TechCapsules

Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot confirmed that the Watch Dogs franchise remains an important brand for the company, yet no new titles are currently in development. Investors were told the studio is still evaluating the series’ direction. A Watch Dogs film, wrapped two years ago, has no release date or promotion. The series debuted in 2014, followed by sequels in 2016 and 2020, but recent releases received mixed reviews, leaving the future uncertain.

Former Sony Interactive Entertainment chairman Shawn Layden criticized the company’s decision to eliminate physical discs, arguing that the 20% of consumers who still purchase games in physical form represent a vital segment of dedicated collectors. Layden highlighted that disc ownership changes the nature of game ownership, shifting it from owning a tangible product to merely accessing a digital asset. He expressed concern that this shift could damage Sony’s brand and influence competitors, while noting that Sony’s financial motivations [...]

Apple has begun accepting iPhone Duo‑optimized apps and games for the App Store, following the release of Xcode 27.1 Release Candidate 1. Developers can now build, test, and submit Duo‑ready titles via App Store Connect, where a badge will indicate optimization. Starting April 2027, all submissions must include Duo screenshots. Apple offers resources, including Device Hub for pose visualization and upcoming in‑person workshops. The iPhone Duo will be available for pre‑order on October 16, with retail deliveries beginning October 23. [...]

Google Messages users report a recurring bug that prevents media from sending via RCS, causing messages to either fail outright or deliver all files at once. The issue surfaced after the August update on Pixel devices and has persisted for several days in some cases. Google acknowledges the problem and is deploying a fix that may take a couple of weeks. The glitch echoes last year’s similar media‑sending failure, which was resolved with a server‑side patch. [...]

Magnachip Semiconductor expanded its power‑semiconductor lineup with 15 new sixth‑generation (Gen6) E6 super‑junction MOSFETs, targeting consumer and computing power applications. The devices, available in 500 V and 600 V ratings and multiple packages (DPAK, TO‑220FA, TO‑220SFA), balance thermal, switching, and EMI performance to meet the demands of compact, high‑efficiency systems. A 600 V, 280 mΩ E6 MOSFET demonstrated a 5.3 % temperature reduction in a TV power‑factor‑correction stage compared to the prior generation, underscoring its improved thermal margin. The series is now [...]

The article is a personal introduction from Richard Devine, Managing Editor at Windows Central, outlining his interests in Windows, open‑source software, and gaming. He discusses his passion for exploring GitHub projects, optimizing Windows‑Linux workflows, and engaging with gaming communities across titles like The Division 2, Forza Horizon, and Call of Duty. The piece serves as a brief profile rather than a news report on a specific event.

Googlebook has launched its first major app, Luminar, a photo‑editing tool that now supports the new OS. The rebuilt app meets Googlebook’s Tier 1 quality standards, adding keyboard shortcuts, resizable windows, drag‑and‑drop, and “Continue On” functionality that lets users start edits on mobile and finish on a Googlebook. Luminar is available through the Play Store, with a 12‑month free trial followed by a one‑time purchase for premium features. The release marks a significant expansion of Googlebook’s app ecosystem. [...]

Final Fantasy 7 Revelation will launch simultaneously on PlayStation, PC, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, breaking the series’ prior pattern of exclusive releases that later migrated to other platforms. Director Naoki Hamaguchi said the shift reflects the modern gaming environment, where players use diverse hardware and developers must deliver a consistent experience across it all. Square Enix has pledged an aggressive multiplatform strategy, and the title’s physical edition will eventually transition to disc‑less formats.