Tech & Hardware
Hardware & Components
AMD's latest 3D V-Cache CPU is already shipping to some customers, with a Swiss user receiving the chip a week before its official launch. The Ryzen 7 9850X3D is set to hit shelves on January 29 with an MSRP of $499, and AMD claims minimal performance loss when using slower DDR5-4800 memory versus DDR5-6000. However, the company's broader chip supply is strained, as Intel reallocates production to server CPUs amid tight wafer capacity. This comes as Intel confirms 14A wafer expansion will only follow customer commitments, and its stock has surged nearly 45% in 2026 alone.
On the motherboard front, ASUS is addressing reports that its 800-series boards are killing AMD CPUs, with BIOS updates in the works for both AMD and upcoming Intel Core Ultra 200K+ processors. The company also unveiled its ExpertBook B3 G2 laptop and a new ROG Strix WiFi 7 router. Meanwhile, NZXT's N7 B850 motherboard received a review, and ASRock Industrial introduced a new security-focused AiSafeguard for device protection.
Graphics card news remains turbulent, with NVIDIA ending its "Open Price Program", which will push GPUs further past MSRPs. The RTX 50-series supply is allegedly paused for six months, and the company is also upgrading memory bandwidth for its upcoming "Vera Rubin" architecture ahead of AMD's Instinct MI400 launch. In laptop APU space, Lenovo inadvertently confirmed new models with NVIDIA's N1(X) chips, which are scheduled for this quarter.
Memory and storage markets are feeling the AI boom, with a report predicting annual growth exceeding 50% and driving revenue to a new peak by 2027. Kioxia's memory is sold out for 2026, prolonging a high-end, expensive phase. Samsung's memory distributor reportedly hiked prices by 80%, and the company's Texas fab is attracting major customer interest as the AI boom continues.
Peripherals & Accessories
The mechanical keyboard scene saw new keycaps from Cannon Keys, launching a PFF profile uniform height set. For input devices, Endgame Gear's OP1 8K V2 received a review, while VXE launched a 55g Dragonfly R1S gaming mouse for just $18.99. Angry Miao unveiled the AM Infinity .97, a 47g magnesium alloy mouse with a Viper V3 Pro shape. be quiet! announced new Dark Perk gaming mice, and Keychron launched its Q0 HE TMR num pad at $139.99.
In audio, Sony unveiled the LinkBuds Clip open earbuds, QCY introduced the MeloBuds N20 hybrid ANC earbuds, and Jabra launched the Evolve3 headset series. Sennheiser announced a TV headphones bundle, while Transcend debuted a microSD Express card reader. For home theater, Nexi Go showed a smart cabinet for home theaters and new Aurora Pro MKIII projectors at CES 2026.
PC cases and cooling saw updates from Deep Cool, which refreshed its CH260 micro ATX case range with wood grain editions. Fractal Design debuted the Pop 2 Air series, and Akasa revealed six new low-profile CPU coolers. Gamdias released the Atlas M4 mid-tower case. For desks, Endorfy launched the Atlas Electric Desk series.
Gaming & Software
The gaming landscape was dominated by announcements and release dates. Remedy narrowed down the launch for Control Resonant to Q2 2026. Microsoft is reportedly considering a Fable Switch 2 port, a decision that could hinge on logistics. The game's open world and comedic elements were detailed in an Xbox Developer_Direct. Meanwhile, Beyond Good and Evil 2 survived Ubisoft's latest reshuffle, and Bungie unveiled a limited edition PlayStation 5 controller for Marathon, which launches on March 5 with surprisingly low PC hardware requirements.
Other notable releases include Bandai Namco's Code Vein II character creator demo, the launch of The Eternal Life of Goldman demo, and NORSE: Oath of Blood on PC. Life is Strange: Reunion concludes Max and Chloe's saga on March 26, and Planet of Lana II got a new gameplay trailer. Enshrouded celebrated two years of Early Access with a roadmap to full release in 2026.
Modding support is expanding, as Nexus Mods' Vortex will get Linux support in 2026, thanks to Steam Hardware. Valve plans to host 29 Steam sales through 2026. On the anti-cheat front, Marathon's system all but rules out Linux gamers. For cloud gaming, Boosteroid added official ROG Ally series support, and GeForce NOW gained flight control support with Thrustmaster hardware.
Industry & Business
Intel reported its Q4 and full-year 2025 financial results, with shares down 11% following the report. The company also unveiled its glass core substrate with EMIB multi-chip connection. In a separate note, Lip-Bu Tan mentioned the creation of a custom Xeon CPU that fully integrates NVIDIA NVLink technology.
AMD introduced ROCm v7.2, which is smarter and faster for modern AI workloads, and the new release grants support for the Radeon RX 9060 XT "low-power" card. The company also provided more details on its rumored "Gorgon Halo" refresh of the Ryzen AI MAX 400 series.
Apple is reportedly planning to launch an AI-powered wearable pin device as soon as 2027. The company's Silicon division has already approached AMD's laptop market share in just five years. Conversely, Asus confirmed its smartphone business is on indefinite hiatus.
In other hardware news, Zotac packed a Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 into a compact ZBOX MAGNUS mini PC. Raspberry Pi introduced compact high-quality USB 3.0 flash drives, and a prototype DockFrame USB-C hub was debuted, which accepts Framework cards for expansion.
Security & Policy
A never-before-seen wiper malware targeted Poland's energy grid, raising concerns about critical infrastructure security. In a bizarre twist, a hacker who stole 120,000 bitcoins is seeking a second chance and a security job. Meanwhile, the DHS is failing to unmask anonymous ICE critics online, and the White House altered an arrest photo of an ICE protester, stating "the memes will continue."
On the policy front, the US is officially out of the WHO, leaving hundreds of millions of dollars unpaid. The TikTok deal is done, but users fear MAGA tweaks to the platform. eBay banned illicit automated shopping amid the rapid rise of AI agents, and cURL scrapped bug bounties to deal with an overrun of AI slop and protect its maintainers' mental health.
Science & Curiosities
In a historical twist, a report suggests Thomas Edison may have accidentally made graphene in 1879. In the medical field, a weird, itchy rash has been linked to the keto diet, though the cause remains unknown. A mRNA cancer vaccine from Modern
Mobile News
Mobile Phones & Foldables
Foldable deals are heating up, with the Galaxy Z Flip7 and Z Fold7 on sale, alongside tablet offers. Google has proven it can make a compelling foldable, but the question remains: where is the Pixel Flip? For those ready to buy, you can now get hands-on with the Galaxy Z Tri Fold in select US stores. A new leak suggests the Galaxy S26 Ultra's display will make you forget screen protectors existed, while the entire S26 series may support Google's Scam Detection. Color and storage options for the S26 lineup have also leaked. Meanwhile, the iQOO 15 Ultra is confirmed to feature shoulder triggers with a 600Hz sampling rate, and its design has been teased. The iQOO 15R’s key specs have been revealed by Geekbench, and the iQOO 15 Ultra has posted a record-breaking AnTuTu score. In the budget segment, the vivo V70 Elite's specs and design have surfaced, while the Infinix Smart 20's chipset and battery have been revealed. The Poco X8 Pro Iron Man Edition has been certified ahead of its launch. The One Plus 15 is destined to rank among the best phones of 2026, though the One Plus 16 may go exclusive to China. One Plus has officially denied rumors about its shutdown. The vivo V70 FE's specs have also been revealed, and the Realme Neo8 comes with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip and a massive 8,000mAh battery. The Realme 16 has run Geekbench, confirming its chipset, and the Realme Note 80 has surfaced with details on its fast charging. The Redmi Note 15 Pro and Pro+ have an official launch date in India, and the Redmi Turbo 5 Max's charging details have been revealed. The vivo V70 FE's specs have also been revealed. The Honor Magic V6 and Robot Phone will make their official debut at MWC. The Honor Magic8 Pro Air has arrived with a 6.3" AMOLED and 5,500mAh battery. The Moto G Power (2026) has been reviewed, and the Motorola Signature has launched in India. The Oppo Find N6 has been certified in China, revealing its charging spec, while the Oppo Find X9 Ultra's back has been showcased in new images. The Oppo Reno15 FS has launched with a Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 and 6,500mAh battery. The nubia Red Magic 11 Air's international launch date has been confirmed. The Realme P4 Power with a 10,001mAh battery has been confirmed to launch next week. The Infinix Note Edge is in for review. The top 10 trending phones for week 3 have been listed.
Apple & iOS
Apple will begin showing more App Store ads starting in March. A new leak suggests the iPhone 18 Pro series’ Dynamic Island cutout dimensions have been revealed. The iPhone Air gains a SIM slot through an impressive mod. Apple's Air Pods Pro 3 have dropped back down to a record-low price. For fitness, the best GPS running watches for 2026 have been reviewed, and the best fitness trackers for 2026 have been listed. How to use Workout Buddy with Apple Watch and iOS 26 has been explained. Apple might be making its own AirTag-sized AI wearable, but an opinion piece argues an AI pin is beneath Apple. The company is reportedly considering an AI pin, which is the topic of the Engadget podcast. Apple's App Store ad expansion comes as the company faces FTC scrutiny over its practices.
Google & Android
Google has rolled out a fix for a Gmail issue that led to flooded inboxes. The company's solution to the Phone app's constant flipping is rolling out. Google Photos' new Me Meme feature has been detailed, and you can create AI-generated coloring books in Microsoft Paint. A new leak suggests the Pixel 10a is playing it safe, with more renders leaking. The Pixel 10's Magic Cue is about to get a lot more useful. Google is making Search a little more colorful. A bug in Google Pixel's voicemail may be leaking your audio to callers. Google Home is finally making devices easier to add. Google is working to fix a Gmail issue that's led to flooded inboxes. The latest Android 16 beta is still crashing apps for testers. How to optimize charging on a Google Pixel has been explained, and how to enable or disable gestures on a Pixel has been outlined. Good Lock's 'Home Up' looks better than ever in Samsung's One UI 8.5 update. The E Ink Switch Bot AI Art Frame makes digital art look like print, but it uses AI. Google has enhanced safety and rolled out age prediction measures in Chat GPT. OpenAI's GPT-5.2 model cites Grokipedia. OpenAI's audio-first hardware product could launch this year. Malaysia has lifted the ban on Grok after taking X at its word. Grok generated an estimated 3 million sexualized images, including 23,000 of children, over 11 days. Meta is temporarily pulling teens' access from its AI chatbot characters. Meta is expanding ads to all users globally. A rival smart glasses company is suing Meta over its Ray-Ban products. Meta execs say they're going to let VR be what it does great. Threads has more global daily users than X on mobile for the first time. Snapchat gives parents more info on who their kids are talking to. The UK is mulling an Australia-like social media ban for users under 16. TikTok has finalized a deal with US investors and is now mostly owned by US entities. Future sealed: TikTok and the US agree on a 'Joint Venture' to remain accessible to users. Substack now has a TV app. YouTube CEO promises more AI features in 2026. Vimeo has laid off most of its staff. Microsoft issued an emergency fix after a security update left some Windows 11 devices unable to shut down.
Automotive & AI
The NTSB will investigate why Waymo's robotaxis are illegally passing school buses. Waymo is now available in Miami. Tesla has paywalled lane centering on new Model 3 and Model Y purchases. Elon Musk told Davos that Tesla will sell humanoid robots next year, really. Elon Musk is reportedly trying to take SpaceX public. The Volvo EX60 SUV preview shows a 400-mile range, 670 hp, and Google Gemini onboard. The N
Apple News
Hardware & Product Rumors
Apple is planning a MacBook Pro overhaul for later this year, with three key upgrades rumored. The company is also expected to launch over 20 new products this year, including five all-new devices. For the next iPhone, leaks point to a much brighter display for the iPhone 18, while the 20th-anniversary model may not have an all-screen design. A recent mod project gave the iPhone Air a SIM card slot. In laptop news, a flash deal saw the M5 MacBook Pro dip to record-low pricing, and the M5 iPad Pro fell to a historic low. For desktop users, a new monitor can dock an M4 Mac mini into a 32-inch 4K touchscreen.
Software & AI Developments
The biggest software story centers on a major Siri upgrade. Multiple reports confirm a Siri chatbot is coming in iOS 27, with Apple replacing the Siri interface with a true conversational experience. This new AI system may even run on Google servers. Meanwhile, Apple’s internal AI efforts are speeding up, with employees using an ‘Enchanté’ internal AI chatbot. Craig Federighi is now taking control of Apple Intelligence, leading to sweeping changes. A separate, rumored Apple AI pin faces a Siri-shaped problem, and some analysts remain AI hardware skeptics. Other iOS updates include four new features in iOS 26 I’ve been using daily and what to expect from the upcoming iOS 26.4.
App Store & Services Changes
Apple is showing more ads in the App Store starting in March, with the change beginning in the UK and expanding to search results. This move comes as Apple fights the Indian antitrust authority over access to global financials and lashes out at the EU about alternative app store failures. A lawsuit alleges Apple raised UK banking costs, while another Apple Pay fee lawsuit is in the news. On the services front, Apple Cash instant transfer fees are going up. Apple TV is getting new content, including a new ‘HomePad’ device update, a Substack app, and a trailer for ‘Top Dogs’ on Vision Pro. The ‘F1: The Movie’ has been nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars, and ‘For All Mankind’ season 5 has a teaser and premiere date.
Deals & Accessories
This week featured several notable deals. The Apple Studio Display hit its lowest price in months, and Air Pods Pro 3 dropped to an all-time low price. Satechi launched an ultra-slim keyboard and mouse for Mac users, and a 7-in-1 ‘OntheGo’ hub that works with iPhone. Anker’s Nano Charger with a display was reviewed, and a Qi2 Mag Safe power bank with active cooling was hands-on tested. For the Super Bowl, Samsung is running a big sale on TVs. A new study confirmed the Apple Watch’s effectiveness at detecting AFib, and Air Tags are helping airlines cut down on lost luggage.
Legal & Business News
Apple scored a partial win in a privacy lawsuit, with a court ruling it didn’t invade iPhone user privacy in California. In France, Apple won a legal battle to keep its App Tracking Transparency function. The company also spent $10 million on U.S. lobbying in 2025, up nearly 30%. In a separate case, a judge denied Elon Musk’s bid to force OpenAI to hand over source code in an Apple AI lawsuit. Meanwhile, Apple is partnering with Intel on some iPhone chips, though not for its most advanced silicon. The company also topped Fortune’s 2026 list of the World’s Most Admired Companies and is ranked as the world’s most valuable brand per Brand Finance.
Events & Creator Focus
Apple is hosting a three-day Creator Studio event in LA from January 27-29, which could coincide with a MacBook Pro announcement. The company invited creators to a multi-day ‘Apple Experience’ next week. These events align with reports that Apple is turning to Intel for future iPhone chips. In content news, Apple Fitness+ has expanded to Japan, though it’s using AI-generated dubs. A new study shows TikTok dominates the mobile landscape, while OpenAI is on track to unveil its first AI device this year.