YouTube Owns The Living Room But Brands Are Missing Out
Creator Economy

YouTube Owns The Living Room But Brands Are Missing Out

YouTube has surpassed traditional TV in U.S. watch time, yet many brands still view it as mere digital media. This disconnect is hindering their cultural relevance and commercial success, highlighting the need for a strategic shift in brand engagement.

How has YouTube's position in TV viewing changed, and why do many brands still not recognize it as television?
YouTube has surpassed Disney in total TV viewing time, with its share of time spent watching TV on screens increasing by approximately three percentage points over 18 months. For consumers under 30 years old, YouTube is the primary service for watching content on TV screens. Despite this dominance, many advertisers and brands continue to classify YouTube as digital media rather than television, creating a significant perception gap. This disconnect stems from YouTube's algorithmic, on-demand nature contrasting with traditional broadcast TV's scheduled, synchronous viewing model. However, the data is clear: YouTube is now the most important streaming company from a consumer perspective, yet brands have not fully adjusted their marketing strategies to reflect this reality.
Sources: [1], [2]
Why is YouTube's growth in living room viewing particularly significant for brand strategy, and what are the commercial implications?
YouTube's expansion into TV-set viewing represents a fundamental shift in where and how audiences consume entertainment content. The platform's reach among children aged 4-15 over-indexes by 72% compared to their share of the population, while simultaneously expanding into older age groups, with TV-set reach among viewers 55+ nearly doubling since 2022. This broad demographic penetration means brands that continue treating YouTube as a secondary digital channel are missing opportunities to reach audiences during prime entertainment consumption moments. The commercial stakes are high: while YouTube's current monetization models don't yet match traditional broadcast TV's profitability, advertisers are increasingly following viewers to digital platforms and reallocating budgets accordingly. Brands that fail to recognize YouTube as a primary television medium risk losing cultural relevance and commercial effectiveness as consumer behavior continues to shift away from traditional linear TV toward streaming platforms.
Sources: [1], [2], [3]

26 February 2026

Forbes - Innovation
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HBO Max’s password-sharing crackdown is about to get worse
News

HBO Max’s password-sharing crackdown is about to get worse

HBO Max plans to intensify its crackdown on password sharing starting in 2026, as revealed by Warner Bros. Discovery during an earnings call. The company will also cease reporting HBO Max subscriber numbers to boost its subscriber count.

What is an 'HBO Max household' and how does it relate to password sharing?
An HBO Max household is a collection of devices connected to the same home network that can stream using one account. Sharing credentials with people outside this household, such as family at a different location, violates policy and may limit access; they must create their own accounts.
Sources: [1], [2]
Why is Warner Bros. Discovery stopping the reporting of HBO Max subscriber numbers?
Warner Bros. Discovery plans to cease reporting HBO Max subscriber numbers, following Netflix's lead from Q1 2025, to focus on overall growth while expecting to reach 150 million subscribers by year-end despite the change.
Sources: [1]

26 February 2026

Android Authority
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News

Android 17 Beta 2 just dropped for Pixel testers

Google has released Android 17 Beta 2 for Pixel 6 and newer devices, just weeks after the initial beta. With Platform Stability expected in March, the update keeps Google’s Pixel phones relevant amid Samsung's Galaxy S26 launch.

Which Pixel devices can install Android 17 Beta 2?
Android 17 Beta 2 is available for Pixel 6 and newer devices, including Pixel 6 series, Pixel 7 series, Pixel 8 series, Pixel 9 series, Pixel 10 series, Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet, and Pixel 9a, but excludes the yet-to-launch Pixel 10a.
Sources: [1]
What is Platform Stability in Android betas, and when is it expected for Android 17?
Platform Stability means the APIs are frozen, allowing developers to finalize apps targeting the new version, with no further breaking changes expected before stable release; for Android 17, it is anticipated in March.
Sources: [1]

26 February 2026

Android Authority
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Dell Projects AI Server Boom Will Spur $50 Billion in 2027 Sales
NYS:DELL

Dell Projects AI Server Boom Will Spur $50 Billion in 2027 Sales

Dell Technologies Inc. projects annual sales of its artificial intelligence servers to surpass estimates, highlighting robust demand for these essential machines driving the expansion of AI data centers. This outlook underscores the growing significance of AI in the tech industry.

What are AI servers and why is demand for them growing so rapidly?
AI servers are specialized computing machines designed to handle the intensive computational requirements of artificial intelligence applications and data center operations. Dell's Infrastructure Solution Group (ISG) revenue is expected to reach $18.5–$19.0 billion, growing roughly 60% year-over-year, driven by organizations building out AI data center infrastructure to support large language models, machine learning workloads, and other AI applications. This surge reflects the tech industry's massive investment in AI capabilities following breakthroughs in generative AI technology.
Sources: [1], [2]
Why might Dell's profit margins be under pressure despite strong revenue growth?
While Dell's AI server revenue is surging, analysts are concerned that the mix of products being sold—heavily weighted toward AI servers—may compress gross margins faster than the company can offset costs through volume and pricing increases. This is particularly driven by component-cost inflation in memory chips, which are critical components in AI servers. Essentially, the rapid growth in lower-margin AI server sales could outpace improvements in overall profitability, which is why Wall Street is closely watching whether Dell can maintain stable-to-improving margins alongside its revenue expansion.
Sources: [1]

26 February 2026

Bloomberg Technology
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Save 35% on this awesome UGREEN Qi2 15W Wireless Charger 2-in-1
Deals

Save 35% on this awesome UGREEN Qi2 15W Wireless Charger 2-in-1

The UGREEN Qi2 15W Wireless Charger 2-in-1 is currently available at a 35% discount, priced at $29.99. This versatile charger is perfect for home, office, and car use, making it an essential accessory for tech enthusiasts.

What is Qi2 wireless charging?
Qi2 is the latest wireless charging standard that uses Magnetic Power Profile technology with magnets for perfect alignment between the charger and device, enabling faster, more efficient, and reliable 15W charging compared to traditional Qi.[1][2][3]
Sources: [1], [2]
What devices are compatible with the UGREEN Qi2 15W Wireless Charger?
The UGREEN Qi2 charger works with all Qi2-compatible devices like iPhone 12 and newer, and the Samsung Galaxy S25; it is backward compatible with standard Qi devices, though without magnetic alignment unless using a magnetic case.[1][5]
Sources: [1], [2]

26 February 2026

Android Authority
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Eddy Cue says Brazil is Apple TV’s second-largest market, talks Netflix-Warner merger, more
News

Eddy Cue says Brazil is Apple TV’s second-largest market, talks Netflix-Warner merger, more

In a recent interview, Cue highlighted Brazil's expanding influence in Apple TV's global strategy, reaffirmed the company's dedication to theatrical releases, and discussed Netflix's efforts to acquire Warner Bros., showcasing the evolving landscape of streaming services.

Why is Brazil becoming such an important market for Apple TV?
Brazil represents significant growth potential for Apple TV as part of the company's expansion strategy in Latin America. According to Apple's January 2026 year-end memo, Apple TV experienced robust audience growth across Latin America in December 2025, contributing to the service's record 36% increase in monthly engagement during that month. This regional expansion, combined with growth in Europe and the United States, demonstrates Apple's focus on diversifying its subscriber base geographically beyond traditional markets.
Sources: [1]
What is Apple TV's current subscriber base, and how does it compare to competitors?
Apple TV has more than 45 million subscribers globally, according to Eddy Cue's October 2025 podcast appearance. This positions Apple TV closer to Paramount+ in the streaming market hierarchy, significantly behind Netflix (over 300 million subscribers) and Disney+ (approximately 125.8 million subscribers). Apple has never officially disclosed exact subscriber numbers, maintaining this information as proprietary.
Sources: [1], [2]

26 February 2026

9to5Mac
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Jack Dorsey’s Block Slashes Nearly Half of Workforce in AI Bet
General Technology

Jack Dorsey’s Block Slashes Nearly Half of Workforce in AI Bet

Block, led by Jack Dorsey, is set to reduce its workforce by nearly 50%, cutting 4,000 jobs. This strategic move reflects the company's focus on leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance future labor productivity in the financial technology sector.

What is the actual percentage of Block's workforce being cut, and how does it compare to the article title?
Block is cutting up to 10% of its workforce, or approximately 1,100 to 1,150 employees, not nearly 50% as suggested by the article title. The company had fewer than 11,000 employees as of late November 2025. This represents the third major layoff round since 2024, following cuts of 1,000 positions in January 2024 and 931 employees in March 2025. The discrepancy between the title and actual figures is significant and misleading.
Sources: [1], [2]
Why is Block implementing these layoffs, and what role does AI play in the company's strategy?
Block is reducing its workforce to trim overhead costs and maintain its 12,000-employee headcount cap established in 2023. The company is investing in AI development and automation to operate more efficiently and reduce its cost of doing business. Jack Dorsey stated that automation 'allows us to move much faster at a much lower cost of doing business.' While AI development is a strategic priority alongside other initiatives like Cash App integration and Bitcoin mining, the layoffs are primarily driven by cost efficiency goals rather than being solely an 'AI bet.' Analysts estimate the cuts will provide up to $235 million in annual cost savings.
Sources: [1], [2]

26 February 2026

Bloomberg Technology
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Astronomers Wake Up to 800,000 Notifications From Observatory Watching the Night Skies
Space & Spaceflight

Astronomers Wake Up to 800,000 Notifications From Observatory Watching the Night Skies

The Vera Rubin Observatory's initial alerts highlight exciting discoveries, including new asteroids, supernovae, and active galactic nuclei, marking a significant advancement in astronomical research and exploration. This groundbreaking data promises to enhance our understanding of the universe.

What are the alerts from the Vera Rubin Observatory?
The alerts are automated notifications generated by comparing new nightly images of the sky with previous ones to detect changes, such as new sources of light, movements of objects like asteroids, or variations in brightness of stars or galaxies, distributed publicly within about two minutes to enable rapid follow-up observations.
Sources: [1], [2]
What types of astronomical events were included in the first 800,000 alerts?
The initial alerts on February 24, 2026, included detections of new asteroids in our Solar System, supernovae (exploding stars), variable stars, and active galactic nuclei (flickers from actively feeding black holes in distant galaxies).
Sources: [1], [2]

26 February 2026

Gizmodo
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IonQ Rallies on Quantum Computing Growth
NMS:NVDA

IonQ Rallies on Quantum Computing Growth

IonQ's shares surged in premarket trading following the company's fourth-quarter results, which exceeded expectations. Bloomberg's Subrat Patnaik highlights this positive development in the quantum computing sector, signaling strong investor confidence in IonQ's performance.

What does it mean for IonQ's shares to surge in premarket trading?
Premarket trading refers to stock trading that occurs before the official market opens, typically between 4:00 AM and 9:30 AM ET. IonQ's shares surging in this period indicates strong early investor buying interest following positive fourth-quarter results that exceeded expectations, driving up the stock price before regular trading begins.
What is quantum computing, and why is IonQ's performance significant?
Quantum computing uses quantum bits (qubits) that can exist in multiple states simultaneously, enabling exponentially faster calculations for complex problems compared to classical computers. IonQ's strong Q4 results and advancements like 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity—a measure of quantum operation accuracy—signal progress toward practical applications, boosting investor confidence in the sector despite high valuations and early-stage risks.
Sources: [1], [2]

26 February 2026

Bloomberg Technology
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SEC approval sought for JitoSOL Solana-based liquid staking token ETF
Latest News

SEC approval sought for JitoSOL Solana-based liquid staking token ETF

A new proposal aims to enable a US exchange to trade shares of a fund holding JitoSOL, marking the first SEC filing for a liquid staking token ETP. This development could significantly impact the cryptocurrency market.

What is JitoSOL and how does it differ from regular Solana staking?
JitoSOL is a liquid staking token (LST) on the Solana blockchain issued by Jito Network. Users stake SOL to receive JitoSOL, which remains tradable and usable in DeFi applications like lending or trading while earning staking rewards plus additional MEV (Maximum Extractable Value) bonuses from efficient transaction organization, unlike traditional staking that locks funds.[2][3]
Sources: [1], [2]
What is a liquid staking token ETF and why is the JitoSOL ETF filing significant?
A liquid staking token ETF is an exchange-traded fund that holds JitoSOL tokens, allowing investors to gain exposure to Solana staking yields (around 7-8%) through traditional brokerage accounts without directly managing crypto. VanEck's S-1 filing marks the first U.S. SEC filing for an ETF backed by an LST, potentially spreading stakes across validators for diversification and enabling institutional participation in Solana's proof-of-stake network.[1][3]
Sources: [1], [2]

26 February 2026

Cointelegraph.com
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My Therapist Will Be Hearing About ‘Smiling Friends’ Ending
Television

My Therapist Will Be Hearing About ‘Smiling Friends’ Ending

The creators of Adult Swim's popular animated comedy series have announced its conclusion after season three, with two additional episodes set to air. This marks the end of a beloved chapter in the show's entertaining legacy.

Why are the creators ending Smiling Friends after season three?
Creators Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel decided to end the show after completing season three due to feeling burnt out after years of work, while also feeling accomplished, preferring to conclude on a high note rather than continue half-heartedly.
Sources: [1], [2]
Could Smiling Friends return after season three?
While the series is ending after season three, Adult Swim supports the creators' decision and has left the door open for a potential one-off special or future season if Cusack and Hadel choose to return later.
Sources: [1]

26 February 2026

Gizmodo
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US Space Force pauses national security launches on ULA Vulcan rocket due to booster glitch
Launches & Spacecraft

US Space Force pauses national security launches on ULA Vulcan rocket due to booster glitch

The U.S. Space Force has indefinitely suspended all national security missions using United Launch Alliance's Vulcan Centaur due to recurring anomalies with the rocket's side boosters, raising concerns about reliability and mission safety in space operations.

What is the Vulcan Centaur rocket and what are its solid rocket boosters?
The Vulcan Centaur is a two-stage rocket developed by United Launch Alliance (ULA), powered by two Blue Origin BE-4 methane-fueled engines on the first stage and four Northrop Grumman GEM 63XL solid rocket boosters (SRBs) that provide initial thrust after liftoff.[2][3][4]
Sources: [1]
What caused the Space Force to pause Vulcan launches and how did the rocket handle the recent anomaly?
The U.S. Space Force paused national security missions on Vulcan due to recurring solid rocket booster nozzle anomalies, including a visible burn-through and brighter exhaust on the USSF-87 mission on February 12, 2026, similar to an issue in October 2024; the core stage BE-4 engines compensated, allowing successful payload delivery to orbit despite asymmetric thrust and vehicle roll.[1][2][4]

26 February 2026

Space.com
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Secure Your Spot at RSAC 2026 Conference
Cybersecurity

Secure Your Spot at RSAC 2026 Conference

Summary Not Available

No insights available for this article

23 March 2026

darkreading
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[Dark Reading Virtual Event] Shields Up: Key Technologies Reshaping Cybersecurity Defenses
Cybersecurity

[Dark Reading Virtual Event] Shields Up: Key Technologies Reshaping Cybersecurity Defenses

Summary Not Available

No insights available for this article

19 March 2026

darkreading
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8 billion tokens a day forced AT&T to rethink AI orchestration — and cut costs by 90%
Orchestration

8 billion tokens a day forced AT&T to rethink AI orchestration — and cut costs by 90%

AT&T's innovative Ask AT&T Workflows, developed by Chief Data Officer Andy Markus, utilizes a multi-agent stack to enhance efficiency, achieving up to 90% cost savings. This AI-driven approach empowers over 100,000 employees, streamlining task automation and software development.

No insights available for this article

26 February 2026

VentureBeat
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'This is a gimbal inside a smartphone' — Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Super Steady Horizontal Lock really can handle a 360-degree turn
Samsung Galaxy Phones

'This is a gimbal inside a smartphone' — Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Super Steady Horizontal Lock really can handle a 360-degree turn

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra's new Super Steady Horizontal Lock video mode impresses with its stability and performance. The publication highlights the innovative features that enhance video quality, making it a standout choice for content creators.

How does the Super Steady Horizontal Lock feature work on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
Super Steady's Horizontal Lock combines expanded optical angles with gyro and acceleration sensors to recognize the direction of gravity and keep shots level, even during a full 360-degree rotation.
Sources: [1]
What makes the Super Steady Horizontal Lock suitable for action scenarios like walking or running?
It provides smoother, shake-free videos by maintaining a level horizon regardless of how much the phone is tilted, ideal for rocky trails or high-motion activities.
Sources: [1]

26 February 2026

TechRadar
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Apple Says iPhone and iPad Are Approved to Handle Some Classified Data
Privacy & Security

Apple Says iPhone and iPad Are Approved to Handle Some Classified Data

The article highlights the convenience of products that come ready to use, emphasizing the growing consumer preference for items that require no assembly. This trend reflects a desire for simplicity and efficiency in modern shopping experiences.

What does NATO restricted level mean, and can iPhone store classified data?
NATO restricted is the lowest classification level for sensitive information requiring protection. iPhone and iPad can handle (access or transmit) such data when properly managed but cannot process or store any classified information.
Sources: [1], [2]
What is required for iPhone and iPad to handle NATO restricted data?
No special software, settings, or hardware modifications are needed; devices running iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 meet NATO standards using built-in security features like encryption, Face ID, and Memory Integrity Enforcement, following evaluation by Germany's BSI.
Sources: [1], [2]

26 February 2026

Gizmodo
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Samsung Galaxy S26 Disappointing Deal News Confirmed For U.S. Buyers
Consumer Tech

Samsung Galaxy S26 Disappointing Deal News Confirmed For U.S. Buyers

Samsung has discontinued its popular pre-order deal for the Galaxy S26 series. Nevertheless, savvy shoppers in select locations can still find significant savings on the latest Samsung Galaxy S26 models, making it an enticing opportunity for tech enthusiasts.

What pre-order deals are still available for U.S. buyers of the Galaxy S26 series despite the discontinuation of the popular deal?
U.S. buyers can still access significant pre-order savings including up to $900 off with trade-ins on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, free storage upgrades, free Galaxy Buds 4, $150 off accessories, and bonus credits, primarily through Samsung's official site and retailers like Best Buy and Amazon.
Sources: [1], [2]
Has the pricing for the Galaxy S26 series increased for U.S. buyers, and what are the starting prices?
Yes, the Galaxy S26 and S26+ have a $100 price increase over predecessors, starting at $899.99 and $1,099.99 respectively, while the S26 Ultra remains at $1,299.99 for the 256GB model.
Sources: [1], [2]

26 February 2026

Forbes - Innovation
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Smartphone sales could be in for their biggest drop ever
Gadgets

Smartphone sales could be in for their biggest drop ever

The International Data Corporation (IDC) warns of a potential record decline in smartphone shipments by 12.9% in 2026 due to a RAM shortage from AI demands, while average smartphone prices are expected to rise to a historic $523.

Why is there a memory chip shortage affecting smartphones in 2026?
The shortage stems from artificial intelligence companies purchasing massive quantities of high-bandwidth memory (HBM) for data center servers, which has drained global memory supply. Memory manufacturers are prioritizing HBM production for AI applications over the DRAM and NAND memory used in consumer smartphones, creating severe supply constraints that have driven memory prices to unprecedented levels.
Sources: [1], [2]
If smartphone sales are declining, why are prices rising to record levels?
Smartphone manufacturers are raising average selling prices (ASP) to $523—a historic high—because memory costs now represent 15-20% of production costs for mid-range devices and 10-15% for flagship phones. Rather than absorb these elevated component costs, manufacturers are eliminating unprofitable entry-level models, cutting specifications, and pushing consumers toward premium devices. This strategy maintains profitability despite lower overall shipment volumes, fundamentally reshaping the market away from affordable smartphones.
Sources: [1], [2]

26 February 2026

The Verge
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ETH’s next big move depends on daily close above $2.1K: Data
Market Analysis

ETH’s next big move depends on daily close above $2.1K: Data

ETH bulls momentarily pushed prices above $2,000, raising questions about whether a positive funding rate and increased holder profitability can sustain this level. Market analysts are closely monitoring these developments for potential momentum shifts in Ethereum.

What does a 'daily close above $2.1K' mean for Ethereum's price movement?
A daily close refers to the closing price of Ethereum at the end of a 24-hour trading candle on charts like daily timeframes. Closing above $2,100 (often denoted as $2.1K) is seen as a key technical signal confirming bullish momentum, potentially shifting the trend by breaking resistance and targeting higher levels like $2,150–$2,500, as it indicates sustained buyer control over sellers.
Sources: [1], [2]
Why is $2,000 considered a crucial psychological level for ETH?
Round numbers like $2,000 act as psychological barriers where traders place buy/sell orders, stop-losses, and make decisions, influencing market behavior. Breaching or holding this level can trigger cascades of selling (if broken) or buying momentum (if defended), often amplified by automated trading.
Sources: [1]

26 February 2026

Cointelegraph.com
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Virgin Media O2 launches Europe’s first Starlink direct-to-smartphone service
Commercial

Virgin Media O2 launches Europe’s first Starlink direct-to-smartphone service

Virgin Media O2 has launched the first commercial satellite-to-smartphone connectivity in Europe, utilizing Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell service. This innovative offering, initiated on February 26, marks a significant advancement in mobile communication technology.

How does Starlink Direct-to-Cell technology work with regular smartphones?
Starlink Direct-to-Cell uses second-generation satellites equipped with phased-array antennas that operate on standard LTE/4G frequencies, allowing unmodified smartphones to connect directly to satellites as if they were cell towers in space when out of terrestrial coverage. The signal is relayed from the satellite to a Starlink ground station, then handed off to the partner mobile operator's network like Virgin Media O2.
Sources: [1], [2]
What services are initially available with Starlink Direct-to-Cell, and what is planned next?
The service initially supports texting (SMS and advanced messaging like iMessage), with voice and data services planned to follow as more satellites are deployed to improve capacity and coverage.
Sources: [1], [2]

26 February 2026

SpaceNews
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