Tech

mobile: OpenAI smart speaker could dial up the creepiness with a

OpenAI smart speaker could dial up the creepiness with a camera to watch you Key takeaways A new device is reportedly in development, poised to enter the competitive smart home market. This unnamed device has the

Xbox Head Phil Spencer Retires; Asha Sharma Takes Over

Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, is retiring after a long tenure marked by the creation of Game Pass and major studio acquisitions. Asha Sharma, from Microsoft's CoreAI division, will succeed him as Executive VP and CEO, Microsoft Gaming. Sarah Bond is also leaving, while Matt Booty receives a promotion amidst challenges for the Xbox division.

Meta's Horizon Worlds Pivots to Mobile, Deprioritizes VR

Meta's flagship metaverse service, Horizon Worlds, is decoupling from its Quest VR platform and shifting its focus predominantly to mobile. This strategic pivot follows significant financial losses in Meta's mixed reality division and internal layoffs, signaling a move away from an all-encompassing VR metaverse vision toward mobile engagement, augmented reality, and AI investments.

Xbox shakeup: Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond are leaving Microsoft

Phil Spencer retires as Microsoft Gaming CEO after 38 years; Sarah Bond leaves Xbox presidency. Asha Sharma (ex-CoreAI) named new CEO, Matt Booty promoted. No layoffs promised amid leadership pivot.

gadgets: Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2026: The Galaxy S26 and other

Samsung has officially scheduled its Galaxy Unpacked 2026 event for February 25 in San Francisco, where it is expected to unveil the Galaxy S26 series, new Galaxy Buds 4, and the Galaxy S26 Edge. The event will highlight significant advancements in mobile AI, with new chips and potential partnerships driving enhanced on-device intelligence.

mobile: Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus deal: My favorite power station

An Android Authority expert has declared the Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus as their single indispensable power station. This unequivocal endorsement, detailed in the article's headline alongside a mention of a record-low price deal, signifies a rare level of preference and a timely market opportunity. While specific product and deal details are not provided in the source quote, the expert's powerful statement underscores the device's perceived superior value.

Xbox Leadership Shifts: Spencer Retires, Sharma Named Gaming CEO

Xbox Chief Phil Spencer Retires; Asha Sharma Named New Gaming CEO Redmond, WA – February 20, 2026 – Microsoft's gaming division is undergoing a significant leadership transition as Phil Spencer, the long-serving head of

Asha Sharma Takes Xbox Helm, Outlines Vision in First Memo

Microsoft Gaming sees a major leadership shift as Phil Spencer departs after 12 years. Asha Sharma, with a diverse background in AI, Instacart, and Meta, takes over as CEO. Her first memo outlines a commitment to "the return of Xbox" and expansion into "new categories and markets" focused on player value.

Trump is making coal plants even dirtier as AI demands more energy

The Trump administration has repealed Biden-era Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS), reverting power plant pollution controls to 2012 levels. This rollback coincides with soaring electricity demand from AI data centers, domestic manufacturing, and electric vehicles. Critics argue the move sacrifices health protections for industry savings, while aging coal plants are kept online to meet the growing energy needs.

Controversial NIH Director Also Takes Helm at CDC Amid RFK Jr.

Jay Bhattacharya, the controversial NIH Director, has been appointed acting CDC Director, marking an unusual dual role amidst Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s leadership shake-up. Critics express alarm over Bhattacharya's perceived lack of leadership and history of endorsing anti-vaccine policies, fearing further destabilization of public health agencies and a rubber-stamping of unscientific agendas.

gadgets: Tunic publisher claims TikTok ran 'racist, sexist' AI ads

Indie game publisher Finji accuses TikTok of using generative AI to create "racist, sexualized" ads for its games without permission, despite Finji disabling AI features. One ad for 'Usual June' reportedly depicted a character drastically altered from its original design. TikTok initially denied, then acknowledged the issue, citing an unselected "catalog ads format." Finji's CEO expressed disappointment over TikTok's unresolved response and potential brand harm.

Microsoft Mandates 3-Day In-Office Return for Seattle-Area Staff

Microsoft is implementing a new return-to-office policy starting Feb. 23 for its Seattle-area workforce. Employees within a 50-mile radius of an office will be required to be in-person at least three days a week, a significant shift for the tech giant that aligns it with industry peers like Google and Meta.

xAI Prioritizes Grok's Baldur's Gate Expertise: Top Engineers Reassigned

Branch Office Furniture Sale: Top-Tested Chairs & Desks Discounted

Berlin Hosts Exclusive 'Holiguards Saga' Pilot Premiere Event

A private premiere screening of “Holiguards Saga – The Portal of Force,” the pilot installment of the planned Holiguards Saga franchise, was held on February 16 at ASTOR Film Lounge Berlin. The exclusive, black-tie event gathered industry guests, partners, and media, with Kevin Spacey and Elvira Paterson highlighted in connection with the project.

regional: NASA completes a smooth rehearsal for historic Artemis 2

NASA successfully completed a comprehensive wet dress rehearsal for its Artemis 2 moon mission, bringing the countdown to T-minus 29 seconds. This critical test, involving the Space Launch System rocket and Orion capsule, is a major step towards the first crewed lunar mission in over 50 years. Mission managers will now review the data to approve the final go-ahead, with March 6 targeted for liftoff.

Is an AI subscription worth it? How to choose your premium chatbot plan

You can do a lot with free AI, but premium subscriptions unlock advanced features, higher usage limits, and faster performance. This article guides you through deciding if an AI upgrade is worth it, focusing on how to align a plan with your specific needs and what pitfalls to avoid.

‘Toy Story 5’ takes aim at creepy AI toys: ‘I’m always listening’

Pixar's upcoming "Toy Story 5" will feature an evil AI tablet named Lilypad as its central antagonist, challenging classic characters like Buzz Lightyear and Woody. The film delves into themes of excessive screen time and technology's impact on children, underscored by the AI's ominous declaration: "I'm always listening."

Shopping for a Nintendo Switch 2? Grab the Bargain Mario Kart Bundle Before It's Gone

regional: From a mall booth to a $3B fintech: Matt Oppenheimer’s

After nearly 15 years, Remitly co-founder and CEO Matt Oppenheimer is transitioning to board chair, handing the reins to Sebastian Gunningham. Oppenheimer reflects on the fintech giant's journey from a three-person startup to a $3B public company, sharing invaluable lessons on customer focus, cultural development, and leadership growth.

Ubisoft lays off 40 staff; Splinter Cell remake development continues

Ubisoft has laid off approximately 40 staff at its Toronto studio, impacting individuals working on the *Splinter Cell remake*. The company confirms the game remains in development, despite the cuts. These layoffs are part of a broader organizational restructuring following other studio reductions and a recent employee strike.

Epilogue GB Operator Review: Bridge to Retro Game Boy Worlds

Epilogue's GB Operator is a remarkable hardware solution, enabling collectors to easily play their physical Nintendo Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance cartridges directly on a modern laptop. This "adorable" plug-in device merges the tactile joy of original hardware with the convenience and capabilities of PC gaming, establishing itself as an essential tool for retro gaming enthusiasts and preservationists alike.

The Morning After: What to expect from Apple’s March 4 hardware event

Apple is set to host its first hardware event of 2024 on March 4, where new iPads and MacBooks, potentially including colorful entry-level models and M5-powered Pros, are expected. Simultaneously, Google's Pixel 10a launches March 5 with impressive midrange specs, and Netflix prepares for its inaugural live MMA fight in May.

The Unseen Lens: How to Spot Recording Smart Glasses

Many people can't recognize smart glasses, creating privacy concerns as these devices often have discreet recording capabilities. Learn how to identify these high-tech spectacles by looking for unusual design elements, small integrated lenses or openings, and subtle indicator lights. This guide empowers you to recognize potential recording devices and protect your privacy in public spaces.

Galaxy S25 Edge vs. iPhone Air: The Future of Thin Phones

The tech world is buzzing about the latest contenders in the slim smartphone arena: the Galaxy S25 Edge and the iPhone Air. CNET pits these two titans against each other, asking if you truly need a bulky device when sleek elegance is on the rise. Discover the allure and potential trade-offs of embracing the ultra-thin.