Advances in AI include Google's new AI-powered business-calling feature and AI news summaries, alongside India's push for quantum computing; however, concerns persist regarding Elon Musk's xAI's safety culture and its controversial AI anime companions, even as Meta acquires top OpenAI researchers.
The gaming industry faces legal battles like Subnautica 2's creators suing their publisher and content policy changes as Steam cracks down on certain sex games, while new game updates such as Cyberpunk 2077's AutoDrive feature and Mac graphics settings enhance player experience, with popular culture extending into film adaptations like Nintendo's Zelda movie casting and teasers for shows like Stranger Things 5.
The automotive sector sees new models like the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA integrating advanced tech such as Microsoft Teams in-car cameras, alongside GM and Redwood's collaboration on EV battery energy storage and Tesla's new models in China intensifying the price war, while other companies like Stellantis abandon hydrogen fuel cell development, and some EV market trends show GMC Hummer EV outselling Tesla Cybertruck.
The consumer electronics market features product launches like the Google Pixel 10, new accessories such as the Insta360 action cam lens filters and OnePlus' 2-in-1 USB cable, and the widespread arrival of faster Qi2.2 wireless chargers, while pricing changes impact services like Google Nest Aware subscriptions, and consumers seek best deals on iPads, 4K TVs, and MacBook Airs or review smart locks and Apple EarPods.
The tech industry is seeing significant restructuring, with Scale AI laying off staff due to rapid GenAI expansion and Broadcom axing VMware cloud partners for a new invite-only program, amidst a year marked by comprehensive tech layoffs, while some companies like transit software startup Via confidently file for IPOs and Cambrian Ventures raises new funds bucking fintech slowdowns, and Nvidia's chip sales resume linked to rare-earth trade talks.
Digital security is a growing concern as Google finds a custom backdoor on SonicWall devices, hackers exploit DNS records to hide malware, and Chinese authorities use new tools to extract data from seized phones, while a major UK retail giant confirms a data breach affecting millions of customer records.
Space exploration continues with Amazon's Kuiper satellites launching via SpaceX, even as questions arise about NASA's continued support for Boeing's Starliner given the ISS's nearing retirement, and scientific theories explore the possibility of dark main sequence stars at the galactic center.
Regulatory challenges are evident as the NAACP alleges xAI's data center permit violates the Clean Air Act, Trump sues Corporation for Public Broadcasting directors over firings, and political decisions are seen to impact the future of renewable energy, creating a rough road for "energy dominance" by kneecapping wind and solar.
The field of robotics and automation is advancing, with former Waymo engineers launching Bedrock Robotics to automate construction with an $80 million investment.
Innovation in green technology includes Seabound's cement transport ship that captures CO2 and transforms it into cement ingredients while sailing.