Technology

Google is rolling out automatic conference room detection to Google Meet on Android and iOS using inaudible ultrasonic signals from compatible room hardware; when a phone detects a room, Meet can offer Companion mode so the user can join without turning on the phone microphone or speaker.

Hypixel has announced a bug bounty for Hytale that pays $25,000 for serious vulnerabilities, with some payouts able to exceed that amount; the program’s rules and restrictions are posted on the game’s official site.

Honda unveiled the Base Station Prototype, a compact towable trailer the company says can be towed by smaller crossovers and offers sleeping space for four with integrated solar power for off-grid use.

Reporting notes that more frequent Windows 11 feature updates have been linked to UI and performance bugs, while Microsoft has pushed online accounts and widespread Copilot/AI integrations; the article says some users pursue registry edits, ISO modifications, or unofficial scripts as workarounds but those can be risky.

Ahmad Al‑Dahle, who led the team behind Meta's Llama AI models, has been hired by Airbnb as chief technology officer. Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky said Al‑Dahle will help revamp search and other app features to make conversations and search results more personalized.

Nintendo's free Animal Crossing: New Horizons 3.0 update became available to download ahead of its January 15th schedule and adds features such as increased storage, bulk crafting, an automated island clean-up service, and a new hotel; it is separate from the paid Switch 2 upgrade that is still expected on January 15th.

Deathclaws appear fully in Episode 205 of Fallout Season 2, created on set through large-scale puppetry operated by up to five people and finished with visual effects from ILM.

Honda announced the next-generation Acura RDX will be the brand's first SUV with a two-motor hybrid system, and it said production of the current RDX will end this year with a pause before the new model arrives.

Nintendo's 2025 Year in Review is live on its website and shows users' 2025 playtime with monthly breakdowns, favorite genres, and a shareable favorite-game option; it also provides a lifetime history for original Switch owners that can go back to 2017 or later.

NASA is returning the four-person Crew-11 team about a month early because one crew member has an undisclosed medical condition; officials say the situation is not an emergency and the crew is expected to splash down off the coast of California, with a replacement crew scheduled to launch in February.

Nvidia announced five interconnected enterprise AI platforms at CES 2026, and said the Rubin inference platform has entered full production with partner deployments expected in the second half of 2026.

A leaked unreleased Google Glasses companion app reveals pairing steps and interface strings that suggest controls to pause notifications during conversations and an audio-only mode; one model appears able to record 3K video.

Hytale's early access launch briefly made it the most-watched game on Twitch with over 420,000 viewers, and the release follows the studio regaining the IP and preparing the game for public play.

Big Hops is a 3D platformer in which players control Hop, a frog who travels between worlds using movement mechanics inspired by Mario and Breath of the Wild while collecting Dark Drips and airship parts.

The Senate passed the DEFIANCE Act, which would allow people whose likenesses are used in sexually explicit AI-generated images without their consent to sue the creators; the bill now moves to the House for consideration.

Microsoft announced a five-point "Community-First AI Infrastructure" plan to address local concerns about its data centers, and the move follows growing community opposition that has led to cancellations of at least 25 projects.

Iran has reportedly used a 'kill switch' and military jammers to interrupt Starlink satellite internet, and NetBlocks reported national connectivity near 1% after more than 60 hours.

The article reports the free 3.0 update adds a Switch 2 island transfer tool and expands storage to 9,000 items, and it outlines in-game ways to earn bells such as turnips, bugs, fish and farming.

The article reports that routine clean installs are rarely needed on modern Windows PCs and can remove useful manufacturer utilities; Windows 11 includes recovery options that repair system files or fully reset the PC without the old install complexities.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max 2TB option is priced at $1,999, and the article notes many users will not need that capacity; external SSDs and cloud plans are presented as lower-cost alternatives.

Google said it will shift from building headline AI models to embedding Gemini’s capabilities into phones, TVs and other hardware to prioritize practical uses. Android Ecosystem president Sameer Samat framed the effort as moving from AI curiosity to “AI utility.”

The article reports CNBC's Jim Cramer said Alphabet could reach about $400, implying roughly 20% upside. It also notes the stock hit an all-time high near $338 after a 65% gain in 2025.

The Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay+ is a compact digital instant camera available in Midnight Blue and Sand Beige that prints on demand instead of using film for every photo.

Apple is introducing Creator Studio, a subscription that bundles Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro and other apps for Mac, iPad and iPhone at $13 per month or $129 per year, with availability starting Jan. 28.

EA and Battlefield Studios say Season 2 will now launch on February 17, with a Season 1 extension arriving January 20 while developers refine the new season.

Apple will offer Creator Studio — a subscription including Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, and Pixelmator Pro for Mac and iPad — starting Jan. 28 for $13/month or $129/year, with reduced pricing for students and educators.

Games Workshop has banned AI-generated content and the use of AI in its design processes, and says it will hire more creative staff while a small number of senior managers experiment with AI.

At CES 2026 Ikea demonstrated Matter‑compatible Varmblixt lamps, new sensors including an IP67 outdoor motion sensor, and several Bluetooth speakers; some items are available now while others are scheduled for April 2026.

Jack McGregor, a founder of the Pittsburgh Penguins, died Tuesday at age 91; the team showed a video tribute before a home game and his death was announced on social media.

A reviewer used both waveguide and prism smart glasses at CES; waveguides provided quick notifications but struggled in crowded exhibition halls, while prism glasses served as reliable wired displays for writing and multitasking.