Daily Tech Headlines

A new chatbot on X shows a startling bias in favor of Elon Musk, raising ethical questions. Australia is cracking down on social media access for users under 16, affecting platforms like Twitch. Perplexity launches a new Android browser with innovative features. Meanwhile, the FCC has rolled back cybersecurity standards, stirring debate in the tech industry. Other highlights include WhatsApp's updated About status feature and the release of classic Zork games as open source, showcasing significant shifts in both social media and gaming.

Windows on Arm is leveling up gaming with improved support for Xbox apps and Snapdragon's multiplayer capabilities. OpenAI has dropped its powerful GPT-5 Codex Max, enhancing coding efficiency. Meanwhile, the White House is mulling over centralizing AI regulations, potentially reshaping future laws. Spotify has made a move by acquiring WhoSampled, integrating new features while keeping it independent. Plus, Waymo is expanding its testing to new cities for better autonomous driving.

In a recent ruling, a judge found that Meta does not hold monopolistic power, allowing it to continue operating freely. Meanwhile, the Netherlands has paused its attempt to seize Nexperia after China lifted export restrictions. TikTok has introduced a feature for users to control AI-generated content. Adobe is acquiring SEMrush for $1.9 billion, aiming to enhance its digital marketing capabilities. Additionally, the EU is delaying GDPR and AI Act rules, easing data sharing efforts.

A Cloudflare outage reveals the internet’s vulnerabilities, impacting major services like ChatGPT and Spotify. Microsoft is transforming Windows into an AI-first operating system, enhancing user experience with integrated AI agents. Google rolls out Gemini 3, a powerful multimodal AI, joining the competition against OpenAI. Meanwhile, Microsoft teams up with Nvidia and Anthropic in a massive AI deal. In social media news, Meta introduces protective tools for creators, while Virginia faces a lawsuit over social media regulations for minors.

Google is gearing up to invest a whopping $40 billion in three AI data centers in Texas, expanding its tech infrastructure. DeepMind unveils WeatherNext 2, enhancing global forecasting capabilities with impressive accuracy. Meanwhile, Jeff Bezos takes the helm as co-CEO of Project Prometheus, an AI startup focused on real-world learning systems. In contrast, Sky Sports faces backlash and shuts down its women-targeted TikTok channel, highlighting shifting social dynamics in media. Lastly, there's a notable shift of Chinese investments moving from AI chips to energy and infrastructure.

Tim Cook's potential 2026 exit raises intriguing questions about Apple's future leadership. Berkshire Hathaway makes waves with a $4.3 billion investment in Alphabet while offloading shares in Apple. OpenAI rolls out group chat features in ChatGPT, enhancing user interaction. Tesla is testing Apple's CarPlay integration, blending tech in their vehicles. Meanwhile, Mozilla introduces an AI chat window in Firefox to give users more control over their experience. Big Tech is also embroiled in legal battles over California's social media laws.

OpenAI is testing a new group chat feature in ChatGPT, allowing up to 20 users to interact with privacy controls and multimedia uploads. Mozilla unveils an AI browsing tool called 'AI Window,' letting users select models and chat with an assistant. Jack Dorsey backs a Vine revival, focusing on preserving short videos in a decentralized manner. Disney+ explores incorporating user-generated AI content while safeguarding its intellectual property. Tesla is reportedly testing Apple CarPlay integration, a potential shift in infotainment options.

Apple's new digital ID allows users to store U.S. passports on their devices for TSA verification. Microsoft unveils a massive AI Super Factory near Atlanta, enhancing data capabilities. OpenAI reveals GPT-5.1, featuring new modes and automatic model selection. Spotify is set to launch music videos in the U.S., enhancing its platform with AI tools for audiobooks. Additionally, Uber introduces festive ride features, while Google rolls out AI shopping tools to simplify holiday purchases.

Google takes a stand against phishing by suing a major provider, Lighthouse. Amazon gears up to tackle piracy on Fire TV Sticks by blocking sideloaded apps. In Japan, Sony reveals a cheaper, region-locked version of the PlayStation 5. Meanwhile, a German court finds ChatGPT in breach of copyright for using song lyrics without permission. Plus, Google's Pixel update introduces exciting AI features, enhancing user experience.

Microsoft is shaking up its AI strategy with a new superintelligence team aimed at self-sufficient AGI. Apple is delaying the launch of its second-gen iPhone Air to enhance camera features. The EU plans to classify WhatsApp as a 'Very Large Online Platform' with stricter moderation rules. In a big move, Google is investing €5 billion to boost its data center capacity in Germany. Plus, Intel's Sashen Khati joins OpenAI to help build AGI infrastructure. Venmo is also launching a new rewards program to entice users!