Daily Tech Headlines — December 24, 2025

Episode Title: Apple To Permit Third-Party App Stores in Brazil
Hosts: Jen Kutter (hosting this episode), with regular contributors Sarah Lane, Robb Dunewood, and Tom Merritt
Duration: ~10 minutes

Overview

This episode delivers a concise rundown of the day’s most significant tech news stories. The main focus is Apple’s agreement to open iOS up to third-party app stores in Brazil, a significant regulatory development following similar moves in Europe and Japan. The episode also covers Waymo’s response to a self-driving taxi disruption, legal challenges to app store regulations in Texas, major connectivity developments in Bolivia, Italian regulatory action against Meta, Samsung’s latest monitor and foldable device innovations, and changes to Nvidia’s GeForce Now service.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Apple to Permit Third-Party App Stores in Brazil

Timestamp: 02:56 – 03:45

• Regulatory Agreement:

  • Starting in 2026, Apple must allow third-party iOS app stores in Brazil and permit developers to use external payment systems.
  • Apple remains able to charge fees but must use neutral language in any warnings about third-party stores and alternative payment options.

• Compliance Timeline and Penalties:

  • Apple has 105 days to implement these changes; non-compliance could lead to fines up to $27 million USD.

• Context:

  • This move follows regulatory actions in Europe and Japan, which have already resulted in similar concessions from Apple.
  • In the US, developers can already include external payment links, but third-party store requirements are not yet in place.

Quote ([03:04]):
“Apple will still be able to charge fees and any warnings about the third-party app stores and external payment options must use neutral language.”
— Jen Kutter

2. Waymo’s Response to San Francisco Taxi Service Blackout

Timestamp: 02:08 – 02:36

• Incident Details:
  • A weekend blackout in San Francisco led to issues for Waymo’s taxi service, with many vehicles requesting manual confirmation for navigating dark traffic signals, which becomes complex at four-way stops.
• Company Response:
  • Waymo is issuing software updates and will coordinate with city authorities to better handle emergencies in the future, using data and learnings from this event.

Quote ([02:24]):
“This created a backlog that in some cases led to response delays contributing to congestion on already overwhelmed streets.”
— Jen Kutter

3. App Store Accountability Act Blocked in Texas

Timestamp: 02:36 – 03:04

• Court Ruling:
  • A federal judge in Texas issued a preliminary injunction against the forthcoming App Store Accountability Act, citing likely constitutional violations related to the First Amendment.
  • The act would have required app stores to verify user ages and secure parental consent before purchases or downloads for those under 18.

Quote ([02:42]):
“Judge Pittman noted the act would be akin to bookstores needing to verify customer ages upon entering and... requiring parental approval for under 18s to visit and or buy a book.”
— Jen Kutter

4. Bolivia Opens Up to Internet Satellite Providers

Timestamp: 03:45 – 04:17

• Policy Shift:
  • The Bolivian government has reversed previous restrictions and will now allow international internet satellite providers, including the previously banned SpaceX Starlink, to operate in the country.
• Rationale:
  • The change aims to address Bolivia’s position at the bottom of South American broadband and mobile internet speed rankings (per Ookla) and close the country’s digital divide.

Quote ([04:03]):
“Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz hopes to reduce the digital divide.”
— Jen Kutter

5. Italy Orders Meta to Reverse Ban on AI Chatbots on WhatsApp

Timestamp: 04:18 – 04:47

• Regulatory Action:
  • The Italian Competition Authority has ordered Meta to suspend its policy prohibiting companies from deploying their own AI chatbots on WhatsApp’s platform.
• Meta’s Response:
  • Meta claims the WhatsApp API wasn’t designed as a distribution channel for chatbots, and insists alternatives exist for deploying outside AI bots.

Quote ([04:35]):
“Meta argued the WhatsApp API isn't designed to be a distribution platform for chatbots, and there are other options available for businesses.”
— Jen Kutter

6. Samsung’s CES 2026 Gaming Monitor Lineup and Galaxy Tri Fold Durability

Timestamps: 04:47 – 06:06

• Odyssey 3D G90X:

  • Samsung introduced the first glasses-free 3D 6K monitor, the Odyssey 3D G90X, with real-time eye tracking, 165Hz refresh, and a dual mode for super-high frame rates.
  • A non-3D G8 version will also launch.

• Galaxy Tri Fold Durability:

  • YouTube channel OMG Electronics tested the upcoming Galaxy Tri Fold’s hinge durability, with device functionality maintained despite mechanical issues emerging after extensive folding (creaking and stiffness after ~61,000–144,000 cycles).

Quote ([05:47]):
“The device had to be forced strongly to fully open and became more difficult to open and close. However, the screen remained fully functional throughout testing.”
— Jen Kutter

7. Nvidia GeForce Now Imposes 100-Hour Monthly Cap

Timestamp: 06:09 – 06:48

• Service Changes:

  • Nvidia’s GeForce Now game streaming service will restrict standard tiers to 100 hours per month, with extra sessions available via paid blocks.
  • Founding (legacy) members retain unlimited access; free tier remains session-limited.

• Pricing:

  • Performance plan: $9.99/mo, $2.99 for 15 additional hours
  • Ultimate plan: $19.99/mo, $5.99 for extra blocks

Quote ([06:40]):
“Gamers not using all 100 hours in a given month will have 15 hours rolled over into the next. Founding members are exempt from this new restriction.”
— Jen Kutter

Memorable Moments & Quotable Highlights

• On App Store Parental Verification (02:42):
  “Judge Pittman noted the act would be akin to bookstores needing to verify customer ages upon entering...”
  — Jen Kutter
• On Apple’s Regulatory Mandate in Brazil (03:04):
  “Apple will still be able to charge fees and any warnings about the third-party app stores and external payment options must use neutral language.”
  — Jen Kutter
• On Satellite Internet in Bolivia (04:03):
  “Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz hopes to reduce the digital divide.”
  — Jen Kutter

Key Timestamps

• [02:02] – Start of the news headlines
• [02:08] – Waymo San Francisco blackout breakdown
• [02:36] – Texas App Store Accountability Act injunction
• [02:56] – Apple to permit third-party app stores in Brazil
• [03:45] – Bolivia drops ban on satellite internet
• [04:18] – Meta ordered to lift WhatsApp chatbot ban in Italy
• [04:47] – Samsung’s new 6K gaming monitor and tri-fold device
• [06:09] – Nvidia GeForce Now’s 100-hour monthly cap

Summary for Listeners

This episode offers a detailed, accessible overview of December 24th’s most impactful tech developments. Apple’s regulatory journey continues with new obligations in Brazil, setting an important precedent. Coverage spans autonomy and AI (Waymo, Meta), global connectivity (Bolivia’s satellite pivot), hardware innovation (Samsung), and the evolution of cloud gaming subscriptions (Nvidia GeForce Now). Listeners get not just the headlines but contextual insights, direct quotes, and a sense of rapidly changing tech landscapes worldwide.