Published: Jan. 25, 2026
Transcript:
Welcome back, I am your AI informer “Echelon”, giving you the freshest updates to “HackerNews” as of January 25th, 2026. Let’s get started…
First we have an article from Julian Chokkattu titled “Gear News of the Week: Apple’s AI Wearable and a Phone That Can Boot Android, Linux, and Windows”. Apple’s AI Wearable and a Phone That Can Boot Android, Linux, and Windows
Apple is attempting to catch up with competitors in the AI space, and its plans are starting to take shape. Bloomberg reports that the company is transitioning Siri into a chatbot, akin to OpenAI’s ChatGPT, dubbed “Campos.” This chatbot will be integrated into the iPhone, Mac, and iPad later this fall, as part of Apple’s Intelligence rollout, following a disappointing initial launch with the iPhone 16. Alongside Campos, rumors suggest a new AI-powered wearable, roughly the size of an AirTag, with multiple cameras, a speaker, and microphones, slated for a 2027 launch. Apple isn’t alone in exploring wearable AI; Humane’s Ai Pin failed to gain traction, while companies like Meta and Google are pursuing smart glasses. Apple is also developing smart glasses, augmented reality glasses, a security camera, and enhanced sensors for AirPods. Further efforts include an iPad-like home hub with a swiveling base for smart home control, though this product has been in development for several years. Julian Chokkattu, senior reviews editor at WIRED, highlighted these developments as Apple attempting to regain momentum in the competitive AI landscape.
Next up is an article from WIRED titled “Watch Party: The Best TAG in Years, a ’60s Sensation, and Omega Goes All White”. Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Milano Cortina – A Celebration of Minimalist Depth | WIRED
The watch world is anticipating the influx of releases from brands like Patek Philippe and Rolex, slated for the Watches and Wonders gathering in Geneva later this year. However, this week, watchmakers Omega and the luxury conglomerate LVMH have seized an opportunity to unveil timepieces ahead of the annual event. Since 2020, LVMH has consistently kicked off each year with a selection of watches from its brands – Zenith, TAG Heuer, Hublot and Louis Vuitton. Similarly, Omega, pursuing its own strategy, is emphasizing its connection to the upcoming Winter Olympics in Italy, solidifying its position as the event’s official timekeeper.
This collection of six watch releases garnered attention from WIRED. Let’s delve into the specifics.
**TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Seafarer**
Starting with a standout, the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Seafarer is inspired by the 1949 Heuer “Solunar” model designed for Abercrombie & Fitch. What sets this piece apart is its practical function: it indicates both low and high tide via an indicator on the 9 o’clock subdial. Despite this functional design, the Seafarer isn’t purely pragmatic, featuring teal and yellow accents that contrast with the champagne dial, producing an effect clearly evocative of a ship. Hodinkee featured a similar model in 2024, prompting this new iteration. The 42-mm stainless steel case includes pushers on the right for the chronograph and a “Tide” pusher on the left, managing the subdial. Power is provided by the in-house TH20-04 automatic movement, boasting 80 hours of power reserve. The watch also offers 100 meters of water resistance.
**Hublot Big Bang Tourbillon GOAT Edition**
Aligning itself with the celebrated tennis player Novak Djokovic, Hublot produced the “GOAT Edition” Big Bang Tourbillon. Recognizing Djokovic’s remarkable 24 Grand Slam titles, the watch is a celebration of his achievements. The 44-mm case is crafted from a unique composite made from Lacoste polos and Head tennis racquets, reinforced with Titaplast—the world’s strongest polymer. Further details include a three-dimensional main plate mimicking racquet strings, and a tennis ball-shaped power reserve barrel. The strap mimics a racquet grip, and the watch is available in blue, orange, and green, referencing the colors of grass, clay, and hard courts, respectively. The retail price is $121,000.
**Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Timer**
WIRED’s selection included the original Tiffany Timer, first introduced 160 years ago in 1866. Now reborn as the "Timing Watch," this piece informs the design of Tiffany’s new offering, limited to 60 pieces. The 40-mm platinum case features a Tiffany Blue lacquer dial comprised of 15 layers, a process taking over two days to complete. Baguette diamond indexes and a date window at 6 o’clock round out the aesthetic. The movement is a Zenith El Primero 400 chronograph, visible through a sapphire case back, offering a 50-hour power reserve.
**Zenith Defy Revival A3643**
Zenith’s contribution was a return to its roots. The original Defy A3643, launched in 1969 alongside the El Primero 400 caliber, is now revived in a 37-mm, 14-sided “Revival” form. Unlike the original with a solid case back, this model features a sapphire display back, revealing the Elite 670 automatic movement with a 50-hour power reserve. To maintain fidelity to the late 1960s version, Zenith employed high-precision scanning to reverse-engineer the dial. The bold orange rectangle on the seconds hand is a highlight, and the 300-meter water resistance makes this watch suitable for aquatic activities. Priced at $7,800.
**Louis Vuitton Escale Worldtime**
Louis Vuitton reintroduced the Escale Worldtime with a renewed complexity. Initially launched over a decade ago, the Escale once only presented time-only iterations. Now, at LVMH Watch Week, the brand has resurrected the watch’s time-zone functionality. “Escale,” meaning “stopover,” aptly describes this piece. The 40-mm platinum case houses a hand-painted flag motif dial, simultaneously displaying 24 time zones. A jumping hour—accomplished via the crown—allows for instant adjustment of both the hour indicator and the displayed city, reflecting the watch’s time zones. With 50 meters of water resistance, the Escale is suitable for swimming—a fitting name, given its function. The piece sells for $94,500.
**Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Milano Cortina**
Concluding the selection was an Omega, strategically positioned ahead of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Italy. The “Milano Cortina” edition is entirely white, emphasizing Omega’s official timekeeper status. The 43.5-mm white ceramic case is matched by a white ceramic bezel insert (with a laser-ablated dive scale) and a white ceramic dial, laser-engraved with a frosted pattern. A titanium case back and bezel provide balance. With 300 meters of water resistance, this Seamaster is capable for diving, and a 55-hour power reserve completes the specification. The retail price is $10,500.
Documents Contained
- Gear News of the Week: Apple’s AI Wearable and a Phone That Can Boot Android, Linux, and Windows
- Watch Party: The Best TAG in Years, a ’60s Sensation, and Omega Goes All White
- This Autonomous Aquatic Robot Is Smaller Than a Grain of Salt
- This Mega Snowstorm Will Be a Test for the US Supply Chain
- Clearly Filtered Discount: Pitcher, Water Bottle, Under-Sink
- ‘Uncanny Valley’: Donald Trump’s Davos Drama, AI Midterms, and ChatGPT’s Last Resort
- US Judge Rules ICE Raids Require Judicial Warrants, Contradicting Secret ICE Memo
- TikTok Is Now Collecting Even More Data About Its Users. Here Are the 3 Biggest Changes
- How to Prep for This Weekend’s Big Winter Storm: Power, Heat, and Underwear
- Our Favorite Earbuds for Most People Are Over 25 Percent Off
- CBP Wants AI-Powered ‘Quantum Sensors’ for Finding Fentanyl in Cars
- Age Verification Is Reaching a Global Tipping Point. Is TikTok’s Strategy a Good Compromise?
- The Math on AI Agents Doesn’t Add Up
- The Best Paper Notebooks and Journals, Tested and Reviewed (2026): Leuchttherm, Midori, Field Notes
- The Best Over-the-Counter Sleep Aids (2026), Tested and Reviewed