Nothing teases Phone (4a) series; colorways hint at March launch
February 10, 2026, 3:24 AM EST. Nothing has begun a teaser campaign for the Phone (4a) and Phone (4a) Pro, signaling a global launch in early March. The cryptic tweet hints at colorways, with dots in black, white, pink, yellow, and blue. Nothing has confirmed that at least one model will use UFS 3.1 storage, up from UFS 2.2 on the Phone (3a) family. Leaks point to Snapdragon 7-series chips powering the (4a) and (4a) Pro. EU Energy Label data lists a 5,080 mAh battery rating, likely marketed as a typical around 5,200-5,250 mAh, and a 50W charging ceiling. The post aligns with earlier Phone (3a) lines while keeping some details provisional.
Apple Studio Display 2 rumors point to 2026 launch with mini-LED and A19 Pro chip
February 10, 2026, 3:20 AM EST. Apple is eyeing a Studio Display 2 for release in the first half of 2026, with multiple rumors circulating. The current Studio Display, launched March 2022, is a 27-inch 5K LCD with 60Hz, up to 600 nits, built-in camera and speakers, and ports. Rumors say the successor could add mini-LED backlighting, HDR support, higher brightness and contrast, and a new A19 Pro chip for better performance and camera features. If timing holds, Apple could unveil the display by the end of June 2026. The report aligns with ongoing product cadence, though details remain unconfirmed and subject to change.
Avnet Insights: APAC engineers accelerate AI adoption across industries
February 10, 2026, 3:16 AM EST. APAC AI adoption is accelerating, with Avnet's fifth Insights survey showing more than half of engineers globally shipping AI-enabled products (56%), a 33% year-over-year rise. In APAC, China leads large-scale deployment, while Japan emphasizes reliability. These regional strengths, plus shifting priorities in India, are shaping Asia-Pacific's tech evolution. Top applications remain process automation (42%), predictive maintenance (28%), and fault/anomaly detection (28%), as engineers blend Edge AI with machine learning (ML). Some 64% globally say they prioritize Edge AI and ML equally, signaling growing multi-modal AI use. Challenges persist: data quality (46%) and ongoing maintenance (54%). Talent investment in model optimization (17%) and data analysis (16%) aims to turn complexity into competitive advantage.
KOSÉ to show how quantum computing could shape future cosmetics at PCHi 2026
February 10, 2026, 3:12 AM EST. At PCHi 2026 in Hangzhou, March 18-20, KOSÉ will discuss how quantum computing-based algorithms can speed cosmetic formulation. In advance, Shun Obikane, a Data Scientist in KOSÉ's Advanced Technology Research Laboratory, describes how quantum approaches explore vast candidate formulations in parallel, beyond traditional, experience-driven methods. Obikane notes that the technology can uncover combinations that even seasoned developers miss, while acknowledging that human oversight remains essential as decisions shift to deeper knowledge and critical thinking. Since 2021, he has led materials informatics work for formulation design and developed a proprietary quantum-computing-based automatic formulation generation algorithm, applied to Decorté's AQ Pore Blackhead Dissolver. KOSÉ intends to push research value in beauty through quantum computing and AI, though automation will complement rather than replace human expertise.
Multi-Carrier Internet Backup Redundancy Tests Fragile Connectivity
February 10, 2026, 3:10 AM EST. Millions faced a phone outage Monday as calls failed, texts stalled, and data slowed. The incident underscored how modern life runs on connectivity and how most users rely on a single network path. Industry observers say outages are no longer rare anomalies but routine tests of systems not designed to be invisible. The piece argues for redundancy: deploying multi-carrier links, diversified infrastructure, and contingency planning so critical services: healthcare, payments, public safety, and emergency alerts remain reachable during failures. Natural disasters and routine disruptions expose the fragility of current models, where a fiber cut or carrier outage can isolate communities. The author frames internet access as foundational infrastructure, not a productivity tool, with safety and real-time information at stake when networks go down.
Embark's ARC Raiders nudges players toward cooperation with Shared Watch Event
February 10, 2026, 3:06 AM EST. Embark Studios is running a Shared Watch Event in ARC Raiders from Feb. 10-24 to steer players toward cooperating against ARC machines. Rewards flow from Merits, earned by damaging ARC enemies, unlocking items, Raider Tokens, and progress toward a cosmetic set called The Slugger. The aim is to reward collaboration rather than force it with strict matchmaking, while patch notes will reveal more system details. The program seeks to re-engage PvP-focused players and possibly attract new ones by making teamwork loot-driven rather than mandatory. ARC Raiders supports cross-play across PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, enabling players on all platforms to join forces or clash, as desired.
NASA Artemis II launch date pushed to March 2026
February 10, 2026, 3:04 AM EST. NASA now expects the Artemis II crewed lunar mission to launch no earlier than March 2026, after a wet dress rehearsal exposed issues likely scrapping the 8 February target. Earlier dates of 6 and 7 February were ruled out because cold weather and winds at Kennedy Space Center pushed the test back. The program's official earliest date remains 8 February for now, but officials signal a possible March delay. The multi-step preparations include the fully stacked Space Launch System and Orion on Launch Pad 39B, with rollout completed January 17 and final integration moving ahead. The crew – Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen – will perform a pad walkdown before liftoff. Artemis II is the first crewed SLS/Orion flight; Artemis III would follow with a lunar landing.
Tesla Eyes U.S. Solar Cell Expansion, Musk Targets 100-GW Power Push For AI Data Centers
February 10, 2026, 3:02 AM EST. Tesla is accelerating a U.S. solar-cell push alongside its AI and robotaxi ambitions. The company is weighing a Buffalo, New York expansion that could lift capacity to about 10 gigawatts and has discussed a second site in New York, Bloomberg reported. The site search also includes Arizona and Idaho, with Tesla Vice President Bonne Eggleston leading hiring for domestic solar manufacturing. Musk has said Tesla aims to produce 100 gigawatts of solar cells per year to power data centers on Earth and in space, a target that would dwarf current U.S. capacity. Analysts say the plan could redefine the energy landscape as AI drives demand for power. Wedbush's Daniel Ives sees the robotaxi push expanding to 30-35 U.S. cities and contends the strategy could add long-term value, potentially lifting Tesla toward a $2 trillion market cap by 2026.
Riot Games trims about half of 2XKO development team as layoffs hit
February 10, 2026, 2:58 AM EST. Riot Games is trimming about 80 roles at its 2XKO development team, roughly half of the game's global staff. The cut was confirmed to Game Developer as Riot adjusts after expanding from PC to console. In a blog post, Executive Producer Tom Cannon said 2XKO has a loyal core audience, but momentum hasn't justified a team of that size long term. The console launch occurred last month. Riot said plans for its 2026 competitive season remain unchanged and that it will try to reassign affected employees to other roles within the company where possible.
MnXPb-Pb Heterostructure Hosts Electrically Programmable Majorana Networks
February 10, 2026, 2:56 AM EST. Researchers report a symmetry-protected route to higher-order topological superconductivity in MnXPb-Pb heterostructures (X=Se, Te). The work shows Majorana corner modes-Majorana zero modes (MZMs), quasiparticles that are their own antiparticles-emerge at interfaces between superconducting and magnetic regions in a two-dimensional MnXPb2/Pb stack. By combining first-principles calculations with an effective boundary model, they demonstrate robust corner localization and electrical control over fusion and braiding in a triangular geometry, without external magnetic fields. The result points to MnXPb as a scalable platform for programmable Majorana networks, enabling purely electrical manipulation of quantum states in a compact, two-dimensional device.
Amazon's Trainium chips disrupt Nvidia's hold as AWS expands AI hardware
February 10, 2026, 2:44 AM EST. Amazon is expanding its AI hardware play, deploying 1.4 million Tranium2 chips in data centers and planning Tranium3. The custom silicon, alongside Graviton CPUs, has helped lift a reported annual run rate for Amazon's AI chips to about $10 billion and is growing at more than 100% year over year. Amazon claims Tranium offers 30% to 40% better performance-per-dollar than comparable GPUs from Nvidia. Anthropic uses Tranium2 to train and run Claude models, illustrating a future where competition narrows the edge of Nvidia's dominance. AWS is ramping up capex toward $200 billion this year, monetizing capacity as fast as it installs it. Nvidia remains the leading AI accelerator maker, but the AI-hardware race is tightening.
ServiceNow deepens Anthropic AI push as shares slide and buybacks rise
February 10, 2026, 2:40 AM EST. ServiceNow expands its collaboration with Anthropic, rolling out Claude AI models across the company and its platform. The move yields internal productivity gains, including shorter sales-prep times and stronger developer support. New enterprise deals with Fiserv and Panasonic Avionics widen adoption in financial services and aviation tech. Management also boosts the share buyback authorization to $9.5 billion, signaling confidence in the balance sheet. The stock traded around $103.87 as of the latest session, with a 12% weekly drop and a year-to-date decline near 30%. Investors will watch whether AI-enabled workflows translate into durable adoption and revenue gains across the ecosystem, even as the software sector faces AI-related disruption fears. The AI-first positioning continues to push deeper into CRM and industry-specific use cases.
Tem raises $75 million Series B to remake electricity markets using AI
February 10, 2026, 2:38 AM EST. Tem, a London-based energy-tech startup, closed a $75 million Series B led by Lightspeed Venture Partners, with participation from AlbionVC, Allianz, Atomico, Hitachi Ventures, Revent, Schroders Capital and Voyager Ventures, sources say. The round values Tem at more than $300 million and will fund expansion to Australia and the United States, starting with Texas. Tem runs two linked businesses: Rosso, an AI-powered energy transaction engine that matches generators and buyers by predicting supply and demand; and RED, a neo-utility that tests Rosso's value. The aim is to cut intermediaries and labor costs to align prices with wholesale costs. Tem's customers include Boohoo, Fever-Tree and Newcastle United FC. Co-founder and CEO Joe McDonald says profitability is under control and Tem intends to go public someday. TechCrunch reported the exclusive.
Nvidia developing a 'very high-end' RTX 50 series GPU for 2026, says Overclocking.com
February 10, 2026, 2:34 AM EST. Overclocking.com reports Nvidia is building a new 'very high-end RTX 50 series' graphics card due in Q3 2026. The card is said to be unrelated to the suspended RTX 50 SUPER line, with production rumored to begin in a small batch and to ship primarily as a Founders Edition. Speculation centers on whether the chip will be the RTX 5090 Ti or a TITAN Blackwell, and officials concede certainty is low. The project aims to satisfy demand for extreme performance, as limited editions like ASUS' ROG RTX 5090 Matrix have sold out. Pricing is expected to be sky-high, reflecting its ultra-premium positioning. Nvidia could be seeking to unlock Blackwell's potential with a high-end, exclusive release.
UNECE draft global regulation could clear path for Tesla FSD in Europe and Asia
February 10, 2026, 2:22 AM EST. Reuters – In a move that could accelerate Tesla's rollout of Full Self-Driving features in Europe and Asia, the UNECE has adopted a draft Global Regulation on Automated Driving Systems. The framework shifts from prescriptive rules to a Safety Case, requiring manufacturers to prove outcomes and safety relative to a human driver. If adopted in June 2026, the rule would create a single standard recognized across UNECE member states (about 50), simplifying approval and reducing reliance on patchwork national rules. Tesla had relied on national exemptions in several EU countries; the new approach could let the company seek UNECE approval and launch across many markets at once. The US NHTSA and major markets like China and Japan are watching for alignment.
Google Home fixes long-standing glitches, adds smart-button triggers
February 10, 2026, 2:20 AM EST. The latest Google Home update addresses long-standing complaints, notably a persistent video-not-available message on Nest cameras. Google calls it a "foundational fix." The issue has frustrated users for years, limiting the cameras' security value. The update also adds smart buttons as automation triggers, giving a physical control the system previously lacked compared with rivals. While voice and app controls remain central, buttons provide practical appeal, though early results are mixed. Looking ahead, the biggest asks include local storage and streaming options for cameras, including Nest Cam, a feature unlikely to arrive soon. In the near term, hardware upgrades-new smart speakers and displays-appear as the next frontier. Reader input is invited in comments or on the 9to5Google forums.
SK chief meets Nvidia CEO in US to discuss HBM, AI cooperation
February 10, 2026, 2:18 AM EST. SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won met Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang in the United States to discuss HBM supply and broader AI partnerships, industry sources said Monday. The meeting, reportedly held at a California fried chicken restaurant, covered supply plans for HBM4, the next-generation memory likely to back Nvidia's upcoming Vera Rubin AI accelerator. SK hynix, a key Nvidia memory supplier, says mass production of HBM4 is under way in line with customer schedules, though demand may outpace supply. Samsung Electronics is also expected to begin HBM4 production later this year. Industry sources estimate SK hynix could hold roughly 70% of the HBM4 market this year. The talks also touched SK Group's plan to expand into AI solutions beyond memory chips. Chey has remained in the U.S. for meetings with major tech firms.
Elon Musk's xAI opens Bellevue engineering hub as OpenAI expands nearby
February 10, 2026, 2:16 AM EST. Elon Musk's xAI is establishing a Seattle-area engineering center in Bellevue, in a ~25,000-square-foot space on the 8th floor of Lincoln Square South at 10400 NE 4th St. The move follows Musk's September pledge to open an outpost in the region. The lease makes xAI the latest AI player in Bellevue, which is also home to OpenAI's expansion to about 300,000 square feet at City Center Plaza, roughly a 10-minute walk away. Founded in 2023, xAI is known for Grok, its AI chatbot tied to X. The news comes weeks after SpaceX disclosed an acquisition of xAI valued at about $250 billion, a deal that closed after the tenant filing. Seattle-area listings show salaries from $180,000 to $440,000 for roles ranging from CUDA/GPU kernel work to image, video, and world-model development, signaling a true AI-model hub.
DigiCert Q4 2025 RADAR: Internet under sustained pressure as peak demand becomes the norm
February 10, 2026, 2:14 AM EST. DigiCert's Q4 2025 RADAR Threat Intelligence Brief shows the internet operating under sustained pressure. Traffic remains elevated for weeks, with no clear off-peak window during busy periods. Background activity-DNS failures, NXDOMAIN requests, automated scanning and probing-stays higher than normal even outside events. DDoS attacks are longer in duration as attackers apply prolonged strain. For always-on markets like Singapore, this means planning for continuous load instead of spikes. The RADAR data draws on trillions of events from DigiCert's security platform (UltraDNS, UltraDDoS Protect and UltraWAF). Seasonal activity coincides with rising malicious activity, reinforcing the need for layered, resilient security. Manual, reactive approaches don't scale when load is sustained; persistent scanning and misconfiguration elevate security and availability risks.
Onyx Boox Page: Android apps unlock versatility on a 7-inch E Ink tablet
February 10, 2026, 2:12 AM EST. An Onyx Boox Page 7-inch E Ink tablet sells for about $250 and runs a simplified version of Android 11, letting users install apps such as Kindle, TikTok, and Google Docs. Proponents say the device blends reading with lightweight productivity, addressing a common weakness of dedicated e-readers and note takers like Kindle and ReMarkable 2. By enabling Android apps, readers can add notes in Docs or Keep, browse with Chrome, and research without switching devices. The OS isn't up to date, and app experiences can be hindered by the slow refresh of E Ink when streaming video. YouTube and Instagram are possible but with friction. The tablet ships with a flip case and a sturdy magnet system, and overall the author finds it suits readers who want a modicum of expanded capabilities.
Samsung hints at Feb. 25 Galaxy S26 Unpacked date
February 10, 2026, 2:08 AM EST. Samsung's Gulf arm hints at an Unpacked date for the Galaxy S26 family. An official post on the X account points readers to a contest whose linked PDF Terms and Conditions outline two phases: Part one runs until February 24, Part two begins February 25 and continues "during and after Galaxy Unpacked." While not a formal invitation, the timing aligns with widely circulated rumors that the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra debut at a late-February event. Samsung has not issued a standalone invitation, and the company cites the PDF as the source. The confirmation remains unofficial, but the date window strongly suggests a February Unpacked unveiling.
Stellantis sells Windsor battery stake to LG for $100 as EV outlook dims
February 10, 2026, 2:02 AM EST. Stellantis is selling its 49% stake in NextStar Energy to LG Energy Solution for about $100, ending a project meant to spark Canada's first large-scale battery plant in Windsor. The facility, designed to employ up to 2,500 people and produce more than 45 gigawatt hours annually, has drawn roughly $3.7 billion (about $5 billion CAD) in investment since its 2022 inception. Stellantis calls the move a strategic decision and says it will continue to source battery products from NextStar Energy. The shift comes as EV adoption lags forecasts, federal tax credits were curtailed in the U.S., and tariffs weighed on margins, prompting automakers to realign. Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa said the deal strengthens Windsor's viability and supports the company's electrification roadmap; LG executives highlighted capacity utilization and long-term growth.
Apple Swift Student Challenge opens for submissions with 350 winners, 50 Distinguished Winners to visit Cupertino
February 10, 2026, 2:00 AM EST. Apple has opened submissions for its Swift Student Challenge, inviting student coders to submit project playgrounds for a chance to win among 350 winners. An additional Distinguished Winners cohort of 50 will travel to Apple in Cupertino for three days. Entries close February 28. Eligibility varies by country; in Malaysia the minimum age is 16. Applicants must be enrolled in or recent graduates from an accredited institution or homeschool, or part of a STEM curriculum, or recent graduates awaiting college acceptance. Submissions must be an app "playground" created in Swift Playground 4.6 or Xcode 26 and delivered as a single ZIP in .swiftpm format; content must be in English. Apple urges creativity; past winners emphasize planning, storytelling and engagement with judges.
Op-ed warns weakening Section 230 would chill online speech
February 10, 2026, 1:56 AM EST. An op-ed in the Daily Journal argues that Section 230 immunity remains the best bulwark for free expression online. It says the 30-year-old provision shields intermediaries from most civil suits over user content, enabling real-time publishing on platforms from blogs to social networks. The piece contrasts this with two untenable alternatives: stripping all protection or tying immunity to a duty of care, both of which risks suppressing user-generated content and stoking chilling effects. It notes critics' calls for more limited, knowledge-based rules ignore practical realities and reflect broader international experience with common-law standards. Proponents say preserving Section 230 is essential to keep millions of people publishing thoughts, photos and jokes online.
Apple TV brings back Monarch: Legacy of Monsters and For All Mankind with new seasons
February 10, 2026, 1:54 AM EST. Apple TV+ will bring back two of its top sci-fi titles. Monarch: Legacy of Monsters returns for season 2 on February 27, expanding the Legendary MonsterVerse with Godzilla and Kong. Critics praised the human-centered storytelling and a strong score on Rotten Tomatoes (87%); Apple has already greenlit a Wyatt Russell-led spinoff. For All Mankind, the long-running alternate-history space drama, returns on March 27 for season 5. Creator Ronald D. Moore steers the show through the 2010s and beyond, with familiar faces plus new regulars like Mireille Enos and Costa Ronin. Seasons 1-4 are available on Apple TV+. The service costs $12.99 per month, with Apple One bundles offering discounts. Which titles are your favorites? Share in the comments.
Riot Games lays off about 80 from 2XKO after launch
February 10, 2026, 1:50 AM EST.Riot Games is laying off about 80 employees on the 2XKO team, roughly half the unit behind the fighting game that launched its 1.0 version on PC and consoles on January 20. In a blog post, Riot said momentum hasn't reached the level needed to sustain a team of this size long term, even as it commits to key improvements and ongoing community support through tournament organizers and local fighting-game groups. Executive producer Tom Cannon wrote that the decision wasn't taken lightly and noted engagement trends since expanding from PC to console. Riot will help affected staff through the transition, including potential opportunities within Riot and a minimum of six months' notice pay and severance where applicable. The 2026 Competitive Series plans remain unchanged.
Study finds AI intensifies workloads in AI-enabled workplaces
February 10, 2026, 1:48 AM EST. An eight-month study described in Harvard Business Review by UC Berkeley management professor Aruna Ranganathan and PhD student Xingqi Maggie Ye finds that generative AI tools did not reduce work so much as expand it. In a firm of about 200 employees, workers moved at a faster pace, tackled a broader range of tasks, and logged more hours, often without being asked. AI use was not mandated; tools were simply available. The roles studied-engineering, coding, and Slack-based communications-were largely knowledge workers who used tools like Claude Code. Participants broadened their responsibilities, sometimes coaching others or correcting peers' work, and hiring was deferred as workloads grew. Altman's comments about faster idea generation echo the experience, though interpretations differ.
Pixel popping sound issue spans multiple models as Google stays silent
February 10, 2026, 1:44 AM EST. Several users report a loud popping sound from Google's Pixel line, dating back to the Pixel 6 and persisting across models such as the Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro. The noise appears at random when opening or closing apps, sometimes with the volume off. The issue extends to the Pixel 7 Pro, reported to occur during TikTok use. Google has not issued a public statement; responses on forums range from the camera stabilization system's floating element to hardware or software explanations. Some users fixed it by lowering volume; others describe it as a broader fault involving power regulators or MOSFETs. No official timeline for a fix has been provided.
Windrose eyes containerized AI data center with BESS in two shipping containers
February 10, 2026, 1:30 AM EST.Windrose CEO Wen Han promoted a mobile data center and battery energy storage system (BESS) in a single concept, pairing two standard shipping containers on a Windrose R700 truck. The post, titled Windrose = AI = energy in a box, floated a container of batteries alongside one of servers and cooling equipment. Han used Google Gemini-rendered images to illustrate the idea, prompting questions about feasibility. The artwork, watermarking and all, shows a 4×2 trailer, though Windrose has publicly shown a 6×2 configuration in past trucks. The concept echoes a containerized BESS Volvo system unveiled at Bauma last year-designed to power off-grid sites and mobile offices. Journalists noted the speculative nature of the concept; readers were invited to comment with ideas. Source: Windrose via LinkedIn.
Zuckerberg doubles down on California AI drive with $50 million donation to Sacramento State University
February 10, 2026, 1:24 AM EST. Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan are steering the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative toward biomedical AI research. The couple pledged $50 million to Sacramento State University to fund state-of-the-art STEM labs and an AI center. Gov. Gavin Newsom tied the gift to the redevelopment of three vacant Capitol Mall office buildings into a downtown campus with student housing and new academic spaces. The donation comes amid a California debate over a proposed one-time wealth tax that has spurred several billionaires to relocate their residences. Zuckerberg has not publicly addressed the tax, but he and Meta continue investing in California, supporting biotech and tech talent through the Biohub network and campus projects. Newsom says it builds a talent pipeline for local tech jobs.
Samsung's Galaxy Tab A11+ hits best price yet at Amazon, from $210
February 10, 2026, 1:22 AM EST. Amazon cuts the Galaxy Tab A11+ to $210 shipped, the first cash discount on the base model. The 128GB and 256GB variants are available at Amazon, with discounts up to $100; Walmart had offered around $219 on the 128GB. Samsung is also offering trade-in credits up to $100, though there are no direct deals on the official site. The 11-inch tablet features a metal unibody with IP52 dust/water resistance, a 90Hz 1920×1200 display, and the MediaTek MT8775 chipset with up to 6GB RAM. Storage goes to 256GB. Dolby Atmos quad speakers provide enhanced audio for family-friendly streaming and light gaming.
The Sideload 021: Building a healthier smartphone relationship
February 10, 2026, 1:20 AM EST. Will and Damien Wilde of 9to5Google dissect how people relate to their devices in The Sideload, episode 21. They explore smartphone addiction, the pull of social media, and ways to reclaim time with technology, including healthier second screen options and the value of Do Not Disturb modes. The discussion touches on shifting web dynamics, mindful tech use, and the role of theaters and offline experiences in a world of constant connectivity. The hosts share personal insights about how their own patterns have evolved as new features and apps reshape attention, while offering practical takeaways for listeners seeking a calmer digital life.
Cloud Computing Theme: Microsoft MSFT in Focus as Azure Drives Growth
February 10, 2026, 1:08 AM EST. Cloud computing means on-demand access to computing resources-servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics and AI-over the Internet on a pay-per-use basis. This shift from on-premises infrastructure boosts agility and scalability. In Microsoft MSFT, the Intelligent Cloud segment, including Azure, posted 31% year-over-year revenue growth to $32.9 billion, though gross margin narrowed as the company intensified AI investments. Investors remain wary of the AI rally and seek tangible results from cloud bets. The Cloud Computing thematic list, built by Zacks, spotlights hardware, software and services that enable cloud services and the networks that support them. The approach combines long/short ideas and relies on the Zacks Rank; stocks within the theme aren't firm recommendations but a starting point for trend exposure.
Six Android launchers that beat your default home screen – most are free
February 10, 2026, 1:06 AM EST. Android launchers let you replace the default home screen. The article reviews six top options that vary in features, style, and price. A new launcher can refresh the feel of a phone and may speed up access to apps. Installable from the Google Play Store, most launchers are device-agnostic, but some are tied to a specific OS or device. You can run multiple launchers, but keep the original as a fallback. Storage space limits how many you can try. The piece highlights Olauncher for minimalists, and notes that many alternatives offer different designs and behaviors to suit preferences. The takeaway: experiment, then remove if you don't like it; customization remains a core strength of Android.
Best Buy cuts $250 on Apple Watch Ultra 2, opens Ultra 3 deals for President's Day sale
February 10, 2026, 1:00 AM EST. Best Buy has kicked off its 2026 President's Day sale with thousands of discounts, including $250 price drops on all black configurations of the Apple Watch Ultra 2. The titanium watch-featuring black finishes such as Ocean Band, Alpine Loop and Trail Loop-is now listed around $549 from the original $799. The retailer also features Apple Watch Ultra 3 deals, with new units down to roughly $549 and select open-box models available at up to $150 off. Notable open-box offers include a Black Alpine Loop Ultra 3 at about $132 off and a Black Trail Loop at $150 off, both backed by a 1-year Apple warranty. The deals cover new and open-box units, with colors like Black and Dark Green across lines.
Apple's USB-C Magic Mouse drops to $68 in limited sale
February 10, 2026, 12:56 AM EST. Apple's USB-C Magic Mouse is back on sale, offered at $68, about $11 off its usual price of $79 and a 14% discount. The deal applies only to the white model. The multi-touch mouse debuted in 2009, with a 2015 refresh and a 2024 upgrade adding USB-C connectivity. It is rechargeable, supports gesture controls, and pairs with Mac automatically when plugged in via USB. It can also work with an iPad over Bluetooth and with Windows PCs, though some features may be limited. The design, by Jony Ive, places the charging port on the underside, rendering it unusable while charging. Rumors of a broader redesign surfaced in 2024 but have not materialized.
iPhone designer Jony Ive blasts Tesla-style car touchscreens as 'easy and lazy'
February 10, 2026, 12:54 AM EST. Ferrari previews the Luce cockpit with input from Jony Ive and Marc Newson, partners at LoveFrom. Ive criticizes the trend of large, all-in-one touchscreens in cars, calling them unnecessary and distracting. He says drivers shouldn't have to look at a screen to operate functions, noting the design creates layers that complicate driving. The designers propose using many smaller screens instead of a single giant display to make the cabin feel more integral. Newson calls a big screen gratuitous and risky in a car. Ive warns that multi-touch has been adopted across industries, sometimes irresponsibly. The remarks came during a Ferrari roundtable around the Luce reveal, underscoring a debate over interior design trends in automotive tech.
Musk says recruiting top engineers to Texas remains difficult, especially for Starbase
February 10, 2026, 12:52 AM EST. Elon Musk says it's tough to recruit tech talent to Texas, and harder to lure engineers to SpaceX's Starbase. It's like a technology monastery thing, remote and mostly dudes, he said. He noted California still leads in hiring, despite moving HQs to Texas, with Austin helping but most engineering staff still in California. Spouses are often unwilling to relocate to the isolated Starbase area, Musk added. He contrasted Starbase with other Texas sites and said recruiters face a significant other problem. He also described Apple's bid to poach Tesla talent and outlined a broader challenge of retaining engineers when relocation is required. The remarks came during a Cheeky Pint podcast about talent and competition.
Shizuku AI to build cross-platform AI companions in Japan; seed round led
February 10, 2026, 12:48 AM EST. Akio Kodaira, then a UC Berkeley Ph.D. student, launched Shizuku, an AI VTuber that chats in Japanese and English and performs in real time via a Live2D avatar. What began as a hobby grew into a proof of concept for a broader vision: an AI lab in Japan dedicated to creating AI companions and characters that thrive on audience feedback. Kodaira coalesced cutting-edge work like StreamDiffusion, a real-time image generator capable of >90 fps, with an open-source project that earned thousands of GitHub stars and was published at ICCV 2025. Shizuku AI plans multilingual voice synthesis, richer dialogue, and cross-platform presence (Discord, YouTube, X) to fuel a community that helps shape the character. A seed round is led by the backer, backing this community-driven approach.
Safer Internet Day: Five tips for safe, effective learning
February 10, 2026, 12:46 AM EST. On Safer Internet Day, five practical steps help students, parents and educators keep learning safe and effective. Set smart boundaries with default protections like SafeSearch and Family Link for school hours and privacy. Foster critical thinking with Guided Learning in Gemini, guiding learners through problems rather than shortcuts. Teach teens to spot AI content using the SIFT method-Stop, Investigate, Find better coverage, Trace claims-and use image context and SynthID watermarks. Involve guardians with YouTube supervised accounts and parental insights on channel activity, backed by new content quality principles. Build digital citizenship by teaching online safety and respectful behavior, aligned with Be Internet Awesome resources to counter cyberbullying.
CATL tests Naxtra sodium-ion battery in -50°C cold to unlock EV markets
February 10, 2026, 12:44 AM EST. CATL says its Naxtra sodium-ion battery can run in ultra-cold conditions, with winter testing at -50°C in Inner Mongolia and plans to put the cells into mass-produced passenger cars this year. The tests are conducted with Changan Automobile Group to broaden EV reach into harsh climates, including Antarctica. Ouyang Xiaolong, chief engineer for passenger-car tech, told the South China Morning Post that the cells have demonstrated cold-weather viability. The effort follows China's slower EV growth in 2025, with gains concentrated in milder coastal cities, according to the China Passenger Car Association. Analysts such as Ethan Zhang at Nomura note sodium-ion offers better low-temperature performance, safety and material access, but lags lithium-ion in energy density and cycle life.
Dual-architecture quantum simulations bridge derived categories and fault-tolerant hardware
February 10, 2026, 12:40 AM EST. Scientists at the Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani propose a dual-architecture framework to simulate morphisms and stability in the bounded derived category, a framework from algebraic geometry used in D-brane physics. They realize two physically distinct paths: Parameterised Quantum Circuits (PQCs) on standard qubits and a Topological Quantum Computing (TQC) approach using Fibonacci anyons modeled via SU(2)3 tensor categories. In the PQC route, slope functionals and stability constraints become variational observables, turning derived morphisms into unitary evolutions and producing quantum-corrected Chern class inequalities with deformation terms. The TQC path employs braid group representations to implement functors, such as spherical twists, in a fault-tolerant sequence of braid operations. Together, the work builds a pipeline to study categorical stability and homological algebra directly on quantum hardware, bridging theory and practice.
OpenAI wins key discovery ruling in AI copyright case over pirated-books datasets
February 10, 2026, 12:36 AM EST. OpenAI won a bid to overturn a ruling that could have exposed internal communications and exposed it to large damages in a copyright fight over pirated-book data. The case centers on a 2018 OpenAI employee who downloaded books to build two datasets-books 1 and books 2-used to train discontinued GPT models. A magistrate judge had found that OpenAI waived attorney-client privilege by denying willful infringement and thus opened a path to privileged material in discovery. OpenAI appealed, hiring Lisa Blatt to argue the case. On Friday, a federal court reversed, keeping internal communications shielded and curbing access to state-of-mind evidence. The decision narrows a key battleground in lawsuits against AI companies over copyright and training data.
NASA's SpaceX Crew-12 completes dry dress rehearsal at Kennedy Space Center
February 10, 2026, 12:32 AM EST. NASA's SpaceX Crew-12 completed a key prelaunch step with a dry dress rehearsal at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The crew-Jessica Meir, Jack Hathaway, ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev-practiced suit-up, pad transit, and boarding without fueling the rocket. Countdown operations, spacecraft access, and emergency egress checks were run and reported on track. A prelaunch briefing with NASA officials and partners discussed the mission and a weather-driven launch date adjustment. Launch is now targeted for no earlier than Feb. 12 at 5:38 a.m. EST from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft. Updates will follow on the mission blog and NASAKennedy channels.
Nvidia Poised to Benefit as AI Spending Surges; Stock to Gain
February 10, 2026, 12:26 AM EST. Nvidia looks set to ride a wave of AI spending reshaping corporate budgets. The company dominates the GPU market for AI data centers, with about 90% share that helps drive rising revenue and profits. In its latest quarter, Nvidia reported a 62% jump in sales to $57 billion and a 67% rise in diluted EPS to $1.30, as demand for Blackwell processors and cloud GPUs stays strong. Management says the AI ecosystem is scaling faster, with more foundation-model makers and startups adopting Nvidia tech. Projections point to trillions of dollars in annual AI infrastructure spending by 2030. Big cloud players-Alphabet, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon-have lifted capex to expand AI compute, underscoring Nvidia's secular growth path.
Aqua Computer's Ampinel load-balancing GPU adapter on sale after three-month delay
February 10, 2026, 12:18 AM EST. Water-cooling maker Aqua Computer says its Ampinel12V-2×6 adapter is now on sale after a three-month delay. The device, designed to monitor and protect GPUs from power-related meltdowns, features a six-channel load balancer that redistributes current across six 12V lines in real time if any contact exceeds 7.5A. The product is currently out of stock and priced at €99.90 ($119), up from €79.90. Aqua Computer cited a broader feature set and added development work for the price rise and delay; hardware and overall design remain unchanged. The Ampinel includes a 128×64 OLED display, a buzzer up to 85 dB, RGB indicators, and extensive firmware/software controls via Aquasuite, with independent safer-operations like emergency shutdown and eight-stage alarms. Some say it should have been built into Nvidia GPUs at the start.
Anthropic AI safety leader exits, publishes departure letter
February 10, 2026, 12:16 AM EST. An Anthropic AI safety leader has left the company and published an exit letter describing the move. The letter flags concerns about governance and safety priorities amid rapid AI development and signals a wish to pursue work outside the firm. Anthropic confirmed the departure but offered limited comment on internal dynamics. The episode comes as the industry grapples with risk and governance standards for powerful models. Analysts say such exits can reflect shifts in strategy or risk tolerance at leading labs. The letter's tone was candid, underscoring ongoing friction between fast deployment and safety discipline in the field.
Bay Area founder uses AI to help families plan long-term care costs
February 10, 2026, 12:08 AM EST. Bay Area entrepreneur Lily Vittayarukskul, named to Forbes' 30 Under 30 list, built Waterlily, an AI platform that helps families model and plan for long-term care costs. The tool starts by collecting basic demographic, medical and financial data, then predicts future care needs in three tiers-early, moderate and full care-emphasizing home care over nursing facilities. The company says the AI can show how family members would step in and model claim scenarios from hundreds of thousands of quotes to inform financial planning. Vittayarukskul built the algorithm to account for healthcare inflation and local costs. Her motivation stems from caring for an aunt with terminal cancer at 16, which she says nearly bankrupted her family. Waterlily launched about two years ago and has attracted clients including financial planners.
Rivian developing Apple Watch app for vehicle controls
February 10, 2026, 12:04 AM EST. Rivian is developing an Apple Watch app that would let owners lock and unlock cars, adjust cabin temperature and windows, sound alarms, and set a charging target, extending even to 2021-2024 models. The feature mirrors, but on a watch, the existing Apple Car Key capability used by iPhone and Apple Watch since 2020. RivianTrackr's notes on a 2026.03 software update show the companion watch app alongside a new iPhone app. The release hinges on iOS app version 3.9, not yet in the App Store. Rivian previously rejected CarPlay in favor of its own interface, a stance the company has yet to change as this watch app moves forward.
