Gadgets
* Key Takeaways: * Smart TVs collect user data and display ads; truly non‑smart “dumb” TVs are now rare and often lower spec. * Best practical fix for most people: use an Apple TV box (set the TV offline) or another streaming device you control. * Alternatives include HTPCs, laptops, phones, projectors, monitors,
Games
* Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred expansion announced; launches April 28, 2026 on Battle.net, Xbox, PlayStation and Steam. * Control Resonant, Ontos (Frictional), and two new Tomb Raider games (Legacy of Atlantis and Catalyst) revealed. * Key winners: DOOM: The Dark Ages (Innovation in Accessibility), South of Midnight (Games for Impact), ARC
Reviews
* Key Takeaways: * ZDNET named five Breakthrough Award winners for 2025 highlighting bold hardware and robotics advances. * Standouts include AI glasses with digital overlays and robot vacuums that can pick up leftover laundry. * The list also features a surprise tri‑fold device that signals renewed experimentation in foldable hardware. * The roundup
Games
* Key Takeaways: * Sony's official PS5 "Must-Play" 2026 video spotlights Halo: Campaign Evolved but makes no mention of GTA 6. * Fans called Halo on PlayStation “surreal”; some interpreted GTA 6's absence as a potential delay risk. * Rockstar has repeatedly delayed GTA 6 (from Fall 2025
Policy
* Key Takeaways: * Former Sen. Kyrsten Sinema publicly backed a $2.5 billion AI-focused data center proposal in Chandler, Arizona, warning federal "preemption" could override local rules. * Chandler staff recommended denying the project, citing low job creation and infrastructure strains; Salt River Project is requiring a $242 million up-front
AI
* Key Takeaways: * Google’s Year in Search 2025 highlights a surge in conversational queries and deeper information-seeking. * “Tell me about…” searches rose ~70% year‑over‑year; “How do I…” queries increased ~25%. * Cultural moments (an American-elected pope, KPop "Demon Hunters") and AI breakthroughs drove spikes. * Explore full data
AI
Key Takeaways: * Three Waymo driverless vehicles briefly blocked a dead-end street in San Francisco’s South of Market (SoMa) neighborhood. * A TikTok video posted Dec. 6 by @chii_rinna has more than 3 million views showing the incident. * Waymo says two cars made "minor contact at low speed"
Policy
• Key takeaways: * Australia has enacted a world-first law preventing under-16s from holding accounts on major social platforms. * Platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Snapchat, TikTok, Reddit, YouTube, Kick and Twitch must enforce the rules. * Companies must take “reasonable steps” to verify age (IDs, biometrics, bank details) or face fines up
Telecom
* Key takeaways: * Reports of a Cellcom outage began after midnight Dec. 9 and center on northeast Wisconsin. * Users report inability to make or receive calls; texting and mobile data are inconsistent. * DownDetector logged the earliest reports; WBAY’s Action 2 News experienced the issue and has contacted Cellcom for comment.
Telecom
* Reports on DownDetector began after midnight reporting service problems for Cellcom customers. * Users in Green Bay and across northeast Wisconsin say calls aren’t connecting; some can still text or use mobile data. * WBAY’s news staff, who use Cellcom, experienced failures placing and receiving calls and have contacted Cellcom
Software
• Key Takeaways: * iOS 26.2 is expected in early to mid‑December 2025, with a release candidate distributed Dec. 3. * The update brings UI tweaks (Liquid Glass lock slider), Sleep Score recalibration, Podcast AI upgrades, and iPad Split View fixes. * iPhone 11 and newer are compatible; downgrading back to iOS
Games
* Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has officially become the biggest new third-party game launch on Xbox Game Pass for 2025. * The record is based on the highest number of unique players within the first 30 days of release. * Its developer, Sandfall Interactive, credits Game Pass for attracting a massive, diverse audience