TechCapsules

Googlebook’s Linux Terminal Preview is now positioned as an AI development hub rather than a full Linux app platform. The terminal, accessible via a Linux virtual machine, supports command‑line tools for AI agents like Antigravity but lacks the robust app‑launcher integration seen on Chromebooks. Google emphasizes rapid prototyping, web development, and scripting, with plans to add GUI app support later. The focus remains on enabling AI‑aided workflows across devices, while heavier workloads are slated for future optimization. [...]

Promise Robotics announced a multi‑year partnership with D.R. Horton to deploy its Factory‑as‑a‑Service platform for the production of more than 1,250 homes across the United States. The company claims its physical AI system—combining robotics, AI, and software—standardizes component manufacturing, enabling faster, more predictable construction. Founded in 2021, Promise Robotics has built a distributed micro‑factory network that interprets designs, plans production, and automates onsite assembly, targeting townhomes and multi‑family dwellings. The deal positions the firm as a key innovator [...]

Norway's data regulator fined Xandr, Microsoft’s advertising unit, €8.6 million for illegally transmitting Grindr users’ sensitive data of Norwegian users' privacy and rights, including sexual orientation, to advertisers between July 2018 and April 2020. The authority deemed Xandr a joint controller with Grindr, finding it did not obtain explicit consent and instead relied on Grindr’s alleged consent. In real‑time bidding, Xandr relayed the data to potentially thousands of ad buyers who could bid on users without their knowledge. The penalty, [...]

Apple unveiled a fourth‑generation Siri Remote alongside its latest Apple TV 4K update, adding Find My integration and Precision Finding to the familiar design. The new remote can emit a sound and be located via an iPhone, though Precision Finding works only with iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max. Apple lists compatibility with all Apple TV 4K generations (1st‑4th) and Apple TV HD, and notes limited Mac connectivity without extra software. Priced at $59, the device replaces the previous model while retaining its sleek [...]

The UK government has allocated £78 million to accelerate quantum‑sensing, navigation and communication technologies, with a £50 million competition targeting commercial projects. Winners include MoniRail’s railway fault‑monitoring system that can locate track defects where GPS fails, Siloton’s handheld quantum eye scanner for decentralized diagnostics, and ColdQuanta UK’s mobile quantum radio for precise signal detection in military and emergency contexts. UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) will contribute £20 million to develop domestic quantum networking components and an additional £8 million to expand [...]

Spotify announced that iOS 27 now lets iPhone users issue music commands to Siri without app‑specific phrasing. By removing the “on Spotify” qualifier, Siri automatically routes requests to the user’s preferred service when Spotify is the dominant app, enabling commands such as “play workout music,” “play my DJ,” or “resume my podcast.” The integration also supports AI‑generated Prompted Playlists, personalized recommendations, library searches, and audiobook playback. The feature is limited to iPhone 15 Pro and later models, excludes EU devices, [...]

Blizzard announced that its upcoming third main‑line World of Warcraft title, World of Warcraft: Forever, is designed to attract players who feel underserved by the current retail and Classic versions. Game director Ion Hazzikostas told PC Gamer that the new experience will sit between the fast‑paced modern game and the nostalgic Classic, targeting lapsed account holders and newcomers alike. Lead world builder Matthew Armstrong echoed the goal of re‑engaging “the millions” whose accounts have expired. Blizzard stresses that Forever aims [...]

Sony unveiled a $150 God of War Laufey Collector Box that ships without a game disc or digital copy. The limited‑edition package contains an eight‑inch light‑up statue of Faye, Phranque and Rue, a 51‑card Oracle Deck illustrated by Megan Lara, and a physical mini artbook of concept art from Santa Monica Studio. Preorders start today at 10 a.m. PT via PlayStation Direct, with delivery slated for February 16, 2027 and stock described as “highly limited.” The box follows a recent trend set [...]