#BrainUp Daily Tech News – (Monday, December 15ᵗʰ)
Welcome to today’s curated collection of interesting links and insights for 2025/12/15. Our Hand-picked, AI-optimized system has processed and summarized 19 articles from all over the internet to bring you the latest technology news.
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1. BA boss fears AI agents could make brands invisible
BA’s chief executive @SeanDoyle warns that brands could vanish from the digital shop window as #agenticAI agents begin deciding bookings and mediating searches. He argues that the days when a strong website or a top Google result guaranteed visibility are fading, with #AI bots sitting between customers and brands. This shift reframes branding from human attention to software legibility and trust in automation, prompting BA to rethink how it remains legible, relevant, and trusted by machines. BA’s ongoing #digitalOverhaul and emphasis on #hyperpersonalization, with data flowing across the customer journey from booking to boarding, aim to speed product delivery and redeploy staff to higher-value interactions. In this machine-driven landscape, the airline seeks to show how tech-led processes can reshape branding and operations in travel.
2. SPHOTONIX Pushes 5D Glass Storage Toward Data Center Pilots
SPHOTONIX is advancing #5DGlassStorage technology to target data center applications, aiming to address growing demands for durable, high-capacity archival solutions. The technology employs femtosecond lasers to encode data in multiple dimensions within fused silica glass, enabling high-density storage with longevity far exceeding traditional media. Initial pilots focus on integrating this technology into data centers to leverage its resilience against data degradation and environmental damage. The approach promises to reduce the need for frequent data migration and maintenance, potentially lowering operational costs. This development aligns with industry trends seeking sustainable, long-term storage solutions amid exponential data growth.
3. Rodney Brooks and the Revolution of Robots That Clean More Than Floors
Rodney Brooks, a pioneer in robotics and co-founder of iRobot, has fundamentally transformed how robots integrate into everyday life, moving beyond the famous Roomba to more advanced applications. His work highlights the evolving capabilities of #automation and #AI in consumer technology, focusing on robots that adapt to their environment and tasks with increased autonomy. Brooks advocates for robots as collaborative helpers rather than replacements for humans, emphasizing the importance of user-friendly, practical design. This evolution in robotics is opening new markets and opportunities, reflecting broader trends in technology where intelligent machines enhance daily living rather than disrupt it. Consequently, Brooks’s vision and contributions illustrate a significant shift in the intersection of robotics, business, and society.
4. How iRobot lost its way home
iRobot, once a pioneering leader in the consumer robotics market, faced significant challenges that disrupted its trajectory and market position. Despite early success with products like the Roomba, competition increased while innovation slowed, leading to a decline in market share and consumer interest. The company’s strategic decisions and operational shifts, combined with evolving technology trends and heightened expectations for smart home integration, further complicated its recovery efforts. This case illustrates the importance for tech companies to continuously innovate and adapt to market demands while maintaining clear strategic focus. iRobot’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for entrepreneurs and businesses navigating rapidly changing tech landscapes.
5. Robot Vacuum Roomba Maker Files for Bankruptcy After 35 Years
After 35 years of operation, the maker of the Roomba robot vacuum filed for bankruptcy, highlighting the challenges in the competitive consumer robotics market. Once a pioneer in #roboticvacuum technology, the company’s financial difficulties stemmed from shifting market dynamics, increased competition, and evolving consumer preferences for smart home devices. Despite its innovation and early market dominance, the company struggled to maintain profitability as rivals introduced more advanced and integrated products. This bankruptcy underscores the volatility in technology sectors where continuous innovation and adaptation are critical to survival. The Roomba maker’s situation reflects broader trends in the tech industry where established players must navigate rapid changes to sustain their market position.
6. I switched to Gemini for Home. Here’s the Google Assistant feature I miss
Switching to @Gemini for Home, the author finds it largely capable and chatty, effectively handling smart-home controls and delivering detailed weather information. However, the one Google Assistant feature they miss is Continued Conversation, which allowed the Assistant to listen for follow-ups after answering without repeating ‘Hey Google’. In Gemini for Home, Continued Conversation isn’t available in the free tier; to chat without the wake word, users must enable Gemini Live mode, part of the @Google Home Premium plan starting at $10 a month. Despite this limitation, the author is impressed with Gemini for Home’s new abilities and plans to test more, though having to say ‘Hey Google’ repeatedly feels like a step backward. #ContinuedConversation #GeminiLiveMode #GoogleHomePremium
7. Alphabet poised for another paper gain as SpaceX valuation jumps | Fortune
Alphabet @Alphabet could book another sizable paper gain as SpaceX @SpaceX moves toward a tender offer valuing the private company at about $800B. SpaceX’s insider sale priced at $421 a share underscores the valuation jump, and Alphabet has held a stake since 2015 when a $1B funding round gave it roughly 10%. Earlier this year a revaluation produced an $8B unrealized gain tied to SpaceX, helping lift Alphabet’s net income in the March quarter. With the latest valuation, investors will look to Alphabet’s next earnings for signs of another accounting boost, as unrealized gains on non-marketable equity securities flow through to results. This shows how Alphabet’s private SpaceX investment could continue to influence its reported results alongside its broader AI and technology initiatives #unrealized-gains #non-marketable-equity-securities
8. AI Podcasting Is Changing the Industry
AI technology is transforming the podcasting industry by streamlining content creation and increasing accessibility. Innovations in #AI-powered voice synthesis and editing tools enable creators to produce episodes more efficiently and with higher audio quality. This technological shift is democratizing podcasting, allowing individuals without extensive technical skills or resources to enter the market. Industry experts note that while AI enhances productivity, it also raises questions about authenticity and intellectual property. Overall, AI’s integration into podcasting is reshaping content production and expanding creative possibilities.
9. Here’s how Denver police fly drones to 911 calls, triggering fears about privacy and surveillance
The Denver Police Department began testing drones as first responders to 911 calls in mid-October, aiming to speed up response times and provide more information to officers on arrival. In demonstrations, a drone autopiloted from headquarters to a reported break-in, then a pilot took control to watch live video, zoom in on individuals, and run a license plate. The department says this on-scene information can help determine whether officers are needed and how to respond, potentially preventing unnecessary escalation. Critics, including privacy advocates and city oversight groups, warn that aerial surveillance and the data collected, particularly through the city’s automated license-plate readers from #FlockSafety, raise serious privacy concerns #privacy #surveillance. The program is funded through two free pilot programs with @Skydio and @FlockSafety, and police argue it could improve safety for both the public and officers, even as it faces ongoing scrutiny.
10. The Eerie Parallels Between AI Mania and the Dot-Com Bubble
The article explores striking similarities between the current enthusiasm for #ArtificialIntelligence and the dot-com bubble of the late 1990s, highlighting how market exuberance can drive inflated valuations. It details how both periods saw rapid investment surges, soaring stock prices, and a flood of new companies promising revolutionary technology, often without solid business models. The analysis draws on historical patterns where initial technological optimism led to excessive speculation, followed by market corrections and lessons about sustainable innovation. Financial historian perspectives are included to underline how early excitement can cloud cautious judgment, encouraging excessive risk-taking. This comparison underscores the need for measured investment approaches in the face of technological breakthroughs to avoid repeating past financial excesses.
11. Amazon Prime Video is offering its U.S. subscribers a major upgrade for free
Prime Video is expanding its value proposition for U.S. viewers by introducing a free, built-in news hub. Announced on Dec. 3, the feature aggregates hundreds of 24/7 news channels and will include major linear streams such as @ABC News Live, @CBS News 24/7, @LiveNOW from Fox, @CNN Headlines, and @NBC News NOW, with access granted to any Amazon account in the U.S. regardless of Prime membership. The hub will be accessible through the top navigation in the Prime Video app and is targeted to reach over 200 channels by year’s end. This move broadens Prime Video’s live and on-demand offerings and positions the platform as a stronger competitor in the streaming-news space. It could boost engagement by giving subscribers and casual viewers a centralized, free source of national and global coverage.
12. Grok Gets the Facts Wrong About Bondi Beach Shooting
The article addresses inaccuracies spread by Grok regarding the Bondi Beach shooting, correcting the misinformation with verified facts. It highlights how Grok mistakenly reported certain details of the incident, leading to confusion among readers. The clarification emphasizes the importance of accurate information in reporting sensitive events like shootings. By setting the record straight, the article underscores the responsibility of AI and media sources in disseminating trustworthy news. This correction aids public understanding and prevents the spread of false narratives about the Bondi Beach shooting.
13. Early Linux 6.19 Benchmarks On AMD EPYC 9965 2P Excelling For AI & HPC Performance – Phoronix
Linux 6.19 shows encouraging results for HPC and AI workloads on the AMD EPYC 9965 2P platform, based on a test comparing 6.18 stable with 6.19-rc1 using the same configuration. The test runs on two EPYC 9965 CPUs on an AMD Volcano reference server, with Ubuntu 25.10 defaults and a combined 384 cores / 768 threads, across a broad suite of real world Linux server benchmarks. While some scheduler regressions are noted in 6.19-rc1, HPC workloads show improvements that point to stronger performance in this configuration. The author emphasizes that more hardware and workloads will be tested in the coming weeks, as Linux 6.19 approaches its stable debut. This coverage continues Phoronix’s ongoing examination of Linux 6.19 and benchmarks for EPYC-based systems, illustrating early momentum for AI and HPC use cases on the new kernel.
14. United Alliance Alliance Set to Launch Amazon LEO Atlas 4 Tuesday Morning
United Alliance Alliance is scheduled to launch the Amazon LEO Atlas 4 rocket on Tuesday morning, marking a significant step in #lowearthorbit satellite deployment. The launch will support Amazon’s expanding satellite constellation aimed at enhancing global broadband connectivity. This mission highlights technological advancements in #spaceflight and satellite infrastructure, reflecting growing industry efforts to improve internet access and data services worldwide. The launch is anticipated to bolster communication networks and drive innovation in digital infrastructure. This event emphasizes the collaboration between corporate and aerospace sectors in advancing space-based technology solutions.
15. Tesla Model Y Can Drive Without Safety Monitor in Austin, Says Elon Musk
Tesla’s Model Y vehicles in Austin can operate without a designated safety monitor, as confirmed by CEO @Elon Musk. This update stems from Tesla’s continuous advancement in its #FullSelfDriving technology, potentially reducing reliance on human oversight during autonomous driving. Musk’s statement highlights Tesla’s confidence in its AI and sensor systems, which integrate cameras and neural nets to ensure safe navigation under various conditions. The change could signify a shift in regulatory and practical frameworks for autonomous vehicles, enhancing convenience for users. This development reflects Tesla’s broader mission to innovate in transportation and push the boundaries of self-driving capabilities.
16. Microsoft scales back AI goals because almost nobody is using Copilot
Microsoft has reduced its ambitions for AI integration due to low user engagement with its Copilot features. Despite significant investments in AI technologies, the uptake of Copilot by users has been minimal, leading the company to temper its expectations and adjust its strategies accordingly. This shift highlights the challenges of embedding AI tools like #Copilot into productivity software suites and the gap between technological capability and user adoption. It also suggests that successful AI deployment requires not only advanced features but also user readiness and acceptance. Microsoft’s recalibration reflects the broader market reality where innovative AI solutions need practical appeal to drive widespread usage.
17. ChatGPT’s adult mode is coming and it might not be what you think it is
OpenAI is developing an ‘adult mode’ for ChatGPT designed to make the AI more helpful, honest, and harmless, particularly in addressing sensitive or mature topics. This mode aims to allow users to discuss complex or mature themes without triggering content restrictions that typically limit conversations in the standard model. Unlike assumptions that it enables or promotes inappropriate content, this feature focuses on improved conversational clarity and nuance, ensuring responsible handling of adult-oriented discussions. OpenAI’s approach reflects ongoing efforts to balance user needs with ethical considerations and safety guidelines in AI interactions. This development highlights how AI tools like ChatGPT evolve to better serve diverse user requirements within safe and controlled parameters.
18. WhatsApp status and channels now showing ads; here’s how to hide and manage them
WhatsApp has started displaying advertisements on its status and channels features, prompting users to seek ways to manage or hide these ads. The introduction of ads is a significant change in the app’s approach to monetization, as users now encounter promotional content alongside personal updates and channel posts. Users can manage their ad experience by adjusting privacy and notification settings within WhatsApp, thereby limiting ad visibility or muting specific channels. This shift reflects broader trends in social media platforms incorporating advertising to sustain free services while balancing user experience. Understanding how to control ad exposure ensures users can maintain their preferred level of engagement without excessive promotional interruptions.
19. Install MAX, Russia’s big brother surveillance app or face repression in occupied Ukraine
In occupied Ukraine, Russia’s MAX #surveillance app is described as a coercive instrument that effectively hands private phones to the @FSB and turns everyday devices into tools of state scrutiny. The app has been pre-installed on all phones in occupied Ukraine and Russia since 1 September 2025, with reports of coercion extending to schools and parental communications and discussions of linking MAX to online banking and access to public services; Russia claims up to 50 million users. Data leaks from MAX have prompted concerns about centralizing vast personal information and have been cited by rights groups like @ReportersWithoutBorders as part of a “digital Iron Curtain” that constrains #freedom of expression and movement, and at checkpoints the absence of MAX can trigger further checks as a loyalty indicator. The article underscores that this is not mere app usage but a broader strategy of occupation, where tech becomes a tool of repression that risks increasing control and vulnerability if the system falters.
That’s all for today’s digest for 2025/12/15! We picked, and processed 19 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! 🚀
