Top tech stories today: December 22, 2023

Top tech stories today: December 22, 2023 is profiled by BTW Media because public-source evidence links it to internet infrastructure, governance, operational dependencies, or market visibility.

No need to sift through the web for crucial stories – we’ve got you covered. Here are the key global technology highlights for December 22, 2023.

1. Apple’s 15-inch MacBook Air is $300 off and arrives in time for Christmas

Apple’s MacBook Air 15 has been discounted frequently since it went on sale last summer. You can buy a 15-inch MacBook Air with M2 chip (eight-core CPU/ 10-core GPU), 256GB SSD, and 8GB RAM at Best Buy or Amazon for only $999 ($300 off) as a base configuration.(The Verge)

2. Microsoft shelves Windows ‘mixed reality’ feature

December 21, Microsoft stopped the Windows system “mixed reality” function, through which some hardware devices and software can access augmented reality and virtual reality technology. Microsoft said: “Windows Mixed Reality has been abandoned and will be removed in future versions of Windows. (The Economic Times)

3. Apple Can’t Repair Older Out-of-Warranty Watches During Ban

Apple’s (Apple) customer service team was told in a company memo this week that it will no longer be replacing outdated models of the Apple Watch Series 6, Bloomberg reported on Thursday. Company representatives were reportedly told to notify affected customers that they will be contacted when hardware replacements are again allowed. (Reuters）

4. Microsoft ending support for Windows 10 could send 240m PCs to landfills

While many computers will remain functional for years after support for the operating system ends, Canalys warns that demand for devices without security updates could be low. Microsoft has announced plans to offer security updates for Windows 10 devices by October 2028 for an undisclosed annual price. （The Irish Times）

5. Tesla Cybertruck deliveries hostage to battery production hell

Tesla delivered its first futuristic stainless steel-plated electric pickup truck last month, and CEO Musk said in October that Tesla could reach a production rate of 250,000 vehicles a year sometime in 2025. The dry-coating of the anodes in the 4,680 cells was no problem, these people said, but Tesla is working on the same technology for the cathodes – the most expensive part of the battery.（Reuters）

6. ASML ships first “High NA” lithography system to Intel

ASML on Thursday said that it had shipped its pilot High-NA EUV scanner to Intel. This announcement represents a significant industry milestone that will impact not only Intel, but eventually other leading companies. (AnandTech)

7. Samsung to set up chip packaging research facility in Japan

The Japanese government said in a statement that it will provide Samsung with subsidies worth up to 20 billion yen ($141 million) as part of its efforts to boost the country’s semiconductor industry, Reuters reported. Adding it will enable the company to “strengthen its leadership position in the chip sector.” (Data Center Dynamics)

8. Social media platform X back up after global outage

Thousands of users said they were unable to access the social media platform for more than an hour on Thursday, after about 5 a.m., for reasons that were unclear. Social media platform X has been restored after a global outage on Thursday. (The Guardian)