Technology News 24.01.2026

Tesla launches driverless robotaxi rides in Austin with no safety driver

January 24, 2026, 2:36 PM EST. Tesla now offers robotaxi rides in Austin with no safety driver in the front seat, the company said on X. CEO Elon Musk posted that Tesla has started Robotaxi drives in Austin with no safety monitor in the car, praising the Tesla AI team. The AI lead, Ashok Elluswamy, says the rollout will begin with a small number of unsupervised vehicles mixed with safety-monitored cars, with the share of driverless rides rising over time. Rides are being charged, and a chase car reportedly follows some vehicles. Tesla previously launched a limited robotaxi pilot in Austin last June with a safety operator; in December it began testing driverless rides as a precaution. Rivals Zoox and Waymo did not immediately charge for driverless rides at launch; TechCrunch sought comment, noting the update that charging has begun.

Australian journalism sidelined in AI-generated Copilot summaries, study finds

January 24, 2026, 2:32 PM EST. Researchers at the University of Sydney say Microsoft Copilot's AI-generated news prompts largely ignore Australian sources. In the paper Invisible journalists and dominant algorithms, Dr Timothy Koskie reports that only about 20% of Copilot's news results link to Australian media. Non-Australian outlets such as CNN, BBC and ABC America appear despite the user's location, and when Australian sources are used they are typically major players (Nine, ABC) rather than local, independent outlets. Koskie warns this sidelining risks news deserts and weaker democracy, urging policy tools like the News Media Bargaining Code to support journalism. The study analyzed 434 AI-generated summaries and draws on Reuters Institute data showing AI is now a common search tool; loss of click-through traffic harms Australian outlets' finances. Koskie notes Australians' trust rests in local news, which these tools often omit.

Samsung Galaxy S26 leaks reveal storage upgrade, color options, and February Unpacked date

January 24, 2026, 2:30 PM EST. A Finnish retailer's listing outlines a storage upgrade and color options for Samsung's Galaxy S26 lineup. The three models – S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra – are tipped to ship with 256GB of standard storage, up from 128GB on last year's S25, with a 512GB option available on all models. Colors for the S26 and S26+ match Black, White, Sky Blue and Cobalt Violet, while the Ultra is listed in the same palette plus previously rumored variants such as Silver Shadow and Orange in some markets. Samsung has not confirmed the details. The retailer's data also points to a potential Unpacked launch in San Francisco on February 25, 2026. Samsung's official confirmation is awaited.

Gmail spam filter glitch triggers warning banners as promotional emails flood inboxes

January 24, 2026, 2:28 PM EST. Google says Gmail is experiencing an issue that may bypass the usual spam checks and push messages from the Promotional and Updates tabs directly into inboxes. Users have reported banners at the top of affected emails warning that the message hasn't been scanned for spam, unverified senders, or malware. The problem began on 2026-01-24 at 05:02 US/Pacific, with Google's Workspace Status Dashboard posting acknowledgments and a plan to provide an update by 09:30. Engineers are investigating as users see a flood of promotional notices bypassing filters. Reports have circulated on Google forums and Reddit about bypassed sorting while inboxes fill with promotional emails and cautionary messages.

DJI Osmo Pocket 4 Box Leak Confirms Creator Combo, New Controls

January 24, 2026, 1:48 PM EST. Leaked packaging and quick-start materials for the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 point to incremental updates. The Creator Combo box shows a larger camera module and a screen that displays a mountain scene. A dedicated zoom button sits below the rotatable screen, and a new Custom Button can be programmed for preferred tasks. The 5D joystick returns to control pan, tilt, and mode, with the shutter/record button doubling as a power switch. A "Do Not Open Till Confirmation" sticker and multilingual branding on the box signal a simultaneous global rollout. Specs documented via an Amazon Germany listing and FCC filings indicate a 1-inch CMOS sensor and 4K at 120fps, plus a 1,545mAh battery. The standard model's design resembles the Pocket 3, hinting at a Pro variant with a larger sensor.

Google AI Overviews' confident authority risks public health, researchers warn

January 24, 2026, 1:40 PM EST. Reuters examines how Google AI's 'Overviews' presents information with a veneer of confident authority. Critics warn the summaries can mislead on medical guidance, downplay uncertainty, and sidestep traditional peer review. Independent researchers say model-generated health tips may lack source traceability, rely on outdated data, or cherry-pick findings. Industry experts call for stronger transparency, explicit verification, and clear disclosure of limitations. Google says it labels AI-generated content and updates results as evidence evolves, but observers argue that user education and sustained human oversight are essential before broad health deployment. Regulators and researchers alike are weighing accountability amid rapid growth of AI-assisted health information online.

Gmail opt-out may disable Smart Compose and other features

January 24, 2026, 1:30 PM EST. Google's Gmail privacy controls linked to the Gemini opt-in may strip several conveniences for users who choose to share less data. Opting out of data collection can disable features such as Smart Compose and the automatic categorization of mail into Promotions and Social tabs, as well as spell-check, grammar check, and autocorrect. The trade-off: readers must scan messages more carefully and draft with less assistance. Google positions the change as a privacy-forward approach, but critics warn it removes widely used helpers from the inbox. The note highlights that some features stay available only if data-sharing remains enabled. This article originally appeared on HuffPost.

AI labs graded by ambition on a five-level scale

January 24, 2026, 1:14 PM EST. A concise, Reuters-style look at how AI labs frame money-making as ambition. A five-level scale runs from Level 1 (true wealth is loving yourself) to Level 5 (millions in daily revenue). The piece notes OpenAI, Anthropic, and Gemini sit at Level 5; the newer labs dream big but march to harder-to-read ambitions. It argues investors care more about intent than current profits, letting leaders pick their level. The risk is misplacing labs on the scale, fueling drama-OpenAI's nonprofit-to-profit pivot and Meta's early research-versus-aims are cited. The article previews four major labs and ends with a nod to Humans&, illustrating how headlines follow the ambition scale rather than pure revenue.

Arc Raiders Escalation roadmap promises new map, Raider Deck, and more through April 2026

January 24, 2026, 12:58 PM EST. Embark Studios unveiled Arc Raiders' Escalation roadmap, plotting updates through April 2026. The plan adds a new map, Expedition Window, Raider Deck, and more, with monthly updates that push content into a steady rhythm. January: a level 40+ matchmaking option to balance PvE and PvP raiding, plus a new map condition and a player project. February: a broader set of tweaks, including Raider Deck, Expedition Window, a wind-themed map condition, and an Arc threat. March: another Arc threat, a player project update, and Scrappy-the resource-collection rooster-receives changes. April (Riven Tides): a new Arc Raiders map and a large Arc threat, plus a teased watery locale. From May onward, Embark aims for monthly content with quests, cosmetics, and QoL features.

Huawei rebounds in early 2026 smartphone sales, Counterpoint says

January 24, 2026, 12:56 PM EST. Counterpoint's latest data on Q4 2025 and 2026 Chinese smartphone sales show a strong rebound for Huawei, led by the Mate 80 launch. Huawei reclaimed the top spot in China's premium segment, pushing Apple's iPhone 17 to second place. The company posted a 2025 YoY growth of 1.7%, with a 2025 market share of 16.9% up from 16.5% in 2024. Counterpoint notes a year-end dip tied to the delayed Mate 80 launch, but an early-2026 rebound followed, helped by new subsidies. Huawei has also been boosting 5G chip capabilities and software features, with the Mate 80 described as a strong fusion of solid tech and AI tools. If the trend holds, the rebound could endure amid a challenging global market.

Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold hands-on highlights bold foldable design and price question

January 24, 2026, 12:54 PM EST. During a hands-on at Samsung's UK headquarters, Reuters observed the Galaxy Z TriFold delivering an eye-catching, triple-hinge design and a 10-inch inner display when unfolded, with a 6.5-inch outer panel. The device is notably thin at about 3.9 mm at its thinnest point and feels substantial in hand. Samsung says the interior screen supports multitasking-up to three apps side-by-side-while DeX mode can turn the phone into a desktop-like workspace. The 512GB version supports broad productivity, but at a steep price that fuels questions about whether it signals the next smartphone era or a premium gimmick. Hands-on impressions balance excitement with caution about durability and value.

Waymo launches driverless robotaxi service in Miami, widening lead over Tesla

January 24, 2026, 12:52 PM EST. Waymo opened its fully autonomous robotaxi service to the public in Miami on January 22, 2026, solidifying its lead over rivals such as Tesla and Zoox. The rollout covers about 60 square miles in the downtown core, including Design District, Wynwood, Brickell and Coral Gables. Access starts with roughly 10,000 pre-registered users, issued gradually; expansion to Miami International Airport and other areas is planned later this year. Miami is Waymo's sixth U.S. market, following Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Austin and Atlanta, where it has logged hundreds of millions of autonomous miles and carried tens of millions of passengers. Waymo's platform relies on a mix of LiDAR, radar and cameras, enabling driverless rides without a safety driver and underpinning regulatory approvals in multiple cities.

UiPath's Agentic AI Orchestration Push Tests Its Investment Narrative

January 24, 2026, 12:48 PM EST. UiPath's push into agentic AI orchestration centers on Maestro, Screen Agent and a growing partner ecosystem as core automation infrastructure. The debate is whether technical strengths translate into sustained commercial traction. Near-term drivers remain execution on agentic AI use cases, proof that benchmark wins support revenue guidance, and disciplined capital deployment after sizable buybacks and tuck-in M&A. Key risks include insider selling and share-price volatility, which can weigh the multiple even with profitability and a modest discount to value. Simply Wall St estimates for PATH range roughly from $13.87 to $21.50, highlighting divergent views on upside as investors weigh cross-vendor AI orchestration uptake.

Halo marks 25th anniversary with Silver Anniversary Content Creator Bundle for streamers

January 24, 2026, 12:46 PM EST. Halo marks its 25th anniversary with the Silver Anniversary Content Creator Bundle, a streamer graphics package that includes overlay frames, Halo-themed emotes, subscriber and alert graphics, and a scene-transition. The bundle targets both new and veteran creators, and is designed to pair with high-fidelity audio clips for alerts. Halo Studios Community says the kit helps streamers set up lobbies, borders and other visuals across platforms. To use it, players need a PC or laptop, and streaming software such as OBS Studio or Streamlabs; console players may require a capture card. The guide advises signing up for Streamlabs or StreamElements to power animated alerts; in OBS, create a Gameplay scene, add sources for gameplay, webcam, and Silver Anniversary alerts.

NexPhone with three OSes headlines Installer No. 113

January 24, 2026, 12:42 PM EST. Installer No. 113 offers a look at a NexPhone, a midrange device that runs Android, Linux and Windows-three operating systems on one phone. The aim: a portable computer if shipping ever starts. Todoist Ramble shows an AI feature that turns a voice recording into tasks and deadlines, a practical way to start the workday. The issue also flags Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!, a two-part HBO documentary, and Crossplay, the New York Times' first multiplayer word game. It also highlights Sony's open earbuds and other picks. The tone is lean, with the editor sharing personal notes and reader tips, staying useful and brisk for a time-pressed audience.

Get stuff done by yelling at your phone: NexPhone, Todoist Ramble, Crossplay in Installer No. 113

January 24, 2026, 12:40 PM EST. David Pierce's Installer No. 113 offers a compact tour of tech and culture. It centers on the NexPhone, a midrange device that runs Android, Linux and Windows, potentially turning a phone into a primary computer, though shipping remains uncertain. It also covers Todoist Ramble, an AI-assisted feature that turns audio brain dumps into tasks and deadlines. The issue flags Crossplay, the New York Times' new word game finally adding multiplayer. It notes Sony's open-ear earbuds and a slate of pop-culture picks, including a two-part HBO documentary on Mel Brooks and reflections on plane Wi-Fi. The edition is shorter than usual, but packed with ideas on productivity, hardware, and media.

Study finds YouTube cited more than medical sites in Google's AI Overviews for health queries

January 24, 2026, 12:36 PM EST. A SE Ranking study finds Google's AI Overviews cited YouTube more than any medical site when answering health questions. Analyzing 50,807 health prompts from German searches, YouTube accounted for 4.43% of all AI Overviews citations, far ahead of hospitals, government portals or universities. Researchers warn YouTube is not a medical publisher and content ranges from board-certified physicians to wellness influencers. Google says AI Overviews surface high-quality content from credible health authorities and licensed professionals, regardless of format. The findings echo concerns raised by a Guardian investigation about false health information in AI Overviews, including a misstep on liver function tests. The study notes AI Overviews appear in over 82% of health searches in Germany; YouTube was the single most cited domain with 20,621 of 465,823 citations.

Galaxy S26 may gain Google's Pixel-exclusive Scam Detection, rumor says

January 24, 2026, 12:34 PM EST. Rumors claim Samsung's Galaxy S26 series could gain access to Google's Pixel-exclusive Scam Detection for calls. A tipster, AssembleDebug, and Android Authority spotted Galaxy S26 codenames in code tied to a Google Phone app update. Scam Detection, launched last March, uses on-device AI (Gemini) to flag scam patterns in texts and monitor 'conversation patterns' in calls. If true, the Galaxy S26 could ship with Scam Detection out of the box, possibly with Google's Phone app by default. The tipster linked the codenames SM-S942, SM-S947, and SM-S948 to base, Plus, and Ultra models. Separately, Samsung has pushed Gemini for Galaxy AI features, while Perplexity has been discussed for Bixby. A February reveal for the new series is anticipated.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang: smartest person can't be named, redefining 'smart' in the AI era

January 24, 2026, 12:26 PM EST. During a recent appearance on the A Bit Personal Podcast, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang declined to name the 'smartest person' he's met, saying the question is misguided. He argued that smart means solving problems, but that is becoming a commodity as Artificial Intelligence handles that part more easily. Huang said software programming was once viewed as the pinnacle of smart, but AI now tackles it first. The clip sparked thousands of comments online, with some praising the redefinition of intelligence and others arguing AI could replace human intellect or that emotional intelligence remains key. The exchange signals a broader shift in how industry defines intelligence as machines take on more technical tasks.

SoundHound AI vs Salesforce in the race to agentic AI

January 24, 2026, 12:20 PM EST. SoundHound AI rides into the agentic-AI wave with a voice-first platform that blends its speech-to-meaning tech with Amelia's virtual agents, expanding into regulated sectors and workflow automation. The goal: an end-to-end AI customer-service suite that can interact with people naturally. Revenue has accelerated, with growth over the last nine months, though the stock trades at a forward P/S around 15x for 2026 estimates. Salesforce, a CRM leader, faces investor concerns that AI could shrink demand for seats or enable customers to build software with natural-language tooling. Still, proponents argue SaaS firms can adjust pricing and that AI will reinforce data assets rather than erode them. The two approaches differ: SoundHound concentrates on intelligent agents and workflow, while Salesforce leverages its data moat and platform scale to capture AI-enabled workflows.

Galaxy S26 could gain Google's Pixel-exclusive Scam Detection feature

January 24, 2026, 12:12 PM EST. Rumors say Samsung's Galaxy S26 could gain access to Google's Pixel-exclusive Scam Detection for calls, extending a feature that is currently Pixel-only. A tipster (AssembleDebug, via Android Authority) says Google's code in a recent Phone app update shows codenames SM-S942, SM-S947 and SM-S948 linked to the Galaxy S26. Scam Detection, rolled out last March, uses on-device AI (Gemini) to flag patterns in texts and to monitor conversation patterns in calls for scam risk. If true, Samsung's next flagships may ship with Google's Phone app and Scam Detection preinstalled. The rumor emphasizes Gemini's ongoing role on Galaxy devices. A February window for a Galaxy S26 reveal remains plausible, pending official word.

Nvidia's Huang reframes 'smart' as problem-solving; AI now handles the hard parts

January 24, 2026, 12:00 PM EST. During the A Bit Personal Podcast with Jodi Shelton, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang was asked who is the smartest person he's met. He said he couldn't answer and argued that smart is evolving: traditionally tied to solving technical problems, but AI is changing that. Huang noted that software programming-once seen as the pinnacle of intellect-is now increasingly handled by Artificial Intelligence, suggesting the definition of smart is shifting. The clip sparked thousands of social-media responses, with some praising the shift and others arguing it dodges the question or overstates AI's reach. Analysts say Huang's point underscores a broader tech trend: as AI handles more tasks, conventional markers of intelligence become less decisive in assessing talent.

SoundHound AI vs. Salesforce: Agentic AI bets hinge on voice-first tech and data advantages

January 24, 2026, 11:58 AM EST. SoundHound AI is pursuing an end-to-end agentic AI platform anchored in voice-first tech. After acquiring Amelia and a workflow-automation firm, it combines technologies to offer virtual agents for regulated sectors such as healthcare and finance. Revenue has surged, and the company points to 9-month growth ahead of the launch. The stock trades at about 15x forward 2026 revenue. Salesforce argues its data advantage and CRM scale should insulate it from AI disruption, countering fears that AI will shrink seat counts in SaaS. While some investors worry about a 'vibe code' era for software, the author sees the risks as potentially overblown, given SaaS pricing flexibility and the value of a broad data moat. The key question: can SoundHound convert product bets into durable demand, or will Salesforce leverage its data and network effects to retain leadership?

Honeywell's AI push and spinoffs reshape investment case for HON

January 24, 2026, 11:52 AM EST. Honeywell's strategic moves are reshaping the investment narrative. A recent Flexjet maintenance extension through 2035 de-risks a core aerospace relationship, though it adds little near-term upside. The launch of an AI-enabled Smart Shopping Platform with Google Cloud and 66degrees signals Honeywell's push to embed software into operations, but is framed as a proof point rather than a near-term earnings swing. The company's planned spin-offs, including a quantum IPO and a deliberate split of Automation and Aerospace with a new leadership lineup, introduce execution risk and separation complexity. Short-term catalysts remain the upcoming earnings print and spinoff milestones. Still, the stock appears modestly undervalued versus several fair-value estimates, though leverage and post-breakup dynamics could cloud the path.

Apple to overhaul Siri into AI chatbot with iOS 27, Bloomberg reports

January 24, 2026, 11:46 AM EST. Apple plans a major Siri overhaul with iOS 27, turning the assistant into an AI chatbot capable of internet search, image generation, and file analysis. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says the shift could ship by September alongside the iPhone 18, following historical launch patterns, and be unveiled at WWDC in June. The update would deeply integrate the AI into iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and allow Siri to use personal data-calendar entries and messages-to complete tasks in a new chat interface. The tool would also be woven into Music, Podcasts, and Mail apps. The plan signals Apple's aim to catch up in AI features that rivals have offered for years. Details remain fluid, and Apple has not commented publicly on timing.

Nvidia Looks Recession-Proof in 2026 Amid AI Buildout

January 24, 2026, 11:44 AM EST. Nvidia dominates data-center GPUs, with more than 90% market share. That edge lies at the heart of an AI surge analysts expect to accelerate this year. The company's market value hovers around $4.5 trillion, and its stock has risen about 1,000% over three years. Even as the broader economy cools, Nvidia appears insulated. A weak labor market and soft consumer spending contrast with steady orders from hyperscalers, AI startups, and other large buyers fueling infrastructure spend. CEO Jensen Huang says AI has hit a tipping point, reinforcing a winner-take-most dynamic for compute power and related capacity. In the race to deploy advanced models, Nvidia's central role in data centers remains its defining advantage.

Investing $1,000 in Nvidia Five Years Ago Would Now Be About $13,320

January 24, 2026, 11:38 AM EST. Investors who put $1,000 into Nvidia five years ago would now own about $13,320, a gain of roughly 1,230%. Nvidia's surge tracks a broader AI boom, powered by GPUs that run and train modern AI models. Once a gaming-graphics chipmaker, Nvidia has become a dominant supplier for data centers delivering AI workloads. Five years ago, Nvidia's data-center revenue was $4.8 billion; in the latest quarter it reached about $51.2 billion. The stock trades at around a 44x earnings multiple, a premium investors are willing to pay for a company deemed essential to AI infrastructure. Analysts note the near-monopoly status and the growth in AI demand, though valuation remains lofty.

Tesla updates Online Design Studio to offer FSD by subscription as outright purchase ends Feb. 14

January 24, 2026, 11:36 AM EST. Tesla updated its Online Design Studio to show three ways to buy Full Self-Driving: Monthly Subscription, One-Time Purchase, or Add Later. The former outright purchase option expires February 14, replacing the single-purchase box. The shift signals a move to recurring payments, potentially adding about $100 to monthly car payments for some buyers as capabilities grow. Tesla also noted that $99/month supervised FSD could rise with features, while the major value milestone remains unsupervised rides in a future upgrade. The change has sparked debate about affordability and take rate in the Tesla community. Musk's compensation package ties growth in FSD subscriptions to executive pay, targeting tens of millions of active users. Progress hinges on broad adoption and data accumulation.

DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo discounted by $500 at Amazon

January 24, 2026, 11:32 AM EST. Mashable reports the DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo is on sale at Amazon for $1,099, down from $1,599. The 31% discount matches a record low at the retailer. The Fly More bundle includes three batteries and extra accessories for longer flights. Price and stock can change after publication. The deal reflects ongoing consumer interest in drones as the holiday season approaches.

SpaceX targets Jan. 25 liftoff from Vandenberg to deploy Starlink satellites

January 24, 2026, 11:30 AM EST. SpaceX aims to lift off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Sunday, Jan. 25, for the fifth West Coast mission in January. The Falcon 9 rocket will deploy 25 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit, with a four-hour launch window opening at 7:17 a.m. PT. If postponed, a backup opportunity is planned for the next day, per FAA advisory. Spectators in Santa Barbara County have lined popular spots for a ground view, or observers can follow a livestream. SpaceX will stream the mission on its website and the X TV app about five minutes before liftoff, with updates on X. SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk in 2002, operates primarily from California and Florida, launching Falcon 9 missions and Starlink deliveries.

Hawaii Wins Federal OK to Spend $149 Million on High-Speed Internet

January 24, 2026, 11:10 AM EST. The state has received final federal approval to spend nearly $149 million from the BEAD program to expand high-speed internet statewide. The funds back Hawaii's Connect Kakou initiative, aiming to provide affordable, reliable broadband on every island. Officials say the plan moves Hawaii from planning to construction. About 7,000 unserved or underserved locations are eligible for investment, with roughly 82% receiving fiber and 18% served via low-Earth-orbit satellite technology where fiber is impractical. The funding, announced at PTC 2026 in Honolulu, marks one of the state's largest digital infrastructure investments.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang laments stock-for-car move after 1999 IPO at WEF

January 24, 2026, 10:50 AM EST. At the World Economic Forum 2026, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said his only regret was selling Nvidia stock after the 1999 IPO to buy his parents a Mercedes S-Class, which they still own. He sold about 11,250 shares when the stock traded around $12 per share to fund a $135,000 purchase. Had he gifted Nvidia stock instead, those shares would have grown through splits to about 5.4 million shares, now worth roughly $1.01 billion. Nvidia has undergone several stock splits since 1999, and Huang's net holdings are widely cited around $123 billion. The piece notes the bespoke Rolls-Royce Droptail costs about $32 million per unit, underscoring opportunity costs.

Apple's Siri to become a full chatbot with iOS 27 in 2026, after personalization in iOS 26.4

January 24, 2026, 10:42 AM EST. Apple plans a two-step upgrade to Siri. First, personalization features arrive in iOS 26.4, then a system-level, full chatbot powers Siri in iOS 27-targeting a June 2026 rollout. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says the chatbot will be embedded deeply across iOS, iPadOS and macOS rather than living in a separate app. The approach favors a mixed interface: voice and text input, with conversation history and multi-step task handling. Apple faces questions about how a chat interface would look on devices that favor simplicity, and whether conversations could live in a Notes or clipboard-like space rather than a dedicated app. The shift follows rivals like Google Gemini and ChatGPT in popularizing chatbots for web search, image generation, and coding help.

Five smartphone features improved quietly, from haptics to mic quality

January 24, 2026, 10:40 AM EST. Smartphones now boast many visible gains, yet several subtle upgrades go unnoticed. The article focuses on two areas: haptic feedback and microphones & call quality. In flagship models, makers use Wideband Voice Coil actuators-tiny bass shakers-that provide more tactile response when you tap a keyboard, scroll, or press the shutter. Meanwhile, phones pack three or four microphones that work in concert to target your mouth. Software also adds noise removal and enhanced vocal clarity, cutting wind and background chatter from calls. The combination yields a more natural feel and crisper calls without major hardware surges, with Apple, Google and Samsung among those adopting the approach.

Weather apps miss nuance in multi-type winter storms, meteorologists warn

January 24, 2026, 10:30 AM EST. Smartphone weather apps that erupt with bright icons and eye-popping numbers mislead during dangerous winter storms, meteorologists say. The multi-state event blends heavy snow, ice and subzero temperatures, and small distance changes can flip conditions from snow to freezing rain. Experts argue apps struggle with storms that involve several precipitation types and often oversimplify uncertainty. Human forecasters remain essential for local nuance. Some apps interpolate from large grids or rely on AI, raising the risk of errors. By contrast, outfits that fuse National Weather Service data with meteorologists' analysis-such as Weather Channel-offer a more layered picture. As traffic spikes and forecasts update rapidly, the best guidance comes from local TV or radio, livestreams and detailed websites with expert context.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang in Shanghai amid China regulatory headwinds

January 24, 2026, 10:28 AM EST. Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang is in Shanghai, kicking off annual celebrations with company staff as Beijing weighs limits on sales of its H200 AI chip to Chinese customers. Huang's trip, which also includes Beijing, Shenzhen and Taiwan, comes as the chip maker faces intense competition at home and scrutiny from Chinese regulators. Nvidia has yet to receive Beijing's decision on whether to allow the H200, a high-end accelerator, to enter the Chinese market-despite U.S. clearance. Some customs officials have signaled the H200 cannot be imported, though it is unclear if this is a formal ban or a provisional measure. The H200 sits at the center of fraught US-China tech talks, with Beijing weighing restrictions as leverage in negotiations with Washington.

iPhone 17E release date, price and specs rumored for February 2026

January 24, 2026, 10:24 AM EST. Rumors point to a February 2026 unveiling for the iPhone 17E, with a first-half launch window and no confirmed price moves. The 16E carried a $599 price, after replacing the SE, so market watchers expect the 17E to stay budget-friendly. The phone could borrow from iPhone 15, notably the Dynamic Island notch and MagSafe, while adopting a design closer to the iPhone 15 and a USB-C port. Specs under discussion include an A19 processor and a lighter camera setup, with talks of trimming hardware to keep costs down. Some chatter compares the strategy to Samsung's Galaxy S25 FE-value over premium frills. Apple has not confirmed an iPhone 17E; reports cite Mashable and Digital Chat Station Weibo sources, with ongoing coverage.

Lenovo's Sapphire Chromebook tablet adds power-button fingerprint sensor

January 24, 2026, 10:22 AM EST. Lenovo's forthcoming Sapphire Chromebook tablet adds a side-mounted fingerprint sensor built into the power button, per a Gerrit commit. The integration mirrors the approach seen on the Pixel Slate, underscoring a premium, pro-level design for a 13-inch ChromeOS tablet. Lenovo is confirmed as the maker, pairing the device with the MediaTek Kompanio Ultra chip to balance performance and battery life. Early evidence points to a larger 13-inch BOE display, placing Sapphire in competition with the iPad Pro and Surface Pro on size and intent. A four-color Google-esque light bar and a magnetically docked wireless stylus round out the package, while the biometric feature emphasizes security and convenience ahead of ChromeOS's Android kernel transition. Sapphire aims to be a flagship ChromeOS tablet, showcasing Lenovo's premium hardware play.

Europe's EV Sales Crown Shifts From Tesla To VW In 2025

January 24, 2026, 10:18 AM EST. Europe's EV market swung in 2025 as Volkswagen overtook Tesla for the first time in data tracked by Dataforce and reported by Autonews. VW brand delivered 274,417 fully electric vehicles, up 56% from 2024, while Tesla bookings fell 27% to 238,765. The Model Y remained Europe's top EV with 151,331 units, but its pace slowed 28% year over year. Tesla's decline comes as legacy automakers gain ground with multiplatform EV lineups, including VW's ID.3, ID.4 and ID.7. The shift marks a broader shift in the market's leadership, with competition intensifying across the continent.

NVIDIA CEO frames AI as largest infrastructure buildout in human history, underscoring a multi-layer stack

January 24, 2026, 10:16 AM EST. At Davos, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang framed AI as the largest infrastructure buildout in human history, a multi-layer shift spanning energy, chips, data centers, models and applications. He argued the five-layer AI stack is already driving demand across construction, power, manufacturing, cloud operations and, crucially, the application layer, which could deliver lasting economic value. Nvidia positions itself as foundational infrastructure, with durable capex and software-led monetization beyond short-lived GPU cycles. Huang cited more than $100 billion in global VC investment for AI-native startups, signaling downstream compute demand. Near-term geopolitics temper optimism: reports cite a China visit to discuss the H200 chip amid export limits, while Inventec says shipments are "stuck on the China side," clouding revenue visibility.

Tesla plans to train Optimus at Austin factory

January 24, 2026, 10:14 AM EST. Tesla plans to train its Optimus humanoid robot at the company's Austin, Texas factory, a step toward deeper in-house robotics development. The program would use the site's infrastructure to run in-situ training loops, accelerating learning in perception, control and dexterity. No timetable or scale was disclosed. The move follows public demonstrations of Optimus prototypes and Tesla's broader push to automate manufacturing and service tasks. If realized, the approach could shorten iteration cycles and tighten integration between robotics programs and vehicle production.

Buying a new phone in 2026 could be costly; plan ahead

January 24, 2026, 10:12 AM EST. Prices for smartphones and other electronics are likely to rise in 2026 as AI-driven data centers demand more components and tariffs constrain supply. The article notes no immediate price impact yet, making now a possible window to upgrade, even if that means accepting last year's hardware. Consumers cannot influence macro forces, but planning ahead could blunt big price swings. For those who delayed, options include timing purchases with carrier upgrade cycles, avoiding panic buying, or choosing older models to lock in lower costs. Nothing has warned of higher prices, and policy shifts could influence costs. Still, for many buyers, waiting is not a practical option in a year expected to be more expensive.

Gemini with Personal Intelligence expands data access, but reliability lags

January 24, 2026, 10:10 AM EST. Gemini now can reference past conversations and pull data from Google services like Gmail, Calendar, and Photos without explicit prompts, a beta feature dubbed Personal Intelligence for AI Pro and Ultra users. It's opt-in and largely automated, a departure from earlier Workspace integrations that required manual prompts. In testing, it generated helpful reminders, shopping lists, and calendar events, marking a leap in task completion. Yet the system still misreads specifics-brainstorms for bike routes yielded mismatched directions, and a link claimed to be a created route pointed elsewhere. The trade-off: stronger context and automation at the risk of accuracy and reliability. The feature demonstrates momentum but also echoes familiar AI limits.

Therapists see rising worker anxiety over AI fear of obsolescence

January 24, 2026, 10:06 AM EST. Therapists report a growing wave of anxiety about AI among clients. New York clinical psychologist Harvey Lieberman says the dominant fear is becoming obsolete as AI changes tasks and career paths. Denver trauma counselor Emma Kobil notes clients have already lost jobs to AI and struggle with shock, disbelief and fear. A July 2025 APA survey found 38% worry some duties will be outdated. Analysts cite mass layoffs tied to AI; Challenger, Gray & Christmas data show nearly 55,000 layoffs in 2025 and about 1.2 million jobs cut that year. MIT studies indicate AI could replace about 11% of the U.S. labor market. Some fear is existential; therapists advise reframing skills and pursuing growth in new roles.

Digital minimalist: 5 apps for a clutter-free smartphone experience

January 24, 2026, 9:54 AM EST. Android Authority frames a trend away from feature-heavy software. The author describes wrestling with Notion's complexity and an urge to simplify. The piece profiles five apps aimed at a digital minimalist workflow: Google Keep for straightforward notes with labels and reminders; Niagara Launcher to reduce visual clutter on the home screen; and other lightweight tools that prioritize core tasks over bells and whistles. The takeaway: return to basics-low cognitive load, cross-device sync, and fewer features-to boost focus and productivity, not overwhelm the user.

AI-driven memory shortage pushes PC, smartphone prices up to 20% in 2026, IDC says

January 24, 2026, 9:50 AM EST. An IDC report warns an unprecedented memory chip shortage, sparked by AI data centers, will lift prices for consumer tech. Manufacturers redirected capacity toward AI workloads, reducing SSD and DRAM/NAND supply for PCs and smartphones. IDC's Jitesh Ubrani says prices for PCs, tablets and smartphones could rise 10% to 20% by year's end, with the squeeze likely to persist into 2027 as chipmakers realign capacity. The imbalance could also affect autos that rely on silicon. To cope, makers are expected to favor higher-end models and trim lower-end lines, echoing shifts seen in the auto sector. Some vendors may cut corners to blunt price hikes. IDC cautions this may signal a permanent shift toward higher tech costs rather than a simple cycle.

Chris Pratt: AI an awesome tool but needs safeguards in Mercy

January 24, 2026, 9:48 AM EST. Chris Pratt says AI is an awesome tool but needs safeguards as it becomes part of daily life, including his own health and family. In Mercy, a 90-minute AI-assisted trial confines a murder suspect to an electric chair while a digitized judge rules on guilt, a setup director Timur Bekmambetov says could arrive 'tomorrow.' Pratt says he uses AI selectively to organize thoughts and plan projects, but aims to curb endless scrolling on social media. The film explores both the benefits and risks of rapid AI advances, emphasizing safeguards rather than a warning about an inevitable future.

Securing AI: Data-Centric Governance Becomes Core to Enterprise AI

January 24, 2026, 9:36 AM EST. AI security has shifted from a technical concern to a business imperative as AI permeates core operations. Enterprises confront a need for visibility into how data travels and is used in AI-enabled workflows. A data-centric approach, not model-by-model fixes, is emerging as the most effective way to secure AI, enabling consistent controls as usage expands. Leaders cite a foundation of trust and governance to unlock scalable AI across teams. Cyera's CEO emphasizes protecting data from day one. The article notes that without clear governance, AI initiatives stall or remain pilots. By embedding data discovery, classification, and governance across cloud, on-premises, and AI environments, organizations can deploy broader AI with confidence.

Gmail accounts dominate 149 million credentials exposed in unprotected database

January 24, 2026, 9:34 AM EST. A public, unprotected database containing 149,404,754 unique logins and passwords was exposed online for weeks before takedown. Security researchers say the data is not a new breach but a collection from past incidents and infostealer logs. The dump lists roughly 48 million Gmail logins, 17 million Facebook, 6.5 million Instagram, and smaller counts for Yahoo, Netflix and Outlook. Jeremiah Fowler, a veteran security researcher, confirmed the dataset and its 96 GB size. The database was not password-protected or encrypted, and its contents included emails, usernames, passwords, and login URLs. While the database has been removed, experts warn it demonstrates the ongoing risk posed by credential stuffing and information stealers and underscores the need for strong, unique passwords and multi-factor authentication.

Budget Arctic Weather Satellite spurs EPS-Sterna meteorology constellation plan

January 24, 2026, 9:32 AM EST. ESA's Arctic Weather Satellite (AWS) demonstrated that a small, budget-friendly polar-orbiting unit can deliver reliable data, prompting Eumetsat to advance a full EPS-Sterna constellation. Launched in August 2024, AWS was built in three years on a tight budget to test high-frequency humidity and temperature measurements, with a focus on water vapor in the Arctic. Equipped with a cross-track scanning microwave radiometer (a sensor that measures humidity and temperature), it has already fed data into ECMWF's operational forecasts, a step beyond prototype status. Following AWS's success, Eumetsat plans a six-satellite, two-spare EPS-Sterna system, with replenishments through 2042 and revisit times under three hours. Launches begin in 2029. ESA will manage procurement under a Meteosat/MetOp style cooperative model; the constellation targets improved nowcasting (very short-term forecasts) in rapidly evolving weather regions.

Vandenberg seeks proposals for new super-heavy rocket launch site at SLC-14

January 24, 2026, 9:22 AM EST. Vandenberg Space Force Base has issued a RFI for Space Launch Complex 14 at Sudden Flats, seeking private partners to design, build and operate a launch pad for heavy and super-heavy vehicles. The base says proposals are due Feb. 12 and will be evaluated for national security suitability, financial stability and the ability to construct at the remote site. The winning contractor would handle construction and operations; the base would fund connective infrastructure such as roads, power and communications, with costs borne by the developer. An Environmental Impact Statement would precede any construction, examining noise and other effects. Officials stress safety and environmental oversight remain with Vandenberg while the Space Force pursues expanded space missions.

iPhone 17e May Not Suffer Price Hike as Apple Seeks Supply-Chain Efficiency

January 24, 2026, 9:18 AM EST. An unverified rumor claims Apple has achieved a supply-chain efficiency boost for the iPhone 17e, potentially keeping its price in check. The report, from yeux1122's blog, centers on reuse of many iPhone 16e parts-most notably the C1 5G modem and the A19 SoC-with a touted $10 per-unit saving versus a Qualcomm baseband. The iPhone 17e is said to switch from LTPO to BOE's LTPS OLED panels, cutting display costs. Memory costs remain a pressure point, with NAND up about 70% and DRAM about 100%; a reported memory premium near 230% adds to headwinds. Apple's pricing could hinge on how much it offsets costs through component sourcing rather than a formal supply-chain upgrade. No official confirmation yet.

Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold heads to US stores for hands-on preview ahead of US launch

January 24, 2026, 9:08 AM EST. Samsung will begin offering a hands-on look at the Galaxy Z TriFold in US retail stores starting January 23, 2026. The device will be on display at Samsung Experience Stores in Mall of America (Bloomington, Minnesota), Los Cerritos Center and Americana at Brand (California), Queens Center and Roosevelt Field (New York), and Stonebriar Center and The Galleria (Texas). Pricing and full US availability have not been announced; Samsung says details will follow in coming days. Early stock is expected to be extremely limited at launch, mirroring patterns in other markets such as South Korea. Prospective buyers should act quickly when preorders or sales open.

Apple Watch Series 9 doubles as a dumbphone, reshaping digital minimalism

January 24, 2026, 9:04 AM EST. An Apple Watch Series 9 with cellular becomes the author's best dumbphone. It requires its own data plan and can handle phone calls, texts, and some emails, though the tiny screen makes long reading harder. Texting relies on Siri dictation and iMessage quick replies. The experiment sidesteps social apps, cutting screen time and nudging the user toward other tasks on commutes. Music through AirPods Pro 3 is easy, and calls often happen with earbuds for discretion in public. The approach offers real freedom from notifications, but comes with trade-offs: extra upfront cost for cellular and the limitations of a small wearable display. It's not a universal fix, but it proves a capable, existing dumbphone in a wearable form.

Winter storm tests weather apps' reliability; experts urge human forecasters

January 24, 2026, 8:52 AM EST. Smartphone weather apps that turn forecasts into numbers and icons can help in mild weather, but for multi-faceted winter storms meteorologists say you should rely on local forecasters. The storm's mix of heavy snow, ice and subzero temps can hinge on small geographic differences, challenging apps that use AI or interpolate from large grids. Such methods may introduce errors as data updates in real time. Some apps that pair National Weather Service data with meteorologists' interpretation can be useful, offering warnings and context. The Weather Channel team emphasizes an all-hands approach, though not all apps are equal. Users should corroborate app forecasts with local TV/radio updates and official warnings, especially during fast-changing conditions.

Meta suspends teen access to AI characters as safety overhaul begins

January 24, 2026, 8:50 AM EST. Meta said on Friday it will temporarily suspend teenagers' access to its AI characters across Facebook, Instagram and Messenger while it builds an updated version with added safeguards. The pause applies to users who have listed a teen birthday, or those Meta's age-prediction technology suspects are teens. In the new experience, parents would be able to block specific AI characters and review the kinds of topics teens discuss with chatbots, though that parental-control feature has not yet launched. Teens will still access Meta's AI assistant with age-appropriate protections. Meta has said its characters should avoid age-inappropriate topics, including self-harm or eating disorders, and that experiences will be guided by a PG-13 framework. The move follows criticism over flirtatious bot conversations.

Three AI Stocks to Buy Now, Led by Nvidia and Broadcom

January 24, 2026, 8:48 AM EST. AI chip stocks ride an infrastructure-led upcycle. Nvidia sits at the center of the AI data-center buildout, with GPUs driving workloads and a dominant market share. TSMC's expanded capex signals durable AI demand. Broadcom is gaining traction with hyperscalers, building custom ASICs and providing TPUs for Alphabet's Google Cloud. Citi projects Broadcom's AI revenue could rise from just over $20 billion to about $100 billion in two years. The case: AI infrastructure demand is not a fad, and large tech players are positioned to capture much of the upside.

Meta formalizes AI infrastructure push with 'Meta Compute' initiative

January 24, 2026, 8:46 AM EST. Meta unveiled 'Meta Compute' as a top-level initiative led by its senior ranks, reaffirming its aim to be an AI infrastructure behemoth. Zuckerberg wrote that Meta plans to build tens of gigawatts this decade and hundreds over time to power models aimed at superintelligence. Under the plan, Santosh Janardhan will run technical architecture, software, custom chips, and day-to-day data-center operations, while Daniel Gross will focus on long-term capacity, siting, chip and energy security, and the business impact of those bets. Meta president and vice chair Dina Powell McCormick will lead partnerships with governments to finance and deploy data centers. Analysts say the move signals Meta remains a serious contender in a race with Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, and xAI, leveraging its existing Hyperion data-center campus in Louisiana.

Artemis II readies for February launch after weeks of prep at Kennedy Space Center

January 24, 2026, 8:38 AM EST. Artemis II is poised to launch from Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center as early as February 6, pending a wet dress rehearsal on February 2. Technicians are to load the solid rocket boosters with propellant, conduct a countdown, and test communications with the Eastern Range. The mission, which aims to send astronauts around the Moon, will use the Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion crew vehicle, powered by about 8.8 million pounds of thrust to reach near-Earth escape velocity. NASA plans to load propellants totaling more than 700,000 gallons and finalize onboard gear, including crew tablets, medical kits, and a new Avatar experiment using organ-on-a-chip technology to study cell behavior under microgravity and radiation. A backup window exists through February 11. Playalinda Beach near the launch will be closed ahead of Artemis II.

Verizon Prepaid Unlock Rule Changes Extend Lock to 365 Days

January 24, 2026, 8:34 AM EST. Verizon's policy for unlocking phones on several prepaid brands, including TracFone, is shifting. For devices activated on or after January 20, 2026, the cellphone will be unlocked on request after 365 days of paid service, undoing the prior 60-day standard seen under Verizon's umbrella. Verizon has not updated its main site yet, though it received an FCC waiver on January 12, 2026, signaling a potential policy change underway. The FCC has historically required a 60-day lock since Verizon bought analog TV spectrum in 2007. Verizon said device fraud costs, including 2023 losses of hundreds of millions and rising 2024 fraud, motivated the move. Critics argue longer locks hinder eSIM adoption, dual-SIM use and cross-carrier switching.

Investors came to Davos for AI, left talking about Greenland

January 24, 2026, 8:24 AM EST. At Davos, the final consensus on AI sat alongside a rising chorus about Greenland and geopolitics. Panels buzzed about moving from hype to production, energy needs for data centers, and the scale of capital backing AI advances. Yet a single remark from U.S. President Trump about seizing Greenland shifted mood overnight, turning discussions toward tariffs and political risk. The next day, Musk re-energized attendees with a talk of widespread driverless robotaxis, humanoid robots, and rapid AI advances. By week's end, executives framed 2026 investments as conviction-driven, with geopolitics, not technology, the key uncertainty. Two Davos felt in one: a climate of optimism for deployment, and a reevaluation of rules that govern global tech markets.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 hits record-low price to clear older smartwatch stock

January 24, 2026, 8:20 AM EST. Samsung's Galaxy Watch 7 is offered at a record-low price as retailers clear older stock. The Android-compatible smartwatch emphasizes fitness tracking, heart rate monitoring and sleep insights, with guided workouts and reminders to move. Battery life is described as substantial, and wireless charging adds convenience. The device also supports calendar viewing, quick replies, and voice commands from the wrist, plus customizable watch faces and bands for personal style. Samsung promotes it as a strong option for Android users seeking a balanced mix of health features and everyday smart functions. The watch is listed on Amazon at $169.99, down from $249.99, about 32% off the retail price.

China cancels most Wenchang rocket launches; Long March-10A may still fly

January 24, 2026, 8:18 AM EST. The Xiaoxiang Morning Herald said on Friday that nearly all launches scheduled next month at the Wenchang space centre in Hainan were cancelled, with only a February 11 test flight remaining. A social media post by Muxi Holiday – a travel agency – said three launches on February 9, 19 and 24 were cancelled, forcing changes to viewing trips. Officials gave no public reason; online posts complained about plans to watch the events being scrapped. A hostel in Longlou suggested the February 11 flight could involve the Long March-10A rocket (a newer carrier). The cancellations turn launches into a tourism drawcard, and authorities have not issued a formal statement.

Waymo Gains Edge Over Tesla in Robo-Taxi Economics as Google Pushes Ad Revenue Model

January 24, 2026, 8:16 AM EST. An investor argues long-term robo-taxi economics hinge on turning cars into an ad platform. Ross, who says Google is his top pick, notes the business won't scale until the operating cost per mile falls below about $1; today it runs closer to three times that, keeping ride-hailing less attractive than owning a car. After costs drop, the field tightens as Nvidia-based systems proliferate over the next five years. In that scenario, advertising revenue could drive margins more than fares. Google's in-car strategy, potentially including YouTube integration, positions Waymo to lead while the field remains contested with Uber and other players. The takeaway: Waymo may outshine Tesla on economics in a crowded market.

Meta's Reality Labs layoffs spark VR winter fears as company pivots to AI and smart glasses

January 24, 2026, 8:14 AM EST. Meta's Reality Labs laid off about 1,000 employees, part of a shift away from VR toward AI and wearable devices like the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. IDC analyst Jitesh Ubrani called VR headsets niche and not a mass-market product. Oculus co-founder Palmer Luckey said the layoffs could be positive for the industry's long-term health. Meta has logged more than $70 billion in cumulative losses in Reality Labs since 2020. The company, which once highlighted the metaverse after renaming Facebook to Meta, has reduced investment in Quest hardware and instead showcased Ray-Ban Display glasses at Connect. Some VR developers worry about future prospects, but Meta says it remains committed to VR alongside AI and eyewear.

Samsung Galaxy S26 rumored features could tempt iPhone users to switch

January 24, 2026, 8:04 AM EST. An iPhone user explains why he might defect to Android if the Galaxy S26 meets the right price and feature set. The Mashable piece notes the launch is expected in late February with One UI 8.5 and a flood of leaks ahead of the Unpacked event. It highlights rumored improvements that could tilt decisions: camera upgrades, longer battery life, new display tech, and a price strategy that could close the gap with Apple. The author, who has tested the Motorola Razr Ultra, argues Android features and ecosystem compatibility matter as much as hardware. Leaks and official hints frame a narrative where the Galaxy S26 could finally lure loyal iPhone customers to Samsung.

Apple's AI wearable rumor; ByteDance TikTok deal closes; Bungie's Marathon due March 5; GPU price window closes

January 24, 2026, 7:56 AM EST. Apple is rumored to be exploring a wearable AI pin with two cameras and three microphones, described as a thicker AirTag-like device. The Information reports the device could release as early as 2027, but it's in early stages and could be canceled. Critics question the selling point of a tiny listening device with cameras when the Watch and AirPods already cover similar capabilities. ByteDance has closed a deal to sell 80% of its U.S. TikTok entity to non-Chinese investors, with Oracle, Silver Lake and MGX taking stakes. Oracle will host data in its U.S. cloud, retrain the algorithm on U.S. users, and moderate content. Bungie's Marathon, a 3v3 extraction shooter, will launch on March 5 after delays. For GPUs, the usual price window has closed this year.

Nvidia eyes $6 trillion market cap in 2026 as AI demand sustains momentum

January 24, 2026, 7:52 AM EST. Nvidia briefly hit a $5 trillion market cap in 2025 and sits around $4.5 trillion today. The prior forecast proved right; the thesis now points to a test of $6 trillion in 2026, implying a roughly 33% stock-price lift. AI tailwinds keep Nvidia in control of pricing as GPUs power expanding AI workloads. In fiscal Q3 2026, revenue rose 62% year over year, with Wall Street eyeing 66% growth in the upcoming quarter. At about 40x forward earnings, the stock trades at a premium to peers; a re-rating to 30x could still push the market cap beyond $6 trillion. Depending on multiples and execution, Nvidia could remain a leading tech name through 2026, albeit with risks tied to demand and valuation shifts.

Galaxy S26 Ultra display rumors hint new Gorilla Glass, anti-reflective tech could curb screen protectors

January 24, 2026, 7:50 AM EST. Rumors about Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra center on a new generation of Gorilla Glass for stronger protection and possibly no need for screen protectors. Supposed upgrades include an anti-reflective coating and CoE non-polarized light technology to cut glare and boost brightness. A privacy display and a dedicated privacy film are also alleged, aligning with January chatter about hardware- and software-based protections. Tipster Ice Universe on X says Samsung seeks a glass upgrade that offers tempered protection alongside the Ultra's display. Another claim ties in a privacy film tested with Flex Magic Pixel OLED tech and AI to block side peeking. The launch is rumored for February 25, 2026, with cobalt violet and pink gold cited as color options.

Study finds LLMs hit mathematical wall, challenging agentic AI hype

January 24, 2026, 7:48 AM EST. A new paper by Vishal Sikka and Varin Sikka argues that large language models (LLMs) have a hard ceiling when handling computation and multi-step tasks. The authors contend certain prompts demand more complex calculation than an LLM can process, causing the model to fail or err. The claim undercuts the idea of fully autonomous operation, i.e., agentic AI, and lowers the ceiling for what is possible in artificial general intelligence. The work mirrors prior skepticism about LLM reasoning from other researchers, including Apple scholars who argued LLMs lack true thinking. It also tempers bold bets that AI will surpass human intelligence soon, a claim sometimes linked to figures like Elon Musk. Still, the study adds math-based caution to the ongoing debate about current computational limits of AI.

Laid off from CrowdStrike, I used AI to land my ideal role

January 24, 2026, 7:46 AM EST. Former CrowdStrike employee recounts being laid off and using AI to land an ideal role. The piece outlines practical steps: using AI to tailor a resume, optimize a LinkedIn profile, and rehearse interview questions. It highlights that AI can speed tasks but real cybersecurity experience and tangible achievements remain essential. The story situates the move within a broader trend of tech workers turning to automation to accelerate job searches, while emphasizing careful use of AI tools to avoid misrepresentation.

SpaceX targets Jan. 25 Falcon 9 launch from Vandenberg for 25 Starlink satellites

January 24, 2026, 7:40 AM EST. SpaceX is aiming for a Sunday, Jan. 25 liftoff of a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, delivering 25 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit. The four-hour window opens at 7:17 a.m. PT, with a backup opportunity the following day per an FAA advisory. The mission marks the fifth January West Coast launch. Public viewing is not allowed on base, but several coastal spots in Santa Barbara County and beyond offer vantage points, weather permitting. Viewers should watch for weather or technical delays and check with local outlets for updates, including the VC Star. The booster will fly a southern trajectory from Space Launch Complex 4E.

How to build your own internet in 2026: escaping algorithmic feeds and Big Social

January 24, 2026, 7:30 AM EST. An alternative internet exists beyond the platform-dominated web. The piece argues users can reclaim control by climbing a ladder of choices-from awareness and tracking online time to escaping Big Social and its algorithmic feeds. The author frames the internet as a collective project: individual actions add up to a broader resistance to corporate enclosure. Key steps include monitoring internet vitals (how often you pick up your phone and how long you spend on social media) and learning from Cal Newport's Digital Minimalism, Tristan Harris's ethical design work, and Renée DiResta's Invisible Rulers. To escape Big Social, users can opt for chronological feeds, curate lists of accounts, or use broadcast channels on platforms like Instagram. The piece notes changes won't be perfect, but they can reduce the pull of algorithmic design and shift attention to personal aims.

Prediction: Quantum computing stocks could crash in 2026 as valuations outrun revenue

January 24, 2026, 7:24 AM EST. Predictions for 2026 hinge on how far valuations outpace revenue in the quantum computing space. The piece argues a reckoning could arrive despite a late-2020s optimism. It notes the pure-play stocks are expensive relative to sales: D-Wave has TTM revenue around $24 million but a market cap near $10 billion; Rigetti about $12.7 million in TTM revenue with an $8.5 billion cap; QUBT (Quantum Computing) about $0.55 million in TTM revenue vs. a $3 billion cap; IonQ roughly $80 million in TTM revenue with an $18 billion cap. Skeptics, including MIT researchers and Morningstar analysts, say large-scale commercialization is years away-five to ten years for early use, possibly twenty for general-use. Prominent critics such as Gil Kalai and Mikhail Dyakonov question the feasibility of quantum error correction. The piece emphasizes the risk of overvaluation unless near-term commercialization materializes.

No, AI isn't inevitable. We should stop it while we can.

January 24, 2026, 6:52 AM EST. An opinion piece argues that AI progress is not inevitable and calls for a pause while policymakers act. It notes trillions are being spent to build systems and robots that outperform humans, risking job losses, power consolidation among a few tech elites, and the potential to alter or undermine governance. The author cites OpenAI's aim for 'recursive self-improvement' toward superintelligent AI and warns of warnings from the Center for AI Safety about extinction or disempowerment. It emphasizes development as a deliberate project, not a natural law, and urges global political will to halt the reckless race, including stronger oversight and possible bans on dangerous capabilities.

SpaceX plans weekend Starlink launch from Vandenberg

January 24, 2026, 6:42 AM EST. SpaceX targets a weekend Falcon 9 liftoff from Vandenberg Space Force Base to deploy 25 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit. The window runs Sunday from 7:17 to 11:17 a.m. Pacific time. A live webcast will begin on X @SpaceX about five minutes before liftoff and can also be viewed via the X TV app. The first-stage booster has flown 12 times, including eight Starlink missions, and will land on a droneship in the Pacific Ocean after stage separation. No sonic boom is expected locally. This marks SpaceX's fifth launch from Vandenberg this year.

Apple's Campos Siri and AI Wearable Rumors; NexPhone Lets You Run Android, Linux and Windows

January 24, 2026, 6:38 AM EST. Apple delays Siri improvements to 2026 as rumors sharpen around Campos, a chatbot upgrade powered by Google Gemini and integrated into iPhone, Mac and iPad in fall OS updates. Bloomberg says Campos could debut at WWDC. The move follows a tepid reception to Apple Intelligence on the iPhone 16. The Information adds weight to chatter about an AI-powered wearable the size of an AirTag, with multiple cameras, a speaker, mics and wireless charging, targeting a 2027 launch; a test of the field's promise after the Ai Pin hype. Separately, Nex Computer's NexPhone can boot Android, Linux (Debian) and Windows, with a desktop mode on external displays and a rugged Qualcomm-powered chassis.

Stocks to watch next week: Tesla, Meta, Microsoft, Apple and Lloyds

January 24, 2026, 6:30 AM EST. Four of the Magnificent 7 tech giants head into earnings season. Tesla reports Q4 on Wednesday, with updates on its robotaxi program and Optimus humanoid robots shaping investor sentiment. Meta also reports Wednesday, with focus on AI spending and strategy. Microsoft follows that day, as investors scrutinize bets on AI paying off. On Thursday, Apple takes the spotlight, with analysts watching for fresh details on its AI push. In London, Lloyds kicks off the UK banking season as a top performer. Tesla shares rose after Elon Musk's Davos comments, outlining wider robotaxi deployment by 2026 and potential EU/China approvals. Near-term estimates suggest mixed momentum, but markets will weigh divisions mix within autos and software as the quarter unfolds.

Apple Vision Pro Immersive NBA Viewing Highlights VR's Potential and Hurdles

January 24, 2026, 6:28 AM EST. Attending a Lakers game on Apple Vision Pro showcases how VR could reshape sports viewing. The author watched on-demand via Spectrum SportsNet in guest mode, opting for immersive 180-degree 3D mode over a floating screen. The immersive option provides a cinematic feel and up-close impressions of players and commentators that are harder to glean from traditional broadcasts. In immersive mode, a fixed set of camera angles-ground-level, end-court, and stands-limit navigation, but 3D cutaways make commentators appear lifelike and scale becomes perceptible, revealing details like birthmarks or sweat. While the experience feels intimate and powerful, it also risks being too close at times, highlighting production challenges for VR sports. The non-immersive, floating view remains shareable across apps, offering a more social alternative.

Lemonade debuts Autonomous Vehicle Insurance with Tesla FSD, cuts rates

January 24, 2026, 6:24 AM EST. Lemonade launches Autonomous Vehicle Insurance for self-driving cars, debuting with Tesla FSD. The coverage lowers per-mile rates by about 50% when FSD is active, TheFly reported on January 21, 2026. The insurer will access vehicle data to improve usage-based risk models, distinguish autonomous from human driving, and assess risk by autonomous software version, in a partnership described as with the EV king. The rollout starts January 26 in Arizona and reaches Oregon about a month later, targeting households with a mix of Tesla and non-FSD vehicles or intermittent FSD use. Separately, Reuters noted Canada's decision to lower tariffs on Chinese-made EVs to 6.1%, enabling up to 49,000 vehicles annually and benefiting Tesla's Canadian footprint for faster market entry under the new deal. Investors remain cautious on AI stocks, with alternatives cited in a separate report.

Huawei plans RAM boost and HarmonyOS NEXT for Pura 90, not a chip upgrade

January 24, 2026, 6:06 AM EST. Huawei is plotting a performance uplift for the Pura 90 flagship without a new chip, leaning on software and memory upgrades after a five-year US ban stalled advanced 5G SoCs. The company has already deployed 20GB RAM on the Mate 80 RS Ultimate Design, and a similar spec could appear on the Pura 90 Ultra. RAM provides a fast workspace for the CPU, boosting multitasking, app launches, gaming, and data transfer. Huawei ties the gain to HarmonyOS NEXT as part of an effort to squeeze more efficiency from existing silicon. The Pura 90 launch is expected in Q2 2026, though plans may shift before prototypes are final.

ASML: The Overlooked AI Stock With Long-Term Compounder Potential

January 24, 2026, 5:56 AM EST. ASML sits at the core of AI-enabled chip making. The Dutch lithography leader uses extreme ultraviolet light to etch silicon wafers and holds a near-monopoly in its niche. Growth has accelerated with AI demand, though results swing as machines cost hundreds of millions. The company shows high profitability: operating margin near 35%, ROE around 53%, ROIC about 43%. Its balance sheet remains sturdy: cash and equivalents about €5.1 billion vs. €2.7 billion in long-term debt (Q3 2025). Valuation is rich-over 50x earnings-raising questions about the pace of long-term earnings growth. Management aims to nearly double revenue by 2030, lift gross margin from 52% to ~60%, and reward holders via buybacks and dividends. It is a high-quality, long-term compounder.

DeepMind chief Hassabis warns AI investment looks bubble-like; Western lead persists at Davos

January 24, 2026, 5:50 AM EST. Sir Demis Hassabis warned at Davos that exuberance in parts of the AI industry looks bubble-like, even as he argued the scale and reach of the technology leave Big Tech well positioned for any reckoning. He cautioned that multibillion-dollar seed rounds with no product or tech may be unsustainable, signaling potential market corrections. Davos panelists like Nvidia's Jensen Huang and Microsoft's Satya Nadella push back on over-investment fears. The Thinking Machine Lab, valued at $10bn after six months despite few details and staff departures, exemplifies the froth. Hassabis said demand for AI across Google products, including Gemini 3, remains strong and could boost productivity if the bubble bursts. Alphabet's value topped $4tn; Western AI leadership persists, even as China's DeepSeek spurs debate about innovation beyond the frontier.

Canon says smartphone-era camera market has settled, eyes growth in video and SNS shooting

January 24, 2026, 5:48 AM EST. Canon says the smartphone-driven decline in the point-and-shoot market has settled, leaving room for renewed growth. In a long-term outlook through 2030, the company frames the imaging and printing segments as cash cows and highlights video and SNS-oriented shooting as new growth drivers. It points to cameras such as the PowerShot V1 and EOS R5 C as proof of a broadened focus beyond stills. Supply trends show the G7X Mark III and similar compacts remaining scarce as demand shifts to content creation for social media. Canon signals outsourcing of low-priced models while pushing domestic automation for mid- to high-end lines, plus expansion in 3D imaging and video DX.

ZenaTech advances five-qubit quantum prototype for defense AI

January 24, 2026, 5:24 AM EST. ZenaTech says it is procuring components for a proprietary quantum computing hardware platform to run AI-driven defense, homeland security and government applications. The company aims to complete a five-qubit prototype and have it operational by late 2026. The system would process large datasets from its ZenaDrone drones and drone swarms, delivering real-time, actionable insights for military and civilian programs, including weather forecasting, wildfire management and traffic control. CEO Shaun Passley says the move supports a vertically integrated platform to handle data volumes from autonomous missions and strengthen security in contested environments. The project ties to the Eagle Eye, Clear Skies and Sky Traffic initiatives, expanding ZenaTech's portfolio in ISR and defense AI.

NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang regrets IPO timing after buying parents a Mercedes with stock proceeds

January 24, 2026, 5:06 AM EST. CEO Jensen Huang recalled selling NVIDIA shares after the IPO to buy his parents a Mercedes S-Class, later saying he regretted the timing. Speaking at the World Economic Forum with BlackRock chief Larry Fink, Huang said the move came when NVIDIA was valued around $300 million. He now frames AI as driving the biggest infrastructure buildout in history, with hyperscalers and frontier models demanding more compute. NVIDIA is valued near $5 trillion as the AI wave accelerates, and Huang notes the company supplies hardware and software tools-CUDA, open-source LLMs and related frameworks-that underpin ongoing adoption. The remarks underscore both personal cost of early timing and the macro shift toward AI-enabled infrastructure.

Meta Quest 3 vs Quest 2: key differences explained

January 24, 2026, 5:00 AM EST. Meta's Quest 3 was unveiled at Connect 2023 as a newer generation than Quest 2. The Quest 3 is four years newer, and its specs outshine the Quest 2 on paper, delivering more capabilities. Meta says the headset supports a wider variety of VR games and experiences. The comparison centers on hardware and software upgrades that enable richer immersive content, marking a clear step forward for the lineup rather than a minor revision. For Quest 2 owners weighing an upgrade, the decision hinges on whether the added performance and library breadth justify the switch.

CATL, Ellen MacArthur Foundation set circular EV battery roadmap at Davos whitepaper

January 24, 2026, 4:58 AM EST. At Davos, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation published a whitepaper that for EV batteries delivers the first integrated, actionable circular value-chain roadmap grounded in real-world practice. CATL is a founding strategic partner, working with DHL, Volvo, JLR and others to translate circular-economy principles into deployable actions. The document highlights five interdependent actions: design batteries for circularity; rethink battery service within energy-mobility systems; scale circular business models; invest in regional circular infrastructure; and enable a circular operating system through data, standards and policy. CATL already puts these into practice by separating the battery from the vehicle, managing batteries as centrally controlled assets, and operating more than 1,000 passenger-vehicle and 300 commercial-vehicle swap stations, backed by a broad ecosystem of partners. The roadmap aims to decouple battery growth from virgin materials, cut emissions, and bolster supply-chain resilience.

Amazon EC2 G7e instances powered by NVIDIA RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell GPUs go GA

January 24, 2026, 4:30 AM EST. Amazon announces general availability of EC2 G7e instances, powered by NVIDIA RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell Server Edition GPUs. The platform targets cost-effective AI inference and graphics workloads. G7e delivers up to 2.3x inference performance versus G6e and more GPU memory and bandwidth-two times memory and 1.85x bandwidth. It supports up to 8 GPUs per node, enabling medium-sized models up to 70B parameters with FP8 on a single GPU. GPUDirect P2P reduces multi-GPU latency; multi-GPU bandwidth improves up to 4x versus G6e, allowing larger models across GPUs with up to 768 GB memory per node. Networking is quadrupled; RDMA with EFA and GPUDirectStorage via FSx for Lustre raise throughput to 1.2 Tbps. Specs: up to 192 vCPUs, 2,048 GiB RAM, up to 15.2 TB NVMe.

FCC extends drone firmware updates to January 2027

January 24, 2026, 4:26 AM EST. The FCC on January 21, 2026, issued DA 26-69, waiving restrictions on Class I permissive changes to UAS and UAS critical components authorized before December 22, 2025, allowing firmware and software updates through at least January 1, 2027. The OET said the waiver covers all updates that mitigate harm to U.S. consumers, including security patches and functionality fixes, and applies to drones from DJI, Autel, and other covered manufacturers. The move closes a regulatory trap created when the December 22 Covered List addition would have blocked certain updates. The waiver mirrors the January 2027 deadline already in place for Blue UAS and Buy American exemptions. Critics from the industry, including Oregon Department of Aviation director Kenji Sugahara, called it reasonable news for the sector.

Substack launches TV apps on Apple TV and Google TV, triggering writer pushback

January 24, 2026, 4:24 AM EST. Substack on Thursday rolled out Apple TV and Google TV apps, letting subscribers watch videos and livestreams from creators they follow. The app includes a recommendations-based For You feed that mixes in other creators' content and will later add audio and more discovery features. Free and paid subscribers gain access. The move follows Substack's broader pivot toward video and monetization, including Notes, and ads-testing last December. Some writers and users reacted with frustration, arguing the platform is drifting away from the written word that defined Substack. Industry context: TV is a growing channel for audio-visual content; YouTube logged about 700 million hours of podcasts on TVs in October 2025. Substack aims to grow revenue, but may struggle to reassure longtime users amid the pivot.

Wearables Move to Lapels as Apple Bets on an AI-Powered Pin

January 24, 2026, 4:20 AM EST. Wearables are moving from wrists to lapels. IDC data show the category shipped 136.5 million devices in Q2 2025, up 9.6% year over year, underscoring momentum beyond earbuds and smartwatches. The Information reports Apple is developing an AI-powered wearable pin with cameras, microphones, a speaker and wireless charging, signaling a potential 2027 arrival and a shift of the interface war toward lapels. Meanwhile, Apple is pushing Siri toward a more chatbot-like future. The trend: wearables move from counting you to chronicling you-voice, habits and context-raising privacy tensions and questions about personal space. Other devices-Humane's pin, Bee, and Friend-illustrate a crowded, unsettled edge of the market.

Iran blocks Starlink as military jammers disrupt service

January 24, 2026, 4:04 AM EST. Iran has begun blocking Elon Musk's Starlink service, deploying military jammers reportedly supplied by Russia to curb satellite connectivity. The blackout, the first large-scale use of Starlink in the country, has turned into a patchwork network as ground and satellite links fail at varying degrees. NetBlocks confirmed localized blocks while The Times of Israel reports a larger footprint for Starlink receivers inside Iran. Starlink's reliance on GPS means Iranian interference with satellite positioning can worsen outages; observers say jammers could overpower terminals. Some users report temporary workarounds, such as adjusting Starlink settings to favor positioning data. Analysts noted a surge in disruption since the initial 30% uplink/downlink loss, rising to more than 80% in hours. Reports cite ongoing monitoring by Iran Wire, Channel 4 News, and TechRadar.

Study shows AI can reproduce substantial portions of copyrighted texts

January 24, 2026, 3:58 AM EST. Researchers at Stanford University and Yale University published a January study showing AI can reproduce substantial portions of copyrighted text. The work tested four mainstream, offline AI models, prompting them to complete opening sentences until long passages could be reproduced. The Gemini 2.5 Pro model matched about 77% of the text from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone when asked to continue from the opening sentence. The study challenges the claim that training data merely yields non-verbatim knowledge, showing some systems can memorize and reproduce passages verbatim. The research underscores tensions over training-data sourcing-including large, permission-free datasets such as Books3-and what counts as allowed use when models reproduce long passages.

Donut Lab claims solid-state battery breakthrough; experts demand data and validation

January 24, 2026, 3:50 AM EST. Donut Lab, a Helsinki startup, claimed at CES 2026 to have a class-leading solid-state battery ready for a forthcoming electric motorcycle, promising five-minute charging and high energy density. The announcement put pressure on established players, but skepticism followed. BloombergNEF electrochemistry expert Jiayan Shi told InsideEVs that investors crave data validation on performance and safety, and noted the lack of disclosed metrics. Donut Lab says the technology is real but shrouded in trade secrecy, and says the battery will be used in Verge Motorcycles' next two-wheel EV. Verge and Donut Lab did not respond to InsideEVs' detailed questions. In science terms, solid-state batteries swap liquid electrolytes for a solid, which could reduce safety risks and enable faster charging-if performance holds up in real-world tests.

Three reasons I'm ditching Windows laptops for Windows 11 tablets

January 24, 2026, 3:48 AM EST. After testing the Asus ProArt PZ13 in 2024 and the Microsoft Surface Pro 12-inch in 2025, the author argues a Windows 11 tablet can outpace a traditional laptop for portable work. First, the form factor is more convenient and flexible for daily tasks-media, web, email, and light gaming-without a permanently attached keyboard. Second, Windows' touch and pen input has matured enough to substitute for a keyboard in many scenarios. Third, pairing a tablet with a full desktop OS delivers a desktop-class experience on the go, letting users run desktop apps and multitask as on a PC. The piece frames the shift as a future upgrade choice rather than a wholesale claim, with a path clearly pointing toward tablets over clamshell laptops.

Substack launches beta TV app for Apple TV and Google TV to surface video posts and livestreams

January 24, 2026, 3:28 AM EST. Substack is expanding from newsletters into television with a beta app for Apple TV and Google TV. The TV app lets subscribers watch video posts and livestreams produced on the platform, with a TikTok-style For You row to surface creator videos and recommendations. Access depends on subscription tier, and Substack plans to add paid content previews for free subscribers later. The company aims to add audio posts, read-alouds, sharper search and discovery, in-app upgrades to paid tiers, and per-publisher hubs for video libraries. The move broadens Substack's video push as it competes with YouTube and Patreon for creators and viewers. Substack's history includes video posts (2022), monetization (2023), livestreaming for all publishers, and a March 2025 short-form feed. Critics worry this shifts focus from writing.

Curl ends bug bounty program after AI-generated reports overwhelm maintainers

January 24, 2026, 3:26 AM EST. curl founder Daniel Stenberg says the project will drop its vulnerability reward program after a surge of low-quality, AI-generated reports overwhelmed maintainers. He cites the toll on intact mental health and survival, noting they cannot control how all contributors' slop machines operate. The withdrawal, announced on curl's GitHub account, takes effect at month's end. curl, a three-decade-old tool for file transfers and debugging shipped with Windows, macOS and many Linux distros, relies on private bug reports and bug bounties to surface high-severity flaws. Critics say the move risks security by removing an incentive mechanism, while supporters argue it addresses a pattern of disruptive submissions in a small open source project.

Xbox Game Studios' Craig Duncan outlines 2026 plan: four pillar titles, multiplatform push, and lessons from 2025

January 24, 2026, 3:24 AM EST. Craig Duncan, head of Xbox Game Studios, says 2026 will test the unit's multiplatform strategy as four pillar franchises-Fable, Forza, Halo, and Gears-line up for a single calendar year. In the aftermath of yesterday's Developer Direct, he outlined how Rare's former leader now steers a diverse portfolio and supervised a surge of projects across studios from Playground to Obsidian and inXile. The interview covers how Xbox decides which first-party titles to bring to PS5, and reflects on hard lessons from 2025 that shaped the year ahead. He confirms the decision to end Everwild and Perfect Dark as part of refocus, with further reveals likely through 2026.

Cursor's AI swarm builds a browser and runs it for a week without human help

January 24, 2026, 3:20 AM EST. Cursor ran hundreds of AI agents as an orchestra-planners, workers and judges-to build a browser that functioned for a full week without human input. The project tests whether autonomous systems can sustain an open-ended software task longer than before, addressing two bottlenecks: AI attention span and cross-agent coordination. The team argues models are now smarter and scalable enough to manage millions of lines of code, with a dedicated layer to prevent chaos. CEO Michael Truell said the effort produced something that 'kind of works' and could herald a future where AI handles entire projects. OpenAI engineer Bill Chen calls long-running tasks a key signal of system intelligence; researchers say this work reshapes expectations for software and other fields.

Samsung's One UI 8.5 Good Lock expands widget customization with LockStar, QuickStar landscape support and more

January 24, 2026, 3:16 AM EST. Samsung's One UI 8.5 Good Lock targets power users with deep widget customization. LockStar adds unlock animations and manual AOD brightness, while QuickStar gains landscape support for the Quick Settings panel and image-based icons. Home Up introduces resizable folders, no page scrolling, and unified Edge panel, plus adjustable text and color for app labels. GTS sharing remains intact when layouts miss apps. Theme Park adds texture to icons and monochrome options. Game Booster+ adds gamepad mapping and per-game performance controls for CPU, GPU, heat, battery, and frame rates. The refresh emphasizes personalization and performance across phones, tablets, and foldables.

User touts 'unicorn prompt' as fix for AI guessing, boosts clarity across tools

January 24, 2026, 3:00 AM EST. A reviewer who tests AI tools says a single prompt-the unicorn prompt-has dramatically improved results. After encountering long, generic or incorrect replies from ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude, the writer says the core issue is the AI guessing what you want. The prompt slows the bot down, asks up to three clarifying questions and produces three outputs: the answer, a plan and the pitfalls. It also asks the assistant to list any assumptions first and tailor the response to a named goal. Described as cross-tool compatible, the approach works with most chatbots the author has tested. Proponents argue it turns vague requests into actionable steps and reduces extra back-and-forth.

Windows 11 KB5074109 update triggers lockups and black screens; Microsoft urges uninstall

January 24, 2026, 2:48 AM EST. Microsoft's January 2026 security update for Windows 11, KB5074109, is linked to widespread stability issues across consumer and enterprise PCs. The update, targeting 24H2 (build 26200.7623) and 25H2 (build 26100.7623) and delivering over 100 fixes-including three zero-days-caused full system lockups and black screens, especially in graphics-heavy apps as DirectX and GPU drivers regressed. Remote work environments saw credential prompt failures in Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365, later addressed by out-of-band KB5077744. Other issues include Outlook Classic freezes and cloud-storage hangs affecting OneDrive/Dropbox; a password icon glitch on the lock screen prompted Known Issue Rollback (KIR) for some enterprises. Microsoft recommends uninstalling KB5074109 and rebooting; Nvidia/AMD urge updated drivers; enterprises may use KIR or staged rollout while awaiting future rollups.

Tesla launches Cybertruck deliveries in UAE as Middle East push continues amid EU hurdles

January 24, 2026, 2:46 AM EST. Tesla has begun official Cybertruck deliveries in the United Arab Emirates, marking the first time the electric pickup has moved beyond North America. The company staged a handover in Dubai's Al Marmoom desert, where about 63 trucks were handed to customers. By January 2026, the Cybertruck configurator remained live for the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and other Middle Eastern markets, with prices starting at around AED 404,900 (roughly $110,000) for the Dual Motor model. In Europe, however, regulators pose obstacles: EU pedestrian-protection rules and a 3.5-tonne gross weight threshold clash with the vehicle's sharp edges and stainless-steel exoskeleton, pushing the need for a smaller design. Tesla continues to work with governments while pursuing autonomy and Robotaxi ambitions in its core markets.

Trump Mobile teases T1 Ultra as original phone launch lags

January 24, 2026, 2:38 AM EST. Trump Mobile faces delays on its first device as it mulls a higher-end T1 Ultra. A November interview with Don Hendrickson, cited by The Verge, described the Ultra as a premium follow-up to a 'T1' that has not yet shipped to customers who placed a $100 deposit. The company has shown images of the T1 in marketing materials but has not announced a release date. Hendrickson said customers are 'eager to buy into' the Ultra, a claim difficult to verify given the lack of a public launch. The matter is complicated by an FTC inquiry requested by Democratic lawmakers into the original device; Trump Mobile has not yet commented.

iOS 26.2 Introduces Ultra Dark Liquid Glass; how to enable and customize

January 24, 2026, 2:32 AM EST. Apple's iOS 26.2 adds an ultradark 'liquid glass' appearance that tightens contrast and sharpens UI elements. To enable, ensure the device runs iOS 26.2 or later and is a model released in the last five years. Then go to Settings to activate: Display & Brightness > Liquid Glass > Tinted; Accessibility > Display & Text Size > Show Borders, Reduce Transparency, and Increase Contrast. The combined steps deepen contrast, reduce blur, and tint the screen for a more defined look. After enablement, the effect applies to Notifications, the Lock Screen, the Dock, Folders, Widgets, and the Control Center, delivering a cohesive, high-contrast experience. Verify updates via Settings > General > Software Update.

DJI Drones on Sale: Air 3S, Mavic 4 Pro, and Flip Drone Deals

January 24, 2026, 2:28 AM EST. DJI's lineup is on promo, with three popular drones featured in the retailer's deals of the week. The DJI Flip Drone (RC 2 with Fly More Combo) is listed at $659, followed by the DJI Air 3S (RC 2 Fly More) at $1,599, and the DJI Mavic 4 Pro with Fly More Combo at $2,964. The note from the outlet frames these as practical options for aerial cinematography and videography projects, pending buyers' needs for flight time, stabilization, and camera specs. The roundup directs readers to more filmmaking deals on the site. In short: a trio of DJI builds, now discounted, for beginners and pros aiming to elevate their shots.

Apple re-engages with Intel for future iPhone chips, analyst reiterates

January 24, 2026, 2:26 AM EST. Analyst Jeff Pu reiterates that Apple is pursuing a partnership with Intel for future iPhone chips, extending beyond the current supply chain. He notes Intel's 14A 1.4nm-class process and a pipeline that includes Apple, AMD, and Nvidia. Pu says the arrangement could yield order-wins such as Apple's SP SoC and NVDA/AMD x86 server chips. Separately, Ming-Chi Kuo has claimed Intel could ship Apple's base M processor as early as 2027, potentially for select iPad and Mac models. Under the plan, Apple would continue in-house chip design while Intel joins as an additional manufacturer, not a full replacement for TSMC. Timelines remain tentative; investors and users should watch for official comments.

iPhone Air gains SIM card slot in hardware mod, fuels debate

January 24, 2026, 2:24 AM EST. A Chinese maker identified as Huaqiangbei reportedly modified an iPhone Air to include a SIM card slot by swapping Apple's haptic engine for a smaller motor to create space for the tray. Viral footage circulated on Douyin and later on TikTok, but 9to5Mac could not locate the original post. Viewers debate whether the device is a genuine iPhone Air mod or a clone/hoax. Apple has not commented on any official plan to add a SIM card slot to the line. The video highlights the allure and risk of viral hardware mods, where authenticity and safety are often uncertain.

Motoring: EV battery fears fade as solid-state tech looms

January 24, 2026, 2:22 AM EST. New data shows Irish motorists' EV fears about battery life are fading as real-world performance improves. A Geotab study of more than 22,000 EVs finds modern batteries degrade about 2% per year, leaving a 400km original range with well over 320km after a decade. Even frequent fast charging isn't as damaging as feared; degradation averages around 3% annually. Market signals point to stronger EV adoption in 2026, after a 19% share last year, with January searches up 17% for EVs. On the horizon, solid-state batteries promise higher energy density, faster charging, and safer operation by removing flammable liquids; they may cope better with cold weather. In Ireland, listings on DoneDeal Cars reflect growing buyer confidence, with higher mileage EVs appearing more often.

Quantum threat to crypto could wipe out trillions, experts warn

January 24, 2026, 2:06 AM EST. Quantum computers could break the cryptography that guards cryptocurrencies, enabling hackers to drain wallets and erode trust in blockchains. Without a rapid shift to quantum-resistant security and post-quantum cryptography, assets worth trillions could face revaluation or loss. Industry researchers stress the risk depends on when practical quantum machines arrive and how quickly wallets, exchanges and smart contracts migrate their signing schemes. Some projects are updating protocols and embracing new standards; others are coordinating risk disclosures and audits. Regulators and infrastructure providers are tracking the transition, urging clear timelines and sequencing. The prognosis is uncertain, but the imperative to act is growing as the quantum clock ticks.

Apple opens Montgomery Village store as shoppers line up ahead of noon debut

January 24, 2026, 2:04 AM EST. Apple opened its new Montgomery Village store at 720 Farmers Lane on Friday, with doors opening at noon and shoppers waiting in line. The 8,684-square-foot Santa Rosa-area store sits near Santa Rosa Plaza, a former anchor for more than two decades before its closure this week. The project fits Montgomery Village's shift toward a higher-end retail mix under WS Development, which bought the center in 2021. Store hours run 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sundays. A preview event drew social-media influencers and local business owners, who tested features such as Apple's virtual reality headset. The opening underscores another high-profile arrival as the center expands its curated lineup.

Smartphones replace TV remotes as control hub for streaming

January 24, 2026, 1:54 AM EST. More households are using smartphones as the primary TV remote, a trend accelerated by new mobile app controls and trackers. In 2026, devices offer Find My Remote-style features, Bluetooth beacons, and apps that control start, pause and input switching without hunting for a traditional remote. Platforms such as Google TV Streamer let viewers cast and navigate across devices directly from their phones, and offer a virtual remote when the hardware one is needed. Proponents say a phone travels with users more often than a TV remote, reducing loss and friction and enabling faster content access. Critics note reliance on a phone can complicate access if the device is out of battery or unavailable.

Healthcare Edge Computing Market to Reach $20.39 Billion by 2031; IoMT and Real-Time Analytics Drive Growth

January 24, 2026, 1:48 AM EST. Global Healthcare Edge Computing Market is forecast to grow from USD 6.98 billion in 2025 to USD 20.39 billion by 2031, a CAGR of 19.56%. The model decouples processing from centralized clouds, bringing computation near patient monitors and diagnostic tools. Growth is driven by the expanding IoMT data stream and the need for ultra-low latency in high-stakes tasks such as robotic surgery. Real-time analytics enable immediate clinical decisions and support modern virtual care. The American Medical Association (AMA) notes telehealth adoption, with 71.4% of physicians in practices using telehealth in 2024. Hurdles include interoperability with legacy hospital systems, data fragmentation, and ensuring security across dispersed endpoints. Drivers include the expanding IoMT infrastructure; Deloitte (2025) says about 90% of health-system executives expect digital tools to reshape strategy.

Apple iPhone posts record year in India as market stays flat

January 24, 2026, 1:34 AM EST. Apple shipped about 14 million iPhones in India in 2025, lifting its share to a record 9% as the overall market held at 152-153 million units, Counterpoint Research shows. That marks the iPhone's strongest year in the world's second-largest handset market, up from 7% in 2024. Tarun Pathak, Counterpoint's director for devices and ecosystems, credits the portfolio, aspirational demand and broader sales channels. Apple executives have highlighted an all-time India revenue high and a rising active install base. The company is widening its footprint with local manufacturing and new stores, including its Noida location, and launched Apple Creator Studio in India at ₹399/month, a discount vs the U.S. price. Meanwhile, the premium segment grew, accounting for 23% of shipments, even as overall growth stagnates.

Harvey expands in legal AI with acquisition of Hexus as competition heats up

January 24, 2026, 1:32 AM EST. Harvey, the AI-focused legal AI startup, has acquired Hexus, a two-year-old outfit that builds tools for product demos, videos and guides. Sakshi Pratap, Hexus founder and CEO, will lead an engineering team focused on accelerating Harvey's offerings for in-house departments, with integration split between San Francisco and a planned Bangalore office. The deal terms were not disclosed; Pratap said the structure centers on long-term incentives. Harvey, valued at about $8 billion after a funding round of $160 million, counts more than 1,000 clients across 60 countries and includes many of the top U.S. law firms. The move underscores rapid consolidation in legal AI as funding, valuation and client bases rise.

Russia delays first batch of Starlink-rival satellites to 2026

January 24, 2026, 1:30 AM EST. Russia has pushed back the first batch of low-orbit broadband satellites for its Starlink rival, delaying the 16-satellite launch to 2026 from late 2025, the Kommersant business daily reports. The project, named Rassvet, is led by private group Bureau 1440 and overseen by Roscosmos. Officials had targeted 2025 for the initial deployment, part of the Data Economy National Project, backed by 102.8 billion rubles in the budget and an extra 329 billion rubles in private investment through 2030. Two industry sources cited incomplete assembly; Bureau 1440 denied missing deadlines. Deputy Minister Dmitry Ugnivenko had previously claimed all 16 satellites were produced. The plan envisions hundreds of satellites by 2035, far short of SpaceX's more than 7,000. Only six Bureau 1440 satellites are in orbit so far.

Meta pauses teen access to AI characters ahead of updated version

January 24, 2026, 1:26 AM EST. Meta is pausing teens' access to AI characters across its apps while it develops an updated version. The pause affects anyone who has listed a teen birthday or who is suspected to be a teen by the company's age-prediction technology. It will remain in place until the new experience is ready, at which point built-in parental controls will accompany the characters. Meta says the update will emphasize age-appropriate responses and topics such as education, sport and hobbies, with parents able to monitor conversations and fully disable chats if desired. The move comes amid regulatory scrutiny, including a New Mexico trial over alleged failure to protect kids from exploitation online. Meta had previously rolled out teen-focused controls on Instagram and other safeguards amid broader debates about teen mental health and safety online.

Tesla, xAI, SpaceX: The Trillion-Dollar AI Flywheel

January 24, 2026, 1:16 AM EST. An independent analyst, @farzyness, frames a triangular, industrial-scale tie-up among Tesla, xAI and SpaceX as a flywheel that could turbocharge cash flow. Tesla's energy storage business is expanding toward 133 GWh of annual capacity, with margins higher than autos. xAI has bought Megapacks to back Colossus, a system with 555,000 GPUs consuming over 1 GW, enough for about 750,000 households. Tesla also pursues chip autonomy, developing its own AI processors as NVIDIA maintains roughly 80% of the market; Musk argues the AI5 chip will improve cost per computation. The plan, the analysis says, rests on reducing reliance on external suppliers while scaling robots and software across the trio of companies, creating an unprecedented, revenue-generating flywheel.

Apple's moves fuel talk that John Ternus could be next CEO, per Gurman

January 24, 2026, 1:14 AM EST. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports that Apple quietly gave hardware chief John Ternus oversight of the hardware and software design teams at year's end, a sign analysts say could set the stage for his eventual ascent to CEO. Gurman's notes come as Tim Cook nears retirement-age discussions, though Cook remains in place and veteran execs like Craig Federighi keep influence at the annual WWDC. The restructuring signals Apple's readiness to groom a successor, even as management emphasizes continuity. Viewers should note the timing and the tasks: aligning hardware, software, and product strategy while maintaining investor confidence and global operations.

Windows 11 hit by bevy of bugs after January 2026 Patch Tuesday

January 24, 2026, 1:12 AM EST. Windows 11 and other Windows builds are buckling under new bugs tied to the January Patch Tuesday update. The release, aimed at fixing 114 vulnerabilities, also introduced issues that remain unresolved. Microsoft issued an out-of-band patch on Jan. 17 to fix a Remote Desktop authentication problem affecting Cloud PC and Windows apps. A separate bug with Secure Launch caused some systems to restart instead of shutting down, limited to Windows 11 23H2. The January update also caused an Outlook freeze for users with PST files stored on OneDrive, affecting multiple Windows versions including Windows 11 25H2/24H2/23H2, Windows 10 22H2, and enterprise/server editions. Some issues have been resolved; others persist.

Startup to send 1,000 ashes to space on a budget in 2027

January 24, 2026, 1:08 AM EST. Space Beyond founder Ryan Mitchell aims to put up to 1,000 people's ashes to space using a CubeSat. The company signed a launch services agreement with Arrow Science and Technology to ride on a SpaceX Falcon 9 mission slated for October 2027. Space Beyond positions the service as affordable: the base price is $249, far below typical funeral-industry costs. The model relies on a rideshare approach that cuts the price by mounting a small satellite on a larger rocket. Mitchell, a former NASA manufacturing engineer who spent time at Blue Origin, says the venture is bootstrapped and not chasing billion-dollar returns. Each customer will contribute roughly one gram of ashes to fit on board, reflecting current weight limits for small satellites.

Vimeo cuts large portion of staff after acquisition by Bending Spoons

January 24, 2026, 1:00 AM EST. Vimeo, the online video platform, has cut more than 1,000 jobs worldwide four months after its $1.38 billion sale to Italian tech group Bending Spoons. The layoffs were confirmed by ex-employees and widely reported by staff, with the timing drawing scrutiny given Bending Spoons' statements about acquiring companies to operate indefinitely. Vimeo's future appears uncertain as questions mount about its video archive and related services relied on by filmmakers and studios. Bending Spoons has previously pulled aggressive staffing cuts at portfolio firms, including WeTransfer and Meetup, following acquisitions that shifted operations to Milan. Analysts describe the pattern as a private-equity funded pivot that concentrates value in a central hub while downsizing talent.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra sets 2026 flagship benchmark

January 24, 2026, 12:58 AM EST. Samsung's flagship, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, shifts the benchmark for 2026 with a new generation of performance, display and imaging. At its core, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 delivers a 30-40% lift in CPU and GPU tasks, while memory bands stride to 107 GB/s and a 16 GB RAM option arrives on the 1 TB variant for heavy multitasking. The handset wears a 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED panel with M14 OLED for brighter, crisper visuals and a new privacy mode that blocks side-view peeking. The camera system adds a 12 MP telephoto, an 85° selfie FOV, wider apertures (f/1.4 main, f/2.9 for 5x tele), and flexible 12 MP/24 MP/200 MP modes, expanding options for every scenario. A GregglesTV video previews the handset's capabilities.

Meta pivots Quest VR strategy toward third-party games as Horizon Worlds moves to mobile

January 24, 2026, 12:54 AM EST. Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth announced a strategic pivot: deprioritize first-party VR development and lean into third-party titles for Meta Quest. Horizon Worlds will go mobile-only, scaling back from the Horizon OS and removing Horizon Feed in the upcoming Quest software update v85. Co-founder Luckey Palmer argued the narrative that Meta is abandoning VR is false. The shift follows layoffs of about 1,500 at Reality Labs and closures of many first-party studios, fueling speculation about VR's future. Bosworth said unifying Horizon and VR proved too complex and costly; the company will instead double down on the third-party content library and ecosystem. Davos interviews and Axios quotes frame Meta's renewed focus.

Google reveals scope of user data collection, sparking privacy concerns

January 24, 2026, 12:42 AM EST. Google has publicly acknowledged the breadth of data it collects on users across services such as search, maps and email. In a rare disclosure, the company says it uses this data to improve products and tailor ads. The admission draws fresh scrutiny from privacy advocates and regulators, who question consent and control. Google argues the data enables personalized experiences and safety improvements. Analysts warn the disclosure could intensify calls for tighter rules on data collection, transparency, and user opt-outs. For consumers, the practical impact depends on how easily they can manage privacy settings and understand where their data lives.

What to do with an old Android phone: wipe, back up and repurpose

January 24, 2026, 12:40 AM EST. Even after updates end, an old Android can still be useful. Manufacturers now offer up to seven years of software and security fixes, but many owners retire devices earlier. To prepare for reuse, wipe personal data, remove passwords, and back up to the cloud. Once erased, repurpose the device rather than discard it. One writer turned an old phone into a motorcycle navigation device; others use it for in-home tasks. Common options include backup storage for photos, videos and files, a dedicated security camera monitor, or a simple media player. The recipe is straightforward: clear data, secure the cloud backup, and assign a new purpose that fits the household.

Rosenblatt initiates coverage on Rigetti Computing with Buy rating

January 24, 2026, 12:38 AM EST. Rosenblatt analyst John McPeake initiated coverage of Rigetti Computing, Inc. (NASDAQ:RGTI) with a Buy rating and a $40 price objective, citing Rigetti's modular approach to qubit scaling and its internal fab strategy. The firm notes collaboration with Riverlane on quantum error correction as promising for the medium to long term. Rigetti revised its Cepheus-1-108Q roadmap, pushing general availability to the end of Q1 2026, and aims for 99.5% median two-qubit gate fidelity. While higher-qubit-count systems may surface challenges, Rigetti remains an integrated systems company building superconducting quantum processors. The note suggests AI stocks may offer larger upside and lower risk near term.

Thiel Sells Tesla, Bets on Apple: Thiel Macro Fund Reallocates From TSLA to AAPL

January 24, 2026, 12:32 AM EST. Peter Thiel's Thiel Macro fund reduced exposure to Tesla and redeployed capital into Apple, selling about 76% of its TSLA stake. As of Jan. 20, Tesla trades with a market cap near $1.4 trillion, about 16% below its all-time high. The analysis notes lofty valuation metrics – price-to-sales around 16; price-to-earnings and forward P/E in the triple digits – even as overseas share loss and growing competition in autonomous driving weigh on the bull case. Thiel keeps Tesla as the fund's largest position, while Apple is the smallest. The move reads as hedging against momentum risk and anchoring a 2026 portfolio with a defensively positioned blue-chip amid an AI-driven and inflation-sensitive market.

Apple plans Siri chatbot in iOS 27 with wearable AI pin and AI home hub

January 24, 2026, 12:30 AM EST. Apple's The MacRumors Show reports that Apple plans to turn Siri into a chatbot with iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27. The chatbot would search the web, generate content, assist with coding, summarize data, and analyze uploaded files. It would rival Claude, Gemini, and ChatGPT. It would leverage on-device personal data and improve search, with a feature that lets it view open windows and adjust device settings. Siri would integrate with all Apple apps-Photos, Mail, Messages, Music, TV-and respond via voice or text. It may run a custom model based on Google Gemini and could operate on Google's servers. Separately, Apple is eyeing a wearable AI pin with cameras, speaker, mics, and a control button. A smart home hub with AI features and a swiveling base is also rumored for release in the spring.

Craigslist: The Last Real Place on the Internet

January 24, 2026, 12:28 AM EST. An essay-turned-profile of Craigslist shows how the site remains a counterweight to modern platforms. Megan Koester, who found her first writing gig and later her rent-stable home on Craigslist, embodies a cohort that treats the classifieds site as a living archive of uncurated, low-friction exchanges. Unlike DePop, Etsy or Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist operates without algorithms, public profiles or ratings, nudging users toward serendipity and anonymity. That design, critics argue, preserves a purer internet-though it has not escaped regulation: the site shut down casual encounters and personals in 2018 after lawmakers flagged trafficking risks; the missed-connections section still endures. Some scholars describe Craigslist as the internet's ungentrified shelf, a prototype for communities shaped by users, not AI, even as online gentrification accelerates.

Apple taps Google Gemini to power Apple Intelligence

January 24, 2026, 12:26 AM EST. Apple and Google announced a multiyear collaboration to base the next generation of Apple Foundation Models on Google's Gemini AI and cloud technology. Apple says Gemini will provide a strong foundation for its own models, enabling faster development and more capable features across iPhone, iPad and Mac. Apple Intelligence will continue to run on-device and through its Private Cloud Compute system, preserving control over data flows and privacy even as the underlying models come from Google. The joint statement says the move will unlock new Siri experiences and other features this year. The partnership comes as Apple faces pressure to close AI gaps after delaying a Siri overhaul. Apple and Google emphasized privacy standards remain central to the arrangement.

Ronald Wayne's 10% Apple stake could have been worth up to $400 billion

January 24, 2026, 12:24 AM EST. Fifty years after the Apple founding, Ronald Wayne signed the original partnership document and took a 10% stake. He left the company within two weeks and sold his stake for $800; he later accepted $1,500 to relinquish any claim. If he'd stayed, the stake would be worth as much as $400 billion today, reflecting Apple's near $4 trillion market cap and dilution of Jobs and Wozniak. Wayne says he acted to protect his finances; he had a house and a car, unlike his co-founders who took bigger risks. He worried he'd be stuck in the back office and never produce his own project. Now 91-year-old Wayne lives modestly, renting part of his property and drawing Social Security. A Christie's auction of Apple's founding document fetched $2 million.

Is Craigslist the Last Real Place on the Internet?

January 24, 2026, 12:22 AM EST. Writer and comedian Megan Koester found her first writing job reviewing internet pornography via a Craigslist ad more than 15 years ago, then used the site to locate a rent-controlled apartment and even a Mojave Desert parcel she built on. She furnished the dwelling entirely from Craigslist's free section, laminate included. For Koester, Craigslist represents an ungentrified corner of the internet where anonymity persists, money isn't always exchanged, and connections can form across romance, transactions, and creative projects such as HBO's The Rehearsal or Jury Duty. Unlike algorithm-driven platforms, Craigslist lacks profiles or 'likes', discouraging virality. Jessa Lingel calls it a relic in a digitized age, though AI acceleration threatens online gentrification. The site has pared back personals since 2018, but its missed connections section remains.

ISU study finds AI rarely described in human terms in news writing

January 24, 2026, 12:20 AM EST. Iowa State University researchers examined how news articles talk about AI, searching for mental verbs that imply cognition. Professors Jo Mackiewicz and Jeanine Aune, with alumni collaborators, found that anthropomorphizing language is not as widespread as expected. They looked for verbs like learn, mean, and understand and for references to AI or ChatGPT in News on the Web, a corpus from 20 countries with more than 20 billion words. The surprise: AI is usually not described as a person. When such terms did appear, the pair noted nuance rather than outright personification. The study suggests educators push AI as a tool and caution against over-anthropomorphizing in teaching and media discourse.

Apple plans Siri chatbot for iOS 27 powered by Google Gemini, plus wearable AI pin, MacRumors Show

January 24, 2026, 12:16 AM EST. Apple plans to turn Siri into a chatbot in iOS 27, using a custom model based on Google Gemini. The assistant would search the web, generate content, help with coding, summarize information, and analyze uploaded files. It could leverage data on a user's device and integrate across apps like Photos, Mail, Messages, Music, and TV, with both voice and typed interfaces. Apple aims for a deeper, more capable search experience and a feature that lets the chatbot view open windows and adjust device settings. Separately, Apple is exploring a wearable AI pin with cameras, a speaker, mics, a control button, and AirTag-sized form. Rumors also point to an AI-enabled smart home hub with a robotic swiveling base, due in spring.

Apple unveils iOS 26 with Liquid Glass UI; users can disable with Reduce Transparency

January 24, 2026, 12:10 AM EST. Apple has rolled out iOS 26 featuring a new UI called Liquid Glass that creates a bubble effect around apps. The design has drawn criticism for reducing legibility. Apple offers a toggle between Clear for more transparency or Tinted for higher contrast within the Liquid Glass effects. To disable the feature, open Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size and enable Reduce Transparency. A similar option exists for Mac users via Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size to turn on Reduce Transparency as well. Apple did not immediately comment on the reception.

ISU study finds AI rarely anthropomorphized in news language

January 24, 2026, 12:08 AM EST. Iowa State University linguists Jo Mackiewicz and Jeanine Aune published a study on how often news language anthropomorphizes artificial intelligence. Using News on the Web data from 20 countries and more than 20 billion words, they searched for mental verbs-words such as learns, means, understands-paired with references to AI, including ChatGPT. The result surprised them: AI is not described in human terms as often as prior work suggested, with nuanced instances when it is. The researchers were spurred by a conference discussion urging educators to treat AI as a tool that cannot replace core communication principles and to avoid anthropomorphizing it. Alumni Matthew Baker and Jordan Smith contributed to the effort. The findings challenge common narratives about media personification of technology.