Gadgets
* Key Takeaways: * HP’s EliteBoard places a complete Windows 11 PC inside a slim USB-C keyboard, powered by an AMD Ryzen AI 300-series processor and Radeon 800M graphics. * The device is a 2026 CES Innovation Awards honoree, weighs about 750 g, measures 12 mm thick, and is designed for portability
Security
* Key Takeaways: * Researchers at KU Leuven found vulnerabilities in 17 Fast Pair-compatible audio models that let attackers silently pair and hijack devices. * Exploits can enable eavesdropping, audio injection, and, for some models, high-resolution tracking via Google’s Find Hub. * Google and several vendors have released firmware updates, but many users
Games
* Key takeaways: * Sid Meier's Civilization VII will join Apple Arcade on February 5, 2026. * The game will be playable on Mac, iPhone and iPad through Apple Arcade subscription. * Reviews have been mixed: visuals are widely praised, but players criticize era-transition mechanics. * The Apple Arcade edition follows an earlier
Gadgets
* Xreal 1S and Even Realities G2 bring sharper personal displays at under $600. * DuRoBo Krono is a smartphone-sized e-reader with a physical dial and Android 15. * Ohsnap Mcon delivers Nintendo Switch-like controls for phones at $145. * Anker Nano 45W adds a charging display and smart care mode; ships Jan 20.
Policy
* Elon Musk and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth publicly pledged to “make Star Trek real” during an event at SpaceX’s Starbase, Texas campus. * The phrase “Arsenal of Freedom” invoked a Star Trek: The Next Generation episode about a self‑improving AI weapons system that destroys its creators. * Hegseth announced a
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