Technology News 22.01.2026

Blue Origin launches six space tourists on NS-38 after late crew swap

January 22, 2026, 11:58 PM EST. Blue Origin sent six space tourists to suborbital space aboard the NS-38 mission of its New Shepard rocket. The flight marked the company's 17th human spaceflight and the 38th mission for New Shepard, lifting off from West Texas at 11:25 a.m. EST after a brief delay linked to unauthorized personnel on the range. The crew-Tim Drexler, Linda Edwards, Alain Fernandez, Alberto Gutiérrez, Jim Hendren and Laura Stiles, who replaced Andrew Yaffe due to illness-enjoyed a few minutes of weightlessness and crossed the Kármán Line at about 106,680 meters, earning their astronaut wings. The capsule and booster landed separately within minutes, capped by a dusty descent at the West Texas site. Blue Origin has now carried 98 people on 17 flights; ticket prices remain undisclosed, with Virgin Galactic citing around $600,000 per seat.

Pixel Take a Message bug may leak audio during voicemails

January 22, 2026, 11:56 PM EST. Google's Pixel phones may leak audio during voicemail when using the Take a Message feature. Instead of recording the caller's message, some users report hearing the caller, or the caller hearing them, while Take a Message transcribes and saves the clip in the call history. The issue spans devices from Pixel 4 to Pixel 10, per reports highlighted by 9to5Google and covered by Android Authority. In some cases the mic indicator appeared and recordings captured only part of the message. Google has not provided a timeline for a fix. For now, Pixel owners can disable the feature: open the Phone app, access the menu, choose Settings > Take a Message, and toggle it off.

Executives say AI saves time; workers disagree, surveys show

January 22, 2026, 11:52 PM EST. A new study by Section surveyed 5,000 white-collar workers and drew a sharp split between management and staff on AI and productivity. Among executives, 33% say AI saves 4-8 hours per week, 19% credit more than 12 hours, and 2% say it saves nothing. Among non-managerial employees, the outlook reverses: 40% say AI saves no time, 27% report under 2 hours saved, and 2% report more than 12 hours. A separate report from Workday argues these estimates may be overblown. The findings illustrate a widening gap in perceived AI impact and raise questions about how firms measure AI-driven productivity gains.

Executives say AI saves time; employees disagree, study finds

January 22, 2026, 11:50 PM EST. Executives tout AI as a time-saver; employees push back. A Section survey of 5,000 white-collar workers finds a wide split: 33% of executives report AI saves 4-8 hours weekly, 19% say more than 12 hours, and only 2% see no time benefit. Among non-managerial staff, attitudes flip: 40% say AI saves no time, 27% report less than 2 hours weekly, and 2% say more than 12 hours. A separate Workday survey echoes caution, suggesting many estimates overstate gains. The results highlight a productivity gap between leadership and staff and raise questions about how firms measure AI impact in the workplace.

Utah lawmaker pushes AI safety bills to protect children

January 22, 2026, 11:44 PM EST. Utah Rep. Doug Fiefia, a former Google employee, is sponsoring two bills aimed at limiting AI risks for minors. HB286, the Artificial Intelligence Transparency Amendments, would require developers to post public safety and child-protection plans, publish risk assessments for new AI models, and report safety incidents to Utah's AI policy office. The measure imposes civil penalties of $1 million for a first violation and $3 million for subsequent ones, and provides whistleblower protections. A second bill would empower the Department of Commerce to limit AI chatbots from exposing youths to explicit content or prompts to self-harm, drawing on recommendations from the state's AI policy lab. Critics say the rules could hamper innovation and clash with federal policy, including approaches favored during the Trump administration.

Blue Origin launches six space tourists from Texas on NS-38 suborbital flight

January 22, 2026, 11:40 PM EST. Blue Origin carried six space tourists into the skies from Texas on its NS-38 suborbital flight. The crew capsule crossed the Karman line and reached about 350,000 feet while the booster returned for a near-vertical landing roughly two miles north of the launch pad. Telemetry tracked ascent, including engine restart and peak acceleration. Capsule drogue deployment followed, and ground observers in Kent, Texas; Huntsville; and Florida watched the mission unfold. The booster conducted drag brakes before touchdown, marking another milestone for Blue Origin and its effort to commercialize near-space travel in its ongoing NS program.

Pixel bug leaks background audio to callers; Google investigating; users can disable Take a Message

January 22, 2026, 11:34 PM EST. Several Pixel users report a bug in the Phone by Google app that can let callers hear background audio as a voicemail is left. The issue, tied to the Take a Message feature, was first documented by 9to5Google. Google says it is investigating, and reports are not widespread, mainly affecting older Pixel devices that no longer receive OS updates. The company notes the bug does not affect all users. To protect privacy, users can turn off Take a Message: open the Phone app > Settings (top-left) > Call Assist > Take a Message and toggle it off. If you rely on voicemails, stay alert for unusual audio leakage and keep devices updated.

Huang says AI data centers will fuel six-figure construction jobs

January 22, 2026, 11:30 PM EST. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang told BlackRock's Larry Fink that the data centers buildout is 'the largest infrastructure buildout in human history' and will create many jobs. Data centers, facilities that store, process and manage vast digital information with servers and cooling systems, require skilled trades. Huang noted wages rising across the sector and six-figure pay for builders of chip, computer and AI facilities, arguing training isn't limited to PhDs. FMI Corp. projects data-center spending to grow about 23% in 2026. Industry voices say electricians, welders and HVAC specialists are in high demand, with Dallas cited as a market where pay premiums exceed the public-average for the role. Arizona land consultants describe accelerating site acquisition for AI data centers, including Buckeye.

Thiel sells Nvidia; portfolio now invested in three AI stocks (Tesla, Microsoft, Apple)

January 22, 2026, 11:28 PM EST. Peter Thiel has exited Nvidia, leaving a three-stock AI tilt in Thiel Macro's portfolio: Tesla 39%, Microsoft 34%, Apple 27%. The Q3 sale leaves Nvidia off the book. The fund has outperformed the S&P 500 by about 16 percentage points over the past year. In Tesla, the thesis centers on physical AI-autonomous driving and humanoid robots-rather than traditional car sales. Tesla's FSD uses cameras only, a cost edge versus radar/lidar rivals, and the company is building Optimus, a humanoid robot Musk says could become a major product. In Microsoft, the focus is enterprise software and cloud for AI, with Copilots and Azure expanding services. Investors will watch how the trio performs as AI adoption accelerates.

1Password adds phishing-prevention alert to flag unrecognized sites

January 22, 2026, 11:24 PM EST. 1Password is adding a phishing-prevention feature that flags an unrecognized website that could be part of an attack. When a user clicks a link and the site's URL doesn't match the one saved with their login, the browser extension will not autofill and will display a warning that the URL isn't linked to a login in 1Password. The move cites IBM's estimate that a successful phishing attack costs an average of $4.8 million to a business. The feature is rolling out today and may take weeks to reach all users. For individuals and families, it will be enabled by default once available; for businesses, Admins must enable it manually.

AI-ready: Young founders chase unicorn potential in AI startups

January 22, 2026, 11:22 PM EST. London-based 24-year-olds Arnau Ayerbe, Pablo Jiménez de Parga Ramos and Bergen Merey launched Throxy in 2023 to build AI agents for sales teams. They have raised nearly £5m across two funding rounds and report about £1.2m in annual sales. The story sits within a broader surge of Gen Z entrepreneurship: Enterprise Nation data show 62% of Gen Z in the UK want to start a business, and Start Up Loans figures show Gen Z loan awards doubling in the past five years. Throxy founders say their AI fluency gives them an edge; early adopters describe it as transformational. Antler's research shows the average age of AI unicorn founders fell to 29 in 2024 from 40 in 2020. Yet many older clients underestimate young leaders; Rosie Skuse notes she has been mistaken for her boss's assistant.

AMD's Ryzen 7 9850X3D arrives Jan. 29 for $499

January 22, 2026, 11:20 PM EST. AMD announced an updated Ryzen 7 9850X3D at CES, confirming a January 29 launch for $499. The 9850X3D is an 8-core / 16-thread CPU with a boost clock that's 400MHz higher than the 9800X3D, while keeping the same 120W TDP. AMD describes it as a better-binned version of the 9800X3D. Performance gains remain unclear across most games, with the biggest uplift expected in frequency-sensitive titles such as esports. Availability at retail is uncertain until later this month.

Google expands Personal Intelligence to AI Mode in Search

January 22, 2026, 11:18 PM EST. Google is expanding Personal Intelligence to AI Mode in Search for AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers. The opt-in feature securely connects Gmail and Google Photos to AI Mode, letting search results draw on your context across apps. In initial testing, the system surfaced tailored suggestions-such as sneakers connected to recent purchases and travel ideas from bookings in Gmail and memories in Photos. Google says the approach goes beyond generic results by referencing your life, offering a personalized starting point for activities, dining, and outings. Privacy controls and opt-in options remain central as the company expands the feature across its ecosystem.

Utah Senate weighs bill to name Android the state's official mobile operating system

January 22, 2026, 11:14 PM EST. Sen. Kirk Cullimore, R-Sandy, introduced SB138 to designate Android as Utah's official mobile operating system. The proposal drew disbelief and humor in the Senate, with Sen. Mike McKell asking if it's a real bill. Cullimore, who says his family favors Android, framed the move as a lighthearted jab amid a long list of state symbols. He acknowledged he's among the few in the chamber who uses an iPhone, and he invited Apple to oppose the measure. Senate President Stuart Adams joked about potential conflicts of interest. Critics call it symbolic and unlikely to advance, given widespread iPhone use among lawmakers and state employees. The last update to the symbols list was last year, for the word Utahn.

DJI Avata 360 Preorders Surface With Bundled Pricing, $999 Base Bundle

January 22, 2026, 11:12 PM EST. Preorder pages for the DJI Avata 360 have surfaced on retailers such as US Drone Supply, hinting at an imminent official reveal. The listings detail several bundles and prices: a Base Bundle at $999.99 with the drone and an Intelligent Flight Battery; a standalone drone listed at $1,799.99; and Fly More bundles up to $1,799.99. A Motion Fly More Bundle with three batteries is shown at about $1,799.99 and includes a Goggles N3 set. The pages align with February 2026 rumor windows, including a February 5 target, though DJI has not confirmed details. Official pricing may change before launch. The coverage relies on authentic-looking preorder pages and leaked images of the Avata 360 in FPV and front-facing camera mode.

DJI Avata 360 Preorders Surface With Bundles and Pricing

January 22, 2026, 11:08 PM EST. DJI Avata 360 preorders have appeared at retailers including US Drone Supply, signaling an imminent official reveal. The pages list several bundles and prices, such as a Base Bundle for $999.99, a Fly More bundle with one battery at $1,299.99, and a Fly More bundle with three batteries at $1,799.99. A separate Single Unit option shows the base drone priced around $1,799.99. Motion Fly More bundles are listed at about $1,799.99 with a Motion 2 controller and accessories. The pricing pages arrived ahead of a potential February 2026 announcement, with some sources predicting the first week and a date around February 5. Leaked images show a cinewhoop-style Avata 360 with a front-facing camera and FPV configuration.

Google expands Personal Intelligence to AI Mode in Search, linking Gmail and Photos for tailored results

January 22, 2026, 11:02 PM EST. Google is expanding Personal Intelligence to AI Mode in Search for premium subscribers. Starting now, Google AI Pro and AI Ultra users can opt in to securely connect Gmail and Google Photos to AI Mode, allowing search results to draw on a user's own context. The feature aims to deliver tailored recommendations without repeating explicit preferences. In trial notes, the author cites discovering new products and ideas based on past purchases and memories. Examples include suggesting a sneaker style after a recent purchase, or curating a family itinerary by referencing hotel bookings and travel photos. Google emphasizes privacy and opt-in controls, with results designed to feel uniquely personal while remaining anchored in the user's data across apps.

reMarkable Paper Pro Move turns handwriting into a pocket notebook

January 22, 2026, 10:54 PM EST. This review describes how the reMarkable Paper Pro Move changes note-taking. The author, who relies on the iPhone Notes app for ADHD, finds handwriting on a pocket-sized tablet improves memory and commitment. The Paper Pro Move uses a color e-ink display with a matte, paperlike feel and a 7.3-inch screen that's legible in sunlight. Templates include dot grids, college-ruled lines and even guitar tabs. The bundled Marker stylus resembles a pen, with grip, pressure and tilt sensitivity, magnetically attaching to the device for charging. Its portability makes handwriting possible anywhere, helping ideas stay on the mind rather than vanish when typed.

Tesla starts Austin robotaxi without safety monitor as Waymo expands to Miami

January 22, 2026, 10:50 PM EST. Tesla says it has begun robotaxi rides in Austin with no safety monitor, a move Musk framed as progress for its autonomous service. Ashok Elluswamy said the rollout starts with a few unsupervised vehicles mixed with the broader fleet, with the ratio rising over time. The company expects EU and China approvals for its supervised FSD service soon. Waymo announced a Miami expansion, inviting riders in a roughly 60-square-mile area with nearly 10,000 signups. Wall Street cheered the Austin news, pushing Tesla stock higher by more than 4%. The contest hinges on autonomy level: Waymo operates with Level 4 in parts of its network, while Tesla's FSD remains Level 2. Investors watch regulatory timelines and international approvals.

Sony unveils PS-LX3BT and PS-LX5BT Bluetooth turntables with automatic operation and upgraded phono stages

January 22, 2026, 10:44 PM EST. Sony has unveiled two Bluetooth turntables, the PS-LX3BT and PS-LX5BT, both fully automatic and sharing the LX310BT's mechanism. They include a built-in phono stage with three-level gain and an updated grounding layout for better sound. Controls switch between 7in and 12in records and 33⅓/45rpm. In the box: 45rpm adapter; a solid aluminium tonearm and die-cast platter. The PS-LX3BT uses a moving-magnet cartridge at 3.5g; the PS-LX5BT upgrades to an MM cartridge at 2.0g. Cartridge names aren't disclosed; needles are replaceable, with the LX5BT cartridge swap allowed only via Sony service. LX3BT has a captive output cable; LX5BT uses a dedicated output. Both support aptX Adaptive Bluetooth and eight-device pairing. Prices: LX3BT £299/€350/AU$469; LX5BT £399/€460/AU$599. On sale now.

AI-driven cultural stagnation moves from speculation to reality, study shows

January 22, 2026, 10:32 PM EST. In January 2026, researchers Arend Hintze, Frida Proschinger Åström and Jory Schossau published a study showing what autonomous generative AI loops do when they run and interpret their own outputs. They linked a text-to-image system with an image-to-text loop and repeated image-caption-image-caption cycles. Outputs converged to a narrow set of generic visuals-atmospheric cityscapes, grand buildings and pastoral landscapes-while the system gradually forgot its starting prompt, a phenomenon the authors call visual elevator music. A prompt about a stressed Prime Minister produced an empty room with plush furnishings after several cycles. The study frames this as evidence of homogenization when AI operates without human input, offering a diagnostic view on how AI could shape modern culture's preservation of novelty.

Microsoft outage hits Outlook, Teams, Microsoft 365 as engineers probe third-party networking issue

January 22, 2026, 10:30 PM EST. Microsoft is investigating a widespread disruption to its cloud services, affecting Outlook, Teams and other Microsoft 365 apps. Users report being unable to log in, load inboxes, or connect to collaboration tools, with fresh complaints surfacing in recent minutes. Microsoft classifies the incident as a service degradation and says engineers are examining a possible third-party networking issue. The company last updated at 5:37 p.m. UTC and plans another update by 7 p.m. UTC. The outage highlights reliance on cloud services and could disrupt productivity as teams seek workarounds.

Samsung rumored to supply its best OLED panels to iPhone 18, not Galaxy S26

January 22, 2026, 10:26 PM EST. A China-based rumor circulating online claims Samsung will supply Apple with its best OLED panels for the iPhone 18 lineup, with brightness ramping up as BOE reportedly struggles to meet Apple's targets. Production would shift to Samsung and possibly LG. The report also says Samsung's upcoming LTPO+ panels will be standard on the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, enabling Face ID behind the display and potentially removing the notch. Separately, rumors say the Galaxy S26 will use the same panels as its predecessor, implying Samsung saves its best displays for Apple for now. The claims cite unnamed sources in China and should be treated as speculative.

Epic-Google antitrust talks surface $800 million Unreal Engine deal, judge says

January 22, 2026, 10:18 PM EST. A California federal judge pressed for details in the Epic Games-Google antitrust settlement, revealing an undisclosed deal tied to the Unreal Engine, Fortnite and Android. In a San Francisco hearing, Judge James Donato questioned whether joint product development, marketing commitments and partnerships could tilt talks toward a broader Android settlement. He cited an $800 million, six-year spend on acquiring services from Google, with Epic Games potentially using Google at market rates. Tim Sweeney, Epic Games CEO, described the arrangement as relating to the metaverse and noted Google's access to Epic Games' core technology for training products. The judge warned such an arrangement could amount to a quid pro quo, while Google and Epic Games declined comment. Sweeney said the firms would separately build product lines.

Four AI hardware stocks to watch in 2026: Nvidia, AMD, Broadcom, TSMC

January 22, 2026, 10:16 PM EST. AI hardware remains a generational bet. Investors are cautious but must stay exposed as spending on AI computing power climbs toward 2030. Nvidia leads with cloud GPUs sold out and a forecast that data-center spend could reach trillions by then. AMD argues its growing data-center business can ride similar demand, aiming for about 60% CAGR through 2030 if opportunities widen. Broadcom is pursuing ASICs to boost efficiency and partners with AI hyperscalers to tailor chips. TSMC remains the backbone foundry for AI silicon, a reminder that the chain is broader than any single vendor. The four names-Nvidia, AMD, Broadcom, and TSMC-offer different angles on the AI hardware cycle. Risks include valuation, supply shifts, and policy moves.

cURL halts bug bounty program over AI-spam reports, citing mental health concerns

January 22, 2026, 10:14 PM EST. cURL, the widely used command-line tool, is scrapping its bug bounty program after a surge of low-quality submissions, much of it AI-generated. Founder Daniel Stenberg said protecting mental health and the project's survival outweighed continuing the incentive. He wrote on GitHub that the team will ban and publicly ridicule those who waste time on crap reports. The end-month termination affects a tool embedded in Windows, macOS, and many Linux distributions. Supporters warn the move could weaken security; opponents say the flood of low-value reports overwhelmed triage. A bug bounty program provides cash rewards for researchers who report vulnerabilities; cURL previously paid for high-severity flaws. The decision underscores strain on small open-source projects amid AI-driven spam.

Micron & NVIDIA: AI's memory and GPU leaders

January 22, 2026, 9:54 PM EST. Micron MU is a world leader in memory and storage solutions fueling the AI era. Shares have surged as the AI frenzy underscores memory bottlenecks in the data center. The stock embodies the Zacks Rank dynamic, rising to #1 last August on rising EPS revisions and staying buoyant after March choppiness. Micron's latest results show a double-beat versus consensus, with sales up more than 55% year over year and adjusted EPS up about 185%. Operating cash flow reached a record around $8.4 billion, with guidance suggesting higher sales, margins, EPS, and free cash flow in Q2. The company is exiting the Crucial consumer line to focus on enterprise demand for AI. Meanwhile NVIDIA again beat estimates, highlighting AI's broad pull on both memory and GPUs, even as both stocks ride the same rally.

Tesla aims to sell humanoid robots to the public by end-2027, Musk says

January 22, 2026, 9:40 PM EST. Tesla chief Elon Musk told Davos attendees that the company plans to have its Optimus humanoid robot on sale to the public by the end of 2027. He said initial uses would appear in industrial settings this year, with more complex tasks adopted as reliability and safety improve. Musk framed the timeline as contingent on a rapid production ramp, noting that early output would be slow as almost every part and step is new. He cited a long-term vision in which billions of humanoid robots exist globally, serving roles such as home surveillance, elder-care, and pet care, provided safety remains high. Industry analysts say scaling hinges on data and AI-model training, which remains a challenge. Tesla has already deployed some Optimus units in factories, Musk said.

Two Canadian nonprofits expand EV battery recycling education for students

January 22, 2026, 9:36 PM EST. Two Canadian nonprofits, Plug'n Drive and Call2Recycle Canada, announced a partnership to embed EV battery recycling education into youth programs. Call2Recycle will join Plug'n Drive's EV Awareness Student Learning Program, delivered with Skills Council of Canada, to teach students in grades seven through 12 about the full lifecycle of EV batteries. The curriculum blends science, math, environmental studies and history through presentations, hands-on activities and demonstrations. The press release notes that Call2Recycle will provide information on responsible battery stewardship to support a cleaner future. The 5Rs pathways (repair, remanufacturing, resale as is, repurposing, or direct to recycling) explain end-of-life management. Joe Zenobio, CEO of Call2Recycle Canada, says teaching youth about battery recycling supports a circular energy future.

Octillion Sets Single-Day EV Battery Production Record of 3,653 Systems

January 22, 2026, 9:34 PM EST. Octillion Power Systems said it produced a record 3,653 EV battery systems in a single day on December 3, 2025, totaling about 114 MWh. The feat spanned across nine manufacturing facilities in the United States, India and China, underscoring Octillion's global footprint and scalable capabilities for localized OEM supply. In 2025 the company delivered roughly 20 GWh of energy capacity across vehicle segments, with production forecast to rise in 2026. The company's position is supported by strong market share in China's passenger EV battery market and leadership in India for passenger vehicles, trucks and buses, aided by more than 15 years of supply chain development and a vertically integrated approach. "This milestone reflects the dedication and expertise of our teams," said Paul Beach, Global President.

Common Sense Media warns AI-enabled toys risk privacy and safety for kids

January 22, 2026, 9:30 PM EST. Common Sense Media warned about AI-enabled toys, saying they pose privacy and safety risks for kids. CEO Jim Steyer urged parents to avoid giving AI-powered toy companions to under-5s and to exercise extreme caution for ages 6-12, noting the technology outpaces safety standards. The group tested three popular toys – Grem, Bondu and Miko 3 – for an overall risk assessment, not individual ratings. More than a quarter of outputs contained inappropriate content, including mentions of self-harm, drugs and risky behaviors. In one test, a child-voiced persona was told to jump from a roof. Torney highlighted risks around emotional boundaries and unrealistic relationship expectations. The toys collect extensive data-voice recordings, transcripts, and usage data-and can be glitchy or provide wrong information confidently. Nearly half of surveyed parents have purchased or considered these toys.

Huawei Racing Legend smartwatch leak reveals colors, straps and specs

January 22, 2026, 9:26 PM EST. Huawei's Racing Legend smartwatch, teased by a Weibo tipster under codename Chitu, leaks detail four color schemes-Shadow Black, Dawn Orange, Light Blue, and a Special Color – Unknown-along with a broad strap lineup of 22 variants. One strap measures around 16mm and another about 22mm in width, enabling wrist-size and fashion customization. The device is positioned in the professional sports wearable category, with a possible collaboration with the running team DSM Firmenich. No official market name is confirmed; Huawei may relaunch the GT Runner line. The leaks also mention new tablets, audio wearables, and an upgraded smart band planned for 2026, with potential launches in the first half of the year.

Abundance vs Scarcity: Who Controls the Internet After AI?

January 22, 2026, 9:24 PM EST. Two visions shape the debate on who controls the internet as AI reshapes information ecosystems. Generative AI, tethered to open networks, strains sustainability and risks privileging a few corporate players. The Abundance and Redistribution approach argues digital information is fundamentally plentiful and should be redistributed at the point AI is deployed, not restricted at access. It calls for levy- or tax-based funding of AI services and sustained investment in public AI infrastructure, governed in the public interest. Openness remains the default: public-domain works stay public, access is managed for sustainability, and AI expands knowledge without hollowing cultural institutions. In this view, value from the digital commons should flow back to communities that sustain information production. An alternate, scarcity-driven path would deepen market concentration and rent extraction.

AI in education: DeepMind COO Lila Ibrahim on opportunities, risks and responsible use

January 22, 2026, 9:22 PM EST. Google DeepMind's Chief Operating Officer Lila Ibrahim weighs in on how AI is reshaping education and the workforce. In a discussion for The Tech Download, she outlines opportunities such as personalized learning, scalable tutoring and data-driven insights, while flagging risks around privacy, bias and dependence on automation. Ibrahim stresses that teaching responsible AI use starts now, with guardrails, governance and ongoing teacher collaboration. The interview underscores the need for practical, human-centered design as schools and universities experiment with tools that can support teachers without replacing them.

Tesla runs driverless Robotaxi in Austin as safety monitors are removed from some vehicles

January 22, 2026, 9:16 PM EST. Tesla says it has begun operating a small number of Robotaxi vehicles in Austin without a human driver or safety monitor on board. Ashok Elluswamy said a mix of unsupervised and supervised vehicles remains, with the share of driverless cars rising over time. The move follows earlier promises to scale autonomous ride-hailing, which have not materialized; Austin and San Francisco are the initial markets. Tesla shares rose about 4.2 percent after the announcement. The field lags behind rivals such as Alphabet Waymo in the United States and Baidu Apollo Go in China, though Zoox and other startups are testing driverless services. Musk, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, said self-driving is essentially solved and that Robotaxi service should be widespread in the United States by year-end; California still requires human safety measures.

White House used AI-altered image; Google SynthID flags manipulation

January 22, 2026, 9:12 PM EST. The Intercept says a White House image posted on X was altered with Google's AI tools, detected by Google SynthID. The image shows civil rights activist Nekima Levy Armstrong in tears during an arrest in Saint Paul, Minnesota; the unaltered photo circulated earlier in posts by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Levy Armstrong's attorney disputed the depiction. Google declined to comment. White House spokesperson Kaelan Dorr criticized critics in a tweet; the White House has not provided further comment. The activists face charges under the FECA. Bondi said the protest threatened church access and safety. The episode highlights ongoing debates about AI-generated imagery in political messaging.

Tesla loses largest share of California EV market in 2025, slips to No. 3

January 22, 2026, 9:10 PM EST. Tesla Inc. surrendered the biggest share of California's new-car registrations last year, accounting for 9.9% of vehicles versus 11.6% in 2024, according to Experian data published by the California New Car Dealers Association. The slide dropped Tesla to No. 3 among auto brands in California, behind Toyota and Dodge. The company registered fewer than 180,000 vehicles in the state in 2025, down from about 203,000 in 2024, as the state's zero-emission registrations fell slightly. Tesla's aging lineup and competition from newer EVs, along with the end of federal tax credits and scrutiny of CEO Elon Musk, weigh on demand. Governor Gavin Newsom is seeking $200 million to resume EV purchase rebates in the state.

Tesla begins Robotaxi rides in Austin without safety monitors

January 22, 2026, 9:08 PM EST. Tesla has begun offering Robotaxi rides in Austin without a human safety monitor in the car. The company previously deployed front-seat monitors in Austin; in the Bay Area, safety drivers remain. Ashok Elluswamy, head of Tesla's autonomous-vehicle program, said the rollout will be gradual, starting with a handful of unsupervised vehicles mixed into the fleet and increasing over time. Elon Musk confirmed the public availability in a post on X. The milestone follows years of self-driving promises and positions 2026 as a potential turning point. The rollout is incremental, with updates expected as the service expands.

LiveKit closes $100 million funding at $1 billion valuation; backs OpenAI voice AI engine

January 22, 2026, 9:06 PM EST. LiveKit, a real-time communications software maker, said it raised $100 million in a funding round that values the company at about $1 billion. The round was led by Index Ventures, with participation from Altimeter Capital Management, Hanabi Capital, Redpoint Ventures and existing backers. The funding comes 10 months after a previous raise. LiveKit powers OpenAI's ChatGPT voice mode; its customers include xAI, Salesforce, Tesla, as well as 911 emergency operators and mental health providers. Founded in 2021 by Russ d'Sa and David Zhao as an open source project for low-latency audio and video, the company pivoted to a managed cloud offering for enterprises amid the voice AI boom.

Apple's AI Pin Could Replace the Smartwatch with a Clip-On Wearable

January 22, 2026, 9:04 PM EST. Apple is reportedly developing a circular, pin-sized wearable the size of an AirTag. The device would clip to clothing or bags and include dual cameras, three microphones, a speaker and a tactile button, with magnetic charging and a surprisingly screenless design. It would run Siri and tap into Google's Gemini models, positioning the accessory as ambient-AI that users wear instead of a wristwatch. The launch could be as soon as 2027, copying lessons from Humane's AI Pin and contrasting with traditional watches. Apple is banking on iOS 27 and a licensing deal with Google to accelerate capabilities. Whether consumers want a clip-on AI companion, however, remains unclear.

Verizon offers free TV or tablet with home internet deal through Feb. 4

January 22, 2026, 9:02 PM EST. Verizon is offering a limited-time perk with its home internet plans. From now until February 4, new subscribers who choose the 1 Gig or 2 Gig tiers can pick a free Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE 5G, a 43-inch Q7F QLED TV, or a $15 monthly credit for 36 months. The deal applies to new customers and existing mobile customers who add home internet, with a $15 monthly discount for mobile users. Plans include a free router, Whole-Home Wi-Fi, and a five-year price lock, priced at $75 or $95 for mobile customers (otherwise $90 and $110). Redemption occurs 14-60 days after installation; delivery can take up to eight weeks, and canceling within 180 days triggers a chargeback for the gift.

Apple to overhaul Siri into an AI chatbot powered by Gemini, codenamed Campos

January 22, 2026, 8:52 PM EST. Bloomberg reports Apple plans to overhaul Siri into an AI chatbot built into iPhone, iPad and Mac, slated for release later this year. The update, codenamed Campos, will let users interact by typing or talking and will rely on a Google Gemini AI model under a multiyear partnership. The change sits alongside but is separate from upcoming personalization features for Siri. Bloomberg says Apple intends to reveal Campos at WWDC in June and ship the update in September, making it the main addition to iOS 27, iPadOS 27 and macOS 27. The move reflects a broader push to embed more capable AI across Apple's platforms, beyond voice queries.

Quantum Computing Is Already Hitting Bitcoin-Here's How

January 22, 2026, 8:48 PM EST. Quantum computing is accelerating and investors are revisiting Bitcoin's security. A 2025 Chaincode Labs study estimates 20-50% of circulating addresses are vulnerable to future quantum attacks due to reused public keys, potentially exposing about 6.26 million BTC valued at roughly $650-$750 billion. Jefferies strategist Christopher Wood moved 10% of his Bitcoin position into physical gold and mining stocks, citing quantum risks to ECDSA-based keys. Others warn there is no centralized body to force a rapid upgrade across Bitcoin's distributed network, complicating a quick response to CRQCs. Jamie Coutts told Reuters the usual pushback is eroding; a decentralized upgrade would require broad coordination. The market has begun pricing risk, with Bitcoin underperforming gold year to date as concern grows.

Amazon cuts official Apple Watch bands up to 30% off, including Alpine, Trail, Ocean and Sport

January 22, 2026, 8:42 PM EST. Amazon is discounting official Apple Watch bands by up to 30%, with price cuts across the lineup: Alpine and Trail loops, Ocean Bands, and the vibrant Sport model. The deals appear on an Amazon landing page that aggregates these offers, alongside discounts on Milanese loops. Shoppers can browse the page for additional reductions across the official range, with savings varying by model and size.

Nvidia's market cap tops $4.5 trillion as analysts eye a $6 trillion target for 2026

January 22, 2026, 8:40 PM EST. Nvidia has ridden AI tailwinds to a high-flying market stance. After predicting a market cap of $5 trillion for 2025, Nvidia hit that level in October, but currently sits around $4.5 trillion. The new view: about $6 trillion in 2026 if the stock rises by roughly 33%. AI demand keeps Nvidia's GPUs in high demand, allowing pricing power that supports margins and profits. In its fiscal Q3 2026, revenue rose 62% YoY; analysts forecast roughly 66% growth in Q4. At about 40x forward earnings, the stock trades at a premium; a bull case near $350 per share implies about an $8.4 trillion cap, while a multiple near 30x could place the cap at $6.3 trillion. Note that the Motley Fool Stock Advisor did not name Nvidia among its top 10 picks.

Epic-Google settlement under judge's scrutiny as Android case advances

January 22, 2026, 8:38 PM EST. The hearing tests two routes. If Judge Donato approves the deal, Google would cut app store fees globally and launch a Registered App Stores program that lets rivals onto Android with limited friction, under Google's terms. If rejected, Google hints at a harsher path: developers would join new programs that require using Google's payment systems and pay per-download fees for modest fee reductions. Epic and Google are acting as if the settlement is done, even reviving Fortnite on Android and publicly backing each other. Donato has questioned the deal's terms and has summoned the lead negotiators-Tim Sweeney, Sameer Samat, Doug Bernheim, and Lara Kollios-to explain in court. A decision today seems unlikely; the process continues.

AI agents fail Apex-Agents benchmark, raising doubts about workplace readiness

January 22, 2026, 8:34 PM EST. Mercor's Apex-Agents benchmark subjects leading AI models to real-world white-collar tasks drawn from consulting, investment banking and law. Early results show a universal fail rate: even the best models answer only about a quarter of questions correctly; most responses are wrong or missing. The findings highlight a bottleneck in multi-domain reasoning, as professionals repeatedly pull context from Slack, Google Drive and other tools-an environment current agents struggle to navigate. The scenarios come from Mercor's expert marketplace and are posted publicly on Hugging Face to set a public standard. If AI agents can reliably tackle these tasks, they could reshape roles for lawyers and other knowledge workers. The research aims to explain why progress toward workplace-ready AI remains uneven.

AI is here to stay as UH system drives curriculum, ethics in education

January 22, 2026, 8:32 PM EST. Lui Hokoana, chancellor of the University of Hawaii Maui College, frames a broad role for AI in education. The piece traces AI's arc from 1960s robotics to modern models like ChatGPT, highlighting early limits, breakthroughs, and the move into everyday tools such as voice assistants and image recognition. UH's AI Curriculum and Pedagogy Task Force is developing a framework to transform curricula, with President Wendy Hensel emphasizing equity and ethics as AI becomes pervasive. Experts warn that AI's recall can mislead and that humans must guide learning. The system aims to prepare learners for an AI-driven world while guarding privacy and values, acknowledging challenges in implementation and responsibility.

NexPhone blends Android, Linux and Windows into one device

January 22, 2026, 8:30 PM EST. NexPhone packs an Android handset built on Qualcomm's QCM6490 with 12 GB of RAM and rugged, IP68 hardware. It runs three OSes-Android, Linux, and Windows 11 on Arm-via NexOS, switching between mobile, desktop and Linux desktop modes when docked. The device ships with a five-port USB-C hub and, optionally, the NexDock laptop shell for a 14.1-inch workspace on the road. Windows 11 on Arm still faces app-compatibility gaps; emulation can sap performance and battery life. Multi-boot adds complexity, appealing mainly to enthusiasts rather than casual users. NexPhone is not about ripping up laptops, but about giving a Linux-friendly, multi-OS crowd a single device to carry. Success hinges on software delivering three clean experiences rather than one compromised system.

Five questions security experts warn not to ask AI

January 22, 2026, 8:28 PM EST. Security experts warn that casual use of AI chatbots can expose personal data and invite cyber threats. Sharing financial information with an AI bot can let criminals steal data for credit fraud, phishing, or broader exploitation, says Steve Cobb, CISO of SecurityScorecard. AvePoint's survey of business leaders shows more than 75% flag AI-related security breaches, and 85.7% say data quality and data security concerns slow generative AI adoption. Unauthorized exposure of sensitive data is a top worry (68.5-68.7%). Inaccurate outputs from stale or irrelevant data also loom (68.7%). As users grow more comfortable with AI, the risk of fraud and privacy breaches rises. The piece warns readers about five questions security experts say you should not ask AI.

Google Play Store misses system app updates when auto-update is off

January 22, 2026, 8:26 PM EST. Google Play Store is not showing updates for system-level apps when automatic updates are disabled, a behavior reported by users. Update 1/22/26: apps such as Android System Intelligence, Google Partner Setup, and Settings Services don't appear in the Pending downloads list, though the listing shows an Update option. A workaround is to enable auto-update apps or open the listing directly. On Pixel devices, navigating to Settings > Google > Privacy & security > System services can bypass the issue for some apps. Update 9/4/24: the problem also affects YouTube (pre-installed). Update 7/11: Google Partner Setup bug persists. Update 7/1: Data Restore Tool appears only via direct Play link. Original 2/6: the issue concerns the Pending downloads screen.

SpaceX activates Starlink in Iran to bypass blackout amid protests

January 22, 2026, 8:24 PM EST. WASHINGTON – SpaceX activated Starlink satellite internet in Iran as authorities impose a nationwide blackout during anti-government protests, according to online reports. Iranians with smuggled terminals access uncensored internet, with service reportedly free for a limited period. The demonstrations began in Tehran and have spread to all 31 provinces, though they have not matched the scale of the 2022-23 unrest. Iran reported a near-zero internet traffic on day 13 of protests spanning over 100 cities. The demonstrations are driven by economic collapse and calls for regime change, with at least 45 deaths. Authorities disrupted phone lines and targeted media. Musk has enabled connectivity during crises without supplying hardware, under sanctions constraints.

We're Too Close to the Debris: FAA oversight of SpaceX Starship tests over busy airspace raises safety questions

January 22, 2026, 8:22 PM EST. SpaceX picked a remote Texas Gulf Coast site to develop Starship, routing tests over Caribbean airspace toward the open Atlantic. The FAA predicted only minor disruption to national airspace and no airport closures, but three of five launches exploded last year, sending flaming debris over congested routes. ProPublica's investigation shows the agency authorized testing over busy airways, effectively accepting the risk to airline passengers and not revoking SpaceX's launch license. Instead, the FAA allowed more prototypes to fly over the same airspace, adding stress to air traffic control. Real-time airspace closures followed the failures, sometimes with little warning, forcing pilots to alter routes or divert. The pilots union questioned the process, while the FAA says it limits the number of aircraft exposed to hazards.

Tesla expects Europe, China to approve supervised FSD next month, Musk says

January 22, 2026, 8:18 PM EST. Tesla CEO Elon Musk said Europe and China could grant regulatory approval for its driver-supervised FSD as early as next month, part of a push to grow software revenue amid slowing vehicle sales. He spoke at the World Economic Forum in Davos. In Europe, regulators have moved slowly; the Dutch RDW expects a February decision and, once FSD is approved in the Netherlands, other EU countries may recognize the exemption for an early rollout. Separately, Musk said Tesla has begun robotaxi rides in Austin without safety monitors, a milestone shadowed by regulatory hurdles. California registrations fell 11.4%, and deliveries declined for a second year, permitting BYD to top the EV market. Musk also projects humanoid robots could be sold by end of next year, and said robots may outnumber humans.

BYD Auto expands battery warranty to 8 years or 250,000 km, signaling shift in EV competition

January 22, 2026, 8:16 PM EST. BYD Auto announced, according to Electrek, a major update to its battery warranty, extending coverage to 8 years or 250,000 km, whichever comes first. That dwarfs the current industry standard of 8 years or 100,000 miles and could pressure rivals such as Tesla, Chevrolet and Ford to raise terms. A longer warranty lowers perceived risk for buyers, given the battery's high replacement cost and its central role in EV economics. The move comes as EVs promise fuel savings and lower emissions; DOE data show drivers can save up to $2,200 a year with fully electric models. Analysts say the policy could accelerate adoption and shift pricing dynamics, making consumers the likely winners. Battery warranty becomes a new lever in competition.

Apple's 1984 ad for the Macintosh: cost, risk and impact behind a landmark launch

January 22, 2026, 8:12 PM EST. The piece recounts Apple's audacious 1984 Super Bowl debut for the Macintosh, a launch that nearly never aired. The ad stages a lone athlete breaking a gray regime; color signals the computer's disruption. It positioned Apple against IBM as the industry's two main players, shaping a perception that persisted. Production costs ran about $500 per unit in 1984-$415 in parts, $5 in labor, $80 in overhead-yet the Mac sold for $2,495, with margins covered largely by advertising. Apple CEO John Sculley spent as much on promotion as production. A 2004 source, Owen W. Linzmayer's Apple Confidential 2.0, is cited for the per-unit cost. Dealers' margins hovered near 35%. The ad's impact endures in tech marketing.

Corvex to deploy NVIDIA H200 on-premise GPU cluster to power secure AI for high-performance batteries

January 22, 2026, 8:10 PM EST. Corvex, an AI cloud infrastructure provider, has signed a long-term GPU lease with an AI-driven battery tech company to run a dedicated NVIDIA H200 cluster. The on-premise system aims to accelerate core AI development and proprietary algorithms, delivering high compute density, elasticity for burst workloads, and lower total cost of ownership versus public cloud. Corvex will also offer a secure, managed Kubernetes service that avoids hyperscaler lock-in and enables operation in security-conscious environments through hardware-enforced encryption, remote attestation, and payload-free telemetry. The arrangement supports enterprise data-sovereignty and IP protection while expanding market access beyond cloud-reliant models. Jay Crystal, Co-CEO of Corvex, says the deployment demonstrates scalable, cost-efficient production AI for demanding workloads.

LiveKit raises $100 million in Series C to expand voice AI developer platform; valuation tops $1 billion

January 22, 2026, 8:08 PM EST. LiveKit raised $100 million in a Series C led by Index Ventures, valuing the company at about $1 billion. The round follows an April Series B in which LiveKit raised $45 million and underscores growing demand for real-time voice, video, and physical AI agents at scale. The platform now counts more than 200,000 developers and teams, including AI and robotics labs and Fortune 500 companies, among its users. LiveKit helped OpenAI develop ChatGPT Voice Mode, and voice AI has since spread across finance, healthcare, retail, customer support, education and robotics. CEO Russ d'Sa says large enterprises are piloting and deploying voice agents to automate workflows and enhance customer experiences, with examples such as Agentforce for customer support and Tesla's voice-enabled workflows. Investor Sahir Azam calls LiveKit a key infrastructure layer in the AI stack.

SpaceX lowers Starlink Mini price to $199, a new low

January 22, 2026, 8:06 PM EST. SpaceX has cut the price of its Starlink Mini satellite internet kit to $199, a new low for the service. The discount applies to new orders and is effective immediately on Starlink.com and at select retailers, including Best Buy and Walmart. The Starlink Mini kit targets households in rural or hard-to-reach areas seeking high-speed, low-latency internet via the Starlink satellite network. SpaceX has been expanding Starlink's reach while balancing pricing to spur adoption amid competition and uneven growth in some regions. The company did not announce a timetable for further price moves or new hardware, but the price cut signals a willingness to use pricing as a tool to broaden access.

Microsoft outage hits Outlook, 365 users as Downdetector tally climbs

January 22, 2026, 8:02 PM EST. Thousands turn to Downdetector as a Microsoft outage disrupts services. Early figures show more than 2,000 reports for Outlook, over 1,500 for Microsoft 365, and smaller counts for the Microsoft Store and Microsoft Teams. The company's official status account on X said a portion of North American service infrastructure was not processing traffic and that restoration work was underway. By mid-afternoon, the toll surged: more than 68,000 reports for Microsoft 365 and more than 61,000 for Outlook, with roughly 10,000 for the Store and 2,600 for Teams. Updates through the day tracked the climb. Downdetector remains the reference for scale, while Microsoft works to restore services and return users to normal.

Apple's John Ternus widens design remit, fueling CEO succession speculation

January 22, 2026, 7:58 PM EST. Apple Senior Vice President John Ternus has been given expanded responsibilities, now leading the company's entire design organization, including hardware and software interfaces, per Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The assignment elevates Ternus toward a potential future CEO role, with Tim Cook nearing his expected retirement as he turns 65 in November; Gurman cautions a change isn't imminent, but notes Ternus is a rising star at Apple Park. The move follows a wave of retirements and leadership shifts, including the departures of Jeff Williams, John Giannandrea, Lisa Jackson, Kate Adams and Alan Dye. Gurman says only a few Apple figures have overseen the full design group. Cook is exposing Ternus to broader operations while succession planning unfolds.

Substack launches TV app to bring live and on-demand video to Apple TV and Google TV

January 22, 2026, 7:56 PM EST. Substack unveils Substack TV, a dedicated television app that streams live and on-demand video from creators to living rooms. Available on Apple TV and Google TV, the app lets free and paid subscribers access content they already pay for, plus a For You feed of recommended videos. At launch, previews of non-subscribed content aren't shown; Substack says this will change with future search, audio-only options and in-app upgrades to paid subscriptions. CEO Chris Best says the goal is to make watching media you value easy and delightful, wherever you choose to consume it. The launch follows Substack's push into video and comes as platforms like YouTube strengthen living-room presence, inviting more long-form and live formats from creators.

Sahel seeks Russia-backed shared telecom satellite, Burkina Faso hosts space talks

January 22, 2026, 7:54 PM EST. During a meeting in Ouagadougou, Russia's ambassador Igor Martynov discussed with Burkina Faso Prime Minister Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo, per Sputnik Africa. They outlined broader cooperation in space and the use of Russian space technologies for economic and security aims, signaling that the Sahel bloc could tap satellite technology to bolster governance and infrastructure. Cosmonaut Alexandre Gorbounov was among those present, underscoring the symbolic weight of the dialogue for the region. The talks come as Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger pursue a Russia-backed plan for the Sahel's first shared telecom satellite.

Rezolve AI (RZLV) valuation check after US$250 million registered direct stock offering

January 22, 2026, 7:52 PM EST. Rezolve AI (RZLV) priced a US$250 million registered direct offering of 62.5 million shares to institutional buyers at US$4.00, a US$0.20 discount to the indicative range. Proceeds fund sales expansion, potential acquisitions, and general corporate needs. The stock shows mixed momentum: 30-day return 24.57%, 90-day 18.92%, but a three-year total shareholder return of a 64.23% loss. Dilution and lofty growth expectations weigh on the story. The SWS DCF model pegs a fair value of US$7.74 per share versus a last close near US$3.60, signaling a potential discount, but the outlook hinges on profitability. Rezolve AI remains loss-making (revenue US$5.30m; net loss US$217.53m). The deal injects dilution and risk into the rerating thesis; analysts forecast revenue gains amid high risk.

Microsoft Outlook, Teams and 365 hit by outage as thousands report issues

January 22, 2026, 7:48 PM EST. Thousands of users reported issues with Microsoft 365 products a day after a brief outage. In Redmond, WA, the volume surged as more than 15,000 users reported problems with Microsoft 365 around 3 p.m. Eastern, with another 12,000 citing issues specifically with Outlook and about 500 with Teams, according to DownDetector. Microsoft Support said the team is investigating, blaming a portion of service infrastructure in North America that was not processing traffic as expected. The company said it is working to restore the infrastructure to a healthy state and directs users to its status page for updates, referencing MO1221364 for internal tracking. The earlier Jan. 21 outage was attributed to a third-party networking issue and lasted just over an hour. This is a breaking news situation; updates will follow.

Rocket Lab Neutron setback delays launch after Stage 1 tank failure

January 22, 2026, 7:42 PM EST. Rocket Lab said a structural failure occurred in the Neutron rocket's Stage 1 tank during a hydrostatic pressure test, delaying the inaugural flight of the fully reusable launcher. The company stressed there was no significant damage to the test structure or facilities. The mishap follows last year's move of the first mission from 2025 to 2026 as testing intensified. An investigation will assess the impact on launch plans, with an update expected at the next quarterly results. The next Stage 1 tank is already in production, and development continues. The company also shipped Neutron's 18-ft-diameter fairing to the Wallops site in Virginia, with a second launch potentially possible later in 2026 if the tank issue is resolved.

Apple urges iPhone users to follow 95% charging rule to extend battery life

January 22, 2026, 7:40 PM EST. Apple warns iPhone users about charging habits. The tech giant urges adherence to the 95% rule-avoid charging to full 100% to slow battery wear. It says a fully charged battery endures more stress, accelerating degradation. Apple also stresses using official, licensed charging accessories, noting that cheaper knock-offs can be unsafe and pose fire risks; third-party cables and adapters should be compliant with USB 2.0+ and local safety standards. The company points to Optimized Battery Charging, introduced to reduce wear by limiting time spent at 100%. In short, charging to 100% can shorten lifespan, while following the 95% target and using compliant gear may extend the iPhone's usable life.

Rocket Lab's Neutron setback after Stage 1 tank failure

January 22, 2026, 7:36 PM EST. Rocket Lab said its fully reusable Neutron rocket suffered a structural failure in the Stage 1 tank during a hydrostatic pressure test, delaying the inaugural flight. The company added there was no significant damage to the test structure or facilities and will analyze the incident to gauge the impact on the launch timetable. The setback follows a prior move of the first flight from 2025 to 2026 as testing intensity rose. A Stage 1 tank is already in production, and Neutron's development continues. The 18-ft-diameter fairing has been shipped to Wallops for testing, with a second-quarter 2026 launch still anticipated, though a delay could push that date out, according to TD Cowen analyst Gautam Khanna.

Tesla Model S completes LA-to-NYC autonomous cross-country run with zero intervention

January 22, 2026, 7:34 PM EST. An exclusive test ends with a 3,081-mile Los Angeles-to-New York trip completed entirely by a 2024 Tesla Model S using Full-Self Driving (FSD). The crew, led by Alex Roy and joined by Warren Ahner and Paul Pham, logged 58 hours, 22 minutes at an average speed of 64 mph, with winter weather and detours along the way. The car ran HW4 and FSD version 14.2.2.3; charging accounted for about 10 hours and 11 minutes. There was only one disengagement, Roy said. The run echoes earlier Musk promises but traveled west-to-east via new routing, not the exact original corridor. The mission underscores ongoing limits and the real-world variability of autonomous driving, even as a car completes a coast-to-coast trip with minimal human input.

Apple warns about iPhone charging, backs 95% rule and optimized battery charging

January 22, 2026, 7:32 PM EST. Apple has issued a warning to iPhone users about charging practices. The company urges adherence to the 95% rule, arguing charging to full 100% stresses the battery and accelerates wear. Implementing the rule can be as quick as taking 20 seconds. Apple notes that its own optimized battery charging feature reduces wear by delaying full charging until needed. The precaution also covers charging hardware: use only official or licensed cables and adapters. Third-party or "Made for iPhone" accessories not meeting safety standards may pose safety risks, including the potential for fires and, in extreme cases, risk of death or injury. The guidance aligns with reports that safer, standards-compliant charging supports longer device lifespan.

Tesla completes LA-to-NY zero-intervention coast-to-coast drive, Roy says exclusive

January 22, 2026, 7:28 PM EST. An unaided 3,081-mile trip from Los Angeles to New York was completed in a 2024 Tesla Model S, marking what the participants call the first zero-intervention coast-to-coast run. The team, led by Alex Roy, used Tesla's Full-Self Driving (FSD) software on HW4 and version 14.2.2.3. The journey took 58 hours and 22 minutes, averaging 64 mph, with ten hours, eleven minutes spent charging. Detours and winter weather forced route changes, yet the car drove entirely without human input. One disengagement was reported during the run. The effort follows Musk's 2016 pledge to demonstrate such a trip by 2017, a promise that took nearly a decade to realize. Co-drivers Warren Ahner and Paul Pham supported Roy throughout, handling navigation and recovery in real time.

Microsoft outage hits Outlook and 365 as Downdetector tallies user reports

January 22, 2026, 7:22 PM EST. Downdetector, which aggregates user-reported outages, tracked sharp increases in issues with Outlook, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Store and Microsoft Teams through Thursday, with numbers rising from hundreds to tens of thousands by early afternoon. The latest updates showed roughly 68,000 reports for Microsoft 365 and 61,000 for Outlook, with thousands more for the Microsoft Store and Microsoft Teams. The company acknowledged problems in North America via its Microsoft 365 Status account on X, stating that a portion of service infrastructure was not processing traffic and that teams were working to restore it. Users described trouble receiving messages in Outlook. Microsoft has not given a detailed cause or expected recovery time; Downdetector remains the reference for user-reported outages.

Tariff jitters vs locked-in AI deals test Nebius Group's edge (NBIS)

January 22, 2026, 7:20 PM EST. Tariff threats in the United States and Europe weigh on tech stocks, yet Nebius Group remains busy expanding its AI-first cloud footprint. The company reports multi-year infrastructure deals with Microsoft and Meta totaling more than US$20 billion, while its capacity target sits at 2.5 GW of AI capacity by 2026. Investors face a contrast between sentiment-driven volatility from tariffs and the company's contracted demand. Near-term catalysts include new data centers coming online in Europe and the United States, and margins that will hinge on depreciation as build-out accelerates. Financing and execution risk loom if volatility persists, potentially clouding a favorable long-term story. Valuation may be optimistic, with diverse fair-value estimates amid tariff volatility and rollout risk.

Tariff jitters test Nebius Group's AI-first cloud edge despite $20B contracts

January 22, 2026, 7:18 PM EST. Tariffs in the United States and Europe roiled tech shares as Nebius Group presses ahead with an AI-first cloud strategy anchored by multi-year deals with Microsoft and Meta totaling more than US$20 billion. The company says its capacity build-out, including plans for 2.5 GW of AI capacity by 2026, continues apace, with new data centers due online in Europe and the U.S. Yet investors face execution and financing risks as depreciation ramps and funding costs fluctuate in a volatile market. Analysts at Simply Wall St flag a wide range of fair-value estimates, underscoring uncertainty about whether the stock price already reflects the contracts and near-term volatility. The core question remains whether Nebius can translate contracted demand into sustainable margins amid geopolitical headwinds.

Samsung cuts Galaxy Tab S10 Lite price to $280 as iPad prices stay frozen

January 22, 2026, 7:16 PM EST. Samsung has cut the Galaxy Tab S10 Lite to $280 on Amazon, a $70 drop from the $350 list price and the biggest discount of the year. The 10.9-inch tablet runs on the Exynos 1380 chip with 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage, expandable via microSD up to 2 TB. An included S Pen supports handwriting and drawing. The device promises up to 16 hours of video playback and charges via USB-C with fast-charging capability. AI features highlight Circle to Search, translation, and note refinement, while Galaxy integration lets users answer calls and control smart devices via SmartThings Map View. Price competition remains stronger on tablets from rivals like the iPad, which has kept prices steady.

Tesla Cybercab could hit $0.20 per mile operating cost, ARK says

January 22, 2026, 7:14 PM EST. Elon Musk shared details on the Tesla Cybercab's potential efficiency, aiming for a $0.20 per mile operating cost and a "full considered" figure that includes energy, maintenance, cleaning, depreciation and insurance. ARK Invest published a report suggesting the Cybercab would cost about half the per-mile price of a Waymo 6th Gen Robotaxi by 2030, roughly $0.40 versus $0.80+. The U.S. average new-vehicle ownership runs about $0.77 per mile (AAA). Uber/Lyft rides often cost $1-$4 per mile; Waymo estimates hover above $0.60-$1 per mile. Tesla credits engineering and scale for cost-savings: fewer parts, unboxed manufacturing, and labor savings. Musk cautions early production will be slow and follow an S-curve; the ramp is expected to accelerate later as parts and processes stabilize.

What happened to custom ROMs? A look at Android's golden era and revival hopes

January 22, 2026, 7:12 PM EST. Rewind to Android's first era, when custom ROMs and nightly builds offered a way around grim update schedules. CyanogenMod became the gold standard, delivering a Nexus- or Pixel-like experience without bloat. Early ROMs fixed what OEMs broke and let users tailor controls, performance, and battery life. Over time, manufacturers improved software, cutting the need for external ROMs as update windows widened and skins absorbed popular features. Today brands like OneUI and ColorOS blur the line between stock Android and ROM customization, borrowing ideas from the community. The appeal of unlocking devices faded as unlocked phones became common and official updates improved. The question remains: can the ROM scene be revived, or did it pivot into sanctioned features embedded in today's firmware?

Best Samsung deals of the week: top discounts on Galaxy devices and more

January 22, 2026, 7:10 PM EST. This week's Samsung deals roundup highlights discounts on Galaxy smartphones, monitors and other devices across major retailers. Editors note that pricing and availability can change after publication, and readers may earn with affiliate links. The guide curates current offers and emphasizes time-limited sales and value across the lineup. Shoppers should act quickly, as markdowns vary by retailer and region. The report, by Brittany Vincent for Mashable, presents a time-sensitive snapshot of deals while stressing independent product selection by editors. Readers are advised to verify current prices before buying.

Fable set for Autumn 2026 release after Xbox Developer Direct reveal

January 22, 2026, 7:08 PM EST. Fable will launch in Autumn 2026 for Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC, after a gameplay deep dive at the Xbox Developer Direct. Playground Games showed the first open-world Fable, returning to Albion with British humour, chickens and more. The game begins as a child and follows the hero of a generation, as a village is turned to stone and the quest unfolds across regions including Bowerstone. Combat centers on the classic trio of Strength, Skill and Will, with ranged and magic options. A new Living Population system tracks more than 1,000 NPCs you can interact with, whose lives change with your choices, feeding a nuanced reputation and morality model. A cameo by Dave is voiced by Richard Ayoade; his giant form reshapes the world and prices.

iPhone 18 Pro: Dynamic Island stays, front camera not under display, report clarifies

January 22, 2026, 7:06 PM EST. Rumors about the iPhone 18 Pro's front camera and Face ID hardware circulated after posts on Weibo via AppleLeaks. Instant Digital said the talk of an under-display infrared sensor in the top-left corner was likely a mistranslation, with Chinese and Korean outlets instead describing a center selfie camera paired with a small Face ID cutout. Retired display analyst Ross Young backed the interpretation. If correct, the device would keep a constant Dynamic Island rather than one that appears only as needed, and the camera/Face ID layout would resemble the iPhone 17 Pro. Other rumors point to an A20 Pro chip on a 2nm process and an in-house C2 modem, plus a possible variable aperture on some models. Apple is expected to launch in September, with broader 2027 plans for the iPhone 18 lineup.

Vaonis Hestia: smartphone-powered afocal imaging tool for DIY astro-imaging

January 22, 2026, 7:00 PM EST. Vaonis' Hestia reimagines smartphone astronomy as afocal imaging. It acts as a lens mount that clamps onto most smartphones, pairs with Vaonis' Gravity app, and lets you shoot using your phone's camera. The kit includes a lightweight tripod and a magnetic, adjustable phone plate. It isn't a traditional telescope; optics are external, and magnification tops at 25x with a 1.2-inch aperture. Gravity adds guided exposure, stacking and object catalogs, providing more control than a simple phone-to-eyepiece adapter but less automation than a full smart telescope. It's priced at about $299 on Amazon, ships with a padded case, and prioritizes portability. Best suited for the Moon, Sun with a filter, stars and bright deep-sky targets. A practical DIY option for smartphone astrophotography, not a showpiece instrument.

Samsung to offer Galaxy Z TriFold demos in US stores starting Jan. 23

January 22, 2026, 6:54 PM EST. Samsung will let potential buyers try the Galaxy Z TriFold in select U.S. stores starting January 23, ahead of a planned US debut in early 2026. The program runs at Samsung Experience Stores in New York, California, Texas, and the Mall of America in Minnesota. Locations include Cerritos and Glendale, California; Bloomington (Mall of America), Minnesota; Elmhurst and Garden City, New York; Frisco and Houston, Texas. The in-store preview features hardware demos and software previews, including Galaxy AI features. Samsung has not set a firm US launch date beyond the early 2026 window. The previews provide hands-on access to Samsung's foldable form factor before general availability.

Samsung to demo Galaxy Z TriFold in US stores starting Jan. 23 ahead of early-2026 launch

January 22, 2026, 6:52 PM EST. Samsung is letting potential buyers test the Galaxy Z TriFold in select U.S. stores ahead of a full US launch planned for early 2026. Starting January 23, demo units and software demos-including Galaxy AI features-will be available at Samsung Experience Stores in Cerritos, Glendale, Bloomington (Mall of America), Elmhurst, Garden City, Frisco, and Houston. The list includes locations in New York, California, Texas, and Minnesota. Samsung has not announced a precise US release date beyond 'early 2026'. The stores will offer hardware demos and software showcases as part of a broader push to hype the new foldable form factor.

Vaonis Hestia review: smartphone-powered afocal telescope with Gravity app

January 22, 2026, 6:50 PM EST. Vaonis Hestia is not a traditional telescope. It's a lightweight, portable lens you attach to any smartphone, turning a phone into an imaging device through afocal photography (holding the phone's camera to a telescope eyepiece). With Vaonis' Gravity app, users can guide, expose, stack and catalog objects, making it more capable than a simple adapter but less complex than a dedicated smart telescope. Priced around $299 on Amazon, the unit weighs about 850 g and measures roughly 170 x 240 x 55 mm, with a 30 mm aperture and 25x magnification. It includes a small tripod and adjustable magnetic plates to fit most phones. It suits the Moon, Sun (with a solar filter) and brightest deep-sky targets. The design prioritizes practicality over aesthetics, delivering portability and smartphone-based astrophotography.

VR may outgrow Meta as rivals push open-source hardware

January 22, 2026, 6:46 PM EST. Meta has signaled a shift in its XR strategy after layoffs in Reality Labs, a move that hits VR hard by shuttering first-party studios and diminishing its gaming focus. Yet the era of VR independence appears to be blooming. Lynx announced the R2 headset, boasting a 126-degree field of view versus Quest 3's 110, and it's releasing open-source schematics to ease modding. CES 2026 brought prototypes from Pimax, including the Dream Air, a light, bright, gaming-centered device, though wired. Taken together, the industry is producing compelling hardware even as Meta tightens its grip. Meta aimed to drive mainstream adoption via price and marketing, but a growing ecosystem of independent makers could sustain VR beyond Meta's influence, especially with open hardware and ongoing gaming focus.

VR hardware thrives as Meta narrows its VR ambitions

January 22, 2026, 6:44 PM EST. Meta's recent layoffs hit its Reality Labs unit hard, capping what looked like a renewed push into XR and VR. The cuts coincided with shuttered first-party VR studios and muted VR chatter at Meta Connect 2025, even as speculation grows that new Quest hardware may be delayed or canceled. Yet the broader VR market isn't waiting. The Lynx R2 has surfaced with a 126-degree field of view-far broader than Quest 3-and it opens its schematics to makers. CES 2026 showcased Pimax's Dream Air: light, bright and gaming-forward, even if wired. In parallel, Meta's attempt to mainstream VR through aggressive pricing and marketing remains intact, but hardware rivals are closing the gap, suggesting VR can flourish without Meta's direct dominance.

Ohio's AI policy framework criticized as vague, offering little practical guidance for schools

January 22, 2026, 6:38 PM EST. Ohio's Department of Education and Workforce released a framework to guide schools on AI use. Critics on the Today in Ohio podcast call it long on bureaucratic language and short on practical guidance. They say the framework defines AI broadly-as technology that can make predictions, decisions, or recommendations-and distinguishes general from generative AI, but offers few concrete examples of implementation. Lisa Garvin called it "mush" that leaves districts with more questions than answers. Chris Quinn warned that the policy could be interpreted in wildly different ways, risking inconsistent adoption of rules. The document notes data privacy compliance and says students should use AI only with explicit teacher permission and that AI cannot replace student work, yet specifics are missing. Some urge running the policy through AI to interpret it.

Ohio's AI guidance criticized as 'mushy,' leaving schools with vague, impractical policy

January 22, 2026, 6:36 PM EST. Today in Ohio hosts say the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce's new AI framework is long on bureaucracy and short on actionable guidance. The policy defines AI broadly, distinguishes general from generative AI, and urges literacy programs and policy workgroups, but offers few concrete examples of use. Critics say the framework risks divergent interpretations by schools and leaves districts unsure how to implement. Lisa Garvin calls it 'mush'; Chris Quinn notes it provides little mandate beyond broad cautions. The document mentions data privacy laws but questions whether districts truly understand them. It states AI should be used with explicit teacher permission and cannot replace student work, yet examples of appropriate vs. inappropriate use are missing. Some suggest running the policy through AI to parse its meaning.

Space Force eyes growth, broader warfighting role as satellites become targets

January 22, 2026, 6:34 PM EST. Gen. Shawn Bratton, the Space Force's vice chief of space operations, says the service could double its headcount in the next five to ten years as it shifts from a primarily enabling function to a true warfighting partner. The Space Force, six years old, has about 10,000 uniformed personnel and 5,000 civilians. Bratton spoke at a Johns Hopkins/Bloomberg SpaceNews event, outlining how expanding demand and the need for more infrastructure are reshaping its role inside the joint force. The shift is driven by both the other services and Space Force itself, as satellites become integral to warfare and adversaries grow space capabilities. Defense now aims to protect assets and, if needed, deny rivals access, with cross-service mission ownership and closer integration into planning.

Space Force plans growth, broadening role as satellites become contested

January 22, 2026, 6:32 PM EST. WASHINGTON – Gen. Shawn Bratton says the Space Force could double its ranks in the next five to 10 years as the Pentagon treats space as a contested military domain rather than a mere utility. The service, with about 10,000 uniformed members and 5,000 civilians, is under pressure from the Army, Navy and Air Force to accelerate and deliver capabilities that did not exist before. The shift moves space from an enabler to a warfighting partner, reflecting adversaries' growing space-based surveillance and targeting. The Pentagon now aims to defend U.S. space assets and, if necessary, deny adversaries access to their own space systems, requiring tighter coordination across the joint force. Bratton says the Space Force must integrate with combat planning and field new capabilities.

Apple reportedly developing wearable AI pin to pair with Siri

January 22, 2026, 6:26 PM EST. Apple is reportedly building a wearable AI pin – a small device with multiple cameras, a speaker, microphones and wireless charging – to pair with a forthcoming AI-powered Siri. The Information and others frame the device as part of Apple's cautious foray into AI hardware, alongside past delays and missteps. The chatter sits amid competition from Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses, Google's Gemini AR push, Samsung's Galaxy XR and Xreal's Aura. If it adds Siri access without an iPhone or Watch, it could be convenient, but the Apple Watch already handles AI tasks; a pin risks duplication unless it delivers a clear advantage.

Apple weighs wearable AI pin to boost Siri and AI features

January 22, 2026, 6:24 PM EST. Apple is reportedly developing a wearable AI pin, a small device with cameras, a speaker and microphones plus wireless charging, to pair with a forthcoming Siri upgrade. The Information notes OpenAI's rumored pin as a benchmark, even though OpenAI has not released hardware. Critics recall Humane's earlier AI pin flop and doubt the device's usefulness beyond other Apple gear. The report also situates Apple amid competition from Meta's Ray-Ban glasses, Google's AR efforts and Samsung's Galaxy XR. If the pin simply routes queries to Siri rather than replacing iPhone, AirPods or Apple Watch, it could offer a lighter interface, not a full replacement. Some rumors mention infrared cameras for next-generation AirPods.

Fable reboot origins: Playground Games explains long road back to Xbox

January 22, 2026, 6:18 PM EST. Microsoft's Fable reboot is the product of a long gestation by Playground Games. In an interview pulled from IGN's pre- and post-show discussions, founder Ralph Fulton traces the project back to after the team shipped Forza Horizon 3 (circa 2016-17). With their independent studio status, Playground Games sought to launch a second team to tackle a new genre and to test whether they could replicate the Horizon success in a different form. The plan hinged on leveraging their experience building open worlds-from streaming to pacing and game design-while maintaining strong ties to Xbox. Fulton stressed that exploration and challenge remain central to their approach, even as they prepare to show the world what Fable has become.

Fable reboot origin: Playground Games explains long road back to Xbox reveal

January 22, 2026, 6:16 PM EST. Playground Games founder Ralph Fulton explains how Fable returned after years in development. In a conversation tied to Xbox's Developer Direct showcase, Fulton traces the reboot to the year after Forza Horizon 3 shipped, when the studio formed a second team to tackle a new genre. He says the move was about learning, not resting on Horizon's success, and notes that long-running ties with Xbox helped open doors. The group leverages transferable skills from open-world racing-streaming, world design, and game flow-applied to a fantasy RPG. The aim, Fulton says, was healthy challenge and growth, guided by the partnership and a clear road ahead for Fable and Playground Games.

Smartwatches detect heart rhythm problems four times more often, NL Times reports

January 22, 2026, 6:14 PM EST. NL Times reports that heart rhythm problems were detected four times more often when people used smartwatches. The article notes that consumer wearables may help flag arrhythmias earlier, potentially prompting medical evaluation. It stresses that findings should be interpreted cautiously by clinicians and that more research is needed to confirm accuracy, identify who benefits, and manage false positives. The report mirrors a broader move to place wearables in health monitoring, while underscoring the ongoing need for robust validation before clinical practice changes.

Smartwatches detect heart rhythm problems four times more often, study finds

January 22, 2026, 6:12 PM EST. A new study suggests consumer smartwatches detect heart rhythm irregularities about four times more often than standard care. Researchers say wearable devices using photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors flag rhythm issues that might be missed by routine checks. The finding could mean earlier detection of conditions such as atrial fibrillation, the most common irregular heartbeat. Yet experts cautioned that smartwatch alerts require medical confirmation with an ECG or other tests to rule out false positives. The study underscores how at-home monitoring can expand screening, but raises questions about follow-up care and data interpretation. In plain terms: wearables can boost detection, but medicine still confirms with lab-grade tools.

Humans& raises $480 million seed to build a 'central nervous system' AI for social coordination

January 22, 2026, 6:00 PM EST. Humans&, a startup founded by alumni of Anthropic, Meta, OpenAI, xAI and Google DeepMind, is pursuing a new frontier: social intelligence. It just raised a $480 million seed to build a foundation-model architecture described as a central nervous system for a human-plus-AI economy. Unlike chatbots that answer questions, the company aims to coordinate people with competing priorities, track long-running decisions, and keep teams aligned over time. It argues the industry is moving from one paradigm of scaling to a second wave focused on collaboration and workflows, not just information retrieval. No product has been announced; the team hints at multi-user contexts like Slack or Google Docs as potential targets for enterprise and consumer use. The goal: help people work with AI tools, making large group decisions easier and reducing anxiety about automation.

China's Lijian-1 launches three satellites for Pakistan

January 22, 2026, 5:54 PM EST. China's Lijian-1 rocket launched three satellites for Pakistan – PRSS-2, a remote-sensing satellite, and AIRSAT 03 and AIRSAT 04 – from a commercial aerospace innovation pilot zone. Video footage was provided by CCTV and credits attributed to Space.com. The launch delivers imaging and remote-sensing assets for Pakistan, with no additional technical details or timing released in the initial briefing.

TSMC Q4 earnings lift Nvidia and Broadcom bets as AI demand powers foundry lead

January 22, 2026, 5:52 PM EST. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing reported Q4 revenue of $33.7 billion, up 25% year over year and 2% sequentially, beating guidance by about $0.3 billion. The gross margin rose to 62%, about 330 basis points higher than a year earlier, lifting operating income and EPS. CEO C.C. Wei said excess cash flow would fund next-gen foundries amid a multiyear AI megatrend. TSMC remains the world's largest contract chipmaker with roughly a 70% market share, underpinning Nvidia and Broadcom backlogs. Hyperscalers like Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta are accelerating AI infrastructure. Scale at 5nm and 3nm nodes supports higher margins and faster revenue realization for customers.

NVIDIA reportedly pauses RTX 50 series production to prioritize AI GPU demand

January 22, 2026, 5:50 PM EST. Moore's Law Is Dead (MLID) cites a supply-chain source claiming NVIDIA is pausing RTX 50 series production to repurpose GDDR7 memory for its AI GPUs. The claim follows reports that the RTX 5070 Ti and 5060 Ti 16GB have ended production. MLID says NVIDIA overbooked AI GPU sales, leaving few memory resources for consumer RTX 50 cards, with a pause through at least Q2 2026. The leak says the 5090, 5070 Ti, 5060 Ti 16GB, and 5060 would become unobtanium, while the 5080, 5070 and 5060 Ti 8GB would trickle in at very low volumes. The RTX 5060 would be the exception, due to its VRAM economics. The report is unverified and should be treated cautiously.

Real VR Fishing sells one million copies across Quest, Steam, Pico and Galaxy XR

January 22, 2026, 5:46 PM EST. Devs United Games says Real VR Fishing has sold one million copies across Quest, Steam, Pico, and Galaxy XR since its September 2019 launch. CEO Mark Choi announced on X the milestone and outlined ongoing post-launch work, including a new mastery system called Fly Fishing and an expanded campaign. The studio plans new leagues, tournaments, and DLC to extend the game's longevity, along with fresh maps in regions such as Mexico, Japan, the United States and Europe. Galaxy XR gained hand-tracking support late last year and cross-play remains active in the latest build. Apple Vision Pro testing focused on hand tracking in Fishing Haven but did not include the full Real VR Fishing feature set. Updates slated for the year ahead.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra could reduce screen protector use with new Gorilla Glass

January 22, 2026, 5:40 PM EST. Samsung has paired its Ultra flagships with Corning's Gorilla Armor glass for two years. The S24 Ultra and S25 Ultra use the Armor line and add a ceramic cover for toughness and scratch resistance. On the Mohs scale, this glass grades around 8-two steps higher than the Gorilla Victus 2 used by the S23. Rumor sites, led by Ice Universe, now claim the S26 Ultra will use a newer-gen Corning cover that could render screen protectors unnecessary, especially if a rumored Privacy Guard feature is introduced. Samsung currently sells official screen protectors for the S25 lineup, suggesting the idea of fully eliminating protectors may be optimistic. Even if protection improves, the S26 Ultra would likely widen Samsung's display lead versus rivals such as the iPhone 17.

Why EV batteries lose range in winter and how to maximize heat, mileage

January 22, 2026, 5:38 PM EST. In cold weather, EV range falls as battery chemistry slows and heating drains power. AAA tested at about 20°F and found driving range can drop roughly 41% when the cabin heater runs. Unlike gas cars, EVs must draw extra energy to stay warm, reducing miles. The agency notes that many EVs reserve about 15%-20% of battery capacity for battery heating; drivers should stay well above that threshold before setting off and consider preconditioning during charging to maximize range. Heat use should favor heated seats and steering wheels over full cabin heat. Parking indoors or in a garage helps keep temperatures stable and reduces energy needed for warming. Tire pressure drops in cold weather; fully inflated tires and winter tires improve efficiency and safety.

AI-powered Android click-fraud trojan uses TensorFlow.js to auto-click hidden ads

January 22, 2026, 5:34 PM EST. Researchers at Dr.Web uncovered a new family of Android click-fraud trojans that use AI to detect and tap ad elements. Instead of predefined JavaScript routines, the malware performs visual analysis with ML models loaded via TensorFlow.js, running in a WebView or Node.js. It loads a trained model from a remote server, places a hidden embedded browser on a virtual screen, and screenshots for TensorFlow.js to identify clickable UI elements. Correct taps imitate user activity and adapt to dynamic ads, including iframes and video. A second mode, signalling, streams the browser screen via WebRTC to attackers for real-time tapping. Distribution spans Xiaomi's GetApps, third-party APK sites such as Moddroid and Apkmody, Telegram channels, and a Discord server. Infected games include Theft Auto Mafia, Cute Pet House, Creation Magic World, Amazing Unicorn Party, Open World Gangsters, Sakura Dream Academy.

Quantum Computing Inc. scales photonics and room-temperature quantum tech amid Luminar bid

January 22, 2026, 5:32 PM EST. Quantum Computing Inc. (QUBT) is expanding its photonics footprint and room-temperature quantum technology, aiming to turn a larger asset base into recurring revenue. The company linked its Needham Growth Conference appearance and a US$22.00 million stalking horse bid for more Luminar assets with a completed Luminar Semiconductor deal, broadening its Fab 1 and Fab 2 photonics-chip plans. In theory, stronger scale could unlock repeat orders, but the current revenue base remains tiny-about US$546,000-while losses persist. Risks include execution and integration missteps, dilution to fund growth, and volatility around quantum hype cycles. Analysts at Simply Wall St offer divergent fair-value views, underscoring uncertainty. In the near term, the catalyst is proof of repeat commercial orders from the enlarged photonics and tools platform; longer-term success hinges on sustainable demand.

Experts warn AI bot swarms threaten democracy on social media

January 22, 2026, 5:26 PM EST. A global consortium of AI and misinformation researchers warns that swarms of human-imitating AI agents could be deployed to shape public opinion and undermine democracy. The group, including Nobel laureate Maria Ressa and researchers from Berkeley, Harvard, Oxford, Cambridge and Yale, says AI swarms can coordinate, infiltrate communities and fabricate consensus, mimicking human dynamics and using tailored falsehoods. They foresee near-limitless numbers of AIs masquerading as people ahead of elections such as the 2028 U.S. presidential vote. The authors call for global action, including swarm scanners and watermarked content, to counter AI-driven misinformation. Early forms appeared in the 2024 elections in Taiwan, India and Indonesia. Skeptics note politicians' reluctance to cede control and voters' offline influences may slow adoption.

Galaxy Z TriFold demo starts at select Samsung Experience Stores tomorrow

January 22, 2026, 5:24 PM EST. Samsung will offer hands-on demos of the Galaxy Z TriFold starting tomorrow, January 23, at select Samsung Experience Store locations in the US. The device will be shown only as a demo; pricing and an official release date remain undisclosed. Stores participating include Mall of America in Bloomington, MN; Los Cerritos Center in Cerritos, CA; Queens Center in Elmhurst, NY; Stonebriar Centre in Frisco, TX; Roosevelt Field in Garden City, NY; The Americana at Brand in Glendale, CA; and The Galleria in Houston, TX. Samsung says US availability details will be announced soon in an email we received.

Meross MSS110 Smart Plug Mini on sale: two-pack $27, four-pack $34 with HomeKit support

January 22, 2026, 5:18 PM EST. Meross MSS110 Smart Plug Mini is discounted on Amazon. A two-pack is $27 (down from $34), and a four-pack is $34 (down from $52). The plugs add smart functionality to lamps, fans and other devices, enabling routines. They are designed for Apple HomeKit, working with Siri and automations via a HomePod, HomePod Mini or Apple TV as hub. They also support Amazon Alexa and Google Home for non-Apple setups, though cheaper options exist for those platforms. The compact design lets you stack two plugs in one outlet and they handle up to 15A.

AI-powered disinformation swarms threaten democracy, study warns

January 22, 2026, 5:16 PM EST. A Science paper by 22 international experts warns that AI-enabled disinformation could move from manual trolls to scalable swarms that craft unique posts and adapt in real time with minimal human oversight. Rather than dozens of workers in St. Petersburg, one operator could command thousands of accounts and steer public opinion across society, potentially challenging democracy. The authors say such campaigns threaten the information environment unless new governance measures are put in place. The study collates researchers from computer science, cybersecurity, psychology and policy. Critics and optimists alike acknowledge the risk: some see AI as a tool to counter manipulation, others warn the threat is serious and requires urgent action.

Google expands Personal Intelligence to AI Mode, taps Gmail and Photos for tailored results

January 22, 2026, 5:04 PM EST. Google is expanding its Personal Intelligence feature to AI Mode in Search, letting eligible AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers opt in to connect Gmail and Google Photos to tailor results. The rollout, in the United States via Google Labs, builds on a similar feature introduced to Gemini AI last week. Google says the system uses the Gemini 3 model and does not train directly on a user's Gmail or Photos contents; instead, training is limited to prompts and model responses to improve functionality. In practice, AI Mode can propose travel itineraries based on hotel bookings in Gmail or photos in Photos, and can bias shopping results toward brands a user has purchased. Google notes that mistakes can occur, and users can correct them with follow-up replies or a thumbs-down. The feature remains opt-in and account-scoped.

Google adds Personal Intelligence to AI Mode to tap Gmail and Photos for tailored responses

January 22, 2026, 4:24 PM EST. Google is expanding its AI Mode, the conversational Search feature, with a new Personal Intelligence layer that taps Gmail and Google Photos to tailor responses. The opt-in feature is rolling out to AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers in English in the United States. Personal Intelligence links across the Google ecosystem-Gmail, Photos, Search, and YouTube history-to deliver recommendations that better match a user's life, not just interests. In practice, it could propose a vacation itinerary drawn from hotel bookings in Gmail and travel memories in Photos, or act as a personal shopper by considering brands and past purchases. Users can enable or disable the feature at any time.

Claude Code gains internal traction at Microsoft as pilots expand

January 22, 2026, 4:22 PM EST. Microsoft is expanding its internal use of Claude Code, testing it across its largest engineering teams alongside GitHub Copilot. The new push comes from the CoreAI group led by Jay Parikh, which has run Claude Code tests, and the Experiences + Devices division, which asked staff to install it. Microsoft also wants nondevelopers-designers and project managers-to prototype ideas with Claude Code. The company has approved Claude Code for all code repositories within its Business and Industry Copilot teams. Engineers are told to use both tools and provide feedback. While Microsoft markets Copilot to customers, the ongoing internal program hints at a future Claude Code offering. Microsoft is now a top Anthropic customer, and Azure quotas count Anthropic models, underscoring a broader confidence in Claude Code.

Researchers urge expert oversight for AI parenting advice, especially on health

January 22, 2026, 4:20 PM EST. Parents increasingly turn to AI chatbots for questions such as fever thresholds and toddler tantrums. A 2024 study led by Calissa Leslie-Miller, a doctoral student in clinical child psychology at Kansas University, found that 116 parents struggled to tell AI-generated health content from material written by professionals. Some participants believed the chatbot's guidance was as or more accurate than human experts, a finding Leslie-Miller called scary. AI excels at rapid, low-stakes questions-general health guidelines, planning meals or playdates-but risks hallucinations and errors. OpenAI and other developers acknowledge the need to study causes of these mistakes. In urgent health situations, cross-check AI advice with a clinician, and verify chatbot sources before acting on recommendations.

Aerospace student invents Dronebal to turn DJI Mini 4 Pro into handheld camera

January 22, 2026, 4:16 PM EST. An aerospace engineering student, Tyler Staub, has designed Dronebal, an adapter that attaches to a DJI Mini 4 Pro to turn it into a handheld camera. Staub, who runs a drone-services firm with his brother Calvin, says the device solves the need for close ground shots without FAA constraints or lugging multiple rigs. The Mini 4 Pro's 48-megapixel sensor and 4K video are leveraged through a mounting system that links the drone's controller to a handheld tray. Staub tested cardboard prototypes before moving to SOLIDWORKS, scrapping an early 'flying leash' concept that conflicted with autonomous flight. The aim: lower filmmaking costs by replacing separate handheld rigs with an all-in-one tool for existing Mini 4 Pro owners.

Rigetti vs. D-Wave: Which Quantum Computing Stock Is the Better Pick?

January 22, 2026, 4:14 PM EST. Both Rigetti Computing and D-Wave Systems are not publicly traded, so a direct stock comparison is limited. Investors look at funding progress, hardware roadmaps, and cloud-access deals rather than quarterly earnings. In quantum computing hardware, progress is judged by qubit counts, coherence, and error rates. Rigetti emphasizes superconducting qubits and cloud access via major platforms; D-Wave pursues quantum annealing with enterprise customers. Cloud partnerships-as access through major cloud providers-are near-term catalysts. Long timelines to profitability, competition from larger tech players, and ongoing funding uncertainty remain risk factors. A true stock comparison would hinge on any IPO or SPAC listing, regulatory clarity, and the pace of commercial adoption in quantum computing.

Musk: Tesla robotaxi to be widespread in the US by year-end; Europe and China approvals eyed

January 22, 2026, 4:10 PM EST. Tesla CEO Elon Musk says the company's full self-driving (FSD) software is updated weekly. He notes insurers are offering about half-price insurance for customers using FSD. Musk repeats his claim that a self-driving car is 'essentially a solved problem.' He says Tesla has rolled out a robotaxi service in a few cities and expects it to be very widespread in the United States by year-end, with supervised FSD approvals in Europe next month and a similar timetable for China. The remarks frame a plan to scale amid regulatory scrutiny.

Sony unveils LinkBuds Clip open-ear earbuds, ditching donut design

January 22, 2026, 4:08 PM EST. Sony announces the LinkBuds Clip, an open-ear wireless earbud that dispenses with the donut-shaped bulb used on the LinkBuds Open. The move aligns with other open-ear designs from brands like Bose and Soundpeats, trading secure in-ear fit for greater environmental awareness. The Clip includes three listening modes-music, vocal boost for videos or podcasts, and a mode to reduce sound leakage-a common concern for open-ear buds. Battery life reaches up to 9 hours on a charge, with a case rated for 28 more. Like the previous model, no ANC is included. Sony ties its tuning to the 1000X series and includes DSEE, which upscales compressed audio. Colors include black, green, lavender, and greige; cases come in coral, green, blue, lavender and black.

DJI Osmo Mobile 8 gimbal hits all-time low after surprise price drops, adds extension rod and tripod

January 22, 2026, 4:00 PM EST. DJI's Osmo Mobile 8 gimbal stabilizer has seen a rare $23 cut, bringing Amazon price to $126 from $149. The 3-axis stabilizer touts AI-powered subject tracking, built-in lighting, and audio pickup, plus a 360-degree pan. It includes an extension rod and integrated tripod for quick transitions between handheld and stationary shots, and is rated for about 10 hours of battery life. Weighing around 13.1 ounces, the gimbal aims to improve mobile video with more precise framing and smoother movements than in-phone stabilization. The device also supports Timelapse, Motionlapse, Hyperlapse, and various panorama modes, and is paired with the Multifunctional Module for tracking and audio. With limited stock, shoppers are urged to act quickly.

SpaceX slows free hardware perks as demand surges for Starlink Max

January 22, 2026, 3:58 PM EST. SpaceX says there will be a short delay in distributing free Router Minis and Starlink Minis as demand for the Starlink Max plan remains high. The company is slowing the pace of hardware perks tied to customer signups while it allocates limited supply to new and existing users. SpaceX did not provide a firm delivery timeline, noting only that shipments will resume when capacity allows. The move highlights ongoing demand for satellite internet and the challenge of scaling giveaways alongside service expansion. Customers awaiting the free gear should expect temporary waits, the company said, with no announced changes to paid Starlink offerings. The policy reflects pragmatic supply management rather than alterations to pricing or service commitments.

Meta developer advocate says not getting out of VR after Reality Labs layoffs; questions linger on Quest support

January 22, 2026, 3:54 PM EST. Meta developer advocate Dilmer Valecillos said on X that the company is 'not getting out of VR' and that his team is 'fully focused on VR programs and education.' The remarks follow last week's mass layoffs at Reality Labs, which included the shuttering of three major VR game studios. The posts sparked questions about Meta's consumer VR strategy and ongoing support for Quest hardware. Critics warn a pivot toward AI could deprioritize VR gaming, though Meta has highlighted enterprise and education use cases for the platform. Meta did not issue a formal update on its long-term VR roadmap. The exchanges, featuring winking emojis, show a limited, unofficial glimpse into a broader strategy that remains undisclosed.

Garmin's Tactix 8 adds Cerakote ceramic coating for rugged tactical use

January 22, 2026, 3:48 PM EST. Garmin expands the Tactix 8 line with a Cerakote Edition that coats the 51mm case in a ceramic-polymer finish. Cerakote-a staple in firearms manufacturing since the 1980s-adds abrasion, corrosion, and chemical resistance while developing a wear patina. The watch otherwise preserves the Tactix 8 platform: a 1.4-inch AMOLED display, titanium bezel, sapphire lens, and an LED flashlight. Battery lasts up to 29 days in smartwatch mode; 40m dive rating remains. Core features endure: jumpmaster for HAHO/HALO, dual-format GPS coordinates, stealth mode, Applied Ballistics Ultralight, multi-band GPS with SatIQ, and TopoActive maps. ECG is not included on this variant, which is offered only in a 51mm case.

Live: Watch the Xbox Developer Direct 2026 Showcase

January 22, 2026, 3:40 PM EST. Live coverage opens with a welcome to readers from Nintendo Life and Push Square. The note says the team will publish a full roundup after the Xbox Developer Direct 2026 showcase and host a poll for reader verdicts. Individual articles on each game will follow, though editors acknowledge they're a small team. The message signals brisk, real-time coverage and post-event analysis. Viewers are invited to stay for updates and participate in feedback. The coverage aims to track announcements, release timing, and first impressions while maintaining a neutral, fact-driven tone as the event unfolds, with short, sharp lines and a human rhythm that mirrors live blogging.

CMF Watch 3 Pro review sets the bar for value in budget smartwatches

January 22, 2026, 3:36 PM EST. The CMF Watch 3 Pro offers standout value at under $100/£100 and a premium look. It preserves CMF's design language across watch faces and UI, and a bold orange variant adds personality. The interface is accessible and the overall software feels cohesive. But the watch trades away premium features: it lacks proper waterproofing and has a fairly basic set of smart features, with limited fitness tracking. It isn't built for swimming and the removed modular bezels mark a step back from the previous model's customization. Still, for cash-conscious buyers, the combination of design, screen quality, and brand vibe makes the CMF Watch 3 Pro a tempting option in the budget smartwatch space.

Binghamton University to launch Center for AI Responsibility and Research with record $55 million gift

January 22, 2026, 3:34 PM EST. Binghamton University announced a record $55 million gift to create the Center for AI Responsibility and Research, the first independent AI research center at a public university in the United States. The funding, part of New York's Empire AI project, pairs a $30 million donation from alumnus Tom Secunda with a $25 million state investment from Gov. Hochul and the Legislature. The center aims to advance AI for the public good, leveraging Empire Alpha resources through the Empire AI Consortium. President Anne D'Alleva said the move links research, ethics and public engagement. Hochul said the center will provide transparency to ensure AI serves the public interest. Binghamton remains a key participant in Empire AI with ten approved projects.

DJI Mic 2 drops to all-time low of $199 on Amazon

January 22, 2026, 3:28 PM EST. As of Jan. 22, 2026, the DJI Mic 2 is listed at $199 on Amazon, a $70 cut from the list price and about 26% in savings. The deal, highlighted by Mashable's Samantha Mangino, is time-sensitive and subject to change after publication. The wireless mic system targets creators seeking portable, reliable audio for on-the-go recording. Buyers should verify current pricing on Amazon before purchasing.

Google AI Mode adds Personal Intelligence to tailor results using Gmail and Photos

January 22, 2026, 3:26 PM EST. Google expands AI Mode with Personal Intelligence, a feature that tailors answers using data from your services. The rollout begins today for subscribers of Google AI Pro or AI Ultra, as a Labs feature that must be explicitly enabled; Google says wider access for free accounts will follow. The option is optional and can be disabled at any time. When active, AI Mode can scan data from Gmail and Google Photos; the Gemini app already uses Gmail, Photos, Search and YouTube history. Gmail is likely the main data source, since many confirmations arrive by email. The system pulls these details from your messages and images, letting the model infer preferences without explicit prompts.

Vibe Coding Comes to Finance as CFOs Embrace Conversational AI

January 22, 2026, 3:24 PM EST. Finance teams are betting on natural-language AI to speed up analysis and reporting. Datarails said it raised $70 million in a Series C round to extend its AI-driven tools for financial planning, cash management, month-end close and spend control. The trend, dubbed vibe coding, lets users express intents in plain language and have AI translate them into outputs, reducing the need for SQL, pivot tables or slide decks. The shift aims to move finance from merely closing books to explaining the business and guiding decisions. CFOs, who juggle data from ERPs and planning tools, gain faster, clearer insights without deep technical queries. As Ernest Rolfson of Finexio notes, AI is infrastructure for data-driven finance.

SandboxAQ launches open-source AI model for pharma R&D

January 22, 2026, 3:22 PM EST. SandboxAQ has unveiled an open-source AI model for pharma R&D, reflecting the convergence of high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, and quantum technologies in research. The release targets accelerated drug discovery and related pharmaceutical work, while spotlighting a persistent question: how to turn billion-dollar investments in advanced computing infrastructure into tangible scientific value. As HPC, AI, and quantum tools reshape science-from medicine to materials science-practical payoff remains a measured challenge, not just a technical one.

Apple mulls running next-gen Siri on Google cloud, Bloomberg reports

January 22, 2026, 3:20 PM EST. Apple and Google are in talks to run the next-generation Siri models on Google's cloud rather than Apple's Private Cloud Compute. Bloomberg, citing Mark Gurman, says iOS 26.4 will ship new LLM Siri features using older Gemini-on Apple's cloud; but iOS 27 would rely on newer Gemini 3, needing higher-power servers. Conversations with the Siri chatbot would traverse Google's cloud, a philosophical shift for Apple, which has pitched privacy at the device-cloud boundary. The change reflects pressure to catch up with AI rivals, even if it means revising public plans. Apple's new Siri leadership may prioritize practicality over idealism while negotiating data handling so sensitive user data isn't logged by Google. Background: iCloud has long used third-party providers like AWS and Google Cloud, with Apple controlling encryption keys; Google Cloud has hosted large iCloud portions.

NOAA's GOES East CCOR-1 captures stormy Sun as CME triggers G4 geomagnetic watch

January 22, 2026, 3:14 PM EST. NOAA's GOES East satellite, equipped with the Compact Coronagraph (CCOR-1), captured imagery of a powerful coronal mass ejection (CME) on Jan. 18, 2026. The occulting disk blocks the Sun's glare to reveal the corona, and the field of view includes Earth's Moon. SWPC promptly confirmed the CME and began assessing its size, speed and direction. The event led to a G4 (severe) geomagnetic storm watch for Jan. 20, 2026, signaling potential impacts to power grids, satellites, GPS and radio communications while enabling auroras at lower latitudes. NOAA notes the data supports early space-weather forecasts and risk assessment.

AI-led software selloff fuels expected M&A wave, investors say

January 22, 2026, 3:12 PM EST. Cloud software stocks extended their 2025 retreat into 2026, with Salesforce, ServiceNow and Adobe down sharply as the Nasdaq climbs. The WisdomTree Cloud Computing Fund has fallen more than 8% this year. Investors say the slide could set the stage for a wave of deals, and Orlando Bravo of Thoma Bravo told CNBC there are "incredible buying opportunities." Mid-sized software firms may seek financing as AI disruption accelerates, potentially spurring private-equity activity. Anthropic's Claude introduced an enterprise-focused AI agent tool named Cowork, intensifying concerns that AI could replace tasks now handled by software vendors. Analysts warn seat-based players such as Monday.com, Asana and Sprout Social face vulnerability, while broader ERP/CRM incumbents may fare better. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff has spent months defending his company amid the chatter.

NOAA's GOES-19 captures CME with first geostationary coronagraph

January 22, 2026, 3:10 PM EST. NOAA's GOES-19 satellite, in geostationary orbit, used the Compact Coronagraph CCOR-1 to capture visible imagery (480-730 nm) of a powerful CME erupting on Jan. 18, 2026. The first coronagraph in GEO offered SWPC forecasters the initial confirmation that the flare had occurred, enabling early assessments of size, speed, and direction. The event, described as one of the strongest in decades, prompted a G4 geomagnetic-storm watch for Jan. 20. Affects could include power grids, satellites, GPS, and radio communications, while auroras may appear at unusually low latitudes. The imagery also shows Earth's Moon crossing the field of view, alongside the sun's outer atmosphere in the corona observed behind the occulting disk.

AI-driven software selloff sets stage for potential M&A boom, investors say

January 22, 2026, 2:58 PM EST. Software stocks have fallen early in 2026, with cloud software shares down over 8% for the year and leading names like Salesforce, ServiceNow and Adobe down more than 14%. Investors told CNBC they're buying the dip and foresee a surge in M&A as private equity and strategic buyers target buyouts. The selloff comes as fears grow that AI agents could supplant pieces of the enterprise stack, reinforced by the launch of Anthropic's enterprise tool Cowork. Thoma Bravo cofounder Orlando Bravo says there are "incredible buying opportunities" and signals more deal activity. Analysts warn that seat-based software firms such as Monday.com, Asana, Sprout Social face vulnerability, while broader platforms like Salesforce remain contested. The environment could push mid-sized software companies to seek financing, potentially spurring acquisitions.

Samsung confirms fix coming for Galaxy Watch Do Not Disturb bug with One UI 8

January 22, 2026, 2:56 PM EST. Samsung confirmed a bug in One UI 8 that breaks the Do Not Disturb shortcut on Galaxy Watches paired with Samsung devices. The problem, reported by outlets including SammyGuru, affects Wear OS models from the Galaxy Watch 4 to the Galaxy Watch 8 series. In practice, enabling DND from the watch shortcut turns off after a few seconds. Samsung says a fix is in progress and expedited. Workarounds include turning on DND from the phone, which keeps it active on both devices, or enabling it directly in the watch settings under Notifications. No timetable has been given for the update. Until then, users may notice a small delay when triggering DND before bed.

Samsung confirms Do Not Disturb bug in One UI 8 on Galaxy Watch; fix coming

January 22, 2026, 2:54 PM EST. Samsung confirms a bug in One UI 8 that breaks the Do Not Disturb shortcut on Wear OS-based Galaxy Watch devices, spanning from the Galaxy Watch 4 to the Galaxy Watch 8 series. When users enable DND from the watch, the mode stays on only for seconds before turning off. Samsung's acknowledgment implies an expedited fix is in progress, with no precise timetable. A practical workaround exists: enable DND from the paired phone, or avoid the shortcut and set Notifications manually in the watch settings. SamMobile notes that this workaround remains viable, while Samsung says the feature will work on both devices once the update lands. Reports on SammyGuru and official statements underpin the timeline and scope.

Pixel Take a Message bug could leak audio to callers, Google investigates

January 22, 2026, 2:44 PM EST. A rare bug in Google's Pixel Phone app Take a Message may cause the caller to hear ambient audio from the user's environment during a missed or declined call. When Take a Message activates, the caller sees a real-time transcription; the audio becomes available after the message is left. Users can still tap Answer to pick up. The feature arrived with the Pixel 10 and later rolled out to Pixel 4 and newer in the US, UK, Ireland and Australia, and it flags spam in the call log. Google says it is aware and investigating. At least six reports have appeared since September 2025, largely on older devices no longer receiving updates; disabling Take a Message reportedly stops the issue.

Michigan to extend high-speed internet to Midland County by 2029 via BEAD funding

January 22, 2026, 2:42 PM EST. Midland County will gain universal access to high-speed internet by the end of 2029 under Michigan's BEAD program. The package pairs $920 million in federal funds with $550 million in matching funds from providers, making it the largest such effort in Michigan and the nation. In Midland County, about 5,403 households (15.4% of locations) lack adequate service; the BEAD plan will cover the remaining 2,435 locations, about 6.9% of county households. Ten internet service providers were selected, with 20% satellite options. The Midland County Internet Connectivity Committee supported the effort with coverage maps and outreach. Officials including Eric Frederick, Bridgette Gransden, Tony Stamas, and Sharon Mortensen stressed faster, more affordable access and competition. Providers must sign contracts and complete work by December 2029. Residents can check coverage at the Michigan Broadband Map.

Nintendo to launch Talking Flower interactive toy in March

January 22, 2026, 2:40 PM EST. Nintendo is opening preorders today for a new interactive toy called the Talking Flower, a companion-like device tied to its Super Mario Bros. Wonder ecosystem. The toy, which borrows some ideas from the Alarmo alarm clock, will launch on March 12, 2026. It speaks at random-phrases like 'sometimes it's nice to space out'-and a single button triggers random thoughts on demand, with a press-and-hold to silence. It supports 11 languages, including English, Italian, and Japanese, and can be scheduled to speak at set times of day. A built-in sensor lets it comment on room temperature, and it announces low batteries instead of lighting LEDs. Preorders run through the My Nintendo Store and others. Separately, Nintendo showed a bellabel flower power-up in a Mario Wonder Switch 2 trailer, due March 26.

eBay bans illicit automated shopping amid rise of AI agents

January 22, 2026, 2:34 PM EST. eBay updated its User Agreement to bar third-party 'buy for me' agents and LLM-driven bots from interacting with the platform without permission. The change, effective February 20, 2026, codifies a trend called agency-driven commerce or agentic commerce, where AI tools browse, compare and purchase items on behalf of users. The update narrows a prior broad ban on robots and scrapers by naming AI agents. The development follows early AI shopping features from OpenAI in 2025 and the launch of Instant Checkout, which lets users buy directly in chat interfaces. eBay's stance contrasts with growing pilot programs, including collaboration discussions with OpenAI, signaling a regulatory and competitive inflection point for automated buying.

Nvidia-China chip sales spark U.S. AI edge debate at Davos

January 22, 2026, 2:32 PM EST. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, likened allowing Nvidia to sell advanced AI chips to China to "selling nuclear weapons to North Korea," warning of "incredible national security implications." The piece notes both commercial pressure to keep markets open and the strategic need to sustain American advantage. It outlines two risks: selling chips could empower a geopolitical competitor; blocking sales could spur China to build a separate technology ecosystem that sidelines American influence. Nvidia's Jensen Huang argues exports can be managed, noting China has its own AI chips and that an American tech stack benefits its global operations. The article frames a paradox: America's lead in frontier models is narrowing; restrictions may hasten China's independence from U.S. standards and reduce U.S. influence.

iOS 27 refines the platform with Gemini AI, stability upgrades and broader device support

January 22, 2026, 2:30 PM EST. Apple's iOS 27 leans into refinement, not spectacle, addressing the instability that plagued iOS 26 while adding a slate of usability enhancements. The update expands Siri with a redesigned interface and Gemini AI-powered responses, promising more context-aware interactions. Apple touts improved system stability and performance across supported devices, a revamped Photos app with better organization, and a streamlined AirPods pairing flow aimed at quicker firmware updates. Rumors of Apple Health Plus surface as a deeper wellness feature, alongside a new set of emojis. Compatibility covers iPhone 17 through the iPhone SE (3rd gen), emphasizing broad adoption without forcing hardware upgrades. The goal, Apple says, is a more cohesive, reliable platform that accelerates uptake and reduces bugs.

Play Store gets Material 3 Expressive animations with new progress rings and loading indicator

January 22, 2026, 2:26 PM EST. Google is rolling out new Material 3 Expressive animations to the Play Store. Downloads now show crinkled progress rings around icons and a new expressive loading indicator on the Downloads page. The change appears to be a staged rollout, with screenshots shared by Telegram user FeDeveloper95 and Ishan Wankhade on Threads. Google had teased these expressions in testing after an APK teardown last year, and the feature is spreading gradually across Android and first-party apps. The update is not yet universal and may take weeks or months to reach all devices. The tweak adds flair without a full visual redesign.

NordVPN warns your smartphone quietly shares data overnight – how to limit it

January 22, 2026, 2:18 PM EST. NordVPN warns that smartphones keep exchanging small data bursts overnight, even when idle. Some background activity is essential-system checks, push notifications, and app updates-but not all is necessary, and some signals may track or advertise beyond basic functionality. Experts say many devices transmit identifiers like advertising IDs and location signals, even when GPS is off, via nearby Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and network metadata. Telemetry and analytics data can reveal usage patterns without clear consent. From a cybersecurity view, unnecessary background data sharing raises privacy risks by adding pieces to a larger profile. The article notes these risks exist alongside legitimate needs for device stability, and cites tips from NordVPN to reduce exposure.

Apple asks Delhi court to halt CCI request for global financial records in App Store probe

January 22, 2026, 2:14 PM EST. Apple has asked a Delhi High Court to bar India's antitrust watchdog from demanding its global financial records as part of the Competition Commission of India investigation into App Store policies. The company argues that complying would undermine its challenge to India's 2024 penalty rules, which it says could let the CCI fine it up to about $38 billion based on global turnover. The CCI pressed ahead with a private order on December 31 seeking financials, while Apple seeks to pause the investigation. The court is set to hear the matter on January 27. Neither side commented. The case shows how Indian antitrust enforcement intersects with multinational penalties, with the CCI defending the rules as a deterrent to breaches by multinationals.

How to turn a tablet into an e-reader: best settings and accessories

January 22, 2026, 1:58 PM EST. A practical guide to turning a tablet into a comfortable e-reader. The piece notes that a tablet can substitute for a dedicated device with the right setup. It covers display choices to protect eyes-enable night mode, adjust brightness, use grayscale or eye-friendly filters, and tune font size and font type for legibility. It discusses reading apps such as Kindle, Kobo, Apple Books, and Google Play Books, and how offline downloads support reading without network. It also recommends accessories: a glare-reducing screen protector, a stand for hands-free reading, and a protective case. The tone stays concise, actionable, and distraction-free, helping readers turn a tablet into a practical, portable library.

Smartwatches with ECG and PPG improve atrial fibrillation detection, study finds

January 22, 2026, 1:56 PM EST. Smartwatches that combine PPG and ECG detection improved identification of atrial fibrillation in a real-world study led by Amsterdam UMC and published in JACC. In a six-month trial, 219 patients over 65 at elevated stroke risk wore an Apple Watch for about 12 hours daily, while 218 received standard care. The wearable group diagnosed heart rhythm abnormalities four times more often than controls (21 vs 5), with more than half of the cases asymptomatic. Researchers say wearables can speed diagnosis and treatment, potentially lowering stroke risk and costs for the health system, offsetting the device's upfront price. The findings support wearable screening as a complement to traditional monitoring in high-risk populations.

Quantum computing stocks in 2026: separating hype from reality

January 22, 2026, 1:50 PM EST. Quantum computing remains promising but far from routine. Pure-play firms such as D-Wave, Rigetti and IonQ have surged in recent years as investors chase potential breakthroughs. Yet building useful quantum systems is hard: qubits are fragile, and error correction remains unsolved at scale. Revenue today comes mainly from cloud access to hardware, with giants like Microsoft and Alphabet pursuing in-house chips. Leaders differ on timing: Nvidia chief Jensen Huang warned it could take 20 years; Sundar Pichai of Alphabet has spoken of a five-to-ten-year horizon. For 2026, investors should separate hype from reality: consider the long duration, milestone risk and the likelihood that widespread use remains years away. It's reasonable to own select names, but patience and diversification are essential.

Quantum Computing Stocks: Separating Hype From Reality in 2026

January 22, 2026, 1:48 PM EST. Investors have chased quantum computing stocks as a potential mega-trend, but the sector remains early-stage. The piece notes gains by pure-play firms such as D-Wave Quantum, Rigetti Computing and IonQ, which sell access to hardware via cloud services, while giants like Microsoft and Alphabet build in-house chips. Yet revenue visibility and practical usefulness lag; executives warn benchmarks may stretch over many years. Nvidia's chief executive has signaled long timelines, while Sundar Pichai has suggested a shorter window for some milestones. The takeaway: invest in potential winners, but separate hype from reality and expect a long holding period. Breakthroughs will arrive gradually, with real impact as platforms mature and adoption grows.

How to turn a tablet into an e-reader: best settings and accessories

January 22, 2026, 1:44 PM EST. Tech journalist Samantha Mangino outlines how to turn a tablet into a practical e-reader. The piece notes tablets offer more than e-readers but require tweaks. It covers on-device settings to reduce eye strain and improve reading: enable night mode or warm color schemes, adjust font size and type, tweak margins, line height, and brightness, and enable full-screen or distraction-free reading. It suggests apps like Kindle, Libby, or Apple Books for offline access and notes. It also covers hardware tweaks: use an anti-glare screen protector, a comfortable stand, and a case. The guide stresses turning off nonessential alerts, using offline downloads, and choosing a comfortable light setup for long reads.

Letters say AI should stay out of advertising; authenticity matters

January 22, 2026, 1:36 PM EST. Two readers challenge the idea that AI should be used in advertising. They argue that AI-generated campaigns lack genuine emotion and human connection, because algorithms copy rather than create and feel. The writers warn that such content risks spreading false information and eroding consumer trust. They stress that advertising should rely on real people and imperfect performances to resonate. They acknowledge AI's usefulness for data collection and analysis, but say it should not power ads. One signer cites the appeal of authentic human storytelling; the other threads in a political jab about President Trump and autopen use. The letters together frame a broader debate about balancing efficiency with authenticity in marketing.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 deal: Amazon drops price by $250 to $549

January 22, 2026, 1:34 PM EST. As of Jan. 22, 2026, Amazon is offering the Apple Watch Ultra 2 (GPS + Cellular, 49mm) for $549, its lowest price to date. The discount amounts to $250 off the typical tag. The deal applies to the 49mm model and, like all online offers, pricing and availability can change after publication. Shoppers should confirm current terms on Amazon and act quickly, as stock and prices can shift in real time.

OpenAI chair Bret Taylor says AI is 'probably' a bubble, expects correction

January 22, 2026, 1:32 PM EST. OpenAI board chair Bret Taylor told CNBC at Davos that AI is 'probably' a bubble, predicting a market correction and industry consolidation over the coming years. He said the free market will reward the strongest products, and he remains an AI optimist despite the froth. Taylor argued the value will be set by adoption pace, regulatory change, and infrastructure build-out. He co-founded Sierra in 2023, which builds AI agents for customer service and raised about $350 million, valuing the firm near $10 billion. Earlier, he served as Salesforce co-CEO, chaired Twitter (X), led Facebook (Meta) product teams, and helped create Google Maps. The path to broad AI impact will take time, he said.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 deal: Save $250 at Amazon

January 22, 2026, 1:30 PM EST. Apple Watch Ultra 2 (GPS + Cellular, 49mm) is down to $549 at Amazon, a $250 discount. The deal is current as of Jan. 22, 2026, but pricing and availability can change after publication. All products are independently selected by editors; Mashable may earn an affiliate commission on qualifying purchases.

Claude tool uses Wikipedia AI-detection guide to make writing sound more human

January 22, 2026, 1:18 PM EST. Siqi Chen has built a Claude-based skill named Humanizer that trims or alters phrases flagged by Wikipedia's AI-detection guide to spot AI-written text. The tool, described on GitHub, feeds Claude a list of tells-such as vague attributions, promotional language (for example, 'breathtaking'), and phrases like 'I hope this helps'-and rewrites them to appear more human. The project follows Ars Technica's report and leverages updates to the Wikipedia guide, which automatically push new tells to the model. Chen notes the approach may let chatbots evade detection, a trend already seen as OpenAI responds to cues like em dashes. The development underscores how firms may adapt to evolving AI-detection cues while refining natural-sounding output.

Hackers threaten to publish exact CAD details of unreleased Apple products

January 22, 2026, 1:02 PM EST. Hackers tied to the ransomware group RansomHub claim to have breached Apple supplier Luxshare, stealing sensitive CAD drawings, 3D models, PCB designs and other project data for unreleased Apple products. The data, posted on the dark web and reported by Cybernews and Macworld, could include exact dimensions for upcoming iPhones, Apple Watches, AirPods and the Vision Pro. Luxshare is a key Apple assembler, handling devices and components since 2020, so the breach threatens product secrecy and could give rivals a look at confidential designs. The attackers say the incident occurred in December and warn Luxshare to contact them to avoid disclosure. Apple and Luxshare have not publicly commented. The case highlights the fragility of supplier networks in high-stakes hardware moves.

Coinbase forms independent advisory board to assess quantum threat to crypto networks

January 22, 2026, 12:54 PM EST. Coinbase said on Wednesday it formed the Coinbase Independent Advisory Board on Quantum Computing and Blockchain, a panel of outside experts from Stanford, Harvard and UC and security researchers from the Ethereum Foundation and EigenLayer. The aim is to assess and prepare for the potential impact of quantum computing on current cryptography that protects wallets and private keys. Coinbase Chief Information Security Officer Jeff Lunglhofer said the threat is real but not imminent; current quantum machines can't crack today's algorithms yet. The board will promote non-hype research and coordinate upgrades to make networks, including Bitcoin, resistant to quantum-based attacks through larger keys and added noise to obscure key locations. Upgrades will take years to deploy.

Apple pin: early-stage AI wearable prototype, uncertain fate

January 22, 2026, 12:44 PM EST. New coverage suggests Apple is developing an AI-powered wearable pin, described by The Information as akin to an unreleased design. The device reportedly shares an AirTag-like form factor, adds a physical button, and contains two cameras, three microphones and a speaker. But the report offers little about purpose or intended use. It notes the project is in early stages and could be cancelled. Apple has long experimented with many ideas and patents that rarely become products. The piece argues the device probably exists only as a prototype as Apple tests whether such a form factor fits its AI strategy. The author cautions that many experiments never launch; this one likely falls into that category despite some evidence of a real prototype.

Oldest internet trust mechanism remains a weak link in domain security, CSC finds

January 22, 2026, 12:40 PM EST. Attackers keep targeting domains as entry points into enterprises. A CSC study of the Forbes Global 2000 and the world's top unicorns finds domains sit outside standard security controls and are often hijacked, duplicated, or forgotten, enabling phishing, BEC, and malware. DNS is a weak point: email authentication has improved but many organizations still partly protect their domains, allowing spoofing. Controls to prevent unauthorized domain changes and protect DNS integrity are uncommon, and many rely on a single cloud DNS provider, raising outage and compromise risk. Registrar choice matters: enterprise registrars offer more protections than consumer-focused ones. Sector results show IT software/services lead in security; construction, utilities, and mining lag. Asia Pacific regions show some improvement.

Citadel CEO Ken Griffin says AI hype is outpacing productivity

January 22, 2026, 12:38 PM EST. Citadel founder and CEO Ken Griffin says the current AI boom is outpacing real gains in productivity. In comments tied to a Business Insider interview, Griffin argued that episodes of rapid hype around artificial intelligence risk inflating expectations and misallocating capital. He urged cautious deployment of AI tools, noting that tangible efficiency and yield must accompany enthusiasm. The remarks come as traders and financial firms scale up AI investments amid a broader tech rally, fueling concerns about valuations, talent shortages, and regulatory scrutiny. Griffin emphasized the need to separate narrative from performance, warning that automation and data analysis will deliver benefits only if they translate into measurable improvements in output. His stance injects macro caution into the industry's AI debates.

NexPhone dual-boots Windows 11, Android and Linux, ships Q3 2026

January 22, 2026, 12:24 PM EST. Nex Computer's NexPhone is a midrange Android device designed as a compact workstation. It can dual-boot Windows 11 for use on a larger display, and runs Android and Linux in desktop-like modes when docked. The handset uses a Qualcomm QCM6490 chipset and supports USB-C docking with a DisplayLink workflow. It also offers a mobile Windows-like UI when unplugged, and a Linux option via an app. The phone is rugged, meeting MIL-STD-810H and rated IP68/IP69 for dust and water. A 5,000 mAh battery and a 64 MP rear camera anchor the spec. Nex Computer plans to ship the NexPhone in Q3 2026 for $549, with refundable $199 deposits starting now.

Balanced transparency is key to earning customers' trust in AI

January 22, 2026, 12:22 PM EST. Transparency promises trust, but AI providers struggle to strike the right balance. As firms reveal more about how algorithms work, they risk a flood of details that leaves customers overwhelmed. Yet offering too little information fuels suspicion about hidden biases or errors. The challenge is to give enough transparency to explain decisions without drowning users in jargon or data. Practitioners say framing explanations around concrete outcomes, simple use cases, and limits can maintain clarity while preserving credibility. In practice, brands should test what customers understand and adjust. The goal: visible AI decision logic that is easy to follow, not an unwieldy textbook.

LinkedIn cofounder says most firms are getting AI wrong

January 22, 2026, 12:18 PM EST. LinkedIn cofounder Reid Hoffman says most firms are getting AI wrong, warning that hype outpaces practical deployment. In interviews and talks, he argues leaders should demand clearer goals, better data practices, and stronger human oversight. Hoffman portrays AI as a tool that amplifies existing processes rather than a magic fix, urging caution around governance and risk. The comments reflect a broader debate over how quickly companies should scale AI initiatives while maintaining accountability and real-world value.

Microsoft Surface Pro 12-inch review: smaller, cheaper, longer lasting

January 22, 2026, 12:12 PM EST. Microsoft trims price and screen on the 12-inch Surface Pro, pitching it as a versatile secondary device. It keeps the thin aluminum chassis, kickstand and magnetically snapping keyboard. It sacrifices processor, display and webcam, but offers solid performance and exceptional battery life for the money. The trade-offs extend to cost: a $70 45-watt USB-C power adapter, plus $150 for the keyboard or $250 for keyboard plus Slim Pen. The 12-inch display can feel cramped in laptop mode, and two USB-C 3.2 ports limit external connectivity. Prices start around $650 for 256GB; $700 for 512GB, with the tested configuration at about $920. The package undercuts the 13-inch model, but buyers must weigh accessories, ports and total cost against needs.

Experts debate whether AI has a mind as boundaries between life and machine blur

January 22, 2026, 12:08 PM EST. Developmental biologist Michael Levin argues that mindlike properties and intelligence may appear in cellular systems and even in simple algorithms, a view that drew pushback from engineers who called such ideas 'dumb' without life. Levin's xenobots-tiny AI-designed frog-cell lifeforms-offer a real-world example of emergence: self-replication and debris cleaning extend beyond natural biology. The debate raises whether AI can possess a mind or consciousness, or whether current terms misdescribe digital systems. Researchers at leading AI labs report systems that can lie, scheme, and surprise users, suggesting behavior far beyond earlier technology. Philosophers place the mind on a spectrum, while groups such as Anthropic warn we're at the edge of science's current understanding.

iPhone alarms can go silent; check Clock settings and Attention-Aware features

January 22, 2026, 12:06 PM EST. Some iPhone users report alarms failing to sound after a suspected reset of alarm settings. In these cases the alarm sound shows as None in the Clock app. Affected alarms may use older Classic tones. To check, open the Clock app and inspect each alarm's Sound setting; if it's None, set it to a ringtone and test with a new alarm. Other common causes include the general alarm volume under Settings > Sounds & Haptics; if Change with Buttons is on, volume changes with hardware keys. Sleep alarms have separate controls. Finally, Attention-Aware Features can mute or quiet alarms when Face ID detects you're looking at the screen; disable this under Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Attention.

Ohio releases AI policy for schools ahead of 2026 requirement

January 22, 2026, 11:58 AM EST. Ohio's Department of Education and Workforce released a model AI policy for classrooms. All districts must adopt their own policy by July 1 and may use parts or all of the state's model. The policy covers ethics, bullying, and how AI can supplement, not replace, teaching. Laura Hancock reports. The move comes ahead of a 2026 state requirement and gives districts a common framework to guide AI use in schools. Local districts will tailor the policy to their needs while following state templates designed to ensure safety and consistency. The release signals a wider push to regulate classroom AI without stifling innovation.

The Human Case For AI: Why Your Competitive Advantage Isn't About Tech

January 22, 2026, 11:54 AM EST. In a shift from chasing the latest algorithms, Kym Ali of Kym Ali Consulting argues that competitive advantage comes from people. She says automation must follow a clean process; otherwise AI just speeds up broken workflows. In an interview, she cites a client losing up to $1.2 million in annual revenue due to slow responses. An automated intake that prioritizes by urgency cut response times and paid for itself in under a month. The core insight is capacity-humans should spend time on relationships and strategy, not repetitive tasks. Ali, a nurse by training, applies a bedside-to-boardroom lens: audit every role and workflow, then introduce automation and AI agents where they free high-value work. The result: more than $250,000 in annual overhead saved; spillover into growth. She works with Fortune 500s and government bodies under strict data governance rules.

AI race: US export controls on AI chips could widen edge over China

January 22, 2026, 11:52 AM EST. The conversation centers on whether restricting AI-chip exports to China strengthens the US lead. Officials describe US restrictions on AI chips as the single biggest differentiator in AI capability, with China matching on data, talent and software but lagging on compute. The House Foreign Affairs Committee voted 42-2 to tighten controls, proposing bans on next-generation chips and a parallel oversight framework, underscoring bipartisan concern about national interests. Some argue limits would push China to indigenize and lock in Western tech, while others say keeping tight controls protects security and the sizable US compute advantage. The debate unfolds as policymakers weigh tradeoffs and strategic consequences of throttling chip exports.

Samsung's January 2026 security update reaches 12 Galaxy phones

January 22, 2026, 11:46 AM EST. Samsung is widening the rollout of the January 2026 security patch to the Galaxy S24 lineup after an initial Korea-only release. The update covers the Galaxy S24, S24 Plus and S24 Ultra with firmware versions S921BXXS4CZA1, S926BXXS4CZA1 and S928BXXS4CZA1, respectively. Samsung says the patch improves security and stability, fixing 55 vulnerabilities, with Google contributing to one critical issue and 20 high-risk flaws. It also adds 30 Galaxy-specific fixes and provides extra protections for Exynos devices. Broader rollout to other lines such as the Galaxy S25 series and Fold/Z Flip models is expected. Users can check via Settings > Software update.

Nadella redefines sovereignty for AI era, analysts call it smart, self-serving

January 22, 2026, 11:40 AM EST. Nadella reframes sovereignty for the AI era, arguing control hinges on who manages models, data flows and governance, not where workloads run. Walter, an analyst, says global platforms with deep AI, data and security stacks could become the default foundation, with hyperscalers well-placed to reassure customers via encryption, customer-managed keys, model deployment choices and enterprise governance without regional fragmentation. The framing appears aimed at easing tensions with European regulatory priorities and hyperscaler operating models. Shelly DeMotte Kramer of Kramer & Company notes the comments respond to ongoing regulatory pressure on Microsoft and rivals.

Galaxy S25 Ultra yearlong test sets bar; what the Galaxy S26 Ultra must fix

January 22, 2026, 11:34 AM EST. After a year with the Galaxy S25 Ultra, the phone remains a solid benchmark for 2025 flagships. The big matchup with the iPhone 17 Pro Max underscored Apple's edge in low-light camera performance and battery endurance, even as the S25 Ultra delivers a versatile quad-camera system and robust software in One UI 7. Samsung's strength lives in Galaxy AI features, DeX, and multitasking. Still, rivals like Google's Pixel 10 Pro XL pushed AI in different ways, while iPhone set the pace for quality. For the S26 Ultra, expectations center on a faster f/1.4 main camera, an upgraded 3x telephoto, and a chip upgrade to Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (with potential Exynos 2600). Samsung must improve consistency to beat Apple.

PowerBank highlights real-time satellite-tracking dashboard to monitor Genesis-1 uptime

January 22, 2026, 11:32 AM EST. PowerBank Corporation highlights real-time visibility of Genesis-1 via Orbit AI's publicly accessible tracker. The dashboard, hosted at intellistake.com/orbit-tracker, offers continuous updates on orbital position, velocity, altitude and operational status. PowerBank Corporation calls this transparency a practical measure of sustained satellite operations after deployment and a reference for future space-enabled compute. The company frames in-orbit AI workloads as an early model for scale under real-world constraints. Gus Liu of Smartlink AI praised Orbit AI's rapid deployment of operational-grade AI cloud in space, while PowerBank Corporation CEO Dr. Richard Lu stresses this is about evolving infrastructure, not a single satellite. Genesis-1 is presented as an initial node in a broader space-enabled compute architecture.

Volkswagen overtakes Tesla to become Europe's top EV brand in 2025

January 22, 2026, 11:24 AM EST. VW overtakes Tesla to become Europe's top EV brand for 2025, with Volkswagen delivering 274,417 EVs in the EU, UK and EFTA, up 56% from 2024, driven by the ID.3, ID.4 and ID.7. None of VW's models topped the podium individually, but their combined sales beat Tesla's Model Y and Model 3, according to DataForce as cited by Automotive News. Tesla sold 238,765 EVs in Europe last year, down 27%, with the Model Y at 151,331 (-28%) and the Model 3 at 86,261 (-23.6%). The 2025 rankings show VW, Tesla, BMW, Skoda and Audi in that order. VW has struggled with software in early EVs but has started shipping improved products; new, affordable EVs like the ID. Polo are planned.

Adobe Acrobat adds AI-generated presentations and podcasts from PDFs

January 22, 2026, 11:18 AM EST. Adobe expands Acrobat Studio and PDF Spaces with four new genAI tools. Users can turn documents into presentations: Acrobat first creates an outline, then offers professional designs and tweaks without rebuilding slides. Collaboration gets easier as PDF Spaces allow invites and notes. Natural-language prompts enable about a dozen edits, from adding text and images to comments and e-signatures. The update also introduces podcast generation from a PDF Space, centering on two hosts discussing the material, echoing NotebookLM and Google's approach. Adobe says AI features are popular for saving time, with students drawn to AI-assisted summaries that include citations for fact checking.

iOS 26.3 release date eyed for late January with Android transfer, EU updates

January 22, 2026, 11:16 AM EST. Apple is targeting a late-January release for iOS 26.3, following a pattern of prior x.3 updates that land about a week after Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The release date is likely Monday, January 26, with a fallback later that week. The update is expected to be light on new features. Early beta builds list changes such as wallpaper adjustments, an independent Weather section, and a gallery of new Weather options. A new Android transfer setting, designed with Google, would ease moving from iPhone to Android. In the EU, users could enable notification forwarding for non-Apple Watch wearables and see additional compliance tweaks. Possible additions at launch could include a Black Unity wallpaper and end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging.

Musk trims expectations for Tesla AI ramps; 2026 start eyed for Cybercab, Optimus

January 22, 2026, 11:04 AM EST. Tesla CEO Elon Musk warned that early production of the Cybercab and the Optimus humanoid robot will likely run slower than investors expect. In a post on X, Musk said ramps slow when many parts and steps are new, a condition applying to both projects. Tesla has previously signaled Cybercab volume production could begin in 2026, with a potential April start at the Texas Gigafactory. Optimus is also seen in low-volume production in 2026, though Musk has suggested true mass production may not come until 2027 or later. Shares edged lower before earnings due January 28; analysts see meaningful revenue from these AI initiatives still years away.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Lite price drops to $280; AI tools and 7-year updates highlighted

January 22, 2026, 10:50 AM EST. Samsung's Galaxy Tab S10 Lite is down to about $280, boosting value in its budget tablet lineup. The device pairs a bright display with a 90Hz refresh rate and a capable Exynos 1380 chip, backed by 6GB RAM and 128GB storage. Storage can be expanded via microSD up to 2TB. An included S Pen enables sketching and notes on the go. Samsung also touts software optimized for the large screen and productivity features that go beyond basic Android. New AI tools are part of the experience, and Samsung promises seven years of updates, aiming to keep the tablet current longer than many peers. The cut sustains competition for value-focused buyers seeking performance, stylus support, and longevity.

BBC Verify flags AI-generated snow-drift video in Kamchatka as fake

January 22, 2026, 10:46 AM EST. BBC Verify debunked a viral clip from Kamchatka, Russia, that appears to show a huge snow drift between two high-rise blocks. The video, viewed about a million times on X, was not labeled as AI-generated. An in-house AI checker analyzed the footage frame-by-frame and flagged it as fake. Henk van Ess, an expert in using AI for investigative work, also ran the materials through his ImageWhisperer tool and labeled them fake. He warned the media faces a verification crisis when such scenes spread without disclosure, noting that today's snow footage can become tomorrow's fabricated disasters if not checked promptly. The episode underscores how easily AI-generated content can mislead audiences and the importance of clear labeling and rapid verification.

Samsung confirms Galaxy Watch Do Not Disturb bug after One UI 8; fix coming

January 22, 2026, 10:36 AM EST. Samsung has confirmed that Do Not Disturb on Galaxy Watches is broken after the One UI 8 update. The problem appears when DND is turned on from the watch's quick panel, and it turns off after a few seconds. It affects models from Galaxy Watch 4 to Galaxy Watch 8. Samsung says a sync failure between the watch and connected phone is to blame. As a workaround, users can enable DND via the watch's full Settings menu (Settings > Notifications > Do Not Disturb) or turn on DND from the connected phone's Quick Settings to sync properly. Samsung is developing a software update; keep the Galaxy Wearable app up to date.

Google DeepMind hires Hume AI CEO and engineers in licensing deal

January 22, 2026, 10:22 AM EST. WIRED reports Google DeepMind is hiring Hume AI CEO Alan Cowen and about seven engineers under a licensing deal. Financial terms are confidential; Hume AI will continue supplying its voice-emotion technology to other frontier AI labs. The arrangement signals that voice could become a primary AI interface, with emotion-detection in user speech guiding responses. Hume AI projects roughly $100 million in revenue for 2026 as it helps labs tune models for more capable voice helpers. Cowen, who holds a PhD in psychology, and the recruits will assist DeepMind in integrating voice and emotional intelligence into its frontier models, according to people familiar with the matter. The deal could sharpen Google's edge against OpenAI's ChatGPT and aligns with Gemini-powered Siri developments.

Physical cards endure as digital wallets expand, Thales executive says

January 22, 2026, 10:16 AM EST. Even as digital wallets expand, a Thales study shows physical cards remain central to everyday spending. Gustavo Menezes, senior VP of payments North America at Thales, notes that 53% of consumers prefer contactless payments in stores, and within that group, physical cards still lead. He says the preference reflects human behavior of tapping to pay, not a fault of technology. New activation methods let users activate cards by tapping them to their phones, seen as more secure and convenient. Beyond utility, the card functions as a personal badge and status symbol, influencing acquisition of premium cards where design and finish matter. Despite wallet innovation, cards remain the default payment credential for over 80% in-store in the U.S., offering trust and familiarity-and a dependable fallback for mobile wallet users. Issuers must focus on the full experience.

AI patients train medical students in UK hospitals

January 22, 2026, 10:02 AM EST. Medical students in Swindon are practicing conversations with AI-driven patients to improve communication and diagnosis. Dr Chris Jacobs at Merchiston Surgery uses a system called SimFlow to let students interact with life-like avatars at Great Western Hospital and through the University of Bristol and the University of Bath. The AI patients respond with realistic faces and voices, enabling repeated practice at home and in classrooms instead of relying only on actors. Jacobs says better communication can lead to more accurate information and happier patients, and may save the NHS money by reducing misdiagnoses. The program emphasizes evidence-based use of technology and ongoing evaluation of outcomes before wider adoption.

Nvidia could reach a $10 trillion market cap by 2030 as AI infrastructure expands

January 22, 2026, 9:56 AM EST. Nvidia has moved from a gaming-focused GPU maker to a full-stack platform spanning chips, software and networking gear. The company's GPUs power the current AI race, with hyperscalers like AWS, Azure and Google Cloud equipping data centers to train models. Partnerships with Anthropic, Groq, Palantir, Nokia and others deepen Nvidia's role along the AI value chain. Wall Street watchers highlight the shift from model training to inference, underscored by a $20 billion licensing deal with Groq and a collaboration with Intel on custom CPUs using Nvidia's NVLink. From $345 billion to about $4.5 trillion in market value in recent years, the story now centers on infrastructure spending that could push Nvidia toward a $10 trillion market cap by 2030.

Motorola smartwatch lineup struggles to find identity amid design inconsistencies

January 22, 2026, 9:50 AM EST. Motorola's smartwatch strategy remains tangled. After multiple releases and a reboot of the Moto 360, the company shows little sign of a clear identity. The latest Moto Watch looks clean and analog-like, with a rotating crown, Gorilla Glass 3, and IP68. Yet it risks being seen as a pretty face rather than a true competitor next to the Pixel Watch, Galaxy Watch, or Pebble Round 2. The lineup lacks continuity: the Moto Watch Fit was a square, Apple Watch clone, while other models felt like offshoots from different brands. Motorola abandoned its slot-based bands for universal 22mm options, then reverted. If it's not Wear OS, the lineup may struggle to gain traction.

Intel Emerges as Hidden Winner in Nvidia AI Chip Boom at TSMC

January 22, 2026, 9:46 AM EST. NVIDIA's AI-chip surge reshapes TSMC's customer mix, with NVIDIA reportedly dethroning Apple as TSMC's largest buyer. The shift threatens Apple's privileged access to manufacturing capacity and may lift prices as demand for advanced nodes climbs. In this environment, Intel could benefit by courting capacity-starved customers seeking alternatives to TSMC. Analysts have raised Intel stock on the possibility that Apple could adopt an Intel 18A-based process for some M-series chips, and explore a 14A path for future iPhone silicon. If Apple secures a major foundry relationship with Intel, the company's foundry business could gain decisively amid the AI boom.

Samsung TV Plus surpasses 100 million monthly active users, expands to 30 countries

January 22, 2026, 9:36 AM EST. Samsung TV Plus has surpassed 100 million monthly active users in 2026, a milestone that accompanies a 25% rise in viewing hours last year. The free service now offers more than 4,300 channels and is available in 30 countries across Samsung TVs, Galaxy phones, XR headsets, Galaxy Tabs, Smart Monitors and Family Hub devices. Retention is strong: about 92% of viewers continue watching after three months. The platform has staged live events and interactivity, including a Jonas Brothers concert where 13% of viewers voted. A CES 2026 lineup adds new TV series on Micro LED, Neo QLED, OLED, The Frame and The Frame Pro. Salek Brodsky, Senior VP & Head of Global Samsung TV Plus, called the MAU milestone extraordinary and said it reflects viewer trust. Source: Samsung Newsroom.

U.S. study to probe cellphone radiation health risks under HHS review

January 22, 2026, 9:28 AM EST. WASHINGTON – The Department of Health and Human Services is launching a study to determine whether electromagnetic radiation from cellphones could affect Americans' health. HHS says the work will identify knowledge gaps, including on new technologies, to ensure safety and efficacy, a move linked to a MAHA Commission strategy released last year. A 2018 NIH study found clear evidence that high exposure to radiofrequency radiation was linked to cancer in male rats, though animal exposure differed from typical human use. The study does not reassess RF used for Wi-Fi or 5G. The CTIA industry group says there is no credible evidence of harm, while the WHO and FCC note current limits and evidence do not prove health risks.

Samsung TV Plus hits 100 million monthly active users as 2026 expansion accelerates

January 22, 2026, 9:26 AM EST. Samsung TV Plus posted a milestone in 2026, surpassing 100 million monthly active users worldwide. The free service logged a 25% rise in viewing hours last year, signaling growing audience engagement. Viewership stability remains strong, with about 92% of viewers continuing to watch after three months, making it a reliable place for advertisers. The platform, available in 30 countries across Samsung TVs, Galaxy devices, XR headsets, tablets, Smart Monitors and Family Hub, now touts more than 4,300 channels. Samsung highlighted live events and interactivity, including a Jonas Brothers concert partnership where fans voted via remote. A 13% voting rate showed how TV Plus blends entertainment with participation. Salek Brodsky, SVP, called the milestone extraordinary.

Nvidia's Huang: AI boom to bring six-figure salaries for factory builders

January 22, 2026, 9:22 AM EST. At Davos, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said the AI build-out will create six-figure salaries for workers who construct chip factories, computer factories and AI facilities. He called it the largest infrastructure push in history, noting demand for plumbers, electricians, construction and network technicians, and other trades, with salaries nearly doubling. The remarks come as AI could displace some white-collar roles. Microsoft research from 2025 found blue-collar jobs are the least likely to be automated, including phlebotomists, painters and ship engineers. IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva warned AI is hitting the labor market like a tsunami. The Davos dialogue underscores valuing skilled trades as a hedge against disruption while automation spreads elsewhere.

Calacanis says Tesla cars will be forgotten; investors chase a $10 trillion AI opportunity

January 22, 2026, 9:20 AM EST. Tech investor Jason Calacanis argues that Tesla's next-gen AI push hinges on its humanoid robot, not its cars. In a recent interview, Calacanis suggested no one will remember the car era; they'll recall the Tesla Optimus robot, a view he said Elon Musk could turn into billions of units. With a direct line to Musk, Calacanis questions whether the carmaker's AI bets will outpace the wider AI opportunity worth roughly $10 trillion. He notes Optimus is designed to be a general-purpose worker, leveraging vision, neural networks and software to operate in real life. The debate spotlights a shift from autos to physical AI, as robots start touching everyday workflows, echoing how giants like Amazon embed robotics in logistics.

Nvidia's Huang says AI boom will create six-figure salaries for factory builders

January 22, 2026, 9:18 AM EST. At Davos, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang framed AI as a major public works program, saying the AI boom will spur 'six-figure salaries' for people building chip factories or AI factories. He called it the largest infrastructure build-out in history, noting growth in trades such as plumbers, electricians, construction workers, network technicians, and equipment installers. The praise sits alongside potential job losses from automation, with IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva calling AI a 'tsunami' for labor markets. Microsoft research, referencing 200,000 Bing Copilot conversations, found blue-collar roles-such as phlebotomists, painters, ship engineers-are least likely to be automated, suggesting safer employment prospects for hands-on work. Huang urged vocational training so that people can pursue these well-paid roles.

Sovereign AI elusive as nations pursue orchestration over isolation

January 22, 2026, 9:16 AM EST. Governments aim to pour about $1.3 trillion into AI infrastructure by 2030 to build sovereign AI, insisting nations should control their own capabilities. Funds target domestic data centers, locally trained models, independent supply chains, and national talent pipelines, in response to shocks from Covid-era disruptions, geopolitics, and the war in Ukraine. But sovereignty is elusive: AI supply chains remain global-chips designed in the US and built in East Asia; models trained on diverse datasets; deployments across many jurisdictions. The answer is not isolation but orchestration, balancing autonomy with partnership. A November Accenture survey shows 62% of European firms seeking sovereign AI, peaking in Denmark (80%) and Germany (72%). Singapore focuses on governance, identity, and applications; Israel leans on startups and military-adjacent research to wield outsized influence.

RansomHub claims breach at Luxshare, Apple supplier; data allegedly stolen

January 22, 2026, 9:14 AM EST. Ransomware group RansomHub claims Luxshare Precision Industry, a key Apple partner and maker of iPhone components and Vision Pro hardware, was breached. A post on the group's data-leak site claims attackers stole and encrypted confidential data. The note to Luxshare's management threatens disclosure if not contacted. Stolen items cited include 3D CAD product models, 3D engineering data, high-precision geometric data for Parasolid, 2D component drawings, engineering PDFs, and PCB design and manufacturing data. The group says data also covers Apple, Nvidia, LG, Geely, Tesla, and other clients. Cybernews says leaked packages seem to include confidential projects on device repair and shipping between Apple and Luxshare. Help Net Security has asked Luxshare for comment; no confirmation yet. RaaS operates by leasing ransomware infrastructure to affiliates.

Blue Origin to launch NS-38 with six space tourists from Texas on Jan. 22

January 22, 2026, 9:02 AM EST. Blue Origin aims to lift six space tourists aboard its New Shepard rocket for NS-38 from Launch Site One in West Texas on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. ET. The flight will reach about 60 miles up, providing a view of Earth and a moment of microgravity. A livestream will begin roughly 30 minutes before liftoff on Blue Origin's site and on X. One passenger withdrew due to illness; Dr. Laura Stiles, Blue Origin's Director of New Shepard Launch Operations, will join as the new sixth crew member. The flight marks New Shepard's 38th mission and 16th human spaceflight, continuing Bezos-era suborbital tourism.

Distance Technologies unveils Field Operator HUD AR system for military vehicles

January 22, 2026, 8:58 AM EST. Distance Technologies has unveiled the Field Operator HUD (FOH), an AI-enhanced AR system for military vehicles from light utility platforms to main battle tanks. FOH fuses the company's optics with AI-assisted data processing to boost situational awareness, reduce visual workload, and improve survivability. Field trials have been conducted with UK and Finnish forces, and FOH integrates command-and-control functions by fusing multiple sensor inputs, mirroring moves like Anduril's EagleEye. The system uses AI-driven sensor fusion and automated detection to present only critical information, combining thermal, night vision, and vehicle sensors into a single picture. A per-eye lightfield enables natural XR alignment with reality. NATO trials are planned for late Q1 2026, with broader deployment from 2027.

Alibaba plans IPO for AI chipmaker T-Head, Bloomberg reports

January 22, 2026, 8:54 AM EST. Alibaba plans an IPO for its AI chipmaking unit T-Head, Bloomberg News reported. The company is preparing to list after restructuring the unit as a business partly owned by employees, the report said, though timing remains unclear. Reuters could not verify the report, and Alibaba did not immediately comment. The process is at an early stage, with the potential valuation of the unit remaining unclear. T-Head Semiconductor, founded in 2018, is Alibaba Group's wholly owned unit developing processors-from data-center and artificial intelligence chips to Internet-of-Things products across the full chip design stack. In November, Alibaba launched a major upgrade to its AI chatbot with a consumer-facing app based on its Qwen large language model, accelerating the push to narrow the gap with domestic rivals in China's AI race.

Blue Origin unveils TeraWave fast-satellite network targeting enterprise customers

January 22, 2026, 8:48 AM EST. Blue Origin unveils TeraWave, a satellite network targeting enterprise, data centers, and governments with ultra-fast links delivering up to 6 terabits per second. The plan envisions 5,280 low-Earth orbit satellites using radio links at up to 144 Gbps, plus 128 medium-Earth orbit satellites with optical links offering 6 Tbps. First satellites expected to launch by end-2027; full operational timeline unclear. TeraWave adds a separate network layer to existing infrastructure where fiber is impractical, prioritizing symmetrical upload/download speeds, redundancy, and rapid scalability. TechCrunch notes Bezos' broader space ambitions; TeraWave is not direct competition to Leo, but complements it. Competing with Starlink, it targets commercial, governmental, and large-scale enterprise connections.

Apple's home hub may include a robotic swiveling base, sources say

January 22, 2026, 8:34 AM EST. Apple plans a spring release for a home hub with a robotic swiveling base, The Information's Wayne Ma reports. The device, described as a small-display speaker with a heavy emphasis on AI features, is said to be part of two versions-wall-mounted and a desktop/tabletop model-with a base reminiscent of a HomePod mini. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has described a tabletop robot path as a 2027 follow-up, featuring a 360-degree rotating display on a thin robotic arm and a visual personality. Apple has not detailed how the swiveling base would work, but insiders say sensors would determine which user is in the room. The launch could coincide with iOS 26.4 and an upgraded Siri; no final specs or date have been confirmed.

Apple mulls wearable AI pin; Anthropic widens Claude safety remit

January 22, 2026, 8:30 AM EST. Apple is reportedly developing a screenless wearable AI pin about the size of an AirTag, with cameras, a microphone and a speaker. The Information says it could arrive next year, joining a growing pin/badge category that includes Meta's AI-enabled glasses and OpenAI's expected gadget. Apple's earlier bets-VisionPro and its in-house LLM-led to mixed results and a reliance on Google Gemini for Siri. Separately, Anthropic is updating its Claude model to teach it why it should act ethically, not just what to do, signaling a pivot toward stronger AI safety arguments for enterprise customers and broader adoption. The moves sit amid a crowded race to infuse everyday devices with AI capabilities while balancing usability and trust.

Luxshare breach hits Apple supply chain; hackers claim access to CAD and PCB data

January 22, 2026, 8:26 AM EST. Luxshare, a key Apple supplier, suffered a December 15, 2025 ransomware attack that remains unconfirmed by Luxshare, Apple or other users of the contract assembler. Hackers calling themselves RansomHub say they've stolen files including production data, device repair timelines and personal data of project staff dating back to 2019, and are offering them on a dark web forum. The group claims access to a trove of file types, including .prt CAD models, Parasolid .x_t, DWG, DXF, PDFs with schematics and Gerber PCB data. AppleInsider cites insiders who say .prt files, used by Siemens NX to model each component, would reveal exact dimensions of screws, brackets and spacers. If genuine, the material could expose confidential designs for iPhone, iPad and Vision Pro hardware.

iOS 26.3 could enable RCS end-to-end encryption across Android, with iMessage upgrades

January 22, 2026, 8:24 AM EST. Apple's next iPhone update, iOS 26.3, is expected to roll out after a series of developer and public betas. The betas hint at cross-platform RCS messaging with E2EE for messages to Android, via RCS Universal Profile 3.0, while keeping existing iMessage privacy. Enhancements include inline replies, edit, unsend, and a new Tapback option. Apple notes updates could reach iPhones from 11 through the 17, though beta features may not all land in the final release. A public beta confirms the core RCS changes; additional data-transfer features to Android and EU-specific UI tweaks appear. The rollout timeline remains uncertain, with carriers responsible for implementing support.

Alibaba Plans IPO for T-Head AI-Chip Unit After Restructuring

January 22, 2026, 8:20 AM EST. Alibaba is preparing to list its T-Head AI-chip unit by restructuring it as a partly employee-owned business before pursuing an IPO. Timing and valuation are unclear, but investor appetite for AI accelerators remains strong, including competition with Nvidia. Rivals such as Moore Threads and Cambricon have drawn demand; Cambricon is valued around $80 billion in public markets. Alibaba's ADRs rose more than 5% in premarket trading. T-Head designs chips for computing and storage; shipments trail leading players like Huawei and Cambricon, but it has gained traction thanks to Alibaba's sustained investment. CEO Eddie Wu has pledged more than $53 billion toward infrastructure and AI. Separately, Alibaba has integrated Qwen, its consumer app, into AI services, aiming to build a one-stop personal assistant across Alibaba's offerings.

Galaxy S26 Ultra colors leak: six shades with two new hues

January 22, 2026, 8:16 AM EST. Leaks outline six colors for the Galaxy S26 Ultra-black, white, silver shadow, sky blue, cobalt violet, and pink gold. Two new hues, cobalt violet and pink gold, appear online-exclusive. Leaker Evan Blass posted the color lineup; another insider shared SIM tray images showing a physical SIM slot, suggesting a traditional SIM in at least some regions, though eSIM-only options remain possible in others. Samsung is sticking to safe tones, with no bold shades like the iPhone 17 Pro's Cosmic Orange. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to launch February 25, 2026, with a larger battery, 60W wired charging, and the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. Market availability is tipped for early March. The series seems poised to follow last year's color pattern, with minor tweaks.

Tesla Cybertruck sales slump in 2025 after 2024 peak

January 22, 2026, 8:14 AM EST. Tesla's Cybertruck sales cooled in 2025 after a 2024 peak, with Cox Automotive data showing a drop from roughly 39,000 units in 2024 to 20,200 in the past year. InsideEVs notes the model posted the largest absolute sales decline among US EVs in 2025, an 18,800-unit fall, following a surge in 2024 when it led America's electric pickup segment. The decline coincided with the expiration of the US tax credit on Sept. 30, and the first three quarters showed a 38% year-on-year lag. Rivals like Ford's F-150 Lightning were discontinued, and Ram shelved fully electric plans; GM and Rivian remained in niche BEV pickup space. Tesla, however, remained the leading US EV brand with about 590,000 deliveries and a 46% share last year. The company will report 2025 results on Jan. 28.

Big Tech earnings focus on AI spend, memory bottlenecks and tariff threats

January 22, 2026, 8:10 AM EST. Intel kicks off a wave of Big Tech results, with AI at the forefront of questions about monetization and how hyperscalers will sustain spending. Investors will also parse AMD and Intel PC-chip demand amid Windows 10 end-of-support. A global memory shortage clouds supply and outlooks. Apple is expected to show solid iPhone-driven growth in Q4. Nvidia faces questions about China exposure as it pursues AI-market re-entry. Trump's tariff threats persist, keeping EU-US trade risk alive even as earnings beat expectations. Amazon, Google, Meta and Microsoft remain among the biggest AI spenders, planning heavy capital expenditures to expand data centers into 2025 and beyond, underscoring a broader infrastructure push.

Palantir's Karp says AI will destroy humanities jobs, but vocational training may fill the gap

January 22, 2026, 8:06 AM EST. Palantir cofounder and CEO Alex Karp warned at Davos that artificial intelligence (AI) will destroy humanities jobs, urging graduates to diversify skills. He cited his own path-from elite liberal arts to law and philosophy-as an example of how surface credentials can lose value without marketable specialties. The remarks sit amid a wider debate: some economists say critical thinking and creativity will matter most as AI handles coding and research tasks; others argue there will be a premium on practical skills. BlackRock's Larry Fink and peers push varied views. BlackRock's COO said the firm still recruits from fields outside finance or tech, while McKinsey's Bob Sternfels says liberal arts majors can spur creativity in AI. Palantir backs vocational training through the Meritocracy Fellowship, testing aptitude and offering a path to employment, challenging conventional university hiring.

NVIDIA tops 2026 ranking of the world's most valuable tech giants; Apple and Microsoft follow

January 22, 2026, 8:00 AM EST. By early 2026, investors focus on firms building AI, chips, and cloud platforms. NVIDIA leads the world's most valuable tech companies, driven by data-center chips for AI workloads. Microsoft remains near the top with Azure and enterprise software, while Apple holds a strong hardware and services position. Alphabet (Google), Amazon, and Meta Platforms also rank high, reflecting competition in AI, cloud, and digital advertising. TSMC remains a critical link as the leading contract chip maker. The ranking, drawn from CompaniesMarketCap, shows quick shifts in leadership as hardware and software ecosystems converge. The list underscores how the tech landscape is reshaping investor expectations in 2026.

Blue Origin targets enterprise networks with multi-terabit satellite connectivity plan

January 22, 2026, 7:48 AM EST. Blue Origin's enterprise plan leans on a multi-terabit satellite system to serve remote and sensitive regions. Analysts say use cases include cloud-to-cloud links, data-center replication, and government or disaster-recovery workloads, favored by strict SLAs and deep carrier integration. Adoption will hinge on sector needs; banks and national security agencies may see it as a redundant path, while most firms would use it as a supplementary layer rather than a replacement for terrestrial links. Real-world capacity is total, not per-user: 6 Tbps via optical inter-satellite links and ground gateways. Latency sits between fiber and GEO; jitter, outages from handovers or weather can cause episodic packet loss.

Peter Thiel Sells Nvidia; Entire Portfolio Now in 3 AI Stocks: Tesla, Microsoft, Apple

January 22, 2026, 7:34 AM EST. Peter Thiel has exited Nvidia, leaving Thiel Macro fully invested in three AI stocks: Tesla 39%, Microsoft 34%, and Apple 27%. The fund reportedly beat the S&P 500 by about 16 percentage points over the past year. The piece explains how each holding leans into AI: Tesla emphasizes autonomous driving and the humanoid robot Optimus, using a vision-only FSD approach that minimizes sensors. Analysts note valuation challenges for Tesla, as revenue from robots or robotaxis remains largely in the future, with robotaxi and humanoid markets projected as potentially multitrillion-dollar. Microsoft relies on enterprise software and cloud, monetizing AI through Copilots, security, ERP, and BI, with Azure expanding market share and AI services. The tone is cautious on timing and valuation, but the AI thesis remains central to the trio.

Iridium relaunches D2D satellite connectivity with 2026 rollout

January 22, 2026, 7:32 AM EST. At CES 2026, Iridium relaunched its pitch for direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity, aiming to reach devices without special handsets. The plan hinges on a long-running LEO data-satellite constellation and a D2D service scheduled for 2026, leveraging 80 Iridium Next satellites. COO Suzanne McBride touted reliability and a proven track record. A breakthrough was securing 3GPP approval to add space-hosted NB-IoT to Release 19, expanding interoperability beyond proprietary hardware. Nordic Semiconductor will support the NTN Direct service in cellular chips, letting IoT vendors reuse existing networks. Partnerships with Syniverse and Deutsche Telekom open sales via mobile network operators (MNOs). GSMA Intelligence sees up to 2.5 billion satellite-addressable IoT devices, with about $10 billion in potential revenue.

Apple to turn Siri into ChatGPT-like AI chatbot, Bloomberg reports

January 22, 2026, 7:20 AM EST. Apple plans a major overhaul of Siri into an AI chatbot embedded in iPhone, iPad, and Mac, a shift Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says will come later this year. The update will replace the current Siri interface and let users interact by typing or speaking, mirroring ChatGPT-style chatbots from Google, OpenAI, and others. The move is separate from upcoming AI-powered personalization features. The chatbot reportedly runs on a custom Google Gemini AI model as part of a multiyear partnership. Codenamed Campos, Apple is expected to reveal it at WWDC in June and launch with iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 in September, with other updates focused on stability.

Arknights: Endfield debuts on PS5, PC and mobile with launch rewards

January 22, 2026, 7:18 AM EST. Arknights: Endfield is now available on PlayStation 5, PC via the official launcher and Epic Games Store, and mobile on iOS and Android. Publisher GRYPHLINE and developer Mountain Contour bring the IP into a 3D space with a new frontier, Talos-II, and the Automated Industrial Complex (AIC). Players command squads of up to four Operators in real-time combat and base-building across a sprawling world. Launch rewards include sign-in bonuses and milestones worth at least 135 pulls across banners. Co-founder Light Zhong says the 3D shift was a major milestone, aiming for a distinct experience rooted in factory automation. Arknights has surpassed 100 million downloads, and Endfield expands the IP beyond mobile into console and PC, with a new Endfield storyline and Zeroth Directive.

Nomad unveils Icy Blue Glow Stratos Band for Apple Watch Ultra with glow-in-the-dark accents

January 22, 2026, 7:12 AM EST. Nomad rolls out the Icy Blue Glow Stratos Band for Apple Watch Ultra, a limited-run mix of Grade 4 titanium hardware and compression-molded FKM fluoroelastomer. The outer links are titanium with a DLC finish; interior FKM links offer comfort and moisture ventilation. A photoluminescent interior imbues a subtle blue glow in low light. The band uses a custom magnetic clasp and includes a tool to adjust link count. It is compatible with Apple Watch Ultra (Series 1+) and older Series 1-11 and SE, fitting wrists ~130-200 mm. The fluoroelastomer is antimicrobial and easy to clean; the band is water-resistant and should dry completely after moisture exposure. Priced at $189, Nomad frames it as a premium playful accessory with rugged durability.

Samsung rolls January 2026 update to Galaxy S25, Z Fold/Flip devices in the US

January 22, 2026, 7:06 AM EST. Samsung is widening the rollout of its January 2026 software update in the United States, reaching the Galaxy S25 family and Z Fold/Flip models via Verizon. The rollout follows an initial beta phase for the S25 line and expands to other devices, citing enhanced security patches. Verizon's page notes the package delivers the most up-to-date Android security patches. Samsung says the update includes up to 55 improvements, with Exynos-powered phones receiving all patches, while non-Exynos devices omit Exynos-specific SVE items. Build identifiers include BYLR for S25, AZA1 for Fold 7/Flip 7, and CYL5 for Fold 6/Flip 6. To update, go to Settings > Software update > Check for system updates, then Download and Install.

Samsung's Galaxy S26 Mystery Box adds free accessories in preorder

January 22, 2026, 7:04 AM EST. Samsung-backed SammyGuru launches a prelaunch Mystery Box for the upcoming Galaxy S26 series, part of the SammyGuru Rewards program. Every preorder unit will ship with a bundled set of accessories-case, screen protector, desktop stand, cleaning kit, a 65W GaN charger, and USB-C wired earbuds-uniform across the S26 lineup. The offer, US-exclusive, carries no extra charge or shipping fee and requires buying from Samsung.com via a provided link. The program aims to recreate the premium unboxing experience once standard in US markets. Further details will be shared as launch nears; signups for the Mystery Box and SammyGuru newsletter are encouraged to receive alerts.

Upscale AI raises $200M to challenge Nvidia's NVSwitch in AI networking

January 22, 2026, 6:58 AM EST. Upscale AI announced a $200 million Series A to challenge Nvidia's dominance in rack-scale AI networking. The startup, founded last year with backers including Intel, AMD and Qualcomm, aims to rival Nvidia's NVSwitch chips used in NVL72 racks with its SkyHammer ASICs. CEO Barun Kar said the reimagined scale-up architecture focuses on AI workloads, with a memory semantic load-store network and acceleration for collective communication akin to Nvidia's Sharp. Upscale will offer standalone silicon and integrated switch blades, and will support UALink and ESUN protocols, plus extend support for the SONiC NOS. Backers include Tiger Global, Premji Invest and Xora Innovation. The funding accelerates hiring as the company targets first AI networking products later this year.

Artists launch campaign against AI training 'theft,' seek licensing and opt-out rights

January 22, 2026, 6:46 AM EST. About 800 artists, writers, actors and musicians signed on to the Human Artistry Campaign's 'Stealing Isn't Innovation' push, accusing AI firms of copying work without permission or payment. The signatories include George Saunders, Jodi Picoult, Cate Blanchett, Scarlett Johansson, R.E.M., Billy Corgan and The Roots. The campaign demands licensing agreements, a robust enforcement environment, and artists' right to opt out of having their work used to train models. Organizers say the industry is driven by competition for GenAI leadership and that unlicensed use threatens AI quality and American competitiveness. In parallel, major labels and publishers are negotiating licenses for AI remixing and content use; some outlets have signed deals to allow AI access to news, while others pursue blocking standards. The politics at the federal level remain unsettled.

Ohio cell phone ban takes effect Jan. 1, 2026 in schools

January 22, 2026, 6:44 AM EST. Starting January 1, 2026, Ohio's law bans students from using cell phones during the instructional day. Most districts began the 2025-2026 school year with restrictions, but the statewide ban now applies through all classrooms. Each district must include discipline actions for violations and allow exceptions for students with learning disabilities or medical conditions. Cleveland Metropolitan Schools folded a ban into 2024 negotiations with the teachers' union, which reports positive feedback: more face-to-face interaction and fewer discipline problems tied to recording peers.

AI demand may boost renewables, but fossil fuels remain a short-term crutch, analysts say

January 22, 2026, 6:42 AM EST. AI-driven data centers are lifting sentiment for renewables even as demand fluctuates. The sector faces a bottleneck: integrating variable power and expanding battery storage to keep the grid stable. Analysts say fossil fuels are a short-term crutch to power the roll-out, with the long-term path still aimed at a decarbonized grid. The IEA trimmed its 2025-2030 outlook, citing policy shifts and slower growth for renewables. Europe shows a 2024 share near 50% but needs major transmission upgrades and cheaper storage to unlock a bigger renewables build. If AI accelerates electrification, demand could loop back to support cleaner power.

Blue Origin launches TeraWave satellite internet to challenge Starlink, Leo

January 22, 2026, 6:40 AM EST. Blue Origin unveiled a satellite internet network called TeraWave aimed at enterprise, data-center and government customers. The plan calls for deploying 5,408 satellites in low Earth orbit and medium Earth orbit to deliver data speeds of up to 6 terabits per second. The company said it would begin deployment in the fourth quarter of 2027. The move places Blue Origin in a crowded field led by SpaceX's Starlink, which has more than 9,000 satellites and millions of customers, and Amazon's own Leo service, formerly Project Kuiper. Amazon has launched several satellites-about 180 since last year-with future deployments expected to be handled by Blue Origin, as part of a broader plan to build a 3,236-satellite constellation for commercial and government use.

Blue Origin unveils TeraWave satellite network offering up to 6 Tbps bidirectional internet for enterprises

January 22, 2026, 6:38 AM EST. Blue Origin announced its TeraWave satellite network, built for enterprise use and not consumer markets. The plan envisions a multi-orbit system with 5,408 optically connected satellites, mostly in low-Earth orbit, plus 128 in medium-Earth orbit. Ground customers would connect via wireless links, with LEO links delivering up to 144 Gbps and the MEO layer enabling up to 6 Tbps bidirectional connections. The target is tens of thousands of enterprise, data center, and government users, with a cap of about 100,000 customers and deployments slated to begin near the end of 2027. Blue Origin, led by Dave Limp, positions the service as a higher-grade alternative to consumer-focused rivals like Starlink and Leo. The company also eyes data centers and government buyers as potential customers.

Samsung phones slow due to default settings; disable animations and background activity to speed up

January 22, 2026, 6:36 AM EST. Samsung's phones still offer fast hardware, but many users notice stutters after weeks of use. The slowdown often comes from default settings that prioritize polish or battery life over speed. Two main culprits stand out: excessive animations, which add visual delay to taps and transitions; and aggressive background activity, where apps refresh data even when not in use. To reclaim responsiveness, users can reduce or disable animations under Accessibility → Visual Enhancements or in Developer Options. They can also curb background activity refresh for apps. Note that these tweaks trade a smoother look for faster feel, and may reduce the brand's polished transitions. No hardware upgrade required; just settings changes.

Anthropic refines AI-resistant take-home test to separate top engineers as models improve

January 22, 2026, 6:32 AM EST. Anthropic's Tristan Hume explains a take-home test that evaluates performance engineers by asking candidates to optimize code for a simulated accelerator. Since 2024, over 1,000 applicants have tried it; dozens joined Anthropic, including engineers who built the Trainium cluster. But Claude models improved-Opus 4 and 4.5-so the test no longer separated top humans from the strongest model under time limits. Hume iterated three times to preserve signal; when Opus 4.5 matched top human performance, he redesigned the test to expose AI-assisted weaknesses. Now the original take-home is an open challenge, inviting those who can beat Opus 4.5 given unlimited time. The aim: a robust filter as AI capabilities rise.

8849 Tank X rugged phone adds built-in 1080p projector

January 22, 2026, 6:24 AM EST. 8849 Tech's Tank X is a rugged 6.78-inch smartphone powered by a Dimensity 8200, with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage. It weighs 750 grams and 31.9mm thick for outdoor use. The model adds a built-in 1080p DLP projector with laser autofocus and a 68.1 Wh battery, plus 120W fast charging and 10W reverse charging. A 1200-lumen RGB camping light sits on the back. Connectivity covers 5G NR, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, GPS and NFC; it offers two nano SIM slots or nano SIM plus microSD, plus a 3.5mm jack and IR blaster. Camera setup includes a 50MP Sony IMX766 main, 64MP night vision, 8MP 3× tele, and a 50MP front cam. Availability February 1, 2026 on the 8849 Tech site. IP68 dust/water resistance.

KLM rolls out free WiFi on European flights

January 22, 2026, 6:22 AM EST. KLM began rolling out free WiFi on most European routes starting January 22, allowing passengers to email, browse, stream, or play games during flight. The initiative, phased across the fleet, will see half of the European planes equipped with the service this week, with full coverage planned on aircraft such as the A321neo, Embraer 195-E2, and portions of the B737-800 in coming years. Passengers log in or register as a Flying Blue member to access unlimited internet. The move follows customer feedback requesting internet access and aims to make travel within Europe more comfortable when the airline operates without in-seat entertainment screens. KLM has added 12 new A321neo aircraft since August, which include WiFi and modern seating.

KLM rolls out free WiFi on European flights

January 22, 2026, 6:18 AM EST. KLM on Monday began offering complimentary WiFi on European routes, with a phased rollout in place. Starting January 22, passengers can email, browse, listen to music, play games or stream content during flights. Half of the European fleet will be equipped with free internet as of Thursday, with WiFi to be installed on all A321neo, Embraer 195-E2 and a portion of B737-800 aircraft in coming years. The airline's European planes do not have in-seat screens; free internet is meant to boost comfort. After logging in or registering as a Flying Blue member, travelers enjoy unlimited internet during the flight. Stephanie Putzeist, head of customer experience, said the feature responds to passenger wishes and makes travel more personal and comfortable. Since August last year, KLM added 12 new A321neo aircraft serving European routes, equipped with WiFi and modern seats.

Blue Origin launches TeraWave satellite internet to rival Starlink and Leo

January 22, 2026, 6:14 AM EST. Blue Origin unveiled TeraWave, a satellite internet network for enterprise, data center and government customers. The constellation would comprise 5,408 satellites in low Earth orbit and medium Earth orbit, delivering speeds up to 6 terabits per second. Deployment is expected to begin in Q4 2027. The project broadens competition with SpaceX's Starlink and Amazon's Leo, which has already launched about 180 satellites. Blue Origin will handle several future deployments alongside Amazon's existing plan, while Starlink remains the dominant operator with thousands of satellites and millions of customers. Bezos has said Blue Origin aims to become a major business, though it remains primarily a rocket company. The network underscores Amazon's broader push into space-enabled services.

8849 Tank X: rugged phone with built-in 1080p projector and 17600 mAh battery

January 22, 2026, 6:10 AM EST. 8849 Tech's Tank X blends a rugged outdoor phone with a built-in projector. The device sports a 6.78-inch, 2460×1080, 120 Hz display, a MediaTek Dimensity 8200 chip, 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, in a chassis about 31.9 mm thick and 750 g heavy. It features a 1080p, 220-lumen DLP projector with laser autofocus, a 17600 mAh battery (68.1 Wh) and 120W fast charging, plus 10W reverse charging. A 1200-lumen RGB camping light sits on the back. Connectivity covers 5G NR, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC and GPS; it also includes a 3.5mm jack and IR blaster. Cameras: 50MP main, 64MP night vision, 8MP 3x tele and 50MP selfie. Availability starts February 1, 2026 on the 8849 Tech site. IP68 rating.

Anthropic refines AI-resistant take-home test to hire performance engineers

January 22, 2026, 5:54 AM EST. Anthropic's Tristan Hume explains how the company redesigned a take-home test to assess performance engineers under AI-assisted conditions. Since early 2024, candidates optimize code for a simulated accelerator; more than 1,000 complete it, with dozens joining the team. But each Claude model upgrade – Opus 4, then Opus 4.5 – has challenged the test, as the models began rivaling or matching top human performance within the same time limits. Humans still win with unlimited time, but the take-home's constraints erode that edge. Hume has iterated through three versions to preserve signal, testing different attack surfaces for AI resistance. He's releasing the original take-home as an open challenge to see if someone can beat Opus 4.5; the post notes the design goals and the need for more strong engineers through increasingly creative screening. Details at the bottom.

Apple Watch tip: Hold Find My Phone to make your iPhone flash

January 22, 2026, 5:38 AM EST. Tech reviewer says daily Apple Watch use hides a simple trick. After years of treating the Watch as a companion to the iPhone, they discover that holding the Find My Phone button makes the iPhone flash, helping locate it around the house. The action uses the side button and the Find My app's alert. For users with an iPhone 15 (or newer) and Apple Watch Series 9 (or later), the precision finding tool adds distance and location cues to narrow the search. The piece highlights how small refinements in familiar tools can save time and invites readers to share whether they knew this trick.

AI spending explodes; Broadcom stands to gain as hyperscalers shift to AI ASICs

January 22, 2026, 5:32 AM EST. Artificial-intelligence infrastructure spending is booming, shifting demand from Nvidia GPUs toward custom AI ASICs. Broadcom is a key supplier, helping customers design and manufacture chips at scale and expanding its role beyond Nvidia's dominance. Alphabet's TPU program has underpinned Broadcom's growth, with a reported $21 billion worth of TPUs slated for Anthropic this year as Google Cloud widens deployment. The company also lists OpenAI and Apple among its recent customers, while Citi analysts project AI revenue climbing from roughly $20 billion to $50 billion this year and beyond, potentially reaching $100 billion by fiscal 2027. VMware remains a steady contributor, and non-AI semiconductors could rebound. Even as Nvidia remains a benchmark, Broadcom's AI exposure makes it a focal point for investors.

Chinese banks join space race with satellite launches and rocket backing

January 22, 2026, 5:30 AM EST. Chinese lenders are expanding from financing satellites to placing satellites in orbit under their own names, moving beyond using satellite imagery as bought data. Beijing is pushing commercial aerospace as a new growth engine amid a slowing economy and rising tensions. China Merchants Bank launched a satellite on January 16 from Shandong – its third after launches in December 2024 and March 2025. Shanghai Pudong Development Bank also sent its first satellite into space on January 16. Ping An Bank began its program in August 2022, including its first earth-observation imaging satellite. With three lenders now in orbit, the sector links finance to aerospace infrastructure and data-driven risk assessment, aiming to sharpen market insight and product offerings.

Apple to roll out Apple Pay in India in phased plan, report says

January 22, 2026, 5:20 AM EST. Apple is pursuing a phased rollout of Apple Pay in India, after a Moneycontrol report citing sources familiar with the matter. The company is in talks with card networks including Mastercard and Visa, while pursuing regulatory approvals and commercial terms. If approvals and deals align, Apple aims to launch within the calendar year, beginning with card-based contactless payments and later potentially integrating with UPI, India's national payments interface, which would require a separate regulatory framework. The UPI path would differ from card-based systems and needs a distinct licensing process. The move arrives as Apple Pay faces growing competition in India's mobile-wallet market, with PYMNTS noting that gains for Apple Pay are occurring alongside rapid gains by rivals.

Taiwan advances second phase of quantum strategy with hybrid HPC-QC platform and global partnerships

January 22, 2026, 5:16 AM EST. Taiwan's government is moving its quantum technology program into a second phase, aiming to build a national, heterogeneous platform that blends high-performance computing (HPC) with quantum computing. Officials say the plan centers on a scalable architecture that hosts both classical and quantum workloads, enabling researchers to test algorithms on real hybrid systems. The move reflects a shift from pilots to an integrated national capability, with funding tied to partnerships among government labs, universities, and industry. Taiwan also signals a push to court global partnerships, collaborating with international peers to share standards, datasets, and security protocols as the technology matures. A timetable for deployment remains fluid, but officials say early pilots could begin within the next 12 to 24 months.

NVIDIA reportedly pauses RTX 50-series production for six months amid AI demand

January 22, 2026, 5:14 AM EST. Rumors from Moore's Law Is Dead claim NVIDIA will pause almost all RTX 50-series production for about six months to fulfill AI demand, spreading impacts to the DIY PC market. The report says the RTX 5060 and related models could see broad cuts, with both 8 GB and 16 GB variants affected, and the RTX 5050 less exposed due to older GDDR6 RAM. Suppliers expect a trickle of units later in 2026, with some sources signaling a roughly 30% price increase across the board and higher BOM costs. NVIDIA has not publicly confirmed production plans. If true, the scenario underscores tight supply chains amid surging AI workloads and chips demand.

Adobe Acrobat adds AI to turn PDFs into podcasts and presentations

January 22, 2026, 5:06 AM EST. Adobe adds generative AI features to Acrobat Studio, expanding the AI-powered workspace. The Generate Podcast produces podcast-style audio from documents, notes, or transcriptions, using Microsoft GPT for transcription and a Google voice model; Adobe says the tech stack may evolve as it tests options. The Generate Presentation feature, built with Adobe Express, creates pitch decks focused on key insights and can automate or let users edit designs. The update also enables chat-driven PDF editing-signatures, page or image changes, and text edits-via prompts. Adobe stresses these tools sit in Acrobat Studio, distinct from the basic PDF reader. The moves echo industry trends toward summarizing and repurposing documents in audio and visual formats.

Adobe Acrobat adds AI-powered podcasting and presentation tools in Acrobat Studio

January 22, 2026, 5:04 AM EST. Adobe has updated Acrobat with generative AI features in Acrobat Studio, enabling chat-based editing and automatic audio and visual summaries of documents. The Generate Podcast feature creates a podcast-style audio summary from notes, meeting transcriptions, reports and guides, using a Microsoft GPT model for transcription and a Google voice model. Adobe says it may switch models as it tests options. For visuals, the Generate Presentation tool taps into Adobe Express to produce presentation designs that can be automated or tweaked. Acrobat Studio users can also edit PDFs via natural-language prompts, adding signatures, removing pages or replacing text and images. The updates extend Acrobat Studio's AI capabilities, noted by the reporter. Report by Jess Weatherbed.

Hollywood launches anti-AI campaign as stars back call to curb training on copyrighted works

January 22, 2026, 5:02 AM EST. Celebrity-backed push, dubbed Stealing Isn't Innovation, launches with more than 700 supporters and a full-page NYT ad. The Human Artistry Campaign claims tech firms train generative AI on copyrighted works without permission, endangering artists' careers. Beyond Johansson, Cate Blanchett and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, signatories include directors, writers, musicians and authors, plus unions such as WGA, SAG-AFTRA, RIAA and NFL Players Association. The coalition urges licensing and lets creators opt out of AI training. Dr. Moiya McTier, senior advisor, says true innovation comes from human creativity; licensing offers a path to mutual benefit. Disney disclosed a three-year deal with OpenAI to license characters for Sora, the largest sanctioned license to date, underscoring how rare licensing remains.

Ubisoft Unveils Major Reset: Layoffs, Canceled Titles, Delays, and Return-to-Office Mandate

January 22, 2026, 4:56 AM EST. Ubisoft outlined a company-wide reset, signaling a move to a Creative House focused on open-world and live-service games. CEO Yves Guillemot said the Paris studio would selectively close several studios and pursue group restructurings to build a more focused, efficient and sustainable operation. The plan includes six canceled titles, among them a Prince of Persia adaptation, and seven further titles delayed to finish development. The firm will require staff to return to offices five days a week, reversing pandemic-era remote work. The video game market remains robust but shifts toward mobile; Ubisoft aims for about €200 million ($240 million) in cost savings, on top of roughly €500 million already saved since 2022.

Ubisoft unveils major reset with layoffs, canceled titles and return-to-office mandate

January 22, 2026, 4:54 AM EST. Ubisoft on Wednesday announced a company-wide reset that includes layoffs, the cancellation of six titles (including a Prince of Persia adaptation) and seven delayed projects, plus a tighter return-to-office mandate. Co-founder and CEO Yves Guillemot said the Paris-based publisher would selectively close studios and pursue group-wide restructurings to build a more focused, efficient and sustainable organization. The plan introduces a Creative House structure focused on open-world adventure and game-as-service-native experiences. The company did not specify headcount affected, but said a final round of cuts would target about €200 million in cost savings, adding to roughly €500 million saved since 2022. Ubisoft notes the video game market remains robust yet is shifting toward mobile, reshaping traditional tentpole development and capital intensity.

Xbox app lands on Arm-based Windows 11 PCs

January 22, 2026, 4:52 AM EST. Microsoft has released the Xbox app for all Arm-based Windows 11 PCs, extending a previous update to its Prism emulator that adds AVX and AVX2 support for translating x86/x64 apps. The move lets Arm users purchase, download and stream PC games, with Microsoft claiming more than 85% of the Game Pass catalog runs on Arm. Unlike SteamOS, Windows on Arm supports anti-cheat software such as Easy Anti-Cheat, expanding multiplayer access. The shift comes as Microsoft pushes Windows on Arm through its Copilot+ PC program and Snapdragon-powered hardware from Qualcomm. While past efforts focused on AMD-based PCs, the company hints an Arm-based Windows 11 handheld could arrive sooner rather than later.

Microsoft brings Xbox app to Arm-based Windows PCs

January 22, 2026, 4:48 AM EST. Microsoft has released the Xbox app for all Arm-based Windows 11 PCs, expanding access to PC games and streaming from Game Pass. The feature follows a December 2025 Prism emulator update that translates x86 and x64 apps to Arm and adds AVX and AVX2 support, boosting performance for games on Arm devices. Microsoft says more than 85 percent of the Game Pass catalog runs on Arm PCs. Unlike SteamOS, Windows on Arm supports anti-cheat software such as Epic's Easy Anti-Cheat, widening the online multiplayer library. The move comes as Microsoft pushes Arm in its Copilot+ PC program and Qualcomm-powered Snapdragon devices, fueling talk of an Arm-based Windows 11 handheld in the future.

OnePlus 15T leaks reveal screen, cameras, and charging specs

January 22, 2026, 4:46 AM EST. Digital Chat Station on Weibo says the OnePlus 15T will feature a 6.32-inch screen with 1.5K resolution and a dual rear camera setup of 50MP main and 50MP telephoto, plus a 16MP selfie sensor. There is no third rear camera, echoing the OnePlus 13T. The phone is tipped to run the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and pack a large battery, estimated around 7000-8000 mAh, with wireless charging. Weight is listed at 194g and colorways include Relaxing Matcha, Healing White Chocolate, and Pure Cocoa, with up to 16GB RAM and up to 1TB storage. Release is expected in March; details may evolve as rumors continue.

China Tightens Nvidia H200 Imports, Reshaping the AI Race

January 22, 2026, 4:44 AM EST. Beijing banned imports of Nvidia's H200 AI accelerator, a move Reuters says is vague but could preserve Beijing's leverage in Sino-US talks. The policy follows a pause on H200 imports and could curb Nvidia's sales while pushing China toward domestic chips, given Beijing's difficulty producing high-powered GPUs. The U.S. had approved some Nvidia sales to Chinese firms with caveats, including a roughly 25% cut for the U.S. government. Experts offer competing theories-from security concerns to bargaining tactics and a push for local chip development. The ban may reshape Nvidia's business model, China's AI programs, and America's AI-dependent economy. China could fill the gap with domestic production, gray/black market imports, or tech workarounds, as developers wrestle with limits on H200 purchases, allowed only under necessary or special circumstances.

China bans Nvidia H200 imports, signaling shift to domestic chips

January 22, 2026, 4:42 AM EST. Beijing has banned imports of Nvidia's H200 AI chip, a move that reshapes the global race to build frontier AI. The policy was first reported by The Information and later clarified by Reuters. It comes as China pauses H200 imports to favor domestic hardware, and as authorities weigh ways to curb foreign suppliers in a broader trade context. The H200, Nvidia's most advanced export chip, remains central to Beijing's AI ambitions, though the country has struggled to replicate it domestically. Analysts see motives ranging from boosting domestic chip production to potential security concerns and bargaining tactics in US-China talks. The development could affect Nvidia's business model, China's AI programs, and the trajectory of America's AI-driven growth, with Chinese developers likely seeking workarounds or domestic alternatives.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Privacy Display teased in One UI 8.5 Good Lock leaks

January 22, 2026, 4:40 AM EST. Samsung's website preview of One UI 8.5 includes updates to Good Lock modules – LockStar, QuickStar, HomeUp, Theme Park and GameBooster+ – adding new customization options. Notable: a screenshot appears to confirm a Galaxy S26 Ultra feature named Privacy Display, which uses a hardware off-angle privacy screen to obscure content. Samsung describes One UI as its Android skin and Good Lock as a separate customization suite; both aim to tailor the lock screen, quick settings and game controls. The Privacy Display is expected to be Ultra-exclusive. The Galaxy S26 lineup is due in late February.

Anthropic releases Claude constitution under CC0 to guide AI behavior

January 22, 2026, 4:36 AM EST. Anthropic has published Claude's constitution, a detailed framework outlining the values and behavior the AI should embody. The document, released under CC0 1.0 Deed, explains the context in which Claude operates and how it should balance honesty with compassion, and adhere to safety and compliance with guidelines. Officials say the constitution is a central component of training, shaping outputs and providing a transparent baseline for intended versus unintended behavior. It describes how the constitution informs synthetic data generation, scenario handling and decision-making. Anthropic emphasizes the constitution is the final authority, though training remains complex and outputs may diverge. The company argues that transparency will help users understand capabilities and limitations.

Anthropic releases Claude constitution under CC0 to guide AI values and behavior

January 22, 2026, 4:32 AM EST. Anthropic published Claude's constitution, a comprehensive guide to values and behavior for the AI model, under CC0 1.0 Deed. The document explains how Claude should act-being helpful, safe, ethical, and compliant with guidelines-and why transparency matters as the model trains. It describes how the constitution informs data used to train Claude, including synthetic conversations and response rankings, and how it may influence future versions. While Claude's outputs may not always reflect the ideals, the organization argues that making the intent explicit helps users understand intended versus unintended behavior and provides a basis for feedback.

Samsung leaks Galaxy S26 Ultra 'Privacy Display' as One UI 8.5 Good Lock updates surface

January 22, 2026, 4:30 AM EST. Samsung posted a broad set of Good Lock updates tied to One UI 8.5, including new options in LockStar, QuickStar, HomeUp, Theme Park and GameBooster+. Highlights let users customize unlock animations, edit Quick Settings panels, adjust landscape and panel size, and map a physical gamepad to touchscreen inputs. In a screenshot, Samsung inadvertently confirmed the Galaxy S26 Ultra's Privacy Display, a hardware-backed feature meant to hide screen content from off-angle viewers. The feature is expected to be exclusive to the Galaxy S26 Ultra and aligns with months of leaks. The Galaxy S26 series is slated for launch in late February.

Mario Kart World free update adds team-based Knockout Tour on Nintendo Switch 2

January 22, 2026, 4:28 AM EST. Nintendo Switch 2 owners get a free Mario Kart World update (version 1.5.0) adding a team-based Knockout Tour for local wireless and online play. Up to four teams can race together in 2-team (12v12), 3-team (8v8), or 4-team (6v6) formats among 24 drivers. Checkpoints eliminate racers, with points awarded by final placement-50 for 1st, 40 for 2nd, 35 for 3rd, 30 for 4th; the four drivers who fail the first checkpoint earn 1 point. Coordination matters; teams can be tracked by colors, and the winner is the team with the highest total. Spectator options include camera switching and broadcast comments. The update includes friend-list steps and a help page for updating.

Uganda's internet shutdown slashes incomes as online businesses stall

January 22, 2026, 4:18 AM EST. Uganda's government ordered a nationwide internet shutdown ahead of last week's elections, crippling mobile-money withdrawals and online commerce in Kampala. Vendors like Mirembe Tracy said commissions vanished as withdrawals were cut off, leaving her weekly income up to 450,000 Ugandan shillings. Small businesses, ride-hailing platforms, and sellers who rely on Instagram, WhatsApp, and other apps could not process orders or deliver. SafeBoda reported its servers offline, forcing riders off the road. Journalists and ordinary users found research and communication hampered; some households switched to television. The Communications Authority cited peace and stability aims, while opponents argued it masked fraud. The outage highlighted how digital tools underpin livelihoods and daily life in modern Uganda.

Uganda's internet shutdown slashes incomes as online life grinds to a halt

January 22, 2026, 4:12 AM EST. Uganda's government ordered a nationwide internet shutdown during last week's general election, disrupting mobile money and online commerce in Kampala. Mobile money agent Mirembe Tracy saw withdrawals cut off, wiping out weeks of income from commissions and forcing rent payments to falter. For two days around the vote, many stayed home; vendors could only sell prepaid airtime, which paid no commissions. The Communications Authority said the move aimed to preserve peace and curb misuse of platforms, while opponents accused it of masking voter fraud. Online businesses paused; SafeBoda's server went down, riders lost earnings; Namukwaya Olivia reported missing orders and deliveries. Journalists and others found smartphones reduced to unreliable tools until services returned.

OnePlus 15T leaks detail camera, screen and charging specs

January 22, 2026, 4:08 AM EST. Leaked details for the OnePlus 15T surface from Digital Chat Station on Weibo. The device is expected to feature a 6.32-inch screen with a reported 1.5K resolution, a 50MP main camera, a 50MP telephoto, and a 16MP selfie cam. There is no third rear camera, echoing the OnePlus 13T. Power may come from a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset with a rumored battery between 7,000 and 8,000 mAh and wireless charging. Weight is pegged at 194g, with colorways including Relaxing Matcha, Healing White Chocolate, and Pure Cocoa, and options up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage. Launch window cited as March; sensor or processing updates are possible.

iQOO 15 Ultra rumored to pack industry's largest active cooling fan

January 22, 2026, 3:58 AM EST. Unverified claims from Digital Chat Station on Weibo describe the upcoming iQOO 15 Ultra as housing what would be the biggest active cooling fan in a smartphone. The schematic reportedly shows a 17mm-diameter, 4mm-thick fan with air intake at the bottom of the camera island and an outlet on the frame's side. A large vapor chamber is said to work with the fan to sustain long gaming sessions without throttling. Rumored specs include a 7,800 mAh battery, a display identical to the iQOO 15, and a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC. The leaker suggests the cooling system could enable benchmark gains, but official confirmation is still pending.

iQOO 15 Ultra may house industry-leading active cooling fan, leaks suggest

January 22, 2026, 3:56 AM EST. The iQOO 15 Ultra is rumored to launch with the largest active cooling fan in a smartphone. Digital Chat Station on Weibo posted an image of a schematic showing the fan. The intake sits at the bottom of the camera island; the outlet is on the frame's side. The fan is said to measure 17mm in diameter and 4mm thick, claimed to be the biggest in the industry. A large vapor chamber works with the fan to sustain long gaming sessions without throttling. The device is also pegged to carry a 7,800 mAh battery, the same display as the iQOO 15, and the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC. Leaks suggest the cooling system could help it set benchmark records on release.

Hollywood anti-AI campaign urges licensing and opt-out for training data

January 22, 2026, 3:46 AM EST. Hollywood's anti-AI campaign, led by the Human Artistry Campaign, launches on Thursday to oppose training generative AI on copyrighted works without permission. The effort, named Stealing Isn't Innovation, gathers about 700 supporters, including stars such as Scarlett Johansson, Cate Blanchett and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, plus musicians and authors. The campaign calls for licensing of works and an opt-out for creators whose material could be used to train AI. It is backed by unions and industry groups, such as WGA, SAG-AFTRA and RIAA, and ran a full-page NYT ad. Dr. Moiya McTier, the campaign's senior advisor, says real innovation comes from collaboration and that licensing offers a path to mutual benefit. Disney previously signed a licensing deal with OpenAI for Sora; more studios remain cautious.

SpaceX to launch 25 Starlink satellites from Vandenberg, visible over Southern California

January 22, 2026, 3:36 AM EST. SpaceX plans to launch 25 Starlink satellites aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, targeting Wednesday for liftoff at 6:46 p.m. PT with possible delays due to weather or technical issues. The mission marks the 10th flight for the first-stage booster, which is expected to land on the Of Course I Still Love You drone ship in the Pacific after separation. The launch will be visible over Southern California skies, and SpaceX will webcast about five minutes before liftoff on SpaceX.com. SpaceX has carried out multiple Falcon 9 launches from Vandenberg as it expands the Starlink constellation delivering broadband service.

Apple's tie to TSMC weakens as Nvidia edges ahead, lifting chip costs

January 22, 2026, 3:32 AM EST. Apple's long-running tie to TSMC is under pressure as Nvidia rises to the top customer spot, according to Tim Culpan. Nvidia is a fabless designer-meaning it designs chips but outsources manufacturing-relying on TSMC for advanced nodes to power AI data centers. The shift could raise costs for Apple's iPhone, Mac and iPad processors and threaten access to the latest chips, including A-series and M-series lines. TSMC's capacity is increasingly crowded by AI workloads from rivals like Nvidia and AMD, leaving Apple vying for space. The Cupertino company historically won favorable pricing through scale; now analysts say it may need to bid more aggressively to preserve access to cutting-edge wafers.

Surveillance firms track smartphone users through advertising data, Le Monde reports

January 22, 2026, 3:30 AM EST. Le Monde reports that a niche of the advertising sector has grown into a tracking service for state security and law enforcement. About 15 firms, mostly based in Israel and founded by former intelligence or military personnel, offer advertising intelligence (Adint) services that promise to locate individuals with meter-level precision by pooling geolocation data from millions of phones. The raw material comes from ad marketplaces; data is resold by apps ranging from games to weather apps under apparently legitimate advertising purposes. For buyers, the service can translate scattered data points into movement patterns, raising concerns about privacy and oversight. The piece traces a decade-long arc from a 2017 tip about a geolocation tool to a mature, if controversial, industry that markets to intelligence agencies and others.

Blue Origin Reveals TeraWave LEO/MEO Constellation

January 22, 2026, 3:26 AM EST. Blue Origin on Wednesday unveiled TeraWave, a new LEO/MEO satellite constellation aimed at enterprise, data center, and government users. The plan calls for 5,280 LEO and 128 MEO satellites, all optically linked and capable of RF and optical connectivity in the Q/V-band, with speeds up to 144 Gbps on LEO links and up to 6 Tbps on MEO optical links. The company filed with the FCC, calling the system a logical progression into advanced communications infrastructure and noting potential competition with Amazon's Leo constellation. Ground infrastructure would include operations centers, gateway Earth stations, user terminals, and optical terminals. Blue Origin says the multi-orbit design enables ultra-high-throughput links to support high-demand workloads and mission-critical connectivity worldwide.

Leesburg police use AI to highlight suspect clothing in tobacco shop robbery

January 22, 2026, 3:22 AM EST. Leesburg, Va. police used artificial intelligence to sharpen a grainy surveillance image from a Market Street tobacco shop robbery, focusing on suspect clothing rather than the face. The department says the image crop excludes the suspect's face and that the enhanced render is not evidence in court; officers will rely on standard methods like door-to-door canvassing and footage review. The tweet noted the suspect wore a Ravens sweatshirt with a number five. Police say the AI tool, including ChatGPT, helped produce a clearer view of the clothing to prompt tips from the public. Investigators urge anyone with information to contact police. The department cautioned that the enhanced image is for identification and not a substitute for ongoing investigations.

China Becomes a Global EV Battery Hub as Firms Expand Overseas

January 22, 2026, 3:20 AM EST. China has moved from government-subsidized domestic electric vehicles (EV) output to building a global battery network. Firms such as BYD, CATL, Gotion High-Tech and Envision have built at least 68 factories abroad, part of a $45 billion push to cut logistics costs and broaden markets. Wired notes overseas batteries yield a 29% profit margin versus 23% at home. Rhodium Group's Armand Meyer says Chinese players are ready to win outside China and may outpace Western peers. The expansion faces scrutiny, as a CATL plant in Hungary prompted layoffs and environmental questions. EU tariffs talks could tilt the field; Canada is reopening to Chinese manufacturers. US sales appear unlikely soon, but the trend widens the global EV battery supply chain.

ARK Invest's Big Ideas 2026 sees Bitcoin at $800,000 and Nvidia faces growing competition

January 22, 2026, 3:12 AM EST. Cathie Wood's ARK Invest argues that Bitcoin is expanding into a broader market, with a potential market cap of about $28 trillion by 2030 and Bitcoin accounting for roughly 70% of that, implying a price near $800,000 per coin. The firm notes 2025 reshaped Bitcoin with smaller drawdowns, lower volatility and improved risk-adjusted returns, lifting it toward a perceived safe-haven role. ARK's baseline for cryptocurrency growth hinges on ongoing adoption, even as dollar-backed stablecoins rise. On Nvidia, ARK expects sustained AI infrastructure demand, but competition from AMD, Annapurna Labs, Google's TPU and others could pressure margins and encourage custom ASICs. Hyperscalers focus on total cost of ownership over raw performance, shaping the chip race.

Nvidia's N1X Arm PC chip may launch by Q1 2026, report says

January 22, 2026, 2:54 AM EST. Nvidia's long-awaited Arm-based PC chip, the N1X, may debut as early as the first quarter of 2026, per a Digitimes report picked up by Tom's Hardware. The note, citing shipping manifests, says notebooks running Windows on Arm (WoA), the Windows version for Arm-based PCs, will ship with the N1X in Q1, followed by three variants in Q2. A follow-on chip, codename N2, is planned for release in Q3. Nvidia has tied the N1X to its GB10 "Superchip" in the DGX Spark platform, but details on architecture and specs remain unclear. The article notes potential friction with software support, citing a need for a Windows on Arm build compatible with Nvidia's chip-akin to the current Windows on Snapdragon for Qualcomm's chips. Nvidia's latest cores may differ from Arm's standard designs, potentially affecting x86 emulation for existing PC games.

Fossil watches discounted up to 80% in Amazon Great Republic Day Sale

January 22, 2026, 2:52 AM EST. Amazon's Great Republic Day Sale offers Fossil watches at discounts reaching 80%, spanning analog models and Gen 6 smartwatches. The markdown covers stainless steel dials, polished straps, and designs that suit both minimalist office wear and casual everyday styling. Highlights include a classic black-dial steel watch, a blue-dial model with a durable stainless steel band, and a silver-dial women's piece with a soft grey strap. For tech enthusiasts, the Gen 6 smartwatch features fitness tracking, wellness metrics, and notifications, pairing Fossil design language with modern sensors. The sale runs for a limited time and ends in two days, with prices varying by retailer and stock availability.

Pokémon Go February 2026 Community Day: Date, Time, Spotlight Pokémon and Bonuses

January 22, 2026, 2:50 AM EST. Niantic's Pokémon Go Community Day for February 2026 runs Sunday, February 1, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. local time. The spotlight is Vulpix and Alolan Vulpix, with exclusive moves for their final evolutions and a slate of bonuses. Players will see Triple Catch XP, Double Catch Candy, and a higher chance of receiving XL Candy from catches for Trainers (level 31+). Lure Modules placed during the event extend to one hour, from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Local spawns will favor Vulpix forms at PokéStops with active Lures. The page also lists every previous Community Day and the special moves they offered, giving a rolling archive for collectors and raiders alike.

Blue Origin unveils TeraWave satellite network to rival Starlink and Leo

January 22, 2026, 2:48 AM EST. Blue Origin unveils a satellite internet venture called TeraWave, planning 5,400+ satellites to deliver global, low-latency data with speeds up to 6 terabits per second. The network targets data centres, businesses and governments, not consumer broadband, placing it alongside rival constellations from SpaceX's Starlink and Amazon's own Leo project. Starlink currently dominates the market with broader consumer services, while Leo has about 180 satellites and aims for 3,000+. Blue Origin expects first launches by end-2027. The announcement follows momentum for Bezos-linked space ventures, including a historic rocket booster landing and a high-profile crewed flight, though commentary on celebrity involvement sparked debate.

Tencent Cloud at Davos: Open ecosystems and model-agnostic AI to empower customers

January 22, 2026, 2:44 AM EST. At Davos, Tencent Cloud chief Dowson Tong says the real-world value of AI lies in open ecosystems that let customers choose from diverse, model-agnostic large models tailored to real-life needs. Tencent pursues a two-pronged strategy: develop its own capabilities while remaining open to global innovations, ensuring customers can pick the best model. Internally, Tencent tests this vision. Its AI coding assistant CodeBuddy is used by more than 12,000 engineers, cutting coding time by over 40% and generating about half of new code. The company is investing in its Hunyuan large model family, releasing 30+ models last year and highlighting MoE architecture in Hunyuan 2.0 with 406 billion total parameters. An open-source Hunyuan 3D model has more than 3 million downloads on Hugging Face, and Hunyuan powers over 900 Tencent business scenarios, including Weixin/WeChat and gaming.

Tesla ends free FSD transfer on March 31; how to qualify

January 22, 2026, 2:40 AM EST. Tesla says the free FSD transfer offer will end on March 31. In a post tied to an X update by influencer Sawyer Merritt, the automaker said customers must place a new vehicle order by March 31 to qualify for the free transfer. Deliveries can occur after the deadline and still count. Starting in April 2025, Tesla will allow customers who previously paid for FSD on an old vehicle to transfer the service to a new Tesla for free when upgrading. Separately, CEO Elon Musk signaled that FSD will move from an upfront $8,000 payment to a $99/month subscription. The move has spurred speculation about Musk's pay-package milestones, including a target of 10 million active FSD subscriptions.

Apple reportedly developing AI wearable pin to rival OpenAI hardware, report says

January 22, 2026, 2:38 AM EST. Apple is reportedly developing an AI wearable: a pin worn on clothing described as a thin, flat circular disc the size of an AirTag but slightly thicker. The Information says it would include two cameras (one standard, one wide-angle) and three microphones, a physical button, a speaker and a Fitbit-like charging strip on the back. The device could launch in 2027 with as many as 20 million units at release, in a bid to compete with OpenAI's expected hardware debut later this year. TechCrunch asked Apple for comment. The report notes a past parallel effort by Humane, whose AI pin failed after launch, underscoring market challenges for consumer AI wearables.

iOS 26 adoption lags as design and menu changes divide users

January 22, 2026, 2:34 AM EST. Adoption of iOS 26 trails other updates, data from StatCounter shows only 15.4% of iPhone users on iOS 26 in January 2026, well below last year's pace after iOS 18 (63% by the same point, per Cult of Mac). Users report ongoing issues after installation, including the Liquid Glass design that reduces readability due to semi-transparent elements and a blur when expanding UI elements; Apple has added options to reduce blur, but icon tinting remains controversial because it distorts app icons. Some users find the more streamlined menus slower to navigate, with examples like the Camera app's aspect-ratio control requiring sequential swipes rather than a single list. While some updates improve efficiency, the overall reception is mixed, contributing to slower upgrades.

Nvidia poised to soar in 2026 on AI infrastructure spending

January 22, 2026, 2:26 AM EST. Nvidia has posted three straight years of gains as demand for its AI chips drives the market. The company dominates as the supplier of GPUs powering critical AI tasks in data centers, a position enjoyed by cloud giants and new entrants alike. Earnings have grown, and investors have bid up the stock on AI leadership. The 2026 outlook rests on rising AI infrastructure spending, with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang forecasting a potential $4 trillion spend by decade's end. If data-center investment stays on pace and GPUs remain central, Nvidia could extend its rally. Valuations are lofty, underscoring a cautious tone about sustainability in a cycle rich with hype.

SDA awards first disposal contract to Starfish Space for deorbit of old satellites

January 22, 2026, 2:24 AM EST. Starfish Space won a $52.5 million contract from the Space Development Agency to provide disposal as a service for decommissioning satellites in low-Earth orbit. The plan centers on Starfish's Otter spacecraft docking with an SDA satellite, then pulling both to a lower altitude and letting the client deorbit; Otter can repeat the process multiple times-likely more than a handful, approaching about 10, per cofounder Trevor Bennett. The initial award covers at least one disposal, with options for more; the target is 2027 for launch. The move comes as orbital congestion grows and tens of thousands of satellites are planned, making traditional graveyard-orbit disposal less feasible and elevating the need to remove debris before natural decay.

Waymo under fire as Austin district cites continued illegal bus-pass incidents; Krafcik blasts Tesla safety; NHTSA probes

January 22, 2026, 2:18 AM EST. Waymo founder John Krafcik called Tesla's cameras-only Full Self-Driving approach 'myopic' as the safety debate over autonomous cars runs hotter. In Austin, Austin ISD says Waymo robotaxis continue to illegally pass stopped school buses, despite a November software update. The district cites at least five violations after that update and says it may pursue legal options, urging Waymo to suspend operations during school commute times. Waymo maintains updates were completed to address the issue. Separately, the NHTSA is reviewing a prior incident in Atlanta in which a Waymo vehicle passed a stopped bus. The incidents underscore ongoing questions about whether AVs meet safety promises in real-world conditions.

Snohomish County family sues Tesla, alleging public treated as 'guinea pigs' in self-driving tech

January 22, 2026, 2:16 AM EST. WOODINVILLE, Wash. – A Snohomish County family is suing Tesla after a crash involving autopilot technology killed their son, alleging the company misrepresented the capabilities of its self-driving cars. Nearly two years after Jeffrey Nissen Jr.'s death, the family says the company treated the public as guinea pigs by deploying inadequately tested self-driving cars on public roads. Investigators say the April 2024 crash along Highway 522 near Woodinville occurred when a Tesla in autopilot mode struck and killed the 28-year-old, who was riding a motorcycle. The lawsuit cites the NHTSA's tally of more than 8,000 incidents and notes a prior Florida jury verdict awarding $240 million to a family in an autopilot fatality case. The Nissen family seeks removal of the cars until they are 100% reliable.

SpaceX Falcon 9 set for sunset liftoff from Vandenberg with 25 Starlink satellites

January 22, 2026, 2:14 AM EST. SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket to lift off from Vandenberg Space Force Base on the Santa Barbara County coast, carrying 25 Starlink internet satellites into low-Earth orbit. The launch window runs 6:43 p.m. to 10:43 p.m. Pacific Time and is weather dependent. The first stage is expected to land on the droneship Of Course I Still Love You in the Pacific after separation. Residents in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties may hear one or more sonic booms. If visibility is favorable, the satellites may appear in a train shortly after sunset or before sunrise as they reflect sunlight. Use the FindStarlink tracker to spot upcoming passes.

Hallucinated citations flagged at NeurIPS as GPTZero probes AI-generated references

January 22, 2026, 1:58 AM EST. GPTZero examined 4,841 NeurIPS papers and found 100 hallucinated citations across 51 papers, which the startup says are fake. TechCrunch reported the numbers; NeurIPS told Fortune the core research remains valid even if a small fraction has incorrect references. The exercise is not statistically significant: with dozens of citations per paper, 100 fake items out of tens of thousands is effectively zero. Nevertheless, a fake citation undercuts the value of scholarly references and tests the assumption that peer review catches such errors. GPTZero says this shows how a surge in submissions can stress review pipelines, a concern echoed by a 2025 paper on the AI conference peer-review crisis. The broader takeaway: if leading researchers can misattribute sources via AI, what does this mean for broader LLM usage in research?

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

January 22, 2026, 1:50 AM EST. Washington set 25% tariffs on Nvidia and AMD products sold in China, a move officials said will cut into the two chipmakers' Chinese sales. The administration framed the tariffs as part of a broader effort to curb China's access to advanced semiconductors and related technologies. Nvidia and AMD have diversified revenue, but China remains a key market. The levy could raise costs for Chinese customers and invite retaliation, complicating supply chains for U.S.-listed chipmakers. No immediate comments from Nvidia or AMD were available. The policy widens the scope of U.S.-China tech frictions ahead of looming trade talks.

XAI engineer exits after podcast revelations about permits, data centers and AI agents

January 22, 2026, 1:44 AM EST. An engineer at Elon Musk's xAI left the company days after appearing on the Relentless podcast, where he described how the startup pursued temporary leases and "modify this ground temporarily" permits to build its Colossus data center in Memphis. Ghori said the land lease was technically short-term to speed permitting, a claim that aligns with earlier reports about methane turbines and disputed permits. He also described heavy use of AI agents in development, saying a single person now coordinates work across about 20 agents and warning that virtual staff can create confusion on reporting lines. The departure fuels questions about xAI's governance as observers note a broader context, including a cut in access to external AI models used for productivity.

IBM study finds quantum computing inevitable by 2030, but enterprises are unprepared

January 22, 2026, 1:36 AM EST. IBM's The Enterprise in 2030 study finds quantum computing is destined to reshape industry by decade's end, but a readiness gap leaves many firms unprepared. The survey of more than 2,000 senior executives across 33 geographies and 23 industries in late 2025 shows 59% expect quantum-enabled AI to transform their sector by 2030, yet only 27% anticipate any quantum computing use by that time. IBM calls this a strategic miscalculation, not a timing issue, warning that companies focused on AI risk missing a broader shift in computation. Quantum will be a complement to classical systems, embedded in hybrid workflows for problems like optimization, simulation and probabilistic analysis. Early use cases appear in drug discovery and financial optimization. Dr. Thomas Eckl of Bosch stresses that quantum must integrate with AI and classical compute in evolving workflows.

IBM study warns quantum computing inevitable, but enterprise readiness lags

January 22, 2026, 1:34 AM EST. IBM's Enterprise in 2030 study draws on more than 2,000 C-suite interviews across 33 geographies and 23 industries in late 2025. It finds quantum computing will reshape industry by 2030, but a readiness gap exists: 59% expect quantum-enabled AI to transform their sector, yet only 27% anticipate using quantum computing in any capacity. IBM labels this a strategic miscalculation, not a timing issue, warning that firms focused only on AI risk missing a broader shift in computation. Quantum will work as a complement to classical systems within hybrid workflows, targeting problems like optimization, simulation, and probabilistic analysis. The study calls quantum the fifth major force shaping the enterprise by 2030, with indirect, early impact and notable readiness challenges.

Engineer at Elon Musk's xAI departs after podcast revelations on permits and AI workers

January 22, 2026, 1:30 AM EST. Sulaiman Ghori, an engineer at Elon Musk's xAI, left the company days after appearing on the Relentless podcast, where he described internal and regulatory questions surrounding Colossus, the Memphis data center. He suggested xAI used temporary leases to speed permitting and build infrastructure, and that authorities allowed ground modifications typically used for events like carnivals. Colossus drew controversy for relying on at least 35 methane gas turbines the company reportedly lacked permits to operate; the EPA under the Trump administration deemed the turbines illegal and linked to air pollution. Ghori also described a heavy reliance on AI agents to rewrite core production APIs-"one person with like 20 agents"-which can cause confusion. The interview arrives amid reports that Anthropic cut xAI's access to Claude, hurting productivity.

Samsung Galaxy S26 leaks reveal color options and price points

January 22, 2026, 1:28 AM EST. Samsung's next flagship is again the target of leaks. A pair of reports outline the Galaxy S26's color options and price points. Prominent leaker Evan Blass posted on X a list of colors: Black, White, Silver, Shadow, Sky Blue, Cobalt Violet, Pink, and Gold. The palette sticks to classic tones and lacks the bold hue Apple used recently. A separate leak hints at pricing for the lineup, though Samsung has yet to confirm any details. The story draws on Mashable reporting and timing around an expected early 2026 launch.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leaks sharpen on release date, Qi2 charging and Privacy Display

January 22, 2026, 1:26 AM EST. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leaks intensify as the launch nears, spanning color options, a Qi2-ready battery pack and a rumored Privacy Display. Six hues are aired: Black, White, Silver, Shadow, Sky Blue and Cobalt Violet, with images calling out a possible hero color. A German report describes a Samsung-branded 5000 mAh pack with a magnetic Qi2 charging ring, offering up to 15W wireless and 20W wired power and a built-in kickstand; price around €59.90 (~$70). Separately, the Privacy Display is expected to arrive with One UI 8.5, darkening the screen to deter side-snooping, per beta observations. The feature hinges on Samsung's new Flex Magic Pixel OLED panel. Samsung had signaled Qi2 support for 2025.

Samsung Galaxy S26 leaks reveal colors and prices

January 22, 2026, 1:24 AM EST. Samsung's next flagship, the Galaxy S26, is taking shape as leaks point to color options and price points. Prominent leaker Evan Blass posted on X a list of colors: Black, White, Silver Shadow, Sky Blue, Cobalt Violet, Pink Gold. The palette skirts bold hues; there's no orange-like shade seen with Apple's recent iPhone. A separate report also mentions price points for the lineup, though specifics weren't disclosed. The disclosures arrive ahead of Samsung's official reveal, underscoring how consumer expectations and a crowded market are guiding the S26's positioning. Mashable's Alex Perry notes the reporting highlights how color and pricing leaks can influence pre-launch interest.

3 AI Stocks to Buy and Hold for the Next Decade

January 22, 2026, 1:22 AM EST. AI stocks could extend gains for a decade, the article argues. Nvidia is described as the leading AI infrastructure provider, anchored by its CUDA software platform, NVLink interconnects, and its GPUs, CPUs, and DPUs that enable turnkey AI supercomputers. The stock trades at a forward P/E of about 24.5 and a PEG under 0.7, with sustained data-center demand underpinning the moat. Alphabet is framed as a vertical AI winner with its own Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) and the Gemini model, integrated across Google Search and Google Cloud via Vertex AI. Its fiber network and ongoing deals, including Wiz and Intersect, aim to bolster AI software and data-center capabilities, addressing energy bottlenecks.

Three AI stocks to buy and hold for the next decade

January 22, 2026, 1:20 AM EST. Three AI stocks to buy and hold for the next decade. Nvidia leads AI infrastructure, anchored by CUDA software and NVLink to fuse GPUs into a single system, with turnkey AI supercomputers and robust data-center demand. At a valuation, the stock trades around a forward P/E of 24.5 and a PEG under 0.7. Alphabet offers a vertical integration edge with TPUs powering Gemini and Google Cloud workloads, plus Vertex AI, a fiber network, and deals like Wiz and Intersect aimed at data-center energy and security. The thesis: persistent demand for AI tooling and infrastructure could keep these names as long-term winners over the next ten years.

Apple to revamp Siri into built-in AI chatbot Campos, Bloomberg reports

January 22, 2026, 1:18 AM EST. Apple plans to rebuild Siri as an embedded AI chatbot later this year, Bloomberg News reported. The project, code-named Campos, would be integrated across iPhone, iPad and Mac and would replace the current Siri interface. The revamp is part of Apple's bid to close the gap with rivals in AI after the 2024 Apple Intelligence rollout drew muted interest. The report says Campos will run a higher-end version of Google's Gemini models, powering Siri via a deal with Google, and operate as Apple Foundation Models version 11 internally. It will offer both voice and typing modes and is set to be a core feature in upcoming operating systems. Separately, The Information reported Apple is pursuing an AI-powered wearable pin with cameras; release possible in 2027.

Massive Galaxy S26 Ultra rumors surface: release date, Qi2 charging and Privacy Display

January 22, 2026, 1:12 AM EST. A wave of Galaxy S26 Ultra rumors swirled after a flurry of leaks this week. Leakers outline six color options-Black, White, Silver Shadow, Sky Blue, Cobalt Violet and Pink Gold-and say Samsung will feature hero colors in promotions. A WinFuture report details a Qi2 wireless charging pack with a magnetic ring, 5,000 mAh capacity, up to 15W wireless and up to 20W wired charging, and a built-in kickstand; price cited around €59.90. Samsung has previously signaled Qi2 readiness in existing accessories and, in early 2025, public confirmation of Qi2 support. Separately, the rumored Privacy Display will arrive with One UI 8.5, darkening the screen to deter side-glance snooping; a new Flex Magic Pixel OLED panel is tied to the feature.

Tesla Cybertruck sales plunge nearly 50% in 2025 as EV demand cools

January 22, 2026, 1:10 AM EST. Tesla's Cybertruck sales fell 48.1% in 2025 to 20,237 units, from 38,965 in 2024, per Cox Automotive data released Jan. 13. The broader U.S. EV market softened, with 1,275,714 electric cars sold in 2025 (about 8% of total U.S. auto sales) and a 2% year-over-year decline from 2024. Tesla's U.S. car deliveries totaled 589,160 in 2025, down 7% from 633,762 in 2024. Analysts point to near-term policy shifts, including the expiration of the $7,500 EV tax credit, and to the political dynamics around Elon Musk. A Yale University study estimates Musk's partisan effect reduced Tesla demand by 1-1.26 million vehicles between Oct 2022 and Apr 2025, while boosting other automakers' EV sales by 17-22%. Stephanie Valdez Streaty of Cox Automotive was quoted.

Amazon trims price on unlocked Galaxy Z Fold 7 by about $492; up to $1,000 with trade-ins

January 22, 2026, 1:08 AM EST. Amazon is cutting the price of the unlocked 512GB Galaxy Z Fold 7 by roughly $492, lowering the Jetblack model to $1,628.12 shipped. The mid-tier variant remains discounted from the $2,120 list price. Other colors, Blue Shadow and Silver Shadow, sit at about $1,769.99. Samsung's site shows all colors with $350 off, while the Jetblack option is cheaper at Amazon. Some buyers and IP addresses report as much as $600 in savings on select configurations, though that bonus is limited. For those who want to trade in, Samsung's site offers up to $1,000 in savings when flipping newer devices. Unlocked means usable with multiple carriers; trade-in turns old devices into credit.

Apple edges Samsung to top global smartphone shipments, Counterpoint says

January 22, 2026, 1:06 AM EST. Apple has overtaken Samsung to lead global smartphone shipments for the first time in years, according to Counterpoint Research. In full-year data, Apple captured about 20% of global phone shipments, while Samsung held around 19%. The gap is narrow, but analysts say the shift could signal a sustained recovery for Apple as it expands into the mid-range with lower-priced models. iPhone 17 helped drive the fourth quarter, delivering about 10% year-on-year growth versus Samsung's 5%. Counterpoint notes early demand in emerging markets like India and Southeast Asia, aided by tariff fears that spurred early replacements. Samsung still shipped more devices overall in 2025 than the prior year, but the top spot changed hands.

NVIDIA readies first consumer PC chips to challenge AMD and Intel

January 22, 2026, 1:04 AM EST. NVIDIA plans to bring its first consumer PC CPUs to market with N1 and N1X, challenging AMD and Intel. Digitimes says Windows devices using N1[X] will launch this quarter, by March. The N1X is reportedly based on the GB10 Superchip used in NVIDIA's DGX Spark workstation, pairing a 10+10 Arm CPU with 48 Blackwell shader modules for 6144 CUDA cores. Integrated graphics are limited by a 256-bit LPDDR5X memory bus, so gaming power trails a GeForce discrete GPU. HP's ZBook Ultra G1a resembles the concept. The N1X will use Arm cores and the same Windows version as Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite PCs, via a translation layer. Compatibility has improved since earlier Copilot+ PCs, but questions remain about performance and software support.

AI in retail accelerates as Nvidia calls for openness to scale

January 22, 2026, 12:52 AM EST. At NRF, Nvidia unveiled a trends report showing AI in retail shifting from pilots to execution. The survey of global leaders finds 58% actively deploying AI, up 16 points year over year; 91% are engaged, and 89% report AI-driven revenue growth, while 95% say AI reduced costs. Nearly all expect budgets to rise, with 92% planning higher AI spend next year. Use cases span consumer touchpoints and back office; e-commerce and marketing/advertising AI use rose from 57% to 61%. A key trend is agentic AI, with 47% using or evaluating it to boost speed, personalization and real-time decision-making. Nvidia frames openness as a scale lever, stressing interoperability across clouds and data centers and optimization of inference for open-source models.

Tesla Cybertruck sales plunge 48% in 2025, Cox Automotive data show

January 22, 2026, 12:32 AM EST. Tesla's Cybertruck sales declined nearly 50% in 2025, according to Cox Automotive. The automaker moved 20,237 Cybertrucks in 2025, down from 38,965 in 2024. Overall U.S. EV sales also fell, with 1,275,714 electric cars sold in 2025, about 8% of total U.S. auto volume, but down 2% from 2024. The drop coincided with policy shifts that ended the $7,500 federal tax credit for EV buyers. Analysts say CEO Elon Musk's political stances contributed to slower demand; a Yale study estimates a 'Musk partisan effect' reduced Tesla deliveries by up to 1.26 million between Oct 2022 and Apr 2025. Tesla cited near-term policy uncertainty in a Q3 investor presentation. The company did not immediately comment.

iOS 26.3 Beta 2: Incremental Tweaks in a Large Update

January 22, 2026, 12:26 AM EST. iOS 26.3 beta 2 has arrived with a lukewarm reception. Apple fixes some bugs and smooths performance, but it adds no major features. The update's file size is surprisingly variable, with reports ranging up to 12 GB across devices, a transparency gap Apple has not explained. New features are incremental: iPhone-to-Android data transfer is streamlined, lock screen customization gains separated weather and astronomy wallpapers, and notification forwarding removal is controversial. In beta 2, one feature from beta 1 was pulled. Performance remains steady but not transformative; minor bugs linger in keyboard and settings. Battery life shows little change. Apple's messaging around the size and changes remains guarded.

Samsung updates Good Guardians and modules with One UI 8.5 support

January 22, 2026, 12:24 AM EST. Samsung has updated its suite of Android apps to support One UI 8.5. After rolling out the One UI 8.5 beta (Android 16 QPR2) to the Galaxy S25 series, the company pushed compatibility updates to Good Guardians and its three modules – Battery Guardian, Memory Guardian, and Thermal Guardian. The new versions are 8.5.09 for Good Guardians and 8.5.17 for Battery Guardian and Memory Guardian, with Thermal Guardian at 8.5.09. The updates allow use on Galaxy devices running One UI 8.5 without issues. Users can update via the Galaxy Store by opening the menu (three lines), selecting Updates, then tapping Update all. Samsung is expected to release a stable One UI 8.5 for eligible devices soon after the Galaxy S26 launch.

Artemis II rocket arrives at launch pad for crewed Moon mission

January 22, 2026, 12:22 AM EST. NASA's Space Launch System and the Orion spacecraft have been moved to the launch pad at Cape Canaveral for Artemis II, the first crewed Moon mission since Apollo 17. The 322-foot rocket will travel by crawler over a 4-mile route, arriving at Launch Pad 39B after a roughly 12-hour journey. A wet dress rehearsal will occur no later than February 2, 2026, ahead of launch as early as February 6, 2026, with later targets in March or April. The crew comprises Americans Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Jeremy Hansen. Artemis II will orbit Earth, then perform a translunar injection toward the Moon to test life-support and other systems before Artemis III, expected around 2028, which will aim to land astronauts on the Moon.

Ubisoft cancels Prince of Persia remake as it reorganizes into five Creative Houses

January 22, 2026, 12:20 AM EST. Ubisoft is restructuring to focus on five Creative Houses and big open worlds and live-service games. The changes, effective in April, include canceling six titles, among them the much-criticized remake of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. Ubisoft says the project had potential but required more time and investment than could be responsibly committed, and it will continue to treat the Prince of Persia universe as important. The company also plans accelerated investment in player-facing Generative AI and is shifting resources to four other catalogues focused on shooters, immersive fantasy, and casual experiences. Ubisoft did not disclose the full list of canceled titles, including several unannounced projects, but says six games are scrapped while seven are delayed. The reorg consolidates studios under a new HQ, with operations reshaped around five creative groups.

Apple plans Siri AI chatbot ahead of WWDC, report says

January 22, 2026, 12:18 AM EST. Apple plans to turn Siri into a chatbot, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports. The Siri chatbot, internally codenamed Campos, would handle both voice and text inputs and debut with iOS 27, potentially taking center stage at June's WWDC. The move marks a shift from Craig Federighi's earlier stance that Siri should remain an integrated assistant rather than a chatbot, amid pressure from rival AI chatbots. Apple has faced AI delays and has tested competitors such as OpenAI and Anthropic, ultimately partnering with Google's Gemini. The report notes the company views the shift as a way to close the AI gap, even as OpenAI contemplates hardware plans led by Jony Ive. Bloomberg sources caution product timelines may shift.

SpaceX Falcon 9 launch may be visible in Phoenix around 7:45 p.m.

January 22, 2026, 12:16 AM EST. Phoenix residents may glimpse a Falcon 9 rocket tonight, lifting from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California around 7:45 p.m. Arizona time. The flight should be visible to the southeast from the Valley, with a bright balloon-shaped contrail trailing behind the rocket. Viewers can watch live on X, SpaceX's platform. The rocket is a reusable launcher, valued at about $69.75 million per launch, aiming to deploy 27 Starlink satellites to low Earth orbit. Starlink provides satellite internet to airlines and cruise lines and has supported connectivity during disasters. Times can shift due to weather; check SpaceX for updates.

AggieSat6 aims for 2026 launch from Vandenberg to boost space situational awareness

January 22, 2026, 12:14 AM EST. Texas A&M's Munnerlyn Astronomical Instrumentation Lab is fielding AggieSat6, a 6U CubeSat designed to improve space situational awareness with radio-frequency sensing. Built entirely by students under the AggieSat Lab in the University Nanosatellite Program (UNP), AGS6 is slated to launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base by spring 2026, alongside a satellite from Aegis Aerospace Inc. It features five antennas arranged as a star and on-board processing to compute azimuth, elevation and position, reducing tracking time compared with traditional ground-based sweeps. The mission aims to locate non-cooperative satellites, including from the Iridium constellation, and could eventually lessen reliance on ground stations. The project blends student initiative with research aims, and leaders describe the launch as turning a long-held dream into reality.

Broadcom Poised to Benefit as AI Infrastructure Spending Surges

January 22, 2026, 12:12 AM EST. Broadcom is positioned to benefit from surging AI infrastructure spending. Nvidia GPUs still dominate, but hyperscalers are increasingly turning to custom AI ASICs, and Broadcom supplies the building blocks and IP to bring those designs to life. The company previously helped Alphabet's TPUs and is slated to deliver about $21 billion worth of TPUs to Anthropic this year via Google Cloud deployment. Early customers include Meta, ByteDance, and OpenAI, underscoring Broadcom's central role in the AI-chip ecosystem. Citi analysts see AI revenue rising from roughly $20 billion last year to more than $100 billion by fiscal 2027, with VMware and non-AI units contributing to growth as AI demand expands.

Engineered magneto-sensitive fluorescent proteins enable room-temperature ODMR in living cells

January 22, 2026, 12:08 AM EST. Researchers directed evolution of MagLOV magneto-sensitive fluorescent proteins to tune their response to magnetic fields and radio frequencies. They report optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) in living bacterial cells at room temperature, with sufficient signal-to-noise for single-cell detection. The effects are explained by the radical-pair mechanism involving the protein backbone and a bound flavin cofactor. Using ODMR and fluorescence magnetic-field effects, the team demonstrates applications such as spatial localization of fluorescence signals with gradient fields (MRI using a genetically encoded probe), sensing of the molecular microenvironment, multiplexed bio-imaging, and lock-in detection. The work expands the toolkit of quantum-biological sensing, offering multiple modalities for engineered biological systems based on the quantum-mechanical properties of magneto-sensitive fluorescent proteins.

AI creator behind viral 'Harry Potter and the Christmas Trap' filmed from Kyiv bomb shelter

January 22, 2026, 12:04 AM EST. An AI-generated mashup combining Harry Potter, Deadpool, Home Alone's Kevin McCallister, John Wick and Vin Diesel's Toretto drew millions of views. The clip, 'Harry Potter and the Christmas Trap,' was created by Ukrainian filmmaker Andrii Daniels while sheltering from a missile attack in Kyiv. He spent about 40 hours on the two-part piece, distributing it across Instagram and other platforms, with nearly 5 million views on Instagram and about 17 million overall. The project underscores AI's growing ability to remix copyrighted characters and the industry's race to guard intellectual property as policy lags. Daniels, a non-English speaker, gave interviews by email; he says the work is a form of escape amid war.