The James Webb Space Telescope has finally captured its first image of a star — or rather, images. NASA has shared a mosaic of pictures (shown above) of a star taken using the primary mirror's 18 segments. It looks like a seemingly random collection of blurry dots, but that's precisely what the mission team was expecting. The imagery will help scientists finish the lengthy mirror alignment process using the telescope's Near Infrared Camera, or NIRCam. The first phase is nearly complete as of this writing.

The visuals came from a 25-hour effort that pointed the James Webb Space Telescope to 156 different positions and produced 1,560 images with the NIRCam's sensors. The team created the mosaic using the signature of each mirror segment in a single frame. Visual artifacts come from using the infrared camera at temperatures well above the frigid conditions the telescope will need for scientific observation. And what you see here isn't the entirety of the mosaic — the full-resolution snapshot is over two gigapixels.

NASA

NASA also provided a rare real-world glimpse at the JWST in action. The agency provided a "selfie" of the primary mirror (middle) created by a pupil imaging lens from the NIRCam. This too is blurry, but it offers a valuable look at the fully deployed mirror and helps explain the importance of alignment. Notice how just one segment is brightly lit by a star? It's the only one aligned with that celestial body — it will take a while before all segments are operating in concert.

Researchers expect the first scientifically useful images from JWST in the summer. It's reasonable to presume those pictures will be considerably more exciting, especially as they start providing glimpses of the early universe. Still, what you see here demonstrates the telescope's health and suggests there won't be much trouble in the months ahead.

Google is facing more antitrust pressure in the EU over its advertising tech. Reutersreports the European Publishers Council (EPC) has filed an EU complaint against Google alleging the company has an illegal "stranglehold" on ad tech and the press. The Internet giant's ad suite is claimed to be "rife with conflicts of interests" as it not only represents the buyer, seller and auction house, but supposedly exploits that control to profit at the expense of its customers.

Council Chairman Christian Van Thillo saw the complaint as prompting the EU to take action where it was otherwise reluctant. The move should make Google "actually change" its behavior after years of "minor commitments" that don't provide any substantial impact, Van Thillo said. The EPC pointed to antitrust cases in multiple countries to support its case, including a multi-state US lawsuit.

The EU began its newest probe into Google's ad business in June 2021. It shares the EPC's general concerns about potential abuse. It didn't set a deadline for the investigation, however, and has already fined Google three times over its ad practices. Antitrust hunts like these can take years to wind down, and the complaint theoretically accelerates the process.

In a statement, Google argued companies enjoyed its ad tech but didn't address the unfair competition issues. Publishers keep the "majority of revenue," which climbs to "billions" of US dollars, a representative said.

There's no certainty the EPC complaint will prompt the EU to demand significant changes to Google's ad policies. It might ramp up the pressure on Google to act, however, even if it's just to minimize any potential penalties.

Space startup Astra's effective commercial debut didn't quite go according to plan. As SpaceNewsreports, the company's first practical mission for NASA failed when the Rocket 3.3 vehicle's upper stage flew out of control shortly after detaching from the first stage. While the launch itself went smoothly, footage suggests the payload fairing separation went awry.

The rocket was carrying NASA's ELaNa 41 (Educational Launch of Nanosatellites) mission. Three of the four cubesats aboard the flight were from universities hoping to conduct experiments for drag sails, space weather modelling and quantum gyroscopes. The fourth, from NASA itself, was meant to test quick and low-cost methods to build and inspect cubesats.

In a statement, Astra said it was "deeply sorry" for losing the payloads and would shed more light on the incident after a "data review." The launch had already been delayed several days, in part due to a range problem.

No private space firm wants an incident like this, but it might have been more damaging to Astra than for others. This was Astra's fifth attempt at orbit, and all but one of them have ended in failure. The setback could hurt Astra's chances at competing with companies like Rocket Lab and SpaceX, both of which have better (if still imperfect) track records.

This also underscores the challenges involved with private spaceflight. While it's playing an increasingly important role in commercial and scientific programs, the companies and their technology are still relatively young — even heavyweights like Boeing are struggling. It may take some time before there's a wide range of providers that can reliably ferry cargo.

Amazon is still landing podcast deals in hopes of claiming an edge over rivals like Apple and Spotify. The internet firm has struck a deal with NPR to stream Guy Raz's popular How I Built This podcast one week early on both Amazon Music and Wondery. As with earlier deals, episodes will stream ad-free if you've subscribed to Amazon Music Unlimited or Wondery+.

Wondery will also have the rights to YouTube-based video simulcasts as well as ad sales. NPR will still control radio releases, which will continue as usual.

The strategy is familiar — ideally, fans of the business-focused podcast will switch to Amazon's platforms to listen as soon as possible, and will ideally turn into paying subscribers. The approach is less aggressive than Spotify's emphasis on completely exclusive podcasts, but could give Amazon an edge over Apple and others that rarely or never strike special deals.

For NPR, this also represents the latest phase of a recent podcast push that includes subscriber-only perks. The public broadcaster is eager to boost its funding from online content, and pacts like Amazon's could play an important role in that growth.

You'll want to update your Apple devices soon if you value up-to-the-minute software security. 9to5Macnotes Apple has released iOS 15.3.1, iPadOS 15.3.1, macOS Monterey 12.2.1 and watchOS 8.4.2 updates that all fix a significant WebKit security flaw. Specially crafted websites can take advantage of a "use after free" bug (that is, referencing memory after it's freed for use) to run arbitrary code on your device. This isn't a theoretical exercise, either — Apple said there was at least one report of the vulnerability being "actively exploited" before a patch was ready.

The macOS upgrade also fixes a battery drain issue for Intel-based MacBooks, although 9to5 said users with M1-based Macs have also noticed the glitch. Install the new iOS version, meanwhile, and it should fix a problem with unresponsive Braille displays.

This is the third in-the-wild exploit Apple has patched in 2022, including a kernel flaw as well as a Safari bug that could leak your browser history and Google account info. While they're not exciting upgrades, they do suggest Apple is determined to keep up with would-be attackers — and that there are more threats to deal with in the first place.

Logitech isn't the only one launching a small light for streamers and vloggers. Elgato has introduced a Key Light Mini that promises strong illumination away from your desk or studio. While its 800-lumen output isn't as powerful as the Corsair brand's 2,800-lumen regular Key Light, it's portable — you can run it on battery for up to four hours at half brightness, which should be enough for an on-the-scene YouTube vlog or TikTok clip.

The Key Light Mini offers the same 2,900K to 7,000K color temperature range as its full-size counterpart, and you can control the diffused light with onboard buttons when the WiFi-based computer and mobile apps aren't an option. A quarter-inch thread lets you mount Elgato's light on a camera or tripod, and you can bypass the battery entirely if you're simply using this to augment your livestreams and video calls at home.

Elgato is selling the Key Light Mini for $100 through Amazon and its own website. That's significantly more than Logitech's $60 Litra Glow, but you're also getting a much brighter display you can take with you. The extra outlay might be easy to rationalize if you either prize mobility or just want more flexibility for tricky lighting conditions.

Tesla is once again recalling hundreds of thousands of cars over a technical issue. According to Reuters, he EV producer has recalled 578,607 Model 3, S, X and Y vehicles over concerns the Boombox feature can overpower Pedestrian Warning System sounds. The ability to play external audio while the car is in motion violates a federal safety rule requiring a clearly audible sound when EVs and hybrids are moving at speeds below 18.6MPH.

As with some of its recalls, the company will address the issue with a free over-the-air update. The patch will disable Boombox while cars aren't parked, Tesla said. The company didn't provide a timeframe for the update, but noted it would affect 2017 and newer Model 3 sedans as well as 2020 and newer Model S, X and Y vehicles.

Tesla wasn't available for comment. The company disbanded its communications team years ago.

This latest notice represents Tesla's fourth announced recall in two weeks. On top of a seat belt chime fault, the brand recently issued recalls over Full Self Driving flaws and slow heating systems. Tesla is fixing all of these problems through software, but they come after recalls in the past year for physical defects like fragile rearview camera systems and loose trim. There have been 15 recalls since the start of 2021. The issues have typically been minor, but they've still fuelled broader quality concerns.

This latest recall also reflects more aggressive scrutiny from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The agency began investigating Autopilot functions after a string of collisions with emergency vehicles, and Tesla responded to an investigation of its Passenger Play feature by disabling video games while in motion. The NHTSA is clearly determined to keep Tesla in check, particularly for software-driven features that relatively new in the automotive world.

It's been a while since TAG Heuer introduced a Connected smartwatch that wasn't just a special edition of an earlier model, but that new model is finally here — and it might just be a welcome upgrade. The watchmaker has introduced the Connected Calibre E4, a revamp that brings both modern components and an expanded lineup. There's a redesigned, easier-to-use 45mm version (shown below) for those who prefer sporty watches like some TAG Carrera models, but you'll also find a new 42mm variant (above) with a sleeker, thinner case. This is for enthusiasts who either prefer mid-sized timepieces or want something better-suited to formal occasions.

You can also expect some much-needed internal upgrades. Calibre E4 promises speedier performance through a Snapdragon Wear 4100+ chip with Bluetooth 5.0, and you'll reportedly see 30 percent longer battery life with the 45mm Connected versus its predecessor (the 42mm should last a "full day" that includes five hours of golfing). An altimeter will help you track workouts like hikes, while a brighter display should keep content visible outdoors. There's even a improved, vertically-oriented charger that uses magnets to keep the watch in place and use it as a very expensive nightstand clock.

TAG Heuer/LVMH

Software plays an important role as well. The new Connected will run Wear OS 2 out of the box, but it will be TAG Heuer's first to support Wear OS 3 when the free upgrade arrives. The company's updated Sports app now offers guided workouts as well as performance tracking for activities like golf, running and swimming.

Be ready to pay a premium — these are luxury smartwatches, after all. TAG Heuer launches the Connected Calibre E4 on March 10th starting at $1,800 for the steel 42mm model, and $2,050 for its 45mm counterpart with a rubber strap. You'll need to spend $2,250 to get the 45mm edition with a steel bracelet, and a "full titanium" version will cost $2,550. Look at it this way, though: this is arguably a better bargain than sibling brand Louis Vuitton's $3,500 smartwatch, especially if you want a broadly supported platform.

The Disney+ Obi-Wan series finally has a release date. Disney has revealed that the limited-run Obi-Wan Kenobi series premieres May 25th (no, sadly not May 4th) on its namesake streaming service. The company didn't share much more than new poster art, but some of the key details are already well-known.

Kenobi has Ewan McGregor reprising his role as Obi-Wan, with Hayden Christensen portraying Darth Vader. The show will begin with protecting Luke Skywalker following the rise of the Empire, but it's reasonable to presume there will be much more to the story. The Mandalorian veteran Deborah Chow is directing the production.

The series could be crucial for Disney+ as it matures. As part of its latest earnings, Disney revealed that subscribers worldwide climbed 37 percent in 2021 versus 2020, but that the media group running the service saw profits plunge 44 percent. Most of the growth came from India's Hotstar and international expansions. Obi-Wan Kenobi could help Disney+ keep the subscriber count growing in many countries, especially with the help of sibling Star Wars shows like Ahsoka, Andor, Lando, The Acolyte and the recently released The Book of Boba Fett.

Samsung's reputation for occasionally strange product introductions is alive and well in 2022. The company unveiled the Galaxy S22 at its Unpacked event with a Bridgerton crossover you can watch below. Yes, the Netflix tie-in is exactly as odd as it sounds. The S22 is introduced at an "inventor's ball" where creators try to impress the queen, who approves after demanding a dance to showcase a handset that won't ship until 210 (sorry, 209) years in the future.

The production is more than a little forced, but it's at least consistent with Shonda Rhimes' alternate history take on Regency-era Britain. There are also some clever touches. The man introducing the Galaxy S22 is Lord Tristar (the Korean hanja word Samsung means "three stars"), while the previous presenter with an unconvincing raincoat demo is Lord Mackintosh —we don't have to explain the symbolism behind that one.

Will the Bridgerton video sell many more Galaxy S22 units? Probably not. You'll definitely remember this unveiling, though, and the period piece livened up what was mostly a by-the-numbers hardware refresh. It's certainly miles better than the awkward, sexist Galaxy S4 launch event Samsung would probably prefer you forget.