Welcome to today’s curated collection of interesting links and insights for 2025/11/25. Our Hand-picked, AI-optimized system has processed and summarized 21 articles from all over the internet to bring you the latest technology news.
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1. AWS is spending $50B to build AI infrastructure for the US government
AWS is investing $50 billion to build AI infrastructure for the US government, aiming to support large-scale AI development and deployment across federal agencies. This initiative involves creating advanced cloud computing resources and specialized hardware to meet growing demands for #AI capabilities in defense, intelligence, and research. The investment highlights the increasing prioritization of AI by the US government and the strategic role AWS will play in enabling national AI advancements. By partnering with government entities, AWS seeks to accelerate innovation and strengthen security measures. This effort reflects the broader trend of public-private collaborations in advancing critical #technology infrastructure.
2. Meta shuts down internal study that linked Facebook use with negative mental health effects
Meta discontinued an internal research study that found connections between Facebook use and negative mental health impacts, particularly among teens. The study revealed that Instagram exacerbated issues like anxiety and body image concerns in young users, sparking public criticism after the findings leaked. Despite Meta’s initial dismissal of these outcomes, their documents suggested the platform was aware of these harmful effects but kept them under wraps. This situation exposes ongoing conflicts between corporate interests and user well-being at Meta, emphasizing the challenges in balancing social media engagement with mental health. The halt of the study highlights Meta’s contested role in addressing the psychological risks linked to its services.
The article notes that as Windows 10 reaches end of support, Zorin OS 18 has already surpassed 1 million downloads, with telemetry showing roughly 78% coming from Windows PCs, a figure the authors frame as evidence that over 780,000 Windows users are skipping Win 11 for Linux. Zorin OS 18 features a Windows-style interface inspired by Windows 11 with MacOS cues, integrated Windows-style window tiling, and a Progressive Web App installer that lets users run Office 365, Teams, Google Docs, or Photoshop Web as native-like apps, plus built-in OneDrive integration. Compatibility improvements via Wine and updated defaults mean more Windows applications run out of the box, while Proton and the broader Linux gaming ecosystem have reduced barriers to switching. Quality of life improvements include a new Search Everywhere in the Files app, integrated RDP support, and the move to the PipeWire audio stack for better latency and codecs, with this being a Long Term Support release through 2029. The timing is hard to ignore as Windows 10 support ended in October and Microsoft promotes Windows 11, a trend that reinforces the article’s view that Windows 10 retirement is nudging more users toward Linux as a practical alternative. #Windows10 #Windows11 #Linux #ZorinOS #PWA #OneDrive #Wine #Proton #Gaming #RDP #PipeWire #LTSS
4. Meta had a 17-strike policy for sex trafficking, former safety leader claims
Meta allegedly operated a 17-strike policy for accounts involved in the trafficking of humans for sex, according to @Vaishnavi Jayakumar, the company’s former head of safety and well-being. An unredacted court filing in a child safety lawsuit describes how users could incur 16 violations before suspension on the 17th strike. Internal documentation reportedly confirms this policy and portrays a pattern of prioritizing engagement over safety, including a claim that there was no clear way to report CSAM on Instagram and that concerns were dismissed as too much work #CSAM. The filing also discusses teen-safety tradeoffs, noting 2019 debates about making teen accounts private by default to reduce unwanted messages, which was dropped for fear of hurting engagement, and that Meta began private teen accounts last year, a move criticized by #teenprivacy #engagement. The allegations form part of a broader lawsuit against Meta and other platforms by school districts, AGs, and parents over teen mental health and platform harms, with Meta disputing the portrayal and saying it has listened to parents and made real changes to protect teens #teensafety.
5. Will technology provide a boost to truck drivers — or will it replace them?
Technology could make long-haul trucking safer and less demanding while also raising the prospect of replacing drivers with autonomous systems. @Volvo Trucks showcased the redesigned Volvo VNL on a South Carolina test track with driver-assistance features, camera systems, and automatics like #adaptivecruisecontrol and #lanekeeping. Driver turnover in long-haul trucking remains high, averaging above 90% for big fleets for more than two decades. The technology is meant to help keep drivers safer and less stressed, potentially making the job easier even as some pilots move toward fully autonomous trucks. The piece notes that some companies are piloting autonomous trucks, underscoring the tension between safety gains and the risk of replacing human drivers, as the industry weighs the future of #autonomoustrucks.
DragonFire achieved above-the-horizon tracking and interception of drones traveling up to 650 km/h during trials in Scotland, and the MoD has signed a $413 million contract with MBDA UK to begin deploying the system on Royal Navy Type 45 destroyers from 2027, five years earlier than planned. The tests marked a UK first for high-speed drone interception, with the laser reportedly costing about £10 per shot and capable of striking a £1 coin from roughly 1 km away. The contract links the program to the Strategic Defence Review and will sustain nearly 600 skilled roles across England and Scotland, with DragonFire developed by MBDA in partnership with QinetiQ and Leonardo. The system is described as a hard-kill, cost-effective alternative to missiles, but its effectiveness depends on sustained power, precise tracking, and line-of-sight, and its maximum engagement range and laser output during tests were not disclosed. If maritime trials prove viable, additional Royal Navy fits could follow to bolster NATO defense capabilities, with @LukePollard MP stating the aim of keeping the Royal Navy at the leading edge of NATO innovation. #DragonFire #hardkill #Type45 #NATO #RoyalNavy
7. Location Data Debate Erupts Over X’s New Features Among MAGA Supporters
X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, has recently introduced new location-based features that have sparked controversy among MAGA supporters. The platform’s adjustments aim to increase user engagement by allowing more precise visibility of content geographically. However, advocates for privacy and some political groups argue these features could expose users to surveillance or harassment. @ElonMusk defends the changes as steps toward innovative social interaction, while critics emphasize potential risks tied to political targeting. This conflict highlights ongoing tensions between user privacy concerns and technological advancements in social media platforms.
8. New rumor makes ‘iPhone Ultra’ foldable next year seem more likely – 9to5Mac
A new forecast suggests Apple’s first foldable iPhone could arrive next year at a premium price and may be named @Apple #iPhoneUltra. Fubon Research projects a $2,399 price based on supply chain analysis and typical margins. That pricing would underscore a deliberate premium strategy for a foldable and helps explain why the Ultra name is gaining traction as a possibility. The report also benchmarks the foldable against rivals such as @Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 at around $1,999 and @Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold at $1,799, highlighting the high-end market context for Apple’s entry. Overall, the article frames the pricing as a test of market appetite for a premium foldable and hints at branding toward #iPhoneUltra.
9. Samsung reportedly upgrading Bixby with the help of Perplexity instead of Gemini
Samsung is reportedly upgrading its Bixby assistant by integrating Perplexity instead of Gemini. The claim comes from known Samsung leaker @chunvn8888, who says the integration would let Bixby handle basic tasks while more complex ones go to Perplexity, and that it could debut on the Galaxy S26 series, echoing how @Apple integrates @ChatGPT into Siri. This approach mirrors the pattern of embedding external AI assistants to supplement a native one rather than replacing it entirely, signaling Samsung’s strategy to diversify AI partnerships. Samsung has also said Gemini will not be the only AI assistant for Galaxy, indicating a broader AI push ahead of the Galaxy S26 launch. #Bixby #Perplexity #Gemini #GalaxyS26 #AI
10. RAM is so expensive that stores are selling it at market prices
RAM prices have surged as #AI data centers drive demand and memory producers push capacity toward enterprise orders, leaving consumer RAM scarce and prices volatile. Signs at Central Computers in California show market volatility, with 32GB DDR5 kits above $400 and 64GB kits above $900, and online listings at Best Buy corroborating these levels. This trend is highlighted by @Steve_Lin (spotted by @Mark_Hachman), noting that a year and a half ago a similar kit cost about $155, underscoring the dramatic rise. The shift from DDR4 to DDR5 as older systems exit the market, coupled with tariffs and supply consolidation toward data-center clients, fuels the squeeze. #scalpers and price-boosting tactics may amplify the effect. If demand for AI capacity slows or the market recalibrates, memory could become more affordable, though broader electronics prices may still face pressure.
Nvidia’s shares fell after reports indicated that Google plans to partner with AMD for AI chip production, highlighting a shift in the competitive landscape of #AI hardware. Google, seeking alternatives to Nvidia’s dominance in #AI accelerators, is reportedly preparing to use AMD’s chips for its AI cloud services, signaling trust in AMD’s growing capabilities. This potential deal underscores the intensifying rivalry between Nvidia and AMD in AI infrastructure, impacting market dynamics and investor sentiment. As Google expands its AI strategy, choosing AMD could bolster AMD’s position against Nvidia’s long-standing leadership in the sector. The development illustrates how major tech companies like @Google are diversifying their AI hardware sources to optimize performance and costs.
12. Anthropic introduces cheaper, more powerful, more efficient Opus 4.5 model
Anthropic’s Opus 4.5 is a cheaper, more powerful, and more efficient frontier model that makes long Claude-based conversations less prone to abrupt ends. In single conversations, Claude now summarizes earlier points to preserve coherence past large token windows, and developers can apply the same approach via context management and context compaction. On benchmarks, Opus 4.5 reaches 80.9% SWE-Bench Verified, narrowly beating @GPT-5.1-Codex-Max (77.9%) and @Gemini 3 Pro (76.2%), with especially strong performance in agentic coding and tool use though it lags in visual reasoning (MMMU). It is also far less susceptible to prompt injection than prior Claude models and competing options like @GPT-5.1 and @Gemini 3 Pro. Beyond performance, Opus 4.5 delivers token efficiency, matching Sonnet 4.5 at medium effort with 76% fewer output tokens and exceeding it at high effort while using 48% fewer tokens; new features include an ‘effort’ parameter, Claude Code in desktop apps, and API pricing at $5 input / $25 output per million tokens.
13. Here’s what’s behind Tesla’s 3-year sales low in China
Tesla’s China sales dropped to a three-year low in October, and its market share slid to 3.2% from 8.7% in September, fueling concerns about a possible first full-year decline in a weak economy facing a price war and fierce local competition. @NIO and @LiAuto are among the rivals pressuring Tesla, while @Xiaomi’s EV unit posted record October sales and turned a profit, and Leapmotor’s cheaper C10 SUV adds further cost pressure. Traditional automakers like Geely are pushing value with the Geome Xingyuan, and Huawei-backed partners such as Seres, Chery, and Beijing Auto have the Aito M8 gaining traction in high-end SUVs, illustrating broad market shifts. Despite the headwinds, @Tesla’s Model Y remains in the top six, and @Musk indicated a potential early 2026 approval for #Full-Self-Driving software, even as analysts say Tesla must refresh its models to keep pace with @Xiaomi, @BYD, and @XPeng. In Q3, Tesla still posted a 12% year-over-year revenue rise to $28.10 billion, underscoring a mixed performance as China pressure mounts.
14. Amazon allows businesses to test LEO satellite service, Starlink rival
Amazon has opened testing for its new low Earth orbit (#LEO) satellite internet service, aiming to compete directly with @ElonMusk’s #Starlink. The service, part of Amazon’s Project Kuiper, targets businesses seeking reliable broadband in remote areas. Early adopters can evaluate its performance and provide feedback, helping refine the network before wider deployment. This initiative illustrates Amazon’s strategic push into satellite internet as a significant player challenging existing providers. It also highlights the growing importance of space-based connectivity solutions for diverse commercial and rural use cases.
15. ChatGPT now offers a dedicated shopping assistant
OpenAI is adding a dedicated shopping research feature to ChatGPT, powered by a variant of #GPT-5_mini tuned for shopping tasks to help compare products, track deals, and find gifts. The tool is available to all ChatGPT users, including free accounts, with nearly unlimited usage during the holidays; users can access it by selecting ‘Shopping research’ from the + menu and prompts may be routed to the commerce-focused model. It can ask clarifying questions, offer lookalike product suggestions (for example, finding similar dresses under $250 from a photo), and, for @OpenAI @ChatGPT Pulse users, generate personalized buying guides. The model emphasizes citing trusted sources and notes it may misstate price or availability, recommending merchants’ sites for the most accurate details and performing best in electronics, beauty, and #home-appliances due to richer specs. This expansion follows OpenAI’s existing shopping features and comes as rivals like Google push AI shopping tools and Etsy integrations are already in play.
@Sam Altman and @Jony Ive describe OpenAI’s forthcoming AI device as a simple, peaceful, distraction-free alternative to today’s smartphones, with a prototype aimed for launch within two years. Altman called the iPhone the ‘crowning achievement of consumer products’ and said modern tech is full of distractions, comparing his life before and after the device to a calm cabin by a lake. The device is rumored to be screenless and pocket-sized and would filter information for the user, presenting it at the right moment and in a contextually aware way that the user can trust over time. Ive confirmed at the event that the device should be available in under two years, describing a product that blends naive simplicity with sophisticated, approachable design. The collaboration signals a shift toward calmer, focused computing from #OpenAI and @Jony Ive.
17. OpenAI learned the hard way that Cameo trademarked the word ‘cameo’ | TechCrunch
OpenAI’s social app @Sora faces a trademark challenge from @Cameo, which claims ownership of the word cameo and has blocked OpenAI from using that term on Sora. U.S. District Judge @EumiKLee issued a temporary restraining order on November 21, 2025, blocking OpenAI from using cameo or any similar-sounding terms on Sora, with the order set to expire December 22, 2025 and a hearing scheduled for December 19. Cameo CEO @StevenGalanis says the move protects consumers from confusion and harm, while OpenAI says it does not have exclusive ownership of the term. The dispute highlights how branding AI features can trigger IP conflicts and may force OpenAI to rename the feature or reach a settlement #CameoTrademark #IP #Sora
18. DOGE days are over as Trump disbands Elon Musk’s team of federal cost-cutters | TechCrunch
Trump has dismantled the Department of Government Efficiency (#DOGE), ending @ElonMusk’s high-profile pursuit of federal cost-cutting across the government. Reuters reports DOGE had broken up, with officials saying it doesn’t exist as of early November, though Scott Kupor cited the enduring DOGE principles: #de-regulation; #eliminating-fraud-waste-abuse; #re-shaping-the-federal-workforce; making efficiency a first-class citizen. Critics say the dismantling undermines existing programs and that savings remain unproven, even as DOGE had claimed to save billions and its activities were tied to the shutdown of agencies like #USAID. Security concerns are raised as DOGE allegedly accessed federal databases with millions of Americans’ personal information, exposing data to risk. As staff disperse to other departments and @ElonMusk departs, the episode feeds continuing questions about accountability and the real-world impact of #cost-cutting measures.
19. Facebook takes on Reddit with launch of nicknames for Facebook Groups | TechCrunch
@Facebook is adding nicknames in Groups to let users post under a custom username instead of their real name, offering an alternative to anonymous posting. @Facebook says nicknames let people participate in groups more personally while maintaining #privacy and a recognizable presence. The move brings Facebook Groups closer to forums like @Reddit and @Discord by using usernames instead of real names, marking a shift away from Facebook’s long-standing #realname policy. Once a nickname is set, users can post, comment, and react under it within supported groups; their main profile and photo can be hidden from other members but admins and Facebook systems can still see them, and others can view the nickname’s complete post history in the group along with comments and reactions from the last seven days. To enable it, users select the option next to ‘Post anonymously’ when creating a post, and can switch off the nickname anytime to post under their real name, with nickname changes allowed only once every two days and subject to Community Standards.
20. NASA, Boeing pivot Starliner-1 mission from 4-person astronaut flight to cargo-only
NASA and Boeing have shifted the Starliner-1 mission from a crewed four-person astronaut flight to a cargo-only mission due to certification delays and technical challenges with the Starliner vehicle. This change follows setbacks in the spacecraft’s development and additional testing requirements that have pushed back crewed missions. The decision prioritizes maintaining a reliable supply chain to the International Space Station, ensuring cargo delivery continuity amid ongoing spacecraft validation. This reflects the complexities in advancing #commercialcrew vehicles and underscores NASA’s commitment to safety and operational readiness over schedule. The pivot supports continued partnership with @Boeing and the broader goal of sustaining NASA’s presence in low Earth orbit.
China will launch an empty @Shenzhou_22 spacecraft to @Tiangong space station to provide a #lifeboat for the three @Shenzhou_21 taikonauts stranded aboard. A Long March 2F/G rocket is scheduled to lift off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center during a 30-minute window that begins at 11:11 p.m. EST (0411 GMT, Nov. 25; 11:11 a.m. Beijing Time). The mission patch and official briefings signal readiness for the operation, which follows the prior space #debris event that forced the return of @Shenzhou_20 and temporarily tied @Shenzhou_21 to Tiangong while a rescue craft arrives. Shenzhou_20’s return vehicle was struck by space debris, and @Shenzhou_21 crew Zhang Lu, Zhang Hongzhang, and Wu Fei remain in orbit until @Shenzhou_23 relieves them, anticipated in April 2026. The arrival of @Shenzhou_22 would allow the crew #rotation to proceed and keep Tiangong operating while the docking port is freed for the next mission.
That’s all for today’s digest for 2025/11/25! We picked, and processed 21 Articles. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s collection of insights and discoveries.
Thanks, Patricia Zougheib and Dr Badawi, for curating the links
See you in the next one! 🚀