Author: Richard

The U.S. armed forces have positioned Elon Musk at the helm of its AI initiative by incorporating his xAI Grok tool into Pentagon systems, as revealed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on January 12, 2026. This action forms part of the Department of Defense’s wider strategy to integrate leading AI technologies across its infrastructure. The statement comes in the wake of a prior agreement with Google to establish a Gemini-powered internal LLM platform, GenAI.mil.

Grok, created by xAI and merged with Musk’s social media platform X, has encountered worldwide criticism due to its generation of non-consensual explicit imagery. The debate surrounding Grok’s “spicy mode” for adult content prompted legal actions from regions such as the EU, U.K., and California against X.

The Pentagon’s program, though anticipated, raises alarms regarding AI safety measures. The current government emphasizes swift innovation and implementation, which could influence defense, security, and civil liberties protections. The incorporation of Grok is integral to a larger initiative aimed at accelerating AI, striving to eliminate bureaucratic obstacles and ensure U.S. military supremacy in the AI domain.

The timing of the Pentagon’s declaration raises concerns about the administration’s vigorous AI agenda. The management of X regarding its image-generation challenges and Grok’s background in spreading misinformation heightens apprehensions about its use in governmental frameworks. Despite these complications, the administration continues to back Musk and his ventures.

The Pentagon’s Grok announcement underscores the assertiveness of its AI strategies compared to earlier administrations. While the status of protections against civil liberties violations and the deployment of nuclear arms is still ambiguous, the present administration prioritizes efficiency and intent over the consequences of imperfect alignment.

available for purchase right now, while others are still in the design stage, being transformed into tangible products that may soon appear on store shelves.

We have already reported on the most thrilling technology at CES 2026 and the top gadgets we encountered as well, but that’s merely scratching the surface. There were numerous additional devices and technologies being exhibited throughout the show floor and in private demonstrations. Thus, here are four more of the most remarkable tech innovations that we discovered at CES that surely merit your attention. These innovations range from thrilling new gadgets that you’ll soon be able to purchase to intriguing new technologies that you can utilize on your computer.

rollable OLED displays that expand to multiple times their initial dimensions, to domestic robots that struggle to fold laundry at the proficiency of a toddler. Yet beyond the conventional array of ever-slimmer TVs and “smart” refrigerators that nobody asked for resides a distinctly odd collection of products. These items either impress you with their inventiveness or leave you baffled by their absurdity. It’s a delicate balance, and I’ll leave it to you to determine which category these products fall into.

In reality, many of the ideas on this list will never materialize. Some are a transparent attempt to capture the attention of media outlets (guilty!), some are prototypes of items that may ultimately reach the market with significantly altered features, while others can be pre-ordered right now. You need not wait to purchase some of the finest CES gadgets. But these are the most bizarre, each in its unique way.

“Blue Eye Samurai” is a groundbreaking, captivating adult animated saga available for streaming on Netflix. It fuses samurai action, identity conflicts, and breathtaking visuals into a truly bingeable experience. The animation is brought to life by the husband-and-wife duo of Michael Green and Amber Noizumi, crafted with stunning hybrid animation by the French studio Blue Spirit. Currently, the show consists of one season with eight episodes, but it has been renewed for a second season, anticipated to debut sometime in 2026.

The narrative centers on Mizu, a half-Japanese ronin on a quest for revenge set in Edo-period Japan. Her journey consists not only of battles against foes but also of overcoming her internal struggles. “Blue Eye Samurai” has been met with tremendous acclaim from both audiences and critics alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, the series enjoys an outstanding 97% critics’ rating. Reviews commend its visual splendor, engaging characters, and cinematic appeal. This near-perfect rating places “Blue Eye Samurai” among Netflix’s top series, alongside titles like Stranger Things, Squid Game, and Arcane.

Moreover, beyond impressive statistics, this series has already garnered several prestigious awards. It claimed the Primetime Emmy and Annie Awards for its animation and design. Even with just one season available, “Blue Eye Samurai” has emerged not only as a viewer favorite but also as a critically celebrated landmark in mature animated narratives.

What is Blue Eye Samurai about?

In the 17th century, Japan was a land of tranquility, stability, and isolation under the Tokugawa shogunate. The nation’s borders were shut, and xenophobia thrived in society. This serves as the backdrop for “Blue Eye Samurai.” The storyline follows Mizu, a determined blue-eyed master swordsman, who was deemed an outcast from birth due to her mixed heritage. In a world eager to render her invisible, Mizu transforms her banishment into a destiny forged by vengeance. Concealing her gender, she embarks on a bloody path toward those she holds responsible for her anguish.

Mizu’s quest leads her through beautiful landscapes and perilous alleys as she hunts for retribution. Throughout her journey, she encounters various colorful companions. Ringo, an eager yet disabled soba chef, aspires for glory. Taigen, a headstrong samurai, challenges her both in combat and spirit. Lastly, Princess Akemi realizes that her royal confinement mirrors Mizu’s societal restrictions.

At the conclusion of the first season of this remarkable show, Mizu’s journey culminates in a crucial showdown with Abijah Fowler, one of her four targets. This encounter reframes her vengeance as a complex odyssey—one of violence and self-discovery—setting the stage for the anticipated second season of “Blue Eyed Samurai.”

The story behind Mizu’s blue eyes

Beneath the clash of katanas and the jangle of colliding steel, “Blue Eye Samurai” is equally a tale of inner turmoil. Each duel Mizu faces reflects her internal struggles. A mixed-race woman with striking blue eyes that serve as a painful reminder of her shame, Mizu’s life is a continuous battle against rejection and self-hatred. Her mission to take down the men who represent her origins transcends mere revenge; it’s a deep-rooted fight with her self-identity, the yearning for acceptance, and the desire to validate her existence in a society that perceives her as a “creature of shame.”

Mizu’s internal dilemmas are complex. She conceals her gender and represses parts of her being to endure. The conflict between her true self and her necessary facade is tangible. Each violent moment throughout the series leads Mizu to question whether her vengeance will ultimately yield her peace. Will she find healing, or will the scars of her past only deepen? The series delves into the ramifications of revenge, illustrating how obsession alienates Mizu and blurs the boundary between justice and self-destruction. This refreshing narrative approach positions the animation among the 100 best shows on Netflix, prompting the audience to reflect on the genuine cost of vengeance, the allure of imperfection, and the bravery involved in self-acceptance.

LG’s latest robot, CLOiD, does much more than simply fold laundry. It is capable of communicating with various home appliances, particularly those manufactured by LG, and can take on additional household tasks — such as loading the washing machine, washing dishes, and preparing meals.

Introduced at CES 2026, LG CLOiD is a part of the company’s “Zero Labor Home” initiative, which aims to have smart machines and robots take on the routine household tasks that humans perform. The forthcoming robot won’t just fold clothes at home after it becomes available for purchase. It will also have the capability to load the washing machine, showcased in a demonstration by LG at CES. Moreover, LG revealed a new two-in-one washer/dryer appliance that can complete the laundry cycle while users are away. CLOiD will then be responsible for folding the laundry and managing other features of the smart home. A video presented by LG displayed the robot working in tandem with the air conditioning unit and lighting system to regulate the home’s temperature and illumination. Additionally, the robot can connect with a smart refrigerator to check available ingredients and heat meals using a smart oven.

Regrettably, LG has not provided any information regarding the availability of CLOiD. While the new robot might captivate consumers, no release date or pricing information has been disclosed to date.

Idris Elba is back for Season 2 of “Hijack” on Apple TV, reprising his character Sam Nelson, an expert in corporate negotiations. Directed by Jim Field Smith, the new season is set two years after the conclusion of Season 1. This time, Nelson finds himself on a packed underground train in Berlin that has been seized. As he navigates the high-pressure scenario on the train, law enforcement works to handle the crisis from above ground. Joining Elba are returning cast members Christine Adams, Archie Panjabi, and Max Beesley, along with new additions Clare-Hope Ashitey, Lisa Vicari, and Toby Jones. The premiere episode is now available for streaming, with new episodes debuting every Wednesday until March 4, 2026, for this eight-episode season. Despite receiving mixed audience feedback, the show has garnered critical praise, with Sherin Nicole from RogerEbert.com describing it as “an intensely watchable series that keeps your attention and anxiety up.” Fans can also binge the first season on Apple TV.