TechCapsules

Google announced that its new Googlebooks laptops will not support all Android apps on models with Intel processors, citing compatibility issues with ARM‑optimized applications. The company warned that Acer, ASUS, and Lenovo devices using Intel Core Ultra 5 chips may experience glitches or limited functionality for certain complex apps, while HP and Dell models powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite will run the full Play Store without problems. Pre‑orders began September 21, with full launch on October 4 (U.S.) [...]

A federal court upheld the Trump administration’s designation of AI startup Anthropic as a “supply‑chain risk,” labeling the company a national‑security threat. The ruling marks a significant victory for the government in its ongoing dispute with Anthropic, which earlier warned it would not permit Pentagon use of its technology for domestic surveillance or autonomous weapons. The case centers on who ultimately controls the deployment of U.S.‑made technology by the military, a question that underscores the growing influence [...]

Apple is poised for a busy October, with an unannounced product reveal slated for October 13 and rumors of a second launch by month‑end. Sources say the later event could introduce new Macs featuring the M6 processor and OLED MacBook Pros with touchscreens. The October 13 show is expected to focus on Apple TV, HomePod mini, and Home Hub, likely via a press release and video rather than a live event. No official confirmation has yet been

Etched, an AI chip startup, has attracted offers ranging from $40 billion to $50 billion, nearly double its recent $21 billion valuation after a $700 million raise. The company is pursuing costly full AI hardware systems powered by proprietary chips, with early funding talks still in progress. Investors are drawn by Etched’s potential to challenge Nvidia, its customer base including Jane Street, and its in‑house chip designs that promise faster, cheaper inference. A successful deal could extend the firm’s runway by up [...]

Microsoft announced that its Power Platform and Power Apps will enable organizations to embed AI into existing applications, data, and automations without rebuilding from scratch. The platform supports hybrid authoring, allowing users to combine coding, agents, and Copilot Cowork with Power Apps Studio. This approach promises faster idea-to-solution cycles, broader employee participation, and maintained governance. The upcoming Power Platform Community Conference in Las Vegas will showcase these capabilities and outline next‑step AI transformations.

Tesla has extended its Robotaxi operating hours in Austin from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m., a modest shift that reflects the company’s cautious approach to full 24/7 service. The change follows a rapid increase in the Cybercab fleet, with registrations climbing to 169 vehicles after adding more than 100 in recent weeks. Elon Musk cited the need to improve nighttime detection of pets, especially small animals, as a key safety hurdle. The extension is a precursor to the anticipated [...]

Tesla expanded its Robotaxi service hours by one hour, now operating until 11 p.m. in Austin. CEO Elon Musk cited difficulty detecting small pets at night, especially grey kittens blending with road surfaces, as the main obstacle. The change restores only a fraction of the original 18‑hour window that launched on June 22, 2025. Tesla’s Cybercab fleet has grown to 169 vehicles, and a full 24‑hour rollout is tied to the upcoming FSD v1.5 software release.

Microsoft released Windows 11 26H2 last week, delivering modest but tangible performance gains. The update reduces RAM consumption, with users reporting up to 2 GB less usage on 16‑GB laptops and similar drops on systems with 48 GB of memory. It also expands the Low‑Latency Profile, now available to most PCs, which accelerates the Start menu, search, and app launches by temporarily boosting CPU clock speeds. While the changes are incremental, they target older or low‑spec machines, potentially extending their [...]