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Apple Rejects AliveCor Antitrust Allegations After Recent Patent Win Concerning Apple Watch

AliveCor’s Antitrust Lawsuit Against Apple: A Judicial Setback

In a notable legal development, AliveCor’s attempts to contest Apple in an antitrust lawsuit concerning the Apple Watch have been hindered by a recent verdict from the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. On January 8, 2026, the court upheld a summary judgment favoring Apple, marking another triumph for the tech titan in its persistent legal confrontations with the medical technology firm.

Background of the Case

AliveCor, recognized for its pioneering heart monitoring innovations, asserted that Apple had partaken in anti-competitive activities by dominating the market for heart rhythm analysis applications on the Apple Watch. The contention revolves around AliveCor’s SmartRhythm feature, which identifies instances of atrial fibrillation using heart rate metrics determined by an algorithm while the Apple Watch is set to “Workout Mode.” Following AliveCor’s launch of SmartRhythm, Apple revised its watchOS, introducing a new algorithm that not only computed heart rate data differently but also stopped sharing data from the older algorithm with third-party developers, including AliveCor.

In addition to the algorithm alteration, Apple unveiled its own feature named Irregular Rhythm Notification, which similarly detects irregular heart rhythms but depends on a distinct algorithm. This action, per AliveCor, significantly impaired the effectiveness of SmartRhythm, prompting accusations of unfair competition.

Court’s Ruling

The Ninth Circuit’s ruling dismissed AliveCor’s allegations, stating that Apple’s conduct represented a legitimate refusal to engage rather than an instance of anti-competitive actions. The court highlighted that companies are under no obligation by antitrust laws to persist in sharing proprietary technology with rivals. AliveCor failed to demonstrate any acknowledged exceptions to this overarching principle.

Moreover, the judges observed that the heart rate data AliveCor sought was not classified as an essential facility. They emphasized that Apple’s own heart rhythm feature utilized alternative data that remained accessible to third-party developers through pre-existing application programming interfaces (APIs).

Previous Legal Battles

This ruling follows a succession of legal disputes encountered by AliveCor. In March 2025, Apple successfully fended off AliveCor in an International Trade Commission (ITC) case, where AliveCor’s heart monitoring patents were nullified by the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. This ruling was confirmed on appeal, removing the threat of an import ban on the Apple Watch and effectively concluding AliveCor’s patent-related challenges against Apple.

Conclusion

The Ninth Circuit’s ruling marks a crucial point in the ongoing legal struggle between AliveCor and Apple, underscoring the intricacies of antitrust law within the framework of technological advancements. As the health technology landscape continues to transform, the ramifications of this ruling may extend beyond this particular case, shaping how tech firms approach competition and cooperation in the future. For those curious about the comprehensive details of the ruling, it can be accessed [here](https://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2026/01/08/24-1392.pdf#z).

CES 2026: Advancements in Humanoid Robots, Still Not Prepared to Take Over Human Roles

CES 2026 has showcased humanoid robots capable of performing nearly every task. They can dance with confidence, create paper windmills, serve beverages, wipe your mirrors, organize laundry, surf the internet for information as if they possess all knowledge, entertain your kids, engage in chess games, capture photos, and even participate in Blackjack. Honestly, is there anything these robots cannot accomplish? Actually, there are many.

All these robots, produced by various companies and presented at the Las Vegas Convention Center, are programmed for very specific functions. They are a far cry from Isaac Asimov’s “I, Robot,” or other science fiction novels you might have in mind. Nonetheless, these brands are rapidly advancing their technologies.

One of the notable companies is Agibot, which revealed its latest range of humanoid robots aimed at the B2B sector, with potential consumer expansion in the future. The new A2 Series features full-size humanoid robots that excel in guided presentations and showroom environments, resembling what XPENG showcased a few months prior. The company also offers the X2 Series, consisting of shorter robots designed for dancing and ideal for entertainment, research, and educational purposes. Additionally, there is a G2 Series tailored for factory settings, which utilizes wheels instead of legs to conserve battery life.

Neura continues developing the 4NE1 humanoid robot

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Honor Magic 8 Pro Launches in the UK, Showcasing AI-Improved Night Photography

The Honor Magic 8 Pro has made its debut in the UK, showcasing its cutting-edge AI-driven photography features. A highlight of the device is its 200MP AI SuperNight telephoto camera, engineered to improve night-time photography with more defined and sharper low-light zoom images. This camera incorporates a 1/1.4-inch sensor, f/2.6 aperture, OIS, and 3.7x optical zoom, enabling greater light intake and enhanced detail, even in difficult lighting scenarios.

Alongside the telephoto lens, the Magic 8 Pro is equipped with a 50MP primary camera featuring OIS and a 50MP ultra-wide lens that supports macro photography. Honor’s AiMAGE Camera System provides AI adaptive stabilization, simplifying the process of capturing smooth zoom photos without the need for a tripod. The Magic Colour engine processes 16.77 million colors, ensuring the preview aligns with the finished image. After capture, the AI Photos Agent supplies utilities like AI Eraser and AI Colour for straightforward editing.

The device includes a dedicated AI button for rapid access to the camera and AI features. It merges on-device AI capabilities with Google Gemini for cloud-based functions, enhancing elements such as live translation and sophisticated Gemini tools. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor enables advanced gaming technology, with AI upscaling for a better gaming experience.

Additionally, the Magic 8 Pro features a 6.71-inch LTPO OLED display with a refresh rate ranging from 1 to 120Hz and has eye-care functionalities. It houses a 6,270mAh battery with 100W wired and 80W wireless charging options. Offered in Sunrise Gold, Sky Cyan, and Black, the Magic 8 Pro is priced at £1,100 and enjoys extensive compatibility with UK carriers and retailers.

Philips Hue Unveils SpatialAware Functionality for Improved Floor Plan Integration

Your Space Becomes a Work of Art: Redefining Environments with Hue SpatialAware

In the sphere of smart home innovations, Philips Hue has unveiled a revolutionary feature that alters our understanding and engagement with illumination in our living areas. With the launch of Hue SpatialAware, your space genuinely transforms into a work of art, facilitating a more immersive and interactive lighting experience.

Essential Information:

– In contrast to earlier versions where colors were randomly selected, Hue SpatialAware utilizes a sophisticated algorithm to map your space, guaranteeing that lights function cohesively.
– The journey begins with scanning your space via your mobile device, allowing the Hue app to create a spatial model. This model empowers the algorithm to automatically coordinate the lighting scene.
– At its initial release, roughly half of Hue’s Scene Gallery is compatible with SpatialAware, showcasing scenes such as Lake Mist, Mountain Breeze, Savanna Sunset, and Lake Placid.

Previously, Hue scenes were visually appealing but did not account for the room’s layout. Colors were allocated without regard to the actual location of lights, which could disrupt the desired atmosphere. Hue SpatialAware resolves this issue by substituting guesswork with a deliberate methodology, ensuring lighting feels crafted rather than simply programmed.

The Hue app leverages augmented reality to scan your space, generating a model that detects the position of each light source, including floor lamps, wall lights, and ceiling fixtures. An algorithm subsequently organizes scenes so that every light integrates seamlessly into the environment. If new lights are introduced, a quick scan promptly refreshes the room model without hassle.

Nature Scenes Receive Major Enhancements:

The most substantial upgrade is observed within Hue’s nature-themed scenes. Approximately half of the revised Scene Gallery will be compatible with SpatialAware at launch. For example, in a sunset-themed scene, lights on one side of the room radiate warm yellows, whereas those on the opposite side shift to richer hues. While the traditional scene mode remains an option, the difference with SpatialAware is clear.

Philips Hue markets this feature for Bridge Pro users, delivering a premium experience that capitalizes on advanced processing and room awareness. Bridge Pro is also evolving to be more flexible, enabling users to merge several Bridges into a unified setup, constrained only by the hardware’s capability.

Furthermore, Hue’s AI assistant is undergoing enhancements, allowing users to establish automations using natural language and offering improved troubleshooting support. Hue SpatialAware is anticipated to launch in spring 2026 for Bridge Pro users, with additional upgrades scheduled for release by the first quarter of 2026.

With Hue SpatialAware, your space transforms into a work of art, revolutionizing how you experience and engage with lighting, making every moment more vibrant and personalized.

Highlights from CES 2026: Leading 15 Innovations and Technologies

There was no lack of fascinating (and truly bizarre) products at CES 2026. CES is the platform where the globe’s most groundbreaking products are unveiled. It’s also a chance for us to witness unique, one-off demos and products that are captivating yet not particularly practical, but still impressive. I explored the exhibition floor this week, and here are the most intriguing products I encountered.

These smartphones shift colors, and they are actually set to launch. Infinix produces phones with captivating designs, and the Chinese manufacturer displayed some of its advancements in this field. These innovations feature an E Ink panel on the back that alters patterns — you can even design your own — in addition to color-changing models and phones with lenticular aesthetics. The brand states it will even push some of these models into production, so prepare to see a Hot 60 device later this year sporting one of these styles.

You’ll find yourself wanting to use a physical keyboard once more with this gadget. Clicks took center stage with the Power Keys, a slide-out keyboard accessory that incorporates a portable battery. You attach it to your phone magnetically, and then you can pair the keyboard via Bluetooth, providing you a physical typing experience. Since it’s just over Bluetooth and comes with a built-in battery, this accessory is compatible with your tablet and other gadgets as well.

This camera observes while you dine — and evaluates each bite. Still tracking your food manually? That’ll soon be obsolete if Amazfit’s Food Camera reaches production. This device sits on the dinner table and captures you eating, estimating portion sizes, automatically assigning macros, and offering tips based on your eating pace and sequence.

Govee has even more methods to introduce RGB lighting into every nook of your abode. I appreciate what Govee is doing with lighting solutions, and the brand just launched LuminBlend+ technology, which effectively allows its products to emit realistic colors, even at raised brightness levels. If you’re like me and possess numerous Govee products at home, you’ll be pleased to discover that the brand is simplifying the process of adjusting lighting and creating zones or scenes across its offerings.

Reebok is eager to dive into the smart glasses trend. Lucyd produces smart glasses with integrated audio, and does so remarkably well. It partnered with Reebok to create smart glasses that resemble the Oakley Meta Vanguard. They feature UV 400 lenses, and without a camera, they are noticeably lighter. While they don’t possess the same degree of intelligence as those from Meta, they are undeniably stylish — and priced at $299, they’re less than half the cost of my Vanguard.

SwitchBot unveiled robots that you’ll want in your home. SwitchBot usually showcases intriguing products, and it highlighted several robots at its stand. While many robots at the expo lean towards humanoid forms, the brand opted for teddy bear-like designs that were utterly charming. There was even a robot tidying up around the booth. If someone from SwitchBot is reading this, I’d like two of those, please.

Keychron is going all out with keyboards. Think your all-metal keyboard is impressive? Keychron has something to say about that. The brand is experimenting with unique materials and is launching keyboards made from wood, ceramic, marble, and even stone. I admire Keychron keyboards for their reliability and fantastic features, and I can’t wait to try out some of these distinctive keyboards.

AGIBOT is focused on creating astonishingly lifelike humanoid robots. A day will come when robots can genuinely perform awesome tasks, but until then, we have demos where they wave, dance, and generally follow the person controlling them. What if a robot manages to access that control interface? It’s probably best not to ponder that — AGIBOT must have contingency plans, right? Right?

This brand aims to revive landlines. We had a landline in our home when I was younger, but all that does is remind me of my age. Kids nowadays don’t recognize what a landline is, and Pinwheel Home is trying to change that perception. It has unique designs for landlines, meant to be connected the traditional way. Fortunately, you don’t need to acquire a new number, as the service operates on VOIP for making calls.

ASUS has finally identified its target audience. ASUS is determined to entice you into purchasing an unneeded router; at least this time, its designs are no longer arachnid-like. Although Wi-Fi 7 hasn’t yet become mainstream, ASUS is introducing Wi-Fi 8 routers later this year — it remains to be seen if anyone will actually invest in them. Another concern with routers is the devices they target. I’ve been utilizing phones equipped with the necessary Wi-Fi 7 modem, and honestly, I don’t perceive a difference with the standard. But then again, ASUS seems to be targeting D&D-style 20-sided dice with

Netflix Broadcasts Renowned British Sci-Fi Show with Flawless Rotten Tomatoes Rating

For all of Netflix’s high-budget originals and its vast collection of acquisitions, some of the platform’s most intriguing sci-fi gems often appear quietly — “The Lazarus Project” aptly exemplifies this. The British show, which first aired on Sky Max, is now available for streaming on Netflix and proudly holds a unique honor: a flawless 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. For sci-fi enthusiasts who believe they’ve experienced everything the service provides, this title warrants immediate attention.

The narrative revolves around George (portrayed by Paapa Essiedu), an unremarkable man who awakens one day to find that the world has reverted back in time by several months. Only a limited group of individuals remember the shift, all of them part of a clandestine organization called the Lazarus Project. Their goal: to avert extinction-level crises by reversing time and guiding history towards a viable future. George gets recruited, and the adventure truly kicks off.

What genuinely distinguishes the series is its grounded nature, despite its high-concept premise. Instead of relying on sci-fi clichés and excessive CGI, The Lazarus Project emphasizes the emotional stakes involved in manipulating time. Characters must confront their trauma, make impossible decisions, and deal with the realization that entire timelines — along with their inhabitants — could be wiped out in a blink.

In March 2024, the show was canceled after two seasons, with no updates regarding a revival. That said, if you have already seen all the top sci-fi series of 2025, The Lazarus Project is certainly worth exploring.

Here’s what the critics have to say:

As noted, The Lazarus Project maintains a flawless 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 14 reviews. Over at Metacritic, the series earned a score of 73 from 11 critic reviews. Writing for Empire, critic Jordan King remarked, “Affirming Joe Barton’s reputation as one of the finest screenwriters in the industry, The Lazarus Project is precisely the sort of mind-bending, thrilling television that you’ll find yourself wanting to revisit repeatedly.”

For those unfamiliar, Joe Barton served as the showrunner for The Lazarus Project, having also created and directed series like “Giri/Haji” and “Black Doves.”

Writing for The Times, Carol Midgley provides a more varied critique of the series, highlighting how abruptly its tone shifts: “The Lazarus Project” moves from domestic drama to peculiar time-travel sci-fi, then to a full-blown Mad Max–style car chase in under an hour…”

There’s an abundance of remarkable TV to explore on Netflix, but if you’re seeking intelligent storytelling that can genuinely compete with the prestigious sci-fi captivating Apple TV+, The Lazarus Project comes highly recommended. It’s intelligent, ambitious, and refreshingly self-assured in its concepts, providing high-concept science fiction without losing sight of the human elements at play.

Apple TV Unveils the Comeback of Its Highly Praised Series

### Drops of God Season 2: Anticipations for Apple TV’s Celebrated Series

Apple TV is poised to unveil an exhilarating lineup of returning programs, with the much-awaited second season of **Drops of God** debuting on **January 21**. This series has received considerable acclaim, establishing it as one of the platform’s premier offerings.

#### Summary of Drops of God

**Drops of God** is based on a New York Times bestselling manga and immerses its audience in the complex realm of gastronomy and premium wines. Significantly, the series incorporates multiple languages, showcasing dialogue in English, Japanese, and French, thereby enriching its cultural landscape.

#### Season 2 Launch Information

The second season will commence with its inaugural episode on **January 21**, succeeded by weekly releases until **March 11**. This release format keeps viewers engaged and creates opportunities for deeper discussions and expectations between episodes.

#### Positive Reception

The first season of **Drops of God** earned an impressive **100% critics score** on Rotten Tomatoes, coupled with a **93% audience score**, reinforcing its position as one of the most critically lauded series on Apple TV. This level of acclaim underscores the program’s quality and its appeal to audiences.

#### Trailer and Insights

A new trailer for season 2 has been unveiled, containing some spoilers from the first season. Fans are invited to watch it for a preview of what lies ahead, as the series vows to explore its enthralling storyline further.

#### Additional Upcoming Apple TV Series

Alongside **Drops of God**, Apple TV is also bringing back other beloved series, including:
– **Shrinking**: A cherished comedy making a return for a fresh season.
– **Hijack**: A gripping thriller featuring Idris Elba that has stirred considerable interest.
– **Monarch: Legacy of Monsters**: A sci-fi epic that is also making its return.

#### Viewing Options

Audiences can catch up on the inaugural season of **Drops of God** on Apple TV, which is available for **$12.99 per month**. For those searching for a bargain, the service can be accessed at a reduced rate through the **Apple One bundle**.

As the premiere date draws near, fans are keen to witness how the narrative unfolds in season 2. Will you be tuning in to see **Drops of God** upon its return?

Shokz Improves Open-Ear Workout Earbuds with Significant Noise-Cancelling Enhancement

The Shokz OpenFit 2 series has already established itself as a leader in audio excellence, and the newly unveiled OpenFit Pro earbuds are poised to elevate this reputation even further. Unveiled at CES 2026, the OpenFit Pro brings several innovative features that represent a significant improvement over its forerunners.

A prominent feature of the OpenFit Pro is the introduction of “Open-Ear Noise Reduction,” a first for Shokz. Each earbud boasts a triple-mic setup that monitors ambient noise and equalizes it, creating an indoor Private Mode while still allowing for situational awareness in outdoor settings. This functionality is especially advantageous for users desiring to immerse themselves in music without becoming entirely detached from their environment.

The Pros also present a new Dolby Atmos mode, delivering 3D directional sound for a captivating auditory experience. The earbuds have been engineered with dual speaker elements that facilitate multi-directional audio, boosting the bass and diminishing Total Harmonic Distortion. Furthermore, the OpenFit Pro features wear detection, expanded frequency response, and an additional hour of battery life compared to the OpenFit 2+.

Weighing approximately 3g more per earbud than earlier models, the OpenFit Pro is offered at $249, which is $50 higher than the OpenFit 2+. Despite the slight increase in weight, the earbuds continue to provide comfort during wear, thanks to the nickel-titanium ear hooks that ensure stability during physical activities.

The OpenFit Pro is additionally equipped with Bluetooth 6.1 for enhanced energy efficiency and superior audio streaming quality. The quick charging functionality has been improved, delivering four hours of playback after merely ten minutes of charging. The earbuds also feature a more reliable charging contact, guaranteeing they stay charged and ready for use.

In summary, the Shokz OpenFit Pro earbuds are crafted for athletes and active individuals looking to enjoy superior audio without sacrificing awareness of their environment. With features such as noise reduction, Dolby Atmos capability, and enhanced battery longevity, the OpenFit Pro stands out as an attractive choice for those aiming for a blend of performance and situational consciousness.

Comparison between Moto G Power 2026 and CMF Phone 2 Pro: Features and Value Below $300

Both the Moto G Power 2026 and CMF Phone 2 Pro are affordable smartphones priced below $300, making them suitable for teens, tweens, seniors, casual users, and as backup devices. Here’s a thorough comparison of the two:

**Moto G Power 2026:**
– **Design & Display:** Sports a 6.8-inch 120Hz FHD+ display with excellent brightness, available in Pantone Pure Cashmere and Pantone Evening Blue. It boasts a robust design with Gorilla Glass 7i and IP68/IP69 ratings.
– **Performance:** Driven by a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor with 8GB RAM, expandable storage reaching 1TB, and operates on Android 16.
– **Battery & Charging:** Features a 5,200mAh battery providing up to two days of usage and supports 30W TurboPower charging.
– **Camera:** Includes a 50MP primary camera, 8MP ultra-wide, macro vision lens, and a 32MP front camera.
– **Pros:** Large display, extended battery life, budget-friendly, resilient.
– **Cons:** Mediocre camera quality, limited software upgrades.

**CMF Phone 2 Pro:**
– **Design & Display:** Comes with a 6.77-inch FHD+ flexible AMOLED screen with a distinctive design offered in black, orange, light green, and white.
– **Performance:** Operates on a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro processor with 8GB RAM, storage options reaching 256GB (expandable to 2TB), and runs Android 15 (with upgrade potential).
– **Battery & Charging:** Houses a 5,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging and 5W reverse wired charging capabilities.
– **Camera:** Features a 50MP main camera, 50MP telephoto, 8MP ultra-wide, and 16MP front camera.
– **Pros:** Distinctive design, Essential Space feature, extended security support.
– **Cons:** Mono speaker, limited availability in the US.

**Conclusion:**
The Moto G Power 2026 is a great option for users who prioritize sturdiness and battery longevity, whereas the CMF Phone 2 Pro presents a unique design and superior camera specifications. While the CMF Phone 2 Pro is deemed the top budget phone under $300, its limited availability in the US could be a disadvantage for some consumers.