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. [...]

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 [...]

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. [...]

Apple released the first release candidates (RCs) for iOS 27.2, iPadOS 27.2, visionOS 27.2, watchOS 27.2, tvOS 27.2, macOS 27.2, and HomePod Software 27.2 after four developer beta cycles. The RCs, numbered 24B115 for iOS and 24B115 for iPadOS, replace earlier builds and signal the final polish before public release. Older OS versions also received RCs, such as macOS 15.8.2 and macOS 26.7.2. Apple notes that a second RC may follow, and encourages testers to use secondary devices.

Google’s Phone app is reintroducing a dedicated Contacts tab after its removal in the Material 3 Expressive redesign. The change arrives in the beta channel for version 243, with users instructed to force‑stop the app if the tab does not appear immediately. The update restores the tab to the bottom navigation bar, positioning it between Home and Keypad, and eliminates the previous shortcut in the navigation drawer. Other functions such as Settings, Clear call history, and Help & Feedback [...]

A U.S. jury awarded Taction Technology $5.7 billion for infringing its Taptic Engine patents, a verdict Apple disputes and is appealing. Taction has now filed a motion for supplemental damages, including ongoing royalties on future iPhone and Apple Watch sales, prejudgment interest from April 2021, and additional interest until payment. The company seeks quarterly sales reports and a 7 % annual interest rate, extending royalties through September 24, 2035, when the patents expire. Apple’s appeal and the court’s final judgment remain pending. [...]