Category: Technology

BusinessEnergyTechnology

Houston Electricity Demand Set to Surge Nearly 50% by 2031, Driving Major Infrastructure Investment

Houston’s electricity demand is projected to increase by nearly 50% over the next six years, according to utility officials. The dramatic growth is driven by data centers, industrial expansion, and port activity, prompting a $65 billion capital investment plan.

Unprecedented Electricity Demand Growth

Houston’s peak electricity load is projected to grow by approximately 50% over the next six years, according to reports from CenterPoint Energy. Utility officials reportedly told analysts that peak demand in their Houston electric service territory is forecast to increase by 10 gigawatts by 2031, representing one of the most dramatic electricity demand surges in the country.

by Darren Holt
InnovationScienceTechnology

US Government Explores Equity Stakes in Quantum Computing Companies Through CHIPS Program

The US Commerce Department is reportedly exploring taking equity stakes in quantum computing companies through the CHIPS program. This would mark a significant departure from traditional grant funding toward direct government ownership in strategic technology sectors.

Strategic Shift in Federal Technology Investment

The US Commerce Department is considering taking equity positions in American quantum computing companies through its CHIPS program, according to reports from The Wall Street Journal. This potential move would represent a fundamental shift in how Washington supports strategic technology sectors, moving away from traditional grants toward direct government ownership stakes in private companies.

by Ryan Holbrook
BusinessGovernmentTechnology

U.S. Launches Trade Probe Into China’s Fulfillment of 2020 Agreement Terms

The United States is preparing to investigate China’s adherence to the 2020 trade agreement, sources indicate. This move could result in additional tariffs as tensions escalate between the economic powers.

Trade Investigation Initiated Over China Deal Compliance

The Trump administration is preparing to file a trade investigation into China’s implementation of the 2020 trade agreement, according to reports from Washington. Sources familiar with the matter indicate this move could potentially lead to additional tariffs on Chinese imports and further escalate tensions between the world’s two largest economies.

by Darren Holt
HardwareSoftwareTechnology

Apple’s iOS 26.1 Beta Introduces Liquid Glass Feature, M5 Vision Pro Tested as Formula 1 Partnership Confirmed

Apple’s iOS 26.1 beta 4 includes a mysterious Liquid Glass setting that has sparked discussion about the company’s software design approach. Meanwhile, the tech giant has finalized its Formula 1 streaming partnership and provided early access to the M5 Vision Pro headset to reviewers.

New Liquid Glass Setting Sparks iOS Design Debate

Apple’s latest iOS 26.1 beta 4 includes a previously unseen “Liquid Glass” toggle in Settings, according to reports from 9to5Mac’s Benjamin and Chance. The inclusion of this feature has generated discussion about whether it reflects Apple’s confidence in its current software design direction. Analysts suggest the setting could relate to display technology or interface fluidity, though its exact purpose remains unspecified in the current beta release.

by Ryan Holbrook
HardwareSemiconductorsTechnology

Apple’s Foldable iPhone to Feature A20 Pro Chip, Leaker Claims

According to recent leaks, Apple’s anticipated foldable iPhone will reportedly utilize the A20 Pro chip rather than a custom-designed processor. Sources indicate the company plans to maintain its dual-chip approach across next year’s iPhone lineup despite the unique form factor requirements.

Apple’s A20 Chip Strategy for Foldable iPhone Revealed

Recent leaks have shed light on Apple’s processor plans for its upcoming product lineup, with sources indicating the company’s first foldable iPhone will feature the high-end A20 Pro chip. According to reports from Weibo leaker Mobile Phone Chip Expert (MPCE), Apple intends to maintain its established two-tier processor approach rather than developing a custom chip specifically for the foldable form factor.

by Ryan Holbrook
BusinessInnovationTechnology

Blackstone Leaders Dismiss Private Credit Concerns Amid Recent Bankruptcies

Blackstone’s top executives have pushed back against attempts to connect recent high-profile bankruptcies with private credit markets. Steve Schwarzman described such links as “misinformation” while Jon Gray emphasized the isolated nature of these cases. The firm reported continued strong inflows to credit strategies despite market concerns.

Blackstone Challenges Private Credit Narrative

Blackstone executives have strongly refuted attempts to link recent corporate bankruptcies to the private credit market, with CEO Steve Schwarzman characterizing such connections as “misunderstandings and misinformation,” according to the firm’s third-quarter earnings call. The comments come amid market scrutiny following high-profile failures including auto lender Tricolor and auto-parts manufacturer First Brands, which JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon reportedly referred to as “cockroaches.”

by Darren Holt
InnovationSoftwareTechnology

Comet Browser’s Instant Dark Mode Shortcut Challenges Chrome’s Feature Set

Comet Browser now enables users to instantly darken any website with a simple keyboard shortcut, a feature Chrome still buries behind experimental flags. The Alt+N command works per-tab and requires no extensions, giving users granular control over website appearance. This addition continues Comet’s pattern of practical browsing enhancements that differentiate it from Chromium-based competitors.

Browser Innovation Through User Experience

Perplexity’s Comet Browser has introduced an instant dark mode shortcut that reportedly makes website customization more accessible than Chrome’s current implementation. According to reports, the feature allows users to toggle any website’s appearance with a single key combination—Alt+N—addressing what analysts suggest has been a longstanding user experience gap in mainstream browsers.

by Ryan Holbrook
InnovationScienceTechnology

Metabolic Network Study Reveals New Constraints on Biochemical Functions

Scientists have developed a framework to analyze how enforcing balance in metabolic complexes creates cascading effects throughout biochemical networks. The approach reveals universal distribution patterns across organisms and potential applications for cancer therapy.

New Framework Analyzes Metabolic Dependencies

Researchers have developed a constraint-based approach to understand how dependencies between multiple reactions impact metabolic functions, according to a recent study published in npj Systems Biology and Applications. The framework introduces the concept of “forcedly balanced complexes” to systematically explore how imposing additional balancing constraints affects metabolic networks. Sources indicate this approach could provide new ways to manipulate metabolic functions for biotechnology and therapeutic purposes.

by Ryan Holbrook
BusinessStartupsTechnology

Former Whole Foods CEO Reveals Activist Investor Threats Forced Amazon Sale

Whole Foods cofounder John Mackey has revealed that activist investors threatened to fire him and his entire executive team before selling the company. The confrontation ultimately led to the $13.7 billion Amazon acquisition despite Mackey’s initial reluctance to sell.

Activist Investor Confrontation

John Mackey, the 72-year-old cofounder and former CEO of Whole Foods Market, has disclosed that he never wanted to sell the company to Amazon but was forced into the deal by activist investors who threatened to take over his board and fire him, according to his recent interview on the Habits & Hustle podcast.

by Carter Wells
BusinessStartupsTechnology

In-Telecom Acquires RealmConnect in Mentor-Turned-Acquisition Deal

In a strategic move blending personal history with business growth, In-Telecom has acquired RealmConnect, the company owned by CEO Shawn Torres’s early mentors. The acquisition expands In-Telecom’s Southeast presence and adds significant recurring revenue.

A Personal Milestone in Business Acquisition

In a move that reportedly represents both strategic expansion and personal fulfillment, In-Telecom has acquired RealmConnect, the company co-owned by CEO Shawn Torres’s early mentors. According to reports, Torres described the acquisition as a “full-circle” moment, having been guided in his career by RealmConnect’s co-owners, Anthony Kubek and Jack Brumlow.

by Carter Wells