Consumer Tech News (Jan 6-10): Microsoft Pauses Ambitious Data Center Project, Blackstone Makes $300 Million Investment In AI & More

Lekha Gupta

January 11, 2025

Melania Trump is set to executive produce a new documentary on Amazon.com, Inc.‘s (NASDAQ:AMZN) Prime Video, offering a rare glimpse into her life and influence in Donald Trump's political sphere.

Smartphones

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) remains unable to sell its iPhone 16 in Indonesia. the company has not met Indonesia's domestic content requirements, which stipulate that smartphones sold in the country must include at least 35% locally-made components.

Apple has clarified its privacy policies regarding Siri, following a $95 million settlement over allegations of unauthorized recordings. The company emphasized that it has never sold or used Siri data for marketing purposes.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (OTC:SSNLF) is gearing up for CES 2025 with major announcements and futuristic tech. Samsung’s theme for this year’s CES presentation is "AI for All: Everyday, Everywhere."

Early announcements from Samsung’s newsroom highlight AI-enhanced refrigerators, appliances with built-in screens, and more. Expect features like advanced personalization and smarter home integration.

Samsung has confirmed the release of its much-anticipated Ballie home robot.

Samsung announced its Unpacked event, set for Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, in San Jose. The event will showcase the new Galaxy S25 series and advancements in Galaxy AI.

Samsung is set to introduce a subscription model for its Galaxy smartphones.

Media & Gaming

Alphabet Inc.‘s (NASDAQ:GOOG) Google TV users are reportedly encountering issues with purchasing certain movies, including Walt Disney Co.’s (NYSE:DIS) classics.

Walt Disney said that its streaming platforms have reached another milestone. The company’s streaming platforms, Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, have amassed approximately 157 million monthly active users globally who engage with ad-supported content.

Technology

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) has decided to temporarily pause construction on parts of its ambitious data center project in Mount Pleasant.

Nvidia Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA) CEO Jensen Huang delivered the keynote at CES 2025. The keynote's highlight was the introduction of the latest GeForce RTX 5000 Graphic cards series, which include the $1,999 RTX 5090, $999 RTX 5080, $749 RTX 5070 Ti, and $549 RTX 5070.

The lead product for Google's AI Studio has voiced concerns over the U.S. government's approach to artificial intelligence.

Also, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang introduced the company’s $3,000 "personal AI supercomputer," a compact, high-performance machine designed to run advanced AI models right from your desk at CES 2025.

Amazon.com has expanded its home security portfolio with the launch of smart smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

Dell Technologies Inc. (NYSE:DELL) announced a major rebranding of its personal computers, aiming to boost sales by adopting a simplified naming strategy similar to Apple.

Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META) CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s accusation of censorship has been firmly denied by the European Commission.

The Commission stated that their regulations only mandate the removal of illegal content. "We absolutely refute any claims of censorship," said a Commission spokesperson.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Blackstone Inc. (NYSE:BX) is making a significant move in the AI sector with a $300 million investment in DDN, a company known for its expertise in data storage and analysis.

Apple committed to updating its AI feature following a complaint from the BBC. The issue came to light last month after the BBC reported that an AI-generated summary falsely claimed that Luigi Mangione, accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, had shot himself.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has made a bold prediction regarding the development of artificial general intelligence (AGI), suggesting it will occur during Donald Trump's presidency.

Anthropic, the AI startup behind "Claude" backed by Jeff Bezos, is reportedly in advanced discussions to secure $2 billion in funding. This deal could elevate its valuation to $60 billion, positioning it among the top five most valuable U.S. startups.

Image: Shutterstock

Recommended

Copper Is Tight, Silver Is Rising - And This Early Nevada Play Hits the Timing Perfectly - Ad

Weiss Gold Veteran Makes Shocking New Call - Ad

Trump Signs Law to Launch Dollar 2.0 - Ad

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene disclosed some new stocks recently. Unlike past trades in 2024 and 2025, the latest disclosure is rather unique.

Cathie Wood Dumps $11.6 Million Worth Of Tesla Stock: Here Is What Ark Purchased Instead

On Wednesday, Cathie Wood-led Ark Invest made significant trades involving Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA), Coinbase Global Inc.

The Next Biggest Bull Run In Over 50 Years

The Next Biggest Bull Run In Over 50 Years - Ad

Gold has hit all-time highs, breaking $4,000 an ounce - but history shows it could be on the verge of its biggest bull run in over half a century... triggered by a likely major event, eerily similar to what happened in the 1970s. (It's NOT inflation or anything you're likely expecting.) Now, a top analyst says you can capture ALL of the upside without touching a risky miner or a boring exchange-traded fund. He sees extraordinary potential gains long term with very little risk.

Joan Branson, wife of British billionaire Richard Branson, dies at 80

Joan Branson, the wife of British billionaire Richard Branson, has died at age 80.

Trump-Pardoned Ponzi Schemer Faces 37-Year Sentence For $44 Million COVID Scam

A previously convicted Ponzi schemer who had received a pardon from President Trump is heading back to prison due to involvement in a new fraudulent scheme.

Legally "Skim" $6,361 Into Your Account?

Legally "Skim" $6,361 Into Your Account? - Ad

A former hedge fund manager is now sharing his "Skim Codes" with regular people. They're not stocks. They're not crypto. They're 18-character codes designed to profit from recent market conditions. All you have to do is punch them into an ordinary brokerage account. 84% of these codes have given people the chance to generate cash payouts so far... and his next code is going out any day now.

Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin Dip, While XRP Ticks Up: Analyst Assumes BTC Will Test New Lows In Upcoming Week

Leading cryptocurrencies inched lower on Sunday as investors maintained a subdued risk appetite.

California revokes 17,000 driver's licenses. But the state disputes it is over immigration concerns

California plans to revoke 17,000 commercial driver’s licenses given to immigrants after the Trump administration raised concerns about people in the country illegally receiving licenses to drive a semitruck or a bus. But Gov. Gavin Newsom said that isn't the reason.

The Market Just Crossed a Dangerous Line

The Market Just Crossed a Dangerous Line - Ad

The man who predicted the 2008 crash and 2020 says today's soaring markets are NOT a bubble - they're something far stranger and more dangerous. He says it's about to change everything you know about money.

Airbus Orders Emergency Recall Of 6,000 A320 Jets After JetBlue Incident, Triggering Global Flight Delays And Holiday Travel Chaos

Airbus SE (OTC: EADSF) ordered immediate repairs to A320-family aircraft on Friday, recalling 6,000 jets after a recent JetBlue incident.

Iran confirms seizure of oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran on Saturday confirmed as it traveled through the narrow Strait of Hormuz over violations including carrying an illegal consignment, state media reported.

The Smart Money Copper Trade

The Smart Money Copper Trade - Ad

Quebec discovery. Strong grades. Roads and hydro in place. Funding secured for a busy drill calendar. Each assay can build scale and tighten the window for early entries as EVs and data centers pull harder on copper. Do not wait.

All 14 victims identified from fiery UPS cargo plane crash in Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A grandfather and his young granddaughter. An electrician with two young children. A woman standing in line at a scrap metal business.

Trump's $2,000 Tariff Dividend Stumbles On Math: Cost Far Exceeds Revenue

Trump's $2,000 tariff rebate plan faces a major math gap, with estimated costs up to $606.8B—far exceeding tariff revenues in 2025 and 2026, says the Tax Foundation.

First Drug to Show Breakthrough Myocarditis Data. Analysts See Potential 7-10x Upside.

First Drug to Show Breakthrough Myocarditis Data. Analysts See Potential 7-10x Upside. - Ad

This biotech just delivered a medical first in myocarditis and has a Phase 3 trial fully funded into 2027. Wall Street targets imply massive revaluation ahead.

Noem Says National Guard Shooting Suspect Was Radicalized In US

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem says that the suspect in the fatal shooting of a National Guard member in Washington was radicalized domestically.

Ukrainian Naval Drones Cripple Two Russian Oil Tankers In Black Sea, Disrupt Moscow's Shadow‑Fleet Operations

Ukrainian naval drones struck 2 sanctioned tankers in Black Sea, critically damaging both and crippling a key Russian oil‑transport route.

Investing Legend Hints the End May Be Near for These 3 Iconic Stocks

Investing Legend Hints the End May Be Near for These 3 Iconic Stocks - Ad

Futurist Eric Fry say Amazon, Tesla and Nvidia are all on the verge of major disruption. To help protect anyone with money invested in them, he's sharing three exciting stocks to replace them with. He gives away the names and tickers completely free in his brand-new "Sell This, Buy That" broadcast.

Bill Gates' Daughter Phoebe's AI Shopping Assistant Found Collecting Extensive User Data: Report

Phia, co-founded by Phoebe Gates, has been found collecting extensive user data through its browser extension, raising privacy concerns.

Viking CEO Credits Strong Bookings To Resilient Customer Base Hungry For Travel

Viking Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: VIK) traded higher after beating expectations in third-quarter 2025 results, with strong revenue

The $43B Big Pharma Story is Starting Over-With a New Player

The $43B Big Pharma Story is Starting Over-With a New Player - Ad

Big Pharma once paid $43B for a small biotech with a similar platform. Now, a new company is following that same playbook, leveraging its patented delivery technology to attract partnerships and near-term revenue potential.

Dogecoin Drops 22% In A Month: Is The DOGE Run Over?

Dogecoin (CRYPTO: DOGE) has fallen more than 20% over the past month, yet key metrics are flipping bullish just as the first DOGE ETF appears

Canada's prime minister and Alberta's premier sign pipeline deal that could reverse oil tanker ban

TORONTO (AP) — and the premier of Canada’s oil rich province of Alberta agreed Thursday to work toward building a pipeline to the Pacific Coast to diversify the country’s oil exports beyond the United States, in a move that has caused turmoil in Carney's inner circle.

Copper Is Tight, Silver Is Rising - And This Early Nevada Play Hits the Timing Perfectly

Copper Is Tight, Silver Is Rising - And This Early Nevada Play Hits the Timing Perfectly - Ad

AI, electrification, battery storage, and data centers are pushing copper and silver demand sharply higher, even as supply stays tight. This region in Nevada offers rare multi-metal potential, and a new company has secured land in a district the surging district. It's one of the cleanest timing setups in the sector right now.

MSNBC's name is being replaced, but its leaders insist that its mission will remain the same

NEW YORK (AP) — Asked what viewers should expect when television's MSNBC makes its from NBC News final this weekend, network president Rebecca Kutler points to a poster on the wall of a conference room at its new offices off Times Square.

Christmas market in Germany opens after last year's deadly attack in the city of Magdeburg

BERLIN (AP) — The Christmas market in the German city of Magdeburg opened Thursday, nearly a year after it was the scene of a horrific that left six people dead.

Weiss Gold Veteran Makes Shocking New Call

Weiss Gold Veteran Makes Shocking New Call - Ad

Weiss expert Sean Brodrick went out on a limb last year and declared a historic event would send the yellow metal to $3,150. People laughed at him at the time, but he was off by just two days. Now, Sean has a shocking new prediction for gold ... and reveals a little-known way to get ahead of this bull market.

Trump Hints At Tax Cut, John Bolton Warns Of Peace Prize Ambitions And More: This Week in Politics

Trump hints at major income tax cuts, while political tensions rise over military orders, Russia policy, and government shutdown threats.

Adam Schiff Warns Trump Is Dragging America Toward A Venezuela War, Slams GOP For Treating Congress Like An 'Unnecessary Appendage'

Schiff warns that Trump's approach to Venezuela could lead to conflict and Congress must assert its power before it's too late.

Trump Signs Law to Launch Dollar 2.0

Trump Signs Law to Launch Dollar 2.0 - Ad

Trump just signed law S.1582, unleashing the biggest money shift in 100+ years. For the first time since 1913, private firms - not the Fed - can mint a "Dollar 2.0." Treasury says it could drain $6.6T from banks and pay 10X current savings rates. Early investors in minting firms could see 40X returns by 2032.

Eric Trump Lauds Bitcoin: 'Send $500 Million On A Sunday Night, Virtually No Fees'

Eric Trump has doubled down on his pro-crypto stance, promoting Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) as a fix for inefficiencies in traditional finance and calling i

Tesla Wants To Shift Away From China-Made Components For US Cars: Report

Tesla requires suppliers to exclude Chinese parts for US car production. Despite challenges, aim to switch all parts within 1-2 years.

The Next Biggest Bull Run In Over 50 Years

The Next Biggest Bull Run In Over 50 Years - Ad

Trump Pressures Taiwan To Train US Workers As TSMC Struggles In Arizona: Report

The Trump administration is reportedly pressing Taiwan, including TSMC, to invest more in U.S. semiconductor manufacturing.

US air travelers without REAL IDs will be charged a $45 fee

Air travelers in the U.S. without a will be charged a $45 fee beginning in February, the Transportation Security Administration announced Monday.

Legally "Skim" $6,361 Into Your Account?

Legally "Skim" $6,361 Into Your Account? - Ad

US Debt Of $38 Trillion Now A 'National Security Crisis,' Warns Top Economist, Another Blames Political Polarization: 'Neither Party Is…'

Richard Haass, the president of the Council on Foreign Relations, and other economists have sounded the alarm about the U.S. national debt, stating that it poses a significant threat to the country's security and global standing.

Elizabeth Warren Warns Trump Making A 'Tremendous Mistake' By Selling Federal Student Loans To Wall Street: 'I'm Fighting Back'

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) criticized President Donald Trump's plans to sell federal student loans to private companies, warning that the move could create windfall gains for Wall Street, at the expense of taxpayers and average working Americans.

The Market Just Crossed a Dangerous Line

The Market Just Crossed a Dangerous Line - Ad

Nvidia, Palo Alto, Coreweave, Broadcom And AMD: Why These 5 Stocks Are On Investors' Radars Today

U.S. stocks advanced on Wednesday as Nvidia's results reignited enthusiasm for AI plays. The Nasdaq climbed 0.59% to 22,564.22.

Trending Now