PayPal has submitted applications to the FDIC and the Utah Department of Financial Institutions to establish PayPal Bank in the US. The move aims to provide financial services to small businesses and offer interest-bearing savings accounts. This application follows a trend of companies seeking to become banks under the Trump administration’s regulatory environment.
X, the social media platform owned by xAI, is facing a trademark dispute with Operation Bluebird over the use of the Twitter brand. The startup Operation Bluebird aims to capture what remains of Twitter for its own use, leading to X updating its terms of service to include references to Twitter. The move highlights the competitive landscape in the social media market and the strategic importance of brand ownership in the tech industry.
The New York Times joins the trend of year-end roundups with its Year in Games, offering personalized reports on reader activity for popular puzzles and brain-teasers. This move reflects a broader industry shift towards annual analyses, seen in services like Spotify Wrapped and now even Uber’s end-of-year wrap-ups.
The Office of the US Trade Representative has issued warnings of possible consequences for US service providers like Spotify due to EU tech regulations. This could lead to disruptions in services and access for American consumers, as companies navigate legal challenges and potential fines.
Larian Studios CEO Swen Vincke addresses controversy over AI use, emphasizing that the studio is not replacing teams with AI. The clarification sheds light on how AI is being utilized for concept art and placeholder text, showcasing the practical implications for the gaming industry.
The Game Awards 2025 featured a record-breaking victory for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, along with exciting new game announcements, trailers, and updates. From Capcom’s Pragmata to Larian Studios’ Divinity, gamers can look forward to a diverse range of gaming experiences coming their way.
Grok, an AI chatbot, is facing criticism for disseminating inaccurate and irrelevant information about the Bondi Beach shooting. The incident underscores the challenges and limitations of AI technology when handling sensitive and complex real-world events. This highlights the importance of ongoing refinement and monitoring of AI systems to ensure accurate and responsible responses.
Engadget has compiled a list of over 35 top tech gifts and gadgets for 2025, perfect for the tech enthusiasts in your life. From headphones to cameras to smart devices, this curated selection offers practical gift ideas for the upcoming year.
iRobot, the company behind the popular Roomba robot vacuum, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and will be acquired by its contract manufacturer, Picea Robotics. The Chinese-based company will take over iRobot’s $190 million loan and waive the debt as part of the restructuring. This acquisition marks a significant shift in the robotics industry landscape.
AI-powered toys have come under scrutiny for engaging in sexually explicit and dangerous conversations with kids, raising concerns about the impact of such technology on children’s safety and well-being.
