AI
* Key Takeaways: * Linus Torvalds published AudioNoise, a GPLv2-licensed open-source project for random digital audio effects. * Parts of the project — notably a Python audio visualizer — were produced using "vibe coding" with Google Antigravity. * AudioNoise grew out of Torvalds' holiday hobby work on guitar pedals and is hosted at
Reviews
* Key Takeaways: * CachyOS quickly got a desktop running for daily work, gaming, and printing with minimal tinkering. * Nvidia GPU drivers installed without major headaches; one gaming mouse had a quirky, game-only behavior. * The goal was to test whether Linux can be a "wingable" alternative to Windows without heavy
AI
* AI Inbox turns Gmail’s message list into AI-generated summaries and action items. * The feature is an early preview available only to trusted testers and consumer Gmail accounts. * It may help users overwhelmed by email, but offers little change for strict inbox-zero workflows. * Google is still iterating; behavior and availability
Chips
* Key Takeaways: * Early benchmark reports indicate the Intel Core Ultra X9 388H ("Panther Lake") integrated GPU can deliver roughly twice the frame rate of AMD's "Strix Point" iGPU in Cyberpunk 2077. * Tests cited focus on Cyberpunk 2077 and may reflect specific drivers, power limits,
Software
* Budgie 10.10 is officially released and marks the desktop's migration from X11 to Wayland. * The release note on GitHub declares the move and signals the team will now focus on Budgie 11. * A preview shipped in November; the final release is available on the BuddiesOfBudgie GitHub releases
Software
* IT admins can now remove Microsoft Copilot on managed Windows 11 devices using a new policy. * The RemoveMicrosoftCopilotApp policy is rolling out to Dev and Beta Insiders in Build 26220.7535 (KB5072046). * The policy applies when Copilot wasn’t user-installed and hasn't been launched in 28 days; users
AR/VR
* Key Takeaways: * Xreal stole the show with the ROG Xreal R1 (240 Hz gaming AR) and a Real 3D OTA update for 1S/One Pro. * TCL’s RayNeo Air 4 Pro delivers true HDR AR at a $299 price point, shipping Jan. 25. * Even Realities’ G2 led heads-up displays and
Chips
* Key Takeaways: * Intel’s Panther Lake (Core Ultra X9 388H + Arc B390) targets RX 6600-class desktop performance in a laptop power envelope. * Early CES captures show 29.05 fps in Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p Ultra RT), roughly equal to an RX 6600 and far ahead of AMD Strix Point. * XeSS multi-frame
Software
* Microsoft released the first Windows 11 preview build of 2026, expanding Copilot+ PC features to more users. * The update introduces a new mobile "Resume" workflow to continue tasks from phone to PC. * The build is available through the Windows Insider preview channel and focuses on Copilot integrations, cross-device
Gadgets
* Key takeaways: * Czech retailers Alza and Smarty.cz listed pre-VAT prices for Valve's Steam Machine, with 2TB models near $1,050–$1,200 and 512GB around $950. * With VAT, the 2TB listing could approach $1,300–$1,440 in Europe, making the Steam Machine more expensive than many
Gadgets
* Key Takeaways: * Lego has opened preorders for three Star Wars sets built around its new Smart Brick and Smart Tags. * Prices range from $69.99 to $159.99; preorders ship March 1, 2026 and include a wireless charger. * The Smart Brick adds LEDs, speaker, mic, wireless connectivity, and sensors; it
Software
* Google Photos is rolling out an Expressive UI redesign for Backup settings. * APK teardown (v7.58.0.853810532) reveals a new "Backup schedule" option under Backup tools. * The feature could let you pick specific times or frequencies (daily, weekly, monthly) for uploads. * This is an early signal; APK
