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UpdatedSunday, Oct 18

Wire 9to5MacApple keeps making the Phone app better; here’s howDigital Camera WorldVoigtländer’s new APO-Lanthar 90mm F4 brings close focusing to M-mount camerasDroneXLZipline Flies Teriyaki Madness in Denton, the Chain's Only DFW ShopNotebookcheckHP releases new budget 16-inch laptop with up to 20 hours battery lifeReutersAnthropic to commit 5% stake to new public benefit fundGizmochinaSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 8: 7 Ways to Make the Most of Its Wider Foldable Design
  1. AI V4.1 new Flash version DeepSeek's flash model now runs on V4.1-Flash-1017, same API name Try itNothing to set up if you already use deepseek-flash.
  2. Chips$2,599 starting price $2,599: NVIDIA RTX Spark laptops go on sale worldwide WaitWait for independent reviews, unless you need local AI power now.
  3. Laptops20% more responsive 20%: Microsoft says Windows 11 is more responsive after 2026 updates Try itInstall the latest Windows updates and see if your PC feels smoother.
Today’s card
7 stories · 3 min
AI🇨🇳 From ChinaOfficial

DeepSeek's flash model now runs on V4.1-Flash-1017, same API name

DeepSeek says its deepseek-flash name now points to the new V4.1-Flash-1017 model, and existing calls keep working.

Why it matters. If you build with DeepSeek's , you get the update without changing your code.

In simple words. DeepSeek updated one of its AI models. If you use it through their service, it switches over by itself. Nothing breaks.

For most peopleMake it about you →

Skip: nothing changes for you.

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ChipsOfficial

$2,599: NVIDIA RTX Spark laptops go on sale worldwide

NVIDIA says RTX Spark laptops from seven makers are on sale today through maker websites and big stores, starting at $2,599.

Why it matters. The first Windows laptops with this chip can be bought now. Prices differ by country and setup.

In simple words. NVIDIA's new chip for Windows laptops is on sale today. Laptops from seven brands use it, and prices start at $2,599. NVIDIA says it is good for games, video work and AI.

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Skip: nothing changes for you unless you are buying a laptop.

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Face-off of the day · Phones

Xiaomi 18 Pro MaxXiaomi 18 Pro Max$1,045Oppo Find X10 Pro MaxOppo Find X10 Pro Max$1,015

Pick the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max for battery life and speed and gaming.

See who wins →Images: Xiaomi via GSMArena, Oppo via GSMArena

LaptopsOfficial

20%: Microsoft says Windows 11 is more responsive after 2026 updates

Microsoft measured Search, Start, File Explorer and more. It says PCs with 8GB of memory gain the most.

Why it matters. Older and budget PCs may feel quicker with no new hardware. The figure is Microsoft's own, and results vary by device.

In simple words. Microsoft says Windows 11 now reacts faster when you click and search. It uses memory more wisely, which helps most on computers with little memory. How much you notice depends on your computer.

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Worth a look if your PC feels slow.

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For your home

Appliances and smart-home tech that make daily life easier.

HomeGovee Outdoor Deck Lights 2 add Matter and cost $119.99 in the US$119.99 US priceHome · In China for nowXiaomi opens pre-sale of a 6kg Mijia washer for 587 yuan≈ $88HomeSay "stop" and Gemini for Home now goes quiet right awayOct 14 release notes dateHomeEufy Window Camera E10 costs $79.99 and sticks to the inside of a window$79.99 one cameraNotebookcheckStar Ring's new ambient lighting kit bringing Philips Hue effects to Tesla vehiclesRead at the source ↗NotebookcheckNew Govee Outdoor Deck Lights 2 with Matter now availableRead at the source ↗
PhonesOfficial

$1,999: iPhone Duo pre-orders open today, with sales from Oct 23

Apple's first folding iPhone can be pre-ordered from 5 a.m. PT on October 16. It starts at $1,999 in the US and goes on sale October 23.

Why it matters. It is Apple's first foldable. Supply is expected to be tight, so early orders matter if you want one at launch.

In simple words. Apple's first phone that folds open like a book can be ordered from today. It costs $1,999 and goes on sale on October 23. It is expensive, so waiting for reviews is fine.

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Worth a look: it is Apple's first folding phone.

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HomeReport

Shelly Presence Gen4 sensor tracks up to 10 people for $84.99

The radar sensor spots people and pets without a camera, and works with Google Home, Apple Home, Alexa and SmartThings.

Why it matters. Lights and heating can follow you around the home, with no camera recording your rooms.

In simple words. This small gadget can tell when people are in a room, using radio waves instead of a camera. It can then turn lights on and off for you.

For most peopleMake it about you →

Worth a look if you like a camera-free smart home.

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In focus · Robots

Boston Dynamics Atlas

GoodLarge companies testing a humanoid for heavy material handling.

Watch outIt is built for industry, and 2026 units are already committed to its first partners.

  • skills8
  • autonomy5
  • ready3

See the specs →Compare it

IdeasOfficial

Mercedes-Benz and NVIDIA expand their automated driving partnership

The two companies will build the next driver assistance systems together, aiming at future Level 4 uses such as robolimousines.

Why it matters. It shows how carmakers plan to bring AI driving help to future cars.

In simple words. Mercedes and NVIDIA will keep working together on cars that help with driving. They did not say when you can buy one.

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Watch: no cars or dates yet.

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DronesReport

Dominion Energy adds 100 Skydio docked drones to its fleet

The Virginia utility says a docked drone can check a substation before crews go out, saving 8 to 12 hours per event.

Why it matters. Utilities are using drones that launch from a dock to inspect power equipment, so crews can climb less and plan better.

In simple words. A power company in Virginia now has 100 more drones that live in small docks. They can fly out and look at equipment before workers go. The company says this saves many hours.

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Idea of the day

2,590 cycles: WPI turns mixed battery waste into new cells

Scientists took apart old batteries and used the pieces to make new ones. The new ones lasted about twice as long in tests. It is still a lab idea.

2,590 cycles at 70% charge · Read how it works →

That’s today. You’re up to date.

The few stories that matter, from AI and phones to your home and what’s coming next. Each one is checked against the source.

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