News
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Lockly’s Smart Locks: Matter & NFC Support
Read Full Article: Lockly’s Smart Locks: Matter & NFC Support
Lockly is launching a new range of smart locks, the Affirm Series, which are compatible with the Matter standard, allowing them to integrate seamlessly across various smart home systems. These locks come in both deadbolt and latch versions and offer multiple access methods, including NFC, enabling users to unlock doors with either physical or digital key cards stored on smartphones. The locks also feature built-in Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for a separate hub, and will be available for $179.99 in late Q2 2026. Additionally, Lockly is introducing the TapCom platform for short-term rentals, the OwlGuard Security Camera with advanced AI detection, and the Smart Safe XL with biometric access, expanding their smart home product lineup. This matters because it enhances interoperability and convenience in smart home security, offering users more flexibility and control.
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JBL’s New Open-Ear Earbuds Coming to US in March
Read Full Article: JBL’s New Open-Ear Earbuds Coming to US in March
JBL is expanding its open-ear earbud lineup with the introduction of the Sense Pro, Sense Lite, and Soundgear Clips, all set to be available in the US by March 2026. The Sense Pro stands out with features like 16.2mm drivers, spatial sound, hi-res audio, and advanced call quality technology, while offering up to 38 hours of playtime with Bluetooth 6.0 support. The Sense Lite, though lighter on features, still provides up to 32 hours of playtime with Bluetooth 5.4 and is available in multiple colors. The Soundgear Clips offer similar playtime and call quality improvements, with a focus on bass boost and water resistance. These new earbuds utilize JBL's OpenSound technology, allowing users to enjoy music while remaining aware of their surroundings, making them a versatile choice for various listening environments. Why this matters: JBL's expansion into open-ear earbuds with advanced features and long battery life provides consumers with more options for high-quality audio experiences while maintaining situational awareness.
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Luminar’s Legal Battle with Founder Austin Russell
Read Full Article: Luminar’s Legal Battle with Founder Austin Russell
Luminar, a lidar technology company, is embroiled in a legal dispute with its founder and former CEO, Austin Russell, accusing him of evading a subpoena and withholding company-owned devices amid its Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. The company has been attempting to retrieve a company-issued phone and a digital copy of Russell's personal phone since his resignation in May, following an ethics inquiry. Luminar's legal team claims Russell has been uncooperative and misleading about his whereabouts, while Russell insists he is cooperating and seeks assurances on the protection of personal data on his devices. The situation complicates Luminar's efforts to sell its business divisions, with Russell expressing interest in acquiring the company through his new venture, Russell AI Labs. This matters as it highlights the complexities of corporate governance and legal processes during bankruptcy, affecting stakeholders and potential business transactions.
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Teradar Unveils Summit Terahertz Sensor for Cars
Read Full Article: Teradar Unveils Summit Terahertz Sensor for Cars
Teradar has unveiled its first terahertz-band vision sensor, named Summit, at the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show, aiming to revolutionize automotive sensor technology. The Summit sensor is designed to offer high-resolution, long-range performance in all weather conditions, addressing limitations of existing radar and lidar sensors. Teradar is collaborating with top automakers and suppliers to potentially integrate this sensor into vehicles by 2028, which could facilitate partial or full autonomy. As the automotive sensor market evolves, with lidar facing challenges from low-cost competition, Teradar's innovative approach using the terahertz band could provide a competitive edge and expand into other sectors beyond automotive. This matters because it represents a significant advancement in sensor technology that could enhance vehicle autonomy and safety features.
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Falcon H1R 7B: New AI Model with 256k Context Window
Read Full Article: Falcon H1R 7B: New AI Model with 256k Context Window
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi has introduced Falcon H1R 7B, a new reasoning model featuring a 256k context window, marking a significant advancement in AI technology. Meanwhile, Llama AI technology has seen notable developments, including the release of Llama 3.3 8B Instruct by Meta and the availability of a Llama API for developers to integrate these models into applications. Llama.cpp has undergone major improvements, such as increased processing speed, a revamped web UI, and a new router mode for managing multiple models efficiently. These advancements highlight the rapid evolution and growing capabilities of AI models, which are crucial for enhancing machine learning applications and improving user experiences.
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AI at CES 2026: Practical Applications Matter
Read Full Article: AI at CES 2026: Practical Applications Matter
CES 2026 is showcasing a plethora of AI-driven innovations, emphasizing that the real value lies in how these technologies are applied across various industries. The event highlights AI's integration into everyday products, from smart home devices to advanced automotive systems, illustrating its transformative potential. The focus is on practical applications that enhance user experience, efficiency, and connectivity, rather than just the novelty of AI itself. Understanding and leveraging these advancements is crucial for both consumers and businesses to stay competitive and improve quality of life.
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CES 2026: Day 1 Highlights
Read Full Article: CES 2026: Day 1 Highlights
CES 2026 has kicked off in Las Vegas, offering a sneak peek at the latest innovations in consumer technology during its media preview day. While the expo hall opens to the public on Tuesday, the first day is dedicated to unveiling new gadgets and tech advancements from major companies. Attendees can expect to see an array of futuristic displays, including light shows, concept cars, and massive television walls. Live coverage from the event will continue throughout the week, providing ongoing updates on the most exciting developments. Why this matters: CES is a major event in the tech world, showcasing cutting-edge innovations that could shape the future of consumer technology.
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CRISPR’s Potential in Combating the Flu
Read Full Article: CRISPR’s Potential in Combating the Flu
Wei Zhao presented a groundbreaking idea at the Pandemic Research Alliance Symposium, suggesting the use of CRISPR technology to combat the influenza virus. By leveraging CRISPR's gene-editing capabilities, scientists aim to disrupt the virus's replication process, potentially offering a powerful tool against flu outbreaks. This innovative approach could transform how influenza is managed, reducing the impact of seasonal flu and future pandemics. Understanding and utilizing CRISPR in this way could significantly enhance global health security.
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Kodiak and Bosch Partner for Autonomous Truck Tech
Read Full Article: Kodiak and Bosch Partner for Autonomous Truck Tech
Kodiak AI is collaborating with Bosch to develop a system that equips standard big rigs with autonomous driving capabilities, aiming to scale its self-driving truck technology. Announced at the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show, this partnership will integrate Bosch's hardware components, such as sensors and steering technologies, into Kodiak's redundant self-driving systems. This collaboration allows for the conversion of semi trucks into autonomous vehicles either during production or through third-party upfitting, enhancing the modularity and serviceability of the technology. While Kodiak has already deployed driverless trucks for commercial operations, the timeline for broader availability of these systems remains unspecified. This matters because advancing autonomous truck technology could significantly impact logistics and transportation industries by improving efficiency and safety.
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Flutterwave Acquires Mono in Major Fintech Deal
Read Full Article: Flutterwave Acquires Mono in Major Fintech Deal
Flutterwave, Africa's largest fintech company, has acquired Nigerian open banking startup Mono in an all-stock deal valued between $25 million and $40 million. This acquisition merges two leading fintech infrastructure companies, with Flutterwave's extensive payments network and Mono's APIs that facilitate access to bank data and customer verification. Mono, often referred to as the "Plaid for Africa," has powered over 8 million bank account linkages and processed significant financial data, supporting nearly all Nigerian digital lenders. The acquisition enhances Flutterwave's offerings by integrating payments, onboarding, identity checks, and data-driven risk assessments, positioning the company for further growth in Africa's evolving fintech landscape. This matters because it marks a significant step in the consolidation of African fintech, potentially accelerating financial inclusion and innovation across the continent.