Technology News 28.01.2026

AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D: modest single-core gains, higher power draw

January 28, 2026, 4:56 PM EST. AMD's Ryzen 7 9850X3D shows only a modest uplift in single-core speed over the 9800X3D and leaves multi-core results largely unchanged. In our tests, it closes the gap with the 9900X3D and 9950X3D on single-core tasks, but the gains are small overall. The chip's higher power draw is evident: gaming package power runs about 25-30 W higher than the 9800X3D for similar workloads, with only single-digit improvements in some tests. AMD appears to have pushed the 9850X3D's behavior toward a non-X3D part, rather than delivering a dramatic architectural lift. The result: minimal performance gains that come with noticeably higher power use, reducing the practical value for CPU-bottlenecked or GPU-bound gaming scenarios.

Tesla set to report Q4 2025 earnings after the bell; Robotaxi, Optimus in focus

January 28, 2026, 4:54 PM EST. Tesla Inc. will release its fourth-quarter 2025 earnings after the market closes on Wednesday, as the company battles slowing revenue and a 16% drop in vehicle deliveries in the period. Analysts expect earnings of $0.45 per share on about $24.79 billion in revenue, with full-year 2025 revenue seen near $95 billion, a roughly 2.8% decline from 2024-the first annual drop on record. The company has shifted shareholder attention to its nascent Robotaxi ride-hailing service and Optimus humanoid robots, though both are not yet profitable. Competition from BYD in China contributes to revenue pressure. Tesla's fourth-quarter delivery slide follows a brutal start to 2025; management continues to test driverless rides in Austin and other markets, while consumer services expand alongside rivals such as Waymo and Apollo Go.

Arcee AI unveils 400B open-source Trinity LLM to challenge Meta's Llama 4 Maverick

January 28, 2026, 4:52 PM EST. Tiny California startup Arcee AI released Trinity, a 400B-parameter, fully open-source foundation model under the Apache license, claiming it sits among the largest open models built by a U.S. company. Trinity currently handles text but is designed for coding and multi-step tasks, with a vision and speech-to-text roadmap in the works. In benchmarks run by Arcee, the base model held its own against Meta's Llama 4 Maverick 400B and China's Z-GLM 4.5 on coding, math, and reasoning tests. The company trained Trinity and its two earlier smaller variants in six months for about $20 million on 2,048 Nvidia Blackwell GPUs, part of a total funding around $50 million. Arcee aims to attract U.S. developers and academics away from Chinese open models.

Samsung reveals privacy display ahead of Galaxy S26 Ultra debut

January 28, 2026, 4:48 PM EST. Samsung confirms a new privacy display that dims screens at side angles to curb shoulder surfing in public. The feature, described as a fusion of hardware and software, keeps messages, passwords and notifications private without blocking direct use. It can be tailored per app and activity, including Auto Privacy mode, Maximum Privacy and conditional activation. Knox security underpins Galaxy devices, with the display adding a visible privacy layer. One UI 8.5 is expected to include the feature, though hardware support may limit it to premium models like the upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra; the Galaxy S26 and S26+ are also cited as potential beneficiaries. Samsung calls it privacy you can see and security you can feel.

Is Tesla a Buy After a Weak 2025 as Robotaxis and Optimus Loom?

January 28, 2026, 4:46 PM EST. Tesla faced a weak 2025, with EVs sales shrinking and muted share-price gains. The company is pivoting toward two big growth bets: autonomous driving and humanoid robots. Elon Musk said in a Jan. 22, 2026 post that the first robotaxis can operate without a human safety monitor in Austin, though a monitor still trails behind in a separate vehicle. Tesla's robotaxi push competes with Alphabet's Waymo; analysts project a robotaxi market reaching about 900,000 vehicles and roughly $100 billion by 2035. Musk also rolled out Optimus humanoid robots, with public sale expected by end-2027 and factory use this year. He has claimed Optimus could add up to $20 trillion to Tesla's valuation, though that remains highly speculative. Production ramps for Robotxis and Optimus were acknowledged as potentially 'agonizingly slow'.

Samsung DRAM price hikes pressure Apple ahead of iPhone 18

January 28, 2026, 4:44 PM EST. South Korea's memory market movement is pressuring Apple as DRAM prices climb. A report from industry sources says Samsung raised LPDDR DRAM prices by about 80% versus Q4 2025, while SK Hynix lifted its DRAM pricing by roughly 100%. Apple has relied on long-term supplier deals to absorb costs, but the new report suggests a Samsung-backed price for DRAM unit costs will apply only to the first half of the year. The shift could lift prices for the iPhone 18 and other devices. Yet Ming-Chi Kuo sees potential relief, expecting Apple to absorb some costs and keep device pricing stable to defend market share. Source: Korean report.

SpaceX to shift 4,400 Starlink orbits after near miss with Chinese satellite

January 28, 2026, 4:42 PM EST. SpaceX will lower the orbits of about 4,400 Starlink satellites through 2026 after a near miss with a new Chinese satellite. The move aims to improve space safety and speed up the deorbit of failed satellites, SpaceX says. In December, a Chinese craft passed within 200 meters of a Starlink satellite, highlighting crowded low Earth orbit. Starlink now operates roughly 9,000 satellites, with plans to grow beyond 34,000. The reconfiguration reduces altitude from about 340 miles to 300 miles, lowering collision risk but potentially shortening satellite lifespans and increasing launch cadence. As rivals like Amazon and China build large constellations, avoiding debris and congestion remains a core challenge for all operators.

MediaTek to Lead Global Smartphone Chipset Shipments in 2026 Despite DRAM-Driven Decline, Counterpoint Says

January 28, 2026, 4:40 PM EST. Counterpoint Research expects a 7% drop in global smartphone chipset shipments in 2026, yet double-digit SoC revenue growth driven by premiumization and higher memory prices. MediaTek should remain the leader with roughly 34% market share in 2026, a touch lower than 2025's 34.4%. Qualcomm and Apple also fall, to about 24.7% and 18.1%, while Samsung climbs to 12.1%. The DRAM cost surge is a key factor behind weaker shipments, even as AI-enabled features and higher-priced devices lift revenue. Samsung unveiled the 2nm Exynos 2600; MediaTek taped out its 2nm Dimensity 9600, though it will stick with ARM CPU cores this year. The analyst note also highlights continued premium pricing and the AI trend as the main growth engines.

Meta to report Q4 earnings as AI overhaul shapes 2026 outlook

January 28, 2026, 4:36 PM EST. Meta Platforms is due to report fourth-quarter earnings, with investors seeking signs that its revamped artificial intelligence strategy will lift results in 2026. The company spent much of 2025 reshaping its AI unit, including a $14.3 billion investment in Scale AI to recruit founder Alexandr Wang and colleagues. Analysts will also parse updates on Reality Labs, which cut more than 1,000 jobs this month as Meta shifts resources to AI and smart glasses. Meta has begun testing a frontier model code-named Avocado and a Llama successor after the inadequate reception of Llama 4. The company also cited a large data-center build-out and a Corning fiber deal worth up to $6 billion through 2030. StreetAccount estimates place Q4 capex at $21.97 billion, revenue around $58.35 billion, and EPS of $8.21, with DAU near 3.58 billion.

Iran eases internet blackout as costs mount

January 28, 2026, 4:32 PM EST. Iran's government appears to have loosened but not lifted the internet blackout, as authorities test a patchwork of connectivity. Researchers say traffic is uneven, with Cloudflare and Kentik data showing a return to about 60% of pre-shutdown levels at times and jagged peaks suggesting ongoing throttling. Telegram channels reappeared on Wednesday; some services such as Google, Bing, and ChatGPT are intermittently accessible on a province-by-province basis but remain unstable. The regime says the shutdown costs the state up to $36 million per day, a figure echoed by global studies that place similar blackouts in the hundreds of millions. OECD estimated Egypt's 2011 outage at $90 million. Authorities have warned the restriction could persist until at least Nowruz.

Apple eyes Q1 focus on iPhone 17 sales, AI plans, and China rebound

January 28, 2026, 4:28 PM EST. Apple gears up to report its first-quarter results, with investors watching for momentum in iPhone 17 sales and the Services business. Apple previously signaled a best-ever quarter, setting high bar for revenue as Tim Cook and leadership present results. Analysts expect EPS of about $2.68 on revenue around $138.4 billion, up from a year ago. The iPhone segment is seen delivering roughly $78.3 billion, while Services may surpass $30 billion. Growth also hinges on China, where revenue could rebound about 18% year over year. The company faces a memory shortage tied to global AI data-center construction, potentially pressuring margins or prompting price moves. Apple has contracted with Google Gemini for AI, with Siri updates planned and a chatbot-style interface on the horizon.

SpaceX targets late-night Falcon 9 Starlink launch from Cape Canaveral

January 28, 2026, 4:24 PM EST. SpaceX plans a late-night Falcon 9 liftoff from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Thursday, Jan. 29, into the early hours of Friday, Jan. 30. The booster will launch from Launch Complex 40 between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m., then target a southeast trajectory to deploy 29 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit. The first stage is expected to land on the drone ship Just Read the Instructions in the Atlantic. This mission is the second of three Cape launches within a week, following a GPS III-9 mission. Florida Today coverage begins about 90 minutes before liftoff at floridatoday.com/space. SpaceX also targets a Sunday, Feb. 1 Starlink liftoff window from 6:04 p.m. to 10:04 p.m.

NVIDIA Stock Poised for New Highs in 2026 as AI Catalysts Mount

January 28, 2026, 4:22 PM EST. NVIDIA faces a history of sharp rallies and a set of AI-driven catalysts that could lift the stock toward new highs in 2026. Catalyst 1: Sovereign AI Infrastructure Development – multi-billion contracts and accelerated data-center growth beyond hyperscalers; evidence: CEO remarks and AI programs in India, Japan, France and Canada. Catalyst 2: Automotive Pro Viz and In-Car Compute Turning Point – revenue growth rising from high single digits toward 20%+, margins lifted by a software mix; evidence: shift to AI cockpits and DRIVE platform uptake. Catalyst 3: Blackwell Platform Margin Growth – gross margins above 75%, higher ASP on next-gen GPUs, cost efficiencies. Risks: customer concentration, in-house silicon, US-China tensions, regulatory scrutiny, lawsuits. Historical drawdowns: dot-com (68%), GFC (85%), inflation shock (66%). Fundamentals: 65.2% revenue growth LTM; 41.3% free cash flow margin; 58.8% operating margin. Portfolio approach advised.

Apple updates iOS 12 for first time since 2023; extends certificate validity and adds second-generation AirTag

January 28, 2026, 4:12 PM EST. Apple released iOS 12.5.8, its first update to the legacy iOS 12 since 2023, extending the certificate required by iMessage, FaceTime and device activation to remain valid after January 2027. The move follows a broader update wave reported by Macworld that includes iOS/iPadOS 18.7.4, 16.7.13 and 15.8.6, plus a second-generation AirTag with a larger speaker and refined tracking. Apple says the newer software builds include bug fixes; the 16.x update is labeled important for all users. The updates also underscore Apple's continued support for legacy hardware, including devices like the iPhone 5S and iPhone 6, albeit with security fixes. Users can update via Settings > General > Software Update.

Nothing Phone 4a Pro leaks point to minimal upgrade with 5,080mAh battery and IP65 rating

January 28, 2026, 4:10 PM EST. A new wave of Nothing leaks centers on the Phone 4a Pro. The model, labeled A069P, reportedly passed the EU EPREL energy certification, suggesting the device will keep a 5,080mAh battery and 50W wired charging, with an IP65 rating. Earlier, a UAE listing hinted at a launch timeline for the base Phone 4a, while the mid-range family continues to surface in overseas certifications, including India's BIS. Proponents note the minimal battery delta versus the Phone 3a Pro, and observers expect a similar price-sensitive strategy as Nothing breathes life into its mid-range lineup. No official confirmation yet, but multiple certifications imply a launch could be imminent.

Google extends Identity Check to banking apps and password managers

January 28, 2026, 4:08 PM EST. Google is expanding its device-safety suite. Identity Check now applies to more functions, including banking apps and password managers, as part of updated protections rolling out with its Android platform. The update follows the company's existing safeguards-Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, Failed Authentication Lock, Inactivity reboot, and Find My-to keep data away from criminals after a phone loss. Android 15 introduced Failed Authentication Lock; with Android 16, users gain a dedicated enable/disable toggle in settings for finer control. Google says the changes are designed to make devices a harder target, offering users greater peace of mind.

UK police to expand AI facial recognition tied to Israel's Gaza surveillance

January 28, 2026, 4:04 PM EST. Britain will expand its facial recognition program. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced a nationwide roll-out of AI-powered surveillance software, expanding 10 live facial recognition vans to more than 50. The software is supplied by Corsight AI, subcontracted to Digital Barriers. Critics warn this raises civil liberties concerns and questions about accuracy. The package is part of a £20 million roll-out. The system has links to Israel's use in Gaza, where Corsight has been deployed by the Israeli army to track Palestinians at checkpoints. New York Times reports and internal debates have highlighted doubts among Israeli officials about the tech's reliability. Corsight's website lists a former Israeli intelligence officer on its board, Igal Raichelgauz. Campaigners note the UK has pushed forward despite criticisms of Israel.

AirTag 2 teardown reveals internal changes to chassis, speaker and packaging

January 28, 2026, 4:02 PM EST. Apple's second-gen AirTag reveals notable internal changes, per a teardown by Joseph Taylor. Externally indistinguishable, it still uses a CR2032 coin cell and carries IP67, NFC and Find My support on the back, now with all-caps text. Inside, the main PCB is thinner; battery connectors sit at a different angle; a new row of test pads and a QR-like graphic appear in the battery compartment. The speaker assembly features a larger coil and a more securely fixed magnet, reducing easy tampering. Adhesive use hints at anti-tampering aims. Despite removing internal parts, the device still pairs with iPhone and shows no firmware lockout. The chime shifts from F to G. Packaging changes include a narrower box, raised UV text, pull-tabs, and four AirTags in a row.

China leads humanoid-robot space race as PM01 links to satellite

January 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EST. China is pushing a humanoid-robot space race. Shenzhen-based Engine AI plans to send its PM01 humanoid into orbit with Beijing Interstellar Human Spaceflight Technology, aiming to crown it the world's first humanoid astronaut. Separately, the X-Humanoid team reports a stable link between its Embodied Tien Kung robot and a GalaxySpace satellite, enabling simultaneous data transmission to a phone and computer-a claimed world first. The push centers on space-ready robots with high-precision sensing, fast motion, and autonomous AI, reducing reliance on terrestrial networks via satellite. Counterpoint Research says 16,000 humanoid units sold in 2025, mostly in China, with more than 100,000 projected by 2027 across logistics, manufacturing, and automotive. China appears to reuse the U.S. space-race playbook and scale up investment.

Battery-tested: M5 iPad Pro tops 9 tablets in lab tests

January 28, 2026, 3:56 PM EST. ZDNET ran a lab-based test of nine tablets in a Louisville, Kentucky lab to compare battery life. Testing ran 12 cycles per device: three at maximum brightness and volume, three at minimum brightness, then three with maximum brightness in Airplane Mode, and three with minimum brightness in Airplane Mode. The tests used VLC as the sole running app and measured battery drain as screen brightness during video playback; networking and Bluetooth were toggled to gauge additional drain. The lab equipment included an NI USB-6001 DAQ and LabVIEW software. The standout was the M5 iPad Pro, earning ZDNET's Lab Award badge. Other noted performers included the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, the base-model iPad, and the Google Pixel Tablet. Future tests may add streaming scenarios; the study focuses on screen brightness as the main battery determinant.

AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D Linux Performance Review

January 28, 2026, 3:54 PM EST. AMD's Ryzen 7 9850X3D goes on sale at $499, offering 8 cores and 16 threads with 3D V-Cache and a total 104MB cache. The key upgrade over the 9800X3D is a 400MHz higher boost clock, up to 5.6GHz, while base remains 4.7GHz and 120W TDP. In Linux tests, the 9850X3D delivered leading graphics and gaming performance, including Cyberpunk 2077 under Steam Play with an RTX 5090. The chip sits within a broader comparison against the Ryzen 9 series for multi-threaded workloads. The review used Ubuntu 25.10, Linux 6.17, GCC 15.2, and an ASRock X870E Taichi platform with DDR5-6000 memory. AMD provided the sample.

Factorial Energy to go public after 745-mile solid-state test

January 28, 2026, 3:52 PM EST. Factorial Energy is pursuing a public listing via a merger with Cartesian Growth Corporation III SPAC, aiming for Nasdaq ticker FAC. The move follows real-world testing where a Mercedes-Benz EQS fitted with Factorial's 106 Ah solid-state cells traveled more than 745 miles (1,200 km), with reserve juice left. Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, Hyundai and other OEMs are partnering to bring the technology to market, potentially as early as 2027. Factorial says the cells deliver longer range, lighter weight and cost efficiency. The deal values Factorial at around $1.1 billion and would provide about $100 million to fund growth, with close expected mid-2026. Initial rollouts likely target high-performance or luxury models before broader adoption.

Intel Ultra Series edges M5 in two tests, but Apple poised for M5 Max

January 28, 2026, 3:50 PM EST. Two laptops running Intel Core Ultra Series 3 beat the MacBook Pro with M5 in two benchmarks, according to Wired's Luke Larsen. The MSI Prestige 14 Flip with Core Ultra X7 358H and a Lenovo IdeaPad reference unit with Core Ultra X9 388H posted higher scores in Cinebench 24 multi-core (1285 vs 922) and 3DMark Steel Nomad Light (5883 vs 5077). Still, Intel trails the Apple M4 Pro and faces being eclipsed by upcoming M5 Pro and M5 Max models, expected in new MacBook Pro laptops as soon as Wednesday. The data hint at a short-lived Intel lead and suggest the M5 Max could deliver very high Geekbench results.

Google tightens Android theft protections with new features, Brazil defaults

January 28, 2026, 3:48 PM EST. Google has announced a slate of theft-protection upgrades for Android. On Android 16 devices, it adds a dedicated toggle for Failed Authentication Lock and increases the lockout time after multiple failed unlock attempts, with identical incorrect guesses not counting as retries. Identity Check is expanding to support all apps that use the Android Biometric Prompt, including banking apps and Google Password Manager, so biometric verification may be required to change settings outside trusted places. Google also adds an optional security challenge for the Remote Lock web tool, requiring a question before remotely locking a device, available on Android 10+ devices. Finally, Remote Lock and Theft Detection Lock are enabled by default on new devices in Brazil, with hopes to expand more broadly.

UK CMA proposes opt-out option for publishers on Google AI summaries

January 28, 2026, 3:44 PM EST. Britain's competition watchdog released proposals urging Google to let news publishers opt out of having their content scraped for AI-generated summaries. The Competition and Markets Authority says publishers should have a mechanism to refuse, more transparency about how content is used, and proper attribution in AI results. The CMA argues the change would support the long-term sustainability of publishers and help people verify sources in AI outputs. It notes traffic declines on some news sites since Google rolled out AI Overviews at the top of queries. Google said it is open to dialogue and is testing controls to let sites opt out of Search AI features. The CMA also pressed for fair search ranking and easier choice screens for default engines, with a consultation through Feb. 25.

NEXCOM Unveils NDiS B340 Edge Computer With DockInfinity PCIe Expansion

January 28, 2026, 3:42 PM EST. NEXCOM introduced the NDiS B340 Duro Edge Computer, a compact base unit that can be upgraded on demand with the DockInfinity-E4X1 PCIe expansion module. The setup blends a fanless metal chassis with scalable performance for edge workloads. It supports multiple Intel low-power platforms-Amston Lake X, Alder Lake-N N97, and Twin Lake N150-so users can scale power without redesign. Out of the box it drives two 4K@60Hz displays via Intel graphics, and provides dual 2.5GbE LAN, plentiful USB and industrial I/O including serial and GPIO. The optional expansion adds a half-length PCIe x4 slot for PoE, capture cards, and custom modules. Additional features include 12-24V DC input, wall-mount, TPM 2.0, and watchdog. Debuts at Embedded World Nuremberg 2026, Hall 3, Booth 3-341.

Google's Gemini expands AI Plus limits, adds NotebookLM to iOS app

January 28, 2026, 3:38 PM EST. Google expands AI Plus usage limits in Gemini, while rolling out NotebookLM integration in the iOS app. Under AI Plus ($7.99/mo), Gemini 3 Flash allows up to 90 prompts per day, versus 300 on AI Pro; Gemini 3 Pro is capped at 30 prompts per day, down from 100 on the $19.99 plan. Free users keep 32,000 tokens; AI Plus raises to 128,000 tokens, while AI Pro/Ultra tops at 1,000,000 tokens (enough for about 1,500 pages). No change to Nano Banana (100 images/day) or Nano Banana Pro (3/images) and limited access to Veo 3.1 Fast remains. Deep Research access is still limited for Pro, with 10 Scheduled actions. The iOS Gemini app adds NotebookLM, including notebook-based content creation and Google Workspace support for a more knowledge-driven experience.

Apple launches Creator Studio bundle at $12.99/month, uniting six apps including Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro

January 28, 2026, 3:34 PM EST. Apple on Thursday rolled out Creator Studio, a subscription bundle that grants access to six apps for $12.99 per month or $129 per year. The lineup spans Mac and iPad: Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, and Pixelmator Pro on Mac and iPad, plus Motion, Compressor, and MainStage on Mac. Pixelmator Pro for iPad is new to the bundle. The full suite unlocks AI-powered features inside the apps and adds enhancements to free iWork tools such as Keynote, Pages, and Numbers, with Freeform coming later. A single Creator Studio subscription is required to access the full functionality, while standalone versions remain for purchase. The bundle is available now on the iOS and Mac App Stores for new subscribers.

Sonos unveils Amp Multi, first new hardware in over a year

January 28, 2026, 3:24 PM EST. Sonos on Tuesday introduced Amp Multi, its first hardware since 2024 and a move aimed at professional installations rather than mass-market appeal. The 8-channel amplifier delivers 8 x 125W across up to four zones, using GaN technology and post-filter feedback (PFFB) for efficiency and clarity. Installers can tune sound with ProTune, including a 10-band parametric EQ and adjustable gain and delay. The chassis is designed for better thermal performance, with recessed connectors, status LEDs and a compact 2U rack-mount that supports fanless cooling. Sonos has signaled that hardware launches will ramp up in the second half of fiscal 2026, suggesting more consumer-focused products may follow. The move aims to reset perception after a difficult period.

DeepMind's AlphaGenome reads up to a million DNA letters at once to map genome regulation

January 28, 2026, 3:16 PM EST. Google DeepMind's AlphaGenome, a new AI model, targets the genome's non-coding 'dark matter' to predict gene regulation. In a Nature paper, DeepMind researchers say AlphaGenome can interpret much longer DNA sequences with accuracy comparable to existing models and may reveal how subtle genetic variations affect health. Trained on human and mouse genomes, the model can analyze up to 1 megabase-about 1 million letters-per pass, roughly double the previous limit, though at a higher computational cost. From each sequence, it predicts thousands of functional genomic tracks, including interactions between coding and non-coding regions and chromatin structure. Pushmeet Kohli calls it a tool to decipher the regulatory code that governs biology.

Strontium tweezer array achieves 0.81 μm waist for quantum computing advances

January 28, 2026, 3:10 PM EST. Researchers from Eindhoven University of Technology and the University of Amsterdam have built a robust strontium tweezer array that stochastically loads a 5×5 grid of individual atoms. The setup delivers a 1/e2 beam waist of 0.81 μm for precise single-atom control and uses a deflection stage to maintain low vacuum pressure, extending coherence times. A two-stage laser cooling sequence lowers temperatures to about 5 K, enabling high-fidelity trapping and imaging. Eight continuous-wave lasers (317-813 nm) stabilize to roughly 10 Hz after 104 seconds of averaging, supporting cooling, imaging, tweezer creation, qubit control and repumping. The work advances neutral-atom quantum computing with prospects for Rydberg-mediated entanglement and a future Quantum Inspire backend, augmented by a digital twin called RySP.

Napster launches AI music app while facing Sony royalty lawsuit

January 28, 2026, 3:06 PM EST. Napster relaunched as an AI-driven music platform, rolling out an iOS/Android app that layers a chatbot over a prompt-based music generator. The service features more than 15,000 AI personas powered by Google's Gemini and markets the experience as "jamming" with AI artists. The relaunch follows Napster's acquisition by Infinite Reality and a broader pivot into metaverse and AI offerings, including Napster View, a holographic display. The move comes as Napster faces a Sony Music lawsuit over $9.2 million in allegedly unpaid royalties and other music-label complaints, with SoundExchange also suing. Napster CEO John Acunto told Rolling Stone the company aims to license "ethically trained" models and says major labels are "dead," while noting attempts to repair relationships in the long term.

DJI Power 1000 V2 portable power station discounted to $429 on Amazon

January 28, 2026, 3:02 PM EST. Mashable's Lauren Allain reports the DJI Power 1000 V2 portable power station is on sale at Amazon for $429 after applying an on-page coupon, down from a list price of $699 (approximately 39% off). The V2 doubles the AC ports of the original and provides a more stable output for high-demand gear. Deal pricing can change after publication. The article targets campers, travelers and emergency preparedness with a compact, portable power solution.

DJI Mic Mini deal: Save 53% at Amazon to $79 with two transmitters and one receiver

January 28, 2026, 3:00 PM EST. The DJI Mic Mini is on sale at Amazon for $79, a 53% discount from the $169 list price. The kit includes two transmitters and one receiver, plus accessories. Deal pricing and availability can change after publication, and the offer matches the lowest price seen on Amazon. Mashable reports the deal, with Lauren Allain as the contributor.

Apple AirTag 2nd Gen: 50% more range, louder speaker, new features

January 28, 2026, 2:58 PM EST. Apple on Thursday announced the AirTag 2nd Gen, a refinement of its Bluetooth tracker. The new model keeps the glossy white puck form but adds internal upgrades that Apple says improve location accuracy and reach. A second-generation Ultra Wideband chip boosts Precision Tracking range by about 50 percent and enables direct guidance with an Apple Watch Series 9 or Ultra 2 when paired with WatchOS 26.2.1. A newer Bluetooth chip extends nearby-range connectivity, and a louder speaker-about 50% louder-emits a distinctive chirp to help you locate a nearby tag. The price remains the same as the original, with first-gen units often discounted. AirTags use Find My to report locations, and airports and airlines are integrated with the service. Battery life remains about one year on a CR2032.

Apple unveils AirTag 2nd generation with longer Precision Finding range and louder speaker

January 28, 2026, 2:56 PM EST. Apple on Tuesday introduced the AirTag (2nd generation), keeping the same price and exterior as the original while upgrading internals. The update centers on a refreshed Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip that expands Precision Finding reach by up to 50% and extends compatibility to supported Apple Watches as well as iPhone. Apple says the built-in speaker is 50% louder and features a new chime when pinged. The new model works with the same accessories and Find My network, and the original AirTag remains on sale. Apple's product pages and press materials confirm the changes, with core tracking features unchanged for existing users.

Google's Android for PC interface leaks via bug report, hints at Aluminium OS desktop build

January 28, 2026, 2:48 PM EST. Google's next Android for PC interface leaks from a bug report in Google's Issue Tracker. First spotted by 9to5Google, the report includes two screen recordings showing an HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook running a build labeled Android 16 with a desktop-like UI. The entry also lists ALOS (Aluminium OS) and a matching build number. Screenshots reveal a hybrid look mixing ChromeOS-style chrome with an Android-style taskbar, a top status bar and familiar indicators. The recordings show the Play Store, windowed apps, split-screen multitasking and a desktop Chrome with an extensions button. Google has not commented; more details should surface with future Android 16 updates.

AI IP Debates: Prompts vs. Programs in Hollywood's Copyright Fight

January 28, 2026, 2:46 PM EST. Deadline's Rendering column examines who bears fault for AI-driven copyright clashes. Content owners target tech companies as Disney sues and Google is pressured, while the BBC accuses Perplexity of scraping. A high-profile coalition, including Scarlett Johansson and Cate Blanchett, declares that the problem lies with tech firms rather than individual prompts. Jason Zada, founder of Secret Level, argues the antidote is prompt discipline: if IP isn't cited in inputs, outputs stay cleaner. He asks whether a backyard Star Wars scene makes the shop responsible, drawing a line between consuming vast IP and copying it. Coca-Cola's AI-backed holiday spot shows why studios still embrace AI, even as rights questions linger and campaigners press for accountability.

The AI Doc review: Roher's human-centric dive into AI at Sundance

January 28, 2026, 2:44 PM EST. At Sundance, The AI Doc follows Oscar-winning director Daniel Roher on a first-person, on-camera journey through artificial intelligence. Co-directed with Charlie Tyrell, the 1 hour 44 minute film weaves kaleidoscopic visuals-archival clips, sketches and animation-with conversations from computer scientists, researchers and advocates. Roher's voiceover frames the inquiry around his own questions about whether the technology can truly reason, and what its rapid progress means for humanity. Notable interviewees include Tristan Harris and Connor Leahy; Sam Altman appears but offers little concrete insight. The film balances curiosity and fear, presenting a human-centric look at an evolving field and the idea of becoming an apocaloptimist rather than a pessimist.

Rhode Island outlines AI-driven plan across six sectors

January 28, 2026, 2:42 PM EST. Rhode Island's AI plan treats artificial intelligence as public infrastructure, not a private sector edge. The draft action plan centers on six sectors-schools, hospitals, finance, defense and maritime, state government, and small businesses-and four themes: workforce training, government leadership, ethics and governance, and launching a statewide AI hub to help all plug in. The aim: speed training and adoption so jobs, investment, and industry grow, or risk losing ground as private AI races elsewhere. Key questions linger on prioritization and buy-in, including funding and sequencing. Next steps: Governor McKee, former Rep. Langevin, and Rhode Island College President Warner will outline steps today. This is a starting map, not a finished blueprint.

Is This AI? Somerville Snow-Shoveling Unicycle Video Faces Authenticity Test

January 28, 2026, 2:32 PM EST. Somerville residents posted a video of three people shoveling snow on unicycles, prompting questions about authenticity. The clip, set to upbeat music, fed AI chatter that it might be AI-generated rather than real life. Journalists noted this era of deepfakes and checked tools like AI or Not, which assessed the clip at 51% likelihood of being artificial. The poster, Alex Feldman, defended the clip in messages: "No AI-we really did this." To resolve doubt, a reporter planned an in-person check, observing that current AI can imitate motion but cannot yet perfectly reproduce a live scene. The episode underlines how real-time video and AI advances complicate trust in online footage.

Android expands anti-theft protections with stronger authentication and remote tools

January 28, 2026, 2:30 PM EST. Google unveiled expanded Android anti-theft tools, building on 2024 protections. The updates tighten authentication and add recovery options for devices running Android 16 or higher. A new on/off toggle for the Failed Authentication Lock gives users direct control over auto-lock after repeated wrong inputs. Lockout times increase after failed attempts to deter PIN, pattern or password guessing. Identity Check, rolled out with Android 15, now applies to all biometrics across apps and services, including banking apps and Google Password Manager. Remote Lock adds an optional security challenge, ensuring only the legitimate owner can trigger a lock from the web. In Brazil, Theft Detection Lock and Remote Lock default to on, with android.com/lock providing access.

Nvidia's RTX 5070 edges toward RTX 4090 performance with DLSS 4, a year after CES promises

January 28, 2026, 2:24 PM EST. More than a year after the RTX 50-series launch, Nvidia's pledge that the RTX 5070 would deliver RTX 4090-level performance for $549 remains contested. Early reviews showed a large gap: the RTX 5070 had far fewer shaders and less VRAM. Nvidia flagged DLSS 4 with Multi-Frame Generation to close the gap. In tests by XDA Developers, the RTX 5070 averaged 52.8 fps at 4K versus 88.9 fps for the RTX 4090; with DLSS 4 enabled, the gap narrowed but did not disappear. The episode highlights the tension between marketing promises and real-world results, even as DLSS 4 provides a meaningful boost for mainstream GPUs.

EU internet users protect data in 2025 at 76.9%, up 3.7 percentage points

January 28, 2026, 2:22 PM EST. In 2025, 76.9% of EU internet users protected their data online by limiting access to personal data, up from 73.2% in 2023. A majority (58.8%) chose not to have their data used for advertising, while 56.2% restricted or refused access to their geolocation. The use of these protection measures rose by 4.5 and 5.4 points over two years. Limiting access to social media profiles or shared online storage reached 46.0% (+5.0 pp). About 39.0% checked that the site was secure and 37.6% read the privacy policy statements (+1.7 pp). Finland led at 92.6%, followed by the Netherlands (91.2%) and Czechia (90.3%), while Romania (56%), Slovenia (57.4%) and Bulgaria (62%) trailed. The item coincides with Data Protection Day on Jan 28.

AirTag 2 chime shifts from F to G; new audio cue noted

January 28, 2026, 2:18 PM EST. AirTag 2 arrives with improved Precision Finding, a longer Bluetooth range and a louder speaker. A newly noted difference concerns the audible alert chime, which shifts from the note F to G. Early buyer Karagana reported the change; Macworld's David Price confirmed it. The tester verified the pitch via Virtual Piano. The rhythm remains a short flourish followed by three sets of seven notes, and listeners say the higher pitch is easier to hear at distance, though the perceptual gain is small. Apple released video evidence of the new chime, underscoring a subtle but real audio cue change in the second-generation tag alongside other hardware tweaks.

Thermodynamic computing could slash AI image-generation energy use by up to ten billion times, but hardware hurdles remain

January 28, 2026, 2:16 PM EST. A pair of Berkeley Lab researchers issue a cautious forecast that thermodynamic computing could dramatically cut energy use for AI image generation. IEEE Spectrum cites Stephen Withelam, a staff scientist, saying the approach promises a much lower energy cost than current digital hardware. In a January article co-authored by Whitelam and Corneel Casert, the team sketches a thermodynamic version of a neural network and describes prototype work. The world's first thermodynamic computing chip reportedly reached tape-out last year. The method relies on noise and energy to reach equilibrium, then reversing decay to pick likely outputs. But experts stress the proof of concept is rudimentary and far from rivaling modern tools like DALL-E or Google's Gemini; substantial hardware challenges remain.

China could catch up to US in AI frontier, experts say

January 28, 2026, 2:00 PM EST. China trails the United States in the AI frontier, but experts say a rapid catch-up is plausible. In Hangzhou, Alibaba CEO Eddie Wu framed AGI and ASI as imminent steps that could unlock supercharged science and engineering. Wu announced a 380 billion yuan investment in AI infrastructure over three years, lifting Alibaba's shares. Analysts note the broader Chinese AI ecosystem remains focused on practical applications, aided by an August release of China's AI+ strategy. Ya-Qin Zhang of Tsinghua says most firms target real-world uses, while some research groups pursue AGI. Washington debates a Manhattan-Project-style push to race for AGI. China's path blends computing power, policy support, and industry pragmatism, offering a potentially faster route to narrowing the gap.

Samsung teases Privacy Display for Galaxy S26 Ultra with adjustable privacy modes

January 28, 2026, 1:58 PM EST. Samsung has publicized a new Privacy Display feature described as 'A New Layer of Privacy,' slated for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The system combines hardware and software to curb shoulder-surfing, with user-selectable protection that can apply to specific apps or notifications and to moments like entering PINs or passwords, featuring multiple visibility settings. Unlike third-party privacy screens that darken the display, Samsung's approach aims for visibility control rather than reduced brightness. A Huawei counterpart exists that can warn when another person looks at the screen, but Samsung touts on-device controls. While Samsung did not name a device, rumors point to the Galaxy S26 Ultra amid OneUI 8.5 leaks. Samsung says the feature will arrive very soon, with the S26 series expected for a February 25 reveal and a March launch.

How to optimize your iPhone after the iOS 26.2.1 update

January 28, 2026, 1:16 PM EST. After updating to iOS 26.2.1, users should carry out quick checks to keep devices secure and efficient. First, verify the installation in Settings > General > Software Update; if the version shows 26.2.1, the device is up to date. Turn on automatic updates to receive future patches without manual intervention. Enable background security updates in Settings > Privacy & Security to receive critical patches between major releases. Check battery health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health, watching for a maximum capacity below 80%. Finally, review app updates in the App Store, or enable automatic updates so apps remain compatible and secure.

Satellite Quantum-Internet Market 2026: Growth Toward $5.63B by 2030, Key Players and Global Forecasts 2025-2035

January 28, 2026, 12:46 PM EST. Satellite quantum-internet is expanding rapidly, rising from $1.37 billion in 2025 to $1.82 billion in 2026, with a CAGR of 32.9%. Growth is driven by successful quantum key distribution (QKD) tests, investments in secure communications, and advances in quantum processors and memory. By 2030, the market is forecast at about $5.63 billion (32.6% CAGR), led by global satellite networks, quantum cloud services, and integration with terrestrial systems. Defense and financial sectors push adoption of quantum-secure links; large players like Honeywell, Nokia, Thales, Toshiba Europe, SK Telecom, and IonQ-ID Quantique acquisitions shape the landscape. Regional dynamics show North America as the 2025 leader; Asia-Pacific is the fastest growing. Trade barriers spur localized manufacturing and supply-chain diversification.

Michigan's school smartphone bill won't move the needle, critics say

January 28, 2026, 12:14 PM EST. The piece argues that Michigan's plan to ban smartphones only during instructional time does little to address deeper failures in public education. While lawmakers tout it as reducing distractions, most schools already enforce strict policies, and the bill would leave lunch, recess and between-class time unconstrained. The article notes Michigan's weak third-grade literacy and overall education ranking to frame the policy as incremental at best. It cites Margaret Murray, a University of Michigan-Dearborn professor and parent, who argues the policy ignores bigger issues. Two problems stand out: the narrow scope of the ban and the likelihood that existing policies render it ineffective on the ground. In short, the bill risks changing nothing while schools wrestle with broader outcomes.

Huawei Watch GT 6 Pro Honma edition launches in Malaysia with golf features

January 28, 2026, 10:44 AM EST. Huawei launches the Honma x Huawei Watch GT 6 Pro in Malaysia. Priced at MYR 1,299 (about $328), buyers get a premium gift box. The edition adds golf-specific features, including an AI caddie, play-like distance, and green slope direction, while keeping the standard 46mm Watch GT 6 Pro profile. Honma, a Japanese maker of handcrafted golf clubs, provides branding and themes to the otherwise normal smartwatch.

Microsoft and Meta earnings: Investors seek clarity on AI capex, margins, and ad growth

January 28, 2026, 10:38 AM EST. Investors are eyeing how Microsoft and Meta will translate AI spending into profits. The conversations center on CAPEX for AI, margins, and capacity constraints at Microsoft's cloud, plus the pace at which remaining performance obligations backlog will convert to revenue. Analysts want clarity on whether AI investments are driving productivity and better margins as capacity comes online. For Meta, attention pivots to ad trends, expansion of the advertising model across Threads and WhatsApp, and how AI enhances efficiency. The Metaverse angle remains a skepticism point, with questions about wearable devices and pricing. In sum, investors seek evidence that AI spend boosts capacity, accelerates revenue, and improves profitability, while trimming risk around the AI bubble narrative.

AI arms race in U.S. colleges as detectors clash with humanizers

January 28, 2026, 10:06 AM EST. Across U.S. colleges, a surge in generative AI has turned classrooms into an arms race between AI detectors and tools called humanizers. Universities say hundreds of students were flagged for cheating, yet critics argue detectors are unreliable and biased against non-native English speakers. An expanding group of students say their work was falsely marked as AI-generated, with lawsuits following. In response, firms such as Turnitin and GPTZero have upgraded detection and rolled out browser- and writing-history tools to prove authorship. Some students rely on humanizers to evade detection; others insist they never used AI. Educators warn the cycle could outpace policy and reshape definitions of cheating and authorship.

Huawei unveils plans for new Runner smartwatch with DSM Firmenich partnership

January 28, 2026, 9:50 AM EST. Huawei confirms a new Runner smartwatch is in development, set to debut soon, blurring sport and wearables. The company has teamed with DSM Firmenich, the Swiss-Dutch fragrance and ingredients group, to accelerate its flagship wearable's capabilities. The collaboration follows social posts by Eliud Kipchoge, the marathon great, signaling a global running-focused project. Huawei says the device will include smarter training methods and health insights tailored for runners of all levels, expanding on the legacy of the GT Runner line. While details are scarce, Huawei hints at a name change and a relaunch, with a possible moniker like Racing Legend. Huawei did not disclose timing or specs, but trademark activity suggests a broader sprint into performance wear.

Google leaks first look at Android for PC via Aluminium OS

January 28, 2026, 8:58 AM EST. 9to5Google reports a bug report on Google's Issue Tracker that includes two screen recordings from Aluminium OS, a ChromeOS/Android hybrid. The clips, pulled by 9to5Google after Google restricted access, show an HP Elite Dragonfly 13.5 Chromebook. The build is labeled Android 16 with an ALOS identifier, signaling early testing on existing hardware. The user interface mixes a ChromeOS-style taskbar with a centered start button and an Android-like status bar, and it shows the Play Store and split-screen multitasking. Android Authority shared the YouTube videos. Google has indicated more about Aluminium OS is on the way this year, although the company has not released an official overview.

Nvidia extends 2025 gains as AI demand remains strong; volatility looms into 2026

January 28, 2026, 8:52 AM EST. Nvidia posted a 2025 year with margins above 70% despite export-control headwinds that shaved gross margin to about 60% in Q1 due to a billion-dollar inventory write-off tied to China limits. The stock climbed about 38% for the year as revenue kept double-digit growth, powered by demand for GPUs and related services. The company maintained leadership through ongoing innovation, keeping ahead of rivals. Looking to 2026, market conditions should stay volatile. The stock's path won't be linear amid a high-valuation backdrop and fears of an AI bubble, but Nvidia could see catalysts like a renewed export permit to China or other AI-related demand drivers. Strong earnings growth may persist, even if volatility rises.

SK Hynix posts record Q4 as AI memory demand drives earnings beat

January 28, 2026, 8:18 AM EST. SK Hynix posted record quarterly revenue and profit as AI memory demand powers growth. Revenue for the December quarter was 32.827 trillion won, ahead of the 32.132 trillion won SmartEstimates, while operating profit reached 19.17 trillion won, above the 17.729 trillion won forecast. Year over year, revenue rose about 66% and operating profit surged 137%. The company, a key HBM supplier, benefited from surging memory prices and demand for high-bandwidth memory in data centers. Demand for HBM has outpaced supply, prompting shortages in other chips. SK Hynix also announced a plan to cancel treasury shares worth 12.24 trillion won to boost shareholder value. Management cited a Microsoft-built AI processor as a driver of new demand. The firm will hold an earnings call; Samsung is also due to report.

Bland AI mental health advice linked to training-time content homogenization and convergence

January 28, 2026, 8:14 AM EST. The column argues that bland AI mental health guidance stems from training-time content homogenization and convergence. Developers tune large language models to avoid strong or controversial replies, a process that softens tone and substance. The effect is widespread: millions consult AI for mental health advice, with services seen as readily accessible and low-cost. Yet safety remains a concern as models risk inappropriate guidance or misdiagnosis. The piece points to ongoing scrutiny, including a 60 Minutes appearance and a lawsuit against OpenAI over safeguards. The analysis frames this as part of broader AI breakthroughs and cautionary notes about risks, including bias, overreliance, and the need for clear boundaries between therapy and guidance. The column promises further coverage of AI complexities.

Microsoft's Maia 200 chip aims to disrupt AI-inference market, challenging Nvidia

January 28, 2026, 8:12 AM EST. Microsoft unveiled Maia 200, its second-generation in-house AI inference chip, on Jan. 26. Built on Taiwan Semiconductor's 3-nanometer process, Maia 200 aims to compete with Nvidia GPUs and rivals such as AWS Trainium and Google TPU. Microsoft says the chip offers about 30% better performance for the same price, underscoring a price-performance edge as buyers grow price-sensitive. Initially deployed by Microsoft's AI team, Maia 200 will roll out to Azure cloud customers and be offered for rent, a feature not available with its predecessor. With Azure and cloud-services revenue rising in Q1 FY2026, Microsoft expects Maia 200 to drive ongoing AI-led growth, though overtaking Nvidia remains uncertain, with results arriving late 2026.

56% of CEOs See No ROI From AI; 12% Profit by Deeply Embedding AI in Workflows

January 28, 2026, 8:08 AM EST. New January reports from PwC, Anthropic and OpenAI warn that AI adoption is rising but returns lag. The 56% of CEOs reporting no revenue or cost reductions, and 12% reaping both, mark a shift from counting users to counting auditable outcomes. The lesson: pilots proliferate without workflow redesign. Boards are urged to demand CIOs report on economic primitives-task complexity, autonomy and success rates-rather than login counts. Anthropic data show a 3.3-hour average for software development tasks and 1.8 hours for personal-management tasks, underscoring the need to target high-value, high-complexity work. OpenAI highlights a power user dividend and a broad capability overhang across 70+ countries. In short: value follows integration, not usage alone.

Microsoft issues emergency Office patch for zero-day exploit (CVE-2026-21509)

January 28, 2026, 8:04 AM EST. Microsoft issued an emergency Office patch after confirming a zero-day flaw is being exploited in the wild. The vulnerability, CVE-2026-21509, rates 7.8 on CVSS and is described as a security feature bypass that lets attackers bypass protections for legacy components such as COM and OLE. Exploitation requires a user to open a malicious Office file, with no reliance on the preview pane. Updates cover newer Office builds; Office 2016/2019 users must wait. Microsoft recommends registry-based mitigations to block vulnerable COM and OLE controls, a deployment challenge for large organizations. CISA has added the flaw to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, setting a February deadline for federal agencies.

Xynavo AR glasses weigh 95g, deliver cinema-scale 300-inch display with dual 4K panels

January 28, 2026, 7:50 AM EST. Xynavo pitches a lightweight pair of AR glasses designed to replace VR headsets for home and travel. Weighing 95g, they bundle a 70-degree field of view with dual 4K micro-OLED displays, delivering a cinema-scale image allegedly equivalent to over 300 inches. The device emphasizes private audio via magnetic in-ear modules and a diopter adjustment range of +2D to -6D to fit users with or without glasses. It supports two 3D split-screen modes at 3840×1080 and 1920×1080 for co-viewing, gaming, or two-device sharing, and can connect to laptops via USB-C or HDMI. Battery life and real-world performance were not disclosed. The product is marketed at $299 (regular $499) with limited-unit availability and has raised over $199,200 to date.

Exynos 2700 surfaces in Geekbench with 4 + 1 + 4 + 1 core cluster

January 28, 2026, 7:44 AM EST. Samsung's next flagship Exynos 2700 has appeared in Geekbench 6 listings, showing a deca-core cluster described as 4 + 1 + 4 + 1. An ERD development board is used to test energy-aware scheduling and architecture, mixing cores from different generations. OpenCL scores lag the Exynos 2600 on the same test, but Samsung is pushing a 2nm GAA process (SF2P) and steering partners toward LPDDR6 RAM and UFS 5.0 storage. A tipster says benchmarking aims to validate scheduling rather than showcase performance, with results reflecting early-stage hardware. Clock speeds reach up to 2.88 GHz. Samsung also hints at an Exynos 2800 with an in-house GPU, as it competes with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro.

China clears first batch of NVIDIA H200 AI chips for import – sources

January 28, 2026, 7:42 AM EST. China has approved its first batch of NVIDIA H200 AI chips for import, according to Reuters sources. The move marks a shift as Beijing balances AI development needs with support for its domestic semiconductor industry. The approval covers several hundred thousand chips granted during Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's visit this week. The chips are slated for tech giants ByteDance, Alibaba, and Tencent, with more firms waiting. None of the companies responded to comment requests. The H200 is Nvidia's second-most powerful AI chip and a flashpoint in U.S.-China relations. Washington cleared export, but Beijing's import hesitation has been the main barrier. Chinese firms have ordered over two million H200 chips, outstripping Nvidia's inventory; domestic rivals like Huawei are improving but lag. It remains unclear how many more approvals Beijing will grant.

Tesla's FSD subscription price to rise as capabilities improve, Musk says

January 28, 2026, 6:54 AM EST. Tesla CEO Elon Musk said the FSD subscription price will rise as the software's capabilities improve. The current $99 monthly rate is not fixed, with Musk noting there will be a massive value jump when new features arrive. The option to buy FSD outright remains at $8,000, but for new Tesla buyers, the February 14 deadline ends the upfront purchase in favor of monthly subscriptions. Musk did not quantify how often prices will increase or by how much, but he confirmed the cost will rise "as FSD's capabilities improve." The discussion follows Musk's hint that future updates could enable unsupervised driving, including talking on a phone or sleeping while the car navigates. Investors will watch whether price hikes reflect meaningful improvements.

Wear OS Google Messages could get reactions, emoji picker and mark-as-read

January 28, 2026, 6:50 AM EST. Wear OS users could soon add reactions to Google Messages on smartwatches, easing the switch from tap-to-reply. Android Authority found a new MessageReactionsActivity string in the Wear OS build, hinting at an emoji picker, sticker reactions and the option to remove reactions. Photomojis' availability remains unclear, but reactions may display if sent from the Android app. The update may also bring a Mark as read control from notifications, helping manage unread counts. No launch timeline was given, but the changes would align Wear OS messaging more closely with Android, reducing the need to type brief replies on small screens.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra price rise prompts wait-and-refurbish strategy

January 28, 2026, 6:48 AM EST. Samsung is weighing a price increase for the Galaxy S26 Ultra as it gears up for a late February 2026 launch, while mounting memory and component costs squeeze margins. Industry chatter cites a price hike of roughly $31 to $62 per model, and analysts warn promotions could shrink as a result. Buyers face another reality: flagship phones shed value quickly. SellCell's six- and twelve-month depreciation data show the Galaxy S23 and S24 losing nearly half their value at six to twelve months, with the S25 tracking similarly. A six-month wait typically yields a substantial saving when buying refurbished, though trade-in values remain the floor. For deal hunters, the takeaway: wait six months, consider a trusted refurbished unit, and watch promo dynamics as the S26 launches.

Google previews Aluminium OS, a unifying platform replacing Chrome OS with Android on PCs

January 28, 2026, 6:32 AM EST. Google briefly revealed Aluminium OS, a planned unification of Chrome OS and Android for PCs, in a Chromium Issue Tracker bug report. Spotted by 9to5Google, the report includes two screen recordings showing the system UI, split-screen multitasking, and the Play Store and Chrome apps running on the platform, reportedly on an HP Elite Dragonfly 13.5 Chromebook. The UI shows a desktop-style taskbar with a centered start button and an Android 16-style status bar. The recordings also hint at an in-Place update flow via the Play Store, contrasting with Chrome OS behavior. Google has restricted access to the report, but observers say work on Android on big screens should proceed in tandem with Aluminium OS planning.

Atlas edges Optimus in humanoid-robot race as Hyundai backs Boston Dynamics

January 28, 2026, 6:30 AM EST. Tesla's focus on autonomy has supported a high market valuation, even as EV unit sales cooled and profit margins slipped. The company's robotics venture faces rising competition from Boston Dynamics, now majority-owned by Hyundai Motor Group, which paid $1.1 billion in 2021 for an 80% stake. The company's humanoid Atlas has dominated CES discussions, earning Best Robot praise from CNET Group, and is moving toward commercial production with plans for tens of thousands in Hyundai factories. By contrast, Optimus is still on the drawing board. Analysts say Atlas has an edge in mobility and agility, and could be first to market. Still, both projects face execution risk and untested business models.

China approves first batch of Nvidia H200 AI chips for import, sources say

January 28, 2026, 6:20 AM EST. China has approved the first batch of Nvidia's H200 AI chips for import, according to two people familiar with the matter. The clearance, granted during Nvidia Chief Executive Jensen Huang's visit to China this week, covers several hundred thousand chips and signals a shift as Beijing weighs AI needs against domestic development. The initial approvals were allocated mainly to three large Chinese internet platforms, with other firms entering a queue for subsequent clearances, one source said. Authorities in charge of industry and commerce and Nvidia did not respond to requests for comment by press time. The move underscores a careful balance: easing access to advanced hardware while supporting domestic tech ambitions.

Apple unveils Black Unity Braided Solo Loop for Apple Watch to mark Black History Month

January 28, 2026, 6:10 AM EST. Apple announced a new Black Unity Braided Solo Loop for Apple Watch to honor Black History Month. The band is an in-house design by Black creatives and Apple partners, drawing on the colors of the Pan-African flag. It is made from recycled polyester using precision braiding, offering a soft feel and sweat- and water-resistance. It goes on sale today on Apple's website, with Apple Stores stocking it by week's end. The band is priced at $99 and comes in 42mm and 46mm sizes, compatible with Apple Watch Series 4 and later, including SE and Ultra models. Apple notes the release continues its tradition of using product launches to highlight Black history and culture.

SpaceX launches GPS III-9 mission from Cape Canaveral, Florida

January 28, 2026, 6:04 AM EST. SpaceX launched the GPS III-9 satellite from Cape Canaveral, Florida, as part of the U.S. military's program to modernize the Global Positioning System. The Falcon 9 rocket carried the satellite to orbit for later deployment and on-orbit testing. Ground controllers reported a clean ascent and satellite health checks were underway after launch. GPS III-9 is one of a series of newer satellites designed to provide greater accuracy and stronger resistance to jamming for civilian users and national security applications. Space Force officials expect the spacecraft to join the GPS constellation in the coming weeks, enhancing reliability for navigation, timing, and critical infrastructure. The mission reflects ongoing efforts to refresh the aging GPS fleet with newer hardware and software.

Anthropic CEO warns AI could trigger unusually painful disruption to jobs

January 28, 2026, 5:58 AM EST. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei warned that AI could cause an unusually painful disruption to the job market. In a roughly 20,000-word essay, he argues AI will act as a general labor substitute for humans, not simply replace individual roles, and that the pace of progress risks broader, faster shocks. He cautions about autonomous AI, misuse by bad actors including bio-weapons, and the possibility of a global totalitarian dictatorship if nations leverage AI for power. Amodei says the workforce may struggle to recover quickly and notes past tech shocks affected only part of human capability, whereas AI could affect the full range. The piece adds that the social, political and technological systems may lack maturity to manage the transition.

Clawdbot rebrands to Moltbot as security worries persist over agentic AI on the web

January 28, 2026, 5:56 AM EST. Clawdbot has rebranded to Moltbot after trademark pressure from Anthropic. The open-source AI personal assistant can be driven via WhatsApp and Telegram and offers agentic tasks such as replying to emails, managing calendars, screening calls and booking reservations with minimal prompts. The trade-off is access: Moltbot must read messages and need credentials to accounts, apps and even bank details, pushing sensitive data to the bot. Security researchers warn misconfigurations and internet exposure can leave deployments vulnerable. Jamieson O'Reilly of Dvuln noted hundreds of instances visible online and warned that unauthenticated admin access could leak months of private messages, API keys and more. Some deployments were protected; many were misconfigured or in testing.

Apple in talks with SpaceX to add Starlink direct-to-cell to iPhone 18 Pro, The Information reports

January 28, 2026, 5:52 AM EST. The Information reports Apple is in early negotiations with SpaceX to embed Starlink satellite connectivity in the 2026 iPhone 18 Pro. The plan would allow direct-to-cell satellite service on the device, expanding outdoor coverage beyond terrestrial networks. The report cautions the discussions are at an early stage and could still change. Apple did not immediately respond to requests for comment. If realized, the feature would mark a significant expansion of device connectivity, potentially appealing to adventurers and users in areas with limited cellular coverage, while raising questions about cost, power use and regulatory approvals.

Meta's Advantage+ AI ads could drive next AI stock gains, Wall Street says

January 28, 2026, 5:46 AM EST. Meta Platforms is betting on Advantage+, a suite of machine-learning models to automate, test, target and price ads across its properties. The aim: pull advertisers closer with higher conversion rates and pricing power. Unlike grand AI road maps that promise autonomous systems, Advantage+ shows tangible impact on revenue today. The approach should improve ad ROI, boost advertiser stickiness, and widen margins as free cash flow grows. Analysts say the AI ad push could position Meta Platforms as the next major AI stock beyond semiconductors, signaling a potential shift in growth drivers for big tech. Investors are watching how this platform translates into faster top-line growth and profit expansion.

Amazon misdirected email sparks chatter of new layoffs across AWS and retail units

January 28, 2026, 5:40 AM EST. An internal email at Amazon that was inadvertently circulated to staff referenced 'organizational adjustments' and 'affected colleagues,' feeding speculation of a fresh round of layoffs. The message, tied to a project called Dawn, mentions AWS chief Colleen Aubrey and Beth Galetti, the head of human resources, and notes the post was 'canceled' after it was sent. People familiar with the matter say the timing could align with Amazon's upcoming Q4 earnings release, due after the market closes on February 5. The chatter follows a 14,000 corporate-job cut announced last October, with CEO Andy Jassy citing reductions in managerial layers and AI-driven efficiency. Separately, Amazon said it would reorganize its grocery business, refocusing on Whole Foods and online delivery.

Apple iPad Pro 13-inch discounted to $899.99 from $1,299

January 28, 2026, 5:22 AM EST. Sponsored content from Mashable partners promotes the Apple iPad Pro 13-inch, now on sale for $899.99 (reg. $1,299). The deal highlights the tablet's speed, visuals and portability, often cited as a laptop substitute. Apple describes the iPad Pro as ultra-thin and weighing about one pound, stressing its travel-ready form. The promo also notes prices can change after publication and that affiliate compensation may apply. For shoppers considering an upgrade, the discount makes the iPad Pro a strong option, though buyers should measure app needs and keyboard costs against a laptop.

C12 and Classiq Team Up to Scale Quantum Computing with Callisto Digital Twin

January 28, 2026, 5:18 AM EST. European deep-tech firm C12 and Classiq unveil a partnership to accelerate scalable quantum computing by merging Callisto digital twin with Classiq's software platform. Callisto models up to 13 noisy qubits using realistic noise parameters, enabling algorithm design and testing ahead of future hardware. The integration links C12's spin-qubit processors-built from ultra-pure carbon nanotubes-to the Classiq toolchain, letting developers work with the Qmod language and synthesis engine on a realistic model. CEO quotes from Desjardins and Minerbi highlight moving beyond theory toward practical quantum applications and aligning R&D with hardware roadmaps. The effort aims to bridge hardware and software, delivering a scalable framework for quantum applications.

Deutsche Bank upgrades CoreWeave after Nvidia investment

January 28, 2026, 5:10 AM EST. Deutsche Bank analyst Brad Zelnick upgraded CoreWeave to Buy from Hold, boosting the stock's target to $140 from $100, about 42% upside. Nvidia disclosed a $2 billion investment in CoreWeave, intended to speed its plan for '5 gigawatts of AI factories by 2030' and strengthen CoreWeave's technical leadership. Zelnick said the deal validates demand growth and supports favorable GPU economics and asset quality, keeping the shares attractive ahead of CoreWeave's upcoming results. The investment deepens Nvidia's access to CoreWeave's compute resources and accelerates integration with new Nvidia architectures, increasing the chance Nvidia includes CoreWeave's SUNK and Mission Control software in its reference designs, unlocking a future hybrid/multi-cloud software opportunity. CoreWeave has risen ~146% since going public but remains down ~46% from its all-time high last June.

Apple iOS 26.2.1: Should You Upgrade?

January 28, 2026, 5:06 AM EST. Apple released iOS 26.2.1 as a minor update with bug fixes and new features, not a security patch. It is compatible with iPhones from 2019 onward, covering iPhone 11 through iPhone 17 and newer; iPhone XS, XS Max and XR are not supported for this release. The update is under 1GB and installed via Settings > General > Software Update. Highlights include AirTag support and other enhancements. There are no security updates in this release, though Apple issued related updates for older devices. Early reactions are largely positive, praising stability and fixes. The initial verdict: update recommended for supported devices, especially for AirTag users.

Top AI chip stocks to buy with $50,000 in 2026: Nvidia and TSMC lead

January 28, 2026, 5:00 AM EST. AI infrastructure is fueling growth in the chip market as hyperscalers expand data centres. Nvidia remains the default platform for training and inference, supported by its CUDA software stack. Gartner puts AI-processing semiconductors revenue above $200 billion last year, and Bloomberg Intelligence forecasts the AI GPU TAM to grow at about a 14% CAGR through 2033, with Nvidia potentially holding up to 75% of the market by 2030. Nvidia is also pursuing new lines, including a roughly $20 billion tie-up with Groq to bolster inference. The stock trades near long-term lows on forward earnings despite competition from AMD and Broadcom. TSMC is a natural foundry partner, underscoring the need for scalable fabrication. The piece outlines three semiconductor bets for 2026, including a $50,000 allocation.

Nokia Magic Max 5G hype meets climate reality

January 28, 2026, 4:52 AM EST. A new phone touted as a giant battery and top camera raises questions about environmental impact. The Nokia Magic Max 5G is advertised with a 7,000 mAh battery, a 230-megapixel AI camera and a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip at a low price, but experts warn that big specs come with a production footprint. A Wuppertal Institute paper notes ICT accounts for about 8% of Germany's CO2, with roughly 20 million smartphones sold annually there, and that around 80% of emissions occur during manufacturing. Life-cycle analyses show mining metals drive most damage; longer device use could cut emissions by about half. Official progress remains unclear while brands face calls for durability and transparency.

Web sites stall when JavaScript is blocked, highlighting client-side load failures

January 28, 2026, 4:34 AM EST. A client challenge underscores how many websites rely on JavaScript to render essential components. When JavaScript is disabled in a browser, a required part of the site may fail to load, leaving users with incomplete pages and error messages. The issue can stem from network problems, browser settings, or extensions that block scripts. In the report, users were advised to check their connection, disable ad blockers, or try a different browser to access content. Industry experts say the problem highlights a broader risk for sites that depend on client-side scripting for core features. Companies are increasingly testing fallbacks and progressive enhancement to keep critical functions available even when scripting is blocked.

ASML's $250 Million EUV Printer Powers Nvidia Chips

January 28, 2026, 4:30 AM EST. ASML dominates lithography with the only broadly deployed EUV printers used to manufacture leading semiconductors. Each system costs about $250 million and is central to building chips for Nvidia and its AI ecosystem. The machines, roughly the size of a school bus and weighing about 150 tons, use lasers, mirrors and magnets to pattern silicon wafers at 13-nanometer scale. Droplets of tin are blasted by powerful lasers to generate EUV light, guided by Zeiss mirrors in a vacuum. The wafers ride on magnetically levitated stages at speeds of 70 to 80 meters per second. Units are assembled in the Netherlands and shipped to fabs owned by TSMC, Samsung, SK Hynix, Intel and Micron. ASML delivered 44 units last year; demand is seen rising in 2026-27.

Tesla Robotaxis in Austin claim 'unsupervised' operation; monitors linger in chase cars

January 28, 2026, 4:22 AM EST. Tesla says its long-gestating Robotaxis are operating in Austin with no in-car safety monitor, a milestone that sent Tesla shares up more than 4%. In practice, footage from Austin suggests a human safety monitor may still be nearby in a chase vehicle, leaving the ride not truly unsupervised. Musk's wording has sparked scrutiny about what counts as unsupervised autonomy. By contrast, Waymo operates tens of millions of fully unsupervised miles across several U.S. cities, despite problems in places like San Francisco. The episode underscores how the industry defines autonomy and how marketing language translates to on-ground safety controls and backup staff.

Nokia Magic Max 5G hype collides with climate data: longer use matters more than mega batteries

January 28, 2026, 3:50 AM EST. Tech hype surrounds the Nokia Magic Max 5G, a phone pitched with a 7,000 mAh battery, a 230-megapixel AI camera and a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 at a low price. But climate experts warn that the environmental price tag of smartphone production dwarfs daily charging. A 2024 Wuppertal Institute paper found ICT accounts for about 8% of Germany's CO2 emissions, with roughly 80% of a phone's footprint arising in manufacturing. Life-cycle studies show mining metals and complex fabrication drive most harm before a store shelf. The Shift Project puts total energy across a phone's life well above what appears on a home bill. Proponents say longer device use reduces emissions; skeptics say bigger batteries raise material costs and affect repairability. As of Jan 2026, neither Nokia nor HMD Global lists the model, despite online hype.

Tesla's Austin robotaxi marketed as unsupervised draws scrutiny

January 28, 2026, 3:48 AM EST. Tesla said its Robotaxi rides in Austin are 'unsupervised' and that there is no safety monitor in the car. Observers say a safety monitor may still ride in a separate vehicle behind the robotaxi, so the ride isn't truly unsupervised. True unsupervised autonomy, as demonstrated by Waymo, means the vehicle operates without any human backup and has logged tens of millions of miles. Tesla's claim has prompted investor enthusiasm but skeptics caution that the Austin deployments still rely on behind-the-scenes intervention. Waymo's miles in multiple U.S. cities show the bar for fully autonomous driving remains high, even as Tesla pushes marketing language. The company has not publicly explained the role of accompanying chase cars in Austin.

South Korea eyes a 'physical AI' edge by turning factories into learning labs

January 28, 2026, 3:44 AM EST. South Korea rolled out a Manufacturing AI Transformation strategy to fuse data and artificial intelligence for productivity and self-sustained growth. The plan aims to build infrastructure while boosting demand for AI. Analysts note the United States leads in large language models; China scales AI services at home. For Korea, the challenge is pairing data with real-world tasks. A developing concept, "physical AI," embeds AI in machines such as robots and autonomous vehicles to perform factory work. It requires data on physical skills and movement, not just text. Teleoperation-style training-workers guiding robots while sensors record movement-lets machines learn through demonstration, producing skilled movement data. Korea's strength in manufacturing could translate tacit expertise from places like Ulsan and Changwon into a national asset, turning factories into AI learning laboratories.

Korea's manufacturing base could fuel a physical AI edge

January 28, 2026, 3:42 AM EST. South Korea's government rolled out Manufacturing AI Transformation to fuse data and AI for higher productivity and sustained growth. Yet many firms still wonder what to do with AI beyond buying Nvidia GPUs and building data centers. The United States leads in large language models; China scales AI services at home. For Korea, the path is building infrastructure while generating demand. A growing concept, physical AI, envisions AI embodied in robots and autonomous vehicles. Unlike text and image data, factory-floor know-how-skilled movements and manual technique-must be captured. Teleoperation and demonstration learning turn tacit know-how into training data. Korea could digitize veteran expertise from places like Ulsan and Changwon, turning factories into AI learning laboratories with a durable edge.

Turkey closes gap with EU in BEV sales as Togg drives adoption

January 28, 2026, 3:40 AM EST. From 44 BEV buyers in 2016 to 7% of new-car sales in 2023, Turkey's electric market accelerated. By 2025 BEVs accounted for 16.7% of new-car sales, just below the EU's 17.4% and making Turkey the fourth-largest BEV market in Europe after Germany, the UK and France. The pace outstrips most of southern and eastern Europe, though the Netherlands and Nordic nations still lead globally. Analysts attribute the surge to Turkey's special consumption tax, which keeps EVs only modestly pricier than petrol cars, and to continued demand after August tax rises. Togg, Turkey's domestic carmaker, helped normalise adoption and overtook Tesla in 2024. Foreign automakers benefit from a tax system that supports imports, alongside state-backed credit programs.

Turkey's EV surge matches EU pace as BEV share climbs toward 17%

January 28, 2026, 3:38 AM EST. Turkey's BEV market accelerated, with electric cars making up 16.7% of new-car registrations in 2025, just below the EU's 17.4%. The country ranks fourth in Europe behind Germany, the UK and France. In 2023 BEVs were rare (about 7%), but uptake surged as imports from brands including Tesla competed with the state-backed Togg. Togg overtook Tesla as Turkey's leading EV seller in 2024 and plans to lift production to 60,000 in 2026 from 40,000 in 2025. Analysts say tax policy keeps BEVs only slightly more expensive than petrol cars, making affordability the main driver, while running costs favor electrics. The shift supports decarbonisation goals as Turkey hosts the UN climate summit.

Tesla El Camino-inspired pickup by Simone Giertz shows garage-to-road reality

January 28, 2026, 3:34 AM EST. An Autopian favorite becomes reality: a Tesla-based pickup that nods to the El Camino. Inventor Simone Giertz built a working EV ute by converting a Model 3 in 2019, years before any official Tesla ute. She later drove it to the Cybertruck launch, showing how garage hacks can cross from clever concept to road-ready vehicle. The project has echoed through Autopian coverage, with Kristen Lee and colleagues revisiting similar builds and the tensions between enthusiasts and brand protection. The broader conversation touches on car-modification culture, legal risk, and the playful frontier between automotive history and modern electrification. In short: a home-built, garage-tested Tesla-inspired pickup that turned imagination into a tangible vehicle.

MoCA 2.5: A low-cost coax-based option to improve home internet

January 28, 2026, 3:32 AM EST. MoCA 2.5 uses existing coaxial cable to deliver internet data. Short for Multimedia over Coax Alliance, the standard can reach up to 2.5 Gbps with typically low latency-under 2.5 milliseconds. While some plans can exceed 5 Gbps, 2.5 Gbps fits most homes. An adapter is needed to connect the router to the coax network and to devices. The result is a reliable, wired-like connection for desktops and laptops, enabling 4K streaming, large file transfers, high-resolution video calls, and smoother online gaming. WiFi isn't dead in brick-walled homes, but MoCA breathes new life into existing cabling and is a low-cost alternative when wireless fails.

NOAA scales back GeoXO budget, trims geostationary weather satellite plan

January 28, 2026, 3:30 AM EST. NOAA is keeping a tight rein on the GeoXO program as costs rise, scaling back the constellation from six satellites to four, with two in orbit at a time. If prices blow past estimates, officials will descope features to fit the budget. The first GeoXO satellite, due to launch in 2032 to replace GOES West, will carry an Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) and may include a Lockheed Martin lightning mapper. A second satellite, GeoXO East, scheduled for 2034, will use an updated GXI built by L3Harris with 18 spectral bands and higher resolution on several bands. A hyperspectral infrared sounder from BAE Systems is expected to yield major forecast benefits. NOAA is reviewing the mission integration contract and acquisition strategy this year.

Clawdbot fans drive Mac Minis demand as AI buzz swells

January 28, 2026, 3:28 AM EST. Clawdbot has sparked a surge of online interest among AI enthusiasts, driving demand for Mac Minis as compact platforms for experiments. Buyers describe the devices as affordable, quiet, and easy to set up for lightweight models. The trend highlights how hobbyist communities can steer hardware demand even as supply chains shift. While analysts warn that the pace could wax and wane, the immediate effect is a visible pull on small-form computers used for AI demos and edge projects, reinforcing the appeal of accessible, capable machines in a growing ecosystem centered on Clawdbot.

Prices leak for Moto G17, G77 and Edge 70 Fusion in Europe

January 28, 2026, 3:24 AM EST. Retailer listings in Italy show early price tags for the Moto G17, G77 and Motorola Edge 70 Fusion. The G17 is listed at €294.90 for 8GB RAM and 256GB storage; the G77 at €376.89; and the Edge 70 Fusion at €478.90, all with 8GB/256GB. The prices aren't final and may shift before official launches. A separate Greek listing confirms specs: the G77 has a 6.8-inch AMOLED FHD+ screen at 120Hz, Gorilla Glass 7i, Dimensity 6400, 32MP selfie, 108MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 5,200mAh battery with 30W charging, and IP64 dust/splash resistance. The Edge 70 Fusion uses a 6.78-inch AMOLED 144Hz, 5,200-nit peak brightness, Gorilla Glass 7i, 50MP main, 32MP selfie, 7,000mAh, 68W charging, and Snapdragon 7s Gen 4, with Android 16 from day one. All three are expected to be official soon.

Alphabet Seen as AI-First Quantum Play Among Tech Titans, Not a Pure-Play Quantum Bet

January 28, 2026, 3:18 AM EST. Investors face three ways to play quantum computing: a pure-play stock such as Quantum Computing Inc.; an ETF; or a tech titan ramping quantum capabilities. The piece favors the ETF route or a big tech name over a speculative pure-play. It endorses Alphabet (GOOGL/GOOG) as a practical AI-driven play among the titans. Alphabet posted a standout 2025, delivering roughly a 65% return as part of the Magnificent Seven, but analysts warn about higher capex in 2025-26 that trimmed operating margins by about a percentage point last quarter. The concerns are balanced by continued momentum in AI and cloud, especially for hyperscalers like Alphabet. Regulatory and legal risks remain, including a consumer antitrust class action over Google search; remedies from a 2020 case are on appeal.

Samsung teases Galaxy S26 Ultra privacy display that auto-activates in crowded spaces

January 28, 2026, 3:16 AM EST. Samsung has teased a privacy display feature for the Galaxy S26 Ultra that can automatically activate when users enter passwords or view sensitive data, then revert to normal to preserve wide OLED viewing angles. The function can be time- or app-based, and can trigger for incoming notifications as well. In Samsung's teaser, the technology would prove useful in three scenarios: unlocking a phone in a crowded elevator, reading a personal message on a bus, and typing a password on the subway. Samsung says the privacy display project ran for five years. The teaser image credits OnLeaks/Android Headlines.

DigitalOcean Recasts AI Infrastructure Ambitions With CPTO Hire

January 28, 2026, 3:14 AM EST. DigitalOcean appointed Vinay Kumar as Chief Product and Technology Officer in January 2026, charging him with product strategy, cloud infrastructure and security as the company scales its AI inference platform. A veteran who helped build Oracle Cloud Infrastructure from inception, Kumar signals a deeper push into production-grade AI and cloud services. The leadership change centers the investment narrative on execution, with markets reacting to his Oracle background as a signal of reliability. However, DigitalOcean carries leverage and negative equity that could limit strategic flexibility, and earnings are forecast to decline in the near term amid execution risks. Near-term catalysts include broader adoption of the AI inference platform and converting wins into repeatable revenue, though results depend on sustained AI demand and cost discipline.

QuEra Bets On Efficient, Affordable Quantum Computing

January 28, 2026, 3:04 AM EST. QuEra Computing pitches a practical, affordable path to quantum advantage with a neutral-atom approach that operates near room-temperature, uses low-power and aims for a compact footprint. In interviews, executives argue this enables on-premises deployments and tighter integration with classical HPC, exemplified by an on-site install at Japan's AIST and a recent Dell Technologies collaboration that aligns classical and quantum resources for HQCC-style workflows. In pharma, Amgen Research and partners showed a hybrid quantum-classical system improving predictions from small datasets, delivering less variability and a better fit to underlying data distributions. QuEra contrasts this with IBM/Google superconducting paths, which may require rooms-sized facilities, suggesting an affordable alternative for near-term applications in AI, energy, and biology.

VITURE Beast XR review: 1200-nit display, 174-inch virtual screen and 3D modes

January 28, 2026, 3:02 AM EST. VITURE's Beast XR glasses aim to blend wearable convenience with a huge virtual display. The device uses a 1200p panel, a 58° field of view, and can reach up to 120 Hz after a firmware update, delivering a simulated 174-inch screen for movies, games and work. The experience is boosted by electrochromic dimming for adjustable lens transparency and a front RGB camera for touch interactions. Connectivity hinges on USB-C, with an external dock enabling gaming on devices such as the Nintendo Switch, via Space Walker for spatial video and 3D photos. Yet, full use depends on future firmware; some immersive 3D content is uneven, and power drawn from connected devices necessitates external power for longer sessions. A portable, versatile XR option, but not a universal fix.

Rigetti Computing stock in 12 months: bulls versus bears

January 28, 2026, 3:00 AM EST. Rigetti Computing's SPAC-backed march continues to polarize investors. After a 9.75 open on March 2, 2022, the stock fell to a record low of 0.38 in May 2023, then peaked at 56.34 in October 2025; it trades around $22 today. Bulls argue Rigetti's full-stack approach-combining QPUs, its Forest cloud platform, and system deployments like Ankaa-3 (84-qubit) and Cepheus-1-36Q (36-qubit)-positions it for growth as it rolls out a 108-qubit system this year and aims for 150+ and then 1,000+ qubits by 2027. Revenue could rise to about $20.4 million in 2026 and $45.4 million in 2027, justifying a premium valuation. Bears counter with a $7.2 billion cap and about 160x expected 2027 sales, plus concerns about older tech and competition.

Apple to keep iPhone 18 price steady amid RAM crunch, says analyst

January 28, 2026, 2:58 AM EST. The RAM squeeze across tech supply chains is reverberating through smartphones. TrendForce warns Samsung could lift iPhone-memory prices by more than 80%, with SK Hynix and others likely pushing up NAND and related components. Yet Ming-Chi Kuo says Apple will not raise the iPhone 18's price, noting LPDDR pricing aligns with his view and NAND-flash costs remain softer. He adds Apple has negotiated memory pricing quarterly, illustrating the company's leverage. Kuo forecasts the iPhone 18 will start at the same price as the iPhone 17, while higher-storage variants may carry modest increases. The Pro and Pro Max arrive in September amid broader launch chatter, including a foldable model; the basic iPhone 18 could come next spring with the iPhone Air 2 in a split strategy. AI demand could strain other components too.

C3.AI in talks to merge with Automation Anywhere, The Information reports

January 28, 2026, 2:56 AM EST. Reuters reports that C3.AI is in talks to merge with privately held Automation Anywhere, per The Information. If the deal closes, Automation Anywhere would acquire C3.AI and pursue a public listing. Reuters could not verify the report, and neither company commented. Based in California, C3.AI runs a platform used to build and operate large-scale AI applications for clients including the U.S. Air Force and other government agencies, as well as energy and manufacturing sectors. Automation Anywhere makes software to automate repetitive tasks. The Information valued the buyer at about $6.8 billion in 2019. Reuters reported last year that C3.AI was exploring a sale after founder Thomas Siebel stepped down as CEO. The stock of C3.AI has fallen more than 59% in the past year amid weak performance and leadership uncertainty.

Chinese study links Starlink near-miss to mass orbit lowering of over 4,000 satellites

January 28, 2026, 2:54 AM EST. Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Software say a near-miss between a Chinese high-resolution Earth-imaging satellite and SpaceX's Starlink constellation helped prompt a decision to move more than 4,000 operating satellites to a lower orbit. The incident occurred December 10 when the Chinese satellite launched with eight other payloads on a Kinetica-1 rocket. No collision occurred, but the close call was said to be unsettling and directly triggered Starlink's move to lower satellites from about 550 km to 480 km to "increase space safety." The team used the institute's mega-constellation platform to identify the device built by Chang Guang Satellite Technology. The report cites a Space and Network article and posts by SpaceX officials.

Yahoo Scout aims for a web-first AI search blend

January 28, 2026, 2:50 AM EST. Yahoo's Scout is rolling out as a web-first AI search portal that sits within Yahoo Search, as a standalone web app, and as a central feature in the Yahoo mobile app. It blends traditional results with AI summaries, answering questions while guiding users to relevant sources. The project aims to revive Yahoo as a modern web guide, leveraging Yahoo's own content-sports, finance, news, weather, mail and shopping-to power an AI answer engine. Executives say Scout combines user data, usage patterns and content with search knowledge to deliver AI-assisted results. Yahoo argues it has an edge over Google in part because of its content and scale, even as Google remains the dominant platform. The piece closes on a note about Yahoo's specific advantage.

Microsoft tests Windows 11 behind-the-scenes platform changes in Insider Dev Channel

January 28, 2026, 2:40 AM EST. Microsoft has started testing the 26300 series in the Windows 11 Insider Dev Channel, ahead of a broader, behind-the-scenes platform refresh planned for this year. The builds advance beyond the 26220 series in the Beta Channel, with platform work embedded in each release and some changes expected to carry known issues. Germanium remains the in-market platform, while the 26300 line is expected to ship as version 26H2 this fall. Separately, Microsoft plans 26H1 this spring for next-gen Arm devices based on a newer platform codenamed Bromine, though Bromine is newer than Germanium. The company has faced criticism over earlier updates. Insiders can enroll and check for updates to access the 26300 builds.

Sundance AI documentary probes promises and perils of artificial intelligence

January 28, 2026, 2:34 AM EST. At Sundance, The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist dives into the promise and peril of AI. Directors Daniel Roher and Charlie Tyrell, with producer Daniel Kwan, assemble interviews with OpenAI chief Sam Altman and other AI luminaries to unpack a technology moving from private experiment to public good. Roher says the project grew from personal anxiety about parenting in an era of rapid automation. Experts explain how models are trained on data beyond what any single human can read, while insiders warn that some aspects of AI may remain beyond full human comprehension. Doomerists debate the risks of AGI; Tristan Harris cautions forecasts will look quaint once the film lands with audiences. The documentary aims to clarify jargon and weigh safety against opportunity.

Microsoft unveils Maia 200 AI chip to challenge Nvidia

January 28, 2026, 2:28 AM EST. Microsoft unveiled the Maia 200, a dedicated AI inference chip designed to lower the cost of running large language models. The company says the accelerator uses a reconfigured memory system and higher bandwidth to feed data more efficiently, delivering superior performance per dollar. In early claims, Maia benchmarks above Amazon's Trainium third-gen and Alphabet's TPU in similar tasks, and Microsoft calls it the most performant first-party silicon from a hyperscaler. The chip is aimed at powering Copilot and Azure OpenAI, with an SDK released for developers and researchers ahead of wider availability. The move intensifies competition with Nvidia, which still holds a dominant share in the data-center GPU market, though Maia targets inference workloads and cost efficiency.

Chinese AI firms accelerate model releases to outpace U.S. rivals

January 28, 2026, 2:26 AM EST. Beijing-based firms are expanding AI models at speed as U.S. peers push back. In one year since DeepSeek disrupted pricing, Moonshot AI unveiled K2.5 with video-generation and agentic features touted to beat OpenAI, Anthropic and Google on select tasks. Alibaba rolled out Qwen3-Max-Thinking, capable of selecting the best tool and leveraging past chats, claiming superiority on a proprietary benchmark. Z.ai released GLM 4.7, while Baidu's Ernie 5.0 drove its stock to multi-year highs after a claimed lead over Gemini-2.5-Pro. Google's DeepMind's Demis Hassabis said China's models could be only months behind the U.S. era. Beyond performance, Chinese firms push open-source, low-cost access to spur adoption in emerging markets and domestic ecosystems, aiming for breadth of use rather than sole headline wins.

Ericsson resists Nvidia-like pact, keeps chip options open

January 28, 2026, 2:24 AM EST. Ericsson and Nokia diverge on hardware strategy after Nokia struck a deal with Nvidia last October, making Nvidia a major shareholder and prompting Nokia to align 5G/6G software with GPUs. Ericsson pushes hardware-agnostic software, aiming to run RAN software on x86, GPUs, Google's TPU and future silicon, with CEO Börje Ekholm saying the group wants to be largely independent of the hardware layer. He noted they could run on GPUs or proprietary silicon, and even allow other architectures. The approach, dubbed anychip by Ericsson, contrasts with Nokia's anyRAN concept. Some observers see continued use of Marvell for Layer 1 as signaling a split, while Ericsson plans to decide hardware alignment closer to AI-RAN and 6G realities.

Florida Atlantic University to Host Onsite Quantum Computer, First in Florida

January 28, 2026, 2:22 AM EST. Florida Atlantic University will become the first in Florida to publicly host a large, dedicated quantum computer on campus. FAU signed an agreement with D-Wave Quantum Inc. to acquire and install the Advantage2 annealing quantum computer at its Boca Raton campus, with deployment expected later this year. The arrangement aims to accelerate research, expand hands-on student training, and advance real-world applications in logistics, transportation and materials discovery. D-Wave said its new U.S. corporate headquarters will be located at Boca Raton Innovation Center, creating a regional hub for quantum technology development. The partnership positions FAU as a center for quantum education and innovation, attracting industry and investment and preparing students to tackle problems beyond the reach of classical computers.

Strava and Komoot roll out offline route guidance for Apple Watch

January 28, 2026, 2:20 AM EST. Two fitness apps are expanding offline navigation on Apple Watch. Strava's update appears to unlock offline route guidance, with screenshots and user reports suggesting a beta-like rollout that does not require a paid subscription. Users can start a run, walk or ride with a pre-planned route and view the route over a subtle map; live re-routing is not yet offered. Strava has also pushed features like Instant Workouts to broaden activity types. Separately, Komoot now supports guided offline navigation on Apple Watch with turn-by-turn guidance available without a premium for now, including a roughly 1.5 km map buffer. Both moves point to more standalone GPS tracking on the watch, complementing watchOS offline-map improvements since 2023-24.

Galaxy S26 colors rumor points to four hues, conflicting leaks

January 28, 2026, 2:16 AM EST. New rumors outline Galaxy S26 colors. Theonecid on Twitter says the S26 series will ship in four hues – black, white, Cobalt Violet, and Sky Blue – matching earlier images of the Ultra SIM card tray from Ice Universe. Today's post omits two other colors Evan Blass previously claimed for the Ultra: silver shadow and pink gold. The conflicting reports underscore the uncertainty ahead of a potential launch, with color options still unresolved as Samsung approaches a reveal.

iOS 26.3 beta adds Android transfer, location privacy controls and EU-only notification forwarding

January 28, 2026, 2:00 AM EST. Apple's third iOS 26.3 beta expands cross-platform features and privacy controls. The highlight is a new "Transfer to Android" system that lets iPhone users move photos, messages, notes, apps, and even their phone number to an Android device; health data, Bluetooth devices, and locked notes aren't included. Apple and Google describe the feature as a step toward greater interoperability between iPhone and Android. A parallel update in the Android beta mirrors the switch. Another change is a new limit location data toggle that can restrict carrier networks to identify only rough location information, with supported devices and carriers listed in a settings help doc. The company also rolls out Notification Forwarding for third-party wearables, initially limited to the EU to align with DMA rules, noting privacy concerns.

Verizon sells TCL Tab 10 Nxtpaper 5G at $239, a color paper-like tablet for reading and casual use

January 28, 2026, 1:58 AM EST. Verizon sells the TCL Tab 10 Nxtpaper 5G for $239. TCL markets a color, paper-like Nxtpaper display that reduces blue light, has no traditional backlight, and minimizes glare. The tablet is pitched as an entertainment device that also functions well as an e-reader, with modes that switch between regular and Nxtpaper views. A user says it replaced a Kindle and an iPad after testing it for months, noting energy efficiency and readable screens in bright light. It's not a high-end tablet and won't replace a $1,000 iPad, but serves casual daily use and reading. The tech relies on E Ink-like ideas without matching true E Ink, offering smoother color yet slower rendering than top tablets. Overall, the device is a practical, affordable option for readers and casual browsing.

Samsung's Galaxy Z TriFold to launch Jan 30 at $2,899, triple-folding phone

January 28, 2026, 1:54 AM EST. Samsung's will roll out the Galaxy Z TriFold in the United States on January 30, with a starting price of $2,899, making it the most expensive smartphone on the market. Unveiled after CES in Las Vegas, the device folds three ways to reveal a 10-inch tablet-sized display when fully opened. It ships with 512 GB of storage and a 200 MP camera, and Samsung says the TriFold endured a 200,000-fold durability test to prove longevity. The phone is offered only in black and will be sold at Samsung stores and on Samsung.com. Drew Blackard, senior VP of mobile product management, framed it as a balance of smartphone convenience and tablet usability, continuing Samsung's foldable lineage since the original Galaxy Fold in 2019. The iPhone 17 Pro Max starts at $1,999 with 2 TB storage, by comparison.

Google Search adds Gemini 3 to AI Overviews with follow-up questions

January 28, 2026, 1:52 AM EST. Google is upgrading Search with AI-powered features, adding Gemini 3 to AI Overviews and letting users ask follow-up questions for a seamless experience. The change shifts emphasis from links to AI interactions, letting users switch to AI Mode for deeper conversation. Robby Stein, Google's vice president of product for Search, described the pairing as a quick snapshot when you need it and a deeper conversation on demand. Gemini 3 now powers AI-generated summaries globally, delivering what Google calls best-in-class overview answers. The Verge's Robert Hart reported the rollout; Google did not immediately comment. Disclosure: Vox Media, The Verge's parent, has filed a lawsuit against Google over ad tech monopoly claims.

iOS 26.3 beta broadens Android interoperability and EU features

January 28, 2026, 1:50 AM EST. Apple rolled out the third iOS 26.3 beta for iPhone, focusing on interoperability with Android and new privacy and device-notification features. The centerpiece is a new Transfer to Android system, built with Google, letting iPhone users wirelessly move photos, messages, notes and apps to a new Android phone and carry the phone number, while Health data, locked notes and other sensitive data stay behind. Google is testing a reciprocal Android-to-iPhone flow. Apple also adds a limit price location feature intended to curb how carriers infer location data, requiring specific device models and carriers in listed regions. A fresh Notification Forwarding option lets iPhone alerts appear on one third-party wearable, but only in the EU as Apple readies for DMA compliance. More EU features are expected as beta continues.

Battery life vs. charging speed: which smartphone spec matters most

January 28, 2026, 1:44 AM EST. Smartphones are balancing longer battery life with faster charging. Advances like silicon-carbon batteries pushed capacities past 6,000 mAh to 7,300-10,001 mAh in models from OnePlus, Honor, and Realme, enabling use that can reach about two days for many users. On charging, OnePlus leads in the US with up to 100W, while Motorola tops 68W and overseas brands exceed 100W on flagships. Samsung and Google linger around 45W, meaning longer full charges even as battery capacity grows. The trade-off remains: do you prefer longer battery life between charges or fast charging that tops up quickly? Readers are invited to share whether higher capacity or quicker fill matters most for daily use.

Battery life vs charging speed: which smartphone spec matters most

January 28, 2026, 1:42 AM EST. Smartphones are pushing both endurance and speed. Silicon-carbon batteries push capacities past 6,000-10,000 mAh, letting models such as the OnePlus 13, 15 and Realme P4 Power reach two days of use on a charge. Other brands like Honor and Realme tout even larger packs; Galaxy and Pixel remain around 6,000 mAh. On charging, OnePlus leads in the U.S. with up to 100W; outside the U.S. speeds exceed 100W in many flagships. Samsung and Google hit around 45W, meaning longer full charges. The debate: would you rather a longer-lasting battery or faster charging if you could have both? Consumers are split, with many weighing practical use, charging availability, and travel needs.

Google Search adds Gemini 3 to AI Overviews, enables seamless follow-up questions

January 28, 2026, 1:38 AM EST. Google is upgrading its AI-powered Search with Gemini 3 in AI Overviews and introducing seamless follow-ups via AI Mode. Gemini 3 will power global AI-generated summaries in Overviews, the company says, delivering what marketers call a 'best-in-class' answer. Users can pepper the results with follow-up questions to keep a conversation going, bridging the gap between a traditional search and an AI chatbot. The flow is shown as scroll-and-type, with Robby Stein, Google's vice president of product, describing the shift as 'a quick snapshot when you need it, and deeper conversation when you want it.' The update underscores a broader move to prioritize AI interactions over pure links, though Google has not announced a timetable to retire classic Search. Disclosure: Vox Media, The Verge's parent, has sued Google over ad-tech practices. Reporting from London by Robert Hart.

Tesla Sales Fall 20% in Europe; BYD Surges Ahead in EV Market

January 28, 2026, 1:30 AM EST. European EV sales trends in 2025 show widening gap between legacy EV leaders and fast-rising Chinese competitors; Tesla losing ground while BYD gains momentum. In December, new-car registrations for Tesla across the EU, UK and nearby markets fell 20% YoY to 35,280 units. For the full year, Tesla registrations slid 27% to 238,656 units, signaling softer demand in a region that anchored its growth. BYD posted a 268.6% jump in European sales in 2025 to 187,657 units; regional market share rose to 1.4% from 0.4%. BEVs accounted for 17.4% of total EU auto sales in 2025, up from 13.6% in 2024; Hybrids remained the most popular at 34.5%. In December, BEV registrations climbed 51%, plug-in hybrids 36.7%, HEVs 5.8%; petrol/diesel declined.

How to protect your EV battery in cold weather

January 28, 2026, 1:28 AM EST. Cold weather reduces EV battery efficiency and raises energy demand, limiting range and extending charging times, a Vara Chevrolet service manager says. Michael Lopez notes that extreme cold can cut range by about 16% to 46%. For short trips, keep the battery at least 30% charged; for longer trips in cold weather, charge to 80%-100%. He cautions that rapid charging may be slower in freezing temperatures. Cabin heating and the defroster drain the pack faster, but EVs generally do not require idling to warm up; they're ready to drive after startup. When plugging in, charging hardware is designed to withstand wet or icy conditions, Lopez adds. Drivers should use the vehicle's app to monitor charge status and stay plugged in to stay charged.

Cold weather tips: how to protect your EV battery and maximize range

January 28, 2026, 1:26 AM EST. San Antonio service manager Michael Lopez says extreme cold lowers EV battery efficiency and raises energy demand. In freezing temps, he says range can shrink by about 16% to 46%. For short trips, keep the battery at least 30%; for longer drives, aim for 80% to 100%. He warns cold can extend charging times and that rapid charging may be limited. Using the defroster and heat drains the battery faster, but EVs generally don't require long warming pauses; you should be able to drive once you step on the pedal. Plug-in safety remains high: charging ports are designed to be waterproof and insulated. Drivers should use the vehicle's app to monitor status and stay plugged in.

Nvidia in 2026: one catalyst could unlock stock momentum

January 28, 2026, 1:24 AM EST. Market watchers have Nvidia on watch as 2026 opens with the stock near flat after a historic rally. AI-spending fears, geopolitical risk with China, and profit-taking weigh on sentiment, even as the company has posted outsized gains. The author argues there is one clear driver for 2026: Nvidia beating its own targets. The company has guided for about $65 billion in fiscal Q4 revenue; the case is for continuing to beat and lift guidance through calendar 2026. China exposure remains a togglable factor: regulators have approved H200 chip sales, and CEO Jensen Huang may visit China, hinting at renewed access. Even without China, demand for data centers and AI infrastructure supports upside, potentially lifting the stock if estimates are exceeded.

Nvidia in 2026: One move could restore momentum, market watcher says

January 28, 2026, 1:20 AM EST. Market watchers expect Nvidia to post about $65 billion in Q4 revenue, but shares have stalled in 2026 as investors weigh an AI-spending bubble and geopolitical risk in China. The piece argues Nvidia has exhausted investor enthusiasm after years of rapid gains. It predicts the company will beat fiscal 2026 Q4 guidance of $65 billion and keep raising guidance through 2026. The outlook hinges partly on regulatory approval to sell H200 chips in China and a likely return of its China business, with CEO Jensen Huang traveling there soon. Even without China, data-center AI demand remains robust, supporting upside. If the company hits new highs, Nvidia stock could regain momentum.

Apple to keep iPhone 18 price steady despite rising memory costs, says Kuo

January 28, 2026, 1:12 AM EST. Apple plans to hold the iPhone 18 starting price steady even as DRAM and other memory costs rise, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. He says Apple negotiates memory prices quarterly, with a second-quarter 2026 uptick likely and a 10% to 25% year-over-year increase already visible. The higher memory cost could compress iPhone gross margins, but Apple can lock in supply and absorb some costs, leveraging its bargaining power. The company has previously kept the base iPhone 17 price at $799, though the 17 Pro rose by $100 for a 256GB option. We expect the January 30 earnings call to discuss memory price shifts; Apple aims to avoid large price increases and may keep the iPhone 18 price flat. Other components and AI demand could pressure prices across brands.

Samsung teases built-in privacy screen for Galaxy S26 phones

January 28, 2026, 1:08 AM EST. Samsung is teasing a pixel-based built-in privacy screen for future Galaxy phones, not a traditional plastic shield. The company says the technology will prevent onlookers from peeking at the display by altering image visibility from side angles. The approach is described as non-physical, relying on software and micro-layers to create a privacy effect. Samsung did not confirm exact devices or timing, but executives indicated the feature could arrive with new Galaxy models that could debut next month, possibly including the Galaxy S26 line. Analysts say the move mirrors privacy-conscious trends in mobile devices. The shift away from physical privacy screens underscores a broader push toward integrated, seamless security features for mainstream smartphones.

Former CIA tech chief warns AI security must be baked in from day one to avoid Internet's fate

January 28, 2026, 1:06 AM EST. At Tel Aviv Cyberweek, former CIA chief technology officer Bob Flores warned that the Internet's creators did not embed security early, and AI must not repeat those mistakes. He told The Jerusalem Post that a security framework should be embedded from the start to prevent misuse. He described the Dark Web as a Wild West and urged developers to bake security into every stage of AI development. Flores outlined AI-driven threats, including malware built with AI tools and AI agents infiltrating financial and security institutions, with defenses needing continual adaptation. He cited data poisoning, supply-chain tampering, and hardware compromises as current vulnerabilities, and argued for governance and validation frameworks, plus tools that enhance trust and identity verification. He warned quantum computing could reshape future threats.

Tech Transparency Project flags 102 nudify apps in Google Play and Apple App Store

January 28, 2026, 1:02 AM EST. An investigation by the Tech Transparency Project finds 55 nudify apps in Google Play and 47 in the Apple App Store, enabling users to remove clothes from women in generated images. The apps have been downloaded more than 705 million times and earned about $117 million, per AppMagic. Google and Apple take a cut of that revenue, raising questions about whether app-store policies keep pace with AI deepfakes. The firms say they review apps, but have removed some: Apple cited removal of 28 apps and warned others; Google suspended several during an ongoing review, then removed 31 apps. The findings deepen concerns over nonconsensual sexualized imagery and the misuse of AI tools. Regulators are watching.

Google lets users follow up from AI Overviews into AI Mode as Gemini 3 becomes default

January 28, 2026, 12:58 AM EST. Google said it will let users ask follow-up questions directly from AI Overviews, the AI-generated summaries atop search results, enabling a seamless transition into AI Mode for complex queries. The company also announced that Gemini 3 will be the default model for AI Overviews worldwide, aiming for a "best-in-class AI response" on the search results page. The update follows Google's push to make Search more interactive and conversational. Robby Stein, VP of Product for Google Search, said users want a flow from quick results to deeper exploration. Google has also introduced Personal Intelligence in AI Mode, linking across Gmail and Photos to tailor responses. AI Overviews now extend to Gmail, allowing natural-language inbox searches.

Xiaomi outsells Tesla Model 3 in China with SU7, first time since 2019

January 28, 2026, 12:56 AM EST. Xiaomi's first car, the SU7, outsold the Tesla Model 3 in China in 2025, the first time another brand topped the best-selling EV sedan since Tesla's 2019 entry. Xiaomi delivered 258,164 SU7s in 2025 compared with 200,361 Model 3s. Xiaomi undercut the Model 3 at the entry level by about 9%, while the SU7 offers a 700km CLTC range versus the Model 3's 606km. Xiaomi leveraged its existing ecosystem, with HyperOS software integration and driver-assistance features included by default, appealing to current Xiaomi customers. The company also matched rapid production ramp to meet demand, limiting traditional wait times. The result challenges the Model 3's dominance in China's EV market.

Tesla to deploy Semi Megachargers at Pilot truck stops along I-5 and I-10

January 28, 2026, 12:46 AM EST. Pilot, the nation's largest operator of travel centers and a Berkshire Hathaway unit, will host Tesla's Semi Megacharger stations at select Pilot sites along major corridors, starting Summer 2026. The chargers will sit at Pilot locations along I-5 and I-10 and other routes where heavy-duty charging is most needed, Pilot says. Shannon Sturgil, Pilot's SVP of alternative fuels, framed the deal as part of expanding energy options for guests and the North American freight sector, noting Pilot's turnkey approach. Tesla has been building out a heavy-duty network; the company has shown 1.2 MW charging demonstrations and plans for 46 Semi charging stations by 2027. The partnership broadens Pilot's alternative fuel portfolio, alongside previous EV projects with Volvo Group, GM, and EVgo.

Iran offline: How a government can shut down the internet

January 28, 2026, 12:40 AM EST. Iran is in a near-total internet blackout as authorities crack down on protests over inflation and the currency's devaluation. The regime has blocked most online access while protests persist; only about 3% of Iranians remain connected via satellite services such as Starlink, and using such services is criminalized. The episode explains how internet traffic is routed and how governments can disrupt it, from throttling to cutting access to servers. Scientists and researchers monitor the nation's connectivity from afar, tracking outages and data flows. The discussion also touches on what the shutdown means for information flow, news reporting, and the risks for ordinary citizens.

Pokémon Go Precious Pals Taken Over: quest steps, rewards and unlocks

January 28, 2026, 12:36 AM EST. Precious Pals: Taken Over is a Team Rocket quest line in Pokémon Go, running until local time March 3 at 9:59 a.m. You must finish any prior Team Rocket quests to unlock it. The form of the Shadow Giovanni is chosen when you complete the quest, so delaying could affect the encounter. The five-step sequence rewards XP, Stardust, and various Pokémon and items, including a Vulpix encounter and Shadow-related tasks. Step 2 asks for catching 20 Pokémon, purifying 5 Shadow Pokémon, and defeating 6 Grunts. Step 3 requires defeating Arlo, Cliff, and Sierra. Step 4 offers a Vulpix encounter; Step 5 grants three Charged TMs and a Super Rocket Radar. Access requires completing A Troubling Situation and prior Rocket quests. Stock healing items for Grunt-hunting, as Rocket lineups shift.

NASA lines up Wet Dress Rehearsal for SLS ahead of Artemis II

January 28, 2026, 12:30 AM EST. NASA is lining up a Wet Dress Rehearsal (WDR) for the Space Launch System (SLS) ahead of Artemis II, according to NASASpaceFlight. A WDR is a non-launch test that simulates a countdown to confirm fueling and ground-support systems function correctly. During the exercise, technicians load propellants, run through gantry operations, verify telemetry, and demonstrate the launch team's readiness without lifting off. Officials say completion would clear the way for the crewed mission, but an unsuccessful WDR could prompt fixes or schedule adjustments. The test highlights ongoing risk reduction as NASA pushes toward a return to the Moon.

Leaked Android 17 screenshots show transparency, floating screen-record controls and icon redesign

January 28, 2026, 12:28 AM EST. Leaked Android 17 screenshots outline visual changes and new tools. The UI adopts more transparency, extending it from Quick Settings to the small volume slider and the power-off menu. Google reportedly reworks the screen recording tool, adding a floating window for settings while the recording timer stays in the status bar. A long press on an app icon may enable a per-app lock on Android 17, and some app icons appear redesigned. Details are limited, but early chatter suggests further gaming and usability improvements. The report comes from 9to5Google via Android Authority, citing internal builds and leaked screenshots.

How to spot AI-generated videos: hands, blinking, and warped backgrounds

January 28, 2026, 12:22 AM EST. AI-generated videos are everywhere, prompting questions about what's real. The piece notes viewers unsure after a FOX Chicago TikTok about a cold snap. Experts point to hands as a telltale: extra digits, odd bends, or flickering digits. eyes and lip-sync gaps reveal anomalies when speech doesn't match mouth movements. Blinking can be too frequent or mechanical. In close-ups, backgrounds warp; frames bend and objects blur for no reason. Digital literacy communities act as early warning systems when posts blur lines between fact and fiction. Why it happens: cheap tools, speed, and platforms rewarding engagement over accuracy. Guardrails exist but are inconsistent; responsibility still falls on viewers. Federal action is emerging with the TAKE IT DOWN Act signed in May 2025.

Survey: 90% of faculty say AI weakens student learning, prompting governance moves in higher education

January 28, 2026, 12:20 AM EST. Nearly 90% of faculty say AI is weakening critical thinking, according to a January 2026 survey of 1,057 faculty members by the American Association of Colleges and Universities and Elon University. A Brookings Global Task Force report based on an eighteen-month premortem study across 50 countries finds risks from generative AI to children's learning and development outweigh its benefits. Taken with other findings, the results suggest learning degradation when AI is scaled without shared norms, evaluation, or governance. While 90% of students already use AI for coursework, only 40% of institutions had AI-use policies by 2025. Public AI evaluation frameworks across 32 states and Puerto Rico remain nascent, relying on perception rather than measurable learning outcomes. Yet institutions that link AI to clear objectives and governance show fewer harms.

Northrop Grumman boosters prep Artemis II for first crewed SLS flight

January 28, 2026, 12:18 AM EST. Northrop Grumman's five-segment solid rocket boosters will power NASA's Artemis II crewed flight, targeting a February 2026 launch from Pad 39B, Kennedy Space Center. The 177-foot boosters generate about 3.6 million pounds of thrust each and, from the shuttle-era design, will fly as a matched pair. They supplied more than 75% of Artemis I's total thrust and will again drive the SLS rocket on its first crewed mission beyond low Earth orbit. Northrop Grumman also provides the Launch Abort System's attitude control motor and abort motor, keeping Orion safe should an anomaly occur during ascent. Artemis II will carry a four-person crew for roughly 10 days around the Moon, validating systems before future lunar and Mars missions. The company is also building HALO for Gateway and developing a next-gen booster.

Microsoft Could Be Quantum's Biggest Beneficiary as Enterprise Customers Lead Adoption

January 28, 2026, 12:16 AM EST. Quantum computing promises to accelerate AI by solving problems in minutes. Yet the biggest beneficiary may be the platform that already touches large customers: Microsoft. Industry forecasts from Precedence Research see an average annual growth above 30% to 2034, with potential value approaching $2 trillion for users, according to Bank of America. Microsoft is building a moat via its cloud relationships and enterprise footprint, even as its flagship chip, Majorana 1, remains unproven in public demos. Competing chips from Alphabet Willow and IBM generate revenue, but monetization is not yet decisive. The case for Microsoft rests on customer ties and readiness to monetize when quantum becomes commercially viable. NASA is cited as an example of early collaboration aligned with existing platforms.

Tesla Q4 2025 earnings: five key items investors will watch

January 28, 2026, 12:14 AM EST. Tesla is set to report Q4 2025 results after the bell on Jan. 28. Analysts expect about $24.9 billion in revenue and an adjusted EPS around $0.44. Investors will weigh whether margins held up as deliveries cooled from late 2024 highs. The company has already warned of a BEV market shift, as BYD topped Tesla in BEV sales in 2025 (BYD 2.26 million vs Tesla 1.64 million). On the product side, Tesla has moved to a FSD subscription and is ending its traditional Autopilot program, a change that has drawn safety-related scrutiny. Separately, Tesla is testing a no-humans-on-board driverless Robotaxi in Austin, underscoring bets on autonomous services. The company reported Q4 production of 434,358 and deliveries of 418,227, short of some Wall Street estimates.

Nova Launcher returns under Instabridge with ad-supported plan, but updates trigger crashes and missing icons

January 28, 2026, 12:10 AM EST. Nova Launcher, a popular Android launcher, has resurfaced under Instabridge after Branch Metrics sold it. Updates since November introduced an ad-supported free tier and, users say, bugs. The latest beta and stable build, 8.2.8, began rolling out in late January. Reddit reports describe crashes during initial setup and icons vanishing after unlocking or switching apps. Workarounds-reinstalling, disabling auto-update, or sideloading an older APK-haven't helped everyone. The problems span multiple devices, including Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, and OnePlus models. Instabridge says Nova Prime remains ad-free for paid users, but fans worry about the ownership change triggering more issues. Verification from independent users is ongoing.

I let ChatGPT analyze a decade of Apple Watch data, then I called my doctor

January 28, 2026, 12:08 AM EST. ChatGPT Health, and rival Claude for Healthcare, promise to detect patterns across fitness data and medical records. The Washington Post review joined a brief wait list, granting access to about 29 million steps and 6 million heart-rate measurements from Apple Health. ChatGPT Health graded the user's cardiac health as an F, prompting a run. A physician called the result baseless and said the user is at very low risk for a heart attack. Cardiologist Eric Topol of Scripps Research called the analysis unreliable and not ready for medical advice. Claude produced a C grade using similar data. Both firms say their tools are in early testing and carry disclaimers; Apple says it did not work directly with them. The piece flags concerns over data use and safety in consumer health AI.

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AirTag 2 arrives with longer-range Precision Finding, louder speaker and new privacy protections

January 28, 2026, 12:00 AM EST. Apple on Friday unveiled the AirTag 2, five years after the original, with a series of feature upgrades. The standout change is a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip that extends Precision Finding range to about 1.5x and adds Apple Watch compatibility for locating tags. A boosted Bluetooth chip widens the overall locating range, though Apple did not specify exact gains. The speaker is up to 50% louder, with sound audible from farther away, easing discovery of lost items. Apple also introduces new privacy protections designed to curb stalking, including cross-platform alerts and rotating Bluetooth identifiers. Core specs like battery life (more than a year), design and price remain the same, and existing accessories should work with the new model, including popular third-party cases and mounts such as the Elevation Lab TimeCapsule.