TechCapsules

Contrivian has launched a new division, Contrivian Government Solutions, to provide secure, mission‑critical connectivity for U.S. federal and defense agencies. The unit will deliver multi‑network connectivity—including satellite and terrestrial links—alongside post‑quantum‑ready encryption and government‑specific service models. It builds on the company’s existing LEO constellation platform and targets the federal market first, with plans to add specialized cybersecurity capabilities for defense environments. The division aims to keep critical communications operational in degraded or denied settings. [...]

Xiaomi released a 5,000 mAh magnetic power bank that measures 6 mm thick and weighs 98 g, making it the thinnest card‑sized charger on the market. It offers 15 W wireless output exclusively for Xiaomi 17 series devices, while all other phones receive only 7.5 W. Wired output tops out at 22.5 W via USB‑C, which can also serve as input. The unit features anodised aluminium, a soft‑touch plastic underside, four LEDs, and a single‑button interface. Priced at about Rs 5,999 in India, it [...]

The Lanterns finale confirmed Hal Jordan’s death, revealing his murderer and ending his arc for season one. Co‑creators Damon Lindelof and Chris Mundy clarified that showing Hal alive would have been a “schmuck‑baity” move, and that the season’s emotional closure hinged on his permanent demise. While the door remains slightly ajar for future returns, the show’s intent was to close the John‑Hal relationship definitively. The episode also confirmed Kerry’s son Noah as a secret Manhunter and introduced [...]

Kent Rollins, a cowboy‑style chef, recounts a life‑changing heat stroke that prompted a doctor to warn him he might never cook again. The incident forced Rollins and his partner Shannon to reassess their outdoor cooking methods, shifting from open‑fire techniques to safer, more controlled approaches. The story highlights the physical demands of chuck wagon cooking, the risks of extreme heat and cold, and the resilience required to continue a culinary career under harsh conditions. Rollins shares insights [...]

A new simulator, sim-rs, enables rapid experimentation with dispatch strategies in a food‑delivery marketplace. By ingesting historical booking and driver data as plain files, the tool runs a closed‑loop model that updates driver locations and future opportunities in real time. A single command processes an entire city day in minutes, producing a concise metrics report. The simulator’s self‑contained design eliminates the need for production services, allowing software agents to test dozens of strategies quickly and reproducibly. This [...]

planqc received the Commercialising category at the 2026 Made in Europe Award for its development of quantum computing technology within Europe. The Munich‑based spin‑off is building a 100‑qubit neutral‑atom quantum computer for the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and a 1,000‑qubit system for the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre (LRZ), both slated for 2027. planqc partners with Airbus, ESA, BMW and Fraunhofer to create applications, while keeping research, engineering and supply‑chain operations on European soil. The award underscores Europe’s sovereign [...]

A series of Lancet papers argues that screen‑time limits and parental control are insufficient to curb harmful social media use among children and youth. The authors call for responsibility to shift from individuals to tech companies and governments, citing design features such as infinite scroll and targeted algorithms that foster addiction. They highlight documented harms—depression, anxiety, sleep disruption, reduced physical activity—while noting moderate use can yield well‑being benefits. The papers urge policy makers to address the “digital [...]

Former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has been appointed chair of Common Sense Media’s Youth AI Safety Institute, a new body that will develop child‑safety standards, test AI products, and publish risk scorecards. The institute’s “crash‑testing AI” approach aims to guide families, educators, policymakers, and tech firms on safe AI use for children. Murthy, who served twice as Surgeon General and has led national studies on social media’s impact on youth mental health, joined Common Sense Media’s board [...]