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WSJ x a16z: The Next 25 Years of Defense Innovation
Business
Feb 18, 2026

WSJ x a16z: The Next 25 Years of Defense Innovation

Here's something that caught my attention — talking about America’s future in defense innovation and how it shapes our world. Katherine Boyle from a16z explains that when Silicon Valley started openly saying “America” in 2022, it stunned many. Why? Because it signaled a shift — investors are now more focused on supporting national interests, especially after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine changed everything. According to Katherine, this isn’t just about defense tech; it's about rethinking what it means to be innovative in service of the country’s security and resilience. Content+a16zpodcast@a16z.com highlights that this new approach could redefine how startups and investors contribute to national strength, blending technology and geopolitics more tightly than ever before. And get this — Andy Serwer and Katherine Boyle point out that the next 25 years might see a fundamental shift in how we think about innovation, security, and America’s global role. It’s a story worth watching, because it’s shaping the future in real time.

Support System for Product Leaders - All Things Product Podcast with Teresa Torres & Petra Wille
Business
Feb 18, 2026

Support System for Product Leaders - All Things Product Podcast with Teresa Torres & Petra Wille

Here's something that might surprise you — many product leaders are completely overwhelmed, juggling shrinking teams, AI disruptions, and endless requests. But here’s the thing — scaling your impact doesn’t mean doing more yourself. According to Teresa Torres, a big part of the challenge is that leaders underinvest in their own support systems, like assistants or coaching. Petra Wille adds that delegation isn’t a weakness; it’s a crucial leadership skill. So what does this actually mean for you? Well, you need to identify the work only you can do — then find ways to offload everything else. That might be bringing in research support, leveraging communities of practice, or trying small bits of external help. As Teresa points out, adopting a “professional athlete” mindset helps you focus on impact, not just busyness. And get this — AI can help, but it’s still no substitute for human judgment and connection. Building these support systems now means you’ll stay sharp, focused, and less likely to burn out.

Death Markets
Business
Feb 18, 2026

Death Markets

Here's something that might sound straight out of a sci-fi movie — markets where you can bet on death itself. Byrne Hobart points out that prediction markets are evolving fast, reintroducing wagers on events like rocket explosions or even assassinations. Now, here's where it gets wild — these markets aren’t just morbid curiosity. They raise serious questions about morality and legality, especially when betting on who might die or when. Hobart highlights that while some markets are poorly structured — like those on NASA launches — they hint at a darker side: the potential for sabotage or incentivizing harmful outcomes. But here's the thing — these markets also reveal what people truly believe will happen, offering a strange window into societal fears and biases. And get this — some of these ideas, like betting on political assassinations, date back to the 90s, when crypto-anarchists imagined decentralized ways to organize chaos. As prediction markets grow, the challenge is figuring out where to draw the line — because, honestly, society’s tolerance for risk and morality is already stretched pretty thin.

Thin Is In
Technology
Feb 18, 2026

Thin Is In

Here's something that might surprise you — despite decades of thick versus thin computing debates, AI has flipped the script completely. Today, the interface most of us use isn’t a fancy UI or local device; it’s just a text box connected to powerful servers. According to Ben Thompson, writing in Tech, AI’s new thin client isn’t just a trend — it's the dominant way we interact. Whether it’s chatbots or virtual agents, the heavy lifting happens in the cloud, making local compute almost irrelevant. But here’s where it gets wild: as models grow smarter and need more memory and speed, the real bottleneck is the global chip shortage. Bloomberg warns that this shortage is already hitting profits and delaying major tech releases. So, what does this mean for you? In the near future, most of your AI-powered work and interactions will depend on vast data centers, not your laptop or phone. The era of local AI hardware might be over — at least for now.

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Technology
Feb 18, 2026

99% of adults over 40 have shoulder "abnormalities" on an MRI, study finds

Here's something that might surprise you — almost everyone over 40 has shoulder MRI abnormalities, yet most don’t even feel a thing. Beth Mole, writing for Technology, highlights a recent study in JAMA Internal Medicine where 99% of adults over 40 showed rotator cuff issues on MRI. But here’s the thing — these folks weren’t necessarily in pain. So what does this actually mean? Well, it raises big questions about how we diagnose shoulder pain. Doctors often rely on MRI results to identify problems, but Beth points out that these abnormalities are often normal aging signs, not injuries needing treatment. This could be why overtreatment of rotator cuff issues is on the rise — think surgeries or therapies that may not be necessary. And get this — what researchers found is that MRI scans might actually cloud the real cause of shoulder discomfort, leading to more unnecessary interventions. So, the next time you hear about shoulder problems, remember — imaging isn’t always the whole story.

This 1920s Business Still Makes $10 BILLION per year
Technology
Feb 18, 2026

This 1920s Business Still Makes $10 BILLION per year

Here's something that might blow your mind — there’s a business from the 1920s still raking in $10 billion a year today. And no, it’s not some tech startup. According to My First Million, the secret lies in how this company has stayed simple, scaled smartly, and kept its core product timeless. What’s fascinating is how they built a business model that’s both nostalgic and incredibly profitable, proving that sometimes, sticking to your roots pays off big time. The real kicker? They didn’t need fancy tech or quick gimmicks — just a solid approach that’s been refining over nearly a century. As My First Million points out, this is a reminder that old-school principles, like understanding your customer and consistency, still work wonders. So, for busy professionals, the lesson here? Sometimes, the best strategy is to keep it simple, stay consistent, and adapt slowly — just like this 1920s powerhouse. It’s a game plan that’s stood the test of time, and the implications are pretty clear.

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Technology
Feb 18, 2026

Looks a lot like an electric station wagon: the 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland

Here's something that caught my attention — Toyota’s new bZ Woodland looks like an electric station wagon but is really a lifted, versatile crossover. Chad Kirchner from Ars reports that Toyota flew the team from Ohio to California just to test drive it, so you know they’re serious. The Woodland isn’t just longer — by about 6 inches — it also offers 33.8 cubic feet of cargo space, which feels surprisingly spacious in person. What really sets it apart is its 8.3 inches of ground clearance, giving it a more rugged, off-road-ready vibe. According to Kirchner, this vehicle aims to be the ultimate single-car solution for the electric era — combining the practicality of a wagon with the capability of an SUV. So what does this actually mean for you? If you’re craving a car that can handle snow, weekend trips, and daily errands without compromise, the bZ Woodland could be a game-changer. It’s a smart move from Toyota, blending style, space, and utility all in one.

Scientists hunting mammoth fossils found whales 400 km inland
Technology
Feb 18, 2026

Scientists hunting mammoth fossils found whales 400 km inland

Here's something that’ll make you do a double-take — scientists hunting for mammoth fossils in Alaska ended up with whale bones instead. Kiona N. Smith reports that University of Alaska paleontologist Matthew Wooller and his team radiocarbon-dated over 300 fossils, looking for the last woolly mammoths. But when they found two specimens that dated to just a few thousand years ago, they got a real surprise. Instead of mammoth bones, DNA tests revealed they were North Pacific right whales and minke whales — found 400 km inland, miles from any coast. Now, here’s where it gets interesting: this mix-up raises questions about how whale bones ended up so far from the ocean, and what it means for our understanding of Alaska’s ancient landscape. Wooller’s team thought they were closing in on recent mammoth survivors, but instead, they uncovered a whole new mystery about whale migrations and fossil record mix-ups. So if you thought fossil hunting was straightforward, think again — nature loves to keep us guessing. And honestly, this could rewrite some chapters of Arctic history.

EU launches probe into xAI over sexualized images
Technology
Feb 18, 2026

EU launches probe into xAI over sexualized images

Here's something that caught my attention — Europe’s been stirring up trouble for Elon Musk’s X. The EU’s privacy watchdog just launched a massive probe into xAI’s Grok chatbot. Why? Because it’s been generating non-consensual, sexualized images using EU user data. According to Hannah Murphy reporting for the Financial Times, Ireland’s Data Protection Commission is concerned about potential harm and breaches of privacy laws, especially since Grok is embedded right in X’s social feeds. Now, here’s where it gets interesting — xAI, Musk’s AI startup, developed Grok, and last year, it even bought X. And get this — earlier this month, xAI merged with SpaceX, turning Musk’s empire into a $1.5 trillion powerhouse. But this probe isn’t just about Musk’s tech ego — it’s about how regulators are cracking down on AI tools that cross ethical lines, especially when it comes to sensitive content. So what does this mean for AI and user safety? The scrutiny’s just beginning, and it’s shaping the future of tech accountability.

Ford is focusing on efficiency to make its 2027 $30,000 EV pickup affordable
Technology
Feb 18, 2026

Ford is focusing on efficiency to make its 2027 $30,000 EV pickup affordable

Here's something that caught my attention — Ford's strategy to make a $30,000 EV pickup by 2027 isn’t just about slashing prices. According to Jonathan M. Gitlin writing in Technology, Ford is doubling down on efficiency. They’re building a new 'Universal EV Platform' that uses fewer parts and consumes less energy, all while maintaining performance. So, what does this actually mean for you? Well, Ford’s focus isn’t only on cost — it's about making EVs more practical. They’re applying lessons learned from their full-size trucks, like clever features for towing and emergency power. But now, they’re rethinking everything from the ground up, aiming to deliver a more affordable EV without sacrificing usefulness. And get this — by designing a smaller, lighter platform, Ford hopes to cut costs significantly. As Gitlin points out, this shift could finally push electric trucks into the mainstream, giving busy pros a real option that’s both affordable and reliable. Keep an eye — this could change everything for your next vehicle.

Here's the fun, action-packed trailer for Mandolorian and Grogu
Technology
Feb 18, 2026

Here's the fun, action-packed trailer for Mandolorian and Grogu

Here's something that caught my attention — Disney just dropped the full trailer for the new Mandalorian and Grogu film. And honestly, it looks like pure action-packed fun. If you're a Star Wars fan, you know how Grogu, aka Baby Yoda, stole everyone's heart from the first season. Jennifer Ouellette from TechCrunch notes that the bond between Grogu and Din Djarin has only grown stronger, and this spinoff seems to dig into more of their adventures. Now, here’s where it gets interesting — director Jon Favreau got the green light to make this film while season 4 of the series was delayed because of Hollywood strikes. What Ouellette points out is that it’s a smart move to keep fans engaged while waiting. So what does this actually mean for you? Expect more of that lovable, funny Grogu mixed with some serious action, and a story that promises to expand the universe in exciting ways. Keep an eye out — this one’s gonna be a blast.

There's a lot of big talk about sovereign launch—who is doing something about it?
Technology
Feb 18, 2026

There's a lot of big talk about sovereign launch—who is doing something about it?

Here's something that caught my attention — while the US and China are still the top dogs in space launches, several US allies are stepping up. According to Stephen Clark writing in Technology, countries like Australia, Canada, Germany, and Spain are pouring money into building their own launch capabilities. They see sovereign access to space as a critical part of national security, especially with strained relations and rising global tensions. But here’s where it gets interesting — some nations talk a big game but haven’t actually committed the cash yet. Clark points out that this trend isn’t just about space; it’s tied to broader defense moves, like Europe considering nuclear deterrence independent of the US. So, what does this mean for the future? Well, these countries want independence, and they’re willing to invest now to get there. It’s a clear sign that space isn’t just about exploration anymore — it’s about securing a strategic edge.

Warner Bros. rejects Paramount again but asks for "best and final offer"
Technology
Feb 18, 2026

Warner Bros. rejects Paramount again but asks for "best and final offer"

Here's something that might just shake up the streaming world — Warner Bros. Discovery has given Paramount one last shot to beat Netflix’s offer. And get this — while Warner Bros. still officially backs the Netflix merger, they’re running secret negotiations with Paramount, despite calling their previous offers lacking. According to Jon Brodkin from Ars Technica, Warner Bros. has a limited waiver allowing them a seven-day window — ending February 23 — to explore a potential deal with Paramount Skydance. Now, here’s where it gets interesting: Warner Bros. scheduled a shareholder vote for March 20 to push forward with Netflix, but they’re keeping their options open. What does this mean? Well, it’s a high-stakes game of negotiations, and the outcome could totally disrupt the current merger plans. Basically, Warner Bros. is playing hardball — asking Paramount for its best final offer while still publicly backing Netflix. So, don’t be surprised if we see some unexpected moves soon — this could flip the entire streaming landscape.

RAM shortage hits Valve's four-year-old Steam Deck, now available "intermittently"
Technology
Feb 18, 2026

RAM shortage hits Valve's four-year-old Steam Deck, now available "intermittently"

Here's something that might surprise you — Valve's popular Steam Deck is now hitting supply snags, and it’s not just a temporary thing. According to Andrew Cunningham writing in TechCrunch, the ongoing global RAM shortage, which started late 2025, is finally affecting devices that have already launched. Valve had to pause sales of the Steam Deck in some regions because they simply can’t get enough memory and storage chips. Now, here's where it gets interesting — none of the three main configurations are available right now, and even refurbished units are out of stock. Valve hasn’t raised prices yet, but the entry-level 256GB LCD model, which sold out, has been discontinued, bumping the starting price from $399 to $549. As Cunningham reports, Valve announced last December that production of that version would end for good. So, what does this mean for you? Keep an eye on supply — it might stay patchy for a while as the industry struggles with this cascading chip shortage.

What happens to a car when the company behind its software goes under?
Technology
Feb 18, 2026

What happens to a car when the company behind its software goes under?

Here's something that might surprise you — your car's digital life depends more on the company's survival than you think. Imagine pressing the start button, and nothing happens — not because of a dead battery, but because a server no longer responds. According to Matthew MacConnell writing for Ars Technica, as cars become more like smartphones on wheels — controlling everything from unlocking doors to preconditioning the cabin — their software is now critical to basic functions. But here's the catch: if the company behind that software goes under, your car might become essentially useless. MacConnell points out that today’s vehicles rely heavily on remote servers and subscriptions, so losing that connection could mean losing core features — possibly even the ability to drive. So what does this mean for you? More than ever, your car’s digital health is tied to the company’s stability. Expect to see more discussions about how to keep these vehicles running long-term, even if the software providers disappear. The future of driving might be more fragile than we realized.

Most VMware users still "actively reducing their VMware footprint," survey finds
Technology
Feb 18, 2026

Most VMware users still "actively reducing their VMware footprint," survey finds

Here's something that might surprise you — most VMware users are still actively cutting back on their reliance on the platform, even after Broadcom’s takeover. According to Scharon Harding writing in Technology, a recent survey by CloudBolt Software shows that 88 percent of IT decision-makers still see the acquisition as disruptive. And get this — 89 percent cite price hikes as a major pain point, which isn’t exactly a small issue. But here’s where it gets interesting: uncertainty about Broadcom’s plans, support worries, and shifts from perpetual licenses to subscriptions are making things messier for these companies. As Harding reports, many are feeling the squeeze — struggling with higher costs and unclear futures. The thing is — this isn’t just a blip. It’s a sign that organizations are actively reducing their VMware footprint, seeking more flexible, cost-effective solutions. So what does this mean for the future? Well, the pressure to move away from vendor lock-in isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

Stephen Colbert says CBS forbid interview of Democrat because of FCC threat
Technology
Feb 18, 2026

Stephen Colbert says CBS forbid interview of Democrat because of FCC threat

Here's something that caught my attention — Stephen Colbert revealed CBS blocked him from interviewing Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico. Why? Because of a looming threat from the FCC, which warned networks about risking their 'bona fide' news exemption if they don’t follow strict rules. According to Jon Brodkin at Ars Technica, FCC Chair Brendan Carr has been cracking down, warning talk shows that they might lose special protections if they don’t stick to the rules. And get this — Colbert said CBS’s lawyers actually called him directly, telling him he couldn’t even mention the interview or its cancellation. This is part of a broader investigation sparked after the FCC looked into ABC’s The View for similar issues. Now, the big question is — what does this mean for free speech and political coverage? As Brodkin points out, it’s a bold move by regulators that could chill honest conversation on late-night TV. So, keep an eye on this — things could get even more complicated for media freedom.

Password managers' promise that they can't see your vaults isn't always true
Technology
Feb 18, 2026

Password managers' promise that they can't see your vaults isn't always true

Here’s something that might surprise you — many password managers claim they can't see your vaults, but that’s not always true. Over the past decade and a half, as Dan Goodin from Ars Technica notes, these tools have gone from niche to essential, with millions relying on them for everything from passwords to crypto keys. Now, here’s where it gets interesting — many of these services advertise a ‘zero knowledge’ system, meaning even they can’t access your data. Companies like Bitwarden, Dashlane, and LastPass make bold promises: they can't read your vaults, even if they wanted to. But according to Goodin, this isn’t entirely accurate. He points out that there’s a difference between encryption and total invisibility. Some technical loopholes or vulnerabilities could, in certain circumstances, give insiders or hackers a way in. So what does this actually mean for you? Be aware that trusting these promises might be riskier than it seems — nothing’s foolproof, even when it’s sold as ‘zero knowledge.’

GameHub will give Mac owners another imperfect way to play Windows games
Technology
Feb 18, 2026

GameHub will give Mac owners another imperfect way to play Windows games

Here's something that caught my attention — Mac owners might soon have another way to play Windows games, but it’s far from perfect. Kyle Orland from Ars Technica reports that GameSir, known for its gaming peripherals, is working on bringing its Android-based emulation tool, GameHub, to macOS. Now, you might think, 'Great — another option.' But here’s where it gets tricky. Tests on Reddit and sites like EmuReady show that compatibility is pretty hit-or-miss. Some games, especially those built with Unity or Godot, tend to run smoothly, but many others face serious issues. According to Orland, this isn’t a guaranteed fix, just another imperfect way for Mac gamers to try their luck. And get this — GameHub’s past attempts on Android haven’t exactly been flawless, with reports of terrible compatibility across popular titles. So, while it’s interesting to see more options emerging, it’s still a bit of a gamble. Keep an eye — things might improve, but don’t expect perfection anytime soon.

Here are the 17 US-based AI companies that have raised $100M or more in 2026
AI
Feb 18, 2026

Here are the 17 US-based AI companies that have raised $100M or more in 2026

So, here’s something that really caught my attention — three US AI companies have already raised over a billion dollars each in 2026. That’s huge. And get this — Rebecca Szkutak from TechCrunch points out that, overall, 17 US-based AI firms have pulled in at least $100 million this year. Now, what’s fascinating is that the funding isn’t just about big names; it shows a real surge in AI investment across the board. These companies are not only scaling fast, but they’re also pushing the boundaries of what AI can do, from healthcare to finance. According to Szkutak, this uptick reflects a mix of investor confidence and a race to stay ahead in the AI arms race. So, if you’re wondering where all the innovation and big money are heading — it's here, and it’s only getting more intense. Keep an eye on these players, because they’re shaping the future of tech in ways we can’t fully predict yet.