Technology News 21.01.2026

Microsoft unveils Rho-alpha, first robotics model from Phi series

January 21, 2026, 11:58 PM EST. Microsoft unveiled Rho-alpha (ρα), the company's first robotics model derived from its Phi series of vision-language models. Described as a VLA+ system, Rho-alpha translates natural language prompts into control signals for robots performing bimanual manipulation, expanding perception to include tactile sensing and, later, force data. The team aims for continual learning from human feedback during deployment, increasing adaptability to dynamic environments. Rho-alpha is currently evaluating on dual-arm and humanoid platforms, with demonstrations on the BusyBox benchmark guided by natural prompts. Microsoft invites organizations to apply for the Rho-alpha Research Early Access Program and plans to release the model via Microsoft Foundry later. A formal technical description is forthcoming.

Study links daily AI-chatbot use for personal reasons to higher depression and anxiety symptoms

January 21, 2026, 11:54 PM EST. Mass General Brigham researchers surveyed 20,847 US adults, mostly white, about AI use and mental health. In JAMA Network Open, 10.3% used AI at least daily; 5% used it several times daily. Among daily users, about half cited work use and 11% school use; 87.1% used AI for personal reasons such as advice or emotional support. The mean age was 47. Daily personal-use users were more likely to report at least moderate depression or anxiety and irritability than nonusers. Symptoms assessed over two weeks included concentration, sleep, eating, and thoughts of self-harm; depressive symptoms include sadness, low self-esteem, low energy. Researchers found a dose-response: more frequent AI use correlated with stronger symptoms. The APA cautions AI not a therapy substitute.

Unencrypted SMS sign-in links expose millions, researchers warn

January 21, 2026, 11:42 PM EST. Researchers from the University of New Mexico, University of Arizona, University of Louisiana, and Circle warn that millions are at risk from unencrypted SMS sign-in links. They collected 332,000 unique SMS-delivered URLs from 33 million texts sent to more than 30,000 numbers, finding critical personally identifiable information exposed across 701 endpoints for 177 services. The root cause is weak authentication based on tokenized links; anyone with the link could access data such as Social Security numbers, dates of birth, bank details, and credit scores. The study relied on public SMS gateways to glimpse the practice, as bypassing access controls would require scale. Past disclosures show databases of texts containing usernames, passwords, and codes. The researchers caution that the attack surface for SMS-based verification remains substantial, despite ethical restrictions.

Loft Orbital wins €50M contract to build France's first sovereign SAR satellite

January 21, 2026, 11:40 PM EST. Loft Orbital has secured a nearly €50 million contract from the French military to deliver the country's first sovereign SAR capability. The demonstration is part of the DESIR program (Demonstrator of Sovereign Radar Imaging Elements), aimed at widening France's earth observation options. Loft has assembled a French consortium with Thales Alenia Space and TEKEVER France to co-design the SAR payload, which will ride on Loft's Longbow platform derived from the OneWeb architecture. The project, run from Loft's Toulouse facilities, targets a mid-2029 deployment. The satellite will monitor the Earth 24/7, seeing through clouds and at night. Loft becomes the prime contractor, signaling momentum for France's NewSpace sector and reinforcing its role as a sovereign systems partner.

Viral solo-living safety app 'Are you dead?' rebrands as Demumu for global rollout

January 21, 2026, 11:34 PM EST. An app for solo dwellers called 'Are you dead,' built by a three-person team born after 1995, has gone viral in China. Known as Sileme in Chinese, it uses a lightweight safety tool that requires one emergency contact and sends automatic check-in alerts after consecutive days of no activity. The surge in downloads prompted the developers to charge for subscriptions and to rebrand globally as Demumu, now appearing at No. 2 on Apple's App Store paid chart. The company plans an eight yuan monthly scheme to cover costs while keeping the HK$8 download price in some markets. Global Times cites China's one-person households at up to 200 million. Net users debated the name change online, with some urging alternatives like 'Are you online.'

Quantum-augmented query optimiser targets sub-5-second runtimes for real-time databases

January 21, 2026, 11:32 PM EST. Researchers from the University of Southern California, led by Hanwen Liu and Ibrahim Sabek, embed quantum computing into a real-time database workflow. They introduce Q2O, the first quantum-augmented query optimiser, which uses a nonlinear model to encode the join-order problem for low-latency solvers like NL-Solver and then translates the solution into a plan hint for PostgreSQL's optimizer. This approach aims to overcome the high latency of quantum services, such as the former 5-second minimum seen with the D-Wave CQM-Solver. In the Join Order Benchmark tests, Q2O improved 31 of 113 queries, with a maximum latency drop of 92.7% and an average of 42.09% on improved queries. End-to-end latency also fell, despite cloud overhead from NL-Solver. Some components ran up to 13.15× faster; overall E2E improvements reached 1.42× versus standard PostgreSQL.

SpaceX to launch first West Coast Starlink mission of 2026 from Vandenberg

January 21, 2026, 11:30 PM EST. SpaceX is set to launch its first West Coast Starlink mission of 2026 from Vandenberg Space Force Base. The Starlink 17-30 mission will deploy 25 Starlink V2 Mini Optimized satellites into a polar low Earth orbit, adding to SpaceX's megaconstellation. Liftoff is scheduled for 6:46 p.m. PST (9:46 p.m. EST / 0246 UTC) from Space Launch Complex 4 East, with a southerly trajectory after leaving the pad. Spaceflight Now will provide live coverage about 30 minutes before liftoff. The Falcon 9 first stage, tail number 1093, will aim for a drone ship landing on Of Course I Still Love You in the Pacific; it would mark SpaceX's 172nd drone ship landing and 562nd orbital booster landing overall. This mission is SpaceX's sixth Starlink flight this year.

Experiment with smartphone sensors using the Physics Toolbox app

January 21, 2026, 11:24 PM EST. Hidden smartphone sensors power everyday features. The Physics Toolbox app unlocks four sensors for hands-on exploration. The author highlights the microphone, which can measure real-time decibels and graph results, and even act as a tone generator/detector. The proximity sensor, tucked under the display, uses infrared light to sense nearby objects without contact. The piece notes the app turns ordinary hardware into research tools for students, curious minds, and professionals, letting users log measurements and see how sensors support calls, warnings, and more. Credit: Brady Snyder / MakeUseOf.

NVIDIA GB10 CPU performance vs Ryzen AI Max+ Strix Halo in Linux benchmarks

January 21, 2026, 11:22 PM EST. Phoronix tested the Dell Pro Max GB10 with a 20 Arm CPU against Framework Desktop's Ryzen AI Max+ 395 (Strix Halo) in Linux workloads. The GB10 deploys 20 Arm cores-ten Cortex-X925 and ten Cortex-A725-plus 128GB LPDDR5x and runs Ubuntu 24.04.3 LTS with the Linux 6.14 kernel and GCC 13.3. In PETSc, the GB10 was about 12% faster than the Ryzen AI Max+ 395, while total system power hovered near 82W on both platforms, with GB10 peaking at 138W versus 122W for the Framework system. In Blender 3D rendering, the Strix Halo platform led by a wide margin, likely due to optimizations on x86_64. In CoreMark, the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 delivered about 1.67× the GB10. Overall, CPU performance is mixed: GB10 wins in some scientific workloads, but trails in Blender; power use is comparable.

Casio could save the hybrid smartwatch category with a serious Polar-powered G-Shock

January 21, 2026, 11:18 PM EST. The piece argues hybrids faded after Fossil exited and brands failed to balance design and function. Casio has clout with its G-Shock Square, and a true, metal-backed hybrid tied to Polar could finally give wearables a usable health edge. Casio's past experiments (DW-H5600, GBD-H2000) showed promise, but the category remained niche. A deliberate strategy-steady commitment, a genuinely functional health stack, and a premium metal chassis-could redefine the space. Without more effort, hybrids stay half-baked; with it, Casio could own the segment by marrying toughness with real health data. Bold design, reliable sensors, and deeper Polar software integration are key.

Pimax Crystal Super OLED Module brings true blacks to modular VR flagship

January 21, 2026, 11:08 PM EST. The Crystal Super's Micro-OLED module replaces the QLED unit, trimming roughly 115 grams thanks to Pimax's Concave View pancake lenses. Swapping it in is straightforward and validates the headset's modular bet. The OLED panel brings true blacks and infinite contrast, making cockpit shadows pitch black and night approaches in Microsoft Flight Simulator feel dramatically different from the LCD era. The colors are richer and more saturated, with the OLED color tone playing a punchier role than the QLED. The main caveat is brightness-the OLED is dimmer than the daytime-sun-like QLED, a trade-off engineers tolerate for night realism. Overall, the module marks a fundamental shift in the Crystal Super's look and feel and reinforces modularity.

Apple expands North San Jose campus, adds two Orchard Parkway offices

January 21, 2026, 11:04 PM EST. Apple has begun expanding its North San Jose campus, moving hundreds of employees into two nearby office buildings at 2509 and 2325 Orchard Parkway. The pair total about 490,000 square feet of office and lab space, with 199,200 sq ft at 2509 and 290,600 sq ft at 2325; a February relocation for additional teams is planned. The push reflects a broader South Bay real estate expansion, including discussions to sublease space in Sunnyvale. By mid-December 2025, Apple's Santa Clara County acquisitions topped $1.1 billion in six months. Kristina Raspe, Apple's VP of Global Real Estate, says the sites are designed to support innovation and collaboration for customers in California and around the world. Analysts note the long-term footprint strategy and cash management.

Apple expands North San Jose campus, plans more Orchard Parkway space

January 21, 2026, 10:54 PM EST. Apple has begun expanding its North San Jose presence, moving hundreds of employees into 199,200-square-foot at 2509 Orchard Parkway and planning occupancy of 290,600-square-foot at 2325 Orchard Parkway. The two buildings total about 500,000 square feet and include lab space for ongoing R&D. The sites sit near the 101/87 interchange. Kristina Raspe, Apple's vice president of Global Real Estate and Facilities, says the company will continue investing in San Jose and the Santa Clara Valley to support innovation for customers worldwide. Industry consultant Bob Staedler notes Apple manages its footprint decisively, with a long-term view. Separately, Apple is exploring Sunnyvale offices via subleases, and South Bay deal volume topped $1.1 billion in late 2025.

Todoist launches Ramble AI voice-to-task feature to turn speech into tasks

January 21, 2026, 10:48 PM EST. Todoist is adding voice-to-task input with Ramble, an AI feature that turns natural speech into tasks and extracts deadlines, priorities and assignees. Ramble works across iOS, Android and desktop, removing the need to type. It uses Todoist Assist, running on Google's Gemini 2.5 Flash Live model via Vertex AI for real-time speech understanding. Audio is not stored, and Todoist cites SOC2 Type II compliance. In beta testing with about 150,000 Experimental users, Ramble logged roughly 290,000 sessions in three weeks, and task creation success rose from about 40% in October to 62% in December. The feature also boosted upgrades, with entry-level users upgrading at about five times the prior rate. Todoist Ramble is now broadly available.

Apple reportedly developing AirTag-sized AI wearable pin with cameras and microphones

January 21, 2026, 10:46 PM EST. Apple is exploring an AirTag-sized AI wearable pin equipped with cameras and microphones to sense a wearer's surroundings, The Information reports. The circular device would feature standard and wide-angle lenses, three microphones, a speaker, and a wireless charging system, with an aluminium and glass housing. It remains in early development, with a potential launch as soon as 2027. The Information also notes Apple is partnering with Google to power a more personalized Siri in the near term. Separately, Bloomberg reports Apple plans to fold an AI chatbot into iPhone, iPad, and Mac later this year. The broader trend pushes AI in wearables-though some projects, such as Humane's AI Pin, have stumbled. OpenAI and former Apple designer Jony Ive are also pursuing similar devices.

Apple eyes AirTag-sized AI wearable with cameras and mics

January 21, 2026, 10:44 PM EST. Apple is developing an AI-powered wearable pin with cameras and microphones to sense a user's surroundings, The Information reports. The circular device would be the size of an AirTag, with a thin aluminum-and-glass housing, a standard and a wide-angle lens, three microphones, a speaker and a side button, plus wireless charging. The project is in early stages and could arrive as soon as 2027. Apple is also said to be partnering with Google to power a more personalized Siri, while Bloomberg notes Apple plans an AI chatbot integrated into iPhone, iPad and Mac in September. The space includes other attempts at AI wearables, such as Humane's AI Pin; OpenAI and former Apple designer Jony Ive are reportedly involved but details remain under wraps.

Texas A&M's AggieSat6 set for spring 2026 launch from Vandenberg in all-Aggie mission

January 21, 2026, 10:42 PM EST. Texas A&M's AggieSat Lab is developing AggieSat6, a 6U CubeSat designed to improve space situational awareness through radiofrequency tracking. Built entirely by students in the AggieSat Laboratory Space Program, AGS6 will launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in spring 2026 alongside a satellite from Aggie-owned Aegis Aerospace, creating an all-Aggie mission. The craft features five antennas in a star pattern to act as a 'big ear' for targeted radio searches, reducing satellite-tracking time from weeks to days. Onboard processing will compute azimuth, elevation and ground position, enabling faster data delivery. After launch, AGS6 will track Iridium constellation satellites and could, over time, support networks that diminish reliance on ground stations, according to project director Avery Barriga and team members.

Nvidia's Huang says AI will create jobs amid historic infrastructure buildout

January 21, 2026, 10:20 PM EST. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang argues that AI will create jobs, not displace them. He frames the AI push as the largest infrastructure buildout in history, expected to spur work across energy, chips, and the broader infrastructure stack. The emphasis is on trades: plumbers, electricians, construction workers, network technicians, and installers who fit out AI facilities. He notes U.S. salary gains in this area have been sharp, with six-figure pay for people building chip and AI factories, underscoring a persistent skilled-labor shortage. Huang adds that one can earn a good living without a PhD in computer science, signaling expanded opportunity across countries. The takeaway: concrete demand in hardware, manufacturing, and installation roles supports a tech-led rebound in employment.

Blue Origin unveils TeraWave, a terabit-capable satellite network for data centers

January 21, 2026, 10:14 PM EST. Blue Origin unveiled TeraWave, an ultra-high-speed, multi-orbit satellite network designed to move data-center traffic. The plan targets business, government and enterprise customers and would pit Blue Origin against SpaceX's Starlink in a specialized market. TeraWave envisages 5,408 satellites in LEO and MEO, with deployment starting in late 2027 using New Glenn rockets. The company filed an FCC application seeking waivers to accelerate development. It promises symmetric speeds up to 6 Tbps overall, with 5,280 LEO satellites delivering up to 144 Gbps access and 128 MEO satellites offering terabit-level performance. The design supports ultra-high-throughput links between global hubs and dispersed users where fiber is limited. Some analysts note overlap with Amazon's broader satellite efforts, including Amazon Leo/Kuiper.

Empire Fiber expands 100% fiber internet to Irondequoit, NY

January 21, 2026, 10:10 PM EST. Empire Fiber Internet said it has expanded its 100% fiber network to Irondequoit, New York, bringing service to more than 3,500 homes as part of a broader Rochester-area buildout that followed a Greece rollout in August 2025. The company markets high-speed fiber with transparent pricing (no hidden fees or contracts) and 24/7 local support for homes and businesses. CEO Kevin Dickens described Irondequoit as a natural fit for the expansion, noting its demand for choice and reliability. The rollout is being conducted in partnership with area Chambers of Commerce and counties. Residents can now order service via Empire Fiber Internet's website.

SpaceX targets 2027 for second-gen Starlink cellular launch after EchoStar spectrum purchase

January 21, 2026, 10:08 PM EST. SpaceX aims to launch a greatly enhanced second-generation direct-to-device Starlink system in 2027, after purchasing spectrum from EchoStar. An executive told the FCC the spectrum will enable the upgraded service that directly links devices to the satellite network. The plan would extend satellite connectivity into cellular-grade links for mobile devices, subject to regulatory approvals and tech readiness. The filing underscores SpaceX's push to blend satellite coverage with on-device broadband and reflect EchoStar's spectrum sale as a catalyst.

Space-based supply chains face rising operational risks from satellite vulnerabilities

January 21, 2026, 9:58 PM EST. Space-based supply chains rely on satellite networks for navigation, cargo tracking, communications, and forecasting. The piece notes growing operational risks as signals can be disrupted by accidents or intentional interference. Deliberate manipulation of navigation data could misdirect shipments or hide asset locations. Congestion in low Earth orbit raises the chance of debris, collisions, or satellite failures interrupting services. Governments warn that state and non-state actors are developing counterspace capabilities, adding geopolitical pressure for commercial users. The rapid growth of small satellite constellations expands exposure to cyberattacks and signal interference. Many supply chains depend on GNSS (global navigation satellite system) for precise location data; even brief outages can affect aviation, shipping, and cross-border trade. Space-based data feeds, if tampered with, risk poor risk-management decisions.

TSMC Rumored to Strip Apple of Priority Shipments as AI Demand Shifts Revenue

January 21, 2026, 9:56 PM EST. RUMOR: TSMC may strip Apple from top-priority shipments as the iPhone maker loses the crown of the foundry's biggest revenue contributor. A Weibo tipster, Fixed-focus digital cameras, said CEO CC Wei visited Apple to push the largest price hike in years. Apple reportedly accounted for about 24% of TSMC revenue in 2024, but NVIDIA is the top customer in 2025, driven by the AI boom. The chatter notes 2nm capacity largely goes to A20/A20 Pro for the iPhone 18, amid tight wafer supply and rising prices for advanced nodes over four years. Counterpoints exist: Ming-Chi Kuo refuted a secret deal; costs for defective wafers and balance of risk remain disputed. Still, the AI surge reshapes demand.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 rolls out January 2026 security patch

January 21, 2026, 9:54 PM EST. Samsung has begun rolling out the January 2026 security patch to wearable devices, following updates for phones and tablets. The rollout reaches the Galaxy Watch 5, beginning with the non-cellular (Wi-Fi + Bluetooth) model. The update is about 147.29MB and carries firmware version R910XXU1DYL6. The patch fixes 55 security vulnerabilities in the previous OS, improving overall security. So far, the release appears live in Europe, with a broader regional rollout expected in the coming days. To install, open the Galaxy Wearable app and navigate to Watch Settings > Watch software update > Download and install. Samsung is also developing One UI 8.5 (Android 16 QPR2) for these devices.

Nvidia CEO signals potential boost for Nebius amid AI-chip shortage

January 21, 2026, 9:48 PM EST. Nebius Group (NBIS) is projecting 1,600% revenue growth by end-2026, backed by large AI compute deals and capacity expansion. The company sees $900 million to $1.1 billion in annual revenue by end-2025 and $7 billion to $9 billion by 2026 as it scales for hyperscalers. It has secured a multi-year, over-$19 billion pact with Microsoft and a $3 billion, five-year deal with Meta. Nebius plans to raise its capacity from 220 MW to 800 MW, up to 1 GW, and to 2.5 GW of contracted power by 2026. Separately, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang warned at Davos of tight AI-chip supply, noting rising spot prices for GPU rentals and a shortage of latest-gen chips, a dynamic analysts say could underpin demand for Nebius's AI infrastructure investments.

SDA awards Starfish Space $52.5 million end-of-life deorbit mission under PWSA

January 21, 2026, 9:46 PM EST. The Space Development Agency awarded Starfish Space a $52.5 million contract to deorbit a satellite in the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). Starfish will build the Otter spacecraft for a 2027 launch to perform an initial end-of-life deorbit for one PWSA satellite, with options for additional orbits. The company says Otter can service multiple satellites in a single mission, delivering value for LEO constellations. This contract marks Starfish's second with the U.S. Space Force after a 2024 deal to augment maneuvers for a GEO asset, set to launch this year. Starfish also lists three public missions for 2026, including another GEO servicing mission for Intelsat/SES and NASA's SSPICY project. A recent autonomous RPO test with Impulse Space demonstrated close approach to LEO Express vehicles.

Nadella warns AI must prove usefulness or lose social permission at WEF 2026

January 21, 2026, 9:42 PM EST. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella warned at the World Economic Forum that AI risks losing public support unless it delivers tangible outcomes. He urged policymakers and industry to create a ubiquitous grid of energy and tokens and said demand must come from employers and job seekers who use AI to boost health outcomes, education outcomes, public sector efficiency, and private sector competitiveness. Nadella calls AI a cognitive amplifier that gives access to infinite minds and pressed workers to acquire AI skills to stay employable. He offered a concrete example: doctors spending more time with patients because AI handles transcription and billing codes, a use case some clinicians already report as beneficial. Skeptics remain about reorganizing sizable parts of the economy.

Apple reportedly developing an AI-powered smart pin to rival Humane

January 21, 2026, 9:38 PM EST. Apple is reportedly developing an AI-powered pin the size of an AirTag, with a built-in microphone, speaker and two cameras. The Information cites an insider at Apple and notes wireless charging, with a potential launch as soon as next year. The device would resemble other smart pins: a flat aluminum (and possibly glass) disk, slightly thicker than an AirTag. Rumors describe a wide-angle and standard camera, three microphones, a small edge speaker and a single button, plus voice and gesture controls and magnetic charging. Pricing is speculative, possibly below the Apple Watch entry price but higher than many pins, and bundling with a watch or iPhone is possible. OpenAI is also rumored to pursue a competing pin; skepticism stays on Siri timing amid a Gemini AI overhaul.

AI Stock Picks From 2025 Rally: Are Nvidia, TSMC, Alphabet, and Meta Still Buys in 2026?

January 21, 2026, 9:30 PM EST. AI momentum remains the backdrop for the market. Four names led my 2025 picks: Nvidia and TSMC as hardware plays, and Alphabet and Meta Platforms as application-layer bets. All posted gains, with three climbing at least 38%. Looking ahead to 2026, hardware leaders may outpace the software names. TSMC projects roughly 30% growth in 2026, driven by AI chip demand, while Nvidia could see revenue higher around 50% according to consensus. Alphabet remains a leadership in generative AI integration, while Meta faces tighter ROI from AI data-center investments. If the AI spend translates into results, returns could stay robust, but gains in 2026 may soften relative to 2025.

Boards in the AI Era: Oversight, Trust and Strategy

January 21, 2026, 9:24 PM EST. AI promises to transform health, work and everyday life, but it also brings risk. Leaders recognize they are still sorting AI's potential and the uncertainty of deploying it at scale. Deloitte's chair says boards play a critical role in governance: they provide oversight, challenge assumptions, and shape strategy with a human-centric lens. Management runs day-to-day operations; boards steer direction and guardrails. The key questions: why does AI matter to the business, how are rivals deploying it, what is the impact on people inside and outside the company, and what is at stake if the firm invests? Asking these questions creates a ripple effect on trust and societal outcomes as technology reshapes daily life.

Apple beats California privacy claims in data-tracking suit

January 21, 2026, 9:20 PM EST. U.S. District Judge Edward J. Davila granted Apple's motion to dismiss portions of a privacy class action accusing it of violating California privacy law by collecting data from in-house apps after users believed they opted out. The order dismissed claims under the Invasion of Privacy Act, the California Constitution, the state's unfair competition law, breach of implied contract, and the Pennsylvania Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance Control Act. Davila gave plaintiffs one final opportunity to amend and refile. Plaintiffs have already pressed other claims under Illinois, New Jersey, and New York consumer protection laws, breach of express contract, and unjust enrichment. The suit targets users who disabled data collection in Share Device Analytics. Apple allegedly continued collection, despite warnings. Case: In Re: Apple Data Privacy Litig., ND Cal., No. 5:22-cv-07069.

Apple reportedly developing an AirTag-sized AI wearable pin for 2027 release

January 21, 2026, 9:14 PM EST. The Information reports that Apple is developing an AirTag-sized wearable pin with multiple cameras, a speaker and microphone, aimed for release as early as 2027. The device would be a thin, circular aluminum-and-glass disc with two front-facing cameras (standard and wide-angle), three microphones and a speaker, plus a physical edge button and a magnetic inductive charger like the Apple Watch. Engineers seek a size close to an AirTag, only thicker. Apple is trying to accelerate development to compete with OpenAI's forthcoming wearable (slated for 2026), though it's unclear whether the pin would work with AirPods or future smart glasses. The report comes amid Apple's ongoing AI push after leadership changes and a Google Gemini partnership shaping Siri-like features for iOS 27.

iPhone 18 rumored to feature significantly brighter display amid BOE production hurdles

January 21, 2026, 9:12 PM EST. A Weibo post from the Chinese leaker 'Instant Digital' claims Apple's next iPhone, the iPhone 18, will sport a markedly brighter display as Chinese supplier BOE struggles to meet unprecedented brightness targets. The post notes past iPhone brightness milestones: 800 nits typical, 1,200 nits HDR for iPhone 13 and 14; 1,000 nits typical and 1,600 nits HDR for iPhone 15-17; and a jump to 3,000 nits outdoor peak with iPhone 17. The Elec has reported ongoing OLED supply issues at BOE, pushing some orders to Samsung Display. Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 18 in early 2027, featuring the A20 chip, the C2 modem, and a simpler Camera Control.

Metasurfaces enable large-scale optical-tweezer arrays for quantum computing

January 21, 2026, 9:10 PM EST. Physicists in the United States show metasurfaces can form dense arrays of optical tweezers to trap hundreds of thousands of neutral atoms. The findings, reported in Nature (doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-09961-5), hint at quantum computers large enough for the error correction needed for useful calculations. At Columbia University, researchers used metasurfaces – a grid of subwavelength dielectric pillars about 750 nm tall and under 200 nm wide – to achieve tighter focusing and higher trap density than traditional optics. They built two materials, silicon-rich silicon nitride and titanium dioxide, compatible with CMOS processes and higher powers. By placing several metasurfaces on a single substrate and routing a 520 nm laser through lenses into a vacuum chamber containing ultracold strontium-88 atoms, they created and detected the tweezer array via fluorescence.

Panther Lake isn't just a laptop chip. It's Intel's Hail Mary

January 21, 2026, 9:00 PM EST. Veteran tech journalist Chris Hoffman-author of The Windows Readme and former editor-in-chief of How-To Geek-frames the Panther Lake story. Hoffman's reporting has appeared in The New York Times, PCMag, and Reader's Digest, among others. The piece leverages his Windows-focused tips, tricks, and experiments to contextualize Intel's laptop-chip effort, described in the headline as a Hail Mary. His background anchors the narrative, offering readers a concise view of how Panther Lake fits into the industry's high-stakes hardware landscape.

Paradiso guest-edits IEEE Pervasive Computing issue on Cross Reality, revisiting 2009 concept

January 21, 2026, 8:58 PM EST. Joseph A. Paradiso, director of the Responsive Environments group, co-edited the October-December 2025 issue of IEEE Pervasive Computing, Defining a New Cross Reality. In the intro, Paradiso, Oliver Amft, and Chulhong Min revisit the 2009 Cross-Reality Environments issue that popularized the term. They quote a vision of a seamless electronic nervous system linking physical and virtual realities to augment perception and presence. Today's cross-reality work spans VR/AR/MR, wearables, ambient tech, and AI, but still faces challenges delivering seamless interaction and rich user experiences. The issue includes two Media Lab papers extending cross-reality research from Earth to space: Global-to-Local Decision Intelligence Using a Cross-Reality VR Platform and Satellite Earth Observation; and Creating Immersive Digital Twins of Terrestrial Planetary Analogs With Multimodal Sensing and Game Engines for Virtual Exploration. The cover features DoppelMarsh, a foundational cross-reality project.

Blue Origin unveils 5,408-satellite TeraWave network for data centers and government use

January 21, 2026, 8:46 PM EST. Blue Origin on Wednesday disclosed plans to deploy 5,408 satellites for a new communications constellation called TeraWave, aimed at data centers, governments and businesses. The network, which the company says could reach speeds of up to 6 Tbps, would begin deployment in late 2027 and is designed to serve up to about 100,000 customers, the company said. The plan comes as in-orbit data processing grows to power AI workloads and reduce reliance on terrestrial infrastructure. TeraWave will run alongside Leo, the in-orbit effort tied to Amazon founder Bezos via Project Kuiper (3,200 satellites). Starlink, by contrast, operated by SpaceX and about 10,000 satellites, remains the closest competitor.

House committee advances bill to curb AI-chip exports to China, targeting Nvidia H200

January 21, 2026, 8:40 PM EST. The House Foreign Affairs Committee approved bipartisan legislation to subject advanced AI chips exports to China to arms-sale style congressional oversight. The bill would bar Nvidia's Blackwell/H200 processors to China for two years and codify existing controls into law. Lawmakers moved after President Trump's easing of export rules, drawing objections from national-security hawks. It would require the administration to notify Congress before export licenses are issued, letting lawmakers review and block deals with adversaries and see end users. It also creates a path for trusted AI companies to receive exemptions for exports to allies, and asks for a strategy to keep the US lead in AI. Nvidia did not comment. The Senate has a similar, separate bill.

China moves faster in AI, but penetration not as sophisticated, Microsoft data show

January 21, 2026, 8:38 PM EST. Brad Smith argues China is winning the AI race outside the West, noting rapid adoption of Chinese tech in emerging markets and more open-source models. But Microsoft data cited in the discussion show mixed penetration: in markets where Western firms compete, it says, 90-95% market share; higher shares appear in places where competition is limited (Russia, Belarus, China, Cuba, Syria). The panel agrees China is a major AI challenger, yet argues the level of market sophistication is not uniform. The conversation turns to policy: US subsidies should target long-term capital needs such as semiconductors and advanced packaging, while AI labs and data centers remain largely privately financed in the US. Chinese policy relies more on state backing; observers warn future scaling may require greater government financing, though that point remains debated.

Rigetti's Cepheus-1-108Q delay and India deal shape risk for shareholders

January 21, 2026, 8:34 PM EST. Rigetti Computing pushed back the general availability of its Cepheus-1-108Q quantum system to late Q1 2026, trimming near-term hype around a flagship launch. Management reaffirmed long-term scaling plans, underscoring a credibility test for its modular superconducting approach. A separate on-premises order from India's C-DAC adds tangible deployment momentum and validates real-world demand beyond cloud pilots. Taken together, the delay and the contract highlight Rigetti as a high-beta, execution-sensitive story where milestones and funding are the main swing factors. Bears cite steep losses and dilution; bulls argue the C-DAC win and the Nvidia tie-up could unlock monetization of hardware. Valuation remains controversial, with widely varying fair-value estimates.

iOS 26.3 release date: when Apple will roll out the next major iPhone update

January 21, 2026, 8:32 PM EST. Updated Jan. 21 with analysis: iOS 26.2.1 isn't happening. The last release, iOS 26.2, shipped Dec. 12; iOS 26.3 developer beta 2 followed a month later. The next beta could come as soon as Monday, Jan. 19, but that hinges on whether 26.2.1 drops. If it doesn't, expect iOS 26.3 later. Beyond bug fixes, the update could include end-to-end encryption for Messages with Android, a simpler path to switch between Apple and Android, and easier pairing of third-party accessories in the EU. All signs point to a Monday release around Jan. 26, per recent patterns from 9to5Mac-if delayed, Jan. 27 remains possible. Apple also launches Apple Creator Studio Jan. 28; work on iOS 26.4 and a new Siri may begin in parallel.

Huang says AI data-center boom will fuel six-figure trades at Davos

January 21, 2026, 8:30 PM EST. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang told Davos attendees that the AI-enabled data-center buildout could create six-figure careers in trades such as plumbing, electrician work and construction. He framed the global capex surge as the "largest infrastructure buildout in history," promising many jobs even as some white-collar roles shift. McKinsey data cited by Nvidia projects U.S. needs for about 130,000 additional electricians, 240,000 construction laborers and 150,000 construction supervisors from 2023-2030. Huang added that you can earn a great living without a Ph.D. in computer science. The outlook contrasts with Ford's Jim Farley, who warns AI may hollow out white-collar hiring, highlighting a push to reshore and expand skilled trades to support manufacturing and growth.

Magnetically controlled fluorescent proteins enable remote dimming and brightening in cells

January 21, 2026, 8:24 PM EST. Researchers have engineered magnetically controlled fluorescent proteins that can be remotely dimmed and brightened in cells and living animals. The proteins rely on a quantum effect that makes an electron pair within the protein responsive to magnetic fields. Initial work showed GFP dims slightly near a magnet, but a redesigned protein, MagLOV, dims by about half when a magnetic field is applied. Oxford and Calico researchers traced the dimming to a magnetic resonance effect, enabling brightness control with a mix of magnetic fields and radio waves. In bacteria, MagLOV-expressing cells were positioned inside a silicon block and located by magnetic fields; the team plans to test mapping in animals. Because MagLOV is gene-encoded, it could form the basis of remotely monitored biosensors or therapies.

iPhone 18 Pro: Dynamic Island confusion resolved; selfie camera centered, Face ID visible

January 21, 2026, 8:20 PM EST. New information settles the iPhone 18 Pro Dynamic Island question. Early reports floated the idea that Apple would hide both the selfie camera and Face ID beneath the display or even drop the Dynamic Island. Leaker Instant Digital said those reports relied on a mistranslation. A component image suggested the selfie camera will remain centered, with a smaller Face ID cutout, and the Dynamic Island kept intact. Display analyst Ross Young later endorsed this corrected view. The takeaway: the iPhone 18 Pro will retain the Dynamic Island; the selfie camera stays in the middle of the screen; the visible Face ID notch remains, though smaller. The changes are incremental, and the overall design remains recognizable.

US-China AI collaboration deepens, despite rivalry, analysis shows

January 21, 2026, 8:14 PM EST. A WIRED analysis of NeurIPS papers reveals notable US-China collaboration in AI research. Of 5,290 papers, 141 involve authors affiliated with both nations, about 3%. In 2024, 134 of 4,497 papers featured cross-border authors. The study traces how ideas move across the Pacific: Google's transformer architecture appears in 292 papers with Chinese affiliations, Meta's Llama in 106 papers, and Alibaba's Qwen in 63 papers with US co-authors. Experts say the ecosystems are deeply intertwined, with many Chinese researchers trained in the US. NeurIPS itself acts as a hub for international cooperation, said Katherine Gorman. The piece notes policy tensions, while underscoring collaboration's persistence amid strategic frictions.

Danish App Store tops as anti-American product apps surge amid Nordic boycott

January 21, 2026, 8:10 PM EST. Appfigures, a market intelligence provider that tracks app downloads, says two Danish top apps surged amid a grassroots boycott of American goods. NonUSA rose to No. 1 on the iOS App Store this week after moving from No. 6 on Tuesday and from No. 441 on January 9, and it lets users scan barcodes to view origin and propose local Danish substitutes. Made O'Meter sits at No. 5 across iOS and Android. Combined, their average daily downloads jumped about 867% over the past seven days. Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Iceland show as top markets. Other local apps such as Rejsekort appear in the Danish top 10, while U.S.-based apps like Shop, ChatGPT, and Microsoft Authenticator also remain in the mix.

Nvidia chief Huang says AI will create more jobs than it displaces at Davos

January 21, 2026, 8:08 PM EST. Nvidia chief Jensen Huang told World Economic Forum audiences in Davos that artificial intelligence will boost hiring rather than shrink it. In a wide-ranging talk with BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, Huang framed AI as a platform shift-alongside the internet, smartphones and the cloud-on which new applications will be built atop large language models. He outlined five layers for the AI stack: energy to run systems, chips and compute (Nvidia's domain), cloud services, AI models, and the application layer where economic gains materialize. While some fear jobs losses, Huang argued AI will spur demand across sectors, with human roles evolving rather than disappearing. He cited radiology as an example: AI can handle more scans, but clinicians still verify results, freeing time for patient care.

Razer CEO on AI subscriptions: value, not AI itself

January 21, 2026, 8:06 PM EST. Razer chief executive Min-Liang Tan told The Verge he sees value in subscriptions to AI platforms like ChatGPT and Grok, stressing the benefit lies in what a chatbot can deliver-travel guidance, health tips, daily tasks-rather than the label AI itself. He declined to call the trend an AI industry bubble, noting ongoing investment and rising hardware costs, but argued that paid subscriptions can justify the expense if users derive real utility. Tan acknowledged that, for many people, a $20 monthly fee still matters, even as he, a billionaire, emphasizes the marginal cost is less relevant to him. The exchange underscores the broader shift from free AI pilots to paid, mainstream offerings tied to concrete usefulness.

Swissto12 secures €73 million from ESA member states to scale HummingSat microGEO platform

January 21, 2026, 8:04 PM EST. Swissto12 has secured €73 million ($84.8 million) in new funding from ESA member states through the ARTES HummingSat partnership. The money from Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Sweden, Norway and Canada will accelerate development and industrialization of the HummingSat platform, expand manufacturing capacity and drive new product innovations and phased-array antenna technologies. The deal lifts the company's total funding to more than €100 million. Swissto12's microGEO satellites-about 1.5 cubic meters, roughly half the size of a small car-have a launch mass of 1,000 kg, can carry 200 kg of payload, run on 2 kW and are designed for a 15-year life. CEO Emile de Rijk says the investment underscores Europe's push for satellite sovereignty and affordable satcom.

Google Keep may drop built-in reminders as Google shifts reminders to Google Tasks

January 21, 2026, 8:02 PM EST. Google Keep is testing UI changes that remove the ability to create or view Reminders, signaling a shift to consolidating reminders in Google Tasks. In Keep v5.26.021.01.90, the bell icon for Reminders disappears and the Reminders section vanishes from the sidebar. The change follows Google's removal of location-based Reminders in Keep. Observers note the current reminder shows a Google Tasks icon and notification in the live UI, but the new UI hides both the time and icon, suggesting Reminders may no longer exist in Keep. A teardown of APKs hints at updated features, though Google has not confirmed a rollout. If confirmed, users may migrate to Google Tasks or seek alternatives.

Danish app UdenUSA surges as digital boycott of US goods grows

January 21, 2026, 8:00 PM EST. A Danish app named UdenUSA (NonUSA), created by 21-year-old Jonas Pipper and partner Malthhe Hensberg, has surged in popularity as debates over US-Greenland tensions widen. The tool lets users scan a product to reveal its origin, offering information rather than mandating a boycott. The app, available on udenusa.uk, asks visitors if they are supporting Trump when they shop and notes that buying American products can fund a system European values oppose. It has become the top free download on the Danish Apple Store. Pipper, currently on a sabbatical year from school and working in a grocery store, co-developed the app in Mors, western North Jutland. Analysts caution that fractured global supply chains complicate boycotts, while many Danes seek agency amid geopolitical news.

Microsoft update may freeze Outlook when saving to OneDrive

January 21, 2026, 7:58 PM EST. Microsoft says a January Windows update can cause some apps, including Outlook, to hang when saving to OneDrive or other cloud-backed storage. After installing the January 13 update, Outlook with a PST (Personal Storage Table) file on OneDrive may become unresponsive and fail to reopen unless the process is terminated in Task Manager or the system is restarted. Sent emails may not appear. A workaround is to move the PST file out of OneDrive; Microsoft notes that storing PST files on cloud storage is not generally recommended. The issue also touches other cloud services and is visible on the Release Health dashboard. Microsoft advises users to consult the application developer for alternate access methods and to use webmail if supported. The company is working on a fix and will provide an update.

OnePlus shutdown rumors swirl as executives deny plan to end brand

January 21, 2026, 7:56 PM EST. Rumors that OnePlus could be shut down have circulated after a report from Android Headlines alleging that parent company Oppo planned to wind down the mobile brand. The piece cited dismal sales and unnamed sources, calling the operation 'damning.' OnePlus executives dispute the claims, saying the brand remains active and that there is no official plan to exit. There is no corroboration from Oppo or other regulators, and the situation illustrates how unverified tips can spread in a crowded market. For users and partners, the upshot is a moment of uncertainty, even as OnePlus insists it is not exiting the smartphone space.

Celestica Could Be 2026's Biggest AI Infrastructure Winner

January 21, 2026, 7:50 PM EST. Celestica (CLS) is positioned as a key AI infrastructure play. It designs, engineers and manufactures networking gear for cloud and data-center customers, with its CCS segment up 43% year over year to $2.4 billion in Q3 2025 and accounting for about 76% of revenue. Management targets 2025 revenue of $12.2 billion and non-GAAP EPS of $5.90, with 2026 guidance calling for roughly 31% top-line growth and a 39% EPS jump to $8.20. The company is expanding its share of the custom Ethernet switch market (about 55% last year, up from 40% in 2024) and expects a 78% rise in the custom AI processor market this year. A hyperscaler has engaged Celestica to design rack-scale data-center networking for mass production in 2026. Gartner pegs AI outlays at $2.5 trillion, with AI infrastructure representing 54%.

Musk outlines Cybercab production targets, unsupervised Robotaxi in view

January 21, 2026, 7:46 PM EST. Tesla CEO Elon Musk outlined expectations for the Cybercab rollout, a self-driving vehicle designed for the company's Robotaxi service. Production at Giga Texas is slated to begin in under 100 days, with Musk cautioning that the initial ramp will be slow as nearly every part and step is new, following an S-curve. He noted that ramp speed correlates with the number of unknown components. The company nevertheless expects a smoother, higher-volume phase later, aiming for multi-million annual output. Musk previously said in October 2024 the target was at least 2 million units per year, potentially up to 4 million across multiple factories. The timeline remains fluid, and April's update will clarify the path forward for Cybercab production.

Lemonade offers 50% discount on Tesla insurance for FSD users

January 21, 2026, 7:44 PM EST. Lemonade launches an Autonomous Car policy offering a roughly 50% discount to Tesla owners who enable Full Self-Driving (FSD). The plan uses vehicle telemetry to feed risk models and price risk more precisely when FSD is engaged. Lemonade says cars with FSD have fewer accidents, enabling tighter quotes. The discount sits alongside the insurer's per-mile pricing and base rate. Tesla's own insurer offers a smaller discount-about 10%-for drivers who use FSD for at least half their miles. Lemonade expects further risk reductions as FSD software updates roll out. Co-founder and president Shai Wininger says prices will keep falling as the software improves.

OnePlus anti-rollback update bricks older software on select devices

January 21, 2026, 7:42 PM EST. OnePlus has added hardware-level anti-rollback to ColorOS 16.0.3.501 and later, according to developers on XDA forums. The measure blocks downgrades to older ColorOS, OxygenOS or custom ROMs released before the date. If users attempt to flash an earlier build, devices reportedly hard brick, and traditional unbricking tools may fail because the fuse is blown. The restriction currently covers the OnePlus 13, 13T and 15; older models such as the OnePlus 12 have not yet seen the change but could later. OnePlus has not provided a public comment. Some observers note anti-rollback can improve security in rare cases, drawing a parallel to Google's Pixel 6 bootloader changes, yet the practical impact is mainly on custom ROMs and power users.

Anthropic CEO blasts US chip policy at Davos, hits Nvidia ties

January 21, 2026, 7:40 PM EST. At the World Economic Forum in Davos Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei criticized the US decision to allow exports of Nvidia's H200 GPUs and AMD chips to China, saying the move could backfire. He stressed Nvidia is a key partner and investor in Anthropic, noting the GPUs power its AI work across clouds. Amodei warned of the broader stakes, describing AI models as cognitive systems with national security implications and a future where a single country could control vast intelligence. He argued the export policy underestimates China's lead in chipmaking and compared the action to selling nuclear weapons to North Korea. The remarks come as Nvidia outlined a potential $10 billion investment and a deep tech partnership with Anthropic, underscoring how intertwined their fortunes are.

Microdrama surge fuels 2025 video streaming download boom, Sensor Tower finds

January 21, 2026, 7:38 PM EST. Global downloads of video streaming apps rose nearly 39% in 2025, with revenue up 18%, Sensor Tower reports. Short drama apps drove most of the growth, expanding downloads more than 100% YoY while traditional OTT downloads fell over 4%. In Q4, short drama downloads surged 186% YoY, overtaking traditional OTT for the period. The top globally downloaded apps were DramaBox and ReelShort, followed by Netflix; Amazon Prime Video ranked sixth and Disney+ tenth. In the U.S., Netflix led, with ReelShort and HBO Max close behind. Time spent on video streaming barely increased-global up 8%, U.S. up 3%. Asia accounted for 54% of short-drama time; Latin America rose to about 16% of total video entertainment time by Q4. Europe ~4%, North America ~5%. The shift suggests cannibalization of time from traditional platforms but growth of the overall viewing pie.

Samsung Watch blood pressure monitoring still blocked in the US by FDA review

January 21, 2026, 7:36 PM EST. Samsung has shipped Galaxy Watch models with the hardware needed for blood pressure monitoring for years. The feature works in several markets through the Samsung Health Monitor app, which must be installed on both the watch and a connected phone. In the United States, the capability remains blocked while regulators review it. Calibrations require a medical-grade cuff and the app then guides the process, feeding data into Samsung Health alongside ECG readings. Samsung says the hardware exists, but FDA clearance governs use in the US, a process not tied to the company's timeline. Apple, by contrast, cleared hypertension detection for Series 9/10/11 and Ultra 2/3 in September, though its method blends data over about 30 days and is not identical to a direct BP reading. That gap leaves US users without access others can obtain.

Blue Origin's TeraWave weighs on AST SpaceMobile as competition heats up

January 21, 2026, 7:34 PM EST. AST SpaceMobile slid after Blue Origin unveiled TeraWave, a 6 Tbps space-based network with 5,408 satellites. The project could intensify competition for space-based broadband, though deployment isn't expected until late 2027. Shares were down about 13.4% by 2:25 p.m. ET. The company has begun monetizing its network, reporting $14.7 million in Q3 revenue and guiding $35-50 million for Q4. Despite potential growth, the stock trades at a lofty price-to-sales multiple near 200, reflecting high expectations for long-term gains. The market also weighed EchoStar and broader optimism for space connectivity. Analysts note Blue Origin's constellation won't be deployed for roughly two years, suggesting near-term risk is driven more by valuation than immediate threats. Revenue is projected to approach $200 million in 2026.

Info-Tech's AI Playbook lays out 12 steps to govern and scale AI with measurable outcomes

January 21, 2026, 7:32 PM EST. Info-Tech Research Group unveils The AI Playbook: 12 Steps to Systematically Achieve AI Excellence, a year-long framework to help CIOs turn AI from isolated pilots into a repeatable enterprise capability. Despite rapid experimentation, firms struggle with governance, ownership, and value realization; Future of IT surveys show 92% lack a current corporate AI strategy. The Playbook emphasizes governance, ownership, and a repeatable execution model to avoid "pilot purgatory," where pilots stall without clear metrics or architecture. It argues AI should be treated as an operating capability, not a side project, with measurable outcomes, disciplined delivery, and alignment to enterprise priorities. The resource aims to help IT leaders govern, deliver, and measure AI outcomes year over year.

Corning's fiber optics poised to ride AI data-center boom; results due Jan. 28

January 21, 2026, 7:28 PM EST. Corning aims to ride the AI-driven data-center wave with fiber optics, as industry players urge faster interconnects between GPUs and other components. Nvidia remains a dominant force, but Corning's fiber cables could steal share from copper. In 2025, Corning jumped about 84% versus Nvidia's 39%. The company reports its Q4 results on Jan. 28, with 2026 guidance likely to guide sentiment. Through the first three quarters of 2025, Corning posted roughly $12 billion in core revenue, with Optical Communications at $4.57 billion, up 39% on AI-related demand. CEO Wendell Weeks says the data-center fiber market could double or triple, underscoring a longer-term growth thesis as AI workloads scale.

Hisdesat: SpainSat NG II suffers non-recoverable damage after collision; NG III planned

January 21, 2026, 7:26 PM EST. Spain's Hisdesat said its military communications satellite SpainSat NG II suffered a space particle impact and is now unrecoverable, leaving it effectively derelict. The company has launched a request for quotation to replace the satellite, with SpainSat NG III expected to follow-but delivery could take years. NG II, built by Airbus and launched by SpaceX's Falcon 9 in October 2025, was meant for secure military communications. The incident, on orbital insertion in January, was attributed to an untrackable fragment small enough to elude tracking; the element traveled at extreme velocity. Insurance claims are estimated around $400 million, against a program cost of about €2 billion. The event could influence the satellite-insurance market and echoes past ViaSat-3 losses, as providers reassess risk.

Anthropic CEO likens US chip export policy to giving nukes to North Korea

January 21, 2026, 7:24 PM EST. At Davos, Anthropic chief Dario Amodei warned that letting Nvidia sell GPUs to Chinese firms is like arming an adversary. He told Bloomberg the move is a mistake to ship these chips. The Trump administration recently allowed shipments of Nvidia H200 accelerators to Chinese customers with a 25% revenue cut, pending clearance by Chinese authorities. Anthropic advocates stricter AI export controls, contrasting with chipmakers like Nvidia and AMD. The firm says the US leads in advanced semiconductors and that export controls slow China's progress, though it cautions that China could catch up if imports of more capable silicon rise. Open weights models can run on-prem, offering enterprises data safeguards, unlike API-locked US models. Amodei reiterated the rivalry with OpenAI and Google as Anthropic's main competitors.

DJI Avata 360 surfaces on retailer site, questions linger

January 21, 2026, 7:18 PM EST. DJI's unannounced drone, the Avata 360, briefly surfaced on a US retailer page with pricing and bundles. The listing, which showed Fly More and Motion Controller options and even a preorder deposit, lacks any official confirmation from DJI and offered no specifications. The timing and geography-an American retailer amid a strained US market relationship-raise eyebrows. Images appear inconsistent with known models, and some photos suggest forward-facing lenses, complicating the claim of true 360-degree capture. Industry chatter has long hinted at a spherical-capture FPV platform, but this listing provides no sensor sizes, resolutions, flight time, or transmission details. The page could be premature, fake, or an early marketing tease. Until DJI comments or a formal launch follows, the Avata 360 remains plausible but unverified.

AI reshapes M&A as regulators scrutinize killer acquisitions and data control

January 21, 2026, 7:12 PM EST. A new briefing from Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer argues AI has moved from a nice-to-have in deals to a factor that shapes the business case and the diligence. On the business side, buyers view AI as opportunity and risk: some seek targets to keep pace with the tech shift, others aim to cut costs and lift margins, while some resist deals vulnerable to disruption. Data-center and power assets are also benefiting from AI investment, underscoring a sector-agnostic outlook where industry matters less than adoption potential. Regulators are weighing future market size, not just today's shares, with growing focus on killer acquisitions and data dominance. Diligence now probes AI and data compliance, ownership, and governance.

NASA's SNWG Implementation Team aligns US agencies' Earth-observation needs

January 21, 2026, 7:08 PM EST. NASA's SNWG Implementation Team (NSITE) operates under the USGEO Satellite Needs Working Group to identify and address federal agencies' Earth-observation requirements. NASA, a principal satellite data provider, supports missions that monitor water and air quality, respond to natural disasters, forecast weather, protect wildlife habitats, and more. NSITE translates agency needs into actionable, time-sensitive data-collection and dissemination priorities, communicating across programs and partners. The effort aims to align satellite capabilities with government missions, close data gaps, and accelerate the use of Earth observations for decision-making. Officials stress practical outcomes and defined pipelines for information sharing and collaboration.

Satellite IoT 2026: security, higher-bandwidth modules and resilience drive growth

January 21, 2026, 7:02 PM EST. Satellite IoT is entering a rapid evolution, spurred by geopolitical tensions, AI capabilities and demand beyond terrestrial networks. A forecasted 32.5 million subscribers by 2029 underpins growing adoption across critical industries. In 2026, the industry will pivot on security and resilience, which 45% of surveyed European peers cited as the main buying driver, especially for CNI monitoring, maritime operations and remote telemetry. Satellites offer global coverage, but threats persist; encryption, redundancy and a culture of cybersecurity are essential to avoid data compromise. Advanced tracking such as APNT and quantum inertial navigation will supplement flexible connectivity to counter drone and robotic threats, with jamming/spoofing prompting new security blueprints. Meanwhile, higher-bandwidth modules like IMT will broaden payloads, enabling more frequent telemetry and a coming three-tier market structure.

Tesla Sets March 31, 2026 Deadline for FSD Transfers as Software Goes Subscription-Only

January 21, 2026, 6:58 PM EST. Tesla will end its Full Self-Driving (FSD) transfer program on March 31, 2026, tying the timing to a shift to a subscription-only model. Under the new rules, owners must place a new vehicle order by March 31, 2026 to transfer their FSD rights, though delivery can occur later. Starting February 14, 2026, Tesla will stop selling FSD as a one-time purchase and offer access exclusively via subscription, currently about $99 per month. The move reflects Tesla's broader pivot to software revenue and AI services, aiming for predictable, recurring revenue as fully autonomous capabilities remain years away. Critics argue the change locks in previously paid-for software to the original vehicle.

Novi battery maker Our Next Energy cuts staff after losing EV contract

January 21, 2026, 6:56 PM EST. Michigan battery maker Our Next Energy laid off 29 workers Jan. 6 after its largest EV customer canceled its contract, according to a notice to state officials. The Novi company said it could not provide the usual 60 days of federal layoff notice because the departure was sudden. On Jan. 7 it suspended EV battery investments and pivoted to batteries for rail, defense and energy storage, cutting about 45% of staff. CEO Mujeeb Ijaz framed the move as a 2025 turnaround focused on cost reduction, diversification and new orders. The project in Van Buren Township, backed by as much as $237 million in subsidies, remains largely vacant while the company shifts to a new lithium iron phosphate battery line engineered for extreme environments. Michigan's MEDC says subsidies disbursed total $70 million, with no further payments.

GPTZero finds 100+ AI-hallucinated citations in NeurIPS 2025 papers, report says

January 21, 2026, 6:52 PM EST. Canadian startup GPTZero says its review of more than 4,000 NeurIPS 2025 submissions found hundreds of AI-hallucinated citations across at least 53 papers. Some citations were fully fabricated, including fake authors, titles, journals, or URLs. Others blended elements from real papers or altered details such as initials or coauthors. The NeurIPS board said reviewers were asked to flag hallucinations in 2025 and stressed that the presence of a false reference does not automatically invalidate the research. Edward Tian, GPTZero CEO, noted the finding comes after similar issues at ICLR and underscored ongoing challenges in applying LLMs to scholarly writing while preserving rigor and trust.

Blue Origin unveils TeraWave satellite internet to rival Starlink, Leo

January 21, 2026, 6:50 PM EST. Blue Origin unveiled TeraWave, a satellite internet network aimed at enterprise, data center and government customers. The constellation would include 5,408 satellites in low and medium Earth orbits and target data speeds of up to 6 terabits per second. Deployment is planned to begin in the fourth quarter of 2027. The plan pits Blue Origin against SpaceX's Starlink and Amazon's Leo (formerly Project Kuiper), both expanding in the crowded market. Amazon has already launched dozens of satellites and opened an enterprise preview ahead of broader commercial service. Bezos and Blue Origin frame the venture as a potential long-term growth engine for the parent company, relying on future launches by Blue Origin and partners to build the network.

Apple plans higher-end AirPods Pro 3 variant with infrared camera in 2026, sources say

January 21, 2026, 6:36 PM EST. Apple is reportedly planning a high-end variant of the AirPods Pro 3 for 2026, alongside the current model. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said a 'more significant' hardware upgrade could include at least one infrared camera to support gesture controls, with gestures linked to Vision Pro. A Chinese leaker, Instant Digital, said the 2026 model would be pricier but not a new generation, and that both models would stay on sale. Apple currently sells AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4 in two price points, and AirPods Max at a higher tier; a second high-end product between the Pro 3 and Max is plausible. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman notes a next-gen H3 chip could be in development. Timing remains unclear, though Apple typically reveals AirPods in the second half.

Samsung's thinnest Galaxy phones in 2026: Z TriFold at 3.9mm unfolded, S25 Edge at 5.8mm

January 21, 2026, 6:34 PM EST. Samsung tightens its focus on slim phones in early 2026, limiting the list to Galaxy devices 7.5mm thick or less. The mix splits into foldables and slab phones. The all-time thinnest foldable is the Galaxy Z TriFold at 3.9mm unfolded (12.9mm folded). The Galaxy Z Fold 7 follows at 4.2mm unfolded / 8.9mm folded, with the Z Fold Special Edition at 4.9/10.6. In clamshell form, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is 6.5mm unfolded (13.7mm folded), and the Z Flip 7 FE at 6.8/14.8. Among slabs, the Galaxy S25 Edge sits at 5.8mm, with the S25 base at 7.2mm and the M56/F56 also 7.2mm. The S25+, S25 FE, A36/A56 range from 7.3-7.4mm, and A17/F17/M17 at 7.5mm. Samsung's push toward slim designs underscores a broader portability trend.

Adobe's AI-Powered PDFs Turn Documents Into Voice-Driven Briefings

January 21, 2026, 6:32 PM EST. Adobe's Acrobat AI Assistant updates turn PDFs-the most common business file type-into interactive, voice-driven resources. It converts documents into podcast-style audio summaries, letting users tailor overviews for highlights or deeper dives. The feature reduces scrolling and skimming, as the document speaks on demand and cites the source. Industry observers call it a practical shift toward AI-powered efficiency in document workflows. The audio summaries help knowledge workers review merger reports, contracts, and financial analyses while commuting or multitasking. Adobe contrasts this with Google's NotebookLM, which synthesizes across multiple sources; Acrobat remains focused on PDFs and on-source citation. The result: faster comprehension and questions addressed in meetings without returning to the source material.

Tesla: Cybercab, Optimus output to start agonizingly slow before ramping up, Musk says

January 21, 2026, 6:30 PM EST. Tesla chief executive Elon Musk said early production of the two new devices – the Cybercab robotaxi and the humanoid Optimus robot – will be agonizingly slow before ramping up. He said the pace depends on complexity, with production speed inversely linked to the number of new parts and steps. Tesla aims for volume production of the Cybercab in 2026, and, later in the year, hopeful output of Optimus. The company has tested robotaxi without safety monitors in the front passenger seat and previously launched a limited robotaxi service in Austin, Texas. Musk has framed the humanoid project as central to Tesla's long-term strategy, potentially dwarfing the vehicle business by taking on tasks humans are unwilling to perform. Markets watch whether robotics can sustain the firm's high valuation beyond EV sales.

New AI plugin uses Wikipedia's AI writing-detection rules to sound human

January 21, 2026, 6:26 PM EST. An AI plugin for Claude uses a feature called the Humanizer to swap inflated prose for plain facts, aligning its output with Wikipedia's AI-writing-detection rules. In practice, Claude is guided to mirror context while avoiding verbose phrasing. Critics note detectors do not reliably separate human from machine writing; a 2025 preprint found about 90% accuracy for identifying AI articles but 10% false positives, risking the loss of quality work. The approach highlights that detection may need to scrutinize substantive content, not just phrasing. The article notes that both humans and AI can echo chatbot-like cadence, and that even professional writing can trigger detectors if features like the em dash appear.

Blue Origin's TeraWave targets 6 Tbps with mixed LEO/MEO satellite network

January 21, 2026, 6:18 PM EST. Blue Origin unveiled a satellite internet network called TeraWave aimed at enterprise, data-center and government customers. The plan envisions a mixed constellation: 5,280 LEO satellites and 128 MEO satellites, with the first launches slated for late 2027. The LEO craft would use RF links capped at about 144 Gbps, while the MEO craft would rely on an optical link capable of 6 Tbps. Blue Origin positions TeraWave as a space-based layer that can reach locations underserved by traditional networks, potentially widening competition with SpaceX's Starlink, which now tops around 400 Mbps and is pursuing higher speeds. The company notes the project complements Amazon's consumer-oriented Leo network. Blue Origin plans to become a full satellite manufacturer and operator alongside its rocket business.

Nvidia ties AI expansion to data-center jobs boom at Davos

January 21, 2026, 6:08 PM EST. At Davos, Nvidia Chief Executive Jensen Huang reframed the AI employment debate, arguing the current wave of AI demand is fueling a global buildout that boosts jobs in the real economy. In talks with BlackRock's Larry Fink, Huang highlighted rising wages for plumbers, electricians and construction workers as data-center capacity expands. He framed this as part of a massive infrastructure push that could reach trillions in investment. Analysts expect Nvidia to approach $200 billion in data-center revenue in 2025, backed by cloud providers and a growing base of smaller operators. The Davos discussions also flagged risks: Anthropic's Dario Amodei warned displacement of some entry-level white-collar roles, and Nvidia faces China policy headwinds and export controls that limit advanced chips. Older H200 shipments to China may resume for commercial use in 2026, but policy remains a key variable.

Palantir CEO: AI will destroy humanities jobs, but there will be more than enough jobs for those with vocational training

January 21, 2026, 6:06 PM EST. At Davos, Palantir cofounder and CEO Alex Karp warned that AI will destroy humanities jobs, saying elite liberal-arts grads could struggle unless they develop other skills. He contrasted with economists and executives who see enduring value in creativity and critical thinking, and with leaders like BlackRock's Larry Fink, who note demand for non-technical backgrounds. Palantir promotes vocational training and has launched the Meritocracy Fellowship to place high school students in paid internships with the chance of full-time work. The debate spans academia and industry: some argue liberal arts can fuel AI-enabled problem solving, others say apprenticeship pathways will be essential as automation grows. The conversation highlights how universities, hiring, and testing of aptitude may evolve in the AI era.

JPMorgan Flags Nvidia, Broadcom and Other Chip Picks as Stocks Rally Ahead of Earnings

January 21, 2026, 6:04 PM EST. Shares of Nvidia and Broadcom led gains among U.S. semis on Wednesday as JPMorgan named its preferred chip stocks ahead of earnings season. The bank said most results should be in line with or modestly above expectations for Q4 with steady outlooks for 2026. JPMorgan maintains Overweight ratings on Broadcom, Nvidia, Micron, Analog Devices, Marvell Technology, KLA Corp, and Synopsys, and flags Macom and Astera Labs as smaller-cap favorites. Analysts see room for growth in AI and AI accelerators, after spending neared $200 billion in 2025. They expect bigger investments in memory, networking, semiconductor equipment and electronic design automation (EDA) as demand from cyclical end markets stabilizes. The firm sees industry revenue rising more than 15% this year, though higher memory prices could weigh on some consumer electronics demand later.

Anthropic releases Claude constitution under CC0 to guide safety and training

January 21, 2026, 6:02 PM EST. Anthropic released Claude's constitution under CC0 1.0 Deed, a detailed framework describing the values and behaviors the company seeks in its AI. The document explains Claude's role, how it balances honesty with compassion, and how to protect sensitive information while remaining helpful and compliant. The constitution serves as a foundational authority in training, shaping synthetic data, model responses, and the ranking of options. Anthropic says the release improves transparency-showing which behaviors are intended and why-and anchors future improvements in a shared rationale. The approach draws on 2023's Constitutional AI, with the constitution central to instruction, guidance, and evaluation across training stages.

Claude Code helps author build Apple Watch app in 12 hours, not months

January 21, 2026, 5:58 PM EST. David Gewirtz recounts using Claude Code to convert a filament-management app into an Apple Watch version in about 12 hours, far faster than the two months he anticipated. The process underscored that building for the Apple Watch is harder than for the iPhone, given the smaller screen and tighter feature set. Gewirtz describes Claude Code as a cooperative teammate rather than a steppingstone to automation, enabling short, iterative coding sessions. An early prototype showed what could work, but moving from the iPhone to the watch revealed performance and data challenges in Xcode's simulator. The plan centered on subtraction-removing code to fit the tiny display, not adding NFC or photo features. Claude suggested a watch complication that proved impractical for his hundreds of spools of filament. Eventually, the project emphasized pragmatic constraints over novelty.

Dimon calls for slower AI rollout at Davos to 'save society'

January 21, 2026, 5:56 PM EST. JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon told Davos that AI could go too fast for society and spark civil unrest unless governments and business coordinate a phased rollout. He expects firms to hire fewer workers in about five years as automation expands, and urged a joint plan to retrain and relocate workers, with wage supports. Dimon pointed to about 2 million US truck drivers as a risk if driverless tech hits overnight. He said the benefits-from higher productivity to medical advances-will come, but requires safeguards. He added Europe should take proactive steps, using moral and economic persuasion, rather than waiting for the US to act alone.

Survey finds faculty see GenAI's impact on teaching as significant but largely negative

January 21, 2026, 5:52 PM EST. Generative AI in higher education is viewed as impactful but not uniformly positive. A survey of 1,057 U.S. faculty from AAC&U and Elon University shows about a quarter do not use any AI tools, and roughly a third do not use them in teaching. Nine in 10 fear GenAI will diminish students' critical thinking, and 95% expect growing overreliance on AI tools. A majority foresee reduced attention spans (83%) and changes to teaching models (79%). While 86% say AI's effect on teachers will be significant or noticeable, about half worry AI could negatively affect students' careers over five years, with 20% predicting a positive impact. Faculty and graduates show limited preparation for AI in teaching, work, and ethics, and resistance or unfamiliarity are common hurdles.

Samsung Display to supply three automotive OLEDs for Zeekr 9X, including wing-style RSE screen

January 21, 2026, 5:48 PM EST. Samsung Display will supply three automotive OLED panels for Zeekr's flagship 9X SUV: a 16-inch center information display (CID), a 16-inch passenger information display (PID), and a 17-inch rear-seat entertainment (RSE) display. The 17-inch RSE uses a wing-style sliding screen, mounted on rails to move up to 88 centimeters, addressing visibility from the third row. The announcement, relayed by Yonhap, continues Samsung Display's push into automotive OLEDs with Zeekr, following earlier deliveries for the Zeekr 009 and full-scale OLED deliveries for the 9X in H2 last year. The 9X has led China's large-SUV segment for two consecutive months, priced around 500,000 yuan (about $72,000).

Palantir, Nvidia, Dell win Sovereign AI data-center deal across EMEA

January 21, 2026, 5:42 PM EST. Palantir shares rose on Wednesday after Sovereign AI tapped Palantir, Nvidia, Dell and Accenture to build a network of AI data centers across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Palantir will run the software layer using its Chain Reaction operating system (Palantir's analytics platform for connecting data), while Dell AI Factory will supply the hardware backbone via Nvidia's Blackwell GPUs (the latest processors for AI workloads). Accenture will provide operational and engineering services. Sovereign AI aims to create a sovereign AI foundation for government and commercial clients, part of a broader move toward regionally controlled cloud infrastructure.

Apple expected to unveil five all-new products this year, including a smart home hub, Face ID doorbell, A18 Pro MacBook, foldable iPhone, and AR glasses

January 21, 2026, 5:40 PM EST. Apple is expected to unveil five all-new products this year in addition to updates to existing lines. Rumors describe a smart home hub with a 6- to 7-inch square display and an A18 chip for Apple Intelligence, wall- or desk-mounted, enabling smart-device control and FaceTime calls, potentially doubling as a home-security hub. A Face ID-enabled smart doorbell and deadbolt system is also in play, with Bloomberg's Mark Gurman noting a 2026 window but the possibility of an earlier reveal this year; it would emphasize privacy and end-to-end encryption via HomeKit Secure Video and a Secure Enclave. A lower-cost MacBook powered by the iPhone 16 Pro's A18 Pro chip is touted, with around a 13-inch display and multiple finishes; a foldable iPhone and AR glasses round out the lineup.

Florida Senate advances AI Bill of Rights in committee

January 21, 2026, 5:36 PM EST. Florida's Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee unanimously backed a proposed Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights, setting out protections for users and transparency rules. The measure would give parents a right to limit their children's interactions with AI and require disclosure when a speaker is human or an AI system. It would also require identification of AI usage in political advertising. The bill arrives as national debate intensifies with President Donald Trump advocating nationwide AI regulations. State Senator Tom Leek (R-Ormond Beach) said the bill aims to shield vulnerable people from deceptive computer-generated guidance. It awaits one more Senate committee before moving to the full chamber. Opponents, including the Computer & Communications Industry Association, say AI laws belong at the federal level. Senator Carlos Smith (D-Orlando) called it a prudent first step linking privacy and fairness with innovation.

Are You Dead? app taps loneliness crisis, goes viral

January 21, 2026, 5:28 PM EST. A China-born mobile app called Are You Dead? offers a simple, paid safety check-in for people who live alone. Users pay about $1.15, add an emergency contact and confirm every two days with a green ghost button. If two check-ins are missed, an email alert to the contact signals potential trouble. The app, also known as Demumu on its English page, stresses reassurance over data collection: no tracking, no health data, no constant monitoring. It has surged to the top of China's paid App Store charts and ranks in the U.S., reflecting rising solo living due to urbanization, travel for work and aging populations. Developers describe it as a lightweight safety tool rather than a surveillance aid, aimed at providing peace of mind for those living alone.

Best M4 MacBook Air deal: Select models $200 off on Amazon

January 21, 2026, 5:22 PM EST. Amazon is discounting select M4 MacBook Air configurations by $200, with prices starting at $1,199 (normally $1,399). Each eligible model includes at least 16GB RAM and 512GB storage. The promotion targets upper-end variants, and deal pricing can change after publication.

M4 MacBook Air deals: Amazon cuts up to $200 on select models

January 21, 2026, 5:20 PM EST. Amazon is discounting select configurations of the MacBook Air (M4) by up to $200 off, as of Jan. 21, 2026. Prices start at $1,199, down from $1,399. Only higher-end models still carry the discount, with each eligible unit offering at least 16GB RAM and 512GB storage. Deal pricing and availability are subject to change after publication. Mashable notes the sale fits ongoing tech-promotions around major shopping events, and buyers should act quickly to lock in savings on Amazon.

Samsung One UI 8.5 beta could bring Direct Voicemail, LLM-powered Bixby to Galaxy S25

January 21, 2026, 5:18 PM EST. Samsung is set to roll out a further One UI 8.5 beta for the Galaxy S25 this week, possibly as soon as today. The update could extend beyond the One UI 8.5 Beta 4 changelog. Beta 4 reportedly added an upgraded Bixby powered by LLMs with Perplexity integration and fixed issues in AI Select, Phone search history, and the clipboard. The new update is expected to carry firmware ending in ZZAD in markets where the beta program runs, and may include Direct Voicemail and a newer kernel (6.6.98) aimed at improved fluidity, performance, reliability, and security. Direct Voicemail would let the device take messages for missed calls, similar to Apple's Live Voicemail.

Verizon home internet deal offers free TV or tablet with 1G/2G plans

January 21, 2026, 5:14 PM EST. Verizon is sweetening its 1 Gig or 2 Gig home internet offers with a free gift through Feb. 4. New customers can choose a Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE 5G, a 43-inch Q7F QLED TV, or a $15 monthly credit for 36 months. The perk applies whether or not you're an existing Verizon mobile customer, who also saves $15 per month on the internet plan. Pricing runs $75/month for the 1G plan and $95/month for the 2G plan after the mobile discount; standard prices are $90 and $110. Both plans include a free router, Whole-Home Wi-Fi, and a five-year price lock. Gift redemption happens 14-60 days after installation; delivery can take up to eight weeks. Canceling within 180 days triggers a chargeback.

Eightfold AI sued for allegedly screening job seekers under FCRA without disclosure

January 21, 2026, 5:12 PM EST. Eightfold AI, used by Microsoft and PayPal, is accused in California of compiling reports to screen job applicants without their knowledge. The lawsuit cites the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and argues there is no AI exemption to these laws, which govern consumer reports used in hiring. Filed in state court, the class action on behalf of all U.S. job seekers says candidates are not notified or allowed to dispute errors. Plaintiffs Erin Kistler and Sruti Bhaumik are represented by Outten & Golden and Towards Justice. Eightfold, backed by SoftBank Vision Fund and General Catalyst, did not comment. The complaint says Eightfold builds talent profiles, including personality labels, ranks education, and predicts future roles; Microsoft and PayPal are not defendants.

EV Battery Plant Market Poised for $19.2 Billion by 2030 as Gigafactories Expand

January 21, 2026, 5:10 PM EST. Global EV battery plant construction is accelerating as demand for electric vehicles grows and battery technology advances. The market is forecast to rise from $11.51 billion in 2025 to $19.2 billion by 2030, driven by government incentives, policy-led gigafactory investments and the localization of supply chains. Strategic partnerships, such as Stellantis and CATL's carbon-neutral facility plan in Spain, underscore the push for sustainable mobility. Asia-Pacific remains the leading region, even as shifting trade relations and tariffs test sourcing and build cycles. Market signals also touch automakers and suppliers, with Hyundai moving higher in trade activity while others face pressures. The analysis reflects historical data and forecasts and does not constitute financial advice.

Adobe Acrobat adds AI prompts to edit files, generate podcast summaries, and create presentations from Spaces

January 21, 2026, 5:08 PM EST. Adobe is expanding AI in Acrobat, enabling prompt-driven edits, podcast summaries, and presentation creation from Spaces content. The feature set lets users perform 12 editing actions-removing pages, editing text, handling comments, and adding e-signatures or passwords-by prompting the AI assistant. Acrobat can generate editable presentations from a Space's data, then users can customize with Adobe Express themes, stock images, or personal media, and apply a brand look. When files are shared, AI-generated summaries arrive with citations that point to exact locations in the document. Users can choose the default AI assistant or switch to roles like analyst, entertainer, or instructor, or craft a custom assistant via a prompt. Competitors such as Canva and NotebookLM already offer related conversion-to-presentation features.

Nvidia eyes ARM-based laptops with N1X, N2 chips to rival Intel, AMD, Qualcomm

January 21, 2026, 5:06 PM EST. Nvidia signals a return to CPU ambitions with an ARM-based notebook chip, tentatively named N1X, and a possible follow-on N2 later in 2026. Reports via Digitimes and Tom's Hardware sketch a notebook-ready SoC built on the Grace Blackwell design used in Nvidia's DGX Spark AI systems. If true, Nvidia would join Qualcomm, Intel, and AMD in the ARM laptop race, though delays could push a more capable successor. CES 2026 messaging centered on DLSS improvements, multi-frame rendering, and computer-vision advances rather than consumer CPUs. Microsoft has pledged Xbox on all ARM PCs, underscoring a broader shift toward ARM gaming. Timing remains constrained by a RAM shortage weighing on the PC cycle.

Lynx-R2 Unveiled with 126° Horizontal FOV, Open Hardware Plans

January 21, 2026, 5:04 PM EST. France-based Lynx unveiled the Lynx-R2, an enterprise- and prosumer-oriented MR headset that upgrades its R1 with a wider view and faster compute. The device uses Hypervision aspheric pancake lenses to deliver 126° horizontal FOV (133° diagonal) and dual 2.3K LCD displays offering >24 PPD at the center. It runs on Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2, delivering stronger GPU and AI performance. Features include 6DoF head tracking, hand tracking, controller and ring tracking, plus a four-sensor Sony camera array with depth sensing. After Google removed Android XR support, Lynx will ship with Lynx OS (based on Android 14), supporting OpenXR 1.1 and APK sideloading. Lynx plans to publish full schematics and raw sensor access for researchers and developers, enabling offline use for defense, healthcare and industry; shipping begins this summer.

Motorpoint to roll out Generational battery-testing tech for used EVs across 21 UK stores

January 21, 2026, 4:54 PM EST. Motorpoint will roll out Generational's battery-health testing across 21 UK stores after a successful pilot. The system plugs into a car's OBD port to read battery health and estimate SoH, range, and remaining warranty, with results shown via a connected app. In tests, battery-health checks correlated with faster sales-tested EVs sold an average of four days sooner than untested ones. Across 1,500+ used BEVs and PHEVs, Motorpoint's average SoH was 96.6%, with 97% of stock above 90% and 36% above 99%. Generational CEO Oliver Phillpott says battery health is the new mileage. The partnership expands Motorpoint's EV offering as the UK used-EV market grows. Generational also works with Cambria Automobiles; BYD has its own 179-point certification to aid transparency.

Trustpoint Xposure Completes Formal AEO Certification, Aims to Lead AI Search Visibility in 2025

January 21, 2026, 4:50 PM EST. AI visibility is no longer experimental; it has become a present requirement as AI mediates more searches. McKinsey estimates that over 65% of consumer and B2B interactions will involve AI tools by 2025, reshaping how companies are discovered. AI systems judge credibility not by branding but by verifiable authority signals: a Structured AEO methodology, ongoing AI answer validation, and real-world media placement across trusted environments. Formal training and testing matter because without them, organizations fade from AI-generated answers. Trustpoint Xposure says it is the only US PR agency with formal AEO certification, applying it through direct media access and AI answer validation. The result: authority engineered for AI, not just clicks, shifting from online presence to AI authority.

FTC's Meta appeal hinges on past acquisitions as AI era reshapes tech

January 21, 2026, 4:48 PM EST. The FTC appeals a dismissed antitrust case against Meta, arguing it maintained a monopoly in personal social networking via the 2012 purchase of Instagram for $1 billion and the 2014 purchase of WhatsApp for $19 billion. The piece notes investors did not price monopoly into the buys; share moves suggested mixed reception. It also points to Meta's 2025 spend of over $70 billion on data centers as evidence of expansion rather than moat protection. Critics say the case is backward-looking in a fast-evolving sector. The article highlights how the rollout of ChatGPT-and events after November 30, 2022-shifted technology competition, complicating antitrust claims against Meta.

Binghamton University launches independent AI center with $55 million backing

January 21, 2026, 4:46 PM EST. The State University of New York at Binghamton has secured the largest academic gift in its history: $30 million to establish the Center for AI Responsibility and Research, the first independent AI research center at a public university in the United States. The gift pairs with a $25 million SUNY capital investment. The center will study safety, security and transparency of AI to serve the public good and become a national hub for responsible AI. Gov. Kathy Hochul said the initiative will help AI work for New Yorkers. Donor Tom Secunda called the center a vehicle to build tools, standards and a talent pipeline. Binghamton is a founding member of the Empire AI Consortium and will launch a nationwide search for leadership and affiliated faculty; branding will align with SUNY.

Blue Origin to deploy 5,408 satellites for 'TeraWave' high-speed global network

January 21, 2026, 4:36 PM EST. Blue Origin unveiled a plan to deploy 5,408 satellites for a new TeraWave communications network serving data centers, governments and businesses. Deployment is slated to begin in Q4 2027, with data speeds up to 6 Tbps via planned optical links. The system would serve about 100,000 customers and expands Bezos' constellation efforts alongside Leo (Project Kuiper). The move heightens competition with SpaceX's Starlink, which already operates roughly 10,000 satellites. Officials say the network targets enterprise and government use rather than consumer internet. The push reflects demand for in-space data centers and AI workloads that require large-scale, energy-efficient processing. The plan broadens Bezos' footprint in space infrastructure beyond rockets and services.

Google ends Stadia Bluetooth tool as GitHub mirror keeps controller usable with Steam

January 21, 2026, 4:28 PM EST. Google has pulled the plug on Stadia's Bluetooth workaround, ending the official tool that converted Stadia controllers into Bluetooth gamepads. In the wake of Stadia's demise, a developer, Christopher Klay, saved a copy of the tool to GitHub and is hosting a mirror of the Google site to simplify the process. The mirror is hosted on a personal page, and the author cites a video showing how to complete the conversion. The controllers reportedly now work with Steam, extending the device's life for some users. The Verge's Sean Hollister notes that while Stadia's execution was flawed, the shutdown is handled transparently, illustrating a controlled service wind-down.

Nvidia CEO says AI boom fuels the largest infrastructure buildout in history

January 21, 2026, 4:22 PM EST. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang told Fox Business from Davos that the AI surge is driving what he calls the largest infrastructure buildout in human history. He cited multi-trillion-dollar sums flowing into data centers, chip factories and AI factories as governments and firms chase real-time AI workloads. Huang framed AI as a layer cake-energy, chips, and infrastructure-and said the United States could capture jobs as it re-industrializes. He noted ongoing gains in energy efficiency and lower token costs with newer chips, arguing the trend makes AI affordable at scale. The interview comes as Nvidia nears a $5 trillion market valuation and as the administration signals continued export approvals.

Ohio releases model AI policy for classrooms; districts must adopt by 2026

January 21, 2026, 4:20 PM EST. Ohio's Department of Education and Workforce released a model policy to guide AI use in classrooms, outlining ethical guidelines, prohibitions against bullying via AI, and a rule that students may use AI only with teacher permission. The policy frames AI as a learning tool, not a substitute for effort or instruction, and calls for human-centered implementation. The two-year state budget requires districts and charter schools to adopt a policy by July 1, 2026. Districts may adopt the template as written or tailor it locally. It also promotes AI literacy for students and teachers, recommends an AI workgroup, and requires adherence to privacy laws such as FERPA. The initiative builds on InnovateOhio/aiEDU's AI Toolkit, with involvement from state leaders and recent White House discussions.

Gemini vs. ChatGPT: tests show mixed results, safety concerns emerge

January 21, 2026, 4:18 PM EST. Gemini and ChatGPT were pitted in a head-to-head test across prompts. An aviation expert warned that Gemini's step-by-step guidance could be dangerous, including instructing a pilot to disable autopilot before seeking air traffic control. Lee Hutchinson credited Gemini for answering, but said ChatGPT's response was more practical for real-world flying. In final scoring, Gemini won four prompts to three for ChatGPT, with one tie. Yet ChatGPT showed style advantages on creative prompts (dad jokes, Lincoln's basketball story); it also posted more factual errors on biography, Super Mario Bros. strategy and Windows 11 disk math. Overall, Google appears to have narrowed the gap with OpenAI since 2023, even as Apple embedding Siri was cited as a strategic move.

TeraWave satellite network targets symmetrical up to 6 Tbps speeds worldwide

January 21, 2026, 4:16 PM EST. TeraWave is a satellite communications network pitched to deliver symmetrical data speeds up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. The system targets enterprise, data center, and government users who require a reliable, high-capacity link for mission-critical workloads. Officials say the network will connect dispersed sites with global coverage, enabling direct interconnections between data centers and remote operations. The plan emphasizes scale and resilience, offering a new layer of space-based infrastructure for secure, high-throughput communications. No pricing or deployment timeline was disclosed, and representatives did not comment on vendor partners or spectrum allocations.

US approves Nvidia H200 AI chips sale to China under safeguards

January 21, 2026, 4:14 PM EST. The US Department of Commerce has allowed Nvidia to sell its H200 AI processors to China, provided there is enough US supply. The revised export policy also requires Chinese customers to follow security procedures and bars military uses of the chips. The H200 sits behind Nvidia's flagship Blackwell processor, which remains blocked in China. Nvidia welcomed the decision, saying it will support US manufacturing and jobs. Beijing has criticized the move as politicization of tech and trade. Former President Donald Trump had floated charging a 25% levy on chip sales to China. Nvidia's earnings from China could come with lower margins due to the government cut, analysts note.

Netflix tests vertical video features for mobile ahead of 2026 rollout

January 21, 2026, 4:10 PM EST. Netflix is testing a vertical video feed in the mobile app, with a 2026 rollout planned. On its earnings call, co-CEO Greg Peters said the feed already shows clips from Netflix programs and will expand to new content types, including video podcasts that began streaming in January. Peters said Netflix will bring the relevant elements of those new content types into the vertical feed. The company is also building a new mobile user interface to support future growth, described as a starting point for ongoing iteration. The move comes as viewing shifts to smartphones, with Netflix noting competition from Instagram and other platforms and aiming to keep users' attention across streaming, social media and more.

Apple overtakes Samsung to lead global smartphone shipments, Counterpoint says

January 21, 2026, 4:02 PM EST. Apple has reclaimed the global shipments lead, ending Samsung's 14-year run as the top shipper. Counterpoint Research data show Apple capturing about 20% of worldwide smartphone shipments in full-year 2024, vs Samsung's 19%. Analysts see this as the start of a sustained rebound for Apple, aided by a push into the mid-range and the new iPhone 17 lineup. In Q4, Apple grew 10% year over year, more than Samsung at 5%, and accounted for about 25% of global shipments. The shift comes as North America and Europe saturate, while demand rises in India and parts of Asia.

Florida Senate advances AI Bill of Rights amid industry pushback

January 21, 2026, 3:54 PM EST. The Florida Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee unanimously backed SB 482, a proposed Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights, as Gov. Ron DeSantis prioritizes the issue. The measure would establish a right for parents to limit children's interactions with AI, mandate disclosure on whether a speaker is human or AI, and restrict the unauthorized use of people's names, images or likenesses. It would also require transparency about whether political ads are AI-generated and bar state contracts with AI firms tied to foreign countries of concern such as China or Russia. Sponsor Tom Leek said action is needed to protect Florida's vulnerable groups, while Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith urged clearer definitions of AI and chatbots. The bill awaits further committee steps; Rep. Alex Rizo filed HB 1395, and industry groups oppose it as burdensome.

Meta closes three VR studios as Steam Frame looms, reshaping Quest 3 era

January 21, 2026, 3:52 PM EST. Meta is shutting three VR studios-Twisted Pixel, Sanzaru Games, and Armature-in a layoffs-driven move across its Reality Labs gaming division. The studios behind Deadpool VR, Asgard's Wrath, and Resident Evil 4 VR were tied to Quest devices. UploadVR cited the closures; Meta has signaled a strategic pivot away from the Metaverse toward AI. Analysts say the move could shift development toward cross-platform engines, benefiting Valve's soon-to-launch Steam Frame and widening access for developers and players beyond Quest. While some see this as a negative for Meta, others view it as a market reshaping step that accelerates competition in VR hardware and libraries.

Huawei Watch Fit 4 Pro Gets HarmonyOS 6 Upgrade in Global Rollout

January 21, 2026, 3:48 PM EST. Huawei has started rolling out HarmonyOS 6.0 to the global Watch Fit 4 Pro, delivering version 6.0.0.22 in an 88.12MB update. The release adds new watch faces, including the Modules 2025 design, and enables widget customization across sizes and colors. The update also enables music transfers from iPhone to the watch, pending Huawei Health app version 16.0.8.305 or later. Call logs are renamed to Phone, with a keypad accessible from the Phone app when the watch is paired with a phone. Calendar gains week and month views and an Assistant TODAY card, while alarms can be muted by covering the screen. Usability improves with more app icons for notifications. The upgrade reflects Huawei's ongoing global software push for HarmonyOS 6.

Switch 2 price hike predicted as Nintendo follows Sony, Microsoft

January 21, 2026, 3:34 PM EST. A market research firm predicts a global price hike for the Switch 2 this year, aligning Nintendo with recent increases for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Niko Partners argues tariff impacts, higher memory costs and broader macro conditions will push Nintendo to raise prices, possibly delisting the $449 SKU in favor of a $499 or higher bundle. Nintendo has not announced changes; president Shuntaro Furukawa said he could not comment on hypotheticals but noted memory prices are up and would monitor the impact. The report follows chatter about a mystery code hinting at a new Switch 2 model. Analysts say a price increase or SKU discontinuation would reflect broader supply-chain dynamics, not Nintendo's financials alone.

Alphabet emerges as AI growth stock with long-term upside, not Nvidia

January 21, 2026, 3:32 PM EST. Alphabet is emerging as Wall Street's AI growth stock, attracting investors with a durable cash flow from its advertising mix and a rising cloud footprint. While Nvidia dominates hardware headlines, Alphabet's AI stack runs from DeepMind research to in-house TPU silicon and the Gemini model, underscored by a Broadcom collaboration. The company's Google Services generated about 40% operating margins in the first nine months of 2025, with Google Cloud margins in the 21% area, highlighting profitability across the AI value chain. Analysts see continued monetization across Search, YouTube, and cloud, supported by a vertically integrated ecosystem. The takeaway: a long-horizon bet on AI that monetizes a broad platform, not a single product.

Meta ends Quest for Business program as it pivots toward AR glasses

January 21, 2026, 3:22 PM EST. Meta on Tuesday said it would wind down its Quest for Business program, ending hardware sales on February 20 and winding down the platform on January 4, 2030. After that, the software powering business-facing headsets will stop. The move mirrors a broader pull-back from enterprise VR as Meta pivots toward its Ray-Ban Meta AR glasses. The program began in 2017 under Oculus before Meta rebranded; it let IT teams control devices like the Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S with a monthly fee. Meta did not disclose signup figures. Critics note Quest headsets lack pixel density to act as PC-replacements. Separately, Reality Labs headcount could fall up to 10%, and several studios have been shuttered; Meta hasn't released a new VR headset since 2025.

Huawei Racing Legend smartwatch leaks reveal specs, colors, and GT Runner tie-in

January 21, 2026, 3:16 PM EST. Huawei is accelerating a new smartwatch codenamed Chitu, billed as Racing Legend in a forthcoming sports lineup. Leaks from Weibo tipster DigitalChatStation outline four colorways: Shadow Black, Dawn Orange, Light Blue, and a Special Color marked unknown. The device reportedly offers around 22 strap variants, with bands in 16mm and 22mm widths to fit different wrists and styles. Market positioning points to a professional sports wearable, tied to a recent collaboration with running team DSM Firmenich. The leak also hints Huawei may relaunch or restyle the GT Runner as the product lands. Huawei has paused GT Runner and Cyber in recent years; a comeback could align with expected 2026 tablets, audio wearables, and smart-bands launches. The timing remains unconfirmed.

Netflix to redesign app as it competes with social platforms for daily engagement

January 21, 2026, 3:10 PM EST. Netflix will redesign its mobile app to fit a social-first video landscape, expanding short-form video and launching original video podcasts. Set for late 2026, the revamp aims to act as a foundation for ongoing experimentation and to boost content discovery and daily engagement. Central to the plan are deeper vertical video feeds-short clips from Netflix shows and films in a TikTok/Reels-like format-plus more clips tied to new content types like video podcasts. The company has debuted original video podcasts with hosts including Pete Davidson and Michael Irvin and has tied with Spotify and iHeartMedia to broaden its library. CTO Elizabeth Stone frames the effort as experimentation, not imitation, while co-CEOs Peters and Sarandos stress competition across the entertainment landscape and the push to keep users in-app longer.

Huawei Racing Legend smartwatch leaks reveal specs and colors

January 21, 2026, 3:08 PM EST. Huawei is rumored to be prepping a sports-oriented smartwatch called the Racing Legend. A Weibo tip from @DigitalChatStation cites the codename Chitu and outlines four likely color schemes: Shadow Black, Dawn Orange, Light Blue, and a Special Color. The device is said to ship with around 22 strap variants, including options at 16mm and 22mm width to fit different wrists and styles. The leak places the Racing Legend in the professional sports wearable category, and notes a collaboration with the running team DSM Firmenich. It hints Huawei may relaunch the GT Runner line under a new name. Huawei has paused the GT Runner and Cyber lines in recent years, but a relaunch is possible. Other devices – tablets, audio wearables, and a revised smart band – are also expected in 2026.

Netflix to redesign app, push short-form video and video podcasts to vie with social platforms

January 21, 2026, 3:06 PM EST. Netflix plans a mobile app redesign set for 2026 to better fit a social-first video landscape. The move, announced on its Q4 earnings call, centers on deeper vertical video feeds and a swipeable short-form clip feed, alongside an expansion of original video podcasts. Greg Peters, co-CEO, called the update a foundation for ongoing experimentation to iterate and improve. Netflix has launched original video podcasts with figures like Pete Davidson and Michael Irvin and has tied with Spotify and iHeartMedia to broaden its podcast library. CTO Elizabeth Stone stressed the effort isn't about becoming TikTok, but about strengthening entertainment discovery on mobile. CEO Ted Sarandos noted competition across creators, audiences, and advertising is intensifying across the entire entertainment ecosystem.

Microsoft's January Windows update triggers widespread issues, prompts emergency patches

January 21, 2026, 3:02 PM EST. Millions of Windows users face a rough start to January as Microsoft rolls out a mandatory security patch that has spawned a raft of problems. Microsoft has acknowledged three issues-Outlook freezing, Remote Desktop instability and shutdown failures-while others, including a desktop.ini fix and a sleep-state regression, draw user complaints. The sleep bug prevents PCs from entering idle states properly, tied to the SystemEventsBroker wake context. Windows Latest reports ongoing problems, including keyboard and mouse malfunctions, and notes Windows 11 had more than 20 major issues in 2025 across security updates. Users await additional emergency updates and potential February fixes.

Microsoft Windows Update Triggers Widespread Issues, Emergency Patches Issued

January 21, 2026, 2:58 PM EST. Millions of Windows users faced a rocky start to 2026 after Microsoft's January update; the company issued emergency patches to address a raft of problems that remain unresolved. Microsoft has acknowledged three issues: a Classic Outlook freezing bug, a Remote Desktop problem, and a failure-to-shutdown bug. But observers warn the list is longer. New sleep-state problems surfaced, including a desktop.ini-related fault and a regression in Windows 11 25H2's desktop S3 sleep path. Even with hybrid sleep and wake timers off, the SystemEventsBroker can leave maintenance wake Context, causing immediate wake after the first sleep. Microsoft is evaluating further fixes and warns users to expect more out-of-band updates; some may wait for February updates. Critics note Windows 11 endured multiple major issues in 2025 alongside frequent security patches.

Apple shifts iPhone OLED orders to Samsung amid BOE production woes

January 21, 2026, 2:56 PM EST. Apple is tapping Samsung Display for millions of iPhone OLED panels as BOE struggles with production, according to The Elec. The publication cites unresolved bottlenecks in late-2024 and 2025 that disrupted LTPS and LTPO panels. The shift affects iPhone models 15, 16 and 17, with the iPhone 17e poised to launch in spring while BOE refocuses on securing supply for that model. Samsung has absorbed the redirected orders after BOE delivered about 40 million OLED panels in 2024; the figure likely dipped in 2025 due to setbacks. The dispute between BOE and Samsung over trade secrets previously led to ITC scrutiny, resolved with royalties in late 2025.

Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow Patch 3.0 adds graphical improvements, SteamVR headset support

January 21, 2026, 2:52 PM EST. Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow's Patch 3.0 launches after its Dec. 4 debut, addressing community feedback while tightening performance. The update adds graphical improvements focused on balancing lighting in the dark, reduces crashes and bugs, and expands on the patch lineage from Patch 2.0. It formalizes SteamVR support for HTC Vive and Valve Index headsets. A memorable mechanic-microphone capture of player sounds to lure NPCs-gets a new option to select the mic input source in the options menu. Maze Theory and Vertigo Games peg the changes to player feedback. The title remains available on PlayStation VR 2, Quest, and Steam, and a recent review scored it 4 out of 5 stars.

Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow patch 3.0 adds graphics tweaks, SteamVR support

January 21, 2026, 2:50 PM EST. Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow's Patch 3.0 arrives after a December 4 launch. Maze Theory and Vertigo Games say the update builds on the first patch, released a week after release. The patch adds graphical improvements to balance lighting in the game's dark environments, reduces crashes and bugs, and expands compatibility by adding formal SteamVR support for HTC Vive and Valve Index headsets. It also preserves the game's interactive mic mechanic but lets players set their mic input from the options menu. A Reuters review described the title as modest but impressive, giving it 4 out of 5 stars. The game is now available on PlayStation VR2, Quest, and Steam.

Co-founder fired from $12B AI startup after workplace disclosures, WSJ reports

January 21, 2026, 2:46 PM EST. The Wall Street Journal reports that Barret Zoph, co-founder and CTO of Thinking Machines Lab, was fired after months of internal turmoil that centered on an undisclosed workplace relationship and diverging views on leadership and control. Zoph admitted to a romantic relationship with a junior colleague from OpenAI; CEO Mira Murati suspected it earlier, and Zoph initially denied it before acknowledging the relationship. The junior colleague left and returned to OpenAI. Zoph says the dismissal followed news he was negotiating a role with another company, with no cited performance or unethical conduct. The fallout fueled clashes over direction and technical decision-making; two co-founders, Luke Metz and Sam Schoenholz, also left for OpenAI. The story is from The Wall Street Journal.

YouTube to let creators use their AI likeness in Shorts, expands AI tools

January 21, 2026, 2:42 PM EST. YouTube will let creators use their own digital likeness to produce Shorts, Neal Mohan announced in a year-end letter. The feature will let creators generate Shorts with their own avatar, create games from text prompts, and experiment with music. YouTube said Shorts now averages about 200 billion daily views and remains a focus for growth. The company will also provide tools to manage how likenesses appear in AI content and expand existing AI features-AI clips, AI stickers, AI auto-dubbing, and more. It has already launched likeness-detection to help creators identify and remove AI-generated content that uses a creator's face or voice. YouTube also plans new formats, including image posts, to broaden Shorts' appeal while fighting low-quality AI content.

Telesat bondholders sue over Lightspeed asset transfer ahead of debt deadlines

January 21, 2026, 2:28 PM EST. Creditors sue in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, alleging Telesat Canada transferred 62% of the Lightspeed LEO business to a non-guarantor subsidiary to shield assets as it nears US$1.7 billion in debt maturing in December and roughly US$450 million due in 2027. They say lenders hold 90% of the debt. The suit, led by Wilmington Savings Fund Society, claims the transfer was designed to protect equity while the company was insolvent. Telesat says it acted within covenants and the law. Lightspeed remains under construction, funded in part by federal and Quebec government support, aiming to cut latency versus current GEO satellites.

BNP Paribas names Celestica, Arista and Credo among top AI stocks for 2026

January 21, 2026, 2:16 PM EST. BNP Paribas has named Celestica (CLS), Arista Networks (ANET) and Credo Technologies (CRDO) among its top AI stocks for 2026. The bank argues that data-center investment remains durable, with longer lead times improving visibility across servers, networking and storage ecosystems into 2026. Analysts say AI-driven demand should sustain equipment cycles and vendor exposure in the sector. The picks emphasize firms that play in the AI supply chain-servers, networking gear and related software-while risks include demand shifts, supply disruptions and competition. The outlook reflects continued expansion in AI infrastructure as firms invest in capacity and integration through next year.

Razer's AI waifu in a jar stays vague ahead of 2026 release

January 21, 2026, 2:10 PM EST. Razer used CES 2026 to demo Project Ava – an AI-driven avatar encased in a glass jar that chats and mentors players. The device offers a waifu or husbando option and sits alongside another AI gadget, Project Motoko headphones. Yet Razer has provided few concrete details: no final specs, no confirmed model, and no clear path to buy. CEO Min-Liang Tan described the offering as reservations rather than pre-orders, with a tentative H2 2026 release window and a $20 refundable deposit. More information will follow as feedback is gathered. Critics warn about parasocial attachments and whether the gadget adds real value beyond existing PCs and headsets.

Anthropic rewrites Claude's guiding principles, weighs AI consciousness

January 21, 2026, 2:06 PM EST. Anthropic is overhauling Claude's constitution, moving from a rules-based guide-minimize racism and sexism-toward teaching the AI why it should act as it does. The new document frames Claude's behavior through a broad set of values tied to the company's Constitutional AI training, where the model critiques and revises its own answers during training rather than relying solely on human feedback. The 2023 version drew on the UDHR and Apple terms; the new one centers on Claude's usefulness, likening it to a brilliant friend with the knowledge of a doctor, lawyer, and financial advisor, while hard-stopping bioweapons assistance. The section on Claude's nature acknowledges uncertainty about possible consciousness or moral status and the AI's well-being-Anthropic would care about Claude's welfare as it may affect judgment. The stance differentiates Anthropic from OpenAI and DeepMind, aided by an internal model welfare team.

Anthropic rewrites Claude's guiding principles, probes AI consciousness

January 21, 2026, 2:04 PM EST. Anthropic is overhauling Claude's guiding rules, moving from a simple list of principles to a reasoned framework. The company published a new constitution for Claude as part of its Constitutional AI approach, arguing models should generalize broad guidelines rather than mechanically follow rules. The document emphasizes usefulness to users and sets hard constraints, such as never assisting with bioweapons. A striking section probes Claude's nature, acknowledging uncertainty about potential consciousness or moral status and calling for attention to well-being and psychological security because such factors may affect judgment. The stance distinguishes Anthropic from rivals and underscores a dedicated model-welfare effort inside the lab.

Nostalgia for 2016 Internet tests the Algorithm era

January 21, 2026, 1:58 PM EST. Nostalgia for 2016 surfaces online as a pre-Algorithm period, with users re-creating 2016 as a social cue. Instagram's new add yours sticker prompts 2016 throwbacks; more than 5.2 million responses flooded feeds. Spotify says 2016 playlists rose 790% since the year began, and the service promotes romanticizing 2016 in its bio. Researchers note the year carried anxiety-Brexit, the Syrian war, Zika, the Pulse Nightclub attack-and a fear that overshadowed a moment when social media did not yet steer what we see. Meme archivist Amanda Brennan cites that nostalgia glosses over real tensions. Observers say the current pull toward nostalgia reflects a moment before The Algorithm and AI reshaped online life.

Best DJI deal: Save 31% on the DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo

January 21, 2026, 1:54 PM EST. Mashable reports that the DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo is on sale at Amazon for $1,099, a $500 cut from its $1,599 list. The 31% discount matches a record low at Amazon. The Fly More bundle includes extra batteries, with this offer centering on a three-battery configuration. Prices can change after publication and may not last. Lauren Allain, Mashable contributor, covers deals. Buyers should verify current pricing on Amazon before purchasing.

Empire Fiber Internet expands 100% fiber network to Irondequoit, NY

January 21, 2026, 1:44 PM EST. Empire Fiber Internet expands its 100% fiber network to Irondequoit, delivering symmetrical speeds to more than 3,500 homes with transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and no long-term contracts. Residents gain high-speed, 100% fiber connectivity supported by 24/7 local service. CEO Kevin Dickens calls Irondequoit a natural fit for growth as the company builds on the Greece launch earlier in 2025, which connected thousands of homes and businesses. The expansion supports streaming, gaming, remote work, and cloud apps, and is backed by partnerships with Chambers of Commerce and county officials to narrow the digital divide. Availability details are at empireaccess.com.

Claude Code vibe coding: AI as force multiplier, not magic for Mac apps

January 21, 2026, 1:40 PM EST. ZDNET's David Gewirtz tests Claude Code for a Mac app and finds the result more work than magic. The piece argues that vibe coding trades creative flow for constant coordination and oversight. AI can accelerate tasks, but performance and UI issues still demand human judgment. The author-who has built software for decades-describes Claude Code as a force multiplier only when a developer leads, tests relentlessly, and corrects missteps. The contrast between coding solo and managing other coders resurfaces: leadership and architectural guidance matter as much as features. Don't expect a market-ready app from AI alone. Gewirtz notes the broader lesson: the benefits of Claude Code may reach non-programmers, but real success comes from skilled guidance and hands-on testing. The Mac effort builds on an earlier iPhone app for 3D-printing filament, with NFC tags.

AI intermediaries rise: the real revolution shaping work, education and dating

January 21, 2026, 1:24 PM EST. AI is becoming the era's real mediator. The piece argues AI intermediaries-drafting emails, calibrating tone, and guiding replies-will reshape work, education, and dating. Surveys show rising adoption: about 24% of employees draft or edit workplace emails daily, 21% use AI often, and 35% have drafted a sensitive workplace message (MarketingProfs.com). In academia, a Morehouse professor says AI assistants could be commonplace in three to five years, driven by burnout and Boomers retiring. On dating sites, AI polishes profiles and replies, serving as a digital Cyrano de Bergerac. This is a practical, growing middleman revolution, not sci-fi flying cars, with consequences for how we write, teach, and connect with others.

Could IonQ Become the Nvidia of Quantum Computing?

January 21, 2026, 1:18 PM EST. IonQ is pitched as a potential Nvidia-style winner in quantum computing, a field still in early stages. Nvidia commands a dominant position in accelerated computing, with roughly 90% market share in GPUs and strong margins. But quantum is a crowded arena, with rivals such as Rigetti, D-Wave, Alphabet, and Microsoft vying for advantage. The market differs from Nvidia's path: there is no single dominant platform yet, making first-mover advantage and execution crucial for IonQ. IonQ remains a pure-play quantum hardware company, lacking a broad non-quantum revenue stream. The challenge: produce scalable, compelling products amid intense competition while building the ecosystem needed for quantum-ready data centers.

Samsung QuickStar gains custom images and layout tweaks in One UI 8.5

January 21, 2026, 12:56 PM EST. Samsung is updating its Good Lock modules to support One UI 8.5 on Android 16 QPR2, introducing four QuickStar upgrades. The standout feature lets users add a custom image to every quick settings tile, enabling a high degree of personalization in the Quick Settings panel. A second upgrade targets landscape mode customization. The third lets users freely adjust the height and width of each toggle, boosting layout flexibility. The fourth adds numeric values to brightness and volume controls, so users see exact settings.

Apple Mac Mini M4 price hits $499, a 2026 low as Windows mini PCs heat up

January 21, 2026, 12:50 PM EST. Apple's 2024 Mac Mini with an M4 chip is on sale for $499, a $100 cut that represents a new low for 2026. The compact desktop pairs an M4 processor with 16GB of unified memory and a 256GB SSD, offering faster speeds, improved security, and smoother multitasking. Apple emphasizes the device's small footprint and seamless integration with iPhone and iPad, appealing to creators and space-constrained users. The deal cushions entry into Apple's ecosystem with a budget-friendly price tag, though the 256GB SSD is modest for some workloads. Analysts note growing price competition from Windows-based mini PCs, which keeps pressure on Apple to maintain aggressive pricing.

Teclast T60 Pro review: bargain 12-inch tablet with LTE, stylus support at about $220

January 21, 2026, 12:48 PM EST. Teclast's T60 Pro positions itself as a budget 12-inch Android tablet with notable hardware. Its metal chassis and integrated antennas keep the design clean, with Space Grey finish and solid feel in the hand. The device ships with 8 GB RAM and 128 GB storage, expandable via microSD. Cellular LTE and GPS add navigation freedom, while WiFi 5 reaches up to around 370 MBit/s though speeds can dip in practice. The screen runs at 60 Hz, making interactions feel less fluid than faster displays. A Teclast T-Pen is supported and USI 2.0 stylus compatibility exists, but there is no magnetic pen dock or fingerprint sensor. Android 15 is pre-installed, but security patches date to August 2025. Cameras are modest: a 13-megapixel rear shooter with limited dynamic range, while the battery life and charging remain average for its price, around $220.

YouTube targets AI slop and deepfakes in 2026, Mohan says

January 21, 2026, 12:46 PM EST. YouTube CEO Neal Mohan says reducing 'AI slop' and improving detection of deepfakes are priorities for 2026. In his annual letter, Mohan notes that as AI infiltrates video platforms, distinguishing real content from AI-generated material grows harder, especially with deepfakes. YouTube will label videos created with AI tools and require creators to disclose altered content, while expanding 'likeness detection' to flag unauthorized use of a creator's face, rolling out to millions in the Partner Program. The company says AI will be a tool, not a replacement, noting more than 1 million channels used AI creation tech daily in December. YouTube also aims to expand AI capabilities in Shorts to compete with TikTok.

Adobe Premiere 26 debuts AI-powered Object Mask, faster tracking and Frame.io panel

January 21, 2026, 12:40 PM EST. Adobe launches Premiere 26, dropping the 'Pro' but keeping the nonlinear editor's core. Adobe says the updates sharpen editors' workflows with AI-powered tools and collaboration features. The headline feature, Object Mask, lets users hover and click to generate precise masks in seconds, with color overlays and refinements similar to Photoshop's Select Subject. Shape Masks-Ellipse, Rectangle, and Pen-get a redesign and faster tracking, with claims of up to 20x faster performance and live previews. The Frame.io V4 panel integrates directly into Premiere for remote collaboration, currently in beta. Adobe Stock is now embedded, offering access to over 52 million stock clips, including about 100,000 free assets. Premiere 26 is available now to Creative Cloud subscribers.

Final Fantasy 7 Remake Switch 2: a PS5/PS4 hybrid with Intergrade-style updates

January 21, 2026, 12:38 PM EST. Switch 2's port of Final Fantasy 7 Remake delivers PS5-style texture work without a full PS5 upgrade. The game runs at 30fps, mirroring the PS4 baseline, but borrows Intergrade-era enhancements that improve some surfaces while leaving others behind. From Sector 7 Slums doors to metal and wall textures, the new hardware pushes clarity closer to PS5 on many assets, though not every texture matches the current generation. Ground textures regain sharpness, and key signage stays readable, while other elements still resemble PS4. A gallery of comparisons shows a mixed mix of assets aligned to PS5 or PS4. In short, Switch 2 offers a compelling, imperfect balance-stronger in texture fidelity than the original PS4 release, but not a wholesale PS5 equivalence.

Microdramas Go Global: The New Wave of Vertical Video Creators Draws Hollywood Investment

January 21, 2026, 12:34 PM EST. The article tracks a global surge in microdramas and vertical video as a new media category. From Asia to Europe and the US, private capital including Fox, Cineverse and Access Entertainment are backing the space. Ukraine's Holywater has built hit titles like Spark Me Tenderly, generating billions of social impressions and about $20 million in revenue, largely from subscriptions; AI underpins its interactive stories as it eyes more ad revenue in 2026. Israel's AppReel markets itself with a no gatekeepers ethos and projects such as Survivors of the Heart and The Cinderella Trials, monetized via coins, subscriptions and rewarded ads. Hollywood IP synergies fuel growth as platforms like Instagram and TikTok distribute the content.

Oppo Find X9 Ultra spotted with 300mm telephoto extender in live images

January 21, 2026, 12:32 PM EST. A tipster on Weibo shows the alleged Oppo Find X9 Ultra with a teleconverter kit that includes a case, camera grip and external 300mm telephoto extender. The leak corroborates a flat-display design and several physical side buttons. Digital Chat Station reiterates that the external teleconverter will reach 300mm focal length, the highest in the industry, though it does not specify which of the device's two telephoto cameras the extender works with. The Find X9 Ultra is expected to feature dual telephotos: a 200MP sensor with 3x optical zoom and a 50MP sensor with 10x optical zoom. Launch is rumored for March. Sources: Source 1 • Source 2

Mass. parents divided on AI in K-12 schools, poll finds

January 21, 2026, 12:30 PM EST. Massachusetts parents are split on using AI in K-12 education, according to a new poll by EdTrust Massachusetts and MassINC. The survey of 1,350 statewide parents last fall found roughly one-third positive, one-third negative, and one-third mixed or unsure about AI's impact. About 60% of respondents said their children have used AI in schoolwork, with higher use among older students. When asked about outcomes, 48% expect a positive effect and 42% a negative one. The findings come as a state AI task force develops guidance on ethical use, data privacy and academic integrity. Parents cited at-home use and calls for AI literacy or detection skills; experts caution that guardians and teachers must provide guidance while preserving foundational thinking skills.

Super Micro expands role in Nvidia AI factories as margins determine upside

January 21, 2026, 12:20 PM EST. Super Micro Computer is expanding its Nvidia-powered AI infrastructure at scale, linking more servers to Nvidia's AI workflows. The core question is margin recovery: even with growing orders for AI servers, a return to healthier margins will determine whether the upside fully materializes. Nvidia's platform pull underpins ongoing demand for Super Micro's systems, but timing and mix in revenue growth will shape returns for investors. Stock prices cited reflect Jan. 19, 2026 values, with a video published Jan. 20, 2026. Disclosures note that Rick Orford has no position in the stocks mentioned; The Motley Fool states no position and may earn from subscriber links.

Instagram chief warns AI saturation; critic says algorithm-driven authenticity is the real issue

January 21, 2026, 12:10 PM EST. Instagram chief Adam Mosseri warns that AI will be everywhere on the platform and urges creators to stay authentic to stand out from inauthentic content. He argues labeling real content will grow harder as AI tools proliferate, noting that devices like Google's Pixel 10 place content credentials on all photos. He also says AI could mimic the low-fi, authentic look, a trend that is already underway. The article's reviewer, Allison Johnson, agrees on some points but says Mosseri misses the core issue: authenticity on Instagram is shaped by the algorithm, not just AI. As the algorithm rewards engagement, creators imitate proven formats, producing repetitive, similar posts. The piece cites rival influencers with nearly identical vibes and notes the business risk as labeling and transparency questions persist.

iPhone 18 Pro Dynamic Island confusion resolved: selfie camera stays centered

January 21, 2026, 12:08 PM EST. After a stretch of conflicting reports, the consensus on the iPhone 18 Pro's Dynamic Island has solidified. Apple intends to keep the selfie camera centered on the display and maintain a visible Face ID cutout, albeit smaller than today. The earlier speculation-including a left-justified camera or an invisible Face ID module-was attributed to a mistranslation by leaker Instant Digital. Veteran display analyst Ross Young now backs the clarified view, confirming the Dynamic Island will stay, with only a smaller cutout. In short: the iPhone 18 Pro will keep the centered selfie camera, a reduced Face ID cutout, and an unchanged Dynamic Island.

iPhone 18 Pro Dynamic Island confusion resolved: camera centered, Face ID visible, island retained

January 21, 2026, 12:06 PM EST. Resolution of the iPhone 18 Pro Dynamic Island debate: Instant Digital says earlier reports were based on a mistranslation. Retired display analyst Ross Young corroborates. Final expectations: selfie camera stays in the center of the display; there will still be a visible cutout for Face ID components, though smaller than today; the Dynamic Island feature remains unchanged. Apple continues to pursue under-display cameras in the long term, but this model keeps a visible cutout. The update is seen as broadly satisfying readers who preferred continuity.

Manage AI Investments Like a Portfolio

January 21, 2026, 12:04 PM EST. Business leaders face pressure to transform with AI, even as technology, public sentiment, and the competitive landscape remain in flux. The result is often too many pilot programs with insufficient coordination. Without a systematic way to decide where to start, how fast to move, and when to stop, AI initiatives drain time and resources rather than deliver advantage. A common pattern: isolated, piecemeal deployments, weak executive buy-in, and poor alignment with strategic goals. A portfolio approach can restore discipline: treat AI investments like assets, set measurable milestones, assign clear accountability, and require exit criteria for projects that fail to show value. When aligned with business strategy, pilots become a structured path to scale.

Manage Your AI Investments Like a Portfolio

January 21, 2026, 12:02 PM EST. Business leaders face mounting pressure to transform with AI, even as technology, public sentiment, and the competitive landscape remain in flux. The result: too many pilots with limited coordinated oversight. Without a systematic framework to decide where to start, how fast to move, and when to stop, AI efforts drain time and resources rather than deliver advantage. A familiar pattern repeats: isolated, piecemeal deployments, weak executive buy-in, and poor linkage to strategic goals. Companies need a portfolio-style approach to manage AI investments, aligning pilots with business outcomes, setting clear milestones, and ensuring senior leadership oversight to curb fragmentation.

Manage AI investments like a portfolio with disciplined governance

January 21, 2026, 12:00 PM EST. Business leaders face pressure to adopt AI, but pilots proliferate without shared oversight. Organizations struggle to decide where to start, how fast to move, and when to stop. The result: efforts drain attention and resources instead of delivering advantage. A familiar pattern recurs: isolated deployments, weak executive buy-in, and loose links to strategic goals. A true portfolio approach-clear objectives, staged investments, and disciplined governance-can align AI work with business outcomes, improve prioritization, and curb scope creep. Leaders should define decision rights, set success milestones, and tie progress to measurable results. Retire or escalate projects based on data, not hype. The aim is transparent, value-driven progress, rather than technology for its own sake.

Lemonade launches Autonomous Car insurance for Tesla FSD users

January 21, 2026, 11:58 AM EST. Lemonade launches Autonomous Car insurance for Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD) users, promising per-mile rate reductions of about 50%. The plan uses vehicle telemetry data obtained through a collaboration with Tesla and will train its own risk models to distinguish between FSD-enabled and manual driving for pricing. The product, launching in Arizona on January 26 and Oregon next month, represents a push into AI- and software-based pricing as partial autonomy expands. Lemonade notes its pay-per-mile product already builds a tech stack for large-scale driving data. Tesla offers its own insurance, which faced a California Department of Insurance (CDI) enforcement action in 2025 for claims-handling issues; Tesla denies allegations. The move signals insurers exploring new lines as software-defined driving becomes more prevalent.

Lemonade launches Autonomous Car insurance for Tesla FSD users with roughly 50% per-mile savings

January 21, 2026, 11:56 AM EST. Lemonade is rolling out a new product called Autonomous Car insurance for drivers using Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) system. The insurer says it will cut per-mile costs by about 50%, leveraging newly available vehicle telemetry data via a collaboration with Tesla. Lemonade will train its own risk models to distinguish when the driver is using FSD versus driving manually and price accordingly. The launch begins in Arizona on Jan. 26, with Oregon to follow. The plan marks a shift toward pricing that reflects software-driven driving. Tesla has offered its own car insurance; the company faced a California regulator action in 2025, which Tesla denied.

Lemonade launches Autonomous Car insurance for Tesla FSD users with 50% per-mile savings

January 21, 2026, 11:52 AM EST. Digital insurer Lemonade is rolling out an 'Autonomous Car insurance' product for Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD) users, promising to cut per-mile rates by about 50%. The policy would price based on driving software performance, using vehicle telemetry data from a collaboration with Tesla to distinguish when the driver uses FSD versus manual control. Lemonade says it will train its own usage-based risk prediction models to set prices accordingly. The product launches in Arizona on January 26, with Oregon following next month. The effort follows Tesla's own insurance program, which faced a CDI enforcement action in 2025 over claims handling; Tesla denies the allegations. Lemonade emphasizes that safer FSD software should translate into lower prices.

OnePlus denies shutdown rumors; says operations continue worldwide

January 21, 2026, 11:50 AM EST. OnePlus rebutted reports it is shutting down. Android Headline claimed the smartphone maker is being dismantled, citing anonymous interviews and a long industry record. The report pointed to falling shipments, narrowed product lines and teams reduced to skeletons, and highlighted OnePlus 15's launch without the Hasselblad partnership in favor of an in-house imaging system. PetaPixel spoke with OnePlus North America, which said operations, after-sales support, and software commitments remain guaranteed. OnePlus India then called the rumors false, stating that business is normal and urging stakeholders to verify information from official sources. The episode underscores ongoing market headwinds even as the company stays active in key regions.

OnePlus denies shutdown rumors; says operations continue globally

January 21, 2026, 11:42 AM EST. OnePlus denied rumors that it is shutting down after reports from Android Headline and others. The coverage cited alleged internal knowledge and noted falling shipments, trimmed product lines, and a controversial OnePlus 15 launch that dropped Hasselblad cameras in favor of an in-house imaging system. OnePlus North America told PetaPixel that operations remain intact, with full after-sales support, software updates and commitments. OnePlus India issued a stronger denial, saying the business is operating normally and urging verification from official sources. The company faces questions about its strategy amid softer performance in key markets, but officials insist OnePlus remains active and continuing its roadmap.

Starfish Space wins SDA contract to deorbit PWSA satellites

January 21, 2026, 11:36 AM EST. Starfish Space has secured a $52.5 million contract from the Space Development Agency to provide deorbit as a service for satellites in the agency's Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). The Seattle company will deploy its Otter space tug in 2027 to dock with a PWSA satellite that cannot deorbit on its own, move it to a much lower orbit and release it to enable faster reentry. The deal covers deorbiting a single PWSA satellite, with options to deorbit additional spacecraft. CEO Trevor Bennett said the award followed a 2024-25 feasibility study demonstrating on-orbit capability. SDA is buying a service, not the Otter hardware; Starfish will operate Otter while the agency selects the satellite. PWSA comprises Tracking Layer missiles-detection and Transport Layer communications satellites, part of Starfish's growing backlog with the Space Force, NASA and Intelsat/SES.

DJI Air 3S: One of the Best Drones You Can Still Buy in the US

January 21, 2026, 11:34 AM EST. DJI's Air 3S remains among the top choices for consumers looking to buy a drone in the US. The compact model blends portability with solid image quality and reliable obstacle sensing, making it suitable for travel, learning, and light professional work. Reviewers highlight stable flight, straightforward controls, and a growing ecosystem of apps and accessories that ease everyday use. While the price point keeps it within reach for hobbyists and small outfits, buyers should compare it with other options and consider local restrictions on drone flights. Availability in the US market is sturdy, but regulators, storage, and safety rules continue to shape purchasing decisions for new pilots.

Internal records reveal Microsoft-OpenAI alliance reshaping the AI era

January 21, 2026, 11:30 AM EST. Internal records show Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella questioned how an OpenAI linked to Amazon's cloud could stay truly open. Weeks later, Microsoft began courting OpenAI, ultimately pledging billions and taking a sizable stake as the lab helped launch the era of generative AI. New court filings pull from more than 200 documents-emails, messages and deposition transcripts-to trace how Nadella and Microsoft leadership rallied, maneuvered against Google and Amazon, and backed OpenAI amid rivalries. The materials illustrate behind-the-scenes negotiations, crisis management and strategic bets that reshaped the cloud economy. OpenAI disputes Elon Musk's account of origin while Musk seeks up to $134 billion in damages in a high-profile suit. The documents offer a partial, though revealing, view of one of tech's defining alliances.

DJI Air 3S remains among the best drones you can buy in the US

January 21, 2026, 11:28 AM EST. DJI's Air 3S remains a leading option in the crowded US consumer drone market. Reviewers praise its camera performance and reliable flight behavior, calling it a pragmatic balance of image quality, portability, and user-friendly controls. The drone's improved stabilization and obstacle-sensing systems help it handle wind and complex shots, while flight time and transmission reliability appeal to hobbyists and creators alike. Competing models from Autel and Skydio push the segment on autonomy and value, but DJI retains a familiar app, accessible editing tools, and aftercare support. Price and regulatory considerations keep some buyers on the fence, but for many, the Air 3S stays a top pick for aerial video and photography.

Starfish Space wins SDA contract to deorbit satellites with Otter tug

January 21, 2026, 11:22 AM EST. Starfish Space won a $52.5 million contract from the Space Development Agency to provide deorbiting as a service for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). The deal covers one satellite, with options for more, and targets faster reentry by docking with unprepared PWSA spacecraft using its Otter space tug in 2027. SDA emphasizes a service purchase, not a hardware sale; Starfish will operate the Otter, while SDA selects the customer satellite. The award follows a 2024-25 feasibility study and fits into a broader backlog that includes NASA, the U.S. Space Force and Intelsat/SES. The project marks growing mainstream adoption of deorbiting as a service for LEO constellations.

Starfish Space wins SDA contract to deorbit satellites

January 21, 2026, 11:16 AM EST. Starfish Space won a $52.5 million contract from the Space Development Agency to provide deorbit as a service for its Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) in low Earth orbit. The plan centers on Starfish's Otter space tug docking with a non-deorbit-ready PWSA satellite, lowering its orbit and enabling faster reentry. SDA buys a service, not the Otter itself, and Starfish will operate the craft while the agency selects the satellite to deorbit. The contract covers one mission with options for more. The award follows a 2024-25 feasibility study that validated the on-orbit capability and adds to Starfish's backlog, which already includes Space Force and NASA awards. The PWSA includes Tracking Layer missile-detection and Transport Layer communications satellites.

Save $99 on the 2024 AirPods Max; now $449.99 at Amazon

January 21, 2026, 11:14 AM EST. Apple's 2024 AirPods Max are on sale, with $99 off bringing the price to $449.99 at Amazon. The headphones earned four of five stars in our review, praised for sound quality and comfort, plus strong noise cancellation. The update switches from Lightning to USB-C, aligning with newer devices. At about 13.6 oz (385 g) they are among the heavier over-ears, but the well-designed headband distributes weight well. The case is a wrap, not a true case, and there is no power switch or a built-in 3.5 mm port. They shine in Apple's ecosystem with Spatial Audio, automatic device switching, Siri, and Find My. Android users gain less value, as expected. The deal underscores Apple's premium audio lineup amid broader device integration.

Apple Pay to launch in India by end-2026, says Business Standard

January 21, 2026, 11:04 AM EST. Apple Pay is expected to go live in India by the end of 2026, according to Business Standard. The service awaits regulatory approvals, with Apple in talks with banks, regulators and card networks to enable payments within the year. After launch, Tap to Pay on iPhone is anticipated to enable contactless NFC payments at point-of-sale terminals in India, though Apple must secure favorable fee terms with major issuers to access the gateway. The company is not expected to pursue third-party application provider approval for UPI in the near term. Earlier, Cashfree Payments and Razorpay added Apple Pay for international merchant payments. Apple's India shipments peaked in Q3 2025, at 5 million units, helping it reach fourth spot in IDC data.

Galaxy S26 Ultra leak shows possible dummy unit with 6.9-inch display

January 21, 2026, 11:00 AM EST. New photos circulating on X purportedly show the Galaxy S26 Ultra in a silver/white 'White Shadow' color, with a pill-shaped camera island housing three sensors and a fourth module offset above the flash. Observers caution the unit may be a dummy used by accessory makers, not a final handset. Leaks also suggest a similar 6.9-inch display to the S25 Ultra, with rumors of new materials for brighter color and improved privacy features. Geekbench postings hint at the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, and rumors point to faster wired charging. Samsung is expected to unveil the line at the February 25 Unpacked event, with availability in early March if products follow typical cadence. As with all leaks, a definitive look awaits official confirmation.

Geoffrey Hinton says he's very sad about what AI has become

January 21, 2026, 10:58 AM EST. Geoffrey Hinton, often called the father of modern AI, says he is 'very sad' about the field's current direction. In a recent interview, he faulted rapid deployment, widespread misinformation, and safety gaps that outpace guardrails. He urged policymakers and researchers to ground development in ethics and risk assessment, even as adoption accelerates. The remarks underscore a broader debate over whether regulation should slow progress or steer it more safely. Hinton's comments arrive as AI tools expand across business, health care, and everyday life, prompting calls for clearer oversight and accountability.

Global AI Deploys Agentic AI Platform for Insurance Provider to Automate Compliance-Critical Workflows

January 21, 2026, 10:52 AM EST. Global AI, Inc. says a leading European insurer and asset-management group has engaged its agentic AI platform to modernize and automate a high-volume, compliance-critical workflow. The project replaces a manual, document-heavy back office with a governed, on-premise AI validation layer that interfaces with customer channels and core systems. Global AI notes the deployment meets security, data privacy and regulatory standards, delivering governance and auditability. The platform aims to lower costs, speed customer resolution and reduce compliance and reputational risk through consistent validation. Darko Horvat, chairman and CEO, described the engagement as a proof point that agentic AI (AI that can act autonomously within defined governance parameters) can scale in regulated insurance with transparency and control, serving as a flagship reference for enterprise-grade AI orchestration.

Dixie Kong arrives in Donkey Kong Country Returns HD with free Switch and Switch 2 update

January 21, 2026, 10:38 AM EST. Nintendo dropped a surprise, free update to Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, adding Dixie Kong and a new Turbo Attack mode on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. In Switch 2, players gain faster loading, higher-resolution visuals, and the option to play in local co-op via GameShare. Dixie replaces Diddy for higher, farther jumps, while Turbo Attack challenges you to clear stages at speed within a strict clock. The update, ver. 1.1.0 (Jan 20, 2026), is free with no paid upgrade. Other changes include Brazilian Portuguese language support and unspecified image-quality tweaks. On Switch 2, the game is optimized for the platform's display and high-res TVs.

Apple plans week-long Formula 1 experience as it wins US broadcast rights in 2026

January 21, 2026, 10:36 AM EST. Apple aims to turn race weekends into a week-long experience, said Jim DeLorenzo, the company's global head of sports, at the Autosport Business Exchange London. With US rights starting in 2026 after the trial sparked by the F1 movie, Apple stresses partnerships over transactions and seeks deeper engagement with fans. DeLorenzo said working with F1, teams and drivers helps build trust and educate new followers while keeping existing fans. The company notes the arrival of major brands like Cadillac and Ford will help, as it looks to demystify the sport for new audiences. Details on non-race-day elements remain forthcoming ahead of the 2026 season.

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2026: S26 lineup poised for iterative upgrade with new chips

January 21, 2026, 10:28 AM EST. Samsung is slated to unveil the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra at a February Galaxy Unpacked. Leaks point to a conservative design echoing the Galaxy S25, with flat displays and a vertical camera island. Internally, all variants may adopt Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, while Samsung's Exynos 2600 could appear in some regions. The base S26 is expected to feature a 6.3-inch FHD+ display, 12GB of RAM, 256GB or 512GB storage, and a 4,300mAh battery, while the S26+ holds a 6.7-inch FHD+ screen with similar configs. The S26 Ultra may gain a raised camera module and a new metallic finish. Exact specs remain fluid as leaks and regional variations surface before launch.

One UI 8.5 Good Lock official; S26 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max preview

January 21, 2026, 10:24 AM EST. Rumors ahead of Samsung's February 25 Unpacked event place the Galaxy S26 Ultra as a true camera monster with a 200MP sensor and an f/1.4 aperture, edging out the iPhone 17 Pro Max in zoom and low light. Apple counters with a 48MP triple-lens setup and cinema-grade video, delivering smooth 4K at 120fps and a new 18MP front cam. On performance, the S26 Ultra is expected to ship with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 globally and up to 16GB RAM, with Exynos reportedly dropped. Apple's A19 Pro remains a speed benchmark, aided by a vapor cooling chamber that sustains peak speed. In charging, leaks point to a 60W wired upgrade for the S26 Ultra, a notable jump from 45W.

Arc Raiders: Dev says late-joiners economically profit more; debate grows over late-spawn system

January 21, 2026, 10:14 AM EST. Arc Raiders designer Virgil Watkins says players who spawn late may actually benefit financially. In a GamesRadar interview, he explains the late-spawn system, where players can join matches with about 20 minutes remaining. Critics gripe that late spawns cut time for objectives and loot, but Watkins notes data shows late joiners economically profit way more than players who start on time. The late entrants may encounter remnants of fights or reach high-ticket areas more readily. Embark says the system helps mitigate deserted raids and keeps loot available for late arrivals. The debate persists after the game's launch, with both sides voicing frustration. Watkins frames the design as balancing participation with rewards.

Meta VR exec: not abandoning VR despite layoffs and pivot to AI wearables

January 21, 2026, 10:04 AM EST. Meta executive Dilmer Valecillos, a Developer Advocate, says Meta is not getting out of VR, addressing fears after layoffs at Reality Labs, the division building VR headsets and metaverse projects. Valecillos says he's now leading a team 'fully focused on VR programs and education,' signaling commitment to VR's future. Meta cut roughly 1,500 people from Reality Labs-about 10% of that unit. CEO Mark Zuckerberg is shifting funding toward AI-powered wearables like the Ray-Ban smart glasses, which have sold over 2 million units in the US, with international rollout delayed by demand. The long-stalled metaverse strategy, including Horizon Worlds, has struggled to attract users; Reality Labs has burned more than $70 billion since 2020. Independent voices like Palmer Luckey argue the company should focus on supporting third-party creators rather than competing with them.

Quantum computing stocks to buy and hold: Alphabet, Microsoft among opportunities

January 21, 2026, 10:00 AM EST. Investors should consider quantum computing as this decade's potential once-in-a-decade opportunity. The piece highlights three stocks, led by Alphabet (GOOG/GOOGL) and its Google Quantum AI unit, which has moved from headline milestones to practical steps in cloud AI and hardware. It notes Google's 2019 milestone of quantum supremacy and, in 2023, the first logical qubit prototype, aimed at reducing errors while expanding qubit counts. The author projects a future where Alphabet supports a large, error-corrected quantum computer with at least 1 million qubits within a few years, alongside leadership in AI, cloud, and mobile. It also flags Microsoft and its Majorana 1 chip, built on a topological superconductor called a topoconductor as another pathway.

Samsung Display supplies three automotive OLED displays for Zeekr 9X, including wing-style RSE screen

January 21, 2026, 9:58 AM EST. Samsung Display said it is supplying three automotive OLED displays for Zeekr's flagship 9X: a 16-inch center information display (CID), a 16-inch passenger information display (PID), and a 17-inch rear-seat entertainment (RSE) display. The 17-inch RSE features a wing-style sliding screen developed with Zeekr, which can move up to 88 centimeters along rails to improve viewing from the second and third rows. The tier-1 supplier notes the panels deliver high brightness and true-black picture quality. This follows earlier OLED deliveries for Zeekr's 009 and full-scale 9X panel shipments began in the second half of last year. The 9X is priced around 500,000 yuan (about $72,000) and led China's large-SUV segment for two consecutive months.

Digital Bank Users Ready to Shift Up to 35% of Payments From Cards, Study Finds

January 21, 2026, 9:54 AM EST. A PYMNTS Intelligence-Trustly study finds digital bank users are likelier to pay directly from their bank accounts as the Pay by Bank option grows in the U.S. market. The mobile-first cohort already manages bills, transfers and digital payments on phones, so the shift feels natural. Users would switch if discounts, rewards and strong buyer protection accompany the method, a combination that could move up to 35% of transactions away from cards. The findings show these users seek the same value as others: savings and protection, making Pay by Bank easier to promote. Yet only a minority currently sees it as a true card replacement, creating risk and opportunity for banks and merchants to act quickly to shape adoption.

CES 2026: 10 quirky gadgets you didn't know you wanted

January 21, 2026, 9:48 AM EST. At CES 2026, a parade of non-phone, non-laptop devices underscored how bold experimentation remains part of the show. Highlights include Lego Smart Bricks, which pair physical blocks with sensors to trigger interactions between minifigures and smart tiles. CLOiD is an AI-powered household helper with articulated limbs that can fold laundry, stack the dishwasher and even make breakfast. US-based iPolish unveiled digital, color-changing nails controlled by a smartphone app. Clicks introduced a modern BlackBerry-style Android device with a physical keyboard, aimed at focused messaging. Vibe Bot sits on a desk as a meeting-capture and decision-organizing AI assistant. Flippad brings a flip mini-controller to smartphones for mobile gaming. The lineup shows CES remains a playground for quirky, sometimes useful, tech.

NVIDIA memory bundles cost less than AMD's, Benchlife reports

January 21, 2026, 9:42 AM EST. Benchlife reports that both AMD and NVIDIA have raised prices for GDDR6 and GDDR7 memory as the industry battles a DRAM shortage. Yet NVIDIA's bundled memory remains cheaper than AMD's when packaged with its GPUs. NVIDIA notified its AIC partners on January 16 that all bundled memory packages will increase in price, but the new rates are still below AMD's levels. Bundling memory with the GPU allows NVIDIA and AMD to set prices based on DRAM acquisition costs and margins, and gives them leverage in negotiations with memory makers such as Samsung, Micron, and SK Hynix under long-term contracts. If AIBs sourced DRAM separately, they would face tighter supply and higher prices.

Nvidia's Arm-based N1X laptops eyed for 2026 consumer release; N2 chips planned for 2027, DigiTimes says

January 21, 2026, 9:38 AM EST. DigiTimes Taiwan pins Nvidia's Windows-on-Arm N1X for a consumer launch in Q1 2026, with three variants to follow in Q2 2026 and an eventual N2 series planned for Q3 2027, according to supply-chain chatter. The report cites a Dell laptop manifest showing an unreleased N1X and notes the chip as a 20-core ARM CPU paired with an RTX 5070-class GPU; Nvidia has tied similar tech to the DGX Spark's GB10 integration. The timeline cites a broader WoA rollout, though Nvidia did not showcase N1 at CES 2026, leaving timing uncertain. DigiTimes also mentions an N2X DGX Spark variant. If real, a consumer WoA line would mark a notable shift for Nvidia toward mainstream laptops.

iPhone Air 2 rumors clash as reports diverge on launch timing

January 21, 2026, 9:30 AM EST. Leaker Fixed Focus Digital reiterates that an iPhone Air 2 will launch this year, despite conflicting reports. Earlier signs suggested weak demand for the original Air, with Nikkei reporting slashed manufacturing orders. A November claim of a dual-camera upgrade collided with later predictions of a 2027 launch, a stance Fixed Focus Digital now disputes. Bloomberg's Gurman says the next Air will emphasize a switch to a 2-nanometer (2nm) A20 chip, improving battery life rather than major design changes, a view largely supported by supply-chain chatter. A two-camera version is still expected to wait until next year. Apple has not confirmed a date, and some reports warn the year-end release remains uncertain. The update is likely to be modest, if it comes this fall.

Samsung cuts Galaxy Z Fold7 price ahead of Black Friday, with trade-in deals

January 21, 2026, 9:28 AM EST. Samsung is cutting the Galaxy Z Fold7 (512GB) price to $1,628 on Amazon, a 23% drop from the $2,120 list. An extra $600 off with a trade-in sweetens the deal as shoppers eye Black Friday savings. The foldable runs Android and blends a premium camera system with tablet-like versatility. It features an Armor Aluminum frame and a Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 display for durability, with solid battery life. The offer is time-limited, and the best price may not last; buyers should act quickly on the Amazon listing.

TCL NXTPAPER 14 tablet goes on Prime sale with paper-like display, stylus and 256GB storage

January 21, 2026, 9:24 AM EST. TCL's NXTPAPER 14 Android tablet offers a 14.3-inch paper-like display and stylus support. It ships with a Prime-exclusive deal at $359.99, down from $469.99. The kit includes a flip case, the stylus, 256GB of storage, and a 10,000mAh battery. TCL touts eye-friendly NXTPAPER tech that mimics real paper to reduce glare. The device provides a multi-mode screen with vivid, e-paper, and low-saturation color options. It runs Android 14 and supports productivity features such as split screen and screen mirroring, plus 8+8GB RAM (expandable). Positioned for streaming, drawing, note-taking and everyday work, aided by fast charging and reverse power sharing. Prime-exclusive discount underscores a broader deal window for cord-cutters and streamers.

Fake AI-generated rabbi draws thousands online, prompting transparency debate

January 21, 2026, 9:16 AM EST. An online figure presented as a Hasidic rabbi built a following of tens of thousands on Instagram and TikTok before being exposed as an artificial intelligence generated persona. The accounts, operating as 'Rabbi Menachem Goldberg,' delivered short daily messages on faith, abundance and personal success, and steered viewers toward paid digital content. A Maariv journalist noted the language was broad and inspirational, with few identifiable Jewish sources, and visual inconsistencies in synagogue-style backdrops and nonsensical Hebrew text. The linked sales site described a Brooklyn rabbi with decades of experience, but searches found no real-world counterpart. The incident spurred a national debate in Israel about transparency and trust in online religious content as generative AI tools blur lines between persona and authority. Tzohar urged clear disclosure and labeling, noting AI cannot replace human rabbinic judgment in sensitive matters.

New tool quantifies environmental cost of every website

January 21, 2026, 9:14 AM EST. Researchers unveiled a new tool that attempts to quantify the environmental cost of loading any website. The system analyzes energy use from data centers, networks and user devices, plus emissions tied to data transfer and server operation. It assigns a per-page footprint, enabling publishers and platforms to compare sites and target reductions. Advocates say the method can spur optimization-improving image handling, caching, and hosting choices without compromising functionality. Critics warn that measurements vary by device and region, and may face standardization challenges. The release comes as digital infrastructure drives rising electricity demand and climate concerns. No single metric captures all impacts, but the tool offers a common reference point for policy and tech teams.

AI apps push global non-game mobile spending to record 2025, Sensor Tower finds

January 21, 2026, 9:12 AM EST. Sensor Tower's annual State of Mobile report shows global 2025 app spending rose 21% year over year to about $85 billion, with non-game apps eclipsing games for the first time. Generative AI led revenue growth: AI app in-app purchases exceeded $5 billion and AI app downloads reached 3.8 billion. Users spent 48 billion hours in generative AI apps in 2025, 3.6x 2024 and 10x 2023; session volume topped 1 trillion. OpenAI and DeepSeek together accounted for nearly 50% of global AI app downloads, up from 21% in 2024, while big tech publishers approached 30%. In the US, the AI assistant audience surpassed 200 million, with over half (110 million) mobile-only. ChatGPT generated about $3.4 billion in global IAP revenue in 2025. Companies like Google, Microsoft and X expanded AI features, including image and video generation.

Upgrade to iOS 26 urged over iOS 18 due to security fixes and new Siri 2.0 features

January 21, 2026, 9:10 AM EST. Apple now ties critical security fixes to iOS 26, leaving older iPhones more exposed on iOS 18. Macworld argues that upgrading helps close unpatched vulnerabilities and gain ongoing support. The planned iOS 26.4 adds Siri 2.0 with Google Gemini integration, improved performance, voice app control, and better communications tools. The release introduces Liquid Glass UI, which drew controversy, but updates have improved stability and readability. The article notes adoption is lower than typical, yet major updates trigger background reindexing that can temporarily affect battery life, then normalize. For users wary of change, settings exist to adjust or disable Liquid Glass features, but the security gains and bug fixes make a compelling case for upgrading.

NVIDIA N1 and N1X laptop chips slated for Q1 and Q2 2026, DigiTimes reports

January 21, 2026, 9:08 AM EST. NVIDIA is repositioning its Windows-on-Arm ambitions with the turn of 2026. DigiTimes sources say the company will ship the N1X in Q1, followed by the N1 in Q2 2026. The line, built around a GB10 Superchip blueprint, targets a two-cluster Arm v9.2 CPU with 20 cores and a shared 32 MB L3 cache, plus private L2 storage per core. Memory uses a unified LPDDR5X-9400 fabric on a 256-bit bus supporting up to 128 GB, and PCIe 5.0 for fast NVMe SSDs; official consumer specs remain unconfirmed. The N1X is rumored to carry about 6,144 CUDA cores for its GPU. NVIDIA is also planning an N2 line, expected in Q3 2027 as a successor to the GB10-based design.

Dixie Kong arrives in Donkey Kong Country Returns HD with Switch 2 upgrades, Turbo Attack, and GameShare

January 21, 2026, 9:02 AM EST. Nintendo rolled out a free update for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD on Switch and Switch 2. The patch adds Dixie Kong to both single-player and local co-op, with her jump boost and ponytail acting as a propeller to reach higher areas. It also introduces Turbo Attack, a high-speed mode that challenges players to finish levels before the time runs out. The improvements for Switch 2 include enhanced resolution, crisper graphics and faster load times. Nintendo has added GameShare support to the HD version. A trailer titled 'Update Overview' accompanies the release. Katharine Castle of Eurogamer rated it three stars, calling it a straightforward remaster that remains challenging and satisfying.

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties Demo Headed to Switch 2 eShop; Save Data Not Carried Over

January 21, 2026, 8:50 AM EST. SEGA has confirmed a free demo of Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties for the Switch 2 eShop, following a PlayStation Blog reveal and a Gematsu report. The two-game bundle will be playable as a single demo, letting players sample both titles. In Yakuza Kiwami 3, Kazuma Kiryu explores Ryukyu, Okinawa, switching between the Dragon of Dojima: Kiwami and weapon-based Ryukyu styles, with karaoke, sub-stories and customization. In Dark Ties, players dive into Mine's new Kamurocho story, featuring shoot-boxing combat. Sega has teased additional gameplay features, including retro games. Importantly, save data from the demo will not carry over to the full game. The Switch 2 eShop release is expected soon, ahead of the full launch next month.

OnePlus denies shutdown rumors; says operations remain normal across regions

January 21, 2026, 8:48 AM EST. OnePlus rejected claims it is being dismantled after an Android Headlines report. In a post on X, India CEO Robin Liu called the story false and unverified, saying the company's operations are continuing normally. Android Headlines had claimed OnePlus was being wound down; OnePlus did not detail the allegations about internal restructuring, but dismissed them. Earlier, OnePlus India told Android Authority that business would stay normal. A later update from OnePlus North America echoed that sentiment, saying the unit remains in operation with full after-sales support, software updates, and rights commitments. The statements present a consistent message: OnePlus is not shutting down and will maintain its presence across key markets, without disclosing any major restructuring.

Android design gains traction as Fitbit showcases Material 3 Expressive

January 21, 2026, 8:46 AM EST. Stephen Headrick, a former iOS user, says Android needs more apps with distinctive, well-crafted experiences. He credits Google's Material 3 Expressive for signaling design matters but says the system only pays off when developers apply it. The upgrade to Fitbit's app shows a potential future for Android apps: a smoothly spinning cardio chart, fast data sync, color-coded UI blocks, and carefully sized typography. Opening animations and a bouncy FAB fade to help focus, while the pull-to-refresh uses Google's stock Material 3 Expressive animation. The article argues good design is more than looks-it shapes usability and perceived speed. If more apps adopt this approach, Android could match iOS in design nuance.

Prichard businesses say poor internet hurts operations, meeting hears

January 21, 2026, 8:36 AM EST. Business owners and managers told a Jan. 12 gathering at the Prichard Industrial Park that internet service is unreliable and unaffordable, hampering operations and planning. The event, hosted by the Wayne County Economic Development Authority, highlighted ongoing issues with Frontier service and, to a lesser extent, problems tied to Foothills and Starlink. A core concern was the cost of data for satellite and fixed broadband, a factor that many say makes reliable connectivity unaffordable for growth. Participants pressed officials to seek faster, more predictable service and price options. The meeting framed broadband as essential to attracting investment and sustaining local businesses.

Arctic Space Race Heats Up as Satellite Connectivity Becomes Security Imperative

January 21, 2026, 8:28 AM EST. Rising Arctic competition centers on reliable communications as nations seek to secure sea lanes, resource rights and military reach. Russia's war in Ukraine and Western concerns over sovereignty have sharpened focus on the polar region, while proposals to make Greenland part of the United States amplify tensions. Experts say laying fiber or erecting towers across permafrost and shifting ice remains prohibitively expensive and technically difficult, increasing the appeal of space-based links. Karen Jones of The Aerospace Corporation notes a shift from the old "High North, Low Tension" era to a model driven by heated geopolitics and geo-economics. Brig. Gen. Christopher Horner of the Canadian Space Division stresses the Arctic's harsh environment complicates traditional communications. Space Norway's Kjell-Ove Orderud Skare calls melting ice a multiplier for climate-driven data, shipping and monitoring needs.

Big Tech races to own Africa's internet

January 21, 2026, 8:26 AM EST. Amazon has won an operating license to roll out its low-Earth orbit satellite broadband service, Amazon Leo, in Nigeria, placing it in direct competition with Starlink. Starlink already serves thousands of users in Nigeria and across more than a dozen African markets. Meta's 2Africa subsea cable and Google's Equiano system aim to lift capacity, while Microsoft and Viasat push an airband package to connect 117 million Africans. Africa remains the world's least-connected region, with only about 38% online in 2024 and mobile broadband penetration under 50% in sub-Saharan Africa; fixed broadband is city-centric. Experts say control of infrastructure is the strategic prize amid rising competition and potential price shifts, as more satellite operators enter the market.

Verizon offers free TV or tablet with 1- or 2-Gig home internet deal

January 21, 2026, 8:24 AM EST. Verizon is running a limited-time promo for new home internet customers on the 1-Gig or 2-Gig plans. Through Feb. 4, buyers can pick a free Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE 5G, a 43-inch QLED TV, or a $15 monthly credit for 36 months. The offer applies to new customers regardless of mobile service status, with existing mobile customers getting the extra discount. The 1-Gig plan is about $75 per month (before discounts) and supports up to 940 Mbps and 50 devices; the 2-Gig plan is about $95 and up to 2.3 Gbps for 100 devices. Both include a free router and Whole-Home Wi-Fi, plus a five-year price lock. Gifts redeem 14-60 days after installation; delivery may take up to eight weeks, and canceling within 180 days triggers a chargeback.

iPhone 18 Pro tipped to get punch-hole camera, Dynamic Island redesign

January 21, 2026, 8:22 AM EST. Apple is reportedly shrinking the selfie camera cutout and placing the Face ID sensors below the display as part of a broader display revamp for the iPhone 18 Pro. The report points to a punch-hole camera design and a redesigned Dynamic Island. No company comment was available at time of publication.

iPhone 18 Pro Tipped for Punch-Hole Camera, Under-Display Face ID and Dynamic Island Redesign

January 21, 2026, 8:18 AM EST. Apple is reportedly preparing the iPhone 18 Pro with a punch-hole camera and Face ID sensors under the display, as part of a broader display revamp. Industry sources say the changes include a redesigned Dynamic Island and a tighter selfie-cutout to maximize screen real estate. If true, the shift would move away from the current notch and alter biometric authentication. Apple has not commented publicly, and timing remains uncertain as the company continues to test prototypes for a 2026 launch.

Arctic Space Race Heats Up as Nations Seek Satellite-Driven Connectivity

January 21, 2026, 8:12 AM EST. The Arctic is emerging as the latest arena for space and security competition, with reliable communications at the center. The region's extreme cold, vast distances and permafrost complicate laying fiber or building towers, pushing Arctic nations to rely on satellite links and other space-based assets. Analysts say the Ukraine war and Western concerns have sharpened focus on Arctic sovereignty and resource access, from mineral wealth to new shipping routes opened by melting ice. Canada's NORAD and the 3 Canadian Space Division headline operations that hinge on robust links despite magnetic anomalies and severe weather. Space Norway's Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission and private imagery firms expand monitoring and data feeds to track rapid climate-driven shifts. The Arctic thaw acts as a multiplier for climate change and strategic ambition, reshaping policy and trade.

iOS 26.3 Beta 2 focuses on performance and bug fixes, no new features

January 21, 2026, 8:10 AM EST. Apple released iOS 26.3 Beta 2 on January 12, 2026, emphasizing performance tuning and bug fixes with no new features. Tests on an iPhone 13 show smoother animations, cooler thermals, and reduced battery drain versus Beta 1. The update improves screen recording performance-fewer frame drops and more consistent bitrate-and reduces micro-stuttering when switching apps. Daily tasks, including streaming on Discord mobile, feel more stable, though results vary by carrier. Beta 2 remains a beta, so occasional crashes or keyboard lag may still occur. Apple's aim is reliability and sustained performance rather than new capabilities.

Apple releases iOS 26.3 Beta 2 with performance improvements and bug fixes

January 21, 2026, 8:06 AM EST. Apple released iOS 26.3 Beta 2 on January 12, 2026, concentrating on performance tuning and bug fixes with no new features. In field tests on an iPhone 13, the update delivers smoother animations, cooler operation under heavy multitasking, and reduced overheating versus Beta 1. Screen recording shows fewer frame drops and better contrast, likely from codec-level tuning and improved thermals. Daily tasks such as screen sharing on Discord feel more responsive, though results vary by carrier and network. Battery life appears improved, but as a beta, app crashes and keyboard lag may still occur. Beta 2 is markedly more stable than Beta 1, suggesting Apple has strengthened sustained performance.

Pro-AI super PACs mobilize in 2026 midterms to push a national AI framework

January 21, 2026, 8:04 AM EST. Silicon Valley is pouring tens of millions into the 2026 midterms through AI-focused super PACs, signaling a sharpened push for a national AI framework as state laws on safety testing and risk disclosures proliferate. Leading groups such as Leading the Future, backed by Andreessen Horowitz and OpenAI's Greg Brockman, aim to immunize policy by electing lawmakers favorable to a nationwide regime. The effort comes as lawmakers race to regulate AI at the state level amid White House opposition and presidential calls for guardrails. Critics warn strong state rules could impede innovation, while proponents argue a unified federal standard is essential to compete with China. The campaign signals AI's rise as a defining election issue.

Life Is Strange: Reunion to conclude Max and Chloe saga, arrives March 26, 2026

January 21, 2026, 8:00 AM EST. Square Enix says Life is Strange: Reunion will close the Max Caulfield and Chloe Price saga. The game lands on March 26, 2026 for PC (Steam), PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, continuing from 2024's Life is Strange: Double Exposure. Reunion brings back familiar faces and lets Max and Chloe be playable in the same title for the first time. The narrative centers on a science-fiction mystery and a race to save Caledon University from a deadly fire, with Max rewinding time and Chloe using her Backtalk ability. Square Enix frames Reunion as a definitive ending for the duo, though it does not rule out future Life is Strange games. Don't Nod and Deck Nine have steered the franchise through a bumpy road.

AI Boom Could Raise U.S. Emissions, but Policy Could Cut It

January 21, 2026, 7:58 AM EST. UCS researchers project a 60-80% jump in U.S. electricity demand through 2050, with data centers driving more than half of the rise by decade's end. Without policy changes, power-sector CO2 could rise 19-29% over the next decade as AI workloads grow. The report argues there are remedies: restoring wind and solar tax credits could cut CO2 by more than 30% next decade and lower wholesale electricity costs by roughly 4% by 2050, even with new demand. Power plants remain the second-largest source of emissions, and a separate Rhodium Group analysis tied data centers to last year's demand spike. The authors note energy forecasts are uncertain, partly because utilities and AI firms overstate pipeline needs, and warn of political headwinds; the Trump era has pressed against renewables and climate policy.

Arc Raiders Patch 1.12.0 Targets Stella Montis Exploits; Players Say Wall Glitches Persist

January 21, 2026, 7:52 AM EST. Embark Studios released Arc Raiders update 1.12.0, aimed at quashing out-of-bounds exploits. Community lead Ossen posted patch notes on January 20, detailing fixes for item and ammo duping, damage from behind geometry, and an OOB issue on Stella Montis. Yet players report wall glitches persist on Stella Montis and elsewhere, fueling frustration with cheaters. The patch arrives on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, but Discord chatter suggests the fixes are partial. Some say wall and zipline exploits remain, and an unopenable door on Stella Montis continues to irritate the community. Embark Studios had promised a broader anti-cheat effort over the coming weeks, indicating 1.12.0 is a progress beat rather than a final solution.

Isar Aerospace targets second Spectrum flight from Norway to secure European orbital access

January 21, 2026, 7:50 AM EST. Isar Aerospace plans the second flight of its Spectrum rocket today from Andøya Spaceport in northern Norway, with a launch window opening at 3 p.m. EST (2000 GMT). The mission, named Onward and Upward, aims to carry five cubesats and a science experiment, marking Europe's potential first orbital launch from continental soil after Spectrum's first attempt ended in an anomaly last year. The company says this qualification flight is a step toward sovereign space access for Europe and allied nations. Isar Aerospace chief executive Daniel Metzler and mission official Alexandre Dalloneau emphasized rapid iteration and the broader goal of strengthening Europe's space infrastructure, defense readiness, and economic resilience. Live coverage is being provided by Space.com.

AI mental health pilot at Nelson Mandela University backs $2.05M deal

January 21, 2026, 7:48 AM EST. Brand Engagement Network, Inc. (BEN) and Valio Technologies have finalized a deal to form an Africa-wide exclusive licensing framework for government and private markets, anchored by a $2.05 million preferred equity contribution. The agreement grants 25% common equity in the South Africa-based entity and one board seat, plus a 35% revenue share, with perpetual rights and a right of first refusal on future sales. BEN's ELM and RAG technologies will power compliant, locally governed AI solutions for regulated industries and data sovereignty. A memorandum with Nelson Mandela University commits to an institution-approved pilot that runs in a closed-loop environment, trained only on campus content, with escalation to human care. The initiative targets rising student mental-health needs across Africa and beyond.

Chloe Price Returns in Life Is Strange: Reunion, due March 26

January 21, 2026, 7:46 AM EST. Deck Nine's Life is Strange: Reunion launches March 26 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC. The installment, a direct follow-up to 2024's Double Exposure, reteams Max Caulfield and Chloe Price at Caledon University, where a blaze threatens the campus. Max can rewind time to redo choices, while Chloe returns with her Backtalk dialogue mechanic to bend conversations and unlock new paths. Players alternate between control of Max and Chloe for two perspectives on the story; Reunion is pitched as the finale to their arc. Pricing includes a Standard Edition at $39.99 and three special editions: Deluxe $49.99, Twin Pack $59.99, and Collector's Edition $99.99 with extras such as a Double Exposure bundle, artwork, vinyl soundtrack, and more. Note: North American Collector's Edition can omit the game.

7 surprising Apple Photos tools to elevate your iPhone photography game

January 21, 2026, 7:42 AM EST. Apple's built-in Photos app hides options that can boost iPhone imagery without third-party software. The seven tools range from Automatic Portraits-which uses depth data to create the portrait look even when you shoot in standard mode-to Photographic Styles, which let you tune color, tone and palette beyond ordinary filters. You can apply Live Photo effects such as Long Exposure for motion blur-like results, and use batch editing to apply changes across multiple shots. Manual controls let you adjust exposure and contrast for a precise look, while Portrait effects can be edited after capture to refine lighting and subject separation. Newer iPhones also offer an AI-powered Clean Up to remove unwanted objects. Together, these features streamline professional-looking edits inside Apple Photos.

Isar Aerospace to attempt Europe's first orbital launch from Norway

January 21, 2026, 7:36 AM EST. A private German firm Isar Aerospace plans to launch its two-stage Spectrum rocket from Andøya Spaceport in northern Norway today, in a window that opens at 3 p.m. EST. If successful, the flight would mark the first orbital launch from European soil. It is the company's second test flight; the first, from the same site in March last year, ended with an anomaly and a crash into the Arctic Ocean. Isar says the mission uses lessons learned to push Europe's space capabilities forward. The vehicle will carry five cubesats (small satellites) and one scientific experiment. CEO Daniel Metzler and VP Alexandre Dalloneau said the effort aims to prove sovereign access to space and accelerate European space infrastructure.

Arc Raiders Update 1.12.0 Targets Stella Montis Out-of-Bounds Glitch, But Wall Exploits Persist

January 21, 2026, 7:22 AM EST. Embark Studios released update 1.12.0 for Arc Raiders to patch out-of-bounds exploits. The fix targets item and ammo duplication, the ability to damage players from behind geometry, and a bug allowing access to restricted areas on Stella Montis. Community lead Ossen published the official patch notes, noting a smaller set of fixes. Still, players report continued wall glitches on Stella Montis and accuse the patch of being only a speed bump. The update arrived for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S as part of a broader anti-cheat push the studio signaled earlier this month. Fans say the game still suffers from cheaters and unfinished fixes, while Embark says it will push more updates in coming weeks as part of an ongoing plan.

Fast-charging may shorten EV battery life, Geotab study warns

January 21, 2026, 7:10 AM EST. Geotab cautions that frequent use of high-wattage DC fast charging above 100 kW accelerates EV battery degradation. The research says high-power charging can drive about 3.0% degradation per year-roughly double that of lower-power charging. Over the average 8.4-year ownership, that adds up to about a 25% loss of capacity for some batteries. The findings challenge the idea that fast charging alone improves ownership experience. For longevity, many drivers may prefer Level 2 home charging, which can take seven to eight hours to move 10%-80% of a battery. Level 1 charging is slow and impractical for daily use. A practical plan: initiate shorter, more frequent charging sessions rather than a single long fast-charge session.

Five iPhone display tweaks to extend battery life

January 21, 2026, 7:06 AM EST. Apple's iPhone screens are sharp and, on newer models, ProMotion, but high brightness drains power. The article outlines five simple display settings to extend battery life. First, turn down brightness in Control Center to a comfortable level. Second, disable Auto-brightness so brightness doesn't auto-adjust in ambient light. Third, enable Low Power Mode, which dims the display and limits other power drains. The piece notes these steps are particularly useful outdoors or in bright environments where brightness would stay high. It also highlights manual controls as a straightforward way to manage battery use on devices with smaller batteries.

ServiceNow inks three-year OpenAI deal to embed GPT-5.2 and boost AI agents

January 21, 2026, 7:04 AM EST. ServiceNow and OpenAI said on Tuesday they signed a three-year deal to use OpenAI's models to offer AI agents to customers. The agreement will integrate GPT-5.2 into ServiceNow's enterprise workflow platform and enable AI voice technology. Financial terms were not disclosed. Amit Zavery, ServiceNow's president, COO and chief product officer, said the collaboration would drive faster value and more intuitive AI-enabled workflows. The move comes as ServiceNow pursues a broad dealmaking push, including its nearly $8 billion purchase of cybersecurity firm Armis.

Three blue-chip stocks poised to ride quantum computing growth

January 21, 2026, 6:58 AM EST. Quantum computing is real and growing fast, with the market forecast to rise from about $4 billion today to as much as $72 billion by 2035, according to McKinsey. Investors can ride the wave through blue-chip stocks rather than riskier startups. The piece spotlights Nvidia as a leading exponent, leveraging its NVLink and CUDA-Q software to bridge quantum and classical computing. Nvidia's mix of high profitability and rapid revenue growth supports durable upside. The other pillar is IBM, the long-standing tech entrant still pushing quantum hardware and software at scale. A third large-cap stock is discussed later in the report as a further way to gain exposure to quantum computing growth. The takeaway: owning established names offers a way to participate in a high-growth sector with lower startup risk.

Verizon offers free Galaxy Tab S10 FE 5G or 43-inch QLED TV with new home internet sign-up

January 21, 2026, 6:50 AM EST. Verizon is sweetening its home internet sign-up. Until February 4, new customers choosing 1 Gig or 2 Gig plans can select a free Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE 5G, a free 43-inch QLED TV, or a $15 monthly credit for 36 months. The offer applies to new home internet customers, and existing Verizon mobile customers can also save $15 per month on the plan. The 1G plan runs about $75-$90/month and the 2G plan about $95-$110/month; both include a router, Whole-Home Wi-Fi, and a five-year price lock. Gifts redeem 14-60 days after installation; delivery may take up to eight weeks. Cancellations within 180 days trigger a chargeback of the gift value.

Iran internet shutdown hits businesses as currency crash deepens economic pain

January 21, 2026, 6:44 AM EST. Tehran's sweeping internet shutdown, begun Jan. 8 amid nationwide protests, is throttling access to information and crippling firms reliant on online advertising. A Tehran pet-shop owner said sales have fallen about 90% after Instagram and Telegram were blocked, with domestic alternatives failing to reach customers. The disruption compounds a broader economic squeeze driven by a rial collapse and December fuel-price hikes. Officials have offered no restoration timeline. NetBlocks puts the daily cost of outages at about $37 million, while IRNA cited a deputy minister estimating $2.8-4.3 million in daily losses. Analysts note disruptions undercut social media-driven commerce that previously supported Iranian businesses.

Uber Could Outpace Tesla in Autonomous Ride-Hailing, Ark Says

January 21, 2026, 6:40 AM EST. Ark Investment Management's 2025 Big Ideas edition argues autonomous vehicles could unlock a $10 trillion ride-hailing market by making travel cheaper. Tesla is readying the Cybercab for mass production later this year and aims to build a ride-hailing network powered by autonomy. But Uber Technologies may be a bigger winner. Uber runs the world's largest ride-hailing network and has partnerships with more than 20 autonomous developers, including Waymo and Stellantis. Waymo is completing about 450,000 paid autonomous trips weekly across five U.S. cities; Stellantis is building 5,000 robotaxis for Uber. Uber's platform and roughly 189 million monthly users give it scale to monetize rides as deployments expand, even without owning the cars.

BlackRock CEO Larry Fink addresses AI bubble fears at Davos panel

January 21, 2026, 6:36 AM EST. BlackRock CEO Larry Fink addressed fears of an AI investment bubble during a Davos panel, signaling ongoing concern among business leaders about AI's hype versus its economics.

Israel's national AI supercomputer phase one goes live with 1,000 Nvidia B200 GPUs

January 21, 2026, 6:34 AM EST. Israel's national AI supercomputer has gone live in its first phase, with 1,000 Nvidia B200 GPUs allocated to the Israel Innovation Authority. Nebius, the cloud provider spun out from Yandex, built the system under the Telem Program in a $140 million project. The GPUs are part of a broader 8MW capacity tied to a deal with Mega Or that began last year, under which 4,000 Nvidia GPUs were deployed, with 25% reserved for the national effort. The authority said about 70% of resources will back industry model training, and 30% for early-stage research. Applications require a minimum of 16 B200 GPUs for industry use or eight accelerators for academia, for one to six months. Nebius has also signed two data-center deals with Mega Or to expand in Israel.

Apple rolls out firmware updates for Magic Keyboard models used with iPad Pro and iPad Air

January 21, 2026, 6:32 AM EST. Apple released firmware updates Tuesday for newer Magic Keyboard models made for 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro and the iPad Air. The Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro with M4 and M5 received version 1872.544.772, up from 0680.0220.0301; the M3-based iPad Air keyboard updates to 1024.320.771, up from 0350.0135.0303. Apple unveiled the M3 iPad Air keyboard in October 2025, and the M4 iPad Pro keyboard was refreshed at its May 2024 launch. The Tuesday updates do not apply to older M2 keyboards, and there were no updates for the Mac version. Firmware is installed automatically when the keyboard is actively paired with a compatible device. Apple did not disclose contents, but updates typically include bug fixes, quality-of-life improvements, security and performance tweaks.

VoidLink Linux malware framework built with AI assistance reaches 88,000 lines of code

January 21, 2026, 6:30 AM EST. Check Point Research says the Linux malware framework VoidLink was largely built by a single developer with assistance from an AI model, producing more than 88,000 lines of code by early December 2025. The tool, written in Zig, targets Linux cloud environments for long-term, stealthy access. A subsequent Sysdig analysis points to an LLM-assisted workflow guided by a kernel-savvy security engineer, citing four clues: uniform JSON templates, decoy data like 'John Doe,' perfectly consistent debug output, and universal API versioning (…_v3). Check Point says the development was driven by AI, enabling rapid prototyping within a week. The project is framed as Spec Driven Development, beginning with a plan and tasks before automated implementation. A Chinese-affiliated environment is suspected; no public infections reported.

Apple overtakes Samsung to reclaim No. 1 smartphone shipments

January 21, 2026, 6:26 AM EST. Apple has reclaimed the title of world's largest smartphone vendor, ending Samsung's 14-year run atop shipments. Full-year Counterpoint Research data show Apple taking about 20% of global smartphone shipments to Samsung's 19%. Analysts see the result as the start of a sustained recovery for Apple, which is widening its appeal through mid-range models to attract price-sensitive Android users as North American and European markets saturate. Counterpoint's Yang Wang notes Apple already dominates the premium segment; expanding into lower tiers could widen the gap in developing markets such as India, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. In the December quarter, Apple grew 10% year over year, versus Samsung's 5%, aided by the iPhone 17 launch and a 25% quarterly share of global shipments. Tariff fears and replacement cycles also supported demand.

Orange Côte d'Ivoire launches Orange Sat satellite internet to expand nationwide connectivity

January 21, 2026, 6:20 AM EST. Orange Côte d'Ivoire unveiled Orange Sat, a satellite internet service to extend reliable, high-performance connectivity to rural and underserved areas beyond existing 4G and fibre networks. The move targets the country's connectivity gaps, often called "white areas," by linking households, businesses and public institutions to stable online services regardless of geography. Developed in partnership with Eutelsat, Orange Sat complements the operator's fibre and mobile broadband portfolio, strengthening nationwide coverage. The program aims to spur economic development, improve access to essential services such as education, healthcare and digital administration, and promote the adoption of new digital uses across communities. Orange Côte d'Ivoire seeks to ensure that no region is left behind in the country's digital transformation.

VoidLink Linux malware framework built with AI reaches 88,000 lines of code

January 21, 2026, 6:16 AM EST. Check Point Research details a Linux malware framework named VoidLink that reportedly grew to more than 88,000 lines of code by December 2025, with development aided by an AI model. The tool, written in Zig, targets long-term access to Linux-based cloud environments and appears tied to a Chinese-affiliated development setup. Sysdig's follow-up analysis cites evidence of a large-language model used under human kernel development expertise to generate boilerplate, debug output, JSON templates and decoy data. Check Point's report says the AI-assisted workflow enabled rapid concept-to-working tool in under a week via a Spec Driven Development (SDD) approach and a coding agent named TRAE SOLO. No real-world infections observed yet.

Chainlit AI Framework Flaws Enable Data Theft via File Read and SSRF Bugs

January 21, 2026, 6:12 AM EST. Security researchers warn of high-severity flaws in the Chainlit AI framework. The two vulnerabilities, dubbed ChainLeak, could let an authenticated attacker perform an arbitrary file read and trigger SSRF. CVE-2026-22218 enables reading files via the /project/element update flow; CVE-2026-22219 targets SQLAlchemy backends and lets the attacker cause the server to make internal HTTP requests and leak responses. Zafran researchers Gal Zaban and Ido Shani say combined misuse could expose API keys, credentials and other secrets, enabling lateral movement. Chainlit patched the bugs in version 2.9.4 on December 24, 2025 after disclosure on November 23, 2025. The project, downloaded over 7.3 million times to date, remains widely used for AI chatbot development.

Apple Fitness+ launches in Japan with 1-month free trial

January 21, 2026, 5:48 AM EST. Mac Otakara reports Apple Fitness+ is now available in Japan. The service appears in the iPhone Fitness app with a 1-month free trial. After that, pricing is 980 yen per month or 7,800 yen per year. Japanese users do not have access to an Apple One Premier plan that includes Fitness+. Apple previously signaled a Japan launch in early 2026. Fitness+ has expanded to 28 new markets, bringing total coverage to 49 countries and regions. In Japan, workouts and meditations are dubbed in Japanese by a generated voice, with English sessions and Spanish or German dubbing also available. Dubbing requires iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1 and tvOS 26.1. Workouts span 12 types, and metrics sync when used with Apple Watch or AirPods Pro 3 on iPhone, iPad or Apple TV.

France court lets Apple keep App Tracking Transparency, rejecting halt demand

January 21, 2026, 5:46 AM EST. Apple scored a legal win in France after a Paris court declined to order a halt to App Tracking Transparency (ATT). The decision allows Apple to continue displaying the ATT prompt on iPhones in France, the same country that last year sanctioned the company with a €150 million fine from the competition watchdog. The case was brought by a coalition of advertising groups as regulators push back against what they call anticompetitive practice, while Apple says ATT applies only to third-party data use and reflects a privacy-first approach. Apple welcomed the ruling, citing broad support from privacy authorities. Plaintiffs say they will press on, and observers see the decision as potentially influential in other jurisdictions.

Realme P4 Power to use 10,001mAh Titan battery, claims week-long charge

January 21, 2026, 5:44 AM EST. Realme is launching the P4 Power with a 10,001mAh Titan battery, claiming up to a week on a single charge. The company says the Titan battery includes safety and longevity tech to slow wear and keep performance stable. This marks a shift from typical 5,000mAh batteries, turning a lab concept into a mass-produced product. The P4 Power will debut with the Titan battery as its centerpiece; details on specs, regions and price are to come. Realme's Francis Wong highlighted a battery usage screen showing balanced mode longevity. Competitor HONOR has already released the Power 2 with a 10,080mAh pack, underscoring a broader move toward five-digit capacities in practical devices.

Garmin's Tactix 8 Cerakote Edition adds ceramic-polymer armour for rugged aging

January 21, 2026, 5:42 AM EST. Garmin today introduced the Tactix 8 Cerakote Edition, a variant built on the existing Tactix 8 platform and wrapped in a ceramic-polymer coating used on firearms and industrial parts. The coating delivers an aging, characterful finish while keeping the 51mm titanium case, sapphire lens and 1.4-inch AMOLED display. Core specs remain: up to 29 days in smartwatch mode, built-in LED flashlight and a full outdoor/tactical feature set. Functionally, the Cerakote Edition preserves Stealth Mode, night-vision compatibility, dual-format GPS, jumpmaster modes and Applied Ballistics Ultralight. It also retains the broader dive rating to 40 metres, SatIQ multi-band GPS, TopoActive maps and health tracking. On sale January 23, 2026; UK £1,379.99 and US $1,599.99; colorways slate grey and olive drab. It doubles as a premium outdoor wearable with calls and Garmin Pay.

Google Workspace for Education adds AI detection, ransomware protections and admin controls

January 21, 2026, 5:40 AM EST. Google Workspace for Education is rolling out new features announced at Bett to bolster security and AI resilience across schools. The updates include AI detection tools to verify media generated with AI, automated safeguards against ransomware incidents, and enhanced admin controls to manage data access and policy enforcement. Officials said the suite aims to balance innovation with safety, giving schools tools to verify content, protect accounts, and enforce guidelines. The changes reflect a broader push to secure learning environments as AI and edtech expand. IT staff and educators will gain more visibility into activity, quicker responses to threats, and safer collaboration while preserving privacy.

Microsoft AI for Good Lab names LINGUA awardees to expand Europe's low-resource languages

January 21, 2026, 5:32 AM EST. Microsoft's AI for Good Lab has announced the awardees of LINGUA: Expanding Europe's Voices in AI, a program funding ethical, open data and datasets for European languages underserved in digital spaces and AI. The selected projects span 16 languages and dialects across 10 countries, reflecting a mix of low-resource, vulnerable and underrepresented linguistic communities. Led by universities, nonprofits, a government language center and a public broadcaster, the teams aim to advance multilingual AI by expanding access to speech and text data and strengthening Europe's linguistic diversity.

VideoWatermarkRemover.ai releases guidance on AI-based video watermark removal workflows

January 21, 2026, 5:26 AM EST. VideoWatermarkRemover.ai, a New York-based AI video-processing platform, released an informational update on workflows to remove overlays such as watermarks, timestamps, logos, and other visual elements from video. The guidance targets content teams across marketing, social media, and internal production, aiming for consistent, clean presentation across multi-platform publishing schedules. The company says AI-assisted removal relies on frame-by-frame reconstruction that analyzes motion and texture to fill obstructed areas, helpful with dynamic backgrounds or handheld footage. The release notes that some creators apply watermark removal during post-processing while reviewing outputs, but emphasizes rights, licensing terms, and platform policies remain the responsibility of the user. It positions the document as workflow education, not a substitute for professional editing judgment. Users should confirm they have authorization before modifying third-party assets. Additional information is available on the company site.

System76 Pushes COSMIC Updates After Epoch 1 Rollout for Pop!_OS 24.04 LTS

January 21, 2026, 5:20 AM EST. System76 says its COSMIC desktop, built in Rust, continues to gain features after the December release of Pop!_OS 24.04 LTS and the first major update to COSMIC. In two point releases since Epoch 1, engineers rolled out enhancements to the COSMIC compositor, Initial Setup, and Settings. Notable changes include rounded window corners for all windows, multi-monitor improvements during setup, and default tab-to-click in Settings, plus audio auto-routing fixes. The COSMIC Application Library now prefers higher-quality icons. The compositor now lets X11-clients activate a window, while crash fixes landed. Other tweaks cover the COSMIC Files file manager-new settings and network path breadcrumb entry-and added 2FA VPN support. Details are on the System76 blog.

States enact strict bans on phones in school; North Dakota and Rhode Island lead

January 21, 2026, 5:18 AM EST. States nationwide have moved to curb cellphones in schools, with more than half enacting restrictions. A Becca Schmill Foundation-led analysis ranks policies across all 50 states and Washington, DC. Only North Dakota and Rhode Island earned top marks for enforcing bell-to-bell policies that keep personal devices in inaccessible locations throughout the school day. The study notes that eight states prohibit phones only during classroom hours, while 17 states plus DC earned a B for bell-to-bell rules but allow devices to be stored or lack storage specifics. Overall, at least 36 states and DC have some restriction or policy; 14 fall into zero, incomplete, or failing categories. Supporters frame the issue as a public health and educational matter.

Curl ends bug bounty to curb AI-generated submissions

January 21, 2026, 5:16 AM EST. Daniel Stenberg, the maintainer of the open-source data-transfer tool curl, has ended the project's bug bounty program after a flood of submissions-many AI-generated. In a GitHub post titled 'BUG-BOUNTY.md: we stop the bug-bounty end of Jan 2026', Stenberg noted seven submissions last week, none describing a vulnerability. He said ending the program will 'remove the incentive for people to submit crap and non-well researched reports' and reduce the noise for the security team. The move follows years of frustration with AI-assisted bug reports but preserves a call for reports of real issues-if developers can clearly reproduce them. The decision raises questions about how to balance scrutiny, education, and public accountability in open-source security processes, with the future of reporting left uncertain.

Deutsche Bank: AI honeymoon ends as 2026 forecast flags three headwinds

January 21, 2026, 5:14 AM EST. Deutsche Bank analysts Adrian Cox and Stefan Abrudan warn 2026 could be the hardest year for AI, ending the sector's honeymoon. They identify three themes: disillusionment, dislocation, and distrust that could weigh on investments as AI remains transformative but not yet widely profitable. They note benefits are visible mainly to Silicon Valley and early adopters, not the average chief executive seeking revenue gains. Data scarcity and integration hurdles slow scale; memory and energy bottlenecks are key concerns, with compute, energy, and data centres forming a fragile supply chain. Demand remains strong from hyperscalers and sovereign AI initiatives abroad, and lawsuits on copyright and privacy loom. They expect AI redundancy washing in 2026; broader implications for jobs and corporate strategy.

Apple Fitness+ launches in Japan with trials and Time to Walk feature

January 21, 2026, 5:10 AM EST. Apple Fitness+ is now live in Japan, after an earlier promise of a launch in early 2026. The service costs ¥980/month (about $6.20) or ¥7,800/year (about $49). Apple again offers trials: a 1-month free trial for general sign-ups, plus a 3-month offer for customers who buy eligible devices (iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV) or select Beats products like the Powerbeats Pro 2. The Japanese rollout includes AI-powered dubbed workouts and meditations, with voices generated to resemble the trainer's real voice; Japanese support arrives with the expansion. Apple also promotes the Time to Walk: Naomi Watanabe 17-minute walking feature. The launch was spotted by MacOtakara as Fitness+ goes live in Japan.

Billionaire hedge funds double down on Nvidia and Western Digital as AI rally persists

January 21, 2026, 5:06 AM EST. Several top hedge funds disclosed large positions in Nvidia (NVDA) and Western Digital (WDC) in Q3 via Form 13F filings with the SEC, which disclose quarterly holdings of large investment managers. Cliff Asness of AQR Capital, Israel Englander of Millennium, and Steven Cohen of Point72 beat the S&P 500 over three years and raised Nvidia as their largest holding; Western Digital remained a smaller stake. The stocks have risen sharply since the AI rally began in January 2023-Nvidia up about 1,180% and Western Digital about 830%. Nvidia's full-stack approach blends GPUs, CPUs, networking gear and CUDA, Nvidia's software toolkit for GPU programming, creating lower total cost of ownership for data-center deployments. Analysts expect Nvidia earnings to grow about 67% annually through the fiscal year ending January. The trades show continued conviction in Nvidia's AI infrastructure leadership.

TSMC may drop Apple from priority shipments as AI boom reshapes revenue mix

January 21, 2026, 5:02 AM EST. Apple could lose its top slot as TSMC's biggest customer, even as it secures a large share of the 2nm capacity for next-gen iPhones. A Weibo tipster claims CEO C.C. Wei pressed for a price increase amid tight supply and strong 2nm demand. The report follows chatter that NVIDIA has overtaken Apple as TSMC's largest revenue source, reflecting an AI boom that has boosted wafer pricing. Analysts still see Apple as a major customer for cutting-edge lithography, but a shift in mix is possible as TSMC expands capacity for other buyers like Qualcomm and MediaTek. TSMC's 2024 revenue share was about 24%; NVIDIA reportedly accounts for 13%, underscoring diversification during the cycle.

Harari at Davos 2026: AI is an agent, not a tool

January 21, 2026, 4:56 AM EST. Yuval Noah Harari told Davos 2026 that AI is not merely a tool but an agent that can learn, adapt and decide on its own. He used a knife metaphor to show how usage depends on decisions, not possession, and warned that AI's active, creative and potentially deceptive capabilities outpace traditional oversight. He argued that as AI accelerates toolmaking and can lie at scale, accountability, regulation and trust must recalibrate. The talk shifted from risk to identity: if machines can think or imitate thinking better than humans, the story we tell about human dominance weakens. Harari warned that society is sleepwalking toward a world where the unique human edge erodes as AI's capabilities grow, reshaping politics, economics and ethics.

REDMAGIC 11 Air gains 7,000 mAh battery, 24,000 RPM fan for gaming

January 21, 2026, 4:54 AM EST. Chinese outfit Nubia unveiled the REDMAGIC 11 Air in China this week, with a global release slated for January 29. The gaming phone tightens the line on performance with a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB UFS 4.1 storage, and a 144 Hz AMOLED display. The standout improvements are a 7,000 mAh battery and a 24,000 RPM cooling fan, up from 6,000 mAh and a fanless design last year. Nubia redesigned the fan blades to boost airflow by 21% and cut dust buildup and noise. The cooling system also adds a vapor chamber and an aluminum heat-dissipation bracket. Cameras: 50 MP main, 8 MP ultrawide; 120W charging. China pricing: 3,699 RMB for 12GB/256GB, 4,399 RMB for 16GB/512GB. Global price to be revealed.

Oppo reportedly shutters OnePlus brand as rumors swirl; no official confirmation

January 21, 2026, 4:48 AM EST. Rumbles circulated in tech outlets that Oppo could be winding down OnePlus, but there is no official confirmation. Android Authority quotes OnePlus India CEO Robin Liu saying operations in the country will continue as normal and calling the reports unverified. Liu posted on X to deny the claims. XDA said it had not heard back from OnePlus. Android Headlines initially ran a piece about the shutdown, later adding a disclaimer that AI assisted parts of the copy but that human reporting underpinned the investigation. Oppo has not commented publicly. Analysts urge caution; if true, a formal decision would affect product plans and regional operations. For now, the story remains unverified and fluid.

Agratas gigafactory may get on-site worker campus near Somerset

January 21, 2026, 4:46 AM EST. Agratas, the Tata Group battery venture, is weighing a 500-bed campus on the Somerset site, about 3.5 miles from the gigafactory. The plan is in the early stages, with no formal planning application yet. The campus would sit on the A38 Pawlett Road site and include housing for workers plus restaurants, a gym and conference facilities. Property Link Consultants notes the land already has planning permission to become a hotel and conference venue, and negotiations are ongoing. Local councillor Mark Healey urged a fast decision to avoid disruption; Councillor Mike Rigby backed the investment and called for a quick determination. The plant targets 40GWh yearly capacity, with about 1,500 jobs at opening in 2027 and up to 4,000 jobs once expanded; construction would peak in 2026 with about 2,000 workers on site.

Nova Launcher lives on under Instabridge as ads and pricing questions surface

January 21, 2026, 4:44 AM EST. Nova Launcher, once steered by its founder Barry, is now under Swedish owner Instabridge after a series of sales and leadership exits. Instabridge says the immediate goal is to keep Nova in a working state on modern Android and to maintain performance, not to overhaul features. It plans a maintenance-first approach and will not rush new features. The move comes as Instabridge weighs a sustainable model that could reintroduce ads in the free version and raise pricing, with Nova Prime remaining ad-free and priced at $3.99 after the acquisition. Public signals also show that Facebook and Google Ads tracking has been added to the launcher, suggesting ads may appear. Longtime users may face ads or paid tiers, even if the product stays alive.

RedMagic unveils 11 Air gaming smartphone with under-panel camera, 7,000 mAh battery

January 21, 2026, 4:42 AM EST. RedMagic unveils the 11 Air gaming smartphone, featuring an under-panel camera to maintain a distraction-free 6.85-inch display. The AMOLED panel runs at 2,688 by 1,216 pixels with a 144 Hz refresh rate and slim 1.25 mm bezels. A 24,000 RPM turbo fan works with a vapour chamber cooling system to curb thermal throttling during heavy gaming. The device carries a 7,000 mAh combined battery and supports 120 W fast charging. Pricing starts at CNY 3,499 ($503) for 12 GB RAM and 256 GB of storage, rising to CNY 4,199 ($603) with 16 GB RAM and the same storage. RedMagic did not comment on international availability.

Samsung cuts Galaxy Tab A9+ price to clear older tablet lineup

January 21, 2026, 4:38 AM EST. Samsung slashed the price of its 11-inch Galaxy Tab A9+ to as low as $150 on Amazon, down from $220, in a move to clear older tablets. The black version is discounted 32% to $150, while the white model sits at $160; both offers are time-limited. The tablet features an 11-inch display with 480 nits brightness and a 90Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals, plus quad speakers with Dolby Atmos for room-filling sound. Core RAM starts at 4GB with 64GB of storage, expandable via microSD up to 1TB. Samsung highlights features like Multi-Active Windows, Quick Share, TV casting, and Samsung Kids, positioning it as a budget option for on-the-go use.

Gary Black says autonomy won't be winner-take-all; a BlackBerry moment may hit OEMs not in the race

January 21, 2026, 4:36 AM EST. Investor Gary Black said automakers that do not invest in unsupervised autonomy face a 'BlackBerry moment'-a reference to BlackBerry's decline after touchscreens reshaped smartphones. In a post on X, Black argued the competitive edge in autonomous driving is about market dynamics, not product superiority. He acknowledged Tesla's access to FSD as not guaranteeing a universal winner, insisting other OEMs can close the gap if they commit to the technology. Black noted adoption of FSD is roughly 15%, suggesting customers may not grasp FSD's benefits or technical edge. He also mentioned Musk's plan to offer FSD as a subscription at $99 per month. The exchange highlights how tech adoption, business models, and consumer perception shape who leads in autonomous driving.

DJI Avata 360 Preorders Live, But Fine Print Sparks Buyer Caution

January 21, 2026, 4:30 AM EST. DJI Avata 360 preorders are live at a San Diego retailer ahead of an official announcement. The listing offers multiple bundles, estimated shipping windows, and a $99 reservation option, prompting questions about what new means in today's U.S. drone market. US Drone Supply shows imagery and price cues for the Avata 360, while DJI has yet to confirm a launch date. The move resembles early access plays seen in other high-end drones, but raises issues around warranty coverage, firmware compatibility, and post-purchase support. Buyers should scrutinize terms, return policies, and shipment timing before committing, as the fine print could shape after-sale experience.

Argos uses agentic verification to ground multimodal RL in evidence

January 21, 2026, 4:24 AM EST. Argos is a verification framework for multimodal reinforcement learning that rewards models for answers grounded in visual and temporal evidence rather than just correctness. It uses automated verification and a pool of teacher models and rule-based checks to confirm that referenced objects exist in the input and that the reasoning aligns with what is observed. The method reduces visual hallucinations, strengthens spatial reasoning, and stabilizes learning dynamics. In robotics and real-world tasks, Argos delivers better performance with fewer training samples by focusing on why an answer is correct, not only what is correct. Researchers describe how modular tooling is selected for each task to verify outcomes. The work aims to improve reliability and safety in deployed AI systems.

Anthropic, Teach For All launch global AI training initiative for educators

January 21, 2026, 4:22 AM EST. Anthropic and Teach For All launch the AI Literacy & Creator Collective (LCC) to train educators across 63 countries. The program will reach more than 100,000 teachers and alumni in Teach For All's network, which serves over 1.5 million students, giving teachers access to Claude and a path to co-create AI tools for classrooms. Educators provide on-the-ground feedback to shape how AI evolves, positioning teachers as co-architects rather than passive users. CEO Wendy Kopp says equitable AI in education requires teacher leadership. Early results include a Liberian teacher building an interactive climate curriculum with Claude artifacts, and a Bangladeshi teacher designing a gamified math app. The partnership connects a global network with technical insights to guide product development and leadership across partner organizations.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 tops Wear OS options with LTE and sale price

January 21, 2026, 4:16 AM EST. Samsung's Galaxy Watch 8, running Wear OS with One UI 8, is our top Wear OS pick. It wears a redesigned, slim chassis and packs an Exynos W1000 chip with 2GB RAM and 32GB storage, plus four years of updates. Health tracking is thorough, and battery life reliably hits a day or more. LTE keeps you connected without a phone, though you pay for service. On sale at Woot, the 44mm LTE model is $270 after a $160 discount. Apps flow via the Google Play Store, and software polish is solid. For longer-life endurance, Garmin remains the choice, but for a complete Wear OS experience the Galaxy Watch 8 is hard to beat.

Apple iPhone shipments jump 28% in Q4 2025 in China, leads market – Counterpoint

January 21, 2026, 4:14 AM EST. Counterpoint Research says Apple offset China's smartphone slowdown with the iPhone 17 lineup, as Q4 2025 shipments rose 28% year over year. Apple captured about 21.8% of China's smartphone market in Q4, up from 16.8% a year earlier, with a note of around 22% in the report. The gain came as the iPhone 17 Pro series drew buyers with a redesigned camera, and base models offered doubled storage at the same price. The iPhone Air, launched later, posted a low single-digit share. For 2025, Apple's shipments rose 7.5% YoY, placing it second to Huawei (about 16.9%), ahead of vivo at 16.4%, with Xiaomi up 4.3%.

Analogue month tests life without a smartphone

January 21, 2026, 4:12 AM EST. During a street robbery, the author stays glued to a text message, prompting questions about attention in a plugged-in world. The piece cites UK habits: about four hours and 20 minutes online daily, with social media, maps, payments, and music routed through a smartphone. Anna Lembke, author of Dopamine Nation, calls the experience a dopamine-driven loop that reinforces itself. For a month the writer abandons the smartphone for a Nokia basic phone, a Walkman, a film camera, and paper maps, returning to cash and physical media. Only work time uses a laptop. The narrative blends risk, inconvenience, and curiosity as the author tests whether lo-fi living can coexist with a hi-tech world, starting with Day 1's misrouted bus.

GameStop patches 'Infinite Money Glitch' after YouTuber video

January 21, 2026, 4:08 AM EST. GameStop acknowledged an apparent flaw that allowed an Infinite Money Glitch in its trade-in program after a YouTuber, RJCmedia, posted a video. The scheme centered on buying a Nintendo Switch 2 for $414.99, immediately trading it back in with a pre-owned game, and triggering a promo that boosted the trade value to about $472. Repeating the sequence could generate multiple hundreds in trade credit, the company said, but it has now patched the issue and updated trade promotions to prevent further exploitation. The episode has fueled uncertainty over whether the stunt was genuine, marketing, or both, and the video shows store visits with mixed results. GameStop emphasised it remains committed to promotions that reward customers while noting stores are not designed to operate as infinite money printers.

Samsung Galaxy Book 6 series pricing and availability unveiled in Korea

January 21, 2026, 4:06 AM EST. Samsung has announced official prices for the Galaxy Book 6 Pro and Galaxy Book 6 Ultra in South Korea, with availability kicking off Jan 27, 2026 at 09:00 AM (KST). The Galaxy Book 6 Pro comes in 14-inch and 16-inch configurations, both with a single spec for processor, graphics, memory and storage, and colors Gray and Silver. The Galaxy Book 6 Ultra is a 16-inch model offered with two GPU options in Gray. Price points: Pro 14-inch KRW 3,410,000 (~USD 2,305) and Pro 16-inch KRW 3,510,000 (~USD 2,373); Ultra RTX 5060 at KRW 4,630,000 (~USD 3,129) and RTX 5070 at KRW 4,930,000 (~USD 3,332). Samsung previously revealed specs and hands-on impressions; this confirms pricing and release date.

AVPN expands AI skilling across Asia-Pacific with Phase Two of AI Opportunity Fund and training hub

January 21, 2026, 3:56 AM EST. AVPN launched three expansions of the AI Opportunity Fund in Asia-Pacific, backed by Google.org and the Asian Development Bank. The fund, which began with USD 15 million, added USD 10 million for Phase Two, selecting 18 local training providers across the region. AVPN will guide these providers to deliver curriculums that prepare an AI-ready workforce while preserving organizational autonomy. The effort targets diverse beneficiaries-from farmers and healthcare workers to students, job seekers, caregivers, and professionals-and aims to remove barriers to AI adoption. New tools accompany the program: an AI Skilling Policy Toolkit for governments and policymakers, and an AI Learning for the Future of Work content hub that connects workers with training providers and their AI skilling programmes. AVPN emphasizes practical, role-specific skills with immediate application.

What AI Actually Does: Real-World Uses Across Data, Collaboration and Genomics

January 21, 2026, 3:54 AM EST. Across fields, leaders describe AI as a practical tool that accelerates work and invites new approaches. A futurist says AI lets him parse dense material faster and even adopts varied roles to test ideas. At Google DeepMind, AI acts as a collaborator, generating multiple viewpoints through AI teammates to challenge assumptions and sharpen user experience. The Jigsaw team used AI to organize and scale a massive online town hall, thousands engaged on founding ideals with high perceived representation. In genomics, AI speeds design of CRISPR editors and targets, trimming dead ends and expanding the landscape of biology. Across these cases, AI shifts daily workflows by speeding data analysis, guiding decision-making, and expanding what researchers can test in parallel.

ICEYE expands space-based intelligence support for Ukraine with high-resolution SAR imagery

January 21, 2026, 3:46 AM EST. Finnish space company ICEYE and Ukraine's Defence Ministry broadened their tie to space-based intelligence, extending daily access to Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery. SAR is radar that can see through darkness, clouds and smoke, delivering consistent data when optical sensors falter. The agreement gives Kyiv frequent, high-resolution images from ICEYE's constellation to improve battlefield situational awareness for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Under the contract, Generation 4 satellites deliver up to 16-centimeter (about 6.3 inches) resolution and can capture about 500 images per day, with roughly half targeting a 2,000-kilometer-wide region per orbit. The system's large constellation enables revisits under 15 minutes and supports Scan Wide, a mode that extends coverage to 200 by 300 kilometers in a single pass, useful for maritime operations like vessel detection and oil spill monitoring.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra color lineup leaks show muted palette, no orange tribute

January 21, 2026, 3:44 AM EST. Leaker Evan Blass revealed the Galaxy S26 Ultra color lineup: Black, White, Silver Shadow, Sky Blue, Cobalt Violet, and Pink Gold. Ice Universe shared images of SIM card trays-SIM (Subscriber Identity Module), which stores your network identity-meaning Samsung will still offer a physical SIM, with trays in silver, black, light blue, and purple. The four hues appear to be the main colors; the remaining three may be limited to Samsung.com. The catalog looks tame, muted rather than flashy. It's notable Samsung didn't copy Apple's Cosmic Orange from the iPhone 17 Pro, a contrast with rivals that lean into bold hues. The Galaxy S26 series is set to debut in late February after a major launch delay.

Apple App Store, iTunes Store and Apple TV outage affects services

January 21, 2026, 3:42 AM EST. Apple's System Status page shows an outage affecting the App Store, iTunes Store, and Apple TV services. Some users report issues accessing the App Store and iTunes Store, while intermittent problems persist on Apple TV. The Apple TV Channels feature is down and purchases may be blocked. The disruption began around 6:48 p.m. Eastern Time, with a note that the company will update as the situation evolves. An update at 8:15 p.m. ET adds iWork for iCloud, Xcode Cloud, and Apple Maps Traffic to the list of affected services. Apple has not disclosed a cause. The outage underscores ongoing service-status monitoring for multiple Apple platforms.

Apple's TSMC deal frays as Nvidia climbs, prices for Apple chips rise

January 21, 2026, 3:40 AM EST. Apple's long-running alliance with chipmaker TSMC is fraying as Nvidia climbs to become its top customer at the foundry, according to analyst Tim Culpan of Culpium. With AI data centers turbocharging demand, Nvidia's chips are taking up more wafer space, leaving less room for Cupertino's processors. The shift means Apple faces higher costs for A-series and M-series chip production and tighter access to the most advanced nodes. Apple reportedly must bid harder for capacity, and prices for Apple's processors have risen-the biggest increase in years, Culpan says. The change marks a pivotal turn: Apple's once-dominant access to TSMC's fabs is not guaranteed, as Nvidia and other AI clients redraw the pecking order.

Samsung starts January 2026 security patches for Galaxy S25, Fold and Flip lineup

January 21, 2026, 3:34 AM EST. Samsung kicks off 2026 with a new round of January updates for the Galaxy lineup. The releases cover the Galaxy S25 Ultra and the S25 family, along with Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Fold 6, and Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Flip 6 in the United States. The updates are described as a security patch delivering the latest Android fixes, with no new camera or software features announced. The release precedes expected One UI 8.5 updates, which Samsung ties to a revamped Bixby powered by Perplexity AI. To install, users should navigate to Settings > Software update > Download and install to apply the patches.

NASA rolls out SLS rocket in Florida as Artemis 2 launch nears

January 21, 2026, 3:32 AM EST. NASA rolled out its Space Launch System (SLS) rocket to Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center on Cape Canaveral, signaling the countdown toward Artemis 2. The 322-foot-tall SLS, built by Boeing and Northrop Grumman, sits atop a crawler-transporter with the Orion crew capsule perched above. The mission will carry four astronauts-three Americans and one Canadian-on a 10-day lunar flyby, the program's first crewed lunar mission since 1972. The fully integrated vehicle is vertical on the pad and could begin a wet dress rehearsal as early as Feb. 2, a countdown and fueling drill using about 700,000 gallons of cryogenic propellants. Artemis 2 is a milestone for NASA's program and informs future lunar exploration.

Rare sale on Apple's official Thunderbolt 4 cable slashes more than 50% off

January 21, 2026, 3:30 AM EST. Apple's official Thunderbolt 4 cable is discounted by more than 50% in a rare, limited-time promotion at major retailers. The accessory delivers high-speed data transfer and power delivery for compatible Macs and peripherals. The deal appears across multiple outlets with limited stock. Reporting by Gabriela, a tech journalist with 12 years of experience writing for PCWorld, Macworld, PCMag and others.

Florida Starship progress with launch sites at KSC and Cape

January 21, 2026, 3:28 AM EST. Florida is moving ahead with Starship preparations, as SpaceX targets launch infrastructure at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and Cape Canaveral. NASASpaceFlight reports on ongoing site preparation, pad readiness, and regulatory steps tied to Florida facilities. Officials have not disclosed a firm launch timeline; the focus remains on safety, range integration, and oversight. The coverage notes parallel work at multiple sites in the state, reflecting a broader push to position Florida centers as key nodes for future Starship activity.

Apple TV+ outage hits thousands as status page flags issues

January 21, 2026, 3:16 AM EST. Thousands of Apple TV+ users reported an outage Tuesday, Downdetector data show. The issue also appeared on Apple's System Status page, which said the service began experiencing problems around 3:48 p.m. and warned that users may experience intermittent issues and an inability to access multiple services and stores or make purchases. Some viewers saw an unable to play message when attempting to stream. Apple has not publicly explained the cause or a fix timeline. On social media, users vented about disrupted viewing; FOX has reached out to Apple for comment. The report cites Downdetector and Apple's System Status, and notes the incident was reported from San Jose. No further details were provided.

NVIDIA accused of seeking pirated books via Anna's Archive in amended copyright suit

January 21, 2026, 3:08 AM EST. An amended copyright complaint against NVIDIA alleges the company sought millions of pirated books to train its AI models, expanding a case over the Books3 dataset. The filing, which targets NVIDIA's training practices and its use of shadow libraries, cites internal emails suggesting the company reached out to Anna's Archive to gauge what high-speed access to pirated materials might look like for pre-training data. Plaintiffs contend competitive pressures drove NVIDIA to piracy, while the company has defended its methods as fair use, arguing books are statistical correlations in models. The new complaint adds more authors and models and widens the scope to include broader shadow library claims. Anna's Archive has warned the library's materials were illegally acquired.

Google.org backs Sundance Institute to build a community-led AI education ecosystem for filmmakers

January 21, 2026, 3:02 AM EST. Google.org is providing $2 million to the Sundance Institute to create a community-led AI education ecosystem for filmmakers. The funding aims to train more than 100,000 artists in foundational AI skills and broaden access to learning across the industry. The effort, part of Google's AI Opportunity Fund, seeks to address a pace gap in AI adoption cited by media companies and to democratize skills through a free online curriculum and scholarships to Google courses like AI Essentials. Sundance will launch an AI Literacy Alliance with The Gotham and Film Independent, develop standards and host an AI Creators Fellowship for experimentation. The collaboration builds on Flow, Google's AI filmmaking tool, and the ongoing Flow Sessions program.

Microsoft's Nadella warns AI needs broad adoption to avoid bubble risk

January 21, 2026, 2:58 AM EST. Microsoft Chief Executive Satya Nadella warned at Davos that AI could fail if its benefits are not broadly shared. In a discussion that mixed caution with optimism, Nadella said durable AI growth requires adoption across many industries and faster uptake in developing countries. He framed a bubble test as whether only tech firms gain, pointing to tangible gains-such as AI-assisted drug trials-as evidence the tech can help product development without delivering a mythical breakthrough. He asserted the technology will build on cloud and mobile rails, diffuse more quickly, and boost local productivity worldwide. The comments come as Microsoft commits tens of billions more to data centers and AI costs, and as industry voices heighten scrutiny about promised gains.

Samsung's One UI 8.5 Beta 4 adds floating tab bar, boosts reachability

January 21, 2026, 2:56 AM EST. In One UI 8.5 Beta 4, Samsung swaps the traditional bottom tab bar for a floating, pill-shaped UI across core apps like Gallery, Phone, Clock, and Reminders. The floating tab bar sits above content with margins and a frosted color scheme, retaining existing icons and text from One UI 8 but improving the selection highlighter for aesthetics. The redesign also enhances reachability, placing options within the thumb's natural range. One snag remains: rigid animations lag behind smoother transitions seen on iOS, according to hands-on use of iOS 26. Overall, Samsung presents a cleaner UI that could still tighten animation and parity with the best iOS offerings.

Samsung One UI 8.5 Beta 4 adds floating bottom tab bar and reachability improvements

January 21, 2026, 2:54 AM EST. Samsung's One UI 8.5 Beta 4 introduces a floating bottom tab bar that replaces the traditional plain tab bar seen in One UI 8. The pill-shaped, frosted panel keeps the same icons and text but changes the selection highlight, and it hovers above content with margins at the bottom across core apps such as Gallery, Phone, Clock and Reminders. Samsung also touts improved reachability, placing options where a thumb can reach them. However, reviewers note rigid animations; in comparison, iOS 26 offers smoother transitions for its floating tab bar. The update is a welcome step toward a cleaner UI, but needs polish to compete with the best from iOS.

PwC survey finds majority of CEOs see no AI payoff despite big spending

January 21, 2026, 2:46 AM EST. More than half of CEOs report no revenue gain or cost reduction from artificial intelligence, even after large investments, according to a PwC survey of 4,454 business leaders. Only 12% say AI delivered both lower costs and higher revenue; 56% saw neither benefit, while 26% reported reduced costs but similar shares saw cost increases. Adoption remains limited, with top use cases-demand generation (22%), support services, and product development (19%)-still not widely deployed at scale. A separate PwC study last year found only 14% of workers use generative AI daily. PwC cautions isolated projects rarely deliver measurable value and that scaling depends on solid AI foundations: integration-ready tech, a clear roadmap, formal risk processes, and an organizational culture that embraces AI. CEO confidence is at a five-year low, with geopolitical and cyber risks shading outlook.

Most CEOs see no payoff from AI splurge, PwC survey finds

January 21, 2026, 2:44 AM EST. More than half of CEOs say AI investments produced neither higher revenue nor lower costs, according to PwC's survey of 4,454 leaders. Only 12% report both lower costs and higher revenue; 56% see no benefit; 26% report reduced costs but higher costs elsewhere. Adoption remains limited in top use cases – demand generation (22%), support services (20%), product development (19%) – with few deploying AI at scale. A separate PwC study last year found 14% of workers use generative AI daily. PwC cautions that isolated, tactical projects seldom deliver measurable value; tangible returns require enterprise-wide deployments aligned with strategy and robust AI foundations. CEO confidence is at a five-year low amid geopolitical risk, cyber threats, and tariffs affecting profits.

The 10 Best Home Theater Systems For Cinephiles

January 21, 2026, 2:42 AM EST. Many viewers underestimate TV speakers. The guide surveys options to upgrade space into a home cinema, from compact soundbars with height channels to multi-speaker surrounds. The goal is immersive sound tailored to room size and seating. Setup can be messy with cables, but modern systems offer wireless syncing and automatic room calibration, reducing manual tuning. The piece highlights models across price points and formats, focusing on how users actually watch content and prioritize dialogue clarity, vertical presence for Atmos, and controllable bass. A standout example is the Sonos Ultimate Immersive Set, which combines the Arc Ultra soundbar with two Era 300 speakers and a Sub 4. It streams wirelessly, calibrates automatically, and features night mode and speech-enhancement tools for clearer dialogue.

The 10 Best Home Theater Systems for Cinephiles

January 21, 2026, 2:40 AM EST. Many watchers rely on TV speakers, but built-in audio often falls short. Tweaks to TV sound help some, yet cinephiles increasingly seek beyond the display. Options range from compact soundbars with height channels to full, multi-speaker setups that wrap sound around a room. The latter sounds more immersive but demands cable management and careful placement. Room size and placement flexibility matter as buyers shop across price points. The spotlight is on the Sonos Ultimate Immersive Set, pairing the Arc Ultra soundbar with two Era 300 speakers and a Sub 4 sub. All can wirelessly form a single system and be tuned via the Sonos app. The room calibration auto-balances output; Atmos content benefits from upward drivers, while dialogue stays clear thanks to speech enhancement. Night mode keeps dialogue audible, and bass remains controlled yet impactful.

Realme P4 Power teases 10,001 mAh battery after Oppo merger

January 21, 2026, 2:36 AM EST. Realme has teased the P4 Power, a smartphone packing a 10,001 mAh battery that Realme plans to launch later this month. The company says the device should last about 1.5 days and weighs 219 grams, a footprint not far from a typical flagship despite the size. Realme credits the battery with 'next-gen silicon-carbon anode' tech. A standard P4 with a 7,000 mAh battery is also part of the lineup, but the Power variant is expected to be larger yet not visibly chunky. Full specs will be announced on January 29. The release follows Realme becoming a sub-brand of Oppo, a consolidation move under BBK Electronics aimed at cutting costs and pooling resources, though concerns linger about brand identity and potential layoffs.

Nadella warns AI could bubble without wider adoption at Davos

January 21, 2026, 2:34 AM EST. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella warned at Davos that AI could become a speculative bubble unless its benefits spread beyond big tech and wealthy economies. He said long-term AI success hinges on uptake across industries and regions, noting that narrow gains would signal a bubble. He cited drug development as an example of transformation and argued AI should build on the rails of cloud and mobile to drive productivity and local growth worldwide. Nadella reiterated that AI adoption will not rely on a single dominant provider, pointing to partnerships with Anthropic, xAI and OpenAI and to the option of open-source models. Microsoft's $14 billion stake in OpenAI gave early access but that exclusivity ends in the early 2030s, with distillation and context-data use key to competition.

Boox Note Air5 C: Android-powered e-ink tablet nails note-taking, but AI features disappoint

January 21, 2026, 2:32 AM EST. ZDNET's Allison Murray reviews the Boox Note Air5 C, an Android-powered e-ink tablet priced at $530. She says it excels at note-taking. The Pen3 stylus, with 4,096 pressure levels and ultra-low latency, plus a textured screen, delivers a paperlike writing experience. Android 15 streamlines navigation and supports a side-by-side workflow for multitasking. The device can pair with an attachable keyboard for easier typing and keeps features like layers, notebooks, and templates for planning. However, the AI features are not particularly useful, and magnetic pen placement is a design flaw. Overall, it checks more boxes for productivity than most e-ink tablets, especially for planners and journals.

Samsung weighs Galaxy S26 Ultra price cap as three-model lineup confirmed

January 21, 2026, 2:28 AM EST. Samsung is weighing price signals for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, aiming to cap it near 2 million won (about $1,357). Citing a Korean insider, iNews24 said Samsung wants to keep the Ultra around $1,300 even if exchange rates bite, following an earlier ET News claim of a price lift of 44,000-88,000 won per model. In the U.S., the lineup could top roughly $859, $1,059, and $1,359 for base, Plus, and Ultra, aligned with the won ceiling. Memory prices are rising; Samsung is reportedly rethinking the double storage pre-order incentive and may curb marketing costs or subsidies. Samsung Colombia's promo doc lists the S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra-the first official confirmation of the three models. Rumors of a Pro/Edge rename were dropped in favor of the current branding.

French court rules for Apple in App Tracking Transparency dispute

January 21, 2026, 2:26 AM EST. A French court ruled in Apple's favor in the App Tracking Transparency (ATT) case, following a 2023 decision by the French competition authority. La Tribune reported that the advertising coalition led by Alliance Digitale, IAB France, and others sought further penalties but lost. The decision undercuts the group's bid to recoup revenue losses it claimed were caused by ATT, which began in 2021 and prompts users to allow cross-app tracking. Apple pledged to continue supporting strong privacy protections and noted ATT has won broad support from users and regulators. The probe also looked at Meta's alleged efforts to sidestep ATT, though no party was found to have received preferential treatment. A final appeal remains possible, though the court left room for further action.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD gets free Switch 2 update with Dixie Kong

January 21, 2026, 2:22 AM EST. Nintendo released Ver. 1.1.0 for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD on Switch and Switch 2 today, delivering a free update that enhances visuals and performance. The update adds playable Dixie Kong in both single-player and local two-player modes, with her jump action distinct from Diddy's. On Switch 2, GameShare is supported, and loading times are shorter with optimized display for high-resolution TVs. A new Turbo Attack mode lets players race through stages, earning a turbo medal if the time limit is met. Brazilian Portuguese language support arrives, and several bug fixes and image-quality improvements are noted. P2 players can switch characters via the world map or stick controls, depending on the setup. patch notes come from Nintendo's official support page.

Light over Rocky Mountains likely SpaceX Starlink rocket, trackers say

January 21, 2026, 2:20 AM EST. Summit County residents spotted a white light moving across the evening sky shortly after 6 p.m. on Jan. 18. Photos and videos circulated on Facebook, fueling speculation. FindStarlink.com, a tracker of SpaceX's Starlink launches, said the sighting likely involved Starlink Group 6-100, a 29-satellite deployment into low Earth orbit. SpaceX had launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at about 4:30 p.m. Mountain Standard Time; trackers placed the object over Summit County around 6:00-6:15 p.m., with poor visibility noted. Commenters reported sightings across Colorado and even as far as Texas. The North American Aerospace Defense Command did not respond to a request for information. Original reporting from Summit Daily News.

RedMagic 11 Air debuts with 7,000mAh battery and Turbo Fan 4.0 cooling

January 21, 2026, 2:16 AM EST. RedMagic launched the 11 Air in China, positioning it as a gaming-focused smartphone. The device sports a 6.8-inch display with a 1.5K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate, a narrow design with a 95.1% screen-to-body ratio and a 1.25mm bezel. It includes shoulder triggers with a 520Hz response, a 250Hz touch sampling and 960Hz multi-finger tracking for mobile titles. Inside, expect LPDDR5X ULTRA RAM and UFS 4.1 storage, with 2K 144Hz rendering across about 200 games. A 7,000mAh battery fuels performance, backed by 120W wired charging and the Turbo Fan 4.0 cooling tech-the first Air-series model to carry it. Price starts at 3,699 RMB (~$530), with a global launch on January 29.

NVIDIA, AMD reportedly raise GPU-memory bundles; NVIDIA's hike lower than AMD, sources say

January 21, 2026, 2:12 AM EST. Rumors spread that NVIDIA and AMD have informed AICs/AIBs about increases in GPU memory-package pricing. Benchlife cited as the source. NVIDIA allegedly told its add-in card partners that bundled GDDR6 and GDDR7 price increases are under way, while insisting the changes do not alter MSRP. AMD allegedly did the same with its AIBs, and reports suggest its price hike is higher than NVIDIA's. Both manufacturers had previously signaled they would absorb memory costs to keep GPUs affordable for gamers, according to the report. The development could translate into higher prices for certain board partners' models, though retailers may still set varying prices. NVIDIA and AMD have not publicly confirmed the changes, and some earlier rumors about RTX 50-series discontinuations were denied by NVIDIA. The story relies on confidential partner briefings and industry chatter, not official company statements.

Anthropic's Amodei challenges US chip export rules at Davos, targets Nvidia ties

January 21, 2026, 2:10 AM EST. At Davos, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei attacked the U.S. administration's decision to allow sales of Nvidia H200 GPUs and an AMD line to approved Chinese buyers, calling it 'crazy' and warning it would backfire. He argued the U.S. is years ahead of China in chipmaking and urged against shipping chips due to 'incredible national security implications' of AI that corrals cognitive power. Amodei likened future AI to a 'country of geniuses in a data center' with millions smarter than Nobel laureates under one nation's control, and compared the export move to selling 'nuclear weapons to North Korea.' Nvidia, a central supplier of Anthropic's GPUs and a recent investor with up to $10 billion in potential funding, sits at the heart of the controversy. Anthropic's Claude tool and cloud-supported growth will shape the debate.

Meta trims 331 Washington jobs as Reality Labs broad cuts hit VR unit

January 21, 2026, 2:06 AM EST. Meta will lay off about 331 workers in Washington state as part of broad reductions in its Reality Labs unit, according to a WARN filing (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification). The cuts hit four Seattle-area facilities and about 97 remote workers. The heaviest losses come at the Redmond Reality Labs office, with Bellevue's Spring District also affected; the Horizon OS software team on Dexter Avenue North in Seattle was the largest single group to be cut, with 20 roles. Layoffs take effect March 20. Reality Labs represents about 19% of Meta's roughly 78,000-strong global workforce. The moves come as Meta shifts from the metaverse toward next-generation artificial intelligence, following earlier Washington layoffs in the AI division.

House passes AI for Main Street Act to boost AI education for small businesses in 395-14 vote

January 21, 2026, 2:04 AM EST. In a 395-14 vote, the House approved the AI for Main Street Act, directing the Small Business Administration (SBA) and its 900-plus Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) to provide training and outreach helping startups adopt AI. Backed bipartisan, the bill would expand access to AI education without new funding and aims to show entrepreneurs how to use the technology securely, safely, ethically and effectively, per sponsor Rep. Mark Alford. The SBA notes SBDCs exist to help small firms access capital, improve planning and manage finances. Critics warn larger companies could move faster, potentially leaving smaller businesses behind. The measure now heads to the Senate for consideration.

Nvidia hits $5 trillion again? What 2025 showed and what it means for 2026

January 21, 2026, 2:00 AM EST. Nvidia briefly crossed the $5 trillion mark in 2025 after starting the year near $3 trillion. The rally rode persistent demand from AI hyperscalers for GPUs, even as tariff chatter weighed on the early-year outlook. The stock later moved above and then fell from the $5 trillion club. Valuation was the miss: the forward P/E was about 45 at end-2024, now around 40, still a premium to peers near 30. Analysts expect roughly 50% revenue growth in 2026, supporting a bull case that Nvidia can re-cross the $5 trillion threshold and continue to climb, given its platform dominance in AI.

Verizon extends device unlock to 365 days across Value brands

January 21, 2026, 1:56 AM EST. Verizon has extended its device unlock policy to 365 days, effective Jan 20, 2026, requiring devices to be activated and on paid service for a full year before unlocking for use on other networks. The policy, not yet live on Verizon's main service, applies to its Value brands such as Visible, Total Wireless, and Straight Talk, and was first spotted by Droid-Life. Under the new rule, devices activated after the effective date will unlock upon request after 365 days of paid, active service, subject to conditions including ongoing plan, normal usage, and no reported loss or fraud. Visible reiterates that unlocking can be denied for policy abuse. The move mirrors a 365-day policy also used by T-Mobile for prepaid devices.

White House tech chief slams EU AI Act at Davos, champions Trump-era AI push

January 21, 2026, 1:46 AM EST. White House tech adviser Michael Kratsios used Davos to press a pro-innovation stance on artificial intelligence policy. He warned European leaders against overburdening regulation, calling the EU AI Act 'an absolute disaster' and urging a regulatory environment that lets AI thrive. Kratsios touted the Trump-era, light-touch approach as the winning formula, pointing to the administration's AI Action Plan as a three-part roadmap-innovation, infrastructure and international diplomacy and security. The plan also seeks to roll back red tape at federal agencies to accelerate deployment of AI technologies. Kratsios, a former Pentagon undersecretary and White House CTO, has long shaped U.S. AI policy from Thiel Capital to the White House. He said the United States is advancing its AI agenda at home and abroad, while criticizing what he calls bungled international approaches.

SpaceX to launch Starlink satellites from Vandenberg on Jan. 21, 2026

January 21, 2026, 1:42 AM EST. SpaceX plans its fourth rocket launch of 2026 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, deploying Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit. The two-stage Falcon 9 mission will place 25 satellites before landing back on a drone ship. Target launch is Wednesday, Jan. 21, with a four-hour window opening at 6:43 p.m. PT; FAA advisory notes a backup opportunity the next day if postponed. The lift will occur from Space Launch Complex 4E in Santa Barbara County on a southern trajectory. Public viewing is not allowed on base, but observers can pick spots around Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and Lompoc, including the 13th Street/Arguello corridor and West Ocean Avenue viewing sites. The launch marks SpaceX's debut Starlink flight of the year on the West Coast.

Starlink Mini lowers hardware barrier for portable satellite internet, starts at $50/month

January 21, 2026, 1:40 AM EST. Starlink's Starlink Mini kit is pitched as a portable, versatile satellite internet solution for home, office or off-grid use. The device can be powered from a traditional outlet or a USB-C power bank, extending mobility from indoors to campsites. Plans start at $50/month, with a price hurdle previously tied to buying the hardware outright. The Mini now sells for $200 and can drop further if you trade in old equipment. SpaceX's service targets areas where traditional fixed broadband isn't available, delivering usable speeds on the go without sacrificing home-grade connectivity.

Guidance shift: parents delay smartphones, focusing on the digital ecosystem over screen time

January 21, 2026, 1:36 AM EST. New Jersey families join The Balance Project, a nonprofit with more than 160 chapters, to delay smartphone use for children. Joy Wyatt and her sister study after school at the library with no phones; Joy's mother can reach her by calling the library. The project also works with schools to explain how phones affect attention and mood, with educator Bethany Barton describing dopamine overload. The effort mirrors newer guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) that urges looking beyond individual behavior and beyond strict screen-time limits to the broader digital ecosystem-platform design, social pressures and constant connectivity. Jason Wyatt says community support fills a gap in information and helps families navigate a half-generation of device adoption. Barton notes kids often respond to the science behind their brains and want to act on it.

Palantir CEO says AI bolsters civil liberties as Europe lags U.S. and China

January 21, 2026, 1:28 AM EST. Palantir Technologies CEO Alex Karp argued that AI can strengthen civil liberties while warning Europe is trailing the U.S. and China in technology adoption. Speaking with BlackRock CEO Larry Fink at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Karp said Palantir powers hospitals and can speed up patient intake, potentially saving lives in a low-margin health system. He said the tech can show in granular terms why someone was admitted or rejected, addressing bias concerns and delivering business insight. Asked if AI will widen global disparities, he noted the U.S. and China understand scale and are deploying it broadly, while Europe faces a structural problem in tech adoption.

Airbus faces union backlash as ACS absorption into Defence and Space moves forward

January 21, 2026, 1:26 AM EST. Airbus faces resistance as it moves to absorb Airbus Constellations Satellites (ACS) into its Defence and Space unit, part of a broader Space Systems reorganisation. Airbus says the change, completed in effect by July 1, 2025, aims to streamline operations, but union groups have raised concerns. CFDT and UNSA have called the plan "industrial, economic and social nonsense," arguing ACS is delivering growth and should remain autonomous. ACS has recently expanded via contracts with Eutelsat for the OneWeb constellation, including a 440-satellite order announced earlier this year. Unions warn that absorption could dilute ACS's agility, scatter its teams across divisions, trigger departures and erode its identity, even as ACS remains a separate legal entity during the process. Airbus cites efficiency gains and financial charges tied to the Space Systems realignment.

Alphabet could lead AI race as Gemini powers Siri for Apple

January 21, 2026, 1:12 AM EST. Alphabet and Apple say Google Gemini will be the underlying AI model for the next version of Siri, a move that could shift the AI landscape. While terms are undisclosed, reports value the deal in the billions for Alphabet. The tie-up follows years of Apple lagging behind rivals in AI and comes as OpenAI's ChatGPT has surged. Gemini already powers Google Search AI and has about 650 million monthly users, up from 450 million six months earlier. It runs on hundreds of Android devices and will reach more in the coming years, with iOS devices joining later. Some observers say the pairing could contest ChatGPT's reach, given OpenAI reports roughly 900 million weekly active users. Still, details and timelines remain fluid.

Honor Magic8 Pro offers comprehensive eye protection features

January 21, 2026, 1:10 AM EST. Honor Magic8 Pro bundles an eye-friendly display suite under the 'Honor Eye Comfort Display' menu. It includes high-frequency PWM dimming at 3,840 Hz and 4,320 Hz at low brightness, plus Natural Tone and Circadian Night Display to lower blue light and align colors with ambient light. A configurable Dark Mode extends this into darker tones. The hardware adds a circularly polarized panel to cut reflections, and features like Defocus Eyecare simulate distance viewing to ease strain across more than 2,000 apps. Motion sickness relief is offered via edge balls that move with vehicle acceleration. The system also runs a contrast test and a color vision test for automatic tuning, but responsible screen time remains essential.

Apple Music outage spikes on Downdetector; reports centered on major U.S. cities

January 21, 2026, 1:08 AM EST. Downdetector tracked a spike in Apple Music outage reports late on Jan. 20, with more than 900 submissions by 7:15 p.m. ET, up from a baseline of two. The outage map shows clusters around New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Chicago and Seattle. The disruption follows a separate nationwide outage that affected Verizon customers earlier this week. Apple did not immediately respond to requests for comment. This is a developing story.

iOS 26 adoption stalls as iPhone users cling to iOS 18

January 21, 2026, 1:06 AM EST. Four months after launch, iOS 26 remains far behind earlier versions in adoption. StatCounter shows only about 16% of iPhones on iOS 26, with more than 60% on iOS 18. The slowdown is sharper than iOS 18's uptake a year earlier, when 63% had adopted within the same window. Apple's Safari user-agent freeze in iOS 26 complicates counting; Kochava notes devices on iOS 26 report as iOS 18 when web analytics are used. Beyond design criticisms, iOS 26 shipped with bugs-battery drain, overheating, app crashes and Wi-Fi issues-and updates have been partial fixes. Siri remains absent as Apple promised a spring 2026 update. Google Gemini underpins Apple Intelligence. A second iOS 26.3 beta adds data transfer to Android and EU wearable notifications; public release is expected late January or early February.

Samsung One UI 8.5: Home Up v17.5 boosts large folders, unified panel and gesture controls

January 21, 2026, 12:56 AM EST. Samsung has pushed One UI 8.5-compatible Home Up v17.5.00.18, expanding control over the home screen. Users gain deeper customization of app icons, widgets, and large folders, aiming to align layouts with user habits rather than defaults. Large folders feel more intentional as icons breathe and layouts look less improvised. Samsung also added a unified panel for apps, tasks, and people, consolidating views on one surface to save time. Foldable devices receive targeted tweaks, including adjustable favorites on the cover screen. A gesture navigation toggle now lets users choose the previous-app switch. The update also adds the ability to exclude items from Direct Share, fixes DIY Home misalignment, and corrects widget restoration during Backup and Restore.

Benioff at Davos pushes to reshape Section 230 amid AI safety concerns

January 21, 2026, 12:44 AM EST. Salesforce boss Marc Benioff used a Davos panel on innovation to urge rewrites of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, the shield that blocks platform liability for user content. He argued the rule hampers accountability as AI and social media pose risks to children and families. On stage with executives and reporters, Benioff asked: 'What's more important to us, growth or our kids?' He has long called for abolishing the law. The rebuke comes as lawmakers from both parties reassess the rule amid rising concerns about deepfakes, online safety, and algorithm-driven harm. Benioff's stance marks a high-profile push against a framework critics say protects tech firms while users bear the costs.

iPhone 18 Pro: Face ID under-display rumored, Dynamic Island centered, leak says

January 21, 2026, 12:34 AM EST. Two leaks outline conflicting details for the iPhone 18 Pro. The earlier claim suggested Apple would tuck the Face ID sensor under the display, shrinking the Dynamic Island and shifting it to the left. A new leak from AppleTrack, posted on Twitter, supports the under-display Face ID hardware but contradicts the earlier report by saying the visible Dynamic Island cutout would stay centered in the middle of the display. Both reports originate from non-official sources and should be treated as rumor rather than confirmation. Apple has not commented on the matter, and the timing of any design changes remains uncertain as the company readies its next flagship line.

Apple warns iPhone users of security flaw as patch uptake lags

January 21, 2026, 12:22 AM EST. Apple officials warned iPhone owners about a serious security flaw in some versions of iOS, saying a fix has been released but many users have not installed it. The company urged immediate installation of the latest update to reduce the risk. The notice comes as researchers have noted that despite the patch, adoption remains uneven. Apple did not specify which devices are affected in detail, but said the vulnerability could be exploited if left unpatched. Users can obtain the patch by going to Settings, General, Software Update. The move underscores the ongoing need for timely software maintenance on mobile devices.

Android Auto 16.0 expands media player redesign in wider rollout

January 21, 2026, 12:10 AM EST. Google's Android Auto 16.0 is rolling out more widely, adding a redesigned media player as part of the latest update (version 16.0.660224). The redesign, previewed at Google I/O 2025, moves the play/pause control to the bottom left and repositions track controls, a change that alters muscle memory but clarifies playback. The update appears in apps such as Spotify and Pocket Casts, with Spotify also picking up refreshed Material You theming to match album art. A condensed dashboard view also receives the new layout. No other major user-facing changes were found in teardown tests. Google began with beta testing earlier this month and has since moved the update to the stable channel.

Study finds Android apps generated fake ad views, slowed devices

January 21, 2026, 12:08 AM EST. Cybersecurity firm Check Point found 15 suspicious Android apps on Google Play that appeared legitimate-emoji makers, QR scanners and storage cleaners. The apps allegedly generated fake ad views to monetize without real user exposure. Researchers say millions of downloads occurred, concentrated in parts of Asia. The behavior could slow devices, drain batteries and potentially access device data because many apps request broad permissions. Google removed the apps from Play; Play Protect automatically blocks them, though experts warn that risks persist as new variants emerge. Consumers are urged to monitor battery usage, review permissions, and watch for persistent blank notifications. Stick to official app stores, delete any suspicious apps, and avoid sideloading. Check Point and Google declined further comment.

Do electric vehicles need warming up before driving in cold weather?

January 21, 2026, 12:06 AM EST. Electric vehicles do not start with engines, but cold weather still challenges their batteries and range. EVs don't require a traditional warm-up, yet 'most cars have some trouble in cold weather.' The battery loses charge more quickly as temperatures fall and must do extra work to heat the cabin and power systems. Experts advise warming up before driving, ideally by starting the car while it remains plugged into a home charger. Use remote start to precondition the cabin and components, then drive with the climate set to comfort while preserving battery range. AAA notes that warming while plugged in can maximize pre-drive readiness, though drivers should balance climate use with efficiency in frigid conditions. As charging infrastructure improves, the best practice is to warm while plugged in and gradually reduce heat on the move.

Apple updates Magic Keyboard firmware for iPad Pro and iPad Air (M4/M5: 0750.0220.0304; M3 Air: 0400.0140.0303)

January 21, 2026, 12:04 AM EST. Apple released firmware updates for the Magic Keyboard accessories used with the iPad Pro and iPad Air. The M4/M5 iPad Pro version rises to 0750.0220.0304 from 0680.0220.0301, while the M3 iPad Air version moves to 0400.0140.0303 from 0350.0135.0303. The updates cover both the 11-inch and 13-inch keyboards. Apple overhauled the keyboard in May 2024, adding a dedicated function-key row and a larger glass trackpad, while keeping the floating cantilever design. Firmware updates install automatically when the keyboard is attached to an internet-connected iPad; there is no manual refresh. To verify, check Settings > General > About > Magic Keyboard.

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Baseten lands $300 million funding with Nvidia backing in AI inference push

January 21, 2026, 12:00 AM EST. Nvidia is said to have invested $150 million in Baseten as part of a $300 million funding round that doubled the startup's valuation to about $5 billion, according to the Wall Street Journal citing anonymous sources. Nvidia declined to comment, and Baseten did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The round marks Baseten's third in 12 months, following a $75 million Series C in May and a $150 million Series D in September that lifted the valuation to $2.15 billion. The broader Nvidia strategy includes licensing Groq inference technology, pledging toward OpenAI and taking stakes in AI-app startups. Baseten's leadership has argued infrastructure should reduce model orchestration complexity, letting firms race on speed and core differentiators.