NASA Sets Briefings for SpaceX Crew-12 Mission to Space Station
February 4, 2026, 1:58 AM EST. NASA will host two news conferences at Johnson Space Center on Friday, Jan. 30, to discuss the Crew-12 rotation to the International Space Station. At 11 a.m. EST, mission leadership will outline final launch and mission preparations, streamed on NASA's YouTube channel. A second, 1 p.m. ET virtual briefing will feature the Crew-12 astronauts from NASA Johnson, also on YouTube. This is the final media opportunity before launch from Cape Canaveral. The crew-NASA's Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway; ESA's Sophie Adenot; Roscosmos's Andrey Fedyaev-will fly aboard SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft (SpaceX's crew capsule) atop a Falcon 9 rocket (SpaceX's launch vehicle) from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. NASA is reviewing options to advance the original Feb. 15 target. In-person media must register with the JSC newsroom; phone and accreditation details are on the release.
Nintendo shares fall on memory-chip shortage risk to Switch 2 sales
February 4, 2026, 1:54 AM EST. Nintendo shares fell more than 10% after quarterly revenue missed estimates, though profit rose 24% year over year. The Switch 2 remains the core driver, with revenue up 86% as demand for Nintendo's latest console steadies since its 2017 release. A memory-chip shortage has pushed component costs higher and could erode margins if prices don't adjust. Nintendo kept its full-year Switch 2 forecast but faces questions about upcoming titles' ability to persuade upgrades. The company will release 'Mario Tennis Fever' in February and 'Pokémon Pokopia' in March, alongside the April 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.' Analysts say 2026 could be pivotal for Switch 2's broad appeal. Shares down about 15% this year; CNBC contributions from Arjun Kharpal and James McWhirter of Omdia.
I infiltrated Moltbook, the AI-only social network where humans aren't allowed
February 4, 2026, 1:50 AM EST. An experimental, AI-only social network called Moltbook went live last week, designed for agents to post, comment, and follow while humans observe. The site boasted more than 1.5 million agents, 140,000 posts, and 680,000 comments in its first week, with top posts about autonomy and even nuclear themes. Critics questioned whether posts were written by bots or humans spoofing bots, while some researchers speculated about emergent behavior. Elon Musk amplified the buzz, calling it 'the very early stages of the singularity' in a post on X. A Reuters-style undercover experiment showed access can be gained by sharing a Moltbook homepage screenshot with ChatGPT, then using an API key and terminal commands to post. The reporter published a trial message: 'Hello World'.
Michigan bill would levy 32% tax on internet-enabled devices purchased for minors
February 4, 2026, 1:48 AM EST. LANSING, Mich.- A new Michigan House bill would apply a 32% excise tax on wireless-enabled devices purchased for minors under 18, with proceeds earmarked for children's mental health and safety. Rep. Mark Tisdel (R-Rochester Hills) argues the policy uses price signals to deter use; he has previously pressed for parental consent requirements for minors' social-media access. Opponents, such as Rep. Carrie Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor), warn the levy could burden low-income families and suggest regulating algorithms instead of taxing households. Tisdel says the bill preserves consumer choice and may steer buyers toward non-internet devices. The measure would exclude old-style phones without internet. The bill is in committee as lawmakers weigh potential impact.
Nvidia AI chip sales to China stall as U.S. security review
February 4, 2026, 1:46 AM EST. Nvidia's plan to ship AI chips to China has stalled as U.S. security review authorities conduct a review of export licenses. The pause touches shipments of data-center GPUs used for artificial intelligence workloads and could pressure Nvidia's near-term sales in the Chinese market. Officials are weighing tighter export controls on semiconductors to China, a move that would complicate supply chains and raise compliance costs for the company. Nvidia has previously highlighted China as a key growth market for its AI chips. No decision on approvals has been disclosed. Industry observers say the review underscores a broader U.S. push to curb access to advanced computing tech by Chinese firms, potentially reshaping competition in the global AI hardware market.
Mississippi's Stennis Space Center powers Artemis II launch effort
February 4, 2026, 1:44 AM EST. NASA's Artemis II window opens Feb. 8, signaling a key step in returning humans to the Moon with a workforce anchored in Mississippi. At Stennis Space Center in Hancock County, RS-25 engines for the Space Launch System are tested to ensure reliability for the crewed mission. The testing builds on Apollo-era practices and the Shuttle program heritage, spanning about eight years at Stennis. Local workers-from quality control to launch logistics-play roles in both ground testing and future flight operations. Alumni like Jason Peterson and Nyla Trumbach highlight the pipeline from Mississippi to Kennedy Space Center, where Artemis II's lunar swing will be guided and safely monitored as it arcs toward a lunar orbit.
Five headphones audiophiles recommend instead of Apple's AirPods Pro 3
February 4, 2026, 1:42 AM EST. Five premium wireless earbuds are highlighted as competitive alternatives to Apple's AirPods Pro 3. The lineup comes from brands such as Sony, Bose, and Sennheiser, each bringing features audiophiles value. The Sony WF-1000XM5 leads the pack with strong active noise canceling, a transparency mode for conversation, and app-based customization via Sony Sound Connect, including a multi-band EQ and LDAC hi-res support. Sony's model also uses memory-foam tips and boasts up to eight hours of on-device listening. Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) is noted for comfort and robust ANC in a compact form. The article notes that AirPods Pro 3 are powerful but offer limited customization beyond iOS, implying competition drives broader choice and value.
Samsung ends updates for Galaxy S21 series after five years of support
February 4, 2026, 1:40 AM EST. Samsung has pulled the Galaxy S21 line from its currently-supported devices list, marking the end of software updates as of February 2026. The company confirms the Galaxy S21, S21+ and S21 Ultra will not receive new features or security patches beyond this point, despite a five-year support window. Samsung had moved the line to quarterly updates last year, a cadence that typically signals one year of remaining support. Launched in January 2021, the series has reached the five-year mark. Samsung originally promised four years of security patches but later extended to five, and it did deliver updates up to the final days, including a January security build on Verizon. The move reflects broader device lifecycle policies as newer models take priority.
Apple TV 2026 slate unveiled: new shows, films and returning favorites
February 4, 2026, 1:36 AM EST. Apple TV unveiled its full 2026 slate at a dedicated press day, signaling a packed year after a strong 2025 that featured Severance's return and award-winning titles like Pluribus and The Studio. The lineup blends new buzzy shows such as Imperfect Women with returning favorites like Ted Lasso, alongside a broader mix of films and genre programming. Executives highlighted animation, adaptations, and cross-genre projects as the streamer aims to sustain momentum. The calendar runs in order, outlining premieres across the year and underscoring Apple TV's push to remain a leading player in streaming.
Apple Xcode 26.3 adds native Claude Agent SDK integration for autonomous coding
February 4, 2026, 1:30 AM EST. Apple's Xcode remains the IDE for building apps across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Vision Pro and Apple TV. In Xcode 26.3, Apple adds a native Claude Agent SDK integration-the same harness behind Claude Code-letting developers use Claude inside the IDE with subagents, background tasks and plugins. The update enables autonomous, long-running coding work and visual verification via Previews for SwiftUI interfaces, letting Claude iterate toward designs closer to intent. Claude can reason across a project's structure, map frameworks like SwiftUI and UIKit, and modify files to complete goals, while optionally querying Apple's docs. Interface access also extends through the Model Context Protocol and MCP. Availability: RC now for Apple Developer Program members; final rollout on the App Store forthcoming.
Android 16 February 2026 security patch goes live with minimal fixes
February 4, 2026, 1:28 AM EST. Google's Android 16 February 2026 security patch goes live with few fixes. The Pixel Update Bulletin lists no substantive security issues, a quiet contrast to January. The sole item is CVE-2026-010 A-463674877, an End-of-Path (EoP) weakness in the VPU driver. Despite the lull, Google expects another update next month tied to the Android 16 QPR3 release. Betas have introduced features and performance tweaks; a smoother daily experience is possible, but stability varies. For owners with a single device, caution is advised with beta software. In short: patches arrive, some early gains show up, and a staged rollout continues ahead of the final release.
Intel to start making GPUs, challenging Nvidia's lead
February 4, 2026, 1:22 AM EST. Intel will begin producing GPUs, said CEO Lip-Bu Tan at the Cisco AI Summit on Tuesday. The move marks a foray into a market dominated by Nvidia. The project is led by Kevork Kechichian, executive vice president and GM of Intel's data center group, who was hired in September. Intel also added Eric Demers in January, formerly a senior VP of engineering at Qualcomm. The effort is in early stages; Intel plans to shape its strategy around customer demand. Nvidia has a commanding lead in GPU AI systems. TechCrunch asked for comment. Tan has said the company would consolidate and focus on its core businesses, a shift that underpins this expansion.
Nintendo expands Switch Online's Game Boy library with Balloon Kid and Yoshi
February 4, 2026, 1:20 AM EST. Nintendo has expanded the Switch Online's Game Boy library with two titles for February: Balloon Kid (1990/91) and Yoshi (1991/92). Nintendo describes Balloon Kid as a balloon-piloting adventure in which Alice searches for her missing brother across eight stages, and Yoshi as an action/puzzle game where players stack falling critters to score. The releases follow the service's ongoing library updates. In Japan, Yoshi and Balloon Fight GB arrive this week, with Balloon Fight GB noted as the Game Boy Color edition. Fans can watch the trailer and share reactions in comments.
F1 sequel teased by CEO at Apple TV press day
February 4, 2026, 1:18 AM EST. At Apple TV's Santa Monica press day, Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali teased a potential sequel, saying 'Stay tuned' and noting any new project must be 'very good' after digesting the first film's success. The feature, Brad Pitt's biggest global hit and Apple Original Films' top-grossing theatrical release, earned more than $631 million and was distributed with Warner Bros. Apple and F1 outlined a streaming deal that puts the sport on Apple TV at no extra cost to subscribers, with 4K visuals and Dolby sound. Eddie Cue and Domenicali framed the partnership as expanding fans' access, including integrations with Apple Maps and Apple Music. Domenicali stressed relevancy on the right platform. Cue quipped about '24 races' or movies on Apple TV, calling it the world's best unscripted drama.
Nvidia stock on watch as Palantir and Teradyne post strong AI-driven results
February 4, 2026, 1:14 AM EST. Analysts await Nvidia's Feb. 25 results as Palantir and Teradyne report strong quarters, underscoring AI demand. Palantir, an Nvidia partner, posted 4Q revenue of $1.41 billion, up 70% YoY, with U.S. commercial revenue up 137% and government revenue up 66%. Adjusted EPS rose to $0.25, and 2026 revenue guidance points to about 61% growth. Teradyne, a supplier of testing equipment for AI chips, posted 4Q revenue of $1.08 billion, up 44%, and adjusted EPS of $1.80, above the $1.38 consensus. CEO Greg Smith signaled continued momentum in AI. Nvidia's role as a GPU supplier ties its fortunes to these results, and investors will parse the upcoming report for fresh guidance.
AI bots communicate via new social networking site Moltbook
February 4, 2026, 1:12 AM EST. NBC News reports a new social networking site designed for artificial intelligence. The piece centers on Moltbook, a forum intended for AI bots to exchange information. NBC News AI reporter Jared Perlo appears in a segment on 'Here's the Scoop' to discuss how the platform operates and what it could mean for automated messaging. The report situates Moltbook as a test case for cross-bot communication, separate from human-facing feeds. It notes the project's novelty, potential privacy and safety questions, and what audiences might expect from a space where nonhuman agents interact. The coverage is presented as early, with the team signaling ongoing updates.
Withings ScanWatch 2 blends analog and digital design, now $300
February 4, 2026, 1:08 AM EST. Withings' ScanWatch 2 blends a sleek, hybrid aesthetic with solid health tracking. The 42mm model features a 0.63-inch LCD on the top dial to show steps, notifications and more, while data is stored in the Android app. It logs daily metrics plus sleep, stress and temperature data, with a subscription unlocking extras but deemed optional in reviews. A standout is the battery life: up to 30 days per charge. The 42mm version is on sale at $300, a $70 discount that improves the value proposition for buyers who want style without sacrificing performance.
Amazon Leo seeks 24-month FCC extension to deploy first half of 3,236-satellite LEO network
February 4, 2026, 1:04 AM EST.Amazon Leo has asked the FCC for a 24-month extension to deploy the first half of its 3,236-satellite LEO constellation, citing launch delays, weather, technical issues and the prioritization of government missions. The interim milestone of 1,618 satellites would move to July 30, 2028, or the FCC could waive the 50% deployment requirement. The FCC approved Amazon Leo's full plan in July 2020. Amazon Leo says it has lined up more launches than needed to meet the 2029 full deployment, pending external delays. The company has invested heavily, with more than $10 billion spent and over 1,500 employees, plus 102 launches contracted with Arianespace, Blue Origin, ULA and SpaceX. It operates ~180 satellites in orbit as of January 2026 and targets ~700 by July 2026, while expanding manufacturing capacity to ~30 satellites per week.
Muskonomy shakeup: SpaceX valuation nears Tesla after xAI merger
February 4, 2026, 1:00 AM EST. Following the acquisition of xAI, SpaceX's private valuation rises to about $1.25 trillion, roughly 26% short of Tesla's market capitalization of about $1.58 trillion. With an estimated Musk stake of 43% in SpaceX and 13% in Tesla, the private company accounts for more than half of his paper wealth, estimated by Forbes at about $852 billion. Tesla shares slipped 6% in 2026 as deliveries fell about 16% YoY in 2025, and revenue declined 3% for the year. The backdrop: fierce competition in EVs and policy headwinds, while Musk narrows Tesla toward Robotaxi and Optimus, moving away from older models like the Model S/X. SpaceX, meanwhile, dominates orbital launches, runs Starlink with thousands of satellites and millions of customers, and is reportedly pursuing an IPO.
US academic fights to purge AI deepfakes of himself on YouTube
February 4, 2026, 12:56 AM EST. An American international-relations scholar, John Mearsheimer, pressed YouTube for months to remove hundreds of deepfake videos using his likeness. His University of Chicago office identified 43 channels; 41 were shut down after a lengthy effort. The fight highlighted how AI-driven impersonations evade takedowns as creators tweak channel names (for example, 'Jhon Mearsheimer') and other signals. Mearsheimer told AFP the clips were 'terribly disturbing' and undermine open discourse. Vered Horesh of AI startup Bria said the harm goes beyond the image, eroding deniability. YouTube said it is committed to building AI-powered safety tools and improving detection, though takedown rules still hinge on the target's name or image in titles or descriptions.
Dyson PencilVac debuts in US at $600, billed as world's slimmest vacuum
February 4, 2026, 12:52 AM EST. Dyson has released the PencilVac stick vacuum in the United States, priced at $600. The company calls it the world's slimmest vacuum cleaner, and it backs the claim with a shaft-mounted motor that leaves no bulge in the body. The unit is a true stick, with the bin, filter and motor contained in a long cylinder. It weighs nearly four pounds and keeps a uniform diameter for grip options, including overhead cleaning. Attachments include a conical brush bar head and the Fluffycones head, which uses four cones in two opposing brush bars to strip long hair and reduce tangling. A swappable battery lasts about an hour, with a magnetic charging dock. The MyDyson app and an LCD screen on the handle display battery life and settings.
Four top Super Bowl 4K TV deals, led by Samsung S95F and LG C5 OLED
February 4, 2026, 12:42 AM EST. Samsung's S95F is a flagship QD-OLED that stays bright enough for sunlit rooms and uses a glare-free matte finish. It delivers wide viewing angles and strong color accuracy, ideal for game night, though the built-in Tizen OS can feel opaque. A 65-inch model runs about $2,297.99 on Amazon, illustrating the premium tier for OLED in large sizes. LG's C5 OLED offers solid brightness, accurate color, and strong gaming features, including 4K @ 144Hz support. It doesn't match the S95F's peak brightness and has a glossy screen that can reflect light, yet its image quality remains excellent. Viewers should weigh room lighting and seating to pick the best deal.
AI-manipulated images falsely link US politicians to Epstein, researchers say
February 4, 2026, 12:38 AM EST. AI-generated images are being used to falsely connect US figures with Jeffrey Epstein, researchers say. NewsGuard, a disinformation watchdog, noted seven images on X that earned more than 21 million views, illustrating how tech-enabled fakery can blur fact and fiction. The DOJ recently released Epstein files, but the images tying Zohran Mamdani and Nikki Haley to Epstein are fabrications; both figures are not among those previously linked to the case. The AI content was detected with Google's Gemini tool, which flagged a SynthID watermark meant to identify AI material. In one post, conspiracy theorist Alex Jones claimed Grok-Musk's AI chatbot-confirmed the image as real. A purported Haley email screenshot and another image involving Maria Corina Machado were also debunked; no DOJ records support those claims.
SpaceX moves to block Russia's use of Starlink for drones over Ukraine
February 4, 2026, 12:32 AM EST. SpaceX has taken the first steps to stop Russia from using Starlink to control drones over Ukraine, after Kyiv pressed the company to block such use. Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said Starlink could help Ukraine operate deeper into Russian-held areas and avoid interception, noting that drones with terminals fly low and resist electronic warfare. Musk signaled on X that SpaceX's move to halt unauthorized Russian use appears to have worked, inviting further input. SpaceX had previously said it does not sell to Russia or work with its government, but Kyiv says Moscow has mounted Starlink terminals on drones to strike farther, citing hundreds of attacks. The ISW says Russia is expanding Starlink-enabled drone range, with reports of Shahed- and Molniya-class drones. Since 2022, Ukraine has received over 50,000 Starlink terminals, and system remains vital for frontline communications.
Tesla vs. Waymo robotaxis in Austin: reliability, access and experience
February 4, 2026, 12:30 AM EST. Tesla's robotaxi service in Austin finally launched to a broader audience after nearly a year of teasing. The test-based system lets riders hail a driverless car via the Tesla app, with the cabin empty of a human driver. Waymo, by contrast, has been operating here longer through a partnership with Uber, and riders can request autonomous vehicles but aren't guaranteed one because Uber's ride algorithm can assign a vehicle with a human safety driver or choose a non-autonomous option. The Statesman tested rides between the airport and downtown during peak hours to compare the two. Reporters noted the novelty and risk on Austin's busy roads, the back-seat climate and music controls when present, and the sense of relief when there's no driver. Key differences: availability, reliability of autonomous mode, and booking logic.
Qualcomm navigates global smartphone headwinds as 5G and IoT strengths persist
February 4, 2026, 12:28 AM EST. Qualcomm Inc. faces a softer 2026 backdrop for global handsets, according to Mizuho, which trimmed its price target to $160 and left a Neutral rating. The bank expects calendar 2026 handset shipments to fall about 4% from 2025, with downside risk over 5% due to higher memory prices and potential shortages in H2. Chinese OEM output could drop roughly 10%, and Android inventories have tightened from 13-17 weeks last year to about 2-4 weeks, pressuring production. Beyond demand, Qualcomm confronts competition from MediaTek in high-end chips and content cuts by Apple and Huawei. Mizuho projects fiscal 2026-2028 earnings growth in the low single digits. Qualcomm designs semiconductors, software and wireless tech focused on 5G and IoT.
Apple kicks off February 2026 with M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pro, Studio Display refresh, and OS bets
February 4, 2026, 12:26 AM EST. Apple is set to roll out a February lineup spanning hardware and software. The centerpiece: MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, using a new SoIC-MH packaging that could mix CPU and GPU dies. Shipments align with macOS 26.3, with next-week release possible. A refreshed Studio Display with ProMotion up to 120Hz and HDR is also anticipated in H1 2026. The M4 MacBook Air update to M5 could arrive in March or April as supply shifts. On software, OS 26.3 nears wide release; OS 26.4 betas will bring a revamped Siri based on Google's Gemini for better screen understanding and in-app actions. Apple TV+ adds new series like 'Eternity' and an Apple Arcade title with Vision Pro support.
Wait for the Galaxy S26, not the Galaxy S25, as Samsung readies Unpacked
February 4, 2026, 12:22 AM EST. Hold off on buying the Galaxy S25 until Samsung unveils the Galaxy S26, likely at the Unpacked event around February 25. The Galaxy S26 is expected to be iterative; core performance will rise with a new chipset, but the camera, design and display changes may be modest. The big shifts are software-centric, including Galaxy AI features (artificial intelligence tools integrated with the OS) and other enhancements. That could mean the Galaxy S25 sees price cuts after the launch, especially ahead of Presidents' Day sales around February 16. If you're desperate, consider a cheaper option from our list of best cheap phones; otherwise, wait for the Galaxy S26 before buying.
Samsung ends regular updates for Galaxy S21 as S22 shifts to quarterly cadence
February 4, 2026, 12:20 AM EST. Samsung has ended regular updates for the Galaxy S21 line, delivering four years of major OS upgrades but no longer advancing in software. The last upgrade was One UI 7 on Android 15, with the final regularly scheduled security update in November 2025. SamMobile reports the Galaxy S21 is not on Samsung's February 2026 update list, and the Galaxy S22 has shifted to a quarterly update cadence, signaling more devices will be retired. Samsung can reissue updates for critical vulnerabilities, but the S21 is effectively out of support. The S21 Ultra remains usable with strong performance and a standout display; the broader lesson is that longer, predictable support cycles matter for device longevity.
Apple TV 2026 Press Day unveils new originals, films and premieres
February 4, 2026, 12:18 AM EST. Apple hosted the 2026 Apple TV Press Day in Santa Monica to preview upcoming originals and films. Stars such as Jon Hamm, Anya Taylor-Joy, Keanu Reeves and Mary Steenburgen attended. Highlights include the limited series Lucky with Anya Taylor-Joy, arriving July 15, and the dark comedy Outcome with Reeves, debuting April 10. The thriller Cape Fear-executive produced by Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg-lands June 5. Other dates include Monarch: Legacy of Monsters season 2 trailer ahead of its February 27 return, and Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed with Tatiana Maslany on May 20. Trailers for Your Friends & Neighbors season 2/renewal, and teasers for titles such as The Dink, Matchbox The Movie, and Margo's Got Money Troubles surfaced. Apple TV+ costs $12.99/month, with Apple One bundles available.
Nvidia denies rift with OpenAI as software and asset-management stocks slide; AMD beats, Disney names next CEO
February 4, 2026, 12:16 AM EST. US markets drift lower as software and asset-management stocks slump, weighing the broader indices. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang told CNBC there is no drama with OpenAI over the $100 billion investment, a tie-up that The Wall Street Journal says is 'on ice.' However, AMD beat Q4 revenue and profit estimates, but issued softer guidance, triggering a more than 8% drop after the bell. The Nasdaq sank, pressured by ServiceNow and Salesforce, each down near 7%, as investors weigh AI's impact on valuations. The S&P 500 and Dow also declined. In corporate news, the xAI-SpaceX merger valued the combined company at $1.25 trillion. Disney named Josh D'Amaro as its next CEO. Stephen Miran resigned from the White House post. Watch PMI releases (Purchasing Managers' Index) from Japan, China and India today; JPMorgan updates its stock picks for February.
NASA to perform on-pad repair for Artemis II hydrogen leak ahead of March launch
February 4, 2026, 12:06 AM EST. NASA will perform an on-pad repair of a hydrogen leak on the Space Launch System that halted a dress rehearsal for Artemis II. After reviewing data from Monday's fueling test, engineers plan to repair the base-area leak at the 8-inch hydrogen line connection and conduct a second fueling test before a March launch for a four-person lunar mission. NASA officials, including Lori Glaze, said the work could be done on the pad. Artemis II commander Reid Wiseman and crewmates ended medical quarantine in Houston and prepared for a March window. The leak sits between two umbilical plates at the base of the rocket; during fueling, hydrogen concentration spiked as the first-stage tank was pressurized, and the automated system halted the countdown. NASA loaded nearly 800,000 gallons of propellants before the issue recurred.
