Technology News 15.01.2026

Websites grapple with client-side load failures as JavaScript is disabled

January 15, 2026, 11:52 PM EST. Users hitting a blocked or incomplete page due to client-side errors is a familiar friction point for online publishers. A typical message notes that JavaScript is disabled, or a required page component could not load. At issue are common culprits: browser extensions, network issues, or strict browser settings. Consumers are told to check their connection, disable ad blockers, or try a different browser. Tech teams say such checks reflect the growing reliance on client-side scripting for content and interactivity, raising concerns about accessibility for users with restricted settings or older devices. In some cases, sites fall back to non-scripted content, but experience can degrade when scripts fail to run.

Huawei MatePad 11.5 S 2026 launches with M-Pencil Pro support, 12GB RAM, 40W charging

January 15, 2026, 11:50 PM EST. Huawei's MatePad 11.5 S 2026 arrives with major upgrades over the 2025 model. The tablet adds M-Pencil Pro support, increases RAM to 12 GB and storage to 256 GB, and runs HarmonyOS 4.3. It uses a Kirin T92X hexacore chip, though Huawei has not disclosed specifics. The battery remains 8,800 mAh but supports up to 40W charging, doubling speed versus the earlier version. The display updates to a refined PaperMatte Display with higher clarity and a paper-like writing feel, on an 11.5-inch panel with 2.8K resolution and up to 144 Hz adaptive refresh. The device is 6.1 mm thin and available in grey and green.

Road-test: Is the 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQ a road-trip-ready family EV?

January 15, 2026, 11:48 PM EST. GM loaned the 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQ for a cross-country test to gauge its fit as a family EV and long-distance cruiser. The SUV uses a dual-motor AWD setup with a 205 kWh pack and a 465-mile estimated range, delivering 750 hp and 785 lb-ft of torque. On the road, charging tops out around 350 kW on compatible fast chargers, thanks to an 800V architecture that supports rapid top-ups. Inside, three rows hold seven passengers with up to 224 cubic feet of total cargo space. The journey spanned the Midwest to Florida, highlighting comfort, space and practicality, while also revealing tradeoffs like battery weight and real-world efficiency in extreme temperatures. Bottom line: it's road-trip ready for some families, with caveats.

Internet Use High, Yet Gaps Persist in Digital Equity, Pew Finds

January 15, 2026, 11:42 PM EST. New data from Pew Research Center shows Internet use is widespread but gaps persist in digital equity. About 9 in 10 U.S. adults use the Internet daily, and 41 percent say they're online almost constantly; for adults under 30, near-constant use reaches 63 percent. Usage climbs with income: 34 percent of adults earning under 30k are almost constantly online, vs. 50 percent of those earning 100k or more. The weekly briefing flags policy activity, including New York ConnectALL grants reopening and New Mexico progress on connectivity expansion, while fiber networks extend to new locations. The report frames digital equity as high-use plus persistent gaps, shaped by income and age, even as public programs push access.

Don Dupuis, Founder of Acadiana Computer Systems, on Early Business Computing in Acadiana

January 15, 2026, 11:40 PM EST. Louisiana tech pioneer Don Dupuis founded Acadiana Computer Systems in 1969, moving offices from a time when ledgers and manual billing dominated to a regional force that served doctors, lawyers, oil firms, universities, and the horse racing industry. In this interview, Dupuis recalls growing up in Carencro and launching the company with partner Roy Arwood, who wrote the software while Dupuis sold and operated the systems. The team processed payrolls for hundreds or thousands of employees-more than one million W-2s in a single year-while helping medical practices navigate coding, billing, and compliance as Medicare and government oversight expanded. He also recounts the thrill of Lafayette's late-70s boom and the oil-driven downturn that followed, and notes that he ultimately sold the company.

Eutelsat OneWeb pitches Arctic satellite network to Canadian defence

January 15, 2026, 11:38 PM EST. European satellite group Eutelsat OneWeb is pitching the Canadian Department of National Defence a $250-million Arctic broadband plan built on its low Earth orbit constellation to deliver high-speed, low-latency links for security, government and mining sites. David van Dyke, Eutelsat OneWeb's Canada general manager, said the service would offer "sovereign capacity capability" that could not be turned off. Eutelsat, partly owned by French and British governments, argues its 600+ LEO satellites can reach any location on the planet, complementing Canada's existing systems. The federal government has already struck a strategic partnership with Telesat and MDA Space to develop CAF communications, with Telesat's constellation still years away. Van Dyke said Eutelsat could begin service within months if agreed. Nunavut MP Lori Idlout welcomed improved North connectivity but urged civilian internet and Inuit involvement.

League City police to review AI use after mugshot enhancement

January 15, 2026, 11:34 PM EST. League City police are reviewing how they use AI after they digitally enhanced a mug shot of a theft suspect with Canva when the original image was blurry. The department says the edit was meant to make the photo clearer, not alter the subject, and it released the image in press materials and on Facebook. Critics warn AI use can erode public trust in law enforcement and in technology. Legal experts say even well-intentioned tweaks risk confusion or misrepresentation. The department has no formal AI policy yet but plans to retrain jail staff to obtain clearer mug shots and to review future practices. Carmen Fernandez remains jailed in Galveston County as the case proceeds.

Nvidia expands beyond GPUs as AI networking becomes growth engine

January 15, 2026, 11:30 PM EST. Nvidia's networking business is accelerating. In Q3 FY2026, networking revenue hit $8.2 billion, up 162% year over year. The segment spans NVLink, InfiniBand, and Spectrum-X Ethernet, and it targets AI data centers. CFO Colette Kress said the networking attach rate is now near 90%, even for customers using custom AI chips. The shift to rack-scale AI systems, via the Rubin platform and Vera Rubin NVL72, pairs GPUs, CPUs, and networking into eight- or 72-GPU configurations. Spectrum-6 switches offer up to 800 GB/s ports and as much as 102.4 Tb/s switching. Nvidia now commands about 11.6% of the data center Ethernet switch market. MarketsandMarkets projects the AI networking market to grow from $14.9B in 2025 to $46.8B by 2029.

Tesla Model Y Tops US EV Sales in 2025 as Ford F-150 Lightning Edges Cybertruck

January 15, 2026, 11:28 PM EST. Tesla's Model Y again led U.S. EV sales in 2025, based on Cox Automotive data. The crossover sold 357,528 units year-to-date, with a Q4 tally around 92,460 and a Q4 YoY drop of about 4%. Its 58.9% share helped push total U.S. EV sales to roughly 1,275,714 for the year, down 2% from 2024. GM's brand lineup-Chevrolet, Cadillac and GMC-posted more than 150,000 EVs, about 13% of the market. In pickups, Ford's F-150 Lightning edged out the Cybertruck, though Lightning fell sharply in Q4, totaling 4,273 units. Rivian and Lucid showed wide variation: Rivian's Q4 sales fell to 9,745 (YTD 42,098), while Lucid rose to 4,330 (YTD 12,614).

Symbolic.ai signs deal with News Corp to power Dow Jones Newswires with AI

January 15, 2026, 11:26 PM EST. Symbolic.ai, a startup founded by former eBay CEO Devin Wenig and Ars Technica cofounder Jon Stokes, has signed a deal with News Corp to deploy its AI platform within Dow Jones Newswires, the media group's financial news hub. The platform targets editorial efficiency, offering features such as newsletter creation, audio transcription, fact-checking, headline optimization, SEO tips, and more. The company says users have seen productivity gains of up to 90% on complex research tasks. News Corp has pursued AI adoption, including a 2024 multi-year licensing deal with OpenAI and signals it may license material to other AI firms. The arrangement marks a concrete step in AI-powered journalism for a major media group.

Analysts see upside in CoreWeave and Atlassian as AI market accelerates

January 15, 2026, 11:24 PM EST. Analysts see meaningful upside in two AI names, CoreWeave and Atlassian, as AI spending accelerates. Barron's and Grand View Research frame AI as a growth driver for years to come. Some investors welcome the idea of owning shares in a neocloud provider and a collaboration software maker. Kevin Dede at H.C. Wainwright has set a target price of $180 for CoreWeave, implying about 105% upside from a roughly $88 share. Keith Weiss at Morgan Stanley targets $320 for Atlassian, about 130% upside from around $139. CoreWeave positions itself as an AI-specific cloud and has been rated by SemiAnalysis as the top AI cloud provider, while critics note debt and execution risk. Revenue is expected to grow aggressively; valuation at about 8.4x sales could compress if profits follow.

Lawmakers press FTC to probe Trump Mobile over unshipped T1 Phone

January 15, 2026, 11:20 PM EST. Democratic lawmakers asked the FTC to investigate Trump Mobile for alleged false advertising tied to the unshipped T1 Phone and ongoing preorder deposits. In a letter led by Senators Elizabeth Warren and Robert Garcia, 11 lawmakers pressed the agency to determine whether Trump Mobile's marketing and preorders violated consumer protection rules and why no inquiry was underway. The letter seeks parity with other companies facing similar claims and notes a separate, unanswered inquiry about political pressure. The controversy centers on a customer who ordered in June and has yet to receive a phone, shipping date, or clarity on a $100 deposit. The outcome, they say, tests whether consumer laws are enforced consistently, regardless of politics.

Final Call on Google's $250 Off Pixel 10 Pro Deal

January 15, 2026, 11:12 PM EST. Google markets a limited-time sale on its Pixel 10 Pro lineup, with the Pixel 10 Pro XL at $949 for 256GB after a $250 off discount, and the base 256GB option available at a higher price with the same discount. The Pixel 10 Pro itself is $799 with 128GB, and the 256GB variant starts at $899. Upgrading storage typically adds about $120. Google says the offer ends on January 18 at the Google Store. The Pixel 10 Pro series remains the reviewer's pick for now, ahead of the Pixel 11 Pro; Samsung's Galaxy S26 line continues, but Google emphasizes software design and regular improvements.

AI-generated child-sex abuse surges as IWF logs 312,030 reports in 2025

January 15, 2026, 11:10 PM EST. New data show the online volume of child pornography remained at historic highs in 2025, with 312,030 reports investigated by the Internet Watch Foundation, up 7% from 2024. The rise includes a sharp increase in AI-generated material: the IWF identified 3,440 AI-generated videos of child sex abuse in 2025, up from 13 the prior year. Nearly two-thirds were Category A (penetration, torture, bestiality) and about 30% were Category B (nonpenetrative acts). Open-source and commercial AI tools have lowered barriers, with OpenAI, Google, and xAI releasing new models, plus many open-source options. In early 2024, a single dark-web forum saw more than 3,000 AI-generated images in one month. Thorn, in a U.S. teen survey, found 12% knew someone victimized by deepfake nudes.

Google Pixel 10 Pro deals offer up to $250 off; sale ends January 18

January 15, 2026, 11:08 PM EST. Google is running a limited-time sale on the Pixel 10 Pro lineup. The Pixel 10 Pro XL is $949 with 256GB storage, a $250 discount. Upgrading storage keeps the discount but raises the price, with 256GB at $899. The Pixel 10 Pro itself is $799 for 128GB, while the 256GB model is $899. The sale ends January 18. The Pixel 10 Pro series remains the reviewer's favorite, likely until the Pixel 11 Pro arrives. Samsung's Galaxy S26 line and Galaxy Z Fold 7 are noted as benchmarks, but the report credits the software experience, hardware design, and regular improvements that keep Google's phones compelling. This Google sale ends January 18, so don't hesitate.

iOS 26.3 Aims to Extend End-to-End Encryption to RCS and Expand iMessage Features

January 15, 2026, 11:04 PM EST. Apple's iOS 26.3 beta, both developer and public, points to expanding end-to-end encryption for RCS messages. RCS, or Rich Communication Services, would join with E2EE protection so messages between Android and iPhone are encrypted end to end. The upgrade would also bring iMessage-style features like inline replies, edit and unsend, and a first-time Tapback quick-reaction tool. The update is expected to run on iPhones from the iPhone 11 through the iPhone 17; carriers would deploy the feature, possibly with Google to align cross-OS experience. Other beta changes include a smoother data transfer from iPhone to Android, an updated wallpaper gallery, and EU-only features. The beta caveat remains: not every element makes final release. A second beta suggests a quicker rollout could be possible, with Gemini AI references.

Zhejiang targets 3-7 nm AI chips to break US chokeholds

January 15, 2026, 11:02 PM EST. Zhejiang province, home to Alibaba and Unitree, laid out a five-year plan to advance chip design and wafer manufacturing, aiming for progress across 3-nm to 7-nm nodes by 2026-2030. The draft documents call for developing low-power, high-end general-purpose and AI chips and promoting fifth-generation RISC-V architecture, part of a broader push to build indigenous technologies in the face of U.S. pressure. Zhejiang joins Shenzhen and Shanghai in aligning with Beijing's nationwide strategy to reduce dependence on foreign supply chains. The plan comes as TSMC reported in late 2025 that 3-nm, 5-nm and 7-nm chips accounted for about 77% of its wafer revenue in Q4. Zhejiang's targets underscore the importance of 3-nm, 7-nm nodes and AI chips in the province's tech ambitions, as well as RISC-V momentum.

Smaller, faster AI wins, says Unisys study

January 15, 2026, 10:54 PM EST. New analysis from Unisys argues that business AI should be smaller, tidier, and more practical. The report says the bulk of deployments will be task-based, not large-scale transformations, with chatbots, AI coding agents, and AI-driven service assistants as repeatable, high-ROI applications. Smaller data sets, lower upfront investment, and easier change management shorten timelines and raise success rates. Firms should expect laser-focused projects that fit existing workflows rather than sweeping overhauls. The study also cautions that layoffs tied to AI are unlikely in 2026, though junior coders may feel pressure as automation grows. Leaders will reinvest productivity gains into backlog reduction, customer experience, and modernization.

Smaller, Nimbler, Smarter AI Pushes Toward Task-Based Deployments, Unisys Says

January 15, 2026, 10:50 PM EST. AI momentum shifts from grand transformations to practical, smaller projects, according to a Unisys analysis. The report argues most deployments will be task-based and integrated into existing workflows, using smaller data sets, lower investment, and quicker results. Three repeatable, high-ROI app types are expected: chatbots for employees and clients, AI coding agents, and AI-driven service assistants. Benefits include lower upfront costs, faster deploy timelines, smoother change management, simpler execution, and higher learning rates with quicker feedback loops. The study cautions about layoffs; while the economy is uncertain, AI-driven job cuts are not expected in 2026, as leaders redirect productivity gains rather than perform blunt headcount reductions. A caveat: junior coders may see diminished opportunities.

Smaller, Nimbler AI Gains Traction, Unisys Finds

January 15, 2026, 10:46 PM EST. Analysts at Unisys argue that AI programs are shifting toward smaller, task-based deployments rather than sweeping transformations. The report predicts three repeatable, high-ROI use cases: chatbots for employees and clients, AI coding agents, and AI-driven service assistants. These packaged apps are described as measurable and quick to deploy, integrating with existing workflows and requiring less data preparation and lower upfront investment. Benefits include faster deployment timelines and easier change management. While layoffs linger in some economies, Unisys says AI-driven cuts are unlikely to materialize in 2026; leaders will instead reinvest productivity gains into backlog reduction, customer experience, and modernization. The takeaway: smaller, sleeker AI projects can deliver wins without the disruption of large-scale transformations.

Hassabis: China 'months' behind U.S. AI; frontier-breaking leaps not yet shown

January 15, 2026, 10:38 PM EST. DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis told CNBC on The Tech Download that Chinese AI models may be a matter of months behind U.S. and Western capabilities, closer than expected but not yet showing frontier-breaking innovation. Hassabis said China can catch up and approach the frontier, but has not demonstrated the ability to create something new beyond it, such as a new transformer-the neural-network architecture behind large language models. He noted Chinese firms like Alibaba and startups such as Moonshot AI and Zhipu have released capable models, while cautioning the leap beyond the frontier remains unproven. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has said China is ahead in infrastructure and AI models, but U.S. export controls on leading-edge semiconductors constrain access.

DeepMind CEO Hassabis: China AI could be months behind U.S., not yet frontier-breaking

January 15, 2026, 10:36 PM EST. Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis told CNBC that Chinese AI models may be only a matter of months behind U.S. and Western capabilities. He said China has not yet proven the ability to push beyond the frontier of AI breakthroughs. While firms like Alibaba and startups such as Moonshot AI and Zhipu released capable models and DeepSeek sparked attention last year, Hassabis said the question remains whether Chinese players can deliver a genuine innovation-such as a new transformer-that moves beyond the frontier. Nvidia's Jensen Huang has also suggested China is competitive in AI infrastructure and models, even if the U.S. leads in chips. The remarks underscore progress in China's AI while noting unresolved questions about true leaps in capability.

DeepMind CEO Hassabis says China AI models may be months behind U.S., but not yet at frontier

January 15, 2026, 10:34 PM EST. Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis told CNBC's The Tech Download that Chinese AI models may be a matter of months behind U.S. and Western capabilities, but China has yet to show it can push beyond the frontier. He noted Chinese players like DeepSeek, Alibaba, Moonshot AI and Zhipu are close, but not yet delivering a breakthrough-for example, a new transformer-that moves beyond the frontier. His comments align with other tech leaders who say China is narrowing the gap on models and infrastructure. The debate unfolds as Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang warned the U.S. isn't far ahead in AI, even amid export controls that constrain leading-edge semiconductors from Nvidia. The broader context: China faces tech export controls and supply-chain hurdles while chasing AI leadership.

OnePlus Watch 3 hits up to 16 days on one charge, on sale for $300

January 15, 2026, 10:28 PM EST. OnePlus markets the Watch 3 with a five-day battery life in normal use and up to 16 days in power-saving mode. The watch uses silicon-carbon batteries with a 631 mAh capacity and runs two operating systems simultaneously: Wear OS 5 on a Qualcomm core and a BES2800 for background tasks. It features a 1.5-inch AMOLED display and supports fitness tracking, navigation, calls and texts. ECG is not approved for the US or Canada; heart-rate, sleep tracking, and fall detection are available. The device is on sale at $300 on Amazon in Emerald Titanium and Obsidian Titanium, with a 43 mm case. Analysts compare it to the Pixel Watch; OnePlus is positioning it as a competitor. Our hands-on review covers more details, and a guide to the best smartwatches is linked.

Mother of Musk's son sues XAI over Grok-generated explicit images

January 15, 2026, 10:18 PM EST. The mother of one of Elon Musk's children filed a lawsuit in New York state against XAI, alleging the Grok AI tool generated explicit images, including one portraying her as a minor. Ashley St Clair, a right-wing influencer, says Grok promised to stop such content but continued to produce dozens of sexualised deepfakes on X. The complaint seeks punitive and compensatory damages, arguing the output was nonconsensual and that XAI knew of the harm and profited from it. After public outcry, XAI said it would geoblock generation of images of real people in jurisdictions where illegal. Musk has warned users they will face consequences for illegal content, and XAI has filed a countersuit.

OnePlus Watch 3 on sale for $300 with up to 16-day battery life

January 15, 2026, 10:14 PM EST. OnePlus' Watch 3 lasts longer than many rivals, delivering five days of normal-use battery life and up to 16 days in power-saving mode. The secret lies in a 631-mAh silicon-carbon cell and a dual-OS setup: Qualcomm's Wear OS 5 runs the main features while a BES2800 handles background tasks. The 1.5-inch AMOLED display sits in a compact bezel, and a 43-mm version targets both small and large wrists. On sale for $300 on Amazon, in Emerald Titanium and Obsidian Titanium, it includes standard smartwatch duties: fitness tracking, navigation, and calls/texts. ECG is not approved in the United States or Canada, but heart-rate, sleep tracking, and fall detection are available. It positions itself as a credible rival to the Pixel Watch; a full hands-on review is available.

Standalone Grok app still undresses women after X curtails tool

January 15, 2026, 10:12 PM EST. X disabled the Grok tool in some locations after global pressure, but the standalone Grok app still allows users to digitally undress photos of real people. Governments and regulators condemned the feature, pressing for restrictions or removal. X said it would review the policy and may take further action, while the app continues to support the function. The split highlights tensions between platform controls and standalone tools, raising questions about consent, safety, and enforcement across apps and ecosystems.

Standalone Grok app still undresses women after X curtails access to tool

January 15, 2026, 10:10 PM EST. Standalone Grok app remains able to undress photos of real people even after X restricted the tool in some locations. Governments and regulators worldwide expressed outrage at the capability. Elon Musk's platform said that it would respond to the global outcry and assess next steps.

Wikipedia inks AI licensing deals on 25th anniversary

January 15, 2026, 10:08 PM EST. Wikipedia, marking its 25th anniversary, announced new licensing deals with AI companies including Amazon, Meta Platforms, Perplexity, Microsoft and France's Mistral AI. The Wikimedia Foundation said the agreements let AI developers access Wikipedia content at a volume and speed designed for their needs, helping monetize the site's heavy traffic. Financial terms and other details were not disclosed. Google was among the foundation's first customers in 2022, and last year signed deals with smaller players like Ecosia. The move comes amid scrutiny of data-collection practices by AI developers and questions about who pays for the training data. Critics say Wikipedia's open ethos is tested even as the platform pursues new revenue streams.

AI lab revolving door spins faster as execs jump to OpenAI, Anthropic

January 15, 2026, 10:00 PM EST. AI labs are reshuffling talent at pace. In Thinking Machines, three top executives left Mira Murati's lab and joined OpenAI, with Alex Heath noting two more departures to OpenAI in the coming weeks. The Verge reports Anthropic is recruiting from OpenAI, notably Andrea Vallone, an alignment researcher (safety expert who studies how AI models respond to sensitive issues like mental health) to work under Jan Leike, who left OpenAI in 2024 over safety concerns. OpenAI then hired Max Stoiber, formerly Shopify's director of engineering, to work on a long-rumored operating system project, described as a small, high-agency team. The staffing shifts underscore OpenAI's appeal and hint at a broader race for AI safety and core systems.

SpaceX Crew Dragon splashes down in Pacific Ocean with four astronauts

January 15, 2026, 9:56 PM EST. Four astronauts aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule splashed down safely in the Pacific Ocean, ending a mission to the ISS. Recovery teams hoisted the capsule onto a recovery ship and began routine post-landing checks. NASA officials said the crew was evaluated and found in good condition. The landing completes another step in SpaceX's effort to provide commercial crew transportation, with officials reviewing systems from life support to parachute deployment. The crew's identities will be released after debriefs, and a formal mission report is expected in the coming days.

Watch SpaceX Dragon Capsule Carrying Crew-11 Streak Across the Sky

January 15, 2026, 9:52 PM EST. Video shows SpaceX's Dragon capsule carrying Crew-11 streaking across the sky. Filmed from a ground vantage point, the clip captures the capsule tracing a bright arc as it moves toward orbit. The footage arrives without official mission updates in this moment, but observers note the continuing cadence of commercial crew flights. The shot underscores SpaceX's role in modern spaceflight and highlights the Dragon capsule as the vehicle for crewed missions such as Crew-11. No further details are provided in the clip.

AI-generated misinformation surges after Maduro news, testing trust on social platforms

January 15, 2026, 9:50 PM EST. After news broke that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was captured by U.S. forces, AI-generated content and other deceptive posts exploded across social platforms, spreading faster than trusted reporting. Researchers warn that these networks are not reliable sources of news unless the information is posted by credible, verified outlets. UC Berkeley professor Hany Farid notes guardrails are thin and that users should verify with trusted sources. To counter manipulation, platforms should improve transparency, while individuals can use tools such as reverse image search and media-literacy resources from the Brennan Center for Justice and the SPLC. The piece underscores the challenge of distinguishing authentic coverage from AI-driven distortions during major events.

Nvidia App update 11.0.6 brings DLSS 4.5 to all RTX GPUs, adds 'Recommended' DLSS and Surround controls

January 15, 2026, 9:46 PM EST. Nvidia released App version 11.0.6, rolling out DLSS 4.5 Super Resolution from beta to all GeForce RTX owners. The second-generation transformer model increases compute needs and trains on a larger dataset, delivering improved stability, anti-aliasing, reduced ghosting, and crisper images across more than 400 games and apps. In testing, Performance Mode approaches or exceeds native image quality; Ultra Performance remains viable for 4K gaming. A new Recommended DLSS Override replaces the old 'Latest' preset, auto-selecting the best model for the chosen quality. The update also reintroduces the remaining Nvidia Surround settings from the legacy Control Panel, including bezel correction and hotkeys. Users can auto-update or download 11.0.6; a current Game Ready driver is required. The move ties the old Control Panel to the unified Nvidia App.

Space Force seeks bids to develop SLC-14 at Vandenberg for heavy/super-heavy launches, Starship potential

January 15, 2026, 9:44 PM EST. The U.S. Space Force is inviting launch providers to consider Space Launch Complex 14 at Vandenberg Space Force Base as a site for heavy or super-heavy launches. The RFI, issued Dec. 29, defines heavy as 20,000-50,000 kg to LEO and super-heavy as more than 50,000 kg, and notes SLC-14 is undeveloped land at the southern tip with utilities, and a rail line about 600 meters away. It calls SLC-14 the most viable site for large programs, potentially enabling flights of SpaceX's Starship. The Space Force says a funded, actively developed site would boost national security, launch diversity, and satellite reconstitution, with emphasis on unique capabilities and rapid response missions. Proposals must show sufficient financial maturity and demonstrably technically mature vehicles able to enter service within five years of a lease. Prefer new vehicles to existing Vandenberg sites.

Apple's M5 Pro and M5 Max poised for major MacBook Pro and Mac Studio gains

January 15, 2026, 9:42 PM EST. Macworld sees the M5 Pro and M5 Max as a sizable performance leap for Apple's laptops and desktops. The M5 Max could push multi-core CPU scores beyond 31,000 and may top 250,000 in Geekbench 6 GPU compute, the article notes. Core counts stay fixed: M5 Pro with up to 14 CPU cores and 20 GPU cores; M5 Max with up to 16 CPU cores and 40 GPU cores; other specs are expected to scale similarly to the base M5. The 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro lines lead the new family this year, followed by spring launches of the Mac mini and Mac Studio variants. TSMC's SoIC-mH packaging could enable configurable CPU/GPU setups for workloads, boosting efficiency and performance across tasks.

Pebble rolls out circular smartwatches with physical buttons at CES 2026

January 15, 2026, 9:38 PM EST. Pebble founder Eric Migicovsky unveiled a refreshed lineup under Core Devices at CES 2026, including two circular devices. The $200 Pebble Round 2 earns early praise for its form and four physical buttons, a rarity on modern smartwatches. The 1.3-inch round display (260 x 260) comes in two sizes with 20mm or 14mm bands, and the larger frame is stainless steel. It ships in May, after Pebble Time 2 in April. Round 2 omits a speaker and heart-rate tracking, offering about two weeks of battery life versus the Time 2's longer promise. Migicovsky also teased Index 01, a ring with a button that acts as a voice recorder, the company's most controversial product to date. The setup signals Pebble's bid to re-enter wearables with nostalgia and practicality.

Hannspree Lumo: the world's first dynamic paper tablet blends Android with e-reader traits

January 15, 2026, 9:36 PM EST. Hannspree positions the Lumo as a hybrid, combining a 7.8-inch paper-like LCD that reflects ambient light with full Android 14. The display avoids a backlight, aims for eye-friendly reading, and uses an LED front light for darker environments. The panel supports 16.7 million colors at 60Hz with a 5ms response, enabling colorful content alongside traditional e-reading. Specs are modest: 728 x 1024 resolution, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, and a 3,000mAh battery said to last up to 6.5 hours at max brightness. It supports a stylus and can both read books and stream. Priced at £299 (~$400); UK price only confirmed. Release to the US or Australia remains unconfirmed. Aimed at readers who want a single device for both experiences.

McConaughey trademarks image and voice to curb AI misuse

January 15, 2026, 9:30 PM EST. Oscar-winner Matthew McConaughey has trademarked his image and voice to deter unauthorized AI use. Registrations with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office cover clips of his signature line from Dazed and Confused and are tied to the Just Keep Livin Foundation. Lawyers say the case could be the first to use trademark law to protect a celebrity's likeness from AI manipulation, though no abuse has yet been documented. The move aims to create a perimeter of consent and attribution in an AI era and to capture some value created by new technology, his team says. McConaughey has engaged with AI via ElevenLabs, which has produced a permitted audio version of him. Academics warn that rising deepfake risks heighten reputational concerns for celebrities.

TSMC signals strong AI demand as capex rises; chip stocks rally

January 15, 2026, 9:28 PM EST. Chip shares rallied after TSMC forecast firmer AI demand and outlined a higher capex plan, signaling continued strength in the AI cycle. In its fourth-quarter results, TSMC guided a 2026 capex midpoint of about $54 billion, up from roughly $41 billion in 2025, as CEO C.C. Wei said the firm is preparing to expand capacity to support customers' growth. Wei also called the AI megatrend 'very real' and said demand is broadening beyond lab tests. Nvidia stock rose about 2%, with rivals AMD and Broadcom up around 1%, while TSMC shares gained more than 4%. TSMC's Q1 outlook of $35.2 billion at the midpoint topped estimates. Major customers include Apple, Nvidia, Qualcomm, and Amazon, underscoring ongoing orders for chips tied to the AI surge.

Huawei says smartwatches have larger market share than its phones, boosted by cross-platform support

January 15, 2026, 9:26 PM EST. Huawei's Li Xiaolong, CTO of the Device Business Group, said on Weibo that its smartwatches have a larger market share than its smartphones. He credited ongoing upgrades and stronger features, including longer battery life across the lineup such as the GT series. He stressed the watches' ability to run longer than many rivals. The post also noted that more than 30% of Huawei smartwatch users pair with non-Huawei phones, and that the devices support Android and iPhone with a seamless experience. The figure, Li said, is rising in global markets, boosting Huawei's competitive stance. He also hinted at new smartwatches planned for 2026. Huawei did not cite independent data in the message.

Apple tests RCS end-to-end encryption as Universal Profile 3.0 rolls out

January 15, 2026, 9:20 PM EST. A new report says Apple has implemented end-to-end encryption for RCS messages in the iOS 26.3 Beta 2 release, spotted in carrier bundle settings. The change could signal progress toward stronger Android-to-iPhone messaging, though rollout remains limited to four French carriers – Bouygues, Orange, SFR and Free – for now. E2EE was announced in March 2025 as part of RCS Universal Profile 3.0. Apple may be testing it internally for iOS 26.3 or iOS 27. In addition to encryption, Profile 3.0 adds Tapback support, inline replies, and the ability to edit and unsend messages for a short window. The GSM Association has said it's pursuing E2EE across the ecosystem, and Apple could work with Google to broaden Android-to-iPhone RCS availability.

Boson Sampling could deliver energetic advantage with realistic photonic architectures

January 15, 2026, 9:08 PM EST. Researchers assess the energy cost of solving Boson Sampling, a benchmark for quantum advantage, using a realistic photonic architecture. The study links experimental control, dominant noise and energy use through a Metric-Noise-Resource framework, producing a unit of energy per sample tailored to Boson Sampling. Authors quantify how imperfections in single-photon sources, optics and detectors drive energy expenditure and identify regimes where quantum processors beat classical hardware for the same task. They present a detailed noise and loss budget and compare quantum energy per sample against state-of-the-art classical algorithms. The work suggests a quantum energetic advantage could emerge before full quantum computational advantage, signaling pathways toward more energy-efficient near-term quantum technologies.

German AI start-up Parloa triples valuation to $3 billion

January 15, 2026, 8:56 PM EST. Germany-based Parloa has tripled its valuation to $3 billion in its latest funding round, according to people familiar with the matter. The company builds AI-powered tools for customer conversations, including call and chat automation for contact centers. The valuation jump highlights strong investor demand for enterprise AI applications, even as funding cycles tighten in some segments. Parloa's growth underscores the appeal of conversational AI in Europe, where startups seek scale beyond their home markets. The round positions Parloa among Germany's higher-valued tech unicorns and could accelerate product development and regional expansion.

Cloudflare to acquire AI data marketplace Human Native to bolster developer data access

January 15, 2026, 8:54 PM EST. Cloudflare said it will acquire Human Native, a UK-based AI data marketplace that manages transactions between AI developers and content creators. The deal aims to help developers find, access and purchase reliable high-quality data through fair, transparent channels and to build a system where creators are paid for content used to train models. Terms were not disclosed. CEO Matthew Prince said the acquisition helps protect the longevity of the open internet. Human Native will continue to operate as the deal closes. The move follows Cloudflare's broader push into AI tools, including an AI Crawl Control product that lets sites restrict or monetize data-gathering bots. The company has benefited from AI exposure in its stock over the past year.

Open-Ear Headphones Lead 2026 Forecast as Open Designs Gain Ground

January 15, 2026, 8:50 PM EST. Open-ear headphones are the fastest-growing segment, according to market chatter and vendor briefings. The trend favors designs that don't seal the ear canal, allowing ambient sound for situational awareness. CES 2026 reflected that shift, with most new headsets and buds adopting open styles from brands such as Shokz, Anker and JBL. Harman executive Carsten Olesen framed the shift as a move toward lifestyle audio, not just listening. Baseus teased new open-ear lines after partnering with Bose on Inspire XC1, arguing the category will become a daily companion for calls and AI assistants as much as music. Yet engineers say ANC remains a challenge for open-ear form factors; Shokz's OpenFit Pro illustrated the tension, labeling the feature as OpenEar Noise Reduction rather than true ANC. Expect more capable, better-sounding open-ear ANC in 2026.

Pixel 10a price leak hints at rare Google price cut

January 15, 2026, 8:48 PM EST. Leaks suggest the Google Pixel 10a could debut earlier than usual, with a 128GB model priced around €500 in Europe, roughly €50 below the Pixel 9a. Retail listings point to a February 17, 2026 launch. Google is rumored to reuse the Tensor G4 chip and the Pixel 9a chassis to hit the price. The 128GB model would come in four colors-Obsidian, Berry, Lavender, Fog-while a 256GB variant is listed at about €600 in Obsidian. The price suggests a US tag around $499, possibly as low as $449. The leak cites a reliable tipster, @MysteryLupin, and says the hardware mirrors last year's model besides a new color lineup. If true, the move tightens costs amid rising component prices.

Garmin valuation hinges on quatix 8 Pro; fair value seen at $231

January 15, 2026, 8:44 PM EST. Garmin (GRMN) gains attention after the quatix 8 Pro nautical smartwatch expands connectivity with inReach satellite and cellular links, offshore messaging, voice calls and SOS, plus an upgraded marine mode. At US$211.52, the shares show a 30-day gain of 2.1% and a 1-year total return near 0.7%. Longer horizons look stronger: about 13x 3-year and 90% over five years. Analysts peg a consensus target around $213.83, with estimates ranging from $167 to $285. A fair value model puts Garmin at about $231, suggesting the stock is undervalued versus current price, but a P/E of 25.9x sits above peers and the Consumer Durables average. Risks include rising operating expenses and softness in Marine and Outdoor segments. The narrative assumes steady revenue growth and margins, plus a premium multiple for Garmin in years ahead.

Quandela identifies four quantum computing trends for 2026

January 15, 2026, 8:38 PM EST. Quandela says 2026 will mark quantum computing's move from research to early adoption, driven by four trends: Hybrid computing, Concretization, Error correction, and Cybersecurity. The company argues the hybrid alliance between classical and quantum processors accelerates AI training, cuts energy use and enables work with smaller datasets, opening opportunities in finance, healthcare and logistics. Concretization appears as the first industrial pilots in finance (portfolio optimization), pharmaceuticals (molecular simulation) and logistics (flow optimization), signaling a gradual industrial-scale rollout. In error correction, reliability and speed trump raw qubit counts as the key progress. Cybersecurity sits as both risk and opportunity, shaping encryption and national digital-security strategies. Government projections in Canada suggest quantum could add $17.7 billion to GDP and create 157,000 jobs by 2045. Valérian Giesz says the field is becoming a tangible tool.

Google begins posting Android XR security bulletins

January 15, 2026, 8:36 PM EST. Google has started posting monthly security bulletins for Android XR, outlining vulnerabilities affecting the platform. The move bridges a reporting gap for developers and devices building on XR, and sets a regular cadence for risk disclosure. The January 2026 bulletin lists no security patches for the XR distribution this month, a notional sign of stability. Still, Google's decision to publish the bulletin remains newsworthy, as it creates an ongoing channel for updates and risk awareness. As Android XR expands-with more users and more hardware makers involved-security teams will likely track whether issues begin to surface in subsequent months.

Airbus launches UpNext SpaceRAN to test 5G NTN from LEO satellites

January 15, 2026, 8:34 PM EST. Airbus unveiled the UpNext SpaceRAN demonstrator to test a standardized global 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) using a software-defined satellite. The program includes a ground demonstration that simulates a two-satellite LEO constellation, tests beam formings and satellite handovers, and an in-orbit phase that will place a 5G NTN payload on an Airbus LEO satellite to act as a space base station. The launches are planned for 2027 with in-orbit testing in 2028. Airbus is working with Aalyria, AccelerComm, CesiumAstro, Deutsche Telekom, Eutelsat, ITRI, Keysight, Onati, Radisys, Sener and ST Engineering iDirect to develop an open, non-proprietary standard for satellite communications, offering a competitive alternative to proprietary solutions for commercial and military users. Aalyria's Spacetime 5G NTN RIC will enable real-time control and optimization.

SpaceX to launch NROL-105 reconnaissance satellites from Vandenberg; Arizona could spot liftoff

January 15, 2026, 8:32 PM EST. SpaceX is targeting Friday, Jan. 16, for a Falcon 9 launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, carrying NROL-105, the National Reconnaissance Office's latest set of small reconnaissance satellites. The two-stage, 230-foot rocket will lift off from Space Launch Complex 4E on a southeast trajectory, increasing the chance it can be seen from Arizona. Observers could see a bright streak after liftoff, weather permitting. The mission continues SpaceX's role in deploying satellites for the NRO within a proliferated architecture to place craft into low-Earth orbit. Delays are possible due to weather or technical issues. Officials advise monitoring updates for exact timing and viewing guidance.

Apple updates January 2026 trade-in values; Mac payouts rise while iPhone and iPad values ease

January 15, 2026, 8:30 PM EST. Apple has refreshed its trade-in values for January 2026, affecting iPhones, iPads, Macs and Apple Watches. Spotting by MacRumors, the majority of devices see reductions of $5 to $20, while Mac trade-ins jump as much as $1,755. The update follows a December revision and marks a swing toward higher Mac payouts. Notable changes include MacBook Pro at up to $2,515, MacBook Air to $900, and iMac up to $875, with several Mac models posting double-digit gains. By contrast, several iPhone models lose up to $20 from their previous values, and iPad values edge lower. Apple's terms are on its site; Apple did not comment.

Starlink a lifeline in Iran blackout, but staying online remains a challenge

January 15, 2026, 8:28 PM EST. The Iran blackout has pushed Starlink to the front line as ordinary Iranians seek to reconnect with the outside world. The government's attempt to block satellite internet sparks a cat-and-mouse campaign, with activists and SpaceX working to keep the service usable. A video circulating online shows a driver using Starlink on a highway, testing speed and access, underscoring the service's appeal as the near-only high-speed option. Iran has lobbied the ITU to halt operations; the UN body has not acted. The crackdown heightens risk for users who may face penalties for circumvention, even as analysts describe Starlink as a practical, if imperfect, workaround amid a broad information blackout and protests.

Samsung confirms basic Galaxy AI features will remain free indefinitely

January 15, 2026, 8:26 PM EST. Samsung updated the footnotes for its Galaxy AI support documents to state that basic Galaxy AI features provided by Samsung are free indefinitely and will stay that way. Earlier language had suggested a complimentary period through 2025, with a possible paid purchase later. The updated note, now on Samsung's Galaxy AI support page, says basic features are free indefinitely, while noting that future releases may add enhanced or new paid services. It also clarifies that third-party AI features may have separate terms and fees. Samsung defines basic Galaxy AI as features listed under Advanced Intelligence, including Call Assist, Writing Assist, Photo Assist and other tools. The company still could offer paid, enhanced Galaxy AI features in the future, but basic tools remain free for eligible devices.

Replit launches vibe-coding to publish iOS apps from natural-language prompts

January 15, 2026, 8:18 PM EST. Replit unveiled a Mobile Apps feature that turns natural-language prompts into publishable iOS apps. The tool, marketed as vibe-coding, lets creators go from idea to testable app in minutes and ship to the App Store in days. Replit also ties in Stripe for monetization. The move broadens AI-powered coding use-cases beyond bigger players and could pressure traditional software moats. Apple requires review, with the company saying 90% of submissions are reviewed in under 24 hours. Critics point to security vulnerabilities, citing a study by Tenzai that found popular AI coding agents ship apps with flaws. As vibe-coding grows, investors watch how quickly apps meet compliance and security hurdles and whether the AI race accelerates.

iOS 26.3 release date: Apple eyes late January rollout with new wallpaper, Android transfer and EU updates

January 15, 2026, 8:12 PM EST. Apple is expected to roll out iOS 26.3 in late January, keeping to a pattern seen with prior x.3 updates. Based on recent history, Monday, January 26 is the most likely launch date, with a possible slip to late in the week or the following week. iOS 26.3 is typically light on new features. So far, betas include wallpaper changes, an Android transfer option to ease switching from iPhone to Android, and EU-only tweaks such as notification forwarding for non-Apple Watch wearables and other compliance updates. The update may also bring a new Black Unity wallpaper and possibly end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging. A public beta remains available for early access.

Iran internet blackout: Starlink becomes crucial link for videos and images

January 15, 2026, 8:08 PM EST. Iran has a near-total internet shutdown as authorities crack down on protests. Yet a narrow channel remains via Starlink, SpaceX's satellite internet service. The service provides high-speed access where wires fail and has become crucial for moving videos and images from Iran to the outside world. Farzaneh Badiei, an internet policy researcher, says such access is an enabler of human rights because reporting cannot be easily cut. Starlink's constellation includes about 9,500 low-earth orbit satellites, delivering data to a user terminal roughly the size of a computer monitor. Analysts note the signal comes from the sky, making it hard to censor through local telecoms, though use remains restricted by law in some areas.

ICE uses Palantir app to target raids with ELITE, drawing scrutiny

January 15, 2026, 8:04 PM EST. ICE agents are being guided to potential raids by a Palantir-built app named ELITE, according to a user guide obtained by 404 Media. The app shows a digital map of targets, each with a dossier including name, date of birth, Alien Registration Number, and a photo, plus a "confidence score" for the target's address. The tool, described as Enhanced Leads Identification & Targeting for Enforcement, pulls data from DHS, USCIS and CLEAR, a Thomson Reuters product. Its Geospatial Lead Sourcing Tab lets users filter by bios, IDs, criminality, location and operations, and draw areas to select multiple targets. During a deposition in Woodburn, Oregon, an ICE officer described using the app to target dense-population areas. ICE has a separate ImmigrationOS project with Palantir and maintains social media monitoring.

Taiwan seeks arrest warrant for OnePlus CEO Pete Lau over alleged illegal hires

January 15, 2026, 8:02 PM EST. Reuters reports that Taiwan prosecutors have issued an arrest warrant for OnePlus Chief Executive Pete Lau, accusing him of illegal business operations and recruitment in Taiwan. The Shilin District Prosecutors Office said two Taiwanese individuals were indicted for helping Lau run a business and hire more than 70 staff in Taiwan for smartphone software R&D, verification and testing. The document, dated November 2025, was first reported by local media on Tuesday. OnePlus-headquartered in Shenzhen and operating as a sub-brand under Oppo since 2021-did not comment. Beijing claims Taiwan as part of China, which Taiwan rejects. The case underscores Taiwan's scrutiny of cross-border hiring, including shell companies and agencies used to recruit high-tech talent.

Budget smartphones hit hardest as memory prices rise in 2026, analysts say

January 15, 2026, 7:54 PM EST. Global smartphone shipments are forecast to slip in 2026 as a memory shortage drives higher costs and squeezes margins. Omdia and IDC warn the market will contract after 2025's roughly 1.25 billion units, with prices rising 6-8% and low-end devices hit hardest. Memory can account for 15-20% of the BOM (bill of materials) for mid-range phones and 10-15% for flagships, squeezing affordability. Analysts say manufacturers will pass costs to buyers or trim features; many will tighten configurations and pace launches to component availability. The memory squeeze could spur consolidation among budget makers. Runar Bjørhovde of Omdia says vendors are pursuing scale and new partnerships, while IDC's Ryan Reith cautions the duration of the disruption will determine the depth of the decline. Flagships probably won't add memory, and discounts may shrink.

How to add Jalopnik as a Google preferred source

January 15, 2026, 7:50 PM EST. The article notes that Google has rolled out Preferred Sources to let users choose which outlets they see most in search results. It also frames concerns that Google relies on AI-generated summaries that keep readers on its site instead of sending traffic to publishers like Jalopnik. It then explains how to set Jalopnik as a preferred source: click the link provided and tick the Jalopnik checkbox, or search a topic and use the Top Stories feature (the stack-of-cards icon) to locate Jalopnik and select it. The piece argues this is a broader paradigm shift for journalism, not an apocalypse, and that Jalopnik hopes the change will boost its visibility while it continues reporting.

AI spending seen at $2.53 trillion in 2026, $3.33 trillion in 2027, Gartner forecasts

January 15, 2026, 7:48 PM EST. Global AI spending is forecast to reach $2.53 trillion in 2026 and $3.33 trillion in 2027, Gartner says. The bulk goes to infrastructure, projected at $1.36 trillion in 2026 and $1.75 trillion in 2027, with software, models and data science also drawing dollars. Nvidia's Jensen Huang cited potential GPU sales near $500 billion through 2026; AMD's Lisa Su projects the data-center market at about $1 trillion by 2030. Bulls say the AI shift is just beginning; bears warn of a bubble. Gartner's John-David Lovelock notes demand is strong and inventories are tight, but the cycle could enter a trough of disillusionment if expectations aren't met, a fate seen with VR and the metaverse.

Dongfeng's Yipai kicks off solid-state EV battery tests aiming 1,000 km range

January 15, 2026, 7:44 PM EST. Dongfeng Motor's Yipai Technology says it has begun testing a solid-state battery prototype in extreme cold in Mohe. The unit uses a 350 Wh/kg pack and is claimed to deliver more than 1,000 km (620 miles) of CLTC range. Earlier tests included a 170℃ hot-box pass and energy retention of up to 72% at -30℃. The tests target range, charging and durability in severe cold. Dongfeng has completed a 0.2 GWh pilot production line and the first cells have rolled off. The company aims to have next-gen batteries in vehicles in 2026, with mass production by September. Rival Chinese automakers and European brands also pursue solid-state cells slated for 2027-2030.

Experts warn AI chatbots risk harming children's mental health, push for tighter rules

January 15, 2026, 7:42 PM EST. A congressional hearing on excessive screen time shifted to warnings that AI chatbots can harm children's mental health and fuel unhealthy, even sexually explicit, emotional bonds. Dr. Jenny Radesky of the University of Michigan Medical School told lawmakers that children turn to AI when lonely or anxious, raising concerns about emotional dependency and safety. She urged opt-outs from algorithmic feeds and mandated safety benchmarks, plus laws to hold companies accountable for adverse events. The debate broadened to calls for stronger federal oversight of AI and social media; Senator Cantwell pressed for action, arguing AI poses risks that may surpass traditional platforms. Experts warned of unsafe advice, ideological manipulation, and the growth of AI boyfriends and girlfriends. A Fox News poll showed broad public support for kid-focused platform limits.

Apple AI-powered Siri and foldable iPhone cited as catalysts by BoA analyst

January 15, 2026, 7:32 PM EST. Bank of America Securities reiterates a Buy on Apple (AAPL) with a $325 target, citing catalysts from a foldable iPhone and an AI-enhanced Siri tied to Gemini AI. The firm foresees upgrades as Apple heads into F1Q26 after hours on Jan. 29. It models revenue around $140 billion and EPS of $2.69 versus Street expectations of around $138 billion and $2.67. Gross margin is pegged near 47.5%, with higher Services mix lifting margins in F2Q. The team expects F2Q revenue growth of about 10% and EPS near $1.82 versus $1.85 consensus. BofA notes robust iPhone demand and double-digit Services growth, though China App Store sales are weak. Apple remains underweight in many portfolios, a stance the firm sees reversing this year.

Web site error prompts users to enable JavaScript after load failure

January 15, 2026, 7:30 PM EST. An online service reports a load failure tied to JavaScript being disabled in the user's browser. The error notes a required element could not load, with possible causes including browser extensions, network issues, or restrictive browser settings. It instructs users to check their connection, disable ad blockers, or try a different browser or device. The notice underscores how many sites rely on client-side scripts to render content and function, and how blocked scripts can leave pages incomplete. Vendors deploy such prompts to reduce support requests, while users must adjust settings to regain access.

ASUS halts RTX 5070 Ti and 5060 Ti 16GB amid memory crunch; NVIDIA tight-lipped on production

January 15, 2026, 7:28 PM EST. ASUS has stopped production of the RTX 5070 Ti and the RTX 5060 Ti 16GB amid a memory shortage, Hardware Unboxed reported. The YouTube channel quoted ASUS as saying the 5070 Ti is facing a supply shortage and has been placed in end-of-life status. Australian retailers told the channel the model is no longer available from partners and distributors, with a similar note for the 5060 Ti 16GB. Both cards use 16GB of memory, raising production costs in the current market. NVIDIA, asked for comment, said demand is strong and memory supply is constrained, but did not confirm the two models are being discontinued. NVIDIA will focus on 8GB models and the 12GB 5070, while higher-end 5080/5090 appear safer. The memory crunch stems from AI-driven demand; memory makers shift capacity away from consumer GPUs.

Omdia: Apple leads global smartphone shipments with 25% share in Q4 2025

January 15, 2026, 7:24 PM EST. According to preliminary Omdia data, global smartphone shipments rose 4% in the fourth quarter of 2025 as producers absorbed higher component costs. Apple captured a record 25% of shipments, roughly one in four phones sold in the quarter, driven by sustained demand for the iPhone 17 series since its September launch. Older iPhone models, including the 16 series, contributed as well, but the base iPhone 17 carried the growth. Samsung ranked second with an estimated 18% share, aided by the Galaxy A17 4G and A17 5G in the sub-$300 segment. Xiaomi followed with 11%, while vivo and Oppo each held about 8%. Looking ahead, higher memory costs and component shortages may pose challenges for budget devices in 2026.

Ford eyes BYD battery deal for hybrids, not just EVs

January 15, 2026, 7:22 PM EST. Ford is in talks with BYD to buy batteries for some of its hybrid models, The Wall Street Journal reports. The arrangement would involve imported BYD cells to Ford facilities outside the US, with potential plants in Germany, Spain, Thailand or Turkey. The talks are not final and could still fall through, sources said. A Ford spokesperson declined to comment; BYD did not respond. The development fits Ford's pivot away from large EVs toward smaller, more affordable vehicles under its Universal EV Platform, and a push to bridge gaps with hybrids and EREVs. Ford plans a mid-size pickup on the UEV platform starting around $30,000 and is licensing CATL tech for a Michigan battery plant as part of wider restructuring that includes winding down the F-150 Lightning.

Higgsfield hits $1.3B valuation as Series A extends to $130M

January 15, 2026, 7:20 PM EST. AI video startup Higgsfield has extended its Series A, selling another $80 million of stock to lift the round to $130 million and to support a $1.3 billion valuation. The company says it now counts more than 15 million users and is on a $200 million annual revenue run rate, up from about $100 million two months earlier. The extension follows a September close on the initial $50 million Series A. Higgsfield's platform lets consumers, creators and social media teams create and edit AI-generated videos. Founder Alex Mashrabov, former head of Generative AI at Snap, started Higgsfield after Snap bought his prior startup AI Factory in 2020 for $166 million. Investors in the extension include Accel, AI Capital Partners, Menlo Ventures and GFT Ventures.

EV Battery Degradation Rebounds as Fast Charging Proliferates, Geotab Study Finds

January 15, 2026, 7:18 PM EST. Geotab's annual data on EV batteries paints a mixed picture. The average capacity loss rose from 1.8% in 2023 to 2.3% in 2025, erasing earlier gains. Even with improvements in thermal management and new chemistries, a surge in DCFC use appears to offset those gains. The study links higher degradation to faster charging, noting that vehicles with DCFC in more than 12% of sessions show about 2.5% annual loss, versus 1.5% for those under 12%. Size and weight matter too: larger, heavier EVs degrade faster. Degradation is curved, with aging accelerating earlier in a vehicle's life. SoC exposure – time spent above 80% charge – further accelerates wear. The findings matter for long-term dependability as the industry watches evolving solid-state technologies.

interface.ai Unveils Q4 2025 Agentic Banking Release to Accelerate Growth for Community Banks

January 15, 2026, 7:16 PM EST. Interface.ai unveiled its Q4 2025 release, expanding BankGPT for community banks and credit unions to drive measurable growth-digital sales, deeper relationships and faster frontline execution. It frames Agentic AI as technology that guides outcomes, not just automates tasks. Key features include Prescriptive Analytics that flag drivers of containment and offer actionable prescriptions; an Experience Score to quantify and improve customer journeys; Friction-by-Influence to reduce transfers; and Audio Recording with Transcriptions for coaching. Intelligent Banking adds contextual personalization and upsell/cross-sell cues, with expanded integrations to SWBC ACH and Velera COOP. In Digital Banking, the update supports multi-turn conversations, session-based context memory, rapid ingestion of a financial institution's public site/docs, and secure end-to-end transactions to accelerate value delivery.

Apple adjusts trade-in values for iPhones, iPads, Macs and Watches

January 15, 2026, 7:10 PM EST. Apple updated its trade-in values in the United States for select iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch models. Trade-ins can be completed online or at an Apple Store. Most iPhone values edged lower, while some older models held steady. iPad values also eased and many Apple Watch offerings declined. In contrast, Mac trade-ins rose for several lines, with notable increases for higher-end MacBook Pro, MacBook Air and iMac models, and a smaller uptick for Mac Pro; Mac mini moved down modestly. Apple noted the previous Mac figures were unusually low and said the new values are more realistic. The company also adjusted trade-ins for some Android devices, per its site.

Apple updates US trade-in values for iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch

January 15, 2026, 7:08 PM EST. Apple updates its trade-in values for select iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch in the United States. Most values edged down, while several Mac models rose. Trade-ins remain eligible via Apple's website or at Apple Stores. Highlights: MacBook Pro now up to $2,515; MacBook Air to $900; iMac to $875; Mac Pro to $3,215; Mac mini to $340. For iPhone, top values include iPhone 16 Pro Max up to $650 and iPhone 16 Pro up to $530 (downgrades vs. prior offers). iPad Pro up to $685, Apple Watch Ultra 2 up to $335 and other Watch models mostly lower than before. The company did not explain the reason for the Mac shifts, but notes the changes bring offers more in line with current values.

EV batteries not lasting longer as fast charging rises, Geotab finds

January 15, 2026, 7:04 PM EST. Geotab's year-by-year look at electric-vehicle battery longevity shows a bounce between gains and setbacks. The 2020 study pegged average annual capacity loss at 2.3%, leaving about 80% of initial range after eight years. The 2023 update reduced that to 1.8%, but the 2025 data rebound to 2.3%. Analysts say the shift tracks higher use of DCFC (DC fast charging), which accelerates aging, offsetting gains from thermal management and new chemistries. Heavier, larger EVs degrade faster, and aging accelerates early in a vehicle's life, yielding a curved degradation profile. Vehicles with DCFC sessions below 12% averaged 1.5% annual degradation vs 2.5% above 12%. State-of-charge exposure-keeping battery above 80%-also speeds aging. The study underscores ongoing research and cautious charging as breakthroughs like solid-state batteries emerge.

TSMC raises 2026 capex outlook as AI demand lifts earnings

January 15, 2026, 7:02 PM EST. TSMC posted a 35% year-over-year profit jump in the fourth quarter, topping estimates and setting a fresh record. The company's high-performance computing division, covering AI and 5G, supplied the bulk of quarterly sales. As the world's largest dedicated contract chipmaker, TSMC makes advanced chips for fabless designers-companies that design but do not fabricate semiconductors-such as Nvidia, Broadcom and AMD. Buoyed by persistent AI demand, the company raised its capital expenditures outlook for 2026 to a $52-$56 billion range, up from 2025's $40.9 billion. The results lifted peers: Nvidia and Broadcom rose, the SMH ETF hit new highs, and TSMC's stock jumped about 5%. Analysts flagged an ongoing AI upcycle and boosted views on related names like Broadcom, AMD and Nvidia.

TSMC's 2026 capex forecast lifts AI trade as quarterly profit beats estimates

January 15, 2026, 7:00 PM EST. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company posted a 35% year-over-year jump in fourth-quarter profit, beating estimates and setting a fresh record. Its high-performance computing division, including AI and 5G applications, accounted for most of sales. As the world's largest contract chipmaker, TSMC makes the chips for fabless designers such as Nvidia, Broadcom and AMD. The company forecast capital expenditures of $52 billion to $56 billion in 2026, up from $40.9 billion in 2025, signaling a sustained push in AI infrastructure. Investors cheered: shares rose more than 5% and the stock's year-to-date gain approached 13%. Analysts raised targets on related names, with Wells Fargo noting broad strength in AI accelerator demand and JPMorgan, Barclays reiterating overweight on TSMC and peers.

Starlink aids Iranians during internet blackout amid protests

January 15, 2026, 6:58 PM EST. Starlink is reportedly offering free service to users in Iran during a broad internet blackout, helping send images and videos from protests as authorities restrict access. The service has no license to operate in Iran, but thousands of terminals have been smuggled in since 2022, following a US sanctions policy change that allowed Iran's access to some tech tools. Bloomberg cited a person familiar with Starlink that the company is providing free service. Iran Human Rights' Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam said Starlink has been pivotal for sharing information, including casualty estimates; authorities have not released a verified toll, with activists citing higher numbers. The current blackout follows a pattern of 17 internet shutdowns since 2018, but this one is broader in geographic scope and international access restrictions, according to Cloudflare and the Internet Society.

Starlink aids Iranians during internet blackout, role unclear

January 15, 2026, 6:56 PM EST. Starlink is reportedly offering free service to Iranians during a government internet blackout, enabling posting of protest images. The service has no Iranian license, but thousands of its terminals have entered Iran since 2022 after US sanctions exemptions allowed sales of comms tools. Bloomberg cited a person familiar with Starlink services; Trump floated restoring access to Iran. Iran Human Rights director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam says Starlink access has been crucial for reporting on protests and toll estimates. Iran has not released an official death toll; activists and rights groups put higher figures, with HRANA at least 2,571. Since 2018, Iran has endured 17 internet shutdowns per the Internet Society; Cloudflare notes this month's broader geographic scope and restrictions on international calling. Starlink's exact role remains unconfirmed by SpaceX.

Starlink in Iran: free service amid internet blackout and how it works

January 15, 2026, 6:54 PM EST. In Iran, Starlink is reportedly offering free service as authorities shut down much of the internet. The satellite network is not licensed to operate in Iran, but thousands of its terminals have been smuggled in since 2022 after sanctions-era policy shifts. Bloomberg quotes an unnamed Starlink source; Tehran has not publicly confirmed access, but the service is said to help share images and videos of protests with outside observers. Iran reports more than 100 security-forces deaths; activists say the toll is far higher. The blackout marks one of Iran's broadest geographic outages, comparing with 2019 and 2022 shutdowns. The episode illustrates tensions between government control and decentralized connectivity, and how Musk-led Starlink could affect information flows, if access persists.

The 8 best tablets of 2026: iPads, Galaxy Tabs, and Fire face off

January 15, 2026, 6:52 PM EST. The Mashable guide weighs eight tablets released through 2026, comparing Apple's iPad lineup with Samsung Galaxy Tabs and Amazon Fire tablets. Editors test performance, displays, battery life, cameras, and value across price bands to help shoppers pick for work, study, or entertainment. The review notes that iPads continue to lead for app availability, long-term software support, and overall polish, but Galaxy Tabs offer strong Android flexibility and stylus integration, while Fire tablets win on affordability and basic media use. The piece highlights standout picks for different needs-best overall, best value, best for students-along with quick-fire cautions such as storage limits at lower price points and the absence of premium features in budget devices. The article also points readers toward promotions and bundles during major shopping holidays.

The 8 best tablets of 2026: iPads, Galaxy Tabs and Amazon Fire in focus

January 15, 2026, 6:50 PM EST. In 2026, eight tablets are reviewed across price bands and ecosystems. The Mashable guide compares performance, displays, battery life and software experiences to help buyers choose between Apple's iPad lineup, Samsung's Galaxy Tab line, and Amazon's Fire tablets. Apple's tablets continue to offer broad app support and strong multimedia features; Samsung emphasizes multitasking and stylus input; Amazon targets budget-friendly versatility and kid-friendly options. The piece breaks down what matters for students, professionals and casual media consumers, with concise verdicts on value and ecosystem benefits. The analysis notes where key models shine and where trade-offs appear, and it provides purchasing guidance ahead of seasonal promotions.

The 8 Best Tablets of 2026: iPad, Galaxy Tab and Amazon Fire Face Off

January 15, 2026, 6:48 PM EST. Eight tablets land in a 2026 buyer's guide, weighing price, performance and ecosystem. The review pits the latest iPad against the newest Galaxy Tab models and Amazon Fire tablets, then scores each on display quality, processing power, battery life and stylus support. Apple's slate remains strong for apps and creativity, while Android options offer value and multitasking flexibility, and Fire targets budget streaming and reading. The piece uses short, practical notes to help students, families and power users decide. Explanations appear for terms like RAM (memory for running apps) and SoC (system-on-a-chip). The goal: a clear, fast read that flags the best overall and best value picks for 2026.

iPhone 17e to gain Dynamic Island but 60Hz display; A19 chip and MagSafe on radar

January 15, 2026, 6:44 PM EST. Apple's rumored iPhone 17e will swap the notch for a Dynamic Island while keeping a 6.1-inch OLED display capped at 60Hz, according to Digital Chat Station on Weibo. The device would sit alongside higher-refresh 17-series models that retain ProMotion. A second Weibo leaker says the iPhone 17e could use a downclocked A19 chip, roughly comparable to the A17 Pro. A MagSafe ring is tipped for the 17e, with some modem configurations reportedly using older C1 or C1X and excluding N1. Front camera stays 12MP; rear camera remains 48MP. The iPhone 17e could launch as early as February or in the spring, with a starting price around $599.

AI as a life coach: what works, what doesn't and what to watch for

January 15, 2026, 6:42 PM EST. AI is finding a role as a life coach. OpenAI's late-2025 findings show people increasingly rely on ChatGPT for personal guidance, not just tasks, with users viewing it as an adviser. Experts say AI can lower barriers to self-reflection and act as a scaffold for expressing and organizing goals. It can synthesize information you've shared to speed planning. But there are risks: large language models reflect cultural bias toward Western values, and AI-suggested goals can be overly generic or ill-suited to the person. Detecting bias is hard, and replies may echo insights unrelated to prior conversations. Do: know yourself, treat AI as a supplement. Don't: let the tool replace judgment or chase mismatched targets. Researchers from Brown University and Johns Hopkins University caution users to tread carefully.

iPhone 17e to gain Dynamic Island but keep 60Hz display, rumors say

January 15, 2026, 6:40 PM EST. Apple's budget iPhone 17e is tipped to adopt the Dynamic Island design but retain a 60Hz OLED display, according to posts from Chinese leakers Digital Chat Station and another Weibo source. The 6.1-inch screen would follow the iPhone 16e's notch-to-DI trend but skip ProMotion to cut costs. Rumors also place an A19 chip in the second iPhone 17e, either full-speed or downclocked, potentially aligning with the A17 Pro in performance. Separate chatter mentions a magnetic ring for MagSafe, and the device could use older modems like C1 or C1X without an N1 wireless chip. A February or spring launch with a $599 starting price is possible, per leaks.

Apple loses AI race; smarter Siri to run on Gemini in Apple Private Cloud Compute

January 15, 2026, 6:34 PM EST. Apple's AI effort, branded as Apple Intelligence, started with a stumble. The rollout in 2024 was delayed; the iPhone 16 carried the label but shipped without the feature; updates arrived slowly as leadership shuffled. Yet the broader devices business held up: IDC's Q3 2025 data shows robust demand for the iPhone 17, and Counterpoint Research names Apple the global smartphone leader in 2025 with double-digit growth in market share. The new focus, however, shifts away from building in-house models toward partnerships. Apple now signals a plan to run Siri on Google's Gemini within Apple's Private Cloud Compute, aiming for a smarter assistant that carries Gemini DNA. The move invites questions about strategy, echoing Tim Cook's emphasis on owning core technologies while balancing execution.

DC's Last Payphone at Mount Pleasant Dims as Era Ends

January 15, 2026, 6:24 PM EST. On 3178 Mount Pleasant Street NW, a red phone booth has disappeared from the streetscape. Local observers spotted the last holdout of BestWorld/BestWay payphones, with a July 2025 headline tag: End of an Era. RIP BestWorld. What comes next for the block is unclear. The booth's removal underscores a broader shift away from public payphones as mobile services proliferate. Officials have not announced a redevelopment plan. Street-level chatter centers on possibilities-new retail, a digital hub, or other uses for the corner-but no firm timetable. As the city reimagines its public fixtures, the fate of this corner reflects a wider transition in urban infrastructure and telecommunications history.

Galaxy Watch Ultra price cut to $329 on Woot! international model

January 15, 2026, 6:20 PM EST. Woot! is listing the international version of the Galaxy Watch Ultra for $329, about $100 off Samsung's current tag of $429. The deal applies to the LTE and Bluetooth version; specs align with the US model, including the Exynos W1000 chipset and similar software for health and sports tracking. Woot! shows Titanium Blue and Titanium Grey variants in stock. The international edition and US model share LTE bands, so most buyers shouldn't see compatibility issues. In short, a rugged smartwatch with strong battery life and robust health features at a substantial discount for Android users seeking Apple Watch Ultra-like capabilities.

Apple bets on Gemini-powered Siri as AI strategy pivots

January 15, 2026, 6:16 PM EST. Allison Johnson reports: Apple Intelligence began with high expectations but shipped for the iPhone 16 before the feature was ready. Through 2024-25, updates arrived, yet the smarter Siri stalled. Still, iPhone 17 demand remained robust, with IDC and Counterpoint Research citing market leadership and solid growth. In late 2025, Apple signaled a pivot toward external partners, moving toward Gemini-powered Siri via Apple's Private Cloud Compute instead of building models in-house. If realized, the smarter Siri would carry notable Gemini DNA. Tim Cook has long said Apple must own core technologies; the new approach tests that premise while balancing hardware momentum with an AI strategy that's still evolving.

AI as a life coach: experts weigh benefits, limits and red flags

January 15, 2026, 6:14 PM EST. Growing use of AI for personal growth is rising. OpenAI's 2025 findings show many see ChatGPT as an adviser, not only a task engine. Proponents say AI can lower barriers to self-reflection and serve as a prompt-driven scaffold for articulating goals. It can also synthesize personal notes, helping users organize ideas. Yet experts warn of pitfalls. Large language models reproduce cultural assumptions about success and tend to favor western norms, risking bias and generic goals that miss what matters to individuals. Even with history-based prompts, bots can nudge users toward misaligned objectives or introduce unrelated insights. The verdict: usable as a starting point, but users must know themselves, verify suggestions, and balance AI input with personal judgment.

AI as a life coach: experts weigh what works, what doesn't and what to watch for

January 15, 2026, 6:12 PM EST. AI can lower barriers to self-reflection and empower some users, says Zainab Iftikhar, a Brown University PhD candidate. In September 2025, OpenAI found many people use ChatGPT for personal guidance, treating it as an adviser rather than just a task tool. Experts say the upside: AI-driven goal-setting can act as a scaffold for expressing and organizing ideas, and it can quickly synthesize information from shared data. The risks: LLMs trained on vast data may reproduce Western, generic success norms and nudges toward mismatched goals; tools can be persuasive in ways users misread. Even with past-conversation prompts, replies may draw on unrelated data. The takeaway: use with self-knowledge and skepticism; guard against bias and misaligned aims.

Galaxy Watch Ultra price drops to $329 on Woot! international version

January 15, 2026, 6:06 PM EST. Android users seeking an alternative to Apple's Watch Ultra can consider the Galaxy Watch Ultra, now at $329 on Woot!. The international version is on sale, about $100 off Samsung's current $429 price after $220 in instant discounts. Both the international and US models share LTE and Bluetooth, the same Exynos W1000 chipset, and identical software, so compatibility should be smooth. Colors in stock are Titanium Blue and Titanium Grey. The rugged smartwatch offers solid battery life and a full suite of health and sports tracking features.

Galaxy Watch Ultra deal: $329 on Woot! for international version

January 15, 2026, 6:02 PM EST. Galaxy Watch Ultra remains the closest Android rival to Apple's Watch Ultra. Woot! offers the international version for $329, about $100 below Samsung's current listing ($429 with $220 instant discount). The watch is rugged, with strong battery life, and full health and sports tracking. International and US models are largely identical: LTE and Bluetooth, the same Exynos W1000 chipset, and matching software. Available in Titanium Blue and Titanium Grey, the deal should pose little risk to buyers. Follow the Woot! link to snag the discount.

Apple loses the AI race – the real challenge starts for Siri

January 15, 2026, 5:50 PM EST. Apple's bid to turn Apple Intelligence into consumer value hit a rough patch in 2024, with the iPhone 16 shipped without it and Siri slow to mature. Yet demand for the iPhone 17 stayed resilient: IDC reported robust pre-orders, and Counterpoint Research named Apple the 2025 global market leader with about 10% year-over-year growth. In late 2025 Apple signaled a pivot to external AI partners, rather than building every model in house. This week it announced Gemini-powered Siri running in Apple's Private Cloud Compute, a move that could embed Gemini DNA into Siri if a smarter version arrives in 2026. The question: will the changes translate into real consumer impact or stay a strategic pivot?

GluFormer AI from Nvidia Israel and Weizmann Institute predicts diabetes years ahead

January 15, 2026, 5:34 PM EST. Researchers at Nvidia's Israel AI Research Center, the Weizmann Institute of Science, and Pheno.AI report a new model, GluFormer, that can forecast diabetes and other metabolic problems up to 12 years before diagnosis. Built on a Transformer foundation model, it trains on more than 10 million glucose readings from 10,812 people and was tested on data up to 12 years earlier, correctly flagging 66% of future diabetes cases and 69% of cardiovascular deaths in the highest-risk group. The model outperformed standard tools like HbA1c and held up across 19 external databases. Beyond diabetes, it signaled risks across cardiovascular, kidney, liver function, lipids, visceral fat and sleep disorders. The study, published in Nature, suggests AI could reshape preventive care by enabling earlier intervention and trial-tailoring; the work underscores the growing role of Nvidia and partners in medical research.

GluFormer AI model from Nvidia Israel and Weizmann predicts diabetes up to 12 years ahead

January 15, 2026, 5:32 PM EST. An AI model called GluFormer, created by Nvidia's AI Research Center in Israel, the Weizmann Institute of Science, and Pheno.AI, can forecast diabetes and other life-threatening diseases well before standard tests. Trained on more than 10 million glucose readings from 10,812 individuals, and tested on data from 580 adults, GluFormer identified 66% of those who later developed diabetes and 69% of cardiovascular deaths among high-risk cases up to 12 years early. The model, based on a Transformer architecture, outperformed HbA1c and other tools across 19 external databases. Beyond diabetes, it signals risk for cardiovascular disease, kidney and liver function, lipids, visceral fat, and sleep disorders. Researchers say earlier detection could reshape preventive care, trials, and costs. Diabetes worldwide could reach $2.5 trillion by 2030.

Anthropic research finds AI reshapes jobs unevenly, boosting productivity for skilled workers

January 15, 2026, 5:24 PM EST. AI's impact on work isn't a simple replacement story. Anthropic's Economic Index tracks how users deploy Claude, what tasks they give it, and how often it succeeds, to reveal how AI affects real jobs. Anthropic economist Peter McCrory says AI is a general-purpose technology that will touch every job and sector. Results show role-dependent effects: radiologists and therapists may gain time for conversation as time-heavy tasks shift to automation, while others risk deskilling-for example in data entry, IT, and travel planning. Human collaboration remains essential for complex work, with productivity rising mainly for highly skilled professionals. Adoption is accelerating across the US, outpacing many past tech waves, and states with lower use are catching up as Claude expands to more tasks.

Anthropic study shows AI reshapes jobs unevenly as Claude expands tasks

January 15, 2026, 5:22 PM EST. Anthropic's Economic Index tracks how users deploy Claude, measuring task variety, autonomy granted, and success rates to map AI's real impact on work. The data suggest AI is a general-purpose technology affecting every job, but outcomes vary by role. In medicine and therapy, AI can take on time-consuming tasks, freeing clinicians to focus on conversations; elsewhere, workers may face deskilling or simplified duties. Human collaboration remains essential for complex work, implying AI boosts productivity mainly for highly skilled professionals rather than replacing them. Adoption is accelerating across the US; earlier adopters outpaced peers, while low-usage states are catching up. Economist Peter McCrory cautions the picture is evolving, and ongoing research aims to clarify who benefits and how quickly. Claude's range of tasks continues to expand.

iOS 26 adoption slower than iOS 18; Liquid Glass concerns questioned

January 15, 2026, 5:02 PM EST. Statcounter data suggested iOS 26 adoption was lagging behind earlier updates, with January figures showing 16.6% of devices on iOS 26 variants and about 70% on iOS 18. However, Condé Nast traffic data spanning Oct-Dec 2025 shows iOS 26 accounted for about 45% of iPhone pageviews, compared with roughly 76% for iOS 18 in Dec 2024. The narrative of mass aversion to the redesigned Liquid Glass UI appears overstated. iOS 26 also dropped support for the iPhone XS/XS Max/XR, a factor in slower uptake. Officials cite multiple forces-device compatibility, security patches, and user hesitancy-shaping adoption as the year ends, not a single design controversy.

MacWeb unveils MiniCluster: on-demand bare-metal Mac mini clusters with Thunderbolt 5 networking

January 15, 2026, 4:58 PM EST. MacWeb unveils on-demand, bare-metal MiniCluster built from Apple M4 Pro Mac minis. The four-node configuration offers 56 CPU cores, 80 GPU cores, 64 NPU cores, 256 GB RAM, 4 TB SSD, and four media/ray-tracing engines; the ten-node Pro adds 140 CPU cores, 200 GPU cores, 160 NPU cores, 640 GB RAM, 10 TB SSD, ten engines. Both use private Thunderbolt 5 networking (up to 80 Gbps) and a 10G internet port with sequential IPv4 addresses, with no hypervisor between workloads. Available now in MacWeb's US West (Silicon Valley) region, following a US East region launch in New York. CEO Eric Bickford says it makes Apple silicon capacity predictable for creative pipelines, scientific computing, GitHub runners, and CI/CD workflows. Starting at $1,200/month.

Garmin smartwatch trial tests whether wearables curb tantrums in children

January 15, 2026, 4:54 PM EST. At the Mayo Clinic, researchers tested a Garmin smartwatch on 50 children aged three to seven to see if wearables can ease tantrums when professional help isn't immediately available. The device tracked heart rate, movement and sleep and sent alerts to parents when readings suggested rising stress. Some children were on stimulant ADHD meds; about half had ADHD, others did not. The study sought to learn whether families would actually use the watches and whether alerts helped parents respond quickly. Early results show kids wore the watches about 75% of days in the four-month trial, and parents said the alerts could help them intervene within five to ten minutes, potentially restoring calm sooner.

Mesa County Libraries offer free Internet Safety and Privacy classes to curb phishing

January 15, 2026, 4:44 PM EST. Mesa County Libraries are offering free Internet Safety and Privacy classes this month at Clifton, Fruita and Central libraries. The sessions aim to help residents defend against online threats, including phishing scams that target older users. Participants will learn to create stronger passwords, adjust privacy settings, and recognize online risks. No reservation is needed; seating is first-come, first-served. Upcoming sessions: Clifton Branch, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22; Fruita Branch, 2-3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26; Central Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 29.

Apple rolls out second developer betas for iOS 26.3 and other OS builds amid background security updates

January 15, 2026, 4:42 PM EST. Apple rolls out the second developer beta builds of iOS 26.3, iPadOS 26.3, watchOS 26.3, tvOS 26.3, visionOS 26.3 and macOS Tahoe 26.3, following the December 15 release. Build numbers move to iOS 23D5103d and iPadOS 23D5103d, watchOS 23S5600d, visionOS 23N5602d, tvOS 23K5600b and macOS Tahoe 25D5101c. Apple has issued background security updates outside the usual flow since the first beta, a pattern that may or may not continue. The initial beta added a Transfer to Android option and notification forwarding to third-party wearables. Apple cautions against installing betas on primary hardware and urges backups. Public betas typically follow for broader testing.

Apple issues second developer betas for iOS 26.3 suite; background updates tested

January 15, 2026, 4:40 PM EST. Apple has rolled out the second developer betas for its 26.3 family-iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, visionOS and macOS Tahoe-after the December 15 launch of the first builds. The beta 2 identifiers run 23D5103d for iOS and iPadOS, 23S5600d for watchOS, 23N5602d for visionOS, 23K5600b for tvOS and 25D5101c for macOS Tahoe. Apple also issued background security updates outside the normal flow, a practice not guaranteed to continue. The first beta added a Transfer to Android option and notified users that third-party wearables can receive notifications. Public betas typically follow developer releases. Participants are urged to install betas on secondary hardware and maintain backups to avoid data loss. News tips welcome via Twitter at @AppleInsider or by email.

Leaked Pixel 10a prices hint at a price drop amid rising electronics costs

January 15, 2026, 4:36 PM EST. Leaker MysteryLupin on Twitter/X cites retailer listings showing Google's Pixel 10a starting at about €500 for 128GB and €600 for 256GB. The 256GB variant would be offered only in Obsidian, while other colors appear at the base price. In Europe, Pixel 9a launched at €549 for 128GB and US $499; a €500 starting price for the 10a would be a notable move given broader 2026 cost pressures. Google could offset higher component costs with savings from shared design, specs, and chipset with the Pixel 9a. The company is anticipated to unveil the Pixel 10a as soon as mid-February, according to recent leaks.

Bully Online mod shut down a month after launch

January 15, 2026, 4:24 PM EST. The Bully Online mod, released in mid-December as an open-source fan project, has been shut down. In a Discord post, developers said development would end and the project would go offline "forever," deleting the server, source code, and user data. The announcement gave no explicit reason, though it said more details would come in a video by Swegta, the YouTuber leading the project. Bully Online offered free roam, custom vehicles, role-play and more than 60 mini games. Attempts to view the site are now offline. Speculation points to pressure from the original publisher, Rockstar. Insider Gaming says it will report further once an official update is available, and invites readers to join discussion on its Discord.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons 3.0 update arrives early as Switch 2 edition launches

January 15, 2026, 4:22 PM EST. Nintendo released the free Animal Crossing: New Horizons 3.0 update a day earlier than planned, landing January 14. The patch adds a new resort hotel on the pier, fresh items and quality-of-life tweaks, plus the ability to host friends on a newly branded Slumber Island dream world. Players can download the update from the game icon on Switch home screens. Nintendo also pushed the Switch 2 edition on January 15, improving visuals, adding mouse controls and GameChat, and expanding online multiplayer from eight to 12 players. Upgrading to Switch 2 costs $5; first-time players can buy the Switch 2 version for $65. The 3.0 update and Switch 2 version are now live.

Rooftop device makes gasoline from air as alternative to electric cars

January 15, 2026, 4:20 PM EST. Aircela, a New York startup, says it has built a refrigerator-sized machine that consumes ambient air and converts carbon into gasoline. The company describes the output as carbon-neutral liquid fuel that runs in existing engines with no need for special engines. In a public demonstration the device reportedly produced enough fuel quickly to fill a bottle, claiming the product is free of sulfur and ethanol contaminants that pollute some fuels. The design avoids pipelines and refineries, allowing homes, businesses and institutions to generate fuel on-site with renewable energy. Shipping and aviation groups are watching for scalability, while critics will seek clarity on lifecycle emissions, energy inputs and the economics before wide adoption. If viable, the approach could complement or challenge electric vehicles on long journeys.

Aircela tests rooftop device turning ambient air into petroleum-free gasoline

January 15, 2026, 4:18 PM EST. A New York startup, Aircela, has demonstrated a device the size of a refrigerator that turns ambient air into gasoline. In a public demonstration, the rooftop unit captures carbon from the atmosphere and converts it into a carbon-neutral liquid fuel that can run in ordinary engines. Aircela says the fuel is free from sulfur and ethanol contaminants and does not require any special engine. The concept could let home and business sites produce fuel locally without pipelines or refineries, potentially reducing transport emissions. The project remains at rooftop scale, with next steps testing in carbon-neutral facilities powered by renewable energy. Interest is rising from shipping firms and, in Europe, the aviation sector, pending broader validation.

DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo discounted to $1,099 with RC2 controller and three batteries

January 15, 2026, 4:16 PM EST. DJI slashed the price of the Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo to $1,099 from $1,599, a 31% drop. The bundle includes the DJI RC2 controller, multiple intelligent batteries, a charging hub and a compact bag. The drone itself is lightweight, can shoot 4K HDR video at up to 60 fps, and uses Dual Native ISO (two sensor sensitivities) to preserve detail in varied lighting. A long-range video link and a 3-axis mechanical gimbal keep footage stable even in wind. The built-in RC2 screen eliminates the need for a smartphone. It supports both landscape and vertical shooting for YouTube, Instagram Reels, or TikTok. With three batteries and fast transfers, the package is suitable for beginners or upgrading pilots.

Bully Online mod shut down a month after launch

January 15, 2026, 4:14 PM EST. Bully Online, a fan-made mod for the Bully universe, launched in December and quickly shut down after a brief run. In a Discord post, the developers said development is ended and the server, source code, and user data will be removed, with the project declared offline forever. No official reason was given; viewers were promised a detailed explanation from Swegta, the YouTuber who led the effort. The mod featured open-world, custom vehicles, role-playing, and more than 60 mini-games, and was released as an open-source project. Insider Gaming will provide updates when an official reason is published.

DJI ban takes effect; Ruko unveils U11MINI 4K to fill US pocket-drone gap

January 15, 2026, 4:02 PM EST. With the FCC ban on new DJI drones now in effect, the US market faces a gap in pocket aerial options. Ruko has unveiled the U11MINI 4K, a pocket drone pitched as a first option from the company. Weighing under 249 g, it is FAA-exempt and can shoot 4K at 30p and capture 8K stills with a 1/2-inch CMOS, 48 MP sensor. It uses a 3-axis brushless gimbal and EIS, plus auto-cruise control. The U11MINI 4K relies on its own R2 digital transmission, offering up to 20,000 ft of range without Wi-Fi, and claims 64 minutes of flight time. Priced at $389.99, it is on sale at Ruko's site.

Nvidia stock jumps as AI growth persists; TSMC signals durable demand

January 15, 2026, 3:58 PM EST. Investors pushed Nvidia higher after another data point suggesting AI growth remains robust. The stock rose about 3% as markets digested a strong showing from TSMC, Nvidia's chip maker and partner. TSMC reported Q4 profit up 35% and forecast capital expenditures of as much as $56 billion for 2026, well above 2025 guidance, signaling sustained demand for AI chips. Analysts see the capex outlook as evidence that Nvidia's orders and backlog are likely expanding, constrained mainly by manufacturing capacity. The move adds to AI-driven strength in semiconductors, with money flowing to beneficiaries of the AI boom.

Apple fights for chip capacity as TSMC raises prices amid AI demand

January 15, 2026, 3:54 PM EST. A new report portrays Apple, once TSMC's largest client, facing tighter chip capacity as the AI boom drives GPU demand from Nvidia and AMD. TSMC CEO CC Wei reportedly signaled price hikes that Apple will absorb, even as Apple's share of TSMC's wafer capacity declines. With each GPU footprint expanding, Apple's iPhone chips risk losing guaranteed production slots among TSMC's nearly two dozen fabs. The story also notes that Apple may no longer be TSMC's top customer and hints at diversification talks, including renewed partnerships with Intel for Mac and iPhone-class chips. How this affects consumers remains uncertain, but higher costs for future iPhone generations could reflect the shift in pricing power.

Anthropic's Claude Cowork proves usable AI desktop agent in early preview

January 15, 2026, 3:52 PM EST. Anthropic's Claude Cowork, released this week as a research preview, aims to be a usable AI agent for nontechnical users. In early tests, it handles file organization, format conversions, and report generation, and it can take control of a browser to search the web or tidy a Gmail inbox. The tool expands on the company's Claude Code work, with a friendlier form factor beyond a terminal. Access is limited to the Mac version and to subscribers of Anthropic's $100-a-month plan. Engineers like Boris Cherny and Felix Rieseberg describe practical, file-focused uses, while Reece Rogers shows how it can file expense reports and perform simple edits. A broader rollout may follow; an internet connection is required for certain tasks.

Ruko launches U11MINI 4K pocket drone as DJI US ban takes effect

January 15, 2026, 3:50 PM EST. With the US ban on new DJI sales now in effect, the market gap opens for rivals. Ruko unveiled the U11MINI 4K, a pocket drone under 249g that shoots 4K/30p video, captures 8K stills on a 48MP sensor, and uses a 3-axis gimbal. It includes an integrated touchscreen controller so operators won't rely on a smartphone. The FAA-exempt design aims at entry-level and enthusiast pilots. Ruko cites a 1/2-inch CMOS sensor, EIS stabilization, and an auto-cruise control feature for steadier footage. A homegrown R2 digital transmission system promises up to 20k ft of range, with roughly 64 minutes of flight time. It's listed at $389.99 on Ruko's site, signaling more competition as DJI exits the US market.

Anthropic's Claude Cowork shows promise as a desktop AI agent

January 15, 2026, 3:38 PM EST. WIRED's tester found Claude Cowork, Anthropic's new desktop AI agent, to work fairly well on basic and intermediate demos. Built as a bridge from Claude Code, it targets nontechnical users who avoid the command line. It can organize files, convert formats, generate reports and take control of a browser for web search or inbox tidy-up. The feature is in a research preview for subscribers to a $100-per-month plan, starting with Mac and with broader rollout later. Anthropic executives say the most immediate, practical use lies in file management rather than heavy automation.

NVIDIA reportedly cuts AIC partner GPU supply by up to 20%

January 15, 2026, 3:36 PM EST. NVIDIA could trim shipments to add-in-card (AIC) partners by about 15-20%, according to MEGAsizeGPU on X, which has correctly predicted past NVIDIA lineups. The post says AICs will face a cut in GPU supply of up to one-fifth. The reason remains unclear. NVIDIA traditionally provides a GPU die with memory as a kit to AICs, while partners handle engineering and integration; sourcing dies directly is not typical. The note speculates NVIDIA may be reallocating TSMC capacity from consumer 'Blackwell' lines to server-grade variants such as B200 and B300. It also says NVIDIA continues to bundle GDDR7 memory with AIC cards, countering talk of sourcing memory separately from SK Hynix, Samsung or Micron. Separately, NVIDIA has stopped production of the mid-range GeForce RTX 5070 Ti amid a supply shortage; the company did not comment on availability.

NVIDIA reportedly cuts AIC partner GPU supply by up to 20%

January 15, 2026, 3:34 PM EST. NVIDIA is reported to cut GPU shipments to AIC partners by 15-20%, according to MEGAsizeGPU on X, a source with a track record for predicting NVIDIA lineups. The change would affect AICs that assemble pre-packaged GPU dies and memory onto custom PCBs, with NVIDIA handling sourcing and memory bundling. The rationale remains undisclosed, but analysts note NVIDIA may be reallocating TSMC capacity from consumer Blackwell chips to server-grade parts like the B200 and B300. NVIDIA reportedly continues to bundle GDDR7 memory with AIC kits, countering rumors that chips would have to be sourced externally. Separately, NVIDIA halted mid-range GeForce RTX 5070 Ti production, fueling speculation about a broader shift away from the consumer GPU market.

TSMC earnings beat lifts chip stocks on AI demand optimism

January 15, 2026, 3:32 PM EST. TSMC beat on quarterly profit, boosting confidence in industrywide demand for leading-edge process technologies. The company posted 35% year-over-year profit growth and signaled higher capital spending in 2026, signaling AI buildout. In the US, Nvidia rose nearly 3%, AMD up 6%, and Broadcom about 2% as chipmakers rallied with equipment makers like Lam Research (+6.5%). Micron gained over 3%, Analog Devices around 2%, and the VanEck Semiconductor ETF climbed about 3.5%. CFO Wendell Huang said demand for TSMC's advanced processes should stay strong. The rally comes ahead of a tech earnings season that includes Intel, Apple, and others; investors will watch AI-related demand closely.

NASA readies Artemis II mega-rocket for crewed lunar flyby

January 15, 2026, 3:30 PM EST. NASA is moving its Artemis II mega-rocket to the launch pad as the agency prepares for a crewed lunar flyby. The Space Launch System core stage and Orion capsule sit on a mobile launcher at Kennedy Space Center, awaiting rollout to the pad. If on schedule, Artemis II will loop around the Moon with astronauts aboard, testing life-support, communications and Orion's heat shield in deep-space conditions ahead of a future lunar landing. Officials warned that timelines could shift because of ongoing systems checks, weather or technical reviews. The rollout marks a milestone for NASA's Artemis program, which seeks a sustainable human presence beyond Earth orbit.

RAM shortage hits Nvidia's 4K gateway RTX 5070 Ti as Asus shelves stock

January 15, 2026, 3:28 PM EST. Memory shortages are squeezing Nvidia's 4K-ready lineup. The RTX 5070 Ti, Nvidia's gateway to 4K gaming with 16GB VRAM, appears to be entering end-of-life, after Asus reportedly shelved remaining AIC stock. Hardware Unboxed cites Asus confirmation that TUF Gaming and Prime-branded 5070 Ti cards are effectively retired. The move comes amid a broader RAM shortage driven by memory-makers prioritizing AI data-center demand. VRAM is a key limiter at 4K, and more of it reduces the need to dial back settings. Nvidia may deprioritize lower-end models, with the RTX 5060 Ti offered in 8GB and 16GB configurations; sources say 8GB PCIe GPUs could be favored. Top-end RTX 5080/5090 are expected to remain more available. Retailers report thin inventories across the stack.

DJI Power 2000 Portable Power Station drops to $699 at Amazon, $600 off

January 15, 2026, 3:26 PM EST. Mashable reports the DJI Power 2000 Portable Power Station is on sale at Amazon for $699, down from $1,299. The deal cuts $600 and amounts to a 46% discount-the lowest price we've seen. Deal pricing and availability are subject to change after publication. The device promises emergency power for outages or off-grid scenarios, underscoring its utility for preparedness.

DJI Power 2000 portable power station hits $699 on Amazon, $600 off

January 15, 2026, 3:24 PM EST. Mashable reports a price cut on the DJI Power 2000 Portable Power Station. As of Jan. 15, Amazon lists the unit for $699, down from $1,299, a 46% discount and the lowest price seen. The device is pitched as an emergency power source for outages and remote sites. Deal pricing can change after publication; purchases via the link may earn Mashable affiliate credits. Credit to Amazon for the photo. The article frames the offer within a broader drive to stock backup power ahead of severe weather and outages, underscoring portability and capacity.

Chip stocks rally as TSMC earnings beat boosts AI demand outlook

January 15, 2026, 3:22 PM EST. Chipmakers and semiconductor equipment players led gains after TSMC beat earnings estimates with a 35% year-over-year profit rise. The company said it would lift capital spending in 2026, underscoring confidence in the AI buildout. In the session, Nvidia rose near 3% and AMD advanced around 6%, with Broadcom up about 2% as the group linked to TSMC's demand. TSMC shares gained more than 6%. The VanEck Semiconductor ETF rose about 3.5%, tracking gains among AI-related names. Smaller peers such as Micron (+3%) and Lam Research (+6.5%) also advanced, while Analog Devices rose close to 2%. The rally comes as tech earnings season approaches, with Intel slated to report next.

Google separates Gemini 3 'Thinking' and 'Pro' usage limits

January 15, 2026, 3:16 PM EST. Google is separating Gemini 3's Thinking and Pro usage limits, moving away from a shared pool. The three-model chooser remains: Fast (Gemini 3 Flash), Thinking (solves complex problems), and Pro (advanced math and code). Under the change, limits are now independent per tier. AI Pro gets 300 Thinking prompts per day and 100 Pro prompts per day. AI Ultra gets 1500 Thinking prompts per day and 500 Pro prompts per day. Free users are included, listed as Basic access for both Thinking and Pro. Google says the goal is more precision and transparency when choosing a model. Users can switch between models while quotas operate independently.

ICE used AI tool to triage resumes, misclassifying recruits and prompting undertrained officers

January 15, 2026, 3:12 PM EST. ICE used an AI tool to triage resumes for a hiring surge tied to a budget plan of $75 billion over four years to reach 10,000 recruits by 2025, NBC News reports. The system misclassified applicants with no prior law enforcement experience as LEO program entrants, sending them to a four-week online course instead of the eight-week in-person track. The four-week path had recently replaced a longer 20-week regime, a move the agency said aimed to cut redundancy and reflect technology changes, per the Washington Post. NBC News says the mislabel affected a majority of new hires before the error was identified late last year. Critics warn of aggressive enforcement tactics and privacy concerns tied to ICE's use of AI tools, facial recognition, and iris-scanning apps.

Meta aims to double, possibly triple smart glasses production by 2026

January 15, 2026, 3:10 PM EST. According to Bloomberg, Meta and EssilorLuxottica are weighing a bigger run for their smart glasses, aiming for 20 million units a year by the end of 2026, with demand possibly lifting output beyond 30 million. EssilorLuxottica said in February 2025 it would lift capacity to 10 million annually by 2026. The partners sell two products: audio-only AI frames across Oakley and Ray-Ban, and the Ray-Ban Display, which embeds a full-color display in the right lens. Separately, Meta paused the international rollout of the $800 Ray-Ban Display due to demand and limited inventory. The company is also cutting about 10% of staff at Reality Labs, a shift toward AI and smart glasses over VR/metaverse goals, per The New York Times.

Apple-Google tie accelerates Siri with Gemini Personal Intelligence preview

January 15, 2026, 3:08 PM EST. Apple and Google are expanding collaboration on AI assistants as Siri edges closer to Gemini Personal Intelligence. Google launched a beta that uses Gemini to pull personalized data from apps and services to tailor replies. The Apple version will pull from Mail, Calendar, Photos and Notes. Demonstrations show Gemini retrieving specifics from text, photos and videos across Google Workspace, Google Photos, YouTube history and various Google Searches. Examples include tire sizes, license plates and vehicle trim, drawn from user content. Google says it will show the sources behind its answers to reduce hallucinations and let users verify, correct or reset the personalization. Opt-in privacy remains mandatory; users can limit the data or switch off personalization. The preview frames how AI responses may be contextualized within daily tasks.

SiFive to integrate NVIDIA NVLink Fusion in next-gen RISC-V AI data-center chips

January 15, 2026, 3:06 PM EST. SiFive said it will embed NVIDIA's NVLink Fusion interconnect into its upcoming RISC-V silicon platforms, a move designed to fuse customizable CPUs with NVIDIA accelerators in rack-scale AI data centers. The collaboration follows NVLink Fusion's availability to third parties in Q2 2025 and aims to let RISC-V CPUs join NVIDIA's NVLink Fusion ecosystem via the OCP MGX rack architecture. NVIDIA has previously ported CUDA to RISC-V as part of broadening its open ecosystem. SiFive positions its IP as energy-efficient and customizable for AI, ML, and HPC workloads, while NVIDIA promotes scalable, high-bandwidth interconnects that can span GPUs, CPUs, and networking. The deal could widen the pool of first-class partners for NVIDIA's rack-scale strategy and advance open-source compute in AI datacenters.

Apple keeps control of Gemini-powered Siri, avoids Google branding

January 15, 2026, 3:02 PM EST. Apple will retain significant control over its Gemini-powered Siri upgrade even after striking a deal with Google, The Information reports. Insiders say Apple can tweak the model independently from Google and will not display any Google or Gemini branding for now. Google's LLM will act as a base for Apple's needs rather than a complete package, with Apple directing on-device improvements and how the assistant talks to users. The upgrade targets better general knowledge and emotional support in a more natural tone, while enabling Siri to contextualize unclear requests. The arrangement underscores Apple's balance between external collaboration and internal customization of its AI strategy.

SpaceX Dragon Endeavor returns to Earth, streaks across California night sky

January 15, 2026, 2:58 PM EST. CALIFORNIA – SpaceX's Dragon capsule Endeavor completed its return to Earth after undocking from the International Space Station. The Crew-11 spacecraft conducted departure and orbit-lowering maneuvers before re-entering Earth's atmosphere at about 12:35 a.m. PT on January 15. The capsule traced a southward arc from the north, passing near San Francisco and through Santa Barbara County, leaving a bright plasma trail before splashing down in the Pacific Ocean off the California coast. Recovery vessel Shannon retrieved the capsule and crew, with landing zones near Los Angeles, Oceanside or San Diego cited. The brief night-sky show was visible to early risers; the crew returned ahead of schedule due to a sick astronaut.

Apple taps Google's Gemini for next-gen AI, signaling shift in strategy

January 15, 2026, 2:48 PM EST. Apple has struck a multi-year deal to base the next generation of its Foundation Models on Google's Gemini, a move that reframes the iPhone maker's AI strategy. The collaboration aims to power future Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized Siri set for roll-out later this year. The arrangement echoes decades of Apple-Google cooperation-Apple collects billions from Google as the default search engine while outsourcing infrastructure. Regulators pressed Apple on antitrust concerns, but the company argues building a homegrown AI stack would be costly and misaligned with its core hardware business. The shift underlines a pragmatic pivot: partner with a tech leader rather than re-create a broad AI stack in-house, at least for now.

Apple taps Google Gemini for AI future under multi-year deal

January 15, 2026, 2:46 PM EST. Apple's AI strategy has shifted from a reinvented Siri to a broader, outsourced path. After a shaky start with on-device LLMs, Apple has struck a multi-year deal with Google to base the next generation of Apple Foundation Models on Google's Gemini and cloud tech, powering features including a more personalized Siri this year. The move mirrors years of revenue from Google default search, and bundles critical AI infrastructure with a company that can bankroll it. Apple argues building its own AI stack would be expensive and not core to the business. The deal unfolds amid antitrust scrutiny and a perception that Apple preferred not to compete head-on with OpenAI. The narrative now centers on how much of Apple's AI future is effectively powered by Google, a pillar of Apple Intelligence.

Nvidia shares climb as TSMC capex plan and US export rules lift AI-chip outlook

January 15, 2026, 2:44 PM EST. Shares of Nvidia rose about 2% in morning trading after two developments supportive of AI chips demand. Taiwan's TSMC said it will lift capital expenditure to roughly $52-56 billion in 2026, with part of the outlay earmarked for packaging tech to ease bottlenecks in finished chip systems. The move lifted sentiment for chip suppliers and equipment makers. In Washington, the White House set licensing conditions allowing some advanced chips to be exported and imposed a 25% duty on certain semiconductors exported after bypassing domestic AI use, a move to safeguard U.S. manufacturing. Beijing has reportedly instructed customs to bar Nvidia's H200 chips and warned firms against purchases unless necessary, potentially curbing near-term China sales. Still, analysts say the developments could support longer-term AI demand despite China-related uncertainty.

DJI Mini 5 Pro lands on Amazon from $759 with Prime shipping

January 15, 2026, 2:42 PM EST. Amazon lists the DJI Mini 5 Pro with RC-N3 starting at $759. The listing shows 500+ units sold in the past month and a 4.6-star rating from about 600 reviews, with some configurations showing limited stock warnings. Key specs include a 1-inch CMOS sensor delivering 4K/60fps HDR video, and forward LiDAR for what DJI calls Nightscape Obstacle Sensing. A 225-degree gimbal enables true vertical filming without cropping. Battery life ranges from 34 minutes on standard packs to 52 minutes with the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus. Configurations: base $759 with RC-N3; Fly More Combo $959; Fly More Combo with RC 2 $1,099; Fly More Combo Plus $1,349. The RC 2 option adds a built-in screen, removing phone dependency for outdoor use. For casual flyers, the base is entry; the Fly More lines boost capacity.

Galaxy S26 Plus to retain S25 Plus display as mass production begins ahead of February launch

January 15, 2026, 2:40 PM EST. Samsung is set to begin mass production of the Galaxy S26 Plus later this month, with a late-February unveiling and a launch expected next month, industry sources told Korea's The Elec. The phone is expected to carry the same 6.66-inch display as the S25 Plus, after Samsung dropped a planned upgrade that would have used an OLED panel developed for the S26 Edge. Some changes to layer structure remain possible, but no major display revamp is on the cards. The lineup shuffle that would have added an S26 Pro and an Edge was reversed in October; time limited. Samsung is still expected to ship about 3.6 million units of the Galaxy S26 Ultra, compared with roughly 700,000 for the base and 600,000 for the Plus.

Humans stay at center as AI agents scale across sectors

January 15, 2026, 2:38 PM EST. Humans stay at the center as AI agents work beside us. The aim is to elevate, not replace. At Davos, Agentforce will tailor the forum, guiding attendees through sessions and meetings based on bios and interests. In commerce, Williams-Sonoma's Olive handles about 60% of customer chats, grounded in trusted data to speed responses. Inside a company, an IT Support agent now resolves 35% of issues and saves an estimated 25,000 hours annually. Nonprofits and governments deploy agents to magnify human effort: Pledge 1% matches needs with volunteers for roughly 20,000 companies and $3 billion given; Blue Star Families helps staff assist military families; the IRS Office of Chief Counsel automates up to 98% of activity in some workflows. The work ahead is to build systems that empower AI for humanity and strengthen institutions.

Google-Apple AI deal cements Gemini 3 edge, shocks OpenAI

January 15, 2026, 2:36 PM EST. Google and Apple on Monday announced a multi-year collaboration in which Google's Gemini models and cloud technology will power the next generation of Apple's AI, including a Siri upgrade expected this year. Bloomberg had reported a possible licensing deal around $1 billion a year, though the companies did not confirm the figure. The arrangement could lift Google's cloud revenue and place AI on the vast majority of smartphones, challenging OpenAI's lead without relying on a competitor. Analysts call it a turning point: DA Davidson's Gil Luria called it a huge loss for OpenAI; Hedgeye's Andrew Freedman called it a landmark development that could curb OpenAI's share. The move follows Gemini 3's market outperformance and prior Apple talks to power ChatGPT on iPhones in 2024.

Apple's iPhone 17e tipped to get Dynamic Island with 60Hz display

January 15, 2026, 2:34 PM EST. Apple's budget-friendly iPhone 17e may gain Dynamic Island, according to posts on Weibo by leaker Digital Chat Station. The model, which follows the iPhone 16e launched in February 2025 as an affordable variant, is expected to keep a 6.1-inch LTPS OLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate. The upgrade would bring the Dynamic Island design and new features to the lower-cost line, while other specs reportedly include the new A19 chip and Face ID. Apple's iPhone 17 series is expected to adopt 120Hz displays, but the 17e would stay at 60Hz. The report notes that at least the design would align with higher-end models and offer notification and info access via Dynamic Island.

INIU 140W 27,000mAh Power Bank on Amazon Sale for $69; Powers Laptops

January 15, 2026, 2:32 PM EST. Amazon discounts the INIU 140W Power Bank to $69 from $99 in a limited-time deal. The unit packs 27,000mAh and a 140W USB-C in-out port, plus a 45W USB-C and a USB-A port for simultaneous charging. INIU says it can power a 16-inch MacBook Pro from 0% to 59% in about 30 minutes. A front Smart LED display shows current output, remaining charge, and estimated time to recharge. At roughly 7.2 x 3.5 inches and about an inch thick, it weighs 22 ounces and is listed as airline-approved. The charger claims compatibility with modern devices-iPhone, Samsung, M-series MacBooks, Chromebooks, tablets and more-described as powering over 1,000 devices. The deal is time-limited and may disappear soon.

Deals: Apple Watch Ultra 3, iPad Pro M5, Nomad iPhone cases, and more

January 15, 2026, 2:28 PM EST. 9to5Toys' Lunch Break highlights today include a Black Friday-style reset on Apple gear. Best Buy slashes the Apple Watch Ultra 3 in black with the Black Ocean Band to $681.99 shipped in excellent open-box condition, about $117 off the $799 list price and with a 1-year Apple warranty. Amazon has returned all-time lows on the 13-inch M5 iPad Pro, delivering $200 off the 1TB model to $1,799 shipped, with the same $200 cut applying to the 2TB version. Other offers include the USB-C Magic Mouse at more than 25% off, Nomad leather iPhone 17 Pro/Max cases at 20% off with a FREE screen protector, and Anker's white 25W Qi2 MagSafe Charging station with an onboard display at 30% off. Deals fluctuate; readers should act quickly as inventory changes.

Anthropic AI announcements spark concerns across software sector

January 15, 2026, 2:26 PM EST. Anthropic rolled out a slate of new AI announcements this week, drawing quick reaction from software executives. In briefings and public notes, firms raised concerns about interoperability with existing tools, data-security implications, and the cost of adopting newer models. Analysts cited potential shifts in licensing terms, development workflows, and the pace of regulatory scrutiny. Some customers welcomed clearer use cases and greater transparency, while others pressed for stronger guardrails on safety and explainability. The announcements highlight a broader tension between rapid AI innovation and enterprise-ready deployment, as companies weigh short-term gains against longer-term operational risk and integration hurdles.

DJI Osmo Mobile 7 hits record-low $59 on Amazon, 34% off

January 15, 2026, 2:14 PM EST. Amazon lists the DJI Osmo Mobile 7 at $59, a $30 drop from its $89 list price and a 34% discount, marking a record-low on Amazon. The handheld gimbal offers gimbal stabilization, phone charging, and DJI's ActiveTrack 7.0 tracking. Mashable reported the deal, noting price could change after publication.

2 AI Stocks Ready for a Bull Run: Micron Technology and Applied Digital

January 15, 2026, 2:12 PM EST. Micron Technology stands to gain from a memory bottleneck in AI infrastructure. High-bandwidth memory (HBM) is essential for GPU-heavy AI workloads, and demand has surged as data-center spending climbs. Supply tightness across DRAM and NAND is lifting prices, and Micron Technology is expanding HBM capacity while boosting capex. Its exposure to both DRAM and NAND makes it a lever on the memory cycle, with HBM demand reportedly sold out for the year. Applied Digital benefits from cheap power for AI training and inference, building data centers tailored for large-language models. Together, these names reflect AI infrastructure tightness and could fuel a rebound as the bull market advances.

Leak reveals Galaxy S26 Ultra Privacy Display in real life

January 15, 2026, 2:10 PM EST. A fresh leak outlines how Samsung's Privacy Display behaves on the forthcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra. Tipster Ahmed Qwaider says the feature keeps the screen content visible only to the user, with brightness and colors unaffected. Viewers nearby see a near-black image, even at maximum brightness, when the mode is active. The feature can reportedly auto-activate with certain apps, such as WhatsApp, or based on location or time. Samsung's OLED panels with the Magic Flex Pixel tech power the system, which was demoed at MWC 2024. Some chatter suggests the feature might debut on the S26 lineup beyond the Ultra, but Samsung has not confirmed broad availability. The leak highlights privacy as a potential differentiator for the phone.

Bank of England cloud-migration costs climb to £21.5 million from £7 million

January 15, 2026, 2:08 PM EST. Procurement records show the Bank of England's cloud migration has grown from an initial £7 million to £21.5 million. The project began in 2023 to move core back-office systems-finance, procurement, and recruitment-into a single cloud. It shifted from a two-phase rollout to a multi-stage, module-by-module approach, spreading work as internal teams were ready. The change reduced disruption but raised management costs and complexity, with each phase needing testing and integration. The contract was valued at £8.7 million in 2023, revised to £13.8 million in early 2025, and later to £21.5 million after additional work not in the original tender. Internal notes suggested limited options to change course; continuing with the existing partner was deemed least disruptive. The effort underscores how legacy systems tie to data feeds and processes, and how people and process changes add to cloud costs.

Valerion VisionMaster Max projector review: near-perfect image quality comes at a price

January 15, 2026, 2:06 PM EST. Valerion's VisionMaster Max is the new flagship 4K laser projector, delivering standout image quality from a triple-laser system and automatic alignment. The review notes that it edges rivals such as Anker Nebula X1 and XGIMI Horizon 20 Max on picture fidelity, but the premium price-$3,999 at Amazon-limits its appeal for most buyers. Setup is straightforward with flexible lens options, including a future long-throw lens and an anamorphic option, and a wide throw range to fit different rooms. The built-in sound is mediocre, despite Dolby Atmos and DTX support, and the design is premium but bulky. Overall, Valerion offers cinema-grade visuals, but the cost-to-performance trade-off isn't compelling for many consumers.

Tea App returns with new site, tighter security after data-breach saga

January 15, 2026, 2:02 PM EST. Tea is back with a new website after being removed from Apple App Store due to data breaches. The app lets women post photos and flag red flags about men. The relaunch features tighter internal safeguards, enhanced access controls, and expanded review and monitoring. It also partners with a third-party verification vendor to ensure users are women-an eligibility check. During signup, users may submit a selfie video or photo with government ID, processed by the vendor. On Android, new features include an AI dating coach and an upcoming Red Flag Radar AI that surfaces warning signs. Tea suffered breaches in July exposing thousands of images, licenses, and messages; experts urge caution while the company says security improved.

Apple to pay billions to Google for Gemini-powered Siri, OpenAI reportedly declines

January 15, 2026, 1:58 PM EST. Apple says its Siri will be powered by Google's Gemini, in a move described in an update aimed at investors and customers. Google says Gemini will run on Apple's Private Cloud Compute servers to preserve privacy under a multi-year contract. A Financial Times report estimates the deal as multi-billion, roughly around $1 billion per year over time, a cost Apple expects to offset with access to Google's search and AI capabilities. Separately, OpenAI reportedly chose not to become Apple's custom model provider, opting to develop its own AI device; OpenAI declined to comment. It's unclear whether Apple formally offered a contract. The device linked to former Apple design chief Jony Ive remains shrouded in mystery.

Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 stabilizes Pixel with Settings revamp and bug fixes

January 15, 2026, 1:56 PM EST. Google releases Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 for Pixel phones, pairing a cleaner Settings layout with a long list of bug fixes. The update tackles critical crashes, UI glitches in the notification shade and app drawer, and issues where devices ignored the charging limit. It also addresses slow Wi-Fi performance and improves power management to curb overnight battery drain. Google emphasizes UI tweaks in Settings, with grouped sections to ease navigation. The changelog fixes an unresponsive app drawer, improved audio routing, display flicker after waking from Always-On Display, and crashes in Intune-managed apps. While not adding major new features, the release prioritizes stability and UI polish for Pixel devices.

In 2026, which quantum stock stands out? A cautious view on Rigetti and IonQ

January 15, 2026, 1:48 PM EST. Quantum computing remains years from true breakthroughs, but investors chase pure-play names. Rigetti Computing (RGTI) and IonQ (IONQ) have led stock gains as researchers push algorithms and hardware. Yet both post minimal revenue and heavy spending on R&D and acquisitions. Cash burn surged: Rigetti negative free cash flow of about $67.6 million last year; IonQ burned roughly $263.6 million in the past year after acquisitions. Both have leaned on equity markets to raise cash in 2025-Rigetti $350 million in June; IonQ $2 billion in October. Even with new cash, they face a multi-year runway before turning cash flow positive, implying further dilution and higher capital costs for investors. The piece points to a likely leader, but does not name it.

One device replaces two: how an e-ink note-taking tablet merged reading and note-taking

January 15, 2026, 1:38 PM EST. A reader explains swapping an iPad and Kindle for an e-ink note-taking tablet that blends reading comfort with digital note-taking. The device delivers hours of reading with reduced eye strain on an e-ink display while keeping a library of books and notes in one portable package. It supports note apps like GoodNotes or Notability, yet preserves the focused reading experience that drew them to an e-reader. The piece weighs the trade-offs of backlit screens and the appeal of lugging fewer devices. In short, the hybrid device rekindled a reading habit and replaced multiple gadgets with a single tool.

Logan County man arrested in ICAC-linked CSAM case, authorities say

January 15, 2026, 1:34 PM EST. As investigators with the Logan County Sheriff's Office opened an ICAC-led probe into the illegal download of CSAM, they arrested 54-year-old Michael L. Walters, of DeGraff. Walters faces multiple counts of pandering obscenity involving a minor or impaired person, authorities said. The tip from ICAC prompted interviews with Walters, who admitted to downloading CSAM for about a year from the internet and the dark web. A residential search yielded electronic devices and external drives. An initial review showed confirmed CSAM files in the thousands. Walters is in the Logan County Jail. The case remains active and investigators anticipate additional charges.

Wikimedia Foundation unveils AI partnerships with Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, Perplexity and others

January 15, 2026, 1:28 PM EST. Wikimedia Foundation marked its 25th birthday with new AI partnerships tied to Wikimedia Enterprise, its commercial product for large-scale reuse of Wikipedia and other Wikimedia content. Beyond Google, the foundation disclosed deals over the past year with Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, Mistral AI and Perplexity, along with Ecosia, Pleias, ProRata, Nomic and Reef Media. The partnerships give Wikipedia a new revenue channel as AI models and consumer products reuse its data, while Enterprise provides partners access at volume and speed to meet data needs. Wikipedia remains among the globe's top-ten sites, with more than 65 million articles in 300+ languages and nearly 15 billion views per month. Selena Deckelmann stressed that knowledge is human and the human-powered core of Wikipedia in the AI era. The celebration includes a docuseries, a time capsule, and a Jan. 15 livestreamed event.

Google preps Pixel 10a to challenge Galaxy S26 with mid-February launch

January 15, 2026, 1:22 PM EST. The Pixel 10a is tipped to land around February 17, 2026, aiming to blunt early momentum for Samsung's Galaxy S26. Retail listings peg a $499 base price for 128 GB, with a $599-600 option for 256 GB in Obsidian only. Samsung's Galaxy S26 is expected to debut on February 25 and hit stores around March 11, setting a tight race. Specs circulated include a 6.285-inch FHD+ AMOLED display at up to 120 Hz, 8 GB RAM, 128 GB storage, and a 5,100 mAh battery with 23 W wired charging, powered by a Tensor G4. The design mirrors the Pixel 9a with a thick plastic back, a dual-camera bar, and a punch-hole selfie, in colors Obsidian, Berry, Lavender, Fog. Verizon certification underpins carrier support.

HP EliteBoard packs a full PC into a keyboard at CES 2026

January 15, 2026, 1:20 PM EST. HP unveils the EliteBoard, a full PC compressed into a keyboard for shared and dedicated workspaces. The device, a CES 2026 Innovation Award honoree, runs Windows 11 on an AMD Ryzen AI 300 series processor with Radeon 800M graphics. Once plugged into a USB-C display, users can boot into their files and apps with minimal setup. The keyboard measures about 12mm thick and weighs ~750g, making it lighter and slimmer than many laptops. HP emphasizes spill resistance, an easy-clean surface, and 75% recycled plastic construction. The EliteBoard is designed to be user-serviced, with RAM, SSD, battery, and other major components removable without tools. HP did not disclose price or an exact release date, but targets a March 2026 window.

SaaS Moats in AI Era: Incumbents, Startups and the Data Layer Debate

January 15, 2026, 1:16 PM EST. A debate over value in enterprise software pits veteran investors against AI evangelists. Critics say traditional moats are dissolving as AI upends product cycles; supporters argue lasting value clusters around the data layer, where incumbent SaaS firms hold deep assets. SDV's CIO Alexander Lis says the winning model blends incumbent data with startup-like velocity: incumbents make their data AI-ready while AI-native startups embed in existing SaaS workflows. The case for incumbents rests on long-standing advantages: data lakes, switching costs, and regulated familiarity that support high lifetime values. Public signals are mixed: valuations for high net retention firms remain strong, and Altimeter data suggest AI adoption is not a headwind. The debate continues as AI reshapes disruption and defensible value.

Five dividend-paying AI stocks with strong growth potential

January 15, 2026, 1:10 PM EST. Broadcom and Microsoft show how the AI boom can coexist with dividend income. The AI surge has lifted stock prices, reducing yields as payouts lag price advances. Vertiv and Micron are cited as examples of shrinking dividend yields despite payout activity. Still, five AI-linked names offer both income and upside growth potential. Broadcom, once a sleepy connectivity specialist, now profits from AI interconnects and accelerators, with a current dividend yield around 0.71% after a prior spike. Microsoft, a long-time dividend payer, has raised its payout for 20 straight years even as the yield sits near 0.71%. The piece suggests further yield moves if prices stabilize and payouts grow, while other AI leaders may deliver meaningful growth alongside income.

ConnectDER's IslandDER wins Arizona approvals, speeding at-home solar, storage and EV charging

January 15, 2026, 1:04 PM EST. ConnectDER said its IslandDER device is approved in Arizona by APS, TEP and SRP, adding to prior approvals for its Solar Meter Socket Adapter and EV Meter Socket Adapter. The move broadens storage-first DER deployments, letting installers plug a device into the meter socket outside the home instead of main panel upgrades. The result: faster installs, lower costs and less disruption for homeowners. Arizona remains a focus as ConnectDER expands a national footprint that now covers 48 utilities serving more than 30 million households, a number expected to exceed 50 million in 2026. Officials say the approvals support grid resilience and the shift toward Virtual Power Plants (VPP) and battery storage, while enabling residents to access storage incentives.

TrustPoint tests non-GPS navigation for LEO satellites with ground LEONS node

January 15, 2026, 1:02 PM EST. TrustPoint, a Virginia startup building a satellite navigation network in LEO, demonstrated time and tracking signals from a compact ground station named LEONS to a spacecraft in orbit. The test marks a step toward GPS-independent PNT for satellites. CEO Patrick Shannon says the system can tell satellites where they are and what time it is, reducing exposure to terrestrial GPS jamming. TrustPoint plans up to 100 ground nodes to support its constellation and potentially serve other LEOs operators seeking resilient PNT. The company uses a C-band LEO architecture and showcased autonomous timing generation at the ground node under SpaceWERX funding via the SBIR program. The test focused on uplinking precise timing to the spacecraft.

Huawei says smartwatches have larger market share than its smartphones

January 15, 2026, 12:52 PM EST. Huawei says its smartwatches hold a much larger market share than its smartphones, driven by upgraded wearables and longer battery life. CTO Li Xiaolong, in a post on Weibo, cited improvements across the lineup and the appeal of the GT series' longer runtimes. He noted that more than 30% of Huawei smartwatch users are non-Huawei phone users, with devices pairing smoothly with Android and iPhone. Huawei says the cross-platform support has helped expand adoption in China and overseas. The executive teased new models for 2026, aiming to lift the wearable's share still higher.

Moonshot, QumulusAI Partner With IXP.us to Deploy Low-Latency AI at the Edge

January 15, 2026, 12:44 PM EST. Moonshot and QumulusAI announced a strategic agreement with IXP.us, Connected Nation Internet Exchange Points, to deploy a distributed AI compute and internet exchange platform at the network edge. The plan pairs carrier-neutral IXP sites with modular AI Pods, targeting 25 sites initially, with a path to as many as 125 locations across U.S. research campuses and municipalities over five years. The project aims to place GPU compute closer to networks, data sources, and end users, offering an alternative to centralized hyperscale data centers. First deployment is set for July 2026 at Wichita State University in Kansas, with more markets to follow. Executives said the model serves operators, enterprises, and developers seeking lower latency, greater infrastructure flexibility, and broader AI compute access.

Dish contract disputes loom in EchoStar-SpaceX spectrum deal review

January 15, 2026, 12:40 PM EST. Dish Wireless faces pressure from tower owners, fiber providers and contractor groups as the FCC weighs EchoStar's sale of spectrum to SpaceX. Contractors argue Dish Wireless must honor payments under tower and related agreements to clear the licenses transfer. EchoStar counters that disputes belong in private negotiations or courts, not agency proceedings. Courts have weighed in on force majeure claims, with American Tower and Crown Castle contesting Dish Wireless's assertion that EchoStar was compelled to sell amid an FCC probe into 5G buildout commitments. WIA has proposed an escrow framework to hold deal proceeds while vendor claims are resolved, citing a 2014 auction precedent. The debate underscores how financing and contract enforceability could shape the SpaceX transaction.

Moto G (2026) review: modest upgrades, larger battery, 128GB storage

January 15, 2026, 12:38 PM EST. Motorola's Moto G (2026) hits early November and remains affordable at $200. It zooms modestly from the 2025 model: 128GB base storage, a 5,200mAh battery and a 32MP selfie camera with an f/2.2 lens. The 6.7-inch IPS LCD keeps a 1,000-nit peak brightness and 120Hz refresh, powered by the 6nm Dimensity 6300 with 4GB RAM. The design echoes its predecessor with a leather-like texture, and two new Pantone colors – Slipstream and Cattleya Orchid – join the lineup. Specs otherwise mirror the old model. Included in the box is a USB-C cable. Motorola says more updates are coming soon.

IEA: Structural shifts reframe EVs and global auto supply chains

January 15, 2026, 12:36 PM EST. Global auto value chains are undergoing structural changes, the IEA says, with no universal blueprint for success. Production clusters persist, shaped by scale and proximity, while demand for steel and aluminium concentrates in key economies. The sector accounts for about 6% of global steel and 17% of aluminium use, underscoring material intensity. Clusters now reflect differing technology choices and market priorities. Detroit and Nagoya host modest battery footprints; Shanghai runs 26 battery plants, representing more than 5% of global capacity. The $1.3 trillion supplier market shows wide divergence. Traditional ICE components keep dominance in Europe, Japan, Korea and North America, even as Chinese firms command roughly 80% of battery-related manufacturing capacity as EV components scale.

Tesla's India debut faces price, demand headwinds as Model Y sales lag

January 15, 2026, 12:34 PM EST. Tesla entered India in mid-2025 with the Model Y as its sole local bet. By late 2025, roughly a third of the initial import batch remained unsold; about 100 of ~300 units were still in stock, according to people familiar with the matter cited by Bloomberg. The company has quietly offered discounts up to Rs 2,00,000 on selected variants to move inventory. Official registrations show weak demand: Tesla logged 227 vehicles in all of 2025. About 600 bookings existed, but many customers did not convert; some orders linger for the lower-priced, shorter-range Model Y, while deliveries of the long-range version lag. Imported duties can reach 110%, pushing sticker prices and testing a value-conscious market. Bloomberg noted a broader dip in Tesla's global sales in 2025.

IBM pushes sovereign computing with cross-cloud software stack

January 15, 2026, 12:24 PM EST. IBM is promoting Sovereign Core, a software stack that lets CIOs keep encryption keys, identity management and operational authority within their jurisdiction, enabling provider switches without rebuilding governance frameworks. Hinchcliffe says this preserves regulatory controls during cloud migrations. HyperFRAME Research's Stephanie Walter notes regulators are demanding more evidence, with EU audits increasing and a push for continuous compliance reporting. Sovereign Core would automate evidence collection and monitoring, reducing overhead for banks, government agencies and defense-adjacent sectors. Analysts say the approach could accelerate moving AI pilots to production where strict data residency and compliance controls matter. Phil Fersht of HFS Research cautions many enterprises still won't send proprietary data to public models or run GPU-backed inference outside sovereign boundaries.

China's 'Are You Dead?' app taps loneliness and safety for solo city dwellers

January 15, 2026, 12:20 PM EST. Beijing – A new app named Are You Dead? has become widely used among China's young urbanites who live alone. The one-button tool lets users send a proof of life to a friend or relative by tapping a large green circle, at a cost of 8 yuan (about $1.10). Developed by three twenty-somethings, the app was the top paid download on the Apple App Store in China last week, and has gained traction in Singapore, the Netherlands, Britain, India and the United States, according to local media reports. Advocates say it offers a simple lifeline for loneliness and safety, akin to elderly alert pendants but aimed at a younger, mobile generation. It shows loneliness and personal safety have become global concerns.

Tesla's FSD to become subscription-only, Musk says

January 15, 2026, 12:16 PM EST. Elon Musk said Tesla's Full Self-Driving, the company's driver-assistance system, will move to a subscription model. The plan would let customers access FSD on a monthly basis rather than paying a one-time purchase price upfront. The shift could change how owners upgrade software and manage costs, while raising questions about eligibility, safety assurances, and regulatory approval. Tesla has positioned FSD as a step toward full autonomy, but regulators remain cautious about real-world performance. Musk's statement adds to years of talk about monetizing advanced driver-assistance features, even as the company continues to publish updates and refine the system. No timeline for rollout was provided.

Civilization VII arrives on Apple Arcade February 5

January 15, 2026, 12:12 PM EST. Apple announced on Wednesday that Sid Meier's Civilization VII will join Apple Arcade on February 5, a first for the franchise on the service. The game, already available on Apple devices, will be playable on Mac, iPhone and iPad via Apple Arcade. Pricing is listed as Free (for Apple Arcade subscribers). Critics have split opinions: many praise the visuals, while a common complaint centers on era-transition missteps that mix leaders and eras. The Arcade edition marks the title's first landing on the service; the standard version launched roughly a year after its initial release.

Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 released for Pixel devices

January 15, 2026, 12:10 PM EST. Google has released Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 for supported Pixel phones, tablets and foldables. The update follows the stable QPR2 rollout in December and is now available to beta testers as of January 14, 2026. Supported devices include Pixel 6/6 Pro, 6a; 7/7 Pro; 7a; Fold, Tablet; 8/8 Pro, 8a; 9/9 Pro/XL/Fold, 9a; and 10 series up to 10 Pro Fold. Builds are CP11.251209.007.A1 and CP11.251209.007 for some models; emulator support: TBA; security patch level: 2026-01-05; Google Play services: 25.47.33. Beta 2 adds fixes for a stubborn app drawer, battery drain overnight, audio routing, Wi-Fi speeds, display flicker and foldable lifecycle issues. OTA should go live soon; users can check updates in Settings > System > Software updates, or grab manual OTA/files via Google links.

Meta reportedly cancels Harry Potter VR title as XR budget cuts hit Quest content

January 15, 2026, 12:06 PM EST. Meta has shuttered at least three XR studios and slashed funding for third-party Quest content, a move that reportedly includes a cancelled Harry Potter VR title developed by Skydance Games. YouTuber Gamertag VR said a Potter VR project was in the works before funding was pulled; Skydance Games has not publicly confirmed the game. The layoffs allegedly extend to Cloudhead Games, which had been working on two new titles. Meta is said to have earmarked about $60 million for exclusive Quest content this year. The shifts reflect a broader pivot toward smart glasses and AI, with VR and the metaverse losing priority, and cuts to Reality Labs and the Horizon Start Program.

Five camera settings I change on every new phone

January 15, 2026, 12:00 PM EST. Smartphones ship with camera defaults tuned for safety rather than professional use, notes the author. The piece argues you can improve everyday shots by tweaking a few settings in normal mode rather than diving into Pro mode. Foremost is anti-banding: indoor LEDs can flicker at 50Hz or 60Hz, producing visible lines in photos and video. By using Auto anti-banding, the camera analyzes the lighting and selects the right filter on the fly-a practical, set-and-forget fix. The article also hints at a dirty lens warning that helps prevent ruined shots by reminding users to clean the lens. Taken together, these tweaks offer tangible gains without mastering complex controls, aligning hardware potential with real-world use.

Google rolls out Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 to Pixel devices

January 15, 2026, 11:58 AM EST. Google has released Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 for Pixel devices, following last month's holiday-era rollout. The Quarterly Platform Release aims for larger changes than monthly patches and, Google says, is "suitable for general use." Beta 2 focuses on stability, performance and usability, patching crashes, battery management issues and connectivity bugs. Highlights include a fix for an unresponsive app drawer, improved Wi-Fi speeds, and smoother UI in the notification shade. It also addresses overnight battery drain, charging limits, and audio-routing delays during calls. Additional fixes cover Always-On Display flicker, Intune-managed app crashes, and folding device lifecycle crashes. The beta includes the January 2026 security patch, and Google directs testers to the Android Beta Feedback app and Reddit for issues.

iPhone Fold may use a liquid metal hinge, leak suggests

January 15, 2026, 11:56 AM EST. The first Apple foldable, tentatively called iPhone Fold, is rumored to debut later this year alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series. A new leak details construction, including a hinge made from liquid metal-a material Apple is believed to have tested for over 15 years, which is said to improve hinge durability and reduce folding stress. The body would use a titanium chassis claimed to be stronger and lighter than recent iPhone frames. Dimensions appear unusual: an inner 7.76-inch display and a 5.49-inch cover panel. The device is said to include dual rear cameras and could go on sale in early 2027. Attribution: leaks circulating in tech circles; specifications are unconfirmed.

Garmin Fenix vs Forerunner vs Venu: which Garmin watch is right for you

January 15, 2026, 11:54 AM EST. Garmin splits its watches into three broad families: Fenix, Forerunner and Venu. The choice hinges on use and design, not only price. The Forerunner line is the broadest, built for endurance athletes and runners, with lighter, mostly plastic cases and more buttons. Top models such as the Forerunner 970 include Garmin's best training tools and mapping; cheaper options trim training analytics and navigation. The rugged Fenix family favors outdoor use with tougher builds and longer battery life. The Venu line targets gym-goers and casual athletes, offering smartwatch styling with solid training analytics; the Venu 4 and Venu X1 further boost analytics. Across all three, Garmin provides music storage, streaming, NFC payments, plus Connect IQ apps. The main choice is balance of design and features you actually need.

Tesla faces lawsuit over Autopilot after fatal motorcycle crash in Washington

January 15, 2026, 11:52 AM EST. The family of 28-year-old Jeffrey Nissen sues Tesla over its Autopilot self-driving feature after a 2024 crash in Stanwood, Washington that killed a motorcyclist. The lawsuit contends the car's system caused the collision. Authorities say the driver was looking at his phone and had Autopilot engaged about two minutes before impact, with hands off the wheel for more than a minute. The driver was arrested on suspicion of vehicular homicide but was not charged. The case adds to Tesla's ongoing Autopilot litigation as federal regulators reviewed 11 incidents involving Autopilot-equipped vehicles impacting emergency responders in 2024. Tesla has not commented. The lawsuit keeps pressure on whether the system should remain on the market.

RoadOne deepens ties with Tesla over Electric Semi, signaling vertical integration

January 15, 2026, 11:42 AM EST. RoadOne IntermodaLogistics has purchased a fully electric Tesla Semi, expanding a relationship that began in 2012 with aluminum coil shipments to Tesla's Fremont stamping facility. By 2014, RoadOne created a storage program to support Tesla's just-in-time (JIT) deliveries. Industry chatter suggests the Tesla Semi could appeal to fleets seeking to electrify, a dynamic tied to Tesla's push for vertical integration. Tesla builds its own 4680 battery cells and powertrain at its Gigafactories in Texas and Nevada. Many automakers rely on Tier 1 suppliers for brakes, steering and infotainment, underscoring the potential gains from in-house manufacturing. The trend could give Tesla an edge in the EV space, though it requires upfront investment and scale.

China drafts rules to curb Nvidia AI chip purchases

January 15, 2026, 11:40 AM EST. Beijing is preparing rules to cap how many high-end AI chips local firms can buy from Nvidia, according to people familiar with the matter. The plan would not ban Nvidia's H200 outright but limit total devices sold, allowing some U.S. AI tech through while throttling overall access. The U.S. recently reversed course and approved Nvidia's H200 sales to China, a move that has drawn criticism from lawmakers concerned about national security and competitive balance. Chinese customs officials are tightening scrutiny of chip imports, and regulators have told tech companies to source chips only as needed. Nvidia has not commented. Analysts say the draft rules reflect Beijing's effort to shield its AI industry while navigating growing trade and geopolitical pressure from Washington.

Samsung Internet for Windows goes global in beta, no formal rollout

January 15, 2026, 11:36 AM EST. Samsung's Samsung Internet for Windows is now globally available in beta after a limited rollout in Korea and the US in October. The download button works worldwide, though the official site still notes Korea and the US. The beta status remains. The move signals potential stability ahead, but Samsung has not issued an official rollout announcement. The Windows browser mirrors the mobile experience, including a built-in sync feature with Android devices and the Windows app, plus Samsung Pass for password storage and cross-device syncing, enabling continuous browsing across devices.

What 10 retail executives say about AI at NRF 2026 Big Show

January 15, 2026, 11:34 AM EST. At the NRF 2026 Big Show, retail execs described AI as a rapid shift requiring collaboration with external platforms and internal agents. Walmart's tie-up with Google's Gemini signals commerce moving onto AI platforms, while REI and Ulta Beauty praised human expertise alongside AI. Data ownership and context remain contentious: Nikki Baird of Aptos warned retailers risk losing insights if data isn't shared through discovery, decision, and delivery. Macy's Max Magni urged a 'fail fast' approach to keep pace with AI's speed. The 10 leaders underscored opportunity and risk, from potential disintermediation on third-party AI channels to the need for human-machine collaboration to preserve the customer journey.

Verizon outage hits nearly 200,000 customers nationwide as restoration proceeds

January 15, 2026, 11:32 AM EST. Verizon faced a nationwide outage on Wednesday that left about 182,000 customers without mobile voice or data at the peak, according to Downdetector. Verizon said engineers were working to identify and solve the issue. The disruption affected customers across Florida to New York and Texas. By mid-afternoon, roughly 75,000 had service restored, with crews deployed to fix the problem. Verizon described the impact as interruptions to wireless voice and data services and apologized for the inconvenience. Other major carriers reported smaller outages: T-Mobile and AT&T each saw network reports but well below Verizon's scale. Mobile users saw 'Call Failed' messages and an SOS icon when signals were unavailable. Verizon holds about 146.1 million wireless connections in the United States, making this the largest outage among major U.S. providers in recent memory.

Ford, GM expand into energy storage as EV demand eases; Tesla, policy shifts test grid bets

January 15, 2026, 11:28 AM EST. Automakers are widening into energy storage as demand for EV batteries slows. Ford said it will convert a Kentucky battery factory built with SK On to produce batteries for energy storage and reserve space for residential storage at a Michigan plant, with about $10 billion already spent on related capacity. California and other states are nudging utilities to consider storage investments as electricity use climbs, driven by data centers and the electrification of homes and industry. Tesla has invested in storage for a decade; Ford and GM signaled larger bets in 2025 amid near-term EV sales uncertainty. Analysts warn a risk of a storage capacity glut if supply outruns demand, even as batteries underpin grid services and price arbitrage.

OpenAI launches ChatGPT Translate to challenge Google Translate

January 15, 2026, 11:26 AM EST. OpenAI launched ChatGPT Translate as a standalone web tool, offering more than 50 languages and positioning itself as a direct challenger to Google Translate. The interface mirrors Google Translate's, with two text boxes and language selectors. Key differences: Google Translate supports image, document and website translation; ChatGPT Translate describes support for text, images and voice, though image translation is not yet live. The desktop site currently handles text only; mobile browsers accept text or microphone input. OpenAI adds style presets that influence tone, such as 'more business formal.' Unlike Google, there is no ChatGPT Translate app announced on iOS or Android, and OpenAI has not disclosed the powering model. No release date or pricing announcements accompany the rollout.

London mayor urges ministers to act on AI's job impact; launches city taskforce

January 15, 2026, 11:24 AM EST. In a Mansion House speech, Mayor Sadiq Khan warns AI could erode swathes of London jobs unless ministers act. He says the capital sits at the sharp edge of change, with white-collar finance, creative services and professional work most exposed. Khan argues for urgent policy steps to replace jobs lost to automation and AI, noting that about 70% of skills in the average job could change by 2030. City Hall will form a London AI and future of work taskforce and offer free training to Londoners. Polls show more than half of workers expect AI to affect their roles in the next year. Analysts cite mixed UK and US projections, urging cautious deployment and emphasis on public services and retraining.

AIoT reshapes IoT in 2026: billions of devices, real-time intelligence

January 15, 2026, 11:18 AM EST. IoT has evolved from fridges that text to billions of connected devices forming an autonomous network. IoT Analytics shows devices rose from 13.4 billion in 2015 to nearly 20 billion in 2025, with a path to ~40 billion by 2030. The range of connected objects now includes autonomous vehicles, humanoid robots, industrial machinery, and infrastructure such as energy grids and transport networks. AI integration makes networks more intelligent-able to sense, learn and act in real time. Experts say IoT acts as the spine linking perception to action. The term AIoT captures this blend, enabling predictive AI to forecast outcomes and automate responses, potentially shifting from reactive to proactive decision-making across sectors, including safer industrial operations.

Spigen debuts new color options for Athlex Trail Loop Apple Watch band at $21.99 Prime shipped

January 15, 2026, 11:12 AM EST. Spigen has expanded its Athlex Trail Loop-style Apple Watch band with three new colors, now available for $21.99 Prime shipped. The update adds Active Black with orange stitching, a gray/black option with silvery stitching, and Active Navy Blue. The bands keep the same light fabric build and one-handed hook-and-loop fit for easy adjustment, joining the original four colors: Active Green, Blue, Black and Gray. The Athlex line, praised in prior reviews for comfort during long wear, remains a budget-friendly option at roughly the same price as last year. With this release, Spigen aims to broaden choices for Apple Watch wearers seeking breathable, adjustable bands without breaking the bank.

Nvidia and TSMC Lead AI Stocks to Buy Now

January 15, 2026, 11:00 AM EST. Two chips in the AI rally headline Nvidia and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSMC). Nvidia remains a leading AI infrastructure vendor, moving beyond GPUs to an end-to-end stack with its Vera Rubin platform and DGX SuperPOD. The company argues it can train models with fewer GPUs and cut inference costs, while expansion of CUDA-based software and acquisitions like SchedMD and Groq bolster its position. At a valuation around 24x next-year estimates and a PEG under 1, Nvidia combines growth with near-term profitability. TSMC, the world's dominant AI chip foundry, stands to benefit as Nvidia and others push data-center demand for advanced process nodes. With AI capex set to persist, both names sit at the top of many investors' watchlists.

TSMC Q4 Beat Lifts Nvidia, AMD and Micron as AI Demand Persists

January 15, 2026, 10:26 AM EST. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. beat expectations in Q4, reporting net profit of NT$506 billion and revenue of US$33.73 billion, up about 25% year over year. The results energized chip stocks and downstream suppliers. US equipment makers rose in early trading, with Teradyne up about 5%, Lam Research about 6%, Applied Materials around 6%, KLA Corp roughly 5%, and Photronics near flat to up 1%. In premarket trading, Nvidia and AMD gained about 2%, Micron about 3%, Broadcom roughly 2%, Astera Labs about 3%, and Qualcomm about 1%. Analysts said the earnings beat and a higher capex plan signal sustained demand for advanced chips, particularly for AI and high-performance computing, which could support suppliers through 2026.

TSMC Q4 Beat Lifts Nvidia, AMD, Micron; Chip Stocks Rally

January 15, 2026, 10:24 AM EST. Chipmakers rose after Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) beat estimates for Q4, posting net profit of NT$506 billion and revenue of $33.73 billion, up about 25% year on year. U.S. semiconductor equipment stocks also climbed, with Teradyne up about 5%, Lam Research around 6%, Applied Materials ~6%, KLA about 5% and Photronics near 1%. In premarket trading, Nvidia and AMD gained roughly 2%, Micron ~3%, Broadcom ~2%, Astera Labs ~3%, and Qualcomm ~1%. Analysts said the beat and higher capex plans signal sustained demand for AI and high-performance computing, potentially supporting suppliers through 2026.

TSMC Q4 Beat Lifts Chip Stocks; Nvidia, AMD, Micron Rally

January 15, 2026, 10:22 AM EST. Chip shares climbed after Taiwan Semiconductor (TSMC) posted a stronger-than-expected fourth-quarter profit and revenue. TSMC reported net profit of NT$506 billion ($16 billion) and revenue of $33.73 billion, up about 25% year over year, fueling bets on durable demand for advanced semiconductors. U.S. equipment makers followed higher, with Teradyne, Lam Research, Applied Materials, KLA and Photronics advancing in early trade. In premarket action, NVIDIA, AMD, Micron and Broadcom, along with Astera Labs and Qualcomm, rose on optimism about AI and HPC demand. Analysts said the earnings beat and higher capex guidance point to durable demand for semiconductors into 2026, supporting suppliers across the ecosystem.

IPO boom returns as SpaceX and OpenAI draw investor interest

January 15, 2026, 10:16 AM EST. In 1999, a flood of IPOs included Nvidia and BlackRock, with some buyers realizing long-term gains. Today the IPO market is heating up again. More companies are expected to go public than four years ago, and the lineup includes SpaceX and OpenAI for 2026. Renaissance Capital's Matt Kennedy says the pace could define the American tech and economic landscape for the next decade. But Mr. IPO Jay Ritter warns that years with many offerings bring mixed results: the 1999 cohort posted three-year returns of -48%, even as some winners did well. The 2021 wave produced about -49% over three years. Investors face more opportunities-and more risk-when sentiment runs hot; lean years tend to yield durable companies.

India to proceed with Apple antitrust case after delays, confidential order shows

January 15, 2026, 10:06 AM EST. India issued a final warning to Apple to proceed in a long-running antitrust case after the company sought repeated extensions, delaying responses for more than a year. A confidential December 31 order from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) shows Apple privately asked to pause the case while a dispute over penalty rules runs in the Delhi High Court. The CCI rejected the request, saying repeated extensions undermine procedural discipline. It gave Apple a final deadline to respond by next week or the Commission would move forward unilaterally. Apple has argued penalties could run as high as $38 billion if the penalties are based on global turnover; the company denies the allegations and has challenged the penalty rules in court. The matter remains tied to ongoing court proceedings and earlier antitrust actions involving Apple on iOS app market practices.

OpenAI quietly rolls out ChatGPT Translate, challenging Google Translate

January 15, 2026, 9:54 AM EST. OpenAI has quietly rolled out a feature called ChatGPT Translate, accessible from chatgpt.com/translate. It mirrors Google Translate in appearance but aims for meaning over literal word-for-word conversion. It can detect the source language, select a target language, and translate with options like more fluent, business formal, or explain it like a child. It also lets users keep the conversation going after the initial translation. OpenAI has shifted toward consumer products, while Anthropic focuses on enterprise software. The feature is available to everyone without a paid account, but OpenAI hasn't publicly announced it, and the iOS/Android apps don't yet show a translation toggle. The underlying model powering Translate remains unclear.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 to square off with Apple's iPhone Fold in 2026

January 15, 2026, 9:52 AM EST. Samsung is expected to launch the Galaxy Z Fold 8 in July or August 2026, as pressure mounts from rumors of Apple's debuting iPhone Fold this fall. Some chatter points to a second model, the Wide Fold, a more square variant designed to better match Apple's form factor. The Wide Fold reportedly carries a 5.4-inch outer screen and a 7.6-inch main display, smaller than the Galaxy Z Fold 7 on both axes. RAM costs driven by AI suggest a potential price lift; last year's Fold 7 started at $1,999. Samsung will be testing pricing while lining up a summer release alongside the Galaxy Z Flip lineup, with the S26 timing also in view.

Geotab finds low EV battery degradation across 22,700 vehicles

January 15, 2026, 9:46 AM EST. Geotab's new EV battery health survey analyzes 22,700 vehicles across 21 models. The data show average degradation of 2.3% per year, leaving about 81.6% of original capacity after eight years (roughly a 20% range reduction). The pace is up from 1.8% in 2023, partly linked to higher use of DC fast charging above 100 kW. Vehicles charging on DC fast chargers less than 12% of the time averaged 1.5% degradation; those above 12% averaged 2.5%. Even under extreme weather or frequent high-power charging, degradation appears not to threaten long-term range, outlasting typical service lives. Tesla's 2023 report cited ~85% capacity after 200k miles. Geotab did not break out by chemistry but notes a shift to LFP cells, with potential tolerance to more charge cycles.

Tesla shifts FSD to subscription ahead of Robotaxi ramp

January 15, 2026, 9:38 AM EST. Tesla says Full Self-Driving (FSD) will move to a subscription model, ending the long-standing transfer issue that let owners move FSD to new cars only under limited terms. The price remains around $99/month, and a one-time transfer window has been reintroduced ahead of a February 14 deadline. The change would let owners upgrade to newer hardware or AI versions without paying the $8,000 upfront again. Analysts say a subscription could enable tiered or per-mile pricing and potential ties to Supercharging or protection programs, though specifics aren't confirmed. Tesla would likely gain a higher take rate and more driving data, accelerating progress toward the company's 10 billion-mile target for an Unsupervised level. The plan could simplify adoption and broaden access to FSD while integrating with its Robotaxi ambitions.

Geotab study links high-power DC charging to modestly faster EV battery degradation

January 15, 2026, 9:32 AM EST. Geotab analyzed real-world data from more than 22,700 electric vehicles across 21 brands to measure how charging behavior affects battery life. The study finds the annual degradation rate rose to 2.3% from 1.8% in 2023, shrinking State of Health (SoH) over time. It attributes the uptick to growing use of high-power DC fast charging, though the health of batteries remains strong and far beyond typical replacement cycles. When a 60 kWh pack's SoH falls to 80%, it effectively behaves like a 48 kWh unit, reducing range. Importantly, charging power now has the strongest influence on wear, with frequent DC fast charging above 100 kW associated with faster aging. Geotab emphasizes better management through smart charging strategies.

Geotab study measures impact of fast charging on EV battery degradation

January 15, 2026, 9:30 AM EST. Geotab analyzed real-world data from more than 22,700 electric vehicles across 21 brands to measure how charging behaviors affect battery degradation. The study finds a slight uptick in annual degradation to 2.3% from 1.8% in 2023. In practical terms, a 60 kWh pack whose State of Health (SoH) falls toward 80% would perform like a smaller, about 48 kWh, unit. Geotab does not flag this as alarming. It attributes the shift to more frequent use of DC fast charging, while noting battery health remains robust and fleets outlive replacement cycles. Importantly, charging power now has the strongest influence on battery condition, especially above 100 kW. Smart charging strategies can help operators manage long-term risk.

Nebius stock could outpace Nvidia in 2026, according to bullish view

January 15, 2026, 9:24 AM EST. Nebius (NBIS) is projected to grow sharply in 2026, a path some investors say could outpace Nvidia. The company does not compete with Nvidia; it buys Nvidia GPUs and runs data-center clusters that clients rent for AI tasks. Nebius operates in Europe and the United States and traces its roots to Yandex after sanctions. At the end of Q3, Nebius reported an annual run rate of $551 million and targets $7-$9 billion by year-end 2026. The stock trades at about 65x trailing sales, but forward sales compress to roughly 7.1x for 2026 and ~3.2x in 2027. Growth hinges on hitting targets, yet demand for AI infrastructure remains strong into 2030. If Nebius meets expectations, the stock could surge, potentially outperforming Nvidia, though risks persist.

Sertex awarded $1.58 million to expand Vermont's DVFiber network

January 15, 2026, 9:08 AM EST. Plainfield's Sertex Broadband Solutions won a $1.58 million contract to expand Vermont's DVFiber network. The project will add about 60 miles of fiber in West Brattleboro, Dummerston, Marlboro, Newfane and Guilford. Construction starts immediately, with completion expected in August 2026. The expansion builds on Sertex's work with DVFiber, whose initial network began in May 2023 and now spans more than 300 miles of FTTH infrastructure, delivering high-speed internet to nearly 5,000 locations, including about 4,290 previously unserved or underserved premises. DVFiber, a community-owned district, aims to provide universal, affordable, high-speed broadband to rural and historically underserved areas. Sertex notes its track record in challenging terrain and restoring service quickly when outages occur.

Marvell Technology bets on AI chips after Celestial AI deal boosts AI roadmap

January 15, 2026, 9:02 AM EST. Marvell Technology is betting on AI chips as it pivots away from legacy businesses. The company posted 37% year-over-year revenue growth in the third quarter of fiscal year 2026 (ended Nov. 1, 2025), even as its stock has fallen roughly 30% over the past year. A key catalyst came when Marvell completed the sale of its automotive Ethernet unit to Infineon for $2.5 billion in cash, freeing capital for AI initiatives. The funds moved quickly to acquire Celestial AI, a move the company says should help it gain share in AI data-center infrastructure. Management projects a strong finish to fiscal 2026 and expects accelerated AI demand in fiscal 2027 as Celestial AI is integrated. Margins run around 10%, and a current ratio above 2 supports ongoing investment.

Is AI Still the Best Growth Theme for Long-Term Investors?

January 15, 2026, 8:54 AM EST. AI stocks have powered the S&P 500 higher over the past three years, lifting names like Nvidia and Palantir as investors bet on efficiency gains and faster innovation. The appeal rests on AI's potential to cut costs and spur earnings growth across industries, from autonomous systems to drug discovery. Yet the question remains: is AI still the premier long-term growth theme? The story so far features soaring profits and outsized gains for early winners; Nvidia's chip leadership and Palantir's real-world AI applications illustrate the dynamic. Industry executives forecast a vast expansion in AI infrastructure and compute needs, with Jensen Huang citing trillions in potential spending in coming years. If demand for AI inference grows, cloud providers and chipmakers like AMD and TSMC could benefit for years.

Nintendo, PlayStation and Xbox update joint safety principles for safer online gaming

January 15, 2026, 8:50 AM EST. Nintendo, PlayStation and Xbox say they updated their joint safety principles for online gaming, first announced in 2020. The refreshed document reflects new tech and ongoing industry collaboration. The pillars are Prevention and Partnership. In Prevention, they aim to empower players and parents with configurable controls, and to make safety tools easy to use and visible across platforms, services and retail channels. They will inform players about codes of conduct and enforce policies with preventive and remedial measures, prioritizing transparency and empowerment. In Partnership, they will work with regulators, law enforcement, trade groups and bodies like Thriving in Games and the Family Online Safety Institute; they will publish shared research, promote safe play and rapid incident response. They also coordinate with ESRB and PEGI on ratings and safety messaging.

Australia's under-16 social media ban tests online identity verification

January 15, 2026, 8:40 AM EST. Australia has banned social media for under-16s, forcing platforms to purge accounts and placing online identity verification at the heart of a regulatory debate. The move aims to curb harm, but critics say it may drive young users toward workarounds and could heighten privacy and data-security concerns. Across nations, age-verification tech-ranging from facial analysis to government IDs and financial records-poses risks of phishing and surveillance, even as some argue it would make platforms safer and more accountable. The episode asks whether 2026 could be a turning point for how we prove who we are online, shaping policy, platform design and user experience.

Base Galaxy S26 could get 45W charging upgrade, leak claims

January 15, 2026, 8:38 AM EST. A new leak suggests Samsung's base Galaxy S26 will support 45W fast charging, a jump from the 25W seen on the S25. Tipster Ahmed Qwaider says the S26 will pair a 4,300 mAh battery with 45W charging, potentially delivering about 70% in 30 minutes. The report matches earlier chatter that the Galaxy S26+ will also use 45W and that the S26 Ultra will top out at 60W. All three models are said to support Qi2.2 wireless charging with built-in alignment magnets, with the S26/S26+ limited to 20W and the Ultra at 25W wireless. The S26 and S26+ are expected to use the Exynos 2600 (2nm) in most markets, while the S26 Ultra would use Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy (3nm) worldwide.

Materia AI wins UK grant to build ReGenTrace AI for a circular EV battery economy

January 15, 2026, 8:36 AM EST. Materia AI has won a UK Government grant to accelerate ReGenTrace AI, billed as the UK's first AI-driven platform for a circular EV battery ecosystem. The Innovate UK award, under the Catalyst for Early-Stage Startups programme, funds development of a Minimum Viable Product and digital infrastructure to scale a domestic battery circular economy. ReGenTrace AI combines machine learning, predictive modelling and blockchain-based traceability in a cloud-native platform to manage end-of-life batteries as a data-driven asset. Planned modules include AI-driven collection logistics, real-time materials identification, black mass yield prediction and AI-guided materials development, plus market forecasting, lifecycle assessment and carbon optimisation. The project aims to keep critical minerals in the UK, reduce import dependence and lower transport-related emissions while boosting recycling efficiency and ESG compliance.

France weighs sending Eutelsat terminals to Iran to restore internet

January 15, 2026, 8:30 AM EST. France is weighing sending Eutelsat satellite terminals to Iran to help restore internet access after authorities imposed a near-total digital blackout during protests. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said the option is among those being explored. Eutelsat, backed by France and Britain, owns OneWeb, a LEO (low Earth orbit) satellite constellation delivering broadband. The plan would supplement ground networks and could bypass Iranian controls. Some Iranians have tapped into Starlink despite restrictions, though access remains limited. Analysts note OneWeb terminals are bulkier and more jam-prone than Starlink gear. Eutelsat declined to comment. Reuters frames the potential move against the broader supply of satellite connectivity in crisis zones.

Nintendo's 2026 Switch Online trial exclusive to Switch 2 in North America

January 15, 2026, 8:28 AM EST. Nintendo says its first Switch Online game trial of 2026 in North America is exclusive to the Switch 2. The trial centers on EA Sports Madden NFL 26, which arrived on the new system in August last year. The trial runs through January 21, 2026 and grants access to the full game. A free 7-day online trial remains available for non-subscribers in the region. If players buy, the digital version is discounted by 60% off the regular price through January 25, 2026, dropping to $27.99 USD or $35.99 CAD. Save data carries over to the full title. Players can also earn up to 100 My Nintendo Points by playing the trial. Nintendo Life rated the game 8/10, calling it a solid port of a top franchise entry.

Commentary: Q-Day could break the internet-and the countdown has started

January 15, 2026, 8:26 AM EST. Some subscribers can save their User ID and Password to avoid re-entering credentials on every visit. To activate this, tick the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the login section; the password is stored on the computer you use. If you choose to log out, saved information is cleared, and you must enter your credentials again the next time you visit the site.

Wikipedia marks 25th birthday with AI licensing deals

January 15, 2026, 8:24 AM EST. On its 25th birthday, Wikipedia announced licensing deals with several AI groups, including Amazon, Meta Platforms, Perplexity, Microsoft and Mistral AI. The Wikimedia Foundation says the agreements let AI developers access Wikipedia content at a volume and speed tailored to their needs, helping monetize its high-traffic site. The nonprofit has previously struck deals with Google in 2022 and with Ecosia last year. Terms were not disclosed. Founder Jimmy Wales welcomed AI training on Wikipedia data as human-curated, while urging collaboration over blocking access. Leaders say the shift mirrors rising use of AI systems that summarize and ingest online content, rather than driving users to source pages.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 50% off at Woot; Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic also discounted

January 15, 2026, 8:18 AM EST. Woot cuts the Galaxy Watch Ultra to $330 from $650, a near-half discount on the LTE 47mm wearable built for rugged use. Titanium Silver colors are sold out; Titanium Blue and Titanium Grey remain in stock. Note the model is Samsung's international variant, with no post-purchase warranty beyond Woot's 90-day pledge, and it can't be shipped to Alaska or Hawaii. The sale also trims the Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic: the Classic starts at about $290 for the white variant (roughly 40% off) with a black option about $20 more. All models share the same warranty caveats and shipping limits. Prices run for three days or until sold out.

Google's Gemini unveils Personal Intelligence with privacy-first design

January 15, 2026, 8:10 AM EST. Google's Gemini introduces Personal Intelligence, a feature that analyzes a user's Gmail and Photos to tailor recommendations for travel, books, and shows. Access is opt-in and off by default; users choose which apps to connect and can disconnect anytime. When enabled, Gemini references data from connected sources to answer requests and can explain its sources for verification. If a response is off, users can correct it or regenerate without personalization. The system uses guardrails for sensitive topics and does not train directly on Gmail or Photos; training focuses on prompts and responses after filtering personal data. In practice, the example shows planning spring break with an overnight train and shared activities, while data remains under user control.

Apple's next MacBook Pro with M5 chips could arrive soon

January 15, 2026, 8:06 AM EST. Apple is expected to launch new MacBook Pro laptops with M5 Pro and M5 Mac chips later this month. The 14-inch model with an M5 arrived in October, but a more powerful 16-inch version has not appeared. Mashable reports that a clue to the 16-inch arrival lies in Apple's newly launched Creator Suite, a bundle of video and audio tools launching January 28 that includes Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro. If the timeline holds, Apple could reveal or ship a 16-inch MacBook Pro soon after January 28. Apple did not immediately comment.

China launches AlSat-3A remote-sensing satellite, deepening Algeria space cooperation

January 15, 2026, 7:58 AM EST. China has launched the AlSat-3A remote-sensing satellite, signaling another step in its space cooperation with Algeria. Officials describe the mission as expanding Algeria's Earth observation capacity and strengthening bilateral ties. The launch adds to a growing portfolio of joint ventures between the two countries, with Beijing supplying technology and services as part of broader Africa-focused collaborations.

AI takes over core operations in Indian IT, TCS leads with AI skills

January 15, 2026, 7:54 AM EST. CNBC's Inside India newsletter notes AI is reshaping India's IT sector. Tata Consultancy Services says 217,000 employees now have higher order AI skills, up from 180,000 in a month. More than one-third of Indian IT firms use AI for about 40% of their core operations. A Nasscom-Indeed survey of 120 HR heads finds 25%-35% improvements on key KPIs and that 97% expect work to be done by teams of humans and AI by 2027. AI is expected to lead most of these teams, with human judgment and presence retained in a few roles. The report highlights a push to upskill freshers as AI becomes a defining capability for the industry.

China launches AlSat-3A remote sensing satellite in new Algeria space cooperation

January 15, 2026, 7:52 AM EST. China has launched the AlSat-3A remote sensing satellite, marking another step in its ongoing space cooperation with Algeria. The operation underscores Beijing's continued collaboration on Earth observation and data sharing with African partners. Officials described the mission as a practical link between science and development, with imagery to support agriculture, natural-resource management, and disaster monitoring. The project is presented as part of a broader push to expand space ties across Africa and to build practical satellite-data capabilities for developing partners. No details on the launch vehicle or site were provided in the briefing.

AMD and Hut 8 poised for gains in 2026 as AI infrastructure demand grows

January 15, 2026, 7:48 AM EST. Two AI infrastructure plays sit at the center of growing data-center and chip demand. AMD surged in 2025 after a OpenAI deal and is positioned for more gains in 2026 as Oracle rolls out 50,000 MI450 GPUs and the new Helios rack system. AMD also expects to begin supplying MI450 chips to OpenAI in the second half of 2026, a deal the company says could generate about $100 billion in revenue over several years. Long-term targets include the MI500 GPU for data centers in 2027 and roughly a 35% revenue CAGR with EPS above $20. Hut 8 is tied to the data-center power story, where Morgan Stanley flags a potential 47-gigawatt shortfall, underscoring rising demand for AI compute. Both reflect a shift in data-center spending into 2026 and beyond.

Aule Space enters satellite servicing market with low-cost jetpack docking tech

January 15, 2026, 7:46 AM EST. Aule Space, an 11-person Indian startup, aims to extend the life of GEO satellites with a low-cost docking system it calls a jetpack. The company closed a $2 million seed round led by pi Ventures, with participation from individual investors. The plan centers on spacecraft that can attach to client satellites to perform stationkeeping, docking via camera vision and AI rather than radar or lidar sensors to cut costs. Founder and CEO Jay Panchal says operating from India provides cost advantages essential to a price-sensitive market. Ground tests are underway; a demonstration mission using two ~30-kg satellites is planned for next year, with ISRO facilities supporting SPADEX heritage. Interest from ISRO and the Indian military signals government support.

Final Cut Pro system requirements for Mac, iPad and related tools

January 15, 2026, 7:40 AM EST. Apple's media suite lists hardware and subscription prerequisites for Final Cut Pro and companions. On Mac, macOS 15.6+, 8GB memory (16GB recommended), a Metal-capable graphics card (Intel Macs only), and about 7.2GB disk space are required; some features need Apple silicon. The iPad version requires iPadOS 18.6+ and an iPad with Apple Silicon or newer models (M1+, A16, or A17 Pro). Motion and Compressor mirror Mac specs, with 4.7GB and 1.2GB disk requirements, respectively. Apple Immersive Video processing calls for 32GB RAM (64GB recommended), plus storage read speed of 2GB/s or faster. Creator Studio needs an Apple Account and internet access; some features incur fees. Availability and requirements may vary by device and region.

Final Cut Pro system requirements for Mac, iPad, Motion and Compressor

January 15, 2026, 7:36 AM EST. Final Cut Pro for Mac requires macOS 15.6+, 8 GB RAM (16 GB recommended), a Metal-capable GPU (Intel Macs only), and 7.2 GB of free disk space; some features need Apple silicon. Final Cut Pro for iPad requires iPadOS 18.6+ and an iPad with Apple M1 or later, iPad (A16), or iPad mini (A17 Pro). Motion requires macOS 15.6+, 8 GB RAM (16 GB recommended), a Metal GPU (Intel Macs only), and 4.7 GB free space. Compressor requires macOS 15.6+, 8 GB RAM and 1.2 GB free space. Apple Immersive Video processing needs 32 GB RAM (64 GB recommended), and storage read speed of 2 GB/s or faster. Some features require internet or an Apple Account.

Indian startup Aule Space enters satellite servicing with seed funding

January 15, 2026, 7:32 AM EST. Aule Space, an 11-person Indian startup, said on Jan. 15 it closed a $2 million seed round led by pi Ventures to push satellite life extension. The company is developing jetpacks that would attach to client satellites to perform stationkeeping and docking, aiming to extend GEO assets more cost-effectively than rivals such as SpaceLogistics' Mission Extension Vehicles. Aule Space plans to approach the client from the engine nozzle of geostationary satellites and relies on computer vision and cameras rather than radar or lidar sensors, aided by AI to process imagery. The seed funds will fund ground tests and a demonstration mission next year using two ~30 kg satellites, with ISRO facilities available for SPADEX docking tests and interest from India's government.

2XKO Season 1 Battle Pass revealed with Free, Premium and Ultra tiers

January 15, 2026, 7:26 AM EST. Riot Games previews 2XKO Season 1 Battle Pass, introducing three tiers: Free, Premium and Ultra. Premium includes Chromacrash skins for Ekko, Jinx, Caitlyn and Warwick, plus avatar items, a stage and more. Free adds Warwick's skin, avatar gear and stickers. Ultra bundles both passes' contents plus an Arcane Caitlyn skin, color variants, 10 level skips and extra rewards, though it's not clear if Caitlyn herself is unlockable. Season 1 launches Jan 20, 2026, with Riot planning five seasons in 2026, likely keeping Season 1 active for about two months. Past passes had 73 reward levels; prices aren't finalized, but Premium could be around 1,000 KO Points ($10) and Ultra around 3,500 KO Points ($35). KO Points earning-back options and full patch notes remain unconfirmed.

JavaScript reliance sparks client access frictions on websites

January 15, 2026, 7:20 AM EST. A client challenge highlights how many sites rely on JavaScript to render content. Users encounter messages that JavaScript is disabled in their browser. Web teams say the problem can stem from browser settings, an installed extension, or network filters. The page advises checking the connection, disabling ad blockers, or trying a different browser. Operators say enabling JavaScript restores core functions such as menus, forms, and tracking. In business terms, accessibility and user experience hinge on JavaScript, while QA teams test across multiple browsers to mitigate disruptions caused by extensions, ad blockers, or network issues.

Web page fails to load when JavaScript is disabled, prompting client-side troubleshooting

January 15, 2026, 7:14 AM EST. A client sees a web page error tied to JavaScript being disabled. The on-page notice says a required part couldn't load, possibly due to a browser extension, network issue, or browser settings. Users are told to check their connection, disable ad blockers, or try a different browser. The message highlights common front-end blockers that can prevent services from loading. IT teams typically respond by explaining how to re-enable JavaScript, guiding users to mute or remove extensions, and test a network or browser alternative. Practically, steps include enabling JavaScript, turning off blocking add-ons, refreshing, and retrying in a fresh session.

Web page shows JavaScript-disabled error; users urged to enable JS and disable blockers

January 15, 2026, 7:06 AM EST. An online page displays a JavaScript-disabled message, blocking core content. The banner notes the site couldn't load due to a browser extension, network issue, or settings. Users are told to check their connection, disable ad blockers, or try another browser. Tech teams say such blocks are common when scripts are blocked or resources fail to load. Practical fixes include ensuring JavaScript is enabled, whitelisting the site in extensions, clearing caches, and testing across devices. Operators should monitor for extension conflicts and provide concise fallbacks to preserve basic access when scripting fails.

Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 rolls out to Pixel devices with major stability, performance and UI improvements

January 15, 2026, 6:54 AM EST. Google has begun rolling out two builds of Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 to compatible Pixel phones. CP11.251209.007 targets the Pixel 6 and 7 series, while CP11.251209.007.A1 covers all other supported Pixels. The update emphasizes improved stability, performance and usability, addressing crashes, freezes, battery drain and charging issues. Connectivity is claimed to be better, with faster Wi-Fi and more reliable calls, and the UI receives refinements. The beta roll-out includes notable fixes such as an unresponsive app drawer when scrolling, excessive Android Auto screen-time logging, and improved rendering of the notification shade in full-screen or PiP modes. Background power optimizations also tackle overnight battery drain. Google points readers to Reddit for a full changelog, noting the list of changes is long but highlights the major themes.

Google's Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 rolls out to Pixel devices with major fixes

January 15, 2026, 6:52 AM EST. Google has begun rolling out Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 to compatible Pixel devices. Two builds are available: CP11.251209.007 for the Pixel 6 and 7 series, and CP11.251209.007.A1 for other supported Pixels. The update promises broad improvements in stability, performance, and usability amid fixes for crashes, freezes, battery drain, and charging issues. Connectivity should be stronger with faster Wi-Fi and more reliable call connections, while the user interface also receives tweaks. Google summarized the changes and also highlighted several fixes discussed on Reddit, including an unresponsive app drawer when scrolling, excessive screen time logged by Android Auto affecting battery life, and visual/performance glitches in the notification shade. The company did not indicate a schedule for broader availability beyond current rollout to all eligible Pixel devices.

Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 rolls out with performance, UI fixes for Pixel devices

January 15, 2026, 6:50 AM EST. Google begins the year by pushing Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 to compatible Pixel devices. The release comes in two builds: CP11.251209.007 for Pixel 6 and 7 series, and CP11.251209.007.A1 for all other supported Pixels. The update centers on larger gains in stability, performance, and usability, addressing crashes, freezes, battery drain, and charging issues. Connectivity gets a boost with faster Wi-Fi and more reliable calls, while the UI receives refinements. Google and a Reddit post outline several fixes, including an unresponsive app drawer under scroll, reduced battery usage by Android Auto, and smoother notification shade rendering in full-screen or PiP modes. The rollout underscores Google's aim to improve everyday reliability on Pixel devices.

Grok to be barred from altering real-person images amid backlash over explicit AI imagery

January 15, 2026, 6:36 AM EST. X's parent company xAI will bar Grok from editing images of real people to place them in revealing clothing, amid global backlash over the tool generating explicit imagery, including naked underage images. Musk said he was not aware of any such images. The policy update applies to all X users, including paid subscribers; it was unclear whether the standalone Grok app would inherit the rule. Regulators from California to the UK have opened probes, and lawmakers have urged Apple and Google to remove Grok from app stores. Musk says Grok is programmed to refuse illegal requests and comply with local laws. Critics warn that restrictions may not fully block access to AI image tools; UK law is set to criminalize creation of such images this week.

Amazon Canada spotlights 11 home gadgets to boost safety for people over 60

January 15, 2026, 6:32 AM EST. Shopping experts highlight 11 practical gadgets from Amazon Canada designed for people over 60 to stay independent. The list includes accessible openers for jars and bottles, a Gorilla Grip bath mat with strong suction, and a Roborock robot vacuum/mop for routine cleaning. Other items are suction grab bars for showers, an EZPIK claw grabber for reaching items, a YKYI spin scrubber for tiles and tubs, and motion-activated under-cabinet lights for nighttime visibility. The roundup stresses safety and ease of use, with shopper notes praising grip, stability and hands-free tasks. Prices range from about $13 to $170, underscoring a focus on affordable, practical aids that improve daily life in 2026.

Anthropic expands Labs to incubate experimental Claude products

January 15, 2026, 6:26 AM EST. Anthropic is expanding its Labs unit to incubate experimental Claude products at the frontier of capabilities. The move formalizes a loop of tinkering, early-user testing, and scaling to reliable offerings for enterprise customers and millions of users. Past advances-Claude Code, the Model Context Protocol (MCP), Claude in Chrome, and Cowork-illustrate the path. Labs will be led by new and existing leaders as it tunes products for real-world use. Mike Krieger, co-founder of Instagram and Anthropic's Chief Product Officer, joins Labs with Ben Mann; Ami Vora will lead Product, partnering with CTO Rahul Patil. President Daniela Amodei says AI progress demands a different structure that enables discovery and responsible scaling. The team is recruiting builders who want to shape the frontier.

China launches Yaogan-50 in retrograde orbit, begins Guowang megaconstellation batch

January 15, 2026, 6:24 AM EST. China began 2026 with two Long March launches, signaling a busy year for its space program. A Long March 6A lifted off from Taiyuan at 9:16 a.m. ET on Jan. 13, delivering Yaogan-50 (01) into a highly retrograde 701-by-944-km orbit with a 142-degree inclination. CASC described the payload as supporting land surveying, crop yield estimation, and disaster monitoring; analysts note Yaogan satellites often carry radar, optical, and signals intelligence payloads. The retrograde trajectory is unusual for Chinese LEO missions, trading launch efficiency for higher relative ground-track velocity. Minutes later, a Long March 8A launched from Wenchang with nine satellites for the Guowang low-Earth-orbit megaconstellation, marking another step in expanding China's orbital repertoire.

Spontaneous display fault hits early Galaxy Z TriFold; repair cost, insurance under scrutiny

January 15, 2026, 6:20 AM EST. According to a Samsung forum post, an early Galaxy Z TriFold owner reports a spontaneous display failure: a broken line of pixels across the left-most fold. The device is about a month old with no external shock. Samsung offers 50% off a display repair as a one-time perk, about 1.3 million won ($900). The owner questions warranty coverage; Samsung has not announced insurance for the TriFold. Foldables remain susceptible to such incidents despite advances, echoing a prior spontaneous crack in a Galaxy Z Flip 3. The episode highlights why buyers may seek insurance when purchasing foldables, and Samsung is likely to consider broader protection options as the TriFold goes wider.

Open-source EMR drawing tablet demonstrates coil-based input behind a laptop

January 15, 2026, 6:14 AM EST. An open-source project by Yukidama demonstrates an electromagnetic resonance (EMR) drawing tablet built from scratch. In this method, a tablet coil oscillates at about 400 kHz-600 kHz; a matching coil in the pen picks up the oscillation at the pen's resonant frequency, creating a measurable signal. Pressure is sensed by shifting the pen's resonant frequency, which the tablet detects. To capture two dimensions, the system uses two coil arrays for horizontal and vertical axes, with a driver sweeping the array and sampling coils at varying speeds. A refined driver board drives a flexible coil circuit placed behind the screen of a Panasonic RZ series laptop, effectively turning the laptop into a functional drawing tablet. The project remains open-source, with tips from the community.

SKAARHOJ turns DJI RS 3 Pro and RS 4 gimbals into PTZ cameras with PTZ Pro control

January 15, 2026, 6:06 AM EST. SKAARHOJ demonstrates how its PTZ Pro controller lets a DJI RS 3 Pro or RS 4 gimbal function like a traditional PTZ camera. The setup combines camera, lens and gimbal into a single control system, enabling joystick pan and tilt, lens zoom and full preset recall for quick shot changes. Operators can switch between cameras, recall framing, and adjust motion speed without reconfiguring gear, suited for live production, broadcast and hybrid PTZ rigs that demand smooth, repeatable motion. The video covers camera selection, menus, PTZ Pro UI, VISCA-style control, USB vs IP connectivity and on-set routing with ATEM. The result is a compact, flexible control workflow that pushes PTZ capabilities beyond traditional cameras.

Pixel 10a price leaks point to February 17 release in Eurozone

January 15, 2026, 6:04 AM EST. A tipster on X claims the Google Pixel 10a will land on February 17 with euro pricing. The 128GB model is pegged at €500 and the 256GB at €600, with official color-matching cases priced at €20. If true, the starting price sits about €50 below last year's Pixel 9a in Europe. The rumor also suggests the 128GB variant will launch in four colors-Obsidian, Berry, Lavender, Fog-while the 256GB version would be available only in Obsidian. Google has not confirmed any details. The information reflects conjecture tied to Eurozone pricing and release timing, not official announcements.

Google Pixel 10a price leaks point to February 17 release, €500-€600 in Europe

January 15, 2026, 5:54 AM EST. A new rumor from an X tipster (the platform formerly known as Twitter) claims the Google Pixel 10a will release on February 17. The claim lays out euro pricing: €500 for the 128GB model and €600 for the 256GB version, with official color-matching cases priced at €20. The leak notes eurozone applicability and a price drop of about €50 versus last year's Pixel 9a. Color options for the 128GB variant are listed as Obsidian, Berry, Lavender, and Fog; the 256GB model would be offered only in Obsidian. The information follows earlier colorway leaks and an alleged official image. As with all rumors, Google has not confirmed these figures, and timing could change.

Pixel 10a price leak and release date rumored

January 15, 2026, 5:50 AM EST. A tipster on X claims the Pixel 10a will arrive on February 17 in the Eurozone, with 128GB priced at €500 and 256GB at €600. Official color-matching cases would cost €20 each. The pricing is presented as Eurozone-specific, with the note that the starting price would be €50 lower than the Pixel 9a last year. The rumor also says the 128GB model will come in four colors – Obsidian, Berry, Lavender, Fog – while the 256GB version would be limited to Obsidian. The claim is unconfirmed. Reuters will verify through official channels. The report contrasts with Pixel 9a pricing from a year earlier and notes Google's occasional non-standard configurations.

Nvidia DLSS 4.5 Super Resolution rolls out to Nvidia app users with 400+ titles

January 15, 2026, 5:48 AM EST. NVIDIA has rolled out DLSS 4.5 Super Resolution to all Nvidia app users, expanding to over 400 games and apps with a second-generation transformer model. The update aims for higher image quality and stable performance on modern GPUs. Early beta testing shows DLSS 4.5 runs on RTX 20-, 30-, and newer GPUs, but some users report up to a 20%+ performance hit on older hardware. NVIDIA says the new transformer reduces artifacts like shimmering, ghosting and after-images, and that FP8 acceleration on RTX 40/50-series via Tensor Cores eases the load. The app adds a Debug Mode to disable overclocks and voltage tweaks. Separately, DLSS 4 Multi Frame Generation is now on 250+ titles, but 6x MFG remains unavailable for now.

Siri upgrades in iOS 26.4 may save AI responses to Apple Notes, report says

January 15, 2026, 5:40 AM EST. Apple's iOS 26.4 Siri overhaul could include saving AI responses to Apple Notes via the new App Intents, The Information reports. The Gemini-powered upgrade, part of Apple Intelligence's collaboration with Google, would let Siri create or append Notes documents-such as recipes or research highlights-using voice. The feature would simplify storing AI outputs, a current manual task for many users. If confirmed, it would broaden Siri's role across apps and signals a more integrated workflow for capturing web and AI-derived information. The Information cites Stephanie Palazzolo, Amir Efrati and Aaron Tilley.

TSMC Q4 profit climbs 35%, AI chip demand fuels record results

January 15, 2026, 5:34 AM EST. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company posted a 35% year-over-year profit rise in the fourth quarter, beating expectations and setting a new record as demand for AI chips stays robust. Revenue reached NT$1.046 trillion ($33.73 billion), above consensus, and net income was NT$505.74 billion, ahead of NT$478.37 billion estimates. The company said chips of 7-nanometer or smaller accounted for 77% of total wafer revenue in the quarter, with full-year 2025 at about 74% from these advanced nodes, up from 69% in 2024. The high-performance computing division drove most sales, aided by clients such as Nvidia and AMD. Analysts say AI demand supports continued growth into 2026, though consumer device demand could soften due to memory shortages and price pressures.

NVIDIA DLSS 4.5 Super Resolution rolls out to Nvidia app users with 400+ titles and new presets

January 15, 2026, 5:30 AM EST. NVIDIA has rolled out DLSS 4.5 Super Resolution to all Nvidia app users after its CES reveal. The update adds a second-generation transformer model, boosting image quality across GeForce RTX GPUs in more than 400 games and apps. NVIDIA says the new model uses about five times the compute of the first generation. Early tests report fewer artifacts, with reduced shimmering, ghosting and after-images, and richer lighting and particles. On RTX 50-series and 40-series GPUs, FP8 processing helps manage the increased load. The company also says DLSS 4 Multi Frame Generation is now in over 250 titles, though the previously announced 6x MFG isn't yet live. A new Debug Mode in the Nvidia app can instantly disable overclocks and voltage tweaks for stability.

TSMC beats Q4 profit estimates as AI chip demand stays strong; 2nm expansion planned

January 15, 2026, 5:26 AM EST. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. posted a 35% year-over-year jump in fourth-quarter profit, beating estimates and setting a fresh record as demand for AI chips remains robust. Revenue reached NT$1.046 trillion and net income NT$505.74 billion, above forecasts. Chips of 7-nm or smaller accounted for 77% of total wafer revenue in the quarter, highlighting AI server momentum. For full-year 2025, these advanced nodes represented about 74% of revenue, up from 69% in 2024. TSMC's HPC division, which covers AI and 5G applications, led the gains and the company counts major clients such as Nvidia and AMD. Ongoing 2nm capacity expansion and new production could sustain growth into 2026, though consumer electronics demand and memory shortages pose risks.

Apple Notes could gain Siri-driven save feature in iOS 26.4, report says

January 15, 2026, 5:24 AM EST. Apple's next iOS release, iOS 26.4, is expected to bring a broad Siri upgrade with deeper ties to Apple Notes. The Information reports the changes are powered by Gemini technology under the umbrella of Apple Intelligence and tied to an expanded App Intents feature that lets Siri act inside apps and across them. The article cites examples where Siri could create a new Notes document-such as a cooking recipe or notes on drug-addiction causes-and possibly add content to existing notes. For users who want to save AI responses, this would let voice-driven inputs land directly in Notes. Apple and Google confirmed the Gemini partnership this week, framing Notes as a practical first test for the upgrade.

Rally Networks to extend fiber optic network in Cleveland County

January 15, 2026, 5:20 AM EST. Rally Networks, the parent company of Cleveland County Telephone, announced a plan to extend its fiber optic network beyond Kingsland and Rison in Cleveland County. Construction is set to begin Monday, Jan. 15, after the company secured more than $35 million in federal grants and loans in December 2024. The project promises up to 8 Gbps symmetric speed for residential and business customers, with local technicians handling activation and support. Rally aims to have live service by June and complete the build by year's end, noting that all fiber will be buried for long-term reliability. Routes on the company map extend along Hwy. 35 north and south of Rison and Hwy. 114 to Rose Hill, plus nearby county roads.

NetIX adds Equinix Singapore to Global Internet Exchange service

January 15, 2026, 5:16 AM EST. NetIX has expanded its Global Internet Exchange (GIX) by adding the Equinix Singapore Internet Exchange, widening its APAC footprint. The new point, located at Equinix SG1 in Singapore, is open to all GIX members. NetIX says the GIX aggregates routes from more than 50 internet exchange points and delivers them to customers via a single port and cross-connect, enabling access to multiple exchanges without deploying additional local infrastructure.

NetIX adds Equinix Singapore to Global Internet Exchange service

January 15, 2026, 5:14 AM EST. NetIX said the new exchange point at Equinix SG1 in Singapore is now open to all GIX members, extending its presence in the APAC region. The Global Internet Exchange (GIX) aggregates routes from more than 50 internet exchange points and delivers them to customers via a single port and cross-connect. This lets members reach multiple exchanges without deploying additional local infrastructure. In plain terms, a cross-connect is a direct, private link between networks inside a data center. NetIX says the move boosts reach for service providers and networks operating in Southeast Asia.

Used Tesla Model 3 Long Range with 35,000 miles: a mixed year of ownership

January 15, 2026, 5:12 AM EST. A 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range bought by the creator's partner started with 35,000 miles and, after a year, climbed to about 50,000 as the owner added 11,000 miles. The car faced multiple hiccups: Autopilot stopped working and vision-based parking was unreliable; a pre-sale windscreen replacement meant the cameras weren't reconnected, causing the heating element to fail and foggy cameras. The vehicle also endured a collision that left dents and a protracted repair. Ownership ultimately delivered a strong case for the car's range and battery preconditioning, with sharp day-to-day performance and notable efficiency on trips. But faults with features and the repair process clouded the verdict: was it worth it? The owner says the experience was a mixed bag.

Hytale not on Steam, may never be – Hypixel launches via own launcher

January 15, 2026, 5:10 AM EST. Hytale has launched exclusively through its own launcher, not Steam, as Hypixel explains to its community. Executive producer Patrick Derbic said a Steam rollout at launch might invite a flood of cold first impressions that could overcorrect the game's direction. The studio says it welcomes honest criticism and wants informed players guiding the early development. A Steam release might never be necessary, though the option remains under consideration. Derbic noted Steam is a powerful platform, but current store rules and the lack of some modding features mean Hypixel will discuss possibilities with Valve. The game is not on console now, with a future release possible. Steam's dominance offers reach but faces discoverability issues; rivals include Epic Games Store and GOG.

Verizon wins FCC waiver extending phone lock period, complicating carrier switching

January 15, 2026, 5:04 AM EST. Verizon won FCC approval to extend the period that handsets can remain locked to its network beyond the previously mandated 60 days. The waiver is in effect for new activations as of January 13, aligning with CTIA guidance that unlocks for prepaid devices after one year and postpaid devices once contracts end-potentially after payoff or termination fees. The change could hinder customers who want to switch to AT&T, T-Mobile, or smaller rivals while keeping their device. Existing devices bought before the ruling retain the older unlock rule. Critics, including Consumer Reports, EFF and iFixit, argued the longer lock reduces competition. Verizon's position traces to regulatory conditions tied to earlier spectrum deals and TracFone arrangements. FCC rejected a 180-day option and said the longer lock helps deter fraud and theft.

Government-backed Sentinel trial tests GSI Technology's Gemini-II AI in defense edge system

January 15, 2026, 5:02 AM EST. GSI Technology announced a January 2026 proof-of-concept with two government agencies to embed its Gemini-II compute-in-memory APU into Sentinel, an autonomous perimeter security system for real-time drone and camera monitoring. The effort, developed with Israel-based G2 Tech and backed by government funding in the millions, includes about $1,000,000 of integration work for GSI. The PoC highlights how on-device AI inference can support mission-critical defense apps that blend autonomous operation with human oversight. It also notes that the news strengthens the investment thesis but does not cure near-term catalysts such as clearer Gemini-II revenue traction or proof that recent contracts sustain a premium price-to-sales ratio. With revenue near $24.0 million, the stock faces valuation uncertainty reflected in varied Simply Wall St fair-value estimates.

Hytale stays off Steam as Hypixel leans on its own launcher, with possible future port

January 15, 2026, 5:00 AM EST. Hytale is out after a decade of development, but not on Steam. Hypixel says the game launched via its own launcher to keep close contact with players and avoid early impressions that could steer development. Executive producer Patrick Derbic noted Steam is a strong platform, but the team may not need it now; a release there is possible but undecided. Steam's modding gaps, potential fees, and discoverability issues shape the calculus. The studio says it will discuss options with Valve, but for now prioritizes its community. A console launch remains on the horizon. Context: Minecraft inspired Hytale, with rivals such as GOG and Epic Games Store cited. The decision underscores how studios weigh platform power against direct player engagement.

Government-backed Sentinel AI trial could sharpen GSI Technology's defense-edge ambitions

January 15, 2026, 4:48 AM EST. January 2026 PoC: GSI Technology said it would run a proof-of-concept with two government agencies, teaming with Israel-based G2 Tech to embed its Gemini-II compute-in-memory APU into Sentinel, an autonomous perimeter security system for real-time drone and camera monitoring. The government backs the effort with millions in funding, with about US$1 million expected to flow to GSI. The project highlights on-device AI inference for defense-grade edge applications that blend autonomous operation with human oversight. For investors, the milestone supports the narrative that Gemini-II traction could unlock higher-margin revenue, but it does not resolve the stock's near-term catalysts. Revenue stood at about US$24.0 million last year; the shares have rallied, and valuation lines remain contested, with fair-value estimates ranging from roughly US$0.84 to US$28 per share. Momentum, not this PoC alone, will drive risk-reward.

Bengio says technical fix for AI risks found, launches LawZero

January 15, 2026, 4:44 AM EST. Yoshua Bengio, a leading figure in deep learning and an early skeptic of unchecked AI risk, says a technical fix for safety may be within reach. In a Fortune interview, he described progress from desperation to confidence as research from his nonprofit LawZero outlines how to curb risks posed by powerful AIs. Backed by the Gates Foundation and funds like Coefficient Giving and the Future of Life Institute, LawZero announced a high-profile board, including chair Maria Eitel, Mariano-Florentino Cuellar, and Yuval Noah Harari, with Bengio joining. Three years after warning of existential threats, Bengio now promotes a plan centered on a Scientist AI: systems designed to understand the world and tell the truth, rather than pursue hidden goals, as a global public good.

PS5 and PS4 2025 top downloads show sports titles leading as Call of Duty slips

January 15, 2026, 4:40 AM EST. Data from Circana through November 2025 show PS Store downloads by region. In North America/Canada, NBA 2K26 leads; in Europe, EA Sports FC 26 tops. Call of Duty's latest entry underperformed, ranking No. 7 in both regions. Battlefield 6 rose to No. 2 NA and No. 5 Europe. The list covers PS Store downloads only, not other platforms. Returners include Minecraft and Helldivers 2; new entries include Arc Raiders, Ghost of Yotei, Assassin's Creed Shadows, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 in North America. On PS4, Red Dead Redemption 2 is No. 1 in both territories, with GTA V still strong. Beat Saber anchors PSVR2 charts, and Fortnite repeats as a free-to-play winner in both regions. Full lists follow.

Hytale launches in early access after Riot Games sale; sandbox RPG aims to evolve Minecraft-like play

January 15, 2026, 4:34 AM EST. After Riot Games cancelled Hytale, Hypixel Studios steered a dramatic comeback as the game launches in early access on PC. The first hour was spent in a detailed character creator, but the core experience soon revealed a familiar, Minecraft-like loop of exploration, survival, building and crafting. Hytale differentiates itself with a magic system, and a workhorse of robust creative tools that power large-scale building and modding. The initial impression is polished though unfinished, and response has been strong: early players approached 3 million in the first day. While major features remain to come, the title is clearly a confident continuation of a lengthy development saga, positioning itself as a potential evolution of sandbox gameplay.

Meta shutters three Oculus Studios units as Reality Labs cuts widen

January 15, 2026, 4:32 AM EST. Meta has shuttered three Oculus Studios internal developers-Twisted Pixel Games, Sanzaru Games and Armature Studio-as part of a wider round of cuts in its Reality Labs unit. Sources say the layoffs followed social posts by affected staff and reporting from The New York Times; UploadVR corroborated that all three studios were impacted. In a statement to Polygon, Meta said the moves aim to refocus on Wearables such as the Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses. The downsizing narrows Meta's first-party VR production, though Beat Games and Camouflaj remain active. Twisted Pixel rose to fame with Xbox Live Arcade titles and released Marvel's Deadpool VR this year; Sanzaru worked on Asgard's Wrath 2; Armature, known for ReCore, published a VR port of Resident Evil 4 in 2021.

East Lansdowne police deploy AI cameras to boost public safety

January 15, 2026, 4:18 AM EST. East Lansdowne police are testing 41 AI-powered cameras installed along borough roadways to capture real-time criminal activity and share data with neighboring agencies. Police Chief James Cadden says the system protects the public and officers and aids investigations, with footage used as evidence. Officers say the cameras bolster situational awareness and help identify suspects or vehicles. Some residents voice privacy concerns; officials emphasize the cameras do not use facial recognition and cannot see inside homes. The department says the setup has already contributed to two cases, including an arrest involving a suspect following two children. The cameras are mounted on poles, providing real-time video during active incidents. The program aims to balance safety with civil liberties.

Brookings report finds more risks than benefits in student AI use as schools seek best practices

January 15, 2026, 4:12 AM EST. Brookings Institution researchers say generative AI in education poses more risks than benefits for students, based on interviews with hundreds of students, teachers and parents worldwide. Since ChatGPT's 2022 debut, AI has spread into homework and classrooms, prompting concerns from educators such as Hillsborough County's teachers association. Districts are rushing to publish policies and implementation guides as AI evolves at a rapid pace, often described as the Wild West. The study flags risk areas including erosion of critical thinking, emotional skills and trust in teachers and peers, while noting potential gains in personalized learning and freed time for teachers. The report outlines 12 solutions-AI literacy, ethical use and better teacher preparation-to curb risks as schools build guidance.

Apple unveils Creator Studio, a $13/month all-in-one creator bundle

January 15, 2026, 4:06 AM EST. Apple announced Creator Studio, a subscription bundle priced at $13 per month that bundles core video and audio tools for creators. The package includes Final Cut Pro, Apple's video editor, plus Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Motion, Compressor, MainStage and the Freeform app. An annual plan is available for $129, a saving of $27. Students and educators can access discounted terms at $3 per month or $30 per year. The move positions the bundle as a one-stop purchase for creators seeking access to multiple apps under a single license.

CES 2026 pivots to AI as NVIDIA unveils Vera Rubin and AMD's Helios

January 15, 2026, 4:04 AM EST. CES 2026 tilted toward AI infrastructure, with NVIDIA and AMD framing the next era of computing. NVIDIA's Vera Rubin lineup, unveiled in detail at CES after its GTC 2025 reveal, includes the Rubin GPU with 336 billion transistors, the Vera CPU (227B), an NVLink 6 switch, CX9/BF4 networking, and Spectrum-X silicon photonics. NVIDIA argues a nine-month cadence from tape-out to mass production, with Blackwell Ultra shipping in 2025 and Rubin shipments set for H2 2026, enabling hyperscalers to train frontier models this year. AMD counters with the Helios AI rack, emphasizing scalable, data-center integration. The shift drew attention away from consumer hardware; the industry now prioritizes AI cores, interconnects, and throughput in a race to production.

Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 lands on Pixel devices with broad stability and performance fixes

January 15, 2026, 4:02 AM EST. Google's Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 is rolling out to Pixel devices, promising broad stability, performance, and usability improvements. The update targets critical crashes and freezes, battery management, and connectivity glitches, along with UI refinements in the notification shade and app drawer. Key fixes include improved power management to curb overnight drain, corrected charging limits, faster and more reliable Wi-Fi, and refined audio routing during calls. The release also addresses display flicker in Always-On Display wake, reduced lag when scrolling the app drawer, and fixes for several app crashes tied to system compatibility, including certain Intune-managed Microsoft apps. Google notes the beta will evolve, with additional tweaks to folding devices and activity lifecycle handling. Users can install Beta 2 on supported Pixels via a step-by-step guide.

Matthew McConaughey trademarks name, voice to curb AI misuse

January 15, 2026, 4:00 AM EST. Amid rapid AI growth in Hollywood, actor Matthew McConaughey is filing to trademark his name, his voice, and other properties tied to his likeness to protect against unauthorized AI misuse. The move would give him control over how his identity appears in AI-generated content and related branding. The filings cover the use of his name and voice across media and entertainment, reflecting a broader push by celebrities to curb synthetic impersonations as AI tools proliferate. The action was reported on January 15, 2026.

Starlink offers free Iran access, helping protesters reach world audience

January 15, 2026, 3:56 AM EST. Iranian demonstrators gain a new channel to share details as SpaceX's Starlink reportedly offers free service and a firmware update to help dodge government jamming. Activists told AP that Starlink has been available free to anyone in Iran with the receivers since Tuesday, after Tehran cut telecom and internet access on Jan. 8 amid nationwide protests over the economy. SpaceX did not respond to requests for comment. The move followed a public push by President Trump to ask Musk for Starlink help, though it remains unclear what prompted action. The development could widen outside scrutiny of the protests, but SpaceX has not officially confirmed the decision.

Starlink free access in Iran seen as game changer for demonstrators

January 15, 2026, 3:54 AM EST. SpaceX's Starlink has reportedly offered free internet access in Iran via its satellite receivers, a move activists say helps bypass Tehran's information blackout during nationwide protests. The company has not publicly commented; activists say a firmware update is also enabling users to sidestep government jamming. The shift follows Iran's Jan. 8 outage that cut mobile and internet services for millions. Trump had suggested reaching out to Elon Musk for Starlink support, a claim later echoed by his aides, though it's unclear if that spurred action. The development marks a notable tech-enabled channel for demonstrators to share updates globally.

Hytale debuts in early access after turbulent development, delivering polished Minecraft-inspired sandbox

January 15, 2026, 3:50 AM EST. Hytale's early access PC launch arrives after a decade of work and a turbulent handover. Riot Games canceled the project before Hypixel co-founder Simon Collins-Laflamme regained the rights, spurring a launch that drew almost 3 million players in its first day. Even for an unfinished product, critics describe it as surprisingly polished, helped by robust creative tools. The game sits squarely in the Minecraft-style sandbox realm-exploration, survival, building and crafting-while adding a magic system and varied combat. The core experience is familiar, and the team is still adding features, but the early feedback suggests a solid foundation and a notable victory for a studio that endured a difficult development arc.

SpaceX targets 29-satellite Starlink launch from Cape Canaveral

January 15, 2026, 3:48 AM EST. SpaceX's Falcon 9 is targeting a 29-satellite Starlink deployment into low-Earth orbit from the Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex. The launch window opens at about 1:07 p.m. Eastern. This mission marks the 13th flight for the first-stage booster. After stage separation, the booster is planned to land on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship in the Atlantic. Live coverage is available in the video player.

Glass cloth shortage hits Apple, AI supply chain as Nittobo expansion lags

January 15, 2026, 3:44 AM EST. Apple and other tech giants face a rare bottleneck in the supply chain: glass cloth used on certain BT substrates for high-end chips. Nikkei reports the material, essential for mounting chips on PCBs, is in short supply as demand for AI processors climbs. The only major supplier, Japanese firm Nitto Boseki – known as Nittobo – cannot meet orders until late 2027 as it expands capacity. Apple is reportedly seeking alternatives, including boosting quality at a small glass-fiber maker, Grace Fabric Technology, and weighing new chip-packaging approaches. The shortage also reverberates through Nvidia, Qualcomm and Broadcom, pushing up costs and potentially consumer prices amid a broader AI boom.

Hawaii lawmakers push to shield kids from AI chatbots with disclosure bill

January 15, 2026, 3:42 AM EST. Hawaii lawmakers are reviving efforts to regulate AI chatbots used in commercial transactions after a 12-year-old's reported grooming incident. House Bill 639, sponsored by Rep. Trish La Chica, would require organizations to publicly disclose when AI is used in consumer transactions. Senate leadership, including Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole, flagged a related hearing at the State Capitol amid new support and a recent Trump executive order aimed at curbing state AI regulation. Keohokalole said the issue extends beyond the law and highlighted testimony from a family whose child interacted with a fictional AI persona, registering as an adult to access a chatbot. He plans to introduce further legislation to prevent similar scenarios, while opponents and supporters debate how to balance safety with federal actions.

Glass cloth shortage hits Apple and the AI chip supply chain

January 15, 2026, 3:38 AM EST. Nikkei reports a critical shortage of glass cloth, a niche material used on BT substrates to mount advanced chips. Apple, Nvidia, AMD, Broadcom and Qualcomm race for limited supplies as demand for AI chips grows. The sole major supplier is Japan's Nitto Boseki (Nittobo), whose capacity can't meet demand until late 2027. Apple is exploring alternatives, including partnering with Grace Fabric Technology to raise quality, and evaluating other chip-packaging options to bypass the bottleneck. The shortage reverberates across the high-end chip industry, affecting mobile devices and data centers alike. While RAM and other components also strain supply chains, the cost of scarce inputs is likely to flow to consumers as manufacturers bid up prices to secure parts.

Nintendo, Sony and Xbox update Safer Gaming principles to reflect ongoing commitment

January 15, 2026, 3:34 AM EST. Nintendo, Sony and Xbox have refreshed their joint Safer Gaming principles, first announced in 2020, as a sign of ongoing commitment to player safety. The updated framework centers on three pillars: Prevention, which empowers players and parents with easy-to-use controls and clear guidance on conduct; Partnership, a broad collaboration with industry groups, regulators, law enforcement, and communities, including groups such as Thriving in Games Group and the Family Online Safety Institute, plus shared research; and Responsibility, which covers investing in technology and rapid response to incidents and aligns with ratings bodies such as ESRB and PEGI. The trio also works with the ESA and other trade associations to promote safe behavior and clarity around safety tools across platforms and channels.

Huawei's HiSilicon remains private as China's AI chip IPOs surge

January 15, 2026, 3:32 AM EST. China's AI chip IPOs have energized the market, boosting smaller names such as Moore Threads, Biren Technology, MetaX and Shanghai Iluvatar CoreX. But analysts say the crown jewel is Huawei and its private chip arm, HiSilicon, which dominate in breadth and scale. Growth for smaller designers is constrained by SMIC's manufacturing limits. Huawei's full-stack approach-combining chip, software and ecosystem-helps it stay ahead even as it remains privately held. Bernstein estimates Huawei and Nvidia split roughly 40% of China's processor sales, with Nvidia's share likely shrinking under export controls and Huawei rising to about 50%. Cambricon remains a distant challenger at around 9%. Analysts expect sector consolidation as bigger players absorb R&D costs. Baidu's spin-off Kunlunxin could add another Nvidia competitor, though timing remains unclear.

Apple taps Google to power AI upgrade for Siri

January 15, 2026, 3:26 AM EST. Apple said its next wave of services, including a more personalized Siri, will run on Google's Gemini AI models under a multi-year collaboration. The companies said the partnership would unlock innovative experiences across devices, with the AI foundation hosted in Google's stack while core user devices and privacy controls stay with Apple. The deal highlights Apple's cautious approach to building in-house AI, relying on external foundations to scale quickly. IDC's Francisco Jeronimo called the move pragmatic but a shift from Apple's history of owning every layer. Analysts expect consumer demand for AI features to rise as rivals push similar options. Apple previously announced a deal with OpenAI in 2024 to add ChatGPT-powered tools. Apple Intelligence will run on its Private Cloud Compute while maintaining its privacy standards.

Europe has lost the internet, warns Belgium's cyber security chief

January 15, 2026, 3:24 AM EST. Belgium's head of cyber security warned in Brussels that Europe risks losing control of the online world as digital policy diverges across borders. The concerns center on fragmentation of standards, opaque data flows and gaps in critical infrastructure protection. Officials say the EU and member states must harmonize security protocols, boost collaboration with NATO, and resist blanket restrictions that curb innovation. Critics say a patchwork approach could undermine trust in online services, hinder cross-border commerce, and embolden threat actors. The warning comes amid rising ransomware incidents, supply chain vulnerabilities and debates over encryption, surveillance and cloud governance. Brussels officials say a coherent, alliance-style approach is needed to keep the internet open yet secure for businesses and citizens across Europe.

China drafts purchase limits on Nvidia H200 chips

January 15, 2026, 3:20 AM EST. China is drafting rules on how many advanced AI chips companies can buy from foreign makers such as Nvidia, Nikkei Asia reported. Beijing has not yet granted its own clearance for the U.S.-made H200 chip, even as Nvidia has received export permission. The rules aim to balance China's push to nurture domestic chip development with the appetite of tech giants for the world's most powerful hardware. The plan would cap volumes, vet buyers, and potentially limit repeat purchases, according to people familiar with the matter. The effort underscores Beijing's broader push to tighten control over advanced semiconductor access while maintaining growth in AI and cloud services.

RoadOne expands to a 10-truck Tesla Semi fleet in Oakland

January 15, 2026, 3:18 AM EST. RoadOne IntermodaLogistics has deployed its first Tesla Semi and plans a broader rollout of up to ten units in the Oakland market. The initial truck has operated in commercial service for months, hauling aluminum coils between RoadOne's Oakland facility and Tesla's Fremont factory, and the company says it is meeting-and exceeding-performance and efficiency expectations. The early success prompted a wider rollout across the regional network. RoadOne Senior VP of Operations Eric Weakley says the investment supports a sustainable, low-emission, resilient supply chain. Tesla cites a 60 mph sprint in 20 seconds, up to 500-mile range, and energy use around 1.9 kWh/mile with payloads near 38,000 lbs. High-power charging above 1.2 MW reduces downtime as production targets reach 50,000 Semis annually by year-end.

Report: SpaceX waives Starlink fees for Iranian users, activist group says

January 15, 2026, 3:10 AM EST. An Iranian activist group says it worked with SpaceX to waive the fees for Starlink users in Iran, where a government internet blackout persists. The claim was reported by a senior journalist and cites access to satellite internet as a workaround for censorship. SpaceX has not publicly confirmed the arrangement. The activist group contends waiving charges would expand access for residents amid restrictions, though independent verification was not provided in the initial report. The development highlights ongoing debates over internet access and tech policy in Iran.

Nvidia GPUs vs Google TPUs: Meta's AI training pivot tests the AI hardware status quo

January 15, 2026, 3:08 AM EST. Nvidia's shares tumbled after a report said Meta plans to train its next-generation Llama models on Google's TPUs. Nvidia remains the industry's presumptive leader in AI chips, with GPUs powering thousands of projects and a global supply squeeze that has helped rivals like AMD. Google has opened its AI chips to external developers, highlighting a move away from a one-size-fits-all approach to hardware. Meta's pivot underscores a broader strategic recalibration of where workloads run. Nvidia has signaled its ambition with a $20 billion bid for Groq, a startup specializing in accelerators. The debate pits general-purpose GPUs against application-specific TPUs and the emerging LPUs, as customers seek efficiency and speed in model training and inference.

PlayStation Plus January 2026 lineup includes Resident Evil Village, Ridge Racer and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

January 15, 2026, 3:00 AM EST. Sony's PlayStation Plus Game Catalog for January 2026 adds nine titles, spanning racing and horror. Subscribers will find Resident Evil Village and Ridge Racer alongside the melodramatic Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. The batch goes live January 20, with all PS Plus tiers able to start playing. In addition, three titles-Need For Speed Unbound, Epic Mickey: Rebrushed, and Core Keeper-will be claimable through February 2. Sony continues rotating the catalog, offering a mix of genres as part of the paid tiers. The company did not specify prices in the announcement.

AI tools boost individual scientists' output but narrow collective science's focus, Nature study finds

January 15, 2026, 2:58 AM EST. Researchers used a pretrained language model to identify AI-augmented research, achieving an F1 score of 0.875. An analysis of 41.3 million papers across the natural sciences shows rapid uptake of AI tools and consistent professional advantages for users, but a narrowing of science's overall scope. AI-augmented researchers publish about 3.02 times more papers, receive 4.84 times more citations and become project leaders 1.37 years earlier than non-users. By contrast, AI adoption reduces the collective volume of topics studied by 4.63% and cuts scientists' collaboration by about 22%. The result is a paradox: personal advancement grows while collective science's reach contracts, as AI concentrates work in data-rich fields.

Elgato Stream Deck+ on sale for $160, boosting stream control

January 15, 2026, 2:46 AM EST. Elgato's Stream Deck+ is discounted to $160 on Amazon, down from $200 (about a 20% discount). The device features eight programmable buttons, an LCD screen and four knobs, with close OBS integration to adjust stream parameters, mute audio, and switch layouts at a single press. Beyond broadcasting, it can run macros across apps, launch programs, and execute actions with delays. Users organize game folders for quick menu access in titles like Final Fantasy XIV and Satisfactory, and even streamline workflows in Adobe Premiere. A white version is available for a slightly higher price. The deal underscores the Stream Deck+'s versatility for streamers and other power users.

DJI Mavic 4 Pro gets $649 off at Amazon, price now $3,999

January 15, 2026, 2:44 AM EST. As of Jan. 14, the DJI Mavic 4 Pro is on sale at Amazon for $3,999, down from $4,649. The deal saves buyers $649 and represents about 14% off the usual price. The drone remains in stock, with the discount highlighted by Mashable as of publication. Deal terms can change after time of publication. Marketed as a premium option from DJI, the Mavic 4 Pro combines advanced imaging with confident flight features, appealing to enthusiasts who want high-end aerial video and stills. Readers should note affiliate links may earn the publisher a commission on purchases. Price parity can vary by retailer, and customers should verify current availability and terms before purchase.

Nintendo, Sony, Microsoft renew pledge to improve player safety across Switch, PlayStation and Xbox

January 15, 2026, 2:40 AM EST. Nintendo, Sony Interactive Entertainment and Microsoft renew their 2020 pledge to improve player safety across Nintendo Switch, PlayStation and Xbox. The companies say they will keep working behind the scenes to foster safer online environments, especially for younger players. In a recent Xbox Wire update, the firms outlined three shared principles: Prevention, Partnership, and Responsibility. Under Prevention, they will provide accessible safety controls, help parents tailor their children's experiences, and publish clear codes of conduct with guidance and enforcement. Partnership covers collaboration with industry bodies, regulators, law enforcement, researchers and the community, joint safety research and rapid incident response. They also coordinate with ESRB and PEGI to ensure proper ratings.

Elgato Stream Deck+ discounted to $160 on Amazon

January 15, 2026, 2:24 AM EST. Elgato's Stream Deck+ is discounted to $160 on Amazon, about a 20% markdown. The upgrade pairs eight programmable buttons, an LCD screen and four knobs, designed to streamline OBS workflows and on-stream layouts with a press. Users can mute audio, switch scenes, or trigger end-of-stream credits with one key, and chain actions or delays-launching apps or media. Beyond broadcasting, it automates tasks across software, with custom icons and macros for games such as Final Fantasy XIV or tools like Adobe Premiere. The black version is listed at $160, while the white variant runs about $170. Retailers offer guides to advanced Stream Deck functionality for deeper customization.

RoadOne to deploy up to 10 Tesla Semis in Oakland-area fleet

January 15, 2026, 2:20 AM EST. RoadOne IntermodaLogistics has added its first Tesla Semi and plans to roll out up to ten in the Oakland area. The truck has already been in commercial service for months, hauling aluminum between RoadOne's Oakland facility and Tesla's Fremont plant, with officials saying it is meeting or beating expectations for performance and efficiency. The expansion could see ten Semis operating within the same regional network. RoadOne notes the vehicle can reach 60 mph in about 20 seconds, offer up to a 500-mile range, consume roughly 1.9 kWh per mile, and carry payloads near 38,000 lbs. Charging tests have exceeded 1.2 MW. The tie to Tesla goes back to 2012, shifting from coil deliveries to just-in-time warehousing and multi-shift shipments. DHL has also added a Tesla Semi, as Tesla aims for up to 50,000 units annually by late 2026.

NBA 2K26 and EA SPORTS FC 26 Lead PS5 Downloads in 2025 as Forza Horizon 5 Tops Europe

January 15, 2026, 2:16 AM EST. PlayStation has published 2025's 20 most downloaded PS5 games split by region: North America and Europe. The leaderboards largely mirror each other, with annual sports titles taking the top spots – NBA 2K26 in NA and EA SPORTS FC 26 in EU. Both regions feature a stable core lineup-Grand Theft Auto V, Minecraft, and Battlefield 6 among the top five. In Europe, Forza Horizon 5 climbs to fourth, while it trails in NA (14th). The chart notes that the Xbox port Forza Horizon 5 outpaced Sony's Ghost of Yōtei in Europe, despite no PS5 physical edition. In NA, Ghost of Yōtei breaks into the top ten; Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 remains outside the top five in both regions. Several anticipated titles did not reach the cut.

Nvidia vs Alphabet: Which AI growth stock offers better risk-reward in 2026

January 15, 2026, 1:56 AM EST. Both Nvidia and Alphabet ride the AI wave, but investors wrestle with value and momentum. Nvidia posted fiscal Q3 2026 revenue of $57.0 billion, up 62% year over year, with data-center revenue of $51.2 billion and a GAAP gross margin of 73.4%. EPS rose 67% to $1.30. The stock trades near $183, for a market cap around $4.5 trillion. Alphabet delivered Q3 revenue of $102.3 billion, up 16%, led by search, YouTube, and Google Cloud. Cloud revenue rose 34% to $15.2 billion; cloud operating income up 85% to $3.6 billion, margin 23.7%. The AI growth debate pits Nvidia's hardware power against Alphabet's platform scale; the risk-reward depends on demand, pricing, and monetization durability.

iPhone 18 Pro leak hints under-display Face ID and notch shift for Pro lineup

January 15, 2026, 1:54 AM EST. New rumors from leaker Digital Chat Station, posted on Weibo, say the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will swap to an under-display Face ID and a punch-hole selfie camera, while the base iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2 keep the Dynamic Island notch. The sizes appear unchanged: about 6.27 inches for the core Pro models and 6.86 inches for the Pro Max, with 120 Hz LTPO displays across the lineup. The standard models would stay with Dynamic Island, while the Pro variants would show a front design shift. If accurate, the move could foreshadow a notchless front on the iPhone 20 next year. Official confirmation is typically in September, with Apple possibly launching the basic flagship after the Pros under a new strategy.

Three AI ETFs Poised for 100% Surge as Tech Revolution Accelerates

January 15, 2026, 1:48 AM EST. Investors have enjoyed big gains from AI stocks, and the rally remains in early innings. The piece notes megacap names and the Magnificent Seven powering 2025 gains, with 2026 broadening further as companies lift AI budgets. Experts say buying the theme via ETFs can beat chasing individual winners. The AI market is forecast to reach about $2.4 trillion by 2032, keeping the growth narrative intact. Three ETFs are highlighted as potential double-ups. The Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (AIQ) weights by AI exposure rather than market cap, reducing concentration in megacaps; only ~11% sits in Alphabet, Tesla, and Apple. The iShares AI Innovation and Tech Active ETF (BAI) uses active management across sizes and regions. A third fund is also reviewed.

NVIDIA rolls out DLSS 4.5 to all RTX GPUs

January 15, 2026, 1:42 AM EST. NVIDIA began rolling out DLSS 4.5 to all GeForce RTX GPUs, a week after unveiling the update at CES. The new DLSS 4.5 Super Resolution uses a second-generation Transformer to sharpen visuals and improve temporal stability, claiming reduced ghosting and better anti-aliasing across more than 400 games and apps. NVIDIA says the model runs at five times the compute power of the original, with a larger, higher-fidelity training dataset. The company plans to add Dynamic 6x Frame Generation to DLSS 4.5 this spring for RTX 50 Series GPUs, potentially delivering up to five extra frames per traditional frame and up to 4K 240Hz path-traced performance.

Verizon outage leaves iPhones stuck in SOS mode; here's how to fix

January 15, 2026, 1:40 AM EST. Verizon reported a network outage affecting millions, with iPhones displaying SOS instead of service bars. Downdetector monitored the disruption; Verizon said engineers were addressing the issue and remained fully deployed to resolve it. The problem can leave devices stuck in SOS mode even after service returns. Apple distinguishes between Emergency SOS via Satellite, which works without cellular service, and the standard Emergency SOS, which requires a connection. When service is lost, iPhones may struggle to reconnect and the SOS indicator can linger. Practical steps include staying in an area with coverage, checking with others who have service, and following carrier and Apple guidance to reestablish a connection. Verizon aimed to restore full service as quickly as possible.

Bezos's cloud-first prophecy tested as AI push reshapes computing and DRAM prices

January 15, 2026, 1:38 AM EST. Jeff Bezos's long-standing view that consumers will move from local PCs to rented cloud compute is back in focus as Microsoft advances an AI-first Windows and Copilot features. The debate centers on whether cloud setups can supplant on-premise hardware, even as DRAM prices trend lower. The author notes mixed results from Copilot across Outlook, Paint, and Notepad, and asks whether a cloud-based model may overcome such frictions. Bezos argues humans underestimate opportunity, a caution that has guided his tech bets. The piece hints at a shift toward subscription-based cloud services and asks if easing DRAM costs will accelerate or slow that transition. The conversation is part of a broader rethink of how and where compute happens.

U.S. approves Nvidia H200 exports to China with testing and shipment caps

January 15, 2026, 1:34 AM EST. U.S. officials formally approved Nvidia's H200 exports to China, adding a third-party lab review to confirm AI capabilities before shipment and capping Chinese access at no more than 50% of chips sold to U.S. customers. Nvidia must certify sufficient U.S. inventory, while Chinese buyers must show robust security procedures and promise not to use the chips for military purposes. The administration framed the decision as a balance between keeping U.S. industry competitive and tightening export controls. Nvidia described the move as supporting American jobs. Analysts warned enforcement may be tricky given past channels used by some Chinese buyers. Chinese demand remains high; Reuters reported orders exceeding 2 million units at about $27,000 each, with Nvidia ramping up production as demand grows.

Broadcom and Taiwan Semiconductor Could Outperform Nvidia in AI Infrastructure

January 15, 2026, 1:28 AM EST. Broadcom and Taiwan Semiconductor are positioned to challenge Nvidia in AI infrastructure, says the piece. Nvidia dominates with its CUDA software and NVLink ecosystem, but price competition is rising for inference. Broadcom is leveraging the AI-ASIC trend, turning Alphabet's TPUs into physical chips and supporting OpenAI and other builders. Citigroup analysts project AI revenue for Broadcom rising from about $20B this year to $50B next year, then $100B in fiscal 2027, aided by collaborations with Apple. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing benefits from AI-related demand and broader supply-chain momentum as a key chip foundry. The piece weighs two stocks as higher upside alternatives to Nvidia.

Bezos's cloud-first prophecy and the DRAM rout: can AI push users to rent compute from AWS and Azure?

January 15, 2026, 1:24 AM EST. Bezos argued that local PC hardware would be supplanted by rented, always-online cloud computing services from companies like Amazon and Microsoft. As AI tools seep into consumer software-Microsoft's Copilot across Outlook, Paint and Notepad-skepticism about consumer strategy has grown. Bezos warned that people overestimate risk and under-estimate opportunity; today, headlines about an AI-first Windows amplify the tension between users and investors. A key, underappreciated driver is the price of memory: a fall in DRAM costs could tilt costs toward cloud compute rather than on-premise boxes. If the trend continues, firms may monetize compute as a service rather than sell hardware. The question remains whether consumer software will mature fast enough to win wider adoption.

U.S. approves Nvidia H200 exports to China under conditions

January 15, 2026, 1:20 AM EST. WASHINGTON – The Trump administration formalized a rule allowing China-bound sales of Nvidia's H200 AI chip, attaching conditions meant to balance American competitiveness with security. Under the rule, shipments must be reviewed by a third-party lab to confirm AI capabilities and cannot exceed 50% of chips sold to U.S. customers. Nvidia must certify adequate U.S. inventory, while Chinese buyers must demonstrate security procedures and pledge the hardware will not be used for military purposes. Nvidia called the move a thoughtful balance that protects American jobs and competitiveness. The policy follows a 25% U.S. government fee announced last month. Analysts warn enforcement will be tricky, and officials described the cap as a compromise rather than a full policy solution. Reuters reported Chinese demand for more than 2 million H200 chips at about $27,000 each.

NVIDIA rolls out DLSS 4.5 to all RTX GPUs

January 15, 2026, 1:16 AM EST. NVIDIA began a broad rollout of DLSS 4.5 to GeForce RTX GPUs, following a CES reveal and a beta rollout last week. The update, dubbed DLSS 4.5 Super Resolution, promises sharper visuals and better temporal stability. NVIDIA says the 2nd Generation Super Resolution Transformer reduces ghosting and improves anti-aliasing in more than 400 games and apps. The company notes the model uses five times the compute power of the original transformer and was trained on a larger, higher-fidelity dataset. A frame-generation feature called Dynamic 6x Frame Generation is planned for spring on GeForce RTX 50 Series, offering up to five extra frames per traditional frame and enabling up to 4K 240Hz path-traced performance.

Viral Chinese app 'Are You Dead' taps into loneliness, tops App Store, shifts to subscription

January 15, 2026, 1:14 AM EST. An app called Are You Dead has gone viral in China, using a grim premise to address widespread loneliness among people living alone. Users must check in daily; if they miss several days, the app notifies an emergency contact. It topped the Apple App Store paid rankings last weekend, according to state-run Global Times, before rebranding and adding a subscription model as downloads surged. The phenomenon mirrors broader social trends: up to 200 million single-person households could exist in China by 2030, driven by aging, migration to cities, and declining marriage rates. Analysts connect the trend to rising depression, anxiety, and youth unemployment. The app's Store description says, Alone but not lonely, safety by your side. Separately, Douyin users explore a rat person lifestyle of retreat and isolation.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons 3.0 update rekindles cozy island life as Switch 2 features loom

January 15, 2026, 1:12 AM EST. Animal Crossing: New Horizons is getting a major boost with its 3.0 update, and fans are returning to its cozy island life. The free patch for Switch and Switch 2 adds quality-of-life improvements, multi-item crafting, new Slumber Islands to showcase decorating, and strafing. A separate paid Switch 2 update on January 15 will offer exclusive features like mouse controls and 12-player online co-op. Players say the series has been unfinished since its 2.0 expansion, and 3.0 aims to tighten that gap. Fans like Soleil, a long-time AC creator with thousands of hours in New Horizons, hope the update also refines villagers' behavior, which some feel has grown too passive. Nintendo positions 3.0 as a bridge to a richer, more robust island life.

SEALSQ enters exclusive talks with Quobly for potential $200M majority stake in quantum computing firm

January 15, 2026, 1:08 AM EST. SEALSQ Corp said it entered a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with Quobly SAS to start exclusive negotiations toward an initial minority investment and, potentially, a majority stake in Quobly. The deal could total about $200M and is subject to due diligence, definitive agreements, and regulatory approvals. The move anchors SEALSQ's Quantum strategy and its dedicated Quantum Fund to accelerate secure, industrial-scale quantum tech in Europe, following a November 21, 2025 collaboration. If completed, the transaction would create a reference platform for secure-by-design quantum computing spanning defense, finance, pharmaceuticals and more, combining Quobly's silicon-based quantum processors with SEALSQ's PQC and Root-of-Trust capabilities. Executives Maud Vinet and Carlos Moreira welcomed the step, emphasizing faster international deployment and roadmap alignment.

Backlash over Nvidia H200 sale to China grows as lawmakers press reversal

January 15, 2026, 1:06 AM EST. Witnesses at a House Foreign Affairs hearing blasted the administration's approval of Nvidia's H200 AI chips for China and urged a reversal. The White House's top technology adviser defended the move in the administration's first public testimony on new export controls. A former deputy national security adviser, Matt Pottinger, called allowing the sale a "wrong path" that would "supercharge" Beijing's military modernization and threaten the US lead in the AI race. New rules released Tuesday allow Nvidia and AMD to ship certain advanced chips to China under conditions such as US lab testing and an overall export cap, with the government taking a 25% share of China sales. Oren Cass argued policy has prioritized short-term profit over national security. Lawmakers from both parties say the US must lead in AI and oppose easing controls; Meeks cited an "overwhelming consensus."

SEALSQ enters exclusive talks to potentially acquire majority stake in Quobly in $200 million MOU

January 15, 2026, 12:54 AM EST. SEALSQ Corp said it has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with Quobly SAS to begin exclusive negotiations on an initial minority investment, potentially followed by a majority stake in Quobly. The deal, announced Jan. 14 in Geneva, would involve about $200 million from SEALSQ and is subject to due diligence, definitive agreements, regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. The transaction forms part of SEALSQ's Quantum strategy and is backed by its dedicated Quantum Fund, aimed at accelerating secure, industrial-scale quantum technology across Europe. If completed, the plan would establish a reference platform for secure-by-design quantum computing spanning defense, finance, pharma and more. Quotes: Quobly CEO Maud Vinet and SEALSQ CEO Carlos Moreira welcomed the step, highlighting alignment with the quantum roadmap.

Windows 11 Jan 2026 Patch Tuesday fixes NPU battery life, phased Secure Boot cert rollout

January 15, 2026, 12:48 AM EST. Microsoft's first Patch Tuesday of 2026 rolls out KB5074109 for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, delivering fixes and hardening changes. The standout fix targets devices with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU): idle NPUs no longer stay powered on, improving battery life. The update also introduces a phased approach to new Secure Boot certificates, labeling devices as eligible only after sufficient successful update signals. In addition, the release removes several old modem drivers and patches known issues in Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) networking, and RemoteApp connections in Azure Virtual Desktop. It also shifts Windows Deployment Services (WDS) toward Hands-Free Deployment by default. The WinSqlite3.dll component has been updated for security, while overall features remain unchanged from prior updates.

Microsoft named Leader in IDC MarketScape for Worldwide Unified AI Governance Platforms

January 15, 2026, 12:46 AM EST. Microsoft is named a Leader in the 2025-2026 IDC MarketScape for Worldwide Unified AI Governance Platforms, a December 2025 vendor assessment. The ranking highlights Microsoft's focus on safe, Responsible AI and enterprise-scale governance, and cites product capabilities, go-to-market strength, and a three- to five-year strategy aligned with customer needs. The report notes that the approach is anchored in the Responsible AI standard and supported by the Office of Responsible AI, with features such as transparency notes, fairness analysis, explainability tools, safety guardrails, regulatory compliance assessments, agent identity, data security, vulnerability identification, and protection against prompt-injection attacks. The goal is integrated governance across IT, developer, and security teams, reducing compliance bottlenecks and turning governance into a strategic lever for trusted AI deployment.

Microsoft named a Leader in IDC MarketScape for Unified AI Governance Platforms

January 15, 2026, 12:44 AM EST. Microsoft was named a Leader in the IDC MarketScape for Worldwide Unified AI Governance Platforms (Vendor Assessment #US53514825, December 2025). IDC MarketScape is a vendor assessment that uses qualitative and quantitative criteria to rate product capability, strategy and market position. The designation underscores Microsoft's push to make AI safe, responsible and enterprise-ready. The company links the award to its Responsible AI standard and the Office of Responsible AI, applying governance tools across its AI management and security platform. Highlights include transparency notes, fairness analysis, explainability tools, safety guardrails, regulatory compliance assessments, agent identity, and data security-as well as protection against prompt-injection attacks. Microsoft emphasizes centralized control for observability, management and security across IT, developer and security teams, aiming to meet regulators while speeding trusted AI deployment.

Viral Chinese app 'Are You Dead' taps loneliness, tops App Store, pivots to subscription

January 15, 2026, 12:40 AM EST. An app called 'Are You Dead' has gone viral in China, targeting people who live alone. Users must check in daily; missing several days triggers an alert to an emergency contact. The novelty drew attention after it topped Apple's paid App Store ranking, then rebranded and introduced a subscription as downloads surged. The episode reflects a broader trend toward one-person households in a country of 1.4 billion, with ageing, urban migration, and a decline in marriages and births. Experts cite rising loneliness and mental health strain alongside unemployment as factors that make the grim concept resonate. Global Times cites possible 200 million single-person homes by 2030. The app markets itself to solo workers and students as offering safety amid isolation.

Windows 11 January 2026 Patch Tuesday fixes NPU power issue, tightens Secure Boot rollout

January 15, 2026, 12:38 AM EST. Microsoft rolled out KB5074109 for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, fixing a bug where some NPUs remained powered on in idle, hurting battery life. The update adds a phased rollout for new Secure Boot certificates; devices with sufficient successful update signals will receive them automatically. The changelog notes removal of legacy modem drivers (agrsm64.sys, agrsm.sys, smserl64.sys, smserial.sys), fixes for WSL networking affecting VPN access, and improved Azure Virtual Desktop RemoteApp reliability. It also updates WinSqlite3.dll after security software flagged it. No new surface features are introduced; the emphasis is on power efficiency, security deployment, and compatibility.

Apple's foldable iPhone rumored to use liquid metal hinge and lighter titanium

January 15, 2026, 12:30 AM EST. Apple is pursuing a foldable iPhone built around a hinge made from liquid metal and a revised titanium chassis to cut weight while preserving strength, according to supply-chain chatter. The company previously licensed Liquidmetal Technologies tech and has long explored amorphous metals for hinges, though scaling such materials has been difficult. In the body, the new titanium alloy aims to improve strength-to-weight, addressing size and weight around the hinge. The device would be Apple's fourth attempt at a titanium iPhone, with rumored specs including a 7.8-inch inner display, 5.5-inch outer display, crease-free panel, and multiple components (A20 chip, C2 modem). A fall debut alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup is anticipated.

Emversity doubles valuation to $120 million as it scales AI-resistant training in India

January 15, 2026, 12:28 AM EST. Emversity, an Indian workforce-training startup, raised $30 million in an all-equity Series A led by Premji Invest, with Lightspeed Venture Partners and Z47 participating. The round values the company at about $120 million post-money, up from roughly $60 million after an April 2025 pre-Series A. Total funding stands at $46 million. Emversity builds pipelines for roles it argues AI cannot replace, partnering with 23 universities across 40 campuses to weave employer-designed programs into curricula and to operate NSDC-affiliated skill centers for short-term certifications and placements. The focus is on grey-collar jobs such as nurses, physiotherapists, medical lab technicians and hospitality roles. Founder Vivek Sinha says AI can cut administrative tasks but cannot replace hands-on care in critical settings like ICUs.

White House imposes 25% export tariffs on Nvidia and AMD sales in China

January 15, 2026, 12:22 AM EST. The White House announced export tariffs of 25% on sales of major graphics and compute chips to China, targeting products from Nvidia and AMD. Officials say the move aims to curb technology transfers while protecting national security. The policy narrows access to a key market for US chipmakers and could raise costs for Chinese buyers, potentially slowing demand for high-end GPUs and accelerators. Industry executives warn the measure adds uncertainty amid a tense tech rivalry and a shifting global supply chain. The administration notes export controls remain focused on sensitive components; companies will review supply lines and pricing. No immediate retaliation has been confirmed, but allies may face similar scrutiny.

Mexico nearshoring in AI could reshape U.S. competitiveness

January 15, 2026, 12:20 AM EST. Mexico is emerging as a crucial node in the North American AI backbone. The piece argues that AI leadership hinges on hardware, energy, data, talent and national security, not only software. With semiconductors supply chains concentrated in East Asia, the US seeks to scale AI infrastructure near home. The USMCA digital trade framework is gaining strategic value by guiding data flows, infrastructure and trust. Mexico hosts Nvidia GB200 server assembly in Jalisco and a growing supplier ecosystem, signaling nearshoring as a concrete AI strategy, not a buzzword. Multibillion-dollar data centers investments from Microsoft, AWS, and others are turning Querétaro into a North American cloud hub, aided by compatible privacy rules.

Leak says iPhone 18 Pro lineup to reuse 6.3/6.9-inch displays, adds under-screen Face ID

January 15, 2026, 12:14 AM EST. Rumors circulating on Weibo via Digital Chat Station outline the iPhone 18 Pro lineup. The claim: both the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max keep the same display sizes as the iPhone 17 Pro – about 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch – and gain under-screen Face ID. The Information separately reported that the front camera would move to the top-left and that Apple would ditch the pill-shaped cutout. It remains unclear whether Dynamic Island would appear on Pro models if Face ID is hidden under the display. The standard iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2 are said to keep Dynamic Island with 6.3-inch and 6.5-inch panels, respectively. Release windows are speculative: Pro models in September; standard models around March 2027. Rumors may be accurate, but nothing is official.

Oddcore blends retro visuals with frenetic roguelike boomer shooter action in Early Access

January 15, 2026, 12:12 AM EST. Oddcore is an Early Access roguelike boomer shooter that trades epic campaigns for quick, frenetic action. Set in a wacky theme-park with an infinite-room generator, it drops players into low-poly, PS1-era arenas where malformed demons rush in from every angle. The game emphasizes constant movement, dodging, and a measured risk/reward upgrade loop over cover-based tactics. Visuals are retro and intentionally imperfect, with pink projectiles and swarm-heavy fights that feel straight out of Serious Sam. It's designed for pick-up-and-play sessions, delivering short runs that fit between bigger games. In short, Oddcore offers a compact, chaotic counterpoint to more self-serious shooters while scratching the itch to shoot lots of weird little guys in strange spaces.

Verizon outage prompts iPhone satellite messaging as iOS 26 expands reach

January 15, 2026, 12:02 AM EST. Verizon's outage affected tens of thousands in the U.S., with Downdetector logging more than 170,000 incidents as engineers work to restore service. Amid the disruption, iPhone users saw SOS alerts. Apple's iOS 26 expands satellite messaging beyond emergencies, letting iMessage and certain SMS routes run via satellite on the iPhone 14 and newer, including the 17 Pro/Max. Activation is automatic when there's no cellular or Wi-Fi: a prompt appears or you can open Messages and select Connect to Satellite through Dynamic Island. The phone guides you to align with a satellite; once connected, you can send messages, though delivery times vary. SMS messages can reach any contact, but incoming texts are limited to emergency contacts; RCS is not supported. Other satellite features include Find My, Roadside Assistance, and Emergency SOS.