Startups
* SpaceX’s first successful Falcon 9 first‑stage landing occurred Dec. 21, 2015 on the Orbcomm‑2 mission, proving controlled recovery was possible. * The dramatic comeback followed the June 2015 CRS‑7 failure; investigation traced the loss to a failed COPV rod‑end and quality control gaps. * Simultaneous engineering pushes
Software
Key Takeaways: * Microsoft rolled out Link to Windows v1.25102.140.0 with new remote controls for Windows 11 PCs. * New features include remote PC lock (under 3 seconds), two-way file transfer to PC, cross-device clipboard, and a Recent Activity feed. * Screen mirroring (Mirror to PC) and basic PC status
Software
• Key Takeaways: * Apple’s iOS 26.2 update has triggered widespread complaints about performance, UI changes and battery reporting. * Reported issues include slower responsiveness, new animations, touch-sensitivity oddities and harder-to-find settings. * Community reaction on Reddit, Bluesky and other forums ranges from frustration to outright rejection; some noted the update as
Gadgets
• Samsung will exhibit a full Micro RGB TV range at CES 2026, spanning 55 to 115 inches. • The new models carry VDE certification as "Micro RGB Precision Color 100," promising 100% BT.2020 coverage. • Key features: Micro RGB AI Engine Pro, advanced color tools, glare reduction, Dolby Atmos
AI
* Gemini 3 Flash is Google’s new fast base model, replacing the previous Flash as the default in the Gemini app and Search AI Mode. * Benchmarks show notable gains: HLE tripled to 33.7% (no tools), Simple QA Verified rose to 68.7%, and coding scores improved significantly. * It runs
Chips
* Apple kernel debug files show Apple tested an unreleased MacBook running the A15 Bionic. * A separate A18 Pro-based MacBook entry (J700) looks like a defined product configuration with MediaTek "Sunrise" wireless. * The A15 listing appears to be a test platform (J267, mac14p, H14P); the A18 Pro MacBook is
Chips
* Key Takeaways: * Multiple Asian supply-chain reports say NVIDIA could reduce GeForce RTX 50-series production by roughly 30–40% in the first half of 2026. * The squeeze is attributed to tight availability of memory components — including GDDR6, GDDR7 and system DRAM — rather than a single part shortage. * Early supply adjustments may
Gadgets
* Key Takeaways: * OnePlus 15R packs a 7,400mAh battery, claimed as the largest OnePlus cell to date, and supports SuperVOOC up to 80W (55W with the included brick). * It uses Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 with LPDDR5X Ultra RAM and a slightly faster GPU versus last-gen variants, while undercutting the
AI
• Key Takeaways: * Alexa.com now displays a browser-based Alexa Plus interface for some logged-in Amazon users. * The web UI mirrors the Alexa Plus chatbot from the Alexa app and exposes smart‑home controls, calendar, lists and files. * Menus include prebuilt prompts (Plan, Learn, Create, Shop, Find) and a visible disclaimer:
Gadgets
* Key Takeaways: * OnePlus 15R packs a massive 7,400mAh battery and up to 165Hz OLED refresh rate. * Uses Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 with LPDDR5X Ultra RAM; OxygenOS 16 emphasizes AI features. * Fast wired charging via SuperVOOC (up to 80W; 55W with included brick) but no wireless charging. * Camera setup
AI
• Key Takeaways: * OpenAI launched GPT Image 1.5 in ChatGPT: a native multimodal image model that edits photos conversationally and runs up to four times faster than its predecessor. * The model is roughly 20% cheaper via the API and preserves facial likeness across successive edits, making realistic manipulations easier. * GPT
AI
• Gemini 3 Flash is now the default model in the Gemini app and AI mode for Google Search. • The model matches or beats frontier models on several benchmarks while running up to three times faster. • Available via Vertex AI, Gemini Enterprise, API preview and the Antigravity coding tool; adopted by
