Spotify Wrapped 2025 is now available. It lets users see their most-played songs, artists, and genres from the past year. Spotify Wrapped usually tracks listening until late October or early November each year.
Key Facts
Spotify Wrapped 2025 is now live and available in the Spotify app.
Users can find their personalized Wrapped results, which show their top songs and artists from the past year.
Spotify Wrapped tracking usually ends in late October or early November.
To see Spotify Wrapped 2025, users should update their Spotify app and look for the “Wrapped” banner on the Home tab.
If Wrapped doesn't appear, users can try refreshing the app or logging in again.
Wrapped results from November and December are typically not included because tracking stops before these months.
Volvo is changing its car colors and materials to be more bold and inspired by nature. The company is using new colors and intricate fabrics for future vehicles, drawing ideas from Swedish landscapes and aiming for a modern design approach.
Key Facts
Volvo is introducing bold colors in its car designs, moving away from traditional colors like white, gray, and black.
The color "Forest Lake" is a new dark green-blue, inspired by Sweden's inland water bodies.
"Aurora Silver" is a dense silver color with a purple hue, reflecting the winter sky.
Volvo's new seat fabric has a herringbone pattern inspired by the coastline near Gothenburg.
The creation of new colors sometimes stems from a desire to change the existing palette mix.
"Mulberry Red" started as a dark brown color but changed to a berry-like tone with blue added.
Scandinavian design philosophy emphasizes subtlety and details, as seen in Volvo's new designs.
YouTube has launched a new feature called YouTube Recap, which provides users with a personalized summary of their viewing habits for the year 2025. It shows things like top channels and interests and assigns viewers a personality type based on their watch history. The feature is available in North America starting from December 2, with a global rollout to follow.
Key Facts
YouTube Recap is a new feature that summarizes your YouTube viewing habits for the year.
The feature includes up to 12 cards highlighting top channels, interests, and viewing trends.
It also assigns users a personality type based on their watched content.
YouTube Recap is available on the YouTube homepage and the "You" tab on mobile and desktop.
The global rollout starts December 2, beginning in North America.
Recap features also cover music preferences for YouTube Music users, including top artists and songs.
Similar year-in-review features exist on other platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.
Starting December 10, a new law in Australia will prevent children under 16 from having YouTube accounts. YouTube argues that this law will make kids less safe by removing existing parental controls. The Australian government aims to protect children from harmful online content through stricter regulations.
Key Facts
Australia will enforce a social media ban for users under 16 starting December 10.
YouTube says that removing teens from its platform will take away parental controls.
Children can still watch videos but won't have YouTube accounts.
The law is part of the Social Media Minimum Age Act.
Australia reversed an exemption for YouTube, citing harmful content exposure.
Communications Minister Anika Wells supports the ban despite industry opposition.
The law requires tech firms to report the number of under-16 accounts every six months.
Companies face fines if they don't comply with the age restrictions.
Airbus plans to inspect some of its A320 planes because of a problem found with metal panels from a supplier. This quality issue affects a limited number of aircraft, and the company is checking to ensure safety. Earlier, thousands of Airbus planes had a software issue, causing temporary groundings for updates.
Key Facts
Airbus is inspecting some A320 planes due to a supplier issue with metal panels.
The problem affects a limited number of aircraft.
Around 600 A320s could be involved, though not all may need repairs.
Airbus confirms all new panels meet necessary standards.
Inspections will determine if specific planes need repair.
Recently, a software issue grounded over 6,000 Airbus planes for urgent updates.
The software problem was discovered after a flight incident linked to solar radiation.
Airbus shares dropped by over 6.5% in the last five days.
The article discusses how artificial intelligence (AI) is being used in different areas, such as songwriting and fashion. It highlights AI's role in creating music that tops US charts and addresses AI's use in resolving clothing size issues. There is also a warning about AI's presence in children's toys during the holiday season.
Key Facts
AI is being used to create music that is popular on US charts.
A musician explains how AI assists in the songwriting process.
A fashion company uses AI to improve sizing for clothes.
There is a warning about using AI in children's toys, especially during the holiday season.
The broadcast is presented by Shiona McCallum.
The episode is available to listen to for over a year.
The article discusses changes in how we use the internet. It highlights concerns about big tech companies, AI in search results, and the impact on social media content.
Key Facts
The internet has been available to the public since 1991.
Large tech companies now dominate much of the internet.
Artificial intelligence (AI) influences search results, often prioritizing machine-generated content.
Social media platforms now feature more ads and AI content than before.
Some creators are leaving social media due to constant negativity and excessive ads.
The article includes insights from content creators and commentators.
Netflix released the first volume of "Stranger Things" Season 5, which became very popular, achieving 59.6 million views during its premiere week. The season features returning cast members and focuses on the ongoing battles in Hawkins. Additionally, Netflix announced that the season finale will be long, almost like a movie.
Key Facts
Netflix released "Stranger Things" Season 5 during Thanksgiving week.
The first volume of this season has four episodes.
The show was massively popular, with 59.6 million views in its premiere week.
This set a record for the biggest premiere week for an English-language show on Netflix.
The season finale will be two hours and five minutes long.
Popular characters like Eleven and Will are part of the storyline.
The series is also set to be shown in movie theaters.
Scientists at Cornell University have created the darkest fabric ever made, called "ultrablack." This fabric reflects less than 0.5% of light, making it unique because it stays very dark even when viewed from different angles. Researchers designed it by mimicking the structure of bird feathers, and it's easy to make from natural fibers.
Key Facts
The ultrablack fabric reflects less than 0.5% of the light that hits it.
Scientists took inspiration from the feathers of a bird called the 'magnificent riflebird.'
The fabric is made using a process that includes dyeing with polydopamine and adding nanofibrils.
It stays dark when viewed from angles up to 120 degrees.
The fabric is easy to produce using natural materials like wool, cotton, and silk.
It has potential uses in fashion, solar thermal applications, and camouflage.
The team has applied for provisional patent protection for the fabric.
A fashion student used the fabric to make a dress as a design centerpiece.
YouTuber Marques Brownlee announced he is shutting down his phone wallpaper app, Panels, on December 31. The app, which launched in September 2024, charged a monthly fee for digital wallpapers, but faced criticism for its price and privacy issues. Brownlee said the app could not achieve the vision he had hoped for, despite initial success.
Key Facts
Marques Brownlee is shutting down his app Panels on December 31.
The Panels app offered downloadable phone wallpapers for $11.99 per month.
It launched in September 2024 and lasted over a year.
The app topped download charts and had two million wallpaper downloads.
Brownlee cited challenges in sustaining the app and reaching his envisioned goals.
Panels faced criticism for its pricing and privacy issues.
The app's code will become open source, allowing others to use and modify it.
Users can keep their downloaded wallpapers and will receive refunds for subscriptions.
Michael Douglas, a well-known actor and producer, discussed "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" on its 50th anniversary. The film, which won major Academy Awards, was recently released in a high-quality 4K version. Douglas reflected on the movie's production and impact over the years.
Key Facts
Michael Douglas served as a producer for "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest."
The film was originally released in 1975 and is based on Ken Kesey's novel.
It won five major Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Actress.
A 50th-anniversary edition of the film is now available in 4K and Ultra HDR formats.
The new release includes additional content, such as cast and crew discussions and deleted scenes.
Douglas shared insights on the film's impact and its transformation to digital formats.
He mentioned the initial challenges faced while adapting the book into a screenplay.
Lilly Gaddis, a social media influencer, claims YouTube demonetized her channel for being "too pro-White." She has a presence on social platforms and has faced controversy for using racial slurs. Despite backlash, she has started a new YouTube channel focused on "culture, lifestyle, and White Exceptionalism."
Key Facts
Lilly Gaddis had a YouTube channel that was demonetized, which she claimed was for being "too pro-White."
Gaddis is an influencer with over 240,000 followers on X and over 60,000 on Instagram.
She has used racial slurs and worn Blackface, leading to controversy.
Her previous account was suspended after a viral video in which she used a racial slur.
In May, Gaddis admitted on a TV show to frequently using racial slurs and was called a racist.
She has launched a new YouTube channel with over 16,000 subscribers focused on cultural topics.
Gaddis describes herself as a "tradwife," embracing traditional homemaking roles.
Despite backlash, she continues to have support from some social media followers.
The article explains how human resources (HR) leaders are using transparency and training to address the fear of artificial intelligence (AI) among employees. HR leaders emphasize the importance of understanding and adapting to new technologies, reassuring employees about their job security, and promoting well-being and role clarity.
Key Facts
HR leaders are dealing with changes in the job market, including fears about job security due to AI.
The rise of AI, such as ChatGPT and features from Google and Microsoft, has increased worker anxiety.
HR leaders, like ADP’s Chief Talent Officer, suggest engaging employees with technology to reduce fear.
Psychological safety and clear communication about the future are important for easing AI-related fears.
Emphasizing company culture and well-being can help employees adapt to technological changes.
Companies like Genworth and Salesforce use coaching and training programs to integrate AI into the workplace.
Reskilling programs aim to help employees adjust their roles in response to new technological advancements.
The article discusses a gap between the rapid technological advances in AI infrastructure and the slower pace at which businesses are adopting AI technology. This mismatch in speed creates challenges for both infrastructure developers and businesses aiming to integrate AI. The article highlights historical parallels and suggests the emergence of new companies focused on accelerating AI absorption.
Key Facts
AI technology is advancing rapidly, with changes in infrastructure and models occurring every 6 to 12 months.
Businesses are slower to adopt AI, which creates a mismatch between technology development and usage.
Significant investments are being made in AI infrastructure, with spending expected to exceed $5 trillion by 2030.
Concerns exist about potential overbuilding of AI infrastructure, reminiscent of past technology cycles.
Historical examples include satellite communications, fiber optics, and early computing, which experienced slow adoption but eventually provided significant benefits.
Unlike earlier periods, current AI investments are driven by operating cash flows, with no strict debt deadlines.
The primary constraint in realizing AI benefits is time, not money, as rapid innovation continues.
The American Hospital Association (AHA) is urging the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to create evaluation standards for AI-enhanced medical devices. The AHA highlights both the benefits and challenges of using AI in health care, such as potential biases and the need for safeguards. They call for standards that balance innovation with patient safety and privacy protection.
Key Facts
The AHA is asking the FDA to develop ways to assess AI-enabled medical tools.
AI devices can potentially improve patient care and medical image analysis.
Concerns include AI bias, errors, and how quickly hospitals adopt these technologies.
Some healthcare staff feel left out in decisions about AI use in hospitals.
There has been significant growth in AI use in health care over the last three years.
The FDA plans to expand AI use for agency employees with a voluntary tool.
The AHA suggests the FDA seek feedback from various stakeholders to improve AI use.
They advocate for evaluations to be balanced and not overly complex.
Amazon is testing a new delivery service called Amazon Now, offering delivery in about 30 minutes in parts of Seattle and Philadelphia. The service allows customers to get household items and groceries quickly for a fee, with discounts for Prime members.
Key Facts
Amazon Now is being tested in Seattle and Philadelphia, offering 30-minute delivery.
It includes items like groceries, cosmetics, electronics, and pet treats.
The service costs $13.99 per order, with lower fees for Amazon Prime members.
Orders under $15 have an additional $1.99 fee.
Specialized facilities are used to speed up order processing and delivery.
Customers can track their deliveries and tip drivers.
Amazon aims to further reduce delivery times with this service.
The company has not confirmed plans to expand beyond the initial cities yet.
A new mobile brain scanning system is being developed to study the effects of blast exposure on soldiers' brains. This system, funded by the UK Ministry of Defence, can quickly measure brain activity using a technique called magnetoencephalography (MEG). The project aims to better understand how blasts impact brain function and could also be useful for other conditions like sports concussions and dementia.
Key Facts
The system is a mobile brain scanner designed to study blast trauma in soldiers.
It is developed by a team at the universities of Nottingham and Birmingham with £3.1 million from the Ministry of Defence.
The scanner can be transported to various locations such as field hospitals and firing ranges.
It uses magnetoencephalography (MEG) to monitor brain activity in real time.
This is the first known fully mobile MEG system, made possible by advances in technology.
The research will focus on the impact of shockwaves from weapons on brain function.
The system is expected to be operational by March 31, 2026.
Valentino, a luxury fashion brand, is facing criticism for using artificial intelligence (AI) in its advertising. The company's AI-generated ads for a handbag were called "disturbing" by some people online. Critics are concerned that AI might replace human creativity and jobs in the fashion industry.
Key Facts
Valentino used AI to create ads for its DeVain handbag.
The ads were posted on Instagram and received negative feedback.
Critics described the ads as "sloppy" and said using AI was "lazy."
Some people worry AI is replacing human creativity in fashion.
AI allows companies to save on production and promotion costs.
There is concern about AI's impact on jobs for human models and creative workers.
Anne-Liese Prem noted that people might see AI use as prioritizing cost-saving over artistic value.
India has ordered all new smartphones to come with a state-run cybersecurity app called Sanchar Saathi pre-installed. This decision aims to improve mobile device security but has raised concerns about privacy and data access. Smartphone makers have 90 days to comply, and the app must be visible and cannot be disabled or removed.
Key Facts
India’s government requires all new smartphones to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app, which cannot be removed.
Manufacturers have 90 days to ensure compliance with this order.
The app helps users verify devices, report lost or stolen phones, and flag fraud.
The order is intended to improve telecom cybersecurity and address issues like duplicate or spoofed device identities.
India's second-hand mobile market faces challenges with illegal device resales.
Privacy experts are concerned about the app’s broad permissions and potential data collection.
Compliance may be challenging for manufacturers due to conflicting company policies.
The app has reportedly helped recover over 700,000 lost phones.
The BBC Radio 1's Sound of 2026 highlights new music acts predicted to gain popularity in the next year. This annual shortlist features 10 artists who have not yet reached significant commercial success but are expected to become well-known.
Key Facts
The Sound of 2026 list predicts new music trends and highlights upcoming artists.
Nominees include US singer-songwriter Sombr, skate-rock duo Royel Otis, and post-punk band Geese.
Other artists on the list are pop singers Chloe Qisha, Skye Newman, and Alessi Rose.
The winner will be announced in January 2026 on BBC Radio 1 and BBC News.
The selection panel includes over 170 music experts and artists such as Elton John and Dua Lipa.
Past winners include successful acts like Adele and Frank Ocean.
The list excludes artists with a number one album or more than three top 10 singles by October 2025.
The Sound of list started in 2003, with 50 Cent as the first winner.
