Facebook is testing a new feature that limits how many links some users can share without a subscription. The subscription starts at £9.99 per month and includes additional features like a blue verification tick. This move is seen as a way for Facebook to generate more revenue by charging for certain platform functions.
Key Facts
Facebook is testing a limit on the number of links users can share without a subscription.
The subscription costs start at £9.99 per month.
The feature includes a blue verification tick and extra account support.
Notifications about the test have been sent to some users, starting from December 16.
The test targets users in "professional mode" or those using Facebook Pages.
This is part of Meta's strategy to monetize more platform features.
Similar moves have been made by Twitter under Elon Musk, requiring payment for verification.
The test affects how creators and businesses can use Facebook to promote content.
Nearly 3,000 new data centers in the United States are planned or under construction, adding to the existing 4,000. These centers support the growing AI industry but face opposition due to concerns about energy use and environmental impact. Virginia, Texas, Georgia, and Pennsylvania are major locations for these developments.
Key Facts
About 3,000 new data centers are being planned or built in the U.S.
There are already over 4,000 data centers in operation in the country.
Virginia has the most data centers, with 663 running and 595 more planned or being built.
Texas follows closely with 405 current and 442 additional data centers being planned or built.
Georgia and Pennsylvania are expecting large increases in data centers if all planned projects proceed.
AI-related investments amounted to $560 billion across 27,000 deals from 2019 to 2025.
Data centers are expected to generate nearly $27 billion in tax revenue nationwide over the next decade.
Critics argue data centers can lead to environmental issues and use a lot of energy, with relatively few permanent jobs created.
A study by psychologists at Keele University found that swearing can improve physical performance and help people endure challenging tasks. Using swearing during tasks enabled participants to feel more confident and focused, leading to better results.
Key Facts
Swearing helps people perform better physically during challenging tasks.
The study was conducted by Keele University psychologists, including Richard Stephens.
Participants who swore were able to hold their body weight longer during exercises.
Swearing increased feelings of confidence, focus, and psychological flow.
The study involved 192 participants who were divided into groups that did and did not swear.
Swearing was found to be a low-cost, easily accessible way to boost performance.
The children's commissioner for England, Dame Rachel de Souza, urges parents to turn off their phones during family time this Christmas to engage more with their children. She highlights the importance of parents setting an example by reducing phone use during key moments like meals. A new guide has been released to help parents manage children's online safety and screen time effectively.
Key Facts
Dame Rachel de Souza is the children's commissioner for England.
She advises parents to have "phone-free time" during Christmas to focus on family.
A survey found nearly half of parents plan to allow phone use at the Christmas dinner table.
Research shows that smartphones disrupt Christmas for 40% of adults.
Dame Rachel launched a guide to help parents manage online safety and screen time for children.
Kids aged 13 to 18 acknowledged negative online experiences and the importance of early conversations about online presence.
Arabella Skinner suggests creating family plans for device use to promote attention to children.
A report by Ofcom says children aged 8-14 spend about three hours online daily, with significant use late at night.
Episode 8 of the show "Pluribus," titled "Charm Offensive," will be released on December 19, 2025. The show, which is about an Earth invasion, can be watched exclusively on Apple TV. There are nine episodes in the first season, with Episode 8 being the second to last.
Key Facts
"Pluribus" Episode 8, "Charm Offensive," airs on December 19, 2025.
The show is available on Apple TV, with a subscription required.
The first season of "Pluribus" has nine episodes.
New episodes of "Pluribus" air every Friday until December 26, 2025.
Rhea Seehorn stars as Carol Sturka in the series.
The final episode of the season airs on December 26, 2025.
Vince Gilligan, known for creating "Breaking Bad," is behind the sci-fi drama.
The show premiered with a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
The popular FIFA video game series will return in 2026 through Netflix, four years after ending its partnership with Electronic Arts (EA). Netflix will work with Delphi Interactive to develop the new game, which will be available to play through the Netflix app on mobile devices and some TVs.
Key Facts
The FIFA video game is set to return in 2026, with Netflix securing the rights.
FIFA ended its long-standing partnership with EA in 2023.
Delphi Interactive will develop and publish the new FIFA game.
Players can access the game on iOS and Android devices via the Netflix app and some TVs.
EA rebranded its version of the game series to EA Sports FC in 2023.
The FIFA game series originally released by EA in 1993 had about 150 million players.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed excitement about the collaboration with Netflix for the 2026 World Cup.
Delphi Interactive is also working on a new James Bond video game.
Captain Puffy, a popular Minecraft streamer, posted a statement on social media about her past relationship with Josh Ellum, alleging misconduct. The statement claims that she experienced manipulation and exploitation, and it has received widespread attention online. Josh Ellum has not yet publicly responded to these accusations.
Key Facts
Captain Puffy is a well-known Minecraft streamer with many followers on Twitch and other platforms.
She released a six-page statement about her past relationship with Josh Ellum on social media.
Her post describing the relationship has been viewed 3.7 million times in less than a day.
Captain Puffy alleges manipulation and exploitation during her relationship with Ellum.
Ellum is also a content creator, working with the gaming brand 100 Thieves.
The allegations have not been proven, and Ellum hasn't publicly replied to them yet.
Captain Puffy claims she was used for content and had to cover expenses while living with Ellum in the U.K.
Her statement has received a lot of supportive feedback from people online.
Actress Melissa Joan Hart ordered a festive dress online but received a different, low-quality version. She shared her experience on Instagram, highlighting the issue of deceptive AI-generated images in online shopping. Experts advise being cautious as AI images can be misleading.
Key Facts
Melissa Joan Hart ordered a dress online that looked different when it arrived.
She posted on Instagram, showing the dress was not as advertised.
AI-generated images are being used more in shopping and can be misleading.
Many people find it hard to tell real from AI-generated ads.
Experts recommend checking for overly perfect images and verifying website details.
Hart's Instagram post got attention with over 31,300 likes and 1,000 comments.
Online scams using fake images can lead to financial losses for buyers.
The article discusses how Rivian, an electric vehicle company, is using artificial intelligence (AI) to create flexible and adaptable technology for autonomous vehicles. This involves developing a self-improving AI system that can upgrade over time, which highlights how AI is changing innovation and making some established companies seek partnerships for agility. The text also touches on the costs and limitations of AI, noting that true artificial general intelligence (AGI) is not yet achievable.
Key Facts
Rivian is developing an AI platform for autonomous vehicles that can improve continually without major product overhauls.
The platform includes hardware, perceptual technology, and a large model that updates through software instead of regular product changes.
AI impacts the economics of innovation by speeding up development and allowing continuous evolution of technology.
Established companies like Volkswagen are partnering with agile startups like Rivian to keep up with fast innovation.
Partnerships and flexibility are important as AI reshapes industry standards and best practices.
True artificial general intelligence (AGI), where AI mimics human-like understanding and learning, is still far off.
Current AI models, despite being costly, do not learn continuously and are limited outside specific kinds of tasks.
The article discusses the success of the TV series adaptation of the video game "Fallout," which is on Prime Video. The first season was a hit, boosting the popularity of the game and drawing in both new and returning players. Key people involved in the production worked closely to maintain the authenticity of the game's story in the TV adaptation.
Key Facts
"Fallout" is a TV series based on a video game and is available on Prime Video.
The first season took place in a world destroyed by nuclear war and was successful with viewers and fans alike.
The adaptation boosted interest in the game, attracting new players and bringing back former ones.
Unlike some other video game adaptations, "Fallout" aims to stay true to its source material.
Todd Howard from Bethesda Game Studios was interested in a filmed version as early as 2009 but pursued it after meeting executive producer Jonathan Nolan.
The show works closely with the game's creators to maintain the game's original story and lore.
The series is intended to be "canon," meaning it aligns with the game's established storyline.
The TV series adaptation was described as challenging due to differences between gaming and TV storytelling.
Nuno Loureiro, a prominent physicist and director at MIT's Plasma Science and Fusion Center, was shot and killed at his home in Massachusetts. He was known for his research in plasma physics, focusing on magnetic fields and their role in fusion energy. Loureiro's work aimed to better understand phenomena like magnetic reconnection, which is important for achieving nuclear fusion on Earth.
Key Facts
Nuno Loureiro was a leading physicist at MIT specializing in plasma physics and fusion energy.
He directed MIT's Plasma Science and Fusion Center and worked in the Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering and Department of Physics.
Loureiro studied physics in Portugal and the U.K. and conducted postdoctoral research at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory.
He was awarded the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers in January.
Loureiro was shot at his home in Brookline, Massachusetts, and later pronounced dead in the hospital.
MIT expressed condolences and offered support to those affected by Loureiro's death.
His research involved studying magnetic reconnection, a process crucial for understanding and improving fusion energy technology.
Magnetic reconnection occurs when opposing magnetic fields are torn apart and reformed, releasing energy that could aid in nuclear fusion efforts.
American Airlines is testing electronic boarding gates at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, allowing passengers to scan their own boarding passes. This new process is being trialed to make the boarding experience faster and more efficient at one of the busiest airports in the United States.
Key Facts
American Airlines introduced electronic boarding gates at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).
Passengers can scan their boarding passes at these gates, reducing the need for airline staff assistance.
The technology is currently being tested at Gate A13 of Terminal A for certain domestic flights.
DFW ranks as the second-busiest airport in the U.S. as of 2024.
American Airlines stated that the electronic gates aim to improve the boarding flow and streamline tasks for workers.
Earlier this year, American Airlines and DFW announced expansion plans for Terminal F.
The new boarding process is a part of ongoing efforts to enhance the travel experience with advanced technology.
In 2026, a variety of new vehicles designed to meet different customer needs will be available, including gas-powered trucks and electric city cars. Many vehicles debuting in 2025 and 2026 will become available in various regions around the world. These include models like the Hyundai Ioniq 9, Toyota RAV4, and BMW iX3.
Key Facts
Automakers will release different types of vehicles in 2026, including gas, hybrid, and electric models.
Popular vehicles like the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Toyota RAV4 will be available for purchase in 2026.
Novel car models are aimed at international markets, with some debuting and being sold in the same year.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC will come in hybrid and plug-in models and feature advanced technologies.
New vehicles like the BMW iX3 aim to advance emissions-free transportation.
South Korea's Zeekr SUV will offer long-range travel with nearly 500 miles on a single charge.
In 2026, Jeep's electric off-roader will debut, featuring a design suitable for silent travel.
Car manufacturers are testing future vehicles in both extreme cold and hot environments. These tests help ensure cars perform well in all kinds of weather. Automakers test vehicles in places like the Arctic and deserts to improve aspects like battery performance and technology.
Key Facts
Vehicles are tested in extreme environments, including the Arctic and deserts.
Tests cover factors like aerodynamics, power, handling, and technology.
Hundreds of experts from each automaker are involved in these tests.
Final software updates often occur before cars reach dealerships.
Testing helps improve vehicle functions on slippery surfaces, like ice or mud.
Extreme temperatures can affect battery performance, making testing crucial.
Companies like Volvo conduct tests globally to ensure consistent performance.
Tests aim to solve problems that were common in vehicle performance five years ago.
Director Paul Feig has released a new movie, "The Housemaid," which combines elements of thriller and comedy. The film is based on a book by Freida McFadden and features actors Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried. Feig emphasizes the importance of watching movies in theaters to experience audience reactions.
Key Facts
Paul Feig directed the new movie called "The Housemaid."
The film is based on a book series by Freida McFadden.
Actors Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried play the main roles.
The movie blends thriller and comedy genres.
Feig's last three movies were released on streaming platforms.
Feig aims for viewers to watch this movie in theaters.
The story involves a maid discovering dark secrets about a family.
A study shows that AI chatbots can influence people by using false information. The report discusses how this might affect politics. It also covers topics like undersea cables and a joint effort to save salamanders in Mexico.
Key Facts
A study found AI chatbots can use fake facts to persuade people.
The implications of AI on politics are discussed in the report.
The program includes an interview with Samanth Subramanian about undersea cables.
Undersea cables are important for internet connectivity across the world.
Scientists and nuns are working together to protect salamanders in a Mexican lake.
George Osborne, who was once the UK Chancellor, is joining OpenAI, a leading artificial intelligence company. He will lead a program called "OpenAI for Countries," which helps governments build and understand AI technology. This comes at a time when discussions between the UK and US about a tech deal have stalled.
Key Facts
George Osborne, a former UK chancellor, is joining OpenAI.
He will lead the "OpenAI for Countries" program to help governments with AI.
The role aims to improve AI capacity and cooperation with governments.
Osborne leaves his job at investment bank Evercore for this new position.
The UK and US were in talks for a tech deal, which has not progressed.
More than 50 countries have been involved in OpenAI's government initiative.
There are concerns about an AI market bubble as investment grows rapidly.
Netflix is creating a live-action series based on the video game "Assassin's Creed." The series will follow the hidden war between two groups throughout history. Lola Petticrew and Toby Wallace have been announced as stars in the show.
Key Facts
Netflix is developing a live-action "Assassin's Creed" series.
The series is based on the video game developed by Ubisoft.
The story involves a battle between two groups over humanity's future.
Lola Petticrew and Toby Wallace are cast as series regulars.
The show will include themes of identity, destiny, and human connection.
A release date for the series is not yet announced.
The project has been in development for nearly five years.
Recent studies and industry reports suggest that AI models may soon be able to conduct cyberattacks independently. Experts from companies like Anthropic and Google are scheduled to discuss how AI is changing the cybersecurity scene with U.S. lawmakers. There are concerns about AI models improving in hacking tasks, although fully independent cyberattacks by AI are not yet possible.
Key Facts
AI models are getting better at performing tasks related to hacking, according to new reports and studies.
Leaders from Anthropic and Google will speak to U.S. lawmakers about the impact of AI on cybersecurity.
Anthropic's testimony warns that AI models may enable larger and more complex cyberattacks in the future.
OpenAI has suggested that future AI models could make cyberattacks easier and faster to execute.
A Stanford study showed an AI agent named Artemis outperformed most human researchers in finding network bugs.
Current AI models have improved significantly in tasks like reverse engineering and cryptanalysis.
Fully automated AI cyberattacks are currently not possible; human intervention is still required.
Lawmakers are considering policy changes to restrict access to advanced AI chips to protect national security.
Netflix confirmed that "Avatar: The Last Airbender" Season 2 will be released in 2026. Season 3 is also being developed, following strong viewership of the first season. The new seasons will feature returning and new cast members in the live-action adaptation.
Key Facts
Netflix announced Season 2 of "Avatar: The Last Airbender" for 2026.
Season 3 was confirmed at the same time due to high viewer numbers for Season 1.
Executive producers are expanding on relationships and stories that were not in the original animation.
The new seasons will have new cast members, including actors like Terry Chen and Dolly de Leon.
Main characters like Aang, Katara, and Sokka will return with new story developments.
The cast is undergoing physical training to prepare for the roles.
New and familiar characters from the animated series will appear in the live-action adaptations.
