TechCapsules

Twelve years ago, Eugenia Kuyda introduced a conversational chatbot called IO at TechCrunch Disrupt, a precursor to today’s large‑language‑model assistants. The startup Luka later pivoted into Replika, a popular AI companion. After stepping down as Replika CEO, Kuyda founded Wabi, which launched a multiplayer personal AI assistant that organizes tasks into distinct threads and auto‑builds custom apps. Wabi 2.0 lets the agent create and manage these threads, aiming to reduce context drift and enable shared group chats. [...]

In Marvel Rivals, female character Storm has only one Legendary skin, sparking fan frustration. After the release of the Epic “Sacred Skies” swimsuit skin, players demanded a Legendary upgrade, prompting NetEase and Marvel Games to announce a free upgrade in progress. Rapper Sexyy Red amplified the call on Twitter, asking when Storm would receive another Legendary skin. The developers acknowledged the issue and pledged to release the upgrade soon, while rumors suggest future crossover skins may arrive.

Apple announced it will acquire assets of Swiss AI audio startup Samplab, adding its music‑editing technology to the company’s portfolio. The deal, reported on the EU DMA website, includes hiring selected Samplab staff. Samplab’s platform lets musicians edit audio like MIDI, detect and adjust chords, match tempo and key, and separate stems for granular control. The startup’s website now redirects to Apple, and its social media has been cleared of prior content. Apple has not yet disclosed [...]

Sean Endicott, a seasoned Windows Central journalist, has covered Microsoft’s software and hardware since 2017, authoring over a thousand pieces on Windows 11, Surface, Microsoft 365, and AI. He writes the weekly Windows Wrap column, curating key industry stories. Endicott earned a First Class degree in Broadcast Journalism from Nottingham Trent University and previously worked in media production. Outside tech, he coaches youth American football in Nottingham, earning BAFCA Youth Coach of the Year honors in 2024.

Tolan, an AI companion app that assists users with daily tasks, relationships, and emotions, has secured an additional $30 million in funding from Union Square Ventures, Khosla Ventures, and Homebrew, doubling its total capital raised. The investment pushes its valuation past $120 million, with PitchBook estimating it above $268 million. Tolan now reports double‑digit million annual recurring revenue and boasts over 250,000 active users, 70 % women and 40 % parents, engaging in more than 70 million conversations. The company’s cartoonish avatar differentiates [...]

Fantasy Flight Games announced Arkham Horror Remastered, the first title in its new “Vault Series,” reviving the out‑of‑print 2nd Edition with updated rules, streamlined gameplay, and a unified art style matching the Living Card Game. The remaster consolidates encounter phases, clarifies card text, and redesigns the terror track for easier reference. A campaign on Gamefound will fund the release, offering collectors and new players a polished, modern entry into the classic Lovecraftian board‑gaming experience.

The iPhone 18 Pro launch has spurred a wave of accessory releases, from Qi2 solid‑state power banks like HyperJuice Next 5K, which offer 5,000 mAh capacity, dual‑port charging, and extensive safety testing, to premium 3‑in‑1 MagSafe stations from Satechi, Nomad, and Anker. Find My wallet trackers, AirFly Drive for wireless CarPlay, and AirTag 2 expand functionality, while Apple’s foldable 100 W charger and Beats USB‑C cables provide fast, durable charging solutions. The article highlights key picks and discounts for early adopters. [...]

A new study using Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera images identified over 10,000 young faults on the Moon, allowing scientists to quantify its contraction. Researchers estimate the lunar radius has shrunk by about 148 feet (45 meters) over the past 400 to 800 million years as the interior cools. The faults include lobate scarps and mare ridges, distributed unevenly, with thicker crust areas showing fewer cracks. The findings, published October 14 in The Planetary Science Journal, refine understanding