Technology News 02.03.2026

March 2, 2026
Technology News 02.03.2026


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SCADA Market Trends: Edge Computing, Smart Manufacturing Drive Forecast to 2034

March 2, 2026, 3:04 AM EST. Rising demand for industrial automation and IIoT is driving the SCADA market. Real-time data monitoring across oil and gas, power generation, and water management helps reduce downtime and boost efficiency. IMARC Group puts the global SCADA market at USD 22.8 billion in 2025, with a path to USD 32.1 billion by 2034 and a CAGR of about 3.88% from 2026-2034. SCADA now acts as the central nervous system of modern industrial intelligence, expanding beyond on-premise setups toward scalable cloud-based architectures and AI-driven predictive maintenance. Growth rests on Industry 4.0 adoption and the need for remote monitoring, machine-to-machine communication, and deeper analytics. Markets span hardware (PLCs, RTUs) and software platforms, especially in dispersed utility networks and grid modernization efforts.

OMI touts LnFP battery for 3-minute charging, US production planned by 2027

March 2, 2026, 2:58 AM EST. Dallas-based OMI unveiled a prototype battery using a proprietary LnFP active cathode material that it says enables 3-minute charging at a 20C rate. The C-rate, a measure of charging power relative to capacity, is central to the claim. OMI says LnFP delivers fast charging without sacrificing durability, safety or stability, noting thousands of cycles and chemical stability under aggressive high-rate use. An accompanying chart compares LnFP with NMC and LFP chemistries: LnFP's specific capacity runs about half that of NMC and roughly a fifth of LFP, making the pack heavier per unit of energy, even as it accepts higher charging rates. Production in the United States is planned for 2027, with VC discussions and demonstration vehicles expected. OMI lists Polaris Industries and Harley-Davidson as customers.

Toyota-Lexus partner with Treehouse for home charging; Samsung SDI, Columbia University advance lithium metal battery research

March 2, 2026, 2:56 AM EST. Toyota Motor North America has teamed with Treehouse to streamline the purchase and installation of home charging for 2026 Toyota and Lexus models. Treehouse uses a software-based operating system and virtual scoping to deliver upfront installation quotes in under 48 hours, managing design, permitting and work by licensed electricians. Beginning with 2026, all Toyota and Lexus BEV and PHEV models will include a standard dual-voltage 120V/240V AC home charger rated up to 7.7 kW, enabling overnight charging from 10% to full. Owners can opt for a 240V outlet or a hardwired ChargePoint Home Flex; Treehouse provides a two-year installation warranty, with Toyota/Lexus warranties on the charging hardware. Separately, Samsung SDI and Columbia University publish lithium metal battery research, advancing a fluorine-based gel polymer electrolyte that suppresses dendrites and boosts energy density, addressing cycle life and safety concerns for high-density chemistries.

China battery breakthrough could double EV range with fluorinated solvent, Nature study says

March 2, 2026, 2:54 AM EST. Chinese researchers say a fluorinated hydrocarbon solvent enables a lithium-fluoride system that could boost energy density. In a Nature study, the team from Nankai University reports energy densities greater than 700 Wh/kg at room temperature and about 400 Wh/kg at -50°C, potentially doubling EV range without increasing weight or size. The approach replaces the traditional lithium-oxygen model, reducing electrolyte amount and enabling fast ion transfer even in cold conditions. Scientists including Zhao Qing warn that balancing ion release with quick charge transfer is key, but the solvent's design may resolve that trade-off. If scalable, vehicles with 500 km ranges could exceed 1,000 km per charge, with drones for high-altitude use in view.

TCL debuts Natural Light Nxtpaper display, blending glare reduction and high brightness at MWC

March 2, 2026, 2:52 AM EST. At Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, TCL previewed a new take on its Nxtpaper tech, branded Natural Light. The panel remains LCD but adds features to cut glare and support circadian-friendly viewing. TCL reports a 90% circular polarization rate to reduce glare, 2.9% blue-light emission, and automatic brightness/color-temperature adjustments to match ambient light. The display targets 3,200 nits of brightness and 100% P3 color gamut, with an anti-flare coating and a light-homogenizing film for ereader mode. TCL also showed the Tab A1 Plus and Tab A1 Plus Nxtpaper: a 12.2-inch LCD tablet at 2400×1600 with 120Hz; plus Nxtpaper variant with glare-reducing tech, Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, up to 10GB RAM, 128GB storage, microSD up to 2TB, and an 8,000mAh battery. The A1 Plus lands in the US in April or May; the Nxtpaper version date is to be announced.

TCL unveils NXTPAPER Note A1 and TAB A1 Plus at MWC 2026, broadening its tablet lineup

March 2, 2026, 2:50 AM EST. TCL unveiled a broader tablet lineup at MWC 2026, spanning focused productivity to immersive entertainment. The flagship TCL Note A1 NXTPAPER is TCL's first NXTPAPER e-note, featuring a paper-like display, 3A Crystal Shield Glass and the T-Pen Pro with 8,192 pressure levels to mimic handwriting. Integrated AI tools boost note-taking and content organization. The TCL TAB A1 Plus carries a 12.2-inch 2.4K display via TCL CSOT tech, 120Hz refresh and quad speakers for richer visuals and sound, plus a premium metal unibody. Google Gemini serves as a real-time AI assistant, while Circle to Search enables instant discovery by circling. The suite also includes Writing Assist, Text Assist, a refined UI, Magic Hub, and improved multitasking with split-screen and floating windows.

Motorola Razr Fold debuts at MWC 2026 with ultra-bright 6,200-nit main and 6,000-nit external displays

March 2, 2026, 2:48 AM EST. Motorola unveils the Razr Fold at MWC 2026, its first book-style foldable. It sports an 8.1-inch main display at 6200 nits peak brightness and an external 6000-nit panel, far brighter than rivals. The 2K LTPO main screen runs up to 120Hz; the external display tops 165Hz and both support Dolby Vision. A silicon-carbon 6000mAh battery powers it, with up to 80W fast charging and 50W wireless charging. The phone is 4.6 mm thick open and 9.9 mm closed. It uses a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip with liquid cooling. Motorola also backs the Pen Ultra stylus and a five-camera array, headlined by a 50 MP main with f/1.6 and OIS; a 50 MP ultrawide with a 122-degree field of view, plus a 3-in-1 light sensor for color accuracy.

Maruti selects BYD Blade battery from China for its first EV

March 2, 2026, 2:46 AM EST. Maruti Suzuki will import BYD's Blade battery pack from China for its first EV, a strategic shift away from decades of localisation to speed and global-grade tech. The plan prioritises rapid ramp-up, safety standards, and proven performance over in-house, Make in India battery manufacturing. BYD's Blade battery is designed for compact EVs and is expected to integrate with Maruti's new platform, potentially reducing supply-chain risk amid global shortages. The move highlights a broader tilt in India's EV strategy toward foreign battery supply as domestic ecosystem matures. Officials have not yet announced domestic production timelines or localisation targets; stakeholders will watch for impact on costs, timing, and the pace of local battery development.

Broadcom ships 2nm 3.5D AI processor to Fujitsu, broadening custom silicon push against Nvidia

March 2, 2026, 2:32 AM EST. Broadcom has begun shipping the industry's first 2nm custom compute SoC built on its 3.5D eXtreme Dimension System in Package (XDSiP) platform to Fujitsu in Japan, the company said. Described as a tangible step beyond roadmap promises, the shipment expands Broadcom's push into custom silicon that competes with NVIDIA in AI workloads. The project is associated with Naoki Shinjo of Fujitsu Research, pictured in the accompanying caption. The 2nm design aims to deliver higher compute density and better power efficiency through advanced packaging, according to Broadcom. No price was disclosed. The move mirrors a broader industry shift toward vendor-specific AI accelerators for enterprise systems.

Huawei Watch GT Runner 2 adds 3D antenna, marathon mode, 14-day battery life

March 2, 2026, 2:22 AM EST. Huawei unveiled the Watch GT Runner 2 at its Now is Your Run event, a dedicated running watch with a titanium chassis and Kunlun Glass. The 1.32-inch AMOLED display sits in a 43.5-gram, 10.7mm-thick body with 40m water resistance. The device introduces a new 3D floating GPS antenna and improved gasket design, delivering claimed 3.5x better positioning in tunnels or shade. An inertial positioning algorithm uses the accelerometer and gyroscope to improve route tracking without a phone, aided by dual-band satellite positioning and independent navigation. The watch includes Huawei's TruSense sensor suite, an Intelligent Marathon Mode, and real-time lactate threshold detection. Battery life is up to 14 days (light use) or 32 hours with GPS. Price £350; colors Dawn Orange, Dusk Blue, Midnight Black; NFC Curve Pay in the UK.

Apple shelters from AI-driven memory crunch as smartphone market contracts

March 2, 2026, 2:20 AM EST. IDC, via Bloomberg, says a global memory shortage, driven by AI (artificial intelligence), is squeezing the smartphone market and lifting costs. The firm projects a 12.9% contraction in 2026, about 160 million fewer devices than last year. Budget Android makers face razor-thin margins as rising memory prices force higher prices or reduced features. Apple appears positioned to weather the crunch by exiting the budget segment and focusing on mid-range to premium iPhones, including the iPhone 16e that replaced the iPhone SE. Analysts warn the crisis won't ease before mid-2027, and memory prices may not revert to 2025 levels. The shift could redefine pricing, features, and competition, with Apple arguably better insulated than its value rivals.

China's AI arsenal: PLA pushes intelligentization with autonomous weapons on display

March 2, 2026, 2:18 AM EST. During September 2025's Victory Day parade, China showcased autonomous weapons-uncrewed ground vehicles, underwater and aerial drones, and collaborative combat aircraft-sending a message about Beijing's aim to erode the U.S. edge. Beijing has framed modernization in three phases: mechanization, informatization, and intelligentization. So far, mechanization and informatization progress are evident; the PLA now fields ships, tanks, and aircraft linked by data networks. Georgetown University's Center for Security and Emerging Technology reviewed thousands of PLA procurement requests from the last three years, finding a rapid push into AI, including pilots for unmanned combat vehicles, cyberdefense, vessel tracking, and land-sea-space targeting. The effort also spans data synthesis and disinformation tools. Washington warns over reliance on AI firms like Anthropic; the U.S. still holds power in computing, talent, and experience, but must scale AI systems faster to stay ahead.

Qualcomm's X105 5G modem-RF advances AI features, efficiency

March 2, 2026, 2:16 AM EST. Qualcomm's new smartphone modem, the X105 5G modem-RF, follows the X85 as its successor. It emphasizes AI applications and uses sensing software to predict RF conditions and keep a stronger connection. The company says the X105 is about 15% smaller and 30% more power efficient than its predecessor. The update signals continued push to embed AI and predictive sensing in mobile modems as speed and efficiency remain priorities for 5G devices.

Qualcomm bets on wearables as screenless AI eyes next big gadget

March 2, 2026, 2:14 AM EST. Qualcomm unveiled the Snapdragon Wear Elite chip for discreet wearables-pins, pendants, glasses-and smartwatches, promising on-device AI without draining the battery. Ziad Asghar, head of Qualcomm's wearables and personal AI devices division, cited rising demand after early smart glasses growth. Global shipments of smart glasses rose 139% in H2 2025 per Counterpoint Research. Google, Motorola and Samsung will use the new chip. The move signals a push to define a screenless, always-on AI category that could rival smartphones, but privacy hurdles and consumer skepticism loom. Humane's AI Pin setback shows the risk. Potential use cases include instant translations in conversations and retail-focused AI devices with cameras.

Motorola, GrapheneOS announce long-term partnership to ship future devices with de-Googled Android

March 2, 2026, 2:10 AM EST. At MWC 2026, Motorola and the GrapheneOS Foundation announced a long-term partnership to bring GrapheneOS to a future Motorola smartphone and to port some GrapheneOS features to other Motorola devices. Motorola says the collaboration will strengthen smartphone security and deliver devices engineered for GrapheneOS compatibility, with joint research and new security capabilities to roll out as the partnership evolves. Details on which device will carry GrapheneOS, and when, remain unclear. GrapheneOS developers have previously said current Motorola devices do not meet its hardware requirements. Today GrapheneOS runs exclusively on Google Pixel devices; any Motorola model would need hardware beyond even the Motorola Signature flagship specs.

Honor previews 'Robot phone' with moving camera ahead of MWC

March 2, 2026, 2:06 AM EST. Honor previews its 'Robot phone' ahead of MWC in Barcelona, detailing a moving camera arm on a four-degree-of-freedom gimbal. The 200-megapixel camera can rotate 90 or 180 degrees with a Spinshot feature for cinematic shots, plus AI-powered object tracking so video calls can follow you. The device can respond with head shakes and even dance to music, giving the assistant a personality, and users can interact by text or voice. The company says it developed a dedicated micro motor for the camera and reused hinge materials from the Magic V6 to fit the mechanism into the phone body, with 2800 MPa tensile strength. Honor plans a launch in the second half of this year, alongside the Magic V6 foldable, MagicPad 4 tablet, and MagicBook 14 laptop.

Two safer bets in quantum computing: Alphabet and IBM outshine pure-play stocks

March 2, 2026, 1:56 AM EST. Quantum stocks have plunged as investors price in long commercialization timelines. Pure-play names-IonQ, Rigetti, and D-Wave-trade at sky-high sales multiples with tiny revenue and mounting cash burn. MIT and Morningstar projects place meaningful commercialization five to 10 years out, with general-use quantum computing 20 years away, a horizon that strains their burn rates. Two safer bets: Alphabet and IBM. Alphabet sits on a ~$400 billion revenue engine with a deep quantum program and the Willow chip milestone, funded by healthy cash flow. IBM also sustains a world-class quantum effort within a profitable business. For investors seeking quantum exposure without relying on unprofitable pure-plays, these incumbents offer clearer, longer runway.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra review: flagship camera upgrade could redefine Android flagships

March 2, 2026, 1:52 AM EST. After two weeks with the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, Android Central's reviewer finds a solid, albeit imperfect, daily driver. The phone runs on Android 16-based software, with improving memory management and fewer notification glitches, though the pull-down gesture could be smoother. The camera stack centers on a 1-inch, 50MP main sensor complemented by a 200MP tele lens and a 50MP ultra-wide, all enhanced by a Leica partnership. A limited-edition Leica model with a mechanical zoom exists in China; the global version starts at about €1,499. The review cites long-term updates as Xiaomi's ongoing weakness but commends the hardware, battery and OLED display. Relative to rivals, some see the camera upgrade as a genuine flagship leap that could push competing flagships, including the Galaxy S26 Ultra, closer to obsolescence.

Lenovo previews AI Workmate and AI Work Companion desk concepts at MWC

March 2, 2026, 1:50 AM EST. Lenovo used MWC to unveil two AI-based desk concepts aimed at boosting productivity and companionship. The AI Workmate Concept resembles a small robotic arm on a swiveling base with a bulbous screen displaying expressive eyes. Built for local AI processing, it acts as a voice- and gesture-enabled smart assistant and can scan notes and documents to generate summaries, organize ideas, and convert them into presentations. It also includes a projector to display documents on a desk or wall. The AI Work Companion Concept looks like a bedside alarm clock with a large screen. It syncs tasks and schedules across devices to craft a balanced daily plan, monitors screen time to prevent burnout, and offers playful interactions. It also serves as a dock with HDMI displays and USB ports; Lenovo hasn't confirmed whether either concept will become a real product.

Wedbush raises NVIDIA price target to $300; RBC lifts to $250

March 2, 2026, 1:46 AM EST. Wedbush raised NVIDIA's price objective to $300 from $230 and kept an Outperform rating, citing Q4 2026 data-center momentum and stronger Q1 2027 guidance, as reported by The Fly. In a separate note, RBC Capital Markets lifted its target to $250 from $240, signaling results and outlook beat and visibility into 2027. The firm noted NVIDIA's Rubin ramps and stable gross margins despite higher memory costs. NVIDIA Corp. is a fabless semiconductor and AI computing company designing GPUs, AI accelerators, APIs and SoCs; through its CUDA ecosystem, it serves autonomous-vehicle, scientific, and data-center applications. For Q1 2027, NVIDIA expects revenue about $78.0 billion (±2%), with GAAP and non-GAAP gross margins around 74.9% and 75.0% (±50 bps).

Motorola bets on luxury with Razr Fold, a book-style foldable to stand out

March 2, 2026, 1:40 AM EST. Motorola is leaning into luxury with the Razr Fold, a book-style foldable aimed at widening appeal beyond tech enthusiasts. Unveiled at CES with Gwen Stefani headlining, the device arrives as Motorola rolls out three Razr models – the $700 Razr, the $1,000 Razr Plus and the $1,300 Razr Ultra – in a bid to capture different price bands as foldables grow. IDC expects foldable sales to rise about 30% in 2026. The Razr Fold sports an 8.1-inch main screen and a silk-textured back, a deliberate push to blend premium materials with practical specs. Motorola emphasizes a design-first approach: look and feel guide decisions, while the camera array remains a focal point. Competitors like Samsung and Google have already shipped multiple generations of book-style foldables.

Video: China's New Study Buddy-AI chatbots aid homework

March 2, 2026, 1:36 AM EST. Parents in China are turning to AI chatbots to help children with schoolwork. The video highlights homegrown tools DeepSeek and Doubao, plus Google's Gemini, as a way to sharpen students' academic edge. By Jiawei Wang, March 2, 2026, the report shows families using these chatbots to explain concepts, verify homework and provide quick tutoring outside class. The story notes advantages-speed, availability, tailored prompts-and raises concerns about accuracy, data privacy and how schools will respond to AI-assisted learning. In China's fast-moving education tech scene, AI chatbots are becoming a common study companion.

Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro Matte Glass proves a strong Android tablet rival after a month of use

March 2, 2026, 1:34 AM EST. At MWC 2026, Xiaomi unveiled the Pad 8 Pro Matte Glass, a follow-up that refines the NanoTexture display, reduces reflections, and adds a faster processor. The author used the 11-inch tablet as a daily entertainment and productivity tool since February, finding it the first Android tablet to feel like a carryable alternative to a MacBook Air for lighter work. The device weighs about 494 grams, is 5.8 mm thick, and features a one-piece metal chassis. Its 11-inch LCD, 3:2 aspect, and 3200 x 2136 resolution pair with a 144 Hz refresh rate. The Matte Glass panel minimizes glare outdoors, though fingerprints persist. A 9,200 mAh battery sustains long sessions. While it touts "PC-level productivity," desktop Chrome remains required for full workflows, yet it proves strong for multitasking and media.

HMD outlines plan to bring smartphone features to feature phones at MWC 2026

March 2, 2026, 1:32 AM EST. HMD Global outlined plans at MWC 2026 to bring more smartphone features to its feature phones, targeting older users who still rely on simpler devices. The Nokia maker aims to add digital wallet functionality, allowing quick money transfers and cash-outs, starting in India with expansion later in 2026. It will also enable video calls using a feature-phone front camera through an Xpress Chat app, which also supports text chats and images. HMD pitched AI features for dumbphones, including voice-driven settings and a companion bot. The company also announced a tie-up with inTouch to trial AI call services for seniors, aiming to provide built-in companionship. Executives described these pilots as cautious steps to broaden access to AI and payments without abandoning the core feature-phone experience.

DJI Mavic 4 Pro on sale at Best Buy, five-star drone sets benchmark

March 2, 2026, 1:24 AM EST. Best Buy is offering the DJI Mavic 4 Pro for $2,499, down from $4,499, a price that places the premium drone among the lowest seen for this three-camera model. In our review, the Mavic 4 Pro earned a full five stars for flight performance, speed and image quality. Its 28mm main camera uses a Micro Four Thirds sensor capable of 100MP or 25MP stills and up to 6K 60fps HDR video, with around 16 stops of dynamic range. The drone ships as an import, not officially sold by DJI in the United States, and includes a one-year parts and labor warranty. Note that the aircraft weighs more than 250g, requiring FAA registration before flight; commercial use may demand additional certification. The deal makes a strong case for creators prioritizing cinema-grade aerials without the heaviest kit.

SpaceX triumph as Starlink launch succeeds; Firefly scrubbed by winds at Vandenberg

March 2, 2026, 1:20 AM EST. SpaceX succeeded in a pre-dawn Starlink 17-23 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base, deploying 25 Starlink V2 Mini satellites after liftoff of a Falcon 9 rocket. The booster, B1082, marked its 20th flight and later made a textbook recovery on the drone ship "Of Course I Still Love You" in the Pacific, underscoring SpaceX's growing emphasis on reusable hardware. The mission, reported by Spaceflight Now, followed SpaceX's long-running cadence in the launch market and moves to expand global satellite internet. Later, Firefly Aerospace scrubbed its much-anticipated Stairway to Seven test flight of the two-stage Alpha rocket due to high winds, leaving a new target date undetermined, according to Space.com. The contrasting outcomes highlight California's volatile yet active commercial space sector.

SpaceX completes Starlink 17-23 mission as Firefly scrubs Alpha launch in California

March 2, 2026, 1:18 AM EST. Two California launches dominated the weekend for the state's private space sector. SpaceX's Falcon 9 lifted at 2:10 a.m. local time from Vandenberg, delivering 25 Starlink V2 Mini satellites as part of Starlink 17-23. Booster B1082, a workhorse, landed on the drone ship Of Course I Still Love You about eight minutes after liftoff, its 20th flight since January 2024, underscoring SpaceX's reusable-rocket cadence. The payload will expand a growing global internet constellation, boosting service for remote regions. In contrast, Firefly Aerospace scrubbed its Stairway to Seven launch from Vandenberg due to high winds, with a new target date not yet announced. The episodes illustrate both reliability and unpredictability in West Coast spaceflight.

Lenovo bets on premium Android tablets with Idea Tab Pro Gen 2 and Legion Tab Gen 5 at MWC

March 2, 2026, 1:14 AM EST. At Mobile World Congress, Lenovo unveiled two premium Android tablets to challenge the iPad. The Idea Tab Pro Gen 2 mimics a Surface-like form factor and runs Android 16, powered by a Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 with up to 512 GB storage and 12 GB RAM, plus a 13-inch 3.5K, 144 Hz display. It supports microSD up to 2 TB, a 10,200 mAh battery, quad JBL speakers with Dolby Atmos, USB-C 45W charging, Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. Lenovo will offer a keyboard dock, folio case and stylus. The Legion Tab Gen 5 targets mobile gaming with an 8.8-inch, 3K display at 165 Hz, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, up to 512 GB storage and 16 GB RAM, and a 9,000 mAh battery. The Idea Tab Pro Gen 2 ships with Android 16 and four years of security patches.

Blender delays iPad version to focus on Android tablets

March 2, 2026, 1:10 AM EST. Blender says its plan to bring the open-source 3D suite to the iPad is on hold as it prioritizes Android tablets. The project was announced last July, with early testing on the iPad Pro and Apple Pencil. Blender's developers say they aim to extend input methods, workspaces and templates to tablet platforms, atop a standard Blender build. Public updates indicate the current focus is Android first, with iPad work to resume later. A team comment described the status as on hold until further notice. While performance on iPad Pro hardware is not a constraint, the team suggests attention is shifting away from iPad toward Android for now. A teaser video from last year remains the sole public preview.

NVIDIA's Sovereign AI Deals With Meta And India Push Shape Valuation

March 2, 2026, 1:00 AM EST.NVIDIA is expanding its role in large-scale AI infrastructure through a string of partnerships and sovereign AI initiatives. It has agreed to a multiyear deal with Meta to deploy millions of Blackwell GPUs and Rubin GPUs and to expand confidential computing for privacy-focused AI. In India, it backs one of Asia's largest AI superclusters with Yotta Data Services and supports a sovereign AI venture under the government's AI Mission. The company powers India's first Make in India supercomputer and is building sovereign and secure AI facilities in Australia and Canada, while expanding with Red Hat AI Factory. The stock, around $177, has posted strong 1-year gains but investors weigh the pace of growth against a target near $263 and a P/E around 35.9x versus peers.

Baseus PicoGo AM52: 10,000 mAh Qi2 power bank trims bulk for Pixel 10

March 2, 2026, 12:56 AM EST. Baseus's PicoGo AM52 is a 10,000 mAhQi2 magnetic power bank for the Pixel 10. At 0.63 inches thick, it's roughly 0.1 inch slimmer than a prior model and its rounded, matte aluminum shell sits flush on the back. It lacks a built-in USB-C cable, but the USB-C port handles 45W charging or recharging. Wireless charging can reach about 25W on compatible devices such as the Pixel 10 Pro XL and some iPhones. A second variant adds a built-in USB-C cable and a carrying strap, enabling 45W charging and two-device use at once. Price: $79.99 on Amazon, with sales around $60.

ISAC turns smartphones into radar via bat-like echoes in Vodafone-Tiami trials

March 2, 2026, 12:54 AM EST. Integrated Sensing and Communication, or ISAC, turns ordinary smartphones into radar-like sensors that detect unconnected objects in real time using echo-based pulses, without disrupting calls or data. Vodafone and Tiami Networks tested ISAC at Vodafone's Málaga R&D facility in Spain, using Tiami's PolyRAN software to turn base stations into wide-area sensors on a live 5G network. The trials showed detection of people and objects without affecting voice, messaging or internet usage. The partners also explored Open RAN-compliant antennas for vendor interoperability and software-enabled sensing deployment. Officials say ISAC could underpin future 6G networks (around 2030) while offering immediate applications in crowd monitoring, hazard alerts, intruder detection, and environmental risk tracking.

Baseus PicoGo AM52: slim 10,000 mAh Qi2 battery bank for Pixel 10

March 2, 2026, 12:52 AM EST. Baseus' PicoGo AM52 is a 10,000 mAh Qi2 power bank designed for Pixel 10 users who want compact power. At 0.63 inches thick with a rounded matte aluminum shell, it sits flush on the back of a Pixel 10 and adds minimal bulk. The unit lacks a built-in USB-C cable, but it uses a USB-C port for up to 45W output (and input) and supports Qi2 wireless charging with fast-charge on compatible devices. A newer version adds a built-in USB-C cable and a carrying strap, enabling two-device charging at once when used with the Qi2 charger. Availability arrived on Amazon for about $79.99 (often discounted to around $60). The reviewer notes it's a practical middle ground versus a 5,000 mAh option, offering more capacity without a big footprint.

ISAC trials turn smartphones into radar sensors to detect hazards

March 2, 2026, 12:46 AM EST. Vodafone and Tiami Networks are testing Integrated Sensing and Communication, or ISAC, to turn base stations and smartphones into radar-like sensors. Using echo-based pulses, the system can detect unconnected objects and people on a live 5G network without disrupting voice calls, messaging or data. Trials at Vodafone's Málaga R&D facility in Spain employed Tiami's PolyRAN software to enable wide-area sensing while maintaining existing connectivity. Officials say ISAC could warn users about nearby hazards, monitor crowds, intruders and environmental risks, and even help robots interpret human gestures. The work aligns with plans for future 6G networks, though the approach can function over current infrastructure. Vodafone and Tiami emphasize software-based deployment via Open RAN interfaces, avoiding heavy hardware changes.

Tesla posts first annual profit decline; halts Model S/X, pivots to Optimus and AI-driven energy strategy

March 2, 2026, 12:30 AM EST. Tesla delivered a rare setback for 2025, with revenue down 3% and net profit attributable to shareholders dropping 46% to $3.794 billion. Q4 profit sank 61% year-on-year as deliveries declined while R&D and operating costs rose. In the U.S., price cuts failed to lift sales, leaving Tesla fifth in volumes. By February 2026, the stock traded around $408.58, an 11% annual drop, wiping about $184.4 billion from market value; the yuan equivalent is about 1.3 trillion. Musk framed the shift as a catalyst for strategy: discontinue the luxury Model S/X by mid-2026, repurpose the Fremont line for the Optimus humanoid robot, and pursue an AI+robot company model alongside energy generation and storage. The plan ties power generation, storage, and autonomous software to new applications.

Lenovo revives premium Android tablets with Idea Tab Pro Gen 2 and Legion Tab Gen 5

March 2, 2026, 12:16 AM EST. Lenovo unveiled two premium Android tablets at Mobile World Congress: the Idea Tab Pro Gen 2 and the Legion Tab Gen 5. The Pro Gen 2 sports a 13-inch 3.5K LCD with a 144 Hz refresh, powered by a Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, up to 12 GB RAM and 512 GB storage, plus microSD expansion to 2 TB. It includes an 8 MP front camera, a 12 MP rear camera, a 10,200 mAh battery, quad JBL speakers with Dolby Atmos, USB-C 45W charging, Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. Lenovo will sell a keyboard dock, folio case and stylus. The Legion Tab targets gaming with an 8.8-inch 3K display (3040×1904), 165 Hz, 600 nits, and a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, up to 16 GB RAM and a 9,000 mAh battery. Both run Android 16, with updates through Android 18 and four years of security patches.

Kerala's KITE launches QR-based KITE-QTrack app to track Higher Secondary exams

March 2, 2026, 12:08 AM EST. Kerala's education-technology agency KITE launched a QR code-based mobile app, KITE-QTrack, to boost security, transparency and accuracy in the state's Higher Secondary examinations. The system goes live on March 5 and enables real-time tracking from the opening of secure question-paper packets at exam centres to the dispatch of answer scripts to valuation camps. Chief Superintendents and Deputy Chief Superintendents must download the app and log in by March 4. On exam days, stages are updated as actions occur; packets are scanned with QR codes, and opening the wrong subject packet triggers an automatic incident report to the examination wing. Officials will record exact start and end times, monitor at multiple levels, and upload tracking IDs, packet weights, and dispatch times. The platform supports instant reporting of irregularities or glitches.

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NVIDIA's tie-ups on sovereign AI and its collaboration with Meta are rapidly feeding into how investors are pricing the stock.

March 2, 2026, 12:02 AM EST. NVIDIA is leaning hard into a multi-year AI collaboration with Meta, rolling out millions of Blackwell GPUs and Rubin GPUs for confidential computing. The scope is global: support for India's AI initiative with Yotta Data Services, a role in Asia's largest AI supercluster, and investment in sovereign AI factories across Australia and Canada. Their hardware powers India's debut Make in India supercomputer and deepens ties with Red Hat AI Factory. Shares, hovering around $177, have tracked a stellar run, echoing policy-fueled appetite for GPUs and AI platforms. Investors size up moves in sovereign AI, the pace of national data center expansion, and whether NVIDIA's positioning outpaces rivals.