SpaceX Warns of Satellite Collisions, Solar Panels Could Help the US Catch China, Windows 11 Update, Hello Skydance

News and Updates:

• SpaceX Flags Satellite Collision Risk: SpaceX publicly released footage showing Starlink satellites passing within 57–134 meters of other satellites, calling uncoordinated maneuvers among operators ”the biggest risk” in low-Earth orbit. SpaceX says about 650 unique third-party satellites had close encounters with Starlink in 2026, with only half sharing location data—placing particular blame on Chinese operators withholding ”ephemeris” data.

• Tandem Solar Panels Could Beat China: US manufacturers like Qcells, First Solar, and Tandem PV are nearing commercial release of ”tandem” solar panels that layer multiple materials to generate 25% more energy than conventional single-layer panels. The new panels could push solar capacity factors above 31% (versus today’s ~24%), but currently cost up to 3.5x more than standard panels, and China still controls roughly 80% of global solar manufacturing.

• Windows 11 Keeps Gaining Ground: Windows 11 now runs on 71.5% of Windows PCs globally versus Windows 10’s 27.8%, as Microsoft’s paid Extended Security Updates for business customers are set to double to $122 per device in year two.

• Paramount and Warner Bros. Officially Merge: David Ellison’s $111 billion acquisition closed, combining the studios and CBS/CNN under the new ”Skydance” banner, with Paramount+ and HBO Max set to eventually unify into one streaming service. The deal cleared its final hurdle after Skydance settled with 12 states by committing to release 30+ films a year, even as Hollywood insiders and the Writers Guild continue fighting the merger over wage and independence concerns.