News 28 January 2026

Google’s $135 Million Android Data Settlement: Who Could Get Paid and What Changes Next
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Google’s $135 Million Android Data Settlement: Who Could Get Paid and What Changes Next

Google agreed to pay $135 million to settle claims it collected Android users’ cellular data without consent, according to a court filing Tuesday in San Jose. The deal requires judicial approval and would cap user payouts at $100 each. New rules would mandate explicit consent and easier data controls during Android setup. Plaintiffs’ lawyers may seek up to $39.8 million in fees.
January 28, 2026
Google Joins Redwood Materials’ $425 Million Round as AI Data Centers Chase Power
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Google Joins Redwood Materials’ $425 Million Round as AI Data Centers Chase Power

Redwood Materials closed a $425 million Series E funding round, adding Google as a new investor with a reported $75 million stake. The company’s valuation is estimated above $6 billion. Funds will accelerate energy storage and recycling operations as demand from AI data centers rises. Redwood claims to recycle over 70% of used battery packs in North America.
January 28, 2026
Snap creates “Specs Inc” to lure investors and take on Meta’s AI smart glasses
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Snap creates “Specs Inc” to lure investors and take on Meta’s AI smart glasses

Snap spun off Specs Inc as a wholly owned subsidiary focused on AR smart glasses, allowing for minority outside investment. Meta paused the international rollout of its Ray-Ban Display glasses, citing supply shortages and long waitlists. Google and Warby Parker plan to launch AI-powered glasses in 2026. IDC estimates Meta held 70% of the smart glasses market last year.
January 28, 2026
FDA hits pause on Regenxbio gene therapies after child’s brain tumor; stock slumps
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FDA hits pause on Regenxbio gene therapies after child’s brain tumor; stock slumps

The FDA placed clinical holds on Regenxbio’s RGX-111 and RGX-121 gene therapy trials after a brain tumor was found in a child who received RGX-111. Regenxbio shares dropped about 20% in morning trading. The company is investigating whether the tumor is linked to the treatment and has not yet received the FDA’s full clinical hold letter. No tumors have been reported in other trial participants.
January 28, 2026
Anduril dangles $500,000 and a job in a new AI drone race — and humans can’t touch the controls
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Anduril dangles $500,000 and a job in a new AI drone race — and humans can’t touch the controls

Anduril Industries launched the “AI Grand Prix,” an autonomous drone racing series with a $500,000 prize pool and a job offer for the winner. The contest begins with online qualifiers in April and ends with a final in Ohio in November 2026. Drones are supplied by Neros Technologies and the Drone Champions League runs the races. Eligibility rules require winners to meet work and security clearance conditions.
January 28, 2026
Italy’s cyber command braces for AI-powered attacks as Milano Cortina Winter Olympics near
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Italy’s cyber command braces for AI-powered attacks as Milano Cortina Winter Olympics near

Italy’s National Cybersecurity Agency will deploy 30 specialists to protect the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics from cyberattacks, as the Games open Feb. 6 across multiple Alpine regions. Officials expect threats from both criminals and state-linked groups, with artificial intelligence likely to accelerate attacks. The agency will monitor dark web activity and coordinate with Deloitte and event organizers from Milan and Rome.
January 28, 2026
Texas Instruments stock jumps on AI data-center boom — and a Q1 forecast it hasn’t made since 2010
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Texas Instruments stock jumps on AI data-center boom — and a Q1 forecast it hasn’t made since 2010

Texas Instruments forecast first-quarter revenue of $4.32–$4.68 billion and EPS of $1.22–$1.48, both above analyst estimates. Shares jumped nearly 9% after the company reported a 70% surge in data-center revenue for Q4 and said it will break out that segment separately. Q4 revenue reached $4.42 billion, with net income at $1.16 billion. Analysts cautioned that high capital spending and weak electronics demand could weigh on recovery.
January 28, 2026
Hong Kong scientists say this AI can spot storms 4 hours early — why forecasters are watching
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Hong Kong scientists say this AI can spot storms 4 hours early — why forecasters are watching

Hong Kong scientists say their new AI-based DDMS system can predict thunderstorms and heavy rain up to four hours in advance, extending warning times. The model updates every 15 minutes and improved forecast accuracy by over 15% in tests. China’s Meteorological Administration and the Hong Kong Observatory plan to integrate the system into official forecasts.
January 28, 2026
UK watchdog puts Google Search on notice: publishers may get an AI Overviews opt‑out
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UK watchdog puts Google Search on notice: publishers may get an AI Overviews opt‑out

Britain’s competition watchdog has proposed binding rules requiring Google to let publishers opt out of AI Overviews and certain AI training, while staying in Search. The Competition and Markets Authority set a Feb. 25 deadline for feedback. The package also addresses ranking transparency, Android and Chrome choice screens, and data portability. Google Search holds over 90% of UK search queries.
January 28, 2026
EU taps Ariane 6 for new Galileo launches as bloc pushes to cut SpaceX reliance
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EU taps Ariane 6 for new Galileo launches as bloc pushes to cut SpaceX reliance

The EU space agency signed a new contract with Arianespace to launch two second-generation Galileo satellites on Ariane 6, shifting away from recent reliance on SpaceX. The L18 mission will mark Ariane 6’s fifth Galileo flight, with the inaugural mission set for December 17, 2025. EU officials are pressing for greater autonomy in space launches. France’s space minister called for ending dependence on non-European suppliers.
January 28, 2026
AI Models Advance: How Self-Training and Mistakes Lead to Better Performance
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AI Models Advance: How Self-Training and Mistakes Lead to Better Performance

AI models are now training by playing against themselves, reducing reliance on human input and accelerating performance gains. Google’s self-play strategy, once used only in games, is being applied to advanced systems, raising hopes and concerns. Experts warn that self-learning AIs risk compounding errors if not closely monitored. Some researchers fear this trend could remove humans from key decision-making.
January 28, 2026
No more peeking? Samsung hints a built-in privacy screen for Galaxy S26 phones
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No more peeking? Samsung hints a built-in privacy screen for Galaxy S26 phones

Samsung announced a new privacy feature for Galaxy phones that blocks side-angle screen views to prevent “shoulder surfing.” Users can enable or disable the feature for specific apps and notifications. Tech sites expect the tool to debut with the Galaxy S26 series, but Samsung has not confirmed which models will include it. Details on the display technology remain undisclosed.
January 28, 2026
Google leak reveals “Aluminium OS” — Android desktop for PCs caught on video
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Google leak reveals “Aluminium OS” — Android desktop for PCs caught on video

Google briefly published screen recordings of “Aluminium OS,” an Android-based desktop interface, running on a Chromebook before restricting access to the footage. The videos showed window controls and a Chrome extensions button, suggesting a PC-style Android build. Tech sites say the leak offers the clearest look yet at Google’s Android-for-PC project. Google has not announced launch details or device compatibility.
January 28, 2026
NexPhone: A Bold Move to Merge Smartphones and PCs
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NexPhone: A Bold Move to Merge Smartphones and PCs

The NexPhone, launching January 28 in San Francisco, will run Android, Linux, and Windows 11 on a single device. Its high-end hardware and tri-boot system aim to combine smartphone and PC functions. Analysts cite possible compatibility and battery issues. The device enters a market already testing similar concepts, including Samsung’s DeX.
January 28, 2026
Apple May Absorb Rising DRAM Costs for iPhone 18 Amid Price Hikes, Analysts Suggest
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Apple May Absorb Rising DRAM Costs for iPhone 18 Amid Price Hikes, Analysts Suggest

Apple plans to keep iPhone 18 prices unchanged despite surging memory and DRAM costs, sources say. Samsung and SK hynix have raised LPDDR5X RAM prices by over 80% quarter-on-quarter. Analysts expect Apple to absorb higher expenses, relying on its services division to offset the impact. The company has shifted to quarterly memory pricing talks with suppliers.
January 28, 2026
Google Messages Enhances Wear OS with Emoji Reactions and “Mark as Read” Features
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Google Messages Enhances Wear OS with Emoji Reactions and “Mark as Read” Features

Google is adding emoji reactions and a “Mark as Read” option to its Messages app on Wear OS smartwatches, according to details from an APK teardown. Users will be able to react to texts and manage read status directly from their watch, without needing a phone. The update targets improved message handling for Wear OS, which has lagged behind rivals like Apple’s watchOS.
January 28, 2026
Apple Watch blood pressure alerts go live in Australia after TGA green light
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Apple Watch blood pressure alerts go live in Australia after TGA green light

Apple has launched hypertension notifications for Apple Watch users in Australia, following approval by the national medical device regulator in December. The feature, available on Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches, analyzes heart sensor data and alerts users to possible high blood pressure. It does not provide a diagnosis or blood pressure readings. Doctors caution alerts should be confirmed with medical professionals.
January 28, 2026
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Stock Market Today

  • UK Top Dividend Stocks See Renewed Investor Interest
    May 25, 2026, 8:17 AM EDT. UK dividend stocks are quietly attracting fresh attention from investors seeking steady income amid market volatility. These shares, known for paying consistent dividends, offer appeal as economic uncertainties persist. While specific stock names were not disclosed, the trend reflects a cautious shift towards income-generating investments. Investors are advised to consult financial advisers to assess risk and suitability before making decisions. Kalkine Media, a regulated entity, provided this information without endorsing any stock. The renewed interest highlights the ongoing demand for dividend yields in the UK equity market amid changing economic conditions.