Apple wins long-running court battle against Optis over 4G patents in the US

Apple has finally won a long-running court battle against Optis Wireless over 4G patents in the US. After two court losses and two successful appeals, Apple was cleared on all counts of patent infringement in a 2019 lawsuit brought by Texas-based Optis Wireless. However, a separate Optis lawsuit is still playing out in the UK.

“Windows 11 26H1” is a special version of Windows exclusively for new Arm PCs

Microsoft has announced Windows 11 26H1, a special version of Windows exclusively for new Arm PCs, starting with those based on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 Elite chips. This version won’t be released broadly to other Windows 11 PCs, which should continue to use either 24H2 or 25H2. It signals Microsoft’s commitment to Arm processors and the Arm version of Windows.

Microsoft rolls out new Secure Boot certificates before June expiration

Microsoft has started rolling out new Secure Boot certificates through monthly Windows updates to replace the expiring 2011 certificates. Secure Boot, introduced in 2011, ensures that only trusted bootloaders can load on computers with UEFI firmware, helping block malicious software during system startup. Microsoft revealed plans to refresh the certificates in January, following a November alert to IT admins. The new certificates will be installed automatically via regular monthly updates for customers who allow Microsoft to manage Windows updates on their systems. Devices that fail to receive updated certificates before June will enter a 'degraded security state,' with limited boot-level protections. Microsoft advises all customers to upgrade to Windows 11, as unsupported Windows versions like Windows 10 will not receive new certificates.

HBO Max is finally coming to the UK and Ireland

HBO Max is launching in the UK and Ireland on March 26, offering various subscription plans including ad-supported options starting at £5 per month and ad-free plans up to £13 per month.

Countries Across Europe Take Action to Ban Social Media for Minors

Countries across Europe are taking action to ban social media for minors, inspired by Australia's historic ban targeting under-16s. The Czech Republic, Spain, France, and other nations are considering or implementing restrictions to protect children from the perceived harms of social media, including addiction, cyberbullying, and mental health issues.

X Revamps Developer API Pricing, Shifts to Pay-Per-Use Model

X has revamped its developer API pricing model to a pay-per-use system, charging developers based on their specific API requests rather than fixed monthly fees. This change aims to lower the entry barrier for independent developers, early-stage startups, and hobbyists. Additionally, X has introduced a redesigned developer console for managing API usage and credits. The new pricing model also includes a credit-based incentive system that connects spending on the X API with access to xAI’s models, encouraging developers to use X’s data with xAI tools.

Disney+ loses access to Dolby Vision in some European countries

Disney+ subscribers in Germany, Portugal, Poland, France, and the Netherlands have lost access to Dolby Vision streaming due to a technical issue, according to Disney. The company is working to restore access and has removed references to Dolby Vision from its support page in Germany. There is speculation that the issue may be related to a patent infringement case in Germany, where Disney was required to stop violating InterDigital's patent on streaming video technology.

Microsoft to shut down Exchange Online EWS in April 2027

Microsoft announced that the Exchange Web Services (EWS) API for Exchange Online will be shut down in April 2027, after nearly 20 years. EWS, a cross-platform API for accessing Exchange mailbox items, will be blocked by default in October 2026, with a final shutdown in April 2027. Microsoft advises developers to switch to the Microsoft Graph API, which has reached near-complete feature parity with EWS for most scenarios.

Google’s annual revenue tops $400 billion for the first time

Google’s parent company, Alphabet, has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing $400 billion in annual revenue for the first time, as reported in Q4 2025. The growth is attributed to the booming cloud business, which reached a $70 billion run rate, and YouTube, which generated over $60 billion in revenue from ads and subscriptions. Additionally, YouTube's status as the top streaming service and the surge in Google Gemini AI app users, now at 750 million, further underscore Alphabet's robust performance.

AMD hints Microsoft could launch its next-gen Xbox in 2027

AMD hints that Microsoft could launch its next-gen Xbox in 2027. The pair have partnered to work on a custom chip for the next Xbox.

WhatsApp Encryption, a Lawsuit, and a Lot of Noise

This blog post discusses the recent lawsuit against WhatsApp alleging that the app lacks end-to-end encryption. The author explains how WhatsApp's encryption works, the implications of the allegations, and why there is currently no evidence to support them. The post also addresses common misconceptions about WhatsApp's encryption and provides context for the ongoing debate around encryption and privacy.

India offers zero taxes through 2047 to lure global AI workloads

India has announced a tax holiday until 2047 for foreign cloud providers operating data centers in the country, aiming to attract global AI workloads. This move comes as major tech companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are expanding their data center investments in India. The proposal includes zero taxes on revenues from cloud services sold outside India, if those services are run from Indian data centers. However, scaling up data center capacity in India may face challenges due to power shortages and water stress.

Bluesky issues its first transparency report, noting rise in user reports and legal demands

Bluesky, a social media startup, has released its first comprehensive transparency report. The report highlights a significant increase in user reports and legal demands, with user reports rising by 54% and legal requests increasing fivefold. The report also details Bluesky's moderation efforts, including a 79% decrease in daily antisocial behavior reports and a 200% increase in content labeling. The report covers various areas such as regulatory compliance, account verification, and influence operations.

Microsoft is working to rebuild trust in Windows

Microsoft is focusing on fixing Windows 11's performance and reliability issues, addressing the concerns of its loyal users. The company is also working on improving the overall user experience by fixing basic issues and enhancing system performance. Microsoft aims to rebuild trust with its users by addressing the pain points consistently highlighted by the community.

Google Exploring Ways To Allow Sites To Opt Out Of AI Overviews & AI Mode

Google is exploring ways to allow websites to opt out of using their content in Search generative AI features such as AI Overviews and AI Mode, in response to new requirements from the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The CMA has mandated that Google provide ways for websites to manage their content in Search AI features, which includes giving publishers the choice to opt out of their content being used to power AI features. Google aims to protect the helpfulness of Search while giving websites the right tools to manage their content. The new controls need to be simple and scalable for website owners, and they should avoid breaking Search in a way that leads to a fragmented or confusing experience for people.

Clawdbot sheds skin to become Moltbot, can't slough off security issues

The article discusses the security concerns surrounding Moltbot, a rebranded agentic AI tool formerly known as Clawdbot. Despite its potential to handle tasks like email management and calendar scheduling, Moltbot requires users to provide access to their accounts and credentials, raising significant security risks. Experts warn that improper configuration and exposure to the internet can lead to data breaches, including private messages, account credentials, and API keys. The article highlights the gap between the tool's consumer appeal and the technical expertise required for safe operation, emphasizing the need for improved security measures in the deployment of AI agents.

Apple updates iOS 12 to extend iMessage and FaceTime support on older devices

Apple has released iOS 12.5.8 for a small group of older iPhones, iPads, and iPod touch devices to extend the certificate required by features such as iMessage, FaceTime, and device activation to continue working after January 2027.

Clawdbot Showed Me What the Future of Personal AI Assistants Looks Like

Clawdbot is an open-source personal AI assistant that runs locally on your computer, offering extensive customization and control. It can integrate with various messaging services, execute terminal commands, and adapt to user needs with the help of a vibrant community. This project showcases the potential of AI assistants to become highly personalized and intelligent.

Leak: Nvidia is about to challenge ‘Intel Inside’ with as many as eight Arm laptops

Leak: Lenovo has revealed six laptops built on upcoming Nvidia N1 and N1X processors, including a 15-inch gaming model, challenging Intel's dominance in the laptop market.

UK trade department put civil servants' feelings first during Windows 11 migration

The UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT) adopted a human-centered approach during the Windows 11 migration, prioritizing the emotional well-being of its staff. The DBT recognized the importance of guiding civil servants through the emotional landscape of change, using user-centered design and targeted messaging to ease the transition. The department created a dashboard and a Windows 11 hub to provide information and support, though the reach of these efforts was limited to a small proportion of the department's staff. The DBT's focus on the emotional aspect of technical change highlights the human element behind every laptop.

YouTube says that an issue with a special captions format is temporary

YouTube has temporarily limited the uploading of SRV3/YTT captions, which allow for styled captions, due to potential playback issues for some viewers.

Rodecaster Video Core turns its podcast mixers into video production consoles.

This article from The Verge discusses the Rodecaster Video Core, a new product from Rode that integrates video production capabilities into its existing podcast mixers, Rodecaster Pro and Rodecaster Duo, enabling them to handle both audio and video production.

TikTok's latest spinoff app feels a lot like Quibi, but with shorter and cornier content

TikTok has launched PineDrama, a spinoff app featuring serialized drama series with minute-long episodes and cliffhangers. The app mimics TikTok's interface but focuses on 'micro dramas' with soap opera vibes, aiming to keep users engaged. It currently offers free content without ads, but the long-term monetization strategy remains unclear.

Apple testing new App Store design that blurs the line between ads and search results

Apple is testing a new App Store design for search ads on iPhone, which blurs the line between ads and search results by removing the blue background around sponsored results. This change, currently in A/B testing, aims to integrate ads more seamlessly into search results, though it may confuse users about the nature of the first result as a paid ad. The move aligns with Apple's recent announcement to include multiple sponsored results for a search query, potentially boosting ad click-through rates and revenue.

AWS flips switch on Euro cloud as sovereignty fears mount • The Register

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has launched its European Sovereign Cloud to address growing concerns about data sovereignty and geopolitical tensions between Europe and the US. This cloud is entirely located within the EU and is physically and logically separate from other AWS regions, offering 90 services. It is independently operated by EU residents and backed by strong technical controls, sovereign assurances, and legal protections. AWS has also set up a new organization in Europe to manage the cloud, with an advisory board comprising Amazon staff and independent members.

MacPaw Pulls Plug on Setapp Mobile iOS Store, Citing 'Still-Evolving and Complex Business Terms' for Alternative EU Marketplaces

Ukraine-based developer MacPaw is closing its alternative iOS app store, Setapp Mobile, in the European Union on February 16, 2026. The closure is due to evolving and complex business terms that do not align with Setapp's business model, suggesting it was not profitable. Users in the EU are advised to back up their data as the apps will be removed from the platform after the shutdown date. Setapp's subscription-based Mac app store will continue to operate normally.

Microsoft: Some Windows PCs fail to shut down after January update