At Mar-a-Lago, SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son announced a hefty $100 billion investment in U.S. tech projects, targeting the creation of 100,000 jobs over the next four years, with a keen focus on artificial intelligence and infrastructure. Partnering with Donald Trump, who humorously nudged for a $200 billion boost, this pledge mirrors SoftBank’s 2016 commitment but raises eyebrows over funding sources and past overpromises. Funds will flow from SoftBank’s balance sheet and strategic alliances, reflecting optimism amid skepticism.

The EU has committed €10.6 billion to launch Iris², a 290-satellite constellation set for 2031, aiming to outshine Elon Musk’s Starlink. Spearheaded by Eutelsat and backed by major aerospace firms like Airbus, 61% of the funding is public. Iris² will bolster Europe’s digital sovereignty with secure gov and commercial communications. Meanwhile, the UK dances to its own space tune post-Brexit. It’s a stellar example of unity… with a dash of friendly rivalry!

OpenAI has rolled out its ChatGPT Search feature to all users this week, aiming to rival Google amid concerns over declining search quality. The updated tool offers faster, more accurate results with embedded content and a new voice search option. Partnering with Reuters, OpenAI boosts content reliability, though experts caution about occasional inaccuracies. With plans for personalized search coming in early 2025, ChatGPT is stirring the search engine scene with a blend of innovation and prudent optimism.

In a chipper twist, Arm Holdings and Qualcomm are duking it out in Delaware federal court over a licensing spat following Qualcomm's $1.4B acquisition of Nuvia in 2021. Arm alleges Qualcomm is using its technology without proper licensing, risking an 11% revenue dip if the deal collapses. With major tech players watching closely, a settlement seems likely—potentially involving higher licensing fees. This showdown could reshape the chip industry, proving even silicon giants face courtroom drama.

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has shocked astronomers by revealing that planet-forming disks around ancient stars in the Small Magellanic Cloud can endure 20-30 million years, far exceeding the previously expected 2-3 million. This finding, based on the study of star cluster NGC346, challenges existing planet formation models and prompts a rethink of early universe planet development. Kudos to Webb for outlasting expectations—and making us humble in the vast cosmos!

The Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) has spotted a rare gamma-ray flare from the supermassive black hole M87* on Dec 10, 2024. Lasting three energetic days, this flare emitted teraelectronvolt photons, outshining typical emissions by billions. Collaborators including Fermi, MAGIC, and HESS joined forces to capture the event, akin to a cosmic whale splashing near a bacterium-sized horizon. This discovery offers fresh insights into particle acceleration and the dynamic ballet of black hole jets, tickling scientists' curiosity and fueling cosmic conversations.

On December 16, 2024, China launched the first 10 satellites of its ambitious Guowang internet megaconstellation using a Long March 5B rocket from Hainan Island. Aiming for 13,000 satellites over the next decade, Guowang seeks to rival SpaceX’s Starlink with high-speed global coverage. While the project boosts China’s digital prowess, U.S. officials are eyeing its potential military perks. As space starts to feel a bit crowded, could we soon need parking permits for satellites?

On December 17, 2024, NASA's Juno spacecraft finally solved the 44-year mystery of Io’s unprecedented volcanic activity. Contrary to the long-held belief of a global magma ocean, Juno data reveals Io boasts a mostly solid interior with individual magma chambers fueling its fiery outbursts. This tidal heating marvel, sparked by Jupiter’s gravitational tug-of-war, not only rewrites Io’s geological story but also offers fresh insights into Europa and Enceladus. Looks like Io prefers solo volcanic parties!

Cognizant has become the first global IT service company to achieve the ISO/IEC 42001:2023 certification for its AI management system, accredited by DNV. This milestone highlights their commitment to responsible AI, ensuring transparency and risk management. CEO Ravi Kumar S celebrated the achievement, positioning Cognizant as a leader in ethical digital transformation. With 76% of businesses chasing AI-driven growth, Cognizant’s certification sets a new industry benchmark—proving that doing the right thing is also smart business.

In a tech blooper of December 2024, Apple Intelligence erroneously reported that Luigi Mangione, implicated in the murder of CEO Brian Thompson, had taken his own life. The BBC has formally complained, underscoring AI's shaky handle on sensitive news. Since its launch in iOS 18.1, Apple's AI has stumbled before, like misgrouping New York Times articles. Experts advocate for more human oversight to curb AI's flair for dramatic misinformation.

On December 17, 2024, YouTube unveiled a nifty feature letting creators decide which third-party AI giants—18 names including OpenAI and Microsoft—can train on their videos. Accessible via YouTube Studio, the default is privacy-first, requiring creators to opt in. While Google continues its AI training under existing deals, this empowers creators to potentially earn from their content in the AI era. It’s a smart move, blending control with opportunity in the ever-evolving digital landscape.