Technology 15 January 2026

Apple’s MacBook Air M5 Is Already $150 Off — Why the New Laptop Deal Matters
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Apple’s MacBook Air M5 Is Already $150 Off — Why the New Laptop Deal Matters

Amazon has cut prices on Apple’s new MacBook Air M5 by up to $150 just weeks after launch, with a 15-inch model at $1,149, down from $1,299. The discounts bring the M5 Air close to last year’s M4 clearance pricing, with a 15-inch M4 at $1,099. Some M5 configurations are seeing reductions of up to 12%. MacRumors noted fewer deals on the M5 Air compared to the previous weekend.
April 18, 2026
Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 just dropped for Pixel — Google targets battery drain, Wi‑Fi bugs and missed calls
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Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 just dropped for Pixel — Google targets battery drain, Wi‑Fi bugs and missed calls

Google released Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 to Pixel devices on Jan. 14, including the 2026-01-05 security patch and fixes for battery drain, charging, Wi-Fi, and missed calls. The update is available over-the-air to eligible Pixel phones, tablets, and foldables in the beta program. Samsung is expanding AI features across its 2026 lineup, raising expectations for smoother Android performance.
January 15, 2026
India puts Apple’s iPhone App Store on the clock as $38 billion antitrust fine risk looms
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India puts Apple’s iPhone App Store on the clock as $38 billion antitrust fine risk looms

India’s antitrust regulator warned Apple it will proceed with its App Store probe next week if the company fails to respond. Apple says potential fines could reach $38 billion if calculated on global revenue. New Delhi is also weighing a rule requiring phone makers to share source code with the government, raising privacy concerns. The case stems from complaints by Match Group and Indian startups over Apple’s app policies.
January 15, 2026
Samsung quietly changes Galaxy AI fine print: basic features now “free,” paid upgrades still on the table
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Samsung quietly changes Galaxy AI fine print: basic features now “free,” paid upgrades still on the table

Samsung says “Galaxy AI basic features” remain free on supported devices, but warns that enhanced Samsung AI tools and third-party AI functions may carry fees. The company has not announced pricing or detailed which features will require payment. Updated terms differ from earlier regional statements that promised free access until the end of 2025. Some features may require Samsung or Google account sign-in.
January 15, 2026
Google flags 12-year power grid waits as the new choke point for its AI data centers
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Google flags 12-year power grid waits as the new choke point for its AI data centers

Google says U.S. transmission delays now pose the biggest obstacle to new data centers, with some utilities quoting grid connection waits of over a decade. The company is considering co-locating centers next to power plants to bypass bottlenecks. U.S. electricity demand is projected to hit record highs in 2026. Regulators have ordered PJM to set standards for large power users near generators.
January 15, 2026
Ryanair rejects Starlink in-flight WiFi, citing fuel hit as airlines weigh satellite internet
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Ryanair rejects Starlink in-flight WiFi, citing fuel hit as airlines weigh satellite internet

Ryanair has rejected installing Starlink internet on its planes, citing a 2% fuel penalty from antenna drag and weight, according to CEO Michael O’Leary. SpaceX continues to accelerate Starlink satellite launches, sending 29 more into orbit this week. Governments are weighing satellite internet as a backup during shutdowns. Starlink’s growing role in aviation faces pushback over cost and operational concerns.
January 15, 2026
OpenAI’s $10B Cerebras bet is about one thing: making ChatGPT faster
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OpenAI’s $10B Cerebras bet is about one thing: making ChatGPT faster

OpenAI will buy up to 750 megawatts of computing power from Cerebras Systems over three years in a deal exceeding $10 billion, a source said. The agreement aims to speed up AI inference as demand for fast responses grows. Cerebras claims its processors can deliver outputs up to 15 times faster than GPUs. Analysts warn mixing chip types could increase data center costs and complexity.
January 15, 2026
Google Gemini AI gets “Personal Intelligence” — and your Gmail and Photos are in play (if you opt in)
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Google Gemini AI gets “Personal Intelligence” — and your Gmail and Photos are in play (if you opt in)

Google began rolling out a beta “Personal Intelligence” feature for its Gemini app, linking Gmail, Photos, Search, and YouTube history to customize responses for U.S. AI Pro and Ultra subscribers. The feature is off by default. Google says some processed data may be reviewed by humans and used to improve services, depending on user settings. Wider availability is planned.
January 15, 2026
Best Fitness Apps and Wearable Trackers for 2026: Science‑Backed Picks, AI Coaching Trends, and New‑Year Deals Ending January 15
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Best Fitness Apps and Wearable Trackers for 2026: Science‑Backed Picks, AI Coaching Trends, and New‑Year Deals Ending January 15

Fitness tech in 2026 is focusing on behavior design, integrating social accountability, automated planning, and rewards to help users maintain routines. A major review in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found apps and trackers increased daily steps by about 1,850 on average, with personalization and messaging features linked to stronger effects. Strava now offers Instant Workouts with personalized coaching.
January 15, 2026
Galaxy Z Fold 8 vs iPhone Fold: Crease-Free Display Race, “Wide” Designs, and Liquid-Metal Hinge Rumors Heat Up (Jan. 15, 2026)
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Galaxy Z Fold 8 vs iPhone Fold: Crease-Free Display Race, “Wide” Designs, and Liquid-Metal Hinge Rumors Heat Up (Jan. 15, 2026)

Leaks on January 15 detail Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Apple’s first foldable iPhone, both aiming for crease-free displays and advanced hinge materials. Samsung is reportedly targeting a thinner, lighter Fold 8 for a July/August launch, while Apple prototypes hint at liquid metal hinges and possible titanium bodies. Pricing pressure remains high as both brands compete on design and durability.
January 15, 2026
Best phones 2026 rankings just shifted — Pixel 10 climbs, iPhone 17 looks like the “safe” pick, and OnePlus 15’s battery is absurd
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Best phones 2026 rankings just shifted — Pixel 10 climbs, iPhone 17 looks like the “safe” pick, and OnePlus 15’s battery is absurd

The Verge named the iPhone 17 its top pick for iPhone users and the Pixel 10 for Android buyers on Jan. 13, 2026. Tech Advisor ranked the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL as the best overall phone the next day, citing Android 16 and extended update support. Tom’s Guide reported the OnePlus 15 lasted 25 hours and 13 minutes in battery tests.
January 15, 2026
Anritsu’s MWC 2026 plan: AI-powered 6G testing, virtual labs, and a bigger push into satellite-style networks
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Anritsu’s MWC 2026 plan: AI-powered 6G testing, virtual labs, and a bigger push into satellite-style networks

Anritsu will debut AI-driven, cloud-based, and virtual 6G testing tools at MWC 2026 in Barcelona. The company’s MT8000A platform now supports spectrum up to 16 GHz and adds non-terrestrial network testing. Demos include lab-based digital twin replays, cloud automotive validation, and IoT power measurement. New software enables real-time satellite and aerial link emulation.
January 15, 2026
WindTre and Ericsson activate Italy’s first 5G Standalone network — and bring network slicing to smaller businesses
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WindTre and Ericsson activate Italy’s first 5G Standalone network — and bring network slicing to smaller businesses

WindTre and Ericsson have launched Italy’s first 5G Standalone network, powered by Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Core. The network includes a slicing service aimed at small and mid-sized businesses. WindTre deployed a dedicated 5G slice for live sports video production at a venue with over 90,000 spectators. The launch was announced January 14, 2026.
January 15, 2026
Mets Tap Boingo to Overhaul Citi Field Wi‑Fi and Cellular Network for 2026 Season
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Mets Tap Boingo to Overhaul Citi Field Wi‑Fi and Cellular Network for 2026 Season

The New York Mets are upgrading Citi Field’s Wi‑Fi and cellular networks through a new deal with Boingo Wireless, aiming to boost coverage for all major carriers. Some seating areas will have improved connectivity by Opening Day, with work continuing throughout the stadium. The Mets say reliable service is now essential for ticket scanning, mobile ordering, and fan engagement.
January 15, 2026
Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked 2026 is rumored for Feb. 25 — and the Galaxy S26 Ultra and Bixby could get big changes
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Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked 2026 is rumored for Feb. 25 — and the Galaxy S26 Ultra and Bixby could get big changes

Samsung’s next Galaxy Unpacked event is rumored for February 25, with the Galaxy S26 series expected to debut. Leaked images suggest the S26 Ultra will feature rounder edges, a redesigned camera bump, and Qi2 magnetic wireless charging. Samsung is also reportedly planning a major AI upgrade for Bixby, developed with Perplexity AI, for the new models.
January 15, 2026
AI’s Memory Chip Crunch Is Getting Serious — SK Hynix Speeds Up New Fabs as Phone Price Warnings Spread
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AI’s Memory Chip Crunch Is Getting Serious — SK Hynix Speeds Up New Fabs as Phone Price Warnings Spread

SK Hynix will open its Yongin chip fab in February 2027, ahead of schedule, and start wafer production at its new M15X facility next month to boost high-bandwidth memory output for AI. Nothing CEO Carl Pei warned rising memory costs could force 2026 phones to increase prices or lower specs. Retail investors have poured into memory and storage stocks as AI demand drives prices higher.
January 15, 2026
Broadcom Wi‑Fi bug can knock 5GHz networks offline — ASUS ships a fix as NETGEAR posts new January alerts
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Broadcom Wi‑Fi bug can knock 5GHz networks offline — ASUS ships a fix as NETGEAR posts new January alerts

A vulnerability in Broadcom Wi‑Fi chipsets allows attackers within radio range to disable a router’s 5GHz network and disconnect clients using a single crafted Wi‑Fi frame. ASUS RT‑BE86U routers with firmware 3.0.0.6.102_37612 and older are affected; a fix is available in version 3.0.0.6.102_37841. Broadcom says it has shipped patches to device makers. NETGEAR urges users to update Orbi router firmware.
January 15, 2026
France may send Eutelsat satellite terminals to Iran as Starlink goes free during the blackout
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France may send Eutelsat satellite terminals to Iran as Starlink goes free during the blackout

France is weighing the transfer of Eutelsat satellite internet terminals to Iran after Tehran cut off national internet access during protests, French officials said. Starlink, with over 9,000 satellites, has made its service free in Iran and issued a firmware update to counter jamming, activists told AP. Eutelsat, backed by France and the UK, operates just over 600 satellites. Starlink remains banned in Iran, and users risk severe penalties.
January 15, 2026
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