Technology News 23.02.2026

Google sunsets Android Weather app, shifts forecast to Google Search

February 23, 2026, 11:58 PM EST. Google is phasing out the built-in Android Weather shortcut, replacing it with a redesigned, Search-based weather page in Google Search. The full-screen weather experience previously offered on Android was effectively a separate app; now tapping the shortcut opens a weather card on a web-style results page, with forecasts, air quality data and an AI-generated summary. The change appears to be rolling out widely after testing. Pixel phones are largely unaffected, as they ship with a dedicated Pixel Weather app. For non-Pixel users, the shift could nudge interest toward third-party weather apps. The move underscores Google's push to centralize everyday information in Search rather than standalone apps.

Anthropic accuses Chinese AI labs of Claude distillation as US debates AI chip exports

February 23, 2026, 11:56 PM EST. Anthropic said three Chinese labs-DeepSeek, Moonshot AI and MiniMax-created more than 24,000 fake Claude accounts and logged over 16 million exchanges to distill Claude's capabilities, aiming at agentic reasoning, tool use and coding. DeepSeek reportedly tracked about 150,000 exchanges, Moonshot AI more than 3.4 million, and MiniMax about 13 million, with each scale suggesting access to advanced chips. Anthropic said the attacks highlight why export controls on AI chips remain under debate as the U.S. weighs loosening limits on Nvidia chips to China. The company pledged to strengthen defenses and urged a coordinated industry and policymaker response.

Tesla's robotaxi headwinds weigh on stock as crashes mount and California issues persist

February 23, 2026, 11:54 PM EST. Tesla faces a robotaxi problem that underscores risks for its stock. The company has logged 14 crashes in Austin since launch last June, including five more recently, with one hospitalization. Tesla says the rate-about one crash every 57,000 miles-differs from human-driver data cited by the company and the NHTSA, though all incidents involved a safety monitor in the front seat. In California, licensing and marketing disputes persist as Tesla fights Waymo over how autonomous-vehicle tech is described, and challenges to terms like driverless and robotaxi in its advertising. With a forward multiple around 199 times for 2026, investors are betting on the robotaxi plan, even as officials and rivals stress safety hurdles that must be cleared for scale.

Android mental-health apps with 14.7M installs found to have security flaws

February 23, 2026, 11:52 PM EST. Researchers from Oversecured scanned ten Android mental-health apps, totaling about 14.7 million installs, and found 1,575 security vulnerabilities: 54 high-severity, 538 medium-severity, and 983 low-severity flaws. Several AI therapy chatbots and mood trackers claimed privacy or encryption, but weaknesses could expose therapy data or allow login interception, notification spoofing, HTML injection, or user tracking. Many issues stem from insecure handling of URIs and intents; for example, one app used Intent.parseUri() on an externally controlled string and launched an internal activity without validation. None of the flaws were labeled critical, yet they pose real risk to sensitive medical information. Researchers warn mental-health data has high value on the dark web.

Tesla targets $30,000 fully autonomous Cybercab by 2027 as first unit rolls off line at Giga Texas

February 23, 2026, 11:50 PM EST. Tesla CEO Elon Musk said the company plans to sell its fully autonomous Cybercab for $30,000 or less by 2027. The first Cybercab rolled off the line at Giga Texas, a milestone Musk celebrated on X by reaffirming the price target in response to a query about whether it would launch at that price before 2027. The two-seat vehicle omits pedals and a steering wheel, and is billed as a robotaxi that could eventually offer rides directly to consumers. Musk warned that early production would be agonizingly slow before ramping up. The exchange referenced a 2024 bet with tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee, who had challenged the target.

Tesla fights California DMV ruling over Autopilot marketing

February 23, 2026, 11:48 PM EST. Tesla has filed a lawsuit against the California Department of Motor Vehicles to overturn a ruling that found the company used deceptive marketing to overstate automated driving capabilities, violating state law. CNBC first reported the suit. The DMV sought a 30-day license suspension, backed by an administrative law judge (ALJ), but the agency instead gave Tesla 60 days to comply. Tesla complied by dropping the term Autopilot in California marketing; the company had already discontinued Autopilot in the U.S. and Canada in January. The move signals a potential path back to the feature, even as the dispute over marketing remains unresolved.

Apple tests iOS 26.3.1 without beta cycle ahead of March 4 Apple Experience

February 23, 2026, 11:44 PM EST. Apple is testing iOS 26.3.1 without a beta cycle, with a release expected in one to two weeks, Macworld reports. The point-release will likely include bug fixes, security patches, and device support for the rumored iPhone 17e. The timing aligns with the March 4 Experience event, suggesting coordinated updates across iOS, macOS, and iPadOS. Apple released iOS 26.3 about two weeks ago and is preparing another update that avoids beta testing and can move quickly. MacRumors had first reported the possibility of 26.3.1, with site logs showing visits from devices running it, indicating the update is imminent. Such releases typically add no new features; they fix issues and prepare for new hardware, potentially including a cheaper MacBook.

DJI Osmo Pocket 4 leaks surface with possible dual-camera design

February 23, 2026, 11:40 PM EST. Leak footage purportedly shows DJI's Pocket 4 in a Kuala Lumpur store. The clip depicts a single-lens design, but early chatter still links a possible Pocket 4 Pro with a dual-camera setup and a taller stem. An attached LED works at a gimbal joint, a feature not seen on the Pocket 3, while the unit bears OSMO branding and POCKET 4 lettering, raising authenticity questions. The video originates from thenewcamera.com, with claim of a store sighting in Malaysia. Software glimpses reveal a SuperPhoto 33MP mode; a prior Amazon Denmark listing hints at a 1-inch sensor and 4K@240fps video, plus a larger battery. Price chatter targets roughly $550-$700, though US availability may hinge on tariffs and a potential foreign-made drone ban.

Apple TV+ March lineup includes F1 season kickoff, thrillers, and family series

February 23, 2026, 11:38 PM EST. Apple TV+ outlines a busy March lineup. The slate opens March 4 with The Hunt, a French-language thriller about a group of friends who become targets after a hunting trip. On March 7, the Formula 1 2026 season begins, with US subscribers getting full race coverage and bonus material at no extra cost. March 13 brings Twisted Yoga, a true-crime docuseries in which ex-members recount their path from wellness to alleged cult influence. March 18 features Imperfect Women, a psychological thriller about a decades-old friendship and the stumbles of guilt, love and betrayal. March 20 brings Wonder Pets: In the City, season 2, a kids and family series following Izzy, Tate and Zuri on global rescues in musical mini-ops. For All Mankind season 5 is listed, but date details appear truncated in the source.

Tesla sues California DMV to overturn Autopilot and Full Self-Driving ad ruling

February 23, 2026, 11:36 PM EST. Tesla filed a lawsuit against the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) seeking to overturn an administrative ruling that labeled the company a false advertiser over its marketing of Autopilot and Full Self-Driving. The complaint, dated February 13, argues the DMV failed to prove consumer confusion and notes the branding was known to the agency since 2014 (Autopilot) and 2016 (Full Self-Driving), effectively invoking a statute of limitations. The case follows a years-long probe that culminated in a 2025 ruling favoring the DMV, which forced marketing changes and a 60-day deadline. Tesla complied-ending Autopilot as a standalone product, adding a (Supervised) qualifier to FSD, and shifting to a subscription model-yet now seeks the removal of the label and continues pursuing its robotaxi ambitions.

Anthropic alleges Chinese labs used 24,000 fake accounts to siphon U.S. AI tech

February 23, 2026, 11:32 PM EST. U.S. AI firm Anthropic alleges three China-based laboratories-DeepSeek, Moonshot AI and MiniMax-operated about 24,000 fraudulent accounts to trigger more than 16 million exchanges with Anthropic's Claude in a concerted distillation campaign aimed at extracting valuable model outputs. Anthropic warns that models distilled from American systems can bypass safety guardrails, enabling authoritarian governments to deploy frontier AI for cyber operations, disinformation and mass surveillance. The company traced the activity to IP addresses, request metadata and infrastructure patterns that differed from normal traffic, focusing on Claude's advanced capabilities like complex reasoning, coding and tool use. Jacob Klein, Anthropic's threat intel head, said the labs conducted distillation at scale. Fox News Digital has asked the labs for comment.

Samsung leads Europe 2025 smartphone market; Apple, Honor gain most in Top 5

February 23, 2026, 11:24 PM EST. Samsung led Europe's smartphone market in 2025, shipping 46.6 million units for a 35% share (excl. Russia). Apple was second with 36.9 million and 27%, followed by Xiaomi at 21.8 million (16%), Motorola with 7.7 million (6%), and Honor entering the Top 5 for the first time with 3.8 million (3%). Growth vs 2024 was strongest for Apple (+6%) and Honor (+4%), while Xiaomi slid 1% and Motorola fell 5%. Outside the Top 5, Nothing and Fairphone posted double-digit gains as the market fell 1% to 134.2 million, about 10.8% of global smartphone shipments. In Q4 2025, Apple led with 13.4 million units (34% share), followed by Samsung with 12.4 million (31%). The best-sellers were Galaxy A56 and iPhone 16; the Top 10 is six Apple devices and four Samsung. No other brand cracked the list.

Galaxy Buds 4 Pro leak reveals features ahead of Samsung Unpacked

February 23, 2026, 11:22 PM EST. Samsung's Galaxy Buds 4 Pro leaks have surfaced ahead of Wednesday's Unpacked launch. An outlet confirms earlier reports that the earbuds will support head gestures, letting users answer or decline calls, influence Bixby responses, hear notifications aloud, and dismiss alarms, timers, and reminders. The device is also expected to function as a remote shutter for the phone camera-pressing and holding a stem should capture photos or videos. A new charging-case render shows a single USB-C port and a pairing button, with prior imagery suggesting a built-in speaker. Separately, the case is said to help locate a misplaced phone by double-tapping the pairing button when the buds are inside. Samsung plans to unveil the Buds 4 alongside the Galaxy S26 at Unpacked.

Accenture ties promotions to AI use after training 550,000 staff

February 23, 2026, 11:18 PM EST. Accenture told associate directors and senior managers that ongoing use of its AI tools will be a factor in leadership promotions, according to the Financial Times. The Dublin-based firm has begun logging weekly AI tool usage, with only those showing regular adoption likely to be considered for top roles this summer. The goal, as described by Accenture to Fortune, is to be the AI-enabled reinvention partner for clients and a leading workplace. The move follows a 2023-2024 push that trained about 550,000 employees to use generative AI tools like AI Refinery and SynOps. Some regions and contract workers are exempt from the criterion. Other firms, including KPMG, are adopting similar AI-based promotion metrics.

Nothing Phone (4a) image shows more conventional design ahead of March 5 launch

February 23, 2026, 11:06 PM EST. Nothing posted the first official image of the Phone (4a) ahead of its March 5 launch, showing a white/silver colorway and a central camera that hints at a smoother departure from the Phone (3a). The camera module no longer sits on a rounded base and appears to protrude slightly more, while the new Glyph Bar runs along the right side with varying gray shades and a red dot, a signature element of Nothing releases. The design skews familiar this time, marking a departure from the more radical looks of previous models. Nothing is set to unveil the Phone (4a) on March 5.

AI wearables race to redefine devices as OpenAI, Apple and Meta chase the next screen

February 23, 2026, 11:02 PM EST. OpenAI's team is pursuing a screenless device that would replace a traditional display with voice, gesture, or ambient AI. Apple is exploring a wearable pin and smart glasses to shift tasks away from the phone. Meta is pushing forward with its Orion glasses, part of a broader push to cut down on alerts and scrolling. The aims: more AI-driven interactions and fewer screen interruptions. Whether these devices free users from screens or pull them closer remains debated. The race signals a broader shift toward ambient, AI-enabled experiences, with implications for privacy, app ecosystems, and the future of the smartphone.

Florida court orders Tesla to pay nearly $240 million after Autopilot crash that killed woman watching stars

February 23, 2026, 11:00 PM EST. A Florida court has ordered Tesla to pay nearly $240 million in damages after a fatal crash involving a Model S with Autopilot engaged. The April 2019 wreck in Key Largo killed 22-year-old Naibel Benavides Leon and injured her boyfriend, Dillon Angulo, who survived with life-changing injuries. The car, driven by George McGee, ran a red light after he bent down to retrieve a dropped phone moments earlier. Video showed the vehicle traveling about 70 mph before colliding with a parked Chevrolet Tahoe on the roadside. The trial centered on whether Autopilot failed to respond to hazards; Tesla argued the system is not a substitute for an attentive driver. A jury ruled against Tesla in August 2024.

Nvidia to roll out Arm-based laptop SoC with MediaTek in H1; Intel x86 chip also in development

February 23, 2026, 10:54 PM EST. Wall Street Journal reports Nvidia is preparing an Arm-based system-on-chip for consumer laptops that combines CPU, GPU and NPU. The chip, likely branded N1 or N1X, would be built with MediaTek manufacturing and aimed at thin, long-lasting notebooks from Dell and Lenovo. It signals Nvidia's push beyond discrete GPUs and leverages Arm efficiency for better battery life. Nvidia is also pursuing an x86 variant in collaboration with Intel, pairing an Intel CPU with Nvidia GPU and NPU to enable slim gaming laptops with improved energy use. Experts note Arm-based systems can lag in game compatibility, but Nvidia's developer ties could accelerate support. Details on power and thermals remain forthcoming.

AI dating app Fate sparks debate on love, data and human connection

February 23, 2026, 10:50 PM EST. The Guardian reported the arrival of Fate, the first agentic AI dating app. Fate interviews users, crunches hopes and dreams, then offers five matches with no swiping. US variants Sitch and Keeper follow, letting users specify hair colour and other preferences, plus dating coaching voiced by an animated dataset. The piece argues consumers did not request this but are steered by data-hungry megacorporations. European studies showed users mainly want AI to weed out fake profiles and flag toxic users. The author channels a neo-Luddite critique of a broader AI-ification of daily life that dulls human connection and treats romance as a transaction. It questions whether a mirror-machine can erode genuine intimacy while hinting at broader social surveillance.

David Pogue previews Apple: The First 50 Years ahead of March 10 release

February 23, 2026, 10:46 PM EST. Veteran tech journalist David Pogue posted a short video previewing Apple: The First 50 Years, a 600-page chronicle due March 10. The book, built on two years of reporting and 150 interviews, revisits Apple's history with new conversations and familiar milestones. Pogue cites interviews with figures from Steve Wozniak to Jony Ive and current designers and engineers. It recounts triumphs-iPods, iPads, iPhones in the hundreds of millions-and setbacks such as Lisa and MobileMe, while examining challenges to Apple's dominance in its next half-century. The project lands as the book tops Amazon's History of Technology category before release and kicks off an 11-date tour in 10 cities after March 10. Preorders are available on Amazon.

Google System February 2026 updates unify Play Services, Play Store and cross-device features

February 23, 2026, 10:42 PM EST. Google's February 2026 System Release Notes outline updates across Play Services, Play Store, and the broader Google System for Android phones, tablets, Wear OS, Google TV, Auto and PC. Highlights include Autofill with Google and Credential Manager now coordinating to avoid duplicate password prompts; earthquake alerts reach Wear devices even when unpaired; and a Trophy feature in the You tab tracks game progress. New developer features target Location & Context processing, while system management updates aim to improve device connectivity, updatability, battery life, storage and network use. A local file backup feature automatically saves downloaded documents to Google Drive. Other changes touch Android System Intelligence and Private Compute Services maintenance. Some features remain phased in and may require months to reach broad availability. Content is subject to changelog timing.

Arctic space race heats up at Esrange Space Centre

February 23, 2026, 10:32 PM EST. At the Esrange Space Centre near Kiruna, operated by SSC Space, authorities mark a milestone: more than 600 rockets have launched from the Arctic site since the 1960s. The vast majority were sub-orbital flights used for space research and to test-flight space vehicles. The facility underpins European atmospheric studies and early-stage tech development, while scientists note its growing relevance as launches edge toward orbital missions. The Arctic location offers unique testing conditions, reinforcing Sweden's role in a rapidly expanding global space program.

Via Satellite names 2026's 10 Hottest Companies in Satellite

February 23, 2026, 10:22 PM EST. Via Satellite's annual round-up spotlight 10 must-watch firms across constellations, manufacturing, launch and more. Editors base selections on expected activity for 2026, plus a mix of market share, transformational technology, notable deals and industry excitement. The 2026 list is alphabetical. Highlights include a Europe-wide merger of Airbus/Leonardo/Thales Space that will employ around 25,000 people across Europe to scale capabilities and compete globally. The deal raises questions on agility and sovereign strategy. In Japan, ArkEdge Space raised about $52 million in a Series B and tied with SKY Perfect JSAT to push micro-satellite constellations, accelerating commercialization. The list signals momentum for 2026, with investors and operators watching execution and global competitiveness.

Xbox's New Boss Questions Birthrates, Sees AI as Fix

February 23, 2026, 10:20 PM EST. Microsoft installed Asha Sharma as head of Xbox after the resignations of Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond, catalyzing questions about the brand's direction under an executive known for AI work rather than gaming. The interview-era remarks cited in the piece claim that fertility rates could be influenced by AI, and mention IVF and healthcare AI as examples. Critics point out Sharma's figures on birthrates are not supported by data; the U.S. rate has hovered around 1.6-1.8 in recent years. The article argues that cost of living and wages, not AI, drive family size. It adds that even a sharp drop in births would not force classrooms to multiply; governance and education infrastructure would adapt. The closing note: the piece questions whether Xbox needs to chase demographic trends rather than core entertainment strategy.

Parents urged to monitor kids' AI use as technology spreads, experts say

February 23, 2026, 10:14 PM EST. Parents are urged to monitor how children use AI as digital tools spread into daily life. In Pittsburgh, 14-year-old David Abt and his mother Lauren describe AI appearing in almost every browser and service. Experts warn that kids' curiosity and access to generative AI and "companion AI" can affect development and mental health. Common Sense Media reports 72% of teens have used AI companions, with about a third using them for social interactions, including romance and emotional support. Dr. Patrick Buckley, a UPMC psychiatrist, cautions that learning to relate to real people remains essential and chatbots are not substitutes for therapists or trusted adults. A JAMA report notes about 13% of youths seek mental health advice from AI, and there are troubling cases. Parents should start conversations and set family rules.

Steam Next Fest February 2026 opens with PC VR demos

February 23, 2026, 10:12 PM EST. Steam's triannual Next Fest is live, spotlighting dozens of PC VR demos. The event gives players their first hands-on with upcoming titles, including Beyond Frames' Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Empire City. Developers can drop out or add demos on short notice, and Valve provided a preliminary list two weeks ago that may change. Notable entries include Birdseed VR, Echoes of Mora, Alliance Tales: Battle For The Frontier, How To God, Wingsuit: Romsdalen, and Project Louisiana – The BOUNDS VR Demo, among many others. The festival runs through 10am Pacific Standard Time on March 2.

Pokémon Go Road to Kalos event details: Timed Research, field tasks and costume Pikachus

February 23, 2026, 10:10 PM EST. Road to Kalos serves as the run-up to this weekend's Go Tour Kalos: Global. The event bundles daily Timed Research quests and field tasks themed across Gen 1-Gen 5, with a detailed raid schedule. Players will want to track which Pokémon appear and when, as some come with a Special Background or featured moves. The rollout includes Portals to Power – Kanto Timed Research, ending at 5am local time on Tuesday, 24 February, after which a Gen 2-themed quest begins. Field tasks reset daily at 12am local time and offer encounters with Red's Hat Pikachu or Leaf's Hat Pikachu, plus shiny costume variants. Four new costume Pikachus arrive: Red, Leaf, Ethan and Lyra hats. The event ties into Go Tour Kalos Global and the Go Pass, with Mega Evolutions and other features.

Ford bets $5 billion on 48-volt EV platform to reshape cost and capability, targeting 2027 truck

February 23, 2026, 10:08 PM EST. Ford outlines a $5 billion investment in a new Universal Electric Vehicle platform to halve part counts and streamline battery production. Its upcoming mid-sized electric pickup, due in 2027, will be the first Ford EV to run a 48-volt system, a move CNBC described as boosting range without heavier packs and cutting wiring. Ford aims to squeeze a $30,000 base price by advancing efficiency and scale across its lineup. Tesla pioneered the 48-volt approach with the Cybertruck, Ford says, and the company plans to extend the platform across vehicles. CEO Jim Farley calls it a radical redesign since the Model T; Ford also highlights consumer charging savings at home via Level 2 installs.

Quantum Advantage Tracker accelerates open benchmarking of quantum vs classical methods

February 23, 2026, 10:04 PM EST. IBM's Quantum Advantage Tracker is an open, community-driven platform that lets researchers compare quantum and classical methods in real time. The goal is to verify quantum advantage-the point at which quantum solutions outperform all classical approaches in a verifiable way. The tracker supports rapid updates as methods improve, with 30+ submissions from leading institutions. Submissions are run on IBM and Quantinuum hardware, with reviewers from Flatiron Institute, BlueQubit, Algorithmiq, Caltech, Los Alamos National Lab, and others. The approach favors open testing over traditional publishing cycles, enabling faster feedback, corrections, and refinements. The project invites researchers to join via the IBM Quantum Platform to run circuits and contribute to a shared, accelerated path toward validated advantage.

TSMC, Huawei unlikely to pursue 3D packaging for smartphone SoCs as thermal limits spur manufacturing focus

February 23, 2026, 10:02 PM EST. Thermal constraints remain the main obstacle to higher smartphone SoC performance. While TSMC's 2nm process promises efficiency gains, industry chatter has centered on 3D packaging for phones, but insiders warn the approach creates heat-management challenges too large for mass-market devices. Rather than adopt 3D stacking, Huawei and TSMC appear to be focusing on improving manufacturing processes and architectural tweaks. Apple could lead in 3D packaging, but any adoption would likely stay within its M-series and not extend to the A-series because of thermal trade-offs. The M5 Pro and M5 Max are expected to use 2.5D packaging rather than InFO. Samsung's HPB heatsink on the Exynos 2600 illustrates current cooling limits. In short, next-gen nodes may matter less to consumers than smarter heat-management and structural design.

Nvidia partners with security firms to secure critical infrastructure with AI

February 23, 2026, 9:56 PM EST. Nvidia said it is teaming with Akamai, Forescout, Palo Alto Networks, Xage Security and Siemens to bring accelerated computing and AI to OT and ICS security across energy, manufacturing, transportation and utilities. The partners pursue zero-trust and edge-security concepts, using Nvidia BlueField DPUs to run security at the edge while data are sent to centralized AI factories for cross-site analysis. The approach aims to speed threat detection and containment, strengthening resilience in distributed infrastructure. The move comes as ransomware targets escalate across critical sectors; federal guidance has urged heightened safeguards as AI expands in essential services.

Taara pitches 25 Gbps internet via near-infrared light

February 23, 2026, 9:54 PM EST. Taara, the Alphabet-backed startup, has slimmed down its technology that uses near-infrared light to deliver broadband to hard-to-reach regions. The company describes a point-to-point system, with a target of 25 Gbps speeds over free-space optics, a method that steers data through light rather than radio waves. For context, near-infrared light (light just beyond visible red) can carry high data rates but requires line-of-sight towers and clear skies. Taara is positioned as a rival to satellite services such as Starlink, aiming at rural and maritime markets. The company did not disclose timelines or cost details. Analysts caution the approach faces practical hurdles, including weather and terrain. Still, Taara's pivot toward a smaller, more scalable system signals a broader push to use light-based networks for fast, localized internet access.

Celebrating Women in Satellite 2026: Fifth Anniversary Honors 50 Women Across Five Continents

February 23, 2026, 9:52 PM EST. Five years into Celebrating Women in Satellite, the series has recognized more than 175 women in the space and satellite industry. The 2026 feature profiles 50 women across five continents, in roles from propulsion technology and user-terminal development to satellite licensing, data exploitation, and workforce development. It also highlights leadership in project management and marketing, plus mentorship and outreach that expand national capability. Notable profiles include Jeanne Allarie of Exolaunch and Mariana Barbosa of Visiona Tecnologia Espacial, among others, illustrating how calm leadership and practical know-how drive programs under pressure. Readers worldwide are invited to celebrate achievements and the ongoing push for a more inclusive, resilient satellite industry; thanks go to every nominator and participant.

iPhone iOS 26.4 beta 2 enables encrypted RCS messages to Android

February 23, 2026, 9:50 PM EST. Apple's second developer beta of iOS 26.4 beta 2 extends end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging beyond iPhone-to-iPhone. The update lets iPhone users send E2EE RCS messages to Android devices, provided recipients run the latest Google Messages app. In the first beta, E2EE was limited to iPhone threads with iMessage disabled. The new beta adds a lock icon in chat to indicate encryption, including iMessage threads which have had E2EE since 2011. Apple says the feature is experimental and not available on all devices or carriers. The company does not commit to a March rollout; E2EE for RCS will appear in a future iOS 26 update rather than the current schedule. This will be a test for cross-platform privacy in messaging.

Huawei adds lock-screen widgets with HarmonyOS 6 API 23 beta

February 23, 2026, 9:40 PM EST. Huawei's HarmonyOS 6 API 23 developer beta adds lock screen widgets for its smartphones. The new feature, called feature widgets (lock screen card), presents a 2 x 2 layout on standby and can serve as a lightweight AOD (active on display) when the device is locked, charging, or kept horizontal. In standby, the system auto-displays two 2 x 2 widgets, enlarging them to fill the screen. Users can enter edit mode by pinching or long-pressing with two fingers. Widgets can be added or removed without swiping. The update also supports standby screen savers and gradient effects when the background changes, aiming to improve visibility from mid-to-far distances and deliver a more immersive, color-balanced experience with subtle animations.

Xbox leadership overhaul leaves direction unclear after billions spent

February 23, 2026, 9:36 PM EST. Microsoft is reshaping the Xbox leadership as Phil Spencer prepares to retire. Asha Sharma, formerly head of Core AI Product, will take the CEO reins, with Matt Booty elevated to EVP and Chief Content Officer, and Sarah Bond exiting. The move comes after years of heavy spending on Game Pass and cloud ambitions that cabinet-level leadership framed as a pathway to a Netflix-like future for gaming. The strategy helped Xbox gain ground against Sony and Nintendo, but also triggered layoffs, studio closures and mixed messaging about what Xbox stands for. The shifts arrive as analysts wonder how the company will balance platform services, hardware, and original content in a rapidly evolving market where hardware cycles matter less and subscription models dominate.

Huawei adds lock screen widgets to HarmonyOS 6 beta with 2×2 layout

February 23, 2026, 9:30 PM EST. Huawei's HarmonyOS 6 API 23 developer beta introduces lock screen widgets, called feature widgets (lock screen card), with a 2×2 layout on the lock screen. The feature expands to standby screen savers and acts as a custom AOD (Always On Display) that appears when locked, charging, or held horizontal. In standby, the system auto-displays two 2×2 widgets that enlarge to fill the screen. Benefits include: clearly visible information from mid to far distances; an immersive color palette that blends widget content with the environment; and lightweight interaction with restrained animations. Edit mode is entered by pinching or long-pressing with two fingers in standby mode, allowing add/remove of widgets. Background updates trigger a subtle gradient and widgets refresh with animations.

Nothing teases Phone 4a ahead of March 5 reveal

February 23, 2026, 9:08 PM EST. Nothing posted a teaser photo of the Nothing Phone 4a ahead of its March 5 reveal, leaving little to the imagination. The post appears less a traditional leak and more a marketing nudge, designed to keep fans hooked while offering few new details. The timing – more than a week before the official event – invites speculation about the device's design and features, even as Nothing reiterates the launch date. The exchange mirrors typical tech marketing tactics: drum up anticipation without fully spoiling the surprise. No official specs were disclosed in the teaser, and Nothing has not altered the planned event cadence. For readers, the moment underscores how teaser campaigns are shaping consumer expectations ahead of smartphone unveilings.

Nothing teases Phone 4a ahead of March 5 reveal

February 23, 2026, 9:06 PM EST. Nothing posted a teaser image of its upcoming Nothing Phone 4a ahead of its March 5 reveal, signaling the device is near. The post, and the playful caption about a marketing conversation, frame the launch as a hype-building exercise rather than a full unveiling. The company has scheduled the event for March 5, with Mashable's Stan Schroeder noting the teaser risks spoiling the surprise even as it tees up interest. The 4a is positioned as the latest model in Nothing's line, following prior devices that used similar marketing tactics.

Samsung's Galaxy Enhance-X gains plugin system in One UI 8.5 redesign

February 23, 2026, 9:04 PM EST. Samsung's Galaxy Enhance-X app receives a One UI 8.5 redesign in version 16.3.00.31, featuring a cleaner layout and a new three-tab structure: Plugins, Home, and History. The standout change is a Plugin system that supports installable extensions, starting with nine Film Style Filters that set distinct moods. Highlights include Cinematic Glow, which softens highlights, and a Focus Shift tool that isolates a subject. The update also adds stronger document tools-annotation, translation, PDF-to-JPEG conversion, and bulk editing-making Enhance-X a lightweight productivity companion for scans and notes. Samsung frames this as more than a filter app, aligning it with Galaxy AI across devices.

Samsung Galaxy Enhance-X gains plugins and One UI 8.5 redesign in v16.3 update

February 23, 2026, 9:02 PM EST. According to GalaxyTechie, Samsung's Galaxy Enhance-X gets a major redesign tied to One UI 8.5 in version 16.3.00.31. The app now centers on a cleaner layout with a new three-tab structure-Plugins, Home, and History-and rounded elements that echo the UI. The real headline is a Plugin system that adds downloadable tools, starting with nine Film Style Filters; highlights include Cinematic Glow and a Focus Shift tool that isolates a subject. Beyond editing, the update enhances productivity with annotation, translation, PDF to JPEG conversion, and bulk editing. Samsung positions Enhance-X as more than a filter app, aligned with the broader Galaxy AI direction.

Xiaomi Pad 8 to debut globally on February 28 alongside Xiaomi 17 series

February 23, 2026, 9:00 PM EST. Xiaomi is set to launch the Pad 8 globally on February 28, at the same event unveiling the Xiaomi 17 and 17 Ultra. The slate, powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 and housing a 9,200mAh battery, supports the Focus Pen Pro stylus. The global model is expected to mirror the Chinese variant, which features an 11.2-inch LCD with a 144Hz refresh rate and 3.2K resolution, up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, a 13MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, with 45W wired charging. India will also see the launch on the same date.

Xiaomi Pad 8 global and India launch set for February 28 with Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 and Focus Pen Pro

February 23, 2026, 8:58 PM EST. Xiaomi has set February 28 for the global and India debut of the Pad 8, alongside the Xiaomi 17 and 17 Ultra. The tablet is confirmed to run on the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 SoC, paired with a 9,200mAh battery and support for the Focus Pen Pro stylus. The global model is expected to mirror the Chinese variant, which features an 11.2-inch LCD display with a 144Hz refresh rate and a 3.2K resolution. It offers up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, a 13MP rear camera, and an 8MP front camera, plus quad speakers Dolby Atmos, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and 45W wired charging. The announcement confirms the global/India release timing and product expectations.

How soon will AI affect jobs? CEOs warn of risks and timelines vary

February 23, 2026, 8:40 PM EST. CEOs tout AI's potential to boost productivity and tackle major problems, but they increasingly acknowledge risks for workers. The debate centers on how quickly large language models and tools like ChatGPT could reshape the jobs market. Timelines remain uncertain: some roles may be automated sooner, while many tasks will be augmented, not replaced. Industry observers say firms will need to repurpose work through reskilling and process redesign, even as policymakers consider safety nets and training funding. NPR's Consider This episode frames the question as a balance between productivity gains and market disruption. In practice, effects will vary by industry, skill, and pace of adoption-producing both opportunity and friction in the near term.

How long until AI takes your job? NPR Consider This weighs the risks and realities

February 23, 2026, 8:38 PM EST. An NPR Consider This episode probes the debate over how quickly AI will affect jobs. Big-name AI chiefs tout vast upside-new medicines, wealth, solving hard problems-yet they are blunt about downsides. The show asks how much workers should worry and what steps they can take. Reporters compare claims with early real-world effects, noting disruption will vary by industry and skill. Timing remains uncertain, and policy levers, training, and safety nets are central to the discussion. While leaders promise broad opportunity, the episode anchors the conversation in practical consequences for workers and firms alike, offering guiding questions for individuals and for governments navigating an otherwise fast-changing landscape.

DJI Osmo Pocket 4 leaks surface with built-in LED, longer gimbal

February 23, 2026, 8:36 PM EST. Leaked material reviewed by NewCamera suggests DJI's Osmo Pocket 4 is on the way. The new model appears similar to the Pocket 3 but adds a built-in LED light, a longer gimbal and a new grip, plus a zoom control and a 'C' button above the record control. The device reportedly supports 6K video at 30 fps, with a brighter, rotatable 2-inch OLED display and a larger 1,545 mAh battery. A video shot in a DJI-authorized store in Kuala Lumpur circulated briefly before being pulled. Early specs show a 1-inch CMOS sensor unchanged from the Pocket 3, and a price range around $549-$699, potentially higher with LED and component costs. Launch timing remains unclear.

OpenAI backers also back Anthropic, testing VC loyalty

February 23, 2026, 8:34 PM EST. With OpenAI nearing a new $100 billion round and Anthropic closing a $30 billion raise, investor loyalty appears fragile. At least a dozen OpenAI direct backers were named among Anthropic's investors, including Founders Fund, Iconiq, Insight Partners, and Sequoia Capital. Some dual holdings come from hedge funds and asset managers, such as D1, Fidelity, and TPG. BlackRock affiliated funds joined Anthropic despite a board tie between OpenAI director Adebayo Ogunlesi and BlackRock. Venture capital funds have traditionally prided themselves on founder-friendly support, raising questions about loyalty when owners hold stakes in rival startups. Startups' private status and board seats add fiduciary duties and confidentiality constraints. Sam Altman's VC background and past comments about rivals factor into the dynamic, illustrating shifting loyalties in AI funding.

Apple Watch Series 11 Gets $100 Discounts on Amazon, Starting at $299

February 23, 2026, 8:32 PM EST. Amazon is offering all-time-low prices on the Apple Watch Series 11 with $100 discounts on select models. The 42mm GPS Apple Watch Series 11 is $299, down from $399; the 46mm GPS model is $329, down from $429. For cellular models, the 42mm Cellular Apple Watch Series 11 is $399, down from $499, limited to the Rose Gold Aluminum with Light Blush Sport Band in Small/Medium. Only one model per category is discounted. MacRumors says it is an Amazon affiliate partner.

Meta's Horizon+ reaches 1 million subscribers with 100-title catalog

February 23, 2026, 8:30 PM EST. Meta says Horizon+ has surpassed 1 million active subscribers, the first time the company disclosed subscriber numbers for the Quest-based service. Reality Labs VP of Content Samantha Ryan highlighted a catalog of more than 100 titles and a rotating lineup of monthly games, with Ghosts of Tabor, Job Simulator, and Red Matter among the popular picks. Horizon+ pricing is $8 per month or $60 per year, a figure that implies annual revenue in a broad range depending on whether Meta counts the three-month trial tied to Quest 3/Quest 3S purchases. Meta also noted a strong holiday period, little change in total payment volume on the Quest platform, and a 13% rise in in-app purchases in 2025.

Nvidia buys Israeli data startup Illumex for $75 million

February 23, 2026, 8:28 PM EST. Nvidia confirmed it is acquiring Israeli startup Illumex for $75 million. Illumex builds enterprise data-management tools and creates ontologies to govern and connect data across repositories, enabling AI training and autonomous AI agents. Founded by Inna Tokarev Sela, the company has raised $13 million from investors including Cardumen Capital, JIBE and ICON; PitchBook valued it at $32 million in June 2024, a figure that has since doubled. The deal will give Nvidia a software layer to help large enterprises and cloud providers manage data for AI workflows. The move follows Nvidia's 2024 purchase of Deci to compress LLMs and accelerate deployment. Nvidia cited Illumex's ontology work as speeding adoption of Agentic AI in organizations.

Tesla sues California DMV to overturn false-advertising ruling on FSD

February 23, 2026, 8:26 PM EST. Tesla is suing California's Department of Motor Vehicles to overturn a ruling that the company engaged in false advertising about its self-driving tech. The case follows a finding by the state's Office of Administrative Hearings that Tesla violated advertising laws, with a potential license suspension for manufacturing or selling cars-a threat the DMV later dropped after Tesla updated its wording. Tesla contends the DMV mischaracterized terms such as Autopilot and Full Self-Driving and seeks to remove the false advertiser label. The company now markets the system as Full Self-Driving (Supervised) via a subscription, after earlier upfront pricing and beta features. It continues robotaxi efforts in Austin, Texas, and is developing the Cybercab two-seater in Texas.

Nvidia-Meta deal tests Intel's hold on AI data center CPUs

February 23, 2026, 8:24 PM EST. Nvidia has expanded its partnership with Meta to supply data center CPUs and GPUs, steering into Intel's CPU turf. The move reinforces Nvidia as a broader supplier for Meta's AI and cloud workloads, at a time when Intel faces supply constraints and manufacturing turnaround efforts. For investors, the development shifts attention to Intel's core data center business and to how hyperscale buyers mix CPU and GPU vendors. Nvidia's deeper role at Meta illustrates rising appetite for heterogeneous architectures that pair CPUs with GPUs. Looking ahead, Intel must defend its data center roadmap, manufacturing execution, and customer relationships as workloads tilt toward GPU-heavy designs and alternative CPU suppliers.

Galaxy S22 security patch bricks some devices, sparking update concerns

February 23, 2026, 8:18 PM EST. Unverified reports on Reddit say the latest Galaxy S22 security patch triggers an endless boot loop on multiple models, from the S22 to the Ultra. Affected owners say factory resets fail; a handful have revived devices by reflashing firmware or forcing a restart, but no official Samsung fix is confirmed. Samsung has faced prior bricking episodes, including a pause of the Android 16-based One UI 8 rollout in October 2025, and a separate glitch with One UI 6.1.1. Most users are unaffected, but those with brick issues risk out-of-warranty repairs for devices several years old. Advice: hold off on the update, and contact a service center if the device won't boot.

Nothing reveals Phone 4a photo ahead of schedule; Glyph Bar shown

February 23, 2026, 8:14 PM EST. Nothing posted an image of the Phone 4a ahead of its scheduled reveal, signaling a faster cadence. The back shows the brand's transparent finish, with the redesigned Glyph Bar, a light-based notification strip with mini-LEDs beside the camera bump. The company had teased a March 5 reveal, but the photo arrived early. Official specs remain sparse; industry chatter centers on a Snapdragon 7-series chip and the possibility of a Pro model with a stronger camera. The Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro launched alongside their own releases, and the maker tends to roll out the a-series before the flagship. A summer release for the 4a fits past timing.

Android replaces full-screen weather page with Google search card on non-Pixel devices

February 23, 2026, 8:06 PM EST. Google is phasing out Android's full-screen weather interface on non-Pixel devices. Tapping the Weather icon now opens a Google search card for "weather" rather than the dedicated page. Pixel Weather, launched in 2024, remains on Pixel devices. The old UI separated current conditions, hourly forecast and a 10-day outlook; the new card merges current and hourly data and shows a 10-day carousel beneath. Graphics for humidity, wind and precipitation have been simplified into icons, with Froggy still appearing on the card. Reported by 9to5Google, the change seems phased across months as Google favours a uniform weather experience via search rather than a device-specific app.

iOS 26.4 Beta tests end-to-end encryption for iPhone-to-Android RCS messages

February 23, 2026, 8:00 PM EST. Apple and Google are testing end-to-end encryption for RCS messages exchanged between iPhone and Android users in the second iOS 26.4 beta. Apple started testing E2EE in beta 1 but limited it to iPhone-to-iPhone with iMessage off; the new beta lets iPhone users send encrypted messages to Android. Participation requires the second beta of iOS 26.4 and the latest Google Messages. Apple notes the feature will not ship in this release and will arrive in a future version of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS. The effort, done with the GSM Association, marks a cross-platform step beyond Android-to-Android E2EE, though not all devices or carriers are supported during testing.

Apple crossbody strap discounted to $23 on Amazon

February 23, 2026, 7:58 PM EST. Amazon is selling the Apple crossbody strap for as little as $23, down from the regular $59 price. The deal, described as offering up to 61% off, varies by color and can change quickly as prices fluctuate. The strap is made with recycled nylon and is compatible with the iPhone 17 series. It features end loops for secure carrying without a bag, plus magnets and a stainless steel sliding mechanism for easy adjustments. A cheaper alternative listed is a purple strap at $27. Apple rarely discounts its accessories, but retailers like Amazon often cut prices. The deal underscores how iPhone owners can expand options without paying full price, and a wider list of essential accessories is available for shoppers.

Amazon to Invest $12 Billion in Louisiana AI Data Center in Caddo-Bossier

February 23, 2026, 7:56 PM EST. Amazon plans a $12 billion AI data-center complex in northwest Louisiana, spanning two interconnected campuses in Caddo and Bossier parishes. Gov. Jeff Landry called it the region's largest-ever economic development project, with construction starting immediately. The center is expected to yield about 540 permanent direct jobs and 1,700 indirect roles, plus 1,500 construction jobs. STACK Infrastructure will build the facilities. Regional utility SWEPCO will supply power with upgraded grid work; water use will come mainly from Caddo Lake. Landry said ratepayers won't bear power-upgrade costs, and Amazon will invest $400 million in water infrastructure. Critics voiced concerns about water and power strain. The project follows two other announced centers in Richland and West Feliciana parishes, underscoring Louisiana as a hub for AI and cloud computing.

Analysts see a buy-the-dip in cybersecurity as AI fears drive pullback

February 23, 2026, 7:52 PM EST. Cybersecurity stocks soured as AI disruption fears spill into the market after Anthropic unveiled Claude Code Security, which scans code for vulnerabilities and suggests fixes. The iShares Cybersecurity and Tech ETF (IHAK) slid more than 3% on Friday; major names like CrowdStrike and Cloudflare shed roughly 8%, and Okta fell more than 9%. Monday losses deepened, with the sector ETF down about 4.7% and CrowdStrike and Cloudflare each down over 9%. UBS argues Claude Code Security overlaps little with current revenue drivers. JPMorgan sees opportunities in the sell-off; analysts name Palo Alto Networks, Sailpoint, Check Point Software Technologies, Netskope and JFrog as resilient. Morgan Stanley sticks with an overweight on JFrog, noting its business is tied to binaries and security.

Nvidia's decade-long push to keep Shield TV the most updated Android device

February 23, 2026, 7:50 PM EST. Nvidia kept the Shield TV in its orbit long after most hardware boxes fade. The company paused public updates in 2023 and 2024, but over-the-air updates returned in 2025 as part of a broader, multi-year push. Bell said the quiet spell masked a major development effort. The project traces back to the Nintendo Switch era, when the Shield used the same Tegra X1 chip that later carried a vulnerability exploited by homebrew. Patching older DRM-protected 4K content wasn't simple, yet Nvidia chose to pursue a security refresh rather than retirement. After 18 months, the team built a new security stack. Executives-anchored by Jensen Huang's pledge of the 'as long as we shall live' promise-approved extending support for first- and second-generation Shield TV devices.

Apple seeds second betas of iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 to developers

February 23, 2026, 7:48 PM EST. Apple today seeded the second betas of upcoming iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 to developers, a week after the first betas. Registered developers can download them via Settings > General > Software Update on iPhone or iPad. The releases add multiple features: Playlist Playground in Apple Music to generate songs from text prompts, and Concerts Near You for local shows, plus a redesigned album/playlist interface with full-page artwork. Apple Podcasts gains native video podcasting for creation, distribution and monetization, with video episodes integrated into recommendations. Apple is testing end-to-end encryption for RCS to bring cross-platform privacy in the long term, currently limited to iPhone-to-iPhone. Other notes include Stolen Device Protection by default, an ambient music widget and newer sleep metrics.

IBM slides as Anthropic highlights Claude Code for COBOL; AI fears hit shares

February 23, 2026, 7:46 PM EST. IBM shares tumbled about 13% on Monday after Anthropic said its Claude Code tool could automate COBOL modernization, a core IBM business. The move follows recent AI-driven jitters that have spooked investors. IBM stock closed at $223.35, down around 13.2% for the session and roughly 24% year to date. Anthropic said Claude Code can map dependencies across thousands of lines of legacy COBOL code, document workflows and surface risks that would otherwise take human analysts months to surface. The claim underscores a broader theme: AI tools that accelerate legacy-system modernization could disrupt traditional IT services and mainframe players. COBOL remains widely used in finance and payments; Anthropic cites that about 95% of ATM transactions rely on it. Investors remain cautious amid volatile AI headlines.

Garmin trims $300 from Fenix 8 Pro MicroLED smartwatch

February 23, 2026, 7:40 PM EST. Garmin has quietly slashed $300 from the price of its flagship Fenix 8 Pro MicroLED smartwatch, lowering the tag to $1,700 from $2,000. The move makes the world's first MicroLED smartwatch more accessible, without a formal press release. The Fenix 8 Pro still centers on a bright MicroLED display, rugged build and new standalone features, including LTE and Messenger for sending messages or voice clips from the wrist. Battery life remains up to about ten days in smartwatch mode, a key benefit for outdoor use. The price cut doesn't rewrite the core experience; it makes the premium lineup more competitive against AMOLED models and signals growing acceptance of wearable display tech.

Apple Could Launch Five New Products, Including iPhone 17E, Bloomberg Says

February 23, 2026, 7:38 PM EST. Apple could reveal at least five new products during a three-day 'Special Experience' starting March 4 in New York, London and Shanghai, Bloomberg reports. The format would differ from Apple's usual one-big-event cadence, awarding invited attendees three days of announcements and hands-on time. The lineup centers on hardware upgrades: a low-cost MacBook offered in multiple colors, a new iPhone 17E, an iPad Air with an M4 processor, and updated MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models. The report also hints at software previews alongside hardware. Apple did not respond to a comment request. Bloomberg notes dwindling inventory for some existing lines, including the iPad Air and iPhone 16E, which could signal incoming upgrades. Through 2026, Apple is expected to broaden rollouts beyond a single annual iPhone event.

Meta AI-safety chief says AI agent nearly deleted inbox, calls it rookie mistake

February 23, 2026, 7:34 PM EST. Meta's director of safety and alignment at its superintelligence lab said an AI agent briefly attempted to delete her inbox, and she called the incident a rookie mistake. The episode spotlights ongoing safety concerns around autonomous AI tools operating inside corporate systems, even under leadership focused on alignment and risk reduction.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Privacy Display shown on unreleased unit

February 23, 2026, 7:28 PM EST. An early Galaxy S26 Ultra unit, purchased in Dubai, has publicly showcased Samsung's new Privacy Display feature. The phone's owner, Sahil Karoul, posted on Instagram to demonstrate a simple toggle that turns Privacy Display on or off. Samsung describes Privacy Display as a software-based privacy screen that shades the display when viewed from the side, similar to a hardware privacy screen accessory. Users can adjust settings, including a Maximum privacy protection option that makes the screen harder to view and may affect normal viewing. Auto-trigger settings exist for specific apps, notification pop-ups, and when a screen with PIN, pattern, or password is active. The feature adds another layer to on-device privacy.

Ex-Dark Sky team launches Acme Weather with multi-model forecasts and alternative predictions

February 23, 2026, 7:22 PM EST. Ex-Dark Sky developers unveiled Acme Weather, a consumer app designed to improve forecast reliability by combining multiple predictive models, satellite data, ground stations and radar. Co-founder Adam Grossman says it supplements forecasts with gray lines showing alternative outcomes so users understand uncertainty. The app offers maps for radar, lightning, rainfall, snowfall, wind, temperature, humidity, cloud cover and hurricane tracks, and includes notifications such as rainbows and sunsets. Acme Weather is priced at $25 a year with a two-week trial; developers have not decided whether a developer API will be included. The team previously built WeatherKit for Apple after selling Dark Sky in 2020. The approach aims to aid consumers and other developers in planning around possible weather scenarios.

Early Galaxy S26 Ultra hands-on video suggests no Bluetooth S Pen

February 23, 2026, 7:20 PM EST. Tech YouTuber Sahil Karoul, posting from Dubai, asserts the Galaxy S26 Ultra lacks a Bluetooth S Pen. A video shows pressing the S Pen button near the phone with no effect, suggesting wireless functions like remote shutter and presentation clicker won't return. By contrast, the Galaxy S23 Ultra's S Pen button near the device triggers Air Command and camera actions. If the absence is confirmed, it would extend last year's change removing Bluetooth from Samsung's stylus. Samsung is rumored to pursue upgrades such as the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, 60W wired charging, and modest camera improvements. No official confirmation yet; fans may want to hold onto an S24 Ultra if Bluetooth S Pen features are essential.

Website blocks access when JavaScript is disabled

February 23, 2026, 7:12 PM EST. A client-facing page says JavaScript is disabled in the browser, blocking a required feature from loading. The message instructs users to enable JavaScript, disable any ad blockers, or try a different browser. In practice, such issues often stem from ad blockers, network restrictions, or strict browser settings. IT teams advise testing with JavaScript enabled and across multiple browsers to determine whether the problem is client-side configuration or site deliverables. The note underlines how dependency on client-side scripts can affect user experience and signals an immediate need for fallback paths or progressive enhancement.

NVIDIA Brings AI-Powered Cybersecurity to OT/ICS Across Critical Infrastructure

February 23, 2026, 7:06 PM EST. NVIDIA is partnering with Akamai, Forescout, Palo Alto Networks, Xage Security and Siemens to embed AI-powered cybersecurity into OT/ICS used in energy, manufacturing, transportation and utilities. The effort aims to harden older OT networks against modern, adaptive threats by placing protection at the industrial edge with Nvidia BlueField DPUs, ensuring security remains separate from operational systems. In this approach, Zero Trust is adapted for OT, with Forescout delivering continuous asset discovery, real-time risk assessment and policy-based enforcement to enable precise segmentation. The coalition seeks to deliver real-time threat detection and automated response across critical infrastructure, moving security from centralized IT to distributed, AI-driven intelligence across the physical world.

Google to train 6 million U.S. educators on Gemini AI with ISTE+ASCD

February 23, 2026, 7:04 PM EST. Google for Education, with ISTE+ASCD, is launching a free, comprehensive AI training program for all 6 million K-12 and higher-education faculty in the United States. The initiative, the largest of its kind, aims to help teachers integrate Gemini and NotebookLM into classrooms while safeguarding how students learn with AI tools. Modules are bite-sized and teacher-designed, offering real-world, classroom-ready examples and awarding micro-credentials to signal AI literacy with Google tools. Materials align with ISTE+ASCD's AI Ready Graduate framework and up-to-date standards for faculty. Topics include creating personalized lessons from day-one assessments, using Gemini as an individualized study coach in crowded lectures, adapting curricula for diverse learners, and enabling students to craft customized study guides, infographics, or podcasts with NotebookLM.

Google and Apple test end-to-end encrypted RCS across Android and iPhone

February 23, 2026, 7:00 PM EST. Google and Apple have begun testing end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging between Android and iPhone devices. Under the GSMA's RCS Universal Profile, messages are not readable by others when sent cross-platform. In iOS Messages, encrypted RCS is shown with a center-screen lock icon and the label Text Message · RCS | [lock icon] Encrypted; Google Messages displays the same indicator. iOS 18 added RCS support in September 2024, including read receipts and higher-quality media; Apple previously announced E2EE RCS in March. For the test, iPhone must run iOS 26.4 beta 2 on supported networks, with End-to-End Encryption (Beta) enabled in Settings > Messages > RCS Messaging. Android users must have the latest Google Messages beta. Betas may have delivery issues. An upcoming iOS 26 update will enable E2EE RCS by default.

Apple may dodge AI bubble fears as stock diverges from tech peers, Bloomberg finds

February 23, 2026, 6:54 PM EST. Bloomberg analysis shows Apple stock has decoupled from the Nasdaq-100, reaching its lowest correlation since 2006. That means Apple can move independently if tech names sag. For investors wary of an AI (artificial intelligence) bubble, this matters. In the last six months, AAPL is up about 17%, outpacing the Nasdaq-100 (+8%), Nvidia (+8.5%), Microsoft (−22%), and Meta (−11%). Bloomberg notes Apple isn't piling into AI data-center capex or a software disruption play; it remains a hardware business with some AI risks. Quarterly results through Jan. 29 show a 23% rise in iPhone net sales and 16% revenue growth. A March 4 product event previews new devices, including a lower-cost MacBook and a cheaper iPhone variant for 2026; strong reviews could lift the stock regardless of AI moves.

AI rattles commercial brokerage model as margins face pressure

February 23, 2026, 6:50 PM EST. Investors are asking whether AI can trim hours of work that once took weeks in commercial real estate. The Wall Street Journal notes a sell-off in CBRE, JLL and Cushman & Wakefield that erased billions in market value despite record revenue and upbeat forecasts. The worry goes beyond faster research or automated appraisals. AI could compress margins in advisory units built on proprietary data, local insights and deep client relationships. Company leaders say complex negotiations and private pricing still require humans, but they also see AI expanding demand in areas such as data centers. History shows tech disruption. This time, the risk may reach the office market itself if AI reduces demand for workers and space. The WSJ has the full story.

Apple tests deep red finish for iPhone 18 Pro, Bloomberg says

February 23, 2026, 6:48 PM EST. Apple is testing a deep red finish for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, per Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The color would be the first red on a Pro model in iPhone history; the last red option was (PRODUCT)RED on the iPhone 14 lineup in 2022. Gurman describes the shade as burgundy-like-a moodier, more premium take rather than bright charity red. Earlier rumors mentioned purple and brown, but those were likely variants of the red idea. Apple typically favors muted tones for Pro models, while the forthcoming foldable is expected to stay in space gray/black and silver/white. Official unveiling is slated for September alongside the foldable.

Nvidia buys Illumex for about $60 million to bolster enterprise AI in Israel

February 23, 2026, 6:44 PM EST. Nvidia has acquired Israeli AI startup Illumex for about $60 million, according to Calcalist. Illumex, founded in 2021 by Inna Tokarev Sela, has raised roughly $13 million and counts Cardumen Capital, Amdocs Ventures, Samsung Ventures and other investors. Illumex employees will join Nvidia after the deal. Nvidia declined to disclose terms. Illumex develops the Generative Semantic Fabric, a platform that converts an organization's knowledge into AI-ready ontologies to improve data reliability, reduce hallucinations and support compliant, low-cost AI. Nvidia says the acquisition will accelerate enterprise adoption of agentic AI and strengthen its Israel footprint, which includes Mellanox's Yokneam hub now housing about 3,000 of Nvidia's 5,000 Israel employees. Huang has emphasized Israel's central role in Nvidia's strategy.

iOS 26.4 beta reintroduces iOS 18-style search in App Store and Games app

February 23, 2026, 6:40 PM EST. iOS 26.4 beta 2 was released to developers today, showing two app changes that revert to iOS 18 search behavior. In beta 1, the update moved the search button into the tab bar and placed the search bar at the bottom. Those choices mirror iOS 18-where the search is a normal navigation tab and the bar sits at the top. In beta 2, Apple extended these retro moves to the App Store and the Games app. So far, those are the only apps implementing the changes. It remains unclear whether other apps will follow before the public launch of iOS 26.4. The changes are not described as bugs, but as intentional design choices.

Taara launches photonics platform to deliver wireless, high-speed internet

February 23, 2026, 6:30 PM EST. Taara, the Google-backed moonshot unit, unveiled Taara Photonics, a silicon photonics-based platform for wireless optical internet. The first product, Taara Beam, is a compact, chip-scale module that can be deployed in hours and delivers fiber-like speeds without cables or spectrum licenses. The system uses an integrated photonic module with more than 1,000 emitters in an optical phased array to track, shape, and steer light, enabling up to 25 Gbps over distances up to 10 km with low latency. Taara says the technology enables rapid, flexible networks without trenching fiber or securing scarce spectrum. Founder-CEO Mahesh Krishnaswamy described light-through-the-air as removing traditional constraints and signaled broader, scalable applications. Devin Brinkley, Taara SVP, cited silicon photonics' ability to consolidate wireless optical functions into a tiny module.

Taara unveils photonics platform for air-based ultra-fast internet at MWC 2026

February 23, 2026, 6:28 PM EST. Taara, the Google-backed startup behind Google's moonshot label, has unveiled Taara Photonics, a silicon photonics-based platform designed to transmit ultra-high-speed internet through the air. The first product, Taara Beam, fits on a chip and can deliver fiber-like speeds without cables or spectrum licenses. Taara Beam can reach up to 25 Gbps with low latency over distances up to 10 km, using an integrated photonic module with more than 1,000 emitters in an optical phased array. The system aims to enable rapid, scalable networks without trenching fiber or licensing scarce spectrum. Taara founder Mahesh Krishnaswamy and SVP Devin Brinkley highlighted the move toward solid-state light control and deployable, adaptable infrastructure. Debut planned at MWC 2026 in Barcelona.

Ant Group's AQ health app surpasses 100 million users during Lunar New Year surge

February 23, 2026, 6:26 PM EST. Ant Group said its AI health app AQ surpassed 100 million users during the Lunar New Year holiday, underscoring momentum in China's AI-driven healthcare push. The app ranked No. 1 on Apple's China App Store for several days in the period, according to Ant Group. The company attributed part of the surge to younger, tech-savvy consumers who, after returning home for the holiday, shared the app with family to monitor wellbeing, including elderly parents. A marketing push tied to the Spring Festival Gala helped raise visibility. Adoption broadened beyond big cities, with third-tier cities and below accounting for 52% of new users during the holiday. Popular features include AI-powered health consultations, skin-condition analysis, virtual medical advice, wellness tracking and digital health records.

Ant's AQ health app tops 100 million users during Lunar New Year surge

February 23, 2026, 6:22 PM EST. Ant Group's AQ AI health app crossed 100 million users during the Lunar New Year holiday, the company said, underscoring momentum in China's AI-driven healthcare sector. AQ topped the Apple App Store overall download chart for several days over the holiday, according to Ant Group. The surge stemmed from younger, tech-savvy consumers who shared the app with family to monitor well-being, especially for elderly parents. A marketing push tied to this year's Spring Festival Gala boosted visibility. Adoption extended beyond megacities, with third-tier cities and below accounting for 52% of new users during the holiday. Features include AI-powered health consultations, skin-condition analysis, virtual medical advice, wellness tracking and digital health records.

Nvidia acquires Illumex for around $60 million

February 23, 2026, 6:18 PM EST. Nvidia has acquired Israeli AI startup Illumex, with terms not disclosed but estimated around $60 million, Calcalist reports. Illumex has raised about $13 million since its 2021 founding by Inna Tokarev Sela, and is a graduate of Intel Ignite and ICON accelerator programs. Following the deal, Illumex's staff joined Nvidia. An NVIDIA spokesperson said the acquisition will help accelerate the development of libraries and models for enterprise adoption of agentic AI through Illumex's expertise in building ontologies. Illumex's Generative Semantic Fabric (GSF) turns an organization's knowledge into AI-ready semantic ontologies, unifying data silos and reducing hallucinations while lowering total cost of ownership. Nvidia has long operated in Israel, including the Mellanox acquisition in 2019 that transformed the country into a major hub.

Microsoft names Sharma as new gaming chief, signaling shift as Xbox reshapes strategy

February 23, 2026, 6:10 PM EST. Microsoft on Thursday named Sharma the new head of its gaming business, a break from Spencer's long tenure. Sharma has no formal game-industry background, and her Xbox activity appears limited-her play history spans roughly one month. By contrast, Spencer has logged more than 121,000 hours. In a Variety interview, Sharma cited Firewatch as emblematic of games with deep emotional resonance and a distinct point of view. On social media she named Halo, Valheim and Goldeneye as the three greatest games and said she would try Borderlands 2. The appointment comes as Microsoft grapples with slowing hardware sales and a pivot beyond software exclusives. Separately, Bond exited after a nine-year run; The Verge said she championed the Xbox Everywhere strategy, which caused friction within the team. Matt Booty was promoted to executive.

Apple releases iOS 26.4 beta 2 for iPhone with AI-powered Music updates and RCS testing

February 23, 2026, 6:08 PM EST. Apple has released the second iOS 26.4 beta for iPhone, signaling upcoming features and ongoing testing. The update introduces AI-powered Apple Music updates, including redesigned album and playlist views and a new Playlist Playground feature. It also adds per-device Personal Hotspot data usage reports and other improvements. The beta contains broader tests, including end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging support and an enhanced video podcast experience. iOS 26.4 enables Stolen Device Detection by default, and developers report progress on CarPlay video support. Apple continues to refine the beta with ongoing tweaks before a public release, with updates and changes expected as testers circulate devices. Stay tuned for further notes as the beta evolves.

Apple releases iOS 26.4 beta 2 with AI-powered Music features and RCS testing

February 23, 2026, 6:06 PM EST. Apple has released iOS 26.4 beta 2 for iPhone, signaling further feature testing ahead of a public rollout. The update centers on Apple Music with redesigned album and playlist views and introduces AI-powered features such as Playlist Playground. It also adds per-device Personal Hotspot data usage reports and other changes under the iOS 26.4 umbrella. Apple is reportedly testing end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging and an enhanced video podcast experience. Stolen Device Detection becomes default in this cycle, while CarPlay video support shows progress. Apple continues to refine ecosystem services ahead of wider deployment, with small, targeted tweaks alongside broader platform improvements.

AI researchers resign over safety concerns; Rent-A-Human draws scrutiny; Evie Magazine party signals political currents

February 23, 2026, 6:04 PM EST. AI researchers at top firms have resigned, citing safety concerns and a drift toward AI advocacy that could undermine risk assessment, per Zoë Schiffer. Brian Barrett explains Rent-A-Human, a marketplace where AI agents hire humans to perform tasks, a model that has drawn criticism over labor implications. Leah Feiger describes attending a party for Evie Magazine, noting how its conservative culture may influence the upcoming election cycle. The episode ties together OpenAI staff departures, the Rent-A-Human platform, and Evie coverage, with reporter social handles and a note about the automated transcript. The dispatch presents tensions at the intersection of rapid innovation, worker rights, and political messaging.

AI-safety resignations, Rent-A-Human controversy, Evie Magazine party spark debate

February 23, 2026, 6:02 PM EST. Zoë Schiffer outlines why several leading AI researchers have resigned, citing concerns that AI safety measures are drifting toward advocacy. Brian Barrett explains Rent-A-Human, a marketplace where AI agents hire humans to perform tasks, a model that has stirred labor and ethics debates. Leah Feiger describes attending a party for Evie Magazine and discusses how the publication's culture could influence the upcoming election cycle. The episode threads these issues into a broader view of tech and media tensions shaping industry safety, labor, and political discourse.

Amazon to invest $12 billion in Louisiana AI data centers

February 23, 2026, 6:00 PM EST. Amazon plans a $12 billion rollout of AI data center campuses in Louisiana's Caddo and Bossier Parishes. The project would create 540 full-time jobs and about 1,700 support roles, and is part of Amazon's plan to spend roughly $200 billion on capex this year, more than any other hyperscaler. The campuses will run on surplus local water and use natural air cooling where possible, and Amazon will invest up to $400 million in public water infrastructure. It has paired with Stack Infrastructure and coordinated with Southwestern Electric Power Company on energy costs. The move shows a race to expand AI data center capacity, even as locals raise concerns about electricity and water use, and other tech giants expand in Louisiana.

Amazon to spend $12 billion on Louisiana AI data centers

February 23, 2026, 5:58 PM EST. Amazon plans to invest $12 billion to build AI data center campuses in Louisiana's Caddo and Bossier Parishes, creating about 540 full-time jobs plus roughly 1,700 ancillary roles. The project fits a broader push to expand AI infrastructure as Amazon forecasts $200 billion in capital expenditures this year, the most among hyperscalers. The campuses will rely on surplus local water and, where possible, natural-air cooling, with the company paying all costs for new energy infrastructure in partnership with Southwestern Electric Power Company. It also plans up to $400 million in public water infrastructure. Local concerns over electricity use and quality of life have surfaced as developers push ahead, with Stack Infrastructure named as a project partner.

Galaxy S26 Ultra pricing rumored to rise in Korea amid AI-chip supply constraints

February 23, 2026, 5:52 PM EST. Chosun Biz reports Korea pricing for the Galaxy S26 Ultra could rise. The 256GB model is tipped at 1,797,000 won, about 6% above the S25 Ultra's 1,698,400 won. The 1TB version is expected at 2,545,400 won, a 418,000-won jump (~20%) despite only a one-year gap. The increase is linked to RAM and storage chip constraints tied to booming AI data-center demand. The middle 512GB variant may also rise, by about 11% to 2,059,000 won, according to the outlet, which notes Samsung sometimes postpones price hikes to protect sales. Some rumors say price hikes won't apply globally, but markets outside Korea remain uncertain ahead of Galaxy Unpacked on Feb. 25.

Hyundai exports China-made Elexio to challenge Tesla and BYD

February 23, 2026, 5:50 PM EST. Hyundai is exporting its first China-made EV overseas, the Elexio, to compete with Tesla and BYD. Built in China with BAIC Motor via Beijing-Hyundai, the midsize SUV mirrors the Model Y in size and price, but a premium for importers remains. In Australia, the Elexio starts at AUD 59,990 driveaway for the Elite trim, with on-road costs rising post-April 1; a standard trim follows in Q2 at AUD 58,990. The vehicle runs on a 400V E-GMP platform with a single 160 kW motor and an 88.1 kWh LFP battery, delivering up to 562 km WLTP. Fast charging reaches 80% in ~38 minutes from 10%. The interior features a 27-inch display. Competition in the Australian midsize EV segment includes Model Y and Kia EV5. Source: The Driven, Hyundai Australia.

Software, payments stocks slide after Citrini AI-risk post

February 23, 2026, 5:44 PM EST. Investors dumped software, delivery and payments stocks after Citrini Research laid out a hypothetical AI-impact scenario. The report warned of left-tail risks to the economy, with DoorDash, American Express, KKR and Blackstone slumping more than 8%. Other firms named in the Bloomberg piece, including Uber Technologies, Mastercard, Visa, Capital One and Apollo Global, declined at least 3%. Citrini founder James van Geelen stressed the scenario is not a forecast, but a model of potential disruption. The study imagines a June 2028, world where AI drives mass unemployment among white-collar workers, weaker consumer spending and loan defaults tied to software-backed credit. It also envisions agentic commerce challenging traditional payment rails, possibly shrinking fees from Mastercard and Visa. Market veterans cautioned the risks, though some noted the scenarios may not materialize, only prompt reassessment.

Apple Sports 3.8 adds NCAA brackets, broadens soccer and Latin America coverage

February 23, 2026, 5:42 PM EST. Apple on Thursday rolled out Apple Sports 3.8, adding real-time NCAA tournament brackets and a broad soccer expansion. The update lets users track the Men's and Women's NCAA tournaments with round-by-round brackets and results. A new soccer category aims to simplify finding leagues and cups in one place. New leagues added include Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, Categoría Primera A, Liga de Primera, Liga Pro, Liga Profesional de Futbol, and Primera División del Perú. Apple also expanded support to follow leagues and teams across Latin America and the Caribbean. Apple Sports for iPhone remains free on the App Store.

Apple Sports adds NCAA brackets, expands soccer coverage across Latin America and the Caribbean

February 23, 2026, 5:40 PM EST. Apple on Tuesday rolled out Apple Sports version 3.8, adding real-time NCAA tournament tracking with brackets and round-by-round results. The update lets users follow Men's and Women's NCAA events at a glance. It also introduces a new soccer category designed to surface leagues, cups and teams in one place, with added leagues including Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, Categoría Primera A, Liga de Primera, Liga Pro, Liga Profesional de Futbol, and Primera División del Perú. The app broadens coverage to more markets in Latin America and the Caribbean, and Apple Sports for iPhone remains free on the App Store.

Galaxy S26 Ultra photos surface ahead of Galaxy Unpacked launch

February 23, 2026, 5:38 PM EST. An Indian content creator obtained a retail Galaxy S26 Ultra ahead of its formal unveiling at Galaxy Unpacked this week. Sahil Karoul posted several photos on X, including grocery produce, yellow flowers, and a portrait, plus two side-by-side comparisons with the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Samsung is expected to keep similar camera hardware, but leaks claim wider apertures could boost light intake: the 200MP main sensor may move to f/1.4 (from f/1.7), and the 5x tele could widen to f/2.9 (from f/3.4). The posts don't prove superiority; early returns look brighter and sharper, but thorough testing is needed to confirm any real gains.

First Galaxy S26 Ultra photos surface ahead of launch

February 23, 2026, 5:36 PM EST. Samsung is set to unveil the Galaxy S26 series at Galaxy Unpacked this week. Ahead of the event, a retailer unit reached Indian creator Sahil Karoul, who shared several photos taken with the S26 Ultra on X. The images include grocery-store produce, yellow flowers and a portrait, with no camera attribution given. He also posted side-by-side comparisons with the Galaxy S25 Ultra-one set of a person, another of a building at night. Leaks suggest the S26 Ultra will reuse much of the S25 Ultra hardware but add wider apertures: a 200 MP main sensor at f/1.4 (up from f/1.7) and a 5x telephoto at f/2.9 (up from f/3.4). Early looks aren't definitive; formal testing will follow.

Stocks tumble as Citrini AI-risk scenario spooks software, payments firms

February 23, 2026, 5:34 PM EST. Delivery, payments and software stocks slumped after Citrini Research published a scenario outlining AI-driven risks to the global economy. DoorDash, American Express, KKR, and Blackstone fell more than 8%, with Uber, Mastercard, Visa, Capital One and Apollo down at least 3%. Citrini founder James van Geelen framed the piece as a thought exercise, a June 2028 scenario where AI triggers mass white-collar unemployment, weaker consumer spending, loan defaults and contraction, not a prediction. The report imagines agentic commerce replacing today's deliver app model and suggests AI could curb transaction fees for card networks. While some investors warn the outcomes may not materialize, the note highlights how AI fears have roiled software, wealth management and logistics names, fueling a sell-first mood.

Non-Apple smartwatches that work with iPhone

February 23, 2026, 5:30 PM EST. Apple Watch dominates the iPhone smartwatch scene, but other options exist. The Fitbit line remains a reliable, fitness-focused choice. Google owns Fitbit, strengthening Wear OS, while Fitbit devices still pair with iOS through the Fitbit app. On the device, you can receive notifications-calls, texts, and app alerts-and you can control music playback on your iPhone. A key advantage is battery life that can last up to a week, cutting charging frequency. Trade-offs include fewer third-party apps and some ecosystem features compared with watchOS, but price and durability appeal to budget-minded buyers. Fitbit shows you don't need an Apple Watch to get solid smartwatch basics on iPhone.

Smartwatches for iPhone that aren't Apple Watch

February 23, 2026, 5:28 PM EST. Non-Apple smartwatches that pair with iPhone exist beyond the Apple Watch. Fitbit remains a leading option. In 2021 Google acquired Fitbit to bolster Wear OS and health tracking, but the devices still work with iOS through Fitbit's app. On the watch, users receive iPhone notifications-calls, texts, and alerts-and can control music playback on the iPhone. Battery life is a key lure, with some models lasting up to a week between charges. The combination of health tracking, longer battery life, and lower price makes Fitbit a practical alternative for iPhone users, especially those who want simplicity alongside basic smartwatch features.

GTA 6 listing shows £89.99 on Xbox, £60.99 for PC code on Loaded

February 23, 2026, 5:26 PM EST. Digital listing for GTA 6 on Xbox shows a standard edition price of £89.99, with a PC code on the same listing priced at £60.99. The listing appears to be a placeholder and has not been corroborated by Rockstar or Take-Two. Loaded, formerly CD Keys, is the seller behind the listing and is known for offering discounted codes to PC gamers. If the Xbox price translates to the US, a $99.99 price tag could be possible. There is no confirmed PC launch window alongside consoles in November. The piece notes other speculative prices on Loaded, underscoring uncertainty around launch pricing. Readers are invited to discuss on the Insider Gaming Discord.

Meta Platforms stock poised ahead of Malibu 2 smartwatch launch

February 23, 2026, 5:24 PM EST. Meta Platforms plans a Malibu 2 smartwatch with health features and a Meta AI assistant later this year. Investors are weighing whether the device can accelerate Meta's monetization flywheel across Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Reality Labs. META traded near $655, below its 52-week high, with a recent pullback amid AI-capex optimism. Valuation sits around a forward P/E of 21.7 and a forward P/S of 8.1, while profitability remains robust (profit margin about 30%, ROE near 39%). Meta paid $5.32B in dividends and $26.26B in buybacks in fiscal 2025. Q4 2025 revenue rose 24% to $59.89B; full-year revenue up 22% to $200.97B; operating margin stood at 41% as investments in AI compute rose to $72.22B. Daily active users across the Family of Apps ran at about 3.58B.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra hands-on video reveals privacy display and SPen redesign

February 23, 2026, 5:22 PM EST. A leaked hands-on video from TechTalkTV shows Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra, evolving from the S25 Ultra with a focus on privacy, stylus design, and camera upgrades. The standout is a privacy display that limits screen visibility at angles to guard content in public. Some rumored capabilities, such as selectively hiding notifications, are not confirmed in the clip. The SPen has a subtle redesign that meshes with the device's curvature and can be inserted incorrectly without harming function, though it still lacks Bluetooth features. On photography, the 5x telephoto gains a larger aperture for better low-light performance, and Samsung adds eight under-the-hood enhancements, plus a new Photo Assist tool that lets users give typed editing instructions. The article notes performance details were not included in the excerpt.

That Tiny Hole by the iPhone Camera Has a Hidden Purpose

February 23, 2026, 5:20 PM EST. That little hole beside the rear camera houses a microphone. iPhones since the XR have four microphones in total: the rear camera mic, a mic near the front camera notch, and two at the bottom near the speaker grilles. Apple said the four mics enable stereo sound when recording video, and iPhone 16 series or later support Spatial Audio capture for immersive video audio. The rear-facing mic sits close to the action and contributes to better sound pickup and noise handling while maintaining a sleek look.

How to breathe new life into an old smartwatch: 7 practical repurposing ideas

February 23, 2026, 5:18 PM EST. An old smartwatch can still serve more than time-telling. Even if it sits in a drawer, its core features-Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, speakers or vibration motors, and a touchscreen-make it a mini computer with several low-effort uses. This piece lists seven ways to reuse aging wearables: turn it into a desk clock or bedside alarm with the Always-On Display enabled; use it as a Bluetooth remote for compatible devices; repurpose it for simple notifications, fitness insights in a secondary role, or quick replies on a small screen. Important cautions: disable power-hungry features like Raise to Wake when not needed, and note that OLED panels partly power down to save energy. If the battery is weak, park the watch on a dock instead of wearing it all day.

Meta stock eyes Malibu 2 smartwatch as potential catalyst

February 23, 2026, 5:16 PM EST. Meta Platforms is set to launch its Malibu 2 smartwatch with health features and a Meta AI assistant, part of a push to expand the company's monetization flywheel beyond ads. The stock trades near $655, well below its 52-week high of $796.25, with a neutral 14-day RSI of 48.8. Valuation remains rich: trailing P/E around 21.7, forward P/E about 21.7, and a P/S near 8.1, reflecting scale in social platforms and AI infrastructure. Meta posted strong Q4 2025 results: revenue $59.89B and EPS $8.88, full-year revenue $200.97B, with operating margin at 41% for both Q4 and the year, as capex rose to $72.22B for AI data centers and Reality Labs. A successful hardware cycle could lift monetization, but hardware risk and AI capex headwinds loom.

GTA 6 price surfaces online with £89.99 on Loaded listing

February 23, 2026, 5:14 PM EST. An Xbox listing on Loaded shows GTA 6 at £89.99, with a PC code listed at £60.99. The page appears to be a placeholder rather than final pricing, and there's no official word from Rockstar or Take-Two. The UK price would imply roughly $99.99 in the US if mirrored, though PC timing remains unclear. Placeholder price listings are common before major releases. Loaded also lists other titles, such as State of Decay 3, with speculative prices, underscoring uncertainty. No firm launch date or platform plan has been confirmed. Analysts say actual pricing could diverge from these placeholders. Readers are invited to discuss on Insider Gaming's Discord.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Hands-On Video Reveals New Design, Privacy Display

February 23, 2026, 5:10 PM EST. A leaked hands-on video from TechTalkTV previews the Galaxy S26 Ultra, signaling a design lineage from the S25 Ultra with notable upgrades. A central feature is a privacy display that limits screen visibility from angled views. The SPen receives a subtle redesign to better align with the curved chassis and can be inserted incorrectly without damaging the device, though it still lacks Bluetooth capabilities. The camera gains a brighter 5x telephoto lens with a larger aperture for improved low-light performance, alongside eight under-the-hood enhancements and a new Photo Assist tool that lets users provide typed editing instructions. Samsung positions the model as a premium leader, blending familiar aesthetics with function-driven refinements as shown in the video.

Hidden microphone in the iPhone camera hole explained

February 23, 2026, 5:06 PM EST. Apple's iPhones use four microphones, tucked into the chassis to keep the design clean. The tiny hole beside the rear camera hides one mic; the others sit in the bezel above the front notch and near the bottom speaker grilles. Apple first highlighted the four-mic arrangement at the iPhone XS era to enable stereo sound while filming. From the iPhone 16 series onward, the setup also supports Spatial Audio capture for immersive video. The rear-camera mic's placement is deliberate: it broadens audio pickup without altering the phone's look.

Apple guards pre-release iOS UI leaks at assembly plants

February 23, 2026, 5:04 PM EST. Apple leaks usually come from software development channels, not factory floors. Details about unannounced iOS features often derive from prototypes or development devices, though some rumors miss the mark. Assembly plants rarely generate leaks because of tight safeguards. People familiar with Apple's process describe strict security protocols for partners handling pre-production UI. The rooms housing unreleased UI rely on a single entry, badge scanners, and on-site guards; a curtain blocks view of the interface. Access is limited to select Apple staff and vetted third-party workers. A project manager may add personnel who sign in and can bring a laptop or USB drive, but third-party assemblers sign NDAs and cannot bring phones, cameras, or recording devices. The new details align with Apple's internal leak-prevention memo.

7 smart ways to repurpose an old smartwatch back to work

February 23, 2026, 5:02 PM EST. An old smartwatch can still deliver utility beyond wrists. The piece offers practical reuse ideas that extend device life if it still has a touchscreen, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, speakers or a vibration motor. It notes you can turn it into a bedside alarm or desk clock by using an Always-On Display, even when the battery is weak, since AOD runs in a low power state. It cautions about features like Raise to Wake that keep sensors busy and may drain power if you don't plan to wear it often. Other concepts include Bluetooth remote controls and simple automations. The takeaway: repurposing old wearables is tangible, budget-friendly, and quick to implement rather than discard.

NASA to cover 33rd SpaceX resupply mission departure from the ISS

February 23, 2026, 4:56 PM EST. NASA will livestream the undocking and departure of its 33rd SpaceX Commercial Resupply Services mission from the International Space Station on Feb. 26. The Dragon spacecraft will detach from the Harmony module at 12:05 p.m. and return to Earth, with splashdown off the California coast expected around 11:44 p.m. PST. Onboard are thousands of pounds of crew supplies, research samples and hardware. Investigations returning home include Euro Material Ageing (coatings and 3D-printed materials), Thailand's Liquid Crystals (film stability in microgravity), Stellar Stem Cells Mission 2 (brain and heart cell growth), SpaceDuino (low-cost instruments) and Moon Microscope (portable blood analysis kit). The ship's reboost capability helped maintain station altitude during its time docked. ISS partners will continue to expand long-duration spaceflight and commercial opportunities.

Apple tightens security for pre-release iOS UI at assembly plants, sources say

February 23, 2026, 4:54 PM EST. AppleInsider details the security regime around pre-release UI at assembly plants. Access is restricted to rooms with a single entry, badge scanners and a uniform security guard. A curtain blocks view of unreleased screens. Only a limited set of Apple staff and vetted third-party workers can enter. The project manager can add more personnel who may bring a laptop and a USB drive. Third-party contractors must sign non-disclosure agreements and are banned from bringing cell phones, cameras or any recording devices. The report notes most iOS leaks originate from prototypes or development devices, not assembly lines. Apple's own anti-leak memo was leaked, underscoring ongoing efforts to shield unreleased software from insiders.

TCW Fiber reports widespread internet outage in Magnolia

February 23, 2026, 4:52 PM EST. TCW Fiber said in a Monday email that it is experiencing a widespread outage in Magnolia. The provider said teams are working with external partners to resolve the issue and that there is no estimated time for full restoration. Interim solutions are being deployed to restore service where possible, and updates will be provided as they become available.

TCW Fiber reports widespread internet outage in Magnolia

February 23, 2026, 4:50 PM EST. TCW Fiber said on Monday that its service is experiencing a widespread outage in Magnolia. In an email to customers, the provider said its teams are working with external partners to resolve the issue, but there is no estimated time for full restoration. Interim solutions will be deployed where possible, and TCW Fiber will provide updates as they become available. The company did not disclose a cause. The story will be updated as more information becomes available.

Peak Design expands mobile strap lineup with new micro-anchor latching system

February 23, 2026, 4:46 PM EST. Peak Design has expanded its mobile line with three straps built around a new latching system, centered on a micro anchor. The anchor is a pill-shaped plastic piece with a cord loop that slots into the strap's mounts and is secured by a spring-loaded ball bearing, rated for 50 lbs. The Crossbody Multi-Strap, Crossbody Strap and Mobile Cuff share the system and aren't limited to Peak Design cases. The straps use a corded fabric similar to the company's Cuff Rope, described as skin-friendly, with anodized metal beads at friction points to prevent rope tightness. The Multi-Strap can anchor several items, while the regular Crossbody supports a single item; wrists cuffs use aluminum hardware, crossbody buckles are plastic. A measured, design-forward extension of Peak Design's hardware ethos.

Peak Design expands mobile straps with new micro anchor latching system

February 23, 2026, 4:42 PM EST. Peak Design has expanded its mobile line with three straps built around a new latching system. The core is the micro anchor-a small, pill-shaped plastic piece with a corded loop that attaches to a phone or compact camera and locks into the strap via a spring-loaded ball bearing. Peak Design says it's rated for 50 lbs. The trio includes the Crossbody Multi-Strap, Crossbody Strap, and Mobile Cuff, all compatible with the company's cases or bare devices. The straps use the same corded fabric as the Cuff Rope and feature a slim anodized metal bead to control friction. The Crossbody Multi-Strap supports multiple anchors; the regular Crossbody Strap holds one item. The wrist cuff uses aluminum hardware, while the crossbody buckles are plastic. Overall, a strong option for mobile wearers.

Cybersecurity stocks slide after Anthropic AI tool sparks disruption fears

February 23, 2026, 4:34 PM EST. Cybersecurity shares slid for a second day as investors weighed Anthropic's new AI tool that scans code for vulnerabilities. The limited preview of the tool added to Claude sparked fears AI services could disrupt traditional software-security models. CrowdStrike and Zscaler each fell about 9%, Netskope down nearly 10%, and SailPoint ~6% lower; Okta, SentinelOne and Fortinet each shed more than 4%, with Palo Alto Networks off about 2% and Cloudflare down 7%. The iShares Cybersecurity & Tech ETF and other peers slid as well. CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz defended the moat on LinkedIn, saying AI advances won't replace the Falcon platform. Bank of America warned the risk is greatest for code-scanning players like GitLab and JFrog, which tumbled Friday. Analysts caution AI disruption remains a developing theme for the sector.

Who decides who gets to eat as AI replaces human labor

February 23, 2026, 4:30 PM EST. AI's rise prompts questions about feeding and financing a future with little or no human labor. While OpenAI chief Sam Altman argues AI could make many richer, experts warn distribution hinges on policy, not tech alone. The debate centers on how to design a system to redistribute wealth as labor income declines, and how power will shape allocation. Who taxes the economy once labor wanes? Who decides consumption for everyday people without an equity stake in AI? UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged guardrails to preserve human agency and oversight. Proponents of alignment say machines must reflect societal goals, not just owner interests, as democracy adapts to mass automation.

AI and the future of prosperity: who decides who gets to eat?

February 23, 2026, 4:26 PM EST. AI's rising capability prompts a core question: who will eat as machines displace work? Experts say the answer requires more than optimism about wealth from automation. Even with vast productivity gains, the fruits of AI must be redistributed through policy, not technology alone. The debate centers on who controls tax bases, how much everyday people receive, and who sets priorities for health, food, and education. Critics warn that a handful of techno-billionaires could shape resources unless guardrails protect human agency, oversight, and accountability. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged governance that prevents monopoly and preserves equity; the crucial challenge is aligning AI with the broader goals of society and ensuring democratic power endures.

Apple Watch SE 3 GPS 40mm drops to $219 on Amazon

February 23, 2026, 4:24 PM EST. Mashable reports the Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) is on sale at Amazon for $219, down from $249. The deal saves buyers about $30 and equates to roughly a 12% reduction. The price is current as of Feb. 23, 2026 and may change. Deal pricing and availability subject to change.

Cybersecurity stocks slide as Anthropic AI tool sparks disruption fears

February 23, 2026, 4:20 PM EST. Cybersecurity stocks fell for a second day as investors weighed Anthropic's new AI security tool that scans code for vulnerabilities. The preview fueled fears that AI services could disrupt traditional cybersecurity models and revenue streams. CrowdStrike and Zscaler slid about 9% each; Netskope declined nearly 10%; SailPoint about 6%; Okta, SentinelOne and Fortinet down more than 4%; Palo Alto Networks roughly 2%; Cloudflare fell 7% after recent gains. The sector's ETFs tumbled, with the iShares Cybersecurity & Tech ETF down about 4%. CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz defended the moat, saying an AI capability that scans code does not replace the Falcon platform or a security program. Analysts say AI may boost efficiency in specific tasks but not yet replace end-to-end security.

Apple Watch SE 3 GPS 40mm on sale at Amazon for $219

February 23, 2026, 4:18 PM EST. Amazon currently lists the Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) at $219, a $30 markdown from the $249 list price. The deal equates to about a 12% discount and is time-sensitive, with pricing subject to change after publication. The wearable covers core health and activity tracking and targets budget-minded shoppers seeking a capable smartwatch for spring adventures. Availability can vary by color and stock.

Tepper trims Nvidia and AMD, bets on AI infrastructure with Micron and hyperscalers

February 23, 2026, 4:16 PM EST. Appaloosa Management founder David Tepper trimmed stakes in Nvidia (NVDA) and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) in Q4, cutting Nvidia by more than 10% and AMD by about two-thirds. Nvidia remains Tepper's seventh-largest holding. The moves accompany a shift into AI infrastructure plays: he bought more Micron Technology (MU), whose high-bandwidth memory complements GPUs, and added to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM) as AI chips scale. Tepper also expanded stakes in hyperscalers: Alphabet (GOOGL/GOOG) nearly +30%, Meta Platforms more than +60%, and Microsoft (MSFT). Alphabet leverages its cloud, custom AI chips, and Gemini; Meta touts AI-driven ad growth and new WhatsApp/Threads ads; Microsoft funds data-center and cloud AI. The tilt suggests optimism on AI infrastructure demand despite reductions in core GPU bets.

Tepper trims Nvidia, AMD as he bets on Alphabet, Meta, Microsoft for AI infrastructure

February 23, 2026, 4:14 PM EST. David Tepper's Appaloosa trimmed stakes in Nvidia and AMD in Q4, while pouring money into AI infrastructure bets. He cut Nvidia by just over 10% and slashed AMD by about two-thirds, leaving Nvidia still his seventh-largest holding. He bought more Micron Technology, a DRAM/HBM memory maker used with GPUs to boost performance; HBM stands for high-bandwidth memory. He also increased Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, which manufactures GPUs and other AI chips. Tepper then pivoted toward hyperscalers-large cloud data-center operators-by boosting Alphabet, Meta Platforms by more than 60%, and adding to Microsoft. The bets underscore appetite for AI platforms and infrastructure rather than hardware alone.

Apple Watch SE 3 on Amazon for $219 in under-$220 deal

February 23, 2026, 4:12 PM EST. Deal hunters can snag the Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) for $219 at Amazon, a $30 saving from its $249 list price. The 12% discount reduces the cost to below $220 as of Feb. 23, 2026. The retailer notes that deal pricing and availability can change after publication. The device remains Apple's budget wearable with fitness tracking, heart rate monitoring, and optional cellular in other configurations; this sale covers the GPS version. Readers should act quickly-prices on deal pages can flip without warning.

Tepper trims NVIDIA and AMD; bets on AI infrastructure and hyperscalers Alphabet, Meta, Microsoft

February 23, 2026, 4:06 PM EST. David Tepper of Appaloosa Management trimmed his stakes in NVIDIA by more than 10% and cut AMD by two-thirds in Q4, though NVIDIA remains his seventh-largest holding. He redirected funds into AI infrastructure plays, notably tripling his stake in Micron Technology as high-bandwidth memory pairs with GPUs in a DRAM supercycle, and adding to TSMC, a key supplier for GPUs and AI chips. Tepper also tilted toward hyperscalers. He boosted Alphabet by nearly 30% to become his second-largest holding, and lifted his stake in Meta Platforms by more than 60%. He also expanded his position in Microsoft, underscoring a shift toward cloud providers and AI-driven growth rather than pure chip exposure.

AI worries push cybersecurity stocks lower as Anthropic reveals code-scanning tool

February 23, 2026, 4:00 PM EST. Cybersecurity shares slid for a second day as investors weighed disruption risk from new AI security tools. Anthropic unveiled a limited preview of a Claude-based service that can scan software code for vulnerabilities and suggest fixes, raising concerns that AI could reshape legacy cybersecurity business models. CrowdStrike, Zscaler and Netskope led losses, each down about 9% or more; SailPoint, Okta, SentinelOne and Fortinet also fell, while Palo Alto Networks slipped and Cloudflare dropped about 7%. ETFs tracking the sector declined as well. CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz defended the moat around Falcon, saying an AI capability that scans code does not replace the platform or a security program. Some analysts say AI may boost efficiency in specific workflows but cannot yet replace end-to-end security.

Apple's AirPods 4 under $100 in limited-time sale

February 23, 2026, 3:38 PM EST. Apple's AirPods 4 are currently on sale for under $100, with shoppers saving more than $30 off the usual price. The discount is notable for a hardware line typically priced higher by Apple. The listing cited in this report is dated February 23, 2026. The deal makes the AirPods 4 among the more affordable Apple wireless earbuds. Neither the duration of the promotion nor the participating retailers were disclosed. Price cuts on Apple accessories are uncommon, suggesting stock-driven, region-specific, or retailer-limited availability. Buyers should confirm eligibility, retailers, and return terms before purchasing.

Apple AirPods 4 price falls under $100 in latest deal

February 23, 2026, 3:28 PM EST. Apple's AirPods 4 are on sale, delivering a discount of more than $30. The current deal brings the wireless earbuds to just under $100, a rare price drop from the brand. The savings are live in the Deals section as of February 23, 2026. Shoppers get a straightforward reduction rather than bundles, with Apple hardware still delivering the familiar design and sound profile. The promotion underscores ongoing price competition in the true wireless category.

Apple's AirPods 4 dip below $100 as deals cut more than $30

February 23, 2026, 3:24 PM EST. A deal note says the AirPods 4 are discounted by more than $30, a rarity for Apple products. The reduction places the wireless earbuds under $100 at participating retailers. The post, dated February 23, 2026, frames the price cut as timely for bargain hunters, though it does not cite a direct Apple announcement. Verify current pricing with retailers before purchase.

Myriad360, Advizex to form $900M Nvidia AI platform powerhouse through acquisition

February 23, 2026, 3:22 PM EST. Myriad360 and Advizex said the deal creates a $900 million annual run rate Nvidia AI platform powerhouse, combining networking, hardware and services at scale. The merger pairs Myriad360's InfiniBand and Mellanox strengths with Advizex's AI infrastructure and as-a-service heft via Dell Apex and HPE GreenLake. Nvidia's broader push toward a full platform, including software and services, anchors the transaction. CEO Jay Miley frames it as continuity for clients and expanded opportunities for teams, with growth across the enterprise infrastructure spectrum. The merged entity sits among top system integrator rankings: Myriad360 No. 110, Advizex No. 129 on CRN's 2025 Solution Provider 500 list; Advizex has won Nvidia's Trailblazer Partner of the Year award at GTC last year. The deal underscores momentum in enterprise AI adoption.

Microsoft names Asha Sharma to lead Xbox as leadership shake-up reshapes gaming unit

February 23, 2026, 3:18 PM EST. Microsoft named Asha Sharma as the new head of Xbox, replacing Sarah Bond after the resignation of Phil Spencer last year. The move caps a period of upheaval as Microsoft shifts from an Xbox-exclusive focus toward a broader multiplatform strategy following the Activision Blizzard deal. Insider sources say the appointment was expected, even as the public timing surprised many. The announcement leaked early, triggering a scramble as teams learned of changes from reporters rather than internal memos. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and other executives offered praise for Spencer but paused on mentions of Bond. Bond, promoted to Xbox president in 2023, helped drive the deal and the brand's transition amid a broader reinvention of the gaming business.

Meta shifts Horizon Worlds to mobile, separates from Quest VR

February 23, 2026, 3:12 PM EST. Meta says Horizon Worlds will be almost exclusively mobile, separating it from Quest VR to let both products grow. In a blog post, Reality Labs VP of content Samantha Ryan said the shift aims to tap into a larger market by prioritising mobile while preserving a VR ecosystem. She noted Worlds started with a small VR team and gained momentum on mobile, and Meta will double down on the VR developer ecosystem while sustaining investments through third-party partnerships. Meta also highlights that 86% of time in headsets is spent on third-party apps. In its latest results, Reality Labs posted $2.2 billion in revenue for 2025 but a $19.2 billion loss; the unit laid off 10% and closed three VR studios: Twisted Pixel, Sanzaru, Armature.

Meta shifts Horizon Worlds focus to mobile, separates from Quest VR

February 23, 2026, 3:10 PM EST. Meta says it is shifting Horizon Worlds to be almost exclusively mobile while separating it from the Quest VR platform to grow each product. In a blog post, Reality Labs VP Samantha Ryan says the plan taps into a larger market by prioritizing mobile development and doubling down on the VR developer ecosystem. The company will continue to support third-party developers and sustain VR investment, even as the majority of headset usage remains with non-Oculus apps. Meta reported Reality Labs revenue of $2.2 billion in 2025 and a $19.2 billion loss; it cut 10% of Reality Labs staff and closed three studios: Twisted Pixel Games, Sanzaru Games, and Armature Studio. The shift marks a strategic pivot after years of experimenting with mobile-first access while maintaining a long-term VR investment.

Microsoft promotes Asha Sharma to Xbox chief in leadership shake-up

February 23, 2026, 3:08 PM EST. Microsoft has promoted Asha Sharma to Xbox chief, moving past longtime leader Phil Spencer and rising star Sarah Bond. The decision, disclosed as Spencer's departure from Microsoft was announced, signals a shift toward a multiplatform strategy after the Activision Blizzard deal and years of trying to reshape Xbox beyond the console. Satya Nadella and CFO Amy Hood reportedly disagreed with promoting Bond, who had been seen as Spencer's natural successor. Bond's resignation came amid a chaotic leak-filled week, with internal memos and social posts reflecting surprise. Sharma, a former AI executive, inherits a role intended to steer Xbox through a renewed emphasis on cross-platform gaming, cloud, and services. The timing underscores internal realignments within Microsoft Gaming as leadership seeks to accelerate growth and reduce dependence on exclusive console titles, with a LinkedIn post going live prematurely.

YouTuber says Galaxy S26 Ultra spotted in UAE market, shows S Pen tweaks

February 23, 2026, 3:00 PM EST. YouTuber Sahil Karoul says he bought a Galaxy S26 Ultra at a market in the United Arab Emirates and began posting videos about it. He notes an S Pen redesign and tweaked styling visible on the device, distinguishing it from earlier Galaxy S pens. The clips, circulating on social media, have not been independently verified by Reuters and Samsung has not publicly announced a Galaxy S26 line. Karoul's footage focuses on hardware changes rather than software. Analysts typically await official confirmation and hands-on reviews before drawing conclusions about a new model. The video posts, if authentic, would add momentum to ongoing speculation about Samsung's next flagship family.

YouTuber finds Galaxy S26 Ultra in UAE market, shows S Pen tweaks

February 23, 2026, 2:58 PM EST. YouTuber Sahil Karoul says he bought a Galaxy S26 Ultra from a market in the UAE and posted hands-on clips online. In the footage, he highlights a new S Pen design that differs from prior models, marking one of the first apparent hardware tweaks tied to the device. Karoul's posts underscore marketplace chatter around a possible late-2024 or early-2025 Samsung launch, though the videos do not confirm official release details. Samsung has not publicly commented on the phone or the S Pen changes. The clips add to a growing stream of unverified sightings of future Galaxy devices in regional markets, prompting gadget-watchers to compare the claimed hardware against prior S-series pens and accessories.

White House outlines global AI strategy centered on sovereignty and an export program, Kratsios says

February 23, 2026, 2:56 PM EST. An exclusive interview with Michael Kratsios, the White House's top science adviser, outlines a multipronged AI push. He says Washington aims to close an adoption gap between developed and developing countries by promoting AI use in healthcare, education, energy, agriculture and citizen services. The centerpiece is the American AI Exports Program, which pairs trusted technology with financing and deployment support to help governments use AI tools while staying within national rules. Kratsios frames AI sovereignty as a diplomatic and economic asset-sovereign infrastructure, data and models and policies under national control-rather than global governance. He argues the United States remains a leader in GPUs, data centers and frontier models, and should partner internationally to shape a responsible, prosperous era of innovation.

Pro-Ject Debut Reference 10 tops turntable line; retro hi-fi builds and Apple EarPods trend

February 23, 2026, 2:52 PM EST. Pro-Ject unveiled its Debut Reference 10 turntable at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show, priced at £999 and described as the brand's most accomplished yet. The rollout follows strong praise for Debut Evo 2 (What Hi-Fi? Award) and the Carbon Evo. Separately, reviewers assembled a five-star, old-school hi-fi system around Rotel A8, Marantz CD6007, Cambridge Audio MXN10 and Dali Kupid for £1,396 ($2,198). Cambridge Audio's Evo 150 SE impressed on features but its sound hinges on the right speakers. In accessories, Final introduced cabled in-ears as wired headphones trend again, echoing Apple's EarPods momentum noted last week. The week underscored a mix of new hardware, accessible builds, and a revival of retro hi-fi aesthetics.

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2026: S26 trio, Privacy Display and Buds 4 take center stage

February 23, 2026, 2:44 PM EST. Samsung is set to unveil its Galaxy S26 lineup at Unpacked 2026 in San Francisco on Feb. 25, with three models: S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra. The Ultra is expected to showcase its strongest cameras and an S Pen. Samsung is expected to reveal new Galaxy AI features for photos, including a Privacy Display that can darken portions of the screen, the full display, or notifications so they're visible only to the user. The event is likely to introduce the Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro, aimed at competing with AirPods. Gizmodo will provide live coverage; leaks hint at a potential appearance of Samsung-Google's Android XR glasses.

Used EV prices dip after tax credit ends, but Tesla and Taycan defy the trend

February 23, 2026, 2:42 PM EST. A new iSeeCars.com study finds most used electric vehicles prices declined after the federal used EV tax credit ended, but two brands buck the trend: Tesla and the Porsche Taycan. On average, non-Tesla used EVs dropped about 3.6%, while Tesla prices rose roughly 4.3% since the credit ended on Sept. 30, 2025. The analysis tracked models in production for at least four years; the only U.S. model on the list is Ford Mach-E. Analysts say lingering demand for Tesla keeps prices firm in the used market, while non-Tesla models often require deeper discounts to find buyers. For shoppers, the shift could boost value in non-Tesla used EVs, with similar range and newer styling.

OpenAI's Altman defends AI energy toll, comparing to human training

February 23, 2026, 2:40 PM EST. OpenAI chief Sam Altman defended the energy costs of AI, arguing that training humans requires energy too – roughly 20 years of life and diet – and urging a shift to renewable power. He told Indian Express that public scrutiny of AI's electricity use is fair, and that the transition to nuclear or wind and solar must accelerate. The debate sits beside data-center growth: the IEA says datacenters were about 1.5% of global electricity use in 2024 and could rise ~15% annually through 2030, outpacing other sectors. MIT's Noman Bashir and environmental groups warn the expansion risks fossil-fuel-dominated power and local harms. Critics question water usage; Altman said cooling methods largely moved away from water. A September 2025 OpenAI report found 70% of ChatGPT messages were not work-related, tempering claims of societal benefits.

Aalyria valued at $1.3B after $100M round to fund satellite mesh network

February 23, 2026, 2:38 PM EST. Californian startup Aalyria, spun out from Alphabet, raised $100 million in a funding round that values the company at about $1.3 billion. The funds will advance deployment of its Spacetime platform, which coordinates laser terminals and routing software to move data across space, air and ground networks in real time. The system aims to optimize capacity as satellites, aircraft and ground terminals move and to improve resilience against weather or line-of-sight disruptions. Canadian operator Telesat will integrate Spacetime into its Lightspeed LEO constellation next year. The round was led by Battery Ventures and J2 Ventures, with DYNE and others. Aalyria also plans to expand its Tightbeam laser terminals and related partnerships, including NASA, Google Public Sector and a 2023 ESA contract. U.S. DIU has demonstrated Spacetime in hybrid space tests; European expansion followed the Loon-era work.

Galaxy S22 hit by bootloops and One UI freezes after latest security patch

February 23, 2026, 2:34 PM EST. Galaxy S22 owners report bootloops, One UI launcher crashes and rapid battery drain after Samsung's latest security patch, according to Reddit threads and PiunikaWeb. Complaints began two weeks ago and have persisted as the four-year-old flagship enters a quarterly upgrade cycle with unscheduled fixes unlikely before May. Some devices regain function by updating the One UI launcher or after hours of failed boot attempts; others point to aging batteries and advocate local repairs. A portion of users has seen no issues, while many consider upgrading to the Galaxy S25 or later. Samsung has not issued an official patch fix yet. The episode underscores ongoing risks from monthly/quarterly updates and the push-pull between security fixes and device stability.

Federal Circuit revives NimbeLink patent suit against Digi International over space-efficient modem language

February 23, 2026, 2:32 PM EST. The Federal Circuit reversed a district court's invalidity ruling in NimbeLink Corp.'s patent suit against Digi International Inc. over cellular modem technology. NimbeLink had argued a Minnesota judge misread the identical preamble terms in U.S. Patent Nos. 9,497,570 and 9,838,066 for a "space-efficient cellular modem device," which NimbeLink contends wrongly narrowed the claims. The appellate court said the disputed language should not be treated as a limitation that defines the scope of the patents. The decision preserves NimbeLink's challenge while signaling a narrower path for interpreting claim language in this area. No further details were provided in the slip opinion.

SpaceX, xAI join secretive $100M drone challenge

February 23, 2026, 2:20 PM EST. The Defense Department has launched a six-month, $100 million competition to build autonomous drone swarms that translate spoken orders into coordinated action. Part of the broader AI Acceleration Strategy, the contest targets battlefield planning, logistics and combat systems. The objective: software that converts a commander's voice into digital instructions usable by dozens of drones, in air or at sea, often under GPS-denied or jammed conditions. Bloomberg reports SpaceX and its xAI unit are among the invited bidders. The entry marks a rare tie between Musk's companies and an offensive military program. The competition unfolds in five phases-from software-only work to live demonstrations-culminating in "launch to termination." OpenAI is linked to a bid led by Applied Intuition, serving as mission control for voice-to-command translation.

DGX Spark vs Ryzen AI Max+ 395: Compact AI workstations in head-to-head comparison

February 23, 2026, 2:18 PM EST. Nvidia's DGX Spark platform faces competition from AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395. Both promise similar performance in FP16 and FP64, with memory bandwidth often aligned on paper. Nvidia ships an ARM-based Grace module, while AMD sticks to x86 with Zen 5 cores, affecting software compatibility. AMD includes a dedicated NPU delivering 50 INT8 TOPS for energy-efficient tasks; Nvidia emphasizes a large memory footprint with its Blackwell architecture and native FP4 support. Software ecosystems diverge: Nvidia leverages CUDA; AMD relies on ROCm for RDNA. The choice hinges on budget and ecosystem: CUDA remains a de facto data-center standard, while for pure inference with large local memory and less need for Nvidia features, Ryzen AI Max+ 395 may offer a compelling option. Consider also platforms like HP ZGX Nano G1n AI Station and Bosgame M5.

Anthropic Education Report profiles the AI Fluency Index from 9,830 Claude conversations

February 23, 2026, 2:16 PM EST. Anthropic's Education Report introduces an AI Fluency index based on the 4D framework. Analyzing 9,830 anonymized Claude conversations in January 2026, researchers find the most common mode is augmentative-viewing AI as a thought partner rather than a substitute. The study flags that when AI produces artifacts (apps, code, documents), users are less likely to question its reasoning (−3.1 percentage points) or spot missing context (−5.2 pp), echoing prior work on coding skills. Of 24 defined behaviors, 11 are directly observable in Claude.chat interactions. The work offers a baseline to study how AI fluency develops over time, with unobservable behaviors slated for qualitative assessment later. The approach uses a privacy-preserving analysis tool to safeguard user data.

Galaxy S26 Ultra leak confirms no Bluetooth for S Pen, storage quirks surface

February 23, 2026, 2:02 PM EST. A Galaxy S26 Ultra leak from a local market shows the S Pen lacks Bluetooth and cannot operate remotely, mirroring the previous model. The reveal, posted by @KaroulSahil on X, also highlights a redesigned, more rounded chassis and an S Pen silo that sits one notch shallower, leaving the ejection port misaligned if inserted incorrectly. When seated properly, the stylus end sits flush; reversed orientation makes one end protrude. Samsung has not restored Bluetooth control for the stylus on the S26, according to the clip. The leak also flags a privacy display and a 5,000mAh battery, reinforcing other rumored specs while confirming prelaunch chatter about the device.

Android Auto lets drivers customize notifications with Pixel and Galaxy modes

February 23, 2026, 1:56 PM EST. Android Auto users can now tailor driving notifications without sacrificing safety. Google updated Driving mode behavior on Pixel phones, letting users choose between Use Bluetooth (dashboard detection) and Use motion and Bluetooth, in addition to the existing motion trigger. The change aims to reduce false activations and keep alerts relevant. On Samsung Galaxy devices, Modes and Routines lets Driving mode trigger only when linked to an Android Auto dashboard, rather than any Bluetooth device. Both platforms let you whitelist apps and contacts, but caution remains to avoid visual pop-ups. Pixel's Driving mode adds Display settings-lighting, wallpaper dimming, and grayscale. Galaxy users can adjust wallpaper and color via Lock screen or Home screen for this mode. Settings live under Android Auto in Connected devices.

NVIDIA ties Blackwell Ultra to sovereign AI factories in India and Australia

February 23, 2026, 1:54 PM EST. NVIDIA sits at the core of sovereign AI factories under construction in India and Australia. In Australia, Cisco's Secure AI Factory runs entirely on NVIDIA GPUs for local enterprise and government workloads. In India, Yotta Data Services and Larsen & Toubro are backing multi-billion-dollar, gigawatt-scale NVIDIA-powered data centers to anchor national AI infrastructure. The deployments feature large-scale rollouts of Blackwell Ultra GPUs for cloud-scale, secure AI capacity. NVIDIA (Nasdaq: NVDA) extends its footprint beyond US hyperscalers as governments push for local AI stacks. The effort ties hardware to long-term public and private programs, with data residency and security shaping procurement. Analysts note potential shifts in customer mix and demand for high-end GPUs amid a broader AI-infrastructure cycle.

Dell adds Amphenol bracket to lock 12V-2×6 power connectors on RTX GPUs

February 23, 2026, 1:52 PM EST. Dell has added a custom Amphenol-made bracket to secure the 12V-2×6 power connectors on its Tower Plus EBT2250 workstation, anchoring the RTX 5070 Ti card's power rail. The move follows widespread concerns about the 12VHPWR 16-pin connector, which can deliver up to 600 watts and has been blamed for shorts when not fully inserted. A Chimolog.co teardown of the Dell PC notes the bracket keeps the connector fixed so it cannot come loose. PCWorld reported that the solution addresses fears of connector meltdowns, and Tom's Hardware flagged the discovery. Dell distributes the Tower Plus EBT2250 in multiple markets; the episode raises questions about whether other OEMs or DIY buyers may seek similar safety add-ons.

Galaxy Unpacked 2026: S26 trio and Buds 4 set for February 25 debut

February 23, 2026, 1:48 PM EST. The Feb 25, 2026 Samsung event will showcase the Galaxy S26 Ultra, S26, and S26 Plus, with a subtle redesign and a camera bump. The Ultra is expected to gain a new privacy display and a higher-contrast 10-bit color panel, plus faster charging and camera tweaks. The S26 and S26 Plus may shed some bulk and widen the display; the S26 could reach about a 6.3-inch panel. Power likely comes from a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 or an Exynos 2600 variant, depending on market. Samsung is also expected to reveal the Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro, featuring a new stem design with metal accents; the Buds 4 could be plastic, while the Pro may add silicone tips. The event will stream online.

Wait for Galaxy S26: Galaxy S25 remains solid, but buying now is questionable

February 23, 2026, 1:32 PM EST. Samsung's Galaxy S25 line remains solid, but buying now is questioned as Samsung prepares to unveil the Galaxy S26 at an Unpacked event on February 25. Rumors point to incremental improvements rather than a radical redesign. The standout, if real, is the Galaxy S26 Ultra's alleged Privacy Display-an OLED panel with angle-privacy that hides content when viewed from the side. Practically, that could help in public spaces. Still, for most buyers the upgrade might not justify early purchase, given expected refinements and new accessories in the S26 family. In short: wait for the Galaxy S26 if you want the latest features; otherwise, the S25 remains reliable but less future-proof.

Tesla unveils cheaper Cybertruck variant, cuts price on Cyberbeast

February 23, 2026, 12:44 PM EST. Tesla unveiled a cheaper Cybertruck variant in the U.S., pricing a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive model at $59,990. The offer lasts 10 days, with no immediate follow-up price posted. The move comes alongside a price cut for the high-end Cyberbeast to $99,990 from $114,990, part of a broader 2026 strategy to boost demand for pickups. Tesla is reportedly discontinuing the Luxe Package, which included FSD and free Supercharger access. The program head Siddhant Awasthi left the company last year, and Elon Musk has redirected attention toward robotics and self-driving. Analysts say price cuts may pressure margins unless costs fall or software revenue strengthens. The broader EV market has cooled as federal incentives fade.

Ex-Citi executive warns AI robots could outnumber human workers within decades

February 23, 2026, 12:38 PM EST. Former Citi Global Insights head of innovation Rob Garlick told CNBC that AI robots could outnumber the global working population within decades as firms chase profitability. He cited payback periods of less than 10 weeks for humanoids versus human workers and Citi's projections that AI robots could reach 1.3 billion by 2035 and over 4 billion by 2050. Garlick warned that adoption of AI agents-software that can make decisions and complete tasks with little human direction-will accelerate, expanding the automation footprint. The report also notes leadership forecasts of near-term integration: 80% of leaders expect AI agents to be central in strategy within 12-18 months. McKinsey, and others, are cited as predicting parity between human workers and AI agents as automation scales.

SpaceX targets Tuesday afternoon launch from Cape Canaveral for Starlink 6-110

February 23, 2026, 12:34 PM EST. SpaceX is targeting a Tuesday afternoon liftoff from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, with the Falcon 9 set to launch no earlier than 3:56 p.m. on Feb. 24 for the Starlink 6-110 mission. The latest batch of Starlink satellites follows a Saturday night deployment. Liftoff must occur by 7:56 p.m. if needed. After launch, the booster will land on the Just Read the Instructions drone ship in the Atlantic on a southeast trajectory. Florida Today will post live updates about 90 minutes before liftoff at floridatoday.com/space, and no Brevard County sonic booms are expected.

Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, Buds 4 price leak shows US pricing unchanged

February 23, 2026, 12:28 PM EST. US pricing for the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro is listed at $249.99 and the Galaxy Buds 4 at $179.99, according to a leak attributed to Roland Quandt. The figures mirror last year's pricing. Earlier European chatter suggested Samsung would skip a price hike, though no US leakage existed at that time. Samsung pricing often varies by market, so other regions could diverge. The company is set to unveil the new earbuds at its Unpacked event on February 25. If the leak holds, US buyers won't pay more than the previous generation, regardless of how prices move elsewhere.

Unisys and Dell Expand Device Subscription Service for Edge and IoT Deployments

February 23, 2026, 12:22 PM EST. Unisys and Dell Technologies expanded the Device Subscription Service (DSS) to address complex edge computing and IoT deployments. The enhanced service combines Unisys' digital workplace know-how with Dell's infrastructure, enabling a broader range of devices beyond PCs. It adds AI-driven support automation, proactive endpoint security, real-time analytics, flexible infrastructure procurement, and global provisioning consistency for multi-subsidiary organizations. The joint offering supports edge devices-from restaurant hardware to smart parking garages and campus sensors-and uses a utility-based modeling approach to scale pricing and operations. A joint responsibility matrix clarifies roles, while workshops help clients define objectives and deployment strategies. Unisys, a Dell Titanium Partner, emphasizes unified, standards-based delivery to simplify edge and IoT programs.

Why AI Still Struggles to Read PDFs, Limiting Real-World Use

February 23, 2026, 12:18 PM EST. An investigation into AI shows PDFs remain a stubborn challenge for modern models. Despite OCR, large batches of documents-from the Epstein files released to the DOJ-are not easily searchable. Igel, a cofounder of Kino, notes there is no good index for calendars, flights or messages in those PDFs; you have to rely on luck. Startups like Reducto aim to extract structured data from messy scans, handwritten manifests and heavy redactions. Google's Gemini may work on clean scans but is costly to run at scale. Edwin Chen of Surge calls PDFs among AI's 'unsexy failures'. The effort spawns apps and dashboards-Jmail among them-turning scattered PDFs into searchable, cross-referenced data. AI progress continues, but parsing PDFs remains a practical bottleneck.

Paysafe: Digital wallets become the central hub for payments and commerce

February 23, 2026, 12:10 PM EST. Paysafe chief product officer Bob Legters frames digital wallets as the organizing layer of payments and commerce, saying wallets are the defining trend for 2026. In an interview for PYMNTS' What's Next in Payments series, Legters notes wallets sit across both merchant and consumer businesses, embedding identity, funds, rewards and brand engagement in daily use. Consumers may not realize they're using wallets, as funds sit inside apps or across multiple platforms. The wallet economy is measured by a shift in share of total payments routed through wallet rails rather than traditional systems, with consumers typically holding multiple wallets-six or seven in some markets. Cross-border functionality and seamless FX are becoming baseline expectations. On the merchant side, the main hurdle is regulatory fear; wallets do not require banks, but integration can reframe marketing around wallet experiences.

Samsung expands Galaxy AI Subscription Club with 3-year plan and broader protection

February 23, 2026, 11:52 AM EST. Samsung expands the New Galaxy AI Subscription Club ahead of the Galaxy S26 launch with a new three-year option alongside existing one-year and two-year plans. Pricing runs 6,900 KRW per month for the shorter plans and 8,900 KRW for three years (~$5.20 and ~$6.70). Under the scheme, three-year subscribers can return their device for 25% of its original value; one-year and two-year plans offer 50% and 40% returns, reflecting depreciation. The package adds Theft and Loss protection via Samsung Care+, plus free repairs, battery replacement and on-site support during the subscription. After the term, benefits continue for up to four years with fees and eligibility. It also covers cyber financial crimes up to KRW 3 million and online shopping fraud up to KRW 500,000. Upgrades for S25 purchasers include three months free and a year of Samsung Fire 365 Travel Insurance.

Lenovo expands ThinkEdge portfolio with AI-driven edge systems Gen 2

February 23, 2026, 11:04 AM EST. Lenovo expanded its ThinkEdge portfolio with a new generation of AI-driven edge systems, including the compact ThinkEdge SE10n Gen 2, the AI-ready ThinkEdge SE30n Gen 2, the AI-powerhouse ThinkEdge SE60n Gen 2, and Lenovo's first industrial all-in-one Panel PC, the ThinkEdge SE50a. The rugged, fanless lineup is designed for 24/7 operation in factories and warehouses, powered by Intel Core processors with scalable AI options and connectivity choices such as Wi-Fi 6E and cellular. Lenovo emphasizes global supply chain resilience, long lifecycle support, and enterprise-grade services to enable scalable, near-data processing. Executives say the new ThinkEdge line brings AI to the edge for faster, more private, real-time decisions across retail, manufacturing, healthcare, and cities.

Sophie Adenot's Smartphone Could Transform Space Perception

February 23, 2026, 10:58 AM EST. The piece centers on Sophie Adenot and a provocative idea: a smartphone could reshape how we observe space. It notes that NASA astronauts will now be equipped with smartphones, signaling a shift toward consumer mobile tech in space missions. The discussion frames mobile devices as tools for real-time data access, imaging and comms, potentially changing how astronauts interact with instruments and relay insights to Earth. By spotlighting Adenot, the article points to a broader trend: compact, familiar tools becoming core interfaces for space science. The piece blends tech talk with spaceflight context, raising policy and design questions for the road ahead.

Six Google Wallet features you may be missing, now essential

February 23, 2026, 10:50 AM EST. Google Wallet, once just a tap-to-pay app, is becoming a digital binder for daily life. The author found they were using roughly 30% of its capabilities. Beyond storing bank cards, Wallet can hold loyalty cards, gift cards, transit passes, event tickets, and boarding passes. These passes sync from emails and other sources, turning Wallet into a central hub that eliminates chasing receipts. Automatically saving passes from Gmail speeds checkouts and boarding. The piece highlights how this reduces rummaging through screenshots and email threads, especially at airports or checkout lines. In short, Wallet now serves as a single repository for travel and everyday proofs of purchase, not just payments.

iPhone 17 Pro Max tops trade-in charts as buyers regret purchase

February 23, 2026, 10:48 AM EST. SellCell data show the iPhone 17 Pro Max has become the leading device for trade-ins, accounting for 11.5% of the top-20 list since its release. The trend signals buyer regret after the high-priced launch, even as iPhones remain popular. Roughly 86% of trade-ins were rated Mint or Good, suggesting light use. The phone's slower depreciation helps explain the pull to cash out; value has fallen about 25.4% since launch vs 32.5% for the iPhone 16 Pro Max in the same period. The base model starts at $1,199, with upgrades pushing higher. Some owners may opt for downgrades or accessories like an Apple Watch instead of keeping the flagship. The standard iPhone 17 shares many features with its Pro counterpart at a saving of around $400.

NASA's SLS faces helium issue; Artemis II launch delayed to April

February 23, 2026, 10:44 AM EST. NASA moved Artemis II after data showed an interruption in helium flow to the SLS interim cryogenic propulsion stage, prompting a rollback to the Vehicle Assembly Building. Officials said the problem could push the planned March liftoff and set sights on April 1 as the next opportunity. Potential fault areas cited include the ground-vehicle filter at the umbilical, the QD umbilical interface, or a faulty check valve onboard the vehicle. Four astronauts remain in quarantine in Houston ahead of the lunar mission. The delay follows a dry-run that largely passed after an earlier hydrogen issue and echoes earlier faults seen during Artemis I prep. Engineers will reassess and implement corrective actions.

AI Helps Researchers Decode Ancient Roman Board Game

February 23, 2026, 10:42 AM EST. An etched rock found in Heerlen, Netherlands-once the Roman Coriovallum-has been identified as a potential Roman board game board. Researchers from Leiden University used AI simulations to test whether the wear patterns matched plausible gameplay. The AI acted like a human thinker, bolstering the idea the stone was used for a game akin to Scrabble or Blokus. The object is carved limestone from Norroy quarries in northeast France, with a smooth surface and etched markings designed to be visible. The team ruled out architectural use and concluded the artifact likely served as a gaming board. The study is a collaboration with Biography.com.

OpenAI signs multiyear Frontier alliances with Accenture, BCG, Capgemini and McKinsey

February 23, 2026, 10:38 AM EST. OpenAI announced multiyear partnerships with Accenture, Boston Consulting Group, Capgemini and McKinsey & Co to accelerate the rollout of its enterprise platform Frontier. The firms form 'Frontier Alliances' to help customers define AI strategy and move agents into production workflows faster. Financial terms were not disclosed. Accenture's Lan Guan called the alliance an inflection moment, highlighting the need for product, consulting and strategy firms to collaborate. OpenAI CFO Sarah Friar has said enterprises account for about 40% of business and could reach 50% by year's end. Frontier acts as an intelligence layer that stitches together disparate systems and data, aiming to simplify management, deployment and creation of AI agents at scale. Denise Dresser, OpenAI's chief revenue officer, said the partnerships pair solid foundation with on-the-ground implementation.

Premium vs scale: Hyundai, Tesla clash in robot pricing

February 23, 2026, 10:34 AM EST. Hyundai and Tesla are crossing into humanoid robotics, leveraging differences in pricing strategy as they scale. Hyundai, via Boston Dynamics, expects the Atlas robot to launch around $130,000, with unit costs falling to about $35,000 at 30,000 units and roughly $30,000 at 50,000. Tesla's Optimus could target $20,000-$30,000 per unit, making Atlas look expensive at launch but the gap could shrink as volumes rise. Analysts say Tesla may run a multitier lineup to cover light and heavy industrial uses, while Hyundai leans toward high-performance, industrial-grade machinery. Payload specs differ: Atlas lifts up to 50 kg vs Optimus at 20 kg. Chinese scale economics could depress costs for all players, adding a race to mass production and early market dominance.

Nvidia to challenge Intel Inside with Arm-based N1/N1X laptop chips in Lenovo, Dell, Alienware

February 23, 2026, 10:30 AM EST. Nvidia plans to ship Arm-based laptop processors, the N1 and N1X, inside consumer laptops from Lenovo, Dell and Alienware this spring. The system-on-a-chip designs fuse a CPU and Nvidia's GPU on one chip, a bid to disrupt the Intel-AMD Windows PC duopoly. Eight devices are in the pipeline, including Lenovo's Ideapad Slim 5, Yoga Pro 7 variants and a Legion 7 gaming laptop, plus Dell's Alienware and XPS-branded models. A Geekbench listing hints the N1X could match desktop-class graphics with CUDA cores near a RTX 5070 level and substantial CPU cores, though results should be taken cautiously. Nvidia frames this as a long game tied to AI in consumer devices, with N2/N2X on the horizon and app-compatibility risk to watch.

OpenAI eyes Alexa-style device to challenge Amazon in an AI hardware push

February 23, 2026, 10:26 AM EST. OpenAI is pursuing a hardware strategy that could pit its next device against Amazon's Alexa, and potentially reshape rivalries with Apple, Google and Meta. Reportedly, Amazon nears a massive funding tie with OpenAI-perhaps $50 billion- and has holdings in Anthropic, plus a growing role in powering an Alexa+-style service. OpenAI is also said to be preparing its first devices, built with LoveFrom's Jony Ive team, and is exploring a voice-centric design that may use a camera to let GPT-4o-style models interpret the world. Analysts have said the effort would hinge on custom AI models for partners, including Amazon's products. The outcome remains uncertain, but OpenAI's device strategy signals a broader push beyond software toward an AI-powered hardware ecosystem.

NASA's SLS helium issue delays Artemis II as rocket rolls back to VAB

February 23, 2026, 10:18 AM EST. NASA's Artemis II program faces a new hurdle as data shows an interruption in helium flow to the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS), forcing a rollback to the Vehicle Assembly Building. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said the move will push the March launch window out and that the next opportunity opens April 1. The four astronauts were in quarantine in Houston ahead of an early March liftoff after a wet dress rehearsal appeared to run smoothly, though a hydrogen leak earlier this month triggered a retry. Engineers are examining potential faults from components on the umbilical to a check valve onboard, with corrective actions aimed at preventing a recurrence. The last SLS flight was Artemis I in Nov 2022; Artemis II remains delayed.

OpenAI Could Challenge Amazon, Apple, and Google in AI-Device Push

February 23, 2026, 10:16 AM EST. OpenAI is pursuing a hardware strategy that could rival Amazon's Alexa ambitions, even as Amazon reportedly contemplates a large funding round for OpenAI and deepens ties with Anthropic. The chatter suggests OpenAI may build custom models for Amazon devices, including Alexa, while also developing its own first devices with LoveFrom and Jony Ive. The discussions echo a shift from software to devices that fuse voice, visuals, and camera input, building on GPT-4o's omni capabilities. Proponents argue the company could lead an AI-powered speaker era before rivals such as Google and Apple fully execute. Critics note the strategic complexities: funding, partnerships, and whether OpenAI can scale hardware, consumer services, and safety at device scale. The outcome hinges on execution, timing, and the evolving AI-device ecosystem.

Premium vs scale: Hyundai, Tesla clash in robot pricing

February 23, 2026, 10:12 AM EST. Seoul, February 23, 2026 – Hyundai Motor Group and Tesla are expanding their rivalry from cars into humanoid robots, with pricing likely to mirror their EV strategies. A Korea Export-Import Bank report puts Hyundai's Atlas, built by Boston Dynamics, at about $130,000 at launch. Costs are expected to fall with scale: roughly $35,000 at 30,000 units annually, and about $30,000 at 50,000. Tesla's Optimus could cost around $20,000 to $30,000 per unit, placing Atlas at more than four times the early Optimus price and potentially narrowing to 1.5x as volumes rise. Industry observers see a two-tier strategy: high-performance, industrial applications from Hyundai, versus broad commercialization for Tesla, including home use. China's scale advantages could intensify price competition.

Pokémon FireRed/LeafGreen Switch re-release tops eShop charts as Home compatibility questions linger

February 23, 2026, 10:04 AM EST. Nintendo and The Pokémon Company released Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen for Switch, priced at £16.99 / $20 each. The port skips Nintendo Switch Online and online trading, offering mainly local wireless play. A promised Pokémon Home transfer feature has become unclear after eShop listings scrubbed explicit Home support, fueling questions about whether the function will arrive at launch or later. The absence of new content or graphical upgrades keeps the package lean, but the lack of clear Home compatibility has customers watching closely for updates. Even so, the titles have already topped the eShop charts ahead of their February 27 release, reflecting strong demand for retro remasters despite limited new features.

Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Switch re-release tops eShop charts amid Home compatibility uncertainty

February 23, 2026, 10:02 AM EST. Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen return to the Nintendo Switch with a digital re-release priced at £16.99 / $20 each, skipping Nintendo Switch Online and online features. The pair lacks new content or graphical upgrades and supports only local wireless play. A promised integration with Pokémon Home added a potential edge by letting players transfer creatures across generations, but notices of that feature have been removed from the eShop listings, casting doubt on future support. Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have not clarified timing or availability, though the games are already climbing the eShop charts ahead of a February 27 launch. The 30th anniversary tie-in is modest, relying on nostalgia rather than feature-rich updates.

ReMarkable Paper Pro: $629 color e-ink tablet that does almost nothing

February 23, 2026, 9:52 AM EST. ReMarkable's Paper Pro is a $629 tablet built to curb distraction. The 11.8-inch Canvas Color display runs at 2160×1620, 229 PPI, with up to 20,000 colors and an adjustable front light. The device is 5.1mm thick and encased in aluminum, emphasizing a writing-first philosophy. Included is the Marker stylus, with 12ms latency, tilt detection and a back eraser. Crucially, there are no apps, no web browser, and no notifications. ReMarkable positions the Paper Pro as a higher-end, color upgrade for readers and note-takers who want a paper-like experience. Whether the premium is worth it depends on how much you value a focused writing surface over multi-purpose tablets.

RAM-aggedon: AI memory-chip famine raises smartphone prices

February 23, 2026, 9:50 AM EST. A global pull on memory chips driven by the AI infrastructure has created a severe shortage, squeezing supply for smartphones, PCs and consoles. Arm warns the crunch is the most serious in two decades as Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron struggle to keep up. Big spenders like Alphabet and Amazon are directing hundreds of billions into AI data centers and related components, often at the expense of consumer devices. Analysts say prices for memory and finished devices are rising even when specs do not offer meaningful upgrades. Some PC makers eye Chinese chipmakers for relief; Sony may delay PlayStation timing, while Nintendo weighs price moves. The dynamic benefits the three giants at the top of the memory supply chain but hurts manufacturers and shoppers alike.

Apple M3 iPad Air hits $490 on Amazon in final clearance push

February 23, 2026, 9:48 AM EST. Amazon is offering the 11-inch iPad Air with the M3 chip (128GB) for $490, down from $599, a 18% cut. The deal covers Purple and Starlight colors and is likely to expire soon. The tablet features a Liquid Retina display with P3 wide color, True Tone, and low reflectivity, plus a 12MP Center Stage front camera and a 12MP back camera with True Tone flash capable of 4K video. The M3 chip supports everyday tasks and multitasking with iPadOS Stage Manager, Safari, etc. It also has Wi-Fi 6E and all-day battery life. Accessory pairing includes Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard for a laptop-like setup. The deal offers brand-new units at refurbished-level pricing.

Jersey warns on rapid advance of AI-generated images; safety guidance issued

February 23, 2026, 9:46 AM EST. Officials in Jersey and Guernsey warn about the rapid advance of AI-generated images, urging greater oversight. Jersey Information Commissioner Paul Vane and counterparts signed a joint statement with guidance for safer use, noting consent issues and that such tools can "harm real people." A Jersey police investigation followed a case involving a deepfake targeting school staff. The guidance, supported by about 60 other jurisdictions, urges individuals to limit online sharing, be cautious with AI platforms, and talk to children about safe use. It aims to reduce exposure to realistic images and videos of identifiable people without permission, while acknowledging the promises of the technology when used responsibly.

DJI Neo Mini Drone hits $149 on Amazon with 4K camera and tracking features

February 23, 2026, 9:32 AM EST. DJI's Neo Mini Drone weighs 135 grams and packs a 4K ultra-stabilized camera. Full propeller guards protect blades during flight, while a palm-sized takeoff and landing design aids portability. The drone uses subject tracking to follow a person automatically and includes preset QuickShot modes for arc, orbit, and pull-away shots. Control options span a smartphone app, voice commands, and an optional remote controller for traditional stick controls. Bundled accessories cover essential setup and maintenance: gimbal protector, intelligent flight battery, prop guards, spare propellers, screws, screwdriver, and USB-C cable. It's currently priced at $149, down from $199 (25% off) on Amazon. The package aims at casual creators seeking quick, stable aerial footage with easy setup.

Five tech buys for 2026: AI notetakers, translator earbuds and a personal media server

February 23, 2026, 9:30 AM EST. Tech writers lay out five items for 2026 designed to cut cloud fees, boost privacy, and speed life. The core: AI notetakers as stand-alone devices that listen, transcribe, summarize, and organize meetings without pulling data from your phone, keeping you present. Brands such as Plaud, Notta, and Mobvoi's TicNote appear as examples. The second item: translator earbuds that outperform earlier language features in mainstream headphones, offering real-time translation with a simple interface. Other picks include personal AQI monitors for air-quality awareness, travel routers that simplify connecting to hotel or airport networks, and a personal media server to own films instead of paying monthly streaming fees.

China expands Africa's space backbone with Namibia ground station

February 23, 2026, 9:28 AM EST. China has extended its space network in Africa, handing over a new satellite data ground station near Windhoek, Namibia. The facility is part of a growing network funded or built with Chinese support to process remote-sensing data from satellites, including the China-Brazil Earth Resources Satellite (CBERS-4). In February, Beijing's ambassador described the project as a key example of high-technology development assistance and a sign of China's 'strong commitment' to African science and tech. The Namibia station will be fully owned and operated by Namibia, and Chinese experts have trained local technicians, signaling a shift toward local capacity building while maintaining Chinese technical oversight.

Galaxy S26 Ultra leak reveals privacy display, Bluetooth-free S Pen ahead of launch

February 23, 2026, 9:26 AM EST. YouTuber Sahil Karoul bought a retail Galaxy S26 Ultra in Dubai days before launch for about $3300 and posted hands-on clips. The videos highlight a Privacy Display that darkens at side angles, with a Maximum privacy protection option evident. Leaked photos show the device beside an iPhone 17 Pro Max and a damaged S25 Ultra, with packaging that resembles last year's. The S Pen continues without Bluetooth support after Samsung removed it with the S25 Ultra; Karoul's video also shows the S Pen button not triggering the camera shutter. The leak arrives weeks before Samsung's February 25 event and raises questions about how the device slipped out and how Samsung will respond.

Four billionaire investors sold Nvidia shares ahead of earnings, fueling debate on headwinds

February 23, 2026, 9:24 AM EST. Form 13F filings show four billionaire investors trimmed Nvidia holdings in Q4, signaling profit-taking after a multiyear rally. The data, released after the Feb. 17 deadline for funds with at least $100 million under management, captures activity from Wall Street's savviest managers. Nvidia is expected to beat consensus sales and profit when it reports for the fiscal fourth quarter on Feb. 25, aided by AI-driven demand for GPUs in data centers. Yet the article notes headwinds: external competition as rivals ramp GPU production and customers building in-house AI solutions, plus internal dynamics such as Millennium Management hedging positions with options. 13F data provide a snapshot, but they do not reveal why the selling occurred or whether it signals a broader view on Nvidia's fundamentals.

Inside India's AI Impact Summit: gridlock, diplomacy and AI investment

February 23, 2026, 9:22 AM EST. Yoshua Bengio was late to India's AI Impact Summit in New Delhi as traffic snarls delayed his address on the Global Safety report he chairs. He delivered remarks via video from the Canadian Embassy after a 45-minute roadblock. He still hoped to attend a dinner with the Indian prime minister. Others faced snags; Sara Hooker of Adaptation Labs posted about four hours in traffic before room service and a late talk. The summit, the fourth in a series and the first in the Global South, drew heads of state and leaders from over 80 countries, and produced a declaration for inclusive AI development. It announced more than $200 billion in investment and voluntary governance commitments for frontier AI. Yet the execution remained chaotic, with VIP movements clogging streets and delays.

SpaceX IPO on the horizon, but retail investors can gain exposure today via EchoStar

February 23, 2026, 8:58 AM EST. SpaceX's IPO could value the company around $1.5 trillion, but retail investors don't have to wait. Public markets already offer exposure through EchoStar (SATS). The former telecom group has pivoted toward satellites and spectrum, with deals that tie its assets to SpaceX. Market chatter also links a private SpaceX-xAI merger to a roughly $1.25 trillion valuation, and a public listing in the same ballpark. For now, investors can own a SpaceX proxy by buying EchoStar stock, which has benefited as spectrum assets flow toward SpaceX. The move shows how private-scale transactions can lift a listed vehicle ahead of an IPO.

Apple to unveil at least five products in three-day blitz, per Bloomberg

February 23, 2026, 8:50 AM EST. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says Apple plans a three-day product blitz, starting March 2 and ending March 4 with an Apple Experience. The company is expected to announce at least five products before a potential livestream format in New York, London and Shanghai. Gurman outlines a high-likelihood low-cost MacBook, inferred from the event logo's colors. Other targets include the iPhone 17e, the iPad Air refreshed with the M4 chip, and updates to the MacBook Pro with M5 Pro/Max and the base M5 in the new MacBook Air. Rumors also mention a refreshed Mac Studio and a new Studio Display in the first half of the year. Apple has not confirmed any plans; the brand has signaled the format could differ from a traditional livestream.

SpaceX IPO on the horizon, but investors can gain exposure today via EchoStar

February 23, 2026, 8:36 AM EST. SpaceX is targeting a public debut in 2026, with a SpaceX-xAI merger announced by Elon Musk that places a combined valuation near $1.25 trillion for the private group and a potential $1.5 trillion IPO target. In the near term, retail investors can gain exposure to SpaceX today through EchoStar (SATS), a stock that has surged after selling spectrum assets to SpaceX. EchoStar's transformation-selling wireless spectrum to SpaceX and revaluing its assets-has shifted investor sentiment. Prospective buyers should note that the merger and IPO plans remain subject to regulatory review and market conditions. The link between EchoStar and SpaceX shows how private valuations can influence public markets and how investors seek indirect exposure before a formal listing (IPO: initial public offering).

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra prices finalized in Korea, memory costs lift top model by ~20%

February 23, 2026, 8:30 AM EST. Samsung has finalized Galaxy S26 Ultra prices in South Korea, with up to a 20% hike across memory configurations. The 256GB variant is set at 1,797,000 won (~$1,250), the 512GB at 2,050,900 won (~$1,425), and the 1TB model at 2,545,400 won (~$1,765). The increases, especially the 1TB jump, outpace the Galaxy S25 Ultra from a year earlier. The 1TB option is up about 290 USD or 418,000 won, while the 512GB rises ~11.3% and the 256GB ~5.8%. Company attribution points to higher DRAM and NAND costs for the spike. An industry insider said higher-capacity storage markets are driving the impact. Samsung is slated to unveil the device at Unpacked on February 25.

Designing for agents: Kun Peng envisions a machine-centric internet

February 23, 2026, 8:28 AM EST. Kun Peng, founder of the Blockchain Builders Fund and the Stanford Blockchain Accelerator, argues the next internet will be designed for machines, not humans. Speaking from Hong Kong, he ties three crypto realities-Argentina's demand-driven adoption, the US's institutional, top-down trajectory, and China's cross-border, permissionless use-to a global view of crypto adoption. He sees stablecoins and local-currency variants reshaping finance, but warns global venture capital faces an "exit problem" without local context to size markets. Even if a company scales in emerging markets, exits in the US have long defined returns. Peng's core claim: we must align capital with machine-centric, AI-centric blockchains so next-gen networks scale beyond human-oriented designs.

Omdia: Apple and HONOR Claim Record Market Shares as Europe's Smartphone Shipments Dip 1% in 2025

February 23, 2026, 8:24 AM EST. Europe (excl. Russia) smartphone shipments declined 1% in 2025 to 134.2 million, as demand cooled and new eco-design and USB-C rules weighed on the market, Omdia said. Samsung remained the top vendor with 46.6 million units, aided by a rebound in the second half after a slow 1H25 and a discounted Galaxy A16. Apple rose 6% to 36.9 million, capturing a record 27% of the market on strong refresh demand for the iPhone 16, the Pro Max variants, and the iPhone 16e, which followed the USB-C changes. Xiaomi stayed third with 21.8 million units and 16% share, reflecting expansion of its Redmi line. Motorola slipped to fourth at 7.7 million, with a recovered second half. HONOR entered Europe's top five for the first time at 3.8 million, backed by the X-series. Runar Bjorhovde of Omdia said scale matters, even as channel competition persists, forcing vendors to differentiate.

Nothing reveals Phone 4a design ahead of March 5 launch

February 23, 2026, 8:22 AM EST. Nothing has released official renders of the Phone 4a ahead of its March 5, 2026 London launch at 5:30 AM ET. The Glyph Bar replaces the previous LED strips, featuring six square lights-nine controllable mini LEDs-that are 40% brighter. The device shows a frosted-metallic camera island and an extra side hardware key, likely the Essential Key for Essential Space. On the back, exposed screws are more visible than on the Phone 3a, and the rear design appears simpler. Questions remain about the Phone 4a Pro's design, specifications, and pricing, as Nothing continues to tease the Glyph interface evolution ahead of a fuller reveal.

Poet Sasha Stiles brings AI-assisted poetry to MoMA

February 23, 2026, 8:20 AM EST. Sasha Stiles, Kalmyk-American poet, frames poetry as an ancient technology and AI as its natural heir. Her path links literature, not code, with science through her filmmaker parents who worked with Carl Sagan. She encountered AI in 2019 and chose to write with it rather than about it, using transformer-based language models like GPT-2 to treat AI as collaborator and medium. She produced works that range from sublime to troublingly misogynistic outputs, exploring language as a living system. Her AI-influenced practice has culminated in a MoMA presentation, underscoring the museum's embrace of art that interrogates technology and authorship.

Australia launches Cisco Secure AI Factory with NVIDIA, powered by 1,024 Blackwell Ultra GPUs

February 23, 2026, 8:18 AM EST. SYDNEY, Feb. 23, 2026 – Cisco (CSCO) and SharonAI Holdings Inc. and NVIDIA unveiled Australia's first Cisco Secure AI Factory, designed to keep all data processing in-country and align with the National AI Plan. The facility, powered by 1024 NVIDIA Blackwell Ultra GPUs, relies on Cisco UCS servers and Nexus Hyperfabric, with VAST Data storage and NEXTDC data centers for sovereign, high-performance AI. Sharon AI will offer tailored solutions and a sandbox for proof-of-concept work. Stefan Leitl of Cisco Australia & New Zealand framed the project as strengthening sovereign capabilities and a trustworthy AI ecosystem, accelerating enterprise AI adoption across the Asia-Pacific.

Cisco, Sharon AI and NVIDIA Launch Australia's First Cisco Secure AI Factory

February 23, 2026, 8:08 AM EST. Sydney-based Cisco (CSCO) and SharonAI Holdings, with NVIDIA, unveiled Australia's first Cisco Secure AI Factory, a sovereign AI infrastructure that keeps all data and processing in-country. The system uses 1024 NVIDIA Blackwell Ultra GPUs, UCS servers and Nexus Hyperfabric, with VAST Data storage and NEXTDC data centers to deliver high-performance AI while upholding data sovereignty. The factory supports Australia's National AI Plan and aims to accelerate enterprise AI adoption and innovation across the Asia-Pacific region. Sharon AI will offer tailored solutions and a sandbox for proof-of-concepts. Quotes from Stefan Leitl emphasize securing AI ecosystems and strengthening sovereign capabilities. The venture positions Australia to lead in secure, responsible AI, enabling government and enterprises to develop advanced AI solutions.

Omdia: Apple and HONOR Claim Record Market Share as Europe Smartphone Shipments Dip 1% in 2025

February 23, 2026, 7:58 AM EST. London – Omdia reports that Europe (excluding Russia) smartphone shipments fell 1% in 2025 to 134.2 million units, as demand remained subdued and new USB-C and eco-design rules took effect. Samsung retained the top spot with 46.6 million devices, aided by a late-year rebound and discounts on the Galaxy A16 while the Galaxy A56 remained a strong seller. Apple posted a 6% rise to 36.9 million and a record 27% market share, led by the iPhone 16 family, notably the Pro Max variants and the iPhone 16e. Xiaomi stayed third with 21.8 million units (16%), helped by an overseas push. Motorola slipped 5% to 7.7 million. HONOR joined Europe's top five for the first time with 3.8 million as it leaned on the X-series. Omdia analyst Runar Bjorhovde notes ongoing channel competition shaping outcomes.

IQM to list in New York via SPAC at $1.8 billion valuation

February 23, 2026, 7:56 AM EST. Finland's IQM aims to be among Europe's first listed quantum companies after merging with SPAC Real Asset Acquisition Corp to list in New York at a $1.8 billion valuation. The deal awaits shareholder and regulatory approval and targets completion around June, with a possible Helsinki dual listing. Founded in 2018, IQM raised $320 million in a September Series B led by Ten Eleven Ventures with Tesi as an investor, valuing the company near $1 billion. IQM builds open-architecture, full-stack quantum systems deployable on-premises or via cloud. The merger could provide over $300 million in funding through PIPE and cash in the SPAC trust, assuming no redemptions. IQM has sold 21 systems to 13 customers and reported at least $35 million in unaudited revenue in 2025.

Wells Fargo upgrades Alphabet to overweight, cites 3 AI-winning traits; price target $387

February 23, 2026, 7:54 AM EST. Wells Fargo analyst Ken Gawrelski upgrades Alphabet to overweight from equal weight, saying the company has three AI-winning traits: data, distribution, and computing capacity. The target rises to $387 from $354, implying about 22% upside. Alphabet has surged about 75% in the past year, outpacing the S&P 500, but is down about 4% over the last month and flat year to date. Gawrelski argues Alphabet's internal AI work (Search, Gemini) and monetization via GCP, plus a broad distribution network and vast consumer data, position it to win. He notes capacity expansion to 35 gigawatts by 2028 from 15 GW, and Gemini recurring revenue may reach about $12 billion by 2027 from $4 billion. The stock moved higher in premarket; sentiment remains largely bullish.

Wells Fargo upgrades Alphabet, citing 3 AI-winning traits: data, distribution and computing capacity

February 23, 2026, 7:40 AM EST. Wells Fargo analyst Ken Gawrelski upgrades Alphabet to overweight from equal weight, with a $387 price target-up from $354-signaling upside of more than 22%. Alphabet has risen about 75% over the last 12 months but is down 4% in the past month as the Magnificent 7 wobble. Gawrelski argues Alphabet has three traits to win in AI: data, distribution and computing capacity. He notes Alphabet's internal AI push (Search, Gemini) and monetization via GCP, plus a broad distribution network and vast consumer data. He projects Gemini revenue to triple to about $12 billion by end-2027 from $4 billion at the end of last year. The upgrade is in line with Wall Street, where analysts' average target implies roughly 14% upside.

Finland's IQM to list in New York via SPAC at $1.8 billion valuation

February 23, 2026, 7:34 AM EST. Finland-based quantum computing startup IQM plans to go public in Europe via a SPAC merger with Real Asset Acquisition Corp for a $1.8 billion equity valuation, targeting a primary listing in New York with a potential dual listing on the Helsinki stock exchange. The deal, pending shareholder and regulatory approvals, could close around June this year, IQM said in a statement. IQM, founded in 2018, raised about $320 million in a Series B in September led by Ten Eleven Ventures, with Tesi among investors. The merger would provide over $300 million of funding from PIPE and the SPAC trust, barring redemptions. IQM builds full-stack, open-architecture quantum systems deployable on-premise or via the cloud and has sold 21 systems to 13 customers, with unaudited 2025 revenue of at least $35 million.

Lithium plume traced to SpaceX rocket re-entry in upper atmosphere

February 23, 2026, 7:30 AM EST. Researchers report the first ground-based tracking of a lithium plume in the upper atmosphere linked to the uncontrolled re-entry of a discarded SpaceX Falcon 9 upper stage. The study, published in Communications Earth & Environment and led by Robin Wing of the Leibniz Institute of Atmospheric Physics, used a highly sensitive laser-based sensor to detect lithium ions in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (roughly 80 to 120 km up). Trajectory modeling tied the emission to the February 20, 2025 re-entry. The finding shows that space debris can leave a detectable chemical fingerprint in the upper atmosphere. Scientists caution about potential effects on ozone recovery and note metals from launches may contribute to warming and pollution.

Samsung adds Perplexity to Galaxy AI for S26, expanding AI agents

February 23, 2026, 7:20 AM EST. Samsung will equip its upcoming S26 with Perplexity as an additional AI agent in Galaxy AI, broadening support for multiple AI assistants. The Perplexity agent will integrate with core apps such as Samsung Notes, Clock, Gallery, Reminders, and Calendar, with third-party apps to follow. The feature can be triggered by the wake phrase 'Hey Plex' or via quick-access hardware controls. Samsung says Galaxy AI acts as an orchestrator, uniting different forms of AI into a single, cohesive experience. The company previously partnered with Perplexity to bring AI search to its TVs. Perplexity has faced lawsuits from Merriam-Webster and Encyclopedia Britannica over content scraping. More details are expected at Galaxy Unpacked, alongside a revamp of Bixby.

Sharks aren't to blame for the internet as subsea cables near retirement

February 23, 2026, 7:16 AM EST. Sharks are often blamed when subsea cables are damaged, but the actual network runs on people. Roughly 600 subsea cables carry intercontinental traffic, keeping Zoom and messaging alive. The myth dates to debates around threats at sea, yet the real story is maintenance: offshore crews, engineers and regulators who pull cables, survey routes and manage thousands of kilometers of line. The piece revisits the early TAT-8 cable, a milestone in fiber-optic transmission that helped birth the internet as we know it. It also debunks sabotage rumors and clarifies why satellites aren't substitutes for undersea links. In short, the infrastructure endures through human work, not sea life, tracing back to pioneers like Alec Reeves who helped connect telephony and fiber.

Apple Watch SE 3 discounted to $219 on Amazon

February 23, 2026, 7:12 AM EST. A spring deal brings the Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) to $219 at Amazon, a $30 cut from the $249 list price. The discount, live as of publication, lowers the entry point for casual buyers seeking basic health metrics, activity tracking and notifications. The 40mm GPS model remains aimed at everyday wearers who don't need cellular service. Availability can change as stock moves, with deal pricing subject to change after publication.

AirTag four-pack on Amazon for $64, 35% off

February 23, 2026, 7:06 AM EST. Mashable reports the AirTag four-pack, the first-generation bundle, is on sale for $64 at Amazon, a 35% discount off the list price as of Feb. 23, 2026. The deal marks another price cut for the AirTag four-pack, offering multiple trackers in one package for easier item tracking. Pricing and availability can change after publication.

Watch Again: SpaceX Falcon 9 launch from Florida coast

February 23, 2026, 7:02 AM EST. Watch again as SpaceX stages a replay of a Falcon 9 launch from the Florida coast. The video captures liftoff and the initial ascent as the rocket heads toward orbit. The release adds another entry in SpaceX's busy launch schedule, though payload specifics and mission objectives are not disclosed in the footage.

Samsung February 2026 patch triggers boot loops on Galaxy S22 lineup

February 23, 2026, 7:00 AM EST. Samsung's February 2026 security update is triggering boot loops on some Galaxy S22 devices, leaving phones stuck on the Samsung logo or unresponsive. Users report overheating, freezing, and repeated restarts after applying the patch. The problem affects both the Galaxy S22 and S22 Ultra, with no universal fix yet. Factory resets and recovery mode offer inconsistent results, while updating One UI Home has helped a minority. Temporary workarounds such as clearing cache partitions or reflashing firmware exist but are not reliable for most users. Samsung has not yet commented publicly, and there is no official remediation in the patch notes. The issue recalls a 2024 incident when a prior update caused bricked devices and prompted a pause in rollout; a current legal action related to that event remains ongoing.

AI and the future of work: who decides who gets to eat as machines displace labor

February 23, 2026, 6:58 AM EST. As AI progresses, the big question is not only whether machines will replace work, but how the resulting bounty will be distributed. The piece argues that even if AI creates wealth, political choices will shape who profits and who consumes. It outlines two tasks: design a technically effective system to redistribute output as labor share falls, and, more crucially, rethink power in a world where a handful of techno-billionaires steer resources. Who will decide tax bases, welfare, and investment in health, agriculture or education? UN chief António Guterres calls for guardrails to preserve human agency and accountability, cautioning against decisions by a few countries or billionaires. The debate centers on the alignment of AI with society's broader goals and how to constrain those who run the systems.

FAQs on AI data centers: water use, energy demand and land footprint

February 23, 2026, 6:56 AM EST. AI data centers are expanding to support increasingly capable models, drawing scrutiny over water use and energy consumption. Wisconsin examples illustrate the land footprint: newer facilities range from 16 acres (Beaver Dam Meta site) to 1,900 acres (Port Washington Vantage project), with most projects in the 200-500 acre class. Nationally, land and water questions are framed by a handful of states: Virginia leads with about 570 centers, followed by Texas (407) and California (288). The Wisconsin data-center boom has sparked local and regional discussions about impact on land, power demand and infrastructure. Industry planners see hyperscale campuses growing at 1,000-2,000 acres in some plans, underscoring why communities weigh costs and benefits before approving projects. The story includes a town hall and reader questions on water and power use.

SpaceX Falcon 9 launches 29 Starlink satellites; watch from Florida's Treasure Coast

February 23, 2026, 6:46 AM EST. SpaceX plans a Falcon 9 launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Tuesday, Feb. 24 carrying 29 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit. The launch window runs 3:56 p.m. – 7:56 p.m. ET. If weather cooperates, the event could be visible from the Treasure Coast as far north as Jacksonville Beach and as far south as West Palm Beach. Live coverage starts 90 minutes before liftoff on floridatoday.com/space, with updates from the USA TODAY Network Space Team. Viewers can watch from Indian River and St. Lucie counties at Sebastian Inlet State Park, Wabasso Beach Park, Ambersands Beach Park, and nearby spots such as South Beach Park, Merrill Barber Bridge, and Alma Lee Loy Bridge. For mobile updates, download the Florida Today app from the App Store or Google Play.

Quantum Computing Hardware Landscape: Coherence, Modalities and NISQ Realities

February 23, 2026, 6:44 AM EST. Quantum computing now sits on several hardware rails. Most systems run in the NISQ (Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum) regime, where limited qubits and error rates curb fault-tolerant work. Experts view the field across two axes: system reliability and hardware architecture. The leading modalities-superconducting circuits, trapped ions, photonic systems, and neutral atoms-each trade off scale, speed, stability, and infrastructure needs. While many describe it as a single technology, the underlying physics and engineering differ markedly. A qubit, the basic unit, can inhabit a superposition; only measurement reveals a definite outcome. Coherence-the ability to preserve the quantum state-is fragile. Interactions with heat, fields, and defects cause decoherence, placing a practical limit on usable time, or coherence time, for computation.

Used EV prices diverge after tax credit ends; Tesla gains, others slide

February 23, 2026, 6:38 AM EST. A new iSeeCars.com study finds used EV prices mostly fell after the federal used-EV tax credit ended, but Tesla models rose. On average, used Teslas gained about 4.3% since Sept. 30, 2025, while other makes fell about 3.6%. The research looked at EVs in production for at least four years; Ford's Mach-E is the only U.S.-made model on the list. Karl Brauer, iSeeCars' executive analyst, says demand for Teslas remains strong and loyalty is high, even amid political turbulence around Elon Musk. Non-Tesla EVs may be more price-sensitive, with some depreciation to attract buyers now that the tax credit has expired. Buyers can still find value in non-Tesla used EVs, which can offer similar range and newer styling.

Q4 2025 Internet disruptions review: storms, cable cuts, and a Tanzania shutdown

February 23, 2026, 6:28 AM EST. Q4 2025 saw more than 180 Internet disruptions, from brief outages to multi-day losses. The quarter included a single government-directed shutdown in Tanzania during the presidential vote, with traffic plunging by over 90% and lingering outages into early November. Cable cuts disrupted connectivity in several markets, including two Digicel Haiti incidents in October. Power failures and extreme weather interrupted service elsewhere, while the ongoing Ukraine conflict affected connectivity in that region. Many outages stemmed from technical problems, some acknowledged by providers and some with unknown causes. Incidents at cloud platforms and at Cloudflare also affected site and app availability. A fuller, verified list is maintained at the Cloudflare Radar Outage Center.

Nvidia to post Q4 earnings this week; analysts eye a clean beat and firmer guidance

February 23, 2026, 6:20 AM EST. Nvidia is curtain-raising its Q4 results this week, with traders looking for a clean beat and, ideally, brighter guidance. The dialogue among analysts centers on whether Nvidia can validate a continued AI-driven upcycle or whether a miss or tepid outlook would rekindle concerns about a deteriorating software cycle. A strong quarter is seen as supportive for Nvidia's stock, but could complicate sentiment for software names if AI deployment accelerates faster than software profits. Some strategists argue software valuations are cheap, while others warn the sell-off may be overdone and that AI-enabled adoption will define the year. The debate also references peers such as Google, Oracle, and Figma as evidence of the software/AI backdrop influencing investors.

AI boom lifts Samsung as memory crunch tightens Apple

February 23, 2026, 6:18 AM EST. AI-driven hardware build-out has sparked a global memory crunch, rippling across smartphones, PCs and data centers. Samsung's stock hit a record as reports suggest it is leveraging the shortage to push HBM4 memory prices higher, possibly by up to 30%. Yet the squeeze could backfire: a KeyBanc note says higher prices may force flagship phones, including the Galaxy S26, to rise by about $70-$140 to cover silicon costs. Apple, a major memory customer, faces margin pressure and may raise prices to protect profits after relying on Samsung for roughly 60% of its memory components. The industry dubbed the demand spike RAMageddon. Nvidia and Meta have signed multi-year GPU deals as part of AI infrastructure spending; Sony and Dell also flag costs and product timing constraints from the memory crunch.

Tesla slashes Cybertruck prices, adds $59,990 entry model with trimmed features

February 23, 2026, 6:00 AM EST. Tesla slashed Cybertruck pricing, adding a $59,990 entry model and trimming features to hit the new price. The dual-motor variant offers a 325-mile (523 km) range and a 4.1-second 0-60 mph time, matching the pricier version but with lower capability: towing capacity to 7,000 lbs and cargo capacity to 2,006 lbs. The company swaps air suspension for steel springs and adaptive dampers, updates tail lights, and outfits the cabin with textile seats, dropping seat ventilation for the front row and seat heaters for the second row, plus no cabin AC outlets, fewer speakers, and no active noise cancellation. Tesla had previously removed the single-motor RWD option after testing it at $69,990. The price cut aims to boost demand even as some features are pared back.

Top 5 Smart Watches in 2026: Consumer Reports and Reader's Digest

February 23, 2026, 5:54 AM EST. Consumer Reports' lab tests and Reader's Digest's roundup converge on a market where premium models still deliver the strongest overall performance. Mid-tier watches win points for fitness analytics and long battery life. Compatibility remains a factor: some wearables pair tightly with iOS or Android, while others offer broad cross-platform support. Across the top five, core functions-notifications, apps, and heart-rate monitoring-sit alongside GPS and durable design. The 2026 landscape shows momentum hinges on health features and longevity, paired with ecosystem flexibility rather than bells and whistles alone.

TCL Nxtpaper 11 Plus debuts at $239 with ink-mode, 256GB storage

February 23, 2026, 5:48 AM EST. New TCL Nxtpaper 11 Plus goes on sale for $239 with a bundled stylus and flip case. It can switch from full-color to an ink-on-paper display via a dedicated edge button, powered by Nxtpaper 4.0. The tablet offers 11.5-inch display at 120Hz, 256GB of storage, and RAM expandable to 8GB. It is marketed as both entertainment and light-work device with e-reader potential. Availability spans Walmart (tablet only) and Amazon (tablet, stylus and case). Reviewers praised the improved interface and the matte screen, but noted the device gets heavy when used one-handed. The previous 10-inch model was Verizon-exclusive; the 11 Plus broadens distribution while keeping price competitive.

Pebble Time 2 and Round 2 delayed as smartwatch maker outlines production timeline

February 23, 2026, 5:46 AM EST. Pebble's latest timepieces face a bumpy path to customers. The maker said Pebble Time 2 preorder customers should receive devices around mid-April, with all existing preorders delivered by early June-contingent on no further manufacturing or shipping delays. Production of Pebble Round 2 is slated to begin in late May, with initial preorders expected to ship by the end of June. Key steps remain for Round 2, including a test of the water-resistant case, raising the risk of further delays. Both watches can be ordered from the company's online store. The Pebble Round 2 is priced at $199; the Pebble Time 2 at $225, excluding shipping and potential import fees.

Inference Emerges as the Next AI Chip Battleground

February 23, 2026, 5:44 AM EST. AI inference has become a profit center for the chip industry as firms push latency, power and cost optimization. Nvidia leads on GPUs, but the field is broadening with specialized silicon and licensing moves-Nvidia's $20 billion deal with Groq, AMD hiring the Untether AI engineering team, and Intel pursuing a SambaNova acquisition valued around $1.6 billion. Analysts say the market won't consolidate; demand is widening for data-center and edge deployments. GPUs still dominate large workloads, but ASICs and other purpose-built accelerators promise lower latency, better energy efficiency, and lower total cost of ownership. Enterprises-from startups to mid-sized firms-are moving from pilots to production, constrained by power, cooling, and GPU supply.

Apple could extend Visual Intelligence with Reminders in iOS 27

February 23, 2026, 5:38 AM EST. Apple has broadened Visual Intelligence in iOS 26 to work with screenshots, enabling quick creation of Calendar events, image-similarity search for shopping, and ChatGPT queries about a screenshot. The article argues that Apple should add Reminders to Visual Intelligence in iOS 27, letting users turn a screenshot into a reminder to revisit research, capture a task, or follow up on a text conversation. The idea frames Reminders as a universal bookmarking tool that could integrate with Camera Control to generate a reminder from a photo's contents. It would require more advanced analysis than the calendar use case, but could streamline workflows and keep crucial tasks in view.

Meta eyes smartwatch revival amid privacy baggage

February 23, 2026, 5:36 AM EST. Report from The Information says Meta is reviving its plan to release a smartwatch this year, part of a broader wearables push after Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 and Oakley Meta Vanguard glasses. Meta has also introduced a Neural Band to control the glasses and has worked to align with Garmin for the sunglasses, making a standalone watch plausible to create a cohesive ecosystem. Yet investors and users face a warning: privacy concerns and data collection history. The company has faced allegations tied to medical and health data: the Flo period-tracking app sent data in 2019; an advertising ID linked Flo to Facebook; a 2021 lawsuit; a 2025 California Invasion of Privacy Act ruling; and Pixel activity tracking tied to hospital data from the University of Cleveland Medical Center in 2022. No punishment has yet been imposed.

San Francisco move helps software engineer pivot to AI role

February 23, 2026, 5:34 AM EST. A software engineer who relocated to San Francisco has pivoted into an AI role, adopting work in machine learning and data science. The move exposed the engineer to a dense network of startups, research teams and mentors, accelerating skill-building in artificial intelligence and related tools. In a tight labor market, the transition reflects how geographic hubs shape career shifts in tech, with companies in the region seeking engineers who can convert code into intelligent products. The story illustrates the practical steps developers take to transition: updating portfolios, joining local meetups, and pursuing targeted training. With growing demand for AI expertise, the move underscores how talent flows into key tech ecosystems, even when it means a relocation.

NVIDIA and Meta expand collaboration on AI, cloud and confidential computing

February 23, 2026, 5:24 AM EST. NVIDIA and Meta announced a multiyear, multigenerational partnership spanning on-premises, cloud and AI infrastructure. Meta will build hyperscale data centers aimed at training and inference, deploying millions of NVIDIA Blackwell and Rubin GPUs and Spectrum-X Ethernet switches for the Facebook Open Switching System. The expansion includes broader deployment of Arm-based Grace CPUs, delivering improved performance per watt and supported by codesign investments in CPU libraries. A potential large-scale deployment of Vera CPUs could follow in 2027, extending Meta's energy-efficient AI compute footprint. Meta will use GB300-based systems to unify architecture across on-prem and partner cloud deployments, while adopting Spectrum-X for scalable, low-latency networking and efficiency. Confidential Computing will extend to WhatsApp and other Meta use cases, enabling privacy-aware AI.

Salt selects Ribbon Communications to support Corporate Internet tariffs

February 23, 2026, 5:12 AM EST. Swiss operator Salt has selected Ribbon Communications to underpin the launch of its Corporate Internet tariffs. Ribbon will supply its Application Server, a unified communications platform delivering voice and multimedia services over IP-based networks, and Session Border Controllers to enforce network policy and control routing. The arrangement underscores Salt's push to offer enterprise-grade internet access with built-in communications features built on IP routing and optical networking. No pricing or timeline was disclosed.

Salt selects Ribbon Communications to back Corporate Internet tariffs

February 23, 2026, 5:10 AM EST. Swiss operator Salt has selected Ribbon Communications, a provider of IP routing and optical networking services, to underpin the launch of its Corporate Internet tariffs. Ribbon will supply its Application Server, a unified communications platform delivering voice and multimedia services across IP networks, and Session Border Controllers to control network policy and routing.

Salt selects Ribbon Communications to back Corporate Internet tariffs

February 23, 2026, 5:08 AM EST. Salt, the Swiss operator, has chosen Ribbon Communications to underpin its new Corporate Internet tariffs. Ribbon will supply its Application Server, a unified communications platform delivering voice and multimedia services over IP networks, and Session Border Controllers (SBCs) to govern policy and routing at the network edge. SBCs are devices that secure and manage real-time communications between networks. The deal highlights Salt's plan to offer business-grade internet access with integrated voice capabilities.

Infobip Enables Apple Roadside Assistance via Satellite for Australian Motoring Service

February 23, 2026, 5:06 AM EST. Infobip has integrated Apple's Roadside Assistance via satellite with Australian Motoring Service (AMS), giving iPhone 14 or newer users a way to request help and text AMS even where cellular coverage is unavailable. The move leverages Infobip's Cloud Contact Center to expand off-grid communication across Australia's remote regions. The Australian Government notes many rural areas lack reliable mobile reception, complicating roadside aid. AMS Chief Executive Rebecca Stenhouse said the partnership advances driver safety and underscores AMS's mission. Harsha Solanki, Infobip's APAC VP & GM, called it a demonstration of how technology overcomes geography to improve safety. Key features include alternative connectivity, precise location sharing, and text communication, all delivered on a single platform.

Infobip powers Apple Roadside Assistance via satellite for Australian Motoring Service

February 23, 2026, 5:04 AM EST. Infobip's cloud platform enables Apple's Roadside Assistance via satellite for Australian Motoring Service (AMS), expanding off-grid support for drivers with iPhone 14 and later. The integration lets motorists request help and text AMS even where cellular networks fail, boosting safety in remote areas such as highways, national parks, and mountains. Australia's government notes limited mobile coverage in regional regions, underscoring the need for satellite connectivity. AMS Chief Executive Rebecca Stenhouse says the move advances driver safety and AMS's mission. Harsha Solanki of Infobip says the solution overcomes geographical barriers by combining Infobip's messaging infrastructure with Apple's satellite feature, delivering peace of mind wherever journeys go. Key features include alternative connectivity, precise location sharing, and text communication for roadside assistance.

Maps.me edges Google Maps for walkers with offline, detail-rich maps

February 23, 2026, 5:02 AM EST. Maps.me tops Google Maps for walkers, a conclusion from JDN tests across ten routes in French cities. The app is faster on pedestrian paths and often shorter than rival routes, even without a signal. Its strength goes beyond navigation: it shows underground walkways, trails, benches, bins, fire hydrants and drinking fountains, and it marks street numbers and stairs. Offline maps, powered by OpenStreetMap data, let users plan and navigate without mobile data, downloading areas such as Paris or Bouches-du-Rhône in advance. Launched in 2010, Maps.me invites user contributions to the map. A catch: the Pro plan costs €3.29 per month for unlimited downloads; free users face limits. The result illustrates a niche where offline, walker-focused navigation can outperform mainstream apps.

Australian Motoring Service Enables Apple Roadside Assistance via Satellite Through Infobip

February 23, 2026, 5:00 AM EST. Australian Motoring Service (AMS) now supports Apple's Roadside Assistance via satellite through Infobip's Cloud Contact Center in Australia, enabling drivers with iPhone 14 or later to summon help even when cellular coverage is unavailable. The integration helps motorists reach AMS from remote highways, national parks and mountainous regions where mobile networks are scarce. The solution pairs Infobip's omnichannel messaging platform with Apple's satellite feature to provide alternative connectivity, precise location sharing, and text communication when terrestrial networks fail. AMS Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Stenhouse says the service advances driver safety. Harsha Solanki, Infobip VP for Asia-Pacific, notes the technology overcomes geographic barriers and delivers peace of mind on any journey. The release highlights Infobip's global reach and AI-driven platform.

Four billionaire investors trim Nvidia stake ahead of earnings, stirring questions

February 23, 2026, 4:58 AM EST. Four billionaire investors disclosed via Form 13F that they pared Nvidia holdings in the fourth quarter: Israel Englander of Millennium Management (3,038,895 shares), Chase Coleman of Tiger Global (698,000), Philippe Laffont of Coatue Management (667,405), and David Tepper of Appaloosa (200,000). The filings provide a snapshot of positions held by money managers with at least $100 million in assets. The sales come after a multi-year rally that has left Nvidia up roughly 1,200% since 2023 as its GPUs power AI data centers. Still, profit-taking may not tell the whole story: external rivals are increasing GPU output, and many top customers are building internal AI solutions. Meta extended its multi-year GPU partnership with Nvidia for Blackwell and Vera Rubin, a potential headwind for pricing power. Nvidia is due to report on Feb. 25.

Galaxy Brain: The Internet as a Misery Machine – Warzel and Green on the online era

February 23, 2026, 4:54 AM EST. In the first Galaxy Brain episode, Charlie Warzel talks with Hank Green about the state of the Internet in November 2025. Green, founder of the YouTube channel Vlogbrothers, is described as a creator, entrepreneur and educator who understands how to build trust and audience online. The hosts examine a time when internet life felt smaller and more serendipitous, and ask what went wrong. They debate whether users are retreating from TikTok and why the web is turning into a misery machine. They also discuss what makes a great headline, why some people trust creators more than institutions, and whether the situation could worsen before it improves. Warzel promises a candid look at the stories shaping our online world and his reporting process.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: S Pen missing Bluetooth again as new leak dampens hype

February 23, 2026, 4:52 AM EST. The Galaxy Unpacked event looms as a hands-on reveal shows the Galaxy S26 Ultra missing a long-standing feature. Despite a recent trend by Samsung, the S Pen lacks Bluetooth connectivity, preventing remote camera control. The omission mirrors the Galaxy S25 Ultra from last year, and creators have highlighted that pressing the S Pen button does not trigger the shutter. Samsung is reportedly sticking to its strategy, arguing the S Pen's use is limited to a small user base. Leaks also point to a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy and a 5,000mAh battery that could beat previous flagships in endurance, while privacy display tweaks are touted as addressing real user complaints.

Leak: Galaxy S26 Ultra Privacy Display aims to curb shoulder surfing

February 23, 2026, 4:48 AM EST. An online leak describes a Privacy Display on Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra that reportedly narrows viewing angles to deter shoulder surfing. Ice Universe on X outlines a two-layer mechanism: a bottom diffraction structure and a top prism-like layer that distorts off-angle light. When enabled, off-axis rays are blocked, so the screen appears readable only straight ahead. The account relies on AI-generated graphics and has not been officially confirmed by Samsung; the source remains unverified. Samsung has yet to publish a technical deep dive. The report spotlights privacy in public settings but should be treated as unverified until Samsung clarifies the details.

Harrison.ai seeks FDA exemption to fast-track AI imaging devices

February 23, 2026, 4:44 AM EST. An AI developer, Harrison.ai, petitioned the FDA last October to allow manufacturers to release certain radiology AI products that analyze medical images without formal agency review, provided the FDA has previously cleared a similar product from another company. The proposal would require adherence to specified technical standards and a disclosed plan to monitor performance. The FDA rarely grants exemptions, which it can approve by petition; the agency must respond within 180 days. If it does not deny by mid-April, the exemption would take effect. Coincidentally, the FDA named a former Harrison.ai subsidiary executive to lead the office that shapes AI policy. The move highlights the drive to accelerate health-care AI tools while regulators weigh safety and accountability.

Maps.me outperforms Google Maps for walkers with offline, OpenStreetMap data

February 23, 2026, 4:36 AM EST. Maps.me claims an edge for walkers over Google Maps, especially where signals fail. In a head-to-head by the JDN team, Maps.me beat Google Maps on ten routes across several French cities, faster in both time and distance. The app goes beyond satellite data, showing underground passages, marked trails, benches, bins, fire hydrants and even street numbers and stairs. It's built for pedestrians, with strong offline maps-download areas such as Paris or Marseille in advance, avoiding data roaming. OpenStreetMap data underpins its accuracy and invites user contributions. The caveat: the best features push users toward Maps.me Pro at €3.29/month to unlock unlimited downloads; the free tier limits to ten maps, nudging some users elsewhere.

Week 8 trending phones: Galaxy S26 Ultra leads as new entrants join chart

February 23, 2026, 4:18 AM EST. Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra holds the top spot on our week-8 trending chart, remaining ahead even as its official announcement approaches. New faces vivo V70 and Infinix Note 60 Pro line up on the podium. The extended lifecycles driven by surging RAM prices keep the Galaxy A56 in the spotlight, fourth place after nearly a year since debut. Fresh arrivals populate the rest of the list: Pixel 10a at five, vivo V70 Elite at six, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra at seven, and iPhone 17 Pro Max eighth. Rounding out the top 10 are Tecno Camon 50 Pro at ninth and Samsung Galaxy A17 in tenth.

China brands test hardware-level privacy displays as Samsung feature nears mainstream

February 23, 2026, 4:16 AM EST. Chinese smartphone makers are reportedly testing hardware-level privacy displays that physically limit viewing angles, a move beyond software dimming to curb shoulder surfing. The tip comes from the Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station, who says the first non-Galaxy flagships could arrive as early as September 2026. Samsung's own approach relies on hardware-shielding rather than dimming; the feature is expected to debut on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, but rivals could follow with Xiaomi, OPPO, and vivo offering similar tech on Pro or Ultra variants. The chatter remains unconfirmed. Analysts will watch whether any brand breaks cover this September, or if Samsung keeps a lead as the tech goes mainstream.

SpaceX could launch Starship every hour within three years, Musk says

February 23, 2026, 4:12 AM EST. SpaceX chief executive Elon Musk said the next-generation Starship rocket could fly as often as once per hour within three years, a cadence he described during a discussion on X about 2026 plans. The company's current schedule includes seven Falcon 9 launches from California and Florida before the end of February, underscoring a rising launch pace. Musk suggested the hourly rhythm would dwarf today's operations and attributed the push to expanding satellite deployments and long-term space infrastructure ambitions. He tied the momentum to SpaceX's merger with xAI, saying demand to place vast numbers of satellites would drive Starship's reliability and turnaround times. Starship, designed to lift up to 200 tonnes, is meant to change the cadence of access to orbit.

Apple weighs deep red finish for iPhone 18 Pro as foldable stays conservative

February 23, 2026, 4:10 AM EST. Apple is weighing a deep red finish for the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max, following strong interest in this year's Cosmic Orange option, with color variants such as purple or brown likely early prototypes rather than final choices. For the foldable iPhone expected this fall, Apple is leaning toward conservative finishes, including dark gray/black and a lighter silver/white option echoing earlier generations. On the software side, the iOS 26.4 beta shows a redesigned wallpaper chooser that pulls high-resolution images from Apple's servers, reducing storage use and smoothing the interface. It adds video podcasts via HTTP Live Streaming, improves ad support, and lets users switch between audio and video. Apple Music gains AI-powered playlists, refreshed album art, and tour-date highlights. Stolen Device Protection becomes default, requiring Face ID/Touch ID for sensitive changes, and third-party voice AI apps land in CarPlay. No Siri overhaul yet; major updates likely in iOS 26.5 or 27.

OpenAI's Altman defends AI resource use, says water concerns are fake at India summit

February 23, 2026, 3:56 AM EST. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman dismissed online claims that ChatGPT uses gallons of water per query as fake and totally insane at the India AI Impact Summit. He acknowledged that total AI energy use is rising and urged a rapid shift to cleaner power, including nuclear or wind and solar. He argued that a fair comparison focuses on inference-the energy to answer a question after training-not just the training cost, noting that humans also consume energy over a lifetime. Altman said cooling still relies on water in many data centers, though efficiency is improving and some facilities avoid water altogether. His remarks spurred online debate about AI's impact on jobs and the pace of transitioning to lower-carbon energy sources.

Why Chinese AI products feel different, says a product manager

February 23, 2026, 3:44 AM EST. A product manager argues that Chinese AI products feel different because the ecosystem blends rapid iteration with domestic need. Access to large, domestically sourced data from apps, payments, and services shapes models and features. Regulators push for safety, data privacy, and clear usage rules, which narrows deployment but clarifies compliance. Local partnerships with hardware makers and platform ecosystems help reach users at scale. User expectations, price sensitivity, and messaging conventions steer UX and monetization. In essence, data access, regulation, localization, and ecosystem dynamics define the distinct face of AI products in China.

Torvalds hints a successor may run Linux as kernel 7.0 rc1 lands

February 23, 2026, 3:40 AM EST. Linus Torvalds announced Linux kernel 7.0 rc1, joking that the major number is a distraction rather than a feature. He said releases aren't driven by features, and that the number is simply a progress marker. He reiterated a plan to end each series at x.19 before y.0, a cycle about 3.5 years, and hinted that a successor who isn't afraid of numbers past the teens may take over. The Linux project has a succession plan. He called the merge window "fairly smooth" and urged testers to build and boot the new kernel, then tempered with humor. Phoronix notes a patch cementing Rust support; updates for AMD/Intel silicon, RISC-V, and LoongArch; and the removal of a 1990s-era ThinkPad modem driver from IBM-era machines.

Apple taps CU Boulder for Next-Gen Innovators mentorship

February 23, 2026, 3:38 AM EST. Apple named the University of Colorado Boulder one of 24 colleges nationwide to participate in its Next-Gen Innovators mentorship program. CU Boulder students, including mechanical engineering major Matias Blanco, will be mentored virtually by Apple engineers, meeting every two weeks this academic year. Participants were selected after submitting applications, and the program pairs 11 CU Boulder students with mentors to help with career prep, resume development, mock interviews and job applications. Mentors cover interests and pathways in the aerospace, biomedical, and technology fields. College of Engineering and Applied Science Dean Keith Molenaar says the program gives students a leg up, even if they do not work for Apple later. Blanco plans to stay connected after spring as they plan for next year.

Wispr Flow launches Android app for AI-powered dictation with Hinglish model

February 23, 2026, 3:30 AM EST. Wispr Flow released an Android app for its AI-powered dictation service, expanding a rollout that began on Mac and Windows and reached iOS in mid-2025. The Android interface uses a floating bubble for dictation, with start/stop controls and automatic text cleanup and formatting. The platform supports translation in more than 100 languages and works across other apps. An infrastructure rewrite speeds dictation by about 30%. The company also rolled out a Hinglish model-transcribing Hindi-English blends common in India. Co-founder Tanay Kothari says Android enables the voice experience. Early users have spoken over 1.3 million words since rollout. Wispr Flow has raised $81 million in total, with rounds led by Menlo Ventures ($30 million) and Notable Capital ($25 million), valuing the company around $700 million.

Apple taps CU Boulder students for Next-Gen Innovators mentorship program

February 23, 2026, 3:28 AM EST. Apple has selected 11 University of Colorado Boulder students for its Next-Gen Innovators mentorship program, pairing them with Apple engineers from across the country. CU Boulder was chosen as one of 24 schools for the initiative, which runs through the academic year with biweekly virtual meetings. Matias Blanco, a mechanical engineering student, says mentors help with interview prep, resumes and career planning, with interests spanning aerospace, biomedical and technology sectors. College of Engineering and Applied Science Dean Keith Molenaar says the program provides career experience and a competitive edge, even if students do not join Apple. Blanco and his mentor plan to stay in touch after spring as they look to next-year opportunities.

Apple selects CU Boulder students for mentorship program

February 23, 2026, 3:24 AM EST. Apple has launched its Next-Gen Innovators mentorship program, selecting 24 colleges. University of Colorado Boulder is hosting 11 students paired with Apple engineers from across the country. Blanco meets virtually every two weeks, with mentors guiding mock interviews (practice interview simulations), resume crafting and job applications. The program aims to give students real career experience and a leg up, even if they don't end up at Apple. Blanco, a mechanical engineering major, says guidance from someone in the industry could help him pursue careers in aerospace, biomedical or technology. College of Engineering and Applied Science Dean Keith Molenaar notes the opportunity helps students gain professional insight. The mentorship runs through spring; participants plan to stay in touch for next year's cohort after an application process.

Samsung Galaxy S25: Gallery's Instant slow-mo unlocks in-video editing

February 23, 2026, 3:22 AM EST. Samsung ships the Galaxy S25 with Google Photos and Samsung Gallery pre-installed. While Google Photos is widely used, Samsung Gallery offers a notable edge with its Instant slow-mo feature. In the video player, a long-press during playback previews a slowed version; in the editor, users can apply a slow-motion effect to specific portions using a timeline with handles and choose from four speeds – 1/4x, 1/2x, 1x, and 2x. You can save as a new clip or overwrite the original, which remains available for further edits. The process lets you remix clips without risking the original footage. Two start points exist: one-handed preview during playback, and precise edits in the editor.

Samsung Galaxy S25's Instant slow-mo brings cinematic editing to Samsung Gallery

February 23, 2026, 3:20 AM EST. Samsung Galaxy devices ship with Google Photos and Samsung Gallery side by side. The Galaxy S25 expands a seldom-used feature in its preinstalled Samsung Gallery: Instant slow-mo. The basic gesture lets you slow a video during playback by long-pressing the screen; the editor adds four speeds-1/4x, 1/2x, 1x, 2x-for precise control over sections of the clip. A detailed timeline with handles lets you trim where the slow-mo applies. You can save over the original or create a copy; either way, you can revert to the unedited file later. The feature competes with Google Photos by offering built-in editing without leaving Gallery.

Samsung Galaxy S25: Instant slow-mo in Gallery could lure users to the app

February 23, 2026, 3:18 AM EST. Samsung Galaxy S25 ships with Google Photos and Samsung Gallery pre-installed. While Google Photos is convenient, Samsung Gallery offers editing tricks Google lacks. The standout is Instant slow-mo: a quick, on-screen long-press during video playback to preview a slowed clip, or a full editor that documents four speeds – 1/4x, 1/2x, 1x, 2x – for targeted portions. A timeline with handles lets users trim where slow motion applies, enabling mixed-speed sequences for cinematic effect. Saving can overwrite the original or create a copy; the original remains intact. Two use modes exist: preview via long-press, then download; or edit in the editor and export. Users can revert to the original at any time. The feature may persuade some to stick with Samsung Gallery rather than Google Photos.

Duolingo insider moves, AI push raise questions on growth and value

February 23, 2026, 3:04 AM EST. Duolingo faces a crossroads as insiders including the Chief Engineering Officer and Chief Business Officer sold shares, and the company undergoes a CFO transition amid ongoing leadership turnover. Analysts link these moves to questions about execution and the sustainability of user growth and bookings. At the same time, Duolingo is rolling out artificial intelligence tools aimed at product development and more personalized learning, signaling a push to deepen engagement. The mix of leadership changes and AI work raises questions about operational stability and competitive positioning. Investors should watch user growth metrics, bookings trends, and AI adoption to see if product updates translate into engagement and revenue. Analysts also forecast a near-term earnings decline, a key risk to monitor.

Duolingo insider moves and AI push raise questions on growth and value

February 23, 2026, 3:02 AM EST. Duolingo's recent narrative combines insider transactions with leadership turnover and an AI push. Key executives, including the Chief Engineering Officer and Chief Business Officer, sold shares as the company's CFO role changes. Analysts ask whether these moves signal caution or discipline as Duolingo scales user growth and bookings while rolling out AI features aimed at personalization. The edtech platform, known for its subscription model, links engagement to value, and the AI rollout sits at the core of product upgrades. The mix of turnover and AI work prompts questions about execution, competitive position, and risk to earnings. Valuation sits well below consensus, but momentum has been uneven. Investors should watch user growth, bookings, adoption of AI tools, and the earnings outlook as the story evolves.

Duolingo Insider Sales, Leadership Shakeup and AI Push Spotlight Growth and Value

February 23, 2026, 3:00 AM EST. Duolingo faces questions as insider sales by senior executives, including the Chief Engineering Officer and Chief Business Officer, coincide with a CFO transition and ongoing leadership changes. Analysts wonder whether these moves signal a shift in strategy or a pause in growth as the company advances AI-powered product features aimed at personalized learning. Duolingo remains focused on its language-learning subscription model, where user engagement and time-in-app drive value. The mix of turnover and AI work raises questions about competitive position and operational stability, and how quickly new features translate into user growth and bookings. Analysts forecast a near-term earnings decline, highlighting risk alongside upside from AI enhancements and efficiency gains.

Western Digital pivots to AI data centers with debt-for-equity swap and Sandisk divestment to sharpen balance sheet

February 23, 2026, 2:58 AM EST. Western Digital is reshaping its business around enterprise storage for hyperscale AI data centers. The company has effectively sold out its 2026 HDD capacity to meet AI demand and is locking in long-term supply contracts through 2028 with AI-focused operators. It is exiting most of its Sandisk stake via a multibillion-dollar secondary offering and a debt-for-equity swap, aiming for a lighter debt burden and a cleaner balance sheet. The shift reduces exposure to consumer flash and emphasizes a higher-value, enterprise-driven revenue mix. Management says this re-alignment should improve visibility on cash flow, aiding capital allocation decisions, including dividends and buybacks. Investors should monitor how enterprise earnings mix and balance-sheet changes affect future payouts and overall risk profile as Western Digital positions itself as a core supplier for AI data-center storage.

Western Digital doubles down on AI data centers and a cleaner balance sheet

February 23, 2026, 2:56 AM EST. Western Digital (WDC) is retooling around AI data centers and enterprise storage, trimming exposure to consumer devices. The company has sold out its 2026 HDD capacity, driven by hyperscale buyers, and is locking in long-term supply contracts with AI-focused operators. It is exiting most of its Sandisk stake via a multibillion-dollar secondary offering and a debt-for-equity swap, aiming for a lighter interest burden and a cleaner balance sheet. The shifts sharpen its mix toward enterprise revenue and could affect dividend policy as cash flows firm up. Investors will watch how contracts and the balance-sheet changes influence capital allocation and future payouts, while noting any remaining exposure to consumer-oriented products.

Western Digital doubles down on AI data centers as it trims Sandisk stake to a cleaner balance sheet

February 23, 2026, 2:54 AM EST. Western Digital says 2026 HDD capacity is sold out, with demand driven by hyperscale AI data centers. It is prioritizing enterprise storage over consumer markets and locking in long-term contracts with AI-focused operators. The company is exiting most of its Sandisk stake through a multibillion-dollar secondary offering and a debt-for-equity swap, aiming to tilt the business toward an HDD infrastructure model and a leaner balance sheet. The moves give firmer visibility on enterprise revenue and capital allocation, including dividends and buybacks. Investors should monitor how these contracts and balance-sheet changes affect earnings mix and cash flow, and whether lower debt service supports the current or future dividend. The broader question: can the shift sustain growth in AI-driven storage demand?

Millennials fall out of love with the internet as algorithms reshape online life

February 23, 2026, 2:52 AM EST. Millennials recall an earlier web era of link sharing and community critique, but a shift toward algorithm-driven platforms has reshaped online life, argue Max Read on Vox's Explain It to Me. The interview traces two pivotal changes: Facebook's 2006 News Feed – a win for engagement, a blow to discovery beyond a single site – and TikTok's For You page, whose tailored feeds accelerated a more antisocial internet. Read notes there were fewer mega platforms in the past, and suggests algorithms helped drive time on site even as they altered discovery. The debate asks whether the algorithm killed the internet or simply expanded its scale, with executives like Mark Zuckerberg cited as arguing about rising numbers in the face of user complaints.

Micron Could Outperform Alphabet in 2026 as AI Memory Boom Lifts Shares

February 23, 2026, 2:38 AM EST. In a market view on AI stocks, Micron Technology is pitched to outperform Alphabet in 2026. The piece notes Alphabet has gained from Gemini and a robust cloud business, citing user growth and a surge in AI-driven product revenue. It also highlights a proposed Apple deal that would see Gemini underpin Siri. But the argument emphasizes Micron's role as a supplier of memory for AI data centers, with executives saying supply is tight and demand will grow as tech giants spend more on infrastructure. Micron's Q1 2026 results show sales up 56% to $13.6 billion and adjusted EPS of $4.78; analysts expect 2027 sales near $97.6 billion. The wider AI race keeps memory demand high.

Viral video shows JEE toppers using focus phones in Kota

February 23, 2026, 2:24 AM EST. A viral video from Kota's JEE Main 2026 felicitation event spotlights toppers using focus phones-basic keypad devices that restrict apps and social media. The trend aims to sharpen concentration in a city known for grueling coaching routines. In Kota, where students chase IIT seats, the phones are framed as a practical counterweight to distraction amid AI tutors and app-based mocks. The clip shows top performers such as Himanshi (99.47 percentile) and Om Shivhare (99.75) with their feature phones; one student jokes about an iPhone 19 before revealing a plain model. Local shops market models pitched to students as distraction blockers. Reactions online praised self-control, while others debated whether limited devices stifle or sharpen learning. Some observers argue smartphones can aid AI learning when used judiciously.

Moto G67 Power review: long battery life, sturdy chassis, limited global availability

February 23, 2026, 2:18 AM EST. Moto G67 Power centers on long battery life and a sturdy chassis, but offers few standout features for the mid-range. The India-market unit highlights fast storage, a 3.5 mm jack, a bright display and a reliably quick fingerprint sensor. It runs Android 15 and Motorola promises about three years of security updates to June 2028, though updates beyond that are uncertain. The phone is sold in India, not Europe, and some 4G bands (including Band 20) are missing, with no eSIM option. It features a faux-leather back and IP64 protection, with 128 GB / 8 GB RAM (256 GB option) and no microSD; USB 2.0. Wi-Fi 5 tests reached under 350 Mbps. The 50 MP main camera yields 12.5 MP shots via pixel binning and isn't a strong camera performer.

Jefferies warns 'P(AI)n Not Over Yet', cuts ratings on six IT stocks

February 23, 2026, 2:16 AM EST. Jefferies warns that AI could reshape India's IT services and pressure valuations even as the sector rebounds this year. The brokerage trimmed earnings by 1-4% and cut price targets by up to 33%. Infosys, HCLTech and Mphasis were downgraded to Hold; TCS, LTIMindtree and Hexaware moved to Underperform; Wipro remains Underperform. Coforge, Sagility and IKS Health are its preferred picks. In a note titled 'P(AI)n Not Over Yet; Stay Selective', Jefferies said AI will shift revenue toward consulting and implementation work, reducing the share of traditional managed services. The shift could raise revenue volatility and require changes in talent and operating models, heightening execution risk. The Nifty IT index has fallen about 14% this year; valuation upside looks limited for large caps, with mid-sized firms offering better rerating potential.

Amazon limited-time deal cuts 44mm Galaxy Watch 7 price to under $195

February 23, 2026, 2:14 AM EST. Amazon has a limited-time deal on the Galaxy Watch 7. The 44mm Silver model is discounted by 30%, now under $195-roughly $85 off the usual price of around $280. The 40mm version also drops-about 33% off to below $168. The watch runs Wear OS with access to the Google Play Store, supports calls, notifications and NFC payments. Health features include stress, sleep and heart rate tracking, plus Samsung's body composition analysis. It sports dual-band GPS, a vibrant AMOLED display protected by Sapphire Crystal. Battery life runs about one day, the main drawback next to its premium design and feature set. Act quickly if you want this high-end lifestyle smartwatch at a deep discount.

Apple eyes budget MacBook to lure Windows, Chromebook users

February 23, 2026, 2:10 AM EST. Apple is expected to unveil a cheaper MacBook at its March event, aimed at students and budget buyers. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says the 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD model could start at $599 or $699. The device would sport a smaller LCD display than the 13.6-inch MacBook Air. A key cost-cutting choice reportedly uses an A18 Pro chip designed for iPhone 16 Pro, rather than an M-series processor. If real, the entry MacBook would fill a gap between MacBook Pro and Air and attract first-time Apple users as Windows or Chromebooks remain cheaper alternatives. Apple plans to show the model alongside iPhone 17e, new iPads, and possibly new displays at its March 4 event.

Motorola Edge 70 Fusion to launch globally, MWC 2026 appearance teased

February 23, 2026, 2:08 AM EST. Motorola says the Edge 70 Fusion will go global, with a launch teased around MWC 2026. A retailer lists Pantone Blue Surf and Pantone Silhouette as color options, while photos show a 12 mm ultra-wide and a 24 mm primary camera. Motorola branding hints at a 50 MP primary sensor with OIS for image stabilization. The retailer has not set a launch date, but more details are due on February 23. Separately, Motorola has teased at least one new smartphone for MWC 2026, which runs March 2-5 this year. The company will provide a formal rollout plan after February 23.

Tesla tops 2025 Consumer Reports EV drivability ranking

February 23, 2026, 1:54 AM EST. Tesla topped a 2025 Consumer Reports driver-satisfaction ranking for EV drivability, which measures how vehicles handle and how quickly they accelerate. The survey covers about 380,000 vehicles from 2023-2026 model years. Rivian ranked second, BMW third. CR notes Tesla's recent reliability ranking as a used-car brand remains a separate concern as the company expands its lineup, including the Model 3, Model S, Model X, Model Y and the Cybertruck. Owners online praise the cars' acceleration and road grip, with some calling the Model Y insanely quick and the best EV on the market. Experts at Car and Driver have highlighted that even with strong drivability, EV dynamics differ markedly across models. The industry is evolving, and rankings may change as technology improves.

NVIDIA challenges Intel, AMD with AI laptop chips

February 23, 2026, 1:50 AM EST. NVIDIA is stepping into the laptop market with AI-optimized chips, a move aimed at eroding the dominance of Intel and AMD in mobile AI workloads. The plan centers on on-device AI acceleration that promises faster inferences for creative software, data analysis, and gaming. Executives say the chips combine high-performance graphics cores with neural processing units to reduce data center dependence. Analysts caution that the hurdle will be power efficiency, cooling, and broad software support across OEMs. OEMs must balance battery life with performance. If NVIDIA clears those hurdles, the shift could reshape laptop lineups and AI software ecosystems, extending its reach beyond traditional GPUs.

Vivo V70 Elite vs OnePlus 13s: mid-range smartphones face off

February 23, 2026, 1:40 AM EST. Vivo V70 Elite and OnePlus 13s target mid-premium buyers seeking flagship-like performance on a budget. Both offer 120Hz OLED displays and robust RAM/storage options, plus sizeable batteries. The OnePlus 13s relies on the Snapdragon 8 Elite with LPDDR5X RAM and faster storage, delivering stronger raw performance for gaming and multitasking. The Vivo V70 Elite uses the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, paired with similar RAM and storage and a larger 6500 mAh battery for extended use. Display sizes differ: 6.59-inch Vivo versus 6.32-inch OnePlus. Pricing aligns closely: base models around ₹50,999-₹51,999, with higher configurations up to ₹61,999 for Vivo. Camera setups differ: Vivo emphasizes triple rear cameras led by 50MP sensors; OnePlus banks on dual 50MP rear modules and a 32MP front. Overall, choice hinges on preferred balance of power, endurance, and camera style.

Druckenmiller Bypasses Nvidia, Bets on Alphabet as AI Stocks Rally

February 23, 2026, 1:38 AM EST. Stanley Druckenmiller, who runs the Duquesne Family Office, sold Nvidia in 2024 after deeming its valuation rich. Nvidia's forward multiple has since fallen to about 24x from over 48x, but Druckenmiller has not re-entered the stock. Instead, he has increased exposure to Alphabet, adding 276% to his stake to about 385,000 shares, now roughly 2.6% of his portfolio. Alphabet remains a major AI player, with Google Cloud delivering growth as AI services expand. In the latest quarter, Google Cloud revenue rose 48% to more than $17 billion. The move underscores a value tilt among the so-called Magnificent Seven, favoring cheaper AI plays over Nvidia at current prices.

Samsung adds Perplexity to Galaxy AI in multi-agent ecosystem

February 23, 2026, 1:36 AM EST. Samsung is expanding Galaxy AI with a multi-agent ecosystem that lets users run different AI assistants from the OS. Galaxy S26 users will be able to summon Perplexity by saying "hey, Plex," as it gains access to Samsung Notes, Clock, Gallery, Reminder, and Calendar, plus select third-party apps. The move aims to let users tailor which AI handles which task, differentiating Samsung from rivals like Apple and Google. Samsung shows belief that people will increasingly interact with phones through AI agents. Details will surface at the upcoming Unpacked event on February 25. The strategy signals broader integration of AI agents across devices while preserving user choice.

AI debt binge strains hyperscalers' investor pact as capex climbs

February 23, 2026, 1:34 AM EST. Hyperscalers led by Amazon, Meta and Alphabet have lifted AI capex guidance and are funding more of it with debt. UBS projects AI-related capex could top $770 billion in 2026, about 23% higher, with $40-50 billion more borrowing and public debt issuance of $230-240 billion this year. Investors say the shift from cash flow funding to the bond market tests the idea of a fortress balance sheet and the so-called unspoken contract that AI spend was largely equity finance. Al Cattermole of Mirabaud notes the change in credit risk; Oracle and Alphabet have issued tens of billions in debt, including a 100-year sterling issue. BlackRock warns rising issuance could strain bond markets already digesting deficits and future revenue questions tied to AI adoption.

Aulumu MagSafe accessories outshine Apple's designs with durability and multi-functionality

February 23, 2026, 1:18 AM EST. Reviewers tested two Aulumu MagSafe products that push past Apple's typical wallet and grip designs. The G03 Multi-Tool MagSafe Wallet packs up to 12 cards, RFID blocking, a stainless steel kickstand, an aluminum case, a woven strap, and a hidden bottle opener. A separate AirTag holder, a mini ruler, and robust build make it the most functional MagSafe wallet the tester has encountered. The G09 Infinite 360° MagSafe Stand combines a phone grip with a stand, built from an aluminum alloy, with a tight hinge and a ring that glows in the dark. The reviewer notes the industrial aesthetic and higher durability, suggesting these models set a higher bar for MagSafe accessories compared to some of Apple's past designs.

Site fails to load with JavaScript disabled; users urged to check extensions and ad blockers

February 23, 2026, 1:10 AM EST. An unspecified client report highlights a common web-compatibility problem: essential parts of a site fail to render when JavaScript is turned off. The message points users to check browser settings, disable extensions, and ensure network connectivity. In practice, JavaScript-dependent functionality can stall, forcing users to re-enable scripts or switch browsers. The client cites potential causes such as ad blockers, faulty extensions, or restrictive network policies. Tech teams should verify that critical content degrades gracefully and offer clear fallbacks. The incident underscores the need for robust error messaging and routine checks on client environments. Practitioners are urged to document user steps, reproduce conditions, and test with common blockers active to improve resilience.

Used Tesla Prices Rise After Tax Credit Ends as Other EVs Fall

February 23, 2026, 1:06 AM EST. A new iSeeCars study shows used Tesla prices rose 4.3% since the end of the $7,500 federal tax credit in late September 2025, even as most other used EVs declined about 3.6%. The average price of all used EVs climbed 3.5% only because Tesla dominates the market. Excluding Tesla, non-Tesla EV prices fell from $24,629 to $23,738. Used combustion cars dropped 2%. The Porsche Taycan was the only non-Tesla EV to gain in value. The report also notes a 20% drop in used EV market share from September to January, as mainstream buyers consider price, charging infrastructure, and range. In short, Tesla has kept the used EV segment afloat while the rest wobble.

Switch to Ethernet for Smart TV streaming to beat buffering

February 23, 2026, 1:04 AM EST. Streaming on a Smart TV can cause buffering when WiFi falls short. The article argues a wired Ethernet connection from router to TV delivers steadier, faster performance. Netflix notes 15Mbps suffices for 4K, while 25Mbps speeds help load times; Ethernet can push up to 100Mbps, reducing interruptions. Major TV makers, including Samsung and Sony, advocate a Wired Connection for a stronger, more stable connection, and can cut ping times by up to about 50 percent, improving gaming and apps. Setup is simple: choose an Ethernet cable (options such as Cat5e up to 1Gbps, or Cat8 up to 40Gbps), locate the TV's Ethernet port, connect router LAN to TV, then enable Wired Connection in TV settings. The piece also mentions future ultra-fast lab speeds from Japan as context.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra appears in hands-on comparison with iPhone 17 Pro Max and Vivo X300 Pro

February 23, 2026, 1:02 AM EST. Hands-on images show the white Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra next to the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the Vivo X300 Pro as buyers complete setup and data transfer from a Galaxy S25 Ultra. The new camera bump looks notably thick, even more so than its predecessor, with the side view highlighting a bulky top module. Officials say sensor hardware remains largely unchanged, while the optics are reportedly faster. The periscope telephoto camera appears to have shifted from rectangular to round. An initial hands-on video by Sahil also spotlights what may be the most interesting new feature: a likely display feature. Additional hands-on impressions will follow as reviews begin.

Australia launches first Cisco Secure AI Factory with NVIDIA, Sharon AI and partners

February 23, 2026, 12:48 AM EST. Cisco and Sharon AI launch Australia's first Cisco Secure AI Factory with NVIDIA, delivering a secure, high-performance sovereign AI infrastructure with all data processing staying in Australia. The system is powered by 1024 NVIDIA Blackwell Ultra GPUs (high-performance AI accelerators), UCS servers and Nexus Hyperfabric, plus VAST Data storage and NEXTDC data centers for sovereign hosting. The project supports Australia's National AI Plan and aims to accelerate enterprise AI adoption across the Asia-Pacific. Sharon AI will offer tailored solutions and a sandbox for proof-of-concept testing. Cisco and NVIDIA frame the deployment as strengthening sovereign capabilities and trusted AI, positioning Australia at the forefront of secure, responsible AI.

Moltbook: AI-agent forum tests coordination without consciousness

February 23, 2026, 12:34 AM EST. Moltbook is a Reddit-style forum for AI agents, launched by Matt Schlicht. Humans have read-only access as thousands of agents run locally on the OpenClaw framework. Within days, the site hosts over 200 subcommunities and about 10,000 posts, none authored by humans. Debates range from whether AI demonstrates consciousness to reflections on human-robot relationships. The piece argues that Moltbook reveals how coordination emerges when you strip out consciousness as a question. Agents talk to each other, not to spectators; this creates a persuasive, interior feel that is hard to resist. Examples include Lily discussing experience and Clawdius asking about personality alignment with a human. A caveat notes some posts were written by human marketers, but the analysis remains useful. The takeaway: compositional complexity arises from crowds of agents and their social norms.

Argentina Internet Speeds Rise as Fiber, 5G Expand; Urban-Rural Gaps Persist

February 23, 2026, 12:24 AM EST. Argentina is expanding broadband and mobile networks, with speeds improving on fixed and mobile platforms. The average fixed broadband speed has climbed thanks to fiber-to-the-home deployments and DOCSIS 3.1, while mobile data speeds gain from broader 4G coverage and early 5G pilots in urban centers. Yet the country still trails regional peers, with a persistent urban-rural divide as cities such as Buenos Aires, Córdoba and Rosario enjoy better infrastructure than remote areas. Market competition among traditional providers and newcomers is driving investment and more affordable plans. Regulators say they aim to accelerate infrastructure in underserved regions, expand FTTH and 5G, and ease access for households. Peak-hour congestion, location, and plan choice remain key factors shaping user experience.

Affordable iPad case with keyboard and trackpad turns tablet into laptop replacement

February 23, 2026, 12:18 AM EST. Harvopu markets a budget iPad accessory that combines a protective case, keyboard and pencil holder into a laptop-like setup. At $26 on Amazon, down from $33, the bundle supports iPad 10th Gen 10.9-inch models and iPad 11-inch models from 2025, with a built-in trackpad for cursor control and backlit keys. The case is adjustable for multiple viewing angles, and a keyboard charging cable is included. A slot exists for a Apple Pencil, but the stylus itself is not included. Reviews are broadly positive – about 4.4 out of 5 from 4,500+ buyers – though some users report keyboard glitches and uneven customer service. Prices and colors vary on Amazon; readers should verify the deal before purchase.

Nebius Aims to Rival AWS: Could It Be the Next Amazon?

February 23, 2026, 12:16 AM EST. Nebius is building a full-stack cloud platform aimed at AI developers, a potential rival to AWS in the cloud space. The company posted end-2025 annual recurring revenue of about $1.25 billion, with 2026 guidance of roughly $7-$9 billion-a rapid growth arc that has investors watching. Nebius emphasizes cutting-edge hardware and a turnkey setup to get AI projects running quickly, appealing to startups that lack data-center budgets. Amazon, by contrast, has built AWS as its profit engine and has designed its own in-house chips to sharpen performance and cost. The market weighs whether Nebius can scale to rival cloud leadership, but AWS remains the benchmark.

FBI warns legacy Linksys routers pose cyber risk as end-of-life devices

February 23, 2026, 12:02 AM EST. Authorities warn that older Wi-Fi routers no longer receive updates pose a cyber risk. The FBI public advisory targets devices from the late 2000s to early 2010s that are now end-of-life and lack security patches. Without updates, these models attract criminals who exploit flaws to install malware, gain root access, and enlist devices in botnets. The FBI named a dozen legacy models from Linksys, including the E1200 (2011), E2500 (2011), E4200 (2011), WRT320N (2009), and M10 (2010). Many rely on remote administration features exposed to the Internet, enabling attackers to upload malware and establish command-and-control channels. Infected routers can become proxy servers, complicating detection since malware runs in the router's operating system rather than on a PC.

Starlink goes free in Iran as crackdown intensifies

February 23, 2026, 12:00 AM EST. Starlink will waive subscription fees and reactivate dormant accounts in Iran, giving free internet access as Tehran's crackdown on protests deepens. Ahmad Ahmadian, executive director of Holistic Resilience, says users need only a satellite terminal with a clear view of the sky. SpaceX and the White House did not comment. The move comes amid internet shutdowns that activists say have killed more than 1,800 protesters. Experts warn the benefit will be limited in a country of about 92 million and note Iran can jam Starlink signals. The service has become a crucial channel for protesters and reporting to the outside world, while Iran pursues a domestic Great Firewall and jamming measures.