Today is Wednesday, December 24, 2025, and while much of the tech world is shifting into holiday mode, there are major announcements regarding antitrust settlements, next-generation hardware, and the deepening integration of AI into government and industry.
Top Headlines
- Apple Settles Brazil Antitrust Case: In a landmark agreement with Brazil’s competition authority (CADE), Apple has agreed to allow third-party app stores and sideloading on iOS in Brazil starting in 2026. Similar to its concessions in the EU and Japan, Apple will also permit developers to use external payment links, marking a significant roll-back of its “walled garden” policies in Latin America.
- US Launches “Genesis Mission” AI Initiative: Following a recent executive order, the Department of Energy is moving forward with the Genesis Mission, a national effort to use AI to double the productivity of American science. Major players like OpenAI, NVIDIA, and Microsoft have signed on to partner with national laboratories to address challenges in nuclear fusion, biotechnology, and semiconductors.
AI & Hardware Breakthroughs
- Samsung’s 1,040Hz & 6K 3D Monitors: Samsung unveiled its 2026 Odyssey gaming lineup, featuring the world’s first 6K glasses-free 3D monitor (Odyssey 3D). Another model in the lineup, the new Odyssey G6, has achieved a record-breaking 1,040Hz refresh rate, pushing the limits of esports-grade motion clarity.
- 3D Chip “Vertical” Architecture: Researchers from Stanford and MIT, in partnership with US-based SkyWater Technology, announced a breakthrough in 3D computer chips. By stacking memory and computing units vertically, the prototype eliminates data “traffic jams,” outperforming traditional 2D chips by four to twelve times on AI workloads like Meta’s LLaMA.
- Fujitsu “Physical AI” 1.0: Developed in collaboration with NVIDIA, Fujitsu launched its Kozuchi Physical AI 1.0 framework. This technology is designed to bridge digital AI agents with physical robots, allowing for the automated management of complex real-world tasks like industrial procurement and factory floor logistics.
Big Tech & Regulation
- OpenAI’s $100 Billion Funding Goal: Reports indicate OpenAI is seeking a fresh round of funding that could value the company at $830 billion. This comes as the company shifts toward a more consumer-centric strategy, emphasizing “AI devices” over pure AGI research.
- Google’s “Gemini Deep Research”: Google has officially rolled out its “Deep Research” agent and made Gemini 3 Flash the default engine for its global search results, aiming to counter the “code red” pressure from competitors.
- US Coast Guard Nuclear Division: The US Coast Guard has established a new Maritime Nuclear Policy Division to oversee the integration of advanced nuclear reactor technology into the American merchant marine fleet and port infrastructure.
Quick Bytes
- “Your Year with ChatGPT”: OpenAI has launched its 2025 year-in-review feature, providing users with personalized insights and stats on their interactions with the AI over the past year.
- Starlink Milestone: SpaceX’s Starlink service has surpassed 9 million active customers across 155 countries.
- Cybersecurity M&A: ServiceNow has announced the acquisition of cybersecurity firm Armis for $7.75 billion in cash.
- Automotive AI: Blue Cloud Softech and ConnectM have partnered to develop a specialized EdgeAI chip for vehicle cybersecurity, targeting real-time threat detection for the 2026-2030 EV market.