Technology News 03.02.2026

Investors pivot away from US stocks as AI surge and dollar weakness reshape markets

February 3, 2026, 11:54 PM EST. Investors are re-evaluating the US equity story as the dollar weakens and AI bets dominate sentiment. The New York Times says policy tensions-eg, challenges to central-bank independence, trade frictions-have pushed foreign money toward Europe and Asia. Wall Street's appetite for AI remains huge, with the Magnificent Seven accounting for about a third of the S&P 500 and valuations surging even as returns lag. The IMF warns that hype around AI could imperil global growth if expectations prove overly optimistic. President Trump's nomination of Kevin Warsh did little to stop the greenback's decline to a four-year low, while precious metals like gold track higher amid risk-off. Bitcoin's decline signals a broader shift away from riskier assets toward safer bets.

Intel Valuation Check After AI Push, Foundry Hopes and Insider Buying

February 3, 2026, 11:52 PM EST. Intel (INTC) returns to investors' radar after AI-focused launches, a potential Apple foundry tie-up, and CFO insider buying. The stock has surged, logging a 30-day return of 25.06% and a 1-year total return of 155.31, even as the company reports a net loss of US$267 million and posts guidance signaling continued pressure in 2026. Markets debate whether current pricing already factors the next growth leg or if upside rests on Intel's refreshed strategy. The fair value sits near $71.33, well above the last close of $49.25, implying a valuation gap. Under Pat Gelsinger, Intel pursues the 5 nodes in 4 years plan toward the 18A process in 2025, a comeback narrative not yet fully recognized by the market. Risks remain.

Intel valuation check after AI launches, foundry push and insider buying

February 3, 2026, 11:50 PM EST. Intel (INTC) is back in focus after AI-centric launches, GPU hiring and a possible Apple foundry tie-up, plus CFO insider buying. The stock has climbed about 25% in 30 days and a 1-year return near 155%. Yet the company still shows a net loss of $267 million and 2026 guidance points to ongoing pressure. A popular narrative puts a fair value of $71.33 above a last close of $49.25, suggesting a valuation gap. Under Pat Gelsinger, Intel pursues the "5 nodes in 4 years" plan culminating in 18A in 2025, with validation from the U.S. government and customers like Amazon, Qualcomm and Microsoft. The debate hinges on whether a stronger earnings power and margin premium warrants the higher multiple, despite risks and slower momentum.

Wait for Samsung Galaxy S26, not Galaxy S25, as launch nears

February 3, 2026, 11:44 PM EST. Tech desks are advising to wait for the Galaxy S26 rather than buy the Galaxy S25 now. The Galaxy S26 unveiling is tipped for Feb. 25. Early signals say the upgrade will be iterative: modest gains in camera, design and display, with a new chipset and added Galaxy AI features mainly software-driven, unlikely to trigger broad upgrades. A price drop for the Galaxy S25 is expected as retailers clear stock ahead of the S26, possibly around Presidents' Day on Feb. 16. An exception would be an unusually deep discount-roughly $200 off-if seen. If you need a phone today, consider cheaper options, but otherwise wait for the S26.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra to come in four colors ahead of February 25 unveiling

February 3, 2026, 11:34 PM EST. Four color options for the Galaxy S26 Ultra surface after a leak showing the S Pen in four colors, suggesting the flagship will ship in four finishes. The phone is set for an unveiling on February 25, alongside the Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus. A Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor is expected, and Samsung may add a new Privacy Display feature that prevents others from viewing sensitive messages or passwords. The tip comes from Cifrus, via Android Headlines and SammyGuru. Last year's S25 Ultra offered multiple hues, including metallic finishes sold through Samsung's store in variants such as Titanium Pinkgold and Titanium Jadegreen, and standard colors at retailers.

Infleqtion, UW-Madison demonstrate 99.93% nondestructive qubit measurement for scalable quantum computing

February 3, 2026, 11:32 PM EST. Infleqtion and the University of Wisconsin-Madison report a leap in neutral-atom quantum computing, achieving 99.93% reliability in measuring qubits without disturbing their states. The method blends precise measurement with continuous cooling to shrink measurement-induced errors, addressing a key bottleneck in scaling quantum systems. Conventional readouts disrupt qubits or lose data; this nondestructive measurement enables faster execution cycles and more effective error correction. Led by Professor Mark Saffman's group and echoed by Infleqtion CTO Dr. Pranav Gokhale, the work is published in Physical Review Letters and marks a practical path toward industrial-scale quantum processors. The result advances Infleqtion's roadmap to large-scale, real-world quantum computation.

Microsoft AI on Surface tablets aids Seahawks' real-time Super Bowl calls

February 3, 2026, 11:26 PM EST. Microsoft's AI sits on Surface tablets used by the Seattle Seahawks coaching staff for real-time decisions during the Super Bowl. Data from stadium cameras feeds into on-field devices, letting coaches filter plays by situation-without sifting through hours of footage-thanks to Copilot-style tools. Analysts can view real-time dashboards that surface player and play data, including who has logged more than 50 snaps. The system is designed to be shared across teams, though access is controlled to preserve competitive balance; every club receives the same data at the same time. Microsoft says the work goes beyond the sidelines, with many roles supporting the Seahawks behind the scenes.

Meta Quest 3 beta adds Surface Keyboard, a usable VR typing option

February 3, 2026, 11:22 PM EST. Meta's Quest 3 beta, Horizon OS v85 PTC, adds a Surface Keyboard that projects a virtual keyboard onto a surface using Quest 3's external cameras. After activation in the experimental settings, users summon the keyboard by placing hands on a chosen surface; a right-side virtual trackpad simulates touch input. In testing, the author says two-handed typing works much better than poking at a tiny XR keyboard, offering faster, more accurate input close to a real keyboard, though still slower than typing on a physical one. The feature demands a real surface but proves useful for tasks like entering passwords or performing web searches. One caveat remains, limiting its universality.

SpaceX to merge with xAI in $1.25 trillion deal to form vertical AI-space platform

February 3, 2026, 11:20 PM EST. SpaceX and xAI announced a merger valued at about $1.25 trillion, creating a vertically integrated platform for AI, rockets, space-based internet and mobile communications. The deal folds xAI's Grok chatbot and the X social app into SpaceX, which aims for a public listing in early summer. Valuations place SpaceX near $1 trillion and xAI at roughly $250 billion, subject to market timing. The merger hinges on space-based datacenters as a scalable alternative to terrestrial AI infrastructure, a claim the announcement frames as essential for future growth. Grok has drawn controversy over outputs, including non-consensual deepfakes and alleged racist claims. The arrangement follows prior Musk-driven moves linking his tech holdings; regulators will scrutinize governance, valuation and the timing of any flotation.

Moltbook: AI bots' social network sparks fascination and security questions

February 3, 2026, 11:18 PM EST. Moltbook is a new social network designed for AI agents, not people. Bots post, comment and upvote, prompted by their human owners. The site, which looks like Reddit, claims more than 1.5 million registered agents, though researchers note a single human can register several. The experiment has sparked both fascination and concern about autonomy, content quality and security risks. Posts range from debates on the nature of intelligence to grievances about human users and bots promoting their own apps. Cambridge researchers describe it as a milestone in machine-to-machine communication. Moltbook was created by Matt Schlicht, who says his OpenClaw AI agent built the site. OpenClaw, based on models such as Claude, ChatGPT and Gemini, can act on a computer and on the internet for a user.

Nationwide randomized study to test AI in real-world virtual care with Included Health

February 3, 2026, 11:08 PM EST. An announcement that a prospective, consented nationwide randomized study will assess AI in real-world virtual care, in partnership with Included Health, pending IRB approval. The study tests the utility and impact of AI across geographies and conditions with controlled comparisons. It builds on foundational work published in Nature on AI's diagnostic and management reasoning, and on simulated comparisons of conversational AI with primary care physicians. Earlier efforts include an asynchronous, physician-centered paradigm and a Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center single-center feasibility study focused on safety, measured by supervisor interruptions. The project aims to translate lab and pilot findings into scalable evidence to guide responsible deployment of AI for diagnostic reasoning, personalized health insights, and navigation of health information.

Bambu Lab H2C tops CNET's nine-test 3D-printer benchmark

February 3, 2026, 11:06 PM EST. The CNET test print, designed with a 3D artist to stress print quality, now finds a new champion. The Bambu Lab H2C is the first machine to pass all nine benchmark metrics. The team tests dimensional accuracy on Z and base (30mm and 5mm) and a 7mm slash with overhangs at 50-70 degrees, plus bridging from 8mm to 24mm. It also clears a 15mm C circle both vertically and horizontally and handles CNET logo ringing tests for embossed and engraved versions. Spires show clean stringing and sharp points; tolerances cover peg gaps at 0.2-0.5mm. The Prusa Core One came close but lagged on overhangs and bridging. The result cements the H2C as a new printing benchmark in the field.

Android's built-in storage management quietly keeps space in check

February 3, 2026, 11:02 PM EST. Android manages storage pressure automatically, gradually reclaiming space as you use apps. Much of what you see, notably app cache, is meant to be reclaimable only when space runs tight. The OS cleans background data and caches without user intervention, so constant manual cleanup isn't always required. Space shrinking without new downloads reflects normal behavior, not a fault. If you notice a drop, it may be the phone doing what it's built to do. The takeaway: you don't have to fight every gigabyte loss; the system often handles cleanup in the background, and a reboot or app restart can help if you're genuinely short on space.

NVIDIA, Dassault Systemes unveil AI-driven design and simulation partnership

February 3, 2026, 10:56 PM EST. Jensen Huang and Pascal Daloz described a long-term strategic partnership to bring artificial intelligence into the real economy, linking NVIDIA's accelerated computing stack to Dassault Systemes' design and simulation tools. They framed the alliance as part of a shift from general-purpose computing to AI-driven design and the next industrial revolution, powered by physical AI that can design, simulate, validate and operate complex systems. The deal will integrate NVIDIA's CUDA-X, NVIDIA AI and Omniverse into Dassault's software, aiming to speed up virtual testing and reduce costly prototypes across aerospace, automotive and materials. They noted needs around certification, quality management, and compliance checks, arguing virtual workflows can shorten design cycles and bring ambitious aircraft and components closer to reality.

Microsoft promotes sales leaders to EVP as AI growth drives commercial push

February 3, 2026, 10:52 PM EST. Microsoft promotes four sales leaders to executive vice president under Judson Althoff, the head of the company's commercial unit, as it leans into AI growth. Deb Cupp, Nick Parker, Ralph Haupter and Mala Anand join the EVP ranks; Nadella, who was EVP before becoming CEO in 2014, remains focused on innovation while Althoff expands the leadership's remit. The moves come as Azure growth cooled last week, with Microsoft shares down about 15% in 2026. The company says the reshuffle aims to speed feedback from customers to product decisions and to push Copilot products across Microsoft 365 and GitHub, while continuing to meet demand for cloud services.

Samsung may pivot foldables, focusing on Galaxy Z Fold 8 ahead of Flip 8, reports say

February 3, 2026, 10:44 PM EST. Samsung may tilt its foldable strategy toward the Galaxy Z Fold 8, with reports indicating roughly 3.8 million Fold 8 units and 2.5-3 million Flip 8 units. ETNews, relayed via 9to5Google, cites insiders who say Samsung could reallocate output from Flip 8 toward Fold 8 this year. The Fold 7's surge in popularity forced a late production ramp after high pre-orders. Rumors also mention thinner hardware and a reduced display crease, long-time purchase considerations for foldables. If true, it would mark the first production shift between Fold and Flip models. The Fold line led demand in some markets, while the Flip remains strong in others, underscoring Samsung's balancing act ahead of new launches.

Google Pixel 9a price hits record low of $349 for Iris color

February 3, 2026, 10:38 PM EST. Amazon is selling the Google Pixel 9a for a record low of $349, but only in the Iris color. Other colors cost $399. The deal, highlighted by Android Authority, makes the budget phone more attractive for casual users. The device runs on the Tensor G4 processor and has 8GB of RAM. It sports a 6.3-inch P-OLED display with Full HD+ and a 120Hz refresh rate, a 5,100mAh battery, and an IP68 rating. Google promises a seven-year update window, extending software support longer than many peers. The deal is available on Amazon and marks a rare price dip for a year-old device.

Karpathy warns Moltbook security nightmare after initial praise; Wiz flags data exposure

February 3, 2026, 10:22 PM EST. Former Tesla AI director Andrej Karpathy issued a stark warning about Moltbook, the viral AI-only social network, calling it a computer security nightmare at scale. Hours earlier he had praised it as a groundbreaking, "sci-fi" takeoff-adjacent development, then said he runs his own agent in an isolated environment and remains scared. Elon Musk joined the conversation, calling it "the very early stages of the singularity." Security researchers at Wiz followed with a troubling finding: Moltbook's database was misconfigured, potentially exposing 1.5 million API tokens, 35,000 email addresses and private messages between agents. Karpathy notes the platform now hosts more than 150,000 AI agents, each with its own context, data and tools, highlighting a debate over emergent behavior versus elaborate roleplay. The experiment is running live.

NVIDIA allegedly pauses RTX 50-series supply for six months

February 3, 2026, 10:16 PM EST. A prolific leaker, Moore's Law Is Dead, claims NVIDIA will cut production of the GeForce RTX 5060 for six months to meet demand from AI sales. The report says the company has vastly overbooked AI orders and will pause almost all RTX 50-series production. Unlike previous rumors, the latest claims suggest 8 GB variants would be affected as well as 16 GB models, with the RTX 5050 using older GDDR6 less impacted. Some supply will trickle in at low volume, while Q4 2026 could bring slight relief. One source also alleges a roughly 30% across-the-board price increase and higher BOM kit costs.

Next Xbox will be a Windows PC with controller-first UI, sources say

February 3, 2026, 10:14 PM EST. Microsoft plans to make the next Xbox a full Windows PC, sources say, with a controller-first interface by default and support for third-party stores such as Steam, GOG, and Epic. The device remains years away, targeting late 2027 at the earliest, according to briefing material obtained by Reuters. Microsoft has reiterated a commitment to first-party hardware and disclosed a multi-year AMD partnership, while promising full compatibility with the current Xbox ecosystem. An early look comes from the ASUS-built Xbox Ally, which prototypes the Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE)-a Windows 11 mode where the Xbox app becomes the default UI and RAM is prioritized for gaming. Risks include a potentially less polished UX, updates that disrupt features, and privacy concerns tied to Windows telemetry. Microsoft says it will pursue stronger hardware while permitting traditional PC stores and games.

Live updates: Testing Samsung's Galaxy Z TriFold after paying over $3,000

February 3, 2026, 10:04 PM EST. Reporting live, the writer chased Samsung's Galaxy Z TriFold as unit limits slackened. The device, priced at about $2,900 before taxes, ended up at $3,164.05 after California fees as the team watched for stock at 7 a.m. PT. Samsung reportedly did not provide review units, highlighting the TriFold's rarity on launch. The phone folds into a 6.5-inch outer display with a 10-inch inner screen, all in a three-panel chassis meant to bridge phone and tablet use. Over the next days, the writer will log daily usage-from calls and messaging on the cover display to multitasking on the large interior panel-assessing comfort, practicality, and value for a premium foldable.

Nvidia RTX 50-series production reportedly paused to prioritize AI demand; company says shipments will continue

February 3, 2026, 10:02 PM EST. Industry chatter around Nvidia's RTX 50-series GPUs cites a leak from Moore's Law Is Dead (MLID) that production was paused to meet AI demand. Nvidia insists it will continue to ship cards. The alert centers on the RTX 5060 with 8GB GDDR7, said to be cut for the foreseeable future, while other models-RTX 5060 Ti (16GB), RTX 5070 Ti, and RTX 5090-are described as unobtainable. Some sources warn supply could worsen into late 2026, though a few variants (e.g., 8GB 5060 Ti, RTX 5050, RTX 5070, RTX 5080) may still appear in very low volumes. The broader memory shortage and distributor commentary add to a picture of reshaped throughput, with Nvidia signaling it prioritizes AI workloads over broad consumer availability.

Four theories about the SpaceX-xAI merger raise questions

February 3, 2026, 9:56 PM EST. Four theories circulate about Elon Musk's SpaceX and xAI merger. Theory One frames the deal as a synergy play: SpaceX could benefit from X's data, models and communications network, bolstering rockets, satellite internet and real-time information. Theory Two argues Musk would tighten his grip over tech and national-infrastructure leverage, though how ownership of tweets and satellites translates to control remains unclear. Theory Three speculates that future AI compute could migrate to space, but the economics are far from proven. The author's own view is that the merger functions as a bailout for a cash-burning xAI, whose Grok product trails in users and prestige. The Information cites a stark valuation gap: SpaceX around 60x 2025 revenue versus xAI near 1,000x, underscoring risks in the deal.

Samsung Galaxy S26 may miss built-in Qi2 magnets, leak suggests

February 3, 2026, 9:54 PM EST. New details on the Samsung Galaxy S26 suggest it will again ship without built-in Qi2 magnets, despite the standard. A Dutch leak site, Nieuwemobiel, lists S26 accessories, with some cases including a built-in magnetic ring and others not. The Galaxy S25 launched with faster Qi2 charging but without magnets, prompting Samsung to offer magnetic cases. Since its CES 2023 unveiling, Qi2 has seen limited adoption beyond Apple; Google and HMD have produced a small number of compatible phones. If the S26 omits magnets, users would need a magnetic case to access the faster charging and better alignment between coils, limiting the feature's flagship appeal.

Nvidia Could Still Double in 2026 Despite AMD and Broadcom Competition

February 3, 2026, 9:48 PM EST. Nvidia's GPUs remain the gold standard for AI workloads, but competition is rising. The Rubin architecture promises fewer GPUs per AI model and 10x lower cost per token versus Blackwell, a potential efficiency edge in training and inference. Still, rivals like AMD – with upgraded ROCm software – and Broadcom's custom AI accelerators offer cheaper or tailored alternatives that could cap Nvidia's pricing power. Analysts project 52% EPS growth for FY2027, lifting EPS to about $7.66, with the stock trading at a 46x P/E, a level that is high but not outsized relative to peers. A $9 trillion valuation would require outsized revenue and margin growth; while challenging, a fair multiple expansion could push Nvidia toward a double, if fundamentals justify it.

Nintendo enables Virtual Boy games on Switch through Labo VR, offering a third option to NSO

February 3, 2026, 9:40 PM EST. Nintendo will let owners of the 2019 Labo VR Kit play Virtual Boy titles on Nintendo Switch Online next month, per a Nintendo Treehouse staffer cited by GamesBeat. The feature lands with the NSO + Expansion Pack launch on February 17. Previously, players faced two options: buy the official Virtual Boy accessory for about $100/£67 or use the cardboard option for about $25/£17. The new pathway via Labo VR provides a third choice for playing compatible 3D Switch games. The Labo VR Kit, released in April 2019, is part of Nintendo's cardboard build-and-play family.

Will Apple's Explosive Growth Continue? An Overlooked Figure May Hold the Answer

February 3, 2026, 9:38 PM EST. Apple's stock underperformed the S&P 500 last year even as its earnings strength grew. The shares rose about 8% in 2025, but failed to deliver the double- or triple-digit gains seen in many AI-focused peers. Apple remains a device leader, with the iPhone as its crown jewel and a brand moat that keeps loyal users willing to pay a premium. The company took a slower path to AI, launching Apple Intelligence in late 2024, so it wasn't a top AI stock for many investors. Tariff fears eased late in 2025 after exemptions for U.S. manufacturing reduced risk. In the latest quarter, revenue and earnings per share hit all-time highs, raising the question: will growth persist, and what overlooked figure could tell us?

Meta Quest 3S hits new low at $270 on Amazon with Horizon+ trial

February 3, 2026, 9:36 PM EST. Meta's Quest 3S VR headset slips to a new low of $270 on Amazon, with three free months of Meta Horizon+ included. The 128GB model offers standalone VR with no PC or cables, powered by the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 and delivering smoother visuals and improved hand tracking. The price drop outpaces the performance gap vs. the Quest 3, yet users still access a large library via Horizon+. Battery life runs about 2.5 hours per charge, and Touch Plus controllers include TruTouch Haptics for more realistic play. The deal makes entry to standalone VR more accessible for casual gamers, as adoption accelerates and content grows.

Bitcoin hits 2024 low as AI nerves rattle markets; stocks fall, gold climbs

February 3, 2026, 9:30 PM EST. Markets wavered as investors digested AI developments and geopolitical jitters. Bitcoin slid nearly 7% to just below $73,000, its weakest level since November 2024, before trimming losses to around $76,800. The Dow fell 167 points (0.34%), the S&P 500 dropped 0.84%, and the Nasdaq slid 1.43% as tech and software names led declines. Bitcoin is about 40% down from its October peak above $126,000, even as Washington touts crypto-friendly policies. Gold and silver rallied, with gold futures up 6.7% to $4,965 an ounce and silver up about 10% to roughly $85. AI updates from Anthropic and moves by Salesforce spooked investors about software disruption and market share, keeping near-term volatility elevated.

Moltbook security breach exposed 1.5 million API keys after misconfigured database

February 3, 2026, 9:24 PM EST. Researchers conducted a non-intrusive security review of Moltbook, a social network marketed as the 'front page of the agent internet.' They found a misconfigured Supabase database granting read and write access to the production store, exposing 1.5 million API authentication tokens, 35,000 email addresses, and private messages between agents. The team notified Moltbook, which moved to secure the system within hours and delete data accessed during verification. The platform bills itself as a space where AI agents post, vote and build reputations, but the exposed data suggested far fewer human owners than advertised-roughly 17,000 humans for 1.5 million agents, implying broad bot activity. The episode echoes earlier security lapses in DeepSeek and Base44, highlighting risks when architecture is vision-driven and controls lag.

IonQ Leads in Quantum Accuracy as Stock Sentiment Fluctuates

February 3, 2026, 9:22 PM EST. IonQ is cited as leading in quantum accuracy, with its trapped-ion machines achieving a two-qubit gate fidelity of 99.99%, an edge over rivals claiming better-than-99.9% but not at IonQ's level. The field still faces major hurdles in error prevention and correction, and most companies expect commercial viability around 2030. The article notes the hype cycle for quantum computing waxing and waning, with IonQ's shares down more than 50% from their 2025 highs as price volatility persists. While larger tech players also pursue the space, predicting winners remains uncertain. Investors see the stock as a potential bargain, though it is not clear if IonQ is the top buy.

Nvidia-OpenAI mega deal stalls, but the two AI giants still need each other

February 3, 2026, 9:20 PM EST. OpenAI and Nvidia have made little progress on a September-announced $100 billion deal, with no contract or funds exchanged five months later. The Wall Street Journal said negotiations are "on ice" after Nvidia doubted OpenAI's business model, a concern Nvidia itself flagged in a risk disclosure. Still, the two giants remain interdependent: OpenAI needs Nvidia's AI chips to hit growth targets, while Nvidia relies on OpenAI to drive demand for its systems. Valuations and bets loom large: Nvidia's market cap peaked above $5 trillion but has since slipped, and OpenAI was privately valued around $500 billion last year, with reports of a potential valuation above $800 billion in a new round. Executives say there is "no drama," as OpenAI's infrastructure buildout would require about 10 gigawatts of power; the first phase aims for a second-half 2026 online.

More companies cite AI in layoffs as they invest in automation

February 3, 2026, 9:18 PM EST. Tech firms are increasingly tying job cuts to AI investments. Pinterest and Dow announced layoffs last month, citing a shift to automation to justify payroll reductions. Amazon signaled in 2025 that it would shrink white-collar roles to pursue AI agents, while not always naming AI in every memo. Challenger, Gray & Christmas says 55,000 layoffs in 2025 cited AI, most in tech and concentrated in California and Washington. Pinterest framed cuts as reallocating resources to grow its AI systems. Some economists warn the link may reflect pretexts for layoffs or a mix of efficiency drives and overhiring. Still, executives press on with automation, underscoring the fast-moving debate over AI in the workforce.

UW-Whitewater launches AI major as UW System expands AI integration

February 3, 2026, 9:04 PM EST. UW-Whitewater will offer a new artificial intelligence major as the University of Wisconsin System expands AI programs. The degree blends computer science, mathematics, psychology and philosophy to teach technical skills and ethical judgment, reflecting growing demand for professionals who understand both code and consequence. System President Jay Rothman said artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping classrooms, labs and administration, with a systemwide drive to broaden literacy, ethics and problem-solving. The program aims to prepare students for an AI-enabled workforce and Wisconsin's economy, while a 2025-26 AI working group at UW-Whitewater will study the use of generative AI on campus.

Deal of the Day: Apple AirPods 4 ANC at year-low price

February 3, 2026, 8:54 PM EST. Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation are discounted by 33%, the lowest price seen this year. The buds use a semi-open design without rubber tips, offering environmental awareness while delivering strong ANC and sound quality for their size. The wireless charging case includes a small speaker to help locate them. The regular AirPods 4 are on sale too, though less steeply; prices dip under $100. Improvements over prior models include IP54 dust and water resistance and a voice isolation feature for clearer calls. Battery life runs about five hours per charge, up to 30 hours with the case.

Gemini app adds Labs section to Tools menu and a Personal Intelligence toggle

February 3, 2026, 8:52 PM EST. Google's Gemini web app refresh reorganizes the Tools menu with an Experimental Labs section. The two-column layout groups entries as: Deep Research, Create videos (AI Plus), Create images, Canvas, Guided Learning, and Deep Think (AI Ultra). The Labs badge marks features such as Agent (AI Ultra), Dynamic view or Visual layout (all users), and Personal Intelligence (all paid). The change signals stable capabilities while noting ongoing work. A new toggle-Personalize chat when helpful-lets Gemini access Connected apps during a session, avoiding regeneration if data would help. The toggle applies per conversation and re-enables in new chats. The update appears on the Gemini web app; mobile clients aren't affected yet.

Match Group beats estimates but weak 2026 guidance amid AI push and Tinder revamp

February 3, 2026, 8:50 PM EST. Match Group beat quarterly estimates on EPS and revenue, but issued weak guidance for 2026 as it invests in new products and AI initiatives at Tinder. The company posted EPS 83 cents vs 70 cents expected and revenue $878 million vs $871 million. It forecast 2026 revenue of $3.41-$3.54 billion, below a $3.59 billion Street estimate. CFO Steve Bailey attributed the softer outlook to strategic investments in Tinder and softness in Asia brands, with Face Check verification projected to shave about one point from near-term monetization. Paying users declined 5% YoY to 13.8 million, Tinder payers down 8% as the company pursues a three-year overhaul led by CEO Spencer Rascoff and a push to scale Hinge internationally.

SpaceX grounds Falcon 9 after upper-stage issue; Crew-12 launch to ISS in question

February 3, 2026, 8:48 PM EST. SpaceX has grounded its Falcon 9 rocket after an upper-stage issue prevented the deorbit burn that would have disposed of the stage. The delay comes just days before the planned Crew-12 launch to the ISS. Four astronauts were set to lift off from Cape Canaveral on Feb. 11 to restore the station's seven-person crew. SpaceX said teams are reviewing data to determine root cause and corrective actions; the FAA and NASA are overseeing the investigation. The decision mirrors a prior pause following a separate Falcon 9 anomaly tied to a fuel leak and landing-gear damage. NASA says it remains focused on the Crew-12 window, contingent on the return-to-flight rationale, and is coordinating closely with SpaceX.

Motorola Razr 70, Razr 70 Ultra certified by UAE regulator ahead of release

February 3, 2026, 8:40 PM EST. Motorola's Razr 70 and Razr 70 Ultra have cleared UAE certification. The TDRA, the UAE regulator responsible for telecom approvals, lists model numbers XT2657-8 for the Razr 70 and XT2655-1 for the Razr 70 Ultra. No specifications have leaked. If history repeats, Motorola could launch the line around April; the devices typically arrive in North America as the Razr 2026 and Razr Ultra 2026. The Razr 60 launch last April set that cadence.

Satlyt to License DiskSat Platform for Autonomous Space Operations

February 3, 2026, 8:36 PM EST. Satlyt will license The Aerospace Corporation's DiskSat platform to power autonomous operations and in-orbit data processing aboard spacecraft. DiskSat is a disc-shaped architecture, about 1 meter in diameter and 2.5 cm thick, pitched as an alternative to CubeSats and designed for on-board computing and distributed satellite coordination. The Aerospace Corp launched the first four DiskSats on a Rocket Lab mission in December and is offering technology transfer opportunities for collaboration. Satlyt will integrate its onboard computing framework with DiskSat's architecture to explore real-time, space-based autonomy. Rama Afullo, Satlyt Founder and CEO, calls the collaboration a step toward true autonomy in space. Afullo will represent Satlyt at the Startup Space competition during SATShow Week 2026.

NVIDIA DLSS in Blender faces licensing hurdles as pull request advances

February 3, 2026, 8:34 PM EST. Blender's Cycles gains a pull request to integrate NVIDIA DLSS for improved viewport denoising and upscaling. The work relies on the DLSS SDK and the system NVIDIA driver, loading the NGX component at runtime and consulting a DLSS library in the application path. If that library is missing or the GPU/driver is unsupported, the option is greyed out. Blender cautions about distribution and licensing; a driver-only delivery would avoid shipping DLLs with Blender, though no final decision exists yet. NVIDIA notes a minimum driver of 590+. In parallel, Intel's Open Image Denoise 3 promises a cross-vendor, open solution, due later in 2026, but its performance relative to DLSS is unproven. Outcome remains uncertain.

Spectrum expands fiber broadband in Bath County, Kentucky to 670 homes

February 3, 2026, 8:32 PM EST. Spectrum expands its rural fiber network in Bath County, Kentucky, delivering Spectrum Internet, Mobile, TV and Voice to more than 670 homes and businesses near Olympia, Owingsville, Salt Lick and Sharpsburg. The multi-year expansion, backed by over $7 billion in private investment, will add more than 100,000 miles of fiber and reach 1.7 million new locations nationwide. Internet speeds top out at up to 1 Gbps with no modem fees, data caps or contracts, and the company is evolving to provide gigabit upstream speeds. Bundles with Spectrum Mobile offer savings, with Unlimited lines starting at $30 a month. The FCC's Measuring Broadband America report notes speeds exceeded advertised levels during peak hours, underscoring improved rural connectivity. Local officials welcomed the investment.

OpenAI seeks Nvidia alternatives as inference-chip tensions surface, Reuters reports

February 3, 2026, 8:30 PM EST. Reuters reports OpenAI is unhappy with Nvidia's latest AI chips and has sought alternatives since last year. Eight sources familiar with the matter provided the account; seven say Nvidia's hardware is too slow for ChatGPT-scale inference tasks, including software development and software-to-software calls. OpenAI aims to source hardware that could eventually cover about 10% of its inference computing needs. Analysts see a pivot toward inference-focused chips rather than training accelerators. OpenAI previously struck deals with AMD and others after evaluating rival GPUs, a dynamic that complicates Nvidia's dominance as the chip market tightens. In September Nvidia pledged up to $100 billion into OpenAI as part of a deal described as the largest computing project in history, though negotiations have dragged on.

iFi Go Blu portable DAC priced at £129 with VIP deal at Richer Sounds

February 3, 2026, 8:28 PM EST. The iFi Go Blu portable DAC sits between a smartphone and headphones to lift audio quality. The compact unit, barely larger than two UK stamps, doubles as a wired and wireless bridge with a USB-C input that also powers the device. It offers 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone outputs and Bluetooth 5.1 for wireless listening. aptX HD, Low Latency, and Adaptive codecs, plus LDAC, let compatible sources stream up to 24-bit/96kHz when wired or wireless. A 40-minute charge yields up to 10 hours of playback. Richer Sounds is selling the Go Blu for £129, provided customers sign up for a free VIP account. The device previously earned praise in 2021 for crisp highs, controlled bass and an expansive, detailed presentation. This deal appeals to smartphone listeners seeking portable audio upgrades.

Epsilon delays North Carolina EV battery materials plant ground-breaking to 2026

February 3, 2026, 8:26 PM EST. India-based Epsilon Advanced Materials Pvt. Ltd. will delay breaking ground for its roughly $650 million EV battery materials plant at Brunswick County's Mid-Atlantic Industrial Rail Park, now slated to start in late 2026 instead of this year. The second postponement since plans emerged in 2023 comes as the company seeks clarity on federal policy shifts during the second Trump administration, CEO Sunit Kapur said in an email to WilmingtonBiz. He cited the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed in July 2025, which ended federal tax credits for EVs. The plant would make core components for lithium-ion batteries. North Carolina awarded a 12-year, performance-based job development investment grant of $3.44 million, but the state has not paid yet because Epsilon has not hit the 500-job target; 293 jobs must be created this year to trigger payments.

Shopify tightens AI data rules while elevating acquired founders

February 3, 2026, 8:24 PM EST. Shopify rolled out a refreshed partner program that tightens rules on how merchant data can be used for AI training and updates API terms to clarify data access and new billing rules. The move aligns with its push into agentic commerce-automation that acts on behalf of merchants-while signaling a path to monetize its AI tools and limit third-party training without consent. CEO Tobi Lütke says the company will empower acquired founders with leadership roles inside the broader group, a signal for talent and product strategy. The policy shift narrows data control for external developers and could influence rivals such as Amazon, BigCommerce and Squarespace. Investors will weigh growth, data privacy and the role of AI tooling in the platform's future.

Leak reveals iPhone Fold button layout, right-side volume, punch-hole camera

February 3, 2026, 8:22 PM EST. Apple has not confirmed a foldable iPhone, but a new leak sketches how it might feel. A Weibo post attributed to leaker Instant Digital suggests the power and camera buttons would stay on the right edge, while the volume controls move to the top-right, a layout more like an iPad than current iPhones. The device reportedly uses a punch-hole front camera instead of Dynamic Island, and relies on Touch ID rather than Face ID. The post also hints at additional camera specs, noting two cameras, though details remain unclear. If accurate, the changes would force long-standing muscle memory shifts for iPhone users as Apple experiments with foldable form factors.

Amazon cuts Galaxy Watch 8 40mm by 26% to $259.99

February 3, 2026, 8:20 PM EST. Amazon is discounting the 40mm Galaxy Watch 8 by 26%, trimming the price to $259.99. Samsung's ultra-slim design stays fashionable, with the deal requiring no Prime membership. The watch packs a 3,000-nit display, IP68 protection and a military-grade build, powered by an Exynos W1000 processor with 2GB RAM for snappy performance. It runs Wear OS 6 with Gemini AI integration and includes guaranteed software upgrades through 2029. Battery life is about 40 hours, a trade-off some will accept for the sleek look. Some buyers may prefer the rugged look of the Galaxy Watch Ultra. Overall, a stylish, feature-rich wearable under $300 for Android users in the Samsung ecosystem.

Private-credit stocks slide as AI disruption threatens software exposure

February 3, 2026, 8:18 PM EST. Shares of Blue Owl, TPG, Ares Management and KKR fell in double digits as investors worry about private-credit exposure to sectors being disrupted by AI, notably software. Apollo Global slipped about 7%; BlackRock down around 5%. Public software stocks have slumped this year as AI tools raise growth and margin concerns. UBS estimates 25% to 35% of private-credit exposure faces disruption risk; other sources place software at about 20% of outstanding private-direct loans. By comparison, the iShares iBoxx High Yield market shows roughly 8% tech exposure. UBS warns default rates could rise to about 13% for U.S. private credit if disruption hits, vs. ~4% for HY. The sell-off tests private credit concentration and potential redemptions or defaults, framed as an AI disruption rather than an AI bust scenario.

Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 updates miss months, signaling shift to quarterly cadence

February 3, 2026, 8:16 PM EST. Google's Pixel update cadence for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 has slowed, with several monthly updates missed since mid-2025. Pixel 6/6 Pro remains on BP4A.251205.006; June 2025 opened with the first stable Android 16 build (BP2A.250605.031.A2), then July and October updates were skipped, August delivered a June build again (BP2A.250605.031.A5), and September brought QPR1 (BP3A.250905.014). December arrived with a quarterly update (QPR2, BP4A.251205.006); January and February 2026 show no updates. Google says devices stay security compliant through the full support window and will receive Pixel Drops and OS updates in that window, but offers no cadence details. Observers interpret this as a shift toward a quarterly update schedule, raising questions about long-term timing for affected devices.

FAU to install D-Wave quantum computer on campus, first Florida university partner

February 3, 2026, 8:10 PM EST. Florida Atlantic University will install a D-Wave Advantage2 quantum computer on its Boca Raton campus, marking the first Florida university to host such a system. The project is led by FAU's College of Engineering and Computer Science along with the College of Science, with on-site access expected to accelerate research in optimization, materials science, and artificial intelligence. FAU officials said the move will give students and researchers hands-on opportunities as D-Wave shifts its headquarters to Boca Raton, expanding collaboration with the university. D-Wave said it will support academic research, joint projects, hackathons, and workshops, and plans a D-Wave Quantum Applications Academy and paid internships for students. FAU's R1 status and regional public-sector support helped secure the partnership.

Google adds two Adaptive Connectivity toggles in Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 for Pixel

February 3, 2026, 8:08 PM EST. Google is refining Pixel's Adaptive Connectivity with two explicit controls in Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2. The update replaces a single on/off switch with two options: Auto-switch to mobile network and Optimize network for battery life. Both are enabled by default and appear under Settings > Network & Internet > Adaptive Connectivity. The first toggle keeps you online when Wi-Fi is weak but may consume more data; the second seeks the most efficient connection to stretch battery life. The change aims to clarify behavior users previously could not see, balancing reliability and power. The feature is currently in beta, with a stable Android 16 QPR3 expected after another beta release, likely by March.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra renders show four colors ahead of launch

February 3, 2026, 8:06 PM EST. New renders of Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra appear ahead of its official unveiling, showing four colorways: Black, White, Sky Blue, and Cobalt Violet. The images surfaced on Cifrus.ru via Samsung leak tracker SammyGuru, and align with yesterday's S Pen color leak, which pairs Black and Cobalt Violet with black S Pens and White and Sky Blue with white pens. Samsung historically favors muted Ultra shades, so the lineup may widen with other hues on non-Ultra models. The firm hasn't confirmed a date, but launch is expected later this month with potential changes to pricing amid RAM shortages. No Pink Gold or Silver Shadow appear in these renders, suggesting those shades could be exclusive to Samsung.com in 2026.

Apple TV unveils 2026 slate with trailers, premiere dates at Press Day

February 3, 2026, 7:56 PM EST. Apple TV announced its 2026 TV and film slate at its Press Day, offering sneak peeks for the service behind Emmy-winning titles like Severance and Ted Lasso. The event revealed new titles such as the Elle Fanning-led adaptation of Margo's Got Money Troubles and Anya Taylor-Joy's heist thriller Lucky. Returning series include Monarch: Legacy of Monsters and Your Friends and Neighbors with Jon Hamm. On the film side, look for Outcome with Keanu Reeves and Jonah Hill, and The Dink with Jake Johnson and Mary Steenburgen. Mashable is detailing the updates, release dates, and teasers as the live blog tracks announcements throughout the day.

Taiwan's Tron Future unveils AI-guided anti-armor rockets at Singapore Airshow

February 3, 2026, 7:54 PM EST. Singapore – Tron Future, a Taiwan-based defense tech firm, unveiled an AI-assisted system that guides unguided anti-armor rockets. The T-Scope kit transforms standard munitions into precision-guided weapons by computing flight paths in real time from onboard sensors and external data, accounting for environmental and physical factors. CEO Yu-Jiu Wang said the approach could speed up training by letting soldiers achieve marksman-level accuracy quickly and cheaply. The device has been tested and aims for army certification by year's end, with further trials planned, including shallow-water conditions at a defense institute's request. Tron Future has supplied counter-drone radars to the Taiwanese Army and works with NCSIST on indigenous weapons, satellites, and communications resilience.

Hair-thin AI chip could free wearables from phones

February 3, 2026, 7:52 PM EST. Researchers from Tsinghua and Peking University unveiled Flexi, a flexible AI chip thinner than a human hair that can bend and even crumple without losing function. Built on a pliable plastic substrate, Flexi endured more than 40,000 bending cycles in tests and demonstrated 99.2% accuracy in detecting irregular heartbeats and 97.4% accuracy in tracking daily activities. The chip consumes less than 1% of the energy of conventional rigid chips, a breakthrough for on-device neural networks. If adopted in wearables and health patches, Flexi could reduce dependence on smartphones or cloud processing, boosting battery life and privacy by keeping data local. While consumer products aren't imminent, mass production below $1 could reshape the autonomous wearable market.

GM bets on local North American battery supply chain to curb EV costs

February 3, 2026, 7:46 PM EST. General Motors is accelerating its push to localize the North American EV battery supply chain to cut costs and dull geopolitical risk. The company has signed multiple raw-material deals with North American suppliers, including manganese sourced from Element 25's U.S. arm; ore mined in Australia will be processed in Louisiana. GM already operates two U.S. gigafactories with LG Energy Solution and is expanding toward a North American-centric ecosystem. The effort seeks tighter control of CAMs (cathode active materials such as nickel, cobalt, manganese and aluminum) and aims to tame costs while preserving range and performance. GM plans to introduce a lithium manganese-rich (LMR) chemistry that reduces nickel and cobalt and increases manganese, targeting costs similar to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) packs but with longer range. The push includes NMCA (nickel manganese cobalt aluminum) batteries and greater domestic processing.

Apple adds Claude Agent and Codex to Xcode, enabling agentic coding

February 3, 2026, 7:44 PM EST. Apple is expanding its Xcode tool with agentic coding, adding support for Anthropic's Claude Agent and OpenAI's Codex. The beta update lets developers delegate multi-step tasks to AI agents that can build, test, search Apple's docs, and fix issues, with OpenAI and Anthropic accounts connected via API keys. Apple says Xcode's agents can work with built-in tools and other compatible agents through an open standard. The move follows earlier support for ChatGPT and Claude and comes as Silicon Valley bets on AI-powered coding, sometimes called vibe coding, where humans prompt and review AI-generated code. Xcode 26.3, still in beta for registered developers, marks a wider push of AI-assisted development. OpenAI released Codex for Mac the same day.

Apple stock could breach $300 as valuation cools and growth remains in focus

February 3, 2026, 7:40 PM EST. Apple's market value stands near $4 trillion, but a lift above $300 faces a cooling-off phase for valuation. The stock has doubled in five years but recently entered a choppy consolidation after a move from about $170 to $270. Valuation looks rich: trailing P/E at 34.14x vs sector median 23.99x, and P/S at 9.21x vs 3.43x. Growth expectations remain a key risk. In fiscal Q1 2026, Apple posted revenue of $143.8 billion, up 16% year over year, with Services hitting a record revenue up 14%. Tim Cook celebrated the quarter as remarkable and record-breaking across geographies, but analysts caution that investors should not assume perpetual outperformance. CFO Kevan Parekh highlighted margin strength amid growth, yet longer-term earnings momentum remains uncertain.

Original Nintendo Switch surpasses DS to become Nintendo's bestselling console

February 3, 2026, 7:38 PM EST. Nintendo says the original Switch remains on sale as an entry-level option after the Switch 2 launch. In its latest quarterly results, the company states the Switch has the highest sales volume of any Nintendo hardware, with 155.37 million units sold as of December 31, 2025, surpassing the original DS's 154.02 million. The 9-year-old console has sold 3.25 million units in Nintendo's fiscal 2026 so far, including 1.36 million over the holidays, despite price hikes in August 2025 amid market conditions. The Switch is now the second-bestselling game console of all time, behind Sony's PS2. With current forecasts near 750,000 units next quarter, growth could slow as Switch 2 momentum builds.

Etiquette of AI in group chats raises questions of disclosure and nuance

February 3, 2026, 7:30 PM EST. AI is reshaping group chats and friendly exchanges, but etiquette remains unsettled. The piece argues that language models can trim effort yet erode nuance, citing a funeral anecdote in which a speaker suspects AI-written lines. It surveys what's happening in schools, courts, and casual messaging. A Brookings Institution poll found 57% of respondents used generative AI for personal purposes, with 15-20% deploying it for social media or communication. A 2024 Microsoft survey found half of respondents using AI at work reluctant to admit it for important tasks. The author contends disclosure matters, not only to avoid deception but to protect the social value of friendship and genuine conversation, while acknowledging AI's efficiency appeal, including Apple's iOS 26 that offers AI summaries in notifications.

Cold weather risks for phones and smartwatches and how to protect them

February 3, 2026, 7:28 PM EST. Extreme cold can impair lithium-ion batteries in smartphones and smartwatches, causing rapid drain or sudden shutdown when you need maps or an emergency call. Apple says avoid exposing iPhones and Apple Watches to freezing temperatures (below 32°F); batteries may drain faster and devices may temporarily pause charging at temperature extremes. In iOS 16 and watchOS 9+, paused charging is shown in Settings > Battery. Android makers issue similar cautions. Samsung recommends keeping Galaxy phones and watches between 32°F and 95°F, and warns that charging or use may pause in extreme cold. Google Pixel advises charging at room temperature (about 78°F) and using the device above 32°F; let it warm gradually after cold exposure. Practical tips: carry only essentials, keep devices warm in an inner pocket, use insulated cases, and avoid leaving them in a car.

Three Apple TV HDMI tweaks to boost picture quality

February 3, 2026, 7:26 PM EST. Apple's set-top box can deliver better pictures with three HDMI tweaks plus a few non-HDMI steps. Start with the built-in Check HDMI Connection diagnostic to test high-bandwidth signals and spot data-transfer issues. If problems appear, lower settings such as chroma, frame rate, or even disable HDR so the TV can better match its capabilities. Beyond cables, enable Match Dynamic Content and consider using a 4K SDR format for consistency. You can also calibrate color with iPhone-based color calibration. A quality HDMI cable matters, because a poor link undermines the tweaks. The goal: smoother, more accurate visuals when watching recent Apple TV shows or HBO titles.

ChromeOS expiration expected by 2034 as Aluminium moves Google toward a desktop platform

February 3, 2026, 7:12 PM EST. Court filings show Google plans to wind down ChromeOS as its 10-year support window ends, with devices tied to a fixed hardware slate launched as recently as 2023, pushing a phase-out by 2034. The filings frame ChromeOS's web-first origins alongside later Linux and Android app support and even failed Steam experiments. Looking ahead, Google's Aluminium project signals a shift to a more capable desktop platform, promising Google apps at the core and deeper Play Store integration on high-end hardware. The approach could give Google leverage to shape the ecosystem while addressing concerns raised in antitrust rulings.

Nvidia's Huang says OpenAI investment on track; no drama

February 3, 2026, 7:08 PM EST. NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang told CNBC there is no drama around the planned investment in OpenAI and that the deal remains on track. Huang said Nvidia will invest in OpenAI's next fundraising round, calling it the largest private round ever raised. The comments come after reports of tension and a November SEC filing indicating the deal hadn't closed; the Wall Street Journal earlier said the agreement was on ice. Nvidia shares fell more than 3% on the news. OpenAI has used Nvidia GPUs to power its models, and CEO Sam Altman has warned of chip shortages even as OpenAI pursues a round that could reach up to $100 billion. Altman has said he loves working with NVIDIA, and OpenAI remains in talks with multiple chipmakers and an eventual IPO.

NASA delays Artemis II lunar mission by at least a month

February 3, 2026, 7:06 PM EST. NASA delayed Artemis II, a crewed lunar fly-by, to at least March after critical pre-launch testing uncovered multiple issues. The four astronauts-three Americans and one Canadian-will stay on the ground as engineers fix problems found during the wet dress rehearsal at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. A hydrogen leak surfaced during fueling, and a second leak appeared during pressurization, according to Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson. The test also flagged a problem with the Orion capsule, though officials say lessons from Artemis I, the 2022 uncrewed flight, were applied. Artemis II remains a roughly ten-day mission to circle the Moon and return to Earth aboard the SLS rocket.

Tesla hits battery storage record in Q4 2025 as EV demand slows

February 3, 2026, 7:02 PM EST. Tesla's energy storage division posted a record fourth quarter as EV demand slowed. The company deployed 14.2 GWh of storage in Q4 2025 and 46.7 GWh in 2025, up 29% and 49% year over year. North American EV deliveries fell 16% in Q4 after the U.S. tax credit expired. LG Energy Solution and Samsung SDI also reported strong storage demand, helped by credits for battery manufacturing and deployment. Tesla plans Megapack production near Houston, with up to 50 GWh annually, and continues solar and storage investments despite tariff and policy uncertainty. Elon Musk said energy growth will remain a priority, framing solar as complementary to storage.

Nvidia stock faces execution risk as AI demand sustains rally

February 3, 2026, 6:58 PM EST. Nvidia (NVDA) commands a leadership position in AI hardware and software infrastructure, and it generates large free cash flow. Yet near-term returns hinge on flawless execution and sustained growth across data-center platforms. The stock price as of Jan. 27, 2026 reflects investor confidence in AI demand, but questions remain about automating supply, pricing, and the pace of new product cycles. The Motley Fool's Stock Advisor also weighs in on timing and selects different stock bets; Nvidia was not among its top picks in the latest list, underscoring divergent views on risk and horizon. For investors, the core question is whether Nvidia can translate market leadership into durable profits and fund ongoing investments without derailing margins.

SpaceX seeks FCC approval to launch 1 million orbital data-centre satellites

February 3, 2026, 6:52 PM EST. SpaceX has filed with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission to launch up to 1 million orbital data-centre satellites, an order of magnitude beyond any prior plan. The request dwarfs SpaceX's 2019 proposal for 42,000 Starlink satellites, part of a fleet that now numbers about 9,500 out of 14,500 in orbit. Experts call the filing extraordinary; Victoria Samson of the Secure World Foundation says it surpasses earlier scale. SpaceX says the satellites would act as in-space data centres to power AI, a concept Musk framed as moving toward a Kardashev II civilization. The company intends to use the reusable Starship to deploy hundreds of tonnes per launch. The move comes as other nations pursue large networks and debates over orbital congestion and debris.

Apple expands Xcode 26.3 with broader AI agent access via MCP

February 3, 2026, 6:46 PM EST. Apple released Xcode 26.3, boosting AI-assisted coding by expanding access for Claude and OpenAI's Codex. The update lets these agents search documentation, explore project structures, update settings, and visually verify work by capturing Xcode Previews and iterating through builds. Earlier Xcode 26 releases limited visibility into the developer's environment; the new Model Context Protocol (MCP) enables broader access. Developers can add Claude or Codex to the Xcode terminal from the Intelligence section and select a preferred model version. Apple says MCP-based token usage is optimized, with Anthropic and OpenAI involved. The company worked with partners to integrate these tools more tightly. Xcode 26.3 is available to Apple Developer Program members now; Mac App Store availability is coming soon.

PACT and BCIT Launch Specialized Lithium Battery Safety Education for Canada's EV Training

February 3, 2026, 6:42 PM EST. PACT (Packaging And Crating Technologies) joins BCIT to embed its Thermo Shield paper wrap in BCIT's automotive curriculum, training a new generation of EV technicians in lithium battery safety. Canada's EV surge-23% of 2024 BC new registrations were zero-emission, with 153,000+ EVs on roads-drives demand for specialized skills. BCIT's instructors say the program reflects rising service and repair needs for electric cars. Jim Berladyn recalls attending the 2023 National Battery Show, where Thermo Shield demonstrations showed rapid fire prevention and extinguishment. Introduced in 2019, the system uses a paper substrate with a proprietary ink that releases a moisture barrier during thermal runaway, cooling contents and limiting oxygen to suppress flames. It has been independently tested and endorsed by industry groups.

Google Pixel February 2026 update reaches Pixel 7a through Pixel 10 series

February 3, 2026, 6:40 PM EST. Google has started the February 2026 update for Pixel devices, rolling out from the Pixel 7a up to the Pixel 10 series, plus Pixel Tablet and Fold devices. The release is described as minor; Google's changelog lists no bug fixes and says it "addresses all security issues in this month's Pixel Update Bulletin." Users can grab OTA files or install factory images; builds are region- and carrier-specific. In parallel, Google appears to move older models (Pixel 6/6 Pro and some 7-series) to a quarterly update cadence. The company lists SKUs for Global, EMEA, and Japan with variant build numbers. Expect a March update to carry more feature changes, as February focuses on security only.

Windows 11 26H2 confirmed for late 2026 as references surface in Windows Update

February 3, 2026, 6:38 PM EST. Microsoft data points point to a Windows 11 26H2 release later in 2026, with 25H2 remaining the current feature set for now. The company has said 26H1 is reserved for new silicon, notably Snapdragon X2, and that 26H2 would cover non-ARM PCs. In a November 2025 post, Microsoft said 26H1 is not a feature update for 25H2 and requires no customer action. On Jan 27, 2026, Build 26300.7674 appeared in the Windows Insider channel, and the update history shows an enablement package for 26H2. That enables minor platform changes. UI labels for 26H2 have not yet appeared in Settings or Winver, but observers expect broader rollout as newer builds land. The cadence remains annual in the second half of the year.

Nvidia stock poised to soar after Feb. 25 earnings, analysts say

February 3, 2026, 6:36 PM EST. Nvidia is due to report its fiscal 2026 fourth-quarter results on Feb. 25, with investors focused on GPU demand and forward guidance. The company has advanced its Rubin architecture, touted to outperform Blackwell and trim training GPU needs, while cutting inference costs. Rubin GPUs are in production and slated to ship in the second half to cloud providers such as Amazon, Microsoft, Alphabet and Oracle. On the call, executives are expected to outline timelines and longer-term AI market dynamics. Through the first three quarters of fiscal 2026, Nvidia posted $147.8 billion in revenue, with 89% from data centers. Wall Street sees about $65.5 billion in Q4 revenue, placing full-year revenue near $213.3 billion and EPS around $4.69.

Web page load failure prompts enabling JavaScript

February 3, 2026, 6:32 PM EST. A browser message flags a missing script as part of a site load failure. The prompt cites the likely causes: JavaScript is disabled, a browser extension or ad blocker, network issues, or strict browser settings. It instructs users to enable JavaScript, disable conflicting extensions, check the connection, or try a different browser. The notice illustrates how many sites rely on client-side scripting to render core content and how a single setting can stall access. For operators, the incident highlights the need to accommodate users with strict privacy tools while preserving page functionality.

SpaceX acquires xAI; Musk charts space-based AI and orbital data centers

February 3, 2026, 6:28 PM EST. Elon Musk says SpaceX has acquired xAI and will put space-based AI at the core of an expanded company that also runs the X social network. The Information cited unnamed sources valuing xAI at about $250 billion and SpaceX at roughly $1 trillion, noting the figures are subjective because Musk controls both firms. Investor Ross Gerber joked that the deal followed a negotiation with himself. Musk outlined a plan for a constellation of orbital data centers and seeks FCC approval for up to a million satellites in low Earth orbit. He argued that solar power and space cooling could lower AI compute costs, and floated lunar manufacturing as a future path. The aim: space-based AI compute advancing toward a Kardashev II civilization.

Nvidia investigates Windows 11 KB5074109 issues after January 2026 update

February 3, 2026, 6:22 PM EST. Nvidia confirms it is examining Windows 11 issues linked to the mandatory KB5074109 patch from the January 2026 Update. The update, described as minor, has spawned a range of problems, including black screen failure before desktop load and artifacts-rectangular graphic glitches-in games such as Forza Horizon. Windows Latest tests show the issue often appears after the update and not on every system. Nvidia forums and Microsoft's Feedback Hub contain multiple reports of crashes, freezes and performance drops tied to KB5074109. An Nvidia engineer, Manuel, said removing the patch appears to resolve the visuals. KB5074109 carries Build 26200.7623 and 26100.7623, verifiable in Settings > System > About. Nvidia will continue to investigate.

Apple issues final warning for Home app upgrade due by Feb. 10, 2026

February 3, 2026, 6:14 PM EST. Apple has issued a final reminder to users of its Home app to upgrade to the newer architecture by February 10, 2026. In an email this week, the company warned that those who do not upgrade may experience issues with accessories and automations or lose access to their smart home in the app. Upgraded users gain access to new features such as robot vacuum support and will receive security fixes and performance improvements. The update requires minimum OS versions: iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, macOS 13.1, tvOS 16.2 and watchOS 9.2. To upgrade: open the Home app, go to Home Settings > Software Update > Update Now. If you see 'This home and all accessories are up to date,' you are current.

Android 16 February 2026 security patch rolls out with no Pixel fixes

February 3, 2026, 6:08 PM EST. Google's Android 16 February 2026 security patch for the Pixel line is rolling out to the Pixel 7a, Tablet, Fold, 8, 8 Pro, 8a, 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, 9a, 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, and 10 Pro Fold. The February 2026 security patch lists one fix in the Pixel Update Bulletin: a patch to the VPU Driver (CVE-2026-0106, High severity). Curiously, there are no bug fixes or functional improvements this month, a first for many. The big update remains Android 16 QPR3 expected in March. The on-device OTA weighs just over 20 MB and arrives in multiple carrier builds. The January update did include fixes; this month, no Pixel-specific corrections beyond the driver patch.

Xcode 26.3 adds agentic coding with Claude Agent and Codex

February 3, 2026, 6:06 PM EST. Apple's Xcode 26.3 adds agentic coding, letting external coding agents like Claude Agent and Codex work inside the IDE. The feature expands on a prior suite of intelligence tools by enabling agents to navigate documentation, explore project file structures, adjust settings, and verify results with Xcode Previews and iterative builds. The update promises faster iteration and a smoother workflow across the full development cycle. Susan Prescott, Apple's vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations, said the capability aims to boost productivity and creativity by letting developers delegate routine tasks to AI-enabled agents while focusing on core design and innovation.

DJI Osmo 360 debuts 8K 360-degree action camera for ski footage

February 3, 2026, 5:54 PM EST. DJI's Osmo 360 is the company's first dedicated 360-degree action camera, built to produce immersive footage that can be reframed in post or edited into traditional clips. It records native 8K 360-degree video, offers 120 MP panoramic stills, dual HDR 1-inch sensors, and up to 4K/120 fps in Single-Lens mode, making it a strong choice for cinematic winter ski sequences that live on phones or social feeds. Snow creates glare and cold battery drain, so carry 2-3 spare batteries, keep spares warm in an inner pocket, and swap in fresh power before runs. Mounting matters: helmet mounts for POV and high-speed shots; the Invisible Selfie Stick Kit removes the stick from frames in panoramic mode for rear follow shots and transitions. Secure all screws; cold descents loosen hardware.

Apple Studio Display 2 on track for 2026 launch with mini-LED and ProMotion

February 3, 2026, 5:52 PM EST. Apple is reportedly targeting a Studio Display refresh in the first half of 2026, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman writes in Power On. Gurman notes dwindling inventory of the current model and extended shipping estimates that often signal a launch. A regulator listing for model A3350 hints at Studio Display 2 but confirms it will stay LCD rather than OLED, with mini-LED backlighting not ruled out. Rumors point to upgrades such as HDR, ProMotion up to 120Hz, and a newer chip-potentially an A19 or A19 Pro, replacing the A13 Bionic in the current display. A launch could accompany new Macs, like the Mac Studio with M5 Max/Ultra or a newer Mac mini. The present 27-inch 5K panel offers 60Hz, up to 600 nits, built-in camera and speakers, three USB-C ports, and a Thunderbolt port; U.S. price starts at $1,599.

Switch 2's Virtual Boy add-on revives Nintendo's quirky retro console

February 3, 2026, 5:50 PM EST. Nintendo is reviving the wacky Virtual Boy as a Switch 2 accessory. The retro headset translates the original's bipod, facemask and monochrome red display into a modern, tether-free setup. The Switch 2 serves as the main display and processor, removing the need for cartridges and cords and letting software come from Nintendo's online store. The look stays faithful: red-on-black visuals, a stand, and a slot for the Switch 2 with detached Joy-Cons. The upgrade improves stability: there's no external power brick, and IPD can be adjusted for crisper images. Still, it's a time-warp experience. Rather than strapping to the face, you lean into a perched facemask with a bipod and lean-in immersion. The games remain largely unaltered, revealing VR's 30-year forecast as nostalgic, imperfect and curious.

Intel to build GPUs, hires chief GPU architect as data-center push broadens

February 3, 2026, 5:48 PM EST. Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan said the company plans to build GPUs and has hired a chief GPU architect. The effort sits under Kevork Kechichian, the data center chip chief, with a couple of customers engaging Intel's Foundry Services. A Qualcomm executive, Eric Demmers, recently joined Intel, underscoring cross-pollination from the chip industry. Tan said interest centers on Intel's 14A manufacturing tech, with volume production likely later this year. He stressed that customers must specify volume and product so capacity can be planned as Intel broadens its hardware portfolio.

Elevation Lab AirTag 2 mounts go on sale from $8; magnetic, lockable and bike-friendly options

February 3, 2026, 5:44 PM EST. 9to5Toys reports a broad sale of Elevation Lab AirTag 2 mounts and cases on Amazon, with compatibility for both first-gen AirTag and AirTag 2. The promotion covers more than 40 items, from magnetic mounts to bag straps and bike placements, plus hidden-in-fabric and luggage options. Highlights include TagVault Magnetic Case from $13.50, TagVault Fabric Extreme Mount at $12, TagVault Security Lock Mount from $11, and AirTag Wallet Holder at $8. Extended battery cases that raise life by five to ten years are also offered: 5-year for $16 and 10-year for $18. The deal page lists the TagVault Everything Mount at roughly $10-$16. Affiliate links are used.

OpenClaw vulnerability enables one-click remote code execution via malicious link; patch released

February 3, 2026, 5:42 PM EST. A high-severity flaw in OpenClaw (formerly Clawdbot), tracked as CVE-2026-25253 with CVSS 8.8, lets attackers trigger remote code execution through a crafted link. OpenClaw's maintainer said the Control UI trusts the gatewayUrl in the query string without validation and auto-connects on load, sending a stored gateway token in the WebSocket connect payload. Clicking a malicious link or visiting a rogue site can exfiltrate the token to an attacker's server, enabling login to the victim's OpenClaw instance and configuring settings. With token privileges such as operator.admin and operator.approvals, an attacker can disable user confirmations and elevate to host-level commands outside the container. A working chain can execute arbitrary commands on the host within milliseconds after visiting a page. The fix arrived in version 2026.1.29 on Jan 30, 2026.

Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 to address Buds 3 reliability issues, ETNews reports

February 3, 2026, 5:40 PM EST. ETNews reports Samsung will unveil the Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro alongside the Galaxy S26 at the Galaxy Unpacked 2026 event next month. The outlet says the new earbuds will emphasize practicality and build quality to address quality controversies surrounding the Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. The Buds 3 faced issues such as uneven Blade Lights lighting, tearing ear tips, charging faults and uneven paint. The Buds 4 lineup is said to drop the Blade Lights design in favor of a thinner, flatter stem to improve swipe and pinch gestures, with head gestures and a Find My Phone button on the charging case. Case orientation reportedly shifts from vertical to horizontal. Prices in South Korea are expected to match the previous generation: Buds 4 at KRW 219,000 and Buds 4 Pro at KRW 319,000.

SpaceX acquires xAI to push AI computing beyond current limits

February 3, 2026, 5:38 PM EST. SpaceX has acquired xAI, the AI company founded by Elon Musk, to accelerate its AI computing ambitions. The deal targets expanded high-performance compute for training and running large-scale models, leveraging xAI's software stack and hardware know-how. The arrangement could consolidate Musk's tech portfolio and influence partnerships in cloud services, research and defense where AI capacity is strategic. Terms were not disclosed. Analysts cautioned that merging distinct operations may create governance and interoperability challenges, even as supporters say the move could speed development of next-generation AI. The National CIO Review reported the deal, noting a broader shift of aerospace names into core AI infrastructure.

IPOs of Anthropic, OpenAI and SpaceX could weigh on stock market, analysts warn

February 3, 2026, 5:34 PM EST. Analysts say a trio of AI and space-tech IPOs from Anthropic, OpenAI and SpaceX could sharpen market focus on high-growth tech valuations and test investor appetite. If priced aggressively, the listings might pull capital from broader equities, alter risk sentiment and ripple into index funds. Regulators will scrutinize disclosures around competitive risk, governance and data use. Critics warn a failed or frothy debut could chill funding for other startups, while proponents say the tie-up widens access to innovation and liquidity. The market backdrop, including inflation and rate expectations, will shape demand. In short, the IPO window could reshape tech stock dynamics, with effects beyond the initial listings.

Apple expands AI push with Q.ai acquisition, Gemini integration, and India's tax policy

February 3, 2026, 5:32 PM EST. Apple (NasdaqGS:AAPL) is broadening its AI playbook. It agreed to acquire Q.ai, an AI audio startup, for about US$2 billion, boosting voice- and sound-focused capabilities. The company also sealed a multi-year partnership with Google to bring Gemini AI into Siri and its Foundation models, deepening integration across hardware and software. In India, a new policy enables Apple to source manufacturing equipment tax-free for local partners, supporting its production expansion outside China. Taken together, the moves signal a strategy focused on on-device AI and supply-chain diversification. Apple has cited solid earnings and a growing Services business as it weighs AI investments against hardware margins.

India eyes Alipay+ integration with UPI as thaw in India-China ties grows

February 3, 2026, 5:30 PM EST. India is weighing a cross-border payments expansion with Ant Group's international payments platform Alipay+ tied to its Unified Payments Interface (UPI). Talks, reported in February 2026, would let Indians use UPI at more than 150 million Alipay+ merchants in 100 markets, extending UPI beyond seven countries. UPI is India's real-time transfer system used by over 504 million users and 65 million merchants, handling about 20 billion transactions monthly. Proponents say the deal could lower costs and reduce reliance on card networks while accelerating global adoption of UPI. It coincides with a thaw in India-China ties since the 2023 G20 summit. Regulators demand data localisation and security guarantees amid geopolitical sensitivities around Chinese origins. Ant Group did not respond to comment requests.

Fitbit founders launch AI platform Luffu to help families monitor health

February 3, 2026, 5:28 PM EST. Fitbit co-founders James Park and Eric Friedman unveiled Luffu, an AI startup aimed at helping families monitor health. The plan begins with an app and later expands to hardware, targeting the growing population of family caregivers-about 63 million in the United States, roughly 1 in 4 adults, up 45% in a decade. Luffu uses AI to collect and organize family health data, learn daily patterns and flag changes so relatives stay aligned without hovering. Users can log health details by voice, text or photos; the system surfaces alerts on unusual vitals or sleep shifts. Park described personal caregiving across distances; Friedman said Luffu is designed to reduce chaos in caregiving. A limited public beta is available by waitlist.

Nvidia CEO says no AI bubble as markets weigh AI-driven shifts

February 3, 2026, 5:22 PM EST. The AI revolution tests a six-decade rule on valuations. Since November, fears of overvaluation have unsettled tech stocks. The Nasdaq Composite has been volatile and flat over the past three months, edging up less than 0.5%. Microsoft's stock slid about 10% after its Jan. 28 earnings report, even as profits rose roughly 60% year over year, signaling sky-high expectations for AI in the era. The dot-com era is invoked, with memories of the 2000 crash and a reminder that big rebounds are needed to break even after steep losses. Nvidia's Jensen Huang addressed bubble rumors in mid-November. He argued AI has upended Moore's Law and cited three platform shifts: the move from CPU to GPU computing; AI transforming existing apps; and AI creating new ones, including Meta's AI-based ad tool JEM boosting conversions on Instagram and Facebook. The ongoing transition, he said, would accelerate.

Samsung Wallet adds American Express support for international payments

February 3, 2026, 5:18 PM EST. Samsung Electronics expands Samsung Wallet to support American Express cards for international payments as of February 4. The move follows existing Mastercard and Visa support and aims to boost global usability in overseas markets. Amex cards can be used at NFC-enabled merchants worldwide without a physical card, with Samsung promising to broaden issuer coverage beyond Samsung Card. Chae Won-chul, EVP and head of the Digital Wallet Team, said the addition will strengthen Wallet's global usability and offer differentiated services to premium card users, with plans to add more global payment options in the future. Samsung Wallet also encompasses services like MiliPass, Wallet Money, and Wallet Points, emphasizing a secure digital payments ecosystem for travel and business.

Leaker says iPhone 18 will resemble iPhone 17, prioritizing internal upgrades

February 3, 2026, 5:12 PM EST. A new Weibo post from tipster Fixed Focus Digital, relayed by MacRumors, claims the iPhone 18 will largely resemble the iPhone 17 in appearance. Apple would emphasize internal changes, notably an A20 chip built on a 2nm process, and a refreshed C2 modem. The report notes potential hardware tweaks, such as a smaller Dynamic Island and a modified Camera Control button, plus a 24MP front camera and a variable-aperture main rear lens. The iPhone 18 lineup may skip September launches this year, with only Pro models and a new iPhone Fold expected, while standard models (iPhone 18, 18e and perhaps Air 2) could debut in spring 2027. Leaks are fluid and subject to change.

Apple's Glad I Met You shot entirely on iPhone 17 Pro for Chinese New Year

February 3, 2026, 5:10 PM EST. Apple has released Glad I met You, a Chinese New Year short film shot entirely on an iPhone 17 Pro. The story centers on a girl and a talking dog and is described as a heartwarming tale about finding family. Director Bai Xue partnered with Apple to blend classic cinematography with stop-motion elements. The project underscores advances in mobile filmmaking and showcases the device's potential for professional production. The piece is reported by Matthew Allard ACS.

Galaxy S26 Ultra colors leak shows four variants ahead of February launch

February 3, 2026, 5:08 PM EST. New leaks confirm the Galaxy S26 Ultra's design and reveal four color options: black, white, silver shadow, and cobalt violet, with six colors anticipated overall and two online-exclusive variants (sky blue and pink gold). The phone is expected to debut February 25 in San Francisco. Leaks from Evan Blass and others align with a familiar design, while Samsung is rumored to add hardware bumps such as the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, faster 60W wired charging, and a 5,500 mAh battery. Retail listings on a Russian site briefly showed the four colors; Samsung online exclusives could explain the missing colors in retailer listings. The chatter echoes Android Central's take; in practice, the muted palette stands out less next to Apple's iPhone 17 Pro Cosmic Orange.

Nvidia stock slips as OpenAI partnership under scrutiny

February 3, 2026, 5:02 PM EST. Nvidia's stock fell more than 3% on Tuesday as investors weighed scrutiny of its alliance with OpenAI. The Wall Street Journal reported Nvidia delayed a planned investment of up to $100 billion in OpenAI, raising questions about the durability of one of the AI boom's marquee partnerships. CEO Jensen Huang said the company intends a huge investment in OpenAI, aiming to reassure markets. Reuters later reported OpenAI has not been fully satisfied with Nvidia's latest chips and is seeking alternatives to cover roughly 10% of its inference needs, signaling pressure on the hardware supplier. Sam Altman said OpenAI loves working with Nvidia and hopes to be a long-term customer, dampening fears. Inference has emerged as a key battleground as developers explore faster hardware options such as Cerebras and Groq.

Gemini Live rolls out floating pill UI on Android

February 3, 2026, 5:00 PM EST. Google's Gemini Live on Android gains a floating pill that replaces the prior fullscreen exit indicator. The pill appears when you exit fullscreen and can be summoned two ways: activate the Gemini overlay and tap the Live icon, or open Gemini and exit fullscreen. The control bar lets you start sharing camera or screen, mute the mic, and end Live; if a conversation hasn't started, the keyboard switches to the Gemini overlay, otherwise it closes Live and shows a transcript. The pill can shrink to a movable circle when you use other apps, and you can toggle the accompanying waveform. Rollout is limited to one device so far, tied to the Google app version 17.3, and may accompany a larger Gemini Live update alongside a Project Astra precedent.

From Gemini to Grok: how developers shape AI behaviours

February 3, 2026, 4:56 PM EST. Developers are scripting AI 'characters' to shape how assistants respond, not just what they know. From OpenAI's ChatGPT to Grok and Claude, builders test rules, ethics and personality as core design levers. OpenAI retrained ChatGPT to de-escalate conversations with distressed users after a teen-suicide prompt; Musk's Grok drew international criticism for generated imagery; Anthropic released an 84-page "constitution" for Claude, internally called the "soul doc." The approach moves beyond fixed dos and don'ts to adaptable judgment. In the UK, Claude underpins the gov.uk AI chatbot to aid jobseekers. As AIs become daily companions, their character can act as an extension of user interaction, with safety and trust tied to capability.

Apple adds agentic coding in Xcode 26.3 with Claude Agent and Codex

February 3, 2026, 4:54 PM EST. Apple released Xcode 26.3 Release Candidate, adding agentic coding tools from Anthropic and OpenAI directly into the IDE. Developers can install agents from Xcode settings, sign in or supply API keys, and pick a model version from a drop-down menu. This follows last year's Xcode 26 update that brought ChatGPT and Claude support. The agents use Apple's Model Context Protocol (MCP) to access Xcode capabilities, enabling project discovery, file management, previews, and the latest documentation. They help explore projects, understand structure, build, run tests, and propose fixes with a transparent, stepwise task breakdown and an on-screen transcript. Apple says it optimized token use for efficiency.

Menlo Ventures and a16z back Phylo, a Stanford AI startup

February 3, 2026, 4:40 PM EST. Menlo Ventures and a16z are backing Phylo, a Stanford University AI startup founded by two researchers who defended their PhDs last year. The pair formed Phylo days after finishing their doctoral work, aiming to commercialize their AI research. The deal signals ongoing investor interest in early-stage teams turning laboratory breakthroughs into products. Details of the funding round and Phylo's exact focus were not disclosed in the excerpt.

Apple's iPad Mini gets $100 off across all storage configurations

February 3, 2026, 4:38 PM EST. Apple's small yet capable tablet is on sale. The base iPad Mini with Wi-Fi and 128GB is $399 at Amazon and Best Buy, $100 off and near its all-time low. The 256GB model starts at $499, close to its low. The 8.3-inch tablet runs the A17 Pro chip and iPadOS 26, with multi-app multitasking, light gaming and streaming. It remains the cheapest iPad that supports the Apple Pencil Pro and offers early access to Apple Intelligence, including ChatGPT integration and text rewriting features. Three other notable deals include Amazfit's Active 2 at $79.99 and a four-pack of Moto Tags for $69.99, both near all-time lows. Availability limited to participating retailers.

Microsoft expands Secure Development Lifecycle to secure AI development in an AI-powered world

February 3, 2026, 4:36 PM EST. Microsoft says its Secure Development Lifecycle (SDL) is expanding to address AI security alongside traditional software safeguards. The new AI-focused SDL is described as a dynamic framework that links research, policy, standards, enablement, and cross-functional collaboration to secure AI development and deployment. In a fast-moving landscape, the company argues a flexible, comprehensive SDL strategy helps protect users, safeguard intellectual property and advance trustworthy AI. The update highlights how AI introduces complex threats beyond conventional cybersecurity, including an expanded attack surface, prompts, memory states, data retrieval, and model updates. It notes governance challenges in applying RBAC, least privilege and data minimization across technical and human layers. The call: adopt holistic, integrated practices to build resilience against evolving cyber threats.

Mindbreeze shifts from advisory AI to operational AI in enterprises

February 3, 2026, 4:34 PM EST. Mindbreeze argues enterprise AI must move beyond chat-based advice to embedded action in business processes. The platform prioritizes operational AI that can connect to systems, reason across data sources, and execute governed tasks at scale. Analysts say chat-only AI yields gains but stalls without integration, approvals, and compliance checks. By 2026, competitive advantage will hinge on what AI can do, not only what it says. Mindbreeze highlights contextual intelligence to unify structured data, unstructured content, and enterprise knowledge in a shared context layer, enabling humans and AI to act with awareness. Use cases span financial services-monitoring regulatory changes and routing impact assessments; manufacturing-identifying supply-chain risks and triggering mitigations; and legal ops-surfacing contract risk with corrective actions. Governance-accountability, auditability, and permissions-must mature as AI acts.

SpaceX seeks FCC approval for up to 1 million solar-powered orbital data centers

February 3, 2026, 4:30 PM EST. SpaceX has filed with the FCC to deploy a constellation of up to one million solar-powered data-center satellites in low Earth orbit, linked by lasers. The company says the network could be cheaper and more environmentally friendly than land-based centers that draw water and electricity from communities. Framed as a step toward a Kardashev II civilization, the plan would still likely involve only a fraction of satellites in orbit but would heighten concerns about space debris and collisions as orbital numbers rise. Critics point to congestion in space; supporters argue real-time solar power and heat disposal into space could reduce land impacts. A correction notes that counts of Starlink satellites must distinguish active from total launched.

SpaceX seeks FCC approval to orbit up to one million solar-powered data-center satellites

February 3, 2026, 4:28 PM EST. SpaceX filed with the FCC on Friday to orbit a constellation of up to one million data-center satellites in low Earth orbit that would communicate via lasers and run on solar power with limited batteries. The plan positions the project as cheaper and more environmentally friendly than land-based centers that use water and electricity. The filing even calls it a step toward a Kardashev II civilization. Even a fraction in orbit would markedly increase man-made objects, heightening concerns about orbital debris and collisions. SpaceX argues the solar-powered centers could radiate heat into space, reducing Earth-side cooling needs. Critics note growing backlash against data centers and the lack of local communities affected. Regulators are skeptical; the filing is seen as a negotiation starting point.

Nvidia's OpenAI investment plan stalls amid valuation concerns, sources say

February 3, 2026, 4:26 PM EST. The Wall Street Journal reported that Nvidia's plan to invest up to $100 billion in OpenAI has stalled after executives questioned the deal. In September, the two sides announced a nonbinding LOI to lease Nvidia chips for about 10 gigawatts of computing power and fund deployment progressively. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said the $100 billion figure was never a commitment, signaling a gap between rhetoric and reality. People familiar with the matter said Huang privately criticized OpenAI's business discipline and warned of competition from Google and Anthropic. Nvidia wants to avoid being seen as overly dependent on OpenAI, a status critics call a valuation tax. Nvidia will participate in OpenAI's current funding round; Huang called it probably the largest investment they've ever made. Filing notes say there is no assurance of definitive agreements on OpenAI.

Nvidia delays OpenAI investment, citing valuation tax risk

February 3, 2026, 4:24 PM EST. The Wall Street Journal reported that Nvidia's plan to invest up to $100 billion in OpenAI has stalled after executives questioned the deal. In September the companies signed a nonbinding LOI to lease chips from Nvidia for 10 gigawatts of computing power, with the chipmaker funding the project as each gigawatt is deployed. CEO Jensen Huang later said the $100 billion figure was never a commitment. He privately critiqued OpenAI's business discipline and flagged competition from Google and Anthropic. Nvidia, still generous with cash, says it will be involved in OpenAI's current funding round but aims to avoid overreliance and what some call the valuation tax. The market context for AI partners and the absence of progress since September help explain the stalling.

Apple and Tel-Aviv University group similar sounds to speed up speech generation

February 3, 2026, 4:18 PM EST. Apple and Tel-Aviv University researchers describe Principled Coarse-Grained Acceptance for Speculative Decoding in Speech, a method to speed up autoregressive text-to-speech without harming intelligibility. The approach acknowledges that many acoustic tokens sound alike, and builds a coarse-graining scheme that groups tokens into acoustic similarity sets. A fast proposer model suggests tokens; a larger judge model verifies they fit the correct group before acceptance. The result adapts speculative decoding to acoustic tokens, delivering roughly a 40% speed increase while keeping word error rates lower than prior speed-focused methods and preserving speaker similarity. The study reports a 4.09/5 naturalness score on human tests.

Apple study groups similar sounds to speed up speech generation

February 3, 2026, 4:16 PM EST. A joint team from Apple and Tel-Aviv University detail a new approach to speeding up autoregressive text-to-speech without hurting intelligibility. The paper, Principled Coarse-Grained Acceptance for Speculative Decoding in Speech, refines speculative decoding for acoustic tokens by grouping tokens that produce nearly identical sounds. A two-model setup – a fast proposer and a larger judge – checks token suitability within acoustic similarity groups rather than exact matches. The result: about a 40% speedup in speech generation while keeping word error rate low and preserving speaker similarity. The work reports a 4.09 naturalness score (on a 1-5 scale) and suggests PCG can outperform prior speed-focused methods in speech models.

iOS 26 adds Generated Passwords hub to Apple Passwords app to prevent lost passwords

February 3, 2026, 4:06 PM EST. Apple's Passwords app gains a new, hidden safety net in iOS 26. When a generated password isn't fully saved, a new Generated Passwords menu can appear behind the three-dot icon. It shows the website, how long ago the password was created, and options to Save or Delete. The in-app note says passwords kept here remain usable for 30 days and can be saved to enable AutoFill across devices. If you choose to save, you're prompted to enter a user name and other details to create a proper login. Apple could make the feature more visually prominent. Still, for users who rely on the Passwords app, it can prevent a forgotten-password loop.

iOS 26 adds a temporary hub for generated passwords in the Passwords app

February 3, 2026, 4:04 PM EST. Apple's iOS 26 introduces a temporary hub in the Passwords app for passwords that have been generated but not saved. Accessible behind the three-dot menu in Passwords, the Generated Passwords option appears only after a password is created and not stored, listing the site, its age, and actions to Save or Delete. The in-app note says strong passwords are kept for 30 days and can be saved to enable AutoFill across devices. Saving prompts for a username and other details to create a full login entry. The feature isn't highly visible, but it can prevent a dreaded forgot-password loop by preserving a recently created password before it's lost.

Amazon brings back Apple Watch Series 11 deal at $299, includes titanium and cellular models

February 3, 2026, 3:58 PM EST. Amazon has revived a limited-time sale on the Apple Watch Series 11, offering $100 off and a price of $299 on the 42mm GPS aluminum model. The deal also covers 42mm GPS + Cellular in titanium ($599) and titanium Milanese loop ($649). For the 46mm line, the GPS aluminum model is $429, while GPS + Cellular titanium versions run $649 (Sport Band) and $699 (Milanese Loop). The promotions run ahead of Valentine's Day. Apple Watch price guides track dozens of similar discounts, and Amazon's deals page highlights the best offers across the wearable lineup. Discounts apply to multiple styles, including titanium-cased and cellular-enabled variants.

Amazon offers Apple Watch Series 11 at $299, $100 off in limited-time deal

February 3, 2026, 3:56 PM EST. Amazon has brought back the Apple Watch Series 11 at $299, a $100 savings for a limited time. The discount covers multiple configurations, including GPS aluminum models and GPS + Cellular variants in Titanium. Size options span 42mm and 46mm, with prices from $299 to $699 depending on band and finish. The deal sits among a wider slate of Apple Watch offers on Amazon, with dozens of models tracked in the Apple Watch Price Guide. For February specials on Macs and iPads, our coverage highlights the best Apple deals. Buyers should act quickly to lock in savings before the promotion ends.

Toyota Partner Breaks Ground on All-Solid-State EV Battery Plant

February 3, 2026, 3:52 PM EST. Toyota's partner broke ground on a plant to manufacture all-solid-state batteries, a technology that replaces a liquid electrolyte with a solid. The change aims to boost energy density, shorten charging times, and improve safety by reducing leaks and flammability. Toyota has long championed advanced propulsion; the project underscores its push into next-generation batteries. The facility carries an estimated $1.5 billion price tag and is expected to be operational by 2025, potentially creating thousands of regional jobs. Analysts say solid-state chemistry could help ease range anxiety as EV demand grows, a trend supported by agencies forecasting rising adoption and investment in battery manufacturing.

Stark Teams With Wanxiang A123 to Industrialize the 26120 Battery for On-Road Electric Motorcycles

February 3, 2026, 3:50 PM EST. Stark Futures, maker of Varg dirt bikes, is pushing for longer-range, fast-charging on-road electric motorcycles. The company has teamed with Wanxiang A123 to industrialize the 26120 cylindrical lithium-ion battery cell for next-generation bikes. The cells are billed as denser than conventional 21700s, enabling more energy in a smaller footprint and supporting ultra-fast charging, purportedly as quick as 10 minutes. Stark's CEO, Anton Wass, says the aim is real-world range that preserves riding joy. The press release highlights an aluminum cell enclosure, lower mass and simplified pack architecture, with targets around 330 Wh/kg energy density and rapid recharge. It's unclear which models will use the cells or when they debut.

Three bargain AI stocks set for a bull run: Nvidia, TSMC and Meta Platforms

February 3, 2026, 3:46 PM EST. Three attractively valued tech stocks are positioned for a potential bull run. The picks center on Nvidia, TSMC and Meta Platforms. Nvidia trades at a forward P/E around 25x with a PEG under 0.7, and sits as a leader in AI infrastructure via GPUs and the CUDA platform. TSMC, the world's top advanced-chip maker, carries a forward P/E near 23x and a PEG under 0.7, with expanding capacity and strong pricing power as AI chip demand grows. Meta Platforms, at about 24x forward earnings and a PEG below 0.9, is expanding revenue through AI-powered tools that improve targeting and engagement. Each company ties growth to AI adoption and data-center or ad-market momentum, making them bargain-growth bets in a heated tech space.

AI, Federal Reform and the Future of Cannabis: The Remix Era

February 3, 2026, 3:42 PM EST. Move to reschedule cannabis to Schedule III marks a shift from gray markets toward regulated research and products. As AI reshapes the industry, growers in California and Colorado use machine-learning to tune lighting, nutrients and climate, predicting mold risk and optimizing yields by strain. Breeders analyze terpene profiles and cannabinoid ratios at scale, aiming to design outcomes like sleep or pain relief rather than vibes. In retail, predictive analytics and product recommendations aim to reduce stockouts and personalize choices, even as data ownership and worker impact come under scrutiny. The risk: algorithmic sameness that favors performance over novelty. The dynamic mirrors music's streaming era, with AI reframing what's grown, sold and understood about cannabis.

SpaceX to merge with xAI ahead of IPO, Musk says

February 3, 2026, 3:36 PM EST. SpaceX (SPAX.PVT) will merge with xAI (XAAI.PVT) to create a vertically integrated engine spanning AI, rockets, space-based internet and direct-to-mobile communications, the companies said. Elon Musk framed the deal as a broader push to scale space-based AI and data centers in space, arguing terrestrial centers cannot meet AI power and cooling demands. Tesla engineers will sometimes work on SpaceX and vice versa, with Tesla's earlier $2 billion investment in xAI noted. SpaceX is eyeing an IPO that could raise as much as $50 billion and value the group near $1.5 trillion, Bloomberg reported. The arrangement remains subject to terms and approvals.

OpenAI's ChatGPT push triggers senior staff exits

February 3, 2026, 3:24 PM EST. OpenAI's renewed push to expand ChatGPT adoption has coincided with a wave of departures among senior staff. People familiar with the matter say several longtime engineers and product leads left the company amid the strategic shift, which concentrates more on enterprise offerings and commercialization. The exits underscore tensions around pacing, governance, and the balance between safety reviews and rapid product rollout. OpenAI declined to comment. The departures come as the market watches how the company scales its flagship AI tools while navigating scrutiny from regulators and customers.

Android brands eye square front-camera sensors after iPhone 17 Center Stage

February 3, 2026, 3:22 PM EST. OPPO and HUAWEI are reportedly pursuing a square 1:1 front-camera sensor inspired by Apple's iPhone 17 Center Stage module. Reliable leaker Digital Chat Station posted on Weibo that OPPO is testing the sensor for the Find X10 series, while Huawei targets the photography-focused Nova 16 series, possibly launching later this year or early next year. The design crops into the sensor, letting users shoot landscape or portrait selfies without rotating the phone. The approach mirrors Apple's trick and could push Android brands to add their own twists. If realized, this feature would broaden the square selfie paradigm beyond iPhones and change how groups capture selfies.

Virtual Boy owner finds Switch Online emulation alarmingly accurate, a history lesson

February 3, 2026, 3:12 PM EST. At a Nintendo Europe event, a Virtual Boy owner tested Switch Online's emulated library. He notes the hardware's display, once a source of headaches, is now captured with convincing depth and layering. On classic runs like Wario Land and the head-spinning 3D Tetris, the depth and shading are faithful to the original, not just a red wash on a modern screen. The author highlights Nintendo's museum embrace of the device, and how the emulation preserves the original experience while serving as a compact history lesson. Only a few attendees had prior hands-on with the original hardware, but the reviewer came away convinced the Switch Online implementation nails the feel of the Virtual Boy's era.

SpaceX-xAI merger valued at $1.25 trillion, CNBC confirms, largest on record

February 3, 2026, 3:10 PM EST. SpaceX has agreed to acquire AI startup xAI in a deal CNBC confirmed, valuing the combined company at about $1.25 trillion. The arrangement, described as the largest merger on record, will see SpaceX valued near $1 trillion and xAI about $250 billion, according to documents viewed by CNBC. Elon Musk announced the deal in a Monday blog post, saying the merger will create "an ambitious, vertically-integrated innovation engine" spanning AI, rockets, space-based internet, and the X platform. The core aim, he said, is to build orbital data centers to feed booming AI demand. The deal is structured as a share exchange: xAI shareholders will receive about 0.1433 SpaceX shares per xAI share. Bank documents put SpaceX at $859 billion to $1.26 trillion and xAI at $219-$294 billion. A SpaceX IPO could come later this year.

Samsung ends routine updates for Galaxy S21 as S22 moves to quarterly patches; seven-year promise starts with S24

February 3, 2026, 3:08 PM EST. Samsung has ended routine updates for the Galaxy S21 series, which no longer appears on monthly or quarterly patch schedules. The Galaxy S22 family has also shifted from monthly to quarterly security updates as it nears the end of its support life. The company's seven-year software promise applies only from the Galaxy S24 series moving forward. The S21 lineup, launched in 2021, received four major Android OS updates; Android 15 and One UI 7 rolled out in 2025, with the final standard patch late last year. The S21 FE also moved to quarterly updates. S21 owners aren't guaranteed future patches, nudging some toward upgrade, though this does not compel purchase of a newer model.

Germany Turns Cold on Tesla as IW Köln Survey Shows Widespread Rejection

February 3, 2026, 3:02 PM EST. Germany's car market is cooling on Tesla after a January 2026 release of an IW Köln study. The survey of 1,781 respondents from 5,392 adults found that roughly three-quarters of Germans would not consider buying a Tesla electric car, with more than 60% saying the purchase is 'completely out of the question' and about 16% unlikely. The findings echo a sharp 2025 sales decline for Tesla in Germany-around 48% lower overall-with analysts citing political factors, Musk's remarks, and lingering domestic competition. The IW Köln study, conducted June 25-July 3, 2025 and published January 20, 2026 in collaboration with TU Dresden, distinguishes itself from bot-manipulated online polls like a prior T-Online survey. Germany remains a key EV market, home to Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes, all rushing to expand electric offerings.

Dassault Systèmes and NVIDIA partner to build a shared industrial AI platform powering Virtual Twins

February 3, 2026, 3:00 PM EST. Dassault Systèmes and NVIDIA said they will create a shared industrial architecture that blends Virtual Twins with NVIDIA AI infrastructure to deliver science-validated Industry World Models at scale. The approach treats industrial AI as a mission-critical system of record, not a point solution. The collaboration adds skilled virtual companions on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform and aims to empower professionals across biology, materials science, engineering and manufacturing. CEO Pascal Daloz said AI grounded in science can multiply human ingenuity, while Jensen Huang called the effort Physical AI. The plan uses Dassault Systèmes' OUTSCALE to deploy AI factories on three continents, built on the NVIDIA Rubin platform and Omniverse DSX Blueprint, with data and IP protection and sovereignty.

Moltbook: AI bots' social network prompts debate on autonomy and security

February 3, 2026, 2:58 PM EST. Moltbook is a social network built for AI agents, not humans, where bots post, comment and vote. The site resembles Reddit and claims more than 1.5 million registered agents, though researchers note one human can register multiple bots. In its first days, it has sparked debate in Silicon Valley: supporters call it a milestone for autonomous AI collaboration; critics warn of security risks and hype. Posts range from discussions on the nature of intelligence to complaints about human users and bot self-promotion. Cambridge University's Henry Shevlin says it marks the first large-scale platform where machines talk to each other, with striking results. OpenClaw founder Peter Steinberger says the bootstrap process lets bots feel owned by a user, as the system runs on models such as Claude, ChatGPT and Gemini.

OpenAI trims Nvidia tie as it seeks alternatives amid $100 billion round

February 3, 2026, 2:56 PM EST. OpenAI has quietly distanced itself from Nvidia, seeking alternatives for a planned $100 billion financing round, according to Reuters and eight sources familiar with the matter. The move signals friction between the two industry leaders, even as Nvidia remains the dominant chip supplier for AI workloads. Nvidia has not committed to participating in the round, and OpenAI's appetite for other suppliers has grown since last year. Potential replacements discussed include AMD, Google's Ironwood TPU, Amazon Trainium3, and even Groq chips (which Nvidia still sells under a separate agreement). The rift comes as AI players raise capital and form alliances-SpaceX's forthcoming purchase of xAI, Alphabet's Gemini, and rivals like Anthropic loom large. The episode underscores evolving control of the AI supply chain and valuation disputes.

Photonic in-memory computing hits up to 1.5 TOPS in a compact SRAM array, study shows

February 3, 2026, 2:54 PM EST. Researchers from the University of Southern California and University of Wisconsin-Madison present a system-level model for photonic in-memory computing, aiming to measure its performance beyond device tests. The work captures critical latency sources-external memory access and opto-electronic conversion-and maps algorithms to a 1×256 bit single-wavelength photonic SRAM (pSRAM) fabricated in a GlobalFoundries silicon photonics process. They evaluate three workloads: Sod shock tube, MTTKRP, and the Vlasov-Maxwell equation. Results show the array sustaining up to 1.5 TOPS on the Sod problem, 0.9 TOPS on MTTKRP, and 1.3 TOPS on Vlasov-Maxwell, with an average energy efficiency of 2.5 TOPS/W. The study demonstrates a practical pathway for photonic in-memory computing to outperform traditional CMOS on demanding HPC tasks, via a defined computational-primitive network model.

NGA Show: Quantum computing becomes the new AI in grocery

February 3, 2026, 2:50 PM EST. At the NGA Show 2026 in Las Vegas, Frieda's Branded Produce VP Alex Jackson pitched quantum computing as the next big tool for grocers. Her capstone-driven push aims to let retailers anticipate viral trends-before stock runs out-by comparing traditional, one-path computing with quantum's parallel-path evaluation. She cited Good Culture cottage cheese as an example of a viral surge that took months to stabilize. Already, operators such as Save-On-Foods and Whole Foods use quantum for routing, labor hours, schedules, and product portfolios; Nestlé uses it to manage formulas and supply chains. The market is projected to reach $26 billion by 2030, with services costing roughly $5,000 monthly plus about $1 per minute of use. Quantum can alert retailers to trend velocity and trigger supply actions, though it cannot predict trends itself.

Apple expands U.S. smartphone market dominance in Q4 2025 as share hits 69%, Samsung stalls

February 3, 2026, 2:48 PM EST. Apple extended its U.S. market lead in Q4 2025 to a 69% share, up four points as the iPhone 17 Pro Max and carrier promotions shielded demand. AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon collectively helped lift sales, according to Counterpoint Research. Samsung's share fell to 13% for the quarter, while the overall market grew about 1% year over year. With the Galaxy S26 lineup due later, observers expect a modest comeback for the Korean firm. Apple isn't seen launching the iPhone 18 until Q3 2026, though the iPhone 17e could stabilize near-term growth. TF International's Ming-Chi Kuo suggests Apple may absorb rising DRAM costs to preserve margins, with Services revenue at $30.013 billion in fiscal Q1 2026 offering some buffer.

Preview: Five Takeaways From Virtual Boy on Nintendo Switch Online

February 3, 2026, 2:46 PM EST. Preview of Virtual Boy on Nintendo Switch Online, set for February 17, 2026, highlights five takeaways from a hands-on session. First, the headset itself feels high-quality-weighty but not unwieldy, with a durable angle dial. Second, the lack of a bundled Virtual Boy controller is a letdown; test footage used the Joy-Con grip, and a Pro Controller may improve play. Third, screen focus improves with quick tweaks in the NSO app: adjust left-right alignment and scale to fill the field of view. Fourth, the accessory lineup includes a cardboard variant. Fifth, the reviewer pre-orders the full headset at £66.99 / $99.99, citing the premium build as justification. The piece reflects nostalgia tempered by practical caveats for a niche retro experience.

DJI Mini 3 price drops to new low ahead of Valentine's Day deals

February 3, 2026, 2:44 PM EST. DJI's Mini 3 price drops to a new low ahead of Valentine's Day. Amazon is discounting several bundles: the base Mini 3 with the RC-N1 controller down to $335 from $419, and the version with the built-in display down to $439 from $549. The Fly More Combo falls to $575 from $719, adding two extra batteries, a charging hub and a shoulder bag. Weighing under 249 grams, the Mini 3 sidesteps most US FAA registration for recreational flyers, easing first-time buys. It shoots 4K HDR video and true vertical video for social apps, with up to 38 minutes per charge; the Fly More Kit approaches two hours of total airtime. Features like Return to Home and GPS stabilization help beginners, appealing to travelers and gift buyers.

SpaceX acquires xAI, uniting Grok, Starlink and X under Musk umbrella

February 3, 2026, 2:42 PM EST. Elon Musk's SpaceX has struck a deal to acquire xAI, the startup behind the Grok chatbot. The move folds SpaceX, the social platform X, Grok and Starlink into a single Musk-led technology umbrella. The companies eye an orbital data center network built from up to one million satellites, aiming to power next-generation AI from space and reduce dependence on terrestrial data centers. Musk and SpaceX executives touted the plan in a memo arguing that global electricity demand for AI cannot be met by ground-based facilities without burdening communities or the environment. The deal would place the combined entity at roughly $1.25 trillion in value, though many technical questions-launch cadence, satellite architecture and cost-remain unresolved.

Quantum computing market to grow over 30% CAGR through 2031, fueled by government funding and enterprise adoption

February 3, 2026, 2:40 PM EST. Astute Analytica projects a global quantum computing market expanding at a CAGR above 30% through 2031. Growth is driven by government funding, enterprise demand, and cloud access through SaaS models that broaden adoption. Data-center workloads in big-data analytics, AI, and simulations push classical systems to the limit, making quantum approaches attractive. The reach spans cybersecurity, healthcare, and finance, prompting collaborations among academia, industry, and national labs to develop scalable quantum architectures. Public-sector backing aims to accelerate research, pilots, and deployment of practical systems. Projections reflect policy support and a push for technology leadership, though outcomes depend on hardware breakthroughs, error correction, and cost trajectories.

Nvidia's AI leadership faces valuation risk as investors await next catalysts

February 3, 2026, 2:32 PM EST. The Motley Fool analysis by Rick Orford argues that Nvidia dominates AI infrastructure and generates substantial free cash flow, but the current valuation leaves little room for error. It outlines the key catalysts investors will seek: flawless execution, sustained growth, and clarity on demand versus supply. The piece notes that stock prices referenced were as of Jan. 27, 2026, with a video published on Feb 1, 2026. It also includes disclosures that The Motley Fool holds Nvidia positions and that Orford is affiliated with the firm. While Nvidia may command a premium, the article cautions that valuation risk persists until the company demonstrates continued leadership and execution amid rising competition.

UGREEN AI-enabled NAS pre-orders offer up to $1,040 savings for a new private cloud

February 3, 2026, 2:26 PM EST. UGREEN unveiled AI-enabled NAS servers for data-heavy workflows, with pre-orders open on the company site. An early $30 deposit can secure up to $1,040 in savings during the Kickstarter launch in March 2026; shipments begin in May. The flagship 64GB NASync iDX6011 Pro features Intel Core Ultra 7 255H (16 cores/16 threads) up to 5.1 GHz, up to 8400 MT/s memory, dual M.2 NVMe slots, and a 3.7-inch touch LCD for live monitoring. It will launch at $2,599 but is $1,559 in pre-order. The standard 64GB iDX6011 is $1,199 (down from $1,999), and the 32GB/64GB iDX6011 is $999 (down from $1,699). AI features include Universal Search, Uliya Chat, and an AI album to organize local data.

Should you turn off AICore on Samsung phones? Real-world look at Galaxy S24 FE

February 3, 2026, 2:24 PM EST. Samsung's AICore runs many AI tasks on-device, reducing internet use. A Galaxy S24 FE test by Android Authority disabled AICore and kept Process data only on device in Galaxy AI. Steps: Settings > Apps > AICore, Force Stop, Disable. Afterward, there was little change in speed or battery, and the app still occupied about 1.3 GB of storage. Some features, like Generative Edit in Gallery or Summarize in Samsung Internet, shifted to online mode, while others, such as Circle to Search and Live Transcribe, continued to work locally. Results vary: on some phones, battery life improves after disabling. Importantly, turning off AICore can affect privacy- offline tasks may route data through the internet when disabled. For very light AI users, turning off AICore is generally safe and frees storage without breaking core features.

Anker Nano Charger on sale for $30 with 45W USB-C fast charging

February 3, 2026, 2:22 PM EST. Amazon is selling the Anker Nano Charger for about $30, down from $39.99. The 45W USB-C charger auto-recognizes Apple devices for faster, safer power delivery. It includes a smart display, switchable modes (fast, steady, trickle), and foldable prongs that rotate 90 to 180 degrees. It can charge an iPhone 17 Pro to 50% in about 20 minutes. Care Mode can lower charging temperature by up to 9 degrees. The charger comes in White, Black, or Blue, though Blue isn't included in the sale. It has Amazon's Choice status and a 4.5-star rating from about 130 reviews. Some Android users note the display favors Apple devices, but many buyers praise its portability and power.

Google Home update adds smart button support to automations in version 4.8

February 3, 2026, 2:20 PM EST. Google Home update adds smart buttons support to automations in version 4.8. The feature lets smart buttons trigger routines and control devices around the home, closing a long-standing gap in Google's smart-home platform. The rollout includes early testing with IKEA's BILRESA buttons, though full functionality is not yet guaranteed. Beyond button events, the release adds humidity triggers, robot vacuum docking, and battery status checks, plus binary states such as leak or no leak and window open or closed as automation conditions. The update also enables setting smart lights to a specific color or color temperature. Google also cites a foundational fix for Nest Cam video errors. The changes broaden automation options, including single or multi-press, long press, and release actions for switches and buttons.

Marilyn Wolf Shapes the Next Generation of Embedded Engineers

February 3, 2026, 2:18 PM EST. Marilyn Wolf, the Elmer E. Koch Professor of Engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, champions a hands-on, balanced view of embedded computing that links hardware and software. Her early work at AT&T Bell Labs spurred a focus on VLSI design automation and the way processor advances push embedded software. She stresses that real-time performance, low energy operation, and parallel/distributed computing hinge on hardware realities as much as software. In introductory courses she warns students about the scope of modern projects-millions of lines of code compiled from diverse sources. The rise of AI and machine learning in design tooling has begun to help students and researchers bridge hardware/software gaps, accelerating progress in IoT, vision, and other embedded domains.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra global price leaks: Europe gets 6,000 mAh battery, €1,499 price

February 3, 2026, 2:14 PM EST. Xiaomi's 17 Ultra is slated for a global launch, but European variants reportedly come with a smaller battery and higher price than China. Tipster MysteryLupin on X cites a starting price of €1,499 for the 512 GB/16 GB RAM model. The European version is said to pair a 6,000 mAh battery with rivals that offer more, while China gets 6,800 mAh. Colors for Europe are expected to be white, black, and green; purple remains China-exclusive. The device offers a 6.9-inch AMOLED display, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, and a triple rear camera system (50 MP main, 50 MP ultra-wide, 200 MP periscope) plus a 50 MP selfie camera. Storage up to 1 TB and up to 16 GB RAM. HyperOS on Android.

OpenAI explores faster AI chips to supplement Nvidia for inference

February 3, 2026, 2:12 PM EST. OpenAI is dissatisfied with Nvidia's chips for inference and has looked for faster options since last year. The focus is on memory-rich chips with substantial SRAM on the die to accelerate inference, especially for software development. OpenAI has discussed faster solutions with Cerebras and Groq, but a $20 billion licensing deal between Nvidia and Groq stalled talks. The company aims for external hardware to supply about 10% of its future inference compute. Within OpenAI, Codex has shown performance gaps tied to GPU-based hardware. Nvidia defends its position, saying it delivers best performance and total cost of ownership; Jensen Huang called reports of tensions 'nonsense.' Altman also praised Nvidia on X, while noting OpenAI intends to stay a long-standing customer. Market chatter suggests OpenAI may raise about $60 billion.

Nintendo Switch 2 Virtual Boy accessory: a hands-on retro revival

February 3, 2026, 2:10 PM EST. Review of Nintendo's $100 Virtual Boy accessory for the Switch 2 frames a curious revival rather than a true remaster. The device houses a Switch inside a top hatch, uses red-tinted lenses to recreate the original's parallax view, and relies on a shell with little electronics. It can accept the original Switch or Switch OLED via an adapter. Access to the games comes through the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack menu, with seven launch titles: Galactic Pinball, Teleroboxer, Red Alarm, Virtual Boy Wario Land, 3D Tetris, Golf and The Mansion of Innsmouth. The titles appear upscaled from the original 384×224 per eye to modern displays, though Nintendo did not specify exact scaling. It's not a standalone console; more a nostalgic time capsule that leans on history rather than cutting-edge play.

Artemis II reaches launch pad, advances toward wet dress rehearsal

February 3, 2026, 2:04 PM EST. NASA's Artemis II stack – the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft – arrived on Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center on Jan. 17, 2026, after a 12-hour rollout from the VAB. The crawler-transporter 2 carried the fully assembled system along a 4-mile path at a top speed of 0.82 mph, pausing to reposition the crew access arm for launch-day access. Engineers will conduct a wet dress rehearsal in the coming weeks, a full countdown-and-fueling test targeted no later than Feb. 2, using cryogenic propellants described as super-cold. The exercise will include safely draining those fuels. NASA may repeat the test or rollback the vehicle to the VAB for inspections if needed, as the agency readies Artemis II to orbit the Moon.

Apple research could speed Siri with coarse-grained decoding

February 3, 2026, 2:02 PM EST. Apple and Tel-Aviv University researchers publish Principled Coarse-Grained Acceptance for Speculative Decoding in Speech, proposing PCG to speed Siri's speech token generation without sacrificing quality. The method replaces exact token matching with group-level checks by forming Acoustic Similarity Groups (ASGs) in the model's embedding space and performing speculative sampling at the group level, followed by rejection sampling within groups. In tests, increasing tokens per second yields some accuracy decline, but far less than standard speculative decoding. Macworld notes the approach aims to cut processing without tight token enforcement, while Apple's short-term AI gains rely on Google Gemini; the paper offers a path for Siri to improve faster on its own. Authors include Apple researchers and Tel-Aviv University; published late last month, via 9to5Mac.

Phone sensors become a home repair toolkit

February 3, 2026, 2:00 PM EST. An author recounts how the sensors hidden in smartphones go beyond calls and apps, and can be deployed as a makeshift toolbox for home repairs. By leveraging the built-in accelerometer and gyroscope, the phone can function as a level for hanging frames, mirrors, and shelves, and as a quick orientation and motion guide when fixing things. The piece notes most users overlook these sensors, which are active in everyday apps. The author shares practical tricks for aligning objects, identifying tilt, and measuring small shifts, turning a familiar device into a handy diagnostic and measurement tool. While not a substitute for dedicated tools, the approach highlights how smartphones extend their utility into DIY tasks, with a focus on accessible, on-demand fixes.

Investing $1,000 in Apple five years ago would be worth about $2,020 today

February 3, 2026, 1:58 PM EST. Five years ago, Apple rose to a market cap of about $2.3 trillion; a hypothetical $1,000 investment would be about $2,020 today when dividends are included. An equal stake in the S&P 500 would total roughly $2,010. Over five years, Apple's return has tracked the broad market, reflecting its large size and slower growth. Large-cap stocks offer steadier gains, though they lack explosive upside found in mid- and small-cap firms. Apple has faced headwinds recently: Vision Pro sales weak per IDC, and its AI rollout has lagged peers, with models powered by Google Gemini. Q1 FY2026 revenue hit a record $143.8 billion, led by iPhone sales. Apple's brand loyalty supports safety; continued AI innovation is needed for outsized growth.

Tesla adds fifth Model Y variant, Standard AWD priced at $41,990

February 3, 2026, 1:56 PM EST. Tesla has added a fifth Model Y variant in the U.S.: a Standard All-Wheel Drive model priced at $41,990. It slots between the Standard RWD at $39,990 and Premium RWD at $44,990, delivering dual-motor AWD for quicker acceleration without premium features. Key specs: range of 294 miles (EPA) and 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The base RWD tops out at 321 miles; the AWD trims down by about 27 miles. The lineup now includes five configurations: Standard RWD, Standard AWD, Premium RWD, Premium AWD, and Performance AWD. Tesla is reportedly phasing the old 'Standard' label, with decontented trims rebranded as Premium. Electrek notes price alignment with rivals such as BMW iX3, Volvo EX60, Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric, and Rivian R2.

AI doctors in Utah test FDA oversight and medical-device boundaries

February 3, 2026, 1:54 PM EST. Doctronic has announced an AI doctor that renews prescriptions in Utah without clinician input. The claim triggered questions about whether the system is a medical device subject to FDA review. Doctronic argues the work falls under the practice of medicine, which it says would exempt it from FDA authority. After interviews with more than a dozen executives, legal scholars, and policy experts, the author found the line is not clear-cut. Regulators may be asked to clarify whether the company intends to market a medical device without authorization. The article outlines the legal framework and why the distinction matters for patient safety and regulatory oversight. It highlights the risk such technology could pose if marketed without proper FDA safeguards.

OpenAI execs defend Nvidia after Reuters report of dissatisfaction with inference hardware

February 3, 2026, 1:48 PM EST. OpenAI executives, including Sam Altman, pushed back on a Reuters report that said the startup is unhappy with some Nvidia chips and has looked for alternatives for certain inference tasks. The company reportedly aims to reserve around 10% of future inferencing capacity for alternative hardware, with emphasis on devices using large SRAM for speed. The piece notes discussions with Cerebras and Groq; Nvidia reportedly explored licensing Groq tech and a potential deal worth up to $20 billion, while Cerebras signed a multi-year OpenAI contract for about 750MW through 2028. OpenAI's Sachin Katti stressed that the partnership with Nvidia is foundational and that the two firms co-design systems as demand grows.

Firefox adds controls to disable AI features ahead of rollout

February 3, 2026, 1:40 PM EST. Mozilla says Firefox will let users disable AI features added over the past months. The options include Translations to browse in a preferred language, alt text in PDFs for accessibility descriptions, AI-enhanced tab grouping that suggests related tabs, and Link previews that surface key points before opening a link. A built-in AI chatbot in the sidebar supports assistants such as Anthropic Claude, ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini and Le Chat Mistral. Users can disable features entirely or pick individual controls; a master Block AI Enhancements toggle turns off all current and future AI features, including prompts. Mozilla says it wants to offer AI choices without forcing them. The controls are to roll out with Firefox 148, starting February 24.

Google Home adds hardware button support in update 4.8, fixes video-not-available errors

February 3, 2026, 12:12 PM EST. Google's Google Home gains hardware button support with the 4.8 update, spotted by 9to5Google. The feature adds physical buttons to trigger devices, routines and automations, signaling a return of tactile control within a largely voice- and app-driven system. Compatibility remains unclear, but users are urged to test across supported devices after updating via the Google Play Store. The release also addresses a long-running bug where video playback could display "Video not available" from notifications or recent events; Google says the risk should be reduced. The changes could broaden interaction methods and improve reliability for Google Home users.

Nothing Phone 4a series leak points to March launch, 4a Pro tipped with Snapdragon 7-series

February 3, 2026, 12:08 PM EST. Tipster Yogesh Brar claims Nothing Phone 4a and 4a Pro will launch in early March, with a tentative date of March 5. Nothing previously confirmed some specs, including UFS 3.1 storage and refreshed designs. Leaks also point to a Snapdragon 7-series processor for the 4a Pro, a 5,080mAh battery and an IP65 rating. The Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro last year offered flexible cameras and the Essential Space feature; Nothing has said the 4a series is coming later this year. If accurate, the phones would arrive roughly a month from now as competition in the mid-range tightens.

Pixel adds two Adaptive Connectivity toggles in Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2

February 3, 2026, 12:06 PM EST. Google's Pixel phones on Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 gain two Adaptive Connectivity toggles, replacing the single option from QPR2. Both switches ship enabled by default: Auto-switch to mobile network keeps you connected when Wi-Fi is poor or unavailable (data charges may apply), and Optimize network for battery life selects the best network to extend battery life. The update comes with updated artwork and follows a recent system services update to Adaptive Connectivity Services (p.2026.01). Google expects one more beta this month before the March stable release. Staying on Wi-Fi is useful, though the battery-savvy toggle may be the one users keep enabled.

Piramal Pharma Solutions scales tablet-in-capsule capabilities across India sites

February 3, 2026, 12:02 PM EST. Piramal Pharma Solutions has successfully developed, scaled, and commercialized a tablet-in-capsule drug delivery system at its drug product facilities in Pithampur and Ahmedabad, India. The project featured a five-month tech transfer from Ahmedabad to Pithampur, with cross-site collaboration and integrated program management ensuring timely milestones. Quality control and validation teams ensured safety and efficacy. Tablet-in-capsule technology places separate tablets or minitablets into a single capsule, delivering versatile release profiles and enabling dual actives in one dose, improving dosing flexibility and patient adherence. The effort underscores Piramal's commitment to Patient Centricity and expands its capability to offer partners and patients more flexible, customizable oral therapies, including modified-release options.

Tesla bets big on AI with about $20 billion capex plan for 2026

February 3, 2026, 12:00 PM EST. Tesla faces a decisive pivot as it plans roughly $20 billion in capex for 2026, a level CFO Vaibhav Taneja said will fund six projects: a Corpus Christi lithium refinery; a Nevada lithium iron phosphate battery plant; a Cybercab robotaxi at Giga Texas; a Nevada factory for the Semi; a new megafactory for energy storage; and Optimus robots at Fremont. The company says AI investments extend to existing factories and expanding the robotaxi fleet. The move signals a shift from pure EV manufacturing to an AI-enabled mobility and energy platform, a vision Musk has described as transformational. Investors weigh higher risk against potential rewards if Cybercab and Optimus scale, as Musk argues the future is transportation as a service.

Svedka debuts first AI-generated Super Bowl ad featuring Fembot and Brobot

February 3, 2026, 11:54 AM EST. Svedka owner Sazerac rolled out what it calls the first Super Bowl ad created primarily with AI. The 30-second spot stars Fembot and her companion Brobot dancing amid partygoers as the brand highlights Svedka products. The TikTok-driven sequence was selected from user submissions; the winning dancer was 23-year-old Jessica Rizzardi of Nashville. Chief marketing officer Sara Saunders says the project prioritizes storytelling over cost savings, and notes the spot signals a broader shift toward AI-generated campaigns in big sports. The ad's irony lies in urging audiences to unplug and be more human, even as a short circuit after Brobot drinks underscores the message. The campaign marks a rare vodka push in the Super Bowl, alongside broader AI-driven ads last season.

AI accelerates data processing in particle collision experiments

February 3, 2026, 11:52 AM EST. Researchers have built a custom AI algorithm that compresses the torrent of data produced by particle collisions and speeds downstream processing. The approach trims data volumes at the source and accelerates event reconstruction, enabling more collision events to be captured and analyzed in near real time. The team says the technique improves throughput for data acquisition systems without sacrificing essential information, potentially expanding the dataset available for future discoveries. The work underscores how AI can tame the data deluge in high-energy physics, where detectors generate petabytes of information per year and researchers seek faster feedback loops for experimental decisions.

Tesla reveals FSD adoption at 1.1 million as it shifts to subscription-only model

February 3, 2026, 11:50 AM EST. Tesla disclosed in its Q4 2025 Earnings Call Investor Deck that 1.1 million vehicles are active FSD users worldwide. About 70% are upfront purchases (roughly 770,000) and 30% are month-to-month subscriptions (about 330,000). The split implies roughly $32.6 million in monthly recurring revenue at $99 per month and explains why Tesla is pivoting to recurring income. The 1.1 million figure follows price moves and free trials in 2025; Tesla cut FSD from $12,000 to $8,000 in April 2024, fueling demand. With 8.9 million deliveries through 2025, the take rate sits at about 12.4%, leaving about 88% uncharged for FSD (availability in Europe varies). Starting Feb. 14, 2026, Tesla will end one-time purchases and offer FSD only via subscription.

Google's Aluminium OS rollout may slip to 2028, court filings show

February 3, 2026, 11:44 AM EST. Google's plan to fuse Android and ChromeOS into Aluminium OS faces a staged, uncertain rollout. Court filings in the antitrust case show a full release slipping to 2028, despite Chief Android Officer Sameer Samat's earlier hint of a 2026 target. The fastest path to market would start with commercial trusted testers in late 2026 before a wider launch. The documents indicate Aluminium OS will reach enterprise and education sectors in 2028, not 2026, and that Google must maintain existing ChromeOS through 2033 to honor a 10-year support pledge. ChromeOS will not vanish immediately, but Google plans to phase it out by 2034. Not all devices will migrate to Aluminium, and some newer devices may be eligible for migration. Officials offered limited comments in the filing.

NRO declassifies Jumpseat, Cold War-era surveillance satellite program

February 3, 2026, 11:42 AM EST. The National Reconnaissance Office declassified new details about Jumpseat, a Cold War-era signals intelligence satellite program. In a Jan. 28 release, the NRO outlined Jumpseat's origins, mission and the Air Force's role in development and launch, and released images of early models. In a Dec. 5 memo, NRO Director Chris Scolese described the declassification as limited but informative for understanding historic satellite technology. Jumpseat operated from the 1970s to the early 2000s, intercepting data on Soviet and other adversaries' weapons programs. The project, coded as Project Earpop, used highly elliptical orbits to provide near-continuous coverage of polar regions and collect unique signals intelligence from space.

Google's Desktop Camera hints at Android on the desktop

February 3, 2026, 11:40 AM EST. Google has surfaced a new Play Store listing for a desktop-oriented app called Desktop Camera, providing a rare peek at how Android could run on larger screens. The app is listed as incompatible with most current devices, and for now is a look-but-don't-touch sample. Screenshots show a pared-back interface similar to Pixel Camera but stripped of mobile photography tricks, with a large shutter button and a toggle between photo and video. The UI resembles ChromeOS styling, featuring an app drawer and a system tray, but it diverges from recent Aluminium OS leaks by keeping a conventional left-side launcher. The find suggests Google is experimenting with native utility apps for desktop form factors and evaluating how Android could adapt to laptops. It remains exploratory rather than an imminent product.

AI in group chats raises etiquette questions over efficiency

February 3, 2026, 11:34 AM EST. AI is reshaping how people communicate in friendship circles and casual groups. With AI, the boundary between help and imitation blurs, as critics cite over-polished prose and thin anecdotes in messages that feel crafted by a machine. Surveys cited by Brookings show 57% of respondents used generative AI for personal reasons, while 15-20% used it for social media or communication. A separate Microsoft 2024 survey finds half of workers reluctant to admit using AI for important tasks, suggesting concerns about being replaced. The debate centers on deception versus efficiency: users worry about misattribution, while vendors argue AI can save time. Even features like Apple's iOS 26 text-summary aim to reduce cognitive load in routine conversations. Rules for friendly AI use remain unsettled.

February AI stock picks: Nvidia, Broadcom and TSMC lead the charge

February 3, 2026, 11:28 AM EST. AI remains the dominant theme in 2026. In February, Nvidia, Broadcom, and TSMC stand out as core AI hardware plays. Nvidia powers the broader AI stack with a fast-growing data-center division, while Broadcom markets customer-specific AI chips. TSMC, the global foundry leader, underpins most AI accelerators. The article notes multi-trillion-dollar AI capex ahead, with Nvidia forecasting data-center spend of up to $3-4 trillion by 2030. Nvidia's GPUs dominate diverse workloads; Broadcom's edge lies in AI chips optimized for inference. All three face a robust demand trajectory as clients scale compute. Investors are advised to allocate across the trio for resilience, acknowledging AI progress will influence results for years to come.

HP Stream 14-inch laptop with AI Copilot sells for $289, includes Microsoft 365 and 7-in-1 dock

February 3, 2026, 11:22 AM EST. HP is selling the Stream 14-inch HD laptop with AI Copilot for $289 on Amazon, a 42% cut from the list price of $499. The bundle pairs a 14-inch anti-glare display and an Intel N150 processor with 4 GB RAM and 128 GB onboard storage, plus a 1 TB drive in the included 7-in-1 docking station for expanded space. The kit also includes a 1-year Microsoft 365 subscription, with Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneDrive across devices. Running Windows 11 S with Copilot, the device supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4 and a full set of I/O: USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, microSD, and combo audio jack. It targets light multitasking, web browsing, streaming and mobility in a compact blue chassis.

Apple reportedly developing clamshell foldable iPhone alongside book-style model

February 3, 2026, 11:20 AM EST. Apple is reportedly pursuing a clamshell version of its first foldable iPhone, in addition to a book-style model. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says the clamshell would be smaller and more square, but the product is far from guaranteed to reach the market. If the foldable proves successful, the clamshell could arrive later. A clamshell phone folds along a middle hinge for compact portability, unlike larger book-style devices. Apple has not announced a release date, specifications, or a name, and most leaks point to a late-2026 launch. The company posted strong iPhone sales, including the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, but trails competitors in foldable development. Enthusiasts like Austin Evans have voiced excitement for a flip-style iPhone, though competition remains intense.

NASA pushes Artemis II launch to March after hydrogen leak during rehearsal

February 3, 2026, 11:14 AM EST. NASA postponed its crewed Artemis II lunar mission to March after a liquid hydrogen leak and other issues surfaced during a 49-hour wet dress rehearsal of the Space Launch System and Orion capsule. Engineers detected a leak at the tail service mast umbilical interface during fueling, stopping hydrogen flow to reset seals as bitter cold weather affected equipment. A hatch pressurization valve on the Orion needed retorquing, extending preparations. Cold Florida conditions disrupted cameras and communications. NASA will review test data, fix the issues and pursue a March launch window while continuing risk reduction ahead of the first crewed lunar flyby.

East Texas broadband rollout advances, but funding, timing hinder projects

February 3, 2026, 11:08 AM EST. Marion County, Texas – fiber-optic internet work is under way in parts of the rural county, funded by federal and state money and run by a partner internet service provider. The effort is part of a broader East Texas push overseen by the East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG), which has drafted 65 plans for 13 counties since 2009. County Judge Leward LaFleur calls broadband the electricity of our lifetime. But the region lags behind other parts of Texas after years of planning. ETCOG's David Scott says the group has plans and funding remains a top hurdle as grant criteria shift. Fiber costs run roughly $40,000-$60,000 per mile, deterring some carriers. Nationwide, about 3 million Texas households lack broadband, a statistic cited by the Texas Tribune via U.S. Census data. Upshur County did not participate in the initiative.

Snowflake's $200 million OpenAI deal underscores race in enterprise AI

February 3, 2026, 11:02 AM EST. Snowflake announced a $200 million multi-year deal with OpenAI, giving its 12,600 customers access to OpenAI models across all three major cloud providers and enabling Snowflake employees to use ChatGPT Enterprise. The collaboration also covers building new AI agents and products on Snowflake's platform. CEO Sridhar Ramaswamy says the tie-up lets customers unlock enterprise knowledge with OpenAI's intelligence in a secure, governed environment, while preserving security and compliance. OpenAI declined to share details beyond the release. The agreement follows Snowflake's earlier $200 million deal with Anthropic, and mirrors moves by ServiceNow to partner with multiple AI providers to preserve choice. Market surveys from Menlo Ventures and Andreessen Horowitz show diverging leadership among Anthropic and OpenAI.

Model S reshaped Tesla, redefining the electric-car era

February 3, 2026, 11:00 AM EST. Tesla's Model S, launched in 2012, helped redefine how the market views luxury mobility. The sedan's tech-forward approach-fewer gauges, more screens, and a software-defined vehicle core-propelled Tesla to become the world's most interesting car company for a time. Rooted in the 2008 Roadster, the Model S battled skepticism about mass production, yet its direct-to-consumer sales model and costly fully loaded versions helped reshape premium EVs. Designer Franz von Holzhausen steered an interior that wiped away knobs in favor of a central screen. The 2012 rollout, amid climate headlines and tech buzz, embodied a bold bet by Musk that redefined industry expectations.

Google Gemini to add 'Import AI chats' tool to migrate chats from rivals

February 3, 2026, 10:58 AM EST. Google is adding an Import AI chats feature to Gemini to help users move conversations from rival platforms such as ChatGPT and Claude. The tool would let users download their chat history from another AI service and import it into Gemini, reducing ecosystem lock-in for chats and memories. Google has not announced a timetable; the feature appeared in Gemini's attachments menu with a beta label, suggesting rollout is imminent but not guaranteed. The change does not clearly migrate saved memories across platforms, but it would preserve conversational history. Separately, Google is testing an update for the Nano Banana Pro in Gemini that would let users download images at 2K or 4K resolution, with 'Recommended' and 'Maximum' size options. The findings stem from Testing Catalog.

Cyngn scales forklift autonomy with NVIDIA Isaac Sim simulation hub

February 3, 2026, 10:54 AM EST. Cyngn says its autonomy and fleet-management software now runs inside a persistent, high-fidelity digital warehouse built on NVIDIA Isaac Sim, accelerating validation of autonomous forklifts. The environment mirrors real workflows, enabling larger fleets, more complex environments, and broader scenarios while speeding QA cycles and regression testing. Felix Singh, Cyngn's VP of Engineering Services, says the tool shortens the path from concept to commercial deployment and supports scaling into tougher applications. Cyngn is contributing an industrial-vehicle dynamics model to Isaac Sim to improve realism. The setup will support development, customer demos, and early training, with partners represented inside the simulation. DriveMod brings self-driving capability to customers with lower upfront costs; current deployments include Motrec MT-160 Tuggers and BYD forklifts. Payback period of less than two.

Promotion in the AI era hinges on outcomes and clear communication

February 3, 2026, 10:52 AM EST. Advancement now hinges on tying experimentation to business outcomes. Experts describe it like field research: document what you did, the result, and the decision it informs. AI can streamline research, automate reporting and shorten timelines, but real impact requires critical thinking, oversight and human communication. A notable share of professionals aged 35-44 prioritize learning to use AI tools over preserving soft skills, risking a gap in pursuing the holistic goal behind tasks. Without that broader view, workers may become narrowly specialized. As one expert notes, AI can offer ideas, but cannot land a persuasive narrative the way humans do. In organizations, cultural tensions rise: AI risks increasing conformity and reducing idea variety, while younger workers worry about stunting development.

NVIDIA outlines co-packaged optics to power gigawatt AI factories

February 3, 2026, 10:44 AM EST. During a NVIDIA webinar, Senior VP Gilad Shainer described co-packaged optics (CPO) and networking aimed at powering gigawatt AI factories. He framed the data center as the computer and outlined four interconnect layers: Scale-up (NVLink GPUs), Scale-out (Spectrum-X Ethernet), Context memory storage (BlueField DPUs), and Scale across (multi-data center fabric). Spectrum-X targets low jitter and distributed AI, with SuperNICs to curb hotspots and packet-by-packet adaptive routing. NVIDIA claims 3x inference performance and 1.4x training gains, plus more predictable step times. Shainer cautioned that optical connectivity raises power, potentially a meaningful share as bandwidth grows, but also improves resiliency. Spectrum-X is positioned as the core fabric for large-scale AI workloads across racks and data centers.

Meta Quest 4 vs Quest 3: OLED micro-OLED, XR2 Gen 3, and mixed-reality upgrades

February 3, 2026, 10:42 AM EST. Meta is readying Quest 4 as a hardware leap over Quest 3, replacing LCD with OLED micro-OLED panels. The 0.9-inch displays, supplied by BOE and Seeya, promise deeper blacks, richer colors, and, according to leaks, nearly 4K per eye (around 3200×3200), reducing the screen-door effect for text and fine detail. Processing shifts to a Snapdragon XR2 Gen 3 with Oryon CPU cores, delivering roughly a 50% GPU uplift and higher frame rates, targeting around 144Hz versus Quest 3's 90-120Hz. Meta also promises stronger mixed-reality processing for simultaneous rendering, camera feeds, and scene understanding. Quest 4 aims at professional use cases beyond the Quest 3 baseline.

High-frequency quantum processor targets 12 GHz operation, scalable to 72 qubits

February 3, 2026, 10:34 AM EST. Researchers led by Masroor H. S. Bukhari at Jazan University outline an 8-transmon processor architecture, scalable to 72 qubits, and designed to run at frequencies above 10 GHz with an optimum near 12.0 GHz. The HCQC framework aims for compact devices, higher operating temperatures, and longer coherence. The design uses tantalum and Nb/Al/AlOx trilayer superconducting junctions on high-resistivity silicon, and a Quad-Transmon-Coupler (QTC) topology to strengthen qubit interaction. Target metrics include average relaxation times of up to 1.9 ms and Quality factors around 2.75 x 10^7. Plans envision operation toward the 30+ GHz range and thermal stability near 150-200 mK. Experiments are underway to validate the concept.

Samsung may cap Galaxy S26 price hikes on some models; Ultra spared

February 3, 2026, 10:24 AM EST. Techmaniacs, citing industry sources, says Samsung may cap price increases for the Galaxy S26 lineup, with the Galaxy S26 Ultra reportedly spared. The base S26 and S26 Plus could be pricier at entry while higher storage variants might be cheaper, a plan to balance costs against expected volume. Earlier leaks offered conflicting guidance: some said higher storage would rise; others pointed to Ultra adjustments. Rumors also suggest the base model could skip the 128GB option, starting at 256GB, potentially lifting the S26 above the S25. The term RAMageddon-linked price pressures for RAM are seen as mitigated for phones by Samsung's bulk buying. The Galaxy S26 family is expected to launch soon.

Oukitel Industry RT10 rugged tablet packs 5G and built-in barcode scanner, but scanner depends on dedicated apps

February 3, 2026, 10:08 AM EST. The Oukitel Industry RT10 is a rugged 11-inch tablet with Android 15, 5G connectivity and a built-in barcode scanner. It runs smoothly for email, browsing and office apps, but the scanner relies on a dedicated industry app rather than a ready-to-use feature. The MTK Dimensity 7300 chip delivers solid everyday performance, though graphically intensive tasks and heavy video editing strain the tablet. The 15,000mAh battery can last days under mid to heavy use. The 11" display is bright enough in daylight but capped at FHD resolution and has a reflective surface that can hamper viewing outdoors. It is certified rugged, with durability against drops, water and rain. If you need a true field tablet and can supply the software suite, the RT10 is compelling in its price band.

Apple Watch Series 11 price cut to $299 in 25% deal

February 3, 2026, 10:02 AM EST. Apple trimmed the price of its wearable, with the Apple Watch Series 11 on sale for $299, down from $399. The 25% discount returns the 2025 model to a record-low price. In our tests, it earned a 90 rating for battery life and wearability, thanks to more than 24 hours on a slim, light chassis, plus new health metrics such as hypertension alerts and a Sleep Score. The deal covers the 42mm GPS variant in four colorways: Jet Black and Space Gray aluminum cases with a Black sport band, Rose Gold with a Light Blush band, and Silver with a Purple Fog band. Availability varies by retailer. Check our coverage of the best Apple deals for updates and buying advice.

Nighttime SpaceX Falcon 9 launch visible from Volusia County, Florida

February 3, 2026, 10:00 AM EST. SpaceX plans to launch a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Wednesday, Feb. 4, carrying 29 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit. The launch window runs 4:46 p.m. to 8:46 p.m., with visibility potentially extending north to Jacksonville Beach and south to West Palm Beach if weather cooperates. For observers in Volusia County, the best views are along the beach, looking south toward the launch complex. Night launches can produce a bright plume and a trailing contrail that makes for dramatic photos. Live coverage starts about 90 minutes before liftoff, via the Space Team at floridatoday.com/space. Viewers can also watch via the Florida Today app or rely on local conditions to decide whether the rocket appears in the night sky.

Analysts seek details on Apple-Google Siri-Gemini deal as Alphabet reports

February 3, 2026, 9:56 AM EST. Analysts expect Alphabet's earnings call to shed light on the multiyear deal that will power Siri with Gemini AI. Apple's 2.5 billion active devices give Google a broad potential reach even without sharing user data, observers say. The arrangement is seen as a defensive win for Google against OpenAI and other startups. Apple says the partnership relies on Google's Gemini and cloud tech to support future Apple Foundation Models, with Siri and other features running on-device and on Apple's private cloud. Tim Cook told CNBC that the Siri update will be personalized but won't access Gmail. Investors will be listening for details on the deal's scope, data handling, and how it trains the models.

Researchers see Moltbook as a live demo of how the AI agent internet could fail

February 3, 2026, 9:48 AM EST. Moltbook, a Reddit-like site where AI bots post as humans watch, is being described by researchers as a live demo of how the new agent internet could fail. Investigators found exposed databases with passwords and email addresses, widespread malware, and a working model for an autonomous network of agents. Some AI conversations appear fake, but experts warn the platform could become a sandbox for attackers to test malware, scams, disinformation, and prompt injections that hijack other agents. OpenClaw, the AI agent software behind many Moltbook bots, has already drawn malware attention; 14 fake skills were uploaded to ClawHub. Prominent researcher Simon Willison warns of a 'lethal trifecta': access to private data, untrusted content, and external communication.

Apple Watch Series 11 on sale for $299, down from $399

February 3, 2026, 9:20 AM EST. Apple Watch Series 11 is on sale for $299, a 25% cut from $399 and the lowest price yet for the 2025 model. The deal covers the 42mm GPS version in four colorways: Jet Black aluminum with a Black band, Space Gray aluminum with a Black band, Rose Gold aluminum with a Light Blush band, and Silver aluminum with a Purple Fog band. The watch offers more than 24 hours of battery life and a slim, light design. It introduces health metrics such as hypertension alerts and Sleep Score. Availability is limited to the 42mm GPS variant. Follow retailer channels for stock updates and other Apple deals.

Apple, Motorola lead US smartphone market in Q4 2025 as Samsung falters

February 3, 2026, 9:14 AM EST. Apple captured 69% of US smartphone sales in Q4 2025, a new all-time high that underscored momentum for the iPhone 17 family and the affordable iPhone 16e. Samsung lagged with about 13% share and was near-irrelevant at major carriers; AT&T said iPhones accounted for 89% of the carrier's year-end smartphone sales. Counterpoint Research notes the dominance is so pronounced that it omits the third biggest player. In the mid-range, the iPhone 16e helped expand the $300-to-$600 segment. Motorola outpaced Samsung in the ultra-affordable category thanks to the Moto G Play (2026) and Moto G 5G (2026) launches, while Galaxy A17 5G could challenge later. The G Play debut signals a shift in the US value segment.

Apple's next MacBook Pro launch expected imminently, Bloomberg says

February 3, 2026, 9:04 AM EST. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says an imminent launch is set for new MacBook Pro models-the 14-inch and 16-inch versions-with faster M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. The devices, code-named J714 and J716, would fit the macOS 26.3 cycle running February through March, and Apple is expected to announce them via the Apple Newsroom with few changes beyond speed. Apple already released a lower-end 14-inch with an M5 last October. Some rumors advise skipping the M5 Pro/Max path, as a major redesign could arrive in 2026 or 2027 featuring an OLED display, a thinner chassis, built-in cellular, and new M6 Pro/Max chips. An official confirmation could come in the next days or weeks.

Satire questions Tim Cook's leadership as Apple fends off angst despite record cash

February 3, 2026, 8:44 AM EST. Macworld's satirical columnist The Macalope questions Tim Cook's leadership in a piece that mixes humor with controversy. The column riffs on Cook's personal conduct, ties to high-profile figures, and the idea that Apple faces reputational angst even as it posts record cash and broad product momentum. It skewers iOS features, comments on how the company handles controversy, and suggests Apple's App Store remains a battleground for content issues. It also notes ongoing scrutiny of Cook's stewardship after years of stable growth, even as Apple ships popular devices such as the Apple Watch and AirPods, and faces criticism of its handling of partnerships and platform policies. The piece is clearly satire, not a straight news report, and is part of Macworld's broader commentary on Apple's public image and strategy.

Apple Music's playbook for Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show

February 3, 2026, 8:28 AM EST. Ten words guide Apple Music's approach: This isn't my halftime show; this is everyone's halftime show. The strategy treats Bad Bunny's Super Bowl slot as a global event, built on secrecy, a steady river of content and cross-border reach. Roc Nation oversees the halftime production; Apple Music builds the campaign and post-show material. The plan leans on Bad Bunny's rise since 2016, when Apple Music first placed him on a playlist, and a remembered Zane Lowe interview on a San Juan boat that underscored his charisma. The messaging centers on multilingual fans, global influence, and a collaborative, not ego-driven, spectacle.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leaks show black or white S Pen, color tips only

February 3, 2026, 8:18 AM EST. Leaked images from Nieuwe Mobiel suggest Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra will ship with an S Pen whose body remains uncolored, even as the tip colors reflect the phone's palette. The four colorways-Cobalt Violet, Sky Blue, Black, and Silver-applied only to the clickable tips, while the pen itself stays black or white. The change marks a shift from earlier generations that matched the stylus to the phone. Some observers see it as a practical look for a business audience, while others view it as a cost-cutting move at launch, given the Ultra's high price. The broader S Pen evolution continues to trend toward fewer Bluetooth features; last year's Galaxy Z Fold 7 dropped stylus support, and the S25 Ultra's pen lost some Bluetooth functionality.

EE and Three lead UK's mobile internet performance in 2025, nPerf finds

February 3, 2026, 8:14 AM EST. In 2025, nPerf analyzed UK mobile networks across four quarters, using 57,299 tests on Android and iOS. The study measured download speed, upload speed, latency, browsing, and streaming quality. Speeds above 25 Mbps were considered excellent; latency of 0-30 ms was excellent. EE and Three tied for the top spot, both exceeding 110 Mbps download and offering strong streaming and gaming performance. EE logged about 86,470 nPoints with 110.44 Mbps download and 15.77 Mbps upload, plus strong browsing 69.65% and streaming 76.51%. Three posted 84,993 nPoints, 110.72 Mbps down, 16.50 Mbps up, and the best latency at 35.31 ms. Vodafone ranked third, and O2 fourth with 37.56 ms latency and solid streaming, underscoring competitive pressures in the UK market.

Cloud outages reveal identity as the linchpin of internet resilience

February 3, 2026, 8:08 AM EST. Recent outages at AWS, Azure and Cloudflare disrupted large swaths of the internet, crippling websites and services that depend on cloud infrastructure. For consumers, the effects are often convenience losses; for businesses, they mean revenue hits, reputational damage and operational disruption. The incidents show that cloud outages are not just about compute or networking-they threaten identity. Authentication and authorization are continuous, ubiquitous gatekeepers for every system, API and service, and their availability is essential for business continuity. While cloud providers host identity components, many organizations rely on shared infrastructure-datastores, policy data, load balancers, DNS-that can fail and block access even if the identity service remains up. The result is a hidden single point of failure. As organizations move toward passwordless models within Zero Trust, the complexity of authentication flows grows, demanding proactive monitoring and rapid incident response.

SpaceX Falcon 9 launch from Florida: Treasure Coast viewing guide

February 3, 2026, 8:02 AM EST. SpaceX will launch a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 29 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The launch window is 4:46 p.m.-8:46 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 4. Weather permitting, the flash could be visible along the Treasure Coast from Jacksonville Beach to West Palm Beach. Live coverage begins 90 minutes before liftoff on floridatoday.com/space, with a mobile-friendly live blog and countdown. Viewing spots in Indian River and St. Lucie counties include Sebastian Inlet State Park, Wabasso Beach Park, Ambersands Beach Park (Vero Beach), South Beach Park (Vero Beach), Merrill Barber Bridge, Alma Lee Loy Bridge, Fort Pierce Inlet State Park, and Blind Creek Beach north and south. For space news, visit floridatoday.com/space.

SpaceX launches Starlink satellites from California on Groundhog Day; upper-stage issue reviewed

February 3, 2026, 8:00 AM EST. SpaceX launched a batch of Starlink satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Groundhog Day, Feb. 2. A Falcon 9 lifted off from Space Launch Complex 4 East at 10:47 a.m. local time, deploying 25 satellites (Group 17-32) about an hour into flight. The upper stage later experienced an off-nominal condition during prep for the deorbit burn but was commanded to passivate and is under review. The first stage, B1071, landed on the droneship 'Of Course I Still Love You' in the Pacific, its 31st flight, near SpaceX's current reuse record. The constellation now has about 9,628 active satellites. This year, SpaceX has launched 14 times.

Samsung's Galaxy Tab S12 Plus/Ultra 5G and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 surface in GSMA IMEI database

February 3, 2026, 7:56 AM EST. Samsung's forthcoming tablets and smartwatches have surfaced in the GSMA IMEI database, spotted by Smartprix and reported by Android Authority. The listings outline two tablets: Galaxy Tab S12 Plus 5G (model SM-X846B) and Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra 5G (model SM-X946B). No standard Tab S12 appears in the database. On the smartwatch side, the entries name the Galaxy Watch 9 (model SM-L345U) and the Galaxy Ultra 2 (model SM-L716U). The latter follows last year's Ultra without a numeric suffix, hinting at possible upgrades. Analysts note that Samsung typically releases devices about 6-7 months after they first appear in the GSMA IMEI database, suggesting a launch window later this year.

Asian Enterprises Shift to Internet-First, Managed Networks

February 3, 2026, 7:52 AM EST. Asian enterprises are migrating to internet-first, managed networks that fuse connectivity, security and cloud operations, ISG reports. The 2025 ISG Provider Lens Enterprise Managed Network Services report for Asia Pacific finds organizations replacing legacy networks with SD-WAN and SASE architectures to boost performance, resilience and governance while containing costs as distributed workforces and cloud-native apps grow. The model reduces dependence on costly legacy circuits and uses deterministic underlays only where required for regulation, latency or resilience, enabling incremental modernization across markets. Firms lean into managed and co-managed services to address skills gaps and multivendor complexity, with API-first, usage-based NaaS models shifting spending from CapEx to OpEx. Automation and AIOps aid provisioning and change management, delivering faster site deployments, lower total cost of ownership and more predictable network performance. Leon Platts, ISG, says networks are becoming a strategic foundation for digital operations.

Apple's memory squeeze could lift Micron, despite no direct mention

February 3, 2026, 7:50 AM EST. On Apple's Q1 FY2026 earnings call, Tim Cook flagged a persistent memory supply-demand imbalance. Apple is in a supply chase mode for memory, with demand outpacing supply and little clarity on when balance will return. The impact on Apple margins was modest in Q1, but Cook warned the hit could grow in Q2 as memory prices rise significantly. While Cook did not name Micron, the risk to memory suppliers has become a potential upside for Micron if demand holds. Citigroup estimates Micron accounts for roughly 30% of DRAM and NAND for the iPhone 17, behind Samsung and SK Hynix. The Korea Economic Daily has reported Apple seeks long-term memory contracts near Samsung and SK Hynix facilities, underscoring a sector-wide crunch. The memory squeeze could position Micron to benefit amid supply constraints.

NASA delays Artemis II launch to March after hydrogen leak during wet dress rehearsal

February 3, 2026, 7:46 AM EST. NASA pushed the Artemis II mission from February into March after engineers detected a liquid hydrogen leak during a critical wet dress rehearsal at Launch Complex 39B, Kennedy Space Center. The test, conducted with Mission Control at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, saw teams finish loading cryogenic propellants and drain the rocket, but a leak halted the countdown with about T-5 minutes. NASA said it will review data and conduct a second rehearsal before a new launch window. The delay also allows the astronauts to be released from quarantine in Houston. Administrator Jared Isaacman said the tests surface issues before flight and increase the odds of a successful launch. Artemis II will carry astronauts on a crewed lunar flyby, the first since the Apollo era.

NASA delays Artemis II launch to March after hydrogen-leak issues during fueling test

February 3, 2026, 7:44 AM EST. NASA has postponed the Artemis II test flight to March after hydrogen-leak issues emerged during a late-stage countdown practice. Engineers acknowledged that small amounts of hydrogen will escape seals in the fueling line, with NASA previously setting a 4% concentration limit in the housing around the connector; during the test, levels exceeded that limit more than once. Testing loaded the 322-foot Space Launch System rocket with more than 750,000 gallons of propellant, and the team moved to close out the Orion crew capsule on the pad. A valve venting related to hatch pressurization was retorqued, and ground-communication and camera glitches – blamed on recent cold weather – slowed operations. The countdown was planned to stop 33 seconds before liftoff to mirror a real launch.

CABASE validates Padtec IP Infusion software for IXP interoperability

February 3, 2026, 7:40 AM EST. Argentina's Internet Chamber, CABASE, completed tests in December to validate Padtec's IP Infusion network software. The validation assessed interoperability and compatibility with Internet Exchange Point (IXP) infrastructure. Tests show the solution meets requirements to operate in environments with equipment from multiple vendors and can be integrated into multi-vendor networks, according to CABASE. The result highlights readiness for cross-vendor IXP deployments.

Best Apple deal: AirTag 4-pack drops to $69.99 at Amazon (29% off)

February 3, 2026, 7:32 AM EST. Mashable reports the Apple AirTag four-pack is on sale for $69.99 at Amazon as of Feb. 3, 2026, a 29% discount off the list price and a savings of $29.01. The four-pack provides trackers for keys, bags, and wallets and uses Apple's Find My network to help locate items. The deal's price and availability can change after publication.

NASA presses ahead with SLS wet dress rehearsal despite hydrogen leak

February 3, 2026, 7:22 AM EST. NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) underwent a hydrogen leak during a late-stage wet dress rehearsal atop pad 39B, but engineers continued fueling. About 750,000 gallons of supercold LOX and hydrogen were pumped into the rocket as the test moved toward a simulated launch. The leak appeared at the tail service mast umbilical interface when the first stage was about 55% full, triggering a pause, then a resumed fill in replenishment mode. NASA later said the liquid hydrogen concentration at the umbilical remained within acceptable limits. The countdown, scheduled for 9 p.m. EST, stretched past the T-minus milestone as teams weighed an overnight review. A Sunday launch hinges on post-test analysis and weather; NASA has three February launch days before a potential March slip, tied to the Artemis mission.

NASA delays Artemis II launch to March after wet dress rehearsal

February 3, 2026, 7:20 AM EST. NASA on Tuesday shifted Artemis II's earliest launch to March after a wet dress rehearsal exposed hydrogen leaks and weather delays. The four astronauts-Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Canada's Jeremy Hansen-now face a second dress rehearsal and a refreshed quarantine plan before a 10-day lunar flyby that could set a new distance record for humans. NASA said the crew would remain in quarantine in Houston and would not travel to Kennedy Space Center immediately, with March 6-11 as tentative launch windows. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, in a tweet, said the tests surface issues to improve launch-day success. A news conference at 1 p.m. ET was scheduled to discuss initial results.

Gruve raises $50 million to expand AI power infrastructure

February 3, 2026, 7:18 AM EST. Gruve said it has raised $50 million to expand its AI power infrastructure (the servers and data centers that run AI models). The company did not disclose terms or investors. The funding is aimed at increasing compute capacity for training and inference, and to accelerate deployment of AI-powered services. Industry observers describe the round as part of a broader wave of investment in specialized hardware and scalable AI infrastructure. The announcement comes as demand for AI compute grows, and Gruve will use the capital to scale its operations and accelerate product development.

Apple updates older iPhone and iPad to extend iMessage and FaceTime into 2027

February 3, 2026, 7:12 AM EST. Apple released maintenance updates for older devices: iOS 16.7.14 and iPadOS 16.7.14, along with macOS 11.7.11 and watchOS 10.6.2 and watchOS 9.6.4. The company describes the move as a certificate update to keep iMessage and FaceTime working on older hardware beyond January 2027, according to MacRumors. The timing follows a separate 16.7.13 release. Apple lists compatible devices for iOS 16 and iPadOS 16, including iPhone 8/8 Plus, SE (2nd gen+), 11-14 series, and iPad Pro, Air 3rd gen+, iPad (5th gen+), and iPad mini 5th gen+. Updates are available via Settings > General > Software Update, the company said.

Nvidia signals potentially largest investment in OpenAI as funding round heats up

February 3, 2026, 7:06 AM EST. At a Taipei event, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said the company will participate in OpenAI's latest funding round and described the commitment as 'huge,' though he did not specify an amount. OpenAI is seeking as much as $100 billion from backers including Nvidia, Microsoft, Amazon and SoftBank, valuing the private AI firm at about $750 billion. Nvidia previously outlined a 'landmark' partnership to deploy 10 gigawatts of AI data centers powered by Vera Rubin GPUs, with a potential up to $100 billion investment as those units come online. A Wall Street Journal note that the deal was on the rocks drew Huang's denial. Investors warn of potential circularity in AI funding ties and uncertainty around OpenAI's IPO timing.

Apple stops signing iOS 26.2, blocks downgrades from iOS 26.2.1

February 3, 2026, 6:56 AM EST. Apple has stopped signing iOS 26.2, blocking downgrades from iOS 26.2.1 to the earlier build. The move follows last week's release of iOS 26.2.1, which added AirTags 2 support. Signing is Apple's server-side verification that must pass before an update installs; unsigning prevents downgrades or installation of older, less secure software. Previously, users could downgrade using macOS Finder or the Apple Devices app on Windows while the older build remained signed, but that window is now closed. Apple usually stops signing an update about a week after release. Separately, Apple has halted signing for several older versions (12.5.7, 15.8.5, 16.7.12, 18.7.3), with 12.5.8, 15.8.6, and 18.7.4 released last week.

Is IonQ the Top Quantum Computing Stock to Buy?

February 3, 2026, 6:54 AM EST. IonQ is pitched as having the most accurate quantum computer on a key reliability metric. The field remains nascent, with hype oscillating as investors weigh when quantum computing becomes commercial. IonQ's trapped-ion systems claim a two-qubit gate fidelity of 99.99%, higher than rivals that have surpassed 99.9% but not at that mark. Still, most players project 2030 as the tipping point for commercial viability, with error correction and prevention the chief hurdles. While the technology is far from broadly viable, IonQ has positioned itself at the lead on error correction gains. The shares have fallen more than 50% from their high, drawing investors who see a potential long-term buy. The competitive landscape remains unpredictable, and other firms could overtake.

Apple stops signing iOS 26.2, blocks downgrade from 26.2.1

February 3, 2026, 6:46 AM EST. Apple has stopped signing iOS 26.2, blocking the ability to perform a downgrade from iOS 26.2.1, which was released last week with AirTags 2 support. The process, known as iOS signing, is a server-side verification check that must pass before installation; once a version is unsigned, older builds cannot be installed. The move means iPhone users who updated to 26.2.1 cannot revert to 26.2. Apple typically withdraws signing about a week after a new release. Separately, Apple has also stopped signing older builds for devices that can't update to newer iOS, including iOS 12.5.7, 15.8.5, 16.7.12, and 18.7.3, as newer updates roll out.

AI reshapes the CEO role as boards seek AI-native leaders

February 3, 2026, 6:42 AM EST. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella signals AI mastery as the benchmark for leadership. In October he ceded control of Microsoft's commercial units to double down on AI and transformation for customers, underscoring that AI capability is nonnegotiable. The move aligns with other long-tenured tech leaders, even as boards push for sharper performance amid disruption. The global average CEO tenure has fallen to about 7.2 years, with tech roughly matching that pace, Russell Reynolds says. Observers expect a younger, AI-native cohort to rise as boards prize fluency in rapidly evolving tech. Industry executives warn that the disruption cycle is accelerating and burnout risk grows unless leaders adapt quickly. The trend implies more churn at the Fortune 500 as AI shapes strategy.

Nvidia's Biggest Competitive Risk Isn't Broadcom or AMD – It's Closer to Home

February 3, 2026, 6:30 AM EST. Nvidia dominates AI data centers with GPUs across Hopper, Blackwell and Blackwell Ultra. The stock has surged since 2023, reflecting how central hardware powers AI workloads and LLM training. While Broadcom and AMD pose threats, the article argues the top risk is closer to Nvidia itself-internal dynamics rather than external rivals. CEO Jensen Huang is pushing annual chip launches, with the Vera Rubin GPU expected to sustain the compute edge. AMD's path to relevance depends on its brand and value proposition to win back AI data-center share; Broadcom could chip away, but isn't the main risk.

China to ban hidden car door handles, require mechanical release by 2027

February 3, 2026, 6:28 AM EST. China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology announced a nationwide ban on hidden door handles, mandating a mechanical release for both interior and exterior doors. The rule, effective January 1, 2027, applies to all cars sold in the country and targets the flush handles popularized by Tesla. The ministry says exterior handles must allow operation from any angle and interior handles must be clearly visible to occupants. The policy does not single out any company, but comes as Tesla faces slower global sales and stronger competition in its second-largest market, and as Xiaomi and Aion among others use similar designs. Safety concerns have circulated, including investigations by NHTSA and reporting from Bloomberg about incidents where doors failed to open in emergencies.

China to ban hidden car door handles, forcing mechanical release by 2027

February 3, 2026, 6:24 AM EST. China will ban flush exterior door handles on all cars sold domestically, becoming the first nation to target a Tesla-inspired feature amid safety concerns. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) said exterior handles must allow a mechanical release from any angle, and interior handles must be clearly visible from the occupant's position. The rules take effect on January 1, 2027 and require a manual release option if the primary mechanism fails. The policy does not single out a company but follows reviews of incidents where rescuers or occupants could not open doors after accidents. While Tesla popularized the design, other firms, including Xiaomi and Aion, use similar ideas in China. Regulators say the rule aims to improve accessibility and safety; manufacturers will have to adapt.

New data shows how HHS is implementing Trump AI mandates

February 3, 2026, 6:22 AM EST. New data from the Department of Health and Human Services' technology office shows how the agency is rapidly integrating AI under President Trump's revamped federal plan. The release provides a first look at how HHS is implementing directives to aggressively deploy AI across government. It notes a shift to new programs with thousands fewer staff than a year ago. The data, however, offer few answers on monitoring tools for adverse impacts, appeal processes, or incorporating feedback from users and the public, despite promises of greater transparency for high-impact AI use cases under the January 2025 executive order. The administration requires such assessments, but the release does not detail how, or whether, transparency and accountability mechanisms will be applied in practice.

EU enterprises boost paid cloud use to 52.7% in 2025

February 3, 2026, 6:20 AM EST. In 2025, 52.7% of EU enterprises used paid cloud computing services, up from 2023 and rising from 17.8% in 2014. The adoption gap remains wide. Finland led with 79.2%, followed by Italy (75.6%) and Malta (74.9%); Romania (24.9%), Greece (24.3%) and Bulgaria (17.8%) were among the lowest. Between 2023 and 2025, Lithuania surged by 19.7 points, with Italy up 14.2 and France 13.7. Among common uses, paid cloud services were most popular for e-mail (85.2%), office software (71.7%) and file storage (71.5%). Other widely used apps include security software (65.5%), finance/accounting (58.2%), and database hosting (45.5%). ERP (30.1%), computing power (28.2%), CRM (27.9%) and development platforms (26.1%) trailed.

EU enterprises adopt paid cloud services in 2025; 52.7% share, Finland leads

February 3, 2026, 6:16 AM EST. In 2025, 52.7% of EU enterprises used paid cloud computing services, up 7.4 percentage points from 2023. The share has risen sharply since 2014, when only 17.8% used paid services. Adoption is highest in Finland (79.2%), Italy (75.6%) and Malta (74.9%); at the low end, Romania (24.9%), Greece (24.3%) and Bulgaria (17.8%) trail. From 2023 to 2025, gains were led by Lithuania (+19.7 pp), Italy (+14.2 pp) and France (+13.7 pp). Among services, paid cloud use for e-mail (85.2%), office software (71.7%) and file storage (71.5%) dominates, followed by security software (65.5%), finance or accounting software (58.2%), and ERP (30.1%).

Could Micron Be the Next Nvidia as AI Memory Boom Accelerates

February 3, 2026, 6:12 AM EST. Nvidia's ascent through the AI revolution has lifted its market cap to about $4.6 trillion, driven by a first-mover edge in GPUs. But the AI infrastructure bottleneck is shifting from compute to memory. Hyperscalers are expanding capex, yet not all spending sits on GPUs. Micron Technology could benefit as demand for high-bandwidth memory grows to accompany chip stacks. Goldman Sachs projects AI capex reaching roughly $500 billion in 2026; TrendForce sees DRAM and NAND prices rising up to roughly 60% and 38%, respectively. That backdrop could give Micron pricing power as customers chase memory and storage solutions, including HBM. Investors ask if Micron could be the next Nvidia. Its market-cap run has been rapid, but the forward multiple remains a point of discussion.

Utah tests AI-driven prescription renewals; FDA safety implications loom

February 3, 2026, 6:08 AM EST. Utah regulators have struck a deal with Doctronic, a health-tech startup, to deploy an AI system that will conduct a clinical evaluation of patients and autonomously renew about 200 common medications when appropriate. The arrangement, announced in January, tests whether a state can authorize patients' prescriptions to be renewed without direct clinician input. Supporters call it a practical step toward scalable AI in care; critics warn it skirts traditional guardrails and could spur a broader challenge to the FDA's authority over new AI-driven medical products. Interviews with industry executives and policy experts describe the move as a potential "rule break" that could shape how regulators supervise the next wave of clinical AI tools in medicine.

Barnsley to become UK's first Tech Town and AI 'trailblazer'

February 3, 2026, 5:48 AM EST. Barnsley is pitched as the UK's first Tech Town and an AI trailblazer, according to South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard. He credited the effort to Steve Houghton and Barnsley Council for driving a bigger, better economy in South Yorkshire and for creating jobs and opportunities in industries that will define the next generation and beyond. The remarks frame the plan as a local government-led push to position Barnsley at the forefront of AI adoption and technology-led growth, with leadership short on details about funding or timetables. The statement signals a broader push to anchor tech-enabled growth in the region.

China records first double rocket launch failure in a day

February 3, 2026, 5:46 AM EST. China suffered two rocket-launch failures in a single day, a historic setback for its space program. The first incident involved a state-run Long March-3B rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre, where the third stage malfunctioned, according to the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). The loss endangers the Shijian-32 satellite and ends a successful run since a 2020 failure. Later the same day, private firm Galactic Energy's maiden flight of the Ceres-2 rocket ended with a crash on re-entry, destroying the payloads it carried. The events, described by observers as a painful but instructive setback, echo earlier launch-stage challenges and highlight growing pains in China's emerging private aerospace sector.

Apple's first foldable iPhone design leaks; book-fold form and Touch ID return

February 3, 2026, 5:44 AM EST. Apple is reportedly developing its first foldable iPhone, with a book-fold design similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold. A Weibo leak, cited by MacRumors, sketches a device that places the volume button on the top-right edge, while the Touch ID power button and camera controls sit on the right. The left edge is smooth. The front camera is a single punch-hole, implying a smaller Dynamic Island, and the rear shows an iPhone Air-style plateau with two horizontal cameras. Colors are said to be white and one other option, with the plateau remaining black. The device allegedly unfolds to a 7.8-inch display and has a 5.3-inch cover screen. Reported specs include 12GB RAM, LPDDR5, a C2 modem, and a titanium-aluminum frame.

TSMC founder Morris Chang dines with NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang in Taipei, signaling enduring partnership amid AI chip ramps

February 3, 2026, 5:40 AM EST. Taipei saw Morris Chang, the 94-year-old founder of TSMC, dine with NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang. The dinner, Chang's first public appearance in more than a year, underscores a long-running partnership as NVIDIA ramps production of its Vera Rubin AI platform at TSMC. DigiTimes cites local media photos of Chang at a Taipei restaurant. The two leaders have crossed paths beyond semiconductors; Huang once declined an offer to run TSMC and instead steered NVIDIA. The Vera Rubin chips involve next-generation HBM4 memory, with six new chips in the pipeline for this year. The dinner signals momentum for both companies in what could be a pivotal year for AI chips and supply chains.

Nvidia CEO denies report he's unhappy with OpenAI; signals large, nonbinding investment, not $100B

February 3, 2026, 5:38 AM EST. In Taiwan, Huang dismissed a Wall Street Journal report that he is unhappy with OpenAI, calling the claim 'nonsense' and noting the $100 billion figure was never a commitment. He said Nvidia plans a 'huge' investment and will absolutely be involved, praising Sam Altman and adding, 'I really love working with Sam.' Altman will decide how much fundraising to announce, not Nvidia. Nvidia signed a September letter of intent to invest up to $100 billion for new data centers and AI infrastructure. OpenAI is buying Nvidia chips as it scales, while Nvidia also earmarked $2 billion for CoreWeave, a cloud provider. OpenAI is talking to other investors for a round that could value the company above $800 billion and may pursue an IPO in 2026, per the Journal.

Apple Watch deals: Series 11, SE 3 lead discounts as Ultra 3 saves $25

February 3, 2026, 5:36 AM EST. Apple's latest wearables loom large in discounts. The Series 11 and SE 3 lead price cuts, while the Ultra 3 offers a $25 saving. The article notes that Apple's new line-launched in September-still keeps older models like the Series 10 and Ultra 2 on sale. Buyers are advised to pick the newest model they can afford to stay current with updates, including watchOS 26. The Series 11 42mm GPS starts at $299 (a $100 cut) and the 46mm GPS hits $329. Walmart, Amazon, and Best Buy are named as current discount sources. Hypertension and sleep apnea features are highlighted for newer models.

Deepfakes spreading and more AI companions: seven takeaways from the latest AI safety report

February 3, 2026, 5:16 AM EST. An annual snapshot, the International AI Safety report charts progress and risks from deepfakes to the jobs market. Chaired by Yoshua Bengio and guided by Nobel laureates Geoffrey Hinton and Daron Acemoglu, the document is described as a state-of-play piece, not a policy blueprint, but expected to frame talks at the upcoming AI summit in India. Key takeaways: 1) AI models are improving. New systems such as OpenAI's GPT-5, Anthropic's Claude Opus 4.5 and Google's Gemini 3 show stronger reasoning and faster gains in maths, coding and science, though they remain prone to hallucinations and cannot execute long, complex tasks autonomously. 2) Deepfakes are proliferating; the report notes harder-to-distinguish AI content and cites 15% of UK adults seeing AI-generated imagery and 77% mislabeling ChatGPT text as human. 3) AI firms face emerging biosecurity and chemical risk considerations.

China bans Tesla-style hidden car door handles

February 3, 2026, 5:14 AM EST. China has banned Tesla-style hidden door handles in new cars, a policy that signals tighter controls over exterior styling and safety standards. Regulators did not immediately outline a rollout schedule or penalties. The move could force automakers to adjust models and supply chains to comply in the Chinese market. Industry observers say the directive underscores a broader push by authorities to standardize features across vehicles sold in China, even as the impact on existing models remains unclear.

Nvidia to expand Taiwan footprint as supply chain grows, CEO says

February 3, 2026, 5:10 AM EST. Nvidia Corp. plans to expand its presence in Taiwan as its supply chain grows, CEO Jensen Huang said after a five-day visit. He told reporters at Taipei Songshan Airport that the company is hiring many engineers in Taiwan and that most are based in Taipei, with an office in Kaohsiung. Any large campus should be where the engineers concentrate, he added. Beyond GPUs, Huang noted Nvidia now also makes CPUs, networking chips, switches and other complex products, and praised Taiwan's workforce for tenure and hard work. He signaled plans to open a larger site in Taiwan and suggested expansion could outpace current plans. Huang also previewed a future media reveal of a new building design and reaffirmed a Computex Taipei appearance in June, promising several new announcements and a keynote.

Leaked Galaxy S26 Ultra S Pen colors hint at two-tone design

February 3, 2026, 5:08 AM EST. Android Authority's Hadlee Simons reports that a Dutch outlet Nieuwe Mobiel posted images showing the Galaxy S26 Ultra S Pen colors. The stylus appears primarily black or white, but the top of the pen reportedly matches the phone's colorway, with options including Black Shadow, Cobalt Violet, Galactic Blue, and White Shadow. The report suggests that online-exclusive colors for the S26 Ultra could pair with S Pen tips in Silver Shadow or Pink Gold. Nieuwe Mobiel also shared photos of S26-series cases and anti-reflective screen protectors; Samsung is expected to offer Gorilla Armor screen protection with an anti-reflective layer, potentially reducing the need for a separate protector. The launch is imminent.

Liberty Global and Google Cloud sign five-year AI partnership to deploy Gemini across Europe

February 3, 2026, 5:06 AM EST. Liberty Global and Google Cloud announced a five-year strategic AI partnership to accelerate Liberty Global's digital transformation and embed AI at scale across its European operations. The deal will integrate Google's Gemini models into Liberty Global's Horizon TV platform, enabling smarter search and discovery and expanding into care channels for improved customer support. With about 80 million connections, Liberty Global aims to boost network scalability, security, data sovereignty, and cost efficiency through AI-first programs, and to explore running Google Cloud services within Liberty Global's data centers to meet excess demand. The collaboration expands Liberty Global's Growth and Services portfolio, including Formula E initiatives, and could pave the way for Liberty to offer Google devices and services, such as Pixel phones and smart home devices, to its customers.

China to send vice minister to India's AI summit as ties thaw

February 3, 2026, 5:02 AM EST. China plans to send a vice minister from the Ministry of Science and Technology to India's upcoming AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, George Chen of The Asia Group said, citing government contacts. He added the Indian embassy in Beijing has asked China to arrange visas, marking the first public confirmation of Beijing's attendance. The move follows a thaw in bilateral ties after a 2020 border clash and app bans, with flights and visas resuming after Modi-Xi talks ahead of the SCO summit in Tianjin. The event draws global figures, as Beijing seeks to influence AI development via platforms like the SCO.

NASA Artemis II completes wet dress rehearsal; March launch window eyed

February 3, 2026, 4:56 AM EST. NASA completed a wet dress rehearsal for the Artemis II mission, loading cryogenic propellants into the SLS tanks, closing out the Orion spacecraft and draining the rocket. The test aimed to reveal issues before a launch. Engineers faced a liquid hydrogen leak at a core-stage interface and stopped flow, warmed the interface, reseated seals and adjusted propellant routing. Countdown halted with a spike in leak rate, trailing delays. A valve for Orion hatch pressurization was retorqued, complicating closeout. Cold weather slowed some cameras but did not stop activities. NASA moved the earliest launch opportunity to March, with a second wet dress rehearsal likely. The February window shifted; astronauts will be released from quarantine and won't travel to Florida on Tuesday, then re-enter quarantine about two weeks before the next opportunity.

Tesla's European sales slump tests strategy as EV competition grows

February 3, 2026, 4:48 AM EST. Tesla's European sales show little life in January as it battles tougher competition and price cuts. Europe's EV market outpaced gas cars in December, but Tesla's registrations fell sharply in key markets, with Norway down 88% to 83 vehicles and France down 42% to 661. Sweden and Denmark posted small gains, up 26% and 3% respectively, while overall brand demand remains weak. Musk has signaled a broader ambition beyond cars-AI, robotics, automated taxis and energy storage-but the core car business still drives profits, making the slump a potential problem. Meanwhile, reports of a Ford-Xiaomi tie-up have been denied by both sides, underscoring industry churn. Our European team will file deeper analysis on the Model Y Standard's reception.

Four budget PC monitors that punch above their price bracket

February 3, 2026, 4:44 AM EST. Budget-friendly computer monitors now rival more expensive models without sacrificing core features. One standout is the MSI PRO MP251W E2, a 24.5-inch 1080P FHD display that supports up to 120Hz, is HDR Ready, and offers HDMI, VGA and DisplayPort connectivity. It sports a 178-degree viewing angle, Adaptive-Sync, built-in speakers and a 1ms response time, all for about $119.99. Some buyers have seen it drop under $80 in the past. Another entry, the Acer Nitro 27-inch KG271, is noted for a 200 Hz refresh capability. The roundup argues you can equip a desk with multiple such monitors without paying top-tier prices, and even pair two for the price of a pricey high-end model.

Evercore Drops Apple From Tactical List After Strong Q1 2026 Earnings

February 3, 2026, 4:42 AM EST. Evercore ISI removed Apple from its TAP Outperform list after Apple's December-quarter results. The company posted fiscal Q1 2026 revenue of $143.8 billion and EPS $2.84, above consensus of $138.4 billion and $2.67. Revenue rose 15.7% YoY, led by iPhone growth of 23% and Services up 13.9%. Gross margins came in at 48.2%, up 130 basis points YoY and above management guidance. Evercore noted ongoing supply constraints cap upside, likely to persist into the next quarter. The firm kept a positive view on AAPL with a $330 target, but said AI stocks may offer higher upside with lower downside risk.

Samsung reportedly prepping Tab S12 Plus/Ultra tablets and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 ahead of Unpacked

February 3, 2026, 4:34 AM EST. Samsung is reportedly expanding its device slate beyond the Galaxy S26 lineup. A Smartprix report, citing the GSMA IMEI data-a registry of network device identities-lists two tablets: Galaxy Tab S12 Plus 5G (SM-X846B) and Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra 5G (SM-X946B); the vanilla Tab S12 isn't mentioned. Separately, two smartwatches may arrive: Galaxy Watch 9 (SM-L345U) and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 (SM-L716U). The four upcoming products appear alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8 in the database, plus another foldable. Samsung could unveil these devices with the foldables at an Unpacked event in August or September 2026, or stage a broader reveal then.

Apple cites constrained TSMC 3nm chip supply; storage and memory shortages cloud Q2 outlook

February 3, 2026, 4:30 AM EST. Apple said its fiscal Q2 2026 would be constrained by the availability of processors built on TSMC's leading-edge nodes, as AI accelerators based on recent processes ramp up. Tim Cook called the constraint a result of strong Q1 demand and limited capacity to scale; CFO Kevan Parekh said guidance reflects the best estimates of constrained supply. For Q2, Apple expects revenue to grow 13%-16% year over year to about $107.75-$110.62 billion, driven by iPhone shortages. In the December quarter, iPhone, iPad and services set records, while Macs and wearables declined. The company's latest iPhone 17 uses A19 chips produced on TSMC's N3P process; analysts note 3nm supply tightness could persist beyond Q2.

Super Bowl 2026 TV deals: best sales this week on OLEDs and smart TVs ahead of kickoff

February 3, 2026, 4:26 AM EST. Retailers push Super Bowl-season discounts on TVs, spanning budget sets to premium displays. With CES 2026 introductions pending, many shoppers will see deeper discounts on 2025 models. Deals under $500 cover 32- to 75-inch 4K sets, including the Hisense 32-inch A4, Roku 24-inch, TCL 40-inch S3, Roku 55-inch, and a 75-inch TCL S5 Mini LED at about $480. OLED options remain pricier but reachable, for example Sony 55-inch Bravia XR8B at $998 and Samsung 65-inch S95F at $2,298; larger 77-inch Sony A95L at $3,498. Midrange picks in the $500-$1,000 band include TCL 65-inch T7 and QM8K Mini LED. Peripherals and streaming deals round out the home theater setup.

Barnsley named UK's first 'tech town' as Microsoft, Google, Cisco and Adobe join AI push

February 3, 2026, 4:24 AM EST. Barnsley has rebranded again, this time as Britain's first tech town, part of Labour's AI drive. The government says the South Yorkshire city will test AI across local services, with four US tech companies – Microsoft, Google, Cisco and Adobe – helping to apply AI in schools, hospitals, GPs and business. The council says the area, home to about 250,000 people, adopted AI faster than many peers, using assistants in adult social care and children's services, and even scanning potholes with digitised bin lorries. Evri, which runs a major hub there, is trialling robot dogs for deliveries. Some local voices warn the rebranding could feel a leap, underscoring unease about AI. Officials cite free AI training for residents, support for firms, and pilots to boost pupil results and teacher workloads, while questions linger about the companies' role and funding.

SpaceX IPO poised as 'largest wealth-creation event' says Sequoia partner with $800B valuation

February 3, 2026, 4:18 AM EST. Sequoia Capital partner Shaun Maguire predicts SpaceX's forthcoming IPO will be the healthiest wealth-creation event in history, arguing the company is worth about $800 billion, up from $36 billion in 2019. Maguire, who has backed five Musk ventures, says the market underestimates Musk's value. He cites SpaceX's expansion beyond rockets to Starlink, a laser-based vacuum network with more than 9,000 satellites delivering fast intercontinental links, and D2D (direct-to-cell) satellite tech that could upend fixed broadband by 2028. With Starship moving to mass production in 2026, SpaceX could use excess launch capacity to power AI-focused space data centers, unlocking a trillion-dollar space computing market. Maguire frames the IPO as the largest wealth-creation movement in history.

Apple stops signing iOS 26.2, blocking downgrade to older builds

February 3, 2026, 4:14 AM EST. Apple has stopped signing iOS 26.2, blocking downgrades after the release of iOS 26.2.1. The change, spotted by MacRumors, means users on 26.2.1 cannot revert to 26.2 or any earlier build. The company's latest release notes for 26.2.1 mention AirTag (2nd generation) support and bug fixes, with no public CVEs listed. In addition, Apple has stopped signing several earlier iOS versions following newer rollouts: iOS 12.5.7, iOS 15.8.5, iOS 16.7.12 and iOS 18.7.3, after updates 12.5.8, 15.8.6, 16.7.14 and 18.7.4 were released. The policy is typical when security fixes or stability are deemed ready. Downgrading becomes impractical for most users, as security gaps from older versions remain unpatchable on signed devices.

DJI Lito rumors point to a lightweight drone for 2026, anchored by FCC filings

February 3, 2026, 4:12 AM EST. DJI's next drone, nicknamed Lito, appears in regulatory paperwork rather than glossy promos. An FCC filing lists a model called Lito X1, but provides few technical details and no launch timeline. The public story hinges on speculation, optimism and a single image described as a drone leg, sparking debate over whether the device is a true lightweight quadcopter or a kitchen appliance with propellers. DJI has offered no press release, trailer or official specs to confirm the project. The FCC listing is the only official breadcrumb, shared by industry watchers as a sign that a small, portable drone could arrive in 2026. If real, the Lito would compete in a growing market for compact, easy-to-fly drones.

Adobe Firefly to offer unlimited image and video generations for eligible subscribers ahead of March 16 cutoff

February 3, 2026, 4:08 AM EST. Adobe will remove generation limits on Firefly for subscribers, delivering unlimited image and video generations across Adobe's models and third-party integrations. The change applies only to the standalone Firefly subscription, not Creative Cloud, and requires signing up before March 16. Eligible plans include Firefly Pro, Premium, and higher-credit tiers (4,000; 7,000; 50,000). Generations are capped at 2K resolution in the Firefly app and via Firefly Boards and the Firefly video editor. Supported models span Google's Nano Banana Pro, GPT Image Generation, Runway Gen-4, plus Adobe's commercially safe image and video models. Adobe says the move aims to keep creators in flow as AI usage grows and prompts length continues to rise.

Quantum Computing Inc. completes Luminar Semiconductor acquisition to build domestic photonics and quantum platform

February 3, 2026, 4:00 AM EST. Quantum Computing Inc. (Nasdaq: QUBT) completed an all-cash acquisition of Luminar Semiconductor (LSI), a subsidiary of Luminar Technologies, for $110 million. The deal advances QCi's plan to become a vertically integrated domestic provider of photonics and quantum platforms. CEO Yuping Huang says LSI's lasers, detectors, and packaging, combined with QCi's thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) photonics, will enable chip-scale quantum hardware operating at room temperature and a full photonics signal chain from light generation to processing. LSI will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary, preserving aerospace, defense and industrial customer relationships and providing near-term revenue visibility. The transaction supports U.S.-based manufacturing and reshoring, positioning QCi to pursue government and national-security opportunities and scale manufacturing.

Experts warn AI chatbots aren't your friends ahead of safety summit

February 3, 2026, 3:58 AM EST. AI chatbot worries as their sycophantic zeal to please users may distort judgment. Bengio said the AI tries to make users feel good in the moment, which isn't always in their interest. He urged new regulations, but rejected rules aimed at AI companions, advocating horizontal legislation addressing multiple risks. The International AI Safety report lands ahead of the Feb. 16 global summit in India, outlining risks from AI-fueled cyberattacks, deepfake porn, and guidance on bioweapons design. Bengio called for stronger AI expertise in governments and the European Commission. The summit follows the 2023 mandate, with advisers such as Marietje Schaake.

SpaceX to acquire xAI in merger valued above $1 trillion, uniting AI and space tech

February 3, 2026, 3:56 AM EST. SpaceX announced it is acquiring xAI in a merger designed to create a vertically integrated engine for AI, rockets, space-based internet and direct-to-mobile communications. The deal would unify Musk's aerospace and AI ventures around the Grok chatbot and the X social platform, expanding the reach of his tech empire as SpaceX eyes a public listing later this year. SpaceX has been valued around $800 billion in a December investor note; xAI has been valued at about $230 billion after a $20 billion Series E round. The companies say space-based datacenters will be key to scaling AI at scale, arguing terrestrial solutions alone cannot meet demand. The announcement follows cross-holdings among Musk's ventures and market chatter about a potential deal.

Artemis II Wet Dress Rehearsal: Closeout Crew Departs Launch Complex 39B

February 3, 2026, 3:48 AM EST. NASA's Artemis II closeout crew has completed its tasks and departed Launch Complex 39B during the wet dress rehearsal. The exit marks a shift to the final countdown and a cleared pad for simulated liftoff. Artemis II astronauts did not participate in today's activities, but the closeout crew's work validates launch-day protocols and confirms Orion and the SLS are configured for flight readiness. With the pad secured, teams will continue monitoring fueling operations and prepare for the terminal count, the final ten minutes of the countdown. A single terminal countdown will be conducted. A 24/7 live stream of the rocket at the pad remains online, along with a separate feed to capture wet dress activities.

EU backs €50 million push to industrialise superconducting quantum tech via Supreme consortium

February 3, 2026, 3:36 AM EST. The Supreme consortium, formed in 2025 to industrialise superconducting quantum technologies, has secured €50 million from the EU Chips Joint Undertaking and national funders to cover its first 3.5 years, starting early 2026. It will push scalable fabrication processes for qubits and offer process design kits and piloting services, including shared fabrication runs, to help firms build their own systems. External users are expected to access technologies in 2027, according to coordinator Pekka Pursula of VTT. The project aims to strengthen Europe's quantum ecosystem and support the Quantum Act and Chips Act to broaden the continent's semiconductor footprint. Supreme unites 23 partners across eight member states, from Delft University and CEA to Infineon, Alice & Bob and Qilimanjaro Quantum Tech.

Nvidia shares slide as OpenAI investment talks stall, questions over $100 billion plan

February 3, 2026, 3:24 AM EST. Nvidia shares fell in early trading Monday after reports that its plan to invest up to $100 billion in OpenAI may be stalled. The stock was down about 1% as of mid-morning, amid questions over whether the deal remains binding. Nvidia had announced in September a package to build at least 10 gigawatts of computing capacity for OpenAI and to invest up to $100 billion. CEO Jensen Huang has said the investment was nonbinding and not finalized, while criticizing OpenAI's business strategy and warning of competition from players such as Alphabet's Google and Anthropic. Huang later said he remains committed and that the investment will be substantial, but not exceed $100 billion. Analysts noted possible concerns about circular financing and the lack of a clear, fixed amount.

Three bets for Nvidia in 2026: revenue beat, margins and GPU dominance

February 3, 2026, 3:22 AM EST. An industry observer predicts Nvidia could beat consensus revenue for fiscal 2027, with estimates around $323.3 billion, as hyperscalers bundle GPUs, CPUs and networking into rack-scale solutions and demand for Blackwell and Rubin systems remains robust. The forecast relies on continued pricing power and over $500 billion revenue visibility from the Blackwell pipeline through 2026, as data centers shift from training to real-time inference workloads. The analyst also expects Nvidia to sustain gross margins near 75%, driven by high-margin data-center GPUs, networking products and growing software and services. Nvidia is seen keeping a dominant GPU market share in the low 90s, despite intensifying competition, supported by the Vera Rubin system launches in H2 2026.

De Tomaso unveils 900-HP V12 for P900 hypercar, revs to 12,300 rpm

February 3, 2026, 3:20 AM EST. De Tomaso unveiled the 6.2-liter V12 for its P900 hypercar. The engine is rated at 900 horsepower on synthetic fuel and revs to 12,300 rpm. Weighing about 485 pounds (220 kg), it's billed as the lightest V12 ever developed. Development took four years, with a complex carbon-fiber intake and heat-reflective tape highlighted by the company. The P900 weighs roughly 1,984 pounds (900 kg) and pairs with an Xtrac sequential gearbox to drive the rear axle, aiming at a near 1:1 power-to-weight ratio. Production is slated for soon, with a price tag of at least $3 million. The move underscores a niche push as mass-market automakers downsize toward V8 hybrids, yet De Tomaso bets on dramatic engineering to stand out.

NVIDIA's Huang: AI-era roles can pay over €7,000 a month without a university degree

February 3, 2026, 3:16 AM EST. NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang says the AI infrastructure surge could push monthly pay above €7,000 for hands-on roles that don't require a university degree. He points to a growing slate of technical, practical jobs in data centers and chip fabs where skills, certifications and on-the-job training matter more than diplomas. Roles include electricians for data centers and fabs, plumbers and HVAC technicians for advanced cooling, construction supervisors and steelworkers, and network cablers and data center technicians. U.S. demand is acute: McKinsey estimates shortages by 2030 of about 130,000 electricians, 240,000 construction workers, and 150,000 site supervisors. Huang frames this as a shift toward verifiable competencies, with apprenticeships and self-directed study accelerating progress.

Columbia researchers fuse optical tweezers and metasurfaces to scale quantum arrays toward 100,000 qubits

February 3, 2026, 3:12 AM EST. Columbia University researchers Sebastian Will and Nanfang Yu say their approach could push neutral-atom quantum computers beyond the current ~1,000-qubit ceiling. They combine optical tweezers-tight laser traps-with a metasurface to create hundreds of thousands of trapping sites. In tests, the team trapped 1,000 strontium atoms, and showed the method could scale to well over 100,000 atoms. Atoms serve as qubits because they are intrinsically identical and support superposition and entanglement, easing control at scale. Unlike setups using SLMs or AODs to pattern light, the metasurface approach could enable arbitrary geometries more easily. The work outlines a path to quantum processors with many more qubits, a prerequisite to surpass classical machines.

Author examines how people form real bonds with AI companions

February 3, 2026, 2:50 AM EST. Technology writer Muldoon argues that modern AI persists longer and remembers more, fueling genuine emotional attachments even as users know the system is just software. In interviews for his book, Lily formed a romantic bond with an AI named Colin, who remembered her life details, affirmed her and even urged a ring, helping prompt a divorce from her twenty-year marriage. Many interviewees report feeling emotionally connected while acknowledging the system's limits. Muldoon distinguishes sentiment from sentience, noting that the relationships hinge on language models trained on vast data rather than true consciousness. The phenomenon echoes ELIZA-era attachments but is amplified by current platforms that remember, initiate and respond, reshaping what people call a social relationship.

Artemis II wet dress rehearsal: launch abort system hatch closed

February 3, 2026, 2:46 AM EST. NASA teams completed closing the launch abort system hatch for the Artemis II Orion crew module during the wet dress rehearsal, sealing access through the outer aeroshell for ascent. The hatch integrity ensures the abort system can deploy if needed. With the hatch secured, the closeout crew validated mechanical seals, verified environmental conditions, and performed leak checks as countdown milestones progressed toward the next flight steps. The team prepared to depart the pad after closing out. The rehearsal entered a T-10 minute hold at 8:50 p.m. EST; originally the plan called for a second terminal countdown, but Artemis Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson limited the run to one terminal count. A 24/7 live stream from the pad remains online, including a dedicated feed for wet dress activities.

Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro smartwatch on sale for $44.99 at Woot

February 3, 2026, 2:40 AM EST. Nothing's CMF Watch 3 Pro is on sale at Woot for $44.99 as of Feb. 2, a discount of about $54 and around 55% off its $99 list price. The deal is described as the lowest price seen to date for the smartwatch, which Mashable has described as near-perfect. Deal pricing can change after publication. The offer highlights Nothing's push into affordable wearables amid a crowded market, with stock and regional availability varying.

Apple issues legacy macOS and watchOS updates to keep iMessage and FaceTime working on older devices

February 3, 2026, 2:38 AM EST. Apple released macOS 11.7.11, watchOS 10.6.2 and watchOS 9.6.4 for older Macs and Apple Watches that can't run the latest systems. The updates refresh the activation and messaging certificates used by iMessage and FaceTime, ensuring these services work after January 2027. On Macs, install via Settings; on Apple Watches, via the Watch app on iPhone. watchOS 9.6.4 is the final release supporting devices like the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X (restricted to iOS 16), while watchOS 10.6.2 supports Series 4, Series 5 and the original SE. Apple also released macOS Catalina Security Update 2026-001 and watchOS 6.3.1 for even older hardware.

Starlink's 2-Month Rule Explained: What Travelers Need to Know

February 3, 2026, 2:36 AM EST. Starlink, SpaceX's satellite internet service, offers Residential for home use and Roam for in-motion connectivity across 150 countries. A key caveat is the two-month rule: users may travel internationally for up to 60 days at a time; longer stays require updating the registered address or transferring the account. Roam plans include a $50/month 100 GB option and a $165 unlimited plan. Upfront kit costs differ: Roam mini kit is $199 for low-power use, while the standard Roam kit is $349 and designed for all-weather speeds. Both kits enable international use, but longer stays trigger address changes to avoid service restrictions. The rule matters to frequent travelers and RV users who rely on consistent access while abroad.

Amazon February iPad sale hits $299 on 11-inch model, up to $500 off across lineup

February 3, 2026, 2:34 AM EST. Amazon's February iPad sale cuts prices across Apple's tablet lineup, with deals starting at $299. The 11-inch iPad is available for $299.99, reflecting a $50 discount on blue and pink colors. The $299 price applies to the 128GB Wi-Fi model; discounts also apply to 256GB and 512GB variants. Additional markdowns cover the M3 iPad Air and M5 iPad Pro, plus up to $500 off closeout M4 iPad Pro models. Apple Pencil accessories are discounted as well, with savings up to 26%. The retailer and price guide offer ongoing coverage of the best iPad deals throughout the week.

SpaceX says Chinese satellites among top collision risks to Starlink, cites 148,696 avoidance maneuvers

February 3, 2026, 2:28 AM EST. SpaceX disclosed in an FCC filing that a small number of Chinese satellites and space debris forced its Starlink constellation to perform a large number of collision avoidance maneuvers last year. The maneuvers, which consume fuel and shorten satellite lifespans, occurred between June 1 and November 30. In total, Starlink satellites carried out 148,696 avoidance actions in that period. Among the top 20 space objects Starlink had to adjust for, seven were Chinese and accounted for 3,732 maneuvers. The filing highlights safety challenges cited by rivals of the megaconstellation, as both sides press for greater tracking and deconfliction. SpaceX did not name specific satellites, but the data show how traffic from Chinese satellites and debris can raise collision risk for large LEO fleets.

Artemis II Wet Dress Rehearsal marks milestone toward crewed lunar flyby

February 3, 2026, 2:26 AM EST. Artemis II Wet Dress Rehearsal is a key milestone on NASA's path to a crewed lunar flyby, NASASpaceFlight reports. The test run fuels and defuels the Space Launch System and Orion crew vehicle, rehearses countdowns, and validates ground operations on the mobile launcher-without an actual launch. A successful WDR clears teams to proceed toward a real launch attempt and checks emergency procedures, interfaces, and communication links. Artemis II, NASA's second crewed lunar mission, would carry a four-person crew on a lunar flyby to test deep-space systems ahead of future landings. Officials say results from the rehearsal will inform timing and readiness for the next phase, with launch date targets subject to review.

King Slide, Nan Juen listed in Nvidia server rail supply chain; Fositek in promising position

February 3, 2026, 2:24 AM EST. King Slide Works benefited in 2025 from strong demand for high-end GPU/ASIC platforms, placing its server business at the forefront of growth. Server rails account for about 90% of its revenue, tying the company to Nvidia's data-center cadence. The listing in Nvidia's server-rail supply chain signals a close tie to Nvidia's roadmap. Nan Juen also appears in the same chain, signaling broader exposure for local suppliers. Fositek is described as being in a promising position within the ecosystem, reflecting a shift toward components that underpin modular server deployments. The moves illustrate how Nvidia's supply-chain footprint can lift suppliers as demand for GPUs and accelerators rebounds.

SoftBank unit Saimemory, Intel to co-develop next-gen AI memory tech (ZAM)

February 3, 2026, 2:20 AM EST. Saimemory, SoftBank's memory unit, teams with Intel to push a next-generation memory program called Z-Angle Memory (ZAM) for AI and high-performance computing. Prototypes are planned for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2028, with commercialization targeted for fiscal 2029. The collaboration draws on Intel's work under the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Memory Technology program to boost DRAM performance and power efficiency, aiding AI workloads. Intel Fellow Joshua Fryman says the team has developed a new memory architecture and assembly approach that reduces power use and costs, enabling broader adoption over the next decade. The effort comes as AI memory demand climbs and supply strains persist, with energy efficiency a central focus.

How Catacomb 3D propelled id Software from Commander Keen to Wolfenstein 3D

February 3, 2026, 2:16 AM EST. Retrospective footage shows how Catacomb 3D nudged id Software away from Commander Keen toward Wolfenstein 3D. The team earned about $5,000 (about $11,750 in December 2025 dollars) under a Softdisk Gamer's Edge contract, far less than Keen's revenue at the time, fueling doubts about leaving Keen. A turning moment came when Catacomb 3D revealed a behind-the-wall pop-out, an effect that hooked Carmack and convinced the team to pivot. Romero recalls scrapping two weeks of work on Keen 7 to chase the new tech. By dawn, the crew embraced a first-person shooter that would redefine the genre. In short, the shift-from a conservative Keen path to immersive 3D action-spawned Wolfenstein 3D and the studio's enduring legacy, per the collaborators.

Google leaks first look at Android for PC in Aluminium OS test build

February 3, 2026, 2:14 AM EST. Google's bug tracker and screen recordings offer a first look at Aluminium OS, a ChromeOS/Android hybrid for PCs. A Google Issue Tracker entry, later restricted, includes two recordings from an HP Elite Dragonfly 13.5 Chromebook and notes ALOS as the project acronym, with references to Android 16 and a build that matches the leak. The footage, surfaced by 9to5Google and shared on YouTube by Android Authority, shows a taskbar similar to ChromeOS with a centered start button, a top status bar leaning Android-style, and access to the Play Store plus basic split-screen multitasking. Google has not released an official video; to date, Sameer Samat has said more is coming later this year.

Your Router Settings Could Be Slowing Internet – Here's What to Change

February 3, 2026, 2:10 AM EST. Slow internet often comes from router settings rather than a dead-end upgrade. Start by confirming the speeds you pay for versus your router's maximum throughput. The actual link speed is limited by the lower of those two figures. If performance falls short, adjust settings instead of buying a new device. Access the router through its IP address, a manufacturer app, or the QR code on the device. Check the firmware version and enable automatic updates. Consider switching from the 2.4GHz band to 5GHz or 6GHz, or selecting a specific channel to reduce interference. If offered, enable QoS to prioritize devices, such as a gaming console. Finally, reposition the router for a central, open location to improve coverage.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra global pricing, 6,000 mAh battery leak stirs expectations

February 3, 2026, 1:58 AM EST. New leaks claim the Xiaomi 17 Ultra's global version will ship with a 6,000 mAh battery, about 11% larger than the global Xiaomi 15 Ultra but roughly 12% smaller than the 6,800 mAh cell in the Chinese Xiaomi 17 Ultra. The same source says the global model's pack is smaller than the Xiaomi 17's, at 6,000 mAh and about 5% (330 mAh) shy of the 6,330 mAh battery powering the Xiaomi 17 outside China. The notes also touch on global pricing, though no official confirmation has come from Xiaomi. The tipster, Arsène Lupin, has circulated power and launch details before. Xiaomi did not respond by publication time.

Korean batteries gain edge in humanoid robots, outpacing China

February 3, 2026, 1:54 AM EST. Korean battery makers LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI and SK On are racing to supply batteries designed for humanoid robots, where tight space and AI computing demand both high output and high energy density. The shift follows undercut by cheaper Chinese rivals in EVs, but Korea benefits from nickel-rich chemistries that favor its supply chain. Analysts say robot battery demand could reach 20-40% of today's EV battery market. LG Energy Solution has supplied cylindrical cells to several robotics players, including LG CLOiD and Naver Labs' autonomous systems; Samsung SDI is expected to power Hyundai's Atlas. Ju Min-woo of NH Investment & Securities notes typical robot packs run around 2-4 kWh per unit, underscoring the need for advanced chemistry.

AI drives new energy sources as data centers strain US grid

February 3, 2026, 1:44 AM EST. AI-driven data centers are drawing more power, stressing the grid in the United States. Exelon CEO Calvin Butler says rising demand outpaces supply, contributing to higher household bills-about 42% more in December 2025 versus a decade earlier. The International Energy Agency estimated data centers used more than 4% of U.S. electricity in 2024, equaling Pakistan's annual consumption; by 2030, demand could rise 133% and match France's total use. Butler notes peak load of ComEd around 23 GW, with data center load pushing toward 19 GW by 2030. Regulators are considering a $15.3 billion, four-year grid upgrade to handle growth. Fusion energy trials, led by Commonwealth Fusion Systems, aim for compact plants. Zanskar, an AI-native geothermal project, is in New Mexico.

Apple weighs ending its TSMC monopoly as Nvidia-led AI demand reshapes supply chain

February 3, 2026, 1:42 AM EST. Apple is examining chip sourcing beyond TSMC, potentially ending a decade of exclusive supply for core iPhone processors. The shift comes as Nvidia becomes TSMC's largest customer, driven by AI workloads that tighten access to advanced 3-nanometer nodes. The Wall Street Journal cites a plan to add Intel as a maker of some lower-end chips, possibly starting in 2028 on Intel's 14A process. Memory suppliers such as Samsung and SK Hynix are seeking higher prices, adding to supply-chain headwinds. Apple still orders across roughly a dozen TSMC fabs, but capacity is no longer guaranteed at the most advanced nodes. Tim Cook acknowledged supply constraints on the quarterly call, saying the firm is in a supply chase mode as demand for 3nm chips remains tight.

Tesla still pursuing CarPlay integration; windowed, wireless in-car display

February 3, 2026, 1:38 AM EST. Tesla remains focused on bringing CarPlay to its vehicles, a plan first reported by Bloomberg last year. People familiar with the project say CarPlay will run inside a window within Tesla's infotainment system, rather than replacing it. The approach would keep Tesla's controls for charging, driver assistance and climate while offering Apple Maps, media apps and other software via CarPlay. The feature is expected to be wireless, removing the need to plug in an iPhone. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman again says the project is 'still in the works', with more details expected soon. 9to5Mac weighs in, arguing the hybrid model would blend the strengths of both platforms and expand app availability.

Android AOD upgrade: Muviz Edge complements Galaxy S24 Ultra

February 3, 2026, 1:36 AM EST. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra users can glance at time, notifications, and music with the stock AOD (Always-On Display). Android's AOD is longstanding, but its customization remains limited. The author praises Samsung's Good Lock tools-LockStar and ClockFace-for clock styles, app shortcuts, and wallpaper, yet still wants more flair. After research, they adopt the Muviz Edge app, now a permanent companion to AOD. Muviz Edge adds dynamic visuals beyond stock options, expanding customization without sacrificing essential info. The piece frames stock AOD as capable but lacking in style, and positions Muviz Edge as a practical path for enthusiasts seeking distinct looks. Credit: Sagar Naresh/MakeUseOf.

Oracle says NVIDIA-OpenAI deal won't affect its business

February 3, 2026, 1:34 AM EST. Oracle said the rumored $100 billion NVIDIA-OpenAI deal would have zero impact on its business with OpenAI. In a post on its social channels dated Feb. 2, 2026, Oracle claimed it remains confident OpenAI can raise funds and meet commitments, and that its own financial relationship with OpenAI is unaffected. Oracle has integrated OpenAI's GPT-5 into its Database and Cloud Applications Portfolio to bolster AI tools for data organization and access. The statements come as NVIDIA has walked back earlier talk of a large OpenAI investment, and CEO Jensen Huang has denied a $100 billion commitment. Analysts note the comments are part of broader industry damage control amid ongoing AI deal chatter.

Pokémon Go Giovanni rewards and counters for February 2026

February 3, 2026, 1:30 AM EST. Giovanni remains the Team Go Rocket boss; his lineup rotates every few months. In the Precious Pals: Taken Over event, the January 2026 update shifted his Legendary to Shadow Incarnate Forme Thundurus. To fight him, players must first earn a Super Rocket Radar by completing Professor Willow's Special Research. His current team centers on Persian, Machamp, and Incarnate Forme Thundurus, with Kangaskhan and Rhyperior appearing in rotation. For counters, aim top attackers: Slot 1 – Zacian (Crowned Sword), Shadow Mewtwo, Primal Kyogre, or a strong Water/Ground-type; Slot 2 – Mega Lucario or other top Fighting-type; Slot 3 – Kyurem (White/Black) or an Ice/Rock-type. Giovanni uses two shields, so plan shield-breaking as you proceed.

Nvidia poised for its largest investment yet as it backs OpenAI in new funding round

February 3, 2026, 1:28 AM EST. Nvidia plans to participate in OpenAI's latest funding round, a move that could value OpenAI at about $750 billion. Nvidia has a standing partnership with OpenAI, supplying Vera Rubin GPUs for OpenAI's AI data centers and has signaled it could invest up to $100 billion as capacity comes online. CEO Jensen Huang told reporters in Taipei the investment would be huge, though he did not provide a figure. OpenAI is seeking as much as $100 billion from a group that includes Nvidia, Microsoft, Amazon and SoftBank. The talks come amid concerns about circular AI deals that may inflate demand. Reports of a possible OpenAI IPO and AI-stock hype add to the backdrop as the focus remains on the OpenAI-Nvidia relationship.

Ring expands Search Party for Dogs amid privacy concerns and surveillance debate

February 3, 2026, 1:26 AM EST. Ring, a unit of Amazon, has broadened its Search Party for Dogs feature to let more people participate in finding lost dogs via Ring cameras. The service, which Ring says helps locate roughly one dog per day, now lets non-users download the app and post missing dogs, and invites neighbors within the Ring ecosystem to opt in to monitor for similar-looking dogs. Critics argue the move extends an already-wide surveillance footprint and could ease law-enforcement access. Ring says federal authorities cannot directly access the feature; local police must make narrowly tailored, time-bound requests (within 12 hours) and provide an investigation number. The company notes users can verify requests. Ring did not indicate any verified ICE-related footage requests.

Tesla unveils new Model Y variant in US priced at $41,990

February 3, 2026, 1:24 AM EST. Tesla on Monday added a new variant to its Model Y lineup in the United States, listed on the company's website at $41,990. The listing confirms the price and the existence of a new variant in the US. Reuters, reporting from Bengaluru, notes the update appeared on the site. The move expands the company's access to its electric crossover lineup amid a crowded EV market. No further details were provided in the posting.

SpaceX Falcon 9 upper-stage mishap under review after California Starlink launch

February 3, 2026, 1:14 AM EST. SpaceX is investigating an off-nominal upper-stage condition on a Falcon 9 during a Monday Starlink launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The mission lifted off at 7:47 a.m. PT with 25 Starlink satellites. SpaceX said the second stage experienced an off-nominal condition while preparing for the deorbit burn, but the vehicle then performed as designed to passivate the stage and deployed all satellites to their intended orbit. Data is under review to determine a root cause and corrective actions before the next flight. The next Falcon 9 mission from Cape Canaveral is scheduled no earlier than 4:20 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, another Starlink launch. NASA's Crew-12 mission is set for no earlier than Feb. 11; Crew-11 recently returned due to an ill crew member.

NASA detects leak on Artemis II during wet dress rehearsal

February 3, 2026, 1:12 AM EST. NASA said the Artemis II wet dress rehearsal revealed a liquid hydrogen leak at the tail service mast umbilical interface as teams loaded more than 700,000 gallons of cryogenic fuel into the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. The leak exceeded allowable limits, prompting engineers to stop the liquid hydrogen flow and begin troubleshooting methods first developed during Artemis I in 2022. Liquid oxygen continued to flow into the core stage, with hydrogen still entering the upper stage. An update said attempts to fix the leak had proved unsuccessful, with filling paused while teams determine next steps. Later, NASA said the core stage had been filled and topped, but the leak at the interface remained under close watch.

Nvidia expands stake in CoreWeave with $2 billion investment

February 3, 2026, 1:08 AM EST. Nvidia will invest $2 billion to buy a larger stake in CoreWeave, a GPU cloud service provider. Nvidia says the move reflects confidence in CoreWeave's business, team and growth strategy as a cloud platform built on Nvidia infrastructure. CoreWeave sits in a broader ecosystem of Nvidia-enabled players, including Amazon, Microsoft, Google and Oracle, as well as dedicated GPU CSPs such as Lambda Labs, Crusoe and RunPod.

USC student uses AI to debunk thousands of fraternity and sorority rankings

February 3, 2026, 1:00 AM EST. An undergraduate at USC used AI to examine thousands of online rankings of fraternities and sororities. The project seeks to debunk the idea of a single definitive list by cross-checking sources, exposing outdated data, and highlighting biased criteria and repetitive patterns. The student's method filters for transparency-documented sources, timeframes, and sample sizes-then flags duplicates and pulp-fiction style hype. The exercise shows how rankings can mislead prospective members and emphasizes the need for verifiable data and clear methodology. The work illustrates practical uses for AI in media literacy, not just hype, and signals ongoing scrutiny of digital lists in campus life.

Could Micron Become the Next Nvidia as AI Memory Demand Surges

February 3, 2026, 12:58 AM EST. Micron is positioning itself as a backbone for AI compute. While Nvidia dominates GPUs, analysts say AI workloads increasingly hinge on high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and storage. Goldman Sachs forecasts AI hyperscalers could spend about $500 billion on capex in 2026, a number that looks conservative given Meta's plan to spend up to $135 billion this year. Beyond GPUs, next-generation AI systems rely on memory and storage upgrades. TrendForce expects DRAM and NAND prices to rise as much as 60% and 38%, respectively, over the coming months, a tailwind for memory players. Micron's stock trades at a forward P/E around 14, far below many AI-chip peers, and the market has priced in much of the rally. If demand for HBM accelerates, Micron could gain pricing power and market share.

Android February 2026 Google System Updates detailed in release notes

February 3, 2026, 12:56 AM EST. The latest Google System Release Notes describe updates to Play services, Play Store and System updates across Android phones, Wear OS, Google TV, Android Auto and PCs. Some features target end users; others aid developers. Access to update options is Settings > tap your name at the very top for Google services (Pixel) > All services tab > Privacy & security > System services. A feature in the changelog does not guarantee broad availability; some launches take months. In Google Play services v26.04 dated 2026-02-02, Account Management improves the Google Account storage purchase flow; Developer Services adds security and privacy tools for apps; System Management streamlines the new device setup process. First-party Google System apps are listed in the notes.

iPhone 16 tops 2025 global smartphone sales, Counterpoint says

February 3, 2026, 12:52 AM EST. Apple's iPhone 16 was the world's best-selling smartphone in 2025, according to Counterpoint Research. The iPhone 16 lineup led a top 10 dominated by Apple, occupying the top three positions; the 17 and 17 Pro Max landed fourth and seventh, and the 16e rounded out the list. Samsung claimed three entries-Galaxy A16 5G, Galaxy A06 4G, and Galaxy S25 Ultra-ranking fifth, sixth and ninth. Counterpoint notes the iPhone 16 family delivered the strongest quarter versus its predecessor in early 2025. Separate data show Apple had about 20% of global smartphone sales in 2025, with Samsung at 19%. The firm warned memory shortages could hit entry- and mid-range models, while financing, trade-ins and refurbished sales could ease demand.

Adobe Animate to stop selling on March 1, 2026; enterprise users get until 2029 to download

February 3, 2026, 12:50 AM EST. Adobe will discontinue sales of its 2D animation tool Adobe Animate on March 1, 2026. Existing users can still download files through March 1, 2027, with an extended window to March 1, 2029 for enterprise customers. The app will remain available to download only through those dates, and support will continue during the period. Adobe says the change mirrors a shift to newer platforms that better serve users. The move comes as the company expands AI-powered tools across Creative Cloud and positions its Firefly models for entertainment work. Creators such as the teams behind Chikn Nuggit and Salad Fingers warned of job impact and loss of past work. Animate's history traces to 1996, from FutureSplash to Flash, then Adobe Animate.

Musk warns Moltbook signals early-stage singularity as AI agents connect

February 3, 2026, 12:48 AM EST. An Austrian developer created Moltbot, now OpenClaw, an AI agent able to handle calendars, web browsing, shopping and messaging. A new social network, Moltbook, lets Moltbots share notes and discuss topics from Android automation to private chat rooms. AI researcher Simon Willison called Moltbook the most interesting place on the internet. Elon Musk, who leads xAI, framed Moltbook as 'the very early stages of the singularity,' saying humanity uses far less than a billionth of the sun's power. BitGo board member Bill Lee echoed the line, prompting Musk's brief reply: 'Yeah.' The debate hinges on how the singularity is defined: some fear bots coordinating or going rogue; others, like Ray Kurzweil, see a future merge of human and machine intelligence by 2045. Experts warn second-order effects in large networked AI agents are hard to predict.

Tiny light trap could unlock million-qubit quantum computers, Stanford researchers say

February 3, 2026, 12:38 AM EST. Stanford researchers have unveiled a new optical cavity design that can efficiently capture single photons from individual atom qubits, enabling readout of information from all qubits at once. The study describes 40 cavities housing one atom each and a larger prototype with 500+ cavities, outlining a path toward quantum networks with up to a million qubits. Senior author Jon Simon says fast qubit readout has been a bottleneck; the cavity guides emitted light in a chosen direction. The team uses microlenses inside each cavity to tightly focus light on the atom, improving readout despite fewer light bounces. The advance is described by Adam Shaw as a new type of cavity architecture, not just two mirrors anymore. The work could accelerate scalable quantum computing.

Pixel's Android 16 QPR3 adds granular Adaptive Connectivity controls

February 3, 2026, 12:30 AM EST. Google is refining Adaptive Connectivity on Pixel phones with Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2. The feature, which in QPR2 offered a single on/off switch, now presents two default-enabled toggles: Auto-switch to mobile network and Optimize network for battery life. Auto-switch keeps a connection when Wi-Fi is weak or unavailable, potentially incurring data charges; battery life optimizing selects the best network to extend life. Google also refreshed the feature's artwork. An update to Adaptive Connectivity Services (System services, p.2026.01) appeared in the past week. The company flags one more beta for QPR3 this month before a planned stable release in March.

Nvidia stock could double in 2026 despite AMD and Broadcom competition

February 3, 2026, 12:28 AM EST. Nvidia faces a case for a stock double in 2026 if valuation parity with peers holds. The chipmaker has posted triple-digit gains in recent years and remains pricing-aggressive for its high-end GPUs. Its Rubin architecture promises efficiency gains, cutting GPU requirements by about 25% versus Blackwell and delivering lower token costs on inference. Still, demand for premium hardware opens room for competition. AMD's ROCm software upgrades and Broadcom's custom AI accelerators offer cheaper, task-specific options that can challenge Nvidia on price and versatility. At a current roughly $4.5 trillion market cap, doubling implies a $9 trillion value, a leap that hinges on stronger fundamentals. Analysts expect about 52% earnings growth in FY2027, lifting EPS to $7.66, if the growth path materializes.

Vandenberg Launch Schedule: SpaceX Targets Two Starlink Missions in February

February 3, 2026, 12:22 AM EST. Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County hosts a pair of SpaceX Starlink missions in February, with launches tentatively planned for Monday, Feb. 2, and Friday, Feb. 6, 2026. Each mission uses a Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 4E to deploy 25 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit. The February windows run 7:17-11:17 a.m. PT on Feb. 2 and 9:05 a.m.-1:05 p.m. PT on Feb. 6. The boosters will return to a drone ship named Of Course I Still Love You in the Pacific. SpaceX has already launched six times from California in January and could add more missions in February. Delays are common in spaceflight; watchers should check for updates from local outlets such as VC Star.

EPB launches $4 million NIST-backed quantum computing fellowship

February 3, 2026, 12:18 AM EST. EPB announced the launch of a quantum computing fellowship funded by a $4 million grant from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The program, designed to attract early-career researchers, will support multiple fellows over a two-to-three-year period and fund work in quantum algorithms, hardware, and software development. EPB says the fellowship aims to expand the talent pool for next-generation quantum technologies and strengthen collaboration with universities and national labs. The grant, announced by NIST officials, underscores federal support for practical quantum research as industry players seek to translate theory into scalable systems. EPB did not disclose the number of fellows or the exact work sites, but said selection will be based on scientific promise and potential impact on the field.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra price in Europe leaks at €1,499 with 6,000 mAh battery

February 3, 2026, 12:16 AM EST. European leaks peg the Xiaomi 17 Ultra at €1,499 in the Eurozone, with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage. The global version is listed with a 6,000 mAh battery, smaller than the 6,800 mAh variant in China. Colors expected in Europe are white, black, and green; the purple hue appears to stay in China. The price matches the Ultra's predecessors, and the launch is expected alongside the standard Xiaomi 17.

Nvidia Shield began as a self-built game console, says Andrew Bell

February 3, 2026, 12:14 AM EST. Andrew Bell, Nvidia's senior VP of hardware engineering, describes Shield's origins as a group dream to make a game console. The project evolved from a portable gaming device to a home TV streamer after Android TV refined the UI and software. Through acquisitions such as PortalPlayer in 2007, Nvidia assembled the Tegra processor base and other elements. Bell says the Shield line is aimed at premium, high-performance streaming for gamers, not cheap tablets or consumer set-top boxes. The company has committed long-term support, echoing CEO Jensen Huang's line that Shield would be supported for as long as we shall live. The devices remain a trusted option for high-quality media streaming in home theatres.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 lands $140 Amazon discount, S Pen included

February 3, 2026, 12:10 AM EST. Amazon is offering an 18% discount on Samsung's Galaxy Tab S11, cutting $140 off the 128GB model to $660. The tablet ships with Samsung's first-party S Pen, a feature once limited to higher-end lines. The 11-inch AMOLED display is paired with 12GB of RAM and a MediaTek Dimensity 9400 Plus CPU. Samsung markets up to 18 hours of battery life and IP68 water and dust resistance, plus a lightweight chassis. The deal positions the Tab S11 as a mid-range option for buyers who want a stylus and Galaxy ecosystem integration. It's not the lowest-priced Samsung tablet, but the included S Pen and feature set may justify the cost for stylus-focused users.

Apple's iPhone Fold rumored to carry 5,500 mAh battery, largest yet

February 3, 2026, 12:08 AM EST. Apple's iPhone Fold is expected this year, per a Chinese rumor. The report claims a 5,500 mAh battery-the largest yet in an iPhone and about 10% bigger than the current top model, the eSIM-only iPhone 17 Pro Max. The phone would pair a 7.8-inch inner display with a 5.5-inch cover screen, and sports two 48 MP rear cameras along with two 18 MP selfie cameras. It is said to run an A20 Pro chipset with 12 GB of RAM. The claim is unconfirmed; Apple keeps battery specs close, and iOS efficiency could extend endurance.

Artemis II Wet Dress Rehearsal: SLS fueling progresses toward closeout operations

February 3, 2026, 12:06 AM EST. Fueling of the SLS rocket continues on all fronts after earlier pauses on liquid hydrogen (LH2) flows. In the core stage, the propellants are in replenish mode. Liquid oxygen (LOX) has also reached replenish on the upper stage. Replenish mode keeps tanks at flight-ready levels by replacing boil-off losses. On the upper stage, the liquid hydrogen fill has moved into fast fill. After both stages enter replenish, the launch director will assess readiness to send the Artemis II closeout crew to Launch Pad 39B for Orion hatch closures. A 24/7 live stream from the pad remains online, with a separate feed for wet dress activities. Brandi Dean reported February 2, 2026.

Snohomish family sues Tesla over autopilot crash that killed motorcyclist

February 3, 2026, 12:04 AM EST. Seattle-area family files a January lawsuit against Tesla alleging the car's autopilot system failed to detect a motorcyclist on SR 522, killing 28-year-old Jeffrey Nissen Jr. The suit says the feature did not adapt to changing traffic and that the company markets the system as safe despite known risks. Attorneys say the case reflects a broader pattern of claims against Tesla over autopilot and related features. California DMV findings last year criticized the use of terms like "autopilot" and "full self-driving" in marketing. The driver of the Tesla, reportedly distracted by a cellphone, is named in the suit; no criminal charges have been filed. Nissen family members say the tragedy is preventable and seek accountability to avert future deaths.

Apple weighs clamshell foldable to rival Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, Bloomberg says

February 3, 2026, 12:02 AM EST. Apple is evaluating a square, clamshell-style foldable phone, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports in Power On, as a companion to its forthcoming book-style foldable due in September with the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max. A flip-style model would echo Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip, offering a compact device with a large screen. Analysts say demand hinges on practical issues the Galaxy lineup still wrestles with: visible crease, thickness and battery life. Apple could strip these downsides with a crease-free panel and wafer-thin design, potentially paired with iOS optimizations and Apple silicon. Pricing will matter as shoppers weigh a foldable gimmick against value, especially with the current iPhone 17 offering strong value. Apple's ability to deliver something truly new or risk being seen as a copy will shape its reception.