Delta Air Lines introduced an AI-powered assistant and expanded in-flight services during CES 2025. The Delta Concierge, built into the airline’s mobile app, will provide proactive travel updates like passport expiration alerts and visa requirements. Passengers can interact with the assistant using voice or text for added convenience.
SkyMiles members will soon enjoy free access to YouTube Premium and YouTube Music during flights. The new offering enhances Delta’s focus on passenger entertainment while adding exclusive perks for frequent flyers.
A next-generation in-flight entertainment system will begin rolling out in 2026, featuring 4K HDR QLED displays, Bluetooth connectivity, and 96 terabytes of storage for movies, TV shows, and music. Delta describes it as the first cloud-based system of its kind.
The company also announced a collaboration with Airbus on the fello’fly project, testing formation flying to conserve fuel. Regulatory hurdles could delay widespread adoption, but the energy-saving potential remains promising.
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has announced plans to begin two investigations this month under its new digital markets powers. These measures focus on encouraging investment, innovation, and growth while targeting the largest tech firms.
Only companies designated with ‘Strategic Market Status’ (SMS) will face these investigations, with the bar for SMS status set high. Apple and Google were previously identified for potentially limiting competition in mobile ecosystems. Further details on the investigations will be revealed soon, with a third inquiry expected in about six months.
The regulator, which has gained greater merger control powers post-Brexit, was urged by Prime Minister Keir Starmer to focus more on growth. The new regime seeks to balance market competitiveness with the UK’s appeal for tech investment.
The UK‘s competition regulator, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), announced it may accept remedies proposed by Synopsys and Ansys to address concerns over their $35 billion merger. The deal, announced in January of last year, involves Synopsys acquiring Ansys, a company known for its software used in industries like aerospace and sports equipment manufacturing.
The CMA outlined the proposed remedies, which include the sale of Ansys’ power consumption analysis product for digital chips and Synopsys’ global optics and photonics software business. The regulator has until March 5 to decide whether to accept these remedies, though it can extend the deadline to 6 May.
Synopsys expressed satisfaction with the CMA’s progress and reiterated its commitment to working closely with the authority. The outcome of the regulator’s review could significantly impact the completion of the merger, which aims to enhance the companies’ capabilities in chip design software.
The White House unveiled a new label, the Cyber Trust Mark, for internet-connected devices like smart thermostats, baby monitors, and app-controlled lights. This new shield logo aims to help consumers evaluate the cybersecurity of these products, similar to how Energy Star labels indicate energy efficiency in appliances. Devices that display the Cyber Trust Mark will have met cybersecurity standards set by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
As more household items, from fitness trackers to smart ovens, become internet-connected, they offer convenience but also present new digital security risks. Anne Neuberger, US Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber, explained that each connected device could potentially be targeted by cyber attackers. While the label is voluntary, officials hope consumers will prioritise security and demand the Cyber Trust Mark when making purchases.
The initiative will begin with consumer devices like cameras, with plans to expand to routers and smart meters. Products bearing the Cyber Trust Mark are expected to appear on store shelves later this year. Additionally, the Biden administration plans to issue an executive order by the end of the president’s term, requiring the US government to only purchase products with the label starting in 2027. The program has garnered bipartisan support, officials said.
AI-powered chatbots played a key role in boosting online sales during the 2024 holiday season, with United States e-commerce revenue rising nearly 4% year-on-year to $282 billion, according to Salesforce. Consumers increasingly relied on AI-based customer service tools for purchases and returns, with chatbot usage growing by 42% compared to 2023. Retailers also leveraged targeted promotions, product recommendations, and loyalty programmes to attract bargain hunters.
Despite the sales growth, a sharp increase in product returns emerged as a significant challenge for retailers. The return rate climbed to 28%, up from 20% in the previous year, potentially affecting profit margins. Caila Schwartz, director of Consumer Insights at Salesforce, noted that AI-driven tools would be crucial in 2025 to help retailers reduce losses from returns and retain customers. Mobile shopping remained dominant, with 79% of all orders placed via smartphones, peaking on Christmas Day as last-minute buyers made their final purchases.
Social media platforms such as TikTok Shop and Instagram also played a growing role in holiday sales, driving 14% of traffic to e-commerce sites. AI-driven sales reached $229 billion globally, an increase from $199 billion in 2023. As retailers continue to invest in digital shopping tools, the balance between AI-driven efficiency and managing high return rates will be critical for sustaining profitability in the coming years.
Security concerns are mounting as Windows 10 sees a rise in market share while Windows 11 adoption declines. Microsoft will officially end free security updates and support for Windows 10 on 14 October 2025, leaving millions of users vulnerable unless they upgrade or pay for extended security updates.
Experts warn that continuing to use Windows 10 beyond its support period poses risks of cyberattacks, data breaches, and ransomware. Microsoft strongly recommends switching to Windows 11, which is designed to meet modern security demands, or choosing an alternative operating system.
Cybersecurity professionals urge users not to delay, with ESET‘s Thorsten Urbanski stressing the urgency of upgrading before the deadline to avoid a security crisis. The transition period is quickly closing, making early action essential for those relying on Windows 10.
Apple has agreed to pay $95 million to settle a class action lawsuit alleging its Siri voice assistant violated users’ privacy. The lawsuit claimed that Apple recorded users’ private conversations without consent when the ‘Hey, Siri’ feature was unintentionally triggered. These recordings were allegedly shared with third parties, including advertisers, leading to targeted ads based on private discussions.
The class period for the lawsuit spans from 17 September 2014 to 31 December 2024 and applies to users of Siri-enabled devices like iPhones and Apple Watches. Affected users could receive up to $20 per device. Apple denied any wrongdoing but settled the case to avoid prolonged litigation.
The settlement amount is a small fraction of Apple’s annual profits, with the company making nearly $94 billion in net income last year. While the company and plaintiffs’ lawyers have yet to comment on the settlement, the plaintiffs may seek up to $28.5 million in legal fees and expenses. A similar lawsuit involving Google’s Voice Assistant is also underway in a California federal court.
The US Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission have initiated legal proceedings against fintech company Dave and its CEO, Jason Wilk. Allegations include deceptive advertising practices linked to cash advances promoted on the platform, some of which users reportedly never received.
Authorities argue the company engaged in unfair practices, including hidden fees, misuse of customer tips, and inadequate cancellation processes for recurring charges. The complaint seeks monetary penalties, consumer redress, and measures to prevent future violations.
Dave denies the allegations, asserting many claims are inaccurate. The company has introduced a simplified fee structure, removing tips and express fees regulators criticised. However, the updated structure was implemented on 4 December for new users, with existing customers transitioning gradually.
The legal filing replaces an earlier complaint from November, initially targeting the company without seeking penalties. Regulators now aim for broader accountability by including the CEO in the amended complaint.
Smart home cameras have become a staple for security-conscious households, offering peace of mind by monitoring both indoor and outdoor spaces. However, new research by Surfshark exposes alarming privacy concerns, showing that these devices collect far more user data than necessary. Outdoor security camera apps top the list, gathering an average of 12 data points, including sensitive information such as precise location, email addresses, and payment details which is 50% more than other smart devices.
Indoor camera apps are slightly less invasive but still problematic, collecting an average of nine data points, including audio data and purchase histories. Some apps, like those from Arlo, Deep Sentinel, and D-Link, even extract contact information unnecessarily, raising serious questions about user consent and safety. The absence of robust privacy regulations leaves users vulnerable to data breaches, cyberattacks, and misuse of personal information.
Experts recommend limiting data-sharing permissions, using strong passwords, and regularly updating privacy settings to mitigate risks. Options such as enabling local storage instead of cloud services and employing a VPN can further protect against data leaks. While smart cameras bring convenience, they highlight the urgent need for clearer regulations to safeguard consumer privacy in the era of connected technology.
In the rapidly expanding online world, teenagers are becoming prime targets for scammers. Over a recent five-year period, financial losses reported by teens increased by an alarming 2,500%, outpacing the 805% rise among seniors. Experts attribute this to scammers exploiting the tech-savviness of younger users while capitalising on their lack of experience.
Scammers use various tactics, including impersonating online influencers, romance schemes, and phishing for sensitive information through gaming platforms. One growing threat involves sextortion, where victims are coerced into sharing explicit images that are later used to demand money under the threat of public exposure. Tragically, such incidents have already led to devastating consequences, including teen suicides.
Parents are urged to foster open communication with their children about these risks, creating a safe space for them to share any unsettling online encounters. Basic steps like monitoring app usage, staying connected on social media, and setting clear tech boundaries can go a long way in shielding teens from these dangers. The key, experts stress, is building trust and ensuring children know they have unwavering support, no matter the situation.
