TechCapsules

Spotify has launched "Reserved by Spotify," a system that identifies top fans of an artist and holds two tour tickets for them before the general ticket sale opens. The feature, available for Live Nation concerts, uses signals like streams, shares, and activity to determine eligible fans. Ticket sales are through Ticketmaster, and the system aims to reward music fans and encourage paid subscriptions. Spotify plans to add more partners and smaller venues over time, including international users.

HONOR, a leading AI device ecosystem company, has launched the HONOR Watch 6, a cutting-edge smartwatch designed to unlock users' healthiest potential. The device seamlessly integrates a light and elegant design with professional sports modes and continuous health tracking powered by the latest HONOR AI capability. Key features include 120+ sports modes, advanced water-touch control, IP69K water and dust resistance, and a robust 980mAh battery delivering up to 35 days of battery life.

Samsung's One UI 8.5 update has caused issues for some Galaxy S23 users, with reports of a pink vertical line appearing on their screens. The problem, which also includes random font size and display scaling changes, stuttering, and lag, has left users frustrated. The update, which was rolled out in May, was expected to bring stability and new features to the older devices. However, the issues have raised concerns about the software's quality and Samsung's testing process.

Samsung's Galaxy Watch series has experienced a 28% year-over-year drop in shipments in Q1 2026, resulting in a decline in market share from 7% to 5%. In contrast, the global smartwatch market grew by 4% during the same period, with competitors such as Apple, Huawei, and Xiaomi seeing gains. Apple Watch shipments increased by 21%, driven by growth in China and Europe, while Huawei and Xiaomi saw 12% and 9% growth, respectively. Samsung's decline comes ahead of [...]

Microsoft has refreshed its Surface line-up with three new devices powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 processors. The new line-up consists of the Surface Pro 13-inch, Surface Laptop 13.8-inch, and Surface Laptop 15-inch, all featuring sharper display options and more local AI muscle. The devices are designed for people who move between everyday productivity, creative work, collaboration, and AI-assisted workflows. The Surface Pro 13-inch with Snapdragon X2 delivers up to 53% faster graphics performance, while the Surface Laptop [...]

Apple is reportedly working on the iPhone Air 2, a successor to the iPhone Air, which debuted in September 2025. The new device is expected to launch in early 2027 with improved battery life and an ultra-wide camera, addressing key complaints from iPhone Air buyers. The iPhone Air 2 will likely be released alongside the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e in the spring of 2027, following Apple's shift in iPhone release schedule. The device's specifications and timeline [...]

Snap's highly anticipated AR glasses, Specs, had a disappointing debut, with the company's stock plummeting over 5% after the launch. The glasses, which retail at nearly $2,200, have raised concerns about their profitability, particularly given Snap's core user demographic of teenagers who may not have the financial means to afford them. The stock has been struggling, dropping 30% over the past year, and has yet to recover from the announcement. Snap's CEO, Evan Spiegel, defended the price, [...]

Microsoft has unveiled six new Surface devices this year, but the company's naming scheme has caused confusion among consumers. The Surface Laptop Ultra and Surface RTX Spark Dev Box have distinct names and designs, but the Surface Laptop 8 and Surface Pro 12 have business and consumer versions with key differences. Microsoft's website and third-party retailers list multiple devices with similar names, making it difficult for shoppers to find the right PC. The Surface Pro family's complex [...]