Technology News 18.01.2026

NVIDIA's Quantum Strategy Shapes the Future of Computing

January 18, 2026, 11:58 PM EST. NVIDIA has turned its GPU-led AI and high-performance computing backbone toward quantum research without building a QPU of its own. The company now collaborates with more than 200 partners to accelerate quantum computing research, development and commercialization, integrating quantum hardware with AI software and simulations. Sam Stanwyck, NVIDIA's quantum product lead and a Stanford PhD, guides the strategy from a role at Rigetti earlier. Unlike pure hardware players, NVIDIA focuses on simulating, optimizing and pairing quantum components with existing workloads. Major tech players-Amazon, Google, Microsoft and IBM-face a growing field of startups such as IonQ, Quantinuum and PsiQuantum. If breakthroughs persist, quantum computing combined with AI could accelerate drug discovery, energy management and supply-chain optimization, reshaping industry capabilities.

Moxie Marlinspike's Confer offers privacy-first AI with no data collection

January 18, 2026, 11:42 PM EST. Privacy-focused AI service Confer, launched in December by Signal co-founder Moxie Marlinspike, aims to reduce data collection in conversations with AI. It mimics familiar chat interfaces like ChatGPT or Claude, but the host never has access to user chats, so conversations can't be used to train the model or target ads. Marlinspike argues this counters the intimate data any chat system can reveal, describing advertising as a conflict with therapy-like disclosure. Technical safeguards include end-to-end encryption via WebAuthn passkeys, and server-side inference inside a Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) with remote attestation to verify integrity. Confer relies on open-weight foundation models. The service offers a free tier of 20 messages per day and five chats, or $35 per month for unlimited access, more capable models, and personalization.

SpaceX launches Falcon 9 carrying 29 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit from Cape Canaveral

January 18, 2026, 11:30 PM EST. SpaceX's Falcon 9 launched from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 6:31 p.m. ET, delivering 29 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit. The mission marked the 24th flight for the first stage booster used on this mission and part of 18 other Starlink deployments. After stage separation, the booster touched down on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship in the Atlantic Ocean. The company continues to recycle boosters and droneships to support regular Starlink launches.

CPUs eclipse GPUs as AI trade shifts, says T. Rowe Price

January 18, 2026, 11:26 PM EST. CPUs are the new GPUs in the AI trade, according to T. Rowe Price. The fund manager argues the next phase of AI compute will hinge on CPU-centric architectures, not just accelerators. Rahul Ghosh lays out how hardware mix, pricing dynamics, and scale economics influence portfolio positioning. He notes CPUs can offer cost efficiency for many inference tasks and mixed workloads, while GPUs still play a role in training. The discussion comes as the energy market is flagged a wildcard with countervailing forces clouding the outlook. Investors weigh supplier exposure, capacity, and policy risk as compute demand shifts and the AI cycle matures, shaping how managers allocate capital across chips and ecosystems.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 with Milanese Loop discounts hit $275 at Best Buy; Amazon refurb options near $480

January 18, 2026, 11:20 PM EST. Deal chatter centers on the Black Apple Watch Ultra 2 with the Milanese Loop. Best Buy is selling the black Ultra 2 with the Black Titanium Milanese Loop for $200 off in new condition; an excellent condition open-box unit now lists at $624.99 shipped, about $275 off the original $899 price and with a 1-year Apple warranty. Third-party Amazon listings beat that price on units labeled "Refurbished-Excellent" at about $479.97, though not fulfilled by Amazon and backed by a 90-day refund guarantee. Separately, trackers note ongoing promotions related to the Ultra 3 and additional Ultra 2 refurb deals, including up to $369 off refurbished models.

World record 430 Tbps achieved over standard fibre, researchers say

January 18, 2026, 11:14 PM EST. Researchers from Aston University in the UK and Japan's National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) achieved a world-record 430 Tbps over standard telecom optical fibre. The feat, a step beyond their prior 402 Tbps milestone, used widely deployed single-mode fibre while requiring about 20% less total transmission bandwidth. By exploiting wavelengths below the traditional cutoff and transmitting data in multiple modes in parallel, the team preserved compatibility with existing systems. In this run, three-mode transmission occurred in the O-band while the fundamental mode operated in the ESCL bands. The work, presented at the 51st European Conference on Optical Communication in Denmark, points to untapped capacity in standard fibres.

Syrah extends cure and qualification deadlines with Tesla on Vidalia offtake; DOE review underway

January 18, 2026, 11:12 PM EST. Syrah Resources has won a reprieve from a potential default under its offtake agreement with Tesla for Vidalia, Louisiana. The cure date for the alleged default has been extended to March 16, 2026 from January 16, 2026, while product qualification continues. Tesla had asserted Syrah failed to deliver conforming anode material samples; Syrah says it is not in default but acknowledges the extension allows continued talks. An amended offtake moves the final Vidalia qualification deadline to March 16, 2026 from February 9, subject to U.S. Department of Energy approval tied to federal loan support. Vidalia aims to position Syrah as a Western supplier of battery-grade graphite anode material, critical for EVs, and to localize supply chains. The arrangement underscores ongoing execution risk for new battery-material entrants and the leverage OEMs like Tesla hold in qualification timelines.

Apple expected to release MacBook Pro M5 Pro and M5 Max in early 2026

January 18, 2026, 11:00 PM EST. Apple plans to launch two new professional MacBook Pro models-the M5 Pro and M5 Max-in the first quarter of 2026, according to supply-chain briefings. The M5 family arrived in late 2025, and the latest line would sit above the vanilla M5, which sports a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU. Projections suggest the M5 Pro could top out at 14 CPU cores and the M5 Max at 16, with GPU gains substantial and the M5 Max potentially reaching a multi-core CPU score near 250,000. Apple has not issued formal press releases. The move aims to keep the Pro line ahead of the standard MacBook Pro and Air in performance.

Donut Labs' solid-state battery motorcycle turns heads at CES, but questions remain

January 18, 2026, 10:42 PM EST. Donut Labs unveiled a solid-state battery-powered motorcycle at CES, drawing early attention for marrying a compact form with what it claims is safer, denser energy storage. The bike appears to satisfy much of the EV-battery wish list – longer range, lighter pack, faster charging and cooler operation – according to attendees and early coverage. Yet the startup offered little detail on how its solid-state chemistry or manufacturing methods overcome long-standing hurdles. Engineers noted the absence of independently verifiable performance data or near-term production timelines. Donut Labs says it will publish technical disclosures later this year, but for now the device remains a proof of concept amid a crowded field of electric two-wheelers. The demo underscored CES as a stage for ambitious battery innovations, leaving questions about scalability and reliability.

Taiwan PCB makers gear up for record investment on AI cloud surge

January 18, 2026, 10:40 PM EST. Taiwan's PCB industry is entering a new growth cycle driven by a surge in cloud AI computing orders. Manufacturers are ramping up capex sharply in 2026 to expand high-end server capacity and accelerate supply for data centers. Analysts say the shift toward AI workloads is lifting demand for advanced substrates and components, prompting gear and process upgrades across leading PCB makers. Industry officials caution that supply chain constraints and rising material costs could temper a rapid expansion, but players expect a multi-year cycle as hyperscalers add more servers. Banks and equipment suppliers are watching funding lines widen as fabs push to scale with AI cloud deployments.

Pokémon Go Grookey Community Day: shiny debut, 100% IVs, and triple Stardust

January 18, 2026, 10:06 PM EST. Niantic's January Pokémon Go Community Day centers on Grookey, running 2:00-5:00 p.m. local time on Sunday, January 18. Players can encounter a shiny Grookey and a 100% perfect IV Grookey during the event. Shiny variants for the Grookey family (including Thwackey and Rillaboom) debut at start, with boosted odds for the featured Pokémon. A triple Catch Stardust bonus applies. For collectors, CP targets for a 15/15/15 Grookey are cited at Level 30 (931 CP) and Level 35 (1008 CP) under weather boost, noting values vary by trainer level. If you evolve a Thwackey into Rillaboom during the event or up to four hours afterward, the Community Day move is unlocked. Incense can further boost spawns.

NASA inches toward Artemis 2 moon mission launch

January 18, 2026, 9:52 PM EST. NASA is about a month from launching Artemis 2, the first crewed lunar mission in the program. The crew-Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canada's Jeremy Hansen-could lift off as soon as Feb. 6 atop the Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion. The 10-day flight will loop around the Moon on a translunar injection (TLI) burn that places Orion on a free-return trajectory, returning to Earth if needed without another engine burn. Artemis 2 marks the first crewed lunar sortie since Apollo 17 in 1972 and follows Artemis 1's uncrewed shakedown. The program has faced delays and budget pressure, with costs near $50 billion since 2006 and a roughly $4 billion per launch price tag today. Artemis 3 aims for lunar landings using SpaceX's Starship HLS.

ReactOS gains asynchronous TCP support, boosting networking performance

January 18, 2026, 9:50 PM EST. ReactOS, the open-source reimplementation of Windows, on Friday merged a long-awaited patch that adds asynchronous TCP support (non-blocking network connections), promising notable boosts to networking apps. The update, describing the feature as substantial by developers, follows years of work and long-standing issues with non-blocking socket behavior. The patch enables non-blocking TCP connections, which should improve performance for browsers, FTP clients and download managers running on ReactOS, the project said. The change lands as part of ongoing efforts to improve Windows NT 6 compatibility and other usability fixes. In ReactOS, the community describes the patch as a major milestone after roughly a decade of development.

iOS 26 Photos adds event details for concerts and sports

January 18, 2026, 9:10 PM EST. Apple's iOS 26 Photos app gains an event recognition feature. Unveiled at WWDC25, the update reintroduces a tab bar and adds the ability to group photos by events such as concerts or sporting matches. When Photos detects that a user attended an event, it surfaces an event details panel with contextual data. For concerts, the panel shows the set list, artists, venue, related playlists, and upcoming shows. For sporting events, it displays a scoreboard, venue, and future events. Photos with recognized events carry a ticket button replacing the usual info button; tapping it opens Memories named after the specific game or show. Apple positions the feature as a way to enrich memories with relevant details.

Oracle Valuation Under Scrutiny as Debt-Funded AI Push and OpenAI Cloud Deal Draw Attention

January 18, 2026, 9:06 PM EST. Oracle (ORCL) is back in focus as a debt-funded AI push, anchored by a long-term cloud deal with OpenAI, raising questions about risk and disclosure. The stock has yielded a 1-year total return of 19.87% but declined 31.06% in the last 90 days, suggesting momentum has cooled even as the longer-term trajectory remains strong. Fresh cloud deals in retail, healthcare and defence-and moves toward decentralized AI data centers-fuel debate over how much debt investors are willing to finance for AI capacity at about US$191.09 per share. Some analysts see a fair value around US$389.81; Oracle's P/E of 35.6x sits above the software sector but below top peers. Key risks include execution on the buildout and AI demand variability.

Eli Lilly's NVIDIA AI Lab signals push on obesity and AI-driven drug discovery

January 18, 2026, 9:04 PM EST. Eli Lilly is expanding its AI push with a planned US$1 billion co-innovation lab with NVIDIA, tying TuneLab's AI compute to obesity and cardiometabolic programs. The deal builds on Lilly's AI partnerships, including Chai Discovery and TuneLab integrations, to speed discovery and broaden its pipeline beyond current GLP-1 heavy injections. Positive Phase 3b data for Taltz combined with Zepbound in psoriatic arthritis and obesity bolster its growth narrative, even as Strive Compounding Pharmacy's antitrust suit over GLP-1 access underscores competitive and legal risk in the obesity and diabetes markets. Investors will watch whether AI infrastructure reduces reliance on a few blockbusters, and how GLP-1 pricing, access, and compounded alternatives influence revenue and earnings toward 2028 targets.

Dearborn launches AI-powered school bus enforcement across district

January 18, 2026, 9:02 PM EST. Dearborn will begin enforcing school-bus traffic safety laws Monday using BusPatrol's AI-enabled cameras mounted on each bus. The city says it is the first in Michigan to roll out the program districtwide. Under state law, drivers must stop at least 20 feet from a bus with red lights flashing, and can resume motion only when signals are off. Officials note about 2,200 illegal passings daily occur statewide. Violations are reviewed by police before a citation is issued. The AI engine can detect illegal passings from up to eight lanes away. Fines start at $250 for a first offense and rise to $500 for subsequent violations within a year, funded by fines, not taxes. Mayor Hammoud and Police Chief Shahin frame the policy as child safety, not revenue.

Apple Watch SE 3 hits AU$337 in Australia, best value smartwatch

January 18, 2026, 8:48 PM EST. Australian discounts trim the price of the Apple Watch SE 3 to AU$337 for the 40mm model (down from AU$399) and AU$387 for the 44mm (from AU$449), a 16% saving that beats Black Friday 2025. The SE 3 keeps the same design but adds internal upgrades, including the S10 chip powering watchOS 26, and its first-ever always-on display. Apple also speeds charging, with a claimed 0-80% in about 45 minutes. A new Wrist Flick gesture helps return to the home screen. Notable omissions: ECG, SpO2, hypertension alerts and sleep apnea tracking. For those features, the Watch 11 is needed. The GPS-only SE 3 remains the best value for most iPhone owners; cellular adds AU$90 to AU$427 for the 40mm.

DJI RS 5 unmasked with smarter tracking and enhanced stabilization

January 18, 2026, 8:38 PM EST. DJI formally unveiled the RS 5 after a Hong Kong site leak, outlining a tightened hardware, smarter software, and a broader accessory lineup for the company's handheld gimbal. The update centers on improved AI-driven tracking, faster motors, and refined stabilization designed for run-and-gun shoots. DJI says the RS 5 adds brains where they matter, aiming to reduce operator effort in dynamic scenes. The company declined to comment on pricing in the available materials, but observers note the refresh targets professional shooters who rely on reliable tracking and smooth motion. Initial hands-on impressions emphasize faster response, quieter operation, and a more compact control scheme, though some questions remain about compatibility with older rigs.

iPhone 18 Pro: Under-display Face ID and edge-to-edge design on the horizon

January 18, 2026, 8:36 PM EST. Apple reportedly plans a bold design shift with the iPhone 18 lineup, which would include four models: iPhone 18, iPhone 18 Air2, iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The Pro models are said to drop the dynamic island in favor of an edge-to-edge display with under-display Face ID and a punch-hole selfie camera. All models are expected to use 120 Hz LTPO screens, preserving sizes while expanding usable space on the Pro line. A staggered launch could put the Pro variants on shelves first to showcase the new tech. The move could set a new benchmark for premium smartphones and influence equipment across the market, fueling chatter about future concepts like a notch-free iPhone 20.

DJI Accidentally Leaks the Ronin RS5 on YouTube Ahead of Chinese Launch

January 18, 2026, 8:34 PM EST. DJI's tightly controlled RS5 rollout in China appeared to derail after the company's own YouTube channel posted a how-to video titled 'DJI RS5 First Steps and How to Configure It.' The clip, still live at press time, shows the drone gimbal's setup steps rather than a formal launch trailer. DJI's Chinese site remains region-locked, accessible only with a VPN, while the YouTube post-timed for global viewership-created early visibility of at least one product feature. The incident underscores a contrast between China-only access for the official site and a permissive global channel that can spread information before a formal release. With the video reportedly receiving thousands of views, DJI may face questions over how its regional launch strategy aligns with its global public-relations posture.

NVIDIA stock slips as China blocks H200 shipments; investors eye February earnings

January 18, 2026, 8:20 PM EST. China blocked shipments of Nvidia's H200 AI accelerator, interrupting crucial components after customs actions, per the Financial Times. The H200 is a top-tier data-center chip for AI training; Nvidia reportedly faced over 1 million orders from Chinese buyers. Nvidia shares closed at $186.23, down about 0.5, as markets paused for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. With Tuesday's reopen in focus, investors weigh whether the disruption is a temporary hiccup or a longer-term demand headwind from China. U.S. policy around China-bound chip exports remains fluid: the Trump administration approved limited sales with third-party testing and supply-based caps, while China contemplates domestic purchase limits. The sector nudged higher on Friday, but Nvidia bucked the trend. Analysts and Nvidia have not commented; earnings are set for Feb. 25, likely to intensify scrutiny on China's role.

Nvidia Could Lead 2026 Market Gains as AI Infrastructure Push Persists

January 18, 2026, 8:18 PM EST. Analysts see Nvidia as the primary driver of stock-market gains in 2026, thanks to its central role in AI infrastructure. The core theme has powered sentiment for three years, and hyperscalers keep spending on data-center builds. Because major indices rely on a few heavy weights, Nvidia stands out as the candidate most likely to lift markets. Investors can buy Nvidia directly or gain exposure via funds that hold a large stake in the stock. Nvidia accounts for about 2.3% of the Dow, with larger weights in the S&P 500 (roughly 7.2%) and Nasdaq-100 (about 8.8%). If Nvidia outperforms, those indices tend to follow. Sustained data-center demand supports the view, though valuation questions linger.

Apple to mark 50th anniversary with RR Auctions sale of Steve Jobs artifacts

January 18, 2026, 8:16 PM EST. Apple is preparing for its 50th anniversary on April 1, 2026, with RR Auctions staging a sale titled Steve Jobs & the Computer Revolution: The Apple 50th Anniversary Auction. The event features nearly 200 items from Apple's early years and Steve Jobs' personal life, with bidding already surpassing estimates. Highlights include Apple Check No. 1 (1976), signed by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak and issued to Apple-1 designer Howard Cantin; Check No. 181 to seed investor Elmer Baum; the Apple-1 fiberglass prototype; and Jobs's bedroom desk from the Apple Garage. Additional memorabilia spans Jobs' personal 8-track tapes, posters, and bow ties. Estimates run to hundreds of thousands of dollars, reflecting the rarity of artifacts from Apple's formative era.

ISRO launches its heaviest satellite on LVM-3, signaling boost to India's space ambitions

January 18, 2026, 8:14 PM EST. India's space agency ISRO launched the LVM-3 M6 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre carrying the BlueBird Block-2, a 6,100-kilogram satellite-the heaviest-ever commercial communications satellite to reach low Earth orbit and the heaviest payload launched from Indian soil. Built by AST SpaceMobile in the United States, the mission injected the craft into its planned orbit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called it a significant stride for the space sector, as ISRO plots heavier lifts and a path toward the Gaganyaan unmanned-to-human program. India aims to expand its role in the global commercial satellite market while preparing for a 2027 lunar mission.

Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 review: bright PaperMatte display, strong battery, limited by app ecosystem

January 18, 2026, 8:00 PM EST. The Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 delivers a bright, paper-like PaperMatte display with 280 ppi and up to 1000 nits, plus a capable Kirin T92B octa-core processor and 12GB RAM. The large 10,100mAh battery and 66W fast charging translate into long run times and quick top-ups, including for video and gaming, where frame rates stay smooth in PUBG Mobile at max settings. The tablet is slim at 5.9mm and comfortable to hold, with a solid keyboard case and M-Pencil Pro. Yet the core drawback is an uneven app ecosystem constrained by ongoing US restrictions, leaving many mainstream apps like Netflix and Google Docs unavailable. That limits daily utility and undermines the device's otherwise solid productivity and media potential, making a recommendation difficult despite strengths.

Starlink offers free internet in Venezuela after U.S. strikes and Maduro arrest

January 18, 2026, 7:50 PM EST. Starlink, a SpaceX subsidiary, says it will provide free internet in Venezuela through Feb. 3, adding service credits to both active and inactive accounts as it monitors conditions after U.S. airstrikes and the capture of Nicolás Maduro. The service can be used through a roaming plan even though Venezuela is listed as 'coming soon' on Starlink's availability map; local purchase remains without a timeline and hardware kits are not guaranteed. The Roam plan starts at about $50 per month in the U.S., with hardware around $279-prices vary by location. Outages were reported in Caracas amid political upheaval, while the U.N. plans a meeting on legality of the action.

Two AI stocks to buy in January and hold for 10 years: AMD and Microsoft

January 18, 2026, 7:48 PM EST. Two AI-focused names sit at the top of a decade-long growth thesis. The report highlights AMD as a diversified chip supplier riding demand from data centers and consumer PCs, with AI infrastructure as a growth driver. It notes 2025 revenue near $34 billion and a long-run aim for mid- to high-teens CAGR, with data center sales seen expanding rapidly and edge-friendly FPGA portfolio as a differentiator. Analysts expect AMD to keep delivering earnings momentum as Ryzen uptake and gaming rebound support top-line growth. The other pick is Microsoft, whose cloud and productivity ecosystem positions it to benefit from AI tooling and services across the enterprise. The company's AI strategy complements its existing software and cloud moat, offering potential for durable returns over the next decade.

SpaceX launches 29 Starlink satellites on Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral

January 18, 2026, 7:46 PM EST. SpaceX launched 29 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral on Sunday, pushing the group 6-100 into low Earth orbit. A Falcon 9 lifted off from Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 6:31 p.m. EDT, with the first stage returning for a propulsive landing on the droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas after its 24th successful reflight (booster B1080). About nine minutes later, the upper stage reached a preliminary orbit and was on track to deploy the payload roughly an hour after liftoff, following a coast and a second Merlin burn. The Starlink network now exceeds 9,500 active satellites, enabling internet in sparsely served regions, airline Wi-Fi and some direct cell-to-satellite calls. This was SpaceX's eighth launch of 2026 and the 591st Falcon 9 mission since 2010.

Three hidden Apple Watch features you're likely missing, including Nightstand Mode and chained workouts

January 18, 2026, 7:44 PM EST. Apple's watchOS hides tools across recent releases that improve convenience, health tracking, and navigation. A new guide highlights three underused features you're likely missing. Nightstand Mode turns the watch into a low-light bedside clock when placed on its side and charging, with tighter integration to match iPhone StandBy alarms. The Chain Together Your Workout option lets users link multiple activities-warm-up, run, strength, cooldown-into one seamless session. The article also hints at a third feature completing the trio, promising broader workflow gains for daily use. The guide references models including Series 10, Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3, and notes refinements in watchOS 10 and 11 that boost dimming, transitions, and cross-device alarms.

Samsung Wallet adds Digital Key access for select Toyota vehicles

January 18, 2026, 7:36 PM EST. Samsung Electronics said Samsung Wallet now supports Digital Key compatibility for select Toyota vehicles, starting January 2026. Compatible Galaxy smartphones can unlock, lock and start the car using UWB entry and NFC for hands-free access, with the 2026 Toyota RAV4 among the first models. The feature also lets users share Digital Keys with trusted contacts, with remote revocation via Samsung Wallet. Keys are stored on-device and protected by Samsung Knox, meeting EAL6+ standards for security. If a device is lost, users can remotely lock or delete the key through Samsung Find, backed by biometric or PIN protection. Availability begins in the US, Canada and Mexico this month, with a wider European rollout aligned to Toyota's launch.

Global smartphone shipments rise 2.3% in Q4 2025 as Samsung and Apple lead IDC data

January 18, 2026, 7:34 PM EST. IDC preliminary data show global smartphone shipments rose 2.3% YoY to 336.3 million in Q4 2025, lifting the full-year total to about 1.26 billion, up 1.9%. Samsung led the quarter with 61.2 million devices and an 18.2% share, helped by the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and AI-enabled A-Series. Apple shipped over 81.3 million in Q4, for a 24.2% market share. Chinese brands remained competitive but faced headwinds; Xiaomi delivered 37.8 million (third), while Vivo and OPPO each held about 8%. The rest of the market, including Google, Motorola, Honor, etc, accounted for 30.4%, down from 31.9% a year earlier. Demand persisted despite memory chip shortages and tariffs.

Oregon households face 2026 Spectrum rate hikes as internet and mobile bills climb

January 18, 2026, 7:30 PM EST. Oregon households are facing another round of price hikes as Spectrum raises bills in 2026. Typical pattern: about $10 more per month for home internet and roughly $10 more per month for Spectrum Mobile, with some variation by customer. In four years, the basic internet price has risen from about $40 in 2022 to near $110 in 2026 – roughly a 175% jump. The increases come from standard rate adjustments and the expiration of promotional pricing, not major service upgrades. Combined, many households see an extra $20/month (about $240/year). Internet access is now essential for work, education, telehealth, and government services, especially in rural Oregon where competition is limited. Oversight remains weak and billing language can be hard to decipher.

SpaceX launches Starlink satellites from Space Coast

January 18, 2026, 7:28 PM EST. SpaceX launched Starlink satellites from Florida's Space Coast, expanding the company's ongoing deployment of the Starlink broadband constellation. The brief provided few details on the launch, including the rocket type and exact satellite count. The event underscores SpaceX's continued cadence of missions aimed at widening global coverage, with more launches anticipated as the network grows.

Galaxy S26 Ultra leaks omit orange color as SIM tray images reveal four color options

January 18, 2026, 7:18 PM EST. New leaks on Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra hint at color options but omit the orange shade fans anticipated. Images of alleged SIM trays posted on X by @UniverseIce show four colors – black, white, blue, and violet – with no orange visible. The tray sits flush with the frame and is color-matched to the device, which can mask the full color lineup. Some analysts suggest Samsung might reserve orange for a limited or exclusive release, possibly via Samsung.com to avoid direct Apple influence. More clarity should emerge in the coming weeks as Samsung prepares to unveil the Galaxy S26 series at an Unpacked event in February, with a March release window.

FCC scrutiny of EchoStar-SpaceX spectrum transfer could reshape SATS investment narrative

January 18, 2026, 7:00 PM EST. Regulators are weighing conditions on EchoStar's planned spectrum transfer to SpaceX, stoking regulatory risk for the SATS investment thesis. Vendors say EchoStar's Dish Wireless units owe bills and have unfulfilled tower and fiber commitments, prompting the FCC to scrutinize timing and deal structure. The outcome could affect the speed and size of cash proceeds from the spectrum sale and other monetisation efforts, including the multi-billion-dollar sale of 3.45 GHz and 600 MHz licenses to AT&T. In the near term, EchoStar faces sizable debt maturities and liquidity risk that tie directly to its ability to fund a LEO direct-to-device buildout. The core thesis remains intact, but timing and added conditions could shift cash flow and balance-sheet dynamics.

Tesla Model Y Juniper taillight design confuses drivers and police, highlights regulatory interpretation

January 18, 2026, 6:58 PM EST. Tesla's refreshed Model Y Juniper uses a rear light bar that reflects off the body, making the brake lights less obvious from behind. An Indiana driver said a police officer pulled him over, assuming the taillights were not functioning. Tesla says compliance hinges on lumens emitted, not where the light sits. Jay Leno's Garage featured Franz von Holzhausen and Lars Moravy explaining that the rule focuses on output, while the bar also houses traditional brake and turn lights around its edges. Critics say the design is creative but not clearly legible to enforcers, risking tickets or misunderstandings. The piece highlights styling choices, and hints at broader questions about model refreshes and leadership at the automaker, underscoring the tension between design flair and regulatory clarity.

Tesla Opens U.S.'s First Major Lithium Refinery Near Corpus Christi

January 18, 2026, 6:54 PM EST. Tesla North America and Elon Musk announced the United States' largest and most advanced lithium refinery is now operational near Corpus Christi, Texas, aimed at countering China's market dominance in refined minerals. The plant converts spodumene ore directly into battery-grade lithium hydroxide in a first-of-its-kind North American process. Tesla says the new platform is cleaner, simpler and cheaper. Site Manager Jason Bevan described the flow-from ore, through a kiln and cooler, to an alkaline leach and purification, then crystallization. A refinery employee notes the process reduces hazardous byproducts and yields an anhydrite co-product used in concrete. Tesla says the project regionalizes supply chains for battery minerals, creates jobs and cuts transport emissions, bolstering North American energy independence. DOE has agreed to provide a $2.26 billion loan to a Vancouver-based project in this sector.

IonQ and Alphabet target quantum computing leadership in 2026

January 18, 2026, 6:30 PM EST. IonQ and Alphabet race to commercialize quantum computing in 2026. IonQ, a pure-play with trapped-ion tech, reports a momentum boost after a 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity milestone and growing backlog tied to deals with government agencies, Amazon and Microsoft. Shares trade at a rich multiple, but revenue rose sharply in Q3 2025, underscoring growth. Google Quantum AI division sits inside a mega-cap with six roadmap milestones; two have been hit, signaling progress toward usable hardware and software. Google's scale and cross-business AI strength provide a counterweight to IonQ's niche focus. Taken together, the two offer a blend of high-growth appeal and corporate stability for investors eyeing the long term in quantum computing.

Linux 6.19-rc6 adds Apple M1/M2 USB fixes: USB-C role switches and USB2 PHY init

January 18, 2026, 6:26 PM EST. Two fixes land in Linux 6.19-rc6 for Apple M1/M2 Macs on the mainline kernel. First patch: ignore USB role switches for the Apple dwc3-apple USB-C controller when it is already in the desired state, preventing extra interrupts that left USB 2.0 and USB 3.x devices undetected. In practice, this keeps the USB-C controller and the DWC3 driver in a consistent state. Second patch: set the USB2 PHY mode before DWC3 initialization to fix devices plugged in during boot; role reconfiguration can fail if the PHY is already powered or the ULPI interface is active. Both fixes upstream the Apple USB DWC3 code during the 6.19 merge window. The pull also adds the PICAXE AXE027 cable to the FTDI SIO driver, the Elgato 4K X quirk, and other minor fixes.

Software stocks slide as AI disruption fears mount after Anthropic tool launch

January 18, 2026, 5:54 PM EST. Beaten-down software shares sink again as investors fear AI disruption. A Morgan Stanley SaaS index is down about 15% year-to-date, on track for the worst start to a year since 2022. Anticipation of Anthropic's Claude Cowork release on Jan. 12 rekindled worries about growth catalysts. Intuit, Adobe, and Salesforce each fell more than 11% last week. Bloomberg notes the retreat reflects traders pricing in scant near-term AI-driven upside. Bryan Wong of Osterweis Capital Management says the pace of change is rapid and uncertainty is high. Analysts say incumbents have AI advantages but are still awaiting tangible revenue gains from tools like Salesforce's Agentforce and Adobe AI features. The selloff widens the gap with broader tech performance.

Six Google Maps gestures users overlook

January 18, 2026, 5:44 PM EST. Six Google Maps gestures that often go unseen can sharpen navigation. The piece notes Google Maps relies on touch gestures rather than an on-screen zoom button for core actions. The easiest to master is the double-tap zoom, which works by default with no setup and offers quick, precise control. The article hints at other hidden gestures that can lift the map experience, though it cautions some may be less useful. For travelers and power users, uncovering these subtle controls can speed routes, improve map reading, and deepen context on the ground. In a world where rivals get attention for features, these built-in gestures remind users that the app's most practical tricks can be almost effortless to miss.

5 Clever Uses For Your Old PlayStation 3

January 18, 2026, 5:42 PM EST. Older PS3 models can keep serving you after their gaming days. The console still plays DVDs and Blu-ray, and can double as a simple streaming device with the right setup. You can turn it into a low-cost media server by installing Linux distro on earlier models or by sharing files over a home network, then streaming to other devices. It can be salvaged for parts if hardware fails. Some enthusiasts install custom firmware (unofficial software that lets you run homebrew apps) to run emulation-though that comes with risk and varies by model (Fat vs Slim). Even without firmware tweaks, the PS3 remains viable for media storage and playback; Sony continues to maintain essential updates, including the Blu-ray encryption key, to keep playback functional. Just weight pros and cons before you dive in.

Leaked in-engine footage surfaces of ZeniMax Online Studio canceled Project Blackbird

January 18, 2026, 5:38 PM EST. Two minutes of in-engine footage from ZeniMax Online Studio's canceled Project Blackbird has leaked online. Insider Gaming verifies the clip as legitimate, saying it was used internally to showcase lighting in Unreal Engine 4. The footage appears amid years of speculation about the MMO, which Microsoft canceled in July 2025 as part of mass layoffs. The decision cost about 300 developers and led to the departure of studio president Matt Firor. At the time, Microsoft Gaming had not disclosed a reason for the cancellation, even as discussions around a planned 2028 release date circulated among insiders. The leak underscores ongoing interest in the project as collectors and analysts scrutinize the studio's canceled slate.

Spigen Tough Armor Pro MagSafe Kickstand Wallet hits $33

January 18, 2026, 5:24 PM EST. Spigen's Tough Armor Pro MagSafe Kickstand Wallet is priced at $33 (reg. up to $40). The rugged all-in-one case adds a secure card holder and a built-in kickstand with multiple viewing angles for portrait or landscape use. It supports one-handed card access via a smooth slide mechanism and can store up to five cards with a reinforced TPU grip. The RFID protection card shields rear cards while keeping the front card scannable. The wallet is compatible with a wide range of iPhone models from iPhone 12 through 17 series and Pixel devices with magnetic-compatible cases. Note: the magnet feature won't hold with non-MagSafe or PixelSnap cases.

Oregon man tests Temu refurbished game consoles; results show mixed quality

January 18, 2026, 5:22 PM EST. An Oregon man bought four Temu-listed consoles and had YouTuber TronicsFix open them to test authenticity. The batch included a Nintendo Switch Lite, a Nintendo Switch OLED, a PlayStation 5, and a Nintendo 64 (Japanese model modified to play US carts) priced at $178.54, $282, $427 and $104.99 respectively. Results varied. The Switch Lite looked nearly new; interior parts were clean, suggesting a used unit rather than a true refurbishment. The N64 showed wear, a miscolored door and dirty internals, with a 3D-printed cartridge tray. The OLED and PS5 performed, though the OLED lacked a retail box. The PS5 needed cleaning to prevent overheating due to dusty vents. The video implies listings may mean used and reset rather than professionally serviced, a recurring Temu concern.

Apple urges iPhone reboot and iOS 26 upgrade amid spyware risk

January 18, 2026, 5:12 PM EST. Apple warns that devices not on certain iOS versions face new spyware attacks. Users should upgrade to iOS 26; upgrades may trigger a reboot to install the update. Those on older software are urged to perform a manual restart now. Analysts differ on how many devices are affected, but the reach likely spans hundreds of millions. European agency ANSSI-with NSA and CISA authorities-recommends turning phones off and on weekly, noting a complete shutdown clears memory-based spyware, while warning against reboot features that can be faked by malware. Zero-click vulnerabilities via iMessage drive attacks. In sum, running the latest iOS remains the defense, and regular restarts are advised for older firmware.

Rolls-Royce's SMR push could power AI data centers, boosting energy infrastructure bets

January 18, 2026, 5:06 PM EST. Rolls-Royce is positioning its small modular reactors (SMRs) to meet surging electricity demand from AI data centers. The IEA expects global data-center power use to double by 2030, challenging grids in Europe and beyond. Rolls-Royce emphasizes factory-built SMRs, with most construction done off-site and final assembly on site. A single SMR can deliver up to 470 MW and endure up to 60 years, equivalent to about 150 onshore wind turbines. Partnerships already backing the roll-out include CEZ Group in the Czech Republic and Siemens, aiding turbine systems and global deployment. First-half 2025 results show Rolls-Royce revenue growth and improving margins, underscoring the potential of AI infrastructure spending as a driver of energy technology demand.

Minimalist phones gain traction as CES showcases a privacy-first compromise

January 18, 2026, 4:56 PM EST. Minimalist phones are finally crossing from fringe to mainstream, as CES 2026 showcased two devices aimed at cutting interruptions without sacrificing essential connectivity. The Punkt MC03 looks like a conventional smartphone but runs AphyOS, a privacy-first operating system designed to curb tracking, bloatware, and background services. It ships with a custom app store offering only apps vetted by the Aphy team. The Mudita Kompakt, by contrast, leans toward an ultra-simple, purpose-built handset that minimizes notifications and screen time. Together, the pair illustrate a clear trend: consumers want fewer distractions, not bare-bones hardware. They imply manufacturers are willing to trade some depth for a more tranquil, healthier relationship with technology.

James Anderson: Nvidia could reach $2,000 a share as AI drives data-center demand

January 18, 2026, 4:54 PM EST. Veteran investor James Anderson, famed for identifying Netflix, Alibaba, Amazon, Tesla and Nvidia early, says Nvidia could climb further on AI momentum. The company now dominates the data-center GPU market with roughly 92% share. In Q3 FY2026, Nvidia reported $57 billion revenue, up 62% year over year, and EPS of $1.30. Anderson says AI-driven data-center demand could grow 60% annually. If margins stay intact and AI adoption persists, Nvidia could reach nearly $2,000 per share, based on a 5% free-cash-flow yield, implying a market cap close to $49 trillion in 10 years. The thesis rests on Nvidia's hardware-software stack, leadership and persistent innovation, says Anderson.

Why Walmart Still Does Not Support Apple Pay in U.S. Stores in 2026

January 18, 2026, 4:52 PM EST. Walmart still does not accept Apple Pay in U.S. stores, making it one of the last major retailers to block Apple's contactless payments. The company blocks all NFC payments, not just Apple Pay, though most Walmart locations outside the United States, such as Canada, do support it. Walmart offers its own Walmart Pay, launched in 2016, which relies on QR codes rather than an NFC tap. The retailer's Scan and Go feature for Walmart+ subscribers also uses its app, with no Apple Pay support. Data collection is cited as a driver: Walmart builds purchase profiles for advertising, and Apple Pay's privacy protections make tracking harder. Contrary to a popular theory, fees aren't the sole barrier; terminal upgrades and strategic preferences matter.

SpaceX vs OpenAI: Which IPO Looks Better for 2026

January 18, 2026, 4:50 PM EST. 2026 could redefine IPOs as investors eye two AI-era candidates: SpaceX and OpenAI. SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, pursues reusable rockets and Starlink internet, with as many as 42,000 satellites envisioned and revenue projected at about $15.5 billion in 2025. A potential IPO could raise over $30 billion at a valuation near $1.5 trillion; a secondary sale recently valued the company at $800 billion. Musk has called reports of a 2026 listing "accurate." OpenAI, maker of ChatGPT, has seen rapid user growth and could push for capital to scale data centers and power needs. Reports have floated raises up to $100 billion and valuations around $830 billion to $1 trillion. Both face hurdles before any listing.

SpaceX set to launch Starlink mission from Cape Canaveral, aims for drone-ship landing

January 18, 2026, 4:34 PM EST. SpaceX plans a Falcon 9 launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Space Launch Complex 40 in Brevard County, targeting 6:31 p.m. ET on Sunday for a Starlink mission. The flight will deploy 29 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit. The first-stage booster will attempt a recovery on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship in the Atlantic. The booster has previously flown on Ax-2, Euclid, Ax-3, CRS-30, SES Astra 1P, NG-21 and other Starlink missions, SpaceX says on its website. News 6 plans to stream the launch live at the top of this story.

Tesla to switch FSD to monthly subscription starting Feb. 14, 2026

January 18, 2026, 4:20 PM EST. Tesla will stop selling its FSD software as a one-time purchase and offer it only as a $99 per month subscription beginning Feb. 14, 2026, MarketWatch reported. The shift moves the company toward recurring revenue, replacing the prior upfront prices that peaked around $15,000 and later fell to $8,000. Elon Musk, posting on X, said the one-time option will be eliminated. Tesla aims to build a predictable income stream to support future goals, including robotaxi plans, and references a target of 10 million active FSD subscriptions in compensation talks. The change followed a rocky 2025; CNBC noted shares closed about 1.8% lower after the news. The full autonomy timeline remains unclear, and market reaction will hinge on user adoption of the subscription model.

Rockstar enables early GTA 6 access for terminally ill fan ahead of launch

January 18, 2026, 4:02 PM EST. Rockstar Games helped a terminally ill fan play GTA 6 ahead of its November launch. The effort followed a month-old plea from Anthony Armstrong, a Ubisoft Toronto developer, who posted on LinkedIn seeking an exclusive playtest for a family member facing cancer. The post, now deleted, cited secrecy and the need for an NDA. In the weeks that followed, Armstrong said the CEO of Take-Two reached out and the parties would discuss next steps with Rockstar. Take-Two's latest results show GTA 6 was delayed to November 19, 2026, to finish the game with polish. The company did not detail terms, but the episode shows publisher-studio collaboration ahead of a major release.

Tesla's 'Cybercab' trademark suspended after late filing; Unibev blocks name

January 18, 2026, 4:00 PM EST. Tesla's bid to trademark Cybercab for its driverless ride service hit a snag when the US Patent and Trademark Office suspended the mark on Nov. 14, 2025. The examining attorney cited a likelihood of confusion with existing marks and because Unibev, a French beverage company, filed for Cybercab earlier in November. Tesla unveiled the two-passenger, no-steering wheel vehicle at its We, Robot event on Oct. 10, 2024, but did not file until after the unveiling. Unibev is using a tactic often called trademark squatting and also holds other marks such as TESLAQUILA in the US. Separately, the USPTO previously rejected Tesla's attempt to register Robotaxi as too descriptive. Talks between Tesla and Unibev continue, with no agreement yet. A Tesla spokesperson did not comment.

Utah man fits Tesla Model 3 motor into 1987 Toyota Hilux, hits 0-60 in 5.66 seconds

January 18, 2026, 3:52 PM EST. A Utah hobbyist transplanted a Tesla Model 3 motor into a 1987 Toyota Hilux, documenting the project on the YouTube channel Electric Supercar. The build replaced the inline-four with the motor, coupled to custom battery packs and EV electronics. The crew added electric power steering, a dedicated cooling system, and an onboard charger. The tests focused on performance gains. In a side-by-side comparison, the gasoline Hilux took 13.23 seconds to reach 0-60 mph, while the EV version accelerated to 60 mph in 5.66 seconds. The car also hit 30 mph in about 2 seconds. Outside, it looks like the same old truck; under the hood, it behaves like a sports car.

Tesla loses trademark bid for Cybercab as USPTO suspends registration

January 18, 2026, 3:38 PM EST. Tesla's bid to trademark its planned driverless taxi, the Cybercab, hit a snag when the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office suspended the application on November 14, 2025. The examiner cited a likelihood of confusion with existing marks and ruled that a French beverage maker, Unibev, had already moved in on the name. Musk unveiled the two-passenger vehicle at the "We, Robot" event on October 10, 2024, but Tesla did not file for a registration until after the public reveal, a delay critics call astonishing for a company of its size. Unibev uses a tactic known as trademark squatting and is seeking to block Tesla's rights while exploring a settlement. Separately, the USPTO previously rejected Tesla's attempt to trademark Robotaxi as too descriptive. Negotiations with Unibev continue, with no deal yet reached.

SpaceX set to launch 29 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral amid weather concerns

January 18, 2026, 3:32 PM EST. SpaceX aims to boost its Starlink internet network with 29 new satellites launched from Cape Canaveral's pad 40. Liftoff is scheduled for 6:31:40 p.m. EST, with Spaceflight Now providing live coverage an hour beforehand. A passing cold front raises weather risk: the 60-percent chance of acceptable conditions at opening, rising to 90-percent by the four-hour launch window's end. Forecasters caution against cumulus and thick cloud rules and note 57 F, northerly winds of 12-28 mph, with scattered at 1,500 feet and broken at 20,000 feet. The mission, Starlink 6-100 (the 99th Group 6 launch, 347th dedicated SpaceX Starlink flight), will deploy 29 Starlink V2 Mini satellites into a ~164×157 mile orbit at 43 degrees. Booster B1080 will land on the drone ship 'A Shortfall of Gravitas' about 8 minutes 20 seconds after liftoff, in its 24th flight.

Three AI stocks to buy and hold: Nvidia, AMD, and Broadcom

January 18, 2026, 3:30 PM EST. AI spending remains resilient into 2026, with hyperscalers signaling higher data-center outlays next year. The piece highlights three names for long-term exposure: Nvidia, AMD, and Broadcom. Nvidia stands atop AI investment lists thanks to GPUs that power training and inference for generative models; the stock trades at a forward multiple around 40x in 2026, down from 50x in 2025, with Wall Street forecasting about 50% revenue growth in fiscal 2027. AMD has yet to match Nvidia's ecosystem, but ROCm adoption is rising-downloads surged in late 2025-and management projects a ~60% CAGR in data-center revenue through 2030. Broadcom rounds out the trio, positioned to benefit from ongoing AI infrastructure spending. The author urges swift action before valuations rise further.

Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising adds Ilsa as DLC on February 10

January 18, 2026, 3:22 PM EST. Ilsa, a DLC (downloadable content) character for Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising, will launch February 10 as part of Season 2's pass. The release coincides with the game's version 2.50 update and carries a $7.99 price (880 yen). Publisher Cygames and developer Arc System Works announced. The add-on comes to PS5, PS4, and PC via Steam. A new trailer has been released, showing Ilsa in action. The DLC extends Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising's roster as it remains available on the listed platforms.

Tesla's Full Self-Driving to switch to subscription-only after Feb. 14

January 18, 2026, 3:14 PM EST. Tesla will stop selling its Full Self-Driving (FSD) package as a one-time purchase and offer it only as a monthly subscription, starting February 14. Elon Musk posted that FSD will be available exclusively via subscription, with current options at $99 per month or $999 per year, or an $8,000 upfront purchase when buying a car. It is unclear whether pricing will change after the switch. FSD, despite the name, remains a Level 2 system under SAE guidelines, requiring the driver to stay attentive and ready to take control. The company did not specify how existing outright buyers or annual subscribers would be affected. More details are expected as the date approaches.

Tesla's Full Self-Driving to become subscription-only after Feb. 14

January 18, 2026, 3:12 PM EST. Tesla says its Full Self-Driving system will become exclusively available through a monthly subscription after February 14. CEO Elon Musk posted on social media that the company will stop selling FSD as a one-time $8,000 purchase and will offer it only as a subscription. Current prices include $99 per month or $999 per year. The change could affect existing buyers who paid upfront or opted for yearly terms, though Musk did not provide details on grandfathering or pricing. Tesla's FSD has never delivered true autonomous driving; it remains a Level 2 system under SAE, requiring the driver to stay attentive and ready to take control. The move echoes broader trend toward subscriptions in tech and mobility, alongside other automakers experimenting with paid features, though specifics on pricing post-February remain unclear.

SpaceX Falcon 9 lands at Vandenberg after delivering NRO spy satellites

January 18, 2026, 3:10 PM EST. SpaceX's Falcon 9 returned to land at Vandenberg Space Force Base after an 8:39 p.m. liftoff, marking the West Coast's third straight 2026 touchdown. The two-stage rocket carried an NRO payload, NRO-105, as part of the agency's proliferated architecture, which seeks more satellites in multiple orbits to boost signals and imagery. The launch from Space Launch Complex-4 sent sonic booms across the Central Coast. SpaceX did not provide images of the second stage or payload after the first-stage landing, per NRO. NRO said the mission was its 12th proliferated architecture launch and the first of 2026. By end-2025, the agency's space fleet grew to more than 200 satellites, with launches planned through 2029.

Tesla to switch Full Self-Driving to subscription model starting February 14

January 18, 2026, 3:08 PM EST. Tesla will switch its Full Self-Driving system to a monthly subscription after February 14, according to CEO Elon Musk on social media. The change would end new owners paying a one-time $8,000 purchase cost, with current options already offering a $99 per month or $999 per year plan. It is unclear whether pricing will stay the same or how existing yearly subscribers will be affected. Musk did not provide further details on the transition. The FSD package, classified as Level 2 by SAE, still requires active supervision by the driver. More details are expected ahead of the February cutoff.

Los Alamos tests deployable heat shield on SpaceLoft-XL suborbital rocket at Spaceport America

January 18, 2026, 3:06 PM EST. Los Alamos National Laboratory and UP Aerospace conducted a suborbital flight at Spaceport America on Nov. 19 to test a deployable heat shield developed with Redwire Space and NASA Ames Research Center. The SpaceLoft-XL 18 rocket carried the experimental aeroshell to a ~72-mile apogee, then deployed the shield to slow descent for data collection. Cameras and tracking equipment captured performance during an 11-minute flight, and the recovered vehicle sustained little damage thanks to the origami-inspired, folded-metal design that opens like an umbrella. Jim Wren, LANL's project lead, said the launch went smoothly. This was the sixth flight in LANL's New Mexico test series since 2021, intended to enable high-cadence, lower-cost experiments compared with traditional launches.

Tesla targets nine-month cadence for AI processors to challenge Nvidia, AMD

January 18, 2026, 3:04 PM EST. Tesla boss Elon Musk outlined a nine-month design cycle for next-generation AI processors, claiming AI5 through AI9 are in the works and pledging the highest-volume AI chips. The plan, posted on X, would outpace rivals Nvidia and AMD, which typically follow yearly cadences for data-center GPUs and accelerators. Analysts note Tesla's chips must meet automotive safety standards, complicating development. The company relies on redundant, safety-certified designs for cars, a factor that can slow cycles versus data-center chips. Musk said updates would be incremental, platform-based rather than clean-sheet designs to hit nine months. If feasible, the approach could reshape timelines for automotive AI hardware, balancing road safety with data-center performance ambitions. Experts warn the idea faces certification hurdles.

Eutelsat signs MaiaSpace launch deal for OneWeb replenishment satellites

January 18, 2026, 3:02 PM EST. WASHINGTON – Eutelsat has signed a multi-launch agreement with MaiaSpace to deploy OneWeb replenishment satellites on MaiaSpace's small launch vehicle, now under development. Launches are expected to begin in 2027, though terms, counts and satellite numbers were not disclosed. An illustration released by MaiaSpace showed a cluster that looked like 19 OneWeb satellites on an upper stage. MaiaSpace CEO Yohann Leroy called the deal a validation of the company's ability to deploy or replenish satellite broadband constellations; Eutelsat's Arlen Kassighian said the arrangement broadens launch options to maintain service continuity. Eutelsat ordered about 440 OneWeb satellites in late 2024 and early 2025. OneWeb's original satellites used Soyuz; after Russia's invasion, it turned to SpaceX and ISRO.

Nintendo Switch 2 file sizes surface in eShop listings; Dispatch leads at 28.5GB

January 18, 2026, 3:00 PM EST. eShop listings for Nintendo Switch 2 reveal a wide range of file sizes across titles such as Dispatch, They Are Billions and more. The roundup shows Dispatch – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition – 28.5GB, with smaller entries like Isekai Rondo – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition – 1.8GB and The Rumble Fish 2 – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition – 800MB. Other notable sizes include They Are Billions – 1.5GB, Ship Simulator Ocean Fishing – 3.4GB, and Orwell: Ignorance is Strength – 1.2GB. The data covers listings in North America, Europe and Japan across publishers. Sizes vary from under 100MB for some indies to tens of gigabytes for remasters or new editions. The roundup shows how Switch 2 titles can demand substantial storage, even for updated editions, as eShop listings are updated.

Starlink reliability under scrutiny: what users report

January 18, 2026, 2:56 PM EST. Users in rural areas describe Starlink as a reliable lifeline, though not flawless. Since its 2019 rollout, SpaceX's satellite service delivers high-speed internet where cable or fiber is unavailable, with generally stable service and only occasional outages. A long-time user noted only a handful of outages over 2.5 years, each lasting minutes, illustrating better continuity than many alternatives. The service supports low-latency gaming and 4K streaming, even when another user is online, but ping times don't match fiber. Reliability hinges on line-of-sight and conditions: trees, weather and installation affect performance. While outages can occur, many households find Starlink a strong option relative to other broadband choices in rural zones. Final judgment: solid for its target users, with caveats about environment and occasional disruptions.

SpaceX Falcon 9 to launch 29 Starlink satellites from Florida this weekend; best viewing spots

January 18, 2026, 2:44 PM EST. SpaceX plans a nighttime launch from Florida's Space Coast this weekend. A Falcon 9 rocket will lift off from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, carrying 29 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit. The launch window runs from 5:04 p.m. to 9:04 p.m. ET on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. Visibility could stretch from Jacksonville Beach and Daytona Beach to Vero Beach and West Palm Beach, weather permitting. The best viewing is along Brevard County beaches, with some spots offering a view of booster landings. Live coverage starts 90 minutes before liftoff via the USA TODAY Network's Space Team and floridatoday.com/space, including a countdown clock and real-time updates. Viewers can also watch via the Florida Today app.

World's first full AI-based image signal processor shifts imaging to software

January 18, 2026, 2:40 PM EST. Two companies aim to replace hardware-only ISPs with an end-to-end, AI-driven pipeline that runs on neural processing units. Chips&Media of Korea and Visionary.ai of Israel say their collaboration will move RAW data processing entirely into software-defined imaging, enabling real-time tuning via OTA updates. Visionary.ai trains a sensor-specific neural model for each image sensor, using a rapid automated platform that can generate a new model in hours from short clips. They argue this software-defined imaging approach scales for smartphones, autonomous driving, XR devices and mirrorless cameras, addressing long-standing bottlenecks of fixed-function ISPs. Oren Debbi, Visionary.ai co-founder, notes the pipeline is neural-first and can replace traditional ISP hardware. The effort foresees a hybrid era where neural networks handle core image formation while conventional controls manage exposure and other settings.

iPhone 18 Pro vs Galaxy S26: Early showdown in 2026 flagship race

January 18, 2026, 2:38 PM EST. Flagship season in 2026 may unfold differently as Apple reportedly shifts to staggered launch schedules, leaving only the iPhone 18 Pro pair to face Samsung's Galaxy S26 later this year. Samsung could enjoy a price advantage for entry models, with the Galaxy S26 eyed near $799 versus the iPhone 18 Pro's higher starting point, though Apple could counter with a more compelling device. Timing matters: Samsung is expected to unveil early, shipping in March, while Apple reportedly delays the standard iPhone 18 until spring 2027. Pricing remains in flux as RAM costs rise, potentially forcing adjustments. Early specs show similar display sizes and high refresh rates, plus multiple cameras, but hands-on testing will determine the real edge.

Greece activates first national satellite fleet, builds sovereign space data hub

January 18, 2026, 2:34 PM EST. Greece has activated its first national microsatellite constellation, a five-satellite network launched late last November. The five-satellite array feeds a central hub in Athens through the National Microsatellite Programme, run by the Ministry of Digital Governance, and supports public services via a unified data platform with the Hellenic Space Centre. AMNA on Sunday released the mission's first images, including views of Piraeus and Perama and a shot of the Kimon arriving in Greek waters. Digital Governance Minister Dimitris Papastergiou called it a turning point, noting practical data began arriving 45 days after launch. The system enhances Civil Protection and Environment monitoring, supports Agriculture subsidies verification, and strengthens Maritime & Defense capabilities, while opening datasets to universities and startups and establishing Greece as a sovereign space data provider.

iPhone 18 display leak hints at new under-display design across models

January 18, 2026, 2:32 PM EST. A new leak from Digital Chat Station on Weibo outlines display specs for four iPhone models ahead of a September launch window. The iPhone 18 is said to carry a 6.27-inch, 120Hz panel with Dynamic Island, matching the iPhone 17. The iPhone Air second generation reportedly uses a 6.55-inch 120Hz screen aligned with the current Air. Pro and Pro Max displays are pegged at 6.27-inch and 6.86-inch with 120Hz, but the report describes a new under-display area instead of a traditional Dynamic Island. Hints of a shrinking Dynamic Island have circulated; some observers expect an under-display camera on future models. The timeline remains uncertain, with talk that the iPhone 18 could launch in spring 2027 alongside an iPhone 18e.

Microsoft issues emergency Windows 11 out-of-band update after shutdown bug in 23H2

January 18, 2026, 2:30 PM EST. Microsoft issued the first security update of 2026 for Windows 11 on January 13. Four days later, it released an emergency out-of-band patch after reports that the update could prevent some systems from shutting down or entering hibernation and could block remote desktop logins. The issue affected only Windows 11, version 23H2, and only the Enterprise and IoT editions. In its notes, Microsoft said installation could cause connection and authentication failures in remote apps and that the OOB update addressed the shutdown bug. The patch went live January 17, with Microsoft updating on January 18 to confirm the scope remained limited to 23H2. The episode underscores how fixes outside regular patch cycles are appearing more frequently for business endpoints.

Android accessories gain traction as Belkin debuts 3-in-1 charging dock at CES

January 18, 2026, 2:16 PM EST. Accessories matter to the smartphone experience, but Android devices have long faced a shortage of quality third-party options beyond cases and screen protectors. The piece highlights how, for many Android phones, reputable cases exist but fewer choices appear for non-staples, and local availability shrinks outside flagship models like the Nothing Phone 3. The author notes stronger gaps for wearables and charging docks, where the Apple Watch ecosystem dominates. Even premium devices such as Galaxy Watch and Pixel Watch get scarce third-party bands or docks. Amid the frustration, Belkin's new 3-in-1 charging dock (unveiled at CES) stands out for supporting watches beyond Apple, signaling a potential shift in the market. The article frames this as a sign ecosystems may finally broaden to Android, albeit slowly.

Underused USB-C: 5 ways to turn your phone into a workstation and more

January 18, 2026, 2:14 PM EST. Android and iPhone users rarely exploit their USB-C port beyond charging. Pankil Shah of MakeUseOf argues it can power a range of use cases. The piece outlines five practical setups. First, a wired LAN connection: a USB-C to Ethernet adapter lets the phone access fast, low-latency internet, often replacing Wi-Fi for large backups or online gaming. Second, charging other devices: the USB-C port can act as an emergency power bank. Third, screen mirroring: connect to a TV or monitor for bigger viewing. Fourth, external peripherals: microphone, keyboard, mouse, and even a gaming controller via a USB-C hub. Fifth, a portable workstation or media hub powered by adapters and cables. The author cautions it isn't practical all day and depends on hardware.

US regulators extend Tesla FSD data deadline by five weeks

January 18, 2026, 2:12 PM EST. Tesla has until February 23 to hand over data to the NHTSA for a probe into its FSD system, after the agency granted a five-week extension from a January 19 deadline. Ars Technica first reported the move. The inquiry covers nearly three million US vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving, after about 60 reports of the software violating traffic laws, including 14 crashes and 23 injuries. In several cases, the system allegedly approached red lights and entered intersections. The NHTSA has asked Tesla for a complete list of US-registered cars, with and without FSD, usage data, customer complaints, incident reports and related lawsuits. Critics note Tesla's history of redactions and delayed crash reporting. The agency also probes a separate incident involving trains and a broader look at Autopilot/FSD data.

TSMC sees AI demand 'endless' after record Q4; plans $52-56B capex in 2026

January 18, 2026, 2:04 PM EST. TSMC posted Q4 net income of NT$505.7 billion (about $16 billion) and revenue of $33.7 billion, up 35% and 25.5% year over year, respectively. The company forecast nearly 30% revenue growth in 2026 and plans to spend $52-56 billion on capital expenditure, up from $40.9 billion in 2025. CEO Wei said he verified AI demand by speaking with cloud providers and found evidence that AI is helping their business. The results arrive as a US-Taiwan trade deal trims tariffs to 15% and commits $250 billion of direct US investment, with TSMC accelerating its Arizona fab expansion. Some investors remain wary of a bubble, but Wei argues demand is real.

Publishers Seek to Intervene in Google AI Copyright Suit

January 18, 2026, 1:58 PM EST. Two major publishers, Hachette Book Group and Cengage Group, asked a federal court in California for permission to intervene in a proposed class action accusing Google of misusing copyrighted material to train its AI systems. The filing alleges Google copied content from Hachette titles and Cengage textbooks without authorization, calling the conduct widespread and unprecedented in scale. Google did not immediately comment. Association of American Publishers CEO Maria Pallante said the industry believes involvement would strengthen the case, noting publishers are uniquely positioned to address key legal and evidentiary questions. The underlying suit, filed by visual artists and authors, is part of a broader wave challenging data sourcing for AI. The publishers cited about 10 examples, including works by Scott Turow and N.K. Jemisin, used to train Google's Gemini model, seeking unspecified damages for themselves and a broader class. Judge Eumi Lee will decide on intervention.

Two AI Stocks Could Join the $2 Trillion Club in 2026, Wall Street Says

January 18, 2026, 1:44 PM EST. Two AI stocks could join the exclusive $2 trillion club in 2026, Wall Street says: Broadcom and Meta Platforms. Broadcom, with a market cap near $1.7 trillion, nearly hit $2 trillion in late 2025 and faces about 29% upside to roughly $2.2 trillion if targets materialize. The driver is AI chip growth: CEO Hock Tan cited AI semiconductor revenue up 74% YoY and expects AI semiconductor revenue to double to $8.2 billion in Q1, aided by custom AI accelerators and Ethernet AI switches. The stock carries a forward P/E around 35.3, but most of the S&P Global analysts rate it a buy or strong buy. Meta Platforms sits near $1.6 trillion, with ~32% upside to clear $2 trillion if expectations prove right, supported by early AI smart glasses momentum.

Ketsu Battler adds Narmaya from Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising in version 4.0 update

January 18, 2026, 1:42 PM EST. KAYAC announced that Ketsu Battler has added Narmaya from Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising as a free guest character in the game's version 4.0 update, alongside the previously announced Beelzebub. The update is live now, and a new trailer accompanies the release. Ketsu Battler is available on Nintendo Switch in Japan.

NASA's Artemis II Moon Rocket Reaches Launch Pad

January 18, 2026, 1:40 PM EST. NASA's Artemis II mission reached Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39B on Saturday, marking a major milestone ahead of the first crewed lunar flight since 1972. The fully stacked Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, Orion spacecraft and European Service Module arrived after a 12-hour crawl, covering 4.2 miles. Engineers will conduct a wet dress rehearsal no later than Feb. 2 to test fueling with cryogenic propellants. The launch window runs between Feb. 5 and Apr. 2026, with liftoff no earlier than Feb. 5. The four-crew team-Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen-will travel about 9,300 kilometers beyond the Moon, the farthest humans have ever been. Koch would be the first woman to orbit the Moon.

Live: SpaceX Falcon 9 launches Starlink mission as FCC expands constellation to 15,000 satellites

January 18, 2026, 1:32 PM EST. SpaceX launched its Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral on Jan. 9, 2025, carrying the Starlink 6-96 payload. The booster, B1069, flew southeast and landed about 8.5 minutes later on the drone ship A Shortfall of Gravitas-the 138th landing on that vessel and the 556th booster recovered. About an hour after liftoff, 29 Starlink satellites deployed, lifting the in-orbit total to more than 9,400, per astronomer Jonathan McDowell. The FCC authorized expanding the constellation to 15,000 satellites and adding 7,500 Starlink V2 satellites, with design changes and new orbital shells from 340 km to 485 km. SpaceX plans to lower about 4,400 satellites from 550 km to 480 km, reducing ballistic decay time by more than 80% in solar minimum.

Apple Intelligence Siri delayed, but broader iPhone support could boost adoption

January 18, 2026, 1:28 PM EST. Apple's Siri powered by Apple Intelligence has slipped behind schedule as the tech giant pursued private data constraints and its own AI models. The wait may pay off: Apple and Google announced Gemini models will run on Apple's private cloud compute to power future features, while local models remain part of the mix. At WWDC24, Apple said A17 Pro-class devices would be needed, limiting access to the latest iPhones, but the pool will grow. With 11 devices now supporting Apple Intelligence, more users will experience the assistant as iPhone 16 and 17 owners join the base. Apple plans to roll out new Siri and other features with iOS 26.4 in spring, and iOS 27 later, potentially improving the story for millions.

Five IKEA smartphone accessories worth buying

January 18, 2026, 1:26 PM EST. IKEA's lineup now includes affordable phone accessories designed for daily use. The piece spotlights the HAVREKROSS wall organizer, priced at under $2, which keeps a phone in a designated "phone-free" zone. It also features the VÄSTMÄRKE MagSafe wireless charger, prized for its cork-based design that adds warmth to desks; note it requires a USB-C charger. And the SJÖSS 45W charger is listed as a capable, compact high-power option. Availability varies by location, with online ordering for many products. The author notes practical value even if you prefer a different brand, and underscores IKEA's aim of combining low prices with functional, attractive design for home charging and organization.

Is SLS still the most powerful rocket? Artemis II rollout and final tests

January 18, 2026, 1:24 PM EST. NASA's Space Launch System and the Orion crew capsule began a slow crawl from the Vehicle Assembly Building to the Cape Canaveral launchpad, a four-mile rollout. The milestone marks the final ground tests ahead of Artemis II, the agency's first crewed lunar mission in more than five decades. Four astronauts – Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen – will undertake a roughly 10-day flight, venturing into deep space and looping back to Earth. The rollout underscores NASA's intent to validate launch, fueling, and crew procedures for a mission intended to pave the way for future crewed lunar operations. The event also keeps the SLS in the foreground as a stakes-raising, high-power rocket for the U.S. space program.

Apple MacBook Air with M4 chip hits $200 off in sky blue finish

January 18, 2026, 1:22 PM EST. Apple's MacBook Air with an M4 chip is on sale, taking a $200 discount. The laptop now lists at $999, roughly 17% below its $1,199 list price. The deal highlights a sky blue finish, with pricing subject to change after publication.

Five USB-C gadgets that extend your phone's capabilities

January 18, 2026, 1:20 PM EST. An article surveys five gadgets that use the smartphone's USB-C port to add storage, power and audio capability. With USB-C now standard on most phones, peripheral options are proliferating. The piece spotlights the Anker MagGo USB-C Adapter, which magnetically attaches to the back via MagSafe, adds SD and TF 4.0 slots, and supports transfers up to 312 MB/s. It enables real-time capture of 4K60 ProRes video to an external card and allows charging while transferring data. Priced at $24.99, it's pitched as a practical travel companion for creators who need extra storage. It also previews the Puremic Singing Microphone, aimed at mobile content creation-from podcasts to live streams and karaoke. The article notes strong user reviews and broad appeal for on-the-go devices.

BYD a buy, Bernstein says, citing battery assets as value driver

January 18, 2026, 1:16 PM EST. Bernstein reiterates an outperform on BYD, arguing the company's battery assets rival the equity value. BYD is the world's second-largest EV battery maker by installations, shipping about 70% more batteries than the third-largest. They say the battery segment alone is nearly worth the entire company's market value. BYD started as a cellphone-battery maker, pivoted to cars, and its Blade battery boosted EV sales after 2020; the Haohan energy-storage system debuted in September and is cheaper to manufacture. External battery shipments rose to over 10% of revenue last year and should reach mid-teens this year; overall battery shipments grew 47% last year, with a 35% rise forecast. The firm notes BYD's own cars consume about half of batteries; external customers include Xiaomi, XPeng, Toyota. Ford is reportedly in talks to buy BYD batteries for hybrids. BYD's market cap (~$115B) dwarfs Ford (~$55B).

TSMC set for $2 trillion valuation as AI chip demand drives growth

January 18, 2026, 1:10 PM EST. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. is positioned to extend its dominance in AI hardware, potentially reaching a $2 trillion valuation as demand for AI accelerators grows. As the world's largest chip manufacturer by revenue, TSMC underpins production for Nvidia, AMD, and other AI chipmakers, helping to meet expanding data-centre backlogs. The stock trades around a $1.8 trillion market cap, and an 18% rise could push it into the $2 trillion club, according to recent analyses. Industry forecasts show hyperscalers planning about $527 billion in AI infrastructure spending in 2026, with total AI workload spending forecast to $5 trillion by 2030 (McKinsey). TSMC has been expanding foundry capacity to capitalize on the surge in AI capex.

Top AI Stocks to Buy for 2026: Nvidia, TSMC and Amazon Lead the Pack

January 18, 2026, 1:04 PM EST. AI stocks could keep driving market momentum in 2026, though gains may be more selective. Nvidia remains the core play, a leader in AI chips that power the latest workloads. TSMC benefits from broad chip demand, producing parts for Nvidia, AMD and Broadcom, so its trajectory mirrors AI growth across rivals. Amazon offers AI exposure without depending on it for most revenue, leveraging its e-commerce and cloud businesses that have shown robust expansion. Cloud providers' ongoing infrastructure spending should support chip demand and related services. Investors will watch how winners and losers emerge as the AI story matures, with the bigger picture: select names, steady execution, and a backdrop of volatility in tech.

Quantum fears spur Jefferies' Wood to drop Bitcoin from portfolio, shift to gold

January 18, 2026, 1:00 PM EST. Senior strategist Christopher Wood is removing Bitcoin from his GREED & Fear portfolio, trimming the 10% allocation the crypto once carried. He argues that advances in quantum computing could threaten Bitcoin's cryptographic protections and its durability as a store of value. Bloomberg notes Wood now recommends 5% in physical gold and 5% in gold mining stocks. Wood, Jefferies' Global Head of Equity Strategy, first added Bitcoin in 2020 and doubled the stake in 2021 amid inflation fears. Bitcoin relies on SHA-256 hashing, currently not crackable, though some analysts see potential breakthroughs by the 2030s. Crypto developers cite ongoing post-quantum cryptography work and warn a quantum break would affect broader security. Wood calls the shift a long-term positive for gold, given its history of roughly 11% annual returns over the past 50 years.

AI features, RAM squeeze and foldables shape Android in 2026

January 18, 2026, 12:56 PM EST. At the start of 2026, Android phones are in focus, from CES debuts like the Clicks Communicator and Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold to Honor's Magic 8 Pro rollout. AI features dominate the selling point, while a push toward higher-capacity silicon-carbon batteries and a potential foldables revival shape the year. Look for Android 17 and a richer ecosystem that could include Android PCs and XR devices. Yet prices may rise as cloud-powered AI demands drive up RAM, storage, and other components. 2025 reports flagged a RAM/storage squeeze, with Apple reportedly securing 12 GB modules for the iPhone 18 and Samsung facing headwinds on Galaxy S26 RAM pricing. Vendors brace for mixed demand and supply challenges.

Samsung One UI 8.5 refines clipboard with gradient theme for better visibility

January 18, 2026, 12:40 PM EST. In One UI 8.5, Samsung updates the clipboard interface with a new gradient background that boosts visibility of copied items. The change is largely visual, preserving the quick-paste tap on the keyboard while making text, images, and links stand out more. Earlier versions showed a pill-shaped badge inside the keyboard; the new theme keeps the behavior but improves contrast. The clipboard still supports cross-device pasting when devices are connected, and the update aims to refine the experience without overhauling the workflow. It's a small, tangible upgrade that helps users spot and paste copied content more quickly.

Donut Lab debuts world-first solid-state EV battery at CES, touts 400 Wh/kg and five-minute charge

January 18, 2026, 12:36 PM EST. Donut Lab unveiled a world-first solid-state EV battery at CES 2026, touting higher durability, faster charging, and greater energy density. The unit is rated at 400 Wh/kg and, the firm says, can charge to full in five minutes. It claims a life of up to 100,000 cycles, far beyond typical lithium-ion packs. Verge Motorcycles will fit the tech in its TS Pro electric bikes, raising range from 217 miles with a conventional pack to about 370 miles. Donut Lab positions the battery as production-ready, a contrast to broader industry delays. The design avoids flammable liquid electrolytes, dendrites, and thermal runaway, and reportedly retains about 99% capacity at -22°F, underscoring all-weather resilience. Huawei is cited as a rival pursuing longer-term concepts.

Microsoft issues emergency Windows fixes after Patch Tuesday glitches

January 18, 2026, 12:18 PM EST. Microsoft has released emergency, out-of-band fixes after January's Patch Tuesday patch caused outages. The company says it has addressed at least two bugs: a shutdown failure on Windows 11 23H2 and a widespread Remote Desktop sign-in problem affecting 24H2 and 25H2. Windows Latest lists three issues resolved so far: Remote Desktop sign-in failures, the Windows 11 23H2 shutdown bug, and an ongoing crash in Outlook Classic (not yet fixed). Remaining unpatched problems include intermittent black screens with a brief cursor, the desktop background resetting to black, and issues with desktop.ini in File Explorer. A separate Outlook workaround exists but risks data. Microsoft rolled two out-of-band fixes: KB5077744 for 24H2/25H2 Remote Desktop failures, and KB5077797 for 23H2 shutdown problems, downloadable via the Microsoft Update Catalog.

Tesla Cybertruck's 2025 sales drop marks the biggest U.S. EV decline

January 18, 2026, 12:16 PM EST. In the United States, the Tesla Cybertruck posted the steepest year-over-year decline among EVs in 2025, according to an InsideEVs analysis of Cox Automotive data. After about 39,000 Cybertrucks sold in the first full year of 2024, 2025 deliveries are estimated near 20,200, a drop of roughly 19,000 units-the largest for any electric model on sale. Tesla does not break out regional or model deliveries, making third-party estimates essential. The truck's fall follows strong early demand, the company's claim of 125,000 annual capacity, and Musk's brief target of 250,000, suggesting demand overestimated for an expensive, stainless-steel EV. Broader market weakness included a decline in other models, amid policy shifts like the sunsetting of the $7,500 tax credit.

Galaxy S26 Ultra colors tipped by SIM tray leaks ahead of February 25 launch

January 18, 2026, 12:14 PM EST. Leaked SIM tray images point to four color options for the Galaxy S26 Ultra as Samsung preps a February 25 unveiling. The photos, shared by tipsters Ice Universe and Ahmed Qwaider, list black, white, blue and purple; violet is billed as the hero color by one source. Some rumors also reference Black Shadow, White Shadow, Galactial Blue, Ultraviolet, with online exclusives still possible. It remains unclear whether Samsung will drop titanium from the design. Samsung has not confirmed colors for the S26 and S26+, and other details are scarce. Separately, Samsung's Mystery Box pre-order promo offers free accessories, including a 65W charger and a protective case, as pre-orders begin.

Google extends Gmail with free AI features and new primary address change option

January 18, 2026, 12:12 PM EST. Google announced two major Gmail changes. First, AI features-AI Overviews, Help Me Write and Suggested Replies-will be free for all users, powered by Gemini 3. Gmail will offer a toggle to turn these features on or off, and AI processing means sharing email content and metadata with Google's Gemini to act as a proactive inbox assistant. Second, Google lets users change their primary Gmail address without creating a new account; data remains intact and the old address still works. Changes are limited in frequency. Privacy and security are central considerations, given ongoing risks of account breaches as users weigh adopting the new tools.

Windows 11 Pro license offered for $9.97 to revitalize older PCs

January 18, 2026, 12:10 PM EST. A sponsored deal promotes a Windows 11 Pro license now priced at $9.97, down from $199, to refresh an older PC. The upgrade is pitched as a cost-effective way to boost productivity on legacy hardware. The content is sponsored by Mashable partners, with potential affiliate compensation; prices and availability may change after publication.

Five AI devices that make smartphones obsolete in 2026

January 18, 2026, 12:06 PM EST. In 2026, a shift to ambient hardware redefines daily tech. Screenless interfaces and augmented reality glasses replace smartphones as the primary internet gateway. AI-powered rings and wearable pins offer hands-free, voice- and gesture-driven interaction designed to blend with daily attire. With on-device intelligence powered by Neural Processing Units, devices reduce cloud dependence, delivering private, proactive assistance. The Acer FreeSense Ring exemplifies the trend: a titanium alloy wearable, 2.6 mm thick, 8 mm wide, weighing 23 g, and water resistant to 5 ATM, available in multiple sizes. Biometric sensors track heart rate, HRV, SpO2 and sleep, translating readings into AI-driven insights via a companion app. The result is a discreet, proactive digital layer integrated into real-world activities, not a pocket-based gadget.

Israel launches AI supercomputer to accelerate AI training for industry and academia

January 18, 2026, 11:52 AM EST. Israel's Innovation Authority on Sunday activated its Israel's AI Supercomputer, built by Nebius to speed AI research and industrial initiatives. The system is live and ready for resource allocation, enabling high-tech firms to train large AI models in Israel. In coming weeks, accelerators (graphics processing units that speed AI training) will be allocated to academia as well. The project will provide resources equivalent to 1,000 Nvidia B200 accelerators, with 70% reserved for industry AI model training and 30% for fundamental research. Access is offered at prices below market rates. The rollout will expand as demand grows. Dror Bin, CEO of the Innovation Authority, says the move strengthens Israel's R&D infrastructure and aims to propel domestic AI development and keep Israel competitive globally.

Refurbished MacBook Air Under $200: 79% Discount From $999

January 18, 2026, 11:50 AM EST. A refurbished MacBook Air, originally priced at $999, is offered for under $200 in a deal highlighted this week. The lightweight Apple notebook targets everyday tasks and can run Windows, broadening software compatibility. The promotion touts a 79% discount, presenting an unusually low entry point for Apple hardware. Dated Jan. 18, 2026, the deal typically includes standard refurbished warranties and return options from retailer programs. Buyers should verify battery health, included accessories, and warranty length before purchase, and consider performance limits for demanding apps. The offer underscores how refurbished devices remain a viable path to Apple hardware at a reduced price.

Investing in AI: Focus on infrastructure to avoid hype and pick the right stocks

January 18, 2026, 11:48 AM EST. Investors chasing AI hype risk missing lasting returns. The AI market is forecast to grow from about $255 billion in 2025 to $1.7 trillion by 2031, but gains vary by sub-sector. The strongest impulse now comes from AI infrastructure and data-center upgrades, not every AI-connected company will outperform. Nvidia remains a core driver, with record quarterly revenue driven by GPUs (graphics processing units) powering AI workloads. Pure-play chipmakers such as Credo Technology Group and Astera Labs benefit from demand for high-speed, reliable components. Analysts project the AI infrastructure market expanding to hundreds of billions by the early 2030s, creating a multi-year tailwind. For diversified exposure, consider ETFs like GRID, which target grid infrastructure and related technologies. Investors should favor firms enabling AI factories over broad AI-adjacent bets.

Tesla makes Full Self-Driving (Supervised) a subscription-only service

January 18, 2026, 11:46 AM EST. Tesla will stop selling access to its Full Self-Driving (FSD) Supervised software as a one-time purchase and shift to a monthly subscription, CEO Elon Musk said on X. The move ends a pricing path that peaked at $15,000 and recently stood at $8,000 upfront. FSD is not fully autonomous and requires human supervision. Tesla began offering a $199 per month plan in 2021, later trimming to $99-per-month; Musk did not specify a new subscription price. Some analysts say adoption has lagged; CFO Vaibhav Taneja said only about 12% of customers have paid for FSD as of late 2025. Tesla targets 10 million active FSD subscriptions before late 2035, a pillar of Musk's pay package. The shift could affect revenue, legal exposure, and competition.

Hisdesat says SpainSat NG II damaged by space particle; RFQ issued for NG III replacement

January 18, 2026, 11:32 AM EST. Hisdesat says SpainSat NG II, built by Airbus, sustained non-recoverable damage after impact from a high-velocity space particle. An RFQ is issued for a replacement, SpainSat NG III. NG II was launched on a Falcon 9 rocket in October 2025 and provides secure military communications for Spain, in a highly eccentric orbit that isn't expected to threaten other missions. The company says the incident is fully insured and will not damage its balance sheet, though large claims can raise future premiums. Invest in Spain values the overall NG program at about €2 billion. Airbus won the contract to build the first two satellites in 2019; NG I launched January 2025. A replacement could arrive around 2030, while NG I and the legacy SpainSat continue to serve.

Tesla makes FSD a monthly subscription, intensifying shift to services

January 18, 2026, 11:20 AM EST. Tesla will stop selling Full Self-Driving (FSD) as a one-time purchase and offer it only as a monthly subscription, effective Feb. 14, Elon Musk said. The change underscores a broader shift toward recurring revenue that tech companies prefer for monetizing new features. Musk once described FSD as an "appreciating asset," but the pricing move ties software to ongoing payments and supports Tesla's ambition to run a fleet of autonomous vehicles as an AI and robotics platform. The policy taps into robotaxi concepts and aligns with rivals pursuing robots-as-a-service models. Critics point to customer pushback against recurring add-ons and the data-collection implications of connected-car software. Regulators have scrutinized subscription practices in tech, including Prime and other services, highlighting the changing economics of owning vs. renting software.

Nvidia taps FP64 emulation to boost Rubin GPUs in HPC race with AMD

January 18, 2026, 11:18 AM EST. Nvidia is extending its Rubin GPUs with software-based FP64 emulation in CUDA libraries to boost HPC throughput, while hardware FP64 remains 33 teraFLOPS-less than Nvidia's H100 from four years ago. When emulation is enabled, Rubin can reportedly reach up to 200 teraFLOPS of FP64 matrix performance, about 4.4 times the hardware figure on Blackwell accelerators. Nvidia executives claim emulation can match the accuracy of tensor cores hardware for many workloads. AMD's Nicholas Malaya cautions that, despite strong benchmarks, real-world scientific simulations may not see the same gains. FP64 remains the gold standard for HPC due to its wide dynamic range; AI workloads favor FP8, MXFP8, MXFP4 tactics, but aren't substitutes for FP64 in physics-based simulations. The approach echoes long-standing ideas around FP64 emulation.

Best Buy's Winter Sale: 10 deals worth grabbing from OLED TVs to fitness trackers under $90

January 18, 2026, 11:16 AM EST. Best Buy's Winter Sale runs through January 19, discounting big-ticket TVs and everyday electronics. Highlights include LG's entry-level B5 OLED in 77 inches at $1,499.99 – $1,500 off – with Dolby Vision, a 120Hz panel, and four HDMI 2.1 ports on LG's webOS. The cheaper B4 remains strong on image quality, colors, and viewing angles. Sony's Bravia 8 II 65-inch earns the title 'King of TV' from Value Electronics, now about $2,399.99 ($900 off), with Google TV, 120Hz gaming, and robust upscaling. The sale also features a range of devices: laptops, Bose headphones, and Verge-approved gear, plus fitness trackers under $90. Verge notes deals can be time-sensitive, urging shoppers to act before January 19.

IonQ stock forecast: quantum computing maker eyes 256-qubit system in 2026

January 18, 2026, 11:06 AM EST. IonQ is one of a handful of firms commercializing quantum computers. The company posted more than $68 million in revenue through the first three quarters of 2025 and guided for up to $110 million for the year. It set a world record for 2-qubit gate performance, achieving 99.99% fidelity, boosting speed and reducing energy per operation. Management outlined a plan to roll out a 256-qubit system in 2026, with longer-term aims of 10,000 to 2 million qubits between 2027 and 2030. IonQ is expanding current-system sales and commercialization, including a strategic partnership with the Korea Institute of Science and Technology to deliver its Tempo 100-qubit system. Analysts, per Visible Alpha, expect revenue to rise to about $189 million in 2026. Investors should proceed cautiously given commercialization remains uncertain.

BYD expands EV battery warranty to 8 years or 250,000 km, could pressure rivals

January 18, 2026, 11:02 AM EST. BYD Auto announced a major update to its EV warranty, extending battery coverage to 8 years or 250,000 km (about 155,000 miles), whichever comes first, Electrek reports. The extension clears the current industry standard of 8 years or 100,000 miles and could push rivals such as Tesla, Chevrolet, and Ford to follow suit. The battery remains the most expensive EV component, so a longer warranty may tip purchasing decisions toward electric cars. DOE figures show savings of up to $2,200/year for a fully electric vehicle and about $1,500/year for hybrids, though results vary by state. EVs offer lower emissions; proponents say production-related carbon debt is repaid within about two years, unlike gas cars. Reactions on Electrek framed the policy as a consumer win.

Nvidia May Beat Amazon as 2026 Magnificent Seven Pick

January 18, 2026, 10:58 AM EST. In 2024, Nvidia and Amazon joined the Dow, replacing Intel and Walgreens Boots Alliance. A long-running view that Nvidia would be a better Dow stock than Amazon has mostly held: Nvidia rose about 39% in 2025, while Amazon gained roughly 5% and was the weakest among the Magnificent Seven. AWS remains Amazon's profit engine, with margins around 35.6% in the nine months to Sept. 30, 2025, and accounting for roughly 60% of operating income. Nvidia is a pure-play AI data-center leader, with Rubin-six chips for agentic AI, robotics, and autonomous driving-unveiled at CES and slated for hyperscaler deployments, including AWS, in 2H 2026. With about 90% of revenue from data centers, Nvidia has high growth potential and thick margins, even as AWS sustains Amazon's cash flow for 2026.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, 8 Classic, Ultra 2025 See Deep Discounts at Woot

January 18, 2026, 10:56 AM EST. Online retailer Woot is discounting Samsung's Galaxy Watch 8 family and Watch Ultra 2025, with the 40mm Watch 8 Bluetooth at $224.99 and the 44mm at $249.99, down from $350 and $380. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic (46mm Bluetooth) is $289.99, a $210 cut from $500, while the Watch Ultra 2025 (47mm, LTE + Bluetooth) is $329.99, $320 off the $650 list. All models use the Exynos W1000 (3nm) processor. Note the watches sold are international versions; warranty coverage may be limited, with Woot offering a 90-day warranty. Shipping applies unless you are a Prime member. Deals can end soon.

How to remove your home address from the internet – 6 ways to protect your privacy

January 18, 2026, 10:50 AM EST. Your home address often leaks online via data brokers, forgotten accounts and old posts. It can surface in Google Maps and Apple Maps street view, and in search results, making it easy to locate you. The article outlines practical steps to raise the barrier, not scrub every trace. Highlights include: blur your property on Google Maps and Apple Maps; request removal from Google search results; clean up social media profiles; and remove listings from Whitepages. Each move reduces easy access to location data, though some sources such as government records or news articles may remain. Readers should audit profiles, minimize location details, and act promptly, as privacy is built through ongoing tweaks rather than a single fix.

How old is too old to upgrade your phone? Experts weigh software lifecycles and battery wear

January 18, 2026, 10:48 AM EST. Phone owners often stretch a device's life to avoid high replacement costs. Yet many experts argue that the clock on software support outpaces hardware wear. Updates determine how long a phone stays usable, since security patches and app compatibility hinge on current system versions. Apple labels iPhones five years from launch as vintage and seven as obsolete, after which patches stop. Android makers vary, but flagship update cycles have lengthened in recent years, while midrange devices keep shorter support. Even with a working battery and processor, an old phone can leak data or lose features as apps drop support. Upgrading hinges on software lifecycle as much as hardware durability.

A $500 Nvidia investment 10 years ago would be worth about $131,000 today

January 18, 2026, 10:38 AM EST. Nvidia started as a gaming hardware maker and now dominates the AI processor space. Strong demand for AI GPUs has driven sales and profits, lifting earnings and wealth for long-term holders. Over the past decade, Nvidia has posted about a 26,080% total return, turning a $500 stake into roughly $131,000. The company's market cap sits near $4.55 trillion, making it one of the world's most valuable firms. Analysts cite cloud computing and AI-model training as sustained growth drivers, even as tech markets swing. Some investing services diverge on near-term appeal; for example, Motley Fool Stock Advisor hasn't included Nvidia in its current top 10. Historical examples-Netflix in 2004, Nvidia in 2005-illustrate how early picks can yield outsized long-term gains. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 update adds heart failure risk assessment and cycling upgrades

January 18, 2026, 10:36 AM EST. Huawei rolled out a batch update for the Watch Ultimate 2, adding a heart failure risk assessment feature. The update carries HarmonyOS firmware version 6.0.0.209 and also provides a coronary heart disease risk assessment through the Huawei Research app, after users enroll and wear the watch for about 3-4 days. The feature requires a smartphone running HarmonyOS 5+ and Huawei Research app version 1.1.10.320 or later. The release also introduces a wheelchair mode in the activity log, real-time cadence support for outdoor cycling, 3D distance compensation prompts, and bicycle type selection for a more professional ride. Additionally, it enables remote control to snap photos from the wrist on some Android devices. Huawei also touted the dolphin sonar network capability, X-TAP health vitals, and up to 11 days in power-saving mode.

Letter links CES AI 'soulmate' to Goethe's Faust homunculus

January 18, 2026, 10:30 AM EST. Letter to the editor describing a CES display-the animated glass-tube character as a soulmate companion. The writer ties it to Goethe's Faust, where a homunculus (a small artificial human conjured in alchemy) is created in a vial. This juxtaposition frames contemporary AI as echoing mythic craft rather than purely technical progress. John Leverence of Studio City signs the piece, saying alchemy appears not so far removed from today's gadgets.

AI data centers strain the U.S. grid, boosting bills and prompting policy talks

January 18, 2026, 10:28 AM EST. Tech giants are racing to expand data centers, betting on AI growth even as the U.S. electrical grid strains to meet surging demand. An aging grid could pressure capacity, with households bearing some of the higher costs. The Trump administration and Northeastern governors have urged PJM to stage an emergency power auction that would help cover the surge from the centers; PJM said it had no advance notice. Virginia hosts the world's largest data-center cluster, with growth spreading to Denver, Los Angeles, and Pennsylvania as regions offer incentives such as tax exemptions. Companies like Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon are investing tens of billions. Residential rates rose, and nearby areas saw price increases tied to the boom, analysts say.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra launch anticipated; Galaxy S25 Ultra 512GB bundled with Watch 8 and Buds 3 at discount

January 18, 2026, 10:18 AM EST. Samsung is set to launch the Galaxy S26 Ultra next month, with mid-March sales planned. The maker may keep the S26 Ultra price unchanged, while a bundle of the Galaxy S25 Ultra 512GB, Watch 8, and Buds 3 offers value. The total for the four-piece package could reach about $1,430, with a potential $575 discount from the components' list price. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is listed at $1,000 in the US, with a free 512GB upgrade. The Watch 8 40mm Bluetooth/Wi-Fi can be had for $280 (down from $350), and Samsung throws in a free Sports Band. Buds 3 are $150. If the free storage promo sticks, the bundle equals the phone; otherwise the bundle exceeds the phone's price but adds Watch and Buds.

FCC approves up to 7,500 more Starlink satellites, boosting total to 15,000

January 18, 2026, 9:56 AM EST. The Federal Communications Commission cleared SpaceX to deploy up to 7,500 additional second-generation Starlink satellites, lifting the authorized constellation to 15,000. The decision allows upgrades to satellite design, expanded frequency use and new orbital configurations to extend broadband and mobile connectivity. Officials say the authorization supports competition in the satellite broadband market and broad coverage, including supplemental mobile service and direct-to-device connectivity. The vote followed coordination with the Department of Commerce and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. The release includes a devotional note from The Presidential Prayer Team urging prayers for FCC Chairman and U.S. officials as they regulate space-based communications.

NVIDIA releases PersonaPlex-7B-v1: real-time full-duplex speech-to-speech model for natural conversations

January 18, 2026, 9:42 AM EST. NVIDIA researchers rolled out PersonaPlex-7B-v1, a real-time, full-duplex speech-to-speech model designed for natural, persona-controlled conversations. The system replaces the traditional ASR→LLM→TTS cascade with a single Transformer that streams both understanding and generation from continuous audio. Operating on an audio stream processed by a Mimi encoder/decoder, it encodes waveform into discrete tokens and predicts text and audio tokens autoregressively. A dual-stream setup tracks user and agent speech, sharing state so the agent can listen while speaking and adapt to interruptions. Two prompts constrain behavior: a voice prompt for vocal traits and a text prompt for role and context, plus a system prompt with business data up to 200 tokens. Built on Moshi with Helium backbone, 7B parameters, 24 kHz audio and synthetic plus real data.

Quantum Computing stock rebounds in 2026 after 2025 pullback, buoyed by Luminar bids and analyst coverage

January 18, 2026, 9:40 AM EST. Quantum Computing shares surged about 1,700% in 2024, then slid about 38% in 2025, underperforming major pure-play quantum peers. The pullback followed Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's remarks that commercially useful quantum machines were farther off than some expected, though sentiment improved later in the year. Revenue grew to $484,000 in the first three quarters of 2025 from $311,000 a year earlier, but investors remain sensitive to growth-stock valuations. The stock has jumped about 24% year-to-date (YTD) in 2026 on news of an acquisition of Luminar Semiconductor and incoming analyst coverage. Quantum Computing has bid roughly $22 million for Luminar Technologies assets, potentially closing in the current quarter if approved. Rosenblatt began coverage Jan. 15 with a Buy rating and a $22 target.

Four Android flagships more powerful than the Google Pixel 10 Pro

January 18, 2026, 9:38 AM EST. The Pixel 10 Pro is praised for its software experience and camera, backed by a Tensor G5 said to be 60% more powerful than the Pixel 9 Pro and compatible with Qi2 wireless charging. Yet several Android flagships outrun it on raw performance thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Series. The Galaxy S25 Ultra leads the pack, using a Galaxy-specific Snapdragon chip, a 6.9-inch 120 Hz OLED display, a titanium shell, and an integrated stylus. It comes with 12GB of RAM (16GB on 1TB), a 5,000 mAh battery, and 45W wired plus 15W wireless charging, running Android 15 (upgradeable to 16). Base price starts at $1,299 for 256GB-about $100 more than the Pixel 10 Pro's starting price. The OnePlus 15 is also noted for strong battery life, rounding out the line of tested flagships.

CES 2026 signals a golden age for PC hardware design as Windows grapples with AI obsession

January 18, 2026, 9:12 AM EST. At CES 2026, the PC hardware market is in a rare, confident mood. Laptops are thinner, processors faster, displays brighter, batteries longer. GPUs and upscaling tech are improving, and even budget machines threaten to punch above their weight. Qualcomm's Snapdragon X chips have opened a new market segment, expanding choices for light, mobile computing. Lenovo captured attention with concept devices that push form factors, including a rollable Legion laptop that unfurls into ultrawide and the Yoga AIO Aura Edition. The company remains the largest PC brand, with shipments around 71 million in 2025, according to analysts. ASUS expanded dual-screen workflows with the ROG Zephyrus Duo and RTX 5090 Laptop GPU; HP introduced the EliteBoard G1a mini PC in a keyboard form factor. Meanwhile, Windows 11's AI obsession is casting a shadow over the OS, a tension the industry is watching closely.

Electronics prices set to rise as memory-chip costs push up phones, laptops and TVs

January 18, 2026, 9:10 AM EST. Prices for smartphones, laptops and televisions are seen rising 4-8% over the next two months, following spikes of up to 21% in November-December. The jump is driven by a surge in memory-chip costs, as demand from AI and high-performance computing tightens supply. Counterpoint Research describes the global memory market as in a hyper-bull phase, with expected 40-50% price gains this quarter and another 20% in April-June. Brands such as Vivo and Nothing have already lifted prices; Samsung is trimming discounts. Memory shortages persist, with Super Plastronics reporting only about 10% of chip orders met. Laptop prices have climbed 5-8%, while TV makers warn further hikes. AIMRA notes smartphone prices up 3-21% late last year, with risks of 30% gains and shrinking 2026 shipments.

Wyze Scale Ultra BodyScan review: feature-rich, affordable eight-electrode body composition

January 18, 2026, 9:08 AM EST. Wyze's Scale Ultra BodyScan centers on an eight-electrode design split across hands and feet, delivering segmental body composition instead of a single fat percentage. You'll see data by arm, leg and torso, plus 13 metrics overall, from weight and BMI to visceral fat, bone mass and metabolic age. Some figures, like BMI, are rough estimates, but others-especially visceral fat-provide actionable context. The scale pairs with Wi-Fi for automatic cloud syncing, so measurements upload without your phone and support up to eight users. It also includes modes for Baby, Pet, Luggage, Pregnancy and Athlete, which mostly disable sensors and track weight. If you want hands-free, cloud-based tracking, disable the app-only detailed metrics setting to enable automatic syncing.

NASA hauls Artemis II moon rocket to launch pad for February flight

January 18, 2026, 8:56 AM EST. NASA hauled the Space Launch System (SLS), a 32-story-tall booster, to Launch Pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center, a prelude to a February flight. The vehicle, weighing about 5.7 million pounds at liftoff, rides atop an upgraded crawler-transporter after a four-mile roll from the Vehicle Assembly Building. Orion sits on top, carrying four astronauts-Cmdr. Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Jeremy Hansen-for Artemis II, NASA's first crewed lunar mission since Apollo. The craft generates about 8.8 million pounds of thrust at liftoff. Artemis II aims to loop around the Moon and return, paving the way for future landings.

Iran's internet shutdown could become permanent, observers warn

January 18, 2026, 8:54 AM EST. Iran is 10 days into what activists and observers call an extreme internet shutdown that has cut 92 million people from online services and disrupted messaging. Tehran has given no timetable for restoration, with officials describing the outage as a response to externally directed security threats. Reports suggest authorities are moving to restrict access permanently, with IranWire citing government spokespeople who said international access may stay down until late March at the earliest. Campaigners at FilterWatch and Access Now warn that new systems are being installed to sever ties with the global network. The move is already hurting livelihoods, especially e-commerce. Human rights groups say the crackdown has left thousands dead or detained, numbers under review.

Samsung January Week 3 updates: One UI 8.5 progress, 2026 patches, app tweaks

January 18, 2026, 8:38 AM EST. Samsung's third week of January 2026 kept updates moving. Development on One UI 8.5 continued, with Galaxy S25 Beta 3 deployed and Beta 4 expected soon. Internal testing broadened to Galaxy M07 and Galaxy F07, signaling broader model support. The Samsung Internet app with One UI 8.5 received minor UI tweaks, including a relocated new-tab button for a cleaner look. The January 2026 security patch expanded to more devices, including the S25, S25 Plus, S25 Ultra, S24 family, Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, Z Flip 6, Z Fold 6, S25 FE, S24 FE, and Z TriFold, addressing vulnerabilities and improving stability. In apps, Samsung updated several stock utilities. Samsung Internet for Windows is now globally available. LockStar gained One UI 8.5 support, added unlock animations and manual AOD brightness. Sound Assistant adds a Buzz icon and improved Bluetooth equalizer. Stay tuned for next week.

Three Tesla owners react to Elon Musk's FSD update

January 18, 2026, 8:24 AM EST. Three Tesla owners share their first impressions of the latest FSD update. Reactions are mixed. Some praise smoother highway driving, quicker lane changes, and a more confident steering feel. Others note occasional hesitations in dense city traffic and ongoing attention is still needed. The owners describe higher expectations for autonomous travel but say the update remains a driver assistance feature rather than a hands-free system. Regulators and safety researchers continue to monitor progress as Tesla rolls out improvements via software over the air. The conversations underscore a broader shift in consumer sentiment as automation moves from novelty to expectation.

Lucid Group: Can the EV maker become the next Tesla?

January 18, 2026, 8:22 AM EST. Lucid Group, maker of the Air and Gravity, faces a tougher path than Tesla. The luxury EV maker has posted sizable losses as it scales production, and last year's first three quarters showed a combined net deficit. Lucid has relied on new stock sales to fund operations, creating potential dilution for shareholders. The market backdrop has cooled for EVs, competition from Chinese manufacturers has surged, and subsidies for the sector have expired. Even with the Gravity SUV boosting output, Lucid is far from profitability. Given the headwinds, a rapid shift toward Tesla-like returns seems unlikely for a smaller entrant in a crowded, price-sensitive market.

Are You Dead? Chinese safety app for solo living rebrands as Demumu

January 18, 2026, 8:20 AM EST. China's latest safety app, Are You Dead?, now renamed Demumu, surged as a check-in for people living alone. It lets a designated emergency contact be alerted if a user misses a few days' check-ins. The app, free at launch last May and later priced at 8 yuan, dominated Apple China's paid App Store for several days before vanishing from the store under unclear circumstances. Founders Guo and two co-creators from the "post-95" generation say the service offers security for solo urbanites, inspired by comments online. Analysts note it mirrors demographic shifts toward one-person households amid urbanization, long work hours and falling marriage rates; some users call it morbid or absurd, while others worry about being forgotten.

Global X AI and Technology ETF (AIQ) seen as smart AI pick for $1,000

January 18, 2026, 8:16 AM EST. With about 86 AI stocks, the Global X Artificial Intelligence and Technology ETF (AIQ) offers broad exposure to AI across domestic and international markets. Its holdings include major names such as Alphabet, Nvidia, Taiwan Semiconductor and Palantir. The fund aims to reduce single-stock risk through diversification while tapping into large AI trends driven by rising infrastructure spending, projected to reach up to $4 trillion by 2030. Over the past three years, AIQ has gained roughly 141%, outpacing the S&P 500's ~82% advance. But past performance is not a guarantee of future results. For investors with $1,000, AIQ provides broad exposure to both established players and AI startups, balancing risk and opportunity.

Client Challenge: Site Fails to Load Without JavaScript

January 18, 2026, 8:12 AM EST. A client-facing site shows a blocking message: JavaScript is disabled in your browser. Please enable JavaScript to proceed. A required part of the page then couldn't load, with possible causes including browser extensions, network issues, or browser settings. Users are advised to check their connection, disable ad blockers, or try a different browser. The incident underscores how dependence on client-side scripting and user configuration can disrupt access and user experience.

5 AI Stocks That Could Replicate NVIDIA's Decade of Dominance

January 18, 2026, 8:10 AM EST. An analysis of 15 AI-adjacent stocks across semiconductors, software and quantum computing highlights three clear paths for future gains. AMD is pitched as the direct challenger, with MI300 AI accelerators gaining traction against NVIDIA's H100, though sustaining momentum beyond early wins remains uncertain. AMD reported about $32.0 billion in trailing revenue with 36% growth, but operating margins at 14% trail NVIDIA and gross margins near 52% constrain price competition. Broadcom stands out for its custom AI chip business tied to hyperscalers, creating stickier relationships; with a high valuation but a PEG near 1, the payoff could be 3x-5x over five years with modest risk. TSMC dominates foundry capacity, manufacturing roughly 90% of leading chips, delivering large revenue and strong margins. The series weighs whether each can capture share in the AI accelerator market by 2027.

Satellite imagery shows Japan upgrading Izumo-class carrier to operate F-35B jets

January 18, 2026, 8:08 AM EST. Recent satellite images from Google Earth, analyzed after Newsweek's inquiry, show Japan's Izumo- and Kaga-class ships at an advanced stage of modifications to operate F-35B stealth fighters at sea. The Japanese Ministry of Defense said both vessels are on track to finish the changes in fiscal years 2027 and 2028, respectively, enabling flight operations for F-35Bs. The work includes reshaping the bow of the Izumo from trapezoidal to rectangular to ease aircraft handling, and upgrading the ships' aircraft maintenance hangars. Analysts note the refits will give Japan's fleet the capacity to support two U.S. carriers, USS George Washington and USS Tripoli, within the framework of the First Island Chain. The program follows heightened Chinese naval activity around Japan.

Nvidia eyes $6 trillion market cap in 2026, as AI demand fuels rally

January 18, 2026, 8:06 AM EST. Rising demand for Nvidia's AI chips pushed the company past $4 trillion in market value and toward a potential new milestone. Nvidia's quarterly revenue rose 62% to $57 billion, with net income up 65% to $31 billion, and the company holds about $60 billion in cash to fund innovation. The Rubin system is slated for launch later this year, potentially boosting earnings. At current pricing, Nvidia trades around 24x sales, but history shows the multiple can rise into the 30s. With Wall Street projecting about $213 billion in revenue for 2026, a $6 trillion market cap implies a price-to-sales near 28 and roughly 34% upside from today's price. If demand remains strong, Nvidia could reach $6 trillion in 2026.

Tesla battery dies again; video cites isolated degradation and refurbished pack

January 18, 2026, 7:40 AM EST. A WHAT'S INSIDE? FAMILY YouTube video shows a Tesla Model S losing battery range after about 67,000 miles. Dan says the car went from 330 miles of range to zero in a rapid discharge. The family, which owns nine Teslas, notes three losses. The clip cites a warranty of eight years or 100,000 miles. Tesla technicians say the fault involves the entire battery system, not just the 12V unit, and replaced the pack with a refurbished unit. The company calls the fault an isolated degradation event. In the end, Dan reports the car now has 60-70 more miles of range than before, a positive outcome.

Could there ever be a worldwide internet outage?

January 18, 2026, 7:38 AM EST. Experts say a true, world-wide outage is technically possible but highly unlikely. The internet's network of networks spans local links, undersea cables and data centers, with multiple routing options that prevent a single failure from taking all traffic. Packets are split and sent along many paths, so even major cable cuts can't guarantee a total collapse, according to researchers like George Cybenko of Dartmouth College and The Open University. Short disruptions can occur when large providers fail, but effects are usually limited and brief. A solar storm or massive power outage could slow repairs, but recovery plans-cloud storage, backup generators and redundancy-are standard for governments and firms. Some governments have throttled or cut access during protests, yet a universal outage remains unlikely.

NASA offers Artemis II boarding passes for public to send name to Moon mission

January 18, 2026, 7:36 AM EST. NASA is letting the public attach their name to space on the Artemis II mission via a virtual boarding pass. Names are saved on an SD card to be loaded aboard the spacecraft. Anyone can sign up on NASA's Artemis II page by entering a first and last name and a 4- to 7-digit PIN. The 10-day test flight around the Moon will launch no later than April 2026. Lori Glaze called the mission a key step toward returning humans to the Moon and building toward Mars. The crew comprises Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen. They will be the first people to fly to the Moon since Apollo 17 in 1972. More than 900,000 names have already been submitted.

RAM Crunch Prompts Rethink of Next-Gen Phone Specs

January 18, 2026, 7:34 AM EST. The RAM shortage is rippling through smartphones, PCs and handheld consoles, threatening delays and higher prices in 2026. Brands face a choice: raise RAM budgets, trim memory, or shift spend to other features. Running costs could push firms to differentiate via the camera, battery and materials rather than memory. Flagship models might trade 12GB+ RAM for improved imaging, faster charging or tougher IP ratings. Mid-range devices could prioritize design and durable build, or pursue new software-enhanced features such as hardware keys or MagSafe-style charging. The outcome depends on consumer acceptance of trade-offs and supply stability. Designers are weighing whether to invest headroom in memory or allocate it to real daily-use gains, from camera quality to battery life and durability.

Nvidia chip halt in China; US tariffs; Groq partnership

January 18, 2026, 7:20 AM EST. Nvidias H200 AI processor shipments are blocked as Chinese customs halt chip production, denying about 1 million orders Nvidia had expected from Chinese clients. The move follows a broader US clash over chips. Separately, the United States has enacted a 25% tariff on advanced computing chips, including Nvidia's, though South Korea's trade minister said the immediate impact on local manufacturers will be limited. Nvidia also signed a non-exclusive licensing agreement with AI startup Groq for chip technology and appointed Groq founder Jonathan Ross as Chief Software Architect.

Motorola Signature poll shows promise but battery, price and global availability weigh on launch

January 18, 2026, 7:18 AM EST. Poll results indicate the Motorola Signature has potential, but concerns linger about battery life, pricing and global availability. A 5,200mAh cell on a 6.8-inch phone is viewed as underpowered by many, even as rivals push bigger packs. Availability remains unclear outside Europe and India, with the US still in question. About a quarter of voters would wait for a price cut, reflecting patterns seen with Moto Edge and Razr discounts after launch; €1,000 for a non-Elite Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 model was seen as steep. Roughly 20% want it as soon as possible, while another 20% are awaiting reviews due to past Motorola quality concerns. Motorola will unveil the Signature in India on January 23, with Europe timing to be announced.

AI answering systems help New England pizzerias, customers wary

January 18, 2026, 7:16 AM EST. After a long day, Jillian Kent ordered from Crush Pizza in Quincy. Her delivery arrived missing a salad, and she spent hours trying to reach a human after an automated AI receptionist answered repeatedly. The incident highlights a broader shift: small New England restaurants are turning to AI to take orders and field calls to cut costs amid slim margins, rising food and labor costs, and labor shortages. Owners like Tony Naser and Costa Alexandrou say the tech reduces wait times and handles thousands of calls monthly, with Loman AI reporting a 98.6% accuracy rate and potential to lift phone revenue by 26% versus human receptionists. Some customers remain standoffish or frustrated, underscoring mixed reactions to automation.

9 Pros and Cons of Buying a Used Tesla

January 18, 2026, 7:10 AM EST. Used Teslas offer a lower upfront price than new models, but pricing remains high relative to non-electric rivals. The market surged and then fell in 2025 as supply rose and demand shifted, with Tesla's new-price moves echoing into the used market. For buyers, the advantage is lower running costs and potentially cheaper maintenance versus internal-combustion cars, though battery wear and repair costs can complicate ownership. Brand perception can swing with political headlines around Elon Musk, affecting resale liquidity in some regions. The growing array of competing EVs also pressures prices. Buyers should weigh total cost of ownership, battery health, warranty options, and the reliability history of the specific model. In short, a used Tesla can be a bargain, but not a guaranteed deal.

Nine pros and cons of buying a used Tesla

January 18, 2026, 7:08 AM EST. Used Teslas are cheaper than new, but not cheap sub-$30k. In 2025 the market saw price pressure from higher supply and soft demand, with Tesla's own pricing moves pulling used values. Buyers can save versus a fresh model, and running costs often beat a used internal-combustion vehicle. Yet battery health, range, and software updates matter, and some cars come with shorter warranties or higher repair costs. Availability of service, recalls, and potential battery pack issues can complicate ownership. Political headlines about Elon Musk have cooled demand in parts of the country. Increasing EV competition also keeps downward pressure on prices. Inspect vehicle history, confirm warranty coverage, and verify charging access before taking the plunge.

Samsung Electronics Europe CEO outlines AI strategy

January 18, 2026, 7:02 AM EST. Samsung Electronics Europe's chief executive outlined the company's AI strategy for the region, emphasizing scalable AI features across devices and services while adhering to European rules. The plan centers on local engineering investments, partnerships with startups, and tighter data privacy controls to satisfy regulators. Samsung aims for local innovation and stronger software ecosystems, backed by cross-device AI capabilities and privacy safeguards. The executive said the company will work with European authorities to shape standards and address ethical risks, focusing on responsible deployment, quality control, and transparency. No precise timelines were given, but the approach signals a staged rollout across markets as Europe tests new AI scenarios.

Google Pixel 10a: European listings show €499/€599 pricing and Feb 17, 2026 launch

January 18, 2026, 6:48 AM EST. Google's Pixel 10a, the mid-range member of the Pixel 10 lineup, appears in European retail listings with pricing set at €499 for 128 GB and €599 for 256 GB. The 128 GB variant comes in obsidian, berry, lavender and fog; the 256 GB model is offered only in obsidian. Official cases are listed at €20. A launch date of Feb 17, 2026 is shown, about a month earlier than last year's Pixel 9a release. The timing places the 10a ahead of Samsung's Galaxy S26 launches, giving Google a window to push mid-range positioning and new Gemini AI features amid competitive pressure.

Analysts upbeat on AMD after CES AI launches amid Nvidia competition

January 18, 2026, 6:44 AM EST. Analysts remain bullish on Advanced Micro Devices as the company pushes AI hardware at CES. As of January 12, 2026, about 75% of analysts are bullish on AMD, with a consensus price target of $281.50, implying roughly a 38.60% upside. Jefferies reaffirmed a Buy rating on January 4, 2026, while Truist Financial kept a Buy on December 19, 2025, with a $277 target. AMD highlighted MI455 AI processors for data-center racks (sold to OpenAI) and the MI440X for on-premise deployments; the MI500 is previewed for 2027 with expected large gains. A GENE.01 humanoid robot with Generative Bionics is planned for H2 2026. Nvidia competition remains, but the OpenAI deal could drive significant revenue. AMD's focus spans CPUs, GPUs and AI accelerators across segments.

Bezos: AI-driven RAM crunch could push computing to cloud subscriptions

January 18, 2026, 6:32 AM EST. The computing industry faces a dual pull: AI demand fueling RAM shortages and price pressure, even as chips such as Intel's Core Ultra Series 3 promise local gains. Analysts warn RAM and SSD costs could stay elevated through 2024 into 2025, with Micron and others signaling tight supply. Intel told Tom's Guide that laptop stock may last 9 to 12 months before prices rise. Amid this crunch, industry chatter points to a broader shift toward cloud-based services as a substitute for on-premises hardware. In a NYT interview, Jeff Bezos argued that computing could and should move off the grid, with users paying for compute via cloud providers like AWS rather than owning PCs. The debate underscores a longer horizon: if RAM costs stay high, a subscription model may become the norm.

Analyst warns OpenAI cash burn could reach crisis level by mid-2027

January 18, 2026, 6:30 AM EST. An external analyst warns OpenAI could run out of cash as it scales, citing a path to large cash burn. The report reportedly projects $8 billion in 2025, rising to $40 billion by 2028, with profitability eyed for 2030. The analysis notes a potential gap between funding and returns, even as Sam Altman has raised $40 billion in private capital. Bain & Company warned the AI industry could face an $800 billion hole, underscoring sector-wide risks beyond OpenAI. The piece notes that many users still rely on free services, making competition fierce; but as agentic AI embeds in daily life, switching costs could rise, complicating the path to sustained profitability.

Backlash to AI spurs analog lifestyle trend in 2026

January 18, 2026, 6:28 AM EST. New York-A backlash to a world of AI-powered devices is driving an analog lifestyle trend in 2026. Proponents seek tangible tasks and offline entertainment rather than digital shortcuts. Data from Michael's shows analog hobbies searches up 136% over six months; guided craft kit sales rose 86% in 2025, with a 30-40% rise expected in 2026. Searches for yarn kits, a popular grandma hobby, surged 1,200% in 2025, prompting Michael's to allot more shelf space for knitting. Company executives say crafting provides a mental health break from doomscrolling after Covid-19. The trend is hard to quantify, but it is shaping store layouts and consumer routines, and sparking personal experiments, including a 48-hour stint living as in the 1990s.

Calisto Protocol on Xbox Series X discounted to $7 on Amazon as stock fluctuates

January 18, 2026, 6:18 AM EST. Amazon is listing The Calisto Protocol for $7 on Xbox Series X, down from $70. The deal appears on Amazon, not the Microsoft Store, and stock has fluctuated as listings are refreshed after restocks. The sale could end soon, with remaining quantities unclear. The 2022 survival-horror title from Striking Distance Studios and Krafton is led by Glen Schofield, the creator of Dead Space; it holds a Metacritic score of 69. Expect about 10 to 12 hours of gameplay. It is not on Xbox Game Pass, making this the cheapest way to play on Xbox right now. The deal has drawn attention from outlets such as ComicBook.com.

Stellantis patents in-pack thermal-runaway suppression system to curb EV battery fires

January 18, 2026, 6:16 AM EST. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office granted Stellantis a patent for an in-pack thermal-runaway suppression system that MoparInsiders says could cut the risk of EV battery fires. The design places a bladder filled with a fire-retardant chemical inside the battery pack and uses blades to pierce and direct coolant through lines with small apertures, triggered by electrical actuators when serious trouble is detected. It is designed to integrate with existing thermal management and to halt a dangerous reaction inside the pack. If realized at scale, the system could improve safety, balance weight and performance, and help set Stellantis's EVs apart across brands such as Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, FIAT and Ram. The news underscores a growing emphasis on safety alongside efficiency and range in EV development.

Nintendo allegedly demanded Mario ahead of Sonic in Olympic Games artwork, former Sega producer says

January 18, 2026, 6:14 AM EST. Former Sega of Japan producer Ryoichi Hasegawa recounts a behind-the-scenes moment from Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games: artwork showed Sonic's foot in front of Mario's, and Nintendo demanded the priority be swapped. Hasegawa told Arcade Attack Retro Gaming Network that the images were used on packaging, manuals, and cartridge labels, and Sega complied, fearing the deal would collapse otherwise. Nintendo is known for aggressively protecting its IP, the interview underscores. As for the Sonic & Mario at the Olympic Games series, rumors in recent years have suggested it may not return. The anecdote adds to a string of anecdotes from developers who navigated IP protection.

SpaceX IPO in 2026 in doubt after $800B secondary sale hints at $1.5 trillion target

January 18, 2026, 6:12 AM EST. SpaceX has long resisted an IPO, with Elon Musk arguing private ownership is needed to pursue a Mars program. Some investors question whether 2026 will bring an IPO or simply a prelude to a Starlink-focused liquidity event. In July 2025, SpaceX priced a funding round that valued the company at $400 billion, up from about $350 billion at end-2024. A recent secondary sale targeted an $800 billion valuation, Bloomberg reported, though The Wall Street Journal noted there was no guarantee the figure would be reached on a potential IPO day. If the company remains private, executives could pivot to a Starlink-led listing or delay liquidity. SpaceX has not committed to an IPO timetable, according to people familiar with the matter.

Meta to shut down Horizon Workrooms, pivots toward AR glasses for work

January 18, 2026, 6:02 AM EST. Meta will retire Horizon Workrooms on Feb. 16 as it shifts from VR collaboration toward AR glasses for work. Launched in 2021 during the pandemic, it let users join meetings as avatars around virtual tables with an option for a remote desktop and keyboard. Meta says Horizon Workrooms has evolved into a broader social platform and will be closed; users are advised to use Remote Desktop, Microsoft Teams Immersive, or Zoom Workspace. The move comes after sizable cuts to Reality Labs, roughly 1,500 jobs, and highlights the trade-off between comfort, limited field of view and multitasking in headsets. Even with Apple Vision Pro, similar meetings require wearing a headset, a hurdle for long sessions.

Nvidia CEO says AI race is on; impact on NVDA stock

January 18, 2026, 5:56 AM EST. At CES 2026, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang framed the AI race as accelerating, saying advances hinge on faster computing and cheaper AI. Nvidia GPUs remain central to training and running AI apps, helping the stock surge about 1,000% in three years. Huang highlighted OpenAI's o1 model, released in September 2024, as an inflection point where inference becomes a thinking process, boosting demand for more capable chips. He noted that the cost to reach the next frontier declines by roughly 10x each year, underscoring a compute-driven field. The implication: continued demand for Nvidia chips, even as older generations (Ampere, Hopper, Blackwell) lose value ahead of Rubin's rollout later this year. CES tone: AI scalability, not a bubble.

DJI Mini 5 Pro delivers a major leap for sub-250g drones

January 18, 2026, 5:40 AM EST. DJI's Mini 5 Pro ushers in a new era for ultra-light drones. It ships a 1-inch 50MP sensor and a 225° rotating gimbal, paired with omnidirectional obstacle sensing that includes LiDAR for safer night flights. Weighing about 249.9g and carrying a C0 EU certification, it skirts the 250g line and aligns with new drone rules that require a Flyer ID in the UK for flights over 100g. Physically larger than the Mini 4 Pro, it still folds compactly. Highlights include 4K/60p video with 10-bit HDR, up to 50MP stills, 14 stops of dynamic range, and a 42GB internal storage. The footage remains smooth in light winds, aided by the enhanced sensing system and a 225° gimbal for creative angles.

SpaceX scrubs 2026 Mars mission after Starship delays

January 18, 2026, 5:28 AM EST. SpaceX has scrapped its promised 2026 Mars mission after years of delays to the Starship program. CEO Elon Musk had repeatedly pushed timelines from a 2022 Mars landing to a late-2026 launch, then rolled back expectations and named it a 'distraction' in a late-2025 interview. A test-bed schedule persisted, including plans to send five Gen 3 Starships and to carry Italian Space Agency experiments to the Martian surface. The announcement follows months of skepticism about whether Starship hardware and its orbital logistics could reach Mars within a practical window. SpaceX has not publicly confirmed a concrete launch date for Mars, and engineers and partners say the mission remains technically challenging due to Starship's design and propulsion architecture.

Apple hints at early M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro release window

January 18, 2026, 5:26 AM EST. Apple is tipped to launch two premium MacBook Pro models, the M5 Pro and M5 Max, in the first quarter of 2026 (Q1 2026). The Apple Silicon M5 arrived in 2025, powering the Vision Pro, iPad Pro and a 14-inch MacBook Pro, with the standard Pro currently ahead of the MacBook Air on performance. Supply-chain chatter points to an early release window in Q1 2026 for the M5 Pro and M5 Max variants, while the consumer-focused MacBook Air with M5 may come later. Separately, Apple unveiled the Creator Studio subscription bundle, tying into apps like Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro, potentially signaling the value of the new hardware for pros. A midweek, press-release launch on a date such as January 28 (a Wednesday) is plausible, rather than a big Cupertino event.

NASA's moon rocket moves to pad for Artemis crewed lunar flyaround; February launch eyed

January 18, 2026, 5:24 AM EST. NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket moved from the Vehicle Assembly Building to the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center for the first crewed lunar flyaround in more than five decades. The 98-meter-tall vehicle, topped by the Orion crew capsule, crept about 4 miles to the pad in a daylong rollout. Thousands watched as the transport, a carryover from the Apollo era, ferried the assembly to its post. The crew includes commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover and mission specialist Christina Koch, joined by Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen. The 10-day mission tests systems ahead of later Artemis flights; fuel tests are planned in early February, with a narrow launch window before March.

Real-world study shows EV batteries last 13+ years despite fast charging

January 18, 2026, 5:14 AM EST. Geotab's latest real-world analysis covers more than 22,700 light-duty EVs across 21 makes and models. It finds an average battery degradation of 2.3% per year, suggesting a battery lifespan of about 13 years or more. After more than a decade on the road, capacity remains around 75%. The results bolster EVs as a viable option for fleets and private owners, even as the Zebra study shows US drivers keep cars for an average of about eight years. Degradation varies by model, charging habits, climate and usage. Using DC fast charging can raise battery temperatures and accelerate wear more than slower Level 2 AC charging. Geotab's 2024 rate was 1.8%, attributed to a larger dataset and more fast charging through 2025. The study also notes evolving chemistry, including semi-solid-state batteries, that could extend life.

Tesla's Karpathy, Nvidia's Huang clash over AI-driven coding and engineers' role

January 18, 2026, 5:12 AM EST. Former Tesla AI chief Andrej Karpathy and Nvidia chief Jensen Huang clash over AI's role in coding. Huang argues for a zero-coding future, with engineers spending their time on discovery rather than syntax. Karpathy, who led Tesla's Autopilot AI and says he had to code Nanochat by hand, warns that AI agents still can't deliver reliable, production-ready results. Sundar Pichai and other tech leaders mirror the split. Michael Truell, Cursor CEO, questions blindly trusting AI to write code, likening it to building a house without plumbing. New research tempers the promise of AI productivity: a METR study shows AI assistants reduce experienced developers' output by 19% even as expectations rise; Bain notes only modest savings. The debate exposes a rift between AI tooling and traditional software engineering craft.

Grok AI remains accessible in Malaysia despite temporary ban

January 18, 2026, 5:10 AM EST. Malaysia's temporary restriction on Grok drew global attention as the AI tool remained reachable through VPNs, DNS tweaks, and its integration with X. Regulators had directed a temporary restriction effective 11 January 2026, citing the tool's ability to generate sexually explicit images, including minors. Despite the ban, Grok and its host platform continued to respond to users in Malaysia and Indonesia, highlighting how multi-platform deployment complicates enforcement. Analysts say blocking Grok is only a partial fix; users can sidestep with technical workarounds or switch to other AI services. Experts urge authorities to pursue law-enforcement actions and for platforms to remove offending content and improve accountability. The episode underscores the challenges for regulators as AI tools spread across apps and sites.

AI terms glossary: definitions of common AI concepts

January 18, 2026, 4:52 AM EST. A concise glossary of the most common AI terms, from AI basics to advanced concepts. It defines machine learning, neural networks, and the distinction between training and inference. Readers learn about prompting, fine-tuning, and transfer learning, plus how reinforcement learning differs from supervised approaches. The guide covers data work, including datasets and evaluation metrics, and explains practical terms for product teams, such as LLM (large language model), NLP, and CV. It clarifies artifacts like tokenizer, embeddings, and API access, and flags concerns around bias, fairness, explainability, guardrails, and privacy. Plain-language definitions pair with brief examples to help journalists, developers, and decision-makers follow AI discussions more clearly.

Tencent seeks cooperation with AI firms to tailor services for vulnerable users

January 18, 2026, 4:24 AM EST. Specialised data sets can make AI services more helpful to vulnerable users who increasingly rely on them for emotional support and health guidance, said Lu Shiyu of Tencent Research Institute (TRI). Since 2024, TRI has been developing specialised data sets with such groups in mind. In a typical cycle, LLMs receive general knowledge during pre-training from the internet and are fine-tuned in post-training before deployment. Last year, Lu's team and researchers from the University of Science and Technology Beijing tested leading US and Chinese LLMs, including Tencent's Hunyuan model, and found gaps in handling topics like sex education for China's 69 million left-behind children. The effort also yielded an elderly data set from thousands of Q&A samples. Lu said the next step is to partner with major AI model developers with large user bases.

Oracle, CoreWeave Among Stocks At Risk If AI Bubble Pops in 2026

January 18, 2026, 4:22 AM EST. Analysts warn the AI boom could be a bubble. Among the riskiest bets are Oracle and CoreWeave. Oracle's AI push leans on OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, driving heavy spending and debt. The company expects roughly $50 billion in capex for fiscal 2026, up from $35 billion, financed partly by large bond issuances that have pushed yields toward the junk edge. Five-year credit-default swaps have climbed, and Oracle still trails in profitability, while OpenAI itself plans to spend hundreds of billions. CoreWeave, an AI data-center operator, has revenue growth but finances expansion with expensive debt and lease obligations sensitive to rates. If AI demand slows or funding tightens, leverage could squeeze margins and pause sector growth.

Human-centered AI for SRE: Orchestrated multi-agent incident response

January 18, 2026, 4:20 AM EST. Officials describe a shift in site reliability engineering toward multi-agent AI that assists on-call engineers rather than replacing them. In a blog post, Ar Hakboian of OpsWorker argues orchestration adds value, with agents for logs, metrics and runbooks coordinated by a supervisor who assigns work. The aim is to ease engineers' load by proposing hypotheses, queries, and curated context while humans keep judgment and approval. Liu's arXiv study compares centralised, decentralised, and hybrid teams; centralised or hybrid leaders perform best, while decentralized groups stall. Production readiness remains a gap; agents are strong investigators but lack safety controls and reliability engineering. EverOps says AI will transform SRE without replacing engineers, per surveys.

China files to launch about 200,000 satellites in ITU filings, challenging SpaceX

January 18, 2026, 4:04 AM EST. China submitted December 2023 filings to the ITU for two mega-constellations, CTC-1 and CTC-2, each listing 96,714 satellites. The Institute of Radio Spectrum Utilization and Technological Innovation led the effort, with proposals from the China Satellite Network Group and major operators including China Mobile, China Telecom and private firms such as Spacety, GalaxySpace and Shanghai Yuanxin. The package signals a state-driven push to build a global satellite internet and coordinate spectrum. If realized, it would intensify competition for orbital slots and radio frequencies, adding pressure to an already congested low-Earth orbit. Today SpaceX accounts for roughly three quarters of active satellites; China's filings would dramatically expand the field and reshape access to space.

Apple Watch SE 3 vs Amazfit Active Max in 7,500-step walk test – a clear winner

January 18, 2026, 3:48 AM EST. During a sunny Seattle walk, I wore the Apple Watch SE 3 and the Amazfit Active Max on opposite wrists, tallying steps by hand and using Strava for pace and distance. The Amazfit Active Max touts multi-band GPS, longer battery life (weeks vs 18 hours for the SE 3) and a brighter display (3,000 nits vs 1,000). In the test, step counts were close: 7,447 (SE 3) and 7,677 (Amazfit), with a manual target of 7,500. Distances came in near, too: 3.92 miles (SE 3), 3.87 miles (Amazfit), 3.97 miles (Strava). Elevation and heart-rate data matched, though the Active Max emphasizes running metrics the SE 3 does not. Overall, the test underscored trade-offs between price, longevity and feature focus.

Rep. Mast accuses Nvidia, Jensen Huang of selling AI chips to Chinese military-linked firms

January 18, 2026, 2:28 AM EST. U.S. Rep. Brian Mast (R-Fla.) on Saturday accused Nvidia Corp. and CEO Jensen Huang of helping the Chinese military by selling advanced AI chips to firms linked to Beijing, including Alibaba and Tencent. In posts on X, Mast said he is trying to stop that from happening and challenged Huang to a debate, while criticizing Nvidia's policies on transgender facilities and financial support for Rep. Ilhan Omar. He urged followers to state their positions on the issue. Nvidia's China business has faced headwinds such as a global memory-chip shortage and export-control considerations on H200 AI processors. Beijing has reportedly restricted purchase volumes. Despite regulatory pressure, analysts still view Nvidia as a leading growth stock in semiconductors, driven by AI monetization.

Six-Second Vine: The Innocent Origins of Internet Brainrot

January 18, 2026, 2:12 AM EST. An essay revisits Vine, the six-second looping video app launched in 2012, and its impact on early internet culture. The author recalls a teen babysitter and a flood of clips that felt irresistible at first, then eroded the innocence. Vine's strict six-second limit forced punchlines, captions, and loops to travel fast, turning constraint into a shared language. The piece explains how users used revined-reposted-clips to amplify ideas. It traces how a tiny app accelerated attention shifts and memetic culture within social media. With vivid examples-geese and a girl with a lisp, a helium note, a choir-the narrative links nostalgia to a broader truth: constraints spark creativity, even as they birth a lasting, imperfect online habit.

DJI Mini 4 Pro discount vs Mini 5 Pro value on Amazon

January 18, 2026, 2:02 AM EST. Amazon pricing shows the DJI Mini 4 Pro at $959, a 9% drop from $1,059, bundled with the DJI RC 2 controller and its 5.5-inch display. The drone weighs under 249 grams, keeping it outside US FAA registration, and includes omnidirectional obstacle avoidance when flying. The DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo is now $1,099 after a 31% discount, adding three batteries, a charging hub, ND filters and a carrying bag. Amazon's stock remains robust with Prime shipping, and early data show the Mini 5 Pro outsold the Mini 4 Pro more than tenfold last month. The $140 premium for the Mini 5 Pro package buys more gear and longer flight time, but value depends on whether you want the extra batteries and accessories or a compact, lighter setup.

Apple shares slide ahead of January earnings; investors track revisions and valuation

January 18, 2026, 2:00 AM EST. Apple (AAPL) closed at 255.52, down 1.04%, underperforming the S&P 500, Dow and Nasdaq. The stock has fallen about 5.14% in the past month, lagging the Computer and Technology sector's 2.88% gain and the S&P 500's 1.99% rise. Investors await the January 29, 2026 earnings release, with Zacks forecasting EPS of $2.65 and revenue of $137.4 billion, up about 10% year over year. For the full year, Zacks projects EPS of $8.13 on revenue of $451.68 billion. The firm notes recent analyst estimate revisions and lists its Zacks Rank as #3 (Hold). Apple trades at a forward P/E of 31.78, well above the industry average of 11.22, and a PEG of 2.42 versus 1.58. The Computer-Micro Computers group sits near the sector's bottom.

AMD to focus on RX 9070 XT to weather memory-cost shocks, easing price moves on non-XT

January 18, 2026, 1:56 AM EST. AMD is reportedly focusing more on the RX 9070 XT than its non-XT sibling to blunt memory-cost shocks. ProHardVer, via Videocardz, says the XT variant sells for higher prices and can better absorb rising DRAM costs, while the non-XT faces tougher price adjustments. The report links this to the broader RDNA 4 strategy and to the long path to MSRP stability after memory shortages pushed prices higher. Nvidia has signaled a similar approach, prioritizing 8 GB GPUs; AMD's plan would tilt production toward the higher-margin XT. The RX 9060 XT 16 GB keeps a fixed position in the lineup, with AMD promising cost containment on that model.

Samsung touts 600-mile all-solid-state EV batteries with 9-minute charge; BMW, Solid Power to roll out by 2026

January 18, 2026, 1:42 AM EST. Samsung says its all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) could hit 600 miles per charge, double today's EVs, and shorten recharge times to nine minutes for a 10%-80% fill. The solid electrolyte design promises fewer leaks and far less fire risk. Because production costs remain high, ASSBs are expected first in high-end luxury cars. Samsung is partnering with Solid Power and BMW to bring the tech to market by end-2026. The cells are smaller and lighter, with safety touted as a key advantage. Industry observers note fires remain linked more often to lithium-ion devices and e-bikes; NYC FDNY data show hundreds of Li-ion fires and dozens of fatalities since 2021. Scaling and safety standards will matter most in the rollout.

This Week in Tech: Brain simulations, AI momentum, and genome breakthroughs

January 18, 2026, 1:40 AM EST. New Scientist says supercomputers now have enough power to simulate billions of neurons, potentially revealing how the brain functions. Google appears poised to leverage a broad AI stack, signaling possible leadership in ongoing compute-intensive development. MIT Technology Review frames LLMs as objects for study, treating them like biology-a stance toward a 'new biology' of intelligence. Ars Technica reports sequencing a woolly rhino genome from meat in a 14,400-year-old wolf's stomach. Gizmodo notes a jump in five-year cancer survival to 70% for diagnoses through 2021. New Scientist finds a classical computer may beat quantum methods on a nitrogen-fixation problem at scale. TechCrunch reports AI models are starting to crack high-level math problems.

Renders Claim iPhone 18 Pro Design With Under-Display Face ID and Corner Camera Cutout

January 18, 2026, 1:26 AM EST. Renders from Jon Prosser of Front Page Tech visualize months of rumors about the iPhone 18 Pro. The video shows three new colorways-Burgundy, Brown, and Purple-and a shift to under-display Face ID with a single front-camera hole in the top-left, while the Dynamic Island remains in software. On the back, the model is said to adopt a variable aperture main camera, potentially exclusive to the iPhone 18 Pro Max. Inside, Apple reportedly switches to an A20 Pro chip and a C2 modem. A redesigned Camera Control button would move to a pressure-based mechanism. A split 2026 launch would separate Pro models and the iPhone Fold from the standard lineup. The piece also mentions 5G satellite connectivity for Emergency SOS and notes industry chatter about Cook and John Ternus in succession planning.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 price cut near half price

January 18, 2026, 1:12 AM EST. Samsung's Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025, the premium wearable, has seen a steep price drop. Woot! lists the 46mm Ultra at $329.99, roughly half the traditional $649.99 retail price. Amazon's listing showed it on sale at about $499.99 earlier, highlighting a broader pullback in the flagship line. The Ultra uses a titanium case for durability and targets endurance athletes with features such as outstanding sleep coaching, DnS mode to prevent unwanted screen wakeups, a dedicated running coach and an Energy Score to balance training. It also provides robust heart-rate tracking and GPS, usable without a phone. While not the cheapest option, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 remains a premium wearable, now cheaper than the newer Galaxy Watch 8 46mm LTE in some markets.

No Wi-Fi, no fares: Tehran taxi drivers struggle as internet blackout bites

January 18, 2026, 1:10 AM EST. Taxi drivers in Tehran faced a citywide internet outage that silenced dispatch apps and digital payments. With ride-hailing platforms offline, drivers leaned on street hails and cash fares, a shift that slowed business and cut earnings. Drivers described long waits between fares and uncertainty as customers couldn't locate them in the app or pay electronically. The outage underscored how the so-called gig economy-where drivers rely on constant online connectivity to locate riders and receive payment-depends on reliable networks. Some drivers said the disruption forced them to return to traditional street-hire methods, a step back from a system they had grown to rely on. Officials have not specified duration or causes of the outage.

Thermo Fisher, Nvidia Partner to Bring Advanced AI to Lab Workflows

January 18, 2026, 1:08 AM EST. Thermo Fisher Scientific (NYSE: TMO) and NVIDIA unveiled a strategic partnership to embed AI into laboratory workflows. The alliance will build "lab-in-the-loop" systems that connect instruments and data to AI software at scale, using NVIDIA's DGX Spark supercomputer and BioNeMo models to streamline experiment planning and data processing. The aim is to accelerate pharmaceutical discovery, improve research accuracy and boost operational efficiency by fusing NVIDIA's AI infrastructure with Thermo Fisher's life-sciences expertise. EVP Gianluca Pettiti described the effort as a 'trinity of AI, agents, and instruments' transforming scientific workflows. Thermo Fisher remains a leading global provider of life sciences tools, serving biopharma, healthcare and academic markets, as AI begins to reshape lab work.

Hermiston, Umatilla launch broadband eCheckup to gauge internet needs

January 18, 2026, 12:52 AM EST. Hermiston and Umatilla are collaborating on a Broadband eCheckup to map internet access, reliability and affordability in their communities. The study, conducted with Strategic Networks Group, asks residents and business owners in both towns to spend about 20 minutes completing a survey. A 2022 version found reliability, connection speed and cost were top priorities; more than 800 households and about 70 businesses weighed in. If gaps persist, the cities could finance infrastructure upgrades through a new utility charge, allowing providers to extend service to underserved areas. The effort aims to boost economic opportunity, education access and quality of life. Results will guide any potential financing and public-private collaboration.

SpaceX could become the first trillion-dollar space company, Cathie Wood says; Tesla could pivot to robotaxis

January 18, 2026, 12:40 AM EST. Cathie Wood, founder of ARK Invest, argues SpaceX could become the first trillion-dollar space company as demand grows for commercial space services. She also says Tesla could lift overall profits by sprinting away from traditional car sales and going all in on self-driving robotaxis, potentially boosting margins from about 15% to 80%. Wood noted progress on Tesla's humanoid robot program, calling the development a sign of broader AI and automation momentum. The remarks frame bets on long-duration growth in space, robotics and software-defined mobility, though they reflect forecasting rather than imminent results. SpaceX and Tesla remain closely watched as investors weigh how quickly these bets might pay off.

Qualcomm's 2nm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro to power top Android flagships despite high price

January 18, 2026, 12:20 AM EST. Rumors say Qualcomm will unveil the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro alongside a standard Gen 6, both built on TSMC's 2nm process. The Pro variant is said to offer a faster GPU, LPDDR6 RAM and UFS 5.0, but at a premium. Industry chatter from Weibo accounts Repeater 002 and Smart Chip Insider suggests the top five Android phone makers will still ship flagship models with the Gen 6 Pro, while the standard Gen 6 targets the majority of shipments. Estimates put the Gen 5 price around $280 and the Gen 6 Pro pricing well above $300, a hurdle amid a memory cost spike. Some manufacturers outside the top five could pivot to MediaTek's Dimensity 9600, though it may mean lower performance.

Quobly and TNO join to accelerate industrialization of silicon spin qubits

January 18, 2026, 12:06 AM EST. Quobly of Grenoble and TNO of Delft have formed a research collaboration to speed up the industrialization of silicon-based quantum computing. The alliance targets the materials-to-manufacturing bottleneck by linking device engineering with materials science to improve yield and performance of silicon spin qubits. The plan includes identifying and mitigating defect mechanisms, shortening development loops through faster iteration, and optimizing designs for large-scale fabrication. Quobly contributes CMOS-compatible qubit design and fabrication know-how, with ties to STMicroelectronics; TNO brings cryogenic testing and advanced materials analysis via its Quantum Information Technology Test Facility (QITT). The effort aims to move beyond lab 'hero devices' toward reproducible, high-yield production, reinforcing a France-Netherlands quantum corridor.

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