Key developments in the tech industry include Binance launching Saga on its Launchpool, Ripple planning a US dollar stablecoin, and South Africa investigating Microsoft's cloud computing licensing practices. nLIGHTen acquires seven data centers from Exa Infrastructure, and RETN launches a new DDoS mitigation platform. Global markets experience fluctuations, and Spotify announces new subscription plans. Meta introduces AI-powered features to Instagram and collaborates with Ray-Ban on smart glasses, while Nvidia and Indosat plan a $200 million AI center investment in Indonesia.

Amazon initiates layoffs in its cloud computing division as part of a restructuring effort. Google announces Chrome OS updates with new features like Pixel Watch and Phone integration. Brave launches an AI assistant for iPhone and iPad users. WhatsApp experiences a global outage, raising concerns about Meta's messaging platforms. Former President Trump sues Truth Social co-founders over breach of contract and misuse of funds. Galaxy Digital plans to raise $100 million for its first crypto venture fund. Bitcoin continues to experience volatile price fluctuations. Intel reports a $7 billion operating loss in its foundry business. IGM Financial partners with Eviden to enhance its digital capabilities through cloud computing services. Meta introduces age confirmation for Quest 2 users to enhance child safety measures.

Lu Heng, founder and CEO of LARUS Ltd, advocates for decentralizing the ownership and registration of IP addresses using blockchain technology. He criticizes the current centralized system managed by Regional Internet Registries as outdated and vulnerable to power abuse. Heng envisions a safer, fairer, and more efficient internet without centralized control points, which he believes is essential to prevent fragmentation. He argues that the commercialization of IP addresses is not the issue, but rather the centralization of their control. Heng also reassures that the transition to IPv6 will ensure internet access remains affordable and accessible, dismissing concerns over IP address costs. His campaign aims to protect the internet's unity and openness for future generations.

Lu Heng, founder and CEO of LARUS Ltd, advocates for the decentralization of IP addresses and domain names to make the internet safer, fairer, and more efficient. He criticizes the centralized control by Regional Internet Registries and envisions a decentralized internet without a single point of vulnerability. Heng believes that decentralization is necessary to prevent fragmentation and maintain a unified internet. He also discusses the transition from IPv4 to IPv6, which he sees as a solution to the scarcity of IP addresses and a way to keep internet access costs low. Heng's campaign is gaining recognition among businesses and governments, and he emphasizes the importance of a free and open internet for future generations.

Samsung aims to enhance its Galaxy Ring with health and AR features. Google introduces new accessibility and productivity tools at MWC. A user faces a large BigQuery bill due to an uninformed query. Vice's historical significance and the permanence of online content are analyzed. NASA collaborates with Intuitive Machines for the Artemis mission. OpenAI's Sam Altman unveils SORA, an AI for generating videos, raising disinformation concerns. The Barbie Dream Phone is set to launch, appealing to nostalgia. The James Webb Space Telescope detects signals from a neutron star collision. Speculation arises about the iPhone 16 Pro's unconventional camera design. Google Pay is set to shut down in the US.

Mark Zuckerberg reviews Apple's Vision Pro and Quest 3, Waymo recalls self-driving cars due to a software issue, and a decryption tool for Rhysida ransomware is released. The legal battle between TikTok, Taylor Swift, and Universal Music Group is analyzed, while concerns about wearing Apple Vision Pro in public are raised. Gig economy workers from Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash plan a strike, ChatGPT advances with human-like memory, and Intuitive Machines targets the first commercial moon landing. The Faroe Islands unveil the world's largest tidal energy kite, and the importance of Section 230 for internet freedom is discussed.

A roundup of top tech stories includes insights into the future of gaming hardware from major companies, Finom's $54M funding for SME financial services, ethical considerations of AI in software development, a review of the Bose Smart Ultra soundbar, upcoming loss of Windows 11 support for older PCs, Tesla's dominance in the EV charging market, supermarkets using AI for sales prediction, developers' opposition to Apple's DMA regulations, the significance of environmental DNA in scientific research, and the doubling of Arm Holdings' stock market value due to AI demand.

Top tech stories include Ofcom's investigation into Virgin Media's compliance with digital switchover rules, the global impact of wildfire smoke on air quality, and a comprehensive guide to seed funding in 2024. Mozilla's CEO resignation raises concerns about the organization's future, while a nuclear fusion experiment marks a significant energy milestone. Meta's first anniversary since rebranding highlights regulatory challenges, and a camera comparison between Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Google Pixel 8 Pro aids consumer decisions. Rayneo X2 Lite smart glasses face criticism for privacy issues, and the Goody AI chatbot sets a precedent for ethical AI development. Additionally, a US astronaut sets a record for the longest spaceflight by a woman.

Last Energy, founded by Bret Kugelmass, develops 20 MWe micro-modular nuclear power plants aimed at making nuclear energy more compact, quicker, and cost-effective. Established in 2020 as a spinoff from the Energy Impact Centre, the company has secured agreements for 51 units across Europe, valued at $32 billion, with the first plant set to commence operations in 2025. The company aims to provide clean, reliable baseload power to industries, particularly data centers, by offering a smaller, modular, and affordable nuclear energy solution. The reactors are designed to meet high safety standards and are capable of being deployed quickly and efficiently.

As 2023 ends, the Hard Fork podcast hosts Kevin Roose and Casey Newton share their tech predictions for 2024, covering topics like social media, AI, and mixed reality. They predict Meta's Threads will surpass X in daily users, a lawless LLM chatbot will gain popularity, Google's LLM will catch up to OpenAI, white-collar workers will unionize against AI-related job losses, Apple's Vision Pro will revive interest in XR and the metaverse, and Elon Musk will face a scandal similar to the Hunter Biden laptop incident.