TechCapsules

Apple’s iPhone Duo omits the Action Button, prompting users to create a virtual replacement. By editing the lock‑screen layout, users can replace the camera icon with a control or Shortcut that triggers actions such as Focus modes, the torch, or app launches. The process involves entering lock‑screen edit mode, removing the camera icon, adding a new control, and selecting a Shortcut for multi‑functionality. While the on‑screen button lacks tactile feedback, it offers comparable functionality for Duo users. [...]

Aaron Sorkin’s new film, directed by himself, omits any reference to Donald Trump while depicting Facebook’s role in the hyperpartisanship that culminated in the January 6 Capitol riot. The movie focuses on how the platform amplified divisive rhetoric, showing symbols like “Don’t Tread on Me” and Confederate flags but no MAGA imagery. Sorkin explained the choice as a creative decision, not a studio directive, and emphasized that the narrative centers on Facebook’s influence rather than political parties. The film also [...]

The article lists five startup accelerators still open for applications in 2026, highlighting the Entrepreneurs Roundtable Accelerator (ERA) as the first option. ERA’s Winter 2027 cohort, based in New York City, offers selected early‑stage founders $150,000 in post‑money SAFE investment for 6% equity, free office space, access to over 1,000 mentors, and cloud credits from AWS, Google Cloud, and OpenAI. The four‑month program culminates in a Demo Day for angel investors and VCs. Other accelerators mentioned include programs [...]

Tesla unveiled a new electric motor for its Cyber Cab that eliminates rare‑earth materials, using ferrite magnets instead of neodymium. The motor is 18% smaller and 25% lighter than comparable units, achieving performance through a hybrid system that blends permanent‑magnet torque with reluctance torque. Engineers added a dual‑layer magnet arrangement and a non‑magnetic rotor filler to offset ferrite’s lower magnetic strength. The compact design streamlines manufacturing, reduces production costs, and supports Tesla’s sustainability objectives by cutting supply‑chain [...]

Apple announced that iPhone Duo buyers who purchase the device at a U.S. Apple Store will receive a personalized boot greeting. When the phone is first turned on, the initial setup screen will display the buyer’s name in English or Spanish, a feature exclusive to the Duo. The customization will be enabled through a system in retail stores, possibly leveraging Apple’s Presto update technology. The iPhone Duo launches on October 23, with pre‑orders starting October 16 and [...]

Early owners of Amazon’s 2026 Kindle report a “light bleed” around the device’s edges when using dark mode. The glow appears only at high brightness and is attributed to the new color bezel design. Amazon acknowledged the effect as expected and advised users to lower brightness to mitigate it. The issue surfaced within eight days of launch, prompting complaints on Reddit and calls for replacements, though some users have not noticed the problem. The new line includes [...]

Microsoft has introduced a new Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policy in Microsoft Purview that allows administrators to block external emails from being used as grounding data for Microsoft 365 Copilot. The policy checks sender metadata against accepted domains, preventing Copilot from referencing external messages when generating responses or summaries. Internal documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and web results remain accessible. The safeguard does not alter email delivery or retention, and can be configured via the Purview portal by users [...]

Xbox announced the creation of XP, a new division aimed at extending its game franchises into film, television, consumer products, strategic partnerships and live experiences. The unit will be led by Kayleen Walters, appointed president, who brings experience from Lucasfilm and Mojang, where she oversaw the expansion of Minecraft into a record‑breaking movie and global merchandising. XP consolidates existing Xbox capabilities under a single mission to broaden franchise reach, deepen player connections and generate new fan‑driven opportunities [...]