TechCapsules

Microsoft is set to overhaul Xbox Game Pass, introducing an à la carte model that lets subscribers pick individual features such as console-only titles, cloud gaming, and multiplayer. The revamp will operate on a tiered structure, according to a Fortune profile of Xbox CEO Asha Sharma. The change follows internal concerns that the subscription model cannibalized sales of higher‑priced first‑party games and created conflicting metrics across teams. Sharma, in her first six months, has already cut Game [...]

OpenAI announced that ChatGPT users can now lock conversations with a four‑digit PIN, Face ID, or Touch ID to keep sensitive chats private when sharing a device. Locked chats move to a dedicated section, separate from regular history, and maintain their own memory that does not bleed into other chats. The feature is available across all paid plans and the free tier, but not on ChatGPT for Healthcare. Locking does not add end‑to‑end encryption or alter data [...]

Apple has capped iPhone Duo purchases to two units per customer in the United States, United Kingdom, and other markets after the device’s launch dates slipped to January. The restriction applies to all configurations and is enforced across Apple’s online stores. The move follows a surge of scalpers listing Duos on eBay for prices above $5,000 and mirrors past limits Apple imposed on earlier iPhone models. The company may also employ additional detection methods to curb bulk [...]

Microsoft is testing a prototype that allows its Edge browser to install security updates without requiring a restart, enabling users to continue working while the browser switches to a newer, more secure version. The early experiment downloads updates in the background and moves the browser’s processes to the updated code, keeping compatible tabs open. The feature is not yet part of Edge’s production code or Chromium, and Microsoft is inviting developers to collaborate on the project. The [...]

A widespread outage began early this morning, crippling Google’s core services—DNS, cloud infrastructure, and ad delivery—across the European Union and the United Kingdom. The disruption has halted internet access for users in these regions, while services in the United States remain unaffected. Google’s status page reports ongoing issues, and the company has not yet provided a resolution timeline. The incident underscores the region’s reliance on Google’s global network and the fragility of digital connectivity. [...]

Sean Endicott, a seasoned journalist at Windows Central, has reported on Microsoft’s software and hardware since 2017, covering Windows 11, Surface devices, Microsoft 365, and AI initiatives. He writes daily news, in-depth analysis, and the weekly Windows Wrap column, which curates key stories across the Windows ecosystem. Endicott earned a First Class degree in Broadcast Journalism from Nottingham Trent University and previously worked in live production. Outside tech, he coaches youth American football in Nottingham, earning the [...]

Pocketpair’s head of publishing, John “Bucky” Buckley, defended Steam Next Fest as a worthwhile platform despite the influx of AI‑generated titles. He noted that the event historically attracts a high volume of low‑impact games, yet the most polished and timely releases still rise to prominence. Buckley highlighted the festival’s role in gathering player feedback and data before launch, arguing that the core value of Next Fest remains unchanged even as influencer culture and player numbers grow. [...]

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched a consultation demanding lower fees, fewer conditions, and technical easing for third‑party developers accessing Apple’s NFC chip, arguing that current EU‑style restrictions hinder innovation. The CMA cites the lack of UK alternatives to Apple Wallet and the presence of five European rivals, including Norway’s Vipps, as evidence that Apple’s terms stifle competition. Apple disputes the CMA’s stance, citing privacy and security concerns, and maintains it will continue negotiations. [...]