Apple plans to redesign its MacBook Pro by late 2026. Expected features include a slimmer design, touchscreen capabilities, and an OLED display. The new model might also introduce advanced chips and the "dynamic island" feature.
Key Facts
Apple aims to release a redesigned MacBook Pro in late 2026.
The new design may include a slimmer body and possibly touchscreen technology.
An OLED display is expected, which offers better color and contrast.
The MacBook Pro might use new M6 Pro and M6 Max chips for improved performance.
Apple may introduce the "dynamic island" feature for better use of screen space.
Some users feel Apple releases new models too frequently.
A U.S. court ordered Uber to pay $8.5 million to a woman who claimed she was raped by a driver. The jury found Uber responsible because the driver acted on the company's behalf. Uber plans to appeal the decision.
Key Facts
A U.S. court ruled that Uber must pay $8.5 million to Jaylynn Dean, who said a driver raped her in 2023.
The case was heard in Arizona, where a jury decided Uber was responsible for the driver's actions.
The court's decision could affect 2,500 other similar cases against Uber.
The jury found Uber liable under the "apparent agency doctrine", meaning the driver represented Uber while working for them.
Dean's other claims for negligence and defective safety systems by Uber were rejected.
The court did not award Dean more than $144 million in additional punitive damages.
Uber argued its drivers are independent contractors and that the assault was not foreseeable.
Uber plans to appeal the verdict and maintains it invests in rider safety.
Waymo, a company developing self-driving cars, uses remote workers in the Philippines to help guide its vehicles when technology falls short. During a U.S. Senate hearing, concerns were raised about security and labor issues related to this practice.
Key Facts
Waymo uses remote assistance operators to help its self-driving cars in difficult situations.
Some of these operators are based in the Philippines.
The operators do not drive the cars; they provide guidance when needed.
Concerns include potential cybersecurity risks and the impact on U.S. jobs.
Waymo emphasizes that remote workers are monitored for qualifications and background checks.
The company operates its autonomous ride-hailing services in several U.S. cities and plans to expand.
The hearing involved testimony from Tesla and discussion of federal safety standards for self-driving cars.
Apple TV has confirmed that "Down Cemetery Road" will return for a second season following the success of its first season. Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson will reprise their roles, and the new season will involve a mystery linked to a black market in ancient artifacts.
Key Facts
Apple TV confirmed Season 2 of "Down Cemetery Road" on December 12th, 2025.
The first season's success led to the decision to produce a second season.
Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson will return as Zoë Boehm and Sarah Trafford.
The Season 2 plot involves the investigation of a case that leads into the world of black market antiquities.
A serial killer becomes part of the storyline for Season 2.
No release date is set for Season 2, but it's expected around 2027.
There is no trailer available for Season 2 yet.
The first season is available for streaming on Apple TV.
YouTube reported over $60 billion in revenue in 2025, thanks to advertising and paid subscriptions. This is significantly more than Netflix's revenue for the same year. YouTube's growth has been supported by its premium services and new features aimed at attracting more subscribers.
Key Facts
YouTube's revenue in 2025 was over $60 billion.
Netflix's revenue in 2025 was $45 billion.
This is the first time Google disclosed YouTube's yearly revenue separately since 2006.
Over 70% of international consumers use YouTube weekly, and more than 50% use it daily.
YouTube Premium has aided in increasing Google's paid subscriptions to over 325 million in 2025.
YouTube sees "strong traction" in its subscription services.
Innovations include cheaper YouTube TV and Premium options and exclusives for Premium users.
YouTube Shorts gets more than 200 billion daily views.
A rise in fake weather forecasts produced by artificial intelligence on social media is reducing public trust in real weather alerts. This misinformation can be harmful, as people might ignore true warnings during weather emergencies.
Key Facts
Fake weather forecasts created with AI are spreading on social media.
These fake forecasts might make people doubt real warnings from meteorologists.
The National Weather Service stresses using trustworthy sources for weather information.
AI-generated forecasts often mimic legitimate ones but are not accurate.
Repeated false forecasts can lead to people ignoring true emergency warnings.
Meteorologist James Spann warns about the dangers of losing public trust in forecasts.
Spann points out the risk of false alarms making people less likely to prepare for real threats.
A TV series based on the fantasy game Baldur's Gate is in development without the direct involvement of the game's creators, Larian Studios. Craig Mazin, known for his previous work on Chernobyl and The Last of Us, will lead the project. The series will follow the game’s storyline while introducing new elements.
Key Facts
The Baldur's Gate TV series is based on the fantasy game series of the same name.
The series will be directed by Craig Mazin, who previously worked on The Last of Us adaptation.
Larian Studios, the creators of Baldur's Gate 3, will not be directly involved in the TV series.
The TV show will continue the story from where Baldur's Gate 3 left off.
The game Baldur's Gate 3 has sold over 20 million copies and won multiple Game of the Year awards.
Baldur's Gate is set in the Dungeons & Dragons universe, a popular tabletop role-playing game.
The series is being produced by Wizards of the Coast, who own the rights to the franchise.
Craig Mazin has spent significant time playing Baldur's Gate 3 and is reaching out to original cast members for involvement.
Graham Norton and Lewis Capaldi appear in Taylor Swift's new music video for her song "Opalite," which also features Domhnall Gleeson, Cillian Murphy, Greta Lee, and Jodie Turner-Smith. The video, directed by Swift, was inspired by an appearance on Norton's BBC chat show and released exclusively on Spotify and Apple Music. The video's release coincides with Swift's latest album.
Key Facts
Graham Norton and Lewis Capaldi join Taylor Swift's new music video for "Opalite."
Domhnall Gleeson stars as a "lonely man" in the video, summoning Swift with a magic potion.
Norton plays a salesman in the 1980s-set video, directed by Taylor Swift.
The idea for the video's cast came from the stars' appearance on Norton's BBC chat show.
"Opalite" is the second single from Swift's album "The Life Of A Showgirl."
The music video was released exclusively on Spotify and Apple Music, not on YouTube.
The exclusivity may relate to changes in U.S. chart rules about YouTube streaming.
Swift wrote "Opalite" about her fiancé, NFL player Travis Kelce, using opalite as a metaphor.
The European Union (EU) has asked TikTok to change certain features of its platform that they believe encourage excessive use or risk facing significant fines. The call comes after an EU investigation found TikTok might not be protecting users, including children, from potential harm caused by features like autoplay. TikTok disputes these findings and plans to challenge them.
Key Facts
The EU has instructed TikTok to change features it considers "addictive."
This follows an investigation by the EU's European Commission that started in February 2024.
The Commission's preliminary findings suggest TikTok hasn't properly addressed potential risks of features like autoplay.
TikTok could face fines up to 6% of its global revenue if it doesn't comply.
TikTok has been asked to consider changes like adding screen time breaks and altering algorithms to lessen personalized content influence.
TikTok has expressed disagreement with the EU's findings and plans to respond.
The EU's actions stem from the Digital Services Act, aiming to protect users online.
A TikTok video featuring two golden retrievers competing for their owner's attention has become popular online. The video highlighted dog behavior that might be connected to jealousy, supported by a study suggesting dogs can feel jealousy towards perceived social rivals.
Key Facts
A TikTok video showing a golden retriever trying to get attention from its owner has gone viral with nearly 700,000 likes and 3.6 million views.
The video was shared by a user named Kayla and features her two dogs, Berkley and Finn.
A scientific study from 2021 suggests that dogs can experience jealousy, particularly when their owners interact with another dog.
The study observed dogs reacting to their owners' interactions with a fake dog, even when out of sight.
The study noted dogs reacted less to non-social objects, indicating their responses were tied to social competition.
Dog behavior expert Dr. Sagi Denenberg states that attention-seeking is normal for dogs and owners should provide enough attention from the start.
The video prompted discussions on TikTok, where users shared similar experiences with their pets.
NASA is keeping an eye on an asteroid, named "2026 CC," that is moving toward Earth at 22,000 miles per hour. It will pass by Earth tomorrow at a distance of 379,000 miles, which is a bit farther than the moon's distance from Earth.
Key Facts
The asteroid "2026 CC" is about 100 feet wide.
Its closest approach to Earth will be 379,000 miles away.
The average distance from Earth to the moon is 239,000 miles.
Most asteroids are in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
Near-Earth asteroids are those that come within 120 million miles of the sun.
Some asteroids have the potential to become hazardous due to their orbits.
NASA monitors these asteroids to assess any potential impact risks.
Google has agreed to pay $135 million to settle a lawsuit regarding its Android system, which allegedly collected user data without consent. The agreement includes changes in how Google will gather user data in the future, ensuring greater transparency and user consent.
Key Facts
Google will pay $135 million to settle a lawsuit about data collection without user consent on Android devices.
The proposed settlement requires final approval by a judge in San Jose, California.
Google did not admit to any wrongdoing in the settlement.
The lawsuit involved claims that Android used cellular data even when devices were not in use or connected to Wi-Fi.
The settlement will include changes to how Android users give consent during setup and clearer communication about data usage.
Eligible Android users will receive payments from the settlement fund, potentially up to $100 each.
Android users in California are not included in this settlement because of a separate legal case in Santa Clara County.
A trial date was set for August 5 if the settlement is not approved.
Leaks suggest Apple's rumored foldable iPhone might change its button layout, moving the volume buttons to the top-right. This design may also remove the Dynamic Island feature, switching to a punch-hole camera design instead.
Key Facts
Apple's foldable iPhone is rumored but not officially announced.
Volume buttons may shift from the left side to the top-right.
The phone might drop the Dynamic Island for a punch-hole camera.
The change in design could use Touch ID instead of Face ID.
The leaker shared these details on the Chinese platform Weibo.
A large battery might be included to address foldable phone power needs.
The foldable iPhone could be available by the second half of 2026.
A fan of the show "Stranger Things," Chris Latanville, used an old TV from the early 1980s to watch the series finale, sharing his experience online. He used a special setup to get modern streaming services to work on the retro TV, which gained attention for its nostalgic appeal.
Key Facts
Chris Latanville watched the "Stranger Things" finale on an old CRT TV from the 1980s.
He used additional devices to connect modern streaming services to the vintage TV.
Latanville's TV was made in 1983, the same year "Stranger Things" begins.
The setup involved using an RF modulator and RCA-to-HDMI converter.
Latanville shared his unique viewing experience on social media and YouTube.
The fifth season of "Stranger Things" has a storyline set in 1987.
People online responded positively to the nostalgic TV setup.
Latanville is based in Ontario, Canada, and also creates content focused on Nintendo gaming.
Apple is rumored to be planning a major redesign for the iPhone in 2027, marking its 20th anniversary. Reports suggest this new model might be all-glass and have no physical buttons, among other changes. Before this redesign, Apple is expected to release the iPhone 18 with only minor updates.
Key Facts
Apple might redesign the iPhone in 2027 to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
The possible 2027 iPhone could feature an all-glass body and lack physical buttons.
Apple is also exploring using under-display technology for Face ID.
Apple's current plans for the iPhone 18 lineup involve minimal visual changes.
Strong sales of the iPhone 17 have led to Apple focusing more on internal upgrades like processors.
Apple faces competition from companies developing foldable phones and new camera technologies.
Reports indicate Apple plans to release a foldable iPhone version later this year.
The FAA warned that the rise in rocket launches could disrupt flights and reduce safety for planes. They issued a safety alert that highlights the risks of debris from rocket failures and advises caution for flights near launch areas. The FAA is taking steps to manage airspace and protect aircraft from potential hazards during rocket launches.
Key Facts
The FAA issued a warning about the safety risks posed by rocket launches to airplanes.
A safety alert was published by the FAA, focusing on the dangers of debris from rocket mishaps.
The alert is the first addressing airspace management for space launches.
The FAA highlighted that even small debris could severely damage an aircraft.
As space launch activities increase, the FAA is implementing measures to prevent disruptions for airspace users.
Air traffic control will issue alerts and reroute planes during any debris incidents.
The FAA's actions are praised by some U.S. lawmakers and industry groups committed to flight safety.
The article explores popular claims about foods like chia seeds, bone broth, and kombucha and their effects on gut health. Experts indicate that while these foods have some healthful properties, evidence supporting their role in significantly improving gut health is limited.
Key Facts
The gut microbiome includes trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi in the digestive system.
A healthy gut microbiome is linked to better digestion, lower anxiety, and improved mood.
Chia seeds provide fiber, which can benefit gut bacteria, but are not a standalone solution.
Olive oil has anti-inflammatory properties, but there's little evidence that drinking it in "shots" has specific benefits for gut health.
Sea moss gel contains fiber and nutrients, but there's limited evidence it enhances gut health.
Bone broth is nutrient-dense, yet little of its nutrients reach the microbes in the gut that would benefit most.
Kombucha can be beneficial due to its natural acids and antioxidants, but its quality varies among products.
The article explores the development of more advanced robots, focusing on creating smoother and more efficient movements. British YouTuber James Bruton is building robots inspired by Star Wars, while companies and researchers are working on improving robot actuators to make them more graceful and energy-efficient.
Key Facts
British YouTuber James Bruton is working on building walking robots, inspired by Star Wars.
Bruton uses a complex system of motors and gears to control the robot's movements.
Actuators are key components in robots, used to create motion by expanding or rotating.
Advanced actuators need to be energy-efficient, precise, and capable of handling impacts.
Mike Tolley from UC San Diego highlights the need for actuators that provide high torque for stronger robot movements.
Current limitations include fast battery drain and overheating in small actuators.
The company Schaeffler is developing advanced actuators for British company Humanoid to enable efficient and controlled robot movement.
Amazon announced it will spend $200 billion on artificial intelligence projects and infrastructure this year, a big jump from last year's $125 billion. This makes Amazon's AI spending plans the most aggressive among the major U.S. tech companies.
Key Facts
Amazon plans to spend $200 billion on AI this year.
Last year, Amazon spent $125 billion on AI.
This announcement led to a 10% drop in Amazon's stock in after-hours trading.
Amazon's spending is part of a trend among major tech companies investing heavily in AI.
Other big tech companies like Meta, Google, and Microsoft plan to spend a total of $650 billion on AI projects this year.
Amazon is one of the U.S. tech giants increasing its investment in AI technology.
The price of Bitcoin has dropped to its lowest level since October 2024, despite support from President Donald Trump. Previously surging, Bitcoin reached an all-time high of $122,200 last October, but is now valued at $66,000, with a 24% decrease since the beginning of the year.
Key Facts
Bitcoin's value is now $66,000, the lowest since October 2024.
Bitcoin's price dropped 24% since the start of the year.
In October, Bitcoin hit an all-time high of $122,200.
President Trump has shown strong support for cryptocurrencies.
Trump aimed to make the US the "crypto capital of the planet."
Trump introduced a cryptocurrency brand with profits going to his companies.
Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have lost over $2 trillion in market value since October.
Deutsche Bank notes that traditional investors are losing interest in cryptocurrencies.
