News & Media
Mortgage rates – Every Thursday, Freddie Mac publishes interest rates based on a survey of mortgage lenders throughout the week. The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as of February 5, 2026 were as follows:
The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.11%, nearly unchanged from 6.1% last week. The 15-year fixed was 5.5 %, nearly unchanged from 5.49% last week.
The graph below shows the trajectory of mortgage rates over the past year.
February’s rolling by, so tune into this week’s tech headlines! From Disney’s New CEO to Anthropic’s Claude Promise and more. Here are seven stories that mattered this week in the world of tech and media!
PlayStation and developer Guerrilla are expanding the Horizon universe with a co-op, live-service title designed for PS5 and PC that aims to mix the franchise’s single-player storytelling with ongoing, social events. The new spinoff is clearly part of a broader strategy to grow persistent game worlds while still promising fans that big single-player experiences aren’t going away. The pitch: episodic, community-oriented content layered on top of beloved IP so players have reasons to return between major releases. For studios, it’s a balancing act that keeps narrative depth while engineering long-term engagement systems that don’t burn out players. Expect the launch cadence, post-release support, and monetization model to define whether this becomes a new Horizon home base or a side experiment.
Spotify is teaming with Bookshop.org to surface and sell print books directly from Spotify’s app and web experience, blending audio discovery with real-world reading. The integration makes a lot of sense: listeners who discover podcasts or audiobook excerpts can now follow up by buying a physical copy without leaving the listening flow. For publishers and indie bookstores, it’s another distribution channel that ties listening habits to shelf purchases — a gentle nudge from audio to paper. From a product viewpoint, it’s a neat example of platform extension: you start with sound and end with a tactile object that deepens fandom.
Google reported quarterly results that pushed its trailing annual revenue past the $400 billion mark, driven by strong ad demand and steady cloud growth. The milestone is a reminder that core advertising still underwrites a lot of the company’s experimental bets, even as Google pours money into AI and infrastructure. Investors will be parsing margins and ad monetization trends. The question remains of whether the company can stay healthy as it chases higher-cost model deployments and cloud commitments. For product teams, the signal is straightforward: Google has the scale to keep investing in AI features inside search, Workspace, and developer tooling. Expect more product rollouts that fold advanced models into everyday Google surfaces as the company leverages that financial runway.
Amazon made Alexa Plus generally available in the U.S., moving the upgraded, more conversational assistant out of early access and into households at scale. Alexa Plus bundles deeper automation, richer integrations, and premium features behind a subscription, signaling Amazon’s intent to monetize assistant usage beyond device sales. For consumers, it promises more capable in-home help. Likewise, for Amazon, it’s a recurring revenue lever that ties nicely into retail and smart-home ecosystems. Watch for developer opportunities (and limits) as skills and partner integrations may be tiered or special-cased for Plus subscribers. The big question: can a paid assistant meaningfully change behavior, or will most households stick with the free baseline?
Anthropic publicly pledged that its Claude models will remain ad-free, contrasting with competitors that are experimenting with ads or lower-tier monetization inside chat interfaces. The stance is both product and brand positioning: promise a cleaner, distraction-free assistant experience and use that as a trust signal to privacy-sensitive users and enterprise customers. It also highlights a looming business tradeoff in the industry. Ads can subsidize free access, but complicate UX and may raise credibility questions for assistants meant to be neutral. For customers deciding between vendor offerings, ad policy, and model transparency are now table stakes in procurement. Keep an eye on how other labs test hybrid monetization while trying to maintain conversational integrity.
Fitbit cofounders have a new startup that surfaced this week: Luffu, a platform and app aimed at aggregating health data across family members and providing caregivers with actionable insights and coordination tools. The product is designed to pull together sleep, activity, medication reminders, and even pet health into a single dashboard that caregivers can consult for peace of mind. Early testing is private, and the company plans hardware tie-ins later, but the idea is clear: simplify care coordination by centralizing signals that otherwise live in siloed apps and devices. For families and small-scale care networks, that kind of orchestration could reduce friction in routine monitoring and doctor interactions. Privacy, data ownership, and clear consent flows will be critical as the product expands beyond beta.
The Walt Disney Company announced that Josh D’Amaro will replace Bob Iger as CEO. The news from Disney closes a leadership chapter and raises questions about the company’s next strategic moves. Likewise, this includes streaming, parks, and IP monetization. Leadership transitions at that scale always ripple through content pipelines, partnership tactics, and corporate priorities. D’Amaro’s background suggests continuity on franchise stewardship at Disney and theme-park operations. Of course, the marketplace will test whether he accelerates or reworks streaming and tech partnerships. For creative teams and distribution partners, the near term at Disney is about steady delivery. Focusing on the broader industry, it’s a cue to reassess long-term alliances and content licensing strategies with Disney. We’ll see how quickly the new CEO signals priorities and whether the company’s product roadmaps tighten in response.
As the week winds down, it’s primetime to dive into weekend fun! From Rootop Cinema to Galentine’s Day celebrations and more, there are plenty of events to enjoy around town. Check out what’s happening in your neighborhood from February 6 through February 8.
Where: Highland Park
When: Until May 3
What: Join the Bob Baker Marionette Theater in celebrating the rich culture, wildlife, and spirit of Los Angeles through whimsical puppetry. Originally created for L.A.’s bicentennial in 1981, this retro-infused show returns with a 2026 refresh—featuring new animal characters and modern updates that reflect the vibrant tapestry of the city today.
When: Until March 17, 2026
Where: DTLA
What: The masters of alfresco movie viewing are keeping outdoor screening season alive throughout the winter. Its Fireside Films series ensures you’ll stay cozy, with outdoor heaters and a complimentary hot beverage with each ticket. Expect a steady stream of local favorites (La La Land, Friday), recent releases (Sinners, Freakier Friday), and modern classics (The Notebook, When Harry Met Sally…) throughout the month.
Where: Various locations
When: Until February 6
What: Dine L.A.’s winter edition returns January 23 through February 6, bringing two weeks of special prix-fixe menus from hundreds of restaurants across the city. It’s the perfect excuse to revisit local favorites or finally snag a table at some of L.A.’s most buzzed-about spots, all at more wallet-friendly prices. This season shines a spotlight on the San Fernando Valley and welcomes exciting newcomers from across the county.
When: Until February 22
Where: Anaheim
What: Celebrate the Year of the Horse at Disney California Adventure with a month-long Lunar New Year festival filled with flavor, folklore, and fanfare. Kids can snap pics with Mulan, Mushu, and the Disney crew in their festive best, while grown-ups can graze through market stalls offering Asian-inspired bites from China, Korea, and Vietnam. Don’t miss the vibrant daytime procession led by Mulan or the evening’s “Hurry Home” water show that brings Lunar New Year wishes to life just before World of Color begins.
When: Until February 22
Where: Rancho Palos Verdes
What: Wander through a glowing garden of stars at South Coast Botanic Garden’s year-end light show, where nine celestial-themed installations illuminate a dreamy Palos Verdes trail. While it’s not a traditional holiday display, the experience is both mesmerizing and meditative, especially with optional pre-walk breathwork classes offered on select nights. Expect a tranquil, wellness-inspired spin on L.A.’s after-dark botanical trend.
When: February 7 – April 26
Where: Westside
What: Enjoy a weekend of live music at the Getty with this free concert series spotlighting rising stars, local icons, and international artists. Each month brings a new cultural lens: February features Inuit soul group Pamyua, March welcomes gospel collective Jimetta Rose & the Voices of Creation, and April showcases Persian singers Mahsa and Marjan Vahdat. Arrive early to explore the museum’s exhibits before the show begins in the Harold M. Williams Auditorium.
When: February 8
Where: Three Sisters Coffee & Tea | Burbank
What: Celebrate friendship and self-love at this Galentine’s event featuring beauty consults and birth chart readings. Attendees will receive personalized makeup tips and explore their astrological profiles in a fun, supportive setting. After ticket purchase, guests can select a timeslot to dive into the glam and the stars with their besties.
When: February 7
Where: Reptacular Ranch | Sylmar
What: Join a guided nature walk and learn to identify edible and medicinal plants growing all around Los Angeles — many of which are invasive, non-native, and surprisingly nutritious. This eco-conscious workshop explores how foraging can support sustainability while offering an alternative to chemical removal methods. You’ll discover wild plants that rival kale in nutrients and leave empowered to nourish both yourself and the environment.
When: February 8
Where: Tansy | Burbank
What: Celebrate Valentine’s Day in full bloom at Tansy with a Heart Succulent Wreath Workshop in their tranquil garden setting. You’ll craft a romantic wreath using grapevine bases, succulents, moss, dried flowers, and sparkling sun catcher crystals—no experience necessary. Whether you come solo or with friends, it’s the perfect way to sip, snack, and create a long-lasting floral keepsake.
When: February 7
Where: Ventura County Fairgrounds | Ventura
What: The 22nd Annual David Mann Chopperfest roars back to the Ventura County Fairgrounds on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. This beloved celebration of custom motorcycles features a vintage and modern bike show, a swap meet, live blues and rock performances, food, beer, and an art tribute to David Mann himself. Tickets are $15 presale, $20 at the door, with free entry for kids 12 and under and discounted pricing for military with ID.
When: February 7
Where: 4500 Tierra Rejada | Moorpark
What: Lace up your sneakers for the Moorpark Groundhog Day 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run on Saturday, February 7, 2026. Open to all ages and skill levels, this festive race includes medals for young finishers, a kids’ “Catch the Groundhog” run, and post-race fun with vendors, raffles, and refreshments. Proceeds support Moorpark High School’s cross country and track programs.
When: February 7
Where: St. Patrick’s Episcopal Day School, 1 Church Rd | Thousand Oaks
What: Celebrate love and wellness at the free Hearts & Health Fair on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 10AM to 1PM in Thousand Oaks. This family-friendly event features vendor demos, a kids’ Valentine’s craft party, and meal vouchers for the first 100 children. Come dressed in red or pink and enjoy a joyful day of creativity, community, and care.
This weekend, the New England Patriots will take on the Seattle Seahawks for Super Bowl LX. When it comes to catching the Super Bowl, good food, cold drinks, and big screens are mandatory. Likewise, nothing beats cheering with a crowd at one of the best sports bars in Los Angeles. From neighborhood dives to lively game‑day destinations, here are spots where the atmosphere is as good as the play.
Location: 7921 Canoga Ave, Canoga Park, CA 91304
A perfect choice for families and fans alike, Brewz offers plenty of televisions and a relaxed vibe. Unlike many sports bars, this one focuses on beer and food (no liquor), so it’s a great place for all ages to enjoy the game together. Classic bar fare like burgers, hot dogs, and quesadillas pairs well with a competitive Sunday crowd.
Location: 3387 Motor Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90034
With more than 30 TVs throughout the interior and patio, The Garage is one of the best sports bars in Los Angeles for never missing a moment of the action. Fans can snag rotating beers on tap while diving into game staples like nachos, potato skins, and sliders. The casual atmosphere makes it ideal for huge matchups like Super Bowl LX.
Location: 8771 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035
Founders Ale House pairs craft beer and plenty of screens for every big game. With crowd‑pleasing eats like fried chicken, burgers, and nachos — plus vegan options — this bar is a versatile pick whether you’re rooting for the AFC or NFC. The lively crowd and comfy setup make it one of the most fun places to watch Sunday football.
Location: 8447 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
A longtime favorite among sports fans, Barney’s Beanery has TVs galore and plenty of neon to set the game‑day vibe. Multiple locations around L.A. make this local institution a reliable spot to catch Super Bowl LX with friends. Expect a raucous, energetic crowd here when the big game comes on.
Location: 3110 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Busby’s combines classic bar food with lots of viewing angles and a lively crowd. With pool tables and additional bar games tucked away, it’s easy to stay entertained before, during, and after kickoff. Wings, burgers, and nachos are crowd favorites here, keeping this among the best sports bars in Los Angeles.
Location: 1011 South Figueroa Street, CA 90015
Located right in the heart of downtown, Tom’s Watch Bar is built for big games. Massive screens cover every wall, ensuring perfect viewing no matter where you sit. The menu leans toward gastropub classics like mac and cheese, wings, and burgers; i.e., the ideal Super Bowl LX fare.
Location: 22735 Hawthorne Boulevard, Torrance, CA 90505
This South Bay favorite features a shaded patio and plenty of space for big groups. Game day here is marked by cold beers and hearty plates like buffalo chicken mac and cheese or chile verde nachos. Torrance Tavern’s relaxed vibe and solid food list make it a great choice for Super Bowl LX festivities.
Location: 2711 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90026
A recent addition to the scene, Pijja Palace blends Indian, Italian, and classic American flavors with plenty of TVs for sports fans. Grab chutney‑slathered pizzas or malai rigatoni while you watch the game, and make sure to reserve a seat; it’s a popular destination on big‑game days. This creative concept earns its place among the best sports bars in Los Angeles.
Location: 13615 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
The Woodman is a Valley favorite for good reason. With cozy booths, an impressive beer list, and a menu stacked with hearty pub fare (hello, bacon burger), it’s a sports bar that hits all the right notes. There’s a great view of the game from almost any seat, and nearby spots like Petit Trois make it easy to turn your visit into a full-day outing.
Whether you’re after craft beer, massive screens, classic wings, or family‑friendly vibes, Los Angeles has a sports bar where you can soak up the Super Bowl LX excitement. Pick any of these top spots and settle in — the game day energy in L.A. is unbeatable.
Lunar New Year 2026 welcomes the Year of the Fire Horse. This festive season, Los Angeles comes alive with celebrations that honor tradition, culture, and community. Whether you’re seeking vibrant parades, family‑friendly festivals, market parties, or cultural performances, here are the top events marking Lunar New Year 2026 across SoCal.
Dates: February 7 & February 22, 2026
Location: Rancho Palos Verdes / Rolling Hills Estates
Celebrate amidst lush landscapes at this botanical festival. Enjoy Korean, Vietnamese, and Chinese traditions — from games like Yutnori and Mahjong to dragon walks and Zodiac strolls. Special performances, storytelling, and sunset music rounds make this a unique and immersive Lunar New Year 2026 event.
Date: February 7, 2026
Location: Lacy Park, San Marino
This long‑running community festival blends cultural entertainment with food, games, and performances. Hosted by the Chinese Club of San Marino, it’s free to attend and features live cultural showcases alongside food vendors. Donations for local fire relief efforts give this event extra heart.
Date: February 10, 2026
Location: Downtown Los Angeles
Celebrate with music at this elegant concert hall as the Los Angeles Philharmonic performs Chinese folk songs re‑imagined for string quartet. A complimentary glass of wine for early arrivals adds to the festive experience, making this one of the more refined Lunar New Year 2026 celebrations.
Date: February 15, 2026
Location: Pasadena Playhouse District
Ring in the Year of the Horse with a free afternoon of performances, art activities, and food trucks at this Pasadena cultural hub. See the museum’s immersive new exhibition and enjoy martial arts demonstrations and lion dances in the courtyard—a perfect blend of education and celebration.
Date: February 21, 2026
Location: San Pedro
This family‑friendly South Bay event features live entertainment, arts and crafts, and food trucks with free parking and trolley rides. A petting zoo and stage performances make it ideal for visitors of all ages celebrating Lunar New Year 2026.
Date: February 21, 2026
Location: Chinatown
One of LA’s oldest traditions, the Golden Dragon Parade showcases lion dancers, music ensembles, and performers along Chinatown’s historic streets. The vibrant procession and Central Plaza activities capture the celebratory spirit of Lunar New Year 2026.
Date: February 28 – March 1, 2026
Location: Chinatown
Blend fitness with festive fun at this multi‑day run/walk event. Featuring 5K and 10K courses, kids’ runs, a dog walk, and bike rides, the weekend also includes lion dancers, live entertainment, and a family festival in Central Plaza.
Dates: February 21 – February 22, 2026
Location: Griffith Park
Enjoy animal encounters and zodiac activities at this lively zoo celebration. Explore Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese dance performances, calligraphy demos, and hands‑on crafts, making it a perfect outing for families celebrating Lunar New Year 2026.
Whether you’re honoring tradition or experiencing Lunar New Year for the first time, Los Angeles offers a rich calendar of events that bring good luck, food, culture, and community together. Happy Year of the Fire Horse!
February, the month of love, presents a perfect opportunity for luxury homeowners to infuse a romantic ambiance into their living spaces. With VDay at its heart, it’s the ideal time to consider elegant home makeovers that blend romance with opulence.
Lighting can transform any space into a romantic retreat. Elevate the mood by adding dimmer controls that let you fine-tune the atmosphere to your liking. Opt for opulent chandeliers with crystal detailing to bring a hint of glamour, or use floor lamps to cast a warm, flattering glow in cozy nooks. And when it comes to setting the tone for a special dinner, candlelight is always a timeless favorite—try sculptural candleholders or softly scented candles for an added layer of allure.
Bring in luxurious textures to elevate both comfort and style. Think velvet accent pillows, smooth silk bedding, and crisp Egyptian cotton sheets to give your bedroom a dreamy, indulgent feel. In the living room, a cashmere throw tossed over the couch invites warm, laid-back nights with a touch of romance.
Color sets the tone for any room, and choosing the right palette can instantly infuse your space with romance. Shades like blush pink, crimson, and plum bring warmth and sensuality without overwhelming the design. Use them thoughtfully; whether through an accent wall, statement art, or a vase of fresh blooms, to create a space that feels both intimate and refined. The key is balancing bold tones with your home’s existing upscale vibe.
Art has a quiet way of speaking volumes, especially when it comes to creating a romantic ambiance. Opt for pieces that stir emotion, whether it’s a sultry abstract, a timeless sculpture, or a dreamy black-and-white photograph. These visual elements can anchor the mood of a room with grace and intention. For an extra layer of allure, display fresh florals in sculptural vases, long-stemmed roses or exotic blooms always make a statement without saying a word.
Turn your bathroom into a romantic, spa-worthy escape just in time for Valentine’s Day. Think beyond the basics, a freestanding soaking tub sets the scene, while plush robes and aromatic bath oils infuse the space with calm and indulgence. Dim the lights, queue up some soft music, and add a little decadence with champagne on ice and a tray of chocolates nearby. It’s the kind of luxury retreat you won’t need to leave the house for.
Show your outdoor spaces a little love this Valentine’s Day. A thoughtfully styled patio, balcony, or garden can set the scene for an unforgettable evening. Cozy seating, twinkling string lights, and the soft glow of a fire pit come together to create a dreamy, starlit ambiance. Add a faux fur throw and a couple of glasses of red, and suddenly your backyard feels like a five-star retreat.
Ultimately, designing a romantic home for Valentine’s Day is all about intention and atmosphere. Whether it’s with mood-setting lighting, indulgent fabrics, a rich, warm color scheme, or art that speaks to the heart, small touches go a long way. This February, turn your space into a celebration of love, comfort, and luxury.
Fed leaves rates unchanged – Trump nominated a new Fed Chairman – The Federal Reserve ended its January Open Market Committee Meeting (FOMC) on Wednesday and elected to leave interest rates unchanged. While many investors were not surprised due to comments from Fed Chairman Powell and other Fed members, it was a reverse in direction from a ¼% rate drop at its previous three meetings. Powell stated after the meeting that inflation remained elevated but that they felt that it was tariff-related, not demand-driven, an indication that he was not feeling that the economy was heating up. He also said that they felt the labor market was stabilizing. It had suffered its worst year in job gains and the highest unemployment rate since COVID. On Friday, President Trump nominated Kevin Warsh to succeed Jerome Powell as the next Fed Chairman. Powell’s term ends in May.
Inflation – Consumer prices show inflation levels remained unchanged in December – The December Consumer Price Index (CPI) was released this week. It showed that consumer prices rose 2.7% from one year ago in December. This was slightly higher than analysts’ expectations of a 2.6% annual increase. Core CPI, which excludes volatile goods like food and energy, rose 2.6% on an annualized basis. This was below the 2.7% increase experts had forecasted.
Job growth stalled and the unemployment rate rose in 2025 – December Jobs report shows hiring was sluggish while the unemployment rate dipped. Recent labor market data point to a continued moderation in U.S. hiring activity. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 50,000 new jobs were added in December. That was below the analyst’s expectations of 70,000. Revisions to the prior two months reduced reported job gains by a combined 76,000. As a result, average monthly job growth for 2025 stands at 49,000, down from 168,000 in 2024, and the three-month average has turned modestly negative. For the year employers added just 584,000 jobs last year, down from 2.2 million new jobs in 2024, marking its worst non-recession year of job growth since 2003. At the same time, the unemployment rate dropped to 4.4% in December, down from a revised 4.5% in November. That is better than economists’ expectations of 4.5% and below the long-term historical average of approximately 5.5%. Despite the slowdown in hiring, average hourly earnings rose 3.8% compared to one year ago.
The graph below shows the CPI rate since 2021
Stock markets – The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended the month at 48,892.47, up 1.7% from 48,063.29 on December 31, 2025. The S&P 500 closed the month at 6,939.03, up 1.4% from 6,845.50 on December 31, 2025. The NASDAQ closed at 23,461.82, up 0.9% from 23,241.99 at the end of December.
U.S. Treasury Bond Yields – The 10-year U.S. Treasury bond yield closed the month at 4.26%, up from 4.18% on December 31, 2025. The 30-year US treasury bond yield ended the month at 4.87%, up from 4.84% on Dec. 31, 2025. We watch bond yields because mortgage rates often follow Treasury bond yields.
Mortgage rates – The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as of December 29, 2025, were as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.10%, down from 6.15% on December 31, 2025. The 15-year fixed was 5.49%, up from 5.44% on December 31, 2025.
The graph below shows the trajectory of mortgage rates over the past year.
Home sales figures are released on the third week of the month for the previous month from the National Association of Realtors and the California Association of Realtors. Here is a summary of the December existing home sales reports.
U.S. existing-home sales – December 2025 – The National Association of Realtors reported that existing-home sales totaled 4.35 million units on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate in November, up 5.1% from the number of homes sold in November and up 1.4% from the number of homes sold last December. The median price paid for a home sold in the U.S. in November was $404,400, down slightly from $409,200 in November, but up 0.4% from $403,700 one year ago.
California existing-home sales – The California Association of Realtors reported that existing-home sales totaled 288,200 on an annualized basis in December, up 2% from a revised 282,490 last December. The statewide median price paid for a home was $850,680 in December, down 0.4% from $855,680 in November. The statewide median price peaked at $910,160 in April before falling steadily each month to end the year down 7% from its peak. Year-over-year, the median price dropped 1.3% from $861,020 on December 31, 2024.
The graph below shows CAR sales data by county for Southern California. 
Fed leaves rates unchanged – Trump nominated a new Fed Chairman – The Federal Reserve ended its January Open Market Committee Meeting (FOMC) on Wednesday and elected to leave interest rates unchanged. While many investors were not surprised due to comments from Fed Chairman Powell and other Fed members, it was a reversal in direction from a ¼% rate drop at its previous three meetings. Powell stated after the meeting that inflation remained elevated but that they felt that it was tariff-related, not demand-driven, an indication that he was not feeling that the economy was heating up. He also said that they felt the labor market was stabilizing. It had suffered its worst year in job gains and the highest unemployment rate since COVID. On Friday, President Trump nominated Kevin Warsh to succeed Jerome Powell as the next Fed Chairman. Powell’s term ends in May.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 48,892.47, down 0.4% from 49,098.71 last week. It is already up 1.7% from 48,063.29 on December 31, 2025. The S&P 500 closed the week at 6,939.03, up 0.3% from 6,915.71 last week. The S&P is up 1.4% from 6,845.50 on December 31, 2025. The Nasdaq closed the week at 23,461.82, down 0.2% from 23,501.24 last week. It is up 0.9% from 23,241.99 on December 31, 2024.
The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 4.26%, up slightly from 4.24% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 4.87%, up from 4.82% last week. We watch bond yields because mortgage rates follow bond yields.
Mortgage rates – Every Thursday, Freddie Mac publishes interest rates based on a survey of mortgage lenders throughout the week. The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as of January 29, 2026, were as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.1%, almost unchanged from 6.09% last week. The 15-year fixed was 5.49%, up from 5.38% last week.
The graph below shows the trajectory of mortgage rates over the past year.
Have a Great Weekend!
Mortgage rates – Every Thursday, Freddie Mac publishes interest rates based on a survey of mortgage lenders throughout the week. The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as of January 29, 2026 were as follows:
The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.1%, almost unchanged from 6.09% last week. The 15-year fixed was 5.49 %, up from 5.38% last week.
The graph below shows the trajectory of mortgage rates over the past year.
Wind down the week with the latest news from the world of tech and media. We’re covering the top headlines from Windows 11 to Optimus Gen 3 and more in this week’s blog. Check it out and stay connected!
Spotify rolled out group chats that let up to 10 friends and family members talk about songs, podcasts, and playlists inside the app, extending the direct-message feature it launched last year. The group experience ties into Spotify activity signals — you can only add people you’ve interacted with through features like Collaborative Playlists or Jam sessions — which keeps the chats focused on actual listening relationships rather than random DMs. Messaging remains available to free and premium users, which should help social discovery without putting a paywall around conversation. For music marketers and creators, group threads create a cozy place to seed releases and fan moments without leaving the streaming context. Expect more social glue-like listening activity and shared queue tools as Spotify leans into in-app connection rather than external chat.
ROGBid unveiled the Fusion, a hybrid that doubles as a smart ring and a wristwatch, packing heart-rate monitoring, activity, and sleep tracking into a modular form factor aimed at people who want both subtle wearables and glanceable displays. The novelty here is the multi-form approach — you can wear the ring for discreet biometric sensing or snap it into a wrist module for a more traditional watch UI and notifications. Early hands-on notes call out decent sensor performance for the category, though battery and durability under continuous wear are always the practical tests. If the Fusion nails user comfort and seamless mode switching, it could appeal to folks who oscillate between jewelry-style discretion and smartwatch practicality. It’s a reminder that the wearables category still has room for playful engineering, not just iterative screens.
PopSockets added the Kick Out PopWallet Grip, a folding wallet built into its signature stand, with MagSafe compatibility and a slimmer profile for people who want one less accessory bulking up their pocket. The new design balances everyday convenience — card storage plus a stable phone prop — with compatibility for modern magnetic ecosystems, and it’s clearly targeted at practical flat-lay and influencer photo moments. It’s not trying to be luggage-grade security; it’s about low-friction carry and neat staging for social content. For product teams, it’s a quiet reminder that simple hardware combos still find demand when they solve a minor but persistent friction (pocket bulk, shaky TikTok filming). Expect the usual seasonal color drops and collabs that keep conversion windows lively.
Microsoft announced that Windows 11 has reached roughly 1 billion users, hitting the milestone faster than Windows 10 did and underscoring the OS’s steady enterprise and consumer traction since launch. The figure bundles active devices across consumer PCs, enterprise installs, and various OEM deployments — a reminder that platform adoption still moves markets for software, security, and peripheral makers. For IT teams, the milestone solidifies Windows 11 as the de facto baseline for new deployments, driving tooling and app compatibility decisions. Investors and partners read this as validation of Microsoft’s cadence: regular feature updates, Copilot integration, and enterprise tooling have kept the upgrade cycle alive. While milestones don’t erase fragmentation, they do shape where developers and vendors prioritize support.
Tesla confirmed that Optimus Gen 3 hardware is nearing production readiness. Likewise, the news on Optimus Gen 3 signals an aggressive push to scale humanoid-robot capabilities next year. Of course, the news from Tesla ties its Optimus Gen 3 robot progress to its broader automation roadmap. The update underscores Tesla’s shift from proof-of-concept demos to engineering cadence aimed at manufacturability and cost reduction. Tesla’s Optimus Gen 3 angle is familiar: iterate fast, move into constrained, high-value deployments, and then broaden. For logistics and manufacturing teams, even early, reliable robot helpers like the Optimus could change workflows. Additionally, for the public, Optimus still sits at the intersection of hype and real engineering. Watch the next quarterly updates for concrete fleet and customer pilots that prove robustness beyond staged demos.
Snap announced it’s turning its AR/Specs team into a standalone subsidiary, a structural move intended to give the group a startup-like focus while keeping strategic alignment with Snap’s broader ecosystem. The subsidiary model aims to accelerate product cycles and partnerships for smart glasses, signaling Snap wants to operate the unit with distinct commercial strategies and potential external collaborations or investments. For AR developers and hardware partners, an independent entity could mean clearer APIs, dedicated roadmaps, and bespoke integration deals. The shift also reflects how major platforms are experimenting with organizational forms to keep hardware innovation nimble without dragging legacy product teams into long cycles. If execution is clean, the split could yield faster iterations and clearer go-to-market plays for on-face computing.
Bluesky laid out a 2026 roadmap that includes “live” features, enhanced feed mechanics, and event integrations designed to make the network feel more immediate and discovery-driven. The plan focuses on reducing friction for creators and communities to host live interactions and to surface timely content without mimicking other platforms’ exact formulas. For users, the proposal promises better ways to follow conversations and attend virtual events inside the app; for developers, it hints at new primitives for real-time publishing and moderation. Bluesky’s approach emphasizes privacy and decentralization while still chasing the engagement patterns that make social apps sticky. The year ahead will test whether these features can scale while preserving the network’s core ethos and governance guardrails.