TechCapsules

Apple released version 1.12.1 of its Invites app, adding RSVP enhancements and a larger Home‑Screen widget that utilizes the new extra‑large widget format introduced with iOS 27. The update follows a recent release that enabled full‑resolution photo sharing and Image Playground features. The new RSVP tools streamline guest management, allowing users to track responses more efficiently. Apple’s release notes detail the changes and encourage users to download the updated app from the App Store.

Google has added a “Shop devices” section to the Play Store, letting users buy hardware such as Pixel phones, Pixel Watch 4, Google TV Streamer, and Samsung Galaxy S26 models directly through the app. The new option appears in the profile menu and redirects to Google’s existing hardware storefront. Currently, only select devices are listed, and Samsung’s recent price hikes are not reflected, offering potential savings for buyers. Eligible Google One members receive a 10% store credit [...]

ChipAgents, an agentic AI platform for semiconductor engineering, partnered with NVIDIA to launch Build‑A‑Chip‑Bench, a comprehensive benchmark that evaluates AI agents on the full chip‑design flow—from specification and RTL generation to synthesis, placement, routing, and physical verification. The benchmark measures whether agents can produce a verified GDS that meets functional, timing, power, and area constraints. Initial tests show agents pass functional verification on about 40% of tasks, but only 10% meet physical performance targets, underscoring the gap [...]

Google has notified Gemini AI Plus subscribers that, effective November 13, 2026, their plan will no longer include access to the advanced Gemini Pro models. The change follows the launch of the new Argon model, which is now reserved for AI Pro and AI Ultra tiers. AI Plus members will retain only the Flash‑Lite and Flash models. The $4.99 monthly plan will offer these two models, while the $19.99 tier will include Argon, widening the gap between subscription

Sean Endicott, a journalist at Windows Central, specializes in Microsoft’s software and hardware, covering Windows 11, Surface devices, Microsoft 365, and AI initiatives. Since 2017, he has authored over a thousand pieces, including breaking news, analysis, and the weekly Windows Wrap column that synthesizes weekly developments. Endicott holds a First Class degree in Broadcast Journalism from Nottingham Trent University and brings experience from production. Coaches national youth American football in Nottingham, earning BAFCA Youth Coach of the Year in 2024.

Apple unveiled its HomeView smart‑home display at a New York event, featuring a 7‑inch Liquid Retina screen mounted on a speaker base or wall. Powered by an A18 chip, it integrates Siri AI, a built‑in camera that recognizes up to six users, and a camera feed for doorbell and security cameras. The device ships with core Apple apps and supports additional iPhone‑connected apps. HomeView offers customizable watch‑face‑style displays, hand‑off recipe viewing, and a mirror mode with edge [...]

At TechCrunch Disrupt, Flock CEO Garrett Langley clarified that the company’s gunshot‑detection microphones focus solely on gunfire, despite the firm’s website advertising broader ambient audio alerts for events such as car crashes, fireworks, and “sideshows.” Langley defended the product after privacy groups objected to earlier claims of detecting human voices, noting that the company has since removed distress‑detection features from customer deployments. The comments came amid protests outside the event and growing backlash from advocacy groups and [...]

Apple’s upcoming iPhone Duo, priced at $1,999, is already costly to repair. 9to5Mac reports that without AppleCare+, damage to the glass back costs $199, inner screen repairs $999, and other unspecified damage up to $1,499. AppleCare+ significantly reduces these fees. The Duo’s complex foldable design raises durability concerns, echoing early Samsung foldables’ fragility. Consumers are advised to consider AppleCare+ and protective cases before purchasing. The phone’s unique aspect ratio may also enhance gaming performance once released.