Daily Tech Headlines: "Meta Prepares to Launch 'Malibu 2' Smartwatch"

Date: February 19, 2026
Hosts: Robb Dunewood, Sarah Lane, Tom Merritt

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a rapid rundown of the day's top tech stories, spotlighting Meta’s upcoming "Malibu 2" AI-powered smartwatch and a slate of other significant news spanning hardware, live event tech integrations, legislative shakeups in autonomous driving, innovative storage solutions, and major VC moves in AI. The concise format flows through key developments, providing essential insight for tech followers in under ten minutes.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Meta’s “Malibu 2” Smartwatch & Hardware Push

• [01:39] Robb Dunewood reports Meta's imminent launch of the "Malibu 2" smartwatch later this year.
• Features highlighted include health tracking and AI functionality, positioning Meta as an intensified competitor with Apple, Google, and Samsung in the wearables market.
• Alongside Malibu 2, an updated Ray-Ban Display Smart Glass will debut.
• Gesture Controls Evolving: The new smartwatch may introduce “Neural Wish” brand features, which could replace gesture controls currently found in Meta's smart glasses.
• Mixed Reality Delayed: Meta has postponed their mixed reality glasses project, codenamed "Phoenix," to 2027 for a more streamlined hardware roadmap.
  • Quote: Robb Dunewood ([01:39]): “Meta is reportedly planning to launch the Malibu 2 smartwatch featuring health tracking and AI later this year... as Meta has delayed its mixed reality glasses, codenamed Phoenix, until 2027 to streamline its roadmap.”

2. Ticketing & Streaming: SeatGeek Partners with Spotify

• [02:13] New partnership allows Spotify users to buy concert tickets directly through the app, covering 15 major U.S. venues where SeatGeek is the primary seller.
• The integration is designed to convert Spotify listeners directly into concert ticket buyers, leveraging Spotify’s strength in live event discovery (over $1 billion in ticket sales generated for partners to date).
• Despite this stride, SeatGeek remains a challenger to dominant players Ticketmaster and AXS.
  • Quote: Robb Dunewood ([02:24]): "This strategic move aims to convert Spotify's listeners into ticket buyers, leveraging the streaming service's growing role in live event discovery..."

3. Robo-taxi Regulations: Setback for Waymo in New York

• [03:03] New York Governor Kathy Hochul withdraws a proposal permitting commercial robo-taxi services outside NYC, hindering Waymo’s expansion plans.
• The decision cited lack of legislative and stakeholder support, surprising Waymo: “disappointing Waymo, which stated its commitment to bringing its service to New York.”
• This move blocks a key phase of Waymo’s ambition—expanding to 20 cities during 2026 and exceeding 1 million paid weekly robo-taxi rides.
  • Quote: Robb Dunewood ([03:16]): “The decision, confirmed by the governor's office, was based on a lack of support from stakeholders, including the state legislator, disappointing Waymo, which stated its commitment to bringing its service to New York.”

4. Rivian Apple Watch App Debuts

• [03:44] Rivian unveils an Apple Watch companion app, letting owners remotely control door locks, window vents, and manage charge & temperature settings via the watch’s Digital Crown.
• The software update includes new drive modes and a cold weather battery indicator.
• Limitations: First-gen R1T and R1S models will have more limited unlocking features.
• Underscores Rivian’s emphasis on software leadership and its evolving strategic partnership with Volkswagen.

5. OpenAI’s Record-Setting Fundraise

• [04:21] OpenAI nears closing the first phase of a funding round projected to exceed $100 billion, which would value the company at over $850 billion.
• Strategic investors:
  • Amazon: $50 billion
  • Softbank: $30 billion
  • Nvidia: $20 billion
  • Microsoft: Substantial undisclosed amount
• Cloud Shift: As part of the investment, OpenAI is expected to increase usage of Amazon’s chips and cloud services.
  • Quote: Robb Dunewood ([04:40]): “As part of the deal, OpenAI is expected to increase its use of Amazon's chips and cloud services.”

6. Geothermal Power for Hyperscalers

• [05:00] AI data centers’ energy needs are accelerating investment in clean energy—especially enhanced geothermal systems.
• Google steps up: Inks a 150MW supply deal with Ormat Technologies in Nevada and scales up earlier deep-drilling geothermal trials.
  • Quote: Robb Dunewood ([05:20]): “This enhanced geothermal technology ... is now scaling up and shows promise for meeting a substantial part of future data center power demand.”

7. Major Student Data Exposure: Ravenna Hub

• [05:34] Over 1 million student records (names, birth dates, addresses, photos) exposed due to a web vulnerability (insecure direct object reference) on the student admissions portal Ravenna Hub.
• While Venture Ed Solutions patched the hole, CEO Nick Laird refused to confirm user notifications, data access checks, or third-party audits.
  • Quote: Robb Dunewood ([05:50]): "CEO Nick Laird refused to commit to notifying users, disclosing if data access could be checked, or confirming if third party security checks were performed.”

8. Microsoft Project Silica: Glass-Based Data Storage

• [06:03] Microsoft creates an optical storage system using femtosecond lasers to encode data onto borosilicate glass—capable of lasting up to 10,000 years.
• This addresses digital obsolescence, enhancing long-term archival storage needs.
• Phase Voxels: Data is stored as “4D pixels,” revolutionizing preservation for sensitive information.

9. Windows 11 Insider Update

• [06:35] Introduces a built-in network speed test (right-click system tray), camera pan/tilt controls, new emojis, comprehensive widget settings, and the ability to set .webp files as desktop backgrounds.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Meta’s competitive pressure:
  • [01:39] Robb Dunewood:
    “Meta is reportedly planning to launch the Malibu 2 smartwatch featuring health tracking and AI later this year alongside an updated version of its Ray Ban display Smart Glass. This move intensifies competition with rivals like Apple, Google, and Samsung.”
• On streaming event ticketing:
  • [02:24] Robb Dunewood:
    "This strategic move aims to convert Spotify's listeners into ticket buyers, leveraging the streaming service's growing role in live event discovery..."
• On clean energy for AI infrastructure:
  • [05:20] Robb Dunewood:
    “This enhanced geothermal technology... is now scaling up and shows promise for meeting a substantial part of future data center power demand.”

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:39] — Meta “Malibu 2” Smartwatch & Hardware Updates
• [02:13] — SeatGeek & Spotify Ticketing Partnership
• [03:03] — Waymo Robo-taxi Setback in New York
• [03:44] — Rivian Apple Watch App & Software Update
• [04:21] — OpenAI’s $100 Billion Fundraise
• [05:00] — Geothermal Power & Hyperscaler Data Centers
• [05:34] — Student Data Leak: Ravenna Hub
• [06:03] — Microsoft Project Silica Storage Innovation
• [06:35] — Windows 11 Insider Feature Updates

Episode Tone

Fast-paced, concise, and news-driven. Hosts maintain an informative, neutral tone focusing on the essential facts and industry impact of each headline, ideal for listeners seeking actionable tech news in minimal time.

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