Key Takeaways

• Top story: AWS introduces Trainium3 AI chip, claiming four times the performance of the previous generation.
• Samsung announces the Galaxy Z Trifold, marking another advancement in foldable phone design.
• The Swiss government advises citizens to avoid Microsoft 365 over privacy and data sovereignty concerns.
• A security breach exposes 17,000 confidential secrets in GitLab repositories, highlighting risks for developer environments.

These are today’s key stories with additional context below.

Introduction

On 5 December 2025, AWS led the tech news press review by launching its Trainium3 AI chip, which promises a significant boost in AI performance. This edition also covers Samsung’s debut of the Galaxy Z Trifold and broader developments influencing hardware, cloud security, and digital sovereignty.

Top Story

AWS has unveiled its Trainium3 AI chip, which the company claims delivers a fourfold performance increase over the previous generation. The new chip is designed to accelerate AI workloads, particularly in cloud environments. It’s expected to reduce training times for large language models and other advanced applications.

With Trainium3, AWS aims to strengthen its position in the competitive cloud AI space against rivals such as Google and Microsoft. Company executives highlighted the chip’s improved efficiency and integration with Amazon EC2, emphasizing both cost savings and scalability for enterprise customers.

Analysts stated that Trainium3’s performance could attract organizations seeking an alternative to Nvidia-powered solutions, especially as demand for generative AI and large-scale data processing continues to rise.

Also Today: Device Launches and Hardware

Samsung has introduced the Galaxy Z Trifold, expanding its lineup of foldable smartphones. The device features a three-part folding display that allows users to switch between phone, tablet, and tent modes. This design offers increased versatility.

Samsung representatives said the Z Trifold aims to address growing interest in adaptive device formats, targeting professionals and consumers who value multitasking on the go. Early demonstrations emphasized its durability and enhanced multitasking capabilities.

Industry observers have noted that with competitors preparing their own multi-fold designs, the Galaxy Z Trifold may set a new benchmark within the segment.

Also Today: Digital Sovereignty and Security

The Swiss government has released guidance advising citizens to avoid using Microsoft 365, citing ongoing concerns about privacy and data sovereignty. Authorities stated that reliance on foreign cloud services could leave sensitive personal and governmental data exposed to external jurisdictions.

The Swiss Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner emphasized a preference for local or European service providers that adhere to stricter privacy standards. Microsoft has responded, stating its commitment to meeting local regulations and protecting user privacy.

Concurrently, a security breach has exposed 17,000 confidential secrets within GitLab repositories. Security researchers reported that the exposure includes credentials, API keys, and other sensitive data, posing a direct threat to numerous organizations relying on GitLab for development and version control.

GitLab stated it is working closely with affected users and has implemented new detection measures. The incident highlights the ongoing need for rigorous security in developer tools and environments.

Also Today: Semiconductor Industry

TSMC Confirms $20 Billion US Expansion

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company has announced a further $20 billion investment in its Arizona chip fabrication facilities, bringing the total U.S. commitment to over $60 billion. The expanded campus will produce 3-nanometer chips for AI-focused and automotive applications.

This announcement follows new semiconductor subsidies legislation signed recently by President Harris. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo described the expansion as essential for maintaining U.S. technological leadership during the groundbreaking ceremony.

TSMC Chairman Mark Liu indicated that production at the expanded facilities will start in early 2027, creating approximately 3,000 additional high-tech jobs. He reiterated that TSMC’s most advanced manufacturing will remain in Taiwan.

Intel Faces Antitrust Investigation

The European Commission has launched a formal antitrust investigation into Intel’s licensing practices for x86 processor technology. Regulators are examining whether Intel’s agreements with server manufacturers and cloud providers unfairly restrict the use of competitor chips.

Intel spokesperson Sarah Mitchell stated that the company believes its practices are fully compliant with EU competition law and will cooperate with the investigation.

EU Competition Commissioner Thierry Breton said the review could last up to 18 months. If violations are confirmed, penalties could reach up to 10% of Intel’s global annual revenue.

Also Today: Cybersecurity

Critical Microsoft Exchange Vulnerability

Cybersecurity researchers have identified a critical zero-day vulnerability in Microsoft Exchange Server that allows remote attackers to execute code with system privileges. The flaw, tracked as CVE-2025-47291, affects all Exchange versions released since 2019.

Microsoft released an emergency patch on 4 December 2025 and urged organizations to update without delay. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has added the vulnerability to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, requiring federal agencies to apply the patch within 15 days.

Security experts recommend organizations not only patch systems but also investigate for possible compromises occurring before the update. This incident highlights the importance of maintaining robust email server security policies at the organizational level.

T-Mobile Settles Data Breach Lawsuit for $750 Million

T-Mobile has reached a $750 million settlement over its 2021 data breach, which exposed personal information of 76 million customers. The agreement includes $350 million for direct customer compensation and $400 million for security upgrades.

Affected customers may receive payments ranging from $25 to $2,500, depending on documented damages. T-Mobile is also required to appoint a Chief Information Security Officer to report directly to the CEO. CEO Mike Sievert acknowledged the incident’s impact on customers and restated the company’s commitment to ongoing improvements.

What to Watch

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) will take place from 7 January to 10 January 2026 in Las Vegas, with a focus on AI-powered smart home technology. Major announcements are expected from Samsung, LG, and Google during the opening keynotes.

Microsoft’s Build developer conference is scheduled for 3 February to 5 February 2026 in Seattle, where details on new Windows AI features and development tools are anticipated.

Fourth-quarter earnings reports from major tech firms begin on 22 January 2026, starting with Netflix, followed by Microsoft on 27 January and Apple on 29 January.

The EU’s Digital Markets Act enforcement deadline is 15 December 2025, requiring major platforms to comply with new interoperability and data portability standards.

Conclusion

AWS’s introduction of the Trainium3 AI chip marks a significant step in accelerating AI performance. Hardware innovation and data security remain central themes in the tech landscape. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Trifold and major semiconductor investments underscore ongoing advances in device flexibility and digital infrastructure. What to watch: CES 2026 and upcoming corporate earnings will provide early insights into the next phase of technology and platform evolution.