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After all the hype, some AI experts dont think OpenClaw is all that exciting

From an AI research perspective, this is nothing novel, one expert told TechCrunch.

TechCrunch 16 Feb 2026 6:45 pm

I am worthy, I choose happiness: Do positive affirmations really work? What studies say

Positive affirmations like 'I am worthy' are popular for wellbeing. Research shows they offer small benefits, but impact varies. High self-esteem individuals may benefit more. Low self-esteem people might feel worse. Experts warn against toxic positivity and unrealistic expectations. Self-compassion and third-person self-talk are suggested alternatives for better resilience.

The Times of India 16 Feb 2026 6:41 pm

Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress Review: Going for Gold and Good Sleep

The Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid has been chosen for Olympians. Could it be the one for you, too?

Wired 16 Feb 2026 6:01 pm

Worlds largest AI summit opens to packed halls in Delhi

New Delhi: The worlds largest artificial intelligence (AI) summit opened to packed halls and long queues on Monday, February 16, as tech moguls, industry leaders, policymakers, founders, and technologists thronged the venue for the conference, where India is set to push for widening access to AI and seek international agreement on global AI commons. With Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

The Siasat Daily 16 Feb 2026 5:37 pm

Monarch Money deal: Get a 50 percent off one of our favorite budgeting apps

If youve been meaning to get a better handle on your finances, now might be a good time to try one of our favorite budgeting apps without paying full price. Monarch Money is offering new users 50 percent off an annual subscription when you use the code MONARCHVIP at checkout, bringing the cost down to $50 for a full year of access instead of the usual $100. Monarch regularly earns a spot in our guide to the best budgeting apps thanks to its detailed tracking tools, flexible budgeting systems and collaborative features. The app lets you connect unlimited accounts, track spending and investments, set financial goals and share access with a partner, all across web, mobile and tablet apps. Monarch Money is the kind of budgeting app that can feel a little overwhelming at first, especially when youre setting up categories, rules and recurring transactions. Theres a bit of a learning curve, and some of the finer details are easier to manage on the web than in the mobile app. But once youre past that initial setup, it starts to make a lot more sense and becomes a powerful tool for keeping tabs on your finances. Where Monarch Money really shines is in the level of detail it offers. Its built for people who want a clear, structured view of their money, not just a running list of transactions. In the budgeting section, you can see budgets versus actual spending by category, along with forecasts by month or by year. Recurring expenses can also be defined using more than just merchant names, which helps keep things accurate with less manual cleanup. Beyond day-to-day budgeting, Monarch does a good job of showing the bigger picture. It includes visual reports and charts that make it easier to spot trends over time, plus tools for tracking net worth, investments and financial goals. Monarch can even factor in non-cash assets like your home or vehicle, pulling in estimates automatically so they appear alongside your accounts. All of that depth wont be for everyone, but if youre willing to spend a little time getting set up, Monarch Money offers a lot of control and insight. With the current deal bringing the price down to $50 for a full year, its a solid opportunity to try one of our favorite budgeting apps at a discount of 50 percent off and see if it fits how you like to manage your money. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/monarch-money-deal-get-a-50-percent-off-one-of-our-favorite-budgeting-apps-120000712.html?src=rss

Engadget 16 Feb 2026 5:30 pm

Amazon Props Up Misleading, Junky Laptops No One Should Buy

I review laptops for a living, and it kills me when I see the PCs that Amazon and other retailers filter to the top.

Wired 16 Feb 2026 5:30 pm

ByteDance promises to tighten up its new AI video generator after viral Cruise vs. Pitt clip

ByteDance released Seedance 2.0 less than a week ago and enraged artists everywhere with a viral clip AI-generated clip of Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt fighting . Unsurprisingly, the AI video-making tool has reportedly already received multiple cease-and-desist letters around copyright infringement. Now, it appears ByteDance is going to curb the new media generator's use of prohibited content. In a statement to the BBC , ByteDance said, We are taking steps to strengthen current safeguards as we work to prevent the unauthorised use of intellectual property and likeness by users. It added that the company espects intellectual property rights and we have heard the concerns regarding Seedance 2.0. However, when pressed for more information on exactly how they would do this, ByteDance didn't respond. ByteDance's vague pledge follows a cease-and-desist letter from the Walt Disney Company on Friday. Disney claimed that Seedance 2.0 uses a pirated library of Disney's copyrighted characters from Star Wars, Marvel, and other Disney franchises, as if Disney's coveted intellectual property were free public domain clip art. Disney included example videos that included its copyrighted characters, such as Spider-Man and Darth Vader. Paramount Skydance has also reportedly issued a cease-and-desist letter to ByteDance to stop Seedance 2.0 from using its materials, according to the BBC . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/bytedance-promises-to-tighten-up-its-new-ai-video-generator-after-viral-cruise-vs-pitt-clip-112941384.html?src=rss

Engadget 16 Feb 2026 4:59 pm

All the important news from the ongoing India AI Impact Summit

India is hosting a four-day AI Summit this week that will be attended by executives from major AI labs and Big Tech, including OpenAI, Anthropic, Nvidia, Microsoft, Google, and Cloudflare, as well as heads of state.

TechCrunch 16 Feb 2026 4:50 pm

Government plans AI, e-book access for students in 57 medical colleges

A new government initiative seeks to improve medical education access by rolling out digital resources and AI tools across select institutions. The first phase will prioritise government medical colleges in underserved regions.

Your Story 16 Feb 2026 4:49 pm

Indias cloud kitchen boom faces a sharp reality check

Indias cloud kitchen sector surged during Covid, but rising costs, aggregator dependency, and weak unit economics triggered a sharp market correction.

Your Story 16 Feb 2026 4:45 pm

Life Wont Wait: Kierkegaards Stark Reminder

Soren Kierkegaards famous quote on life reveals why we understand our choices only in hindsight, yet must live forward with courage and uncertainty.

Your Story 16 Feb 2026 4:38 pm

From Field to Furnace: How Chemical-Free Farming Shapes Muzaffarnagars Jaggery

In Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, jaggerylocally known as guris more than a sweetener. It is a seasonal rural industry that connects sugarcane farmers

Your Story 16 Feb 2026 4:35 pm

Beyond the Bunch: How Kushinagar Adds Value to Bananas

In Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, bananas are more than a fruit sold in markets or used in rituals. In a district known for large-scale banana cultivation

Your Story 16 Feb 2026 4:34 pm

Sony LinkBuds Clip Review: Solid Buds, Premium Price

Sonys new LinkBuds Clip serve up solid performance, but Id wait until theyre on sale.

Wired 16 Feb 2026 4:30 pm

A small-town computer centre reshapes learning in the Muzaffarnagar district

In Sarwat, Muzaffarnagar district, Sachni Kumar has spent the past year building a modest computer coaching centre that he believes fills a local gap.

Your Story 16 Feb 2026 4:14 pm

Jobless to business owner in 3 months: Mirzapur mans truck wash story

Three months ago, Pradeep Kaum of Auraiya district was unemployed and unsure of his next steps. Today, he runs a car washing centre

Your Story 16 Feb 2026 4:13 pm

Makers Are Building Back Against ICE

In hacker spaces and at their homes, creative protesters are laser-cutting and 3D-printing tools to resist an occupation.

Wired 16 Feb 2026 4:00 pm

Startup news and updates: daily roundup (February 16, 2026)

YourStory presents the daily news roundup from the Indian startup ecosystem and beyond. Heres the roundup for Monday, February 16, 2026.

Your Story 16 Feb 2026 3:55 pm

The best gaming handhelds for 2026

Handheld gaming systems arent niche anymore. Todays devices range from compact devices built around retro emulation to full-fledged portable PCs capable of running modern AAA games. That variety is exciting, but it also makes shopping harder. The best gaming handheld now depends less on a single, standout device and more on how, where and what you want to play. Some handhelds are designed for quick sessions and classic libraries, prioritizing simplicity, long battery life and pocketable designs. Others blur the line between console and PC, offering large screens, powerful chips and access to massive game libraries, often at the cost of size, price or endurance. There are even more experimental options that focus on unusual controls or intentionally limited experiences. Weve spent months testing and tracking the fast-moving handheld space to figure out which devices are actually worth your money right now. Whether youre looking for a versatile all-rounder, a premium portable gaming PC or a dedicated machine for retro games, these are the gaming handhelds that stand out in an increasingly crowded field. Editors note (11/7/25) : A barrage of new mobile emulation handhelds have been announced since our last update, including two follow-ups to our current best for most pick (the Retroid Pocket 6 and the more marginally updated Retroid Pocket G2) and a new version of our best overall pick (the AYN Odin 3). Other competitors like Ayaneos KONKR Pocket Fit are also on the way, and theres been a wave of new dual-screen models like the AYN Thor, Ayaneo Pocket DS and Anbernic RG DS. We think our current recommendations will still satisfy most shoppers, but since were still working to test most of these newer devices, we wanted to give a heads-up for anyone who wants the absolute latest. In the meantime, weve added testing notes on a few other emulation-focused handhelds as well as a couple new portable PCs like the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X. Best handheld gaming devices for 2026 What about the Nintendo Switch 2? Sam Rutherford for Engadget Read our full Nintendo Switch 2 review The new Nintendo Switch 2 is already more popular than any of the handhelds above, but we havent made it a formal pick in this guide since it exists in its own world. As one of the newest devices from the big three console manufacturers, most people arent choosing between it and the handheld PCs or emulation devices above. The main reason to buy a Switch 2 is to play new Nintendo games, and no other device can (legally) offer that. Likewise, the Switch 2 doesnt even try to offer the flexibility of a Steam Deck, ROG Ally X or even the Retroid Pocket 5. That said, the hardware itself is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, with dramatically improved performance, a sharper, faster and bigger 7.9-inch display, magnetic Joy-Con controllers and more storage. Its a wholly more polished take on the Switch 1s ideas. Does that make it a must-buy right now? Unless youre worried about a tariff-induced price hike which may not be the most outlandish fear not really. Donkey Kong Bananza is a joy, Mario Kart World is fun enough and playing Cyberpunk 2077 on a Nintendo console is kind of surreal, but the list of true must-plays that are exclusive to the Switch 2 is still limited. Thats OK its only been a few months. But dont feel like you must rush out and splash the cash today unless you have a serious case of Donkey Kong -induced FOMO. Other gaming handhelds we've tested The Lenovo Legion Go 2. Sam Rutherford for Engadget Note: This is a selection of noteworthy gaming handhelds weve tested, not a comprehensive list of everything we've ever tried. Lenovo Legion Go 2 The Lenovo Legion Go 2 is a capable alternative to the ROG Xbox Ally X with a mondo-sized 8.8-inch display. That screen is the main reason to consider it, as its a vivid OLED panel that supports VRR and has a 144Hz native refresh rate. Like the Switch, it also comes with detachable controllers one of which includes a useful touchpad for navigating Windows plus a built-in kickstand for tabletop play. That said, its an absolute tank at just over two pounds, and we found it to perform a little worse than the Xbox Ally X at equal settings. Its also even more expensive, starting at $1,100 and rising to $1,350 for a config with the same Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip. Its a lovely device if youve got cash to burn and to be fair, none of these Windows handhelds are for anyone looking for value but the Xbox Ally X is a better buy for most. The MSI Claw 8 AI+. Sam Rutherford for Engadget MSI Claw 8 AI+ The original MSI Claw was a flop , but the newer Claw 8 AI+ is much more appealing if youre willing to pay for a larger and slightly more powerful alternative to the ASUS ROG Ally X. With its Intel Core Ultra 7-258V chip and 32GB of RAM, it typically pumped out 10 to 15 percent higher frame rates than last-gen models like the ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go in our testing. (Another model is available with the Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip.) Battery life is relatively strong, while its 8-inch 120Hz IPS display is plenty bright and supports VRR. There are smooth Hall effect thumbsticks and triggers, two Thunderbolt 4 ports and a built-in fingerprint sensor beyond that. The Claws main issue is its price: At $1,100 after recent price hikes, its hard to justify over the ROG Xbox Ally X, which is already too expensive for most people. ASUS' handheld is lighter and easier to grip on top of that though the Claw is thinner and its overhauled Xbox UI, while far from perfect, is still easier to get around than MSIs Center M hub. There's a smaller 7-inch version of this handheld for $900 as well, but we havent tested that one. The ModRetro Chromatic. Jeff Dunn for Engadget ModRetro Chromatic The ModRetro Chromatic is a competitor to the Analogue Pocket that can similarly play actual Game Boy cartridges via FPGA. With its premium metal frame, loud speaker, tight d-pad and beautifully bright 2.56-inch display, its an impressive modernization of Nintendos classic handheld. ModRetro also publishes a number of games specifically for the device, including a pretty great version of Tetris that comes bundled in the box. However, for many, its faithfulness to the original Game Boy probably goes too far: It requires three AA batteries for power, and unlike the Analogue Pocket it doesnt support custom save states. Its also designed for Game Boy and Game Boy Color games only; it cant play any Game Boy Advance cartridges or games from other retro handhelds like Analogues device, nor does doesnt support ROMs. For only $20 less than the Pocket, that makes it a tough sell, even if the hardware is arguably higher-quality. Theres also the lethal, autonomous elephant in the room: ModRetro is founded by Palmer Luckey, the idiosyncratic entrepreneur behind the Oculus Rift who has gone on to form Anduril Industries, a defense contractor that makes drones, surveillance systems and other AI-powered military tech. He has also espoused political views that many people and this is the tamest way I can put this may not be comfortable backing. We are not here to police where you can spend your money, and the Chromatic does much of what it wants to do well. Still, all of these handhelds are just so inessential, and no other option that we know of is as closely tied to an arms dealer. The Lenovo Legion Go S. Sam Rutherford for Engadget Lenovo Legion Go S (Windows, Z2 Go chip) The Windows 11 version of the Lenovo Legion Go S has the same relatively comfortable design and commendable 8-inch 120Hz display as the SteamOS model we highlight above. With the Z2 Go model we tested, though, its performance lags too far behind the ROG Ally X, Claw 8 AI+ and original Legion Go for something priced at $730. Windows is still clunky, too. The Ayaneo Flip DS. Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget Ayaneo Flip DS The Ayaneo Flip DS is a cool concept: a powerful Windows machine with a clamshell design and dual displays, sort of like a supercharged Nintendo DS. It feels sturdy, it performs roughly on par with the other Ryzen 7 7840U (or 8840U) handhelds in this guide, and its 7-inch top display is sharp, fast and bright. The second screen makes it a natural fit for emulating Wii U or 3DS games, but you could also, say, look up a guide or play a YouTube video without having to close whatever youre playing. Unfortunately, this is more of a neat idea than a fully thought-out product. The folding design means that the joysticks have to be short and recessed, while the face buttons and d-pad are uncomfortably flat. The whole thing is overly thick and heavy, plus it runs very hot. Battery life tops out around two hours, and actually managing two displays on a Windows handheld is about as clunky as you'd expect. With prices now starting above $1,100, the Flip DS is hard to recommend unless youre (oddly) desperate for a handheld Wii U emulator. We're always happy to see more weird hardware, though. The Ayaneo Kun. Photo by James Trew / Engadget Ayaneo Kun The Ayaneo Kun is one of the more decadent Windows handhelds weve tested. With a sharp 8.4-inch display, a Ryzen 7 8840U chip, up to 64GB of RAM, up to 4TB of storage, a sizable 75Whr battery and a 54W max TDP, its both a capable gaming device and a feasible replacement for a desktop PC. But it now starts at a pricey $999, its huge and it suffers from the usual Windows-related issues. It also lacks VRR, and that Ryzen chip is no longer the latest and greatest. The Kun is still a fine device in a vacuum, but the ROG Xbox Ally X is a better buy. This is technically an older model for Ayaneo, too, as the company seems to launch a new handheld every other hour these days. The Retroid Pocket Classic. Jeff Dunn for Engadget Retroid Pocket Classic The Retroid Pocket Classic is another Game Boy-style vertical handheld in the vein of the Analogue Pocket, but like the other Retroid models weve highlighted, its an Android device designed to emulate games via ROM files, not genuine cartridges. (Naturally, it can also play native Android games.) Its still far clunkier to set up and use as a result, and its overall design feels more toy-like than either the Pocket or ModRetro Chromatic. But its Snapdragon G1 Gen 2 chip is easily powerful enough to play any classic handheld system (along with most other retro games that dont require joystick controls), while its 3.9-inch OLED display is superbly bright, sharp and colorful. The battery can last more than 10 hours when emulating lower-power systems, and Retroid sells a version with six face buttons instead of the standard four if you want to play older Sega Genesis and Saturn games in particular. The Analogue Pocket is still more premium and rewarding to use, but if you want a similar form factor and can live with the typical quirks that come with a device like this, the Classic is a good value at $129. Of the many Game Boy-style handhelds out there that solely rely on software emulation, its the one wed recommend first. The Retroid Pocket Mini (bottom) and Retroid Pocket 5. Jeff Dunn for Engadget Retroid Pocket Mini The Retroid Pocket Mini is essentially a smaller version of the Retroid Pocket 5. It runs on the same Snapdragon 865 chip and feels just as sturdy, but it has a smaller 3.92-inch display with a 4:3 aspect ratio. This makes it a more natural fit for older retro consoles, as you wont get the black boxes youd see on a 16:9 display like the one on the Pocket 5. If you mainly want to emulate systems like the SNES, Sega Genesis or Game Boy Color and dont mind paying extra for a rich OLED display, its a good little device. But the tiny screen is limiting if you ever want to play newer games, and we wish there wasn't so much empty space around the display. This device had also generated some controversy within the retro gaming community for having persistent issues with inaccurate shaders (and for the slapdash way Retroid handled the matter). The company replaced the original model with a V2 iteration that addresses those concerns, however. Retroid Pocket 4 Pro and Retroid Pocket 4 The 4.7-inch Retroid Pocket 4 Pro is the predecessor to the Pocket 5. Its performance isnt significantly far off the newer model, so it remains a nice value if youre determined to spend less than $200 on an emulation device. It misses out on the larger OLED display and more ergonomically-friendly design of its follow-up, however. The base Pocket 4 may also be worth a look if you want to stay under $150, but its weaker chip makes it less adept at emulating games from the PS2, GameCube and up. The Miyoo Mini Plus (left) and TrimUI Brick. Jeff Dunn for Engadget Miyoo Mini Plus The Miyoo Mini Plus is a highly affordable handheld with a well-built, Game Boy-style form factor that fits nicely with older games. Its 3.5-inch display pops for something in the $60 to $80 range, its battery lasts as long as it needs to and it can emulate consoles up to the original PlayStation without much issue. Its Linux-based software is extensively customizable , though it requires some tinkering to get it working optimally. Like many cheapo handhelds, it also lacks fast charging. Since its from a smaller Chinese firm and isnt available at major retailers, it can also be difficult to actually buy. It's a nice choice if you want something more compact than the Retroid Pocket Classic, but that model's roomier design, more vibrant OLED panel and longer battery life makes it worth the extra cash for most people. TrimUI Brick The TrimUI Brick is another low-cost vertical handheld thats surprisingly well-built for an $80-ish device, thanks to its brushed metal backplate and impressive 3.2-inch IPS display. It has a weaker chip than the Retroid Pocket Classic, but it can still emulate older handheld games just fine, and its tiny frame makes it much easier to actually fit in a pocket. That said, while it has a sharper and more vivid screen than the Miyoo Mini Plus (its closest rival), the face buttons, d-pad and especially back buttons are all stiffer, and its stock UI feels similarly bootleg. (Some of the icons for different systems in the game library: GomeBuy, Fanicon, and PloyStotion.) You can fix the latter with custom firmware , but Retroids interface is easier to grok by default, and its setup process is less annoying. Most people interested in this class of device will be happier paying up for the Pocket Classic instead. The Anbernic RG35XX Plus. Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget Anbernic RG35XX Plus The Anbernic RG35XX Plus is another wallet-friendly vertical handheld. For about the same price as the Miyoo Mini Plus, it offers a faster chipset, more RAM and a bigger battery alongside a similarly impressive design. Its stock OS is overly sloppy and cheap-looking, however, and while its stronger chip is appreciated, it's still far behind the Retroid Pocket Classic. The Anbernic RG35XXSP. Jeff Dunn for Engadget Anbernic RG35XXSP The Anbernic RG35XXSP is a variant of the RG35XX Plus based on the same internals, only it apes the clamshell form factor of the old Game Boy Advance SP . Thats a great design to rip off if you must pick one, and the hardware doesnt feel nearly as cheap as its (pre-tariff) price tag of $60 or so would suggest. But the software issues noted above still apply (both here and with the many other devices in the same RGXX family). Weve also seen several user reports of quality control issues with the RG35XXSPs battery, which is automatically disqualifying. Anbernic RG405M The Anbernic RG405M is another 4:3 handheld with a 4-inch display and a pleasing metal frame. It's an OK alternative to the Retroid Pocket Mini if you want a little more screen space for less cash, but its slower, and it lacks the Minis OLED display. We find the Retroids grooved back to be comfier to hold over time as well. And again, Anbernic has paused handheld shipments to America as of this writing. The PlayStation Portal. Photo by Devindra Hardawar/Engadget PlayStation Portal The PlayStation Portal is an odd accessory thats designed to stream games from a PlayStation 5. It lacks built-in apps, so it doesnt support traditional emulation. Because its entirely dependent on the quality of your home Wi-Fi, we cant guarantee how well itll actually perform. It doesnt work with Bluetooth earbuds either. The 8-inch display is fine and the DualSense-style controls are great, so PlayStation diehards who want a second screen for local PS5 streaming may see the appeal. Sony recently added the ability to stream a selection of games via the cloud , which is a step in the right direction, but you need an expensive PlayStation Plus Premium subscription to take advantage. In general, theres little here that you cant do with a smartphone and mobile game controller , so most people are better off saving their $200. Logitech G Cloud The Logitech G Cloud wouldve been a great Android pick when it launched if it cost about $150 less. Its 7-inch 1080p display is bright, vibrant and generally more pleasing to look at than the panel on the AYN Odin 2, its battery lasts a good 10 to 12 hours per charge and its design is comfy to hold for hours at a time. Alas, the G Cloud still tends to retail for $300, which is just too much when the Retroid Pocket 5 offers more power at a lower price. What to know about the gaming handheld market Jeff Dunn / Engadget You can break down the gaming handheld market into three broad tiers. At the top, you have x86-based portable gaming PCs like the Steam Deck or ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X . These are the most powerful handhelds you can buy, as they seek to replicate the experience of a moderately specced gaming desktop. The Steam Deck runs on Linux, but most others use Windows. If you want to play modern, recently released PC games on the go (and need something stronger than a Switch), this is the type of device youd get. They can also emulate the widest range of retro consoles. Theyre typically the largest and most cumbersome devices to hold, however, and their battery life can be short. Naturally, theyre also the most expensive, costing anywhere from $400 to more than $1,000. Further down on the price spectrum are mobile handhelds like the Logitech G Cloud or Retroid Pocket . These devices often run Android or Linux and can range from under $50 to $400-ish (before tariffs). They arent equipped to play modern console or PC titles, but theyre usually more compact than a portable PC, and you can still use them for mobile games and cloud streaming. While most are marketed toward those ends, many gamers actually buy them to emulate classic games through software like RetroArch . Getting emulators to work can be complicated , and accessing the BIOS and ROM files required to play games this way is legally murky . One lawsuit from Nintendo led to the shutdown of the most prominent Switch and 3DS emulators , for instance. (Engadget does not condone piracy.) Backing up files of games you already own for personal use only is considered more defensible, though, so for that a mobile handheld can be a more user- and wallet-friendly way to play the classics provided you dont want to just use your phone . Well call the last tier handhelds that do their own thing. This is a catch-all for things like the Switch 2 or Playdate : portable devices that run heavily customized software and aim to provide a unique gaming experience. They arent necessarily ideal for emulation or playing the latest multiplatform titles; instead, they often have distinct game libraries. They might not have the widest appeal as a result (Switch excluded), but theyre often easier for less tech-literate folks to just pick up and use. Recent updates November 2025 : The ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X replaces the older ROG Ally X as our new favorite Windows gaming handheld. Weve also added testing notes on the Lenovo Legion Go 2, ModRetro Chromatic and a couple of emulation-based handhelds in the Retroid Pocket Classic and TrimUI Brick. Were working to test several other recent releases for our next update, including updated versions of the Retroid Pocket 5 and AYN Odin 2. August 2025 : Weve added the SteamOS version of the Lenovo Legion Go S as a new recommendation and updated our top Windows pick to reflect the upcoming release of ASUS and Microsofts ROG Xbox Ally devices , which will feature an overhauled Windows UI. Weve also added a note on the recently released Nintendo Switch 2. Well include testing notes on the Retroid Pocket Classic , TrimUI Brick and ModRetro Chromatic in the near future. (Note: Yours truly went on paternity leave after our last update apologies for the delay!) May 2025 : Weve tested the Retroid Pocket Flip 2 and recommended it as an alternative to the Retroid Pocket 5. Were also watching out for the first third-party devices that run SteamOS, starting with the new Lenovo Legion Go S , and the next ASUS ROG Ally device, which seems to be arriving soon based on recent leaks . March 2025 : Weve edited this guide for clarity and added testing notes for the MSI Claw 8 AI+ and Lenovo Legion Go S (Windows version). Our main picks are unchanged. Looking ahead, were keeping an eye on upcoming Windows handhelds from Acer and Ayaneo , a pair of new emulation devices from Retroid, the first third-party devices to ship with SteamOS and more machines that run on AMDs Ryzen Z2 chips , among others. January 2025 : We have a new top pick among emulation-focused handhelds: the Retroid Pocket 5. Beyond that, weve added notes on a few other devices weve tested, including the Retroid Pocket Mini and Anbernic RG35XXSP; lightly edited other blurbs to reflect changes in the market; and removed a couple write-ups for products thatve been discontinued. We're also keeping an eye on new handhelds thatve recently been announced or are strongly rumored to arrive in the near future, including devices from MSI and Lenovo . August 2024 : Weve replaced the ASUS ROG Ally, our prior pick for the best Windows gaming handheld, with the new and improved ROG Ally X. Weve also checked to make sure all availability and pricing details noted throughout the guide are accurate. June 2024 : Weve updated this guide to ensure all of our recommendations are up to date, adding a note on ASUS upcoming ROG Ally X in the process. Weve also included details on two new handhelds weve tested since our previous update: the MSI Claw and Ayaneo Flip DS . Staying on top of this market is a tall task, but were currently looking at recent noteworthy releases like the PSP-esque AYN Odin 2 Mini and the GBA-style Anbernic RG35XXSP as well. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/best-handheld-gaming-system-140018863.html?src=rss

Engadget 16 Feb 2026 3:30 pm

Startup financial modelling guide for founders

Learn how to build a startup financial model in India using bottom-up projections, runway planning, LTV:CAC and realistic growth assumptions.

Your Story 16 Feb 2026 3:24 pm

NPCI pilots UPI One World wallet for foreign delegates at India AI summit

The pilot comes as India continues to position its domestic payments infrastructure for cross-border and visitor use cases.

Your Story 16 Feb 2026 3:02 pm

How a homegrown startup is modernizing tea manufacturing in Assam

Built on tradition but driven by technology, Assams tea sector is facing a long-overdue reset. A young venture from the state is overhauling tea manufacturing to make it cleaner, more efficient, and future-ready.

Your Story 16 Feb 2026 2:44 pm

India AI Summit 2026 LIVE: AI adoption requires commitment, won't 'just happen by drift', says CEA Nageswaran

Global tech leaders, including Sundar Pichai and Sam Altman, along with representatives from around 20 countries, are expected at the AI Impact Summit

The Hindu 16 Feb 2026 1:56 pm

ValleyNXT Ventures launches Rs 400 Cr early-stage fund for deeptech startups

ValleyNXT Ventures has launched Bharat Breakthrough FundI to back seed to pre-Series A startups with capital and structured accelerator support. The fund, which can scale up to Rs 400 crore, will focus on deep-tech and technology-first ventures across sectors.

Your Story 16 Feb 2026 1:43 pm

African defensetech Terra Industries, founded by two Gen Zers, raises additional $22M in a month

Terra Industries, the African defense company, announced Monday that it had secured an additional $22 million in funding to further expand the business.

TechCrunch 16 Feb 2026 1:31 pm

The best cheap phones for 2026

A few years ago, it may have been fashionable to spend $1,000 on the latest flagship smartphone, but for most people, thats neither practical nor necessary. You don't even have to spend $500 today to get a decent handset, whether its a refurbished iPhone or an affordable Android phone , as there are plenty of decent options as low as $160. However, navigating the budget phone market can be tricky; options that look good on paper may not be in practice, and some devices will end up costing you more when you consider many come with restrictive storage. While we spend most of our time reviewing mid- to high-end handsets at Engadget, we've tested a number of the latest budget-friendly phones on the market to see cut it as the best cheap phones you can get right now. Best cheap phones What to look for in a cheap phone For this guide, our top picks cost between $100 and $300. Anything less and you might as well go buy a dumb phone instead. Since theyre meant to be more affordable than flagship phones and even midrange handsets, budget smartphones involve compromises; the cheaper a device, the lower your expectations around specs, performance and experience should be. For that reason, the best advice I can give is to spend as much as you can afford. In this price range, even $50 or $100 more can get you a dramatically better product. Second, you should know what you want most from a phone. When buying a budget smartphone, you may need to sacrifice a decent main camera for long battery life, or trade a high-resolution display for a faster CPU. Thats just what comes with the territory, but knowing your priorities will make it easier to find the right phone. Its also worth noting some features can be hard to find on cheaper handsets. For instance, you wont need to search far for a device with all-day battery life but if you want a phone with excellent camera quality, youre better off shelling out for one of the recommendations in our midrange smartphone guide , which all come in at $600 or less. Wireless charging and waterproofing also arent easy to find in this price range and forget about the fastest chipset. On the bright side, most of our recommendations come with headphone jacks, so you wont need to buy wireless headphones . iOS is also off the table, since, following the discontinuation of the iPhone SE, the $599 iPhone 16e is now the most affordable offering from Apple. That leaves Android as the only option in the under-$300 price range. Thankfully today, theres little to complain about Googles operating system and you may even prefer it to iOS. Lastly, keep in mind most Android manufacturers typically offer far less robust software features and support for their budget devices. In some cases, your new phone may only receive one major software update and a year or two of security patches beyond that. That applies to the OnePlus and Motorola recommendations on our list. If youd like to keep your phone for as long as possible, Samsung has the best software policy of any Android manufacturer in the budget space, offering at least four years of security updates on all of its devices. Recently, it even began offering six years of support on the $200 A16 5G, which we recommend below. That said, if software support (or device longevity overall) is your main focus, consider spending a bit more on the $500 Google Pixel 9a , or even the previous-gen Pixel 8a , which has planned software updates through mid-2031 . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/best-cheap-phones-130017793.html?src=rss

Engadget 16 Feb 2026 1:30 pm

SpaceX's Starlink vs Reliance Jio: India's internet battle

Starlink and Reliance Jio are vying to connect Indias 40% offline population, setting the stage for a new satellite vs fibre telecom battle.

Your Story 16 Feb 2026 1:11 pm

C2i Semiconductors raises $15M led by Peak XV Partners

Founded in 2024, C2i Semiconductors is building power management solutions designed for the next generation of AI data centres and cloud infrastructure.

Your Story 16 Feb 2026 1:09 pm

Unit economics explained: A guide for startup founders

Learn why unit economics is crucial for sustainable startup growth, and how metrics like CAC, LTV and cohort analysis drive profitability.

Your Story 16 Feb 2026 11:15 am

Robots that learn like babies; Capturing moments in motion

CynLrs object intelligence platform aims to teach robots to learn like babies. How Ramya Sriram's Theyyam photograph captured a movement thats now part of the National Geographic 2026 calendar.

Your Story 16 Feb 2026 7:30 am

As AI data centers hit power limits, Peak XV backs Indian startup C2i to fix the bottleneck

C2i has raised $15 million as it tests a grid-to-GPU approach to reducing power losses in AI data centers.

TechCrunch 16 Feb 2026 6:30 am

Blackstone backs Neysa in up to $1.2B financing as India pushes to build domestic AI infrastructure

Neysa is targeting deployments of more than 20,000 GPUs over time as demand for local AI compute accelerates.

TechCrunch 16 Feb 2026 6:00 am

Hideki Sato, known as the father of Sega hardware, has reportedly died

Hideki Sato, who led the design of Sega's beloved consoles from the '80s and '90s, died on Friday, according to the Japanese gaming site Beep21 . He was 77. Sato worked with Sega from 1971 until the early 2000s, but he's best known for his involvement in the development of the Sega arcade games and home consoles that defined many late Gen X and early millennial childhoods, starting with the SG-1000 to the Genesis, Saturn and Dreamcast. https://t.co/hClrxLODFU Beep21 (@Beep2021) February 14, 2026 Sato went on to serve as Sega's president from 2001 to 2003. In the post announcing his death, Beep21 , which interviewed Sato numerous times over the years, wrote (translated from Japanese), He was truly a great figure who shaped Japanese gaming history and captivated Sega fans all around the world. The excitement and pioneering spirit of that era will remain forever in the hearts and memories of countless fans, for all eternity. Sato's passing comes just a few months after that of Sega co-founder David Rosen , who died in December at age 95. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/hideki-sato-known-as-the-father-of-sega-hardware-has-reportedly-died-230634768.html?src=rss

Engadget 16 Feb 2026 4:36 am

OpenClaw creator Peter Steinberger joins OpenAI

OpenAI said OpenClaw will live on as an open source project.

TechCrunch 16 Feb 2026 3:58 am

Terminator Zero showrunner confirms the Netflix anime has been canceled after one season

If you've been wondering what's next for Netflix's Terminator Zero in the time since its first season, we finally have an update, and it's a bummer. Responding to a fan on social media, showrunner Mattson Tomlin said this weekend that the show has been canceled. Despite being generally well received, Tomlin noted that at the end of the day not nearly enough people watched it. It was cancelled. The critical and audience reception to it was tremendous, but at the end of the day not nearly enough people watched it. I wouldve loved to deliver on the Future War I had planned in seasons 2 and 3, but Im also very happy with how it feels contained as is. https://t.co/Dh7G6gkBF7 pic.twitter.com/dqCSXHIytg mattson tomlin (@mattsontomlin) February 13, 2026 Season one of Terminator Zero was released in August 2024 and focused on the events around Judgment Day August 29, 1997, as established in Terminator 2 and its aftermath, jumping forward to 2022, more than two decades into a war between humans and machines. In the post about the show's cancellation, Tomlin wrote, I wouldve loved to deliver on the Future War I had planned in seasons 2 and 3, but Im also very happy with how it feels contained as is. Tomlin went on to praise the marketing team in additional replies for trying to really make the show work, as well as the hundreds of people who worked on the show. Offering a bit of insight, Tomlin wrote , Generally speaking, anime audiences skew younger. Terminator audiences skew older. Terminator Zero asked them to meet in the middle, and they didnt in the way the corporation needed to justify the spend to continue. Im extremely grateful to the people who have watched it. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/terminator-zero-showrunner-confirms-the-netflix-anime-has-been-canceled-after-one-season-211656840.html?src=rss

Engadget 16 Feb 2026 2:46 am

Anthropic and the Pentagon are reportedly arguing over Claude usage

The apparent issue: whether Claude can be used for mass domestic surveillance and autonomous weapons.

TechCrunch 16 Feb 2026 2:41 am

The official Pokmon pinball machine has an animatronic Pikachu and a Master Ball plunger

At a staggering starting price of $6,999, you have a better chance of buying a bicycle in Cerulean City than getting your hands on the official Pokmon pinball machine . The collaboration between The Pokmon Company International and Stern Pinball is undoubtedly nostalgic, letting you battle with a team that includes Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle and Pikachu, as well as catch up to 182 different Pokmon, mostly from the Kanto region, with more to be added. Besides catching 'em all and tracking your growing Pokdex on Stern Pinball's dedicated app , you can do Gym Battles in four different biomes and eventually face off against Team Rocket. The pinball machine draws a lot of inspiration from the original cartoon , including a monitor that plays clips from the show, an animatronic Pikachu, and speakers that can play the iconic theme song. Stern Pinball developed Pro, Premium and Limited Edition models, which can cost all the way up to $12,999. For the most expensive option, you'll get one of the 750 limited edition machines that include a Master Ball plunger, a numbered plaque and a signed certificate of authenticity. For Pokmon fans that can't afford to spend that much money on a pinball machine, you can soon find them at arcades and bowling alleys instead. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/the-official-pokemon-pinball-machine-has-an-animatronic-pikachu-and-a-master-ball-plunger-204915013.html?src=rss

Engadget 16 Feb 2026 2:19 am

Ancient Mars was warm and wet, not cold and icy

Kaolinite pebbles show evidence of alteration under high rainfall conditions.

Ars Technica 16 Feb 2026 1:44 am

Bridging a divide with an Indian Scientific Service

A dedicated scientific cadre is needed to strengthen governance as science, technology and environmental challenges become central

The Hindu 16 Feb 2026 1:28 am

India has 100M weekly active ChatGPT users, Sam Altman says

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman says India has the largest number of student users of ChatGPT worldwide.

TechCrunch 15 Feb 2026 11:30 pm

Tesla CarPlay is coming but it's reportedly being held back by low iOS 26 adoption numbers

We're still waiting for Apple CarPlay compatibility for Tesla EVs , but it's been pushed back thanks to a slight hitch with iOS 26, according to Bloomberg 's Mark Gurman. In the latest Power On newsletter, Gurman said that Tesla's plans to adopt CarPlay have been delayed due to app compatibility issues as well as low adoption rates for iOS 26 . It's been a long wait for Tesla drivers who want CarPlay compatibility, especially since initial rumors indicated a late 2025 rollout and Bloomberg reported that Tesla was testing CarPlay in its vehicles in November. However, Gurman's latest newsletter revealed that there were some compatibility issues between Apple Maps and Tesla's in-house navigation software, which also supports the self-driving features. To address this, Apple released an iOS 26 update that would better synchronize the two navigation apps, especially when a driver would use Tesla's autonomous driving options . Still, Tesla is reportedly concerned enough about the low adoption rates of iOS 26 to delay delivering CarPlay to its vehicles. Gurman also noted that iOS 26 adoption rates were lower than usual, but are already going up, citing Apple's latest numbers that 74 percent of all iPhones released in the last four years are running iOS 26. There's still no official date for when CarPlay arrives in Teslas, but including the beloved in-car feature could be a way to boost sales for the company. According to the January registration estimates in the US, Tesla saw sales slip for the fourth month in a row. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/tesla-carplay-is-coming-but-its-reportedly-being-held-back-by-low-ios-26-adoption-numbers-173812736.html?src=rss

Engadget 15 Feb 2026 11:08 pm

The enterprise AI land grab is on. Glean is building the layer beneath the interface.

In this week's episode of the Equity podcast, Glean CEO Arvind Jain explains the company's shift from enterprise search tool to middleware layer for enterprise AI.

TechCrunch 15 Feb 2026 11:00 pm

TechCrunch Mobility: Rivians savior

Welcome back to TechCrunch Mobility your central hub for news and insights on the future of transportation.

TechCrunch 15 Feb 2026 10:35 pm

What the Epstein files reveal about EV startups and Silicon Valley

Will the Epstein revelations lead to broader fallout in Silicon Valley?

TechCrunch 15 Feb 2026 10:24 pm

How to get into a16zs super-competitive Speedrun startup accelerator program

TechCrunch spoke to a16z partner Joshua Lu for some tips on standing out for the Speedrun program.

TechCrunch 15 Feb 2026 9:23 pm

Apple's iPhone Air MagSafe battery is cheaper than ever right now

We found the iPhone Air to have a pretty decent battery life for such a thin-and-light phone, somewhere in the region of 27 hours if youre continuously streaming video. But it's still a phone, arguably your most used device on a daily basis, so you may need to top it up during the day if you're using it constantly. Thats where Apples iPhone Air MagSafe battery pack comes in, and its currently on sale for $79. This accessory only works with the iPhone Air, but much like the phone it attaches to, its extremely slim at 7.5mmm, so crucially doesnt add so much bulk when attached that it defeats the point of having a thin phone in the first place. The MagSafe Battery isnt enormous at 3,149mAh (enough to add an extra 65 percent of charge to the Air), but it can wirelessly charge the AirPods Pro 3 as well, making it an even more useful travel companion. You can also charge your iPhone while charging the battery pack. At its regular price of $99, the MagSafe battery pack is an admittedly pricey add-on to what is already an expensive phone, but for $20 off its well worth considering what Engadgets Sam Rutherford called an essential accessory for some users in his iPhone Air review. Many Apple loyalists will always insist on having first-party accessories for their iPhone, but there are plenty of third-party MagSafe chargers out there too, a lot of them considerably cheaper than Apples lineup. Be sure to check out our guide for those. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/apples-iphone-air-magsafe-battery-is-cheaper-than-ever-right-now-144516217.html?src=rss

Engadget 15 Feb 2026 8:36 pm

Get a four-pack of first-gen AirTags on sale for only $64

Good deals on Apple products arent as frequent as wed like them to be, but if theres one of the companys products that does seem to enjoy pretty regular price cuts, its the AirTag . Right now you can pick up a four-pack of Apples diminutive first-generation Bluetooth trackers for $64, which translates to 35 percent off and a near record low price. Bear in mind that this deal brings the price per AirTag down to about $16 if you were to buy them individually, and when not on sale they usually cost $29. If you use Apple devices and consider yourself to be a serial thing-misplacer, AirTags are extremely useful. Adding one to your account takes a single tap, and with Apples Find My network so well established, locating missing items has never been easier. Using your iPhone you can trigger a sound from the AirTags built-in speaker, or alternatively Precision Finding can be used to pinpoint its location via Find My. You just follow the instructions on your iPhone, paying attention to the vibrations that signal youre getting closer. A reminder again that the above deals apply to the first-generation AirTag only. Apple introduced a refreshed tracker with greater range and a louder speaker last month, which retail s at the same price as its predecessor. For deals on the new AirTag, you may have to wait a bit. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/get-a-four-pack-of-first-gen-airtags-on-sale-for-only-64-163619270.html?src=rss

Engadget 15 Feb 2026 8:05 pm

Get the 512GB Samsung P9 microSD Express card for 33 percent off right now

MicroSD Express cards are still a little hard to find, considering they're pretty new and only really started becoming popular last year once the Switch 2 came out. These upgraded versions of microSD cards are the only ones compatible with the Switch 2 for expanding its storage, os if you're already starting to feel the crunch on your console, it's worth picking one up. Samsung's P9 microSD Express card is on sale right now you can grab the 512GB version of $80, which is 33 percent off and one of the best prices we've seen. The P9 boasts transfer speeds of up to 800MB/s, making moving games to the card that much faster. As for load times, in our testing we found that any microSD Express, the standard the Switch 2 requires, will offer roughly the same performance. This format is pretty new, so there aren't a ton of cards on the market. As such, the P9 makes our list of best microSD cards for the Nintendo Switch 2. The P9 microSD Express is also compatible with the Steam Deck or any other gaming console that accepts the format, as well as cameras and more. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/get-the-512gb-samsung-p9-microsd-express-card-for-33-percent-off-right-now-143849920.html?src=rss

Engadget 15 Feb 2026 7:11 pm

Anker's 45W Nano charger with smart display is $10 off

Anker rolled out a bunch of new chargers and other gear at CES 2026 , including a cute one that's already on sale. The new Nano charger with smart display, which is an upgrade to the existing Nano charger in Anker's lineup, is on sale for $30 right now. That's $10 off the regular price. The 45W charger includes a smart display that shows real-time data like power flow, temperature and charging status. It also features fun animations to keep things cheerful. Anker says it can recognize what's being charged and automatically adjust certain metrics to ensure a longer battery lifespan. To that end, it works with just about everything. The company advertises that this charger is a good fit for the iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods and Samsung devices, among others. The new Nano Charger is on the smaller side, with dual folding prongs that rotate to fit most outlets. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/ankers-45w-nano-charger-with-smart-display-is-10-off-160707508.html?src=rss

Engadget 15 Feb 2026 6:35 pm

The Nothing That Has the Potential to Be Anything

You can never truly empty a box. Why? Zero-point energy.

Wired 15 Feb 2026 5:30 pm

Googles AI Overviews Can Scam You. Heres How to Stay Safe

Beyond mistakes or nonsense, deliberately bad information being injected into AI search summaries is leading people down potentially harmful paths.

Wired 15 Feb 2026 5:00 pm

9 Best Windows Laptops (2026): WIRED-Tested Laptops to Buy

Windows laptops have never been so good, and they're only going to get better as we move through 2026.

Wired 15 Feb 2026 5:00 pm

India has all ingredients be be full stack AI leader: Sam Altman

OpenAI founder Sam Altman remarked that homegrown expertise coupled with policy push allows for deployment of AI at scale.

Your Story 15 Feb 2026 4:45 pm

CurrentBody LED Hair Growth Helmet Review: Baby Hairs Abound (2026)

This FDA-cleared red-light helmet helps spur hair growth and is Bluetooth-enabled with a comfortable design. But dont expect results overnight.

Wired 15 Feb 2026 4:38 pm

AI, Fancy Footwear, and All the Other Gear Powering Olympic Bobsledding

Bobsledders rely a lot on specialized equipment to perform well and stay safe during the Formula 1 of ice. Heres a quick guide.

Wired 15 Feb 2026 4:30 pm

Data from Nisar offers new way to track soil moisture

The Times of India 15 Feb 2026 3:16 pm

Astronomers Puzzle Over Inside Out Planetary System

Four planets observed orbiting a red dwarf star; rocky outermost planet challenges formation theory, says scientists.

Deccan Chronicle 15 Feb 2026 2:49 pm

GalaxEye to partner with ISROs NewSpace India to sell its satellite imagery solutions

Partnership makes GalaxEye the first private Indian satellite operator to formally collaborate with NSIL under a data reseller partnership agreement

The Hindu Businessline 15 Feb 2026 12:53 pm

Autonomous technology | Inside the driverless age

With the CES pivot towards autonomous technology, this writerhops into self-driving cars on open roads in two U.S. cities to see if 2026 will be the year of the robotaxi

The Hindu 15 Feb 2026 12:48 pm

India spending on climate action is 5.6% of GDP: FM

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted that India is pursuing nationally determined goals on curbing carbon emissions.

Your Story 15 Feb 2026 12:37 pm

AI in India to drive productivity and quality: BCGX

BCGX maintained that India should follow a policy of sovereignty by design with policies that protect data along with bringing benefits for everyone.

Your Story 15 Feb 2026 12:31 pm

Magicpin sees food delivery service driving growth

Magicpin is aiming to grow its active user base to 20 million in 2026, with a focus on the value-conscious consumer segment.

Your Story 15 Feb 2026 12:11 pm

Sixth Sense festival blends biological, industrial and digital art experiences

In this photo essay, we showcase some of the spectacular art the Sixth Sense immersive art festival.

Your Story 15 Feb 2026 11:54 am

Pentagon threatens to cut off Anthropic in AI safeguards dispute: report

The Pentagon is pushing four AI companies to let the military use their tools for all lawful purposes

The Hindu 15 Feb 2026 8:51 am

SoftBank rides AI surge; From trash to livelihoods

AI-related holdings have surged from 18% to over 60% of SoftBank groups net asset value in three years, while in India, the challenge of daily waste, once managed mainly by the informal sector, is being transformed by a new wave of social enterprises and climate-focused startups.

Your Story 15 Feb 2026 7:30 am

Why Indias professionals are turning back to farmland

Across India, a growing number of urban professionals are reimagining their future beyond cities. Farmland is no longer seen merely as an escape, but as a pathway to cleaner air, slower living, meaningful family time, and long-term security.

Your Story 15 Feb 2026 7:05 am

Homeland Security reportedly sent hundreds of subpoenas seeking to unmask anti-ICE accounts

The Department of Homeland Security has been increasing pressure on tech companies to identify the owners of accounts that criticize ICE.

TechCrunch 15 Feb 2026 4:00 am

Is safety is dead at xAI?

Elon Musk is actively working to make xAIs Grok chatbot more unhinged, according to a former employee.

TechCrunch 15 Feb 2026 3:25 am

In a changed VC landscape, this exec is doubling down on overlooked founders

As much of Silicon Valley chases mega-rounds and buzzy AI deals, Stacy Brown-Philpot is running Cherryrock Capital like a throwback to venture capital's earlier days

TechCrunch 15 Feb 2026 2:07 am

Airbnb is testing out AI search with a 'small percentage' of users

Airbnb plans to double down on artificial intelligence to improve its user experience for both guests and hosts. During a fourth-quarter earnings call , Airbnb's CEO, Brian Chesky, said the company is building an AI-native experience aimed at helping guests book trips, assisting hosts with their listings, and running the company more efficiently. According to Chesky, there's an AI search tool to help guests book trips that's live for a small percentage of users right now. In a shareholder letter posted on Airbnb's website, the company said it's conducting early testing with an AI-powered search that is focused on giving guests a more natural way to describe what theyre looking for, and ask questions about the listing and location. The letter added that the AI search tool will become a more comprehensive and intuitive search experience that extends through the trip, but the company didn't offer a definitive date on when it would be available to the public. While it may feel like Airbnb is late to incorporating AI into its ecosystem, it introduced an AI chatbot that handles customer service requests last year. While the AI agent is only available to users in North America currently, Airbnb said that it already handles a third of customer requests without the need for human intervention, as reported by TechCrunch . Chesky also said during the earnings call that the AI chatbot would tackle significantly more customer tickets a year from now and that it would roll out to the rest of the world. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/airbnb-is-testing-out-ai-search-with-a-small-percentage-of-users-203054011.html?src=rss

Engadget 15 Feb 2026 2:00 am

Disney accuses ByteDance of 'virtual smash-and-grab' when using copyrighted works to train its AI

Disney is going after another generative AI tool, accusing ByteDance and its recently released Seedance 2.0 of using its copyrighted material without permission. As first reported on by Axios , the Walt Disney Company sent a cease-and-desist letter to ByteDance, claiming the Chinese company developed its Seedance tool with a pirated library of Disney's copyrighted characters from Star Wars, Marvel, and other Disney franchises, as if Disney's coveted intellectual property were free public domain clip art. The letter, which was obtained by Axios , included examples of Seedance videos featuring copyrighted Disney characters, including Spider-Man, Darth Vader, Peter Griffin and more. Even though ByteDance just released Seedance 2.0 on Thursday, it's already earned praise, but also indignation from Hollywood studios , when it comes to its AI-generating capabilities. With the strong early momentum, Seedance has already found itself in hot water with one of the largest media companies in the world. However, it's not the first time that Disney has threatened legal action against an AI company, since Character.AI received a cease-and-desist letter for the same offense in September. A few months later, Disney even accused Google of copyright infringement when training its AI models. On the other hand, Disney partnered with OpenAI in a three-year licensing agreement that allows the AI giant to generate images and videos using that highly sought-after intellectual property. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/disney-accuses-bytedance-of-virtual-smash-and-grab-when-using-copyrighted-works-to-train-its-ai-191116136.html?src=rss

Engadget 15 Feb 2026 12:41 am

Clueless -inspired app Alta partners with brand Public School to start integrating styling tools into websites

This week, Alta unveiled its first integration collaboration, teaming up with Public School, a storied New York City brand.

TechCrunch 15 Feb 2026 12:30 am

Hollywood isnt happy about the new Seedance 2.0 video generator

Hollywood organizations are pushing back against a new AI video model called Seedance 2.0, which they say has quickly become a tool for blatant copyright infringement.

TechCrunch 14 Feb 2026 11:56 pm

OpenAI has officially retired the controversial GPT-4o model

OpenAI's GPT-4o may have survived its first brush with going offline, but it won't be as lucky this time. OpenAI has officially retired GPT-4o, the ChatGPT model that was seen as more conversational and notoriously sycophantic , on February 13. The news of GPT-4o's end was first announced in a post on the OpenAI website in January, but the discontinuation also included GPT-5, GPT-4.1, GPT-4.1 mini, and OpenAI o4-mini from ChatGPT. It's not the first time that OpenAI has delisted GPT-4o as an option for ChatGPT. In August, the AI giant sunsetted the GPT-4o model in favor of rolling out and prioritizing the latest GPT-5 model at the time. However, a wave of user complaints led OpenAI to restore access to GPT-4o but with no guarantee that it'll be around forever. This time around, OpenAI doesn't seem very open to preserving access to GPT-4o, especially since it'll serve only a small portion of the user base. The company wrote on its website that the vast majority of usage has shifted to GPT5.2, with only 0.1 percent of users still choosing GPT4o each day. On top of that, OpenAI is facing several wrongful death lawsuits that specifically mention the GPT-4o model. Despite the two weeks of notice before GPT-4o's last day online, there is still a vocal group of users mourning the loss of their AI boyfriends and even calling for OpenAI to open-source their preferred model. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/openai-has-officially-retired-the-controversial-gpt-4o-model-181553067.html?src=rss

Engadget 14 Feb 2026 11:45 pm

Watch the NASA SpaceX Crew-12 mission dock with the ISS

The Crew-12 mission, SpaceXs 20th human spaceflight, launched at 5:15 AM Eastern on February 13 from Cape Canaveral in Florida. Its expected to dock with the International Space Station today, February 14, at 3:15 PM, and you can watch the event below as it happens. By the time the missions Dragon capsule docks with the ISS, it will have traveled approximately 34 hours since lift off. Inside are NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, European Space Agencys Sophie Adenot and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev. The four spacefarers are joining the three remaining passengers onboard the ISS after Crew-11 flew back to Earth a month earlier than planned. If youll recall, NASA made the decision to cut their mission short after one of the crew members had a medical issue that instruments on the ISS arent capable of diagnosing. While the crew member was stable, the agency decided to bring the whole mission home out of an abundance of caution. Crew-12 will be staying on the ISS for eight months and will conduct a number of scientific experiments, including ones related to human health and ones meant to advance technologies for future missions to the moon and Mars. They will study how pneumonia-causing bacteria can lead to long-term heart damage, for instance, and will also look into how a persons physical characteristics can affect blood flow during spaceflight. NASAs live coverage for the docking starts at 1:15 PM. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/space/watch-the-nasa-spacex-crew-12-mission-dock-with-the-iss-180000450.html?src=rss

Engadget 14 Feb 2026 11:30 pm

Designer Kate Barton teams up with IBM and Fiducia AI for a NYFW presentation

Designer Kate Barton teams up with Fiducia AI and IBM for a NYFW presentation.

TechCrunch 14 Feb 2026 11:13 pm

MasterClass deal: It's the last day to get 50 percent off subscriptions

MasterClass has dropped the price of its annual memberships by 50 percent, making it a more affordable way to explore its full library of courses across cooking, business, photography, writing and more. With the discount applied, youll spend $10 per month when billed annually for the Premium tier, with lower-cost Standard and Plus options available depending on how many devices you want to use at once and whether you need offline viewing. There are more than 200 classes on MasterClass now, and many are led by big names at the top of their fields. Depending on your interests, you might pick up cooking tips from Gordon Ramsay, learn storytelling from Margaret Atwood, explore business strategy with Richard Branson or get insights into performance and mindset from athletes and entertainers. The catalog spans everything from film and TV to wellness, music, science, leadership and photography, so its easy to dip in and find something that holds your attention. Over the years, MasterClass has expanded into a broad learning platform that feels like part streaming service and part educational library. The catalog spans categories like food, film, music, wellness, sports and entrepreneurship, with lessons designed to be short and easy to follow. Since every plan includes access to the full course library, the choice mostly comes down to convenience. The Standard tier supports one device and doesnt include offline mode, the Plus plan allows streaming on two devices with downloads, and the Premium tier increases that to six devices with offline access as well. Classes are structured to be approachable whether you want to learn a new skill or just explore a topic out of curiosity. Lessons are broken into bite-sized segments, so its easy to watch one or two at a time on a commute or in the evening. Members also get access to a global community, occasional newsletters and the ability to switch between video and audio listening on supported classes. If youve been considering trying MasterClass, this deal makes it a more affordable way to see if it works for you. A subscription can also double as a thoughtful gift, which is one reason it has appeared in Engadgets roundup of the best subscription gifts to send to loved ones. With the current 50 percent discount applied across all tiers, its a relatively low-cost way to get access to a large library of professionally produced courses that you can watch at your own pace throughout the year. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/masterclass-deal-its-the-last-day-to-get-50-percent-off-subscriptions-130500234.html?src=rss

Engadget 14 Feb 2026 10:35 pm

SC to hear plea accusing new data protection law of weaponising right to privacy and disarming RTI

The petition submits that Section 44(3) of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act of 2023 has amended the RTI Act to facilitate public authorities to refuse information on the ground that the details sought are of a personal nature.

The Hindu 14 Feb 2026 10:04 pm

Disney+ and Hulu deal: Get the bundle for $10 for one month

The peak time for deals on streaming services the holiday shopping season has come and gone, but Disney is back with a fresh offer for the new year. New and eligible returning subscribers can get one month of the ad-supported Disney+ Hulu bundle for just $10. That's $3 off the usual monthly rate for the bundle, and more than 58 percent off if you consider the prices for each service individually (Disney+ at $12 per month and, separately, Hulu also at $12 per month). We'd be remiss if we didn't mention that this isn't quite as good as the Black Friday deal we saw last year, which offered the same bundle for $5 per month for one year. However, if you missed that offer or just want to try out Disney+ and Hulu for a brief period of time, this is a good way to do so. Disney+ and Hulu make one of the most balanced streaming pairs available, blending family-friendly favorites with acclaimed originals and network TV staples. Disney+ brings a vast library of animated classics, blockbuster franchises and exclusive content from Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars and National Geographic. Its the place to stream nearly every Star Wars film and series, plus the full Marvel Cinematic Universe lineup and Disneys most recent theatrical releases. Hulu balances things out with a more adult-oriented lineup of current TV shows, next-day network episodes and a growing roster of award-winning originals. The platform hosts series like The Bear, The Handmaids Tale and Only Murders in the Building , alongside comedies, thrillers and documentaries that regularly feature in awards conversations. Its also the home for next-day streaming of ABC and FX shows, making it especially useful if youve already cut the cable cord but still want to keep up with primetime TV. The Duo Basic bundle ties these two services together under a single subscription, offering a simple way to expand your library without juggling multiple accounts. This tier includes ads on both platforms, but the trade-off is significant savings compared with paying for each service separately. For many households, thats an acceptable compromise when it means access to such a wide range of content. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/disney-and-hulu-deal-get-the-bundle-for-10-for-one-month-192814789.html?src=rss

Engadget 14 Feb 2026 10:00 pm

India doubles down on state-backed venture capital, approving $1.1B fund

Indias $1.1B fund-of-funds will invest through private VCs to support deep-tech and manufacturing startups.

TechCrunch 14 Feb 2026 9:53 pm

Grab our favorite wireless headphones while they're on sale for an all-time-low price

Sony's wireless WH-1000XM6 headphones are on sale for $398 via Amazon . This is a record-low price, as it drops $62 from the price tag. The sale applies to all three colorways. These easily topped our list of the best wireless headphones . They are, in a word, fantastic. The headphones are packed with premium features , like advanced ANC. There are a whopping 12 ANC microphones throughout and a brand-new chip to power the feature. The end result? It successfully blocks background noise at medium and high frequencies, including the human voice. The sound quality is extremely pleasing to the ears, thanks to new audio drivers and a team of mastering engineers that assisted with tuning. There are perforations in the driver's voice coil, which extends high frequency reproduction. The design has been upgraded from the previous iteration and we found them extremely comfortable to wear for long periods of time, which is important with headphones. The battery gets around 30 hours, which is a fairly standard metric for this type of thing. The only real major nitpick here is the original asking price. It's tough to recommend any pair of headphones for $460, but a bit easier at under $400. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/grab-our-favorite-wireless-headphones-while-theyre-on-sale-for-an-all-time-low-price-175038719.html?src=rss

Engadget 14 Feb 2026 9:15 pm

This Elevation Lab AirTag 10-year extended battery case is on sale for only $16 right now

If you're an iPhone user who likes to keep tabs on where your stuff is, you can't go far wrong with an AirTag . The second-gen model that Apple just released outpaces the original in every way (aside from the galling lack of a keyring hole, that is). While it's easy enough to replace the battery in both versions of the AirTag, you might not want to have to worry about the device's battery life for a very long time. Enter Elevation Lab's extended battery case for the AirTag, which is currently on sale at Amazon for $16 . The case usually sells for $23, so that's a 30 percent discount. It's not the first time we've seen this deal , but it's a pretty decent one all the same. This is arguably one of the more useful AirTag accessories around for certain use cases. It won't exactly be helpful for an AirTag that you put in a wallet or attach to your keys, as it's too bulky for such a purpose and it doesn't have a hole for a keyring anyway. Still, if you're looking for an AirTag case that you can place in a suitcase or backpack and not have to touch for years, this could be the ticket. Elevation Lab says that, when you place a couple of AA batteries in the case, it can extend the tracker's battery life to as much as 10 years (the brand recommends using Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries for best results). The AirTag is slated to run for over a year on its standard CR2032 button cell. The case gives the AirTag more protection as well. It's sealed with four screws and it has a IP69 waterproof rating. What's more, it doesn't ostensibly look like an AirTag case, so someone who steals an item with one inside is perhaps less likely to realize that the object they pilfered is being tracked. There are some other downsides, though. Since the AirTag is locked inside a case, the sound it emits will be muffled. Elevation Lab says the device's volume will be about two-thirds the level of a case-free AirTag. However, the second-gen AirTag is louder than its predecessor, which should mitigate that issue somewhat. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/this-elevation-lab-airtag-10-year-extended-battery-case-is-on-sale-for-only-16-right-now-151215739.html?src=rss

Engadget 14 Feb 2026 8:36 pm

Presidents' Day sales 2026: The best tech deals to shop this weekend from Apple, Sony, Anker and others

Presidents Day is a great time to buy appliances, mattresses and furniture as they are often on sale for the holiday. Tech also gets discounted around this time, but you have to do a bit more digging to find actually good deals. And this year, Presidents Day comes right after Valentines Day and Super Bowl 2026, which means there are some overlapping sales to consider. If you dont want to sort through the mess of bad deals out there, Engadget has you covered. Were curating the best President Day sales on tech we can find right here. Well update this post through the holiday as more deals become available. Presidents Day deals under $50 Disney+ and Hulu bundle (one month) for $10 ($3 off) : You can get one month of Disney+ and Hulu access for only $10 right now. That represents a small savings over the standard $13-per-month price for the bundle, but a 58-percent discount when you compare it to the price of paying for both services separately. Its a good way to test out the bundle without paying too much before you decide if you want to subscribe for the long haul. Anker Nano 45W USB-C charger for $30 ($10 off) : Ankers latest 45W charger has a small smart display on it that can show you real-time charging stats. Its compact design is great for travel, as are its foldable prongs. Waterpik cordless rechargeable water flosser for $40 (20 percent off) : A water flosser like this one can make it easier (and less painful in some cases) to floss your teeth on the regular. This model from Waterpik includes two interchangeable tips and has two pressure settings. Its battery life should last up to four weeks with regular use as well. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max for $40 ($20 off) : Amazons most premium streaming dongle supports 4K HDR content, Dolby Vision and Wi-Fi 6E. You may even be able to get it for $10 less than the sale price listed, for a final price of $30, when using the code MAX4KFTV at checkout. Blink Mini 2K+ 2 cameras for $45 (50 percent off) : Blinks latest plug-in security cameras support 2K video and improved audio quality. Like previous versions, these cameras have two-way talk, motion alerts and support for Alexa voice commands. Anker Nano 5K ultra-slim magnetic power bank for $46 (16 percent off) : This Qi2 power bank measures less than a half inch thick and snaps onto the backs of the latest iPhones for wireless charging. Its 5K capacity will be enough to top up your phone when its close to empty, preventing you from searching for a charger or outlet. Presidents Day deals on Apple devices Apple iPhone Air MagSafe battery pack for $79 (20 percent off) : This magnetic power bank will add up to 65 percent additional battery charge to the iPhone Air, but note that it only works with Apples new, ultra-slim smartphone. Weve tested plenty of others that also work with other iPhone and smartphone models. Apple Magic Mouse for $68 (14 percent off) : Apples sleek wireless mouse has a multi-touch surface that supports gesture control, and its battery should last about a month in between charges. And yes, it has a USB-C port. Apple Watch Series 11 for $299 ($100 off) : The latest flagship Apple Watch has excellent performance, a boosted battery life and a lightweight design that you can comfortably wear all day long and even into the night to track sleep. iPad mini (A17 Pro ) for $399 ($100 off) : The updated iPad mini runs on the A17 Pro chip for improved performance, plus it has an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, a 12MP ultra wide camera with Center Stage, USB-C charging and compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro. Beats Studio Pro for $170 (51 percent off) : Beats updated these cans to have improved sound quality, and you can really hear the difference from models that came before it. These headphones also have solid Transparency mode, good voice performance and USB-C audio. Beats Solo 4 headphones for $130 (35 percent off) : These on-ear headphones support spatial audio and dynamic head tracking, and they have up to 50 hours of battery life. The fast fuel feature allows them to get up to five hours of playback time with just a quick 10-minute power-up. Beats Studio Buds+ for $100 (41 percent off) : These tiny buds have both active noise cancellation and transparency mode, and theyll work just as well with either Apple or Android devices. More Presidents Day deals on tech Ring Battery Doorbell for $60 (40 percent off) Logitech MX Master 3S for $80 (20 percent off) Levoit Core 300-P air purifier for $85 (15 percent off) Sony WH-CH720N wireless headphones for $94 (48 percent off) MasterClass Premium (one year) for $120 (50 percent off) Shark Steam & Scrub steam mop for $125 (22 percent off) Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 earbuds for $179 (22 percent off) Sonos Beam Gen 2 soundbar for $369 ($130 off) Hisense 75-inch QD7 Mini-LED 4K smart TV for $548 (16 percent off) DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo drone bundle for $575 (20 percent off) Breville Barista Touch espresso machine for $800 ($200 off) Motorola Razer Ultra (2025) for $800 (38 percent off) Google Pixel 10 Pro for $849 (23 percent off) This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/presidents-day-sales-2026-the-best-tech-deals-to-shop-this-weekend-from-apple-sony-anker-and-others-163000988.html?src=rss

Engadget 14 Feb 2026 8:11 pm

Apple Presidents' Day sales: Get the Apple Watch Series 11 for $299, plus more deals to shop this weekend

If you need a little help with your New Year's resolution to be more active, you can save on the latest Apple Watch right now. The Apple Watch Series 11 is on sale for $299 for Presidents' Day , which is $100 off and the lowest price we've seen. A number of other Apple devices are on sale for the holiday as well. We named the Apple Watch Series 11 as our choice for best smartwatch overall . It scored a 90 in our review thanks to its 24 hours-plus of battery life and a thin, light design that's easy to wear. It also offers new health metrics, including Apple's hypertension alerts system and Sleep Score. The Apple Watch Series 11 deal is available on the 42mm case with a small/medium band. It also only includes GPS and four colorways: the Jet Black and Space Gray aluminum cases with a Black sport band, the Rose Gold aluminum case with a Light Blush sport band and the Silver aluminum case with a Purple Fog sport band. Among the other Presidents' Day Apple deals are mostly accessories: there are solid deals on AirPods, AirTags (the first-gen trackers, not the new, second-gen ones), the iPhone Air battery pack and even Apple's new crossbody straps that attach to the company's iPhone cases so you can essentially wear your iPhone like a bag. As with most Apple first-party accessories, you can find plenty of more affordable, third-party versions of them as alternatives. But if you're keen on outfitting your phone with Apple's own gear, it's best to wait for discounts like these. We've collected the best Presidents' Day sales on Apple gear below so you don't have to go searching for them. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/apple-presidents-day-sales-get-the-apple-watch-series-11-for-299-plus-more-deals-to-shop-this-weekend-151616206.html?src=rss

Engadget 14 Feb 2026 8:08 pm