TechCapsules

Microsoft clarified why current Surface PCs exclude AMD processors. The company cited a limited product portfolio and the need to prioritize other partners, despite having offered AMD‑powered models in the past, such as the Surface Laptop 3 and 4. Surface CVP Brett Ostrum emphasized that Microsoft “loves working with AMD” but must make strategic choices. The decision follows rumors of an upcoming AMD‑based Surface using the Sound Wave APU, which has yet to materialize.

A UK Competition Appeal Tribunal has revived part of a dismissed consumer lawsuit against Apple and Amazon, allowing claims that the 2018 agreement limited Apple product sales through Amazon’s marketplace to proceed. The case, originally filed in 2022, alleges price‑fixing and anti‑competitive practices that could have raised consumer prices. The tribunal rejected a claim about sales from other retailers, citing insufficient evidence. The revived suit could award up to £289 million ($383 million) if successful.

Tarini Padmanabhuni’s grandfather was deceived by a deepfake voice that claimed his brother was kidnapped, prompting a ransom payment that later proved false. Two years later, Padmanabhuni founded DetectifAI to prevent similar scams. The company develops lightweight AI models that run directly on smartphones, offering instant deep‑fake detection without sending audio to the cloud. DetectifAI licenses its SDK to phone manufacturers and fraud‑prevention firms, already handling over 100,000 AI‑generated calls monthly for Indian financial institutions. The startup [...]

Google’s September 2026 Pixel Watch update brings the company’s new 3D emoji catalog to all current Pixel Watch models, including the Pixel Watch 2, 3, and 4, which had previously only supported 2D icons. The update also includes the August 2026 security patch and enhanced gesture controls. The 3D emoji, first introduced on Pixel 11 phones, adds depth and personality to each character and will soon expand to devices from Nothing, Lenovo, Xiaomi, Oppo/OnePlus, Honor, Motorola, and [...]

Apple’s tvOS 27 introduces a new parental control that lets users block specific apps from launching when a child’s profile is active. The update builds on recent profile enhancements that separate viewing histories and recommendations within shared households. Parents can now prevent children from accessing unrestricted apps, complementing existing content filters in the Apple TV app. The change aligns with Apple’s broader focus on parental controls in iOS 27 and signals the company’s intent to expand profile [...]

Apple’s latest smart‑home leaks reveal a new HomePod mini 2 in five colors, a four‑unit HomePod pairing with Apple TV 4K, and a refreshed Apple TV 4K design featuring ambient audio for screensavers. The leaks also show a new animated light on HomePods when paired with Siri AI. Meanwhile, Anker showcased its Edge 5.0 security system in NYC, comprising five cameras—including the S4 doorbell and Tracklight Cam S1—designed to process video locally and integrate with Apple Home via the Eufy base station. [...]

Mavi, an AI‑powered talent marketplace founded in 2023, officially launched from stealth on Monday, offering U.S. companies rapid access to global financial and accounting talent. Co‑CEOs Molly Liu and Aman Puri highlighted the U.S. accounting shortage and the need for AI‑proficient professionals, noting that many firms hesitate to hire overseas talent due to complexity and quality concerns. Mavi handles cross‑border contracts, compliance, and payroll, focusing on mid‑ to senior‑level placements that augment in‑house teams. The startup has [...]

A leak from Apple code reveals five unannounced StandBy views for the upcoming iPhone Duo, scheduled for release on October 23. The new modes include single and grid camera feeds, custom smart‑home controls, and a responsive art display called Flow, with additional Fade and Snoopy faces hinted at. These features expand the device’s versatility beyond its dual displays, allowing StandBy use even when not charging and offering new personalization options. The leak was posted by the anonymous [...]