AI & Automation Daily: Christmas Week’s Biggest Tech Moves, Lawsuits, and Streaming Surprises

Introduction:

This week, the tech world is buzzing with big news—just as families are getting cozy for the holiday break. Streaming giants are jockeying for attention by scooping up exclusive sports and TV events, pushing more people toward new viewing options. Meanwhile, cyberattacks and lawsuits are keeping regulators, businesses, and tech creators busy even during the holiday week.

Gadget deals and last-minute gifts are a hot topic, with major brands offering discounts to entice shoppers who’ve waited until the very last second. At the same time, Apple, Nintendo, and Samsung are updating the way we play, shop, and even keep our children safe online.

It isn’t only about the fun, though. Behind the scenes, policy fights and AI lawsuits are heating up as big tech companies face mounting challenges over how they use data and work with international partners.

With so many moving parts—in courts, in living rooms, and on our screens—it’s clear that the holidays are no break for the world of AI and automation. Whether you’re a small business owner, a blogger, or just a gadget fan, today’s news could have a tangible impact on your day-to-day life.

Let’s dive into the most significant developments and why each matters to you.

Top Stories

NFL Games Streaming on Netflix and Prime Video this Christmas
On Christmas Day 2025, football fans will get a treat: you can watch the Cowboys vs. Commanders and Lions vs. Vikings games live on Netflix, and Broncos vs. Chiefs on Prime Video. This is a significant shift, with streaming platforms snatching exclusive rights to major sporting events that traditionally aired on cable. More NFL games will be dotted around the holiday week, available across a host of streaming platforms.

This matters because it shows just how much the way we watch TV is changing. Instead of needing cable, all you need is a subscription and an internet connection to catch blockbuster events. For tech watchers, it’s proof that streaming is now king, even for must-see live events.

Bloggers and businesses can take note: your readers and customers are spending more time on streaming platforms, even for live events. If you want to reach them, consider live updates, interactive content, or timely coverage tied to pop-culture moments on Netflix and Prime Video.
Steam Outage Leaves Gamers in the Lurch
Steam, the world’s biggest online game store for PC gamers, went down for several hours yesterday. This outage stopped players from downloading new games and blocked many from playing online, causing frustration right in the middle of holiday game-buying season. Most services are now restored, but the blip left a mark.

The incident shows how much we rely on digital platforms—and how easily even giants can slip up. Whether for entertainment or running an online business, everyone is at the mercy of servers, bandwidth, and quick repair teams.

Pay attention if you’re running any digital service or storefront. Outages like this remind us that backup plans are vital—and keeping your audience updated quickly during downtime is key to maintaining trust.
Last Chance to Save on PlayStation 5
Sony has been running a $100 discount on PlayStation 5 consoles, but it officially ends today, December 25. This brings standard PS5s down to $450 and digital editions to $400, a rare price break in a year of rising costs for new gadgets.

This deadline underscores how holiday sales are a crucial window for both selling and buying tech. With discounts vanishing fast, there’s a rush among shoppers (and resellers) to snap up inventory, which can drive brief spikes in demand.

For bloggers and small shops, timely deal alerts are invaluable. Sharing these limited-time savings can boost your audience’s trust and encourage repeat visits—think about quick posts or social media reminders before these deals disappear.
YouTube TV Crowned the Best Live Streaming Service
If you’re looking to cut the cable cord, industry watchers now back YouTube TV as the top pick for live sports and news, especially heading into 2026. YouTube TV gets high marks for a simple interface, a big channel lineup, and reliable cloud recording, making it a go-to choice for both families and sports fans.

Services like YouTube TV are taking over what old-school cable used to do. It’s a sign that streaming bundles are maturing, offering a real alternative to the cable box.

If you run a blog about tech or home entertainment, it’s worth staying up to date with streaming reviews and guides. Direct your audience to the best value options—especially around the holidays, when people are ready to try new platforms.
Holiday VPN Discounts Mean More Private, Flexible Web Surfing
Big-name VPN companies like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark are slashing prices for the holidays. VPNs aren’t just for techies; they let anyone protect their personal information and watch content that’s blocked in their country.

As hacking risks and data snooping increase, people are wisely getting more serious about protecting their digital privacy. The deals make it easier for regular users and small firms to get enterprise-level protection at home.

Bloggers should spread the word on good VPN deals, especially to readers who travel or work online. It’s also a smart time to invest in VPN subscriptions for your own business, to keep your projects secure year-round.
Apple makes iPads and Watches More Kid-Friendly.
Apple’s new parental tools make it easy for parents to set up iPads and Apple Watches for children, using family controls to monitor use and set time limits. The process takes just a few taps and is designed to keep kids safer on connected devices.

This move reflects growing concern over kids’ digital habits and the responsibility tech companies have to help families. By making these controls easier, Apple aims to win over parents and establish itself as the go-to brand for family devices.

If your blog covers parenting or families, reviewing these features or offering setup guides could bring real value. Small retailers can market these devices as “family ready,” with step-by-step instructions that parents will appreciate.
French Postal Service Hit by Pro-Russian Hackers
Right before Christmas, hackers linked to pro-Russian groups attacked France’s postal service website. The disruption hit package tracking and online payments, causing headaches for those depending on holiday deliveries.

Cybercrime doesn’t take time off for holidays. These attacks remind everyone how vital it is to protect digital infrastructure, especially when it holds up critical services like mail and payments.

Even the smallest businesses should treat cybersecurity seriously. Use strong passwords, update your systems, and communicate openly with customers if something goes wrong; trust is built on honesty, especially during stressful holiday periods.
Writers Sue Major AI Companies Over Copyright
Several published authors have filed lawsuits against AI giants, including OpenAI and Google, alleging that their copyrighted books were used to train AI without permission. The writers say their work is being used to power chatbots and automated tools—with zero credit or compensation.

This is a significant turning point in the ongoing debate about who owns the data that feeds AI. The outcome of these lawsuits could shape how AI is built and bring new copyright protections to creative work in the digital age.

If you’re a content creator, blogger, or small publisher, this story should be on your radar. Keep an eye out: the rules around AI and original writing may soon change, possibly affecting how your own content can be used or protected.
Nintendo’s Holiday Discounts and Easy Code Redemption
Nintendo is offering deep discounts on games for the Switch 2, just in time for the holiday season. The company also streamlined how players can redeem game codes—making it easier to get new titles in just a few steps, either on the console or their website.

These changes are designed to keep Nintendo fans loyal and capture more shoppers during the last-minute holiday rush. Immediate gift giving and easier game access are an ideal mix for busy gamers and gifters alike.

For anyone with a gaming blog—or a small shop selling Nintendo products—these changes call for quick how-to tips and deal spotlights. Walk your readers through game code redemption and flag the best deals before they disappear.
Xbox Cloud Gaming Arrives on Amazon Fire TV
Xbox is rolling out its cloud gaming app to select Amazon Fire TV devices, letting users play top games without buying a console. Now, you can just download the app, sign in with an Xbox account, and stream games straight to your TV.

This move busts open the old limits about where and how you can play console-quality games. It’s part of the broader push towards cloud gaming, which lets more people try games without a significant upfront investment.

Bloggers can capitalize by making simple guides: explain which Fire TV models work, how to set up accounts, and which games are best for streaming. Small businesses could even offer bundled “gamer packs” with Fire TVs and Game Pass subscriptions.
Apple Will Let Third-Party Devices Work Better in Europe
Under pressure from EU regulators, Apple has agreed to open up its devices to make it easier for products like Sony headphones to work seamlessly with iPhones in Europe. This will help users connect their favorite headphones or earbuds without having to go through complicated setup steps.

This marks a shift from Apple’s “walled garden” approach, forced along by government rules. The company is making changes proactively before more countries or regions demand it.

European bloggers and online stores should update their recommendations—now, they can promote a broader range of accessories for iPhone users. Show your readers how to get the most out of both their Apple gadgets and new third-party devices.
Emerging Holiday Deals and Gift Cards for Last-Minute Shoppers
Streaming platforms, gaming shops, and retailers are offering special discount bundles and digital gift cards, making it easy to send presents instantly, even on Christmas morning. If you forgot a gift, you can send a digital card for Audible, Philo, or new video games that lands in your friend’s inbox right away.

These bundles and digital offers aren’t just about convenience—they reflect a new reality, where flexibility and instant delivery win out over wrapping paper and shipping deadlines. For retailers, it’s a push to meet shoppers’ expectations for faster, smarter gift-giving.

Bloggers and businesses should have holiday guides ready right up until the wire. Highlight easy digital gifts and money-saving bundles to help readers—and your business—end the season strong.

Trends Today:

Streaming is rapidly replacing cable for live sports, even for classic draws like the NFL, indicating a permanent shift in how people access major content.
Big tech companies are sweetening the holidays with limited-time discounts on hardware, games, and subscriptions, creating urgency for last-minute buyers.
Cybersecurity risks are rising during the holidays, with attacks targeting not just businesses but also critical services such as postal carriers and online payment platforms.
The debate over AI and copyright is only getting hotter, as more writers and creatives push back against data usage by powerful companies.
Tech companies are focusing heavily on family and kid-friendly features, recognizing that trust among parents can drive long-term brand loyalty.

Tools to Try:

ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is offering significant holiday discounts, making it a great time to try out one of the top-rated tools for keeping your browsing private and secure. It’s easy to set up on just about any device and helps you access content that might not be available in your country. Even if you’re starting as a blogger or e-commerce owner, this tool gives affordable peace of mind for your work and family.
YouTube TV
Now recommended as the best streaming service for live sports and major events, YouTube TV offers an intuitive user experience and a wide range of channels. The platform makes it easy to record shows in the cloud, share accounts among family members, and avoid messy cable contracts. If you’re publishing home entertainment guides, getting hands-on with YouTube TV is a smart move.
Xbox Cloud Gaming on Amazon Fire TV
This newly launched app lets you dive into Xbox game streaming without buying a console—just a Fire TV and a controller get you started. You can access a growing catalog of games using Game Pass, and it installs just like any other TV app. For bloggers or parents, it’s a unique, affordable gateway into next-gen gaming right in the living room.

Closing:

As we head further into Christmas week, it’s clear that AI and automation aren’t taking any time off. From streaming sports to kid-friendly gadgets and data privacy, every headline today points to tech becoming more woven into our family life and traditions.

For small business owners and content creators, the pace is dizzying, but so are the chances to help, inform, and inspire your audiences. Whether it’s by sharing last-minute deals, guiding families through device setup, or helping readers stay safe online, today’s news is packed with opportunities.

Stay sharp, keep an eye out for the next big story, and enjoy a well-earned break with your favorite gadget—or game—when you can. Happy holidays from your friends at AI Key for Riches!