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
Gadgets
Key Takeaways: * AI data centers are consuming large shares of memory (DRAM/NAND), driving component prices higher. * Executives from Nothing, Samsung, Dell, HP and Lenovo warn device prices may rise across 2026. * IDC and TrendForce forecast higher device prices and lower smartphone shipments in 2026. * Some models using UFS 3.
Gadgets
* Apple updated trade-in values for select iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch models on its website and in stores. * Most iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch trade-in estimates fell slightly; several Mac entries were raised (and briefly fluctuated). * Apple also adjusted trade-in values for some Android phones; Mac values were revised
Games
* Key Takeaways: * Animal Crossing: New Horizons 3.0 is a free update adding Kapp’n’s hotel, expanded storage and Slumber Islands. * Nintendo Switch 2 Edition adds enhanced resolution, mouse control, mic-based megaphone and 12-player sessions. * Owners of the original game can buy an upgrade pack for Nintendo Switch 2
Research
* MIT Technology Review published its annual "10 Breakthrough Technologies" list for 2026. * Highlights include commercial space stations, base editing in human embryos, and new batteries that could improve electric-vehicle sustainability. * NPR Short Wave host Regina G. Barber spoke with MIT Technology Review executive editor Amy Nordrum about the
AI
* Apple is relaunching Siri with a Gemini-powered overhaul starting in iOS 26.4 this spring. * A multi-year collaboration with Google will base Apple’s next-generation foundation models on Google’s Gemini and cloud tech. * Immediate Siri improvements will roll out in stages; memory, proactive features and broader Apple Intelligence upgrades
Startups
• Key Takeaways * Replit is in advanced talks to raise roughly $400 million in a funding round that would value the company at about $9 billion, people familiar with the matter say. * The new valuation would roughly triple Replit’s previous valuation, implying a jump from around $3 billion to $9
Software
* Google has published an English support page confirming users can change their @gmail.com address. * When you change addresses, your old email becomes an alternate and you’ll receive mail at both addresses. * Account data (Photos, Drive, Messages) stays intact; you can revert but face a 12‑month restriction on
