Technology

In an alarming development for developers and organizations alike, cybersecurity researchers have recently uncovered a malicious extension for Microsoft Visual Studio Code (VS Code) that poses significant risks to users. This extension, masquerading as a free artificial intelligence (AI) coding assistant, has been linked to Moltbot, a popular AI project that has garnered over 85,000 stars on GitHub. The extension, dubbed “ClawdBot Agent - AI Coding Assistant,” was published on January 27, 2026, by a user named “clawdbot” and has since been removed by Microsoft due to its malicious nature.

On January 21, 2026, Nintendo launched a thrilling free update for the Mario Kart™ World game on the Nintendo Switch™ 2 system, elevating the racing experience to new heights. The latest version, 1.5.0, introduces a much-anticipated feature that allows players to race in teams during the Knockout Tour mode, both in local wireless and online play. This update not only enhances the competitive spirit but also encourages collaboration among friends as they barrel through courses together.

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, the rise of personal assistants has sparked significant concerns regarding privacy. With every interaction, users often find themselves sharing personal information that can be stored and utilized by the companies behind these technologies. This data collection mirrors the practices of social media giants like Facebook and Google, raising alarms about how our private conversations could be monetized or exploited.

In response to these growing concerns, a new initiative has emerged, spearheaded by Moxie Marlinspike, co-founder of the secure messaging platform Signal. Launched in December, Confer aims to redefine the landscape of AI personal assistants with a strong emphasis on user privacy. Designed to function similarly to popular chatbots like ChatGPT or Claude, Confer differentiates itself through its commitment to safeguarding user data.

In a world where technology is an integral part of childhood, a new study has emerged that challenges the long-standing belief that video games are detrimental to young minds. Researchers have found a potential connection between increased video game playtime and a boost in intelligence among children, offering a fresh perspective in the ongoing debate about screen time.

The study, conducted by a team from the Netherlands, Germany, and Sweden, analyzed data from the ABCD Study involving 9,855 children aged 9 or 10 in the United States. Participants reported spending an average of 2.5 hours daily watching TV or online videos, one hour playing video games, and half an hour socializing online. After two years, the researchers discovered that children who spent more time gaming than their peers experienced an average increase of 2.5 IQ points, which was measured through tasks assessing reading comprehension, visual-spatial processing, and cognitive flexibility.

In a significant shift within the gaming industry, Julian Gerighty, the executive producer of The Division series at Ubisoft, has announced his departure from the company to join EA’s Battlefield Studios. This transition marks the end of an era for Gerighty at Ubisoft, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the future of The Division franchise.

Ubisoft expressed their sentiments regarding Gerighty’s exit, stating, “While we’ll miss him, his mark will live on at Massive and we’ll continue to bring the world he’s been part of creating to our players for years to come.” The company reassured fans that despite Gerighty’s departure, the teams that collaborated with him are still in place, committed to advancing The Division 2, The Division 2: Survivors, The Division Resurgence, and the highly anticipated The Division 3.

In an era where technology often intersects with creativity, Nintendo has found itself at the center of a debate regarding the authenticity of its promotional imagery. The gaming giant recently faced scrutiny over its new My Mario children’s toy range, as reports emerged suggesting that AI-generated images were used in the marketing campaign. However, Nintendo has firmly denied these claims, asserting that real human models were employed for the photoshoot.

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, few individuals have made as significant an impact on the Linux community as Michael Larabel. As the principal author of Phoronix.com, which he founded in 2004, Larabel has dedicated nearly two decades to enhancing the Linux hardware experience. His extensive body of work, comprising over 20,000 articles, provides invaluable insights into Linux hardware support, performance metrics, and graphics drivers.

Phoronix.com has become a go-to resource for enthusiasts and professionals alike, offering in-depth analysis and benchmarking of various hardware components running on Linux. Larabel’s commitment to transparency and detail has helped demystify the complexities of Linux compatibility with different hardware, allowing users to make informed decisions about their setups.

This week, Google unveiled a new feature for Gmail known as AI Inbox, which aims to revolutionize the way users manage their emails. By replacing the traditional email list with an AI-generated overview of tasks and topics based on the contents of your inbox, this feature promises to streamline email management. However, as it stands now, the AI Inbox is still in its infancy, available only to a select group of “trusted testers,” and its full potential remains to be seen.

As winter settles in and the days grow shorter, many of us find ourselves seeking new ways to entertain ourselves indoors. This year, a unique solution has emerged that combines nostalgia with modern technology: the Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro. Available for just $84.97 (regularly $159.99) until January 11, this retro gaming console is poised to become your go-to source for entertainment during the chilly months.

Imagine transforming your living room into a nostalgic gaming paradise with just a simple plug into your TV. The Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro comes pre-loaded with thousands of classic and 3D games, spanning multiple generations of gaming history. From platformers to racing games and everything in between, this console offers a treasure trove of entertainment at your fingertips.

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, quantum mechanics has emerged as a pivotal force driving innovation and reshaping our understanding of the universe. The intersection of quantum physics and technology is not just a theoretical endeavor; it is creating tangible advancements that are poised to revolutionize industries ranging from computing to medicine.

At the heart of these advancements lies the concept of quantum dissonance, a phenomenon that occurs when particles interact in ways that challenge our classical understanding of physics. This is akin to the effects observed in certain fictional universes, where the manipulation of quantum states leads to extraordinary outcomes. For instance, consider the hypothetical scenario of a technology that allows for molecular erosion at an atomic level, impacting the very fabric of matter itself.