Tech News Today delivers a snapshot of what’s hot in gadgets, AI, and industry trends—right now. Today’s standout stories include Bluesky finally adding drafts to its app, WhatsApp enabling video and voice calling on the web, Samsung confirming details around the Galaxy S26 Ultra unveiling, and a record-breaking AI infrastructure splash that sent Amazon’s stock tumbling.
Latest App Developments: Bigger, Smarter, More Convenient
Bluesky Gets Drafts
Bluesky, a growing social platform, now supports post drafts—a feature long offered by rivals like X and Threads, and one users have quietly demanded for ages. The update, announced today, marks a practical fix that should reduce posting anxiety and encourage longer, more thoughtful updates .
WhatsApp Web Just Got Way More Useful
WhatsApp is rolling out both voice and video call support on its web app. Now you can hop onto a call right from your computer—no phone necessary. That’s a big leap forward for personal and professional users alike .
Gadgets & Hardware: The New Toys
JBL and Sonos Unveil Audio Tech Highlights
This week’s top-tier audio gear includes JBL’s refreshed line of speakers and Sonos’ first amplifier release in years—clearly music lovers are in for something special .
Ayaneo’s Hefty Gaming Handheld
Meet the Ayaneo Next II: a beast of a handheld gaming PC—with a weight of over three pounds and a price tag up to $4,300. It’s a wild move in portability, but appealing to serious gamers craving power on the go .
Upcoming Smartphones in February
Expect no shortage of new phones: leaks point to flagship and mid-range launches including:
– Samsung Galaxy S26 series
– iQOO 15 Ultra and 15R
– Vivo V70 series
– Google Pixel 10a
– Apple iPhone 17e
– Samsung Galaxy A57 and A37
– Motorola Edge 70 Fusion .
Samsung’s S26 Ultra Teases
Earlier today, details about Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event hinted strongly at the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s debut. Industry watchers anticipate refined display, camera hardware and battery improvements over its predecessors .
AI & Infrastructure: Deep Changes Underway
Amazon’s Bold Bet on AI
Amazon is putting a staggering $200 billion behind AI infrastructure in 2026. That kind of capital outlay rattled investors and triggered a 9% drop in Amazon shares. Broader tech sector stocks also slid, with analysts drawing cautionary parallels to past tech bubbles .
Industry-Wide AI Spend Soars
This isn’t limited to Amazon. Google plans $175–185 billion in AI upgrades, while global chip sales are projected to hit $1 trillion—a massive 26% increase over 2025—propelled by AI demand .
NASA Tries Anthropic’s AI on Mars
Anthropic’s Claude AI has guided NASA’s Perseverance rover on Mars, plotting over 1,400 feet of terrain with only tiny human tweaks. It’s a clear case for remote, high-stakes autonomy—and the future of space robotics .
Google Extends Gemini with Conductor
Google unveiled Conductor, a new CLI extension for Gemini that allows developers to orchestrate workflows using Markdown. Real-world workflows meet clean documentation, all in a developer-friendly interface .
Industry Moves & Strategy Shifts
SpaceX Acquires xAI
SpaceX’s acquisition of AI lab xAI is a smart power move. It combines Elon Musk’s strengths in rockets, satellite networks, and AI development—creating a full-stack operation few competitors can match .
OpenAI Launches the Codex App
With Codex, OpenAI puts AI coding power right in a developer’s desktop environment. It’s more than a chat—this is AI as a workflow companion. Block of code? Test suite? Document—it stays in context .
Startup Funding Still Bubbling
AI compute startup PaleBlueDot AI closed a $150 million Series B at over a $1 billion valuation. A sign that investors remain willing to bet on infrastructure startups beyond the hyperscalers .
Oracle’s Agentic AI for Banks
Oracle launched a suite of AI-infused tools and agents tailored for banking—from intelligent design tools to full process bots. The aim: smarter, personalized, loosely autonomous banking experiences .
Anthropic’s Vision for AI
Anthropic’s CEO Dario Amodei published a deep 20,000-word reflection on AI’s role in our transformation as a species. He urges societal readiness for this shift—ethical and systemic maturity is key .
Gaming & Entertainment Highlights
Nintendo Showcase: Ports Over Originals
February’s Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase delivered a mix of ports and remasters—including Fallout 4 Anniversary, Oblivion, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, and indie titles like Orbitals. Fans voiced frustration over the lack of fresh exclusives .
Game Releases This Month
February 2026 brings a flood of titles across platforms:
– Hollow Knight, OPUS: Echo of Starsong, ROMEO IS A DEAD MAN
– Fallout 4 Anniversary Edition, Super Bomberman Collection
– Nioh 3, Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Survivor
– And more, including Tokyo Scramble, Paranormasight: The Mermaid’s Curse .
Expert Insight
“The convergence of AI, capital, and global infrastructure is redefining entire sectors—not just tech. We’re seeing automation, deep integration, and high-risk moves become the norm.”
That sums it up: whether it’s AI in space or multi-billion-dollar spending, tech today is big and bold.
Conclusion
In short: today brings practical app updates (Bluesky drafts, WhatsApp web calls), high-stakes hardware (from Samsung to Ayaneo), deep AI bets (Amazon, NASA, Google), and broil-ing momentum across industries. Device launches, AI infrastructure builds, and developer tools signal that 2026 may mark a turning point in how tech integrates into everything.
FAQs
What major app features launched today?
Bluesky added post drafts, and WhatsApp started supporting voice and video calls through its web app—both long-awaited improvements for users.
Why did Amazon’s stock drop?
Amazon announced a $200 billion AI infrastructure budget for 2026, spooking investors who worry about returns and looming comparisons to tech bubbles .
Which smartphones are due this month?
Leaked info suggests February launches for Galaxy S26 series, iQOO 15 Ultra/15R, Vivo V70 series, Pixel 10a, iPhone 17e, Galaxy A57/A37, and Motorola Edge 70 Fusion .
What’s new with AI in space?
Anthropic’s Claude AI guided NASA’s Perseverance rover on Mars—plotting routes that covered more than 1,400 feet with minimal human edits .
What are the big funding or M&A moves?
SpaceX acquired AI lab xAI, while PaleBlueDot AI raised $150 million at unicorn-level valuation, underscoring continued investment interest in AI infrastructure .
How’s gaming shaping up this month?
Nintendo’s showcase highlighted mostly ports and remasters, drawing criticism. Meanwhile, February packed new titles across PS5, Switch 2, PC, and more—from Hollow Knight to ROMEO IS A DEAD MAN .
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