Predictions about the future of space labor are diverging, with some envisioning robots dominating while others foresee a future where human labor in orbit becomes more cost-effective than advanced machinery. This raises ethical questions about who will work in space and under what conditions, prompting discussions on the ethics of space expansion.
Despite industry efforts to move car sales online, recent surveys indicate that the majority of consumers still prefer the traditional in-person experience. While digital tools are used for research, most buyers want to physically inspect and test drive vehicles before committing to such a significant purchase, highlighting the limitations of a fully online car-buying model.
Iran is experiencing a severe internet shutdown affecting 92 million citizens, raising concerns about long-term digital isolation and restricted access even after services are restored. Reports suggest the government may be implementing new systems to permanently limit international internet access, potentially impacting communication and information flow for Iranian citizens. This move could lead to a more controlled and isolated digital environment within the country.
Iran is experiencing a severe internet shutdown affecting 92 million citizens, raising concerns about long-term digital isolation and restricted access even after services are restored. Reports suggest the government is implementing new systems to permanently limit international internet access, potentially impacting communication and information flow for Iranian citizens. This move could signify a significant shift towards a more controlled and isolated digital environment within the country.
A proposed California wealth tax targeting voting shares, not just equity, is causing concern among Silicon Valley founders who fear massive tax bills on their control of companies like Google. While proponents argue for deferral options and alternative valuations, critics worry about the impact on innovation and the potential for founders to relocate to avoid the tax, potentially impacting California's tech ecosystem. The proposal's focus on voting power rather than actual equity holdings is a key point of contention.
Multiple news sources report that European leaders are condemning US President Trump's threat of tariffs on eight allied nations who oppose his proposed takeover of Greenland, with protests erupting in Greenland and Denmark over the potential acquisition. The EU is holding an emergency meeting to address the situation, as Trump insists on Greenland's importance for US security and has suggested acquiring it through various means, prompting European nations to rally in support of Denmark and advocate for a joint NATO approach to Arctic security.
A recent SNL sketch parodied the Harry Potter HBO series, reimagining it as "Heated Wizardry" with a focus on a romantic relationship between Harry and Ron. The sketch, starring Finn Wolfhard as Harry, features racy humor, naked Quidditch, and guest appearances from Jason Momoa as Hagrid, satirizing the trend of adapting fantasy novels for mature audiences. This comedic take highlights the evolving landscape of fantasy adaptations and their potential for unexpected genre crossovers.
Multiple reports indicate that Threads has overtaken X in daily mobile active users, reaching 141.5 million compared to X's 125 million as of January 7, 2026, due to Meta's promotional efforts and feature additions. While X still leads in web usage, Threads' mobile growth occurs amidst controversies surrounding X's AI image generation and subsequent investigations, potentially driving users to alternative platforms like Bluesky.
Multiple news sources indicate that Claude Code is the latest AI development generating significant excitement in January 2026, prompting questions about artificial general intelligence (AGI). An interview with Noah Brier, co-founder of Alpehic, explores the evolution of AI-assisted coding, the specifics of Claude Code, and its impact on traditional software companies.
A security lab director details how their team intentionally attacks the company's own chip designs using techniques like power analysis and laser fault injection to proactively identify vulnerabilities. This rigorous testing, simulating real-world threats from criminals and nation-states, is crucial for building truly secure hardware and preparing for future quantum computing-based attacks that could compromise existing cryptographic systems.
A proposed wealth tax in California targeting voting shares, not just equity, is causing concern among Silicon Valley founders who fear massive tax bills even at early funding stages. While proponents argue for deferral options and alternative valuations, critics worry about the potential impact on innovation and the attractiveness of California for startups. The debate centers on how to fairly tax wealth concentrated in voting power without stifling growth.
Cryptocurrency theft is on the rise, with criminals employing both sophisticated hacks and traditional scams to steal digital assets, leaving victims like Helen and Richard unable to recover their funds despite the transparency of blockchain ledgers. The couple lost $315,000 in Cardano coins after hackers accessed their cloud storage, highlighting the vulnerability of digital wallets and the irreversible nature of crypto transactions. This incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures and consumer protection within the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency industry.
Iran's internet blackout has spurred a surge of online disinformation from various actors, including bots spreading misleading content on social media platforms like X and Instagram. These inauthentic accounts promote conflicting narratives, often supporting either the opposition or the Iranian government's claims of foreign interference, ultimately disorienting the public and obscuring the truth. Researchers are tracking these coordinated campaigns, highlighting the challenges of verifying information and identifying the actors behind them in a politically charged environment.
Bucket Robotics, a YC-backed startup specializing in robotics for the automotive industry, successfully navigated its first CES, showcasing its technology despite logistical challenges. CEO Matt Puchalski leveraged his extensive background in autonomous vehicles from companies like Uber and Ford to connect with industry professionals and highlight the company's offerings at the event. The company's presence at CES signals its ambition to establish itself in the competitive robotics landscape.
A proposed California wealth tax targeting voting shares, not just equity, is causing concern among Silicon Valley founders who fear massive tax bills even at early funding stages. While proponents argue for deferral options and valuation adjustments, critics worry about the potential impact on innovation and company growth, leading some to consider relocating. The debate centers on the balance between taxing wealth and fostering a thriving tech ecosystem.
Despite an internet shutdown by the Iranian government, approximately 50,000 clandestine Starlink terminals are providing crucial connectivity to the Iranian population. This satellite internet access offers a vital channel for communication and information, circumventing government censorship amidst ongoing protests and a severe economic crisis driven by sanctions and regional conflict. The use of Starlink highlights the increasing role of satellite technology in providing uncensored access to information in politically unstable regions.
Oshen has developed the C-Star, a durable autonomous robot capable of withstanding extreme ocean conditions, including Category 5 hurricanes, to gather critical oceanic data. This innovative technology addresses a significant gap in ocean data collection, offering potential for improved weather forecasting, climate modeling, and maritime operations, and marks a leap forward in autonomous ocean exploration. The C-Stars can survive in the ocean for 100 days straight and are equipped with sensors that collect data on ocean temperature, salinity, wave height, and other environmental factors.
According to Similarweb data, Threads has surpassed X in daily mobile active users, reaching 141.5 million compared to X's 125 million as of January 7, 2026, driven by Meta's cross-promotion and feature enhancements. While X maintains web dominance, the shift on mobile reflects Threads' growth strategy and occurs amidst controversies surrounding X's AI image generation and subsequent investigations.
A proposed California wealth tax targeting voting shares, not just equity, is causing concern among Silicon Valley founders who fear massive tax bills on their disproportionate voting power in valuable companies. While proponents argue for deferral options and alternative valuations, critics worry about the potential impact on innovation and the attractiveness of California for startups, as founders might face significant tax liabilities even before realizing actual gains. The debate highlights the complexities of taxing wealth concentrated in private company stock and its potential consequences for the tech industry.
A space ethicist highlights the overlooked ethical considerations of space expansion, questioning who will work in space and under what conditions, especially in light of predictions that human labor in orbit may become more cost-effective than robotics. This discussion prompts a deeper examination of the societal implications and potential inequalities arising from the burgeoning space industry.
