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Meta’s $4 B Quarterly Hit in Reality LabsWhen Meta released its Q1 2026 earnings on Wednesday, the headline number that caught attention was a $4 billion loss posted by Reality Labs, the unit behind its AR glasses, VR headsets, and related software.Reality Labs’ Persistent Quarterly DeficitsOver the past 21 quarters dating back to 2021, Reality Labs has accumulated $83.5 billion in losses, averaging roughly $4 billion per quarter. This pattern underscores that heavy write‑downs have become the norm rather than the exception for the division.21 quarters of losses since 2021Total cumulative loss: $83.5 billionAverage quarterly loss: $4 billionFinancial Scale: $83.5 B Cumulative Losses and 2026 AI Capex ForecastDespite the Reality Labs drain, Meta posted a net income of $26.8 billion for Q1 2026, up 61% YoY, with revenue climbing to $56.3 billion (+33%). The company now projects AI‑related capital expenditures of between $125 billion and $145 billion for 2026, far exceeding analyst expectations.Q1 2026 net income: $26.8 billionRevenue: $56.3 billion2026 AI capex outlook: $125‑$145 billionStrategic Shift: From Metaverse to AI‑Heavy InvestmentCEO Mark Zuckerberg emphasized a pivot away from the “metaverse” that failed to gain traction, redirecting resources toward AI. The firm hired over 50 AI researchers and engineers last year and recently launched the revamped model Muse Spark. However, the CFO warned that compute needs have been consistently underestimated, hinting at even higher future spend.AI hiring spree: 50+ researchers/engineersNew model released: Muse SparkInvestor concern: No 2027 capex guidanceOutlook: Uncertain Capex Path and Investor SentimentInvestors reacted cautiously, with Meta’s stock slipping more than 5% in after‑hours trading. The lack of a clear 2027 capex roadmap and ongoing underestimation of compute demand leave the market questioning the sustainability of Meta’s aggressive AI spending.

The Simeone Legacy Continues At the beginning of the final training session before their biggest game in a decade, Atlético Madrid's players lined up by the centre circle at the Metropolitano and waited for their coach to come. Diego Simeone arrived and ran through the middle of them, from Juan Musso and Jan Oblak at one end to Antoine Griezmann and Ademola Lookman at the other. As he passed, head down, they cheered and hit him – if not quite as hard as they do when it's a player's turn. Gauntlet run, applause echoed round the empty stadium. Happy birthday, mister. Simeone turned 56 on Tuesday. He has spent almost 20 of those here: first as the captain who won the double, then the coach who lifted Atlético's next league title, 18 years on, and now leads them into his fourth and their seventh European Cup semi-final, nine years since the last. What do you get the man who has it all? "Buah! You can't imagine how good it is to be in the four best teams in Europe," he said after the quarter-final; "I have no birthday wish," he said before this semi-final, "just pure gratitude to be able to be with my three sons on my birthday, with my two daughters, my mum, my wife, my lifelong friends." From Ballboy to Professional One of the sons was hidden in the crowd somewhere, hitting him. The day that Simeone bade farewell to the Vicente Calderón as a player in December 2004, he carried his youngest son, two-year-old Giuliano, in his arms. The days before he came back to Madrid as coach in December 2011, he stopped in a cafe in Mar del Plata and, over a croissant and a glass of milk, asked Giuliano, then eight, what he thought. "You're going to coach [Radamel] Falcao?!" the kid replied, excitement giving way to reality. "But … if it goes well, you won't come back." It did and he didn't, but that was all right. Fourteen years later, Giuliano's dad is still there – no manager in Spanish history has lasted longer – and now so is he. Born in Italy in December 2002, Giuliano grew up in Argentina with his elder brothers, Giovanni and Gianluca, but they visited often and their dad visited them too. They would eat "together" via an iPad on matchday mornings. Football was their thing, of course, bound by a shared passion. Glasses would be moved round the table in formation and they would find bits of paper all over the house, Gio recalled: tactical scribblings their dad did. The Making of a Footballer During celebrations after Atlético's 2012 Europa League title, Simeone Sr was caught on camera excitedly talking on the phone: "And did you see Falcao's goal?!" On the other end was Giuliano. The night Atlético won the Copa del Rey in 2013, it was a school night, too late, but the brothers went through the usual routine at home, scarves draped around the room. When Atlético won the derby in January 2015, a tiny ballboy in a white bib and long hair came racing along the touchline – something he was going to be very good at – and leaped into the coach's arms. That was Giuliano too. As a ballboy he was invariably by the bench and, yes, there were times his dad told him to slow down a bit if they were winning. He would visit training at Cerro del Espino in Majadahonda near the family home and have a kickabout. "It was crazy seeing the players up close," he has said. "I always thought: 'Imagine being out there; that would be mad.'" After Falcao, his idol became Antoine Griezmann. Overcoming the Family Legacy Competition came closer to home. "They would kick me, throw me to the floor, and if I cried, I couldn't play with them any more; I learned to be tougher," Giuliano said of playing with his brothers. Gianluca and Gio were good, becoming professionals like their dad, and they suspected Giuliano would be good too. Just maybe not this good. He was 16 when he left River Plate's academy and crossed the Atlantic to join Atlético's youth system, living with his dad, watching him pore over formations every morning. When he turned 18, though, Simeone Sr kicked him out; it was time to be a man. Now, his dad is his manager and his hero is his teammate. Which might make it sound easy, but it hasn't been – in part precisely because it might sound easy. In a recent interview with Jorge Valdano, Giuliano admitted: "At times, it can feel strange to me, wondering what others might think." When Valdano joked that the best thing is, when your teammates speak badly of the manager, speak even worse. The reply came back rapidly: "No doubt!" Giuliano admitted that had affected him when he was younger, telling Cadena Ser: "When I was 12 people said I was playing because I was my father's son. I try to isolate myself from [that]. I know I won't be gifted anything." The Father-Son Dynamic Quite the opposite. Simeone Sr once said that there was no way he would sign his son because of the baggage it would bring: the suspicion, the pressure. "I don't want to say never, but …" he said. "It would be very difficult to have a son in the dressing room. Very difficult for him, for the relationship, for everyone." But he said that about Gio not Giuliano, and Atlético didn't sign the latter nor really plan for father and son to coincide. He was just another kid from the academy, trying to prove himself.

The Rollout of Facial Recognition at Disneyland Disneyland, the beloved California adventure park, has outfitted some entrance lanes with facial recognition technology, a move its parent company says will prevent fraud and streamline re-entry. How the Technology Works At certain entrance lanes, a camera will capture images of visitors, which can be converted via biometric technology into unique numerical values, according to the Walt Disney Company’s website. Ostensibly, the technology could be used to determine whether someone had already entered the park, and to crack down on potential annual pass sharing. Guest Options and Privacy Concerns Guests can decide to opt out of lanes equipped with the technology, according to the company. The software’s roll-out comes at a moment where facial recognition technology is embroiled in a national debate about privacy concerns and surveillance. The Broader Context of Facial Recognition Meta reportedly has plans to add a facial recognition feature to their smart glasses. The Trump administration is eyeing the allocation of funds for such glasses to aid Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Law enforcement agencies that rely on facial recognition software have also been long scrutinized, and subject to lawsuits, over alleged wrongful arrests that disproportionately affect people of color. Previous Tests and Implementation Disney is no stranger to the software. The company tested the technology in 2021 at its Magic Kingdom theme park in Orlando and at Disneyland in 2024. Disney said on its website that “technical, administrative and physical measures” have been implemented to protect visitors’ information. However, the company also noted: “please be aware, despite our best efforts, no security measures are perfect or impenetrable.”

The Licensing Pivot Neurable, a leader in non-invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) technology, has announced a strategic shift from building bespoke hardware to licensing its AI-powered neural sensing platform to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). This move signals a maturation in the neuro-tech sector, moving from proof-of-concept prototypes to scalable commercial integration. Strategic Shift: The company is abandoning its previous model of singular, deep partnerships in favor of a broad licensing platform. Target Hardware: Licensing partners can integrate the technology into headphones, hats, glasses, and headbands. Current Partners: Existing collaborations include HP HyperX for gaming headsets and iMotions for behavioral research software. The Commercialization Engine The announcement comes on the heels of a significant financial milestone. In December, Neurable secured $35 million in Series A funding, a capital injection designed specifically to fuel this expansion. CEO Ramses Alcaide describes this as an inflection point for the industry, where a viable, scalable business model for neuro-technology finally exists. The goal is to achieve ubiquity comparable to heart rate sensors on wrists. By licensing the technology rather than manufacturing the end-product, Neurable allows partners to maintain full control over product design and user experience while leveraging the startup's core signal processing algorithms. Redefining Intimacy in Wearables While the ambition is to make brain data as common as biometric data, the implications are profound. Unlike heart rate monitors, brain data represents a significantly more intimate layer of personal information. Neurable is addressing the privacy concerns head-on, stating that they adhere to HIPAA standards and go beyond typical startup protocols to ensure data encryption and anonymization. The company emphasizes a consent-based model for training its AI, ensuring that neural data is not collected 'willy nilly' but used strictly for targeted experiments with user permission. This approach will be critical for consumer adoption, as trust is the primary barrier to entry for 'mind-reading' technology. The Future of Neuro-Privacy As Neurable looks to scale, the industry faces a critical challenge: establishing a universal standard for neuro-privacy. The shift to licensing suggests a future where brain-computer interfaces are embedded in consumer electronics, but the success of this market depends entirely on how companies handle the sensitive nature of cognitive data. Neurable’s strategy implies that the next wave of innovation won't just be about detecting brain activity, but about creating a transparent ecosystem where users feel secure in sharing their cognitive performance data for productivity, gaming, or health optimization.

While many will be enjoying the spring sunshine, experts have cautioned against wearing fake designer sunglasses, warning they could do more harm than good.As the College of Optometrists notes, sunglasses not only protect the eyes against glare on sunny days, but can also shield them from harmful ultraviolet (UV) light.The Hidden Danger of Dark-Tinted CounterfeitsThat’s important because UV rays have been linked to a number of eye conditions. In the short term, for example, they can cause a temporary but painful condition called photokeratitis – essentially a “sunburn” on the cornea, which sits at the front of the eye.In the longer term, UV exposure is associated with the development of early-onset cataracts, non-cancerous growths on the cornea known as pterygia, some types of eyelid cancer, and potentially even age-related macular degeneration, which can lead to sight loss.However, experts have warned wearing fake designer sunglasses could be worse for your eyes than going without as they often lack crucial UV filters.Alex Day, a consultant ophthalmologist at Moorfields eye hospital, said: “When you buy fake sunglasses, you are gambling with your sight. Counterfeit eyewear is uniquely dangerous because it usually features dark-tinted lenses with absolutely zero UV protection. From a medical perspective, wearing them is actually significantly worse than wearing no sunglasses at all.”The problem, Day noted, is dark sunglasses cause the pupils to dilate – similar to when you step into a dark room. But without UV filters this means a large dose of harmful UV radiation can enter the eye.The Economics of Counterfeit Eyewear in the UKAccording to a recent report from the Intellectual Property Office, sunglasses are a popular type of counterfeit accessory in the UK. Those purporting to be from designers including Chanel, Ray-Ban and Prada were among a £38,000 haul seized at the Appleby horse fair last June, while counterfeit sunglasses were also found among a £6m stash of fake goods seized in Rochdale in May.£38,000 seized at Appleby horse fair (June)£6m stash seized in Rochdale (May)Popular counterfeit brands: Chanel, Ray-Ban, PradaA Public Health Crisis in Plain SightOpticians say poor-quality packaging, flimsy hinges, errors in the logo, spelling or font, cases made of cheap materials and a lack of branded high-quality cleaning cloth are other elements that point to fake designer sunglasses – as well as a cheap price.Experts added the best way to ensure sunglasses have appropriate UV protection was to look for a CE, UV400 or UKCA mark, and to take care not to confuse “polarised lenses”, which help to reduce glare, with UV protection.Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu, a clinical adviser at the College of Optometrists, said it was a myth that the darker the tint, the better the protection offered by sunglasses.“It’s not about the depth of the tint, it’s whether or not [a pair of sunglasses] carries that mark,” he said.Bilkhu advised people to buy sunglasses, particularly prescription ones, from a local optometrist practice, noting that, as well as being reputable sellers, they can ensure sunglasses fit properly and offer advice on style.The Future of Eyewear Regulation and Consumer AwarenessBilkhu recommended people keep an eye on the UV index – often shown on weather apps – to know when to wear their sunglasses, adding they are not just for summer but can be important in the winter too, when the sun bounces off snow and ice.“If the UV index is 3 and above, that is the time to wear sun UV protection, and that is the time to wear your sunglasses,” he said.“It doesn’t matter if the conditions are overcast – make sure you’re still wearing them.”

The Leadership Transition at Apple Apple has announced that John Ternus will take over as CEO later this year, succeeding Tim Cook. Cook transformed Apple into a $4 trillion global powerhouse, expanded its services business, and oversaw some of the most profitable years in tech history. Ternus' Background and Hardware Expertise Ternus brings a different kind of skill set. A longtime hardware executive, he has spent his career building Apple’s devices rather than managing the broader business. Ternus joined Apple in 2001 and rose through the ranks of hardware engineering. Along the way, he has contributed to some of the company’s biggest products, including AirPods, Apple Watch, and Vision Pro. The Focus on AI-Powered Devices His appointment signals a renewed focus on hardware at a moment when Apple is under pressure to define its next era. Ternus will now help determine what that looks like. Rather than trying to compete head-on with companies building the biggest AI models, Ternus may push Apple to focus on the AI-powered devices themselves, whether that be the one in your hand, something you wear, or something that lives in your home. Speculation on Future Products There’s already a lot of speculation about what Apple could launch next. Ideas floating around include: Smart glasses A wearable pendant with a built-in camera AirPods with AI features According to Bloomberg, the idea is that all of these products would connect to the iPhone, with Siri playing a major role. Product Roadmap and Challenges Ternus is also expected to push forward on products that have been stuck in limbo. Foldable iPhones are the obvious example. They’ve been rumored for years, and while competitors have already moved ahead, Apple has taken a slower approach, waiting until the technology meets its standards. Reports say it will arrive in September, which means Ternus will be overseeing the launch. The Impact of Global Market Trends However, ongoing memory chip shortages, President Trump’s frequently shifting tariff policies, and the company’s reliance on Chinese manufacturing could create a challenging period ahead. Roughly 80% of iPhones were produced in China before the tariffs. The company recently pivoted to India, making about 25% of its iPhones in the country last year, according to Bloomberg.

A 38‑second clip released by 20th Century Studios on 16 April introduced the new assistant Jin Chao, sparking a furious online backlash that has already amassed millions of views before the film reaches cinemas.Immediate Outcry After Trailer ReleaseSocial‑media users quickly labeled the character as a “blatant anti‑Asian racism” example, condemning the visual and verbal cues that echo dated stereotypes.Clip Highlights the Controversial “Jin Chao” CharacterThe scene shows Jin Chao, played by Helen J Shen, in dowdy clothing and glasses, reciting an exaggerated list of academic accolades—“I did go to Yale, 3.86 GPA, lead soprano of the Whiffenpoofs, and my ACT score was 36”—which many viewers said reinforces the “nerdy bookworm” Asian trope. Her name also drew criticism for sounding similar to a known racial slur.Viewership Numbers and Release TimelineClip length: 38 secondsRelease date of clip: 16 April 2026Views on social platforms: millions (exact count not disclosed)Film release dates: 30 April 2026 in China; 1 May 2026 in the US and UKWhy the Stereotype Sparks Global ConcernThe backlash taps into broader debates about representation in Hollywood, especially as the sequel arrives amid heightened sensitivity to Asian portrayals following recent industry controversies. Critics argue that the character’s visual design, academic bragging, and name choice collectively revive harmful caricatures that marginalize Asian communities.Potential Fallout and Studio ResponseWith the film’s opening weekend approaching, the studio may face pressure to edit the scene, issue a public apology, or engage with advocacy groups. The Guardian has reached out for comment, and the outcome could set a precedent for how studios handle cultural missteps in high‑profile releases.

Era Secures $11M to Power the Next Wave of AI-Enabled GadgetsEra announced a $11 million financing round aimed at scaling its orchestration platform for AI‑powered hardware. The startup’s vision is to replace traditional app layers with a universal intelligence layer that any maker can embed in devices ranging from glasses to jewelry.Developer Kit Showcase Highlights Platform’s VersatilityIn early April, Era hosted a New York gathering of artists who received its developer kit. Attendees demonstrated experimental mini‑gadgets such as:A souvenir that tells facts and jokes about France.A phone‑like device that monitors stock prices and advises whether today is the day to quit your job.An air‑quality monitor that vocalizes pollution levels.All prototypes relied on the same underlying software stack, proving the platform’s ability to handle diverse multimodal inputs.Funding Breakdown and Investor Lineup$9 million seed round led by Abstract Ventures and BoxGroup.Participation from Collaborative Fund and Mozilla Ventures.Earlier $2 million pre‑seed from Topology Ventures and Betaworks.Angel investors include Caterina Fake, Ken Kocienda, Tony Wang, Daniel Kuntz, Mina Fahmi, ShaoBo Z, and Kelin Zhang.Why a Software Layer Could Redefine AI Hardware MarketEra’s platform aggregates over 130 LLMs from more than 14 providers, giving hardware makers the flexibility to choose models, memory, and privacy settings per device. By abstracting connectivity constraints and dynamic routing across models, the layer aims to lower the barrier for creating intelligent objects, potentially ending the dominance of the traditional app ecosystem.Future Outlook: Open‑Source Momentum and a “Cambrian Explosion” of DevicesCEO Liz Dorman envisions the platform becoming a public‑good for makers, with open‑source tooling and privacy‑preserving model selection. As more form factors emerge—glasses, rings, home speakers—the company expects a rapid proliferation of AI gadgets, positioning Era as the foundational software layer for the next generation of intelligent hardware.

Sam Neill, the veteran actor celebrated for his memorable performances on screen, is set to answer readers' questions in an upcoming interview with The Guardian. Neill's iconic roles include his portrayal in Jurassic Park, where he famously removes his sunglasses and gazes at a towering Brachiosaurus, a scene that has become etched in cinematic history.Born in Northern Ireland and raised in New Zealand, Neill's diverse filmography showcases his versatility as an actor. He has appeared in a range of films, from period dramas like My Brilliant Career to thrillers such as Dead Calm, which is set to be released in 4K later this year. His recent projects include Godzilla x Kong: Supernova, alongside Kaitlyn Dever and Matthew Modine.Neill's career has been marked by his ability to take on idiosyncratic, director-led projects, often playing characters with a unique blend of gruffness and warmth. His performances in Sweet Country and Rams have been particularly noted for their depth and nuance.In addition to his film work, Neill has also made headlines for his memoir, Did I Ever Tell You This?, in which he openly discusses his experience with stage-three blood cancer and his journey towards remission. When asked about his mortality, Neill expressed a pragmatic view, stating, “I’m not afraid to die, but it would annoy me”.Readers are invited to post their questions for Sam Neill by 6pm BST, Thursday 16 April, and The Guardian will publish his answers in their reader interview series. This provides a unique opportunity for fans to engage with one of cinema's most beloved actors and gain insight into his life and career.