TechCapsules

Sony Interactive Entertainment announced it will cease producing physical game discs by 2028, sparking widespread backlash over ownership concerns. PlayStation architect Ken Kutaragi defended the move, citing economic pressures and the shift toward digital distribution amid component shortages and rising hardware costs. Kutaragi noted that physical media is a “mentality issue” and that Sony’s strategy aligns with a broader industry trend toward networked content. The decision has intensified debate among gamers and industry observers about the future [...]

EU leaders are debating whether to delay the European Union’s second Emissions Trading System (ETS2), which targets road transport and heating fuels. Italy, Poland, and Czechia argue postponement would shield households from rising energy costs, but experts warn it would not protect families from future oil and gas shocks. The ETS2, slated for 2028, could generate significant revenue for climate and social measures, yet governments must act now to provide affordable alternatives before the carbon pricing takes [...]

Sony has filed a patent titled “Generation Super Sampling” (US‑20260320740‑A1) outlining a new frame‑generation system for the upcoming PlayStation 6. The method uses a standard model that interpolates frames from a rendered image but adds controller input to predict player motion, aiming to reduce latency and hitching. The patent also permits multi‑frame generation, allowing the decoder to predict several frames ahead or behind the input. Sony’s filing follows recent patents on AI maintenance and NFC controller features, indicating [...]

Rockstar Games’ upcoming Grand Terror 6 appears to have eliminated a long‑standing animation stutter that plagued earlier titles such as GTA 4, GTA 5, and Red Dead Redemption. The stutter, caused by uneven pacing in character and camera movements, had been visible in every prior GTA 6 trailer. The new launch trailer shows smooth animation even during extensive panning shots, suggesting the RAGE engine has been refined. Rockstar confirmed ongoing tweaks up to launch, hinting the issue may finally be resolved. [...]

Apple released the iPhone Duo, accompanied by a range of purpose‑built cases from Apple and third‑party makers. The new cases feature Apple’s TechWoven fabric, aramid fiber from Pitaka, and premium full‑grain leather options. All are MagSafe‑ready, include protective bezels, and are available at prices starting at $27. Apple’s Duo cases are temporarily out of stock on Amazon, but can be purchased directly from the Apple site using discount codes. The collection emphasizes durability, style, and seamless integration [...]

France and Germany have agreed to relax EU car CO₂ standards and the IAA, allowing vehicles assembled in the EU but powered by Chinese batteries to carry a “Made‑in‑EU” label. Transport & Environment calls the deal a historic mistake that could reduce EV supply from 57 % to 43 % by 2030, undermine European battery production, and threaten the industry’s competitiveness. The pact limits EU battery sourcing to 10 % in 2028‑29, rising to 20 % in 2030‑31, jeopardising gigafactory demand.

Masako Nozawa, the legendary voice of Goku, condemned AI‑generated videos that replicate her voice without permission, calling the practice “theft.” In an NHK interview, she criticized unauthorized use of her voice, emphasizing that emotion and heart are essential to acting. Japan’s Tokyo District Court recently ruled that such use infringes on a performer’s right to publicity, marking a landmark protection for voice actors. The Japan Actors Union has issued new AI‑voice guidelines, urging compliance and safeguarding the [...]

iOS 27.2, set to launch soon, introduces three new features. The Messages app now includes a “Suggestions” function, allowing users to create calendar events or reminders directly from a message, with toggles for five suggestion types in Settings. Home app updates add “Lock After Closing” and “Door Left Open” options for compatible smart locks, enabling automatic locking and customizable alerts. Apple Music receives design changes: a new black‑and‑white icon, removal of the red accent, and a blue [...]