TechCapsules

An aluminum MagSafe wallet features a side-mounted eject button that fans up to three cards with a single press, allowing one‑handed access without removing the wallet from an iPhone. The lightweight metal case offers a scratch‑resistant finish, 32 magnetic strips for secure attachment, and RFID blocking to protect contactless cards. While it lacks Find My support and can hold only three cards, its quick‑eject mechanism and solid build make it a standout choice for users needing rapid [...]

Apple has expanded iCloud+ without raising prices, adding new features such as Hide My Email, iCloud Private Relay, and full Apple Invites access. The updates also include additional storage options and other perks for subscribers, while maintaining the same cost structure. These enhancements aim to deepen the value proposition for users who already pay for iCloud+ or Apple One, offering more privacy tools and collaboration features. The changes reflect Apple’s strategy to keep its cloud service competitive [...]

Apple will launch a new M6 MacBook Pro later this month, featuring a 14‑inch display and the current chassis. The M6 chip introduces a Dual 16‑core Neural Engine, doubling peak AI compute versus earlier models, and a 12‑core CPU and GPU, up from 10 cores in the M5. For the first time, the base M6 includes super, performance, and efficiency cores, and it is built on a 2 nm process, promising higher performance and better power efficiency. The [...]

Microsoft announced that Copilot‑powered themes in Outlook will be retired worldwide by mid‑late October 2026, affecting Windows, web, and macOS versions. The move follows earlier pullbacks of Copilot features, such as the Snipping Tool and Notepad’s “Writing tools.” Users with Copilot licenses will lose theme selection, though existing themes remain until changed. The decision reflects low adoption and user frustration with Copilot’s integration in Outlook.

Andrew Tsai, a seasoned Mac gaming advocate, demonstrated that several contemporary Windows titles, including Gears of War, run swiftly on an M5 Max Mac Studio. In his latest video, he tested 17 games, showcasing varied installation methods. Tsai highlighted the use of the (not)Proton tool as a key component for achieving optimal performance. The video provides step‑by‑step guidance, illustrating how the M5 Max’s hardware can support demanding Windows games with minimal configuration.

Microsoft Publisher, a 35‑year‑old Office application, has been retired and is no longer supported on Microsoft 365 subscriptions as of October 1, with perpetual versions losing support on October 13. Users who still have Publisher installed can back up their .pub files and convert them to PDF, either manually or via a PowerShell script. Microsoft recommends using Word or PowerPoint as functional substitutes for most Publisher tasks, though editing complex layouts remains challenging.

Apple will host a “Welcome home” event on October 13, featuring a new smart display called HomeView, a refreshed Apple TV 4K with an A19 chip, and an upgraded HomePod mini 2 powered by an S10 processor. HomeView will offer a 6‑inch square screen on a half‑dome base, recognize multiple users, and integrate iPad‑, Watch‑, and iPhone‑style interfaces. The Apple TV will gain Siri AI and potential built‑in microphones, while the HomePod mini will support a new surround‑sound setup. Apple also [...]

Microsoft quickly patched a Windows 11 26H2 bug that let users bypass the mandatory Microsoft account sign‑in by clicking the “Learn more” link during setup. The link previously redirected to a data‑management page, after which Windows automatically advanced to the local‑account prompt. The fix, applied server‑side without update notes, stops the shortcut and restores the default account‑creation flow. The change underscores Microsoft’s ongoing effort to enforce account integration across new OS releases.