Technology News 26.02.2026

Anthropic rejects Pentagon offer over safeguards on Claude use

February 26, 2026, 11:58 PM EST. Anthropic rejected the Pentagon's latest contract language, saying changes do not satisfy concerns that its AI, Claude, could enable mass surveillance or autonomous weapons. The two sides clash over restrictions on Claude's use within the military's classified network. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that failure to permit "all lawful purposes" could lead to cancelation of the $200 million deal and a designation of Anthropic as a supply chain risk. Anthropic described the new language as a compromise paired with legalese that would allow safeguards to be disregarded at will. In a Thursday blog post, CEO Dario Amodei reaffirmed that while he supports defending democracies, some use cases-such as mass surveillance and autonomous weapons-are outside today's safe-and-reliable capabilities. Pentagon did not respond to requests for comment.

Nothing to launch pink Phone 4a with Glyph Bar as London hype builds

February 26, 2026, 11:56 PM EST. Nothing says it will launch a pink variant of the Phone 4a series on March 5. The company is turning London pink with graffiti and posters tied to the color reveal, following a string of teasers for the Phone 4a. In a press release, Nothing described the pink colorway as expressive and optimistic, and as a nod to art, music, fashion and pop culture. Lucy Birley, Nothing's Color Material Finish lead, adds that pairing the pink with the brand's transparency gives depth and liveliness. The device is expected to include a Glyph Bar-a vertical LED strip beside the camera-continuing a design thread from the Phone 3a. CEO Carl Pei has teased a significant overhaul to cameras, display, and performance. Launch date: March 5.

LAUSD's $6 million Ed AI chatbot under federal probe into Superintendent Carvalho

February 26, 2026, 11:54 PM EST. LA Unified's $6 million AI chatbot, named Ed, was pitched as an educational assistant for LAUSD students. It promised to tutor homework, report school hours and guide college choices, but the tool was pulled offline in mid-2024 after questions about efficacy and dealmaking. The project is now at the center of a federal criminal inquiry into Alberto Carvalho, the district's superintendent, with FBI raids at his office, his San Pedro home and a Florida residence tied to Debra Kerr, a former AllHere consultant who sold Ed to LAUSD. Kerr says she wasn't paid the $630,000 fee. LAUSD officials say the Ed concept originated with Carvalho to help students recover from pandemic learning losses. Critics question transparency and value of the deal.

SpaceX to launch 29 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral before dawn

February 26, 2026, 11:52 PM EST. SpaceX plans a pre-dawn Falcon 9 launch from Cape Canaveral's SLC-40 to deploy 29 Starlink satellites. Liftoff is set for 5:20:50 a.m. EST (1020:50 UTC) on Friday, with Spaceflight Now providing coverage roughly an hour earlier. Forecasters forecast an 85% chance of acceptable weather during the four-hour window; a cold front could drop that to 30% if the mission slips to Saturday. After delivering the second stage, booster B1069 will target a landing on the drone ship A Shortfall of Gravitas in the Atlantic east of The Bahamas. This will be the 30th flight for B1069, SpaceX's 25th Falcon 9 launch this year, and the 607th Falcon 9 flight since 2010.

IDC: Smartphone sales to fall 12.9% in 2026 on RAM shortage and AI demand

February 26, 2026, 11:50 PM EST. IDC now expects smartphone sales to drop 12.9% in 2026, harsher than November's forecast of a 0.9%-5.2% decline, citing a RAM shortage that ripples through consumer electronics. Francisco Jeronimo, IDC's VP for Worldwide Client Devices, called the squeeze a 'tsunami-like' shock to the supply chain. The hit lands hardest at the low end, where higher component costs cannot be absorbed, with Middle East and Africa markets potentially down about 20.6% year over year. Apple and Samsung are expected to fare better as smaller Android vendors struggle. Memory demand tied to generative AI has tightened supply; much of this year's memory is already booked. Western Digital said it sold out for 2026. IDC foresees consolidation and a 14% rise in average selling price to $523; memory prices likely stabilize by mid-2027. The sub-$100 segment may be permanently uneconomical.

Amazon Canada slashes $400 smartwatch to $40; 26 more deals up to 90% off

February 26, 2026, 11:46 PM EST. A $400 smartwatch is marked down to $40 on Amazon Canada, part of a deals round-up offering reductions up to 90% off. The watch is labeled an "Amazon's Choice" option with built-in Alexa and tracks key metrics like sleep quality, steps, calories burned, and heart rate. It offers more than 100 sport modes, including yoga and cycling, and carries IP68 waterproof protection. With 1,500+ reviews, it averages 4.4 stars. The sale sits alongside 26 other discounted items on the page, spanning tech and accessories.

Anthropic keeps Claude Opus 3 accessible after retirement, preserves weights and API access

February 26, 2026, 11:42 PM EST. Anthropic outlines its model deprecation plan, noting the cost of keeping public access and potential impacts on safety and research. It commits to preserve model weights and to conduct retirement interviews to understand a model's perspective. Claude Opus 3, retired Jan. 5, 2026, becomes the first to test these commitments. The firm will keep Opus 3 available to paid users on claude.ai and offer access on the API by request, while also providing an ongoing channel for its essays and reflections. The approach seeks to balance costs with users, researchers, and the models' welfare. Released in March 2024, Opus 3 was noted for high alignment, authenticity, and a distinctive, thoughtful persona.

Block to cut more than 4,000 jobs as it leans on AI tools

February 26, 2026, 11:40 PM EST. Block, the parent company of Square and Cash App, will shrink its workforce from about 10,000 to just under 6,000. The plan relies on AI tools, including systems built on LLMs (large language models), to do more with fewer people. In a shareholder letter, CEO Jack Dorsey frames the move as consistent with a thesis that AI-driven tools change what a company can achieve. Block has piloted an internal AI agent codenamed goose and says intelligence will be central to decisions, risk management, product development and customer service. The 2025 fiscal year produced operating income of $1.71 billion. Earlier rumors suggested about 1,000 job cuts in 2024 and 2025, reflecting a pattern of deeper staff reductions as AI plans advance.

Public Decides AI in Films as Disclosures Loom

February 26, 2026, 11:38 PM EST. Hollywood confronts the growing use of AI in movies, from AI actors to short AI shorts. The piece argues that even perfect, indistinguishable AI films may not win viewers if audiences know they are AI-created. The author likens AI-crafted drama to seeing a real sports event replaced by a computer program, and notes that knowing the work is AI drains the experience. Legally, several jurisdictions push for disclosure: New York already requires AI-origin disclosure in ads with human images; the EU will require disclosure in all films from August 2026, likely in the end credits or main titles. A U.S. bill – the AI Labeling Act – would mandate clear, conspicuous disclosure and audible warnings if there is AI content. The industry could preempt federal rules with an AI-specific rating, guiding distributors and audiences.

Netflix shuns $83 billion Warner Bros. bid as AI reshapes studio bets

February 26, 2026, 11:34 PM EST. Netflix walked away from spending more than $83 billion on Warner Bros. Discovery assets, leaving Paramount Skydance to confront a debt-heavy bid. The decision followed a meeting between Co-CEO Ted Sarandos and White House officials, underscoring regulatory headwinds and strategic shifts. The move arrives as AI reshapes the economics of long-form entertainment. Disney's board recently tapped Josh D'Amaro to run Hollywood's biggest studio, noting a pivot from films toward in-person experiences and live events. Netflix, by contrast, preserves capital to confront AI competition, with about $5.5 billion in existing debt and a plan to deploy roughly $20 billion more on programming. Investors had flagged the deal's debt and regulatory risk; the shares' one-year high near $133 gave way to a ~43% slide, before an after-hours uptick.

How to snag Galaxy Buds 4 Pro for free during Galaxy S26 pre-order week

February 26, 2026, 11:26 PM EST. Samsung's Galaxy S26 pre-orders are live with big discounts via trade-in programs. A separate promo makes the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro effectively free when you buy the Galaxy S26+ or Galaxy S26 Ultra without trading in. Steps: select the S26+ or S26 Ultra, choose "No Get $150 Samsung Credit" in the trade-in option, add the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro in the accessories, then at checkout apply PAYPAL50 to deduct $50. The buds price sits at $45 before the code, so the total discount cancels the cost. The PAYPAL50 code requires PayPal checkout, though some reports show it works with cards too. This path offers the best non-trade-in deal on the phones and buds.

Onyx Boox Note Air5 C: Android 15 upgrade amid modest refinements

February 26, 2026, 11:24 PM EST. Onyx Boox's Note Air5 C updates its e-paper tablet line with an Android 15-based OS and three years of support, but reviewers say the hardware changes are modest. The company ships the Pen 3 with a storage cap for three nibs, though the cap is loose. Rear pogo pins enable a keyboard folio, with side buttons for page turns and volume. Performance remains solid, but the device shows lag on the on-screen keyboard and more with the folio, and some ghosting on image-heavy documents. The brighter screen at max brightness contrasts with weaker low/mid levels, and the magnet for the pen is not strong. At $529.99, it competes with the Go 10.3 and the reMarkable Paper Pro; color is the key differentiator, not a dramatic software uplift.

DJI faces U.S. pressure as Insta360 enters drone market

February 26, 2026, 11:22 PM EST. DJI has defined the U.S. drone market for more than a decade, but new regulatory scrutiny is clouding future product access. The company's ecosystem-batteries, controllers, firmware-supports professionals and rental houses, yet tighter national-security reviews and certification processes slow launches and planning. Insta360, famed for its 360 cameras and action imaging, is moving into aerial drones, offering post-flight reframing that could appeal to filmmakers seeking flexibility and potential 8K capture. The expansion signals a shift in how American buyers acquire imaging tools when a dominant player faces compliance hurdles. DJI dominance may waver as competitors test new models of access, timing, and post-production value.

Nvidia pulls 595.59 Game Ready Driver after fan issue on RTX 3000-5000 GPUs

February 26, 2026, 11:20 PM EST. Nvidia pulled the GeForce Game Ready Driver 595.59 after users reported that it only reads a single fan on RTX 3000-, 4000-, and 5000-series GPUs. The update, meant to optimize GPUs for Resident Evil Requiem, drew a report by ComputerBase that this occurred. Nvidia has removed the driver from its site; users who installed it should roll back. In GeForce Experience, open Drivers and use the three-dot menu to roll back; or in Windows Device Manager, go to Display adapters, open the GPU's Driver tab and choose Roll Back Driver. If rollback is unavailable, Nvidia recommends uninstalling the driver and reinstalling the latest release. The episode mirrors past driver hiccups tied to major game launches, underscoring the challenge of universal updates across varied PC configurations.

Lenovo Legion Go Fold leak hints at a foldable gaming handheld and Windows laptop

February 26, 2026, 11:16 PM EST. Lenovo's Legion Go Fold is a shapeshifting foldable that can function as a gaming laptop or a handheld, offering four form factors in one. Leaked images show a POLED display with a hinge in the middle, allowing it to unfold from 7.7 to 11.6 inches. The device can accept a keyboard and controllers, enable a vertical split-screen mode, or attach to a keyboard for laptop mode. The right-side controller doubles as a vertical FPS mouse and includes a built-in display that shows performance data and acts as a touchpad. Reported specs include an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V, 32GB RAM, and a 48 Whr battery. WindowsLatest says Lenovo may debut the concept at MWC in Barcelona next week, with commercial availability unclear.

Android 17 Beta 2 refreshes privacy icons, switches to circular status-bar indicators

February 26, 2026, 11:14 PM EST. Google's Android 17 Beta 2 refreshes status-bar privacy indicators, making location, camera and microphone icons bolder and circular. The update, released within two weeks of the first beta, emphasizes security. It replaces the previous pill-shaped chips with small circles; icons are larger inside and easier to spot. When multiple indicators are active, they share a single pill container, while the blue location tag remains separate. In the notification shade, icons appear as dots, as before. Google frames the change as a privacy tool to clearly show apps using personal data.

Redmagic Astra Tops Three Tablets with OLED, High Refresh and Cooling

February 26, 2026, 11:08 PM EST. Jowi Morales tests three tablets-6th-gen iPad, 13-inch iPad Air M2, and the Redmagic Astra-and the Redmagic becomes the main device. The 6th-gen iPad is useful for flight navigation but unwieldy for gaming on a small screen. The iPad Air M2 excels at photo editing and serves as a backup MacBook screen, but experiences screen dimming and thermal throttling under heavy apps like Lightroom. The Redmagic Astra, with a 9.06-inch OLED panel, peaks at 1600 nits (1000 nits typical), includes a built-in cooling fan and a 165 Hz refresh rate, delivering strong brightness and smooth visuals. Its smaller size and cooling enable it to dominate for entertainment and editing, reducing the author's use of the iPad Air.

0G and Stanford veterans launch $20M Apollo AI Accelerator

February 26, 2026, 11:06 PM EST. 0G Labs and Stanford blockchain veterans launched the Apollo AI Accelerator, a 10-week program offering up to $2 million per project, plus $200,000 in Google Cloud credits and special access to Privy, a production-grade wallet infrastructure acquired by Stripe. Built with Blockchain Builders Fund (BBF), the program funds revenue-generating AI apps on decentralized infrastructure. Each selected team gets 1:1 mentorship from Stanford veterans, 0G protocol engineers, Google builders and investors, plus structured training on AI best practices, product-market fit, go-to-market strategies, tokenomics, and governance. Demo Day pitches connect teams with global VCs, followed by an alumni network in Stanford's blockchain ecosystem. Apollo sits atop 0G's Aristotle mainnet, which has processed millions of zero-fee transactions with partners like Chainlink and Ledger.

M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro: What to Expect

February 26, 2026, 11:02 PM EST. Apple is targeting a next-gen MacBook Pro lineup with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, possibly announced next week before the March 4 Special Experience. The design is not expected to change from current M4 models, with 14-inch and 16-inch options. The M5 family runs on TSMC's 3-nanometer process, delivering about 20% faster multi-core CPU performance and up to 30% faster GPU versus M4. A 16-core Neural Engine and improved memory bandwidth should boost AI tasks and efficiency; SSD speeds may rise too. Some observers say patience pays, noting an OLED/touch-enabled MacBook Pro with Dynamic Island and future M6 Pro/Max chips could arrive later. Launch could be via a press release next week.

UK CAP issues Enforcement Notice on loot boxes in ads and app-store listings

February 26, 2026, 10:58 PM EST. Britain's CAP, part of the Advertising Standards Authority, issued an Enforcement Notice requiring clear, prominent disclosure of loot boxes in ads and on App Store and Google Play pages. The regulator says listings must show loot-box features so players don't have to click or scroll to find the information. Publishers have three months to review ads and listings; from May 26, 2026, CAP will actively monitor and pursue targeted enforcement if rules aren't followed. Wording such as "includes random-item purchases" or "contains loot boxes" is likely compliant when placed prominently. CAP argues loot boxes are material information that affects a consumer's decision. Platform holders were not singled out; publishers are responsible for compliance, with Apple and Google notified. Joseph Cahill reiterated the industry-wide deadline and consumer protection aim.

NASA SpaceX Crew-11 astronaut Fincke provides update after in-flight medical event

February 26, 2026, 10:52 PM EST. NASA said astronaut Mike Fincke, a member of SpaceX Crew-11, experienced a medical event on the ISS on Jan. 7 that required immediate attention from crewmates. The crew returned to Earth earlier than planned, splashing down off San Diego on Jan. 15 to receive imaging and care unavailable in orbit. Fincke expressed gratitude to Expedition 74 teammates, as well as NASA, SpaceX, and the medical team at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla. He remains in standard post-flight care at Johnson Space Center in Houston. Scripps Health issued a statement noting its role in the mission, illustrating ongoing collaboration between space agencies and medical facilities in space medicine.

Ethereum targets high-speed 'internet of value' by 2029, Strawmap outlines roadmap

February 26, 2026, 10:50 PM EST. Ethereum Foundation's newly released Strawmap sketches a 2029 path for the network. It is a draft, not a binding plan, but it signals researchers' preferred direction. The five ambitions: near-instant finality (the point at which a transaction becomes irreversible), dramatically higher throughput, built-in privacy, quantum-resistant cryptography and tighter integration between the base layer and its Layer 2 ecosystem. The goal: faster, more scalable, more private, durable. Buterin has argued that finality could move from about 16 minutes to roughly 6-16 seconds, enabling large value moves. The Layer 2 debate shifts toward a balanced future where the base layer strengthens and rollups take on more specialized roles. Justin Drake calls Strawmap a planning tool that informs research well ahead of governance.

BYD outsells Tesla in Australia in January, signaling EV market shift

February 26, 2026, 10:48 PM EST. Electrek analyzed figures from Australia's Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries showing BYD outsold Tesla 10-to-1 in January (5,001 vs 501). BYD's year-over-year jump hit 641%, while Tesla fell 32% in the same period. The Australian EV market is expanding, with adoption up about 93% year over year. BYD's Sealion 7 became the country's best-selling electric vehicle by May, underscoring a shift from Tesla's earlier lead that began to fade in 2025. Tesla margin weakness also surfaces in TechCrunch figures, which place profits down roughly 46% from a year earlier. Industry observers note BYD's aggressive pricing and broader model range as drivers, and some investors remain skeptical about Musk's broader AI/robotics bets while others expect growing American-Chinese partnerships amid tariffs.

Nvidia posts $120 billion profit; investors wary as AI boom tests markets

February 26, 2026, 10:46 PM EST. Nvidia reported $120 billion in profit last year, including $43 billion in the quarter to January, even as its stock fell more than 5%. With a market cap near $4.5 trillion, the drop shaved about $256 billion from value in a single session. The move underlines the AI scare trade sweeping some corners of the market, where gains cluster around a few megacaps. Nvidia says the growth story stays intact, citing an inflection in AI demand and rising compute needs. The chips' dominance reinforces a market reliant on a single driver, prompting questions about AI's durability, pricing power, and whether the current boom resembles a bubble.

Google signs multibillion-dollar AI chip deal with Meta, Information reports

February 26, 2026, 10:44 PM EST. Meta Platforms has signed a multi-year deal to rent Google's Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) to develop new AI models, The Information reported, citing a person involved in the talks. The arrangement is described as multibillion-dollar in value. Neither Google nor Meta immediately commented to Reuters. The pact underscores the industry push to secure specialized hardware for training and inference at scale.

Anthropic pushes back on DoD demands; threats do not shift stance on AI models

February 26, 2026, 10:40 PM EST. Anthropic chief Dario Amodei said the company cannot in good conscience let the Department of Defense use its models in all lawful uses without limitation, despite threats to label Anthropic a supply-chain risk or to invoke the Defense Production Act. The DoD seeks access for all lawful purposes, while Anthropic wants assurances the models won't enable fully autonomous weapons or mass domestic surveillance. Amodei said the department's prerogative to pick contractors remains, but the startup values its technology for warfighters and hopes the DoD reconsiders. Pentagon officials, including Pete Hegseth, pressed for a Friday deadline after a Tuesday meeting; a last and final offer arrived Wednesday. The DoD says it has no interest in autonomous weapons or mass surveillance and insists on lawful use.

Man says he accidentally hacked 7,000 DJI Romo vacuums; DJI fixes vulnerability

February 26, 2026, 10:38 PM EST. CNN's Clare Duffy spoke with Sammy Azdoufal, who says he accidentally hacked thousands of DJI Romo vacuums while trying to link the devices to a PlayStation controller, granting access to other users' microphone audio and video streams. DJI says the issue has since been resolved and offered no further comment. The account highlights potential risks in internet-connected home gear when apps and hardware fail to authenticate tightly. Azdoufal described the experience as unintended, not a crime, and did not report further consequences. The episode may renew focus on update practices and user vigilance for smart-home devices, as vendors review how authentication and firmware updates protect customers.

SpaceX Falcon 9 set for Friday sunrise launch from Cape Canaveral

February 26, 2026, 10:36 PM EST. SpaceX plans a Falcon 9 launch Friday from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, carrying 29 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit. The 4:52 a.m.-8:52 a.m. eastern window overlaps sunrise at 6:49 a.m. Liftoff will head southeast from Launch Complex 40; the first stage aims to land on the drone ship A Shortfall of Gravitas, with no Central Florida sonic booms. It will mark the 14th orbital launch of 2026 from the Space Force site and NASA's Kennedy Space Center; Florida logged a record 109 launches last year. A follow-on Starlink mission is planned for Sunday, March 1, from LC-40, with a 7:07 p.m.-11:07 p.m. window. Live coverage begins about 90 minutes before liftoff at floridatoday.com/space. Source: Florida Today Space Team.

Tesla's own math shows robotaxis four times worse than humans, with redactions masking details

February 26, 2026, 10:32 PM EST. Tesla's latest safety report says its Model Y autonomous driving system logged five additional crashes in Austin from December 2025 to January 2026, including a stationary crash into a bus and backing into fixed objects at low speeds. The incidents come in a city where Tesla's robotaxis fleet has reached roughly 700,000-800,000 paid miles, yielding about one crash every 57,000 miles, vs. an average driver's minor collision every 229,000 miles. Tesla also redacts crash details under a confidentiality clause with NHTSA, unlike rivals Waymo and Zoox. Tesla argues, using its own metrics, that humans are safer-and in its own accounting that autopilot is four times worse than human driving. The report's numbers highlight gaps in public data and the legal shield around crash disclosures.

Anthropic's enterprise AI suite prompts caution on real-world adoption, analysts say

February 26, 2026, 10:24 PM EST. Anthropic on Tuesday unveiled a new suite of enterprise AI offerings, part of a wave of capabilities touted by labs such as Google, Anthropic, and OpenAI that have unsettled investors about whether AI can supplant core software. But Dan Ives of Wedbush warned the path from demos to paid adoption is not straightforward. He highlighted three issues: first, market conflates foundation-model capability with full enterprise software replacement; second, autonomous AI tools increase the attack surface-more APIs, identities, and cloud workloads requiring stronger security and automation; third, Anthropic/OpenAI lack long-running CIO relationships and distribution networks, with CRM, NOW, and MSFT sitting at the application layer where business logic lives. In short, a demo does not equal a product that changes spending habits, and investor nerves may persist.

Tecno unveils ultra-slim modular phone concept with magnetic interconnection at MWC

February 26, 2026, 10:20 PM EST. Tecno has sketched a modular phone concept built on its Modular Magnetic Interconnection Technology, shown at MWC as a platform for future hardware. The line features two editions: the Atom Edition (silver and red) and the Moda Edition (dark gray and gold). Both phones measure 4.9mm thick, with a precision rectangular magnetic array to attach add-on modules. Tecno uses pogo pins for power delivery, claiming cooler operation than wireless charging, and a Power Bank module that adds battery life. Data moves differently by module: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for simple accessories, or high-speed links like mmWave for modules such as an Action Camera or Telephoto Lens. The project remains prototype; Tecno hints at a broader ecosystem if adopted by others.

Meta files lawsuits against four scam advertisers, celeb-bait crackdown

February 26, 2026, 10:18 PM EST. Meta says it will file lawsuits against four scam advertisers who impersonated celebrities to lure users into fraudulent healthcare schemes and courses. The company says it worked with law enforcement in the UK and Nigeria, resulting in seven arrests, and has taken technical steps-suspending payment methods, disabling accounts, blocking domains, and sharing data with industry partners-to disrupt the operation. The effort targets celeb bait ads that misuse public figures' images and forms part of a program protecting the images of more than 500,000 celebrities worldwide. Named defendants include Brazil-based Vitor Lourenço de Souza and Milena Luciani Sanchez; B&B Suplementos e Cosméticos Ltda. (Brites Corp) and related entities; and China's Shenzhen Yunzheng Technology Co., Ltd. Meta also pursues cloaking-related fraud and explains its detection and removal of such ads.

Apple age verification in iOS 26.4 beta 2 prompts UK users to confirm age in seconds

February 26, 2026, 10:10 PM EST. Apple's latest iOS 26.4 beta 2 for UK users adds an age verification step. After installation, Settings may prompt users to prove they are 18+. If age cannot be determined, a scan of a credit card or photo ID may be requested. In one test, the check completed in under 30 seconds, with a prompt appearing in Settings and a single tap to continue finishing the process. The move follows the UK's Online Safety Act, which requires services to verify users' age for unrestricted content access. Apple says it may infer age automatically from data such as payment methods or account age. Privacy advocates argue the system should verify once and inform developers, not collect IDs repeatedly. 9to5Mac frames the feature as evidence that Apple could take on the verification role.

Nvidia Shield TV gets 9.2.4 update with Disney+ fix, broader model support

February 26, 2026, 10:04 PM EST. Nvidia has released Shield Experience Upgrade 9.2.4 for Shield TV and Shield TV Pro, delivering a slate of bug fixes and security patches. The update resolves long-standing issues including Disney+ playback problems, CEC control glitches, sleep-mode remote connectivity, and Bluetooth disconnections. Nvidia says the patch applies to all Shield TV models, including the original 2015 hardware, underscoring continued support for the decade-old device. The security patch level now shows January 2026. Users on the Nvidia Shield TV subreddit and official forums report improved stability. To install, go to Settings > Device Preferences > About > System Upgrade. Separately, an Nvidia executive suggested the company is exploring new hardware in the Shield TV lineup.

Tesla sues California DMV over 'false advertiser' label after Autopilot controversy

February 26, 2026, 10:02 PM EST. Tesla is suing the California Department of Motor Vehicles after the agency labeled the company a 'false advertiser' for marketing its vehicles' driver-assist features as 'Autopilot' and 'Full Self-Driving.' The lawsuit, filed Feb. 13, argues the DMV unfairly subjected Tesla to blame without proving customers were misled about human oversight. A 2025 ruling by California's Office of Administrative Hearings found Tesla's claims deceptive, noting Autopilot and FSD fall under NHTSA Level 2 automation, not full autonomy. Tesla seeks to overturn that label and restore the right to use 'Autopilot' in ads. The case comes amid ongoing regulatory scrutiny of how automakers describe automated features and how safety standards are defined for consumer marketing.

MWC 2026 preview: Tecno Modular Phone, Motorola Razr Fold lead three-device lineup

February 26, 2026, 9:58 PM EST. Three devices headline the MWC 2026 preview. Tecno's Modular Magnetic Phone pushes a true modular design, stacking ten magnetic attachments-camera options, battery expansion, a game controller-while keeping the base frame slim. Motorola's Razr Fold enters as a book-style foldable with a price aim that undercuts rivals, potentially around £1,500, a key break in foldable pricing. Honor's Magic V6 also surfaces for the show, delivering premium folding hardware and competing on balance and value. The event's tone remains cautious: large world-first launches are unlikely, but the Barcelona floor should reveal concrete product concepts and practical ecosystems around modularity and folding. Expect questions about durability, access to accessories, and real-world usability as manufacturers balance ambition with market realities.

RAM shortage drags smartphone market as IDC forecasts record decline and higher prices

February 26, 2026, 9:56 PM EST. IDC projects smartphone shipments to fall 12.9% in 2026, the steepest decline in more than a decade, as a RAM shortage tightens supply and lifts prices. The firm also sees the average selling price rising about 14% to a record $523. IDC senior researcher Nabila Popal says memory costs won't return to prior levels, rendering the sub-$100 segment uneconomical. The crunch extends beyond phones, with AI giants buying chips for datacenters. Apple and Samsung could gain share as smaller brands exit. Rumors point to a budget edition of the iPhone dubbed the iPhone 17e. Some product launches, including the PlayStation 6 and Meta's next headset, may be delayed as suppliers recalibrate.

Client Challenge: JavaScript disabled blocks site loading

February 26, 2026, 9:54 PM EST. A site error appears when JavaScript is disabled in a browser, blocking essential functions from loading. The on-page message instructs users to enable scripting, check their connection, disable ad blockers, or try a different browser. The incident illustrates how many online services rely on client-side scripting to render content and interactive features; when scripting is blocked, pages degrade or fail to load. For operators, the steps are familiar: verify network conditions, confirm scripting is enabled, audit third-party blocks, and test across browsers and devices. The prompt also highlights the ongoing tension between privacy controls and smooth web functionality, a balance that affects user experience and support workflows for error resolution.

Mac hardware praised, but macOS 26 draws fire from pundits

February 26, 2026, 9:52 PM EST. Jason Snell's annual Six Colors report card aggregates 56 commentators, rating Mac hardware highly (average 4.5) but giving macOS 26 a poor score (2.7). Respondents describe hardware as so good it's almost boring-the M4 Pro MacBook Pro runs cool, quiet and power-efficient. By contrast, critics fault Tahoe for churn in the user interface, with John Siracusa calling it the worst UI update in Mac history and Christina Warren saying she would not run it at all outside work. The full report card, and 9to5Mac's take, frame a split between celebrated hardware and criticized software. Apple faces pressure to modernize macOS without sacrificing reliability, as developers and pundits debate whether future MacBook redesigns will align with the OS overhaul.

Metacritic pulls fake AI-written Resident Evil 9 review from Videogamer

February 26, 2026, 9:44 PM EST. Metacritic pulled the Resident Evil Requiem review from Videogamer after readers identified the byline as a fake AI journalist. Videogamer's human masthead reportedly vanished last week; Kotaku cites sources saying the site has since published apparent genAI content. The outlet, once bought by BGFG and later sold to a gambling SEO firm, had rated RE9 9/10 this week. Readers said the piece reeked of AI writing, and the listed author, Brian Merrygold, appeared to be invented, complete with an AI profile image. The text is heavy on clichés and light on gameplay specifics. Metacritic cofounder Marc Doyle told Kotaku that the reviews from Videogamer were removed. Andrés Aquino of Gfinity flagged the suspicious author profile on X. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about content provenance and quality control on review aggregators.

Nvidia: gaming-chip shortage to persist through year-end, weighing gaming business

February 26, 2026, 9:36 PM EST. Nvidia expects the global shortage of gaming chips to persist through year-end, as CFO Colette Kress told analysts on Wednesday. She said supply will remain tight for a couple quarters even as demand stays robust for AI and data-center components. The tight supply is set to weigh on Nvidia's gaming revenue in the current quarter and beyond. The memory-chip shortage, driven by AI capacity growth, has raised prices and redirected manufacturing priorities toward higher-margin data-center chips, constraining supply for consumer devices such as smartphones, PCs and gaming consoles. Nvidia GPUs power PC gaming and are used in Nintendo Switch; PlayStation and Xbox use AMD hardware. TrendForce sees the console market falling about 4.4% this year, deeper than earlier forecasts.

Huawei unveils Watch GT Runner 2 and FreeBuds Pro 5 at Madrid event

February 26, 2026, 9:34 PM EST. The Now is Your Run event in Madrid showcased Huawei's latest wearables: the Watch GT Runner 2 and the FreeBuds Pro 5, part of a broader lineup that includes the Band 11 series and Watch Ultimate 2 Green Edition. Huawei says the watch results from five years of research and features a 3D floating antenna for improved GPS positioning, delivering better tracking in tunnels or shade. It weighs 43.5 g, uses nanomolded titanium, and ships with an upgraded AirDry strap for breathability and sweat resistance. An on-wrist Curve Pay completes contactless payments. UK pricing starts at £349.99, or £319.99 with a coupon through April 19, plus a free extra strap. The FreeBuds Pro 5 target high-end rivals such as Samsung's Galaxy Buds 4 Pro.

Block cuts 40% of staff citing AI tools; CEO says most companies will follow

February 26, 2026, 9:28 PM EST. Block, the company behind Square, Cash App and Afterpay, is cutting its staff by 40%, reducing the workforce to just under 6,000. Co-founder and CEO Jack Dorsey said the move relies on intelligence tools and that a smaller, highly skilled team using AI can do more. He predicted most companies will follow suit within a year. CFO Amrita Ahuja framed the decision as moving faster with smaller, highly talented teams using AI to automate more work. Block noted the cuts aren't tied to weak demand; gross profit is growing. Shares jumped as much as 24% after the announcement. Severance ranges from 20 weeks or more, with equity vesting through May, six months of health care and an extra $5,000 for some employees.

Amazon Leo satellite network could connect millions in rural Africa

February 26, 2026, 9:20 PM EST. Beard said Amazon's Leo constellation could deliver connectivity anywhere in Africa and eventually worldwide. He argued the system would raise connection quality, offer a faster link, reduce costs, simplify installation, and make service feasible in far-flung areas. The remarks underscore a push to use satellite tech to close rural digital gaps, with Leo seen as a complement to terrestrial networks. If deployed, the project could accelerate timelines for bringing internet access to millions across difficult-to-reach regions.

Nvidia says it's the world's largest networking company as data-center momentum grows

February 26, 2026, 9:18 PM EST. Nvidia reported blowout results, led by its data center business, with networking now accounting for about $11 billion in revenue, up 263% year over year. The quarter beat on both top and bottom lines and guided Q1 above consensus, though the stock slid in early trading amid AI-sector angst. CEO Jensen Huang called the move 'we're now the largest networking company in the world.' Nvidia's networking hinges on three pillars: scale-up, scale-out and scale-across, using NVLink, InfiniBand and Spectrum-X to connect chips, racks and data centers. The firm highlighted partnerships such as AWS pairing Trainium with NVLink Fusion to run racks as single computers. Momentum for Spectrum-X remains, as customers unify distributed data centers into giga-scale AI factories.

IDC: Smartphone market set for biggest decline in 2026 amid memory-price surge

February 26, 2026, 9:16 PM EST. IDC says the global smartphone market faces its largest drop on record in 2026, with shipments sliding 12.9% to 1.12 billion. The driver is a surge in memory prices, as AI infrastructure builds pull DRAM away from consumer devices. Apple and Samsung are favored to gain share while budget Android makers struggle or exit. IDC notes the average selling price could rise about 14% to a record $523 as vendors pivot to higher-margin models. A gradual recovery is expected in 2027 and 2028, but the analyst warns the market may not return to prior norms. The sub-$100 segment, about 171 million devices, may become permanently uneconomical even after prices stabilize mid-2027.

Android 17 Beta 2 rolls out to Pixel devices in accelerated timeline

February 26, 2026, 9:12 PM EST. Google has begun rolling out Android 17 Beta 2 to Pixel devices less than two weeks after the initial Beta. The accelerated schedule underscores a push to test features sooner. Highlights in Beta 2 include Bubbles for long-pressing launcher icons, a new Bubble bar on large screens, and the EyeDropper API for picking pixel colors without screen-capture permissions. Also added are a system-level Contacts Picker, Touchpad Pointer Capture that mimics mouse input, and an Interactive Chooser for better layout. On connectivity, Google adds a cross-device Handoff API and privacy-focused updates like SMS OTP protection and the new ACCESS_LOCAL_NETWORK permission. The release notes also reference fixes for a prior platform stability regression and a UI layout issue reported earlier.

Georgia bill would require AI-powered weapon detectors in all public schools

February 26, 2026, 9:10 PM EST. Georgia lawmakers passed a bill to require weapon detectors at every public school entrance. The plan, which would rely on AI-powered screening, now travels to the state Senate before Gov. Brian Kemp signs it. Some districts already deploy related tech; Dade County Schools cite an Avigilon system funded by e-SPLOST grants that alerts staff and resource officers. Walker County Schools says grants help fund the tools, while Rep. Mike Cameron notes a $50,000 allocation to expand access. Critics, including educators who warn that weapons have entered schools, call for clarity on funding and implementation. If approved, the bill would set a uniform standard across Georgia public schools and could begin in the upcoming school year.

Huawei GT Runner 2 GPS Accuracy Review: Testing a New Antenna Design

February 26, 2026, 9:08 PM EST. Huawei rolled out the GT Runner 2 with a new GPS/GNSS antenna design the company calls the headline feature. In Madrid, Huawei staged a running-focused briefing with side-by-side tests against rivals including the Garmin Forerunner 970 and the Apple Watch Ultra 3, labeling the competitors for reference. The review centers on GPS accuracy, aiming to validate or debunk the claims amid broader software upgrades such as training-load metrics, RAI (Running Ability Index), running power, and dynamic training plans. Hardware highlights include a titanium alloy case, a 3,000-nit Kunlun glass display, and 32 hours GPS time plus up to 14 days in smartwatch mode, at 43.5 g and 10.7 mm thickness. Price is €399 / £349.

Google launches Nano Banana 2 AI image generator with faster rendering and expanded outputs

February 26, 2026, 9:06 PM EST. Google unveiled Nano Banana 2, an AI image generator that touts faster rendering and richer visuals. The company says it can render up to five characters at once and manage as many as 14 objects per workflow, with improved textures and vibrant lighting for visual storytelling. It also broadens aspect ratios and resolutions from 512px square to 4K widescreen. Google provided several prompts as demonstrations, including educational flat-lay infographics explaining the water cycle and artwork in bright synthetic cubism. Analysts note these claims mirror advances seen in past Nano Banana revisions, though the samples shown are handpicked and not exhaustive. The release signals Google's push to speed up creative workflows while expanding output options for AI-assisted imagery.

Apple's iPhone and iPad certified to handle NATO-classified data without third-party add-ons

February 26, 2026, 9:04 PM EST. Apple announced that the iPhone and iPad are officially approved to access classified NATO information without third-party security software. Running iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, these devices join the NATO Information Assurance Product Catalogue following prior German government approval by the BSI. Apple says the certification covers stock hardware with core features such as best-in-class encryption, Face ID and Touch ID for authentication, and Memory Integrity Enforcement baked into Apple Silicon. The company frames the move as a continuation of secure mobile design, echoing comments from Ivan Krstić. Analysts note the parallel to FedRAMP ATO for U.S. agencies and credit Apple's native security architecture rather than add-on solutions. The result: a consumer device certified for use in NATO environments across member nations.

Florida Senate approves data center rules amid AI policy debate

February 26, 2026, 9:00 PM EST. The Florida Senate unanimously passed SB 484 to curb potential rate hikes and water-use impacts from large data centers, a move designed to protect consumers as the state lures more climate-controlled server farms for artificial intelligence. The bill would require utility regulators to guard against higher electricity prices and barr government employees from signing nondisclosure agreements with data-center operators. It also directs water districts to avoid permits if use could harm resources and mandates local officials to alert residents when a project is under consideration, while keeping the exact site confidential for up to 12 months. Gov. Ron DeSantis frames it as guardrails for the industry, even as the House has yet to reconcile differences and a broader AI-bill may face headwinds after Trump's federal push.

TECNO unveils Modular Magnetic Interconnection concept for smartphones

February 26, 2026, 8:58 PM EST. TECNO is testing a modular smartphone concept ahead of Mobile World Congress. The base phone is about 4.9mm thick, with magnetic modules that attach to the back. A Power Bank module adds battery life with a 4.5mm profile, keeping the footprint close to standard. A Telephoto Lens module is a standalone camera that uses the phone's display as a viewfinder. Connectivity relies on a rectangular magnetic array and pogo pins, plus WiFi, Bluetooth, and mmWave between modules for higher bandwidth and lower latency. Public descriptions cover three modules-Telephoto Lens, Power Bank, and Action Camera-plus hints of a gamepad and other wireless pieces. TECNO has shown two designs, Atom and Moda; no specs or launch date yet.

C3 AI shares tumble after 26% layoff and widened loss

February 26, 2026, 8:56 PM EST. C3 AI shares fell 17% after it missed fiscal Q3 targets and unveiled a broad restructuring that cuts 26% of its global workforce. Revenue came in at $53 million, far short of LSEG forecasts of $76 million, and the company posted a 40-cent loss per share versus an expected 29 cents. CEO Stephen Ehikian said the cost structure was 'simply too high' and the plan will also cut non-employee expenses by about 30% to lift operating efficiency. The company guided Q4 revenue of $48-$52 million and an operating loss of $56-$64 million, both below forecasts. Citizens downgraded C3 AI to market perform as competition intensifies. Since its 2020 IPO, the stock has fallen from about $180 to roughly $10.

TECNO previews modular phone concept with magnetic add-ons ahead of MWC

February 26, 2026, 8:52 PM EST. Ahead of Mobile World Congress, TECNO unveiled a concept called Modular Magnetic Interconnection Technology. The base phone is listed at 4.9mm thick, designed to accept magnetic modules on the back via a precision rectangular magnetic array and pogo pins. A Power Bank module at about 4.5mm keeps the overall profile near that of a standard smartphone. A Telephoto Lens module offers a standalone camera system that uses the phone's display as a viewfinder. TECNO sketches about 10 modules, including an Action Camera and what appears to be a gamepad plus additional wireless/communication modules using WiFi, Bluetooth and mmWave for higher bandwidth and lower latency. Two versions, Atom and Moda, remain concept-only.

C3 AI cuts 26% of workforce, posts wider loss; stock slides to record low

February 26, 2026, 8:50 PM EST. C3 AI's stock sank about 17% after its third-quarter results missed estimates and the company unveiled a broad restructuring. The plan eliminates 26% of its global workforce and cuts 30% of non-employee costs to improve operating efficiency, CEO Stephen Ehikian said. Revenue for the quarter was $53 million versus estimates of $76 million, and the company posted a loss of $0.40 per share, versus $0.29 expected. In a regulatory filing, C3 AI projected fourth-quarter revenue of $48-$52 million, well below a consensus of about $78 million, and a fourth-quarter operating loss of $56-$64 million. The shares have traded around $10, after peaking near $180 following its 2020 IPO. Ehikian took over in September after Thomas Siebel stepped down.

Oppo's Find N6 targets a creaseless folding display, edging toward Samsung and Apple

February 26, 2026, 8:26 PM EST. Oppo is readying its foldable flagship, the Find N6, with a near-invisible crease on its inner LTPO AMOLED display and a book-style design. A new hinge and a flexible glass layer keep the panel taut as it opens. The device is said to run the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 with up to 16GB RAM and 1TB of storage, powered by a large 5,800-6,000mAh battery and fast wired charging. On the back, a 200MP main camera with Hasselblad tuning and multiple secondary cameras cover ultrawide and telephoto. It will run ColorOS on Android. Debuts in China are planned, with a March 2026 global launch. Apple is also rumored to reveal a creaseless foldable; Samsung showcased one at CES earlier this year.

Galaxy S25 update rolls out worldwide after Galaxy S26 debut

February 26, 2026, 8:20 PM EST. Samsung is rolling out the February 2026 security patch to the Galaxy S25 family, hours after the Galaxy S26 launch. The S25, S25+, S25 Ultra, S25 FE and S25 Edge began the update in Korea and are expanding across Asia and Europe, with build numbers ending in BZB5 or AZB6 depending on model. The update is available via Settings > Software update. Samsung could use this wave as a last security patch before it starts public One UI 8.5 distribution, as the developer builds for S26 reach more regions. For now, the company says the security patch rollout is still accelerating and was previously limited to a small number of devices. The timeline for One UI 8.5 remains unclear.

Resident Evil Requiem on Nintendo Switch 2: DLSS boosts resolution but frame-rate uneven, tech analysis

February 26, 2026, 8:16 PM EST. Digital Foundry-backed analysis shows Resident Evil Requiem on Nintendo Switch 2 delivering PS5-like visuals, aided by DLSS. Frame rate remains the primary concern, uneven in busier scenes. Notable findings: docked resolution around 540p, handheld ~360p; final output can approach 1080p thanks to DLSS, while the UI stays at 1080p and PS5 runs at 4K. No ray tracing on Switch 2. Textures and character models are lower quality, with lighting and volumetric lighting reduced. The handheld worst-case is ~25 FPS, docked can dip to 30 FPS; many sequences reach ~60 FPS in lighter moments. Loading times are quick. Image quality on Switch 2 edges out Xbox Series S, but performance lags there too.

Lenovo's Legion Go Fold Concept blends folding tablet with laptop and handheld gaming device

February 26, 2026, 8:10 PM EST. Lenovo previewed the Legion Go Fold Concept, a folding 11.6-inch POLED device that folds to a 7.7-inch screen. PCWorld reports the concept can function as a compact handheld or in Horizon Full Screen Mode with detachable controllers on either side. Lenovo also ships a separate keyboard so the tablet can dock for traditional PC use, and one controller can double as a mouse. WindowsLatest claims the device uses an older Core Ultra Series 2 (Lunar Lake) chip rather than Intel's Panther Lake, and that the battery is disappointing, though the unit includes 32GB RAM. Pricing and availability unknown. The company has a habit of showing off concepts at CES and MWC; a formal announcement is expected at MWC Barcelona.

Virgin Media O2 launches Europe's first Starlink Direct-to-Cell service in UK

February 26, 2026, 8:00 PM EST. Virgin Media O2 said it began offering satellite-to-smartphone connectivity in the United Kingdom on Feb. 26, marking Europe's first commercial rollout of SpaceX's Starlink Direct-to-Cell service. Initially limited to select Samsung Galaxy devices for an extra £3 per month, with plans to include it at no extra cost on a higher-tier plan later. The service supports voice, messaging, and a handful of apps, including Google Maps, WhatsApp and X. The move boosts UK landmass coverage from 89% to 95%, an area roughly two-thirds the size of Wales. Ofcom finalized rules enabling direct-to-device services, mirroring the FCC's 2024 framework that allows satellite links to operate on a secondary basis to avoid interference. Starlink already partners with 11 mobile operators, including Virgin Media O2 in the UK.

Fiber-industry consolidation tests Minnesota's border-to-border broadband push

February 26, 2026, 7:58 PM EST. Minnesota is seeing a wave of fiber deals that could shape border-to-border broadband. AT&T closed its acquisition of Quantum Fiber, Lumen's consumer fiber unit, via the Gigapower joint venture with BlackRock. Lumen remains the parent of CenturyLink. The deal follows Verizon's purchase of Frontier Communications and Metronet's takeover of USI. Metronet is a T-Mobile-KKR joint venture. The question now is whether consolidation will help or hinder Minnesota's border-to-border push and whether business and residential customers will benefit. Gigapower runs an open access network that it designs, builds and operates, but leases to ISPs; its anchor tenant in the metro is AT&T. In Minnesota, expansion targets the south metro-Apple Valley, Bloomington, Burnsville, Chaska, Chanhassen, Eagan, Prior Lake, Rosemount, Shakopee-areas where true fiber competition has been limited. The moves coincide with a state goal to improve access.

DJI sues FCC over Covered List drone restrictions

February 26, 2026, 7:54 PM EST. DJI has sued the U.S. Federal Communications Commission in the Ninth Circuit, challenging the agency's addition of Chinese drones to its Covered List. The listing blocks new FCC equipment authorizations and effectively bars imports or sales of new models in the United States. The FCC added the drones on December 22, 2025, citing a national security finding tied to the FY2025 NDAA. DJI says the agency overstepped its authority, identified no specific security threat, and denied a meaningful opportunity to respond. The case underscores broader U.S. scrutiny of Chinese unmanned aircraft systems. The FCC later said the Covered List does not affect use of existing devices and outlined exemptions through 2026. No timetable for appeal has been set.

NVIDIA pulls GeForce 595.59 WHQL Driver amid widespread bug reports

February 26, 2026, 7:52 PM EST. NVIDIA has pulled its GeForce 595.59 WHQL Game Ready driver after a wave of stability complaints. Users report fan-control failures on GPU coolers, with only one fan active, and irregular clock behavior. Forum posts describe crashes and general instability; NVIDIA told affected users to roll back to the previous 591.86 WHQL driver. The 595.59 release was billed as an optimization update for Resident Evil Requiem and Marathon, but community feedback has been negative. In an update on Feb. 26 at 11 a.m. PT, NVIDIA said it discovered a bug in both the Game Ready and Studio 595.59 WHQL drivers and temporarily removed the downloads while investigating. Users who installed the driver can revert via the NVIDIA app, and TechPowerUp continues to host older stable files for quick access.

Nvidia sustains Shield TV with a decade-long push and a new security stack

February 26, 2026, 7:50 PM EST. Nvidia's Shield TV has weathered a two-year gap in updates, with 2023-2024 quiet periods followed by updates in 2025. Nvidia describes the lull as part of a larger development effort. The backstory ties to the Tegra X1 chip used in the Nintendo Switch, and a past vulnerability that let homebrew bypass safeguards. By 2023, DRM-protected 4K content often failed on 2015 and 2017 boxes. Rather than retire the platform, Nvidia embarked on an ~18-month project to build a new security stack and re-certify older devices. Bell, citing the 'as long as we shall live' pledge, notes the team fought to keep a promise to customers who expect continued features from the Shield TV.

Volkswagen bids to be Europe's self-driving vehicle 'champion'

February 26, 2026, 7:48 PM EST. Volkswagen is pursuing the lead in Europe's autonomous-vehicle race, aiming to become the region's self-driving champion. The push centers on scaling autonomous-vehicle technologies through broad testing programs, securing regulatory approval, and sealing partnerships with tech firms and suppliers. Executives describe a long, capital-intensive path from lab tests to commercial fleets, with safety, data handling, and cross-border rules shaping the timetable. VW faces competitive pressure from other automakers and tech players racing to deploy automated mobility services across European cities. The company's strategy combines its manufacturing scale with strategic alliances to bring reliable driverless capabilities to market, even as it navigates a complex policy environment and cost pressures.

LAUSD crisis deepens as FBI raids Supt. Carvalho; probe tied to AllHere AI contract

February 26, 2026, 7:46 PM EST. Federal authorities raided the home and office of LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho as prosecutors investigate a contract tied to AllHere, a defunct AI chatbot project. The FBI-backed inquiry, not publicly detailed, centers on Carvalho and a Florida address linked to AllHere's operations; officials said they are cooperating and offered no further comment. LAUSD has scheduled a closed-door session to discuss personnel matters amid the crisis. The probe follows years of reforms under Carvalho, who pushed attendance gains and updated scores, and comes after debates over the district's AI effort and other governance issues. The development raises questions about oversight of technology contracts in a district already grappling with pandemic disruptions and immigration-related strains.

Apple's iPhone and iPad cleared for NATO restricted data; first consumer devices certified

February 26, 2026, 7:44 PM EST. Apple said its iPhone and iPad can handle NATO-restricted level information after meeting the information assurance requirements, with no extra software or settings. The devices are the first consumer mobile products to achieve the government certification after testing and evaluation by the German government. Running iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, they are now certified to access classified data across NATO nations. Apple highlighted built-in security across hardware, software and Apple silicon, including encryption, biometric authentication with Face ID and Memory Integrity Enforcement. Ivan Krstić, Apple's head of security, framed the milestone as a shift from bespoke government security to consumer devices meeting stringent international standards. The NATO Information Assurance Product Catalogue lists iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 as providing secure access to Mail, Calendar and Contacts.

Blender shelves iPad app, prioritizes Android tablets first

February 26, 2026, 7:40 PM EST. Blender says its native iPad app is on hold as developers shift tablet work toward Android tablets. After revealing plans in June 2025 to ship a version for the iPad Pro, the project page in January 2026 updated to reflect a halt. Blender's Dalai Felinto said the team will prioritize Android tablets before continuing work on the iPad. Before shelving, Blender had aimed first for sculpting and basic object manipulation, with more advanced features like Grease Pencil and storyboarding to follow. The move comes with little public rationale, and community developers have asked for details while noting the timeline may slip further.

AI's convenience vs meaning: an ethics professor weighs the cost

February 26, 2026, 7:38 PM EST. Professor Sven Nyholm of LMU Munich warns that AI's ease risks hollowing out meaning. He observes students bypass demanding texts when AI summaries arrive in seconds and says outsourcing thought undermines critical abilities. He asks what a technology-driven vision of the good asks in return from society and what form of meaning such AI promises to deepen or erode. Nyholm rejects simple labels of good or bad for meaning; instead, he frames it as something evaluated by criteria and practices. Meaning is not a single achievement but unfolds across moments and scales-from reading an article to long-term relationships. Philosophy offers criteria linking meaning to the good, truth, and beauty, and to developing better parts of human nature while managing flaws.

Three Google AI tools that helped me land a new job

February 26, 2026, 7:36 PM EST. Google's Gemini AI aided more than copyediting. It helped refine my resume and cover letters, but also measured different roles against my strengths, goals, and longer-term trajectories. By reframing opportunities and posing critical questions, Gemini clarified what kinds of roles best fit my path-whether they build toward a career as a coach, writer, or a future brand founder focused on human connection. I created a custom 'Gem' to simulate interview questions and give feedback on my answers, then used Gemini Live to practice aloud during walks. By interview day, I felt resolute and prepared for what had become a tailored conversation built from my best stories.

Vast Data deepens Nvidia tie as it targets up to $30 billion valuation

February 26, 2026, 7:34 PM EST. Vast Data unveiled a CUDA-accelerated version of its AI operating system that runs on Nvidia-powered servers, tightening its ties with Nvidia as it pursues funding that could value the company at up to $30 billion. The update, framed as the VAST AI OS, enables storage, databases, analytics and AI inference to run in a single platform, aiming to remove data bottlenecks in large-scale deployments. CEO Renen Hallak said the system accelerates compute and data paths to operationalize retrieval, analytics and agentic workflows as one pipeline. The architecture centers on CNode-X servers, Nvidia-certified hardware that runs Vast software directly on GPU-accelerated infrastructure, leveraging Nvidia libraries for speed and persistent memory. Nvidia remains a partner and investor as Vast eyes a major funding round.

Apple says iPhone and iPad approved to handle NATO-classified data

February 26, 2026, 7:30 PM EST. Apple said iPhone and iPad running iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 are certified to handle NATO-restricted data, the first time a consumer device meets NATO information security requirements out of the box. The certification follows Germany's BSI assessment that vetted native security on iOS and iPadOS. The NATO Information Assurance Product Catalogue now lists these versions as compliant without extra software or settings. Ivan Krstić, Apple's VP of Security Engineering, said Apple built secure devices for all users, with protections now certified under NATO assurance requirements. The announcement emphasizes practical security for mobile devices rather than bespoke military solutions.

NVIDIA pulls GeForce driver after bug causes black screens and fan-control issues

February 26, 2026, 7:28 PM EST. NVIDIA pulled its GeForce Game Ready Driver v595.59 after reports of bugs tied to the Resident Evil Requiem optimizations. The update added DLSS 4 MFG and DLSS Ray Reconstruction but reportedly caused black screens, freezes and fan-control failures on RTX 50-series GPUs, with instability and performance drops. NVIDIA said the downloads were temporarily removed while the issue is investigated and advised rolling back to v591.86 WHQL for affected users. Forum posts also speculated the release was vibecoded or bypassed QA; the company did not confirm this rumor. The episode comes as memory shortages weigh on consumer GPUs and serves as a caution on early driver releases.

Nvidia cofounder Priem missed out on more than $597B by selling early as Huang reaches $157B

February 26, 2026, 7:26 PM EST. Two Silicon Valley engineers founded Nvidia in 1993, building graphics chips and later boosting the AI boom. Jensen Huang rose to a net worth around $157 billion with about a 3% stake. His cofounder Curtis Priem owned roughly 12.8% at the 1999 IPO, when Nvidia was valued around $1.1 billion. He began transferring stock to a charitable foundation and had sold all shares by 2006. If held, Priem's stake would be worth more than $597 billion today, potentially making him the second-richest person after Elon Musk. Priem says exiting was rational-the amount of money felt excessive. He still notes Nvidia in his life, wearing an Omega Speedmaster X-33 Mars watch, living in a California home, and flying a private jet about four times a year.

Tesla driver filmed after deliberate hit-and-run by anti-EV motorist on New York highway

February 26, 2026, 7:24 PM EST. An anti-EV driver intentionally collided with a Tesla on a New York highway and fled, according to a clip posted to Reddit's r/TeslaCam. The Tesla was in the slow lane when a BMW swerved in front and accelerated, with no reported serious injuries. Police offered little help; advice from commenters focused on contacting insurance and pursuing the license plate if visible, though some users questioned plate accuracy. The incident is described by the poster as 'malicious' and sits within a broader pattern of EV vandalism, from parking in EV spots to windshield damage and charger destruction. The piece notes potential savings from switching to EVs-up to $2,200 annually in fuel, per the U.S. Department of Energy, for a fully electric model-while acknowledging manufacturing emissions. Authorities' response remains limited.

Apple partners with Netflix to stream Drive to Survive Season 8 on Apple TV; Canadian Grand Prix on both services

February 26, 2026, 7:22 PM EST. Apple has teamed with Netflix to stream the new season of Formula 1: Drive to Survive on Apple TV, with Season 8 debuting at midnight. The Canadian Grand Prix on May 22 will stream on both Apple TV and Netflix in the US. The eight-episode season covers the 2025 Formula One World Championship. Eddy Cue, Apple's services chief, said the collaboration broadens the F1 audience and makes content more widely available to US fans on both platforms. Apple TV subscribers will stream all F1 races at no extra charge this year. The first Grand Prix of the season is March 7, with the Australian Grand Prix 2026.

MuppetVision 3D footage headed to Apple Vision Pro VR, with broader headset support planned

February 26, 2026, 7:20 PM EST. MuppetVision 3D footage will be released in VR for Apple Vision Pro, with broader headset support planned, Brian Henson told AppleInsider. AppleInsider notes the AR/VR project follows Disney's archival efforts at Disney's Hollywood Studios and an May 2025 archival filming event for cast members. The Daily Dot, citing a recent Q&A, says the team filmed to let viewers sit in any seat and switch viewpoints in the VR experience. The move comes as MuppetVision 3D closes on June 7, 2025 and Muppets Courtyard is redeveloped into Monstropolis; The Muppets will persist at the park via a rethemed Rock 'n' Roller Coaster.

Pokémon Go Road to Kalos: Timed Research, Field Tasks and Raid Schedule Ahead of Go Tour Kalos Global

February 26, 2026, 7:16 PM EST. Road to Kalos kicks off the runup to Go Tour Kalos: Global. Niantic runs daily Timed Research quests and field research tasks themed from Gen 1 through Gen 5, plus a raid schedule players should track. The centerpiece is the Portals to Power Timed Research series. The Sinnoh Timed Research runs until 5am local time Friday 27 February and will be replaced by Gen 5 content. Steps include winning raids, using Incense, and catching Pokémon for Candy, with rewards of 1,000 XP, 1,000 Stardust, and an encounter with Lucas' Hat Pikachu or Dawn's Hat Pikachu. Past quests (Hoenn, Johto, Kanto) are listed for context. Daily Road to Kalos field tasks rotate at 12am local and may award Dialga or Palkia Candy or special Pikachu encounters depending on the hour.

Ethereum outlines roadmap to counter quantum threat

February 26, 2026, 7:06 PM EST. Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin outlined a four-part roadmap on X to shield the network from long-term quantum risks, after the Ethereum Foundation formed a post-quantum research team. While practical quantum computers do not yet exist, they could eventually break cryptography that secures validator identities, data availability, wallet signatures, and some zero-knowledge proofs. The plan centers on replacing the current BLS signatures for block validation with hash-based options and moving away from KZG commitments to quantum-safe data handling, though that shift would require significant engineering. For users, EIP-8141 would let wallets adopt future signature schemes. The proposal also points to validation frames-bundling multiple signatures and proofs into a single verification to cut on-chain costs.

Is AI really coming for white-collar jobs? MIT economist outlines impact on work and the economy

February 26, 2026, 7:02 PM EST. A new report warns that AI could displace white-collar workers, reshaping how tasks are allocated and how productivity translates into growth. MIT economist Daron Acemoglu sketches a future where automation accelerates job churn even as new roles emerge. The analysis flags potential tensions in the work landscape and broader economy, with policy questions on retraining, safety nets, and incentives for firms to invest in productivity. While some scenarios promise efficiency gains, the near-term outlook includes wage pressure and displacements that may outpace job creation. The piece anchors its view in empirical work and cautious projections, underscoring that the technology's impact will hinge on how policymakers, educators, and companies respond.

Apple and Netflix strike Formula 1 streaming partnership

February 26, 2026, 7:00 PM EST. Apple and Netflix are expanding their streaming tie-up over Formula 1. Netflix will stream the F1 Canadian Grand Prix in May on its service alongside Apple TV, while both platforms will carry Season 8 of Drive to Survive. The Netflix-created docuseries, which follows drivers and teams, premieres at midnight on both outlets. Eddy Cue of Apple said Netflix helped grow F1 since Drive to Survive's launch, and the deal broadens access for U.S. fans. The arrangement aligns with Apple's push to broaden F1 reach after its rights deal worth about $150 million per year, plus earlier collaborations with IMAX; other providers including Tubi, Comcast, DirecTV and Amazon Prime Video will share select F1 content. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali says the Apple relationship could push the sport further in the American market.

NVIDIA beats on AI demand as investors recalibrate; Apple teases launches

February 26, 2026, 6:58 PM EST. NVIDIA delivered a strong quarter with revenue guidance around $78 billion and gross margins near 75%, a result that spurred selling despite the beat. The reaction underscores the AI trade's recalibration as investors question how long this cycle lasts and who captures the most value-from hyperscalers like Microsoft and Amazon to broader software buyers. Bernstein's Stacy Rasgon told clients he remains constructive and lifted his price target to $300. Analysts flag concerns over how much revenue NVIDIA derives from AI-related software and how the software sell-off has influenced sentiment. Apple hardware is back in the spotlight as investors await new product signals.

Qnity spins off, positioned as AI-era 'picks and shovels' supplier

February 26, 2026, 6:56 PM EST. Qnity Electronics, spun off from DuPont last fall, posted strong Q4 results as it rides the AI wave as a supplier of essential materials for semiconductors. Revenue rose 8% year over year to $1.19 billion, ahead of LSEG's $1.16 billion estimate, while EPS at 82 cents beat the 64-cent consensus despite a 5.7% year-over-year decline. The company also issued a constructive full-year outlook. Qnity supplies photoresists used to print circuit patterns on silicon wafers and heat-management chemicals for chip performance. Major customers include TSMC, Samsung, and SK Hynix. Management highlighted a multiyear transformation to simplify operations, lift productivity and cut costs, aiming to add about $100 million in EBITDA run rate by end-2028, funded by roughly $140 million of one-time charges. The plan leans on automation and tailored AI applications while expanding its local-for-local footprint.

KAIST breakthrough edges toward 12-minute EV charging with self-adjusting coating

February 26, 2026, 6:54 PM EST. KAIST researchers say a self-adjusting coating for lithium-metal batteries could enable a true 12-minute charging window for electric vehicles (EVs). The layer reconfigures ion pathways as data loads change, aided by adding thiophene to the electrolyte to form a flexible protective barrier that suppresses dendrite growth. Simulations show charging at currents above 8 mA per cm², more than double the field's usual high end. In-situ atomic force microscopy confirmed uniform lithium deposition and removal under high power, signaling strong mechanical stability. The approach works with common cathodes such as lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and NMC, suggesting compatibility with current production lines. Next steps: scale manufacturing and validate ultra-fast charging for urban air mobility, energy storage, and long-range EVs.

Nvidia faces questions on peak pricing power amid inventory build and margin guidance

February 26, 2026, 6:50 PM EST. Nvidia beat expectations in its fiscal fourth quarter, lifting shares briefly before a pullback as investors weighed inventory comments. The company has struggled to meet demand for its AI chips, helping it widen gross margins. CFO Colette Kress said inventory rose 8% QoQ and that Nvidia has supply commitments into 2027, potentially easing near-term tightness but raising questions about durable pricing power. Non-GAAP gross margin was 75.2%; management guided 74.5-75.5% next quarter and the mid-70s for the year. CEO Jensen Huang stressed that margins depend on delivering performance per watt and per dollar beyond Moore's Law. The mood remains cautious: some investors worry peak pricing power may be behind Nvidia, while the broader semiconductor space slid.

New book marks centennial of Robert Goddard's first liquid-fuel rocket in Massachusetts

February 26, 2026, 6:46 PM EST. Robert Goddard's Massachusetts examines the life of the rocket pioneer and the places that shaped his work. The book, by Lowell Observatory historian Kevin Schindler and Charles Slatkin, is to be released March 3 to mark the 100th anniversary of Goddard's 1926 liquid-fuel rocket launch in Auburn, Massachusetts. Published by Arcadia Press in the Images of America series, it blends more than 200 historical photographs with accessible prose to trace his Worcester upbringing and early experiments that ushered in the space age. The volume highlights Esther Goddard's work preserving diaries and records, and features a foreword by Apollo 13 astronaut Jim Lovell. A chapter covers his broader work, including Roswell, New Mexico. The authors describe Goddard as a visionary whose ideas helped propel satellites, Moon missions and today's exploration.

DJI Mini 5 Pro on Amazon with Prime shipping from $759

February 26, 2026, 6:40 PM EST. DJI's Mini 5 Pro is now on Amazon with Prime shipping starting at $759. It features a 1-inch sensor, 4K/60fps HDR, and forward-facing LiDAR obstacle avoidance for better low-light sensing. A 225-degree gimbal enables true vertical filming at full resolution. Battery life runs from 34 to 52 minutes, depending on the pack, with the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus option. Configurations include the base kit, Fly More Combo and RC 2 controller; the Plus bundle tops at $1,349. The listing shows over 500 units sold in the last month and a 4.6-star rating from nearly 600 reviews, with limited stock warnings. Seller is Smart Fly Gear via Amazon fulfillment.

Morgan Stanley: AI won't wipe out jobs; new roles will emerge

February 26, 2026, 6:36 PM EST. Morgan Stanley argues AI will not erase jobs, but shift them. In a cross-asset note, analysts say history shows technology changes rather than eliminates labor. From electrification to the internet, automation has freed workers to take on new tasks. The report cites how the spreadsheet popularized in the 1980s automated routines yet created higher-skill roles. AI will change job types, occupations, and needed skills, the bank says, not trigger mass unemployment. Some roles may be automated, but others will be augmented by AI, and entirely new positions will appear. Examples include executive-level chief AI officers to steer adoption, growing AI governance roles, data compliance and information security concerns as AI becomes central to business strategy. Economists caution about timeline; markets remain wary about near-term disruption.

Apple iPhone and iPad certified for NATO information assurance

February 26, 2026, 6:34 PM EST. Apple says the iPhone and iPad are the first and only consumer devices certified to handle NATO classified information up to the restricted level without extra software. The certification follows an exhaustive evaluation by Germany's Federal Office for Information Security (BSI), and covers devices running iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 across NATO nations. The agency conducted extensive testing and security analysis to verify built-in platform protections. Claudia Plattner, BSI president, underscored security by design in mobile products. Ivan Krstic, Apple's head of Security Engineering, said Apple has built the most secure devices for all users, now meeting NATO assurance requirements. The iPhone and iPad are listed on the NATO Information Assurance Product Catalogue.

Burger King tests AI headset assistant to coach staff on friendliness and operations

February 26, 2026, 6:32 PM EST. Burger King is piloting an AI chatbot called Patty that lives in employees' headsets as part of the BK Assistant platform. The OpenAI-powered tool coaches staff on customer interactions and measures friendliness by recognizing phrases such as 'welcome to Burger King,' 'please,' and 'thank you.' Managers can review location performance via Patty, which also surfaces kitchen and operations data. Patty is integrated with the new cloud POS, flagging downed equipment or out-of-stock items and updating the digital menu within minutes. The company says the effort is a coaching tool and is still experimenting with drive-thru AI, with pilots in fewer than 100 restaurants and 500 sites for Patty itself. A full US rollout of the BK Assistant web/app is slated for by end-2026.

GeForce NOW debuts Resident Evil Requiem, Delta Force rewards in sixth anniversary push

February 26, 2026, 6:30 PM EST. GeForce NOW marks its sixth anniversary with a cloud debut of Capcom's Resident Evil Requiem, bundled for a limited time with a 12-month Ultimate membership. The offer pairs the title with cloud power and a new Delta Force reward for all members. Eleven new games join the service this week. Requiem threads FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft and Leon S. Kennedy through a Raccoon City nightmare, now enhanced for cloud with RTX 5080-class power, up to 5K resolution, HDR, and NVIDIA DLSS 4 with Multi-Frame Generation. Ultimate users gain early access to gear, including the PP-19 Bizon. The promo runs through March 26 while supplies last. New titles this week include TCG Card Shop Simulator, Blizzard Arcade Collection, and Diablo II: Resur.

Nvidia warns gaming chip shortage to hit consoles, PCs

February 26, 2026, 6:26 PM EST. On its earnings call, Nvidia warned the global shortage of gaming chips could persist through the current year, weighing on consoles and PCs even as demand for memory chips remains robust for AI workloads. CFO Colette Kress said supply will stay tight for "a couple quarters," with improvement unclear by year-end. The shortfall stems from a surge in memory-chip demand as data-center AI expansion prioritizes higher-margin components, constraining consumer electronics supply. Nvidia chips power PCs for gaming and are used in Nintendo Switch; Sony PlayStation and Microsoft Xbox rely on AMD hardware. TrendForce projects the console market to fall about 4.4% this year, worse than earlier forecasts. The note comes after Nvidia's Feb. 25 earnings release.

Samsung kicks off One UI 8.5 Beta 6 rollout for Galaxy S25 after Unpacked keynote

February 26, 2026, 6:24 PM EST. Samsung has begun pushing One UI 8.5 Beta 6 (ZZAO) to Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra users in Europe, Korea, and India. The rollout follows Samsung's Unpacked event, where the flagship phones and AI features were spotlighted alongside Agentic AI upgrades. Beta 6 includes fixes across Bixby Labs wake-up phrase creation, a duplicate View Previous Image button in Gallery, Now Bar and Now Brief cards, and Always-On Display visibility. Other changes address a crash when adjusting camera area settings in Display, and keep lock screen style stable in Modes and Routines. Animation tweaks for notification cards deliver a smoother, more polished experience.

Burger King tests OpenAI-powered headsets to coach hospitality via Patty in 500 restaurants

February 26, 2026, 6:18 PM EST. Burger King is testing OpenAI-powered headsets in 500 U.S. restaurants. The system, named Patty, recites recipes, flags low inventories, and alerts managers to issues such as a bathroom reported via QR code. Employees can ask Patty for cooking guidance or to remove items from digital menus. The company says the capability to track when staff say welcome, please, and thank you is a coaching tool, not a per-employee scorecard. Patty sits inside the BK Assistant app and will roll out to more locations later this year. Burger King frames the tech as a way to support hospitality, not replace human interactions, while noting it is one of several AI pilots in the fast-food sector, including Yum Brands' Nvidia collaboration and McDonald's shift to Google.

Stanford-Princeton study finds Chinese AI chatbots censor themselves more than Western rivals

February 26, 2026, 6:16 PM EST. Researchers from Stanford and Princeton fed 145 politically sensitive questions to four Chinese LLMs and five American models, repeating the test 100 times. Chinese systems, including DeepSeek and Baidu's Ernie Bot, refused to answer a larger share of questions than OpenAI's GPT family or Meta's Llama, with refusal rates of 36% and 32% respectively, versus under 3% for Western models. When not refusing, Chinese models tend to give shorter, less accurate replies. The study separated effects of pre-training and post-training interventions, suggesting manual curation may play a larger role than the training data's censoring. Stanford's Jennifer Pan notes the Chinese internet's long history of censorship creates missing data, yet English responses from Chinese LLMs still show higher bias. The work aims for quantifiable, replicable evidence on observable biases.

Apple Pay set for biggest expansion, likely to lift iPhone sales in India

February 26, 2026, 6:12 PM EST. Apple Pay has grown to become the world's second-largest payment processor after Visa, handling about 9.5 trillion transactions for more than 800 million customers. Bloomberg reports the service is about to get its biggest expansion yet, with a rollout to India targeted for mid-2026. The company is in talks with ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank and Axis Bank to support the launch. India recently updated rules to allow biometric authentication for digital payments, replacing many text-message OTPs. With more than 750 million smartphone users and a state-backed push, India is a fast-growing digital-payments market. The move could lift iPhone demand; Apple's share sits at about 10% there, and the company opened its sixth store in the country this week.

Apple TV to stream F1 races in 2026 with 4K coverage, F1 TV Premium features

February 26, 2026, 6:08 PM EST. Apple is outlining how it will stream Formula 1 in 2026, integrating the Apple TV app with the F1 broadcast package. The dedicated F1 channel will show live races, practice sessions, sprint events and pre- and post-race coverage, with the F1 TV Premium add-on unlocking onboard cameras, team radios and live telemetry. The F1 TV feed runs alongside the Sky Sports coverage for all races, with 4K (Dolby Vision) video and 5.1 audio. Replays will be available in full or as a 30-minute condensed cut, with spoiler protection. New tools include a Driver Tracker, Driver Data, and feeds for P1/P2/P3, plus a configurable Multiview up to five streams. A dedicated radio stream will also play via Apple Music.

Memory shortage to trigger biggest smartphone shipments dip in over a decade, IDC says

February 26, 2026, 6:06 PM EST. IDC warns that a RAM shortage linked to AI demand will push smartphone shipments down 12.9% this year, the steepest decline in more than a decade. The firm had tracked 1.26 billion devices in 2025 and now projects about 1.12 billion for 2026. Nabila Popal, senior director of IDC's Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, calls the move a structural reset that will reshape TAM, the vendor landscape and product mix. The average selling price is seen rising about 14% to a record $523 as memory constraints bite. Regions most affected include Middle East and Africa (down over 20%), with China and Asia Pacific (ex-Japan) down 10.5% and 13.1%, respectively. RAM prices are expected to stabilize by mid-2027. Counterpoint cautioned on a smaller drop earlier; Carl Pei warned 2026 price pressure.

Burger King tests AI chatbot Patty to monitor staff hospitality under BK Assistant

February 26, 2026, 6:04 PM EST. Burger King is rolling out an AI voice chatbot named Patty to monitor whether employees are being polite to customers as part of its new BK Assistant platform. The system is OpenAI-powered and aims to unify POS, kitchen equipment, inventory and digital ordering into one command center. Burger King says the technology tracks aggregated keywords such as "welcome", "please" and "thank you" at selected pilot locations to help managers spot service patterns, not to score individuals. In practice, Patty also supports menu-availability alerts, on-the-line questions, and drive-thru audio analysis to coach staff. The company plans a pilot in about 500 restaurants by end-2026, with full US rollout by year-end. It emphasizes hospitality as fundamentally human and aims to provide real-time insights for leadership.

EU confirms Apple bought invrs.io's sole employee

February 26, 2026, 5:58 PM EST. Apple informed the European Commission in October 2025 that it would acquire the sole employee of invrs.io LLC and certain assets. After a four-month review, the EC published the notice this week. The employee appears to be Martin Schubert, listed on LinkedIn. Schubert founded invrs.io in 2023 to push AI-guided design for photonics-including tools for AR/VR-and the company provides open-source frameworks and a public leaderboard for benchmarking. It is unclear what Apple intends to work on with Schubert, who previously did AI-powered photonic design at Alphabet's X and at Meta. Apple also disclosed the acquisition of Q.ai, a nearly $2B deal for AI audio tech, its second-largest after the Beats purchase in 2014.

Samsung Galaxy S26 preorder deals offer up to $900/£900 in savings

February 26, 2026, 5:54 PM EST. Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S26 series, highlighting a built-in privacy display and Gemini 3 integration. Preorders come with US and UK discounts. In the United States, prices start at $899 for the standard S26 (256GB), $1,099 for the S26+ and $1,299 for the S26 Ultra. US deals include up to $970 via the Trade-In Program on eligible devices, a $150 Samsung Credit at checkout when you decline trade-in, and $50 off with code PAYPAL50 (PayPal checkout; code expires March 10). Purchasers also get software trials for LumaFusion, Lightroom, ArcSite, SiriusXM, and iFit. In the United Kingdom, preorder deals run through March 10, with prices starting at £879 for the standard S26. The recap frames a competitive launch for 2026.

Nvidia beats on AI demand, but shares slide as weak sentiment weighs on AI stocks

February 26, 2026, 5:52 PM EST. Nvidia posted a blockbuster quarter, with data-center revenue at a fresh record as AI demand remains robust. Yet the stock fell in early trading, signaling lukewarm sentiment around AI-exposed names. Analysts cited concentration risk-roughly half of data-center sales come from a handful of Big Tech clients-and suggested broader skepticism about the AI trade. Some callers, including Morgan Stanley, termed the result a historic beat for the semiconductor sector but were surprised by the muted reaction. HSBC noted the absence of a fresh narrative to excite investors; Citi and Morgan Stanley pegged the next catalyst to the March GPU Technology Conference, where Nvidia could outline new chips and roadmaps. Most analysts remain bullish on longer-term upside.

Dow climbs as Nvidia leaves investors wanting more; S&P 500, Nasdaq slip

February 26, 2026, 5:48 PM EST. From Bloomberg: Nvidia Corp. posted a 73% jump in fourth-quarter revenue and a first-quarter outlook that beat estimates, but its stock fell as much as 1.5% during the call and was little changed in premarket trading. The reaction underscored ongoing concerns about an overheated AI economy. Analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. described the results as solid, yet said investors wanted more. CEO Jensen Huang argued buyers are already profitable from their new compute power and will keep spending as demand requires more capacity. "You need compute capacity, and that translates directly to growth, and that translates directly to revenues," he said. The session left the broader market mixed: the Dow rose while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq slipped.

Nvidia stock falls after blowout earnings as investors weigh margin sustainability and future growth

February 26, 2026, 5:42 PM EST. Nvidia beat expectations with Q4 revenue of $68.1 billion and guided to about $78 billion next quarter, but shares slipped about 4% in early trading. The company's margins run around 75%, a figure investors worry could compress as demand moderates; Nvidia also flagged its next-generation Vera Rubin platform, promising energy efficiency and continued cloud demand. The stock's valuation remains lofty, with a market cap near $4.8 trillion, complicating the reaction to strong results. Analysts note the growth pace is unusually rapid for a company of this size, and some say investor skepticism centers on whether margins can sustain the pace while fund managers reassess multiples. The Motley Fool and others disclose positions, but the news flow centers on execution and outlook.

Nvidia stock stalls after $6 billion revenue guide beat

February 26, 2026, 5:40 PM EST. Shares of Nvidia edged lower despite a $6 billion revenue guide beat for the quarter, with analysts noting the absence of a clear new catalyst. Nvidia guided to about $77-$79 billion for Q1, above the consensus of around $72.4 billion; gross margin is expected to stay in the mid-70s for the year. Traders asked whether the beat is fully priced in and looked for a fresh driver beyond AI spending. One analyst argued the stock may be undervalued, trading below 25x next year's earnings as demand from hyperscalers and ongoing CAPEX growth support revenues; China and sovereign wealth could lift results later. The idea remains: compute equals inference equals revenues, with AI infra spend sustaining Nvidia's growth.

Palantir investors ride Nvidia AI surge as AI demand remains robust

February 26, 2026, 5:30 PM EST. Palantir investors rode Nvidia's upbeat quarterly results as a reminder that the AI wave remains intact. Nvidia posted record revenue of $68.1 billion for its fiscal second quarter, up 73% year over year, with the data-center segment driving gains and AI adoption accelerating. The results underscore a broader AI demand backdrop that Palantir has capitalized on with its Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP), which embeds generative AI into existing systems. Palantir reported fourth-quarter revenue of $1.4 billion, up 70% year over year, and AIP-led U.S. commercial segment revenue rose 137% to $507 million, with customers up 64%. The combination supports Palantir's thesis of scalable AI-enabled decisioning, even as investors weigh valuation and longer-term monetization.

Aliro 1.0 expands Apple Home Key-like access to all ecosystems

February 26, 2026, 5:26 PM EST. Aliro 1.0, a new spec under the Matter framework from the Connectivity Standards Alliance, enables a cross-platform, Apple Home Key-like experience for smart locks and access controls. Working over BLE, NFC and UWB, Aliro supports multiple installation environments and is designed to be adopted by all major ecosystems and device makers, including Apple, Google, and Samsung. The Aqara U400 is cited as an example of Aliro-ready hardware; the lock will gain non-Apple NFC/UWB support when updated. The move targets fragmentation in digital keys, promising faster certification and wider availability. CSA Chief Executive Tobin Richardson says Aliro lowers integration complexity and accelerates innovation by linking access control to leading mobile wallet ecosystems, benefiting shared households and security.

Samsung Galaxy S26 vs S25: higher prices, storage bump, and a smaller price gap

February 26, 2026, 5:24 PM EST. Samsung's Galaxy S26 lineup carries a higher price tag than the S25 but brings notable improvements in storage and battery. The base Galaxy S26 starts at $899.99 and ships with 256GB of storage, a larger battery and a 6.3-inch display, but drops mmWave 5G support. The Galaxy S26 Plus begins at $1,099.99 with similar upgrades, while the Galaxy S26 Ultra stays at $1,299.99 and adds top-tier cameras and an S Pen option. The overall price gap between the cheapest and most expensive S26 is $400, down from $500 last year. All models run Android 16 with up to 120Hz OLED screens. Preorders start February 25, with March 11 shipping. Samsung also announced Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro, available to preorder, ahead of their March 11 release.

Anthropic safety vs growth tested as Pentagon contract looms

February 26, 2026, 5:22 PM EST. Anthropic faces a crossroads as it tries to scale while keeping its safety guardrails intact. The company this week confronted a Pentagon ultimatum-drop its AI ethical restrictions or lose a $200 million contract and risk blacklisting-even as it loosened some core policies to stay competitive. The dilemma mirrors a broader tech pattern: values clash with growth. By contrast, OpenAI's recent history, including the high-stakes leadership drama around Sam Altman and a nonprofit board that once supervised a for-profit structure, highlights the tension between speed and safety. The episode underscores how executives balance principles with market demands, with consequences for reputation and business.

Burry warns Nvidia purchase commitments resemble Cisco at dot-com peak as NVDA drops

February 26, 2026, 5:20 PM EST. Michael Burry warned that Nvidia's rising purchase commitments echo Cisco's 2000-01 strategy at the height of the dot-com bubble. He noted Nvidia ended Q4 with purchase obligations of about $95.2 billion, up from $16.1 billion a year earlier, a figure CNBC cited from his Substack note. Nvidia CFO Colette Kress said inventory rose 8% quarter-on-quarter and that the company had strategically secured supply beyond the near term. Burry argued these commitments imply buying ahead of uncertain demand, a risk he says is not temporary. Nvidia's shares fell about 5% after the results, while JPMorgan and Bank of America analysts tempered concerns about 2027 growth. The debate underscores questions about inventory, demand and longer-term planning in the chip market.

Retail buyers surge in Nvidia after earnings as two-way flows surface

February 26, 2026, 5:18 PM EST. Retail investors rushed into Nvidia after its earnings beat, with mom-and-pop traders posting their highest 80-minute net buying on record, according to analyst Viraj Patel. He cautioned that flows were two-way, as strong selling accompanied the buy program, helping explain a rocky open. VandaTrack data show retail turnover was epic at the session's start. The chipmaker's data center growth-about 75% revenue expansion- helped lift overall sales about 73%, even as shares slipped more than 4% by midday. Spillover buying extended to Broadcom and the IGV and SOXX ETFs. If this pace persists, Patel says it could mark one of the biggest days of retail buying in months, with analysts broadly bullish and a price target suggesting upside above 35% over 12 months.

Google launches Nano Banana 2 as default image generator across Gemini app and Google services

February 26, 2026, 5:06 PM EST. Google unveiled Nano Banana 2, the latest version of its image-generation model, also known as Gemini 3.1 Flash Image. The update makes Nano Banana 2 the default in the Gemini app across Fast, Thinking, and Pro modes, and extends its use to Flow's video editing tools and Google Lens results in Search across 141 countries. The model, first released as Nano Banana in August 2025, retains Pro-level fidelity while boosting speed. It can generate images from 512 pixels up to 4K and support five-character consistency with up to 14 objects per workflow, plus richer lighting, textures and detail. Developers can access Nano Banana 2 in preview via Gemini API, CLI, Vertex API, AI Studio and Antigravity. All images bear a SynthID watermark and are compatible with C2PA credentials.

NVIDIA GeForce 595.59 WHQL Game Ready driver adds Resident Evil Requiem and Marathon; fixes RTX 50-series issues

February 26, 2026, 5:04 PM EST. NVIDIA released GeForce 595.59 WHQL Game Ready drivers, adding day-one support for Resident Evil Requiem and Marathon. The update also fixes issues affecting RTX 50-series GPUs, including the The Ascent black-bar flicker, green artifacts in Total War: THREE KINGDOMS, and crashes in Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age after recent updates. It corrects image corruption in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and a notable performance drop in Quantum Break Act 4 Part 1. On the general fixes side, the driver resolves an AV1 decode crash impacting Blackmagic Design workflows when handling multiple OBUs within a single packet.

Nvidia warns of tight gaming GPU supply for next few quarters

February 26, 2026, 4:58 PM EST. During its earnings call, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang warned that the supply of gaming GPUs will be very tight for a couple of quarters, with limited visibility for the second half. He did not specify whether the constraint stems from wafer capacity at TSMC diverted to data-centre AI GPUs or from a shortage of GDDR7 memory. Nvidia's results show growth in GeForce GPUs and professional graphics, supported by the RTX 50-series on the Blackwell architecture. Jon Peddie Research data indicate desktop GPU shipments rose in the first three quarters of 2025, with laptop GPU demand roughly aligned to desktops. The message to consumers is higher prices and limited choice in the near term.

Suno hits 2 million paid subscribers, $300 million ARR amid AI music debate

February 26, 2026, 4:56 PM EST. Suno said it has 2 million paid subscribers and more than $300 million in annual recurring revenue. CEO Mikey Shulman told reporters the milestone underscores demand for active music creation over passive scrolling. He said Suno lets users participate in music culture rather than churn out content. The company is expanding use among professional songwriters, aiming for mainstream status. Suno navigates a wave of controversy over training data and copyright; Warner Music Group settled a case, while UMG and Sony remain in suits. Critics warn of diluted royalties and streaming fraud; Deezer reports tens of thousands of AI songs uploaded daily, with up to 85% of AI streams fraudulent in some months. Despite concerns, Suno's growth shows the AI music space remains dynamic.

Motorola's Moto Watch offers simplicity and durability, but power users may want more

February 26, 2026, 4:54 PM EST. ZDNET's review finds the Moto Watch simple and comfortable, with a circular 47x47x12mm case weighing 40g and a vivid 1.43-inch OLED display protected by Gorilla Glass 3. Priced at $150, it offers nearly 100 workout modes and long battery life, with easy setup via the Moto Watch app and straightforward navigation. Its IP68 durability is solid, though water resistance may degrade with longer exposure. Critics note the lack of third-party apps and a basic feature set that may disappoint power users. The reviewer questions whether Motorola can top the smartwatch market on this basis, calling the device solid but limited for heavy users. Overall, it's a strong entry for casual users seeking simplicity.

Huawei targets global comeback with Mate 80 Pro, new smartwatch

February 26, 2026, 4:52 PM EST. Huawei announced in Madrid a global comeback bid centered on the Mate 80 Pro, a new smartwatch and wheelchair mode for wearables. The overseas Mate 80 Pro uses Huawei's Kirin 9030 Pro and runs the Android-based EMUI 15; the domestic model uses HarmonyOS. The overseas version shares the same in-house system-on-a-chip as the Chinese variant and marks Huawei's first broad international push for its bar-style flagship since the Mate 50 era. Laying out the plan four years after the Mate 50's 2022 launch, Huawei frames the Madrid event as a renewed entry to the world's largest smartphone market, helped by stepping past previous US tech sanctions.

Drive to Survive Season 8 lands on Apple TV in the U.S., Netflix streams globally

February 26, 2026, 4:50 PM EST. Apple TV and Netflix will share Drive to Survive Season 8, with the docuseries streaming on Apple TV in the U.S. and globally on Netflix. This marks the first time the show isn't exclusive to Netflix. In a twist, Netflix will also carry Apple TV's live Canadian Grand Prix coverage for U.S. viewers. The arrangement comes as Apple and Netflix push deeper into the F1 ecosystem. Reports say Apple won an exclusive U.S. rights deal in 2025 in the vicinity of $120-$150 million per year, following a wave of streaming-first strategy. Drive to Survive has helped grow the U.S. fanbase; Apple TV plans a full package across all track sessions and even Apple Maps overlays at venues like Melbourne's Albert Park.

Utah AI glasses ban inches closer to passage in Legislature

February 26, 2026, 4:48 PM EST. Utah lawmakers are advancing a ban on AI glasses in school classrooms, with HB 42 passing the House and clearing a Senate committee. The proposal would prohibit wearing or using AI eyewear in the classroom, citing concerns about privacy and cheating. Opponents say decisions should rest with teachers and local districts; supporters say the devices enable cheating and distraction. The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) says it has not received reports of students using such devices and emphasizes local control under current law. Board members have not taken a position on the issue. Some parents voiced support for restrictions while noting potential administrative burden. The bill moves amid broader debate about how technology like AI glasses should fit in schools.

DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo drops to $1,099 in 31% deal

February 26, 2026, 4:40 PM EST. DJI has trimmed the price of its popular Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo (DJI RC 2) to about $1,099 from roughly $1,599, a 31% cut. The drone's key specs remain: a 1-inch 50 MP sensor for 4K video and detailed stills, true vertical shooting, and a gimbal with up to 225° rotation. It adds Nightscape omnidirectional obstacle sensing with vision systems and LiDAR, plus O4+ transmission for long-range, low-latency video. The bundle includes the DJI RC 2 controller with a built-in screen, improving flying without a phone. For creators upgrading from older Minis or smartphone-guided drones, the sale emphasizes DJI's balance of portability and pro features – a rare value in premium drones.

Amazon Canada cuts $400 smartwatch to $40, part of 27 deals up to 90% off

February 26, 2026, 4:36 PM EST. Amazon Canada slashed the price on a popular smartwatch from $400 to $40, in a limited-time deal. The device carries built-in Alexa and tracks core metrics such as sleep quality, steps, calories burned and heart rate. It offers more than 100 sport modes, including yoga and cycling, and carries IP68 splash resistance. The model has 1,500+ reviews and an average rating of 4.4 stars. The offer appears among a roundup of "best deals" with discounts up to 90% off, featuring 26 more deals beyond the smartwatch. Buyers should consider compatibility, battery life and case size before purchasing.

Apple Watch Series 11 on sale at Amazon for $299

February 26, 2026, 4:32 PM EST. Amazon is offering the Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) for $299, down $100 from its $399 list price. The sale, active as of February 18, 2026, represents about a 25% discount. The update highlights longer battery life as a key value for buyers. Mashable notes affiliate commissions on linked purchases. The price can change after publication, and deal pages carry standard disclaimers.

Samsung Unveils Galaxy S26 Series with Proactive Galaxy AI and Privacy Display on Ultra

February 26, 2026, 4:30 PM EST. Samsung Electronics today unveiled the Galaxy S26 series, led by proactive Galaxy AI experiences designed to simplify everyday tasks. The trio-S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra-handles complex tasks in the background, letting users focus on results. Samsung positions the lineup around performance, an industry-leading camera system and integrated Galaxy AI features. The S26 Ultra introduces the world's first built-in Privacy Display for mobile phones and ships with a customized Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform for Galaxy. Samsung says the chip delivers up to a 19% CPU boost, 39% NPU improvement for always-on AI, and a 24% GPU uplift. The family promises all-day performance and enhanced thermal management, aiming for a more seamless, private AI experience across the lineup.

Nano Banana 2 arrives, fusing Pro capabilities with lightning speed on Google via Gemini 3.1 Flash Image

February 26, 2026, 4:28 PM EST. Google's image-model family expands with Nano Banana 2, announced today as the fusion of Nano Banana Pro's studio-grade controls and Nano Banana's speed. The update follows last year's viral debut of Nano Banana and the November release of Nano Banana Pro. Nano Banana 2 is described as Gemini 3.1 Flash Image, delivering advanced world knowledge, quality and reasoning at lightning-fast speed. Google says users across its platform can access the model, combining Pro capabilities with faster performance. The move aims to keep image generation and editing results sharp while reducing latency. No external hardware announcements were disclosed. This release underscores a trend toward integrated, high-speed AI image tools within major ecosystems.

Apple teases March 4 event; expectations center on iPhone, iPad and MacBook updates

February 26, 2026, 4:26 PM EST. Apple has invited media to a 'special experience' on March 4, and Tim Cook has amplified the hype with a teaser post on X, saying a big week starts Monday morning. The build-up centers on rumored hardware – a new iPhone, iPad and MacBook – and follows chatter from analysts such as Bloomberg's Mark Gurman about pre-event announcements. The teaser signals Apple is ready to showcase multiple products in the run-up to the formal reveal, with eyes fixed on Cupertino as the company accelerates its early-March cadence.

Apple Watch Series 11 drops to $299 on Amazon as titanium styles go on sale

February 26, 2026, 4:22 PM EST. Amazon has revived its $299 Apple Watch Series 11 deal as February winds down. The offer covers several configurations, including GPS and GPS + Cellular models with aluminum or titanium cases. The 42mm GPS (Aluminum) with Sport Band is $299 (down $100), while 42mm GPS + Cellular (Aluminum) is $399. Titanium versions show deeper cuts on select models, such as 42mm GPS + Cellular (Titanium) at $659 and 42mm (Titanium) with Milanese Loop at $679. In 46mm, the GPS Aluminum model is $329 and the GPS + Cellular Aluminum is $499. Deals are live on Amazon, with price-tracking updates in our guide.

Artemis II delayed as helium system malfunction halts launch prep

February 26, 2026, 4:20 PM EST. NASA moved the Artemis II rocket back to the hangar after a helium pressurization issue interrupted the latest wet dress rehearsal, the Associated Press reported. The malfunction followed earlier hydrogen-fuel leaks that already pushed liftoff from February to March and now to at least April. NASA said the failure interrupted the flow of helium to the SLS upper stage, which is used to pressurize propellants and maintain engine conditions. The four astronauts were set to launch a lunar fly-by before returning to Earth, but the timeline remains uncertain. Engineers will review the fault and options as they prepare for a new launch window.

AirSnitch could break Wi-Fi encryption across homes and enterprises, researchers warn

February 26, 2026, 4:16 PM EST. AirSnitch attack breaks worldwide Wi-Fi encryption, says lead author Xinan Zhou. The research argues the attack targets the lowest layers of the network stack, Layer-1 and Layer-2, exploiting a failure to bind and synchronize a client across layers and SSIDs. The result is cross-layer identity desynchronization that enables a full, bidirectional MitM attack. The attacker can sit on the same SSID, a different one, or a separate network segment linked to the same access point, affecting homes, offices and large enterprises. Zhou presented the findings at the 2026 Network and Distributed System Security Symposium. The researchers warn it could enable cookie theft, DNS, and cache poisoning, raising questions for Wi-Fi encryption standards.

Burger King rolls out AI-powered BK Assistant to monitor operations and staff interactions

February 26, 2026, 4:14 PM EST. Burger King is deploying BK Assistant, an AI-powered management platform that aggregates data from inventory to POS, schedules, and drive-thru conversations. It features Patty, a voice AI in cloud-connected headsets, built on an OpenAI base model with in-house architecture. The system continuously listens for targeted phrases to assign a friendliness score for customer interactions. Executives describe it as a coaching tool, though critics warn of surveillance implications. Demonstrations show Patty flagging low soda stock, dirty bathrooms, and assisting with orders, and alerting staff when upsell goals are near. The platform is already in about 500 restaurants and slated for broader rollout.

Factorial moves closer to mass production of all-solid-state EV batteries with Philenergy tie-up

February 26, 2026, 4:12 PM EST. Factorial, a US-based all-solid-state battery developer, moves toward scale after striking a strategic partnership with Korea's Philenergy to accelerate production of its Solstice platform. The deal taps Philenergy's global manufacturing network to push volume, with Factorial claiming up to 450 Wh/kg energy density and operation at up to 90°C. The cells use a dry-cathode architecture and a faster formation process that reduces steps and environmental impact. In real-world tests, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, Hyundai and Kia have evaluated Factorial cells, including a modified Mercedes EQS delivering roughly 745-750 miles (1,200-1,205 km) on a single charge. Factorial also pursues Nasdaq listing via a proposed merger with Catesian Growth Corporation III, targeting mid-2026 and ticker FAC.

AI data-center spending nears $700 billion this year as Nvidia says the surge isn't near its peak

February 26, 2026, 4:10 PM EST. Nvidia's results for Q4 were blockbuster, with revenue up 73% to $68.1 billion and the company guiding as much as a 78% quarterly rise. The drama centers on AI data centers spending, led by five hyperscalers-Google, Amazon, and others-vital buyers of Nvidia GPUs for sprawling AI infrastructure. Total capex among these giants is approaching $700 billion this year, with Meta, Google and others raising outlays. Analysts question sustainability as debt and free cash flow strain expand. Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, framed the expansion as permanent, arguing AI computing demand dwarfs classical computing and will keep growing. If the five giants sustain this pace, projections rise into the trillions by 2028-2029, though questions linger about real-world demand and longer-term profitability.

Read AI launches Ada, an email-based digital twin for schedules and knowledge-based replies

February 26, 2026, 4:04 PM EST. Read AI unveiled Ada, an AI-powered email assistant it calls a digital twin. The tool helps users schedule meetings by replying in-thread with availability, proposing new times, and handling responses without exposing meeting details. Ada also answers questions from a company knowledge base, meeting topics, and public searches, and can draft replies to others and refine them before sending. It operates via email now and will roll out to Slack and Teams. Ada builds a knowledge graph from meeting data and connected services, rather than relying on Model Context Protocols (MCPs), for contextual answers. The company notes no sensitive data is shared without permission. Read AI has over 5 million monthly active users and has raised over $81 million.

CoreWeave says Nvidia backs its data-center financing

February 26, 2026, 4:02 PM EST. CoreWeave says Nvidia has its back on data-center financing, a claim that underscores a closer tie between the chipmaker and the GPU cloud provider. CoreWeave operates a cloud platform for AI and high-performance computing workloads and says Nvidia is supporting its financing strategy to expand GPU infrastructure. The disclosure could signal Nvidia's willingness to back customers scaling GPU deployments amid rising demand. Terms and formal agreements were not disclosed, and Nvidia did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Motorola to unveil Razr Fold details at MWC 2026 on March 2

February 26, 2026, 4:00 PM EST. Motorola is set to lift the lid on its first book-style foldable, the Razr Fold, with a full detail reveal on March 2 at MWC 2026 in Barcelona. The company teased that it is past the initial preview and will disclose specs, price or release timing in coming days. Early previews showed a thin, well-designed device that sits between the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold in form. The move comes as the market eyes a shift toward book-style foldables, a segment analysts say could overtake traditional flip phones soon. Motorola has a history with the Razr line and is expanding into a new format.

Repurposed Android tablet becomes wall-mounted kitchen smart display, saving $200

February 26, 2026, 3:52 PM EST. Facing the cost of a premium smart display, the author reuses an aging Android tablet rather than buy new. A four- to five-year-old device won't match today's multitasking phones, but it remains perfectly usable as an always-on, wall-mounted smart display with a glanceable panel and quick access smart-home controls. What started as a weekend project grew into one of the most useful screens in the home and saved $200 or more. The piece notes older tablets still make great displays, especially when repurposed into a kitchen hub that can also serve as a display clock. The takeaway: practical reuse beats new hardware when you know the device's limits.

Apple's OLED MacBooks may get Dynamic Island feature, Gurman says

February 26, 2026, 3:50 PM EST. Apple's next MacBook Pro lineup, expected this fall, may include an OLED touchscreen and a Dynamic Island-style control: a pill-shaped cutout on the screen that shows alerts and controls. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says the new 14- and 16-inch models will retain their familiar chassis but adopt a more dynamic UI designed for touch or pointer input, with menus that appear around a user's finger or cursor. Apple has resisted touch on Macs in the past, but has pushed iPad as a hybrid device. The reveal isn't tied to the company's March 4 event, with releases slated closer to the end of 2026. Gurman also expects a smaller Dynamic Island on future iPhone models (iPhone 18/18 Pro Max).

AI Hurtles Ahead: Claude Tutorial Informs Investor Addendum

February 26, 2026, 3:46 PM EST. An investor revisits a December memo on AI after testing Claude, Anthropic's AI model, with a tutorial. The piece notes Claude's output felt like a colleague's personal note, weaving themes such as interest rates and investor psychology into explanations about AI. The author uses Claude's 10,000-word tutorial as a base, then adds observations and defines terms that may be new to readers. AI is portrayed not as a search engine but as a system that synthesizes data and reasons. There are two life stages for a model: training and deployment. Training goes beyond loading data; it teaches the model how to think-patterns of reasoning, argument structure, and novel idea generation-akin to developing human intellect. The addendum echoes the December memo while outlining practical AI concepts and caveats.

Tesla's Optimus push could lift stock if robot revenue scales, but hurdles remain

February 26, 2026, 3:44 PM EST. Tesla's stock narrative now extends beyond cars to AI and robotics. Investors weigh Optimus, its humanoid robot, and robotaxis as future revenue drivers. If Optimus sells for $20k-$30k and production hits 1 million units a year by 2026, that could add about $25 billion in annual revenue at a $25k price-vs. 2025 revenue near $95 billion. Robotics would diversify risk and tilt valuation toward AI and software-like margins. A 25% rise in profits is plausible; a 100%+ move depends on speculative demand for multi-decade potential. Risks include a slow start, supply-chain bottlenecks, and competition from cheaper mass-market robots, notably in China.

Foldable RK Royal Kludge F68 turns phones and tablets into a travel-ready keyboard

February 26, 2026, 3:40 PM EST. The RK Royal Kludge F68 is a 60% foldable mechanical keyboard that folds in half for compact storage. It uses an aluminum chassis and offers red or brown switches. Connectivity options include Bluetooth or USB-C wired. A built-in stand holds a phone or tablet, and the keys can be backlit for late-night work. The device remains compatible with laptops and PCs. List price is $80 but a 46% discount via Woot drops it to $43 for a limited time or while supplies last. Prime members get free shipping; non-Prime pays $6. This makes it a portable solution for users who want a physical keyboard on the go.

AI song generators Suno and Udio seek foothold in music industry after lawsuits

February 26, 2026, 3:38 PM EST. AI song makers Suno and Udio have moved to mend ties with the music industry after major labels sued them for copyright infringement in 2024. Suno, founded in 2022 and now valued at about $2.45 billion, has struck licensing deals with Warner and Merlin after settling with Warner, while Universal remains in negotiations and Sony has not settled. Udio has licenses with Warner, Universal and Merlin, but faced a user exodus when Universal blocked downloads of AI tracks. Both platforms let users generate music from descriptive prompts-no instruments or training needed-yet their models trained on living artists sparked pushback from the industry. CEOs Mikey Shulman and Andrew Sanchez say they aim to partner with labels and fans through settlement-driven collaboration while navigating US and European litigation.

VITURE raises $100 million in latest round, total funding tops $221.5 million

February 26, 2026, 3:36 PM EST. VITURE raised an additional $100 million in a new funding round, bringing total funding to about $221.5 million. The round was led by Legend Capital (Lenovo's Beijing arm), with strategic investors including Bertelsmann Group. Since its September Series B, VITURE has launched the Luma and Beast XR glasses, tethered to phone or PC, using bird-bath-style optics. In December, it teamed with CD Projekt RED to release a limited-edition Cyberpunk 2077 Luma series. It has expanded retail across North America, including in-store demos at Best Buy. This comes as Google-backed XREAL filed a patent lawsuit in January against VITURE's Pro, Luma Pro, and Luma Ultra. VITURE calls the action "patent-troll-style" and has filed its own infringement actions in China, seeking remedies. If successful, it could seek injunctive relief restricting XREAL products using electrochromic film tech.

Deal: GaN USB-C chargers cut to under $8 with 30W fast charging

February 26, 2026, 3:32 PM EST. A retailer is discounting USB-C GaN chargers by about 31%, bringing the price to under $8 per unit. The compact adapters deliver up to 30W fast charging and can boost an iPhone to over 70% in about 30 minutes. They include both USB-C and USB-A ports for simultaneous charging, and the plug folds flat for easier storage. The listing highlights GaN technology as reducing heat and eliminating concerns over battery damage. The deal, labeled a Lightning deal, represents a rare price dip on a category typically sold at higher prices.

Tim Cook teases a big week of Apple product reveals

February 26, 2026, 3:30 PM EST. Apple chief Tim Cook has teased a big, multi-day product reveal stretch, warning of a week ahead starting Monday, March 2. The company has already announced an in-person media and creators event on March 4, fueling expectations that Apple will unveil several devices over three days. Cook's tweet includes a video of someone shaping an Apple logo on a surface in the company's space gray. The chatter points to a new MacBook Air next week, along with updated 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, possibly powered by an M5 Pro or M5 Max. An entry-level MacBook in bright, iMac-like colors is also rumored. The docket could extend to new iPads and the iPhone 17e, though details remain unofficial.

Tesla's Matrix headlights gain two-stage dimming to curb sign glare

February 26, 2026, 3:28 PM EST. Tesla is rolling out a software tweak for its Matrix headlights to curb glare from reflective highway signs. A new feature, tentatively named matrix_two_stage_reflection_dip, introduces multi-level LED dimming instead of binary on/off control. The change aims to soften the camera flash bounce when headlights hit exit signs, while preserving road illumination. Users of version 2026.2.3 report smoother behavior; Tesla emphasizes no hardware changes are required and notes the update is delivered over the air (OTA). The improvement also benefits camera-based systems in the Full Self-Driving suite, which can be derailed by over-exposed images from bright signs. Timing of a broader rollout remains uncertain, but evidence points to ready-for-deployment in 2026.2.x builds.

Samsung Galaxy XR bundles more than $1,100 in freebies with $1,800 headset

February 26, 2026, 3:22 PM EST. Samsung is pitching its Galaxy XR headset at $1,800 accompanied by a freebies package worth more than $1,100, a contrast to rival devices. The deal stacks in NBA League Pass for a season, a year of YouTube Premium, three months of YouTube TV, a year of Calm Premium, plus other perks at no extra charge. Samsung frames the XR as an entry point to the Galaxy ecosystem, designed for high-resolution visuals and responsive performance across media, spatial apps and interactive environments. The headset aims to position XR as part of Samsung's broader push, aligned with events such as Galaxy Unpacked and the launch of the Galaxy S26. The package sharpens the price contrast with Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest, which do not include similar freebies.

Apple's March 4 hardware event: iPhone 17e, iPad refreshes, MacBook revival teased

February 26, 2026, 3:20 PM EST. Apple is set to hold a hardware event on March 4 with additional product debuts anticipated in the days before. The lineup reportedly includes an iPhone 17e replacing the iPhone 16e, featuring an A19 chip, Center Stage front camera, MagSafe, C1X and N1 wireless chips, and possibly Dynamic Island. Two new iPads – an A18 base model and an iPad Air with an M4 chip – are expected, with Apple Intelligence-enabled capabilities tied to the A18. A revived base MacBook is rumored, with a 12.9-inch display, A18 Pro chip, 8GB RAM and new colors around $699. In addition, next-week launches for the MacBook Pro with M5 Pro/Max, and potential updates to Studio Display and Mac Studio (M5 variants), are shaping the schedule. No final confirmations, timing and specs may shift.

Quantum computing hype could cool in 2026 as barriers, costs temper valuations

February 26, 2026, 3:18 PM EST. Quantum computing holds promise for AI, drug discovery, and cybersecurity, but the near term is constrained. The article argues the hype around quantum computing stocks could ease in 2026. Alphabet's 2024 experimental chip boosted excitement, lifting early-stage players such as IonQ, D-Wave Quantum, and Rigetti Computing, which posted big gains in 2025 before cooling. Yet the sector remains starved of meaningful revenue and faces stubborn technological barriers: qubits that err, the need for ultra-controlled environments, and scarce software ecosystems. Add costs, long development horizons, and unclear paths to profitability, and investors may reassess valuations that are already stretched. In time, commercial use may emerge, but the pace is likely slower than hype implied.

Stable One UI 8.5 arrives with the Galaxy S26 series

February 26, 2026, 3:16 PM EST. Samsung announced a stable version of One UI 8.5 alongside the Galaxy S26 series at Unpacked, with AI upgrades across Bixby and Now Brief. Rollout for older devices remains unclear. One UI 8.5 has been in beta since December, with five updates, and ships on the Galaxy S26 out of the box. The Galaxy S25 series is expected to lead later rollouts, as it was the only line eligible during beta. New features include customizable Quick Settings; notification summaries and spam controls; SIM management (physical SIM vs eSIM); AI photo editing via text prompts; Creative Studio to store stickers; automatic screenshot organization; Now Brief and Now Bar improvements; Now Nudge; Perplexity for web tasks in Bixby; and a new Finder search shortcut above pinned apps. Details on wider device support will follow.

EV Battery Swapping Market to Reach $24.3 Billion by 2030, Led by NIO, Gogoro, SUN Mobility

February 26, 2026, 3:12 PM EST. Global demand for EV battery swapping is rising fast. A 2025 base of $4.69 billion grows to $6.52 billion in 2026, a 38.8% CAGR. Projections put the market at about $24.3 billion by 2030 with a near-40% annual pace. Growth hinges on two- and three-wheeler EV adoption, fast refueling needs, and limited public charging. Policy support, battery standardization, and smart-city integration strengthen station rollout, especially in Asia-Pacific. Leading players include NIO, Gogoro, SUN Mobility, Battery Smart, and Bounce Mobility. Innovations such as modular swapping (under three minutes for heavy EVs) and strategic acquisitions (e.g., Livguard-Emuron) shape the landscape. Public charging reliability remains a challenge, boosting swapping as a practical alternative.

Apple AirPods Max price drops to $449 across all colors on Amazon

February 26, 2026, 3:08 PM EST. Amazon is offering a limited-time discount on the AirPods Max, cutting the usual $549 price by 18% to $449 across all colors, including blue, orange, midnight, purple and starlight. Apple's over-ear headphones fuse a custom dynamic driver with the H1 chip for high-fidelity sound and real-time adaptive output. They feature Spatial Audio with head tracking and Dolby Atmos support for immersive content, plus Active Noise Cancellation and a transparent mode for situational awareness. Battery life reaches about 20 hours with ANC and spatial audio enabled, making them a travel-ready option. The sale marks one of the rarer occasions when the full color lineup is discounted, as buyers consider the ecosystem lock-in and device interoperability.

Microsoft ends Internet Explorer support; urges users to switch to Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari

February 26, 2026, 3:06 PM EST. Users are urged to abandon Internet Explorer as Microsoft ended support for IE 10 and older in 2016. The website recommends modern browsers-Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari-for better compatibility and security. The push follows years of warnings from Microsoft, including comments by cybersecurity chief Chris Jackson dating to February 2019, who urged users to stop using the browser. The brief guidance highlights a broader shift away from legacy browsers and toward standards-compliant software on current devices.

AirPods Pro 3 with IR cameras could anchor Apple's AI wearables push

February 26, 2026, 3:04 PM EST. Apple is reportedly developing several AI wearables, led by an AirPods Pro 3 with built-in IR cameras slated for release this year. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman outlined three AI products-AirPods with cameras, Apple Glasses and a pendant with a built-in camera-with Glasses expected next year and the pendant later. The plan frames AirPods as Apple's first AI wearable, using visual intelligence to enable early AI companion features while gathering user data to guide later glasses development. The strategy leverages AirPods' mainstream appeal, avoiding the category skepticism seen with AI smart glasses. Industry observers compare Apple's approach with Meta's smart glasses and Humane's AI pin, highlighting adoption milestones and market timing.

11 Apple deals before March event: iPads, AirPods and MacBooks

February 26, 2026, 3:02 PM EST. Apple is set to host a March event next week, with rumors of new devices in 2026. The launches aren't expected to reach stores immediately, making it a prudent moment to snag a deal on current devices. Amazon is discounting a selection of Apple products, from AirPods and iPads to MacBooks and other accessories. While these aren't necessarily the deepest cuts seen this year, the reductions are solid for shoppers looking to upgrade before the new line lands. The emphasis is on quantity over novelty: multiple models discounted, allowing buyers to pick up premium gear without paying top dollar. If you're ready to upgrade, these Apple deals offered by Amazon are worth a look.

Alphabet Seen as Safer Quantum Play for 2026

February 26, 2026, 2:56 PM EST. Alphabet stands as a less-speculative quantum bet versus small-cap peers. The company's Willow processor (2024) reduced quantum error, and an algorithm introduced last year ran 13,000 times faster than traditional systems. Alphabet is pursuing a six-milestone road map to a large, error-corrected one-million-qubit machine, now at milestone three. Financially, it posted $2.87 EPS, $102 billion in sales, and $24.5 billion in free cash flow through Q3 2025, enabling heavy investment in emerging tech. It dominates AI with Gemini (750 million monthly users) and recently landed a Gemini-to-Siri deal with Apple, plus a growing Waymo AV footprint. The stock offers upside while reducing quantum risk through cash flow and scale; a direct quantum payoff isn't required now.

IP over DWDM Router Market Set to Reach $8.46 Billion by 2029, Led by Huawei, Cisco, HPE

February 26, 2026, 2:54 PM EST. The IP over DWDM router market is expected to grow from about $4.02 billion in 2024 to $8.46 billion by 2029, a CAGR of about 16%. Growth driven by rising internet use, cloud-based apps, video streaming, and 5G backhaul demands. North America currently leads, with Asia-Pacific posting the fastest growth as hyperscale data centers and smart-city programs expand. Major players include Huawei Technologies, Cisco Systems, HPE, Fujitsu and Ericsson. Technological advances such as 400G coherent optics, flexible-grid DWDM, and SDN are cited as enablers. The report notes cloud adoption and government broadband initiatives as accelerants.

Client Challenge: Web Page Fails to Load with JavaScript Disabled

February 26, 2026, 2:52 PM EST. A banner on the site indicates that JavaScript is disabled in the user's browser, blocking a required part of the page from loading. The message asks visitors to enable JavaScript to proceed. It cites possible causes, including browser extensions, a poor network connection, or browser settings. Instructions advise users to check their connection, disable any ad blockers, or try a different browser. The error underscores a common web-design constraint: many features depend on client-side scripting, which can degrade usability if users block it. In practice, such prompts aim to reduce user frustration by guiding quick fixes rather than deeper diagnostics.

Huawei Watch GT Runner 2 debuts at £319.99 with £30 discount and free strap

February 26, 2026, 2:50 PM EST. Huawei has launched the Watch GT Runner 2 at £319.99 after a £30 discount (was £349.99), with a free watch strap of the wearer's choice. Co-developed with marathoner Eliud Kipchoge, the model emphasizes more precise tracking, enhanced running power metrics and updated algorithms to illuminate performance. In hands-on testing, Huawei's latest wearable was light and comfortable, and its bright AMOLED display was easy to read on the run. GPS issues seen on the original model are acknowledged, with improvements promised. The watch targets Android users focused on running, positioning it as a competitive option against Garmin and other Android-friendly wearables. Huawei confirms launch pricing and accessories promotion through its store.

DJI unveils RS 5 camera gimbal with enhanced tracking and long battery life

February 26, 2026, 2:48 PM EST. DJI unveiled the RS 5 camera gimbal, a lightweight option in its Ronin line. Weighing about three pounds with a payload up to seven pounds, it uses an improved stabilization algorithm and a new tracking module that lets videographers frame live footage and follow subjects-from people to pets or vehicles-via a touchscreen without touching the camera. The system supports a wide range of mirrorless cameras and can switch to vertical shooting without extra accessories. A compact carry handle supports above- or below-shot angles. The RS 5 runs up to 14 hours per charge and fully charges in about an hour, with a battery grip option extending runtime to 30 hours. Standard kit starts around $680; the combo around $859. No US release date yet; Engadget has asked for comment, and DJI notes a recent US ban on drones imports affects only newly released models and should not impact gimbals.

Tim Cook Confirms Multi-Day Apple Reveals Begin Monday

February 26, 2026, 2:46 PM EST. Tim Cook confirmed Apple will stage a series of multi-day reveals starting on Monday. The company described the plan ahead of its upcoming product cycle, with announcements spread across several events rather than a single launch. Apple did not name specific products, but the cadence implies new hardware, software updates, and services rolled out over the week. The staged approach gives the company flexibility to demo features and products progressively, while maintaining momentum into the quarter. Details are expected in the days ahead as Apple rolls out its ongoing cadence of discoveries for developers and consumers.

DJI Osmo Action 4 hits $229 on Amazon with Essential Combo bundle

February 26, 2026, 2:44 PM EST. Cycling content creators have a new bargain. The DJI Osmo Action 4, bundled with an Essential Combo, is $229 on Amazon-roughly 21% off its $289 list price and $60 below the all-in price. The deal includes extras like a quick-release mount and protective frame, making it beginner-friendly. The camera records 4K/120fps HDR video, uses HorizonSteady for smoother footage, and can shoot JPEG or RAW stills, with adjustable field of view, shutter speed, ISO and white balance. Battery life tops out around 160 minutes of continuous filming. It's waterproof to 18 meters and offers three stabilization modes. Not the latest option in action cams, it faces rivals: Insta360 Go Ultra at $449.99, and some GoPro models around $399. The page lists current DJI deals across retailers.

Apple seeks dismissal of shareholder fraud suit over Siri AI claims and Epic injunction

February 26, 2026, 2:40 PM EST. Apple asked a federal judge in San Jose to dismiss a proposed class action alleging securities fraud for overstating Siri's artificial intelligence capabilities and misrepresenting its compliance with the Epic Games injunction. The company said there was no proof it knew, at a June 2024 conference, that two advanced Siri features would take longer to roll out, potentially affecting iPhone 16 sales. Apple argued its procedures to comply with the 2021 injunction-providing external links for purchases to avoid App Store commissions-were not foolproof. The suit, led by National Pension Service, covers shareholders who suffered losses from May 2024 to May 2025 after a judge said Apple was violating the injunction; the federal appeals court partially reversed sanctions in December.

Spigen unveils MagFit ecosystem for Galaxy S26

February 26, 2026, 2:34 PM EST. Spigen unveils a MagFit ecosystem for the Galaxy S26, designed to refresh the device from day one with cases and accessories that protect, hold, and power daily use. The lineup centers on MagFit-enabled cases like Liquid Air MagFit (low-profile, textured grip), Ultra Hybrid Zero One (Galaxy-specific with double-layer print), Ultra Hybrid Frost Black (frosted semi-transparent), and Tough Armor MagFit (dual-layer with XRD foam, built-in kickstand). The set includes the AluminaCore EZ Fit Screen Protector (three times stronger, easy install with a spare). Other items: Valentinus MagFit+ wallet, Essential Qi 2.2 3-in-1 charger, and O-Mag OM104 grip/kickstand. Updates align with the new Buds 4/Pro.

Today Only: Best Buy Slices Meta Quest 3S to $260

February 26, 2026, 2:24 PM EST. Best Buy is cutting the price on the Meta Quest 3S with 128GB of storage to $260 for today only, a $39 savings off the usual $299 list. The deal is time-limited; shoppers should act quickly to lock in the price. The Quest 3S is the budget variant of the Quest 3, lighter than the Quest 2 and offering about three hours of battery life. It shares the same apps and experiences but at a lower price point. Scott Stein of CNET praised it as the best value in VR, noting its headroom for mixed-reality features. Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team and may be unrelated to this article. This is the moment for affordable VR if you're shopping today.

Amazon discounts up to 30% on Apple iPhone 17 cases

February 26, 2026, 2:22 PM EST. Amazon is running a sale on Apple official cases for the iPhone 17 family and the iPhone Air, with discounts of up to 30%. The lineup includes Clear, Silicone, and TechWoven cases for the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air. Many cases are priced at $39.99, down from $49.00. The promotion also covers Beats cases and Woven charging cables, with some items as low as $9.99. MacRumors notes affiliate links with participating vendors. The post points readers to a Apple Deals roundup for broader bargains and to sign up for a Deals Newsletter.

Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 powers Galaxy S26 Ultra with on-device AI

February 26, 2026, 2:20 PM EST. Qualcomm and Samsung unveiled the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, a custom chip that powers the Galaxy S26 Ultra globally, with regional variants for the S26 and S26 Plus. The silicon bundles a 3rd Gen Qualcomm Oryon CPU, Adreno GPU, and Hexagon NPU designed for proactive, on-device intelligence rather than mere speed. Qualcomm claims 19% CPU gains, 24% graphics, and a 39% NPU uplift, enabling features like Now Nudge and enhanced Nightography, Matrix Acceleration, and Advanced Professional Video capture. FastConnect 7900 with UWB improves connectivity; Smart Transmit Plus optimizes uplink across 5G, Wi-Fi and satellite. Samsung and Qualcomm executives say the platform delivers top performance for creative work and productivity, marking a shift toward agentic AI on smartphones.

USSF Pauses Vulcan NSSL Launches Pending Anomaly Investigation

February 26, 2026, 2:12 PM EST. The U.S. Space Force has halted National Security Space Launch (NSSL) missions on United Launch Alliance's Vulcan rocket until it completes an investigation into a Feb. 12 anomaly. Space Systems Command said the investigation into a solid rocket motor anomaly affects the launch of USSF-87 from Cape Canaveral. The mission delivered two GSSAP satellites and an experimental payload to their orbits, but officials say the pause is ongoing. Col. Eric Zarybnisky, Acting Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Space Access, told reporters the process could stretch into months as teams work with contractors to determine root causes and corrective actions. The priority remains safety and fixes, with potential knock-on effects on the next NSSL Vulcan mission.

Galaxy S26 pushes AI to the smartphone foreground as Google previews Gemini features

February 26, 2026, 2:06 PM EST. Samsung introduced the Galaxy S26 series-S26, S26 Plus and S26 Ultra-with AI aimed at predicting user needs and performing tasks in the background. Google is previewing Gemini-powered capabilities that begin with ride-hailing, groceries and food apps, such as building a shopping cart for a barbecue or surfacing an Uber call on the home or lock screen. Analysts say the change hinges on fewer taps and swipes as AI agents shoulder more work on smartphones. IDC's Nabila Popal cautions timing remains uncertain, noting buyers still chase cameras and screens. Samsung also upgrades processors, cameras and screen privacy features, but executives say AI is the defining theme for this year's devices.

Tesla Cybercab program manager exits ahead of launch as first unit rolls off at Giga Texas

February 26, 2026, 2:02 PM EST. Victor Nechita, Tesla's vehicle program manager for the Cybercab, is leaving days after the first production unit rolled off the line at Giga Texas. He joined in 2017 as an intern on the Model 3 line, climbing to lead the Cybercab program. His exit adds to a sweeping exodus of senior program managers at Tesla since late 2025, including the Cybertruck and Model Y leads. Over two years, several top figures have departed, leaving Tesla with no original program manager for its major production lines. The Cybercab's challenge remains: it depends on unsupervised autonomy, a capability Tesla has not yet solved. Musk has warned early production will be agonizingly slow, but reaching the first unit is a milestone.

Artemis II rocket returns to Kennedy Space Center's VAB for repairs

February 26, 2026, 1:58 PM EST. NASA's SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft for the Artemis II mission arrived at the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, around 8 p.m. EST Feb. 25 after a rollout from Launch Pad 39B. In the assembly building, technicians will troubleshoot a helium-flow issue affecting the upper stage, replace batteries on the upper stage, core stage and solid rocket boosters, and service the flight termination system. The work aims to clear the path for the crewed lunar flyby mission. By Elyna Niles-Carnes.

Space Force Pauses Vulcan Missions as Anomaly Investigation Drags On

February 26, 2026, 1:56 PM EST. The Space Force has paused all launches on United Launch Alliance's Vulcan rocket as officials investigate a recent anomaly that could take months to resolve. Col. Eric Zarybinsky said no National Security Space Launch missions will fly on Vulcan until the issue is resolved, delaying a GPS III mission planned for next month. The anomaly occurred during USSF-87 on Feb. 12, affecting one of the vehicle's four solid rocket motors. Officials likened it to a 2024 nozzle crack on a Vulcan second stage, which delayed certification. Space officials are weighing options to orbit payloads on other boosters, but GPS satellites are generally qualified for multiple launch providers. The Rapid Response Trailblazer program provided past flexibility between SpaceX and ULA; no switch decision has been made.

AI capex, wealth effect from tech stocks drive up to a third of U.S. GDP, say top analysts

February 26, 2026, 1:54 PM EST. Pantheon Macroeconomics says AI capex (capital spending on AI tech) and the wealth effect from tech-stock gains are now pushing about one-third of U.S. GDP growth. The firm's Samuel Tombs and Oliver Allen estimate that AI capex accounted for nearly a fifth of the 2.2% year-over-year GDP increase in Q4, while households' holdings in the Magnificent Seven rose by $3.8 trillion in 2025, lifting consumption and contributing to GDP by roughly 0.3 percentage points. Nvidia posted a Q4 2025 revenue of $68.1 billion, up 73%, underscoring the AI push. Market futures were muted ahead of the open. Analysts warn a rethink on AI could pressure both stock prices and investment, even as productivity gains appear concentrated in AI-intense sectors.

Artemis II SLS rocket rolled back to VAB after helium issue

February 26, 2026, 1:52 PM EST. NASA's Artemis II mission faced a delay after the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket was rolled back to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) following a helium-system issue found during prelaunch checks. The rocket had been on the pad for testing when crews moved it indoors to inspect and repair the pressurization system that relies on helium. Officials said there is no launch date yet and emphasized safety and readiness. The rollback highlights ongoing risk-management steps for the crewed lunar mission, the first Artemis crewed trip around the Moon. NASA will review data, determine if components require replacement, and set a new target window once work is complete. No injuries were reported.

AiSpasia Studios launches AI animation firm centered on ethical, artist-driven use of AI

February 26, 2026, 1:40 PM EST. Exclusive: New York-based AI animation startup AiSpasia Studios unveiled by producer Jordan Goldnadel. It positions itself as pioneering the ethical and artist-driven use of AI in animation. Goldnadel says the plan is to explore how AI tools can expand creative possibilities while protecting artistic authorship, labor integrity, and human storytelling, and that compensation for human collaborators will be fair. He asserts the future of animation belongs to the artists who learn to wield AI, not machines. AiSpasia's first project, Léon in New York, is billed as among the first fully AI-animated series; it quietly debuted on YouTube and has nearly one million views. The show follows a French bulldog chasing a baguette-in-Brooklyn dream. Goldnadel previously produced Cannes entry Riddle of Fire and Tribeca title Thirst Street. Other AI animation startups like Cartwheel have drawn attention and funding.

DJI Pocket 4 Standard set for March 26, 2026 launch in China, leak-backed timeline

February 26, 2026, 1:28 PM EST. DJI Pocket 4 Standard is pegged for a China reveal on March 26, 2026, according to YouTuber Photorabz. The claim aligns with prior coverage by thenewcamera.com, which notes a China-first rollout followed by a global release weeks later. The leak narrative is reinforced by a real-life video from an official DJI store in Kuala Lumpur, posted on Instagram, showing a 3-axis gimbal, a 2-inch OLED screen and a new built-in LED fill light. Industry chatter has flagged accessory production as a potential delay driver, with Photorabz previously citing unfinished items such as the FrameTap remote. Chinese retailers reportedly hold stock ahead of international channels. While the exact timing remains uncertain, the March 26, 2026 window has gained traction from multiple sources, including retrospective delays tied to ecosystem items.

Over 300,000 Chrome users hit by fake AI extensions

February 26, 2026, 1:24 PM EST. Security researchers warn of a coordinated campaign in which more than 300,000 Chrome users installed extensions disguised as AI assistants. The extensions, including names such as ChatGPT Translate, AI Assistant and Google Gemini, secretly harvest sensitive data like emails, passwords and browsing activity. They were distributed via the official Chrome Web Store, making them seem legitimate. LayerX linked 30 malicious extensions to a common malicious server, signaling a coordinated effort. Some extensions have been removed, but others remain available, risking new installs. Users should audit installed AI-related extensions and remove anything suspicious. Authorities urge caution when granting permissions to browser tools. This underscores how threat actors exploit AI-related branding to deceive users.

Rivian adds Apple Watch controls to all EVs via software update

February 26, 2026, 1:16 PM EST. Rivian has added an Apple Watch app for all its electric vehicles via a software update, letting drivers lock and unlock doors, vent windows and sound the alarm from their wrist. The feature works on both Gen 1 and Gen 2 vehicles. The update also introduces a higher ride option in Sport Mode that lets owners raise the ride height for all compatible Gen 1 and Gen 2 models. Launch Mode is extended to all Gen 1 Quad-Motor and both generations of Dual-Motor vehicles. The rollout comes as Rivian gears up for the $45,000 R2 SUV. In 2025, Rivian sold 42,098 EVs, down 18.2% from 2024, with the R1S remaining the best-selling model.

Healey to announce AI workforce initiative with Google in Cambridge

February 26, 2026, 1:12 PM EST. Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey plans to announce a new statewide initiative focused on artificial intelligence and workforce development with Google officials in Cambridge on Thursday morning. The press conference is set for 10:30 a.m. at Google's Main Street offices. Healey will be joined by Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley, Undersecretary of Business Strategies Zenobia Moochhala, Labor & Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones, Technology Services & Security Secretary Jason Snyder, MassTech CEO Carolyn Kirk, MA AI Hub Director Sabrina Mansur, and Grow with Google founder Lisa Gevelber. The plan aims to align tech growth with job training across the state. No additional details were released.

Samsung Galaxy S26 series gains faster wired and wireless charging, but lacks Qi2 magnets

February 26, 2026, 1:06 PM EST. Samsung confirms faster charging for the Galaxy S26 family. Wired charging climbs to 60W on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, up from 45W, with a new in-box USB-C cable but no charger. The Galaxy S26+ stays at 45W, and the base Galaxy S26 remains at 25W. On wireless charging, speeds rise but there are no Qi2 magnets. The S26 Ultra supports 25W wireless charging; the S26+ is 20W and the base S26 is 15W. Samsung has kept magnets out of the lineup, citing thickness concerns. Industry notes: Qi EPP tops at 15W, while 25W requires Magnetic Power Profile and magnetic alignment. A magnetic case seems needed for full 25W on the Ultra. Pre-orders run through March 11 with usual perks.

NASA moves Artemis II moon rocket off pad to fix helium pressurization glitch, delaying lunar launch to April 1

February 26, 2026, 12:52 PM EST. NASA hauled the Artemis II SLS rocket and its mobile launcher from pad 39B to the Vehicle Assembly Building for repairs after a helium pressurization problem blocked repressurization of the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS). The 4-mile rollback, weather-checked and overseen by engineers, took about 10 to 12 hours and arrives at the VAB for access platforms to inspect the ICPS. Officials say the likely culprit could be a valve used on Artemis I, though other possibilities include a filter in an umbilical or a quick-disconnect fitting. The delay pushes liftoff to around April 1 and keeps four astronauts off schedule for the lunar flyby.

Galaxy S26 adds real-time camera translation, first for Galaxy devices

February 26, 2026, 12:48 PM EST. Samsung's Galaxy S26 series introduces Real-time translation within the camera app, overlaying translated text directly in the viewfinder. The feature expands Samsung's Overlay Translation tech, already available on older Galaxy phones in Gallery and Samsung Internet, to live camera use. Under the hood, the system uses OCR to detect text, a neural machine translation engine, and AI in-painting to reconstruct backgrounds; on the S26, full in-painting remains too heavy for live view, so translation is applied as the camera moves. The translated text is anchored to the scene, not shown in floating boxes. Access via the camera: tap the "T" button > Real-time translation. Samsung says the feature is exclusive to the Galaxy S26 for now, with plans to broaden later.

Perfumes aim to bottle the internet's scent

February 26, 2026, 12:42 PM EST. Reddit users described the internet by scent: burnt plastic, dust, rubber and electronics. Perfumes have turned that idea into real products, from Blackbird's Y06-S (overheating electronics with a banana note) to The Hmmosphere, which evokes cooled servers, ancient dust and moss. Unjust's Skype fragrance taps nostalgia with ozonic, citrusy and grassy notes, while John Phillips' WhatsApp Eau de Parfum became a meme linked to messaging culture. The piece frames scent as part of embodied perception – the body experiences the internet, not only data. As data centers hum and cables run across oceans, these fragrances translate digital life into the physical world.

Tim Cook teases Apple launches set to begin Monday morning

February 26, 2026, 12:40 PM EST. Apple chief Tim Cook teased a slate of new launches that will unfold starting Monday morning. The post offered no details beyond the promise that we'll find out soon. The teaser feeds ongoing Apple rumors, with coverage credited to Richard Lawler of Apple Rumors. As Apple prepares to announce specifics, readers can expect updates as official details emerge.

Samsung's Audio Eraser adds real-time app audio suppression on Galaxy S26 (One UI 8.5)

February 26, 2026, 12:34 PM EST. Samsung on One UI 8.5 for the Galaxy S26 expands Audio Eraser from recording to real-time audio processing for video apps. The feature can be enabled while content plays and offers adjustable strength plus a Voice Focus toggle. Samsung says Audio Eraser now works with YouTube, Instagram, Netflix and other apps, with TikTok named in demonstrations. In testing, YouTube clips showed speech staying clear as background noise recedes, though some artifacts remain when the effect is active. The on-device processing runs in real time rather than on the cloud. The Galaxy S26 line is available for pre-order, with trade-in perks, ahead of shelves on March 11. Samsung framed the feature as a practical tool for clearer video and recordings on mobile.

Samsung expands Audio Eraser to real-time app audio on Galaxy S26, including YouTube

February 26, 2026, 12:32 PM EST. Samsung's Audio Eraser feature, introduced on Google Pixel and extended to Samsung's Galaxy lineup, now operates in real time with video apps on the Galaxy S26. Available through One UI 8.5, it can be toggled when supported apps play, adjusted for strength, and used with a Voice Focus option. Samsung says the feature works with YouTube, Instagram, Netflix, and other apps, naming TikTok in demos. In a test, YouTube audio remained clear with Audio Eraser on, while turning it off let the crowd roar register. Artifacts from removed audio can appear, but the on-device processing is notable for live use rather than post-production. The Galaxy S26 goes on pre-order with typical perks through March 11, ahead of street availability.

Telestream expands production-ready AI across Vantage, Cloud and enterprise workflows

February 26, 2026, 12:30 PM EST. Telestream says its production-ready AI now spans its Vantage, Vantage Cloud, EDC, Stanza and Qualify lines, building on the Vantage AI foundation introduced in 2025. The shifts aim to operationalize AI across ingest, processing, compliance and delivery in on-premises, cloud and hybrid environments. Five core areas drive progress: AI Caption for multilingual localization (up to 128 languages) across Vantage and Stanza; AI Qualify with AI-driven lip-sync, subtitle alignment and spoken-language verification embedded in QC pipelines; AI Speech enables real-time speech-to-text and metadata tagging for growing files; AI Vision adds frame-level visual intelligence to extract actionable metadata; and broader workflow design enhancements for automated, explainable AI inside production pipelines. Telestream emphasizes reduced manual review and faster delivery.

Telestream expands production-ready AI across Vantage, Stanza, EDC and Qualify portfolio

February 26, 2026, 12:28 PM EST. Telestream says it has expanded practical AI across its Vantage, Vantage Cloud, EDC, Stanza, and Qualify lines, building on the 2025 AI foundation. The updates push operational AI into ingest, processing, compliance, and delivery for on-premises, cloud, and hybrid setups. In a statement, Rich Andes notes deeper cloud integration, enhanced QC automation, and scalable localization as core goals. Key advances include AI Caption with localization up to 128 languages, AI Qualify for AI-assisted QC within production pipelines, AI Speech enabling real-time transcription and metadata tagging for growing files, and AI Vision delivering frame-level visual metadata. The moves aim to expedite translation, improve accuracy, and streamline design of AI-driven workflows across enterprise media operations.

NVIDIA updates Shield TV with 9.2.4 security patch, signals ongoing support

February 26, 2026, 12:22 PM EST. NVIDIA has released Shield Experience Upgrade 9.2.4 for the Shield and Shield Pro. The update emphasizes security, bringing patches to January 2026 and a slate of bug fixes, including a Disney+ playback issue, a 3rd-party remote connection issue with Xbox after sleep, a wake/CEC crash, Bluetooth remote disconnects, and a Settings page crash when triggering NVIDIA Share. In a recent Ars Technica interview, Andrew Bell, NVIDIA's senior VP of hardware engineering, said the company has no plans to end Shield support and hinted at new concepts. A potential Shield refresh would likely add codecs such as AV1 and HDR10+, plus Dolby Vision profiles. The Shield Android TV Pro remains a strong pick for gamers due to native 4K streaming and GeForce Now.

NVIDIA updates Shield TV with 9.2.4 patch, pledges ongoing support

February 26, 2026, 12:20 PM EST. NVIDIA has released the Shield Experience Upgrade 9.2.4 for both the Shield and Shield Pro, the first substantive update in nearly a year. The patch prioritizes security and stability, updating patches to January 2026 and fixing a string of issues. Notable fixes include Disney+ playback, a 3rd-party remote connection problem with Xbox after sleep, a crash that can wake SHIELD and CEC devices during sleep, Bluetooth remote dropouts, and a Settings-page glitch when triggering NVIDIA Share. NVIDIA has given no firm word on a new Shield TV, though an Ars Technica interview with Andrew Bell signals continued support and hints at a refresh with codecs such as AV1 and HDR10+, plus Dolby Vision. The Shield Pro remains a strong option for 4K streaming and GeForce Now cloud gaming.

AI Needs Human Oversight: OpenAI, Anthropic Debate Policing AI

February 26, 2026, 12:14 PM EST. AI requires human oversight, not blind faith in autonomous systems. The piece contrasts Nvidia co-founder Jensen Huang's warning that AI is not autonomous with OpenAI's insistence on a human-in-the-loop approach that reviews inputs and outputs for crimes. OpenAI cites NCMEC data showing more than 75,000 reports in the first half of 2025, arguing that human review scales safety and effectiveness. In this view, AI amplifies human effort, processing vast data to help authorities catch offenders. Anthropic promotes Constitutional AI-training models to police themselves with a written constitution-but critics say it yields far fewer reports (about 5,005) and leaves gaps, including some platforms flagged by NCMEC. The debate underscores the need for transparent, human-led guardrails around AI.

Garmin watches receive major free upgrade with Fitness Coach, gear tracking

February 26, 2026, 12:08 PM EST. Garmin rolled out a sweeping software update for its watches, adding a free Fitness Coach feature in Garmin Connect that builds personalized plans across strength, cardio and 25+ activity types. The upgrade broadens gear tracking, expanding supported gear and letting users group items into collections with on-wrist progress indicators. It also introduces deeper health metrics: watches now show sleep consistency and alignment to the circadian rhythm, and let users log behaviors like caffeine or alcohol use- with reports on HRV (heart rate variability), sleep and stress. Additional features include a course planner in Garmin Connect for race prep, plus a wrist view of sports scores from 15 leagues. The firm notes compatibility across a wide range of watches.

Garmin's latest software adds Fitness Coach, expanded gear tracking and sleep insights

February 26, 2026, 11:58 AM EST. Garmin's latest software update broadens wellness and training tools across compatible watches. The flagship feature is Garmin Fitness Coach, which builds personalized plans from fitness history and user data. It expands beyond Garmin Coach by adding strength workouts and more than 25 activity types, useful for gym or bodyweight progress. The update also boosts gear tracking with a broader gear library, collections, automatic stats, and the option to auto-assign gear to activities to monitor wear and maintenance. Sleep tracking gets clearer with sleep consistency metrics and alignment to the body's circadian rhythm. Users can log behaviors like caffeine or alcohol and see their impact on sleep, stress, and HRV. New tools include a course planner for race prep and live sports scores from the wrist.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic discounted to $370, 26% off

February 26, 2026, 11:56 AM EST. Samsung's Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is on sale at $370, about 26% off its $500 list price. The 46mm model is praised for its vibrant AMOLED display, long battery life, GPS and robust health tools, including sleep coaching and a daily energy score, plus 64GB of storage and 2GB RAM. CNET's Vanessa Hand Orellana highlighted its stylish design and Gemini AI features, while noting minor issues with the onboard Running Coach. The watch is waterproof to 50 meters and can run many features with or without a Samsung phone, but some capabilities require pairing. The deal is described as not lasting long and represents the year's best discount on the device so far.

ElevenLabs CEO says voice AI could transform dubbing and education – but control and safety lag

February 26, 2026, 11:42 AM EST. ElevenLabs can generate lifelike voices from a short sample, including a clone of Neave Barker, an Al Jazeera anchor. CEO Mati Staniszewski discusses how voice AI could transform dubbing, education and accessibility, helping people who have lost speech. But the tech invites abuse: fraud, disinformation and psychological operations. The interview covers safety measures, detection, and partnerships with governments, including Ukraine's push toward an agentic state. The central question remains: when your voice becomes software, who controls it, and what rights are left? The report from Talk to Al Jazeera frames the debate around governance, accountability, and the trade-offs between innovation and safety.

Amazon Renewed Premium cuts $480 off 512GB iPhone 16 Pro to $819

February 26, 2026, 11:40 AM EST. Amazon Renewed Premium is offering a 512GB unlocked iPhone 16 Pro for $819, a $480 cut from its original $1,299 price. The deal undercuts Apple's own refurb, where the 512GB iPhone 16 Pro sells for $1,019, though Apple's refurb offers stronger peace of mind. Amazon's Renewed Premium listings promise devices that are inspected, tested and cleaned, with batteries at least 80% of new capacity, and minimal cosmetic wear. The unit is not Apple certified but may ship in generic packaging with compatible accessories; headphones are not included. The product is returnable for 90 days; some items may qualify for replacement or refund within 365 days in certain conditions. FTC affiliate links are disclosed.

AI expert warns of rapid upheaval in the job market as generative tools advance

February 26, 2026, 11:28 AM EST. An AI specialist with more than two decades studying technology's work impact warns of a swift, unprecedented upheaval in the job market driven by generative AI. He says cognitive tasks-writing, analysis, programming, design, translation, legal research, medical diagnosis-are increasingly automated, and the pace outstrips past revolutions, compressing years of change into months. The most at-risk roles extend beyond factory floors to journalists, lawyers, accountants, programmers and other white-collar fields. His practical advice: learn to use AI tools, cultivate uniquely human skills such as creativity, empathy, and complex judgment, and avoid assuming current jobs are safe. Those who prepare now anticipate a smoother transition, even as some experience a painful adjustment. He also warns: "Warn your loved ones."

Extreme temperatures test: preconditioning keeps fast charging strong; Lucid leads range

February 26, 2026, 11:26 AM EST. In fast-charging tests, batteries preheated before charging maintained promised 10-80% times even as frost crawled across connectors. Some cars reached peak kW (kilowatts) of 350-400, delivering power through cables almost as fast as in warm weather. For grid operators and fleets, the results suggest northern infrastructure can handle demand in deep winter if smart preconditioning becomes standard. The Lucid Air Grand Touring led on distance, nearly 100 kilometres farther than its nearest rival, but suffered a steep drop in lab-tested range. More efficient models shone: Kia's compact EV2 prototype delivered 310 kilometres, deviating just 24.8% from its WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure) rating.

Tesla Europe woes persist as autonomy bets attract investor scrutiny

February 26, 2026, 11:24 AM EST. Tesla TSLA faced a 13th straight monthly decline in Europe in January, selling just over 8,000 vehicles, down 17% from a year earlier. Analysts point to an aging model lineup and fierce competition from lower-cost Chinese rivals like BYD in Europe. The region's BEV market grew about 14% in January, underscoring demand for alternatives to Tesla. BYD delivered more than 18,000 EVs in Europe last month, widening the gap. CEO Elon Musk is framing Tesla as a technology company focused on AI, autonomy, and robotics, while investors weigh the case for the long term. Tesla launched a robotaxi service in Austin in 2025 and plans expansion to seven more cities. Waymo remains ahead in Level 4 autonomy, while Tesla operates at Level 2, with limited driverless miles and occasional incidents.

Scale Computing Opens Nominations for 4th Platform Summit Awards

February 26, 2026, 11:22 AM EST. Scale Computing announced Feb. 26, 2026 that nominations are open for the fourth annual Platform Summit Awards, to be handed out April 16 at Resorts World Las Vegas during Platform//2026. The awards recognize partners, customers and technology alliances that drove innovation and collaboration within Scale Computing's ecosystem. The company invites eligible individuals, organizations and teams to submit nominations across multiple categories, including Individual Awards (Partner MVP – Sales, Partner MVP – Technical, Scale Computing CHAMP) and Company Awards (Partner of the Year – North America and International, Distributor, Growth, MSP, Innovation, Alliance, Vertical Partner of the Year). Platform//2026 is Scale Computing's flagship event for Innovative Leaders, Technology Partners and Service Providers.

Spotify adds Smart Reorder to playlists by key and BPM

February 26, 2026, 11:16 AM EST. Spotify is rolling out a new feature that reorders playlist tracks by their musical key and tempo (BPM) to improve transitions. Premium users can tap Mix on a playlist, hit Edit, then choose Smart Reorder and Save. The one-tap tool rearranges songs automatically without manual dragging. The feature follows last year's custom transition option that created uninterrupted progressions. Spotify says mixed playlists have logged more than 220 hours since the launch and cites examples such as The Weeknd's Wake Me Up flowing into After Hours and Flo Rida's Low into Rihanna's S&M. The update aims to make genre crossovers smoother and speed transitions for users crafting mood playlists, though it remains optional rather than default behavior.

Thiel Liquidates Nvidia, Tesla, Microsoft, Apple: What Stocks He Owns for 2026

February 26, 2026, 11:12 AM EST. Peter Thiel's hedge fund, Thiel Macro, liquidated its entire stock portfolio in Q4, moving into cash as macro uncertainty rose. In Q3 the fund exited or trimmed stakes in Nvidia, Vistra and cut exposure to Tesla, while initiating positions in Microsoft and Apple. The fourth quarter finished with a complete wipeout of remaining equity. Analysts note rising pressure from tech giants building in-house AI chips and from rivals such as AMD in data-center accelerators, even as Nvidia remains a market leader. Thiel's track record-co-founder of PayPal, early investor in Facebook/Meta, and founder of Palantir-shapes how investors view his moves. The question for 2026: will his move to cash persist, or unlock new bets amid AI-driven volatility?

Google's Gemini agent on Android to run errands via third-party apps in beta

February 26, 2026, 11:10 AM EST. At Galaxy Unpacked 2026, Google unveiled a new Gemini capability for Android that lets users assign multi-step tasks to Gemini and have them completed by the apps already installed on the device. Activation happens via a long-press on the power button; tasks include booking a ride and ordering groceries through services like DoorDash. Gemini runs the required app in a virtual window, limiting access to a subset of apps and preserving device safety. Progress can be followed via live notifications, and users can intervene or stop tasks at any time. The feature is in beta with select apps in food, grocery and rideshare, with expansion planned. Availability is slated for Pixel 10 line and Galaxy S26 in the US and Korea.

Google Messages Details page regains edit history

February 26, 2026, 11:00 AM EST. Google Messages has reinstated edit history on the Details page after the Material 3 Expressive redesign. The updated Details view now includes a Type label (for example End-to-End Encrypted Rich Communication Service message or Text message) alongside the lock icon, and for SMS a Priority: Normal tag. It also surfaces an Edit History section showing the Original message and Edited to, a feature previously visible only in the main thread. The rollout aligns with the latest stable release version 20260206_00_RC00, while Type remains in the beta channel. This change brings back visible edit history and fuller message context for users.

Meta expands app-network co-optimization with MTN, América Móvil

February 26, 2026, 10:58 AM EST. Meta Platforms has quietly expanded partnerships with MTN and América Móvil to optimize WhatsApp on carrier networks across Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas. MTN, serving more than 300 million subscribers in 16 markets, reports faster call setup, fewer drops and a claimed up to 50% improvement in key metrics. América Móvil says Meta-related traffic uses less capacity across 15 countries. The deals, largely confidential, aim to relieve network strain and improve user experience, while giving platform giants greater influence over connectivity. Critics warn the moves amount to app-network co-optimization, shifting power toward gatekeepers. Nigeria's rollout already shows fewer dropped calls; analogous gains are noted in Mexico and Central America.

Mark Cuban: AI empowers any kid to build world-changing inventions

February 26, 2026, 10:54 AM EST. Mark Cuban says AI could let any kid build something world-changing. In conversations summarized by Business Insider, the billionaire investor argues AI lowers barriers to invention, giving young makers access to powerful tools, data, and guidance once reserved for startups with deep pockets. He frames AI as a creative partner that can accelerate experiments, prototypes, and learning. Critics caution about safety and bias, but Cuban says the opportunity to imagine and deploy real-world solutions outweighs the downsides.

Spotify's Smart Reorder sorts Mix playlists by BPM and key

February 26, 2026, 10:52 AM EST. Spotify's premium-only feature, Smart Reorder, automatically sorts playlists in the Mix section by a track's BPM and key, aiming for a smoother flow between songs. The option sits under Mix > Edit, with a Smart Reorder button at the bottom of the editing screen. Enabling it will override any existing manual order on the edited playlist. The feature builds on the existing Mix and follows August's introduction of automatic transitions between tracks. It arrives after Spotify updated its playlist chatbot to offer Prompted Playlists for Premium users in the US and Canada. The company bills it as an automated DJ tool, available now to Premium subscribers. Reported by Stevie Bonifield.

AI fingerprints breakthrough could reshape justice and security

February 26, 2026, 10:48 AM EST. AI has surfaced questions about fingerprints that could affect how the justice system operates and how security networks guard against crime. In a piece by Robin Allison Davis, the biometric topic is explained for a general audience: how fingerprint data is collected, stored and matched, and where errors or bias can slip in. The story outlines potential policy implications if biometric matching becomes more pervasive, including risks of wrongful identifications and privacy trade-offs. Experts are cited urging careful oversight, testing and transparent standards as technology evolves. Davis emphasizes practical takeaways: understand what fingerprints do, how they're used in courts and airports, and why governance matters as AI reshapes biometrics.

Nvidia's record quarter signals a new rulebook for CFOs: 'Compute equals revenue'

February 26, 2026, 10:46 AM EST. Nvidia posted a record Q4 revenue of $68.1 billion and full-year revenue of $215.9 billion, led by data-center at $62.3 billion. The results reinforce the view that compute is now a driver of revenue, not a cost center, a point CEO Jensen Huang emphasized as AI demand accelerates. The company guided Q1 revenue to about $78 billion and said it has secured inventory and capacity to meet demand over the next quarters. CFO Colette Kress noted a shift from traditional ML to generative AI, with hyperscalers accounting for roughly half of data-center revenue. For finance chiefs, architecture, efficiency and timing of capacity are strategic levers in a changing growth regime.

CesiumAstro acquires Vidrovr to embed AI in space communications systems

February 26, 2026, 10:36 AM EST. CesiumAstro announced Feb. 26 it has acquired Vidrovr, a startup that develops AI for multimodal signal analysis; the deal closed in late 2025 and terms were not disclosed. The move is meant to accelerate embedding AI in space telecommunications and ISR infrastructure, enabling RF optimization, autonomous payloads, and reconfigurable edge computing across CesiumAstro's product lines, the company said. CEO Shey Sabripour said the company is scaling as an industrial producer of advanced tech. Vidrovr founders Joe Ellis and Daniel Morozoff-Abezgauz, with Ellis now CTO, will drive the integration focused on AI-native space systems and real-time data routing between orbit and ground. The acquisition follows a $470 million funding round announced Feb. 2, and aligns with CesiumAstro's Element multi-beam satellite technology.

UK media bosses form SPUR coalition on AI publishing rights

February 26, 2026, 10:30 AM EST. UK media executives from the BBC, Sky News, the Telegraph, The Guardian and the Financial Times launched SPUR, the Standards for Publisher Usage Rights coalition, to shape global rules for AI in journalism. In an open letter, they warn AI is reshaping how content is created, distributed and monetised, and urge others to join a worldwide effort to protect original reporting. They argue reporters' archives and articles have become training material for AI without clear permission or payment, undermining journalism's economics. SPUR aims to set shared technical standards and licensing frameworks so AI developers can access high-quality content through rights-cleared channels, while letting publishers retain practical control over their material. The letter frames SPUR as a global challenge and calls for a coalition that prioritises transparency, attribution and trust.

Apple Dominates Gaming Revenue in 2025, but Google Play Drives Downloads

February 26, 2026, 10:28 AM EST. Apple's App Store generated $52.5 billion in gaming revenue in 2025, SensorTower's State of Gaming 2026 notes, well ahead of Google Play's $30 billion and Steam's $11.7 billion. Growth slowed for Google (+2.8%) and Apple (+0.6%), while Steam rose 13%. Yet downloads favored Google Play, which captured 81% of game downloads versus Apple's 15%. iPhone users, however, spend far more per title, keeping Apple ahead on revenue. The Services segment-covering the App Store and Apple Arcade-became the company's second-largest revenue stream, topping $30 billion in the last quarter. The data partly explains Apple's stance on external payment systems and the ongoing commissions debate, as most figures reflect in-app purchases rather than game prices.

Callosum raises $10.25M to orchestrate AI workloads across mixed chip types, challenging Nvidia's data-center dominance

February 26, 2026, 10:24 AM EST. London-based startup Callosum raised $10.25 million to build software that orchestrates AI workloads across mixed chip types, challenging Nvidia's data-center dominance. Co-founders Danyal Akarca and Jascha Achterberg, Cambridge-trained neuroscientists, say their platform distributes tasks across Nvidia GPUs, AMD CPUs, AWS Trainium/Inferentia, and newer chips from Cerebras and SambaNova. The round was led by European VC Plural, with angel investors and UK ARIA funding for R&D on integrating novel chips, though ARIA isn't an investor. The founders argue AI should combine many specialized systems, not copy one model. Industry shifts toward inference-two-thirds of AI compute by 2026, per Deloitte-create demand for a software layer that unifies a fragmented hardware landscape across multiple clouds.

Resident Evil Requiem: PS5 Pro delivers standout RT and upscaling, surpassing other consoles

February 26, 2026, 10:20 AM EST. Digital Foundry's verdict says Resident Evil Requiem demonstrates near-maturity for the RE Engine, with a generational leap on PS5 Pro. The base versions are strong, but the RT mode on Pro often locks to 60fps, delivering superior reflections and global illumination, aided by a cutting-edge upscaling pipeline that yields visuals close to native 4K despite inputs around 1080p. The 120Hz mode on other consoles remains visually similar to the base builds. Some low-resolution noise and denoising artifacts appear, but the overall image quality and motion feel are markedly improved on Pro. The rain-soaked city intro showcases the tech, with lighting, effects and animation that position this as a standout console showcase.

Samsung's first-party magnetic Galaxy S26 cases improve, but magnets still not universal

February 26, 2026, 10:16 AM EST. Samsung expands its first-party magnetic cases for the Galaxy S26, but the devices themselves still don't include built-in Qi2 magnets. The lineup adds a glossy clear case, new silicone options with embedded magnets, and a transparent matte "Rugged" model. The standout is the Slim case-thin and less grippy. Early impressions suggest the silicone variant feels too grippy and attracts pocket lint. Prices aren't ideal, though pre-order discounts are modestly better. Samsung has not magnetized every case, leaving room for third-party options. In quick tests, the magnets appeared reasonably strong, but only real-world use will prove durability. The Galaxy S26 is available for pre-order now with perks through March 11.

Apple prepares a lower-cost MacBook ahead of Apple Experience events next week

February 26, 2026, 10:10 AM EST. Apple is poised to unveil up to five products, including a lower-cost MacBook, ahead of next week's Apple Experience events in New York, London and Shanghai. DigiTimes, citing supply-chain sources, says mass shipments begin next month, with Quanta Computer as the primary assembler and Foxconn joining later. Production was pushed from late 2025 to Q1 2026 amid higher costs for DRAM and NAND. Early pricing floated as low as $599, though $699-$799 is more likely, with a $100 education discount. The laptop is expected to resemble a MacBook Air but run on the A18 Pro chip, have a 12.9-inch display, 8GB RAM and USB-C ports instead of Thunderbolt. Color options could include yellow, green, blue or pink.

Budget MacBook leak outlines A18 Pro chip, limited charging, no True Tone

February 26, 2026, 9:50 AM EST. An internal macOS test build analyzed by AppleInsider outlines a budget MacBook built around the A18 Pro chip from the iPhone 16 Pro. The leak says the device omits modern features to cut costs: no True Tone due to a missing AppleALSColorSensor driver, and a pared-back charging setup without fast charging via a missing AppleHighVoltageCharger driver. Wi-Fi reportedly uses a MediaTek Sunrise module (AppleSunrise driver), with no Wi-Fi 7 or Bluetooth 6. The build also shows an older AppleCS42L83Audio driver, suggesting no high-impedance headphone support. Apple aims a price around $699-$750 for a 13-inch model, with potential RAM as low as 8GB and fewer USB-C ports, trimming specs to hit affordability.

Welo launches in Columbus with price-for-life fiber internet

February 26, 2026, 9:40 AM EST. Welo launched in Columbus and surrounding suburbs, offering fiber-powered home internet with a Price for Life guarantee. The service starts at $25/month for 300 Mbps, $30/month for 600 Mbps and $35/month for 1 Gbps, with no contracts, activation and equipment fees included, and a 60-day money-back promise. The provider emphasizes a 100% online signup and support, and no fine print. A refer-a-friend program credits $100 to both accounts. The rollout targets Columbus now, with plans to expand to additional cities in 2026. Welo is a brand owned by Cogeco Communications (TSX: CCA).

Samsung unveils Galaxy S26 lineup, Buds 4/4 Pro ahead of March 11 launch

February 26, 2026, 9:38 AM EST. Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S26 trio and Buds 4/4 Pro, with pre-orders today and a March 11 launch. The S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra start at 256GB, up from 128GB, and use a new chip for faster performance and AI features. The S26 gains a larger 4,300 mAh battery; the S26 Plus adds faster wireless charging. Prices rise: S26 from $899, S26 Plus from $1,099. The S26 Ultra starts at $1,299 with improved cameras and charging. The key feature is a customizable privacy screen that dims select items for onlookers. The Buds 4 are semi-open; Buds 4 Pro use rubber tips and offer longer battery life. Pre-orders run today; no mention of S26 Edge or Galaxy Ring at this event.

Lower-cost MacBook details surface ahead of Apple Experience event

February 26, 2026, 9:36 AM EST. Apple is poised to reveal a lower-cost MacBook next week, with DigiTimes citing supply-chain sources. Mass production was delayed from late 2025 to Q1 2026, and Quanta Computer is expected to assemble the model, with Foxconn joining later. Pricing rumors range from $599 to $799, with education discounts offering $100 off. The device resembles a MacBook Air but runs on the A18 Pro chip from the iPhone 16 Pro, likely 8GB of RAM and USB-C ports instead of Thunderbolt. The display is expected around 12.9 inches. Color options may include yellow, green, blue, or pink. Apple will host the Apple Experience events in New York, London and Shanghai on March 4; the product will be announced by press release, not a live stream. This would mark the first entry-level MacBook with Apple silicon (Apple's ARM-based processors).

Pixel 10a pre-order deals surface: Best Buy, Google Store bundles and trade-in options

February 26, 2026, 9:32 AM EST. Google opened pre-orders for the Pixel 10a ahead of its March 5 launch. The $499 device is available in four colors with 128GB storage. At Best Buy, pre-orders include a $100 gift card; activation through a carrier at checkout slices the price by another $100, potentially bringing the outlay to about $300. The Google Store stacks bundles through March 11 offering a $100 store credit or Pixel Buds 2a's, plus a robust trade-in program that can drop upfront cost to as low as $49 depending on the trade value. Hardware updates are modest: Gorilla Glass 7i, ~3,000 nits peak brightness, and 10% smaller bezels. Inside: Tensor G4 with 8GB RAM; key AI features like Magic Cue, Pixel Screenshots, and PixelSnap remain absent, but the Android experience remains solid.

Apple to unveil lower-cost MacBook ahead of Apple Experience event next week

February 26, 2026, 9:18 AM EST. Apple is set to unveil a lower-cost MacBook next week, with mass shipments expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026, per supply-chain sources cited by DigiTimes. Quanta Computer is expected to be the primary assembler, with Foxconn joining later. The device, which may resemble a MacBook Air, is said to run on the A18 Pro chip from the iPhone 16 Pro and to include a 12.9-inch display, 8GB of RAM, and standard USB-C ports rather than Thunderbolt. Pricing could start at $699-$799, though early estimates pegged $599. Apple plans a hands-on with the media at the March 4 Apple Experience events in New York, London, and Shanghai; no live stream is planned. The model would be Apple's first entry-level MacBook with Apple silicon.

Pixel 10a pre-orders offer $300 Best Buy deal and Google Store trade-ins

February 26, 2026, 9:16 AM EST. Google has opened pre-orders for the Pixel 10a ahead of its March 5 launch. At Best Buy, a 128GB Pixel 10a in Berry, Fog, Obsidian or Lavender nets a $100 gift card; activating at checkout with a carrier adds an additional $100 instant discount, potentially lowering the price to about $300. The Google Store offers two paths through March 11: a $100 store credit or a pair of Pixel Buds 2a's, plus a strong trade-in program that can drop the upfront cost as low as $49 depending on your device. Hardware remains similar to the Pixel 9a, with Gorilla Glass 7i, a brighter display at up to 3,000 nits, and the Tensor G4 with 8GB RAM; some AI features are absent. Pre-orders deliver early value ahead of the March 5 release.

Pixel 10a pre-orders offer strong deals at Best Buy and Google Store

February 26, 2026, 9:12 AM EST. Google has opened pre-orders for the Pixel 10a ahead of its March 5 launch. Best Buy is offering a $100 gift card with the $499 Pixel 10a (128GB) in four colors-Berry, Fog, Obsidian, or Lavender-and an extra $100 instant discount for carrier activations, potentially dropping upfront cost to about $300 when combined. The Google Store bundles run through March 11, offering a $100 store credit or Pixel Buds 2a for free, plus a trade-in program that can reduce the price to as low as $49 depending on the device. Internally, the 10a uses the Tensor G4 with 8GB RAM and boosted display protection and brightness, but omits some flagship AI features and PixelSnap support. Pre-order promos highlight mid-range value ahead of full launch.

Nio Registers New Battery Technology Subsidiary in Shanghai

February 26, 2026, 9:10 AM EST. Nio registered a new battery technology subsidiary in Shanghai, Weilai Battery Technology (Shanghai) Co Ltd, with a registered capital of 100 million yuan. The unit is wholly owned by Nio via Shanghai Nio Automobile Co Ltd, with Zeng Shizhe as legal representative. Its scope covers battery sales, R&D on electronic materials, AI software development, and automotive parts. The move adds to the larger Weilai Battery Technology (Anhui) Co Ltd (established 2022 with 2 billion yuan in capital). Anhui unit handles battery manufacturing and materials R&D. Separately, Nio's chip subsidiary Shenji secured 2.257 billion yuan in its first external funding round. The company has deepened its partnership with CATL through a five-year strategic cooperation signed in early 2026 to advance technology, ecosystem, and market initiatives.

How to tell AirTag 2 from the original AirTag by back-etching

February 26, 2026, 9:06 AM EST. Apple's new AirTag isn't always labeled clearly by name. To tell generations, look at the back etching. An AirTag 1 back shows: AirTag / Designed by Apple in California / Assembled in China / Bluetooth LE / Ultra Wideband. An AirTag 2 back shows: AirTag / FIND MY / NFC / BLUETOOTH LE / ULTRA WIDEBAND / IP67 / APPLE INC. If the engraving is ALL CAPS, it's the NEW model. On packaging, the rear is visible; check the etching before you buy. For shoppers, the latest model typically carries a $29 retail price. Verify the etching to ensure you're getting the latest, especially if you want the IP67 rating and FIND MY compatibility.

Mississippi xAI turbines spark protests over noise, permits and community harm

February 26, 2026, 9:04 AM EST. Residents near xAI's Southaven turbines say noise, pollution and permitting issues loom as the project expands its AI footprint. Critics cite respiratory problems among children and say formaldehyde and other chemicals may be released by the gas turbines, while the Southern Environmental Law Center questions health impacts. The NAACP accuses xAI of rushing permits, echoing a Memphis data center rollout in 2024 that critics say preceded air filings. Supporters note potential benefits, including efficiency gains and job creation, but opponents post daily recordings of turbine sound and demand stronger sound walls and clearer permitting. A local activist says Mississippi risks repeating a pattern that harms Black and low-income communities, labeling the site a potential sacrifice zone.

Nio registers new Shanghai battery technology subsidiary

February 26, 2026, 9:00 AM EST. Nio registered a new battery technology subsidiary in Shanghai, expanding its growing battery portfolio. Weilai Battery Technology (Shanghai) Co Ltd, with a registered capital of 100 million yuan, is wholly owned by Nio via Shanghai Nio Automobile Co Ltd, and lists Zeng Shizhe as legal representative. The entity will cover battery sales, R&D on electronic materials, AI software development, and related inspection services. The move follows the larger Weilai Battery Technology (Anhui) Co Ltd and Nio's Mirattery battery asset operator for its BaaS program. Separately, Nio's chip subsidiary Shenji secured 2.257 billion yuan in its first external funding round. The filings come as Nio deepens ties with CATL, signing a five-year strategic cooperation to advance technology, ecosystem, and market initiatives.

Nio registers Shanghai battery technology subsidiary as it expands battery business, deepens CATL tie

February 26, 2026, 8:56 AM EST. Shanghai-based Nio registered a new subsidiary, Weilai Battery Technology (Shanghai) Co Ltd, with 100 million yuan in registered capital. The unit is wholly owned via Shanghai Nio Automobile Co Ltd, with Zeng Shizhe as legal representative. Its scope covers battery sales, cargo and technology import/export, electronic materials R&D, AI application software development, and related services. This expands Nio's in-house battery activity after it hit the 100 millionth swap and aims to install 1,000 new stations this year. It follows the larger Weilai Battery Technology (Anhui) Co Ltd (2 billion yuan registered capital, established 2022). Anhui unit recently restructured management, while Nio's battery asset operator Mirattery remains linked to its BaaS program. Separately, the chip subsidiary Shenji raised 2.257 billion yuan in its first external round, and Nio renewed a five-year strategic agreement with CATL.

Hygon and Sugon post revenue surge as China AI boom boosts domestic computing demand

February 26, 2026, 8:48 AM EST. Two Shanghai-listed tech companies, Hygon Information Technology and Sugon, posted stronger 2025 results as China's drive for self-reliant computing equipment accelerates amid an AI boom. Hygon reported revenue of 14.4 billion yuan, up 56.9% from 2024, with profit attributable to shareholders of 2.54 billion yuan, up 32%. The firm said demand for domestically produced high-end chips and expanded OEM partnerships lifted its market share and it forecasts first-quarter growth of 62.9% to 75.8% as AI-related R&D spending rises. Sugon, the largest shareholder of Hygon, saw revenue of 14.97 billion yuan, up 13.9%, and net profit of 2.11 billion yuan, up 10.5%. The results reflect a wider push toward domestic suppliers amid China's AI initiatives.

ARIA and CommonAI launch Scaling Inference Lab with £50 million UK AI infrastructure investment

February 26, 2026, 8:38 AM EST. ARIA has joined forces with CommonAI to launch the Scaling Inference Lab, a £50 million investment in the UK's AI infrastructure. The lab concentrates on the operational phase of AI-inference-where most computing cost and energy are used. Its aim is to cut costs, boost efficiency, and raise reliability of AI workloads as the UK scales deployment. By pooling research and industrial computing expertise, the initiative seeks to drive smarter data centres, optimized software stacks, and robust performance monitoring. The project underscores the government's emphasis on scalable AI, with industry partners funding and shaping next-generation infrastructure for enterprise, academia, and public services.

Pokémon Go moves away from paid event tickets to GO Passes, expands Shiny evolved Pokémon in the wild

February 26, 2026, 8:32 AM EST. Niantic unveiled a shake-up to Pokémon Go, moving away from paid event tickets toward GO Passes, a premium, battle-pass-like system for major events and holidays. GO Passes are pricier, typically $8-$20, but grant access to rare rewards such as Golden Bottle Caps, Lucky Trinkets and Poké Coins. The update promises a steadier event cadence, a Saturday focus for weekend events, and an in-game calendar later this year. Regular weekly experiences expand: Max Mondays; Fast-Track Monday; Tuesdays showcase; Wednesday Raid Hour; GO Battle Thursdays with 4x Stardust and more battle sets; and Friendship Fridays with two Special Trades, boosted Lucky Trades, lower Stardust, and two guaranteed Candy XL. Most notably, all evolved Pokémon will finally appear in the wild with Shiny variants, aligning availability for both Team Rocket encounters.

Challenger Lifts Introduces BT3300 EV Battery Lift Table

February 26, 2026, 8:22 AM EST. The BT3300 Lift Table from Challenger Lifts is a heavy-duty scissor lift designed for EV battery and chassis component servicing. It offers a 3,300-lb lifting capacity and a maximum reach of more than 76 inches. The pallet-jack style handle and low rolling resistance aid positioning in a busy service bay, while a six-degree adjustable, tilting top plate assists alignment during installation and removal. Top surface fastener holes are spaced every four inches and pre-tapped for a wide range of OEM adapters, making it compatible with current and future EV models. It runs on a standard 110-volt outlet and complies with ASME PASE-2019 safety standards. As EV adoption grows, the BT3300 provides faster, safer, more precise service for high-voltage batteries and other large components.

Turkey EV Battery Market 2026-2034: Policy Support, Local Production Drive Growth

February 26, 2026, 8:16 AM EST. Turkey's EV battery market, valued at USD 967.12 million in 2025, is forecast to reach USD 5,175.13 million by 2034, a CAGR of 20.49% from 2026 to 2034. Growth stems from government policy support, local production incentives and rising EV adoption, plus a rapid expansion of charging infrastructure. BEVs account for about 57.7% of propulsion in 2025, while passenger cars hold 63.2% of the vehicle type mix, aided by domestic manufacturing. The Marmara region leads with 42.1% of market share due to auto hubs and charging networks. As of June 2025, Turkey had 11,949 charging stations; the network is expected to expand the market further, with charging revenue projected to grow from USD 216.97 million in 2024 to about USD 2,480.65 million in 2033. Local battery production and partnerships support continued cost reductions and broader electrification.

BMW, CATL sign MoU to cut EV battery supply chain carbon emissions

February 26, 2026, 8:12 AM EST. BMW Group and CATL signed a memorandum of understanding to reduce the carbon footprint of its electric-vehicle battery supply chain. The agreement aims to boost collaboration on low-carbon materials, manufacturing, and logistics, and to deepen localization in China as BMW expands its China-focused strategy. BMW has invested over 120 billion yuan in Shenyang, built four R&D centers and three software firms, and plans the China-specific Neue Klasse model, including the iX3 Long Wheelbase, debuting globally at Auto China 2026. CATL has said it will supply cylindrical batteries for BMW's Neue Klasse from 2026, reinforcing a long-term, scalable partnership for EVs powered by a low-carbon, localized supply chain.

iOS 26 cements Apple Passwords as a one-stop password manager

February 26, 2026, 8:10 AM EST. A technology writer reports iOS 26 tightens Apple's credential tools, turning Apple Passwords into the primary manager for many users. The changes address two long-standing gaps: Wallet can store full credit card details, not just the last four digits, and the systemwide AutoFill menu gains a Credit Card option for easy access across apps. Most notably, Apple Passwords now offers version history for all logins, fixing past overwrites that forced a switch to third-party apps like 1Password. The result: fewer redirects to other managers and a more seamless workflow when signing in or paying. Questions remain about broader interoperability, but Apple narrows the need for external password tools.

Nvidia sees no China revenue yet for H200 after export deal, Beijing undecided

February 26, 2026, 8:08 AM EST. Nvidia has booked zero China revenue from its H200 accelerator after a December export deal that allowed sales in exchange for a 25% revenue cut. CFO Colette Kress said there have been only small, approved shipments, with no guarantee imports will be cleared by Beijing. Nvidia's Q1 2027 forecast excludes any China datacenter revenue. The remarks highlight the risk of a broader tech decoupling as Chinese rivals gain momentum. CEO Jensen Huang also discussed orbital datacenters, noting heat and energy challenges but potential uses like high-resolution imaging. For now, Nvidia's results depend on non-China markets and regulatory clarity from Beijing.

Workers train AI to do their jobs as IMF warns of global job disruption

February 26, 2026, 8:06 AM EST. Widespread AI use could affect around 40% of jobs, the IMF warns, a 'tsunami' for the labour market. The Guardian reports workers who helped train AI say they feel devalued as automation reduces pay and increases workloads. Christie, a UK editor, learned the system will pre-edit work and cut fees, leaving her earning less for longer edits. Palliative care consultant Mark Taubert describes a pilot chatbot project to help patients, with early results incomplete as it handles questions on care and medications. The piece shows broader shifts and worker anxiety as companies push AI.

Google details AppFunctions to let Gemini use Android apps on-device (MCP-like)

February 26, 2026, 8:04 AM EST. Google is outlining early capabilities that connect agentic assistants like Gemini with Android apps through a feature called AppFunctions. The functionality, an Android 16 platform feature paired with a Jetpack library, lets apps expose specific actions that callers can execute on-device. Google compares AppFunctions to the Model Context Protocol (MCP) used for server-side tools, but all work happens locally. The firm frames this as a privacy- and security-centered step in bringing app ecosystems to agent-based assistants, currently in beta. Use cases include task management (creating a task from a prompt), media actions (building a playlist from a query), cross-app workflows (pulling content from email to a shopping list), and calendar entries. A Samsung Gallery example shows Gemini triggering a local function to display photos, illustrating on-device orchestration.

Microsoft, Starlink expand satellite internet footprint with ground deployments

February 26, 2026, 8:00 AM EST. Microsoft has partnered with SpaceX's Starlink to accelerate global internet expansion by linking Starlink's LEO service with Microsoft-led ground deployments in underserved markets. The collaboration blends satellite capacity with local last-mile distribution through community partners. Microsoft says Kenya offers an early example, supporting connectivity for 450 community hubs, including farmer cooperatives and digital hubs, and pairing satellite access with digital-skills training and ecosystem coordination to bolster agricultural productivity and market access. The effort aligns with Microsoft's connectivity pledge to reach more than 250 million people by end-2025, a target already surpassed with more than 299 million connected. For Starlink, the deal signals rising demand for LEO connectivity beyond fiber and mobile networks. The plan underscores a hybrid satellite-terrestrial models approach for bridging gaps in Asia and emerging markets.

Tesla files suit against California DMV over Autopilot advertising ruling

February 26, 2026, 7:58 AM EST. Tesla has filed a lawsuit against the California Department of Motor Vehicles challenging a ruling that accused the company of false advertising about its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving capabilities. Regulators argued the systems require an alert driver and warned of a 30-day sales suspension unless marketing materials were corrected within 90 days. In response, Tesla dropped the Autopilot label and added supervised to the Full Self-Driving messaging. The company claims the ruling is factually wrong and legally flawed and seeks to overturn the order and restore the ability to use the Autopilot and Full Self-Driving terms. Regulators say the messaging risked encouraging over reliance. The dispute unfolds as Elon Musk bets on autonomous tech amid competition from Waymo and Zoox and as robotaxi trials face scrutiny.

Tesla touts California robotaxis while regulators stall on permits, records show

February 26, 2026, 7:56 AM EST. Elon Musk has said Tesla is months away from launching a driverless robotaxi in California, but DMV records show no new permits or autonomous miles logged in 2025. Tesla recorded zero autonomous test miles on public roads last year, extending a six-year run. California requires a chain of permits before a true driverless ride-hailing service, a hurdle rival Waymo has trod. The company holds only the entry-level DMV permit, permitting testing with a safety driver; state officials say no additional permits have been filed. To advance to testing without a safety driver, proposed rules would demand about 50,000 autonomous miles on public roads with a safety driver first. Tesla has focused on smaller pilots in Texas and a Bay Area service with human drivers.

NVIDIA plans AI PC chip N1/N1X with MediaTek, 3nm process set for H2 launch

February 26, 2026, 7:54 AM EST. CEO Jensen Huang disclosed in Taiwan that NVIDIA's AI PC chip, the N1/N1X, is co-developed with MediaTek and targets low-power, high-performance edge-AI workloads. The devices are expected to use TSMC's 3nm process and run Windows on ARM (WoA). NVIDIA aims a consumer-leaning version of the GB10 Superchip, with fewer cores to lower thermal design power. An RTX-onboard GPU option could appear as the company experiments with ARM-first designs before x86. The chip is slated for a H2 2026 launch, following delays tied to early versions. The plan aligns with NVIDIA's strategy to unify enterprise and consumer ecosystems around AI, even as the company skipped a consumer GPU reveal at CES. The news follows Huang's comments to Taiwanese media, per UDN.

Touch-screen MacBook Pro with OLED, Dynamic Island eyed for late-2026 launch

February 26, 2026, 7:50 AM EST. Bloomberg reports Apple plans new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with an OLED touch screen and a Dynamic Island at the top, arriving by the end of 2026. The devices are not expected in the March cycle and won't be positioned as a replacement for the iPad Pro. Apple reportedly won't label the feature touch-first, but macOS will switch to a more touch-friendly mode when tapped. The upgrade would bring pinch-to-zoom, fast scrolling, and easy-to-tap targets, with pop-ups that switch between cursor- and touch-oriented interfaces. Acknowledging growing use from touch-first platforms, Apple would keep the core Mac experience intact while integrating Live Activities via macOS. The rumor aligns with prior chatter about OLED MacBook Pro revisions.

New York AG sues Valve over illegal gambling via loot boxes in popular games

February 26, 2026, 7:46 AM EST. New York Attorney General Letitia James filed a lawsuit against Valve Corporation, alleging the company illegally promotes gambling through loot boxes mechanics in popular games such as Counter-Strike 2, Team Fortress 2 and Dota 2. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found players pay to open virtual containers for a chance to win rare cosmetic items that can be sold for real money; some items have sold for six figures. The suit says Valve runs the Steam platform and sets odds, describing the process as akin to a slot machine. It seeks to permanently halt the practices and obtain disgorgement and fines. James called the scheme addictive and harmful to youths. Market data cited by the OAG shows the Counter-Strike skins market near $4.3 billion as of March 2025.

NVIDIA warns gaming GPU supply will be 'very tight' as memory shortages bite

February 26, 2026, 7:44 AM EST. NVIDIA reported Q4 gaming revenue of $3.7 billion, up 47% YoY but down 13% QoQ as channel inventory moderated after the holiday season. On the earnings call, CFO Colette Kress said securing memory supply is "off the books" and that the coming quarters will be very tight for GPUs. The memory crunch weighs on the consumer GPU market, with availability and launch plans constrained and retail prices rising. Both NVIDIA and peers have delayed next-gen launches, and there is no clear timeline for normalizing supply. DRAM output remains skewed toward infrastructure, slowing relief for gamers across several quarters. Analysts caution the tightness could persist even as demand holds for high-end GPUs.

NASA rolls Artemis II back to KSC for repairs; April launch eyed

February 26, 2026, 7:38 AM EST. NASA rolled the Artemis II stack back to the Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building after a helium-flow interruption was found at the launch pad. The rollback was needed because technicians could not access the issue at the pad, delaying any launch until repairs are complete. Proper helium flow is essential for pressurizing propellant tanks and purging engine systems, a step NASA calls critical for safety. The agency notes a similar issue during Artemis I and remains optimistic. If plans hold, the earliest launch opportunity could come in April; officials reiterate astronaut safety as the top priority while teams validate all systems before liftoff.

Gemini voice assistant to book Uber and order meals via Uber Eats, DoorDash and Grubhub on Galaxy S26 and Pixel 10 series

February 26, 2026, 7:34 AM EST. Samsung and Google unveiled Gemini's Task Automation for third-party apps, letting users book an Uber or order meals from Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Grubhub. The preview, shown at Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked, starts in the US and South Korea and will arrive with Galaxy S26 devices on March 11, followed by a Pixel 10 update. How it works: ask Gemini to 'Get me an Uber to the airport,' and it opens the Uber app in a live window while running tasks in the background. If more detail is needed, Gemini asks clarifying questions; once ready, you confirm fare and ride type. Demonstrations also showed Grubhub automation; today only one automation at a time.

Leave big tech behind: practical steps to replace Amazon, Google, X, Meta and Apple

February 26, 2026, 7:32 AM EST. Big tech faces scrutiny over data harvesting, misinformation, and monopolistic power. The piece argues for greener, more ethical, and more privacy-respecting alternatives beyond Amazon, Google, X, Meta, and Apple. It notes that Europe is quietly weighing regional options as a counterweight to US platforms. Practical steps: switch your default search to Ecosia, a Berlin-based engine that plants trees with profits and claims minimal data collection; Ecosia runs on Microsoft's Bing behind the scenes, and its results may be less thorough in some areas. The article stresses the switch is easier than expected and that awareness–perfection–guides the move toward independent tech use.

Samsung Galaxy S26 to debut Gemini-powered agentic AI features, including Circle to Search

February 26, 2026, 7:30 AM EST. Samsung's Galaxy S26 introduces Gemini-powered AI features aimed at reducing app-swapping and streamlining tasks. The centerpiece, nicknamed Bonobo, lets Gemini actually use your apps for multi-step tasks-reordering meals, booking rides, and building grocery carts with partners like Kroger and Walmart-without manual taps. Circle to Search gains an AI Mode that can interpret entire scenes: circle an influencer's outfit for a full item list and even a virtual try-on, or map a cluster of plants to an ecosystem overview. Photo Editing and Now Nudge upgrade Samsung's AI image pipeline, improving selfie processing and offering nudges for better shots. Samsung touts these tools as ways to monitor calls and deliver personalized daily briefings, all via a single, agentic assistant.

AI shockwaves hit India's IT giants as markets digest disruption

February 26, 2026, 7:26 AM EST. CNBC's Inside India notes Indian IT stocks marking their steepest monthly drop since 2008, with the Nifty IT index down near 20%. At the mega India AI summit last week, Tata Consultancy Services tied up with OpenAI and Infosys with Anthropic to push enterprise AI adoption. Jefferies cut price targets on major IT firms by up to 33% and downgraded many to hold or underperform. Gartner's Biswajit Maity says traditional players like TCS, Infosys, Wipro and Accenture will still play a pivotal role in enterprise AI adoption, but margins are likely to shrink. Nvidia's Jensen Huang urged markets to reassess AI risk. Industry leaders say the opportunity lies in talent, differentiated platforms, and client co-innovation.

Apple seen as an AI survivor by analysts, reinforcing a hardware-led AI play

February 26, 2026, 7:12 AM EST. Analysts from Moffett Nathanson frame Apple as an AI survivor, not a clear AI winner or loser. The view posits Apple's stock behaves as a safe haven when risk appetite for AI swings, while its gains lag the mega-cap peers. The thesis: Apple is a hardware play in AI, anchored by the iPhone ecosystem and expanding into AI-enabled wearables and devices like AI-powered AirPods. Investors await more defined AI plans from Tim Cook, even as the stock shows resilience and recently outperforms peers while others like Microsoft drift lower. The report hints that Apple's AI strategy has room to clarify, which could influence its neutral rating. Markets are watching for concrete moves from Apple on AI leadership.

Motorola launches Android 17 beta program for Edge (2025) and G57 series

February 26, 2026, 7:08 AM EST. Google released the first beta of Android 17 for Pixel devices earlier this month. Motorola has now launched its own Android 17 beta program, a noticeable shift after a period of slower major updates. The program targets several regions and models. In the United States, owners of the Edge (2025) can join. In Europe, the Middle East and Africa, users of the Moto G57 and G57 Power are invited, with the latter also available in India. Motorola cautions that beta software can be buggy and may affect daily use until the stable release lands. The move hints at faster software evolution for the company, though a concrete timetable remains unclear.

DOE funds LLNL HPC4Mfg projects to optimize U.S. manufacturing with high-performance computing

February 26, 2026, 7:04 AM EST. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory will lead collaborations with Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing North America, Construction Partners, Inc., and U.S. Green Magnesium to optimize manufacturing through advanced modeling and simulation. The effort is part of DOE's $4.8 million HPC4Mfg program, supporting 12 projects nationwide. Each LLNL-led project will receive $400,000 in funding from the Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation. LLNL will apply high-performance computing to a range of challenges, from refining Li-ion solid-state electrolytes for Toyota to improving magnesium production and moisture-control in hot-mix asphalt. The initiative, managed by LLNL as part of HPC4EI, seeks to connect companies with national laboratory resources and accelerate industrial innovation. DOE emphasizes domestic manufacturing and critical mineral resilience.

Welinq and Pasqal push networked quantum computing with neutral-atom interconnects

February 26, 2026, 6:50 AM EST. Welinq and Pasqal expanded their collaboration to build networked quantum computing based on interconnected neutral-atom processors. The €4 million InterQo project, supported by the Île-de-France Region and Bpifrance under France 2030's i-Demo Régionalisé program, funds research to integrate photon-based interconnects into QPUs. The aim is data center-ready systems that link multiple QPUs through optical interconnects and quantum networking. The plan moves from standalone machines to a larger, networked quantum computer, with qubits on separate QPUs sharing entanglement via photons. This approach could overcome the vertical scaling cap near 10,000 qubits for neutral-atom platforms. A bilateral program also involves Pasqal and Welinq, plus a research arm led by Alexei Ourjoumtsev at Collège de France (JEIP).

Adobe's Quick Cut AI drafts first cuts for Firefly video editor

February 26, 2026, 6:44 AM EST. Adobe is rolling out Quick Cut, a beta feature for its Firefly video editor that automatically stitches clips into a first draft from text prompts and creator inputs. The tool lets users upload footage or generate AI clips, then describes how to assemble them into a structured edit. It also offers a transcription timeline and lets editors set aspect ratio and video length. Adobe says the aim is to remove tedious steps and free creators to focus on narrative and refinements, while keeping full control over the final cut. Early demos show speed, but the output is not polished; the first draft is meant as a starting point rather than a finished product.

Samsung's Now Nudge on Galaxy S26 echoes Pixel's Magic Cue, but locked to Samsung Keyboard

February 26, 2026, 6:42 AM EST. Samsung is pivoting this year with Now Nudge, a Galaxy S26 feature that borrows the idea behind Google's Pixel Magic Cue. Unlike Pixel, Now Nudge only works with Samsung Keyboard, raising questions about openness and user choice. In early hands-on at Galaxy Unpacked, Now Nudge surfaced contextual hints across messaging apps, suggesting calendar events, relevant photos, and contact details. Some observers noted Magic Cue's limited impact; early impressions of Now Nudge look more promising but the constraint to use Samsung Keyboard could limit appeal. Samsung also revisits Now Brief, aiming to scrape data from apps for a personalized briefing on the lock screen and edge panel under One UI 8.5. Data is advertised as stored locally with opt-in.

Honor teases Robot Phone with tiny robotic arm ahead of MWC

February 26, 2026, 6:28 AM EST. Honor unveiled a concept video showing a smartphone with a tiny motorized robot arm that peers around and swivels its camera on a gimbal. The promo frames the feature as boosting AI and situational awareness, but the company has not confirmed a real product. Observers note the imagery may be AI-generated, with movements that feel off and crowds smoothed over. Questions linger about durability, added bulk, and whether a Robot Phone would ship in the US, given Honor's focus on China. PCMag calls the idea likely vaporware. MWC in Barcelona next week will clarify whether this stays a concept or becomes a device.

Nvidia begins Vera Rubin AI platform sample shipments with 88-core Vera CPU, Rubin GPUs and 288 GB HBM4

February 26, 2026, 6:26 AM EST. Nvidia said it has started shipping Vera Rubin samples to select customers ahead of a broader deployment planned in the second half of 2026 or early 2027. CFO Colette Kress said production shipments remain on track. The Vera Rubin platform pairs an 88-core Vera CPU with a Rubin GPU featuring 288 GB of HBM4 memory, plus NVLink 6.0, BlueField-4 DPU, and high-speed connectivity. Nvidia outlined partner paths: some will receive full VR200 Level-10 trays with Vera CPU, Rubin GPUs, cooling and interfaces pre-installed; others will get components for integration. Hardware makers such as Foxconn, Quanta, Supermicro and Wistron will participate. Early access programs will mature into shipments as customers validate performance, with plans for delivery in the H2 2026 or early 2027 window.

China's latest chip push and AI fever in India

February 26, 2026, 6:20 AM EST. China accelerates a state-backed plan to grow chip making as part of a broader drive to move away from dependency on foreign suppliers. Officials point to subsidies, talent programs, and investment in advanced lithography and memory fabs, aiming to lift domestic production. In parallel, India has seen an AI fever as startups attract record funding, public programs push data-driven services, and the government outlines guidelines to harness AI while guarding privacy and security. The juxtaposition reflects two large users and producers of digital tech pursuing different paths: one to reduce import dependence and expand exportable semiconductors, the other to unleash adoption of AI across sectors. Industry officials caution that supply chains, talent, and regulation will shape outcomes in both markets.

Garmin Torch flashlight remains limited to one sub-$500 model

February 26, 2026, 6:18 AM EST. Garmin's Torch flashlight is a hardware feature tucked in a smartwatch case, not a software trick. The feature remains rare and is currently limited to a small subset of models. As of 2026, Torch is found on the Instinct 3 ($399), Venu X1 ($699), Forerunner 970 ($749) and Fenix 8 ($1,099). The inexpensive Instinct 3 offers the best value: rugged build, 100 meters of water resistance, long battery life and a built-in LED to illuminate your path after dark. In the Garmin lineup, Torch is more notable than offline music or other smart extras on lower-priced models. Competitors such as Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro also sport an onboard LED flashlight. For the author, this tiny hardware detail often beats grand software features in daily use.

California homeowner reports full electricity offset after 4.4 kW solar, Tesla charging

February 26, 2026, 6:14 AM EST. A California homeowner shared a one-month update on a 4.4-kilowatt solar system paired with an energy-efficient heat pump. In a Reddit post to r/solar, they said the panels fully offset their electricity use and even charged a Tesla from excess power, avoiding energy sales to the grid. The setup cost about $10,000 after a tax credit, and the home ran an unusually efficient profile for the period. The thread notes that a small solar array can cut monthly bills, with EnergySage offering free tools for installation estimates, rebates, and quotes. Commenters discussed the value of battery storage and California's net energy metering rules (NEM3), including a 12-month cap and retail-rate considerations. The owner emphasized that it is not the end of the world.

HEALWELL AI Expands to Middle East; Grows North American Deployments

February 26, 2026, 6:12 AM EST. HEALWELL AI has signed its first contract to deliver AI solutions in the Middle East, targeting a major governmental health system already on the Orion Health network. The deployment demonstrates the scalability of the DARWEN platform and broadens HEALWELL's footprint in frontline care. In North America, the company is deploying SMART Identify in the United States, SMART Search in Canada and the Middle East, and SMART Summary in Canada. The initiatives seek to improve patient identification, speed access to clinical information, and automate structured summaries to ease clinician workload. Dr. Alexander Dobranowski, President of HEALWELL AI, said the expansion validates the company's strategic direction as deployments stretch across Canada, the United States, and the Middle East.

Samsung Buds 4 Pro price cut tied to Galaxy S26 Ultra pre-orders

February 26, 2026, 6:10 AM EST. Pre-orders for Samsung's Galaxy S26 family are live, including the S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra. Samsung is offering a bonus $150 in accessory savings with these orders. The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are advertised at up to 70% off when tied to an S26 Ultra pre-order, with the list price dropping from $250 to $74.99. On the official S26 Ultra page, buyers who select storage and color must opt out of the $150 Samsung Credit in the trade-in section, then scroll to the Start building healthy habits with Galaxy section to add the Buds 4 Pro for $44.99 shipped instead of $250. Availability and pricing are subject to change.

NVIDIA Q4: Record $68B revenue driven by data-center strength and AI demand

February 26, 2026, 6:04 AM EST. NVIDIA posted record Q4 revenue of $68 billion, led by a data-center quarter of $62 billion, up 75% YoY and 22% QoQ, driven by the Blackwell and Blackwell Ultra ramp. Networking generated $11 billion as NVLink, Spectrum-X and InfiniBand adoption expanded. Management linked demand to agentic AI, hyperscaler upgrades and a sovereign-AI business that more than tripled to over $30 billion. Free cash flow in Q4 was $35 billion, with full-year FCF of $97 billion and $41 billion returned to shareholders. The company guided Q1 revenue at about $78 billion (+/-2%), with roughly 75% gross margins and no assumed China data-center compute. Data center revenue for the full year reached $194 billion, up 68% YoY, and the business has grown ~13x since fiscal 2023.

New app detects nearby smart glasses via Bluetooth signals

February 26, 2026, 6:02 AM EST. Nearby Glasses is a free, open-source tool that flags nearby smart glasses by scanning Bluetooth SIG numbers, the brand-identified codes built into Bluetooth devices. Created by Yves Jeanrenaud, sociology chair at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, the project aims to give bystanders a chance to spot someone wearing glasses with cameras or sensors. The app is available on GitHub as a proof-of-concept. It does not reveal exact identities or locations, but claims a practical range of 32-50 feet outdoors and 10-32 feet indoors. A potential drawback: the codes map to brands, so products from the same maker (for example, a company that makes VR headsets in addition to glasses) could produce false positives. Jeanrenaud ties the work to broader concerns about privacy and the abuse of digital surveillance.

Anthropic acquires Vercept to advance Claude's computer-use capabilities

February 26, 2026, 6:00 AM EST. Anthropic said it has acquired Vercept to push Claude's ability to operate inside live applications. Vercept's team specializes in perception and interaction-building AI that sees and acts in the same software humans use daily. Vercept will wind down its external product and join Anthropic as the company expands computer-use features. The move comes after Claude Sonnet 4.6, whose OSWorld scores show computer-use capability rising from under 15% in late 2024 to 72.5% today, with near-human performance on tasks like navigating complex spreadsheets and submitting web forms across browser tabs. Anthropic has also added Bun in a previous deal. The company says it seeks teams and talent aligned with its safety and rigor ethos; careers postings are open.

Tesla Expands Grok AI in Cars as It Battles California Regulators

February 26, 2026, 5:56 AM EST. Tesla is embedding its Grok AI chatbot from CEO Elon Musk's xAI venture into cars, expanding natural-language controls and predictive routing. Tesla executives say Grok's capabilities will go beyond answering questions, with Musk signaling verbal control of features such as automated parking. The changes come as Tesla sues the California DMV over claims the company misled buyers with branding around Autopilot and Full Self-Driving. Tesla renamed the feature to Full Self-Driving (Supervised) and began offering it as a paid subscription, citing required disclaimers. The suit follows the DMV's push for clearer claims as Tesla rolls out a fully autonomous vehicle dubbed Cybercab. The move highlights tensions between rapid AI enhancements and regulatory scrutiny.

Morgan Stanley: AI won't erase work; it will create jobs that don't exist yet

February 26, 2026, 5:42 AM EST. Morgan Stanley researchers argue that AI will not trigger mass unemployment. Over 150 years of tech shifts have altered but not eliminated labor. The firm notes how past inventions-electrification, tractors, spreadsheets-freed time for more complex work and birthed new roles. As AI becomes central to business strategy, companies may hire executives such as Chief AI Officers and build AI governance teams focused on data policy and information security. The report counters doom-laden forecasts from tech leaders and economists alike, noting that many affected workers will transition into evolving occupations and new skill needs rather than disappear. Yet the pace and content of future jobs remain uncertain, underscoring concerns about human obsolescence and valuations in AI-enabled markets.

New York sues Valve over loot boxes, calling them quintessential gambling

February 26, 2026, 5:32 AM EST. New York Attorney General Letitia James filed a lawsuit accusing Valve of illegally promoting gambling through loot-box systems in Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, and Team Fortress 2. The suit seeks to permanently bar Valve from promoting gambling features, plus disgorgement of ill-gotten gains and fines for violations of state law. James's office says the model charges players for a chance to win items of value based on luck, a definition it says matches gambling prohibited by New York Constitution and Penal Law. Valve has reportedly earned tens of millions selling loot-box keys to New York residents and millions more from commissions on resold items. The system lets players buy keys for about $2.49 to open boxes whose contents can be resold on Steam Market or third-party sites; rarer items can fetch thousands. Valve did not comment.

Nvidia earnings beat fuels AI optimism as Thrive backs OpenAI

February 26, 2026, 5:28 AM EST. NVIDIA beat expectations with 75% year-on-year growth in its data-center revenue, sending the stock higher after hours. CEO Jensen Huang said demand for computing is 'off the charts' and that AI agents will augment rather than replace software tools. The upbeat results, along with an Oracle upgrade from Oppenheimer, helped lift U.S. equities: the Dow rose about 300 points, the S&P 500 gained around 0.8%, and the Nasdaq advanced roughly 1.3%. Thrive Capital reportedly invested about $1 billion into OpenAI at a $285 billion valuation. Samsung unveiled its third 'AI phone' series. Salesforce issued mixed guidance despite 12% revenue growth in Q4. A pledge on data-center power costs by Big Tech and fresh attention on European tech stocks followed Nvidia's print.

Amazon rolls out Alexa+ personality styles: Brief, Chill and Sweet

February 26, 2026, 5:26 AM EST. Amazon is expanding its Alexa+ assistant with three new personality styles: Brief, Chill and Sweet. The updates alter tone: Brief is short and direct; Chill is more like a laid-back friend; Sweet is warmer and more upbeat. Users can change Alexa's style in the Alexa app under Device Settings or by talking to a device. The company says the styles rest on five dimensions-expressiveness, emotional openness, formality, directness and humor-with each style applying different levels of those traits. The features are currently available only in the U.S. and represent the first wave of future styles. The broader debate over AI personality endures, as some researchers note risks of dependency and harm; meanwhile OpenAI has added controls to adjust base style and tone in ChatGPT.

NASA moves Artemis II rocket off pad for repairs after helium issue

February 26, 2026, 5:22 AM EST. NASA moves the Artemis II moon rocket off Launch Pad 39B to the Vehicle Assembly Building due to a helium-flow issue in the Space Launch System (SLS). Engineers will recharge the flight termination system batteries and perform work on Orion before another attempt. The move keeps safety first as the team stacks for two launch windows in April and May. The rollback reduces stress on hardware and mirrors issues seen in Artemis I, underscoring this flight test's exploratory nature.

ARIA joins CommonAI to back £50 million Scaling Inference Lab for UK AI infrastructure

February 26, 2026, 5:20 AM EST. ARIA has joined CommonAI as its latest member, leading and funding the Scaling Inference Lab with an initial £16 million, part of a £50 million pledge to strengthen the UK's AI infrastructure. The lab, embedded in real data-centre environments, tests and optimizes AI systems during inference-the operational phase that drives most compute cost and energy use. By combining hardware, software and operations, it aims to cut costs, boost efficiency and improve reliability across sectors including finance, healthcare and national infrastructure. The effort supports the government's Compute Roadmap to connect research with testbeds and real-world use. CommonAI will operate the lab, with ARIA guiding and funding via its Scaling Compute programme.

Galaxy S26 Series Debuts as Samsung's Most Intuitive AI Phone at Galaxy Unpacked 2026

February 26, 2026, 5:10 AM EST. Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S26 series at Galaxy Unpacked 2026 in San Francisco, boosting the Galaxy AI phone lineup to its third generation. The devices combine top-tier performance with an increasingly intuitive Galaxy AI experience. The design emphasizes a slimmer, lighter profile across the trio, with the Galaxy S26 Ultra 0.3 mm thinner and 214 grams. A new Privacy Display on Ultra limits side-angle viewing to conceal content without need for separate screen protector. The AI features center on Galaxy AI, including Now Nudge for context-driven suggestions and Circle to Search for multi-element image searches. The lineup includes integration with Bixby, Gemini, and Perplexity, using natural language commands to adjust settings. Samsung positions the S26 as its most intuitive AI phone yet.

LinkedIn to offer skill validations as AI-era demand grows for tech talent

February 26, 2026, 5:06 AM EST. LinkedIn aims to validate candidates' skills in the AI era, saying honesty about experiments-what was tried, what failed, and what was learned-translates across roles from engineers to product managers and technology leaders. Bekir Atahan, vice president at Experis, notes a surge in AI-related job postings, with January increases above 50% and faster growth for software developers with AI skills. He adds that enterprises are moving AI projects from proof-of-concept to real-world implementation, sustaining demand for multidisciplinary technologists. The trend underscores a shift toward verifiable competencies as organizations seek practical AI capabilities and cross-disciplinary expertise in increasingly data-driven teams.

BMW, CATL deepen data sharing and carbon-reduction pact under Battery Passport

February 26, 2026, 5:04 AM EST. BMW Group and CATL signed a memorandum of understanding to deepen collaboration on battery supply-chain decarbonization and cross-border data transmission. The pilots will test trusted data exchange and carbon-footprint accounting within the Battery Passport framework, using the standardized Catena-X data ecosystem. The accord extends a partnership launched in 2012 from battery procurement to broader coordination. BMW Group chairman Oliver Zipse, accompanying Chancellor Merz on a Chinese trip, stressed China's central role in BMW's global strategy and the need for open innovation. The automaker also said its first domestically produced New Generation model, the all-new BMW iX3 Long Wheelbase co-developed with Chinese and German teams, will debut in Beijing. Market data from SNE Research shows CATL holding 39.2% of global EV battery capacity in 2025, ahead of BYD, LG Energy Solution.

NVIDIA Q4 FY2026 revenue hits $68.1B; Data Center drives full-year record

February 26, 2026, 5:02 AM EST. NVIDIA reported Q4'FY26 GAAP revenue of $68.1 billion, up 73% YoY and 20% QoQ. For the full year, revenue reached $215.9 billion, a 65% rise. GAAP net income in Q4 was $42.9 billion; full-year net income totaled $120.1 billion. Gross margin rose to 75.0% in Q4 and averaged 71.1% for FY2026. Operating income in Q4 was $44.3 billion; full-year operating income was $130.4 billion. The Data Center unit remained the driver, accounting for more than 90% of revenue. NVIDIA exceeded its own Q4 guidance of about $65 billion and signaled continuation of growth into FY2027, reflecting strong demand for AI workloads.

TECNO Unveils World's Thinnest Modular Smartphone Ecosystem at MWC 2026

February 26, 2026, 5:00 AM EST. TECNO unveiled its Modular Magnetic Interconnection Technology at MWC 2026, a concept that lets users attach slim modules to smartphones through magnetic connections. The Modular Phone comes in two design themes, ATOM and MODA, emphasizing Rational Order with Personal Expression and a bold, geek-inspired look respectively. TECNO claims the ultra-thin ecosystem can expand hardware on demand without adding bulk, featuring about ten high-performance modules, including a POWER BANK that doubles usable power and an ACTION CAMERA for new shooting angles. Leo Li, TECNO's Product Head of Modular Magnetic Interconnection Technology, calls the approach a move toward mobile liberation and user-driven hardware. The system aims to adapt to photography, gaming, off-grid communication and more.

HSBC: software will eat AI – bank's top software stock picks

February 26, 2026, 4:58 AM EST. HSBC says software will largely outpace AI in driving enterprise value. In a Tuesday note, analysts argue AI will be subordinate to the overall software platform in full-fledged enterprise apps, while consumer AI firms would struggle to design enterprise-class software from scratch. They add that it is impractical for companies to build in-house AI systems, and vibe-coding may improve tools but is unlikely to displace incumbent vendors. Despite market fears of a SaaS disruption and a recent sell-off, HSBC sees valuation support, with sector demand set to grow as firms deploy agentic AI over the next few years, beginning in 2026. HSBC's stock calls include: Buy on Oracle, ServiceNow, Salesforce, HP and CrowdStrike; Hold on Twilio, SAP, Fortinet and Cisco; Reduce on Palo Alto Networks, IBM and CoreWeave.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra adds Privacy Display privacy screen to guard sensitive info

February 26, 2026, 4:56 AM EST. Samsung on Wednesday unveiled the Galaxy S26 Ultra at its Unpacked event, headlining a new built-in feature called Privacy Display. The system uses pixel-level light control to show private content only to selected apps and alerts, letting users hide sensitive info from nearby eyes. In settings, users choose which apps are restricted, so examples like a prescription pickup remain unseen when someone else browses photos. Samsung says the tech is distinct from flimsy stick-on privacy films and aims to be a must-have in a mature market. The Galaxy S26 Ultra starts at $1,299. Other S26 features were announced, but Privacy Display could become the standout. Availability details were not fully disclosed in the launch material.

Nvidia rolls back two hot-button topics in slimmer annual report

February 26, 2026, 4:54 AM EST. Nvidia rolled back two hot-button topics in its latest annual report, delivering a slimmer edition than previous years. The filing did not immediately specify which topics were omitted, and spokespeople were not available for comment. The change narrows the document's scope as the company reports results to investors.

Spigen launches MagFit ecosystem for Galaxy S26 to unlock new capabilities

February 26, 2026, 4:44 AM EST. Spigen expands its MagFit ecosystem to the Galaxy S26, pairing protective cases with a growing line of accessories that enhance grip, charging and mounting. The Liquid Air MagFit case is low-profile with a textured finish for grip; the Ultra Hybrid Zero One offers a double-layer print of the S26 internals; the Frost Black variant provides a frosted, semi-transparent look; the Tough Armor MagFit adds dual-layer protection with XRD Foam and a built-in kickstand. The lineup includes the AluminaCore EZ Fit Screen Protector, the Valentinus MagFit+ wallet, the Essential Qi 2.2 3-in-1 charger, and the O-Mag OM104 grip. Spigen also updates cases for the Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro. The ecosystem targets daily use from day one.

Nvidia Shield TV rolls out 9.2.4 update, assures continued support

February 26, 2026, 4:36 AM EST. Nvidia says it will continue supporting the Shield TV, and it has begun rolling out Shield Experience 9.2.4. The update includes the January 2026 security patch and several quality-of-life fixes. In the changelog, Nvidia lists improvements and bug fixes: Disney+ playback issues resolved; a third-party remote connection problem with Xbox after sleep; a crash that powers on SHIELD and CEC devices during sleep; Bluetooth remote disconnects fixed; and the Settings page no longer closes when triggering NVIDIA Share from the top of settings. The last public update ran in May 2025.

Spigen unveils MagFit ecosystem for Galaxy S26

February 26, 2026, 4:30 AM EST. Spigen rolls out a complete MagFit ecosystem for the Galaxy S26, aligning cases, screens, and chargers to lift daily use from day one. The company, with almost two decades in the accessory market, positions its MagFit-enabled cases as the anchor of a modular lineup that keeps the phone slim while adding grip and protection. Highlights include the low-profile Liquid Air MagFit, redesigned Ultra Hybrid Zero One with internal art, and the Frost Black variant with a semi-transparent finish, alongside rugged Tough Armor MagFit with built-in kickstand and XRD foam. Beyond cases, Spigen offers the AluminaCore EZ Fit Screen Protector, Valentinus MagFit+ wallet, and the Essential Qi 2.2 3-in-1 charger for Galaxy phones, Watch, and Buds. New Buds 4 compatibility follows.

F1 CEO Defends Apple's Leap, Citing Broad Reach Through Partnerships

February 26, 2026, 4:26 AM EST. F1's chief executive defended Apple's leap, saying it would deliver a bigger reach via partnerships with other people and channels beyond traditional tech marketing. He acknowledged questions about timing and execution but argued the plan would leverage race weekends, fan events and cross-brand storytelling to engage new audiences. The CEO noted privacy safeguards and governance as part of the rollout, while stressing discussions with teams, sponsors and regulators are ongoing. Analysts cautioned that success depends on clear metrics and sustained collaboration, but some see potential to shift value for sponsors and media if the approach scales.

Arc Pulse Unveils Premium Two-Piece Case for Galaxy S26 Ultra

February 26, 2026, 4:24 AM EST. Arc Pulse expands its luxury line with a two-piece case for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The shell comes in Matte Black, Silver, Graphite, and Gold, all built from aerospace-grade aluminum and sold in a price ladder from $69.99 to $129.99. The design hugs the top and bottom of the device, offering corner protection while keeping most of the phone's tactile hardware feel. In real-world testing, the cases reportedly survive pocket drops. The product is expensive, and not for everyone, but it remains a steady option for fans who want luxury protection without concealing the phone's aesthetics. Pre-orders are open, with shipments scheduled for May 4.

Nvidia ends OPP pricing program, caution on MSRP and GPU supply

February 26, 2026, 4:22 AM EST. According to tech YouTuber der8auer, Nvidia has ended its OPP program, an alleged rebate scheme for AIB partners intended to keep some GPUs near MSRP. The full form of OPP remains undisclosed. Reports say partners sold select models at MSRP and claimed rebates on the chip and memory. Nvidia did not comment. The move comes as memory prices rise with AI infrastructure demand. Asus disputed reports that RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5060 Ti 16GB are EOL and said it has no plans to stop selling them. Industry sources say Nvidia is prioritizing the RTX 5080 due to higher yields, potentially constraining the 5070 Ti supply, with prices for the 5080 not showing relief.

Nvidia posts record Q4 as AI era makes compute equal revenues

February 26, 2026, 4:20 AM EST. Nvidia reported $68 billion in fourth-quarter revenue, up 73% year over year, as demand for accelerated computing expands across cloud providers, model builders, enterprises and sovereign buyers. Data center revenue rose 75% to $62 billion, up 22% from the prior quarter. The company said the shift toward generative and agentic AI is driving a multiyear buildout of GPU infrastructure. CEO Jensen Huang framed AI economics around throughput and efficiency, saying in the new AI era, compute equals revenues and real-time inference drives cloud monetization. Nvidia highlighted CUDA as a cross-generation ecosystem advantage and cited cost and performance gains across Blackwell, Hopper and Ampere to extend hardware life through software optimization. Rubin platform remains on schedule for H2, targeting training with fewer GPUs and lower inference costs. Sovereign demand topped $30 billion for the year.

Samsung Galaxy S26 debuts Screenshot Analyzer in Gallery, rivaling Pixel screenshot tools

February 26, 2026, 4:14 AM EST. Samsung's Galaxy S26 introduces Screenshot Analyzer, a built-in Gallery tool that automatically sorts screenshots into categories, including social media, boarding passes, coupons, chats, barcodes and QR codes. The feature sits alongside Galaxy AI and aims to speed retrieval by letting users jump back to the screenshot's source, including conversations, though Samsung has not detailed how it navigates to a particular chat. By contrast, Google placed similar tools in a separate Pixel Screenshots app rather than inside Photos, making Samsung's version more convenient because it lives in Gallery. It is not yet clear whether the feature is limited to the Galaxy S26 or will arrive on existing devices with One UI 8.5. Android Authority reports.

Man controls 7,000 DJI Romos via PS5 controller, exposes MQTT flaw

February 26, 2026, 4:10 AM EST. An unnamed Spain-based AI strategy lead, Azdoufal, built a custom app using Anthropic's Claude Code to steer a DJI Romo robot vacuum with a PS5 controller. The system worked, but when it connected to DJI's cloud, a single device token acted as a master key, granting control over roughly 7,000 Romos in 24 countries, The Verge reported. In a nine-minute live demonstration, his laptop cataloged thousands of devices and logged more than 100,000 messages, and he could locate a journalist's review unit, map a floor plan, and view a live feed with a 14-digit serial number. MQTT is a lightweight messaging protocol for device-to-cloud communication; the issue stemmed from a backend permission validation flaw for MQTT. After patches on Feb. 8 and 10, DJI said it was resolved, though initial statements drew criticism.

Tesla updates Canada lease buyout policy, opens door to purchase

February 26, 2026, 4:00 AM EST. Tesla has quietly revised its Canadian lease terms, removing broad bans on end-of-lease purchases. The updated language appears on Tesla's Canadian support site, directing customers to review their lease agreements and contact Tesla near lease end to see purchase options available. Previously, Model 3 and Model Y leases were largely ineligible for purchase, with only some Model S and Model X leases-those issued before April 15, 2022-eligible. The new wording eliminates blanket exclusions and no longer bars third-party buyers; decisions are described as potentially case-by-case. Tesla has not issued a public statement. Owners online report mixed experiences, with some saying buyouts have occurred and others awaiting on-lease-end determinations.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: UK price hike and refined design in early hands-on

February 26, 2026, 3:58 AM EST. Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra launches in the UK with higher prices: 256GB at £1279, 512GB at £1449, and 1TB at £1699. The base model includes 12GB of RAM, while the 1TB version uses 16GB. The design relies on rounded corners and a raised camera island, which looks neater but makes the phone wobble on a flat surface. Samsung has reportedly dropped the premium titanium chassis. Competitors include the iPhone 17 at £899 and the iPhone 17 Pro Max at £1199. More impressions will follow in a full review to confirm display, camera and AI performance.

NVIDIA posts record $16 billion Gaming revenue driven by GeForce RTX 50 Series and DLSS 4

February 26, 2026, 3:46 AM EST. NVIDIA said its Gaming and AI PC revenue rose 41% to a record $16 billion for the fiscal year. The rise is led by the GeForce RTX 50 Series, built on the RTX Blackwell architecture and introducing DLSS 4 to boost PC gaming and AI workflows. The desktop lineup – led by RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 – faced early scarcity and price volatility, with the RTX 5070 later becoming a holiday-season staple, per Steam data. In the fourth quarter, revenue was $3.7 billion, up 47% year over year. CFO Colette Kress warned that supply constraints will be a headwind in fiscal 2027's first quarter, as demand for memory, storage, and GPU silicon remains high across AI and gaming.

Artemis II simulated launch window opens tonight as Arctic outbreak delays mission

February 26, 2026, 3:44 AM EST. NASA on Tuesday announced a shift in the Artemis II timeline after a rare Arctic outbreak cooled conditions at Kennedy Space Center. The plan now calls for a simulated launch of the four-person Orion crewed mission no earlier than Sunday, Feb. 8, as engineers reassess hardware against forecast weather. The wet dress rehearsal, meant to validate fueling and systems, was rescheduled to begin at 9 p.m. ET on Feb. 2 and run until about 1 a.m. ET Feb. 3, NASA said. A spokesperson noted that cold, windy conditions have complicated launch window planning. If conditions hold, Artemis II could still fit within windows through April 2026 as the program advances toward Artemis III in 2028.

Intel to begin producing GPUs as Nvidia-dominated market looms

February 26, 2026, 3:42 AM EST. At the Cisco AI Summit, Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan said the company will begin making GPUs (graphics processing units), a shift toward a field long led by Nvidia. The chips target gaming and AI model training, a realm where Nvidia currently holds a commanding market lead. Intel says the project will be led by Kevork Kechichian, with hires including Eric Demers to build the effort. The move appears early stage; Intel plans to shape strategy around customer needs as it refocuses under Tan. The trend underscores a broader industry push into GPUs, though Intel's expansion is not yet a threat to Nvidia's dominance and remains tied to the company's broader turnaround.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. iPhone 17 Pro Max: Full specs comparison

February 26, 2026, 3:40 AM EST. Samsung's Unpacked reveal introduced the Galaxy S26 Ultra, priced at $1,300, with a 6.9-inch OLED display, 120Hz dynamic refresh, and a new Gorilla Armor 2 layer that cuts glare. It adds a Privacy Display feature that modulates pixel light to limit side viewing, configurable per app and via routines. Apple counters with the iPhone 17 Pro Max, starting at $1,199, featuring a similar 6.9-inch OLED panel with Ceramic Shield 2 and a 120Hz adaptive refresh. Samsung touts lower screen reflectivity and a lighter, slimmer body at 7.9mm and 214 g versus the iPhone's 8.5mm and 233 g. Both are IP68, and both emphasize premium design and cameras, but key differences lie in display visibility, weight, and privacy features.

SpaceX Dragon cargo capsule heads home after historic ISS-boosting mission

February 26, 2026, 3:36 AM EST. NASA's SpaceX Dragon cargo capsule undocks from the International Space Station today, ending a roughly six-month stay that demonstrated an ISS-boosting capability. The undocking is set for 12:05 p.m. EST, with coverage starting at 11:45 a.m. EST. During its stay, the CRS-33 mission delivered about 5,000 pounds of supplies and gear and performed six reboosts to maintain the station's altitude – five in 2025, plus a final maneuver on Jan. 23. NASA noted the reboosts, historically done by Russia's Progress freighter, can be handled by Dragon as part of its reusable design. Return cargo includes Euro Material Aging samples and Thailand's Liquid Crystals materials. The capsule is expected to splash down in the Pacific Ocean.

Client Challenge: Website Fails to Load When JavaScript Is Disabled

February 26, 2026, 3:34 AM EST. A client-facing website presents a built-in error screen when JavaScript is disabled. The message notes that a required part of the site couldn't load, a symptom tied to browser settings, extensions, or network issues. Users are advised to enable JavaScript, disable ad blockers, or try another browser to restore functionality. The disruption can affect account access, product data, or customer support flows, raising the risk of churn if users encounter repeated failures. Web teams suggest testing across environments, communicating clear fallback states, and minimizing third-party scripts that block rendering. In practice, many sites rely on client-side code to render core features, so ensuring graceful degradation and robust error messaging is essential for user retention.

Samsung Galaxy S26 pre-orders go live with up to $900 off, $150 credit, free Buds 4 Pro

February 26, 2026, 3:32 AM EST. Samsung's Galaxy S26 family – the S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra – is now open for pre-orders. The launch offers up to $900 off with trade-ins, plus a $150 credit toward Galaxy Buds, wearables and eligible accessories. Buyers can stack bonus checkout credits and even receive a free set of Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. Separately, Samsung is discounting Galaxy Watch bands by 30% off across the Galaxy Watch 8/Classic and Ultra lines. Meanwhile, the 44mm LTE Galaxy Watch 8 drops to $229.99 with Prime shipping on select retailers such as Woot; official pricing remains higher on Samsung.com. Availability and terms vary by model and color.

Huawei Watch GT Runner 2 leak reveals AMOLED display, ECG, and 14-day battery

February 26, 2026, 3:30 AM EST. Huawei's Watch GT Runner 2 leaks surface ahead of a global release. Roland Quandt and WinFuture cite an AMOLED display and a battery life of up to 14 days or 32 hours when dual-band GPS is on. The smartwatch is said to offer ECG and HRV monitoring, set in a titanium body with optional AirDry bands designed to keep skin contact minimal. The design aims to suit long runs and extended training sessions. Pricing remains unknown. The leak underscores Huawei's push into premium running wearables ahead of launch.

T-Mobile expands same-day home internet hardware delivery via DoorDash

February 26, 2026, 3:28 AM EST. T-Mobile is expanding its delivery options for home internet, adding DoorDash for same-day hardware arrivals. The move mirrors its earlier phone-order strategy and complements its existing 5G and fiber offerings. Customers can order online, through the T Life app, or in-store, and opt for standard shipping if speed isn't critical. The new service accelerates getting gateways and modems to customers who want internet up and running quickly, reducing downtime. The company previously announced DoorDash for phone orders and is now applying the strategy to home internet equipment, aligning with a broader push to simplify acquisition and speed of delivery.

Limited Run, Konami unveil Marvel Maximum Collection of classic arcade games

February 26, 2026, 3:16 AM EST. Limited Run Games and Konami unveiled Marvel Maximum Collection, a bundle of six classic Marvel arcade titles spanning 8- and 16-bit eras. The lineup includes X-Men: The Arcade Game; Captain America and The Avengers; Spider-Man/Venom: Maximum Carnage; Spider-Man/Venom: Separation Anxiety; Spider-Man/X-Men: Arcade's Revenge; and Silver Surfer. The package adds modern conveniences such as save states, rewind, and an online co-op option with rollback netcode. Display modes optimize for contemporary screens or emulate a CRT look. A music player and a digital archive with high-resolution scans of box art, manuals, and ads accompany the release. Marvel Maximum Collection arrives on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam, with no firm launch date yet.

Samsung unveils Galaxy S26 series with built-in Privacy Display and Galaxy AI

February 26, 2026, 3:12 AM EST. Samsung Electronics on Monday unveiled the Galaxy S26 series, a lineup pitched around its most intuitive Galaxy AI experiences yet. Samsung says the trio-Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra-handles complex tasks in the background, aiming to simplify daily phone use and let users focus on results. The phones pair high performance with an advanced camera system and Galaxy AI, designed to balance security and privacy. The S26 Ultra introduces what Samsung calls the world's first built-in Privacy Display for mobile phones, reinforcing pixel-level privacy. A customized chipset and upgraded thermal management are said to enable faster AI workloads. On Galaxy S26 Ultra, a customized Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform for Galaxy delivers up to 19% CPU gains, 39% NPU uplift, and 24% GPU boost. TM Roh said AI should work quietly in the background.

US Galaxy users receive surprise $50 Samsung Store credit with no strings attached

February 26, 2026, 3:08 AM EST. Several Galaxy users in the US report a $50 Samsung Store credit appearing in their Samsung accounts with no preorder or purchase required. The perk appears US-only, with Canada users reporting no equivalent credit. Recipients are already spending it on accessories such as Samsung's 45W charger (about $49.99) or Galaxy SmartTags. A Reddit commenter suggested the credit may target people who signed up for Unpacked event emails, but Samsung has not confirmed. The program's origin and scope remain unclear, and Samsung has not publicly advertised it. Users are advised to check their Samsung account for a potential unexpected bonus as the Galaxy S26 launch momentum continues.

Lehi police warn of AI voice-cloning ransom calls mimicking loved ones

February 26, 2026, 3:04 AM EST. Lehi, Utah police warn that criminals are using AI to clone voices of relatives to demand ransom. In recent cases, a mother nearly fell victim after a call claimed her child had been kidnapped; she confirmed with the school that the child was safe. A Lehi resident said scammers cloned her aunt's voice, issuing a threat to pay money or harm would come. Police caution that scammers may imitate children's voices to pressure families. Cybersecurity expert Pete Ashdown urges skepticism of urgent money requests and recommends verification by calling the person directly. He says many scammers obtain data from contact lists and online sources, and that AI advances are making these scams harder to spot. Authorities advise limiting online posting, keeping social accounts private, and reporting suspicious calls.

Tesla to enable Active Noise Cancellation on Cybertruck via OTA update

February 26, 2026, 3:00 AM EST. Tesla lists Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) as standard on the Cybertruck's Premium AWD and Cyberbeast trims, signaling a forthcoming OTA update. The hardware for ANC exists in the truck, identical in architecture to the Model S and X, but software has remained disabled. Unlike those models, the Cybertruck uses four microphones instead of six. Tesla faces acoustic tuning challenges from the truck's glass roof, aluminum castings, and heavy off-road tires. Once the update lands, ANC will function like over-ear headphones: microphones and accelerometers monitor road rumble, generate inverted sound waves, and feed them through the 15-speaker cabin. ANC will be exclusive to the Premium AWD and Cyberbeast; the base Dual Motor AWD will omit it to save on speakers. Current owners can expect activation soon.

Samsung Care Plus may offer 48-hour device replacements, first with Galaxy S26 (UK-exclusive)

February 26, 2026, 2:58 AM EST. A report during Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked suggests Care Plus will begin offering full device replacements for subscribers, a feature slated to start with the Galaxy S26 series. The report frames the rollout as a UK-exclusive initially, with no confirmation on U.S. or other regions. Samsung has already expanded Care Plus with unlimited battery repairs and, for Theft & Loss, unlimited, free screen repairs. Android Authority cites that replacements would be provided within 48 hours of contact with support. Details on extending the benefit to existing Care Plus members or to non-UK markets remain unclear. Samsung has not publicly confirmed the plan, leaving consumer uptake uncertain but potentially persuasive for buyers considering Care Plus with new devices.

OnePlus 15T to add ultra-thin magnetic cooling accessory, tipster claims

February 26, 2026, 2:56 AM EST. The OnePlus 15T is the subject of new leaks as OnePlus confirms a launch but offers no timing. Tipster Digital Chat Station says the phone will support magnetic wireless charging and be compatible with Apple's magnetic charging ecosystem. An external, 1 cm-thin magnetic cooling fan that can attach to the 15T is also claimed to improve thermals. The device is rumored to run the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC, include a 6.32-inch display and a dual rear camera system. A large battery in the 7,000-8,000 mAh range with 100W wired charging is mentioned. A March launch appears likely.

Nvidia-Meta deal signals shift to CPU-centric AI infrastructure

February 26, 2026, 2:52 AM EST. Nvidia and Meta announced a multiyear deal to supply computing power for Meta's infrastructure, with Nvidia Grace CPU and other CPUs included. The arrangement expands a long-running partnership, with Meta previously saying it would buy 350,000 H100 GPUs by end-2024 and have access to 1.3 million GPUs by end-2025. Nvidia says Meta will build hyperscale data centers optimized for training and inference, deploying CPUs and millions of Blackwell and Rubin GPUs. The move shows Nvidia's strategy to lock in customers across the AI stack, not only the beefiest GPUs, as CPU-centric AI compute gains ground to handle agentic AI workloads. Analysts say the industry is shifting toward CPU-centric AI compute, though CPUs remain one part of a broader system.

Apple targets budget MacBook powered by iPhone chip to challenge Chromebooks

February 26, 2026, 2:48 AM EST. Apple is pursuing a lower-cost MacBook that would use an iPhone processor rather than the M-series, aiming to undercut rivals and broaden the addressable market. If priced right, the device could mirror past MacBook successes by expanding adoption in education and among consumers, and by competing with Chromebooks on price. The strategy recalls 2006, when Apple shifted to Intel Core Duo and relaunched the lineup, phasing out PowerBook and iBook branding in favor of MacBook. Then-CEO Steve Jobs and senior VP Phil Schiller touted a faster, thinner notebook with a brighter display and stronger mobility. Today, a budget MacBook would pair cost discipline with Apple's notebook identity, seeking a wider audience while exploring a different chip ecosystem.

Nvidia reportedly cancels Open Price Program, signaling higher GPU prices, says Der8auer

February 26, 2026, 2:46 AM EST. Hardware YouTuber Der8auer claims Nvidia has cancelled its Open Price Program (OPP), a cashback-like incentive for AIBs to push GPUs at the official MSRP. If true, prices could rise as the incentive disappears in a market strained by memory shortages and tariff risk. Der8auer says the OPP helped Nvidia steer pricing; without it, 'massive price increases' across RTX cards are expected and the previously communicated MSRP may no longer apply. The report adds that Nvidia reportedly wrapped up MSRP-card bundles and that embargo timing favored MSRP launches. Demand for the RTX 50-series and a shift in supply toward the RTX 5080 over the RTX 5070 Ti are discussed as price drivers. Citing unnamed industry sources, the video forecasts a 40-50% price bump for the RTX 5080.

Nutanix, AMD Announce Up to $250 Million AI Inference Partnership

February 26, 2026, 2:36 AM EST. AMD and Nutanix unveiled a multi-year strategic partnership worth up to $250 million to deliver an open AI infrastructure platform optimized for enterprise inference workloads. The deal includes a $150 million equity investment in Nutanix at $36.26 per share, about 1% dilution, and up to $100 million to back the engineering effort. The arrangement is non-exclusive; Nutanix will continue to support Nvidia GPUs and software. The partnership pursues an open, multi-vendor AI stack to avoid vendor lock-in, enabling deployment of open-source and commercial models and hardware from multiple providers. It also targets GPU-as-a-service providers. The announcement follows Nutanix earnings that beat estimates and comes after AMD's large deal with Meta.

Solving the Data Bottleneck for Physical AI in Autonomous Systems

February 26, 2026, 2:34 AM EST. Data is the lifeblood of physical AI. In autonomous driving, real-road data is costly and scarce relative to the need for edge cases. Waymo built large-scale datasets-roughly 20 million miles in the Bay Area before its 2024 L4 ride-hailing launch-highlighting the barrier for entrants. Synthetic data offers an alternative; firms like Waymo, Waabi, Aurora, Zoox, and DiffuseDrive generate realistic, field-ready content with minimal human input. DiffuseDrive, founded in 2023 by Bálint Pásztor and Roland Pintér, aims at data-rich pipelines and has raised a $4 million seed round, bringing total funding to $5 million. The company projects the market for synthetic vision data at about $2B by 2030. The pipeline starts from customer camera data, then data mining and statistical analysis, and expands to capture rare but costly edge cases.

Dimon urges early planning for AI-driven job displacement

February 26, 2026, 2:24 AM EST. Jamie Dimon told investors that society must start preparing for AI-driven job displacement before it occurs. The JPMorgan CEO said governments and businesses should plan for labor disruption, noting the bank already deploys AI and runs an LLM used weekly by about 150,000 employees. He warned headcount may fall over the next five years as productivity rises. JPMorgan has moving displaced workers into new roles, a redeployment program Dimon described as "huge." He urged pacing change to avoid abrupt losses, and cited a Davos scenario in which autonomous trucks could displace millions of U.S. drivers overnight, with social costs outweighing the benefits. He called for retraining incentives and even government action if needed, while stressing AI will transform business and JPMorgan aims to lead.

Samsung Galaxy S26 touts privacy screen feature that Apple lacks

February 26, 2026, 2:20 AM EST. At Unpacked in San Francisco, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S26 lineup, led by the S26 Ultra. Hands-on time highlighted a new privacy screen feature that the author calls a must-have, and he notes that the iPhone does not offer the same capability. The impression centers on practical benefits rather than a focus on thinness or weight. The piece suggests this feature could sway some buyers toward Android, even as Apple remains dominant in other categories. The report promises deeper detail later on cameras, software and battery life, but in this preview the privacy screen stands out as the clearest differentiator.

Google expands earthquake alerts on Wear OS to work without paired phone

February 26, 2026, 2:18 AM EST. Google is expanding earthquake alerts on Wear OS by letting watches notify users even when the paired phone is out of range, per the latest Google Play Services release notes. Previously, Wear OS simply mirrored alerts from the phone. Now, watches with a standalone internet connection can trigger notifications on their own, most likely only if they have built-in mobile data connectivity. The update relies on the Earthquake Alerts System, which uses aggregated data from millions of phones; when nearby signals accumulate, Google issues an alert. It remains unclear whether Wear OS devices will begin contributing sensor data (such as from an accelerometer) to the system in the future.

OpenAI hires ex-Apple executive who led Meta's Superintelligence Labs, The Information reports

February 26, 2026, 2:16 AM EST. OpenAI has hired Ruoming Pang, a high-profile AI researcher at Meta who joined OpenAI from Apple about seven months ago, The Information reported, citing an OpenAI spokesperson. Meta and OpenAI did not immediately comment. Pang oversaw AI infrastructure for Meta's Superintelligence Labs, which is developing the next generation of models. He left Meta last week after being aggressively recruited by OpenAI for several months. Pang joined Meta last year on a compensation package valued at more than $200 million over several years, Bloomberg said. The report highlights a Silicon Valley talent war as firms offer multi-million-dollar pay to attract top talent in the race to lead the next wave of AI.

Nvidia beats estimates on AI demand; Q1 revenue guide tops analyst outlook

February 26, 2026, 2:12 AM EST. Nvidia beat Wall Street with a Q4 fiscal 2026 report, showing revenue of $68.13 billion, up 73% year over year. GAAP operating income reached $44.30 billion and GAAP net income $42.96 billion; adjusted net income was $39.55 billion and adjusted EPS of about $1.63. The results topped estimates and the company guided for Q1 revenue of $65 billion and adjusted EPS around $1.50, above the Street consensus of $1.54 on $66.23 billion. The data center platform drove growth with $62.31 billion in revenue, up 75% YoY and 22% QoQ, while gaming revenue declined 13% QoQ to $3.73 billion. CFO Colette Kress noted diversification in data center customers beyond hyperscalers, which still account for just over half of data center revenue. The stock traded flat to modestly higher after hours as investors weigh the beat against lofty expectations.

Windows 11 KB5077241 preview adds Sysmon, BitLocker fix, and built-in network speed test

February 26, 2026, 2:10 AM EST. Microsoft released the February 2026 optional cumulative update for Windows 11, KB5077241, a preview build with 29 changes. It ships improvements to BitLocker reliability, preventing freezes after entering the recovery key, and adds a built-in network speed test for Ethernet, Wi-Fi and cellular connections accessible from the taskbar. The update also lets users open a new File Explorer window by holding Shift or the middle mouse button, improves wake-from-sleep reliability, and reduces resume time under heavy load. It introduces native Sysmon functionality (off by default) and enables Quick Machine Recovery on Windows Pro devices that are not domain-joined or enrolled in enterprise MDM. Install options include Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates or manual install from the Microsoft Update Catalog. Builds affected are 26200.7922 (25H2) and 26100.7922 (24H2).

Apple TV Dark Mode and accessibility features boost night viewing

February 26, 2026, 2:06 AM EST. Night watching on Apple TV is easier with built-in Dark Mode, which can be set in Settings > General > Appearance or switched automatically by time of day. In bright rooms or late-night viewing, two accessibility tools help: Light Sensitivity (dims the screen) and Reduce White Point (lowers color brightness). Enable them under Settings > Accessibility > Vision > Display. To speed access, set an Accessibility Shortcut that toggles both features from the Control Center. On the remote, long-press the TV button and select the person icon to open the shortcut panel; alternatively, three quick presses of the back button summon the panel in the screen's middle. These tweaks aim to cut glare and ease eyes during late-night viewing.

Tesla to install 200-km Chile Supercharger corridor with Copec, set for 2026

February 26, 2026, 2:04 AM EST. Tesla and Chile's Copec will build a 200-kilometer Supercharger corridor between La Serena and Puerto Montt. Each station will host four chargers powered entirely by renewable energy, the partners said. Tesla says a 15-minute session can add about 280 kilometers of range. Construction is slated to begin in 2026. The project aims to reduce range anxiety as EV adoption rises in South America, where a cohesive charging network is still forming. The plan allows non-Tesla cars to charge at Superchargers with an adapter, broadening access. Tesla remains a key player in global EV infrastructure despite a recent sales dip. At-home charging remains cheaper for daily use, with solar options highlighted by related providers.

Nvidia GPU prices surge as RAM shortage tightens supply

February 26, 2026, 1:58 AM EST. In the past month, Nvidia graphics cards have seen prices spike on major retailers. The RTX 5080 is trading at $500 above the base $1,000 launch price, while RTX 5090 models hover near $5,000 despite a target base of $2,000. The RAM shortage-driven by AI data-center demand-has tightened memory supply and raised component costs. Nvidia says memory supply remains constrained but will ship all GeForce SKUs and work with suppliers to maximize availability. AIB partners such as Zotac Korea warn the situation threatens the future of card makers and distributors, noting rising costs for the RTX 5060 and other high-end GPUs. Reports say Nvidia ended a cashback program with AIBs, complicating pricing; Gizmodo had not yet received comment when seeking input.

Cook recalls first meeting with Steve Jobs in four words

February 26, 2026, 1:46 AM EST. Apple boss Tim Cook joined Apple in 1998 as it struggled, and he says he was warned about the risks. A 2024 letter published by the Steve Jobs Archive recounts his fateful first meeting with Steve Jobs, whose passion and vision convinced him to stay. Cook describes Jobs as charismatic and clear about a future where technology unlocks human creativity and potential, and as a mentor who challenged him to grow. Jobs invited Cook to work among a group of deeply curious individuals, and Cook accepted. Thirteen years later, he followed Jobs' footsteps to become Apple's seventh CEO. The letters are released to mark what would have been Jobs' 71st birthday, part of a broader archive from Apple-connected leaders and creators.

Nvidia posts record $68B in quarterly sales as AI demand persists

February 26, 2026, 1:44 AM EST. Nvidia posted $68 billion in sales in its fiscal fourth quarter, up 20% and beating estimates, with net income of $43 billion, up 35%. The data center business accounted for 91.4% of revenue, or $62.3 billion. CEO Jensen Huang said computing demand is growing exponentially and that the 'agentic AI inflection point' has arrived. Partnerships with Anthropic, Meta, and OpenAI have been tailwinds. Nvidia's market value sits near $5 trillion; the company is a bellwether for the AI sector. R&D spending is about $20 billion. Shares have moved from about $171 in December to above $190, closing near $195.56 before earnings. Some risk exists if customers like OpenAI lose financing, but demand for Nvidia chips remains robust.

NVIDIA SHIELD TV Update 9.21.4 fixes bugs, adds January 2026 security patch

February 26, 2026, 1:42 AM EST. NVIDIA has released SHIELD TV and SHIELD TV Pro update 9.21.4 (33.2.0.400). The release brings the January 2026 security patch and several stability fixes. Improvements include Disney+ playback issue resolution, a fix for third-party remote connections with Xbox after sleep, a crash that powered on SHIELD and CEC devices during sleep, resolution of Bluetooth remote frequent disconnects, and a Settings page crash when triggering NVIDIA Share. The update focuses on quality-of-life improvements and broader device compatibility.

China H200 sales clamp adds cloud over Nvidia's record earnings

February 26, 2026, 1:38 AM EST. Nvidia said it has not booked any revenue from its H200 GPUs in China and cannot confirm any sales approvals there. Imports by Chinese customers remain uncertain after Washington cleared shipments on condition they not exceed 50% of the US volume. CFO Colette Kress noted no H200 sales in the quarter. The comments align with a US Commerce official who said no H200 units had been sold in China. Nvidia reported US$68.1 billion in quarterly revenue for the period ending January 25, up 73% year over year, beating the consensus of about US$65.8 billion. The company remains the main beneficiary of the AI boom, but Beijing's regulatory uncertainty and rising domestic competition cloud its H200 pipeline in China.

Asia tech stocks rally as Nvidia earnings soothe AI slowdown fears

February 26, 2026, 1:32 AM EST. Asian tech stocks climbed in early trading after Nvidia's stronger-than-expected results eased fears of an AI slowdown. Nvidia reported revenue for its fiscal Q4 up 73% to $68.13 billion, with more than 91% of sales from its data-center unit. In Seoul, SK Hynix rose about 2% and Samsung Electronics about 5% as AI supply chains benefited. LG Innotek jumped almost 14% and Seoul Semiconductor rose 13%. In Tokyo, the TOPIX Information & Communication index rose 2.6% after a 0.58% gain the day before. Trend Micro gained about 6%, Sony rose around 3.9% and SoftBank Group roughly 5%. Dan Ives of Wedbush described a positive read-through for Asia suppliers, while Andrew Jackson of ORTUS Advisors noted flows favoring AI-linked names. Nvidia remains seen as king of AI infrastructure; Advantest and Renesas declined about 2.35% and 1.75%.

Nvidia's Q4 earnings: AI demand remains robust as Vera Rubin chips ship

February 26, 2026, 1:30 AM EST. Nvidia's Q4 results show sustained demand for AI compute, anchored by data-center and cloud deployments. The company notes growth in GPU usage for AI training and inference, underscoring a secular shift in enterprise compute. Vera Rubin chips shipping marks a new product cadence and signals broader support for AI workloads across partners. Profitability remains a focus as gross margin and operating margin stay within guided ranges, helped by mix and cost discipline. Guidance for the next quarter remains cautious but constructive, reflecting ongoing supply and demand dynamics while executives stress an expanding addressable market for AI compute.

OpenAI hires Meta AI researcher who previously led Apple's models team, The Information reports

February 26, 2026, 1:28 AM EST. OpenAI has hired Ruoming Pang, a prominent AI researcher at Meta who had joined the company from Apple about seven months ago, according to The Information citing an OpenAI spokesperson. Reuters could not immediately verify the report. Pang's alleged recruitment underscores OpenAI's strategy of drawing talent from major tech giants as it scales its models. No further confirmation was provided by OpenAI beyond the spokesperson quote. (Reporting by Rajveer Singh Pardesi in Bengaluru; Editing by Rashmi Aich)

Indian women bear mental toll as AI data labeling expands in rural India

February 26, 2026, 1:20 AM EST. AI data labeling in India relies on a growing remote workforce, many of them women in rural towns. Workers annotate content to fine-tune models, labeling as 'helpful' or 'wrong', often viewing violent and disturbing material. The workforce is described as large and female-dominated, promoted online as flexible, low-skill work. In reality, annotators review hundreds of videos daily, including pornography and abuse, exposing them to a psychological toll-disrupted sleep, strained relationships, and emotional numbness. They work from home under strict non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that silence them; violations can lead to termination. Estimates put at least 200,000 annotators in rural India, about half of the global data-labeling labor. Companies cast them as reliable, offering income without migration and potential for upward movement.

Nvidia forecast points to accelerating growth as Vera Rubin hits market

February 26, 2026, 1:10 AM EST. Nvidia posted a strong fourth quarter and forecast faster growth this period, guiding to about $78 billion in revenue, up about 77% year over year and ahead of estimates. The data center business now accounts for more than 91% of sales, underscoring Nvidia's AI chip dominance. CFO Colette Kress said Nvidia has shipped its first Vera Rubin samples to customers, with 72 Rubin GPUs expected to deliver roughly 10x more performance per watt than prior generations. The company sees demand extending into calendar 2027 and a revenue opportunity beyond last year's $500 billion projection for Blackwell and Rubin. Shares hovered after hours as investors weigh margins and a market near a $5 trillion valuation, even as AMD readies its Helios rack-scale system.

Android app scans Bluetooth to warn of nearby smart glasses

February 26, 2026, 1:06 AM EST. An Android app called Nearby Glasses, built by Yves Jeanrenaud of Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, scans Bluetooth Low Energy advertising data for manufacturer identifiers tied to smart glasses, including Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses. The app flags nearby devices, explaining that while MAC addresses and service UUIDs are randomized, manufacturer IDs in BLE frames are mandatory. Users are warned of possible false positives from other devices by the same maker. The GitHub repo carries a warning not to harass people based on the app's output. Meta declined comment beyond noting its glasses show an LED when recording and urging safe, lawful use. The report also recalls past incidents linking covert recording, social media stunts, and public discomfort over wearables.

Honor MagicPad 4 claims thinnest tablet title at 4.8mm ahead of MWC 2026

February 26, 2026, 1:02 AM EST. Honor on Tuesday unveiled the MagicPad 4, claiming the world's thinnest tablet at 4.8 millimeters, thinner than the iPad Air (6.1 mm), iPad Pro (5.1 mm) and Galaxy Tab S11 (5.1 mm). The device is set for a global launch at MWC 2026, with the company confirming key specs ahead of the showcase. It sports a 12.3-inch OLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate, a 10100 mAh battery and a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor. It weighs 145 grams and offers 12GB or 16GB of RAM and 256GB or 512GB of storage. MagicOS 10 based on Android 16 will power the tablet, which includes a 13MP rear camera and a 9MP front camera. Pricing remains undisclosed; more details are expected March 2.

Honor's MagicPad 4 claims world's thinnest tablet at 4.8mm, rivals Apple and Samsung

February 26, 2026, 12:56 AM EST. Honor unveils the MagicPad 4 at MWC 2026, claiming the title of the world's slimmest tablet with a 4.8mm chassis. The 12.3-inch OLED tablet weighs about 145 grams and packs a 10100mAh battery, Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, and up to 16GB of RAM with 256GB/512GB storage. It runs an Android 16-based MagicOS 10 and offers a 13MP rear camera and 9MP front camera. Honor positions it against Apple and Samsung in the thinness race, though pricing and a firm release date remain undisclosed beyond a global launch. More details are expected March 2. MWC 2026, MagicPad 4, OLED.

Nvidia posts AI-fueled earnings beat, guides above estimates

February 26, 2026, 12:46 AM EST. Nvidia posted fiscal Q4 2026 revenue of $68.13 billion and adjusted EPS of $1.62, topping Wall Street expectations of $1.54 and $66.23 billion. The quarter highlighted robust AI infrastructure demand. The data-center platform generated $62.31 billion in revenue, up 75% year over year, even as gaming revenue fell 13% to $3.73 billion. Colette Kress said hyperscalers remain Nvidia's largest data-center customer at just over half of data-center revenue, with growth widening across other buyers. Management guided fiscal Q1 2027 adjusted EPS about $1.50 on revenue around $65 billion, above consensus. Shares hovered around $196 in after-hours trading.

Thiel Liquidates Nvidia, Microsoft, Apple Stakes; What Stocks Might He Own in 2026

February 26, 2026, 12:32 AM EST. Peter Thiel's hedge fund Thiel Macro liquidated its entire stock portfolio in Q4 after trimming risk in Q3, reflecting a period of macro uncertainty affecting big-tech bets. The filing shows exits from Nvidia and Vistra in Q3, a reduction in Tesla, and new positions in Microsoft and Apple that were reversed in Q4 as the fund moved to cash. The year's actions come as AI strategy and chip dynamics shift, with rivals and in-house accelerators challenging Nvidia's data-center dominance and OpenAI tying Microsoft's AI progress to its partnership. The piece ponders whether investors should imitate Thiel's conservatism into 2026 amid mixed signals for the tech share landscape.

DJI sues FCC over 'careless' drone restrictions

February 26, 2026, 12:26 AM EST. DJI, the world's largest consumer drone maker, filed a petition with the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit to challenge the FCC's decision to add it to the agency's Covered List and impose an import ban on new foreign-made drones. The petition says the FCC exceeded its statutory authority, failed to follow required procedures, and violated the Fifth Amendment by listing DJI. The FCC has offered limited exemptions for some non-Chinese drones and for certain components from Sony, Panasonic, and Samsung, but not for China-made drones. The agency based its decision on an interagency review that cited national-security risks. DJI says it sought government audits and argues the rule is procedurally and substantively deficient, and that it carelessly restricts its U.S. business and access for customers to its technology.

Australia to roll out AusAlert smartphone emergency warnings in nationwide overhaul

February 26, 2026, 12:20 AM EST. Australia will replace state-based SMS alerts with AusAlert, a $132m system that pushes on-screen warnings to smartphones in defined areas during bushfires, floods and other threats. Trials begin in June ahead of a national test planned for 27 July 2026 at 2pm, expected to reach about 23 million devices. The system can target messages down to individual streets, with the highest-level alert accompanied by a loud tone and no opt-out. Up to 90% of phones are expected to receive alerts. AusAlert works on devices released since 2019 and will be tested with wearables and CarPlay. State SMS alerts will be decommissioned by July 2027; full operation is expected by October ahead of the next high-risk weather season. Minister Kristy McBain said the rollout is essential.

CNBC interview: NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang on earnings beat, AI, and market leadership

February 26, 2026, 12:18 AM EST. NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang told CNBC's Becky Quick that the company beat earnings and revenue guidance. He defended NVIDIA's market position amid surging demand for AI and discussed the rise of agentic systems across industries, saying AI will complement existing software tools rather than replace them, predicting higher tool usage. Huang framed NVIDIA as a leader shaping the shift and emphasized the firm's strategy to sustain its edge as the technology landscape evolves. The interview followed the latest earnings report and guidance update, underscoring a constructive narrative around AI adoption.

DJI challenges FCC drone import ban in Ninth Circuit filing

February 26, 2026, 12:10 AM EST. DJI filed a petition with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit on February 20, 2026, seeking to overturn the FCC's decision to place the company on its Covered List and to lift the import ban on new, foreign-made drones in effect since December 23, 2025. The company argues the FCC exceeded its statutory authority, failed to follow procedures, and violated the Fifth Amendment by adding DJI to the list. The FCC has exempted some foreign-made drones and certain components (including from Sony, Panasonic, and Samsung) but has not exempted Chinese-made devices. DJI says the process was flawed and claims the ban carelessly restricts DJI's business and denies U.S. customers access to new technology. The agency said the decision came after a White House interagency review citing national-security concerns.

SpaceX seeks FCC approval for 1 million-satellite mega-constellation, drawing environmental concerns

February 26, 2026, 12:08 AM EST. SpaceX has filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to deploy a mega-constellation of 1 million satellites, a project that could reshape global data networks but raises environmental and astronomical concerns. Astronomers say the plan could overwhelm orbital traffic and alter the night sky; the FCC has not historically evaluated the potential environmental impact of such a large launch, and public comments opened after the filing are due by 6 March. Critics like Ruskin Hartley of DarkSky International warn the move must be managed responsibly. If approved, satellites would be replenished regularly, potentially every five years, with a cycle of launches and re-entries roughly every 3 minutes, and alumina from burn-up could harm the ozone layer, according to researchers such as Samantha Lawler. The debate continues as data and details remain scarce.

Intrinsic joins Google to accelerate physical AI

February 26, 2026, 12:06 AM EST. Intrinsic, an Alphabet Other Bet venture focused on AI-enabled robotics for industrial automation, is joining Google. The 2021-founded unit will operate under Google to keep simplifying how robots are built, deployed and managed for manufacturing and logistics. The deal broadens Intrinsic's work in frontier AI, helping businesses grow faster and adapt to shifting needs. Alphabet says the move will accelerate the adoption of physical AI across industries.

Intrinsic joins Google to accelerate AI-enabled robotics for industrial automation

February 26, 2026, 12:04 AM EST. Intrinsic, founded as Alphabet's Other Bet in 2021, is joining Google to make AI-enabled robotics easier to build, deploy and manage for industrial automation. The move will extend Intrinsic's work in frontier AI, helping businesses grow faster and adapt to shifting needs. The deal places Intrinsic to scale robotics apps across manufacturing and logistics with Google's resources accelerating development and deployment. Read the full announcement here.

{“@context”:”https://schema.org/”,”@type”:”WebPage”,”name”:”Technology News 26.02.2026″,”url”:”https://www.bez-kabli.pl/technology-news-26-02-2026/”,”speakable”:{“@type”:”SpeakableSpecification”,”cssSelector”:[“.liveblog-header”,”h1.post-title”,”.single56__title”]}}

Huawei’s MatePad Mini is stepping onto the global stage, with the company’s “All in Mini” teaser taking direct aim at the iPad Mini.

February 26, 2026, 12:00 AM EST. Huawei’s new MatePad Mini made its global debut at the Global Innovative Product Event, boasting an 8.8-inch OLED PaperMatte display and weighing just 255 grams. Shoppers get a choice between Spruce Green and Obsidian Black finishes. On the back, a circular camera ring houses a 50MP main lens and an 8MP ultrawide; up front, a 32MP selfie camera handles video calls. The company is pitching the tablet as a compact, stylus-ready rival designed for one-handed use. After years of restricted access in the U.S., Huawei is opening up international sales, squaring up to the Apple iPad Mini and other compact tablets as it looks past its home market.