Technology News 01.01.2026

January 1, 2026
Technology News 01.01.2026


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Eaton stock trails AI boom in 2025, eyes a 2026 rally on data-center demand

January 1, 2026, 4:20 AM EST. After a lackluster 2025, Eaton (ETN) still looks to join the AI-led rebound in 2026. Year-to-date the stock is down about 3%, lagging the S&P 500 Industrials up more than 19%, with tariffs weighing sentiment. The company's Electrical Americas division-home to switchgear, transformers and backup power-accounts for roughly 46% of revenue, but the data-center business is driving momentum: Q3 orders up 70% YoY and related revenue up about 40%. Analysts see a modest 2026 rally if AI spend, forecast near $500B, stays robust, led by hyperscalers such as Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon. Eaton's $9.5B acquisition of Boyd Thermal adds liquid-cooling capabilities, aligning with the data-center cooling push. The stock carries a hold rating and a $400 target, but the 2026 outlook is brighter.

Goodwill Keystone embraces artificial intelligence to transform donations and career planning

January 1, 2026, 4:18 AM EST. Goodwill Keystone is integrating artificial intelligence to streamline donation workflows, optimize sorting at donation bins, and empower employees with data-driven career planning tools. The initiative leverages AI-powered analytics to forecast donation flow, improve inventory management, and enhance customer experiences. Beyond logistics, the program extends to workforce development, using AI to personalize training, guide volunteers toward suitable roles, and support job seekers in the organization's mission. The move signals a broader trend of non-profits adopting automation and machine learning to increase impact while maintaining a social purpose.


AI's Creativity Dilemma: Humans Outpace Bots in Original Thinking

January 1, 2026, 4:14 AM EST. A professor named Uzzi tested creativity by pitting students against an AI bot in a word-list task. The bot could access tens of thousands of words but drew from a narrow corpus-about 850 words-while humans have around 50,000. The result: the class average matched the bot's, and a few students offered more original lists. The takeaway: AI often yields average ideas and can blunt humans' creativity when people rely on it for quick answers. For creative work, Uzzi argues not to delegate to AI but to collaborate with it: use it to shape how you think, not what to think. The faster speed of AI can be a trap, anchoring thinkers to mediocrity. The sweet spot lies in combining human experiences with bot input to spark unique insights.













Morgan Stanley Names Micron as 2026's Top AI Semiconductor Pick (Not Nvidia or Broadcom)

January 1, 2026, 3:46 AM EST. Morgan Stanley analysts, led by Joseph Moore, designate Micron Technology (MU) as the top semiconductor pick for 2026, even as Nvidia and Broadcom remain central to the AI trade. Among the analysts surveyed, Nvidia's median target is $250 (about 33% upside from $187), Broadcom's is $460 (roughly 31% upside from $350), and Micron's is $305 (about 4% upside from $293). The article contrasts Nvidia's dominance in AI accelerators and its strong CUDA ecosystem with Broadcom's leadership in high-speed Ethernet switches and custom accelerators. It suggests that, despite Micron's modest upside, Morgan Stanley sees meaningful upside in memory and related AI components for 2026. Investors should weigh consensus targets against individual company catalysts.















Metro by T-Mobile Launches $25/Month Unlimited 5G Plan with Five-Year Price Guarantee

January 1, 2026, 3:14 AM EST. Metro by T-Mobile is offering budget-friendly wireless deals with no contracts or activation fees. The standout option is an unlimited 5G data plan for just $25 per month when you bring your own device, including taxes and fees. It also features a five-year price guarantee, easy number porting or a new number, and no credit checks. For those wanting an upgrade, there's a $40/month plan with a free 5G smartphone and the same five-year price lock. An iPhone 16e option is also available. Whether you switch, bring your own device, or upgrade, Metro by T-Mobile aims to keep pricing predictable and straightforward on the T-Mobile network.

Top Tech and Gadget Picks to Help You Win Your New Year's Resolutions

January 1, 2026, 3:12 AM EST. Kick off 2026 with a lineup designed to keep resolutions on track. From Gaiam Yoga Mats and Hydro Flask bottles for healthier habits, to empowering learning with Masterclass memberships, and better sleep with the Loftie alarm clock, these tools support daily progress. Home care gets easier with Bissell Cleanview XR and Little Green SmartMix cleaners, while fitness tracking and motivation come from the Fitbit Charge 6. Whether you're aiming for fitness, learning, sleep, or cleanliness, these gadgets and services blend convenience with accountability to help you stay the course.






Fitness Boxing Teases Persona 5 Crossover

January 1, 2026, 2:58 AM EST. The official Twitter for the Fitness Boxing series teased a potential Persona 5 crossover, posting an image that mimics the game's UI. The image features two quotes in Phantom Thief-style dialogue: '???: What are you getting ready for?' and '???: Heh heh heh… This time, I'm preparing a training plan that's a bit different from usual. After all, stamina is essential for a Phantom Thief!' If real, this would mark another collaboration following Fitness Boxing Fist of the North Star and Fitness Boxing feat. Hatsune Miku. Fans are urged to stay tuned for official confirmation.




















dbrand Sketch 2D Turns Pixel 10 and More Into a Cartoon Skin, Sweepstakes for Galaxy Z TriFold

January 1, 2026, 2:14 AM EST.dbrand's Sketch 2D skin turns the Pixel 10 and a wide range of devices into a playful 2D cartoon on a real 3D body. Debuting on Christmas Day, the collection outfits phones and more-Galaxy devices, iPhones, the Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch 2, and beyond-for about $25. The launch also includes a sweepstakes: one random winner will take home a Galaxy Z TriFold. Entries are valid for anyone who places an order on dbrand through January 3 or submits a no-purchase ballot. Skins are available now on dbrand's website.

Carolyn Petit's Top 5 Games of 2025: Thoughtful Picks, Quiet Friction

January 1, 2026, 2:12 AM EST. In a candid year-end piece, Carolyn Petit presents a top five (not a top ten) for 2025, explaining she played fewer games to make room for books, films, and time with friends. The list opens with insights from a Rolling Stone chat where Woodkid recalls working with Hideo Kojima on Death Stranding 2, and a designer warning that if the game is too liked, it may be too mainstream. Petit balances praise with caution, noting moments that stuck and an honorable mention for Death Stranding 2, despite its conventional combat and debates about Kojima's approach and gender essentialism cited by The A.V. Club. Expect thoughtful refusals of easy polish and a few genuinely memorable, boundary-pushing moments (hot springs among them).
















Tiny camera stickers spark 2026 iPhone decorating trend

January 1, 2026, 1:38 AM EST. Tech trend alert: creators are turning the iPhone 17 Pro's camera plateau-the wide, full-width back bar housing a triple-lens system-into a canvas for tiny stickers. Originating in Korea's ponku culture, the craze gained momentum after a Korean carrier ad showing decorated devices. Users showcase stickers around the camera plateau or across the back, often on transparent cases or lens protectors to avoid resale issues. The phenomenon mirrors long-running MacBook sticker culture, proving that personalization still drives smartphone appeal. As with any trend, fans weigh aesthetics against potential resale impact, but for now the iPhone 17 Pro is the hottest canvas in 2026.







Quantum Concept Inventory Development Aims to Accelerate Quantum Workforce Education

January 1, 2026, 1:24 AM EST. A team led by Lachlan McGinness at ANU investigates whether a dedicated Quantum Computing Concept Inventory (QCCI) is needed to assess students' understanding beyond math. The study finds substantial non-mathematical concepts underpin quantum computing and outlines key topics for an inventory. Through interviews with eight experts in quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum sensing, the work identifies foundational, non-mathematical knowledge essential for education and workforce development. The project emphasizes conceptual understanding, accessible assessment, and international collaboration to accelerate training for the quantum workforce over the next two decades. The paper discusses example questions (e.g., superposition and measurement) designed to avoid jargon, ground learning in experiments, and reveal common misconceptions. Ethical approval was obtained; findings mark a preliminary but crucial step toward a standardized QCCI.






















Quantum Computing in Financial Services to Reach $6.3B by 2032, DataM Intelligence

January 1, 2026, 12:36 AM EST. Global quantum computing in financial services climbed to about $300 million in 2024 and is projected to reach $6.3 billion by 2032, a CAGR of 46.5%. DataM Intelligence says the rise marks a fundamental inflection point as pilots transition to production use cases in risk modeling, portfolio optimization, fraud detection, and cryptography. The largest segments are risk management and cybersecurity (roughly 29%), followed by asset and wealth management (22%), investment banking (17%), and retail banking and payments (20%). The firm expects risk-centric applications to drive adoption, with asset management delivering the strongest long-term value. By 2030 quantum computing becomes a competitive differentiator. The U.S. leads with about 45% of revenue in 2024 and is projected to exceed $2.8B by 2032, consolidating global leadership.

How Nokia Pivoted from iPhone Victim to a $1B Nvidia Deal

January 1, 2026, 12:34 AM EST. Nokia's turnaround shows how a legacy mobile giant can pivot from being an iPhone victim to landing a strategic Nvidia deal. The arc moves from consumer devices to enterprise networks, edge computing, and AI-enabled chips. By embracing Nvidia's accelerators and software platforms, Nokia rebuilt trust with telecom operators and industrial customers, unlocking new revenue beyond handset sales. The $1B collaboration highlights a broader shift: rooted hardware heritage paired with software-driven solutions, deep R&D commitments, and resilient supply chains. Key takeaways: pursue strategic partnerships over pure competition, invest in AI-infused hardware, and align offerings with rising demand for 5G and on-device/inference workloads.






Rivian Teases Point-to-Point Autonomy With Large Driving Model, Targeting 2026 Rollout

January 1, 2026, 12:22 AM EST. Rivian's Autonomy Day teased a future where point-to-point automation could arrive in 2026 for the R1S with a new Large Driving Model. The test drive was smooth overall, with the vehicle stopping for red lights, staying in lanes, and handling turns, though slightly juttery steering compared with Tesla's FSD in a recent test. The system still needed occasional human nudges to address hesitancy after a speed bump or at a green light. Rivian engineer Nick Carlevaris-Bianco explained the approach and training. The company aims to compete in the highway-automation space with a driver-assistance stack that evolves toward point-to-point automation, differentiating through a data-driven Large Driving Model.

California AI Safety Laws Take Effect in 2026: Minors Protection, Privacy Rules and Industry Regulations

January 1, 2026, 12:20 AM EST. California is enacting a wave of AI laws that take effect Jan. 1, 2026, aiming to curb risks from AI products. The measures include safeguards for minors (SB 243), requiring clear disclosures that AI may not be suitable for children, and reminders that chatbot conversations are artificially generated. The package also tightens digital privacy rules and sets industry standards for AI developers in the state, reflecting California's place as a hub of AI innovation. The move comes amid a broader policy shift, with President Trump issuing an executive order seeking a national AI standard and commerce oversight, though California officials say the state regulations remain under active implementation. With Stanford noting California hosts many large AI firms and has passed more AI rules than any other state, supporters say the laws balance safety with innovation.







GeForce RTX 5090 Price Hikes: NVIDIA & AMD Prepare GPU Prices Up to $5000 in Q1 2026

January 1, 2026, 12:04 AM EST. Rumors claim NVIDIA and AMD will raise GPU prices in Q1 2026, with the flagship GeForce RTX 5090 potentially hitting as high as $5000. Reports from sources like Newsis link rising DRAM costs to higher prices across consumer and data-center GPUs. The increments are expected to affect current-gen lines such as RTX 50 (Blackwell) and RDNA 4 (RX 9000), starting in January-February 2026 and continuing monthly. After recent dips below MSRP due to holiday deals, insiders warn of a broader market shift as memory costs climb. Some chatter also mentions NVIDIA trimming production of the RTX 5060 Ti/5070 range, and a surge of third-party sellers offering AI-oriented, customized blower variants of older GPUs. Verification awaits official statements.

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Top 17 New Technology Trends That Will Define 2026

Technology News

  • Eaton stock trails AI boom in 2025, eyes a 2026 rally on data-center demand
    January 1, 2026, 4:20 AM EST. After a lackluster 2025, Eaton (ETN) still looks to join the AI-led rebound in 2026. Year-to-date the stock is down about 3%, lagging the S&P 500 Industrials up more than 19%, with tariffs weighing sentiment. The company's Electrical Americas division-home to switchgear, transformers and backup power-accounts for roughly 46% of revenue, but the data-center business is driving momentum: Q3 orders up 70% YoY and related revenue up about 40%. Analysts see a modest 2026 rally if AI spend, forecast near $500B, stays robust, led by hyperscalers such as Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon. Eaton's $9.5B acquisition of Boyd Thermal adds liquid-cooling capabilities, aligning with the data-center cooling push. The stock carries a hold rating and a $400 target, but the 2026 outlook is brighter.