cloud price hikes, AI advancements, DRAM shortage...

OVH CEO Octave Klaba predicts a 5-10 percent increase in cloud service prices by mid-2026, attributing this to the growing demand for AI hardware, which has prompted memory manufacturers to prioritize HBM memory over traditional RAM and NVMe drives. Analysts have reported significant price hikes in memory components, with DDR4 and DDR5 prices rising 158% and 307%, respectively, since September 2025. Despite these increases, analysts do not foresee a significant trend toward cloud repatriation for most workloads, particularly those involving AI infrastructure . The Register

The ongoing DRAM shortage has highlighted the fragility of "future-proofing" in PC building. Analysts attribute the sharp price hikes to the prioritization of HBM production for enterprise AI workloads, which has reduced the availability of consumer DDR4 and DDR5 memory. This market shift underscores the unpredictability of hardware upgrade cycles and the need for strategic purchasing during periods of market stability . XDA Developers

Lenovo’s ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition has been praised for its bold departure from traditional ThinkPad designs. Featuring a sleek form factor, a brilliant OLED display, and advanced security features, the laptop balances innovation with practicality. Critics, however, note its limited storage options in entry-level configurations as a drawback, emphasizing its appeal to users seeking high design and functionality . Zdnet

The Comet browser has been lauded for innovative features such as an advanced ad blocker, inline search capabilities, and cross-tab awareness, enhancing user efficiency. These tools, particularly the highlight-to-ask function, have been recognized as game-changers for multitasking and research, positioning Comet as a strong competitor in the browser market . XDA Developers

Google’s Advanced Protection settings in Android 16 consolidate multiple security measures, including malware scanning, offline locking, and call screening, into a single toggle. However, these features are disabled by default, raising concerns about user awareness and security. Analysts suggest enabling this feature for heightened protection against modern cyber threats . Zdnet

Researchers at RIKEN have achieved a groundbreaking simulation of the Milky Way, representing 100 billion stars over 10,000 years. The use of AI-enhanced physics models dramatically reduced computational time, enabling detailed insights into galactic dynamics. This innovation could have applications in other fields, such as climate modeling and oceanography . Science Alert

A new study has uncovered genetic evidence of a previously unknown human lineage in central Argentina, dating back at least 8,000 years. Researchers noted limited inter-regional genetic mingling despite the cultural diversity of the region, providing new insights into ancient human migration and population dynamics in South America . Science Alert

Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, dismissed claims of an AI bubble, emphasizing the long-term structural transformation driven by AI in computing. He highlighted the growing demand for high-performance GPUs and the emergence of agentic AI, which will further amplify infrastructure investments globally . Tech Radar

A shift toward local-first smart homes has been demonstrated by users isolating IoT devices from the internet, relying on platforms like Home Assistant and Tailscale for secure remote access. This approach mitigates vulnerabilities associated with cloud-dependent smart home devices while maintaining remote functionality . XDA Developers

OpenAI has introduced ChatGPT for Teachers, providing US K–12 educators with free access to GPT-5.1 Auto until 2027. The platform incorporates tools for lesson planning and compliance with FERPA, offering a secure and customizable AI workspace tailored to classroom needs . Tech Radar