Black Friday 2025 is shaping up as a mix of aggressive sales, surprising mistakes, and growing scrutiny over tech giants’ practices. From accidental deep discounts to internal AI controversies, this year’s pre-holiday rush reveals the volatile nature of modern retail and the accelerating influence of artificial intelligence.
Retail Mishaps and Deep Discounts
One of the most notable incidents involved MediaWorld, a European electronics chain, which briefly sold iPads for just €15 to loyalty card holders. The error, which lasted 11 days before the company began contacting customers to demand returns, highlights the potential for glitches in large-scale promotional events. Such mistakes raise questions about price control and the reliability of automated discount systems.
Early Black Friday Tech Deals
Despite the official start of Black Friday still ahead, retailers like Best Buy have already launched early deals on popular tech products. Dell has also dropped the price of a premium laptop to $500 for a limited time. This trend demonstrates how the shopping season is increasingly expanding beyond a single day, turning into a month-long event of fluctuating sales.
AI Development at Amazon Under Scrutiny
Amazon is facing internal backlash over its aggressive approach to artificial intelligence development. A petition signed by over 1,000 employees from Amazon Employees for Climate Justice expresses “serious concerns” about the company’s rapid rollout of AI tools. This suggests growing unease among workers regarding the ethical and operational implications of AI within the corporation.
Bezos’ New AI Venture Expands
Jeff Bezos’ new AI venture, Project Prometheus, has quietly acquired an agentic computing startup, General Agents, as part of its expansion. With over $6 billion in funding and a growing team of 100+ employees, Project Prometheus is emerging as a major player in the AI landscape, though its operations remain largely opaque.
Amazon’s AI-Powered Security Systems
Amazon is also deploying specialized AI agents for deep bug hunting. The Autonomous Threat Analysis system, born from an internal hackathon, leverages AI to identify vulnerabilities and suggest fixes across the company’s platforms. This initiative underscores the growing reliance on AI for cybersecurity and internal operational efficiency.
Hidden Gaming Gems and Outdoor Gear Sales
Beyond the major releases, several lesser-known video games – including Blippo+, Sektori, and Dispatch – have emerged as standout titles this year. Meanwhile, retailers are offering substantial discounts on outdoor gear, from tents to merino wool clothing, encouraging consumers to prepare for next year’s adventures.
Black Friday 2025 is not just about discounts. It’s a microcosm of larger trends in tech, retail, and AI development. From accidental sales to internal ethical concerns, this year’s shopping season reveals the underlying complexities of a rapidly evolving commercial landscape.
