TechCapsules

MG Motors will launch the MG U9 EV, a fully‑electric ute priced from $78,990 before on‑road costs, in Australia. The vehicle features dual electric motors delivering 325 kW and 700 Nm, a 102 kWh battery for a 430 km WLTP range, and a 3,500 kg towing capacity. It outperforms rivals KGM Musso EV and Toyota HiLux BEV in power and range, though it is roughly $20,000 more expensive. The U9 EV will debut at the Everything Electric event on 18 September 2026, with a global launch slated for late 2026 or [...]

Ericsson ConsumerLab released research indicating that 38% of smartphone users anticipate using agentic AI by 2030, up from 4% today. The study surveyed over 43,000 users in 27 markets, representing roughly 1.7 billion global smartphone owners. It projects daily AI interactions for two‑thirds of users and a rise in multimodal AI use, especially in Australia, from 6% to 23%. A 10% segment of “AI super users” is expected to grow to 30% and generate 80% of AI traffic, [...]

Square Enix’s Final Fantasy 7 Revelation director Naoki Hamaguchi revealed that the trilogy’s final chapter will likely be around 200 GB, requiring an online download for the physical release. Earlier installments shipped on multiple discs, echoing the original PS1 game’s format and ensuring offline access. Hamaguchi cited the need to avoid compromising quality and hardware limits as reasons for the digital requirement. The decision follows Sony’s shift away from disc releases for PS5 titles.

An overseas report indicates the Galaxy Z Fold 8 experienced a 10% sales lift after Apple unveiled its foldable iPhone Duo. Samsung’s Fold 8, already breaking pre‑order records, benefited from price differentials and immediate availability, especially in South Korea where the Duo costs a million won more and lacks a 1 TB option. The report notes consumers “waiting and seeing” before deciding, with the Fold 8’s quicker release and lower entry price tipping the scale.

Toyota Motor announced that modernising its factories with robotics could cost about 1 trillion yen ($6.4 billion) annually from 2028. The estimate covers Toyota, its group companies, and major suppliers, and is based on the deployment of roughly 400,000 robots—including industrial, humanoid, and non‑humanoid units—to replace aging equipment and support automated logistics and human‑robot collaboration. The company did not confirm whether the investment will be realized or its duration. Analysts note that the move could signal a broader [...]

Taylor Searcy, a former Surface Warfare Officer on the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Lassen, now serves as Clean Energy Strategy Lead at General Motors. His Navy experience, where he managed navigation and safety for a $1 billion vessel and 300 sailors, informs his current role in designing reliable, cost‑effective energy solutions for GM’s plants, design centers, and offices. Searcy’s early port visits to Timor‑Leste and Fiji highlighted the critical link between dependable power and community well‑being, shaping his [...]

Jez Corden, a long‑time content creator and executive editor at Windows Central, has built a reputation for exclusive Xbox and Microsoft ecosystem coverage. He maintains a strong social media presence on X, hosts the gaming podcast TheXB2, and previously contributed to animation communities such as Newgrounds. After a career in IT and web design, Corden’s hobby blogging led to a decade‑long role at Windows Central, where he delivers in‑depth analysis on gaming, Windows, AI, and tech. His [...]

Amplitude Studios released Endless Legend 2, its long‑awaited PS5 strategy sequel, after a year of early‑access refinement. The game now sells on the PlayStation Store, offering a 4X experience that incorporates receding oceans to add land, connect isolated regions, and unlock new dungeons and resources. These mechanics keep maps dynamic and encourage continuous exploration and expansion. The title builds on its predecessor’s foundation while addressing modern player expectations for polished, feature‑complete releases.