AI
* Google is rolling Gemini 3–powered AI features to all Gmail users at no extra cost. * Enabling the AI tools shares email content and metadata with Google’s Gemini; users can opt out. * Gmail now lets you change your primary @gmail.com address without creating a new account while retaining
Software
* Key Takeaways: * Windows 11 Pro adds business-focused features (BitLocker, Hyper‑V, Group Policy, Remote Desktop host) that Home lacks. * Most everyday users (web, streaming, gaming) don’t need Pro; Home is sufficient and simpler. * Choose Pro if you need disk encryption, virtualization, domain/Azure AD join, or finer update and
Chips
* AMD may prioritize the Radeon RX 9070 XT over the non-XT RX 9070 to limit price adjustments. * Ongoing DRAM shortages are driving higher GPU memory costs and influencing SKU prioritization. * The RX 9070 XT struggled to reach MSRP after launch and saw rapid price increases. * The RX 9060 XT 16GB
Gadgets
* iPhone 18 Pro renders visualize under‑display Face ID, a smaller Dynamic Island cutout and three possible new colors (brown, purple, burgundy). * Apple’s first 2nm Apple A20 system-on-chip and a new Apple C2 modem are expected to power the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. * The iPhone Fold will
Games
• Key Takeaways: • More than 20 games land on Xbox between January 19–23, spanning AAA ports, multiplayer free-to-play, and indie releases. • Major new entries include 2XKO (free-to-play fighting) and Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade. • Three Xbox Game Pass titles arrive next week, including Resident Evil Village. • Expect a packed indie
Games
* Key Takeaways: * Steam wishlist counts remain the clearest signal of player excitement for upcoming strategy releases. * High-profile entries on the 2026 wishlists include Star Wars Zero Company, Transport Fever 3, and Prison Architect 2. * Developers behind these titles include teams tied to XCOM veterans, Urban Games, and Paradox Interactive. Why
AI
* Google’s Gemini will be allowed to read Gmail and combine data from Search, YouTube, Photos and other Google services to build personalized assistants. * Google struck a multi-year deal to base Apple’s next-generation foundation models on Gemini, extending Google’s influence into iOS and Siri. * Google unveiled the Universal
AI
* OpenAI will add ads to ChatGPT and offer ad-free paid tiers. * Anthropic’s Cowork (built with Claude Code) popularized “vibe coding” by automating everyday tasks. * Google’s Gemini is integrating with Gmail, YouTube and Photos, bringing AI summaries and writing tools to 3 billion users. * Studies warn AI is reshaping
Gadgets
* Key takeaways: * Seven standout CES 2026 products — from Ikea Kallsup speakers to Samsung’s S95H OLED — impressed for practical value and real-world promise. * The list mixes ready-to-buy upgrades (Dell XPS 13, Samsung TV) with compelling prototypes (Samsung Display’s crease-free foldable). * Several exhibitors focused on usability and design: Roborock, Seattle
Games
* 12 SEGA Game Gear titles will be playable inside Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties on Xbox Series X|S. * Classics include Sonic Chaos, Pac‑Man, Streets of Rage and more, many with split‑screen support. * The Xbox release arrives February 12; three additional SEGA arcade games are also included.
Games
* Key Takeaways: * Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has amassed 411 Game of the Year wins, according to community tracking. * Elden Ring currently holds the record with 435 GOTY awards; Expedition 33 is within striking distance. * Expedition 33 has major nominations (DICE, BAFTA longlist) and notable wins, but also a contested Indie
Policy
• Key Takeaways: * A U.S. federal court granted OCLC a default judgment and permanent injunction against Anna’s Archive, barring use of WorldCat data. * The injunction prohibits scraping, storing, distributing or encouraging sharing of WorldCat content and orders deletion of WorldCat-derived files. * Judge Michael Watson based the order on trespass
