15 – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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Thomas Ricker

Thomas Ricker

Deputy Editor

Deputy Editor

    More From Thomas Ricker

    Thomas Ricker
    Thomas Ricker
    Here’s the first SpaceX AI data center.

    “What we’re showing here is kind of a draft version of the version one of the SpaceX AI satellite,” said Elon Musk at the reveal on Monday. “It’s actually much simpler than a Starlink satellite.” The release of renders and specs for the space-based AI1 data center is very much timed to lend credence to the SpaceX IPO, which is set to begin trading on Friday.

    On Monday SpaceX revealed a draft of its AI data center satellite.
    On Monday SpaceX revealed a draft of its AI data center satellite.
    Image: SpaceX
    JMGO’s N3 Ultimate projector is the new portable 4K champ

    9

    Verge Score

    An incredibly bright Google TV all-in-one that’s also part robot.

    Thomas Ricker
    Thomas Ricker
    Thomas Ricker
    Amazon’s Starlink competitor gets a much needed extension. 

    Jeff Bezos’ Leo service had an FCC deadline of July 30th to launch half of its planned 3,232-satellite constellation. To date it’s only launched 331. The waiver comes with conditions meant to incentivize Amazon to move quickly, which would be a lot easier if Bezos’ semi-reusable New Glenn rocket hadn’t exploded and destroyed its only launchpad.

    Thomas Ricker
    Thomas Ricker
    Peacock will stream all 104 World Cup matches in Dolby Vision, Atmos… and Spanish.

    Telemundo’s live feed on Peacock will apparently be the first commercial deployment of the efficient Dolby AC-4 codec by a streaming platform, promising immersive stadium sound that shouldn’t overload the network. Peacock will also be streaming the World Cup in 4K and 1080p HDR, according to Dolby spokesperson Andrea Villarreal.

    Update and correction: Peacock will stream the games in 4K and 1080p HDR, but won’t offer personalized audio controls as previously stated.

    Thomas Ricker
    Thomas Ricker
    Airbnb CEO is the latest bot-licker.

    OG Silicon Valley founder / CEO types just can’t resist the lure of AI. At least Chesky will reportedly remain at Airbnb, unlike Dropbox’s Drew Houston who jumped ship entirely with his billions.

    Thomas Ricker
    Thomas Ricker
    Leica’s cheaper mini projector will still cost you $2,000.

    For a fraction of Leica’s first $7,900 ultra-short throw projector, the new Cine Compact 1 is built around a triple RGB laser and 360-degree mount to project a 4K image onto walls and ceilings. The all-in-one projector runs the Linux-based VIDAA OS originally developed by Hisense which supports Netflix streaming, AirPlay, and Dolby Vision. Leica says brightness can hit “1,700 lumens,” but fails to say how they’re measured — shame, shame.

    The Leica Cine Compact 1
    That 360-degree rotation system makes it easy to project from almost any angle.
    Image: Leica
    Thomas Ricker
    Thomas Ricker
    Walmart’s getting it Onn with Google Home.

    Alongside a $35 outdoor camera, $23 plug-in indoor cam, and $45 wired video doorbell launched last week, the retailer has leaked a floodlight camera at the end of a promo video. Question is, will it or the rumored Onn speaker launch first?

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    Am I alone in thinking the unannounced Floodlight Camera resembles a happy pig?
    Am I alone in thinking the unannounced Floodlight Camera resembles a happy pig?
    Image: Walmart
    Thomas Ricker
    Thomas Ricker
    “We will fly again before the end of this year.”

    That’s Dave Limp, Blue Origin CEO, commenting on New Glenn’s return to service after last week’s spectacular explosion that seriously damaged LC-36 — the rocket’s only launchpad. If the timeline holds it would be on the optimistic side of estimates and good news for NASA and Amazon who need the partially reusable, heavy-lift launch vehicle operational to meet their respective targets of returning to the Moon and competing with Starlink.