TechCapsules

Samsung has begun rolling out its Android 17‑based One UI 9 update to the Galaxy S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra, as well as the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 in South Korea. The update, which first launched on the Galaxy S26 in September, is now available to beta users and weighs approximately 500 MB. Samsung’s phased rollout indicates an upcoming broader release across additional regions and devices that were not in the beta program.

A glitch or planned promotion has made two popular PS4 titles, Call of Duty: WWII and Mafia III, available for free on the PlayStation Store in several regions, including the UK, Europe, India, and parts of South America. Players can claim the games, download them, and play on a secondary account before switching to their main account. Sony is expected to revoke the licenses once the issue is identified, potentially removing the titles from users’ libraries. The offer [...]

Minerva Humanoids announced a $10 million pre‑seed round led by General Catalyst, with co‑leaders Long Journey Ventures and Credo Ventures, and participation from 13 other investors. The funding lifts the company out of stealth and enables the launch of its first paid pilots in the fall. Founded by CEO Sandor Felber and CTO Maurice Rahme, Minerva has built Roger, a semi‑autonomous humanoid robot that lets trained specialists perform high‑risk tasks—such as explosive ordnance disposal and offshore rig work—while [...]

A Pentagon study on autonomous weapon systems has drawn scrutiny because its authors include SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and Anduril co‑founder Palmer Luckey, both of whom hold significant defense contracts. The report, released just before President Trump’s scheduled speech at an Anduril facility, outlines how AI, robotics, and directed‑energy technologies will reshape warfare. Critics argue the study may favor Musk’s and Luckey’s products, potentially steering future U.S. procurement toward drones and space‑based assets while sidelining traditional platforms. [...]

At the Big Iron Farm and Construction Show in West Fargo, North Dakota, Michael Frank, director of On‑Farm Innovation at the NSF AgTech Engine, highlighted that precision agriculture adoption remains at 27% after three decades. Frank cited the collapse of 18 ag‑tech firms last year and the difficulty many face in securing additional funding. He argued that the industry must evaluate technologies by their tangible value—financial savings or problem solving—rather than mere adoption rates. He compared precision [...]

Lucid announced that its 2025 and 2026 Lucid Air models will receive a free over‑the‑air update to the new AirUX 3.0 infotainment system on September 29. The upgrade adds swipeable cards, Quick Controls, full‑screen Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a dual‑display navigation interface with enhanced EV routing. Older 2022‑2024 Airs can also run the software but require a $950 processor replacement, which owners can schedule at a service center. The update aligns the Air’s interface with Lucid’s newer [...]

Tesla introduced an Emergency Drive Away feature that lets drivers leave a Supercharger station during emergencies without manually disconnecting the cable. Delivered via an over‑the‑air software update, the system overrides the vehicle’s charging interlock, allowing a car to shift into Drive while still plugged in. Drivers must press the brake and confirm a warning on the touchscreen; the vehicle then pulls forward, breaking the connector free. The feature responds to safety concerns highlighted by a 2026 shooting [...]

Microsoft released Windows 11 26H2, a low‑disruption update that consolidates features delivered over the past year through monthly cumulative updates. The update is a small download that activates dormant code via a 174‑KB master‑switch package, extending support for Home and Pro editions until 2028. Visible changes include a new build number and a host of AI‑enhanced features: adjustable Start menu sizes, multi‑position taskbar, AI actions in File Explorer, enhanced voice and camera capabilities, and deeper Xbox integration. The [...]