Technology News 20.01.2026

iPhone 18 Dynamic Island rumors collide as leakers dispute left-side camera and under-display Face ID

January 20, 2026, 11:58 PM EST. On Jan. 20, initial reports claimed the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 18 Pro would vanish and the front camera move to the left edge. A trio of Apple leakers pushed back: Jon Prosser showed 4K renders with a missing Dynamic Island and a left edge punch hole; Instant Digital countered on Weibo that the claim was a mistranslation and that, while an under-display infrared sensor could sit on the left, there would be no camera hole there. They provided a schematic of a Face ID module with an infrared flood illuminator, a dot projector and an infrared camera on the right. ShrimpApplePro corroborated, and Ross Young said he had hinted at a similar setup months ago. All three have track records on display rumors; Apple is expected to reveal the lineup in September.

Do electric vehicles need to warm up before driving in cold weather?

January 20, 2026, 11:56 PM EST. Electric vehicles do not rely on engines or oil, but cold batteries still lose charge and operate less efficiently. The article notes that warming up remains advisable, though not in the same way as internal combustion cars. AAA says most cars struggle in cold weather, and EV batteries lose charge faster in the cold while also doing more work. The recommended approach: start the EV while it is plugged into a home charger via remote climate control to warm the cabin and components before driving, preserving battery range. While connected, you can heat the cabin and then reduce heat during travel to conserve energy. Home charging remains convenient; warming up while plugged in helps maximize range. Owners should beware of extreme temperatures affecting battery performance.

Broadband adoption boosts bank lending in Italy, study finds

January 20, 2026, 11:54 PM EST. New research examines how broadband adoption reshapes credit supply in banking, focusing on Italy during 1998-2008. The authors merge granular broadband data with the Italian Credit Register, which tracks banks' requests to access borrowers' histories for screening and monitoring, and add bank-branch, asset, liability, and workforce data. To address endogeneity, they instrument with characteristics of the postwar telephone network and include local controls. A key predictor is the distance between bank branches and internet infrastructure. Results show that faster internet raises both the intensive and extensive margins of lending: a one standard deviation increase in connectivity (lower distance) boosts credit volume and the likelihood of a new bank-firm relationship. There is also a statistically significant, though modest, effect on pricing. The findings illuminate how information technology shapes bank behavior.

Apple updates Magic Keyboard firmware for iPad Pro and iPad Air

January 20, 2026, 11:48 PM EST. Apple released new firmware for the Magic Keyboard options used with the M4/M5 iPad Pro and the M3 iPad Air. The update raises the Pro model keyboard to version 0750.0220.0304, up from 0680.0220.0301, and the Air keyboard to 0400.0140.0303, up from 0350.0135.0303. The releases cover both the 11-inch and 13-inch keyboards Apple sells for the M4/M5 Pro and the M3 Air line. Apple overhauled the accessory in May 2024, adding a dedicated function-key row and a larger glass trackpad, while preserving the floating cantilever design. Updates install automatically when the keyboard connects to an internet-enabled iPad; there is no manual refresh. To verify, go to Settings > General > About > Magic Keyboard.

Baseten raises $300 million, Nvidia backs AI inference push to $5 billion valuation

January 20, 2026, 11:44 PM EST. Nvidia reportedly invested $150 million in Baseten as part of a $300 million funding round that, per The Wall Street Journal, lifted Baseten's valuation to $5 billion. Nvidia did not comment to PYMNTS. Baseten's latest raise follows a May Series C of $75 million and a September Series D of $150 million, which pushed the pre- and post-round figures higher to about $2.15 billion. The investment fits Nvidia's broader push into inference technology, including a Groq license and plans to back OpenAI and dozens of AI-app developers. Baseten CEO Tuhin Srivastava says the funding will accelerate AI infrastructure that reduces model orchestration complexity, arguing that speed is the key competitive edge as firms become AI-first or AI-enabled.

SpaceX Falcon 9 launch from Vandenberg may not be visible in Arizona

January 20, 2026, 11:42 PM EST. SpaceX plans a Jan. 21, 2026 launch of a Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The rocket's southern trajectory means visibility from Arizona is unlikely, though observers near Phoenix could still catch a faint streak. The four-hour launch window opens at 6:43 p.m. PT, with a backup slot the next day if weather or technical issues delay the mission. The countdown will place 25 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit. The Arizona Republic lists potential viewing spots, such as Dobbins Lookout, South Mountain, Papago Park, Fountain Hills, the Superstition Mountains, and Cave Creek, plus proximity to Phoenix Sky Harbor. Check azcentral.com for updates.

SpaceX Falcon 9 launch from Vandenberg may not be visible in Arizona

January 20, 2026, 11:36 PM EST. SpaceX plans a Falcon 9 launch from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Wednesday, Jan. 21, with the four-hour window opening at 6:43 p.m. PT. The mission will place 25 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit. Because the rocket will fly on a southern trajectory, visibility in Arizona is unlikely, though residents along parts of the southwestern corridor may still catch a glow. FAA advisories note a backup opportunity the following day if the start is postponed. The Arizona Republic lists potential viewing sites, including Dobbins Lookout and Papago Park in Phoenix, Fountain Hills, the Superstition Mountains, and Cave Creek. Spaceflight schedules are weather- and technically dependent, so updates should be checked with local outlets such as azcentral.com.

AI stocks like Micron, Qualcomm poised for next bull market as AI infrastructure expansion supports valuations

January 20, 2026, 11:32 PM EST. U.S. stocks opened 2026 with momentum as AI bets extended gains from 2024 and 2025. The global AI market is expected to grow from about $391 billion in 2025 to $3.5 trillion by 2033, underscoring early adoption. The report highlights Micron Technology, riding strong AI memory demand. First-quarter fiscal 2026 revenue rose 56% year over year to $13.6 billion, with HBM and other memory products in tight supply and contracts locking in volumes and pricing. The shares trade around 8.6x forward earnings, with roughly 30% free cash flow margin and debt reduction of about $2.7 billion in the quarter. Qualcomm is expanding beyond handsets into a broader AI semiconductor footprint, supported by solid 2025 results and room to invest in new AI markets. Goldman Sachs cites large 2026 AI capex by hyperscalers.

OnePlus anti-rollback update bricks older ROMs on some devices

January 20, 2026, 11:30 PM EST. OnePlus has added hardware-level anti-rollback in ColorOS updates (16.0.3.501 and later), blocking downgrades to older ColorOS, OxygenOS, or custom ROMs. Developers on XDA note that flashing older builds will trigger a fuse that hard-bricks the device, and rescues via 9008 tools or Chimera firehose are reportedly useless. The warning primarily affects custom ROM users; average users are unlikely to notice yet. The measure currently targets OnePlus 13, 13T, and 15, with older devices like the 12 not yet updated but potentially affected later. OnePlus has not commented publicly. Similar concepts exist in Google Pixel updates for security, but the rationale remains unclear for OnePlus. DroidWin reports rollback packages were removed for newer devices, suggesting the change is active.

Google temporarily disables YouTube SRV3 captions, promises a fix

January 20, 2026, 11:28 PM EST. Google has temporarily limited the serving of the SRV3 caption format, also known as YouTube Timed Text, after changes to the platform reportedly caused playback issues for some users. The feature, introduced circa 2018, let creators customize captions with colors, transparency, fonts, animations and precise placement to differentiate speakers or sync lyric cues. Google told Ars Technica that it has not ended support for SRV3, but says the streaming of these caption files is paused to prevent broken playback while a fix is developed. The move has frustrated creators who rely on the format, and raises questions about how platform changes are rolled out without broad testing.

LFP Tops Global EV Market in 2025 Amid Regional Divergence

January 20, 2026, 11:24 PM EST. Global use of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries led the EV market in 2025, but regional trends diverged. Europe expanded LFP deployment, while North America contracted sharply, down more than 40% in the first 11 months. Tesla pulled back from LFP base variants of the Model 3 in the United States after the loss of the IRA's 30D federal tax credit and China's grip on the LFP supply chain. U.S. protectionism-tariffs on Chinese EVs and battery cells-raised LFP costs and limited its footprint. Tax credits expired, CAFE standards were reset to pre-Biden levels, and ICE volumes regained appeal. Stellantis and GM redirected investments toward internal combustion, while some U.S. cell plants pivoted to energy storage.

iPhone Air 2 to get minor refresh this fall, leaker claims amid conflicting reports

January 20, 2026, 11:22 PM EST. A Weibo leaker known as Fixed Focus Digital says Apple will launch a second-generation iPhone Air this fall, with only minor changes and a routine upgrade. The claim echoes a late last year post and contrasts with The Information's report that Apple delayed the next iPhone Air until 2027 for a redesign that could add a second rear camera, lighter weight, vapor-chamber cooling and larger battery. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman counters the delay narrative, saying the Air 2 was never earmarked for 2026 and could land in spring 2027 as part of a new split-launch approach alongside the iPhone 18 lineup. The main focus, according to sources, would be a move to a 2-nm chip to improve battery life, not major structural changes.

Apple regains China smartphone crown as iPhone 17 drives Q4 2025 gains

January 20, 2026, 11:18 PM EST. Apple reclaimed the lead in China's smartphone market in Q4 2025, helped by demand for the iPhone 17 lineup despite a shrinking market and memory-chip shortages (shortages of semiconductor memory used in phones). Counterpoint Research data show China shipments fell 1.6% year over year in Q4 and 0.6% for 2025. Apple shipments rose 28% YoY in the quarter to about 22% market share. Demand was strongest for the Pro models; the iPhone Air held a low single-digit share after a later launch and perceived trade-offs of its ultra-thin design. For 2025, Huawei led with 16.4%, with Apple and vivo around 16% each. IDC global data show Apple at 19.7% for 2025, Samsung 19.1%.

Irish startup aims to boost EV battery life with immersion cooling

January 20, 2026, 11:14 PM EST. An Irish start-up, Drive, founded at Trinity College Dublin by Dr Séamus O'Shaughnessy and Dr Daniel Trimble, is pursuing immersion cooling to run EV batteries cooler from the inside. The plan embeds a nonconducting dielectric fluid directly with cells, a step beyond the radiator-and-liquid cooling used today. Early work on a single cylindrical cell plus predictive modelling suggests the approach could lift battery lifespan by about 20%. O'Shaughnessy notes the approach has existed in concept for years but has rarely been used in cars; Formula One has explored similar cooling, but mass-market adoption remains years away. Car makers' current systems rely on bottom-panel radiators and serpentine cooling, Drive argues, and their method could unlock further performance gains if proven at scale.

iQOO 15 Ultra posts 4.5M AnTuTu score ahead of February China launch

January 20, 2026, 11:04 PM EST. iQOO's next gaming phone, the iQOO 15 Ultra, posted a record-breaking AnTuTu score of 4,518,403 points, according to a post by iQOO Product Director Galant V on Weibo. The breakdown shows CPU 1,322,001, GPU 1,594,848, memory 593,523, and UX 1,008,031, with memory not leading the chart. The device is expected to be a beefed-up variant of the iQOO 15, featuring the largest active cooling fan and potentially a larger 200W charging capability. It's due to land in China in early February. There's no word yet on full specifications or international launch plans. Source and attribution: via Weibo.

Tesla to reboot Dojo3 as space-based AI compute, Musk says

January 20, 2026, 10:46 PM EST. Elon Musk said over the long weekend Tesla would restart Dojo3, its previously abandoned third-generation AI chip, this time for space-based AI compute. The restart follows Dojo's 2025 shutdown after the departure of Dojo lead Peter Bannon and a wave of staff who joined DensityAI. Tesla had earlier relied on Nvidia, AMD and Samsung for chips, but Musk said AI5 was 'in good shape' and that Dojo3 would be a moonshot, recruiting engineers via an X post. The move occurs as Nvidia unveils Alpamayo at CES 2026, a competing open-source model for autonomous driving, and as talk grows that future data centers may sit off Earth. Tesla also signed a $16.5 billion Samsung deal to build AI6 chips for vehicles and Optimus.

iOS 26.2.1 fixes and iOS 26.3 with Creator Studio eyed for early February rollout

January 20, 2026, 10:40 PM EST. Apple is lining up iOS 26.2.1 and iOS 26.3, with different scopes. iOS 26.2.1 targets bug fixes and performance tweaks after iOS 26.2, including stabilizing a widespread U.S. carrier outage, and may include a carrier bundle update. Its release date remains unconfirmed after a delay tied to the network issues. iOS 26.3 is a larger update now in its second beta, with a third beta and a Release Candidate anticipated before a rollout in early February. A key feature is Creator Studio, launching January 28 to aid creators and developers, plus general performance improvements. Apple notes that holidays and testing drive timing, with no beta or updates expected on January 19 due to Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

iOS 26.2.1 and 26.3 updates: carrier fixes, Creator Studio launch, and rollout timing

January 20, 2026, 10:36 PM EST. Apple is rolling out two updates. iOS 26.2.1 targets issues carried over from 26.2, notably a widespread US carrier outage, and may include a carrier bundle update; the release date remains unconfirmed. iOS 26.3 is a broader update in beta, combining new features, performance tweaks and additional fixes. A third beta and a potential Release Candidate could follow, with an official rollout expected in early February. A standout addition is Creator Studio, launching January 28 to aid creators and developers. Anticipated schedule also notes no updates or betas on January 19 due to Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Apple weighs holidays, testing and stability as it lines up timing for these updates.

Is AI Conscious-or Are We Projecting Life Onto Chatbots?

January 20, 2026, 10:34 PM EST. Growing numbers of users treat chatbots as conscious entities rather than tools, even as most AI researchers remain skeptical, calling it an illusion of agency. The piece argues that dismissing these perceptions risks overlooking potentially valuable data about cognition, perception and human-machine interaction. The phenomenon is rooted in everyday anthropomorphism, a tendency to attribute human traits to nonhuman agents, especially those that seem responsive. Proponents note that studying these perceptions could illuminate how people understand machines and consciousness, much as optical illusions reveal physics. Historical examples like Jane Goodall and Barbara McClintock show how relational, human-centered approaches seeded breakthroughs. Today, AI sits in our pockets, turning chatbot conversations into a form of distributed inquiry about ourselves and our tools.

iOS 26.2.1 and 26.3 Updates: What to Expect

January 20, 2026, 10:32 PM EST. Apple is preparing two iOS revisions: iOS 26.2.1 and iOS 26.3. The smaller patch 26.2.1 targets bugs and performance, with a focus on a US carrier outage and possible carrier bundle updates. Its release has been delayed while Apple works to stabilize connectivity and fix issues from 26.2; it may arrive as a standalone patch or be folded into iOS 26.3. By contrast, iOS 26.3 is broader and already in its second beta, adding features, performance refinements, and additional fixes. A third beta and a Release Candidate could follow, with an official rollout expected in early February. Also on the horizon is Creator Studio, launching January 28 to aid creators and developers, alongside general user-experience improvements.

Is AI conscious-or are we bringing it to life?

January 20, 2026, 10:30 PM EST. AI chatbots are prompting public claims of consciousness, even as most researchers, aside from a few like Geoffrey Hinton, describe it as an illusion of agency. The debate frames a broader question: are perceived sentience and rapport with digital interlocutors a cognitive shortcut or meaningful data about cognition itself? Proponents argue that studying these misperceptions can illuminate how humans infer minds, while skeptics warn against conflating sophisticated pattern recognition with true sentience. The piece notes that anthropomorphism helps drive scientific discovery-citing Jane Goodall and Barbara McClintock-suggesting that relational engagement with nonhuman systems can reveal underlying principles. In daily life, people carry AI in their pockets and may be engaging in distributed relational inquiry, a phenomenon worth formal study for cognition, human-machine interaction, and perhaps the nature of consciousness itself.

Tesla ends FSD transfers, shifts to subscription-only model by March 31, 2026

January 20, 2026, 10:28 PM EST. Tesla will end FSD transfers on March 31, 2026, ending a year of rolling amnesty. The company also moves FSD to a subscription-only model, with no transferable licenses going forward. The last day to buy FSD is February 14, 2026; thereafter, access comes via a monthly subscription. The transfer program ends; legacy HW3 transfers are capped, and rights die with the vehicle. The new order rule lets customers place an order by March 31 but take delivery later, possibly into Q2, reducing quarter-end pressure. For owners of older HW3 cars, the shift offers the most cost-effective path to a newer AI4 Tesla if they secure a confirmed order.

Tesla AI5 delay, Canada welcomes Chinese cars, and EVs beat diesel in extreme cold

January 20, 2026, 10:26 PM EST. Electrek's Quick Charge episode bundles a trio of EV tech updates. Tesla's AI5 chip remains delayed, with Elon Musk saying a previously declared-ready component is not yet available. In Canada, Chinese automakers strike a deal to sell vehicles, signaling deeper cross-border EV activity. Independent real-world studies show EVs saving fleet owners money versus diesel even in the harshest extreme cold conditions. A rival in the solid-state battery race claims a range above 600 miles per charge. Separately, researchers propose a winter-heating approach using bricks and excess solar power to cut heating needs.

Is AI conscious-or just an illusion of agency? The chatbot consciousness debate

January 20, 2026, 10:24 PM EST. Many users of AI assistants treat chatbots as conscious beings, a view that draws skepticism from most researchers aside from a few like Geoffrey Hinton who call it an illusion of agency. Some say these perceptions reveal more about human cognition than machine mind, offering data for questions about consciousness and cognition rather than proof of machine sentience. Cognitive science notes humans tend to anthropomorphize nonhuman agents-an instinct cited by researchers. The piece cites Jane Goodall and Barbara McClintock, who forged breakthroughs through relational, humanlike engagement with nonhuman subjects, illustrating how such engagement can illuminate unfamiliar systems. Today's mobile chat partners may serve as a mass, distributed laboratory for studying interaction and perception, even as the core question-whether machines can be truly conscious-remains unsettled.

iPhone driver's licenses: states advancing Apple Wallet digital IDs

January 20, 2026, 10:22 PM EST. Apple announced at WWDC 2021 that digital IDs such as driver's licenses could live in Apple Wallet. Since then, more than a dozen states have rolled out support. Seven states are officially on board, while Kentucky has not set a timeline. Beyond those, numerous states are exploring digital IDs, per the Secure Technology Alliance, with Oklahoma, Missouri, Indiana, Tennessee, Florida, South Carolina, New Jersey, Washington, D.C., Vermont and Connecticut having enacted legislation or study activity. A separate group, including Mississippi, North Carolina, Delaware and Kentucky, operates proprietary digital ID platforms and is pursuing interoperability. Some states have no immediate plans. Separately, Apple's iOS 26.1 lets anyone with a passport create a digital ID, regardless of state support. A full guide covers where IDs are usable.

Tesla ends FSD transfers, shifts to subscription-only model

January 20, 2026, 10:20 PM EST. Tesla said it will end the transferable FSD license on March 31, 2026, ending a rolling amnesty that let owners move the feature between vehicles. The company also retooled the sale terms: customers must place an order by March 31, 2026, but can delay delivery into Q2, a shift from the prior deadline that encouraged quarter-end purchases. Tesla also announced that FSD will no longer be sold as a one-time license; the feature will be available only as a monthly subscription beginning after February 14, 2026. That effectively caps the number of transferable licenses and serves as the final off-ramp for legacy HW3 owners. For those with older hardware, upgrading to a newer AI4 vehicle may be the most cost-effective path without losing the initial FSD investment.

iPhone driver's licenses: Seven states on board as more pursue digital IDs

January 20, 2026, 10:12 PM EST. Apple's WWDC 2021 announcement linked digital IDs to Apple Wallet. Seven states are officially on board to support these IDs, with Kentucky the only holdout on a published rollout timeline. Beyond that, several states are exploring the feature, a ledger kept by the Secure Technology Alliance. Oklahoma, Missouri, Indiana, Tennessee, Florida, South Carolina, New Jersey, Washington, D.C., Vermont and Connecticut have enacted legislation or studies on digital driver's licenses. A separate group-Mississippi, North Carolina, Delaware and Kentucky-are pursuing interoperable platforms. Other states have no current digital ID initiatives. Separately, Apple added a new iOS 26.1 feature letting passport holders create a digital ID, even where state support is absent. Use of IDs remains tied to regulator-Apple coordination.

Tesla ends FSD transfers, moves to subscription-only model

January 20, 2026, 10:08 PM EST. Tesla will end FSD transfers on March 31, 2026, a move the company frames as permanent for North America. The plan follows a year of rolling extensions and ties to a broader shift to a subscription-only service. The last day to buy FSD is February 14, 2026; thereafter it is available solely as a monthly subscription, with no new transferable licenses. For HW3 owners, the window to transfer licenses ends with the March deadline; if you miss it, that license dies with your current vehicle and future Teslas will require a subscription. Customers may place an order by March 31 but can take delivery later, potentially into Q2, to avoid pressuring quarterly results. The move concludes the era of transferable licenses and cements ongoing features behind a subscription model.

Tesla AI5 delay, China-Canada auto deal, and EVs prove savings in extreme cold

January 20, 2026, 10:06 PM EST. Elon Musk said the chip he claimed would be ready six months ago is not actually ready, delaying the anticipated AI5 rollout. Chinese carmakers have struck a deal with Canada, expanding cross-border automotive ties. Real-world studies show EVs can cut overall fleet costs versus diesel even in extreme cold. A new entrant in the solid-state battery race vows more than 600 miles per charge. Researchers also highlight a winter-heating concept using bricks and excess solar power to keep cabins warm.

iPhone driver's licenses: Seven states on board for Apple Wallet digital IDs; others explore

January 20, 2026, 10:04 PM EST. Apple announced at WWDC 2021 that driver's licenses and state IDs could live in Apple Wallet. Since then, seven states have officially joined the program for digital IDs in Wallet. Kentucky remains without a firm rollout timeline. Across the United States, other states are exploring the move, with activity tracked by the Secure Technology Alliance. Oklahoma, Missouri, Indiana, Tennessee, Florida, South Carolina, New Jersey, Washington, D.C., Vermont and Connecticut have enacted legislation or studies toward digital licenses. Some states-Mississippi, North Carolina, Delaware and Kentucky-operate proprietary digital ID platforms and are seeking interoperability. Separately, Apple's iOS 26.1 lets travelers create a digital ID from a passport regardless of state status. The practical use of Wallet IDs depends on state adoption and merchant readiness.

Tesla AI5 delays; China-made cars head for Canada; EVs beat diesel in extreme cold

January 20, 2026, 9:58 PM EST. On today's Quick Charge, Elon Musk says the chip promised six months ago isn't actually ready. Chinese carmakers strike a deal with Canada to expand cross-border supply. Real-world studies show EVs save fleets money versus diesel even in the harshest cold. A new entrant in the solid-state battery race promises more than 600 miles per charge. And researchers propose a clever winter heating method using bricks and excess solar power.

NASA's SunRISE SmallSats Near Launch After Rigorous Tests

January 20, 2026, 9:50 PM EST. Six SmallSats of NASA's SunRISE mission completed a rigorous readiness campaign at Utah State University's Space Dynamics Laboratory. The tests covered thermal vacuum environments, electromagnetic compatibility screening and vibration profiles to emulate launch. Each spacecraft was loaded with propellant to match launch mass and subjected to three-axis shaking. The mission will launch as a rideshare from Cape Canaveral aboard a United Launch Alliance Vulcan Centaur rocket, sponsored by the U.S. Space Force. After deployment, the four 2.5-meter booms will form an X configuration and sails in formation up to 16 kilometers apart, creating a single interferometric radio telescope. Through the Deep Space Network, scientists will map the Sun's magnetic field and detect solar radio bursts as they propagate into interplanetary space.

AMD's AI comeback: Helios, Instinct drive 2026 turnaround

January 20, 2026, 9:46 PM EST. Advanced Micro Devices is shifting from being a peripheral AI player to a more concerted challenger. CEO Lisa Su signaled a new growth phase built on AI momentum, with Helios platforms and the Instinct family of GPUs as the workhorses. AMD has projected long-term AI revenue growth of about 80%, with analysts suggesting scale could lift AMD's top line by 2028. At CES, the company showcased Helios rack-scale systems capable of up to 3 exaflops of AI compute and introduced Ryzen processors that enable AI features in PCs, cars and industrial robots. The move puts AMD in a crowded field led by NVIDIA, while rivals such as Intel and emerging AI processors from Alphabet and Amazon also intensify competition. AMD's market share gains are developing as demand for purpose-built AI hardware grows.

Salesforce's Benioff urges AI regulation, calls models 'suicide coaches'

January 20, 2026, 9:40 PM EST. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff urged AI regulation after reports of suicides linked to AI models. Speaking to CNBC at Davos, he warned that 'AI models became suicide coaches' and said regulation is overdue as the technology grows. He drew a parallel with his 2018 calls to treat social media like a health issue and regulate it like cigarettes, noting unregulated platforms contributed to harm. In the United States, some states have enacted guardrails, including California and New York, while political backers debate Section 230 liability. Benioff argued that tech firms should face responsibility if a model influences self-harm, calling for changes to the shield. Families affected deserve safeguards, he said.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Qi2 magnetic power bank EB-U2500 leaks reveal 5,000mAh, 20W wired charging, EUR 59.90

January 20, 2026, 9:36 PM EST. Samsung is set to launch a magnetically attachable Qi2 wireless power bank for the Galaxy S26 lineup. The EB-U2500 reportedly carries a 5,000mAh battery and includes a USB-C port that supports up to 20W wired charging via USB Power Delivery or Qualcomm Quick Charge. When tethered to a Galaxy S26, the device can be propped on its kickstand in landscape orientation. Images released by WinFuture's Roland Quandt show the unit from multiple angles, including five front LEDs that may indicate charge level and a side button to power it on or off. The device is expected to ship on February 25, 2026, alongside the Galaxy S26. Price is pegged at EUR 59.90, according to the report.

SpaceX Delivers NRO NROL-105 Satellites on Falcon 9 From Vandenberg

January 20, 2026, 9:32 PM EST. SpaceX launched the National Reconnaissance Office's NROL-105 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base, deploying a new batch of satellites as part of the NRO's proliferated architecture. A Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Space Launch Complex 4 East at 11:39 p.m. EST, the NRO said in a post-launch release. NROL-105 marks SpaceX's first national security launch of 2026 and the NRO's 12th mission under the proliferated program. The NRO plans roughly a dozen launches this year to advance its national security objectives. Since May 2024, the proliferated architecture-built by SpaceX, with Northrop Grumman-has expanded, giving the agency hundreds of satellites in orbit to improve resilience, provide persistent coverage and speed up data processing. The program aims to grow further through 2029.

YouTube disables SRV3 captions, deletes custom subtitle files

January 20, 2026, 9:30 PM EST. Reddit posts indicate YouTube Studio no longer offers the option to upload SRV3 caption format (a customizable subtitle style used by VTubers-virtual YouTubers in Japan and elsewhere), and some creators say YouTube has begun removing SRV3 captions from videos. The format, popular with VTubers and Asia-based channels, supports colors, outlines and drop shadows, letting translations sit directly under video text. While not widely used, the change could hit larger outfits such as Hololive and other international creators that rely on SRV3 for stylized captions. YouTube has offered no explanation. The company last announced a mobile redesign, but officials did not connect it to caption changes. Creators vent frustration with the basic caption editor and worry the shift signals a move toward AI captions.

ITC opens patent investigation into wearables over fall-detection feature, including Apple Watch

January 20, 2026, 9:04 PM EST. An ITC investigation into wearable fall-detection devices has been opened following a complaint by UnaliWear. The case covers Apple Watch and competing devices from Samsung, Google and Garmin. The ITC is reviewing alleged violations of U.S. Patent Nos. 10,051,410 and 10,687,193, with activity under Section 337. Section 337 provides remedies-imports bans and selling restrictions-for patent infringement. If the ITC finds in favor of the complainant, two remedies could be issued: a limited exclusion order and cease-and-desist orders. Respondents have 20 days to respond, or risk a default judgment. The action echoes Masimo's earlier dispute with Apple, which produced an import ban that was later reversed. Apple did not have an immediate comment.

AI chatbots in medicine spark safety questions as OpenAI and rivals expand health tools

January 20, 2026, 9:00 PM EST. A reader's experience shows how AI advice can diverge from doctors. Chatbots told him to take statements literally, prompting concern about using AI for medical risk assessments. OpenAI's new ChatGPT Health adds guardrails and separate health data from regular chats, aiming to curb mistaken conclusions as weekly health questions mount. The moves follow Anthropic's Claude for Healthcare and a Torch acquisition to build a unified medical memory, signaling a race to monetize patient data. Developers say AI will support clinicians, not replace them, but the episode underlines how quickly AI-assisted risk estimates and tests can influence real care, raising questions about reliability, accountability and the line between assistance and diagnosis.

iPhone 18 Pro camera cutout unlikely to differ much from iPhone 17 Pro, rumors suggest

January 20, 2026, 8:50 PM EST. Macworld reports the iPhone 18 Pro's camera cutout may not differ dramatically from current models despite earlier chatter about a major redesign. The only change, according to leaker Instant Digital on Weibo, is that the infrared flood illuminator will move under the display; the dot projector, infrared camera, and regular camera would stay in a compact central module. A mockup circulated by Instant Digital shows the IR illuminator offset to the left with a smaller central group, potentially yielding a pill-shaped cutout. Leakers ShrimpApplePro and Ross Young of DSCC have since corroborated the account. The TrueDepth array has evolved, but the new layout might simply reposition components rather than remove the single assembly. Apple's September launch will reveal how the theory translates into a final design; it could resemble the iPhone 17 Pro more than expected.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: release window, price signals, and what pre-orders may reveal

January 20, 2026, 8:46 PM EST. Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra is entering the hype zone ahead of an expected Unpacked event on February 25 in San Francisco. Leaks frame three questions that will drive pre-orders. First, the camera: Samsung supposedly keeps a 200MP sensor with an f/1.4 aperture for strong low-light and zoom, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max relies on a 48MP triple-lens setup and superior video. Second, performance: the Galaxy S26 Ultra reportedly uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 worldwide, possibly 16GB RAM, ending the Exynos era; Apple relies on the A19 Pro with advanced cooling. Third, charging: rumors point to 60W wired charging, up from 45W. Price signals remain murky, and buyers will weigh camera versatility, sustained power, and faster charging when pre-orders open.

Ethernovia raises $90 million to push 'Physical AI' with Ethernet processors

January 20, 2026, 8:42 PM EST. Ethernovia, a San Jose-based supplier of Ethernet-based processors that collect data from sensors and move it quickly to a central computer in systems such as autonomous vehicles, raised $90 million in a Series B. The round was led by Maverick Silicon, the AI-focused fund formed in 2024 by Maverick Capital, and followed existing backing from Porsche SE and Qualcomm Ventures. The funding underscores investor appetite for Physical AI-the deployment of AI in real-world hardware for robotics and autonomous systems. Ethernovia said the money will speed product development and customer adoption. The deal illustrates a trend toward backing smaller, less visible suppliers that underpin AI-enabled machines.

Apple ties Siri to Google's Gemini in multi-year AI collaboration

January 20, 2026, 8:40 PM EST. Apple and Google announced a multi-year collaboration to base the next generation of Apple Foundation Models on Google's Gemini, powering a more personalized Siri later this year. Apple says Apple Intelligence will run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute while preserving its privacy standards. The deal signals a shift from in-house models toward vendor provisions, with Apple historically building its own foundation models using a MoE design. Analysts say the arrangement lets Apple avoid reinventing the wheel and acknowledges Google as a leader in foundational AI. The tie underscores a long-standing relationship reflected by Chrome on Macs, even as some users push back toward Safari. The description raises questions about control, cost, and user choice in platform ecosystems.

XREAL-VITURE clash over AR glasses patent centered on birdbath optics

January 20, 2026, 8:32 PM EST. XREAL has sued VITURE in the Eastern District of Texas, accusing the rival of importing AR glasses that infringe US patent US 11,988,839 B2 on a birdbath-style optical system. VITURE calls the move a patent-troll-style tactic and says the patent rests on long-established art. The company notes similar patents were rejected in China, and argues the claim covers only minor, appearance-level changes rather than true optical innovation. The dispute pits cheaper birdbath optics against higher-cost waveguides, such as Meta's Orion. In Germany, a preliminary injunction limited only the Viture Pro; VITURE has appealed and is challenging the patent's validity. The case is in early procedural stages in Texas with no trial date yet.

16 iPad apps to boost tablet time in 2026

January 20, 2026, 8:30 PM EST. Apple's iPad lineup has evolved with M-series chips, OLED displays, and software that edges the tablet closer to a laptop. The article surveys 16 apps designed to unlock the device's potential for students, artists, and editors in 2026. It points to productivity powerhouses such as Procreate, LumaFusion, and Lightroom, while noting third-party tools that extend functionality iPadOS lacks natively. Highlights include Paste, a clipboard manager that preserves multiple items beyond the built-in copy, and Defter Notes, among others tested by the author. The aim: faster workflows, greater productivity, and a more capable tablet experience-without sacrificing native apps or external hardware.

Nova Launcher revived by Instabridge; ads may appear in free version, Prime remains ad-free

January 20, 2026, 8:28 PM EST. Instabridge has acquired Nova Launcher from Branch, reviving a project that Kevin Barry had been building until layoffs in 2024. The Sweden-based company says Nova Launcher will stay active and compatible with modern Android, with ongoing maintenance. It also signals a potential shift to a sustainable business model, including ads in the free version and paid tiers; Nova Prime will cost $3.99 and remain ad-free. Ad tracking code has already been added, including Google and Facebook. Instabridge says it will seek user feedback and act as a responsible owner, and is still evaluating whether to make Nova Launcher open source. The move aims to keep development funded while preserving a clean, fast free experience for Prime users.

Hannspree unveils Lumo Paper Tablet aimed at eye-friendly computing

January 20, 2026, 8:26 PM EST. Hannspree unveils the Lumo Paper Tablet, a non-backlit, paper-like screen device designed to reduce eye strain while delivering Android tablet versatility. The reflective display aims to minimise glare during long reading or work sessions. Unlike traditional e-ink devices, the Lumo offers colour visuals and faster refresh, so users get richer content without the sluggishness of e-ink. Running on Android, it supports apps, stylus input and multitasking, positioning it as a hybrid between an e-reader and a full tablet. ecoVISION display technology balances eco-friendly design with performance. Hannspree says the device refreshes at 60Hz with a 5 ms response time and asks £299. If accurate, it could shift tablet design toward eye friendly productivity devices that balance wellness with work.

Apple to ship foldable iPhone at around $2,000, Citi says; 8 million in 2026, 20 million in 2027

January 20, 2026, 8:24 PM EST. Citi's Atif Malik expects a foldable iPhone to debut at the fall launch alongside iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max, with premium pricing around $2,000. The note forecasts 8 million foldable iPhones in 2026 (~3% of total iPhone shipments), rising to 20 million in 2027. Malik maintains a Buy rating but lowers his price target to $315 from $330 due to potential margin risk from higher memory-chip costs. Apple shares have lagged the market amid AI-led rotations. The bank notes a deal with Google to power Siri's AI with Gemini, and argues a foldable device could incentivize upgrades, supported by data showing a high share of iPhone buyers holding onto older models.

RBC Initiates Nvidia at Outperform on $500B AI Backlog and Ecosystem Dominance

January 20, 2026, 8:18 PM EST. RBC Capital Markets starts coverage on NVIDIA (NVDA) with an Outperform rating and a $240 target, pointing to a $500B+ AI backlog and ecosystem dominance as the core catalysts. Analyst Srini Pajjuri notes sustained AI infrastructure spend and elevated cloud capex over the next 12-18 months, led by hyperscalers. The note sees Nvidia's full-stack leadership across data centers, autonomous systems and cloud services, with competition acknowledged but deemed manageable. While risks include macro shifts and regional demand, offsets from sovereign projects and China are anticipated. The firm cautions about valuations but remains constructive on Nvidia's position in the AI cycle.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Lite hits year-low price after Amazon price cut

January 20, 2026, 8:16 PM EST. The Galaxy Tab S10 Lite is on sale at Amazon for $280, down from $350. The tablet features a 10.9-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate, 6GB RAM and 128GB storage, expandable to 2TB, and includes an S Pen. Samsung casts it as a balanced option for productivity and relaxation, suitable for work, media, and light gaming. The price cut is limited-time, so buyers should act quickly. At $280, it's a more affordable gateway to a larger screen without the premium price of higher-end tablets. The move underscores Samsung's broader push to position tablets as a complement to smartphones.

Deutsche Bank: AI 'honeymoon' ending as 2026 tests disillusionment, dislocation and distrust

January 20, 2026, 8:08 PM EST. Deutsche Bank Research Institute expects 2026 to be the toughest year yet for AI. The bank flags three themes: disillusionment, dislocation and distrust. As pilots move into production, executives see limited short-term revenue gains, while challenges such as accuracy, real-world integration and a cost advantage over human labor persist. Bottlenecks, energy constraints and talent shortages could widen the demand-vs-supply gap, pressuring standalone players like OpenAI, Anthropic and xAI as hyperscalers scale. The note casts OpenAI as most exposed given its cash burn and unclear business model, even as rivals deploy comparable models with in-house data centers. It also notes competition from Gemini and broader moves by players like Google and Apple.

Galaxy S26 Ultra rumor expands color options to six hues

January 20, 2026, 8:04 PM EST. Over the weekend, an early leak showed the Galaxy S26 Ultra's SIM card tray in four colors-black, white, blue, and purple. A new rumor from credible leaker Evan Blass corroborates those options and adds two more: Silver Shadow and Pink Gold. Blass cites a six-color lineup for the flagship, matching earlier chatter that Samsung will broaden its palette for the S26 Ultra. The posts describe color variants, but Samsung has not confirmed details. The information comes from leaks and online posts, not official company statements. If accurate, the six hues would give buyers more choice for a premium finish.

Spectrum launches gigabit broadband, mobile, TV and voice services in Wilson County, NC

January 20, 2026, 7:54 PM EST. Spectrum launched Internet, Mobile, TV and Voice services for more than 500 homes and small businesses in Wilson County, North Carolina, as part of a private, multiyear rural buildout. The program, backed by $7 billion in private investment, aims to add more than 100,000 miles of fiber-optic network and reach 1.7 million new locations across the United States. Speeds go up to 1 Gbps, with no modem fees, data caps or contracts; Spectrum Business Internet offers 1 Gbps download with several options. The rollout includes Spectrum Mobile with nationwide 5G and a Spectrum TV app with 270+ HD channels and 85,000 on-demand titles. Local officials praised the project as advancing North Carolina's digital connectivity, while Tim Williams, Spectrum VP of Construction, highlighted new jobs and service quality.

Nomad debuts Titanium Stratos band with Icy Blue Glow interior for Apple Watch

January 20, 2026, 7:34 PM EST. Nomad Debuts a Limited Edition Icy Blue Glow interior for its Stratos titanium Apple Watch band. The update preserves Grade 4 titanium hardware and a DLC-coated exterior, while the interior uses a rubber-like FKM to produce a subtle two-tone effect as links flex. Priced at $189 shipped, the Icy Blue Glow version is available for a limited time. It follows earlier black and natural titanium versions with various inner colors. The band offers a flexible design around the wrist, a custom magnetic clasp, and a tool to adjust length. It is designed for Apple Watch Ultra 1-3 and works with Series 1-11 and SE.

Nova Launcher acquired by Instabridge; app to stay active, ads under review

January 20, 2026, 7:30 PM EST. Nova Launcher has been acquired by Instabridge, a Swedish company that builds products to help people get online. The new owners say Nova will remain active, stable with modern Android, and actively maintained. They are exploring a sustainable business model, including paid tiers and other approaches, and are evaluating ad-based options for the free version. If ads appear, Nova Prime will stay ad-free. Existing Prime purchases will be honored, and features will continue to work for current users. A detailed FAQ is available for questions. The move signals a steady course rather than a shutdown; Nova fans will watch for the long-term mix of free and paid options.

Apple updates firmware for four Magic Keyboard models across iPad Air and iPad Pro

January 20, 2026, 7:22 PM EST. Apple is rolling out new firmware updates for four Magic Keyboard models across the iPad Air and iPad Pro lines. The updates affect the Magic Keyboard for iPad Air 13-inch (M3) and 11-inch (M3) with firmware version 1024.320.771, and the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 13-inch (M4) and 11-inch (M4) with firmware version 1872.544.772. Apple has not published release notes; the company typically ships fixes and performance improvements rather than visible new features. Updates are delivered automatically in the background while the keyboard is paired to a compatible device running iOS, iPadOS, macOS, or tvOS. To check your current version, navigate to Settings > General > About > Magic Keyboard.

SpaceX Drops Starlink Mini Price to $199, a New Low

January 20, 2026, 7:18 PM EST. SpaceX slashed the price of its Starlink Mini dish to $199, the lowest point yet for the consumer kit. The discount applies on Starlink.com and through select retailers, including Best Buy and Walmart. The move comes as SpaceX pushes wider access to broadband, leaning on higher-volume sales to lift revenue. The Starlink Mini, which uses the same network as the broader Starlink service but with a smaller dish, remains a popular option for households seeking better speeds without fiber. A SpaceX spokesperson did not provide additional timing details, and stock information from retailers was not immediately available.

Spotify tests Page Match to sync paper books with audiobooks

January 20, 2026, 7:16 PM EST. Spotify is testing a feature called Page Match that ties physical books, ebooks and audiobooks inside its app. Discovered in app version 9.1.18.282, Page Match uses the phone's camera and OCR to read text, locate a page, and jump to the corresponding timestamp in the audiobook. It supports switching from book page to audio and from audio back to the exact page, with onboarding strings labeling it as a beta feature. A screenshot shows how the system would display a page number in the audiobook interface. The tool appears to require owning or unlocking the audiobook on Spotify. If real, it could aid book clubs and readers who switch between formats.

Cramer defends Apple amid mixed analyst views and AI deal chatter

January 20, 2026, 7:14 PM EST. Jim Cramer remains bullish on Apple Inc. (AAPL), defending the stock as a core holding even as analysts diverge. He had forecast that Apple would partner with Google to deploy Gemini AI, a bet he says has helped illuminate Apple's software momentum. Raymond James launched coverage with a Market Perform rating, arguing the stock already prices in upside. Bank of America kept a $325 target and a Buy rating, citing potential from services growth and iPhone demand; Cramer appears to agree with that stance. The report also sketches broader AI-stock bets and notes a contrast between hype and fundamentals. This summary reflects coverage originally published by Insider Monkey.

Spotify tests Page Match to link physical books with audiobooks

January 20, 2026, 7:12 PM EST. Spotify is testing a feature called Page Match that links a physical book page or an ebook page to the corresponding spot in an audiobook. Spotted in the Android app (version 9.1.18.282), the tool uses OCR to read a scanned page and locate the matching timestamp in the audiobook. The feature is described as a two-way bridge: you can jump from the page to the audio and return to the page from the audio. It may also show the exact page number that aligns with your current listening position. The discovery suggests you must own or unlock the audiobook to use it and could appeal to book clubs and readers who switch between formats. Android Authority reported the discovery.

NVIDIA DLSS 4.5 edges ahead of AMD FSR 4 Redstone in upscaling tests

January 20, 2026, 7:08 PM EST. A side-by-side test compares Nvidia's DLSS 4.5 with AMD's FSR 4 using an RX 9060XT 8GB and an RTX 5060 Ti 16GB. Nvidia's update relies on a second-generation Transformer model, a larger training set, and about five times the compute cost, with FP8 support on RTX 4000/5000 to offset some loss in performance. The setup lets users apply DLSS per game via the Nvidia App, with Preset M (Performance) or Preset L (Ultra Performance). Tests run at 1440p with performance-mode upscaling to 720p internal resolution. Early results indicate Nvidia retains a quality edge, though gains vary by title and how each pipeline uses native FSR 4 implementations.

Verizon extends device unlock wait to 365 days on prepaid brands after FCC waiver

January 20, 2026, 7:04 PM EST. Verizon has updated its device unlock policy for prepaid brands, including Visible, Total Wireless, Tracfone and Straight Talk. The change extends the unlock wait to 365 days of paid service, up from 60 days. Effective January 20, 2026, customers must meet several conditions: the device was purchased on or after 1/20/2026; it was activated more than 365 days ago; the phone has 365 days of paid service; there has been ordinary usage; the device is not reported lost or stolen; and there is no fraud on the account. Unlocking is now by request, not automatic, and the service clock pauses if you pause payment. Critics question whether the move benefits consumers; the FCC waiver allowing Verizon to set its own terms drew scrutiny.

Google shuts down Stadia Controller conversion tool; GitHub backup remains

January 20, 2026, 7:00 PM EST. Google has retired the Stadia Controller conversion tool, ending the platform's final remnant. The browser-based feature, launched in 2023 with Stadia's demise, converted a Stadia Controller from a Wi-Fi controller to a generic Bluetooth device for smartphones, tablets and PCs. It was to shut at end-2023 but was extended to end-2025; the page at stadia.google.com/controller now returns 404 for some users and has effectively gone offline as of January 20. A backup exists on GitHub, created by the Stadia Enhanced extension developer, and remains usable on unconverted controllers. The backup predates several firmware updates; Google never released new firmware for converted controllers. RIP Stadia.

Google shuts down Stadia Controller conversion tool; GitHub backup remains

January 20, 2026, 6:50 PM EST. Google has pulled the Stadia Controller conversion tool offline, ending the last official remnant of the cloud gaming service. Launched in 2023 with Stadia's closure, the browser-based tool let a Stadia Controller be converted from a Wi-Fi controller into a generic Bluetooth controller for use with smartphones, tablets, PCs and other devices. The service was due to shut at year-end 2023 but received two extensions through the end of 2025. It is now dead. Users reported a 404 error at stadia.google.com/controller; access fluctuated through mid-January and stopped on January 20. A full backup exists on GitHub created by the Stadia Enhanced developer, which still works for unconverted controllers. No firmware updates were released for converted devices. RIP Stadia.

Navitas Deepens AI Data Center Ties With Nvidia 800V Platform

January 20, 2026, 6:48 PM EST. Navitas Semiconductor highlighted its shift toward high-power GaN and SiC chips for AI data centers at the Needham Growth Conference in New York. CEO Chris Allexandre outlined partnerships around Nvidia's forthcoming 800V Kyber data center power architecture, tying the investor narrative to near-term traction in AI applications. The company faces a contrast between growing design wins and ongoing revenue softness in EV, solar and industrial segments, with losses persisting as it pivots away from consumer markets. Analysts' forecasts and fair-value estimates vary widely, underscoring execution risk. The immediate catalyst remains clarity on AI data centers revenue and how quickly those opportunities convert to sales. Nvidia collaboration anchors the story, but Navitas must translate design wins into sustainable profitability to justify its valuation.

NVIDIA DLSS 4.5 edges ahead of AMD FSR 4 in upscaling tests

January 20, 2026, 6:46 PM EST. NVIDIA rolled out DLSS 4.5 at CES 2026, arguing a second-generation Transformer model boosts image quality over DLSS 4. NVIDIA cites a significantly larger training set, FP8 precision on RTX 4000/5000 hardware and a roughly 5× higher compute budget. In the Nvidia App, players can apply per-game overrides, using Preset M for Performance or Preset L for Ultra Performance. A tester pits DLSS 4.5 against FSR 4 on an RX 9060XT 8GB and an RTX 5060 Ti 16GB, evaluating at 1440p with performance-mode upscaling (720p internal). The article notes practical limits when certain titles (e.g., Black Ops 7 via Game Pass) lack Nvidia App options, requiring workarounds. Early impressions suggest an upswing in quality, albeit with higher demands on older GPUs.

EU plans tighter cybersecurity rules that could bar Huawei from networks

January 20, 2026, 6:44 PM EST. Brussels proposed a draft to revise the Cybersecurity Act that could exclude Huawei and other foreign suppliers from EU mobile networks, citing rising cyber threats and concerns about espionage. The measure targets national security risks across sectors, including detection equipment, connected and automated vehicles, electricity supply and storage, water supply systems, drones and counter-drone systems, cloud services and semiconductors. The draft names no company or country, but follows a U.S.-aligned push to curb Chinese equipment. Washington has barred new telecom gear from Huawei since 2022 and has urged EU partners to follow suit, citing alleged backdoors for data. Huawei denies the allegations. Since 2020, the EU has labeled Huawei a high-risk vendor, though some member states still rely on Huawei gear to serve customers.

Verizon's 365-day unlock policy goes live across prepaid brands

January 20, 2026, 6:42 PM EST. Verizon has moved from a 60-day unlock to a 365-day waiting period across its prepaid brands, after an FCC waiver allowed the change. Beginning January 20, 2026, devices bought from Visible, Total Wireless, Tracfone and Straight Talk will be unlocked only upon request after meeting several conditions: the handset was purchased on or after the effective date, has been active for more than 365 days, carries 365 days of paid service, and shows ordinary usage while not flagged as lost, stolen or fraudulent. The change affects prepaid customers who value flexibility to switch carriers. Verizon says unlocks must be requested and will not be automatic. The FCC said the waiver would benefit consumers, though critics question whether extending lock-in actually helps users.

Tesla's 'one-time' FSD transfer ends this quarter again as subscription plan looms

January 20, 2026, 6:40 PM EST. Tesla tells owners that the current FSD transfer window ends this quarter, effectively nudging buyers to upgrade to a new car before March 31, 2026. The company says this is the final transfer, but history shows the window has reopened repeatedly since its 2023 debut. The program was framed as a one-time amnesty by CEO Elon Musk, then renewed several times as a quarterly sales incentive. Separately, Tesla announced it will remove FSD as a one-time option next month, making the package subscription-only. If true, that could seal a final window for perpetual licenses tied to a vehicle. Critics say the transfer policy reflects a constraint in Tesla delivering full autonomy and using the mechanism as a demand lever to boost quarterly results.

EU to revise Cybersecurity Act, could exclude Huawei from mobile networks

January 20, 2026, 6:38 PM EST. The EU is drafting a revision to the Cybersecurity Act that could curb foreign equipment risks in its mobile networks. Brussels has proposed a broad update that would apply to 18 sectors, from detection gear and drones to electricity, water systems and cloud services, aiming to tighten safeguards against cyber threats, foreign interference and espionage. The measure does not name any company, but follows years of pressure on Huawei and other Chinese suppliers. The United States has barred new Huawei telecom equipment since 2022 and has urged Europe to follow suit. Huawei denies wrongdoing. Since 2020, the EU has labeled Huawei a high-risk vendor, though some member states still rely on its gear.

Tesla says 'one-time' FSD transfer ends this quarter, but history repeats

January 20, 2026, 6:34 PM EST. Tesla is telling owners that the current FSD transfer window will close at quarter-end, presenting what it calls the last chance to move the software to a new car. The company has revived the transfer offer since its 2023 debut, turning it into a recurring quarterly incentive rather than a hard deadline. Separately, Tesla has announced that FSD will move to a subscription model next month, effectively ending perpetual licenses on new vehicles. If the change stands, transfers would be a temporary option, and customers who upgrade would likely lose an enduring, vehicle-linked license even if the software remains under active development. Analysts and customers have viewed the transfers as a workaround for incomplete autonomy promises rather than a true asset, and Tesla's timing will be scrutinized as deliveries trigger quarterly targets.

Navitas Deepens AI Data Center Ties With Nvidia 800V Platform

January 20, 2026, 6:32 PM EST. Navitas Semiconductor used the Needham Growth Conference in New York to outline a pivot toward higher-power GaN (gallium nitride) and SiC (silicon carbide) chips for AI data centers, including work tied to Nvidia's next-generation 800V architecture – Nvidia's high-voltage data center power design intended to improve efficiency. The company frames the shift as a growth driver, while near-term revenue softness remains a risk. Analysts see the key catalyst as traction in AI data center wins rather than consumer and EV markets. Navitas' collaboration with Nvidia on the 800V Kyber AI data center power architecture anchors the bullish thesis, but investors should note ongoing cost cuts and losses if opportunities don't translate into sales. The outlook hinges on repeatable data center wins and stronger cash flow by 2028.

Boring Company's Reno-Gigafactory tunnel study explores I-80 relief

January 20, 2026, 6:30 PM EST. Documents reviewed by Fortune show The Boring Company received a $50,000 contract in October to draft conceptual designs and a feasibility report for a tunnel beneath a nine-mile stretch of highway to Tesla's Gigafactory Nevada. The work was funded by EDAWN, a state-affiliated nonprofit aimed at attracting and expanding business. Officials say the project is among several options to ease rising congestion and crashes on I-80 near the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center, where Tesla and Panasonic employ thousands. Emails indicate the companies also supported a separate commuter rail study using existing freight lines. Key details-tunnel length, cost, and whether autonomous Teslas would operate in the tunnel-were not disclosed, and it remains unclear if the feasibility work was completed. Local officials cite safety concerns and welcome private solutions that reduce traffic.

Boring Company studies Reno-Gigafactory tunnel to ease I-80 congestion

January 20, 2026, 6:28 PM EST. Fortune reported that The Boring Company received $50,000 in October from the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN) to draft conceptual designs and a feasibility report for a tunnel beneath a nine-mile stretch to Gigafactory Nevada. The move forms part of a broader effort to relieve congestion and crashes on Interstate 80 serving the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center, where Tesla and Panasonic are major tenants. The report's completion status and key details-tunnel length, cost, and whether autonomous Teslas would be used-were not disclosed. Separately, Tesla and Panasonic have supported a commuter rail study using existing freight lines along I-80. Public data show peak traffic rising; about 22,000 employees commute daily, including roughly 8,000 at Tesla and more than 4,000 at Panasonic. Bill Thomas of RTC Washoe County noted accidents about every other day and welcomed private solutions.

Brix Debuts AI Recruiting Agents and Global Headhunter Network to Accelerate Global Hiring

January 20, 2026, 6:24 PM EST. Silicon Valley-based Brix unveiled AI-powered sourcing and outreach agents and an upgraded global headhunter network, aiming to accelerate its global hiring platform. Backed by HF0 and NVIDIA Inception, the company closed a roughly $10 million seed in 2025 and has since scaled to more than $50 million in annualized gross revenue. The system spans staffing, compliance, payroll and EOR in 120+ countries. The new AI agents perform end-to-end reasoning, global search, candidate ranking and 10,000+ personalized outreach actions daily, cutting hiring cycles from 2-3 months to 1-3 weeks. The approach keeps human recruiters in the driver's seat, focused on relationship-building. Brix's Human Data business trains AI with global experts to support enterprise AI workloads.

Brix launches AI recruiting agents and global headhunter network to scale global hiring

January 20, 2026, 6:10 PM EST. Brix unveiled AI-powered sourcing and outreach agents alongside an upgraded global headhunter network, marking a new era in global hiring. Backed by HF0 and NVIDIA Inception, the company closed a roughly $10 million Seed round in 2025 and now reports over $50 million in annualized revenue after 18 months across North America, Europe and Asia. The system rests on a 960-million-strong global talent database and a proprietary multi-agent architecture that handles end-to-end reasoning-from defining role requirements and global search to candidate ranking and 10,000+ personalized outreach actions daily. AI reduces repetitive work, letting human recruiters focus on relationship building and closing. It also powers Brix's Human Data business, helping AI companies recruit global experts. Led by Alex Yang and Katherine Duan.

DJI cuts prices on Mini 4K and Flip, widening choice for new and growing drone buyers

January 20, 2026, 6:04 PM EST. DJI has cut prices on two drones, giving buyers a clear choice between entry and upgrade. The Mini 4K is now $239, down from $299, a 20% drop that keeps it under 250 grams with 4K video up to 30 fps and 12-MP stills, plus up to 31 minutes of flight. The Fly More Combo remains a budget option at $359, boosting endurance to about 93 minutes with extra batteries. Meanwhile, the Flip's Fly More Combo with RC 2 screen is 15% off at $659 (from $779), offering a larger sensor (1/1.3-inch), 4K60 HDR video, and an integrated built-in screen controller. Together, the deals give first-time flyers a cheap entry and creators a more capable compact drone.

DJI cuts prices on Mini 4K and Flip drones, giving buyers a clear choice

January 20, 2026, 6:02 PM EST. DJI has rolled out discounts on two drone lines, giving buyers a clear choice between entry-level and more capable gear. The Mini 4K is now $239, down from $299 (a 20% cut), and the Fly More Combo is $359, about $90 off, boosting flight time to roughly 93 minutes. The Mini 4K weighs under 250 grams and avoids US recreational registration, while still shooting 4K video at up to 30 fps and 12-MP photos with stabilized footage. For more capable flyers, the Flip Fly More Combo with RC 2 screen controller is 15% off at $659 (from $779) and offers a 1/1.3-inch sensor, 4K60 HDR, and a built-in display on the controller. The deals target beginners and enthusiasts alike.

Honor updates Smart Space and Sports + Health for HarmonyOS 5 devices

January 20, 2026, 6:00 PM EST. Honor has updated two core apps, Smart Space and Sports + Health, to run on HarmonyOS 5 devices, expanding compatibility beyond Honor phones. The Smart Space hub now works on HarmonyOS 5/6 smartphones and tablets, enabling Huawei users to discover, connect, and control Honor accessories such as earbuds and home devices. In parallel, the Sports + Health app, which pairs with Honor wearables, records and analyzes fitness data and supports outdoor runs, walks and cycling. On HarmonyOS 5.0, both apps offer limited functionality: basic Bluetooth headset pairing, and the ability to bind family members for remote protection via Smart Space; health data sync with Honor Watch GS3 and later devices. Users can connect wearables using compatible Huawei devices without an Honor phone.

Tesla Ajax Supercharger delay in Ontario as utility connection stalls

January 20, 2026, 5:56 PM EST. Tesla's Ajax Supercharger in the Durham Centre, Ajax, Ontario, intended to be Canada's largest with 44 stalls, has been delayed due to a pending power connection by Elexicon Energy. Although construction was completed in May 2025 and the site has sat idle for nearly six months, the final electrical hookup has not been made, delaying the opening previously set for Friday, January 23, 2026. The holdup mirrors earlier postponements at Ontario stations by utilities such as Alectra Utilities. EV drivers and Tesla have grown frustrated by the lack of transparency on a new timeline. The article urges affected owners to contact Elexicon Energy to press for a timeline and accountability, adding that the station will serve not only Tesla owners but all EV drivers in the region.

Spotify tests Page Match to sync audiobooks with paper and ebook editions

January 20, 2026, 5:54 PM EST. Spotify is testing a feature called Page Match that would sync audiobooks with their paper or ebook editions. The code in version 9.1.18.282 indicates you can scan a page with your device camera, use OCR to identify passages, and jump to the corresponding timestamp in the audiobook. The feature would also show the page number that matches your listening position, enabling quick moves between audio and text. It would require ownership of the Spotify audiobook and the related paper editions or ebooks. The aim is to spare manual rewinding and could work in reverse. Android Authority notes the OCR isn't always reliable and may prompt rescanning. Spotify has not announced a public rollout; Whispersync for Voice from Amazon is similar but tied to Kindle/Audible only.

Spotify tests Page Match to sync audiobooks with paper and ebooks

January 20, 2026, 5:50 PM EST. Spotify is testing a feature called Page Match that links audiobooks to their paper and ebook editions. The beta appears in version 9.1.18.282 of the Android app, according to Android Authority. The system uses optical character recognition (OCR) to scan a page, identify passages and map them to timestamps in the audiobook. It requires users to unlock or purchase the title and own the corresponding paper or ebook version. The feature could also display the page number that matches listening, and may work in reverse. Edition differences can complicate alignment. Spotify has not announced a public rollout. The feature mirrors, but differs from, Amazon's Whispersync for Voice, which ties Audible to Kindle but not to other platforms. Page Match could let users switch between reading and listening more easily.

Tesla Ajax Supercharger opening delayed as Ontario utility stalls Canada's largest station

January 20, 2026, 5:42 PM EST. Tesla and EV drivers in the Greater Toronto Area await the 44-stall Ajax Supercharger, touted as Canada's largest. The station, at the Durham Centre near Kingston Road East and Harwood Avenue, was to begin commissioning on January 23, 2026, but has been delayed by issues linked to the local utility Elexicon Energy. Construction finished; the site is ready, but the final power connection remains pending, leaving the lot idle for about six months. The setback echoes prior holdups by utilities such as Alectra Utilities and highlights calls for more transparency. Tesla owners and other EV drivers are encouraged to contact Elexicon Energy to seek an updated timeline and accountability. A templated letter is circulating to pressure for action.

EyesMatch accuses Apple of infringing gaze-correction patent tied to FaceTime eye contact feature

January 20, 2026, 5:40 PM EST. EyesMatch filed a complaint with the Unified Patent Court on Dec 5 accusing Apple of infringing EP2,936,439, a gaze-correction patent. The non-practicing entity, described as a patent troll, also targets Nvidia over the same patent. The claims cover how a captured image is processed to adjust eye appearance so a user appears to look straight ahead in video calls, potentially enhancing eye contact. Apple's FaceTime Eye Contact, introduced with iOS 14, performs a similar adjustment using AR. The case could extend to Apple Vision Pro, which relies on eye tracking, though FaceTime is the closest match. EyesMatch has previously pursued Samsung and Microsoft under the UPC, with settlements reported in 2025. The patent was filed in 2013, granted in 2020, and expires in 2033.

SpaceX IPO in 2026: Analysts weigh valuation, capital needs and timing

January 20, 2026, 5:38 PM EST. SpaceX could become a public company in 2026 after two decades private, potentially valuing the group at up to $1.5 trillion. In mid-December, Elon Musk signaled openness to an IPO as Starlink subscriber momentum, Falcon 9 milestones, and Starshield contracts accrue, while Starship moves toward NASA deadlines and orbital data centers. A roundtable of space-finance analysts weighed the case to go public: Grenier argues the Starlink model now supports an IPO, and SpaceX needs capital for Starlink V3, Starship expansion, and exploration. Farrar notes private funding remains available but suggests an IPO could re-center Musk's public universe on SpaceX rather than Tesla. The debate also covers valuation risks, the mix of government contracts, and the strategic impact on mission timelines and disclosure.

Analysts weigh SpaceX IPO in 2026 as Starlink, Starship drive debate

January 20, 2026, 5:36 PM EST. SpaceX could go public in 2026 after more than two decades private. Elon Musk signaled interest in an IPO with a potential valuation up to about $1.5 trillion, according to market chatter. The roundtable with Tim Farrar, Antoine Grenier, Kimberly Siversen Burke and Armand Musey weighs timing against Starlink's proven economics, the need for capital to fund Starlink V3, Starship expansion and deeper government work such as Starshield, plus looming NASA deadlines and orbital data centers. Grenier notes Starlink's business model is now sustainable, arguing a broad investor base would be essential for an IPO of this scale. Farrar sees SpaceX becoming a new center of public attention for Elon Musk, potentially shifting away from Tesla amid headwinds. Debate remains about how a public listing would affect capital access and strategic control.

AI-altered Cadillac listing on Bring a Trailer spotlights AI image risks

January 20, 2026, 5:34 PM EST. Observers flagged a Bring a Trailer listing for a 1999 Cadillac DeVille as an example of AI-generated image artifacts. The entry shows multiple misrepresentations, including a misaligned license plate, an off-brand hood crest, and a cobblestone floor appearing inside the car. The cobblestone effect extends under the hood, replacing parts of the radiator in some shots. The issue is described as an AI hallucination-images created by AI that do not reflect reality. PetaPixel explains why AI struggles with text in images. The listing's comments, a Reddit thread, and Motor1 coverage drew attention. Buyers should verify photos and records; sellers risk miscommunication or legal exposure if imagery is not authentic.

AI-altered images slip into Bring a Trailer Cadillac listing, prompting buyer caution

January 20, 2026, 5:32 PM EST. An auction listing for a 1999 Cadillac DeVille on Bring a Trailer featured multiple images altered by AI. The rogue visuals sparked quick criticism in the listing's comments, then in a Reddit thread and a post by Motor1. The telltale signs include misaligned text on the front license plate, an off-crest hood ornament, and a cobblestone-pattern floor that appears inside the car, a classic symptom of AI hallucination. In some shots the cobblestone motif extends under the hood, replacing the radiator and front end in the photo, while other images show mismatched taillights and logos. The listing's inconsistencies illustrate how subtle and obvious edits can mislead buyers, with fans urging caution in evaluating online car imagery.

Microsoft tests ad-supported Xbox Cloud Gaming with one-hour sessions and up to five hours free per month

January 20, 2026, 5:20 PM EST. Microsoft is nearing a public test of an ad-supported Xbox Cloud Gaming option. Over the weekend, the Xbox app updated with loading screens promising 1 hour of ad-supported playtime per session, matching internal tests that cap sessions at one hour and offer up to five hours free per month. People familiar with the test say there are preroll ads before a game streams for free, about two minutes long. The free tier would let players stream titles they own, plus Free Play Days and Xbox Retro Classics with ads. Microsoft confirmed it was testing the service weeks after Tom Warren's disclosure, and officials expect broader public testing in the coming weeks.

LG Energy Solution advances sodium-ion pilot line in China to test mass production feasibility

January 20, 2026, 5:18 PM EST. LG Energy Solution is speeding up the pilot production line for sodium-ion batteries at its Nanjing plant to test mass production feasibility. R&D will occur at the Daejeon Technology Research Institute, with a prototype (Sample A) at Ochang, then Sample B and Sample C at Nanjing. The plan, cited by ETNews, aims to finish construction and start samples within the year, signaling a push for localized production in China amid a robust supply chain. CATL's early moves-Naxtra with up to 175 Wh/kg-have energized discussions about scale, while LG Energy Solution weighs options for the pilot line as other Chinese startups pursue sodium battery capacity.

Realme P4 Power to offer 10,001mAh battery with week-long endurance

January 20, 2026, 5:10 PM EST. Realme says its forthcoming P4 Power will ship with a 10,001mAh battery, a leap from niche 10,000mAh units. The cell fits in an 8.5mm-thick, 215-gram chassis and uses a 10% silicon anode, a material that stores more charge than graphite. A clever stacking system preserves space, while enhanced safety features reduce swelling and boost drop protection. Realme has moved from concept to production in record time and keeps the safety architecture from the concept. The company claims week-long endurance, roughly five to seven days on a full charge, depending on use. Silicon-anode designs have delivered multi-day life in some models, though real-world results vary with display time and network activity.

Hyundai Glovis to equip 45 ships with SpaceX Starlink satellite internet

January 20, 2026, 5:02 PM EST. Hyundai Glovis said it will fit about 45 of its company-owned ships with SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet across its fleet, starting with vessels visiting South Korean ports. The project covers car carriers and bulk carriers and aims to deliver high-speed connectivity at sea through a low Earth orbit (LEO) system, enabling real-time shore communication during emergencies and adverse conditions. The upgrade is designed to support large-scale data transmission and position the fleet for next-generation tech, including autonomous navigation and AI-powered predictive maintenance. Crew welfare benefits include internet access comparable to land-based connections for video streaming and calls. Hyundai Glovis says the move will sharpen competitiveness and advance a sustainable maritime ecosystem.

Apple iPhone Air 2 eyed for fall 2026 with minimal upgrades amid conflicting reports

January 20, 2026, 5:00 PM EST. Speculation around Apple's ultra-slim iPhone Air 2 points to a fall 2026 launch with minimal upgrades rather than major overhauls. A Weibo post by Fixed Focus Digital said the device would arrive this fall, countering earlier spring-2027 timelines and aligning with a staggered iPhone 18 release. The Information previously floated a spring 2027 debut; Bloomberg's Mark Gurman argued delays stem from the A20 chip built on TSMC's 2nm process with WMCM packaging. TSMC reportedly ramped WMCM capacity into 2027. The Elec reports Samsung's Color Filter on Encapsulation OLED for the Air 2, with no dual-camera upgrade. Overall, buyers and analysts remain unsure about demand for an ultra-slim model.

iPhone 18 leaks cast doubt on Dynamic Island and selfie camera redesign

January 20, 2026, 4:58 PM EST. Eight months from Apple's fall event, rumors about the iPhone 18 Pro's Dynamic Island and selfie camera changes have cooled. A leak that claimed the Pro models would drop the pill-shaped island in favor of an under-display Face ID is likely a mistranslation, says Instant Digital on Weibo, referencing Digital Chat Station. The claim: the infrared Face ID component would be relocated under the display, but the overall display silhouette would stay the same, and the Dynamic Island would remain part of the design. Western outlets are cited as having amplified the misread. The report notes Chinese and Korean sources remain cautious about early conclusions ahead of launch.

Emergent raises $70 million in Series B led by SoftBank Vision Fund and Khosla Ventures

January 20, 2026, 4:28 PM EST. Emergent, a Bengaluru-based AI software maker, raised $70 million in a Series B led by SoftBank Vision Fund and Khosla Ventures. The round also drew participation from Prosus, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Together Fund and Y Combinator, with valuation not disclosed. SoftBank has largely done follow-on rounds in India in recent years. Emergent says it now has over 5 million users and about $50 million in annual recurring revenue within seven months of launch. CEO Mukund Jha said proceeds will expand R&D teams in San Francisco and Bengaluru and advance products, including coding agents. He cited a trend toward the democratization of software building as a major driver for the platform.

EFF Joins Global Internet Advocates in Urging Iran to Restore Open, Unfiltered Access

January 20, 2026, 4:24 PM EST. EFF has joined architects, operators and stewards of the global internet to demand that Iran immediately restore full, unfiltered internet access after a near-total national shutdown and mobile restrictions. The alliance refrained from naming individual actors but urged authorities to keep the network open and interoperable, warning that cutting access harms human rights and disrupts information flow. The appeal comes amid years of internet blocks in Iran, including episodes tied to protests following the death of Mahsa Amini. The group stresses that governments should not disrupt connectivity and calls on the international technical community to monitor the situation. The joint statement lists principles: connectivity as a fundamental enabler of human rights, protection of the global internet as a shared resource, and transparency about BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) manipulation and filtering.

Honor Watch GS 5 introduces anti-sudden cardiac arrest screening feature

January 20, 2026, 4:16 PM EST. Honor has launched the Watch GS 5 with an anti-sudden cardiac arrest screening feature designed to flag potential cardiac risks. The watch uses a photoplethysmography (PPG) heart-rate sensor to gauge heart-rate deceleration and vagus nerve regulation, helping identify conditions that could foretell sudden cardiac events. The feature supports a dedicated Honor Heart Health Research program, offering professional follow-ups and tips for high-risk users. It also includes monitoring for atrial fibrillation, premature beats, sleep apnea, and irregular rhythms, providing early warnings and guidance for health management. Honor positions the tool as the first smartwatch-backed effort to research SCA screening.

China's AI Boom Tracked: Government Registry Maps Thousands of Generative Tools

January 20, 2026, 4:12 PM EST. China requires any company releasing a publicly viewable AI tool to file in the algorithm registry. The filing goes through the local CAC before final approval, creating the most detailed map of a national AI ecosystem. DeepSeek appeared in 2025; its entry sits among thousands of tools ranging from hotel stays to patent drafting, obstetric care to power-grid management. Regulators require operators to address 31 risk categories, from discrimination to psychological harm and propaganda. Researchers at Trivium China have built a comprehensive database from CAC updates, adding context. Nearly 80% of filings cluster around Beijing, Shenzhen, Shanghai and Hangzhou, each city leveraging strengths: universities and labs, hardware supply chains, commercialization, and Alibaba's e-commerce network. Regions like Chongqing, Hefei, Guizhou and Inner Mongolia also push AI adoption across sectors.

Razer chief: gamers reject AI slop, want tools to help developers make great games

January 20, 2026, 3:58 PM EST. Razer chief Min-Liang Tan told The Verge that gamers reject generative AI slop but welcome AI tools that help studios build better games. In a Decoder podcast, he cited a $600 million investment in AI and plans to hire about 150 AI engineers, arguing the value lies in tools that augment developers rather than churn out mediocre content. He said AI should help with QA, catching bugs and typos, and allow teams to create more engaging, immersive experiences. Razer earlier partnered with Side in August 2025 to launch a player-testing solution powered by AI. The comments echo industry debates: some studios lean on AI in development (Arc Raider cited), while leaders like Embark insist AI isn't replacing people.

SpaceX slows free hardware perks as Starlink Max demand climbs

January 20, 2026, 3:56 PM EST. SpaceX is slowing free hardware perks tied to its satellite internet service as demand for the Starlink Max plan surges. The company warned customers of a 'short delay' in distributing free Router Minis and Starlink Mini dishes, citing high demand and logistical strain. The move comes as Starlink expands offerings and customer numbers grow. Company officials did not specify a completion date for the giveaways, but stressed the delay is temporary. The program aimed to reward new subscribers with hardware that improves coverage, especially in remote areas, and demonstrates SpaceX's push to scale access while balancing demand.

Beretta and Garmin unveil MARQ Commander Gen 2 Beretta 500 Limited Edition smartwatch

January 20, 2026, 3:52 PM EST. Beretta and Garmin unveiled the MARQ Commander Gen 2 Beretta 500 Limited Edition smartwatch, presented in an exclusive box. Carlo Gussalli Beretta framed the launch as five centuries of history reimagined through innovation. The watch offers up to 16 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and about 42 hours in GPS mode. Daniele Piva called the collaboration a natural outcome of teams sharing a passion for the outdoors and performance. Beretta says the project aims to bring cutting-edge professional sports logic to clay target shooting, with performance analysis, interactivity and community features, in partnership with Garmin. The device features a fused carbon fiber case with a titanium rear, and a domed sapphire lens optimized for night goggles, signaling a premium, modern sporting experience.

Ambient computing market to reach $438 billion by 2033 with 25% CAGR

January 20, 2026, 3:50 PM EST. The ambient computing market is projected to grow from USD 59 billion in 2025 to USD 438 billion by 2033, a CAGR of 25% from 2026 through 2033. The expansion centers on edge computing and daily environments, where processing occurs near sources to cut latency and speed up decisions. Embedding intelligence in settings enables systems to respond to real-time conditions with minimal user interaction. Key segments: IoT will dominate technology share (about 42% in 2026); lighting control could hold roughly 33% of applications in 2026; consumer electronics may capture 44% of market share in 2026. North America accounts for about 36% of demand, while APAC is the fastest-growing region at about 25% share in 2026. Growth rides on IoT, AI, and sensor tech, but privacy, cybersecurity, and interoperability pose headwinds.

Apple deals this week: M4 MacBook Air, M5 iPad Pro lead savings

January 20, 2026, 3:46 PM EST. Apple deals this week offer up to $250 off select devices, headlined by the M4 MacBook Air, M5 iPad Pro, and Apple Watch Ultra 2. The guide covers other discounted Apple gear and notes that pricing and availability can change after publication. All products are independently selected by editors, and Mashable may earn an affiliate commission on purchases made through links. The article provides a quick view of the best deals and directs readers to individual product sections in a browsable table of contents.

Tesla restarts Dojo3 space-focused supercomputer as AI5 advances, pursuing first all-in-house, Nvidia-free system

January 20, 2026, 3:42 PM EST. Tesla said on X that it has restarted the Dojo3 project after confirming the AI5 chip design is in "good shape," enabling a shift of resources back to the space-focused supercomputer. The plan positions Dojo3 as Tesla's first supercomputer built entirely with in-house hardware, after Dojo2 mixed in-house chips with Nvidia GPUs. Dojo1 and Dojo2 faced delays or cancellation; Dojo3 builds on a nine-month cadence for new chips. Musk and Tesla describe AI5 as Hopper-class on a single SoC and Blackwell-class when two chips run together, with power around 250W versus Nvidia's H100 at about 700W. Nvidia chips carry a rough $25K-$50K price tag; Dojo3 aims at higher-volume production. The project also contains space-based AI compute ambitions, with AI6 and AI7 following.

UG becomes Quest's top-earning title in under six months, rivaling Gorilla Tag and Beat Saber

January 20, 2026, 3:36 PM EST. Free-to-play VR title UG has emerged as a near-instant hit on Quest, climbing into the platform's top earners within six months. The dinosaur-pet game blends social multiplayer and casual lobbies with arcade-style exploration, a formula reflected in its 245,000 reviews on the Horizon store and a 4.9/5 rating. Creators told Road to VR that UG has logged about 1.2 million unique users, with over 100,000 daily active players and a peak of around 40,000 concurrent users. Average playtime sits at roughly 60 minutes per day, with some days approaching two hours. While five-year veteran Gorilla Tag still dominates total revenue, UG now competes in weekly revenue on Meta charts, often taking the lead. The team cites ARP (average revenue per user) as a key driver. Developed by Continuum, which also created free-to-play Monkey Doo.

Scientists unveil crawling robot hand that can grasp multiple objects

January 20, 2026, 3:30 PM EST. Researchers unveiled a crawling robot hand capable of grasping diverse objects. The device blends a flexible, compliant gripper with a crawling actuator, letting it traverse surfaces and securely hold items of varying shapes and sizes. Officials said the system can adapt its grip without retooling, using modular fingers and soft materials. Potential applications include automated warehouses, prosthetic integrations, and cluttered-environment tasks. The team frames the advance as expanding manipulation in tight spaces while reducing human intervention. Details released at a briefing this week, with emphasis on safety, reliability, and scalable testing.

Pocket Casts adds watch speaker playback on Wear OS with 8.3 update

January 20, 2026, 3:28 PM EST. Pocket Casts 8.3 expands Wear OS 5.1 with speaker playback, letting the watch output audio without headphones. Start playing on the wrist and switch quickly to a paired device from the volume page. YouTube Music also supports speaker-only podcast playback, but not music, on Wear OS. The watch homepage gains a Starred Episodes view; archived and played items are grayed out, while other views may hide them. The Downloads screen now includes a loading spinner. Access remains gated to Pocket Casts Plus subscribers ($3.99/month or $39.99/year) and the update is rolling out via the Play Store. A future 8.4 update will remove the Radioactivity theme to simplify the UI and reduce bugs.

Ex-Pinterest Marketer Andréa Mallard Named Microsoft AI CMO

January 20, 2026, 3:22 PM EST. Ex-Pinterest marketing chief Andréa Mallard has been named Microsoft AI (MAI) CMO, confirming the move in a LinkedIn post. Mallard left Pinterest in January after seven years and says she began the role just under two weeks ago. She joins a MAI led by Mustafa Suleyman with a mandate to earn trust in AI across products such as Copilot, Bing, Edge and GroupMe. MAI, created in 2024, has bolstered its branding and tools as Microsoft pours billions into AI initiatives and embeds OpenAI models across Copilot, Bing and Azure. Mallard's Pinterest tenure built the global marketing function, steered the 2019 IPO and pivoted the brand toward an inspiration-led feed; Pinterest has since named Claudine Cheever as CMO.

BeatStars acquires Lemonaide AI to embed rights-first model in generative music platform

January 20, 2026, 3:02 PM EST. BeatStars has acquired Lemonaide AI, aligning two firms in a push to anchor generative music in a rights-first framework. The deal follows a long-running industry debate over consent, attribution, compensation, and transparency in AI-powered creation. BeatStars says it has paid out more than $400 million to creators and supports a marketplace with 11 million-plus beats and about 1.5 million monthly downloads; the integration with Lemonaide aims to embed infrastructure, rights management, and payout flows that track usage and revenue in real time. Critics say ethical AI remains theoretical without standardized accounting; proponents argue this merger offers a concrete case study for how accountability can be built into commercial tooling. The partners previously announced a 2023 plan for "ethically sourced AI," signaling a shift toward usable governance at scale.

EU's Setapp Mobile to shut down by Feb 16, 2026 amid DMA rules and Apple's fee overhaul

January 20, 2026, 2:58 PM EST. One of the first major EU-based alt app stores, Setapp Mobile from MacPaw, is shutting down. Launched September 2024, it offered access to dozens of apps via a $9.99 monthly subscription for users with an EU Apple ID. The company said all mobile apps will be removed by the sunset date of February 16, 2026; Setapp Desktop apps remain unaffected. The move, disclosed on Setapp's support site and reported by MacRumors and TechCrunch, stems from still-evolving and complex commercial terms tied to Apple's EU terms and a contentious Core Technology Fee. The fee structure has grown more complex, complicating planning for developers and making an EU alt-store model appear unviable. Other EU options include the Epic Games Store and AltStore.

Rigetti secures $8.4 million order for 108-qubit quantum computer from C-DAC

January 20, 2026, 2:56 PM EST. Rigetti Computing announced an $8.4 million order for a 108-qubit quantum computer from C-DAC, India's premier R&D body. Deployment is planned for the second half of 2026 at C-DAC Bengaluru. The system uses Rigetti's chiplet-based architecture (a modular design that links smaller chips to scale performance). The deal highlights rising demand for on-premises quantum systems that run in a customer's facility. It also deepens Rigetti's hybrid computing partnership with C-DAC, enabling tight integration of quantum and classical processors for workloads.

NASA rolls out massive Space Launch System for Artemis 2 lunar mission

January 20, 2026, 2:44 PM EST. NASA rolled the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, pairing it with the Orion capsule, to the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center as it gears up for Artemis 2. The 322-foot-tall vehicle left the Vehicle Assembly Building, rode a crawler-transporter to Launch Pad 39B, and will remain there barring a rollback. Artemis 2, the program's second mission, will carry four astronauts (three Americans and one Canadian) on a 10-day lunar loop, the first crewed lunar flight since 1972. Ground crews plan a wet dress rehearsal around Feb. 2, fueling with about 700,000 gallons of cryogenic propellants before the countdown. NASA officials emphasize this as a critical step toward returning humans to the moon.

PwC survey: most CEOs report no payoff from AI investments

January 20, 2026, 2:38 PM EST. PwC surveyed 4,454 business leaders and found that more than half see no revenue gains or cost cuts from AI investments. Only 12% report both lower costs and higher revenue, while 56% see no benefit. Twenty-six percent report reduced costs, but nearly as many face higher costs. Adoption remains limited across top use cases: demand generation 22%, support services 20%, and product development 19%, with AI broadly deployed by a minority. A separate PwC study last year found only 14% of workers use generative AI daily. PwC warns that isolated, tactical projects rarely deliver value; scale requires strong foundations: an AI-friendly environment, a clearly defined roadmap, formalized risk processes, and a culture that enables adoption. MIT research in August found only 5% of enterprises have scaled AI tools, with widespread underperformance. CEO optimism fell to 30%.

Tesla Cybercab spotted with rear-camera washer in Chicago amid winter testing

January 20, 2026, 2:34 PM EST. Chicago sighting suggests Tesla's Cybercab prototype is testing rear-camera washer to combat snow and salt interference on camera sensors. The feature aligns with the vehicle's camera-only autonomy and could help the robotaxi operate in winter conditions outside California and Texas. The company has outlined expansion to Las Vegas, Phoenix, Dallas, Houston and Miami; Chicago's appearance remains unclear. Critics have focused on Cybercab's small size and questioned timing, as production aims shift toward 2026-27. Musk has touted unsupervised FSD at safety levels surpassing humans, but software and safety challenges remain, especially in extreme weather.

Samsung launches 2026 with Blue Tag Sale in South Africa

January 20, 2026, 2:28 PM EST. Samsung kicks off 2026 with the Blue Tag Sale in South Africa, running 19 January to 8 February 2026. The promotion cuts prices on selected Galaxy smartphones, tablets and wearables at Samsung stores, the Samsung Shop App and participating retailers nationwide. Highlights include the Galaxy A26 now R4,499 (save R500), the Galaxy A06 at R1,599 (save R400), and the Galaxy Tab A11 Plus 5G for R3,999 (save R1,000). Wearables are on offer too: Galaxy Fit3 for R999 (save R300) and Galaxy Buds Core for R799 (save R200). Galaxy S25 FE is listed at R9,999 (save R4,000) in the BTS lineup. The sale targets first-time buyers, students and families, emphasizing battery life, cameras and connectivity.

Razer CEO says gamers will embrace generative AI in game development as art rises

January 20, 2026, 2:26 PM EST. Razer CEO Min-Liang Tan contends that generative AI has a place in game development, arguing that soon gamers will see real art rise from careful use. In a The Verge interview, he acknowledged a large amount of slop but said top work may still be created with the same tools. The comments underneath Razer's CES 2026 reveals show online backlash to AI-driven products. Razer has rolled out AI features in hardware, including new headphones and a high-powered workstation, plus an open-source AI developer kit. Tan said the industry should judge by outcomes, not hype, and that true art will come from human ingenuity rather than endless prompt-mashing. He urged developers to improve quality while exploring AI's potential.

AI reshapes Maine restaurants, from kitchen ideas to reservations

January 20, 2026, 2:20 PM EST. Executive Chef Gil Plaster of The Causeway at the Craignair Inn in Spruce Head has integrated AI into his workflow for three years, using programs such as ChatGPT, Grok and Gemini to brainstorm dishes and research global cuisines for his Winter Passport Dining Series. He says AI saves hours of research and helps outline traditional dishes, ingredients and tasting notes. He even designed a vegan crab cake by translating plant-based components into a seafood analog. While some chefs resist, Plaster argues that adaptation is essential to avoid being left behind. Industry voices like Dustin Caron warn that restaurants embracing AI will pull ahead. AI is increasingly used beyond the kitchen to manage phones, reservations, staffing and branding across Maine eateries.

Researchers map 'Assistant Axis' to stabilize large language models

January 20, 2026, 2:02 PM EST. A new study drills into how large language models form the 'Assistant' persona. Researchers map a persona space in neural activity and identify a direction they call the Assistant Axis, linked to helpful, professional archetypes. The team notes that post-training, the model's personality emerges from patterns in training data and is only loosely controlled by designers. To prevent drift into harmful or alternate personas-such as evil alter egos or blackmail scenarios-the work tests activation capping: constraining activations along the axis to keep the model within safe behavioral bounds. Using open-weight models and a demo with Neuronpedia, the researchers show how monitoring activations can detect when the model veers away from Assistant behavior. The effort aims to stabilize interactions, especially for sensitive or high-stakes tasks.

HANNspree Lumo blends paper-like display with Android 14 tablet features

January 20, 2026, 2:00 PM EST. HANNspree pitches the Lumo as a middle ground between tablet and e-reader. Its 7.8-inch reflective LCD delivers a paper-like display with a matte, low-glare surface, running Android 14 with Google Play. Resolution sits at 1024×768 and the screen refreshes at 60Hz, prioritizing reading over video. Weighing about 250g and 6.6mm thick, it includes a built-in light for dim environments. Inside: a MediaTek MTK8781 chip, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, plus a USI-compatible stylus sold separately for handwriting and markup. Battery is listed at 3,000mAh, enough for roughly 6.5 hours of video. Available in Europe for around €369; there is no US release announced yet.

What Is College For in the Age of AI?

January 20, 2026, 1:58 PM EST. College students entering the job market face a shifting calculus in the AI era. The piece follows Alina McMahon, a Pitt graduate who studied marketing and film and saw her early postings dwindle as AI and outsourcing rose. Handshake data show 15% fewer entry-level and internship postings in 2025, while applications per posting rose 26%. The unemployment rate for new graduates stood at 5.7% in December. Experts say AI is less about taking jobs than prompting employers to replace tasks or roles, not create new ones. The story asks what college is for when automation redefines work. It underscores the value of networking and internships, even as markets tighten and AI reshapes early careers.

Adobe unveils AI-powered updates for Premiere and After Effects to speed masking and SVG workflows

January 20, 2026, 1:50 PM EST. Adobe has rolled out AI-powered updates for Premiere and After Effects. In Premiere, an Object Mask feature uses on-device AI to quickly identify and mask moving subjects; users can hover, click and adjust the result. Adobe says the processing occurs on-device and isn't trained on user activity. The Shape Mask tool gains redesigned Ellipse, Rectangle and Pen masks with more precise controls and faster tracking-up to 20 times quicker than before. A new workflow imports media from Firefly Boards into Premiere, and Adobe Stock is now fully integrated. For After Effects, Adobe adds SVG import support and enables building 3D parametric meshes-cubes, spheres, cylinders, cones, torus and planes-inside the application for photorealistic visuals.

Software stocks fall on AI fears; 'Innovator's Dilemma' surfaces

January 20, 2026, 1:46 PM EST. Software stocks fell as investors weigh AI's potential to disrupt pricing and revenue. Intuit, ServiceNow, GoDaddy, AppLovin and Adobe lead the S&P 500's worst performers this year, reflecting fears that automation could upend enterprise software models. Many subscriptions rely on per-seat pricing, a target if AI agents replace human users. The situation has prompted talk of an Innovator's Dilemma, a concept from Clayton Christensen cited by Ben Reitzes of Melius Research. Reitzes warns the market is pricing in a shift away from seat-based streams, though some analysts see a limited near-term impact as AI deepens integration in software. Others argue AI could cut coding costs and broaden testing of new solutions, provided data access and accuracy are solid.

Blue Origin targets Jan. 22 for NS-38 crewed flight from West Texas Launch Site One

January 20, 2026, 1:44 PM EST. Blue Origin is aiming for January 22, 2026 to launch NS-38, its next crewed flight from West Texas' Launch Site One. The six passengers-Tim Drexler, Linda Edwards, Alain Fernandez, Alberto Gutiérrez, Jim Hendren, and Andrew Yaffe-will join 86 others across 16 prior crewed missions aboard the New Shepard suborbital rocket. Liftoff is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. CT (14:30 UTC). NS-38 will be the vehicle's 17th human spaceflight and the 38th flight overall. The company previously flew six people on Dec. 20 from the same site, continuing recent space-tourism missions from the U.S.-Mexico border facility.

Nvidia Could Overtake Alphabet, Apple and Microsoft in Profitability by 2027, Backed by Magnificent Seven Buy Thesis

January 20, 2026, 1:38 PM EST. Nvidia is already the most valuable chipmaker and a top market-cap leader. The analysis argues Nvidia could eclipse Alphabet, Apple, and Microsoft in net income within two years. Nvidia's profitability rests on high margins, robust free cash flow, and aggressive buybacks (about $36.27 billion in buybacks for the nine months ended Oct. 26, 2025). The company converts more than half of revenue to after-tax profit and generates over $2 million in net profit per employee. Nvidia's growth is faster than Alphabet's, though Alphabet still leads in trailing net income. The piece notes oil giant Saudi Aramco surpassed profits in some years, underscoring sector volatility, but the focus remains on U.S. tech profits. The case frames Nvidia as a buy given its pricing power and scale within the Magnificent Seven.

Are You Dead? app becomes China's loneliest safety net

January 20, 2026, 1:36 PM EST. Beijing – A new app called Are You Dead? has surged to the top of China's mobile charts by asking a blunt daily question: check in to prove you are alive. Users tap the ghost each day; two missed days trigger an alert to an emergency contact on the third. Priced at 8 yuan, the service is pitched as a tiny safety net for solo dwellers who fear dying unnoticed in a modern apartment block. Developers, a trio of Gen Z creators born after 1995, describe it as a lightweight safety tool, though they announced a rebrand to a less controversial name. The app's popularity tracks China's urbanization and a shrinking population, with birth rates at a record low and up to 200 million one-person households projected by 2030, according to state media.

Boring Company studies Reno-to-Gigafactory Nevada tunnel to ease I-80 congestion

January 20, 2026, 1:34 PM EST. Documents reviewed by Fortune show The Boring Company received $50,000 in October to draft a conceptual design and feasibility report for a tunnel under a nine-mile segment of highway to the Gigafactory Nevada. The funding came from EDAWN, a state-affiliated economic group. The project is one option to ease rising congestion on Interstate 80 near the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center, which hosts Tesla and Panasonic. Emails indicate the two companies also supported a separate commuter rail study using existing freight lines. Details on tunnel length, cost, or whether autonomous Teslas would operate were not disclosed. About 22,000 employees commute daily to the site, including roughly 8,000 at Tesla and more than 4,000 at Panasonic. Officials say feasibility work may not be completed.

KSAT Connect viewers share SpaceX Falcon 9 photos over San Antonio

January 20, 2026, 1:28 PM EST. SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, into orbit on Sunday, and the second stage was visible over San Antonio around 7:05 PM CST. KSAT Connect viewers posted photos and sightings, noting a bright, moving light across the sky. The mission is designed to expand high-speed internet by placing satellites into low Earth orbit. Viewers from areas such as the Northern Hills contributed captions like 'Saw something in the sky' and 'SpaceX launch view from Mico, Texas.' KSAT invited more submissions and provided guidance on how to share images.

Lightcurve launches Selah fiber build, delivering up to 2 Gbps to about 2,900 homes and businesses

January 20, 2026, 1:16 PM EST. Lightcurve has begun constructing a fiber network in Selah, Washington, with plans to bring symmetrical speeds of up to 2,000 Mbps (2 Gbps) to roughly 2,900 homes and businesses. The project, part of a Yakima County expansion, will roll out in phases as construction progresses. Lightcurve says the service will support remote work, online learning, telehealth, and bandwidth-intensive applications. Beth Barnes, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, emphasized that the fiber network will deliver speed, reliability and capacity for the community's current and future needs. The effort follows Lightcurve's recent fiber builds in Ellensburg and other Kittitas County towns like Thorp and Edgemont. For updates, visit getlightcurve.com.

Razer CEO grilled on AI strategy at CES over Grok-powered Ava holographic AI

January 20, 2026, 1:06 PM EST. At CES 2026, The Verge editor Nilay Patel pressed Razer CEO Min-Liang Tan on the company's AI push, including a Grok-powered holographic Ava in-a-tube concept. The hour-long stage interview grew tense as Patel questioned timelines, use cases and trust and safety. Tan framed Ava as a technology demonstrator for game developers, a holographic representation of characters with conversational AI, rather than a simple product. The Ava page lists preorder deposits and a claimed 2026 second-half availability, a timeline observers doubt. When asked about safety amid Grok concerns, Tan offered broad defenses rather than concrete commitments. The exchange underscored tensions between what Razer is delivering and what it promotes.

Haven-1 slips to 2027 as Vast Space leads first commercial station push

January 20, 2026, 1:04 PM EST. NASA's plan to replace the ISS with private stations faces a time crunch. Haven-1, Vast Space's interim outpost, is now slated for launch in the first quarter of 2027 rather than mid-2026. CEO Max Haot says the team is moving cautiously but aims to be the first to build a commercial space station from scratch, in under four years. Vast Space competes in NASA's phase two with bidders including Axiom Space, Blue Origin, and Voyager Technologies. The plan envisions facilities for continuous habitation later in the 2030s, though rules have yet to be published. Haot highlighted Haven-1's position as the furthest along, built from an empty building with no platform, assembling the project step by step.

Five features hoped for in Garmin Fenix 9, including return of smaller size

January 20, 2026, 12:54 PM EST. Garmin has kept to a yearly Fenix cycle since the Fenix 7 in 2022. The Fenix 8 Pro added LTE, satellite connectivity and a MicroLED screen. For the anticipated Fenix 9, the author lists five wishes: a return of the smaller 43mm option; three display paths-MIP for long battery life, AMOLED for vivid outdoor readability, and MicroLED for top-end clarity; potentially free SOS alerts to match rivals; and a faster processor to speed map navigation. The piece notes Garmin faces the challenge of delivering three display technologies without inflating weight or cost, while balancing rugged utility with price and battery trade-offs.

Apple Reclaims Top Spot in China's Smartphone Market in Q4 2025

January 20, 2026, 12:46 PM EST. Apple regained the lead in China's smartphone market in Q4 2025 as demand for the iPhone 17 lineup offset a contracting market. Counterpoint Research says Q4 shipments rose 28% YoY to a 22% share, while overall Q4 volumes fell 1.6% and full-year shipments declined 0.6%. The rise followed earlier lag behind domestic rivals, aided by strong Pro-model demand and a faster late-year supply ramp. The iPhone Air captured only a low single-digit share after a late launch and design trade-offs. For 2025, Huawei led China with 16.4% share, with Apple and vivo around 16% each, Xiaomi and Oppo about 15%. Globally, IDC tallies 2025 shipments at 1.26B; Apple shipped 247.8M iPhones (19.7%), Samsung 241.2M (19.1%), Xiaomi 165.3M (13.1%).

Rigetti Quantum Stock At An $8B Valuation: Cheap Now Or Too Risky?

January 20, 2026, 12:44 PM EST. Rigetti Computing's market value sits near $8 billion, yet the stock has fallen more than 50% from its all-time high. The stock's slump mirrors the broader pullback in quantum computing equities, which many investors view as having limited near-term industry impact until around 2030. The firm relies on superconducting qubits, a speed-focused but less accurate approach facing competition from Alphabet, Microsoft, and IBM, while rivals using trapped ion pursue higher accuracy. In Q3, Rigetti reported revenue of $1.9 million and a $21 million operating loss, supported by roughly $600 million in cash. Analysts warn that quantum tech may require large wallets to win; however, a major selloff could create a buying opportunity for patient investors if negative sentiment overshadows fundamentals.

Google plans to build high-end smartphones in Vietnam from scratch

January 20, 2026, 12:40 PM EST. In the Tech Latest podcast, Shotaro Tani talks with Taipei tech correspondent Lauly Li about Google's plan to develop and manufacture high-end phones in Vietnam from scratch this year. The project mirrors moves by Apple to assemble premium devices in India, signaling a broader shift in the company's hardware strategy away from relying on traditional suppliers. The discussion covers timelines, potential manufacturing scales, and the regulatory and supply-chain hurdles Google would face, including local partnerships and workforce training. The episode frames the move as a test of Google's ability to control design, production, and pricing in a competitive premium segment, with implications for regional tech ecosystems and US-Vietnam tech ties.

CD Projekt issues DMCA takedown against Cyberpunk 2077 VR mod

January 20, 2026, 12:36 PM EST. CD Projekt Red issued a DMCA takedown on LukeRoss, the developer behind a paid VR mod for Cyberpunk 2077, citing a violation of its Fan Content Guidelines due to monetization. LukeRoss, in a Patreon post, said an ongoing legal process led to the takedown and argued the project is not derivative or fan content and contains no CDPR code or assets. CDPR's Jan Rosner said the mod should be made free with optional donations or removed, noting profits require permission. The move mirrors Take-Two's 2022 action against LukeRoss's R.E.A.L. VR framework for titles including GTA V, Red Dead Redemption 2, and the Mafia trilogy. GamesIndustry.biz sought comment; LukeRoss contends CDPR lacks the right to demand free software.

SpaceX to launch two Starlink missions from Vandenberg in January 2026

January 20, 2026, 12:34 PM EST. SpaceX has scheduled two Starlink deployments from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base in January 2026. The runs would be the first Starlink launches from the West Coast since December 17 and would mark the fourth and fifth rocket lifts in California this January. Each mission uses a Falcon 9 rocket to place 25 and 24 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit. Launch windows span Jan. 21 from Space Launch Complex 4E and Jan. 25, both with booster landings on the drone ship Of Course I Still Love You in the Pacific. As with spaceflight, schedules can shift, so observers should check for updates. This note covers the Vandenberg schedule ahead of next week's activity.

Rigetti to deliver 108-qubit quantum computer to India's C-DAC

January 20, 2026, 12:26 PM EST. Rigetti Computing said it has received an $8.4 million purchase order to deliver a 108-qubit quantum computer to India's Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC). The on-premises system will be installed at C-DAC's Bengaluru center and is slated for deployment in the second half of 2026. The package centers on Rigetti's chiplet-based architecture, designed to scale toward error correction and fault-tolerant quantum computing. Rigetti CEO Subodh Kulkarni said the order underscores growing demand for on-premises quantum computers as governments boost national quantum programs. The deal builds on a prior memorandum of understanding signed in September 2025 to explore hybrid quantum computing co-development for government labs and academics. Rigetti also operates QCS cloud services and sells 9- to 180-qubit systems for research and centers.

D-Wave completes Quantum Circuits acquisition to create world's leading dual-platform quantum company

January 20, 2026, 12:20 PM EST. D-Wave Quantum Inc. has completed its acquisition of Quantum Circuits Inc., accelerating its dual-platform strategy that combines annealing and gate-model quantum computing. The deal makes D-Wave the world's first company to offer both platforms at scale. Management says the integration will speed a scalable, error-corrected gate-model system, with an initial unit expected in 2026. Quantum Circuits contributes dual-rail qubits, designed to simplify error correction and deliver speed alongside higher fidelity. D-Wave's Advantage2 annealing systems are in production and have been used in real-world materials simulations to illustrate quantum advantages. Executives say the combined portfolio broadens use cases across industry, science and government. The company also promotes its Qubits 2026 event in Boca Raton, Florida.

Apple faces long-shot path to female CEO as internal candidates surface

January 20, 2026, 12:16 PM EST. New York Times profile frames Apple's CEO succession as Tim Cook shapes a list that includes head of hardware engineering John Ternus as the frontrunner. Other named contenders include Craig Federighi, Eddy Cue, Greg Joswiak and Deirdre O'Brien, who runs retail and HR. O'Brien, ranked No. 67 on Fortune's Most Powerful Women list, has spent more than 35 years at Apple, steering global expansion and Apple University training. Outside observers say analysts struggle to assess her prospects, and one noted they know little about her. The Times cautions Cook is actively preparing these executives for the role. Still, the appearance of a female candidate matters-hitting the point that nontraditional paths can work when valued.

Woot offers Apple sale with Studio Display at $1,349 and Thunderbolt 4 cable for $35.99

January 20, 2026, 12:14 PM EST. Woot launches a new Apple sale, featuring the 27-inch Studio Display cut to $1,349 in its standard glass with a VESA mount adapter, down from $1,599. The offer also covers nano-texture glass options. The displays sold are in new condition and come with a one-year Apple warranty; some items in the sale are refurbished. Another highlight is the 1m Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) Pro Cable for $35.99, down from $69.00, also in new condition and in bulk packaging. A handful of Apple cables and charging accessories are included. An extra $5 can be taken off every item with the code APPLEFIVE at checkout. MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Woot. Deals roundup linked for broader discounts.

ARK Invest's Wood sees SpaceX as trillion-dollar contender, bullish on Tesla robotaxi

January 20, 2026, 12:10 PM EST. Ark Invest chief Cathie Wood argues Tesla could shift higher in 2026, citing resilience amid 2025 volatility and progress in autonomous driving. She told CNBC the firm focused on its highest-conviction holdings after April's trade turmoil and a government shutdown. On Robotaxi, she expects the recurring revenue model to lift margins, noting the market is pricing in software and services beyond vehicle sales. Wood also singled out SpaceX as a potential blockbuster, suggesting it could be the first trillion-dollar company, supported by a new opportunity: datacenters in space. She acknowledged lofty valuations but pointed to history of compression and tech deflation. Ark has trimmed Tesla positions recently, yet Wood maintains a bullish stance on autonomous and robotics futures.

TCL's Note A1 NXTPAPER blends E Ink feel with 120 Hz color display

January 20, 2026, 12:08 PM EST. TCL introduced the Note A1 NXTPAPER, a tablet that mimics the look of E Ink while delivering a 120 Hz color display. The LCD-based NXTPAPER tech aims to bridge reading comfort and multimedia use, offering anti-glare and fingerprint resistance with a blue light ratio below 2.44%. It supports 16.7 million colors, a faster refresh than traditional E Ink, and is protected by 3A Crystal Shield Glass. TCL pitches the device as a distraction-free productivity tablet, pairing a pencil-like stylus with eight microphones and AI tools for tasks such as summarization, translation and transcription. Priced at $437, the Kickstarter campaign ends soon, with shipments expected in February 2026.

Google Voice Search gets major Android UI redesign in latest Google app update

January 20, 2026, 12:04 PM EST. Google has refreshed its Voice Search interface on Android, rolling out a redesigned UI in the Google app. The update, spotted by 9to5Google, introduces a top-centered G logo, a new color band, and a larger Search a song button. A new in-app menu provides quick access to settings such as language and voice selection. The sphere animation is replaced with text prompts – Play, Sing, Hum – aligning the UI with other Google apps. The update is available to all users on the stable and beta tracks, in version 17.1 (stable) and 17.2 (beta). The change follows earlier tests and is now broadly rolling out via the Play Store as part of the Google app.

Nobody Will Remember Tesla Ever Made A Car: Tech Investor Sees Optimus as Musk's Biggest Legacy

January 20, 2026, 12:00 PM EST. Tech investor Jason Calacanis said Optimus could eclipse Tesla's car legacy after visiting its robotics lab with Elon Musk. Speaking on the All-In Podcast, he described seeing Optimus 3 and engineers at work, predicting Musk will mass-produce the robot and, he said, could reach about a billion units and target a price of $20,000-$30,000 per unit. Calacanis said large language models would help Optimus understand and act in the world. He has called the project transformational and projected a one-to-one human-robot ratio. The remarks come as Tesla faces competition from Chinese robots such as Unitree, which recently showed advanced routines.

ARK Invest trims Tesla, boosts AMD, Broadcom and TSMC as AI chips and autonomous bets rise

January 20, 2026, 11:46 AM EST. ARK Invest's latest portfolio update shows renewed focus on AI hardware and autonomous-vehicle bets. The firm increased stakes in AMD, Broadcom, and TSMC, signaling confidence in companies powering AI infrastructure. It also bought more autonomous-technology names, including WeRide, Pony AI, Kodiak Robotics, BYD, and Trimble. On the sell side, ARK reduced exposure to Tesla and pared bets in several mature tech names, reallocating to next-generation innovators. Other new or increased positions cited include Oklo, Klarna, and Deere. GuruFocus attributed the moves to last week's rebalancing. The changes reflect ARK's ongoing shift toward AI chips and autonomous systems, even as it trims big, established holdings.

Memory bottlenecks cloud NVIDIA's latest China export approval

January 20, 2026, 11:28 AM EST. NVIDIA won regulatory clearance to export its H200 AI processors to China, but a looming HBM memory bottleneck clouds the deal. Bloomberg cited concerns from Rep. John Moolenaar about DRAM shortages and a looming need to prove US memory supply before licenses move forward. The high-bandwidth memory needed for H200 is supplied by Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron, all signalling tighter supply in recent months. NVIDIA says it can fulfill approved orders without harming other products, but export restrictions could tighten if memory is scarce. Moolenaar has asked a briefing by January 25 on licensing impacts. Meanwhile, Jefferies raised the stock's target to $275, citing solid fundamentals and upside potential, even as investors weigh regulatory risk against a sector-wide AI cycle.

China records two rocket launch failures in a single day, marking a rare setback for its space program

January 20, 2026, 11:24 AM EST. Two Chinese rocket launches failed in one day, the first such incident in the history of the country's space program. The state-owned Long March-3B failed during liftoff from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in Sichuan, ending the mission for the Shijian-32 satellite after the third stage malfunctioned, according to CASC. Hours later, private firm Galactic Energy saw its maiden flight of the Ceres-2 rocket crash back to Earth, wiping out the payloads on board. Space observers characterized the pair of setbacks as growing pains rather than systemic collapse, drawing parallels with SpaceX's approach of learning from failures. The episode prompted social media chatter, including the term Black Saturday, and underscored the risks in China's rapid launch cadence.

Why automakers aren't licensing Tesla Full Self-Driving software

January 20, 2026, 11:14 AM EST. Automakers have shown little appetite to license Tesla's Full Self-Driving software. Tesla keeps FSD as a tightly controlled, proprietary stack tied to its own hardware and data network, raising barriers to third-party use. Industry players say licensing would complicate safety approvals, liability, and update cadence across diverse vehicle lines. Competitors favor in-house or joint solutions that align with their sensor ecosystems. Regulators require transparent safety cases and guarantees, a tall order for a system that depends on Tesla's fleet data and OTA updates. Tesla's architecture resists standardization; automakers worry about maintaining performance across markets, warranties, and support. In short, licensing FSD would transfer control, risk, and cost to others, making most automakers reluctant to adopt it.

China's commercial space sector posts 50 launches; 54% of total in 2025

January 20, 2026, 11:06 AM EST. China's commercial space sector logged 50 launches last year, representing more than half of the country's activity, CNSA data show. CNSA notes 25 launches came from commercial vehicles, while the Hainan site conducted nine launches in late 2024 and into operation. A total of 311 commercial satellites were placed in orbit, about 84% of China's total. Analysts say the sector is moving from policy incubation to industrial-scale expansion, pressured by SpaceX and other foreign rivals. Beijing has established a commercial space department under CNSA and released a 2025-27 plan. The industry, with more than 600 players, is valued at 2.5-2.8 trillion yuan with a CAGR above 20%.

Tesla Cybercab may include physical NACS port as backup to wireless charging

January 20, 2026, 11:04 AM EST. A panel on the Cybercab prototype has sparked talk that Tesla may hide a physical NACS charging port behind a rear panel. Tesla watcher Owen Sparks highlighted what appears to be a large panel in the prototype's rear that could accommodate a standard charge port, offering a reliable charging option before wireless charging is rolled out nationwide. Tesla officials haven't disclosed a timeline for wireless charging, and production is said to be weeks away. A physical port would let the autonomous two-seater charge at Superchargers without waiting for wireless infrastructure, delivering practical redundancy. The idea sits alongside sightings in Chicago, where a rear-camera washer was noted, hinting Tesla is pursuing tangible, field-ready solutions for the Cybercab.

Huawei Watch Ultimate Royal Gold debuts in Europe with premium design and eSIM

January 20, 2026, 10:58 AM EST. Huawei has launched the Watch Ultimate Royal Gold Edition in Europe, pairing a premium, octagonal dial with 18K + 24K gold accents and a titanium strap finished in purple ultra-hard ion plating. The watch adds eSIM cellular calls and supports 150m diving depth and sonar-based underwater communication. Huawei also introduced new faces like Celestial Path, Dawn Light, and Beams to complement the design. On health, X-TAP lets users access data with a tap, while Health Glance summaries 10 metrics in 60 seconds. The device measures 48.3 × 48.3 × 12.9 mm, weighs 80.9 g, and uses a 1.5-inch LTPO 2.0 AMOLED with 3500 nits brightness. Europe price is €3299; UK pricing could follow at about £2999.99.

AI hits labor market like a tsunami as Davos warns of layoffs and upskilling

January 20, 2026, 10:52 AM EST. At Davos, leaders warn that AI's impact on jobs will accelerate in 2026. The IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva described AI's growth potential as a boost to the economy but said it is hitting the labor market like a tsunami and that most countries and firms are unprepared. She urged a focus on new skills as workforces adapt. Challenger, Gray & Christmas data link AI to roughly 55,000 layoffs in 2025, with Amazon cutting 15,000 jobs and Salesforce citing AI automating half of customer-support work. Mercer's Global Talent Trends 2026 finds rising employee anxiety-40% fear job loss to AI, and 62% say leaders underestimate its emotional impact. Analysts warn lawsuits could follow amid copyright, privacy and safety questions, citing a Stanford study on graduates in AI-exposed roles.

New ICE-tracking apps surface on Google Play Store after policy crackdowns

January 20, 2026, 10:48 AM EST. New ICE-tracking tools have reappeared on Google Play Store after earlier crowd-sourced alerts were removed. Apps such as ICEbreaker: ICE Map & Alerts claim real-time sightings and allow user submissions, mapping approximate areas rather than precise locations. Another tool, Eyes Up, documents immigration enforcement activity and is also available via a companion website outside the store. The moves unfold under Google's Play Store rules, which bar high-risk or abuse-prone apps and require moderation of user-generated content. Google has not issued a public statement on these tools. Observers note the Eyes Up site remains harder to remove than the mobile app, highlighting gaps between policy and crowd-sourced safety alerts.

NVIDIA's Vera Rubin bandwidth grows ahead of AMD Instinct MI400 launch

January 20, 2026, 10:46 AM EST. NVIDIA has raised bandwidth targets for its 'Vera Rubin' superchip ahead of AMD's Instinct MI400 launch. SemiAnalysis first pegged the VR200 NVL72 system at 13 TB/s in March, then 20.5 TB/s by September, and NVIDIA confirmed at CES 2026 that the system now delivers about 22 TB/s. AMD counters with the MI400 lineup, claiming similar compute and bandwidth but larger memory and scale-out bandwidth, including up to 40 FP4 and 20 FP8 PFLOPs and HBM4 with 432 GB per GPU (576 GB per system) and total bandwidth up to 19.6 TB/s. NVIDIA's VR200 uses two reticle-sized compute chiplets and eight HBM4 stacks per GPU, ~288 GB per GPU, ~576 GB per superchip. Two models are planned: MI455X for large-scale AI and MI430X for HPC/AI; NVIDIA targets ~50 PFLOPS FP4 per Rubin GPU, ~100 PFLOPS per two-GPU system.

Apple Creator Studio icons spark debate over minimalism vs. skeuomorphism

January 20, 2026, 10:44 AM EST. Apple's Creator Studio introduces a set of minimal icons for its Creative apps, but the move has sparked debate about icon design on Macs. Apple says the Apple Creative Studio (ACS) icons are not replacements for standard icons but unique versions tied to the new subscription plan. Critics point to a drift from skeuomorphism toward flat, abstract symbols. On Mastodon, BasicAppleGuy highlighted a trajectory from detailed skeuomorphic icons to simplified forms across macOS 26 and ACS. Ben Cotterill captured the backlash, while Héliographe and John Gruber offered mixed takes. Supporters argue that distinct color and form help quick identification, even if the meaning isn't obvious at first glance. The question remains: is Apple steering toward a clearer visual language or eroding familiarity for longtime users?

China's Zhejiang Laboratory launches Three-Body Computing Constellation to power space-based data centers

January 20, 2026, 10:38 AM EST. With the AI boom, ground data centers face energy and heat bottlenecks. Space computing, building data centers in orbit, offers global reach and lower latency. In May 2025, Zhejiang Laboratory launched the Three-Body Computing Constellation, a 12-satellite in-orbit computing network (computing performed on satellites) with inter-satellite links that form an integrated space-ground computing network. In July, GEOVIS and Sugon signed a pact to develop high-end space computing chips and modules to service space operations and cut data-transit delays to Earth. In November, AdaSpace Technology's Zero-Carbon Space Computing Center was named a top achievement at the World Internet Conference. Global players such as Google, SpaceX and NVIDIA are pursuing space computing. China ties the effort to Digital China and a 2035 digital development agenda.

Apple warns of WebKit flaws; update now to patch iPhone risk

January 20, 2026, 10:36 AM EST. Hundreds of millions of iPhones face risk after Apple disclosed two critical vulnerabilities in WebKit, the browser engine behind Safari and iOS browsers. Fox News reported that the flaws could let attackers gain control of devices and access passwords or payment data. Apple issued a fix in the latest software update, but about half of users have updated to iOS 26, according to reports. Affected devices include iPhone 11 and later; iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd generation and later; iPad Pro 11-inch 1st generation and later; iPad Air 3rd generation and later; iPad 8th generation and later; and iPad mini 5th generation and later. The best defense is to install the update promptly. Forbes summarized the recommended steps for users to install the update.

CBA urges government to secure more favorable Apple Pay terms as NFC access expands in Australia

January 20, 2026, 10:32 AM EST. Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) is urging the government to push for better terms from Apple to allow rivals to use its NFC payments on iPhone. After Apple opened its NFC to third parties in 2024 in Australia and the US, CBA says broader terms are needed as the RBA gains oversight of digital wallets. The House of Representatives' Economics Committee will hold a public hearing in late February to assess whether payment systems are fair and accessible; Apple is expected to attend. Apple Pay launched in Australia in 2015, initially for American Express, with Westpac joining in 2020. Apple Pay was a popular non-bank method; banks seek lower fees and note Apple charges per transaction and requires approval and a payment for access to NFC, with rates not published. Apple's Tap to Pay on iPhone arrived in Australia in 2023.

DJI Mic 3 Bundle Drops to All-Time Low at Amazon

January 20, 2026, 10:30 AM EST. DJI slashed the price on its Mic 3 bundle, a 2-TX, 1-RX wireless mic system, now listed at $259 on Amazon – a $70 cut from the $329 list price. The kit includes two clip-on transmitters, a receiver, and a charging case that powers and stores the gear. DJI touts an ultra-light design, adaptive gain control, and dual-band anti-interference to keep audio clean. It is rated for up to 28 hours of battery life when the case is included. The receiver can pair with multiple mics and sync to up to eight receivers for larger shoots, with four-channel output. Each transmitter can internally record 32-bit floating point files for extra post-production headroom. Availability appears limited as stock runs low.

Tomorrow.io unveils DeepSky: AI-powered pLEO satellite network to transform global weather observation

January 20, 2026, 10:28 AM EST. AI-based forecasting has demonstrated speed and accuracy, but it amplifies data gaps rather than fixes them. DeepSky from Tomorrow.io is a second constellation that uses a proliferated pLEO (low Earth orbit) network to boost observational cadence from oceans, polar regions and the Southern Hemisphere. Each satellite carries multiple proprietary instruments for remote sensing across a broad spectrum, aiming to increase revisit rates and improve global coverage. The effort is designed to complement existing systems, including geostationary satellites with regional coverage and polar-orbiting satellites with global reach but lower tempo. By expanding the atmosphere observation layer, DeepSky seeks to provide dense data to feed AI, helping weather predictions become more consistent where data is sparse.

Apple's AI push could test chip-supply grip as Nvidia edges ahead at TSMC, columnist says

January 20, 2026, 10:26 AM EST. An opinion column argues AI demand could realign Apple's grip on chip production. It notes Nvidia and AMD GPUs are taking increasing space on TSMC wafers, potentially eroding Apple's share of the foundry's capacity. Tim Culpan of Macworld says Nvidia may have surpassed Apple as TSMC's largest client as smartphone growth slows and AI workloads rise. The piece treats the shift as a meaningful trend rather than a certainty. It also cites Meta's Reality Labs investments and layoffs to illustrate how large bets on AI hardware are remaking the tech landscape. The text is an opinion piece with conversational asides, not a forecast of Apple's fate.

SpaceX Starlink sighting over Summit County prompts speculation

January 20, 2026, 10:22 AM EST. Residents in Summit County, Colorado, reported a white light moving across the sky around 6 p.m. on Jan. 18. According to FindStarlink.com, the sighting likely involved Starlink Group 6-100, a batch of 29 satellites launched into low Earth orbit (LEO) from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida around 4:30 p.m. MST that day. The tracker shows passes over Summit County around 6:00 p.m. and 6:15 p.m., though visibility was expected to be poor. Reports came from other parts of Colorado and even a Texas storm-chasing group. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) did not respond to a request for information.

Honor Magic 8 Pro hits UK with £200 discount and free bundle

January 20, 2026, 10:14 AM EST. Honor's latest Magic 8 Pro has landed in the UK amid mixed reviews. CNET called it a disappointment, while photography sites praise its night photography and a 200-megapixel telephoto sensor. Android Central rates it highly, calling it 'Honor's best phone yet' with a 4.5-star review. UK buyers can buy direct from Honor for £899.99-down from £1,099.99-using code AM8PUK200 before February 4. The promotion includes a free tech bundle: Honor Pad X9, a phone case, a SuperCharge Power Adapter, 12 months of screen-damage protection, and a one-time 12-month replacement. The device follows praise for last year's Magic 7 Pro and signals Honor's push beyond flagship handsets, including a CES debut of a robot phone.

AST SpaceMobile stock rally fuels optimism as funding and 100-satellite plan loom

January 20, 2026, 10:12 AM EST. AST SpaceMobile has surged on deals with major carriers and plans to expand its satellite constellation. The company says it can deliver high-speed connectivity directly to standard phones, targeting a TAM of nearly 6 billion devices and aiming to close the digital divide. It has partnered with more than 50 mobile operators serving about 3 billion subscribers. Milestones include over $1 billion in contracted revenue commitments from carriers such as AT&T, Verizon, and Saudi Telecom Company; and funding to manufacture and launch over 100 satellites. The business remains early in commercial deployment, with phased launches and non-continuous service in initial markets. Investors should weigh the growth potential against execution risk and the timing of revenue.

Night-time solar energy could power satellites, UNSW researchers say

January 20, 2026, 9:54 AM EST. Researchers at the University of New South Wales' School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering are pursuing a reverse solar panel that generates electricity by emitting light instead of absorbing it. Jamie Hanson describes the device as a thermoradiative diode that converts infrared radiation-heat radiated from the Earth at night-into power. The team, building on work from Harvard and Stanford, demonstrated electrical power from such a device in 2022, but current output remains tiny-about 100,000 times less than a conventional solar cell. On Earth, optimal power is roughly one watt per square meter because atmospheric gases damp the temperature difference. The real promise, Ned Ekins-Daukes says, lies in space, where the absence of an atmosphere could unlock electricity for satellites, especially during eclipses.

Tim Cook on museums and momentum: I love museums, but I don't want to live in one

January 20, 2026, 9:52 AM EST. Tim Cook, Apple's CEO, says he loves museums but does not want to live in one. In public remarks, he framed the idea that history informs strategy without stalling progress. The quote underscores a leadership lesson for tech firms: honor the past, but keep moving. Under Cook, Apple has shifted toward services, stronger privacy protections, environmental push and new hardware like custom silicon chips, signalling willingness to pivot when market conditions change. Analysts say the approach helps Apple stay relevant as devices evolve and competition intensifies. The line also echoes a broader business truth: clinging to legacy can breed complacency while steady reinvention sustains growth.

Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro unlikely to turn pink, tests show

January 20, 2026, 9:42 AM EST. Late last year, a Reddit post sparked a furore after a Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro appeared pink. Apple warned users not to use products containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide and to avoid moisture or submersion. Tests show the risk of accidental color change is low. CNET's Andrew Lanxon ran repeated applications of an oxygen-based bleaching agent and a thick bleach on the device, despite Apple's guidance, and saw only marginal discoloration. In practice, lighting and angle may skew perception more than the hardware changing color. The caution remains prudent, but accidental exposure is unlikely to cause durable discoloration.

SpaceX weekend rocket launch: Best places to watch from Volusia County

January 20, 2026, 9:40 AM EST. SpaceX plans a Falcon 9 liftoff Sunday, Jan. 18, carrying 29 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The launch window runs 5:04 p.m. to 9:04 p.m. ET. If skies clear, observers in Volusia County may see the nighttime plume as far north as Jacksonville Beach and as far south as West Palm Beach. Watching tips emphasize southbound beach views along Daytona and New Smyrna beaches; recommended spots include South New Smyrna Beach (Canaveral National Seashore) and Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park in New Smyrna Beach. Live coverage and updates come from Florida Today's Space Team on floridatoday.com/space, with a mobile live blog two hours before liftoff and a companion app.

Phone cases evolve from protection to statement accessories amid fashion collaborations

January 20, 2026, 9:36 AM EST. Phone cases have moved from practical protection to personal style statements. The trend accelerated as smartphones sit in our hands daily, turning cases into visible fashion accessories. In 2024, Hailey Bieber's Rhode label released a lip-gloss phone case that bridged beauty branding and everyday carry, signaling that cases can carry brand identity. Designers and fashion icons followed, with novelty cases, chains, and oversized charms that invite sharing and conversation. Companies like Casetify collaborated with artists such as Takashi Murakami to create pop-art-inspired designs. The shift mirrors a broader move toward self-expression in digital-era wardrobes, where small, in-hand details offer a low-stakes way to signal quirks without a wardrobe overhaul.

Google app revamps Android voice search with centered logo and new Song Search UI

January 20, 2026, 9:24 AM EST. Google's Android voice search gets a visual overhaul in a wider redesign of the Google app. The update centers the interface around a gradient 'G' logo, with a back button and an overflow menu that opens Voice settings. Users can pick Languages, toggle Spoken results, and choose a voice (Cosmo, Neso, Terra, Cassini). The dark theme is refreshed. The old four-dot waveform persists alongside a prominent 'Listening…' prompt. A new four-color arc graphic appears during transcription, drawn from AI Mode and Search Live aesthetics. A larger Search a song button launches a dedicated Song Search UI with options to "Play, Sing, Hum" and quick access to history. The rollout starts with Android Google app versions 17.1 (stable) and 17.2 (beta), with broader deployment expected later.

Gemini readies Live Experimental Features and Thinking Mode as Google Labs options surface

January 20, 2026, 9:22 AM EST. Google is expanding Gemini with in-development Labs options spotted in the Android app. Researchers found strings tied to Live Experimental Features, including multimodal memory, improved noise handling, and the ability to respond to on-screen content-signals of a possible Astra-like expansion. A separate Live Thinking Mode entry hints at slower, more detailed responses within Gemini Live. Additional flags reference Deep Research and a Deep UI Control toggle that could delegate tasks to the assistant and let the phone be controlled for task execution. The signals align with earlier Astra ambitions and a split in Gemini between fast and thinking models, suggesting Google is building toward a broader Gemini Live experience, though no timing has been announced.

Scared of payment apps? How to avoid scams on Venmo, PayPal and Zelle

January 20, 2026, 9:18 AM EST. Payment apps such as Venmo, PayPal and Zelle offer convenience after a quick tap, but they attract scams. Experts say no single app stands out for safety; users should evaluate features and fees themselves. PayPal remains the most widely accepted option and offers broad transfer options, but business fees apply and bank transfers can be slow. Venmo targets younger users and carries visible transaction details by default, with fees for credit-card transfers and instant bank transfers. Zelle integrates with many bank apps for fast transfers. Consumers should understand the privacy, limits and fee structures, use strong authentication, and monitor activity to avoid scams.

Honor's 6.1mm Magic8 Pro Air packs a 5,500mAh battery and triple cameras, challenging the iPhone Air

January 20, 2026, 9:16 AM EST. Honor unveils the Magic8 Pro Air at a wafer-thin 6.1mm frame with a 5,500mAh battery and a triple-camera system, challenging the iPhone Air on both size and capacity. The battery edge-roughly 75% larger than the 3,149mAh iPhone Air battery-translates to several extra hours of use. Honor preserves a dedicated telephoto and ultrawide rather than relying solely on software tricks. The company markets the device with a "thin but not lacking" slogan, signaling a push to redefine what thin phones can carry. Real-world performance remains to be tested, but the product narrative is clear: battery life and optical versatility need not trade off with slim design.

Could IonQ Become the Nvidia of Quantum Computing?

January 20, 2026, 9:14 AM EST. IonQ is a pure-play quantum computing company pushing to bring a quantum processing unit to market. By contrast, Nvidia dominates data-center GPUs and a mature hardware ecosystem for accelerated computing. In quantum the field is crowded: Rigetti, D-Wave, and traditional tech giants such as Alphabet and Microsoft are racing to viable quantum capabilities. With early-stage development, whoever achieves practical quantum advantage first could win a decisive first-mover edge. Nvidia's dominance in GPUs does not translate directly to quantum hardware, so IonQ faces a different path: hardware that must scale across workloads and deliver consistent performance. Market interest hinges on milestones, partnerships, and software ecosystems that could unlock the first-mover benefits seen in other tech revolutions.

Leak narrows iPhone 18 Pro front panel changes to smaller Dynamic Island, no left camera cutout

January 20, 2026, 9:12 AM EST. New details from Weibo leaker Instant Digital clarify iPhone 18 Pro front-panel rumors. The post says only the Dynamic Island would shrink; the infrared flood illuminator is moved under the display in the top-left area, while the dot projector and infrared camera remain centered inside a smaller, pill-shaped Dynamic Island where the selfie camera stays. In other words, a top-left hole-punch camera is unlikely. Face ID uses an infrared flood illuminator (the light that helps facial recognition) paired with a dot projector and an infrared camera. The earlier report by The Information that the front camera would move to the top-left is questioned by this leak. ShrimpApplePro later corroborated the new details. Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro in September.

Sony's IMX929 Global Shutter Sensor Delivers 8K-class Speed at ~200 FPS

January 20, 2026, 9:10 AM EST. Sony's new IMX929 extends its Pregius S global shutter family, trading size for raw throughput. The sensor delivers around 8224 × 6176 effective pixels, placing it in the 8K-class category for raw count, with about 200 fps at 10-bit and ~136 fps at 12-bit in full-sensor mode. It uses the same stacked CMOS, simultaneous pixel exposure as the IMX928, but is optimized for high-speed full-sensor readout rather than maximum format. The device is physically smaller than the large-format model, and it is not marketed as a cinema standard like Super 35. Crucially, the global shutter design reads all pixels at once, avoiding rolling shutter distortions and enabling clean motion across every pixel. Use cases include technical slow-motion, motion-vector work, timing in high-speed capture and VFX data.

Chrome for iOS to gain guided Safari data import feature

January 20, 2026, 9:08 AM EST. Google is testing an on-device Safari-to-Chrome data migration tool for iOS, letting users import passwords, bookmarks, history and credit cards from Safari via a ZIP file generated in the iPhone Settings > Apps > Safari export flow. The guided import shows a step-by-step choice of data types and notes that data will be saved to a Google Account. Post-import, Chrome warns that the file contains private information and offers to delete it. The feature is under early testing in Chrome 145 for TestFlight; the current stable is Chrome 144, so a public rollout could follow in coming weeks, per The MacObserver.

Optical computing gains ground as a low-power path for AI

January 20, 2026, 8:58 AM EST. Optical computing could trim AI's power draw by using light to process data instead of electrons. Researchers say advances in metasurfaces, plasmonics, and thin-film lithium niobate enable photonic circuits that can be co-integrated with conventional CMOS chips for hybrid, energy-efficient AI compute. The approach aims to shift some data-center workloads from electrical to photonic paths, potentially lowering heat and energy costs while preserving performance. Industry and academia are testing photonic transceivers and on-chip light routing as a route to scalable AI, with challenges in fabrication, integration density, and software mapping.

iPhone Air 2 tipped for minor fall refresh, despite delay talk

January 20, 2026, 8:56 AM EST. Apple is reportedly targeting a fall launch for a second-generation iPhone Air 2, despite claims it was delayed until 2027. The chatter comes from Weibo leaker Fixed Focus Digital, who repeated the fall timing alongside iPhone 18 Pro models and a foldable iPhone, with the update described as a basically a routine upgrade rather than a major redesign. The Information previously said the device would be delayed for 2027 to allow a redesign, lighter weight and larger battery. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman countered that the Air 2 was never tied to 2026 and could arrive in spring 2027 under a new split-launch plan, centered on a 2-nanometer chip improving battery life rather than altering the form factor. A fall launch remains possible, but uncertainty persists.

Apple vs. Amazon: Which Stock Is the Better Buy Right Now?

January 20, 2026, 8:50 AM EST. Apple's edge rests on a durable brand moat, compelling hardware and software integration, and pricing power. Its net profit margin averaged about 25.5% over the last five years; an installed base of more than 2 billion devices supports ongoing services growth. Revenue rose at a 1.8% CAGR from fiscal 2022 through 2025, and management expects higher iPhone volumes in early fiscal 2026, though durability remains uncertain. Amazon blends several secular bets, led by AWS, a dominant cloud platform, and a vast e-commerce footprint that still accounts for a minority of U.S. retail spend. Both names boast strong balance sheets and long-run growth: one leans on hardware-software ecosystems, the other on cloud-first, diversified capabilities. The choice hinges on risk tolerance and growth profile.

Best Stock to Buy Right Now: Apple vs. Amazon

January 20, 2026, 8:48 AM EST. Two tech giants, Apple and Amazon, dominate global markets and have delivered eye-watering returns. The piece highlights Apple's brand moat-superior user experience, high product quality and pricing power-that has supported a five-year net profit margin around 25.5%. It notes stock gains of roughly 942% for Apple and 706% for Amazon over the past decade. Growth views diverge: Apple's revenue rose 1.8% CAGR from fiscal 2022-2025, with bulls hoping AI and new iPhone lines lift results; management projects double-digit iPhone growth in fiscal Q1 2026, though durability is uncertain. Amazon benefits from secular trends, including AWS cloud leadership and a vast product catalog, but both face questions on expansion and margins as markets evolve. The question of which is the better buy remains hotly debated.

Light could lower AI energy use as optical computing advances

January 20, 2026, 8:42 AM EST. Optical computing uses light to process data, offering a low-power path for AI workloads. Researchers show photons can replace electrons in core operations, reducing energy draw at scale. The approach hinges on metasurfaces, plasmonics, and thin-film lithium niobate to build photonic circuits. These components are increasingly co-integrated with CMOS chips, enabling a hybrid, energy-efficient AI computing stack. The work lays groundwork for faster, cooler inference and training, though practical deployment will require further integration and manufacturing advances.

Apple patent hints at lighter, glasses-style VR/AR headset with hidden hinge

January 20, 2026, 8:34 AM EST. Apple has been granted a patent titled 'Electronic Device' that outlines a lighter, glasses-style head-mounted display. The design centers on a hinge that supports a splay movement-a small outward flex to accommodate different head shapes-plus a bi-stable hinge that snaps open for wear and folds for storage, reducing wobble as electronics and cables are added. It follows industry chatter that Vision Pro's bulk hindered adoption. Cables run through the hinge and outer gaps stay visually consistent as the arm moves, a bid to hide complex mechanics. Apple distributes weight with components near the display and farther down the arm, potentially keeping a projector at the front while a battery or circuit board sits on the arm. The goal: a more comfortable, durable form factor for VR/AR, aligning with premium eyewear rather than tech gear.

Energy costs will decide AI race, Nadella says at Davos

January 20, 2026, 8:26 AM EST. Energy costs will be a key factor in determining which countries win the AI race, Microsoft chief executive Satya Nadella said at the World Economic Forum in Davos. He argued that GDP growth tied to AI will track the cost and availability of energy, and he described processing tokens as the new global commodity powering models. Hyperscalers like Microsoft are pouring billions into data centers, with Microsoft forecasting about $80 billion in AI data-center spending in 2025, half outside the United States. Nadella stressed Europe must adopt a broader, global outlook and invest in energy and the tokens that power AI to stay competitive. He linked energy efficiency to health, education, and public-sector impact.

Energy costs will decide AI race, Nadella says

January 20, 2026, 8:24 AM EST. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella told the World Economic Forum in Davos that energy costs will be a key determinant of which countries win the AI race. He said GDP growth tied to AI deployment will track energy prices, and he described tokens-the basic units of processing-as the new commodity powering AI. Hyperscalers like Microsoft are spending hundreds of billions to build data centers; Microsoft has said it expects about $80 billion in AI-data-center capex in early 2025, with roughly half outside the United States. Nadella warned against using scarce energy to generate tokens that do not improve health, education, public-sector efficiency, or private-sector competitiveness. He urged Europe to pursue a broader, global outlook and invest to lower energy and silicon costs to stay competitive.

Gemini Live to gain Thinking Mode and Experimental Features in Android beta

January 20, 2026, 8:18 AM EST. APK Insight reports Google's Gemini Live could soon ride four Labs features as part of Android apps. The current Gemini Live runs on Gemini 2.5 Flash; Google app 17.2 hints at a bigger upgrade path toward Gemini 3. Live Thinking Mode would take time to think and offer more detailed responses. Live Experimental Features include multimodal memory, improved noise handling, responding when it sees something, and personalized results via Connected Apps and Past Gemini chats. Google describes an upcoming rollout of four capabilities, alongside UI Control (Agent controls phone to complete tasks) and Deep Research (delegate complex tasks). Some features center on Gemini Agent for Android, tied to broader Computer Use concepts. Ship timing remains uncertain; features may or may not launch.

Quantum Computing Stocks Deliver $4.15 Billion Reality Check for Wall Street

January 20, 2026, 8:14 AM EST. Pure-play quantum stocks surged in 2025, then faced a reality check as gains cooled and valuations stretched. IonQ, Rigetti Computing, D-Wave Quantum, and Quantum Computing Inc. rode 2025 hype to multiyear rallies, with trailing 12-month gains up to 6,200%. Investors who timed the moves saw outsized returns, but the sector also underscored the risks of funding early-stage tech. A $4.15 billion reality check on Wall Street followed, highlighting the gap between promise and profitability. Real-world use cases-accelerating AI learning curves and simulating molecular interactions-could expand the market, yet estimates vary. JPMorgan's $1.5 trillion Security and Resiliency Initiative amplified attention to infrastructure spend, while analysts stress patience as the technology matures.

Citi quietly builds a 4,000-person internal AI workforce

January 20, 2026, 8:12 AM EST. Citi has quietly built an in-house AI workforce of about 4,000 employees. The effort pool includes data scientists, software engineers, and AI specialists who work on internal operations, risk management, and customer-facing applications. The program reflects a broader push by lenders to scale automation and AI across back-office tasks and decisioning processes, aiming to improve efficiency, speed, and governance. Citi's approach emphasizes internal talent rather than outsourcing, integrating AI into existing teams and platforms. The scale signals a persistent trend in financial services toward large-scale, internal AI deployment.

Exclusive: Xiaomi, Transsion Trim 2026 Smartphone Shipments as Memory Crunch Bites

January 20, 2026, 8:04 AM EST. Beijing-based Xiaomi cut its 2026 shipment forecast by 10 to 70 million units, from a 180 million target set last year, according to industry supply chain sources. Shenzhen's Transsion trimmed its annual target by 30 to 45 million from an initial ~115 million. The adjustments reflect a global memory crunch that has hit mid-priced handset makers hardest. The trifecta of memory suppliers-Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix and Micron Technology-are diverting capacity toward AI applications, tightening the supply of memory chips for consumer devices and pressuring margins. The figures are subject to market conditions, the sources said, underscoring ongoing volatility in the smartphone market driven by higher memory costs.

Suunto Vertical 2 smartwatch review: rugged design, long battery life, cheaper than Garmin Fenix 8

January 20, 2026, 8:00 AM EST. Suunto's Vertical 2 blends rugged outdoor toughness with a stylish chassis and flexible customization. The watch comes in stainless steel or titanium and ships with removable silicone straps, plus leather and nylon options from third parties. It delivers up to 20 days of battery life and offers advanced navigation tools and workout-tracking features. At roughly $599 to $699, it undercuts the Garmin Fenix 8 by about $300 while delivering similar specs. The unit weighs about 87 g, heavier than the Fenix 8's ~80 g, and feels substantial on the wrist. It's a strong option for explorers, though not ideal for 24/7 wear and daily office use.

Realme P4 Power with 10,001mAh battery heads to India; promises days of use

January 20, 2026, 7:56 AM EST. Realme unveiled the P4 Power, a smartphone with a 10,001mAh battery, launching in India on January 29. The company says it will last up to three and a half days of light use. The device weighs 218g and uses a silicon-carbon battery to stay slim. It also supports 27W reverse charging, letting it double as a power bank for other devices. Realme positions the P4 Power against large-capacity rivals, citing a China-only model with a similar rating and noting India as the easier market to reach. The phone underscores big capacity on a midsize form factor as Realme continues to push 10,000-15,000mAh cells into mainstream phones.

Dumbphone trend tests digital dependence and cognitive theories

January 20, 2026, 7:54 AM EST. An essay follows Lilah, who swapped an iPhone for a 'dumbphone' that connects to Wi-Fi but lacks apps, seeking mental space and less data tracking. The narrator admires the impulse but confesses fear: ditching a smartphone would feel disorienting and erode competence, a sense of the body missing when the device is out of sight. The piece anchors the debate in cognitive science: the extended mind hypothesis – the idea that tools outside the brain become part of thinking – cited from Clark and Chalmers (1998). It also references Daniel Wegner's 1985 transactive memory theory, where couples pool knowledge. The author notes personal dependence since age 14 and questions whether un-enmeshment with tech is even feasible or desirable, highlighting a broader cultural debate about privacy, ads, and control over data.

Svolt calls Donut Lab's solid-state battery claims a scam

January 20, 2026, 7:52 AM EST. Finnish startup Donut Lab unveiled at CES 2026 a solid-state battery claiming up to 400 Wh/kg energy density, a design life of 100,000 cycles, and a five-minute recharge. It says no 80% charging limit and steadfast, safe full discharges, with more than 99% capacity retained at extreme temperatures. Donut Lab also markets 12C charging and aggressive temperature performance-claims Yang Hongxin, chairman and CEO of Svolt Energy, calls a scam, arguing 'that battery doesn't exist' and that the parameters are contradictory. Svolt remains cautious on all-solid-state tech, citing unresolved issues and timelines. The debate comes as China's leaders in batteries, including CATL and BYD, push semi-solid progress; Svolt targets 2026-28 milestones for higher densities on its own line.

Creighton nursing students use AI to practice compassionate patient conversations

January 20, 2026, 7:50 AM EST. Creighton University nursing students practice difficult, compassionate conversations using a custom-coded AI chatbot. The tool, grounded in medical communication frameworks rather than generic AI, lets students run realistic scenarios and receive real-time feedback on phrasing and tone. It can flag overused phrases and suggest more empathetic language. One student noted the difference after the AI highlighted common filler lines, like 'I'm so sorry' or 'I understand,' which can feel hollow in real life. Developed with Professor Melissa Taylor, the program emphasizes conversations around end-of-life care and other sensitive topics, teaching structured communication approaches. Faculty say the approach improves readiness to engage with patients while preserving professionalism and human touch.

SpaceX, OpenAI Lead 2026 IPO Reopening as Mega-Cap Private Firms Loom

January 20, 2026, 7:48 AM EST. In a backdrop of market turmoil, the IPO window could reopen in 2026, bringing trillions of dollars of value from long-private companies back to public markets. The backlog stems from high rates, volatility and ample late-stage private capital. Some estimates peg private-company value sidelined at about $2.9 trillion. Market participants say the wave will be driven by a handful of mega-cap names rather than broad participation. SpaceX is seen as a top contender, with potential IPO talk centering on a range that could exceed $1 trillion and redefine market dynamics. OpenAI also sits at the center of investor attention, as valuations for AI-native platforms could set benchmarks for the sector. The cycle could shape capital allocation for years.

IRIS instant payments surge drives 2025 records, DIAS data show

January 20, 2026, 7:46 AM EST. DIAS Interbanking Systems SA data show IRIS instant payments have surged since 2020. The annual transaction count climbed from 1.6 million in 2020 to 57.3 million in 2024. In 2025, DIAS reported a record 540.4 million transactions, totaling €544.4 billion. Of these, 126.4 million were via IRIS Payments services, worth €10.9 billion. The daily average stood at 2.2 million transactions, or €2.2 billion, with November marking a peak of 6 million transactions worth €3.5 billion. About seven in ten instant payments run through IRIS. There are 4.25 million IRIS P2P users and 583,000 P2Pro registrations. P2P transactions rose 1.9 times vs 2024 and 158 times vs 2020; P2Pro up 3 times vs 2024 and 409 times vs 2020.

Developing quantum devices to accelerate chemistry research

January 20, 2026, 7:40 AM EST. High-performance computing, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing are reshaping science, enabling breakthroughs in drug discovery, climate modelling, and materials design. Yet billions invested in advanced infrastructure must translate into tangible value. The article outlines how researchers, funders, and industry can align goals through concrete use cases, rigorous benchmarking, and governance. Key challenges include hardware-software co-design, error correction, and managing noise in quantum devices. In chemistry, quantum simulations aim to compute accurate molecular energies, reaction pathways, and materials properties, but practical gains require scalable algorithms and realistic models. Success depends on cross-disciplinary collaboration, clear milestones, and transparent reporting of outcomes versus costs. Without that, investment risks underperforming against expectations.

Samsung Wallet adds remote digital key support for Toyota RAV4 with UWB-first rollout

January 20, 2026, 7:38 AM EST. Samsung Wallet will soon support digital keys for the Toyota RAV4, expanding the platform's mobility features. Initially limited to devices with UWB and compatible Galaxy models, with NFC support to follow. The feature lets owners lock, unlock, start remotely, and use hands-free entry, and it enables sharing keys with trusted contacts, revocable at any time. The 2026 RAV4 will be first, with rollout starting this month in Canada, Mexico, and the United States; Europe and other Toyota models are to be announced. A wider device list will follow for NFC-enabled phones.

China's EV Battery Giants Go Global, Reshaping Global Manufacturing

January 20, 2026, 7:30 AM EST. In Douai, France, Emmanuel Macron joined Envision founder Zhang Lei as a Chinese-led battery project underscoring a global shift. The €2 billion plant aims to produce every part of an EV battery, signaling a broader move by Chinese firms to fund and build overseas factories. Across the world, CATL, BYD, Gotion High-Tech and Envision are expanding abroad. By 2024, more than 80% of the world's battery cells were made in China, and the Rhodium Group notes at least 68 overseas factories with investment topping $45 billion. Analysts say this marks a new phase for Made in China and industrial competitiveness.

China's AI boyfriend market expands as women drive demand

January 20, 2026, 7:26 AM EST. Jade Gu, 26, in Beijing, built a multimodal AI companion named Charlie through Xingye, a MiniMax platform. A former otome-game player, she trained an avatar by feeding targeted prompts, creating a version she says is distinct from others. Her Charlie now texts for hours daily and even prompts outfits and mailed gifts she displays publicly. In China, women are embracing AI boyfriends at scale. Platform Zhumengdao reportedly counts about 5 million users, and Tencent and Baidu have launched AI-companion apps. Researchers note a gender tilt: in global markets, most users are men, while Chinese offerings appear aimed at women, a shift some describe as the "economics of loneliness."

EeroQ unveils low-wiring quantum control chip to scale qubits

January 20, 2026, 7:24 AM EST. EeroQ said it demonstrated a quantum-control chip where electrons on superfluid helium-the firm's qubits-can be moved across a chip without loss or error. The architecture dramatically reduces the number of physical wires. Engineers showed complex, large-scale electron motion with only a few dozen wires, enabling scaling to about one million qubits with under 50 control lines. Built for manufacturability, the approach relies on CMOS fabrication and minimizes wiring overhead. The test used the Wonder Lake chip from SkyWater Technology, enabling millimeter-scale transport between readout and operation zones with high fidelity-a prerequisite for large-scale, error-corrected algorithms. Nick Farina, co-founder and CEO of EeroQ, said the result offers a practical path to scaling from thousands to millions of qubits.

EeroQ demonstrates scalable quantum-control chip with reduced wiring using electrons on superfluid helium

January 20, 2026, 7:22 AM EST. EeroQ says it has demonstrated a quantum control chip that moves electrons floating on superfluid helium across a chip without loss or error. The architecture slashes the number of physical control lines, moving from thousands to a few dozen wires and enabling roughly one million electrons with fewer than 50 lines. The approach targets a key bottleneck in scaling qubits by reducing wiring overhead while staying compatible with standard CMOS fabrication. Demonstration on the SkyWater-manufactured Wonder Lake chip shows millimeter-scale transport between readout and operation zones with high fidelity, a prerequisite for large-scale, error-corrected quantum algorithms. Company co-founder Nick Farina says the result points to lower-cost, practical scaling paths from thousands to millions of electron qubits.

EeroQ demonstrates scalable quantum-control chip with reduced wiring

January 20, 2026, 7:20 AM EST. EeroQ said it demonstrated a quantum-control chip in which electrons floating on superfluid helium-its qubits-can be transported across a chip without loss or error. The architecture dramatically reduces wiring, moving large numbers of qubits with only a few dozen control lines. EeroQ says the approach scales to about one million electrons using fewer than 50 lines. Demonstrated on the Wonder Lake chip fabricated at SkyWater Technology, electrons can be moved between readout and operation zones across millimeter distances with high fidelity, a prerequisite for large-scale, error-corrected quantum algorithms. The design is CMOS-compatible from the start, aiming for manufacturability and reduced heat load. Co-founder Nick Farina calls the result a practical path to scaling from thousands to millions of electron-spin qubits.

Vodafone Qatar adds Starlink satellite internet for business connectivity

January 20, 2026, 7:14 AM EST. Vodafone Qatar has announced the availability of Starlink satellite internet for business customers, expanding reliable connectivity to remote and hard-to-reach locations. The service promises high-speed, low-latency internet beyond traditional terrestrial networks, helping maintain operations and resilience where fixed lines are limited. By tapping into Starlink's satellite network, Vodafone Qatar strengthens its business connectivity portfolio and targets enterprises operating outside standard coverage. The move reinforces Vodafone Qatar's push for digital transformation and robust continuity solutions, delivering flexible connectivity tailored to diverse environments and improving resilience for weather outages, geography, or remote work.

Meta layoffs hit Supernatural VR fitness service; updates paused

January 20, 2026, 7:04 AM EST. Meta's layoffs at Reality Labs have reached Supernatural, the VR fitness service on Meta Quest. Debuts: released in 2020; it will stop receiving new content, but the service remains available to subscribers. Renewal price stays at $100 per year, with no changes to existing subscriptions, according to responses shared with users. Management says the aim is to redirect funds toward AI ventures, including Meta AI and smart glasses efforts, while maintaining the platform's ongoing operation. Players describe sessions as social workouts in virtual locations, mixing boxing and rhythm games, with coaches guiding them. For many users, the cut feels like a loss of community and future updates, even as some praise the existing workouts' health benefits, like weight loss and blood pressure improvements.

Meta layoffs hit Reality Labs; Supernatural VR fitness to pause updates

January 20, 2026, 7:02 AM EST. Meta cut jobs in its Reality Labs division, impacting its flagship VR fitness app, Supernatural. The subscription on Meta Quest blends Peloton-like workouts with Beat Saber-style play, letting users exercise in stylized virtual locations. While Supernatural remains available, it will stop receiving updates: no new songs or lessons, and the $100-per-year price is unchanged for now. Meta says the moves are part of shifting funds toward artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives, including Meta AI and smart-glasses projects, while maintaining existing services. Users describe the service as a community anchor; some report meaningful health benefits. For now, fans await future guidance on whether Supernatural will continue post-layoffs.

Meta layoffs hit Reality Labs; Supernatural VR fitness app paused for updates

January 20, 2026, 7:00 AM EST. Meta's layoffs hit its Reality Labs unit, affecting the Supernatural VR fitness app on Meta Quest. Launched in 2020, Supernatural blends workouts with virtual destinations and coach-led rhythm exercises, a flagship title for Meta's VR store. The platform will stop receiving updates-new songs and lessons-though subscriptions at $100 a year remain unchanged. Users describe it as a loss for community-building as Meta shifts funds toward artificial intelligence efforts, including its Meta AI platform and smart glasses projects with Ray-Ban and Oakley. A company representative said updates won't come, reinforcing that the service itself isn't shutting down. Some users report real-world benefits from the program, while others mourn the pause in content.

Honor Magic 8 RSR Porsche Design May Be Last in Porsche Design Smartphone Line

January 20, 2026, 6:50 AM EST. Honor's Magic 8 RSR Porsche Design debuts amid questions about the premium lineup's future. A post by Honor engineer Chen Ligeng on Weibo hints that the Magic 8 Pro Air could close the Porsche Design chapter, suggesting the end of the partnership. The line began with the Magic V2 RSR and continued with the Magic 6 RSR and Magic 7 RSR after December 2023 announcements of a long-term tie-up with Porsche Design. No official plan has been disclosed. Officials have not confirmed whether Porsche Design devices will continue, and observers await a formal statement.

Honor Magic 8 RSR Porsche Design could be last in the Porsche lineup

January 20, 2026, 6:48 AM EST. Honor's Magic 8 RSR Porsche Design smartphone launches at the Magic Air event with high-end specs, prompting talk that it could be the final Porsche Design phone. A post on Weibo by Chen Ligeng, an Honor performance development engineer, hinted that the showpiece included the Magic 8 Pro Air along with the 'final pinnacle' of the Porsche series, suggesting the end of the premium lineup. Honor and Porsche Design forged a long-term partnership in December 2023, but no official plan has been disclosed. Previous members-Magic V2 RSR (Jan 2024), Magic 6 RSR (Mar 2024), and Magic 7 RSR (late 2024)-framed the collaboration. As of now, Honor has not provided a roadmap for future Porsche Design devices; industry observers await a formal statement.

Honor Magic 8 RSR Porsche Design Could Be The Last In The Lineup

January 20, 2026, 6:46 AM EST. Honor's Magic 8 RSR Porsche Design smartphone arrives with flagship specs but may close the Porsche Design chapter. A post by Honor performance engineer Chen Ligeng on Weibo hints that the Magic 8 Pro Air is shown alongside the final pinnacle of the RSR lineup, leaving unclear whether future Porsche Design devices will continue. Honor formed a long-term partnership with Porsche Design in December 2023, and the magic line-Magic V2 RSR, Magic 6 RSR, and Magic 7 RSR-followed. No official plan has been issued, and observers await a formal statement. If confirmed, the Magic 8 RSR could be the last in a premium collaboration between Honor and Porsche Design.

Cathie Wood sees SpaceX as trillion-dollar contender, bullish on Tesla Robotaxi

January 20, 2026, 6:26 AM EST. ARK Invest chief Cathie Wood told CNBC that Tesla's path includes the Robotaxi opportunity and a potential for recurring revenue to improve margins. She acknowledged a volatile 2025 but said the firm stayed focused on its highest-conviction bets. Wood pointed to April trade turmoil and a government shutdown as tests of resilience. She also argued SpaceX could become the first trillion-dollar company, now exploring datacenters in space and starting modeling. While cautioning that valuations can compress, she framed technology deflation and energy trends as supportive. Ark has recently sold Tesla shares, yet Wood maintained optimism on autonomous driving and robotics as long-term drivers for Tesla and the broader disruption arc.

Best Budget Tablets Under $200 Deliver Value, Battery Life

January 20, 2026, 6:24 AM EST. Budget tablets under $200 can pack premium-feel designs, long battery life, and expandable storage. Our buying guide flags key trade-offs: screen resolution, OS options, and app ecosystems. Most budget tablets run Android, with some Windows 10/11, while iPad options are typically older refurbishments. Expect eight to twelve hours of use, with near-$200 models delivering 10-16 hours. For media, aim for 1080p when possible. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8-Inch Tablet is highlighted as a top pick for its slim design and smooth user experience. Be wary of sub-$140 devices from lesser-known brands; spending around $170 or more usually buys better reliability and value, especially on memory and performance.

Galaxy S26 Ultra price may hold, but memory-chip crunch could raise costs

January 20, 2026, 6:20 AM EST. Samsung plans to launch the Galaxy S26 Ultra late next month with no major hardware upgrades, but pricing faces pressure from a global memory-chip shortage. A report by iNews24 says Samsung aims to keep US pricing near the Galaxy S25 Ultra's $1,299, while targeting below KRW 2 million (~$1,352) in South Korea. Some insiders warn the phone could still fetch around $1,399 in the US if margins thin. To preserve price, Samsung may trim pre-order perks, including the traditional double storage offer and other incentives. The crunch in memory chips-driven by AI infrastructure-has pushed up RAM costs and forced manufacturers to prioritize high-end memory, squeezing smartphone profits and potentially raising prices for buyers.

AI listening can sharpen empathy, but human connection remains irreplaceable

January 20, 2026, 6:18 AM EST. AI can sharpen our listening, but it also carries risks. Michael Inzlicht of the University of Toronto warns that large language models can provide dangerous advice or steer users toward a bot-only world, undermining real human contact. Yet, with appropriate safeguards and carefully introduced friction, AI could train people in greater empathy and more attentive listening. The danger lies in deskilling humans and eroding the value of genuine human connection. Some experts see AI as a resource for those with no one to turn to, while others warn it cannot replace the intimate exchange of being truly heard. Emily Kasriel, author of Deep Listening, argues the transformative power comes from reciprocal, present listening-an experience AI has not matched.

AI data centers reshape the U.S. land rush, prioritizing power over housing

January 20, 2026, 6:16 AM EST. Across the United States, a land rush is driven by data centers built for artificial intelligence. Developers seek sites with immediate electricity access, secure water rights, and fast fiber connections. Zoning or taxes matter less than grid capacity; the driver is electricity availability, with water and fiber as critical complements. Data centers differ from traditional industry: loads are concentrated, steady, and intolerant of outages, often requiring new substations and redundant feeds after multi-year utility coordination. In rural areas, that infrastructure can be missing, creating hidden constraints on land that looks empty. Hyperscale operators-very large cloud-scale centers-can materialize demand quickly once a site is chosen. The result: land once deemed remote becomes valuable for power and connectivity rather than homes.

FCC Clears SpaceX to Upgrade Starlink With Gigabit Speeds

January 20, 2026, 6:10 AM EST. The FCC granted SpaceX a partial license to grow the Starlink network. The decision allows about 7,500 additional satellites, lifting the total in orbit to more than 19,000, and expands use of radio bands at higher power limits. SpaceX says the plan aims to deliver gigabit speeds for users. The approval, described as partial, marks a significant step for SpaceX's satellite internet push and for wider access to broadband via space-based systems.

Official Apple Watch Magnetic Fast Charger to USB-C Cable discounted to $8.99 on Woot

January 20, 2026, 6:08 AM EST. Woot is discounting official Apple accessories, including the Apple Watch Magnetic Fast Charger to USB-C Cable. The 1-meter cable is down to $8.99 with code APPLEFIVE at checkout, after a $13.99 list price; Prime shipments are free, with a $6 delivery otherwise. Each customer can use the coupon once. The units arrive in bulk packaging with a 90-day Woot warranty and are described as excess Apple production. The cable supports fast charging on Apple Watch Series 7 and later and Apple Watch Ultra, and works with older models for standard charging. The offer accompanies other USB-C cables deals and a black woven Thunderbolt Pro Cable sale.

Are You Dead? app goes viral in China as loneliness-safety tool

January 20, 2026, 6:04 AM EST. Are You Dead?, known internationally as Demumu, has become a viral safety tool in China. Launched last May, the app requires users to confirm wellbeing every 48 hours; if no check-in, an emergency contact is alerted. Developed by a Zhengzhou team led by Mr. Guo, it aims to address rising loneliness amid demographic shifts that could produce as many as 200 million single-person households by 2030, according to state media. It started as a low-cost project; users now pay 8 yuan, and the founders seek to sell 10% of the business for about 1 million yuan. Critics push back on the name, while the app expands internationally under Demumu and eyes the elderly market as China's older population grows.

Two quantum computing stocks to watch in January: Alphabet and Microsoft

January 20, 2026, 5:56 AM EST. Quantum computing remains in its early stages, but Alphabet and Microsoft are pushing forward. Alphabet introduced Willow, a quantum processor that cuts error rates and solved a problem in minutes that would take a supercomputer trillions of years. It also rolled out a faster quantum algorithm, running 15,000 times quicker than a traditional approach, and aims to reach 1 million low-error steps. The company generated about $24.6 billion in free cash flow in Q3, funding ongoing research. Microsoft is pursuing Majorana 1, a processor that aims to create a new state of matter and rapid, stable qubits toward scaling to large chip counts, with commercial offerings via its Atom Compute collaboration. Both players invest heavily and could benefit as quantum computing matures.

Are You Dead? app taps loneliness in China's cities, rebrands to Demumu

January 20, 2026, 5:50 AM EST. In China's megacities, millions live in tower blocks and worry they'll vanish without a trace. The Chinese-language app Sileme (now renamed Are You Dead?) lets users check in daily; missing two consecutive days triggers an alert to an emergency contact. The app, initially free, added an eight yuan fee and is being rebranded as Demumu for its global version. Developers say the project aims to shine a light on social isolation and loneliness among Millennials and Gen Z, who have embraced its sardonic branding and the dark humor surrounding death. Analysts note the service highlights gaps in urban safety nets as young workers chase opportunities in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen amid a slowdown in the domestic economy. Users vary in adoption, but conversations about solitary living are fueling its popularity.

How to show your daily step count on Apple Watch for free with Pedometer++

January 20, 2026, 5:42 AM EST. As a fitness editor, the writer relies on the Apple Watch but has long wanted to see daily step counts at a glance. A colleague's tip points to a free workaround: install the third-party app Pedometer++ from the Apple Watch App Store and add it as a watch face complication. The app offers data views such as daily progress, steps and distance, and floors climbed, with a tap revealing the full movement log. The feature runs in the background and works with all Apple Watches running watchOS 26. The piece notes that while steps aren't the sole driver of health, walking remains a simple route to fitness.

Apple AirPods Max hits yearly low to compete with Sony and Bose ANC headphones

January 20, 2026, 5:38 AM EST. Apple's AirPods Max are on sale for $449, down from $549, a $99, 18% reduction that positions the over-ear headphones against Sony and Bose ANC rivals. The headset combines memory-foam ear cushions and a breathable knit mesh top band with a customized Dynamic Driver and Apple's H1 chip. Apple says Adaptive EQ and Personalized Spatial Audio with head-tracking deliver balanced bass and treble plus a 3D soundstage for supported content, including Dolby Atmos. Active Noise Cancellation targets engines, fans and chatter, while Transparency mode lets ambient sound in. A Digital Crown adjusts volume and controls playback. Battery life is up to 20 hours with ANC on; a five-minute charge adds about 90 minutes. In the case, the device enters ultra-low-power state to save battery.

Trending tickers: Netflix, Intel and Nvidia in focus as results loom

January 20, 2026, 5:36 AM EST. Netflix stock was little changed pre-market ahead of its Q4 results. Revenue is seen at about $11.97 billion, up roughly 16.8% YoY, with subscribers above 327 million as Netflix stops publishing counts. Investors will parse the earnings call for updates on the Warner Bros deal, which could reshape the world's largest streaming platform. Analysts at Jefferies, Citi and UBS raised targets on Intel before its report, noting improving server demand but capacity constraints as it shifts from PCs to servers. Intel has risen about 27% this year. Nvidia remained the day's top trending ticker even as sentiment turned negative after TSMC warned it cannot meet surging AI-processor demand. The AI rush stays a focal point for the sector.

Internet Governance Outlook 2026: Navigating Fear and Hope

January 20, 2026, 5:26 AM EST. In 2026 the Internet enters a risk-aware phase. Analysts note a shift from the early dream of a borderless information commons to a world where cybersecurity is a matter of national security and digital economy gains are uneven. The WSIS+20 outcomes offer a beacon for a people-centered, inclusive and development-oriented information society. Five pillars guide policy: cybersecurity, digital economy, human rights, artificial intelligence, and the management of critical Internet Resources. Caution persists over potential LAWS (lethal autonomous weapon systems) and mass surveillance. The challenge is to balance fear with opportunity, preserving freedoms while enabling innovation – a test for global Internet governance in 2026.

RTX 5090 vanishes from US retailers as third-party sellers price GPUs near full PC cost

January 20, 2026, 5:24 AM EST. Nvidia's RTX 5090 has disappeared from major US retailers, with third-party marketplace sellers listing cards at $3,600-$4,000. Newegg, Amazon, Best Buy and Micro Center show no in-house stock; the only listings come from external sellers, often shipping from outside the US. VideoCardz flagged Newegg as out of stock. Some price comparisons reflect out-of-stock listings, but the trend is real: prebuilt PCs with an RTX 5090 start around $4,400, with Micro Center offering an HP Omen 45L for about $4,300 in-store. That system bundles 64GB of DDR5 RAM, a 2TB SSD and an Intel Core Ultra CPU. Analysts say bulk component pricing and time lags behind demand drive the inflation, leaving buyers facing a market where a GPU-equipped PC costs as much as, or more than, a complete setup.

iPhone virus alert prompts weekly reboots as iOS 26.2 update urged

January 20, 2026, 5:22 AM EST. Security researchers warn two WebKit flaws in Apple's iPhone software are being actively exploited. Malwarebytes says updating to iOS 26.2 is a high-priority fix, and that a weekly restart helps flush memory-resident malware (malware that stays in device memory). The firm notes that many users resist the Liquid Glass redesign, slowing adoption of the new version. As of January 2026, only about 4.6% of active iPhones run iOS 26.2, with roughly 16% on any iOS 26 release, leaving most devices on older software. The NSA also recommends regular restarts. Apple describes the update as a critical security task; users can check for updates under Settings > General > Software Update and enable automatic updates.

Nvidia Faces Five Tangible Risks That Could Dent Its 2026 Run

January 20, 2026, 5:18 AM EST. Nvidia's surge rides on AI demand and its GPUs (graphics processing units) powering AI-accelerated data centers. CEO Jensen Huang plans annual chip introductions, sustaining the growth narrative. The article outlines five tangible risks for 2026. The first: an AI bubble burst that could chill demand if hype outpaces maturation. The second: internal competition that could erode Nvidia's valuable data-center real estate and pricing power. Even with strong GPU sales, enterprises haven't yet unlocked full ROI from AI investments, raising the risk of a slower spend cycle that could temper the stock's ascent.

NVIDIA GH200 vs Dell Pro Max GB10: benchmarks show compute leader but GB10 excels in efficiency

January 20, 2026, 5:08 AM EST. Reference benchmarks compare the Dell Pro Max GB10 against the NVIDIA GH200 Grace Hopper Superchip using remote access on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS with CUDA 13.0. The GH200 vastly outsizes the GB10 for large models. For Qwen3 32B with Llama.cpp, the GH200 is about 10.6x faster on TG128, while the GB10 shows superior power efficiency. In prompt processing, the GH200 is roughly 6x faster. For Llama 3.3 70B, the GB10 delivers strong performance-per-Watt, with the GH200 about 4.69x the GB10 on OpenCL. The cost gap remains substantial, with GH200-based servers priced well above $35k and the Dell Pro Max around $4,139, making GB10 a compelling value for energy-conscious workloads. Testing was limited by access; future benchmarks against GB200/GB300 are anticipated.

Cold weather tests electric vehicle batteries as drivers confront winter challenges

January 20, 2026, 5:06 AM EST. BELVIDERE, Ill. – Cold weather tests the 12-volt battery in many EVs, potentially disabling the car when it fails, a point from Integrity Auto Care's Lee Anderson. A Tesla with 12-volt issues showed how a dead 12V can render an EV a brick. The U.S. Department of Energy offers winter-ready tips: park in covered spaces, avoid charging outdoors when possible, warm up the vehicle before driving, maintain a healthy state of charge, and seek a booster at fast chargers. AAA also urges drivers to monitor battery performance, check for corrosion, ensure secure mounting, and have the battery tested regularly. Report filed by WIFR, with notes from Daniel Burbank and Anderson.

TAG Mobile expands 5G access via Lifeline with no-cost smartphones

January 20, 2026, 5:02 AM EST. TAG Mobile is expanding access to 5G by pairing smartphones with Lifeline-supported plans. The provider participates in the federal Lifeline program, easing upfront costs for low-income households. Eligible customers can receive a 5G phone and a bundled plan with talk, text, and data, often at no device cost. Analysts note 5G's growing role, with GSMA projecting more than half of global connections on 5G by 2030. For many customers, the upgrade is about a reliable, modern mobile experience rather than new features. Available devices are typically from major brands, such as Apple, Samsung, and Motorola. The program simplifies the upgrade by combining device and service into a single offering, reducing financial barriers.

SpaceX targets Wednesday for next Starlink launch from Vandenberg SFB

January 20, 2026, 5:00 AM EST. SpaceX aims to launch 25 Starlink satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base on Wednesday, with a four-hour window from 6:43 p.m. to 10:43 p.m. Pacific Time. The Falcon-9 first stage has flown nine times, seven of them on Starlink missions. After stage separation, the booster is expected to land on the drone ship Of Course I Still Love You in the Pacific Ocean. Local residents should not expect a sonic boom. A live webcast will start about five minutes before liftoff on X, at @SpaceX, or the X TV app. It is the fourth SpaceX launch from Vandenberg this month.

EY, KPMG execs warn AI security risks, urge tighter controls

January 20, 2026, 4:58 AM EST. In interviews, EY and KPMG executives warned that AI-driven tools bring security risks that could threaten client data, privacy and the integrity of professional services. They cited rising incidents around misconfigurations, model theft, and supply-chain vulnerabilities as firms expand AI deployments. The executives urged stronger governance and risk management frameworks, including clear accountability, robust incident response, and independent audits of AI systems. They called for tighter controls on data access, stricter vendor due diligence, and tighter alignment with evolving regulation and ethics standards. The message: investment in people, processes, and technology is essential to preserve trust as industry adopters scale AI.

iOS 26.3 Update: Performance and Battery Gains in Beta

January 20, 2026, 4:56 AM EST. Apple's iOS 26.3 is in its second beta, prioritizing refinements over new features. Apple says the aim is improved usability, performance, and battery efficiency. Early notes mention potential end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging and notifications forwarding for third-party accessories, though both are unsettled or removed in later builds. In early tests on devices like the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Geekbench results show single-core above 3,000 and multi-core near 7,713, signaling the update taps hardware. A subset of users still experiences keyboard lag, suggesting further tweaks. Users report battery life improvements, with seven-plus hours of active use on 83% health. The final release is targeted for February 2024, followed by iOS 26.4.

How to colorize and restore old photos with generative AI

January 20, 2026, 4:50 AM EST. Digitize at the source: scan or photograph old photos on a flat surface with good light. Then pick an AI system with generative colorizing and repair tools. The piece centers on Adobe Firefly for batch colorization and its Photoshop integration. Edit images one by one, supplying specific prompts that describe damage to fix and what to keep or crop-e.g., removing stray text. Expect imperfect results; refinements may require further prompting. The guide also notes the emotional payoff of reviving family memories and suggests realistic expectations about color accuracy and artifacts. In practice, a workflow moves from digitize, to colorize and restore, to final tweaks that preserve detail and intent.

OnePlus 16 tipped to carry 9,000mAh battery, echoing Turbo 6 series

January 20, 2026, 4:40 AM EST. Leaked details suggest the OnePlus 16 will house a 9,000mAh battery, sources say. The currently available OnePlus 15 uses a 7,300mAh cell with 120W charging. Earlier this month, OnePlus introduced the Turbo 6 and Turbo 6V, both with 9,000mAh packs and 80W charging. If confirmed, the OnePlus 16 could share the same battery as the Turbo 6 line. The phone is expected to launch in China in October and is rumored to feature a 200MP rear camera sensor and the brand's highest refresh rate display yet. The information comes from a tipster, via a Chinese source, and remains unconfirmed by OnePlus.

Morgan Stanley names memory stocks to ride AI bottleneck

January 20, 2026, 4:38 AM EST. Morgan Stanley says a memory bottleneck is shaping AI spend as workloads shift from training to inference and agentic AI requires more context and continual learning. They warn 2026 risk is execution and transition, not demand, but expect supply to lag demand through 2027 and see higher pricing power. The bank's top picks tilt to memory hardware. DRAM players Samsung, Micron and SK Hynix are highlighted for pricing power, with upside around 18%, 5% and 12.2% respectively. In legacy memory, Winbond tops the list as DDR4 pricing could surge 93-98% QoQ in Q1 2026, with Nanya Tech, Macronix and others also positioned. Storage pick Western Digital; advanced packaging play Disco of Japan. The note frames bottlenecks as winners and EUV exposure as a tailwind.

Apple taps Google Gemini to run AI-powered Siri upgrade

January 20, 2026, 4:36 AM EST. Apple is teaming up with Google to power an AI-driven Siri upgrade set for later this year. The multiyear deal will lean on Google's Gemini models and cloud technology to underpin future Apple Foundation Models, Apple said in a joint statement obtained by CNBC's Jim Cramer. The models will run on Apple devices and the company's private cloud compute, with terms not disclosed. Bloomberg previously reported Apple was in talks to use a custom Gemini model and could pay about $1 billion per year for the technology. The agreement underscores growing trust in Google's AI agenda as Apple seeks to accelerate Siri amid a wider industry push by hyperscalers. Apple also collaborates with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT for complex queries in Siri and Apple Intelligence.

Spacecoin secures satellite internet deals across Africa and Asia

January 20, 2026, 4:34 AM EST. Spacecoin announced strategic agreements across Africa and Asia to pilot satellite internet services. The company will supply the core satellite technology and network stack; local partners will handle ground operations and user support. The deals cover Kenya (a transmission licence from the Communications Authority of Kenya for satellite-based IoT), Nigeria (continuing work under the Nigerian Communications Commission licence), Indonesia (connectivity across more than 17,000 islands), and Cambodia (MekongNet partnership to extend service to rural areas). Spacecoin describes itself as the world's first decentralised satellite network enabling permissionless global internet through blockchain-integrated infrastructure. Proof-of-concept demonstrations will test operations; Spacecoin will deliver the satellite and network stack while partners run execution and support. This follows the CTC-0 milestone and the launch of the CTC-1 constellation, which aims to enable real-time intersatellite links.

Samsung emerges as real winner in Apple Gemini deal

January 20, 2026, 4:32 AM EST. Apple has shifted to Google's Gemini as the backbone of a revamped Siri, a decision that underscores a broader industry pivot toward external AI partners after its own in-house efforts lagged. The multi-year deal, reportedly worth billions, makes Gemini a pillar of Apple Foundation Models. Samsung, meanwhile, embraced Gemini earlier, embedding it deeply into the Galaxy S24 and S25 lines and the broader Galaxy AI suite. The Korean giant's stance – collaboration over solo development – helped Gemini gain scale and data access as OpenAI and other players competed for consumer AI leadership. By aligning with Gemini, Samsung positioned itself as the real winner in the Gemini-Apple dynamic, benefiting from vast device reach and richer customer experiences.

Investors weigh NVIDIA's expansion from gaming to drug discovery in AI push

January 20, 2026, 4:26 AM EST. Investors are parsing NVIDIA's latest moves as it widens its AI platform beyond gaming into drug discovery and life sciences. New hardware and partnerships-Vera Rubin chips, GeForce RTX 5090, and a $1 billion Lilly co-innovation lab-expand the company's footprint in data centers, industrial automation and privacy-first cloud infrastructure. The Lilly lab signals a second engine beside hyperscale compute, potentially offsetting concentration risk if life-science collaborations scale. Yet exposure to tightening US-China export controls and licensing uncertainty may cap access to a large China data center opportunity, a major long-term growth question. Analysts show wide fair value dispersion, underscoring divergent views on growth, margins and regulatory headwinds.

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

January 20, 2026, 4:18 AM EST. China's EV battery installations rose 40.4% to 769.7 GWh in 2025, CABIA said. December installations hit 98.1 GWh, up 35.1% YoY and 4.9% from November. LFP batteries dominated with 79.8 GWh (81.3%), while ternary cells totaled 18.2 GWh (18.6%). For 2025, LFP installations reached 625.3 GWh (81.2%, up 52.9%) and ternary 144.1 GWh (18.7%, up 3.7%). December power and energy storage battery production rose to 201.7 GWh (up 62.1%), with LFP at 160.5 GWh and ternary at 40.6 GWh. Full-year 2025 production stood at 1,755.6 GWh (up 60.1%). December exports totaled 32.6 GWh (up 49.2%), split into 19.0 GWh power and 13.6 GWh storage. 2025 exports reached 305.0 GWh, 62.2% power and 37.8% storage.

Micron stock looks cheap on AI memory demand ahead of 2026 growth

January 20, 2026, 4:08 AM EST. Micron Technology trades at about 10x forward earnings, far cheaper than peers around 30x. The stock's cheapness reflects memory chips' cyclical nature, not a lack of demand. Analysts forecast 133% growth next quarter and about 100% growth for fiscal 2026, powered by a surge in AI memory needs. Memory is more commoditized than logic chips, and capacity can overshoot demand, depressing prices in cycles. Yet Micron's capacity is near peak, and executives describe demand as more than sold out, with HBM memory set to grow at roughly 40% CAGR. If demand remains robust, the stock could re-rate as earnings rise. Caveats remain: cyclical timing and overbuilding can weigh on valuations.

Client Challenge: Website blocks when JavaScript is disabled

January 20, 2026, 4:00 AM EST. Client-side loading fails when JavaScript is disabled. A warning page often signals that required scripts cannot run, usually because of browser extensions, network issues, or conservative browser settings. Guidance typically asks users to enable JavaScript, disable ad blockers, or try another browser. Technicians advise checking extensions, refreshing the connection, or testing across devices to restore interactive features. The case highlights the web's reliance on client-side code; without it, forms, menus and dynamic content may not load. Firms can reduce risk through progressive enhancement and server-side fallbacks to keep essential functions usable even when scripts are blocked. Time to resolve? Quick user-side checks, plus architecture changes, can avert similar outages.

iPhone 18 Pro: selfie camera may move to top-left; Dynamic Island could follow

January 20, 2026, 3:58 AM EST. Rumors for Apple's next iPhone 18 Pro point to a punch-hole selfie camera placed in the top-left corner, with the Face ID module embedded beneath the display. Previously, the camera was expected to stay centered. The Information first raised the top-left idea, and designer Jon Prosser released a video render showing a left-aligned Dynamic Island moving with the camera. Prosser argues the feature is too useful to drop, so the Dynamic Island could relocate rather than vanish. The concept would require the punch-hole and Face ID cutouts to be unified or reshaped, or the Island to span the full width to avoid asymmetry. Apple has not confirmed any design changes. Viewers are divided on whether central or top-left placement works best.

OnePlus phones face hardware-level anti-rollback protection that blocks downgrades

January 20, 2026, 3:50 AM EST. OnePlus is reportedly rolling out hardware-level Anti-Rollback Protection (ARB) via ColorOS 16.0.3.500/501/503 on select devices. The ARB uses an electronic fuse that, once tripped, permanently blocks downgrades, prevents flashing older ROMs, and can render unbricking tools ineffective. In practice, this means devices may be stuck on the installed build unless the motherboard is replaced. The change affects the OnePlus 13, 13T, and 15 (and Ace 5/Pro variants), with the OPPO Find X8 series flagged as high risk; OnePlus 11/12 could follow. It could eventually appear on OxygenOS as well, given shared codebases. Official downgrade packages for the OnePlus 13 have reportedly been removed. Users who unlock bootloaders or flash ROMs should avoid ColorOS builds ending in .500, .501, or .503.

Nvidia stock near its cheapest valuation in over a year; history hints at what comes next

January 20, 2026, 3:48 AM EST. Nvidia's shares have cooled after a sharp early-2025 sell-off driven by investor emotion and tariff chatter rather than deteriorating fundamentals. The stock now trades near its lowest valuation in more than a year even as revenue and earnings growth stay robust, underscoring Nvidia's central role in AI development via GPUs and the CUDA platform. The rally that followed the AI boom had lifted Nvidia into the world's most valuable company, but the pullback shaved roughly 19% from January through April 2025 and wiped out about $1 trillion in market value on fears about demand and competitive threats like DeepSeek. Forward P/E gauges show the stock hovering around mid-20s to mid-30s across the next quarters, hinting that valuation is resetting rather than collapsing.

Two AI stocks to buy in 2026 that could outperform Nvidia

January 20, 2026, 3:46 AM EST. Nvidia remains the leader in the AI accelerator market, a segment expected to grow at a CAGR of about 29% through 2030. With a market cap around $4.6 trillion, outsized gains from Nvidia alone look hard, nudging investors toward smaller names that could outpace the leader. Two to watch: Micron and AMD. Micron manufactures high-bandwidth memory (HBM) used in AI-capable data centers and sits among the big three HBM suppliers. In fiscal Q1 2026, Micron revenue rose 57% to $13.6 billion, with net income of $5.2 billion; the stock has surged roughly 250% over the past year, and the stock's P/S ratio sits near 34. AMD, with a roughly $380 billion market cap, plans the MI450 AI accelerator and argues it could challenge Nvidia's Vera Rubin; AMD's lower-cost accelerators could win share, aided by its client, gaming and embedded businesses.

CrashFix Chrome Extension Delivers ModeloRAT via ClickFix-Style Crash Lures, Huntress Says

January 20, 2026, 3:30 AM EST. Huntress researchers describe a campaign called KongTuke that uses a malicious Chrome extension masquerading as an ad blocker to crash browsers and prompt users to run commands via ClickFix-style lures, delivering a never-before-seen remote access trojan dubbed ModeloRAT. The extension, named NexShield – Advanced Web Guardian (ID: cpcdkmjddocikjdkbbeiaafnpdbdafmi), clones uBlock Origin Lite and was downloaded at least 5,000 times. Victims are rerouted from a fake security warning after a user searches for an ad blocker, then asked to paste a copied command into Windows Run, triggering a DoS-style loop that exhausts memory and crashes the browser. The attack chain exploits a Traffic Distribution System known as KongTuke / TAG-124 and has been linked to other groups such as Rhysida, Interlock, and TA866. The malware phones home to nexsnield[.]com and executes after a 60-minute delay.

NASA inches toward historic moon return as Artemis prep advances

January 20, 2026, 3:24 AM EST. NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft moved to Launch Complex 39B for final preps ahead of a historic return to the Moon. Ground crews will connect critical systems and conduct a near-launch-day drill known as a wet dress rehearsal-filled tanks, no ignition. Artemis launch director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson outlined pad testing, booster surfacing and a two-part crew walkdown of the emergency egress system (CDT Part Two). If needed, teams could roll back to the Vehicle Assembly Building for additional work. The plan includes a terminal count with a planned cutoff at T-minus 29 seconds; a second window for Artemis II opens Feb. 6 with opportunities through Feb. 11.

New study questions DeepSeek's OCR method for long-text AI

January 20, 2026, 3:22 AM EST. Researchers from Japan's Tohoku University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences questioned DeepSeek's DeepSeek-OCR method, a visual compression approach announced last October to improve AI handling of long documents. In their paper, "Visual Merit or Linguistic Crutch? A Close Look at DeepSeek-OCR," the team found the technique relied heavily on language priors-patterns learned from large text corpora-rather than true visual understanding. They argued DeepSeek's reported metrics were misleading because performance gains were driven by linguistic cues rather than image-based processing. The critique follows a broader focus on the long-context bottleneck that constrains how models process lengthy texts and extended conversations. DeepSeek has not publicly responded to the study. The debate underscores ongoing challenges in balancing visual compression with robust linguistic reasoning in AI.

Garmin rolls out 2026 stable update to Venu 4, Venu X1 and Vivoactive 6

January 20, 2026, 3:14 AM EST. Garmin is rolling out software version 15.52 to the Venu 4, Venu X1 and Vivoactive 6 in phases, with about 20% of users seeing the update now. The release is described as a stable update, but Garmin's changelog offers few visible changes. It lists only two items: 'changes to support manufacturing' and 'various bug fixes and improvements', with no new features indicated. The patch does not appear to fix reported issues such as Vivoactive 6 display problems or Venu 4 connectivity with Schwinn IC4 bikes. To check manually, go on the watch to Menu > Settings > System > Software Update, or wait for Garmin Connect Mobile or Garmin Express to push it as the rollout expands.

Meta downsizes Reality Labs as metaverse push collapses, pivots to AI

January 20, 2026, 3:12 AM EST. Meta is downsizing its Reality Labs unit, cutting about 1,500 jobs – roughly 10% of the unit – and shuttering several VR game studios, The Wall Street Journal reported. The move is a stark reversal for a company that branded itself around the metaverse – a shared virtual space where people interact in 3D – and the Horizon Worlds platform. Meta rebranded in 2021 to appeal to Gen Z in online games and to escape data-privacy backlash tied to Facebook. The pivot toward AI has accelerated as the unit burned money without turning a profit. Studios including Armature, Twisted Pixel, and Sanzaru are affected; the Supernatural fitness app moves to maintenance mode; Workrooms for VR collaboration is shutting down, per CNBC, The Verge and others. Total Reality Labs spend nears $73 billion, underscoring a costly misread of long-term demand.

Experimental CIM with femtosecond pumping hits 55% success on 100-vertex Möbius Ladder

January 20, 2026, 2:58 AM EST. Researchers report an experimental demonstration of a Coherent Ising Machine (CIM) using femtosecond laser pumping, integrating optimization strategies across optical and structural dimensions. The hybrid device targets NP-complete problems and helps mitigate noise-induced local minima, boosting computational accuracy and stability. In tests on a Möbius Ladder graph with 100 vertices, the CIM achieved an average 55% success rate in identifying optimal solutions. The use of femtosecond pulses yields higher peak power, applying more pronounced quantum effects while reducing pump power in fiber-based CIMs. The system ran continuously for 8 hours, signaling practical applicability. Potential uses include molecular docking and credit scoring, supporting CIMs' promise for scalable, real-world optimization and future integration into large-scale platforms.

Tesla sued over alleged design defect in Model S electronic door handles

January 20, 2026, 2:48 AM EST. A Florida class action accuses Tesla of a design defect in 2014-16 Model S electronic door handles that allegedly fail after years of normal use. The suit says three of Urban's four handles stopped working by 2022, forcing entry through the passenger door. Plaintiffs argue the issue goes beyond inconvenience to basic safety in everyday use and emergencies. The filing says Tesla knew or should have known about the defect after it redesigned the handle to reduce failures, per Road & Track. Regulators in the United States and China are reviewing electronic latch safety. Separately, Tesla faces software-related disputes, including alleged range and charging impacts, plus a Louisiana direct-to-consumer sales ban. Lawmakers like Rep. Robin Kelly have pushed for manual, easily found exits on every door.

How to photograph the Northern Lights with Google Pixel and Android devices

January 20, 2026, 2:46 AM EST. The Northern Lights have surged across the Northern Hemisphere as geomagnetic storms intensify. A January 2026 solar storm is driving auroras into parts of the United States for the first time in years. The piece shows Pixel users how to capture the display using Night Sight in astrophotography mode, and how a tripod and dark skies improve results. Start by mounting the phone, select Night Sight, and on Pixel trigger astrophotography after a brief pause; the process can take up to four minutes and yields a still image plus a time-lapse. Other Androids rely on standard night modes; if aurora is faint, switch to manual long exposure. Location and light pollution matter.

How to photograph the Northern Lights with Google Pixel and Android phones

January 20, 2026, 2:44 AM EST. The article notes that stronger geomagnetic storms have broadened the Northern Lights, or Aurora borealis, into wider swaths of the Northern Hemisphere, including parts of the United States. A camera captures more color than the naked eye under these conditions. For Google Pixel phones, switch to Night Sight in a dark setting, mount the device on a tripod, then enable astrophotography by tapping the star icon on the shutter after a brief stillness. The process can take up to four minutes, producing a still image and a time-lapse of the scene. On other Android devices, use automatic night mode where available; in dim aurora, switch to manual long exposure settings. The piece cites shots from North Carolina during the May 10, 2024 storm.

Red Magic 11 Pro Golden Saga Edition goes global with carbon-fiber design and gold-plated cooling

January 20, 2026, 2:40 AM EST. Red Magic is expanding the Golden Saga Edition globally, following an earlier China launch of the Red Magic 11 Pro+ Golden Saga. The new Red Magic 11 Pro Golden Saga Edition features a carbon fiber exterior with gold accents and sapphire-like detailing, paired with the Golden AquaCore Cooling System, featuring gold-plated vapor chambers and composite air ducts to boost thermal performance and reduce throttling on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. The device sports a 6.85-inch BOE X10 AMOLED display at 144Hz, a 7,500mAh battery with 80W wired and wireless charging, and a 50MP dual rear camera. It runs Android 16 out of the box. UK price £1,299; Europe €1,499; US $1,599.

Nvidia stock slips in Europe on Trump tariff threat ahead of Wall Street reopen

January 20, 2026, 2:38 AM EST. NVIDIA's shares listed in Frankfurt dropped 2.2% on Monday amid tariff concerns as the U.S. market remained closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. U.S.-listed NVDA ended Friday at $186.23, down 0.44% after a volatile session. Traders are watching whether the risk-off mood spills into Tuesday's opening and the upcoming earnings cycle. A tariff plan announced by President Trump to widen duties on European goods raised risk appetite concerns for tech stocks, though analysts noted Nvidia's AI-infrastructure niche remains a driver. Wolfe Research added Nvidia to its Alpha List, noting progress on "Blackwell" and Rubin's ramp, while Google's TPU is cited as a key rival in custom chips. Analysts expect Nvidia's next milestone to be the February 25 fiscal Q4 earnings release.

NVIDIA Set to Launch N1/N1X ARM Laptop Chips This Year, N2/N2X Planned for 2027

January 20, 2026, 2:34 AM EST. NVIDIA plans to bring ARM-based laptop SoCs to the consumer market this year, led by the N1 and N1X and aimed at Windows on ARM. DigiTimes sources say N1X notebooks could appear in Q1 with retail by Q2, as the company also sketches N2/N2X for consumer markets in 2027. The chips are expected to use TSMC's 3nm process and resemble the GB10 design, with an NVIDIA-controlled AVL (approved) and RVL (recommended) vendor framework to guide reference designs and minor clock-speed tuning by partners. NVIDIA frames the family as a high-end AI computing platform intended to capture the full ecosystem and edge AI workloads, a shift from its prior consumer GPU strategy. Debut at GTC 2026 and a retail showcase at Computex could follow, ahead of a potential 2027 rollout for N2/N2X in laptops.

Kaite B5 Plus 2025 review: Battery-free 10.3-inch E-paper writing tablet

January 20, 2026, 2:30 AM EST. Kaite B5 Plus 2025 writing tablet features a 10.3-inch E-paper display and is battery-free, relying on passive input. Marketed for notebooks and planners, it can be imported worldwide and is not classified as a dangerous good. A magnetized dual-sided pen offers thick and thin lines; a detachable eraser cap, a clip, and a dedicated eraser plus pen holster are included. The screen uses clean paper technology built on microcapsules with iron particles that rise to the surface when you write; the pen nib is magnetized for responsive input. An app captures the screen image and exports as PDF or PNG to cloud storage, email, or local storage. It sells for $99.99 at the Good e-Reader Store.

11-inch Apple iPad Pro (M5) deal drops to $899.99 at Amazon

January 20, 2026, 2:28 AM EST. Amazon lists the 11-inch Apple iPad Pro (M5) at $899.99, a 10% discount from its $999 list price. The deal saves about $99.01 and is current as of Jan. 19, 2026. The package positions Apple's latest ultra-thin tablet as a power option with the M5 chip and high-end display, though deal pricing and availability can change after publication.

Tesla sued over alleged design defect in Model S electronic door handles

January 20, 2026, 2:26 AM EST. Road & Track reports a Florida class-action claims Tesla's 2014-16 Model S electronic door handles routinely fail after years of use. Plaintiff John Urban says three of four handles on his 2014 Model S Ludicrous stopped working by 2022, forcing entry through the passenger door. The suit frames the issue as a design defect for a premium car and cites Tesla's redesigns to cut failures, alleging the company knew or should have known. Lawmakers in the United States and China are reviewing electronic door latches, and U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly introduced the Securing Accessible Functional Emergency Exit Act to require manual releases that are easy to locate on each door. The broader context includes other software-related disputes around Tesla's vehicles.

Moto G Power (2026) review: sturdy, budget-friendly 5G phone with long battery and practical features

January 20, 2026, 2:22 AM EST. Motorola's Moto G Power (2026) is squarely aimed at the budget segment. It offers 5G, rugged credentials with IP68/69 and MIL-STD-810H and a dedicated microSD slot, plus a 3.5mm headphone jack and stereo speakers. The 6.8-inch 120Hz LCD is modern enough, powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 6300 and 8GB RAM, but neither processor nor the 50MP main with an 8MP ultrawide impress. The camera autofocus on the ultrawide helps, yet overall image quality remains modest. A 5200mAh battery supports 30W wired and 15W wireless charging, and the phone ships with Android 16. The box favors eco-friendly packaging (soy ink) and a minimal accessory kit. A soft, rubbery finish adds character. It's a practical option for buyers prioritizing durability, battery and features over flagship camera performance.

Apple iPhone Fold rumors: 7.8-inch inner display, A20 chip, aluminum-titanium body

January 20, 2026, 2:14 AM EST. Spec leaks and investor notes sketch a flagship foldable iPhone for September 2026. Supply-chain analyst Jeff Pu describes a device with a 7.8-inch unfolded display and a 5.3-inch outer screen, a 4.5mm-thick unfolded profile, and a 9mm folded thickness. The frame would mix aluminum and titanium, with a hinge using liquid metal to reduce creasing. Power would come from an A20 chip built on a 2-nanometer process, same as the iPhone 18 Pro. Battery capacity cited at 5,400-5,800 mAh, the largest Apple has placed in an iPhone, reflecting the power needs of two displays. Apple is reportedly treating it as a flagship from launch in September 2026, though some analysts warn leaks may echo fan speculation rather than firm plans.

Galaxy S26 Ultra colors leak; Ultraviolet hero shade surfaces as titanium frame rumor swirls

January 20, 2026, 1:44 AM EST. IceUniverse shared images of four SIM card trays for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, hinting at four color options: Black Shadow, White Shadow, Galactial Blue, and a purple Ultraviolet hero shade. Ahmed Qwaider also echoed violet as the new marketing focus and said orange won't be among the standard colors. The color naming does not include the word titanium, fueling talk that Samsung may drop a titanium frame-a move similar to Apple's shift to aluminum on the iPhone 17 Pro. Beyond colors, rumors claim a thinner chassis than the S25 Ultra, a brighter display, a 200MP main camera with a new 24MP shooting mode, up to 16GB RAM, faster wired charging at 60W and 25W wireless charging. Unpacked is eyed for February 25.

Google Pixel 10a price leaks point to steady pricing as February launch looms

January 20, 2026, 1:40 AM EST. Google's Pixel 10a could land in February, with contradictory price signals. A tipster, MysteryLupin, suggested a €500 price for the 128GB model in Europe, lower than the Pixel 9a. Yet Dealabs later argued that rising RAM and storage costs may leave the price at €549 for 128GB and €649 for 256GB. Industry chatter points to higher costs for LPDDR5X RAM as demand from the AI sector drives an AI-first manufacturing cycle, complicating price cuts. Preorders are eyed for March 5, with an February 18 release date floated. Specs are expected to mirror the 9a: 6.3-inch display, 5,100 mAh battery, 8/128GB, and a 48 MP camera. Uncertainty remains on whether Google adopts the Tensor G4.

Honor 500 Pro Molly 20th Anniversary Edition launched with Pop Mart

January 20, 2026, 1:34 AM EST. Honor has unveiled the Honor 500 Pro Molly 20th Anniversary Edition, a fully customized designer toy smartphone made with Pop Mart. The device is priced at 4,499 yuan (~$646) and goes up for pre-order now, with official sales starting on Jan. 25 at 10:08 AM. It uses a 16GB + 512GB configuration and centers on the Molly character, featuring a Molly Painter illustration on an Obsidian Black finish, plus Molly-themed UI and wallpapers. A special suitcase-style gift box includes a SIM ejector, wax-seal invite, art cards, red envelopes and more. Specs mirror the standard 500 Pro: Snapdragon 8 Elite, 8000mAh battery, 80W wired and 50W wireless charging, 200MP main camera, 50MP telephoto and 12MP ultra-wide. Honor will run Molly pop-up stores in 100+ Chinese cities.

Honor Watch GS 5 debuts with 1,500-nits AMOLED display, priced at 699 yuan in China

January 20, 2026, 1:26 AM EST. Honor's Watch GS 5 ships with a 1,500-nits AMOLED display and is pitched to flag elevated heart-risk signals such as atrial fibrillation, irregular rhythm or sleep apnea. The device cannot diagnose medical conditions and is not a substitute for a clinician. It offers sleep and cycle tracking, an AI voice assistant and more than 100 sports modes. In China, it costs 699 yuan (about $100); Honor has not announced plans for international release. The emphasis is on wellness monitoring rather than medical-grade sensors.

Samsung Galaxy Watch deals: Watch 8 from $225, up to $130 off at Woot

January 20, 2026, 1:22 AM EST. Woot is discounting Samsung's Galaxy Watch lineup, including the Galaxy Watch 8 and the 2025 Ultra, with prices starting at $224.99 Prime shipped. The 40mm Galaxy Watch 8 is $224.99 and the 44mm $249.99, with free Prime shipping; regular prices are $350 and $380. These deals apply to the International Version, which ships with a 90-day Woot warranty instead of a full U.S. warranty. Samsung emphasizes features such as Advanced Sleep Coaching, a lighter design, and a Running Coach for real-time feedback. Buyers should weigh warranty differences and whether a U.S. unit would be preferred, as the prices offer a trade-off for some shoppers.

Andreessen Horowitz backs about $3 billion in AI infrastructure bets amid bubble talk

January 20, 2026, 1:20 AM EST. Andreessen Horowitz, known as a16z, is turning big bets in AI infrastructure into early signs of scale. The firm built a $1.25 billion AI war chest in 2024 and has said it will add about $1.7 billion this year, expanding to roughly $3 billion allocated to AI software sold to technical buyers rather than consumers. A two-month-old coding AI startup drew a $475 million seed round, while a model-ranking platform neared a $2 billion valuation after spinning out from academia. The cap table includes Cursor, now valued at $29.3 billion after a fresh round. Industry moves back the bets: Stripe agreed to buy Metronome for about $1 billion; Salesforce snapped up Regrello; Meta bought WaveForms. Ben Horowitz cautions it's early; others wonder if this is a bubble.

Broadcom patches DoS flaw in Wi-Fi chipset; ASUS RT-BE86U vulnerable, others may be affected

January 20, 2026, 1:18 AM EST. Broadcom patched a high-severity DoS flaw in its chipset software that could crash routers by sending malformed 802.11 frames. The advisory notes the vulnerability, not yet assigned a CVE, carries an 8.4/10 score. ASUS RT-BE86U is confirmed vulnerable; Broadcom warns other devices using the same chipset may be affected. Security researchers from CyRC found that Defensics Fuzzing-an automated test that floods a system with malformed 802.11 traffic-caused ASUS routers to crash and drop all 5G Wi-Fi clients, requiring a manual router reboot. The 2.4 GHz band and Ethernet were not impacted. Broadcom issued a patch; no public list of affected products is available. Consumers should contact Broadcom for guidance and check for updates for their devices.

Samsung raises Galaxy Book 6 Pro price by about $477 over previous-gen, citing higher DRAM costs

January 20, 2026, 1:16 AM EST. Samsung's Galaxy Book 6 Pro lineup carries a roughly 18% price jump from the prior Galaxy Book 5 Pro. The company cites higher DRAM costs and NAND memory pressures as it rolls out Panther Lake-based Core Ultra CPUs and Xe3-based Arc graphics. The six-model lineup includes two versions with NVIDIA RTX 50 GPUs (RTX 5070/5060 Laptop) and four Book 6 Pro models with Xe3 Arc graphics. Official pricing shows the Galaxy Book 5 Pro at 2,808,000 Won ($1,904) versus 3,510,000 Won ($2,381) for the Book 6 Pro – a $477 swing not solely explained by processor upgrades. Memory remains 32 GB LPDDR5X and storage 1 TB in both generations. Samsung, a major memory maker, appears to pass higher RAM/NAND costs to customers to protect margins. Source: Videocardz.

Diamonds push quantum computing toward the edge with NV centers

January 20, 2026, 1:14 AM EST. Quantum computing is inching toward the edge. Quantum Brilliance builds diamonds with nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers that store and manipulate quantum information with light and microwaves. Marcus Doherty, the firm's CTO, told a TechFirst podcast that diamond's rigidity minimizes lattice vibrations at room temperature, reducing decoherence and letting engineers place qubits where needed. That could cut bulk cooling and enable edge deployments, not just data centers. Yet scaling remains a manufacturing challenge: there is no global diamond wafer market or standardized foundry, and you can't buy diamonds off the shelf. The company grows its own diamonds in a newly launched foundry to produce quantum-compatible wafers. For quantum sensing, millions of NV centers detect signals; for computing, centers must be close enough to entangle. The path blends engineering, chemistry and manufacturing.

Planet Labs PBC (PL) up 13.1% after Swedish sovereign satellite deal

January 20, 2026, 1:12 AM EST. Planet Labs PBC rose 13.1% after the Swedish Armed Forces signed a multi-year, low nine-figure deal for sovereign satellites, high-resolution data, and space-based awareness. The contract is the company's third satellite services agreement in twelve months and adds to more than $500 million in such deals over the past year. It underscores Planet's sovereign-satellite model, which lets governments access space capabilities without building their own networks, while leveraging existing constellations and the upcoming Owl imagery platform. The deal strengthens a near-term catalyst of large, multi-year contracts but highlights capital needs and execution risk across sovereign programs. In context, the JSAT contract sits alongside these deals, building a backlog and concentrating revenue with a smaller set of large customers, raising sensitivity to government funding shifts.

Android tablets win on diversity, folding form factors and e-ink options

January 20, 2026, 1:10 AM EST. An advocate argues that Android tablets win on diversity and novel form factors. A typical iPad is a thinner, more powerful version of the iPad of 10 years ago, while Android offers folding devices such as the Galaxy Z Fold 5 that function as phones, tablets, and desktop-like experiences via DeX. The piece cites other foldables, like the OnePlus Open and Google Pixel Pro Fold, as examples of true phablet-style designs. It also mentions e-ink tablets as a niche for eyes-friendly computing. The bottom line: Android's ecosystem encourages experimentation and multipurpose use, whereas iPad emphasizes traditional slabs with incremental upgrades. The author favors Android for the potential of what you can imagine doing with the device.

Google confirms high-friction sideloading flow coming to Android

January 20, 2026, 12:50 AM EST. Google says Android will introduce a 'high-friction' sideloading flow. The company frames it as an Accountability Layer aimed at raising user awareness, not blocking installs. In versions of Google Play, warnings about developer verification, internet requirements and potential risks accompany the flow, while users can still proceed. Advanced users will keep a path to Install without verifying, though with extra steps to acknowledge risks of installing apps from unverified developers. The approach prompts a debate: will the friction educate, or quietly make sideloading harder? Android's openness has long rested on power users sideloading without hoops. Google has not announced required use of a PC or external tools; the added friction is expected to be limited to risk education, at least for now.

Google confirms 'high-friction' sideloading flow coming to Android

January 20, 2026, 12:48 AM EST. Google says Android is getting a high-friction sideloading flow, framed as an Accountability Layer rather than a block on installs. In replies to a story, Matthew Forsyth, Google Play's product chief explainer, said users will still be able to install from unknown sources via an option like Install without verifying, but with extra steps designed to educate about risks. The change matches new warning messages in Google Play that pressure verification and online requirements while letting users proceed. Google has not set a PC or external-tool requirement yet. Analysts wonder whether the friction will remain educational or quietly raise the bar on sideloading, challenging Android's open model for power users.

Broadcom patches high-severity DoS flaw; ASUS RT-BE86U vulnerable to 5G Wi-Fi outages

January 20, 2026, 12:44 AM EST. Broadcom has patched a high-severity DoS flaw in its chipset software that can crash routers. The bug leaves ASUS RT-BE86U and potentially other devices using the same wireless chipset vulnerable to a DoS triggered by malformed 802.11 frames, effectively denying 5G Wi-Fi clients until a manual router reboot. Ethernet and the 2.4 GHz network are reportedly unaffected. The flaw is rated 8.4/10 in severity and has not yet been assigned a CVE. The issue was uncovered during CyRC's Defensics fuzzing of 802.11 traffic. Broadcom has issued a patch; affected users should contact Broadcom for guidance. CyRC warns that other models may be affected, so users should verify product versions with Broadcom.

Bungie's Marathon sets March 5 release on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and PC

January 20, 2026, 12:40 AM EST. Bungie announced Marathon will launch March 5 for $39.99 on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and PC. The reimagined take on the 1990s IP marks Bungie's first new release since Destiny 2 in 2017. Set in 2850, Marathon drops players into three-person squads to scavenge loot in hostile zones, fighting AI foes and rivals in a PvPvE extraction shooter. It was originally slated for September but delayed last June after alpha testing highlighted a cluttered UI, lackluster gunplay and a pace that felt slow compared with rivals. Bungie said the delay would allow core systems to be reworked rather than rushed to market.

DJI Debuts ROMO: All-in-One Robot Vacuum Brings Drone-Grade Sensing to Home Cleaning

January 20, 2026, 12:38 AM EST. DJI unveils ROMO, an all-in-one robot vacuum series in Korea that draws millimeter-level obstacle sensing from its drones. The system combines dual fisheye vision sensors, wide-angle LiDARs, and machine learning to identify and avoid household objects, from charging cables to playing cards. ROMO aims for complete coverage on hard floors and carpets, with intelligent path planning, real-time mapping, and adaptive edge algorithms that guide its arms as they extend to clean corners and tight spaces. A self-cleaning base station, marketed as 200-day maintenance-free, backs up the robot to handle debris wash and mop prep automatically. ROMO's flagship P adds transparent panels to showcase its components.

Bungie's Marathon to launch March 5 on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC

January 20, 2026, 12:36 AM EST. Bungie's long-gestating follow-up, Marathon, is slated to launch March 5 for $39.99 on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and PC. The reimagining of the 1990s IP is a PvPvE extraction shooter set in 2850, pitting Runners in three-person squads against AI and rival players. It marks Bungie's first new release since Destiny 2 in 2017. The game was delayed from September after alpha playtest feedback flagged a cluttered UI, weak gunplay and slow pacing, with the studio saying the extra time would let it rework core systems rather than rush to launch.

HI-VQE and SHCI converge to model strongly correlated systems on NISQ devices

January 20, 2026, 12:32 AM EST. The study extends the HI-VQE to tackle strongly correlated electronic systems on Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) devices. Researchers from Qunova Computing and collaborators introduce a dynamic information exchange between quantum and classical computing to improve accuracy and scalability. The work benchmarks HI-VQE against benchmark cases, including the nitrogen molecule (N2) dissociation and an iron-sulfur cluster (Fe-S), testing static correlation and dynamic correlation. The team compares results to HCI benchmarks, assessing how well the method captures multireference effects. They also integrate stochastic SHCI and tensor-network methods like DMRG to refine active-space calculations. The findings point toward a feasible path for simulating bioinorganic molecules, catalytic mechanisms, and other materials where classical methods struggle.

Costco sells Aluratek wireless CarPlay adapter for $47

January 20, 2026, 12:30 AM EST. Costco is selling the Aluratek Combo Wireless Car Adapter for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto at $47. The plug-and-play device connects to a car's USB port and enables wireless CarPlay, with a USB-C to USB-A adapter for older ports. It supports up to two devices paired simultaneously and streams apps like Maps, Messages, Phone, and Music on the car screen. Best Buy lists it at $60, and Aluratek's site sells it higher. User reviews on Best Buy average 4.3/5 from 360+ ratings, praising simple setup and fast connectivity, with some reports of audio cutouts or delays. Wireless CarPlay can lag, though many users report hours of reliable use. As CarPlay evolves toward CarPlay Ultra, drivers should stay attentive to road conditions.

Britain calls for AI stress tests in financial services, lawmakers say

January 20, 2026, 12:28 AM EST. Britain's cross-party Treasury Committee urged regulators to replace a wait-and-see stance with AI-specific stress tests for the financial system. The FCA and Bank of England should run scenarios to gauge shocks from automated systems, and publish by end-2026 detailed guidance on how consumer protection rules apply to AI. Committee chair Meg Hillier warned the system may be unprepared for a major AI incident. The report notes widespread use of AI in UK finance-about three-quarters of firms-and warns of risks from opaque credit decisions, algorithmic exclusion of vulnerable customers, fraud and unregulated AI advice. It also flags potential financial stability threats if AI trading amplifies herding. Regulators welcomed the focus; BoE did not respond. The ministry has named AI Champions to steer adoption in the sector.

Girl's pink landline goes viral as group delays smartphones until 8th grade

January 20, 2026, 12:24 AM EST. An Illinois mother is going viral after her 8-year-old daughter Maddie was gifted a pink princess landline phone for Christmas, chosen by her grandmother. McAlarney belongs to a circle of parents who have pledged to delay smartphones until at least eighth grade. The video of Maddie using the landline has drawn online smiles. McAlarney told Fox News she is fortunate to have a "fantastic group of moms" who support the pact, noting that children use iPads at school but can call on landlines at home to avoid apps and social media. She said her son recently received a smartwatch, but the landline works for Maddie. The story comes as a Fox News poll shows broad parent support for restricting social media for under-16s and taking phones out of schools. Dr. Haidt advocates screen-free, active childhood play.

UK warned AI risks pose 'serious harm' to consumers and stability, MPs warn

January 20, 2026, 12:18 AM EST. Parliament's Treasury committee says the UK's handling of artificial intelligence in finance risks causing 'serious harm' to consumers and financial stability. In a new report, MPs rebuke ministers and the Financial Conduct Authority for a wait-and-see stance on AI across the sector. They warn AI could disadvantage vulnerable customers and trigger a crisis if automated decisions amplify shocks. More than 75% of City firms now use AI, with insurers and international banks among the biggest adopters, automating admin tasks and core operations such as claims processing and credit assessments. The UK has no bespoke AI rules; regulators argue general rules suffice, leaving firms to interpret them for AI. MPs call for transparency on how AI influences decisions, clear accountability, and practical FCA guidance by year-end, plus new stress tests to gauge AI-driven market shocks.

NVIDIA vs Micron: Which AI Chip Stock Is a Better Investment?

January 20, 2026, 12:12 AM EST. Investors weigh growth in AI chips against business models as NVIDIA rides demand for GPUs used in training and inference, while Micron benefits from memory demand for data centers but lags in pure AI hardware. Analysts cite catalysts: NVIDIA's software stack and ecosystem, versus Micron's exposure to DRAM and NAND cycles. Valuations reflect differing risk: NVIDIA trades at higher multiples tied to AI-adoption expectations; Micron trades cheaper but faces cyclicality, pricing pressure, and competitive memory peers. Headwinds include supply chain risks and potential regulatory scrutiny of AI and semiconductors. The call for investors: bet on accelerating AI deployment with NVIDIA, or favor Micron's diversified memory exposure with steadier, if slower, upside. Timing and sensitivity to memory cycles will shape outcomes.

ARK Invest's Cathie Wood Bets on AI Chips, Sells Tesla

January 20, 2026, 12:10 AM EST. ARK Invest stays true to its playbook, tilting toward long-term bets in AI infrastructure, AI chips, and autonomous tech while trimming exposure to mature names like Tesla. In the latest weekly update, the fund added to positions in Advanced Micro Devices, Broadcom, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. Equity moves underscore belief that demand for AI computing and chip infrastructure can rise further even after a strong run. The firm also extended its bets in life sciences, with new stakes in Intellia Therapeutics, 10x Genomics, GeneDx, and Personalis, while pruning legacy names. ARK nudged exposure to robotaxis, autonomous trucking, and vehicle intelligence. The sale of more than 86,000 shares of Tesla and trims in Illumina and Intuit show a rotation toward early-stage tech.

OpenAI eyes 2026 hardware unveil as Ive team hires Apple veterans

January 20, 2026, 12:06 AM EST. OpenAI expects to unveil its first hardware device in the second half of 2026, policy chief Chris Lehane told Axios at Davos, though a sale is not guaranteed this year. Industry chatter has hinted at a 2027 launch; a year-end reveal remains possible if development advances. Separately, Janum Trivedi, an interface designer formerly at Apple, joined OpenAI's × LoveFrom design team to work on io products, after contributions to iPadOS features like Split View and multitasking gestures. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and designer Jony Ive have discussed a family of AI hardware products, with a prototype reportedly ready as development continues. The Information reported OpenAI has bolstered its audio models ahead of a largely audio-based hardware product.

Nvidia eyes 2026 growth as AI capex and backlog point to further upside

January 20, 2026, 12:02 AM EST. Nvidia's market capitalization has surged from about $345 billion after ChatGPT's launch in 2022 to roughly $4.5 trillion, making it the world's most valuable company. Analysts point to a 2026 boost from AI hyperscalers' capital expenditures, projected as high as $527 billion, and Nvidia's own backlog, which CFO Colette Kress says is growing exponentially. The company has signed multibillion-dollar deals, including a licensing contract with Groq and a Anthropic collaboration for its Vera Rubin architecture, while AWS rents Nvidia GPUs for a $38 billion OpenAI deal. Industry observers forecast Nvidia could capture a majority share of data-center spending in 2026, with data-center revenue seen at about $320-$330 billion. Valuation multiples have cooled, leaving room for upside if AI infrastructure spending accelerates.