Accolade Inc (ACCD) is scheduled to announce its Q3 2025 earnings on January 9, 2025. According to a GuruFocus article, analysts estimate the company will report revenue of $106.00 million and an earnings loss of -$0.32 per share for the quarter. For the full year 2025, revenue is estimated at $465.38 million, with expected earnings of -$0.92 per share.

Accolade Inc to report Q3 earnings on January 9

Over the past 90 days, revenue projections for Accolade Inc have declined from $469.26 million to $465.38 million for the full year 2025, and from $526.23 million to $524.23 million for 2026. Conversely, earnings forecasts improved, with estimates rising from -$0.95 per share to -$0.92 for 2025, and from -$0.86 to -$0.83 for 2026.

In the previous quarter ending August 31, 2024, Accolade reported revenue of $106.36 million, exceeding analysts’ expectations of $105.01 million by 1.28%. The company’s actual earnings were -$0.30 per share, beating expectations of -$0.44 per share by 32.28%. Following this report, Accolade’s stock increased by 1.76% in a single day.

How Accolade stock pulled off a 105% jump

Price targets and recommendations

According to 12 analysts, the average price target for Accolade Inc is $7.17, with a high estimate of $9.50 and a low estimate of $5.00. This average target suggests an upside potential of 114.15% from the current stock price of $3.35. Additionally, GuruFocus estimates the company’s GF Value at $14.10, indicating an upside of 320.90% from the same current price.

The consensus recommendation from 14 brokerage firms highlights an average rating of 1.8 for Accolade Inc, reflecting an “Outperform” status. The rating scale ranges from 1 (Strong Buy) to 5 (Sell).

• Assess updates on member retention rates and growth in Accolade’s user base as indicators of sustainable revenue streams.
• Look for signs of success in cross-selling services, such as bundling primary care and advocacy to boost per-customer revenue.
• Consider whether Accolade may pursue strategic acquisitions to enhance capabilities and accelerate its market penetration.
• Pay attention to management’s guidance on improving cash flow, a critical factor for long-term financial health.
• Evaluate how Accolade aligns with evolving healthcare trends, such as digital solutions and personalized care models.
• Be alert for commentary on the impact of healthcare regulations or incentives on Accolade’s business model.
• Track updates on Accolade’s AI-driven tools and their role in driving efficiency and member satisfaction.
• Compare Accolade’s performance and strategic moves with competitors to gauge its relative market positioning.

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: Sonia Dauer/Unsplash

Rigetti Computing (NASDAQ:RGTI) experienced a significant decline in its stock value recently, following a sell recommendation issued in December. Investor inquiries regarding whether to buy the dip have intensified after the sharp drop.

Investment challenges facing Rigetti Computing

Michael Wiggins De Oliveira, an inflection investor and leader of the investment group Deep Value Returns, states that RGTI’s unpredictable growth rates render it a high-risk investment. He emphasizes the lack of clear guidance from the company, suggesting a precarious position ahead. Observations from Wiggins indicate that capital raises will dilute existing shareholders, leading him to remain on the sidelines.

Wiggins previously highlighted that Rigetti’s story is convoluted, suggesting that investors are caught up in a narrative that may not reflect the company’s actual performance. He asserts that RGTI, primarily focused on cloud computing, is potentially years away from achieving scalability.

How Nvidia’s CES remarks caused Rigetti’s 45% stock plunge

Currently, shareholders eagerly await the Q4 2024 earnings announcement, scheduled for March. However, Wiggins notes that this extended wait may expose investors to a further decline in share prices of about 40%. He anticipates that initial buy-the-dip attitudes will shift to new shareholders who must navigate the uncertainties of a business with erratic growth and no forward guidance.

Wiggins underscores the possibility of negative growth rates in the upcoming Q4 earnings report, despite the easier comparables from the prior year. The combination of volatile growth metrics and the necessity for additional capital exacerbates the risks for potential investors.

He also provided an estimate suggesting that Rigetti will require about $70 million of free cash flow in 2025. Based on the company’s financials, it consumed approximately $52 million in cash flow during the first nine months of 2024. Coupled with a recent $100 million capital raise in November, Wiggins theorizes that RGTI may need further funding in 2025, potentially increasing shareholder dilution by 6% if a raise of $150 million occurs.

Valuation questions surrounding RGTI

Wiggins raises concerns over the stock’s valuation, citing volatile revenue figures. He indicates that if RGTI’s revenues reach $10 million in 2025, the stock could be valued at 250 times sales. In a more optimistic scenario of $20 million in revenue, the valuation could improve to 125 times sales, highlighting the sensitivity to small revenue changes.

He comments on the troubling landscape investors face, citing a negative risk-reward scenario as RGTI lacks guidance for the immediate future. While there are potential upside risks if interest rates decline or quantum computing advances sooner than anticipated, Wiggins remains cautious about the prospects for Rigetti Computing, describing it as a narrative still in its early chapters.

Looking ahead, he predicts that $11 per share may serve as an aspirational price point for Rigetti’s stock, stressing that time will reveal if the company can gain traction or remain a cautionary tale in the quantum computing landscape.

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

Microsoft announced a new round of layoffs affecting less than 1% of its global workforce, based on performance evaluations. The job cuts span multiple departments, including the security division, as part of the company’s ongoing efforts to focus on high-performance talent.

Microsoft announces layoffs affecting less than 1% of workforce

A Microsoft spokesperson stated, “At Microsoft we focus on high-performance talent. We are always working on helping people learn and grow. When people are not performing, we take the appropriate action.” The company confirmed the job cuts to CNBC but declined to specify the exact number.

Following this latest announcement, Microsoft employees number around 228,000, down from a peak of approximately 236,748 two years ago. The company previously cut 10,000 jobs in January 2023, which represented about 5% of its workforce. Additional layoffs occurred in 2024 after the $75.4 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, with nearly 2,000 jobs eliminated in its gaming division to reduce redundancy.

Upcoming layoffs reflect a broader trend within the tech industry, where companies are emphasizing efficiency and performance management due to economic pressures. Analysts expect this trend to continue as companies refine their operational strategies.

41% of global firms plan layoffs by 2030 due to AI

Amidst the layoffs, Microsoft is also pushing forward with its commitment to artificial intelligence (AI) development. During a recent visit to New Delhi, Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella announced an initiative to train 500,000 individuals in rural India in AI skills, emphasizing the country’s significance in the global AI landscape. Nadella stated, “There’s tremendous progress in AI skilling in India,” highlighting Microsoft’s commitment to innovation and growth.

Despite the performance-based layoffs, Microsoft remains focused on growth opportunities in cloud computing and AI. The company has invested over $13 billion in its partnership with OpenAI, which has helped propel its market cap past $3 trillion. However, the relationship has faced challenges, with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella referring to it as “cooperation tension” during discussions with investors.

In October 2024, CFO Amy Hood expressed expectations that revenue growth from Microsoft Azure would accelerate in early 2025, supported by enhanced AI infrastructure capacity.

Featured image credit: Salah Darwish/Unsplash

VLC media player, developed by nonprofit VideoLAN, has surpassed 6 billion downloads globally and announced a forthcoming AI-powered subtitle feature at CES 2025.

VLC media player hits 6 billion downloads

The new functionality will automatically generate real-time subtitles and translations for any video using local, open-source AI models, ensuring that an internet connection or cloud services are not required, as demonstrated by VideoLAN at the event.

VideoLAN, which originated in 1996 as a project by students at Ecole Centrale Paris to stream video across their campus, has successfully maintained a free and ad-free model while expanding its platform across various operating systems. The organization continues to operate without advertising, data collection, or commercial revenue streams.

41% of global firms plan layoffs by 2030 due to AI

Jean-Baptiste Kempf, president of VideoLAN, noted in a LinkedIn post that the number of active users of VLC is increasing even within the competitive landscape of streaming services.

The AI-generated subtitles and translations will function locally, negating the dependence on internet connectivity or cloud services, according to the presentation. However, VideoLAN has not specified when this feature will be rolled out.

The developers have indicated plans to release a blog post shortly, which will detail the new subtitle function. They have yet to confirm which languages will be supported, as well as the necessary system requirements for operating the AI locally. Images from the CES showcase indicate potential translations in languages such as German, Hebrew, Japanese, and French.

Featured image credit: VideoLAN

Following the August 2024 arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov in France, the messaging platform has significantly increased its sharing of user data with law enforcement agencies, according to recent research findings.

Telegram increases user data sharing after CEO arrest in France

Durov, a dual citizen of France and Russia, was detained amid an investigation into criminal activities facilitated by Telegram. Authorities had targeted him due to allegations that the application enabled organized crime and his refusal to cooperate with legal inquiries. He was released after a few days in custody and subsequently announced plans to improve the platform’s compliance with legal requests.

The updated policy, effective September 2024, allows Telegram to share users’ IP addresses and phone numbers if they are suspects in criminal cases that violate its Terms of Service. This change coincided with Durov’s legal troubles, prompting the platform to make significant adjustments to its data-sharing practices.

Research conducted by two experts, including a member of Human Rights Watch, revealed a dramatic uptick in data requests post-arrest. In the fourth quarter of 2024 alone, Telegram received 900 requests from U.S. authorities, compared to just 14 in the preceding three quarters, marking an increase of over 6,000%. In the United Kingdom, there were 139 requests in Q4, up from three in the previous quarters, reflecting a 4,500% rise.

Telegram introduces collectible NFT gifts in major update

Overall, approximately 2,253 users’ IP addresses or phone numbers were shared with U.S. law enforcement in 2024, surpassing the total of 108 users from previous years. Data from India highlighted an even greater increase, with 14,641 requests affecting 23,535 users during the year. India recorded 7,649 requests in Q4 alone, a significant surge from approximately 2,000 in each of the first three quarters. The transparency data also revealed that German and French authorities targeted around 2,000 users in total.

Telegram operates a bot that provides transparency reports specific to each user’s jurisdiction, outlining the number of law enforcement requests for IP addresses and phone numbers as well as the number of affected users. Additionally, the company plans to publish an annual DSA transparency report for 2024 later this month, in line with the EU’s Digital Services Act, which is aimed at curtailing illegal online activities.

The increase in user data sharing also aligns with a broader trend where Telegram has been utilized for various forms of cybercrime, including the sale of illegal goods and the distribution of stolen data. Although several cybercrime groups announced their departure from the platform following Durov’s arrest, cybercrime intelligence firm KELA indicated that the overall landscape had not significantly changed by December 2024.

Telegram continues to emphasize the necessity of valid legal orders, stating that all requests will undergo legal scrutiny. The implications of these policy changes will likely be better assessed in the next transparency report scheduled for April 2025.

Featured image credit: Lana Codes/Unsplash

Elon Musk’s xAI has launched the Grok app as a standalone AI chatbot for iOS users in the United States, expanding beyond its initial integration within the X (Twitter) social network.

Elon Musk’s xAI launches Grok app for iOS users

Grok was rolled out in 2023 and is designed to be “maximally truthful, useful, and curious.” Its latest version, Grok 2, features capabilities including image generation and access to up-to-date information from current X and web data. Users can download Grok from the App Store for iPhone and iPad.

After beta testing in Australia since December, Grok has rapidly emerged as a competitive artificial intelligence platform, easily competing with other chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini due to its conversational tone and engaging personality. Previously, the app required an X account, but its recent release as a separate application was deemed a necessity for its broader accessibility.

Musk’s Grok-2 is fast, free and full of flaws

Currently, the standalone Grok app is available for iOS in the U.S., Australia, and India, while Android users can still access Grok within the X app. The app is described as providing a conversational experience that blends humor and knowledge.

Users can start their experience by visiting the Grok page on the Apple App Store and downloading it.

Featured image credit: xAI

Vir Biotechnology Inc. shares soared by an impressive 58.17% today, closing at $12.48 after gaining $4.59. The stock skyrocketed on the back of compelling clinical trial data, with VIR-5818 demonstrating a 50% tumor shrinkage rate in HER2-positive patients and a 33% complete response. Meanwhile, VIR-5500 in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer achieved a 100% PSA decline, with 58% of patients hitting a PSA50 reduction. These results fueled investor confidence in Vir’s innovative oncology pipeline.

Vir Biotechnology shares leap 58% as T-cell therapies show promise

The momentum was further amplified by Vir’s partnership with Sanofi, which validated its T-cell engager technology through promising Phase 1 data in solid tumors. Speculative trading intensified, with pre-market volume surging 61% and the stock holding strong near its volume-weighted average price (VWAP) in after-hours trading. Market buzz on X also highlighted Vir’s competitive edge against rivals like Janux Therapeutics, with analysts speculating that Vir’s results might boost broader interest in T-cell therapies. Liquidity concerns were overshadowed by the stock’s eye-catching price action, with potential targets of $14.50 attracting attention.

Why Jasper Therapeutics stock plunged 60% in one trading session

For investors, today’s explosive move highlights Vir’s growing credibility in the oncology space. The breakthrough data suggests Vir is making significant strides in tackling aggressive cancers, positioning itself as a serious contender among T-cell therapy developers. But while today’s rally underscores strong market enthusiasm, further upside depends on continued success in upcoming trial phases and expanded datasets.

If you’re considering entering the stock, caution is warranted given the volatility. Focus on the upcoming trial updates for VIR-5818 and VIR-5500, which will likely shape the narrative around Vir’s long-term potential. For those already invested, today’s performance signals renewed optimism but also the need to monitor technical levels and liquidity for a clearer path forward.

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: Sangharsh Lohakare/Unsplash

Jasper Therapeutics Inc. shares cratered by 60.53% today, closing at $6.99 after shedding $10.72 in one of the market’s steepest single-day losses. The dramatic fall came after the company released preliminary data from its BEACON Phase 1b/2a study of briquilimab for chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). Despite showcasing positive efficacy, with marked reductions in Urticaria Activity Score (UAS7), the results failed to meet investor expectations, sparking the sell-off.

Jasper loses 60% in one day as briquilimab trial sparks sell-off

Analysts offered mixed reviews of the study, with William Blair noting briquilimab’s strong efficacy but expressing concerns about the underperformance of the 180mg dose and the lack of detailed adverse event data by dosage. Such ambiguities appeared to unnerve investors, who questioned the drug’s safety and competitiveness against Celldex Therapeutics’ barzolvolimab. Heightened short interest further compounded the pressure, with 18.29% of the float sold short and a short interest ratio of 7.6. Social media buzz on X reflected widespread investor discontent, highlighting a gap between market expectations and the study’s perceived potential.

The story behind DatChat’s 64% stock collapse

For investors, Jasper’s precipitous drop serves as a cautionary tale about overreacting to clinical data releases. While the study showcased promising efficacy, market concerns about safety and dosage performance underscore the importance of closely analyzing trial details before making decisions. If you’re already invested, patience may be prudent, given the volatility and high short interest.

That said, briquilimab’s potential cannot be dismissed entirely. For those on the sidelines, it’s wise to wait for additional data or clarifications from Jasper regarding adverse events and long-term trial plans. Confidence will hinge on the company’s ability to address concerns and solidify briquilimab’s position in a competitive therapeutic 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: Kerem Gülen/Ideogram

DatChat Inc. shares plunged 64.05% today, closing at $3.21 after losing $5.72 in a single session. The collapse followed the announcement of a $5.1 million registered direct offering priced at-the-market under Nasdaq rules, which diluted existing shareholders’ equity. This dilution effect, coupled with investor concerns about the discounted share pricing, triggered a massive sell-off and heavy trading volumes throughout the day.

DatChat stock plunges 64% after $5.1M dilution announcement

Market sentiment was overwhelmingly negative, as discussions on X and other platforms reflected concerns about DatChat’s financial health. The stock had already started declining, falling 10.91% to $3.43 in the last 15 minutes before the official announcement. Compounding the issue, the company’s struggles to generate meaningful revenue and expand its user base have raised doubts about its valuation. Investors appear increasingly skeptical of DatChat’s ability to sustain its operations without resorting to such funding mechanisms, further exacerbating the drop.

Investors in DatChat need to approach this stock with extreme caution. Today’s freefall underscores the risks of dilution and the importance of scrutinizing a company’s fundamentals before committing capital. For those still holding positions, the stock’s rebound potential largely depends on whether DatChat can demonstrate meaningful progress in revenue generation and user growth.

However, this sharp decline also serves as a lesson for those drawn to speculative plays. Companies that rely heavily on frequent capital raises often signal deeper financial instability. If you’re considering a position in DatChat, wait for clearer signs of financial improvement and operational success before making a move.

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: DatChat

Accolade Inc. shares skyrocketed by an astounding 104.78% today, closing at $6.86 after gaining $3.51 in one session.

Accolade shares surge 105% as Transcarent agrees to $7.03 buyout

This massive leap followed the announcement of its acquisition by Transcarent for approximately $621 million. The buyout offers shareholders $7.03 per share in cash, representing a 110% premium over the previous close, with the transaction set to finalize in Q2 2025. The market reacted swiftly, sending Accolade’s stock soaring on this game-changing news.

Estimate suggests Accolade may outperform with a potential 320% upside

Glen Tullman, Chief Executive Officer of Transcarent, said, “Our clients – employers and health plans and the people who work for them or who they serve – are telling us that healthcare today is too confusing, too complex, and too costly. By integrating our recently introduced generative AI-powered WayFinding and comprehensive care experiences with Accolade’s advocacy, expert medical opinions, and primary care, we have a solution that finally makes it easy to access high-quality health and care and deliver lower costs for the people who pay for care – employers, and all of us. Already this January, we added more than 500,000 Members to our platform including some of the most innovative, and respected employers in the world, signaling their interest in a single comprehensive platform to make it easy for their people and their companies to improve their health and care experience, deliver better health outcomes, and drive down costs. This combination will accelerate that process, and I consider it a perfect fit, adding great people to our team and expanding choice and access for our clients and their employees and their families.”

Traders and analysts alike highlighted the strategic synergies behind the deal. By merging Accolade’s health advocacy and primary care services with Transcarent’s AI-driven healthcare navigation, the acquisition promises to redefine employee health management. Social media discussions on X highlighted the surprise at the valuation, noting the significant drop from Accolade’s IPO valuation of $1.2 billion in 2020. Despite this, the premium pricing reflects optimism about the combined entity’s potential to deliver innovation and efficiency in digital health.

If you’re an Accolade shareholder, today’s leap is your win. The premium offered by Transcarent affirms the market’s recognition of Accolade’s strategic value, even in a highly competitive space. For those holding out until the transaction closes, the $7.03 cash offer sets a clear ceiling for potential gains, making further speculation unnecessary.

Looking forward, this acquisition signals more than just a buyout—it represents a consolidation trend in digital healthcare. If you’re investing in the sector, keep an eye on similar moves as companies aim to integrate AI-driven solutions into broader platforms. For now, Accolade stands as an example of how strategic fit can drive outsized returns for shareholders.

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: Accolade

IonQ, Inc. (IONQ) shares plummeted by a staggering 39.00% today, closing at $30.25, a $19.34 drop from its previous close. The stock partially rebounded in after-hours trading, climbing 5.92% to $32.04. This sharp decline followed Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s comments casting doubt on the near-term practicality of quantum computing.

IonQ crashes 39% reflecting shaken confidence in quantum technology

Huang’s remarks, suggesting practical quantum computing is still 15 to 30 years away, triggered a sector-wide sell-off. IonQ’s massive single-day drop mirrored similar declines among other quantum computing stocks as investors reevaluated timelines for commercial viability. Speculative hype, which had driven IonQ’s stock to record highs earlier this year, gave way to panic selling, exacerbated by short sellers capitalizing on negative sentiment. Despite reporting 100% year-over-year revenue growth, market focus shifted to long-term profitability concerns and the challenges of maintaining investor confidence amidst executive turnover.

Today’s price collapse underscores the risks inherent in speculative investments within emerging technologies. For IonQ, the rebound in after-hours trading may indicate that some see the drop as an overreaction, but heightened volatility remains likely. Investors should focus on IonQ’s fundamentals, particularly its ability to translate revenue growth into profitability, before making any bold moves. The sector’s reliance on government funding and the long road to commercial maturity warrant caution.

How Quantum Computing stock (QUBT) jumped 300%

Long-term opportunities in quantum computing remain undeniable. However, the industry’s current landscape reflects high risks alongside potential rewards. Savvy investors should tread carefully, waiting for signs of stabilization or clearer leadership from IonQ before taking a position. The coming weeks will reveal whether this correction has further to run or offers a buying opportunity.

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: IonQ

D-Wave Quantum Inc. shares tumbled 36.13% today, closing at $6.10 after shedding $3.45 during the session. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s skepticism about quantum computing’s near-term practical utility—stating it might still be 15 to 20 years away—triggered a sharp sell-off across the sector.

D-Wave stock sinks 36% after Nvidia tempers quantum expectations

D-Wave’s significant decline was among the most pronounced, reflecting shaken confidence in quantum technology’s immediate commercial potential.

Once a darling of speculative trading, D-Wave’s stock had surged nearly 1000% year-to-date before today’s sharp correction. Despite some bright spots like a 41% year-over-year growth in its quantum computing as a service revenue in Q3 2024, broader financial metrics painted a bleaker picture. Total revenue fell 27% to $1.9 million in the same quarter, fueling investor skepticism about its growth trajectory. Adding to the pressure, concerns about ongoing financial losses and the risk of share dilution further weighed on sentiment. CEO Alan Baratz countered Nvidia’s remarks, emphasizing the current utility of D-Wave’s quantum technology, but the damage to investor confidence was evident.

IonQ vs. Rigetti: Which AI stock deserves your dollars?

Investors should weigh today’s sharp decline as a signal of broader volatility in quantum computing stocks. While D-Wave is trading above its 200-day moving average, the sell-off highlights fragility in speculative gains driven by lofty expectations. If you’re considering adding D-Wave to your portfolio, caution is advised. Look for stabilization and clearer profitability signals before diving in.

That said, quantum computing remains an exciting long-term bet. But with conflicting views from industry leaders and ongoing financial challenges, patience is your best strategy. Keep a close eye on D-Wave’s next earnings report for indications of sustained growth in its service revenue, which could bolster its long-term case.

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 Quantum

Mark Zuckerberg just dropped a bombshell. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is abandoning its professional fact-checking program. Instead, they’re moving to a “community-driven” system, putting the onus on users to determine what’s true and what’s not.

Zuckerberg says it’s about fostering “free speech,” but it feels a lot like abdicating responsibility, saving money, bowing down to political pressure, and more.

Frankly, it’s the last straw. I’m done with Facebook.

I’ve been wrestling with this for a while now. The endless scroll, the monetization of my life, the performative outrage, the nagging feeling that I’m being manipulated by algorithms, the blatant and widely covered manipulation… it’s exhausting. But this latest move? It’s a dealbreaker.

Look, I get the appeal of crowdsourcing. The wisdom of the crowd, right? But when it comes to complex issues, “common sense” isn’t always enough. We need experts. We need evidence. We need nuanced analysis, not just knee-jerk reactions and confirmation bias.

Zuckerberg, in his infinite wisdom (read: with a healthy dose of self-preservation), has decided to throw his fact-checking partners under the bus. Possibly, those annoying truth-tellers were just too good at their jobs, exposing uncomfortable truths and generally making life difficult for the Facebook overlords.

According to Zuck, these fact-checkers were “too politically biased” and, get this, “destroyed more trust than they created.” It’s a classic case of blaming the Messenger, wouldn’t you say?

Of course, the fact-checking organizations themselves aren’t taking this lying down. They’ve fired back, pointing out the obvious: they simply flagged potentially false content. What Facebook chose to do with that information was entirely up to them.

It’s a bit like a chef blaming the health inspector for a dirty kitchen. “Oh, those inspectors are just too picky! They’re ruining my reputation!” Never mind the fact that the kitchen’s a mess and the menu is probably giving people food poisoning.

Take climate change, for example. The science is clear, yet misinformation runs rampant on social media. Do we really want the veracity of climate data determined by a popularity contest? Or how about public health? Anti-vaccine sentiment is already a serious problem, fueled by conspiracy theories and misleading claims. Letting those narratives go unchecked – or chosen to be true by coordinated consortiums of community members that have an agenda and a vote – could have devastating consequences.

This isn’t about censorship. It’s about accountability. Social media platforms have a responsibility to ensure the information they disseminate is accurate and trustworthy. They’ve become our primary source of news and information, and with that power comes a responsibility to combat the spread of harmful falsehoods.

So where do we go from here? I, for one, am turning to platforms and tools that prioritize expert verification and rigorous fact-checking. Solutions like Factiverse, for example, which leverages a network of over 350k human-performed fact-checks from more than 100 trusted outlets globally to analyze information and provide context.

Factiverse’s approach gives me hope and gives me the tools to see which sources back up and contest a statement, so I can be informed and balanced. It’s a reminder that truth still matters, and that there are people out there dedicated to upholding it. In a world where facts are increasingly contested, we need reliable sources of information more than ever.

Maybe Zuckerberg’s gamble will pay off. Maybe the “wisdom of the crowd” will prevail. But I’m not sticking around to find out. I’m logging off Facebook and investing my time in platforms that value truth and accuracy. Because in the end, facts matter. And we all deserve better than to be drowning in a sea of misinformation.

This article was originally published on Hackernoon and is republished with permission.

Rigetti Computing’s stock nosedived by a staggering 45.41% today, closing at $10.04—a drop of $8.35—marking one of the steepest single-day losses in recent memory. The stock saw some relief in after-hours trading, ticking up by 2.89% to $10.33.

Analysts warn: Rigetti stock could drop even more

Why Rigetti’s stock crashed 45%?

This sharp decline followed remarks by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang at CES 2025, who estimated practical quantum computing solutions might still be 15 to 20 years away. The statement triggered a widespread sell-off in quantum computing stocks, pulling Rigetti and other sector players like IonQ into a downward spiral.

Rigetti’s fall wasn’t entirely unexpected. After a speculative surge pushed its shares to a record $19.38 on January 2, 2025, today’s plummet signals a sobering return to reality. Analysts have long warned of overvaluation in quantum computing, with Forbes recently projecting Rigetti’s 12-month target price at just $5.20—nearly 74% below its peak. Coupled with concerns over Rigetti’s revenue struggles and increased cash burn, investor sentiment has turned decisively cautious. Meanwhile, a short interest ratio of 0.6 highlights moderate bearish sentiment, aligning with the sector’s elevated weekly volatility, which has jumped from 22% to 35% over the past year.

You won’t believe why Rigetti stock went 40% down

Investors should take note of Rigetti’s post-plunge valuation, especially with its stock still trading above its 200-day moving average. While today’s 45% drop underscores heightened risk in the quantum computing sector, it also presents a stark warning against speculative exuberance. The Nvidia CEO’s remarks serve as a reality check, reminding traders that meaningful breakthroughs in quantum computing remain distant. Prudent investors may want to tread carefully here, focusing on Rigetti’s fundamentals rather than market buzz.

That said, quantum computing remains a promising long-term opportunity. However, with analysts predicting further declines and volatility persisting across the sector, patience is key. Investors would do well to keep Rigetti on their watchlist, but immediate action may be premature until the stock stabilizes or management provides clearer signals of revenue growth and capital efficiency.

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

Google is rolling out a software update for Pixel 4a devices, aimed at improving battery performance stability, effective January 8, 2025. This update is part of the “Pixel 4a Battery Performance Program.”

Google rolls out battery update for Pixel 4a devices

The update, identified as TQ3A.230805.001.S2, includes new battery management features that aim to enhance battery stability, but users have been cautioned that their batteries may not last as long between charges. The OTA update is still based on Android 13.

Google officially stated that users of “Impacted Devices” may notice a reduction in battery capacity and charging performance, as well as changes to the battery-level indicator. However, not all Pixel 4a devices are affected, and those unaffected will experience normal battery performance.

Google is offering a free battery replacement for affected Pixel 4a owners. Battery replacement services will be available at walk-in repair centers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Singapore, and India, as well as through mail-in repair for U.S. customers. Eligibility details for the battery replacement program can be found on Google’s dedicated webpage.

Battery replacement is available at walk-in repair centers in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Singapore, and India. Mail-in repair is also available for customers in the United States. Battery replacement is only available in eligible locations and while battery supplies last. For more details about eligibility, review criteria here.

-Google

Owners of devices with damage such as liquid exposure or physical stress may not qualify for the free replacement. If the device has out-of-warranty damage, such as a cracked screen, a repair fee may be assessed, and customers will receive a cost estimate before any repair work begins.

For those unable to get a battery replacement, Google is providing alternative compensation options. Affected users can choose between a $50 payment, a $100 hardware discount code for a new Pixel phone, or the free battery replacement. Eligible users must register to select an option within one year of the update, by January 8, 2026.

This unexpected update arises as the Pixel 4a had halted monthly updates beginning August 2023, and Google did not provide specific reasons for the current focus on this model.

Featured image credit: Max Karpyza/Unsplash

UsThe Samsung Galaxy S25 lineup will be unveiled at the company’s Galaxy Unpacked event on January 22. A leak from Max Jambor of AllAboutSamsung, shared on X (formerly Twitter), has revealed what are claimed to be the official high-resolution wallpapers that will accompany Samsung’s next-generation flagship devices.

Samsung Galaxy S25 launch to unveil new wallpapers on January 22

The leaked wallpapers display a stylistic “S” pattern, representing an homage to the Galaxy S brand. The curves of the “S” might also reflect the design of the materials surrounding the rear camera lenses of the Galaxy S25. The Galaxy S25 series is anticipated to feature DSLR-style accents around its back camera sensors, similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6.

Images: Max Jambor

In addition to these design elements, the wallpapers are characterized by their simplicity, shown in blue and gray gradients. It is expected that more designs will be available to encompass the various colorways of the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, and Galaxy S25 Ultra.

These wallpapers are among the latest details to leak ahead of the Galaxy S25 launch. Other rumors suggest that the devices will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, confirming much of what enthusiasts can expect.

As the January 22 reveal date approaches, potential buyers can begin reserving their Galaxy S25 devices. By doing so, they will receive a $50 Samsung credit and can save up to $1,250 with no upfront cost or commitment.

Download your new iOS 18 wallpaper or DIY with AI

How to make your own lookalike Samsung Galaxy S25 wallpapers?

• Choose your tools:
  • Use an AI art generator that supports custom prompts and reference images (e.g., DALL·E, MidJourney, or a similar platform).
  • Alternatively, use a design tool like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Figma for manual creation.
• Prepare the reference:
  • Download and upload the official Samsung wallpaper (or a similar design) as a reference image in your chosen AI tool. If you’re designing manually, keep the reference image open for inspiration.
• Create the prompt:
  • Write a detailed prompt describing the design. Start with this example:
    • “A soft, airy gradient transitioning between pastel pinks and pale purples, creating a light and tranquil atmosphere. At the center, a subtle, abstract ‘S’ shape curves gracefully, blending seamlessly into the background. The design exudes a minimalist and modern aesthetic, with smooth edges and a sense of depth that adds sophistication without being overly complex. The soft lighting effect enhances the feeling of calmness and elegance.”
  • Adjust the colors in the prompt (e.g., change to blues, yellows, or any gradient you prefer).
  • Specify the aspect ratio (e.g., 9:16 for mobile wallpaper).
• Run the prompt:
  • Feed the prompt and reference image into the AI tool.
  • Experiment with multiple iterations until you achieve the desired look.
  • Download the best result in high resolution.

This looks a bit similar isn’t it:

Featured image credit: Ann Nhat/Unsplash

According to a World Economic Forum survey, 41% of global firms plan to implement workforce reductions by 2030 as a result of advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). The survey indicates a trend toward significant workforce changes as companies look to integrate AI into their strategies between 2025 and 2030.

The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report reveals that 77% of the surveyed companies intend to retrain and upskill their existing workforce to work alongside AI systems. Unlike prior reports, this year’s findings do not forecast AI as a net positive for job creation.

Approximately 70% of companies are seeking to hire employees with expertise in AI tool design and development, while 62% aim to recruit individuals capable of effectively interacting with AI technologies. The report highlights the impact of generative AI on the job market, particularly affecting administrative and creative roles.

Tech industry became plagued with ghost jobs

Positions such as postal service clerks, executive secretaries, and payroll clerks are expected to see the most significant declines due to AI integration. Notably, graphic designers and legal secretaries are mentioned for the first time as among the fastest-declining job roles, attributed to AI’s increasing capacity to perform knowledge-based tasks.

The report underlines that companies are focusing on creating an AI-augmented workplace that enhances human capabilities rather than fully replacing human workers. Emphasis is placed on human-machine collaboration, showcasing the continued relevance of human-centered skills.

More insights from the report

Macroeconomic trends:

• Five key drivers of labor market transformation:
  • Technological change: Broadening digital access (60% of employers), AI and information processing (86%), and robotics (58%) are top transformative trends.
  • Green transition: Climate change mitigation and adaptation are influencing business transformation, driving roles in renewable energy and environmental engineering.
  • Geoeconomic fragmentation: Increased trade restrictions and subsidies impact 34% of businesses globally, especially in industries like mining and automotive.
  • Demographic shifts: Aging populations are creating demand for healthcare roles, while growing working-age populations in lower-income economies boost education-related roles.
  • Economic uncertainty: Inflation and cost of living remain key concerns, impacting 50% of surveyed businesses.

Job growth and decline:

• Net job growth projected at 78 million jobs by 2030, with 170 million new jobs created but 92 million displaced.
• Fastest-growing roles include:
  • Technology-related: AI specialists, data analysts, software developers.
  • Green transition roles: Renewable energy engineers, environmental engineers.
• Largest-declining roles:
  • Clerical roles: Administrative assistants, cashiers, data entry clerks.
  • Knowledge-based roles: Legal secretaries and graphic designers due to automation and generative AI.

Skills outlook:

• Fastest-growing skills: AI and big data, cybersecurity, technological literacy, resilience, flexibility, and creative thinking.
• Skill instability: 39% of current skills are projected to become outdated by 2030.
• Reskilling and upskilling: 59% of the global workforce needs training, with significant emphasis on digital and green skills.

Workforce strategies:

• Barriers: Skill gaps are the top barrier to transformation, cited by 63% of employers.
• Talent attraction: 64% of employers prioritize employee health and well-being, along with effective reskilling initiatives.
• Diversity and Inclusion: DEI initiatives have risen, with 83% of employers adopting them globally, compared to 67% in 2023.

Technological change and AI:

• Generative AI adoption has surged eightfold since 2022, leading to demand for skills in prompt engineering and AI integration.
• Automation will reduce human task involvement from 47% in 2025 to 33% by 2030, shifting the human-machine collaboration frontier.

Green transition:

• Green jobs show resilience, with significant hiring in renewable energy and climate-related roles.
• Demand for green skills outpaces supply, necessitating prioritization of sustainable expertise and training.

Demographic and regional variances:

• Lower-income economies are experiencing higher labor force participation growth, driven by younger working-age populations.
• High-income countries face challenges from aging populations, pushing automation and workforce augmentation.

Featured image credit: Tim Trad/Unsplash

As 2025 begins, Google CEO Sundar Pichai announced that new AI products and features will be rolled out within the next few months in an email to employees, which was reported by 9to5Google.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai announces new AI features for 2025

Pichai highlighted the “amazing progress” the company made in the previous year, concluding 2024 with the launch of Gemini 2.0, Willow, Veo 2, and various innovations across Google Search, YouTube, Cloud, Android, and Pixel. He stated that the foundation of their success stems from Google’s technical and AI leadership, driven by a full-stack approach.

He mentioned his review of demos for upcoming products and features, expressing confidence in maintaining momentum moving into 2025. Recently, Google began testing “Daily Listen” in Search Labs, which delivers personalized podcast content focusing on users’ interests.

“We ended 2024 on a super high note with Gemini 2.0, Willow, Veo 2, and lots of innovation across Search, YouTube, Cloud, Android, Pixel, and more. The foundation to all of this is our technical and AI leadership, made possible by our full stack approach, and people were inspired by what we built. As we start the year, I have been reviewing demos for the products and features we’re rolling out in the next few months. The progress is amazing, and I’m confident we will keep the momentum going in 2025,” reads the email shared by 9to5Google.

The artificial key to a better tomorrow

In December, Google announced that Gemini 2.0 Flash would become generally available to developers in January, potentially aligning with the removal of the “Experimental” status for the Gemini app. Additionally, further details are anticipated regarding “2.0 Experimental Advanced” for paid subscribers upon its launch.

Google One subscribers can expect the introduction of NotebookLM Plus in early 2025. Gemini 2.0 is also set to be integrated into more Google products, including AI Overviews in Search, early this year.

The timeframe for these developments aligns with Google I/O, typically held at the start of May. Pichai emphasized the urgency of the moment, the rapid evolution of technology, and the chance to reimagine Google’s products and processes for a new era.

In his message, Pichai also acknowledged the impact of devastating wildfires affecting thousands of Googlers in Southern California. Google has initiated an employee matching program and its philanthropic arm, Google.org, will provide support for relief and recovery efforts.

People in the wildfire-affected areas can access SOS Alerts, Public Alerts, and wildfire boundaries through Google Search and Maps. Road closure information is also available on Google Maps and Waze, which includes emergency shelter locations, with continuous updates from authoritative sources.

Featured image credit: Google

T-Mobile is facing a second lawsuit over a 2021 data breach that affected 80 million users. The lawsuit, filed by Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson, claims that T-Mobile failed to address known cybersecurity vulnerabilities in its systems.

T-Mobile faces second lawsuit over 2021 data breach

Ferguson stated that T-Mobile had years to “fix key vulnerabilities” and accused the company of not taking adequate action to secure its systems. The lawsuit also alleges that T-Mobile misled customers regarding its security practices, delayed notifying Washington residents about the breach, and downplayed the breach’s severity.

“For years prior to August 2021, T-Mobile did not meet industry standards for cybersecurity and knew about these vulnerabilities. These included insufficient processes for identifying and addressing security threats and a systemic lack of oversight. In some cases, T-Mobile used obvious passwords to protect accounts that had access to customers’ sensitive personal information. The 2021 breach was enabled, in part, when the hacker guessed obvious credentials to gain access to T-Mobile’s internal databases,” reads the lawsuit.

Your T-Mobile data was almost stolen: Here’s how it happened

The company learned of the breach, which had occurred in March 2021, only in August 2021. Hackers accessed sensitive customer data, including names, phone numbers, addresses, birth dates, social security numbers, driver’s license and ID information, and device identifiers. The compromised data was subsequently sold.

The individual responsible for the breach described T-Mobile’s security as “awful,” indicating that the attack was facilitated by discovering an unprotected router that allowed access to T-Mobile’s Washington data center.

In response to the breach, T-Mobile issued an apology and committed to enhancing its security measures by partnering with cybersecurity experts.

The current lawsuit seeks restitution for Washington residents affected by the breach and seeks injunctive relief to mandate improvements in T-Mobile’s cybersecurity protocols.

T-Mobile previously settled a class action lawsuit related to the data breach for $350 million in 2022 and was fined $60 million by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the US (CFIUS) for not preventing or disclosing unauthorized access to sensitive customer data.

Featured image credit: appshunter.io/Unsplash

Google has announced support for Messaging Layer Security (MLS) encryption in 2023, aiming to establish a new standard for end-to-end encryption (E2EE) across apps and platforms for one-on-one and group chats. Google Messages is now incorporating MLS encryption to enable E2EE interoperability, and the functionality has been activated for one-on-one conversations.

MLS encryption shines in Google Messages

According to Android Authority‘s latest APK teardown, the latest version of Google Messages, v20250106 beta, has revealed a new flag for handling the MLS encryption protocol. This flag, labeled “bugle.enable_zinnia_in_conversations,” uses “Zinnia” as the codename for MLS encryption within the app. When experimented with, enabling this flag sets the encryption protocol value to 1, indicating that MLS encryption is in use. Conversely, a value of 0 signifies that the default encryption for Rich Communication Services (RCS) is still operational.

Currently, MLS encryption can only be activated for one-to-one conversations using specific flags, while group chats remain set to 0. Flipping this value to 1 would represent the next significant progress marker towards comprehensive encryption in group chats.

At this stage, MLS encryption is not available to users of Google Messages. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

What does this do?

MLS encryption is a protocol designed to provide end-to-end encryption for messaging platforms. It ensures that messages sent between users are encrypted in such a way that only the sender and recipient (or recipients, in the case of group chats) can read them. Not even the platform (Google, in this case) can access the contents of the messages.

In Google Messages:

• MLS encryption enables end-to-end encryption for one-on-one chats.
• For group chats, this encryption is not yet fully implemented but is being tested.
• The feature is toggled by a flag labeled “bugle.enable_zinnia_in_conversations” in the app’s internal settings. When this flag is set to “1,” MLS encryption is active, ensuring the privacy of the messages.

MLS encryption strengthens privacy by ensuring that messages are only readable by the intended recipient(s). MLS is designed to make end-to-end encryption interoperable across different messaging apps and platforms. Currently, MLS encryption is only available for one-on-one conversations in Google Messages.

Featured image credit: Google

Shares of Rigetti Computing, Inc. (NASDAQ:RGTI) declined 7.7% on Tuesday, trading as low as $17.55 before closing at $18.00. During mid-day trading, 47,462,948 shares changed hands, a significant decrease of 64% compared to the average session volume of 130,951,453 shares. The stock had previously closed at $19.51.

Nvidia is the reason behind

Several research firms recently reviewed Rigetti Computing’s stock. Benchmark restated a “buy” rating with a price target of $2.50 in a report dated November 14. Needham & Company LLC also reiterated a “buy” rating with a $2.00 target on November 13. Craig Hallum initiated coverage on December 20, issuing a “buy” rating with a price target of $12.00. Additionally, B. Riley increased their price target from $3.50 to $4.00 while maintaining a “buy” rating on November 25. Currently, five analysts have rated the stock as a buy, providing an average price target of $4.80.

Analysts warn: Rigetti stock could drop even more

Rigetti Computing reported a quick ratio of 4.84 and a current ratio of 4.84, with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.02. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $6.14 and a 200-day simple moving average of $2.76, contributing to a market capitalization of $3.54 billion. The company is operating at a PE ratio of -48.39 and a beta of 1.31.

In related insider activity, Director Michael S. Clifton sold 125,000 shares on December 9 at an average price of $5.03, totaling $628,750. Clifton’s ownership decreased by 10.51%, leaving him with 1,063,864 shares valued at approximately $5.35 million. Furthermore, major shareholder Bessemer Venture Partners X.L. sold 580,125 shares on November 14 at an average price of $1.63, resulting in total sales of $945,603.75 and a 2.96% reduction in ownership. Over the past ninety days, insiders have sold 2,955,125 shares valued at $5,489,354, with insiders owning 2.81% of the company’s stock.

According to Marketbeat, institutional investors have also made significant movements regarding Rigetti Computing. Caprock Group LLC acquired a new stake valued at approximately $42,000 in the second quarter. Arete Wealth Advisors LLC invested around $45,000 in the third quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC increased its holdings by 166.9% in the third quarter, now owning 63,202 shares valued at $49,000 following a purchase of 39,526 additional shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its stake by 3.4%, now holding 62,360 shares valued at $49,000 after acquiring 2,045 additional shares. Point72 DIFC Ltd. added a new stake valued at roughly $88,000 in the second quarter. Overall, institutional investors currently hold 35.38% of Rigetti Computing’s stock.

Rigetti Computing, Inc. focuses on building quantum computers and superconducting quantum processors. The company provides quantum processing units, including a 9-qubit chip and the Ankaa-2 system under the Novera brand, while offering access to its quantum computing capabilities through a quantum computing as a service model.

The decline in Rigetti’s stock follows comments from Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who stated that practical quantum computers are likely 15 to 30 years away. Huang, speaking during Nvidia’s analyst day, suggested that a timeframe of about 20 years would be a reasonable estimate for significant advancements in quantum computing.

As a result of these comments, stocks tied to quantum computing, including Rigetti Computing, saw significant drops, with Rigetti plunging 40% at one point during the trading session. Other companies, such as IonQ, D-Wave Quantum, and the Defiance Quantum & AI ETF, also experienced substantial declines following Huang’s remarks.

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

Google announced the release of the January 2025 Pixel update today, which includes bug fixes and security patches aimed at improving user experience. The update will begin rolling out immediately for some users, while others may experience a wait of up to a few weeks based on their device and carrier.

Google releases January 2025 Pixel update with key fixes

The January 2025 update, carrying the build number AP4A.250105.002 and a security patch level of January 7, 2025, brings several important fixes for Pixel users. The fixes include:

• Audio: A resolution for audio delay and stability issues encountered when using certain applications.
• Camera: Improvements to camera stability, particularly when switching to a connected camera under specific conditions.
• Display & graphics: A fix for the problem of flashing lines appearing on the screen in certain scenarios.
• User interface: A fix for the issue affecting the color display of themed icons in the Pixel Launcher under certain conditions.

These fixes apply to all supported Pixel devices, though some may be specific to certain carriers or regions.

We have been waiting for this Pixel feature so long

Themed icons in dark mode addressed

Following the installation of the December 2024 update, users of dark mode found the themed home screen icons displayed in light mode. Users could revert the icons back to dark by accessing the Wallpaper & Style menu; however, the icons remained lighter than before the update. The January update reportedly resolves the icon color display issues, although it remains to be seen if the dark mode icons will return to their previous darker shade. Users who had not adjusted their icon settings should see darker icons following this update.

In addition to these improvements, the January update includes significant security patches. It addresses a number of Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) with critical designations. This includes five vulnerabilities in the Android System and a critical vulnerability associated with MediaTek modems, although it is not confirmed if this component is utilized in Pixel devices. Google also highlighted a critical-severity vulnerability in the Baseband subcomponent, which could potentially allow remote code execution on Pixel devices.

You have 3 reasons to update now, this patch:

• Fixes vulnerabilities with critical designations, including Android System and Baseband components, enhancing device security.
• Resolves audio delays, camera instability, and display glitches, improving day-to-day performance.
• Restores themed icons in the Pixel Launcher to their intended appearance, addressing a widely reported issue.

The update will be available for all currently supported Pixel devices, encompassing the Pixel 6 through to present models. Users can check for the update by navigating to Settings → System → Software updates and tapping the Check for updates button.

Featured image credit: Amanz/Unsplash

Nvidia stock closed at a record high on Monday, its first since November, as investors anticipated CEO Jensen Huang’s keynote at CES, igniting excitement around artificial intelligence advancements.

Nvidia stock hits record high, then faces sharp decline

During his presentation to an audience of more than 6,000 in Las Vegas, Huang articulated a vision he described as the “era of physical AI.” He stated, “The ChatGPT moment for general robotics is just around the corner,” emphasizing the untapped potential of AI in physical applications like Nvidia’s Cosmos platform. He also highlighted partnerships with major automotive companies, including Toyota and Volvo, utilizing Nvidia’s DRIVE Hyperion platform for next-generation autonomous vehicles. According to Huang, building autonomous vehicles, akin to all robots, necessitates three computers: one for training, one for simulation, and one in the vehicle, all powered by Nvidia.

Investor enthusiasm helped drive Nvidia’s stock to new highs following Huang’s bold claims about the future of humanoid robots and self-driving cars. However, a “sell the news” response emerged when Wall Street opened the following day, resulting in a $220 billion decline in market capitalization, marking Nvidia’s worst drop in four months. This pattern of reaching record highs followed by sharp corrections is familiar to Nvidia investors.

This pattern previously occurred after Nvidia’s earnings release on November 20, when the stock climbed above $150 for the first time, only to suffer a subsequent 13% decline. Similarly, a surge to $140 on June 20, 2024, resulted in a 27% sell-off, allowing Microsoft to reclaim the title of the world’s largest stock. A disappointing jobs report in February 2024 led to another situation where Nvidia opened at a new record, only to experience its worst return in 10 months and a later pullback of 20%. Following an earnings announcement on August 23, 2023, that lifted Nvidia’s stock to a split-adjusted $50, the stock frustrated investors, trading sideways for four months.

Despite these fluctuations, Nvidia remains a dominant player in the current bull market, a fact not lost on investors. Paul Meeks, chief investment officer at Harvest Portfolio Management, discussed the company on Yahoo Finance’s Morning Brief, suggesting that a future slowdown in Nvidia’s growth rate would prompt him to sell. “If you wait for the year-to-year growth slowdown, you’re going to [be selling] late. So I’ll be looking for that sequential drop in the growth rate,” Meeks remarked.

When asked about the possibility of Nvidia becoming a $4 trillion company this year, Meeks stated, “I don’t think I’m bold enough to say that’s definitely going to happen,” but acknowledged that it seems inevitable over the next couple of years.

In a reflection of investor expectations, Nvidia’s significant price drop after Huang’s keynote on January 7 marked its worst day since September 3. Despite Huang’s compelling discourse on advances in robotics and AI, many investors left wanting more, leading to the sharp decline. This sentiment was discussed in a Yahoo Finance interview with tech analyst Dan Ives, who provided insights on Nvidia’s performance and the tech landscape more broadly.

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

A recent leaker on X with a proven track record has indicated that a new iPhone SE, codenamed “V59,” and an entry-level iPad, codenamed “J481,” are set to launch alongside iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3. Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman has corroborated these claims, highlighting the expected release timeframe.

Apple to launch new iPhone SE 4 and iPad 11 soon

iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3 are anticipated for release in late January, following the trend established by previous “.3” updates from Apple. If this timeline holds, both the new iPhone SE and iPad 11 could debut later this month, contingent upon the accuracy of the leaker’s information.

Historically, Apple has announced all three prior iPhone SE models in March or April, making a January announcement of the iPhone SE 4 earlier than typical. Another potential name for the upcoming device is iPhone 16E.

A key factor influencing the January launch may be Apple’s recent cessation of sales for the current iPhone SE, which features a Lightning port, within the European Union, due to new USB-C regulations. The upcoming iPhone SE is expected to incorporate a USB-C port, allowing Apple to reintroduce the device in the EU sooner than if it were launched later in the spring.

The new iPhone SE is rumored to share a design similar to the base iPhone 14, featuring a 6.1-inch OLED display, Face ID, a single 48-megapixel rear camera, a newer A-series chip, 8GB of RAM for Apple Intelligence support, and the first Apple-designed 5G modem. Uncertainty remains regarding the inclusion of an Action button, which is a feature of the iPhone 15 Pro models.

Currently, the iPhone SE starts at $429 in the U.S., though a price increase is considered likely for the forthcoming model.

Regarding the iPad 11, it is expected to support Apple Intelligence, equipped with a newer A-series chip and an increase to 8GB of RAM compared to the iPad 10. At this time, no significant design changes have been hinted at for this model, which follows the iPad 10’s announcement in October 2022.

Mark Gurman has mentioned that new MacBook Air models may be announced ahead of the new iPhone SE and iPad 11, perhaps featuring the rumored upgrade to the M4 chip for both the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models.

Apple plans spring launch for new devices

Additional sources have indicated that the launch of the new iPads and iPhone SE 4 is expected in the first half of 2025, with Gurman noting a specific target of “by April.” This aligns with previous reports that suggested a spring launch window.

Information from an anonymous leaker suggested that the new devices will ship with iOS 18.3 pre-installed, as Apple prepares to integrate support for these new hardware models into the update. Generally, iOS and iPadOS “.3” updates are released in late January.

Despite these updates, the devices may not be announced simultaneously with the iOS 18.3 release. Spring typically begins in mid-March, suggesting that announcements for the new products may occur between March and April, consistent with past launch patterns.

Last year, products such as the M4 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Air were announced in May alongside iPadOS 17.4. Apple has confirmed plans to release iOS 18.4 in April, which will enable Apple Intelligence for non-English languages for the first time. Therefore, this framework helps pinpoint the launch timeline for these new devices.

Rumored specs for the iPhone SE 4 indicate a design resembling the iPhone 14, but with a single rear camera and featuring the A18 chip found in the iPhone 16. The iPad 11 may receive comparable enhancements, potentially involving an A17 Pro chip to support Apple Intelligence.

Details regarding the updated iPad Air remain sparse following last year’s M2 chip update. Anticipated announcements for the new devices may occur during a special event or a series of video presentations.

Featured image credit: Hanyang Zhang/Unspalsh

ASUS unveiled the Zenbook A14 at CES 2025, positioning it as a competitor to Apple’s MacBook Air. Weighing just 2.18 pounds and featuring Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X processors, the Zenbook A14 is a bold entrant in the lightweight productivity laptop market. With a starting price of $900 and advanced features like a 14-inch OLED display, extended battery life, and unique design elements, ASUS is positioning this device as an accessible alternative to Apple’s premium offering.

ASUS launches Zenbook A14 to challenge MacBook Air

The Zenbook A14 boasts a magnesium alloy chassis coated in ASUS’s proprietary Ceraluminum material, providing a matte, stone-like finish that feels distinctively different from Apple’s aluminum designs. The laptop is available in two configurations: the $1,100 base model features the Snapdragon X Elite processor, 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD, while a slightly heavier, 2.4-pound version with a Snapdragon X Plus chip, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage will retail for $900 exclusively at Best Buy. Both models promise exceptional portability, with ASUS emphasizing their easy one-handed opening and premium build quality.

Central to the Zenbook A14 is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X platform, enabling impressive battery life of up to 32 hours. The device’s 70Wh battery outclasses the MacBook Air’s 52.6Wh cell, providing more time for users to work, stream, and create on the go. The OLED display, capable of 1920 x 1200 resolution, delivers vivid visuals with a peak brightness of 600 nits. Users also benefit from Dolby Atmos-supported speakers, a 1080p IR camera, and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity.

Lenovo’s Yoga Slim 9i debuts the world’s first camera-under-display

Port selection is another highlight of the Zenbook A14, offering two USB 4 Type-C ports, one USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 port, a full-size HDMI 2.1 slot, and a headphone/mic jack.

ASUS has nicknamed the device “Zenbook Air,” a name that aptly reflects its lightweight design. The Zenbook A14’s construction utilizes a unique Ceraluminum material, making it notably lighter at just 2.18 pounds, which is over half a pound lighter than the current M3 MacBook Air. The notebook also boasts an ultralight magnesium alloy chassis and a matte, stone-like finish.

In terms of pricing, the Zenbook A14 starts at $900 for a model equipped with a Snapdragon X Plus CPU and 16GB of RAM, while the lightest version with a Snapdragon X Elite chip and 32GB of RAM is priced at $1

The Zenbook A14 represents ASUS’s latest attempt to compete in a market that has seen numerous “MacBook killers” come and go. By combining premium features like OLED displays and lightweight design with aggressive pricing, ASUS hopes to carve out a space in the ultraportable laptop market. Whether it can achieve the same ecosystem harmony as Apple remains to be seen.

Featured image credit: ASUS 

Lenovo showcased a new lineup of Yoga™ and IdeaPad™ devices at CES® 2025, focusing on smarter technology to enhance creative and productivity tasks. The devices include innovative form factors, advanced AI implementations, and high-performance features.

Lenovo showcases new Yoga and IdeaPad devices at CES 2025

The Lenovo Yoga Slim 9i (14”, 10) features the world’s first camera-under-display technology, achieving a 98% screen-to-body ratio with a 14” PureSight Pro OLED display. This model incorporates Visionary.ai image processing technology, offering a thin bezel without interruptions. The display is designed for high color accuracy (Delta E<1) and is certified by TÜV Low Blue Light and Eyesafe® for user comfort during prolonged use. It runs on Windows 11 and is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor.

CES 2025: Dell will call its laptops “Dell” from now on

Additionally, the Lenovo Yoga Book 9i (14”, 10) utilizes dual 14” PureSight OLED displays, enabling unique creative workflows. It features a variable refresh rate of 120Hz and is equipped with a 360-degree rotating Dolby Atmos soundbar. The device supports various AI functions that enhance productivity and creativity.

The Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition (14”, 10), also introduced, includes Smart Modes for productivity and creativity optimization. It supports a range of settings to enhance video calls and privacy protections. The device sports a 14” PureSight OLED display with peak brightness of 1100 nits and various color gamut supports.

Lenovo also revealed the Yoga Tab Plus, their first on-device AI tablet, designed for productivity and personalized experiences. The Yoga Tab Plus is built on the Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform and integrates AI-driven features for task management and creativity.

The Yoga 7i 2-in-1 convertible laptops, available in 14-inch and 16-inch options, and the new IdeaPad Pro 5i with optional OLED display were also announced. Lenovo introduced two new desktops, the IdeaCentre Mini x (1L, 10), which is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon® X Plus 8-core processor, and the IdeaCentre Tower (17L, 10) with Intel Core Ultra processors.

AI innovations and availability

Lenovo introduced several AI-centric features, such as the Lenovo AI Now, integrated into all newly announced devices. This feature enhances personalization through rapid, local data handling, supporting users in searching and retrieving information efficiently.

Lenovo has announced that select 2025 Yoga laptops will come with a complimentary two-month Adobe Creative Cloud membership, providing new users immediate access to Adobe applications.

The US availability and pricing details were also disclosed: the Lenovo Yoga Slim 9i will be available starting February 2025 at $1,849, the Yoga Book 9i follows in May at $1,999, and other devices will be released with varying prices throughout 2025, including the Yoga Tab Plus at $699.99 and the IdeaCentre Mini x starting at $659.99.

Featured image credit: Lenovo

U.S. stocks declined sharply on Tuesday, driven by stronger-than-expected economic data that heightened concerns over potential interest rate hikes from the Federal Reserve. The S&P 500 fell 1.13% to close at 5,909.03, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 0.42%, or 178.2 points, to finish at 42,528.3. The Nasdaq saw the steepest decline, falling 1.5% to close at 19,489.6.

The sell-off followed a report from the Institute for Supply Management that indicated faster-than-expected growth in the U.S. services sector in December, raising fears that the Federal Reserve might hold off on rate cuts and fueling inflation concerns. The 10-year Treasury yield rose more than seven basis points to 4.693%, reaching an intraday high of 4.699%, the highest level since April.

Tom Hainlin, senior investment strategist at U.S. Bank Asset Management Group, noted that the economic data prompted a recalculation of inflation expectations, leading to a sell-off in equities that curtailed an earlier rally. However, he mentioned that the drop in stocks appeared balanced against strong data indicating robust consumer and labor markets that should support long-term economic growth and corporate earnings potential.

The sell-off also saw profit-taking in megacap tech and semiconductor stocks after a previous period of gains. On the trading day, Nvidia led the losses in the tech sector, falling more than 6%. Other tech giants, including Tesla and Meta Platforms, also experienced significant declines, dropping 4% and nearly 2%, respectively. Meanwhile, Palantir Technologies dived below a critical long-term level, and AppLovin fell sharply amid bearish analyst notes.

Getty and Shutterstock merge: Stocks jump 24% and 20% on $3.7B Deal

Dow Jones futures rise in early trading

Dow Jones futures rose 0.2% as S&P 500 futures and Nasdaq 100 futures gained 0.2% and 0.25%, respectively, in early Wednesday trading. This uptick comes after the steep declines across major indices on Tuesday, which saw the Nasdaq dive in massive volume.

The futures rise occurred despite continued pressure from new data showing an acceleration in activity within the U.S. services industry. The ISM report for December highlighted inflation concerns, with a notable increase in prices. According to the CME’s FedWatch tool, fed funds futures trading data reflected a 95% chance of no reductions at the central bank’s next meeting.

Investors are now focused on upcoming reports, including the ADP private payrolls and jobless claims data due on Wednesday morning. Minutes from the Fed’s December meeting are expected to be released later in the day at 2 p.m. ET, providing further context to the market’s reactions following the recent economic data.

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: Chris Liverani/Unsplash

President-elect Donald Trump announced a $20 billion foreign investment to establish new data centers across the United States during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate on Tuesday. The investment, pledged by Emirati billionaire Hussain Sajwani, founder of DAMAC Properties, will support the development of technologies related to artificial intelligence and cloud services.

Trump secures $20B deal for U.S. AI data centers from DAMAC founder

The initial phase of the investment will focus on data centers in Texas, Arizona, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, and Indiana. Sajwani indicated that the election of Trump influenced his decision to make this substantial investment, stating, “It was amazing news for me and my family when [Trump] was elected in November. We’ve been waiting for four years to increase our investment in [the] U.S. to very large amounts of money.”

Trump mentioned that the investment could potentially exceed the pledged amount, stating, “They may go double, or even somewhat more than double, that amount of money.” DAMAC Properties primarily operates as a real estate developer and is now shifting its focus toward building data centers.

What Musk, Bezos and Trump really discussed over Mar-a-Lago dinner?

Trump emphasized that his administration will expedite the environmental and regulatory approval process for companies investing $1 billion or more in the U.S. He described the existing regulatory environment as a “quagmire” for international investors. “If you invest a billion dollars or more, we’re going to move them quickly through the environmental process,” Trump stated.

The announcement follows a trend of significant foreign investment pledges to the U.S. in light of Trump’s electoral victory. Notably, Softbank CEO Masayoshi Son announced plans for a $100 billion investment in the U.S. aimed at creating 100,000 jobs during Trump’s four-year term.

As the AI industry continues to grow rapidly, tech leaders have called for increased investment in data center infrastructure to meet demand. Microsoft has announced plans to invest $80 billion in AI data centers, highlighting the need for robust infrastructure to support advanced technologies.

Featured image credit: Carlos Herrero/Pexels

While this adage rings true in many aspects of personal and professional life, sometimes when it comes to pay negotiations, falling victim to Tiara Syndrome, aka hoping your efforts will be recognised based on merit rather than power of persuasion, is a common mistake.

This is because technical excellence alone isn’t enough to get you noticed and your employer isn’t likely to offer you more money out of the blue unless you ask for it.

3 jobs hiring across Germany

• Kundendiensttechniker (m/w/d), Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH, Berlin
• Senior Verification Architect (m/f/d), Beckman Coulter Diagnostics, Munich
• Change Program Manager, EU Workforce Staffing, Amazon TA, Munich

Ideally, your employer will have a structured pay review policy in place whereby your pay is reviewed annually in line with your professional achievements for the previous year.

But it’s worth noting that even if they do have proper HR practices in place, you still need to know how to negotiate to achieve the best package and an increase in remuneration.

Here’s how to take a more strategic approach.

Anchor the negotiations

While traditional wisdom may suggest that you should allow your employer to make the first offer and then counter it, making the first offer aka “anchoring” the negotiations is increasingly being recognised as the best move.

However, in order to do this, you’ll need to do your research beforehand. Benchmark your salary against industry standards—StackOverflow’s European salary calculator can help as can anecdotal advice from your professional network, particularly if they work in similar roles.

You should also take benefits, pension contributions and stock options into consideration as these can significantly increase your take-home pay every month.

And if you’re looking for tips on how to negotiate, Stanford Business has several blogs which offer insights into the process, as does Harvard Law School which has a number of free reports and guides on negotiation.

Maintain your composure

When negotiating your salary, it’s important to say as little as possible, maintain your composure and let your manager do most of the talking. For example, if you suggest a figure first and they say it is too high, ask them for a salary range.

This way you can then ask them to explain what you would need to do or achieve to earn the top end of the salary scale. By asking your manager to explain their expectations about your salary you will be able to leverage your achievements and successes to boost your argument, based on their guidelines and KPIs.

Or, if you want your employer to state the salary range first before offering your own salary expectations, make sure you’ve done your homework about salary benchmarks and industry averages so you can highlight how your skills and experience are in line with a higher salary package.

For example, you could say, ”Senior developers in Berlin with my tech stack typically earn between €80,000 and €110,000. How does my experience align with your expectations?”

Keep a long-term perspective

While it’s frustrating to feel as though you aren’t progressing financially in your current role, you should consider what else your job provides from a career progression standpoint.

If you’re working for a cash-strapped start up that offers employee stock options and you’re confident that it could be the next big household name in the next five years, a couple of thousand euro now doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things.

However, if you feel as though your career progression has stalled in line with your bank balance, it could be time to reconsider your next steps—according to career planning website Zippia, the average pay boost when changing jobs is 14.8%.

Whether you’re looking for a higher salary in your existing field or are thinking of pivoting to a more lucrative area of tech, browse thousands of job openings at the Dataconomy Job Board

Getty Images (GETY) announced its agreement to merge with Shutterstock (SSTK) in a $3.7 billion deal, combining their extensive libraries of licensed visual content. Both companies’ stocks rose significantly following the announcement.

Getty Images merges with Shutterstock in $3.7 billion deal

Getty Images CEO Craig Peters stated, “Today’s announcement is exciting and transformational for our companies, unlocking multiple opportunities to strengthen our financial foundation and invest in the future — including enhancing our content offerings, expanding event coverage, and delivering new technologies to better serve our customers.”

Deal terms and strategic context

The merger comes as the Biden administration nears the end of its term, which has taken a tough stance on antitrust issues. The incoming Trump administration is expected to have a more lenient approach.

Getty and Shutterstock anticipate that the merger will save approximately $150 million to $200 million annually in operating and capital expenses. By combining their operations, the companies aim to boost competitiveness against major tech firms that are increasingly using generative artificial intelligence for creating visual content.

Shutterstock shareholders will receive $28.85 in cash for each share they own, with an alternative option to receive GETY stock or a combination of both cash and stock. After the merger, Getty shareholders will own about 55% of the newly formed entity, with Peters continuing as CEO.

Following the announcement, Getty Images shares jumped 24%, while Shutterstock shares rose 20%. Both companies have been experiencing downturns; Shutterstock has seen a drop of more than 75% since its peak in 2021, while Getty has lost over 90% of its market value since going public in July 2022.

The merger will create a $3.7 billion firm that potentially consolidates significant strengths in providing licensed visual content, as AI technologies disrupt the market and the prevalence of smartphone cameras reduce the value of traditional stock photos.

In terms of compensation, Getty Images is expected to pay $331 million in cash and issue 319.4 million shares to fund the acquisition. After completion, Getty Images shareholders will hold about 54.7% ownership of the merged entity.

Antitrust considerations

The merger may face scrutiny from antitrust regulators, representing an early test of the new administration’s position on mergers in concentrated markets. The Biden administration previously blocked significant mergers in industries such as supermarkets and airlines, raising questions about the regulatory landscape moving forward.

Founded in 1995, Getty Images was co-founded by Mark Getty, a scion of the wealthy Getty family. The family retains a significant stake in the company. Getty has experienced fluctuations in its public status, previously going private and changing hands multiple times. The recent merger comes after a blank-check deal enabling its return to public markets in 2021, backed by CC Capital and Neuberger Berman.

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: Getty Images

Honda unveiled the Honda 0 Saloon and Honda 0 SUV prototypes at the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), confirming that both models will enter production in 2026 at the Honda EV Hub in Ohio.

Honda 0 Series features and technology

The Honda 0 SUV prototype is a mid-size electric vehicle (EV) that implements a dedicated EV architecture. It follows the Space-Hub concept model unveiled at CES 2024 and utilizes a “Thin, Light, and Wise” design strategy, creating a spacious cabin with remarkable visibility. This model showcases the direction Honda intends to take its future EVs, emphasizing “ultra-personal optimization” and a digital user experience powered by the newly developed ASIMO operating system (OS).

Honda also presented the Honda 0 Saloon, the flagship of the 0 Series, which retains a sporty “wedge-shaped” form while providing unexpected interior space relative to its dimensions. Both vehicles will feature advanced technologies integral to the 0 Series, including automated driving with Level 3 capabilities, which allows for hands-free driving in designated conditions.

Nissan-Honda merger buzz sends Renault stocks climbing 5%

ASIMO operating system and automated driving

The ASIMO OS, named after Honda’s famous humanoid robot, will enhance the driving experience by utilizing advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and automated driving technologies. This OS will enable ongoing software updates via over the air (OTA) mechanisms to tailor the vehicle functionality to individual user preferences.

Honda aims to expand its automated driving capabilities, building on its pioneering implementation of Level 3 driving technology with the Honda Legend in 2021. Honda believes that implementing eyes-off technology will help reduce traffic collisions, enhancing road safety for all users.

Additionally, Honda and Renesas Electronics Corporation have partnered to develop a high-performance system-on-chip (SoC) for the next-generation 0 Series models, scheduled for release in the late 2020s. This SoC will facilitate a centralized electrical and electronic architecture that maximizes performance and efficiency.

Energy and charging initiatives

In conjunction with the 0 Series launch, Honda is launching an extensive charging network through a collaboration with several automakers, known as IONNA, which aims to establish a minimum of 30,000 charging stations by 2030 in North America. Honda intends to adopt the North American Charging Standard for all Honda 0 Series models, aiming to provide customers access to over 100,000 charging stations by the same year.

Honda also announced it will implement new energy services facilitated by a Home Energy Management System, combining renewable energy to reduce both electricity costs and carbon emissions. This initiative will allow Honda 0 Series vehicles to function as virtual power plants, helping to manage electricity usage and provide backup energy during shortages.

The production version of the Honda 0 SUV is expected to launch in the North American market in the first half of 2026, followed by the Honda 0 Saloon later that year, with subsequent global market releases to follow.

Featured image credit: Honda

Retirement planning is one of the most important financial goals you’ll undertake. While traditional savings vehicles like 401(k)s and IRAs are staples of retirement planning, relying solely on these options can leave you vulnerable to market fluctuations and unexpected economic changes. A diversified retirement portfolio, including personal pension plans, offers a more secure and balanced approach.

Why diversification matters in retirement planning

Diversification is a strategy used to spread investments across various assets to minimize risk. When it comes to retirement planning, diversification means combining different types of income sources, such as investments, government benefits, and personal pension plans, to create a reliable financial safety net.

Without diversification, retirees face significant risks, including:

• Market Volatility: Stocks and mutual funds can experience unpredictable swings, which can impact savings just when you need them most.
• Longevity Risk: Outliving your savings is a growing concern as life expectancy increases.
• Inflation: The rising cost of living can erode purchasing power over time, especially for retirees on fixed incomes.

By diversifying your retirement portfolio, you can mitigate these risks and ensure a steady income stream that aligns with your lifestyle needs.

The role of personal pension plans

Personal pension plans are designed to provide guaranteed, lifelong income, making them a vital component of a diversified retirement strategy. Here’s why they deserve a place in your portfolio:

1. Income stability

Unlike investments that fluctuate with market conditions, personal pension plans offer consistent payments throughout your retirement. This stability can act as a financial anchor, ensuring that you always have a reliable income stream.

2. Longevity protection

One of the greatest fears among retirees is outliving their savings. Personal pension plans address this concern by offering income for as long as you live, eliminating the uncertainty of running out of funds.

3. Inflation mitigation

Some personal pension plans include cost-of-living adjustments, which help your income keep pace with inflation. This feature ensures that your purchasing power remains intact over the years.

4. Complementing other savings

Personal pensions work well alongside traditional retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs. While those accounts rely on contributions and market growth, a personal pension plan provides a safety net that isn’t subject to market downturns.

How to incorporate personal pension plans into your retirement portfolio

The first step is to assess your retirement goals, expected expenses, and income sources. This evaluation will help you determine how much income you need to cover your essential expenses.

Start early

The earlier you invest in a personal pension plan, the more time your contributions have to grow. Starting early also allows for smaller, manageable contributions over time.

Balance risk and security

While growth-focused investments like stocks can yield high returns, they also carry higher risks. A personal pension plan adds a layer of security to your portfolio by guaranteeing a portion of your income.

Diversification in action

To understand the power of diversification, consider the following example:

• Savings and Investments: These provide growth potential but can be affected by market downturns.
• Social Security: A stable income source, but often insufficient to cover all expenses.
• Personal Pension Plan: A guaranteed income stream that fills gaps left by other sources.

When combined, these elements create a robust retirement plan that balances growth, stability, and longevity protection.

Plan your retirement with confidence

Diversification isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation of a successful retirement plan. Personal pension plans play a crucial role in this strategy, offering stability and peace of mind in an unpredictable financial landscape.

When planning your retirement, take the time to evaluate all your options and consider how personal pensions can complement your existing savings. With the right approach, you can create a portfolio that not only meets your needs but also adapts to the uncertainties of the future.

Plan retirement carefully

Retirement planning requires a careful balance of growth, security, and predictability. By incorporating personal pension plans into a diversified portfolio, you can reduce risks and ensure a steady income for years to come.

Plan your retirement today by exploring strategies that align with your goals and priorities. A diversified approach is the key to a financially secure and fulfilling retirement.

Featured image credit: Scott Graham/Unsplash

Nvidia stock experienced a sharp decline on Tuesday, falling over 6% to $140.14, marking its worst day since September 3, despite an initial surge following CEO Jensen Huang’s keynote at the CES 2025 conference.

Nvidia stock crashes 6% despite AI and robotics announcements

After briefly touching a record high of $153 shortly after market open, Nvidia’s shares reversed direction amid a broader selloff in technology stocks, which saw the S&P 500 decline by 1.1% and the Nasdaq fall by 1.9% due to mounting investor concerns about U.S. fiscal and monetary policies. The drop in Nvidia’s stock wiped out more than $220 billion in market value.

Other technology firms also faced significant losses, including government contractor Palantir and electric vehicle company Tesla, whose stocks fell by 8% and 4%, respectively. This selloff occurred despite a positive reception from Wall Street regarding Huang’s presentation, which emphasized Nvidia’s advancements in robotics and its ongoing development of AI hardware and software.

Analysts like Hans Mosesmann from Rosenblatt noted Nvidia’s capability to enhance its AI leading position, stating that the company continues to innovate in both hardware and software. Huang’s keynote highlighted new partnerships, including naming Micron as Nvidia’s memory partner for gaming GPUs. He also announced deals to supply semiconductor chips for Toyota’s driver assistance programs and technology for autonomous vehicles, including self-driving trucks for Aurora and Uber’s autonomous driving initiative using Nvidia’s Cosmos platform.

CES 2025: Nvidia RTX 5090 brings 2X the power of 4090

After closing at a record high of $149.43 on Monday, Nvidia’s stock addition of over 190% from the previous year had analysts such as William Stein from Truist Securities reiterating their Buy ratings, projecting an average price target of $172.80 for the stock over the next 12 months.

Nvidia unveiled notable updates during the CES event, including the introduction of a new superchip called GB10, designed for use in a compact new supercomputer, intended to be available for developers and researchers at a price of $3,000 in May. The company also debuted its Cosmos platform, which creates AI models for developing humanoid robots and enhancing autonomous vehicle technology.

Huang indicated that the autonomous driving market alone could grow into the first multitrillion-dollar robotics industry. Analysts from Wedbush expect robotics and autonomous technology to represent a potential $1 trillion market for Nvidia.

Underwhelming market reactions to Nvidia’s CES showcase highlight a tough reality: even AI and robotics leadership can’t shield a stock from broader market jitters. The drop to $140, after hitting a record $153 earlier, reflects tech sector vulnerability more than Nvidia’s fundamentals. Wall Street loved the GB10 superchip and autonomous vehicle announcements, but fiscal fears had the final say.

Nvidia’s $220 billion market value wipeout stings, but it doesn’t change the company’s trajectory in AI or robotics. Jensen Huang laid out a compelling vision for a trillion-dollar robotics market, yet macro concerns over fiscal policies crushed momentum. This wasn’t a rejection of Nvidia’s story—it was a market resetting its appetite for risk.

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

Running a small business means wearing many hats—marketing strategist, customer service representative, sales manager, and more. But what if you had a reliable sidekick to handle the repetitive tasks, leaving you more time to focus on growth? This is where AI-powered tools step in, offering small business owners a smarter way to manage their operations and reach their target audience.

Imagine having an assistant that can create a professional website in minutes, optimize it for search engines, and even generate engaging marketing materials—all without any technical skills required. Whether you’re a local service provider or an independent shop owner, AI tools are making it easier than ever to scale your business with confidence.

Here is how AI tools can take the complexity out of website building, improve how you connect with customers, and help your small business thrive…

1. Simplified website creation

A well-designed website is often the first impression your business makes—but creating one can feel overwhelming, especially without technical skills. AI website builders simplify this process by guiding you through every step, from choosing a design to customizing the layout to fit your brand.

With features like multi-page generation and pre-built templates, you can have a professional-looking website in minutes. Want to add a booking system or showcase customer reviews? AI assistants make these updates seamless, so your website doesn’t just look good—it works smarter to capture leads and support your business goals.

Instead of spending hours figuring out code or hiring a designer, you can focus on growing your business while your AI website builder handles the heavy lifting.

2. Smart customer management

Managing customer relationships is key to business growth, but keeping track of leads, follow-ups, and bookings can quickly become overwhelming. This is where AI-powered tools shine—they simplify customer management through built-in CRM (Customer Relationship Management) features designed to organize and optimize your workflow.

With an AI assistant, you can automatically capture leads from your website, send timely follow-up messages, and keep customer details in one place. Appointment scheduling becomes a breeze, allowing clients to book directly from your site without the back-and-forth emails.

By streamlining these processes, you’ll spend less time on admin tasks and more time building stronger connections with your customers, increasing satisfaction and loyalty along the way.

3. Effortless marketing and SEO

Creating effective marketing materials and ensuring your website ranks high in search results can be time-consuming and tricky. AI marketing assistants simplify these tasks by generating attention-grabbing content and optimizing your website for search engines automatically.

From crafting persuasive leaflets to writing engaging blog posts, AI tools can quickly turn your ideas into professional, ready-to-use materials. Many AI website builders also include automated SEO features—analyzing your site, suggesting keyword improvements, and enhancing user experience to help you attract more organic traffic.

By automating these essential tasks, you can focus on what matters most: providing excellent service to your customers. With your AI-powered marketing sidekick, you can reach more people without needing to become an expert in digital marketing.

4. Actionable insights

Understanding how your customers interact with your website and services is crucial for growth. AI tools not only collect data but also translate it into clear, actionable insights to help you make smarter decisions.

With easy-to-read analytics, you can track user behavior, identify which pages get the most attention, and see where visitors drop off. This data helps you fine-tune your strategy, improve your services, and identify new opportunities for growth.

Instead of sifting through complex reports, you get a simplified dashboard with practical recommendations—giving you the confidence to make informed decisions that move your business forward.

5. Seamless scalability

As your small business grows, so do the demands on your time and resources. AI-powered tools make it easy to scale your operations without adding unnecessary complexity.

Whether you’re expanding your services, launching new products, or opening additional locations, AI website builders and business assistants adapt to your evolving needs. You can effortlessly update your website, manage more customer interactions, and automate repetitive tasks to keep everything running smoothly.

By reducing the manual workload, these tools allow you to focus on strategic decisions and long-term goals—helping you grow with confidence and maintain a high level of service as your business scales.

6. Improved customer experience

Delivering a seamless customer experience can set your small business apart from the competition. AI tools help you create personalized, efficient interactions at every step—whether it’s booking appointments, answering inquiries, or sending follow-up messages.

With features like automated responses and self-service options on your website, customers can get the information they need quickly, without delays. By integrating AI-powered chat or scheduling systems, you ensure your business is always accessible, even outside regular working hours.

Happy customers are loyal customers, and by enhancing their experience, you build stronger relationships and increase the chances of repeat business and positive word-of-mouth.

Technology has revolutionised many industries and continues to transform the private dental care sector. From digital imaging and 3D printing to laser dentistry, teledentistry and artificial intelligence, new innovations are changing the way dental professionals diagnose, plan and deliver treatments. This digital transformation has brought many benefits for both dentists and patients.

Digital imaging and 3D printing

Digital X-rays and intraoral cameras provide dentists with instant, high-quality images that are easier to store and share than conventional film x-rays. This gives a more accurate picture of a patient’s oral health. 3D imaging like cone beam CT scans also offer detailed 3D views that aid diagnosis and treatment planning.

3D printing has allowed dentists to create highly accurate surgical guides, custom dental implants, aligners and prosthetics. This improves precision and outcomes for procedures like dental implants and orthodontics. The ability to print on demand saves time and costs compared to outsourcing. 3D printing enables a more personalised approach to restorative and cosmetic dentistry.

Laser dentistry

Lasers have many applications in modern dentistry, from diagnosing cavities early to reshaping gums during periodontal surgery. Lasers provide controlled, minimally invasive treatments that reduce bleeding and the need for sutures. Soft tissue laser procedures are often more comfortable than conventional scalpel surgery.

Hard tissue lasers can remove tooth decay and prepare teeth for fillings with great precision. Lasers can even whiten teeth by removing stains from the enamel. Dental lasers enable faster, gentler and more effective care with less need for anaesthetic.

Teledentistry

Teledentistry allows dental professionals to provide virtual consultations and assessments using video conferencing and image sharing. Patients in remote areas can access specialist care without travelling. It also enables regular check-ins without in-office visits.

This makes dental care more convenient and accessible. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many dentists used teledentistry to monitor patients and triage emergencies. It is likely to remain an option as part of a blended care model alongside in-person appointments.

Digital workflow and paperless offices

Practice management software, electronic dental records, digital imaging and online communication tools have automated many dental office tasks. This creates a seamless digital workflow that eliminates paper waste and improves efficiency. Patients can fill out forms, share images and make payments online before their appointment.

Artificial intelligence

AI tools show promise for improving consistency, accuracy and speed for certain dental procedures. For example, AI-powered platforms can instantly analyse dental X-rays for early signs of disease. This acts as a diagnostic aid for dentists.

AI also has applications in design and precision manufacturing of prosthetics and aligners. As the technology develops, AI could help optimise treatment plans and processes. However, AI is unlikely to fully replace human expertise and judgement in the near future.

The future of dental technology

Dentistry will continue to benefit from emerging technologies like virtual reality, microbiome testing, big data analytics and miniaturised tools. However, these innovations should complement dentists’ skills rather than replace the human touch. Ultimately, technology enables dentists to focus more time on patient communication and high-quality individualised care. You can book an appointment with a private dentist to find out more about these services.

While new dental tech brings many advantages, data security and ethics around use of technologies like AI also need consideration as adoption spreads. Overall, the digital transformation promises to improve dental care. But the special relationship between dentist and patient will remain at the heart of excellent oral health outcomes.

Featured image credit: oswaldoruiz/Pixabay

The rise of remote and hybrid work has completely reshaped how businesses communicate, with virtual meetings becoming a key part of daily operations. But this shift also brings challenges. Teams now produce large amounts of information during meetings and the traditional methods of capturing and retrieving that data are proving inefficient. Ramsey Pryor, CEO of Rumi.ai, shares insights on how AI is stepping in as a powerful tool to manage this data more effectively, making meetings more productive and ensuring that key information doesn’t slip through the cracks.

The role of AI in the future of work

AI’s potential to transform industries, increase productivity, and streamline workflows is widely recognized. McKinsey estimates that AI could add $13 trillion to the global economy by 2030, with workplace productivity being a major driver of this growth. AI is particularly effective at automating repetitive tasks and providing actionable insights, which is exactly what teams need when dealing with the vast amount of data generated in virtual meetings.

For meeting management, AI can capture and organize the information shared, helping teams quickly access what matters most. Rather than manually sifting through notes or recordings, AI allows key points, decisions, and action items to be available instantly.

AI-powered meeting management: An emerging solution

AI tools for meeting management leverage technologies like natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning to automatically capture and categorize key meeting content. These tools take the unstructured data produced during meetings into a searchable, actionable database.

By making meeting records easily searchable, AI ensures that teams don’t lose track of important details, which enhances productivity and collaboration. Teams can access past discussions at a moment’s notice, making it easier to stay aligned and keep projects on track.

Benefits of AI in meeting management

The adoption of AI-powered tools offers numerous benefits for organizations adapting to hybrid work models:

• Efficiency Gains: Traditional meetings often involve lengthy preparations, note-taking, and follow-ups. A study by Harvard Business Review found that employees spend up to 15% of their time in meetings, with many of them deemed unproductive. AI tools can automate key aspects of meeting management, such as capturing notes and organizing follow-ups, saving significant time and effort.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: AI improves the ability to make informed decisions by organizing and retrieving key insights from meetings. Rather than relying on memory or manually reviewing hours of recordings, AI ensures that critical information is always available, helping teams act with greater confidence and accountability.
• Enhanced Collaboration and Alignment: Keeping remote teams aligned on goals and tasks is one of the biggest challenges in a hybrid work environment. AI meeting tools allow all team members—regardless of location—to access the same data, fostering better communication and collaboration.

Challenges and opportunities in adopting AI for meeting management

As with any new technology, AI in meeting management comes with its own set of challenges. The primary concerns include data privacy and security. Since virtual meetings often involve sensitive discussions, organizations need to ensure that AI tools comply with regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).

Additionally, the successful implementation of AI tools requires proper change management. Employees must be trained on how to use these new technologies effectively, and organizations need to integrate AI solutions into their existing workflows. Despite these challenges, the potential benefits—improved efficiency, better decision-making, and stronger collaboration—far outweigh the risks for companies willing to invest in AI.

Real-world examples

AI tools like Meeting Memory™ by Rumi.ai are addressing the challenges of managing the flood of information from virtual meetings. By automatically capturing and organizing discussions, decisions, and action items, AI tools eliminate the need to manually sift through meeting notes or recordings.

Imagine preparing for a meeting without having to dig through endless notes from past sessions. With AI, you can instantly search and retrieve critical information, ensuring you’re ready to move forward with the right context. This saves teams valuable time on follow-ups and administrative work, allowing them to focus on driving results.

For remote and hybrid teams, where clear communication is essential, AI tools like Meeting Memory™ ensure that everyone stays on the same page, working smarter and more efficiently.

The future is AI-driven

As remote and hybrid work models become the norm, the role of AI in meeting management will continue to grow. AI-powered tools are addressing many of the inefficiencies in how meeting data is captured, organized, and utilized, helping teams collaborate more effectively and make better decisions.

AI isn’t just about saving time — it’s about fundamentally transforming how teams work together, ensuring that every meeting becomes a productive, value-driven part of the workday. For organizations looking to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving work environment, adopting AI tools will be crucial to future success.

Featured image credit: Luca Bravo/Unsplash

The esports scene has evolved greatly in the past ten years, moving from niche communities to mainstream global phenomena. With the rise of services such as Twitch or YouTube, the consumption of esports content has taken an entirely new turn. As per Statista, the number of esports viewers has grown from 2020 up until 2023 virtually rising each year to an astounding figure of 2.76 billion hours in the year 2023. This rise underscores the growing appetite for real-time updates and immersive fan experiences, driving innovation across the industry.

In conjunction with the surge increase in viewers of esports, Hawk Live was launched in 2018 as a unique solution for fans of Dota 2. Solving a problem that had not been considered previously, it provided fans with a powerful tool to keep track of statistics and results of matches and news in real time. Hawk Live was quite different, it provided second instant updates and hence changed the way viewers interacted with esports enabling them to experience esports in real-time instead of enduring the delayed broadcasts videos on Twitch, Youtube or many other platforms which could take anywhere between 15 seconds to 15 minutes.

Esports has definitely grown rapidly in the past several years and so has Dota2 and its competitive scene. But if there is one thing that most fans of Dota 2 would agree on, it’s the fact that it was very difficult to keep a track of their favorite pro teams and follow the matches whenever they want to. There was a lack of coverage due to teams not having the tools to keep fans up to date instantly. Hawk Live has become a beneficial tool for players who wanted an all in one platform to track their favorite matches and get coverage all in one place.

Key features

• Live score and results: Hawk Live offers instant updates on current matches, enabling users to follow events in real time without delays. This makes the site indispensable for those who want to stay informed about ongoing games. A special interactive system in the form of a Dota 2 map tracks tower falls, net worth, and other important indicators live.
• Statistics and analysis: The platform provides detailed statistics and analysis of matches. Users can view game data not only for tier-1 teams but also for youth squads and even beginner teams from around the world, simply by selecting the desired tournament.
• Current news: Hawk Live covers all significant events in the world of esports, including tournaments, transfers, and other important updates. The news feed highlights not only Dota 2 pro scene events but also players’ personal lives, major statements from opinion leaders, and happenings in other esports disciplines, such as Deadlock, CS2, and League of Legends.
• Articles and guides: In addition to esports content, the site features guides, detailed tutorials, and articles on gameplay. Users can find resources on developing Dota 2 heroes, troubleshooting technical issues in games, and explanations of game mechanics in a dedicated gameplay section.

Looking forward to the future of esports

As personal estimates, the esports industry does not seem to be faltering any time soon, as growth expectations put out by Mordor Intelligence suggest it correlates to $2.11 billion in 2024 and lets not forget the $5.27 billion by 2029. For the there is this amazing projection, this explains not only the addition and interest of the younger generation primary to games, but also the growth of revenue opportunities to such platforms as Hawk Live. While addressing the requirements of a young user database and providing relevant information, Hawk Live sets itself to be a part of esports business model.

As esports continue to thrive, the need for quick, dependable, and extensive reporting will only increase. Hawk Live’s fresh perspective considering real-time updates and advanced technology always creates a world class user experience allowing it to be one of the leaders in this fast paced industry. Having great experience and thinking about the solid future, Hawk Live is ready to continue the trend in the media space of live score portals, enabling fans and transforming the way the world watches esports.

Try to gather as much information as possible about your customers to use it for personalization. While some companies only ask for two fields—name and email—in registration or subscription forms, others require much more. Large forms can discourage users, but breaking them into multiple steps can make them appear simpler and easier to fill out. In this article, we’ll discuss how to make a multi-step form effective.

What are multi-step forms and why they work

A standard subscription form consists of a single window with fields to fill out and a confirmation button. A multi-step form, on the other hand, has several windows that open one after another. It can be set up so users can navigate back and forth or move only forward after completing the required fields.

Multi-step forms are useful for managing complex tasks like registrations, bookings, surveys, and detailed data submissions. They show a 86% better conversion rate than regular forms. Here’s why they’re a smart choice for businesses to streamline user interactions and gather actionable insights:

• Improved User Engagement: Segmenting forms into digestible steps reduces cognitive overload, encouraging users to stay engaged through completion.
• Streamlined Usability: Progress indicators offer a clear visual guide, helping users understand how much of the process remains, which fosters a smoother journey.
• Higher Completion Rates: Simplifying navigation and breaking down lengthy forms makes users more likely to complete the task without feeling overwhelmed.
• Contextual Relevance with Conditional Logic: Multi-step forms dynamically adjust based on user responses, ensuring each interaction is tailored and efficient.
• Enhanced Conversion Opportunities: By minimizing friction and delivering a seamless experience, multi-step forms drive higher submission rates, ultimately supporting data collection and lead generation efforts.

Types of forms that thrive in a multi-step format

While single-step forms have their place, multi-step forms are particularly effective for tasks requiring more detailed data collection. Here’s where they shine:

1. Signup forms
   Take a newsletter signup process, for instance. A multi-step registration form can achieve two goals simultaneously: streamline the user experience and gather additional data to craft newsletters tailored to your audience’s preferences.
2. Lead generation forms
   Multi-step forms are great for capturing detailed information about potential customers without overwhelming them. Based on this data businesses can segment leads more effectively and identify those most likely to convert into loyal customers.
3. Surveys and feedback forms
   The number of questions in a survey or feedback form can vary, but research indicates that 5 to 15 questions often strike the right balance for actionable insights. Splitting these questions into logical steps makes the process less daunting, encouraging higher completion rates and richer data collection.
4. Pre-order forms
   When collecting pre-orders, a multi-step form offers a structured and error-resistant approach. By allowing users to validate their entries at each step, these forms reduce errors and ensure all critical fields are completed, delivering a smoother experience for both the user and the business.

Tips for optimizing multi-step forms for better conversion rates

1. Use clear progress indicators

A successful multi-step form relies on effective progress tracking. Users appreciate knowing how far they’ve come and how much remains. Tools like progress bars or step indicators at the top of the form are excellent for providing this clarity.

In some form builders progress indicators are included by default and can be customized to suit your needs. For instance, instead of a standard progress bar, you can incorporate checkpoint pages that display milestones, helping users feel accomplished at each stage.

2. Assign one task per step

Breaking down forms into logical steps ensures users remain focused. Group related fields into separate sections—for example, one step for personal details, another for contact information, and so on.

Each section should serve a clear purpose, with concise steps containing no more than five to seven fields. Adding headers to label each step can further enhance clarity and streamline the user experience.

3. Provide hints and instructions

Adding context and instructions makes forms easier to understand and complete. Brief explanations at the start of each step can help users understand why specific information is needed and how to fill in the fields accurately.

For example, when requesting an address, include a note like: “Provide the address where you’d like your items delivered.” Simple yet informative guidance like this encourages users to stay engaged and prevents confusion.

4. Design effective confirmation and error screens

The final impression your form leaves is just as important as the first. A well-crafted confirmation screen reassures users that their submission was successful. Use friendly language, visual cues like a green checkmark, and CTAs such as “View Your Account” or “Return to Homepage” to guide users seamlessly.

Error screens should be equally thoughtful. Provide specific feedback on what went wrong and actionable steps to correct it. A supportive tone, combined with options like a “Retry” button or troubleshooting suggestions, can reduce frustration and maintain trust.

5. Prioritize mobile usability

Given the prevalence of mobile users, making your multi-step forms mobile-friendly is essential. Ensure form fields and buttons are large enough to tap easily, and use vertical stacking to eliminate horizontal scrolling.

To optimize space further, disable unnecessary elements like large images or videos. These adjustments improve accessibility and create a smoother experience for users on smaller screens.

By incorporating these practices into your multi-step forms, you’ll create a user-friendly experience that drives better engagement and higher completion rates.

Featured image credit: Glenn Carstens-Peters/Unsplash

At CES 2025 in Las Vegas, AMD unveiled a range of new chips for laptops, desktops, and gaming handhelds, marking a significant move in the company’s 2025 strategy.

AMD unveils new chips and GPUs at CES 2025

AMD captured a 28.7% share of the desktop CPU segment in Q3 2024, reflecting a 9.6 percentage-point increase from the same quarter in the previous year. In the mobile segment, AMD held 22.3% of the chip market, a rise of 2.8 percentage points from the previous fiscal period.

The centerpiece of AMD’s announcement is the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, designed for gamers and creators. This processor features 16 cores based on AMD’s Zen 5 architecture, with clock speeds reaching up to 5.7GHz. Benchmarks indicate that the 9950X3D performs 8% better on average in popular games like Hogwarts Legacy and Starfield compared to the Ryzen 7950X3D. The Ryzen 9 9900X3D, which has 12 cores clocked at 5.5GHz, will also be released in Q1 2025 alongside the 9950X3D.

A complementary series, called “Fire Range,” targets midrange laptops and ultraportables, launching in the first half of 2025. The Fire Range lineup, which includes the Ryzen 9 9850HX, 9955HX, and 9955HX3D, offers 12 to 16 cores with clock speeds ranging from 5.2GHz to 5.4GHz and consumes around 54 watts, significantly lower than the 170 watts required by the 9950X3D.

AMD stock rises 3.9% during CES 2025: Is $250 within reach?

New AI and handheld processors

AMD is also entering the AI PC market with the new Ryzen AI 300 and Ryzen AI Max series processors. Each chip features a dedicated neural processing unit (NPU) aimed at enhancing specific AI tasks, such as text summarization and image editing in Windows 11. The Ryzen AI 300 series will launch in Q1/Q2 2025 and includes four models—Ryzen AI 7 350, Ryzen AI 5 340, Ryzen AI 7 Pro 350, and Ryzen AI 5 Pro 340—packing 6 to 8 cores clocked at up to 5GHz, with a potential battery life exceeding 24 hours in optimal scenarios.

The Ryzen AI Max series is positioned as AMD’s flagship for AI PCs, featuring 6 to 16 cores clocked up to 5.1GHz and integrated graphics. These processors promise superior performance in 3D rendering and AI applications. The Ryzen AI Max series includes models such as the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 and Ryzen AI Max Pro 390, set to debut in Q1/Q2 2025.

AMD also introduced the Ryzen 200 series, aimed at more budget-friendly devices, which will feature 6 to 8 cores and clock speeds up to 5.2GHz, scheduled for release in Q2 2025.

In the handheld processor segment, AMD showcased the Ryzen Z2 series for lightweight gaming-focused systems. This series includes the Ryzen Z2 Go with four cores clocked at up to 4.3GHz and 12 graphics cores, the Ryzen Z2 Extreme with eight cores at 5GHz and 16 graphics cores, and the standard Ryzen Z2 packing eight cores at 5.1GHz with 12 graphics cores. All three SKUs will be available in Q1 2025.

Graphics cards and AI features

AMD revealed its latest discrete GPUs, the Radeon RX 9070 XT and Radeon RX 9070, based on the new RDNA 4 architecture. These graphics cards aim to enhance ray tracing performance, media encoding quality, and AI acceleration. The RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 will be available from various manufacturers, including Acer, Asus, Gigabyte, and XFX, in Q1 2025.

Additionally, AMD highlighted its FidelityFX Super Resolution 4.0 technology, which uses AI algorithms to upscale game content to near 4K resolution with minimal latency. Moreover, the AMD Adrenalin software has been updated with new AI features, allowing image generation, text summarization for documents like PDFs, and an AI-powered chatbot that answers AMD-related questions.

AMD’s CES 2025 announcements are impressive, but can they truly outpace Nvidia? AMD’s making noise, and their AI push looks strong, but Nvidia’s grip on enterprise AI and high-margin GPUs is tighter than ever. AMD’s playing catch-up well, but stealing the crown? That’s gonna take more than a CES mic drop.

Featured image credit: Maxence Pira/Unsplash

Sony has officially opened reservations for its Afeela 1 electric vehicle (EV) at CES 2025, marking a significant step in the company’s five-year journey into the electric vehicle market. Customers can reserve the Afeela 1 through Sony Honda Mobility with a $200 fee.

Afeela 1 pricing and models

The Afeela 1, which was previously known as the Vision-S and Vision-S 02, comes in two versions: the Afeela 1 Origin, priced at $89,900, and the Afeela 1 Signature, costing $109,900. Initial reservations are limited to customers in California, with expected deliveries beginning in mid-2026 for the Signature version, followed by the Origin trim in 2027.

Both vehicle versions will include a three-year subscription to various services, featuring Level 2+ Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) branded as Afeela Intelligent Drive, immersive entertainment options, the Afeela Personal Agent, and more. Notable features also include a range of media applications, 3D maps, spatial sound, and 5G connectivity.

A defining characteristic of the Afeela 1 is the integration of PlayStation 5 (PS5) technology directly into its infotainment system, providing entertainment options while the vehicle is stationary. The vehicle incorporates 40 sensors—comprising cameras, LiDAR, radar, and ultrasonic sensors—to gather data from its environment, enhancing its ADAS capabilities.

Drivers will have the ability to manage in-car functions through natural voice interactions with the Afeela Personal Agent, which also offers AI conversations and activity suggestions. Deliveries of both the Afeela 1 Origin and Signature are anticipated to commence in Japan in 2026.

Yasuhide Mizuno, Chairperson and CEO of Sony Honda Mobility Inc., stated that the Afeela 1 aims to foster relationships through intelligent mobility and transform the travel experience. He emphasized that the vehicle combines advanced software with refined hardware to deliver a safe, secure, and comfortable travel experience.

Featured image credit: Afeela

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) announced an expanded lineup of processors designed for AI-enabled personal computers aimed at both consumers and commercial users during a preview event at CES 2025, held on Monday.

AMD expands AI processor lineup: Stock outlook varies among analysts

Following a challenging year, AMD’s stock fell 18% in 2024, ending the year at $120.79. However, on Friday, AMD stock rose by 3.9%, closing at $125.37. Rosenblatt Securities named AMD stock one of its eight “best ideas” for the first half of 2025, with analyst Hans Mosesmann rating it as a buy and setting a price target of $250, predicting that AMD will gain market share in CPUs from Intel (INTC) and GPUs from Nvidia (NVDA), according to Investors.com. The company is also expected to benefit from a semiconductor recovery in non-AI chips later in 2025, according to Mosesmann’s December 23 client note.

Conversely, Bernstein analyst Stacy Rasgon reaffirmed a market perform rating on AMD stock, projecting a price target of $150 and expressing a preference for remaining on the sidelines with AMD.

CES 2025: AMD expands AI chip lineup but can it outpace Nvidia

AMD’s market position and financial performance

AMD has made significant progress in the semiconductor industry, competing vigorously against Intel and NVIDIA. Its product portfolio encompasses four key segments: Data Center, Client (PCs), Embedded, and Gaming, with a current market capitalization of $210.58 billion and annual revenue of $24.3 billion. The company’s strategic acquisitions, including the $4.9 billion purchase of ZT Systems in August 2024, are aimed at enhancing its AI infrastructure capabilities for hyperscale customers.

Diving into financial health, AMD reported robust demand across both its data center and PC markets, maintaining a current ratio of 2.5, indicating sound liquidity. Analysts predict earnings per share (EPS) of $3.46 for the current fiscal year and $5.34 for the next, reflecting anticipated profitability growth driven by strong performance in key segments and ongoing strategic initiatives in AI.

In the AI and data center markets, AMD’s aMI300 product line, featuring high-performance GPU accelerators, is projected to generate over $5 billion in revenue for 2024, revised upward from earlier estimates of $4.5 billion. The AI accelerator market is expected to reach $500 billion by 2028, with analysts suggesting that AMD could capture a mid-single digit share.

Intel stock slips another 2.9%: Can it bounce back from a 57% slide?

While AMD’s focus on AI is paving the way for growth, the company continues to perform well in traditional client and gaming markets. There are signs of resilience in the PC market, where AI-enabled devices could lead to longer upgrade cycles and increased growth prospects. AMD’s technology roadmap is enhancing its competitive stance across multiple segments.

However, AMD faces challenges, particularly in the competitive AI GPU market, where it is up against established players like NVIDIA. Integration risks from the ZT Systems acquisition include potential cultural clashes, technology merging hurdles, and regulatory scrutiny.

Despite previous struggles, some analysts express optimism regarding AMD’s prospects. With a consensus Strong Buy rating supported by 24 Buy and 8 Hold recommendations, the average 12-month price target from analysts stands at $184.37, implying potential gains of nearly 42% for the year ahead.

The MI300 accelerators look promising, and AI-driven growth could be a game-changer if AMD grabs a slice of the $500B AI accelerator market. Rosenblatt’s $250 target is bold, but it’s riding on AMD stealing share from Intel and Nvidia—easier said than done.

On the flip side, Bernstein’s cautious $150 target reflects AMD’s uphill battle in GPUs and potential risks from the ZT Systems buyout. With the stock up 3.9% but down 18% in 2024, this year is do-or-die for AMD. Watch AI execution closely.

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: Timothy Dykes/Unsplash

At CES 2025, Intel unveiled its Arrow Lake CPU architecture, announcing that it will power a new generation of gaming laptops, particularly through the Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX model. This architecture features a dedicated NPU (Neural Processing Unit) that enhances AI performance, alongside a dedicated GPU for higher graphical demands.

Intel unveils Arrow Lake CPUs for next-gen gaming laptops

The Intel Core Ultra 200HX processors will include up to 24 cores, with the 285HX variant providing 8 performance cores and 16 efficiency cores. The performance cores will handle more intensive tasks while the efficiency cores manage background processes. Unlike previous iterations, these performance cores are single-threaded; however, improvements in instructions per clock (IPC) are expected to mitigate performance losses.

Intel stock slips another 2.9%: Can it bounce back from a 57% slide?

The Arrow Lake series comprises several tiers: the 200U series prioritizes efficiency, while the 200H and 200HX series focus on high performance. The 200U processors cater to mainstream and on-the-go users, supporting a maximum of 12 cores and aiming for extended battery life, boasting up to 20 hours of basic usage and about 10 hours during Microsoft Teams meetings. However, their NPU capabilities are limited to 13 trillion operations per second (TOPS).

The Core Ultra 200V series, designed for premium ultraportables, supports up to 48 TOPS, making it compatible with Intel’s Copilot+ PC program for local AI tasks. The 200H series, aimed at power users, provides a high core count (14 to 16 cores) with higher-voltage Intel Arc graphics but retains modest NPU capabilities at 11 TOPS.

The most robust offering, the 200HX series, suits creators and gamers requiring exceptional processing power. These chips range from the Core Ultra 5 235HX to the Core Ultra 9 285HX, featuring configurations that deliver up to 13 TOPS from the NPU but remain focused on computational power rather than significantly enhanced AI performance.

Intel also highlighted advancements in connectivity with the latest models, offering maximum compatibility with Thunderbolt 5 and AI-based networking optimizations through integrated Wi-Fi 7. This technology ensures faster and more reliable connections, further bolstering laptop capabilities.

Intel plans to roll out these new processors across various laptop designs starting this month, with further releases to follow in the first quarter of 2025. The introduction comes as the company approaches a critical phase in reclaiming its position amid significant market competition from companies like AMD and Qualcomm, who are also advancing their own processor technologies.

Intel’s Arrow Lake CPUs could be their Hail Mary at CES 2025—but will it be enough to reclaim the throne? With AMD dominating in efficiency and performance and Apple flexing its silicon muscle, Intel’s got a lot to prove. Arrow Lake promises groundbreaking power-per-watt gains and AI-accelerated features, but we’ve heard similar pitches before. Execution will be key.

The big question: Can Intel meet delivery timelines and outperform Ryzen and M-series chips? If not, Arrow Lake might end up another footnote in Intel’s long slide.

Featured image credit: Brecht Corbeel/Unsplash

Shares of FuboTV (FUBO) surged by over 239% on Monday after the company announced a merger with Hulu + Live TV, owned by Walt Disney (DIS), that will operate under the fuboTV name and ticker.

FuboTV shares surge 239% after Hulu merger announcement

FuboTV will hold a 30% stake in the new venture, while Disney will own the remaining 70%. The merger is seen as a positive development for FuboTV, which has struggled to achieve profitability. As part of the agreement, FuboTV will receive a $220 million cash settlement from Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery related to ongoing litigation concerning the proposed Venu Sports joint venture. Disney will also provide a $145 million loan to FuboTV in the upcoming year and a $130 million termination fee if the merger faces regulatory hurdles.

FuboTV’s management team will continue to lead the new entity, although the board of directors will be majority appointed by Disney. The merger is expected to significantly enhance FuboTV’s service offerings by including Hulu programming and traditional cable channels.

Why Luminar stock gained 20% and what could come next

The combined businesses will boast approximately 6.2 million North American subscribers and generate about $6 billion in annual revenue. Analysts anticipate that the new platform will be cash-flow positive upon its inception. The deal also paves the way for potential collaborations between ESPN and FuboTV as ESPN prepares to launch its streaming service later this year.

As part of the merger, FuboTV has dropped its legal challenges against Venu Sports, which was developed by Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery. Previously, a judge issued a preliminary injunction stating that the launch of Venu Sports would significantly restrict competition in the market.

The Hulu + Live TV merger is a game-changer—but don’t let FOMO blind you. Disney’s 70% stake means they’re driving, not FuboTV.

Sure, 6.2M subscribers and $6B in revenue sound great, but profitability’s still a big question mark. Regulatory hurdles or boardroom drama could hit harder than expected. Tread lightly.

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: FuboTV

Anker unveiled its Solix Solar Beach Umbrella at CES 2025, designed to provide shade while charging devices through integrated solar technology. The umbrella incorporates next-generation perovskite solar cells, capable of producing up to 100W of total output via XT-60 and USB-C connections.

Anker unveils solar beach umbrella with advanced perovskite technology

Perovskite cells are considered a significant advancement over traditional silicon-based solar cells, offering 30% better performance in bright conditions and double the efficiency in low light. Current silicon solar cells achieve a maximum efficiency of around 24%, with theoretical limits near 30%. Anker’s technology can potentially achieve much higher efficiencies, especially when layered with silicon, reaching solar conversion efficiencies of up to 43% due to their ability to absorb different parts of the light spectrum.

CES 2025: Dell will call its laptops “Dell” from now on

Despite the advancements, Anker has not disclosed specific details about its perovskite solar cells, such as their exact conversion efficiencies or life expectancy. This lack of transparency raises questions about the reliability of perovskite technology, particularly given its historical issues with longevity. The Solix Solar Beach Umbrella measures just over seven feet tall (215cm) with a six-foot, two-inch (190cm) diameter and features an IP67 rating for durability against sand and rain.

The umbrella is set for release before summer 2025, although Anker has not yet determined its price. Alongside the umbrella, Anker announced the Solix EverFrost 2 Electric Cooler, available in sizes of 23L, 40L, and 58L. This cooler boasts six-inch wheels for easy transport and a versatile fold-down tray, providing dual-zone fridge and freezer options only on the 58L model.

The EverFrost 2 employs air-cooled refrigeration, differentiating it from many competitors, but may result in increased noise and reduced power efficiency. The cooler can maintain cooling for up to 104 hours using two detachable 288Wh LFP batteries, which also serve as power banks with USB-C and USB-A charging options. The batteries can be charged via a 100W solar input, a 12V car socket, an AC wall jack, or USB-C connection. Pricing for the EverFrost 2 starts at $699 for the 23L model, $749 for the 40L, and $999 for the 58L, with preorders for the larger models commencing on February 21st.

Image credits: Anker

Luminar Technologies (NASDAQ: LAZR) saw its stock surge by 20.7% in Monday’s trading, reaching this increase by 1:30 p.m. ET, against a backdrop of a 0.9% rise in the S&P 500 index and a 1.4% gain in the Nasdaq Composite index.

Luminar stock jumps 20.7% amid Nvidia optimism

The significant rise in Luminar’s stock is linked to a bullish momentum in the semiconductor sector. Investors are optimistic about potential announcements from Nvidia regarding its partnership with Luminar at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) conference scheduled for tonight.

Nvidia’s stock also increased following a positive fourth-quarter report from Foxconn, a major client. Foxconn reported record revenue, primarily driven by demand for AI-related technologies. This performance highlights strong demand conditions for Nvidia, which in turn is contributing to broader optimism in the semiconductor industry, benefiting companies like Luminar.

Additionally, anticipation surrounds Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s keynote presentation at CES, set to begin at 9:30 p.m. ET. Investors expect updates on Nvidia’s automotive technology initiatives, which could include advancements involving Luminar’s lidar technologies, as the two companies aim to integrate these systems into autonomous vehicles.

Nvidia’s stock shows warning signs despite 177% yearly gain

Despite the current positive momentum, Luminar has faced significant volatility, with its share price down approximately 84% over the past year. If Huang mentions Luminar or lidar in his CES keynote, it could trigger further increases in the company’s stock value. However, past collaboration news between Luminar and Nvidia has been limited over the last year.

In its most recent quarterly report, Luminar’s revenue fell 8.6% year over year to $15.5 million. The company’s valuation, currently seen as beaten down, opens the possibility for substantial upside if new positive catalysts emerge, though its recent performance trajectory indicates a high level of risk for investors.

Investors are banking on Jensen Huang dropping some magic words like “lidar” or “Luminar” tonight. If he does? Boomtown.

But let’s not forget: this stock’s down 84% this year for a reason. Revenue dropped, and past Nvidia collabs didn’t exactly move mountains. This pop could be a short-lived sugar rush unless CES delivers big. Risk-tolerant traders only—don’t chase the green without a parachute.

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: Luminar

Asus has introduced the world’s first Thunderbolt 5 eGPU, the 2025 Asus XG Mobile, which promises powerful graphics and extensive connectivity when connected to compatible laptops and handhelds.

Asus XG Mobile features and specifications

The Asus XG Mobile is a smoky black translucent box that serves as a powerful portable docking station rather than a traditional gaming PC. When connected, it adds the power of Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 5090 mobile chip, up to 140 watts of power, supports dual monitors, and includes a USB and SD card reader hub as well as 5Gbps ethernet, all connected via a single Thunderbolt 5 cable. This dock operates on an 80 gigabit per second bidirectional link, allowing for more functionalities than previously seen with a single cable.

Asus claims the XG Mobile is the first standards-based portable eGPU featuring an Nvidia graphics chip. Previous models, like the last-gen XG Mobile, required a proprietary connection only available on select Asus devices, limiting its accessibility compared to this new standard. Additionally, while it may not outpower larger docks that house desktop graphics cards, the Thunderbolt 5 link provides up to 64Gbps of bandwidth for the Nvidia graphics.

CES 2025: Dell will call its laptops “Dell” from now on

Weighing under 2.2 pounds, the XG Mobile includes a 350W power supply integrated into the unit, requiring no external brick. The new model is said to be 25 percent lighter and 18 percent smaller than its predecessor. It offers HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.1 for video output, along with two 10Gbps USB-A ports.

The highest-tier version of the XG Mobile, featuring the RTX 5090 mobile chip, is priced at $2,199.99, while a lower-end model with the RTX 5070 Ti will retail for $1,199.99. The device is designed to work with any Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 laptop or handheld, but to fully utilize the GPU bandwidth, a Thunderbolt 5 connection is recommended.

Updated Asus Zephyrus models

The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is receiving an upgrade to include an RTX 5080, maintaining a slim profile at 0.63 inches thick and weighing 3.46 pounds. This year’s model has increased in size by just 2mm compared to last year’s version, which topped out with an RTX 4070. It will feature an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, up to 2TB of PCIe 4.0 storage, and 32GB of LPDDR5X-7500 memory, alongside the same 2,880 x 1,800 ROG Nebula OLED display with a 240Hz refresh rate. The laptop also supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. The current design remains unchanged, with customizable Slash Lighting included but retains limitations such as soldered memory and potential overheating issues.

CES 2025: Nvidia RTX 5090 brings 2X the power of 4090

The 16-inch Zephyrus G16 will similarly be upgraded to support the RTX 5090, featuring up to 130 watts of power, alongside a potential configuration of up to 64GB of RAM with an Intel Core Ultra 9 285H. The external design remains unchanged except for a minor adjustment of one USB-C port to the other side.

Asus has not yet disclosed release dates or pricing for the upgraded Zephyrus laptops, but previous models experienced price increases due to premium materials, leading to anticipation regarding the cost of these upcoming devices.

Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 upgrade details

The 2025 Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 has been redesigned to prioritize user upgradeability. It features a new design with RGB down-lighting and a Mini-LED Nebula HDR display, along with a new Intel HX Series mobile CPU and Nvidia RTX 50-series GPU. The laptop incorporates a tool-less upgrade mechanism, featuring a single sliding latch that reveals access to NVMe slots and SO-DIMM memory packages for easy swapping.

Asus has also introduced several new models in the RTX 5000 series during CES 2025, releasing six systems equipped with the latest Nvidia Blackwell GPUs. The ROG Strix Scar 16 and 18 can be configured with up to an RTX 5090 and Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX CPUs, supporting mini LED panels and offering 100 percent DCI-P3 color accuracy. Cooling systems within these models utilize Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal on the CPU and GPU, designed to operate with a noise level of 45 dB while maintaining peak performance.

The Strix G16 and G18 cater to a mainstream audience with slightly lower specs, supporting up to an RTX 5080 on Intel models, while AMD configurations maximum out at an RTX 5070 Ti. All variants feature ROG Nebula screens with the same mini LED technology for enhanced visuals and support for dual M.2 slots, facilitating user upgrades.

Featured image credit: Asus

BlackBerry (BB) stock has seen significant gains today, rising by 11%, following several announcements from its QNX division focused on automotive software development.

BlackBerry’s QNX division makes key announcements

On January 2, BlackBerry announced the renaming of its IoT division to QNX. This shift was quickly followed by new announcements detailing projects and features from QNX. Among these is the launch of the QNX Cabin framework, designed to assist original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in virtualizing digital cockpit development.

BlackBerry also introduced the QNX Everywhere project, aimed at bolstering developer support and promoting broader adoption of QNX’s software beyond traditional commercial applications.

QNX announced partnerships with Vector and TTTech to develop a foundation-level software platform for vehicles. This platform intends to simplify software integration, allowing auto OEMs to concentrate on creating high-quality consumer interfaces and applications.

Furthermore, QNX revealed a collaboration with Microsoft to innovate automotive software, planning to integrate the QNX Software Development Platform 8.0 with Microsoft Azure. This integration will provide a cloud-based suite for developing, testing, and integrating software for IoT devices and vehicles.

BlackBerry’s Chief Operating Officer, John Wall, underscored the importance of a cloud-first strategy, which aims to enhance the development infrastructure. The partnership with Microsoft is expected to leverage Microsoft Azure AI for advanced technologies during the early stages of development, aiming to reduce risks and accelerate timelines.

Microsoft’s Corporate Vice President, Dayan Rodriguez, highlighted the collaboration’s potential to empower the automotive sector with advanced technologies. Future expansions of this partnership will include offerings that integrate QNX Hypervisor and the new QNX Cabin, enabling OEMs to build hardware-agnostic digital cockpits via cloud technology.

QNX plans to demonstrate the capabilities of the QNX Software Development Platform (SDP) 8.0 on Azure at the upcoming CES 2025, showcasing early software testing and validation processes crucial for timely issue resolution during development.

BlackBerry’s been a “hope stock” before. Execution on these shiny partnerships and frameworks will make or break it. Until QNX proves it’s not just hype, this rally might be a sugar high. CES 2025? Make or break moment.

Featured image credit: Randy Lu/Unsplash

Dell Technologies Inc. announced a significant rebranding of its laptop and desktop lines during CES 2025, replacing longstanding names such as XPS, Inspiron, Latitude, and Precision with a simplified naming scheme. Future products will be categorized under “Dell”, “Dell Pro”, and “Dell Pro Max”, which will feature a three-tier system of Base, Plus, and Premium models.

Meet Dell, Dell Pro and Dell Pro Max

The rebranding aims to provide a clearer understanding of system capabilities for consumers. “Dell” will cater to basic computing needs, “Dell Pro” will focus on business productivity, and “Dell Pro Max” will be tailored for high-performance users, according to Kevin Terwilliger, vice president of Dell’s client product group.

New products announced include various configurations of the Dell Plus, Dell Pro, and Dell Pro Premium laptops. The Dell Plus series consists of lower-end 14-inch and 16-inch laptops powered by Intel Core Ultra processors, featuring up to 32GB of RAM and 2TB of storage. Dell’s Pro Base range introduced 13- and 14-inch laptops equipped with Intel Core processors, available with up to 64GB of RAM and 2TB of storage.

The newly launched Dell Pro Premium laptops come with Nvidia RTX graphics and can accommodate up to 4TB of storage. Notably, the Dell Pro 14 Premium model includes an advanced tandem OLED display, enhancing brightness and energy efficiency, along with quieter operation due to a dual-fan thermal design and power-efficient Intel Lunar Lake CPUs.

In addition, the Pro Premium series will feature a modular USB-C port for easier repair and durability. Enhanced webcams, improved audio systems, and more efficient keyboard backlighting are also part of the new models.

CES 2025: Nvidia RTX 5090 brings 2X the power of 4090

Future Dell Pro devices will leverage AMD Ryzen AI Pro processors, marking a significant collaboration for both companies, as AMD has not previously been featured in Dell’s business-focused machines. This partnership is set to begin in the northern spring.

Pricing details remain undisclosed for many of the new products, but the Dell 14 Plus will start at $1,099, while the Dell 16 Plus begins at $1,149, with shipments expected to commence on February 18, 2025.

Image credits: Dell

Intel (INTC) stock was down by 2.9% as of 3 p.m. ET Monday, amid broader market gains where the S&P 500 rose by 0.5% and the Nasdaq Composite increased by 1%. The decline is attributed to a Wall Street Journal article published late Friday highlighting the company’s competitive struggles.

Intel’s stock declines again

Intel’s issues are more severe than previously understood. It noted the company’s declining market share in semiconductors and challenges to traditional profit sources. Intel faces robust competition from disruptive innovators like Nvidia, rising competitors such as AMD, and smaller challengers. Additionally, Intel is under pressure from Microsoft, a crucial partner in its personal and business computing sectors. Mims pointed out that AMD surpassed Intel in sales in the vital data center segment last quarter.

While focusing on the chip design business, the performance of Intel’s fabrication segment is critical for its stock valuation. Intel ranks as the world’s third-largest chip fabrication company, trailing Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company and Samsung. However, Intel’s fabrication performance lags significantly behind TSMC’s, as the company has missed key benchmarks. Intel chose to bypass its 20A fabrication node, and initial indications regarding its 18A process node are not promising. This situation poses a substantial challenge as the 18A node was central to Intel’s fabrication strategy under former CEO Pat Gelsinger.

Which chip stock to buy: Intel, AMD or Qualcomm?

Consequently, Intel’s stock has declined by approximately 57% over the past year. Although its current valuation may present potential for recovery, regaining investor confidence will require Intel to articulate a credible strategy and demonstrate effective execution.

The technical analysis of Intel’s stock indicates a period of consolidation. The stock closed at $20.56, slightly above its 20-day moving average of $20.25, indicating bullish potential yet lacking clear upward momentum. The stock has tracked sideways since August, between $19 and $24, reflecting a lack of directional strength. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) stands at 45.92, indicating bearish momentum is stronger than bullish momentum.

Recent trading patterns suggest resistance levels around the $20 to $22 price range, as indicated by high trading volumes. Analysts believe that significant upward movement will require a shift in investor sentiment within this range, which remains unlikely due to ongoing uncertainties regarding Intel’s fundamentals.

Moreover, the latest price action suggests that Intel’s stock is set for continued consolidation, as reflected in its Bollinger Bands. The price resides within a narrow range of $19.25 to $21.25, with expectations of steady movement until the announcement of the next earnings report.

The company’s third-quarter results showed a revenue drop to $13.28 billion, marking a 6% year-over-year decline and leading to an anticipated loss for the fiscal year. The forward consensus estimate for Intel’s fourth-quarter earnings per share is projected at negative $0.22 on a GAAP basis.

Despite the challenges, Intel is implementing cost-cutting and productivity measures that could aid recovery in the future. Additionally, improvements in inventory metrics signal potential for recovery; Intel’s inventory decreased from $13.2 billion to $12.06 billion, with days of inventory outstanding dropping from over 150 days to approximately 94 days.

The once-mighty chip king has lost 57% over the year, and it’s not just a “market phase.” AMD’s eating its lunch in data centers, Nvidia’s flexing AI dominance, and TSMC’s miles ahead in fabrication tech. Intel’s 18A process is supposed to be its lifeline, but early signs? Not great. Recovery needs more than cost cuts and “potential improvements”—it needs actual wins. Right now, this stock’s just trading sideways between $19–$24, stuck like it’s in a tech purgatory.

Can it bounce back? Sure, if they pull a miracle in fabrication or stop bleeding market share. But that RSI of 45? It’s screaming bearish vibes louder than Intel execs hyping their next-gen node. Investors hoping for a rally might want to wait until earnings hit or new leadership magic kicks in.

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: Rubaitul Azad/Unsplash

According to a recent BBC report, Apple plans to release a software update that will clarify when its notification summaries are generated by artificial intelligence (AI) after reports of inaccurate news alerts. This announcement follows a BBC complaint regarding misleading information from its latest iPhone features.

Apple plans software update to clarify AI-generated notifications

Apple’s public acknowledgment of the issue came on Monday, indicating that the update aims to “further clarify” summarization notifications produced by the Apple Intelligence system. A spokesperson mentioned, “We encourage users to report a concern if they view an unexpected notification summary.” The company noted that Apple Intelligence features are in beta and improvements are ongoing based on user feedback.

Apple Intelligence caused chaos with a false murder report

The BBC highlighted specific instances of inaccuracies, including a summary claiming that Luigi Mangione, accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, had committed suicide. Another erroneous summary wrongly stated that Luke Littler had won the PDC World Darts Championship before the event began and that Rafael Nadal had come out as gay. These flawed AI-generated summaries do not accurately reflect the original content, according to the BBC.

Apple’s notification summaries, which are designed to aggregate and rewrite the previews of multiple app notifications, were recently rolled out in the UK and are only available on certain iPhone models and iPads running iOS 18.1 and above. While a small icon indicates that the notifications are not from the original apps, its significance may not be clear to users.

In response to the errors, Reporters Without Borders has urged Apple to disable the generative AI feature, labeling it as “too immature to produce reliable information for the public.” Apple competes in a crowded AI landscape, with other tech companies like Meta and Google also facing challenges in labeling AI-generated content accurately.

Users retain the option to disable these summaries through their device settings.

Featured image credit: Medhat Dawoud/Unsplash

Wolfe Research has reiterated its positive outlook on Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ: META), maintaining an Outperform rating and raising its price target from $670 to $730. Currently, Meta’s stock trades at $604.63, below its 52-week high of $638.40. Analysts attribute this bullish sentiment to anticipated financial gains from Meta’s video unification efforts and Threads monetization, which they believe are not fully reflected in current market estimates.

Wolfe Research raises Meta’s price target to $730, cites video growth’

Wolfe Research’s analysts project that Meta’s fiscal year 2026 earnings per share (EPS) will exceed consensus estimates by 5%, driven by video unification’s positive effects on advertising revenue. They estimate that Threads could generate between $3 to $4 billion in revenue by 2026, enhancing the monetization opportunities beyond that year.

In June 2024, Meta began unifying its video player across platforms, aiming to increase the share of short-form videos. As a result of these initiatives, Facebook’s video viewership has reportedly increased by 10% year-over-year. Furthermore, Meta’s introduction of full-screen immersive viewing in the UCAN region is set to expand further in early 2025. Wolfe Research forecasts that over 40% of the video content on Facebook will consist of short-form videos, monetizing at over $3 CPM with an ad load exceeding 30%.

The firm’s analysis also highlights that Meta’s 2025 EPS could surpass market expectations by 5.5%. The analysts maintain that the revenue potential from Threads has not been adequately factored into existing estimates, presenting an attractive mid-term monetization opportunity.

Alongside Wolfe Research, other analyst firms have expressed confidence in Meta’s future growth. JMP Securities increased Meta’s price target to $750 while maintaining a Market Outperform rating, and RBC Capital raised its target to $700. These firms emphasize Meta’s advancements in artificial intelligence and advertising capabilities as catalysts for growth.

Intel stock slips another 2.9%: Can it bounce back from a 57% slide?

In addition to these developments, Nicholas Clegg, Meta’s president of global affairs, announced he would step down, and Joel Kaplan will succeed him. Kaplan, who has been with the company since 2011, is expected to take on significant responsibilities regarding content policies and elections.

On the market, Meta’s stock has seen significant gains, climbing nearly 77% over the previous year. Analysts anticipate that the company’s earnings for 2024 will reach $22.66 per share, with projected EPS expected to grow further in subsequent years, driven by ongoing AI initiatives.

Meta’s stock might look like a rocket ride to $730, but don’t slap the “guaranteed win” sticker on it just yet. Sure, Threads might rake in a few billion, and short-form video is the hot new cash cow—but what happens if CPMs tank or users decide they’ve had enough scrolling? Betting the farm on one shiny monetization play isn’t exactly a bulletproof strategy. And let’s not forget: AI isn’t a free lunch.

Also, Kaplan stepping into the big chair for content policies? Bold move, Meta. But new captains don’t always steer clear of icebergs. Everyone’s talking about how video unification is genius, but nobody’s asking how sustainable it is when competitors start undercutting ad pricing. This stock might be riding high now, but if even one piece of the puzzle wobbles, it could get ugly real quick. Keep your stop-loss tight, and maybe don’t YOLO into that $750 price target just yet.

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: Meta

Nvidia has announced its RTX 50-series GPUs, featuring four new models: the RTX 5090 priced at $1,999, the RTX 5080 at $999, the RTX 5070 Ti at $749, and the RTX 5070 at $549. The GPUs will be available starting January 30, 2025, with the RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5070 following in February.

Nvidia announces RTX 50-series GPUs with advanced features

The RTX 50-series, utilizing the new Blackwell architecture, boasts significant improvements over previous models. The RTX 5090 Founders Edition includes 32GB of GDDR7 memory, 21,760 CUDA cores, and a memory bandwidth of 1,792 GB/s.

Nvidia claims this GPU will deliver performance up to twice that of the RTX 4090, helped by DLSS 4 technology. In a demo, Cyberpunk 2077 achieved 238 fps on the RTX 5090 compared to 106 fps on the RTX 4090, both with full ray tracing enabled.

RTX 5090 leaked: The GPU that’s breaking size and power records

The RTX 5080 is expected to be twice as fast as the RTX 4080, featuring 16GB of GDDR7 memory, 10,752 CUDA cores, and a memory bandwidth of 960 GB/s. Its total graphics power is rated at 360 watts, with Nvidia recommending an 850-watt power supply.

The RTX 5070 Ti will have 16GB of GDDR7 memory and 8,960 CUDA cores, while the RTX 5070 will feature 12GB of GDDR7 and 6,144 CUDA cores. The 5070 Ti is rated for a total graphics power of 300 watts and requires a 750-watt power supply; the 5070 is at 250 watts, needing a 650-watt PSU. Both models will reportedly offer substantial performance gains over their predecessors.

The RTX 50-series GPUs will also support DisplayPort 2.1b connectors for 8K resolution and 165Hz refresh rates, while utilizing a new design featuring two double flow-through fans and a 3D vapor chamber.

Scaling to laptops and AI integrations

Nvidia plans to extend the RTX 50-series to laptops, with models featuring varying GDDR7 memory configurations: the RTX 5090 laptop GPU will have 24GB, the RTX 5080 will have 16GB, the RTX 5070 Ti will include 12GB, and the RTX 5070 will have 8GB. These laptops are expected to launch in March 2025.

DLSS 4 technology will enhance gaming performance, offering real-time application of transformers for improved image quality and detail in motion. This technology will also extend to existing RTX GPUs, albeit with some features exclusive to the new series.

During the CES announcement, CEO Jensen Huang highlighted the robust capabilities of the RTX 50-series within both gaming and AI contexts, presenting a potential dual utility in advanced graphical performance and artificial intelligence applications.

Featured image credit: Nvidia

The AMD Ryzen Z2 series has leaked ahead of its planned announcement at CES 2025 according to VideoCardz, showcasing new processors aimed at handheld gaming devices like the Lenovo Legion Go and ASUS ROG Ally. The Z2 lineup is expected to enhance performance and battery life compared to its predecessor, the Z1 range.

AMD Ryzen Z2 series leaks ahead of CES 2025 announcement

Reported by VideoCardz, the Z2 processors are still based on RDNA 3 technology and will include three different chip configurations: Ryzen Z2, Ryzen Z2 Go, and Ryzen Z2 Extreme. The Z2 Extreme will feature 8 Zen 5 cores and 16 RDNA 3.5 compute units, offering significant performance improvements over previous models.

The Ryzen Z2 Go will exclusively power the upcoming Lenovo Legion Go S, catering to budget-conscious gamers with its 4 Zen 3+ cores and 12 RDNA 2 compute units. Meanwhile, the standard Ryzen Z2 will utilize the Hawk Point architecture with 8 Zen 4 cores and 12 RDNA 3 compute units.

Interestingly, AMD hinted that Valve might leverage the Z2 series in upcoming devices. However, Pierre-Loup Griffais from the Steam Deck development team clarified on BlueSky, stating, “There is and will be no Z2 Steam Deck,” suggesting that any mention of Valve was likely referencing third-party devices and not a new Steam Deck.

Which chip stock to buy: Intel, AMD or Qualcomm?

AMD plans to unveil the Ryzen Z2 APUs and additional products during its CES 2025 presentation on January 6, 2025, at 11 AM PT. This event is expected to generate substantial anticipation as the handheld gaming market continues to grow rapidly, with competing devices also in development from major companies like Nintendo and Microsoft.

The growing interest in handheld gaming devices underscores the industry’s shift toward accommodating gamers who may not have direct access to their consoles or PCs.

Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/Ideogram

Belkin has announced the Stage PowerGrip, a multifunctional accessory featuring a magnetic battery pack and shutter button for iPhone photography. Set to launch in May 2025, pricing details remain undisclosed.

Belkin launches Stage PowerGrip for improved iPhone photography

The Stage PowerGrip is designed to resemble a classic point-and-shoot camera, enhancing the user experience for photography enthusiasts. It connects via MagSafe and is compatible with iPhone 12 and newer models. Once attached, the device serves as a stand, allowing users to position their iPhones both vertically and horizontally.

Equipped with a Bluetooth-enabled shutter button, the PowerGrip allows users to take pictures using the iOS camera app. It houses a robust 10,000mAh battery capable of charging an iPhone approximately one and a half times. Magnetic wireless charging reaches up to 7.5 watts, while a built-in retractable USB-C cable provides additional charging options either for the iPhone or other devices.

The PowerGrip features an LED screen that displays the remaining battery percentage. Belkin will offer the accessory in five color options: powder blue, sandbox, fresh yellow, pepper, and lavender. In comparison, Apple’s ShiftCam ProGrip, which offers similar functionality but at a price of $149.95, emphasizes the affordable potential of Belkin’s upcoming product.

In addition to the Stage PowerGrip, Belkin showcased a range of new products at CES 2025, including updated chargers and audio devices made with up to 90% recycled materials, further enhancing its commitment to sustainability. The following products will begin shipping in Q2 2025: 45W, 65W, 70W, and 100W GaN wall chargers, and a 15W wireless charger, among others.

Image credits: Belkin

Investors are evaluating IonQ and Rigetti Computing, two early movers in the quantum computing market, to determine which represents a better investment opportunity.

Investors assess IonQ vs. Rigetti for better opportunities

IonQ offers three types of quantum computing systems: the Aria quantum system, the Forte system, and the Forte Enterprise system. The company markets its products and services primarily to government clients and universities while also providing its quantum computing power as a cloud-based service. IonQ is developing “trapped ion” technology aimed at shrinking the size of its quantum processing units (QPUs) from a few feet to a few inches, which could lead to more affordable and powerful systems in the future. Despite a setback from the unexpected departure of co-founder and chief scientist Chris Monroe, IonQ has continued to grow, installing more systems and securing new government contracts and AI partnerships.

Rigetti, on the other hand, designs and manufactures its own QPUs and allows developers to write custom quantum algorithms on its Forest cloud platform, which positions it as a “full stack” quantum computing company. Following the abrupt resignation of founder Chad Rigetti from his executive roles in December 2022, the company launched two significant products. In December 2023, Rigetti introduced its Novera QPU, a commercial model that contains 9 qubits at a cost of $900,000, which has attracted orders from major government and research entities. Rigetti also deployed its first 84-qubit Ankaa-3 system, capable of detecting over 99% of processing errors, and plans to release a 100-qubit system with an even higher error detection capability this year.

You won’t believe why Rigetti stock went 40% down

Both IonQ and Rigetti went public through special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) but fell short of their pre-merger revenue targets. IonQ reported $22 million in revenue for 2023, below its goal of $34 million, while Rigetti generated only $12 million, also missing its $34 million target. Despite these setbacks, their stocks reached all-time highs in December 2024 due to positive market sentiment regarding their progress. Analysts forecast IonQ’s revenue will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 89% to reach $148 million by 2026, while Rigetti’s revenue is expected to grow at a CAGR of 43% to $35 million by the same year.

Both companies are projected to remain unprofitable for the foreseeable future and may need to dilute their shares to raise cash and manage stock-based compensation. Since its SPAC merger, IonQ has increased its share count by 10%, whereas Rigetti’s share count has risen by 69%. IonQ’s enterprise value stands at $8.8 billion, equating to 59 times its estimated 2026 sales, while Rigetti’s enterprise value of $4.3 billion implies 123 times its anticipated 2026 sales.

The quantum computing sector is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 34.8% from 2024 to 2032, driven by advancements in chip size and error detection efficiency. Both IonQ and Rigetti are positioned to capitalize on this growth, but their current valuations warrant cautious investment considerations. However, IonQ’s superior scale, higher projected growth rates, lower dilution, and more favorable valuation suggest it stands out as a better buy compared to Rigetti at this time for most analysts.

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

Investors should pay close attention to Palantir Technologies (PLTR) in 2025 as its stock shows signs of disconnect from its underlying business fundamentals. Following a remarkable 2024 with a 356% stock increase, much of the gain appears linked to hype around its AI capabilities rather than actual business performance.

Investors wary of Palantir’s stock disconnect from fundamentals

Palantir specializes in software that processes large volumes of information to provide actionable insights in real-time. Initially focused on government contracts, Palantir has successfully expanded into the commercial sector, primarily driven by demand for its Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP). This platform integrates AI into clients’ operations, enhancing its appeal beyond standalone tools. In Q3 2024, the company’s revenue rose 30% year-over-year to $726 million, with U.S. commercial revenue seeing an impressive 54% increase to $179 million. Palantir’s limited customer base of 321 U.S. commercial clients suggests significant growth potential.

However, the cost of Palantir’s software is a crucial factor. The annualized average revenue per U.S. commercial client is approximately $2.23 million, indicating that only a limited number of companies can afford this premium service. Alternatives such as outsourcing AI projects to consulting firms or developing in-house solutions pose additional competition, potentially limiting Palantir’s growth unless it introduces a more affordable product line.

Palantir’s $100 stock price target may be closer than you think

Concerns about valuation

Palantir’s stock valuation has raised concerns among analysts. Currently, it trades at 378 times earnings and 69 times sales, starkly contrasting with Nvidia, which has never exceeded 247 times earnings and 46 times sales despite significant revenue growth. If Palantir sustains a 30% revenue growth rate over the next five years and achieves a 30% profit margin, it would still only justify trading at 60 times earnings—considered expensive by industry standards—at current stock prices. Analyst estimates show a projected revenue growth of only 24% for the next year, suggesting that existing valuations are overly optimistic.

As of now, Palantir’s market capitalization sits at $167 billion, with a trailing price-to-earnings ratio exceeding 60, based on future earnings potential of $3 billion by 2029. This figure is nearly three times greater than the S&P 500’s forward price-to-earnings ratio of 22. Furthermore, the stock’s price-to-sales ratio of 68 represents some of the highest valuations historically seen in the growth stock arena, raising the risk for prospective investors.

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

A recent leak has revealed key specifications for the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090, confirming its 32 GB GDDR7 VRAM and massive cooler size. These details align with prior rumors regarding the upcoming flagship graphics card.

CES 2025: Nvidia RTX 5090 brings 2X the power of 4090

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 specifications detailed

The leak, sourced from VideoCardz, includes an image of the retail box for the RTX 5090, confirming its VRAM capacity of 32 GB GDDR7. This is a significant increase from the 24 GB GDDR6X found in the RTX 4090.

The graphics card will feature a 3.5-slot cooler, similar to the largest models of the RTX 4090, but reportedly with even greater width, likely surpassing the dimensions of models like the Palit GameRock.

Specs taken from VideoCardz

The RTX 5090 is expected to consume 575 Watts of power, necessitating robust cooling solutions. The card in question is identified as an Inno3D iChill X3 model. Although the image does not provide visibility of the back, it is anticipated that DLSS 4.0 will be introduced alongside the RTX 50 series.

Nvidia RTX 50 series leaked and they might be big (in size)

Availability of the RTX 5090 may lag behind the RTX 5080, which is set to launch in late January 2024, specifically around January 21. There are currently no definitive timelines for the RTX 5090’s release, but a gap of several weeks is expected.

In addition to the larger memory, the RTX 5090’s pricing has become a topic of discussion, with estimates ranging from $2,000 to $2,500. This represents a notable increase from the RTX 4090’s launch price of $1,600. The rumors surrounding the potential twin 16-pin 12VPWR power connectors for the RTX 5090 remain unconfirmed, as the details in the leak do not display the power connector configuration.

Featured image credit: Andrey Matveev/Unsplash

At CES 2025, LG and Samsung revealed their new smart TVs, incorporating Microsoft’s Copilot AI assistant in select models. Both companies aim to leverage AI advancements, embedding dedicated AI sections with access to the Copilot web app.

LG and Samsung unveil smart TVs with Microsoft Copilot AI

LG is creating a comprehensive AI section within its smart TVs and has renamed its remote control to “AI Remote.” The company promotes Copilot as a tool that enables users to “efficiently find and organize complex information using contextual cues.” However, LG has not yet detailed how Copilot will function on its TVs, and its integration is still untested in demonstrations.

The introduction of Copilot on LG TVs is intended to assist users with searching for additional information on various topics. Alongside this feature, LG has showcased its own AI Chatbot as part of its smart TV offerings.

Samsung, on the other hand, has initiated its Vision AI brand for AI features, which includes capabilities like AI upscaling, Auto HDR Remastering, and Adaptive Sound Pro. Samsung’s updated remote features a button dedicated to AI functions, including food recognition on screen and home security features that analyze video feeds from smart cameras. Microsoft’s Copilot will also be integrated into this Vision AI section, allowing users to access various Copilot services, such as personalized content recommendations, according to Samsung’s press release.

Despite requests for further information on how Copilot will be implemented on their devices, Samsung, LG, and Microsoft have yet to provide additional details or visual demonstrations. As a result, the efficacy of Copilot as a feature within their TVs remains unconfirmed.

Samsung Vision AI advancements

At the CES 2025 First Look event, Samsung announced that it would be bringing Samsung Vision AI to its widest lineup of TVs yet, which includes Neo QLED, OLED, QLED, and The Frame models. This initiative focuses on creating intelligent, adaptive screens intended to enhance the viewing experience beyond traditional TV functionality.

Samsung’s brightest foldable OLED yet unveiled at CES 2025

Key features of Samsung Vision AI include:

• Click to search: Allows instant information access about on-screen content without interrupting the viewing experience.
• Live translate: Facilitates real-time subtitle translations, breaking down language barriers.
• Generative wallpaper: Lets users create personalized art that reflects their tastes.

In addition, Samsung Vision AI integrates with the SmartThings ecosystem, offering capabilities such as Home Insights for real-time household updates and safety alerts, and Pet and Family Care for monitoring loved ones. The technology also maximizes picture and sound quality, utilizing on-device AI to adjust visuals and audio based on content and environmental conditions.

The Neo QLED 8K QN990F was highlighted as Samsung’s flagship TV, equipped with the NQ8 AI Gen3 Processor, offering features like:

• 8K AI upscaling pro: Raises lower-resolution content to 8K quality.
• Auto HDR remastering pro: Analyzes content in detail to enhance colors and visuals.
• Adaptive sound pro: Optimizes audio by separating sound components for clarity.
• AI mode: Adjusts picture and sound as per content recognition and room analysis.

This Samsung TV from CES 2025 can go completely wireless up to 10 meters

Samsung also announced the expansion of its Art Store, showcasing over 3,000 curated works, and introduced The Frame Pro, designed for improved picture quality and enhanced installation flexibility through Wireless One Connect.

Through these developments, Samsung emphasizes its commitment to creating personalized, intelligent screen experiences that integrate seamlessly into modern living environments.

Featured image credit: Microsoft

Samsung Display has unveiled a series of innovative OLED displays ahead of CES 2025, including a next-generation QD-OLED panel for smart TVs and advanced rollable, foldable displays for tablets and laptops.

Samsung Display unveils innovative OLED displays ahead of CES 2025

The new QD OLED panel for smart TVs has a peak HDR brightness of 4,000 nits, which is 30% brighter than the previous year’s model. Currently showcased in a 77-inch size, there are plans to offer additional sizes including 55 inches, 65 inches, and 83 inches. The top model differentiates itself as last year’s QD OLED only reached a maximum diagonal of 77 inches.

Samsung also announced that this new technology will extend to monitor sizes of 27-, 31.5-, 34-, and 49 inches, with promises of the highest pixel density of all OLED monitors. The 27- and 31.5-inch models are expected to support full 4K resolution.

In addition to the QD OLED panels, Samsung introduced three slidable OLED display concepts. The “Slidable Flex Solo” can extend from 13.3 inches to 17.3 inches, aimed at flagship tablets like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra. The “Slidable Flex Duet” is designed for automotive use, expanding from 8.1 inches to 12.4 inches for car dashboards. Meanwhile, the “Slidable Flex Vertical” is a compact panel that starts at 5.1 inches and extends to 6.7 inches when unrolled, potentially revitalizing compact smartphones.

CES 2025: Circular Ring 2 detects irregular heartbeats in real time

Notably, Samsung has developed an 18.1-inch foldable OLED display that measures 13.1 inches when folded. This display is intended for mobile monitors, tablets, and laptops, serving as a successor to last year’s 17.3-inch folding panel, although no specific commercial product has been confirmed for this new model.

Samsung Display plans to showcase these innovations during CES 2025, demonstrating both their IT device applications and automotive products, including a bendable center information display tailored for passenger cars. The company aims to highlight the unique capabilities of OLED technology at their promotional booth titled “Unleash Your Potential.”

Featured image credit: Samsung Display

Over 32 million computers in Germany continue to run the outdated Windows 10 operating system, posing significant cybersecurity risks as the end of support approaches on October 14, 2025. This accounts for approximately 65 percent of all devices in German households.

Over 32 million German computers risk cyberattacks with Windows 10

ESET security expert Thorsten Urbanski emphasizes the urgency, stating, “It is five to midnight to avoid a security fiasco for 2025.” He advises users to transition to Windows 11 or consider alternative operating systems like Linux immediately, rather than waiting until the deadline. Failure to upgrade exposes users to severe security risks, including cyberattacks and potential data loss.

Currently, Windows 11 is installed on about 33 percent of German computers, equating to roughly 16.5 million devices. Additionally, over one million devices still operate on even older systems such as Windows 8.1, 8, 7, or Windows XP, further increasing the vulnerability landscape.

The cessation of free security updates for Windows 10 means that any new vulnerabilities discovered after the end of support will remain unpatched, leaving systems at risk of malware and cyberattacks. “Cybercriminals know these numbers very well and are just waiting for the day when support ends,” Urbanski stated. This situation is deemed more dangerous than the support termination of Windows 7, where only around 20 percent were still using the OS at the end of 2019, compared to today’s more substantial proportion still relying on Windows 10.

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

Costs associated with extended support

While Microsoft has announced that extended security updates will be available for Windows 10, the associated costs are significant. Businesses can opt for extended support at escalating prices over three years, starting at $61 for the first year, increasing to $122 for the second year, and reaching $244 in the third year. This totals $427 for three years of extended support on a single Windows 10 device.

For personal use, Microsoft offers a one-year ESU option at $30 per device, which can become expensive in multi-device households. Continued usage of unsupported systems poses not only cybersecurity threats such as increased susceptibility to breaches but also risks associated with compliance violations concerning data protection regulations, potentially leading to fines and reputational damage.

ESET experts recommend proactive measures for users, including immediate upgrades to Windows 11 or Linux, enabling automatic updates for all software, utilizing modern security software with exploit blockers, minimizing administrative privileges in daily use, and maintaining regular backups of critical data on secure storage solutions.

Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/Midjourney

At CES 2025, Circular unveiled its second-generation smart ring, the Circular Ring 2, enhancing the smart ring buying experience with a new phone-based sizing system, which eliminates the need for plastic sizing kits. Available for $380, the device will be on sale in February or March 2025.

“With the Circular Ring 2, we’ve reimagined what a smart ring can be—combining advanced health technology with timeless design and unmatched durability,” stated Cirucular CEO Amaury Kosman in a press release. “This isn’t just a wearable; it’s a statement piece that empowers our users to take control of their wellness without compromising on style.”

Circular Ring 2 features and design

The Circular Ring 2 includes several upgraded features such as a longer battery life, improved health tracking, and a titanium build. It boasts a battery life of up to eight days per charge, even with continuous health monitoring, including detailed sleep analysis. The ring is designed with four color options: Gold, Rose Gold, Silver, and Black, and features enhanced sensors for better tracking accuracy, including ECG capabilities.

Notably, the ring utilizes an FDA-cleared atrial fibrillation (AFib) detection algorithm, allowing it to monitor and detect irregular heartbeats. According to Circular, the Ring 2 offers “real-time insights with precision,” enabling users to remain proactive about their health.

Circular introduces the Digital Ring Sizing feature, which allows customers to measure their ring size using a smartphone camera, thereby streamlining the ordering process and reducing waste. Users simply need to place their hand below a card, such as a credit card, for the system to detect the size of their finger. However, initial tests indicate the algorithm may require further refinement, as it inaccurately detected a size 9 for a size 10 finger.

Additionally, the companion app has been redesigned to reflect the ring’s luxurious aesthetic and provide a more intuitive user experience. This app aims to resolve past complaints regarding the usability and data transfer reliability of the previous model, the Circular Ring Slim.

The Circular Ring 2 is positioned as a competitor against existing smart rings like the Oura Ring 4, which costs $349, and offers similar battery life and health tracking features, but without subscription fees.

Featured image credit: Circular

Samsung unveiled its 2025 lineup of AI-enhanced televisions at CES 2025, showcasing models like the Neo QLED 8K QN990F, QN900F, and the Neo QLED 4K QN90F, QN80F, and QN70F. The new TVs include glare-free technology and various AI features powered by Samsung Vision AI.

Samsung’s top-tier models and AI features

The Neo QLED 8K QN990F is Samsung’s flagship model, featuring a slim design and an NQ8 AI Gen3 processor. Its AI capabilities include proprietary 8K upscaling, frame-by-frame HDR remastering, adaptive sound, color boosting, and an AI Mode that optimizes picture and sound based on screen content. Samsung is also offering a Wireless One Connect Box for the QN990F, which allows for a clutter-free setup by working wirelessly up to 10 meters away, even through obstacles.

The QLED 4K series utilizes an NQ4 AI Gen3 processor, offering 4K AI Upscaling Pro, enhanced picture quality, and a refresh rate of 165Hz. Notably, the QN80F will have a 100-inch variant, while the QN90F will be available in 115 inches.

New AI capabilities and lifestyle designs

Samsung’s AI-driven features extend across its 2025 television lineup, including a Click to Search function that can identify on-screen people, places, and products, providing real-time information. The new Samsung Food feature can recognize food items and suggest relevant recipes, while also being able to analyze contents in a connected Samsung fridge to create shopping lists or prompt grocery orders through third-party apps.

Samsung AI Home Security allows the TV to serve as a monitoring hub, detecting unusual sounds and movements via built-in microphones and connected cameras. It sends alerts to users’ phones or directly displays them on the TV. Other features include Live Translate for real-time subtitle translation and Generative Wallpaper, enabling users to create dynamic art displays.

In the OLED segment, Samsung introduced three models: the S95F, S90F, and S85F. The S95F, as the flagship, includes an NQ4 AI Gen3 processor, improved anti-glare technology, a 165Hz variable refresh rate, and higher brightness levels. The model aims for peak brightness of 2,000 nits.

The Frame Pro also makes an appearance as a premium lifestyle model, combining an elegant QLED panel with a 144Hz refresh rate. Utilizing the Wireless One Connect box, it allows for a nearly wireless setup aside from its power cord. The Frame TV will also return with the Premiere 8K model, which boasts 8K resolution and sizes from 120-inch to 150-inch while using a Gen3 chipset with triple laser technology.

Samsung plans to roll out further details regarding pricing and availability for its new television models during CES 2025.

Featured image credit: Samsung/CES

Rivian Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ:RIVN) experienced a significant increase in stock value, rising by 24 percent on Friday, ultimately closing at $16.49 per share, attributed to better-than-expected vehicle deliveries for the fourth quarter.

Rivian’s stock surges 24% on strong fourth-quarter deliveries

The company reported production of 12,727 vehicles at its Normal, Illinois plant during the fourth quarter and a total of 49,476 units for the full year. Deliveries reached 14,183 for the fourth quarter and 51,579 for the entirety of 2024, exceeding analysts’ expectations, which estimated about 13,400 EV deliveries for that quarter and 51,000 for the year.

Rivian also announced a joint venture with Volkswagen amounting to $5.8 billion, named “Rivian (RIVN) and VW Group Technology,” aimed at developing electrical and electronic architecture and software for electric vehicles for both companies’ use.

RIVN ranked first among the eleven companies in the technology, energy, and aviation sectors that led Friday’s market rally, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising 0.80 percent, and the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite increasing by 1.26 percent and 1.77 percent, respectively.

Despite its strong quarterly performance, Rivian faced a challenging year in 2024, with shares down 40 percent from 2023 and nearly 90 percent from their peak above $100 during their IPO in 2021. The company has struggled with computer chip shortages and stiff competition from Tesla, as well as mounting operational losses and workforce reductions initiated in 2022.

Which chip stock to buy: Intel, AMD or Qualcomm?

In the third quarter of 2024, Rivian reported its first revenue drop since going public, with a 35 percent decline to $874 million, falling short of the $980 million anticipated by analysts. This decrease was attributed to a miscommunication with a key supplier that led to production disruptions.

Analysts have varied opinions on Rivian’s outlook according to Yahoo Finance. RBC Capital Markets analyst Tom Narayan maintains a neutral rating, projecting shares may hover around $12 over the next twelve months. In contrast, CFRA analyst Garrett Nelson continues to hold a sell rating with a target price of $8, stating that Rivian’s bottom-line losses are expected to persist.

The full fourth-quarter results for Rivian are scheduled to be reported on February 20.

Rivian’s potential to soar further after its 24% stock jump depends on several factors. Strong Q4 delivery numbers and the promising Volkswagen joint venture highlight operational progress, but challenges like ongoing losses, production disruptions, and stiff competition from Tesla remain headwinds. While exceeding delivery expectations may boost short-term investor confidence, Rivian’s long-term performance will hinge on its ability to stabilize operations, manage supply chain issues, and achieve profitability in a competitive EV market. Analyst opinions remain mixed, suggesting limited consensus on Rivian’s 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: Rivian

Chipmakers are attracting significant attention amid the rising demand for artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. This article compares Intel (INTC), Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), and Qualcomm (QCOM) to identify which chip stock presents the highest upside potential as analyzed by industry experts.

Intel’s struggles amid innovation concerns

Intel shares experienced a steep decline of over 60% in 2024, marking the company’s worst performance since its initial public offering in 1971. This downturn raised investor concerns regarding Intel’s lack of innovation, product delays, and strategic missteps under former CEO Pat Gelsinger, who resigned in December 2024. Investors are particularly disappointed that Intel missed opportunities in the generative AI sector compared to competitors like Nvidia.

Intel stock slips another 2.9%: Can it bounce back from a 57% slide?

The company is attempting to regain investor confidence by reducing costs, streamlining operations, and enhancing manufacturing and product offerings. However, skepticism remains due to Intel’s historical challenges in execution.

According to Nasdaq, Citi analyst Christopher Danely maintains a Hold rating on Intel, with a price target of $22. Danely’s reservations about Intel are rooted in concerns about the company’s strategic direction and leadership, particularly regarding the search for a new CEO. He also suggested that exiting the foundry business could enhance Intel’s financial performance and stock value. Wall Street collectively rates Intel as a Hold, comprising 21 Holds, five Sells, and one Buy recommendation. The average price target for INTC stands at $24.53, indicating a potential upside of 19.3%.

You won’t believe why Rigetti stock went 40% down

AMD’s growth potential in AI

Advanced Micro Devices shares have seen a 7.4% decline over the past year. The company has struggled to exploit AI chip opportunities as effectively as Nvidia and has faced challenges in its gaming and embedded segments that affected overall performance. Nevertheless, AMD projects strong growth in the AI space, increasing its full-year sales estimate for AI-accelerators to over $5 billion from an earlier forecast of $4.5 billion. A 122% rise in data center revenue in Q3 solidified CEO Lisa Su’s confidence in demand from cloud providers for AI infrastructure development.

Northland analyst Gus Richard reiterated a Buy rating on AMD, setting a price target of $175 according to Nasdaq. He identified AMD as a top pick for 2025, predicting continued market share gains in AI GPUs, server CPUs, and the PC sector as pressures in the gaming and embedded segments ease. Richard expected a more robust PC refresh cycle than previously anticipated, foreseeing more upside than risks for AMD in 2025. Overall, AMD holds a Moderate Buy consensus rating based on 23 Buys and eight Holds, with an average price target of $184.52, suggesting a 47.2% upside potential.

Qualcomm’s diversification efforts amid concerns

Qualcomm shares gained approximately 15% over the past year. The company is a significant chip supplier for smartphone manufacturers but faces worries regarding potential business losses after its contract with Apple for modem chips concludes in 2026. To mitigate this, Qualcomm is diversifying into high-growth areas such as AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), and automotive sectors, with its automotive business reporting a 68% year-over-year revenue growth to $899 million in Q4 FY24.

Qualcomm also achieved a favorable ruling in its legal dispute with Arm Holdings, affirming that it did not breach licensing agreements related to its acquisition of Nuvia in 2021. KeyBanc analyst John Vinh maintained a Hold rating on Qualcomm with a price target of $150, citing ongoing macro challenges and company-specific risks as reasons for his cautious stance, according to Nasdaq. Despite a Moderate Buy consensus rating—comprising 11 Buys, 10 Holds, and one Sell—the average price target for QCOM at $199.88 indicates a potential 26.6% upside.

Analysts generally exhibit more optimism toward AMD and Qualcomm while remaining cautious on Intel, recognizing a greater potential for growth in AMD stock compared to the others.

Which one though?

Deciding between Intel, AMD, or Qualcomm as a chip stock investment depends on your investment goals, risk tolerance, and market outlook. Intel may appeal to value investors hoping for a turnaround, though skepticism around its innovation and leadership remains a risk. AMD offers strong growth potential in AI and data centers, with analysts optimistic about its market share gains, but it faces competition and ongoing challenges in gaming and embedded segments. Qualcomm stands out for its diversification into automotive and IoT markets, but its reliance on smartphone chips and uncertainties surrounding its Apple contract may temper enthusiasm. Each stock has unique risks and opportunities, making it crucial to align your choice with your investment horizon

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: Jason Leung/Unsplash

Apple has agreed to pay $95 million to settle a class action lawsuit alleging that its virtual assistant Siri eavesdropped on users without their knowledge. The preliminary settlement was filed on December 13, 2024, in Oakland, California, and awaits approval by a U.S. district judge.

Apple to pay $95 million to settle Siri eavesdropping lawsuit

The lawsuit, initiated by the Wood Law Firm in August 2019, claims that Apple infringed on users’ privacy by capturing and sharing Siri conversations when the voice assistant was accidentally activated. These allegations resurfaced after a report by The Guardian revealed that Apple employed contractors to listen to recordings of private conversations, including discussions about medical appointments, sexual encounters, and drug deals.

Apple might owe you $20 per device: Here’s why

According to the lawsuit, despite Apple stating that Siri recordings could be reviewed, it did not disclose that human oversight of the voice assistant occurred. The plaintiffs also argued that Apple failed to inform users that their private conversations were being recorded without consent. In one instance, plaintiffs noticed targeted ads for Air Jordan shoes and medical treatments after discussing those topics while using Siri.

Eligibility and claims process

Individuals who owned an Apple Siri-enabled device between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024, may be eligible to claim a share of the settlement, provided they are based in the U.S. To qualify, claimants must attest under oath that they experienced Siri activating unintentionally and had private conversations recorded.

A decision date for the settlement has been proposed for February 14, 2025. A claims website will be launched within 45 days of the approval, and users will have until May 15, 2025, to file their claims.

Settlement details and legal costs

Eligible Siri users can receive a payout of $20 per device, with claims allowed for up to five devices for a potential total of $100. However, the final amount may vary based on the total number of claims and the legal fees deducted from the settlement fund. Attorneys in the case could receive up to 30% of the settlement, leaving approximately $30 million for legal costs.

The settlement amount reflects a small fraction of Apple’s financial standing, which reported $93.74 billion in profits for the latest fiscal year, and an estimated total profit exceeding $700 billion since 2014.

While Apple has denied any wrongdoing concerning the allegations and insists that any data collected from Siri is anonymized and not linked to specific users, the settlement is intended to mitigate the risk of costly litigation. Reports suggest that Apple could have faced $1.5 billion in damages if the case had gone to trial.

Similar legal actions are underway against Google concerning its voice assistant’s practices, highlighting ongoing concerns surrounding privacy and data collection in voice-activated technologies.

Those concerned about privacy can disable Siri by going to Settings on iOS devices and navigating to Siri & Search, toggling off the appropriate options. Users can also restrict microphone access to specific applications within their device settings (Settings > Siri > Talk to Siri > Off).

Featured image credit: Giorgio Trovato/Unsplash

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced that the company has attained a fundamental understanding of artificial general intelligence (AGI) and is now focusing on the development of superintelligence, with the expectation that AI agents may join the workforce by 2025.

OpenAI aims for superintelligence by 2025

In a blog post reflecting on the past nine years since OpenAI’s inception as a non-profit research lab, Altman noted that the company became notable in the tech industry after launching ChatGPT in November 2022. He indicated that the initial name for the AI chatbot was “Chat With GPT-3.5.”

Altman asserted that OpenAI has mastered the traditional methods of building AGI, stating, “We continue to believe that iteratively putting great tools in the hands of people leads to great, broadly-distributed outcomes.” He elaborated that the introduction of superintelligent tools could dramatically accelerate scientific discovery and innovation, ultimately enhancing human capabilities and increasing global prosperity.

“We are beginning to turn our aim beyond that, to superintelligence in the true sense of the word. We love our current products, but we are here for the glorious future. With superintelligence, we can do anything else. Superintelligent tools could massively accelerate scientific discovery and innovation well beyond what we are capable of doing on our own, and in turn massively increase abundance and prosperity.”

-Sam Altman

He expressed confidence in achieving superintelligence in the coming years, emphasizing the need for careful actions while maximizing broad benefit and empowerment.

Rumors suggest that OpenAI is working on its next model, GPT-5, codenamed project Orion. The company is also expected to release the o3 series of AI models, which focus on advanced reasoning, later this year. Altman acknowledged that the o3 model has performed exceptionally well on benchmarks, scoring almost 90% on the ARC-AGI benchmark, surpassing human performance.

Is OpenAI’s promised copyright protection stalled for good?

OpenAI and Microsoft have collaborated to define AGI, with OpenAI stating that it can only achieve AGI by creating a system capable of generating $100 billion in profits. It was noted that superintelligence might seem speculative, but Altman is confident its significance will soon be apparent.

Furthermore, Altman remarked on the challenges of AI safety, stating that the transition to a landscape with superintelligence is not guaranteed and that OpenAI lacks definitive solutions for controlling a potentially superintelligent AI. He recognized that, as AI evolves, the organization must continue to focus on safety and alignment research. Despite some internal restructuring and staff departures related to safety concerns, Altman defended OpenAI’s track record on safety.

Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/Midjourney

The first beta of Apple iOS 18.3 has been released, introducing new AI features, several changes, and important bug fixes. While Apple Intelligence was initially expected to be fully integrated into iOS 18.1 and 18.2, some features were not included and are anticipated in this update.

New features in iOS 18.3 Beta 1

iOS 18.3 Beta 1 is currently the only version available, and it features the ability to generate images from sketches using the Image PlayGround. An X user, ShrimpApplePro (@VNchocoTaco), shared details about code updates related to the AI’s “Image Diffusion Personalized Sketch” model. This functionality, which was showcased during WWDC 24, allows users to transform simple sketches into polished images on the go through the “Image Diffusion Personalized Sketch” model.

The beta also improves the Genmojis feature by allowing users to select their skin tone when creating new emojis—a capability that began with iOS 18.2. The Notification Summary feature of Apple Intelligence has also been updated to provide shorter, clearer summaries of grouped notifications and lengthy messages while addressing previous issues where sensitive messages were included in the summaries.

Bug fixes and improvements

Following feedback from users about screen unresponsiveness and battery drain experienced in iOS 18.2, YouTuber iDeviceHelp tested the iOS 18.3 Beta 1 and reported that these issues seem resolved, although further testing is necessary to confirm the effectiveness of these fixes.

Additionally, the update includes fixes to the Writing Tools API, ensuring that third-party applications can utilize it without encountering errors. Critical security fixes are also included in this release.

Apple has released only the iOS 18.3 Beta 1 version so far, with plans for two more beta versions and a release candidate to follow. The final update is expected by late January or early February, depending on whether beta 4 or RC 2 releases are necessary before the final version.

Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/Ideogram

As stock markets started 2025 on a subdued note, the U.S. dollar continued to assert its dominance, leaving the euro and sterling near multi-month lows amid investor concerns over interest rates and U.S. policy directions under President-elect Donald Trump.

European markets react to global trends

European stock markets were poised for a lackluster opening after Asian equities ended the previous week positively, particularly driven by South Korean shares, while Japan remained closed for a holiday. The pan-European STOXX 600 index had recorded a 6% rise last year, and traders are curious to see if it can maintain momentum into 2025.

The euro has struggled in recent months, hovering at levels not seen since November 2022, suffering a more than 6% decline in 2024. Market sentiment has been affected by fears surrounding diverging interest rate policies between Europe and the United States as well as political instability in France and Germany. Additionally, the incoming Trump administration’s potential tariffs have contributed to a negative outlook.

Traders expect significant rate cuts from the European Central Bank in 2025, with market predictions indicating at least four 25 basis point cuts. In contrast, there is uncertainty about the Federal Reserve implementing even two such cuts. The pound, while faring better than other G10 currencies, still touched a nine-month low at the onset of the New Year, experiencing a 1.7% decline against the dollar in 2024.

On Friday, European markets reflected ongoing caution with the STOXX 600 down 0.29% by 10:06 a.m. London time, amid most sectors trading negatively. Auto stocks led the losses, down 1.17%, compounded by declines in the mining and travel sectors, which each fell around 1%. Financial services emerged as one of the few gainers, climbing 0.69%.

U.S. futures remained largely unchanged following a turbulent start to the year, with major indices such as the Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all closing lower. Notably, the Nasdaq marked its fifth consecutive decline, the longest losing streak since April.

In Asia, markets exhibited mixed performance, with Chinese stocks continuing their downward trend as investors analyzed signals from Beijing, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index and South Korean markets reported gains.

Data released indicated Türkiye’s consumer price index decreased to 44.38% in December from 47.09% in November—slightly above economists’ predictions of 45.2%. A preliminary reading of Poland’s consumer price index showed a 4.8% annual increase in December, also falling below expectations. In Germany, the federal labor office reported an increase of 33,000 unemployed individuals in December, bringing the total to 2.807 million and nudging the unemployment rate to 6%.

In company news, Tesla encountered its first annual drop in deliveries, attributed to year-end incentives not sufficiently attracting buyers given elevated borrowing costs. Additionally, President Joe Biden decided to block Nippon Steel’s proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel, according to reports.

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: Andreas Rasmussen/Unsplash

Rembrand, a Silicon Valley-based innovator in In-Scene Media and Virtual Product Placement technology, has raised $23 million in a Series A financing round led by super{set}, with participation from The Trade Desk, Naver D2SF, and existing investors including BOLD, the corporate venture capital fund of L’Oréal, Greycroft, among others.

Rembrand raises $23 million to enhance virtual product placement

The funding represents significant support for Rembrand’s growth, particularly in expanding its services beyond social media to include professional Connected TV (CTV) content and other video formats. The company plans to leverage this capital to enhance its AI-powered technology, which integrates brands non-intrusively into video content, offering advertisers increased brand awareness and engagement.

Omar Tawakol, Rembrand’s CEO and co-founder, expressed enthusiasm about the investment, stating, “We are thrilled to have the backing of such a distinguished group of investors. This funding will enable us to accelerate our growth, expand our team, and continue to innovate our technology platform to meet the evolving needs of advertisers and content owners across the broader video marketplace.”

Founded in 2022, Rembrand has so far secured a total of $31 million in funding. The company’s unique technology analyzes video frames of content creators’ videos on platforms such as YouTube and TikTok, utilizing generative AI to identify optimal opportunities for product placements. This method marks a departure from traditional approaches, automating a process that is often labor and time-intensive.

Tom Chavez, Co-Founder and General Partner at super{set}, commented on the innovation, saying, “Rembrand is at the forefront of a major shift utilizing AI in advertising, and we are excited to partner with them as they scale their business and transform the way brands connect with consumers.” The company is also launching its AI Studio to offer all creators access to these capabilities, further expanding engagement with its platform.

Rembrand’s business model includes charging marketers on a cost-per-impression basis for product placements, while creators are compensated based on impressions. The company also plans to introduce licensing options for brands, allowing them to use Rembrand’s technology within their existing creator partnerships.

The startup has worked with a variety of brands, including those under PepsiCo, L’Oréal, Amazon, and Lenovo.

Featured image credit: Rembrand

Google is testing a feature that could allow Pixel users to sync notifications over cellular data, according to Android Authority‘s APK teardown of code strings in the Device Connectivity Service app. This follows the rollout of notification syncing in Android 15, which currently operates only over Wi-Fi.

This Pixel update is so important for 3 reasons

Google tests mobile data sync for Pixel notifications

The feature, known as “Dismiss notifications across Pixel devices,” enables users to dismiss a notification on one Pixel device, which then automatically dismisses it on all other Pixel devices logged into the same account. However, this feature has been limited to Wi-Fi connections, preventing sync when users are away from Wi-Fi networks.

Code found in version 1.0.687093228_arm64-v8a_release_phone of the Device Connectivity Service app indicates a new toggle that would allow notification syncing over mobile networks when no Wi-Fi is connected. This toggle, although non-visible to users and still in development, suggests Google is considering changes to improve user experience.

Currently, the fine print emphasizes that “Dismiss notifications across Pixel devices syncs when each device is connected to Wi-Fi,” likely to conserve battery life and limit cellular data usage. The introduction of mobile network syncing would offer flexibility for users willing to trade off some battery performance for the convenience of connectivity.

We might know what Google Pixel 10 looks like

While the feature remains exclusive to Pixel devices, Google is developing more general Cross Device Services that link other Android brands, such as the recent introduction of these services to Nothing phones. For now, Pixel users will remain reliant on Wi-Fi for notification synchronization until this potential new feature is released.

This is not a shiny feature for Pixel users but it’s big because it finally adds the level of flexibility that many have been waiting for. Until now, the ability to sync notifications across multiple devices was confined to Wi-Fi, leaving users in the lurch when they were on the go.

Featured image credit: Samuel Angor/Unsplash

Apple China has announced a promotional campaign called ‘New Year Surprises,’ offering discounts up to ¥800 on select products from January 4 to January 7, 2025.

Eligible customers can receive savings with a limit of two items per product category. The promotion also includes trade-in discounts for upgrading to a new iPhone. Apple stated that discounts are applicable both online and in retail stores, but supplies are limited.

Apple China offers discounts in New Year campaign

The inventory for the promotion includes 29,300 iPhones, 3,500 iPads, 530 Mac laptops, 8,350 Apple Watches, 2,590 AirPods, and 940 Apple Pencils. Apple emphasized that once stock is depleted, the promotional pricing will no longer be available. This announcement prompted discussions among recent Apple customers, many expressing frustration over not being able to take advantage of the discounts.

In response to customer inquiries about price adjustments, Apple’s customer service clarified that products purchased within 14 days prior to the promotion are eligible for returns and repurchases at the discounted price. This workaround is not a formal price adjustment but provides recent buyers with an opportunity to save.

This promotion follows a similar strategy observed during the ‘Double 11’ shopping festival in November 2024, when Apple offered RMB500 vouchers on the iPhone 16 series shortly after its launch. Apple’s recent discounts on both new and older models are viewed as a response to growing competition from domestic manufacturers like Huawei, which has recently reduced prices on its premium smartphones.

Apple might owe you $20 per device: Here’s why

Apple faces significant sales pressure in the Chinese market, where economic challenges have led consumers to spend less. In the second quarter of 2024, Apple briefly fell out of the top five smartphone brands but regained its position later in the year, despite witnessing a year-on-year decline in sales. Meanwhile, Huawei’s sales surged by 42%, reflecting increased competition in the smartphone sector.

Analysts suggest that the pricing strategies by Apple and competitors like Huawei aim to attract consumers who are more value-conscious amid shifting shopping behaviors in China. Apple’s market share has been further challenged by the introduction of locally manufactured chips by Huawei, which has strengthened its position in the premium segment.

Featured image credit: Revendo/Unsplash

Nvidia is nearing the launch of its RTX 50 series GPUs, with teasers indicating that several new graphics cards will be revealed soon. A video for Nvidia’s upcoming LAN party, running from January 4th to 6th, features a shadowy PC that appears to house a new GPU design. VideoCardz noted that the design looks “unfamiliar,” suggesting that it could be an RTX 5080 or 5070 Ti.

Nvidia prepares to unveil RTX 50 series GPUs at CES

Earlier leaks from Zotac hinted that Nvidia might unveil up to five RTX 50 series GPUs, including the RTX 5090, RTX 5080, and RTX 5070 Ti. Additionally, VideoCardz reported a leak of the MSI RTX 5080, which will include 16GB of GDDR7 memory.

During the LAN party, titled “GeForce LAN 50,” Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is scheduled to present a keynote at CES on January 6th at 9:30 PM ET, which further indicates the imminent launch.

MSI RTX 5080 details leaked

The first leaked images of MSI’s RTX 50 graphics card, the RTX 5080, confirm its specifications. This card, part of the GeForce RTX 5080 GAMING TRIO lineup, is identified as the OC Edition and is based on the GB203 architecture.

MSI’s packaging reveals that the RTX 5080 will feature 16GB of GDDR7 memory and a 256-bit memory bus, while also incorporating a new design that is not a significant departure from its predecessor. The box indicates inclusion of three DisplayPort outputs and one HDMI port, although it does not specify the versions of these ports.

In terms of performance, the MSI RTX 5080 will employ the GB203-400 GPU, boasting 10,752 CUDA cores, which constitutes the full configuration of the Blackwell GPU. It will also utilize the PCIe 5.0 interface.

The official launch of the MSI RTX 5080 is set for CES 2025, with the product expected to be available for purchase on January 21st, shortly after it begins shipping to distributors.

Featured image credit: Nvidia via VideoCardz

Microsoft has announced an “unexpected change” to the distribution of .NET installers and archives, urging developers to update their production and DevOps infrastructure by January 7, 2025, to avoid service disruption.

Microsoft’s .NET installers: Urgent update required by January 2025

Richard Lander, a program manager on the .NET team, stated, “We expect that most users will not be directly affected, however, it is critical that you validate if you are affected and to watch for downtime or other kinds of breakage.”

This change arises from the hosting of some .NET binaries and installers on Azure Content Delivery Network (CDN) domains ending in .azureedge[.]net—specifically, dotnetcli.azureedge.net and dotnetbuilds.azureedge.net, which are hosted on Edgio. Following Edgio’s bankruptcy, web infrastructure company Akamai acquired select assets from Edgio, with the Edgio platform scheduled to cease operations on January 15, 2025.

To mitigate the risk of unavailability of the .azureedge[.]net domains, Microsoft plans to migrate to Azure Front Door CDNs. If users take no action, Microsoft will automatically migrate these customers’ workloads by January 7, 2025. However, automatic migration will not apply to endpoints with *.vo.msecnd.net domains.

Users intending to migrate to Akamai or other CDN providers must set the Feature Flag DoNotForceMigrateEdgioCDNProfiles by January 7, 2025, to avoid automatic migration to Azure Front Door. Microsoft clarified, “Note you will have until January 14, 2025 to complete your migration to another CDN, but again Microsoft cannot guarantee your services will be available on the Edgio platform before this date.”

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Microsoft specified that all configuration changes to Azure CDN by Edgio profiles will be halted starting January 3, 2025. Users will not be able to update their CDN profile configuration, although services on Azure CDN from Edgio will continue to operate until migration or the shutdown of the Edgio platform on January 15, 2025. By applying the DoNotForceMigrateEdgioCDNProfiles feature flag before January 3, users can prevent their configuration from being frozen.

Although reliance on .azureedge[.]net and .azurefd[.]net is discouraged due to availability concerns, users may temporarily migrate to Azure Front Door while retaining their domains. Microsoft advises, “To ensure greater flexibility and avoid a single point of failure, it’s advisable to adopt a custom domain as soon as possible.”

In light of security risks associated with a potential acquisition of the azureedge[.]net domain by malicious actors, Microsoft has taken control of this domain. However, it has stated that the old domain names cannot be used to resolve to the new servers because “this option wasn’t being made available.”

Users are recommended to scan their codebases for references to azureedge[.]net and update them accordingly. They should update:

• dotnetcli.azureedge.net to builds.dotnet.microsoft.com
• dotnetcli.blob.core.windows.net to builds.dotnet.microsoft.com

Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/Ideogram

Nvidia saw a 3% increase on Wednesday, driven by renewed optimism from BofA, placing it at the top of the Street’s 2025 Semiconductor Top Picks. As of the latest data, BofA holds approximately 2.70% of its portfolio in NVDA stock.

BofA analysts maintained a “Buy” rating for NVIDIA with a price target of $190, citing the company’s dominant position in artificial intelligence, gaming, and data centers.

The artificial intelligence (AI) boom has propelled chipmaker Nvidia to become 2024’s largest global gainer in market capitalization, reaching a value of $3.28 trillion by the end of the year, according to Reuters. Nvidia’s market valuation significantly increased from $1.2 trillion at the end of 2023, driven largely by demand for its AI chips.

Nvidia’s position in the market

Nvidia is now the second-most valuable publicly listed company globally, following Apple, which neared a $4 trillion valuation as investors anticipated benefits from its AI enhancements. Other top companies in market value for 2024 included Microsoft at $3.1 trillion, and both Alphabet and Amazon, each around $2.3 trillion.

The AI boom has contributed to remarkable growth in the technology sector, with companies across various domains reporting substantial revenue increases and attracting considerable investment. A report from HSBC Innovation Banking noted a significant shift in U.S. venture capital towards AI firms, with the funding for AI companies approaching levels allocated to the rest of the venture market. HSBC U.S. Innovation Banking Head Dave Sabow commented on the unprecedented consolidation within the AI sector, stating, “Venture capital has always gravitated toward transformative industries, but the level of consolidation we’re seeing within one category is unprecedented.”

Throughout 2024, Nvidia solidified its lead in the AI market by introducing new hardware and tools, including the Blackwell B100 and B200 GPUs, which enhanced generative AI capabilities. Additionally, Nvidia launched the $249 Jetson Orin Nano Super Developer Kit, aimed at enabling smaller companies to access AI development. The company also formed numerous partnerships across key sectors.

Nvidia’s Blackwell GPUs are so hot, they could bake a cake

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang remarked in November that the trends in AI services are “really just beginning,” predicting sustained growth and modernization that would create new industry opportunities for several years.

Nvidia’s current trajectory indicates strong performance ahead of significant events like CES 2025. The company has already achieved a market cap exceeding $3.4 trillion, primarily due to its foundational role in the ongoing AI boom. Major companies such as OpenAI and Meta have heavily invested in Nvidia’s processors, a trend expected to continue into 2025.

Analyst outlook and CES 2025

On January 6, 2025, Jensen Huang will deliver the opening keynote at CES, where he is anticipated to announce the highly anticipated RTX 5000 series GPU and discuss various topics related to AI, robotics, and automotive applications. Analysts tracking Nvidia have expressed considerable optimism, with 20 out of 21 maintaining a “buy” or equivalent rating. Bank of America and others have distinguished Nvidia as a top semiconductor pick for 2025.

Following a remarkable performance in 2024, where Nvidia stock surged approximately 170%, analysts are particularly focused on the demand for Blackwell GPUs, utilized in generative AI processes. Citi analysts expect Nvidia to raise sales expectations for Blackwell due to increased demand for AI-driven solutions in sectors like warehouse operations and manufacturing.

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

Microsoft is set to showcase mini AI PCs at the Consumer Electronics Show as part of its 50th anniversary initiatives, following the introduction of its Arm-based Copilot Plus laptops in June, according to Tom Warren from The Verge, reported on Notepad.

Microsoft to unveil mini AI PCs at CES 2025

Six months after the laptops’ launch, new mini PCs will deliver the AI performance necessary for features like Recall, Click To Do, and AI-powered image generation and editing in Windows 11. These products may enable Microsoft to better compete with Apple’s Mac Mini.

Asus announced its NUC 14 Pro AI mini PC as the first Copilot Plus-capable device in September. The company revealed its full specifications last month, ahead of CES, including a dedicated Copilot button on the front and dimensions comparable to the latest Mac Mini.

On the same day as Asus’ announcement, Taiwanese company Geekom disclosed its plans to showcase three new mini PCs at CES, each equipped with different processors. One model features AMD’s Strix Point CPUs, while another uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite processor, both of which support Copilot Plus. A third model is based on Intel’s unannounced Arrow Lake-H laptop processors, which may not have the required NPU for Copilot Plus compatibility.

Experts anticipate CES will reveal further details about Windows OEMs launching additional Copilot Plus mini PCs, as the event often serves as a platform for Microsoft’s latest hardware initiatives. Last year, Microsoft encouraged OEMs to incorporate a Copilot key into their laptop keyboards. Asus’ decision to include a Copilot button suggests Microsoft’s active collaboration with PC manufacturers.

Geekom’s introduction of Qualcomm chips marks a significant expansion of Qualcomm’s technology beyond laptops. Although the Snapdragon Dev Kit aimed for release alongside Copilot Plus laptops in June, it faced delays due to manufacturing issues. Qualcomm hinted that the Snapdragon X Elite chips may soon be integrated into mini PCs or all-in-one PCs.

Do we need an AI PC any time soon?

Copilot Plus features have not yet been made available on traditional desktop PCs, as Intel’s latest Core Ultra desktop CPU, released in October, does not meet the 40 TOPS requirement set by Microsoft. Future advancements from Intel and AMD will determine whether more powerful NPUs for desktop processors will be prioritized.

While Copilot Plus features are currently confined to Windows PCs, Microsoft aims to extend the Copilot assistant to a wider range of devices. Sources indicate that Microsoft is exploring the integration of Copilot on unexpected hardware, aligning with recent statements from Windows chief Pavan Davuluri regarding the potential for dedicated AI hardware innovations.

Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft’s executive vice president and consumer chief marketing officer, mentioned in an interview that “devices that see the world, that you wear on your body” combined with AI could offer valuable applications, including image recognition.

Mehdi also highlighted opportunities in wearable health devices, an area Microsoft is considering as it establishes a new AI health unit led by CEO Mustafa Suleyman, who has recruited a team to develop this initiative. Although Microsoft has moved away from the fitness wearable market since discontinuing the Microsoft Band in 2016, there appears to be a renewed interest in partnering with manufacturers to provide AI-driven health solutions.

Featured image credit: Microsoft

Dow Jones futures rose slightly overnight, along with S&P 500 futures and Nasdaq futures, as the stock market rally extended a year-end losing streak into 2025 with modest losses on Thursday after big intraday swings.

U.S. stock futures rise slightly as market volatility continues

The Nasdaq undercut its 50-day moving average but closed above that key level. In Thursday’s trading, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.4%, while the S&P 500 index and Nasdaq composite both declined by 0.2%. The small-cap Russell 2000 edged up 0.1% but ended well off early highs.

Many stocks flashed buy signals Thursday, including Meta Platforms (META), Cloudflare (NET), Vistra (VST), Talen Energy (TLN), and Nvidia chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM). Nvidia (NVDA) rose but remained below a key level. However, this is not considered an especially good time for making new purchases.

Why BATMMAAN stocks are investors’ favorites: Tesla, Apple, Nvidia and more

Stock movements

Apple (AAPL) stock slumped 2.6% to 243.85, falling below its 21-day line and impacting the major indexes. Apple plans to offer short-term iPhone discounts in China amid intense competition, and UBS has cut its estimates due to weak overall iPhone sales. Tesla (TSLA) also experienced a sell-off, which weighed on the S&P 500 and Nasdaq.

In contrast, Meta stock climbed to 604.91 intraday, rebounding from its 50-day line to reclaim a 602.95 buy point while breaking a trendline; it closed up 2.3% at 599.24. Nvidia and Meta Platforms are on the IBD Leaderboard, with Tesla listed on the Leaderboard watchlist. Additionally, Cloudflare and Taiwan Semiconductor are on the IBD 50, with Cloudflare also featuring on the IBD Big Cap 20.

U.S. stock futures remained little changed late Thursday following a volatile start to the year. Dow futures added 68 points, or 0.16%, while S&P 500 futures and Nasdaq 100 futures gained 0.24% and 0.36%, respectively. Stocks began January with a choppy trading session, as investors took profits from notable 2024 gainers such as Apple and Tesla, leading the Dow to end the day lower by more than 150 points.

The stock market concluded 2024 on a negative note; the S&P 500 finished the year with four consecutive days of losses, the first occurrence since 1966. Despite achieving a 23% gain for the year, it declined by 2.5% in December. The anticipated Santa Claus rally, which typically sees gains during the last five trading days of one year and the first two of the next, did not occur.

Liz Ann Sonders, chief investment strategist at Charles Schwab, told CNBC’s “Closing Bell” on Thursday that much of the recent weakness was likely sentiment-driven. She remarked, “I don’t think there was really any kind of prime catalyst. I think it was a little bit more of an exhaustion from a sentiment standpoint.”

The economic calendar for the week appears thin on significant catalysts, but traders are preparing for the latest reading of the ISM Manufacturing Index. Federal Reserve officials Thomas Barkin and Mary Daly are also scheduled to speak. As of Thursday’s close, both the Dow and S&P 500 were lower by more than 1%, with the Nasdaq Composite dropping over 2%.

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

Tesla reported its first annual decline in sales in 2024, delivering 1,789,226 vehicles worldwide, a slight decrease from 1,808,581 in 2023. This drop occurred as competition from other electric vehicle manufacturers intensified.

Tesla reports first annual sales decline in 2024

In the fourth quarter of 2024, Tesla delivered 495,570 vehicles, marking its best performance in that quarter, up from 484,507 in the same period last year. However, this figure fell short of Wall Street’s expectations of over 500,000 and was insufficient to offset earlier sales declines.

The decrease in annual sales surprised analysts, as Tesla had warned at the beginning of the year to temper expectations for 2024. The company’s deliveries began to lag, reporting a notable slowdown with consecutive declines in the first two quarters. Tesla’s sales rebounded slightly in the third quarter, but still missed analyst targets. Furthermore, overall electric vehicle sales globally rose 25% in the first 11 months of the year, while Tesla struggled in key markets including the U.S., Europe, and China.

BYD, a major competitor, reported selling 1.76 million electric vehicles in 2024, a significant increase from 1.6 million in 2023. Unlike Tesla, BYD also markets plug-in hybrids, further increasing its appeal in China where hybrid vehicles gained popularity. The company sold 2.49 million hybrids last year, a substantial rise from 1.44 million in 2023.

What’s next for Tesla after a $1 trillion market rally?

Tesla’s stock fell by over 6% following the announcement of the annual decline. Despite this, the company’s shares increased more than 60% throughout 2024, with a majority of gains realized after the election of President-elect Donald J. Trump, with whom CEO Elon Musk has strong ties. Investors are mainly focused on Tesla’s ventures into autonomous driving technologies rather than immediate sales figures.

Musk has indicated that Tesla aims to produce a lower-cost electric vehicle priced around $25,000 by 2025, which could broaden the market. The company has not yet revealed details or prototypes of this vehicle, leaving investors waiting for more concrete information.

On a related note, Tesla reported a dramatic rise in renewable energy battery sales, which soared 60% from the previous quarter and increased over four times compared to a year prior. This represents an important area of growth for the company as it diversifies its offerings beyond vehicle sales.

In North America, Tesla has maintained its status as a leading electric vehicle manufacturer, despite recent developments indicating that inventory has begun to pile up. Concurrently, the company’s sales in Europe have declined sharply, with 283,000 vehicle registrations from January to November 2024, reflecting about a 14% decrease from the same timeframe in 2023.

Looking ahead, analysts expect sales growth for Tesla and other electric models to accelerate in the coming months as U.S. buyers seek to capitalize on existing incentives before potential federal policy changes take effect.

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: Andreas Rasmussen/Unsplash

Apple has agreed to pay $95 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging that its voice-activated assistant Siri inadvertently recorded private conversations without users’ consent. The proposed settlement was filed on Tuesday in a federal court in Oakland, California.

Apple settles Siri lawsuit: Paying $95 million for privacy violations

If approved by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White, users impacted by the issue could receive up to $20 per Apple device equipped with Siri, including the iPhone, Apple Watch, and other Siri-enabled devices. The lawsuit pertains to incidents from September 17, 2014, to December 31, 2024.

The case originated from user complaints that Siri was unintentionally activated, as well as a 2019 report by a whistleblower reported by The Guardian. The report highlighted that Apple contractors were allegedly able to hear audio recordings during quality control testing, which included confidential medical information, drug deals, and intimate conversations. Siri is designed to activate solely upon hearing the wake phrase “hey Siri,” but there were claims of accidental activations triggered by other sounds, such as zippers or certain voices.

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Claimants must submit a request for up to five Siri-enabled devices—such as iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, MacBooks, iMacs, HomePods, iPod touches, or Apple TVs—and provide an sworn statement confirming that they experienced accidental activations during private conversations. The settlement also stipulates that Apple will confirm the deletion of Siri audio recordings made before October 2019 and publish additional information clarifying the opt-in process for the “Improve Siri” program.

Apple has denied any wrongdoing in the settlement agreement but acknowledged that it had not fully met its privacy commitments and has since implemented measures to protect user privacy further. Additionally, Apple stated that it has stopped saving voice recordings from Siri interactions.

This settlement is not isolated, as Google is currently facing a similar class-action lawsuit concerning its Google Assistant, accused of being triggered without its wake words.

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According to a recent Financial Times report, corporate executives are increasingly targeted by sophisticated phishing scams generated by artificial intelligence (AI) bots, as analyzed by major companies like Beazley and eBay. The prevalence of these hyper-personalized attacks raises significant security concerns.

Corporate executives face rising AI-driven phishing scams

Kirsty Kelly, chief information security officer at Beazley, emphasized the severity of the issue, stating, “This is getting worse and it’s getting very personal, and this is why we suspect AI is behind a lot of it.” She noted that these scams utilize extensive information scraped about individuals through AI analysis of online profiles.

AI’s rapid development enables it to process vast amounts of data, mimicking the tone and style of individuals or companies, making phishing scams convincingly realistic. Cybersecurity experts, including eBay’s Nadezda Demidova, highlighted that the availability of generative AI tools has significantly lowered the barrier for engaging in advanced cyber crime, contributing to a noted increase in the volume of “polished and closely targeted” phishing scams.

More than 90 percent of successful cyber attacks begin with a phishing email, according to the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. The global average cost of a data breach is projected to rise nearly 10 percent to $4.9 million in 2024, according to IBM, reflecting the escalating financial risks associated with these attacks.

AI’s effectiveness extends to crafting business email compromise scams, a type of phishing attack without malware where fraudsters deceive recipients into transferring funds or sharing sensitive information. The FBI reported that these scams have cost victims worldwide over $50 billion since 2013.

Sean Joyce, global cyber security lead at PwC, noted that AI is utilized to identify vulnerabilities in both code and the human chain. Moreover, AI-generated phishing scams are more likely to bypass corporate email filters and cybersecurity training. Demidova pointed out that standard filters, which typically block bulk phishing attempts, may struggle against dynamically reworded scams generated in rapid succession by AI.

Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/Midjourney

Starting today, Spotify has launched its Partner Program in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia, allowing creators to earn based on engagement from paid subscribers, similar to models used by YouTube. Since its announcement last month, nearly 60 percent of eligible shows and networks have enrolled in the program.

Spotify launches Partner Program for creators in key markets

With over 640 million users and more than 250 million subscribers, Spotify aims to continuously build new offerings for creators to grow their audiences and monetize content. The new program provides eligible creators access to multiple revenue streams, including audience-driven payouts from Spotify Premium video engagement and opportunities to monetize through ads in Spotify Free and across all other podcast platforms.

This approach allows creators to have increased control and flexibility in their monetization strategies, enabling them to better navigate industry changes and maintain steady revenue. Users benefit from an enhanced viewing experience and a larger catalog of video podcasts, with Premium users enjoying uninterrupted content, as traditional dynamic ads will not interrupt the video playback.

Since the announcement of the Spotify Partner Program on November 13, there has been a strong creator response, with nearly 60% of eligible shows and networks participating. This interest is further bolstered by the increasing popularity of video content on the platform.

Spotify continues to invest in improving the viewing experience for users while allowing creators to use video for greater discovery. Podcast clips, introduced at the Now Playing event, are short-form videos recommended across Spotify’s surfaces, facilitating the discovery of new shows. Data indicates that these clips are 33% more effective than previews in converting users into engaged listeners.

Featured image credit: Spotify

According to the Washington Post Chinese government hackers compromised the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in December, targeting intelligence related to economic sanctions, officials reported. This breach aimed to access information relevant to potential U.S. designations of Chinese entities for financial sanctions.

Chinese hackers breach U.S. Treasury’s foreign assets office

The intrusion involved the Treasury’s Office of Financial Research and the Office of the Treasury Secretary, as disclosed in a letter to Congress. The cyberattack, characterized as a “major incident,” was revealed on December 8 by BeyondTrust, a software contractor that reported the breach. The hackers accessed unclassified documents and employee workstations, although there is no evidence indicating that they still maintain access to Treasury systems.

Current and former officials noted that a key area of interest for the hackers would be understanding which Chinese organizations might be targeted for sanctions. The Beijing government has denied the breach, labeling the accusations as “groundless,” and asserting its opposition to hacking activities.

The breach was made possible by compromising a security key used by BeyondTrust, which enabled the hackers to bypass security protocols. Officials indicated that the ability to compromise contractor security keys is a persistent challenge; a similar vulnerability was reported last year in a hack involving the State and Commerce departments.

DoubleClickjacking: The two-click hack that could hijack your accounts

Treasury Assistant Secretary for Management Aditi Hardikar described the incident as significant in her letter to the Senate Banking Committee. She confirmed that the compromised documents were unclassified, and highlighted the potential intelligence value of even unclassified information regarding U.S. sanctions deliberations.

In a historical context, this isn’t the first time that OFAC has been targeted by Chinese hackers; a breach occurred in the early 2000s, leading to the compromise of unclassified emails. Currently, tensions between the U.S. and China remain high, with the Biden administration actively enforcing regulations to bolster cybersecurity across critical sectors.

Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/Midjourney

Telegram has released its first update of 2025, introducing new features such as collectible gifts that can be transferred or auctioned as NFTs, message search filters, and an in-app QR code scanner.

Telegram’s first 2025 update under the scope

Gift recipients on Telegram can now upgrade these gifts into collectibles, which possess special attributes and become unique works of art. More than 20 existing gifts, including the Homemade Cake, Jelly Bunny, Spiced Wine, and Santa Hat, can be upgraded, offering over 1400 unique appearances. Users may also send gifts already upgraded, allowing recipients to unwrap their collectible artworks in chat. Upgrading a gift requires a small amount of Telegram Stars to cover blockchain fees.

Additionally, users can instantly trade collectible gifts to obtain specific appearances or bolster their collections. The update also introduces reactions for service messages triggered by events like receiving gifts, joining groups, or starting video chats. These reactions enable users to acknowledge events with just two taps.

The message search functionality has been refined with new filters, allowing users to quickly locate messages from private chats, group chats, or channels. Users can also explore recent downloads, shared media, and popular channels through the search interface.

To enhance transparency, Telegram has implemented a new verification method that allows official third-party services to assign additional verification icons alongside user accounts and chats. This decentralized verification platform aims to reduce scams and misinformation. Accounts verified by a third party will display a unique logo next to their names.

Telegram clarifies that third-party verification differs from its standard verified checkmarks for public figures and organizations. For third-party verification, the service must first complete an application and be verified by Telegram. More details regarding this process are available in a specific guide provided by the platform.

Is Telegram getting banned in India?

Users can also create customizable chat folders now with support for custom emoji, allowing them to organize conversations in a visually expressive way. Currently, over 12 million Telegram users subscribe to Telegram Premium, which offers a range of exclusive features.

Moreover, the in-app camera on both Android and iOS now automatically recognizes QR codes, allowing users to open links directly in their preferred browsers without switching applications.

Finally, Telegram has achieved profitability primarily through Premium subscriptions, privacy-focused advertisements, and other monetization efforts, allowing the platform to prioritize user experience and privacy protections moving forward.

Featured image credit: Telegram

BigBear.ai (BBAI -7.48%) stock has experienced significant volatility, marked by a dramatic rise fueled by enthusiasm for artificial intelligence (AI) last March, followed by a sharp decline. However, the stock rebounded with a remarkable 229% increase between the end of September and December 30, 2024.

Investment bank analysts are optimistic about BigBear.ai’s prospects. H.C. Wainwright’s analyst Scott Buck recently raised his price target for the stock to $7 per share, indicating a potential 46% increase from the closing price on December 30, 2024. This optimism is driven by growing demand for AI-related services spanning various sectors.

BigBear.ai stock rebounds but concerns linger over financial health

BigBear.ai develops data mining and analytics tools that integrate multiple data sources for clients in diverse industries, including national security, digital identity, and supply chain management. The company sets itself apart by offering modular services, allowing clients to incorporate smaller components into their existing software infrastructures. Additionally, BigBear.ai utilizes edge networking to minimize latency, enhancing its service offerings.

Recent developments have bolstered BigBear.ai’s position. In October, the newly appointed CEO, Mandy Long, announced a five-year contract worth $165 million with the U.S. Army, a contract substantial in relation to the company’s total revenue of $155 million in 2023. Furthermore, BigBear.ai’s biometric verification solution, veriScan, is now operational at the Denver International Airport’s departure gates.

Nvidia’s stock shows warning signs despite 177% yearly gain

Despite positive indicators, BigBear.ai faces key challenges. The company has revised its revenue projections downward, now forecasting total revenue for 2024 to range between $165 million and $180 million, a decrease from an earlier estimate of $195 million to $215 million. The midpoint of the new guidance represents only an 11% growth compared to 2022 revenue.

BigBear.ai is experiencing slow growth and has recorded significant financial losses. By the end of September 2024, the company reported just $65.6 million in cash, having burned through $149 million during the first nine months of the year. Its gross profit for the same period stood at $28.8 million, insufficient to cover expenses, with interest costs consuming a considerable portion of its gross profit.

An impairment of an intangible asset generated an $85 million loss, which is nonrecurring. However, even when this loss is accounted for, the company’s financial challenges suggest it may need additional capital by the end of 2025. With considerable debt already, a dilutive secondary offering could be anticipated in the near future.

While BigBear.ai has reported developments that could facilitate a break-even performance in 2025, the company’s financial trajectory over the past two years raises concerns about its ability to achieve sustainable profits.

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

A new cyber threat known as DoubleClickjacking has emerged, exploiting a two-click sequence to bypass existing web security protections and potentially leading to account takeovers across major websites. Discovered by security researcher Paulos Yibelo, this sophisticated attack manipulates the timing between clicks, presenting significant risks to users.

New cyber threat DoubleClickjacking exploits clicks for account takeovers

DoubleClickjacking builds on the concept of clickjacking, which typically misleads users into unknowingly clicking on hidden or disguised buttons. Traditional defenses have been strengthened in modern browsers—such as setting cookies to “SameSite: Lax” by default—yet DoubleClickjacking circumvents these measures. The attack involves a subtle manipulation where users are tricked into double-clicking on a benign prompt. During this sequence, attackers exploit the event timing to swap the content of the parent browser window with a sensitive page, such as an OAuth authorization dialog, thus allowing malicious actions to be authorized with the second click.

The process starts when an unsuspecting user visits an attacker’s site, led to believe they must double-click to verify they are not a robot. Upon clicking, the new window opens, and as the user prepares to double-click, the parent site’s content is altered. The closing of the top window on the first click and the landing on a sensitive element with the second click permits attackers to gain unauthorized access to accounts.

Affected websites are at risk of account takeovers, unauthorized application access with extensive data privileges, and alterations to critical account settings or financial transactions. Major websites relying on OAuth, including Salesforce, Slack, and Shopify, have been highlighted as vulnerable to this attack.

While traditional defenses like X-Frame-Options headers and Content Security Policies are designed to thwart clickjacking, they fail against DoubleClickjacking. The exploit requires minimal user interaction—a mere double-click—making it particularly deceptive. Furthermore, it extends beyond websites, also threatening browser extensions like crypto wallets or VPNs, potentially allowing attackers to disable security features or authorize financial transactions.

To mitigate this risk, several strategies are recommended. Developers can implement client-side protections, such as disabling sensitive buttons by default until intentional user action is detected. For instance, a JavaScript solution can keep buttons disabled until mouse movement or key presses occur. Long-term, browser vendors are urged to introduce new standards similar to X-Frame-Options, including a Double-Click-Protection HTTP header, to guard against this exploit.

Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/Midjourney

Users encountering the “Operation is not supported” error while installing post-checkpoint cumulative updates on devices running Windows 11 24H2 or Windows Server 2025 may need to take specific actions to resolve the issue. This occurs especially when a Feature on Demand (FoD) or Language Pack (LP) has been installed from a local source during times of no connectivity to Windows Update (WU) or Windows Server Update Services (WSUS).

Cause of installation failure

The error arises when a FoD or LP that was added on top of the latest checkpoint cumulative update—such as the September 2024 update KB5043080—cannot be updated to the latest update without access to WU or WSUS.

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

Solution to the issue

To fix the problem, users should download and reinstall all checkpoint cumulative updates along with the latest update. This involves searching for the latest KB number on the Microsoft Update Catalog, selecting the appropriate download for the device’s architecture, and downloading the necessary .msu files to a designated local folder.

Afterward, users can utilize the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool to install the .msu packages. For installation, the Add-WindowsPackage command can be employed to add a single .msu file to a Windows image.

Microsoft previously recommended manually installing .msu packages in order as one method to address these installation issues, but has since removed this method from its support guidance, emphasizing the use of DISM for installations instead.

Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/Ideogram

Elon Musk’s new username, “Kekius Maximus,” adopted on X (formerly Twitter), caused significant speculation yesterday among his 210 million followers and resulted in a 900% surge in the value of a memecoin named after his username.

Elon Musk’s username change fueuls memecoin surge

Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, replaced his profile picture with an image of “Pepe the Frog,” a cartoon character wearing Roman attire and holding a video game joystick. His username appears to blend “Maximus Decimus Meridius,” a character from the film “Gladiator,” and “kek,” a term popular among internet trolls and the alt-right as a variant of “LOL.” The term “kek” is also connected to a “virtual white nationalist god,” according to the Southern Poverty Law Center.

The change in Musk’s profile triggered immediate reactions in the cryptocurrency market, boosting the value of the Kekius Maximus memecoin by over 900% by Tuesday evening, according to CoinGecko. This memecoin was trading at less than one-fifth of a dollar at around 0030 GMT before the drastic rise.

Musk’s switch to the new username and image has sparked debates over possible hidden messages and whether it represents a joke or an allusion to online hate groups. The Anti-Defamation League has classified Pepe the Frog as a “hate symbol” due to its association with the alt-right, despite noting that most uses of the meme are non-bigoted.

Before changing his handle, Musk teased his followers with a post on X, stating, “Kekius Maximus will soon reach level 80 in hardcore PoE,” referencing the video game “Path of Exile 2.” Following Musk’s change, Kekius Maximus (KEKIUS) saw its value skyrocket from $0.00123 on December 30 to a peak of $0.40 on January 1, marking an increase of over 32,000%. The memecoin’s market cap reached over $250 million before retracing to a current value of $0.264.

Musk has a history of impacting cryptocurrency prices through his social media activity, though it remains unclear if he has any direct involvement with this particular memecoin. Additionally, he has been named an advisor in the incoming Trump administration and is reportedly set to head the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), focusing on reducing government spending.

Memecoins thrive on hype and social sentiment, and with Musk’s influence on his massive follower base, the coin could see renewed interest. However, its sustainability depends on whether it evolves beyond a speculative asset into something with tangible use cases or community support. Without such foundations, the coin’s value could remain volatile.

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

According to an exclusive TechCrunch article, OpenAI has not delivered the promised ‘Media Manager’ opt-out tool, which was teased in May 2024 to enable creators and content owners to prevent their works from being used in AI training. As 2025 begins, insiders indicate that this feature is not a priority for the company.

OpenAI delays media manager tool for copyright protection

The ‘Media Manager’ tool was designed to help identify copyrighted content, including text, images, audio, and video, and was intended to allow creators to set preferences regarding the use of their works. The announcement was made in response to extensive criticism over OpenAI’s utilization of copyrighted material for training its models, like Sora, which generates content trained on billions of webpages and may produce near duplicates of copyrighted works.

Despite the initial enthusiasm surrounding Media Manager, reports suggest it has not been a significant focus internally. A former OpenAI employee told TechCrunch, “I don’t think it was a priority. To be honest, I don’t remember anyone working on it.” A contact closely coordinating with OpenAI further indicated that there have been no recent updates regarding the tool. Fred von Lohmann, a member of OpenAI’s legal team who was involved in Media Manager, transitioned to a part-time consultant role in October.

Italy slaps OpenAI with a €15M fine over GDPR breach in ChatGPT

Since the announcement, OpenAI has not made any public statements regarding the progress of Media Manager. The company missed a self-imposed deadline to have the tool functioning “by 2025,” leading to uncertainty about its future. OpenAI has implemented some ad hoc measures for creators to opt out of AI training but these have been criticized for being inadequate. A submission form for artists to flag their work for exclusion has been perceived as cumbersome, and webmasters can block data scraping but lack specific mechanisms for different media types.

Experts question whether Media Manager can effectively resolve the legal issues related to intellectual property usage. Adrian Cyhan, an IP attorney, expressed skepticism about OpenAI’s ability to navigate the complexities of creator protections. Ed Newton-Rex, founder of Fairly Trained, noted that the burden of control may unfairly shift to creators who might not be informed about the tool’s existence.

OpenAI is currently involved in class-action lawsuits from various creators, including authors and media companies, who allege that their works were used without permission. The company maintains that its AI-generated outputs qualify as fair use by producing transformative works. OpenAI asserts that developing competitive AI models without leveraging copyrighted materials would be infeasible and emphasizes the need for a thorough approach to data sourcing and compliance with legal requirements.

Featured image credit: OpenAI

Tesla Inc. experienced a significant market rally, pushing its valuation above $1 trillion, but maintaining this growth in 2025 poses challenges related to CEO Elon Musk’s political involvement, upcoming projects, and competition in China.

Tesla’s valuation exceeds $1 trillion amid challenges ahead

In October, Tesla unveiled its autonomous “Cybertaxi,” which, despite receiving criticism from Wall Street for its vague details, fueled a surge in the company’s stock price. Shay Natarajan, a partner at Mobility Impact Partners, noted, “Tesla has something that a lot of EV companies don’t have: a somewhat legitimate path to autonomy.”

The incoming Trump administration is reportedly considering the elimination of tax incentives for electric vehicles (EVs). Analysts at Morgan Stanley labeled this potential move as “disruptive to near-term demand.” However, they also indicated that the long-term implications could be “more neutral or even relatively positive” for Tesla. Musk has previously expressed skepticism towards consumer tax credits, arguing they create less competitive market conditions and inhibit Tesla’s market share.

Natarajan drew parallels to China, which reduced EV incentives in 2022, leading to a significant drop in EV sales. Although prices eventually decreased and are expected to rebound in 2024, the uncertainty created by the government’s actions caused consumers to hesitate. She remarked, “Consumers don’t like uncertainty, and there’s always a wait-and-see moment.”

Market analysts predict that U.S. EV sales may not follow the same trajectory as China’s. Chinese automakers prioritize market share over profit margins, which complicates direct comparisons. Natarajan noted that the ongoing uncertainty supports a less favorable environment for consumers.

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Despite Wall Street placing great hope on Tesla’s autonomous vehicle technology, Tu Le, managing director at Sino Auto Insights, remains skeptical about its ability to sustain a competitive advantage. He pointed out that Tesla is polarizing in the U.S. market, with some potential buyers eschewing Tesla EVs altogether. Le forecasted that sales may remain flat in the coming year, and Musk’s projection of 20% to 30% sales growth for 2025 may be overly optimistic.

Tesla sold approximately 1.8 million vehicles in 2023. The company’s sales figures for 2024 are expected to be revealed soon. Analysts, including Garrett Nelson from CFRA, suggest that various factors, such as increasing oil production, potential strengthening of the U.S. dollar, and the likely phasing out of tax incentives, could impede growth.

Tesla’s Full Self Driving (FSD) software, touted as a “game changer” by Wall Street, faces substantial competition in the autonomous vehicle sector, particularly in China. While FSD may find a more favorable regulatory environment under a Trump administration, competition remains fierce, complicating Tesla’s position. Even the anticipated rollout of a cheaper Tesla EV is expected to contend with significant market challenges.

Analysts at Deutsche Bank highlighted that while Musk is well-regarded in China, uncertainties regarding future relations between the two economies present a significant variable for Tesla. The firm is the only foreign automaker with notable presence in China’s EV marketplace.

Domestically, Tesla’s polarizing brand image may curb its growth, with analysts casting doubt on Musk’s ambitious 2025 sales targets. Even a cheaper EV model, though promising, must battle entrenched competitors in an evolving and price-sensitive market. Tesla’s path forward demands not just innovation, but deft navigation of policy shifts, market dynamics, and intensifying global rivalries.

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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Rumors suggest that Apple will rename the upcoming iPhone SE 4 to the iPhone 16E, with an expected announcement date around March 2025. This speculation arises from sources including Majin Bu and Fixed Focus Digital, aligning the new model with the existing iPhone 16 lineup.

Apple plans to rename iPhone SE 4 to iPhone 16E

The sources claim this change fits Apple’s historical naming strategies, as the company has previously utilized unique designations for certain iPhones, such as the iPhone X and iPhone XR. However, both sources have inconsistent track records regarding Apple rumors, which warrants cautious interpretation of their claims.

In addition to the possible name change, the alleged design of the iPhone 16E is said to be heavily inspired by the iPhone 14, sharing features like a 6.1-inch OLED display, Face ID, and a USB-C port. The device may also include a single 48-megapixel rear camera, a newer A-series chip, and 8GB of RAM, which would support Apple Intelligence functionalities. Details about whether the device will feature an Action button remain unclear.

iPhone SE 4: Big features, affordable price—Apple’s 2025 stunner

Historically, Apple has released three iPhone SE models, with the last one being the iPhone SE 3, introduced in 2022. The new iPhone 16E may see slight price adjustments from the current starting price of $429 for the existing model, which is based on the design of the iPhone 8 and includes legacy features such as a Touch ID button and a Lightning port.

Fixed Focus Digital reported the name change on December 13, 2024, and Majin Bu corroborated this on December 31, 2024. The anticipation for the iPhone 16E’s release continues as consumers await more details on its features and design.

Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/Ideogram

Investors seeking higher dividend yields in 2025 can consider real estate investment trusts (REITs), which are legally required to pay dividends. Some selected REITs yield 10% or more, significantly surpassing the current average of 3% for the real estate sector, as represented by the Real Estate Select Sector SPDR (XLRE).

High-yield REITs to explore for 2025 dividends

The average yield among a chosen group of seven REITs is 12.4%, which is over four times the sector average. This level of income could potentially allow investors to retire on dividends alone. However, REITs face challenges heading into 2025. The Federal Reserve’s three interest rate cuts in 2024 provided a boost to the real estate sector, and equity REITs have started issuing new shares for capital fundraising. Nevertheless, the Fed has moderated its expectations for 2025 cuts, signaling a reduction of only half a percentage point after previously indicating a one-point cut.

Community Healthcare Trust (CHCT) offers a yield of 10.4% and manages around 200 properties across 35 states, leased to 315 tenants. The trust has a history of increasing dividends quarterly for 37 consecutive quarters. However, CHCT’s funds from operations (FFO) have dipped below 2020 levels, affected by tenant issues, including the bankruptcy of GenesisCare in 2023, which complicated leasing agreements. Although recent rate cuts could improve CHCT’s cost of capital, dividend coverage may tighten temporarily.

Global Medical REIT (GMRE), with a yield of 10.8%, owns 187 medical facilities, maintaining an occupancy rate of over 96%. Despite experiencing tenant issues, including the bankruptcy of Pipeline Health System and a 10% drop in stock value since then, GMRE signed a long-term lease on a major property and executed acquisitions throughout 2024. The dividend is under scrutiny as GMRE currently has a 93% payout ratio against projected adjusted FFO of 90 cents per share.

Bitcoin price forecasts: Analysts predict $200,000 by 2025

Innovative Industrial Properties (IIPR) also yields 10.8% and specializes in the cannabis industry, owning 108 properties in 19 states, leased to 30 tenants. The company’s shares fell significantly after poor revenue reports and tenant default issues in 2024, particularly involving PharmaCann, which defaulted on rent obligations for several properties. There remains concern regarding IIPR’s viability following a dramatic valuation drop of 70% since its peak.

Brandywine Realty Trust (BDN), with an 11.1% yield, has diversified from office-focused properties to a hybrid model with assets in Philadelphia and Austin. After a difficult 2023, BDN performed well in 2024, with promising projects in its pipeline. The trust trades at 6 times next year’s FFO estimates, with improved dividend coverage post-dividend cut.

Global Net Lease (GNL) offers a substantial yield of 15.3%, managing 1,223 properties leased to 723 tenants across 11 countries. Despite its high yield, GNL reduced its dividend significantly since 2020, implementing cuts even in 2024. It is focused on reducing leverage by divesting approximately $1 billion in properties through 2024 and 2025, though its sensitivity to interest rates poses risks ahead.

Mortgage REITs (mREITs) also provide high yields. New York Mortgage Trust (NYMT), with a yield of 13.7%, invests in various secured mortgage products. The rise in mortgage rates has negatively impacted its portfolio, resulting in share and dividend cuts. Despite trading at only 54% of adjusted book value, NYMT management remains optimistic about future earnings aligning with dividend payouts.

Dynex Capital (DX), yielding 14.4%, focuses primarily on agency mortgage-backed securities (MBS). Its leverage has adjusted to 7.6x, following a trend in the market. While historically faced with declining dividends, recent favorable yield curve shifts may position Dynex for better performance ahead, although past reductions have heavily influenced its current payout.

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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No one will argue that cloud platforms were the first step into a new era of data storage and management. No matter if we’re talking personal files or big business operations, this technology is becoming the go-to solution for individuals and organizations alike. But why are so many people embracing cloud platforms for data storage and management? Are they secure enough? Effective enough? We take a deeper look into the benefits and potential risks of using these tools.

What makes cloud platforms so popular?

At their core, cloud platforms are so handy because they provide a way to store and access data remotely. Unlike traditional storage methods, which require physical devices like hard drives or servers, cloud storage allows you to save information online and manage it from anywhere with an internet connection. This level of remote access makes life easier for professionals and businesses across all fields, sure, but they also help people with daily tasks on an individual level. Say, you’re a student. You can upload dissertations or theses to a cloud platform, accessing them anytime without computer crashes or the clutter of USB drives and cables. Plus, after all the effort that goes into those papers, losing them is not an option! Speaking of effort, if you’re stuck rephrasing parts of your written work, check out this helpful free tool to save time and polish your text.

The advantages of cloud storage

Why are cloud platforms gaining popularity? Let’s cut to the chase because the benefits speak for themselves.

• Convenience. Cloud platforms allow users to access their data anytime, anywhere, from multiple devices. If you’re working on a business presentation or editing your essay on the go, cloud storage keeps everything within reach.
• Scalability. Need more storage space? Cloud platforms grow with your needs, boosting business agility, no matter if you’re a small organization or a large corporation.
• Collaboration. Many cloud platforms make it easy for teams to collaborate in real time. Imagine co-writing a paper with a classmate or sharing project updates with your team seamlessly.
• Cost-effective. Instead of investing in expensive hardware, cloud platforms offer affordable subscription plans, making them a budget-friendly solution for individuals and businesses.
• AI integration and analytics. Many modern platforms incorporate AI tools to optimize data analytics and improve workflow, helping businesses drive innovation and agility.

As you can see, these reasons are more than enough to sway people in favor of cloud storage. It is simply more convenient to have it since it provides opportunities for better productivity and improved security in terms of personal and professional use. Speaking of professional…

How cloud platforms are transforming business

If you take a look at today’s business arena, you’ll notice that cloud platforms aren’t just used for storing files anymore. They are powering everything from data management and SaaS tools to forward-thinking projects that drive real business innovation.

First of all, using SaaS (Software as a Service) is now easier than ever. Instead of installing software on every computer or constantly updating programs, you can access the tools you need over the internet. From Google Workspace to Microsoft 365, these cloud-based apps have made life easier by letting teams work together and stay synced without the typical tech headaches. A recent study in the International Journal of Business, Humanities and Technology looked at how companies decide whether to build or acquire their SaaS solutions and how those choices affect their overall success. The researchers found that businesses with strong marketing and R&D teams are more likely to develop SaaS in-house which is a strategy that often leads to a bigger slice of the market. On the flip side, companies that opt to buy their SaaS through mergers and acquisitions tend to see dips in gross profits and face longer waits before reaping any real benefits from the deal.

What about boosting innovation with data analytics and AI? With the cloud, it’s simpler than ever to dive into data analytics and tap into AI integration. You can process huge amounts of information, spot trends, and make smarter decisions, all of which helps your business stay competitive and keeps innovation on track.

Finally, the rise in remote work has pushed many businesses to make sure everyone can connect to the same data and projects, no matter where they are. That’s where cloud platforms come in. They let teams handle documents, software, and collaboration from anywhere, making remote access second nature.

Keeping your data safe on cloud platforms

With all their advantages, cloud platforms also come with concerns — chiefly, cloud security, which is no surprise. When you store sensitive documents online, such as financial records or personal projects, you can’t help but wonder: what if there’s a leak? If you are concerned with keeping your data secure, there are some additional measures you can take apart from simply subscribing to a cloud service.

• Choose reputable providers. Stick to well-known cloud management platforms with strong security measures. Look for reviews and check their data protection policies.
• Use strong passwords. It might sound basic, but a strong password can prevent unauthorized access. Use unique passwords for each platform and change them regularly.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). Adding an extra layer of security makes it harder for hackers to access your account.
• Backup important files. While cloud storage is reliable, keeping an additional offline backup can save you from unexpected issues.
• Understand sharing permissions. When sharing files, ensure you’re only granting access to the right people. Avoid making sensitive files publicly available.

Of course, this is not the end of possible ways to protect your data even further, but it is a genuinely good baseline that will keep you safe and cross off the majority of situations, where your security could be compromised. 

Why data protection matters

Data is valuable — not just to you but potentially to others who may misuse it. For students, losing a thesis or dissertation can mean months of wasted effort. For businesses, a data breach can lead to financial losses and damage to reputation. Cloud platforms are designed to prioritize security, but users must also take responsibility for protecting their information. It is a partnership: the provider secures the platform, and you take steps to secure your data.

Students and cloud platforms: A mtch made in heaven?

Students are among the biggest beneficiaries of cloud platforms, thanks to all of the essays, sources, textbooks, and other sorts of files needed to complete even the most basic course. From storing class notes and essays to collaborating on group projects, these tools make academic life more manageable, so many students also use cloud platforms to save time and avoid problems that may come from using multiple devices. What a bummer it is to pack your tablet for a weekend trip, planning to work on your paper, and then remember two hours into the journey that you forgot to download the file to your computer.

Writing a thesis or dissertation is no small feat. It involves countless hours of research, writing, and revisions. To make this process less overwhelming, students often turn to AI tools for help. These tools can assist with everything from organizing ideas to rephrasing complex sentences. If you’re looking for an easy way to polish your work, why not try a paraphrasing tool? As technology progresses due to its huge demand and marketability, cloud platforms will continue to stay relevant. Innovations in AI integration and network optimization are making these platforms smarter, faster, and safer.

Looking ahead, we can expect:

• Better AI tools due to improved capabilities for analyzing data and optimizing workflows.
• Stronger security measures as a result of continuous improvements in encryption and privacy protection.
• Seamless multi-platform access, which basically means even better synchronization across devices and operating systems.

Wrapping it up

Cloud platforms have completely changed the way we handle data. They offer convenience and flexibility which is what people are looking for. If you’re a student protecting your thesis or a company looking to streamline operations, these services are proving invaluable and they’re not going anywhere anytime soon.

Still, security is something we all share responsibility for. Sorry not sorry, but you’ll get the benefits of cloud platforms without putting your information at risk only by sticking to solid safety practices and using the right tools. And if you ever find yourself buried in document edits, ask AI  helpers to lighten the load. As technology evolves, data management will keep focusing on adaptability, so make the most of cloud technology and see how it can enhance both your personal projects and professional goals.

Industry experts and analysts are predicting significant price increases for bitcoin by the end of 2025, with forecasts suggesting it could double to $200,000.

Key forecasts for bitcoin prices

Following a strong rally in 2024, bitcoin recently surpassed $100,000 for the first time, driven by various factors including a pro-crypto stance from the newly elected President Donald Trump. His administration is anticipated to foster a favorable regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies.

During his campaign, Trump pledged to replace Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler, who has pursued aggressive actions against crypto firms. Gensler is expected to step down from the SEC in 2025. Trump also suggested the possibility of establishing a strategic bitcoin reserve from funds obtained through criminal asset seizures.

Additionally, the approval of the first U.S. spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) marked a pivotal moment in 2024, enhancing the cryptocurrency’s accessibility to mainstream investors. The halving event of 2024, which reduces the supply of bitcoin, is also seen as a supportive factor for its price movements.

Bitcoin will hit $1,000,000 according to Trump

Analysts’ forecasts

Industry leaders have shared their thoughtful insights and projections with CNBC, highlighting the factors they believe will shape bitcoin’s trajectory in the coming years. Below are the key predictions:

• According to James Butterfill of CoinShares, bitcoin prices could fluctuate between $80,000 and $150,000 in 2025, contingent on the success of Trump’s pro-crypto policies. He noted that if those policies disappoint, there could be a significant market correction.
• Matrixport’s projection stands at $160,000, citing sustained demand for bitcoin ETFs and favorable macroeconomic trends. Markus Thielen, from Matrixport, anticipates that the potential for severe price corrections will be less pronounced due to increasing support from institutional investors.
• Galaxy Digital’s Alex Thorn expects bitcoin to cross $150,000 in the first half of 2025 and reach $185,000 by year-end, bolstered by institutional, corporate, and nation-state adoption.
• Geoffrey Kendrick from Standard Chartered predicts bitcoin will hit $200,000 by the end of 2025, spurred by ongoing institutional inflows and enhanced interest from pension funds positioning bitcoin within their portfolios.
• Carol Alexander, a finance professor at the University of Sussex, echoed the $200,000 prediction, while cautioning that volatility remains a concern due to the unregulated nature of crypto exchanges.
• Youwei Yang, chief economist at Bit Mining, forecasted a price range of $180,000 to $190,000, with potential corrections due to market shocks, including stock market declines and geopolitical tensions.
• Sid Powell, CEO of Maple Finance, aligns closely with previous predictions, targeting a bitcoin price of $180,000 to $200,000, citing historical trends of increased inflows following the introduction of ETFs.
• In a more bullish stance, Nexo’s Elitsa Taskova projects bitcoin could exceed $250,000 by the end of 2025, emphasizing trends recognizing bitcoin as a reserve asset and improved macroeconomic conditions.

Market conditions and projections

Galaxy Digital also predicts that spot bitcoin ETPs will cross $250 billion in assets under management by 2025. The firm observed that U.S. bitcoin ETPs are nearing parity with U.S. gold ETPs in AUM.

Furthermore, projections indicate that Ether could surpass $5,500 due to relaxed regulations and increased corporate adoption of Ethereum technology. Dogecoin is also expected to reach $1 by 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.

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A data leak exposed the location data of approximately 800,000 Volkswagen (VW) electric vehicles (EVs) for several months, impacting vehicles from VW, Audi, Seat, and Skoda, as reported by Der Spiegel.

Data leak exposes location of 800,000 Volkswagen EVs

The incident revealed real-time GPS locations of affected vehicles, allowing observers to see if cars were parked at home, on the street, or in more sensitive locations, according to Der Spiegel. The leak originated from a VW subsidiary, Cariad, which collects data to enable features like car preheating and battery monitoring via the VW app.

Before the vulnerability was closed, several terabytes of data linked to around 800,000 EVs were reportedly exposed on Amazon’s cloud storage system. Der Spiegel stated that accessing this unprotected data would not have posed a significant challenge to intelligence agencies, competitive firms, criminals, or even “bored teenagers.”

The potential implications of this data exposure are serious. Much of the vehicle data could be linked to personal information such as names, email addresses, home addresses, and phone numbers of car owners. According to the report, precise location data for 460,000 vehicles detailed the timing and locations of their parking and operation.

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Response from Volkswagen and affected individuals

Following the revelation, VW’s Cariad stated it only collects pseudonymized data to improve charging behavior and software. They insisted that “no sensitive information such as passwords or payment details are affected,” and added that users can deactivate online functions within their vehicles.

The vulnerability became known after a whistleblower notified both Der Spiegel and the Chaos Computer Club (CCC), who then investigated the extent of the breach. Politician Nadja Weippert expressed shock upon discovering her car’s data was stored unencrypted, emphasizing the need for VW to improve data security.

Markus Grübel, another politician affected by the leak, described the situation as “annoying and embarrassing,” stating it undermines confidence in the German automotive industry’s IT capabilities concerning privacy and security.

Der Spiegel outlined the potential for this data to be exploited by foreign intelligence services to track individuals of interest or for use in blackmail. It suggested that data indicating regular visits to certain locations, such as brothels or hospitals, could facilitate malicious schemes.

The CCC, upon discovering the vulnerability, contacted Cariad and VW Group, allowing for quick action to remediate the issue. The team praised Cariad’s prompt response to their alert, closing the vulnerability once it was reported.

The exposed data included detailed vehicle movements, providing a comprehensive insight into the daily habits of drivers. It allowed for tracking of when a car was turned on or off and where it had been, presenting significant privacy concerns for many owners.

Broader impacts on automotive data privacy

The data leak highlights the broader issues of data collection practices by automakers, which can include detailed tracking and profiling of vehicle users. Research indicates that modern vehicles often collect more data than necessary, with a 2023 Mozilla Foundation survey revealing that 68% of examined brands had previously experienced security incidents or data breaches.

Other manufacturers have also faced security vulnerabilities related to data collection. In January 2023, a group of hackers successfully accessed user accounts at BMW and Mercedes-Benz, while a previous incident known as the “Jeep hack” demonstrated vulnerabilities in vehicle control systems.

The legal landscape surrounding automotive data is shifting, with the EU’s new Data Act set to grant car owners increased control over their vehicle data starting in September 2025.

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Nvidia (NVDA) faced resistance at the 50-day moving average, falling over 1% on Monday. The stock had previously reached an all-time high of 152.89 following a breakout at 140.76 in October, but has since struggled with its recent lows.

Nvidia stock faces challenges amid rising competition and mixed signals

Nvidia has not issued a new sell signal, despite dropping more than 7% from its buy point and forming a double-bottom base with a buy point of 146.54. Investors should monitor the 126.86 level, as a drop below it could delay buying opportunities.

Shares have been pressured as news circulated about the upcoming next-generation Rubin chip at the CES tech conference on January 5. This followed a mixed news cycle regarding Nvidia’s competition, including a Chinese AI startup, DeepSeek, successfully training its AI model using Nvidia’s chips, matching capabilities of U.S. rivals such as Microsoft-backed OpenAI and Anthropic.

Nvidia has maintained a remarkable 177% gain this year after a dramatic 239% increase in 2023. However, funds have shown caution in buying the stock. While Nvidia’s price performance has outstripped that of 94% of other stocks in Investor’s Business Daily’s database, its Accumulation/Distribution Rating stands at D-.

The relative strength line, which gauges the stock’s performance versus the S&P 500 index, sharply declined after Nvidia peaked at 152.89 on November 21. Analysts recommend waiting for improvements in this metric before making investment decisions.

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Despite these pressures, shares climbed nearly 4% on December 20 after Morgan Stanley analyst Joseph Moore designated Nvidia as a “top 2025 pick,” although he adjusted his price target to 166 from 168. Moore detailed that delays in the older Hopper chip could allow more high-end memory chips for the upcoming Blackwell line to become available

Nvidia’s GPUs remain pivotal for AI tasks, with analysts noting that while custom ASICs are gaining market share, GPUs are still dominant for training applications. Mizuho analyst Jordan Klein indicated that “custom silicon will quickly gain share each year from GPUs, GPUs will be dominant for training purposes.”

Retail investors have heavily favored Nvidia in 2024, investing nearly $30 billion as of December 17, according to Vanda Research. The stock not only replaced Intel in the Dow Jones Industrial Average in November but also currently holds a market cap of $3 trillion, making it the second most valuable company after Apple.

Despite these successes, Nvidia faced setbacks following Broadcom’s results, which pointed to strong demand for its AI processors, suggesting increased competition in the AI market. Shares dipped further after Microsoft reported that it is not “chip supply constrained,” indicating a potential risk to Nvidia’s revenue, as one client represented 13% of its fiscal first-quarter revenue, believed to be Microsoft.

After Fed Chair Jerome Powell hinted at fewer rate cuts for 2025, Nvidia stock rose, supported by its strong profit margins. Citi analyst Atif Malik highlighted Nvidia’s capability to handle various workloads through its CUDA software as a substantial advantage over ASICs.

Nvidia reported third-quarter sales of $35.08 billion, with earnings of 81 cents per share, exceeding expectations. This performance came during a broader market noting signs of demand fluctuations, though ASML, a key chip lithography partner, insisted on maintaining strong long-term sales targets.

Analysts have mixed sentiments regarding Nvidia’s ability to maintain its growth trajectory amid rising competition. While some see long-term prospects as strong, others express caution after what they perceive as artificial inflation of demand due to double ordering practices within the semiconductor sector.

Experts like Doug Kass have indicated potential volatility in Nvidia’s share price, with projections suggesting a possible significant decline in the near term due to perceived overstated earnings caused by customer ordering strategies.

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

Apple TV+ will offer free access to its entire catalog from January 3 to January 5, 2025, for users with an Apple ID. This promotion aims to attract new subscribers by allowing them to stream original content on any compatible device.

Apple TV+ offers free streaming weekend in January 2025

The free streaming period will last three days, beginning on Friday, January 3, and concluding on Sunday, January 5, 2025. Users can access all Apple TV+ original series, movies, and documentaries without needing a subscription during this promotional event.

This initiative coincides with several series returns, including the second season of “Severance,” which premieres on January 17, 2025. The move aims to generate interest in the series and encourage viewers to explore other titles available on the platform.

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Featured content on Apple TV+

Apple TV+ offers a diverse range of acclaimed original programming. Viewers can watch titles such as “Severance,” “Ted Lasso,” “The Morning Show,” “Silo,” “Shrinking,” “Bad Sisters,” “Slow Horses,” “Disclaimer,” and “Presumed Innocent.” Sci-fi enthusiasts can enjoy series like “Dark Matter,” “For All Mankind,” and “Foundation.”

The platform includes family movies like “Fly Me to the Moon,” featuring Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum, and “The Family Plan,” starring Mark Wahlberg and Michelle Monaghan. Other titles worth noting are the action-comedy “Wolfs,” starring George Clooney and Brad Pitt, and the film “The Instigators,” featuring Matt Damon and Casey Affleck.

The Apple TV+ app is available on various platforms, including iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV 4K streaming box, as well as through web browsers. Additionally, the app is accessible via major streaming devices such as Roku, Google TV, and FireOS, and it is also integrated into Samsung and LG smart TVs.

This promotional event marks the first time Apple TV+ has offered a free weekend of streaming, although the service typically provides a seven-day free trial that requires sign-up. The January promotion represents an effort to increase viewership amid a competitive streaming landscape.

Apple has not disclosed its subscriber numbers for Apple TV+, which launched in November 2019. The company reports metrics for its entire services division; in the latest fiscal year, services contributed to 25% of total revenue, reaching $25 billion in the quarter ending September 30, with considerable gross margins.

Consumers can subscribe to Apple TV+ after the free weekend for a standard monthly fee of $9.99 or $99.99 annually. The free streaming offer allows potential subscribers to explore the platform’s vast library and assess its value.

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MicroStrategy Inc. reported a decline in its shares by 8% after the company disclosed its purchase of $209 million in Bitcoin, marking the eighth consecutive week of acquisitions. This transaction was made between December 23 and December 29, 2024, as part of the company’s strategy to expand its Bitcoin holdings.

MicroStrategy’s shares drop 8% after $209 million Bitcoin purchase

The company acquired 2,138 bitcoins at an average price of approximately $97,837 per coin, totaling its Bitcoin purchases to about 446,400 coins overall. At current Bitcoin prices, this translates to a value of approximately $41.1 billion. To finance this latest acquisition, MicroStrategy sold 592,987 shares for about $209 million. Following the announcement, MicroStrategy’s stock fell from $318.89 to $302.09 shortly after the market opened, with a further decline observed in after-hours trading.

Could MicroStrategy’s $3 trillion Bitcoin bet boost its stock further?

Previous to this purchase, MicroStrategy had disclosed a sale of shares worth $561 million, which was used to acquire 5,262 bitcoins at an average price of $106,662. The company has financed its Bitcoin accumulation through consecutive share sales over the past eight weeks, totaling $1.22 billion raised from stock sales since late October. MicroStrategy’s shift to Bitcoin as its primary treasury reserve asset has significantly reshaped its market capitalization, now exceeding $80 billion.

The firm is operating under a “21/21 plan,” aiming to raise $21 billion from both share sales and fixed-income securities. As of December 29, it has approximately $6.88 billion remaining for issuance and sale under this plan. This strategy hinges on the expectation of increasing institutional adoption of Bitcoin, despite the cryptocurrency’s inherent volatility.

MicroStrategy’s bullish posture on Bitcoin has resulted in a remarkable stock increase of over 360% this year, significantly outperforming Bitcoin itself. The company’s strategy raises concerns among analysts regarding the extensive leverage involved and the implications of increasing its authorized shares dramatically, from 330 million to a potential 10.33 billion. Analysts like Hartmann Capital’s Felix Hartmann warned of a precarious situation, suggesting that while MicroStrategy could potentially see a top-five market capitalization, it also risks a downturn.

In addition, MicroStrategy’s position has attracted interest from hedge funds engaging in convertible arbitrage strategies. The company seeks approval to increase its authorized shares to support its capital campaign effectively. This approval is crucial for sustaining their ambitious growth plans, which envision an aggressive accumulation of Bitcoin assets over the coming years.

This week marked a notable moment for MicroStrategy as it was included in the Nasdaq-100 index, placing it among 100 of the largest stocks by market capitalization. The company’s ongoing efforts to leverage its high stock price to acquire more Bitcoin illustrate its unique market position, with many viewing it as a proxy for cryptocurrency investment.

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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Samsung Electronics has become the largest shareholder of South Korea’s Rainbow Robotics, increasing its stake to 35% for 267 billion won (approximately $181 million), according to a regulatory filing on Tuesday.

Samsung’s stake increase and strategic plans

Prior to this acquisition, Samsung held a 14.71% stake, equating to about 2.85 million shares, in Rainbow Robotics, making it the second-largest shareholder. Previous to this deal, the largest shareholder was Dr. Oh Jun-ho, the firm’s founder, along with associated entities.

Samsung’s latest investment aims to bolster its robotics department and accelerate the development of humanoid robots. The company previously paid 86.8 billion won for its initial 14.71% stake in Rainbow Robotics in 2023.

As part of the acquisition, Samsung will integrate Rainbow Robotics as a subsidiary and has announced the establishment of a Future Robotics Office, which will report directly to the chief executive officer. This move is expected to facilitate the expansion of Rainbow Robotics into overseas markets by leveraging Samsung’s global reach.

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Background of Rainbow Robotics

Founded in 2011 by researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST), Rainbow Robotics specializes in developing dual-arm mobile manipulators and autonomous mobile robots for manufacturing and logistics applications. The company currently employs 86 people.

Dr. Jun-ho Oh, who was the largest shareholder before this agreement and serves as an honorary professor at KAIST, will remain with the company to spearhead the Future Robotics Office as an advisor to Samsung.

Samsung’s investment comes amidst increasing competition in the humanoid robotics space, with companies like Microsoft and OpenAI exploring similar technology applications. Tesla recently showcased its humanoid robot, Optimus, and Nvidia plans to release a new line of compact computers for humanoid robots called Jetson Thor next year.

In 2022, Samsung identified robotics, along with artificial intelligence, 5G, and automotive electronics, as key areas for future initiatives, indicating potential further acquisitions in these fields.

Featured image credit: Samsung

Bitcoin’s price fell below $94,000 on December 29, 2024, following a decline from its all-time high of $108,000 reached on December 17. The cryptocurrency recorded a 1.29% dip in the last 24 hours and a 2.67% decrease over the past week.

Bitcoin drops below $94K as bearish sentiment rises

Currently, Bitcoin trades well below its 20-day exponential moving average (EMA) and is approaching its 50-day EMA. Prices have consolidated between $92,000 and $99,000 following a significant rally in November and December. Despite the recent decline, Bitcoin remains above its 200-day EMA, which has served as a critical support level since October 2024.

The Relative Strength Index (RSI) stands at 42, indicating that Bitcoin is neither in an overbought nor oversold condition. However, the Bitcoin Taker-Buy-Sell Ratio has decreased to 0.92, suggesting that bears are currently in control of the market, as a reading below 1 reflects bearish sentiment.

TradingView contributor The ForexX Mindset warned that Bitcoin could decline to approximately $81,500, noting that rising dominance in the USDT market suggests investors are seeking safer assets. Increased USDT market dominance is often interpreted as a shift away from riskier assets like Bitcoin.

Technical analyst Aksel Kibar also predicted a potential price correction, forecasting that Bitcoin could fall to around $80,000. He observed a head and shoulders pattern on the charts, which is commonly associated with downward price movement.

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Despite these bearish indications, Bitcoin’s perpetual futures funding rates remain positive. This suggests that traders holding long positions dominate the market and are willing to compensate short traders to maintain their positions, indicating some persistent bullish sentiment.

Future price movements for Bitcoin will likely be influenced by external factors, including the incoming administration’s regulatory policies and the Federal Reserve’s monetary stance in 2025. This uncertainty has led to a range of price predictions, with crypto mining company Blockware forecasting a potential Bitcoin price between $150,000 and $400,000 in the new year.

After reaching an impressive all-time high of $108,000 on December 17, the cryptocurrency has faced bearish sentiment, recording a 1.29% dip in the last 24 hours and a 2.67% decrease over the past week. Currently trading below its 20-day exponential moving average (EMA), Bitcoin is approaching its 50-day EMA while consolidating within the $92,000 to $99,000 range. This consolidation follows a significant rally in November and December, but the market remains cautious as it tests critical support levels, particularly the 200-day EMA, which has held strong since October.

The technical indicators present a mixed outlook. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) at 42 suggests that Bitcoin is neither overbought nor oversold, yet the declining Taker-Buy-Sell Ratio at 0.92 points to a shift toward bearish sentiment. Analysts like The ForexX Mindset and Aksel Kibar are predicting potential further declines, with targets around $81,500 and $80,000 respectively, supported by observed head and shoulders patterns.

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

A recent discovery reveals that the “Enhanced Visual Search” feature in the Apple Photos app may collect data from user photos without consent, as it is enabled by default on devices running iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia.

Enhanced Visual Search facilitates the identification of landmarks in photos. When enabled, it allows your device to analyze images and send data to Apple for comparison with a global database. Upon taking a photo of a landmark, users can swipe up and select “Look Up Landmark” to receive information about the structure.

Apple states that the feature utilizes an on-device machine learning model to detect regions of interest, which leads to the calculation of a vector embedding if a landmark is recognized. This vector is encrypted and sent to Apple to match against its global index of landmarks. Developer Jeff Johnson noted that the default activation of this feature raises privacy concerns, as users must manually disable it to prevent data sharing.

Users wishing to disable Enhanced Visual Search can do so by navigating to Settings on their iPhone under Apps > Photos, then scrolling to the bottom to toggle it off. On a Mac, users can find the option within the Photos app settings.

Featured image credit: Ciocan Ciprian/Unsplash

Using all the modern and affordable possibilities provided by the 3d interior visualization service, real estate professionals can offer their clients an interactive, exciting experience, which significantly affects the increase in the current level of sales of objects.

In the competitive world of real estate, it is very important to make a lasting impression on potential buyers. In an age where the digital experience dominates, traditional methods of presenting a property, such as photos and physical visits, are no longer sufficient. Take advantage of the available opportunities and functions of 3D visualization, which nowadays is a powerful tool that will comprehensively change the way you present and further successfully sell your real estate.

The phenomenon of 3D visualization. What is it?

Modern 3D visualization is the process of creating three-dimensional images or animations to describe an object or space. In the real estate sector, this technology is widely used to create a complete and realistic picture of a property, whether it is completed, under construction, or planned. Using architectural visualization and 3D rendering services, these views show the exterior and interior of the property, providing a complete overview that traditional photographs cannot provide.

Architectural rendering is a subset of 3D rendering that specifically focuses on creating detailed images of buildings and other architectural projects. These renderings can range from simple conceptual sketches to highly detailed photorealistic renderings. Architectural renderings are invaluable in the real estate market because they allow potential buyers to see the property at its best before construction begins.

What are the advantages of 3D visualization?

Advanced rendering is one of the key benefits, providing detail and realism far beyond traditional 2D images. These features can highlight different lighting, materials, and textures, giving potential buyers a realistic sense of the building’s interior and exterior spaces:

• An interesting feature of using 3D visualization is that you can adapt the visual appearance to different tastes and preferences. Buyers can see how a particular room or interior space will look with different furniture, color schemes, and floor plans, giving them a clearer picture of their future home;
• Many companies that provide 3D rendering services offer interactive elements such as virtual tours. This experience allows buyers to explore the property at their own pace, creating a deeper connection with the space.

3D visualization provides an opportunity to build positive emotional relationships with customers

A key element of any sales process is the ability to create a positive emotional connection. For real estate, that means helping buyers envision life in the property. Architectural renderings do just that, transforming an empty or unfinished space into a fully furnished and livable home. These realistic images can evoke positive emotions and increase the likelihood that potential buyers will fall in love with the property and want to purchase it.

Architectural 3D renderings can highlight a property’s best features, whether it’s a stunning interior view, a spacious kitchen, or a luxurious bathroom. By focusing on these key elements, real estate professionals can focus potential buyers’ attention on what makes a property unique and desirable. Such a purposeful approach can significantly affect the buyer’s perception of this property and increase the attractiveness of this object.

Overcoming objections

One of the certain challenges that exists in the field of selling real estate is the concern about space, layout, or design. 3D visualization helps to solve these problems. For example, if a buyer is unsure about the dimensions of a room, a virtual tour can provide a clear and accurate view of the space. If you have any problems with real estate understanding (how the given real estate will look after the construction is completed), you can consider different 3D rendering configurations to find a solution that exactly solves your problems.

Opportunities for quick decision-making on the purchase of real estate

3D visualization significantly speeds up the decision-making process. If buyers have a clear and detailed view of the property, they are more likely to make an informed decision in a short period. This can shorten the time a property is on the market and result in a faster sale.

Reduce the need for physical visits.

While physical visits are still important, 3D imaging can reduce the number of in-person visits required. Prospective buyers can research properties online and narrow down their choices before arranging a physical viewing. This not only saves buyers and real estate agents time but also makes the process more efficient and productive.

3D real estate rendering services allow professionals to market real estate to a global audience. Buyers from different parts of the world can get to know the real estate in person, thus expanding the circle of potential buyers. This is especially beneficial for luxury properties and properties located in popular tourist destinations. Architectural 3D visualization is important for objects that are still under construction or are in the planning stage. They allow potential customers to see the finished object long before construction is completed, thereby generating considerable interest from potential buyers and ensuring early sales.

Ability to see key changes in real estate objects

3D visualization is also most useful for objects that are subject to reconstruction or comprehensive repair. Real estate agents can help potential buyers understand the value and potential of their investment by showing them what the property will look like once the renovations are complete. For commercial real estate, a 3D rendering can show how the space can be used for different purposes, such as office expansion, retail, or industrial use. This flexibility makes it easier to attract the right buyers or tenants. Using state-of-the-art 3D architectural visualization services, you can create engaging and informative images that are critical to understanding and decision-making. These images not only improve visualization and personalization but also create emotional connections and effectively respond to customer objections. With the development of technology, the central role of 3D visualization in the real estate industry is growing, offering new opportunities to develop effective marketing strategies and achieve significant results in fast real estate sales.

Summarizing all of the above

3D visualization has provided a wide range of opportunities in the field of real estate sales, significantly improving the current way of presenting real estate to potential buyers. Detailed, realistic 3D renderings allow buyers to scrutinize their homes from a distance, giving them a better understanding of floor plans and property dimensions before seeing them in person. These capabilities and expertise help clients make informed decisions faster, a process that significantly improves engagement and shortens the time a property is on the market. Modern 3D visualization provides a virtual stage and is a cost-effective alternative to a physical stage. It allows real estate agents to attract more potential buyers, increase sales efficiency, and gain a competitive advantage in a crowded real estate market.

Featured image credit: Dillon Kydd/Unsplash