, the stock’s rally underscores its growth potential. Short-term volatility, however, presents challenges for traders. Long-term investors should assess the company’s execution of strategic goals, as McAleenan’s leadership is expected to bring renewed focus to BigBear.ai’s AI innovations and operational expansion. Keeping an eye on upcoming earnings and partnership announcements will be critical to gauging sustained growth opportunities.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. We do not endorse any specific investment strategies or make recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of any securities.

Featured image credit: BigBear.ai

Flexible Solutions International (FSI) shares skyrocketed 52.85% today, closing at $5.64. The rally follows the announcement of a significant five-year manufacturing partnership for food-grade products with a U.S.-based company, effective January 7, 2025. This non-exclusive agreement is expected to contribute $15 million to $30 million in annual revenue, signaling a major growth opportunity for the company.

Could a $30M deal stabilize its future?

The company also reported its Q4 and full-year 2024 earnings, meeting or exceeding expectations. While exact financial details weren’t disclosed, the announcement contributed to increased investor confidence. Additionally, a trading halt due to volatility on January 16, 2025, amplified the day’s fluctuations, underscoring the heightened interest in FSI’s stock. This combination of strategic developments and market activity has drawn significant attention from traders and investors alike.

FSI’s standout performance reflects the market’s recognition of its growth potential through strategic partnerships. For short-term traders, today’s volatility presents both opportunity and caution. The trading halt highlights the unpredictable nature of small-cap stocks, requiring careful monitoring of market conditions. For long-term investors, the manufacturing deal suggests a more stable revenue base that could support future growth. The key will be FSI’s ability to execute on this agreement while identifying additional opportunities to expand its footprint in food-grade and other specialty product markets.

The hidden reason behind Bancorp’s stock 6.6% drop

In similar cases where small-cap companies announce transformative deals, a short-term rally is typical, fueled by speculative buying and media buzz. For example, when small manufacturers like FSI secure high-profile partnerships, their stocks often experience multi-day rallies. However, sustaining these gains depends on consistent execution and tangible follow-through on revenue projections. If past trends hold, we could see a pullback as traders lock in profits, followed by a stabilization phase as long-term investors assess the fundamentals.

The trading halt due to volatility further emphasizes the risks inherent in such stocks. Historically, stocks experiencing halts often exhibit heightened swings in the days following, as market participants adjust to new information. For FSI, this could mean a rollercoaster ride in the near term.

Long-term success hinges on FSI’s ability to scale operations, meet demand, and leverage this deal as a springboard for growth in adjacent markets. Small-cap firms in similar positions, like those venturing into new verticals, often struggle with operational challenges that can dampen growth prospects if not managed carefully. FSI’s management must now deliver measurable outcomes to sustain investor confidence.

Comparing to past examples, a company in the specialty chemicals space saw a similar rise after announcing a large partnership, only to plateau as execution issues emerged. On the other hand, firms that diversified into multiple high-growth segments were able to maintain upward trajectories. FSI’s future depends on how well it navigates these challenges and capitalizes on emerging opportunities.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. We do not endorse any specific investment strategies or make recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of any securities.

Featured image credit: Flexible Solutions

U.K.-based oil company BP is cutting 4,700 jobs worldwide, in addition to 3,000 contractor roles, as part of a cost-saving initiative. CEO Murray Auchincloss announced the job losses in an email to employees, stating they account for a significant portion of the anticipated reductions for the year.

BP cuts 4,700 jobs worldwide as part of cost-saving plan

The planned reductions represent just over 5% of BP’s 90,000 global workforce. Auchincloss indicated that approximately 2,600 of the contractors affected by the cuts have already left the company. Last October, BP identified $500 million in cost savings for the year, part of a broader plan to achieve $2 billion in savings by the end of 2026.

Auchincloss said the company is focusing its resources on high-value opportunities and has halted or paused 30 projects since June. The cuts coincide with BP’s effort to integrate more digital capabilities, utilizing artificial intelligence in its engineering and marketing operations.

In April, Auchincloss outlined the $2 billion cost-reduction plan aimed at revitalizing the company’s declining share price, which has decreased approximately 20% since spring 2023. BP has also decreased its involvement in several renewable energy projects and reportedly abandoned a prior commitment to reduce oil and gas output by 40% by 2030.

Why U.S. stocks faltered after their best day in months

Despite the cuts, Auchincloss reaffirmed BP’s potential to create value amid the energy transition, stating the need to enhance competitiveness and respond to customer and societal demands. Recently, BP postponed an investor event originally scheduled for New York to allow Auchincloss to recuperate from a medical procedure.

The company has communicated that it undertook a multi-year program to simplify and focus its operations. A spokesperson noted that the workforce had increased significantly following various acquisitions, but declined to specify how the job cuts would be distributed across its global businesses, which include the United States.

Following the announcement of job cuts, BP’s shares rose over 1% in London. The stock had previously fallen nearly 16% in 2024 as Auchincloss aimed to address investor concerns regarding the company’s energy transition strategy.

BP’s recent decisions may influence oil prices in several ways. Its withdrawal from certain projects and the abandonment of the oil and gas reduction goal suggests a strategy to maintain or potentially increase traditional fossil fuel production. This, coupled with reduced renewable energy investments, could sustain oil supply, leading to higher prices if global demand rises or supply tightens.

The emphasis on operational efficiency and cost-cutting measures could enhance investor confidence, as reflected by the rise in BP’s stock price. Conversely, BP’s initiatives to incorporate digital technology and artificial intelligence may lower production costs and boost efficiency, potentially rising supply and exerting downward pressure on prices. The recent halt of 30 projects may temporarily reduce BP’s immediate oil and gas operations, but any significant impact on supply would likely depend on trends across other producers.

Featured image credit: BP

Microsoft has announced that it will bundle AI-powered Office features into Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscriptions globally, while simultaneously raising prices for these subscriptions by $3 per month in the U.S. This adjustment follows a previous $20 fee for Copilot features in Office apps, which will now be included with the new subscriptions.

Microsoft bundles AI features in 365 and raises prices by $3

Gareth Oystryk, senior director of marketing for Copilot Pro and Microsoft 365, stated, “We know that people are willing to pay for the integration into Microsoft 365.” The aim is to make AI features more accessible to a broader range of users. However, Copilot Pro will remain available for $20 per month for those desiring priority access to new AI models and features.

The price increase for Microsoft 365 will be the first in 12 years, as Oystryk noted, “We’ve never actually raised the price in the US and we’re raising it by $3 a month.” Existing subscribers can opt to retain their current plans without the AI features, if they choose not to pay the additional fee.

To accommodate existing users, Microsoft has introduced two new plans—Personal Classic and Family Classic—available for the next year. These options will offer the old pricing without the added AI features for subscribers who do not wish to transition to the new pricing structure. According to Oystryk, these plans will not receive new innovative features but will continue to receive security updates and minor updates.

As part of the changes, Microsoft is also implementing an AI credits system that gives a monthly allocation of credits for features across various applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. Users can use these credits for tasks such as image generation in the Designer app. Copilot Pro will provide unlimited usage of these AI features within a fair usage policy.

Microsoft is also making it easier for users to turn off Copilot in Office apps. Oystryk highlighted feedback that demonstrated users may want to disable the AI assistant in certain situations, such as academic environments. This option will first be introduced in Word, followed by Excel and PowerPoint in upcoming weeks.

Since its introduction in 2013, Microsoft 365 has seen various enhancements, and the addition of Copilot aims to further integrate AI into users’ daily productivity tasks. Starting in October 2024, the Copilot features will become widely accessible, benefitting the estimated 84 million consumer subscribers by enhancing productivity through AI tools.

Microsoft 365 subscribers will receive AI credits that can also be utilized in applications like Microsoft Designer, Paint, Photos, and Notepad. For Microsoft 365 Family subscribers, Copilot access is exclusive to the subscription owner and cannot be shared. Users who frequently engage with Copilot might consider upgrading to Copilot Pro to avoid usage limitations.

Featured image credit: Microsoft

Cryptocurrency staking has emerged as a transformative way to earn passive income while supporting blockchain operations. Staking rewards calculators play a vital role in this process, enabling investors to estimate potential earnings with precision. By providing clear insights into the effects of staking duration, annual percentage yield (APY), and other factors, these tools help investors make informed decisions and optimize their strategies.

How staking rewards calculators work

Staking rewards calculators function by taking user inputs and processing them against network-specific variables to estimate potential earnings.

Key Inputs

1. Amount staked: The number of tokens locked in staking, which directly impacts reward calculations.
2. Staking duration: The time period over which assets are staked, with longer durations often yielding higher rewards.
3. Network APY: The annual yield percentage offered by the blockchain network.
4. Validator fees: Commissions charged by validators or platforms for staking facilitation.
5. Compounding frequency: Specifies how often rewards are reinvested, significantly influencing overall earnings.

Outputs

• Total rewards: The projected cryptocurrency earned during the staking period.
• Portfolio growth: A combined figure of the initial staked amount and accumulated rewards.
• Effective APY: Adjusted annual yield after accounting for validator fees and compounding.

Benefits of staking rewards calculators

Informed decision-making: These tools allow investors to evaluate the profitability of staking across different networks, ensuring their strategies align with financial goals.

Financial planning: By estimating potential earnings, users can balance their staking activities with other investments.

Risk management: Calculators highlight the impact of validator fees and compounding, helping users anticipate and mitigate risks effectively.

Simplification of complex calculations: Manually calculating staking rewards, especially for multiple networks, can be cumbersome. Staking calculators simplify the process, saving time and effort.

Practical use cases

Comparing Networks

An investor considering Ethereum and Polkadot staking can use a calculator to compare returns:

• Ethereum: APY of 4%, staking 10 ETH for a year yields 0.4 ETH.
• Polkadot: APY of 12%, staking 100 DOT for the same period yields 12 DOT.

While Polkadot offers higher returns, investors can weigh the risks and volatility associated with it.

Compounding optimization

A user staking 10,000 ADA for two years at 5% APY can use a calculator to explore the impact of compounding:

• Without compounding: Total rewards = 1,000 ADA.
• With monthly compounding: Total rewards increase to 1,050 ADA.

This demonstrates the power of reinvesting rewards for exponential growth.

Challenges and Limitations of Staking Rewards Calculators

While staking rewards calculators are powerful tools, they are not without limitations.

1. Static assumptions: Calculators often assume constant APY rates, which can fluctuate due to network dynamics.
2. Simplified models: They may not account for validator performance, inflation, or market conditions.
3. Exclusion of fees: Additional charges, like withdrawal penalties, are sometimes omitted from calculations.

Tools for advanced staking

Platforms like Immediate Edge provide advanced staking tools that integrate real-time data and analytics. These platforms simplify the staking process and enable users to optimize their strategies with minimal effort.

Additionally, resources like Dataconomy provide in-depth knowledge about blockchain and staking trends, helping users stay informed and make data-driven decisions.

Staking rewards calculators are indispensable for cryptocurrency investors aiming to maximize returns and manage risks effectively. By providing detailed projections and factoring in variables like compounding and validator fees, these tools enable investors to streamline their staking activities. Platforms such as Immediate Edge enhance these efforts by offering advanced features tailored to the needs of both novice and experienced users.

As the staking ecosystem continues to evolve, staying informed and leveraging the right tools will remain critical for achieving long-term success. Whether comparing networks or optimizing compounding strategies, calculators provide clarity and confidence in navigating the world of staking.

Apple has released iOS 18.3 beta 3 for developers as the public launch approaches later this month. This beta version features the build number 22D5055b.

iOS 18.3 is considered a relatively minor update compared to substantial previous versions like iOS 18.1 and iOS 18.2. It includes updates to the Calculator and Settings apps, various bug fixes, and improvements. The public version of iOS 18.3 is expected to roll out later this month, after which iOS 18.4 will enter beta testing, anticipated to include significant new Apple Intelligence features, including enhancements to Siri and priority notifications.

Apple releases iOS 18.3 beta 3 ahead of public launch

Apple has addressed issues regarding inaccuracies in Notification Summaries, particularly for news headlines. In this latest beta, summaries for apps categorized under News and Entertainment have been temporarily disabled while Apple makes adjustments. The Settings app now clarifies that Notification Summaries is a beta feature with potential for errors. During setup, a warning states, “Summarization may change the meaning of the original headlines. Double check important information.”

Notifications that are summarized are now displayed in italic text to differentiate them from standard notifications. Users can disable Notification Summaries on an app-by-app basis directly from the Lock Screen by swiping on a notification and selecting the “Options” button.

These changes are applicable to iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, and macOS Sequoia 15.3.

Additional features

For iPhone 16 models, the Camera Control settings now feature a renamed toggle for AE/AF lock, which is now referred to as “Lock Focus and Exposure” for clarity. This optional setting allows users to lock focus and exposure by pressing and holding the Camera Control button, similar to a DSLR camera operation.

In the Messages app, a new Genmoji entry appears in the sidebar, accessible by tapping the “+” button within any conversation. This provides another pathway to the Genmoji creation interface, previously accessible via the emoji keyboard.

What iOS 18.3 is hiding for AI fans

When editing PDFs through the screenshot interface, users now receive a warning that cropping content does not permanently remove it from the PDF. The notice states, “Content outside the cropped area won’t be visible in most PDF viewers, but it can be made visible in some apps.”

iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3 can be downloaded by navigating to the Settings app and selecting General > Software update. Additionally, Apple has released a new developer beta of visionOS 2.3, available via the Settings app on Vision Pro.

There are currently no new Apple Intelligence features introduced in iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3, and the update primarily focuses on bug fixes. It is also expected to include support for robot vacuums in HomeKit. More significant improvements to Siri are anticipated in the subsequent iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 updates.

Featured image credit: Matteo Fusco/Unsplash

U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB) experienced a significant decline in its stock, dropping 6.6% following its Q4 earnings report, which did not meet investor expectations. The bank reported net income nearly doubling year-over-year to $1.67 billion, while adjusted earnings per share stood at $1.07.

U.S. Bancorp’s stock drops 6.6% after Q4 earnings report

Although revenue increased by 3.7% and noninterest income rose by 8.1%, primarily driven by gains in trust and investment management fees, higher funding costs and a declining net interest margin of 2.71% raised concerns among investors.

One key issue highlighted is the growth in expenses. Noninterest costs rose 2.5% from the previous quarter to $4.31 billion. Despite the bank’s efforts to enhance operational efficiency, challenges such as lease impairments and strategic spending are affecting profitability. The provision for credit losses also escalated by 9.4% year-over-year, indicating ongoing difficulties in commercial real estate and credit card loans.

Despite the unfavorable market response, U.S. Bancorp’s management remains optimistic. CEO Andy Cecere emphasized the bank’s strong capital position with a CET1 ratio of 10.6% and expressed confidence in achieving “industry-leading returns on tangible common equity.” He underscored potential growth in wealth management and payment services as key areas for future gains.

CFO John Stern noted during the conference call that the bank’s average deposits rose by 0.7% on a linked-quarter basis to $512 billion and mentioned stabilization in the percentage of noninterest-bearing deposits. He projected total revenue growth for the current year to be between 3% and 5% compared to 2024.

On Thursday, U.S. Bancorp shares were down 4% in intraday trading. CEO Cecere acknowledged the existing uncertainty surrounding the macroeconomic environment, including persistent inflation and regulatory challenges, while stating that the bank has effectively managed these changes and successfully executed its strategic objectives.

During a question-and-answer session with analysts, Stern highlighted solid growth in fee-based income and anticipated a mid-single-digit growth in this area moving forward. He addressed headwinds in specific sectors, including prepaid cards and cash servicing, asserting that these challenges are expected to ease in 2024.

Stern also expressed positive sentiment around ongoing momentum in payments and strategic initiatives, mentioning strong growth in treasury management and capital markets. Looking ahead, he indicated modest expectations for loan and deposit growth for the full year 2025.

A hidden factor contributing to the stock’s decline may be growing investor concerns over its exposure to commercial real estate (CRE) loans. While not explicitly highlighted in the earnings report, the provision for credit losses, which rose 9.4% year-over-year, signals potential vulnerability in this sector. With rising interest rates and mounting pressures in the CRE market, especially in office spaces, investors may fear future loan defaults, further eroding confidence in the bank’s stability.

In discussing technology and digital initiatives, CEO Cecere remarked that the interconnectedness of banking and payments has never been more crucial. He emphasized the importance of offering integrated services enhanced by a robust technology platform to improve capital efficiency and focus on fee generation.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. We do not endorse any specific investment strategies or make recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of any securities.

Featured image credit: The Bancorp, Inc.

XRP, the third-largest cryptocurrency, rose 10% in 24 hours, breaking the $3 mark for the first time since 2018 and climbing to around $3.35 on Thursday. This surge brings it closer to its all-time high.

XRP rises past $3 amid hopes for Trump’s crypto reserve

The rally is attributed to expectations that the upcoming Trump administration will enact a crypto-friendly regulatory framework. Patrick Liou, principal of institutional sales at crypto exchange Gemini, noted that discussions have emerged about the administration’s openness to a reserve backed by U.S. crypto companies, which includes tokens like Ripple’s XRP.

A New York Post article reported that Trump is considering an “America-first strategic reserve” prioritizing U.S. digital assets such as Solana, USD Coin, and Ripple. If realized, such a reserve would enhance XRP’s status as a store of value. However, the credibility of this report remains unverified and is based on anonymous sources.

Other factors contributing to the rise in XRP’s price include speculation regarding the approval of XRP exchange-traded funds by the SEC, as indicated by Ripple president Monica Long in a January 7 statement. Investors also believe that pending SEC lawsuits related to Ripple and XRP might be resolved favorably under Trump.

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David Duong, head of institutional research at Coinbase, remarked on the changing regulatory climate, stating that Ripple representatives seem to be getting closer to the new administration. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse’s meeting with the President-elect on January 7 has further fueled investor interest in XRP, as it indicates potential influence on policy discussions.

Since breaking the $3 threshold, XRP’s price movements could align with projections of its all-time high, which remains debatable across exchanges; Binance reports it at $3.84, while CoinGecko places it at $3.40.

Trump is said to explore including U.S.-developed digital currencies like XRP and Solana in his proposed national crypto reserve, according to the New York Post. This aligns with his campaign commitment to establishing a Bitcoin reserve and promoting the U.S. digital economy.

The inclusion of cryptocurrencies in a national reserve reflects an effort to support American innovation and aligns with Trump’s “America-first” strategy, which focuses on supporting products developed domestically. However, some insiders warn that such diversification could detract from Bitcoin’s dominance as a foundational digital currency in U.S. policy.

Industry reactions have been mixed, with advocates for cryptocurrencies like Solana and XRP celebrating potential U.S. support, while skeptics, like David Bailey from Bitcoin Magazine, have dismissed reports as unsubstantiated. Alexander Grieve from Paradigm emphasized the need for confirmation from Trump’s administration before drawing conclusions.

XRP’s notable price increase followed the New York Post’s claims regarding Trump’s interest in including American cryptocurrencies like XRP in a reserve. However, this excitement faced challenges from rumors suggesting fallout between Trump and Ripple linked to past political donations. Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer, Stuart Alderoty, labeled these rumors as baseless, asserting that they are “pure fiction.”

Despite Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen’s contributions to support Kamala Harris, the company has predominantly backed Republican candidates, with Alderoty donating over $300,000 to Trump’s campaign. Ripple has engaged in extensive lobbying efforts in the current election cycle, with Garlinghouse advocating for bipartisan support for crypto innovation.

The initial interest in XRP’s inclusion in a government-backed reserve arose from speculation that the Trump administration might diversify assets by incorporating digital currencies. Garlinghouse and Alderoty had a dinner meeting with Trump on January 6, which led to increased anticipation surrounding potential policy shifts favoring Ripple.

Although no official changes have been confirmed, the shared photo of the meeting has contributed to soaring XRP prices, marking a seven-year high.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. We do not endorse any specific investment strategies or make recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of any securities.

Featured image credit: Ripple

Apple has suspended its artificial intelligence (AI) feature aimed at summarizing news headlines due to criticism regarding inaccuracies. The company announced the decision following widespread backlash from journalists and media organizations, which labeled the feature as not ready for deployment.

Apple suspends faulty AI news summarization feature

The decision to halt the service came after it misrepresented news articles, including a case reported by the BBC where an alert incorrectly stated that Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, had shot himself. Inaccuracies were also noted in summaries related to reports from the New York Times and the Washington Post.

Media outlets, including the BBC, had urged Apple to address these issues, warning that AI-generated errors contribute to misinformation and erode trust in news reporting. The BBC first reached out to Apple in December, but it wasn’t until January that the company responded with plans for a software update aimed at clarifying the AI’s role in creating summaries, which were optional and available only to users with the latest iPhones.

Following the criticisms, Apple has decided to disable the feature entirely for news and entertainment applications. An Apple spokesperson confirmed that, with the latest beta software updates for iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, and macOS Sequoia 15.3, notification summaries in the News & Entertainment category would temporarily be unavailable.

In a move to keep users informed, Apple will also add a warning for those who opted into notification summaries for other applications, indicating that the feature is still in development and may contain errors. The BBC expressed satisfaction that Apple has paused the summarization feature for news, emphasizing the importance of delivering accurate news to maintain audience trust.

Artificial intelligence in your pocket: How iPhone apps are shaping AI development

Apple initially introduced the summarization feature in December to enhance user efficiency by compiling multiple notifications into a single alert on lock screens. Investors had anticipated successful implementation of AI advancements would spur demand for Apple products.

On the same day of the announcement, Apple’s shares fell more than 4% amid reports of struggling sales in China. This development comes less than six months after Apple launched several AI features, specifically its notification summarization service.

The faulty summaries raise concerns within the recent trajectory of AI products, as various tech companies face scrutiny for similar issues. In a broader context, many analysts question the immediate potential of AI technology, as some doubt whether it can deliver sufficient value to justify its costs and complexities.

Apple has emphasized its commitment to improving the summarization of notifications for news and entertainment apps, with intentions to restore the feature in a future software update. The company’s current AI capabilities are limited to the iPhone 15 and 16 models and are primarily available in English-speaking countries, with plans to expand language support in the near future.

Featured image credit: Roman Kraft/Unsplash

U.S. stocks fell on Thursday as investors reacted to a series of quarterly earnings reports, with major tech companies relinquishing some of the gains from the previous session. The Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 each closed 0.2% lower, while the Nasdaq Composite slipped 0.9%.

Nasdaq loses 172 points as major earnings paint a mixed picture

The major indexes were coming off their best one-day performance in over two months on Wednesday, spurred by better-than-expected inflation data that raised hopes for continued interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, alongside strong earnings reports from several large banks.

Bank earnings remained a focal point on Thursday. Morgan Stanley (MS) saw its shares rise 4% to an all-time high after reporting fourth-quarter earnings that exceeded Wall Street expectations, driven by increased deal-making. Conversely, Bank of America (BAC) shares fell 1% despite exceeding earnings estimates. U.S. Bancorp (USB) and PNC Financial Services Group (PNC) both experienced declines of 5.6% and 2%, respectively, after releasing their earnings reports.

Shares of major technology firms, which had performed well the previous day, dropped across the board. Apple (AAPL) led the declines with a 4% decrease, while Tesla (TSLA) fell 3.4%. Other significant losses included Nvidia (NVDA), Microsoft (MSFT), Alphabet (GOOGL), Amazon (AMZN), and Meta Platforms (META).

UnitedHealth Group (UNH) shares plunged 6%, making it the leading decliner in both the S&P 500 and Dow, following disappointing quarterly results.

In the semiconductor sector, stocks generally rose after Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSM) reported better-than-expected earnings and provided a positive outlook for demand fueled by AI advancements. Chip equipment manufacturers, including KLA Corp (KLAC), Lam Research (LRCX), and Applied Materials (AMAT), each saw gains of more than 4%, while U.S.-traded shares of Taiwan Semi increased nearly 4%.

How AI is fundamentally disrupting stock market analysis for everyday traders

Economic data released on Thursday, including weekly jobless claims and monthly retail sales figures, came in largely as anticipated. Investors monitored these indicators closely for insights that could impact the Fed’s interest rate decisions. The yield on the 10-year Treasury dropped to 4.61%, down from 4.65% the previous day, marking its most significant decline since August, driven by the positive inflation data.

Bitcoin traded at $99,600 in late-afternoon trading, having rebounded from an intraday low of $97,300 but down from a high of approximately $100,900. It had surpassed $100,000 for the first time in over a week on Wednesday.

Gold futures rose 1.3% to about $2,750 per ounce, while WTI crude oil futures decreased by 1.6% following a substantial gain the prior day.

On Thursday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 68.42 points, or 0.16%, to 43,153.13; the S&P 500 lost 12.57 points, or 0.21%, to 5,937.34; and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 172.94 points, or 0.89%, to 19,338.29. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note was recently reported at 4.615%, reflecting a decline in expectations for interest rates, partly in response to comments from Fed Governor Christopher Waller about potential quicker rate cuts.

Concerns about potential tariffs from President-elect Donald Trump were also highlighted, with his Treasury Secretary pick, Scott Bessent, indicating tough measures on Russia’s oil sector and the importance of maintaining the dollar as the world’s reserve currency.

UnitedHealth’s performance significantly impacted the Dow, dragging it down by over 201 points after the health insurer’s fourth-quarter revenue fell short of expectations.

Apple’s decline was exacerbated by a report from Canalys indicating that the company had been overtaken as China’s largest smartphone seller in 2024 by competitors Vivo and Huawei.

On the New York Stock Exchange, advancing issues outnumbered decliners by a ratio of 1.81-to-1, while the Nasdaq’s ratio stood at 1.07-to-1. The S&P 500 recorded 21 new 52-week highs and nine new lows, while the Nasdaq Composite noted 58 new highs and 101 new lows. Total trading volume on U.S. exchanges reached 14.31 billion shares, below the recent 20-day average of 15.75 billion shares.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. We do not endorse any specific investment strategies or make recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of any securities.

Featured image credit: Jakub Zerdzicki/Pexels

Electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian Automotive has finalized a $6.6 billion loan agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to support the development of its upcoming manufacturing facility in Georgia. This milestone is set to bolster Rivian’s expansion efforts as it plans to launch its R2 SUV and R3 crossover models.

Rivian secures $6.6 billion loan for Georgia plant construction

The planned facility, located near Social Circle, Georgia, will commence construction in 2026, with vehicle production anticipated to begin in 2028. Rivian estimates that the project will create approximately 7,500 jobs, emphasizing its commitment to local economic growth and American leadership in electric vehicle innovation.

“This loan will help us accelerate the launch of our Georgia plant for R2 and R3, providing thousands of jobs in the state,” said Rivian Founder and CEO RJ Scaringe. “People are incredibly excited to get behind the wheel of our new models, and this additional capacity for our mass market products is key to U.S. leadership in the electric vehicle industry.”

The loan, administered through the DOE’s Loan Programs Office, is structured into two phases: $3.4 billion for the initial stage and $2.6 billion for the second. These funds are earmarked for facility construction and operational setup, ensuring Rivian’s ability to meet rising EV demand.

Is Rivian stock a buy: 5 key reasons to invest before February 20

Strategically located less than an hour from Atlanta, the plant will employ sustainable construction methods and advanced environmental management systems. Rivian also plans to preserve nearby natural areas while fostering community investment. The company has already begun hiring for management and construction roles, with recruitment efforts set to intensify as the project advances.

This agreement highlights the Biden administration’s push to strengthen the U.S. EV industry as part of its broader green energy agenda. The DOE’s loan program, which played a pivotal role in Rivian’s funding, has been central to financing clean energy projects under the administration.

The loan will be split across two phases of Rivian’s Georgia facility. Excluding capitalized interest, the first phase is expected to have a loan size up to $3.4B and the second phase up to $2.6B. A summary of key terms can be found here. Advances under the loan are subject to the accuracy of certain representations and warranties, compliance with covenants and other conditions precedents.

-Rivian

The finalized loan arrives at a time of evolving political dynamics, with potential changes to the DOE’s Loan Programs Office under future administrations. Nonetheless, Rivian’s expansion reflects its strategic vision to compete in the electric vehicle market while driving forward the nation’s clean energy objectives.

Rivian shares rose nearly 4% following the announcement, outperforming a general market dip, signaling investor confidence in the company’s long-term growth prospects.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. We do not endorse any specific investment strategies or make recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of any securities.

Featured image credit: Rivian

Jonathan Lachman, the former head of special projects at OpenAI, has joined a new artificial intelligence research lab founded by Mira Murati, a former OpenAI executive. This marks Murati’s most notable hire since her departure from OpenAI in September 2023 to focus on developing artificial general intelligence.

Mira Murati hires Jonathan Lachman for new AI lab

Murati’s startup has attracted approximately 10 researchers and engineers from competitors, including OpenAI, Character AI, and Google DeepMind. At this stage, the startup remains unnamed and lacks a definitive product direction, according to sources familiar with the company.

Murati’s exit from OpenAI occurred less than a year after CEO Sam Altman was abruptly dismissed by the board of directors in late 2023. Following this decision, the board briefly appointed Murati, then serving as chief technology officer, as interim CEO. Altman characterized Murati’s promotion as “the low point” of the ensuing leadership crisis, which nearly led to mass resignations from the company.

Mira Murati’s post-OpenAI move: New AI startup, $100M in the works

Murati and Altman maintained a collaborative working relationship after the turmoil, with Altman praising her handling of the chaotic situation during that critical period. When Murati left OpenAI 10 months later, she expressed gratitude towards Altman in her farewell letter, stating that she wanted to create time and space for her own exploration.

Approximately one month after her departure, Reuters reported that Murati was attempting to raise over $100 million to fund her new venture, although this figure had yet to be finalized. Other notable exits from OpenAI around the same time included Barret Zoph, the vice president of research, and Bob McGrew, the chief research officer. Ilya Sutskever, a cofounder and chief scientist of OpenAI, followed suit in May, founding a startup called Safe Superintelligence, which raised $1 billion within three months. Additionally, Anthropic, a significant competitor to OpenAI, was established by former OpenAI executives and has secured billions in funding, including $8 billion from Amazon.

Featured image credit: OpenAI

American Express has agreed to pay more than $138 million to resolve a wire fraud investigation pertaining to its sales and marketing practices, as announced by federal authorities on Thursday. The investigation revealed that the New York-based financial company provided inaccurate tax advice to customers regarding wire products primarily aimed at small and mid-size businesses.

American Express to pay $230 million over wire fraud allegations

The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York’s office stated that customers were informed that American Express’s fees were tax-deductible as business expenses. Harry Chavis, a special agent in charge at the Internal Revenue Service’s New York office, commented that the company “misled their customers by touting tax breaks that simply didn’t exist.”

In 2021, an internal investigation led to the termination of approximately 200 employees, and American Express subsequently discontinued the problematic products later that year. Judy Philips, Acting Attorney for the U.S. for the Eastern District of New York, stated, “Financial institutions like American Express have no business pitching inaccurate tax avoidance schemes to sell products and turn a quick profit.”

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American Express indicated that the disputed sales practices ceased in 2021 or earlier and that it would pay roughly $230 million in total to settle the issues. The company shared that it cooperated extensively with regulators, took corrective actions, including discontinuing certain products, and enhanced compliance and training programs.

As part of the agreement, American Express will pay a $77.7 million criminal fine and forfeit $60.7 million, representing net revenue from sales of the wire products, as stated by the U.S. Attorney’s office. Additionally, the company has entered into a multimillion-dollar civil settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice.

On Thursday, American Express confirmed it will pay $230 million to settle civil and criminal allegations regarding deceptive sales tactics connected to credit card and wire transfer products sold to small business customers. The Justice Department’s Civil Division accused the company of misrepresenting card rewards, fees, and the necessity of credit checks without customer consent from 2014 to 2017. Further allegations pointed to the submission of falsified financial information, such as overstating a business’s income.

Moreover, American Express allegedly misled its financial institution into issuing credit cards to small business customers without the required employer identification numbers (E.I.N.s). From 2018 to 2021, the company deceptively marketed wire transfer products, specifically Payroll Rewards and Premium Wire, while making false claims regarding their tax benefits, according to the Justice Department.

The settlement with the Justice Department includes a $108.7 million civil payment associated with these allegations. Alongside this, American Express has entered a separate non-prosecution agreement with the U.S. attorney’s office for the Eastern District of New York regarding the criminal investigation related to the criticized wire products.

American Express is also anticipating finalizing an agreement in principle with the Federal Reserve System to resolve similar investigations. The overall amount expected to be paid, including a potential credit, is approximately $230 million, the company stated.

Chavis remarked that the deceitful marketing campaign involved hundreds of employees defrauding customers and the government. Prosecutors stated that the wire products were touted as a means for customers, primarily small- and mid-sized businesses, to generate tax savings, including misconceptions about the deductibility of wiring fees as business expenses.

While the internal investigation began in early 2021, findings led to employee firings and the eventual discontinuation of the products by November of that year. The separate civil settlement detailed allegations of deceptive marketing practices through an affiliated entity from 2014 to 2017.

The allegations included misrepresentation of card rewards, fees, and unauthorized credit checks along with fraudulent financial information submissions. The U.S. Department of Justice also reported that American Express employees utilized fake E.I.N.s when applying for credit cards for small business clients.

American Express’s settlement agreement with the DOJ’s Civil Division does not include any admission of liability or wrongdoing. The company denied the allegations concerning the E.I.N.s and the deceptive credit card sales practices. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian Boynton highlighted the importance of holding financial companies accountable for engaging in deceptive practices that threaten the integrity of the financial system.

Featured image credit: CardMapr.nl/Unsplash

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) stock (NASDAQ:AMD) has experienced an 11% decline over the past week and is down approximately 25% since the start of 2024. In comparison, the S&P 500 has increased by about 22% during the same period, while rival Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) has surged over 160%.

AMD stock plummets 11% as Nvidia surges over 160%

The recent sell-off is attributed to several factors, including a downgrade from “buy” to “neutral” by Goldman Sachs analysts and lowered estimates from KeyBanc Capital Markets and HSBC. Concerns over increasing competition in the GPU market, particularly from Nvidia’s advanced chips and other new entrants in the AI sector, have added to the negative sentiment. Although AMD has been gaining market share from Intel in the CPU space for PCs and servers, there are worries that the overall market may be slowing down. According to IDC data, PC sales rose by just 1.8% year-over-year in Q4 2024 and by 1% throughout 2024.

AMD is introducing new MI350 chips aimed at enhancing its competitive edge. The company has shifted focus from gaming and design GPUs to chips for large language model training and inference in generative AI. Demand for AMD’s MI325 graphics processing units has been described as soft. However, AMD is concentrating on areas with potential for market share capture. The MI350 GPU series, set to launch in late 2025, is projected to deliver 35 times better inference performance than its predecessor, the CDNA 3.

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The AI market is expected to gradually transition from model training to inferencing, which requires less computational intensity. This shift could favor AMD’s AI processors. MLCommons, a testing organization, has noted that AMD’s MI300X is competitive with Nvidia’s H100 GPU in AI inference benchmarks, leading to significant orders from hyperscalers. IBM is set to feature AMD’s MI300X in its cloud services during the first half of 2025, while Oracle has opted for AMD’s accelerated computing chips for its new AI supercluster due to strong performance at competitive pricing.

AMD holds a unique position in the tech industry by leveraging its expertise in both CPUs and GPUs, allowing it to integrate capabilities for efficient processing and accelerated computing tasks, which may provide an advantage in the evolving computer hardware landscape.

The stock’s performance over the last four years has been volatile, with annual returns of 57% in 2021, -55% in 2022, 128% in 2023, and -18% in 2024. The Trefis High Quality (HQ) Portfolio has delivered steadier returns, outperforming the S&P 500, highlighting a difference in volatility and returns. Given concerns about the macroeconomic environment and previous struggles in 2022 and 2024, there is uncertainty regarding AMD’s ability to outperform the S&P over the next 12 months.

Despite challenges, analysts maintain a positive outlook for AMD, with a price estimate of around $160 per share, approximately 35% higher than the current market price. The stock is trading at about 23 times the consensus 2025 earnings, considered reasonable relative to AMD’s projected 26% revenue growth for that year.

In 2024, AMD shares fell by 18% despite growth opportunities as a prospective AI chip maker, struggling to meet investor expectations. AMD’s growth has lagged behind Nvidia’s. For AMD to recover, its AI chips need to demonstrate competitiveness against Nvidia’s offerings, necessitating a significant improvement in growth rates.

AMD’s price-to-earnings ratio is improving but still trails Nvidia’s much lower multiples. Both companies are considered promising investments, but AMD must convince investors that its AI solutions can compete effectively with Nvidia’s established leadership in the market. AMD has significant potential in mature markets, but its future performance may depend on the success of its AI processors. AMD’s AI-market share remains considerably lower than Nvidia’s, with Nvidia holding a 90% share compared to AMD’s 10%.

AMD reported its Q3 results in October 2024, meeting earnings expectations but falling short in terms of revenue outlook for Q4, estimating $7.5 billion against a $7.55 billion analyst consensus. The company may face challenges in meeting the increasing demand for AI processors, with CEO Lisa Su indicating tight chip supplies in 2025. Analysts have expressed concerns that AMD may struggle to meet Wall Street’s estimates for 2025, which range between $8 billion and $9 billion.

AMD is scheduled to disclose its Q4 and full-year 2024 financial results on February 4, following the market’s closing bell.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. We do not endorse any specific investment strategies or make recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of any securities.

Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/Ideogram

The S&P 500 was poised for a muted open on Thursday following its best gain since the election. The 10-year Treasury yield inched higher after a decline on Wednesday, which was attributed to a cooler-than-expected consumer inflation report. In the latest economic data, December retail sales increased by 0.4% month over month, lower than the consensus estimate of 0.6%.

Strong earnings reported by major companies

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) exceeded fourth-quarter estimates, driven by robust demand for artificial intelligence chips. TSMC provided positive sales and capex guidance for the first quarter, which signals potential strength for the chip sector. This performance positively influenced Nvidia’s stock, which rose after breaking a five-session losing streak.

Bank of America reported a solid fourth quarter, achieving revenue of $25.5 billion, surpassing the expected $25.19 billion, and earnings per share (EPS) of 82 cents, exceeding the anticipated 77 cents. The bank’s net interest income (NII) also beat estimates, with investment banking fees rising 44%. BofA projected a year-over-year NII growth of 6% to 7% for 2025 while anticipating a non-interest expense increase of 2% to 3%.

Morgan Stanley continued the trend of strong bank earnings, with reported revenue of $16.22 billion, higher than the expected $15.03 billion, and EPS of $2.22, significantly above the projected $1.70. The firm also saw wealth management revenue exceed expectations with improved margins, in addition to strong performance in trading revenues and NII.

UnitedHealthcare, part of the Dow, reported a mixed quarter, with adjusted EPS surpassing analysts’ expectations by 10 cents, although sales fell short. The company noted a high medical loss ratio and reaffirmed its outlook for 2025.

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DuPont accelerated its timeline for spinning off its electronics business, now targeting November 1 for the separation into a public company. This segment includes semiconductor technologies. However, the original plan to separate into three entities has been revised to two, maintaining the water business under DuPont. The company reiterated its guidance for the fourth quarter and full year.

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) received another downgrade, this time from Wolfe Research, which moved its rating to a hold-equivalent due to lower-than-expected revenue forecasts for data center graphics processing units (GPUs) this year. Wolfe now anticipates $7 billion in data center GPU sales, revised down from more than $10 billion.

Target reported a total sales increase of 2.8% for November and December combined, along with a 2% rise on a comparable basis. However, the retailer maintained its fourth quarter EPS guidance range of $1.85 to $2.45, leading to a decline in shares of more than 3%.

JPMorgan added Ollie’s Bargain Outlet to its analyst focus list following the stock’s recent decline, emphasizing the ongoing popularity of value-priced goods.

United Parcel Service (UPS) was upgraded to a buy rating at Bank of America, driven by expectations regarding the potential end of the freight recession in 2025.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. We do not endorse any specific investment strategies or make recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of any securities.

Featured image credit: Burak The Weekender/Pexels

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a buzzword in almost all areas of life, from healthcare to finance. Predicting IQ and cognitive potential is one of the latest frontiers for AI. Can AI evaluate human intelligence? In this post, we’ll explore how AI is already being used to predict IQ, what tools are being used, and what that might mean for the future.

The role of AI in cognitive testing

The appeal of AI in intelligence testing is based on its promise to make our minds significantly smarter. Traditional IQ tests can be complex and time-consuming, and they require more qualified administrators. But artificial intelligence has a simpler, more accessible, and potentially more accurate alternative. Suppose you could determine what a person’s cognitive potential is by participating in everyday interactions or performing simple tasks online.

This accessibility can democratize intelligence testing, allowing the intelligence testing to be spread to a larger group. Humans are unable to think at scales which AI can’t help to uncover new insights into human cognition. The attraction is that it promises to make the system more intelligent on its own and make testing more efficient and comprehensive.

How AI predicts IQ and cognitive potential

AI can predict IQ and cognitive potential, by analyzing huge amounts of data and finding patterns related to cognitive ability.

Here’s how it works:

• Data collection: No matter where they came from, the AI models ingest data from brain imaging, behavioral tests, and even social media interaction.
• Pattern recognition: Machine learning algorithms programming are used by AI to find patterns in the data that indicate cognitive ability.
• Predictive modeling: These patterns are used by AI to make IQ and cognitive potential models of themselves.

Advanced algorithms and tests are used in one of the famous tools in this industry i.e. Cerebrum IQ to predict IQ levels. Cerebrum IQ uses a huge array of cognitive tasks to perform a substantive intelligence test.

Key statistics:

Accuracy: In fact, some AI models have hit accuracy ratings over 90 percent in predicting IQ scores.
Speed: With AI, we can process and analyze data faster than ever before, which allows us to assess data quickly.

It was found that using graph neural networks (GNNs) to predict IQ scores from brain connectivity data performed competitively. Compared with traditional methods, this approach performed better for both healthy and disordered cohorts.

At the same time, the use of artificial intelligence to predict a child’s IQ and, consequently, the potential of cognitive abilities is interesting for the following reason. It can allow us to adapt education to the IQ of an individual student and differences in cognitive abilities, as well as an early intervention tool for children with learning disabilities. However, when unethical implications arise, it becomes important not to use data that is not diverse and unbiased.

Potential ethical considerations and benefits

If AI has the potential to revolutionize cognitive testing, we have to take these into consideration. The collection of data by another individual’s use of his or her brain inevitably raises the issue of protection of personal information: The data being collected consists of neural data; privacy and data security are paramount. Moreover, there is a problem of bias. The training data is the most important thing in AI systems and is only as unbiased as the data it’s trained on, so one would want to make sure the training data is diverse and representative.

The future of AI in cognitive testing

The future of AI in cognitive testing looks bright: more accurate, accessible, and less biased information about human intelligence. That’s why with the advancement of AI technology, the potential for understanding and nurturing cognitive potential has no boundaries. The future is here already, and it’s one where AI gives us the power to understand the mind.

• Revolutionizing assessments: Traditional cognitive tests will be turned on their head by AI, which will deliver personal and precise evaluations instead of one size fits all.
• Continuous improvement: Because AI is able to learn and adapt, cognitive testing will change much, but as it does, it will get better.
• Accessibility for all: By placing online tests on an AI platform, one has access to a huge number of tests to administer to anyone, anywhere, since geographical and economic barriers don’t exist anymore.
• Unbiased insights: To do so, advanced AI is being developed that attempts to minimize biases and provide a fairer way to evaluate cognitive potential as it comes from different populations.
• Lifelong learning: AI can follow an individual’s cognitive development from one day to the next, to see the trends and learn what needs to be done to help sustain a sense of continuous personal and professional growth.

What’s the answer after all?

The question ‘Can AI predict IQ and cognitive potential?’  opens the world to possibilities and challenges. Today tools like Cerebrum IQ are leading the charge of this revolution in the understanding and measuring of intelligence. As we push forward into this frontier, it’s important to be enthusiastic about it without losing the bit of caution, of making sure that AI is a helpful friend in our attempts to understand the human mind.

Featured image credit: kjpargeter/Freepik

A major leak from Technoblog ahead of Samsung’s Galaxy S25 launch event reveals significant AI enhancements and new features integrated into the Galaxy S25 series, including the S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra. The promotional material shared by Tecnoblog, alongside marketing visuals, confirm the “Gemini experience” and various specifications.

Samsung Galaxy S25 series to feature Gemini AI integration

The Galaxy S25 lineup will incorporate Google’s Gemini AI assistant, which promises advanced cross-application functionality. Users will be able to execute commands such as extracting information from YouTube videos and creating notes based on that information through a single voice command.

Marketing imagery showcases Samsung’s new “Now Brief” feature, delivering personalized daily summaries. This functionality will provide users with updates regarding weather, activity recaps, photo summaries from the day, and other recommendations. The design appears to utilize artificial intelligence to compile this information from different applications and connected Galaxy devices.

According to the leaked information, Galaxy S25 devices will respond to the voice command “Hey, Gemini,” indicating a stronger integration with Google’s AI assistant compared to Samsung’s proprietary Bixby. The new “Now Brief” feature appears to replicate aspects of Google’s previous services, providing summaries in a card format.

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Furthermore, the promotional materials suggest that Samsung is adopting Google’s branding colors for Gemini, shifting away from its traditional blue and purple hues. The visual representation indicates a move towards a more integrated marketing strategy, aligning with Google’s visual identity.

One notable command demonstrated in the marketing materials includes: “list the places mentioned in this video and save a Note,” hinting at future Gemini Extensions for Samsung Notes. Currently, users rely on Google’s Keep for similar functions.

The latest updates on Gemini and the full details of the Galaxy S25 series are expected to be officially announced next week, with the rollout of this new AI overlay presumably occurring shortly thereafter.

Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/Ideogram

Microsoft has confirmed the active exploitation of three new zero-day exploits affecting Windows systems, amidst ongoing security concerns such as the end of support for Windows 10 and an increase in cyberattacks. These vulnerabilities are identified as CVE-2025-21335, CVE-2025-21333, and CVE-2025-21334, specifically targeting Hyper-V.

Microsoft confirms three zero-day exploits targeting Hyper-V

In its latest Patch Tuesday release, Microsoft detailed a substantial update addressing 159 vulnerabilities, including 12 critical issues and a total of eight zero-days, three of which are currently under active exploitation. Tyler Reguly, associate director of security research and development at Fortra, emphasized the need for administrators to reassess their security strategies in light of these vulnerabilities.

These vulnerabilities, affecting Microsoft Windows versions 10, 11, and Server 2025, are categorized as elevation of privileges issues. Kev Breen, senior director of threat research at Immersive Labs, noted that these exploits could allow attackers, who have already gained access through methods such as phishing, to escalate their privileges to SYSTEM level permissions on compromised devices.

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Chris Goettl, vice president of security product management at Ivanti, affirmed that these vulnerabilities require critical prioritization due to their potential impact.

Mike Walters, president and co-founder of Action1, outlined the significant risks posed by these zero-day exploits for organizations using Hyper-V, which is integral to various systems, including data centers and cloud providers. The potential impacts include:

• Accessing and manipulating virtual machines on the host.
• Stealing sensitive data or credentials.
• Moving laterally within the network to target other systems.
• Disrupting critical services by modifying configurations or deploying malicious code.

Given the nature of these vulnerabilities, Walters recommended that Windows users prioritize applying the available security updates. He also advised organizations to enhance their security posture by restricting local access, enforcing strong authentication, and segmenting critical systems.

Featured image credit: Windows/Unsplash

An independent developer is launching a photo-sharing app called Flashes for Bluesky, utilizing the AT Protocol that powers the platform. The app aims to offer an alternative to mainstream social media ecosystems dominated by Meta.

Flashes will target visual content

Flashes is developed by Berlin-based Sebastian Vogelsang, who previously created the Bluesky client, Skeets. The new app is designed to cater to users interested in visual content such as photos and videos. Currently, Bluesky has approximately 27.5 million users, and the advent of Flashes is expected to appeal to those who might not identify with traditional text-based platforms like Twitter.

The app will allow users to post up to four images and one minute of video, mirroring current limitations set by Bluesky. Notably, posts shared on Flashes will also appear on Bluesky, and interactions within the app will sync back to Bluesky’s platform. Flashes will also support direct messages in alignment with Bluesky’s existing features.

Vogelsang emphasized that Flashes is not intended to replicate Instagram but to provide a distinct experience focused on visual content. The app builds on the existing infrastructure of Bluesky by filtering its timeline to highlight posts featuring images and videos, thereby creating an Instagram-like experience without adopting all of Instagram’s features.

Development of Flashes was expedited through the reuse of Skeets’ existing code, reducing the build time significantly. The success of Skeets, which has seen about 30,500 downloads, may facilitate marketing efforts for Flashes as it aims to reach users who prefer visual content over textual discussions.

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Future plans for expanded functionality

Vogelsang is also planning to integrate subscription-based features from both apps, ensuring users do not incur costs twice for premium features like bookmarks, drafts, and notifications. Both Flashes and Skeets will remain available for free without subscriptions initially.

In addition to Flashes, there are future plans for a video-only app named Blue Screen. Vogelsang projects that Flashes will be publicly available within weeks, with a TestFlight beta version expected to precede the full launch. Users interested in updates are encouraged to follow Flashes’ account on Bluesky.

Featured image credit: Bluesky

Google is offering AI features in Gmail, Docs, Sheets, and more at no additional cost, while simultaneously raising prices for its Workspace plans. This shift, announced on Tuesday, aims to enhance accessibility to its generative AI tools as part of the Gemini initiative amidst intensifying competition with Microsoft and OpenAI.

Google integrates AI features into Workspace and raises subscription prices

Previously, users had to pay an additional $20 per user per month for the Gemini Business plan to access Google’s AI capabilities. Now, these features are integrated into the standard Workspace offerings. However, Google is increasing the base subscription price from $12 to $14 per user per month, according to Jerry Dischler, Google’s president of cloud applications. The exact price increases may vary due to the complexity of company contracts.

The Workspace AI encompasses a variety of tools, including email summaries in Gmail, automatic designs for spreadsheets and videos, an automated meeting note-taker, and the NotebookLM research assistant. Additionally, the Gemini bot, noted as a powerful AI tool, allows users to perform typical chatbot functions as well as search for information across documents and files.

Google raises the bar with Gemini 2.0 AI platform

Dischler emphasized that Google currently offers the most vertically integrated AI product in the market. He noted that cost concerns often deter companies from fully utilizing AI features, stating, “Most of the time, when we talk to companies who are using AI, their big impediment is cost reasons… All right, now you get the AI. You have the value.” Dischler mentioned that new features are set to roll out quickly, reflecting an evolving app roadmap.

This shift is not exclusive to Google; Microsoft also announced in November that its previously $20 monthly upgrade for Copilot Pro AI features would be included in standard Microsoft 365 subscriptions, although this is currently limited to Personal and Family plans in select regions. Both companies recognize this as an opportunity to familiarize users with their products while attracting new customers.

New generative AI capabilities in Workspace

Google Workspace is rolling out advanced generative AI features to Business and Enterprise customers without requiring any add-ons. These features, available to Business customers starting today and to Enterprise customers later this month, include:

• Gemini integrated into Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Chat, and Meet, enabling users to summarize emails, create professional documents, slides, and spreadsheets, and take meeting notes with AI assistance.
• Gemini Advanced within the Gemini app to aid in complex projects involving coding, research, or data analysis, including the ability to build custom tasks.
• NotebookLM Plus for uploading sources to receive instant insights, along with Audio Overviews, facilitating team learning and onboarding.

For additional information, users can visit the Workspace blog.

Featured image credit: Google

As TikTok faces a potential ban in the U.S., many users are migrating to RedNote, the international version of Xiaohongshu, seeking a similar platform for short video content and e-commerce. RedNote has quickly become the most downloaded app in the U.S. this month, capitalizing on its resemblance to TikTok.

RedNote at a glance:

• RedNote is often mistaken as “China’s TikTok,” but that title belongs to Douyin.
• RedNote combines elements of Pinterest and Instagram, focusing on e-commerce and short-form video.
• Founded in 2013 by Miranda Qu Fang (President) and Charlwin Mao (CEO).
• Began as PDF shopping guides and evolved into a $17 billion social media and e-commerce powerhouse.
• 300 million users, mostly young women, compared to TikTok’s 170 million U.S. users.
• Backed by major investors like Tencent, Alibaba, and GGV Capital, and considered an IPO contender.
• 700,000 new users joined in two days, boosting U.S. downloads by over 200% year-over-year.
• The company is enhancing moderation of English-language content and translation tools.
• User data, including IP addresses, browsing habits, and locations, is subject to Chinese data laws.
• Data may be shared with third parties or government authorities, raising privacy concerns.

Users migrate to RedNote as TikTok faces ban

RedNote’s surge in popularity can be attributed to its familiar interface and functionality, appealing to users transitioning from TikTok. However, both platforms share a significant similarity; they are both owned by Chinese-based companies. RedNote has attracted over 700,000 new users in just two days, leading to a 200% year-over-year increase in downloads this week, according to research firm Sensor Tower.

The app has amassed 300 million monthly active users globally, which pales in comparison to TikTok’s 1 billion, but still represents a robust following. It predominantly serves users in China, Malaysia, and Taiwan. While most content is in Mandarin, the platform allows users to switch languages.

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Users have discovered that RedNote differs from TikTok in various aspects. While it incorporates e-commerce, leveraging short video posts to promote products, it also resembles Instagram, offering features such as the ability to call and text other users and post long-form text in addition to photos and videos.

Co-founders Miranda Qu and Charlwin Mao, who launched the app in 2013, have positioned RedNote as a major player in the social media landscape, particularly among young women interested in beauty and skincare trends. The company, valued at over $17 billion, is eyeing an initial public offering (IPO) as interest from investors, including Tencent and Alibaba, grows.

TensorshareOfficial shared a video so you can observe the app: 

Despite its appeal, users may face similar issues on RedNote as they did on TikTok, especially concerning data privacy. RedNote’s privacy policy entails the collection of large amounts of user data, including IP addresses, which raises national security concerns. This situation could lead to increased scrutiny from lawmakers towards the platform, much like the legislative challenges faced by TikTok.

Furthermore, security clearance holders are advised to exercise caution. Experts suggest that the Chinese ownership of RedNote presents potential risks, as the app’s data practices align with Chinese data laws, meaning protections available under U.S. law may not apply. Such ownership could lead to further regulatory actions against the app, mirroring the current situation with TikTok.

The app’s rising user base and current legal challenges highlight the complexities surrounding social media platforms in the U.S. as users attempt to navigate their digital presence amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Featured image credit: Andy Wong/AP

Quantum Computing Inc. (QUBT) skyrocketed by 55.45% today, closing at $11.55, with an additional 12.12% gain in after-hours trading to reach $12.95. The surge reflects renewed investor optimism in the quantum computing sector, fueled by speculation, potential technical developments, and a rebound from recent sell-offs. Quantum Computing Inc.’s ongoing work with NASA and its contracts in advancing quantum technology have positioned the company as a focal point for speculative buying, with traders on X highlighting its potential amid broader quantum sector enthusiasm.

Why QUBT jumped 55%: NASA contracts and quantum optimism fuel rally

Quantum Computing Inc. experienced a 300% stock surge in December, driven by a NASA contract for its Dirac-3 quantum computer, despite a sharp 40% drop on December 19. The company, known for room-temperature quantum systems aimed at imaging, sensing, and cybersecurity, is capturing investor attention despite limited revenue of $386,000 and $25 million in losses last year.

The broader quantum sector saw momentum with Google’s error-reducing Willow chip and Amazon’s Quantum Embark initiative. Coupled with $2.7 billion in U.S. government funding, this reignited market enthusiasm. IonQ, D-Wave, and Rigetti also saw remarkable gains of 206%, 582.4%, and 789%, respectively, as analysts raised their price targets.

This rally also follows a recent market sentiment shift. After a dip due to skepticism and stock offering concerns, technical traders identified QUBT’s price lows as a buying opportunity. Additionally, broader industry developments, such as Nvidia’s Quantum Day announcement, have sparked interest across the quantum space, likely contributing to today’s dramatic rise. Market chatter also suggests that Quantum Computing Inc. might be benefiting from technical signals that indicate a reversal or correction from prior losses.

How Quantum Computing stock (QUBT) jumped 300%

For investors, QUBT’s performance underscores both the opportunities and risks inherent in quantum computing stocks. The sector remains speculative, but potential advancements make it attractive for those with a long-term perspective. As QUBT rebounds, staying informed about its NASA collaborations and broader industry progress will be essential. If you’re considering entry, understand the volatility and align your strategy with a willingness to navigate sharp price swings.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. We do not endorse any specific investment strategies or make recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of any securities.

Featured image credit: Quantum Computing Inc.

Rigetti Computing (RGTI) surged 22.23% today, closing at $10.94, and has climbed another 4.94% in after-hours trading to $11.48. Nvidia’s groundbreaking announcement of its first-ever ‘Quantum Day‘ at the 2025 GPU Technology Conference (GTC) injected fresh enthusiasm into the quantum computing sector. The event reignited investor interest in companies like Rigetti Computing, which are poised to play pivotal roles in the field. As traders on X highlighted potential synergies between Nvidia’s AI leadership and quantum computing advancements, speculative buying dominated the market.

Rigetti stock rallies 22% as Nvidia puts quantum in the spotlight

The rebound also reflects a broader market correction following previous skepticism from industry leaders like Nvidia’s own CEO, Jensen Huang, who questioned the near-term viability of quantum computing. Today’s rally, however, signals renewed confidence in the long-term potential of the sector. Rigetti’s robust research and development focus remains a talking point for investors betting on quantum computing’s scalability.

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Investor sentiment has been further fueled by Rigetti’s existing position as an innovator in quantum computing, even though no new announcements were made by the company today. Discussions on platforms like X pointed to the company’s strategic resilience despite technical challenges in the field. As Nvidia’s Quantum Day drew attention to the potential of quantum-AI integrations, analysts underscored Rigetti’s capability to leverage these trends for future growth. Some users shared snippets of Rigetti’s recent communications, pointing to its ongoing efforts to address scalability and practical application challenges.

Despite the rally, analysts continue to caution about the sector’s risks. Quantum computing remains a speculative arena, with significant hurdles to overcome in terms of commercialization and large-scale adoption. However, Rigetti’s recent rebound suggests a growing appetite among investors willing to overlook near-term uncertainties in favor of long-term potential. Analysts have noted that the company’s research progress and its positioning in a niche yet promising market segment could make it a key player as the industry matures.

For investors, Rigetti’s sharp climb today highlights both the opportunities and risks inherent in quantum computing stocks. Nvidia’s Quantum Day has brought renewed attention to the space, but speculative buying and sector volatility remain key considerations. If you’re looking to capitalize on Rigetti’s momentum, it’s crucial to assess whether you’re prepared for the ups and downs associated with emerging technologies. While Rigetti’s recent performance suggests potential upside, the lack of substantial near-term developments means that cautious optimism is the best approach. Those with a long-term view may find Rigetti appealing, but staying informed about broader quantum computing advancements will be vital to making the right call.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. We do not endorse any specific investment strategies or make recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of any securities.

Featured image credit: Rigetti

Meiwu Technology’s (WNW) stock continues to struggle, weighed down by trading halts due to volatility, Nasdaq compliance issues, and weak financials. As of January 15, 2025, investors face mounting concerns over the stock’s ability to recover. The company is under pressure to meet Nasdaq’s $1 minimum bid price requirement by March 10, 2025, with failure potentially leading to delisting. Recent trading halts have further fueled investor caution, reflecting significant price instability.

Meiwu Technology struggles as Nasdaq compliance deadline looms

Without any positive corporate developments or announcements, Meiwu has failed to counterbalance negative sentiment. Analysts point to weak fundamentals, a high cash burn rate, and uncertainty around its business model’s sustainability in China’s competitive market. Social media platforms like X are rife with warnings, categorizing Meiwu as a high-risk penny stock vulnerable to speculative trading and price manipulation. Technical analysis highlights bearish trends, with WNW falling below key moving averages and exhibiting patterns of decline after brief spikes. These signals, paired with concerns over delisting, have left investors skeptical about the stock’s future.

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For investors, Meiwu Technology poses significant challenges. The lack of positive momentum and ongoing compliance risks demand a cautious approach. If you’re considering holding or entering this stock, focus on whether Meiwu can deliver a turnaround strategy that ensures financial stability and Nasdaq compliance. Watching for any announcements that could signal improved fundamentals or growth opportunities will be critical in assessing its recovery potential.

Existing shareholders should weigh the risks of further price erosion against the possibility of recovery. Given Meiwu’s volatility and weak fundamentals, a risk management strategy, including setting clear exit points, may be prudent. Until the company demonstrates tangible progress in addressing compliance and operational challenges, investors should remain wary of further downside risk.

Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/Ideogram

Tesla Inc. (TSLA) closed at $396.36 on January 14, 2025, marking a $7.01 drop or a 1.74% decline, following the release of underwhelming Q4 delivery numbers. This annual delivery decrease was Tesla’s first ever, raising concerns about its growth trajectory. Despite this, pre-market trading painted a more optimistic picture with the stock climbing $14.67 (3.77%) to $411.31, reflecting potential optimism in the wake of its correction.

Why Tesla fell 1.7%: Missed deliveries and Musk lawsuit in focus

The missed delivery expectations highlighted Tesla’s struggle to align supply with demand, compounded by an inventory buildup that could pressure margins and necessitate further incentives to boost sales. At the same time, the SEC’s lawsuit against Elon Musk regarding his 2022 acquisition of Twitter, now X, added to investor concerns. The lawsuit alleges that Musk delayed disclosing a significant stake in Twitter, profiting by $150 million through stock purchases at artificially low prices, harming other shareholders. These legal challenges further cloud the outlook for Tesla’s leadership amid a competitive market.

Broader market conditions, including inflation concerns and rising U.S. Treasury yields, have added selling pressure on Tesla, a major player in the tech-heavy sectors most affected by these trends. Additionally, competitive pricing pressures in key markets like China, particularly from BYD, are squeezing Tesla’s margins as the EV landscape becomes increasingly crowded. Analyst skepticism about Tesla’s strategic shifts—such as its focus on new, affordable EV models and autonomous vehicle initiatives—further dampens short-term sentiment.

Market reactions were also fueled by technical signals, as Tesla’s stock rejected resistance levels around $420, triggering profit-taking and a correction. Discussions on platforms like X highlighted the stock’s volatility, with traders debating whether Tesla’s high valuation still aligns with its current operational performance. While optimism remains around Tesla’s longer-term vision, recent setbacks have tempered expectations.

For investors, Tesla presents a mix of opportunity and caution. The company’s strong brand and ambitious projects, like its autonomous vehicle transition, hold long-term promise. However, challenges such as delivery shortfalls, inventory management, and competitive pressures demand careful monitoring. The ongoing SEC lawsuit against Elon Musk adds an additional layer of risk that could impact both leadership focus and public perception of the company.

Those considering an entry point into Tesla should closely watch Q1 delivery numbers and the company’s response to inventory pressures. Existing investors may consider reviewing their positions, factoring in the lawsuit’s potential implications and Tesla’s ability to meet its strategic objectives. Tesla’s recovery in pre-market trading signals potential resilience, but the road ahead remains fraught with volatility and critical milestones that will shape its near-term and long-term outlook.

Addressing inventory pressures through targeted incentives or regional pricing adjustments will be critical to restoring balance between supply and demand. Additionally, the rollout of new, affordable EV models could revitalize sales momentum in competitive markets like China and Europe, where rivals such as BYD and Volkswagen continue to gain ground.

Tesla’s response to the SEC lawsuit against Elon Musk will also influence investor confidence. A swift resolution or a proactive leadership strategy could mitigate damage to the company’s reputation. Meanwhile, the progress of Tesla’s autonomous vehicle program and its rumored next-generation battery technologies could serve as catalysts for renewed enthusiasm, provided tangible milestones are achieved.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. We do not endorse any specific investment strategies or make recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of any securities.

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Applied Digital Corporation (APLD) surged 9.98% on January 14, 2025, closing at $8.54 with a $0.77 gain. However, pre-market trading saw a slight decline of 1.52%, bringing the stock down by $0.13 to $8.41. This comes on the heels of the company’s announcement of a $5 billion investment commitment from Macquarie Asset Management to expand its AI-focused high-performance computing (HPC) data centers.

The Macquarie partnership fuels confidence

The $900 million initial investment in a North Dakota data center campus has already bolstered investor confidence, with Macquarie securing a 15% stake in the HPC business. Applied Digital also reported robust Q2 earnings of $63.9 million, a 51% year-over-year increase, which, although aligned with expectations, sparked volatility in after-hours trading. This volatility reflects the high bar set by the Macquarie partnership. Further, a Unit Purchase Agreement involving $225 million in Preferred Units and potential additional investments of $4.1 billion underscores the company’s strategic focus on scaling capacity, with 286 MW of hosting fully operational in North Dakota.

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For investors, Applied Digital’s growth trajectory in the AI-driven HPC and digital infrastructure sector presents a compelling case. The partnership with Macquarie not only validates its long-term vision but also provides a financial runway to execute its ambitious plans. As the AI and data center market expands, APLD appears strategically positioned to capture significant share, with analysts likely to upgrade their outlook in response to these developments.

Nonetheless, the recent after-hours dip highlights the need for vigilance. Monitoring the execution of these strategic initiatives and the market’s reception to future earnings will be crucial. While the current momentum is promising, careful evaluation of APLD’s ability to meet investor expectations is necessary for a balanced investment approach.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. We do not endorse any specific investment strategies or make recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of any securities.

Featured image credit: Applied Digital Corporation

SEALSQ Corp shares climbed 9.25% today, closing at $3.66 with a $0.31 gain. Pre-market trading extended this momentum, with shares rising an additional $1.06 to $4.70. This upward movement follows the company’s announcement of its first next-generation satellite launch in collaboration with WISeSat AG and SpaceX, marking a significant leap in its IoT-focused satellite constellation initiatives.

SEALSQ climbs 9% after SpaceX collaboration and Nasdaq compliance news

Additionally, SEALSQ’s regained Nasdaq compliance ahead of its January 28 deadline, dispelling delisting concerns and boosting investor confidence. The company’s advancements in quantum-resistant technology with its QS7001 platform and strong financial performance, including a projected $85 million cash reserve, further highlight its robust position. Participation at CES 2025 also provided visibility and potential partnership opportunities, adding to the positive sentiment driving today’s gains.

Why SEALSQ shares plunged 42% despite strong financial projections

For investors, SEALSQ’s rebound reflects renewed optimism fueled by concrete progress in satellite and cybersecurity technologies. The satellite launch signals its capacity to deliver on ambitious plans, positioning SEALSQ in the high-demand IoT and quantum-resistant security markets. Coupled with its solid financial footing, this resurgence suggests the company may be stabilizing after its recent sharp drop.

However, market volatility remains a key consideration. Monitoring execution on these technological and strategic advancements is critical. While the long-term growth prospects are promising, potential short-term fluctuations should guide cautious, well-informed decision-making. Investors should keep a close watch on quarterly earnings and operational updates to evaluate SEALSQ’s ability to sustain this positive trajectory.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. We do not endorse any specific investment strategies or make recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of any securities.

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D-Wave Quantum Inc. shares surged by 23.50% today, closing at $4.73 after gaining $0.90 in a robust trading session. Pre-market activity showed additional momentum, with shares climbing $1.30 to $6.02. The rally comes on the heels of strong fiscal 2024 bookings, which exceeded $23 million—a 120% increase year-over-year—and $18 million in Q4 bookings alone, marking a fivefold increase from the prior year.

We were talking about if there is a comeback in the cards? The answer seems to be yes.

D-Wave climbs 23% on $23M bookings and institutional backing

The company’s participation at the 27th Annual Needham Growth Conference further bolstered visibility, with CEO Dr. Alan Baratz highlighting the commercial viability of D-Wave’s quantum computing technology. High-profile clients like Mastercard and NTT Docomo underscore this assertion, countering broader industry skepticism about near-term quantum computing utility. Adding to the bullish sentiment, institutional backing from heavyweights like Vanguard and BlackRock, coupled with increased trading in options, signals robust market confidence. Analysts are revising price targets upward, aligning with broader enthusiasm for the quantum computing sector.

How D-Wave Quantum pulled off a 500% stock jump

For investors, today’s climb underscores the growing recognition of D-Wave’s commercial achievements and the sector’s potential. The dramatic uptick in bookings is a standout metric, highlighting the company’s ability to deliver tangible results in an emerging field. Institutional support and analyst optimism add weight to the stock’s momentum.

However, caution is warranted. While today’s performance is compelling, sustained growth depends on the company’s ability to maintain client traction and meet high market expectations. Keep an eye on upcoming events and additional bookings to gauge whether this rally has room to run or signals a peak in speculative interest.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. We do not endorse any specific investment strategies or make recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of any securities.

Featured image credit: D-Wave

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg informed employees on Tuesday that the company will accelerate the termination of “low performers,” which will result in layoffs affecting approximately 5 percent of the workforce. This decision aligns with Meta’s efforts to develop new AI-powered services and immersive technologies.

Meta accelerates layoffs for low performers, impacting 3,600 jobs

Zuckerberg expressed his commitment to “raise the bar on performance management” in an internal memo, stating, “This is going to be an intense year, and I want to make sure we have the best people on our team.” The anticipated staff cuts are set to affect around 3,600 positions, based on Meta’s employment of approximately 72,000 people as of September 2024.

Affected employees in the U.S. are expected to be notified on February 10, while international employees will be informed at a later date. The memo outlined that the layoffs will include staff eligible for performance reviews. Zuckerberg noted that those let go will receive “generous severance,” consistent with past layoffs, and the company plans to refill these roles in 2025.

This marks a continuation of Meta’s recent restructuring efforts, which previously included significant job cuts in 2022 and 2023, reducing the workforce by about 14,910. By the end of the third quarter of 2024, the company reported $40.59 billion in revenue, a 19 percent increase from the previous year.

Historically, Meta’s performance management system includes a wide range of employee ratings, with managers working alongside the HR department to ensure calibrated evaluations. Zuckerberg stated that while the company normally manages out employees who fall short of expectations over the year, it will now implement more extensive performance-based cuts during the upcoming evaluation cycle.

Zuckerberg acknowledged the challenges of job cuts, stating, “Letting people go is never easy,” but expressed optimism that these decisions would lead to stronger teams capable of driving “leading technology to enable the future of human connection.” Alongside the restructuring plans, Meta recently disbanded its diversity and equity initiatives, reversing efforts aimed at fostering inclusion.

In a related context, Microsoft also announced performance-based job cuts targeting underperforming employees at the beginning of the year. Meta’s anticipated reductions come as part of its broader strategy for efficiency, with plans to reduce headcount by 10 percent during the current performance cycle.

Featured image credit: Meta

Microsoft has disclosed a recently patched security vulnerability in Apple’s macOS, identified as CVE-2024-44243, which could allow an attacker operating with root privileges to bypass the System Integrity Protection (SIP) of the operating system and install malicious kernel drivers through third-party kernel extensions.

Microsoft reveals macOS vulnerability allowing SIP bypass

This vulnerability, rated with a CVSS score of 5.5 and classified as medium severity, was addressed by Apple in macOS Sequoia 15.2, released last month. Apple categorized the issue as a “configuration issue” that could enable a malicious app to alter protected areas of the file system.

According to Jonathan Bar Or of the Microsoft Threat Intelligence team, “Bypassing SIP could lead to serious consequences, such as increasing the potential for attackers and malware authors to successfully install rootkits, create persistent malware, bypass Transparency, Consent and Control (TCC), and expand the attack surface for additional techniques and exploits.”

SIP, also referred to as rootless, serves as a security framework to prevent malicious software from tampering with essential components of macOS, including directories like /System, /usr, /bin, /sbin, /var, and pre-installed applications. SIP enforces strict permissions on the root account, allowing modifications to these areas only by processes signed by Apple, including Apple software updates.

Two key entitlements associated with SIP are: com.apple.rootless.install, which allows a process to bypass SIP’s file system restrictions, and com.apple.rootless.install.heritable, which extends the same ability to all child processes of the initial process.

The exploitation of CVE-2024-44243 utilizes the “com.apple.rootless.install.heritable” entitlement in the Storage Kit daemon’s (storagekitd) capabilities to circumvent SIP. Attackers can leverage storagekitd’s capability to invoke arbitrary processes without adequate checks to introduce a new file system bundle in /Library/Filesystems, leading to the alteration of binaries linked with the Disk Utility. This could be activated during operations like disk repair.

Bar Or elaborated, stating, “Since an attacker that can run as root can drop a new file system bundle to /Library/Filesystems, they can later trigger storagekitd to spawn custom binaries, hence bypassing SIP. Triggering the erase operation on the newly created file system can bypass SIP protections as well.”

This revelation follows a previous Microsoft report detailing another vulnerability in macOS’s TCC framework, tracked as CVE-2024-44133, which also risks user data security. Bar Or noted that while SIP enhances macOS reliability, it simultaneously limits the oversight capabilities of security solutions.

Jaron Bradley, director of Threat Labs at Jamf, emphasized SIP’s significance, stating it is a prime target for both researchers and attackers, with many of Apple’s security protocols predicated on SIP being invulnerable. “An exploit of SIP could allow an attacker to bypass these prompts, hide malicious files in protected areas of the system, and potentially gain deeper access,” he added.

Cybersecurity professionals are urged to keep macOS systems up to date, as the latest patch addresses this critical vulnerability, which was resolved in the December 11 Apple security update. Without SIP, attackers could deploy rootkits or persistent malware undetected, even without physical access to the machines.

Experts recommend that security teams vigilantly monitor processes with special entitlements that might circumvent SIP. Mayuresh Dani, manager of security research at Qualys, suggested that “teams should proactively monitor processes with special entitlements, as these can be exploited to bypass SIP.”

Additionally, unusual disk management activities and atypical privileged user behaviors should be monitored to bolster security against these types of attacks. As vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-44243 illustrate, organizations should cautiously manage third-party kernel extensions and only enable them when absolutely necessary, coupled with stringent monitoring protocols.

The flaw discovered by Microsoft not only showcases a continuity in security issues but also highlights the vulnerabilities present within macOS, such as the recent detection of the “Banshee” infostealer malware, which reportedly evaded Apple’s antivirus measures due to a stolen encryption algorithm.

Microsoft’s analysis indicates that this specific flaw arises from the Storage Kit daemon’s role in overseeing disk operations, allowing possible exploitation by embedding custom code in third-party file systems, including Tuxera, Paragon, EaseUS, and iBoysoft.

Featured image credit: Szabo Viktor/Unsplash 

The United States finalized a rule barring Chinese and Russian technology in passenger vehicles, effective with model year 2027 for software and model year 2030 for hardware, which aims to mitigate national security risks as the automotive industry becomes increasingly reliant on connected technologies.

Details of the new regulations

The announcement, made by the U.S. Commerce Department, indicates that vehicles produced domestically will still be restricted if they include hardware and software linked to manufacturers with “a sufficient nexus” to China or Russia. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo highlighted that modern cars are “not just steel on wheels — they’re computers,” equipped with cameras, microphones, and GPS tracking that connect to the internet.

National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard emphasized concerns over China’s ambitions in the automotive sector, asserting, “China is trying to dominate the future of the auto industry.” She warned that the presence of foreign technology could lead to the misuse of sensitive data or vehicle interference.

The Department of Commerce stated that the rule primarily pertains to passenger vehicles under 10,001 pounds, with separate regulations planned for commercial vehicles like trucks and buses to be introduced soon. Notably, the regulations prohibit the import of hardware and software linked to these geopolitical adversaries.

Trump effect: 140 Chinese tech firms hit by expanded U.S. restrictions

The Bureau of Industry and Security within the Commerce Department determined during the regulatory process that certain technologies originating from these countries pose “an undue and unacceptable risk” to U.S. national security. The rule aims to safeguard American user privacy by preventing foreign manipulation of vehicle technologies that could compromise personal information.

In conjunction with the new vehicle regulations, the U.S. government also announced fresh export rules regarding AI chips, reinforcing its commitment to limiting China and other rivals’ access to advanced technologies. Concerns regarding the risk of sabotage have heightened, as evidenced by reports of recent malicious cyber activities potentially connected to foreign adversaries.

Biden has urged the incoming administration to safeguard American dominance in artificial intelligence, insisting on a strong infrastructure to support technological development within the country.

Responses from China to these developments have indicated potential retaliatory measures, with the Chinese Commerce Ministry critiquing the U.S. actions as “a flagrant violation” of international trade rules, stating that necessary measures will be taken to protect China’s rights and interests.

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New research highlights a vulnerability in Google’s “Sign in with Google” authentication method that allows unauthorized access to sensitive data by exploiting abandoned startup domains, posing a potential risk to millions of American users.

New research uncovers vulnerability in Google authentication method

Dylan Ayrey, co-founder and CEO of Truffle Security, revealed that Google’s OAuth login fails to protect against someone purchasing a failed startup’s domain and recreating email accounts for former employees. While this does not grant access to old email data, it allows attackers to log into various Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) products used by the organization.

The research indicates that gaining access through these accounts could compromise users on platforms like OpenAI ChatGPT, Slack, Notion, Zoom, and several human resources (HR) systems. Sensitive data, including tax documents, pay stubs, insurance information, and social security numbers, could be exposed. Interview platforms may also contain private information regarding candidate feedback and hiring decisions.

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OAuth, or open authorization, is a standard that allows users to grant applications access to their data without sharing passwords. When signing into applications using “Sign in with Google,” Google provides claims about the user, including their email address and hosted domain. If authentication relies solely on these elements, it raises the risk of unauthorized access following a domain ownership change.

The issue was documented by Truffle Security researchers and reported to Google on September 30, 2024. Google initially classified the finding as a fraud and abuse issue rather than a flaw in OAuth. Following Ayrey’s presentation of the findings at Shmoocon in December, Google reopened the ticket and awarded Ayrey a bounty of $1,337. Nonetheless, the vulnerability remains unaddressed and exploitable.

Google’s OAuth ID token includes a unique user identifier termed the “sub claim,” which theoretically should prevent such problems. However, inconsistencies—roughly 0.04%—in the sub claim reliability compel services like Slack and Notion to rely solely on email and domain claims, which can be inherited by new domain owners, allowing impersonation of former employees.

Ayrey discovered 116,481 abandoned domains by scanning the Crunchbase database. He advocates for Google’s introduction of immutable identifiers to fortify account security. Additionally, SaaS providers could enforce measures like cross-referencing domain registration dates or requiring admin-level permissions for account access to enhance security.

However, implementing these security measures could entail operational costs, technical challenges, and user friction, leading to minimal incentive for adoption. The risk continues to expand, potentially impacting millions of employee accounts across startups, especially as 90% of tech startups are statistically expected to become defunct.

Currently, around six million Americans are employed at tech startups, with about 50% using Google Workspaces for email, implying that many users log into productivity tools using their Google accounts. Former employees are advised to remove sensitive information from accounts before leaving such organizations, avoiding the use of work accounts for personal registrations to mitigate future security exposures.

Featured image credit: Google