#BrainUp Daily Tech News – (Tuesday, January 20ᵗʰ)
Welcome to today’s curated collection of interesting links and insights for 2026/01/20. Our Hand-picked, AI-optimized system has processed and summarized 24 articles from all over the internet to bring you the latest technology news.
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1. Akamai CEO Tom Leighton discusses piracy challenges
Akamai CEO @TomLeighton addresses the persistent issue of #piracy in the digital content landscape, highlighting how unauthorized distribution affects content creators and platforms. He explains that technology alone cannot fully resolve piracy due to its complex, multifaceted nature involving legal, economic, and user behavior aspects. Akamai leverages advanced content delivery and security solutions to help protect clients, but industry-wide cooperation and evolving policies are necessary for meaningful progress. Leighton emphasizes that balancing content accessibility with protection measures is crucial to deter piracy without alienating legitimate users. This perspective underscores the ongoing need for innovative, collaborative approaches between tech companies, rights holders, and regulators to combat piracy effectively.
2. Cloudflare Zero-Day Vulnerability Exposes Millions to Potential Cyber Attacks
A critical zero-day vulnerability in Cloudflare’s security platform has been discovered, affecting millions of users worldwide. Security researchers identified that the flaw allows attackers to bypass essential security features, potentially exposing sensitive data and enabling unauthorized access. The vulnerability stems from a flaw in Cloudflare’s edge server software, which handles large volumes of web traffic and acts as a protective barrier for numerous web services. Cloudflare has urgently released a patch and urges all customers to update their configurations to mitigate risks. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in securing cloud-based infrastructures amid growing cyber threats.
3. Gootloader now uses 1,000-part zip archives for stealthy delivery
The malware campaign behind #Gootloader has evolved to use 1,000-part zip archives to stealthily deliver payloads, making detection and analysis more difficult. Researchers from #Cybereason discovered this technique where the archive is so large and segmented that it avoids traditional security measures. This modular approach complicates the inspection process as many security tools do not handle multi-part archives effectively. By using this method, attackers improve the stealth and persistence of their malware, complicating defense efforts. This innovation underscores the need for enhanced multipart archive analysis in security frameworks to detect sophisticated threats like Gootloader.
4. NVIDIA Contacted Anna’s Archive to Secure Access to Millions of Pirated Books
NVIDIA, the AI chipmaker, reached out to Anna’s Archive seeking access to a vast collection of pirated books to aid in AI training, highlighting tensions between technology firms and copyright enforcement. Anna’s Archive, a shadow library hosting millions of scanned texts, represents a significant, though unauthorized, resource for AI developers requiring diverse datasets for machine learning. This contact underscores the challenges companies face in obtaining comprehensive training material while avoiding legal and ethical complications linked to #copyright infringement. The interaction exemplifies the growing reliance on expansive and often disputed data sources in developing advanced #artificialintelligence systems. It reflects evolving dynamics in content access, intellectual property, and AI innovation within the tech industry.
5. Wine 11 runs Windows apps in Linux, macOS better than ever
Wine 11 strengthens Windows app support on Linux and macOS by unifying 32-bit and 64-bit execution and expanding native acceleration. It runs 16-, 32-, and 64-bit Windows binaries, eliminates separate wine32 and wine64 commands, and uses the kernel’s NT synchronization primitive via the /dev/ntsync device to speed Windows binaries on Linux 6.14+. On Arm64 Linux it can use FEX-Emu for x86 translation, and a Hangover integration merges Wine and FEX-Emu for broader compatibility. On Apple silicon Macs, Wine 11 runs as an x86-64 program under @Rosetta 2, delivering improvements alongside reduced 32-bit library support and in-kernel clipboard handling with Wayland while preserving X11 compatibility. Direct3D support is improved and native Vulkan video decoding is enabled, with better handling of peripherals like SCSI, joysticks, and gamepads, and fullscreen mode. This shift strengthens cross-platform Windows app execution on Linux and macOS, supported by the broader ecosystem including @Valve’s #SteamOS and ongoing #Wayland, #Vulkan, and #Direct3D efforts.
6. Tesla Launches New Self-Driving Car Subscription Service
Tesla has introduced a new subscription service for its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, allowing customers to pay a monthly fee instead of a large upfront cost to access its advanced driver-assistance features. This move makes #autonomousdriving technology more accessible and flexible for Tesla owners, who can now opt into or out of the service without a long-term commitment. The subscription includes features such as automatic lane changes, autopilot navigation, and traffic-aware cruise control, underscoring @Tesla’s commitment to continuously improve vehicle software through updates. Analysts suggest this approach could widen the adoption of self-driving capabilities and generate steady recurring revenue for the automaker. By shifting to a subscription model, Tesla is aligning with broader automotive industry trends toward software-defined vehicles and enhanced customer-centric services.
7. Broker who sold malware to the FBI set for sentencing
@Feras Khalil Ahmad Albashiti, a Jordanian national, admitted to acting as an initial access broker (#IAB) for a range of cyberattacks, facilitating access to at least 50 US companies. In 2023, while operating under the alias r1z, he sold access to an undercover FBI agent for $5,000, providing a list of IP addresses, usernames, and firewall-bypass instructions. The agent later paid $15,000 for an #EDR-disabling malware and separate privilege-escalation malware, and Albashiti demonstrated the malware by connecting to an FBI-controlled server, tying him to a #ransomware operation and a loss of about $50 million. Extradited from Georgia in July 2024, he is scheduled for sentencing on May 11, 2026, facing up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
An enthusiast XNZ has built an all-in-one console housing @Sony PlayStation 5, @Microsoft Xbox Series X, and @Nintendo Switch 2, dubbed \”Ningtendo PXBOX 5\” powered by a shared 250W supply inside a #lost-wax casting chassis. The project grew from a desire to play platform-exclusive games on one device, with a triangular form factor inspired by a Mac Pro trash can that mounts the three boards on each side and a bottom fan to cool them all. A triangular heatsink was modeled and 3D-printed, though CNC milling would be costly, and copper plates help spread heat across the assembly, while the cooler is built around a #lost-wax process. For the PS5, liquid metal TIM was swapped for standard thermal paste, producing temps around 60°C, and the third side dedicated to the Switch 2 is kept without heavy cooling since the handheld needs less airflow; the dock was gutted to integrate the setup. The video notes a casting setback along the way. This project showcases how #lost-wax casting can fuse traditional craft with modern gaming hardware to compress three consoles into a single system, illustrating maker culture’s drive to prototype rather than mass-produce.
Washington state moves to curb 3D-printed firearms with HB 2321, mandating that after July 1, 2027 3D printer manufacturers or vendors only sell devices equipped with #blocking_features that reliably reject firearm prints and prevent bypasses, including a #firearms_blueprint_detection_algorithm. The bill outlines three software-based compliance options: firmware integration of the algorithm, integrated preprint software design, or handshake authentication. Violators would face a class C felony, with up to five years in prison and a $15,000 fine. The measure reflects a broader policy trend, with earlier steps in New York addressing safeguards and gun-file sharing, underscoring ongoing concern about #3Dprinting firearms. If enacted, the law would restrict the sale of printers in Washington unless they meet these controls and would impact manufacturers and vendors operating in the state.
10. Just because Linus Torvalds vibe codes doesn’t mean it’s a good idea
Microsoft has started blocking work email access for users not fully prepared or compliant with #Intune management requirements. This move aims to ensure enhanced security by preventing potentially vulnerable devices from accessing corporate email through Microsoft Exchange Online. Users who have not registered their devices or completed required configurations will face restrictions until compliance is achieved. This enforcement reflects Microsoft’s commitment to strengthening organizational security and streamlining device management policies. Companies and users must adapt to these changes to maintain uninterrupted access to work emails, highlighting the critical role of proper device management in modern enterprise environments.
11. Linus Torvalds explains the importance of ‘vibe coding’
Linus Torvalds discusses the concept of ‘vibe coding’ and how coding within the right mental and creative state can enhance productivity and code quality. He emphasizes that coding is not just mechanical but requires alignment of mood and environment to foster innovation and problem solving. Torvalds shares insights from his own experiences where being in a good mood or relaxed state led to breakthroughs in kernel development. This underscores the human aspect of software engineering and the role of psychological factors in the #coding process. Recognizing ‘vibe coding’ encourages developers to prioritize mental well-being alongside technical skills for improved outcomes.
12. ICE’s Facial Recognition App Misidentified a Woman. Twice
ICE’s facial recognition app #MobileFortify misidentified a detained woman twice, returning two different and incorrect names. In testimony from a CBP official obtained by @404 Media, the incident occurred last year in Oregon, and ICE has described the app as providing a definitive determination of immigration status. The episode raises questions about #biometrics reliability and whether it should be trusted over other records, challenging @ICE’s assertion that the app is a definitive determination of immigration status. It underscores potential risks in relying on automated tools for removal decisions and highlights the need for independent validation.
13. Asus confirms its smartphone business is on indefinite hiatus
At a 2026 kick-off event in Taiwan, @Jonney Shih confirmed Asus is winding down its smartphone business and will no longer add new mobile phone models in the future, signaling an indefinite hiatus for phones. The shift centers on focusing resources on #AI products such as robots and smart glasses, while existing devices are expected to receive updates but with limited OS and security support. The move comes amid a mature smartphone market with evolving pricing, longer device lifespans, and stiff competition from Chinese OEMs like Vivo, Xiaomi, and Huawei, which have made it harder for niche players to sustain annual releases. Historically, Asus offered a broad Android lineup but failed to keep pace with leaders on updates, and the ROG Phone and Zenfone lines have faced constraints around updates and cost. Shih’s comments imply Asus won’t reconsider the phone business unless a major shift occurs, continuing a trend of OEMs pulling back from regular phone launches.
15. 10 things I learned from burning myself out with AI coding agents
Despite the excitement around #AI coding agents like Claude Code and Claude Opus 4.5, human software developers remain essential and likely to stay busy rather than be replaced. These tools can spit out flashy prototypes by borrowing patterns from their training data #training-data, but production-grade code, durable architecture, and truly novel work still require experience, patience, and skill beyond what they can provide. The author finds the tools creatively empowering and capable of enabling many hobby projects, yet acknowledges their limits and the line between prototyping and production. The experience suggests veteran developers need not fear job loss but may adopt a busier workflow, as shown by creating over 50 demo projects in two months while experimenting at home. He even built a Katamari Damacy clone called ‘Christmas Roll-Up’ with Claude Code (@Benj_Edwards), illustrating rapid prototyping potential and the ongoing hands-on role of developers.
16. A new class of strong magnets made from earth-abundant elements
Researchers have discovered a new class of strong permanent magnets composed primarily of earth-abundant elements, which could reduce reliance on rare and expensive materials like neodymium. The team developed tetragonal manganese-gallium (MnGa) alloys that exhibit high coercivity and magnetization, making them competitive with commercial magnets. By optimizing the material’s microstructure and composition, they achieved a balance of magnetic properties suitable for applications in electronics and energy technologies. This innovation addresses supply chain concerns by providing a sustainable alternative magnet technology. The development of MnGa magnets demonstrates a promising route to more environmentally friendly and cost-effective magnetic materials.
17. OpenAI CFO says annualized revenue crosses $20 billion in 2025-2026
OpenAI’s CFO announced the company expects its annualized revenue to surpass $20 billion by 2025 or 2026, highlighting rapid growth of its AI products. This projection is underpinned by the increasing adoption of #ChatGPT and other AI platforms, which are becoming central to various industries. The CFO attributed this financial outlook to expanding customer demand and continual innovation in #generativeAI technology. This strong forecast signals OpenAI’s potential to transform the AI landscape with significant commercial impact. OpenAI’s revenue growth reflects broader trends in AI integration and the rising value of advanced AI models in business.
18. Efficient cooling method could enable chip-based quantum computers
MIT researchers have developed an efficient cooling technique designed to reduce heat in chip-based quantum computers, which is critical for their scalability and performance. The method leverages a novel system that extracts heat directly from quantum chips using a combination of superfluid helium and nanoscale silicon structures, enabling precise thermal management at extremely low temperatures necessary for quantum computation. This approach addresses key challenges in managing heat dissipation that typically limits the size and power of quantum processors. By improving cooling efficiency, the technology promises to facilitate the integration of more qubits on chips, accelerating progress in quantum computing development. These advancements align with ongoing efforts to overcome hardware limitations in quantum technology and pave the way for practical, large-scale quantum systems.
19. Just the Browser claims to tame the bloat without forking
Just the Browser, a project by @CorbinDavenport, offers a no-fork way to trim browser bloat by applying enterprise policies to disable telemetry, #GenerativeAI features, and sponsored content across Chrome-based and Firefox browsers. It implements concrete policy changes such as Firefox’s DisableTelemetry and GenerativeAI: {Enabled: false}, DisableFirefoxStudies, and SponsoredStories/Stories set to false, and for #SearchEngines it removes Perplexity. The approach relies on existing policy frameworks, with active policies visible via about:policies or chrome://policy, and can be deployed by pasting a terminal command or applying the provided settings files, with the code hosted on #GitHub. The article notes potential deployment hurdles if a browser is managed by an organization, but otherwise frames this as a lightweight alternative to forks and a practical way to curb unwanted features.
20. Damaging to public understanding: Spain warns of surge in online abuse towards climate science
Spain has highlighted a significant rise in online abuse directed at climate scientists, which threatens public understanding of #climatechange. Reports indicate that scientists face harassment and misinformation campaigns, undermining their work and credibility. This surge in online hostility complicates efforts to communicate scientific findings and address climate issues effectively. Authorities emphasize the need for stronger protections and public education to foster a more informed dialogue. The situation reflects broader challenges faced globally in defending scientific integrity against digital disinformation.
21. Nintendo’s Japan dominance continues as Switch 2 fuels 40% market growth in 2025
Nintendo is set to significantly boost the Japanese gaming market in 2025 with the launch of the Switch 2, driving a projected 40% growth. This surge is backed by the strong momentum of the new console, which has energized both consumer interest and industry forecasts. Analysts attribute this growth to Nintendo’s continued dominance in Japan, where its hardware innovations consistently capture large market shares. The introduction of the Switch 2 exemplifies how Nintendo sustains its competitive edge in a dynamic market environment. This trend underscores Nintendo’s pivotal role in shaping Japan’s gaming landscape going forward.
22. DOGE Cuts “Unexpectedly and Significantly Impacted” Critical Pentagon Unit
Staffing cuts tied to @ElonMusk’s Department of Government Efficiency severely disrupted the Pentagon’s critical DISA #J6 unit, undermining its ability to maintain secure, global military communications. A December 2025 DISA memo shows that DOGE-driven measures and programs like the Deferred Resignation Program, Voluntary Early Retirement Authority, and other leaves left DISA/J6 unable to obtain essential software and left a key officer for a major #cloudComputing contract departed, causing the contract to expire. The memo warns that the staffing shortage created an extreme risk for loss of service across the DoD, jeopardizing networks that connect assets worldwide, including nuclear capabilities. DISA’s former director emphasized that #C2 #Communications underpins the department’s ability to coordinate, and system failure would effectively cripple the DoD. The piece highlights concerns that aggressive downsizing of the federal workforce can imperil mission-critical IT operations, undermining readiness and military resilience.
@Samsung has raised the price of its Panther Lake-equipped Galaxy Book 6 Pro by about 25% versus the previous generation, translating to roughly $477 more in the launch figures. The Galaxy Book 6 Pro NT960XJG-KD72G is listed at 3,510,000 Won (~$2,381), tied to @Intel’s Panther Lake Core Ultra Series 3, compared with the Galaxy Book 5 Pro at 2,808,000 Won (~$1,904), as the upgrade moves from Lunar Lake Core Ultra Series 2, while the spec sheet shows 32 GB LPDDR5X memory and 1 TB storage. The article argues that the hike cannot be explained by CPU changes alone and attributes it to higher DRAM and NAND costs, suggesting Samsung is transferring component-cost pressures to customers to protect margins. In the lineup, some models pair @NVIDIA’s RTX 50-series GPUs (RTX 5070/5060 Laptop) while others rely on Xe3-based Arc graphics, underscoring the varied configurations that accompany the price uptick. Overall, the move signals a pricing strategy shaped by material costs, leading to higher entry prices across the Book 6 series and widening gaps seen between generations. #PantherLake #CoreUltra #LunarLake #DRAM #NAND #RTX50 #Arc #PricingStrategy
24. The iPhone 18 Pro’s biggest change may be its selfie camera
Leaks suggest the iPhone 18 Pro will relocate the front camera to a small punch-hole in the top-left corner and put #FaceID under the display, making the selfie camera the only visible front sensor and removing the centered #DynamicIsland. The Information reports under-display Face ID for the Pro models, with @DigitalChatStation noting only the Pro models get the new cutout while the standard iPhone 18 keeps the existing #DynamicIsland. In a video, @JonProsser shows the Dynamic Island shifting to the top-left to accommodate Live Activities and navigation, aligning with the camera move rather than a dramatic software change #DynamicIsland. If these rumors hold, the change would be a quiet hardware repositioning, and Apple will reveal the truth when it officially unveils the iPhone 18 Pro later this year.
25. China previews how powerful its new Xuntian space telescope will be ahead of 2027 launch (video)
China is close to launching its large space telescope, the Chinese Space Station Telescope (CSST), also known as Xuntian, to orbit with the Tiangong space station as early as 2027. It features a 2‑meter primary mirror and a 2.5‑billion‑pixel camera, with a field of view roughly 300 times larger than @Hubble and the ability to survey from near‑ultraviolet to near‑infrared with high spatial resolution. An end‑to‑end simulation suite was built to generate mock observations of the telescope’s optical and other systems to evaluate overall performance, with results published in Research in Astronomy and Astrophysics in early January. NAOC says CSST could advance cosmology, the study of galaxies, the Milky Way’s evolution, and stars and planets, and may offer insights into #dark_matter and #dark_energy. After launch on a Long March 5B, Xuntian will fly in low Earth orbit and co‑orbit with Tiangong; CCTV shows it docking, and astronauts could conduct spacewalks to maintain or upgrade the observatory, as @NASA astronauts did with @Hubble five times between 1993 and 2009.
That’s all for today’s digest for 2026/01/20! We picked, and processed 24 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! 🚀
