Windows 11 KB5077181 fixes Nvidia black screen, gaming issues, and explorer performance
February 15, 2026, 5:54 AM EST. Windows 11 KB5077181 is a mandatory update that Microsoft pushes to devices. In tests by Windows Latest across hundreds of machines, the update introduced no major new problems and can improve performance if explorer.exe was hanging. The patch also fixes the Nvidia black screen issue and addresses multiple gaming problems. It closes up to 58 critical flaws, including a remote-code-execution vulnerability in Notepad. New features include an Apple Handoff-like Resume to continue phone tasks on the PC. The update's rollout is gradual; even users on Build 26200.7705 may not see all changes right away. While not universal, most gaming artifacts and freezes appear resolved for many, though some systems may still see issues depending on drivers and configuration.
Pennsylvania to test internet-connected pollbooks in May primary election
February 15, 2026, 5:46 AM EST. Pennsylvania's Department of State is launching a pilot to test internet-connected electronic pollbooks (e-pollbooks) for the May primary. About half the state's counties have used or tested e-pollbooks, but the system currently bans internet connections, limiting updates and efficiency. The department says voting machines and ballot tabulators will stay offline, and data on who voted would be uploaded to the voter management system only after the devices are disconnected from the network. Spokesperson Amy Gulli said vendors were notified on Jan. 28 about how to apply to participate, with the pilot in an early stage. Some counties worry about security, while supporters say the move could reduce administrative burdens and enable real-time oversight of precinct openings and turnout. Thad Hall, Mercer County's election director, has long pushed for updates and hopes to adopt connected pollbooks in the future.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra set for February 25 global launch; pre-orders begin February 11
February 15, 2026, 5:28 AM EST. Samsung will launch the Galaxy S26 Ultra globally on February 25, 2026, with pre-orders starting February 11 and incentives for early buyers. A Talks Daily Tech preview highlights a design-forward approach, including a dual-layer camera bump with a translucent upper layer and metallic camera rings that unify the S26 lineup. The device pairs a lightweight, durable frame with premium aesthetics. On charging, it supports 60W wired charging and 25W wireless charging, with a 60W charging adapter expected as a complimentary bonus for pre-orders. The piece also notes storage flexibility and a pricing strategy, though specifics remain unclear. Samsung aims to fortify its premium position in a crowded market.
How Long Do iPads Really Last? What Users Say
February 15, 2026, 5:26 AM EST. Apple's iPad lineup-standard, Air, Mini, Pro-offers long life, but longevity depends on usage and care. Reddit users report a wide range: some four-year lifespans for 4th- and 5th-generation models; others extend to five, six, or even nine years. One commenter says a 2016 iPad Pro is "still great." The core message: the human factor-how you use, protect, and maintain the device-drives how long it lasts. There is no universal durability benchmark; a premium iPad can last many years, but experiences vary by handling and setup.
IBM expands AI-focused hiring as shares trade below valuation estimates
February 15, 2026, 4:54 AM EST. IBM plans to triple its US entry-level hiring, prioritizing AI fluency and durable skills. The shift redesigns roles to boost customer engagement and reduce exposure to automation risk, placing early career talent at the center of its workforce strategy. The move comes amid caution around junior hiring in tech as AI accelerates disruption. For investors, it offers a data point on how a legacy company adapts to AI capabilities and cross-functional work. If larger employers follow suit, training and early-career roles could be valued differently. Market data show IBM trading about 24% below consensus target and roughly 34.6% below estimated fair value, per Simply Wall St, while debt could temper margins if productivity lags.
Gary Marcus says AI fatigue won't hit every kind of job
February 15, 2026, 4:52 AM EST. Cognitive scientist Gary Marcus argues that AI fatigue will not hit every job equally. He says some roles still require complex reasoning, nuanced judgment, and human interaction, keeping them resistant to rapid automation. He cautions against assuming a uniform pace of AI deployment across sectors. Supporters point to efficiency gains and new capabilities, while skeptics warn about overreliance on machine learning. The outlook varies by industry, task, and regulation, leaving workers to adapt by reshaping roles or using AI as a tool rather than a replacement. The key takeaway: AI adoption will create uneven employment effects, benefiting some workers while others face longer transitions.
Alphabet on the dip as investors buy AI stock after Claude Cowork rollout
February 15, 2026, 4:50 AM EST. Investors are snapping up Alphabet shares after the AI-driven pullback sparked by Claude Cowork rollout, even as other AI-related SaaS names tumbled. The week after Claude announced industry-specific plugins, anxious buyers questioned whether spend on top-tier platforms would shrink. Alphabet fell more than 6%, underscoring jitters that Claude could siphon subscribers from Google's Gemini-powered AI offerings, including Gemini 3. Yet the stock drew fresh demand from notable buyers. Legendary investor Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway recently built a position in Alphabet, signaling confidence at the dip. Analysts note Alphabet remains a major AI force with its broad footprint and ongoing LLM work, even as rivals push ahead.
Real-Time 3D Room Mapping With ESP32, VL53L5CX Sensor And IMU
February 15, 2026, 4:40 AM EST. ST's VL53L5CX, an 8×8 time-of-flight sensor, is used to scan a room in real time. Henrique Ferrolho shows how combining the sensor with an IMU adds orientation, then feeding it to an ESP32 that streams results as JSON to a PC. The setup yields a 3D scan at up to 4 meters with a 60 Hz rate, using a multizone array rather than a single distance reading. It also relies on noise filtering and plane fitting to interpret walls and surfaces, with implementation details in the video. ST's VL53L0X is mentioned as a simpler alternative. A Python viewer and ESP32 firmware are on GitHub.
Nvidia ACE: real-time AI NPCs bringing characters to life in games
February 15, 2026, 4:36 AM EST.Nvidia ACE (Avatar Cloud Engine) is a suite of real-time AI tools for game developers to build autonomous characters. It packs AI microservices (NIMS) that cover speech recognition, reasoning, animation and body language, enabling NPCs to hear, understand and respond to players with natural language instead of pre-scripted lines. The system blends cloud and on-device models to power dynamic dialogue without overtaxing GPUs. Demonstrations in titles such as Creative Assembly's Total War: Pharaoh showed an in-game AI advisor that retrieves data to aid decisions on diplomacy, economy and warfare. Other projects, including inZOI and PUBG's CPCs, hint at more lifelike teammates and conversations. Developers can tune how ACE is used, shaping gameplay and immersion as the technology matures.
SpaceX to launch 29 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral in overnight window
February 15, 2026, 4:20 AM EST. SpaceX plans to launch a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 29 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The mission, dated Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, runs a 12 a.m.-4 a.m. ET launch window. Weather permitting, the Space Coast could see the booster arc across the night sky, with visibility extending to parts of Jacksonville Beach to West Palm Beach. Live coverage begins 90 minutes before liftoff on the Florida Today/USA TODAY Network space team site, and viewers can follow updates in the mobile app. Brevard County watchers are advised to choose open viewing areas for a clear view of the rocket and possible booster returns.
US military used Anthropic's Claude in Venezuela raid, report says
February 15, 2026, 4:18 AM EST. Wall Street Journal reports that Claude, Anthropic's AI model, was used by the U.S. military in the operation to kidnap Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela, a claim tied to a classified operation. The raid involved bombing in Caracas and killed 83 people, according to Venezuela's defence ministry. Anthropic says its terms prohibit violent ends, weapons development or surveillance; a spokesperson declined to comment. The WSJ said Claude was used through Anthropic's partnership with Palantir Technologies; Palantir would not comment. The Pentagon did not comment on the claims. The report underscores a broader push to deploy AI in military work, even as critics warn of autonomous weapons and targeting errors. Anthropic's CEO has urged regulation; the department has signaled openness to AI collaboration, and uses other AI systems for research.
Xanadu slashes resource barriers with pre-Born-Oppenheimer quantum simulation for nonadiabatic chemistry
February 15, 2026, 3:56 AM EST. Xanadu Quantum Technologies unveiled a quantum algorithm to simulate molecular dynamics without the Born-Oppenheimer approximation, targeting nonadiabatic regimes where electronic and nuclear motions couple tightly. The pre-Born-Oppenheimer (pre-BO) approach targets photochemical reactions critical to sustainable energy, photolithography and atmospheric chemistry. Using a first-quantized real-space grid and a swap-network block-encoding architecture, the method handles quadratic interaction counts. A novel alternating-sign routine for the Coulomb 1/r term yields accuracy scaling of O(1/M), with M an auxiliary register size. In a NH3 + BF3 benchmark, Xanadu reports more than tenfold reduction in Toffoli gate costs versus prior methods, moving first-principles simulations toward early fault-tolerant hardware. The timing coincides with Xanadu's merger with Crane Harbor Acquisition Corp, creating Xanadu Quantum Technologies Limited and a public listing plan.
Eight Apple buys and four to skip in 2026, led by AirTag 2 and iPhone 17
February 15, 2026, 3:52 AM EST. Apple's 2025 refresh left a crowded catalog entering 2026, with more than 20 new products anticipated. The article narrows the lineup to eight products worth buying today and four worth skipping, judged by expert reviews, current pricing, and whether the cost is justified now. Highlights include AirTag 2, which adds a louder speaker, longer range, and better outdoor connectivity for its $29 price; and the iPhone 17 (Standard Model), delivering an Always-on display, a base 256GB storage option, and ProMotion 120Hz HDR at $799, offering standout value versus Pro models. The guide emphasizes practical value over novelty, noting that upgrades depend on how you use devices in daily life. It also notes that older AirTag models may no longer be compelling.
Markets brace for AI noise as India hosts AI Impact Summit
February 15, 2026, 3:48 AM EST. Global markets brace for another week of AI headlines, with Asia in focus as New Delhi hosts the AI Impact Summit. CNBC's Arjun Kharpal will cover the event, where speakers include Anthropic's Dario Amodei, Microsoft's Brad Smith, Mistral AI's Arthur Mensch and Meta's Alexandr Wang. Investors weigh which sectors could be disrupted as software, credit, transport and real estate sold off last week. UBS warned that AI-driven disruption could accelerate beyond software, with credit implications to surface in 2026-27. Others, like Dan Ives of Wedbush, argue the software Armageddon is overblown and that firms such as Salesforce and ServiceNow will still play central roles. Deal-making and partnerships are expected in cloud and AI infrastructure across India's market.
AI headlines sweep tech world: dating apps, Claude in Venezuela raid, and industry shifts
February 15, 2026, 3:04 AM EST.AI dominates the tech agenda with a sprawling mix of consumer apps and battlefield-use cases. A new wave of AI dating apps promises 'similarity and reciprocity' of personality rather than swipes. Anthropic's Claude is reported to have been used in a Venezuela raid via a Palantir-backed operation. Musk's xAI faces a second lawsuit over pollution from a datacenter. Ad agencies see staff departures as AI reshapes the industry. Freight, finance, and public-sector tools test AI's reach, while regulators weigh privacy and safety as investment flows into Claude and other bots. The reporting sketches a market driving shifts in jobs, regulation, and corporate strategy.
Microsoft AI leader foresees automation reshaping white-collar jobs
February 15, 2026, 2:52 AM EST. Microsoft's chief of AI says automation will extend into white-collar work, with machines handling data gathering, routine analysis and other repetitive tasks. The executive argues workers will move into more analytical, supervisory and creative roles, supported by AI tools that augment decision making. The comments come as firms push to embed AI into business processes, prompting focus on retraining and new workflows. Analysts caution that outcomes hinge on policy, corporate strategy and responsible governance. Microsoft has emphasized responsible AI governance and ongoing investment in training, citing potential productivity gains amid a shifting job landscape.
No swiping involved: AI dating apps promise to find your soulmate
February 15, 2026, 2:46 AM EST. AI dating apps are moving away from endless swiping toward personalized matchmaking. Fate, a London startup, markets an agentic AI dating app that onboards users in an interview and offers five matches with no swiping. It also provides coaching to shape conversations, a feature some users find helpful and others chilling. Jasmine, 28, turned to Fate after years on Tinder and Hinge, hoping the AI could unlock real connection. Fate's founder, Rakesh Naidu, says major platforms profit from loneliness and underperform on matchmaking. Other startups like Sitch and Keeper are testing AI tools to handle vast data and highlight rare soulmate potential. Critics note risks in algorithmic scoring, while fans argue AI could address modern dating malaise.
Movistar Argentina targets 40% growth in satellite internet with Starlink, led by oil and gas demand
February 15, 2026, 2:34 AM EST. Movistar Argentina expects about 40% growth in its satellite internet business, driven by higher speed and broader coverage in the oil and gas sector. The plan hinges on a Starlink partnership, with the company aiming to double EBITDA by end-2026 and expand the installed base, according to Florencia Rodríguez, marketing manager for Movistar's B2B unit. The oil and gas segment, about 30% of current antennas, should grow roughly 20% more. Movistar, acquired last year by Telecom Argentina but operating independently pending regulatory approval, launched the service in June 2024 after field trials with more than 1,000 corporate clients showing interest. Clients such as Rakiduamm, serving energy and mining in Vaca Muerta, cite full coverage, real-time monitoring and alerts as key benefits of Starlink connectivity.
DJI Mini 5 Pro now on Amazon with Prime shipping, starting at $759
February 15, 2026, 2:32 AM EST. DJI's Mini 5 Pro is now listed on Amazon with Prime shipping, starting at $759. The drone includes a 1-inch sensor, LiDAR obstacle avoidance and up to 52 minutes of flight time, all in a package that fits in your jacket pocket. The Amazon listing shows over 500 units sold in the past month and a 4.6-star rating from nearly 600 reviews, with some configurations showing limited stock. Availability could fluctuate as stock runs low. Pricing on individual configurations isn't always visible in the listing.
Lifetime access to ChatGPT, Gemini and more for $74.97 in 1min.AI bundle
February 15, 2026, 2:30 AM EST. Deal offers lifetime access to ChatGPT, Gemini and more under the 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan for a one-time payment of $74.97. The offer runs through Feb. 22, discounted from a $540 list price. The sponsor note warns pricing can change after publication. The pitch: consolidate subscriptions for messaging, image and video AI into a single platform. 1min.AI markets the bundle as a gateway to multiple AI models, reducing ongoing costs for heavy users. Readers should verify current terms, availability, and any limits on model access or data usage.
Apple plans to launch 'Sales Coach' app with AI chatbot, replacing SEED, sources say
February 15, 2026, 2:28 AM EST. Apple plans to launch a new 'Sales Coach' app, replacing the existing SEED tool, to provide sales tips and training resources for Apple Store and Apple Authorized Reseller staff worldwide. The design will feature a new Liquid Glass look, with a later update adding an AI chatbot to answer product-knowledge questions, such as the iPhone Air's features or Mac's Instant Hotspot. It is unclear whether Apple will use a third-party AI platform or its own models. The app is expected to roll out on Monday, February 23, and be accessible via Apple's website, according to MacRumors, citing anonymous sources familiar with the matter. Report by Joe Rossignol.
The best VR accessories for 2026: comfort, tracking and immersion
February 15, 2026, 2:12 AM EST. VR headsets gain real value from accessories that boost comfort, handling and immersion. From weighted club attachments and gun stocks to controller grips and secure head straps, the right add-ons cut fatigue and sharpen performance. DeadEyeVR's DriVR Elite works with Meta Quest headsets to add heft and a more physical feel, while AMVR's gun stock attachments (two included) cater to Quest 3 models, enabling dual-wielding in Arizona Sunshine, Population: One and Pistol Whip. In addition, charging docks and storage stands bring convenience as VR expands into fitness, productivity and mixed reality. Across 2026, these accessories help refine tracking, improve comfort, and add a sense of realism to virtual experiences, from casual golf to fast-paced shooters.
NVIDIA expands real-world AI with new partnerships as valuation questions linger
February 15, 2026, 2:10 AM EST.NVIDIA named new collaborations with Dassault Systèmes, EPRI, Prologis, Opentrons Labworks and Cyngn to push real-world AI adoption across industry, energy and life sciences. The Dassault Systèmes deal centers on science-based World Models for industrial AI. The EPRI and Prologis alliance targets distributed inference data centers to move computing closer to the edge while easing grid load management. Integrations with lab robotics and autonomous-vehicle simulation partners aim to embed NVIDIA AI tools in daily workflows. The stock trades around $182.81 on Nasdaq, with a 1-year return near 32% and a history described as very large over three years; several metrics imply valuation questions. Risks flagged include insider selling and shares trading above fair value; investors should monitor AI infrastructure uptake and margins.
Caviar unveils Garden of Eden: ultra-luxury iPhone 17 Pro Valentine's collection with gold and diamonds
February 15, 2026, 2:00 AM EST. Caviar unveiled its Garden of Eden Valentine's lineup for the iPhone 17 Pro, offering three limited-edition designs. The collection uses 24K gold, jewelry enamel, engraving, diamonds and sapphires across Charming Lotus, Goldfish and Wings of Love. Prices start at $10,000 and each model is capped at 14 units worldwide. The designs cover both the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max with up to 1TB storage. Charming Lotus is the priciest at $19,630, drawing on lotus symbolism in Indian, Chinese and ancient Egyptian culture. Goldfish features gold-plated sculptural elements with sapphires, from $10,490. Wings of Love starts at $10,340, and each unit ships in premium packaging with a gold coin. Related: Black Edition Pro Max and a gold-dressed humanoid robot.
Apple Watch Ultra Neon Green Ocean Band hits best price at $64.88 on Amazon
February 15, 2026, 1:44 AM EST. Amazon is discounting the official Apple Ocean Band in Neon Green, paired with the Natural Titanium finish, to $64.88 shipped. The one size fits just about everyone strap was regularly $99, a 34% cut. This marks the lowest price tracked to date, aside from a brief drop to just over $61 for several hours late last month. The Neon Green option with Black Titanium finish is currently about 25% off, but at a higher price point. Apple rolled out the latest Ocean Bands in September alongside the Apple Watch Ultra 3 lineup. The deal sits amid a broader wave of Apple gear promotions. Note: affiliate links are used in this report.
Nvidia G-Sync Pulsar delivers sharper motion on certified panels, shown in London demo
February 15, 2026, 1:30 AM EST. At a London event, Nvidia demonstrated G-Sync Pulsar on a new panel and compared it with a non-Pulsar display. In a side-by-side test with identical PCs and a strategy game, motion clarity improved noticeably: buildings, icons and landscape kept focus while scrolling. Nvidia emphasizes this is more than a software tweak; Pulsar requires a new display and works by pulsing segments of the screen in varied seconds rather than flashing the whole panel, reducing flicker without altering an official refresh rate. The technology is designed to mimic higher refresh rates for motion while staying within current bandwidth. It currently only runs on certified panels. The demonstration used Anno 117: Pax Romana and Counter-Strike 2 to illustrate real-world impact.
Exynos 2600's Heat Pass Block could end smartphone fans, says tipster
February 15, 2026, 12:42 AM EST. Samsung's Exynos 2600 introduces Heat Pass Block (HPB) to lower thermal resistance and improve heat dissipation. A tipster on Weibo claims HPB could reduce the need for gaming smartphones' custom fans, as chipset power climbs. The chatter notes that HPB might enable higher clock speeds on rivals such as the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro-potentially up to 5.00GHz-though there is no real-world testing yet. While some manufacturers rely on cooling fans to manage heat, HPB could shift that balance. Industry observers urge caution until independent data confirms performance. The debate flags comparisons with devices from brands like REDMAGIC and Apple's iPhone line, but remains speculative until verified.
Why the Amazon Fire TV Stick may no longer be necessary
February 15, 2026, 12:40 AM EST. Since its 2014 launch, the Amazon Fire TV Stick faced a market reshaped by smart TVs and rival dongles. Many modern TVs run Fire OS-compatible software or include built-in streaming apps, reducing the stick's necessity. Amazon also sells its own smart TVs and the Fire TV Cube, while manufacturers such as Toshiba and Hisense embed Fire OS. Roku remains cheaper and covers most streaming channels, though Twitch is unavailable there. While the Fire TV Stick still offers cloud gaming and voice controls, in-hand consoles and the broader app ecosystem often offer similar access with less latency. In short, the device is useful only in a few specific setups, not a universal solution.
Samsung cuts prices on Galaxy S25 series, touts trade-in credits ahead of S26
February 15, 2026, 12:38 AM EST. Samsung is rolling out price cuts on its Galaxy S25 series as rivals await the Galaxy S26. The Galaxy S25 drops to $779.99, the Galaxy S25 Plus to $899.99, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra to $1,049.99 on the Samsung official store, with instant trade-in credits helping customers offset the cost. Samsung pitches the trio as premium devices with improved cameras, performance, and battery life. By contrast, Apple has begun selling refurbished iPhone 16 models in the U.S. at $619-$929, boasting a new battery, outer shell, USB-C cable, and a one-year warranty. While the refurbished iPhone 16 is cheaper, it remains a used device, whereas Samsung's Galaxy S25 line comes new from the factory.
Markets sidestep the dip as AI disruption drives volatility
February 15, 2026, 12:30 AM EST. Investors are shying away from buying the dip in a volatile market marked by fears over AI disruption. The surge of new tools has unsettled traditional models in trucking, real estate, wealth management and advertising, producing sharp moves in individual names while indices slip. 'The world is changing very quickly… we wouldn't have the conviction to try and bottom-fish,' said Robert Schramm-Fuchs, portfolio manager at Janus Henderson. Traders note divergence: software names slump while hardware plays attract inflows, a pattern seen in custodial data from State Street. Goldman Sachs has proposed a pair trade: long AI-exposed software that resists displacement while short bets against software that could be automated or rebuilt.
Nvidia Outlook: Analysts See Revenue, Earnings Tripling by 2029 Amid AI Data-Center Boom
February 15, 2026, 12:26 AM EST. Analysts say Nvidia could see sales and earnings more than triple by 2029 as big tech firms push AI data-center spending. Alphabet, Meta and Amazon each expanded capital expenditure this year, collectively approaching half a trillion dollars, most of it for AI infrastructure. Nvidia already commands about 81% of the data-center processor market and has benefited from surging orders. The consensus for 2029 puts revenue at about $468 billion and earnings at about $246 billion, implying more than threefold growth from 2025. Still, shares may face volatility as investors weigh an AI-growth cycle against risk of a bubble and rotation out of tech. The stock could outperform the S&P 500 over the next three years, but risks remain.
SpaceX launch lights Oro Valley as ISS crew expands to seven
February 15, 2026, 12:24 AM EST. Residents of Oro Valley watched a SpaceX launch light up the sky Friday as a capsule headed for the ISS. NASA said the arriving crew totals seven: two NASA astronauts, a European astronaut, and a Russian cosmonaut, with four newcomers joining the station for an eight-month stay. They will conduct science experiments, including food production in microgravity. The mission underscores ongoing commercial crew activity and international cooperation in low Earth orbit.
Five pocket cameras that beat smartphones, led by Sony RX100 VII
February 15, 2026, 12:08 AM EST. Five point-and-shoot cameras are pitched as rivals to smartphones for image quality. The piece spotlights compact cameras that pack large sensors, fast lenses and strong video into pocket sizes. Sony's RX100 VII leads the list with a 1-inch sensor and a 20.1-megapixel still capability, plus a 24-200mm equivalent Zeiss zoom, delivering sharp stills and 4K video. It includes a pop-up electronic viewfinder, external microphone input and no shutter blackout during bursts. Critics note the compact grip and sometimes cluttered interface, but praise its versatility for travel. The Ricoh GR IV is highlighted as understated street photography royalty, showing pocket cams can rival smartphones in daily moments. The article promises five examples and notes autofocus, build quality and lens options elsewhere.
AI-generated Tom Cruise-Brad Pitt videos spark backlash as Seedance 2.0 draws criticism
February 15, 2026, 12:06 AM EST. Irish filmmaker Ruairí Robinson shared AI-generated clips showing Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt in a fistfight, with a second video adding dialogue. The 15-second clip drew over 1.4 million views; the follow-up surpasses 3 million. Seedance 2.0, ByteDance's new AI service, has drawn swift criticism. SAG-AFTRA condemned the platform for copyright infringement, arguing it exploits actors' voices and likenesses without consent. The union urged responsible AI development. Rhett Reese, the Deadpool screenwriter, warned the industry could be facing a loss of work, later clarifying his fear about AI encroachment on creative endeavors. Entertainment Weekly sought comment from ByteDance. The incident underscores concerns about deepfakes, consent, and the future of talent in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
