News Gist .News

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is still available with a massive trade-in rebate of up to $900 off plus $300 of store credit, making it one of the best opening cell phone deals. This promotion could be drawing to a close soon due to high demand and limited supply, making it an opportunity for those still interested in picking up the device. The deal is only available on unlocked devices, allowing users to choose their preferred carrier.

OpenAI has delayed the release of its GPT-4.5 model due to a shortage of Graphics Processing Units (GPUs). The company's CEO, Sam Altman, announced that tens of thousands of GPUs will arrive next week, allowing for the model's release to the Plus tier subscribers. However, this delay highlights the growing need for more advanced AI computing infrastructure.

Technical issues have affected UK banking app users on payday for the second month running in 2025, causing frustration and potential financial consequences for thousands of customers. The Lloyds Bank and Halifax apps went down on Friday morning, while users also reported technical issues with other banks' apps. A spokesperson from Lloyds Banking Group has since confirmed that the issue has been resolved.

Amazon has confirmed the addition of two new actors to its upcoming fantasy series The Rings of Power. Jamie Campbell Bower, known for his role as Vecna in Stranger Things, will reprise this character in season 5, while Eddie Marsan, who played a supporting role in Heartstopper, is set to appear in a recurring capacity in the show's third season. Filming for The Rings of Power season 3 is expected to begin in the spring.

China and Russia need to continue to strengthen coordination in international and regional affairs, President Xi Jinping told Sergei Shoigu, the secretary of Russia's Security Council, in Beijing on Friday. China and Russia should maintain close communications at various levels, Xi said, adding that both countries will usher in "a series of significant agendas". The two sides agreed to hold a new round of strategic security consultations at an appropriate time.

Netflix is poised for a critical moment as it heads into the Academy Awards ceremony on March 2, with a record 18 nominations that highlight its successful transition into original content production. The streaming giant's ability to secure these nominations over traditional studios indicates a shift in industry dynamics and recognition of its creative investments. As Netflix continues to navigate the competitive streaming landscape, the outcomes of the Oscars could significantly influence investor sentiment and the company's reputation.

February 2025 introduces notable 4K Blu-ray releases, including "The Last Voyage of the Demeter," "Winchester '73," and "Punch-Drunk Love," each showcasing distinct audio-visual qualities. "The Last Voyage of the Demeter" impresses with its Dolby Atmos soundtrack, enhancing the chilling narrative through immersive soundscapes, while "Winchester '73" offers a classic Western experience with a focus on monochromatic clarity rather than audio impact. "Punch-Drunk Love" stands out for its vibrant color presentation and dynamic audio, reflecting its unique storytelling style that blends romance and tension.

At least 41 people remain trapped under snow after an avalanche struck the Indian Himalayan mountain state of Uttarakhand, authorities said on Friday, following recent heavy snowfall in the region. The avalanche occurred near a highway in the state's Chamoli region, adjoining Tibet, and less than 5 km from the Hindu temple of Badrinath. At least sixteen workers had so far been rescued, but the search for the remaining three was ongoing due to rain and snowfall hindering rescue work.

Sora, a video creation tool from OpenAI, is now available in the UK and EU for users with ChatGPT Plus or ChatGPT Pro accounts. The tool generates videos based on text prompts, with higher quality and longer videos available to paying subscribers. Users can access Sora through its standalone website using their existing credentials.

Capital A made an attributable loss of 475.1 million ringgit ($106.5 million) for 2024, from a profit of 255.3 million ringgit in the previous year. The company said the loss was largely due to 1.4 billion ringgit in one-off forex losses mainly in its aviation business, which also caused the company's fourth-quarter loss to swell to 1.57 billion ringgit from 345.3 million ringgit a year earlier. Capital A is in the process of selling its AirAsia aviation business to long-haul unit AirAsia X Bhd, which counts Capital A as one of its top shareholders.

Recursion Pharmaceuticals (RXRX) delivered a quarterly loss of $0.53 per share, missing revenue estimates by 84.18%, and surpassing consensus EPS estimates just once over the last four quarters. The company's recent earnings surprise reflects the challenges in predicting biotechnology growth, where empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions. Recursion Pharmaceuticals' current sustainability largely depends on management's commentary on the earnings call.

Waze 5.4 adds support for heads-up displays, making it easier to navigate without taking eyes off the road. The feature is rolling out now across Android and iOS devices and works on select cars with graphical heads-up displays. This update may just convince you to switch over (or switch back) from Google Maps.

A global crackdown on a criminal network that distributed artificial intelligence-generated images of children being sexually abused has resulted in the arrest of two dozen individuals, with Europol crediting international cooperation as key to the operation's success. The main suspect, a Danish national, operated an online platform where users paid for access to AI-generated material, sparking concerns about the use of such tools in child abuse cases. Authorities from 19 countries worked together to identify and apprehend those involved, with more arrests expected in the coming weeks.

TP Solar has secured a significant contract to supply 292.5 megawatts peak DCR solar modules to the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), contributing to India's clean energy transition and supporting large-scale solar installations throughout the country. The Rs6.3bn ($72.4m) contract is part of SECI's 400MWp tender, which aligns with India's Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision by promoting locally manufactured solar modules. TP Solar's successful bid highlights the company's manufacturing capabilities and demonstrates its commitment to India's renewable energy targets.

S&P 500 futures showed a slight increase as investors awaited the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation measure, which could influence future interest rate decisions. Meanwhile, Bitcoin experienced a significant decline of over 25% since its January peak, driven by fears of a trade war following President Trump's tariff announcements. The broader market remains cautious, with concerns about the potential economic impacts of the proposed tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China.

The Xiaomi Smart Speaker Pro has been revealed in China. This new model features various upgrades over the original, including the new Super Xiao AI voice assistant, which can handle more complex commands and scenarios. The speaker is designed to control smart home devices, answer questions, play music, and provide dynamic lighting effects. It also supports streaming from multiple platforms and acts as an infrared remote control for non-smart devices.

China's government has issued a strong warning to the US, stating that it will take "all necessary countermeasures" to defend its legitimate rights and interests if the US insists on imposing additional tariffs. The threat comes after US President Donald Trump announced plans to impose an additional 10% duty on Chinese imports, which is set to coincide with China's annual parliamentary meetings. The latest move is seen as a response to the ongoing trade tensions between the two nations.

Payments pioneer PayPal Holdings (PYPL) was in rally mode for most of 2024, delivering both price and value for its patient yet loyal shareholders. However, latecomers shouldn’t expect outsized returns, as the stock now trades close to fair value. While I accept that PayPal offers an interesting investment case, the payments giant doesn’t satisfy several key requirements for me to upgrade my bearish outlook.

The Roborock Saros 10 robot vacuum is set to launch in Europe on March 3rd alongside the Saros 10R, following earlier leaked pricing and discounts for early customers. The European pricing of the Saros 10 has been confirmed as €1,499, offering a limited-time discount of €100 for those who purchase before March 16th. Roborock has also highlighted the similarities between the two models, while noting distinct differences in navigation technology and cleaning capabilities.

The tech sector offers significant investment opportunities due to its massive growth potential. AI's impact on our lives has created a vast market opportunity, with companies like TSMC and Alphabet poised for substantial gains. Investors can benefit from these companies' innovative approaches to artificial intelligence.

The Singapore Police Force has charged three men with fraud in a case involving allegedly illegal re-export of Nvidia GPUs to Chinese AI company DeepSeek, bypassing U.S. trade restrictions. The police and customs authorities raided 22 locations, arrested nine individuals, and seized documents and electronic records. Customers use Singapore to centralize invoicing while our products are almost always shipped elsewhere.

Investors have increased their holdings in U.S. equity funds over the week to February 26, buoyed by confidence in the economy's resilience and expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut later this year to stimulate growth. Dismissing concerns over tariffs, investors acquired a net $19.71 billion worth of U.S. equity funds during the week, registering their largest weekly net purchase since December 25, 2024. This influx of capital may be seen as a vote of confidence in the U.S. economy's ability to weather the effects of trade tensions.

YouTube has been inundated with ads promising "1-2 ETH per day" for at least two months now, luring users into fake videos claiming to explain how to start making money with cryptocurrency. These ads often appear credible and are designed to trick users into installing malicious browser extensions or running suspicious code. The ads' use of AI-generated personas and obscure Google accounts adds to their legitimacy, making them a significant threat to online security.

The US and UK are on the cusp of a trade deal that may insulate the UK from global trade tensions, but challenges remain. The White House has accepted the statistical logic that the two countries have a balanced trade position, with each roughly exporting the same amount of goods to one another. The deal focuses on technology and the further integration of their tech sectors, potentially creating a booming AI-driven Silicon Valley.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's investment portfolio has seen a significant boost with her latest buying spree, marking the congresswoman from Georgia as a shrewd investor. Notably, Greene has shown enthusiasm for AI stocks like Apple and Meta, while also exploring dividend stocks in the oilfield sector. Her latest purchases suggest she is eyeing long-term growth potential in these sectors.

The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra has launched with a significant price reduction from its preorder period, making it cheaper and faster than the Tesla Model S Plaid. The premium EV has already been crowned the fastest four-door car when it beat the Nürburgring lap record of the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT. With a starting price set at $72,930, the SU7 Ultra is nearly forty grand cheaper than the Tesla Model S Plaid in China.

If WeRide successfully launches its new robotaxi service, the GXR, in Beijing, it may mark a significant turning point for the self-driving car specialist. The company's progress in expanding operations in global markets and receiving regulatory approvals could be seen as positive indicators of its growth trajectory. However, investors should also consider the challenges WeRide faces regarding its financial performance.

India's economy grew by 6.2% in October-December, marginally below expectations but faster than in the previous quarter on the back of increased government and consumer spending. The growth in gross domestic product (GDP) was slightly lower than the 6.3% expansion projected by analysts in a Reuters poll, and the central bank's estimate of 6.8%. The world's fifth-biggest economy grew 5.6% in the previous quarter.

Apple Inc.'s (AAPL) stock has been under pressure due to ongoing uncertainty around tariff policies, which Jim Cramer believes is having a significant impact on market movements. The constant mention of tariffs by President Trump and other high-profile officials has become a recurring theme that investors are starting to worry about. As a result, the stock market's focus has shifted away from other major economic concerns, such as the bond market.

The new iPhone 16e misses out on MagSafe, a feature that has been standard on all numbered iPhones since 2020's iPhone 12 series. According to a statement from unnamed Apple representatives, most people in the 16e's target audience exclusively charge their phones by plugging them into a charging cable. This claim has sparked debate about what consumers actually want from their iPhones.

Meta has fired "roughly 20" employees for leaking confidential company information, highlighting a growing trend of employee leaks that have compromised the security and integrity of internal data. The company has taken steps to address the issue, including conducting investigations and terminating employees who have leaked sensitive information. Despite efforts to curb leaks, Meta's recent actions suggest that the problem persists.

Investors will be watching JD.com's upcoming earnings report closely, as the company navigates a challenging food-delivery market dominated by Meituan. The launch of its JD Takeaway platform has raised concerns about the impact on profitability, which has already been dented by an e-commerce price war with Alibaba and PDD Holdings. As JD.com expands into the food delivery space, it will be difficult to overcome the existing competitive landscape.

Dogecoin's price has been volatile, with sudden spikes and crashes, but recent deals with big brands aim to stabilize its value. The memecoin's influence is largely driven by Elon Musk's social media endorsements, which have created a segment of true believers who expect Musk to crown Dogecoin as the default currency of Earth. As the Dogecoin Foundation announces partnerships with major brands, investors will be watching closely to see if these efforts can calm market volatility and set the stage for sustained growth.

Rocket Lab is pushing forward with its development plans for the Neutron rocket, despite recent delays and setbacks. The company's CEO, Peter Beck, remains optimistic about meeting its target launch date in the second half of 2025, but acknowledges that "we've always been clear that we run aggressive schedules." Meanwhile, Rocket Lab is also investing heavily in a new satellite design and a rocket landing platform.

The Lofree Touch PBT wireless mouse combines retro design with solid build quality but suffers from connectivity issues that undermine its overall performance. While it offers a unique aesthetic and comfort for casual use, its Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz connections are prone to lag and interference, making it less suitable for high-performance tasks. Priced at $69.99, the Touch PBT may appeal to design enthusiasts, but its functionality limits its recommendation for productivity-focused users.

BioXcel Therapeutics has regained compliance with the Nasdaq minimum bid price rule after meeting a 12-consecutive-day requirement of maintaining a closing bid price of $1.00 per share. The biopharmaceutical company had previously fallen short of this requirement, prompting a warning from the Listing Qualifications Department. By regaining compliance, BioXcel Therapeutics can now avoid further delisting proceedings.

The Razer Handheld Dock Chroma offers Steam Deck owners a premium design, lots of RGB, and a robust selection of ports, making it a standout accessory for the handheld PC. Its high-quality build and durable metal elements ensure that it can withstand regular use. The dock's attractive design and bright RGB lighting make it a great option for those looking to enhance their Steam Deck experience.

The pursuit of net zero carbon emissions has been a resounding failure. Despite trillions of dollars spent on renewable energy, hydrocarbons still account for over 80% of the world's primary energy and a similar share of recent increases in energy consumption, according to The Energy Institute. Coal, oil, and natural gas production are at record highs.

Russia has proposed restoring direct air links with the United States, a move that could ease tensions between the two countries and boost economic ties. The talks in Turkey aimed to improve bilateral relations and create conditions for negotiations on Ukraine and business deals. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed hope that initial contacts with the Trump administration had given grounds for progress.

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is backing away from a volley of lawsuits and investigations it brought against cryptocurrency businesses under the Joe Biden administration, in a reversal described by a former attorney at the regulatory agency as “unprecedented.” The sudden truce brings an end to years of legal conflict, marking a significant shift in the commission's stance towards the crypto industry. By calling off these cases, the SEC is signaling a new era of cooperation and understanding between regulators and businesses in the rapidly evolving world of cryptocurrency.

Investors are awaiting the release of the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge as they eye Trump’s latest trade threats. US stock futures edged higher on Friday in the wait for a key inflation reading, as fresh tariff threats added to uncertainty over Big Tech prospects. Contracts on the S&P 500 (^GSPC) and the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 (NQ=F) both rose about 0.3%, after suffering a Nvidia-led (NVDA) sell-off on Thursday.

Deputy PM's claims spark concerns about Western involvement in anti-government protests. Protests in Serbia linked to government corruption allegations after deadly roof collapse at train station. Belgrade balancing EU aspirations with ties with Russia.

A new exploit can track any Bluetooth device using Apple's Find My network, allowing hackers to locate almost any Bluetooth-enabled device's location without its owner knowing. The attack can be done remotely in just a few minutes, and researchers have found that their method had a 90% success rate. This vulnerability could allow scammers to track devices remotely, potentially leading to identity theft or further malicious activities.

An Italian court has lifted controls on LVMH's Dior Italian unit after the company adopted required organisational model and supplier control procedures, resolving relationships with 'at-risk' suppliers quickly and developing best practices that received court approval. The Milan court had imposed special administrations on the fashion brand last year due to allegations of labour exploitation in its manufacturing process. Dior has strengthened its operations along the supply chain, setting a new benchmark for best practice in the industry.

US President Donald Trump is aiming to reshape the country's trade policy using one of his preferred economic tools: tariffs. Here's where things stand with various US trade partners: China: Duties on China went into effect in early February, and China retaliated. Beijing on Friday reportedly vowed to use all necessary countermeasures to the additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports Trump plans to impose in March. Canada and Mexico: After reneging on plans earlier this month, Trump has once again threatened to impose 25% across-the-board tariffs on US neighbors Canada and Mexico.

A suicide bombing during Friday prayers at an Islamic seminary in northwestern Pakistan killed six worshippers, including Maulana Hamid-ul-Haq, the head of the religious school and son of a prominent Taliban leader. The attack occurred on the premises of the Darul Uloom Haqqania seminary, which has been described as a historic training ground for the Afghan Taliban. The bombing raises concerns about security in Pakistan, where twin insurgencies are ongoing.

An Israeli delegation in Cairo aims to negotiate to extend the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal by an additional 42 days, two Egyptian security sources said on Friday. Hamas opposes the extension and insists on proceeding to the second phase of the deal as originally agreed, the sources told Reuters. The second phase is meant to include steps leading to a permanent end to the war.

There's been a major selloff in C3.ai, Inc. ( NYSE:AI ) shares in the week since it released its third-quarter report, with the stock down 20% to US$23.88. It was a respectable set of results; while revenues of US$99m were in line with analyst predictions, statutory losses were 13% smaller than expected, with C3.ai losing US$0.62 per share. Earnings are an important time for investors, as they can track a company's performance, look at what the analysts are forecasting for next year, and see if there's been a change in sentiment towards the company.

General Motors' shares have shown remarkable resilience in a turbulent market environment, with Jim Cramer citing the company's strong fundamentals as a key driver of its recent performance. The auto manufacturer has been able to weather the uncertainty surrounding tariff policies and economic concerns, thanks in part to its diversified product portfolio and commitment to innovation. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, GM's ability to adapt and remain competitive will be crucial to its success.

Siemens Energy has entered a partnership with Rolls-Royce SMR to supply conventional technology for future small modular nuclear reactors. Under the agreement, Siemens Energy will provide steam turbines, generators, and other auxiliary systems for Rolls-Royce's planned Generation 3+ modular nuclear power plants. This partnership is expected to make Siemens Energy the exclusive supplier of conventional technology for these reactors.