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Meta to Cut 1,500 Positions in Plan to Terminate Gaming Social Network

Horizon Worlds Developers Confront Job Reductions Amid Meta’s Strategic Transition

Meta’s Reality Labs segment, which is tasked with the creation of virtual reality (VR) innovations and platforms, is experiencing major transformations as the company realigns its strategic priorities. Reports suggest that Meta intends to eliminate roughly 10% of its Reality Labs personnel, equating to about 1,500 positions. These layoffs mainly focus on the metaverse sector, impacting staff involved in developing VR headsets and the VR-centric social platform, Horizon Worlds.

This move follows an earlier budget cut in December 2025, which redirected resources towards artificial intelligence (AI) and smart eyewear, instead of VR. Even though Meta Quest headsets saw robust sales during the holiday period, Horizon Worlds has faced difficulties in competing with rivals such as Roblox, Fortnite, and Minecraft.

Meta’s Chief Technology Officer, Andrew Bosworth, has scheduled an important meeting for January 14, 2026, to discuss these developments. The company is said to be shifting its focus towards creating an ultralight VR headset, which may debut in late 2026 or 2027. This forthcoming device is anticipated to boast premium features and a corresponding price, marking a shift away from Horizon Worlds and external Horizon OS development.

As Meta reorients its focus on first-party VR headsets and gaming, the prospects for Horizon Worlds and its developers remain unclear. The forthcoming meeting is expected to shed more light on the company’s trajectory and its implications for its workforce.

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Apple TV Reveals Comeback of Beloved Sci-Fi Series Launching Next Month

**Monarch: Legacy of Monsters Season 2 Overview**

Apple TV’s renowned sci-fi series, *Monarch: Legacy of Monsters*, is poised to make its return for a second season on **February 27, 2026**. Following the triumph of its inaugural season, which enthralled viewers with its fusion of human drama and monstrous action, the series continues to delve into the intricate realm of Titans, featuring legendary figures like Godzilla and King Kong.

**New Titan Unveiled**

The freshly released trailer for season 2 reveals a new entity, termed ‘Titan X,’ amplifying the excitement surrounding the series. This new Titan is anticipated to play a crucial role in the evolving narrative, which promises to investigate further into the mythology of the Monarch organization and its relationship with these gigantic beings.

**Plot Summary**

The initial season of *Monarch: Legacy of Monsters* centered on two siblings exploring their family’s connections to the secret organization Monarch. Their adventure plunged them into a realm filled with monsters and the intricate history of Army officer Lee Shaw, depicted by the father-son pair Kurt Russell and Wyatt Russell. The tale traversed the 1950s and the contemporary era, uncovering the organization’s concealed truths.

As season 2 commences, the fate of Monarch and the world is uncertain. The plot will uncover hidden secrets that unite heroes and villains on Kong’s Skull Island and within a mysterious village where a new Titan surfaces. The series will persist in blurring the distinctions between family, friends, and adversaries, all while a titan event approaches on the horizon.

**Release Schedule**

*Monarch: Legacy of Monsters* season 2 is set to debut on February 27, 2026, with new episodes airing weekly until May 1, 2026.

**Viewing Options**

Viewers can catch up on the first season of *Monarch: Legacy of Monsters* on Apple TV, available for **$12.99 per month** or via the discounted Apple One bundle.

As excitement heightens for the new season, fans are invited to share their opinions on the series and their intentions to watch the forthcoming episodes.

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Alternative Configuration Options for Enhancing Your Mounted TV Presentation

manage all those chaotic television cables a wall-mounted television typically leaves behind.

However, if you’re determined to remove the feet or tabletop stand your television arrived with for an elevated arrangement, you might want to consider a universal TV stand. A universal stand is a tabletop solution with a base that rests on a flat surface or entertainment unit. The upper portion of the stand features a VESA-certified mount from which your television hangs, similar to how it would if attached to a wall. Frequently, the column extending from the base to the mount is both height-adjustable and designed for concealing cables.

Universal TV stands are excellent for maximizing space on your TV furniture. The majority of models are easy to set up, though not all units include the clearest instructions. It is also important to note that most mounts included with a universal stand are either stationary or tilt-only — which means you can adjust your television only up and down. This doesn’t imply there are no any universal stands with swivel capabilities, but if you aspire to tilt and swivel your television in any direction, you’re likely better off opting for a full-motion wall mount.

Enhance your television viewing experience effortlessly

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Crucial Costco Devices for Every Home Workspace

gadgets that simplify the work-from-home experience, along with devices to enhance productivity while working remotely. They encompass everything from ergonomic office furniture to electronics you can utilize daily. However, there are specific gadgets that we believe every home office ought to have, and several of them can be found at Costco.

The wholesaler doesn’t solely focus on bulk buying, especially if you’re exploring the Costco online store. It’s a dependable source for home office necessities, providing quality items from well-known brands. Prioritizing functionality, affordability, and reviews from Costco members, we’ve sifted through Costco’s offerings and selected some essential home office gadgets that we think every individual with a designated home workspace should have. Whether you’re a remote worker or operate your business from home, let’s look into some must-have gadgets available for purchase in Costco’s home office section.

ApexDesk ZT electric desk riser

Although there are numerous desk accessories and gadgets designed to alleviate back discomfort during the workday, a desk riser is a tool everyone ought to think about. They’re generally more affordable than many complete standing desks, and they offer a wonderful way to enhance your current work setup. The ApexDesk ZT electric desk riser is listed at $250 at Costco, and over 730 customers have rated it with a 5-star review for an average of 4.5 stars. It’s fully motorized and even includes a USB port built into its design. It arrives completely assembled and has ample space for two monitors.

Of course, this gadget might not suit your requirements. Desk risers can create a sense of clutter on a desk, and they might not be easy to store away when not in use. Some

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Apple Unveils Anticipated Launch of Pixelmator Pro for iPad

Apple acquired the team responsible for developing the app at Pixelmator in late 2024, with the acquisition concluding nearly a year ago. Now, in the first significant update since the acquisition, Pixelmator Pro is set to launch on iPad in conjunction with the debut of Apple Creator Studio.

### Pixelmator Pro Arrives January 28 on iPad Alongside Apple Creator Studio

From Apple’s press announcement regarding the upcoming Apple Creator Studio:

> For the first time, Pixelmator Pro is making its way to iPad, featuring a completely new touch-optimized workspace, comprehensive Apple Pencil support, the capability to work seamlessly between iPad and Mac, and all the robust editing tools that users have come to value on Mac. Pixelmator Pro for iPad delivers fast and effective image editing, harnessing the high-speed capabilities of Apple silicon and designed from the ground up for the latest iPadOS.

User-friendly touch controls enhance the ability to create desktop-level designs wherever users take their iPad. The comprehensive Layers sidebar enables creators to assemble designs using a variety of distinctive elements like images, shapes, text, and even video. Intelligent selection tools assist users in isolating and modifying specific sections of images with ease, and with advanced bitmap and vector masks, they can conceal or display specific areas of their designs. The profound integration of hardware, software, and Apple silicon activates features such as Super Resolution for intelligently enlarging photos, Deband for eliminating compression artifacts, and automatic composition prompts with Auto Crop. With complete Apple Pencil support, digital artists can enjoy a natural painting experience with a stunning array of pressure-sensitive brushes. The unparalleled precision of Apple Pencil—combined with features like hover, squeeze, and double-tap—equips creators to produce pixel-perfect designs.

In other words, the complete functionality of the Pixelmator Pro application for Mac seems to be incorporated into the new iPad app. The updated iPad version of Pixelmator Pro will be available **Wednesday, January 28**. It necessitates hardware with an A16, A17 Pro, or M1 chip or newer running iPadOS 26 or above.

According to the press release, it remains somewhat unclear if Apple Creator Studio is needed to access the new iPad app. The Mac version will be obtainable as a one-time purchase of $49.99, but Apple doesn’t specifically indicate a comparable purchase option for iPad.

Pixelmator Pro has consistently been exclusive to Mac, despite the original Pixelmator app being accessible for both iPhone and iPad as well. However, that application has seen minimal updates in recent years. Even prior to the Apple acquisition, the team behind Pixelmator primarily concentrated on Pixelmator Pro for Mac.

Interestingly, even if you acquire the Mac version through a one-time purchase, Apple is restricting at least one Pixelmator Pro feature to subscribers of the new Apple Creator Studio.

> Moreover, for subscribers of Apple Creator Studio, both Pixelmator Pro for Mac and iPad introduce a powerful new Warp tool for twisting and shaping layers in countless creative ways, accompanied by a stunning collection of Warp-powered product mockups.

Certain unique features are also offered in the Apple Creator Studio subscription for other applications, such as Pages, Keynote, and Numbers.

Are you eager to utilize Pixelmator Pro on iPad? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Apple Unveils Anticipated Launch of Pixelmator Pro for iPad
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Pages, Numbers, Keynote, and Freeform Shifting to Freemium Approach

Apple has revealed a notable modification to its suite of productivity applications, which includes Pages, Numbers, Keynote, and Freeform. Historically, these applications have been free for users on Apple devices; however, the launch of the Apple Creator Studio will introduce new AI functionalities and premium content that will demand a subscription.

The fundamental capabilities of these applications will continue to be free, enabling users to create, edit, and collaborate without any subscription fees. Yet, those who subscribe will unlock advanced features, such as exclusive templates and themes, along with access to a new high-quality media library via the Content Hub. This initiative aims to empower creators from various fields while ensuring user privacy.

Apple has yet to share all specifics, but the subscription service is crafted to enhance the familiar experiences of other creative tools like Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro. Users can anticipate uninterrupted access to existing functionalities, with the subscription mainly aimed at individuals looking to take advantage of the new visual-centric content.

Moreover, users will retain the option to buy the Mac versions of these creative applications outright, rather than subscribing. This flexibility enables users to select the most suitable approach for their requirements, whether they favor the classic one-time purchase model or the new subscription model for premium features.

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Apple’s Anticipated AI Server Processors Set to Debut This Year

Apple has recently garnered attention by collaborating with Google to improve its AI capabilities, particularly regarding Siri. This partnership is aligned with Apple’s ambitions to create its own AI server chips, as disclosed by industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. These moves indicate a strategic initiative by Apple to strengthen its presence in the swiftly changing AI arena.

### Proprietary AI Server Chips Could Provide Apple a New Edge

According to Kuo, Apple’s own AI server chips are projected to begin mass production in the latter half of 2026. Moreover, Apple intends to build and manage its own data centers by 2027, highlighting a substantial commitment to AI infrastructure. This timetable implies that Apple expects a marked increase in demand for on-device AI functionalities starting in 2027.

For years, rumors have circulated about Apple’s plans to create its own AI-targeted server-class chips. The validation of these intentions signifies a crucial juncture for the company, particularly in light of its established strengths in silicon engineering. Apple’s silicon team has continuously enhanced the performance of its devices, including the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. The rollout of proprietary cellular modems and wireless chips further emphasizes the company’s prowess in hardware innovation.

Kuo’s analysis points out that while the new AI server chips are scheduled for mass production in 2026, they might also be utilized in current data centers on a limited scale prior to the full-scale launch. This gradual implementation enables Apple to seamlessly incorporate its new technology while fine-tuning its AI capabilities.

### Consequences for Apple’s Future

The creation of proprietary AI server chips could offer Apple a distinctive competitive advantage. By having control over its hardware, Apple can enhance performance and efficiency for its AI solutions, which may result in improved user experiences throughout its ecosystem. As the need for AI-driven functionalities continues to rise, Apple’s commitment to this sector could place it in a favorable position against its rivals.

The excitement around these developments raises inquiries about the future of Apple’s AI advances and the implications for products like Siri. As Apple persists in its innovation and expands its technological foundations, the incorporation of sophisticated AI features could transform user interaction with its devices.

In summary, Apple’s initiative to develop its own AI server chips marks a significant milestone in its continuous evolution within the technology sector. With a solid base in silicon engineering and a strategic alliance with Google, Apple is well-positioned to enhance its AI capabilities and potentially alter the artificial intelligence landscape in consumer technology.

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Consumer Reports Lists the Five Best Smart TVs of 2025

common errors to avoid when purchasing a new TV, it’s wise to select models endorsed by experts. You can rest assured about the image and audio quality, as these models provide the finest options available on the market. Several top TV manufacturers have recently introduced new models, offering you a wider range of choices if you’re in the market for a new TV.

Among the latest releases, if you aim to find the crème de la crème, gadget review platform Consumer Reports serves as an ideal resource. The site has assessed numerous models, equipping it to suggest reliable alternatives. We’ve explored the site and determined that these five models are the top-rated, delivering excellent overall quality in all the vital aspects that are important when selecting a new TV. The site evaluates hundreds of televisions annually, assigning each one an overall score used to rank models and identify the best.

5. Samsung QN65S90D

The Samsung QN65S90D was included in the company’s 2024 QD-OLED series. It’s a premium television that ranks just below the company’s flagship model

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“Bose’s Method for Phasing Out SoundTouch Speakers Provides Insights for Smart Home Brands”

When you purchase a smart home gadget that depends on an internet connection or cloud services for operation, a countdown begins. These gadgets won’t function indefinitely, as the manufacturers will eventually opt to stop supporting them. Certain smart home and Internet-of-Things devices may endure longer than anticipated, while others may be rendered obsolete much sooner than users expect.

Devices linked to the internet will ultimately be phased out — this is unavoidable. What follows remains unclear. Some brands leave their customers stranded with inoperable hardware, while others provide refunds or store credits to facilitate upgrades to newer (supported) models.

The optimal choice, however, is for smart home manufacturers to open-source the software behind discontinued devices. This approach allows the community to intervene and maintain their smart home devices for an indefinite period. Once the software is open-sourced, users can self-host their smart home systems, integrate with platforms like Home Assistant, and utilize community-driven projects to prevent hardware from ending up in landfills.

A few months back, Bose revealed that its SoundTouch speakers were entering their end-of-life phase, ceasing official support in February 2026. What transpired afterward serves as a model for how smart home companies should engage with their customers when it’s time to gracefully retire products they can no longer support.

Bose initially faltered but then corrected its course

Speakers should ideally last indefinitely, but with the addition of smart functionalities, assumptions can’t be made. Bose’s SoundTouch range of home audio speakers and soundbars featured “smart” technology relying on cloud capabilities for music streaming and multi-room audio. Their cost was also significant, with some variants exceeding $1,000.

In its initial announcement in October 2025, Bose declared that as of February 18, 2026, it would cease cloud support for all SoundTouch offerings. The hardware would stop receiving security updates, the app would be discontinued, and features such as Spotify/TuneIn integration and multi-room listening would vanish.

Naturally, this news didn’t sit well with customers, who expressed their discontent on Reddit regarding their smart speakers becoming non-smart. According to the initial plan, SoundTouch speakers would still be able to stream music via Bluetooth, Aux, or HDMI, but that was the extent of it.

Don’t let anyone convince you that collective dissent is ineffective, as Bose altered its approach last week in light of customer feedback. An updated email from the company stated that Bose has “been listening closely” to SoundTouch users and is adjusting its plans accordingly.

Specifically, the end date for cloud support has now been pushed to May 6, 2026, the SoundTouch app will remain accessible for local control after the shutdown, and the SoundTouch API will be open-sourced for community use.

This is about as significant a victory as Bose SoundTouch owners could have hoped for. While cloud support will eventually be discontinued, AirPlay and Spotify Connect “should continue to operate,” according to the company. When the cloud services are deactivated, the SoundTouch app will be updated to a local variant, allowing users to set up, configure, control remotely, and group their systems.

Although some functionalities, like cloud music services and presets, will be eliminated in May, they may not be gone for good. Bose’s consumer-friendly choice to open-source the SoundTouch software presents the community with an opportunity to restore lost features.

Open-sourcing smart home technologies benefits all involved

Open-sourcing the SoundTouch software always appeared to be the wisest path for Bose. It serves everyone’s interests. Bose can safely deactivate the cloud infrastructure supporting SoundTouch systems, reallocating those resources to new product lines. In the meantime, consumers can continue to access most of their speakers’ functionalities, and the open-source community can assist them in reclaiming — or even exceeding — lost features.

This stands in stark contrast to how other companies have addressed the phasing out of older hardware. Last year, Google withdrew support for the first and second-generation Nest Learning Thermostat models. This action effectively disabled their most valuable features, reducing them to “dumb” thermostats. Does that sound familiar? It’s a similar opening to Bose’s handling of SoundTouch speakers.

However, Google only offered owners of affected Nest Learning Thermostats a $130 discount on a new fourth-generation model. It made no attempt to restore essential functionalities or open-source the software for community access.

As is often the case, the open-source community found a way forward nonetheless. One developer, Cody Kociemba, reverse-engineered the Nest API to restore certain features of the Nest Learning Thermostat in a project named NoLongerEvil Thermostat.

The end result is arguably similar — both Bose and Google Nest users have a makeshift workaround to prolong their devices’ functionality — but the public sentiment diverges. Bose appears open to feedback and demonstrates concern for its customers, while Google’s approach seems more anti-consumer.

Major companies like Google, Amazon, and Samsung should take notes.

Rarely do companies imitate Bose’s actions from last week. It is uncommon for a business to take steps,

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"Bose's Method for Phasing Out SoundTouch Speakers Provides Insights for Smart Home Brands"
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Google’s January Update Provides Major GPU Corrections for Pixel 10 Series

Pixel 10 users have faced challenges in recent months, but Google is rolling out solutions to assist.

What you should be aware of

– The January patch from Google is now available, bringing GPU solutions for the concerns Pixel 10 users have encountered.
– The announcement indicates that “general performance” enhancements are included for the GPU, in addition to fixes for touchscreen sensitivity, battery drain, and other issues.
– In October, Pixel 10 owners reported lag and freezes during gaming, compelling the company to promise ongoing GPU updates.

Google is commencing the week on a high note, as its monthly security patch is being distributed to Pixel devices with a significant fix that has been eagerly anticipated.

Earlier today, Google shared the details of its January 2026 security patch on its Pixel community forum. This patch is being issued for devices from the Pixel 7a through the Pixel 10 series. All devices are gearing up for the update designated as vBP4A.260105.004.E1. The primary focus of this patch is the introduction of a fix for various GPU-related problems that have affected many Pixel phones.

The announcement specifies, “General enhancements for GPU performance in specific situations” are rolling out today (Jan 12).

Naturally, these concerns mainly involve the Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, and the 10 Pro Fold. Additional display fixes for this month include yet another patch for the AOD (always-on display) addressing “flickering in specific scenarios.” This was an issue the Pixel 10 series frequently encountered in December, following the previous update. Furthermore, editing images in Adobe Lightroom on the Pixel 10 occasionally led to “noisy line flashes,” which has also been resolved.

Interestingly, Google mentions it is deploying a fix for the touchscreen issues within the Pixel 10 series, as some users reported it would occasionally stop responding. This should no longer be an issue after installing this update, but as always, remain attentive.

The rest of the January 2026 patch includes:

– Resolution for noisy ringback tones during Webex calls under certain circumstances
– Resolution for battery drainage issues in certain scenarios
– Resolution for an issue where removing a Live Universe wallpaper could sporadically render the Wallpaper and style app unusable until a device reboot

Addressing the challenges

The Pixel 10 has been grappling with its GPU since its release, with Google providing minor updates since September and October. It is expected for the series to utilize the Tensor G5 chip internally; however, Google’s proprietary chip still lags in performance, often disappointing users with high-end gaming. In October, users reported lag and freezes during games, resulting in dissatisfaction.

Google has allegedly committed to enhancing and updating the GPU in its Pixel 10 series, which is becoming evident in January.

It is also important to note that some of the fixes in the January patch were initially highlighted in December, including touch concerns and battery drain. Pixel 10 users faced display unresponsiveness and troublesome touchscreen problems, prompting the critical mid-December update. Nonetheless, it appears users are still contending with persistent issues. The January patch will gradually start to circulate, and hopefully, this marks the resolution of these complications.

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