The U.S. Navy has a lot of different types of warships, and while its aircraft carriers, destroyers, and different types of submarines are well known, they’re hardly the only vessels in service. In addition to the better-known ships, the Navy also operates minesweepers, or as they’re technically known, “mine countermeasure ships” (MCMs). As the name implies, these are ships designed specifically to clear naval mines from critical waterways, and they’ve been around for a long time.
As of writing, the Navy operates four Avenger-class MCMs, having retired the remaining ten of its 14-ship fleet. These vessels entered service in the 1980s and were used during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. As of early 2026, the remaining four Avenger-class ships are forward-deployed in Japan, though an additional four had remained in operation in the Persian Gulf until they were decommissioned late the previous year: The USS Devastator, USS Dextrous, USS Gladiator, and the USS Sentry. In January 2026, the Navy contracted a heavy lift vessel to carry these ships out of the area, removing them from the Middle East entirely.
There are several reasons for this move, but chief among them is the age of the Avenger-class and the fact that they’ve been replaced with highly complex Independence-class Littoral Combat Ships. Mine-clearing is still a vital function of U.S. Navy operations, but time in service for the Avenger-class has largely come to an end. Removing them from the Persian Gulf was in accordance with U.S. Navy force transition efforts, and it required a great deal of planning and support to finalize their departure. All four are set to be dismantled and scrapped.
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How Avenger and Independence-class ships compare
U.S. Navy/Wikimedia Commons
The U.S. Navy began operating its fleet of 19 Independence-class Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) in 2010. The vessels are designed for high-speed operation in the littoral zone (close to the shore). They feature an angular trimaran (three-hulled) design, can reach speeds of up to 52 mph, and are capable of carrying out numerous operations, including chasing down pirates. In terms of mine-clearing, Independence-class ships are modular and carry a variety of systems, including a mine countermeasure module. Others include anti-submarine warfare and surface warfare modules.
LCS mine countermeasures utilize aviation and uncrewed surface and underwater vehicles with an assortment of sensors. These work in tandem to detect and neutralize a variety of mines in the littoral environment and are deployed outside of the area of the ship, keeping it safe from potential mines; working together, they can isolate beach and buried mines along the shore. For comparison, Avenger-class ships have a top speed of around 16 mph and operate a remote mine countermeasure system with a remotely operated vehicle. These worked together to find, classify, and neutralize a variety of mines.
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While capable, Avenger-class ships had limited operability in littoral zones and couldn’t detect the same variety of mines as Independence-class vessels. The older MCMs were also considerably smaller and constructed of wood and fiberglass, while Independence-class vessels are composed primarily of aluminum. The newer class of ships utilizes a technologically superior mine countermeasure system that has been updated significantly since its introduction, ensuring mission operability improves as the US Navy’s LCS fleet continues to fulfill its many duties around the world.
2026 is set to be a huge year for Valve, as the brand behind Steam and the brilliant Steam Deck is set to launch exciting new additions to its hardware line-up.
There’s the Steam Machine, Steam Controller and, notably, the Steam Frame which is Valve’s first foray into VR headsets. Although Valve is yet to reveal how much the Steam Frame will cost, nor when we’ll be able to get our hands on the headset, its specs have been revealed.
Keep reading to learn more about the upcoming Steam Frame, including its rumoured price and release date to its confirmed tech specs. Make sure you also visit our list of the best game consoles to enhance your gaming set-up.
Last updated: February 10th 2026 with updates from Valve on pricing and launch date
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Steam Frame at a Glance
Set to launch within the first half of 2026
Exact launch date and pricing is still yet to be determined by Valve
Delayed announcements blamed on RAM prices and shortages crisis
Wireless VR headset
Available in two sizes: 256GB and 1TB
Runs on 2024’s mobile flagship processor, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
Eye-tracking technology
Powered by SteamOS
Comes equipped with dual controllers for playing non-VR games
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Steam Frame price rumours
Despite announcing the hardware back in November 2025, Valve has still not disclosed how much the Steam Frame, nor any of the upcoming devices, will cost. However, Valve has now addressed this in a recent statement (February 4th) and, as predicted, the ongoing memory shortages are to blame for the lack of information.
Essentially, Valve said that due to the limited availability and rising prices of critical components, the brand needs to “revisit [its] exact shipping schedule and pricing”. So, while Valve had originally expected to have revealed the price and launch date by now, the crisis has delayed this. This perhaps isn’t surprising, as RAM prices have been dominating headlines for the past few weeks, and the lack of update from Valve was starting to raise eyebrows.
It’s worth noting that Valve hasn’t explicitly stated that it needs to increase the price of any upcoming Steam hardware, although of course we didn’t know for sure what the RRP was going to be in the first place. While it’s unavoidable that the Steam Frame will cost more than we hoped, this does remain unconfirmed.
Steam Frame and controllers. Image Credit (Valve)
If you’ve been keeping track of the rumours surrounding the Steam Frame, then you’ll likely have seen that listings for the VR headset and the Steam Machine were discovered on a Czech online retailer, Smarty. While there wasn’t any price on the listing, internet sleuths inspected the site and found prices within its code. Seriously.
As reported by The Mysticle’s YouTube, the Steam Frame was listed for 17900 CZK (256GB) and 21990 CZK (1TB). That roughly converts to around $860 and $1060. Of course, we don’t know whether that was an accurate price in the first place and we definitely don’t know whether the price would remain the same now that Valve has publicly addressed its delayed pricing reveal and need to address the price again.
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Essentially, we’ll simply have to just wait for Valve to determine the pricing strategy and reveal it to us.
Steam Frame release date rumours
When Valve originally unveiled the Steam Frame, the brand said we would expect the new launches in “early 2026”. However, since that initial announcement, there’s been speculation that the ongoing RAM price crisis would delay the hardware. While this was mostly internet rumours, Valve has recently confirmed it did indeed have to revisit its shipping strategy, alongside the price too.
While Valve has stated that the “goal of shipping all three products [Steam Frame, Steam Machine and Steam Controller] in the first half of the year has not changed”, the brand says that it needs to try to land on concrete pricing and launch dates, although this is difficult as the circumstances surrounding both can change so quickly.
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We appreciate Valve providing this update, but for now it seems we’re no closer to knowing when we can expect the long awaited Steam hardware.
Steam Frame specs
Sure, both the release date and price for the Steam Frame are still at large, but Valve has unveiled all the specs for the upcoming VR headset. While Valve has been careful to caveat that some of the specifications are subject to change ahead of availability, the initial specs are undoubtedly exciting.
First and foremost, the Steam Frame is a PC and runs SteamOS powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 mobile processor. That means it’s the first of its kind that can handle the entire Steam Library, allowing you to play both VR and non-VR games without needing to connect to your PC.
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Essentially, the headset uses a 6GHz wireless adapter for streaming and dual radios: one for audio and visual streaming and another for connecting to your Wi-Fi.
Plus, the Steam Frame comes equipped with dual controllers which are fitted with all the familiar inputs you need for non-VR games, such as the D-Pad, ABXY, thumbsticks and more. Speaking of the thumbsticks, they’re the same found in the upcoming Steam Controller and are magnetic for improved feel and responsiveness.
The Steam Frame also introduces Foveated Streaming which Valve explains that foveate streaming uses eye tracking data so that the PC only streams high resolution data in the area you’re looking at. As it’s a system-level feature, it applies to all games. The headset also uses eye tracking to ensure the best quality pixels are saved for only where you’re looking, which should theoretically help the Steam Frame run more efficiently too. Even so, it’s worth noting each panel is a 2160 x 2160 LCD too.
Technical specifications aside, the Steam Frame promises to be easy to use with no set-up required. Valve explains the Steam Frame is equipped with four high-res cameras that provide both controller and headset tracking, with infrared LEDs to track in dark environments too.
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Finally, if you’re a glasses wearer then you might be wondering whether it’s possible to don the Steam Frame while wearing glasses. Valve has stated that your ability to comfortably wear glasses while the Steam Frame will depend on the width of the frames. However, Valve has teased that it’s “looking into making prescription lens inserts available ahead of launch”, although that’s all the information we have on that.
The door sensor in its new enclosures. (Credit: Dillan Stock)
A common sight in ‘smart homes’, door sensors allow you to detect whether a door is closed or open, enabling the triggering of specific events. Unfortunately, most solutions for these sensors are relatively bulky and hard to miss, making them a bit of a eyesore. This was the case for [Dillan Stock] as well, who decided that he could definitely have a smart home, yet not have warts sticking out on every single doorframe and door. There’s also a video version of the linked blog post.
These door sensors tend to be very simple devices, usually just a magnet and a reed relay, the latter signaling a status change to the wireless transmitter or transceiver. Although [Dillan] had come across recessed door sensors before, like a Z-wave-based unit from Aeotec, this was a very poorly designed product with serious reliability issues.
That’s when [Dillan] realized that he could simply take the PCB from one of the Aqara T1 door sensors that he already had and stuff them into a similar 20 mm diameter form factor as that dodgy sensor unit. Basically this just stuffs the magnet and PCB from an existing wart-style sensor into a recessed form factor, making it a very straightforward hack, that only requires printing the housings for the Aqara T1 sensor and some intimate time between the door and a drill.
Apple has acknowledged that users may be encountering issues with iCloud services, Photos sync, or an outright outage with Find My on Tuesday afternoon.
Another services outage has affected users
Everything you do on an iPhone touches some kind of service, which can experience an outage from time to time. If you noticed that a file just won’t sync, or you can’t see your friend’s location, it’s because of an ongoing issue. According to Apple’s System Status page, various iCloud services began facing issues around 2:02 p.m. ET and Find My saw a full outage that began at 3:04 p.m. ET. Users attempting to utilize those features could encounter errors or endless loading. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Discord is relying on algorithmic data analysis and third-party vendors to handle age verification, but it has clarified that not everyone will be met with explicit age checks.
Everyone is treated as a child on Discord until they try to access adult content
The latest update from Discord’s safety team seems to be a big step back from its earlier promise, though not much has actually changed. The controversial move will have everyone’s account set to teen by default, and while some will need to do age verification via face or ID scan, not everyone will. This “clarification” was issued after mass pushback about the moderation changes taking place on the social platform. Discord says it has used this system in the UK and Australia since the end of 2025 and is now rolling it out globally to meet regulatory requirements for online services. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
A team at the University of California, San Diego has redesigned how RRAM operates in an effort to accelerate the execution of neural network models. According to UCSD electrical engineer Duygu Kuzum, the approach could eventually enable a new class of local AI applications, assuming the technology’s remaining challenges can… Read Entire Article Source link
Google Search can make information easy to find, but it can also make your personal data surface in ways that feel invasive or even dangerous. This is why Google is rolling out new tools that give people more control over what shows up about them online.
The company says it is expanding its Search removal features to make it simpler to take down sensitive personal information and explicit images that never should have been public in the first place.
How to remove personal information from Search
Google’s “Results about you hub” can now help you find and remove search results that contain sensitive government-issued identification numbers. This includes things like passport numbers, driver’s license numbers, and other official ID info that could be misused if they appear online.
Google
To use this feature, you sign in to your Google account and select ‘Results about you,’ where you can fill out the information you want to track. Google will proactively scan Search for results that match your personal information and alert you if it finds something.
From there, you can review each result and request removal directly within the tool. You can also manually submit a removal request if you come across sensitive information yourself. Google says it will review these requests and remove results that violate its policies.
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How to remove explicit images from Search
Google
Google is also simplifying the process for removing explicit images, especially those shared without consent. You can now request the removal of explicit images more easily, including submitting multiple images at once rather than filing separate requests.
Once an image is removed, Google will also offer an option to proactively filter out similar explicit images from future Search results, to prevent similar content from resurfacing.
Google
You can now track all your removal requests in one place through the Results about you hub, with email updates to keep you informed whenever the status changes.
Google also points out that removing information from Search does not erase it from the internet altogether, but it can still go a long way in protecting your privacy.
The update also comes as Google shuts down its dark web reports, which previously alerted users when their name, phone number, or email surfaced online in a data breach.
Google says those alerts did not always help people take meaningful action, something the new removal tools are designed to address.
Microsoft has released the Windows 10 KB5075912 extended security update to fix February 2026 Patch Tuesday vulnerabilities, including six zero-days, and continue rolling out replacements for expiring Secure Boot certificates.
If you are running Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC or are enrolled in the ESU program, you can install this update like normal by going into Settings, clicking on Windows Update, and manually performing a ‘Check for Updates.’
Windows 10 KB5075912 update Source: BleepingComputer
After installing this update, Windows 10 will be updated to build 19045.6937, and Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 will be updated to build 19044.6937.
What’s new in Windows 10 KB5075912
Microsoft is no longer releasing new features for Windows 10, and the KB5075912 update contains only security fixes and bug fixes introduced by previous security updates.
With today’s February 2026 Patch Tuesday, Microsoft has fixed 58 vulnerabilities, including six actively exploited zero-day flaws.
[Fonts] This update includes changes to Chinese fonts to meet GB18030-2022A compliance.
[OS Security (known issue)] Fixed: After installing the Windows security update released on or after January 13, 2026, some Secure Launch-capable PCs with Virtual Secure Mode (VSM) enabled are unable to shut down or enter hibernation. Instead, the device restarts.
[Folders] Fixed: This update fixes an issue that affects folder renaming with desktop.ini files in File Explorer. The LocalizedResourceName setting was ignored, so custom folder names did not show. Now, custom folder names appear as expected.
[Graphics] Fixed: A stability issue affecting certain graphics processing units (GPUs) configurations.
[Secure Boot] With this update, Windows quality updates include a broad set of targeting data that identifies devices and their ability to receive new Secure Boot certificates. Devices will receive the new certificates only after they show sufficient successful update signals, which helps ensure a safe and phased rollout.
Since June 2025, Microsoft has warned that multiple Windows Secure Boot certificates from 2011 are expiring in June 2026, and warned that if they are not updated, it would breach Secure Boot protections.
These certificates are used to validate Windows boot components, third-party bootloaders, and Secure Boot revocation updates, and if expired, could allow threat actors to bypass security protections.
Microsoft states that there are no known issues with this update.
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Modern IT infrastructure moves faster than manual workflows can handle.
In this new Tines guide, learn how your team can reduce hidden manual delays, improve reliability through automated response, and build and scale intelligent workflows on top of tools you already use.
A newly documented Linux botnet named SSHStalker is using the IRC (Internet Relay Chat) communication protocol for command-and-control (C2) operations.
The protocol was invented in 1988, and its adoption peaked during the 1990s, becoming the main text-based instant messaging solution for group and private communication.
Technical communities still appreciate it for its implementation simplicity, interoperability, low bandwidth requirements, and no need for a GUI.
The SSHStalker botnet relies on classic IRC mechanics such as multiple C-based bots and multi-server/channel redundancy instead of modern C2 frameworks, prioritizing resilience, scale, and low cost over stealth and technical novelty.
According to researchers at threat intelligence company Flare, this approach extends to other characteristics of SSHStalker’s operation, like using noisy SSH scans, one-minute cron jobs, and a large back-catalog of 15-year old CVEs.
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“What we actually found was a loud, stitched-together botnet kit that mixes old-school IRC control, compiling binaries on hosts, mass SSH compromise, and cron-based persistence. In other words scale-first operation that favors reliability over stealth,” Flare says.
The ‘infected machines’ IRC channel Source: Flare
SSHStalker achieves initial access through automated SSH scanning and brute forcing, using a Go binary that masquerades as the popular open-source network discovery utility nmap.
Compromised hosts are then used to scan for additional SSH targets, which resembles a worm-like propagation mechanism for the botnet.
Flare found a file with results from nearly 7,000 bot scans, all from January, and focused mostly on cloud hosting providers in Oracle Cloud infrastructure.
Once SSHStalker infects a host, it downloads the GCC tool for compiling payloads on the victim device for better portability and evasion.
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The first payloads are C-based IRC bots with hard-coded C2 servers and channels, which enroll the new victim in the botnet’s IRC infrastructure.
Next, the malware fetches archives named GS and bootbou, which contain bot variants for orchestration and execution sequencing.
Persistence is achieved via cron jobs that run every 60 seconds, invoking a watchdog-style update mechanism that checks whether the main bot process is running and relaunches it if it is terminated.
The botnet also contains exploits for 16 CVEs targeting Linux kernel versions from the 2009-2010 era. This is used to escalate privileges after the earlier brute-forcing step grants access to a low-privileged user.
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Attack chain overview Source: Flare
Regarding monetization, Flare noticed that the botnet performs AWS key harvesting and website scanning. It also includes cryptomining kits such as the high-performance Ethereum miner PhoenixMiner.
Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) capabilities are also present, though the researchers noted they have not yet observed any such attacks. In fact, SSHStalker’s bots currently just connect to the C2 and then enter an idle state, suggesting testing or access hoarding for now.
Flare has not attributed SSHStalker to a particular threat group, though it noted similarities with the Outlaw/Maxlas botnet ecosystem and various Romanian indicators.
The threat intelligence company suggests placing monitoring solutions for compiler installation and execution on production servers, and alerts for IRC-style outbound connections. Cron jobs with short execution cycles from unusual paths are also big red flags.
Mitigation recommendations include disabling SSH password authentication, removing compilers from production images, enforcing egress filtering, and restricting execution from ‘/dev/shm.’
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Modern IT infrastructure moves faster than manual workflows can handle.
In this new Tines guide, learn how your team can reduce hidden manual delays, improve reliability through automated response, and build and scale intelligent workflows on top of tools you already use.
An anonymous reader shares a report: In 1966, a beach-ball-size robot bounced across the moon. Once it rolled to a stop, its four petal-like covers opened, exposing a camera that sent back the first picture taken on the surface of another world. This was Luna 9, the Soviet lander that was the earliest spacecraft to safely touchdown on the moon. While it paved the way toward interplanetary exploration, Luna 9’s precise whereabouts have remained a mystery ever since.
That may soon change. Two research teams think they might have tracked down the long-lost remains of Luna 9. But there’s a catch: The teams do not agree on the location. “One of them is wrong,” said Anatoly Zak, a space journalist and author who runs RussianSpaceWeb.com and reported on the story last week. The dueling finds highlight a strange fact of the early moon race: The precise resting places of a number of spacecraft that crashed or landed on the moon in the run up to NASA’s Apollo missions are lost to obscurity. A newer generation of spacecraft may at last resolve these mysteries.
Luna 9 launched to the moon on Jan. 31, 1966. While a number of spacecraft had crashed into the lunar surface at that stage of the moon race, it was among the earliest to try what rocket engineers call a soft landing. Its core unit, a spherical suite of scientific instruments, was about two feet across. That size makes it difficult to spot from orbit. “Luna 9 is a very, very small vehicle,” said Mark Robinson, a geologist at the company Intuitive Machines, which has twice landed spacecraft on the moon.
Rivian’s R2 Prototype has hit road with early reviews, and it’s a capable electric SUV that truly delivers on the adventure promise without breaking the bank like its larger siblings do. The test rides were place on California highways, curvy back roads, and rocky off-road trails near Rivian’s Irvine headquarters. Most reviewers agree that the R2 retains the adventurous spirit of the larger R1 models while also making it more fun and approachable for daily driving.
The power comes from two motors, and this all-wheel drive configuration generates a 656 horsepower and 609 pound-feet of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in around 3.6 seconds and feels robust even at highway speeds. In normal mode, the R2 runs largely on rear-wheel drive for improved fuel efficiency, but when necessary, it uses the front motor. Sport mode engages full all-wheel drive for a faster reaction.
✅【 Powerful Performance】Equipped with a 350W brushless motor, this adult electric scooter reaches 19MPH and handles 15° inclines with ease…
✅【Long-Lasting Battery】This e scooter has 19 miles max long range on a single 4-5 hours fast charge, making it ideal for everyday commutes…
✅ 【Safety First】Scooter stay protected with a drum brake + EABS electronic brake system for quick, stable stopping. The bright LED headlight…
The R2 handles quite well and stays grounded in corners. The steering feels natural and connected, with plenty of feedback that increases as you request more. Body control is outstanding, especially given the high ground clearance and all-terrain tyres with tall sidewalls. Roll remains well under control, and the chassis responds quickly and without drama. The R2 feels lighter on its feet because to its unibody structure, lower weight (about 4,850 to 5,000 pounds), and lower center of gravity. When cruising, the ride is nice, but when you push harder, it tightens up. Steel coil springs and semi-active dampers handle uneven roads with ease, providing an excellent balance between pavement and dirt.
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Off-road performance stands up well on the trails it was tested on, with 9.6 inches of ground clearance and angles that allow you to tackle tough terrain with confidence. The long-travel suspension articulates well, and torque vectoring maintains traction without the use of typical locking differentials. When the wheels begin to spin, the brakes come into action, but there is some initial slip before they fully intervene.
Inside, the room is surprisingly generous for a tiny SUV. Tall adults may comfortably sit into the back seats, which provide 40.4 inches of legroom and headroom. The inside remains clutter-free, featuring a large central touchscreen and a smaller driver display. The haptic steering wheel on the column controls climate, drive modes, and other settings via rolling, tilting, and pushing actions, and the feedback is satisfactory, but they are currently working on adjusting the prototypes. There is plenty of storage space, ranging from dual gloveboxes to a flat-folding rear section that can accommodate a fitted mattress for overnight use. The low beltline and upright windows provide excellent visibility.
The EPA cycle shows a range of more than 300 miles, thanks to a compact battery pack and a well-designed interior. Filling up is also much faster than you’d think, with the R2 going from 10 to 80 percent in less than half an hour at a fast charging station, and with a native NACS port, it’s virtually ready to go at any Tesla Supercharger.
The price starts about $45,000, with dual-motor variants costing $50,000 or $55,000, depending on how specced out you want to get. The truth is, that puts the R2 in a really good position in the market; it’s like a true alternative to the more mainstream electric crossovers (Tesla Model Y), but with one significant bonus: you can actually take it off the beaten track and get a real rush of performance.
