Entertainment Updates: Baldur’s Gate TV Series Set for HBO, Will Be a Continuation of Baldur’s Gate 3's Story

Source:

https://sea.ign.com/baldurs-gate-iii/238348/news/baldurs-gate-tv-series-set-for-hbo-will-be-a-continuation-of-baldurs-gate-3s-story

ChatGPT:

A Baldur’s Gate television series is officially in development at HBO, with the show set to continue the story of Baldur’s Gate 3, Larian Studios’ critically acclaimed and multi-award-winning RPG. Reported by Deadline, the series will be set after the events of the game and follow familiar characters as they deal with the consequences of its world-altering ending, marking a rare case of a TV adaptation acting as a direct narrative continuation rather than a retelling.

The project will be led by Craig Mazin, co-creator of HBO’s The Last of Us, who brings extensive experience adapting beloved video games for television. Mazin has described himself as a devoted fan of both Baldur’s Gate 3 and Dungeons & Dragons, revealing he has spent nearly 1,000 hours in the game. He said it is a “dream come true” to continue the story created by Larian Studios and Wizards of the Coast, and pledged to bring the characters and world to life with care and respect.

While the series is not tied to any upcoming Baldur’s Gate games, Mazin will have creative freedom over the story he tells. The show is expected to feature a mix of returning and new characters from BG3, raising fan speculation about appearances by favourites such as Shadowheart, Karlach, and Astarion. Mazin is also reportedly open to involving the original game cast, similar to how The Last of Us brought back game actors for key roles.

One major challenge will be deciding which version of Baldur’s Gate 3’s many possible endings becomes canon for the show. With Mazin still focused on future seasons of The Last of Us, the series may be some time away, but anticipation is already high.

Entertainment Updates: Stunning Cinematic Platformer 'Planet Of Lana 2' Leaps Onto Switch 1 & 2 Next Month

Source:

https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2026/02/stunning-cinematic-platformer-planet-of-lana-2-leaps-onto-switch-1-and-2-next-month

ChatGPT:

Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf, the visually striking sequel from Wishfully Studios and publisher Thunderful, is set to launch on both Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Switch 2 on 5 March 2026. Revealed in a new release-date trailer, the game continues to impress with its cinematic presentation and refined puzzle-platforming gameplay.

Alongside the release announcement, the developers confirmed a free demo is on the way. PC, PlayStation and Xbox players will be able to try the demo from 11 February, while Switch and Switch 2 owners will receive it at a later, yet-to-be-announced date. Even so, the full release is now just a month away for Nintendo players.

The latest trailer puts the spotlight on the game’s lush, hand-painted visuals while showing expanded gameplay mechanics. Central to this is Mui, Lana’s small but versatile companion, whose abilities have evolved significantly. In Children of the Leaf, Mui can transform into different forms — including a fish and a flying insect — pilot robots, and channel electrical currents, adding fresh layers to environmental puzzles and traversal.

Narratively, the sequel builds on the original’s emotional core. As greed and power divide the tribes of their home planet, Lana and Mui must work together to confront the forces reshaping their world. Their journey across the planet Novo blends ancient mysteries with new threats, testing both the player’s problem-solving skills and the bond between the two protagonists.

The game promises a broader story, more challenging puzzles, and deeper companion mechanics, all enhanced by an orchestral soundtrack and richly detailed environments. With its predecessor praised in 2024 as a standout cinematic platformer, expectations are high that Planet of Lana II will deliver another memorable experience when it arrives next month on Switch and Switch 2.

Technology Updates: OpenAI is hoppin’ mad about Anthropic’s new Super Bowl TV ads

Source:

https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2026/02/openai-is-hoppin-mad-about-anthropics-new-super-bowl-tv-ads/

ChatGPT:

OpenAI and Anthropic publicly clashed after Anthropic launched a provocative new ad campaign criticising advertising in AI chatbots, including two commercials set to air during Super Bowl LX. The ads, part of Anthropic’s “A Time and a Place” campaign, depict users seeking personal advice from human stand-ins for AI, only to be interrupted by intrusive product pitches. Each spot ends with the tagline: “Ads are coming to AI. But not to Claude.”

The campaign drew sharp responses from OpenAI leadership. CEO Sam Altman called the ads “clearly dishonest,” accused Anthropic of being “authoritarian,” and argued they misrepresent how ChatGPT plans to introduce ads. OpenAI recently began testing ads in a lower-cost ChatGPT tier, but Altman stressed these would appear as clearly labelled banners at the bottom of responses and would not alter the chatbot’s answers. Chief Marketing Officer Kate Rouch echoed this view, saying the real issue was control rather than advertising.

However, OpenAI’s own blog notes that ads may be shown when there is a “relevant sponsored product or service based on your current conversation,” a detail that adds nuance to Anthropic’s critique. The dispute reflects deeper financial and philosophical differences. OpenAI faces heavy costs after signing massive infrastructure deals and relies largely on free users, while Anthropic depends more on enterprise contracts and subscriptions and has so far avoided ads.

Tensions are heightened by history: Anthropic was founded by former OpenAI employees and has recently gained traction with developers through its Claude Code product. Altman framed the debate as one about access versus restriction, accusing Anthropic of tightly controlling AI use. Anthropic, meanwhile, maintains that Claude is ad-free for now, though it leaves open the possibility of revisiting that stance in the future.

Overall, the spat highlights growing competition—and differing visions—for how AI should be funded and governed.

Technology Updates: Collaboration in ChatGPT is coming to Singapore: what it can do, how it works and what you’ll need

Source:

https://www.hardwarezone.com.sg/lifestyle/ai/chatgpt-collaboration-tools-singapore-launch

ChatGPT:

ChatGPT is rolling out a major new collaboration feature to Singapore: group chats that allow multiple people to work together with AI in real time. This update expands ChatGPT from a personal assistant into a shared social and productivity space, suitable for families, students, and professional teams. Once the feature is enabled locally, users will see it in the top-right corner of the ChatGPT app, though rollout may take a few days.

The core upgrade is the ability to invite up to 20 participants into a single chat. Everyone in the group can interact naturally with each other and with ChatGPT, which acts like a knowledgeable participant rather than a dominating bot. Any member can call on ChatGPT to answer questions, generate content, analyse images or shared files, summarise discussions, or support voice dictation. This makes it useful for trip planning, group projects, brainstorming sessions, home renovations, or academic research, all within one shared thread.

Behind the scenes, OpenAI uses GPT-5.1 Auto, which automatically selects the best available model based on a user’s plan tier (Free, Go, Plus or Pro), ensuring broad access without manual switching. In group settings, ChatGPT is trained to follow conversation flow, respond at appropriate moments, and use social cues like emojis, making it feel more natural in multi-person discussions.

Starting a group chat is simple: users can tap the people icon, create or convert a chat, and share an invite link. Privacy is built in—group chats are separate from personal ones, and personal memory is not used. Some advanced tools remain limited, and performance may vary by plan and region.

For Singapore’s collaborative work culture, the feature could meaningfully change how people study, plan, and make decisions—turning ChatGPT into a true team collaborator.

Investing Updates: How strong is the Singdollar? These charts show how it is performing against regional currencies

Source:

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/capital-markets-currencies/how-strong-singdollar-these-charts-show-how-it-performing-against-regional-currencies

ChatGPT:

How Strong Is the Singdollar? A Regional Currency Snapshot

The Singapore dollar (SGD) has continued to stand out as one of Asia’s most stable currencies, even as foreign-exchange markets around it have shifted sharply in early 2026. A key global driver has been the weakening US dollar, which has slid close to 11-year lows against the Singdollar amid “sell America” sentiment, policy uncertainty under President Donald Trump, and speculation over coordinated FX intervention. Against this backdrop, SGD/USD has climbed to levels last seen in 2014, supported by the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s steady policy stance versus a softening US Federal Reserve. Year-to-date, the Singdollar has gained about 1.6% against the greenback.

Regionally, movements have been more mixed. The Malaysian ringgit has emerged as a standout performer, rebounding strongly from its 2024 lows on improving fundamentals, strong investment inflows, and optimism around the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone. As a result, the Singdollar has weakened modestly against the ringgit, reducing Singaporeans’ purchasing power across the Causeway.

The Japanese yen remains historically weak despite intermittent intervention rumours, keeping it cheap against the Singdollar. Meanwhile, the Australian dollar has strengthened significantly, buoyed by firm commodity prices, a softer US dollar, and expectations of tighter monetary policy, leading to notable SGD losses against the Aussie.

In North Asia, the South Korean won has recovered from recent lows following policy support and official guidance, though the Singdollar still shows year-to-date gains. Thailand’s baht has surged on gold-related repatriation flows, prompting authorities to introduce measures to curb volatility. The Chinese yuan, while volatile due to renewed US tariff threats, has shown signs of underlying strength on capital inflows and growth optimism.

Overall, the Singdollar remains a regional anchor of stability, with relative moves driven more by shifts in neighbouring currencies than by domestic weakness.

Investing Updates: What to Expect in the Week Ahead (January Jobs Report, Earnings from GOOG, AMZN, PLTR and AMD)

Source:

https://www.moomoo.com/news/post/64893434/what-to-expect-in-the-week-ahead-january-jobs-report?futusource=news_hotnews_list&client_hour_clock=24&main_broker=WwoJMTAwOApdCg==&my_cid=103096561&sg_cid=103096561&skintype=3&us_cid=103096561&level=2&global_content=%7B%22promote_content%22:%22mm:post:64893434%22,%22invite%22:103096561%7D&data_ticket=1769997185662418&utm_medium=futu_niuniu_share&utm_content=web_share&utm_campaign=news&utm_term=64893434

ChatGPT:

What to Expect in the Week Ahead (Jan Jobs Report & Key Earnings)

Markets head into the week with heightened sensitivity to U.S. labour data, Federal Reserve leadership signals, and heavyweight earnings. The January nonfarm payrolls report on Friday will be the key macro test, especially following the nomination of former Fed governor Kevin Warsh as the next Fed chair. Investors will closely watch whether weaker employment data prompts a more cautious tone or reinforces confidence that the labour market remains resilient.

Economic data flow begins Monday with the ISM Manufacturing PMI, expected to show modest improvement in demand but still constrained by softer inventories and uneven employment trends. Tuesday’s JOLTS report may send mixed signals, with online postings improving but surveys pointing to more cautious hiring intentions. On Wednesday, ADP employment and the ISM Services PMI will further shape expectations for labour market momentum, with services activity likely cooling but staying in expansion. Friday’s payrolls report will also include a one-time re-benchmarking of household survey data, which may lower headline employment levels without materially affecting the unemployment rate, forecast at 4.4%.

Earnings take centre stage alongside macro data. Palantir’s results will spotlight the sustainability of its rapid commercial growth amid intensifying AI competition. AMD is expected to benefit from strong AI demand, though near-term guidance may be tempered by seasonality. Alphabet’s earnings will focus on Gemini-driven ad growth, cloud demand, and a sharp rise in capital expenditures tied to AI infrastructure. Amazon’s report will draw attention to advertising and AWS growth, as well as scrutiny over a potential, very large OpenAI investment. Other notable reporters include Qualcomm, Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, Uber, and Disney.

Market sentiment remains fragile after recent declines across risk assets. Equities, crypto, and precious metals sold off sharply following Warsh’s nomination, with the S&P 500 retreating after briefly breaking above 7,000 and Bitcoin falling below US$80,000. Investors will look to this week’s data and earnings for clarity on growth, policy direction, and the sustainability of heavy AI spending across corporate America.

Food Updates: Pizza Hut S’pore Brings Back $10 Large Pizza Takeaway Promotion on 3, 4, 10, 11 Feb 2026

Source:

https://singpromos.com/dining-restaurants-food/pizza-hut-spore-brings-back-10-large-pizza-takeaway-promotion-on-3-4-10-11-feb-2026-298658/

ChatGPT:

🍕 Pizza Hut Singapore Brings Back $10 Large Pizza Takeaway Deal (Feb 2026)

Pizza Hut Singapore is reviving its popular $10 Large Pizza Takeaway promotion for a limited time in February 2026. Running on Tuesdays and Wednesdays only, the deal is available on 3, 4, 10 and 11 February 2026 — just four days in total.

During the promotion, customers can enjoy a large pizza for only $10 (usual price $35.05, inclusive of GST), making it one of Pizza Hut’s best-value offers of the year. The promotion is valid all day, while stocks last, and is strictly for self-collection/takeaway.

🍕 Available Pizza Flavours
Customers can choose from three crowd-favourite flavours, offered in Pan or Crackin’ Thin Crust only:

• Very Beefy

• Chic Ham ‘N’ Shroom

• BBQ Chunky Chic

Each order allows up to two redemptions, making it ideal for sharing with family or friends.

🛍️ How to Redeem

1. Order via the Pizza Hut mobile app or Pizza Hut Singapore website

2. Select Self-Collection / Takeaway

3. Head to the “Hot Deals” section

4. Choose the $10 Large Pizza Deal and check out

With limited dates and high demand expected, pizza lovers should mark their calendars early. If you’ve been waiting for Pizza Hut’s iconic $10 large pizza deal to return, February 2026 is your chance 🍕😋.

Investing Updates: SGX moves to encourage more investors to use broker custody accounts for their holdings

Source:

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/sgx-moves-encourage-more-investors-use-broker-custody-accounts-their-holdings

ChatGPT:

The Singapore Exchange Regulation (SGX RegCo) has launched a public consultation to encourage wider use of broker custody accounts for SGX-listed securities, aligning Singapore with practices in markets such as Australia, the UK, Hong Kong and the US. The consultation, open from Jan 30 to Mar 27, proposes rule changes to allow omnibus broker custody accounts, require brokers and depository agents to support shareholders in exercising their rights, and strengthen regulatory oversight of depository agents. Retail investors will still be able to keep direct Central Depository (CDP) accounts even if the changes are implemented.

Currently, investors can hold SGX securities either directly with CDP or through broker custody accounts. About two-thirds of retail accounts are still direct CDP accounts, a structure originally designed for safekeeping physical share certificates. In contrast, broker custody accounts—often omnibus accounts pooling multiple clients’ holdings—are already widely used for foreign-listed shares.

SGX RegCo said adopting a common broker custody model for both SGX-listed and overseas securities would allow investors to view and manage all holdings through a single platform. This could enable brokers to offer more value-added services such as fractional trading, portfolio management, robo-advisory solutions and other innovative products.

Beyond retail benefits, the shift could enhance Singapore’s market competitiveness. Internationally active asset managers, who are accustomed to omnibus structures elsewhere, currently need separate systems to handle Singapore’s individually segregated accounts. A broker custody model would make it easier for them to participate more actively in the local market.

Market participants broadly view the proposals as timely, given rising retail participation. However, investor groups stress the need for strong safeguards, including robust asset segregation, cybersecurity and PDPA compliance, to ensure omnibus arrangements are as secure as CDP holdings and that shareholder rights remain fully protected.

Comments:

I think most consumers dig into where the brokerages are from and fear geo-political risks or bankruptcy might affect their holdings.

CDP is deemed "safer" since it's locally managed.

When you are in retirement phase, it kind of makes sense to store in CDP too. Go get free gifts in AGMs since got time? 😁

LifeStyle Updates: Public can use ez-link card to get 10-cent refund when recycling drink bottles, cans from April

Source:

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/public-can-use-ez-link-card-to-get-10-cent-refund-when-recycling-drink-bottles-cans-from-april

ChatGPT:

Singapore will roll out the Beverage Container Return Scheme on April 1, allowing the public to receive a 10-cent refund for each empty drink bottle or can returned for recycling. Refunds can be credited via ez-link cards, including student and senior concession cards, which will be the main payment method at the start. Other digital payment options will be announced later for those who do not use ez-link.

About 1,000 return points, mainly reverse vending machines, will be deployed islandwide when the scheme begins. This number will double to 2,000 within a year. Machines will be located in high-traffic areas such as supermarkets, HDB void decks and town centres, ensuring that 90 per cent of residents living in HDB estates are within a five-minute walk of a return point. The machines accept bottled and canned drinks ranging from 150ml to three litres and will automatically process containers and issue refunds.

Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment Janil Puthucheary acknowledged that the scheme will require habit changes and may initially inconvenience some residents. To support public understanding, the scheme’s operator, Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS) Ltd, will release guides and videos in March, and each machine will display instructions in all four official languages. Outreach efforts will also involve grassroots groups, schools and businesses.

The scheme is funded by annual fees paid by beverage producers. Smaller producers have raised concerns over compliance costs, including registration fees, deposit requirements and labelling changes, which may lead to price increases. To ease the transition, the National Environment Agency is offering a one-time grant of up to $2,500 and a six-month adjustment period.

Despite expected teething issues, the scheme is projected to cover over one billion drink containers annually and recover more than 16,000 tonnes of recyclable material, helping embed recycling into everyday life in Singapore.

Comments:

I will be using my kids' concession cards for rewards.

I think most adults do not use ez-link card anymore?

Sports Updates: 4 months’ jail for Sim Lim Square seller of illicit streaming devices showing EPL games

Source:

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/4-months-jail-for-sim-lim-square-seller-of-illicit-streaming-devices-showing-epl-games

ChatGPT:

A Sim Lim Square retailer was sentenced to four months’ jail for selling illicit streaming devices that provided unauthorised access to copyrighted content, including English Premier League (EPL) matches and movies. Lin Da, 35, was the sole director and shareholder of Simder Trading and Business, which operated the shop MengXin Tech. His company was also convicted and fined $40,000.

Lin pleaded guilty to four charges under the Copyright Act on Jan 27, 2026, with seven additional charges taken into consideration. According to the prosecution, Lin had been importing illicit streaming devices from China and Hong Kong since 2018. After customers purchased the devices, Lin or his employees would install software applications that granted access to pirated live TV channels and video-on-demand content, giving users entry to a constantly updated library of copyrighted works owned by multiple rights holders.

Simder earned between $49 and $60 per device sold, generating an estimated monthly profit of $4,000 to $5,000. In 2020, the Football Association Premier League (FAPL) sent Simder a cease-and-desist letter warning that the devices illegally distributed EPL matches. Despite receiving and understanding the letter, Lin continued selling the devices.

Authorities raided several Sim Lim Square shops on Oct 4, 2022, seizing 301 illicit devices from Lin’s shop and arresting him and an employee. Of these, 16 working devices were found to facilitate access to content from rights holders such as FAPL, Warner Bros, Disney and Discovery, including EPL matches and popular films. The remaining devices were faulty and intended for repair or return. No compensation was made to copyright owners.

This case marks the fourth conviction involving Sim Lim Square sellers since the 2022 enforcement operation, which led to 17 arrests and the seizure of over 2,500 illegal devices worth about $500,000. Rights holders, including the Premier League and the Motion Picture Association, welcomed the sentence, highlighting piracy’s legal, economic and security risks.