Technology News 17.01.2026

MediaTek Dimensity 9600 Seen as Popular Choice for Chinese Flagships

January 17, 2026, 11:50 PM EST. MediaTek has not announced the Dimensity 9600 yet, but market chatter frames the chip as a likely option for Oppo and Vivo flagships. A Weibo tipster, Digital Chat Station, says the Pro Max variants of OV's next flagship phones will probably use Dimensity 9600 instead of Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro. Qualcomm's chip is expected to carry a faster GPU, LPDDR6 RAM and UFS 5.0, but at a high price. Asian OEMs are weighing the Dimensity 9600 as a more affordable high-end alternative. The 9600 is expected to use TSMC's N2P process, delivering a modest edge over the vanilla N2, and could pair with LPDDR6 RAM, unlike some Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro variants.

Apple's iOS 26 update requires hundreds of millions to upgrade now

January 17, 2026, 11:32 PM EST. Apple's December decision makes iOS 26 the default for hundreds of millions of iPhones. Models iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR cannot upgrade to iOS 26, while iPhone 11 and newer are compatible. Apple typically syncs a software cycle with new hardware in September; interim updates followed (iOS 18.7, 18.7.1, 18.7.2). On December 12, Apple released iOS 18.7.3 and iOS 26.2; the older trio can stay on 18.7.3, but most users should move to iOS 26 because 26.2 includes crucial security fixes. If you've delayed upgrading, do so now to gain protections and new features. Some accessibility concerns were noted in earlier reviews, but the security case now outweighs them.

Artemis II moves to launch pad ahead of crewed lunar-orbit mission

January 17, 2026, 11:00 PM EST. NASA's Artemis II, a four-astronaut crewed lunar-orbit mission, moved to Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center on Saturday, setting the stage for the first crewed Artemis flight around the Moon in more than five decades. The integrated SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft arrived after a roughly 12-hour, 4-mile trek from the Vehicle Assembly Building. If readiness holds, the launch could occur as early as February 6. The crew – Christina Koch, Victor Glover, Reid Wiseman, and Canadian Jeremy Hansen – will first orbit Earth before heading to lunar orbit for about 10 days. Artemis aims to return Americans to the Moon and enable future missions to Mars, with an evolving architecture for repeatable, affordable operations.

Iran's internet shutdown reaches new high-water mark with uncertain duration

January 17, 2026, 10:50 PM EST. Iran's internet blackout, now in its 36 hours, has erased about 90% of traffic and left domestic mobile networks without service, according to Amir Rashidi, a digital-rights expert. Experts call it a new high-water mark in precision and severity, potentially sustainable longer than earlier outages. The move contrasts with Egypt's 2011 and Afghanistan's 2022 shutdowns, and even the harsher 2019 blackout, observers say. Rashidi notes no cell reception and no BTS towers in many areas. Starlink was reportedly jammed in places. Tehran appears to use a whitelist approach, keeping some sites and officials online, while flagging Telegram, Twitter/X and Instagram. The supreme leader continued posting on X, underscoring the gap between government's message and access. Doug Madory adds the shutdown is sweeping but also targeted, enabling propaganda channels while limiting everyday use.

DJI Neo Three-Battery Combo hits $245 on Amazon, a strong entry point for new pilots

January 17, 2026, 10:48 PM EST. Amazon is selling the DJI Neo Three-Battery Combo for $245, a 15% drop from the $289 list price. The bundle includes the drone, three batteries and a Two-Way Charging Hub, expanding flight time for newcomers. Weighing just 135 grams, the aircraft sits well below the FAA's 249-gram threshold, letting recreational pilots fly with no registration, no form filling and no Remote ID worries. The lightweight, regulatory ease compounds its appeal as an accessible entry into drones for family moments or outdoor adventures. By contrast, deals also include the DJI Mini 5 Pro with RC-N3 controller at $759, underscoring a broader price window for beginners.

Washington Senate advances bill to regulate AI use in public schools

January 17, 2026, 10:46 PM EST. A bill in the Washington State Legislature would curb and regulate AI use in public schools. SB 5956 would impose six prohibitions on any automated decision system used for student discipline, removal or expulsion decisions, referrals to law enforcement, risk scoring, watchlists, or vendor contracts that enable such activity. It also bars using biometric data to infer sensitive traits. The measure emphasizes guardrails and human involvement; supporters say it aims to prevent mistreatment and reduce disparities, while critics worry about unintended effects. Sen. Nobles called for independent review and context, and Sen. Wellman noted the need for a human conclusion despite data from technology. The bill had its first hearing with two supporters and no opponents; an executive session is planned.

iPod Touch helped seed the smartphone era

January 17, 2026, 10:16 PM EST. Shortly after the first iPhone, the iPod Touch offered a near-fully smartphone experience without a cellular plan. It was not just cheaper; it was a low-risk way to test the idea of a touchscreen, app-based device. Connected by Wi-Fi, it ran the App Store and shared much of the hardware used in later phones. For skeptics wary of high prices, the Touch provided a practical bridge to what would become the smartphone era, without a core contract. Its price and versatility helped spur broader adoption and even inspired imitators. In hindsight, the Touch acted as a strategic gateway that helped sell not only iPhones but a generation of touchscreen devices that followed.

Investing $500 in Nvidia 10 years ago would be worth about $131,000 today

January 17, 2026, 10:14 PM EST. Nvidia has transformed from a gaming-chip maker to a leader in AI hardware. A decade ago, the company earned most of its revenue from GPUs for high-end gaming, a model that also underpins cloud-based AI training. The shift toward AI accelerators helped drive surging demand, lifting sales and profits and creating huge gains for patient investors. Over the past 10 years, Nvidia stock has delivered about a 26,080% total return, turning a $500 investment into roughly $131,000. In the past year, the stock rose about 1,290%, expanding a $500 stake to around $7,000. Nvidia's market capitalization sits near $4.5 trillion, underscoring its status as a leading AI semiconductors player.

Meta's Oculus strategy pivot reshapes VR race amid eye-tracking debate

January 17, 2026, 10:12 PM EST. Meta's latest strategic shift, including mass layoffs, marks a dramatic course-correction for a project once pitched as the foundation of personal computing. Yet the piece argues virtual reality remains central to the growth of platforms built on OpenXR and Flatpaks, with new OS updates from Google, Valve and Apple. It notes that rival ecosystems-Valve for gaming, Google via Android APKs, Apple for live sports and TV-are all leaning on VR as the display layer. A core argument is that the absence of eye tracking in most Meta headsets, after the Quest Pro, limits scale and the ambition for a social VR network. Dated anecdotes from 2017 about eye-tracking demos underscore why design choices matter more than headlines in the race to a multi-device VR future.

Artemis mission live: NASA rolls mega-rocket to launch pad for lunar flyby

January 17, 2026, 10:02 PM EST. NASA is rolling the Space Launch System rocket to the launch pad as Artemis II readies for its crewed lunar flyby. The plan lines up two goals: Artemis II will loop around the Moon and return; Artemis III aims to land astronauts, but not yet with this mission. A NASA official, Patty Casas Horn, said Artemis II lacks a lunar lander capability and is intentionally not focused on landing. The agency treats each step as a risk-managed build-and-test cycle, expanding capabilities before attempting surface touchdown. The rollout underscores the cautious, incremental approach NASA uses to verify systems, crew procedures and safety ahead of eventual lunar surface missions.

Quantum circuits test semantic similarity of language embeddings on real hardware

January 17, 2026, 10:00 PM EST. The study maps language embeddings to quantum states and uses quantum interference to approximate cosine similarity, testing the idea on real hardware. Published in the Open Access Journal of Applied Science and Technology, the work shows feasibility rather than performance gains. Researchers mapped sentence embeddings from a widely used classical model onto quantum states and analyzed them via interference instead of standard linear algebra. Experiments on existing quantum devices confirm that semantic similarity-a core operation in search and retrieval-can be evaluated with quantum circuits, though the approach does not beat classical methods. Led by Timo Aukusti Laine of the Financial Physics Lab in Finland, the research establishes an experimental foundation for future quantum-NLP work.

Former child actor's account highlights AI deepfakes and child exploitation risk

January 17, 2026, 9:58 PM EST. A former child actor recounts being sexually exploited by strangers in the late 1980s and 1990s, with images used on fetish sites and in pornography despite family-friendly roles. She says public visibility made her a target online, and the internet amplified abuse. With the rise of generative AI, she fears deepfakes will magnify harm. Reports show that X's Grok tool was used to generate undressed images of an underage actor, and a case where a girl faced consequences after a classmate allegedly made deepfake porn. The account underscores the ongoing threat to minors and calls for stronger safeguards, faster takedowns, and clearer accountability for AI platforms and creators.

Tesla must prove two things in 2026: robotaxi progress and core EV momentum

January 17, 2026, 9:56 PM EST. Tesla posted an 11% gain in 2025, keeping its market-leading rally intact but lagging the broader market. The stock has climbed about 3,130% over the past decade and trades at a steep multiple, reflecting big bets on the future. In 2026, two tests loom. First, robotaxis progress: widen adoption in new cities, expand Cybercab production, and sharpen software, even as Nvidia's Alpamayo AI tools highlight competitive pressure. Second, strengthen the core business: return to top-line growth and margins in EV manufacturing after 2025 deliveries fell about 9% amid higher rates and EV-tax-credit uncertainty. Regulatory approvals and consumer perception will matter. Executing beyond autonomous driving is essential to justify the valuation and sustain investor confidence.

China seeks ITU approval to launch nearly 200,000 satellites in two constellations

January 17, 2026, 9:54 PM EST. China's Institute of Radio Spectrum Utilisation and Technological Innovation has filed with the ITU for two satellite constellations, each with 96,714 satellites, totaling about 200,000. The filing, reported by New Scientist, would vastly exceed current in-orbit assets. China says the plan resembles spectrum and orbital rights more than a concrete build, noting long timelines and milestone targets. ITU must allocate frequencies without interference, a process that could take years. By contrast, SpaceX's Starlink and other constellations remain far smaller; Rwanda's 2021 bid for 327,000 satellites drew attention but produced little deployment. Analysts question whether the plan is strategic reserve or a genuine build, and whether it can navigate regulatory and technical hurdles.

NVIDIA leads AI stock thesis for 2026: a generational opportunity

January 17, 2026, 9:40 PM EST. NVIDIA is positioned as the clear AI hardware leader, with GPUs powering training and inference. The stock has surged ~1,200% since 2023, but bulls say the generational opportunity remains. The company dominates GPU supply for AI workloads; hyperscalers order GPUs years in advance as data-center capex is expected to rise from about $600 billion in 2025 to $3-4 trillion by 2030. Nvidia reports a cloud GPU capacity sell-out through Q3, reinforcing demand. With a current price around $186 and a market cap near $4.5 trillion, investors are urged to look beyond past gains and focus on the forward trajectory of AI infrastructure spending.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica debuts; Galaxy S26 leaks and more in Week 3 mobile wrap

January 17, 2026, 9:32 PM EST. Xiaomi unveils the Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica with a dual-tone finish, Leica branding and a retail box that includes a 100W charger, braided USB-C cable, case, Leica lens cap, red strap and polishing cloth. It features a knurled metal frame and a Control Ring around the camera island for zoom across focal lengths. Geekbench listings show the Galaxy S26 and S26 Ultra before their February 25 launch. The Ultra is listed with an underclocked Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (two cores at 4.19GHz, six at 3.63GHz) while the standard S26 is overclocked to 4.74GHz on two cores. An aramid fiber case leaks a redesigned camera island and rounded corners. Also noted: the Xiaomi Air variant reportedly canceled; the Galaxy S27 Ultra may use a 200MP sensor (ISOCELL S5KHP6) and upgraded optics; Vivo V70 series eyeing India in mid-February; RedMagic 11 Air set for January 20.

Leak details outline iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max and first folding iPhone

January 17, 2026, 9:28 PM EST. Analyst Jeff Pu of GF Securities outlines claimed specs for three devices: the iPhone 18 Pro, the iPhone 18 Pro Max, and Apple's first folding model, possibly named the iPhone Fold. He says the two Pro models will reuse 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch screens, aluminum chassis, and three 48-MP rear cameras plus an 18-MP front cam, with 12 GB RAM. The chip is listed as the A20 Pro and the modem as Apple's in-house C2. The folding phone mirrors some Pro specs but drops Dynamic Island in favor of Touch ID, like the iPad Air. It adds a 5.3-inch external display and a 7.8-inch internal fold, with a titanium-aluminum case. The report notes the basic iPhone 18 will launch later, with the iPhone 18e in spring 2027; the iPhone 17e may arrive sooner.

NASA's Artemis II SLS Reaches Launch Pad Ahead of Wet Dress Rehearsal

January 17, 2026, 9:26 PM EST. NASA's Artemis II SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft reached Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center after about 12 hours, completing a crawl-transporter journey from the Vehicle Assembly Building. A planned pause allowed teams to reposition the crew access arm ahead of a wet dress rehearsal to test fueling operations and countdown procedures. Targeted no later than Feb. 2, technicians will load cryogenic propellants, run the countdown, and safely drain propellants if needed. If additional checks are required, NASA may roll back to the VAB for work. The mission will carry NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen on a roughly 10-day lunar flyby. The flight advances the path to sustained lunar presence and future crewed missions to Mars.

SoftBank Quietly Pivots Into AI and Energy Infrastructure, Reframing Investor Narrative

January 17, 2026, 9:24 PM EST. BofA Securities downgraded Arm Holdings to Neutral ahead of its fiscal Q3 2026 results on 12 February, citing near-term smartphone-related headwinds that could weigh on client royalty revenue. At the same time, SoftBank Group is expanding AI and energy commitments via OpenAI and SB Energy, signaling a repositioning as an AI and infrastructure holding company. Investors will assess how these commitments interact with capital recycling and balance-sheet strength ahead of the February results. While the Arm downgrade adds near-term noise, it does not erase the central catalyst: SoftBank's evolving investment narrative around AI, infrastructure, and monetization of assets. Third-party fair-value estimates from Simply Wall St show a wide spread, highlighting uncertainty about the group's longer-term earnings power.

5 Android phones more powerful than the Samsung Galaxy S25

January 17, 2026, 9:10 PM EST. The Galaxy S25 uses Qualcomm's 3nm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip paired with 12 GB of RAM and UFS 4.0 storage, but hands-on reviews show it isn't the limit of Android performance. The Galaxy S25 Ultra, while sharing the same processor, adds a larger 6.9-inch 1440×3120 display at 120 Hz and up to 16 GB RAM and 1 TB storage. It also sports a 200 MP main camera, 10 MP 3x tele, 50 MP periscope 5x, and 50 MP ultrawide, plus a 5,000 mAh battery. In other words, some rivals offer higher-end performance, brighter displays, more RAM, or longer battery life. Buyers should weigh performance, battery life, and camera quality, not just benchmark scores.

These 20+ Games Are Coming To Xbox Next Week (January 19-23)

January 17, 2026, 8:52 PM EST. Microsoft's Xbox lineup for January 19-23 features two major releases-2XKO and Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade-alongside three Xbox Game Pass titles, including Resident Evil Village. The week also brings a wave of indie games, including MIO: Memories in Orbit, Primal Dungeon Adventure, and Look Mum No Computer, plus quirky platformers and exploration experiences such as Hextreme Void, Dustland Delivery, and Desvelado. Highlights are rounded out by MAVRIX by Matt Jones and other titles like Outpath and Prison Escape Simulator. Players can expect a mix of fighting, roguelite vibes, and story-driven adventures across multiple genres as new Xbox releases arrive throughout the week.

Nvidia's Rubin AI platform to ship in 2026; stock under pressure after CES updates

January 17, 2026, 8:38 PM EST. Nvidia (NVDA) is among the Magnificent Seven that has underperformed the S&P 500 over the past three months, alongside Microsoft and Meta. At CES, the company unveiled Rubin, the successor to Blackwell, now in full production with shipments planned in H2 2026. Cloud providers-AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, and Oracle Cloud Infrastructure-will deploy Rubin hardware in 2026. The Rubin platform weaves six components-a Vera CPU, a Rubin GPU, a ConnectX-9 Spectrum-X SuperNIC, a BlueField-4 DPU, an NVLink 6 Switch, and Spectrum-X Ethernet Co-Packaged Optics-for AI workloads like agentic AI, self-driving cars and robotics. Nvidia touts five-fold inference power and 3.5× training power versus Blackwell.

NASA's SLS rolls to Pad 39B for Artemis II rollout ahead of moon mission

January 17, 2026, 7:50 PM EST. NASA's giant Space Launch System (SLS) rocket is set to crawl from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center on Saturday, Jan. 17, for Artemis II. The 12-hour rollout will put the orange-core rocket on the pad for the first time since Oct. 2022, when Artemis I prepared for the uncrewed lunar test flight. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman told Florida Today that the team must move the vehicle out to the pad and prove it can launch when weather allows, stressing there is a launch window but no guaranteed date. Artemis II would send four astronauts-Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen-in Orion on a lunar test flight. The team has not fixed a launch date; possible windows include Feb. 6-11, Mar. 6-11, or Apr. 1-6.

SpaceX widens invites for free Starlink Mini dish rental with Residential Max tier

January 17, 2026, 7:42 PM EST. SpaceX is expanding access as it rolls out its Residential Max tier and invites more users to sign up for a free Starlink Mini dish rental. The offer is free, with one catch-details aren't provided in the release. The initiative fits SpaceX's push to widen satellite internet access while testing home setups. The Starlink Mini dish supports at-home installations under the new plan, potentially boosting take-up as households weigh the service against traditional broadband.

Google tightens Android sideloading; new update affects millions of users

January 17, 2026, 7:38 PM EST. Google is tightening sideloading on Android, limiting how users install apps outside the Play Store. The change, described as a shift toward developer verification, could affect millions of devices and mark a move away from traditional Android openness. Android Authority reports an advanced installation flow that may still permit unverified apps, though details are unclear. Early signals show a confirmation dialog to proceed without verification, with observers cautioning the rollout may lack a robust user experience at launch. Google says the verification rollout starts this year and moves to full enforcement next year. With roughly one third of Android devices no longer supported, the policy raises safety and compatibility questions for sideloading's future.

Investors weigh BCE's network leadership as Canada names Bell fastest internet and 5G

January 17, 2026, 7:02 PM EST. Bell was named Canada's fastest internet and wireless provider by Ookla®, nPerf and Brandspark in late 2025, with Bell Pure Fibre and Bell 5G earning top national performance awards. The recognition reinforces BCE's network leadership and could strengthen its investment narrative around fibre and 5G, even as regulatory and capital-intensity pressures linger. BCE's Q3 2025 results show CA$6,049 million in sales and CA$4,540 million in net income, bolstered by a CA$3.8 billion one-off gain. Investors weigh the asset quality against risks to sustainable free cash flow if fibre rollout slows and wholesale access rules constrain margins. Regulators' stance on wholesale access remains a key risk to BCE's growth trajectory and leverage profile.

Artemis II set for first crewed SLS/Orion lunar mission from Kennedy Space Center

January 17, 2026, 6:48 PM EST. NASA aims to prove deep-space readiness with Artemis II, the first crewed flight of the Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion around the Moon. A four-person crew – Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen – will spend about 10 days in a lunar loop. The mission, launching on the SLS rocket from Kennedy Space Center, marks the first humans to circle the Moon since 1972. It will validate crew operations, life support and deep-space capabilities as a stepping stone to longer stays and surface science. NASA will announce launch viewing and related events at the center in coming weeks.

Chinese AI firms test Nvidia Rubin cloud GPUs as domestic hardware lags

January 17, 2026, 6:32 PM EST. China's AI developers, chasing leadership elsewhere, are increasingly contending with domestic hardware lag. They are testing Nvidia's Rubin GPUs in the cloud to stay competitive. Nvidia unveiled Rubin in January but does not list Chinese customers, citing export controls and investor messaging. Chinese firms are negotiating access to NVL144, GR200 and other Rubin-based systems hosted abroad, especially in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. The arrangements are legal but designed with caveats: compute is rented, capacity is shared, and deployment depends on third-party operators. Remote Rubin use raises cross-border latency and limited customization versus U.S. hyperscalers. If firms rent enough capacity, training could proceed; otherwise, model size, iteration cadence and experiments may be capped. Chinese teams also recall costly, awkward experiences renting Blackwell GPUs for mixed fleets of A100, H100, H800, and H20.

SLS/Orion roll to pad for Artemis 2; wet dress rehearsal sets stage for February launch window

January 17, 2026, 6:30 PM EST. NASA's Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft rolled to Launch Complex 39B from the Vehicle Assembly Building on Jan. 17, marking the kick-off for the final prep phase of Artemis 2. The first crewed SLS/Orion mission will carry four astronauts – Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen – on a 10-day lunar flyby. On the pad, teams will run radio-frequency interference tests and rehearse emergency egress. The centerpiece is the wet dress rehearsal, loading cryogenic propellants and conducting a countdown to T-minus 29 seconds. A formal launch date remains pending until after the rehearsal. NASA targets a February window, but has not announced an exact date. Artemis 2 follows Artemis 1, which informed risk reductions and crew systems improvements for this flight.

Huawei regains Chinese smartphone crown on 5G chips

January 17, 2026, 6:28 PM EST. Huawei has reclaimed the top spot in China's smartphone market in 2025, driven by its 5G chips (chips enabling faster wireless networks) introduced in 2023 and sustained performance. Industry notes credit goes to stronger cameras, refreshed designs and software. The year began with the Pura 80 line, pushing macro photography forward, while the Pura 80 Ultra's switchable dual-telephoto cameras drew favorable buzz. The Mate 80 series drew attention for its cameras and internal specs, shipping around 2 million units in a month. Huawei also disclosed the Kirin 9030 and 9030 Pro at the Mate XTs foldable event, claiming a 42-45% uplift over prior generations. The company targets 3nm or 2nm processes (advanced manufacturing nodes) in 2026 for flagship chips, signaling a gradual return to the pre-2019 market position.

Samsung leaks Galaxy S26 trio ahead of Unpacked, signaling pricing pressure

January 17, 2026, 6:26 PM EST. Samsung Colombia's promo document lists the Galaxy S26, S26 Plus and S26 Ultra for a 0% financing offer, confirming the trio ahead of February's Galaxy Unpacked. The leak ends talk of a S26 Pro or Edge naming, with Samsung reverting to the Plus branding. The S26 Plus is said to sport a 6.66-inch OLED panel, slightly smaller than the S25 Plus's 6.7 inches, using a panel similar to last generation after the Edge cancellation. Unpacked is pegged for February 25, 2026, with a 7 PM CET start and global on-sale around March 11, a Wednesday rather than Friday. Pricing pressure remains a theme: TM Roh told Reuters at CES 2026 that higher memory costs make price rises inevitable, and Wonjin Lee cautioned that discounting could shift accordingly.

John Carmack's 2015 Oculus Strategy Memo Outlines Priority Shifts and Cautions

January 17, 2026, 6:24 PM EST. John Carmack's February 16, 2015 memo to Oculus VR leaders lays out the path for Facebook's VR unit ahead of an executive retreat. He says things are OK, but warns against overreaching into a bespoke Oculus Box or a separate Oculus OS. He argues a heavy kernel isn't needed, and notes that a Linux-based foundation could be preferable to a standalone OS. The note also touches on Gear VR and the push to the Metaverse, while acknowledging resource constraints and the risk of metastasizing initiatives. The memo, published years later, frames a cautious, resource-aware strategy for balancing core hardware versus mobile experiences.

Honor's Magic8 RSR Porsche Design to add telephoto extender; launches Jan. 19 in China

January 17, 2026, 6:20 PM EST. Honor confirms that the Magic8 RSR Porsche Design will ship with a telephoto extender lens as part of its camera kit. The company revealed the accessory on Weibo, saying it will boost the phone's native zoom by 2.35x. The device, part of the Magic8 family, is set to debut in China on January 19, alongside the Magic8 Pro Air. Earlier telephoto options in the market include the Oppo Find X9 Pro and the vivo X300 Pro, but Honor positions its setup as a new add-on approach for enthusiasts. Honor has shared sample shots captured with the extender, inviting feedback. The official launch timing suggests a tight window to learn how the accessory performs in real-world photography.

NASA moon rocket heads to pad for crewed lunar flyby as early as February

January 17, 2026, 6:16 PM EST. NASA's 322-foot Space Launch System rocket rolled out of the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center and began a four-mile crawl to the launch pad, a 1 mph trek that could finish at night. The move sets up a crewed lunar flyby as early as February. The SLS rocket, topped by the Orion crew capsule and weighing about 11 million pounds, is designed to carry astronauts around the Moon rather than land. The mission will feature commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen. Officials say a fueling test on the pad is required before a firm launch date, with a tight window in early February. If all goes well, the Artemis program aims to return humans to the Moon later in the decade.

M5 Pro and M5 Max chips near launch; why the wait was worth it

January 17, 2026, 6:02 PM EST. Macworld reports that Apple's upcoming M5 Pro and M5 Max chips aim to boost the MacBook Pro line, with launches this month and spring introductions for the Mac mini and Mac Studio variants. Early testing suggests the M5 delivers about 13% higher single-core and 22% higher multi-core CPU performance versus the M4, plus a graphics uplift of 35-50%. Core counts aren't rising: the M5 Pro tops at 14 CPU cores and 20 GPU cores, while the M5 Max uses 16 CPU cores and 40 GPU cores. Geekbench 6 estimates hover around 4,500 single-core and 31,000 multi-core, with the M5 Max potentially exceeding 250,000 in GPU compute. A new TSMC SoIC-mH packaging tech may enable flexible CPU/GPU configurations across upcoming MacBook Pro models, and the GPUs could rival a GeForce RTX 4070.

Apple's M5 Pro and M5 Max poised to boost MacBook Pro performance

January 17, 2026, 5:56 PM EST. Apple's M5 family is nearing release. The M5 Pro and M5 Max are expected in 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros, delivering about 13% single-core and 22% multi-core CPU gains over the M4, and 35-50% higher graphics. The M5 Max could rival a GeForce RTX 4070 in GPU performance, with early Geekbench 6 scores hinting at around 250,000 in GPU compute. TSMC's SoIC-mH packaging may enable flexible CPU/GPU configurations in future Macs. Core counts are not expected to rise: the M5 Pro tops at 14 CPU cores and 20 GPU cores, the M5 Max at 16 CPU cores and 40 GPU cores. Launch momentum could begin this month, followed by the Mac mini and Mac Studio in spring.

Apple's M5 Pro and M5 Max chips near launch with strong performance gains

January 17, 2026, 5:54 PM EST. Macworld reports that Apple's upcoming M5 Pro and M5 Max chips are expected to deliver notable performance gains. Early tests show roughly 13% single-core and 22% multi-core CPU improvements over the M4, with graphics uplift of about 35-50%. The M5 Max could potentially exceed 250,000 on Geekbench 6 GPU compute tests, rivaling a GeForce RTX 4070, according to the article. Apple is projected to keep core counts unchanged: up to 14 CPU cores for the M5 Pro and 16 cores for the M5 Max, with GPU configurations of up to 20 cores (Pro) and 40 cores (Max). The report notes new TSMC SoIC-mH packaging could enable flexible CPU/GPU layouts in upcoming MacBook Pro models, with additional launches anticipated this month and into spring for other devices.

Apple Watch Ultra remains the best Apple Watch, but not essential, reviewer says

January 17, 2026, 5:44 PM EST. Longtime Apple Watch Ultra user tests Ultra 2 in Black Titanium, calling it the best Apple Watch yet, but one they don't personally need. Key differentiators are tangible: a larger, brighter display; a titanium case; extra controls like the Action Button; longer battery life; and built-in data connectivity. All Ultras share internals with the regular line, as Ultra 3 and Series 11 use the same S10 SiP, so perceived smoothness isn't exclusive to the Ultra. The author uses it daily for fitness tracking, movement goals, sleep and vitals, and notes a potential early illness signal via vitals. They also value ecosystem features such as camera viewfinder and biometric unlock.

Apple Watch Ultra: the best Apple Watch yet, but not essential, reviewer says

January 17, 2026, 5:38 PM EST. An avid user of Ultra and Ultra 2, the author calls Apple Watch Ultra the best Apple Watch yet but says it isn't strictly necessary. The piece highlights the Ultra's improvements: a larger, brighter display; a rugged titanium case; an extra Action Button; and longer battery life. It notes built-in data connectivity and an adventure-ready design, while insisting the internal silicon remains the same as the Series 11 – the S10 SiP – so performance isn't fundamentally improved over the non-Ultra lineup. The author praises the fitness and wellness tracking, especially workouts, sleep scoring, and vitals that can flag issues (like early flu indicators). Ecosystem uses like camera viewfinder and biometric unlock are mentioned, with the final takeaway that the Ultra is compelling but not always necessary for everyday use.

NASA's new moon rocket heads to pad for crewed lunar fly-around, possible February launch

January 17, 2026, 5:36 PM EST. NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion crew capsule began a 4-mile rollout to the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center for a crewed lunar fly-around possible in February. The 322-foot vehicle weighs about 11 million pounds and moved from the Vehicle Assembly Building, a trek that could stretch from dawn to nightfall. A fueling test planned in early February would aim to confirm a launch window for the crew: Wiseman, Glover, Koch and Canadian Jeremy Hansen on a 10-day mission. This would be the first crewed Moon return since Apollo 17 in 1972, after delays caused by heat shield and other issues.

Apple Watch Ultra: the best Apple Watch yet, but not strictly necessary

January 17, 2026, 5:30 PM EST. An ongoing Apple Watch Ultra user says the device is the best Apple Watch Apple has made, but not strictly necessary. The Ultra distinguishes itself with a larger, brighter display, titanium case, extra controls like the Action Button, longer battery life, and built-in data connectivity. Internals, including the S10 SiP, match the Series 11, so performance isn't improved-it's the rugged design and endurance that set it apart. In daily use, it excels at fitness tracking, sleep and vitals, and ecosystem features such as a camera viewfinder and biometric unlock. The reviewer credits the Ultra for reliability in extreme conditions and as a health companion, but notes the premium price and niche appeal mean many customers may not need it.

50,000 clandestine Starlink terminals keep Iranians online as internet crackdown deepens

January 17, 2026, 5:28 PM EST. Following a nationwide internet blackout in Iran since January 8, Starlink has emerged as a lifeline for Iranians trying to share news from the ground. SpaceX has offered Starlink free for tens of thousands of users, but a 2023 ban on satellite internet complicates access and elevates risk for those who use it. Iran has faced steep economic hardship, protests, and a harsh crackdown; authorities have jammed signals and cracked down on line access. Activists say about 50,000 Starlink terminals are hidden inside the country, with developers linking shares of the connection beyond a single unit. Experts warn Starlink creates a single point of failure in circumscribed networks, yet it remains the best available tool for reporting and information. The battle between technology and state control continues.

Garmin smartwatches get smoother touchscreen in 27.09 update

January 17, 2026, 5:24 PM EST. Garmin is rolling out Software Version 27.09 to Forerunner 165, 255, 265, 955 and 965, delivering a smoother touchscreen experience in the Activity Summary menu. The update also fixes a crash during swimming and restores race-time predictions in Garmin Coach Plans. Except for the Forerunner 255, devices also receive a fix for touchscreen actions failing during incoming calls. Garmin says further bug fixes and stability improvements are included, though it did not disclose specifics. The rollout is phased, with devices eligible to receive the update in coming days. Users can prompt installation by tapping Check for Updates under Menu > System > Software Update.

Two small Android tweaks cut screentime dramatically

January 17, 2026, 5:22 PM EST. An author details two simple changes to an Android device that dramatically reduced daily screentime. The first move: search the Google Play Store for a 'dumb phone' and try minimalist launchers-replacement home screens that strip away clutter. A launcher changes the user interface to a simplified design, letting users hide or limit apps and reduce distractions. The piece argues you can reclaim free time without giving up smartphones, framing the effort as digital minimalism rather than a wholesale device swap. It targets readers seeking practical strategies to enforce boundaries and curb doom-scrolling, focusing on concrete steps rather than abstract warnings.

Last day to save up to $90 on reMarkable E Ink tablet bundles

January 17, 2026, 5:14 PM EST. reMarkable is running bundle deals that save $80-$90 on a reMarkable 2 bundle with a Marker stylus and folio case. The price drops to $449 from $529 for the tablet, Marker stylus and polymer weave book folio, with the offer ending January 17. A newer Marker Plus stylus adds erasing by flipping, for an extra $50. The reMarkable 2 features a 10.3-inch display, an aluminum frame, and a thickness of 4.7mm; it weighs under a pound. Latency is about 21 ms and the pen supports over 4,000 pressure levels. It handles PDFs/ePUBs and can sync with Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox; the battery lasts about two weeks. Paper Pro bundles save up to $80.

AI psychosis cases raise safety questions for generative AI use

January 17, 2026, 5:08 PM EST. AI psychosis is not a formal diagnosis, but clinicians describe psychotic symptoms shaped by interactions with AI systems. As generative AI becomes more conversational and responsive, some people with psychotic disorders report beliefs that the AI is sentient, sharing secret truths, or guiding a personal mission. For most users, AI is benign; for a small but significant high-risk group, it can reinforce distorted interpretations. Psychosis features include delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking; AI can magnify these by providing interactive validation. Experts note the risk of validation without reality checks, because AI is optimized to sustain dialogue and reflect user language. The challenge is how to monitor and mitigate exposure for vulnerable patients while preserving benefits for others, and to translate findings into clinical practice.

Nvidia in 10 years: AI megatrends, data-center momentum, and competitive pressure

January 17, 2026, 4:40 PM EST. Nvidia has ridden a Generative AI boom to become one of the world's largest companies, with most of its revenue tied to the data-center GPUs used for training and running AI models. In the fiscal third quarter, revenue rose 62% year over year to $57 billion, led by the data-center segment. Goldman Sachs expects more than $500 billion in data-center hardware spending in 2026, a market Nvidia aims to capture with its chips and CUDA software, which enables developers to extract peak performance from Nvidia hardware. Yet the exposure is concentrated: roughly 90% of revenue came from data-center in the latest quarter, underscoring diversification risk. Competition from Alphabet, Amazon, and Microsoft could spur in-house accelerators. The CUDA moat helps, but no absolute shield against future megatrends and rivals.

China EV battery installations rise 40.4% to 769.7 GWh in 2025

January 17, 2026, 4:38 PM EST. China's 2025 power battery installations rose 40.4% to 769.7 GWh. LFP installations reached 625.3 GWh, accounting for 81.2% of the total and up 52.9% from a year earlier. Power battery exports stood at 189.7 GWh, or 62.2% of total exports, up 41.9% YoY. Monthly data show a steady climb through 2025, with October reaching 84.1 GWh (September 76.0 GWh) and earlier months posting lower but rising volumes (January 38.8 GWh, February 34.9, March 56.6, April 54.1, May 57.1, June 58.2, July 55.9, August 62.5). The results highlight the continued dominance of LFP in domestic installs and a robust exports market.

NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang credits engineering for shaping career and life at CES

January 17, 2026, 4:24 PM EST. At CES in Las Vegas, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang stepped away from AI chips to talk about engineering. He accepted the IEEE Medal of Honor in a small room at the Fontainebleau and framed engineering as life's work. Huang said he chose engineering because it was math- and science-heavy and loved solving problems. He recalled selecting Oregon State University near home, where a lab partner later became his wife. In his view, engineering is the practice of applying first principles to real, messy problems-breaking big challenges into solvable parts, and requiring patience and resilience. Progress comes from steady work and collaboration over repeated attempts. Nvidia's role in modern computing, he noted, was not preordained decades ago.

NASA's Space Launch System moon rocket rolls to pad for crewed lunar fly-around, possible February launch

January 17, 2026, 4:22 PM EST. NASA's powerful Space Launch System rocket and its Orion crew capsule moved to the launchpad at Kennedy Space Center for a crewed lunar fly-around. The 322-foot vehicle, weighing about 11 million pounds, was rolled from the Vehicle Assembly Building to the pad aboard a long transporter used in the Apollo era. Officials say fueling on the pad in early February will determine whether a launch can occur in the first half of February; a March window is possible if delays persist. The crew includes Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Koch and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen; they will be the first people to go to the Moon since Apollo 17 in 1972. The mission does not orbit or land, but paves the Artemis program's next steps.

The 4 best iPads of 2026: find the right Apple tablet for you

January 17, 2026, 4:08 PM EST. Mashable's shopping desk weighs the 4 best iPads that define 2026. The author, Samantha Mangino, notes Apple's tablet lineup now spans four core models, each upgraded with the latest silicon. The iPad with A16 chip; the iPad mini with A17; the iPad Air with M3; and the iPad Pro with M5. The piece frames work, travel, and everyday use, underscoring versatility and ongoing price appeal – especially when on sale. It also notes that all products are independently selected by editors, with Mashable earning affiliate commissions on linked purchases. The review aims to help readers pick the best fit, balancing performance, portability, and budget.

Render video hints at iPhone 18 Pro colors, 2nm A20 chipset and C2 modem

January 17, 2026, 4:06 PM EST. A render video shows the iPhone 18 Pro (Max) in three colors, according to FPT host John Prosser. Color options are not finalized; Prosser says Apple is testing brown, purple, and burgundy red. The video also outlines other expected changes: a 2nm Apple A20 chipset powering successors to the iPhone 17 Pro/Max, and a new Apple C2 Modem to replace Qualcomm modems. Analysts expect 5G via satellite in addition to the satellite SOS feature, though not confirmed. A variable aperture main camera is also rumored to appeal to photographers.

Unihertz Titan Elite 2 brings BlackBerry-inspired QWERTY to curved display

January 17, 2026, 3:52 PM EST. 2026 is shaping up as a QWERTY keyboard comeback year, with Unihertz launching the Titan Elite 2-a slimmer follow-up to the Titan 2. The device keeps a square display and a full keyboard, but trims bulk with a curved screen and a hole-punch front camera. Navigation keys have moved to sit alongside the spacebar, allowing a shorter footprint. The Titan Elite 2 runs Android with a heavy skin, mirroring its predecessor. Core specs include a Dimensity 7300 chip, 12GB RAM, 512GB storage, 5G and NFC; battery and camera details remain unconfirmed. The launch echoes earlier BlackBerry-style efforts like Click's Communicator as QWERTY phones reappear in 2026.

Tesla says AI5 design 'almost done' as Musk touts 9-month chip cycle

January 17, 2026, 3:44 PM EST. Elon Musk posted on X that Tesla's AI5 chip design is 'almost done,' six months after he said it was finished. The remark comes amid a reported delay in AI5 volume production to mid-2027. Musk said AI6 and later generations could run on a 9-month design cycle, a pace rarely seen for major silicon revisions. Tesla has tracked the project from HW3 to HW4 and now HW5 (AI5), with manufacturing partners including Samsung and TSMC on possible 4nm or 3nm processes. Analysts cautioned that timelines for tape-out, validation and production often slip. The update raises questions for the 2026 Cybercab if AI5 remains tied to 2027 output. Tesla continues to push custom silicon, even as those timelines remain fluid.

Nvidia faces 15-20% GPU supply cut; no new GeForce until 2027, leaker claims

January 17, 2026, 3:38 PM EST. Prominent hardware leaker MEGAsizeGPU claims Nvidia has cut GPU supply to AIC partners by 15-20%, a move that could pressure prices higher. The report highlights price spikes in the GeForce RTX 50 line, with RTX 5080 up as much as 35% and RTX 5090 up to 79% in recent months. Nvidia allegedly plans no new GeForce cards until 2027, leaving uncertainty over whether a RTX 50-series refresh or a future RTX 60-series launch is in the works. AMD's RDNA 4 cards have risen modestly, while Intel's Arc B-series has become cheaper. The piece notes leaks should be treated cautiously and suggests buyers consider alternatives such as AMD RDNA 4 and Intel Battlemage if a purchase is urgent. Analysts say supply dynamics will shape the market beyond pricing this year.

NASA Artemis II moves to launch pad for first crewed Moon mission in decades

January 17, 2026, 3:36 PM EST. NASA has moved Artemis II to the launch pad, aiming for liftoff no earlier than Feb. 6. The mission will test the Orion spacecraft, NASA's crewed capsule, in a complex course beyond Earth orbit. After reaching orbit, astronauts will manually pilot the capsule to practice steering and lining up for future Moon landings, a skill critical for crewed deep-space missions. The crew then travels thousands of kilometres beyond the Moon to validate life-support, propulsion, power and navigation systems. They will operate as medical test subjects, returning data and imagery from deep space. In weightlessness inside a compact cabin, radiation levels will be higher than on the International Space Station but kept within safety limits. After a risky re-entry, the capsule will splash down in the Pacific Ocean off the U.S. West Coast.

NASA rolls Artemis 2 rocket to pad ahead of historic moon mission

January 17, 2026, 3:34 PM EST. NASA's Artemis 2 mission moved a key step forward as the SLS rocket rolled from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Complex-39B at Kennedy Space Center, beginning a four-mile trek that started at 7:04 a.m. EST. The fully stacked vehicle stands about 322 feet tall and weighs roughly 2,870 tons when fueled, powered by twin solid rocket boosters and four RS-25 engines. Engineers will perform systems checks and a wet dress rehearsal ahead of a potential early February launch. Artemis 2 will carry NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen aboard Orion on a roughly 10-day lunar flyby. Windows extend into March and April if needed, with the schedule hinging on pad checks and weather.

Best Apple deals of the week: AirTag 4-pack at near-record 35% off

January 17, 2026, 3:24 PM EST. Apple deals dominate the week, led by a near-record AirTag 4-pack discount at about 35%. The offer undercuts rivals and targets households chasing item-tracking. The week also spotlights the flagship iPad Pro (M5), available in 11- and 13-inch models. Broida calls it Apple's fastest iPad, best for mission-critical work and heavy media tasks, even if it's overkill for basic apps. He notes the device's speed supports heavy video editing, massive documents, and intense multitasking across pro apps. Buyers should weigh the premium against their need for top-end performance.

iPhone 18 lineup leaks point to Dynamic Island changes on Pro models

January 17, 2026, 3:22 PM EST. New rumors about Apple's iPhone 18 suggest changes to the Dynamic Island on higher-end models. Leaker Digital Chat Station, cited by 9to5Mac, says the iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2 will keep the standard design. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max may adopt an under-display cutout area that could shrink the Dynamic Island to a pill-shaped form or switch to a hole-punch design that eliminates the feature. Apple has not confirmed any details and the premium lineup is expected to debut in September. Leaks from social media sources and outlets like Mashable have tracked the chatter, but specifics can change.

Phonon laser could shrink smartphone vibrations to chip scale

January 17, 2026, 3:12 PM EST. Engineers have created a surface acoustic waves (SAWs)-based phonon laser that could shrink seismic-style vibrations to a single microchip. The device generates controlled vibrations at high frequencies by directing waves along a surface. Led by Matt Eichenfield at the University of Colorado Boulder with colleagues from the University of Arizona and Sandia National Laboratories, the work was published January 14 in Nature. Unlike prior SAW systems that require two chips and an external power source, the new design fits on one chip and could run on a battery, enabling smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient smartphone electronics. Lead author Alexander Wendt describes the approach as a miniature earthquake on a chip, illustrating the potential for future chips to manage vibrations directly.

Samsung's Galaxy Z TriFold blends phone, tablet with built-in DeX desktop mode

January 17, 2026, 3:10 PM EST. Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Z TriFold in Korea last month and showed it at CES 2026 ahead of a U.S. release. The foldable is the first to become a true tablet when unfolded, delivering a 10-inch screen in a rectangular form factor, with a 16:11 aspect ratio designed for content consumption and multitasking. Samsung adds DeX as a built-in feature, letting the device switch to a desktop-like interface without an external display. On paper, it runs a high-end spec sheet: Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, up to 16GB RAM and up to 1TB storage, with Android 16 and One UI 8. The TriFold supports three-window multitasking on its 10-inch display, offering flexible layouts. While promising as an all-in-one device, Samsung faces questions about practicality and battery life versus separate phone and tablet use.

Budget smartwatches show multi-year lifespans, Reddit users say

January 17, 2026, 3:06 PM EST. Reddit discussions suggest that budget smartwatches offer multi-year lifespans. Users say models from Amazfit and Xiaomi often outlast basic expectations, with battery life commonly above two weeks. One user reports an Amazfit lasting three years; another notes a Xiaomi Mi smartwatch about five years before upgrading. A separate post says an Amazfit outlasted an Apple watch. However, one commenter recalls a father-in-law who owned several cheap watches that failed after four months. Overall, buyers value longevity and simplicity over advanced features. The lower price reflects simpler hardware and software. For shoppers who don't demand premium finishes or exhaustive fitness metrics, a budget smartwatch can be dependable for years.

Cheapest Tesla Model Y posts 70 mph range of 268 miles; EPA rating 321 miles

January 17, 2026, 3:02 PM EST. The base Tesla Model Y Standard, starting at $41,630, delivered impressive energy efficiency in a 70 mph range test. Out of Spec Testing measured 268 miles of range at 70 mph on a full charge, with energy use of 69.2 kWh, or about 241.9 Wh per mile (roughly 4.13 miles per kWh). By contrast, its EPA rating is 321 miles (45% city, 55% highway). Edmunds' test on the same vehicle yielded 337 miles under a 60/40 city/highway split. The result underscores that slower speeds improve range, even in a value-focused EV. The model kept cost down by omitting features like FM radio and a glass roof headliner, yet demonstrates efficiency that could cut charging costs for taxi or ride-hail drivers.

NASA's SLS rolls to launch pad for Artemis II moon mission

January 17, 2026, 3:00 PM EST. NASA's 322-foot Space Launch System rocket rolled from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Complex 39B on a 12-hour, four-mile crawl at about 1 mph. The move sets Artemis II on track for a no-earlier-than Feb. 6 liftoff with commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, and mission specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen aboard the Orion spacecraft for a lunar flyby. Engineers will connect systems and run a wet dress rehearsal before launch. Artemis II carries humans toward a crewed lunar orbit, paving the path to Artemis III and a return to the Moon's surface by 2028, per an executive directive. Public briefing cited a promise to the American people and lunar pioneers. Florida Today reporter Brooke Edwards contributed.

Realme GT8 Pro: The OnePlus 15 analogue with a 200MP telephoto

January 17, 2026, 2:58 PM EST. The realme GT8 Pro is a competitively priced flagship that stands out for a 200MP telephoto camera, a cavernous battery, a great screen and a splash of premium extras. Yet it also suffers from downgraded biometrics, inconsistent photos and weaker sustained performance. The narrative echoes the GT7 Pro, then frames comparisons to the OnePlus 13, where OnePlus offered a more well-rounded package. Now the realme GT8 Pro aligns more with the OnePlus 15. On cameras, the 200MP telephoto sits above the OnePlus option, though the main and ultrawide can feel less impressive and skew toward saturated colors. The phone defaults to high-resolution output, delivering detail in 1x and 3x shots but with color casts and occasional blown highlights. Mixed, but competitive.

Google patent hints at user-replaceable Pixel battery as EU rules push device makers

January 17, 2026, 2:56 PM EST. In a January 1, 2026 patent filing via Hypertxt.ai, Google outlines a mechanical battery-lock design that drops glue in favor of a rigid metal chassis to hold a cell in place. The aim: a normal user can remove and replace the battery without puncturing or damaging the phone. The concept remains theoretical, but it aligns with the European Union's upcoming battery rules that encourage easier on-device replacement. Pixel owners have long complained about battery life, even as the phones show solid longevity and extended software support. The author notes declines in capacity across several models after about a year of use, with one model reporting about 93% capacity after 365 cycles. If real, the design could address a key Pixel weakness while inviting questions about safety and durability.

AI and Mental Health: Balancing Promise, Privacy, and Practice

January 17, 2026, 2:42 PM EST. AI is moving from consumer apps to professional care, reshaping mental health care and daily life. Public tools such as ChatGPT and Alexa sit alongside specialized medical AI, prompting questions about competition, collaboration, and careers. Psychologists are adopting AI mainly for routine tasks, with ethical debate gathering around potential clinical use. Public sentiment mixes awe with unease: stories of privacy intrusions, overreliance on automation, and the loss of inquiry skills. People appreciate features like predictive text, image recognition, and treatment planning aids, but fear data being stored, monetized, or misused. Experts urge a careful, both-and approach-embrace benefits while guarding ethics-as society moves from early adoption to routine reliance in a short span.

Tesla moves FSD to subscription model, ending transfer headaches ahead of Feb 14 deadline

January 17, 2026, 2:40 PM EST. Tesla will shift its Full Self-Driving software to a subscription model, Elon Musk said on X, eliminating the transfer headache that let owners move FSD only to nearby hardware for a time. The move, announced ahead of the February 14 deadline, follows temporary amnesties that allowed the suite to be transferred when upgrading hardware. The standard price today is $99 per month, and a tiered or pay-per-mile option is possible, with potential links to Supercharging and vehicle protection programs, though those are speculative. Tesla argues a higher take rate would deliver more data to its AI training toward a 10 billion-mile unsupervised threshold, with development costs borne by the company rather than users.

Tesla ends one-time FSD purchase, shifts to subscription

January 17, 2026, 2:36 PM EST. Tesla will stop selling FSD as a one-time purchase after Feb. 14, 2026, moving to a monthly subscription. The change reflects a pivot toward autonomy, revenue stability and long-standing promises around Full Self-Driving. The upfront price of $15,000 in Sept. 2022 fell to $8,000 by April 2024, while the subscription price declined from $199 to about $99 per month (per Electrek). At $8,000, the math often favored subscribing over buying. Musk has long touted unsupervised driving, but FSD today remains a supervised system requiring driver attention. Ending the upfront option avoids the 'forever promise' perception and shifts hardware upgrade pressure to the subscription model. The plan aligns with Musk's compensation, tied to long-term milestones, including 10 million active FSD subscriptions.

Tesla ends one-time FSD purchase, moves to subscription model

January 17, 2026, 2:34 PM EST. Tesla will stop selling Full Self-Driving as a one-time purchase after February 14, 2026, moving to a monthly subscription model. The change, announced amid Musk's focus on revenue stability and long-term autonomy milestones, ends the era of a fixed upfront price for FSD, which peaked at $15,000 in Sept. 2022 and had dropped to $8,000 by Apr. 2024. The economics favored subscriptions for most buyers, as the upfront cost neared payback only if FSD proved near fully autonomous. The shift also eases hardware upgrade pressure and aligns with Tesla's financial aims and Musk's compensation plan tied to ambitious targets-10 million subscriptions, 20 million deliveries, 1 million robots and 1 million Robotaxis, and an $8.5 trillion market cap.

Galaxy S26 Ultra to adopt foldable-inspired camera module; S Pen stays Bluetooth-free

January 17, 2026, 2:24 PM EST. Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra is tipped for a February 25, 2026 launch with a March 11 on-sale date. Leaked renders show a new, more rounded chassis and a redesigned S Pen tip to match the phone's softened look. The S Pen slot appears pushed closer to the edge, changing how the stylus feels when pulled out. But there is no sign of Bluetooth features returning. Samsung reportedly removed Bluetooth actions from the S25 Ultra, and early signals suggest this stance continues. The company has also pulled S Pen support from the Galaxy Z Fold 7, with rumors that future Ultra models may require buyers to purchase the pen separately, even if the screen supports stylus input. Samsung has not confirmed these details.

Grookey Community Day: Rillaboom gains Frenzy Plant for PvE

January 17, 2026, 2:14 PM EST. Trainers will catch Grookey during the 2026 Community Day on Jan 18, 2-5 PM, with evolving Grookey into Rillaboom. Evolving during the event or up to four hours after unlocks Frenzy Plant as its Charged Attack; Rillaboom also gains Drum Beating subsequently. In PvE, Rillaboom remains a high-damage Grass option: max CP 3758 at level 50; Attack 239, HP 225, Defense 168. It shines in sunny weather and struggles to tank. Its classic Razor Leaf/Grass Knot is eclipsed somewhat by Frenzy Plant, improving DPS among Grass attackers. Relative to top performers, Rillaboom remains competitive but not top five; Mythical Shaymin and Zarude are less accessible; Kartana has high DPS but low TDO, affecting practical output.

Donut Labs debuts solid-state battery motorcycle at CES, but questions linger

January 17, 2026, 2:10 PM EST. At CES 2026, Estonian startup Donut Lab unveiled a production-ready solid-state battery system paired with Verge motorcycles, with deliveries slated for Q1. Donut claims a 400 Wh/kg energy density, costs below lithium-ion, a five-minute charge to 100%, tolerance from −30 to 100°C, no thermal runaway, and a life of about 100,000 cycles. CEO Marko Lehtimäki says the architecture can scale from tiny to massive and that one train-maker visited to inquire. Donut is tight on chemistry, saying results come from a mix of materials science and production innovation, with ingredients not tied to geopolitically constrained supply chains. Initial production will run in Finland at a 1 GWh-capacity plant in 2026. The Verge TS Pro appears in the West Hall with a bright orange California Edition trim.

Grookey Community Day sharpens Rillaboom's PvE with Frenzy Plant and Drum Beating

January 17, 2026, 2:08 PM EST. Trainers, mark your calendars for Sunday, January 18, 2026, 2:00-5:00 PM local time, as Grookey Community Day brings the Chimp Pokémon Grass starter from Galar to the spotlight. Evolve Thwackey into Rillaboom during the event or within four hours after to unlock the Charged Attack Frenzy Plant. Starting with the event, Rillaboom also gains a new Charged Attack, Drum Beating, widening its PvE options. In GO PvE, Rillaboom tops at CP 3758 (Level 50) with 239 Attack, 225 HP, 168 Defense, favoring damage over tankiness and performing best in Sunny weather with Grass moves. Its primary legacy move remains Razor Leaf + Grass Knot; Frenzy Plant boosts DPS, narrowing gaps with top Grass attackers, though Mythical and low-TDO rivals limit practical use.

Google expands Gemini with data access, Apple deal, and new ad pricing protocol

January 17, 2026, 1:56 PM EST. Google rolled out three announcements this week around its Gemini AI. First, Gemini will read Gmail and access data across YouTube, Photos and Search to tailor a chatbot that truly knows users, raising privacy and consent questions. Commentators praised potential convenience but warned about data use. Google also announced a multi-year collaboration with Apple to base future Apple Foundation Models on Gemini and cloud tech, extending into iPhone and iPad workflows via Siri and other features. Third, Google unveiled a Gemini-powered ad service and open protocol for personalized pricing, letting merchants offer tailored deals to shoppers likely to buy. Analysts say Gemini's data-network strengths widen Google's AI edge, echoing its dominance in search and apps.

BofA downgrades Arm on smartphone headwinds; data-center upside cited

January 17, 2026, 1:54 PM EST. Bank of America Securities downgraded Arm to Neutral from Buy and cut its price target to $120 ahead of Arm's Feb. 4 fiscal Q3 results. The note cites near-term smartphone headwinds from higher memory costs, greater SoftBank dependence for licensing and a slowing royalty stream. Global smartphone shipments are expected to fall in the low single digits year over year, weighing on Arm's Client business – which accounts for more than half of royalty revenue. Still, BofA remains constructive on Arm's data center potential, citing more cores and chiplet opportunities. FY26 licensing revenue could decline if the SoftBank share remains elevated, though the longer-term outlook for Arm's data-center products remains intact.

AI raises wages by 21%, narrows wage inequality, Stanford study finds

January 17, 2026, 1:52 PM EST. A working paper by Stanford assistant professor Lukas Althoff and Hugo Reichardt of the Barcelona School of Economics argues that artificial intelligence changes which tasks workers perform and how they perform them. The study, titled Task-Specific Technical Change and Comparative Advantage, suggests AI augments, automates and, notably, simplifies work. The authors say simplification lowers skill barriers, boosting relative productivity for lower-skill workers and reducing wage inequality while pushing average wages up by 21 percent. They simulate a dynamic task-based model where workers accumulate multidimensional skills that shape their occupations. Early in the labor market, welfare gains resemble permanent wage increases, estimated at 26-34% for most entrants. The paper contends the equalizing effect is driven by simplification and aligns with recent labor market data.

TSMC capacity squeeze tests Nvidia; Intel Foundry could become AI supply chain hedge

January 17, 2026, 1:44 PM EST. The AI boom runs into a real bottleneck: capacity. TSMC has told Nvidia and Broadcom it can't supply as much as they want. Capacity is finite; lead times are long; hyperscalers want priority. As supply tightens, buyers look elsewhere. Intel Foundry Services pitches available capacity, geographic diversification, and alignment with US policy. For customers facing multi-quarter delays, available and reliable can matter more than best-in-class but backlogged. This isn't Nvidia abandoning TSMC; it's overflow for custom silicon and accelerators. The AI story shifts from demand to allocation. Capacity limits confirm the AI boom, and access to manufacturing may matter as much as design, making Intel's foundry push a potential second act.

NVIDIA's Jensen Huang conjures 'God AI' on biblical, galactic scales, stirring hype and caution

January 17, 2026, 1:38 PM EST. NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang floated a future God AI that could operate on biblical or galactic scales, but stressed it is far off-not next week, next year, or even this decade. The remarks frame a broader debate on whether such a capability is myth-making or a warning about where AI could lead. He said no company or researcher is close to building it, while still arguing AI will become central to business operations. The comments arrive as other tech leaders discuss AGI readiness and societal impact, with investors watching for guardrails and governance amid a fast-accelerating generative AI landscape.

Microsoft AI Cloud Deal, 2GW Growth Path Drive Bull Case for IREN

January 17, 2026, 1:34 PM EST. Analysts at H.C. Wainwright upgraded IREN Ltd. (NASDAQ: IREN) to Buy after assessing its AI exposure. Mike Colonnese argues IREN is highly leveraged to AI infra spend, pointing to a $9.7 billion Microsoft AI cloud deal and more than 2 GW of incremental capacity as key growth levers into 2026. The deal is expected to be monetized by end-2026 and to generate about $1.94 billion in ARR (Annual Recurring Revenue) once 200 MW of IT capacity are deployed at the Childress data center. IREN runs 100% renewable energy data centers in Australia and Canada, with a path to energize over 2 GW by 2027 for AI colocation. The stock has fallen roughly 35% from its November highs, creating an entry point, according to the note.

NVIDIA added to Wolfe Alpha List as favorite AI idea for 2026

January 17, 2026, 1:32 PM EST. NVIDIA (NVDA) remains a focal AI stock after Wolfe reiterates an Outperform rating and names it its favorite idea for 2026. The firm adds NVDA to the Wolfe Alpha List, replacing Micron. Shares have risen about 36% in the past year. Wolfe cites prior concerns-late Blackwell launch, AI spending doubts, and share losses to bespoke AI solutions-but argues those headwinds are fading as the Blackwell ramp accelerates and Rubin targets a 2H26 launch with a claimed 5x inference improvement over Blackwell. The note flags potential upside to the CY26 consensus revenue and notes resumed H200 shipments to China as a further driver. Investors should weigh alternatives that may offer higher upside with different risk profiles.

Nvidia memory-allocation plan could decide RTX 50-series supply, says Gigabyte CEO

January 17, 2026, 1:20 PM EST. Nvidia may allocate memory to RTX 50-series GPUs using a per-GB profit calculus, Gigabyte CEO Eddie Lin told CES attendees, outlining a five-segment model in which Nvidia prioritizes segments 1, 3 and 5 and trims 2 and 4 to maximise gross revenue per GB of memory. Lin cited examples: a $300 GPU with about $35 per GB, a $400 8-GB card at roughly $50/GB, and a $500 16-GB card at about $32/GB. Nvidia said demand remains strong and memory supply is constrained, and that it continues to ship all GeForce SKUs while working with suppliers. The remarks come as industry chatter swirls about RTX 50-series production shifts and potential end-of-life moves, and as Nvidia reportedly negotiates memory bundling with partners.

FDA removes safety pages on cell-phone radiation as HHS launches new study

January 17, 2026, 1:18 PM EST. FDA has pulled pages that said wireless phones are not dangerous as HHS begins new safety studies on electromagnetic radiation. An archived item states the agency believes current evidence does not link radio-frequency exposure from cell-phone use to health problems at FCC limits. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has claimed radiation can cause neurological damage in children and cancer. An FDA spokesman tied the removals to research under the MAHA Commission and ongoing HHS work. Critics, including Environmental Health Trust, celebrate the change, while CTIA says standards are adequate. A Johns Hopkins epidemiologist, Elizabeth Platz, told the Wall Street Journal there is no cancer link. Some advocates note decades of reduced federal funding for such studies and call for a transparent government discussion.

Apple's AI roadmap strengthens with Google Gemini deal, Evercore says

January 17, 2026, 1:12 PM EST. Evercore ISI analyst Amit Daryanani reiterates an Outperform rating on Apple (AAPL) with a $330 target, citing a multi-year deal tying Apple's AI strategy to Google Gemini. The agreement will power Siri 2.0 and place Apple's foundation models and cloud tech on Gemini's platform, following positive feedback for Gemini 3.0. The firm notes Apple's statement that Google's AI tech provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models; prior reports pegged licensing at about $1B per year to license a ~1.2T parameter model. Evercore argues the partnership blends an upgraded model stack with potential monetization and more personalized AI experiences, foreshadowing an Apple Intelligence 2.0 launch in coming months.

Xiaomi plots bigger in-house chips and OS push in 2026 with XRING lineup

January 17, 2026, 12:26 PM EST. Xiaomi is signaling a broader shift toward self-developed tech for its smartphones in 2026. The company introduced its first self-made chip, the XRING o1, with the 2025 Xiaomi 15S Pro, delivering a marked performance boost. It has since registered the XRING 02 trademark and is expected to debut the Xiaomi 17S Pro around May. New leaks suggest a XRING 02-powered handset running a custom OS with a native AI layer, hinting at a homegrown stack akin to Huawei's approach with HarmonyOS. If successful, Xiaomi would join Huawei as a leading Chinese self-reliant mobile brand, though its path may still lean on ARM CPU/GPU designs and a 3nm process to navigate possible sanctions.

Five things to know about your new Samsung Galaxy Tablet in 2026

January 17, 2026, 12:24 PM EST. Samsung's tablet lineup spans budget media devices to premium productivity machines. The piece outlines five practical takeaways for new owners-especially around multitasking and the broader ecosystem. The standout is DeX, a desktop-like mode that runs on the tablet, with apps in windows, a macOS-style dock, and support for a mouse and keyboard. All features referenced assume One UI 8.0 (compatibility may vary with older software). Users can enable Windows PC syncing to move files and work across devices. The guide also covers accessories and the S Pen, and notes the range can be overwhelming for first-time buyers.

DJI Mini 4 Pro price falls to Black Friday levels in January sale

January 17, 2026, 12:16 PM EST. Amazon trimmed the DJI Mini 4 Pro's price to Black Friday levels in January, extending a rare discount on the sub-249-gram drone. The camera system uses a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor with 48MP stills and HDR video, including 4K/60fps and 4K/100fps for slow motion. Creators gain 10-bit D-Log M and HLG profiles for post-production flexibility, and the 3-axis gimbal allows vertical shooting for social content without sacrificing resolution. Safety features include omnidirectional obstacle sensing, ActiveTrack 360°, Waypoints, Spotlight and QuickShots. O4 transmission keeps a low-latency live feed, while flight time reaches about 34 minutes. UK drone rules have shifted, but the Mini 4 Pro remains a compact, capable creator tool.

Tesla's 2026 wishlist: FSD licensing, affordable car, family SUV and Roadster deliveries

January 17, 2026, 12:14 PM EST. Tesla fans want 2026 to be about real deliveries and enduring features, not just demos. The wishlist calls for a true FSD license, attached to an owner rather than a VIN, ending temporary transfers. It also hopes for a real affordable vehicle-the Model 2/Q-a compact hatchback that broadens entry-level EV access. A true family vehicle is wanted, a larger 6/7-seat SUV, such as a potential CyberSUV, with better seating comfort and storage. The Roadster is overdue for customer deliveries, not just unveil events. And older HW3 cars should receive FSD computer retrofits to improve cameras and inference. The article notes expectations may conflict with margins and regulation concerns, but fans press for tangible outcomes.

Two quantum computing stocks positioned for big gains

January 17, 2026, 11:56 AM EST. Two quantum computing stocks show potential for outsized gains. IonQ is a pure-play quantum company. It uses trapped-ion technology, a method that improves qubits (the quantum bits that power computations) by reducing error rates and extending coherence. But IonQ's stock carries high risk because it must commercialize quantum services and scale. Alphabet is a diversified tech giant that can leverage quantum work within its cloud, AI, and data platforms. It offers more stable exposure to tech innovation, though not a pure-play on quantum. Both rest on the reality that quantum computing remains in the early stages of commercial growth. For risk-tolerant investors, IonQ provides pure exposure; for a broader tech bet, Alphabet adds diversification.

Nevada advances broadband with BEAD funding and Phase III High-Speed Nevada rollout

January 17, 2026, 11:54 AM EST. Nevada says it is expanding internet access with federal and state funding. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration approved Nevada's BEAD Final Proposal, unlocking about $170 million for state projects and leveraging more than $65 million in private investment, with the state eligible for over $200 million more pending NTIA guidance. Earlier, Nevada won approval for $416 million for BEAD in April 2024, but a June 2025 reform paused funding and trimmed requirements. Governor's Office of Science, Innovation and Technology notes that deployment of BEAD projects is set to begin later this year. Separately, the High-Speed Nevada Initiative is in Phase III, aiming to connect unserved areas over four years using a mix of technologies. Funding includes ARPA and Capital Projects Fund resources totaling over $150 million, on top of more than $250 million already allocated.

LG C5 OLED and Apple M4 Mac Mini lead weekend discounts

January 17, 2026, 11:38 AM EST. Best Buy's Winter Sale kicks off a weekend of price cuts in consumer tech. The standout is Apple M4 Mac Mini, discounted by $100 at Amazon and B&H Photo. The 2024 model with 16GB RAM and 256GB storage starts at $499, about $100 off and near its Black Friday low. It ships without a display, keyboard, or mouse; three Thunderbolt 4 ports, ethernet, HDMI are in place. The LG 65-inch C5 OLED TV is down to just over $1,000 on eBay. A pocketable power bargain: the Iniu Carry P51L-E2 20,000mAh, 45W, with a built-in braided USB-C cable, is about $18.86 at Amazon. Also discounted: the Beats Fit Pro and the Bravia 65-inch 8 II, the latter around $2,398 – more than $1,000 off at several retailers.

Nvidia's 6x frame generation signals hardware ceiling as software-led upscaling takes the lead

January 17, 2026, 11:32 AM EST. NVIDIA unveiled 6x multi-frame generation at CES 2026, signaling a shift where upscaling leans on software more than raw hardware gains. The talk tracks a hard limit: VRAM and DRAM aren't infinite, and prices for current GPUs remain high. In a cadence familiar to Reuters readers, the message is pragmatic: progress may come from smarter rendering, not bigger chips. Industry observers say the move underscores a broader trend-software-enabled upscaling walking in ahead of the hardware ceiling. For Nvidia, the strategy reframes the value of GPUs: better engines, not just room for more frames. The implication is clear: developers and gamers could see steadier performance gains with optimized pipelines, even as silicon growth slows.

Druckenmiller sells Broadcom, bets on Sandisk as AI stocks rally

January 17, 2026, 11:30 AM EST. In the third quarter, billionaire investor Stanley Druckenmiller sold Broadcom and started a stake in Sandisk, a flash-memory maker that has surged about 1,050% since its February 2025 spin-off from Western Digital. Druckenmiller, who ran Duquesne Capital until 2010, now manages wealth via the Duquesne Family Office. Broadcom's AI prospects hinge on AI ASICs and networking chips; the company has a dominant share in custom accelerators and projects rising AI revenue as hyperscalers expand data-center infrastructure. Analysts see multi-year earnings growth with upside from current levels. Sandisk benefits from NAND storage demand and a strategic tie-up with Kioxia. The moves signal a tilt toward AI stocks within Druckenmiller's portfolio as he remains selective through his family office.

SpaceX Falcon 9 lands booster at Vandenberg after delivering NRO spy satellites

January 17, 2026, 11:28 AM EST. SpaceX's Falcon 9 booster returned to its West Coast landing site Friday, marking the third straight 2026 touchdown at Vandenberg Space Force Base. The two-stage rocket lifted off from Space Launch Complex-4 at 8:39 p.m., carrying the NRO payload dubbed NRO-105 for the spy-satellite agency. About seven minutes later, the first stage touched down at Landing Zone 4, generating sonic booms over Santa Barbara County. The mission, conducted under the proliferated architecture approach, expands a growing constellation of small and large satellites in multiple orbits to deliver more signals and imagery. The NRO has not disclosed payload specifics, and the livestream halted after the booster landing. By end-2025, the agency's space fleet exceeded 200 satellites, with launches continuing through 2029.

New AI health app ChatGPT Health prompts caution about medical use

January 17, 2026, 11:24 AM EST. ChatGPT Health is a newly released AI tool that aims to personalize answers to health questions after users upload medical files, including lab tests and medications. Experts say it is not a substitute for a clinician, but can function as a assistive tool to help patients understand their health information and stay engaged in care. Doctors caution that AI chatbots can hallucinate, producing convincing but wrong outputs, and that accuracy is not the only risk; they can mislead if used without clinical oversight. Still, the technology can translate dense medical language into clearer terms, and a study found AI-generated trial summaries improved patient understanding. Use should be in concert with medical advice, not as medical advice itself.

Silicon Valley rewards standout employees as AI shifts compensation

January 17, 2026, 11:22 AM EST. Tech companies in Silicon Valley are reshaping compensation as AI reshapes work. Firms increasingly link pay to measurable impact, retooling base salaries, bonuses and equity to attract and retain standout performers. Observers say talent scarcity and rising workloads drive higher awards for top performers, while Pavlovian effects can widen gaps between seniors and juniors. Executives note that pay plans now emphasize outcomes, project-based bonuses, and accelerated equity vesting for contributors who move the needle in software, cloud services and AI startups. The shift reflects a tighter labor market and the need to retain AI-skilled staff, though critics warn it can intensify pay compression and turnover in early careers.

Deals: M4 iPad Pro $699 off; Mac mini, Studio Display discounts

January 17, 2026, 11:12 AM EST. 9to5Mac's Friday lunch-break roundup flags deep Apple discounts. Amazon cuts the M4 iPad Pro 11-inch 2TB by $699 to $1,599.99 shipped, with nano-texture glass and Wi-Fi + Cellular. Original was $2,299; Best Buy lists the 11-inch 2TB Cell model at $1,980 without nano-texture. The current-gen Macs see up to $200 off: the M4 Mac mini is $100 off, and the M4 MacBook Air up to $200 off, starting at $499. Apple's accessories pull savings too: AirPods Max near $100 off, Studio Displays up to $237 off, plus discounted charging gear.

Deals roundup: M4 iPad Pro $699 off, Mac mini and Studio Display savings

January 17, 2026, 11:10 AM EST. The 9to5Toys Lunch Break compiles Apple deal highlights for the weekend. The M4 iPad Pro gets a massive $699 drop, landing the 11-inch 2TB model at $1,599.99. Current-gen Macs show savings up to $200, with the M4 Mac mini advertised at $100 off as the most affordable option. The black Apple Watch Ultra 2 with Milanese Loop is on sale, and AirPods Max shave nearly $100. Select Apple Studio Displays dip as much as $237, and a wide range of charging gear is discounted. A Best Buy comparison notes the 11-inch 2TB Cellular model would run about $2,199 with nano-texture glass. The slate of deals targets buyers upgrading in 2026 while stocks last.

Druckenmiller sells Broadcom, buys Sandisk as AI stock rally tops 1,000% since 2025

January 17, 2026, 11:08 AM EST. Star fund manager Stanley Druckenmiller sold Broadcom in Q3 and formed a new stake in Sandisk, the NAND flash maker spun off from Western Digital in February 2025. Druckenmiller, who steered Duquesne Capital from 1981 to 2010, now runs wealth through the Duquesne Family Office. Broadcom remains a dominant AI infrastructure supplier, with about 75% market share in AI ASICs and growing AI revenue. CEO Hock Tan says AI sales rose 65% to $20 billion in 2025; analysts see rapid expansion to 2027, with estimates of more than 5x AI revenue to $110 billion. Sandisk has surged roughly 1,050% since the spin-off. The moves spotlight AI stock exposure and the balance between large-cap AI suppliers and newer storage plays.

Microsoft confirms Windows 10 ESU ends October 2026; free updates tied to OneDrive

January 17, 2026, 10:54 AM EST. Microsoft has set an October 2026 finish for Windows 10's Extended Security Updates (ESU). The company says ESU enrollment remains open until 13 October 2026, with devices at higher risk before enrollment. Windows 11 struggles to gain share vs Windows 10, according to StatCounter, with Windows 10 rising to about 46% and Windows 11 hovering near 50%. ESU can be paid via cash or rewards points, but is free for users with a Microsoft account who sync PC settings via OneDrive. The latest Patch Tuesday delivers the first 2026 ESU release, KB5073724, patching multiple security flaws. Windows Latest notes the January 2026 update adds Secure Boot certificates after old certificates expired, preventing trust in boot components. The update also addresses at least 112 security issues, including 57 elevation of privilege, 22 information disclosure, and 5 spoofing vulnerabilities.

Small- and mid-cap firms rise to challenge Big Tech as AI's power demands surge

January 17, 2026, 10:50 AM EST. AI is no longer a narrow tech trade; it reshapes energy, infrastructure, and portfolio construction. Investors are increasingly targeting small- and mid-cap firms in concentrated markets with limited competition. The AI power ecosystem remains volatile: stocks have risen sharply, and many players are highly leveraged, making portfolio management crucial through cycles. Bloom Energy surged more than 500% on data-center orders, lifting its market cap above $30 billion. Analysts say demand is pushing nuclear into the core of electricity, including small modular reactors, as data centers demand constant power. Cooling and power management bottlenecks also boost investment in upstream suppliers. TCW Group's Jennifer Grancio notes growing interest in nuclear ETFs as the theme broadens.

Apple confirms Lisa Jackson retirement; leadership changes underway

January 17, 2026, 10:36 AM EST. Apple on Friday removed Lisa Jackson from the Leadership page as the long-time executive heads into retirement after nearly 13 years with the company. In December Apple said her role would be split between Kate Adams and Jennifer Newstead; Adams will assume Government Affairs until her own March retirement, after which Newstead will become SVP, General Counsel and Government Affairs, reporting to CEO Tim Cook. The Environment and Social Initiatives teams will report to COO Sabih Khan. Cook lauded Jackson's work on emissions reductions and global government engagement. Jackson, formerly the EPA administrator under Obama, joined Apple in 2013 to oversee environment initiatives; the move follows Apple's plan to reorganize leadership duties announced in December.

The eMac in 2025: Apple's educational Mac revisited

January 17, 2026, 10:22 AM EST. In 2025, a 2002-era eMac is tested as a classroom relic. The unit runs on a PowerPC G4 processor (Apple's pre-Intel architecture) and carries 640 MB SDRAM, paired with a 17-inch CRT display. Built for education, it shares the iMac's chassis but targets schools with bundled software. The author confirms the machine boots and handles multimedia tasks; the Halo port works, but the Minecraft port is not performant. The piece uses the example to explain why the eMac persisted for early digital learning, and notes the risk of neglect turning such machines into rare historical artifacts. The story also hints at the broader challenge of reviving PowerPC hardware in a modern software world.

ISC4 opens as new home for William & Mary's School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics

January 17, 2026, 10:18 AM EST. Integrated Science Center 4 opens at William & Mary for the Spring 2026 semester, housing the School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics. The computer science and data science departments relocate there, while select Applied Science labs move from ISC3; Physics stays in Small Hall across from ISC4. Provost Peggy Agouris calls the move a major step in the university's interdisciplinary vision, noting the space will foster collaboration and innovation. The 124,000-square-foot building (plus 10,000 square feet of renovated links) strengthens teaching and research in fast-growing STEM fields. Dean Douglas C. Schmidt frames ISC4 as a catalyst for hands-on learning and research, with a new 8,000-square-foot makerspace on the ground floor opening later this spring, plus more than 35 labs and a 150-seat lecture hall.

Two AI stocks to buy in 2026, and one to avoid

January 17, 2026, 10:16 AM EST. AI enthusiasm remains a driver on Wall Street. The piece weighs three AI-focused names, naming two attractive bets and one to avoid. Meta Platforms is investing heavily in AI, and its results reflect stronger revenue and earnings growth as AI-powered feeds boost engagement. More time on Instagram and other apps fuels data collection, sharpening targeted advertising. Meta also funds AI infrastructure, a move that unsettled some investors after the latest results. Yet with a user base above 3.5 billion and deep network effects, Meta has multiple monetization paths beyond advertising, including potential extensions like Meta AI. Apple has benefited less from AI so far, but features on the new iPhone 17 are helping renewals and lift revenue. The piece treats these two as compelling AI bets for 2026, with a third stock to avoid.

Garmin smartwatches unveil 5 hidden sleep features that boost recovery

January 17, 2026, 10:12 AM EST. Garmin's sleep data goes beyond a single score. A marathon runner's review highlights five hidden features that can sharpen recovery. The note focuses on Stress tracking and the Body Battery energy gauge, which blends heart-rate variability, sleep and activity to show energy from 5 to 100 and signal when rest is due. It warns that a good sleep score may hide grogginess, urging users to inspect individual metrics. Other tricks include limiting late-night notifications, reinforcing regular bedtimes, and correlating daytime choices with sleep quality. Taken together, these tools help pace training, curb fatigue and guide smarter recovery decisions.

D-Wave Quantum vs. Rigetti Computing: Which Quantum Stock Looks Best?

January 17, 2026, 10:10 AM EST. D-Wave Quantum dominates in quantum annealing, a specialized approach used to find optimal solutions for specific problems. The company is moving toward gate-based research after acquiring Quantum Circuits, combining dual-rail tech to pursue error-correcting systems. With more than 100 paying customers and growing revenue and bookings, D-Wave has a more mature offering but remains focused on practical applications like supply chain optimization. Rigetti Computing is pursuing a broader, universal gate-based platform intended to tackle more complex problems, reflecting a different development path in the field. Quantum computing remains experimental; qubits are fragile, and scaling to thousands or millions of qubits is an ongoing hurdle. Nvidia's Jensen Huang recently said the field crossed an inflection point toward practical use. Investors are navigating high risk, high reward.

Apple Watch users silence workout alerts with Fitness Focus mode

January 17, 2026, 10:04 AM EST. A fitness editor says silencing workout alerts on the Apple Watch can sharpen focus. For Apple Watch Ultra 3, Watch 11, or SE 3 users, the fix is to enable Fitness Focus on the iPhone: Settings > Focus > Fitness. You can let Apple prioritize alerts or tailor them: under People choose who can call or message during a workout, and under Apps decide which apps can notify. Repeated calls from the same person within a few minutes can bypass silence. The mode can auto-activate when you start a workout and be further customized on iPhone and Watch. The aim is to reduce mid-run distractions while keeping essential alerts, such as a childcare call, accessible. Experts say fewer interruptions can help performance, without eliminating important updates.

UNT teams with TxDOT to deploy AI for debris and road-hazard detection

January 17, 2026, 10:02 AM EST. Researchers at the University of North Texas have spent four months training AI on images of debris and animal carcasses to improve hazard detection on Texas highways. UNT's Yan Huang says debris and carcasses create safety risks at highway speeds, potentially triggering secondary crashes. In a two-year, $400,000 grant with the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, the project aims to push AI toward recognizing debris, animals, pedestrians, and other context to help TxDOT decide on responses. Minh Lee of TAMU notes crowdsourced data from Waze already shows hazards are reported more often than official channels and faster. The effort also uses traffic-camera feeds; UNT plans to feed AI-identified debris alerts into TxDOT's network of about 3,500 cameras.

Apple's current-gen Macs go on sale: Mac mini from $499, MacBook Air discounted up to $200

January 17, 2026, 9:54 AM EST. Apple's current-generation Macs are on sale. The base M4 Mac mini is discounted to about $499 shipped, underscoring desktop value for a compact workstation. Amazon lists the Mac mini at roughly $100 off. The M4 MacBook Air remains the portable option, with $200 off on select models. Upgrading storage, a 24GB RAM Mac mini is shown at about $110 off. The price gap favors the Mac mini by roughly $300 versus the MacBook Air at current sale prices. Buyers must choose between mobility and a desktop footprint, with the Mac mini offering strongest value for home setups. FTC: We use income-earning affiliate links.

Open Cosmos wins Ka-band spectrum to bolster UK-EU space communications

January 17, 2026, 9:50 AM EST. Open Cosmos, the British small-satellite operator led by Rafel Jordá Siquier, has won a global high-priority Ka-band spectrum licence for space-to-Earth communications. The award, secured via a fast track in Liechtenstein and approved by the International Telecommunication Union, gives the firm regulatory priority over rivals such as SpaceX's Starlink if signals clash. Backed by the UK government, the licence enables a more resilient, sovereign UK-EU satellite network. Open Cosmos has seven active satellites and recently showcased the Mantis platform and commercial wins that earned it a place on the Sunday Times Tech 100. The move underscores how nimble operators seek spectrum rights to compete in a crowded low-Earth-orbit market.

Why a $400 Android tablet beats the iPad, according to a tech journalist

January 17, 2026, 9:48 AM EST. Ryan Haines, writing for Android Authority, says he swapped a decade of iPad use for the OnePlus Pad Go 2 at roughly $400. The switch targets cost savings and workflow gains for on-the-go learning, research, and idea capture. He notes the price gap widens when you add a keyboard and stylus, yet the Android tablet now fits his needs better. A key factor is the screen: the 7:5 aspect ratio makes the display feel closer to a sheet of A4 paper, improving reading and writing and multitasking versus the iPad's 4:3. The piece argues that for certain tasks, a mid-range Android tablet can outperform premium tablets – even for long-time ecosystem enthusiasts.

Two AI stocks that could beat the market in 2026: Nvidia and Meta

January 17, 2026, 9:46 AM EST. Investors may be underestimating the growth path for two leading AI players. Nvidia benefits from surging demand for AI chips, as larger models require more compute. In Q3, Nvidia posted about $57 billion in revenue, with data centers driving results, and it guides Q4 revenue around $65 billion-a roughly 14% sequential rise. Its GPU leadership and the launch of the Vera Rubin AI platform-built on seven chips-underscore a multiyear AI buildout through major cloud providers. Wall Street expects earnings to climb about 57% this year, supporting a favorable multiple for a fast-growing, capital-intensive business. Meta Platforms, another AI beneficiary, has more than 3.5 billion daily active users across its social platforms, translating AI-driven monetization into revenue growth.

Tesla's Japan push offers lesson for struggling EV makers

January 17, 2026, 9:30 AM EST. Tesla's sales in Japan nearly doubled last year to 10,600 vehicles, even as global deliveries slipped in the U.S. and China. The company expanded its footprint with 16 permanent showrooms in high-traffic malls and shifted toward in-person experiences, moving away from an online-first approach, according to Nikkei. Richi Hashimoto, formerly Red Bull's head of marketing, was named Japan country manager in September 2024 to lead the push. Tesla also trained staff heavily, addressing a low base of EV knowledge-just 10% met the company standard. The automaker sells directly through company-owned showrooms, not franchised dealers. Japan's EV market remains nascent: about 60,677 battery-powered vehicles out of 3.8 million total last year. The lesson for others: invest in local engagement and education to build demand where awareness is low.

SpaceX Falcon 9 launch could be visible in Palm Beach County this weekend

January 17, 2026, 9:18 AM EST. SpaceX's Falcon 9 will lift off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, carrying 29 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit. The launch window spans 5:04 p.m. to 9:04 p.m. ET. If weather cooperates, the flash may be visible from Palm Beach County and beyond, potentially seen as far north as Jacksonville Beach and as far south as West Palm Beach. Live coverage begins 90 minutes before liftoff on floridatoday.com/space, with a mobile-friendly live blog from the USA TODAY Network's Space Team, including reporters Rick Neale and Brooke Edwards. Viewers can also use the Florida Today app to follow updates.

SpaceX Falcon 9 to launch 29 Starlink satellites from Florida's Space Coast Sunday

January 17, 2026, 9:16 AM EST. SpaceX plans to launch a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 29 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Launch Complex 40 on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. The launch window is 5:04 p.m. to 9:04 p.m. ET. If weather cooperates, the night liftoff could be visible along the Treasure Coast, possibly as far north as Jacksonville Beach and as far south as West Palm Beach. A late-evening rise and the rocket's contrail can yield dramatic photographs. USA TODAY Network's Space Team will provide live coverage from floridatoday.com/space, starting 90 minutes before liftoff, with a mobile-friendly live blog and countdown clock. Viewers can watch from coastal parks and beaches in Indian River and St. Lucie counties.

Boards rethink governance as AI guides shareholder votes

January 17, 2026, 9:14 AM EST. When a major financial institution said it would drop external proxy advisory firms in favor of an internal AI system to guide shareholder votes, the move signaled more than an investor story. Boards now grapple with governance decisions increasingly interpreted by machines. Proxy advisory firms rose to cope with scale as institutional owners held stakes across thousands of companies, offering data, analysis, and voting recommendations. Their influence grew because alignment was efficient, defensible, and auditable, not because investors were forced to follow them. But standardized policies often sacrificed context on complex questions like CEO succession or board refreshment. Now the tide is turning: large investors build internal stewardship; AI supplements but does not replace judgment. The shift reframes fiduciary duty and governance accountability.

Tesla uses Megapack to power Arlandastad Supercharger amid Swedish union blockade

January 17, 2026, 9:10 AM EST. Tesla Sweden opened a Supercharger at Arlandastad outside Stockholm powered by a Megapack battery, enabling operation without a permanent grid connection amid a Swedish union blockade. The blockage by Seko has blocked new connections for Superchargers, complicating rollout. Earlier Malmö and Södertälje openings were later attributed to grid operators E.ON and Telge Nät as errors. Arlandastad now has eight stalls of an original 40 planned, powered by nearby private energy arrangements. Car journalist Peter Esse notes the Megapack workaround is not easily replicated elsewhere; Arlandastad benefits from local grid access that most sites lack. Tesla says the approach bypasses the blocked process, and unions have not dramatically dented Swedish EV demand, which fell from its 2024 peak.

New year, same favorite smartphone: Motorola Razr Ultra deals persist into 2026

January 17, 2026, 9:08 AM EST. Despite a higher sticker price, the Motorola Razr Ultra remains the author's pick for 2026. The model sits at or near $1,000, but carrier promos shave hundreds off with a qualifying trade-in. AT&T is still offering the deal: no upfront cost, with bill credits only if you stay on the network for 36 months. The Razr Ultra pairs a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset with 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage, delivering a flagship experience in a foldable clamshell. Its 7-inch main display and a top-notch outer screen let you scroll and message without unfolding. A 4,700mAh battery and 68W charging keep it going. Cameras are solid but not extraordinary. Design remains a personal favorite and a talking point wherever you go, even as newer phones arrive.

Artemis II begins move to launch pad at Kennedy Space Center ahead of crewed lunar mission

January 17, 2026, 9:06 AM EST. NASA's Artemis II crewed mission began its move to the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center Friday morning, as the Artemis II rocket and Orion spacecraft, named Integrity, ride on the mobile launcher atop the crawler-transporter 2. The 4-mile crawl to Launch Pad 39-B will take up to 12 hours, starting at 7:05 a.m., carrying about 11 million pounds of hardware toward liftoff. The crew-Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency's Jeremy Hansen-will target a February launch window, with opportunities in March and April. A wet dress rehearsal is planned in early February. Artemis II will fly about 600,000 miles on a 10-day mission, around Earth and past the Moon, the first crewed step toward a sustained lunar presence.

AGI bets ride trillions on the line as investors fear a wall could cap AI rewards

January 17, 2026, 9:04 AM EST. Trillions are pouring into AI infrastructure as firms chase AGI, the hypothetical ability of machines to match human intelligence. Data centers $2.9 trillion, Nvidia valued around $4 trillion, and top salaries at OpenAI signal confidence in a lucrative payoff. Yet prominent voices warn progress could stall, triggering market losses and broader economic tremors. Sequoia partner David Cahn says investors expect AGI to justify the surge in spending. Yoshua Bengio cautions that a wall is possible but regards ongoing advance as more likely. Analysts warn the outcome hinges on continued breakthroughs; if AGI fails to materialize, tech valuations and debt tied to AI infrastructure could suffer.

NASA begins rollout of Artemis 2 moon rocket toward launch pad

January 17, 2026, 9:00 AM EST. NASA began the rollout of the Artemis 2 Space Launch System, moving the 11-million-pound stack from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39B. The first motion occurred at 7:04 a.m. EST, beginning a daylong trek to the pad. Artemis 2 Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson described the process as a careful exit from the building. The move is carried by Crawler Transporter 2, hauling the combined SLS, mobile launcher, and Orion spacecraft in an eight-to-ten hour transit. NASA will stream the rollout from Kennedy Space Center starting at 7 a.m. EST, with a February launch window described as tight by officials.

Data-center surge fuels AI ambitions, triggers energy and policy questions

January 17, 2026, 8:48 AM EST. Data centers expansion is powering the AI boom but intensifies concerns about power and water use, potentially lifting utility bills as Washington debates economic impact. The issue is mirrored in a Grok AI scandal, which raised global alarms over child-safety in generated imagery. Officials say the next global energy win will go to whoever can power AI first, with the Pentagon pushing to lead in AI, drones and space tech. The trend spills into everyday life – fast-food chains test AI-driven ordering – and even into space, as firms explore satellite data centers to meet demand. Nvidia's export licenses to China loosen chip access; debates grow over jobs as automation accelerates. Copper-mining and other supply chains gear up to sustain AI infrastructure.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus confirmed, replacing S26 Edge after NBTC listings

January 17, 2026, 8:46 AM EST. Samsung's Galaxy S26 family will include S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra, with the S26 Plus replacing the cancelled S26 Edge. Thailand's NBTC certification lists SM-S947B/DS as Galaxy S26+ and SM-S946 in another filing, suggesting Samsung kept the Edge naming alive and marketed it as the S26 Plus in 2026. The company had followed a shifting model-number pattern: the S25 Plus as SM-S936 and the S24 Plus as SM-S926; the S26 Pro started as SM-S942B and the base as SM-S941B. The Ultra carries SM-S948. Mass production has begun, with roughly 150,000 units for the S26 and S26 Plus and about 2.4 million for the S26 Ultra.

Massive Insta360 patent leak signals challenge to DJI Pocket 3

January 17, 2026, 8:44 AM EST. Unverified patent leak centers on Insta360 allegedly planning a rival to DJI's Pocket 3 vlogging camera. The posts claim genuine patent images, and a modular design, but the source has also published final images to attract attention. No product announcement has been confirmed. The piece notes that Insta360 Link 2 Pro demonstrates the company's gimbal capability, and that a China-filed patent could signal intent. Analysts question the leak's reliability; established DJI rumor sources have not corroborated it. Some posts reference a supposed Osmo Pocket 4, but that chatter remains unsubstantiated. If real, a new Insta360 pocket camera would fit a market push toward modular, on-device stabilization in a compact form factor.

Verizon outage leaves iPhone in SOS mode; how to recover connectivity

January 17, 2026, 8:40 AM EST. Verizon's outage this week left many iPhones displaying SOS instead of signal bars. While service has mostly resumed, some devices stay stuck in SOS mode or show inconsistent reception. On iPhone 14 and newer, Emergency SOS via Satellite lets you contact authorities without cellular service; standard Emergency SOS relies on a live network. If you're stuck in SOS mode, Apple recommends: stay in an area with coverage; toggle Cellular Data off and on; restart your iPhone; install any carrier settings update and, if needed, install the latest iOS; and consider resetting network settings or contacting your carrier or Apple support for help.

Bezos envisions cloud compute eclipsing PCs as RAM crunch accelerates AI push

January 17, 2026, 8:38 AM EST. Tech supply chains tilt toward AI as memory shortages reroute investment. The industry has seen the Intel Core Ultra Series 3 boost local laptop performance, while consumer RAM and SSD prices surge as memory makers shift capacity to data centers. Micron warns DRAM shortages could persist, and Intel says laptop stock could thin in 9-12 months as costs rise. Analysts warn consumer PCs may become premium gear in the coming years. Jez Corden of Windows Central cited Jeff Bezos's view that the era of owning a PC may give way to subscription cloud compute. In a New York Times interview, Bezos said most compute will be bought off the grid-i.e., via AWS-a trend tied to AI incentives rather than devices alone.

Tesla begins production at Texas lithium refinery turning hard rock into battery-grade lithium

January 17, 2026, 8:36 AM EST. Tesla on January 15 released video offering a rare inside look at its new lithium refinery near Corpus Christi, Texas, confirming production has begun in 2025. The tour, led by site manager Jason Beavenon, showcases a facility designed from the ground up to process hard rock lithium at industrial scale. Built near Robstown in the Coastal Bend, the plant converts spodumene ore into lithium hydroxide, a key component for EV batteries. Construction moved quickly: work started in 2023, by 2024 raw rock was in the kiln, and a full integrated startup followed in 2025, aided by parallel feasibility, design and construction. The refinery uses an alkaline leaching process and avoids acid roasting; byproducts include analcime, sand and limestone.

Apple Creator Studio: strong on Mac, limited on iPad and iPhone

January 17, 2026, 8:34 AM EST. Apple Creator Studio bundles Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro and more into a single subscription. On Mac, the value is clear: for $12.99 per month, users gain access to multiple Pro apps worth about $700 if bought separately, plus enhancements to Keynote, Pages and Numbers. On iPad, only a subset of apps is available and the Mac-first feature gap remains; Apple does not offer standalone iPad versions, obliging users to subscribe for limited mobile use. iPhone creators are largely overlooked, despite a growing mobile-first workflow; the lack of new offerings for iPhone represents a missed opportunity. CapCut has become one of the most popular mobile editors.

Founder builds Steve Jobs-inspired GPT to guide startup decisions

January 17, 2026, 8:32 AM EST. Startup founder builds a Steve Jobs-inspired GPT to steer decisions, using AI as a middle manager. The system lets a junior employee deliver senior-level work by converting simple prompts into structured outputs. The cofounders, who left Amazon, say Big Tech habits don't always fit smaller teams. The team shrank from over two dozen engineers to an AI-powered squad of six. The piece offers practical lessons for engineers told to embrace AI: redefine roles, shorten feedback loops, and scale decision-making with automation. It also nods to Ben Horowitz's view that investing teams shouldn't be 'too much bigger than basketball teams,' framing lean structure as a product- and culture-push.

DJI and the US drone ban explained: our expert answers every question

January 17, 2026, 8:30 AM EST. An explainer on the FCC's foreign drone ban and what it means for operators. The policy blocks certain drones and components from foreign manufacturers, disrupting workflows for businesses and hobbyists alike. The article clarifies which items remain safe to buy in the US and how buyers can verify compliance before checkout. It examines DJI's position, the broader implications for the ecosystem, and practical steps to stay compliant, including evaluating alternatives and keeping firmware in check. The piece also outlines uncertainty around timelines, enforcement, and potential exemptions, while offering guidance from an expert on risk, procurement, and risk mitigation. In short, it translates policy into purchase decisions and operational reality.

AI romance widens gender gap in tech use, study shows

January 17, 2026, 8:28 AM EST. AI relationships are reshaping modern dating and conversation. Data show a gender gap in who uses AI, but not in the appeal of AI companions. A 2024 US study found 50% of men and 37% of women had used generative AI in the past year; 2025 Appfigures data suggest ChatGPT mobile users are about 85% male. Yet women increasingly seek emotional connection with AI partners, and BYU Wheatley Institute surveys in 2025 report 31% of young men and 23% of young women had chatted with an AI date. Analysts caution against framing participants as deluded; many describe positive, playful interactions and learn how they want to be treated. The pattern nods to ancient myths about crafted beloveds, reminding readers technology shapes longing as well as reflecting it.

SpaceX to deploy NRO reconnaissance satellites from California; how to watch

January 17, 2026, 8:16 AM EST. SpaceX is set to launch a Falcon 9 rocket from California on Friday, Jan. 16, to deploy NROL-105 reconnaissance satellites for the National Reconnaissance Office. The mission uses SpaceX's 230-foot two-stage rocket to place small payloads into low-Earth orbit as part of the NRO's proliferated architecture. Liftoff from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County has a 35-minute window opening at 8:18 p.m. PT, with a backup opportunity the following day if postponed, per FAA guidance. Ground observers can choose nearby viewing spots, while home viewers can stream the launch on the SpaceX website and the X TV app about 10 minutes before liftoff, with updates on X.

Samsung's One UI 9 eyed for cross-device tools: Do Not Disturb sync, Universal Clipboard

January 17, 2026, 8:12 AM EST. Android Authority reports that Samsung's One UI 9, built on Android 17, could bring two cross-device features: Do Not Disturb sync and Universal Clipboard. The DnD sync would silence all linked devices once enabled, expanding beyond current smartwatch support and removing manual setup by introducing an OS-level toggle in Android 17's cross-device services. When activated, the Do Not Disturb state would apply across phones, tablets and wearables. The Universal Clipboard would enable copy-paste across devices, letting users move text between a phone and a tablet or PC more fluidly. Samsung is expected to ship One UI 8.5 first, with One UI 9 Beta in the second half; Android 17's developer beta could begin next month, per Android Authority.

Nuanced AI-climate debate urged as experts warn against binary thinking

January 17, 2026, 8:10 AM EST. Experts warn against a binary view of AI and climate change, arguing the topic is inherently multi-faceted and interdisciplinary. Dr. Maria João Sousa of Climate Change AI calls for a plural environment rather than a single pathway. The piece notes paradoxes: Texas leads in wind power; China dominates in renewables yet remains the largest GHG emitter. The comparison underscores human-made, fast-moving forces that shape both domains. Critics focus on AI energy use and rising emissions from data infrastructure, with firms like Microsoft and Google reporting year-over-year increases. Yet the narrative also highlights opportunity: AI could optimize grids and models, but only if guided by human choices and inclusive collaboration. The missing piece is a balanced assessment of risks and benefits, not absolutes.

Huawei Mate 80 series shortage eases as Kirin 9030 production ramps up

January 17, 2026, 7:54 AM EST. Huawei's Mate 80 shortage appears to ease as production for Kirin 9030 and 9030 Pro 5G ramps up. Weibo tipster @SuperDimensional says capacity expansion will bolster supply of flagship models, including Mate 80 Pro variants and RS Ultimate Design. Offline stores have started restocking models long out of stock, such as Mate 80 Pro 12GB + 512GB in Gold or Black, as well as the Mate 80 RS Ultimate Design purple and other colors, and the Mate 80 Pro Max. Some high-end units could see a price uptick of around 500 yuan, though prices are expected to ease as production scales. Historically, Huawei maintains ample stock before launches; this year's shortfalls for Pro Max and RS models followed rapid demand, while the vanilla Mate 80 ships freely due to higher Kirin 9020 5G chip supply. A formal announcement is awaited.

12 SEGA Game Gear titles playable in Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Tides on Xbox Series X|S

January 17, 2026, 7:44 AM EST. SEGA and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio confirm that 12 SEGA Game Gear titles will be playable inside Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Tides on Xbox Series X|S when the package lands February 12. The included list spans Columns, Fantasy Zone Gear, Galaga 2, G-LOC: Air Battle, Mappy, Pac-Man, Puzlow Kids, Sonic Chaos (Sonic & Tails), Sonic Drift, Streets of Rage, The GG Shinobi and Woody Pop. The package also features at least three old-school arcade games: Emergency Call Ambulance, SlashOut and Magical Truck Adventure. Some players express disappointment that the Game Gear and arcade titles aren't playable outside the Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Tides bundle, but publishers say the integration offers a retro experience inside the series' universe.

Amazon cuts $100 off Google Pixel 9a, price drops to $400

January 17, 2026, 7:42 AM EST. Amazon discounts the Google Pixel 9a by $100, bringing the price to $400 for the base 128GB model. The deal covers all four colors – obsidian, porcelain, peony, and iris – with a higher-priced 256GB option also available. The phone ships with a long-lasting battery, a 6.3-inch display and Gemini AI features. Google promises seven years of security and OS updates. Power comes from a Tensor G4 CPU with up to 3.1 GHz and 8GB RAM, plus an adaptive 60-120Hz display. Battery modes include Adaptive Battery and Extreme Battery Saver. The device targets value buyers seeking solid performance in a compact footprint, but it trails in fast charging and camera capabilities compared with pricier Android flagships.

China hit by dual launch failures as Long March 3B and Ceres-2 debut mission fail

January 17, 2026, 7:40 AM EST. Two Chinese launches failed within hours. The Long March 3B lifted from Xichang on Jan. 16 at 11:55 a.m. ET, but a third-stage anomaly doomed the classified Shijian-32 satellite, CASC said about half a day later. It was the first full Long March 3B failure since Indonesia's Palapa-N1/Nusantara-2 disaster in 2020. Minutes later, Galactic Energy's debut of the larger Ceres-2 solid rocket also ended in failure after months of delays. CASC provided no mission details for Shijian-32; the Shijian program tests experiments and on-orbit technologies. The losses could affect China's launch cadence, potentially pushing reliance onto other boosters such as kerolox Long March 7A for similar missions.

AI reshapes healthcare as hospitals embrace generative tools

January 17, 2026, 7:38 AM EST. Fox Business anchors describe how AI is reshaping healthcare, with OpenAI saying about 40 million users worldwide rely on ChatGPT daily for medical questions and the launch of ChatGPT Health to analyze test results and prep for appointments. Rival Anthropic has rolled out Claude for Healthcare to support clinical workflows and patient education. Hospitals and health systems are partnering with major AI firms to improve diagnostics, streamline operations and expand access to medical information. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center is among OpenAI's healthcare partners, with executives cautioning that tools must be tested, safe and ethical before scaling. In dermatology, MSK researchers test AI on image analysis for skin cancer detection, including a 360-degree, 92-camera system to identify high-risk lesions. Weighing promise against practical realities, officials say the industry is moving beyond the pre-chatgpt era.

New study finds emotional intelligence does not predict AI adoption in the workplace

January 17, 2026, 7:36 AM EST. LEADx analyzed data from 993 working professionals and found emotional intelligence has no meaningful link to AI adoption at work. Daily and weekly AI use correlate near zero (r = -0.03, p = .37; r = -0.00, p = .92), indicating EQ does not drive adoption. The findings point to other factors-role, industry, access, and organizational expectations-shaping AI use. For talent development leaders, three takeaways emerge: (1) other factors influence adoption more than EQ; (2) low EQ with high AI usage could undermine decision quality and communication, risking errors or unethical outcomes; (3) cases like a Deloitte AI-factual-errors dispute show potential consequences. Future work should control for job type, age, and manager support.

China's 'Are You Dead?' app uses a two-day countdown to alert contacts if you die alone

January 17, 2026, 7:28 AM EST. An app called Are You Dead? is trending in China, offering a two-day countdown that users must reset by tapping a button. The paid app costs about $1.15 and, if the timer expires, sends an automatic text to a designated emergency contact. Launched in May 2025, it has surged in popularity among urban, young adults, according to the BBC. Observers say the feature taps into a concern that people living alone could die unseen. State Council Information Office figures show China's single population rising as the country ages: the 30-year-old unmarried rate was 29.97% in 2023, up from 14.56% a decade earlier. Experts say the trend fuels demand for practical safety tools.

SpaceX IPO could redefine private tech winner into public investor access, experts say

January 17, 2026, 7:22 AM EST. SpaceX plans a 2026 IPO that could raise more than $30 billion, potentially the largest in history. The company has not filed yet, and timing remains uncertain. Analysts say the payoff hinges on SpaceX's technological moat-launch reusability, Starlink connectivity, and potential orbital data-center ambitions-yet valuation, timing, and execution risk loom for public investors. Daniel Maguire of ARK Invest notes SpaceX's path to full reusability with Starship, and argues the lack of direct competition is a differentiator. He cites Starlink's mobile coverage and orbital data-center idea as upside. Jay Ritter, noted IPO expert, and others emphasize that most IPO shares go to institutional investors, making access and price discovery critical. Investors should educate themselves about the risk-reward profile before speculation.

NVIDIA Faces China Tariff Headwind as Wolfe Stays Bullish with $250 Target

January 17, 2026, 7:18 AM EST. Wolfe Research keeps an Outperform rating on NVIDIA (NVDA) with a $250 target, implying about a 33.6% upside. The note follows a White House tariff on some advanced semiconductors that could affect NVDA's H200 shipments to China. Wolfe suggests the tariff might yield a prearranged payment for export approvals, potentially tied to broader U.S.-China trade talks. Investing.com previously estimated China shipments could reach $2-$5 billion per quarter if exports are allowed, roughly 5% of quarterly revenue. NVIDIA is a California-based computing infrastructure company focused on graphics, compute, and networking. The brief also says some AI stocks could offer greater upside with less downside risk.

Michael Burry uses Buffett story to explain AI bets

January 17, 2026, 6:50 AM EST. Hedge fund investor Michael Burry reportedly used a Warren Buffett anecdote to illustrate his AI bets. People familiar with the talks said the story framed AI investments as a probabilistic, long-horizon wager rather than a quick trade. The episode, if confirmed, underscores Burry's contrarian approach and his willingness to connect AI's potential to Buffett's caution and value principles. There was no formal comment from Burry's camp, and details remain private. The report highlights how veteran investors are framing AI-driven opportunities in a way that blends risk awareness with breakthrough tech.

TCL's PlayCube portable projector pairs Rubik's Cube-inspired design with Google TV

January 17, 2026, 6:46 AM EST. TCL's PlayCube is a pocketable, all-in-one Google TV projector designed for nomads. The 90-degree rotating body, inspired by a Rubik's Cube, lets you lift the image over obstacles or mount on a tripod for ceiling viewing. It weighs 1.3 kg and measures roughly 150 by 96 by 96 mm. TCL quotes 750 ISO lumens, bright enough for daytime 30-inch projections and up to 100-inch cinema-style images at night, though colors lag behind with no dedicated color-mapping tech. A single 5W speaker delivers loud but thin, harsh sound; you can route audio via 3.5 mm or Bluetooth. Battery runs around three hours in bright mode. For $800, it balances image, sound, battery and portability, but users will notice sluggishness at times and stronger audio options may be desirable.

AI healthcare rush accelerates as deals pour in

January 17, 2026, 6:36 AM EST. OpenAI bought health startup Torch, signaling a rapid entry into AI-enabled care. In parallel, Anthropic launched Claude for healthcare, and Sam Altman-backed MergeLabs closed a $250 million seed round at an $850 million valuation, underscoring strong investor appetite for AI in health and voice tooling. The momentum comes amid warnings about hallucinations, inaccurate medical information, and security vulnerabilities in systems handling sensitive patient data. Regulators and providers are weighing risk controls and data stewardship as AI tools touch clinical workflows. Equity's podcast explores why healthcare has become a magnet for AI investment, what products may follow, and how the industry plans to balance promise with risk.

Russia's only working launch pad damaged after ISS Soyuz MS-28 launch

January 17, 2026, 6:26 AM EST. Russia's only working launch pad at Baikonur was damaged after the Soyuz MS-28 mission to the ISS on Thanksgiving. The three-astronaut crew – Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev, along with NASA's Chris Williams – reached orbit and will spend about eight months aboard the station. Roscosmos said pad components are being assessed and repaired, with no specifics provided. Ars Technica cited an unnamed eyewitness who said a roughly 22-ton service platform fell into the flame trench during liftoff, if confirmed. Russia now faces repairs or retrofitting another pad, as there is no current plan to launch humans until the site is back online. The country also operates two other cosmodromes, Vostochny and Plesetsk.

Apple hit with $150,000 civil penalty in New Jersey over pricing disclosures

January 17, 2026, 6:20 AM EST. New Jersey's attorney general said Apple will pay a $150,000 civil penalty and revise store practices after a review found widespread failures to display pricing as required. Investigators reviewed 11 Apple stores and found display tables often lacked prices required by a 2017 consent order. The enforcement action requires prices to be plainly marked on merchandise and refund policies to be clearly posted where customers can see them, without needing to interact with a device to view the total price. Apple's in-store digital pricing, which shows prices via apps and device notifications, contributed to violations. The penalty is the largest under the state's Merchandise Pricing Act. Attorney General Matthew Platkin said the move protects consumer rights.

Spire Global's HyMS and Myriota satellites sharpen weather data and IoT service bets

January 17, 2026, 6:18 AM EST. Spire Global launched nine satellites on SpaceX's Twilight mission on January 12, including its HyMS demonstrator and eight Myriota modules to expand global IoT connectivity. HyMS aims to deliver real-time atmospheric data to improve weather forecasting, while the larger Myriota constellation positions Spire as a provider of low-power, secure IoT services across critical industries. The milestone reinforces Spire's core tech story but does not erase risks around execution, cash burn, and dependence on newer segments after the maritime divestiture. A shelf registration for up to 1,986,468 Class A shares highlights ongoing cash management concerns. Forecasts vary widely: revenue by 2028 around tens of millions with a broad fair value range, underscoring investor uncertainty about ramp timing.

Nvidia's China market share seen tumbling to 8% as export controls and homegrown rivals gain ground

January 17, 2026, 6:06 AM EST. Nvidia could see its share of China's AI-processor market shrink to about 8% this year from 66% in 2024, as export curbs and homegrown rivals erode its dominance. Bernstein-backed analysts cited by Chinese media say Huawei, Cambricon and Moore Threads are capturing roughly 80% of local demand, aided by new domestic GPUs and software stacks. Moore Threads' Huashan GPU targets AI workloads and competes with Nvidia's Hopper-based H200 families, though it trails the Blackwell B200/B300 GPUs that remain restricted for export. Huawei's Atlas 950 SuperCluster and other Chinese accelerators promise higher computed throughput at greater power use. The shift hinges on moving from an Nvidia-centric ecosystem to a fully domestic stack, a task complicated by existing deployments and the CUDA (NVIDIA's parallel computing platform) software ecosystem.

Bank CEOs say AI will reshape headcount, accelerate skill shifts

January 17, 2026, 6:02 AM EST. Bank executives say artificial intelligence will redefine staffing more through redeployment than outright layoffs. In interviews and earnings calls, CEOs described AI as a tool that boosts productivity while shifting work from routine, back-office tasks to automated processes; it may trim some roles but create demand for data science, software engineering and deeper risk controls. Banks expect automation to compress headcount growth, prompt cross-functional skill upgrades and longer retirement clocks for legacy systems. Most plan to slow hiring in areas dominated by repetitive tasks while accelerating training programs to partner with machines. Regulators caution on governance and bias as banks deploy AI at scale. The timeline remains uncertain, with two to five years cited for meaningful changes, depending on region and business line.

Clicks' Power Keyboard blends retro BlackBerry vibe with slim, MagSafe-compatible design

January 17, 2026, 5:38 AM EST. At CES 2026, Clicks unveiled the Power Keyboard, a magnetically attached accessory that works with any device supporting MagSafe or Qi/Qi2 wireless charging. Unlike older cases, it clips on and off with a firm snap and can rotate for landscape use. In hands-on testing, it attached securely to an iPhone 16 Pro, and its size adjustments accommodate other phones. The keys deliver a tactile, retro feel inspired by BlackBerry QWERTY keyboards. In Bluetooth mode, it runs on an integrated battery, letting users type without the keyboard attached. The design reduces bulk and broadens compatibility, but the item remains a nostalgia-driven option for productive typing on the go.

Antler study shows AI unicorn founders getting younger

January 17, 2026, 5:34 AM EST. An Antler study finds AI unicorn founders are getting younger. The average age at unicorn launch fell from a peak of 40 in 2021 to 29 in 2024, after analyzing 1,629 unicorns and 3,512 founders worldwide. By contrast, founder ages in other sectors have risen, with the typical unicorn founder moving from 30 in 2014 to 34 among 2022-2024 entrants. Notable young founders include Alexandr Wang of Scale AI, now 29, who joined Meta in a $14.3 billion deal to lead its TBD Labs unit. Other fast-moving teams include Mercor, led by founders aged 22, and AnySphere, whose leaders are in their 20s. Antler's Fridtjof Berge says speed and experimentation matter more than traditional corporate experience in AI entrepreneurship.

ICYMI: Meta retreats from VR as Apple bows to Google on Siri AI update – the week's 7 biggest tech stories

January 17, 2026, 5:32 AM EST. Meta appears to pull back from VR by slashing Reality Labs jobs, signaling a retreat from immersive tech. Apple, facing a crowded AI field, reportedly caved to Google on an AI update for Siri. In drones, DJI wins a small break as import restrictions flicker in the US. On screen, Sophie Turner is cast as Lara Croft in Amazon's Tomb Raider series, signaling a major adaptation. Spotify users complain about AI-generated music in Discover Weekly and Release Radar, with labeling and price hikes adding to tensions. The week also featured drone-import policy shifts and ongoing regulatory scrutiny, underscoring how tech moves intertwine with policy and consumer impact.

NASA rolls out 11 million-pound Moon rocket to launchpad ahead of Artemis II

January 17, 2026, 5:14 AM EST. NASA will roll the 322-foot-tall Space Launch System rocket, topped by the Orion crew capsule, to Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center-a 4-mile trek from the Vehicle Assembly Building. The rollout, starting about 7 a.m. ET, will be streamed on NASA's YouTube channel and marks the start of tests and dress rehearsals for Artemis II, the first crewed lunar mission in more than 50 years. The four astronauts are Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen. A crawler-transporter will move the 11-million-pound booster at roughly 1 mph. After arrival, teams begin a wet dress rehearsal, fueling the rocket and stepping through the countdown to T-minus 29 seconds. If successful, a Feb. 6-11 launch window may be announced, with other windows in March or April.

Gmail rolls out AI features; users must decide on Pro/Ultra access

January 17, 2026, 5:00 AM EST. Gmail is rolling out AI-powered features to most users as of Jan. 8, applying to many accounts. The update adds AI Overview, Help Me Write and related tools designed to streamline email. Google says the AI can summarize threads, flag key points, suggest replies, and scan old messages with natural-language queries. When asked a question, Gemini generates an AI Overview with the requested answer, such as identifying a plumber's quote from last year. Some features require Google AI Pro or Ultra subscriptions. The AI Inbox sorts messages by importance, and Help Me Write can draft replies in the user's tone. Users can disable features in Settings under the Smart sections. Google plans more AI features in coming months.

Tesla Diner six months in: report finds a huge disappointment

January 17, 2026, 4:58 AM EST. A new report recaps the troubled reception of the Tesla Diner, six months after its July opening at a Tesla Supercharger site. Autoblog flagged the venture as a misfire and suggested it became a 'ghost town.' The restaurant's launch followed a Musk tweet promising an old-school drive-in and robotic service, but coverage quickly highlighted a mismatch between hype and reality. The New York Times reviewing headline warned, 'At the Tesla Diner, the Future Looks Mid.' Early customer reviews cited slow service, high prices and a lack of expected futuristic touches, including robots behind the counter. Tesla's broader 2025 trajectory-political blowback, stalled federal incentives, and a limited robotaxi debut-has kept investors wary. The diner fade underscores challenges facing a brand betting on hype to sustain growth.

Google Wallet on Android and Wear OS gains full transaction history

January 17, 2026, 4:46 AM EST. Google Wallet on Android and Wear OS is gaining a full transaction history. Previously, the app showed only the last 10 purchases; full records were accessible on the Wallet website. A Google Play Services changelog indicates users can now view transactions from other devices and online purchases that use virtual card numbers. The update broadens access to transaction history beyond the mobile app. Some users may not see the feature immediately as rollouts can be gradual. The report comes from 9to5Google, via a Wallet changelog observed in Google Play Services. In short, Wallet users on Android and Wear OS should soon be able to review more transactions across devices.

AMD stays cautious on Multi Frame Generation as Nvidia and Intel push ahead

January 17, 2026, 4:44 AM EST. AMD says it will proceed very cautiously with Multi Frame Generation (MFG) as Nvidia expands the feature and Intel adds it to XeSS 3. In a Gizmodo interview, David McAfee of AMD said the company will listen to gamers' reactions and move slowly over the coming years. FSR Redstone replaces FSR 4 and rebrands the Frame Generation part as FSR Frame Generation, now ML-powered. It interpolates between two consecutive source frames to smooth motion, launching with 30+ titles and more than 40 currently. AMD says its approach doubles frame rate with 2x frame gen – one rendered frame plus one AI-generated frame – while Nvidia's DLSS 4.5 offers up to 6x MFG by producing five AI-generated frames. McAfee also notes ongoing conversations about frame interpolation for handheld AMD platforms.

CCI warns Apple to respond by next week or face $38 billion penalty in App Store probe

January 17, 2026, 4:42 AM EST. The Competition Commission of India has issued a final warning to Apple to respond by next week in a long-running probe of the App Store practices. A confidential December 31 order accuses Apple of delaying by seeking repeated extensions. Apple has mounted a constitutional challenge to the 2024 law allowing fines based on global revenue; argues framework is manifestly arbitrary and grossly disproportionate, likening penalties to punishing a toy seller for one product line. The case traces to 2022 complaints by Match Group and Indian startups about forced use of Apple's payment system, up to 30% commissions, and blocking alternative payments. Court hearing is scheduled for late January in Delhi High Court; the CCI rejected a bid to freeze proceedings; both sides dig in. Legal experts say the amended law supports the regulator; Apple faces long odds and potential exposure.

CES signals path for Apple to evolve Siri with animated faces and new hardware bets

January 17, 2026, 4:10 AM EST. At CES trends show AI assistants adopting animated faces and personality. The piece argues Apple could help Siri by blending robotics and mobile design, citing the Keyi Loona Deskmate as a model for turning an iPhone stand into an animated assistant. A coin-sized Isaac disc is highlighted for potential benefits to the Apple Watch and its health aims. Apple has leaned on partnerships, including a reported $200 million to acquire Siri in 2010, and estimates that it could pay Google as much as $5 billion over time to tailor a Gemini-based version of Siri. Some gadgets push away from screens, like the Clicks Communicator and the Dreamie bedside clock. A feature like Liquid Canvas could turn Apple TV into a shared art frame; future TV features are teased.

Nvidia's Vera Rubin goes into production six months early, reshaping 2026 outlook

January 17, 2026, 3:56 AM EST. At CES in Las Vegas, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said the company's next-generation AI chip, Vera Rubin, is now in full production, six months ahead of the prior target to reach H2 2026. Nvidia touts Rubin's design as slashing token-processing costs by up to 90% while using about 75% fewer GPUs, strengthening its edge as AI demand soars. The surprise timing expands Nvidia's cadence of releases, a key part of its strategy since late 2023. Traders and investors have seen volatility, with Nvidia shares retreating earlier but rebounding; the news could set the stage for 2026. The development intensifies competition in a chip shortage market that still limits supply for AI workloads.

AI could wipe out competitive edges as rivals use identical tools

January 17, 2026, 3:54 AM EST. Industry leaders warn that off-the-shelf AI tools could compress differentiation. As firms deploy the same models, capabilities risk converging, reducing pricing power and hard-to-copy advantages. Analysts say the competitive moat around a business-data, processes, and customer relationships-will be harder to sustain. Firms that rely on proprietary data or heavy customization may still win, but the edge now hinges on speed, integration, and execution, not just access to the latest tool. Regulators and investors are watching governance, data privacy, and model auditability as AI adoption scales. The dynamic could redraw industry margins, accelerating consolidation in some sectors while inviting new, efficiency-driven entrants in others.

Apple iPhone Air Bumper drops to $19.59 in all-time low; Crossbody Strap also discounted

January 17, 2026, 3:42 AM EST. Apple's iPhone Air Bumper has fallen to a new all-time low of $19.59, a 50% cut from $39. The reinforced polycarbonate frame shields the edges while keeping the design exposed. The bumper preserves tactile buttons and adds a sapphire-crystal, conductive layer at the Camera Control cutout to pass finger movements to the sensor. Apple's Crossbody Strap also drops to $32.25 (45% off from $59), with two attachment points for hands-free carrying. Among colors, Tan offers the deepest discount; Light Blue is $20.14; Black $20.87 with an on-page coupon; Light Gray $26.21. The deals are promoted by iClarified. For more Apple accessory offers, download the iClarified app or follow the site on X, Facebook, YouTube, and RSS.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ 5G Review: strong mid-range performance and seven-year update promise

January 17, 2026, 3:40 AM EST. Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ 5G delivers strong mid-range performance thanks to the MediaTek Dimensity 7300. Both Wi-Fi and 5G variants feel fast for the price; storage is quick for the class and satellite positioning is supported on all models. The design is familiar-aluminum chassis with a wide plastic antenna strip; weight and footprint sit with rivals. Build is solid, though the case can creak under pressure. Configurations include 6/8 GB RAM and 128/256 GB storage, plus microSD expansion; USB 2.0; NFC is absent; 5G variants can make phone calls. Android 16 with OneUI ships pre-installed; Samsung promises updates through 2032. Some pre-installed ads exist, but can be removed; packaging is plastic-free and a spare-parts shop is available. Wi-Fi 5 performance lags.

Amazon LEO wins Nigeria permits as Africa's largest telecom market expands satellite internet options

January 17, 2026, 3:38 AM EST. Nigeria's regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), awarded seven-year commercial satellite permits to Amazon LEO (formerly Project Kuiper), Israel's NSLComm for its BeetleSat network, and Germany's Satelio IoT Services. The permits authorize deployment of non-geostationary satellite systems over Nigerian territory from 2026. The decision positions Amazon LEO alongside Starlink in Nigeria's growing broadband market, underscoring Africa's push to widen high-speed connectivity with satellite options. The NCC said the licenses cover operation of non-geostationary constellations, signaling a new phase in the continent's digital expansion and potential competition for fixed wireless and fibre providers.

AI stock showdown for 2026: Nvidia, Alphabet or Microsoft?

January 17, 2026, 3:24 AM EST. Two 24/7 Wall St. analysts debated which AI heavyweight-Alphabet, Microsoft or Nvidia-could win 2026. Nvidia stands apart thanks to its Blackwell architecture, rising data-center demand and a supply-constrained backdrop. Bleeker argues that Nvidia's gains in 2023-24, plus ~35% in 2025, imply 20%-30% in 2026 would be outstanding as the AI cycle is still in its early stages. Alphabet has rebounded with Gemini 3 and is selling its TPU chips to rivals like Meta Platforms, offering an alternative to Nvidia's chips. Microsoft's story centers on cloud momentum, with the key metric being Azure growth, though those rates have decelerated. The hosts weigh which stock may lead in 2026, balancing product cycles, capacity needs and market demand.

CES 2026: Samsung S95H OLED glare-free glare and flexible I/O draw buyers

January 17, 2026, 3:02 AM EST. CES 2026 features featured Samsung's S95H OLED as a standout for its glare-free performance that stays bright and colorful even with sunlight streaming in. The author notes the model's strength for daytime viewing, contrasting it with last year's S95F; the newer TV's combination of on-board I/O and the optional Wireless One Connect Box offers flexible connections for consoles, speakers, and other devices. The piece stresses port flexibility as a selling point. It also advises buyers to wait for holiday sales before pulling the trigger on a premium screen. The tone is practical, focusing on real-world use rather than hype.

Samsung Galaxy S26 lineup confirmed: S26, S26 Plus, S26 Ultra; no Pro or Edge at launch

January 17, 2026, 3:00 AM EST. Samsung's Colombia site surfaced a PDF detailing Galaxy S26 promotions, spotted by SamMobile, naming three models: Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus, and Galaxy S26 Ultra. The document shows there will be no launch of a Galaxy S26 Pro or Galaxy S26 Edge at the outset, though an Edge variant could arrive later. Launch timing, per leaks, points to around February 25. The three devices may use Snapdragon or Exynos chips depending on market for the base and Plus, with the Galaxy S26 expected to carry a 4,300mAh battery and the Galaxy S26 Plus a 4,900mAh cell. The Galaxy S26 Ultra could have a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, a 5,000mAh battery, and a slightly upgraded rear camera setup. These notes corroborate earlier rumors but stay within the Colombia document's framing.

Sega adds Magical Truck Adventure to Yakuza Kiwami 3 retro lineup

January 17, 2026, 2:56 AM EST. SEGA has added another retro arcade title to the Yakuza Kiwami 3 lineup, aligning with the Switch 2 release timing. Following recent Game Gear news, the company revealed Magical Truck Adventure, a 1998 Model 3 on-rails (fixed-path) title, joined by Emergency Call Ambulance and SlashOut. In Magical Truck Adventure, players guide two kids, Roy and Alma, as they power a hand-operated rail cart to retrieve a magical stone, dodging obstacles and jumping through wild courses. The game supports solo and co-op play, with players pumping a lever to accelerate. Sega previously rolled out other retro titles for Yakuza Kiwami 3, and a PlayStation Blog demo is confirmed.

Thiel Sells Nvidia, Bets on Apple and Microsoft in AI Stock Rotation

January 17, 2026, 2:54 AM EST. Peter Thiel sold his stake in Nvidia in the third quarter and rotated capital into Apple and Microsoft, according to Thiel Macro's latest 13F filing. The move shows a contrarian bet as Nvidia's stock rose rapidly on AI-cycle hopes, while Thiel shifts toward two long-standing technology giants. Nvidia's market-cap surge has turned it into a macroeconomic indicator linked to geopolitics, export controls and capex trends, prompting fund managers to rethink concentration risk. Apple and Microsoft, once deemed 'dinosaurs' by some, are now viewed as steady beneficiaries of enterprise demand, cloud and consumer ecosystems. Thiel's fund remains focused on technology and AI themes, but the moves underscore a willingness to rotate into broadly diversified mega-caps amid a crowded name.

U.S. weighs using retired naval reactors to power AI data centers

January 17, 2026, 2:50 AM EST. Texas-based HGP Intelligent Energy has asked the U.S. Department of Energy to connect two retired naval reactors to an AI-focused data center at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, supplying about 450 to 520 MW of constant power. If approved under the Genesis Mission program, it would mark the first civilian reuse of naval reactors. The two units powered a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier and Los Angeles-class submarine, and would be relocated to federal land at Oak Ridge to sit inside civilian facilities. The arrangement could run nonstop for hundreds of thousands of homes. AI data centers require steady, around-the-clock power and cooling. Oak Ridge is preparing AI-focused systems like Lux and Discovery; costs are cited at about $1.8-2.1 billion; first phase could start by 2029 if permits and financing arrive.

Motorola unveils Moto Watch with Polar-backed fitness tracking at CES 2026

January 17, 2026, 2:46 AM EST. CES 2026: Motorola introduces the $150 Moto Watch, a smartwatch that blends a polished look with Polar-backed health tracking. It runs Motorola's own software and works with Android phones only, not Google's Wear OS. The watch features dual-band GPS, a 47mm round OLED display (Gorilla Glass 3), and a battery life Motorola markets as up to 13 days with raise-to-wake and seven days with the always-on display. The Polar partnership adds metrics such as heart-rate variability, sleep stages and recovery. It carries IP68 water resistance, interchangeable bands, and compatibility with third-party straps. Motorola is targeting a cross-over audience between fitness wearables and traditional smartwatches, delivering fitness depth without full Wear OS integration.

How the internet shifted: from early web nostalgia to algorithm-driven mega platforms

January 17, 2026, 2:40 AM EST. Older internet users recall a pre-mega-platform web-libraries, LiveJournal, and link aggregators like FARK and Metafilter. In Vox's Explain It to Me, Max Read argues two shifts reshaped online life. First, Facebook's 2006 newsfeed boosted engagement and time on site, anchoring the modern feed. Second, TikTok's For You page, driven by a precise algorithm, accelerated an antisocial, endless-scroll internet. Read says the change expanded platform scale even as it narrowed user experiences. The interview questions whether the algorithm killed the internet, while noting it also created its vast reach. The excerpt points listeners to the full episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and invites questions via Vox.

How millennials fell out of love with the internet, Vox podcast notes

January 17, 2026, 2:38 AM EST. Millennials recall a time before rage bait and platform-bred centrality. The Vox podcast Explain It to Me interviews Max Read, who recalls a web landscape built around niche sites and cross-links-FARK, Metafilter, LiveJournal, MySpace Top 8-rather than a few megaplatforms. Two shifts reshaped online life: in 2006, Facebook's newsfeed boosted engagement and time on site, pushing users toward a centralized feed; and TikTok's For You page powered an ultra-tailored, highly addictive algorithm. Read argues the algorithm helped grow the internet's scale even as it fostered anti-social patterns. The discussion weighs whether the change was inevitable or driven by business incentives, noting Zuckerberg's logic about audience retention amid rising numbers.

IonQ Eyes $72 Billion Quantum Market by 2035, But Path to Profit Remains Unclear

January 17, 2026, 2:36 AM EST. McKinsey projects a potential quantum computing market worth as much as $72 billion by 2035, with a wide range from $28 billion to the high end. The field remains early-stage: dozens of players pursue workable machines, but no dominant product has emerged. IonQ is a pure play – focused entirely on quantum computing – making it a high-risk, high-reward bet. Startups rely on equity sales and research contracts, a fragile funding model if milestones slip. By contrast, giants such as Alphabet, Microsoft, and IBM bring deep cash cushions; Alphabet posted over $150 billion in operating cash last year and holds near $100 billion in liquid assets. IonQ has about $1 billion in cash and short-term investments but little revenue. It set a world-record for accuracy in October, yet commercialization remains uncertain.

Quantum computing could be a $72 billion opportunity by 2035; can IonQ capture it?

January 17, 2026, 2:34 AM EST. Quantum computing remains a crowded, high-stakes race. Dozens of players-from startups to Alphabet, Microsoft and IBM-are chasing commercially viable machines, with several approaches under development. IonQ is a pure-play quantum computing company, a high-risk, high-reward bet that could pay big if a practical advantage emerges, but could also fade. Startups largely rely on equity sales and research contracts and have little revenue to date, while incumbents spend at scale with healthier balances. Alphabet, for example, has more than $150B in operating cash flow and about $100B in cash on hand versus IonQ's roughly $1B. McKinsey projects a potential $28B-$72B market by 2035, underscoring uncertainty about timing and practicality. IonQ leads in accuracy now, but its error rates remain well above a practical usefulness threshold.

Analyst outlines expected specs for iPhone Fold and iPhone 18 Pro lineup

January 17, 2026, 2:32 AM EST. GF Securities analyst Jeff Pu outlines expected specs for Apple's foldable iPhone and the iPhone 18 Pro lineup, both tipped for a September debut. The iPhone Fold reportedly has a 7.8-inch inner display and a 5.3-inch cover screen, A20 Pro SoC, N2 chip, C2 modem, 12GB LPDDR5 RAM, and Touch ID. It is said to carry a dual 48MP rear camera with 18MP front cameras for both displays. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max would use the A20 Pro SoC, N2 and C2, with 12GB RAM and 18MP front cameras; some reports mention a 24MP selfie sensor. Rear cameras include a 48MP main (variable aperture), 48MP periscope telephoto, and 48MP ultrawide, with 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch displays and an under-display Face ID setup.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra bundle offers up to $575 off with Watch 8 and Buds 3

January 17, 2026, 2:30 AM EST. Samsung is rolling out a limited-time bundle offering the Galaxy S25 Ultra (512GB) together with the Watch 8 and Buds 3. The three-item package can save up to $575, pushing the bundle to about $1,430-roughly $130 more than the tentative Galaxy S26 Ultra price. Samsung is selling the S25 Ultra 512GB for $1,000 in the US, with a free storage upgrade to 512GB. The phone launched at $1,419 last February. The Watch 8 40mm (Bluetooth/Wi-Fi) is $280, with a free Sports Band, and Buds 3 are $150. If the promo ends, the bundle would equal the phone alone. Source – Samsung Mobile US.

Thinking Machines Cofounder's Office Relationship Preceded Termination, WIRED Reports

January 17, 2026, 2:28 AM EST. WIRED reports that Thinking Machines Lab confronted cofounder and former CTO Barret Zoph over an alleged workplace relationship with another employee last summer. The person, in a leadership role in a different department, is no longer at the lab. Murati spoke with Zoph about the relationship, and the working relationship between the two cofounders deteriorated in the months that followed. Zoph began speaking with competitors before leaving; he was later hired by OpenAI, whose CEO of applications, Fidji Simo, said the hire had been in motion for weeks and that she did not share the lab's ethics concerns. Other cofounders and researchers also left for OpenAI or Meta in recent months. Murati's team declined to comment.

Apple to upgrade five devices to OLED displays between 2026 and 2028, per DigiTimes

January 17, 2026, 2:26 AM EST. Apple plans to upgrade five devices to OLED displays between 2026 and 2028, according to DigiTimes. The report follows Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who previously said the iPad mini and MacBook Pro could switch to OLED as soon as this year, but expected the MacBook Air to wait until 2028 at the earliest. Gurman also noted an incoming iPad Air this year would use an LCD screen, with an OLED model arriving no earlier than 2027. The Elec, a South Korean outlet, last month said Apple is eyeing a 24-inch iMac with OLED in 2027 or 2028. Device-by-device timing: iPad mini 2026; MacBook Pro late 2026 or 2027; iPad Air 2027; iMac 2027-2028; MacBook Air 2028. OLED offers richer color and deeper blacks than LCD.

Iran plans permanent break from global internet, activists say

January 17, 2026, 2:20 AM EST. Activists say Iran plans a permanent split from the global internet, restricting most users to a censored domestic network and granting access only to those with government clearance. A confidential plan, reported by Filterwatch, would treat international access as a government privilege that could last beyond 2026, with state media signaling a permanent shift toward a perma-closed net. The plan relies on whitelisting-letting a vetted minority reach the global net while others stay on a national network. Officials say the international link would be shut until Nowruz, the Persian new year. Analysts note the shutdown since January is part of a 16-year effort to control online discourse, aided by tech from China and high-capacity middleboxes. Critics warn the economic and cultural costs would be enormous.

Canada replaces 100% tariff on Chinese EVs with tariff-quota, reshaping Tesla competition

January 17, 2026, 2:18 AM EST. Canada shifts from a 100% tariff on Chinese EVs to a tariff-quota system that reopens limited imports. The deal allows up to 49,000 Chinese-made EVs per year at 6.1% duty, rising to 70,000 by year five. The government says about 50% of imports by year five will be under $35,000, with the cap below 3% of Canada's auto sales. For Tesla, the reform could restore Model 3 imports from Giga Shanghai at the 6.1% rate, after a 25% US tariff that pushed prices higher. The Model Y is already imported from Giga Berlin; Model S and Model X from Fremont would still face tariffs. The deal also opens Canada to BYD and Xiaomi, signaling a broader shift. A phased-in approach means early years see fewer sub-$35,000 cars, with progress toward 50% by year five.

Tesla owner learns home charging speed depends on power source, not the car

January 17, 2026, 2:16 AM EST. A Tesla owner shares what she calls a real-world guide to charging at home. A viral TikTok from BK (@bklynnatl) outlines how charging speed depends on the power source rather than the car, noting that with a 240-volt mobile connector the car gains about 25 to 30 miles of range per hour while a hardwired Tesla Wall Connector can roughly double that rate. She says she charges from 20% to 80% overnight, with 100% charging reserved for long trips. Tesla says charging speed hinges on the power source, not the car, and the U.S. DOE has long framed home charging as a background task. Some commenters suggest the Wall Connector; BK says she prefers overnight home charging and avoids Superchargers when not traveling. The discussion highlights consumer uncertainty about what 'home charging' means day to day.

Motorola Razr Ultra price drops to $1,000 with free Moto Watch Fit and Moto Buds+

January 17, 2026, 2:14 AM EST. Motorola has cut the price of its Razr Ultra, now offered in a value bundle that includes a free Moto Watch Fit and Moto Buds+. The foldable features a 7-inch inner display and a 4-inch outer panel, powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip with 16GB RAM and 1TB storage. It runs with a 50MP rear camera and a 50MP selfie camera, backed by a 4,700mAh battery and 68W wired charging. The deal drops the sticker price to $1,000, a move Motorola hopes will boost adoption as foldables gain traction against rivals like Samsung in 2026. Pricing, not just hardware, will steer consumer interest. Analysts say the bundle adds value, but the model remains premium and market momentum depends on ongoing software refinements.

Memory price spike boosts Samsung as rivals trim orders

January 17, 2026, 2:10 AM EST. Rising DRAM and NAND prices are reshaping the mobile supply chain. Memory costs could jump 40% to 50% in Q1 2026, squeezing the bill of materials. Chinese brands-Xiaomi and OPPO-are trimming component orders by about 20%, while Vivo is cutting around 15%. Realme-OPPO-OnePlus consolidation is framed as survival, not efficiency. Samsung and Apple stand apart. Apple benefits from scale and long-term contracts; Samsung relies on vertical integration. As memory prices climb, Samsung's semiconductor arm gains, and its mobile unit secures priority access and cost stability. Rivals without captive memory face delayed launches and lighter marketing deliveries. Samsung has already begun its transition; competitors are only beginning to feel the pressure.

China blocks Nvidia H200 AI chips after US clearance, stoking tech tensions

January 17, 2026, 2:08 AM EST. U.S.-cleared Nvidia H200 AI chips face fresh friction in China after customs blocked entry, pausing suppliers' production. The Financial Times report, citing two people, said Reuters could not verify it. Nvidia did not respond to comment requests. The company had expected more than a million orders from Chinese clients, with suppliers racing to ship by March. Chinese authorities this week told customs agents that H200s were not permitted to enter, and officials summoned domestic firms to curb purchases unless necessary. Analysts are divided on whether Beijing intends a formal ban or a bargaining tactic; the chips sit at the center of broader US-China tech frictions. The episode intersects with export rules that route chips via U.S. labs for testing, with tariffs.

Apple pivots to Gemini-powered Siri as AI race heats up

January 17, 2026, 2:06 AM EST. Apple faced a rocky start for its AI push in 2024 with Apple Intelligence delayed and customers waiting for a smarter Siri. The iPhone 16 touted as Built for Apple Intelligence shipped without it; features arrived later, prompting leadership reshuffles. In 2025, demand for the iPhone 17 remained strong, and Apple maintained market leadership with roughly 10% YoY growth per Counterpoint Research; IDC data shows pre-orders robust. Yet Apple kept AI largely in the background on product pages. With pressure on investors to cite AI progress, Apple began evaluating outside partners, including running a Gemini-based Siri in its Private Cloud Compute. The plan would knit Gemini DNA into Siri using third-party LLMs, rather than building from scratch. Tim Cook's insistence on owning core tech underpins this strategic pivot.

Apple pivots to Gemini-powered Siri as it bets on an AI comeback

January 17, 2026, 2:04 AM EST. Apple's Apple Intelligence rollout stumbled in 2024, delaying Siri's smarter features. The iPhone 16 was marketed as built for Apple Intelligence but shipped without it; features arrived slowly and leadership shuffled. Yet Apple remains a hardware powerhouse: IDC says demand for the iPhone 17 lineup was robust in Q3 2025, and Counterpoint Research named Apple the global smartphone market leader with about 10% year-over-year growth. In late 2025 Apple signaled a shift toward external AI partners, employing Google's Gemini-based models and running them in Apple's Private Cloud Compute to power a smarter Siri. The strategy blends third-party large language models (LLMs) with Apple's control, a cautious path as the AI race evolves.

Huawei Watch GT 6 Pro gets 300 yuan discount through Feb. 28, 2026

January 17, 2026, 2:02 AM EST. Huawei has cut 300 yuan from the price of the Huawei Watch GT 6 Pro, a limited-time offer running until February 28, 2026. The smartwatch now starts at 2188 yuan, with three 46mm variants: Obsidian Black + Fluoropolymer Strap, Amber Brown + Composite Woven Strap, and Titanium Space Silver + Titanium Strap. Huawei says the discount follows the watch earning Time Magazine's Best Invention of 2025 award. Official pricing shows: Black 2188 yuan (down from 2488 yuan), Amber Brown 2688 yuan (down from 2988 yuan), Titanium 3088 yuan (down from 3388 yuan). The promotion is available via the Huawei Mall; buyers should act quickly given the limited window.

Huawei Watch GT 6 Pro gets 300 yuan discount for limited time

January 17, 2026, 2:00 AM EST. Huawei is offering a 300 yuan discount on the Huawei Watch GT 6 Pro for a limited time. The cut follows the wearable being named the Best Invention of 2025 by Time magazine, Huawei said. The price starts at 2188 yuan for Black, with Amber Brown at 2688 yuan and Titanium at 3088 yuan. The promo runs through February 28, 2026 and is available at the official Huawei Mall. The 46mm model comes in three color setups: Obsidian Black + Fluoropolymer Strap, Amber Brown + Composite Woven Strap, and Titanium Space Silver + Titanium Strap. Huawei stresses the award spurred the price cut. Shoppers should act quickly before the window closes.

Michigan House passes K-12 smartphone ban, signals early 2026 priorities

January 17, 2026, 1:54 AM EST. The Michigan House approved a K-12 smartphone ban Wednesday that would bar phones during class time. The measure, sponsored by Rep. Mark Tisdel, aims for a statewide standard amid ongoing concerns about enforcement and local control. It passed 99-10 with broad bipartisan support and includes exemptions for medical reasons, class activities involving devices, and basic phones that can't download apps or browse the internet. Opponents warn about carveouts and statewide mandates. Rep. Regina Weiss said phones can trigger trouble, including Snapchat-driven fights, and that a ban could curb distractions and the apps' addictive pull. The bill moves to the Senate and, if signed, would take effect in the upcoming school year as lawmakers press other priorities for 2026.

New Jersey fines Apple $150,000 over in-store pricing display violations

January 17, 2026, 1:50 AM EST. New Jersey regulators fined Apple $150,000 after reinspections found widespread pricing displays violations in 11 Apple Stores. The Division of Consumer Affairs, under a 2017 consent order, found prices missing from display tables and near merchandise, and non-visible refund policies, violating the Merchandise Pricing Act and the Consumer Fraud Act. Apple had relied on digital price displays-on-device screens, QR prompts, or software notices-rather than traditional shelf labels, a practice the 2017 agreement restricted to clearly visible prices. Regulators labeled it repeat misconduct and require that the total selling price be clearly marked and visible during any interaction or on nearby displays. Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said the settlement reinforces pricing compliance obligations in stores.

Four reasons a dedicated e-ink tablet beats an iPad

January 17, 2026, 1:44 AM EST. An online post argues that dedicated e-ink tablets outperform iPads for reading and note-taking. The author cites four advantages. First, e-ink displays reflect ambient light rather than emit it, reducing eye strain and improving comfort during long sessions. Second, the lack of backlighting means less exposure to blue light, helping protect circadian rhythms and sleep. Third, readers say the experience mirrors paper, supporting a renewed reading habit and better focus in class. Fourth, longer battery life and fewer distractions are noted as practical benefits for students. The piece frames classroom use as a proving ground, with readers valuing simplicity and a distraction-free interface over color and animation. The argument invites reflection on device choice for study and daily reading.

Global scrutiny hits Musk's Grok AI after deepfake controversy

January 17, 2026, 1:38 AM EST. Elon Musk pressed new limits on X and its AI chatbot Grok after the image generator produced non-consensual sexualized images, triggering global backlash. Musk announced geo-blocking to stop Grok from creating deepfakes of people in places where it is illegal, but the standalone Grok Imagine app still produces explicit content. Regulators have not been appeased: Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines banned the bot, while Britain and Canada opened probes. The policy scholar Riana Pfefferkorn of Stanford said the episode highlights risks to the safety of women and minors when online imagery can be manipulated, even if the person has no account. Separately, Ashley St. Clair, mother of one of Musk's children, sued Grok for negligence after it enabled deepfakes despite her complaints.

NASA to Roll Artemis II Rocket to Launch Pad, Milestone in Pre-Launch Prep

January 17, 2026, 1:36 AM EST. NASA plans to roll the Artemis II rocket to the launch pad, a routine, last major pre-launch step in the crewed mission. The move signals progress in the Artemis program as teams conduct final checks of interfaces, fuel systems and the mobile launcher. NASA has not announced a launch date, but the rollout is a milestone in the mission timeline. The operation is typically performed at Kennedy Space Center.

Musk says AI could make retirement savings obsolete by 2030, experts caution

January 17, 2026, 1:34 AM EST. On the Moonshots with Peter Diamandis podcast, Elon Musk argued there may be no need to save for retirement as AI advances, claiming by 2030 AI will exceed the intelligence of all humans combined. He said people could have whatever they want, including a home and health care. Diamandis echoed the optimistic view. Critics cited by Business Insider warned that the claim is risky and misleading, and that many Americans should still save for retirement. Geoffrey Sanzenbacher of Boston College warned against abandoning saving, while Ekaterina Abramova of London Business School said universal high income would depend on government action, not AI alone. The remarks come amid backlash over xAI's Grok chatbot and follow other tech leaders' predictions.

Unihertz Titan Elite 2 brings BlackBerry-inspired QWERTY to curved-display phone

January 17, 2026, 1:30 AM EST. 2026 is shaping a QWERTY smartphone comeback. Unihertz's Titan Elite 2 continues the BlackBerry-inspired trend with a full keyboard and a square display, plus a curved display and a hole-punch front camera. Navigation keys sit along the spacebar, shrinking width. It runs Android with a heavy skin, like its predecessor. Specs point to a Dimensity 7300 chip, 12GB RAM, 512GB storage, 5G, and NFC; battery and camera details are not yet confirmed. The Titan Elite 2 follows last year's Titan 2 and appears amid a broader push to resurrect keyboard phones, alongside Click's Communicator and similar devices.

Samsung cuts Galaxy Z Fold 7 price by up to $1,000 with trade-in

January 17, 2026, 1:28 AM EST. Samsung is again offering a trade-in-based discount on the Galaxy Z Fold 7, cutting the 256GB model to $999 when you swap in a qualifying device. With a proper trade-in, total savings can reach $1,000; without one, a straight $350 discount applies. Trade-in values vary: a Fold 6 or Galaxy S25 Ultra can unlock the full $1,000; the S25+ nets about $600, while S25 Edge and S25 yield roughly $466 and $430. Other trade-ins fall lower, so the $350 discount is often the better option. The offer covers 256GB, and higher storage options 512GB and 1TB are discounted up to $1,000 as well. All colors are included, including the online-exclusive Mint.

Meta to halt Quest business sales, shut Horizon Workrooms and HMS

January 17, 2026, 1:26 AM EST. Meta Platforms will stop selling its Quest headsets to business customers and discontinue several enterprise services. The move follows layoffs in Reality Labs, the unit that develops VR devices. Horizon Workrooms, introduced in 2021 as a virtual conference space, will shut down on Feb. 16. Four days later, Meta will stop shipping Quest headsets to businesses. The Quest 3, launched in 2023, runs on a Qualcomm VR chip and supports 2,064-by-2,208 per-eye displays; its cheaper sibling, the Quest 3S, launched in 2024, uses the same chip with lower resolution. Meta will also discontinue Horizon Managed Services (HMS), an enterprise tool for device access and management; HMS will remain supported through Jan. 4, 2030. The company says the changes focus on consumer hardware and software, while Reality Labs pivots toward smart glasses.

Artemis II Moon Rocket Rollout to Pad 39B Set for Jan. 17

January 17, 2026, 1:24 AM EST. NASA aims to roll the 11-million-pound Artemis II stack-SLS (Space Launch System) rocket topped by the Orion crew capsule-from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center. The crawler-transporter 2 will move at about one mile per hour along a four-mile route, taking up to 12 hours, starting no earlier than 7 a.m. EST on Saturday, Jan. 17. A live webcast will begin at rollout, with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and the Artemis II crew to appear on YouTube at 9 a.m. Weather rules bar rollout if lightning, hail, winds or extreme temperatures exceed thresholds. If conditions fail, teams may rollback to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) for further work. The roughly 10-day mission will mark the first crewed flight under the Artemis program toward sustained lunar presence and future Mars missions.

Could $10,000 in Nvidia stock still make you a millionaire?

January 17, 2026, 1:20 AM EST. Nvidia remains at the center of AI infrastructure, expanding beyond GPUs into a stacked set of products. At the Las Vegas show, CEO Jensen Huang unveiled Vera Rubin, described as the company's first extreme-codesigned, six-chip AI platform designed to speed training and inference in data centers. He highlighted other programs, including Alpamayo, an open-source model for autonomous driving. Nvidia counts Microsoft and Amazon among its customers, building higher barriers to entry for rivals. Yet investors ask if a $10,000 stake can still turn into a million as the stock has cooled after a 1,000% gain over three years. In fiscal Q3 2026, revenue rose 66% YoY, gross margin was 73.4%, and EPS came in at $1.30. The company reports Q4 on Feb. 25; market cap about $4.5 trillion; share price around $186.

Can $10,000 in Nvidia stock still make you a millionaire?

January 17, 2026, 1:18 AM EST. Nvidia has built a lead in AI infrastructure, driven by GPUs and a growing suite of vertically integrated products. CEO Jensen Huang teased Vera Rubin, an 'extreme-codesigned, six-chip AI platform' for data centers-the firm's main growth engine. Nvidia also signals open models like Alpamayo for autonomous vehicles. The company counts hyperscalers such as Microsoft and Amazon among its customers, deepening lock-in as product lines interlock. In the 2026 fiscal Q3 (ended Oct. 26), revenue rose 66% YoY; gross margin was 73.4% and EPS was $1.30. The stock has been flat after a 1,000% rally over three years. With Q4 results due Feb. 25, investors wonder if a $10,000 investment today could repeat past gains. Past performance is no guarantee in a high-valuation, macro-driven market.

Artemis II Moon rocket set for rollout to Launch Pad 39B at KSC

January 17, 2026, 1:16 AM EST. At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Artemis II Moon rocket is set to roll to Launch Pad 39B on the mobile launcher. The 11-million-pound SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft will move on NASA's crawler-transporter 2 at about one mile per hour, a journey of up to 12 hours beginning no earlier than 7 a.m. EST on Saturday, Jan. 17. A live rollout feed starts at the outset, with a 9 a.m. media gaggle featuring NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and the Artemis II crew on NASA's YouTube channel. Weather rules bar rollout if lightning exceeds 10% within 20 nautical miles, hail risk exceeds 5%, winds top 40 knots sustained or 45 knots gusts, or temperatures fall outside 40-95 F. The mission marks the first crewed Artemis flight toward the Moon, part of a broader push to Mars.

Jeff Pu previews iPhone Fold specs; Touch ID instead of Face ID, iPhone 18 lineup details for 2026

January 17, 2026, 1:14 AM EST. Analyst Jeff Pu reiterates that Apple's upcoming iPhone Fold will rely on Touch ID rather than Face ID, and lays out hardware specs for the 2026 iPhone 18 family. Pu expects global smartphone shipments to shrink ~4% in 2026 due to memory costs and weak demand, but predicts Apple will lift shipments to about 250 million and market share to ~21%. He cites strong demand for the iPhone 17 as a factor and notes the 1Q26 build forecast rising to 59 million. Hardware for the iPhone 18 lineup includes aluminum and titanium casing, 7.8-inch internal and 5.3-inch external displays, and 12GB LPDDR5 memory. Face ID is replaced by Touch ID on the Fold; on-device AI work planned with N2 silicon and WMCM packaging.

Could $10,000 in Nvidia stock still make you a millionaire?

January 17, 2026, 1:10 AM EST. Nvidia remains central to AI infrastructure, powered by GPUs and a growing family of vertical products. CEO Jensen Huang highlighted Vera Rubin, a six-chip, extreme-codesigned AI platform for data centers, and Nvidia is expanding open models such as Alpamayo for autonomous driving. The company counts hyperscalers like Microsoft and Amazon among its top customers, raising barriers to entry for rivals. Yet the stock's meteoric rise has cooled; shares have traded largely flat after a 1,000% rally over three years. In the fiscal third quarter ended Oct. 26, 2026, Nvidia posted 66% revenue growth, 73.4% gross margin, and EPS of $1.30. With earnings due Feb. 25, investors still ask if a $10,000 bet can turn into $1 million.

Artemis II Moon rocket rolls to Launch Pad 39B in Florida

January 17, 2026, 1:08 AM EST. NASA plans to roll the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center no earlier than 7 a.m. EST Saturday, Jan. 17. The 11-million-pound stack will travel about one mile per hour atop crawler-transporter 2 along a four-mile route, a journey expected to take up to 12 hours. A live rollout feed will begin at rollout start, followed by a 9 a.m. media briefing with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and the Artemis II crew on the NASA YouTube channel. Weather criteria bar rollout if lightning >10% within 20 nautical miles, hail >5%, sustained winds >40 knots or gusts >45 knots, or temperatures outside 40-95°F. Artemis II, a roughly 10-day crewed test flight, advances lunar exploration en route to future Mars missions.

AI suspicions swirl around mysterious singer Sienna Rose as Deezer flags tracks

January 17, 2026, 1:06 AM EST. AI-suspected singer Sienna Rose has hit Spotify's Viral Top 50, but signs point to a non-human artist. Deezer says many of her albums and songs are flagged as computer generated. Between Sept 28 and Dec 5 she uploaded at least 45 tracks, with no live gigs, no social media presence, and no videos. Her Instagram shows uniform headshots lit in unreal, AI-like lighting. The music itself draws scrutiny: tracks like Into The Blue carry a telltale hiss and a deliberately polished, generic quality. Experts say the hiss and other AI artefacts stem from starting with white noise before refining into music, creating a distinctive fingerprint. The BBC reported on the phenomenon.

AI-suspected singer Sienna Rose stirs debate on authenticity in music streaming

January 17, 2026, 1:04 AM EST. An apparent pop-up star named Sienna Rose sits atop Spotify's Viral Top 50, but observers say she may be an AI creation. Deezer told the BBC that many of her albums are flagged as computer generated. She has no social media, no live gigs, no videos, and released at least 45 tracks between Sept. 28 and Dec. 5. Her Instagram is deactivated and the headshots show uniform, AI-like lighting. Musically, her songs echo jazz-infused soul, but listeners flag what they call AI artefacts-a hiss or flat dynamics from the generation process. Deezer researchers say such artefacts create a fingerprint allowing detection of the software used. Casual listeners cite an uncanny valley in the voice. The BBC and others say the case highlights authenticity issues in AI-powered music discovery.

AI-suspected singer Sienna Rose draws scrutiny as streaming services flag music

January 17, 2026, 1:00 AM EST. Sienna Rose has surged in Spotify's Viral Top 50, with 'Into The Blue' past five million plays. Deezer says many of her albums and songs are detected and flagged as computer-generated. The clues are stark: no social media, no live gigs, no videos, and an unusually rapid release schedule-at least 45 tracks uploaded between Sept. 28 and Dec. 5. Her Instagram is deactivated and its headshots resemble AI-generated imagery. Musically, tracks offer jazzy ambience but listeners hear AI artefacts, including a hiss linked to generation apps like Suno or Udio. A fingerprint-a detectable error signature-helps identify the software used. Listeners describe an uncanny valley feel and a generic, chorus-bound style. Some observers note AI-like photography accompanying her profile.

TSMC's 2025 results hint at Nvidia's 2026 trajectory

January 17, 2026, 12:58 AM EST. TSMC's fourth-quarter 2025 results offer a snapshot of Nvidia's path into 2026. Nvidia remains the leader in AI-driven GPUs, with revenue up 62% to about $57 billion and gross margin above 70% in the latest quarter, as demand for its Blackwell Ultra accelerates. The shares have surged about 900% over three years despite recent AI-stock volatility. Investors remain wary of an AI bubble, but sentiment has improved as demand for chips and cloud services shows resilience. TSMC, Nvidia's main foundry, also fabricates chips for others like AMD and Broadcom, giving the company a clear view of the demand environment. The signal from TSMC's earnings, alongside Nvidia's technology leadership, suggests a constructive path for Nvidia in 2026.

Apple tests App Store ad design that blends ads with search results

January 17, 2026, 12:54 AM EST. Apple is testing a redesigned App Store search layout on iPhone, removing the blue background that separated sponsored results from organic listings. In iOS 26.3, some users report that only a small Ad badge marks promoted entries, suggesting the change is part of an A/B test. Apple has been asked for clarity on rollout timing. The shift may align with December's plan to show more than one sponsored result per query, making ads blend more into the list. Critics warn it could degrade user experience by making ads less obvious at a glance, potentially boosting click-through rates and, thus, revenue for Apple's ads business.

Leaked specs: iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max and Fold to use A20 Pro on 2nm with 12GB RAM

January 17, 2026, 12:52 AM EST. Analyst Jeff Pu, citing 9to5Mac, outlines preliminary specs for the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max and a foldable iPhone Fold, due in fall 2026. He says Apple may limit to three flagship models in September. All three would run the A20 Pro processor on a 2nm process and include 12 GB of LPDDR5 RAM. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are pegged at 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch displays, with Face ID, a slightly smaller Dynamic Island notch, and a 48MP main camera; older models reportedly gain a periscope telephoto lens. The Fold would feature a 7.8-inch internal display, a 5.3-inch external screen, Touch ID, and a titanium/aluminum chassis. All three may include Apple's C2 modem. Pu warns predictions can be aggressive; confirm via supply chains mid-year, with shipments around 250 million in 2026.

Mother of Musk's child sues xAI over Grok deepfake images

January 17, 2026, 12:48 AM EST. The mother of one of Elon Musk's children has sued xAI in New York City accusing Grok of enabling sexually exploitative deepfake images of her. Ashley St. Clair, 27, a writer and political strategist, says the images include a photo of her fully dressed at age 14 altered to show her in a bikini, and others portraying her as an adult in sexualized poses or wearing a bikini with swastikas. St. Clair, who is Jewish, says the deepfakes caused humiliation and emotional distress. She says she reported them to X last year; the platform initially said the images did not violate policy, then pledged not to use or alter her image without consent. xAI did not immediately respond; it replied to AP with 'Legacy Media Lies.'

NASA readies rollout of moon rocket ahead of Artemis II mission

January 17, 2026, 12:44 AM EST. NASA plans to roll the Space Launch System rocket, topped by the Orion spacecraft, from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Complex 39B at Kennedy Space Center. The 4.2-mile crawl could take up to 12 hours. Weather criteria look favorable, with expected winds around 6 mph and low-50s temperatures; final go/no-go rests with forecasters of the 45th Weather Squadron at Cape Canaveral. The crawler-transporter duo-used since the Saturn V era and later for Space Shuttle stacks-will move more than 11 million pounds along the crawlerway, a track lined with quartz river rock chosen for its hardness. The route ends at a three-story ramp to the flame trench, guiding exhaust away from the Atlantic at liftoff. Artemis II phase relies on this historic rollout.

Steve Wozniak to be honored with Global Humanitarian Award in San Jose

January 17, 2026, 12:40 AM EST. Steve Wozniak, the Apple co-founder, will receive the Global Humanitarian Award in downtown San Jose, honoring a lifetime of innovation and philanthropy. The Tech Interactive is presenting the award during a ceremony billed as a celebration of Tech for Good. The event underscores Wozniak's role in jump-starting personal computing and his later work that blends technology with social impact. The ceremony comes as the nonprofit museum highlights the broader tech-for-good movement. Reporter Scott Budman has more in the video above.

Google readies Android sideloading controls ahead of 2026 rollout

January 17, 2026, 12:34 AM EST. Google is previewing how Android's upcoming sideloading restrictions may work. A Play Store preview references a new verified installs flow and an option to install from unknown sources without immediate verification. The strings hint at an advanced flow that could let informed users bypass full verification, though Google has not confirmed the exact UI. Observers note warnings about risks when installing apps from unverified developers and a required data connection to complete verification. The timing remains flexible: rollout starts in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, with a broader launch not before September. Google's aim is to balance user choice with device security as it tightens controls ahead of 2026.

Ex-OpenAI researcher says AI hype cycle is years behind reality

January 17, 2026, 12:32 AM EST. An ex-OpenAI researcher says there is a years-long lag in the AI hype cycle, with public appetite and funding failing to keep pace with technical progress. The claim suggests industry excitement trails actual breakthroughs, potentially shaping policy, investment and consumer expectations. The warning arrives as researchers and executives report steady deployment and governance discussions continue. Critics argue for tempered optimism, noting risk, safety reviews and longer adoption timelines. The remarks underscore a broader debate about how society measures and responds to rapid advances in artificial intelligence.

XREAL and ASUS ROG unveil R1 AR glasses for gaming at CES 2026

January 17, 2026, 12:30 AM EST. XREAL and ASUS ROG unveiled the ROG XREAL R1 AR glasses, a wearable spatial display designed for high-performance gaming on PCs, consoles, and the ROG Ally. The device delivers a 57-degree FOV, projecting a 171-inch virtual screen from four meters, with 240Hz refresh and 3ms latency. It uses micro-OLED 1920×1080 resolution and XREAL's X1 spatial computing chip. The hardware includes the ROG Control Dock with DisplayPort 1.4 and two HDMI 2.0 ports to switch between devices, plus USB-C to the ROG Ally for plug-and-play use. Weight is 91 grams, aided by XREAL's X-Prism optics and electrochromic lenses that adjust transparency. Audio from Bose spatial audio; 3DoF tracking anchors the screen. Global shipment is planned for H1 2026.

Asus ProArt PZ14: 14-inch OLED Windows tablet with 144 Hz display and Snapdragon X2 Elite

January 17, 2026, 12:28 AM EST. The Asus ProArt PZ14 is a Windows tablet with a 14-inch OLED display (2880×1800) and a 144 Hz refresh rate. It supports touch and a detachable keyboard, and weighs about 790 g at 9 mm thick without the keyboard. It runs an 18-core Snapdragon X2 Elite, promising strong CPU and AI performance with up to 80 TOPS, though Windows on ARM can vary by app. Specs include up to 32 GB LPDDR5x, up to 1 TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, two USB4 ports, and an SD Express 7.0 reader. Cameras: 8 MP front, 13 MP rear; Wi-Fi 7; 75 Wh battery; 68 W charger. The Asus Pen 3.0 (4096 pressure levels) supports palm rejection, tilt, and brush-sound feedback. Availability: Q2 2026.

SpaceX to launch NROL-105 reconnaissance satellites from Vandenberg

January 17, 2026, 12:24 AM EST. SpaceX is set to launch the NROL-105 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base, carrying an undisclosed number of National Reconnaissance Office satellites into low Earth orbit. The payload is believed to be Starshield, a government variant of Starlink. Liftoff from Space Launch Complex 4 East is scheduled for 8:39:51 p.m. PST within a 35-minute window. First-stage booster B1100 will attempt a landing at Landing Zone 4 about 7.5 minutes after liftoff, the 33rd LZ-4 landing and SpaceX's 560th booster recovery. The NRO aims to deploy a proliferated constellation through 2029 to improve timeliness, resiliency and coverage, with hundreds of small satellites and data delivered quickly. Roughly half a dozen missions are planned for 2026, including NROL-105.

Nvidia H200 shipments halted in China after customs block, FT reports

January 17, 2026, 12:20 AM EST. Nvidia's H200 AI processors face a China import block after customs officials restricted entry, prompting suppliers to pause output. The Financial Times, citing two people familiar with the matter, said shipments to Chinese clients had not yet begun and suppliers had been preparing to ship as early as March. Reuters could not immediately verify the report. Nvidia did not respond to comment. The company had expected more than 1 million orders from Chinese buyers. Chinese authorities reportedly told agents that Nvidia's H200 chips are not permitted to enter, though officials gave no reasons and the stance could be a formal ban or a temporary measure. The move underscores tensions in U.S.-Sino technology relations and the debate over Beijing's stance on domestic chipmakers versus foreign suppliers.

Nvidia H200 supply chain paused as China blocks shipments, FT reports

January 17, 2026, 12:16 AM EST. Suppliers for Nvidia's H200 AI chip paused output after Chinese customs blocked shipments into China, the Financial Times reported. Reuters could not immediately verify the report. Nvidia did not respond to a request for comment outside regular hours. The company had expected more than 1 million orders from Chinese clients, with suppliers working around the clock to ship as early as March. Chinese authorities this week informed customs agents that the H200 chips are not permitted to enter the country, according to sources. Officials have summoned domestic tech firms to discourage purchases unless necessary, offering no explicit rationale and leaving unclear whether this is a ban or a temporary measure. The H200 remains a major flashpoint in U.S.-China tech tensions.

NVIDIA's GeForce Now broadens cloud gaming reach with native Linux app

January 17, 2026, 12:14 AM EST. Cloud gaming is framed as convenience: users can play their own libraries without owning hardware. GeForce Now has expanded to Amazon streaming devices, Samsung and LG TVs, and it now offers a native Linux app. At CES 2026, NVIDIA demonstrated Microsoft Flight Simulator on GeForce Now with a Logitech HOTAS setup, where the input felt near-instant and the stream barely discernible as cloud-based. Availability tops 60 countries, but a major gap remains India, where the launch has been pushed to 2026. The author, who prefers to play his existing catalog from Steam and Epic, sees GeForce Now as a vehicle to reduce barriers and compete with Xbox Game Pass across more platforms, including Linux.

How to cut streaming, cell phone and internet bills, per Consumer Reports

January 17, 2026, 12:12 AM EST. Many households may overpay for streaming, cell service and home internet. Consumer Reports notes typical costs: cable about $125 monthly and streaming around $69. Diane Umansky says calling providers can yield 10%-20% discounts. She cites bundles like Apple One-six subscriptions for $38 monthly versus about $70 separately. Netflix's ad-free plan is $18, with a $9 add-on for a second user outside the household. Consider ad-supported or free options such as Pluto TV or Tubi. For cell phones, auto pay and paperless billing can save up to $10 per line per month; family or shared plans are usually cheaper. Review bills and use Bill Negotiator to push providers lower. Don't overlook bundling TV, internet and phone; read the fine print.

Galaxy Z TriFold display reportedly breaks after less than a month, durability under scrutiny

January 17, 2026, 12:08 AM EST. A user on Samsung's official forums reports that the Galaxy Z TriFold display fractured after about a month with no external impact. The left-most fold shows a line of white pixels and a panel death on part of the screen. Samsung reportedly offers a one-time 50% discount on display repairs, costing around 1.3 million won (~$900). The post notes no warranty coverage for this model and that the device was replaced after a store visit; translation suggests Samsung took the broken device for 'research.' The episode underscores durability concerns for foldables as insurance or an extended warranty may be prudent until wider availability of the TriFold, and warranty terms firm up.

Nvidia builds for a new AI inference era after Groq, Enfabrica moves

January 17, 2026, 12:02 AM EST. Nvidia is pursuing what could be a new approach to AI inference, following an acquisitive streak that includes a $20 billion deal to acquire Groq and license its Learning Processing Unit (LPU) tech, and the hiring of Groq's top engineers such as Jonathan Ross and Sunny Madra. The Groq deal, timed around the holiday season, backs Nvidia's effort to diversify beyond traditional GPUs that now act as interconnects and vector/tensor engines for low-precision AI math. Separately, Nvidia also pursued Enfabrica in September 2025 for about $900 million, signaling a broader shift toward specialized inference hardware. Competitors and collaborators like Cerebras, Google TPUs, and AWS Trainium frame the competitive landscape as Nvidia moves toward a platform that may blur GPU boundaries.

Sports face AI 'slop' misinformation, study warns

January 17, 2026, 12:00 AM EST. A study by AI risk firm Alethea warns that AI-generated misinformation, dubbed 'AI slop,' is quickly outpacing traditional fake content in sports. The surge threatens teams, leagues, and fans as fabricated posts and quotes spread on social networks, eroding trust and opening the door to skewed advertising metrics and manipulated betting markets. Notable examples include fabricated quotes attributed to players Jason Kelce and George Kittle that neither said. Alethea says the problem stems from AI's ability to impersonate brands and produce convincing content at scale. The firm urges sports organizations to build cross-functional teams-communications, legal, security-and to educate fans to verify announcements through official channels. The report highlights risks to reputations and the politicisation of sport, calling for proactive digital safety measures.