News Gist .News

A recent video by Nothing offers a glimpse into the design process of its upcoming mid-range Android smartphones, including the Phone (3a) Pro. The official leak confirms several details about the device's camera hump and rear panel design. Additionally, it provides a first look at the brand's new periscope zoom lens.

Starbucks has announced plans to eliminate about 7% of its corporate jobs, affecting approximately 1,100 support roles, in an effort to simplify the company's structure and improve efficiency under new CEO Brian Niccol's "Back to Starbucks" plan. The restructuring is intended to remove layers of duplication, create smaller teams, and increase accountability. The company has committed to providing a comprehensive severance package to affected employees.

AI assistants are evolving to become more capable, integrated, and useful. AI-powered assistants like ChatGPT, Claude, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini, and Google Assistant can engage in complex conversations, generate text, analyze information, and help with coding, research, and content creation. However, their impact on productivity is still debated. Many people see the value in using AI as a productivity partner to streamline tasks, provide insights, and organize work.

The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG) stands among the top dividend aristocrats, boasting a history of consistently increasing its dividend payments for at least 25 consecutive years. Despite recent market fluctuations, long-term investors remain drawn to dividend stocks like PG, which have proven their ability to weather economic downturns and inflation. As the broader market continues to focus on growth stocks, the appeal of dividend aristocrats remains strong.

Starbucks is eliminating 1,100 corporate roles as part of its turnaround efforts under new CEO Brian Niccol, who aims to simplify the company's structure and improve efficiency. The move is aimed at increasing accountability, reducing complexity, and driving better integration, with the goal of boosting sales and customer experience. By streamlining its operations, Starbucks hopes to restore growth and competitiveness in a challenging market.

Turkey is prepared to host talks between Ukraine and Russia aimed at achieving peace, with the Turkish government supporting any initiative leading to a resolution. President Tayyip Erdogan has reaffirmed Turkey's stance on Ukraine's territorial integrity, while Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized Ankara's willingness to contribute to peace through dialogue. The move reflects efforts by both parties to find common ground in the ongoing conflict.

Hungary's government will draft legislation to protect national sovereignty and uncover foreign funding channelled to Hungarian media, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Monday. President Donald Trump's decision to freeze most funds disbursed by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has caused chaos for NGOs and humanitarian projects worldwide. The Hungarian leader aims to eliminate "foreign networks" of NGOs and media critical of his government.

MARA Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:MARA) stands out among other high volume stocks with its impressive trading volume and analyst recommendations. The company's strong performance has garnered attention from top hedge funds, which have increased their stake in MARA. As a result, the stock is expected to continue benefiting from investor confidence.

Nvidia (NVDA) remains as dominant as ever, according to one veteran investor. The company has a monopoly on generative AI chips, which is driving its position in the market. Navellier & Associates founder Louis Navellier expects Nvidia to continue performing well into the end of the decade.

Starbucks is laying off 1,100 corporate employees globally as part of its efforts to streamline operations under new Chairman and CEO Brian Niccol. The company aims to reduce complexity, increase accountability, and drive better integration. Starbucks has 16,000 corporate support employees worldwide, but the layoffs exclude roasting and warehouse staff who are not impacted.

Hedge funds exited US tech and media stocks in the two weeks to February 21 at the fastest pace in six months, according to Goldman Sachs. The surge in redemptions from these portfolios is attributed to weak earnings reports and disappointing economic data. This move reflects a significant shift in investor sentiment, as hedge funds have been betting against growth in tech stocks.

Microsoft has reportedly canceled some leases for US data center capacity, citing a potential oversupply position, which sent U.S. stocks into reverse. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 243 points, while the S&P 500 rose by 0.2%, but the tech-heavy Nasdaq dropped by 0.2%. Nvidia's upcoming earnings are also looming, following a breakthrough in Chinese AI that sparked a selloff in Nvidia and other tech stocks last month.

The Acer Predator Helios Neo 14 is currently on sale at a massive 32% discount, offering a FHD/QHD gaming beast with an RTX 4070 laptop GPU, an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H CPU, 32 GB of fast LPDDR5X memory, and 1 TB of storage for $1,249.99. The laptop was retailing for around $1,400 during the holiday season and has now dropped even further to a new all-time low for a short time. This deal is perfect for those looking to acquire a high-refresh FHD/QHD gaming machine at an unbeatable price.

Indian stocks have been upgraded to "overweight" from "neutral" by Citigroup, citing improving consumer sentiment and the potential benefits of further rate cuts. The brokerage believes that India's domestic-oriented economy will shield it from increased exposure to the U.S. or China, while also benefiting from a record infrastructure spending plan. Additionally, Citi expects the Reserve Bank of India to continue its monetary policy easing cycle, which could lift local stocks.

Microsoft has scrapped leases for sizeable data center capacity in the U.S., suggesting a potential oversupply at the tech giant as it builds out artificial intelligence infrastructure to meet a possible surge in demand. The company's cautious approach to leasing capacity comes amid growing skepticism among investors over the billions of dollars U.S. tech firms have been channeling into AI infrastructure due to slow payoffs and breakthroughs at Chinese startup DeepSeek. Microsoft's decision may also be seen as a strategic move to pace its infrastructure investments, following similar actions by other tech firms such as Meta Platforms.

DBS Group plans to cut 4,000 jobs over the next three years as it expects artificial intelligence (AI) to increasingly take on roles carried out by humans. The reduction in workforce will come from natural attrition as temp and contract roles roll off over the next few years. To mitigate this, DBS CEO Piyush Gupta announced that 1,000 new positions will be added in AI.

The US Securities and Exchange Commission has closed its investigation into Robinhood's crypto arm with no action, as it seeks to revamp policing of digital assets since President Donald Trump took office. The SEC's move is part of a broader effort to ease its crypto-related regulations under Trump's leadership. Robinhood received a Wells notice in May last year over crypto tokens traded on its platform, but the investigation has now been closed.

Artificial intelligence (AI) stocks took a rare tumble last week, hit by a perfect storm of market pressures. Alarming inflation data, mounting geopolitical tensions, and growing concerns about valuation levels all contributed to the sell-off. While these multiple headwinds can feel overwhelming, especially when they send high-quality AI stocks into a tailspin, these pullbacks often create prime buying opportunities for long-term investors.

Nvidia is due to report its latest earnings this week, with expectations high around the company's results. The company has a track record of delivering results that beat estimates, but recent market jitters have raised concerns about the sustainability of AI spending by major tech firms. As the final key player in the Magnificent 7, Nvidia will act as a critical test for AI demand and its ability to maintain high-end chip sales.

First Solar's upcoming earnings report will be closely watched as the solar panel manufacturer navigates a challenging industry landscape. The company has faced significant revenue miss last quarter, and analysts are expecting a 28.1% year-over-year growth in revenue this quarter. First Solar's adjusted earnings are expected to come in at $4.75 per share.

Rheinmetall's plans to repurpose two of its automotive plants in Germany to mostly make defence equipment reflect the impact of an expected surge in spending on military equipment amid U.S. tensions over the Ukraine war, and highlight the growth of the European defence industry. The company's decision comes as Europe's political leaders are coming together to create a sustainable defence plan, and marks the second time within a month that a defence company has unveiled plans to convert existing manufacturing capacity. The move is also seen as a response to Germany's weak economy and declining automotive sector.

The Scuf Valor Pro is available to order now for $99.99 / £99.99, offering a premium gamepad with top features at a relatively affordable price. The controller boasts Hall effect thumbsticks, an audio control system, and contoured bumpers, among other features that are typically found in higher-end gaming peripherals. However, its wired-only design may be a drawback for some users.

Supernus Pharmaceuticals beat analysts’ revenue expectations by 16.9% last quarter, reporting revenues of $175.7 million, up 14.2% year on year. The company's impressive performance was driven by strong sales of its flagship product, Tenexa Capsules. Supernus Pharmaceuticals has consistently delivered solid earnings growth, positioning itself for long-term success in the specialty pharmaceuticals sector.

The Sticky has been canceled by Prime Video after one season due to low viewership. The crime comedy series, which tells the true story of a maple syrup heist in Canada, failed to attract a wide enough audience despite its unique premise and positive reviews. Despite its initial success with Jamie Lee Curtis guest-starring in the first season, the show ultimately couldn't stick.

The US President has issued a memorandum warning countries that tax US-based tech companies, stating that they could face extra tariffs if they try to levy taxes on American businesses. The move aims to protect American companies from what Trump sees as unfair competition and excessive regulations imposed by foreign governments. As the global digital economy continues to grow, the impact of these policies on innovation and investment will be significant.

Meta AI has landed in the Middle East and North Africa with support for Arabic, opening the chatbot to millions more people. The company's expansion aims to provide users in this region with a more inclusive experience, leveraging its vast user base across 42 countries and 13 languages. By offering Meta AI in multiple languages, including Arabic, the platform is poised to become an integral part of daily life in the Middle East and Africa.

Zeta reported exceptional revenue growth of 42% year-over-year, beating analysts' estimates. The company's adjusted earnings are expected to come in at $0.22 per share. Zeta has a history of exceeding Wall Street's expectations.

AMC Entertainment's Q4 earnings report will be released tomorrow, and analysts expect the theater company to beat revenue estimates by 16.4% year on year to $1.29 billion. However, this strong quarter may not necessarily translate to a solid earnings report if AMC Entertainment's adjusted loss is expected to come in at -$0.16 per share. The stock has already shown resilience, with an average analyst price target of $3.54 compared to the current share price of $3.45.

Home Depot investors are optimistic that the chain is starting to turn things around. Despite struggling with home improvement sector challenges, including high interest rates and tighter wallets, the company is expected to post slightly improved revenue and earnings per share for its fourth quarter. The anticipated boost in revenue comes from a combination of factors, including hurricanes and wildfires-related demand, stronger appliance sales, higher lumber prices, and potentially better demand for bigger ticket projects.

A processor's operational temperature will depend on its workload. With adequate cooling, your CPU should perform within the ranges of 104°F and 149°F (40°C to 65°C) for idle or low usage. Generally speaking, anything under 149°F (65°C) is completely fine.

The UK government has announced a significant expansion of sanctions against Russia, targeting companies worldwide that supply components used by the Russian military and other entities contributing to President Vladimir Putin's aggression. This move is part of Britain's efforts to disrupt Russia's military capabilities and limit its ability to wage war in Ukraine. The package also includes sanctions aimed at North Korea and Kyrgyzstan-based Keremet Bank.

The Govee BR30 E26 Smart Bulb has been refreshed with support for the Matter protocol. Despite adding this feature, the new bulb's retail price is lower than its predecessor. The latest version of the smart bulb offers similar features, including RGBWW color options and adjustable temperature.

A leaked CAD image suggests the iPhone 17 lineup could receive major design changes, including a new, longer camera bar and a two-tone rear panel. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max might get this elongated camera bar, with what appear to be lidar sensor and flash modules moved to the far right side of the housing. The CAD render also shows a separate cutout in the center of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max's rear panel, which could suggest a two-tone colorway or use of another material.

The FDA has declared the semaglutide shortage officially over, allowing copycat versions of the diabetes medication to be removed from production lines. The shortage, which lasted for two years, was caused by high demand and supply chain issues, prompting compounders to capitalize on the situation. With Novo Nordisk's flagship products back in stock, the FDA has set a deadline for compounding pharmacies to stop manufacturing copycat versions of semaglutide.

Decathlon has launched the new Rockrider E-ACTV 100 e-bike ahead of schedule in Europe. The model is designed for trail rides or commuting, with Bluetooth connectivity and an integrated smartphone mount. The Decathlon Rockrider E-ACTV 100 e-bike features a rear-hub 250W 45Nm motor, with a top assistance speed of 25 kph (~ 16 mph) and three assistance modes.

The Govee String Lights 2S have been spotted in the Connectivity Standards Alliance database and are now listed in Austria by retailer MediaMarkt. This new smart lighting product shares many similarities with the original String Lights 2, featuring RGBWIC LEDs, an AI Lighting Bot, and support for Matter. The Govee String Lights 2S offer a range of features, including dynamic lighting effects and smart mapping technology.

Genspark AI has secured $100m in Series A funding, boosting its valuation to $530m, and is now reporting over two million monthly active users. The company's search engine utilizes multiple AI model providers to index and summarize information, differentiating itself from competitors like Alphabet's Google. Genspark aims to present relevant results on a single page through its customised page generation feature.

DeepSeek has become one of the world's best-known chatbots due to its impressive performance, developed in China, and rapidly gained popularity among users, topping the iOS App Store chart. The AI model has been praised for its ability to answer questions, generate code, and think before it answers to inferences and draw conclusions. However, controversy surrounds its development, as some question whether the US restrictions on China receiving high-performance chips had an impact on DeepSeek's performance.

Apple has announced plans to invest over $500 billion in the U.S. over the next four years, aiming to create 20,000 jobs and establish a new factory in Houston to support its generative-AI system. The investment includes increased spending on domestic chip manufacturing and a commitment to double its Advanced Manufacturing Fund to $10 billion, reflecting a strategic focus on bolstering American innovation. This initiative coincides with efforts to strengthen ties with government officials amid evolving industry policies.

Married at First Sight Australia season 12 is now available to watch in various ways, with different streaming options depending on one's location. Viewers can catch the drama unfolding for free on Channel 9 or through the 9Now streaming service in Australia, and similarly for free via the ThreeNow streaming service in New Zealand. For those outside these countries, a VPN can be used to access the shows from anywhere.

The Samsung 85-inch Q80D QLED TV is now available at a significantly lower price point of $1,286 on Amazon, down from its original price of $3,299. This offer makes the premium QLED TV with AI upscaling an attractive option for those seeking high-end features without breaking the bank. The Samsung Q80D QLED 4K TV boasts impressive picture quality and gaming features.

Medtronic (NYSE: MDT) and Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) are two companies offering investors a reliable source of passive income through their high-yielding dividends, which provide a safety net in turbulent markets. With strong financial profiles and a long history of dividend growth, these medical technology giants have established themselves as stalwart dividend payers. Their commitment to paying consistent and growing dividends has earned them a reputation as the gold standard for dividend investors.

PepGen Inc. has reported positive initial results from the ongoing FREEDOM-DM1 trial, demonstrating mean splicing correction of 12.3% and 29.1% in 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg cohorts, respectively. The company is advancing its novel EDO platform to deliver therapeutics for severe neuromuscular and neurological diseases. With numerous key data milestones expected this year, PepGen is committed to demonstrating the potential of its investigational candidates.

A former Nintendo employee has dismissed rumors of price leaks for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, stating that retailers know "nothing" about the product's details. The employee claims that retailers will only learn the information simultaneously with consumers, making speculation about the product's release date and pricing futile. According to the former sales lead, even major retailers like Walmart Canada are unlikely to have any knowledge of the Nintendo Switch 2's price or launch date.

Noita is a procedurally generated 2D roguelike where every pixel in the world has physics allowing you to melt, blow up, or burn anything you like. You can also mix and match spells to create your unique playstyle. The game was developed by Nolla Games, comprised of three indie veterans who have worked on games like The Swapper, Crayon Physics Deluxe, and Baba Is You.

The U.S. government's push for tech companies to invest within the country is gaining traction, with Apple committing $500 billion over four years to boost manufacturing, engineering, and education in technologies like artificial intelligence. This investment includes a new 250,000-square-foot AI server manufacturing facility in Houston, Texas, which will double down on Apple's use of AI in its products and services. By focusing on domestic production and training programs, Apple aims to strengthen America's industry profile globally.

Mexico's annual inflation accelerated roughly in line with economists' forecasts, holding near the central bank's estimates and keeping chances of a sixth straight interest rate cut in play. Core inflation, which excludes volatile items such as food and fuel, came in at 3.63%, a touch above both the prior reading and median estimate of 3.61%. The central bank has been actively managing inflation, cutting interest rates to maintain price stability.

Azul Airlines is expected to refocus on its operations in 2025 after a tumultuous 2024 marked by supply chain issues, floods, and debt restructuring. The airline's Chief Executive John Rodgerson expressed optimism about the coming year, stating that he expects it to be "cannnot be worse than 2024." With the major restructuring behind it, Azul is poised to deliver on its promise of providing a high-quality customer experience.

FlexiSpot's ergonomic office chair, the BS12B-Pro, has been put through extensive testing to determine its effectiveness in enhancing office comfort. The chair boasts a mesh-like fabric seat for breathability and a contoured design for under-thigh support, but its build quality and adjustability are areas of concern. Initial impressions suggest that the chair is comfortable and suitable for long-term use, with some minor drawbacks.

The attack on the Russian consulate in Marseille highlights the increasing instability of global relations, as tensions between Russia and Western nations escalate. France's response to the incident reflects the country's growing concerns about security threats emanating from Eastern Europe. The Kremlin's demand for a full French investigation underscores the escalating standoff between the two nations.