Top tech stories today: December 25, 2023

No need to sift through the web for crucial stories – we’ve got you covered. Here are the key global technology highlights for December 25, 2023.

1. Microsoft just paid $76 million for a Wisconsin pumpkin farm

The tech company is planning to use the land to build its new data center.As Microsoft prepares to build a new data center for its operations, the company has spent $76 million to buy 407 acres of land in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin, according to the Milwaukee Business Journal. And Microsoft spent nearly $24 million to buy their neighbor’s farm. In the future, Microsoft plans to hire about 200 employees, and plans to hire another 500 employees in the future. (HypeBeast)

2. Apple reportedly wants to use the news to help train its AI models

It is reported that apple has with NBC News and Conde Nast has discussed its News content licensing talks.The company has been in touch with media outlets including NBC News, Conde Nast and IAC and has offered multi-year deals worth at least $50 million, according to the New York Times, which cited people familiar with the matter. (PCMag UK)

3. GM stops selling the Chevy Blazer EV to deal with ‘software quality issues’

In a statement to The Verge, Chad Lyons, Chevrolet’s executive director of communications, said: “Our team is rapidly rolling out a fix and will be reaching out to owners for further information on how to schedule the update.” Gm didn’t confirm how many vehicles were affected, only that they were limited. (The Verge)

4. Chipmaker Nvidia raises $15 million for non-profits helping Israel-Hamas war-hit civilians

U.S. chipmaker NVIDIA (NVDA.O) and its employees have donated $15 million to Israeli and foreign nonprofits that provide support to civilians affected by Israel’s war with the Palestinian militant group Hamas.Notably, the donation is the largest humanitarian fundraiser in the company’s 30-year history. (Reuters)

5. Twitter violated contract by failing to pay millions in bonuses, US judge rules

A federal judge ruled Friday that Twitter breached its contract by failing to pay millions of dollars in bonuses the social media company, now known as X Corp, promised to employees, discriminating against older workers, women and disabled workers, and failing to give advance notice of mass layoffs.Twitter’s lawyers argued that the company had only made a verbal commitment, not a contract, and that Texas law should govern the case, according to court news reports that first reported the ruling.The judge ruled the case shall be governed by the laws of California, “twitter instead arguments are invalid. (NBC NEWS)

6. Facebook’s Meta fined for breaches of Italian gambling ads ban

Meta has been fined 5.85 million euros ($6.45 million) in connection with profiles and accounts on Facebook and Instagram, as well as sponsored content which promoted either betting or games with cash prizes, communications watchdog AGCOM said in a statement on Friday. (Reuters)

7. Apple explores AI deals with news publishers

The iPhone maker has proposed a multi-year deal worth at least $50 million to license the archive of news articles, according to people familiar with the matter. Among the news organizations contacted by Apple are Conde Nast, publisher of Vogue and The New Yorker; NBC News; According to the New York Times, IAC owns the People, The Daily Beast and Better Homes and Gardens. (Reuters)

8. OpenAI in talks to raise new funding at $100 bln valuation

OpenAI is in early talks to raise a new round of funding that would value it at or above $100 billion, according to people familiar with the matter reported by Bloomberg on Dec. 22.It is unclear whether the chip joint venture is related to broader corporate funding, the report said, adding that OpenAI has discussed raising $8 billion to $10 billion from G42. (Reuters)