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

85% Off Proven Crypto Timing Model - This Weekend Only! - Ad

Elon's New Device Could Launch Biggest IPO of the Decade - Ad

Buy This Gold Stock Before the New Year - Ad

Popular

Sweden promises action against illegal sex doll sales

BERLIN (AP) — The Swedish government promised on Friday to fight the sale of childlike sex dolls online after instances of such commerce had been reported earlier in the country.

AI Bots Are Crowding Out Human Traders On Blockchain Networks

While crypto traders focus on XRP exchange-traded fund launches, a more significant transformation is underway. Autonomous AI agents are taking over as primary blockchain network participants, requiring infrastructure that operates differently from systems designed for humans.

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.

Kevin O'Leary Once Said Engineering Is the Only Master's Degree Worth Getting — Now He Says This Skill Has the 'Fastest' Wage Growth Today

Kevin O'Leary now believes that the highest paying jobs in 2025 will go to creative content creators, not just engineers. Content is king.

Trump Says US Could 'Completely' Or 'Substantially' Cut Income Tax Over Couple Of Years Thanks To 'Large' Tariff Revenues

President Donald Trump hinted at a sweeping shift in U.S. federal tax policy, suggesting that the massive tariff revenues that the government is earning could go towards offering significant relief for low and middle-income taxpayers.

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.

S&P Calls Tether 'Weak' — Meanwhile It's Buying More Gold Than Central Banks

Tether (CRYPTO: USDT) just got slapped with the lowest possible stability score from S&P G

Bitcoin Steady On Thanksgiving; Ethereum, Dogecoin, XRP Dip: Analyst Zeroes In On 'Support That Matters' For BTC

Leading cryptocurrencies paused on Thanksgiving as trading volumes eased over the holiday break.

Is Elon's Empire Crumbling?

Is Elon's Empire Crumbling? - Ad

Jeff Brown - the legend who called Tesla and Nvidia early - says Elon is about to launch a $25T AI revolution. This isn't another chatbot. It's real-world AI that could 14X the impact of ChatGPT. But after January 29, it may be too late.

Dogecoin Still Trapped In 'Third-Wave' Deadlock? Meanwhile, Popular Analyst Sees This Level As 'Main Resistance'

Dogecoin (CRYPTO: DOGE) pulled back on the Thanksgiving holiday, alongside a sharp decline in trading activity.

Marjorie Taylor Greene Goes Bargain Shopping, Discloses Buying These Two Stocks At 52-Week Lows

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

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.

Trump attacks ABC News correspondent Mary Bruce in angry response to three sharp questions

NEW YORK (AP) — President Donald Trump denounced ABC News' Mary Bruce as a “terrible reporter” Tuesday and threatened the network's license to broadcast after she asked him three sharp questions at the White House.

Robert A.M. Stern, noted American architect, dies at 86

Acclaimed architect Robert A.M. Stern, a prominent figure in American architecture who designed notable museums, libraries and residences, died Thursday, according to a statement from the firm he founded. He was 86.

"Tech Prophet" Who Predicted the iPhone Now Predicts...

"Tech Prophet" Who Predicted the iPhone Now Predicts... - Ad

George Gilder - who predicted the iPhone 17 years early and gave Reagan the first microchip - is making his boldest call yet. He says an American nanotech "super-convergence" could mint more millionaires than any event in recent memory. He's found 3 stocks set to benefit the most.

Schwab: Half Of US Investors May Ditch Other Assets For ETFs — 4 Funds To Watch

Nearly half of ETF investors could go all-ETF within five years, Schwab says. Here's how they're building portfolios with funds like ITOT, BND, and XLK.

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 Issues Surprise Emergency Order

Trump Issues Surprise Emergency Order - Ad

A new Trump emergency order just took effect. It could reset the U.S. economy, impact 65M Americans, and trigger a major wealth shift tied to a $257T force Buffett called the greatest transfer of wealth. Billionaires are already positioned. If you want in, time is short.

Trump Withdraws Support For 'Wacky' Marjorie Taylor Greene In Sudden, Fiery Split: 'I Can't Take...'

President Donald Trump said he is withdrawing his endorsement of longtime ally Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene — here's what happened.

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.

Is Nvidia About to Spark Another 150X Opportunity This Black Friday?

Is Nvidia About to Spark Another 150X Opportunity This Black Friday? - Ad

Nvidia once handed investors the chance to make 150X on its breakthrough AI chips. Now, legendary investor Louis Navellier says a new invention-perfectly timed for Black Friday-could be even bigger.

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.

Two National Guard Troops Shot Near White House, Reagan Airport Briefly Halts Flights

Two WV National Guard members were shot near White House. Suspect in custody, with non-life-threatening injuries. Trump vows retaliation, orders more troops. Flights briefly paused at Reagan National.

85% Off Proven Crypto Timing Model - This Weekend Only!

85% Off Proven Crypto Timing Model - This Weekend Only! - Ad

Juan Villaverde's crypto timing model has called every major market turn since 2012. It's now signaling the next big move, and he believes these coins could have big upside. With the market at a critical moment, you can access his latest signals this weekend for just $19.

'Rich Dad Poor Dad' Author Robert Kiyosaki Warns Of Crash In BTC, ETH, Gold, Silves Prices, But Says He's Buying, Not Selling: Here's Why

Robert Kiyosaki, author of “Rich Dad Poor Dad,” has shared his investment strategy amid predictions of an economic downturn.

China announces restrictions on chemicals after deal with Trump on fentanyl tariffs

WASHINGTON (AP) — China said Monday it is making good on its pledge to crack down on chemicals that can be used to make fentanyl, a key issue for President during recent talks with Chinese leader as they aimed to .

Elon's New Device Could Launch Biggest IPO of the Decade

Elon's New Device Could Launch Biggest IPO of the Decade - Ad

Elon Musk's new device is being called a "game-changer"-and even the White House is using this tech. Jeff Brown says it could launch Musk's next trillion-dollar company and make early investors rich. You can claim a stake now for as little as $500.

Rivian Automotive CEO Gets An Elon Musk-Style Pay Raise

Rivian CEO's new pay plan could be worth up to $4.6 billion over the next ten years.

Furor over editing of Trump speech sparks 'existential crisis' at the BBC

LONDON (AP) — The of two top bosses over the editing of a speech by U.S. President Donald Trump dealt a huge blow to the broadcaster, which is revered by some in Britain as a national treasure but derided by others as outdated and left-leaning.

Buy This Gold Stock Before the New Year

Buy This Gold Stock Before the New Year - Ad

America is about to see a massive shift in how regular people buy and store gold. Next year, the world's largest gold buyer is expected to launch a new way for everyday Americans to invest in gold with a simple tap on their phone - and it could go live in 2026. When it does, a tiny gold stock trading around $1.60 could explode.

Robinhood, Beyond Meat, Tilray Brands, ASML And SMX (Security Matters): Why These 5 Stocks Are On Investors' Radars Today

HOOD, BYND, TLRY, ASML, SMX were among the stocks seen trending among investors on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025.

Lebanon's most wanted drug trafficker taken into custody, authorities say

BEIRUT (AP) — Lebanon's most wanted drug trafficker was arrested Thursday after years on the run, authorities said.

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

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

TSMC Chief CC Wei Says Nvidia CEO 'Wants More Chips' As Jensen Huang Enjoys Hotpot In Taipei And Praises The Taiwanese Foundry: 'No TSMC, No Nvidia'

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang praised TSMC as vital to his company's success during his Taiwan visit, where he met TSMC chief CC Wei over hotpot and reportedly requested more chips amid surging AI demand and U.S. export restrictions.

Palantir CEO Alex Karp Blasts Short Sellers Again As Stock Drops 11% This Week, Deems It 'Market Manipulation'

Palantir CEO Alex Karp takes aim at those betting against the stock as the software company's shares fell 11% this week.

Weiss Gold Veteran Makes Shocking New Call

Weiss Gold Veteran Makes Shocking New Call - Ad

Serbia passes a special bill enabling Trump's son-in-law to build luxury complex despite opposition

BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — Serbian lawmakers on Friday passed a special law clearing the way for a proposed real estate project that would be financed by an investment company linked to Donald Trump’s son-in-law despite and legal hurdles.

Cameron Winklevoss Digs Up News Report From 2013 To Make A Point About Bitcoin: 'You Will Miss Out On The World's Greatest Opportunities...'

Gemini co-founder Cameron Winklevoss took potshots Sunday at the British daily newspaper Financial Times for its 12-year-old article that predicted Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) would become the next “bubble.”

Is Elon's Empire Crumbling?

Is Elon's Empire Crumbling? - Ad

Dan Ives Calls Nvidia The 'Indisputable Rocky Balboa' Of AI And Gene Munster Agrees As The Jensen Huang-Led Tech Giant Faces Rare November Slump

Despite a rare November stock pullback and rising competition from Google and Broadcom, analysts including Dan Ives and Gene Munster continue to hail Nvidia as the leading force in the AI chip market.

Trending Now