Weekly tech roundup: DJI risk, EV slump, AI deals and The Game Awards highlights
This week’s tech news mixed industry shake‑ups with major announcements. Key stories include regulatory pressure on DJI that could effectively remove its drones from the US market, a pullback in US EV sales following the end of federal tax credits, major moves in AI and media, and a historic sweep at The Game Awards by Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
Top stories summarized
- DJI under pressure: Regulators have targeted DJI over security concerns for years. With more restrictions looming and DJI holding over 75% market share, a US ban or de‑facto exclusion would upend the drone market and limit consumer choice.
- EV sales slip in the US: Global EV adoption is rising, but the US has seen a decline after the federal EV tax credit was removed. Some automakers reported steep year‑over‑year drops, illustrating how policy can directly influence adoption and investment.
- AI & media developments: Big industry moves include OpenAI’s growing partnerships and controversies — notably a multi‑year Disney licensing deal that will bring characters to models and Sora — alongside news of governance and product stumbles that highlight ongoing challenges in AI deployment.
- The Game Awards winners & reveals: Sandfall Interactive’s Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 dominated the awards, while many notable trailers and announcements (from Control Resonant to new Tomb Raider titles) also debuted during the show.
Why these stories matter
Regulatory action against a dominant vendor like DJI could shrink hardware options and push buyers toward less capable or more expensive alternatives. Policy shifts such as ending EV incentives show how quickly market momentum can change, affecting consumer adoption and manufacturer strategy. Meanwhile, AI deals and licensing show both rapid commercial interest and unresolved questions about safety, accuracy and governance.
Other notable items
- Amazon’s experimental AI recaps have produced factual errors, raising questions about reliability for entertainment summaries.
- MasterClass holiday discounts and other seasonal offers appeared as publishers and platforms promote subscriptions.
- Game industry headlines included delays, reveals and award winners that will shape the 2026 release calendar.
For readers, the big takeaway is that technology markets are still highly sensitive to policy, regulation and major commercial deals. Those forces can quickly shift what products are available, how affordable they are, and how services evolve.
Discussion: Which development concerns you the most — potential limits on DJI drones, the EV sales slump from policy changes, or the rapid commercialization (and risks) of AI content deals? Share your thoughts below.