TechSwu

Author

TECHSWU
February 04, 2026

In a stunning move in the tech world, Elon Musk's net worth has skyrocketed to approximately $852 billion, thanks to the merger of xAI and SpaceX, pushing his wealth further ahead of Google co-founder Larry Page, who stands at $281 billion. This bold merger catapults the combined value of the companies to an impressive $1.

25 trillion and has infused an additional $84 billion into Musk's already monumental fortune. As the tech landscape evolves, Musk continues to dominate, leaving rivals in the dust and showcasing the immense impact of innovation.

Top officials from self-driving car powerhouses Waymo and Tesla are gearing up to testify before the Senate Commerce Committee as lawmakers aim to shape federal regulations for this rapidly evolving industry. Waymo’s Chief Safety Officer, Mauricio Peña, is expected to emphasize the urgent need for a national legislative framework that sets high safety standards.

He warns that without U.S.

leadership, competitors—particularly from China—could dominate the market and set global standards. The hearing comes at a critical time, as public trust in autonomous vehicles is shaken by incidents involving self-driving technology, including recent accidents with Waymo vehicles.

While some lawmakers, like Senator Ted Cruz, advocate for advancements in autonomous vehicles to enhance safety and accessibility, others express hesitance, focusing on public concerns about safety and privacy. The testimonies aim to build confidence in self-driving tech while addressing the patchwork of current regulations that could stifle innovation.

Revolutionizing the cycling experience, Cixi's chainless bicycle employs innovative technology to convert pedaling power into electricity, transforming your ride and maintenance needs. By replacing traditional gears and chains with a seamless electronic system, this bike offers smooth pedaling mechanics and real-time resistance adjustments.

Not only does it eliminate grease and reduce upkeep, but it also boasts a remarkable lifespan of up to 50,000 kilometers!

Without relying solely on battery power, cyclists can continue their journey by converting their pedaling into energy, ensuring they never lose momentum. The Pedal Energy Recovery System (PERS) also features five assistance modes tailored to different riding styles.

With fewer moving parts generating less noise and wear, this bike is a sleek solution for the eco-conscious rider.

In the swirling debate about AI's impact on birthrates, the tide seems to favor pessimism. As emerging technologies continue to disrupt traditional lifestyles, experts warn that AI could further depress already low fertility levels.

From the rise of modern birth control to the allure of smartphones and streaming services, past technological advances have distanced individuals from historical norms of marriage and childbearing. While some visionary optimists suggest AI might assist with childcare or matchmaking, most studies indicate a troubling trend: economic instability and digital distractions could diminish romance and family formation.

As young people potentially face reduced job prospects, their marriage rates may plummet, dragging down birthrates even further. Yet, the most effective solutions appear to be rooted in timeless social structures—such as marriage and community ties—rather than high-tech fixes.

Exciting news for Google Maps users! The platform is reportedly working on a game-changing feature that allows users to edit listings more intuitively through an integration with its new AI, Gemini. Currently, the “Suggest an edit” tool can be cumbersome, requiring users to navigate multiple pages to make corrections.

However, with the planned Gemini interface, users will be able to simply type their edits in natural language, streamlining the process significantly. This shift not only enhances user experience but also ensures the information remains accurate and up to date, relying on the community to help keep listings accurate.

As artificial intelligence gains momentum in U.S.

industries, a wave of layoffs linked to AI adoption is reshaping the workforce landscape. Major corporations, including Pinterest and Dow, have recently announced job cuts, attributing them to the integration of AI technologies.

In 2025 alone, approximately 55,000 jobs were cut with AI cited as a factor—an almost twelvefold increase from two years ago, predominantly affecting the tech hubs of California and Washington. While economists argue that AI's overall impact on the labor market is still modest, the immediate effects on displaced workers are undeniable.

Firms are increasingly turning to AI to streamline processes and replace routine tasks, marking a significant shift in how companies operate. This trend underscores the dual-edged sword of technological advancement: while it fosters efficiency, it also brings about profound changes in employment dynamics.

Apple Watch sales are on a downward spiral, plummeting by 19% in 2024 after a 10% dip in 2023, according to Counterpoint Research. The decline is particularly pronounced in North America, where the bulk of sales occur.

Interestingly, this slump happened even after the release of the new Series 10 model, marking the first time Apple experienced a year-over-year decline amidst a new launch. The culprit? A lack of appealing upgrades, especially a budget-friendly SE model to entice cost-conscious consumers.

With the more expensive Ultra model accounting for less than 10% of sales, many potential buyers are left wanting. Despite economic challenges, there's a glimmer of hope: reports suggest that Apple plans to refresh its product lines later this year.