Connect with us

Tech

Samsung Galaxy S26 release date, rumours, price, design & specs

Published

on

Tradition dictates that at the start of every new year, we can expect Samsung to unveil its flagship S-series.

While Samsung hasn’t officially confirmed any details about the Galaxy S26 yet, there are plenty of rumours and leaks circulating that help create a picture of what we can expect.

We’ve rounded up all the credible rumours on everything to do with the highly anticipated Samsung Galaxy S26, from its camera setup to its chipset. We’ll also be sure to update this guide as and when new information drops. 

Last updated: 3rd February with new pricing details, leaked renders and rumoured chipset changes

Advertisement

Samsung Galaxy S26 rumours at a glance:

  • Reveal expected on 25 February 2026
  • Could be more expensive than the Galaxy S25
  • Similar flat display and rounded corners as predecessor 
  • Same camera set-up as Galaxy S25 (50MP main, 12MP ultrawide and 10MP telephoto)
  • Galaxy S26 may run on Samsung’s own Exynos 2600 chip
  • Entire S26 series should ship with OneUI 8.5 and Android 16

Advertisement

Samsung Galaxy S26 release date and pricing rumours

At the time of writing, Samsung has yet to reveal when it plans to unveil the Galaxy S26 series. Of course, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a healthy amount of speculation surrounding the date.

Typically, Samsung tends to unveil its flagship S-series around the end of January or early February, at the annual Galaxy Unpacked event. However, many reputable leakers and Korean outlets claim that the S26 series will be unveiled slightly later this year, on the 25th of February, with the release sometime in March.

The delay is reportedly due to Samsung’s decision to forgo the Edge model and retain the Plus model instead – a decision that was apparently only made in the past few months.

Samsung Galaxy S25 EdgeSamsung Galaxy S25 Edge
It looks like we won’t see a Galaxy S26 Edge this year. Image Credit (Trusted Reviews)

Things aren’t quite as straightforward when it comes to pricing, however. Some believe Samsung has to increase the price of the Galaxy S26 amidst rapidly rising RAM costs industry-wide, with reports claiming that the S26 could launch at nearly €200 more than last year’s model in Sweden.

However, competing reports suggest that the S26 and S26 Plus will closely mirror the price of its predecessor in key markets like the UK, US and EU, despite an increase in base storage from 128- to 256GB.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Samsung Galaxy S26 design and screen rumours

Many rumours suggest that the Galaxy S26 will look similar to its predecessors. That said, according to Android Headlines, the S26 will be slightly larger than the S25 (149.5 x 71.6 x 7.24mm compared to 146.9 x 70.5 x 7.2mm), though the handset is likely to sport the same flat display and rounded corners.  

Reputable tipster, OnLeaks, has posted images of the Galaxy S26 alongside the Galaxy S26 Ultra on X – although remember nothing has been confirmed by Samsung yet.

https://twitter.com/OnLeaks/status/2005973943585497152

Advertisement

That familiar design aligns with leaked renders from Android Headlines, again showcasing a smartphone that looks a lot like last year’s Galaxy S25.

Samsung Galaxy S26 renderSamsung Galaxy S26 render
Image Credit (Android Headlines)

According to Korean publication The Elec, the Galaxy S26 is expected to sport a 6.27-inch display. We can expect the display to be fitted with similar technologies as the S25, including a 120Hz refresh rate and an AMOLED panel. 

Advertisement

While the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to sport a Privacy Display, a feature actively being teased by Samsung that aims to dim the screen at certain angles, it’s unclear whether the S26 will benefit from this too. Rumours suggest it’ll be Ultra-only, but we can hold out hope for the regular models.

There were also whispers about Samsung developing an iPhone-like Camera Capture button, complete with touch functionality, but given it hasn’t made an appearance on any leaked renders or real-world images, this feature might’ve been shelved.

Advertisement

Samsung Galaxy S26 camera rumours

If the rumours are to be believed, then we shouldn’t expect much of a change with the Galaxy S26’s camera. According to South Korean publication The Elec, via GSM Arena, the Galaxy S26 is expected to sport the exact same camera setup as the Galaxy S25, which was made up of a 50MP main, 10MP 3x telephoto and 12MP ultrawide. 

Samsung Galaxy S25 rear camerasSamsung Galaxy S25 rear cameras
Samsung Galaxy S25 rear cameras. Image Credit (Trusted Reviews)

Of course, at this stage, we don’t know how true this rumour is. Even so, it’s undoubtedly a pretty disappointing prospect. While we concluded that the S25 is capable of delivering great results, it feels as if the handset is starting to fall behind, especially compared to competitors. An upgrade here would be appreciated and, frankly, long overdue.

Apparently, according to the same report, Samsung planned to upgrade the S26’s cameras and would have subsequently listed the handset at a higher price. However, it’s thought that Apple’s release of the iPhone 17 at £/$799 made Samsung want to match this price point. 

Advertisement

Samsung Galaxy S26 performance and software rumours

One of the biggest questions surrounding the Galaxy S26 is regarding its chipset. While last year’s Samsung Galaxy S25 series ran on the same Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor, the year before was a different story.

Advertisement

Although US customers benefitted from Qualcomm’s top-end Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, regardless of which handset they chose, the rest of the world didn’t quite get this.

Instead, while the Galaxy S24 Ultra ran globally on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy processor, the S24 and S24 Plus were powered by Samsung’s own Exynos 2400. Although we rarely noticed a difference between the two in everyday use, benchmarking scores confirmed the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy was much more powerful.

Galaxy S25 Ultra - S24 Ultra togetherGalaxy S25 Ultra - S24 Ultra together
Galaxy S25 Ultra and Galaxy S24 Ultra. Image Credit (Trusted Reviews)

It looks as if the S26 is set to follow in the S24’s footsteps. While it seems likely that the Galaxy S26 Ultra should run on a custom version of Qualcomm’s 2026 flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, as backed up by leaked firmware, it’s thought that the S26 and S26 Plus will instead run on Samsung’s Exynos 2600 chipset. 

Although Samsung hasn’t confirmed whether the chip will power the S26 yet, the company explains that Exynos 2600 promises to offer “a major improvement in AI performance”, better gaming performance and pioneering heat management to help disperse heat more efficiently. 

Advertisement

Advertisement

However, leaked specs point towards a 10-core CPU with a peak core speed of 3.9GHz, putting it noticeably behind the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5’s 4.6GHz, and that could translate to dramatic differences in performance – in terms of benchmark testing, at least.

Otherwise, the entire Samsung Galaxy S26 collection is expected to ship with One UI 8.5 installed. OneUI 8.5 is said to include enhancements to Quick Share, introduce the customisable Quick Panel tool and offer better productivity features too.

OneUI 8.5 is currently available in beta for those in the UK, US, Germany, Korea, India and Poland who are signed up to the program.

At the time of writing, the beta program is only compatible with the Galaxy S25, S25 Plus and S25 Ultra, so it’s bad luck if you’re sporting the S25 FE or S25 Edge.

Advertisement

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Tech

The 5 Best Windshield Wipers, According To The Experts

Published

on





We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Ensuring that your vehicle is running efficiently and safely is a non-stop task that involves a veritable laundry list of vital tasks that automotive pros label as “routine maintenance.” That list, of course, includes things like regular oil and filter changes and tire inspections. But when it comes to ensuring your safety while driving in inclement weather, having quality windshield wipers is vital. After all, driving in such conditions with wipers that fail to remove rain, fog, and snow from your windshield is not only frustrating but also dangerous for you and every other driver on the road.

Even as important as it is to select the best wipers for your vehicle, the process of doing so can be particularly difficult, as there’s no shortage of options in the windshield wiper market. Cost and effectiveness will factor heavily in the decision-making process for most drivers. But those in the market for new wipers will also be looking to procure windshield wipers that are durable and easy to install. According to a few trusted automotive experts, these wipers should satisfy on all of those particular fronts. 

Advertisement

Rain-X Latitude 2-In-1 Water Repellent Wiper Blades

It seems fitting that we start this list with a windshield wiper blade that topped Car and Driver’s recent list of the best on the market. Not surprisingly, those wiper blades are made by one of the most prominent names in the market, Rain-X. If you’re familiar with the Rain-X brand, you know that limiting moisture is its primary focus. And according to Car and Driver, Rain-X’s Latitude Water Repellent blades are the best you can buy.

Advertisement

Just for the record, we also ranked the Rain-X brand high on our list of the best wiper blades. According to the Car and Driver rankings, the hydrophobic coating on the brand’s Latitude Water Repellent Wiper Blades — which is applied as they wipe — makes them particularly effective in repelling moisture from your windshield even while they’re not in action. Meanwhile, the blades themselves immediately improved visibility when subjected to Car and Driver’s testing. They were also deemed noticeably quiet when pressed into action, with Car and Driver further reporting zero streaking during use.

Car and Driver did, however, note that the blade’s locking clasp mechanism can make them difficult to remove and swap out. Nonetheless, the wipers are among the more budget-friendly listed, with Rain-X typically selling a two-pack on Amazon for $34 (depending on size). 

Advertisement

Bosch Icon

Folks who instead look to Road & Track for their automotive news might be quick to tell you that publication deemed a set made by Bosch may provide the best bang for your rain-removing buck. We should note, however, that Bosch’s Icon Beam Wiper Blades will actually cost you quite a bit more than the Rain-X option. The German company — who also makes well-regarded power tools — selling them for $54 a pair on Amazon.

We should, perhaps, also note that these blades are rated a little better than the Rain-X wipers by Amazon shoppers, who’ve rated them at 4.6 stars to the latter’s 4.3 stars. But since we’re focusing on the expert opinion here, we’ll keep the focus on Road & Track’s assessment of the Bosch blades. And according to that publication, the minimalist-designed Icon Beam Blades are well-made and easy to install.

Most importantly, Road & Track claims these blades are effective at combating the elements in inclement weather due to the design that fits them snugly onto the windshield. This ensures the blades are applying even, end-to-end pressure on the glass with each swipe back and forth. Road & Track notes that the design leaves little room for streaking even in heavier weather events and produces little to no juddering. Still, the publication also claims they may need a little extra attention in ice and snow.

Advertisement

PIAA Si-Tech Silicone

Those first two windshield wiper blades provide consumers in need with options that can be purchased at a reasonable-enough price point. But if money is not your primary point of concern when it comes to upgrading the wiper blades on your vehicle, Road & Track believes that PIAA’s Si-Tech Silicon Wiper Blades are well worth a look.

Advertisement

Make no mistake, these wiper blades are quite pricey, with PIAA currently listing the Si-Tech Silicone Wiper Blade at a per-blade rate of $45 through its Amazon storefront. But even at roughly $90 a pair (depending on car model), Road & Track claims they may be worth the investment. Not only does the publication say that the silicon design outperformed most of the rubber-based blades it tested in terms of streak-free wiping and noise production, but it also notes the aerodynamic, low-profile look makes them easy on the eyes. The design also makes them more resistant to airflow, ensuring steadier contact with the windshield when driving in the rain. 

As impressed as Road & Track was with the wiper blades, even that publication notes that the installation process is trickier than with most other brands tested. YouTuber Eddie M Cars seemingly backs up that claim in their own positive review. By most accounts, the silicon design may also make these pricey PIAA more resistant to wear and tear than your standard rubber build. That means they may, ultimately, save you a buck or two over budget brands that tend to require more frequent replacing.  

Advertisement

Aero Voyager

If you’re not willing to pony up for those fancy silicon PIAA wiper blades, Car and Driver would have you believe that the Aero Voyager is one of the better budget-conscious options you’ll find. That’s even more true of the Voyager, as the publication points out that this model actually comes with extra rubber refills in the box. That option essentially extends the lifetime of the wipers via an easy, money-saving replacement process. On top of that, the Aero Voyagers are being sold at a cost of just $17 for a pair on Amazon, making them the cheapest option on this list. But there is a cost to pay with that low sticker price, as Car and Driver claims that you may see some noticeable streaking even with a new pair of these wiper blades, particularly with drier wipes.

For the record, the auto experts at GearJunkie noted the same dry-wiping issue in its Best Wiper ranking, where the Aero Voyagers also took the Best Budget option crown. Apart from the dry wipe issue, both factions note that wipers still provide exceptional function at the price point and are far quieter than you might expect for a budget brand. They also state that the Voyagers are easy to install for most J-hook setups, with GearJunkie also noting that their Teflon coating increases both their wiping ability and their durability. At $17 for a pair, these are the sort of features that should intrigue anyone looking for new wiper blades.

Advertisement

AutoBoo Quiet Windshield Wiper Blades

We’d wager that most of you are already aware of the windshield wiper manufacturers we’ve already listed, as they are regular fixtures on the shelves of automotive and big box retailers. To that end, you’re likely not surprised to see their blades topping best of lists assembled by automotive experts. But we’d also wager that neither of those things is true when it comes to the AutoBoo brand, even as Road & Track recently deemed its Quiet Windshield Wiper blades the best value on the market. 

As far as pricing goes, the AutoBoo brand typically lists a pair of the Road & Track approved blades for just under $20 through Amazon. That price should be enticing enough for a pair of new wiper blades, particularly ones that are well-rated by automotive professionals and even garage-dwelling TikTokers like @life.full.of.mac

It should be noted that even positive reviewers claim that the AutoBoo wipers may not match up to blades from the more expensive major brands in terms of overall construction and extreme weather performance. But most reviews also claim that the blades feel like they consistently over-perform compared to other budget brands that cost more. Moreover, Road & Track deemed these blades very easy to install, claiming they went on with less effort than any other brand it tested. With that, they rated well in terms of noise and streak free operation in moderate weather tests.  

Advertisement

How we got here

The purpose of this article is to highlight a few of the windshield wipers on the market that have been deemed the best available by legitimate automotive experts. In assembling this list, we sought out reviews by trusted automotive sites like those cited above, and selected a few of the options they reviewed positively, accounting for additional factors like ease of installation and price point. Whenever appropriate, reviews from those auto professionals were cited directly to ensure accuracy.

Advertisement



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Tech

How Consultants Use AI to Enhance Salesforce Performance

Published

on

Artificial intelligence remains at the center of every business conversation. This year leading players in the IT space have unveiled major initiatives that are aimed at hastening the adoption of generative AI applications. These developments have led to the widespread interest among organizations willing to harness the power of AI for driving innovation, and revenue growth—both beyond, as well as the Salesforce ecosystem. As AI continues to reshape industries, organizations face the challenge of integrating it into their already existing systems. 

Over the years, Salesforce has invested significantly in AI through Einstein GPT and other generative AI features. These advancements have enabled businesses to transform their CRM into a smart and highly personalized platform. This is where the need for Salesforce consultants arises. These consultants assist businesses leverage the actual potential of AI through their technical capabilities and strategic approach.

What does the Integration of AI and Salesforce Hold for Organizations?

Salesforce AI besides automating tasks enables organizations to draw smart insights, predict future outcomes, and more. With tools such as generative AI and Einstein, organizations can scrutinize previous data, anticipate customer behavior, offer tailored suggestions, and much more.

  • Data Readiness: AI sustains on clear, precise and structured data. 
  • Integration complexity: Aligning AI with pre-existing systems and processes calls for careful planning. 
  • User adoption: Teams require training to develop trust in AI-driven insights. 
  • Customization: Prebuilt AI features mostly need to be tailored to suit the unique requirements of a business.

What are the Advantages of Partnering with one of the Best Salesforce Consulting Partner?

Enabling Smarter Sales with AI: One of the best way experts use AI is optimizing sales performance. This helps teams to work smarter rather than harder. By applying Einstein Lead Scoring, consultants enable sales reps to offer priority to high-value opportunities by assessing historical sales data and figuring out conversion patterns. AI predicts the chances of deal-closure and suggests next steps via opportunity insights. This provides sales reps with the clear visibility into channel health, as well as the ability to make data-oriented decisions. Furthermore, consultants also configure tailored recommendation engines that suggest upsell and cross-sell opportunities aligned with the client needs. This drives revenue growth and augments customer relationships.

Optimizing Customer Service: Customer service is an area where consultants unlock the utmost potential of AI. With customer expectations reaching an all-time high, AI-enabled service has become an actual distinguisher for organizations struggling to deliver seamless experiences. Within Salesforce Service Cloud, consultants implement Einstein Bots to manage routine queries. By creating, installing, and training these bots, they allow organizations to provide prompt responses while enabling human agents to focus on intricate cases. Consultants also deploy intelligent case routing, where AI, by default, assigns issues to the most suitable agent based on expertise, capacity, and urgency. This not just hastens resolution times but also ensures customers receive the right support from the start. Additionally, consultants also empower businesses to harness sentiment analysis, which assesses the emotion behind client interactions across multiple channels. These insights empower organizations to take hands-on action—resolving possible issues before they escalate. This helps uncover opportunities to fortify customer loyalty.

Advertisement

Generative AI for Optimizing Marketing: Generative AI for Optimizing Marketing: Marketing is another area where generative AI is transforming how businesses associate with their audiences. By integrating AI within Marketing Cloud, consultants enable companies to design campaigns that are data-driven, as well as intensely personalized at scale. By creating ad copies, social media posts and more, Generative AI boosts customer engagement. These outputs are fine-tuned by experts to ensure they align with the brand voice of a company besides following regulatory guidelines. AI also assesses customer data to recognize micro-segments with shared behaviors. This enables consultants to design campaigns that align with specific groups. They also utilize AI-powered journey builders to anticipate the best channel, effectiveness, and messaging for customer engagement. This ensures every interaction seems relevant. By configuring and testing these AI-driven journeys, consultants empower organizations to make the most of marketing ROI while creating experiences that fortify customer relationships.

AI Analytics for Driving Data-powered Decisions: One of the greatest potential of Salesforce AI is its ability to transform raw data into actionable intelligence. However, organizations fail to draw value from these capabilities in the absence of a right setup. By using predictive analytics, consultants create AI models that predict outcomes. This empowers them to make smart decisions. By creating dashboards that update in real time, they manage the reporting process. This decreases the load of reporting manually while offering an explicit picture of performance metrics. Additionally, consultants also configure tools for detecting anomaly. These tools identify irregular patterns such as unanticipated hike in service requests and more, which empower businesses to reply proactively and address potential issues before they intensify. 

Streamlining Operations: AI in Salesforce isn’t limited to service, sales and marketing. It plays a vital role in augmenting efficiency. By harnessing workflow automation, consultants can configure AI to manage repetitive tasks. This not only eliminates errors but also leaves teams with sufficient time to lay emphasis on strategic tasks. AI also enables smarter optimization of resources by assessing performance data to ensure effective allocation of resources.

Adoption and Change Management: Ensuring successful adoption and effective change management is just as important as implementing advanced AI features. Salesforce consultants emphasize on driving adoption through all-inclusive training and enablement programs. They also identify that introducing AI mostly involves cultural shifts, as employees may resist altering established routines or may face job dislodgment. To address this, consultants pave the way for structured change management initiatives designed to ease transitions and encourage acceptance. needs.

Advertisement

Final Words:

AI is no longer a future-ready concept, it has become a driver of competitive edge. For organizations leveraging Salesforce, the real challenge is not deciding whether to adopt AI but determining how to implement it effectively. As a reputed Salesforce implementation partner, Girikon serves as the critical link between technology and business outcomes to ensure that AI isn’t just installed but also integrated into day-to-day workflows, adopted by teams, and aligned with long-term goals. The result is a faster, and more customer-oriented organization. Businesses that align the power of Salesforce with AI along with the expertise of an appropriate implementation partner are well-positioned for success. 

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Tech

Car Alternator Gets Repurposed Into Hydroelectric Generator

Published

on

Car Alternator Hydroelectric Generator Rewind
A car alternator will normally charge a battery at 14 volts while the engine is operating. One inventive maker had an epiphany: the same technology might be adapted to do a lot more when connected to running water. John from FarmCraft101 wanted to try his hand at repurposing a conventional car alternator. He disassembled the stator and manually rewound each coil to boost the output to 200 volts, or more if possible. As a result, the technology now powers a piece of his workplace from a pond hundreds of feet away, cutting line losses that would otherwise kill a standard 12-volt system.



Most standard alternators have three-phase AC inside them, but before it is converted to DC, a rectifier inside the alternator is utilized, and a regulator maintains the voltage at a controlled level, roughly 14 volts. We are left with a bare three-phase generator with all other parts removed. The rotor stays as an electromagnet with all parts powered by a small DC supply. When the rotation starts, a current flows through the stator windings. In most alternators, thick wire with a small number of turns per coil is utilized to create a lot of current with low voltage, but John has chosen to use the opposite.


LEGO Technic 1966 Ford GT40 MKII Race Car Building Set for Adults – Collectible Toy W/Realistic Functions…
  • BUILD A RACING LEGEND – Relive motorsport history with the LEGO Technic 1966 Ford GT40 MKII Race Car model kit for adults ages 18 years old and up
  • REALISTIC FEATURES & FUNCTIONS – Steer using the knob on top, open the doors to explore the interior, lift the engine cover to reveal the V8 engine,…
  • AUTHENTIC 1966 DESIGN – This vintage race car model features iconic black and silver design inspired by the real Ford GT40 MKII champion car

He started with a cheap GM CS130 alternator, which he bought online for pennies. The disassembly was straightforward, but once he got to the stator, everything fell apart. The original windings were stuck in a thick layer of varnish and epoxy, and he put the stator in a toaster oven and used a paint remover to remove the original coils. After that, it was just a matter of prying and cutting them out, which took hours.

Car Alternator Hydroelectric Generator
The clean slots were then coated using Nomex paper strips to act as insulators. John then made new coils for each phase using wooden forms and 22-gauge copper wire coated with enamel. The new coils had 30 turns each, unlike the original coils, which had a constant 4 or 8 turns per coil. He made 12 coils per phase, and each phase had 36 slots. Additionally, he made the phases 120 degrees apart to ensure a complete balance in the three-phase current. To do this, he alternated the direction of the coils, causing the north and south poles of the rotor to induce the required current flow.

Once all the coils were installed inside the stator, he made sure to space them out in layers, held securely in place with small 3D printed PETG pieces that simply snap over the holes. Once all three phases were filled in, he connected them up in a star (wye) configuration to increase the line-to-line voltage output rather than trying to increase the current output to its fullest extent with a delta configuration. The reading of three ohms per phase confirmed that the lower gauge wire he had chosen would indeed sacrifice a little current for a lot more voltage.

Advertisement

Car Alternator Hydroelectric Generator
Reassembly restored the rotor brushes, at least for the time being, but he neglected the internal diodes and regulator, intending to compensate by utilizing an external bridge rectifier to convert the three-phase AC to DC. Bench experiments were conducted with an old drill and, later, a geared grinder to spin the shaft up to speed. When the drill got the shaft up to around 1500 RPM, the voltage was around 100 volts with the multimeter set to open circuit mode. Then, as he cranked it up to around 290 volts with the grinder, it became evident that it had a lot of potential. Adding a load of resistors to replicate real-world use, the device produced an astonishing 700 watts. Of course, the voltage sagged slightly under load, but even unloaded, it produced significantly more power than a typical alternator.

John hopes to get roughly 240 volts out of this contraption, which should be enough to power his hydro application as long as the pond turbine spins the alternator at a reasonable rate via the belts. He’ll definitely need to perform some pulley sizing to bring it up to a nice stable 3000 RPM for optimal power. Yes, more voltage implies lower current in the long run to the shop, so he can use thinner, cheaper wire and still transport the same power without wasting it on losses or sagging too far in the first place. He eventually intends to replace the magnetic rotor with neodymium permanent magnets, which will eliminate the need for brushes, excitation power, and other unnecessary complexity.
[Source]

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Tech

OpenClaw AI assistant suddenly under fire as hackers exploit skills and extensions to steal data from users everywhere

Published

on


  • OpenClaw skills execute locally, giving attackers direct access to sensitive files
  • Malicious crypto-themed skills rely on social engineering to trick unsuspecting users
  • Users running unverified commands increase exposure to ransomware and malicious scripts

OpenClaw, formerly known as Clawdbot and Moltbot, is an AI assistant designed to execute tasks on behalf of users.

Agent-style AI tools such as OpenClaw are increasingly popular for automating workflows and interacting with local systems, enabling users to run commands, access files, and manage processes more efficiently.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Tech

Nvidia’s $100 billion OpenAI deal has seemingly vanished

Published

on

A Wall Street Journal report on Friday said Nvidia insiders had expressed doubts about the transaction and that Huang had privately criticized what he described as a lack of discipline in OpenAI’s business approach. The Journal also reported that Huang had expressed concern about the competition OpenAI faces from Google and Anthropic. Huang called those claims “nonsense.”

Nvidia shares fell about 1.1 percent on Monday following the reports. Sarah Kunst, managing director at Cleo Capital, told CNBC that the back-and-forth was unusual. “One of the things I did notice about Jensen Huang is that there wasn’t a strong ‘It will be $100 billion.’ It was, ‘It will be big. It will be our biggest investment ever.’ And so I do think there are some question marks there.”

In September, Bryn Talkington, managing partner at Requisite Capital Management, noted the circular nature of such investments to CNBC. “Nvidia invests $100 billion in OpenAI, which then OpenAI turns back and gives it back to Nvidia,” Talkington said. “I feel like this is going to be very virtuous for Jensen.”

Tech critic Ed Zitron has been critical of Nvidia’s circular investments for some time, which touch dozens of tech companies, including major players and startups. They are also all Nvidia customers.

Advertisement

“NVIDIA seeds companies and gives them the guaranteed contracts necessary to raise debt to buy GPUs from NVIDIA,” Zitron wrote on Bluesky last September, “Even though these companies are horribly unprofitable and will eventually die from a lack of any real demand.”

Chips from other places

Outside of sourcing GPUs from Nvidia, OpenAI has reportedly discussed working with startups Cerebras and Groq, both of which build chips designed to reduce inference latency. But in December, Nvidia struck a $20 billion licensing deal with Groq, which Reuters sources say ended OpenAI’s talks with Groq. Nvidia hired Groq’s founder and CEO Jonathan Ross along with other senior leaders as part of the arrangement.

In January, OpenAI announced a $10 billion deal with Cerebras instead, adding 750 megawatts of computing capacity for faster inference through 2028. Sachin Katti, who joined OpenAI from Intel in November to lead compute infrastructure, said the partnership adds “a dedicated low-latency inference solution” to OpenAI’s platform.

But OpenAI has clearly been hedging its bets. Beyond the Cerebras deal, the company struck an agreement with AMD in October for six gigawatts of GPUs and announced plans with Broadcom to develop a custom AI chip to wean itself off of Nvidia dependence. When those chips will be ready, however, is currently unknown.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Tech

AEKE K1 is a smart home gym that evolves with your family

Published

on

Let’s be honest: trying to get an entire household to agree on a fitness routine is usually a recipe for disaster. It often feels like trying to solve a puzzle where the pieces keep changing shape. You have adults balancing the stress of work and the exhaustion of parenting, kids who are glued to their screens, and grandparents who need something gentle but effective. Everyone has a different schedule, a different body type, and a drastically different idea of what “fun” looks like.

For years, the “home gym” solution to this problem was to buy a treadmill that eventually turned into an expensive clothes hanger, or a set of dumbbells that gathered dust in the corner because only one person knew how to use them properly. Most equipment is built for a solitary user with a specific goal, not a chaotic, multi-generational family.

This is exactly where the AEKE K1 Smart Home Gym is trying to change the narrative. It isn’t just another piece of heavy metal to stub your toe on; it is designed to be a chameleon that adapts to whoever is standing in front of it.

The “Brain” Behind the Brawn

At first glance, the K1 looks like a sleek mirror or a piece of modern tech, but the real magic is what is happening inside. It ditches the clunky iron plates for AI-controlled digital resistance. This is a game-changer for a shared space. It means the machine can generate up to 220 pounds of resistance for a heavy strength session, but instantly dial it back for a mobility workout, all without anyone having to manually move a pin or swap a weight.

Advertisement

The system uses what they call a “6D fitness analysis,” which sounds technical, but in practice, it acts like a vigilant spotter. It watches your movement in real-time. If your form gets sloppy during a squat, it knows. If you are favoring one side, it catches it. This allows it to offer corrections instantly, which is crucial when you don’t have a human trainer in the room to stop you from hurting yourself.

A Gym That Knows You

The biggest friction point in family fitness is setup time. Nobody wants to spend ten minutes adjusting seat heights and weight stacks. The K1 solves this with individual user profiles. When you step up, it remembers you. It knows that you are working on hypertrophy, and it knows that your partner is focused on cardio. It switches modes instantly, so a teenager can jump on for a quick 15-minute game after school, and a parent can do a serious lift after dinner, with zero reconfiguration required.

Turning Sweat into Play

Speaking of teenagers, the K1 pulls a clever trick to get people moving: it gamifies the experience. Staring at a wall while lifting weights is boring. Staring at a vibrant 43-inch 4K screen while chasing high scores in a fitness game is actually fun.

By blending movement with entertainment, it stops exercise from feeling like a chore. The built-in sound system immerses you in the experience, whether that is a high-energy game for the kids or a guided session for the adults. It turns the “fitness corner” into a place people actually want to hang out.

Safety and Practicality

For a family device, safety is non-negotiable. Because the weight is digital, the K1 can instantly cut the resistance if it detects you are struggling or in danger. It’s a safety net that iron weights simply can’t offer. Plus, it respects your living space. When you are done, it folds down to take up barely any room – about 0.3 square meters – blending back into your home decor rather than dominating it.

Advertisement

Perhaps the most refreshing part? It breaks the modern trend of endless subscriptions. The K1 offers a lifetime experience without the monthly fees that usually plague smart fitness gear. It’s a solution designed for the reality of modern homes: flexible, safe, engaging, and genuinely built for everyone.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Tech

I’ve Tried Dozens of Cordless Vacuums — Dyson’s PencilVac Is the Sleekest Yet

Published

on

Cordless vacuums are lighter than upright or corded vacuums but still have heavyweight cleaning power. Some of the best cordless vacuums I’ve tested come from Dyson. The company features prominently on our list of the best cordless vacuums, earning spots for dust-busting and wet-dry mopping, even though its models tend to be on the pricier side. 

Dyson’s new PencilVac, now available for sale in the US, is different. As the name suggests, the PencilVac is shaped a lot like a pencil. It felt more like holding a broom than a vacuum. It’s also the lightest and thinnest cordless vacuum I’ve ever used, measuring just 38 millimeters in diameter and weighing less than 4 pounds (1.8 kilograms). The entire motor (a Hyperdymium 140k motor) is somehow small enough to fit into the handle, which isn’t any bigger than the rest of the vacuum. 

Advertisement
A person holds up the handle of the Dyson PencilVac to show how narrow it is.

The PencilVac is just 38mm in diameter, including the motor that fits the handle.

Ajay Kumar

While cordless vacuums are easier to maneuver than corded ones, they can be notably top-heavy, with some as heavy as 12 pounds, and even the lighter ones usually weigh around 6 or 7 pounds. 

Watch this: I Spoke with James Dyson About Product Design and the Lightest and Thinnest Vacuum on the Market

Key specs: 

Advertisement
  • 38mm diameter and weighs less than 4 pounds (1.8kg) 
  • Four conical Fluffycones cleaner heads that can detangle long hair 
  • Dyson Hyperdymium 140k motor, 34% more power dense with 55 air watts of suction 
  • A dust separation system can capture 99.99% of particles as small as 0.3 microns 
  • Dust compression system to compress dust in a 0.08-liter dustbin
  • Connects to the MyDyson app to monitor battery and filter maintenance 
  • Dust illuminating green LEDs on both sides 
  • 60-minute replaceable battery pack 
  • Magnetic charging dock with tool storage
A close-up of the vacuum working shows LED lights on both the front and back of the vacuum.

Dual green LED lights help you find dust.

Ajay Kumar

Using the PencilVac

Swiping the brush head rollers around the wood floor in Dyson’s showroom took minimal effort, and part of that comes from the brush head design. Rather than the standard single or dual brush roller, the PencilVac has four conical brush bars (in an array of two on each side). They’re designed to eject hair as it’s picked up and prevent it from wrapping around and tangling the brush bars. The front bar rotates in one direction while the rear ones rotate in the opposite direction, in theory making cleaning more comprehensive.

A close-up of a a person standing behind the vacuum.

The PencilVac has four rollers on its brush head.

Advertisement

Ajay Kumar

The dustbin fills up quickly, but it’s easy to empty 

I briefly used the vacuum in Dyson’s showroom to clean up biscuit crumbs from the floor. The green LED lights are a feature you’ll find on the Dyson V15 Detect as well, and they make it easy to see dust and other debris. The mess was clean in a few swipes, with the dustbin successfully compacting the crumbs into a tightly packed mass. It was fascinating to see all the dirt collecting right at the top of the dustbin. Dyson claims that despite only having a 0.08-liter capacity, the new dustbin design can pack five times the dust and debris into the same space. 

A close-up of the very small and narrow dust collection container on the Dyson PencilVac.

The dust gets compacted into a tightly packed mass, saving you space.

Ajay Kumar

That might be true, but I noticed that the dustbin filled up quickly and required immediate emptying between each demonstration. For reference, the average size of a dustbin on a cordless vacuum is usually between 0.5 liters on the small end and as much as one liter on the bigger end. 

Advertisement

I just don’t see the PencilVac being a main vacuum for people in big households with pets and kids, though it can make a nice supplement to a more mainstream vacuum since it’s so light and easy to use. 

Eject the vacuum like a syringe 

A close-up shows the vacuuming being emptied over a trash can.

Emptying the PencilVac ejects the dust and debris like a plunger or syringe.

Ajay Kumar

On the plus side, emptying the dustbin is easy with a unique plunger-style ejection system that allows you to eject dust directly into the trash without needing to shake out or tap the dustbin. A few tools are included, like the combi-crevice and conical hair screw tool, and may lend it more to light cleaning tasks, by helping you get into tight spaces and awkward gaps and pull out hair from carpets, sofas and mattresses. 

Advertisement

The PencilVac comes with a magnetic charging dock, but unlike some competitors like the Shark Clean & Empty, it won’t self-empty. This is also Dyson’s first connected vacuum, allowing you to pair it with the MyDyson app to monitor things like battery life and filter maintenance. 

A close-up of the rollers being ejected from the Dyson PencilVac.

The rollers are designed to eject hair to avoid tangling.

Ajay Kumar

Price and availability 

The Dyson PencilVac is available in the US via Dyson for $599. The price makes it less expensive than the top-tier models of Dyson’s lineup, like the $850 Dyson V15 Detect Absolute and $1,150 Gen5 Outsize (at full price), but more costly than many of our top picks for cordless vacuums like the $180 Eureka ReactiSense 440. I’m looking forward to testing it in our Louisville lab to see how it compares to other thin and lightweight options as well as beefier models in cleaning performance.  

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Tech

The superb Dreame L10s Ultra robovac is back to its lowest price of AU$429, matching Black Friday

Published

on

The Dreame L10s Ultra robot vacuum and mop has been discounted to match the all-time low price of AU$429 that we saw from Black Friday 2025.

While the advertised RRP on Amazon is AU$1,199, the L10s Ultra was originally priced at AU$2,588 when it launched in 2022. But thanks to new iterations of this robovac coming out in quick succession (the latest Gen 3 model was released in October 2025), the L10s Ultra is now selling for a fraction of that original price.

In our Dreame L10s Ultra review, the robovac impressed with its AI obstacle avoidance capability and ability to detect changes in floor type and switch cleaning modes from carpet to hard flooring automatically. It also doesn’t need to map the space it will be cleaning beforehand, navigating a home on its own without issues.

The self-emptying capabilities were praised, as well as the ability to control the robovac remotely while it’s in standby mode. Our reviewer added that the companion app was easy-to use, where you can view cleaning history, set scheduled cleanups, tweak the carpet cleaning settings and see the accessory use, among other useful features.

Advertisement

Gen 3 model mentioned above has also been discounted, and boasts 25,000 Pa units compared to the Gen 1’s 5,300 Pa. That said, it will still cost you twice as much as the L10s Ultra at AU$1,049.50, even with the 50% discount applied at checkout.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Tech

Technologies That Drive Operational Efficiency

Published

on

Running a business means juggling countless moving parts while trying to stay ahead of the competition. You know that feeling when manual processes eat up your day, communication breaks down between teams, and you’re constantly putting out fires instead of focusing on growth. The good news is that modern technology has solutions that can transform these daily headaches into streamlined operations.

Let’s explore how specific technologies can drive operational efficiency and revolutionize the way you run your business, turning chaos into competitive advantage.

Cloud Computing: Your Data Liberation Story

Remember the days when accessing important files meant being chained to your office computer? You’d arrive early, stay late, and still feel like you were missing critical information when working remotely. Server crashes could bring your entire operation to a halt, and your IT costs seemed to climb every month.

Cloud computing changes this narrative completely. Your team can access files, applications, and data from anywhere with an Internet connection. Collaboration happens in real time, whether your employees are in the office, working from home, or traveling. When your systems live in the cloud, automatic backups protect your data, and you only pay for the resources you actually use.

Advertisement

All you have to do is choose the right cloud provider and migration strategy. Start by identifying which applications and data would benefit most from cloud access, then work with a trusted provider to create a migration plan that minimizes disruption to your operations.

Artificial Intelligence: From Guesswork to Precision

Decision-making used to rely heavily on gut instinct and incomplete information. You’d spend hours analyzing spreadsheets, trying to spot trends, and making educated guesses about inventory needs, customer behavior, and market opportunities. Important insights often remained hidden in your data, and by the time you discovered them, competitors had already moved ahead.

Nowadays, there are hundreds of technologies and devices built precisely to streamline and improve decision-making, but few are as powerful and accessible as artificial intelligence. AI uses machine learning algorithms to analyze patterns in your data that your eyes could miss, predict customer needs before they express them, and automate routine decisions that once consumed hours of your time. Your inventory management becomes precise, customer service becomes proactive, and marketing campaigns target the right people at the right moment.

Making this transformation requires starting small and scaling up. Identify one specific business challenge where AI could make an immediate impact—perhaps customer service chatbots or predictive maintenance—and build from there.

Advertisement

Internet of Things (IoT): Turning Equipment Into Intelligence

Do you have equipment that is silent until something goes wrong? Maybe your machines break down without warning, causing costly downtime and emergency repairs. Or maybe you discover problems only after they’d already damaged productivity, frustrated customers, or created safety hazards. Perhaps your maintenance schedules are based on calendar dates rather than actual equipment conditions.

IoT sensors change everything by giving your equipment a voice. These smart devices monitor temperature, vibration, performance metrics, and wear patterns continuously. They alert you to potential problems before they become failures, optimize energy usage automatically, and provide data that helps you make informed decisions about replacements and upgrades.

The path to IoT implementation starts with identifying your most critical equipment and processes. Install sensors on machines that cause the biggest disruption when they fail, then expand your network as you see results and build confidence in the technology.

Robotic Process Automation (RPA): Your Digital Workforce

Repetitive tasks can drain your team’s energy and creativity. Employees spend countless hours on data entry, invoice processing, report generation, and other routine activities that add little value but consume significant time. These manual processes are prone to errors, create bottlenecks, and prevent your people from focusing on strategic work that drives growth.

Advertisement

RPA creates a digital workforce that handles these routine tasks with perfect accuracy and unlimited stamina. Software robots can process invoices, update databases, generate reports, and handle customer inquiries around the clock. Your employees then become free to focus on creativity, problem-solving, and building relationships that truly matter to your business.

Implementing RPA starts with documenting your current processes and identifying the most repetitive, rule-based tasks. Begin with one straightforward process, perfect the automation, then expand to other areas where digital workers can create value.

Advanced Security Systems: From Reactive to Proactive Protection

Security used to be not much more than a door lock and a key. Business owners used to have to hope that nothing bad would happen when they left for the night. Nowadays, physical security has made huge advancements in hardware that make it harder than ever for intruders to gain access. You probably have at least durable deadbolts on your physical business, but that’s not a foolproof strategy. You might still worry about unauthorized access to physical locations and wonder if your digital systems are truly protected.

Technology has filled in the security gaps that hardware can’t fill. Modern security systems create a proactive shield around your operations. For example, you can choose from different types of access control cards to integrate the intelligence of software with the physical benefits of locked hardware. You can also install smart cameras with facial recognition and AI-powered threat detection that work together to identify and respond to security issues before they escalate. These systems learn normal patterns and immediately flag anything unusual, giving you peace of mind and protecting your assets 24/7.

Advertisement

Building comprehensive security starts with assessing your current vulnerabilities across both physical and digital assets. Work with security professionals to design integrated systems that protect your specific business needs without creating barriers for legitimate users.

Making Technology Work for Your Business

You’re fortunate enough to own a business in an age that gives you access to hundreds of technologies that drive operational efficiency. This blog has covered only a few. The key to leveraging these technologies lies in understanding that they’re tools designed to solve specific business problems, not flashy additions to impress others. Start by identifying your biggest operational pain points, then explore which technologies offer the most practical solutions.

Success comes from taking a measured approach. Choose one technology that addresses your most pressing challenge, implement it thoroughly, and measure the results before moving to the next innovation. This strategy builds confidence in your team, demonstrates clear value to stakeholders, and creates a foundation for continued technological advancement.

Act as if your competitors are already exploring these possibilities (because they probably are). The question isn’t whether technology will transform business operations—it’s whether you’ll lead that transformation or be forced to catch up later. 

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Tech

Google Home Finally Adds Support For Buttons

Published

on

An anonymous reader shares a report: Google Home users, your long nightmare is over. The platform has finally added support for buttons. The release notes for a February 2 update state that several new starter conditions for automations are now available, including “Switch or button pressed.”

Smart buttons are physical, programmable switches that you can press to trigger automations or control devices in your smart home, such as turning lights on or off, opening and closing shades, running a Good Night scene, or starting a robot vacuum. A great alternative to voice and app control when you want to control multiple devices, smart buttons are often wireless and generally have several ways to press them: single press, double press, and long press, meaning one button can do multiple things.

Source link

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025