TechCapsules

A new phishing campaign, Skyw4lker, targets U.S. manufacturing, technology, and healthcare firms by sending password‑protected business documents that lure victims into a legitimate Microsoft device‑authorization flow. The attackers host the documents on Google sites, then redirect users to Microsoft authentication, where the victim unknowingly grants access tokens. ANY.RUN’s sandbox analysis revealed obfuscated JavaScript, a PHP backend, and repeated polling to capture IP and geolocation data. The FBI’s 2024 complaint data shows phishing remains the most reported internet [...]

The BIRD Foundation awarded Quantum Elements and Qarakal Quantum a $2.4 million grant to create a quantum simulation platform for surface‑reaction chemistry. The partnership will merge Qarakal’s modular superconducting hardware with Quantum Elements’ digital‑twin software, error‑management tools, and AI‑driven co‑design to develop a validated prototype. The goal is to benchmark chemistry models and quantum algorithms that could enhance catalyst design, targeting industrial processes that account for 80–90 % of chemical production. The project is one of seven approved by [...]

After EA’s $55 billion acquisition of BioWare by Saudi-backed Affinity Partners and Silver Lake, the studio’s planned Mass Effect 5 was canceled and the company’s closure followed. Reports claim the new ownership pressured BioWare to tone down inclusive content, prompting the removal of a flag resembling the LGBTQIA+ symbol from a development video. An unnamed developer noted that the studio’s historically progressive storytelling faced skepticism under the new regime, echoing concerns about Saudi influence on game content. The [...]

Hello Games has released the Forsaken update for No Man’s Sky, adding Halloween-themed content such as haunted tech, biological horrors, and new shipbuilding options. The update introduces new weapon and suit styles, postal delivery missions, a radial weapon menu, a minimal HUD, and accessibility tweaks. It also adds “seamless warping,” allowing players to jump directly to the brightest star. The patch is now available on all platforms, including iPhone and iPad, expanding the game’s reach to mobile users. [...]

Samsung announced that its new open‑ear Galaxy Buds On will retail for $229 in the United States, with sales beginning early next month. The clip‑style earbuds are lightweight, allowing users to hear ambient sounds while listening to music or podcasts. Features include Gemini Live integration, 9.5‑hour battery life, automatic volume adjustment, Intelligent Clear Call, Quick Voice Memo, Bixby voice search, and gesture controls for calls and alarms. The Buds On share a case design with the Galaxy Buds 4/Pro and [...]

Nintendo’s Indie World Showcase concluded with several key releases. Chucklefish announced Witchbrook’s January 28, 2027 launch on PC, Switch 1 and 2, Xbox, and a forthcoming PS5 port, featuring a multiplayer witch‑sim set in Mossport. Shark Jump’s Winds of Viridia demo debuted, with a Switch 2 release slated for early 2027. Extremely OK Games unveiled City of None, a Celeste‑inspired platformer set for Switch 2 in 2027. Sword of the Sea and Tenjutsu will launch on Switch 2 in October 2026 and 2027, respectively, [...]

Amazon unveiled five new Alexa devices, including a 16‑inch Echo Show, a next‑generation Echo Dot with built‑in smart‑home hub and Wi‑Fi extender, an Echo Studio with a camera and room‑mapping audio, an Echo Time bedside clock featuring sunrise‑mimicking display and sleep‑sensing wake‑up, and an Alexa Photo Frame that syncs with Amazon Photos and filters images. All models incorporate Amazon’s AZ3 silicon and on‑device AI for improved voice recognition and background noise filtering. Prices range from $99.99 to [...]

Microsoft is set to revive its long‑missing Year in Review feature as “Xbox Playback” for the console’s 25th anniversary. The new tool, accessible at https://xbox.com/playback, will replace the old page and provide a comprehensive view of a player’s entire Xbox history, including most‑played titles, total playtime, rarest achievements, and more. Early screenshots from user @redphx show the feature in beta, though it currently contains bugs such as misidentifying console generations. The link is not yet public, but [...]