TechCapsules

Alinea Analytics estimates that Gears of War: E‑Day sold roughly 230,000 copies since its early‑access launch, with 168,000 from Steam and 62,000 from Xbox consoles and PC. The title attracted about 1.7 million Game Pass subscribers, 722,000 of whom purchased the $30 Premium Edition. Combined with microtransactions, total revenue exceeds $37 million (£28 million). Nearly a million players paid for the game, many at a lower price than the $70 retail launch. The Coalition studio views the release as a foundation

Google has rolled out an AI-powered watch face generator to Pixel Watch 4 models through update version 4.2.12.989940186. The feature, first introduced on Pixel Watch 5, lets users describe desired designs and have Gemini Intelligence generate custom faces, including stock options like Weave, Modular, Reveal, Chronograph, and the Steph Curry dial. The update enhances the watch’s AI capabilities, offering a streamlined way to create daily‑changing faces. Users report the feature is accessible via the Pixel Watch app’s [...]

IonQ announced the world’s fastest heralded photonic entanglement link, achieving 1.032 kHz between a trapped ^138Ba⁺ ion qubit and a silicon‑vacancy (SiV⁻) diamond memory. The 87.9%‑fidelity Bell pairs were generated via a single‑photon reflection protocol that replaces two‑photon interference, boosting success probability linearly with photon collection efficiency. The demonstration uses a foundry‑compatible diamond thin‑film platform, enabling scalable solid‑state memories. The milestone supports DARPA’s High‑Speed Quantum Interconnects program and positions IonQ for QPU‑agnostic networking. [...]

Cybersecurity researchers revealed a new variant of the DarkSword iOS exploit kit, dubbed P7 DarkSword. The kit reduces its on‑device footprint, adds keychain and crypto‑wallet theft, and introduces two‑way command‑and‑control. It chains multiple iOS vulnerabilities to escape the browser sandbox, escalates to kernel privileges, and injects its payload into SpringBoard. P7 has been used in attacks across Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Malaysia, and Ukraine, and was recently linked to a domain hijacked from a defunct Czech analytics startup. [...]

Director Kitao Sakurai is already drafting a sequel to the upcoming Street Fighter film, contingent on the first movie’s box‑office performance. He confirmed in a MovieWeb interview that groundwork is underway, but no guarantees are made until audience reception is clear. The original film, releasing October 16, 2026, will feature animated backstories for Ryu, Ken, Gouken, and Akuma, while the absence of Sagat in trailers has sparked fan speculation about future character focus.

Apple has added the original 2017 Apple TV 4K to its “vintage” product list, meaning the device remains eligible for service but only if parts are available. Once a product is marked “obsolete,” Apple stops providing repairs entirely. Owners of the first‑generation Apple TV 4K are urged to seek service promptly or consider upgrading. Apple will unveil a new Apple TV 4K model at its upcoming “Welcome Home” event next Tuesday, offering a modern alternative.

Quantum X Labs Inc. has filed a U.S. patent application for a structured-beam Zeeman slower and atomic push-beam system, a key component of its cold‑atom quantum computing program. The invention employs non‑Gaussian optical beam profiles to enhance laser cooling, guiding, and transport of neutral atoms, offering finer control over atomic motion than conventional Gaussian beams. The patent covers the design of the slowing apparatus and push-beam system, aiming to improve atom preparation before trapping and quantum operations. [...]

Apple announced that it will launch a “second‑party” accessory program for Apple Home at its October 13 Welcome Home event. The initiative will allow non‑Apple manufacturers such as LG, Schneider, and others to produce Matter‑compatible devices that meet strict Apple HomeKit standards, including HomeKit Secure Video, NFC pairing, and Apple Home Key. Apple will also unveil new Home products—a refreshed Apple TV 4K, updated HomePod mini, and a rumored Home Hub tablet—to support the ecosystem. The move [...]