Technology News 28.02.2026

Iran near-total internet blackout as Operation Epic Fury begins

February 28, 2026, 11:46 PM EST. NetBlocks (an independent internet watchdog) reported a near-total internet blackout in Iran, with connectivity down to about 4% as of 07:00 UTC on February 28. Cloudflare Radar (a real-time internet-traffic monitor) corroborated the drop, noting near-zero traffic in major regions including Tehran, Isfahan and Razavi Khorasan. Officials attributed the outage to government-imposed measures rather than a cyber-attack by Israel or the United States, noting it follows domestic unrest earlier this year. The BBC said Starlink briefly provided access. Observers warn that only a sliver of remaining connectivity appears to serve government and military channels, potentially complicating cybersecurity work and enabling state actors to map exit paths. Analysts caution that hardened government infrastructure can expose tactics when it becomes the sole routing option. The episode adds to a broader pattern of Iranian internet shutdowns during crises.

Samsung unveils Galaxy S26 series with AI core and privacy display

February 28, 2026, 11:34 PM EST. Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S26 lineup – S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra – alongside Buds4 and Buds4 Pro, sticking to its annual flagship cadence. The refresh leans into a new design and an expanding Galaxy AI core, with emphasis on speed, battery life and cameras rather than a radical makeover. The Ultra leads with a five-lens setup, wider apertures and ProScaler AI-powered zoom, plus up to 1TB storage and optional S Pen. A new Privacy Display narrows the viewing angle to shield content in public spaces. The phones use Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, aiming for quicker, less cloud-dependent responses; charging hits 0-75% in 30 minutes on 60W and wireless at up to 25W. Color options include Cobalt Violet, Black, Sky Blue and White.

Huawei unveils overseas AI supercomputer to challenge Nvidia

February 28, 2026, 11:32 PM EST. From Taipei, Huawei Technologies is set to demonstrate its most advanced AI supercomputer overseas for the first time, claiming it can rival market leader Nvidia in AI hardware. The move underscores Huawei’s effort to reassert its global presence in AI computing as it pursues a larger role in the international AI market.

Apple readies cheapest MacBook with A18 Pro, colors and trade-offs

February 28, 2026, 11:30 PM EST. Apple is set to unveil its cheapest MacBook next week, powered by the A18 Pro chip, with a 12.9-inch Retina display and multiple color options. The device will carry several compromises to hit a lower starting price, including a 400-nit display without True Tone or P3 color, slower charging, limited storage and slower SSD speeds, no keyboard backlight, and a cheaper Mediatek networking chip instead of an M-series design. Analysts note these cuts are familiar for low-cost Apple devices, and the A18 Pro’s performance can approach M-class chips in synthetic benchmarks. At launch, pricing around $699 would yield a tighter comparison with the MacBook Air, and a price drop to $649-$599 would make it a strong value proposition, especially with new colors. The company plans a March 2-4 media rollout.

Myrient video game archive to shut down March 31 amid rising hosting costs

February 28, 2026, 11:18 PM EST. Myrient, a video game archive, will shut down on March 31, citing unsustainable hosting costs. In a FAQ, the site said every game was curated and checked against a checksum of a known good copy and that fast downloads were a key feature. The owner says donations could not cover expenses after paywalled download tools bypassed donation requests, costing about $6,000 per month. Rising storage and RAM costs tied to AI datacenter buildouts worsened the financial strain. The shutdown highlights risks for hobby archives that host commercially interesting content if illegal traffic cannot be blocked or funding cannot keep pace.

ETF Could Ease AI Stock Volatility: iShares Future AI and Tech ETF (ARTY)

February 28, 2026, 11:16 PM EST. Investors uneasy about volatile AI stocks may prefer an ETF approach. The iShares Future AI and Tech ETF (ARTY) diversifies across the AI value chain-chips, data-center infrastructure, software and services-and benefits from a global mandate that includes U.S. and international stocks. The fund’s top holdings include Micron Technology (largest position about 7.6%), Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (5.5%), Nvidia (4.6%), Advanced Micro Devices (4%), Broadcom (3.7%), CoreWeave (3.65%), Oracle (2.95%), Microsoft (2.14%), Palantir Technologies (1.90%), and Snowflake (1.57%). Data are from iShares as of Feb. 20, 2026. Micron supplies high-bandwidth memory for data centers; Nvidia dominates GPUs for AI, while AMD and Broadcom expand in AI accelerators. ARTY aims to reduce stock-picking risk for long-term investors.

Survivors grapple with guilt as Amazon trims jobs and leans on AI

February 28, 2026, 11:14 PM EST. Amazon’s latest round of job cuts touched thousands across operations and corporate teams. People close to the process describe a climate of fatigue and fear, where overwork persisted even as roles disappeared. Some workers spoke of survivor’s guilt-staying on while colleagues were let go-and of C-suite messaging that framed savings and automation as necessary. Internal alerts and interviews point to AI tools being deployed to speed decision-making, intensifying workloads for remaining staff. Management says the reductions aim to rebalance the business for growth; critics warn that speed and automation can erode morale and long-term productivity. Reuters spoke with current staff and ex-employees who asked to remain anonymous.

Oppo Find N6 to feature crease-free foldable display ahead of Galaxy Z Fold 8

February 28, 2026, 10:48 PM EST. Oppo’s next foldable, the Find N6, is shown with a completely flat, crease-free display in a video from product manager Zhou Yibao. The device reportedly uses an 8.12-inch LTPO OLED main screen with a 2248×2480 resolution and a 120 Hz refresh rate, plus a 6.62-inch outer panel at 1140×2616. Power comes from a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset with options of 12 GB or 16 GB RAM. A 6,000 mAh battery and IPX8/IPX9 ratings appear in the footage. If confirmed, the Find N6 could beat Samsung to a crease-free foldable design, potentially challenging the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 8. The fight now shifts to other rivals, while Samsung must respond with a matching display if it wants to stay ahead.

Android rivals push past the iPhone 17 Pro, led by OnePlus 15

February 28, 2026, 10:46 PM EST. Android flagships are challenging the iPhone 17 Pro on performance and endurance. The OnePlus 15 leads the pack with a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, a 165Hz refresh rate, and a 7,300mAh silicon-carbon (Si-C) battery, plus 512GB/16GB of RAM and storage at a lower price than the iPhone’s 256GB/12GB configuration. In benchmarks and real use, it exceeds the iPhone in certain tasks, offers faster renders and video exports, and charges quickly. But it battles overheating during extended gaming and occasional app compatibility issues. The excerpt notes the broader Android field contains other strong options, balancing raw power, battery life, and cost against the iPhone 17 Pro.

Anthropic defies Pentagon demands as deadline looms, U.S. clamps down on AI use

February 28, 2026, 10:28 PM EST. WASHINGTON, AP reported that the Trump administration ordered all U.S. agencies to stop using Anthropic’s artificial intelligence technology and imposed other penalties, broadening a public clash over AI safety. President Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and others criticized Anthropic for refusing to grant the military unrestricted use by a Friday deadline, accusing the company of endangering national security after CEO Dario Amodei stood by safeguards. Trump posted on social media: We don’t need it, we don’t want it, and will not do business with them again. Hegseth called Anthropic a supply chain risk, a label usually reserved for foreign adversaries. Anthropic said it would challenge the action as ‘unprecedented’ and legally unsound, noting it has never before been publicly applied to an American company.

Xiaomi Pad 8 debuts globally with 144 Hz display and mid-range pricing

February 28, 2026, 10:18 PM EST. The Xiaomi Pad 8 goes global with a 144 Hz display and mid-range pricing. It starts at €449.90 (about $530) in the Eurozone, with 12 GB RAM and 128 GB storage. A higher-storage option adds twice the storage for an extra €50. Both memory configurations qualify for a €50 discount until March 14. Xiaomi also offers a Focus Pen Pro and a detachable keyboard, but they are not bundled as free gifts as with the Pad 8 Pro. For more details, see the company’s website.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra with Leica collab targets photographers, delivering long battery life and powerful camera

February 28, 2026, 10:16 PM EST. Xiaomi’s 17 Ultra packs a 6,000 mAh battery, delivering stamina that can span a couple of days between charges. Wireless charging reaches 50W, but the camera module makes some docks awkward, and Qi2 is missing. Wired charging can hit 90W with a compatible adapter, not included. Software is solid but opinionated: HyperOS borrows from iOS in places, while the Leica interface offers a cleaner, photography-first look that’s easy to customize. AI tools from Google Gemini or Xiaomi HyperAI expand editing, transcription, translation, and summarization. It’s not officially available in the US; prices run £1,299 in the UK and €1,499 in Europe, with the Leitzphone at £1,799. For buyers able to access the global model, it remains a flagship built around photography.

Gallery: Pokémon Winds & Waves on Switch 2 shows a visual step up

February 28, 2026, 10:14 PM EST. In a first gallery look at Pokémon Winds & Waves on Switch 2, visuals appear improved, though graphics were never the main selling point. The piece notes the upgrade is noticeable but not dramatic. It highlights that a decent chunk of the Pokémon shown aren’t in Scarlet & Violet (SV). Among them are Krabby, Tangela, Ledyba, Corsola, Taillow, Wailmer, Carnivine, Tympole, Frillish, and Sizzlipede. The gallery suggests about 20 distinct species appear in the showcase. Bottom line: the game nudges the presentation upward while expanding the roster beyond SV, a factor that could appeal to fans seeking new encounters rather than merely better visuals.

Block cuts nearly half its workforce; Duolingo slides on 2026 guidance

February 28, 2026, 10:00 PM EST. Block shares jumped after Jack Dorsey announced a sweeping layoff of nearly half its workforce, part of a pivot toward AI that the founder framed as essential for long-term growth. In Q4, Block posted adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.65 on revenue of $6.25 billion and raised its full-year outlook. The move followed a period of rapid headcount reductions and a push into new tools to automate tasks. Duolingo shares slid as much as 25% after guiding for 2026 below Wall Street expectations, though Q4 results beat estimates on user metrics. The broader backdrop remained favorable as Nvidia’s results underscored AI demand. With 4% of S&P 500 firms still to report, the index is seen growing earnings about 14.2% in the quarter.

Claude climbs to No. 2 on Apple App Store amid political controversy

February 28, 2026, 9:58 PM EST. CNBC reported Friday evening that the Claude app rose to No. 2 on Apple’s U.S. free apps chart, shortly after the Trump administration denounced the company and helped broker a deal between OpenAI and the Pentagon, amid scrutiny of Anthropic and its tools. The surge unfolds amid broader debate on AI regulation and the influence of political pressure on tech platforms. It is unclear how much of the climb reflects protest use versus genuine adoption. The report notes timing linked to political controversy and media attention around Claude and its tools. Analysts caution that app-store rankings can be volatile and easily swayed by headlines.

France, Cyprus and Greece partner on next-generation satellite optical communications for Hellas Sat 5

February 28, 2026, 9:52 PM EST. Operators Hellas Sat, CNES, Thales Alenia Space and Safran signed a framework cooperation to develop a next-generation optical communications system for the Hellas Sat 5 geostationary satellite and an accompanying Cyprus ground station. The project, built on CNES’s SOLiS program led by Thales Alenia Space as part of France’s 2030 plan, aims to demonstrate very high-data-rate laser communications through the atmosphere. Thales Alenia Space will supply the SOLiS onboard payload; Safran will deliver a prototype ground station at CyOGS, linking with CNES’s FROGS station on the Côte d’Azur. The system is designed for interoperability with other ongoing satellite optical networks and could approach terabit-per-second data rates, boosting secure, resilient intercontinental links via GEO satellites.

SpaceX targets early-morning Falcon 9 launch from Vandenberg with 25 Starlink satellites

February 28, 2026, 9:42 PM EST. SpaceX plans an early-morning launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base on Sunday. The Falcon 9 will lift between 12 a.m. and 4 a.m. on March 1, with a livestream starting about five minutes before liftoff. The mission aims to deploy 25 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit. About eight minutes after liftoff, the Falcon 9’s first-stage booster is expected to return to Earth, landing on a droneship in the Pacific Ocean.

Huawei and Apple lead 2025 global smartwatch market, Counterpoint says

February 28, 2026, 9:30 PM EST. Counterpoint Research’s 2025 smartwatch study shows Huawei and Apple at the top, pushing rivals down the rankings. Huawei records the strongest sales progress, capturing 17% of global share, up from 13%, with about 30% year-over-year (YoY = year-over-year) shipment growth. The firm credits competitively priced models and subsidies in China, the fastest-growing market. Apple sits first with 23% share and 8% YoY shipment growth, aided by Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3 devices. Xiaomi is third at 18% YoY growth and roughly 9% of the market. Samsung falls to 7% share after a 2% YoY drop; imoo accounts for about 9% progress. Overall smartwatch shipments rose around 4% YoY in 2025, with brands expanding health-tracking features; 2026 could bring high-single-digit gains.

Area Man Hacks 6,700 Camera-Enabled Robot Vacuums; DJI Patch Highlights IoT Security Risks

February 28, 2026, 9:28 PM EST. An ordinary home experiment exposed a serious flaw in a popular line of camera-equipped robot vacuums. Sammy Azdoufal showed he could control about 6,700 Romo units in 24 countries using only their 14-digit serial numbers and a PS5 controller, gaining access to floor plans and live audio and video feeds. The Verge confirmed the attack by quickly pulling up a Romo owned by the outlet. DJI has since patched the vulnerability. The incident underscores broader concerns about IoT security in consumer devices with cameras and microphones and how exposure of a serial number can enable unapproved access.

Five under-$100 gadgets actually worth buying

February 28, 2026, 9:26 PM EST. Five gadgets under $100 on Amazon are spotlighted as practical, budget-friendly picks. The feature centers on the Govee Smart Neon Rope Light, priced at $69.99, a flexible LED strip controllable via the Govee Home App and compatible with Amazon Alexa for voice control. It carries a 4.6/5 rating from users and is praised for easy setup and even illumination. The list also includes the Lisen Retractable Car Charger, marketed as a way to keep devices topped up on the road; the description notes the annoyance of a stray cable when not in use. The article positions these items as viable gifts and personal indulgences under $100 on Amazon.

D-Wave Quantum stock slides after 2025 results as analysts cut targets

February 28, 2026, 9:14 PM EST. D-Wave Quantum Inc. stock fell about 10% mid-morning after reporting fiscal 2025 results. Revenue for the year was $24.6 million, bookings $18.7 million, and a per-share loss of $1.11, while free cash flow burned totaled $75.8 million. The stock trades near $18.75, giving a market cap around $7 billion and a price-to-sales ratio above 260x. Management highlighted liquidity, ending 2025 with over $884 million in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities. Analysts at Evercore ISI and Mizuho cut their price targets following the results, helping fuel today’s decline. Still, some analysts see a path to positive free cash flow by 2028, contingent on increased bookings and revenue growth.

12 Most Promising EV Battery Stocks to Buy Now

February 28, 2026, 9:10 PM EST. Reuters outlines January 2026’s mixed EV demand: global registrations slipped 3%, with China down 20% after a tax/subsidy cut, North America -33%, Europe +24%; BMI notes China exporting more EVs. BloombergNEF sees 2026 growth slowing as subsidies fade; U.S. sales trend remained weak into late 2025. The article then screens for EV-battery stocks with positive analyst upside and meaningful recent developments likely to move investor sentiment. It highlights that the picks are followed by analysts and hedge funds, citing a strategy that has yielded about 427.7% since May 2014, beating benchmarks. The list of 12 stocks is introduced, beginning with EnerSys (NYSE: ENS).

Man says he accidentally gained control of 7,000 DJI Romo robot vacuums

February 28, 2026, 9:04 PM EST. CNN’s Clare Duffy reports that Sammy Azdoufal says he accidentally hacked about 7,000 DJI Romo robot vacuums while trying to connect one to a PlayStation controller, giving him access to other users’ microphone audio and video streams. He describes a basic misconfiguration and a flawed pairing process. DJI says the issue has since been resolved.

DJI Osmo Action 6 firmware adds 4K Live Photo Mode, frame extraction in Mimo app

February 28, 2026, 9:02 PM EST. DJI has rolled out a minor firmware update for the Osmo Action 6, adding a 4K Live Photo Mode. The feature enables direct in-camera capture of 4K Live Photos and lets users extract video frames in the DJI Mimo app. The update is smaller than the previous release, which introduced 8K video recording, uploading features and film-style presets. It focuses on turning everyday footage into production-ready stills without a large feature overhaul. Users can download and install the update via the Mimo app, with DJI guidance including restarting devices, enabling Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, reconnecting, and attempting the update again if issues occur. If problems persist, contact DJI Support for assistance.

NASA’s Artemis 3 overhaul keeps Starship in limbo, broadens Blue Origin competition

February 28, 2026, 9:00 PM EST. NASA on Friday unveiled a revamped Artemis architecture. Artemis 3, originally slated to land astronauts on the Moon with SpaceX’s Starship upper stage, will instead launch in 2027 and operate in low Earth orbit. The mission will seek to demonstrate a rendezvous and docking between the Orion crew capsule and one or both commercial landers from SpaceX and Blue Origin. Blue Moon, Blue Origin’s crewed lunar lander, had been targeted for Artemis 5 (2030) but could be moved up if needed. Officials signaled a competitive approach to the landing contract after concerns about Starship’s pace. Experts say NASA aims to avoid reliance on a single contractor. Blue Origin has signaled deeper competition and paused some suborbital work to accelerate lunar capabilities.

HTML extractors shape language model training data, boosting token yield when combined

February 28, 2026, 8:58 PM EST. Three extractors used to strip HTML affect what pages end up in language model datasets, a study by Apple, Stanford, and the University of Washington shows. Resiliparse, Trafilatura, and JusText surface largely different parts of the web. Only 39% of pages are captured by more than one tool; 61% appear in only a single extractor. Using the union of all three raises token yield by up to 71%, and, after deduplication, 58% more tokens remain. The 7B-model dataset grew from 193 billion tokens (Resiliparse only) to 283 billion. The result: relying on a single extractor leaves large swaths of the web unused, and some tables and code can vanish depending on the extractor.

Claude tops App Store as ChatGPT users migrate to Anthropic

February 28, 2026, 8:56 PM EST. Claude rose to No. 1 on Apple’s App Store while some ChatGPT users shifted to Anthropic’s AI assistant. The move spotlights sharp competition in consumer AI apps as users explore alternatives to OpenAI. Chart rankings capture downloads at a moment, not long-term engagement, but industry watchers say the climb signals interest in Claude’s capabilities. Anthropic confirmed the app’s rise and pointed to growing demand for its assistant; OpenAI’s service remains widely used across platforms. Analysts expect volatility in rankings as features, pricing and cross-ecosystem availability shape user choices. The episode illustrates a broader shift toward diversification of AI tools for consumers and developers alike.

Microsoft could rejoin the $4 trillion club as Nvidia remains sole member

February 28, 2026, 8:40 PM EST. Microsoft could rejoin the $4 trillion club as Nvidia remains the lone member, with Apple and Alphabet hovering near the threshold. After a roughly 27% pullback to about $2.9 trillion in market value, the company may appear attractive to investors who missed its rally. Fiscal Q2 results showed revenue of $81.3 billion, up 17% year over year, and management projected Q2 revenue of $79.5-$80.6 billion. Microsoft also noted a $625 billion Azure backlog and said AI remains central to its strategy without signaling weaker cloud demand. The stock’s drop is not tied to a change in AI plans, the author argues, and the operating P/E indicates the stock could be cheap by historical standards. A Motley Fool note did not include Microsoft among its ten buys.

D-Wave Quantum QBTS valuation under scrutiny as shares swing

February 28, 2026, 8:08 PM EST. D-Wave Quantum’s QBTS has traded with volatility tied to headlines about its quantum computing role. The stock moved 4% last week, down 24.8% over 30 days, and is down 33.2% year to date, with a rebound over longer horizons. A valuation checklist rates the stock 2/6, indicating it screens as undervalued on two metrics. Approach 1 uses a DCF model; the latest twelve-month free cash flow is a loss of $76.26 million, with negative FCF in 2026-27 and turning positive by 2030 at about $1,016.27 million. Discounting back yields an intrinsic value of $132.06 per share, an about 85.8% discount to the current price. Approach 2 cites P/B as useful for firms still moving toward profitability.

Germany leads push into space weapons as nations widen orbital security

February 28, 2026, 7:58 PM EST. Germany unveiled plans to spend tens of billions on new military capabilities for space, including encrypted satellite constellations, manoeuvring ‘Inspector’ craft, sensors and lasers. Officials frame space as a domain that may need to be defended, contested or fought over, not merely a backdrop. Experts such as Dr Michael Mulvihill caution that a war-fighting mindset in orbit is dangerous. Across the US, China, the UK, France, India and Japan, governments are funding military space systems, raising questions about aims and limits. The piece notes that space has long seen weapons tests, from Program 437 to the Salyut 3 machine-gun, and cites Starfish Prime and the Outer Space Treaty as historical milestones. The X-37B illustrates continued, covert space operations.

Xiaomi unveils Leica Leitzphone with rotating Camera Ring alongside global 17/17 Ultra launch in Barcelona

February 28, 2026, 7:56 PM EST. Xiaomi unveiled the global Xiaomi 17 and Xiaomi 17 Ultra at a Barcelona event, alongside the Leica Leitzphone. The Leitzphone mirrors the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition but ships with a 6,000 mAh battery (vs 6,800 mAh) and a single black color. Its back is fully black, and Leica’s logo sits rotated 90° on the camera island. Specs align with the Leica Edition: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, HyperOS 3, a 6.9-inch LTPO OLED with Dolby Vision and 3,500 nits peak brightness, plus 1-120Hz. The four-camera system includes a 50 MP front and 50 MP/200 MP/50 MP rear array co-developed with Leica. A physical rotating Leica Camera Ring adjusts zoom and exposure. It supports 90W wired and 50W wireless charging, IP68, ultrasonic in-display fingerprint, Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio. Europe €1,999; UK £1,699. Kit price €199.99.

Not NASA, Not SpaceX: Startup Aims to Replace ISS With Inflatable Habitat

February 28, 2026, 7:54 PM EST. The race to replace the International Space Station is accelerating as NASA contemplates a commercial alternative to the aging outpost. SpaceX plans to deorbit the ISS by 2030, intensifying a global push to build new low-Earth orbit infrastructure. A Los Angeles-based startup, Max Space, positions itself as a ‘space real estate pioneer’ focused on inflatable habitats that can expand up to 20 times in orbit. Its first station, Thunderbird, uses a morphic interior structure to create configurable space. With roughly 12,300 cubic feet of pressurized volume-about one-third the ISS- Thunderbird includes 60 payload lockers, private quarters, and research spaces for four crew and up to eight visitors. Max Space says Thunderbird can launch on smaller craft such as SpaceX’s Falcon 9, with 2029 as a target.

NVIDIA slips after earnings as forward P/E sits at 21.5 amid AI-spending optimism

February 28, 2026, 7:52 PM EST. NVIDIA beat estimates for the quarter, but shares fell nearly 10% over the next two days. The stock trades on a forward P/E (price-to-earnings using forecast earnings) of 21.5, cheaper than the S&P 500’s around 22. Wall Street expects revenue to jump about 69% this year and earnings to rise about 73% to $8.23 a share (fiscal 2027). Analysts lifted targets after the report. Yet questions linger about the AI spending spree and how much capex by hyperscalers – large cloud operators such as Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, and Meta – will weigh on free cash flow. Even so, the valuation looks cheap for a growth leader; the key test is durable AI demand and whether multiples hold stead.

iOS 26.4 beta 2 adds cross-platform end-to-end encrypted RCS between iPhone and Android

February 28, 2026, 7:38 PM EST. Apple’s second developer beta of iOS 26.4 expands end-to-end encrypted messaging to cross-platform RCS. In beta 2, iPhones can send E2EE messages to Android devices, provided Google Messages is up to date. In earlier beta, the feature worked only between iPhones with iMessage disabled; Apple now says it is testing cross-platform support. A small lock icon will appear in chats to indicate encryption; iMessage threads will also display the lock, noting that iMessage has offered E2EE since 2011. Apple cautions the feature is experimental and not available on all devices or carriers. No plan to roll out in March; Apple says it will appear in a future iOS 26 software update, not as a full launch yet.

DJI Osmo Pocket 4 leaks surge as quick-start guide hints at imminent launch

February 28, 2026, 7:36 PM EST. A new DJI vlogging camera is on the way. A quick-start guide for the Osmo Pocket 4 has appeared, showing a redesigned body with two extra buttons, likely for zoom and timer controls, and confirming a Creator Combo bundle. The pamphlet also demonstrates the screen’s rotation, gimbal operation, and tripod attachment. Leak posts suggest the Pocket 4 will offer a brighter screen and longer battery life than its predecessor. A full hands-on video leak has circulated, keeping launch expectations high. Pricing is uncertain; the Pocket 3 started at $519 / £489 / AU$849, with multiple bundles expected for the new model. US launch may still be affected by an ongoing DJI product ban, though FCC registration raises the possibility of a U.S. release. Official confirmation remains pending.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra gains global Photography Kit camera accessories

February 28, 2026, 7:34 PM EST. Xiaomi rolled out two camera-accessory kits for the 17 Ultra: the standard Photography Kit and the higher-end Photography Kit Pro. The standard kit is lighter and slimmer than the Pro, but still adds a two-stage shutter button, a separate video button, and a wrist strap, all inside an IP54-certified shell. It comes in Black, Purple, and White and is priced at €99.90 (~$118) in the Eurozone. The Pro kit runs €199.90 (~$235). Both can be bought at discounts when ordered with the Xiaomi 17 Ultra before March 14. The release underscores Xiaomi’s push to extend camera versatility beyond the phone itself to a global audience.

Pokémon Winds & Waves exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2, The Pokémon Company says

February 28, 2026, 7:18 PM EST. The Pokémon Company has stated that Pokémon Winds & Waves will be released exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2, with Game Freak developing the mainline titles for the new hardware. The game is described as an open world experience on windswept islands, with a vast ocean and glittering waves. The titles are scheduled for a 2027 release, signaling a shift away from the original Switch hardware. Nintendo has said it will continue supporting the original Switch while exclusive games help drive adoption of the new hybrid system as the fan base grows. Winds & Waves could mark the next generation’s first big step, aligning with Nintendo’s broader Switch 2 strategy. Readers are invited to share reactions in the comments.

BMW’s 2027 EV lineup leaks online before site taken down

February 28, 2026, 7:08 PM EST. BMW’s 2027 lineup, including the first Neue Klasse EV, the iX3, leaked online and was later pulled from BMW’s site. Motor1 first reported the leak. The roster shows two i3 variants (40 xDrive, 50 xDrive) and an M350 replacing the M340i xDrive, plus three iX3 trims (40 sDrive, 40 xDrive, 50 xDrive). The iX4 becomes the sole X4 EV (40 xDrive, 50 xDrive). The X5 adds an iX5 60 xDrive alongside a gas model; the M2 gains xDrive but remains gas-powered. Neue Klasse uses a Gen6 800V powertrain with ~30% more range, 30% faster charging, 40% less energy loss, and the in-house Heart of Joy ECU with >20x computing power. The iX3 50 xDrive targets ~400 miles EPA range and starts near $60,000. A 1,000-km Debrecen-to-Munich test was cited.

Costco Sells Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil at Discounts for iPad Users

February 28, 2026, 7:04 PM EST. Costco’s electronics section stocks Apple devices, including iPad models and accessories such as the Apple Pencil Pro and the first-generation Apple Pencil. The Apple Pencil Pro is priced at $125 at Costco, slightly below the Apple Store’s $129. It adds a built-in gyroscope and various touch and squeeze gestures, making digital artwork and note-taking feel more like pen and paper. The standard Apple Pencil is also available at Costco for $95, offering many of the same features at a lower price. For iPad users seeking creative and productive enhancements, Costco’s Pencil options provide a cost-conscious upgrade.

DeepSeek readies V4 AI model in challenge to US rivals

February 28, 2026, 6:50 PM EST. DeepSeek is set to release its V4, a multimodal AI model, next week, its first major launch since January 2025’s R1. The Hangzhou lab has worked with Huawei and Cambricon to optimise V4 for China-made chips, reducing dependence on Nvidia under US export controls. The timing precedes March 4’s Two Sessions meetings, underscoring DeepSeek’s status as a national AI champion. DeepSeek argues its R1 showed comparable capability to leading Silicon Valley models with far less computing power. Since then, it issued incremental updates as Alibaba and Moonshot gained ground with Chinese models. V4’s chip optimisation is expected to boost domestic chip demand and hasten a shift away from Nvidia and AMD for inference. Nvidia still dominates training, Reuters has reported on DeepSeek’s Huawei/Cambricon work. DeepSeek plans a short technical note with V4, then a fuller report.

Xiaomi Watch 5 goes global with ultra-large display and smarter health features

February 28, 2026, 6:48 PM EST. Xiaomi announced the global debut of the Xiaomi Watch 5, featuring a 1.54-inch ultra-large display protected by sapphire glass and a lightweight stainless steel mid-frame. The wearable adds hands-free control with EMG and PPG sensors and an inertial measurement unit to enable gesture controls. Users can answer calls by pinching the screen, or dismiss alarms by rubbing twice, and can customize gestures such as Snap Fingers, Shake Wrist, or Rotate Wrist. Inside, a Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chip pairs with a BES2800 low-power co-processor, and a 930mAh Surge battery promises 6 days in smart mode or 18 days in power saver. It runs Wear OS 6 with Gemini and integrates with the Xiaomi HyperConnect ecosystem. Priced at €299.99, the model will reach more markets in a forthcoming global rollout.

TORRAS launches OrigArmor anti-reflective screen protector for Galaxy S26 Ultra

February 28, 2026, 6:46 PM EST. TORRAS unveiled the OrigArmor Screen Protector for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, touting a 7-layer anti-reflective coating that keeps reflectivity under 0.8% and light transmittance above 95%. TÜV Rheinland certification backs the coatings, which aim to reduce glare and preserve selfies. The glass uses Magnetron Sputtering and a dual ion-exchange process, plus Shin-Etsu oleophobic coating to resist fingerprints. With 9H+ hardness and shock-absorption layers, it endured 8,000+ drop tests from 3.5m, 25,000 scratches, and a 150 kg stress test without cracks. A new roller tray system provides bubble-free installation, preserving screen clarity and touch sensitivity. Available now for $32.99 at the official TORRAS store and on Amazon. This is a sponsored post.

Pentagon-Anthropic clash tests AI safeguards for military use

February 28, 2026, 6:44 PM EST. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth abruptly ended Anthropic’s work with the Pentagon, labeling the San Francisco AI firm a supply chain risk under a U.S. statute meant to counter foreign threats. President Donald Trump joined the critique, saying Anthropic’s tools could endanger national security, while CEO Dario Amodei resisted and signaled a lawsuit against the unprecedented use of the statute on an American company. The clash underscores how AI governance and guardrails for military use may evolve, with potential ripple effects on Big Tech power and the rules governing surveillance, autonomous weapons and other life-and-death technologies.

Xiaomi Watch 5 brings EMG sensor, Wear OS comeback with gesture controls

February 28, 2026, 6:30 PM EST. Xiaomi used a large event to unveil more than the Xiaomi 17 Ultra and Leitzphone, but it also brought back Wear OS with a refreshed smartwatch, the Xiaomi Watch 5. The device introduces an EMG sensor that reads muscle activity to enable hand-gesture inputs, including pinch and finger rubs, wrist flicks and shakes. Some gestures still require fine-tuning. On fitness, the watch relies on the Xiaomi Health app for heart rate, ECG, SpO2, stress and VO2 Max, with a wide range of modes and a new Checkup feature that aggregates readings. On the software side, Google Wallet, Google Maps and Gemini land on the watch, while the Play Store expands app options. It also functioned as a remote shutter for a camera during hands-on testing. The Watch 5 marks a return of Wear OS for Xiaomi.

Real-time monitoring shows quantum qubits deteriorate in milliseconds

February 28, 2026, 6:28 PM EST. Researchers at the Niels Bohr Institute unveiled a real-time method for tracking rapid fluctuations in qubits inside quantum computers. By combining commercially available hardware with an adaptive measurement strategy, they can observe changes in a qubit’s energy-loss, or relaxation rate, as they occur. The system uses a fast classical controller on a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) to update the estimate within a few milliseconds, matching the speed of the fluctuations rather than lagging seconds. The approach, developed with partners from NTNU, Leiden University and Chalmers, improves detection from minutes to milliseconds, revealing that qubits can shift from stable to unstable in milliseconds due to microscopic defects. This insight could guide improvements in quantum processor performance.

MWC 2026: Leica Leitzphone by Xiaomi, 17 Ultra, and tablets lead early announcements

February 28, 2026, 6:12 PM EST. MWC 2026 announcements kicked off ahead of the show. Xiaomi unveiled the global launch of its 17 Ultra, a Leica-tied phone with a 1-inch 50 MP main sensor, a 200 MP telephoto, and a 50 MP ultrawide, plus a mechanical zoom ring. It uses a 6.9-inch OLED display at 120 Hz and a 6,000 mAh battery; price starts at £1,299. Leica followed with the Leitzphone by Xiaomi, a Leica-themed variant with a similar spec sheet and a €1,999 price. Both run the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and a 6.9-inch, 120 Hz panel. Xiaomi Pad 8 and Pad 8 Pro weigh 485 g, are 5.75 mm thick, and carry a 9,200 mAh battery; Pro uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite, base uses 8s Gen 4. A UltraThin Magnetic Power Bank (5,000 mAh) was announced.

Pokémon marks 30th anniversary with Game Boy-shaped music player

February 28, 2026, 6:00 PM EST. Pokémon and its partners unveiled a palm-sized Game Boy-shaped music player to celebrate the franchise’s 30th anniversary. Officially called the Pokémon Game Music Collection, the device loads 45 cartridges, each containing a melody or sound effect from the original games. Series composer Junichi Masuda described during a Pokémon Presents livestream that the audio is engineered to resemble the Game Boy’s sound. Each cartridge includes a screenshot, so the cartridge insertion doubles as a visual. The item sits alongside a Lego Game Boy as a nostalgic display piece. It goes on sale at Pokémon Center starting today, though U.S. pricing has yet to be confirmed.

Rocket Lab launches hypersonic HASTE mission for US Department of War from Wallops Island

February 28, 2026, 5:58 PM EST. Rocket Lab has successfully launched the latest hypersonic test mission for the US Department of War. The HASTE rocket, nicknamed ‘That’s Not A Knife,’ lifted off from Wallops Island, Virginia, from Launch Complex 2 at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport at 1 pm NZ time. It was Rocket Lab’s second successful launch of a hypersonic test for the Defense Innovation Unit, and the seventh HASTE launch overall, with all missions to date reporting 100 percent success. The launch marked the company’s third of the year and 82nd overall. HASTE stands for hypersonic accelerator suborbital test electron, a suborbital testbed. The mission deployed DART AE, a scramjet-powered aircraft built by Hypersonix, into a real-world hypersonic environment. The work supports a national priority to advance hypersonic tech for the United States and its allies.

Tesla Expands Megacharger Network With 64 Coming-Soon Sites, US Corridors Take Shape

February 28, 2026, 5:56 PM EST. Tesla is turning its Semi charging from a small pilot into a nationwide network. The company lists 64 new Megachargers locations labeled coming soon, expanding beyond the two current sites in Stockton, California, and Reno, Nevada. Tesla’s Q4 shareholder map shows 37 sites slated to enter service in 2026, with a target of 46 Megachargers online by early 2027, per program chief Dan Priestly. California and Texas alone account for more than half of the new hubs, while Washington, Georgia, Florida and Chicago also gain corridors intended to link viable US routes. Tesla also plans a European Megacharger roll-out after confirming a European Semi is planned. Live tests show a Megacharger delivering around 1.2 MW; Standard Range tops 325 miles, Long Range about 500 miles, with 60% charging in ~30 minutes.

Dan Ives: Nvidia, AMD, Micron and Microsoft, Amazon Winners as AI Capex Drives Turnaround

February 28, 2026, 5:42 PM EST. Wedbush Securities’ Dan Ives says software stocks under pressure may be turning a corner, contingent on AI-related capex. In a CNBC interview, he called Nvidia a stunner and attributed recent declines to nervous tech investors. Ives argued that winners will emerge among chipmakers – Nvidia, AMD, and Micron – and on the cloud side among hyperscalers – Microsoft and Amazon. He cited that about 10% of Azure customers have embraced AI, forecasting incremental revenue of $35 billion to $40 billion for Microsoft as AI use expands in enterprises. He stressed the outcome over the next 12-24 months will depend on where spending lands for the enterprise AI. He maintained a bullish stance on Nvidia, Microsoft, and Amazon, while acknowledging a volatile near term.

Orleans County approves two wireless towers and silo antenna to boost rural broadband

February 28, 2026, 5:40 PM EST. Two wireless towers will be built in Ridgeway and Carlton, with equipment atop a grain silo in Clarendon as part of Orleans County’s broadband rollout. The county won a $11,562,698 state grant in November 2024 through the ConnectALL program to raise speeds from about 25 Mbps to 100 Mbps. The county now relies on 19 towers. It approved an $11,216,500 contract with North Shore Networks LLC of Medina to implement the faster service. Carlton’s 150-foot monopole will be at 961 Wilson Rd near the Albion Water Treatment Plant; Ridgeway’s 150-foot tower will be at 2490 Townline Rd on Panek Farms land. In Clarendon, an antenna array will sit atop a 140-foot silo at 5122 Soth Holley Rd, owned by Kevin Wolf, LLC. The equipment includes four radios and a network cabinet broadcasting at 90 degrees in each direction.

Multifunctional micro-LED for neuromorphic computing, display and energy saving

February 28, 2026, 5:28 PM EST. Researchers report a single multifunctional micro-device that integrates environmental recognition, image processing, and a neuromorphic display. The device shows current enhancement under voltage pulses, mimicking short-term synaptic potentiation. A memory effect yields about 4.5% energy savings after 12 pulses. The response current can be tuned by excitatory stimuli from both voltage and light, due to interaction between photogenerated current and the external electric field. The team uses intelligent image processing to boost contrast on blurred images, achieving over 88% image recognition accuracy after 20 training epochs. The multifunctional micro-LED addresses hardware separation in traditional displays and could dramatically reduce energy consumption in next-gen displays.

AI infrastructure boom powers trillions in cloud deals as Nvidia, Microsoft, Oracle lead

February 28, 2026, 5:26 PM EST. AI’s toolbox requires massive compute, and a parallel infrastructure race is unfolding. Nvidia’s Jensen Huang pegs total AI infrastructure spending at $3-4 trillion by year’s end of the decade, driven by AI firms straining grids and expanding capacity. The piece maps the biggest bets by Meta, Oracle, Microsoft, Google, and OpenAI. Microsoft’s 2019 $1 billion investment in OpenAI made it the exclusive cloud partner, with Azure credits later replacing cash as demands grew. The relationship has since loosened, with OpenAI seeking options beyond Azure and Microsoft pursuing other foundation models. The article also notes investments and partnerships around the same theme: Anthropic with Amazon, Google Cloud ties to smaller AI players, and a $30 billion Oracle cloud deal later tied to OpenAI, positioning Oracle alongside Google as a top computing partner.

AI adoption gap: UAE and Singapore lead; US lags despite innovation

February 28, 2026, 5:24 PM EST. AI is spreading quickly but unevenly. A Microsoft report shows UAE and Singapore leading global AI adoption, with more than 60% of working-age adults using AI tools. By contrast, the U.S. ranks 24th in adoption, despite being a global leader in AI innovation. The gap points to differences in policy, infrastructure and incentives that move pilots into everyday use. Advocates credit government-backed platforms, large-scale upskilling, and deep private-sector integration as engines in the Gulf and in city-states. Critics caution that talent pipelines and cost barriers persist elsewhere. CNBC is hosting CONVERGE LIVE in Singapore on April 22-23, 2026, to explore these dynamics.

Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro edges Sony WF-1000XM6 in flagship earbud showdown

February 28, 2026, 5:14 PM EST. Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 4 Pro and Sony WF-1000XM6 sit atop the premium wireless-earbud market. The XM6 uses Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC, AAC and LDAC, offers 8 hours of listening from the buds (24 hours total), and weighs 6.2 g per earbud, with a two-tone design and advanced ANC. The Buds 4 Pro push a newer Bluetooth 6.0 profile, 6 hours from the buds (26 hours total), and a lighter 5.9 g earbud, with three finishes. Sony emphasizes sound and call quality; Samsung emphasizes a strong feature set and comfort. At launch, Sony asked £250/$330/AU$500, while Samsung undercuts at £219/$249/AU$399. Winner: Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro.

Microsoft tests Windows 11 batch-file security improvements in Insider Preview builds

February 28, 2026, 5:10 PM EST. Microsoft is rolling out Windows 11 Insider Preview builds that improve security and performance during batch file or CMD script execution. IT admins can enable a more secure processing mode by setting the LockBatchFilesInUse registry value under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftCommand Processor, or via the LockBatchFilesWhenInUse application manifest control. The change aims to boost performance and security in enterprise scripting by preventing batch files from being altered during execution and by reducing per-statement signature checks when code integrity is enabled. The Windows Insider team said the updates also improve Shared Audio with per-user volume controls and a taskbar indicator during active sharing. The device lineup expands to Bluetooth LE Audio accessories, including Galaxy Buds 4, Buds 4 Pro, Sony WF-1000XM6, and Xbox Wireless Headset. Insiders in Beta/Dev channels receive Build 26220.7934 (KB5077242) and 26300.7939 (KB5077243).

Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro mirrors iPad Pro design as Android option at MWC 2026

February 28, 2026, 5:08 PM EST. Xiaomi unveiled the Pad 8 Pro at MWC in Barcelona, pitching it as an Android alternative to the iPad Pro. The 11.2-inch tablet features a metal unibody, slim bezels, and optional keyboards and a pen to boost productivity. Inside, it uses a Snapdragon 8 Elite, a 9,200 mAh battery, and up to 12GB of RAM with 128-512GB of storage. The audio system includes quad speakers with Hi-Res and Dolby Atmos. A 50-megapixel rear camera and a 32-megapixel front camera target multimedia and video calls. Xiaomi’s design aims for Apple-like aesthetics while leveraging Android features, delivering a tablet that doubles as a portable computer rather than a niche device.

Quantum Computing Inc. up 6.5% on Luminar deal; NASA/NIST contracts and bank cybersecurity sale

February 28, 2026, 4:54 PM EST. Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi) has raised US$1.25 billion in cash and closed a US$110 million acquisition of Luminar Semiconductor, while securing contracts from NASA and NIST and completing a quantum photonic chip foundry in Tempe, Arizona. The company also disclosed an upcoming Q4 and full-year 2025 filing on March 2, 2026. A first US commercial sale of quantum cybersecurity solutions to a top-five bank ties its photonics platform to enterprise revenue, reinforcing the investment narrative around scalable products from its manufacturing base and government and defense work. Key questions for the March earnings call will be whether revenue momentum meets the rising expense base and how much contracts translate into repeatable sales.

Rivian’s Vehicle AI Aims to Rival Tesla With Expanded Autonomy

February 28, 2026, 4:52 PM EST. Rivian unveils Universal Hands-Free (UHF) as the centerpiece of its Autonomy+ subscription, expanding the drivable domain from 135,000 miles to 3.5 million miles of North American roads. UHF uses a neural network to define a virtual lane center, enabling engagement through intersections and on roads with poor lane markings, according to a Rivian spokesperson. The system is non-geofenced, unlike legacy driver assists, and mirrors Tesla-like FSD in concept. Rivian plans later in 2026 to add On-Ramp to Off-Ramp and street-level turning, pushing toward point-to-point navigation. The company’s Large Driving Model (LDM) underpins these features, with CEO RJ Scaringe saying the goal is hands-off, eyes-off navigation and a move toward Level 4 autonomy. Analysts say the shift could deepen the driver-vehicle relationship.

Nvidia’s Huang: Pentagon-Anthropic dispute ‘not the end of the world’

February 28, 2026, 4:40 PM EST. Huang told CNBC that the DoD and Anthropic each have reasonable perspectives on their clash over how Claude, Anthropic’s model, is used by the military. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth gave Anthropic until Friday to loosen rules or risk losing a government contract, threatening options including a supply chain risk designation or invoking the Defense Production Act. Huang argued both sides have rights: the DoD to use the technology in its interests, and Anthropic to market its products and set use cases. The talks stalled as Anthropic seeks assurances the models won’t enable autonomous weapons or mass surveillance, while the DoD seeks broad, lawful use. He added the dispute isn’t the end of the world; Anthropic isn’t the only AI company, and DoD isn’t the sole customer. Correction: Huang referred to the DoD, not the DOJ.

DJI Mini 5 Pro on sale at Amazon: 30% off to $1,099

February 28, 2026, 4:38 PM EST. Amazon is offering the DJI Mini 5 Pro drone at 30% off, bringing the price to $1,099 from $1,599. Mashable reports the deal is current as of Feb. 28, 2026. The compact drone is noted for features such as nighttime obstacle sensing, night RTH (return-to-home), and a 225° gimbal rotation for flexible framing. Deal pricing and availability are subject to change after publication. Buyers should verify current terms on Amazon ahead of purchase.

Samsung Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 17: Premium flagship price and design compared

February 28, 2026, 4:36 PM EST. Samsung’s Galaxy S26 lineup starts at $899.99, with the S26+ at $1,099.99 and the S26 Ultra at $1,299.99; all models ship with at least 256GB. Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup starts at $799, the iPhone 17 Pro at $1,099, and the Pro Max at $1,199, also with 256GB base storage. On raw price, Apple edges Samsung on entry and top end: the S26 Ultra tops out at $1,799.99 for a 1TB model, while the 1TB iPhone Pro is $1,499 and Pro Max $1,599; Apple also offers a 2TB Pro at $1,999. In design, both families resemble rounded slabs with camera modules on the back; dimensions and weights vary by model. Materials include aluminum frames and protective coatings; Galaxy uses Gorilla Armor variants, Apple Ceramic Shield 2. Colors differ across lines.

Cryogenic SP4T MEMS switches eyed for scalable quantum computing interconnects

February 28, 2026, 4:24 PM EST. This study tests commercial SP4T MEMS switches as building blocks for cryogenic multiplexers in large-scale quantum computers. The team analyzes DC and RF performance at temperatures below 10 K using finite element simulations and room-temperature measurements extrapolated to cryogenic conditions. Results show improved on-resistance, lower operating voltage, and superior RF performance when cooled, highlighting MEMS reliability under quasi-vacuum packaging. An engineered gate-pulse waveform mitigates beam bouncing, enabling stable dynamic operation beyond 100 million cycles in cryogenic environments. The work demonstrates stable single-pole four-throw (SP4T) switching and basic logic operations (NAND, NOR) at cryogenic temperatures, underscoring the potential of MEMS switches for reducing interconnect bottlenecks in quantum processors and supporting scalable control hardware.

Anode-free sulfur battery may unlock scalable, high-energy storage, study says

February 28, 2026, 4:20 PM EST. Researchers say a 2026 study shows an anode-free sulfur battery that can operate at voltages on par with lithium-ion cells. The design dispenses with a preload negative electrode; instead, the first charge draws sodium from the electrolyte to a current collector, forming the anode in situ. That approach removes the need to stock excess sodium, reduces reactive metal in the stack, enhances safety and frees system mass, which the authors say yields higher energy density than prior sulfur-based designs. The chemistry relies on a new sulfur formulation that can work at comparable voltages to Li-ion. If scalable, the technology could shorten the path to replacing lithium-ion in EVs and other devices; however, work remains to validate long-term stability and manufacturing at scale.

Prediction: Meta could join the $3 trillion AI club before 2028

February 28, 2026, 4:02 PM EST. Meta Platforms is expanding its AI push to reshape its advertising business. At the core is Advantage+, an AI-driven tool that automates ad creation and targeting across Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, enabling more precise budget allocation. In Q3, Meta CFO Susan Li said Advantage+ reached a $60 billion annual revenue run rate. Its video generation tools within the Creative suite posted a $10 billion annual run rate in Q4, while a next-generation attribution tool delivered a 24% lift in incremental conversions and has since achieved a multi-billion-dollar run rate after seven months. Meta spent $39 billion on capex in 2024. With Nvidia, Apple and Alphabet all above $3 trillion and Meta around $1.6 trillion, the company’s AI ambitions are fueling a narrative that a larger valuation is possible in the coming years, potentially joining the club.

New space race could turn Earth’s atmosphere into a ‘crematorium’ for satellites

February 28, 2026, 3:46 PM EST. More than 15,000 active satellites now orbit Earth, many in mega-constellations with service lives of just a few years. To curb debris, operators routinely de-orbit old craft into the upper atmosphere – a process known as demisability. But a rapid expansion could alter the climate and the ozone layer. SpaceX has asked the FCC to launch up to one million more satellites for untested AI data centres, with Starlink V2 minis around 800 kg and larger V3 variants. Rocket launches already affect climate and ozone; scaling up could intensify upper-atmosphere heating and ozone loss. Contaminants from re-entries-metals and lithium-have been detected, and the material mix is not fully disclosed. If aluminium dominates, fine alumina particles could linger for years, altering radiative balance and chemistry.

Apple tests Studio Display variants with high-end ports and speakers

February 28, 2026, 3:38 PM EST. Macworld reports Studio Display models J427 and J527 are in development, with distinct feature sets. Internal Apple files show the displays share 120Hz ProMotion and HDR but diverge on audio and I/O. The higher-end J527 is tied to superior audio drivers near HomePod-quality sound and more I/O controllers, while J427 remains with fewer ports. A 32-inch panel is speculated for the top model. Timelines differ: J427 targets 2025 release, J527 a 2026 launch, signaling a split lineup rather than a single update.

Cramer Discusses NVIDIA Stake in CoreWeave as CRWV Rallies

February 28, 2026, 3:34 PM EST. Jim Cramer highlighted NVIDIA’s stake in data-center specialist CoreWeave (CRWV) – a firm that runs large server-farm facilities – on a CNBC segment that accompanied recent coverage of the stock. CRWV shares have climbed about 142% from last March and are up about 22% year-to-date. In February, Morgan Stanley reiterated an Equal Weight rating with a $99 target, flagging the risk the firm may struggle to meet aggressive growth goals, including more than 850 megawatts of power by 2026 and a path to 5 gigawatts of capacity. DA Davidson also kept a Buy rating with a $110 target, saying the NVIDIA tie provides a route to expanding infrastructure. Cramer underscored the NVIDIA relationship while noting risk and the broader AI-stock upside, and pointed readers toward other AI opportunities with higher potential.

Anthropic CEO says patriotic Americans defend U.S.; red lines on surveillance and autonomous weapons

February 28, 2026, 3:32 PM EST. Anthropic chief executive Dario Amodei defended the company as patriotic after Trump ordered the government to stop working with the startup. He said Anthropic has already supported the defense sector in classified settings and aims to defend the country from autocratic rivals, while maintaining red lines on domestic mass surveillance and autonomous weapons. Talks with the Pentagon over unfettered use failed, triggering a six-month phase-out and a government blacklist. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth labeled Anthropic a supply-chain risk. Amodei said 98-99% of military use cases align with the company’s stance, but warned that rapid AI advances outpace current law. He urged Congress to set guardrails while leaving room for collaboration with multiple government branches.

NASA revises Artemis plan, postpones lunar landing to 2028

February 28, 2026, 3:08 PM EST. NASA will reshuffle its Artemis lunar program, delaying a crewed Moon landing as it revises timelines after repeated setbacks. Artemis II, a four-astronaut mission, remains grounded at Kennedy Space Center because of issues with the SLS rocket’s helium pressurization system and a liquid hydrogen leak. Artemis I, the uncrewed test flight, flew in 2022 to the Moon and back. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said the extended gap between Artemis I and II prompted a change in approach. To accelerate the schedule, the agency will keep Artemis III closer to Earth and aim for a return of Americans to the Moon’s surface by 2028. The plan foregrounds remediation and tighter risk controls while maintaining the core SLS/Orion architecture.

Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro targets productivity with flagship specs and keyboard accessory

February 28, 2026, 3:06 PM EST. The Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro offers an 11.2-inch display with a resolution of 3200 x 2136, 144Hz refresh, Dolby Vision and HDR support, in a slim, ~485-gram chassis. Powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite, it handles multitasking, video, and games without issue. It packs a 9200mAh battery with 67W wired charging, a 50MP rear camera and a 32MP front camera, plus quad speakers and Dolby Atmos. The tablet ships with Hyper OS 3 and supports a stylus. A matching keyboard accessory mirrors the Apple Magic Keyboard approach, featuring a floating back, a small trackpad, and well-spaced keys for productivity. The package aims to rival premium Android tablets and extend Xiaomi’s presence in the laptop-tablet crossover space.

Nvidia’s Gaming Revenue Shrinks as AI Data Center Push Accelerates

February 28, 2026, 3:04 PM EST. Nvidia reported quarterly revenue of more than $68 billion, but gaming represented just 5.5% of the total. The shift shows the company’s AI data center business now drives most growth and profits. Analysts note hyperscalers and cloud providers fueling demand for GPU accelerators, while consumer games and related hardware form a smaller, steadier stream. Executives have steered Nvidia toward AI platforms and software that sit atop its hardware, reducing reliance on a cyclic gaming cycle. The question for investors is whether Nvidia will recalibrate further toward enterprise AI infrastructure or keep a diversified mix to shield margins and the broader ecosystem from sudden shifts in gaming demand. February 28, 2026.

DJI’s top drones reach US buyers via third-party retailers despite FCC ban

February 28, 2026, 2:46 PM EST. DJI’s Mavic 4 Pro and Mini 5 Pro, released worldwide in 2025, have not been officially launched in the United States due to import hurdles and tariffs delaying a US rollout. The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) ban on new DJI products remains in effect, yet the drones are still purchasable through some channels. Amazon listings often come from unknown third-party sellers and can be scams or overpriced. Local camera shops sometimes stock the drones; buying from a brick-and-mortar retailer reduces fraud risk. A DJI spokesperson said the models are not imported into the US and are not legally on sale domestically; any US stock likely comes from abroad. DJI has sued the FCC to overturn the ban, saying it had no chance to defend itself and questioning the agency’s national-security rationale.

Google spinoff Taara beams 25-Gbps internet in cities with light

February 28, 2026, 2:44 PM EST. Taara, the Google spinoff focused on line-of-sight wireless connectivity, is expanding city networks that use visible-beam light. The Beam device sits on a silicon board with more than a thousand micro-emitters and steers beams between devices with line of sight up to 6.2 miles (10 km). The unit, about the size of a shoebox and weighing 8 kg, is intended for mounting on poles or tall buildings in dense urban areas. Taara says Beam delivers bidirectional data up to 25 Gbps with ultra-low latency, offering fiber-like performance without trenching streets. It complements Lightbridge for longer hops of up to 12 miles (20 km) and could compete with satellite services by enabling rapid setup for AI infrastructure.

Pokémon Go Masterwork Research Sparkle and Shine: steps, rewards and how to get Shiny Diancie

February 28, 2026, 2:30 PM EST. Masterwork Research: Sparkle and Shine is the Go Tour Kalos: Global masterwork quest that offers a chance to catch Shiny Diancie. Access requires purchasing the Go Tour Kalos ticket, on sale until the event ends Sunday 1 March at 6 pm local time. Step 1 tasks players to catch 500 Kalos-region Pokémon, catch a Pokémon on seven days, and Mega Evolve seven Pokémon, with a reward of 2026 Stardust and a Shiny Diancie T-shirt. Step 2 grants 30 Ultra Balls and one Incense. Step 3 asks for 100 Fairy-type Pokémon (Spritzee), 10 Fairy-species (Swirlix), and 21 PokéStops (Dedenne), with candy rewards: 20 Spritzee, 20 Swirlix and 20 Dedenne. The guide is in-progress; spoilers are noted.

Xiaomi’s Leica Leitzphone expands global reach of Leica branding with the 17 Ultra

February 28, 2026, 2:28 PM EST. Xiaomi’s Leitzphone is a Leica-branded variation of the 17 Ultra, and the first Leica Leitzphone released outside Japan. It’s essentially the 17 Ultra with Leica branding and a rotatable camera ring, plus cosmetic tweaks and exclusive accessories. Leica’s red dot logos mark the first time the brand has allowed Xiaomi to brand hardware. The Leitzphone runs HyperOS 3 on Android 16, with a Leica-oriented software layer that includes dedicated widgets, a golden-hour timer, and monochrome app icons. Pricing widens the gap: the 17 Ultra starts at £1,299 / €1,499 (~$1,750); the Leitzphone adds about £400 / €700. After two weeks of use, the author calls it his favorite phone of 2026 so far, though most buyers should save for the standard 17 Ultra. It remains bulky and expensive compared with the base model.

Xiaomi 17 review: compact flagship with bigger battery and camera tweaks

February 28, 2026, 2:08 PM EST. Xiaomi rolls out the global Xiaomi 17, a compact flagship that pairs a 6.3-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip. The phone keeps a triple 50MP rear camera, including a 2.6x telephoto, and adds a refreshed 50MP selfie sensor. It runs Android 16 with HyperOS 3 and offers 5G, Wi-Fi 7, and NFC. Key upgrades for international buyers include a larger 6330 mAh battery and 100W wired charging (PD3.0, PPS), plus 50W wireless and reverse charging. The IP68 body, 120Hz refresh, 3500 nits peak brightness, and Dolby Vision HDR help the mix. International models sit alongside the 17 Ultra; the 17 Pro variants remain China-exclusive. Battery life and fast charging stand out, while the camera system remains largely unchanged.

Android 17 Beta 2 adds privacy tools, bubbles and game-input tweaks

February 28, 2026, 2:06 PM EST. Google released Android 17 Beta 2, introducing privacy controls via APIs such as EyeDropper API and a secure Contacts Picker. The release nudges toward a Platform Stability milestone, with the final SDK/NDK APIs due for March and a June 2026 general availability. Bubbles stretch beyond chats: any app can enable them by long-pressing the launcher icon, and a bubble bar on tablets/foldables aids organization. Pointer capture improves for first-person games by treating touchpad gestures as mouse input, with an absolute mode option for raw data. Security tightens OTP handling with a three-hour delay on SMS access for non-recipients, and adds ACCESS_LOCAL_NETWORK to curb covert tracking. Developers should start compiling against SDK 37 and prepare for post-stability Play Store updates; beta users can roll back to Android 16 QPR3 before the next change.

Visionary Broadband starts fiber rollout in Moorcroft

February 28, 2026, 2:04 PM EST. Visionary Broadband has begun laying a fiber network in Moorcroft, expanding high-speed internet access to nearly 500 homes and businesses. The company aims to complete the rollout by March, officials said. The upgrade is expected to improve download and upload speeds, support remote work and education, and increase network capacity for the community. Local leaders framed the project as a step toward more reliable service amid growing demand for rural connectivity. No price or financing details were disclosed.

Firefly Alpha FLTA007 Stairway to Seven set for launch from California coast

February 28, 2026, 2:02 PM EST. Firefly Aerospace plans to launch its Alpha rocket, flight test article FLTA007, nicknamed Stairway to Seven, from the California coast, according to NASASpaceFlight.com. The mission marks the latest test of the company’s small-lift launcher, designed for rapid reuse and cost efficiency in the growing small-sat market. Details on countdown timing, target orbit, and payload have not been disclosed by Firefly or its partners. Reviewers will watch for engine performance, stage separation, and recovery viability. The launch window or site specifics are subject to weather and regulatory approvals. Officials stressed the effort aims to validate end-to-end operations ahead of commercial services.

Gerber warns Tesla’s ‘Mad Max’ FSD mode unsafe after autopilot liability verdict

February 28, 2026, 1:58 PM EST. Ross Gerber, co-founder of Gerber Kawasaki, warned on X that Tesla’s self-driving profile labeled Mad Max-part of the FSD suite-is essentially unsafe. He argued the mode drives too fast and erratically, and tied the critique to a recent liability ruling against Tesla. Gerber cited the $240 million verdict, saying the company had to pay for a death linked to Autopilot. In a Feb. 20 decision, U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom upheld a jury’s verdict (about $243 million) in a 2019 Key Largo crash that killed Naibel Benavides, underscoring that evidence supported liability. Gerber’s post follows earlier comments that FSD performance had not improved and hardware adjustments might be needed. Electrek reported a spate of crashes tied to Tesla’s Robotaxi tests in Austin, intensifying concern about the system’s safety.

Tesla’s California robotaxi push stalls as zero autonomous miles logged and permits elusive

February 28, 2026, 1:56 PM EST. Tesla’s California robotaxi push stalls as regulators pause. The company logged zero autonomous test miles on California roads last year-a sixth straight year with no test miles-despite Elon Musk’s repeated claims of a near-term launch. DMV records show Tesla did not seek additional permits in 2025. Regulators require documenting test miles to advance through California’s permit ladder for driverless ride-hailing. Investors still bet on a vast fleet and software subscriptions, but the company operates only a small Austin pilot and a Bay Area service marketed as robotaxi that uses human drivers. To run fully self-driving cars in California, Tesla would need DMV and PUC permits and tens of thousands of autonomous miles with a safety driver before moving to unmonitored testing. Tesla has not logged miles with regulators since 2019, totaling 562 since 2016.

ESR unveils Galaxy S26 accessories: magnetic cases with Stash Stand and grip stand

February 28, 2026, 1:44 PM EST. ESR has expanded its Galaxy S26 accessories lineup, highlighting two protective cases with built-in Stash Stands and a new grip stand. The Classic Hybrid Magnetic Case offers 4x military-grade protection, 16ft drop protection, raised edges for display and camera, and 25W Qi2 wireless charging with MagSafe-compatible devices. It uses built-in magnets delivering 1,500 g holding force and a zinc-alloy camera guard that doubles as the Stash Stand, adjustable 15-85 degrees for portrait or landscape use. Available for Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Ultra; price $24.99. The Cyber Tough Magnetic Case adds three-layer protection (polycarbonate, TPE, PORON), Air Guards for corner protection, and 7x military-grade standards, with drop protection up to 23ft. It also has MagSafe magnets, the Stash Stand, and costs $26.99. ESR also offers the Magnetic Phone Grip Stand 360-thin, adjustable, strong.

AR theater at The Shed uses holographic actors to connect audiences in An Ark

February 28, 2026, 1:42 PM EST. An Ark, billed as the first play created for mixed reality (augmented reality, AR), unfolds in The Shed’s carpeted space in New York, with audience members wearing Magic Leap 2 headsets. Over about 50 minutes, four holographic performers, including Ian McKellen, materialize in a semicircle while ambient audio binds the room. The headset view is narrow, and the viewer’s eye contact with the digital presences creates a feeling of being seen and of watching at the same time. The piece asks what becomes possible for physical theater when live actors aren’t physically present, and whether immersion can be shared in a room of mask-like silhouettes. The experience is haunting, emotional, and memorable, leaving a collective sense of witnessing something together.

Musk hints Tesla investors will be rewarded as growth pillars loom

February 28, 2026, 1:32 PM EST. Tesla CEO Elon Musk signaled investors who hold the stock may be rewarded, in a new interview released on the company’s social channels. He noted strong gains for holders: about 78% in five years and roughly 1,800% since February 2019. Musk urged: Hold onto your Tesla stock; that is his bet. The interview spotlights long term bets on future projects such as Optimus, Cybercab, Semi and Unsupervised FSD. Analysts including ARK Invest founder Cathie Wood have been bullish, with a 2030 price target of around $2,600, though some caveats apply as scaling remains uncertain. The pieces reflect a company in expansion mode, aiming to turn development of humanoid robots and autonomous ride sharing into lasting value.

Pasqal, Welinq launch €4M InterQo project to network neutral-atom processors

February 28, 2026, 1:30 PM EST. Pasqal and Welinq expanded their partnership to develop networked quantum computing architectures based on interconnected neutral-atom processors. The InterQo project, a €4 million initiative backed by the Île-de-France Region and BPI France through the France 2030 program (i-Demo Régionalisé), links industrial partners with the Collège de France’s JEIP group for quantum optics and light-matter interactions. The aim is to move from vertical scaling-limited to roughly 10,000 physical qubits in a single QPU (quantum processing unit)-to horizontal scaling via optical interconnects, turning stationary qubits into flying photons that share entanglement across processors. Pasqal builds vacuum chambers with photonic interfaces and dynamic qubit positioning; Welinq supplies a high-rate entanglement platform based on waveguide-QED, effectively a quantum Ethernet port. The project also tackles native networking in QPUs and efficient photon extraction, aiming at production-ready clusters for data-center deployment.

Amazon to invest $50 billion in OpenAI as AWS becomes exclusive cloud provider for Frontier

February 28, 2026, 1:26 PM EST. Amazon will plow $50 billion into OpenAI in a multi-phase deal, with AWS named the exclusive third-party cloud provider for OpenAI Frontier, a platform for building and managing teams of AI agents across business systems. Frontier promises built-in governance, enterprise-grade security and no need to manage underlying infrastructure, enabling production AI workflows at global scale. Reuters reports an initial $15 billion invested now, followed by $35 billion later upon meeting conditions. Andy Jassy said the collaboration expands OpenAI model usage on AWS and highlights Trainium-based custom AI silicon. Sam Altman called the partnership a practical, scalable path for business AI. OpenAI’s fundraising round brings total funding to about $110 billion, valuing the company at roughly $840 billion.

Oppo, Honor tease crease-free foldables ahead of launches

February 28, 2026, 1:12 PM EST. Honor and Oppo are tapping into a long-standing complaint about foldables: the visible crease. Honor’s Magic V6 is teased for a crease-free panel ahead of its March 1 launch at MWC, with executives hinting at a Super Steel Hinge and IP68/69 resistance. Oppo’s Find N6 teaser and behind-the-scenes footage claim a crease-free experience after extensive use; a Sparrows News video shows 170,000 folds with no crease. GSMArena notes the hinge upgrade. Real-world performance remains to be tested, and Oppo has not announced a firm release date for the Find N6. If the claims hold, the foldable market could move beyond the crease issue.

Florence completes $20 million training center as EV battery plant construction paused

February 28, 2026, 1:02 PM EST. FLORENCE, S.C. – A $20 million regional job training facility is complete even as the EV battery plant construction remains paused. The facility is owned by readySC, a division of the South Carolina Technical College System, and funded as part of incentives tied to AESC’s plant. AESC began construction on its Old Marion Highway site in 2023 but paused in June 2025 due to policy and market uncertainties, according to The Post and Courier. Training has begun with Cheney Brothers, Inc. and AESC. There is no firm date to resume construction, though AESC reaffirmed its commitment to the area: about 1,600 jobs and $1.6 billion in direct investment. Brad Neese of readySC calls the center a unique asset and notes it sits at the entrance of the Florence Global Technology Park, designed to serve multiple companies.

Samsung sweetens Galaxy S26 Ultra pre-orders with $930 off and $30 accessory credit

February 28, 2026, 12:58 PM EST. Samsung has expanded Galaxy S26 Ultra pre-order incentives. The deal now offers $930 off with trade-ins and a $30 accessory credit unlocked via an exclusive link. In practice, buyers get $900 instantly off with qualifying trades plus the bonus $30 credit for accessories, totaling around $930 in savings at checkout. A separate $50 PayPal discount with code PAYPAL50 was available at launch, though some users report it’s not working. The changes give buyers a fresh reason to pre-order, though terms and availability vary by region and retailer. Samsung has not disclosed further details beyond the new link-exclusive credit and the existing PayPal offer.

Cramer on Snowflake: Platform deemed borderline essential for building AI tools

February 28, 2026, 12:56 PM EST. Jim Cramer weighed Snowflake (NYSE: SNOW) in recent commentary, calling its cloud data-management platform an infrastructure play with a consumption-based pricing model that may limit AI-driven margin risk. He argued Snowflake’s tools are nearly essential for building AI applications, citing partnerships with Anthropic and OpenAI. Despite the optimism, the stock has slid about 40% from its November highs. Snowflake reported a strong annual product-revenue forecast, but the update failed to shift the broader narrative, and shares traded higher in after-hours trading before retreating. Snowflake’s platform aggregates data for analysis, data apps creation, information sharing, and AI-enabled problem solving. The piece also promotes a separate AI stock report elsewhere.

Xpeng to build Guangzhou robot factory to mass-produce IRON humanoid, rivaling Tesla’s Optimus

February 28, 2026, 12:54 PM EST. Xpeng Inc. plans to break ground on a 1.18 million square-foot humanoid robot factory in Guangzhou in Q1, aiming to begin large-scale production of its IRON robot by year’s end. The facility will host R&D, trial production and manufacturing and will support Xpeng’s Vision-Language-Action architecture. The robot weighs about 171 pounds and stands 5 feet 10 inches, positioning it as a rival to Tesla’s Optimus. Xpeng targets more than 1 million IRON units by the end of the decade, with deployments in tour guiding and retail services. The move follows efforts to address training data limits and hardware/software supply-chain headwinds. The broader context includes Musk’s ambitions for Optimus and China’s growing robotics competition.

Anthropic’s Claude climbs to No. 2 on Apple’s top free U.S. apps after Pentagon scrutiny

February 28, 2026, 12:40 PM EST. Anthropic’s Claude app jumped to No. 2 on Apple’s top free U.S. apps chart on Friday, wedging between ChatGPT at No. 1 and Google’s Gemini at No. 3. The climb follows weeks of headlines tied to the U.S. Defense Department’s use of Anthropic’s models and scrutiny over national-security risks. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sought to label Anthropic a supply-chain risk to national security, complicating any government contracts. Anthropic’s CEO Dario Amodei said the firm hopes the DoD reconsiders. The mood around Claude has improved with the firm’s stance against mass domestic surveillance and fully autonomous weapons, alongside a broader push of its technology into corporate use. OpenAI’s Sam Altman later said the DoD deployment agreement had been reached, underscoring changing dynamics in U.S. defense AI procurement.

Pokemon Winds and Waves: Switch 2 Exclusivity and Gen 10 Starters Revealed

February 28, 2026, 12:30 PM EST. Nintendo and The Pokémon Company unveiled Winds and Waves, the first mainline titles for the Switch 2, during Friday’s Pokémon Presents livestream marking the series’ 30th anniversary. The games launch in 2027 exclusively on the Switch 2. Set on a multi-island archipelago with ocean between lands, the open world follows the series’ move toward exploration. The starter trio are Browt (grass), Gecqua (water) and Pombon (fire). Returning favorites such as Pikachu, Tympole, Wailord, Tropius and Frillish appear among island habitats. After four years since Scarlet and Violet, performance is a concern; Winds and Waves are built for the newer hardware. Nintendo also highlighted Legends: Z-A, Pokopia, and Champions-due in April-with mobile versions later this year to tide fans over until Winds and Waves land next year.

Dorsey’s Block layoffs spark debate on AI’s impact on jobs

February 28, 2026, 12:26 PM EST. Block chief executive Jack Dorsey announced a plan to cut about 4,000 jobs, nearly half the workforce, framing the move as a shift in how companies operate as AI becomes central to decisions. He said other firms will follow, and that this is not an early move, but one many companies will reach on their own terms. ‘Automation, mass layoffs is not necessarily the only path forward,’ said economist Claudia Sahm. Economists caution the cuts reflect company-specific retrenchment rather than a broader labor market trend. Still, the data show a mixed picture: unemployment at 4.3%, openings after a run of declines, and 2025 payroll growth around 15,000. Tech demand remains uneven: software postings up about 12% year over year, according to Indeed.

Steam Deck Returns to Valve Store in the US as Asia Prices Rise

February 28, 2026, 12:12 PM EST. Valve brings back the Steam Deck to its US store as stock returns to shelves. The company says there will be no price hikes in the United States. In contrast, shoppers in Asia will face higher prices, effective March 6, with increases of up to $100. The handheld PC remains popular for portable gaming, and the US reappearance follows strong demand and replenishment cycles. The update did not spell out exact US pricing, but reiterated regional differences. Analysts say the move reflects ongoing supply constraints and currency factors that have widened price gaps between markets. The rollout underscores the device’s continued appeal, even as regional dynamics shift.

Editors’ Choice Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones now 35% off on Amazon

February 28, 2026, 12:10 PM EST. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones-an Editors’ Choice winner-are on sale at Amazon for about 35% off, saving roughly $150 off the list price. The deal highlights Bose’s flagship over-ears, offered in today’s promotions and valid while stock lasts. The sale runs alongside other headphone deals and was reported on February 27, 2026.

Surface Laptop Studio 2 leads guide to the best 2-in-1 laptops for creators

February 28, 2026, 11:40 AM EST. The piece surveys the best 2-in-1 laptops-hybrids that mix tablet convenience with full-fledged computing. It tests five categories: best overall, best premium, best for drawing, best AI/OLED, and best budget, using real creative workflows in Photoshop, Lightroom, Premiere Pro, and Procreate. Hands-on results judge feel, durability, and whether the premium price pays off. The top pick is the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2, whose sliding screen reveals an angled canvas for drawing in easel mode. Its 14.4-inch PixelSense Flow display runs at 2400×1600 with 120Hz and a 3:2 ratio, and it can be equipped with 13th-Gen Intel Core i7 CPUs and up to RTX GPUs. RAM up to 64GB, storage to 2TB. Drawbacks include shorter battery life under GPU load and added bulk. Real-world performance matters most.

Clicks Communicator adds more physical keyboards, Android 20 on Dimensity 8300

February 28, 2026, 11:38 AM EST. After previewing at CES 2026, the Clicks Communicator gains broader language keyboards and updated software. The Android-powered device will offer a standard QWERTY keyboard plus French (AZERTY), German (QWERTZ), Korean, and Arabic layouts for global markets. Under the hood, it uses the MediaTek Dimensity 8300 to deliver a fast, responsive experience. Software-wise, Clicks keeps five years of security updates, but major OS updates will run only through Android 20 (roughly 2029). Early access runs through March 15, with a $399 early bird price. The device remains positioned as a niche secondary smartphone focused on messaging with a compact display and a full physical keyboard. CES 2026 preview remains in effect as the company pushes a BlackBerry-like form factor with a smartphone-grade OS.

Samsung brings satellite connectivity to Galaxy S26 and select older devices

February 28, 2026, 11:36 AM EST. Samsung confirms expanded satellite connectivity for the Galaxy S26 series and older Galaxy devices through partnerships with operators in North America, Europe and Japan. The Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra support satellite messaging in major markets, though service remains carrier dependent. The move follows Apple and Google and signals Samsung’s push for next generation connectivity as a safety feature. Partners include T-Mobile with Starlink on select flagships and A-series after S21; Verizon with eSOS and text on flagship models after the S25; AT&T coming soon; Virgin Media O2 in the UK; MasOrange in Spain with trials from March; Vodafone UK; KDDI in Japan with text and data on S22 and later flagships and A-series; SoftBank/Docomo in Japan with select flagships and A-series later in 2026; Rakuten Mobile in Japan coming soon. Samsung frames this as enhancing safety and seamless experiences.

Eight travel gadgets for frequent flyers: StillFrame headphones and Nikon pocket binoculars

February 28, 2026, 11:22 AM EST. Frequent flyers develop rituals that turn a tolerable trip into a manageable one. This year’s review distills eight picks that solve practical, non-glamorous problems of constant travel, prioritizing compactness, portability and restrained design over flashy gear. The devices aim to disappear in a carry-on while delivering real daily benefits-sleep support, steady caffeine, and workouts in tight spaces. StillFrame wireless headphones reject bass-forward trends for a more open soundstage and a seamless switch between noise cancelling and transparency mode, with a fit that sits between on-ear comfort and full over-ear isolation. Battery life remains a caveat on longer flights. The Nikon 4x10D CF Pocket Binoculars prove optical clarity can fit a blazer pocket, avoiding bulk and a dedicated case. The article promises additional entries that follow this logic.

Can the Internet Be Saved? Review of Berners-Lee’s memoir on the Web’s flaws and promise

February 28, 2026, 11:20 AM EST. LA Review of Books frames Tim Berners-Lee’s memoir This Is for Everyone as a sober reckoning that the Web’s flaws were evident at birth. The piece traces Berners-Lee’s path-from a math-shy boy in London to a CERN coder who pitched the World Wide Web as a universal tool for researchers to share data via hyperlinks, then renamed Mesh to avoid chaos. Early colleagues regarded his ideas with bafflement; signs reading ‘Tim, slow down’ underscored the pace of his thinking. The review emphasizes how the Web’s openness to risks-corruption, platform power-and argues Berners-Lee remains wary of centralized control even as he champions intercreativity. It also surveys the memoir’s autobiographical threads, including his background, work culture at CERN, and the tension between invention and unintended consequences in shaping the modern Internet.

Trump bans Anthropic from U.S. government systems as Pentagon flags supply-chain risk

February 28, 2026, 11:10 AM EST. President Trump ordered the U.S. government to stop using Anthropic’s AI products and declared the company a national security risk. The Pentagon designated Anthropic a supply-chain risk to national security and mandated a six-month phaseout for its tools. The dispute revolved around whether Anthropic could bar government use in mass surveillance or autonomous weapons under a contract worth up to $200 million. Hours after the move, OpenAI said it struck a deal with the Defense Department to supply AI for classified networks. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the designation, barring any contractor or partner that does business with the U.S. military from working with Anthropic. The company said it would challenge the ruling in court.

Huawei Watch GT Runner 2 gains Curve Pay for on-wrist Tap to Pay

February 28, 2026, 11:08 AM EST. Huawei’s Watch GT Runner 2 now supports Curve Pay, a digital wallet that links multiple debit and credit cards for on-wrist payments. A recent AppGallery post shows Huawei and Curve Pay marketing the feature, including Tap to Pay functionality that requires no phone or wallet. Huawei says the system works even when the watch battery is low. The service lets users pay with a single card or switch cards after a transaction. Curve Pay is traditionally a phone app, but Huawei has extended it to the watch. Users can install the latest version from AppGallery to access the feature as Huawei continues to push wearables as standalone payments devices.

Galloway’s Resist and Unsubscribe urges consumers to ditch Amazon, Apple, Google, and peers to push back on Trump-era policy

February 28, 2026, 10:54 AM EST. New York University marketing professor Scott Galloway launched an online campaign called Resist and Unsubscribe to pressure the Trump administration by urging consumers to cancel subscriptions or delete apps from a list of tech firms with outsized influence: Amazon, Apple, Google, Microsoft, Paramount+, Meta, Uber, Netflix, OpenAI, and X. The effort also targets eight other corporations-AT&T, Comcast, Charter, Dell, FedEx, Home Depot, Marriott, and UPS-accused of enabling immigration enforcement. The campaign frames the move as a “temporary, coordinated pullback from consumer discretionary spending” designed to disrupt the ecosystem that shapes policy. Galloway, a Pivot podcast host, says people should rethink their reliance on platforms and whether they need two paid AI services. Some executives have acknowledged the campaign; others say they face a turbulent set of incentives in politics.

Nvidia eyes trillions in revenue by 2030 as AI spending accelerates

February 28, 2026, 10:52 AM EST. Nvidia sits at the center of AI computing growth. The company argues that global data-center capital expenditures could rise to $3-4 trillion by 2030, far beyond today’s pace. Nvidia’s own 2025 projections put AI capex around $600 billion, with fiscal 2026 revenue expected to account for more than a third of such spending. If the bottom end of the 2030 scenario plays out, Nvidia could exceed $1 trillion in revenue and profits could surpass $500 billion given margins above 50%. A trailing 30x multiple would imply a $15 trillion valuation. The path hinges on a sustained AI build-out, regulatory context, and execution. Investors should note the bets and uncertainty.

Xiaomi unveils Leica-backed 17 Ultra, AirTag clone, and ultra-slim power bank ahead of MWC

February 28, 2026, 10:50 AM EST. Xiaomi unveiled a wave of devices ahead of MWC in Barcelona, led by the Leica co-branded Xiaomi 17 Ultra. It also includes an AirTag clone tracker. The camera system pairs Leica lenses with software filters, featuring a 50-MP main sensor on a 1-inch chip, a 200-MP telephoto with 3.2x-4.3x optical zoom, and a 50-MP ultrawide. A 6,000 mAh battery drives 90W wired charging and 50W wireless HyperCharge, on a 6.9-inch HyperRGB OLED display protected by Shield Glass 3.0. The handset runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. A special Leica edition adds an aluminum body, rotating zoom ring and Leica Essential mode. Xiaomi also introduced the Xiaomi 17 with 6,330 mAh and 100W charging, plus two photography add-ons: Kit (€99.99) and Pro (€199.99). Availability: EU/UK. Prices: Xiaomi 17 €999; 17 Ultra €1,499; Leica edition €1,999 (16GB/1TB).

Scientists warn constant space launches turning Earth’s atmosphere into a crematorium for satellites

February 28, 2026, 10:48 AM EST. Three astronomers and atmospheric scientists warn that rapid satellite deployment could turn Earth’s upper sky into a crematorium for debris. In a The Conversation essay, they say tens of thousands of expendable satellites, plus rocket exhaust, may pepper the atmosphere with metals such as copper, lead, aluminum (alumina) and even lithium from upper-stage plumes. SpaceX’s orbiting fleet-about 9,000 of roughly 15,000 active satellites-illustrates the trend, with plans to add up to one million more to support AI data centers in space. Scientists warn this could alter atmospheric chemistry and heat, potentially triggering cascading debris events known as Kessler syndrome. Falling fragments pose risks to people and property on the ground. The piece urges regulators to weigh long-term harm against industry ambitions.

Walmart exec urges tougher U.S. AI training to keep pace with China’s education push

February 28, 2026, 10:34 AM EST. Walmart’s chief people officer, Donna Morris, argues the United States must accelerate AI training across the workforce or risk losing competitiveness. Large employers like Deloitte, Verizon and Walmart are rolling out company-wide AI programs as white-collar disruption looms within 18 months. Morris cites China’s approach-Five-year-olds are learning DeepSeek-to illustrate how early capability building can shape outcomes. In China, AI instruction begins in school, with eight hours per year in some cases, and talent pipelines are already attracting top U.S. tech firms’ attention. A 2020 Paulson Institute study found about one-third of the world’s top AI experts were born in China. More than 400 CEOs have urged lawmakers to embed computer science and AI in K-12 curricula. Two-thirds of business leaders say AI skills are now a hiring prerequisite.

OpenAI raises $110 billion in historic private funding round

February 28, 2026, 10:32 AM EST. OpenAI said Friday it has secured $110 billion in private funding, one of the largest rounds on record. The financing includes a $50 billion investment from Amazon and $30 billion each from Nvidia and SoftBank, valuing the company at about $730 billion pre-money. The round remains open, with more backers expected. OpenAI outlined infrastructure deals and product ambitions, including a stateful runtime on Amazon’s Bedrock and a broader AWS collaboration carrying a $100 billion compute commitment. The pact calls for at least 2GW of AWS Trainium inference and 2GW of training on Nvidia’s Vera Rubin systems. The Information had reported a $35 billion contingent on AGI or an IPO; OpenAI said that tranche would arrive later when conditions are met. The previous round closed in March 2025 at $40 billion on a $300 billion valuation.

Week AI scare turns real as markets drop and Block downsizes

February 28, 2026, 10:18 AM EST. The week the AI scare moved from theory to markets. Matt Shumer published an essay on X.com, later adapted for Fortune, urging white-collar workers to fear what AI could do. Citrini Research, a top finance Substack, posted on Feb. 22 a forecast of a ‘global intelligence crisis’ and a ‘ghost GDP’ that would displace engineers, advisers, and managers. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by more than 800 points (about 1.66%), with software shares hit hardest. On Thursday, Jack Dorsey announced Block would cut roughly 40% of its staff; the stock rose nearly 14% the next day as executives argued tools change the way to build a company. Wall Street remains split: skeptics say macro math is off; others fear layoffs may spread.

Xiaomi Watch 5 becomes top Wear OS smartwatch thanks to larger battery and OS 6

February 28, 2026, 10:16 AM EST. Xiaomi’s Watch 5 runs Wear OS 6 globally, delivering a fluid UI and quick access to Maps and apps. The reviewer notes Xiaomi’s health suite-SpO2, heart rate, blood oxygen-and new gesture controls that echo the Apple Watch. The standout feature is a massive 930mAh battery using silicon-carbon tech to boost energy density, letting the watch last longer between charges. Coupled with a refreshed design, this makes the Watch 5 competitive with the Pixel Watch 4 and one of the best Wear OS options for travelers seeking reliability. In short, battery life and software integration drive the verdict: this is now the favorite Wear OS smartwatch for the author.

Digital Foundry finds mixed results for Resident Evil Requiem on Switch 2 vs Xbox Series S

February 28, 2026, 10:08 AM EST. Digital Foundry compared Resident Evil Requiem on Switch 2 and Xbox Series S. The verdict: Series S delivers a mostly stable 60 FPS, while Switch 2 dips to about 30 FPS docked and into the 20s in portable play. Image quality tilts in the opposite direction: Switch 2’s DLSS upscaling yields crisper visuals at native 540p docked, versus Series S at native 720p with its own upscaling. The analysis notes the Switch 2 runs with an unlocked frame-rate, producing more variable timing. In short, Series S wins on smoothness; Switch 2 wins on image clarity thanks to Nvidia DLSS. DF also published a full write-up on their site.

Leitzphone by Leica and Xiaomi debuts as camera-first premium smartphone at MWC

February 28, 2026, 10:04 AM EST. Leica unveiled the Leitzphone, a Xiaomi-assisted high-end smartphone designed for photography enthusiasts. The device pairs Leica’s imaging ethos with Xiaomi hardware and software to put the camera front and center. The design features a mechanical ring around the module and a configurable control for zoom, exposure, ISO and shutter speed. Leica includes thirteen Leica Looks modes and digital lens-bokeh emulation, plus a Leica Essential Mode with M9-inspired color and Monopan black-and-white. The triple-camera setup centers on a 1-inch sensor main and a periscope telephoto with a 200-megapixel sensor, offering 75-100mm optical zoom. Available now via Leica stores and site for £1,700 or €1,999.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra goes global with Leica camera system and flat display

February 28, 2026, 10:02 AM EST. Xiaomi has begun global rollout of the 17 Ultra, a Leica-tuned flagship that doubles as a compact camera. The device sports a flat 6.9-inch HyperRGB OLED display, a slim 8.29 mm body and 218 g weight, and runs on a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 with a 6,000 mAh battery. The camera stack centers on the Leica 1-inch Ultra Dynamic Camera with the new Light Fusion 1080L sensor and a 23mm f/1.67 lens. A 200 MP telephoto uses a periscope design with APO optics (APO = apochromatic) for color accuracy; a 50 MP ultrawide completes the trio. Front camera is 50 MP. Video tops at 8Kp30 and 4Kp120 with Dolby Vision HDR. Colors: Black, White, and Starlit Green.

Xiaomi launches flagship 17 and 17 Ultra as memory-price surge threatens sales

February 28, 2026, 10:00 AM EST. Xiaomi unveiled the 17 and 17 Ultra at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona on March 28, 2026. The flagships target the premium segment, with prices of 999 euros and 1,499 euros, respectively. The launch comes as memory-price surges threaten sales; Counterpoint Research says prices jumped 80%-90% in Q1 due to a shortage and AI-driven demand. Gartner forecasts a roughly 13% rise in smartphone prices in 2026, while IDC expects the global smartphone market to fall about 12.9% this year on the memory crunch. Analysts say higher-end devices may insulate some costs, but Xiaomi’s volume still leans on mid-range devices. The company is also pushing its electric-vehicle business, now a meaningful revenue stream alongside a 3% YoY decline in phone revenue and nearly 200% growth in EV sales.

SpaceX launches 29 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral amid fog; next Starlink launch planned Sunday

February 28, 2026, 9:52 AM EST. SpaceX lifted 29 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station early Friday as dense fog muted close-range video of the Falcon 9. Liftoff from Launch Complex 40 occurred at 7:16 a.m. ET. The company aims to repeat a similar Starlink mission on Sunday, with a four-hour launch window from 7:07 p.m. to 11:07 p.m. ET. FLORIDA TODAY’s Space Team will begin coverage about 90 minutes before liftoff at floridatoday.com/space. The schedule underscores SpaceX’s ongoing cadence of orbital deployments. Rick Neale, the paper’s space reporter since 2004, filed this report. For updates, readers can sign up for the 321 Launch space newsletter.

DJI Osmo Pocket 4 manual leak surfaces in plain sight

February 28, 2026, 9:50 AM EST. DJI’s upcoming Osmo Pocket 4 leaks surfaced not in a blurred shot but via what appears to be the device’s Quick Start Guide. The document, bearing the label ’DJI Osmo Pocket 4’ and minimal branding, shows no suffix-no Pro, no Lite. The leak is attributed to Quadro_News on X, with imagery echoed by dronexl.co. The outlet says the paperwork looks convincingly real, suggesting DJI may be revealing details ahead of an official announcement. No statement from DJI has appeared. Industry watchers note that leaks of instruction material carry more credibility than photos. The episode underscores DJI’s cautious reveal strategy while stoking anticipation for a new handheld camera stabilizer.

AI guardrails loosen as capabilities surge, reshaping 2026 politics

February 28, 2026, 9:48 AM EST. Generative AI is expanding from chatbots to autonomous decision tools in early 2026, triggering a broad stock selloff across software, legal, insurance and cybersecurity. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang calls it a third inflection point, with agentic systems able to reason and perform tasks. Yet safety nets are thinning. Anthropic was blacklisted by the Trump administration after resisting Pentagon demands, shifting from a safety pledge to nonbinding targets as it races on speed. OpenAI has begun monetizing more aggressively. Researchers at both firms have left, warning of risk. The AI safety debate could reshape the 2026 midterms: New York Assemblyman Alex Bores, author of an early AI safety law, faces a $125 million super PAC backed by OpenAI and other investors. The spending signals how industry may oppose regulation if he prevails.

Xiaomi Tag: built-in loop, no-case design, supports Find My or Find Hub

February 28, 2026, 9:46 AM EST. Xiaomi on Tuesday announced its first Bluetooth tracker, the Xiaomi Tag. The elongated device includes a built-in metal loop for keyrings or carabiners, removing the need for a separate case. It works with either Apple’s Find My or Google’s Find Hub networks, chosen during setup. Powered by a replaceable CR2032 battery, it claims up to a year of use and carries an IP67 dust and water resistance rating. NFC lets finders load contact details if someone pockets the device. Unlike Apple’s AirTag, the Xiaomi Tag lacks UWB, so accurate pinpointing is via audible alerts when nearby. Pricing starts at £12.99 ($18) for a single unit, or £44.99 ($61) for a four-pack, making it a cheaper alternative to the AirTag’s $29 single price.

Xiaomi debuts Pad 8 and Pad 8 Pro alongside Xiaomi 17 at MWC 2026

February 28, 2026, 9:44 AM EST. At MWC 2026, Xiaomi announced two tablets, the Pad 8 and Pad 8 Pro, launched alongside the Xiaomi 17 smartphones. The devices aim to broaden the company’s tablet line without matching the ultra-thin standards of some rivals. The Pad 8 Pro starts at €599.99 (about $700) and includes a faster chip, improved cameras, and a matte display option. The standard model targets similar price segments with updated hardware. For context, the Pad 6 has long been a strong Android tablet option in Xiaomi’s lineup. The announcements underscore Xiaomi’s push into higher-end tablets while keeping the price accessible for buyers shopping around for productivity and media consumption on tablets.

NASA to roll back SLS moon rocket after Artemis delay; how to watch

February 28, 2026, 9:36 AM EST. NASA plans to roll the 322-foot Space Launch System (SLS) from Launch Pad 39B to the Vehicle Assembly Building after a helium-flow issue in the upper stage delayed the Artemis 2 mission. Helium is used to purge engines and pressurize fuel tanks. Ground teams aim to preserve launch opportunities beginning April 1. The rollback, set for the morning of Feb. 25, will cover about 4 miles and take roughly 12 hours. NASA has not announced a public live stream of the move; updates will come via the agency’s mission blog, while a 24/7 live feed continues to show the rocket on the pad. Artemis 2 remains slated for a 10-day mission around the Moon once a launch window opens.

Studio Display Pro rumors resurface as betas hint two premium models

February 28, 2026, 9:34 AM EST. Rumors of a Studio Display Pro variant resurface as the latest iOS 24.6 beta and subsequent iOS/macOS developer betas reference two codename displays, J427 and J527, seen by Macworld. The codes feed talk of a two-model lineup: a current-style 27-inch display and a larger premium unit with more ports and new speakers. The chatter also cites a possible ProMotion (Apple’s high-refresh-rate screen) 120Hz panel versus the existing 90Hz debate, and different audio drivers across models. J527 includes more IO controllers, implying extra ports. Some speculation ties the premium model to Thunderbolt 5 and a bigger screen (32-inch) while the base model would keep Thunderbolt 3. Apple watchers note regulatory filings in China and Spring 2026 chatter, including a potential March release. No official confirmation yet.

CoreWeave backlog hits $66.8B as AI demand drives orders; stock slides

February 28, 2026, 9:32 AM EST. CoreWeave, a NVIDIA-favored AI infrastructure provider, reported a blockbuster year with revenue up 168% to $5.131 billion and a backlog of $66.8 billion. The Q4 result showed revenue of $1.6 billion, up 110% YoY. Aggressive expansion pushed expenses higher, yielding GAAP margins of -6% and non-GAAP margins of 6%; adjusted diluted losses per share were -$0.89 (GAAP) and -$0.56 (non-GAAP). For the year, diluted losses per share were $2.75 and $2.81, respectively. The company expanded data centers from 32 to 43 and lifted contracted power to 3.1 gigawatts. Customers spending over $1 million annually rose nearly 150%, and average contract length extended to five years. Shares fell about 18% intraday; market cap about $41.5 billion amid debt and AI-expenditure concerns.

SpaceX Falcon 9 set for Vandenberg launch; how to watch

February 28, 2026, 9:14 AM EST. SpaceX plans to launch a two-stage Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County on Sunday, March 1, with a four-hour window starting at midnight PT. The mission will deploy 25 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit, boosting the broadband network. The 230-foot rocket should be visible across parts of California as it lifts off, weather permitting. SpaceX will stream the lift-off on its website and the X TV app, with live updates on X. FAA advisory notes a backup opportunity the following day if conditions delay the mission. SpaceX regularly uses California and Florida for Starlink deployments and other Falcon 9 launches.

Huawei Watch GT Runner 2 debuts with titanium case, Marathon Mode and Curve Pay

February 28, 2026, 9:06 AM EST. Huawei’s Watch GT Runner 2 is official, built for runners with a titanium alloy case, Kunlun Glass and a 1.32-inch AMOLED display (466 x 466, 352 PPI, up to 3000 nits). It ships in Dusk Blue, Dawn Orange and Midnight Black, weighs 34.5 g and measures 43.5 x 43.5 x 10.7 mm, with an AirDry Woven strap designed for airflow and sweat management. The watch uses a silicon battery with 68% higher energy density than the first gen, delivering 14 days of light use, 7 days typical use, and three days in AOD. Health features include TruSense, ECG and HRV, Pulse Wave Analysis, breath alerts, Altitude Adaptation and Fall Detection. For runners, Marathon Mode with DSM-Firmenich provides training plans, lactate threshold, running power and performance analytics. It supports Tap to Pay via Curve Pay.

Samsung trims Recovery tools on Galaxy phones in February update

February 28, 2026, 9:00 AM EST. Samsung’s February software update reportedly shrinks the Android Recovery menu on several Galaxy devices, removing several tools long used by power users. Galaxy Club says the hidden interface now offers only three options: Reboot system now, Wipe data/factory reset, and Power off. The change affects Galaxy S25 series and the Galaxy Z Fold 7, with smaller models such as the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Z Flip 7 FE also affected; the Galaxy S25 Ultra on One UI 8.5 beta still shows the old Recovery menu, while stable One UI 8.0 appears to implement the new one. Samsung has not commented. There is no official word on why the change was made, and observers link it to rumors that Download Mode could be disappearing on future Galaxy devices, including the Galaxy S26.

Tesla Cybercab tests on Chicago highway as Musk targets $30,000 price; Unibev trademark dispute looms

February 28, 2026, 8:42 AM EST. Tesla’s Cybercab was spotted on a highway near Chicago in a video posted to X, with observers debating whether it was driven by a human or autonomously. The clip, taken by user @tnertz, shows a Cybercab reportedly returning to Avondale; observers say the testing units use a Cybertruck steering wheel, signaling it may be a validation unit rather than a production model. Musk has reiterated a $30,000 price for the production-ready car and an April rollout, with a plan for no steering wheel or pedals. Tesla says the manufacturing approach will lift output by about 5X. Separately, the company filed an appeal with the USPTO against Unibev over trademarks such as Cyberquad, Cybertaxi, and Teslaquila, accusing squatters seeking payment. Questions remain about FSD functionality as the vehicle nears production.

Google folds Intrinsic into its core business to pursue Android-like robotics

February 28, 2026, 8:26 AM EST. Google is folding Intrinsic from the Other Bets into its main business, aiming for an Android-like robotics platform that runs across devices and partners. Intrinsic CEO Wendy Tan White says the project should be accessible to any maker, regardless of hardware or AI model. Inside Google, Intrinsic will sit near DeepMind and the cloud, retaining its brand and leadership. The move mirrors Google’s smartphone playbook: a common operating system and partner ecosystem with industrial firms such as FANUC, Universal Robots and KUKA. Analysts see a large market, with McKinsey forecasting robotics could reach $370 billion by 2040. Intrinsic is building an operating system to let manufacturers focus on solving problems rather than plumbing. Google also has a history in robotics, from Boston Dynamics to the recent Gemini Robotics models.

Artemis 3 reboot: NASA shifts to orbital tests, possible docking with SpaceX/Blue Origin landers

February 28, 2026, 8:16 AM EST. NASA says Artemis 3 will not land on the Moon under its updated plan. The mission, now targeted for a 2027 launch, remains in low Earth orbit to test technologies and practice rendezvous and docking between the Orion crew capsule and one or both commercial landers from SpaceX and Blue Origin. The architecture no longer hinges on Starship’s lunar landing role for Artemis 3, focusing instead on orbital demonstrations and pathways to surface missions later. Blue Origin has signaled continued involvement, even after pausing suborbital flights to accelerate lunar capabilities. NASA emphasizes competition among contractors to speed development and diversify options for future crewed lunar missions.

Block pivots to AI-driven model, cuts 40% of workforce as it reshapes margins

February 28, 2026, 7:58 AM EST. Block (NYSE:XYZ) plans an AI-driven shift, cutting more than 40% of its workforce to speed product development and trim costs. Block has risen ~20% in a week but remains down long term (roughly 21% in three years, 71% in five). For 2025, revenue was flat at $24.2B; net income fell from $2.9B to $1.3B; basic EPS from continuing ops was $2.13 vs $4.70. Restructuring charges are seen at $450-$500 million. Risks include losses of key staff and execution gaps in BNPL, crypto, and embedded banking, which could pressure margins vs PayPal and Adyen. The shift aims for faster rollouts in Cash App and Square under a leaner, AI-enabled team.

Stocks drift as Nvidia slides after strong AI-chip results

February 28, 2026, 7:44 AM EST. From Bloomberg: U.S. stocks pulled back as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq retreated after Nvidia Corp. posted a 73% jump in fourth-quarter revenue and a first-quarter outlook that beat analysts’ expectations. Despite the strong results, Nvidia shares fell in trading on the day, underscoring investor questions about whether AI demand can sustain a rally. Analysts at JPMorgan noted that the results were solid, but the stock response suggested disappointment. CEO Jensen Huang argued that customers are already profitable from their new computing power and will keep investing, saying compute capacity drives growth and cash flows. The episode highlights ongoing scrutiny of a booming AI cycle even as Nvidia remains the sector’s most valuable company.

MWC 2026: phones, tablets and oddities arrive in Barcelona

February 28, 2026, 7:40 AM EST. Barcelona hosts Mobile World Congress 2026 as major phone launches converge. Xiaomi has signaled a European debut for the 17 and 17 Ultra, while Honor tees up its Robot Phone and a broader pivot to humanoid robotics. Nothing is expected to reveal more on its Phone 4A ahead of a March 5 London event. Samsung and Google will drum out updates tied to already announced 10A and S26 models, even as Apple plans a separate launch during the same week. The floor should yield oddities-camera-phone concepts with detachable lenses, folding laptops, and battery beasts. Coverage aims to deliver news, first looks and analysis from the show floor, with an emphasis on the crowded field of Chinese makers and rugged devices.

QUBT vs IONQ: Photonic vs Trapped-Ion Quantum Tech Could Determine Upside

February 28, 2026, 7:24 AM EST. QUBT vs IONQ. The quantum race narrows to competing architectures as the sector moves from research to validation. Quantum Computing Inc.’s QUBT photonic approach uses light as qubits, operates at room temperature and aims for telecom-friendly networks and scalable, distributed deployments. IonQ relies on trapped-ion qubits, with ions held in a linear chamber of about 100 electrodes, vacuum-protected for longer coherence and reconfigurability without hardware changes. Yearly stock moves show relative momentum: QCI up about 49%; IonQ up about 66%. Milestones anchor both names: QCI won a NASA Langley subcontract and a NIST contract to design TFLN photonic ICs; a top-five U.S. bank placed a quantum-security PO; QCI opened a Tempe foundry to scale TFLN chips for datacom, telecom, advanced sensing and quantum computing markets.

AI-generated CSAM surge tests law enforcement and prosecutors

February 28, 2026, 7:12 AM EST. AI-enabled tools are changing how child sexual abuse material (CSAM) is produced, forcing prosecutors and lawmakers to sprint to catch up. Experts say offenders exploit loopholes, open-source models and platforms to generate imagery of real or non-existent children. In 2025’s first nine months, NCMEC’s CyberTipline logged over a million reports tied to generative AI. Fallon McNulty of the exploited-children division says the visuals are almost indistinguishable from real photos, complicating victim identification. Homeland Security Investigations’ Michael Prado notes a 600% jump in AI-related CSAM reports in the first half of 2025 versus 2023-2024. NBC News identified 36 cases in 22 states in the last three years, with defendants often found in possession of thousands of AI-generated images. Prosecutions are growing, but the overall counts remain a fraction of tips.

DJI Romo hack highlights AI risks to smart home security

February 28, 2026, 7:10 AM EST. The Verge reported that Sammy Azdoufal accidentally hacked almost 7,000 DJI Romo vacuums, gaining full remote control after using Claude Code to reverse-engineer the protocols. His remote app reached the entire install base, exposing video feeds and bypassing device PINs. DJI said the flaw, tied to a token access, has been closed. The episode shows how AI-assisted tooling can widen access from a single device to many in cloud-connected homes, creating privacy and broader security risks. In robot-vacuum terms, cameras are core to navigation and mapping; removing them or disconnecting cloud links can degrade performance. The case echoes earlier incidents with Ecovacs robots and underscores longer-term threats as smart devices proliferate.

Garmin rolls out seven-feature update, expands Fitness Coach and adds Sleep Alignment across watches

February 28, 2026, 7:00 AM EST. Garmin rolled out a seven-feature update for multiple smartwatches, expanding the Garmin Fitness Coach to more models after its debut on the Venu 4. The package adds Varia Voice Alerts, a Course Planner and new Sport Scores. A Sleep Alignment feature gauges how closely users align with their circadian rhythm. Additional changes target the Instinct 3 series with Battery Manager and an Expanded Morning Report. Garmin will roll the features out gradually and has not set a firm completion timeline for the February 2026 update.

Investors send unmistakable message to IonQ, Rigetti and D-Wave as quantum stocks surge

February 28, 2026, 6:58 AM EST. Institutional investors and hedge funds have sent a sour message to quantum-play stocks IonQ, Rigetti Computing and D-Wave Quantum, even as the trio posted eye-popping gains over the past year. IonQ, Rigetti and D-Wave have posted triple-digit to multi-hundred-percent returns, with Rigetti leading early this year. Analysts see a long-term, trillion-dollar opportunity: Boston Consulting Group cites $450-$850 billion in global value by 2040, while The Quantum Insider pegs up to $1 trillion by 2035. Real-world use cases include accelerated AI training, improved cybersecurity and molecular simulations for drug discovery. Amazon Braket provides cloud access to these providers, helping validate early wins. The pivot came as JPMorgan Chase unveiled a $1.5 trillion, 10-year Security and Resiliency Initiative that includes quantum computing among its financing targets, signaling sustained institutional interest despite stock volatility.

Bezos’s $30B AI lab seeks tens of billions for industrial sector deals

February 28, 2026, 6:56 AM EST. Jeff Bezos’s $30 billion AI laboratory is pursuing tens of billions more for industrial sector deals. The plan targets manufacturing, logistics, and energy, using AI to boost productivity, automate processes, and tighten supply chains. People familiar with the discussions say the fundraising drive would draw large investors and may involve public or government-backed programs to seed co-investments with industry partners. A spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The push reflects a broader push to apply advanced AI to heavy industries, not just consumer tech, as firms race to deploy new capabilities at scale.

Nvidia’s beat tests AI optimism as markets shift gear on Wall Street

February 28, 2026, 6:54 AM EST. On Wall Street, Nvidia beat earnings and raised guidance, but the stock fell more than 5% the next day, illustrating erosion of AI euphoria. A bearish note from Citrini Research forecasting potential 10% unemployment by 2028 spooked traders, even as economists argued about labor adaptability. Traders say markets trade on fear; Dow Jones had worst week of 2026; Block cut jobs from 10,000 to under 6,000. CEO Jack Dorsey said AI tools and lean teams redefining business. Investors interpret as proof of disruption. Private credit stress persists: Blue Owl restricted redemptions; Apollo’s MidCap Financial cut dividends; Apollo shares hit nine-week losing streak. Sector rotation favors asset-heavy industries and energy over tech; value beats growth 12% early 2026. Markets reposition for winners and losers in AI era.

Satellite imagery shows US F-22s at Ovda base as tensions rise in the Middle East

February 28, 2026, 6:40 AM EST. Chinese satellite firm MizarVision published fresh imagery showing US F-22 stealth fighters on a runway at Ovda base in southern Israel, as regional tensions with Iran appear poised for action. The pictures, part of ongoing documentation of US military movements in the Middle East, also include images from Qatar, Crete and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. Researchers say the material offers a window into force posturing and logistical activity ahead of any potential strike, though it does not confirm immediate plans. The releases underscore how commercial satellites are increasingly used to track military activity and inform public debate during high-stakes crises.

$329 Sandmarc 10x tele lens tested against the iPhone 17 Pro camera

February 28, 2026, 6:38 AM EST. Peter Wolinski, senior editor at Tom’s Guide, compares a $329 Sandmarc tele lens with the iPhone 17 Pro. The 10x magnification equates to about 200mm on full frame, though the iPhone’s built-in lens can digitally reach 10x. The Sandmarc lens is not sharp; adding glass in front of the phone’s calibrated optics degrades overall clarity. Still, the piece notes a use case: lenses can add capabilities the iPhone can’t deliver, especially for character and style. Anamorphic and macro options are highlighted for different effects-soft cinematic flares or close-ups-supported by shots taken with Sandmarc and Moment macro lenses. The author asks whether the extra spend is worth it, depending on the intended use.

Lenovo Tab Plus Gen 2 leaks with circular JBL speaker array ahead of MWC 2026

February 28, 2026, 6:32 AM EST. Lenovo’s upcoming tablet, referred to by reports as the Tab Plus Gen 2, features a circular rear module housing a JBL 9-unit PRO speaker system with passive radiators for bass. The device includes a built-in stand for portrait or landscape use and is said to support an active stylus. Liliputing notes that Tab Plus Gen 2 may not be the final name. The device appeared on iF Design, where the ThinkPad Rollable XD was previously listed as MaxArt; the timing suggests a reveal at MWC 2026 in Barcelona next week, per iF Design via Liliputing.

Nvidia’s Huang signals AI inflection point as agentic AI emerges

February 28, 2026, 6:28 AM EST. Nvidia remains the dominant force in AI hardware, driven by its GPUs and a growing ecosystem that spans networking and enterprise software. The company posted a quarter with record revenue and kept a bullish full-year outlook. It now guides to about $78 billion in revenue, up about 77% from the year-ago period. Chief Executive Jensen Huang says the industry reached an inflection point around six months ago, with the emergence of agentic AI that can solve real problems rather than just train models. The remarks imply sustained demand for GPUs and related software as AI shifts from training to real-world applications. Investors will watch how growth evolves as AI usage widens.

AI disruption brings mixed signals for software stocks

February 28, 2026, 6:24 AM EST. AI disruption is delivering mixed messages. Software stocks have stabilized after panic as investors shift from existential fear to cautious optimism about partnerships with AI. Updates from labs such as Anthropic have cooled some fears, while expectations for Claude are tempered by data and integration challenges. Deutsche Bank analysts say AI sits atop existing software needs, not displacing incumbents, with Claude’s usefulness tied to the data it can access. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang says models will enhance, not replace, current tools. Some see soft narratives as marketing or Trojan horses. The takeaway: AI could augment software ecosystems, but the path remains uncertain, and investors are weighing how much disruption to expect and when.

Weekend Florida rocket launch: SpaceX’s Falcon 9 to lift 29 Starlink satellites

February 28, 2026, 6:22 AM EST. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is set to lift off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Sunday night, carrying 29 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit. The launch window is 7:07 p.m. to 11:07 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 1, from Launch Complex 40. The northeast trajectory should offer viewing from much of the Space Coast, weather permitting, with potential sightings as far north as Jacksonville Beach and as far south as West Palm Beach. Best views are along beaches in Brevard County; observers are urged to avoid blocking traffic or rights of way and to follow posted rules. Live coverage begins about 90 minutes before liftoff via the USA TODAY Network’s Space Team and Florida Today’s space desk.

Husband’s use of ChatGPT for sustainable housing spirals into obsession

February 28, 2026, 6:10 AM EST. A husband set out to use ChatGPT to design a plan for sustainable housing. The project quickly moved beyond a hobby, pulling him deeper into iterative prompts, model outputs and design cycles. Family members reported that the tool’s feedback loops interrupted daily life, sleep, and work. His experience highlights potential downsides of AI-assisted design when human oversight fades. Experts caution that AI can amplify focus on a single project unless complemented by clear boundaries and professional guidance.

Apple’s AI Wearables and Product Week Could Reshape Long-Term Growth

February 28, 2026, 5:54 AM EST. Apple is reportedly accelerating work on AI-integrated wearables – smart glasses, camera-equipped AirPods and an AI pendant – with launches eyed for 2026. CEO Tim Cook has flagged an upcoming product week featuring a low-cost MacBook, new iPads, and a possible foldable iPhone, plus an entry-level iPhone 17E. The push into AI hardware and broader hardware refresh could broaden Apple’s reach beyond core devices. For investors, the message is that AI-enabled wearables and accessories remain a small slice of revenue, but they could become growth accelerants alongside iPhone and Services. A budget-friendly lineup and new form factors aim to widen the addressable market. Risks include on-device AI and Siri upgrades not delivering, even as rivals push their own AI hardware.

Block reshapes workforce as AI rollout drives 4,000 layoffs

February 28, 2026, 5:36 AM EST. Block plans to cut more than 4,000 jobs, about 40% of its workforce, tying the move to efficiency gains from its AI rollout. CEO Jack Dorsey said smaller, flatter teams enable a new way to build and run the company. The layoffs followed a quarterly report that sparked a stock rally, but analysts warned the long-term impact of AI-driven productivity remains uncertain (Morningstar). Among those cut is Debbie O’Brien, a senior staff developer relations engineer in Applied AI who joined weeks earlier to help teams adopt AI workflows around the Model Context Protocol. She described a chaotic notice process and the moment she saw the termination via DocuSign after an all-night wait. The case illustrates how quickly roles shift in a fast-changing tech economy, even on the cutting edge of AI tools.

BMW leaks reveal 2027 lineup including M2 xDrive, M350 xDrive and iX4

February 28, 2026, 5:30 AM EST. BMW USA’s online shop inadvertently disclosed the 2027 model-year lineup, signaling a broader Neue Klasse push beyond the previously announced cars. The leak lists the entire US portfolio from 2 Series to 7 Series, including the long-rumored M2 xDrive-the first M2 with all-wheel drive, likely offered with automatic transmission while the rear-drive, manual version remains. The 2027 M350 xDrive appears in the 3 Series lineup, hinting at a next-generation sedan. The two fully electric models-i3 40 xDrive and i3 50 xDrive-are shown, tied to a forthcoming iX3-based family. The iX4 is expected as a fully electric X4, and the M2 xDrive and M350 xDrive carry premium and weight penalties for xDrive. BMW has pledged roughly 40 models by year-end as it advances the Neue Klasse.

Critics Question Environmental Gains of AI-Driven Precision Agriculture

February 28, 2026, 5:24 AM EST. Precision agriculture and AI have turned farming into a data-driven enterprise. The global digital farming market was worth nearly $30 billion in 2025 and is projected to exceed $84 billion by 2033. Proponents say tighter field targeting conserves resources, cuts pesticides and reduces fertilizer use and greenhouse-gas emissions. Critics, however, warn this tech deepens farm consolidation, marginalizes smallholders and expands pollution by other means. They point to a growing alliance between Big Tech and Big Ag firms, providing cloud platforms and AI tools across the supply chain. Some lawmakers are tying funding to such partnerships in the Farm Bill draft, raising concerns about policy entrenchment. Advocates like Celize Christy argue precision agriculture is not a universal silver bullet for sustainability, and evidence of real climatic benefits remains contested.

AI Could Help Make Work More Flexible And Productive

February 28, 2026, 5:22 AM EST. AI could help people concentrate on higher-value tasks by handling repetitive work and freeing time for creative problem solving. In Do More In Four, Joe O’Connor and Jared Lindzon argue that the most productive economies come from optimizing hours, not merely extending them, and that a five-wait, sorry, a four-day week could boost performance and balance. The authors urge organizations to reimagine work in light of ongoing tech advances and pandemic experiences, rather than cling to factory-era norms. Proponents point to pilots testing shorter weeks; skeptics warn of job losses amid tighter labor markets. Owl Labs’ Frank Weishaupt notes that hybrid work hinges on connectivity, with distance less of a constraint when teams can meet virtually. The discussion frames AI as a tool to widen options, not replace human work.

SpaceX targets Sunday night Starlink launch from Cape Canaveral; ZIPAIR ties Starlink to flights

February 28, 2026, 5:20 AM EST. SpaceX plans a Falcon 9 liftoff from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on March 1, adding the Starlink 10-41 satellites. The window runs 7:07 p.m. to 11:07 p.m. Eastern, with a northeast trajectory and no expected sonic booms in Central Florida. FLORIDA TODAY will host a Space Team live blog roughly 90 minutes before liftoff. Forecast calls for mild 61-degree weather, partly cloudy skies and a 20% chance of showers. Separately, ZIPAIR completed Asia’s first nonstop Tokyo-Orlando flight and later operated a Starlink-equipped leg to Incheon; Starlink installations on its Boeing 787s are expected by spring. A second Starlink mission is planned for March 4, 1:58 a.m.-5:58 a.m., from Cape Canaveral with 29 satellites.

Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 Green Edition debuts with enhanced golf features

February 28, 2026, 4:54 AM EST. Huawei said on Tuesday it expanded its Watch Ultimate 2 lineup with a Green Color Edition for global wearables. The model blends white and green ceramic bezels with a vegan leather strap, built around a nano-technology chassis and an octagonal case. The company has enhanced Golf Mode, adding more than 17,000 courses, dynamic three-dimensional HD golf course maps, and a Plays Like feature to tailor distance measurements and offer data-driven tips. Green Views lets users adjust the flagstick and auto-rotate with position; an on-screen scorecard on the bezel records every shot. Specs cover 47.8 x 47.8 x 12.9 mm, 80.5 g, wrist size 140-210 mm, with zirconium-based liquid metal and nanocrystalline ceramic rear. Price is €899, with four-month installments of €224.75.

Tesla Robotaxi Hype vs Reality: No Permits, Minimal Revenue, Regulatory Fight

February 28, 2026, 4:52 AM EST. Tesla says it has more than 500 robotaxi vehicles, but it has no commercial permits in major U.S. markets and has disclosed no material revenue or miles logged from autonomous rides. Regulators are in a legal dispute as Tesla sues to speed approvals. On the Q4 2025 call, Elon Musk touted fleet growth while CFO Vaibhav Taneja said revenue and cost per mile metrics aren’t meaningful yet. Tesla notes FSD approvals are pending in China and Europe. Expansion to Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, Miami, Orlando, Tampa and Las Vegas depends on permits. The stock trades ~385x P/E, with net income down 47% to $3.79B as automotive revenue declined. Morgan Stanley trimmed its stake while boosting its Rivian position; Reddit sentiment remains bearish.

Skeptic: MizarVision imagery of US assets near Iran likely from US/European satellites, not China

February 28, 2026, 4:38 AM EST. Satellite imagery publisher MizarVision released photographs of U.S. military assets near Iran, prompting questions about origin. Posts circulated on Weibo and drew attention from Israel and Western observers. Hu Bo, director of the SCSPI at Peking University, told Reuters the images most likely derive from U.S. and European satellites, not Chinese ones, citing the satellite ephemeris data. The claim is echoed by SCSPI’s public notes, while some observers cite the South China Morning Post and other analysts who argue the images may signal broader Chinese intelligence discourse. Still, SCSPI says the evidence points away from Chinese sources, noting a satellite image can reveal more than what is visible on the ground.

Galaxy S26 Series Unveiled: Samsung’s Most Intuitive AI Phone Yet

February 28, 2026, 4:36 AM EST. Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S26 series on Feb 25 at Galaxy Unpacked 2026 in San Francisco, the third generation of Galaxy AI phones. The lineup pairs top-tier performance with what Samsung calls the most intuitive AI experience to date. Design is sleeker and lighter; the Galaxy S26 Ultra is 0.3 mm thinner and weighs 214 grams, with a cohesive look across the family. A new Privacy Display on the Ultra limits side-angle viewing without extra screen protectors. Now Nudge surfaces contextually relevant information to reduce app switching, while Circle to Search with Google now supports multi-element searches. The ecosystem extends to Bixby, Gemini and Perplexity, enabling natural-language control and proactive help-e.g., an Eye comfort shield suggestion when fatigue is detected.

Samsung drops blade lights on Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, embraces brushed-metal stems

February 28, 2026, 4:22 AM EST. Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro on Feb. 25 with a refined design that preserves the stem form but omits the blade lights that defined the 3 Pro. The new buds use a brushed metal finish on the stems, a more understated look aimed at comfort. In a company statement, Samsung said the Buds 4 series were designed for “the most comfortable Buds to date,” noting a redesigned touch area and premium feel, with the blade approach refined rather than retained. Critics had hoped for customization options, including RGB lighting. Samsung indicated there is no intent to bring back blade lights soon. Still, the Buds 4 Pro tout improved sound quality and a premium aesthetic that the brand says aligns with consumer priorities.

Pokémon Go Tour: Kalos-habitats, spawns and bonuses

February 28, 2026, 4:20 AM EST. Niantic’s Pokémon Go Tour: Kalos runs globally on February 28 and March 1, from 10:00 to 18:00 local time. The event spotlights the Kalos region and introduces Super Mega Raids, debuting Mega Malamar, Mega Victreebell, and Mega Dragonite. All players receive bonuses regardless of ticket status: CP boosts for Mega-Evolved Pokémon, halved egg hatch distance, up to six Special Trades per day, and halved Stardust costs for trades. Flabébé appears more often on routes, though colors stay region-locked. The schedule also outlines rotating habitats and the Mega Raid timetable for Kalos. Ticket holders gain extra rewards and access to exclusive content tied to the event’s habitats.

Baillie Gifford bets on Rocket Lab as ‘mini-SpaceX’ expands space economy

February 28, 2026, 4:18 AM EST. Baillie Gifford, Scottish Mortgage’s manager, trimmed Tesla but piled into Rocket Lab, per a US 13F filing. The stock, dubbed a ’mini-SpaceX’, attracted about $400 million of new buying in Q4, a 47.2% portfolio rise. Rocket Lab designs and launches rockets, builds satellites and lunar craft, aiming to be the infrastructure of the space economy. It carries a $37 billion market cap and has surged since a roughly $4 entry two years ago, about 1,500% gains. In 2025, Electron flew 21 missions, revenue rose 38% to $602 million, and backlog reached $1.85 billion. A $816 million Space Development Agency contract backs 18 defence satellites; ESCAPADE toward Mars followed. The stock is high-risk and not cheap, but a five-year horizon may justify accumulation on dips; 2026 revenue $1.3 billion, P/S around 42 (to ~29 in 2027). McKinsey sees the space economy at $1.8 trillion by 2035.

Amazfit launches Active 3 Premium as affordable runner-focused Apple Watch rival

February 28, 2026, 4:04 AM EST. New Amazfit Active 3 Premium launches as an affordable runner-focused smartwatch, successor to the Active 2. Priced at $169.99 / £169.90 (AU price TBC), it keeps a 1.32-inch AMOLED display with sapphire glass and 3,000 nits peak brightness. The 45mm steel-framed watch adds a four-button layout, and promises up to 12 days of typical use. Onboard sensors track heart rate, blood oxygen levels (SpO2), stress, and sleep; a microphone and speaker enable calls via a connected phone, plus the Zepp Flow assistant. Amazfit positions it as one of the best cheap wearables, offering structured running programs, GPS with turn-by-turn navigation and offline maps, NFC payments, and upcoming podcast playback. The running program guidance targets beginners and helps build progress. Color options: Apex Silver, Atlas Blue, Aero White. Availability now.

AI-powered Virtual Nursing and Securities Suits Could Reframe Ardent Health Investment Case (ARDT)

February 28, 2026, 4:02 AM EST. Ardent Health’s February 2026 deal to deploy hellocare.ai’s AI-assisted virtual nursing, telehealth and patient safety across more than 2,000 inpatient rooms signals a technology-led push to tighten margins. Yet the rollout coincides with multiple securities class actions alleging misstatements around receivables and professional liability coverage, placing reporting practices and risk controls under investor scrutiny. In the near term, execution of cost and technology initiatives-anchored by the AI platform-could be a catalyst for earnings, but persistent payer and labor pressures temper certainty. If the platform standardizes workflows and eases bedside workload, it could lift margins; if lawsuits drive restatements or higher insurance costs, the upside may shrink. Analysts project mixed views on revenue, earnings and fair value.

PS5 Pro Upscaler Could Make It the Console It Should Have Been at Launch

February 28, 2026, 3:40 AM EST. Sony’s PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) upscaler is set to roll out globally to PS5 Pro owners, aiming to lift image quality without new hardware. The process renders frames at a lower resolution and upscales them for crisper visuals. Mark Cerny said the update would come in the coming weeks. In March, Sony should enable the feature for multiple existing games via a toggle labeled Enhance PSSR Image Quality in System Settings for PS5 Pro titles. That could include titles like Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Battlefield 6, and upcoming 007: First Light. The effort traces to Sony and AMD’s work on FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) Redstone, tied to RDNA 2-era PS5 hardware, with later variants extending to newer GPUs; modders ported it to RDNA 3.

Galaxy Buds 4 UHQ audio limited to select Samsung devices and streaming services

February 28, 2026, 3:38 AM EST. Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro offer UHQ audio and 24-bit Hi-Fi playback, but only when paired with a specific lineup of devices. Samsung says the feature uses its SSC codec to deliver 24-bit/96kHz audio, plus 360-degree audio and direct multi-channel audio. Full UHQ support is limited to Galaxy devices running One UI 6.1.1 or above, including Galaxy S23/S24/S25/S26, Galaxy Z Fold 5/6/7, Galaxy Z Flip 5/6/7, Galaxy Z TriFold, and Galaxy Tab S9 series. Additional devices may be added later. In addition, the audio source matters: streaming from Spotify or YouTube won’t deliver UHQ; you need higher-quality services such as Tidal or Amazon Music Unlimited.

Apple Watch SE 3 vs Series 11: best value revealed in a tight showdown

February 28, 2026, 3:36 AM EST. We compare the Apple Watch SE 3 and Series 11 to measure value. The SE 3 packs the S10 chip, longer battery life, and an always-on display at a lower price, matching many Series 11 features. The Series 11 adds 5G cellular on the model, a brighter screen, and a broader health-tool set, but at a higher cost. Our verdict: the SE 3 is the best value for most buyers, delivering strong performance and essential health features without a premium. The Series 11 remains appealing for users who want 5G and premium options, but the margin is slim. Shoppers should consider whether 5G or the pricier variants tilt the balance.

The week AI changed everything: markets swing as Anthropic, Nvidia and Block dominate headlines

February 28, 2026, 3:34 AM EST. The week where AI finally felt like a market-moving force. The Dow sank more than 800 points on Monday after a Substack post laid out fiction about AI replacing white-collar work. Stocks in names like DoorDash and American Express fell on the same day. Nvidia delivered strong results but offered a cautious outlook, leaving investors worried that AI infrastructure bets may not translate into quick gains. Anthropic rolled out updates to its Claude suite, including Claude Cowork working in Excel and PowerPoint, and argued the tools are complementary not a replacement. It also tussled with the Pentagon over ‘red lines’ while loosening safety rules. Meanwhile Block cut about 4,000 jobs as AI-driven efficiency pressures spread. The week showed how AI news can unsettle markets, even when headlines are mixed.

AI therapist-supervisor personas could sharpen clinical judgment and training

February 28, 2026, 3:30 AM EST. AI personas that imitate therapist-supervisors could sharpen clinicians’ judgment and speed training for therapists and researchers. By prompting an AI to assume a typical supervisor stance, a therapist can practice with AI-based clients and receive proactive guidance during sessions. Researchers can test mental-health methodologies and gather data on efficacy. The field draws on generative AI and large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT and Claude. While proponents cite educational value and scalable supervision, critics warn of risks and gotchas, including overreliance, ethical concerns, and data privacy. The piece situates the trend within ongoing Forbes AI coverage and cites public dialogue, including a CBS 60 Minutes appearance. Experts caution that safety, transparency, and clear boundaries remain essential as AI personas mature.

Block cuts 40% of staff as it doubles down on AI tools and bitcoin bets

February 28, 2026, 3:18 AM EST. Block said it will cut about 40% of its workforce as it pivots toward artificial-intelligence tools, despite CEO Jack Dorsey calling 2025 performance strong. The layoff underscores anxiety over AI-driven job displacement as investors sift through incoming data on the US labor market, while major firms including Amazon, UPS, Dow, Nike and Home Depot have announced roughly 52,000 cuts. Block, owner of Square, has bet on bitcoin, a stance that contributed to a quarterly loss as the token slid about 23% year-to-date. The company posted roughly $6.3 billion in revenue and 19 cents a share after a $234 million bitcoin impairment. Stripe meanwhile cited gains in stablecoin volumes.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra shifts to Armor Aluminium with major internal upgrades

February 28, 2026, 3:02 AM EST. Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra shifts from titanium to Armor Aluminium for its frame, trimming thickness to 7.9mm and weighing 214g without changing silhouette. The Ultra keeps its S Pen and Gorilla Armor 2 protection while offering five finishes. Internally, Samsung splits its chip strategy: the S26 and S26 Plus run 2nm Exynos 2600, delivering claimed gains in neural, graphics and CPU performance; the Ultra adopts the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy. RAM rises to 12GB, with 1TB Ultra variant stepping to 16GB. The Ultra also leads in display size (6.9-inch) and cameras (200MP main, 50MP telephoto), while cooling, 60W wired charging capable of reaching 75% in around 30 minutes and 8K video are optimized for the flagship. Galaxy AI introduces Now Nudge and Circle to Search, and Samsung touts a world’s first pixel-level privacy display.

Anthropic CEO warns of AI ‘tsunami’ on horizon

February 28, 2026, 3:00 AM EST. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei warned of an AI tsunami nearing human-level intelligence, telling Nikhil Kamath on the WTF Is podcast that society has not grasped what’s coming. He likened the moment to a tsunami on the horizon, insisting the risk is real. The remarks echo warnings from other tech leaders about job disruption as AI advances toward artificial general intelligence (AGI) and the broader notion of superintelligence. Separately, Anthropic’s Claude Cowork AI release sparked a broad stock selloff, wiping out hundreds of billions in market value. The firm also scrapped a central safety pledge amid Pentagon pressure to loosen usage controls, threatening its roughly $200 million defense contract. Critics question whether the company can stay true to its safety commitments while pursuing speed and access.

Apple Studio Display may get two models with higher-end features, leaks suggest

February 28, 2026, 2:46 AM EST. Apple is developing two Studio Display models, with a launch possibly as soon as next week, according to leaks. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has long indicated two displays are in active development. At least one model is rumored to include 120Hz ProMotion, HDR and an A19 chip. 9to5Mac notes a larger speaker module on the higher-end option, implying bigger speakers and a larger panel. Macworld’s Filipe Espósito adds the higher-end unit could support more I/O controllers, suggesting expanded ports. The second display might differ in features rather than size, with speculation of a 90Hz option for the cheaper model. Apple watchers await next week’s announcements to confirm specs and pricing.

Galaxy S26 Ultra arrives early for EU customer as pre-orders roll out

February 28, 2026, 2:44 AM EST. Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra, alongside the S26 and S26 Plus, opened pre-orders after the Galaxy Unpacked event. Some shipments arrive earlier than official dates, depending on region. A Reddit user, @u/Boris499, said they received their Galaxy S26 Ultra ahead of Samsung’s March 6 delivery window, with retail shelves set for March 11. The purchaser bought the device directly from Deutsche Telekom, a major vendor in Europe. Early deliveries don’t always come with full software support; Samsung typically issues patches before store launches, so early units may carry final patches or carrier configurations. If you pre-ordered and haven’t seen tracking move, check the status – some people are already on the way. In the US, Samsung runs a Mystery Box promotion for pre-orders, including a 65W GaN charger and other gifts.

The Internet’s Nihilism Crisis tests moderation and platform power

February 28, 2026, 2:40 AM EST. Rising online nihilism tracks with looser moderation and the spread of AI-assisted content. The article cites examples on X where government and extremist figures post provocative material, and where accounts linked to white-supremacist figures surface in streams. Researchers such as Aidan Walker describe the phenomenon as nihilism by default, where the self and the social-media machine vie for attention and profit. As platforms loosen rules and AI tools enable new forms of trolling, toxic memes and explicit cruelty permeate political memes, entertainment, and daily chatter. The trend points to a broader shift in how people communicate online, with a post-ironically fatalistic tone becoming more mainstream.

Tag Heuer unveils F1-branded Calibre E5 smartwatch with race-focused features

February 28, 2026, 2:38 AM EST. Tag Heuer expands its Calibre E5 lineup with a Formula One edition built on the 45mm Titanium Connected model. The case uses Grade 2 Titanium with a DLC coating, and the bezel marks stages of a race weekend from practice to the start. Two straps are included: a black leather option with a carbon-like edge and a comfort-oriented textile strap. Software is Tag Heuer OS tailored for F1, including race-inspired icons, pit-crew-style alerts, and a Race Track watch face that maps the circuit as the season progresses. An exclusive app, The Formula One, provides calendar, results and timings plus a smartwatch widget for quick access to standings.

Car makers revert to physical buttons as touchscreen fatigue grows

February 28, 2026, 2:36 AM EST. Automakers are rolling back from large touchscreens to physical controls amid growing usability concerns. A 2024 Hyundai survey found drivers feel stressed and annoyed when operating essential functions via digital menus, prompting Hyundai to commit to more physical knobs for frequently used features. The 2025 ADAC test of new cars gave an average operability score of 2.7, with some models at 4.0, underscoring a decades-long slide from 2.3 in 2019 to 2.6 in 2022. From January 2026, Euro NCAP will weigh usability in safety ratings, and cars relying solely on touchscreens for turn signals or wipers will be penalized. European automakers, including Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz, have begun reintroducing physical buttons; Mercedes replaced touch sliders on steering wheels with traditional switches.

Samsung Galaxy S26 vs Google Pixel 10: A near-even flagship duel

February 28, 2026, 2:32 AM EST. Samsung’s Galaxy S26 lineup packs cutting-edge hardware and bold new features. Google’s Pixel 10 counters with lower prices and smarter software. In early hands-on comparisons, the devices trade blows on display quality, camera versatility, and system speed. The Galaxy S26 leans toward raw performance and feature breadth; the Pixel 10 emphasizes software intelligence and value. Battery life and charging speed appear similar in daily use, with user priorities determining the winner. Pricing tilts toward the Pixel 10 for many buyers, narrowing the total cost of ownership gap. The showdown is a real nail-biter, underscoring how a premium experience can hinge on software philosophy.

Apple Deals of the Week: $100 Off Apple Watch Series 11, Up to 30% on iPhone 17 TechWoven Cases

February 28, 2026, 2:30 AM EST. MacRumors tracks a slate of Apple discounts this week. The Apple Watch Series 11 is $100 off at Amazon, available on select models. The iPhone 17 TechWoven Cases and other cases for iPhone 17/Pro/Max and iPhone Air are discounted by up to 30%. The AirPods 4 are $30 off and AirPods Max drop $100 to $449 on Amazon, with color variants all on sale. Samsung’s Galaxy S26 pre-orders launch with limited launch discounts and other deals on monitors and The Frame TVs. Portable power stations from Anker and Jackery show sizable cuts, up to 56%. MacRumors notes affiliate links. This roundup recaps deals available today as part of a weekly aggregation.

PS5 Pro to get March upgrade with PSSR upscaling; Resident Evil Requiem among first titles

February 28, 2026, 2:28 AM EST. The PS5 Pro will gain a new version of Sony’s PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution) upscaling in a March software update, according to Mark Cerny. The AI-based upscaling analyzes images pixel by pixel, letting games run at a lower base resolution while preserving visual fidelity. The upgraded PSSR uses a different neural network and algorithm, helping keep both framerate and image quality high when enabled. Resident Evil Requiem is among the first games to ship with the tech, and Capcom notes hair and lighting details improved via enhanced RE Engine. Sony and AMD’s joint Project Amethyst collaboration helps bring FSR 4-like improvements to PS5 Pro. The update is toggleable in Settings; multiple PS5 games slated for updates around the same time.

Anthropic CEO calls Pentagon action retaliatory, punitive

February 28, 2026, 1:56 AM EST. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei described the Pentagon’s designation of the company as a supply-chain risk as “retaliatory and punitive” in an exclusive CBS News interview. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had earlier labeled Anthropic a national-security risk, barring military contractors from doing business with the firm. The dispute centers on guardrails for Claude, the company’s AI model, and its demand for limits on military use. Amodei said the move is unprecedented and stressed the firm seeks red lines to protect American values; he called disagreement with the government an American trait. President Trump’s social-media post ordered a halt to federal use of Anthropic tech, with some agencies given six months to phase it out. In July 2025, the Pentagon awarded Anthropic a $200 million contract for AI capabilities.

5 Best Gadgets Gen Z Uses to Touch Grass Instead of Doom-Scrolling

February 28, 2026, 1:46 AM EST. Five gadgets aim to pull Gen Z away from doom-scrolling by offering single-purpose devices that reward tactile engagement. In a landscape where screens dominate, these objects resist attention-grabbing features and prioritize physical interaction. The concept Camera (1) imagines shooting as a hands-on ritual: pocket-sized, metal, with all the main controls on one edge-shutter, a circular glyph display-mode dial, and a thumb-reachable D-pad-plus a curved light strip that signals focus and recording. It follows Nothing’s hardware-forward language, with a bead-blasted shell and subtle red accents. The device emphasizes twisting to frame and a satisfying shutter click, with no rear display to tempt scrolling. The Portable CD Cover Player centers album art as the listening experience, featuring a front-loading CD, built-in speaker, rechargeable battery, and a wall-mount option to display the art between sessions.

Path tracing converts skeptic as Nvidia DLSS 4 heightens fear in Resident Evil Requiem

February 28, 2026, 1:44 AM EST. An avid skeptic of path tracing becomes a convert after testing Resident Evil Requiem on Nvidia hardware. The reviewer notes path tracing delivers a generational leap: direct and indirect light bounce realistically, sharpening reflections, shadows and atmosphere, and boosting immersion and fear. DLSS 4 is required to enable the feature, with Nvidia’s Ray Reconstruction AI further sharpening the image in real time. The piece contrasts older rasterization and basic ray tracing, noting path tracing handles multiple light bounces more comprehensively. Testing used two rigs: a custom build with an RTX 5080 at 4K and an RDY Element 9 Pro R07 with RTX 5060 Ti at 1440p, both maxed with path tracing on. The reviewer measures frametimes and latency, cautioning that frame generation can smooth visuals but alter perceived responsiveness.

OpenAI Reaches Deal To Deploy AI Models On U.S. Department Of Defense Classified Network

February 28, 2026, 1:42 AM EST. OpenAI said on Friday it has reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense to deploy its AI models on the department’s classified cloud networks. Sam Altman, the company’s chief executive, announced the deal in a post on X, saying the interaction with the DoD showed a shared commitment to safety and productive partnership. The announcement follows broad debate about AI’s impact on society; Senator Bernie Sanders warned the public remains unprepared for the technology’s potential. Officials emphasized safeguards and oversight for sensitive military applications. The arrangement signals growing collaboration between defense agencies and civilian AI developers, amid questions about ethics, security, and access to classified data.

Rocket Lab to launch HASTE hypersonic test rocket from Wallops on Wednesday

February 28, 2026, 1:28 AM EST. Rocket Lab plans to launch its HASTE hypersonic test vehicle from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility on Wednesday afternoon. The window runs from about 3 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Eastern, from Launch Complex 2. The mission, dubbed ‘That’s Not A Knife,’ uses the HASTE booster, a modified Electron launcher. On board is DART AE, a 660-pound experimental craft built by Hypersonix; the 10-foot vehicle is powered by a 3D-printed hydrogen-fueled scramjet. After reaching hypersonic speeds, DART AE will separate and test maneuvering, acceleration, and engine performance over up to 620 miles. HASTE stands about 60 feet tall and can carry up to 1500 pounds on suborbital flights. This is the rocket’s first mission of 2026 and its seventh overall.

Nvidia’s Vera Rubin promises 10x efficiency per watt, ships H2 2026

February 28, 2026, 1:26 AM EST. CNBC previews Vera Rubin, Nvidia’s next AI system due to ship in H2 2026. Nvidia says Vera Rubin will consume about twice the power of Grace Blackwell but deliver 10x the performance per watt, addressing AI energy challenges. The system comprises about 1.3 million components, including 72 Rubin GPUs and 36 Vera CPUs, sourced from more than 80 suppliers across 20 countries. The project faces a global memory shortage and rising costs, challenging the supply chain. Nvidia remains dominant in AI silicon but faces competition from AMD, Broadcom, and Google’s tensor processors. Vera Rubin is slated for the second half of 2026, following Grace Blackwell’s 2024 production. Nvidia also aims to expand U.S. AI infrastructure manufacturing through 2029, including Blackwell GPUs at TSMC’s Arizona fabs.

Google’s Nano Banana 2 adds faster image generation to Gemini, with Nano Banana Pro still available

February 28, 2026, 1:12 AM EST. Google’s Nano Banana 2 is rolling out to all Gemini users, replacing Nano Banana Pro as the default for most image tasks. Officially named Gemini 3.1 Flash Image, the update fuses the original Nano Banana and Pro, delivering faster generation while keeping Pro available for higher-fidelity work. The model inherits Nano Banana Pro capabilities-real-time information like weather, legible text, subject consistency, and fine control over aspect ratio and resolution. Free users get 20 images/day; AI Plus offers 50; AI Pro 100; AI Ultra 1,000, though limits can change with demand. Outputs will bear SynthID tags to mark AI-made content. In practice, Nano Banana 2 replaces Nano Banana Pro in most Gemini surfaces, including Google Lens and AI Mode, while Pro remains for tasks requiring maximum factual accuracy.

SpaceX Falcon 9 reentry leaves 30 kilograms of lithium in upper atmosphere, study finds

February 28, 2026, 1:10 AM EST. A LiDAR study traced a 30-kilogram lithium plume from SpaceX’s February 20, 2025 Falcon 9 reentry, far exceeding typical daily deposition. German researchers monitored the event and say it could disturb atmospheric aerosols that help moderate climate. Published in Communications Earth & Environment, the work highlights how spaceflight debris may affect the 80-120 kilometer layer-too high for balloons, too low for satellites. Robin Wing of the Leibniz Institute notes the finding signals a new line of inquiry about lithium, aluminium oxides and their interactions with the ozone. The study adds to growing concerns that rising space traffic will alter upper-atmosphere chemistry, with implications for climate processes and ozone-layer dynamics.

Amazon weekend deals cut prices on Shark vacuum, tire inflator and more

February 28, 2026, 1:08 AM EST. Amazon’s weekend sale spans home, tech and style, delivering steep discounts across coveted gear. A cordless Shark vacuum is listed at $200, down from $350, while a five-outlet surge protector goes for $10. A portable tire inflator is cut by about 91% from its $199 price. Other highlights include a 160-piece first aid kit for $18 and a compact Keurig K-Mini for space-saving mornings. A stainless-steel grooming kit drops to $8, and a Westinghouse power washer is listed at its original $399 price. Deals are framed as weekend promos, with prices changing as stock moves. Check Amazon’s listings for the latest, as spring cleaning and outdoor upgrades heat up.

Amazon Renewed 1TB iPhone 16 Pro Max at $949, $320 below Apple Refurbished price

February 28, 2026, 12:56 AM EST. Amazon is selling a 1TB iPhone 16 Pro Max via its Premium Renewed program for $949, shipped. The same model launched at $1,599, and Apple’s official Refurbished Store lists a 1TB 16 Pro Max at $1,269, about $320 more than Amazon. Buyers get an unlocked unit with a battery at least 80% of new, inspected and tested by Amazon-qualified suppliers, and a 365-day refund/replacement window. The product may arrive in generic packaging and lacks original accessories, and is not Apple certified. Direct from Apple remains the most reliable source, but the Amazon Renewed option offers a price-advantaged path for those seeking big storage at lower upfront cost.

Anthropic CEO draws red lines for AI military use, cites American values

February 28, 2026, 12:54 AM EST. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei told CBS News in an exclusive interview that the company would draw red lines on how governments can use its artificial intelligence (AI) technology. He said crossing those lines would be contrary to American values and that the company wants to stand up for those values. Amodei added that disagreeing with the government is the most American thing in the world. The remarks outline a policy stance as AI developers weigh military use and government access to advanced systems.

OpenAI wins Pentagon access after Anthropic dispute over surveillance and autonomous weapons

February 28, 2026, 12:52 AM EST. OpenAI has agreed to deploy its AI models on the Defense Department’s classified network, after rivals at Anthropic faced a high-stakes split over surveillance and autonomous Weapons concerns. CEO Sam Altman said the agreement reflects OpenAI’s principles against domestic mass surveillance and the human responsibility for force, and that safeguards were built into the deployment. OpenAI did not say whether the deal replaces Anthropic’s work. The Pentagon had earlier declared Anthropic a supply-chain risk and set a six-month window to shift providers, a move Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth framed as protecting warfighters from tech-driven risk. Anthropic maintains its products must not enable mass surveillance or fully autonomous strikes. The episode widens frictions between the administration and Anthropic as OpenAI presses forward with government work.

Block stock jumps on AI-driven workforce overhaul

February 28, 2026, 12:42 AM EST. Block shares jumped more than 16% after the fintech group said it would nearly halve its workforce as part of an AI-driven overhaul. The move underscores how AI adoption is reshaping payrolls and profits. CEO Jack Dorsey has warned many companies are late to realize AI’s potential. Analysts note the plan could lift margins even as near-term risks remain. Block guided for a 2026 adjusted operating margin of about 26%, up from 20% in 2025. The workforce climbed from roughly 3,800 in 2019 to over 10,000 in 2025. JPMorgan notes the reduction brings headcount back toward pandemic-era levels and improves gross profit per employee compared with peers such as Visa. Goldman Sachs economists say AI contributed to a 5,000-10,000 hit to monthly job growth in exposed industries in 2025.

Save $400 on Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra with a $200 Amazon gift card

February 28, 2026, 12:40 AM EST. Mashable reports that the brand-new Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra with 512GB is priced at $1,299.99 as of Feb. 27, 2026, and includes a $200 Amazon gift card. The bundle yields $400 in total value: $200 off the list price plus the free gift card. The phone has only been available for two days, and pricing and availability can change after publication. The offer is presented via affiliate links and may be limited by stock. Consumers should verify terms at checkout.

Rigetti Computing: Five-year outlook mixes breakthroughs with dilution risk

February 28, 2026, 12:38 AM EST. Rigetti Computing’s stock has collapsed from above $58 to about $17 as investors question its sky-high valuation. Delays to Cepheus-1-108Q and a setback in a key government program underline execution risk. Proponents cite Nvidia partnerships and other government ties as signs of momentum, but turning potential into revenue remains the hurdle. The company sits on more than $450 million in cash, a runway of roughly five years at current burn, yet rising expenses and a likely need for new capital could dilute shareholders. The most likely five-year path sees ongoing breakthroughs but commercial quantum computing still around the corner, with revenue growth limited and competition from Alphabet, IBM, and Microsoft looming. The author notes substantial uncertainty about timing.

Motorola Edge 70 Fusion Plus rumored with 1.5K curved display and upgraded cameras

February 28, 2026, 12:36 AM EST. Motorola is tipped to launch a Plus variant of the Edge 70 Fusion ahead of an expected March 2 reveal. Leaked renders from YTECHB show four colors – Pantone Blue Surf, Orient Blue, Sporting Green and Silhouette – with a nylon-/linen-inspired back and a 6.78-inch display. The Edge 70 Fusion Plus reportedly switches to a 1.5K quad-curved AMOLED panel at 144 Hz while mirroring the base model’s look. Camera upgrades are the standout: the selfie sensor rises from 32 MP to 50 MP and the ultrawide from 13 MP to 50 MP; the main remains 50 MP. Other specs align with the base: Snapdragon 7s Gen 4, 8/12 GB RAM, 128/256 GB storage, a 7,000 mAh battery and up to 68 W charging. Competition grows as Google, Apple and Nothing prep mid-range devices.

Chinese scientists claim electrolyte could double lithium battery energy density, boosting EV range

February 28, 2026, 12:34 AM EST. Researchers from Nankai University and the Shanghai Institute of Space Power Sources say an electrolyte used in liquid lithium batteries boosted energy density to 700 Wh/kg in lab tests, roughly double the current 350 Wh/kg ceiling for common chemistries such as lithium iron phosphate and ternary lithium. The work, published in Nature, suggests electric vehicles (EVs) with today’s ranges around 500 km could exceed 1,000 km per charge without larger packs. CCTV and the researchers frame the finding as a practical step toward better cold-weather performance and longer trips, though real-world validation and safety testing remain. Industry experts caution that lab results often diverge from road conditions, and commercial adoption will hinge on scalable manufacturing and robust safety measures.

Galaxy S26 Ultra pre-order discounts stack with PAYPAL50; extra $50 off through March 10

February 28, 2026, 12:32 AM EST. Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra and siblings enter pre-orders with stacked savings. Buyers can grab an extra $50 off any model using the coupon code PAYPAL50 and paying with PayPal. The offer runs through March 10, with immediate $50 credit at checkout and stacking with trade-ins, student discounts, and other promos. For example, trading in an older device like the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra can cut the price markedly, while Samsung’s $90 student discount remains available to eligible college users. Links in coverage add a $30 credit at checkout for accessories or Samsung Care+. The hands-on feedback on the Galaxy S26 Ultra highlights a refined design and Samsung’s new Privacy Display. Deals end around launch on March 11.

Trump orders halt to Anthropic technology amid AI ethics dispute

February 28, 2026, 12:30 AM EST. President Donald Trump orders all federal agencies to cease using Anthropic technology amid a public clash over AI safety. The Pentagon and Anthropic failed to reach a deal before Friday’s deadline, with the department pressing for looser ethical guidelines. An hour before the deadline, Trump criticized Anthropic on Truth Social. OpenAI chief Sam Altman announced a Pentagon deal to supply AI to classified networks, with the same safety red lines-domestic mass surveillance ban and human oversight of force-including autonomous weapons-written into the agreement. After the deadline, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth designated Anthropic a national security supply-chain risk, barring contractors from doing business and delaying commercial activity. The GSA also cut contracts, though talks toward a broader settlement or alternative providers remain.

Block cuts about 40% of its workforce as Dorsey cites AI tools reshaping business

February 28, 2026, 12:28 AM EST. Block said it will cut about 40% of its workforce, trimming headcount from over 10,000 to just under 6,000, as CEO Jack Dorsey argues AI-driven intelligence tools have fundamentally changed how to build and run a company. He told investors on the earnings call that the change is broad and likely to affect peers within a year. The stock jumped more than 25% in after-hours trading and closed higher Friday after results that topped estimates. Block forecast a full-year outlook above consensus. Morgan Stanley lifted Block to overweight; Goldman Sachs raised its price target; Wells Fargo kept a buy rating. The company sees restructuring costs of $450-500 million, largely in Q1, with most cuts by mid-year. Dorsey warned that repeated rounds of cuts erode morale and trust.

OpenAI lands Pentagon deal on AI in military systems as Anthropic faces supply chain risk ban

February 28, 2026, 12:24 AM EST. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said the company struck a deal with the Pentagon to deploy its AI tools in the military’s classified systems, with guardrails similar to those Anthropic requested. The move comes the same day President Trump ordered federal agencies to stop using Anthropic’s AI tools, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth labeled the company a “supply chain risk” amid disputes over autonomous weapons and mass surveillance. Altman said the DoW agreed to prohibitions on domestic mass surveillance and on human responsibility for the use of force, and to deploy technical safeguards-part of the AI safety framework. He also said OpenAI would send forward deployed engineers to the Pentagon. Anthropic plans to legally challenge the designation; if upheld, it would require contractors to prove their military work does not touch Anthropic. CNN sought clarifications.

Pentagon designates Anthropic as supply chain risk amid AI dispute with DoD

February 28, 2026, 12:22 AM EST. Anthropic denounced a Pentagon move to designate the AI vendor as a Supply Chain Risk to National Security after weeks of talks over two carve-outs for Claude – mass domestic surveillance and fully autonomous weapons. The Pentagon, led by Secretary Pete Hegseth, said the designation targets DoD contracts and follows President Donald Trump’s order to phase out Anthropic tech within six months. Hegseth also told contractors and partners to end any commercial activity with Anthropic. Anthropic called the action legally unsound and warned it would set a dangerous precedent; it argues its model Claude should be used only for lawful activities and that the DoW’s stance would remove safeguards in an AI-first warfighting push. The company noted the designation under 10 USC 3252 applies only to DoD contracts, not to other customers.

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An app is making the rounds that turns the standard Android notification shade into a kind of productivity command center, shifting its role from simple alerts to a hub for tackling tasks.

February 28, 2026, 12:04 AM EST. According to one user, a single app can flip the Android notification tray into a full-blown productivity hub, bypassing the hassle of jumping between multiple apps. The trick? Customizable Quick Settings tiles—those shortcuts you hit right from the pull-down menu. Google’s latest Android tweaks have made rearranging these tiles more straightforward, especially on devices like the Pixel 10 Pro. The goal: preserve the existing UI while letting people reach tasks, tools, or messages in fewer taps. Developers now have options to create actionable tiles, and each platform update pushes notification workflow integration even further. Not everyone’s convinced, though. Critics point out that too many tiles risk clutter, and enabling them all raises privacy flags. Still, the movement toward more task control in notifications is unmistakable.

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