AI
• Apple has officially put Google’s Gemini at the heart of Siri, cementing a major AI partnership. • The move underscores the tension between foundation models (Gemini) and platform aggregation (Apple’s Siri). • Google’s Universal Commerce Protocol signals a broader push to standardize commerce and retain aggregation power. What happened
Software
* Key Takeaways: * Microsoft released Windows 11 KB5074109 (January 2026 Patch Tuesday); it advances 25H2 to Build 26200.7623 (24H2 to 26100.7623). * The update is mandatory and will download/install automatically unless updates are paused; offline .msu installers are available from the Microsoft Update Catalog. * KB5074109 focuses on bug fixes
Security
* Key takeaways: * Zoicware released Remove Windows AI, a PowerShell script that removes or disables Windows 11 AI components like Copilot, Recall and Windows Studio Effects. * The script is actively maintained on GitHub; users are encouraged to review code, report missing components, and back up the system before running it. * Running
Software
* Key Takeaways: * The iOS 26.3 beta includes references that suggest carriers could support end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS messages. * That groundwork points to possible native, encrypted iPhone-to-Android messaging via RCS in the future. * Any shift depends on carriers, Google’s RCS ecosystem, and Apple updating Messages to use RCS
Gadgets
* Framework has raised RAM prices for its Desktop systems and Mainframes: 32GB and 64GB up $40, 128GB up $460. * New configuration prices: 32GB $1,139, 64GB $1,639, 128GB $2,459. * Framework blames supplier cost pressure tied to AI data-center demand and pledges transparency and future price reductions. What changed
Software
• Key Takeaways: * Google Home added 20 new "starter" conditions and actions to build finer-grained automations. * New triggers include media playback and volume levels; actions include arming security, device on/off, blinds and appliance controls. * The changes appear in Google Home v4.6.55.1 for Android as a
Software
* Apple launches Creator Studio subscription on Jan 28: $13/month or $130/year, with a one-month free trial. * Includes Mac (and where applicable iPad) versions of Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Motion, Compressor, and MainStage. * Adds premium content and OpenAI-powered generative features for Keynote, Pages, Numbers, and Freeform;
Gadgets
* Key Takeaways: * A leak from Roland Quandt (WinFuture) claims the Google Pixel 10a will hit retail in mid-February. * Reported SKUs: 128GB and 256GB; color options include Obsidian, Fog, Lavender and a new "Berry" finish. * The 10a appears to be a modest update versus the Pixel 9a and may
Security
Key Takeaways: * Moxie Marlinspike launched Confer, an open-source AI assistant designed with end-to-end encryption so only account holders can read prompts and responses. * Confer uses passkeys, client-side keys, and a Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) with remote attestation and transparency logs to prove the server runs auditable code. * Conversations sync across
Games
• Pocketpair and Bushiroad will release Palworld Official Card Game on July 30, 2026. • The two-player trading card game adapts Palworld’s Pals, resource gathering and base-building mechanics. • Early details confirm unique Pal traits and strategic battles; pricing and full card lists are not yet announced. • Teaser trailer is available; more
Gadgets
• Key Takeaways: • D-Line Cable Management Box conceals power strips and cords with built-in ventilation and multiple cable entry points. • Two sizes: Large fits power strips up to 14" x 2" (or double strips up to 10" x 5"); small option also available. • Colors: black, white, and
AI
* Key Takeaways: * Microsoft is promoting a new “Copilot+” class of Windows 11 PCs designed for on-device AI. * Copilot+ guidance highlights devices with NPUs offering 40+ TOPS, plus modern storage and memory configurations. * Microsoft says Copilot+ PCs will accelerate productivity with features like Recall, image generation in Paint, Live Captions and
