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
Security
Key Takeaways: * KB5074109 patches 114 security vulnerabilities and improves NPU-related battery life. * New usability features arrive: File Explorer "Recommended" section, expanded QR sharing, and Start menu tweaks. * Critical bugs reported: Azure Virtual Desktop authentication failures (0x8008005), gaming FPS drops on NVIDIA GPUs, and USB FAT32 formatting errors. * If
AI
* Key takeaways: Gemini Personal Intelligence shows how a Gemini-powered Siri could access Mail, Calendar, Photos and more to personalize answers. * Google’s feature is opt-in, cites data sources for transparency, and gives users a way to correct or remove personalization. * Apple’s implementation is expected to use on-device processing and
Chips
• ASUS says the GeForce RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB are not discontinued or EOL. • Current supply fluctuations are tied to memory supply constraints, not a production halt. • ASUS will continue to support these models and is working with partners to stabilize stock. ASUS public statement ASUSTeK
Security
* Key Takeaway: A vulnerability called WhisperPair affects 17 Bluetooth audio accessories certified with Google Fast Pair. * Key Takeaway: Flaw lets an attacker within Bluetooth range pair to devices, potentially enabling microphone access, audio injection and location tracking. * Key Takeaway: Affected brands include Sony, Jabra, JBL, Marshall, Xiaomi, Nothing, OnePlus, Soundcore,
Gadgets
• Asus reportedly placed GeForce RTX 5070 Ti add-in cards into end-of-life, which could drain 16GB VRAM stock. • Global memory makers (Samsung, SK Hynix, Micron) are prioritizing AI datacenter DRAM, squeezing consumer VRAM supply. • Nvidia says demand for GeForce RTX GPUs is strong but memory supply is constrained and it’s
Chips
* Key Takeaways: * Engineers built an electrically injected surface acoustic wave (SAW) phonon laser on a single chip, producing vibrations at ~1 GHz and scalable to tens or hundreds of GHz. * The device combines silicon, lithium niobate and indium gallium arsenide to convert electrical current into amplified surface vibrations. * A single-chip
