Tech & Hardware
Hardware Updates
NASA says it needs to haul the Artemis II rocket back to the hangar for repairs. AMD has reportedly stopped driver updates for its Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU solution for handheld consoles. Lenovo warns of PC price hikes coming in March amid rising memory costs.
CPU & GPU Developments
Intel "Nova Lake-S" coming in 2027 with CES launch alongside AMD "Olympic Ridge" likely. ASUS RTX 5070 EVO Dual targets SFF builds with short, thinner design. Colorful Ge Force RTX 5070 Mini OC review shows impressive performance in compact metal design.
Industry Moves
Microsoft Gaming new CEO wants to embrace AI without "soulless AI slop." Capcom acts on Resident Evil Requiem gameplay leaks, asks community for help. Ubisoft CEO spills beans about 2 Far Cry projects, "several" Assassin's Creed games.
Tech Innovations
Thermal Grizzly announces delidded AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D CPU. Luckfox introduces 16-inch 4K and 2K portable touch monitors. JAPANNEXT adds 31.5-inch 6K IPS monitor to its portfolio.
Gaming News
Retro DECK emulator removes Nintendo Switch emulation over "toxicity" and DMCA risk. Sony closes Bluepoint Games following cancelled multiplayer God of War game. Slay the Spire 2 switches up predecessor's formula with 4-player co-op.
Market Analysis
AMD GPU prices rebound slightly as demand drops. NVIDIA Ge Force RTX 5090 melts 12V-2×6 connector despite -100 W power limit. AMD sets a new GPU OC world record with Radeon RX 9060 XT @ 4,769 MHz.
Software & OS
Microsoft shows AI integration in Windows 11 running in task bar and file explorer. Xbox Insiders on PC now preview postgame recaps in the Xbox app. Razer unveils the Huntsman Signature Edition keyboard.
Component Launches
Akasa launches Euler CMX compact fanless case for Mini-ITX motherboards. ASRock Z890 Steel Legend Wi-Fi review shows solid performance under $250. EIZO is working on its first OLED Color Edge monitor.
Linux & Open Source
Linux kernel 7.0 speeds up file cache memory reclaim by up to 75%. Godot dev laments increasing "AI slop" code. WD unifies its professional content creator storage portfolio under the G-DRIVE brand.
AI & Security
Google announces Gemini 3.1 Pro, says it's better at complex problem-solving. Open Claw security fears lead Meta and other AI firms to restrict its use. AI coding bot took down Amazon Web Services.
Peripheral News
ASUS launches Pro Art KD300 65% low-profile mechanical keyboard with "16 months" battery. PMM teases Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike custom mouse mod with near 50% weight reduction. Razer Viper V4 Pro imminent according to Valorant pro.
Storage & Memory
WD unifies its professional content creator storage portfolio under the G-DRIVE brand. Corsair introduces limited-edition FRAME 4000D Nova and Galaxy cases with color-shift finishes. Alphacool announces Core 70 tube reservoir with Apex pump.
Future Tech
AMD Ryzen 10000 "Olympic Ridge" to debut with 6/8/10/12/16/20/24-core "Zen 6" SKUs. AMD Ryzen 500-series "Medusa Point" APU brings RDNA 4m i GPU with FSR 4 support. Intel "Bartlett Lake-S" Core 200E family leaks show up to 12 P-cores and 5.9 GHz ST boost.
Mobile News
New Launches & Devices
Google's Pixel 10a launched this week as the latest mid-range smartphone, though analysts note the Galaxy S25 FE and One Plus 15R might offer better value propositions in the crowded US market. Meanwhile, Samsung is preparing for its Galaxy Unpacked event on February 25, where the Galaxy S26 Ultra and new Galaxy Buds4 models are expected to debut with metallic stem finishes.
OpenAI is reportedly developing a premium smart speaker with integrated camera, continuing its collaboration with former Apple design chief Jony Ive. The device is expected to launch in 2027 as part of OpenAI's expanding hardware portfolio.
Motorola confirmed its Edge 70 Fusion is "coming soon" with multiple color options, though recent leaks suggest a chipset discrepancy between initial Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 rumors and Geekbench sightings of the Snapdragon 7s Gen.
Software & AI Updates
Google doubled its AI reasoning capabilities with the surprise launch of Gemini 3.1 Pro, positioning it as a productivity engine rather than just a chatbot. The update aims to solve complex tasks while reducing prompt babysitting for users.
Samsung is evolving Galaxy AI into a multi-agent ecosystem with deep Perplexity AI integration, responding to internal research showing 80% of users regularly employ multiple AI agents. The company also rolled out One UI 8.5 Beta 5 with enhanced Bixby capabilities ahead of the Galaxy S26 launch.
Google leveraged AI to block 1.75 million policy-violating apps from the Play Store in 2025, demonstrating the technology's growing role in app ecosystem security.
Industry Trends & Market Analysis
Meta is shifting its metaverse strategy to mobile-first, formally separating Horizon Worlds from its Quest VR platform as part of a broader organizational restructuring. The company is also reportedly planning to enter the smartwatch market this year, expanding its wearables portfolio.
Nothing confirmed its Phone (4a) series will use Snapdragon chipsets, with the base model and Pro variant set to launch on March 5. The company continues teasing its Glyph Bar feature for controllable mini-LEDs.
Counterpoint Research reported modest 2% growth in European smartphone shipments during Q4 2025, though analysts warn tougher conditions lie ahead for the broader market.
Regional & Emerging Markets
Realme is preparing the C83 for release below its C85 model, continuing its budget smartphone expansion. The company previously launched the C85 in November.
Infinix is developing the Hot 70 Pro with 5G support, following its Hot 60 Pro series from July 2025. The device has been spotted on Indonesian certification websites.
Redmi may launch the A7 alongside the A7 Pro, with both models receiving certification ahead of their market debut.
Platform & Service Updates
WhatsApp introduced a new Group Message History feature to address FOMO for late-joining group members, allowing users to catch up on earlier conversations.
Google Maps users reported limited access to features when not signed into accounts, suggesting a potential shift toward account-based service delivery.
YouTube began testing conversational AI on smart TVs, enabling voice-based questions about video content through its Ask tool.
Component & Technology Developments
Samsung completed successful testing of crucial 6G network technology, positioning itself as a key player in next-generation wireless infrastructure development.
Google is rumored to be incorporating an enhanced security chip in the Pixel 11's Tensor G6 So C, upgrading from the aging Titan M2 chip introduced with the Pixel 6 in 2021.
Apple may be developing a special iPhone case with enhanced satellite connectivity capabilities, based on a 2024 patent application for "Electronic Device and Case with Satellite Communication Capabilities."
Competitive Landscape
Motorola began rolling out Android 16 updates to its Razr 2025 and Razr Ultra 2025 foldables in the US, following Google's Pixel 10a launch earlier in the week.
Honor generated buzz by featuring its upcoming Magic V6 at the Winter Olympics, with actor Nicholas Tse spotted using the device publicly.
Counterpoint Research confirmed Samsung's Galaxy A06 as the best-selling phone in Latin America for 2025, highlighting the company's continued dominance in emerging markets with four of the region's top ten devices.
Apple News
Product Launches & Updates
MOFT’s Mag Safe kickstand wallet with Find My support is now available after being unveiled at CES 2025. Apple Card users can now earn $75 in Daily Cash through a limited-time offer. Anker’s Prime 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station launched with a discount on Amazon. Strava is rolling out five new activity categories including dancing. WhatsApp is working on an anti-spoiler feature for text messages. Duck Duck Go rolled out AI-powered image editing on Duck.ai. Google Chrome gained built-in split view and PDF annotations.
Apple Hardware & Design
Apple’s upcoming AI smart glasses are sounding more exciting with accelerated development. The iPhone 18 Pro could make last year’s battery life even better. Apple’s redesigned MacBook Air almost came in fun colors per leaker reports. Three upcoming Apple products were seemingly spotted in mac OS 26.3 code. The low-cost MacBook was originally tested in fun colors for the 2022 redesign. The iPhone 16e gets a long-term review ahead of the iPhone 17e launch. The iPhone 18 won’t have Mac-like Mag Safe charging despite viral claims. Apple’s C1X modem faces its first reported failure in the iPhone Air. The iPhone Fold is expected to launch this year as Apple’s foldable.
Software & Services
iOS 26.4 beta brings new Car Play features and more. iOS 26 added a new favorite ringtone that’s tempting users to turn off silent mode. iOS 26.4 includes two major security upgrades explained in detail. mac OS 26.3 rolls out with agentic coding capabilities. iOS 27 will bring Liquid Glass interface changes. Apple researchers developed an on-device AI agent that interacts with apps. Apple TV’s new movie Eternity is a hit kicking off a big year. Apple TV Sports including F1, MLS, and Friday Night Baseball is coming to bars and restaurants. Apple TV’s delayed thriller series The Hunt just got a new March release date.
Events & Announcements
Apple confirmed a special media event for March 4. Speculation mounts that Apple could demo immersive F1 on Vision Pro at the March event. The iPhone’s Emergency SOS via Satellite helped rescue skiers caught in a Lake Tahoe avalanche. Rivian released its long-awaited Apple Watch app. IMAX partnered with Apple TV to show Formula 1 races live in theaters.
Legal & Regulatory
Trump’s reciprocal tariffs that cost Apple billions were struck down by the Supreme Court. Apple faces more pain as Trump’s global import tariff grows from 10% to 15%. Apple is sued by West Virginia for allegedly allowing CSAM distribution through iCloud. Apple accuses Brazilian banks of seeking a ‘free ride’ in NFC probe. Apple and Jon Prosser are coordinating depositions in the iOS 26 leak case. Leaker Jon Prosser faces ongoing legal troubles with more videos despite default ruling.
Privacy & Security
Apple remains the only real choice for privacy despite its problems. Millions of passwords and Social Security numbers were exposed as old hacks remain a threat. The iPhone camera dot can be suppressed if you’re already hacked. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified about teen wellbeing in a landmark court case.
Market & Deals
Apple deals include $79 iPhone Air Mag Safe Battery, $299 Apple Watch Series, and $115 Air Pods. 1TB M4 MacBook Air sees a rare $200 discount. iPhone 15 Pro is available for $539. M5 iPad Pro hits all-time low prices. Samsung’s best monitors are up to $1,200 off. Dell’s sitewide sale discounts Alienware monitors and more.
Industry & Competition
Jony Ive’s first OpenAI device will be a smart speaker with camera planned for 2027 launch. Meta revives smartwatch plans to take on Apple Watch. Meta’s upcoming smartwatch probably won’t compete directly with Apple Watch. Perplexity’s Comet AI browser is coming to iPhone soon. Opera made an adorably quirky website celebrating its browser’s 30th anniversary. Google Chrome gets built-in split view and PDF annotations.
Developer & Enterprise
Xcode 26.3 Release Candidate 2 features agentic coding capabilities. Apple @ Work explores how iPhone forced the entire printing industry to adopt Air Print. iCloud needs to copy Dropbox’s ‘sync next’ feature according to a feature request. The low-cost MacBook is the perfect way to get users deeper into the Apple ecosystem.
Community & Culture
The Apple Insider Podcast covers March 4’s Apple Experience, color Mac Books, and iOS 26.4. 9to5Mac Overtime 060 previews Apple’s upcoming March 4th event and the low-cost MacBook. 9to5Mac Daily recaps iPhone’s satellite features and more. 9to5Mac Daily covers new Car Play features. Apple TV’s new movie Eternity is just the start of a big year ahead. Home Kit Weekly highlights UWB as the secret weapon inside Aqara’s new U400 smart lock.
Speculative & Future Tech
Apple’s low-cost colorful MacBook is rumored to launch in under two weeks. The iPhone Fold could revive foldables that even Google Pixel couldn’t make work. Full internet by satellite could come via an Apple-designed iPhone or iPad case. The iPhone Air with transparent design and SIM slot will cost you if you want one.