Crypto Taxes, Tesla’s Reality Check, and a New Space Race
A busy week in tech sees HMRC start collecting crypto user data automatically, while Tesla publishes surprisingly low sales forecasts. Meanwhile, the race to replace the aging ISS begins.
Category: Software
Google’s AI Comeback Story Is a Wall Street Smash
Google just wrapped up its best year on Wall Street since 2009, finally convincing investors its AI story has legs. This came after a brutal first quarter where the stock plunged 18%, its worst period since mid-2022. The turnaround was fueled by viral AI features and a major talent grab.
Kojima Says 2026 Is For “Staying Grounded,” Not New Games
Hideo Kojima has outlined his studio’s plans for 2026, which he calls a year for “staying grounded and laying solid foundations.” The focus is on developing ‘OD’ and preparing ‘Physint,’ meaning no new game releases are expected.
Linux 6.19 Is Adding Support For Some Key Laptops
The Linux 6.19 kernel merge window is bringing in new hardware support to close out 2025. Key additions include sensor monitoring for high-end ASUS motherboards and fixes for several modern laptops.
I’ve Run Windows 11 Without TPM for Years. It’s Fine.
When Windows 11 launched in October 2021, its TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot requirements locked out many PCs. One writer bypassed them on an old HP laptop and has been running the OS without major issues for years, challenging the necessity of the official specs.
Meta’s $2 Billion Bet on an AI Agent
Meta is spending big to catch up in AI. Its acquisition of the buzzy startup Manus could bring powerful, task-handling AI agents to billions of users on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
Meta’s $2B+ Manus Buy Puts AI Agents in Your Workflow
Meta just dropped a reported $2 billion-plus to acquire Manus, a startup whose AI agent handles tasks end-to-end. The plan is to bake this automation directly into Meta’s consumer and business products. Here’s what that shift from chat to execution actually means.
Octopus Energy Spins Off Its AI Tech Unit at a Huge Valuation
British energy firm Octopus Energy is spinning out its AI and software division, Kraken Technologies. The move comes after a $1 billion funding round that values Kraken at a staggering $8.65 billion.
Meta’s $2 Billion Bet on AI Agents
Meta is shelling out roughly $2 billion to acquire the buzzy AI startup Manus. The deal will see Manus’s advanced AI agents integrated across Meta’s family of apps.
Apple’s 2025 Software Was All About Looking Good and Getting Stuff Done
Apple’s 2025 software updates brought a major visual overhaul and powerful new productivity features. The changes signal a shift towards more desktop-like workflows on iPad and smarter, AI-assisted communication. It’s a year where polish met practicality.