AI
* Apple is avoiding an open AI arms race and prioritizing on‑device intelligence and privacy. * Rather than racing to release large foundational models, Apple is positioning its platform to select which AI services get deep integration. * Control of Siri, Safari, Spotlight and the App Store gives Apple leverage to shape
Games
* Key Takeaways: * Nintendo, Sony Interactive Entertainment and Microsoft reaffirm a joint pledge first announced in 2020 to improve player safety across Switch, PlayStation and Xbox. * The companies emphasize three shared principles: Prevention, Partnership and Responsibility to protect players, with extra focus on children. * Industry collaboration includes work with ESRB, PEGI,
Security
* Key Takeaways: * Microsoft fixed a DWM information-disclosure zero-day (CVE-2026-20805) on Patch Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026. * The bug allows low-privilege local attackers to leak user-mode memory via remote ALPC ports; MSTIC/MSRC confirmed exploitation in the wild. * CVSS v3.1 score 5.5 (Important); not remotely exploitable, but easy to trigger
Gadgets
* Key Takeaways: * Elgato Stream Deck + includes eight customizable buttons, an LCD screen, and four programmable knobs. * Amazon is listing the Stream Deck + in black for $160 (down from $200); a white model is available for about $10 more. * The device integrates tightly with streaming software (OBS), apps, and OS-level shortcuts
Games
* Key Takeaways: * Oddcore is an Early Access roguelike "boomer" FPS from developer OddCorp and publisher Scarecrow Arts on Windows (Steam), released Jan. 7, 2026 for $10. * Short, frenetic runs and a timed survival loop force risk/reward choices: spend souls in a portal shop for time and upgrades
AI
* Meta announced "Meta Compute" on Jan. 14, 2026, positioning AI infrastructure as its core strategic bet. * Mark Zuckerberg framed the move as essential to competing with OpenAI and other leading AI players. * The shift implies a pullback from Reality Labs — Meta’s AR/VR hardware effort — and a
Software
• LockStar v8.5.00.8 brings fully customizable unlock animations to One UI 8.5. • Users can choose effects like Slide, Expand, Spread, Wave, Warp, and Ripple and tweak speed, distortion, and physics. • LockStar also adds manual Always On Display (AOD) brightness control, overriding auto-brightness on compatible devices. • This update
Games
* Sid Meier’s Civilization VII Arcade Edition launches on Apple Arcade Feb 5, playable on iPhone, iPad and Mac. * The Arcade Edition brings the franchise’s era-driven empire-building and touch controls to mobile and macOS. * Apple Arcade adds three more titles the same day: Retrocade (including Apple Vision Pro support)
Games
* Key Takeaways: * Nintendo released Animal Crossing: New Horizons update 3.0 early on Jan. 14, 2026; Game Informer and Eurogamer verified the early rollout. * The free 3.0 update adds Kapp'n's hotel, Slumber Islands, and new crossover furniture across all Switch consoles. * The paid Switch 2
Security
• Microsoft released its January 2026 Patch Tuesday fixing 114 Windows vulnerabilities. • One issue, CVE-2026-20805 in Desktop Window Manager (DWM), is confirmed exploited in the wild and added to CISA’s KEV catalog. • The bundle includes eight Critical and 106 Important fixes, with priority items in VBS Enclave and Secure Boot
Software
* Instagram has activated “Your Algorithm” controls for all English-speaking users worldwide, letting people add or remove Reels topics. * Controls are accessible from the Reels feed via the top-right slider icon; users can preview example videos for each interest. * Instagram also lets users set three top interests for 2026 to guide
Gadgets
• Key Takeaways: * Retail listings and leaker Roland Quandt point to a Pixel 10a launch in mid-February 2026. * Confirmed storage options: 128GB and 256GB; colors listed as Obsidian, Berry, Fog, and Lavender. * At least one retailer shows a specific date: February 17, 2026, and matching color cases. * Early listings are common