A federal judge has ruled that Google must renegotiate contracts to make its search engine or AI app the default on devices every year, creating a fairer playing field for competitors. The ruling follows an antitrust case where Google was found to have illegally maintained an internet search monopoly through exclusive agreements. The judge's decision will require Google to annually renegotiate contracts with companies like Apple and Samsung for default placement. The ruling aims to carry out the purpose of the injunctive relief and give rivals, especially in generative AI, a chance to compete.
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Google Must Limit Its 'Default Search' Contracts to One Year, Judge Rules
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Judge puts a one-year limit on Google's contracts for default search placement
www.engadget.com
Meta is postponing the release of its next mixed reality glasses until the first half of 2027. The glasses, codenamed "Phoenix," are expected to have a puck-like power source and a goggle-like form factor with an external power source. The delay is intended to ensure a more polished and reliable experience. Additionally, Meta has acquired Limitless, a startup known for its AI wearable called Pendant, indicating the company's plans to expand its hardware offerings beyond smart glasses and VR headsets. Limitless will be joining Meta to work on consumer hardware, aligning with Meta's vision of bringing personal superintelligence to everyone.
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Meta reportedly delays mixed reality glasses until 2027
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Meta plans to push back the debut of its next mixed reality glasses to 2027
www.engadget.com
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Meta Acquires AI Wearable Company Limitless
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Meta’s Chatbot Will Provide AI-Powered Live News via CNN, Fox News
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Meta strikes AI licensing deals with CNN, Fox News, and USA Today
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Several high-ranking executives at Apple are reportedly considering leaving the company, including Johny Srouji, the senior vice president of hardware technologies. Srouji is said to be seriously contemplating a departure from Apple, with sources indicating that he may be looking to join another company. If he leaves, Srouji would be the latest in a series of executive departures at Apple, following recent announcements of retirements and role changes among other senior leaders. The potential shakeup in Apple's executive team comes amid rumors about CEO Tim Cook's future at the company, with conflicting reports about his potential departure next year.
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Apple Is Hemorrhaging Vice Presidents
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Apple's Johny Srouji could continue the company's executive exodus, according to report
www.engadget.com
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Apple’s chip chief might be the next exec to leave
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Waymo is issuing a voluntary software recall for its robotaxi fleet in response to an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall is related to the vehicles failing to stop for school buses with stop signs and flashing lights deployed. The NHTSA has opened an investigation into Waymo following reports of illegal behavior around school buses. Despite issuing software updates, incidents of Waymo vehicles passing stopped school buses have persisted, prompting the Austin Independent School District to request the company to cease self-driving operations around schools. The NHTSA has asked Waymo to comply with the request and provide details about the incidents by January 20.
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Waymo's robotaxi fleet is being recalled again, this time for failing to stop for school buses
www.engadget.com
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Waymo to issue software recall over how robotaxis behave around school buses
techcrunch.com
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Feds investigate Waymo robotaxis for reportedly passing school buses in Austin
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Waymo faces federal probe for dodgy driving around school buses
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US Probes Reports Waymo Self-Driving Cars Illegally Passed School Buses 19 Times
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Netflix has announced an $82.7 billion deal to acquire Warner Bros., causing panic in Hollywood. The acquisition is facing regulatory challenges, with Paramount expressing skepticism that the deal will close due to antitrust concerns. Netflix expects the transaction to close in 12 to 18 months, with a $5.8 billion breakup fee if blocked by the government. Industry groups and analysts criticize the deal, raising concerns about job losses, reduced content diversity, and higher consumer prices. The deal is seen as significant in the entertainment industry, potentially ending the streaming wars and giving Netflix access to a century's worth of prestigious content.
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How would the Netflix-Warner Bros. deal reshape Hollywood?
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Could Netflix's Deal for Warner Bros. Fall Apart?
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No One Is Happy About Netflix Buying Warner Bros.
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Welcome to the big leagues, Netflix
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Buying Warner Bros. Gives Netflix What It’s Always Needed: An Identity
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A sixth grader in Los Angeles used an iPad provided by the school to watch YouTube and play Fortnite, leading to his mother launching a coalition called Schools Beyond Screens to reduce school-mandated screen time. Parents in the Los Angeles Unified School District are campaigning for less mandatory screen time, reflecting a national concern about children's screen use in classrooms. The district provides iPads to students as young as kindergarten, with some schools requiring students to take them home. Parents are pushing back against excessive screen time and lack of transparency in educational software assessments.
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Why These Parents Want Schools to Stop Issuing iPads to the Their Children
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Why These Parents Want Schools to Stop Issuing iPads to Their Children
mobile.slashdot.org
The art project involving billionaire robot dogs is described as strange and unsettling. This project is the second time Winkelmann has gained attention in the art world.
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Beeples billionaire robot dogs — Musk, Zuckerberg, and Bezos — are pure nightmare fuel
mashable.com
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Digital artist Beeple put his face on a $100K robot dog next to Elon Musk and Picasso – it sold first
techcrunch.com
This text highlights upcoming matches in the English Premier League. Daniel Farke's team is aiming for another upset at Elland Road, while Pep Guardiola's Cityzens are facing the high-flying Black Cats at the Etihad Stadium. Two teams recovering from midweek defeats will clash at the Vitality Stadium, and Unai Emery's in-form team will host his former club to kick off the weekend's action.
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Premier League Soccer: Stream Leeds vs. Liverpool Live From Anywhere
www.cnet.com
Major memory manufacturers like Micron and Samsung are shifting their focus to data centers due to growing demand, leading to memory shortages for consumer products. This shift is causing memory prices to rise, impacting the production costs of smartphones. Prices are expected to surge by 30% in the fourth quarter of 2025 and may increase an additional 20% in early 2026. As a result, some smartphones, especially cheaper Android models, may see price hikes, with the average selling price expected to reach $465 in 2026. However, experts predict that the supply chain will adjust by late 2026, potentially bringing prices back down. Dell and Lenovo are also planning price hikes on PCs and servers due to memory shortages triggered by AI demand.
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The AI Boom Could Increase Prices for Phones and Tablets Next Year
hardware.slashdot.org
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Lenovo and Dell Warn: Your Next Laptop Could Cost More Really Soon
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Brace Yourself: Laptops Prices Are About to Skyrocket
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Your next Dell or Lenovo PC might cost more very soon
www.digitaltrends.com
The indie narrative horror game "Horses" faced bans on Steam and the Epic Game Store, leading to financial risk for the studio, Santa Ragione. Despite the bans, the game has become a bestseller on GOG.com, garnering support from gamers and media attention. While the bans have raised the game's profile, the studio is still facing financial challenges. The game's simple gameplay and unique graphics have attracted interest, but the absence of Steam's reach is a concern for the studio's future. The experience has highlighted the impact of platform moderation on indie developers and raised concerns about self-censorship in the industry.
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Horses deserves to be played, even if it’s not very good
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Horses, the Most Controversial Game of the Year, Doesn’t Live Up to the Hype
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Horses is a hit, but its studio might still be in trouble
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Spotify's popular Wrapped feature has inspired other companies to create similar personalized year-in-review experiences. Wikipedia has launched its own Year in Review feature on its mobile app, offering users stats on their reading habits and the year's most-read articles. The 2025 Wikipedia Year in Review provides limited personalization, showing total reading minutes and top topics of interest. The feature also includes an overview of Wikipedia activity, such as the most-read articles and changes made by editors. Users can access their Year in Review through the app's pop-up or menu options.
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After you check out your Spotify Wrapped 2025, explore these copycatsÂ
techcrunch.com
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Wikipedia Has Its Own Version of ‘Wrapped’ Now, But There’s One Little Problem
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Wikipedia is getting in on the yearly wrapped game
www.theverge.com
The text discusses comparing the camera quality of two phones, specifically focusing on the iPhone 17 and its improvements in camera, display, and battery. The author, a professional photographer, is exploring whether the upgrades in the iPhone 17 make it worth the investment.
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iPhone 17 Pro vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra Compared: I Tested the Camera Kings
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iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 16: Which Is the Right Choice for You?
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Researchers have found that highly persuasive AI models are more likely to hallucinate. New research shows that AI chatbots can influence voters' opinions effectively by citing facts and evidence, even if not always accurate. The study revealed that politically biased chatbots were more successful than political ads at swaying opinions across party lines. The findings, published in Nature and Science, highlight the potential impact of AI on elections and raise questions about the influence of generative AI on political outcomes.
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How chatbots can change your mind - a new study reveals what makes AI so persuasive
www.zdnet.com
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AI Chatbots Can Sway Voters Better Than Political Ads
politics.slashdot.org
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Researchers find what makes AI chatbots politically persuasive
arstechnica.com
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Chatbots Show Promise in Swaying Voters, Researchers Find
gizmodo.com
Here are some tips on how to watch college football games for free in 2025, including live streaming matchups such as Ohio State vs. Indiana, Georgia vs. Alabama, Duke vs. Virginia, and BYU vs. Texas Tech without cable.
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How to watch Ohio State vs. Indiana online for free
mashable.com
"Bob's Burgers" creator Loren Bouchard talks about the character Marshmallow (Jari Jones) and how she has evolved over the seasons. The animated sitcom has been beloved since season one. Loren Bouchard shares insights in an interview about the show.
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Bobs Burgers creator Loren Bouchard on the evolution of Marshmallow
mashable.com
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Bobs Burgers creator Loren Bouchard credits early fans for the shows success
mashable.com
- The Bose QuietComfort Ultra (Gen 2) and Sony WH-1000xM6 headphones were tested to determine the better option.
- The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 and OnePlus Buds 4 offer improvements in audio output and battery life, with the latter providing bass-heavy audio and customization options.
- Apple Airpods 4 with active noise cancellation are currently priced at $99 on Amazon and Walmart, offering upgraded sound quality, wireless charging, and a built-in speaker in the case.
- The AirPods 4 with ANC feature better sound, clearer voice calls, and a comfortable design, with transparency mode and Adaptive Audio included.
- Other deals include a Lego PAC-MAN replica, Furbo Cat and Dog Cameras, and the LTC NB681 Nimbleback mechanical keyboard on sale.
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Bose QuietComfort Ultra (Gen 2) vs. Sony WH-1000xM6: Which headphones should you buy?
mashable.com
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These premium OnePlus earbuds are a great buy at full price - and now they're nearly 40% off
www.zdnet.com
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The Apple Airpods 4 with ANC are at their lowest price
www.theverge.com
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Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Headphones Drop to $499 in Luxury Audio Deal
www.digitaltrends.com