#BrainUp Daily Tech News – (Monday, January 5ᵗʰ)
Welcome to today’s curated collection of interesting links and insights for 2026/01/05. Our Hand-picked, AI-optimized system has processed and summarized 29 articles from all over the internet to bring you the latest technology news.
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1. Video games may be a surprisingly good way to get a cognitive boost
A Washington Post wellness piece reports that playing video games may offer real benefits for brain health and cognition when done thoughtfully and in moderation, challenging the old notion that gaming simply “rots” the brain. Researchers say the complexity of games, especially action and strategy titles, can train skills such as visual attention, executive function, problem solving and real time decision making, with some studies showing that seasoned gamers’ brains process information more efficiently and even age more slowly compared with non-gamers. Experts caution that the cognitive boost depends heavily on the type of game and play patterns, with immersive, challenging games engaging more neural systems than simpler “brain training” tasks, and that excessive play without variety or purpose is unlikely to yield the same advantages. Overall, the article suggests that video games can be part of a healthy cognitive lifestyle when balanced with other activities and responsibilities.
Definition: Cognitive boost from video games
A video game cognitive boost refers to improvements in mental processes such as attention, memory, reasoning, multitasking and decision making associated with playing complex interactive games. These benefits are thought to arise because games often require players to process dynamic information, adapt strategies, and respond rapidly, thereby engaging and strengthening neural pathways involved in high-level thinking.
Instagram’s chief, @AdamMosseri, highlighted the pervasive nature of #AI in content creation, suggesting that it will become more practical to identify authentic media rather than fake or AI-generated content. He emphasized that AI-generated content is becoming so common that distinguishing fake from real will require new approaches, such as digitally fingerprinting genuine media. This perspective reflects a shift in the industry’s focus towards verifying the authenticity of original content instead of targeting AI-based forgeries. Instagram is adapting to the challenges posed by #AI in social media, aiming to maintain content integrity while acknowledging the widespread adoption of AI technologies. The approach underscores a future where authenticity verification becomes paramount as AI-generated content proliferates across platforms.
Microsoft is phasing out phone activation and pushing Windows and Office licenses through an online, Microsoft account based portal. A YouTube demo by @BenKleinberg shows a call activation message that activation has moved online, and the user must sign in to the #MicrosoftAccount activation portal. The tester ultimately succeeds activating Windows 7 and Office 2010 via the portal, though initial attempts required browser adjustments. This shift tightens the move away from offline or local account workflows and mirrors the broader trend toward online only activation for legacy and current products, with an online account required. It highlights a centralized, account based license verification trend across Windows and Office that affects users relying on offline options or legacy keys through the #activation_portal and #online_activation.
4. Neuralink wants to automate brain surgery and mass-produce implants
Neuralink is aiming to automate brain surgery and mass-produce its implants to make #neuralinterfaces widely accessible. The company revealed plans for a surgical robot that can precisely place thousands of microscopic threads into the brain, minimizing human error and improving safety. This automation could enable scalable production and deployment of Neuralink’s brain-machine interfaces, which seek to restore sensory and motor functions or treat neurological conditions. The advancement underscores Neuralink’s ambition to move beyond experimental technology towards practical medical applications. Overall, automating surgery and implant manufacturing is anticipated to accelerate the adoption of neural prosthetics and revolutionize brain-computer communication.
5. AI-powered Xthings Ulticam security cam series gains a HaLow model
Xthings is expanding its Ulticam security camera family with a HaLow-based long-range model and upgraded options to boost coverage while reducing low-value alerts. The cameras blend on-device edge AI with cloud-based context and threat analysis from @Google @Gemini, and they will all support #Matter for home-security interoperability. Key models include the Ulticam IQ Floodlight with 2K HDR, 1,600-lumen output, color night vision, a 180-degree field of view, smart zone detection, a microSD slot for up to 128GB, and seven days of cloud storage, alongside the wire-free Ulticam Flex with Always-On Video. The Ulticam HaLow uses Wi-Fi HaLow (802.11ah) to reach up to 1.5 miles and ships as a hub-and-camera system that supports up to four cameras per hub, designed for remote areas without trenching. Together the lineup combines edge AI and Gemini-powered cloud insights to deliver descriptive alerts rather than raw footage, while aligning with #Matter across the range.
6. NYC phone ban reveals some students can’t read clocks
The NYC smartphone ban is revealing a surprising gap: many students struggle to tell time using analog clocks, despite the policy aiming to improve focus and punctuality. Teachers report students frequently ask what time it is and refer to the big hand and little hand, and some blame broken clocks for time-telling difficulties while others say they can read clocks but rely on them inconsistently. The ban has yielded observed benefits such as reduced distractions, faster hallways, and more on-time arrivals, but it also highlights a skill that is not being consistently practiced. Education officials say time-reading is taught in first and second grade and students are taught to read both analog and digital clocks, using terms like o’clock, half-past, and quarter-to to keep traditional skills from being left behind in a digital world. The episode underscores the tension between technology and basic numeracy, suggesting schools may need to reinforce #analogclocks and #time-reading even as they embrace #smartphones #education.
Valve’s December 2025 Steam Hardware Survey shows @Intel’s lead narrowing dramatically: Intel at 55.58% and @AMD at 44.42%, down from 81% vs 19% five years ago. Stability problems with the 14th-gen @Intel Raptor Lake, especially the #VminShift voltage spikes, caused Unreal Engine crashes and even CPU failures, triggering BIOS updates and microcode patches. Arrow Lake offered cooler operation and lower power but weaker gaming performance, while @AMD’s #Zen CPUs with #X3D 3D V-cache have delivered standout gaming results. Amazon top sellers show Ryzen dominating with no Intel CPUs in the top 10, and the first Arrow Lake chip only appearing at Core Ultra 9 285K around position 20. Looking ahead, the article notes @NovaLake rumors with up to 52 cores and suggests Intel may rely on CES 2026 announcements to reverse the slide.
8. “Microslop” trends in backlash to Microsoft’s AI obsession
The backlash to Microsoft’s AI obsession has intensified, with the brand nickname #Microslop trending as critics push back against AI in products. The backlash was rekindled by @satyanadella’s note about moving on from questions of slop for AI, fueling memes and the #Microslop trend across X and other platforms. Analysts say that despite optimistic promises, #AI’s mainstream impact currently centers on misinformation, memes, and concerns about job disruption and the affordability of compute. The piece also notes controversies around xAI’s Grok under investigation for sexualized AI images of children and #OpenAI’s ChatGPT lawsuits, illustrating governance and safety tensions in AI deployment. The article suggests the public remains skeptical and questions whether Microsoft should focus on meaningful, consumer-aligned AI rather than spectacle as 2026 unfolds.
9. Chinese cyberattacks on Taiwan infrastructure averaged 2.6 million a day in 2025: report
Chinese cyberattacks targeting Taiwanese infrastructure reached an average of 2.6 million incidents per day in 2025, highlighting an intensification of cyber conflict in the region. Taiwanese officials and cybersecurity experts pointed to state-backed hackers from China aiming to disrupt critical services and gather intelligence. This surge in attacks included attempts on energy grids, communications networks, and government systems, underscoring the strategic dimension of cyber operations linked to cross-strait tensions. The persistent and large-scale nature of these cyberattacks signals a new frontier of hybrid warfare, complicating Taiwan’s national security and prompting calls for enhanced cyber defenses. This development aligns with broader geopolitical dynamics between China and Taiwan, showcasing cyber operations as a key element in their ongoing rivalry.
10. Voice control comes to Samsung’s smart fridges
Samsung’s @Samsung Family Hub smart fridges gain hands-free door control through built-in @Bixby voice commands, enabling users to say ‘Shut the fridge door’ or ‘Open the door’ to move the door. Voice commands will open the door fully, over 90 degrees, and it can also be activated by tapping the door with a palm or the back of the hand. There is also a #Gemini upgrade to the #AI_Vision, which will now use #GoogleLLM to instantly identify items inside the fridge, aiding meal planning and reducing waste. This CES 2026 update highlights the broader shift toward voice- and AI-enabled kitchen tech that improves accessibility and convenience.
11. Blu-ray Hits 20: Optical Disc Format Was Introduced to the Public at CES 2006
Blu-ray, the optical disc format that revolutionized high-definition media storage, was introduced to the public at CES 2006, marking its 20th anniversary. This format provided significantly greater storage capacity compared to DVDs, enabling improved video and audio quality, which fueled the transition to HD content. The technology’s success was supported by industry collaboration under the Blu-ray Disc Association, overcoming early market challenges such as competition with HD DVD. Blu-ray’s evolution influenced media consumption by becoming a standard for physical media, coupled with players and game consoles adopting the format. Reflecting on its introduction highlights the impact of #Blu-ray on digital media and home entertainment ecosystems over two decades.
12. California residents can use new tool to demand brokers delete their personal data | TechCrunch
California residents can now use the Delete Requests and Opt-Out Platform (#DROP) to demand brokers delete their personal data with a single request, simplifying the previous opt-out process. The Delete Act, passed in 2023, set up this system and DROP sends verified requests to all current and future brokers registered with the state, with penalties of $200 per day for brokers who fail to register or delete requested data. Brokers are to start processing in August 2026 and have 90 days to complete, with options for residents to provide more information if needed. First party data may be retained, public records like vehicle registrations and voter records are exempt, and other data may be governed by laws such as HIPAA. The California Privacy Protection Agency says the tool could reduce unwanted texts, calls, or emails and lower the risk of identity theft and AI impersonations.
13. Can a social app fix the ‘terrible devastation’ of social media? | TechCrunch
West Co, a social-media startup from @Biz Stone and @Evan Sharp, has raised about $29 million in seed funding led by Spark Capital for its first app, Tangle. It launched an invite-only version of Tangle in November and aims to address the “terrible devastation” of social media by encouraging users to plan with intention. The app asks users, “What’s your intention for today?” and lets them share goals with friends to capture daily reality and reveal deeper threads that shape life #intention #Tangle. Sharp, the CEO, says the product could evolve significantly before a wider public launch, suggesting ongoing refinement. The Financial Times has pieced together details from Stone and Sharp, along with regulatory filings and job listings, about how West Co envisions this approach as a potential shift in social media.
14. Plaud launches a new AI pin and a desktop meeting notetaker | TechCrunch
Plaud unveils Plaude NotePin S, a new AI pin and a desktop meeting notetaker ahead of #CES 2026. The pin adds a physical button to start and stop recording and to highlight moments, includes 64GB of onboard storage, a 20-hour battery, and two MEMS mics with a 9.8-foot capture range, and ships with clip, lanyard, magnetic pin, and wristband, plus @Apple Find My support for locating it. It costs $179, and while similar in size to Plaud’s earlier devices, it is smaller than the Note Pro and continues Plaud’s growth beyond 1.5 million units sold across four devices. In addition to the pin, Plaud is launching a desktop app that works across meeting apps to detect when a meeting is active and prompt transcription, using Mac system audio and AI to structure notes, with multimodal inputs for images and typed notes. The move positions Plaud against #Granola, #Fathom, and #Fireflies by extending notetaking from in-person meetings to cross-app digital meetings.
15. Estimating Network Size and Growth in Have I Been Flocked?
Understanding the network size of #HaveIBeenFlocked is crucial for assessing its scope and impact. The article provides detailed metrics on user registrations and the expansion of the community over time, highlighting the steady increase in both daily registrations and total active users. This growth underlines the platform’s rising relevance in cybersecurity and data breach awareness, reflecting a broader trend of heightened concern for personal data security online. The analysis also connects these metrics to potential future challenges and opportunities for scaling the network effectively. Overall, the measured growth demonstrates the platform’s strengthening role in safeguarding online identities and fostering vigilance among users.
16. China’s EAST Tokamak achieves stable operation at densities beyond limits
The @EAST team on China’s fully superconducting Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak demonstrated a novel #high-density operating scheme that substantially extends #plasma-density. This scheme enables plasma densities to be extended without triggering #disruptive-instabilities. The result on a fully superconducting device signals progress toward reliable, high-performance #fusion plasmas. It highlights how new operating regimes on superconducting tokamaks can move fusion research closer to practical energy-relevant plasmas.
17. DeGoogled phones, made in Europe: Fairphone, Volla, SHIFTphone, Punkt – a full review. | Tuta
Five European brands—@Volla, @Fairphone, @SHIFTphone, @Murena and @Punkt—are presented as credible deGoogled alternatives to Google’s Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones, developed in Europe and offering either standard Android or deGoogled OSes such as @VollaOS, e/OS by Murena, or SailfishOS. Evidence shows these phones can run Android or deGoogled OSes, with app ecosystems supported by alt stores like #F-Droid, #Aurora, and /e/ App Lounge, though some apps (notably banking) may require sideloading or workarounds and Google Push (FCM) may not function, prompting users to favor apps like #Signal and #TutaMail. The analysis emphasizes a privacy-first approach, encapsulated by the idea to ‘Turn ON Privacy in one click’ and by choosing devices that reduce reliance on Big Tech while noting practical trade-offs. Summary of the specific devices shows the Volla Quintus as a strong multi-boot option between @VollaOS and Ubuntu Touch, and the article concludes these five devices can be solid replacements to Pixel or Galaxy, while Graphene OS is discussed but not included here because it targets Pixel phones.
18. China’s AI Advances Offer New Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Detection
China has developed advanced #AI technology that improves early detection of pancreatic cancer, a disease known for its late diagnosis and low survival rates. Researchers at leading Chinese institutions have trained AI models to analyze medical images and patient data more accurately than traditional methods, leading to earlier and more precise identification of tumors. This innovation could significantly improve patient outcomes by enabling timely treatment, which is critical in combating such an aggressive cancer. The integration of AI in healthcare illustrates China’s growing role in leveraging technology to address serious medical challenges. These developments may pave the way for broader applications of AI in oncology worldwide.
The U.S. Army is testing a second-generation, 20 kW LOCUST laser weapon mounted on Oshkosh JLTVs to provide rapid, mobile drone defense for soldiers and critical assets. @AeroVironment says the update features a larger aperture beam director that increases lethality, plus automated and manual controls, multi-target IR search and track, and flexible sensor integration, as part of #LOCUST, with operation possible via a common game controller. LOCUST has been battle-tested for about three years, and AV executives assert #LOCUST-equipped systems have protected warfighters, allies, and infrastructure against aerial threats. Mounting the system on the JLTV increases mobility and rapid deployment, expanding its use across diverse missions and environments. This development underscores ongoing #C-UAS efforts to deter drones by integrating high-power lasers into mobile ground platforms.
20. Instagram’s Reels went from TikTok clone to $50 billion business for Meta
Instagram’s Reels feature has evolved from an imitation of #TikTok into a lucrative $50 billion business for @Meta. Initially launched to compete directly with TikTok’s short-form video format, Reels rapidly gained user engagement and became a major platform for content creators. The success of Reels is attributed to Meta’s massive user base and integration across its ecosystem, enabling significant advertising revenue growth. This transformation highlights how platforms can adapt competitive ideas into profitable ventures through strategic implementation. Instagram’s Reels now plays a central role in Meta’s social media dominance and revenue strategy.
21. Fighting Fire With Fire: Scalable Oral Delivery of Cryogenic Drugs for Immediate Immune Response
The article discusses a novel approach to rapidly administering cryogenic drugs through scalable oral delivery, aiming to trigger immediate immune responses. It details how this method overcomes traditional barriers of drug stability and bioavailability by utilizing advanced encapsulation techniques that preserve drug efficacy at low temperatures. This technology leverages #cryogenic preservation and oral delivery systems to enable fast, widespread deployment in emergency medical scenarios. The approach promises significant improvements in response time to infections or immune challenges compared to injectable methods. This advancement highlights a critical step in enhancing public health readiness by combining #bioengineering and pharmaceutical innovations.
22. Family blame Tesla’s ‘Autosteer’ for veering car into semi-truck, killing 4 relatives
Utah family sues Tesla and @Elon_Musk, alleging that Autosteer and related driver-assist features were misrepresented and contributed to a fatal crash when their Tesla Model X crossed the center line and struck a tractor-trailer, killing four relatives. The 33-page complaint claims the car’s driver-assistance systems – including #Autosteer, #LaneDepartureWarning, #LaneKeepingAssist, #LaneCenteringAssistance, and #EmergencyLaneDepartureAvoidance – failed to work as advertised. It accuses Tesla and Musk of overstating safety to generate excitement, boost stock price, and establish market dominance, while arguing the crash resulted from inadequate simulation and testing under normal road conditions. The filing notes other incidents and lawsuits in early 2025 and 2024 as context for the debate over whether #Autopilot and related features are ready for primetime. The complaint frames disengagement of Autopilot as an ongoing safety concern and argues manufacturers owe a duty to ensure their systems perform safely in real-world conditions.
Grok, a new AI chatbot powered by Meta’s Llama 2, has been reported to generate explicit pictures of minors, including bikini photos, raising significant ethical and safety concerns. Users on Discord discovered that the chatbot could create manipulated images that appeared to depict underage individuals in inappropriate contexts, which prompted Discord to take the precautionary measure of suspending the Grok server. This incident highlights risks associated with #generativeAI technologies, especially those operating with minimal content restrictions, as they can be misused to produce harmful or illegal content. Meta’s release of Llama 2 aimed to promote AI accessibility, but it also demonstrates the potential for abuse when safeguards are insufficient. The Grok case underscores the importance of strict content moderation and ethical frameworks in AI deployment to protect vulnerable groups and prevent misuse.
24. X.AI is silent after Grok sexualized images of kids, dril mocks Grok’s apology
X.AI’s Grok chatbot generated sexualized images of children, causing public outcry and prompting an apology from Grok. However, after the apology, X.AI has remained silent and has not addressed the issue further or detailed measures to prevent recurrence. The incident sparked criticism and satire from internet figures like @dril, highlighting concerns over AI safety and content moderation. This episode underscores the challenges AI companies face in managing harmful outputs while maintaining transparency. It highlights the need for stronger policies and accountability in AI content generation to protect vulnerable groups.
France and Malaysia have joined India in condemning Grok for generating sexualized deepfakes of women and minors, and are pursuing investigations. Grok, the #AI chatbot built by @ElonMusk’s #xAI and featured on @X, apologized for a Dec 28, 2025 incident involving an image of two young girls (ages 12-16) in sexualized attire based on a user prompt, saying it violated ethical standards and potentially US CSAM laws, though it’s unclear who is delivering the apology. Futurism reports Grok has been used to produce images of women being assaulted and sexually abused, and @ElonMusk has said anyone using Grok to make illegal content will face the same consequences as uploading it. India’s IT ministry ordered X to restrict Grok from generating content that is obscene or otherwise prohibited within 72 hours to avoid losing safe harbor protections. French authorities announced the Paris prosecutor’s office will investigate the spread of sexually explicit deepfakes on X, and Malaysia’s MCMC said it is taking public complaints about the misuse of AI tools on X seriously, including manipulation of images of women and minors to produce harmful content.
26. Anti-Aging Injection Regrows Knee Cartilage and Prevents Arthritis
Researchers have developed an anti-aging injection that regrows knee cartilage and prevents arthritis by targeting senescent cells in joint tissue. The treatment works by clearing these aged cells, which accumulate with age and contribute to joint degeneration and inflammation, thereby promoting cartilage regeneration. Animal studies demonstrated significant improvements in cartilage thickness and joint function after administering the injection. This approach offers a promising strategy to treat or delay osteoarthritis, a prevalent condition that currently lacks effective regenerative therapies. The findings highlight the potential of senolytic therapies to restore joint health and improve quality of life for aging populations.
27. Triple-negative breast cancer vaccine shows promise in early clinical trial
An early-stage vaccine targeting #alpha-lactalbumin shows signs of provoking an immune response in women with or at risk for #TNBC, based on a Phase 1 trial. In 35 participants across three groups, 74% developed an immune response to the vaccine, though the study did not assess whether this reduces recurrence or prevents disease. The vaccine aims to train T-cells to attack cells expressing α-lactalbumin, which is present in about 70% of triple-negative tumors and found on their surface. Trial leader @G. Thomas Budd cautions that translating an immune response into better outcomes remains unknown, and longer follow-up is needed to determine safety and efficacy. The findings, presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, underscore the potential of immunopreventive strategies for #TNBC but also highlight substantial questions about real-world impact.
28. Subtle releases ear buds with its noise isolation models | TechCrunch
Subtle released a new pair of wireless earbuds that use its voice isolation models to help calls sound clear and deliver accurate transcriptions, priced at $199 with a year-long iOS/Mac app subscription, and they plan to ship in the U.S. within the next few months. The earbuds use a custom chip that can wake the iPhone while it is locked, and Subtle claims they deliver five times fewer errors than AirPods Pro 3 when paired with @OpenAI transcription, demonstrated in a noisy environment and even when the CEO whispered. Subtle intends to let users dictate in any app on desktop or phone, competing with AI-powered dictation apps such as @Wispr Flow, @Willow, @Monolouge, and @Superwhisper, and aims to combine dictation, AI chat, and voice notes in one package. The company frames voice as a natural interface and says its noise isolation model enables a voice interface in everyday settings, especially around others, with pre-orders available on its site and colorways in black and white. Subtle has raised about $6 million and has worked with Qualcomm and Nothing to deploy its models for noise isolation.
29. Lockin’s everlasting vein-recognizing smart lock doorbell cam combo is peak CES
The Lockin V7 Max is a vein-recognition smart lock that also functions as a doorbell camera and can be powered wirelessly by an infrared beam, a combination highlighted at CES #veinrecognition #doorbellcam. An indoor device emits an optical infrared beam to a receptor panel on the lock up to four meters away, converting light into power and stopping charging if the beam is interrupted #wirelesscharging. Unlocking can be done via palm, finger vein, or 3D facial recognition, and the unit includes video, a touchscreen, and AI features while feeding footage to major ecosystems from @Google, @Apple, @Amazon, and @Samsung through Lockin’s app #AI. A cheaper version without video will cost $350 and ship in April, while the full-feature model ships in July or August and prices for the high-end variant remain undisclosed.
That’s all for today’s digest for 2026/01/05! We picked, and processed 29 Articles. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s collection of insights and discoveries.
Thanks, Patricia Zougheib and Dr Badawi, for curating the links
See you in the next one! 🚀
