TechCapsules

Google’s planned $13 billion data‑center expansion in Finland has sparked controversy after the company felled roughly 250,000 trees in Muhos and an additional 150,000 in Otanmäki without completing required environmental impact assessments. The Finnish Licensing and Supervision Authority halted construction on both sites, citing legal violations. Google’s Finnish operations manager apologized, claiming compliance with then‑understood legislation. The incident has prompted calls for stricter permitting laws and compensation for local communities, amid concerns over environmental damage and limited national [...]

Google has expanded Gemini Notebook’s functionality by adding a Connected App integration that lets users manage and query notebooks directly within Google Chat using natural language. The new feature automatically triggers when relevant prompts appear, enabling users to retrieve data, create new notebooks, add sources, and save notes without leaving the chat interface. The integration is enabled by default for all users worldwide, except in the European Economic Area, and is available to Workspace customers, Workspace Individual [...]

Apple boosted its share of China’s smartphone market in Q3 2026 despite a 10% drop in shipments, lowest in 14 years. Counterpoint Research reported Apple captured 19.5% of shipments, up 4.8 percentage points, moving from sixth to second place behind Huawei’s 21.3% share. The rise is linked to a strong launch of the iPhone 18 Pro series, which posted 23.5% higher sales in its first three weeks than the previous‑generation model. IDC data showed a 15.4% decline [...]

Halo: Campaign Evolved, the 2026 remake of the original 2001 shooter, arrives as Xbox’s second attempt to revive the franchise after Bungie’s departure. While the polished update satisfies nostalgia, it does little to address the series’ deeper design stagnation that has plagued Halo 4, 5 and Infinite. Xbox’s recent restructuring places Activision in charge of future Halo development, relegating veteran 343 Studios to a support role and prompting further layoffs. Rumors suggest Activision may reboot the series, potentially shifting [...]

Apple’s iPhone Duo, the company’s first foldable smartphone, expands to a display 50 % larger than the iPhone 18 Pro Max when opened. The reviewer tested three personal concerns—MagSafe compatibility, Face ID reliability, and software adaptation—and found each largely addressed. MagSafe accessories work when the device is closed, and new, slimmer wallets and battery packs are already emerging to fit the Duo’s compact form. Face ID functions without noticeable delay, and the software introduces a versatile StandBy mode, live‑animation weather widgets, a modular [...]

Finnish startup Donut Lab has confirmed its solid‑state EV battery can retain 99 % of capacity at –30 °C, as reported by VTT Technical Research Centre. The battery, unveiled at CES, claims 400 Wh/kg energy density and a five‑minute full charge. VTT’s independent tests also validated performance at 100 °C, challenging doubts about the chemistry. Donut Lab’s data shows no capacity loss after prolonged exposure to extreme cold, suggesting built‑in thermal resilience without external systems.

Xbox’s first chief operating officer, Helen Chiang, departed after only three months, CEO Asha Sharma announced in an internal memo verified by The Verge. Chiang, a 21‑year Xbox veteran who previously led the Minecraft franchise, was promoted to the newly created COO role in July 2026 to oversee end‑to‑end P&L for content, hardware, platform and services amid a major restructuring. Sharma’s statement thanked Chiang and promised further leadership updates as plans finalize. The brief tenure follows a summer overhaul that [...]

The episode reviews Apple’s inaugural iPhone Duo, marking the company’s entry into the foldable smartphone market after a seven‑year delay. Hosts Abner, Damien, and Will analyze the device’s design, performance, and how it compares to existing Android foldables. They highlight the Duo’s shortcomings, such as limited software optimization and high price, and discuss lessons Android manufacturers can draw. The discussion underscores Apple’s late move and the broader implications for the competitive foldable landscape. [...]