Meta is spending millions on bug bounties and security tools to boost WhatsApp security

Meta has announced the closure of several virtual reality studios, including three key developers for its Quest 3 platform, as part of significant budget cuts to its metaverse division. This decision reflects a strategic shift in the company's focus amid ongoing financial reassessments.

Rising demand for copper, driven by electrification, data centers, and renewable energy, is creating supply challenges that recycling efforts cannot meet. This situation raises concerns about potential disruptions in the tech supply chain.

Meta is laying off over 1,000 employees from its Reality Labs division, which focuses on virtual and augmented reality, as part of a broader strategy to cut costs and refocus its efforts. This decision follows the closure of three VR studios, indicating a significant shift in the company's approach to its metaverse ambitions.

Many companies have admitted that their goals for implementing agentic AI are not yielding the expected results, primarily due to a pervasive lack of trust in these systems. This admission highlights the challenges organizations face in fully integrating AI agents into their operations.

Meta has laid off 1,500 employees from its metaverse division, representing a 10% reduction in staff, as the company shifts its focus towards artificial intelligence glasses and other wearable technologies. This decision follows a broader strategic reassessment of its financial priorities, including a 30% budget cut for the metaverse unit.

Verizon is currently experiencing a significant outage, with many users reporting a lack of service and seeing an 'SOS' icon instead of the usual signal bars. This disruption began around midday on January 14, 2026, and has affected both voice and data services across the network. TechRadar has reached out to Verizon for further information regarding the incident.

A new report highlights that a 'poor productivity climate' in offices, characterized by loud noise and poor air quality, is significantly reducing worker efficiency, with many employees expressing concerns about returning to the office.

Gemini has launched its most significant upgrade yet, introducing the 'Personal Intelligence' feature that utilizes user data from Gmail, Photos, Search, and YouTube history, positioning it as a potential rival to Apple's Siri. This enhancement aims to provide a more personalized AI assistant experience.