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
Games
* Free 3.0 update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons available to download now (arrived Jan. 14). * Switch 2 edition of New Horizons went live Jan. 15; upgrade costs $5, full Switch 2 purchase $65. * 3.0 adds a resort hotel on the pier, new items, QoL improvements and the Slumber
Gadgets
* Key Takeaways: * Apple’s iPhone 17e will add the Dynamic Island but keep a 6.1-inch OLED display capped at 60Hz. * The device is expected to use an A19 chip (likely downclocked in some builds) based on TSMC N3P. * Other upgrades may include a MagSafe-compatible magnetic ring, retained 12MP front
Security
* Key Takeaways: * WhisperPair is a Fast Pair vulnerability that can let attackers hijack Bluetooth audio devices to play audio, track location, or access microphones. * KU Leuven researchers say more than a dozen models from 10 manufacturers (including Google, Sony, Nothing, JBL, OnePlus) are affected. * The median takeover time is about
Chips
* ASUS confirms RTX 5070 Ti production has stopped and the card is listed as EOL. * NVIDIA is reallocating RTX 50 series supply toward specific 8GB SKUs and higher-tier 16GB models because of a global memory (VRAM) shortage. * Retailers in some regions (Australia reported) cannot secure RTX 5070 Ti stock; disruptions