TechCapsules

Microsoft clarified why current Surface PCs exclude AMD processors. The company cited a limited product portfolio and the need to prioritize other partners, despite having offered AMD‑powered models in the past, such as the Surface Laptop 3 and 4. Surface CVP Brett Ostrum emphasized that Microsoft “loves working with AMD” but must make strategic choices. The decision follows rumors of an upcoming AMD‑based Surface using the Sound Wave APU, which has yet to materialize.

The article profiles a seasoned gaming journalist who began his career with a deep fascination for classic consoles, notably the NES. He quickly mastered retro hardware, which sparked a broader passion for gaming and music, leading to a music degree and aspirations to emulate Nobuo Uematsu. His writing journey progressed from TechRadar and iMore to senior roles at PCGamesN and Dexerto, where he covered Steam Deck, PlayStation, and Nintendo. In 2024, he advanced to Hardware Editor at [...]

A UK Competition Appeal Tribunal has revived part of a dismissed consumer lawsuit against Apple and Amazon, allowing claims that the 2018 agreement limited Apple product sales through Amazon’s marketplace to proceed. The case, originally filed in 2022, alleges price‑fixing and anti‑competitive practices that could have raised consumer prices. The tribunal rejected a claim about sales from other retailers, citing insufficient evidence. The revived suit could award up to £289 million ($383 million) if successful.

Sony Interactive Entertainment is testing NFC‑enabled PlayStation 6 controllers that could allow users to purchase microtransactions by simply tapping a credit or gift card on the controller. A September 2026 patent titled “Video game controller‑driven information transfer” details how payment information can be transmitted from a card to the controller, eliminating the need to navigate the PlayStation Store and enter details manually. The technology would streamline in‑game purchases, aligning with Sony’s shift toward a digital‑only ecosystem. The [...]

Tarini Padmanabhuni’s grandfather was deceived by a deepfake voice that claimed his brother was kidnapped, prompting a ransom payment that later proved false. Two years later, Padmanabhuni founded DetectifAI to prevent similar scams. The company develops lightweight AI models that run directly on smartphones, offering instant deep‑fake detection without sending audio to the cloud. DetectifAI licenses its SDK to phone manufacturers and fraud‑prevention firms, already handling over 100,000 AI‑generated calls monthly for Indian financial institutions. The startup [...]

CD Projekt Red unveiled its third Witcher 3 expansion, Songs of the Past, at Gamescom’s Opening Night Live. To preview the content, Milan Records released a five‑track EP featuring composers Magda Urbańska, Marcin Przybyłowicz, and Daniel Elms. The tracks—“Return to the Path,” “Awoken,” “Into Darkness,” “What’s Done,” and “Belleteyn Night”—blend orchestral writing with folk influences, reflecting the expansion’s new setting, Letten, and its themes of pastoral charm and hidden menace. The EP is now available worldwide. [...]

Google’s September 2026 Pixel Watch update brings the company’s new 3D emoji catalog to all current Pixel Watch models, including the Pixel Watch 2, 3, and 4, which had previously only supported 2D icons. The update also includes the August 2026 security patch and enhanced gesture controls. The 3D emoji, first introduced on Pixel 11 phones, adds depth and personality to each character and will soon expand to devices from Nothing, Lenovo, Xiaomi, Oppo/OnePlus, Honor, Motorola, and [...]

Steam’s new Genre Intros feature introduces newcomers to rhythm games, offering a curated list of ten titles that progress from beginner-friendly to expert level. The lineup includes single‑button entries like Bits & Bops and Rhythm Doctor, a two‑button hybrid Unbeatable, and the experimental Beatblock in early access. Free options such as Vivid/Stasis provide extensive story and multiplayer modes, while the veteran DJMax Respect V delivers a high‑end, multi‑button experience. All games require only a mouse and keyboard, [...]