Technology News 18.02.2026

Pixel 9a adds Auto Frame AI cropping to Google Photos for better photo composition

February 18, 2026, 11:58 PM EST. Google's Auto Frame uses AI to crop and resize photos for better composition on Pixel phones, including the Pixel 9a. The feature, first introduced with the Pixel 9 series, appears inside Google Photos' Crop tool rather than as a primary edit option. Auto Frame detects the subject and adjusts framing-centering the subject, shifting aspect ratios, or, in some cases, expanding the image with generative AI to create a wider look. It offers multiple AI-generated options and a refresh button to see more. Users can skip expanded edits. To use it: Photos > Edit > Tools > Crop > Auto Frame, then Save as copy.

Intel Down 5.9% After Nvidia's $5 Billion Stake and AI Foundry Reset

February 18, 2026, 11:50 PM EST. Intel shares fell as investors weigh Lip-Bu Tan's AI- and foundry-focused reset against persistent losses and tougher data-center competition. Nvidia's US$5 billion stake and co-development of AI products ties the two companies, potentially reshaping Intel's role as a third-party foundry partner while supporting its 18A process and packaging ambitions. The investment raises the stakes for the foundry roadmap and product delivery, even as near-term guidance remains weak and yields lag peers. Analysts are divided on the long-term value, with forecasts for 2028 revenue and earnings diverging. The Nvidia collaboration could alter Intel's investment narrative, but execution risk and ongoing foundry losses keep the risk profile elevated.

New Jersey lawmakers weigh impact of AI data centers on electricity costs

February 18, 2026, 11:46 PM EST. New Jersey lawmakers are examining how a surge in AI data centers could affect electricity costs for residents. With more than 70 centers online and a plan for 82 statewide, facilities operate 24/7 and demand substantial power. The QTS site in Piscataway covers 360,000 square feet and consumes energy to power about 44,000 homes; a Cumberland County center in Vineland would use roughly five times that. Assemblyman David Bailey said residents should see transparency in the energy needed to build and run these centers. Rutgers University researchers are conducting a study to measure how nearby and distant centers affect electric rates. Rutgers assistant professor Kiran Garimella noted the method compares prices by proximity. State officials say the research informs policy as demand grows and energy supplies shift.

New Jersey lawmakers weigh AI data centers' impact on electricity costs

February 18, 2026, 11:44 PM EST. New Jersey lawmakers are weighing how a surge in AI data centers could affect electricity costs for residents. The state hosts 82 planned or operating facilities, with more than 70 already online, and questions linger about whether the energy demand from round-the-clock cooling and operation could outpace supply. The largest site in Piscataway uses enough power for about 44,000 homes; a Cumberland County project in Vineland would consume five times that level. Lawmakers want transparency on how much energy will be needed and how it might affect residential rates. Business groups warn of a shift after the closure of some nuclear plants, while a Rutgers study is underway to measure price impacts on communities near data centers. Researchers are recruiting residents near and far from centers to compare electricity prices.

DJI Flip price falls to $329 with palm-launch and phone control

February 18, 2026, 11:42 PM EST. The two-battery DJI Flip is now offered as a $329 bundle without a controller, enabling takeoff from a palm and smartphone via the DJI Fly app. DJI pitches it as beginner-friendly: fully enclosed propellers in a carbon-fiber guard and a 3D infrared sensor that can auto-brake in low light. The drone weighs under 249 grams, removing US FAA registration for recreational flyers. Specs include a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor with 48MP stills, 4K HDR video at 60fps and 4K at 100fps for slow motion, vertical 2.7K, and 10-bit D-Log M for color grading. Features like FocusTrack and automated modes shorten the learning curve. Traditional controllers remain optional; Fly More adds batteries and a charger.

CATL sodium-ion breakthrough, Brazil overtakes Argentina as January EV exporter, AutoFlight unveils world's largest flying car

February 18, 2026, 11:38 PM EST. China rose to the top as Brazil's biggest vehicle exporter in January, overtaking Argentina and widening the footprint of Chinese brands in Mercosur. The shift underlines Beijing's push to globalize supply chains and expand regional market share. In a separate tech milestone, Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) has deployed the world's first sodium-ion batteries in passenger cars, a move aimed at taming lithium-ion price volatility and keeping pace with China's blistering EV race. Meanwhile, AutoFlight, backed by CATL, unveiled what it calls the world's largest flying car-the eVTOL Matrix-highlighting China's broadened ambitions to claim leadership in the low-altitude economy. The trio of stories illustrates a broader trend: rapid battery innovation, regional trade shifts, and new mobility platforms reshaping the sector.

Honor Magic8 RSR Porsche Design unboxing

February 18, 2026, 11:36 PM EST. Unboxed in Slate Grey, the Honor Magic8 RSR Porsche Design is the ultra-premium variant of Honor's Porsche collab. It comes with 1TB storage, 24GB RAM (LPDDR5X), and a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, along with a 7,200mAh battery reserved for the Chinese market. The package includes a 120W charger, vegan leather case, braided USB-C cable, and a Porsche-themed SIM tool. Notable caveats: the phone is China-exclusive and costly (roughly CNY 8,000-9,000), though buyers gain satellite communication and biometric sensors. Design cues echo the Porsche 911, with a ceramic rear panel and a 3D-textured surface aimed at grip, but prone to smudges. Internally, the display remains a 6.71-inch LTPO OLED at 120Hz, matched by a 50MP + 50MP + 200MP camera setup and 120W wired / 80W wireless charging.

Nvidia helps lead U.S. stocks higher in early trading

February 18, 2026, 11:34 PM EST. U.S. stocks rose in early trading as Nvidia helped lift technology shares. The S&P 500 inched higher while the Nasdaq climbed on gains in chipmakers tied to AI demand. Nvidia's strength underscored appetite for semiconductors used in AI applications, lifting sentiment for growth stocks. Traders weighed mixed economic data against expectations for AI-driven demand and potential policy shifts. Broad market activity remained sensitive to guidance from large-cap tech and consumer-discretionary names.

Robotaxis crash at more than four times the human rate; Tesla lake video raises questions

February 18, 2026, 11:32 PM EST. New data from Austin shows robotaxis crash rates are more than four times those of human drivers, renewing safety concerns around autonomous fleets. A separate dataset from China points to a more than 45% drop in EV sales, signaling market headwinds for the sector. A circulating video appears to show a Tesla maneuvering toward a lake, drawing fresh scrutiny of vehicle control in real-world use. The segment includes Electrek founder's analysis on the rollout of Cybercabs (or Cybervehicles) and how the company's approach could affect safety, demand, and production.

visionOS 26.4 Brings Foveated Streaming From PC and Cloud to Apple Vision Pro

February 18, 2026, 11:28 PM EST. Apple's visionOS 26.4 introduces foveated streaming for Vision Pro, enabling wireless PC or cloud-based remote rendering. Unlike foveated rendering, which increases on-device frame detail, foveated streaming sends a higher-resolution view of the gaze region to the headset. Apple positions the feature as a low-level, host-agnostic framework, with Nvidia's CloudXR SDK cited as an example and Windows OpenXR samples noted. The company previously showed macOS Spatial Rendering, but this adds cross-host support, potentially benefiting ALVR users as the community experiments with foveated streaming. Vision Pro can display on-device and remote content simultaneously. Developers receive only a rough gaze region to protect privacy, and compatibility depends on game or tool support. Initial tests hinge on future updates and game support.

Apple event logo fuels talk of retro color revival and budget MacBook

February 18, 2026, 11:26 PM EST. Apple has announced a 'special Apple experience' in New York, London and Shanghai for March 4, fueling speculation about new devices and a possible return to the company's colorful, translucent design roots. Leaker Mark Gurman has said Apple has tested a low-cost MacBook in multiple colors, including light yellow, green, blue and pink, alongside more traditional finishes. The event invite features a translucent, colorful logo, prompting online chatter that Apple could revive the era of the iMac and iBook design. Apple is widely expected to unveil new iPads, and possibly the iPhone 17e, with the price-conscious MacBook among the most anticipated. Analysts urge caution, noting the company's design language has shifted, but a playful aesthetic would mark a notable shift if confirmed on March 4.

Reviving an old BlackBerry to curb screen time hits roadblocks as 3G dies and apps fade

February 18, 2026, 11:22 PM EST. An attempt to curb screen time leads the author to revive a BlackBerry Curve, but 3G is dead and the device won't run on modern networks. The search for a functional alternative centers on the BlackBerry Classic Q20 with 4G LTE, which may still work as 5G expands. Yet BlackBerry's shuttered app store (2019) and servers (2022) leave big limits: no native apps, no SMS, no over-the-air (OTA) updates. Workarounds exist but are tedious. Sideloading apps via SD card is possible with help from ProjectBerry 2.0 tutorials and APK files, but the process is fragile. Instagram Lite scrolls but can't post; Google Maps is unreliable. The piece ends mid-thought, underscoring how hard it is to keep a nostalgia device useful in a 5G world.

Google Pixel Update Schedule: When Will My Phone Get Updates?

February 18, 2026, 11:14 PM EST. Pixel devices enjoy some of the strongest software support in Android, with frequent security patches, Android OS updates, and exclusive Pixel Feature Drops. Updates generally arrive quickly, with monthly variation, and early access is common for Pixels. Since the Pixel 9 generation, Google extended support to as much as 7 years for newer models; the Pixel 6 line shifted to 3 years of Android updates and 5 years of security updates. Older Pixels (4, 3, 2, original) ended updates earlier. Google lists end-of-support dates for each device, including examples like Pixel 10a through 2033 and Pixel 9 Pro variants through 2031, while Pixel 8 devices sit around 2031. In short: plan around model-specific end dates; the cadence remains faster than many rivals, with new features and patches arriving ahead of others.

Samsung to restock Galaxy Z TriFold in US on Feb. 20

February 18, 2026, 11:10 PM EST. Samsung will restock the Galaxy Z TriFold in the United States this Friday, February 20, at 10 AM Eastern / 7 AM Pacific. After an earlier sell-out caused by limited stock, the company confirmed the restock days after notifying sign-ups by email. The premium foldable, priced at $2,899, again faces tight demand; Samsung offered no word on changed inventory. Buyers are advised to visit Samsung's site exactly at the listed time, as in past restocks, rapid sales are likely. Sign-ups for information on future restocks remain open through Samsung's official site.

Pentagon seeks commercially built GEO spy satellites, transfer to government control within 36 months

February 18, 2026, 11:08 PM EST. WASHINGTON – The Pentagon plans to fast-track geosynchronous-eye satellites by soliciting proposals for companies to build and initially operate GEO reconnaissance systems, then hand them to the government within 36 months. The Defense Innovation Unit, or DIU, released a solicitation called Geosynchronous High-Resolution Optical Space-Based Tactical Reconnaissance. DIU aims to bridge a perceived gap in space surveillance as adversaries threaten critical space assets. The program uses a Commercial Solutions Opening and Other Transaction authority to move prototype awards faster and with fewer rules. Vendors would deliver a high-resolution electro-optical image of a resident GEO object within 24 months, and transfer to government ownership and operations within 36 months. DIU did not specify vendor counts or satellites. Proposals are due March 3; the call is open to U.S. and international firms.

Houston job fair examines AI's role in hiring and how candidates can stand out

February 18, 2026, 11:04 PM EST. Houston's ABC13 'Who's Hiring' job fair, in partnership with Workforce Solutions, spotlights how artificial intelligence (AI) is shaping hiring. Employers increasingly use AI to read resumes, conduct candidate assessments, scan social media and power chatbots. Yet experts say the human touch still matters. Juliet Stipeche urges candidates to treat AI screening like a person-dress well, make eye contact, and demonstrate strong soft skills. Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas researchers echo the point: clear communication and judgment can differentiate applicants in AI-heavy fields. The fair on the Lone Star College Montgomery campus in Conroe will feature on-the-spot interviews, mainly in healthcare and biomedical sectors, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Attendees can also use AI to polish their resume and prepare targeted interview questions.

Apple iOS 26.4 beta tightens groundwork for CarPlay video via AirPlay and Apple TV integration

February 18, 2026, 11:02 PM EST. Apple's WWDC 2025 plan to let CarPlay users watch video via AirPlay in parked vehicles appears closer to release, as the first iOS 26.4 beta includes CarPlay video playback references. The beta adds onboarding flows and notifications tied to CarPlay video, and it signals automakers will need to implement vehicle-side integration to enforce the parked restriction. The code also hints that Apple TV will support the feature, with references to interacting with the TV app and a subscription reminder on an iPhone when not driving. There is no guarantee the feature reaches the public release; beta code can be altered or removed, and rollout timing depends on automaker adoption and ongoing refinement.

Tesla's European sales slump deepens as EV demand falters and robot pivot looms

February 18, 2026, 11:00 PM EST. Tesla's sales performance deteriorates, with US January figures showing a 17% year-over-year drop and European registrations plunging nearly 50% over two years, according to data compiled from EU-EVs.com by CleanTechnica. Across 13 European markets, January 2026 volumes fell 49.5% versus January 2024 and were down 23% versus January 2025 in most markets. Norway (-93%), the UK (-55%), and the Netherlands led the declines, while Ireland posted a small uptick and Finland rose about 33%. The results come as Tesla shifts resources toward humanoid robots and faces labor tensions in Germany and Sweden, along with rising competition from Chinese-made EVs. Analysts say the slump strains the company's core EV strategy even as Musk broadens diversification.

Microsoft adds built-in network speed test to Windows 11 taskbar in Release Preview

February 18, 2026, 10:58 PM EST. Microsoft is rolling out a built-in network speed test for Windows 11 via the Release Preview Channel. Users can right-click the system tray's network icon to launch the test in their default browser, showing speeds over Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or cellular connections. The feature, first tested last year, arrives in updates for Windows 11 versions 24H2 (Build 26100) and 25H2 (Build 26200). The release also adds a camera settings option in Settings to control pan and tilt on supported devices, along with new emoji, a full-page Widget settings menu, and the ability to set .webp as the desktop background.

Apple's March 4 launch: global press rollout with daily hardware reveals

February 18, 2026, 10:56 PM EST. Apple is staging a three-city media rollout ahead of its March 4 launch, inviting reporters to a 'special Apple Experience' in New York, London and Shanghai. The invites were not under NDA (non-disclosure agreement), so details circulated quickly online. People familiar with the plan say Apple intends to roll out new hardware daily in the lead-up, with announcements via press release on March 2 and 3, and hands-on access on March 4. There may be no traditional event video; instead short daily clips accompany each reveal. Expected hardware spans new Macs, iPads, and possibly a new iPhone, plus rumored wildcard Home devices delayed by Siri upgrades. 9to5Mac's Chance Miller will cover the proceedings from New York.

SpaceX shifts launches away from Kennedy LC-39A toward SLC-40 as Starship tests loom

February 18, 2026, 10:54 PM EST. Spotlight shifts as SpaceX sidelines Kennedy Space Center's LC-39A for Falcon Heavy and Starship launches. In February 2026, senior mission manager Lee Echerd said SpaceX plans to reserve LC-39A for Falcon Heavy flights and "hopefully our first Starship launches later this year." Previously, SpaceX VP of Launch Kiko Dontchev announced in December 2025 that most Falcon 9 launches would move to SLC-40 at Cape Canaveral, though FAA records show SpaceX intends to install new infrastructure at LC-39A to support Starship-Super Heavy and must obtain a license. SpaceX has already used SLC-40 for most Falcon 9s and all future Dragon missions; work there was completed in 2024. December 17, 2025 marked the final SpaceX mission to take off from LC-3.

California DMV says Tesla drops Autopilot branding to retain dealer license

February 18, 2026, 10:46 PM EST. The California DMV said Tesla 'successfully took the required action' to avoid a suspension of its dealer license by stopping the use of the term Autopilot in California marketing. Tesla recently removed Autosteer from new cars, erasing the Autopilot branding in ads and on vehicles in the state. The regulator has long argued marketing overstated what driver-assistance systems can do; both Autopilot and Full Self-Driving require human supervision and are not fully autonomous. The DMV labeled the action a compliance move to protect consumer protections, and Tesla faced a potential 30-day license suspension. The move follows a broader push to steer buyers toward the Full Self-Driving package while clarifying branding and capabilities.

Figma stock jumps after Q4 beat as AI monetization accelerates growth

February 18, 2026, 10:26 PM EST. Figma topped expectations for Q4 with adjusted earnings of 8 cents per share on revenue of $303.8 million, vs. 7 cents and $293.15 million expected. The company posted a net loss of $226.6 million, or 44 cents per share, against a year-ago profit of $33.1 million. Guidance points to Q1 revenue of $315 million-$317 million (about 38% growth) and 2026 revenue of $1.366 billion-$1.374 billion with adjusted operating income of $100 million-$110 million. Investors will watch how AI monetization evolves after Figma begins enforcing monthly limits on AI use in March and expands its Make tool relying on Anthropic and Google models. The company reported a net dollar retention of 136% vs 131% prior. Gross margin remained around 86% as Make usage rose 70%.

Shopify valuation check after strong Q4, AI tools expansion and $2B buyback

February 18, 2026, 10:22 PM EST. Shopify (SHOP) rebounds on a Q4 beat, guidance for low-30s revenue growth into 2026, a US$2 billion buyback and expanded AI-driven commerce tools. The stock has fallen this year, but the three-year total shareholder return remains strong. A fair-value estimate of $186.64 suggests upside from current levels, even as the near-term price remains elevated. Shopify trades at a P/E of 128.9x versus a fair multiple near 49x, the US IT average around 22.5x, and peers near 36.4x, implying a premium for growth and margins. AI Store Builder and Sidekick aim to boost engagement and reduce onboarding friction. Risks include softer consumer demand and competition from larger ecommerce and payments rivals. Investors should weigh the opportunity against the premium valuation and monitor execution.

Costco Wearables: 4 Buy and 4 Skip Devices, including Apple Watch SE 3 and Galaxy Watch 8

February 18, 2026, 10:14 PM EST. Costco's Wearable Technology section runs a four-buy, four-skip roundup. The retailer curates devices based on average reviewer scores, buyer feedback and professional reviews. Buy: Apple Watch SE 3, a 2025 update with GPS, a 40 mm case, watchOS 26 and the S10 chip; it aims for value despite some missing sensors. Reviews note strong performance and a bright display, with caveats like no blood-oxygen tracking or ECG. Buy: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, 40 mm and about $239.99, pairing for notifications and messages; health features include Advanced Sleep Coaching and a Running Coach. The story signals there are other devices and Costco discounts, while some models are clearly labeled for skipping.

Galaxy phones resume Google Play system updates after months-long pause

February 18, 2026, 10:12 PM EST. Google's Play system updates are back for Samsung Galaxy devices after a pause that lasted since mid-2025. Reports from users and outlets indicate Galaxy S series and foldables are receiving a new system upgrade distributed via Google's GPSU mechanism. Samsung users note the update appears in Settings under Security updates; the package is about 90MB and is dated January 1, aligning with Google's last security rollouts. Some on One UI 8 stable builds report the patch, while beta testers show no sign of it. The update is intended to refine core Android components without a full OS release. Samsung's device coverage remains unclear beyond Galaxy A-line devices, but multiple reports suggest a broad rollout. H/T: SamMobile.

Apple's March 4 event: new iPhone, iPads and MacBooks expected

February 18, 2026, 10:10 PM EST. Apple is set to unveil a spring refresh of its hardware lineup at a March 4 event staged in New York, London and Shanghai. Invites feature a three-dimensional motif of yellow, green and blue glass, fueling speculation about a colorful MacBook lineup and a nod to the retro rainbow Apple logo. People familiar with the plan expect new MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models with next-generation chips, likely M5 Pro and M5 Max for the Pros, and an M5 Air update; an OLED touchscreen MacBook Pro and a budget MacBook are less certain. On the iPhone side, rumors point to an iPhone 17 family with higher performance at current price points, alongside references to the iPhone 16E follow-up. Apple usually unveils iPhones in September, so the March show focuses on hardware updates rather than radical redesigns.

Meta plans Malibu 2 smartwatch to pair with Ray-Ban Display glasses, report says

February 18, 2026, 10:08 PM EST. Meta is poised to launch a Malibu 2 smartwatch this year to complement a next-gen Ray-Ban Display, The Information reports. The wrist device would add fitness tracking and could act as a companion to Meta's neural band, which uses skin-based electromyography to translate motor signals into gestures for glasses. A smartwatch would likely expand what the neural band can do, with Garmin potentially as a partner for fitness features. Meta's rivals are pursuing similar glasses-and-watch ecosystems, including Apple and Google, the latter signaling 2026 glasses that pair with Android watches. Meta could also use a wrist device to extend on-glasses control and onboard AI. An announcement is expected around Meta's Connect conference in September.

Agentic AI explained: autonomous agents gain scale, risk and strategy

February 18, 2026, 10:06 PM EST. Agentic AI refers to systems that perceive, reason and act with limited human supervision, going beyond chatbots. At CES 2025, Nvidia and others pitched enterprise AI agents as a multi-trillion-dollar opportunity across medicine and software. A spring 2025 MIT Sloan Management Review and Boston Consulting Group survey found 35% had adopted AI agents by 2023, with 44% planning to deploy soon; leading vendors-Microsoft, Salesforce, Google and IBM-are embedding agentic capabilities in their platforms. Experts warn the same data quality, governance, trust and security risks seen with other AI rise with faster adoption, underscoring the need for a formal risk management framework. Leaders call for a clear strategy to deploy agents in customer-facing and internal use cases to deliver real business value.

Motive expands AI-powered platform to automate driver qualification, compliance and workforce records

February 18, 2026, 10:02 PM EST. Motive expanded its AI-powered Workforce Management product to automate driver qualification, compliance and records management. The update centralizes compliance documentation, timecards and training, including automated record pulls for each driver, to cut administrative work, reduce DOT-related risk and prevent downtime. The firm notes many physical-operations teams still rely on spreadsheets and paper, leaving licenses and certifications at risk. Hemant Banavar, Chief Product Officer, says the shift moves from paperwork to intelligent workforce management at scale. Watco's Gilbert Solano says the system now provides real-time, centralized driver documents, boosting visibility and freeing managers to focus on safety and operations. The features address common FMCSA audit gaps and automate coaching and data integration across the workforce.

Apple CarPlay adds AI chat-bot support with iOS 26.4, including ChatGPT and Gemini

February 18, 2026, 9:58 PM EST. Apple plans to enable voice-based AI chat apps in CarPlay with the release of iOS 26.4 this spring. The CarPlay Developer Guide now lists third-party chat apps as supported, with ChatGPT and Gemini identified as examples. Drivers would be able to ask AI assistants questions aloud while the vehicle is moving, expanding beyond the current Siri voice commands. Apple has not detailed safety limits or API controls, and developers must meet CarPlay rules. The move signals a broader push for in-car AI chat integration, rolling out to compatible vehicles via the update.

Missouri researchers deploy AI ensemble to detect melanoma with nearly 93% accuracy

February 18, 2026, 9:54 PM EST. University of Missouri researchers are using an AI system to detect melanoma, a dangerous form of skin cancer. Kamal Singh, associate research professor, says the team trained an ensemble model by combining three machines after single-models failed to reach high accuracy. The three-model approach achieved about 93% accuracy, up from under 88% for individual models. The researchers say the tool is intended to speed triage and assist clinicians, not replace them. They envision a clinic-ready system and a mobile app that lets patients snap a photo to flag melanoma before a visit, with doctors reviewing results later. The project began in May 2024 with five researchers, including high school students. A paper is being prepared for publication; deployment timing in clinics remains uncertain.

Apple invites 'Apple Experience' as rumors of a March product blitz spread

February 18, 2026, 9:52 PM EST. Apple invited journalists to a 'special Apple Experience' on March 4 in New York, London and Shanghai, spurring talk of a broader March product blitz. Daring Fireball's John Gruber floated a day-by-day rollout from March 2 to March 4, with Newsroom press releases and occasional hands-on demos. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says that cadence matches what he's heard, though a live event isn't expected. The pattern echoes past weeks in March 2019 and October 2024. Rumors span a lower-cost MacBook, iPhone 17e, iPad Air (M4), other iPads, and Mac lines moving to M5 chips, plus the Mac Studio and Studio Display refreshes. A new Home Hub and HomeKit camera are also discussed; reports suggest three products in the first week, with the lower-cost MacBook among the likeliest.

Tesla avoids California sales ban by dropping Autopilot from marketing

February 18, 2026, 9:48 PM EST. California regulators spared Tesla the 30-day suspension of its dealer and manufacturer licenses after the company stopped using the term autopilot in its California marketing. Tesla now labels its driver-assist as supervised and has dropped autopilot from ads in the state. An administrative law judge had found Tesla misled drivers about self-driving capability, and the DMV had warned of a 30-day shutdown. Regulators later narrowed focus to autopilot while Tesla clarified that driver supervision is required. The judge had recommended suspension; regulators gave a 90-day window to fix the messaging and said Tesla had completed the changes. The reprieve comes as demand softens after tax credits and Musk shifts toward robotaxis and humanoid robots.

Experts warn teens rely on AI beyond homework, sparking concerns over social growth

February 18, 2026, 9:44 PM EST. Teens are turning to AI more than for coursework. A Pew Research poll shows about 64% of teens have used a chatbot and 30% use them daily, with 16% several times a day. Experts warn this trend, labeled emotional off-loading, risks hindering social development. NYU's Clay Shirky says AI can soothe in the moment but weakens willingness to repair relationships, potentially limiting opportunities for growth. Columbia's Ioana Literat urges a critical stance, noting polished, AI-assisted work can mask true understanding and erode skills beyond education. Some students report mixed outcomes-strong communicators still using AI, while others replace real actions. Shirky argues external regulation may be necessary, likening it to cigarette controls, until safeguards appear.

Google Home adds deletable routines, predefined actions and longer clip downloads

February 18, 2026, 9:38 PM EST. Google says its February 17, 2026 update to Home adds more automation options and fixes. The centerpiece is a set of pre-defined voice assistant actions in the automation editor under Devices on smart speakers and displays. Available actions include announcing the current time, weather, alarm time, and playing chimes, music, news, podcasts, radio, or sleep sounds, and even telling a joke. These actions are not yet supported in Ask Home or Help me create, with Ask Google commands still supported. Separately, users can delete pre-made routines such as Good morning, Bedtime and Workday to free space for custom automations via the trash icon or overflow menu. Google also added an automation feedback flow and a fix to continuous video clip downloads up to 5 minutes on home.google.com.

Viridien and NVIDIA Team Up to Accelerate Seismic Imaging with HPC

February 18, 2026, 9:34 PM EST. Viridien is teaming with NVIDIA to push high-performance computing (HPC) into seismic imaging workflows. The collaboration centers on optimizing Viridien's imaging algorithms for NVIDIA accelerated platforms, leveraging tensor cores and mixed-precision computing to boost performance and imaging accuracy. The goal is faster, more cost-efficient decision-making for energy and geoscience clients by streamlining subsurface processes. The effort combines Viridien's managed HPC expertise with NVIDIA's accelerated technologies to deliver sharper, more reliable images and reduce dry-hole risk. John Josephakis, VP of HPC and Supercomputing at NVIDIA, says the partnership aims to help subsurface teams place wells more accurately while cutting compute time and cost, enabling quicker reach to decision-grade results.

McLaren launches FDA-cleared AI tool to flag heart-attack risk in Michigan CT scans

February 18, 2026, 9:32 PM EST. McLaren Health Care in Grand Blanc has rolled out an artificial intelligence tool that reviews chest CT scans to flag heart-attack risk. In a first-of-its-kind Michigan program, the patient data comes from up to 40,000 people who had a chest CT in the past year. The system, Carebricks, analyzes medical charts and imaging for incidental signs such as coronary artery calcium and aortic valve calcium, indicators of coronary disease and aortic stenosis. The FDA-cleared platform, developed on Stanford University algorithms, will alert primary care doctors and mail letters to patients with concerning findings, urging follow-up with a clinician. The goal is early detection to enable preventive care and reduce deaths. The program is a collaboration with Bunkerhill Health.

Sony to blunt PS5 hardware price hikes by monetizing installed base, lifting services revenue

February 18, 2026, 9:28 PM EST. Automaton reports that Sony CFO Lin Tao told investors the company has secured memory for the upcoming season and will 'minimize' RAM-price pressure by monetizing the installed base while growing software and network services revenue. The strategy could blunt hardware price pressure without a direct PS5 game price hike, but may signal higher PlayStation Plus prices for the 92.2 million current PS5 owners. Sony's plan reflects broader cost pressures from an AI-driven chip cycle on memory and other components. The company also signaled a late-2020s path for the PS6, likely launching in 2028 or 2029 if costs ease. The stance shows hardware makers leaning on services when hardware economics tighten.

Netflix, Warner Bros. Discovery join Disney and Paramount in criticizing ByteDance's Seedance AI platform

February 18, 2026, 9:26 PM EST. Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery joined Disney and Paramount in cease-and-desist letters accusing ByteDance's Seedance AI platform of unauthorised IP use. Seedance 2.0 has generated millions of AI recreations, including endings and battles from franchises such as Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings, Marvel and Star Wars, using characters licensed to the studios. Netflix describes Seedance as a 'high-speed privacy engine' and says ByteDance treats studio IP as free, public domain clip art. Warner Bros. Discovery calls the practice 'blatant infringement' and notes Seedance was trained on WB material without permission. Disney and Paramount led earlier actions. ByteDance has pledged to add safeguards. The dispute follows criticism from industry guilds over the broader legality of AI-generated content.

SpaceX, xAI reportedly bid for DoD AI-enabled drone swarm contract

February 18, 2026, 9:24 PM EST. Bloomberg reports SpaceX has joined a $100 million competition to build voice-controlled, AI-enabled drone swarms. The bid would pair SpaceX with xAI, Elon Musk's other venture, which now sits under SpaceX. The project envisions a commander issuing verbal commands to a swarm of drones to hunt a target. Critics cite AI safety concerns about hallucinations and Grok, xAI's chatbot, but the Pentagon argues such drones are a growing element of modern warfare. The Defense Innovation Unit and SOCOM's Defense Autonomous Warfare Group (DAWG) run the contest to spur DoD R&D, a field SpaceX has not previously entered. If successful, the effort could open a new line of defense-focused AI hardware and software.

AI agents reshape software markets, eroding traditional SaaS moats

February 18, 2026, 9:22 PM EST. In February, Wall Street wiped roughly $2 trillion from software as markets reprice the industry's unbundling in the AI era, a move the author calls the SaaSpocalypse. The piece links this shift to a broader unbundling: in senior care, removing friction layers exposes that a firm's moat rests on switching and coordination costs-both prone to collapse. Now, AI is not just writing code; it's buying code. The center of gravity in tech is tilting from a human user to autonomous agents with budgets, permissions and low patience for onboarding. Ronald Coase's idea-firms exist to lower transaction costs-appears prescient. Gartner expects task-specific AI agents to embed across enterprise apps, enabling service discovery and API calls that erode the traditional SaaS moat.

Meta plans Malibu 2 smartwatch with health tracking and AI features this year

February 18, 2026, 9:16 PM EST. Meta plans to launch a smartwatch with health tracking and AI features this year, according to The Information. The device, code-named Malibu 2, would precede a pair of mixed-reality glasses codenamed Phoenix, delayed until 2027 as Meta pares back its AR/MR roadmap. Meta previously scrapped an earlier smartwatch in 2022 over technical and cost concerns. If realized, Malibu 2 would sharpen competition with Apple, which is rumored to be developing AI smart glasses next year, and would face rivals including Google, Garmin, Samsung and Fitbit. The plan follows last year's launch of Ray-Ban Display AR glasses, which Meta said sold so briskly that it paused international rollout due to limited inventory. Gesture controls on Ray-Ban's neural wristband could be supplanted by a smartwatch.

Apple tests RCS end-to-end encryption in iOS 26.4 beta

February 18, 2026, 9:12 PM EST. Apple's iOS 26.4 beta includes a test of RCS end-to-end encryption. The feature, described in the beta's Messages section, is in beta and not shipping in this release. Apple says the encryption is available for testing in this build only between Apple devices (iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS) and is not yet testable with Android or other platforms. The company notes this is a step toward wider RCS encryption across platforms, but customers won't see cross-platform E2EE until a future software update. In short, Apple is testing E2EE for RCS within its own ecosystem before broader rollout.

Apple accelerates smart glasses development amid broader AI hardware push

February 18, 2026, 9:08 PM EST. Apple is speeding up work on its smart glasses, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports, aiming for production as early as December 2026 and a 2027 public release. The device, codenamed N50, would emphasize AI hardware capabilities over a traditional display, relying on two onboard cameras, speakers and microphones for calls, AI queries, music and image capture. Apple reportedly shifted from external eyewear partners to in-house designs, with prototypes now distributed within its hardware division and multiple size/color options in development. Earlier prototypes connected to a battery pack and iPhone via a cable; newer versions embed components in the frame. The glasses would complement broader AI devices, including an AI-powered pendant and enhanced Siri, all tied to iPhone. Apple declined comment to Bloomberg.

Garmin Instinct 2X Solar Tactical Edition discounted to $299.99

February 18, 2026, 9:06 PM EST. Deal hunters point to the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar Tactical Edition, discounted to $299.99 on Amazon from $499.99. The GPS smartwatch targets outdoor professionals and the military with navigation metrics for hiking and tracking, plus a built-in flashlight and a ballistics calculator. The Tactical Edition lacks cellular connectivity found on non-tactical models, a caveat for real-time location sharing via Google Maps. At the price, it offers a rare mix of rugged build and advanced features for outdoors work, potentially a bargain worth considering for those in need of such tools. It remains a strong option even as newer Instinct 3X models circulate.

Fed governor warns AI could trigger a jobless boom as workers become essentially unemployable

February 18, 2026, 9:04 PM EST. Federal Reserve Governor Michael S. Barr warned that rapid AI advances could spark a jobless boom leaving a large share of the public essentially unemployable. In remarks to the New York Association for Business Economics, he outlined three plausible paths, from utopian to apocalyptic, and stressed that policy responses must plan for painful short run dislocations. In the rapid growth scenario, AI agents replace many professional and service jobs while robotics automate factories and transport, concentrating demand on highly skilled roles and on capital owners and AI superstars. Barr cautioned that the economy could see layoffs and falling labor force participation before any gains in productivity and wages. He urged renewed focus on workforce development and a robust social safety net as the balance between opportunity and risk evolves.

Apple Watch List View tweak reduces app scrolling and boosts daily usability

February 18, 2026, 9:00 PM EST. An Apple Watch wearer shares a simple layout tweak that reduces screen scrolling. By switching from Grid View to List View, users can see apps alphabetically and locate favorites more quickly. The move can be made on-device via the Digital Crown or in Settings > App View, and is also accessible through the iPhone Watch app under Arrangement. The switch is handy when wearing gloves, since the Digital Crown remains usable while scrolling. For power users who prefer Grid View, apps can be rearranged by dragging, or via the Watch app on iPhone under Arrangement to place frequently used apps in the middle. The tip can save time during marathon training and daily routines, with links to additional Apple Watch hacks.

Samsung Galaxy devices start receiving January 2026 Google Play System update

February 18, 2026, 8:58 PM EST. Samsung devices begin receiving the January 2026 Google Play System update, ending a long pause noted last year. Google said the release upgrades Android WebView, Google Play Services, Account Management, Security & Privacy, Utilities, Wallet, Play Store, Android System Intelligence, and Private Compute Services, among others. The package observed on a Galaxy S23 runs about 90MB. This marks a rare, direct Google update for Galaxy hardware after devices lagged on July 1, 2025, versions. Separately, Samsung said it will soon roll out One UI 8.5 (Android 16 QPR2), with One UI 9.0 based on Android 17 in development.

Hacking AI prompts reveals weak guardrails and trust risks, researchers warn

February 18, 2026, 8:56 PM EST. Tests showed how prompts can coax AI systems to cite a single source and avoid transparent sourcing. Gemini did not reveal where it found information; other AIs often referenced the article, sometimes uniquely so on the wider web. OpenAI says ChatGPT normally includes links when it searches the web. An SEO consultant says the pattern lets a brand dominate top results and be cited by AI. Experts warn that AI guardrails are being bypassed and that trust in automated answers is at risk. They describe a renaissance for spammers as hacks echo early 2000s tactics. A recent study found people are 58% less likely to click links when an AI Overview tops Google Search. Google defends AI Overviews as comparable in accuracy to other features.

Apple March 4 launch: cheaper MacBook, M5 Pro/Max, and new iPads expected

February 18, 2026, 8:50 PM EST. Apple has set an 'Apple Experience' event for March 4 at 9:00 a.m. ET with likely venues in New York, London and Shanghai. Based on Bloomberg, TechRadar and Engadget reports, the show could include a budget MacBook powered by the A18 Pro with 8GB of RAM to keep costs down. Price chatter centers around $699-$799. The lineup may also feature refreshed MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, including a redesigned chiplet architecture and higher CPU/GPU core counts. Delays for the M4 Max hint at cadence pressure. In the tablet line, whispers point to a base iPad with A18 and an iPad Air with an M4 chip. Plans can shift ahead of the event.

Pixel 10a trade-ins boosted for Pixel A-series; iPhone and Galaxy deals noted

February 18, 2026, 8:42 PM EST. Google's Pixel 10a launch brings boosted trade-in values for older Pixel A-series devices. The Pixel 4a and Pixel 5a earn a $100 credit toward the Pixel 10a on the Google Store, double what you'd get for a Pixel 9a or Pixel 10. The Pixel 6a climbs to $125, underlining the upgrade pull as updates near end. Google also flags the Pixel 7a as a top choice for maximizing value. Non-Google brands show selective deals, with the iPhone 13 highlighted as a strong trade-in. Best Buy offers a $100 gift card with pre-orders; Amazon and others vary by device and may require sacrifices such as bonuses or perks.

Apple to end support for Intel-based Mac apps next year

February 18, 2026, 8:38 PM EST. Apple will end support for Intel-based Mac apps next year, forcing users to upgrade to Apple Silicon versions. To identify affected software, open System Information, choose Applications under Software, and inspect the Kind column for Intel entries. Apps marked Apple Silicon or Universal will run on future Macs. For device fleets managed with MDM tools such as Jamf Pro, administrators can run commands like mdfind or use tools from iMazing to locate Intel-based apps. Apple says the shift will push customers to upgrade; newer M5 Macs are in production and promise stronger performance.

Apple's iPadOS 26.4 public beta arrives with new features; beta program open to all iPad users

February 18, 2026, 8:36 PM EST. Apple has released the iPadOS 26.4 public beta for all iPad owners. The first public build invites users to try upcoming software before its general release. To participate, sign up at beta.apple.com and install the beta update through the iPad's Settings app. Public betas offer early access to features but may carry bugs and performance issues. This latest release follows a relatively small iPadOS 26.3 update and appears to pack more changes in early beta builds. Apple notes that more features could appear in subsequent weekly iterations as testers provide feedback. Readers who have installed the beta are encouraged to share discoveries in comments. This story will be updated as new features are revealed.

Five Apple products to watch at March 4 event, per Gurman

February 18, 2026, 8:34 PM EST. Apple is preparing a five-product slate for a March 4 event, with invites issued for in-person shows in New York, London and Shanghai. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has outlined a busy early-2026 hardware cycle, including a potential iPhone 17e that could replace last year's iPhone 16e at a $599 price point. The device is said to include the A19 chip and MagSafe, though some reports describe the A19 as a "binned" variant with fewer GPU cores and 8GB RAM plus upgraded storage. Alongside the iPhone, Apple is expected to unveil an iPad and multiple Macs. The event is targeted for the week of March 2, with a formal date of March 4, 9 a.m. ET, per invites.

Panama: fixed internet grows while mobile market stalls, regulator says

February 18, 2026, 8:32 PM EST. Panama's fixed broadband subs rose 2.8% in 2025 to 783,609, with penetration up to 51%, regulator Asep said. The mobile market slows after operator exits, leaving Tigo and Cable & Wireless Panama (+Móvil) as the main players. HFC accounts for 70.2% of fixed internet, fiber optic 25.8%, with other wireless at 1.5% microwave and 0.8% satellite. Mobile lines total about 3.99 million prepaid and 1.07 million postpaid, with overall penetration around 111%, far below the 2022 peak of 152%. LTE/4G reach rose to 83.9%. About 68% of Panama is covered by mobile networks. By end-2025, mobile service revenue is seen at B613 million and B591 million in other services, roughly in line with 2024.

Microsoft pledges $50 billion to bridge AI divide, targets Global North and Global South

February 18, 2026, 8:28 PM EST. Microsoft says it will invest $50 billion by 2030 to bring AI to lower-income countries, announced at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi as policymakers weigh how technology could widen or narrow gaps. A Microsoft report shows AI usage in the Global North is roughly twice that of the Global South, a gap the company says must be closed with cross-border partnerships to avoid leaving poorer countries behind. The plan, part of broader spending including data centers and internet expansion, compares with about $80 billion Microsoft spent on data centers last year, with more than half in the United States. Officials warn AI could function as a shared public good if adopted broadly, but without urgent effort the divide could persist for decades.

Google's Project Toscana aims to bring Face ID-style unlock to Pixel devices

February 18, 2026, 8:24 PM EST. Google is developing an advanced facial recognition system codenamed Project Toscana, reportedly tested on Pixel phones and Chromebooks in Mountain View. Anonymous sources cited by Android Authority say Toscana matches the speed of Apple's Face ID and works reliably in low light. If finalized, the feature would be a major upgrade for Pixel security, potentially enabling payments and secure app access. Google has previously experimented with face unlock methods-the Pixel 4 used radar and IR sensors, while later Pixels used camera-based unlock-so Toscana would unify those efforts under one system.

New MacBook with fun colors could challenge the MacBook Air for the mass market

February 18, 2026, 8:22 PM EST. Apple plans to revive a suffix-free MacBook, aiming to dethrone the MacBook Air for the mass market. Analysts expect a starting price near $699, substantially cheaper than the Air, with several fun colors to drive appeal. The device targets basic tasks-web browsing, email, messaging, productivity apps-and tight integration with the iPhone ecosystem. An A18 Pro chip with about 8GB RAM could suffice for the average consumer, though power users may want more. If the launch succeeds, the model could become the default Mac for many; long-time or professional users may find it lacking. Details on availability remain unclear.

RetroArch brings retro gaming to Apple TV after emulator approval

February 18, 2026, 8:20 PM EST. Apple updated App Store rules in 2024 to allow emulators, triggering a surge of retro-gaming apps. RetroArch, a free, open-source emulator, runs on iPhone, iPad and now Apple TV, letting players load ROMs for Genesis, NES, PS1, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS and more. It supports MFi controllers, netplay, AI translations, key remapping, shaders, overlays and cheats, and can sync save data across Apple devices. Legal questions swirl around BIOS and ROM files; emulation is lawful when users dump their own hardware data, but many ROMs come from unofficial sources. Local laws vary. The setup is arguably tougher on Apple TV than on iPhone/iPad, particularly for persistent storage of large libraries.

iOS 26.4 beta adds per-device hotspot data usage in Settings

February 18, 2026, 8:12 PM EST. Apple's iOS 26.4 beta 1, released yesterday, adds a per-device look at hotspot data usage. In Settings, users can open Personal Hotspot and tap the Data Usage menu at the bottom to see how much data each connected device has consumed. The display appears only after the hotspot has been used recently and can be reset by clearing the overall Cellular usage statistics in Settings. The feature helps owners track data across their own devices or guests connected to the hotspot. Apple previously stored this information in a less visible location, but many users may not have known it existed. The change offers a practical tool for data-conscious users who rely on iPhone tethering.

Apple accelerates AI wearables with glasses, pendant and AI-enabled AirPods

February 18, 2026, 8:10 PM EST. Bloomberg reports Apple is accelerating development of three wearable devices-smart glasses, a pendant, and AirPods with expanded AI capabilities-centered on Siri and using visual context to act. The devices, linked to the iPhone, rely on camera systems of varying capabilities; the glasses will be more upscale, while the AirPods and pendant have lower-resolution cameras designed for AI tasks rather than photos. Tim Cook, in an all-hands meeting, signaled a push into AI devices and new product categories. Apple is preparing a version of Siri for iOS 27 using underlying models co-developed with Google. The moves come as Apple seeks to keep users in the ecosystem amid a broader AI arms race with Meta and OpenAI. Shares rose briefly on the Bloomberg report.

UK dataset finds EV batteries outlasting cars; average SoH near 95%

February 18, 2026, 8:00 PM EST. London-based Generational analyzed more than 8,000 battery tests across 36 automakers, finding the average EV battery State of Health (SoH) at 95.15% of original capacity. The data cover passenger cars and light commercial vehicles aged up to 12 years and with up to 160,000 miles. Across the sample, 4-5 year-old EVs show a median SoH of 93.53%, while 8-9 year-olds sit at 85%. High-mileage EVs (100,000+ miles) frequently report 88-95% SoH. The study notes a widening performance gap with age: bottom quartile around 82% and top quartile about 90% in older cars. Mileage alone is no longer a reliable predictor. Verified testing data could become as standard as service records, reducing uncertainty and supporting used-EV pricing and buyer confidence.

Samsung resumes Google Play System updates on newer Galaxy phones

February 18, 2026, 7:48 PM EST. Google Play System updates, small updates delivered via Google Play that improve features and security without a full OS upgrade, have resumed on recent Galaxy models. Samsung paused these updates late last year to avoid issues with new devices and One UI, and now several newer devices are receiving January 2026 builds. Reports from owners of Galaxy S24 series, S24 FE, S25 series, A55 5G and Z Fold 7 indicate the rollout is gradual; some devices still show November 2025 updates. Samsung appears to be unblocking updates as it gears toward the Galaxy S26 launch and One UI 8.5 release. The refreshed Play System updates typically bring features such as Theft Detection Lock, Instant Hotspot, and improvements to Quick Share and Google Wallet.

Google's Pixel 10a mirrors the 9a as price-driven trade-offs cap upgrades

February 18, 2026, 7:44 PM EST. Google's Pixel 10a is nearly identical to last year's Pixel 9a, breaking little with the midrange formula. It keeps the Tensor G4 instead of the newer G5 found in the Pixel 10, and a 6.3-inch pOLED display with slightly thinner bezels. Google says the design choices are price-driven at $499, with memory costs cited as a factor but not detailed. The 10a keeps a 5,100 mAh battery, but charges faster-up to 30W wired and 10W wireless- and uses Corning Gorilla Glass 7i for better scratch resistance. A camera ring is gone, reducing a visible bump. Peak brightness rises to 3,000 nits. No PixelSnap Qi2 charging. Availability for preorder now, with sales starting March 5. Berry and Fog colors accompany Pixel Buds 2a.

Huawei launches Travel Escort safety feature for phones and wearables, and HarmonyOS NEXT 5.0.1.120 update

February 18, 2026, 7:40 PM EST. Huawei unveiled a new Travel Escort safety feature for its smartphones and wearables, designed to support drivers with health concerns. The system reports real-time heart rate and personal medical information to a rescue center via an E-CALL when an emergency is triggered, helping coordinate rescue efforts and prompting hospitals to prepare medications. Access is via eligible vehicles' Vehicle Status > Travel Escort; scan a QR code in Control Center to set up Personal Emergency Information and enable data syncing with a smartwatch. Huawei also pushed HarmonyOS NEXT 5.0.1.120 for devices including the Mate 60 series and Pura 70, with system-stability improvements. The feature requires Bluetooth to be enabled across the vehicle's infotainment system, the phone, and the watch.

iOS 26.4 adds voice-based AI app support to CarPlay

February 18, 2026, 7:38 PM EST. iOS 26.4 beta 1 introduces voice-based AI apps in CarPlay. Apple lists supported categories in its CarPlay Developer Guide, including Audio, Communication, Driving task, EV charging, Fueling, Navigation, Parking, Public safety, Quick food ordering, and Voice-based conversational apps. Apps must launch with voice as the primary modality and respond to requests without displaying text or imagery, designed for the driving environment. Adoption now rests with developers; Apple has added the underlying support, but OpenAI and Google must update their apps to run in CarPlay. Siri remains separate; access to ChatGPT will require the dedicated app on the car's screen. Separate groundwork continues for video viewing on CarPlay.

Apple's 26.4 betas test encrypted RCS, restore Safari Compact tab, and extend Stolen Device Protection

February 18, 2026, 7:36 PM EST. Apple's 26.4 betas introduce encrypted RCS messaging for testing, though initially limited to Apple-to-Apple devices. The feature is not in the final 26.4 release and will roll out later across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS. In beta, encrypted chats will show a lock icon, mirroring HTTPS. The company upgrades the RCS Universal Profile to 3.0, unlocking interim improvements from 2.5 to 2.7-such as editing, recalling messages, and inline replies previously reserved for iMessage. Separately, the return of the Compact Safari tab view arrives with macOS 12 Monterey/iPadOS 15 beta cycles, was removed in earlier 26.x builds, and is restored in 26.4. Finally, Stolen Device Protection remains on by default in iOS 17.3-era builds, adding biometric checks for sensitive data after a device is stolen.

Deutsche Bank AI study maps future job disruption across sectors

February 18, 2026, 7:34 PM EST. Deutsche Bank Research Institute tapped its proprietary AI tool, dbLumina, and Google's Gemini 2.5 Pro to forecast which sectors may be displaced. In a meta-experiment dubbed a great rebalancing, the model flags data-rich, repetitive tasks as most at risk, while roles demanding human empathy or dexterity in unstructured environments may endure-for now. IT and Software emerge as paradoxical casualties, since software development rests on logic-target for automation. The report notes over 85% of developers already use AI coding assistants, with productivity gains up to 60%. Finance and customer service follow, predicting robo-advisors could drive nearly 80% of retail investment guidance by 2027, and AI handling about 75% of customer interactions by 2026. Media and entertainment are flagged for disruption too; limits are acknowledged.

Huawei launches Travel Escort travel-protection feature for smartphones and wearables

February 18, 2026, 7:32 PM EST. Huawei unveils Travel Escort, a new travel-protection feature for its smartphones and wearables. The capability reports the user's personal emergency information and real-time heart rate to a rescue center via an E-CALL when a vehicle emergency occurs, helping rescue teams and hospitals prepare. It targets drivers with health concerns and requires Bluetooth to be enabled on the vehicle's infotainment system, the user's phone, and a linked smartwatch. Access is via Vehicle Status > Travel Escort to generate a QR code, then the phone's Control Center Scan function. If a compatible smartwatch with authorized heart-rate syncing is connected, data flow can proceed automatically. Huawei also released HarmonyOS NEXT 5.0.1.120 for the Mate 60 series, Pura 70, and other phones, with system-stability improvements.

Free open-source tool Winhance debloats Windows 11 by removing bloatware

February 18, 2026, 7:26 PM EST. PCWorld highlights Winhance, a free open-source tool that makes removing Windows 11 bloatware and other pre-installed apps straightforward. The GUI consolidates system tweaks, with tabs for updates, security, privacy, appearance and the taskbar. On first launch the software checks whether System Restore is enabled. Users tick apps to uninstall and click Remove Selected Items. After removal, items show status dots-green to red; red with a cross means the item can't be reinstalled, blue recycling means it can be reinstalled later. The External Software tab lists additional software to install or uninstall. Available free on GitHub, Winhance aims to simplify debloating Windows and speed up setup, echoing Linux-style configurability.

Huawei launches Travel Escort safety feature for smartphones and wearables

February 18, 2026, 7:22 PM EST. Huawei unveiled a Travel Escort safety feature for its smartphones and wearables, designed to relay the user's personal medical data and real-time heart rate to rescue services during travel. The capability is part of HarmonyOS NEXT 5.0.1.120 and supports devices such as the Mate 60 series and Pura 70. Huawei says the feature can prompt hospitals to prepare medications ahead of time in emergencies. When an emergency call is triggered, E-CALL reports personal emergency information and real-time heart rate to the rescue center, with Bluetooth enabled on the vehicle's infotainment system, the phone, and the watch. Access is via Vehicle Status > Travel Escort to scan a QR code, then enter medical details; if linked to a smartwatch with approved data sync, data can flow automatically. The update also improves system stability and fixes internal issues.

Free open-source tool Winhance helps debloat Windows 11, PCWorld reports

February 18, 2026, 7:12 PM EST. PCWorld highlights Winhance, a free, open-source tool that makes removing Windows 11 bloatware, ads and preinstalled apps straightforward. The program centralizes setup options in one interface, with tabs for updates, security, privacy and appearance tweaks, including taskbar customization. After install, it runs a first-boot check of System Restore, then lists preinstalled programs for easy uninstall via checkboxes and a Remove Selected Items button. External software is managed on a separate tab, letting users install or remove programs with similar controls. Color-coded status icons show progress (green for installed, red for removed; blue recycling for reinstall). Winhance consolidates multiple settings, potentially easing Windows configuration much like Linux.

Free open-source Winhance tool lets Windows 11 debloat

February 18, 2026, 7:06 PM EST. PCWorld highlights Winhance, a free, open-source tool that makes debloating Windows 11 straightforward by letting users remove bloatware and unwanted pre-installed apps via a simple checklist interface. The app consolidates system tweaks under tabs for updates, security, privacy, and customizing Windows appearance and the taskbar, promising a Linux-like setup experience. Winhance is available free on GitHub as an open-source project. To use it, download and install, then wait as the program checks whether System Restore is enabled. The first screen shows Windows' bundled apps; users tick items and choose Remove Selected Items. Icons indicate status: green to red dots, with blue recycling showing reinstall. An External Software tab handles external programs with the same install/uninstall controls.

Amazon cuts $100 off Apple Watch Series 11 to $329 for 46mm jet black model

February 18, 2026, 6:50 PM EST. Amazon cuts $100 off the Apple Watch Series 11, bringing the 46mm jet black aluminum model to $329. The retailer also discounts other colors by $30 to $399. The Series 11 adds an always-on display, a tougher screen and health features such as hypertension alerts, a sleep score and heart-rate monitoring alongside step tracking. Apple says it delivers up to 24 hours of normal use after a few battery cycles; the watch is IPX6 dustproof. CNET's Vanessa Hand Orellana notes the battery life claim. The article compares the Series 11 with the Ultra 3 to help buyers decide. Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team and may be unrelated to the article. The price drop is time-limited, so acting quickly is advised.

Apple Watch Series 11 gets $100 off at Amazon, price drops to $329

February 18, 2026, 6:48 PM EST. Amazon is discounting the Apple Watch Series 11 by $100, bringing the 46mm jet black model with an aluminum case and medium/large band to $329, its lowest price to date. Other colors are discounted by $30, dropping to $399. The watch adds an always-on display, a tougher screen and features like hypertension alerts, a sleep score and heart-rate monitoring alongside step data. It remains thin, lightweight and IPX6 dustproof. CNET reviewer Vanessa Hand Orellana notes the watch runs up to a day on typical use, calling the claim accurate after multiple battery cycles. The article also invites a comparison with the Ultra 3 to help buyers decide. Deals are curated by the CNET Group commerce team and may not reflect the article's core content.

Apple Watch Series 11 gets $100 discount at Amazon, $329 for 46mm model

February 18, 2026, 6:46 PM EST. Amazon is discounting the Apple Watch Series 11 by $100, bringing the 46mm jet-black aluminum model with a medium/large band to $329, its lowest price to date. Other colors drop by $30 to $399. The watch adds an always-on display, tougher screen, and health features such as hypertension alerts, a sleep score, heart-rate monitoring, and multiple health metrics like step counts. The device remains slim and lightweight with IPX6 dust resistance. CNET's Vanessa Hand Orellana cites a claimed up to 24 hours of normal use. Amazon deals for the Watch 11 are time-sensitive, and price moves like this tend to end quickly. For shoppers deciding between models, a related comparison with the Ultra 3 is noted by the retailer.

Nvidia leads U.S. stocks higher as AI optimism and Meta deal lift market

February 18, 2026, 6:44 PM EST. New York – U.S. stocks rose as Nvidia led gains, underscored by a Meta Platforms partnership that would deploy Nvidia chips in its AI data centers. The S&P 500 gained 0.6% and stood within 1.4% of its late-month high, as the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed about 116 points and the Nasdaq rose around 1% at 2:15 p.m. ET. Nvidia's stock rose about 2.2% on the Meta deal, while Meta moved between losses and gains. Investors weighed AI spending against potential profits and productivity gains. Earnings supported the rally, with Cadence Design Systems up 9.2% and Analog Devices up 1.8% after quarterly results. Moderna also rose about 5% on regulatory news.

Nvidia leads US stocks higher as AI optimism drives market rally

February 18, 2026, 6:42 PM EST. NEW YORK – The S&P 500 rose 0.6% and neared its late-month high, as Nvidia again steered markets. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up about 116 points (0.2%), while the Nasdaq Composite gained roughly 1%. Nvidia climbed 2.2% after Meta Platforms said it would deploy Nvidia chips and related gear for its AI data centers, underscoring demand's pull on chipmakers. Nvidia's strength helped keep the rally intact, given its weight on the index. Investors weighed AI-spending costs and whether firms can translate those outlays into higher profits. Profit beats from Cadence Design Systems and Analog Devices lifted sentiment, signaling steady demand in software tooling and data-center hardware. The day shows AI-driven moves and ongoing earnings scrutiny.

NASA loosens rules, allows iPhones on Artemis II missions to the Moon

February 18, 2026, 6:20 PM EST. NASA has eased restrictions on mobile devices for crewed spaceflight, permitting iPhones on the upcoming Crew-12 and Artemis II missions. Administrator Jared Isaacman said smartphones will help crews document moments for families and share images with the public, expanding beyond the older gear like a 2016 Nikon DSLR and GoPros. The move marks a bureaucratic shift, with NASA rethinking standard approval processes that have long required extensive testing. Apple devices are likely to be joined by other smartphones in the future. The decision comes decades after iPhones first joined orbital missions, underscoring a broader trend toward in-cabin, personal-device documentation in space.

NASA loosens rules, allows iPhones on Artemis II and Moon missions

February 18, 2026, 6:18 PM EST. NASA has eased restrictions to let astronauts bring modern smartphones on space missions, starting with Crew-12 and the Artemis II lunar flight. Administrator Jared Isaacman said on X that crews will carry iPhones to document moments and share footage with families and the public. NASA may approve other smartphones later. The change follows a lengthy approval process and reflects a broader push to speed bureaucratic checks. The phones could outperform the older 2016 Artemis II gear – a Nikon DSLR and GoPro setup – for in-flight snaps. iPhones have flown in space before; in 2011 two iPhone 4s went to orbit. The policy broadens in-flight documentation opportunities.

Ohio bill targets AI chatbots that encourage self-harm or harm to others, proposes penalties

February 18, 2026, 6:14 PM EST. Columbus, Ohio – A bipartisan bill in the Ohio House would penalize developers and owners of AI models that encourage self-harm or harm to others. House Bill 524 envisions graduated penalties, including civil actions and fines up to $50,000 per violation, with investigations led by the attorney general and potential cease-and-desist orders. The measure would also divert civil penalties to the 9-8-8 Fund, supporting the state's Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Supporters cite rising teen AI use and reports of AI-assisted suicide notes, arguing safeguards are needed while not stifling innovation. Sponsors say the bill aims to protect vulnerable Ohioans and keep the industry thriving. Other states have enacted mental health safeguards, seeking a national standard to avoid a patchwork of rules.

Ohio bill would fine AI developers for chatbots that encourage self-harm or harm to others

February 18, 2026, 6:12 PM EST. A bipartisan bill in the Ohio House would let state authorities pursue graduated penalties against developers and owners of AI models that prompt users to harm themselves or others. HB 524 authorizes the attorney general to investigate alleged violations, issue cease-and-desist orders, and file civil lawsuits seeking injunctive relief, damages and civil penalties. Courts could impose up to $50,000 per violation; suits may be filed within six years of the incident. Funds collected would go to the 9-8-8 Fund, which supports Ohio's Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Sponsors say the law would protect vulnerable users while not stifling innovation. They point to other states such as California, Illinois, Nevada, New York and Utah that have passed mental-health AI regulations. President Trump has called for a national standard to avoid a patchwork of state rules.

Ohio bill would fine AI chatbots that encourage self-harm or harm to others

February 18, 2026, 6:10 PM EST. A bipartisan Ohio House bill would authorize graduated penalties against AI developers and owners that encourage self-harm or harm to others. HB 524 lets the attorney general investigate, issue a cease-and-desist order, and sue for injunctive relief, damages and penalties. Penalties can reach up to $50,000 per violation, with lawsuits possible for six years after a violation. Funds won go to the 9-8-8 Fund supporting the Crisis Lifeline. Sponsors say the measure protects vulnerable users without blocking innovation. The bill follows moves in California, Illinois, Nevada, New York and Utah to regulate AI mental-health disclosures, and a push for a national standard to prevent a patchwork of state laws. They cite rising teen use of AI and cases tying AI to suicide notes.

Why Amazon, Alphabet and Microsoft's AI spending could prove prudent for cloud leaders

February 18, 2026, 6:02 PM EST. Tech giants Amazon, Alphabet and Microsoft are pouring money into AI, a move some investors view as costly without immediate returns. The argument: patient capital today could unlock long-term value as AI monetization scales over decades. The companies' main upside is their cloud computing businesses, which rent excess computing capacity to clients who lack own data centers. Cloud infrastructure lowers upfront costs and reduces risk for AI startups. OpenAI's shift from exclusive Azure hosting to some in-house data centers shows demand for compute staying sticky. Once these providers reach peak capacity, ongoing maintenance and hardware replacement could yield steady cash flow. AWS, Alphabet's cloud, and Microsoft Azure remain the core drivers, with growth likely to accelerate as AI spending expands in coming years.

SpaceX to launch Falcon 9 from Vandenberg overnight; viewing options

February 18, 2026, 6:00 PM EST. SpaceX plans an overnight Falcon 9 launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, its 11th flight of 2026. The two-stage, 230-foot rocket will deploy 25 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit, with a four-hour launch window opening at 12 a.m. PT on Friday, Feb. 20. A backup opportunity would follow the next day if postponed. The launch will occur from Space Launch Complex 4E on a southern trajectory. Public viewing at Vandenberg is not allowed on the base, but several coastal sites around Santa Barbara and Los Angeles may offer vantage points, weather permitting. Check with local outlets for the latest timing, as weather or technical issues can delay liftoff.

Pixel 9 gains Quick Share-AirDrop interoperability with Apple devices

February 18, 2026, 5:54 PM EST. Google has confirmed that Quick Share-AirDrop interoperability is rolling out to the Pixel 9 series. The feature lets Pixel devices send files to Apple devices via AirDrop and is starting today for the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Some users report the option appearing earlier, suggesting a soft launch. The cross-platform transfer mirrors native AirDrop behavior, delivering peer-to-peer transfers that don't route data through servers. Google says privacy and speed are core, with multi-layer security safeguards. The Pixel 9a remains unsupported for now. Google adds the rollout will occur in phases over weeks, and the company is collaborating with Android OEMs to extend Quick Share-AirDrop compatibility to more devices later this year.

Pixel 9 gains Quick Share-AirDrop interoperability with Apple devices

February 18, 2026, 5:50 PM EST. Google formally confirms Quick Share-AirDrop interoperability for the Pixel 9 family, with the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL and Pixel 9 Pro Fold able to exchange files with iPhones, iPads and Macs. The feature, already visible in some units, rolls out in phases over the coming weeks and marks a shift from an earlier Pixel-10-only cross-platform limit. Transfers are peer-to-peer, not routed via servers, and Google touts multi-layer security and speed safeguards. The company says the functionality will broaden to other Android devices via OEM partnerships later this year, though the Pixel 9a remains excluded for now.

SpaceX to launch Falcon 9 from Vandenberg overnight; watch for Starlink mission

February 18, 2026, 5:46 PM EST. SpaceX aims to lift off the 11th rocket of 2026 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, a Falcon 9 carrying Starlink satellites. The four-hour window opens at 12 a.m. PT on Friday, Feb. 20, with a backup opportunity the following day if weather or technical issues delay the flight. The 230-foot two-stage booster will fly a southern trajectory from Space Launch Complex 4E, deploying 25 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit. Public viewing is limited at Vandenberg, but several sites around the coast offer distant views, weather permitting. Check local updates for final timing; delays are common in spaceflight.

SpaceX to launch nearly 30 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral; booster to land on drone ship

February 18, 2026, 5:44 PM EST. SpaceX plans to launch nearly 30 Starlink satellites on Thursday night using a Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The launch window runs 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET, with the 45th Weather Squadron forecasting a 95% chance of acceptable conditions and no major liftoff concerns. The first-stage booster, B1077, has flown crews and multiple Starlink missions. After stage separation, it is expected to land on the drone ship Just Read the Instructions in the Atlantic off the Bahamas. SpaceX will deploy 29 satellites into low-Earth orbit to expand the network. Dr. Jonathan McDowell of the Harvard-Smithsonian notes 9,708 Starlink satellites in orbit, 8,532 in operational orbit, prior to this launch.

Microsoft Phone Link: features, setup and potential drawbacks

February 18, 2026, 5:40 PM EST. Microsoft's Phone Link lets a Windows PC act as a window into a connected phone, handling texts, calls, photos and more. On Android, it can mirror the screen, run apps, forward notifications and stream audio to the PC. It also shows a photo feed and enables quick file transfer and clipboard sharing. On iPhone, support is more limited-texts, calls and notifications remain, with fewer cross-device controls. Setup runs through Windows 11 or later Windows 10, using a QR code to connect the phone's Link to Windows app to the PC. Features include Do Not Disturb, device search, and a quick reconnect if the connection drops. The integration is useful for some workflows but may miss deeper iPhone interoperability or reliability for others, so some users may skip it.

Microsoft Phone Link explained: features, setup and caveats

February 18, 2026, 5:38 PM EST. Microsoft's Phone Link turns a Windows PC into a window on your smartphone. It works with texts, calls, photos and more, and can mirror your Android screen on a touchscreen PC for easy navigation. On Android, it offers full integration: messaging, Do Not Disturb, notification management, music playback control, and drag-and-drop photo transfers. iPhone support is more limited but still lets you handle texts, calls and notifications. The app also lets you lock your PC, share files, view clipboard content, and find files sent from the PC. A quick QR code setup pairs the device, and Instant Hotspot can turn on the phone's hotspot. If connectivity breaks, a click rebinds devices. Windows prompts guide setup on Windows 11 and newer Windows 10.

SpaceX to launch nearly 30 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral

February 18, 2026, 5:30 PM EST. SpaceX plans to launch nearly 30 Starlink satellites aboard a Falcon 9 from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The Starlink 10-36 mission is slated for Thursday night with an opening window from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET. The 45th Weather Squadron gave a 95% chance of favorable conditions, a rare forecast with no cumulus cloud concerns. The first-stage booster, B1077, has flown multiple Starlink missions and one crewed flight. After stage separation, it is expected to land on the drone ship Just Read the Instructions in the Atlantic off the Bahamas. Harvard-Smithsonian's Dr. Jonathan McDowell notes the Starlink fleet totals about 9,708 satellites in orbit, of which 8,532 are in operational orbit, underscoring the evolving global coverage.

Google Home updates add predefined voice actions and routine deletion; web gains longer video clip downloads

February 18, 2026, 5:26 PM EST. Google's Home app update doubles down on automation. The mid-February release adds pre-defined voice actions to the Automation editor, speeding routine creation with options like Announce current time, Announce today's weather, Play music, and more. The actions appear in the Add action pane for compatible devices and are limited to the full Automation editor; they won't appear in Ask Home or AI-assisted flows. Users can still use the Ask Google action to craft custom commands. The update also lets users delete preloaded routines such as Good morning and Bedtime, freeing space for frequently used automations. Separately, Google Home for the web gains a feature to download video clips up to five minutes long, spanning overlapping short clips. The company said it will continue expanding home automation capabilities.

Engineer's candid take on AI at work resonates with workers

February 18, 2026, 5:22 PM EST. An engineer's candid take on AI in the workplace has resonated with workers across teams. The assessment centers on practical benefits and clear limits: AI can automate repetitive tasks, augment decision-making and speed outcomes, but it must be governed and transparent. Managers describe a mix of cautious optimism and concern over training, job security and skills bottlenecks. The message-shared through internal forums and social feeds-frames AI as a tool that needs guardrails, not hype. Experts say the conversation now hinges on upskilling, governance, and measurable outcomes rather than abstractions. In short, the engineer's honest take is driving a broader, grounded dialogue about deploying AI responsibly in the workplace.

Engineer's honest take on AI in the workplace resonates with workers

February 18, 2026, 5:20 PM EST. An engineer's candid take on AI in the workplace is resonating with colleagues. The engineer, who asked for anonymity, says AI tools can boost productivity when deployed transparently and with guardrails. Workers describe mixed feelings about task shifts, monitoring, and job security, but value clear goals and human oversight. Across several teams, people say AI should augment judgment, not replace it. Experts distinguish between narrow AI that handles specific tasks and broader systems that demand governance. The remarks come as firms expand automation and retraining programs. For workers, open communication, fair evaluation, and new skills are as important as the technology itself.

iOS 26.4 beta brings Blood Oxygen to Health Vitals, adds Sleep Highlight in Apple Health

February 18, 2026, 5:16 PM EST. Apple released iOS 26.4 beta 1, adding two Health app updates. In Vitals, Blood Oxygen returns to the main chart, bringing five metrics to the view: heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, Blood Oxygen, and sleep duration. The reintroduction follows a January 2024 removal tied to Masimo patent disputes; a redesigned reader launched last August, but the data previously wasn't in Vitals. Sleep Highlight adds a two weeks breakdown of bedtime, showing an average bedtime alongside last night's bedtime for comparison. The update is available to developers and public beta testers now.

Forefront to receive major update and price increase at month-end

February 18, 2026, 5:12 PM EST. Triangle Factory says its VR shooter Forefront will receive a major update and a price increase at the end of February. The company notes the update will roll out alongside the price change; the new price has not been disclosed. Forefront is currently priced at $22.99 and is available on Meta Quest, Steam, and Pico. The game has continued to receive updates since its Early Access launch, adding new maps and weapons, balancing changes, and graphics improvements. In mid-February, Triangle Factory announced PS VR2 support is planned later this year. The 32-player VR FPS has been praised for its immersive gunplay and large-scale battles, though some balance issues persisted in early builds.

Sandisk aims to join Nvidia in AI infrastructure through flash storage surge

February 18, 2026, 5:10 PM EST. Sandisk is staking a claim in the AI infrastructure chain, backed by its flash storage used across devices-from smartphones to cloud data centers. In the quarter ending Jan. 2, 2026, data-center revenue jumped 76% year over year to about $440 million, underscoring AI-driven demand for faster, more efficient SSDs. CEO David V. Goeckeler said hyperscalers, edge and enterprise data centers, OEMs and system integrators are deploying AI at scale, making Sandisk a key enabler. SSDs can lower the total cost of operation for AI deployments through lower energy use and faster transfers; some estimates say flash can cut power use and rack counts versus HDDs. Sandisk has surged about 1,600% since listing, fueling questions whether it can become a pioneering player in AI like Nvidia.

SpaceX seeks to expand Starbase footprint in Texas

February 18, 2026, 5:08 PM EST. SpaceX seeks to expand the Starbase footprint in Texas, proposing to annex 7,133 acres across Cameron County near Boca Chica Beach. Starbase, incorporated as its own town in 2025, would extend to include thousands of acres for its headquarters and Starship operations. The plan would expand a site about 180 miles south of Corpus Christi, where SpaceX builds and tests the Starship rocket. About half the land is owned by SpaceX and private groups; much is reportedly state and federally protected. The Starbase City Commission will meet Feb. 18, amid controversy that the move will increase local control by Elon Musk's company. Officials said the expansion could help SpaceX debut a new Starship version in March from the site.

Scout AI tests battlefield-ready AI agents with explosive drones

February 18, 2026, 5:06 PM EST. In a demonstration at an undisclosed California base, Scout AI showed autonomous systems aimed at battlefield use. An off-road vehicle and two drones were tasked to locate a truck and strike it with an explosive charge. CEO Colby Adcock told Reuters the goal is to bring next-generation AI to the military, turning a hyperscaler foundation model into a warfighter. The company joins a wave of startups adapting AI from labs for defense use, a trend policymakers say could influence future U.S. military advantage. Critics warn large language models can be unpredictable and cybersecurity concerns arise before deployment at scale. The demo involved Fury Orchestrator issuing commands to a cloud or air-gapped model and other smaller models, illustrating the shift from chatbot helpers to wartime systems.

Alphabet's Lyria 3 AI music model debuts in Gemini to attract creators

February 18, 2026, 5:02 PM EST. Alphabet's Lyria 3, the latest generative music model, will be available in the Gemini app. Users can describe a song idea, upload photos and videos, and Lyria 3 will generate a 30-second track with custom cover art. The feature extends Alphabet's frontier AI tools across its products, aiming to deepen engagement. By improving YouTube Shorts soundtracks, Lyria 3 could entice creators to post more on YouTube rather than rivals like TikTok and Instagram Reels. Alphabet has framed this as part of AI-driven user experiences across its services. The update comes as investors monitor Alphabet's ability to convert AI tools into broader usage and monetization.

Google Home adds pre-defined actions to automation editor, lets users delete routines and extends web video clip downloads

February 18, 2026, 4:58 PM EST. Google is expanding the Google Home app with new pre-defined actions in the automation editor, letting users add common tasks to routines with a tap. The actions sit under the Devices type and include options to announce the current time, weather, set an alarm, play chimes, music, news, podcasts, radio, sleep sounds, and jokes. The additions currently work only in the automation editor and aren't yet supported by Ask Home or Help me create. In another change, Google now lets users delete built-in routines, reducing clutter. A new feedback menu lets you tap and hold an automation to report issues quickly. Also, Google Home for web now supports continuous video clip downloads up to five minutes.

Micron bets $200 billion on AI memory capacity with new fabs in US and Japan

February 18, 2026, 4:54 PM EST. Micron Technology plans about $200 billion to expand memory fabs in the US and Japan, including sites in New York and Idaho, to anchor its role in AI infrastructure. The company says its entire high bandwidth memory (HBM) output is already allocated through 2026, with customers signing multi-year supply agreements. The expansion aims to secure capacity for hyperscalers and OEMs, while rivals like Samsung and SK Hynix also grow. The plan carries a risk to free cash flow if AI demand softens, even as HBM4 broadens the product line. Investors will watch whether the spend translates into durable differentiation and greater customer share rather than mere capacity.

T-Mobile 5G Home Internet offers Month On Us promo with up to $300 cashback

February 18, 2026, 4:50 PM EST. T-Mobile's 5G Home Internet is pitched as the fastest, per Ookla® Speedtest. The carrier is running a limited Month On Us offer: use code MONTHONUS at checkout to get a full month of service and up to $300 back via a virtual prepaid card after activating a qualifying new line online. The plan includes unlimited data, a 5-Year Price Guarantee, no annual contracts, and setup in about 15 minutes. J.D. Power ranks it #1 in customer satisfaction for national home wireless internet for a second year. Speeds vary by location; All-In and Amplified plans reach up to 498 Mbps down and 55 Mbps up, with Autopay discounts keeping the price as low as $55/mo for eligible customers.

Pixel Watch 4 gains USB-C travel charger from Wasserstein, starts at $9

February 18, 2026, 4:48 PM EST. Google's Pixel Watch 4 uses a new side-mounted charging dock, which improves speed and props the watch upright but breaks compatibility with many older docks. A new USB-C "On the Go" charger from Wasserstein aims to fix that. The compact accessory provides the contacts for both the 41mm and 45mm models, lacks a fixed cable, and offers a USB-C port plus a loop and clip for travel. Early user reviews highlight a strong magnet and charging at the same rate as the OEM charger. At $9 on Wasserstein's site, it's far cheaper than Google's $29.99 charger. Retailers price it higher: Amazon at about $29.99, Best Buy around $34.99 (and often out of stock). Wasserstein did not provide comment on price gaps; the concept mirrors docks used by OnePlus and the Pebble reboot.

Galaxy Z TriFold shows rare, early display failures in user reports

February 18, 2026, 4:36 PM EST. Samsung's Galaxy Z TriFold has sparked early reports of display issues among a very limited user base. Posts on Reddit (noted by Android Headlines) describe units that die or register phantom touches weeks after purchase. In one case, a month of use ended with an unresponsive screen; in another, a white display and a popping sound accompanied opening and closing. A separate report shows a left-edge line of broken pixels. The issues appear uncommon and not clearly widespread, mirroring what's been seen with Galaxy Z Fold devices in early generations. At $2,899, buyers confront potential warranty repairs or replacements if problems persist. Samsung is currently out of stock for the TriFold, with restock notifications available.

Gemini app expands music generation with Lyria 3 for all users

February 18, 2026, 4:34 PM EST. Google DeepMind's Lyria 3 powers the Gemini app's new music feature, now available to all users. The model can generate lyrics automatically from prompts, plus control over style, tempo and vocals to create more realistic, musically complex tracks. Google says the system avoids direct mimicry of specific artists and includes filters to check outputs against existing works. Users can prompt with genres, moods, or memories, or upload a photo or video to guide the track's mood. Final outputs include a 30-second track and custom cover art; tracks are watermarked with SynthID for attribution verification. Availability begins for all users 18+ in multiple languages, with higher limits for Google AI Plus, Pro and Ultra subscribers. Future language expansion planned.

Apple's March announcements may roll out over several days, skipping a live keynote

February 18, 2026, 4:30 PM EST. Apple's March slate may skip a traditional livestream. Multiple reports suggest the tech giant will unveil new hardware in a staggered, non-keynote format. The company routinely stages polished film productions for events like WWDC and the iPhone launch, but the March 'special experience' could pivot to in-person media briefings in New York, London and Shanghai. Rumors point to updates across iPhone, iPad and MacBook lines announced through press releases rather than a live stream. A pair of respected tech journalists have said the launches may come via written announcements rather than a televised show, signaling a shift toward rapid, multi-day coverage rather than a single keynote. Apple did not confirm timing.

Hidden iOS 26.3 Tips Improve Performance, Battery Life on iPhone

February 18, 2026, 4:22 PM EST. Apple's iOS 26.3 update emphasizes performance and battery efficiency, delivering smoother app transitions, faster responses, and longer uptime on older iPhone models, according to iReviews. The release adds usability tweaks: Reminders now supports urgent reminders from the main screen and removes the alarm option from Details for a cleaner layout. Password management is simplified with a new Generated Passwords feature that reveals locally created credentials, reducing dependence on third-party managers. The Share Sheet receives a subtle redesign, with a directional arrow replacing the More button to speed navigation. Apple also touts seamless data transfer to Android devices, aiming to ease cross-platform handoffs. The changes focus on reliability, efficiency and straightforward access to core tasks.

I built a digital twin of myself with ChatGPT, and it changed how I work

February 18, 2026, 4:10 PM EST. An early adopter builds a personal AI twin with ChatGPT to automate emails, drafting reports and flagging decisions. The digital twin acts as a System of Action by mirroring your tone, decisions and workflow and learning continuously. It aims to scale expertise and reduce burnout. The process starts with collecting Hero Content-emails, blogs and other writing-then enabling Memory so the model trains on your voice for your use only. A simple brand voice prompt helps define style. Next, the builder uses ChatGPT Plus to create a Custom GPT with the FRED framework: Functionality, Response Style, Expertise, and Document Sources. Finally, calendar integration and real-time automation through apps like Google Calendar and Slack connect the twin to daily workflows.

Palantir moves headquarters to Miami as Florida tech migration accelerates

February 18, 2026, 4:00 PM EST. Palantir announced it has relocated its headquarters from Denver to Miami, according to SEC filings. The move marks the company's second major relocation in six years, after leaving Silicon Valley in 2020. Palantir's HQ address is now at 19505 Biscayne Boulevard, Aventura, Florida. The company is valued at over $300 billion, with 2025 revenue of $4.5 billion and net income of $1.6 billion; 2026 revenue is projected near $7.2 billion. Analysts describe Florida's capital influx as part of a broader tech migration to the state, supported by local leaders. Colorado Gov. Polis said he had no advance notice. Florida officials call the move a watershed moment for national security and AI innovation.

Saudi Arabia's Humain bets $3 billion on Elon Musk's xAI

February 18, 2026, 3:52 PM EST. Saudi Arabia's AI investor Humain has committed $3 billion to xAI, Elon Musk's AI venture. The deal underscores Gulf capital's increasing interest in next-generation AI platforms. Terms and timing were not disclosed. The funding is expected to support research, development and deployment of advanced AI models, though officials have not released specific milestones. The arrangement illustrates a broader trend of cross-border tech investment as investors seek to diversify portfolios in the fast-growing AI sector.

US-China AI race splits into open vs closed models and AGI push

February 18, 2026, 3:46 PM EST. The U.S. and China are racing on multiple AI (artificial intelligence) tracks, not a single showdown. Washington and Beijing have eased some export controls but rolled out new models, deals, and applications ahead of meetings in New Delhi. Analysts say the AI leadership is a multi-event contest: one track pursues dominant open-source models that diffuse quickly; another seeks top closed-source models with tighter control. The U.S. remains ahead in chips, monetization, and many labs, but open-source models are narrowing the gap. A second race targets artificial general intelligence (AGI)-systems with human-level cognition-while China emphasizes rapid diffusion of AI into daily life, from cars to healthcare. Global supply chains and other players could reshape the outcome.

Google Pixel 10a arrives March 5 for $499 with yesteryear design

February 18, 2026, 3:28 PM EST. Google will sell the Pixel 10a on March 5 for $499, with pre-orders starting today. The phone is nearly identical to the Pixel 9a-inside and out-aside from a flatter camera bump and a brighter screen. It runs the Tensor G4, has 8GB RAM and 128/256GB storage, and sports a 6.3-inch pOLED display at 60-120 Hz, now up to 3,000 nits peak brightness with Gorilla Glass 7i. The 5,100 mAh battery supports 30W wired and 10W wireless charging. Recycled materials rise: aluminum frame is 100% recycled; plastic back 81% recycled. A physical SIM slot remains. Software starts on Android 16 with seven years of updates.

TensorCircuit-NG unifies quantum computing, AI and HPC

February 18, 2026, 2:56 PM EST. TensorCircuit-NG aims to unify quantum computing, artificial intelligence and high-performance computing. The platform introduces a tensor-native programming paradigm that blends circuits, tensor networks and neural networks into a single differentiable computational graph, with backends such as JAX, TensorFlow, and PyTorch. It addresses scalable noise modelling and distributed computing, enabling end-to-end quantum machine learning and differentiable optimisation of tensor network states. Validation on GPU clusters shows near-linear speedup in distributed variational quantum algorithms. The team demonstrates flagship applications, including image recognition on CIFAR-100 and converting quantum states into neural networks via classical shadows. This work promises to accelerate quantum software development and allow hybrid algorithms across materials science and machine learning.

iOS 26.4 beta hints at CarPlay video support, Apple TV app in car

February 18, 2026, 2:54 PM EST. Apple's developer-facing beta for iOS 26.4 includes the first signs of CarPlay video support, following Apple's June 2025 plan to allow video playback in cars when stopped. The TV app is shown to indicate compatibility, though the feature isn't yet available to users and automakers must opt in. A developer, Thomas Dye, has demonstrated CarPlay in a simulated environment, revealing UI elements for a video app in CarPlay, including a transfer control for moving video between iPhone and the CarPlay display. The beta also hints at a Settings section labeled Video for future configuration. Officials have not set a release date; automakers will need to implement support before public availability. The development progress suggests CarPlay video could reach cars after iOS 26.4 ships.

Tesla's Cybercab enters production with unfinished self-driving tech

February 18, 2026, 2:50 PM EST. Tesla has rolled the first production Cybercab off its Texas Gigafactory on February 17, 2026, a vehicle with no steering wheel or pedals and relying entirely on vision-based FSD software that isn't ready for unsupervised use. The company aims for volume production in April 2026, at about one unit every ten seconds and with roughly half the parts of a Model 3 under its unboxed manufacturing concept. The 35 kWh pack covers ~200 miles, and inductive charging is included. Tesla notes the robotaxi pilots in Austin and San Francisco show the remaining gap to fully autonomous, safe operation, with regulators still weighing exemptions for vehicles without controls.

Pixel 10A vs iPhone 16E: Is Apple's Budget iPhone Worth the Extra $100?

February 18, 2026, 2:46 PM EST. Google's Pixel 10A starts at $500, packs a 6.3-inch OLED display, a 48-megapixel main camera and a 5,100 mAh battery powered by the Tensor G4. Apple counters with the iPhone 16E at $600, a 6.1-inch OLED panel, and a 60Hz refresh rate, plus a single rear 48-megapixel camera. Pixel offers a higher refresh rate, a hole-punch front camera, and a second ultrawide shooter, while the iPhone 16E uses a Face ID notch and a tighter camera system. Battery life and software differ; camera versatility favors Pixel, while display quality and ecosystem integration favor Apple. With rumors of an iPhone 17E looming, buyers must weigh cost against feature set and long-term update support.

Now is the time to invest in quantum computing, Clemson researchers say

February 18, 2026, 2:44 PM EST. Clemson University researchers urge policymakers and investors to back quantum computing now. They argue early funding accelerates practical breakthroughs in qubit stability, error correction and scalable architectures. The researchers, highlighted by Clemson News, say sustained investment is needed as the field matures and commercial pilots emerge. Quantum computing leverages quantum bits (qubits) to process certain problems faster than classical computers. Skeptics warn of high costs and technical hurdles, but proponents contend national competitiveness and secure supply chains hinge on bold, targeted funding.

Apple plans AI-powered glasses, pendant and AirPods, Bloomberg reports

February 18, 2026, 2:42 PM EST. Apple is moving ahead with three AI devices: smart glasses, an AI-powered pendant, and upgraded AirPods, Bloomberg reports. The glasses reportedly have built-in cameras, connect to the iPhone, and let Siri act on visual context without a built-in display. They aim to identify ingredients, offer directions, and perform tasks based on surroundings, with frames designed in-house. Production could start in December for a 2027 launch, positioning Apple against Meta's smart-glasses lineup. The AI pendant, similar in size to an AirTag, would be worn as a necklace or pin and serve as an always-on camera and microphone prompt for Siri, relying on the iPhone for processing. Upgraded AirPods could include low-resolution cameras to analyze surroundings. Apple's strategy centers on pairing this hardware with the iPhone's processing power.

DJI Avata 2 Fly More Combo on sale for $859 at Amazon

February 18, 2026, 2:40 PM EST. Mashable reports the DJI Avata 2 Fly More Combo is on sale at Amazon for $859, down from $1,199 – a $340 savings and a 28% discount. The bundle includes immersive DJI Goggles, a joystick controller and three batteries. Deal pricing and availability can change after publication. This is the lowest price seen at Amazon to date. The article spotlights the Fly More package for hobbyists seeking extended flight time and quick recharges, with the goggles enabling first-person view and the controller for precise control. The deal comes from Mashable's deal team and notes affiliate considerations. Price noted on February 18, 2026.

LLNL simulates 1 million cislunar satellites; only about 9.7% survive six years

February 18, 2026, 2:38 PM EST. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory used its Quartz and Ruby supercomputers to simulate the trajectories of roughly 1 million cislunar objects, the region between Earth and the Moon. The run consumed about 1.6 million CPU hours and would have taken a single machine 182 years, but finished in three days, LLNL said. Of the tested orbits, about 54% remained stable for at least a year, while only 9.7% stayed stable over the full six-year window. The study, published in August 2025 in the Research Notes of the AAS and previewed on arXiv, aimed to cover broad scenarios amid rising satellite activity. Findings underscore the challenges of extending debris-prone constellations into cislunar space and the need to plan for long-term orbital safety, even beyond LEO.

Samsung teases Galaxy S26 camera experience powered by Galaxy AI ahead of Unpacked

February 18, 2026, 2:26 PM EST. Samsung is previewing a new camera experience built on Galaxy AI that will debut with the Galaxy S26. The company says it unifies photo and video capture, editing, and sharing into one intuitive system. It can restore missing parts of objects-for example, making a bite-taken cupcake look whole-turn daytime photos into nighttime shots, and merge several pictures into a single result. Samsung says the tool aims to cut editing time and streamline workflows on Galaxy devices. Full details arrive at Galaxy Unpacked next week, with the Galaxy S26 launch set for February 25. Reservations offer credits and trade-in savings to buyers.

Apple AI wearables advance: Glasses, AI Pin and AirPods with cameras, Bloomberg says

February 18, 2026, 2:18 PM EST. Bloomberg reports Apple is accelerating work on three AI wearables: smart glasses, an AI pin, and AI AirPods with cameras. All would connect to the iPhone and run a smarter version of Siri. Cameras in each device would let the AI "see" surroundings and answer questions about them. For smart glasses, production could begin December 2026 with a target launch in 2027, and prototypes have been provided to the hardware team. Apple emphasizes build quality and is developing frames in-house, aiming for a premium look. Features include voice commands, calls, music, photo/video capture for the glasses, object recognition, and navigation; a version of Visual Intelligence could read text and add it to calendars. The AI pin is earlier-stage, possibly launching in 2027, with an always-on camera but no photo/video capture and a microphone for Siri.

Samsung tightens internal chat to curb leaks ahead of Galaxy S27

February 18, 2026, 2:14 PM EST. Samsung Electronics has introduced a new secure chat feature on its internal messaging platform to limit leaks of sensitive material. When enabled, employees cannot copy, paste, forward messages, take screenshots, or save chat logs to personal devices. Messages are flagged as secure and enforced at the system level. The move follows several incidents of internal materials, including executive instructions, appearing on anonymous workplace forums such as Blind. The implementation could slow early disclosures, but officials say Galaxy S27 leaks may still occur once devices leave the factory for launches. Public announcements are still pending.

AI reshapes staffing as companies bring recruitment in-house

February 18, 2026, 2:10 PM EST. AI may automate much of candidate matching, letting employers screen resumes, rank applicants and conduct preliminary interviews in-house and reducing reliance on recruiters from firms like Robert Half, ManpowerGroup and Randstad. As tech improves and costs fall, firms face a tighter environment – a low-fire, low-hire reality that squeezes margins and could drive contract renegotiations or layoffs, Bloomberg Intelligence's Stuart Gordon says. Some recruiters insist AI won't replace the core business; Robert Half CEO Keith Waddell cites negligible impact on small and mid-size clients. Others, including Randstad and Hays, tout faster, more precise AI matching that boosts fill rates. Upwork's AI-driven model shows leaner staffing (about 600 employees and 2,220 contractors) with $595 million in gross profit in 2024; Robert Half posted $2.25 billion. Microsoft/LinkedIn loom as additional competition. The path ahead remains unclear.

Deals: Google Pixel 10a pre-orders offer up to $215 off, freebies

February 18, 2026, 2:08 PM EST. Google's Pixel 10a is up for pre-order with strong offers: up to $215 off with trade-ins, with prices dipping to $49 for eligible trades. Buyers can take $100 in Google Store credit or receive Pixel Buds 2a when purchasing the unlocked model, or grab a FREE $100 Amazon gift card. Google has reportedly emailed some customers extra credits, ranging from $50 to $150. In other gear, the Galaxy Tab S11 drops to $120 off with 30% off Keyboard Slim, and open-box options slide toward $299 off. Related accessories appear at reduced prices too, such as a 67W USB-C fast charger near $36 and a PD power adapter. Availability varies by retailer; pre-order incentives can change quickly.

Edge AI brings private AI companions closer, yet risks persist

February 18, 2026, 2:04 PM EST. A filmic premise-falling for an OS-briefly presages 2026 realities, where firms mined whispers for better models or ads. The code behind AI companionship has shifted from cloud to local hardware. Cheap boards like the Raspberry Pi 5 and edge accelerators such as Hailo let users run distilled models on a nightstand: no cloud, no moderator. Psychologically, this converts AI from a service to a confidant, reducing the Panopticon Effect where people self-censor under surveillance. Distilled models deliver enough empathy to serve romantic projection, even if not the top-performing AI. From a tech-trust view, machines that cannot gossip may seem more trustworthy. DIY builds amplify the IKEA Effect-creators value what they assemble. The trend hints at safer yet still risky romance with machines, as the hardware makes privacy tangible.

Why wait for Apple's iPhone 18 Pro? Key rumors on design, battery and rollout

February 18, 2026, 2:02 PM EST. Relying on industry chatter, Apple reportedly starts a two-phase rollout for the iPhone 18 line. The iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and Fold are expected in September 2026, with the iPhone 18 and 18e arriving in spring 2027. The Pro lineup is said to resemble the iPhone 17 Pro: same 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch sizes, a triangular three-camera array and a more seamless finish after updates to the Ceramic Shield 2 glass. A larger battery could boost life on the Pro Max, with rumors of about 5,100-5,200 mAh and a thicker chassis to around 243 g. On display tech, under-screen Face ID and a move away from the Dynamic Island are debated, with mixed sourcing.

Google Play system updates resume for Samsung Galaxy devices

February 18, 2026, 2:00 PM EST. Google's Play system updates, dormant on Samsung Galaxy phones since mid-2025, have reappeared in reports and on several devices. Users say Galaxy S series and foldables, including the Galaxy Z Fold 7, received a Google Play system update. The update reportedly appears under security updates in Settings and is dated January 1, though Pixel devices are on February patches. Samsung devices with stable One UI 8 appear to be affected; beta builds show little or no update. The patch is roughly 90 MB and also appears on Galaxy A-series devices, suggesting a broad rollout. The patch underscores ongoing Android improvements through Google Play, even as the reason for the earlier pause remains unclear. SamMobile reported the notices.

India bars private university from AI summit over robot dog controversy

February 18, 2026, 1:54 PM EST. New Delhi, India – A private university was expelled from a top artificial intelligence summit after a staffer displayed a commercially available robotic dog and claimed it was the university's own innovation. Government sources said Galgotias University was ordered to remove its stand a day after professor Neha Singh told DD News that Orion, a robotic dog, was developed by the university's Centre of Excellence. Audiences quickly identified the unit as the Unitree Go2, made in China and priced from about $1,600, widely used in research. Singh later said she did not claim ownership, only that the exhibit came from the centre. The episode embarrassed hosts and prompted Galgotias to call it a propaganda campaign, saying it could undermine student morale.

The bogus four-day workweek: AI promises to free up time under scrutiny

February 18, 2026, 1:52 PM EST. A look at the claim that AI can unlock a four-day workweek by taking over routine tasks. Proponents say AI and other automation can handle repetitive work, enabling staff to finish in four days. Critics warn the net effect may be longer or rearranged hours, not literal time off. Early pilots show mixed results as managers grapple with integration, data privacy, and governance. The cost of software, training, and ongoing upkeep can erode any perceived gains. Workers may still face the same total hours shifted or compressed into fewer days, with burnout and expectations shifting rather than reducing. Experts say clear metrics, phased pilots, and safeguards are essential to avoid masking productivity losses. The idea remains unsettled and highly context dependent.

Best Apple AirTag deal: 4-pack drops to $64 at Amazon

February 18, 2026, 1:48 PM EST. As of Feb. 18, 2026, the Apple AirTag (4-Pack) is offered for $64 at Amazon, down from $99. The deal amounts to a 35% discount and is highlighted on Mashable's AirTag coverage. Editors note that the AirTag uses Bluetooth and Apple's network to help locate misplaced items. The article mentions an affiliate disclaimer for purchases through links. Availability and pricing can change, so buyers should verify current terms on Amazon. This is a straightforward, time-sensitive consumer deal rather than a device review.

AsteroidOS 2.0 adds always-on display, broadens watch support

February 18, 2026, 1:46 PM EST. The AsteroidOS team released 2.0, a Linux-based replacement OS for smartwatches. The update adds always-on display, improved UI performance, new launcher styles and quicker settings, and better battery life. AsteroidOS now supports more than 30 models, including Fossil Gen 4-6, Huawei Watch, LG Watch W7, Moto 360 (2015), OPPO Watch, Polar M600 and several Ticwatch variants; there is partial support for Casio WSD-F10/F20 and older devices. Built on the Linux kernel with QT and QML, the project emphasizes user control and privacy. The release introduces initial heart-rate monitoring, step-tracking, a nightstand mode, and new translations (49 languages in total). Full details are on the AsteroidOS site.

Apple iPad Pro M5 deal: 11-inch model drops to $799.99 at Amazon

February 18, 2026, 1:44 PM EST. As of Feb. 18, 2026, Amazon is offering the 11-inch iPad Pro with the M5 chip and Apple Intelligence for $799.99, down from $999. The discount equals $199.01 in savings and marks the best price seen for this model. The deal is subject to change after publication. The device pairs a powerful processor with Apple Intelligence features for faster apps, multitasking and smart suggestions. Availability may vary by region and stock. This is a Presidents' Day-era markdown carried into the current promotion window. Watch for changes; price could revert at any time.

Garmin Instinct 2X Solar GPS smartwatch drops 40% to $300 before Black Friday

February 18, 2026, 1:42 PM EST. Garmin's Instinct 2X Solar GPS smartwatch is on sale, dropping to $300 from $500-a 40% cut well below typical Black Friday pricing. The rugged watch is built to U.S. military standards, offering thermal, shock and water resistance, a solar-charged display and a 50mm polymer case. Garmin highlights a Power Glass lens that boosts energy efficiency by about 50% versus the standard model, aiding features like an LED flashlight for night navigation. Health tracking covers heart rate, respiration, sleep quality, and exercise load, plus VO2 max for deeper training insight. Discounts on the Instinct 2X Solar are rare, so buyers should act quickly if the deal remains live. See at Amazon.

El Paso council to draft community-led guidelines for future AI data centers

February 18, 2026, 1:40 PM EST. EL PASO, Texas – The City Council voted 5-3 to direct the city manager to draft a best-practices guide for future AI data center projects, led by community input. Council member Josh Acevedo said the framework should reflect residents' concerns and lessons from legal aspects. He urged an independent assessment of how data centers would affect utilities, especially water and electricity. Councilor Art Fierro urged delaying for broader input. The council also instructed the city attorney to review 380 existing data center agreements to identify further action. Councilwoman Cynthia Boyar Trejo, who supported the item, said there are misunderstandings about the industry and called for open dialogue with business groups, residents and advocates.

SpaceX taps MTN to deliver government satellite communications for defense clients

February 18, 2026, 1:32 PM EST. MTN Satellite Communications has been named an authorized SpaceX government connectivity provider, unlocking a highly secure government satellite network for defense, intelligence, and critical infrastructure. The partnership leverages SpaceX's Low Earth Orbit constellation to deliver low-latency, resilient links that meet security and performance requirements of U.S. government customers. MTN's offering blends SpaceX capabilities with its existing Starlink-based commercial solutions, giving clients end-to-end, mission-critical continuity whether at sea or in remote locations. Key features include High-Assurance Cryptography and Resilience and Redundancy through a proliferated LEO architecture, plus Tailored Mission Support with Earth Observation and secure Command and Control use cases. MTN will also roll out a government-oriented version of its MTN Rugged Mini Kit and build on StarEdge Horizon to provide private networks for enterprises and public sector users.

AsteroidOS 2.0 adds always-on display, expands smartwatch support

February 18, 2026, 1:30 PM EST. AsteroidOS, a Linux-based open-source replacement for smartwatch software, released 2.0 with an always-on display and a faster, more responsive UI. The milestone update expands compatibility to more than 30 models and adds new launcher styles, customizable quick settings, and improved synchronization. The team cites performance gains, better battery life, and increased stability, plus nightstand mode and support in 49 languages. Features added or refined include heart-rate monitoring where sensors exist and initial step tracking, a calendar, alarm, calculator, compass, weather app, and a basic game. New device support covers Fossil Gen 4-6, Huawei Watch, LG Watch W7, Moto 360 (2015), TicWatch, OPPO Watch, Polar M600, and more, with partial support for several older watches.

SpaceX taps MTN to deliver government satellite connectivity for defense clients

February 18, 2026, 1:26 PM EST. MTN has in effect become an authorized SpaceX provider for government satellite connectivity, enabling secure, mission-critical communications via SpaceX's government LEO ecosystem. The arrangement positions MTN to serve U.S. government, defense and related sectors with low-latency, global coverage. MTN's Scott Davis called the deal a key differentiator, noting clients demand connectivity that is fast, global and 100% secure. The offering emphasizes High-Assurance Cryptography, resilience and redundancy from a proliferated LEO network, and tailored mission support using SpaceX's modular satellite design and user equipment for government use, including Earth Observation and secure Command and Control. MTN will roll out a government-adapted version of its Rugged Mini Kit for field deployment, building on StarEdge Horizon while complementing Starlink-based enterprise solutions.

SpaceX taps MTN to deliver government satellite communications for defense clients

February 18, 2026, 1:24 PM EST. MTN Satellite Communications has become an authorized SpaceX government satellite connectivity provider, enabling high-security, mission-critical links for U.S. government, defense and energy customers. The deal uses SpaceX's Government LEO constellation to deliver low-latency, resilient connectivity with high-assurance cryptography and global coverage. MTN will offer a specialized solution with SpaceX's modular design and government-grade user equipment, including Earth Observation and secure Command and Control use cases. The partnership includes a government-ready version of MTN's Rugged Mini Kit, adapted for defense operations, expanding MTN's Starlink-based commercial services (StarEdge Horizon) into the public sector. SpaceX's ecosystem complements MTN's existing offerings, aiming to ensure mission continuity at sea or in remote sites worldwide.

iOS 26.4 beta 1 adds EU notification forwarding and iCloud.com search features

February 18, 2026, 1:14 PM EST. Apple's iOS 26.4 beta 1 previews two key changes. The EU-only Notification Forwarding lets compatible third-party wearables receive alerts after an onboarding flow that mirrors AirPods pairing; users pick which apps' notifications to forward. Apple notes the setup supports a single external device and raises privacy questions about data access by third parties. Separately, a new iCloud.com search feature lets trusted devices provide search results for Photos and iCloud Drive when browsing iCloud.com, via Settings → User → iCloud → iCloud.com, with access dependent on the iCloud Beta site. The post promises five standout features in total, but the excerpt highlights these two in the video preview.

Kana emerges from stealth with $15 million to build flexible AI agents for marketers

February 18, 2026, 1:08 PM EST. Kana, a San Francisco-based startup, emerged from stealth with a $15 million seed round led by Mayfield to build flexible AI agents for marketers. The suite includes loosely coupled agents that can analyze a media brief, identify audiences, pull data from inventory and research, and coordinate on campaign tracking, optimization, and reporting. Co-founders Tom Chavez (CEO) and Vivek Vaidya (CTO) bring more than 25 years in marketing tech, after exits at Rapt and Krux. The platform also offers synthetic data to augment third-party sources and enable faster testing, while maintaining a humans in the loop approach for approvals and feedback and integrating with legacy marketing software. Kana says real-time deployment should speed up results relative to legacy systems.

iOS 26.4 beta 1 adds EU-only Notification Forwarding and iCloud.com search

February 18, 2026, 1:04 PM EST. In the iOS 26.4 beta 1, Apple previews two notable changes. First, Notification Forwarding arrives for EU users with a guided pairing flow for compatible Bluetooth devices, such as third-party smartwatches. After pairing, users can enable forwarding and pick which apps' alerts travel to the accessory; however, only a single non-Apple device is supported at launch, and privacy concerns arise from third-party access to notifications. Second, a new iCloud.com search feature lets trusted devices provide search results in Photos and iCloud Drive on the web, accessed via Settings → iCloud → iCloud.com and the iCloud Beta site. The feature remains in beta and broader availability is unclear. Video coverage from the iOS Decoded episode is linked in the post.

Google's AI emissions claims face scrutiny over evidence

February 18, 2026, 1:02 PM EST. Google has touted a potential emissions reduction from artificial intelligence of 5 to 10 percent by 2030, a claim the company traced to a collaboration with BCG and a 2021 analysis. Critics say the chain of sources is flimsy and not transparently tied to real-world data. Ketan Joshi, an energy researcher, traced the numbers to client experiences rather than peer-reviewed evidence, calling the basis for the claim weak. Google has since acknowledged that its AI buildout raises its own corporate emissions, even as it continues to cite the same BCG calculations in policy work. The dispute comes amid a broader energy surge tied to data centers and the wider race to commercialize generative AI, with skeptics urging clearer, externally verifiable accounting.

Google poised to win next major smartphone evolution, analysts say

February 18, 2026, 12:50 PM EST. Android is everywhere, but the next smartphone upgrade could hinge on software, services, and AI rather than brute hardware. As price pressures mount from AI data centers and chip demand, flagship specs are trending toward commoditized performance. Reviewers note that many midrange phones remain capable two years on, underscoring a shift from speed to experience. The key challenge for any leader is to deliver a cohesive identity and compelling software features. Google, with Android ubiquity and deep AI integration across services, may be best positioned to win the next phase. Critics say the company still must prove hardware relevance, while partners and rivals push for user-focused features that differentiate beyond raw specs. Google's Pixel line could represent that bet if it pairs software with tighter platform integration.

Google's Pixel 10a to go on sale March 5 for $499 with longer battery life

February 18, 2026, 12:40 PM EST. Google unveils the Pixel 10a, priced at $499, with a March 5 availability. The 6.3-inch Actua display and Tensor G4 chip carry over from the Pixel 9a, with 8GB RAM and options of 128GB or 256GB of storage. The design keeps a flat back, supports IP68 dust/water resistance and Gorilla Glass 7i. Battery life exceeds 30 hours in normal use and up to 120 hours in Extra Battery Saver mode. Fast charging now reaches 50% in ~30 minutes. For photos, the 48MP main and 13MP ultrawide remain, with Camera Coach powered by Gemini AI, plus Auto Best Take and Add Me edits. The update focuses on longer life and smarter shooting in Google's A-series.

Apple Watch Series 11 on Amazon sale: $299, $100 off

February 18, 2026, 12:28 PM EST. Amazon is offering the Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) for $299, a $100 cut and about 25% off the list price of $399. The sale is current as of Feb. 18, 2026, and highlights improved battery life among wearable rivals. Deal pricing and availability can change after publication. The article notes affiliate links and a standard Mashable disclosure. The item is the latest in the Apple Watch line at the time, with a GPS model in a 42mm case. Christina Buff, a Nashville-based shopping writer, covers how streaming services and price cuts intersect with entertainment. Readers should verify current pricing on Amazon before purchase.

Microsoft says Office bug exposed confidential emails to Copilot AI; fix under rollout

February 18, 2026, 12:26 PM EST. Microsoft confirmed a bug allowed Copilot Chat to read and summarize customers' confidential emails since January, for weeks, despite data loss prevention policies. The issue, tracked by admins as CW1226324, caused draft and sent messages labeled confidential to be processed by Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat. Microsoft began rolling out a fix in February and did not disclose how many customers were affected. The episode echoes concerns in Brussels, where the European Parliament's IT department told lawmakers it blocked built-in AI features on work devices over fears that confidential correspondence could be uploaded to the cloud.

Google adds prominent links in AI Overviews and AI Mode to surface sources

February 18, 2026, 12:22 PM EST. Google will surface links more prominently inside AI-powered features in Search. In desktop and mobile, hovering over cited sources in AI Overviews and AI Mode now reveals a pop-up with links, a description of each linked article, and accompanying images. Robby Stein, Google's Search VP, says the change aims to make content discovery more engaging. AI Overviews offer a top-of-page AI summary, while AI Mode provides a chatbot-like search experience. The move comes as the company faces scrutiny over AI results driving traffic away from publishers. The European Commission is investigating whether Google used publishers' content in AI responses without fair compensation. Google has said publishers can opt out of AI search appearances and will increase source links in AI Mode.

Palo Alto Networks shares fall 8% as CEO defends cybersecurity amid AI-driven software selloff

February 18, 2026, 12:14 PM EST. Palo Alto Networks beat Wall Street estimates for fiscal Q2 but offered tepid guidance for the next quarter, sending the stock about 8% lower. CEO Nikesh Arora defended the company's strategy, telling analysts that AI won't replace cybersecurity anytime soon and that customers seek more consistent security stacks to respond faster with AI. The selloff underscores a broader fade in software equities as investors fear AI could upend traditional business models. Palo Alto has leaned into AI with new agentic tools and big bets on acquisitions, closing a $25 billion deal for CyberArk and acquiring Chronosphere, with plans to buy Israeli startup Koi. Arora framed the moves as aligning with market inflections and early customer feedback.

Scammers use fake Gemini AI chatbot to push Google Coin presale

February 18, 2026, 12:12 PM EST. Scammers have weaponized an AI chatbot posing as Google's Gemini to push a fake presale for Google Coin. The live site used Gemini branding-sparkle icon and a green Online status-to look like an official Google product. The bot offered investment projections, claiming a $395 presale token would be worth about $2,755 at listing and urged visitors to participate. It refused to share verifiable company details, dismissed concerns, and redirected tougher questions to an unnamed manager. The scripted persona promised a "detailed 2026 roadmap," "military-grade encryption," and AI integration, while steering victims toward irreversible cryptocurrency payments. The piece notes that AI makes scams scalable: a single operation can engage hundreds of visitors 24/7. Google does not issue cryptocurrency.

Apple Watch Series 11 leads heart-rate accuracy in five-watch test

February 18, 2026, 12:10 PM EST. Five smartwatches were tested one at a time over two months and more than 30 miles to see which you can actually trust for fitness data. The study compared steps, distance and heart rate, using a Polar H10 chest strap as the control. Across the board, all models-Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, Google Pixel Watch 4, Amazfit Bip 6, Garmin Venu 4 and Apple Watch Series 11-tracked steps and distance within a few percent. But heart-rate accuracy separated the pack. The Apple Watch Series 11 stayed within about 1% of the Polar H10, earning it a CNET Labs Award for accuracy. The Garmin Venu 4 posted strong second-by-second data; others showed more variability. For buyers focused on steps and distance, cost often matters more than brand prestige.

Generative AI Reaches 58% of US Households, Yet Monetization and Trust Lag, Parks Associates Finds

February 18, 2026, 12:06 PM EST. New Parks Associates data show generative AI in 58% of US internet households, up from 47% in 2024. The trend marks mainstream adoption across personal, work, and smart-home use, but monetization lags. Only 16% of households use a paid AI app, roughly 20 million homes. Messaging around AI-powered products often backfires-30% of consumers say it makes them less likely to buy. ChatGPT leads with 38% household usage; about two-thirds of users report using it. Security-system owners pay for AI enhancements at roughly twice the average rate, and security households comprise most paid AI users. Analysts warn that trust and privacy by design are essential to convert adoption into durable revenue.

To win the AI race, America must unleash energy dominance, says Heritage economist

February 18, 2026, 12:02 PM EST. Heritage Foundation economist Peter St. Onge argues on Fox Business that Sen. Bernie Sanders' moratorium on new AI data centers would weaken the US lead, calling it a 'power grab' in a policy clash over national strategy. The program preview frames the AI race as inseparable from energy dominance, critical minerals and a reliable electricity supply. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has called the effort the 'Manhattan Project of our time,' underscoring that national security and economic power hinge on power to train massive AI models. The report notes oil and natural gas provide baseload support as renewables grow, with ExxonMobil cited for on-site gas and carbon capture. In short, sustained power and materials leverage are framed as essential to winning the AI race.

Samsung's One UI 8.5 adds High Quality Audio Input for Bluetooth mics, 24-bit recording

February 18, 2026, 11:58 AM EST. Samsung's Galaxy software team is testing One UI 8.5 with a new High Quality Audio Input feature that lets users record 24-bit audio using external Bluetooth microphones. First spotted by Galaxy Techie, the capability appears in beta builds ahead of a wider rollout on flagships such as the Galaxy S25, with an eye toward the Galaxy S26. The feature supports up to two wireless mics and four named devices so far, including DJI Mic Mini, DJI Mic Mini 2, DJI Mic 2 and MJI Mic 3. It also enables adjustable noise reduction and gain via the Now Bar under Advanced Audio. Samsung has not yet shipped this to the latest official beta; the company may include it in the next beta or the stable release.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ discounted, an affordable 11-inch Android tablet

February 18, 2026, 11:44 AM EST. Samsung's Galaxy Tab A9+ – an 11-inch Android tablet with a 90Hz display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 695, 4GB RAM and 64GB storage (expandable via microSD) – is now offered at a budget price. It features quad speakers, a 7,040mAh battery and multitasking-friendly software. Samsung backs it with three major OS updates and four years of security patches. While not a flagship, the device handles web browsing, video watching and light gaming with ease. The tablet is normally priced at around $220 but is discounted to $160 on Amazon. For shoppers prioritizing price over performance, the A9+ presents solid value for a basic Android experience.

AI guardrails tested after 20-minute hack targets ChatGPT and Gemini

February 18, 2026, 11:40 AM EST. Demonstrations this week showed how AI tools can be steered to cite a chosen article without disclosing sources. In tests targeting OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Gemini, users report that the models sometimes omit or obscure citations, while still linking to the user's article. Experts warn that such guardrails are fragile and that the ease of tricking AI invites manipulation- from biased product rankings to spammy content. Critics say AI overviews and search integrations may amplify misinformation since many users do not click through to confirm sources. One researcher notes that this creates a 'renaissance' for spammers, while others stress current protections exist but are imperfect. The debate underscores the tension between convenience and safety as AI becomes more embedded in search.

DJI Neo for beginners: affordable and easy to fly, but with trade-offs

February 18, 2026, 11:36 AM EST. DJI's Neo remains a solid option for a first drone, boosted by Presidents' Day deals. For first-time pilots, it's inexpensive and easy to fly, with features like one-tap takeoff and automatic return. Its stabilized footage is usable for casual clips thanks to a three-axis gimbal, but the camera is basic: 4K 30fps is the only UHD option, and photos are JPEG-only. The Neo weighs about 140g, so it doesn't require drone registration in many markets. It lacks weather sealing, so avoid bad weather. The model's light footprint means fewer restrictions, yet it trails heavier drones on speed, flight time, and image quality. As of 2026, older models like the Neo are still on shelves, while newer DJI drones face import restrictions in the U.S.

Alleged bias at Apple News under former liberal editor triggers watchdog scrutiny and FTC letter

February 18, 2026, 11:32 AM EST. Apple News, preinstalled on iPhones, is under renewed scrutiny after a conservative watchdog report alleged a left-leaning tilt in its stories. The study by the Media Research Center found 440 of 620 stories from left-leaning outlets and none from right-leaning outlets in January, raising questions about editorial choices. In 2017, Apple appointed liberal magazine veteran Lauren Kern as editor-in-chief; she led a team described by The New York Times as curating the news read by tens of millions. Apple says its editors 'put care and thought' into curation. The FTC has signaled potential concerns, with Chair Andrew Ferguson citing possible violations of the FTC Act in a letter to CEO Tim Cook. Apple and Kern did not respond to requests for comment.

Apple rebounds as AI roadmap eyed ahead of March product event

February 18, 2026, 11:28 AM EST. Apple stock rose after Wedbush reiterated an Outperform rating and a $350 target, offsetting concerns over short-term AI execution. Investors shift focus to Siri upgrades, wearables, and the March 4 product event for clarity on AI-driven growth. The name closed at $263.88, up 2.26%, with volume around 57.9 million shares, above the three-month average. Market peers also moved modestly higher; the S&P 500 and Nasdaq rose small amounts. Apple's AI monetization plan, including its Gemini partnership, is watched as investors weigh potential long-term demand against near-term delays. The event could reveal on-device AI features and updates that differentiate Apple from competitors.

Apple adds iPhone-style charge limits to Mac with macOS Tahoe 26.4 beta

February 18, 2026, 11:26 AM EST. Apple's macOS Tahoe 26.4 beta adds a new Charge Limit control for the Mac, introducing a hard cap on charging. A slider lets users set a maximum of 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 100%. The feature runs alongside Optimized Battery Charging and can prevent charging to 100% even when plugged in. Apple says the limit can help preserve battery health over time. Enabling it requires System Settings > Battery, then tapping the i button next to Charging. The iPhone 15 introduced a charge-limit option in 2023, but this marks the first Mac implementation.

HUMAIN backs xAI with $3B Series E ahead of SpaceX merger

February 18, 2026, 11:18 AM EST. Riyadh-based HUMAIN, a PIF-backed provider of full-stack AI, announced a $3 billion investment in xAI as part of its Series E, just before a planned merger with SpaceX. The deal makes HUMAIN a significant minority shareholder, with its xAI stake converted into SpaceX shares. The financing builds on HUMAIN and xAI's 500MW AI infrastructure partnership in Saudi Arabia, reinforcing HUMAIN's role as a long-term strategic investor in frontier AI technologies. CEO Tareq Amin said the investment signals confidence in transformational AI and the value of platform-scale collaboration. The round follows a November 2025 U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum pact to deploy over 500MW of data-center capacity and to deploy Grok models in Saudi Arabia, expanding regional compute capabilities.

Post-chatbot era begins as agentic AI tools gain traction

February 18, 2026, 11:12 AM EST. Americans live in parallel AI universes as tools move beyond chatbots. In labs and start-ups, agentic AI systems now perform complex tasks with minimal human input, from writing papers to prototyping software in hours. Anthropic's Claude Code and OpenAI's Codex illustrate a shift toward autonomous agents that can operate in a computer environment, even if quality remains variable and costs deter casual use. Journalists, researchers and hobbyists have built working prototypes in under an hour, while others test autonomous workflows that let agents coordinate and prompt one another. The tech industry is racing to make these tools more accessible: new paid Claude Code versions, and broader Codex releases promise human-level capabilities in tasks such as navigating spreadsheets. Analysts note memory and reasoning features expand what AI can do beyond drafting copy.

5 Of The Least Reliable Home Internet Providers, According To Consumer Reports

February 18, 2026, 11:08 AM EST. Consumer Reports' 2025 survey of home Internet services ranks 54 providers and draws on more than 73,000 responses from members. The findings highlight several ISPs to avoid, with Viasat Satellite Internet singled out for outages, slower-than-advertised speeds, and costly termination fees. Online reviews across Consumer Affairs and Reddit corroborate customer complaints, including hassles with returns-customers say they must uninstall roof dishes or face disputes over receiving return boxes. The piece notes satellite options are expanding with Starlink and Amazon's Kuiper, but Viasat's reliability remains a common sticking point for subscribers seeking stable home connectivity.

AsteroidOS 2.0 adds life to legacy smartwatches with privacy-first Linux

February 18, 2026, 11:06 AM EST. AsteroidOS, a free, open-source Linux-based OS for smartwatches, released version 2.0 eight years after its last coverage. Built on OpenEmbedded and using Qt/QML, the project emphasizes privacy and user control in a community-driven model. Key upgrades include Always-on Display, Tilt-to-wake, and Palm-to-sleep, plus new sensors and apps like heart-rate, step counting, compass, Bluetooth HID/Audio, a Flashlight, and a Diamonds game. The design gains a redesigned QuickPanel, seven new launcher styles, a Nightstand mode, and a revamped watchface gallery. Under the hood, app and system refinements push smoother UI, longer battery life, and broader language support (49 languages) with Noto Sans and Twemoji. Support now covers 15 additional watch models, extending life for aging devices.

Microsoft pledges $50 billion to tackle AI inequality by 2030

February 18, 2026, 10:58 AM EST. Microsoft says it will invest $50 billion by 2030 to bring AI to lower-income countries, a bid to curb widening inequality from uneven adoption. The pledge was unveiled at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, where officials and researchers debated using AI to solve real-world problems. Leaders warned that the AI divide could deepen gaps between the Global North and Global South, echoing a UNDP call for global standards so AI acts as a public good rather than a concentrated advantage. Microsoft urged cross-border partnerships to prevent poorer countries from being left behind. In a joint message, Brad Smith and Natasha Crampton said the speed of diffusion outpaces adoption, and that investing in data centers and internet access is essential. Last year, Microsoft invested roughly $80 billion in data centers, with over half in the United States.

SpaceX unveils Stargaze space traffic management platform to coordinate satellites

February 18, 2026, 10:54 AM EST. SpaceX unveiled Stargaze, a space situational awareness (SSA) system that uses star tracker images from nearly 10,000 Starlink satellites to identify objects and plot their orbits. SpaceX says Stargaze collects about 30 million observations daily to compute near-real-time orbital data, enabling conjunction assessments and the dissemination of conjunction data messages, or CDMs. More than a dozen operators are testing the beta; SpaceX plans to offer the system to all satellite operators in spring at no charge. Industry reaction is positive, though details on data quality remain sparse. Analysts note Stargaze's scale and SpaceX backing could set a new standard in SSA. In December 2025, Stargaze detected a maneuver that reduced a 9,000-meter miss to 60 meters, prompting Starlink to adjust trajectory to avoid collision.

Apple's iOS 26.3 adds cross-device controls, limited privacy toggle for select devices

February 18, 2026, 10:48 AM EST. Apple is rolling out iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 with features that primarily affect non-Apple hardware and privacy. In beta, a Notification Forwarding feature limited alerts to one device at a time, with full public release to come later. The updates also include a limit precise location toggle for devices using Apple's C1 and C1X modems, designed to reduce location accuracy on cellular networks. In the US, only Boost Mobile supports the toggle, and only certain devices-iPhone Air, iPhone 16e, and M5 iPad Pro-offer it; older phones and devices with Qualcomm or Intel modems are not supported. Elsewhere, all other major Apple OSes receive minor bug fixes and performance tweaks. Apple's next 26.4 release is expected to introduce a more intelligent Siri powered by Google's Gemini models, with betas likely first.

SpaceX unveils Stargaze space traffic management system

February 18, 2026, 10:46 AM EST. SpaceX rolled out Stargaze, a space situational awareness (SSA) system that uses star-tracker imagery from roughly 10,000 Starlink satellites to identify objects and plot orbits. SpaceX says Stargaze gathers about 30 million observations per day and computes near-real-time trajectories, issuing conjunction data messages (CDMs) to flag potential close approaches. A beta includes more than a dozen operators; SpaceX plans to open the platform to all satellite operators in the spring at no charge. Industry voices welcomed the move, with executives describing Stargaze as potentially transformative for space traffic management. Critics note uneven public data on accuracy. A SpaceX example cited a 2025 close approach where Stargaze detected a late maneuver and allowed Starlink to adjust, avoiding collision.

UK's largest used-EV battery study finds 95% average health, highlights age and mileage variance

February 18, 2026, 10:38 AM EST. UK's Generational Battery Performance Index is the largest analysis of used-EV battery condition in Britain, drawing on assessments from 36 manufacturers across 0-12 years and up to 160,000 miles. It finds an overall average State of Health (SoH) of 95.15%, with 8-9 year-olds at a median 85% and high-mileage EVs (100k+ miles) typically in the 88-95% band. Even 4-5 year-olds sit at a median of 93.53%. OEM warranty thresholds (70% SoH at 8 years/100k miles) are rarely reached. The index shows widening variance with age; mileage alone is an unreliable predictor. Younger high-mileage cars can outperform older low-mileage ones. Generational CEO Oliver Phillpott says the data underpin market transparency and risk assessment, while calling for infrastructure to support a healthy used-EV sector.

Google's 2026 Responsible AI Progress Report highlights governance, safeguards and broad access

February 18, 2026, 10:22 AM EST. Google's 2026 Responsible AI Progress Report frames AI as a proactive partner whose reasoning and landscapes are expanding. The company says models are growing more capable, personalized and multimodal, shifting from exploration to integration in daily life. It outlines a multi-layered governance approach that embeds responsible AI in research, product development and post-launch monitoring, with automated adversarial testing and human-led oversight. The report emphasizes that responsibility means not only stopping bad outputs but broad access to AI's benefits. It cites safeguards that scale to the speed of Google and a 25-year base of user-trust insights. Notably, AI is positioned to address societal challenges-from forecasting floods for 700 million people to decoding the genome and helping prevent blindness. Partnerships with governments, academics and civil society remain central to setting standards and sharing tools.

Why Apple and Google Won't Use Silicon-Carbon Batteries

February 18, 2026, 10:18 AM EST. Silicon-carbon batteries promise higher energy density than graphite Li-ion, with RealMe P4 Power cited as reaching up to 10,000 mAh. Silicon's storage could let phones pack larger batteries in normal sizes. Yet silicon expands far more than graphite-about 300% in volume during charging-causing swelling and potential safety risks. To reduce expansion, makers blend silicon with carbon, boosting stability but lowering energy density. The tradeoff helps explain why Apple and Google have not adopted Si-C in flagship models such as the iPhone 17 and Pixel 10, despite other brands like Vivo, OnePlus, and Xiaomi experimenting. YouTuber Marques Brownlee highlighted the expansion issue. The story notes the balance between capacity gains and reliability.

EV market to diversify as sales climb, Benchmark says

February 18, 2026, 10:12 AM EST. Benchmark's EV & Battery Service tracks a past, present, and future arc for the EV market. In 2020, about 3.2 million EVs were sold; China accounted for roughly 42%, and Tesla led with the Model 3. The top five produced about 51% of output. By 2025, global EV production reached 20.7 million, with BYD at roughly 20% and Geely entering the top tier; Tesla, VW, and SAIC shifted to mid-pack. The top five still accounted for about 51%. Looking to 2030, demand is seen at 39.6 million; BYD and Geely remain dominant but their share erodes as new players rise. The top five share could fall to ~43% and the top-10 to ~63%.

Windows 11 February 2026 update KB5077181 linked to install failures, DHCP network issues and Bluetooth problems

February 18, 2026, 10:06 AM EST. Reports after installing Windows 11's February 2026 update, KB5077181, describe installation failures and system instability. Errors cited include 0x800F0991, 0x800F0983, 0x800F0922, 0x80073712, and 0x80096004. In Microsoft Q&A threads, no critical flaw has been officially acknowledged; one instance of 0x800F0922 was linked to solutions such as disabling Windows Sandbox and Hyper-V, temporarily turning off third-party antivirus, and using DISM to repair system health. Other codes point to missing or incomplete update files, sometimes requiring a repair reinstall via Windows Update recovery. Separately, some devices show DHCP network faults after reboot, leaving Wi-Fi connected but with no Internet. The practical workaround remains uninstalling the update and pausing updates until a fix arrives.

Zora launches attention markets on Solana to trade internet trends

February 18, 2026, 9:58 AM EST. Zora, the on-chain social platform known for creator coins, has launched attention markets on Solana, allowing users to create markets for 1 SOL and trade bets on whether a topic will gain or lose traction. The product targets internet trends, memes and cultural moments rather than elections or macro data. Solana's fast block times and low fees support rapid price updates and frequent trades, essential for momentum-based bets. Initial liquidity was modest: the flagship attentionmarkets token briefly reached about $70,000 in market cap with roughly $200,000 in trading volume, while many markets stayed under $10,000. Critics on Base argued the move shifts away from momentum there, though Zora says creator tools remain operational on Base and the team continues cross-chain exploration.

Perplexity pivots away from ads as AI ad wars intensify

February 18, 2026, 9:54 AM EST. Perplexity said it would phase out ads as it pivots toward paid subscriptions for professionals, a stance that highlights a wider debate in the AI industry over revenue. Executives told a roundtable that ads risk eroding user trust and prompting customers to doubt the platform's agenda. The pivot places Perplexity on the anti-ads side alongside Anthropic's Claude (ad-free), even as OpenAI tests ads for free ChatGPT users. A senior executive said the company will focus on providing value for business users like finance professionals and lawyers. A return to advertising isn't ruled out, but accuracy and truth remain central.

Eddy Cue under pressure as Apple scales back Health+ and bets on Health app

February 18, 2026, 9:50 AM EST. Apple's services chief Eddy Cue has signaled a strategic pivot as Bloomberg reported that plans for an AI-powered Health+ service were scaled back and the health strategy was reevaluated. Since taking over the health division after Jeff Williams' departure, Cue has pressed to rework projects that might dilute a device-driven value proposition. He reportedly asked that many Health+ features be folded into the Health app, a move that would emphasize base capabilities over paid services. The timing adds to a broader debate about Apple's approach to Health data, apps on the App Store, and whether the company risks asking users to subscribe for core functionality. The term Sherlocking (the practice of Apple incorporating rival features into its OS) frames critics, though Apple says a solid base of health features remains essential for its devices.

DJI Osmo Pocket 3 price cut lowers price to $556 on Amazon with Mic included

February 18, 2026, 9:46 AM EST. DJI's Osmo Pocket 3 remains a compact, dedicated vlogging camera that keeps creators focused on filming rather than device-hopping. On Amazon, the price is down 12% to $556 from $629, trading the Black Friday level for a new low and including a DJI Mic 2 transmitter in the Creator Combo. The camera records 4K up to 120fps and uses a three-axis mechanical stabilization system to counter shake without cropping. Its one-inch touchscreen swivels, enabling quick framing for landscape or vertical clips, and it records 10-bit color for broader post-production latitude. Built-in mics cover basic audio, with optional external mics via the Creator Combo. Base package includes camera, USB-C, wrist strap, cover, and handle; Creator Combo adds wider lens and mic transmitter.

NIST launches AI Agent Standards Initiative to push secure, interoperable AI agents

February 18, 2026, 9:44 AM EST. The U.S. Center for AI Standards and Innovation at NIST announced the AI Agent Standards Initiative to give AI agents-software that can act autonomously-clear guidelines for safe, interoperable use. Led by CAISI with ITL, the effort rests on three pillars: promoting industry-led standards and U.S. leadership in international bodies; fostering open-source protocol development for agents; and advancing research in agent security and identity to enable new use cases. The initiative partners with the National Science Foundation and other agencies to broaden adoption while preserving trust. NIST will seek public input through RFIs, listening sessions, and other channels, with the AI Agent Security RFI due March 9 and ITL's Identity and Authorization concept paper due April 2. Sector-focused listening starts in April.

OpenAI blocked from using Cameo name for AI video feature in trademark dispute

February 18, 2026, 9:38 AM EST. OpenAI has been temporarily blocked from using the word Cameo in a video feature amid a trademark dispute with the Chicago-based celebrity platform. Cameo sued last year, arguing that OpenAI's naming and marketing risk consumer confusion and harm Cameo's brand. A California federal judge, Eumi Kim Lee, granted a preliminary injunction, blocking OpenAI from using the Cameo name for its AI video tool and for marketing that could tie OpenAI to Cameo. OpenAI disagrees and says no one owns the word "cameo." The order notes Cameo's concern that the brands could be indistinguishable to consumers, harming Cameo's marketplace and talent trust. Cameo also alleges OpenAI used celeb partnerships (Jake Paul, Mark Cuban, Ricky Berwick, Snoop Dogg) to promote its video generator Sora and its feature, intensifying the brand confusion. The case continues.

IDTechEx maps 10-year EV battery material demand trends

February 18, 2026, 9:36 AM EST. IDTechEx estimates EV battery material demand will reach 22.2 million tonnes by 2036 as passenger car growth and expanding commercial segments raise volumes. The report notes shifting chemistry and pack design will shape demand over the decade. Cell materials account for more than 70% of total demand, with a move from NMC to LFP driven by lower cost per kWh. LFP is dominant in China, aided by established supply chains; NMC remains common in Europe and North America. Cobalt price volatility observed in 2025 could accelerate higher-nickel NMC in performance segments. On the anode side, silicon content rises toward mid-range and high-silicon levels, constraining graphite demand. Pack enclosures rely on aluminium and steel, while glass-fibre and carbon-fibre reinforced polymer composites begin to appear as weight reduction becomes key. The report covers chemistry, application, and region over a 10-year forecast.

Apple's $2.84 Earnings Beat Fails to Offset Siri Delays, AI Strategy Scrutiny

February 18, 2026, 9:34 AM EST. Apple posted a record quarter, with revenue over $143 billion and $2.84 earnings per share, yet the stock fell as investors fixate on a cautious AI path. The company's results showed iPhone revenue up 23% to $85 billion and Services at $30 billion, with net margins near 29.3% and a 32x trailing P/E. Still, AI worries linger: reliance on partnerships-especially with Google-over in-house infrastructure, ongoing Siri rollout delays, and rising component costs, including doubled NAND flash memory prices from Kioxia beginning Q1 2026. Traders point to a valuation gap that may require more aggressive AI innovation to justify multiples. Rival battlegrounds intensify as Microsoft and Google press ahead with proprietary AI platforms.

Schmidt warns U.S. electricity shortfall as Musk hints at orbital data centers

February 18, 2026, 9:32 AM EST. Former Google chief executive Eric Schmidt warned the United States needs about 92 gigawatts of additional electricity to sustain AI growth. Musk shared Schmidt's remark and teased data centers in space, quipping, 'If only there were a company…'. The debate centers on orbital data centers and the energy bottleneck, though skeptics remain. Alphabet chief Sundar Pichai reaffirmed Project Suncatcher in December 2025, aiming for small orbital data center prototypes by 2027. SpaceX has since acquired xAI, valuing the merged group at about $1.25 trillion, with a public listing anticipated later this year. AWS CEO Matt Garman has said space-based data centers are not economical today. The saga ties AI's energy demand to space tech bets and a potential new era of infrastructure.

India bars private university from AI summit over robot dog misrepresentation

February 18, 2026, 9:24 AM EST. A private Indian university was expelled from the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi after a staffer displayed a commercially available robotic dog and claimed it was the university's innovation. Government sources said Galgotias University was ordered to remove its stand after professor Neha Singh told DD News the dog Orion came from the university's Centre of Excellence. Online observers identified the robot as Unitree Go2, priced from $1,600. The university called it a propaganda campaign that could harm student morale; officials noted the incident underlined India's bid to be a global AI hub. The summit opened with leaders including Macron and Lula; Modi was set to speak Thursday, with tech executives like Sundar Pichai and Cristiano Amon expected to attend.

Twelve-inch boridene enables wafer-scale neuromorphic optoelectronics at sub-150°C

February 18, 2026, 9:22 AM EST. Researchers reveal Mo4/3B2Tz boridene as a low-thermal-budget platform for neuromorphic optoelectronics, enabling twelve-inch deposition below 150°C with wafer-scale uniformity. The material exhibits anisotropy: through-plane conduction dominates over in-plane transport due to ordered metal vacancies and interlayer registry. This enables a simplified three-terminal device with intrinsic bipolar and highly linear programmable photoresponses. Correlative microscopy and first-principles simulations show vacancy-mediated interlayer charge transfer governs behavior. A 54×54-pixel2 array demonstrated a 99.48% yield and 16 fully separable states. A 3k-pixel prototype diagnosed ophthalmic disorders. The work positions Mo4/3B2Tz boridene as a scalable nanomaterial platform that brings neuromorphic optoelectronic computing closer to practical deployment.

NVIDIA DLSS 4.5 Tops Blind Test Against Native Resolution and AMD FSR, Computerbase Finds

February 18, 2026, 9:12 AM EST. Computerbase conducted a blind test with more than 1,000 participants to compare image quality in six games at 4K: Native resolution (using TAA), NVIDIA DLSS 4.5, and AMD FSR 4. DLSS 4.5 won the most votes overall at 48.2% (3,249 players), Native 24% (1,619), FSR 15% (1,013), with 12.8% (866) seeing no difference. Per-game results varied, but the aggregate ranking favored DLSS 4.5. The setup used the Quality preset for upscaling to keep a fair comparison, avoiding DLAA. The article notes how perception can tilt toward upscaling when viewers aren't told it's active, and discusses the ongoing trade-offs between NVIDIA and AMD approaches as motion and frame-generation evolve.

Indian university ousted from AI summit over claim of indigenous robot dog

February 18, 2026, 9:08 AM EST. At the AI Impact Summit 2026, Galgotias University was forced to vacate its stall after presenting a four-legged robot branded 'Orion' it claimed to have developed. The device proved to be the Unitree Go2, a Chinese-made robot sold in India for about £2,000-£3,000. Government-linked organisers and observers said the misrepresentation misled attendees as the summit showcases India's AI ambitions. The university later acknowledged the robot was purchased from Unitree and used as a learning tool, while insisting it was not claiming to have built the dog. India AI Mission chief executive Abhishek Singh criticized the episode, calling it a misleading act in a high-profile event.

Musk floats lunar factory and mass-driver catapult for AI satellites

February 18, 2026, 9:06 AM EST. SpaceX founder Elon Musk told xAI staff he wants a factory on the Moon to build AI satellites and a colossal mass-driver on the lunar surface to fling them into space. In a Feb. 2 update announcing SpaceX's acquisition of xAI, Musk said the lowest-cost AI compute could come from space within two to three years. He reiterated the plan in an all-hands on Feb. 11, noting Starship would enable operations on other worlds and that lunar manufacturing could harness space resources. He described an electromagnetic mass driver as a railgun-like device that could launch 500 to 1,000 terawatts per year of AI satellites, a figure tied to advancing the Kardashev scale. The idea echoes early work by Gerard O'Neill in the 1970s, who proposed lunar mass drivers to move ore into space.

Smartphone Milky Way image wins global astrophotography prize with Xiaomi 14 Ultra

February 18, 2026, 8:54 AM EST. Bulgarian photographer Mihail Minkov won Smartphone Astrophotographer of the Year 2026, a global contest for images captured with camera phones. The winning one-exposure image, taken near Antofagasta, Chile, blends the Milky Way core rising over the Pacific with the Hand of the Desert sculpture, captured at 20 seconds, f/16, ISO 2000. The photo was shot on a Xiaomi 14 Ultra, underscoring how modern smartphones can rival dedicated cameras in low light. The device features a 23 mm main camera with a variable aperture and Leica-engineered processing. Editors note: The competition is organized by Skies & Scoops. Anthony Robinson notes the barrier to entry is low when you have a high-performing camera on you.

Pixel 10a leak hints at near-identical Pixel 9a design ahead of launch

February 18, 2026, 8:52 AM EST. Two retailers briefly posted the Pixel 10a landing pages ahead of Google's launch today. Tracfone lists a 6.06 x 2.87 x 0.35-inch, 6.52-ounce device with a FHD+ display, a 5,100 mAh battery, a 13MP front camera, dual rear cameras (48MP + 13MP), 128GB storage and IP68 water resistance. Vanden Borre confirms the Tensor G4 chipset and prices €549 for 128GB and €649 for 256GB, implying a US price near $499. The phone is described as perfectly flat, with a Gorilla Glass front, plastic back and an aluminum frame; colors include lavender and rumored Obsidian, Fog and Berry. AI features include Camera Coach, Gemini Live and Circle to Search. Early signs point to a Pixel 10a close to the Pixel 9a, with launch and pre-orders imminent.

Apple adds MacBook battery charge limit in macOS 26.4 beta

February 18, 2026, 8:50 AM EST. Apple's macOS 26.4 beta, released to developers, adds a manual battery charge limit for MacBooks. A new slider lets users cap charging at 80% to 100% in 5% increments, building on Optimized Battery Charging. The change addresses long-standing user requests and aims to reduce wear and tear from constant full charges, potentially extending battery lifespan. The update follows iPhone users gaining a similar limit in iOS 18. Apple's move could affect third-party tools like AlDente, which currently offer comparable controls and other features. Macworld reports the feature appears in the beta, with Apple noting it helps manage battery health over time.

Xbox Game Pass February lineup adds Death Howl, Witcher 3, and Kingdom Come 2; several titles leaving Feb 28

February 18, 2026, 8:44 AM EST. Microsoft unveils the February batch for Xbox Game Pass, adding titles from today and into early March. New arrivals include Death Howl (Feb 19, Cloud/Series X|S/PC), a soulslike deck-builder about grief; Aerial_Knight's DropShot (Feb 17), EA Sports College Football 26 (Feb 19), and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition (Feb 19). Also joining: TCG Card Shop Simulator (Feb 24), Dice A Million (Feb 25, PC), Towerborne (Feb 26), Final Fantasy 3 (Mar 3), and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (Mar 3). Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora and Avowed are already available from Feb 17. Titles leaving on Feb 28 include Monster Train, Expeditions: A MudRunner Game, Injustice 2, and Middle-Earth: Shadow of War. For broader catalog details, see the Game Pass guide.

NVIDIA sells remaining Arm stake, keeps licensing ties to Arm IP

February 18, 2026, 8:34 AM EST. NVIDIA has sold the remaining Arm stake, unloading about 1.1 million shares for roughly $140 million, but the move leaves intact licensing ties to Arm IP and its instruction set for the Grace and Vera CPUs. Regulators blocked NVIDIA's 2020 $40 billion Arm acquisition, a deal that would have altered market dynamics, and NVIDIA paid a $1.25 billion break-up fee when it collapsed. The broader relationship endures through Arm-based IP in NVIDIA's Jetson embedded modules and other products, and through Vera, its standalone server CPUs. NVIDIA also remains an investor in firms such as CoreWave and Synopsys, and continues to develop its own RISC-V core IP for GPUs.

Google adds AirDrop support to Pixel 9 series via Quick Share

February 18, 2026, 8:26 AM EST. Google has extended its AirDrop functionality to more Android devices with Quick Share on the Pixel 9 family. The update makes the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL and Pixel 9 Pro Fold compatible with AirDrop, while the Pixel 9a remains excluded. With the capability, Pixel 9 users can send files and photos to AirDrop-enabled devices such as iPhone, Mac or iPad using Quick Share. The move broadens cross-ecosystem sharing between Android and Apple devices. Google previously signaled this expansion; a full setup guide is available in its materials.

SpaceX launches Starlink mission from Cape Canaveral on rare Bahamas booster landing

February 18, 2026, 8:24 AM EST. SpaceX will launch a Falcon 9 on a rare southeast trajectory from Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 40 for Starlink 10-36. Liftoff is set for no earlier than 5 p.m. local time Wednesday, within a four-hour window. The first stage is expected to land on the Just Read the Instructions drone ship off the Bahamas, potentially generating a sonic boom heard there if conditions align. This marks only the second time SpaceX has landed a booster this far south; the prior Florida mission using this path flew on Feb. 18, 2025. After recovery, the booster returns to Port Canaveral for refurbishment. Florida Today's Space Team will provide live updates with 90 minutes to go before liftoff.

Unity to roll out AI-powered game authoring beta at GDC amid stock concerns

February 18, 2026, 8:22 AM EST. Unity projects a fresh jump in AI-powered game authoring. The company said a beta of its upgraded Unity AI will debut at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in March, promising to let developers prompt full casual games into existence with natural language. Executives frame AI-driven authoring as a core focus for 2026, combining project context and runtime with frontier models. They argue the approach offers faster, more efficient results than general models. Some developers disagree, warning that generative AI can raise friction and flood storefronts; in March, about 20,000 new Steam releases crowded the market last year. CEO Matthew Bromsberg told investors the goal is to remove friction from creativity and become a bridge from spark to scalable digital experiences. Skeptics remain about AI's impact on players, even as Unity pushes ahead.

NASA readies second Artemis II wet dress rehearsal ahead of Feb. 19 livestream

February 18, 2026, 8:18 AM EST. NASA will fuel its moon rocket again this week as it stages a second wet dress rehearsal for Artemis II, with a livestream planned for Feb. 19. The countdown test uses real propellant but stops short of liftoff. Engineers replaced a filter in ground-support equipment and reconnected the line after a weekend delay. The redo follows hydrogen leaks that slowed a previous rehearsal, a reminder that hydrogen is a small, light molecule prone to leaks around launch hardware. If all goes as planned, teams will push the countdown toward zero again without ignition, keeping the mission toward a crewed lunar flyby on track.

AI celebrity simulations spark debate over synthetic mentorship for investment and business advice

February 18, 2026, 8:16 AM EST. Financial and tech executives are exploring AI-generated conversations with simulations of Warren Buffett, Elon Musk and others to obtain career and investment guidance. Powered by models trained on public speeches, books and interviews, the exchanges aim to mimic the cadence of icons but stop short of real-time judgment. Proponents call the approach a Synthetic Mentorship that unlocks a vast library of a figure's work. Critics warn the advice reflects historical data and patterns, not current sentiment, and can mislead with high confidence. Experts say a Buffett Bot can recite value-investing philosophy, but cannot gauge today's market shifts or emotional context. The technology offers a useful reference, not a substitute for live expertise. Guardrails and cautious use matter most.

The EV winter goes global. Why Tesla faces sharper headwinds

February 18, 2026, 8:06 AM EST. Global demand for EVs cooled as winter tightened, and Tesla finds itself facing sharper headwinds. The company reports tighter margins after aggressive pricing and higher battery costs. In Europe and China, softer demand and factory downtime weigh on output, while persistent supply-chain frictions lift the price of key materials like lithium and cobalt. Cold weather also reduces range and accelerates charging anxiety for buyers. Tesla has responded with regional price adjustments and cost controls, while expanding energy products and software services to preserve profitability. Analysts say the challenge is broader than a single automaker; the EV winter is a global issue, reshaping production plans, pricing, and investor sentiment toward Tesla.

Tesla stops using 'Autopilot' in California after DMV action

February 18, 2026, 8:04 AM EST. California's DMV said Tesla has stopped using the term Autopilot in its California marketing, avoiding a 30-day suspension of sales. The agency had warned in December that Tesla's marketing for ADAS features violated state law and risked misleading customers into thinking the cars could drive themselves. The complaint covered materials from May 2021, and Tesla later added '(Supervised)' to 'Full Self-Driving Capability'. In December the DMV gave Tesla 60 days to cease using Autopilot or face the license suspension. Tesla took corrective action, the DMV said, and remains in compliance with California consumer protections. DMV Director Steve Gordon praised the move as safety-focused.

Ground teams fix hydrogen flow as Artemis II eyes second wet dress rehearsal

February 18, 2026, 7:54 AM EST. Ground crews at NASA's Kennedy Space Center replaced a filter in the ground support equipment used for propellant loading after it was linked to reduced flow of liquid hydrogen into the core stage of Artemis II during its Feb. 12 wet dress rehearsal. The fix allows a second rehearsal, now targeted for Feb. 19. The test will load cryogenic propellant into the Space Launch System and run a full launch countdown, including clock recycling and detanking procedures. A 50-hour countdown will begin later today, with a four-hour simulated launch window at 8:30 p.m. EST. The exercise features two countdowns to the terminal phase, pausing at T-1:30 and T-33 seconds before returning to T-10 minutes. NASA will review data and target a March launch date, pending opportunities in early March, including a potential second wet dress rehearsal.

NASA to refuel Artemis 2 for second wet dress rehearsal as countdown tightens

February 18, 2026, 7:52 AM EST. NASA plans to load more than 700,000 gallons of LH2 and LOX into the SLS for a second wet dress rehearsal of Artemis 2 on Feb. 19, following an LH2 leak during the first rehearsal. Engineers replaced two seals at the Tail Service Mast Umbilical (TSMU) and addressed a ground-support-filter issue flagged Feb. 13. The exercise tests a simulated launch countdown, including two runs of the final 10 minutes and pauses near T-30 seconds before a possible restart. If all goes well, Artemis 2 could launch as early as March 6, with additional dates in March; no final launch time until the countdown completes successfully.

AsteroidOS 2.0 released, expands support to about 30 devices with new features

February 18, 2026, 7:48 AM EST. AsteroidOS 2.0, a Linux-based, open-source smartwatch OS, ships with always-on display, Tilt-to-Wake, Palm-to-Sleep and a revamped QuickPanel. The update expands support to about 30 devices and adds a heart-rate monitor, initial step counting, music volume control and a compass, plus Bluetooth HID and Audio support. On the design side, it brings seven new app launchers, an enhanced wallpaper and watchface gallery, Nightstand mode, a breathing-style background animation, and a round-screen friendly layout. The Weather app, timer and calculator see typography and legibility tweaks; translations rise to 49 languages. The project, started in 2016 by Florent Revest, follows AsteroidOS 1.0 from 2018 and targets Fossil, Huawei, LG, Moto and TicWatch devices among others.

Samsung Galaxy S26 pre-orders offer regional 512GB storage boost, US and Australia not yet included

February 18, 2026, 7:34 AM EST. Samsung opened pre-registration for the Galaxy S26 line with a storage boost on offer in the UK and much of Europe: pre-orders could deliver 512GB for the price of 256GB, plus a £30 voucher and a £500 prize draw. The perk appears to cover the S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra, and may imply the base model starts at 256GB instead of 128GB. However, the perk is not yet shown in the US or Australia, where registration pages list cash credits, trade-in savings, and prize draws instead. Samsung faces rising memory costs this year, and the company has a tight window before the February 25 launch to confirm regional availability. The S26 series is set to be announced next week.

Sony weighs PlayStation 6 delay to 2028 or 2029 amid RAM shortages

February 18, 2026, 7:24 AM EST. Sony is weighing a delay of its next-generation console, the PlayStation 6, to 2028 or 2029, Bloomberg reports citing sources familiar with Sony Group Corp's strategic thinking. The discussions come as global RAM shortages persist, driven by demand from AI data centers that have pushed memory prices higher in recent months. The Bloomberg piece notes Sony has not publicly commented. It also cites broader industry context, including chatter that Nintendo could raise the price of the Nintendo Switch 2 later this year, though Nintendo did not respond to requests for comment. Lenovo CEO Yang Yuanqing warned the structural imbalance between supply and demand for RAM may endure.

Samsung previews Galaxy S26 camera as the brightest and easiest ever with AI

February 18, 2026, 7:20 AM EST. Samsung continues teasing the Galaxy S26, promoting an end-to-end camera experience that is brighter and easier to use. The company says the series will build on the brightest Galaxy camera system ever with more AI editing tools layered atop. Current features like restoring image parts, sketching with AI, or turning photos into stickers are framed as part of a streamlined, user-friendly workflow that eliminates app switching. Samsung describes a Galaxy AI experience designed to capture, edit and share in one platform, making creativity faster and more natural even for low-light shots. The company has been emphasizing low-light gains while previewing AI-powered video capabilities. The Galaxy S26 launch is set for February 25.

AI-powered cancer tools hit market as oncologists weigh integration

February 18, 2026, 7:08 AM EST. Pathologists can see much about a tumor under the microscope, but computer vision can reveal patterns the human eye misses. Firms such as Valar Labs are developing machine-learning tools to extract insights that AI can sense. The goal: produce treatment recommendations for oncologists and patients. In clinical equipoise, where no clear winner exists among therapies, AI might provide clarity and reduce time lost between lines of treatment. Oncologist Danielle Bitterman of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute calls the approach promising for getting the right treatment to the right person. With products entering the market, experts say AI could push oncology toward a new level of personalized medicine.

Apple's AI pendant to rely on iPhone processing, signaling a lighter wearable

February 18, 2026, 7:06 AM EST. Apple is reportedly developing an AI pendant that can be pinned to a shirt or worn as a necklace. According to Bloomberg sources, the device would include a camera for computer vision, a microphone for Siri control, and possibly a speaker. It would rely heavily on an iPhone for processing, with a chip closer in power to AirPods than to an Apple Watch. The plan mirrors Humane's AI Pin but aims to avoid its bugs, overheating and high monthly cellular costs. If true, it would minimize on-device compute while keeping Internet access via wireless links. Separately, Apple is also said to be pursuing smart glasses with dual cameras, AI features like text interpretation and turn-by-turn directions, and integration with Siri, potentially competing with Meta.

British scientist launches Europe's biggest AI lab seed round with $1 billion

February 18, 2026, 7:04 AM EST. Britain-based scientist is raising about $1 billion in a seed round to back a new AI lab in Europe, described by backers as the continent's largest seed round for an AI research facility. Insiders say the funds will underwrite core science, computing infrastructure, and cross-disciplinary teams spanning machine learning and robotics. The effort underscores brisk private funding for AI infrastructure as Europe competes to attract talent and accelerate commercialization. No final investors are publicly named, and terms may evolve as the round progresses.

OpenAI, Meta and Apple clash over phone addiction and digital well-being

February 18, 2026, 6:56 AM EST. Tech rivals OpenAI, Meta and Apple are in a high-stakes push over digital well-being and phone addiction. Apple has tightened controls and privacy prompts; Meta has rolled out screen-time features to curb distraction; OpenAI is exploring AI tools to help users manage attention while sustaining engagement. Officials say the moves could shift how people control notifications and app usage. Analysts say the dispute hinges on platform responsibility, user autonomy and the economics of attention. Executives frame the debate as a public-interest issue, but investors watch for effects on ad revenue, app ecosystems and product design. Change may come through clearer labels, smarter defaults and user choice.

CNBC interview: Mistral AI CEO Arthur Mensch on growth, competition and AI strategy at the India AI Impact Summit

February 18, 2026, 6:52 AM EST. Arthur Mensch, CEO of Mistral AI, discusses the company's outlook from the India AI Impact Summit. He outlines growth plans and explains how competition-from larger firms and open-source projects-shapes the firm's AI strategy. The interview, conducted for CNBC's Squawk Box Europe, covers funding milestones, partnerships and execution priorities. Mensch says execution and customer value drive expansion in a crowded market, with emphasis on scalable models, safe deployment and practical use cases. The remarks offer a snapshot of how a mid-sized AI developer positions itself amid advancing rivals and evolving adoption.

AI boosts efficiency in India from tractors to exam grading, spurring investment and policy push

February 18, 2026, 6:44 AM EST. KARNAL, India – A farmer taps an iPad and sets a potato-harvest tractor to automatic mode, while in New Delhi an academy uses AI to scan and grade handwritten civil-service papers. Across sectors, AI is touted to boost efficiency, trim time and labor, and cut costs. Early users like Bir Virk and Swetank Pandey say the technology helps them do work faster and extend traditional trades. New Delhi is rolling out funding for AI research and training as a five-day summit draws heads of state and tech bosses. Global firms are betting on India's growth: Microsoft pledged $17.5 billion over four years; Google $15 billion over five years, including an AI hub. Industry experts caution that adoption faces infrastructure and skill gaps.

Apple to host March 4 'special Apple experience' in NYC amid MacBook, iPhone 17e rumors

February 18, 2026, 6:42 AM EST. Apple is hosting a 'special Apple experience' in New York City on March 4 at 9 a.m. ET, with parallel press events in London and Shanghai. The invitation, bearing the words 'You're invited' and a segmented Apple logo, offers few clues about the program. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has predicted a slate of launches over the coming weeks, including a low-cost A18 Pro-powered MacBook, updated MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models, new Mac displays, the iPhone 17e, a base-model iPad, and an M4 iPad Air. There may also be a preview of an AI-infused Siri. The event runs alongside Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, March 2-5. Apple's shift from its Cupertino campus invites close scrutiny of its upcoming lineup.

Samsung starts mass production of industry-first HBM4 memory for AI compute

February 18, 2026, 6:40 AM EST. Samsung Electronics said it has begun mass production of its industry-first HBM4 memory and shipped products to customers. Using its 6th-generation 10 nm-class DRAM process (1c) and a 4nm logic node, the company achieved stable yields and performance without redesigns. The HBM4 delivers 11.7 Gbps per pin, about 46% above the 8 Gbps standard, with a potential up to 13 Gbps. Total memory bandwidth per stack rises to 3.3 TB/s, 2.7x higher than HBM3E. Capacities span 24 GB to 36 GB in 12-layer stacks, with 16-layer stacks planned for up to 48 GB. Power and thermal gains include about 40% better efficiency via low-voltage TSV and PDN optimization, plus roughly 10% better thermal resistance and 30% better heat dissipation. The move targets AI data centers and higher GPU throughput while managing TCO.

Lithium and Nickel Drive EV Battery Metal Market to 27-Month High, Adamas Intelligence Finds

February 18, 2026, 6:38 AM EST. Adamas Intelligence says the global raw materials bill for EV batteries topped $2 billion in December 2025, the first such threshold since August 2023, driven by rising lithium and nickel prices. The global passenger EV market likely surpassed 30 million units in 2025, a 20% rise, with battery capacity deployed up 25%-and 2025 on track to be the first year with more than 1 TWh of capacity deployed. The EV Metal Index shows a $15.8 billion raw-material bill for lithium, graphite, nickel, cobalt and manganese in 2025, up ~13% year on year, still roughly half of 2022's peak. Cobalt rebounded; December cobalt sulphate prices jumped 200% YoY, cobalt contributes 14% of the index at $2.4 billion. LFP accounted for almost half of deployed capacity in 2025, with China supplying 83% of global LFP and 70% within China; LFP deployment grew 50% YoY.

AI Adoption Stalls Despite High Use, Industry Data Show

February 18, 2026, 6:36 AM EST. Industry data show 88% of companies report regular AI use, but progress is uneven. Adoption is stalling as performance gains plateau and ROI (return on investment) concerns rise. Employees test new tools in pockets but rarely embed them into daily workflows, limiting impact. Analysts point to fragmentation, weak governance, and integration gaps with legacy systems. Some firms scale pilots slowly; others abandon them for silos. The data underlines a paradox: broad exposure to AI on paper, limited transformation in practice. Firms that win tie AI to specific business processes, assign cross-functional ownership, and measure value beyond pilots.

California regulators decide not to suspend Tesla sales license after marketing fixes

February 18, 2026, 6:30 AM EST. California's Department of Motor Vehicles said Tesla had stopped misleading drivers about its driving technology. After an administrative law judge found the company misled consumers with Autopilot and Full Self-Driving, regulators briefly eyed a 30-day suspension. They gave Tesla a 90-day window to fix its marketing. The DMV said Tesla had addressed the issues and won't suspend the car maker's license to sell in the state. Tesla now uses the term supervised for its Full Self-Driving references and has stopped using Autopilot in marketing in California. The decision ends the pending enforcement action, though the agency cautioned further violations could prompt future action.

Qualcomm set to triumph in UK smartphone patent case

February 18, 2026, 6:24 AM EST. UK's Competition Appeal Tribunal is set to find that Qualcomm did not abuse its market power, prompting consumer group Which? to withdraw its case. The tribunal is expected to make three findings: Qualcomm did not coerce Apple, Apple's chipset manufacturers, or Samsung into signing licenses or agreements; Qualcomm did not leverage its position to extract terms; and its licensing and chipset practices did not breach competition laws or inflate royalties. Which? has filed to end proceedings without any payment by Qualcomm. The company's UK lawyers were restrained in announcing the withdrawal. In recent months, Apple and Samsung have signaled moves away from Qualcomm kit; Apple has begun using its own modems in the iPhone Air and other devices, while Samsung pursues higher-performance Exynos SoCs to compete with Snapdragon.

Apple Music's iOS 26.4 beta adds AI-powered Playlist Playground

February 18, 2026, 6:22 AM EST. Apple Music's beta for iOS 26.4 includes Playlist Playground, an AI-powered feature that generates 25-song playlists from text prompts. Users can request moods, artists or genres and edit existing playlists via prompts, with a custom title, cover and description. The tool is labeled Apple Intelligence and appears to run AI models in the background. The update also brings interface tweaks to album and playlist pages and a concert-near-you feature, similar to Shazam. Apple has previously integrated ChatGPT-based playlist generation and faces competition from YouTube Music and Spotify, which rolled out text-based playlist creation in recent years; Apple has not yet set a release timeline for iOS 26.

CATL's sodium-ion breakthrough, AutoFlight flying car highlight in latest EV reads

February 18, 2026, 6:18 AM EST. China eclipsed Argentina to become Brazil's largest vehicle exporter in January, underscoring the dominance of Chinese brands in Mercosur. CATL says it has deployed the world's first sodium-ion batteries in passenger cars, a hedge against lithium-ion price swings and a bid to keep China ahead in the competitive EV market. AutoFlight, backed by CATL, unveils the Matrix, claimed to be the world's largest flying car and a symbol of China's push into the low-altitude economy with eVTOL tech.

Why I keep using my Android tablet after buying an iPad

February 18, 2026, 6:08 AM EST. An author contrasts his aging Android tablet (Mi Pad 5) with a new iPad Air M2, arguing longer OS updates and security updates justify keeping both. The Mi Pad 5, bought in 2022, is now stuck on Android 13 with its final security patch in March 2025, highlighting the risk of using tablets without timely updates. Apple's iPad Air M2 promises five to seven years of OS updates and up to nine years of security updates, supporting a view that the iPad should last into the 2030s. The writer notes that tablets aren't as heavily used as phones but values the stability and longevity of Apple's ecosystem while continuing to rely on the Android device for certain tasks.

ARC Raiders updates: investigation concludes; enforcement actions to address exploits

February 18, 2026, 6:00 AM EST. ARC Raiders says its investigation into recent exploits, caused by a design flaw, has concluded. The team notes the exploits impacted the game's economy and player experience and says it will issue enforcement actions to accounts that clearly exploited the flaw this week. Actions will vary by severity and may include warnings, removal of Coins tied to exploit activity, or suspensions in severe cases. The company emphasizes fairness and accuracy, validating reports, confirming exploit usage, and distinguishing accidental behavior from deliberate abuse. On balance, the goal is to preserve competitive integrity and fair play while improving detection, tracking, internal review tools, and safeguards. Players are asked to report issues via discord.gg/arcraiders to speed responses. Thanks to those who reported issues and continued playing in good faith.

Intellistake updates Orbit AI Genesis-1 with onboard 2.6-billion-parameter AI model

February 18, 2026, 5:58 AM EST. Intellistake Technologies Corp. says Genesis-1 is operating in orbit, running a 2.6-billion-parameter AI model onboard. The satellite, equipped with an NVIDIA AI core, analyzes infrared remote-sensing data in real time, sending back results rather than raw data and cutting transmission bandwidth by up to 99%. Executing AI in space demonstrates a shift toward distributed infrastructure and real-time decisions beyond Earth-based centers. Intellistake holds a strategic equity stake and notes Genesis-1's performance marks a milestone for autonomous orbital sensing. The company is evaluating blockchain-based verification infrastructure for the planned Genesis-2 mission, pending terms, engineering work and regulatory approvals. CEO Jason Dussault says the development moves satellite systems toward in-orbit decision-making and broader AI deployment.

Comcast, Classiq and AMD test quantum routing to boost network resilience

February 18, 2026, 5:50 AM EST. Comcast, Classiq and AMD completed trials showing that quantum computing can boost network resilience by optimizing backup routing during maintenance and outages. The teams used quantum algorithms with AMD Instinct GPUs to simulate and validate fast, low-latency paths that remain independent even if multiple links fail in a large, dynamic network. Elad Nafshi, Chief Network Officer of Comcast Connectivity and Platforms, said the results prove quantum software is practical, scalable and aligned with customer needs. Nir Minerbi, Classiq co-founder and CEO, stressed the importance of rapid iterations and repeatable workflows in enterprise quantum R&D. The effort focused on identifying truly independent backup routes to maintain seamless traffic rerouting during maintenance windows or unexpected failures, powered by GPU-accelerated simulations.

NASA to retry Artemis II wet dress rehearsal, could set up March moon mission

February 18, 2026, 5:44 AM EST. NASA plans a second wet dress rehearsal for the Artemis II mission after a February 2 test exposed leaks of liquid hydrogen (LH2) from ground equipment into the SLS rocket's core stage at Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39-B. The leak earlier derailed the first dress rehearsal, which loaded hundreds of thousands of gallons of LH2 and LOX. A March liftoff remains possible, with the earliest date around March 6, if the test clears; Artemis II would carry four astronauts-Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen-for a 10-day loop beyond Earth, testing Orion's capability for regular crewed missions ahead of Artemis III. Engineers have swapped seals and a ground equipment filter; teams will run a nearly 50-hour countdown to T-0, then a four-hour window to complete objectives and test the terminal count reset.

Ford targets $30,000 EV by shrinking battery and boosting efficiency

February 18, 2026, 5:40 AM EST. Ford is pursuing a $30,000 EV by shrinking the battery and boosting efficiency, aiming to stretch range enough to justify the price. The next-gen EV is lighter and more efficient, with a near-50-mile range boost and a mid-size pickup planned for 2027 at the price of a traditional car. Doug Field says the goal is attainable if the company is maniacal about efficiency. Ford's push comes as China's BYD intensifies competition, forcing a focus on innovation and cost discipline. The automaker has discussed U.S. collaborations to blunt Chinese manufacturing pressure. Ford hired outside talent, including Alan Clarke, to lead the UEV program, and created a clean sheet approach and a bounty culture to reward cost savings.

Infleqtion CEO maps Nvidia-like path to bring quantum to market

February 18, 2026, 5:38 AM EST. Infleqtion's CEO Matt Kinsella says the stock debut is a refueling, not a finish line, as the company shifts its neutral-atom technology toward commercialization. The SPAC merger with Churchill Capital Corp X sent Infleqtion to public markets, debuting with quantum sensors for clocks and antennas alongside computers. Unlike peers like D-Wave, Rigetti, and IonQ, Infleqtion emphasizes a distinct path by mimicking Nvidia: apply the quantum core to market opportunities in timekeeping, sensing, and computing rather than waiting for commercially useful quantum until later. The company expects further public listings from Xanadu and Quantinuum. Kinsella notes milestones, advice from fellow CEOs, and a focus on fundamentals beyond stock moves, underscoring a mission to move quantum from research to real-world use.

Apple slips 6% as investors weigh buying the dip amid AI delays and regulatory letter

February 18, 2026, 5:32 AM EST. Apple shares fell about 6% year-to-date and 8% in the past week as investors weighed AI-feature delays and a regulatory letter from federal authorities. The sell-off followed an FTC warning and worries over AI capabilities, within a broader tech sell-off. In Q1 2026, Apple posted revenue of $143.8 billion, up 16% YoY, with diluted EPS up 19% and a $0.26 quarterly dividend. Market data show a $3.9 trillion market cap and a current price near $263.76. Management signaled progress on products such as Siri 2.0 using Google Gemini, plus an anticipated iPhone 18 this fall and other devices. For long-term investors, the ~6% dip is framed as a potential buying opportunity amid noise.

Michigan battery recycling push as EV adoption climbs

February 18, 2026, 5:24 AM EST. EV adoption is accelerating, and Michigan positions battery recycling as a core piece of its clean-transport strategy. NextCycle Michigan, an EGLE initiative, updates and expands coverage on how batteries move from mines to refurbishing and back into the supply chain. Two accelerator alumni, VMX International (VMXI) and ReCharge Recycling, are advancing refurbishment and recycling facilities to recover critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel. ReCharge Recycling is pursuing a Flint location, weighing equipment options and navigating regulations and permitting while refining environmental impact estimates. The effort-part of the first NextCycle Michigan Recycling Supply Chain track-aims to strengthen responsible mining, worker safety, and end-of-life battery recovery within the supply chain.

China's dancing robots spotlight tech prowess and policy signals

February 18, 2026, 5:22 AM EST. Dancing humanoid robots dominated China Media Group's Spring Festival Gala, underscoring how public showcases blend technology, propaganda and spectacle. Engineers demonstrated kung fu stunts, backflips and choreographed routines, while experts noted the performance reflects a pipeline from policy to prime-time entertainment. Analysts say the display proves progress in production scale and dexterity, but caution the feats rely on imitation learning and controlled environments, not robust operation in real-world settings. Critics warn the choreography emphasizes optics over practical robotics, with China seeking to project leadership in humanoid robots and to outpace rivals in AI and automation. Researchers stress the gap between on-stage motion and factory-grade reliability, reminding audiences that stage success does not guarantee broad industrial deployment.

Mistral AI CEO says AI could replace over 50% of enterprise software; India expansion planned

February 18, 2026, 5:20 AM EST. NEW DELHI – Mistral AI's chief executive says AI could replace more than half of the software enterprises now buy as SaaS. In an interview with CNBC at the India Accelerates event, Arthur Mensch said the recent software-stock sell-off reflects fears AI will cannibalize existing models. He noted that with the right infrastructure, data can be linked to AI to produce custom apps in days, a shift he calls a replatforming that could cut cost and waste. Mistral has more than 100 enterprise customers and plans to open its first office in India this year, part of expansion around the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. He added traditional systems of record will endure, though AI-driven workflows will run alongside them.

Apple moves on AI wearables: pendant, glasses and AI AirPods

February 18, 2026, 5:16 AM EST. The Information previously reported Apple is developing an AI pendant the size of an AirTag with cameras that could pin to a shirt. Bloomberg now says the project, along with two other AI-powered devices, is accelerating as Apple presses to keep pace with rivals. The AI pin is joined by forthcoming smart glasses, code-named N50, with production aimed as early as December and a public release possibly in 2027. Bloomberg also says Apple is working on AirPods with new AI features. All three would connect to the iPhone and rely on Siri as a central interface. The glasses would be more upscale and feature-rich than the pendant and AirPods. TechCrunch sought comment from Apple.

Godot maintainers grapple with AI-generated code flood amid 'AI slop' concerns

February 18, 2026, 5:14 AM EST. Godot maintainers are grappling with a flood of AI-generated PRs and their AI slop as generative models assist new contributors. In a Bluesky thread, Rémi Verschelde, a principal maintainer and co-founder of W4 Games, described the workload as draining and demoralizing as teams must assess human authorship and the trustworthiness of submissions. They worry whether AI-assisted changes are correct or merely mistakes from inexperienced contributors. The project remains welcoming to newcomers, but the surge taxes finite capacity; maintainers spend time helping contributors reach mergeable states. Some propose more funding to hire additional maintainers. Godot is also weighing automated detection options, though Verschelde cautions against relying on AI to police AI slop. The team continues discussing practical paths to preserve project health.

Delhi AI summit draws tech titans as Modi pushes South Asia-Africa AI hub

February 18, 2026, 5:08 AM EST. Delhi hosts the AI Impact Summit as Modi seeks to crown India a hub for AI in South Asia and Africa. Tech chiefs Sundar Pichai, Sam Altman and Dario Amodei attend alongside ministers from Kenya, Senegal, Mauritius, Togo, Indonesia and Egypt. The week-long meeting, aimed at accelerating AI adoption globally, spotlights agriculture, water, and health, and pits a US-led vision against a developing-world agenda. Critics warn of surveillance risks; Modi argues for human-centric progress and broad access. António Guterres is set to speak, urging that AI not be a privilege of the rich. The summit marks a shift from Western-dominated forums to the global south, with observers describing a clash between AI colonialism and a techno-Gandhism approach.

Samsung One UI 8.5 adds 24-bit Bluetooth audio and dual-mic recording

February 18, 2026, 5:04 AM EST. Samsung's One UI 8.5 is expected to include a new system utility, Advanced Audio, enabling 24-bit audio capture from Bluetooth mics. The feature, first spotted ahead of the Unpacked event, currently supports DJI Mic series (Mic 2, Mic 3, Mini, and Mini 2) and would let creators record from two mics simultaneously. It also offers adjustable gain and noise cancellation controls beyond what hardware dials provide. An APK build tied to the feature surfaced online, but it's incomplete and may be limited to select devices. Samsung did not confirm compatibility across all One UI 8.5 devices. Launch coincides with the Galaxy S26 reveal next week.

We predicted the iPhone would bomb: the 10 most embarrassing quotes about Apple's first smartphone

February 18, 2026, 5:02 AM EST. A retrospective gathers ten public forecasts that underestimated the iPhone before it hit stores. At Macworld 2007, critics treated Apple's smartphone as a curiosity, not a watershed device. The list features cautions from Palm CEO Ed Colligan, who warned the market would be tough and its PC roots would hinder entry; Motorola's Ed Zander-who later dismissed Apple's approach-and pundit John C. Dvorak, who argued Apple could not win in a crowded market. The piece highlights the era's skepticism toward mainstream consumer smartphones. Two decades on, the iPhone's success reshaped mobile computing and discredited several high-profile doubts, including statements from hardware makers and industry observers.

Tesla avoids 30-day California license suspension after halting 'autopilot' marketing terms

February 18, 2026, 5:00 AM EST. California regulators said Tesla will avoid a 30-day suspension of its dealer and manufacturer licenses after complying with a state order to stop using the term autopilot in its marketing. The California DMV in December 2025 found the company had violated state law by marketing its ADAS features with autopilot and full self-driving terminology. Tesla has since stopped using 'autopilot' and clarified that 'full self-driving' requires driver supervision. DMV Director Steve Gordon said the action keeps consumer protections intact. The regulator noted the features cannot operate as autonomous vehicles, despite earlier ads. The action, which followed a 60-day deadline and a 2023 hearing, keeps Tesla's California sales intact.

Nvidia's decade-long drive to keep Shield TV updated

February 18, 2026, 4:54 AM EST. Nvidia's Shield TV has endured years of patches, pauses and renewed updates, illustrating a long-term commitment to support rather than product retirement. The box showed a two-year lull in public updates, with no notices in 2023 or 2024; over-the-air updates resumed in 2025. Bell described the lull as intentional, part of a broader development push. The effort taps back to the Switch's Tegra X1 processor, the same chip used in Nvidia's early Shield devices, and to a still-unpatched vulnerability that let homebrew and piracy flourish on the hardware. By 2023, DRM-protected 4K content also misplayed on older models. Nvidia rejected retirement, citing a customer pledge. The team won approval to spend whatever time was needed to fix the vulnerability on the first two Shield generations, a process that took about 18 months and required a new security stack.

Nothing confirms Phone 4a launch date for March 5; London event slated with YouTube livestream

February 18, 2026, 4:52 AM EST. Nothing has officially confirmed the Phone 4a lineup launch for March 5 at 10:30 GMT, with a London event to be livestreamed on YouTube. The company previously teased a March 5 reveal using an Apple-event image. Leaks point to a redesigned camera module and updates to the Glyph lighting, while chipset upgrades may be limited. Nothing has said it will not launch a flagship this year, suggesting the 4a and 4a Pro could be the only phones from the company in 2026. Analysts and critics described the teaser as cheeky rather than substantive, and official details are expected in the days ahead.

Apple TV adds dedicated Formula 1 channel for US subscribers ahead of 2026 season

February 18, 2026, 4:50 AM EST. Apple has launched a dedicated Formula 1 channel on Apple TV in the US, included with the base Apple TV subscription ($13/month or $99/year). The channel streams the 2026 season, starting with the Melbourne Grand Prix on March 8, plus 2025 highlights, schedules and resources. Available on mobile and TV apps, it provides a hub for the Event Schedule and race content. Subscribed users gain access to all 24 races and practice sessions; non-subscribers can still view select practice sessions and some races. The rollout aligns with a five-year broadcast contract and offers a glimpse at how Apple will present F1 in 2026.

Comcast completes quantum-network routing test with Classiq and AMD to improve internet reliability

February 18, 2026, 4:48 AM EST. Comcast says it has completed a quantum algorithm network routing test with Classiq and AMD, aimed at boosting Internet reliability. The trial follows an earlier project and a Philadelphia lab opening. It identified independent backup paths so traffic can reroute if a site goes offline during maintenance or another site fails, without customer disruption. The test combined quantum techniques with high-performance classical computing, using AMD Instinct GPUs to deliver qubit-scale capacity not yet possible in hardware alone. Classiq supplied quantum software and engineering support. Comcast says the work shows quantum software is practical for real network challenges, but did not commit to commercialization. Officials note quantum can evaluate many network factors simultaneously, helping optimize outcomes for millions of homes and edge locations. Industry analyst says operators should continue R&D to stay attractive to partners and talent.

Netflix threatens ByteDance with immediate litigation over Seedance 2.0 AI clips

February 18, 2026, 4:46 AM EST. Netflix threatened ByteDance with immediate litigation over Seedance 2.0, accusing the Chinese company of enabling copyright infringement by training on Netflix IP and producing unauthorized derivative works. The move follows similar actions by Disney, Paramount and Warner Bros. Netflix says Seedance 2.0 can generate clips from Stranger Things, Squid Game, and Bridgerton and recreate costumes and scenes, undermining valuable IP. ByteDance says it will add guardrails to curb misuse, but Netflix argues that even with safeguards, outputs constitute commercial derivatives not protected by fair use. The letter demands removal of Netflix-owned material from training data and stronger safeguards. Seedance 2.0, which fuses video and audio from prompts, represents a step up for AI-generated content.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra at 50% off as a 14.6-inch laptop replacement

February 18, 2026, 4:42 AM EST. Samsung is offering the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra at half price. The 14.6-inch tablet comes with a bundled S-Pen and up to 2TB microSD expansion, targeting a laptop-like use while maintaining portability. At AU$1,049 for the 256GB model from JB Hi-Fi, it undercuts many laptops once a keyboard is considered. A review praised the large display for productivity and multitasking, while noting the premium price and a MediaTek chip instead of top-tier Snapdragon. The device handles everyday tasks well, supports easy external monitor connections, and carries IP68 water resistance for use in damp environments.

Nobel laureate John Martinis aims to build the world's most powerful quantum computer

February 18, 2026, 4:40 AM EST. John Martinis, a hardware-focused physicist, helped spark the modern quantum-computing era. In the 1980s his Berkeley team tested whether macroscopic quantum effects could occur in larger systems, a line of work that seeded superconducting qubits-the leading architecture today. His research informed how IBM and Google built larger machines, and he later led the Google team that achieved quantum supremacy. Now nearing 70, Martinis bets on a new leap with superconducting qubits and co-founded QoLab in 2024 to pursue practical quantum computers. In a conversation with Karmela Padavic-Callaghan, he recalls a first, failed but instructive microwave-engineering experiment that taught him to balance theory, noise, and hardware in a fast-moving field.

Blackview Tab 90 review: $99 Android tablet punches above its weight vs iPad Pro

February 18, 2026, 4:28 AM EST. ZDNET reviews the Blackview Tab 90 Wi-Fi (2025), an 11-inch Android tablet priced at $99. It delivers Widevine L1 streaming, vivid colors and long battery life from an 8,200mAh cell. Inside, a Unisoc UMS9230 octa-core processor pairs with 4GB RAM (expandable to 8GB) and 128GB storage, plus a TF/microSD slot supporting up to 1TB. Charging is slow at 10W, taking about four hours to full. Android 15 arrives preinstalled, boosting multitasking and handwriting features. A 13MP rear camera and 8MP front complete the kit. While it isn't the most advanced display, the tablet feels premium for the price, especially once RAM is expanded.

Microsoft previews Windows 11 feature drop with Taskbar updates, Emoji 16.0 and network speed test

February 18, 2026, 4:26 AM EST. Microsoft has issued a Release Preview for Windows 11, signaling the next feature drop will roll out in the coming weeks. The update centers on quality-of-life tweaks, led by Taskbar and Emoji improvements. The Emoji 16.0 release adds new symbols, including a fingerprint, harp and shovel, accessible via the Win+ period shortcut. A built-in network speed test lands in the taskbar, reachable from Wi-Fi/Cellular Quick Settings or the system tray; the test covers Ethernet, Wi-Fi and Cellular connections. Also included: Sysmon support (disabled by default). Other changes span Backup & Restore for Organizations – extending first-sign-in restore to Entra hybrid joined devices, Cloud PCs and multi-user environments – and Quick Machine Recovery auto-on for Windows Pro devices not domain-joined. Microsoft follows its Continuous Innovation cadence, rather than one-off annual releases.

Arista Networks seen as a clear AI bargain with ~23% upside

February 18, 2026, 4:24 AM EST. Wall Street analysts see Arista Networks (ANET) as a clear AI exposure with attractive risk-reward. A 12-month target of $175 implies about 23.6% upside from the Feb. 13 close. The company sells high-performance Ethernet networking gear that links servers and AI accelerators in data centers, a role analysts say is central as deployments scale. Revenue visibility is rising as AI networking moves from pilots to production; Arista expects AI networking revenue of about $3.25 billion in 2026, nearly doubling year over year. Management targets a total addressable market above $100 billion, with campus and branch revenues of $1.25 billion in 2026 and 25% YoY growth. Margins stay robust, with gross in the low-to-mid 60% range and 46% operating margin in 2026. EOS software and services strengthen the moat.

Nvidia deepens India push with AI factories, sovereign cloud collaborations

February 18, 2026, 4:20 AM EST. At the India AI Impact Summit, Nvidia unveiled collaborations to accelerate AI across industry. Partners span cloud providers, system integrators and software firms, aiming to build advanced AI factories and sovereign models. The IndiaAI Compute Pillar will deploy thousands of Nvidia GPUs in an open-access cloud for startups and researchers. Yotta, L&T and E2E Networks will run sovereign compute hubs; Yotta's Shakti Cloud is powered by over 20,000 Blackwell GPUs. L&T will form a gigawatt AI factory network, with a Mumbai facility and Chennai expansion. Netweb Technologies will launch Tyrone Camarero AI Supercomputing on Nvidia Grace/Blackwell, manufacturing GB200 NVL4 platforms under Make in India. Nvidia Nemotron, including Personas India, supports synthetic data and an 8-billion-parameter Indic model for Indian languages; Tech Mahindra uses Nemotron for this effort.

Peak Design launches Mobile Crossbody strap for phones with quick-release and camera compatibility

February 18, 2026, 4:10 AM EST. Peak Design launches the Mobile Crossbody, a rope-style strap built for smartphones that also fits compact cameras. The strap uses a quick-release system with Micro Anchors to attach a phone to the metal carabiner, letting users snap on and off in seconds. It claims broad compatibility with most cases via a strap adapter for third-party cases with a fully enclosed USB-C port, and works with Peak Design cases too, though not with the Peak Design iPhone 17 Air case. Three versions exist: Multi-Strap (four anchors, about $60), standard (two anchors, $50), and wrist strap ($30). Availability outside the United States is not yet announced. The product targets on-the-go photographers and gadget users seeking quick access to their phones.

NVIDIA stock valuation flags after rally; price vs fair value under scrutiny

February 18, 2026, 3:58 AM EST. NVIDIA's stock sits near $185 after a multi-year run. Investors ask whether the rally still reflects the business's value. Our checks rate NVIDIA 2/6 on valuation-mixed signals. A two-stage Free Cash Flow to Equity model yields an intrinsic value near $160 per share, implying the current price is about 15% above fair value. In plain terms, DCF-discounted cash flow-estimates value by projecting future cash flows and discounting them to today. The result: overvalued on this measure. The stock has posted big gains: roughly 8x over three years and over 12x in five, with a 32.7% jump last year. Other metrics differ; the view is cautious, not a call to sell, but a reminder that valuations matter in AI hardware cycles.

Google I/O 2026 dates set for May 19-20; Gemini AI features teased

February 18, 2026, 3:56 AM EST. Google has confirmed I/O 2026 will run May 19-20, with free live streams for the opening keynote and sessions. The event remains a key preview for major Android changes and Google's AI plans, with Gemini likely to feature prominently. The dates were revealed after fans solved a website puzzle themed around Gemini builds. The mini-games include a Gemini-powered mini-golf caddy, a nonogram that generates endless game boards, and Word Wheel, which uses Gemini 3 to automate level design. Other demos include Super Sonicbot, which tests microphone-driven altitude, and Stretchy Cat as a stage-design mechanic. Expect updates across Android and Google services, delivered in a developer-focused cadence and with live-streamed keynotes accessible to the public.

Chinese robots run up walls at Spring Festival Gala, signaling leap in humanoid tech

February 18, 2026, 3:48 AM EST. Chinese robotics makers showcased a wall-running feat during the Spring Festival Gala by China Media Group, as Unitree G1 humanoids performed a wall flip and sparred with young performers. The performance underscores a rapid rise in China's robotics sector, even as regulators warn of a potential bubble amid a crowded field. Analysts say humanoid forms are the most legible to the public and officials, though translating staged agility into practical daily tasks remains a challenge. Elon Musk has noted China's strengths in manufacturing and AI, suggesting global competition could intensify. Some observers warn real-world utility for robots beyond entertainment is still limited, with firms racing to move from stage tricks to chores around the home or workplace.

Vietnam grants SpaceX Starlink license, paving way for satellite internet rollout

February 18, 2026, 3:46 AM EST. Vietnam has granted SpaceX's Starlink a radio-frequency license, moving the satellite-internet project closer to rollout in the one-party state. The move coincides with Vingroup launching a rival satellite-internet provider, underscoring a nascent market where regulators balance security and connectivity goals.

Yotta to build $2 billion AI hub in India with Nvidia Blackwell chips

February 18, 2026, 3:42 AM EST. Reuters reports that Yotta Data Services plans to build one of Asia's largest AI computing hubs using Nvidia's Blackwell Ultra chips, in a project costing more than $2 billion. The four-year engagement, valued at over $1 billion, will place a DGX Cloud cluster inside Yotta's infrastructure, with live deployment expected by August at its Delhi-NCR campus and additional capacity from its Mumbai facility. The move aligns with cloud providers expanding AI data centre capacity in India amid demand for generative AI and a push to localise advanced computing. It comes as U.S. export controls reshape chip supply chains, encouraging deeper partnerships in India. Yotta is part of Niranjan Hiranandani's real estate group and a partner of Nvidia in India.

CATL's '5C' battery could ease EV range fears as Ireland's charging network lags

February 18, 2026, 3:38 AM EST. Irish EV sales rose 48% in January, but a slow national charging network and battery reliability fears keep buyers cautious. A Carzone survey shows more than half of prospective buyers worry EVs won't be as reliable as petrol cars and fear costly battery replacements. Battery prices have fallen, with wholesale per-kWh below $100 (€83) and some forecasts for lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) packs to drop toward $70/kWh by 2026. Still, replacing a whole battery remains expensive, though less likely. CATL, one of the world's largest battery makers, says its new 5C battery pack could last up to 1.7 million kilometres in harsh use, easing replacement concerns. Fast-charging accelerates wear, a double-edged sword. GeoTab data shows annual capacity fade of about 2.3%, equating to roughly 9.4km lost per year on a Renault 5 E-Tech 52kWh.

Crowdfunded 60W Pocket Cloud: USB PD passthrough microSD reader for Android and iOS

February 18, 2026, 3:36 AM EST. Vinpower's 60W Pocket Cloud is a USB-C microSD reader with 60W USB PD passthrough that lets a smartphone charge while reading storage. It supports Android via USB-C and iOS via USB-C or Lightning (with an optional cable). The device uses the iVP309 flash controller, offers USB 3.2 Gen 1 and SD 3.0 UHS-I through a microSD slot up to 2TB, with speeds up to 104 MB/s. Power can flow from the host or through USB-PD, enabling charging during use. OS support spans Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS; Linux is likely compatible as a USB reader. Dimensions about 50x30x8 mm, weight 10 g, MFI certified. Launched on Kickstarter with a HKD 7,000 target; starter pledges from $19, cables extra (about $5 each).

Global AI safety push derailed by policy clashes and investment race

February 18, 2026, 3:30 AM EST. World leaders convene as the United States aims to showcase leadership on AI safety while major tech players push billions into markets like India. At a Washington event, Undersecretary William Kimmitt framed the moment as a chance to advance U.S. goals, even as Beijing sends a smaller delegation ahead of Chinese New Year. The Trump administration also hosts a separate policy moment with a Board of Peace, while executives from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Meta pledge multibillion-dollar investments in India, signaling a race to shape AI deployment before tighter rules land. The EU presses to regulate while using a simplification package to ease burdens, seeking a balance between innovation and democratic values. EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen will stress partnerships with trusted partners like India.

Pixel 10a pricing and specs leak ahead of Google launch as listings surface

February 18, 2026, 3:28 AM EST. Google's Pixel 10a is due for official confirmation tomorrow after retailer Vanden Borre and US carrier Tracfone posted early listings. The Belgian retailer prices the 128GB model at €549 and the 256GB at €649, suggesting a Europe-wide launch price parity with the Pixel 9a. Tracfone's support doc confirms physical dims and a Bluetooth upgrade to Bluetooth 6. The listings indicate a flat rear design with a flush camera module, IP68 rating, Gorilla Glass front, aluminum frame, and a plastic back, with color options including Lavender, plus Obsidian, Fog and Berry. Specs note a Tensor G4 chip, a 6.3-inch Actual display at 120Hz, and a weight around 6.52 ounces. Dimensions roughly 6.06 x 2.87 x 0.35 inches. Software features cited: Camera Coach, Gemini Live, Nano Banana, Circle to Search.

Minnesota Capitol deploys AI-powered security checkpoints

February 18, 2026, 3:24 AM EST. On the first day of the Minnesota Legislature, the State Capitol began using AI-powered security checkpoints that officials say are seamless and quick. Visitors described easy passage, with items staying in pockets. Dr. Manjeet Rege explained the system analyzes shape, density and material composition and is trained on thousands of examples to flag potential threats for human judgment review. It can detect items that evade metal detectors, including 3D-printed weapons. Critics point to gaps, citing past AI misses and rising false positives after tightening sensitivity. Proponents say accuracy depends on training data and regular updates, and that AI should augment, not replace, human judgment in a hybrid model now common at stadiums, schools and other venues, with metal detectors still part of the mix.

Tesla halts 'Autopilot' branding in California after DMV action

February 18, 2026, 3:16 AM EST. Tesla has stopped using Autopilot as a marketing label for its driver-assist feature in California after the state's Department of Motor Vehicles warned it could suspend operations. The move comes after a penalty threat-up to a 30-day suspension-if Tesla continued the branding. The San Francisco Chronicle reported the company had already begun removing Autopilot from standard equipment, steering buyers toward a subscription version. The DMV action also targeted Full Self-Driving, which the company later labeled full self-driving (supervised). Tesla confirmed changes and California DMV director Steve Gordon said the action ensures compliance with consumer protections. Consumer Reports ranked Tesla eighth among automaker driver-assist systems. Separately, NHTSA filings show five robotaxi crashes in December-January, about four times the rate for the average human driver.

Android 16 introduces Advanced Protection, Google's strongest security mode

February 18, 2026, 3:10 AM EST. Android 16 adds Advanced Protection, a system-level security mode designed to harden devices against online threats and unauthorized access. Google says the feature targets high-risk users-politicians, activists, journalists-while promising benefits for casual users as well. It tightens defaults, enforces strict app installs and verifications, blocks sideloading, and requires mandatory passkeys to sign into Google accounts. The mode is not on by default; users must enable it in Settings. To start, ensure you're on the latest Android 16 via Settings -> System -> Software Update. Overall, Advanced Protection reduces the avenues attackers have to compromise a phone, delivering a more resilient defense against both physical and digital attacks.

DJI Osmo Pocket 4 leaks surface in Malaysia as retailer posts hands-on video

February 18, 2026, 3:00 AM EST. An authorized DJI retailer in Kuala Lumpur has shown hands-on footage of the DJI Osmo Pocket 4, signaling a near-term launch. The video, shared by DronesKaki Bukit Bintang at the Fahrenheit 88 mall, captures a customer presenting the device to staff and a 33-second Reel posted to Instagram. The clip highlights a compact three-axis gimbal delivering smooth stabilization as it pans the store, plus what appears to be an accessory front-facing LED light. A two-inch OLED screen, rotatable and aligned with the Pocket 3 form factor, also features in the footage. The appearance at a real shop-after prior China-based leaks-suggests the Pocket 4 is moving toward release, though DJI has not officially confirmed a date.

Samsung teases AI image editor for Galaxy S26 phones

February 18, 2026, 2:56 AM EST. Samsung is rolling out an AI image editing toolkit for its next Galaxy devices. The company released short video teasers showing how users can quickly apply AI-powered edits to photos. In a quick press blast, Samsung said the latest Galaxy smartphone will include a unified suite of AI editing tools. While the company did not name the Galaxy S26, observers say the timing points to the next model's launch. The teasers underscore Samsung's push to embed AI into camera workflows, offering automated touch-ups, style changes and cropping triggered by simple prompts.

Nvidia AI push could lift silver demand and spark price support

February 18, 2026, 2:54 AM EST. Industrial demand drives most silver use, with photovoltaic cells and electronics at the core. The Silver Institute expects demand to fall about 1% in 2025, then stay flat in 2026 as supply rises around 1.5%, a mix that still leaves the market undersupplied. Nvidia's AI architecture is fueling a new class of 800V HVDC data centers, slated for 2027, that could lift silver content due to higher thermal conductivity and oxidation resistance versus copper. Data centers are a key existing driver, and the AI boom may render this demand relatively price-inelastic. That implies modest price increases can sustain demand. Net physical investment rose in 2025 even as industrial demand was flat; a correction is possible, but fundamentals remain positive for silver.

Tesla escapes 30-day California license suspension after dropping Autopilot marketing

February 18, 2026, 2:52 AM EST. California's DMV said it will not suspend Tesla's sales and manufacturing licenses after the automaker stopped using the word Autopilot in California marketing. The decision, issued late Tuesday, ends a dispute dating to 2023 when the DMV accused Tesla of deceptive marketing for Autopilot and its Full Self-Driving system. Tesla shifted to calling FSD 'Supervised' and later discontinued Autopilot in the U.S. and Canada in January. The agency had sought a 30-day license suspension, with a judge ruling in December to impose it, then giving Tesla 60 days to comply. Tesla complied, saying the change in terminology and the switch to a subscription for FSD (now $99 per month after an $8,000 upfront price) supports clearer supervision.

Three new Xbox Game Pass titles added on Feb. 17, including Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora and Avowed

February 18, 2026, 2:50 AM EST. Microsoft is adding three Xbox Game Pass titles today, including Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora and Avowed. Aerial_Knight's DropShot arrives on Series X|S, PC and Cloud for Ultimate and PC. Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora lands for Ultimate and PC, with a rollout to Series X|S and Cloud later today. Avowed remains part of XGP Premium and is already in Ultimate and PC. DropShot is a fast-paced FPS in which players chase a parachute, using limited Finger Gun bullets and slipstreams. Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora is a first/third-person action-adventure set in Pandora, following a Na'vi and the RDA conflict. Avowed is a first-person fantasy RPG from Obsidian, set in the Living Lands on Eora.

Warner Bros Discovery Sends Personal Cease-and-Desist to ByteDance Over AI Infringement of Batman and Superman

February 18, 2026, 2:44 AM EST. Warner Bros Discovery has sent a personal cease-and-desist to ByteDance over AI-generated videos that reuse its characters, including Superman and Batman. In the letter, WBD general counsel Wayne M. Smith appeals to ByteDance Global GC John Rogovin, calling infringement 'blatant' and arguing the Seedance AI tool crowdsources demand for copyrighted works. The case highlights ongoing tension as creators post crossovers featuring Darth Vader, Marvel characters and other IP across TikTok. ByteDance says it will strengthen safeguards to curb unauthorized use of intellectual property. WBD says stop-gap measures are not enough and calls for comprehensive guardrails. The dispute unfolds as studios bargain with guilds in AMPTP talks amid a surge of AI-driven clips.

Samsung's Galaxy S26 puts AI at the core of its flagship strategy

February 18, 2026, 2:42 AM EST. Samsung will unveil the Galaxy S26 on February 25, 2026, with AI as the centerpiece of its user experience. The launch leans into a global marketing push built around immersive 3D billboards in major cities including London, Los Angeles, Seoul, Tokyo and Ho Chi Minh City, showcasing the device's emphasis on creativity, productivity, and low-light photography. Samsung frames AI as a core driver of innovation rather than a secondary feature. The company highlights AI-powered tools for creative tasks-natural object movement, instant background reshaping, and seamless scene transformations-running on One UI 8.5. Enhanced Nightgraphy and computational photography are part of the camera suite, aimed at improving performance in challenging lighting. The marketing aligns with software-led messaging and signals a broader shift in smartphone strategy.

Could Water Power Space Propulsion? Startup Plans Oct. Test

February 18, 2026, 2:40 AM EST. A California startup, General Galactic, plans to launch a 1,200-pound satellite on a SpaceX Falcon 9 in October to test water-based propulsion, according to Wired. The mission would demonstrate two approaches: an electrical propulsion system that uses electrolysis to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, then turns the oxygen into plasma and expels it with a magnetic field; and a chemical system that first performs electrolysis and then burns hydrogen with oxygen as the oxidizer for a short, high-thrust burst. Proponents say water-based propulsion could cut propellant costs and enable in-space refueling. But challenges remain: water electrolysis adds weight, high-temperature steam can corrode spacecraft electronics, and the exhaust velocity may be lower than conventional engines. Luke Neise, co-founder, says the goal is both efficient long-range thrust and fast bursts.

Meta patents AI that could post for deceased social media users

February 18, 2026, 2:38 AM EST. Meta has patented a hypothetical large language model that could continue posting and commenting on a user's behalf after they die. Granted in late December, the patent describes an AI that would simulate a person's social activity during extended absences and after death. It was first filed in 2023 by Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth. A Meta spokesperson told Business Insider they no longer plan to move forward with the concept. The idea envisions an AI agent trained to imitate a user's voice and behavior on social platforms. The development raises privacy and consent questions, though Meta has not indicated any immediate deployment plans.

US DoD seeks cheap commercial satellites for Ghost Recon space-to-space surveillance

February 18, 2026, 2:36 AM EST. Defense Innovation Unit is seeking affordable commercial satellites capable of maintaining surveillance on other satellites in geosynchronous orbit. Dubbed Ghost Recon, the project targets high-resolution space-to-space imagery and accurate object characterization, bolstering GEO RSO monitoring, BDA, PID and CID. Vendors would deliver hardware within two years; the government would own and operate it by year three, and by year four must show at least one drive-by or DRM per week during initial operations. The plan favors cost-effective, scalable designs-space vehicles, satellite buses and payloads-that deliver increased collection frequency while profiling resident space objects. DIU notes cooperation issues with uncooperative RSOs and requires detailed capability and cost proposals.

Nvidia partners with Indian VC firms to back AI startups

February 18, 2026, 2:26 AM EST. Nvidia said it is widening its Indian reach by partnering with top venture-capital firms, Peak XV, Z47, Elevation Capital, Nexus Venture Partners and Accel India, to identify and fund AI startups. The move follows rising investor interest in India's tech scene as the government accelerates support and data-center expansion. Nvidia says more than 4,000 startups already participate in its global startup program that helps teams scale and go to market. It is coordinating with government agencies, research institutions and India's data-center drive under the IndiaAI mission. Modi's government has approved billions in semiconductor projects to build a global tech hub. Nvidia also works with Indian cloud providers to deploy AI chip clusters and offers its Nemotron models to power chatbots and agents.

INL, NVIDIA partner to accelerate AI-driven nuclear energy research

February 18, 2026, 2:22 AM EST. Idaho National Laboratory and NVIDIA unveiled a collaboration to accelerate U.S. nuclear energy R&D using AI. The project, code-named Prometheus, aims to design, license, manufacture, construct and operate reactors. Officials say it could double deployment speed and reduce operating costs by more than 50%. The effort aligns with the Trump administration's Genesis Mission, a nationwide push to expand AI-enabled data centers and nuclear facilities. INL director John Wagner said the partnership could bring advanced nuclear energy online faster, while NVIDIA's John Josephakis said accelerated computing can help deliver safer, cheaper power to power scientific discovery and AI infrastructure. The collaboration portrays nuclear energy as faster, safer and cheaper than conventional means, where electricity often comes from coal or natural gas.

Exclusive: Nvidia to shift 2028 chip production to Intel, reshaping TSMC strategy

February 18, 2026, 2:18 AM EST. Nvidia plans to move some 2028 production to Intel, a move that would alter TSMC's grip on advanced process technology and packaging. The decision reflects mounting pressure on chip customers to diversify suppliers as US manufacturing mandates tighten and costs rise. By widening Intel's role, Nvidia could ease supply constraints for data-center and AI accelerators while intensifying competition for foundry capacity. The shift accelerates a broader push toward multi-sourcing, potentially affecting pricing, lead times and capacity allocation. Analysts say the arrangement signals a rebalancing of the supply chain, with Nvidia, Intel and TSMC navigating a tighter, more regionalized ecosystem.

Nvidia's $100 billion OpenAI deal appears in doubt after WSJ reports

February 18, 2026, 2:16 AM EST. Wall Street Journal reported that Nvidia insiders questioned the transaction and that CEO Jensen Huang privately criticized OpenAI's discipline. Huang reportedly dismissed claims as nonsense as OpenAI faces competition from Google and Anthropic. Nvidia shares fell about 1.1% after the reports. Analysts noted the circular pattern of investments-Nvidia money fueling OpenAI, which returns funding-described as potentially virtuous by some and risky by others. Separately, OpenAI explored chip partners such as Cerebras and Groq; Nvidia struck a $20 billion licensing deal with Groq and later hired its leadership. OpenAI also struck deals with AMD for 6 gigawatts of GPUs and with Broadcom to develop a custom AI chip. Timing and availability of chips remain unclear.

Apple iPhone Air MagSafe battery pack drops to all-time low price

February 18, 2026, 2:14 AM EST. Apple's iPhone Air MagSafe battery pack has dropped to a new low of $79, a $20 cut from its regular $99 price. The slim 7.5 mm accessory houses 3,149 mAh, delivering roughly 65% extra charge to the iPhone Air and can also wirelessly charge the AirPods Pro 3. It can power the iPhone while the pack recharges. Engadget's Sam Rutherford called it an essential accessory for certain users. While many buyers prefer first-party gear, there are cheaper third-party MagSafe chargers available. Apple loyalists tend to favor Apple's option, though the marketplace offers alternatives for those watching price. The deal lands as travelers and power users weigh reliability on longer days or trips.

Unity bets on AI-driven authoring to generate full casual games from natural language

February 18, 2026, 2:12 AM EST. Unity CEO Matthew Bromberg pitched a coming AI-driven authoring beta that would let developers prompt full casual games into existence using only natural language, native to Unity's platform. He spoke to investors during an earnings call, describing a Game Developer Conference (GDC) reveal in March that aims to remove friction from the creative process and move from prototype to finished product. A Bloomberg report quoted Unity as saying the tool could enable tens of millions to create interactive entertainment with AI-enabled development tools. The debate over AI's role in games persists: Larian paused some uses after backlash over concept art, and Krafton says internal AI work is limited to exploratory phases. Eurogamer notes AI's broader industry impact and memory pressures.

SpaceX megaconstellation filing sparks debate on night sky, safety and regulation

February 18, 2026, 2:06 AM EST. SpaceX filed with the FCC in January 2026 for a megaconstellation of up to one million satellites to power space-based data centers, operating mainly at 500-2,000 km in low Earth orbit. The plan adds to a growing fleet-about 14,000 active satellites today and some 1.23 million proposed-yet regulators weigh mainly technical data, not cultural or environmental impacts. The move would markedly alter the night sky, as satellites reflect sunlight for hours after sunset, with projections of a continued brightening as more are launched. Lifespans run about five years, but constellations are designed for continual replacement, creating a near-permanent industrial presence and a shifting baseline for future generations. Critics call for space traffic management and warn of Kessler syndrome and other risks, amid scientific and industry concerns.

Meta expands NVIDIA AI hardware with Grace, Vera Rubin GPUs and Spectrum-X networking

February 18, 2026, 2:04 AM EST. NVIDIA and Meta unveiled a multiyear partnership to build hyperscale AI infrastructure across on-premises, cloud and AI deployments. Meta will scale its data centers with NVIDIA CPUs and millions of Blackwell and Rubin GPUs, and extend its Facebook Open Switching System with Spectrum-X Ethernet switches to boost AI throughput and efficiency. The collaboration will feature Arm-based Grace CPUs for production workloads, delivering notable performance-per-watt gains, with the first large Grace-only deployment and ongoing software optimization. Teams also plan Vera Rubin CPUs for potential large-scale use by 2027, and a unified GB300-based architecture spanning data centers and cloud deployments. NVIDIA also highlighted co-design across CPUs, GPUs, networking and software to enable Meta's personalization and recommendation AI at scale.

SpaceX Falcon 9 Starlink launch from Cape Canaveral scheduled for Feb. 18, 2026

February 18, 2026, 1:58 AM EST. SpaceX's Falcon 9 is scheduled to lift off from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Feb. 18, 2026, delivering 29 Starlink broadband satellites into low-Earth orbit. The launch window runs from 5 to 9 p.m. ET. If on time, the mission would mark another Starlink flight from the Kennedy Space Center area. Visibility depends on weather and trajectory; observers across the Space Coast and adjacent counties could see the rocket and its contrail. Live coverage begins 90 minutes before liftoff at floridatoday.com/space, with a mobile live blog led by the USA TODAY Network Space Team. Updates at floridatoday.com/space.

Can You Use Labo VR Goggles to Play Virtual Boy Games on Switch? Q&A With Nintendo Life

February 18, 2026, 1:50 AM EST. Virtual Boy titles are now on Nintendo Switch Online's Expansion Pack. A Q&A asks if you can use Labo VR goggles to play the monochrome classics. Answer: yes, with caveats. The Switch fits the original cardboard unit on Switch 1 or Switch OLED Model but Switch 2 is too large without disassembly. Nintendo's stance on official support appears fluid; the app runs and visuals render as expected. Wearing the headset for long sessions isn't ideal, but brief play works. Some players may improve comfort by removing the Joy-Con or using cushions. This is early hands-on reporting with a full review pending and a future comparison to the official accessories.

Google tests under-display infrared face unlock for Pixel 11 and Chromebooks

February 18, 2026, 1:48 AM EST. Google is developing infrared-based facial recognition for the Pixel 11 family and certain Chromebooks, code-named Project Toscana. A tester claims the system requires no visible sensors and unlocks quickly in daylight and in low ambient light. If accurate, the infrared (IR) components would sit under the display. Google had floated IR-based face unlock for the Pixel 11 last year. The effort is also being tested on Chromebooks. The tester compared its speed to Apple's Face ID on iPhones. Pixel devices include a fingerprint sensor, but this would offer a high-quality alternative that works across lighting conditions. Google did not respond to requests for comment.

Ark Invest's Big Ideas casts doubt on quantum commercialization as Rigetti advances but revenue stays tiny

February 18, 2026, 1:46 AM EST. Ark Investment Management, led by Cathie Wood, argues in its 2026 'Big Ideas' report that commercial quantum computing may be farther away than investors expect. The stance comes as Rigetti Computing positions itself as a leading vertically integrated quantum player: it owns a fabrication facility, developed its own Quil programming language, and offers a cloud service for renting quantum capacity. Rigetti's Cepheus-1-36Q claims 99.5% fidelity, enabling fewer errors per operation. Yet revenue remains slim, with about $5.2 million generated in the first three quarters of 2025 for a company valued around $5 billion. The company plans a 150-qubit system with 99.7% fidelity by end-2026, to be followed by even larger machines, underscoring the long path to practical use despite technical progress.

California regulators decline 30-day suspension of Tesla's California sales license

February 18, 2026, 1:44 AM EST. California regulators decided not to suspend Tesla's license to sell cars for 30 days after finding the company had stopped misleading drivers about its driving features. The California Department of Motor Vehicles said Tesla had completed the changes within a 90-day window set after an administrative law judge recommended a 30-day suspension over the way it described its systems, including Autopilot and Full Self-Driving, which Tesla markets as capable of autonomous driving. Tesla now uses the term supervised for these features and has stopped using Autopilot in California marketing. The Associated Press reported the DMV's decision.

Apple Podcasts previews HLS-powered video via select hosting partners

February 18, 2026, 1:42 AM EST. Apple Podcasts is previewing a major update that finally standardizes video on the platform. Previously, video appeared only via separate feeds and tiny video windows. With the iOS 26.4 developer beta, podcasters can publish video versions alongside audio, hosted by their own providers, enabling dynamic ads and avoiding separate RSS feeds. For now the feature works only with four hosting partners-Acast, ART19, Simplecast and Omny Studio-who supply an HLS playlist to Apple via a proprietary API. No Enclosure path, and Apple won't host video content itself. You don't upload video to Apple; your host serves the video via HLS. The change requires developers to explore the new UI; examples include Mind If We Talk? (Acast) and Baby, This is Keke Palmer (ART19).

Tesla teases first Cybercab to come off production line

February 18, 2026, 1:40 AM EST. Tesla teased the first Cybercab as it edges toward production. The automaker offered few details on timing or specs, saying only that the vehicle is en route to the line. No launch date was disclosed, and officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Analysts say the move underscores Tesla's push into commercial and specialty EVs, while signaling a broader manufacturing footprint expansion. If true, the Cybercab would add a cargo/passenger option to Tesla's growing EV lineup, challenging rivals and widening the company's reach beyond passenger cars.

AI delusions linked to domestic abuse and stalking, case highlights risk

February 18, 2026, 1:38 AM EST. A woman told Futurism that her former fiancé used ChatGPT as daily 'therapy' during a rough patch, feeding the bot private conversations and accepting AI-generated diagnoses of her mental state. The obsession deepened; he grew angry, paranoid and violently physical, pushing her to the ground and punching her. After the engagement ended, he published videos and images accusing her on social media, with AI-generated scripts and overlays. He even posted revenge porn. The case shows how AI tools can be weaponized in intimate-partner abuse, enabling stalking and reputation damage. Experts warn that prompts fed to AI can steer analyses toward harmful conclusions and spread misinformation.

Three cybersecurity stocks set for AI tailwinds after sell-off, Wedbush says

February 18, 2026, 1:36 AM EST. Wedbush's Dan Ives argues that AI will be a major tailwind for the cybersecurity sector as attackers use AI to launch faster threats. The dynamic arrives as cyber vendors post stronger demand and lift sales targets, even as broader enterprise software budgets face scrutiny. In 2026, cyber stocks have rallied despite a broader AI-driven sell-off, with sector ETFs down modestly year to date. The report highlights three winners, led by CrowdStrike (CRWD) – the industry's gold standard – and Palo Alto Networks (PANW), whose platformization and CyberArk deal are expected to expand AI data-pipeline protection. Target prices sit above current levels, signaling continued optimism about security budgets amid rising attack surfaces.

iOS 26.4 beta launches without Apple Intelligence Siri features

February 18, 2026, 1:34 AM EST. The first beta of iOS 26.4 is out to developers and public beta testers. It includes no new Siri or Apple Intelligence features, despite repeated rumor-driven expectations sparked by a delay that pushed Siri updates to later releases. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has said internal targets shifted to iOS 26.5 or even iOS 27, with a new Siri architecture still under development. Engineers are testing in iOS 26.5 as issues with responsiveness and accuracy persist. Apple has publicly said updates will arrive in 2026, potentially in spring, or later in the 26.x line or in iOS 27 previewed at WWDC. The timing remains uncertain, but Apple remains committed to a 2026 rollout.

Samsung teases brightest Galaxy camera system ahead of Galaxy S26 Unpacked

February 18, 2026, 1:32 AM EST. Samsung teases a revamped Galaxy camera system ahead of its February 25 Unpacked event for the Galaxy S26. The update fuses photo, video capture and in-app editing with social sharing, all in a single flow. Samsung describes AI-driven tools that can convert daytime shots to nighttime, restore missing parts, boost very low-light performance, and merge multiple frames into one image. The company says tasks that once demanded professional editing will now be completed in minutes directly from the Galaxy smartphone. The system is billed as the brightest Galaxy camera system to date for the Galaxy S26 lineup, signaling a tighter integration of capture, AI processing and sharing within one experience.

YouTube outage hits app and site; live updates

February 18, 2026, 1:30 AM EST. An outage hit YouTube on the app and website, with users nationwide reporting loading issues. Downdetector tracked peaks near 30,000 reports before easing to about 16,000. On the West Coast, the homepage remained slow, while some users could load video URLs directly. YouTube acknowledged the disruption, and its official account posted about it after the surge in reports. Early checks from Seattle, Santa Cruz and Reading indicate the service is returning for some. San Francisco and New York showed the heaviest early impact. No official update had appeared on X from YouTube or parent company Google at the time. Outage trackers will monitor the situation for fresh developments.

Perplexity drops advertising to protect AI trust

February 18, 2026, 1:26 AM EST. Perplexity says it will drop advertising on its platform to protect AI trust. The company notes advertising could undermine user trust as AI tools gain prominence. It did not outline a concrete timeline but said it will explore other monetization paths, including paid features or subscriptions. The move illustrates a broader industry challenge: earnings versus transparency as users push for clearer lines between service and promotion.

Nintendo brings Virtual Boy to Switch and Switch 2 with dedicated accessory

February 18, 2026, 1:22 AM EST. Nintendo is reviving a cult classic by releasing the Virtual Boy app on Switch and Switch 2, as part of Nintendo Classics. Access requires a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership and a dedicated accessory. The original 1995 portable tabletop system offered stereoscopic 3D via a monochrome red display; the revival uses a wireless add-on, letting the Switch slide into a replica headset. A $100 accessory is available, plus a $25 cardboard option; both from the My Nintendo Store. Launch games include 3d Tetris, Galactic Pinball, Golf, The Mansion of Innsmouth, Red Alarm, Teleroboxer and Virtual Boy Wario Land; more titles to follow, including Mario Clash and Space Invaders Virtual Collection.

Blind test finds NVIDIA DLSS 4.5 preferred over native rendering and AMD FSR 4

February 18, 2026, 1:20 AM EST. ComputerBase conducted a large online blind test, inviting thousands of gamers to vote on their preferred game output. Participants saw options for NVIDIA DLSS 4.5, AMD FSR 4, and native rendering without upscaling. Across titles including Anno 117, ARC Raiders, Cyberpunk 2077, Horizon Forbidden West, Satisfactory and The Last of Us Part II, DLSS 4.5 won every scenario. In Cyberpunk 2077, native rendering nearly matched, but DLSS 4.5 still led. To keep the test blind, labels 1-4 concealed the method for two weeks. NVIDIA described DLSS 4.5 as a second-generation Transformer upscaler using FP8 precision with greater context awareness. AMD's Redstone ML-based upscaling also supports Cyberpunk 2077 and ARC Raiders, but did not eclipse native rendering overall.

DIY CRT VR headset uses Sony Watchman CRTs in a Google Cardboard frame

February 18, 2026, 1:18 AM EST. A hobbyist has built a virtual reality headset around two CRT displays salvaged from late-1990s Sony Watchman handhelds. The trick: feed video into units that were never designed for input, using an FPGA to split the signal for each screen and mounting the displays side by side in a modified Google Cardboard headset. An external IMU tracks head rotation while a separate 3D-tracking unit maps the device's flight through space. The setup adds only a few grams of weight compared with modern headsets, but lacks a casing to hide the CRTs' exposed high voltage. The author reports surprisingly usable performance with noticeable interlacing and focus issues. While not meant to replace contemporary displays, the project fuels talk of a possible CRT revival and urges recycling rather than sending old CRTs to landfill.

Energy Revolution System: Tesla Patent Context, Disclosures, and Buying Tips for 2026

February 18, 2026, 1:14 AM EST. An informational look at publicly disclosed details behind The Energy Revolution System. The report traces the Tesla bifilar coil patent context, FTC substantiation standards, and consumer evaluation criteria for the DIY energy blueprint category. It stresses that disclosures are available on the official product page and that the article does not assess effectiveness or outcomes. It notes growing consumer interest in home energy education as utility costs rise and grid reliability concerns persist. The DIY energy blueprint category covers digital guides, schematics and manuals for at-home energy projects, with buyers weighing instructions, materials, build complexity, and disclosed outcomes. Readers are urged to verify claims with licensed professionals and review local codes before purchasing or attempting projects. The piece aims to inform, not endorse, and directs readers to primary sources for details.

Tesla avoids California license suspension after marketing changes, DMV says

February 18, 2026, 1:12 AM EST. Tesla will avoid a 30-day suspension of its California dealer and manufacturer licenses after the company stopped marketing the term Autopilot in the state, the California DMV said. The reprieve comes as demand softens industry-wide following the expiration of key tax credits. CEO Elon Musk has shifted focus toward robotaxis using self-driving tech and humanoid robots. The DMV previously accused Tesla of misleading consumers with Autopilot and Full Self-Driving names; it narrowed the focus to Autopilot last December while Tesla clarified that FSD requires driver supervision. The regulator had deferred the suspension order to give Tesla time to address the allegations. Autopilot can accelerate, brake and stay within lanes; FSD can change lanes and respond to traffic signals.

Amazon Fire TV rolls out new interface focused on discovery in the U.S.

February 18, 2026, 1:10 AM EST. Amazon is rolling out a refreshed Fire TV interface in the United States that prioritizes content and simplifies navigation. Previewed at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the redesign aims to reduce clutter with rounded corners, varied gradients, consistent typography and more space between content, plus expanded app pinning from six to 20 slots. The top navigation now uses categories such as Movies, TV, Live TV, Sports, and News, with a left-aligned search. The home screens surface what users are watching in a For You row and surface free, paid and top titles. The Live TV tab centralizes live content across services. An AI assistant, Alexa+, is built in, available to Prime members as a perk. The rollout begins on the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus and Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen).

AirTag 2 price drops; open-box 4-pack at Best Buy $87.99, original AirTag 4-pack $64

February 18, 2026, 1:08 AM EST. Apple's trackers are seeing price cuts. The original AirTag 4-pack remains about $64, roughly $16 per tag, near its all-time low. The AirTag 2 4-pack is available as open-box at Best Buy for $87.99 with a 1-year warranty. The 4-pack lists at $99, a roughly 15% discount on the new model. Individually, AirTag 2 drops to $22 per tag in the 4-pack deal, down from $29. Upgrades include a second-gen Ultra Wideband chip, a louder speaker, and improved range. Both generations operate in Find My and allow location sharing with trusted contacts.

Samsung cannot buy Exynos chips cheaply, fueling Galaxy S26 price hike

February 18, 2026, 1:06 AM EST. Samsung faces higher costs as AI demand strains memory and processors, prompting a Galaxy S26 price increase. Insiders told Chosun that Samsung delayed price moves for years; the S25 change last year was handled by Roh Tae-moon. Now memory costs and larger RAM needs press margins toward the edge. Samsung makes Exynos chips but reportedly cannot buy them cheaper than rivals. The Exynos lineup is expected in the European variant, while the US version is likely to carry Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. The company may keep a free storage upgrade for pre-orders to blunt the higher bill, though margins remain tight amid competition with Apple.

Post-chatbot era takes hold as agentic AI tools broaden access

February 18, 2026, 1:04 AM EST. Americans inhabit parallel AI universes as consumer chatbots meet more capable agentic tools. Trials of Claude Code from Anthropic show bots that can autonomously perform tasks, court mathematics, biology, or journalism, with some researchers rewriting papers and others prototyping software in hours. The frontier blends realms of automation and collaboration, but access remains uneven: agentic tools cost money and can be daunting to set up, unlike freely available ChatGPT. Anthropic has broadened access with a paid Claude Code for nontechnical users and a wider release, while OpenAI expands Codex into tasks professionals can perform. As these products mature, the line between drafting copy and doing complex work blurs; memory and reasoning enable bots to reference past chats and tackle book-length files. The post-chatbot era is underway, reshaping workflows and risk in AI adoption.

Apple TV launches US F1 channel for 2026 season

February 18, 2026, 1:02 AM EST. Apple TV has launched its dedicated Formula 1 channel in the United States, bringing live coverage of all practice sessions, qualifying, sprint races and grands prix under a five-year deal beginning in 2026. Apple TV subscribers can watch every session for $12.99 per month or $99 per year; non-subscribers can access select races and all practice sessions. The channel appears in the TV sidebar, the website header and via the iPhone search tab, with access to past races and extra content. The move follows the October 2025 rights agreement and includes features such as race highlights and a Weekend Warm-Up program. Stefano Domenicali called the partnership a step to grow F1 in the U.S.

Pokémon GO Tour Kalos: Tickets, Maps and Special Research Paths Revealed

February 18, 2026, 1:00 AM EST. Trainers get fresh details ahead of Pokémon GO Tour Kalos. A limited number of LA, Tainan and Global tickets remain, with add-ons for extra days, raid bonuses, egg boosts and a Mega Night experience. Los Angeles attendees can still pre-order event merch for pickup day. Global tickets unlock boosted shiny odds and access to the Shiny Diancie Masterwork Research. Event maps are live for LA and Tainan. Parking options at the Rose Bowl are available with pre-book links. Junichi Masuda debuts new in-game music inspired by X and Y. During Global, trainers choose X Version or Y Version Special Research, starting February 28, 2026 at 10:00 am local. Xerneas or Yveltal encounters and Unown X/Y rewards await; both can be shiny. In-person ticket holders can join the Special Research.

California households without internet: about 15% lack high-speed access, affordability cited

February 18, 2026, 12:58 AM EST. UC Riverside's latest report finds about 15% of California households lack high-speed internet, with affordability cited as the main barrier to closing the digital divide. Edward Helderop, associate director at UCR's Center for Geospatial Sciences, says the gap is not surprising. In cities like Los Angeles, broadband can cost around $70-$80 per month, yet rural areas remain underserved as infrastructure lags. Fewer than two-thirds of rural households have home broadband access. The report describes the divide as a barrier to economic opportunity, education and civic participation, and calls for mandatory broadband data transparency so speeds, pricing and coverage are public. It also urges regulating providers as utilities under a universal service obligation to ensure universal, consistent service. Norma Fernandez of Everyone On stresses internet access as a basic need.

YouTube comment load issues may trace to anti-adblock measures; Premium users affected

February 18, 2026, 12:56 AM EST. Users report YouTube video comment sections failing to load, with some descriptions missing. Posts on Reddit say the issue may be linked to anti-adblock measures, though it is not universal. Workarounds include refreshing pages; the most reliable fix appears to be disabling the blocker. The problem even affects some YouTube Premium subscribers, a shift from earlier anti-adblock patterns. The episode comes after Google tightened background playback for free accounts and started limiting lyrics on YouTube Music. In a quick test, Chrome with uBlock Origin Lite showed no issue on a Premium account or when signed out. Reporters invite others to share experiences.

Peak Design's mobile straps win for everyday wear, reviewer says

February 18, 2026, 12:54 AM EST. Testing three Peak Design mobile straps-Mobile Cuff, Mobile Crossbody Strap and Mobile Crossbody Multi-Strap-the reviewer says the wristlet stands out for daily wear. The cuff's 7.9-inch length keeps it attached, making pocket draws easier. Peak Design leans on its camera-strap DNA: Micro Anchors snap into phone cases or eyelets, with a universal adapter behind many cases to add anchors. The system reportedly endures up to 50 pounds of force; Peak Design does not publish a formal weight limit because real-world variables matter. Prices are $30, $50, and $60 in Black, Ibis, and Ocean. The writer previously questioned crossbody straps, but finds these options more practical and secure than rivals.

YouTube comments and descriptions fail to load; anti-adblock speculation grows

February 18, 2026, 12:52 AM EST. Users on Reddit report that the comment section and sometimes the video description fail to load on YouTube. Some say a page refresh temporarily resolves the problem; the most reliable workaround is turning off a blocker. In a twist, several YouTube Premium subscribers report being affected, despite previous anti-adblock measures reportedly sparing premium accounts. Google's recent moves, including closing background playback loopholes for free users and limiting lyrics in YouTube Music, are noted as part of ongoing policy tweaks. A quick check with Chrome and uBlock Origin Lite found no issues on a Premium account or when signed out. The cause remains unclear, with possible culprits including gating, ad-block interactions, or caching.

Amazon Fire TV rolls out Google TV-style redesign in the US

February 18, 2026, 12:50 AM EST. Amazon's Fire TV interface is getting a Google TV-style makeover that began rolling out in the United States. Unveiled at CES 2026 as a cleaner, faster, and better organized redesign, the new homescreen emphasizes top navigation, larger featured content, and a horizontal row of installed apps. Amazon told TechCrunch, Engadget and others that U.S. Fire TV owners will start seeing the update on the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus, Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen) and Fire TV Omni Series Mini-LED TVs, with other devices to follow in the spring. Observers note the redesign mirrors Google TV's core layout and experience.

Amazon rolls out Google TV-inspired Fire TV UI in the US

February 18, 2026, 12:48 AM EST. Amazon's new Fire TV user interface, unveiled at CES 2026, is rolling out in the United States. The redesign emphasizes a cleaner, faster layout: top navigation, a large featured content area, a row of recommendations, and a horizontally scrolling strip for installed apps. Amazon says the goal is to be cleaner, faster and better organized. The rollout begins on Fire TV Stick 4K Plus, Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen), and Fire TV Omni Series Mini-LED TVs, with other devices arriving in spring. Tech outlets describe the UI as heavily inspired by Google TV, noting the same core layout across platforms and a side-by-side comparison in coverage.

SpaceX launches two Starlink missions from California and Florida, adding 53 satellites

February 18, 2026, 12:46 AM EST. SpaceX closed a two-day push to expand the Starlink megaconstellation, adding 53 satellites from California and Florida. On Valentine's Day, a Falcon 9 lifted 24 satellites (Group 17-13) from Vandenberg SLC-4E at 8:59 p.m. EST. Early Monday, another Falcon 9 carried 29 satellites (Group 6-103) from Cape Canaveral SLC-40, lifting off at 2:59 a.m. EST. SpaceX said both missions deployed successfully about an hour later. The first stages landed on drone ships in the Pacific and Atlantic: Booster 1081 completed its 22nd flight, Booster 1090 its 10th reuse. The network now exceeds 9,600 active units and enables cell-to-satellite and in-flight Wi-Fi on select providers. Monday's launches were SpaceX's 19th Falcon 9 flight this year and 602nd in history.

KeySmart SmartCard three-pack on sale for $69.97; Apple Find My support and wireless charging

February 18, 2026, 12:44 AM EST. Sponsored content. The KeySmart SmartCard three-pack is on sale for $69.97, down from $119.97, through February 22 at 11:59 p.m. PT. The cards work with Apple Find My to help locate lost wallets, badges or IDs and support wireless charging. The offer is subject to change after publication. Mashable partner links may earn affiliate commissions if you buy through them.

GameHub for Mac adds Windows emulation, but carries caveats

February 18, 2026, 12:40 AM EST. GameSir's GameHub, a Windows emulation tool, is set to reach Mac users as a way to play Windows games without Windows installed. The company says the Android version was sideloaded by 5 million devices before official release, though the Windows tool targets broader hardware. Critics note privacy concerns due to invasive trackers on Android; a community Lite version removes trackers. GameSir says the Android emulator is built in-house, using its own compatibility layer rather than modifying Wine's core; it also references Winlator UI components for ecosystem familiarity. The piece notes that GameHub for Mac is unlikely to deliver a Valve SteamOS/Proton-like experience given corporate and compatibility hurdles, but will provide another option for MacBook owners.

KeySmart SmartCards three-pack drops to $69.97 in limited sale

February 18, 2026, 12:38 AM EST. A sponsored Mashable post notes the KeySmart SmartCard three-pack, which works with Apple Find My and supports wireless charging, is on sale for $69.97 (regularly $119.97) through Feb. 22 at 11:59 p.m. PT. The trio is pitched as a compact way to keep track of wallets, badges or IDs and recover items quickly. Deal pricing and availability are subject to change after publication. The post credits KeySmart and describes the set as a practical tracking solution for everyday items, with the sale deadline highlighted.

YouTube ad blocker crackdown leaves comments and video descriptions missing

February 18, 2026, 12:36 AM EST. Users on Reddit and PiunikaWeb report that videos show no comments and lack video descriptions, a new side effect of YouTube's ongoing ad blocker crackdown. The cause remains unclear. One theory: YouTube is intentionally disabling comments and descriptions for users with ad blockers. Another: changes in ad blockers themselves disrupt signals that populate pages. The pattern echoes past clashes, including late-2023 tweaks that sparked a view-pocalypse by blocking ad-supported views from counting. The disruption harms engagement for creators while raising questions about monetization and user experience. YouTube has not publicly commented on specifics. The issue underscores the continuing cat-and-mouse dynamic between platform policies and ad-blocking tools.

Galaxy S26 Ultra Privacy Display leaks reveal automatic triggers, granular controls

February 18, 2026, 12:32 AM EST. Leaked screens reveal a Privacy Display feature for the Galaxy S26 Ultra that hides portions of the screen when viewed from the side. The feature, embedded in One UI, can trigger automatically when you use sensitive apps and offers granular controls over trigger conditions-where you are, what content appears, and which part of the display is affected. Samsung demonstrated this concept in older leaks; new screenshots show a refined setting menu resurfaced ahead of the Galaxy S26 launch. The automatic mode might activate in public spaces such as elevators or public transit, reducing peep-scene viewing. Samsung has a February 25 event to unveil the Galaxy S26 series. The leak underscores ongoing teaser cycles ahead of launch.

Google extends AirDrop-like file sharing to Pixel 9/10 with Apple devices

February 18, 2026, 12:16 AM EST. Google has quietly extended a cross-platform file-sharing path that lets Pixel 9/10 phones send and receive files with Apple devices via AirDrop. The feature requires Pixel 9/10 (Pixel 9a excluded), the latest Google Play System update, an update to Google Play Services, and a semi-secret Quick Share Extension (v1.0.815689706). After updating, users open Quick Share on the Pixel, choose Send, and select files to share. On the iPhone, enable AirDrop sharing as 'Everyone for 10 minutes'; on a Mac, set AirDrop to 'Everyone'. The Pixel will appear as a target, and the recipient accepts to start transfer. Transfers can also go from iPhone/Mac to Pixel by enabling Receive on the Pixel. Google says more devices may be added later.

UK social-work AI transcripts show hallucinations in child records, study finds

February 18, 2026, 12:14 AM EST. AI transcription tools used by councils in England and Scotland, including Magic Notes and Microsoft Copilot, have produced hallucinations in child-care records. Guardian reporting shows notes that misrepresent conversations, including alleged suicidal ideation not raised by clients and odd fragments like fishfingers. An eight-month Ada Lovelace Institute study warns of potentially harmful misrepresentations in official records. Some councils say AI can free time for workers, but critics fear developmental and emotional risks for children and want stronger human oversight. BASW calls for clear regulatory guidance. Beam founder says AI drafts are reviewed by humans and designed to flag hallucinations. Examples elsewhere, such as a Utah police report with a frog, illustrate risk when oversight lags.

Google's Pixel 9 gains Quick Share with AirDrop compatibility in phased rollout

February 18, 2026, 12:12 AM EST. Google said the Pixel 9 family will gain Quick Share compatibility with AirDrop in a phased rollout over the coming weeks. The update covers the Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL and 9 Pro Fold, but not the Pixel 9a. Google described a staggered deployment, so users may see the feature at different times. The update lets Pixel users share files with iPhones, iPads and Macs, aiming to ease transfers across Android and iOS while prioritizing privacy and speed with multi-layer protections. The company first announced the pairing last November and has signaled broader expansion to other Android devices such as Samsung and Nothing, though timelines remain fluid. This marks a step toward cross-platform sharing beyond messaging and RCS.

Tesla robotaxi crash rate about four times higher than human drivers, data show

February 18, 2026, 12:10 AM EST. New data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows a higher crash rate for Tesla's robotaxi fleet in Austin. Tesla disclosed five new crashes in December and January, all with autonomous driving engaged, bringing the Austin count to 14 since operations began last June. The fleet logged roughly 700,000 cumulative paid miles through November and likely exceeded 800,000 by mid-January, yielding about one crash every 57,000 miles. By Tesla's own figures, the average driver experiences minor crashes around 229,000 miles and major crashes about 699,000 miles, suggesting the crash rate is roughly four times higher than typical. Tesla also lags behind rivals in transparency, redacting crash narratives in the NHTSA database. Separately, NHTSA opened probes into Waymo's school-bus and pedestrian incidents, underscoring scrutiny on autonomous systems.

Google I/O 2026 dates set for May 19-20 in Mountain View

February 18, 2026, 12:08 AM EST. Google has set I/O 2026 for May 19-20, with in-person events at Mountain View's Shoreline Amphitheatre and online participation. The company says the two-day program will focus on AI breakthroughs and updates across products from Gemini to Android. A keynote is planned for the morning of May 19, along with fireside chats, demos and other sessions, though a full schedule has not yet been released. Google also invites developers to register starting today and offers a save-the-date interactive experience featuring minigames built by the Gemini AI model. Last year's I/O showcased AI enhancements including AI Mode for Google Search and the launch of Flow; this year again centers on AI across Google's software and devices.

Niantic overhauls Pokémon Go battle system to fix PvP inconsistencies

February 18, 2026, 12:06 AM EST. Niantic will overhaul Pokémon Go's battle system to harden PvP and other modes, rebuilding the core that underpins the Go Battle League. The changes, rolling out in 2026, move damage resolution to the end of each turn, and ensure swaps occur before damage. The aim: reduce outcomes driven by network lag or device performance and make battles reflect player skill more reliably. Niantic says the overhaul fixes long-running instability reported in Go Battle League. Ben Li, Niantic staff server engineer, says testing shows the system is 'miles more stable and way more consistent.' A detailed explainer on the Pokémon Go site notes how rapid and forced swaps will be handled under the new rules, with the overhaul targeting players and casuals alike.