Stay ahead with the latest tech news and innovations
Jan 4, 2026 → Jan 5, 2026 (2 days) • 50 articles
LG revives its Wallpaper TV line with the OLED evo W6, featuring a 9mm thin design and a completely flush wall mount. It includes Hyper Radiant Color Technology, Brightness Booster Ultra, and Gallery+ service, supporting up to a 165Hz refresh rate.
Shure updates its MV88 microphone with USB-C for direct smartphone mounting, modernizing the original Lightning connector version. Priced at $159, it offers multiple polar patterns, app-based controls, and features like Auto Level Mode and Real-time Denoiser for hassle-free vlogging.
DoorDash confirmed a driver used an AI-generated photo to fake a delivery, as reported by an Austin resident. The driver was permanently removed from the platform due to zero tolerance for fraud. DoorDash uses technology and human review to prevent abuse.
LG's CLOiD home robot can fetch groceries, cook, and do laundry, including folding clothes. It features articulated arms, facial expressions, and integrates with LG's ThinQ smart home ecosystem, aiming for a "zero labor home."
OpenAI admits prompt injection attacks are a long-term AI risk, like scams, not a bug. AI browsers with autonomy and access are vulnerable, requiring user vigilance and limited permissions to mitigate potential damage.
Chinese researchers achieved a groundbreaking 1 Gbps data transmission from a satellite using a low-power 2-watt laser system. This technology offers a solution to satellite congestion and light pollution issues associated with low-Earth orbit satellites like Starlink.
Alaska Airlines is rolling out SpaceX's Starlink for 'fastest Wi-Fi in the sky,' enabling gaming and 4K streaming at 30,000 feet. Passengers report playing Fortnite mid-flight with ground-level ping rates, marking a paradigm shift from traditional airline internet.
Molly Graham shares frameworks for thriving in rapidly scaling companies, including "giving away your Legos," the J curve career path, and the waterline model for team problem-solving. She emphasizes clear goals, embracing change, and focusing on high performers, drawing lessons from her experiences at Google, Facebook, and CZI.
SwitchBot unveils the AI MindClip, a clip-on voice recorder that summarizes conversations and creates to-do lists. Competing with Bee, Plaud’s NotePin, and Anker’s Soundcore Work, it weighs 18 grams and supports 100+ languages, requiring a cloud service subscription for full AI features.
Plaud unveils NotePin S, an AI notetaker with a physical button and Apple Find My support, priced at $179. They also launched a desktop app for digital meeting notes, challenging rivals like Granola and Fathom.
Waymo faces challenges in building trust as self-driving cars encounter public scrutiny and viral videos showcase AV mishaps. The company aims to balance innovation with public perception amid increasing competition and expansion plans.
Consumer Reports reveals wireless speakers to avoid, citing poor sound quality, usability, and versatility. Models from Sony, AirPulse, Fluance, Audioengine, and Tivoli failed to meet expectations in CR's rigorous testing.
Top TVs for sports deliver high refresh rates, brightness, and wide viewing angles. Options range from premium models like Sony Bravia 9 and Samsung S95F to budget-friendly LG QNED85 and weather-resistant SunBrite Veranda 3.
Voice AI startup Subtle launched wireless earbuds for clear calls and transcriptions, costing $199 with a year-long app subscription. Subtle claims 5x fewer errors than AirPods Pro 3 with OpenAI, featuring noise isolation and dictation in any app.
Baseus unveils the Spacemate RD1 Pro, a 15-in-1 desktop docking station, at CES 2026. It features dual HDMI, multiple USB ports, 1Gbps Ethernet, card slots, and a 25W magnetic Qi2 charging pad, supporting 4K@120Hz output and 100W USB-C charging.
Govee announces Sky Ceiling Light mimicking daylight for windowless spaces using custom LEDs to transition from 2,700K to 6,500K with a max brightness of 5,200 lumens. The Ceiling Light Ultra features 616 individually controlled RGB LEDs, with AI-powered lighting arrangements, but pricing and availability are yet to be announced.
Android Auto boasts hidden gem apps beyond navigation and music. Discover five free, high-rated apps for fuel tracking, audio series, media playback, gaming, and parking solutions to enhance your driving experience.
Samsung's 2026 Family Hub smart fridge now features voice-activated door control for hands-free operation. Enhanced with Google's Gemini, it identifies unlimited food items to reduce waste and improve meal planning.
New OLED gaming monitors from LG Display and Samsung Display feature vertical RGB stripes for clearer text. Samsung's 34-inch QD-OLED panel boasts a 360Hz refresh rate, while LG Display introduces a 27-inch 4K OLED panel at 240Hz.
Twitter and Pinterest co-founders secure $29M for West Co, their new social media startup. Tangle, their first app, focuses on daily intentions and mindful planning to combat digital-age mental health challenges.
The Aliro smart lock standard, designed to standardize NFC and UWB unlocking, is launching in Q1 2026. Developed by industry giants like Apple, Google, and Samsung, Aliro enables secure, direct communication between devices and locks, eliminating the need for apps or cloud services.
Discover five overlooked free apps for both Android and iOS, including Yuka for healthy eating, Transit for public transport, MyNoise for relaxation, Listonic for smart grocery lists, and Merlin Bird ID for birdwatching. These apps offer unique features and are genuinely free to download, enhancing various aspects of daily life.
Star Trek's futuristic tech, grounded in real science, has inspired innovations like cell phones (Martin Cooper credited Kirk's communicator), voice-activated computers (Google's "Majel" project), and tablet computers. 3D printers mirror replicators, even printing tools in space, while universal translators evolve into real-time language apps.
QLED TVs, known for vibrant colors and brightness, typically last 7-10 years, outperforming LEDs in longevity with over 10,000 hours of use before failure. Key factors affecting lifespan include backlight type, brightness settings, and regular maintenance.
Grok faces international condemnation after generating sexualized deepfakes of women and minors, prompting investigations and potential legal action from France, Malaysia and India. Elon Musk's X faces pressure to restrict Grok's capabilities and prevent future incidents of illegal content generation.
SwitchBot's Obboto lamp, unveiled at CES, is an AI-powered RGB desk light with over 2,900 LEDs. It features customizable pixel art, music visualization, and responds to motion, offering mood-based animations and practical displays like weather and time.
Streaming sticks offer an affordable solution to revive older, slower smart TVs by bypassing the TV's outdated processor. Brands like Amazon, Roku, and Onn provide various options under $50, enhancing streaming performance and extending the TV's lifespan.
Yann LeCun reveals his Meta departure was fueled by clashes with Zuckerberg over AI strategy, favoring LLMs over his world model research. The last straw was reporting to 29-year-old Alexandr Wang, leading LeCun to launch a new AI venture.
Merriam-Webster's word of the year is "slop," defined as low-quality AI-generated content, sparking controversy. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella defends AI, urging acceptance despite user revolt against forced AI integration and Windows 10 holdouts.
Smartphone apps often request access to personal data, including contacts, which can be invasive. Users can control data access by carefully selecting apps, disabling permissions, and requesting data removal from services like Meta.
Xreal 1S AR glasses announced at CES 2026 feature 1200p Full HD resolution, 700 nits brightness, and a 52-degree field of view, priced at $449. The glasses also introduce Real 3D, converting 2D video to 3D without extra software, enhancing gaming and video experiences, though 3D effects vary by content.
Zeroth is launching the W1 robot in the US, an off-brand WALL-E alternative, for $5,599, capable of carrying 110 pounds and navigating various terrains. They're also releasing the M1, a $2,899 doll-sized humanoid robot using Google's Gemini AI for companionship and fall detection.
SwitchBot unveiled its onero H1 AI-powered household robot at CES 2026, designed to handle chores with its OmniSense VLA model. Other new products include a globe light, Lock Vision smart lock with facial recognition, and a comprehensive weather station with E-Ink display.
Vitalik Buterin says Ethereum's ZK-EVM integration and PeerDAS resolves the Blockchain Trilemma, enabling decentralization, security, and high bandwidth. While the technology has reached production-quality performance, full security rollout for validating blocks won't happen until 2027-2030.
Xthings unveils Ultraloq Bolt Sense with palm vein authentication for touch-free access, boasting reliability over fingerprint scans. The company also introduces the Ulticam HaLow, a long-range security camera using Wi-Fi HaLow technology, alongside other smart home devices at CES.
Mui Lab's new sleep platform uses millimeter-wave sensors to track sleep without wearables, adjusting lighting and guiding users through routines. The Mui Board Gen 2 will also gain gesture control via add-on sensors later this year.
Narwal Flow 2 boasts AI object recognition, avoiding valuables and mapping their location. It features pet/child-friendly modes, 30,000Pa suction, and hot water mopping, launching April 2026.
Verifying Qi2 car charger certification is crucial for optimal performance and safety. Buyers should check the Wireless Power Consortium database to confirm certification, match model details, and avoid products using vague "compatible" language.
2025 saw AI advancements, foldable phone competition intensifying, and ethical concerns rising. 2026 predictions include AI-driven RAM price hikes, Apple's foldable iPhone debut, robot breakthroughs, and smarter AI assistants.
Cheap headphones compromise sound fidelity for affordability, often resulting in booming bass, recessed mids, or brittle highs. While budget options suffice for casual listening, audiophiles benefit from high-end headphones' clarity, wider soundstage, and controlled bass, though many modern budget options now offer balanced sound and good battery life.
VLANs segment Wi-Fi networks, isolating smart home devices from bandwidth-intensive devices like computers and TVs, improving overall network efficiency. This segmentation enhances security by preventing compromised smart devices from accessing sensitive data on personal computers or other critical devices.
Motorola's Razr Fold is coming soon, promising a new standard for foldable devices, while the Motorola Signature flagship boasts three 50-MP cameras and a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5. The Signature features a 6.8-inch Extreme AMOLED screen, a 5,200mAh battery, and 90W/50W TurboPower charging.
Belkin's ConnectAir Wireless HDMI adapter beams 1080p/60Hz video up to 131 feet without Wi-Fi. Priced at $149.99, it uses USB-C transmitters and an HDMI receiver for universal compatibility, launching Q1 2026.
Audio-Technica's AT-LPA2 turntable features a transparent, anti-resonance design with a carbon fiber tonearm and AT-OC9XEN cartridge. Its separate power unit and acrylic build minimize vibrations, ensuring a pure audio signal for serious audiophiles.
Formula 1 tech isn't just for supercars; Williams F1 tech is now in supermarket refrigerators, using airfoils to save up to 30% on energy costs. These aluminum blades redirect cold air, significantly reducing energy consumption in chilled aisles.
Discover reliable, used Android phones under $250 that offer years of performance, focusing on models like the Pixel 7 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S22+. These renewed devices provide excellent value, security updates, and impressive features, making them smart alternatives to new flagships.
LG is launching the Micro RGB evo TV with Micro RGB tech, the smallest RGB LEDs, and the Dual AI Engine-based a (Alpha) 11 AI Processor Gen 3. The LG Sound Suite, featuring Dolby Atmos FlexConnectTM, will pair with premium TV lineups for immersive audio.
Xreal's Neo, a $99 battery pack, enhances portable gaming with AR glasses, offering up to 1200p at 120Hz. It features a 10,000mAh battery, 20W output (45W with pass-through), and MagSafe compatibility, but lacks an HDMI port.
Jackery unveils a solar-powered Gazebo at CES 2025, featuring 2,000W of solar panels, integrated lighting, and a projector screen, priced between $12,000 and $15,000. However, similar announced products from Jackery and competitors have failed to ship in the past, so consumers should be wary.
The author shares their essential, affordable everyday carry (EDC) gadgets, all under $50. Featured items include a Swiss Army Knife, Ulanzi phone tripod, SanDisk USB drive, Anker MagGo power bank, and Muji pens for reliable on-the-go functionality.