Google unveiled Project Mariner, its Gemini 2.0-powered AI Chrome extension, now navigating the web with a select US tester crew. Capable of filling forms and creating shopping carts, Mariner boasts an 83.5% success on WebVoyager—but don’t expect speedy checkout dances, as tasks can drag to 12 minutes with five-second pauses. While it avoids sensitive actions like payments, privacy concerns linger. A UX paradigm shift is on the horizon, blending automation with cautious supervision.

ExxonMobil is charging into the electricity market by 2029, planning a 1,500 MW natural gas-fired power plant dedicated to data centers fueling AI development. The facility boasts over 90% carbon capture, aiming to keep tech’s energy appetite sustainable.

CEO Darren Woods assures this move doesn’t signify a fossil fuel farewell, balancing innovation with traditional energy roots. As data center demands soar, ExxonMobil’s savvy pivot could spark both smiles and serious debates in the energy-tech nexus.

On December 13, 2024, Broadcom's shares leaped 14% after forecasting a 65% rise in AI product sales for Q1 2025 and projecting its AI market to hit $90B by 2027. CEO Hock Tan celebrated a 220% AI revenue boost last year, driven by data centers and collaborations with Apple. Q4 earnings dazzled with $14.05B revenue and $4.32B net income, thanks to VMware integration. Despite some chip demand hiccups, Broadcom remains optimistic, leaving investors both amused and confident.

Samsung and Qualcomm have teamed up to launch Android XR, an avant-garde platform set to redefine extended reality. Integrated with Google’s Gemini AI, Android XR enhances AR and VR experiences via headsets and glasses, with the flagship Project Moohan slated for release in 2025. Boasting features like AI-powered hand meshes and seamless app multitasking, the platform fosters a vibrant developer ecosystem. With partners like Sony and Magic Leap on board, expectations are high—will Project Moohan finally make AR cool?

Nvidia is turbocharging its China presence, adding 200 new hires in Beijing to supercharge its AI-driven autonomous vehicle research. By year's end, the tech giant aims to expand its workforce to 4,000, up from 3,000 earlier this year. This expansion includes bolstering after-sales and networking software teams, reflecting Nvidia’s nearly $1 billion automotive revenue. Amidst US-China tensions and anti-monopoly probes, Nvidia’s launch of the Omniverse Cloud Sensor RTX and the upcoming Drive Thor platform for 2025 signal steadfast commitment to self-driving tech.

Senator Ron Wyden unveils the Secure American Communications Act in a decisive move to counteract Salt Typhoon's cyber espionage activities targeting U.S. telecom systems. The bill compels the FCC to establish stringent cybersecurity standards within a year, finally addressing the agency's 1994-era inaction.

Telecom carriers will be required to conduct annual compliance audits, engage independent auditors, and have both CEOs and CISOs formally endorse their security measures. Wyden’s initiative aims to thwart Chinese hackers with a mix of robust regulations and a touch of legislative savvy, fortifying the nation's communication infrastructure.

IBM partners with Illinois to establish the National Quantum Algorithm Center in Chicago’s IQMP, transforming the former U.S. Steel site into a $9B quantum hub. Backed by a $25M state grant and up to $500M in tax incentives, the project aims to create thousands of jobs and attract global scientists. PsiQuantum commits $1B for the country’s most powerful quantum computer. As Hyde Park Labs relocates, Chicago strides toward its goal of becoming the 'global quantum capital' with a touch of affordable housing.

Nvidia is set to blast its stock past $200 by 2025, driven by soaring demand for its cutting-edge Blackwell AI chips, featuring 208 billion transistors and 20 petaflops of power. Fiscal 2025 revenue is projected to hit $128.7 billion, with tech giants like Microsoft and Oracle heavily investing in Nvidia-powered AI infrastructure. Despite a hefty price-to-earnings ratio, analysts believe Nvidia remains undervalued, hinting at more GPU-fueled gains ahead. Buckle up!

Apple teams up with Broadcom to launch Baltra, its first AI server chip, slated for mass production by 2026. Manufactured using TSMC’s cutting-edge N3P process, Baltra aims to slash reliance on Nvidia’s pricey processors, potentially shaking up the GPU market. This move follows their multi-billion-dollar 2023 5G partnership, reflecting a broader tech trend towards proprietary AI solutions. With Apple’s $430 billion investment in the US economy, Baltra could be a game-changer for AI infrastructure.

OpenAI has unveiled Advanced Voice Mode with vision for ChatGPT, enabling real-time video interactions. Users can point their phones at objects for instant responses or have ChatGPT analyze screen content to solve problems. Launched on December 13, 2024, the feature is initially available to ChatGPT Plus, Team, and Pro subscribers, with wider access slated for January. During a 60 Minutes demo, OpenAI’s Greg Brockman showcased its capabilities. Plus, holiday cheer arrives with a new 'Santa Mode'!