Technology News 01.01.2026

Goodbye smartphone? Can the Boox Palma 2 Pro actually replace your phone in 2026

January 1, 2026, 11:44 PM EST. Here's a look at ditching a smartphone for a 6.13-inch Boox Palma 2 Pro ereader. The author argues E-Ink screens deliver far less eye strain and longer battery life, making reading feel like a page of a book rather than a blinding screen. The Palma 2 Pro packs a color-capable E-Ink display at 824 x 412, a robust library and document workflow, and basic note-taking via a stylus-though without a built-in case for the pen and with slower typing and handwriting limits. While it excels at reading, margin for calls and texts is missing; as a daily driver it's strong for reading and annotations, weaker for messaging and app multitasking. Verdict: viable for some, but not a full phone replacement yet.

Glorious O 2 Mini Wireless now $69.99 – save $30 on a compact wireless gaming mouse

January 1, 2026, 10:56 PM EST. The Glorious O 2 Mini Wireless is a compact wireless gaming mouse built for speed and control, ideal for players who prefer a smaller shape or fingertip and claw grips. It's now $69.99 (down from $99.99), a $30 savings that makes wireless performance more affordable without paying flagship prices. The lightweight design eliminates cable drag and helps you stay consistent in fast swipes and rapid direction changes, while the wireless setup keeps your desk tidy. If you value a direct, responsive feel in aim-heavy games or have updated peripherals and want the one piece that could make the biggest difference, this deal is worth a look. For larger hands or palm-filling preferences, you might prefer a bigger model.

South Korea's Quantum Equipment Makers Expect Big QPU Orders as Data Centers Embrace Quantum Processing Units

January 1, 2026, 10:08 PM EST. South Korea's quantum equipment makers anticipate a surge in orders as data centers begin adopting quantum processing units (QPU). Industry players expect major deals as centers upgrade to quantum-enabled accelerators, moving beyond pilot projects to production-scale deployments. Analysts say demand will grow across the supply chain, from semiconductors and cryogenics to system integration and services. The trend highlights Korea's push into the quantum tech ecosystem, with collaborations among researchers, startups, and big tech firms aiming to transform early successes into lasting business.

BYD tops Tesla to become the world's leading EV seller, signaling a shift in the EV race

January 1, 2026, 9:52 PM EST. China's BYD is poised to overtake Tesla as the world's top EV seller after reporting that its battery-powered car sales rose by almost 28% to more than 2.25 million. Analysts estimated Tesla sold about 1.65 million vehicles in the same period, signaling a pivotal shift in the EV race. BYD's aggressive pricing and rapid global expansion into Latin America, SE Asia, and parts of Europe have undercut rivals, even as some countries impose tariffs on Chinese EVs. Musk's broader ventures and a price-cutting push for existing models have pressured Tesla's performance. The UK has become BYD's biggest market outside China, with surging demand for its Seal U plug-in hybrid.

From smartwatches to skin patches: how wearable tech keeps athletes on track

January 1, 2026, 9:38 PM EST. Wearable technology turns an athlete's body into a live data source, enabling real-time feedback that improves training, safety and performance. From chest heart-rate straps and skin patches to biomechanical foot sensors and telemetry capsules, these devices collect signals and transmit them for instant analysis. The smartwatch often acts as a central hub, displaying physiological and biomechanical metrics on dashboards so coaches can adjust intensity, technique or recovery on the fly. Looking ahead, intelligent apparel and AI-driven insights promise tighter injury prevention and performance optimization across sports. Non-invasive core-temperature estimates and sport-specific wearables will meet diverse demands, while exhibitions like the Hong Kong Science Museum's series illustrate how wearables translate data into smarter tactics and safer, faster athletes.

Samsung's brain health feature for dementia detection could redefine wearables at CES 2026

January 1, 2026, 9:36 PM EST. Samsung is rumored to unveil a Brain Health feature at CES 2026 that could detect early dementia by analyzing metrics like gait patterns, voice changes, and sleep. If confirmed, it may extend from its Galaxy Watch line (and possibly phones or rings) and will accompany prevention guidance and brain training. Samsung says it has completed in-house development of Brain Health and is pursuing clinical validation. The feature follows other health-tracking moves such as the Antioxidant Index on the Galaxy Watch 8. Analysts note that dementia risk rises with age, raising questions about biomarker sufficiency. We will await Samsung's official CES announcement for details.

Tesla ends 2025 lower as Musk gifts shares to charities ahead of Q4 deliveries

January 1, 2026, 9:20 PM EST. Tesla stock ended 2025 lower after a regulatory filing showed CEO Elon Musk gifted 210,699 Tesla shares to charities as part of year-end tax planning. The move comes as investors await Q4 deliveries due Friday, with estimates around 440,900 units-an 11% drop year over year per Bloomberg data. The gift, worth roughly $95 million at close, was described as charitable with no current intention to sell. Amid competition from BYD in China and the lapse of the federal clean-vehicle tax credit, investors are weighing demand signals and whether pricing and mix can defend margins. Markets were closed for New Year's Day; delivery data could shape early-2026 sentiment, though a Q4 earnings date has yet to be announced.

Data-center stocks slide into 2026 as xAI expansion keeps Nvidia, Dell and Super Micro in focus

January 1, 2026, 9:08 PM EST. Data-center stocks slid into 2026 as xAI expansion stays in focus for suppliers like Nvidia, Dell and Super Micro Computer. The late-2025 rally cooled as investors digested news of xAI's buildout to nearly 2 gigawatts of training compute and a plan to convert a warehouse into a data center in 2026, per Reuters. Names tied to AI infrastructure-Vertiv, Equinix and Digital Realty-also eased. Overseas demand headlines lingered after reports that ByteDance could spend about 100 billion yuan ($14.29 billion) on Nvidia chips in 2026 if U.S. sales of H200 processors to China proceed, a claim Reuters could not immediately verify. Analysts say the next two years will show how AI spending diffuses through the economy, with markets watching early-January PMI and ISM data.

NVIDIA GB200 NVL72 MoE Racks Deliver 28× Throughput Edge Over AMD MI355X

January 1, 2026, 9:06 PM EST. NVIDIA's GB200 NVL72 AI racks in a MoE setup reportedly deliver about 28× higher throughput per GPU versus AMD's Instinct MI355X in comparable clusters, according to SemiAnalysis' InferenceMAX benchmarking cited by Signal65. The secret lies in NVIDIA's Extreme Co-Design approach: a 72-chip GB200 with 30TB of fast shared memory enables deeper expert parallelism and mitigates scaling bottlenecks inherent to MoE architectures. The result is improved throughput (up to 75 tokens/sec per GPU) and a favorable economics argument, with Signal65 citing a cost per token as low as 1/15th relative to competing systems. While AMD's dense MI355X remains competitive in high-HBM3e density, NVIDIA appears to hold a lead in MoE workloads, and upcoming rack-scale solutions will intensify the competition.

DeepSeek Unveils Manifold-Constrained Hyper-Connections to Boost AI Training Efficiency

January 1, 2026, 8:50 PM EST. DeepSeek has published a paper detailing a new approach to building AI systems that aims to boost training efficiency. The framework, named Manifold-Constrained Hyper-Connections, was co-authored by founder Liang Wenfeng and is positioned within the context of the Chinese AI industry trying to compete with OpenAI despite limited access to Nvidia chips. The method targets improved scalability while cutting computational and energy demands in training advanced models, addressing the pressures of a fast-evolving ecosystem.

Orange County Radiologists Use AI to Detect Breast Cancer Earlier, Saving Lives

January 1, 2026, 8:48 PM EST. In Orange, California, radiologists at Providence St. Joseph Hospital pair artificial intelligence with human expertise to spot tumors at their earliest stage. The ICAD AI algorithm double-checks mammograms for an out-of-pocket fee (about $50), flagging subtle lesions that could be missed. Doctors say catching tumors when they're two centimeters or smaller yields about a 90% cure rate, and the AI tool has helped identify 20% more cancers and diagnose them years earlier. The approach also reduces false positives and unnecessary callbacks by roughly 7%. In practice, radiologists review AI findings alongside patient history to avoid overcalling benign changes. The ICAD tech is already deployed across Southern California and builds on FDA-approved AI programs in breast imaging.

Advancing single-cell omics and cell-based therapeutics with quantum computing

January 1, 2026, 8:36 PM EST. An exploration of how single-cell omics and spatial transcriptomics are enabling precise models of cellular behavior, guided by AI. The article discusses leveraging quantum computing to overcome computational bottlenecks in processing high-resolution multi-omics data and simulating cellular dynamics. It covers challenges in spatiotemporal analysis and presents a case study on integrating quantum and classical computing into cell-based therapeutics, highlighting how this confluence may accelerate perturbation-response modeling and transformative precision medicine.

Memory Mechanisms in Spiking Networks Drive 603x Energy Efficiency in Cross-Modal AI

January 1, 2026, 8:34 PM EST. Researchers investigate memory mechanisms inside spiking neural networks as they process both visual and auditory inputs. The study shows that different memory types excel for different modalities, signaling that a one-size-fits-all approach is suboptimal. Specialized architectures-such as Hierarchical Gated Recurrent Networks (HGRN)-achieve robust cross-modal performance, with sparse representations and modality-specific dimensionality echoing brain processing. The work reports a dramatic 603-fold energy efficiency gain over conventional neural networks, promising ultra-low-power, edge-capable AI. In cross-modal evaluations, Hopfield networks reach 97.68% visual accuracy but only 76.15% auditory; SCL attains 96.72% visual and 82.16% auditory, offering a more balanced performance. The results highlight design trade-offs and guide neuromorphic hardware toward modality-aware memory.

Tesla Forecasts Weaker 2025 Deliveries as Analysts Miss Musk's 4 Million Target by 2027

January 1, 2026, 8:18 PM EST. Tesla published a new investor consensus showing 2025 deliveries expected at roughly 1.64 million units, down from 1.79 million in 2024, with Q4 deliveries around 423,000 (a ~16% YoY drop). This clashes with Elon Musk's pledge to reach 4 million vehicles annually by end-2027. Bloomberg-compiled estimates place Q4 2025 at about 441,000. The projections underscore a gap between market expectations and Musk's ambitions tied to self-driving software and robotics, even as the company commands a lofty $1 trillion+ valuation. External factors, including consumer backlash to Musk's political positioning and changes to EV subsidies, have weighed on demand. Tesla still faces milestones linked to its compensation plan tied to 20 million vehicles and subscriptions for FSD.

DJI Mavic 4 Pro: A Year of Global Travel with the 6K/100MP Triple-Camera Drone

January 1, 2026, 8:16 PM EST. DJI's Mavic 4 Pro arrives as a major step in portable aerial storytelling. The drone ships with a triple-camera system delivering up to 6K60 HDR video and 100MP stills from a Hasselblad wide lens, plus a 48MP tele and 50MP tele for versatile framing. A redesigned Infinity Gimbal sits in line with the frame for better aerodynamics and full 360° rotation, while an upgraded ActiveTrack 360 keeps subjects in frame. Night performance improves to 0.1-lux with front LiDAR sensing, and the new RC Pro 2 controller with O4+ transmission covers up to 18.6 miles. Bundles include a 512GB Creator Combo. A late-2025 push confirms DJI's move toward cinematic, portable drone production.

Lawsuit accuses Tesla and Elon Musk of misrepresenting Autosteer after fatal Utah crash

January 1, 2026, 7:44 PM EST. According to a 33-page complaint reviewed by The Independent, Nathan Blaine accuses Tesla and Elon Musk of misrepresenting the safety of driver-assist features, including Autosteer, Lane Departure Warning, and Lane Centering, after a Utah crash killed his wife, two daughters, a son-in-law, and a family dog. The filing says Musk and Tesla oversold the system to create excitement and boost stock value, leading the family to believe the car was safer than a human driver. It contends the Autosteer and related systems failed to operate as advertised, contributing to the fatal collision. Tesla did not comment, and the suit underscores ongoing questions about whether these systems are ready for primetime, with advocates urging more simulation and testing before widespread deployment.

Top Quantum Computing Stocks to Watch Today: D-Wave (QBTS), IonQ (IONQ), QUBT

January 1, 2026, 7:30 PM EST. Market Beat's stock screener flags D-Wave Quantum (QBTS), IonQ (IONQ), and Quantum Computing Inc. (QUBT) as the quantum-computing stocks to watch. These publicly traded firms focus on quantum hardware, software, and enabling tech such as cryogenics and quantum-safe cryptography, with a mix of cloud access to live quantum systems. D-Wave offers Advantage, Ocean, and Leap; IonQ provides access via AWS Braket, Azure Quantum, and Google Cloud; QUBT markets portable Dirac systems, uQRNG, and entanglement-based quantum cybersecurity. Investors should note this is a speculative, high-risk, long-horizon play with upside and substantial regulatory/market uncertainty. The firms have recently shown high dollar trading volume; market commentary notes analysts' ratings vary and research reports are available.

AI Boom Could Push Smartphone and PC Prices Higher in 2026

January 1, 2026, 7:28 PM EST. An AI-driven surge in demand is reshaping the chip and hardware market, with AI accelerators and GPUs pushing up costs for component makers. As suppliers grapple with tighter foundry capacity and rising memory prices, smartphones and PCs could see higher prices in 2026. The trend may accelerate as premium devices rely on advanced AI features, with manufacturers passing increased production costs to consumers. Analysts warn ongoing bottlenecks in semiconductors, rising energy costs, and the need for more AI-ready hardware could sustain price pressure into next year. Consumers may encounter fewer discounts and more frequent mid-cycle updates.

Final Day: Best Buy Year-End Sale on Apple Watch, Laptops, TVs & More

January 1, 2026, 7:16 PM EST. Last Day alert for Best Buy's Year-End Sale: today is the final chance to save on Apple Watch, Pixel Watch 4, laptops, TVs, and fitness gear. A fresh batch of Deals of the Day drops with up to $890 in savings on PC laptops, smart scales, robotic cleaners, and more. Highlights include up to $100 off on wearables like the Apple Watch Series 11 and Pixel Watch 4. The sale runs until midnight tonight, so quick browsing could snag a late-break bargain. FTC: affiliate links.

Research roundup: 7 cool science stories we almost missed

January 1, 2026, 7:14 PM EST. Two science stories tease how everyday experiences intersect with cutting-edge research. In JMIR Serious Games, 41 interviews and a 336-strong survey suggest that playing Super Mario Bros. and Yoshi can rekindle childlike wonder, lower stress, and reduce burnout among young adults, framing video games as resilience-building digital environments. In physics, researchers revisiting a Big Bang Theory-inspired equation argue that real-world work on axions and solar production is moving toward better detection, with findings published in the Journal of High Energy Physics. Together, the pieces showcase how playful games and fundamental physics both advance understanding by connecting people with science in accessible ways.

Swansea man swaps personal trainer for AI and is 'strongest ever'

January 1, 2026, 7:12 PM EST. After a festive slump, Richard Gallimore, 23, from Swansea, used an AI workout and diet planner to rebuild his fitness and increased his bench press from 70 kg to 110 kg. He says he's the strongest he's ever been and that AI is free, in his pocket, and lets him train at his own pace. In Aberdare, Leah Walsh trained for a half marathon with a AI-generated plan that combined running and gym days and allowed instant questions any time of day. Personal trainer Dafydd Judd argues AI can speed progress but won't replace the human connection and accountability of in-person coaching. The piece notes gym costs and typical trainer rates, highlighting AI as a flexible alternative.

Seal: The Open-Source Android Video Downloader Built on yt-dlp

January 1, 2026, 6:56 PM EST. Seal is an open-source Android video downloader built on yt-dlp. It delivers a clean, bloat-free experience with no ads, no trackers, and no required subscriptions. Designed with Material You theming, it adapts to your wallpaper and looks modern and intuitive. It supports over 1700 websites, so you can grab content beyond YouTube or Instagram. Because it isn't on the Play Store, you can sideload it from trusted sources. It's a utility first, not a transaction, letting you save videos for offline viewing or buffer-free playback in just a few taps (1-2-3).

Texas 2026 Laws Take Effect: Immigration Cooperation, Tax Breaks, Evictions, and AI Oversight

January 1, 2026, 6:40 PM EST. Texas' 2026 policy slate expands government cooperation with federal authorities, tax relief for small businesses, faster housing enforcement, and new AI oversight. SB 8 requires county jails to coordinate with ICE under the 287(g) program, expanding local participation in immigration enforcement. HB 9 broadens the business personal property tax exemption to include up to $125,000 of inventory, delivering automatic relief for retailers and manufacturers. SB 38 speeds up evictions in cases of unlawful occupancy, reducing delays for landlords while sparking debate over tenant protections. HB 149 establishes formal AI standards for state agencies and contractors, emphasizing transparency, bias reduction, and accountability in government use of AI.

Mitigating Satellite RF Interference: Antenna Side Lobes, Guard Bands, and Waveform Optimization

January 1, 2026, 6:24 PM EST. Radio and optical astronomy are being disrupted by satellite constellations emitting RF signals. The main issue is antenna side lobes that spread energy into nearby bands, causing interference with observation bands. Current licensing and regulations helped but weren't fully prepared for the scale of constellations; as data accumulates, authorities may impose tighter guard bands and stricter limits. Retrofitting existing satellites isn't practical, so the focus is on smarter waveforms and signal processing. Operators could use AI to optimize transmissions and reduce spectral spreading from the baseband. Collaborative efforts among operators like SpaceX, scientists, and regulators aim to mitigate interference, but addressing thousands of new sources remains challenging for astronomers.

Honor crowns 2025 as pivotal year for smartphone marketing and AI-driven expansion

January 1, 2026, 6:12 PM EST. Honor capped 2025 with a pivotal shift in smartphone marketing and global expansion. The company described 2025 as the start of its second phase of development, driven by flagship Magic 8 models that boosted late-year momentum. Worldwide shipments exceeded 71 million units, up about 50% YoY, with growth spreading to Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. Honor emphasized a balance between home and global markets through its portfolio of smartphones, tablets, and wearables, and unveiled a new 1 x 3 x N ecosystem strategy to foster a connected multi-brand experience across devices. The year also spotlighted plans for an AI transformation and the prospect of a Robot Phone-signaling a refreshed user experience across software and hardware. 2026 is aimed at continuing this strategic trajectory.

2026 Mac Preview: The Biggest Year for Apple's Mac Since 1984

January 1, 2026, 5:46 PM EST. 2026 Mac preview suggests a landmark year for Apple's lineup. The year kicks off with an M5 upgrade for the MacBook Air, expected in early 2026, delivering CPU gains and stronger GPU performance. The M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models are anticipated in spring, likely as chip upgrades with a new CPU/GPU design that lets buyers tailor configurations. Apple may also roll out a low-cost MacBook aimed at competing with Chromebooks, reportedly powered by an iPhone-era chip such as the A19 Pro, with a smaller display and fewer ports. The budget MacBook could debut in H1 2026, while whispers hint at an M6 later in the year. If true, 2026 could redefine the Mac as never before.

How to Share Your ETA on iPhone and Android With Apple Maps and Google Maps

January 1, 2026, 5:44 PM EST. Sharing your ETA lets others know when to expect you without constant messages. Both Apple Maps and Google Maps offer built-in live arrival updates that run automatically once activated, reducing distractions. This guide covers enabling Share ETA on iPhone and Android, plus essential permissions. For iPhone: open Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services, set Maps to While Using/Always, enable Precise Location, then in Maps Settings turn on Share ETA. Start navigation in Apple Maps, open the route card, and choose a contact to share. For Android: open Google Maps, start Directions, begin navigation, swipe up to the trip menu, and select Share trip progress. Pick a contact or share a link. The recipient can see live arrival times until you arrive or stop sharing.

Leaked video confirms Galaxy S26 Ultra's new camera island and bump

January 1, 2026, 5:42 PM EST. Fresh leaked footage and dummy models suggest the Galaxy S26 Ultra will return a raised camera island. OnLeaks shared images that align with earlier renders, following leaks from September. The bump echoes Samsung's recent designs and could cause a wobble on a table. New renders in November showed a reappearing Galaxy S26 Plus alongside talk of a slimmer Edge model. The S26 series is expected to debut in February, signaling a continued focus on a prominent rear module rather than a flat back.

Three apps I'm actually using to keep New Year's resolutions

January 1, 2026, 5:40 PM EST. Android Authority's Stephen Headrick highlights three apps that actually help keep New Year's resolutions. HabitKit keeps things simple with a per-habit progress grid inspired by GitHub, color icons, reminders, and category grouping, plus strong analytics and convenient home-screen widgets. Finch acts like a modern digital pet that grows as you check in, focusing on self-care and mental health with suggested habits such as hydration and breathing breaks. The third app offers customizable daily completions and year-long visual analytics to clearly show progress. Together these tools show how visual progress, timely reminders, and gentle nudges can boost consistency across a full year.

Researchers Map America's Hidden Datacenters to Track AI Infrastructure Growth

January 1, 2026, 5:38 PM EST. Epoch AI, a non-profit research institute, is using open-source intelligence (OSINT) to map the growth of America's datacenters. They comb satellite imagery, building permits, and local documents to produce an interactive map that lists costs, power output, and owners. The project highlights a booming and controversial industry as the US bets on AI infrastructure to spur growth. The map's New Albany, Ohio entry shows Meta's large Prometheus datacenter, with construction costs around $18 billion and 691 megawatts of power. It also tracks xAI's Colossus 2 in Memphis, linked to natural gas turbines in Mississippi and a deployment of NVIDIA GB200 GPUs. Epoch AI cautions that data is incomplete and legal rules vary, but argues the map provides a valuable online resource for public discourse on AI infrastructure.

Trump Mobile delays its first smartphone again as government shutdown disrupts T1 Phone launch

January 1, 2026, 4:36 PM EST. Trump Mobile has delayed its long-promised T1 Phone again, blaming the latest government shutdown for halting shipments and FCC-related approvals. The $499 handset, marketed as built under the Made in USA banner and tied to The 47 Plan ($47.45/month), was previously expected in August, then October, with a new target of January. With the launch slipping, the company has begun offering refurbished devices such as iPhone 15 and Galaxy S24 as lower-cost options. Trump Mobile operates as a virtual MVNO via Liberty Mobile Wireless and handles support through Ensurety Ventures. The setback underscores the challenge of turning a political brand into a mass-market hardware business and raises questions about domestic manufacturing at this price point.

LG's Stage 501: AI karaoke speaker with vocal removal and pitch control

January 1, 2026, 4:34 PM EST. LG is expanding its Xboom lineup with the Stage 501, a karaoke-focused party speaker developed with Will.i.am. The device features an AI Karaoke Master that can remove or adjust vocals from nearly any song and even tweak pitch for comfortable singing. An AI-powered EQ analyzes audio to highlight melody, rhythm, or vocals, while lighting adapts to the music. A Space Calibration Pro mode optimizes sound for the room. The Stage 501 delivers up to 160W (220W when plugged in) from a 99Wh battery and offers up to 25 hours of playback in a five-sided design with upgraded dual woofers and full-range drivers. LG also teased the Xboom Blast, Mini, and Rock, all with AI audio features. Pricing wasnt revealed; launches are planned for this year.

Galaxy S26 Ultra Leaks: Fold-Inspired Camera Island, iPhone-Like Corners, and S Pen Return

January 1, 2026, 4:20 PM EST. Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra leaks reveal a Fold-inspired unified camera island with a raised bump for pro photography appeal. Dummy units also show rounded corners and an ultra-slim ~7mm profile, drawing iPhone-like criticism and wobble complaints on X. The S Pen slot returns on the bottom-left, easing fears of stylus removal for power users. Specs point to refinement: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 plus familiar battery and camera setups. For marketers, pitch it as a foldable-inspired pro cam within Samsung's ecosystem. Reactions on X range from praise to skepticism as the late-2025 reveal window nears. The leaks emphasize design twists that could reshape next-gen smartphones and creator workflows.

Distributed Quantum Computing Achieves 90% Teleportation with Adaptive Resource Orchestration Across 128 QPUs

January 1, 2026, 4:18 PM EST. Researchers introduce the Modular Entanglement Hub (ModEn-Hub), a hub-and-spoke photonic interconnect with a real-time quantum network orchestrator that coordinates resources across distributed quantum processing units (QPUs). The system centralizes entanglement sources and shared quantum memory to deliver on-demand, high-fidelity Bell pairs, while the control plane schedules teleportation-based non-local gates, launches parallel entanglement attempts, and maintains a small ebit cache. In Monte Carlo simulations under realistic loss and tight budgets, ModEn-Hub sustains 90% end-to-end success as the network scales, outperforming naive sequential approaches. The architecture trades increased entanglement generation for higher reliability, and the team highlights paths to integrating fault-tolerant protocols, heterogeneous workloads, and scalable quantum-HPC deployments on existing hardware.

AI-powered disinformation spreads after disasters, fueling fake posts on social media

January 1, 2026, 4:00 PM EST. AI-powered disinformation is spreading after disasters, as software creates and amplifies AI-generated content on social media. In the Louisville UPS crash, fake videos and articles circulated before facts were known, including claims about celebrities' relatives. Creators like Trevor Smith observed that engagement metrics-comments and shares-translate to money for posters. Researchers from the Center For Countering Digital Hate warn that AI-generated and algorithmic amplification worsen real-world harm. Lawmakers struggle to regulate social media platforms, and executive actions offer limited penalties. Grok, X's AI assistant, even miscast a real photo of Kentucky's governor, underscoring how misinformation can erode public trust in safety updates.

LG unveils AI-powered xboom speakers ahead of CES 2026 with will.i.am collaboration

January 1, 2026, 3:54 PM EST. LG unveiled a new line of xboom speakers ahead of CES 2026, continuing its collaboration with will.i.am as an experimental architect for development, design, and brand marketing. Each model uses AI to auto-tune EQ after analyzing audio content and the listening space, plus ambient lighting that syncs to the music. The lineup includes the xboom Stage 501 for parties and karaoke with vocal-removal and pitch adjustment, up to 220W power, and a five-sided cabinet for vertical or horizontal placement; the rugged xboom Blast boombox with a 99Wh battery and up to 35 hours of playback; the compact Mini with 10 hours and a built-in tripod mount; and the palm-sized Rock, tested to seven military standards with 10 hours. Availability is planned for 2026; pricing remains to be announced, and CES will showcase them at LG's booth.

Nvidia in Advanced Talks to Acquire AI21 Labs for Up to $3 Billion

January 1, 2026, 3:52 PM EST. Nvidia is in advanced talks to acquire Israel-based AI startup AI21 Labs for as much as $3 billion, per Calcalist. Nvidia declined to comment; AI21 did not respond. The 2023 funding round valued AI21 at $1.4 billion, with Nvidia and Google among investors. Founded in 2017 by Amnon Shashua and partners, AI21 is among a wave of AI startups drawing VC interest. Shashua also leads Mobileye. Calcalist notes Nvidia's interest centers on AI21's roughly 200-employee team with deep AI expertise. The deal could reflect Nvidia's broader push into Israel as it plans a new R&D campus in Kiryat Tivon near Haifa, housing up to 10,000 staff across up to 160,000 sq meters; construction eyed to begin in 2027, occupancy in 2031.

Elon Musk donates Tesla shares worth $100 million to charity in year-end tax planning

January 1, 2026, 3:50 PM EST. Tesla CEO Elon Musk donated about 2,10,699 Tesla shares worth roughly $100 million to charity on December 30, 2025, per an SEC filing. The donation was described as part of his year-end tax planning and, per the filing, the shares have no current intention to sell. This follows prior gifts: $112 million in 2024; $1.95 billion in 2022; and $5.7 billion in 2021. Despite these gifts, Musk remains the world's richest individual, with a reported net worth around $619 billion (Bloomberg). He also recently stated plans to remain Tesla CEO in five years, saying he would stay on unless I die.

Samsung One UI 8.5 Reveals Redesigned Software Update Screen Ahead of Galaxy S26

January 1, 2026, 3:48 PM EST. Samsung's One UI 8.5 is currently in beta and will ship with the Galaxy S26 series next year. The update reimagines the Software Update screen, centering the One UI version number and using a light gradient background with a prominent blue Check for updates button. On the main screen, content is kept minimal, while options like Download and install, Auto Download, and Last Update move behind a new three-dot menu (Top-right). Tapping the menu reveals Software Information, Auto Download, and Last update pages. The Software Information page shows Android/firmware versions and security patch level. Overall, the redesign prioritizes a cleaner look and improved readability while preserving the familiar access path in Settings.

Tensor-Plus Calculus Unifies Diagrammatic Reasoning with Universal Semiring Language

January 1, 2026, 3:46 PM EST. Researchers introduce the Tensor-Plus Calculus, a graphical language that handles both pairing and branching in one framework, eliminating annotation overhead by letting connections emerge from context. The work, led by Kostia Chardonnet and collaborators at Université de Lorraine and Université Paris-Saclay, demonstrates universality for modelling systems including non-deterministic and probabilistic behaviours. It establishes a sound and complete equational theory, enabling analysis and verification of diagram equivalence. The calculus relies on a diagrammatic foundation rooted in category theory, with diagrams represented as matrices and connected via a reducing normal form. By proving equivalences through a functor and ensuring soundness, the approach provides a versatile framework for diagrammatic computation across quantum, classical, and stochastic domains, advancing formal reasoning in computational diagrams.

Samsung Galaxy A57 to use flexible OLED panel from CSOT

January 1, 2026, 3:32 PM EST. Samsung's upcoming premium A-series smartphone, the Galaxy A57, is said to adopt a flexible OLED display, with CSOT as a supplier-marking the first time Samsung sources a panel from a maker outside its own Samsung Display. The device continues the A-series shift away from rigid OLEDs, building on the current A56's 6.7-inch panel, and suggests further bezel slimming. CSOT isn't the sole supplier, and the report notes CSOT will also provide screens for the Galaxy S26 FE. Rumors peg a February 2026 launch, with an Exynos 1680 chipset, 45W charging, and a triple rear camera setup: 50MP Sony IMX906 primary, 13MP ultrawide, and 5MP macro.

Google AI overview mislabels Canadian musician Ashley MacIsaac as a sex offender, leading to gig cancellation

January 1, 2026, 3:30 PM EST. Ashley MacIsaac, a renowned Canadian fiddler, says a faulty Google AI summary wrongly labeled him a sex offender, leading to a venue canceling his show at Sipehne'katik First Nation. The incident highlights the real-world impact of AI-generated content on reputations and safety. The venue apologized after recognizing the error; Google noted that search results and AI Overviews are dynamic and may misinterpret content, adding they will use such cases to improve systems. MacIsaac, a three-time Juno winner, warns people to monitor their online presence for misinformation. The episode underscores the need for robust content moderation and clear context in AI tools. The summary has since been corrected.

FrankenQuest: Apple Dual Knit Band Mod Brings Vision Pro Comfort to Quest 3

January 1, 2026, 3:28 PM EST. Meta's Quest 3 ships with a mediocre cloth strap, prompting a robust aftermarket. Drawing inspiration from Apple Vision Pro's knit bands-the Solo Knit Band and the sturdier Dual Knit Band with a top strap-an experiment mounted Apple's knit band onto Quest 3 using 3D-printed side plates. A seller's plates and a backorder wait set the scene for a FrankenQuest build. The finished rig features tungsten weights at the back, delivering counterbalance. Wearing it, the Quest 3 becomes noticeably more comfortable: the Vision Pro-style fabric gathers and cups, while the top strap distributes weight. The result is the most comfortable strap setup yet, blending Meta hardware with Apple comfort.

Comcast expands high-speed fiber network, adding about 3,000 homes and businesses in Inverness Highlands

January 1, 2026, 3:12 PM EST. Comcast is expanding its high-speed fiber-powered internet network in Inverness Highlands and nearby areas, adding about 3,000 new homes and businesses. Construction, which began in June 2025, will continue through 2026 as part of a broader effort to build a fiber network reaching more than 10,000 homes and businesses across Citrus County. The rollout aims to provide faster download and upload speeds for residents and local businesses, supporting education, healthcare, and economic growth as the company scales its infrastructure to meet growing demand.

Galaxy S26 Ultra Privacy Display: How It Works

January 1, 2026, 2:58 PM EST. Samsung is moving forward with a new Privacy Display for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Evidence in early builds of One UI 8.5 and a hidden UI toggle points to a feature tucked in the device's Settings under a display section, with a Quick Settings toggle. The Tips app teaser (even on a spoofed S26 Ultra) confirms an animation showing how it works: when viewed straight on, content is normal, but from the top, bottom, left, or right edges the screen dims to deter snooping. It can also activate automatically based on the app in use or incoming notifications. The feature is slated to debut with the Galaxy S26 Ultra.

In 2025, Quitting Social Media Felt Easier Than Ever

January 1, 2026, 2:42 PM EST. A tech writer tests going offline in 2025 and finds the experiment short-lived. After disabling notifications and deleting apps, the phone stays quiet. Instagram newsfeed devolves into a skim of sponsored posts and influencers; real people feel distant; the sense of connection fades and FOMO disappears. Rejoining later, TikTok feels like a frenzied mall, with four-second videos and heavy marketing. YouTube Shorts is saturated with AI-generated clips; the writer resists the appeal of animal-content fluff. Occasional gems remain-late-night TV clips, desserts, cultural explanations-but the overall experience is not velcro for the eyes. A recurring thread: money drives these platforms, rewarding shareholder value with more shoppable content.

Samsung launches Galaxy A17 5G and Galaxy Tab A11+ in US with prices from $199.99

January 1, 2026, 2:28 PM EST. Samsung is bringing the Galaxy A17 5G to the US on January 7 for $199.99 across AT&T, T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, Verizon, and Samsung Experience Stores, in black, blue, and gray. The device features a 6.7-inch 1080×2340 Super AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a 50MP main camera with OIS, a 5MP ultrawide, a 2MP macro camera, a 13MP selfie cam, and a 5,000 mAh battery with 25W wired charging, powered by the Exynos 1330. The Galaxy Tab A11+ arrives January 8 as a Wi-Fi-only model (with a 5G version coming to carriers) priced at $249.99 with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. It features an 11-inch 1920×1200 LCD, a 90Hz display, a metal unibody, MediaTek Dimensity 7300 SoC, an 8MP rear and 5MP front camera, and a 7,040 mAh battery with 25W charging.

Huawei Watch 5 Global Update Brings Brighter Flashlight, AppGallery Improvements and Automatic Wi-Fi App Updates

January 1, 2026, 2:26 PM EST. Huawei is rolling out a global update for the Huawei Watch 5 that boosts AppGallery and Flashlight features via HarmonyOS 5.1.0.217 (about a 531 MB package). The release also introduces a new Ice Blue color variant and notes that the watch supports brighter flashlight performance, achievable by raising the wrist toward the face. The update adds automatic app updates over Wi-Fi in AppGallery, letting wearables refresh apps without manual checks. Additional stability improvements are included. This marks a significant upgrade for Watch 5 owners seeking smoother app management and more usable night lighting, with the improved brightness designed to reduce sudden bursts of light when waking the screen.

Instagram Chief: The Polished Feed Is Dead – AI Reshapes Social Media

January 1, 2026, 2:14 PM EST. Instagram's head warns that the platform's polished feed is dead as AI reshapes content discovery. The shift pushes more automated, algorithm-driven experiences, shorter videos, and a move away from perfectly staged posts toward more authentic, AI-augmented creativity. The remark signals Facebook/Instagram's pivot to AI-powered feeds, potentially changing how creators engage audiences, how brands plan campaigns, and how users consume content. Experts say the change could intensify competition with short-form platforms, intensify personalization, and spur new monetization strategies as AI helps surface diverse content while maintaining platform relevance.

Sales Exec Bets on a $3,000 AI Course to Stay Ahead of Younger Competitors

January 1, 2026, 2:12 PM EST. One sales executive is betting on upskilling rather than watching a younger replacement loom: he paid about $3,000 for an AI-focused course designed to sharpen forecasting, customer insight, and automation tools. The move reflects a broader trend: workers are turning to short, targeted AI training to stay competitive as automation accelerates in sales roles. Advocates say such programs can boost productivity, improve deal velocity, and help reps interpret data from CRM and marketing platforms. Critics note the cost and time tradeoffs, urging employers to provide accessible learning pathways. The story highlights practical takeaways: choose courses with hands-on projects, prioritize ethical AI and data privacy, and measure impact on quota attainment and customer outcomes. For workers and managers, continuous learning is becoming a core career strategy.

Why Tesla Could Win the EV Market With Robotaxi and Autonomy

January 1, 2026, 2:10 PM EST. Tesla is betting that autonomous electric vehicles will redefine mobility, with chief executive Elon Musk arguing that the value of an EV hinges on cost per mile and continuous autonomy. The company's plan for a robotaxi fleet could yield recurring revenue far beyond traditional car sales, potentially lowering the effective cost per mile versus ICE taxis and even other EVs when driven efficiently by FSD. While rivals debate the pace of automation, Tesla's emphasis on a fully autonomous model underscores a path where the market shifts from car ownership to mobility services, positioning the company to win regardless of how the debate resolves.

UK rolls out drone class marks and Remote ID from 2026

January 1, 2026, 2:08 PM EST. Starting Jan 1, 2026, the UK will change drone regulation with a new class-marking system (UK0-UK6) and a Remote ID requirement. Drones will carry UK classifications alongside existing EU labels until Dec 31, 2027, after which UK markings fully apply. The new system tightens where different classes may fly: UK0/UK1 over people, UK2 near people with extra training, and higher classes for heavier or more capable craft. The weight threshold drops from 250 g to 100 g, bringing many ultra-light drones into scope for a Flyer ID (online theory) and, if a camera is present, an Operator ID tied to the pilot. Remote ID will be mandatory for class-marked drones in 2026 and for legacy or unmarked drones with cameras weighing 100 g or more by 2028, with a phased upgrade path.

Wedbush Sees Quantum Computing as Generational Opportunity for QUBT Despite Revenue Challenges

January 1, 2026, 1:58 PM EST. Wedbush initiated coverage of Quantum Computing Inc. (QUBT) with a Neutral rating and a $12 price target, calling the space a generational opportunity as quantum tech nears broader commercial use. The firm cites a massive TAM, the ability to solve complex optimizations, and potential energy savings, but warns of inconsistent revenue and stiff competition. In a separate move, QUBT announced an all-cash $110 million acquisition of Luminar Semiconductor, designed to bring photonic technologies in-house and accelerate the development of compact, fully integrated quantum systems for markets. Luminar's photonic components and engineering talent should bolster the supply chain. Overall, the stock offers upside tied to commercialization, though some AI peers may present greater risk-adjusted upside.

Nvidia Stock Rises as China Orders Surge for H200 AI Chips

January 1, 2026, 1:56 PM EST. Shares of Nvidia rose about 1% as it sought to expand TSMC production of its H200 AI chips. Chinese tech firms have ordered more than 2 million H200 units for delivery in 2026, with Nvidia holding roughly 700,000 in current inventory. Production at TSMC is expected to begin in the second quarter of next year. The H200 is part of Nvidia's Hopper architecture and runs on TSMC's 4-nanometer process. Pricing around $27,000 per chip varies by customer and volume, with Nvidia planning to ship the first batch from existing stock before the Lunar New Year. The expansion could tighten global AI chip supplies as strong Chinese demand competes with limited availability elsewhere, ahead of Nvidia's next-generation Blackwell and Rubin chips.

DJI's Avata 360: bundles, pricing leaks, and a new Power Bank ahead of 2026

January 1, 2026, 1:54 PM EST. New details about DJI's Avata 360 reveal a range of bundles mirroring the existing Avata 2, including options with extra batteries and carrying cases, and bundles with or without the DJI RC 2 remote. The premium kit reportedly pairs Goggles N3 and the RC Motion 3 controller for gesture-based flying. Leaked pricing is shown in Chinese yuan (around 2,988 CNY for the cheapest bundle, roughly $425), with the most expensive option near double that. Note the US ban on DJI drones means the Avata 360 won't launch in the United States, but could arrive elsewhere ahead of 2026. A separate tease hints at a portable Power 1000 Mini power bank. The device would compete with Insta360's Antigravity A1 and is expected to ship soon outside the US.

Apple Watch Series 11 Discounted Up to 25% as 2025 Smartwatch Lineup Begins

January 1, 2026, 1:52 PM EST. Apple Watch Series 11 is Apple's most advanced mainstream smartwatch, with a revamped Liquid Glass display and new gesture-based controls. It advances health tracking with ECG, blood oxygen, sleep analysis, cycle tracking, and a hypertension alert system. A Sleep Score helps you monitor rest, while Workout Buddy adds personalized insights. Hardware options include 42mm and 46mm sizes in aluminum or titanium, with Ion-X glass, 50-meter water resistance, and 5G cellular on supported models. Discounts now reach 25% on the 42mm ($299; was $399) and about 23% on the 46mm ($329; was $429). A timely upgrade for healthier habits, especially for workouts and daily wear. See at Amazon.

PlayStation Plus January 2026 Free Games Line-Up Revealed

January 1, 2026, 1:42 PM EST. Sony has revealed the January 2026 free game lineup for PlayStation Plus, giving members new titles at no extra cost for the month. The lineup typically features a mix of action, adventure, indie, and evergreen classics available to PS Plus Essential subscribers, with limited-time access from the start to the end of January. Fans should log in to their accounts to claim the games before they expire, and note that availability can vary by region. Stay tuned for final details on any tie-ins or additional member benefits.

Doug Bowser Retires from Nintendo of America, 44-Year Leader Steps Down

January 1, 2026, 1:40 PM EST. Doug Bowser, president of Nintendo of America, announces his retirement effective December 31, 2025, ending a 44-year run with the company. Bowser says it has been an honor to contribute to Nintendo and thanks fans for their passion and support. He notes that he will remain a Nintendo fan and passes the leadership to Devon Pritchard to guide Nintendo of America forward. Bowser's career spans early days with Donkey Kong Arcade to leading games, theme parks, and movie experiences. The news reflects a significant shift for Nintendo's North American operation as it continues to bring iconic characters and worlds to fans.

Five iPhone privacy tweaks to tighten security and regain control

January 1, 2026, 1:38 PM EST. iPhones ship with strong privacy defaults, but you can reclaim control by tweaking five settings. The guide shows how to curb Apple's data collection via Settings > Privacy & Security > Analytics & Improvements and disable what you don't want shared, after reading each description. It also covers keeping apps out of your business by evaluating App Tracking Transparency prompts and limiting cross-app data access. The aim is to minimize background data sharing while preserving usability. The takeaway: make deliberate choices, not blanket disables, and stay informed about what each switch does. With these tweaks on my iPhone 17, I feel steadier about my personal data without compromising day-to-day use.

Ohio Schools Enact Mandatory Cell Phone Policies for 2026

January 1, 2026, 1:36 PM EST. Ohio public schools are enforcing new cell phone restrictions for the 2026 school year. A 2024 state law requires all districts, community schools, and STEM schools to adopt formal policies that limit or ban phone use during the school day. The move aims to address concerns from teachers and parents about the impact of digital devices on learning. Districts must implement clear rules to manage when and where devices can be used, with penalties or remedies defined. The law covers all public districts, ensuring consistent standards across the state.

Best Apps to Track Your New Year's Resolutions (Strong, Peloton, and More)

January 1, 2026, 1:08 PM EST. This piece argues that resolutions are time-bound and should be tracked with dedicated apps. It highlights common 2026 goals from Statista-exercise more, save more money, eat healthier-and notes that progress tracking helps accountability. For fitness, it recommends Strong, which records workouts and generates graphs for weight, sets, and body fat, with unlimited workouts in the free version but only three custom routines and a premium option at $4.99/mo or $29.99/yr. It also endorses the Peloton app as a flexible tracker. The article blends personal experience with practical tips and links to full reviews.

5 Popular Apps That Drain Your Smartphone's Battery the Most

January 1, 2026, 1:06 PM EST. Smartphones are powerful, but battery life remains a challenge. A study by Elevate (via Yahoo) shows many phones now need daily charging, and certain apps contribute heavily through background activity. Netflix tops the list as the biggest battery drain, with users averaging 60 hours of viewing per month and about 13 hours of background activity, amounting to roughly 1,500% of a full charge. TikTok also ranks high, along with other popular apps that can sip power in the background. To combat this, check your Settings to see which apps use the most battery, and consider limiting background activity or removing problematic apps. Slight tweaks can extend screen-on time without sacrificing essential features.

2 No-Brainer AI Stocks to Buy for 2026: Nvidia and Amazon

January 1, 2026, 1:04 PM EST. Two AI stocks stand out as long-term growth plays: Nvidia and Amazon. Nvidia dominates the AI chip market with GPUs that power training and inference for large language models, and its early focus on AI optimization has kept it at the forefront. The company's shift toward inferencing and a broader product lineup, plus strategic moves like partnerships with Nokia and acquiring Groq's inferencing tech, position it for continued growth. Amazon, meanwhile, leverages AI across its platform to optimize delivery routes, personalize shopping, and improve efficiency, reinforcing its competitive moat in e-commerce and cloud services. Taken together, these AI stocks offer exposure to both hardware-led and software-driven AI adoption in 2026 and beyond.

Poland asks EU to act on AI-generated Polexit videos on TikTok under the Digital Services Act

January 1, 2026, 12:48 PM EST. Poland's government has asked the EU to target TikTok under the Digital Services Act for AI-generated videos urging Polexit and criticizing the ruling party. A Polish security analyst group, Res Futura Data House, highlighted clips showing AI-created messages from young Poles bearing national symbols. Deputy digital affairs minister Dariusz Standerski said the videos amount to a coordinated disinformation campaign and asked European Commissioner Henna Virkkunen to open DSA proceedings. Warsaw argues TikTok lacks adequate moderation and transparency about the origin of such materials, undermining the DSA's goals to curb disinformation and protect democratic processes. The move follows wider EU enforcement trends, including the €120 million fine against X for DSA violations.

Samsung Galaxy Z Roll 5G: A Bold Leap with Rollable Display

January 1, 2026, 12:38 PM EST. Samsung's Galaxy Z Roll 5G unveils a true rollable display that extends to 12.4 inches, delivering a crease-free canvas for multitasking, gaming, and media. Key specs include a 144Hz refresh rate, 3000 nits peak brightness, and AI-powered privacy controls that blur content in public. Its camera stack centers on the ISOcell HP2 sensor with pixel binning for 12.5MP, 50MP, and 200MP outputs, plus a 12MP under-display selfie camera for a full-screen look and HDR performance with Smart ISO Pro. Power comes from next-gen silicon (regionally: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 or equivalent Exynos). The rollable design aims to redefine premium smartphones and hint at the future of mobile hardware.

IBM Leads as the Top Quantum Computing Stock to Own for the Next Decade

January 1, 2026, 12:36 PM EST. IBM is positioned at the forefront of quantum computing, a field that could redefine how some problems are solved by exploiting quantum physics. While practical quantum machines aren't mainstream yet, a broad ecosystem of partnerships and investments points to meaningful upside. IBM has reported nearly $1 billion in cumulative quantum bookings and is pursuing a clear roadmap with hundreds of collaborators across industry and academia. The company aims to deliver a true quantum advantage in 2026, a fault-tolerant quantum computer by 2029, and scalable qubit growth in the 2030s. Its Nighthawk processor, with 120 qubits and 218 tunable couplers, embodies this plan. Given the financing needs of smaller quantum players, IBM's path gives it a durable edge as a long-term stock.

Gavin Newsom mocks Trump as Trump Mobile stalls gold T1 phone shipments

January 1, 2026, 12:32 PM EST. California Governor Gavin Newsom responded to reports that Trump Mobile's gold T1 smartphone shipments will be delayed again. The service, marketed under the Trump Organization, has pushed delivery from an August start to late January, citing last fall's government shutdown. The device is advertised at $499 with a $47.45/month plan, offering unlimited talk/text/data, device protection, roadside assistance, telehealth, and international calling. Critics argue the phone is unlikely to be fully manufactured in the USA, despite a claim from the company. Analysts like IDC's Francisco Jeronimo question whether the phone is designed or assembled domestically, while outlets such as The Verge and CNBC track changes to specs and wording. The controversy underscores questions about Made in the USA branding and transparency.

China warns Starlink satellites pose safety and security risks at UN Security Council

January 1, 2026, 12:18 PM EST. Beijing's UN mission warned at a Russia-initiated informal UN Security Council event that the rapid expansion of internet satellite constellations, notably Starlink, poses pronounced safety and security challenges. It cited 2021 near-collisions with China's space station and a December satellite disintegration, plus concerns about airspace violations and the use of LEO networks for military reconnaissance or by terrorist and separatist groups. A Starlink executive claimed a near miss with a newly launched Chinese satellite and accused China of insufficient coordination. The comments underscore that, as commercial space activity grows, unchecked proliferation of LEO constellations could amplify risks without effective regulation.

7 iPhone Apps to Start the New Year Right

January 1, 2026, 12:16 PM EST. Kick off the new year by upgrading your iPhone with seven standout apps from the App Store. This list goes beyond built-in features, letting you customize weather with CARROT Weather, track flights with Flighty, and tame your schedule with Fantastical. Each app brings a unique edge, from customizable widgets and live weather data to real-time flight updates and a powerful calendar experience for power users. Whether you want smarter weather, better travel alerts, or a more capable calendar, these picks help your iPhone feel fresh out of the box.

iOS 26.3 Beta 1 Deep Dive: Interoperability, Digital ID Expansion, and App Store Updates

January 1, 2026, 12:06 PM EST. Apple's iOS 26.3 beta 1 emphasizes interoperability, customization, and security. Key features include third-party device pairing as seamless as AirPods, notification forwarding to third-party smartwatches, and a new transfer-to-Android option (still in development). Wallpaper categorization now groups weather and astronomy into distinct themes. A major Digital ID expansion adds support for digital driver's licenses and passports to seven more states: Arkansas, Connecticut, Kentucky, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Utah, and Virginia. On the app front, Apple is expanding third-party app store access to Brazil by April, aligning with EU and Japan moves. The update also promises bug fixes and performance improvements to enhance stability.

Nvidia Readies Massive H200 Production Push With TSM to Meet Chinese AI Demand in 2026

January 1, 2026, 12:04 PM EST. After a volatile 2025, Nvidia is pursuing a sizable H200 production push with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSMC) to meet surging Chinese demand. Reuters reports orders exceeding 2 million H200 units for 2026, while Nvidia's current stock sits around 700,000, creating a shortfall. The H200-based on the Hopper architecture and built on TSMC's 4-nm process-remains a powerful option for training complex AI models, more capable than export-restricted variants. Production is slated to begin in Q2 2026, with initial shipments possibly arriving before the Lunar New Year. China pricing for the China-specific H200 variant is about $27,000 per chip. The move shifts focus toward the newer Blackwell and Rubin chips for future growth, even as China remains a major market amid shifting trade rules.

How Far Will a Tesla Go on an 'Empty' Battery? Real-World Reserve Revealed

January 1, 2026, 12:02 PM EST. Electric vehicles have a built-in reserve even when the gauge hits 0%. In a test by Kyle Conner with a 2026 Tesla Model 3 Premium, the car started at 5% SOC, reached 0%, and still managed to drive an extra 31 miles after the display showed zero, using about 6 kWh. The test measured about 192.5 Wh/mi, roughly 5 miles per kWh, and FSD remained active until the driver took over. The 363-mile EPA-range Model 3 demonstrates that automakers keep a substantial buffer for emergencies, though not every EV affords the same margin. The takeaway: don't rely on the reserve; plan charging stops and mindful battery health practices.

China Ends 2025 with Dual Shijian-29 Satellites for Space Target Detection

January 1, 2026, 11:46 AM EST. China closed 2025 with a surprise dual payload launch: Shijian-29A and Shijian-29B, lifted by a modified Long March-7 from Wenchang at 6:40 a.m. local time. Officials say the satellites were placed into preset orbits for space technology verification and tests related to space target detection-critical for civil and strategic aims. The mission underscores China's accelerating cadence, with 73 launches in 2025 versus 51 in 2024. The Shijian series, managed by CASC, is used to validate new materials, subsystems, and orbital maneuvers, and analysts expect sensors, radar prototypes, or AI-driven tracking systems aboard 29A/29B. The launch also highlights the Long March-7 as a versatile backbone for medium-lift operations and evolving orbital logistics in crowded LEO.

RiseLink Showcases Ultra-Low-Power Edge AI and Wi-Fi SoCs at CES 2026

January 1, 2026, 11:44 AM EST. RiseLink, a global provider of ultra-low-power Wi-Fi and AIoT SoCs, today unveils CES 2026 activities showcasing edge AI that scales from prototype to production. CEO Dr. Pengfei Zhang will join an official CES Smart Home panel with leaders from Amazon, Bosch, Ecobee, and EY to discuss the latest in smart devices and home integration. The AI-powered reading toy ChooChoo, built on RiseLink's chips, has been selected for official CES programming, demonstrating on-device conversational AI in a production-ready product. RiseLink will host The Blueprint for Physical AI: AI-Native Hardware Mixer in Las Vegas (Jan 8) to explore scaling edge AI from chip to device. The company will display its latest Wi-Fi MCU and AIoT platforms at Booth 53117 (Venetian Expo). Schedule meetings at the provided link.

Chip shortages threaten 20% rise in consumer electronics prices

January 1, 2026, 11:32 AM EST. AI demand for memory chips is driving rising costs, with DRAM shortages hitting smartphones, PCs and home appliances. Dell, Lenovo, Raspberry Pi and Xiaomi warn prices will rise as memory suppliers prioritise data-centre chips. TrendForce sees DRAM prices up 50-55% in Q4 2025; Samsung and SK Hynix say 2026 orders already exceed capacity, with some chips up to 60%. The AI-driven buildout of data centres is squeezing supply of high-bandwidth memory, while lower-end semiconductors are deprioritised. Companies are stockpiling components and passing costs to consumers, pressuring electronics prices to climb 5-20% in 2026, with analysts forecasting a broad price uptick. Cloud providers' long-term chip deals and rising AI infrastructure spend (Amazon, Google) reinforce the squeeze.

Time to Choose: Apple Watch Series 11 vs Ultra 3 vs SE 3 – Which One Should You Buy in 2025

January 1, 2026, 11:30 AM EST. With the new year comes a watch dilemma: compare the Apple Watch Series 11, the rugged Ultra 3, and the budget-friendly SE 3. The article lays out price bands from SE 3's about $249-$299 to the Series 11 up to $1,299 for Hermès titanium, and Ultra 3's $799. It covers two sizes for Series 11 (42mm, 46mm) and weight/material options (aluminum vs titanium), the SE 3's lighter, aluminum-only lineup, and Ultra 3's single 49mm titanium design. Cellular vs GPS, Hermès variants, and band ecosystems factor into the total cost. The piece helps you decide based on size, materials, cellular needs, and budget-perfect for gift-box fit or daily wear. It also points to unbiased reviews and pricing tips.

Tesla stock ends 2025 lower ahead of Q4 production and deliveries report

January 1, 2026, 11:12 AM EST. Tesla stock closed down 1.0% on New Year's Day at $449.72 as U.S. markets were closed, with investors eyeing Friday's quarterly production and deliveries release. Analysts expect a year-over-year drop in deliveries as demand cools and competition tightens. Reuters notes consensus around 432,810 Q4 deliveries (Visible Alpha) and a company-compiled estimate near 422,850. The report could act as the next catalyst, given tax-credit headwinds and cheaper trims like the Model Y and Model 3. Elon Musk gifted shares to charities in year-end planning. Traders will assess whether lower-priced trims support volumes without pressuring pricing ahead of earnings.

Quantum-Inspired Vulture Algorithm Improves IoT Edge Computing Efficiency

January 1, 2026, 11:02 AM EST. Researchers published a study in Scientific Reports introducing a quantum-inspired vulture algorithm to optimize IoT edge computing. Led by B. Panjavarnam and colleagues N. Kanimozhi and S.R. Nisha, the approach uses principles from quantum mechanics to enhance resource allocation and task scheduling at the edge. By processing data closer to its source, the method aims to reduce latency, improve reliability, and address bottlenecks in real-time IoT workloads. The work highlights potential gains in managing complex IoT networks and may inform more efficient edge architectures as IoT deployments scale.

Karpathy argues Waymo can't replicate Tesla's coast-to-coast autonomy; end-to-end AI vs modular system

January 1, 2026, 11:00 AM EST. Former Tesla AI chief Andrej Karpathy weighed in on the rivalry between Tesla and Waymo, arguing that Waymo would struggle to reproduce Tesla's coast-to-coast autonomous drive. He contrasted Tesla's end-to-end neural network approach with Waymo's modular system, noting that Waymo's architecture proved brittle during a San Francisco power outage when traffic lights went dark. Karpathy acknowledged the milestone as a feat, while re-affirming his belief in Software 2.0 – training AI from billions of miles of human driving rather than hand-coding logic. The exchange comes as Musk criticized Karpathy's views as outdated and tensions linger over Tesla's AI strategy, with Musk publicly urging collaboration despite their parting in 2022.

Sanders and DeSantis Push Back on AI Data Center Boom: A New Political Challenge for AI

January 1, 2026, 10:58 AM EST. Two top U.S. politicians from opposite sides of the aisle are voicing concerns over the AI industry's data center boom. Sen. Bernie Sanders proposes a national moratorium on data center construction, arguing the costs of electricity and risks to grid stability must be addressed before further growth. Gov. Ron DeSantis has unveiled an AI Bill of Rights that would empower local communities to block data centers, signaling bipartisan worry about local impacts even as the White House promotes rapid AI deployment. With electricity prices rising and the 2026 midterms in view, the politics of data centers, grid reliability, and cost of living could temper the industry's expansion.

Meet the new tech laws of 2026: AI rules, right-to-repair, and crypto safeguards

January 1, 2026, 10:56 AM EST. From AI transparency in California to Colorado's sweeping right-to-repair rules and crypto ATM safeguards, 2026 brings a flurry of tech laws. California's SB 53 requires safety disclosures from major AI firms and protects whistleblowers, while SB 243 covers companion chatbots with crisis protocols and SB 524 requires agencies to disclose AI use. Colorado's HB24-1121 triggers its broad right-to-repair regime, and SB25-079 imposes daily crypto ATM transaction limits and refund options for first-time users. The mix also features a federal thread around the Take It Down Act and lingering debates over state tech rules like Texas' age-verification move. In short, 2026 is becoming a proving ground for AI governance and consumer protection.

Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1: Gear to Help You Keep Your New Year's Resolutions

January 1, 2026, 10:30 AM EST. With the Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1, sticking to New Year resolutions is easier than ever. This versatile gadget handles pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, steaming and more, turning healthy meals into a reliable weeknight habit. The durable stainless-steel inner pot heats evenly, while smart programs adjust timing for foolproof results. It's a time-saver for reducing takeout and boosting nutrition, whether you're craving steel-cut oats, hearty stews, or plant-based bowls. By consolidating multiple appliances into one, it lowers clutter and costs while encouraging consistent, homemade meals. In short, this appliance helps you eat better, save money, and stay on track all year long.

Berkshire Sells Apple and Bets on AI Stock: Buffett Rotates Capital in the AI Era

January 1, 2026, 10:28 AM EST. Berkshire Hathaway has been trimming its Apple stake as the AI revolution reshapes market leadership. The piece notes Berkshire's exposure has fallen roughly 73% since end-2023, with cash and Treasury bills, and reallocating capital amid a frothy rally in the S&P 500 and Nasdaq megacaps. While many funds chase AI winners, Buffett-traditionally contrarian-has rotated into another AI stock and added capital after years of passive income. The article weighs Buffett's rationale-valuation, market froth, and capital discipline-and asks whether now is a good opportunity for followers to emulate Berkshire's AI-focused rotation. It also contextualizes AI's influence on market breadth and whether Berkshire's shift signals broader sentiment toward AI equities.

Apple trims Vision Pro production amid weak sales and shifting strategy

January 1, 2026, 10:24 AM EST. Apple has reportedly cut Vision Pro production and slowed marketing after what sensors and analysts describe as sluggish demand for the premium mixed-reality headset. Market trackers say the company reduced spend on promotion by over 95% and IDC estimates suggest only tens of thousands were sold in the run-up to last Christmas. Production by Luxshare reportedly paused early 2025, and Apple has limited direct sales to 13 countries. Analysts project annual declines for VR headsets, while competitors like Meta push toward AI glasses and cheaper options. Despite the hype around spatial computing, critics note bulky hardware and a crowded app ecosystem tempering adoption. Apple is anticipated to launch a cheaper Vision Pro iteration later this year but the current showpiece faces serious headwinds.

Nvidia asks TSMC to ramp up H200 production amid strong demand; Beijing approvals pending

January 1, 2026, 10:14 AM EST. Tech stocks spotlight includes Nvidia, which Reuters says is seeing strong demand for its H200 chips from Chinese tech buyers. Nvidia has asked TSMC to ramp up production, chasing orders for about 2 million chips while holding only around 700,000 in inventory. The bottleneck remains regulatory: shipments to China require Beijing's approval, which has not yet been granted. The situation underscores the tension between surging demand for next-gen accelerators and policy constraints that could slow supply. Separately, market chatter surrounds Paramount's hostile bid for WBD, with the board expected to reject the offer; Nike insiders are buying stock; but the focus today centers on Nvidia's supply chain and regulatory risk.

Trump Mobile's T1 Slips Again as Delays Mount for $499 US-Brand Smartphone

January 1, 2026, 10:12 AM EST. Trump Mobile's ambitious T1 smartphone-a $499 made-for-America branding push-continues to miss its launch cadence. The device is reportedly a re-skinned China-made REVVL 7 Pro 5G, raising questions about margins and the feasibility of a domestic-build claim. After delaying the launch from August 2025 to the end of 2025 and collecting $100 deposits for pre-orders, the T1 has not shipped. The Financial Times blames a US government shutdown in H2 2025, though supply-chain concerns and Asia-based components persist. Trump Mobile previously pivoted branding from built in the United States to brought to life in the United States. As 2025 ends, the company continues to sell used iPhones and Samsung devices while awaiting a launch date.

Empire of AI: Karen Hao on How AI Threatens Democracy and Creates a New Colonial World

January 1, 2026, 10:10 AM EST. In this rush transcript, Karen Hao discusses her book The Empire of AI, critiquing Silicon Valley's scale-at-all-costs approach to AI development. She argues that AI models are trained on the full English-language internet and other data, powered by massive data centers that require enormous energy, with social, labor, and environmental harms. The empire metaphor frames how the data of individuals, works of artists and writers, and the land and energy for infrastructure feed AI. The piece notes OpenAI and ChatGPT, and touches on policy shifts like the Trump administration's stance on AI regulation. Hao's analysis foregrounds democracy risks and the new colonial dynamics of AI power.

What sky-high RAM prices mean for your next smartphone

January 1, 2026, 10:08 AM EST. RAM prices are soaring as AI demand crowds out supply. Data centers are gobbling DDR5 to power cloud workloads, while modern AI servers can demand terabytes of memory. To chase higher margins, memory makers are diverting capacity into HBM, leaving tighter supply for traditional RAM used in devices. Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron have redirected a large share of DRAM output toward HBM since 2023. OpenAI's Stargate project could push demand to hundreds of thousands of DRAM wafers monthly, further tightening scarce capacity. For smartphones and other devices, this means persistent price pressure and potential supply constraints. Buyers are split on timing decisions: some rush to buy, others wait. Overall, the AI boom is reshaping the landscape for consumer RAM and ownership costs.

Meta AI chief Alexandr Wang: He'll have kids only after Neuralink is very advanced

January 1, 2026, 10:02 AM EST. Alexandr Wang, head of Meta's SuperIntelligence Lab, said on The Shawn Rayan Show that he plans to have children only after Neuralink-like BCI technology is highly advanced. He argues that early childhood neuroplasticity offers a unique window to learn brain-computer interfaces, enabling future generations to interact with superintelligence tools intuitively. Wang notes that children's brains in the first seven years are more adaptable, potentially unlocking more cognitive potential than adults. The comments come as Neuralink pushes clinical work toward mobility restoration and cognitive enhancement. Separately, Meta's MSL is expanding recruitment in Singapore, adding to momentum after acquiring Manus AI.

Army creates AI and ML career field for officers to accelerate AI-enabled warfare

January 1, 2026, 10:00 AM EST. The Army is instituting a dedicated AI and machine-learning career field for officers, designating 49B as an official "area of concentration." The phased rollout begins with applicants via the Voluntary Transfer Incentive Program on Jan. 5, with transfers to be completed by Oct. 2026. Selected officers will undergo graduate-level training and gain hands-on experience building and maintaining AI-enabled systems, bolstering a data-driven force. The program favors candidates with advanced degrees or technical AI/data backgrounds and may expand to warrant officers later. The move aligns with a broader Army transformation to accelerate AI-driven command and control, unmanned systems, and counter-UAS capabilities across units.

CES Emerges as a Major Player in Artificial Intelligence

January 1, 2026, 9:58 AM EST. CES is positioning itself as a major AI player as Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang headlines the January kickoff with a roadmap for Nvidia's full stack to power the next industrial revolution-driving both generative AI and physical AI. Analysts say the keynote sets strategic direction for artificial intelligence across consumer and industrial segments. Huang will outline data-center plans and robotics visions, while AMD's Lisa Su is expected to unveil new enterprise chips offering alternatives to Nvidia's GPUs. The emphasis on physical AI spans drones, refrigerators and beyond into healthcare, automotive, and manufacturing. With AI-related spending projected to trillions, Huang's CES speech could shape capital flows into AI accelerators, data centers, and AI-powered devices across industries.

Google Maps vs Apple Maps: Which Navigation App Should You Use in 2025

January 1, 2026, 9:54 AM EST. As of 2025, Google Maps and Apple Maps deliver nearly identical navigation accuracy, narrowing the performance gap to ecosystem and preference. The biggest divide is ecosystem reach: Google Maps spans Android, iOS, and web with over 2 billion monthly users, while Apple Maps stays inside Apple's world (iOS, watchOS, CarPlay). Privacy is a key differentiator: Apple Maps does not require sign-in, uses fuzzing to blur precise locations, and keeps routing data separate from an account, while Google Maps leverages travel data for its advertising model. Interface and experience differ too, with Apple focusing on a clean, driver-friendly layout and deep Apple ecosystem integration (Siri, Watch), whereas Google emphasizes cross-platform flexibility. The choice often boils down to your priorities: privacy and simplicity vs. cross-device convenience and features.

Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium Bundle SE drops to $230.09 in January sale (save $98.01, 30% off)

January 1, 2026, 9:52 AM EST. January sale alert: the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium Bundle SE is discounted from $329 to $230.09 on Amazon, a savings of $98.01 (about 30%). Creative Bloq reviewers have given it five stars, and it remains a top pick for starting digital art or upgrading a setup in 2026. It's a traditional pen tablet that pairs with a laptop or desktop for digital art, graphic design, photo editing, or as an alternative to a mouse. The bundle includes two pens-a thicker, 3-button pen for longer sessions and a slimmer, 2-button pen for detail work-plus shortcut keys on a remote for comfortable access. Compared with the Wacom Intuos Pro, this option is cheaper by roughly $180 and offers more stylus flexibility. Check out more January sale drawing tablet deals below.

3 High-Conviction AI Stocks With 10x Potential by 2036

January 1, 2026, 9:36 AM EST. Investors are increasingly eyeing AI-driven growth, with names like AMD and CoreWeave framed as potential 10x winners by 2036. The piece cites a surge in AI stocks such as Palantir and a Grand View Research forecast of about a 31% CAGR through 2033, signaling the AI boom may just be beginning. AMD could challenge Nvidia in the AI accelerator market with its upcoming MI450, while its CPUs and data-center strength buoy long-term growth. CoreWeave is rising as a dedicated AI cloud platform, optimizing for Nvidia GPUs and easing in-house data-center demands. Despite near-term losses as demand expands, the article argues the AI wave could deliver substantial upside across the ecosystem through 2036.

Tesla Supplier L&F Restates $2.9B Contract at $7,386, a 99% Cut

January 1, 2026, 9:28 AM EST. South Korean cathode maker L&F disclosed that a 2023 Tesla contract was restated from about $2.9 billion to $7,386, a staggering 99% reduction. The move comes after L&F's shares tumbled and family wealth fell, with CEO Hur Jae-hong's stake shrinking to roughly $134 million from a prior peak. The original deal was tied to cathodes for certain Cybertruck models, but analyst notes suggest little to no Tesla cathode shipments have occurred since last year, and the contract has been excluded from earnings forecasts. Most of L&F's Tesla exposure now runs indirectly through LG Energy Solution. The firm is pursuing diversification, including a 2026 start of Rivian production and ongoing supply to SK On for Hyundai EV batteries. Analysts see potential upside in 2026 linked to energy storage demand for AI data centers.

Mercedes Warns EV Owners: Don't Charge Beyond 80% to Avoid Battery Fire Risks

January 1, 2026, 9:26 AM EST. Mercedes is recalling 169 EQB electric SUVs over a potential battery short-circuit that could trigger a fire. Dealers will install a software update to limit charging to 80% and mitigate a possible thermal event. The recall covers 100 EQB 300 4MATIC, 48 EQB 350 4MATIC, and 21 single-motor EQB 250 models. This follows a prior 2025 US campaign in which Mercedes issued the same 80% charging guidance before the fix was applied. The precautionary update aims to stabilize battery behavior and lower fire risk until a permanent resolution is in place.

Apple Music Gets Major Upgrade in iOS 26.2: Offline Lyrics, Top Picks, and AutoMix

January 1, 2026, 9:24 AM EST. Apple Music expands its feature set in iOS 26.2 with a refreshed look (Liquid Glass) and practical improvements. The home tab now highlights the Favorite Songs playlist in Top Picks, and lyrics for downloaded tracks are available offline as you listen. Real-time Lyrics Translation and Lyrics Pronunciation tools help fans sing along across languages, while a redesigned mini player and hover menus improve navigation. Users can pin favorites to the top of their library, enjoy animated cover art on the Lock Screen, and benefit from tweaks to widgets and an enhanced AutoMix for smoother transitions between tracks. Overall, the update emphasizes offline usability, multilingual support, and a polished UI to bolster Apple Music's competition.

NVIDIA's 'Insanely Long' Client List, Says Jim Cramer

January 1, 2026, 9:22 AM EST. Jim Cramer highlighted NVIDIA's seemingly endless list of clients, saying the company's reach is real and not overhyped. The piece notes NVDA has risen about 35% year-to-date after a pullback tied to AI-bubble fears and a softer data-center buildout. Recently, NVIDIA signed a licensing deal with AI-chip startup Groq, a move Bernstein called a tech and talent grab. Cramer also discussed China exposure and the upcoming Vera Rubin AI GPUs. While the stock faces near-term volatility, the story suggests some AI names may offer higher upside with limited downside. It also nods to onshoring and tariffs as a potential tailwind for selected players.

RedMagic 11 Pro+ Golden Saga edition flaunts gold-plated cooling and premium materials

January 1, 2026, 9:12 AM EST. Nubia unveils the RedMagic 11 Pro+ Golden Saga edition, featuring premium materials and a gold-plated liquid cooling system. The handset keeps the standard internals but adds a carbon fiber rear panel, sapphire glass top, and a mirror-silver metal frame. The standout is a gold-plated vapor chamber with gold and silver air ducts and a gold-finish liquid cooling system. Specs: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, 6.85-inch BOE X10 AMOLED at 144Hz, and a 7,500mAh battery with 120W wired and 80W wireless charging. A Golden Saga edition of the RedMagic Gaming Tablet 3 Pro arrives with gold-plated accents, 9.06-inch OLED 165Hz, Snapdragon 8 Elite, and 8,200mAh. Pre-orders in China start soon; price is CNY 9,899 (~$1,415) for 24GB/1TB.

Apple 2026: Hardware leaps and leadership transitions

January 1, 2026, 9:10 AM EST. As 2026 looms, Apple is expected to push beyond 2025's incremental gains with a new wave of devices and a changing leadership team. The piece argues 2026 could be momentous for hardware-hinting at concepts like an iPhone Fold and a touchscreen Mac-while also outlining a planned succession: Tim Cook's path to chairmanship and the appointment of a successor who has largely worked behind the scenes. After years of calm and a decade of steady growth, Apple may begin a broader reshuffle of senior management as the old guard gradually steps aside, unlocking fresh faces and new strategic energy for the company's next phase. Bold outcomes in design, governance, and international strategy could define Apple's trajectory in the near term.

The double-edged sword of AI data centers: growth vs. community costs

January 1, 2026, 9:08 AM EST. Data center construction has become a political flashpoint as Meta, Amazon and Google pour billions into AI infrastructure. Opponents warn of environmental impact, skyrocketing electricity prices, vast land use, and the risk of replacing workers. Some lawmakers, like Sen. Bernie Sanders, push for a moratorium to slow the boom. Yet analysts say AI-led data center buildout is a major driver of GDP growth: Furman finds data centers explain most growth in early 2025, and JPMorgan estimates AI capex contributed about 1.1% of GDP. The tension pits a necessary but risky technology push against communities bearing the costs. The outcome could shape both jobs and energy policy as the U.S. bets on AI to power growth while weighing environmental and labor risks and potential policy responses.

I won't buy an Android phone in 2026 without telemacro

January 1, 2026, 9:06 AM EST. After years with Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel, I switched to Chinese Ultra phones for better camera hardware, faster charging, and bigger batteries. The feature that changed everything is telemacro, and in 2026 I won't buy an Android phone without it. Telemacro uses the telephoto camera and a floating lens to capture close-up shots from a comfortable distance, delivering sharp, usable macro photos rather than the proximity drawbacks of traditional macro modes. While many flagships include macro, telemacro's reach and stability matter in daily use. The difference between telemacro and macro isn't trivial, and phones that pair strong camera hardware with this feature unlock new perspectives and easier close-ups-making it a decisive factor in smartphone choices.

CES 2026: RGB TVs lead the charge as average screen sizes rise

January 1, 2026, 8:54 AM EST. CES 2026 is shaping up to be the year of RGB TVs, with Samsung, LG, Hisense and others pushing high-brightness, full-color panels that promise richer reds, greens, and blues. The once-diverse TV strategies are converging on RGB displays, while traditional highlights like OLED and mini-LED continue to evolve. Expect more RGB-based sets that blend OLED x mini-LED tech, improving contrast and brightness without sacrificing color accuracy. The show should also spotlight shifts in average TV sizes, moving toward larger screens as prices drop and new form factors emerge. In short: RGB TVs are front and center, OLED remains essential, and the race for the best balance of color, brightness, and size is intensifying.

Tesla Stock in Spotlight as Michael Burry Denies Short Bet

January 1, 2026, 8:52 AM EST. Tesla stock is in focus after Michael Burry denied having a short position in the EV maker on X. The post comes as he has questioned valuations across tech and AI, and after news he closed his hedge fund and launched a subscription-based research platform. Regulatory filings reportedly show Burry held put options on Nvidia and Palantir, bets that would profit if those names fall by 2027. Burry has previously criticized Tesla's valuation and raised concerns about shareholder dilution and executive pay. Tesla has issued preliminary delivery estimates suggesting Q4 sales could miss some forecasts, with official figures due in early January. The developments keep TSLA in the spotlight as investors weigh growth against valuation.

Reflect Orbital's 'sunlight on demand' satellites spark controversy and scrutiny

January 1, 2026, 8:34 AM EST. US startup Reflect Orbital plans to launch the first satellite in early 2026 to beam sunlight to 10 locations, followed by thousands of mirrors-spanning satellites for remote operations, defense, civil infrastructure, and energy generation. The goal: deliver up to 200 watts per square meter by 2030, akin to dusk/dawn light, to support solar farms. But FCC filings show the initial reflector's ground light is far too weak to power plants. Critics, including John Barentine of Dark Sky Consulting and the American Astronomical Society, say the light would be about four times the full Moon over a large area; far more reflectors would be needed, with massive launch costs. Astronomers warn of momentary flashes when mirrors move and atmospheric scattering, plus risks from micrometeorites if reflectors degrade. Reflect Orbital says it is discussing mitigations, but gave no interview.

Apple iPad 11-inch (A16) Drops to $299 on Amazon to Kick Off 2026

January 1, 2026, 8:32 AM EST. The Apple iPad 11-inch with the A16 chip is now available for $299 on Amazon, down from $349. It features an 11-inch Liquid Retina display, 128GB of storage, Wi-Fi 6, and a USB-C port, plus Touch ID on the Top Button. The dual 12MP cameras include Center Stage for video calls and True Tone Flash with 4K video. Apple pitches it as versatile for work, play, and beyond, supported by iPadOS with Safari, Messages, and Keynote, and access to over 1 million apps. Compatible with Apple Pencil and the Magic Keyboard Folio, it offers all-day battery life for extended use. See at Amazon.

Will the Galaxy S25 price drop when the Galaxy S26 launches?

January 1, 2026, 8:16 AM EST. With the Galaxy S26 launch looming, price drops for the Galaxy S25 series look likely. History shows both official price cuts and retailer rebates once a new generation arrives, affecting the S25, S25 Plus, S25 Edge, and S25 Ultra. Analysts expect roughly a $100 / £100 / AU$150 reduction at launch, though regional differences and retailer incentives vary. Note that the line will be discontinued eventually, but stock can clear gradually after the S26 unveil. You don't always need to wait: retailers often cut prices over time, and sometimes deals appear before the new model lands. Expect MSRP shifts and deeper discounts from third-party stores during major sales periods.

California AI law requires disaster plans, risk frameworks and whistleblower protections

January 1, 2026, 8:04 AM EST. California's new law, SB 53, requires developers of large AI models to publish risk frameworks and disclose how they would prevent or respond to catastrophic AI incidents. Starting January 1, employees at companies like Google and OpenAI gain whistleblower protections when assessing safety risks. The measure requires reporting of critical safety incidents within 15 days (24 hours if there is an imminent threat) and imposes penalties up to $1 million per violation. It expands transparency reports to cover intended uses, restrictions on use, how a company assesses and addresses catastrophic risk, and whether independent reviews occurred. Proponents say it will boost transparency and public trust, while enforcement will depend on state agencies' resources. The bill originated as Senate Bill 53, led by Sen. Scott Wiener.

ARPANET 1983 TCP/IP Cutover: The Foundation of the Internet

January 1, 2026, 8:00 AM EST. On January 1, 1983, ARPANET began the critical cutover from NCP to TCP/IP, completing the transition by June and paving a universal protocol for internetworking. By 1984, over 100 universities and research centers in the US and Europe were connected using what is now the global standard for networking. TCP/IP displaced NCP, enabling inter-networking and a vendor-neutral, extensible, open architecture that could run on everything from PCs to supercomputers. Designed by Dr. Vinton Cerf and Dr. Robert Kahn, its layered model introduced essential ideas like end-to-end reliability and congestion control, and spawned foundational protocols such as HTTP, SMTP, and DNS. Unlike proprietary stacks (SNA, XNS, DECnet), TCP/IP's openness and portability helped it become the common denominator of modern networks.

January 2026's Biggest New Game Releases: GTA 6 Hype, Code Vein Sequel & More

January 1, 2026, 7:46 AM EST. GameSpot previews a slower January that still offers new releases across indie hits and ambitious sequels. Highlights include a Code Vein sequel, a game exploring perceptive reality in Cassette Boy, and a city-builder set in medieval times where players manage an anarcho-syndicalist commune. While GTA 6 remains the marquee aspiration for the year, the month packs surprises for fans of strategy, action RPGs, and narrative-focused experiences. If you're mapping the 2026 calendar, January provides a diversified start with smaller titles that could become unexpected hits.

Elon Musk Donates Nearly $100 Million in Tesla Shares to Charity for Tax Planning

January 1, 2026, 7:44 AM EST. Business Insider reports that Elon Musk donated nearly $100 million in Tesla shares to charity, describing it as part of tax planning. The report raises questions about how such donations are structured and their impact on philanthropic giving and tax policy. This example highlights the ongoing dynamics between tech wealth, philanthropy, and regulatory frameworks affecting charitable giving.

Galaxy S25 Ultra Deals Live Again: Save on 512GB & 256GB Models + One UI 8.5 Beta

January 1, 2026, 7:34 AM EST. Amazon is back with new Galaxy S25 Ultra deals: the 512GB variant is now $1,056 (a $363 discount from $1,419) and the 256GB model is $1,049 (discounted from $1,299). The bigger storage option remains the stronger value, especially since you get more space for just a bit more money. Note that these offers aren't as dramatic as the earlier promo ($849 / $969). Samsung has also opened the One UI 8.5 beta (Android 16 QPR2) for the S25 Ultra, promising a redesigned interface and new features. Check the linked video for a closer look at the UI changes and the beta experience.

Apple Teases Big Reveal With Fitness Trainers Posing With Newspapers

January 1, 2026, 7:32 AM EST. Apple drops a cryptic promo featuring its fitness trainers posing with newspapers to tease a big reveal. The stunt fuels speculation about a new feature or initiative in the Apple Fitness ecosystem, potentially a hardware update, software upgrade to Fitness+, or a health-focused service. The playful teaser fits Apple's pattern of cryptic previews ahead of major events, energizing fans and analysts alike. No official details yet, but the company is expected to disclose more at an upcoming keynote or press release. Stay tuned for confirmation from Apple.

Dallas fintech Yendo Uses AI to Address Financial Inequality With $50M Funding

January 1, 2026, 7:30 AM EST. Dallas-based fintech Yendo, backed by $50 million in funding from investors including Mark Cuban and Logan Green, is expanding beyond asset-backed credit cards into full digital banking. Founder Jordan Miller, a Forbes '30 Under 30' alum, aims to tackle financial inequality by leveraging artificial intelligence to cut costs and broaden access for the underbanked. With services live in 43 states and plans to roll out checking and savings accounts, Yendo seeks to replace costly traditional lender processes that can price out creditworthy borrowers. The company argues AI-driven checks, such as automated image and data analysis, reduce friction and loan costs, helping consumers who lack mainstream credit or bank loans. The round signals growing investor interest in fintechs tackling inclusion through AI-powered banking.

DJI Mini 5 Pro More Combo with DJI RC 2 Drops to $1,099 – Record Low Price to Start 2026

January 1, 2026, 7:28 AM EST. Kick off 2026 with a record-low deal on the DJI Mini 5 Pro More Combo with DJI RC 2. Normally $1,599, this bundle is now just $1,099-about 31% off and unlikely to last. The compact drone folds for easy transport, weighs very little, and shoots true 4K/60fps video. It includes LiDAR-assisted safety and boosted obstacle sensing, plus up to 52 minutes of flight from three batteries. With ActiveTrack 360, you can track subjects hands-off for cinematic footage. If you've been eyeing top-tier portability and performance, this is a rare chance to upgrade your kit before prices bounce back. See at Amazon.

Tesla previews Q4 deliveries, expects 15% YoY decline; 2025 outlook

January 1, 2026, 7:12 AM EST. Tesla released a preview of its fourth-quarter deliveries, signaling a 15% drop year over year. The company pegged Q4 global deliveries at about 422,850, with a median estimate near 420,399. It projects 388,002 Model 3 and Model Y deliveries and 34,848 other vehicles (including the Cybertruck). The forecast suggests a second straight annual decline, with 2025 deliveries seen at about 1.64 million versus roughly 1.79 million this year. The pullback is attributed to the end of the $7,500 federal tax credit and rising competition. Tesla emphasizes its autonomy push-robotaxis, new Full Self-Driving software, and Optimus robots-while Musk's large pay package looms. Shares fell ~1% to $454.43; the stock is up ~13% this year.

Cathie Wood Sells Tesla Again: Is TSLA Heading for a 2026 Decline?

January 1, 2026, 6:58 AM EST. Influential investor Cathie Wood and ARK Invest have trimmed their Tesla (TSLA) stake again, fueling questions about the stock's near-term risk. TSLA has rallied this year but faces a tougher 2026, with observers warning of a potential second year of declining sales and shrinking profits. Critics compare Tesla to Waymo and Alphabet, arguing Tesla lags in robotaxi deployments and market reach. Valuation is another concern, with a forward P/E around 430x cited by analysts, suggesting downside risk. Wall Street remains cautious, with a Hold rating and a mean target near $395, roughly 13% below current levels. Some see risk as Ark shifts capital toward gene-editing and autonomous mobility themes, potentially signaling a broader reevaluation of EV exposure.

AI Labor Is Boring, AI Lust Is Big Business: The Erotic Chatbot Boom

January 1, 2026, 6:56 AM EST. As the AI hype cools, the real money may lie not in automation but in appetite. The piece surveys erotic chatbots like Joi AI's Mona Lisa, which offer NSFW roleplay, custom avatars, and perpetual eye contact, logging hundreds of thousands of chats. While many enterprises chase productivity boosts, the consumer side hints at a parallel economy built on sextech, synthetic intimacy, and the monetization of attachment to avatars. The author argues the AI bubble could deflate, yet this byproduct – erotic AI – could endure as a separate market. The story also notes that enterprise AI gains remain uneven: some tasks see small productivity gains, while concerns over privacy, cost, and security stall broader adoption. In short, the AI era may be split between boring efficiency and addictive fantasy.

2 No-Brainer AI Stocks to Buy With $2,000 Right Now (Microsoft Focus)

January 1, 2026, 6:40 AM EST. AI is powering a wave of infrastructure build-out, and Microsoft sits at the center. Through Azure, it anchors high-performance computing for AI workloads and leverages a deep OpenAI partnership to bring cutting-edge models into its software stack. Copilot, integrated into Microsoft 365, Teams, Outlook, GitHub, and Dynamics 365, demonstrates real-world AI adoption at scale, with hundreds of thousands using Copilot Studio and more than a million custom agents built. Microsoft's strategic expansions, including Foundry for enterprise-grade AI deployment, position the company as a top AI stock for long-term investors. If you have $2,000 to invest, Microsoft is a compelling option to capitalize on the AI revolution.

AI Expands Alaska Gardeners' Palettes with ChatGPT

January 1, 2026, 6:28 AM EST. AI is expanding Alaska gardeners' palettes by surfacing catalogs and plant ideas with ease. The piece explains how ChatGPT can list trusted catalogs-Burpee, Park Seed, Johnny's Selected Seeds, Gurney's Seed & Nursery, and Territorial Seed Co.-with notes on seeds, hardiness, and growing conditions tailored to short seasons. From nostalgia about paper catalogs to today's rapid AI searches, the article shows how AI-assisted queries can reveal unusual plants (like verbascum variants or "night sky" petunias) complete with photos and prices. It also warns about accuracy and the need for human checks. The shift from long reads to quick AI results helps Alaska gardeners make smarter, season-appropriate choices indoors and out.

AI fundraising hits record 2025 as giants dominate private markets

January 1, 2026, 6:26 AM EST. AI-led fundraising hit a record in 2025, with private U.S. companies raising about $150B, surpassing 2021's peak. Capital concentrated in a few leaders, notably OpenAI (about $40B), Anthropic (~$13B), xAI (~$10B), and Meta's acquisition of Scale AI for nearly $15B. The rush created fortress balance sheets to weather a potential downturn while financing expansive AI infrastructure and top talent. SpaceX, OpenAI and Anthropic hint at 2026 listings, and several firms crossed the $2B funding threshold. Public markets followed the hype, with many AI-linked firms helping push tech giants like Nvidia, Microsoft, Alphabet toward trillion-dollar valuations. Looking ahead, more than $500B is expected to flow into AI infrastructure in 2026.

NFL Week 18 predictions by Microsoft Copilot AI for every game

January 1, 2026, 6:24 AM EST. Microsoft Copilot AI returns with Week 18 predictions for all 16 NFL games, aiming to rebound after an 8-8 Week 17 in the USA TODAY Sports experiment. The piece notes occasional trouble pulling up-to-date injury data, as the AI's 2025 tally sits at 169-86-1. Among the picks: the Buccaneers 23-20 over the Panthers, and the 49ers 27-24 over the Seahawks, with the AI signaling continued trust in home-field and defense. A human analysis flags the Panthers as a potential NFC South winner and cautions that late-week updates can impact AI output. The article illustrates how AI predictions can diverge from real-time developments as Week 18 unfolds.

AI Study Buddy: Professors Build Custom Tutor to Transform Homework

January 1, 2026, 6:10 AM EST. LLMs like ChatGPT are reshaping homework. Kellogg professors Robert Bray and Sébastien Martin built a customized AI tutor for an MBA data-analytics course, instructing the model to teach rather than simply spit out answers. Students were split: half used the AI tutor, half used standard ChatGPT. Across 17,946 homework questions, the AI tutor outperformed in user experience and perceived usefulness. Nearly twice as many students reported a very positive experience (47% vs 26%), and 40% found the tutor very helpful compared with 30% for ChatGPT; both differences were statistically significant. The aim is to help students build AI skills, engage with assignments, and give educators a way to shape AI-assisted learning rather than rely on generic responses. The approach shows how custom AI agents could redefine homework for business students and beyond.

Malaysia to license major platforms under Online Safety Act 2025

January 1, 2026, 6:08 AM EST. Malaysia's MCMC will deem social media and messaging platforms with more than eight million users in the country as licensed under local law starting Jan 1, as the Online Safety Act (ONSA) 2025 comes into force. The move closes a year-long gap where giants like WhatsApp and Facebook operated without formal approval. Under ONSA, licensed providers face expanded duties over harmful content, online scams, and risks to children; deeming platforms licensees closes the loophole of scale outside the law. Analysts are divided on whether this will spur meaningful changes in platform behavior, but officials say the measure strengthens accountability.

DJI Avata 360 Price Leak: China Bundles and US Estimates

January 1, 2026, 5:54 AM EST. DJI's Avata 360 pricing leaked in China, with base drone at ¥2,988 (~$426), Standard Combo at ¥3,988 (~$569), and Fly More Combo at ¥5,688 (~$811). US pricing is projected to be notably higher due to tariffs, FCC/certification costs, and retailer margins, with estimated US prices of $489, $680, and $999 respectively. The article notes the pricing table from DJI China stores and emphasizes the model is a green-flag FCC-cleared drone ready for sale in the US. No official US price exists yet, but a typical premium of 15-40% is expected. Buyer's takeaway: compare the China bundles against the anticipated US bundles, and factor in add-ons like DJI Care Refresh starting at ¥398 (~$57).

Broadcom Surges in 2025, Beats Nvidia: Is It a Buy for 2026?

January 1, 2026, 5:52 AM EST. Broadcom's stock has surged roughly 700% over five years as demand for AI infrastructure powers hardware makers. While Nvidia remains the go-to for plug-and-play GPUs, Broadcom is winning with AI accelerators and custom designs like Alphabet's Ironwood TPUs, which Anthropic has heavily ordered. Broadcom also benefits from its data-center networking gear, notably Tomahawk Ethernet switches, delivering low latency and high throughput. In fiscal Q4 2025, Broadcom posted $18B revenue with its AI segment up 74% year over year, helping beat guidance. With AI demand broadening to bespoke accelerators, investors face a question: is Broadcom a longer-term buy on AI exposure, or a hold/sell risk given valuation and competition? The 2026 outlook remains key.

Elon Musk: 'Almost all my wealth' tied to Tesla/SpaceX stock as California wealth tax debate heats up

January 1, 2026, 5:26 AM EST. Tesla CEO Elon Musk joined California wealth tax debate, asserting that nearly all his fortune is tied to stock in Tesla and SpaceX rather than liquid assets. Responding to critics who argue stocks aren't real wealth, Musk explained his net worth rests on equity in the companies he founded and leads, with value rising only as these products reach customers. The discussion spotlights the challenge of taxing billionaires who mostly hold wealth in company shares. The proposed measure would retroactively apply to Californians as of Jan 1, 2026, prompting concerns about residency moves and potential tax bills for high-profile figures like Page and Thiel.

The 12 Most Exciting Cameras to Expect in 2026 – From DJI's First 360 Drone to the iPhone 18

January 1, 2026, 5:24 AM EST. Predicting the next wave of cameras for 2026 is a tradition the author keeps alive by benchmarking last year's misses and hits. The piece assembles a top-12 countdown of upcoming models, rumors, and wishful thinking, from flagship phones to cinema rigs, and even new optics from Sigma, Sony, and Viltrox. After a surprisingly strong 2025-with standout releases like the BF camera, the Caira camera, and retro-inspired kits-the author expects a mix of predictable launches and welcome surprises. The countdown kicks off with the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, noting only modest camera bumps and continued emphasis on computational features rather than dramatic sensor swaps. The article pitches a year of ongoing innovation, user experience focus, and potential jaw-dropping moments in 2026's camera landscape.

Tesla stock slips ahead of quarterly delivery report as consensus tightens

January 1, 2026, 5:20 AM EST. Tesla shares fell about 0.9% in after-hours trading as investors awaited Friday's quarterly delivery update. The company posted a contested, company-compiled consensus that underscored a potential miss vs street estimates. Analysts polled by Visible Alpha expect fourth-quarter deliveries around 432,810, down ~13% YoY, with full-year deliveries near 1.65 million, down 7.8% after Sept. EV tax credits ended. The discrepancy between Visible Alpha and Tesla's own consensus highlights how even small shifts in sentiment can move the stock. Investors weigh demand for vehicles against competition and the pivot to non-auto businesses like robotaxis and humanoid robots.

Elon Musk's Tesla Robotaxi 2025 Promises: What He Missed and What's Next

January 1, 2026, 5:06 AM EST. Elon Musk pledged a Tesla Robotaxi rollout by 2025, but reality fell short as timelines slipped amid regulatory hurdles, safety reviews, and software-and-hardware delays. The plan hinges on advancing Full Self-Driving (FSD) tech, scaling fleet readiness, and delivering a proven, low-cost autonomous taxi service without human drivers. In practice, pilots remain limited and approvals slow, forcing investors to weigh optimism against execution risk. The milestones now shift to gradual expansion, tighter safety case demonstrations, and clearer pricing and insurance models. If Tesla can align hardware upgrades, software reliability, and regulatory clarity, a Robotaxi network could emerge beyond 2025; otherwise, the promises may continue to outpace reality. Watch for updates on regulatory approvals, service zones, and how Tesla addresses customer trust and operational safety.

Tesla sinks to bottom of used-car reliability leaderboard as CR highlights long-term durability

January 1, 2026, 4:50 AM EST. Tesla sinks to the bottom of Consumer Reports' used-car reliability leaderboard, a ranking based on owner reports for the 2016-2021 model years and averaged after at least five years of data. The list places Lexus and Toyota at the top, while Tesla scores just 31 on the used-vehicle scale. The ratings emphasize long-term durability, with Lexus and Toyota known for conservative redesigns that stay reliable as they age. CR notes that the gap between new-car and used-car reliability can widen as models accumulate miles. Still, in CR's separate new-car reliability rankings, Tesla rose to ninth, fueled by strong performance from the Model 3 and Model Y.

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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