Samsung teases built-in privacy layer for Galaxy S26 Ultra to shield screen from onlookers
January 29, 2026, 1:36 AM EST. Samsung is teasing a built-in privacy layer for the Galaxy S26 Ultra that would shield screen content from shoulder-surfers without an external glass screen. In a brief press note, Samsung described the feature as a way to give users a choice over who can see what, including app-level controls and adjustable visibility settings for entering sensitive details. The company did not name the feature or specify whether it uses a traditional privacy screen or a more advanced, content-aware approach, and there is no indication the system will require extra hardware. The materials offer no mention of Qi2 compatibility, leaving questions about power or charging integration. Analysts warn the concept would require on-device recognition of content, user, and context to activate effectively.
Cold weather affects EV batteries, local Jacksonville shop says
January 29, 2026, 1:32 AM EST. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A cold snap in Northeast Florida is affecting EV batteries. Bridges Auto Repair & Electric says cold weather drives down energy in EV batteries, raising charging times and shortening range. Owner Cory Seifert notes the chill reduces energy available to heat the cabin and the battery pack. Unlike gasoline cars, EVs burn power to stay warm, creating a double hit on efficiency. Hybrids, which rely on an internal combustion engine, warm the battery more quickly and lose less range. The shop suggests parking in a garage or using a cover to limit heat loss and help starts stay reliable. The takeaway: cold snaps worsen short-term EV performance, but effects ease as temperatures rise.
Tesla ends Model S and Model X production to shift toward Optimus robots
January 29, 2026, 1:30 AM EST. Tesla will end production of the Model S and Model X in 2026 at its Fremont factory to clear capacity for its Optimus humanoid robots, CEO Elon Musk said on the company's earnings call. He described the move as bringing the two programs to an 'honorable discharge' as the company pivots toward autonomy and AI-driven manufacturing. Tesla aims to produce up to 1 million Optimus robots annually once the transition completes. The Model S and Model X have run since 2012 and 2015, respectively, with minor refreshes in recent years; sales for S/X/Cybertruck combined totaled 50,850 in the period cited. Tesla will keep producing the Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck. The shift underscores Tesla's strategy to lean into AI and robotics rather than traditional luxury sedans.
Samsung Debuts 13-Inch Color E-Paper With Phytoplankton Bio-Resin Housing
January 29, 2026, 1:26 AM EST. Samsung Electronics unveiled the 13-inch Color E-Paper (EM13DX), the smallest model in its Color E-Paper lineup, built with a housing using phytoplankton-based bio-resin. The ultra-thin display relies on digital ink technology and ultra-low power for signage on shelves and doors. It includes a rechargeable embedded battery, USB Type-C and flexible mounting, weighing 0.9 kg and 17.9 mm thick. With 1,600 x 1,200 resolution in a 4:3 aspect ratio, the panel features a color imaging algorithm that aims for a paper-like look. The housing is UL-verified and composed of 45% recycled plastic and 10% phytoplankton-based bio-resin; packaging is 100% paper. Samsung says static images run at zero watts, helping reduce energy use compared with traditional signs, and cites potential carbon-emission reductions of more than 40% versus petroleum plastics.
Samsung debuts 13-inch Color E-Paper with phytoplankton-derived bio-resin housing
January 29, 2026, 1:18 AM EST. Samsung Electronics today announced the global launch of the 13-inch Color E-Paper (EM13DX), expanding its Color E-Paper lineup with the world's first display housed in bio-resin derived from phytoplankton. The paper-thin panel uses digital ink technology and ultra-low power to offer a practical digital signage alternative to printed materials. The panel delivers 1,600 × 1,200 resolution in a 4:3 aspect ratio. It features a rechargeable battery, USB-C, and flexible mounting, weighing 0.9 kg with battery and 17.9 mm thick. An advanced color imaging algorithm provides a paper-like look. The housing comprises 45% recycled plastic and 10% phytoplankton-based resin, verified by UL, with packaging that is 100% paper. Static images draw zero watts; updates use power.
Microsoft says OpenAI accounts for 45% of Azure cloud backlog
January 29, 2026, 1:08 AM EST. Microsoft says OpenAI accounts for about 45% of the Azure cloud backlog, a measure of unfilled customer demand. The disclosure, coming from Microsoft executives, underscores the partnership's scale and OpenAI's role in Azure growth. Backlog tracks orders for cloud services not yet delivered; the figure reflects demand tied to OpenAI-powered offerings. The company has integrated OpenAI technologies into its cloud stack, branding Azure as the platform for enterprise AI services. The update highlights how the joint effort is shaping Microsoft's cloud strategy amid a broader shift to AI-enabled workloads.
Satellite Infrastructure Stocks Rise as Orbital Economy Expands Beyond SpaceX's Shadow
January 29, 2026, 1:06 AM EST. Public markets are pricing a shift from glamor toward the infrastructure that underpins the orbital economy. Globalstar's low-Earth orbit network powers IoT connectivity and emergency alerts, a move underscored by Apple integrating its satellites into iPhone SOS. Intuitive Machines bets on commercial lunar missions as NASA budgets support the Artemis program, though it carries high losses and volatility. EchoStar has reshaped its business after a $42.6 billion spectrum sale, trading on a post-transaction vision with a sizable cash-generating satellite backbone, albeit with a large net loss in the near term. Rocket Lab positions itself as a small-sat launch alternative, building a portfolio that could anchor future space logistics. The list highlights how capital markets reference infrastructure upside, not just consumer exposure to SpaceX's orbit.
Tesla sees first annual revenue drop as it shifts to AI and robotaxis
January 29, 2026, 1:02 AM EST. Tesla posted its first annual revenue decline as it pivots toward AI and robotics, betting on a future beyond traditional car sales. The company said last week that human safety drivers were no longer supervising rides in a handful of cars operating in Austin, Texas on driverless trials. The move underscores a broader push into robotaxis, part of a strategy to monetize autonomous tech even as profit momentum from vehicle sales cools. Executives framed the test as progress toward full autonomy, though questions remain about scaling and safety amid regulatory hurdles and costs in the transition.
Tesla ends Model S and Model X production to focus on Optimus robots
January 29, 2026, 1:00 AM EST. Tesla will wind down production of the Model S and Model X next quarter, Musk said on an earnings call. The Model S, active since 2012, is the oldest model; the Model X joined in 2015 as a tall luxury crossover with distinctive doors. The Model 3 and Model Y remain in production. Musk framed the decision as part of a shift to an autonomous future and a move to free Fremont, California capacity for mass production of the Optimus humanoid robots. Analysts noted the pivot toward automation, while investors have continued to buy into the vision despite questions about execution.
RedMagic Astra gaming tablet delivers console-like Android performance, starts at $700
January 29, 2026, 12:58 AM EST. ZDNET's review of the RedMagic Astra Gaming Tablet frames it as a rare Android performer for gaming. Onboarding is quick, and the tablet feels faster than most Android devices with a gorgeous display and buttery-smooth animations. Diablo: Immortal loads in minutes, runs with console-like performance, and the Energy Cube UI offers tuned modes, an auto-fan, and on-demand recording. The red toggle switch unlocks more performance. Battery drain increases when the fan is used, and the price sits around $700. The takeaway: the Astra redefines Android gaming tablets, combining speed, visuals, and dedicated gaming features, albeit at a premium.
Leak shows Google's Aluminium OS in action as potential ChromeOS successor
January 29, 2026, 12:56 AM EST. Leaked images from a Google bug report reveal an early build of Aluminium OS, a project described as a long-term replacement for ChromeOS that blends Android 16 features with ChromeOS. The footage, captured on an HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook, shows a desktop-style interface, split-screen work modes and a brief glimpse of the Google Play Store. Central to the system is Gemini, Google's AI assistant, advertised as a core element for a cross-device experience across tablets and smartwatches. The clip also shows faster app updates-Chrome updates reportedly run without closing or restarting. No official launch date exists; Google says ChromeOS will be supported for a period after Aluminium OS debuts.
Tesla to invest $2 billion in xAI, retire Model S and Model X, pivot to Optimus robots
January 29, 2026, 12:50 AM EST. Tesla unveiled a $2 billion investment in Elon Musk's AI venture xAI, signaling a broader push into automation. The company also said it would discontinue the Model S and Model X, using the freed factory space for Optimus humanoid robots. Executives framed the move as a way to boost efficiency and tie AI development to its core business of autonomous software and robotics. Musk said the xAI investment should help manage large fleets of autonomous vehicles and robots. Wall Street responded, with shares up about 1.8% after hours. Fourth-quarter revenue fell 3% year over year to $24.9 billion, though Tesla beat expectations. The company has moved from cars toward autonomy, and disclosed 500 robotaxis operating in Austin and San Francisco, with 1.1 million FSD (Full Self-Driving) subscriptions in 2025.
Power grids become the real AI bottleneck, not chips, says GFM
January 29, 2026, 12:46 AM EST. IRVINE, Calif. – Global Finance Media Group's AI & Energy research argues that as AI deployment accelerates, electricity and the power grid infrastructure pose a slower, harder constraint than semiconductors or software. Led by U.S.-based energy systems expert Cheng Maiyue, the series treats energy as a strategic variable shaping national security and industrial resilience, not just a cost factor. It notes that computing capacity scales quickly, but grid expansion, generation, and cross-regional coordination lag, creating regulatory and engineering bottlenecks. The work ties data centers and supply chains to military and critical-infrastructure outcomes, urging policymakers to speed permitting and buildout. The series includes studies such as The Underestimated Boundary of National Power and Power Shortages Are Becoming a Hidden Constraint on U.S. National Security.
Wisr AI Joins CSIS and DIGITAL Panel on Canada's Cyber Threat Landscape
January 29, 2026, 12:40 AM EST. Vancouver-based Wisr AI Systems Inc. will join a national panel with Canada's spy agency CSIS and DIGITAL to discuss Canada's rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape. The virtual session, 'Navigating Canada's Fast-Shifting Threat Landscape: Strengthening Digital Resilience in 2026,' is set for January 29, 2026. Wisr AI CEO Rob Goehring will provide the industry view on proactive risk identification, measurement, and anticipation, as well as protecting intellectual property and building adaptive defenses against increasingly sophisticated threats. CSIS is Canada's national intelligence service, tasked with threats to national security and critical infrastructure, while DIGITAL accelerates adoption of advanced digital technologies. Wisr AI's participation underscores its growing role in public-private dialogue on national cyber resilience and AI-driven risk intelligence.
Apple's Tim Cook says he's heartbroken by Minneapolis events, spoke with Trump
January 29, 2026, 12:36 AM EST. Apple CEO Tim Cook said he was heartbroken by the Minneapolis events and urged deescalation in a memo to employees this week, confirmed by CNBC. He wrote that America is strongest when it upholds its ideals and treats everyone with dignity and shared humanity. Cook said he had a good conversation with President Donald Trump to discuss his concerns and thanked him for openness to engage on issues that matter to all. He did not mention the two fatal shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis this month, Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti. The note follows a broader outpouring from tech leaders including OpenAI's Sam Altman and LinkedIn cofounder Reid Hoffman. Cook previously pressed for racial justice after George Floyd's death in 2020.
Apple pauses four iPhone updates after Telstra network issue linked to iOS 16.7.13
January 29, 2026, 12:34 AM EST. Apple has paused four iPhone updates after Telstra flagged a network problem tied to iOS 16.7.13 on iPhone 8, 8 Plus and X that could block calls to Australia's emergency number, 000. The updates-iOS 18.7.4, 16.7.13, 15.8.6 and 12.5.8-were issued this week to extend iMessage and FaceTime beyond 2027 but carried no published CVEs (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures), i.e., they lacked security patches. Apple rolled iOS 26.2.1 for the current version and updated older releases (18, 16, 15, 12) in a bid to preserve services for older devices. Telstra said the problem prompted Apple to pause these non-26 updates to investigate. It's unclear whether other networks or regions are affected.
Advantest shares jump on record quarter, lifts profit forecast on AI demand
January 29, 2026, 12:32 AM EST. Advantest shares jumped as much as 14% on Thursday after the Japanese semiconductor equipment maker posted record quarterly sales, then trimmed gains to around 7%. The October-December quarter showed operating profit up 64% year on year to 113.6 billion yen. The company lifted its full-year operating profit forecast for the year ending March 2026 by 21.4% to 454 billion yen. Growth was led by the Test System Business, whose sales rose 51.1% to 723.1 billion yen as demand grew for system-on-a-chip testers used in AI (artificial intelligence) chips. Advantest also cited strength in memory testers for high-performance DRAM. While tariffs aren't expected to have a major impact, management flagged ongoing geopolitical and currency risks even as demand persists into Q4.
SpaceX launches GPS III SV-09 for U.S. Space Force as reassignment from ULA accelerates
January 29, 2026, 12:30 AM EST. SpaceX's Falcon 9 lifted off from Cape Canaveral late Jan. 27, delivering GPS III SV-09 into medium Earth orbit. SV-09 is the ninth of ten GPS III satellites built by Lockheed Martin under a 2008 contract, part of a new generation that offers the M-code encrypted signal, L5 safety-of-life, and L1C civil compatibility, plus a laser retroreflector array for better Earth orientation measurements. The mission marks the third consecutive GPS launch reassigned from ULA to SpaceX to speed deployment. Space Systems Command says GPS III satellites with M-code provide more accuracy and jam resistance. Under a swap, ULA will launch a next-generation GPS IIIF SV-13 on Vulcan Centaur after SV-13 was moved from Falcon Heavy; Vulcan is slated for a mid-February national security launch.
Tesla to halt Model S and Model X production next quarter to pivot to Optimus factory
January 29, 2026, 12:24 AM EST. Tesla said on its earnings call it will discontinue production of the Model S and Model X next quarter and convert the space to an Optimus humanoid-robot factory. CEO Elon Musk framed the shift as part of a broader move toward an autonomous future, with Tesla expecting to produce "several times more Cybercab output per year than all vehicles combined." The company has long pitched itself as an AI company, but the change underscores a heavy emphasis on driverless robots. S and X sales trail the Model 3 and Model Y, which accounted for about 43% of US EV sales last quarter; S/X combined ~1.5% per Cox Automotive. Optimus is due next year; Cybercab in volume in 2026. Austin Robotaxis driver removal affected two or three cars.
SpaceX to launch 11,000th Starlink satellite from Vandenberg
January 29, 2026, 12:22 AM EST. SpaceX plans to launch its penultimate Falcon 9 rocket of the month on Thursday from Vandenberg Space Force Base, carrying the Starlink 17-19 mission. The mission will add 25 satellites, bringing the total Starlink launches to 11,000 since May 2019. Liftoff is set for 8:42:10 a.m. PST (11:42:10 a.m. EST / 1642:10 UTC) from Space Launch Complex 4 East, with the booster on a south-southwest trajectory. The first stage, tail number B1082, will fly for the 19th time and is expected to land on the drone ship 'Of Course I Still Love You' about eight minutes after liftoff, marking 174 landings on that vessel and 565 booster landings overall. So far in 2026, SpaceX has launched seven Starlink batches, adding 195 satellites.
World has three years to prepare for quantum threat, experts warn at Cyberweek
January 29, 2026, 12:20 AM EST. Experts at Tel Aviv Cyberweek warned the world has roughly three years to make encryption quantum-proof. They said the transition to post-quantum cryptography (PQC) typically takes five to ten years for organizations, making this one of the decade's biggest cyber challenges. The concern over harvest now, decrypt later persists as adversaries collect encrypted data now to decrypt when quantum computers mature. Speakers also highlighted that shifting hundreds of legacy systems-some 30 to 40 years old-requires broad adoption of new standards. In Israel, regulators and buyers could accelerate change: the Bank of Israel has issued guidance on cryptographic inventories and roadmaps, while officials argued that formal regulation would create certainty and speed PQC adoption ahead of 2030.
Ukrainian Forces Destroy Russian Tirada-2 Electronic Warfare System
January 29, 2026, 12:16 AM EST. Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian electronic warfare system on the Pivdenno-Slobozhanskyi axis, according to the State Border Guard Service on January 28. Drone operators from the STRIX unit of the 4th Border Detachment and the STAR battalion of the 22nd Separate Mechanized Brigade conducted the strike after aerial reconnaissance identified the target. FPV drones delivered precise hits on the Tirada-2electronic warfare system, designed to disable satellite communications, the Border Guard said, destroying the asset. Separately, Ukrainian forces hit a Tor-M2 air defense system near Kacha in temporarily occupied Crimea on January 27, a system that protects Russian military infrastructure. The attack follows earlier strikes against a R-330Zh Zhitel EW system by the 413th Raid Brigade. Officials emphasize ongoing efforts to degrade Russia's combat capabilities.
Tesla revenue beats estimates despite weaker vehicle deliveries
January 29, 2026, 12:14 AM EST. Tesla said it will invest $2 billion in CEO Elon Musk's xAI and that Cybercab robotaxi production remains on track for this year. The move underpins Musk's push to pivot Tesla toward AI, even as the company braces for higher capital expenditure this year – above $20 billion, more than double 2025's $8.5 billion. Shares rose in after-hours trading before easing on capex details. Analysts say the company is in a transition phase, leaning on potential self-driving software revenue while auto volumes recover. Musk has repeatedly narrowed robotaxi targets; a limited rollout exists in Austin but broad deployment remains uncertain. Tesla's 2025 revenue fell about 3% to $94.83 billion with weaker EV demand and tax incentives ending.
Tesla pushes Semi production as 2025 profit falls; CAPEX to top $20 billion
January 29, 2026, 12:12 AM EST. Tesla executives on Wednesday highlighted progress toward launching production of the long-delayed Semi truck as a priority, while reporting a 46% drop in 2025 profit to $3.8 billion. In a fourth-quarter update, CFO Vaibhav Taneja said CAPEX (capital expenditures) is expected to top $20 billion as the company funds six factories, including a new megafactory and AI compute infrastructure. The company said tooling for the Semi is in place at its Nevada operations, with North American plants readied for production ramps in early 2026 for both the Semi and the autonomous Cybercab platform. Tesla has sold about 200 Semi units to PepsiCo and originally priced the truck at $150,000-$180,000. Q4 adjusted EPS of $0.50 on revenue of $24.9 billion; full-year 2025 revenue reached $94.83 billion, with 1.65 million EVs delivered, down 7% from 2024.
Bluepeak expands fiber internet to Pawhuska, Oklahoma
January 29, 2026, 12:06 AM EST. Bluepeak has announced a multimillion-dollar expansion to bring fiber internet to Pawhuska, the company's 17th market in Oklahoma. The project will extend high-speed service to homes and businesses. Businesses will be offered up to 10 Gbps and homes up to 5 Gbps. CEO Rich Fish said the company aims to be a community partner and support Pawhuska's growth with fast, reliable fiber internet. The investment highlights Bluepeak's push to widen access to high-speed connections in rural and small-town markets.
Samsung's Galaxy Z Trifold becomes highest-priced smartphone at $2,899
January 29, 2026, 12:02 AM EST. According to a Yahoo Finance video, Samsung's Galaxy Z Trifold carries a $2,899 price tag, the highest price yet for a smartphone. The clip notes the device is thicker when held closed but becomes astonishingly thin when unfolded, underscoring the premium foldable design. The model's premium materials and engineering set a new benchmark in the foldable segment. Availability specifics aren't detailed in the snippet, but the price lands as a clear signal of continued demand for top-tier devices.
Apple weighs teleconverter accessory for iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max amid rumor
January 29, 2026, 12:00 AM EST. Apple is evaluating a teleconverter accessory for the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, a rumor from Weibo. The device would extend the camera's focal length; Oppo and vivo already offer such modules on their flagships. Apple has typically moved slowly to adopt rivals' tech, and no decision is final. The chatter also mentions a variable aperture main camera and a design in line with current generations, potentially with a transparent back twist. The post cites the vivo X300 Pro and its teleconverter as context. The report is unconfirmed; readers should await official Apple comment.
