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Today’s tech, without the hype

UpdatedSaturday, Oct 17

Wire TechCrunchMeta removes language that raised scraping and AI training concernsNVIDIA NewsroomNVIDIA RTX Spark PCs Available Today — A New Beginning for Windows PCsTom's HardwareThis could be your last chance to grab an RTX 5090TechCrunchAnthropic says its workforce has become less junior and is spending more time in meetingsTechPowerUpKonami President Says AI Won't Significantly Change the Games Market, Creators Come First9to5GoogleGalaxy S27 reportedly skips Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 due to overheating
  1. AI 2.5.19 new rule Apple updates App Store rules on AI intimate images and hidden app features WatchDevelopers should read the new rules; users need do nothing.
  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
AIReport

Apple updates App Store rules on AI intimate images and hidden app features

The October 16 update names nonconsensual intimate imagery, including AI-made, and adds a rule against hidden or dormant features.

Why it matters. Apps that change what they do after review can now be removed more clearly. Developers who offer image tools need safeguards.

In simple words. Apple changed the rules for apps in its App Store. Apps must not make or share private pictures of people without their consent. Apps also may not hide features that they turn on after Apple checks them.

For most peopleMake it about you →

Skip: nothing changes for you.

Hype3
Real5
Underrated

Make it about you. What do you do? We’ll say what each story means for you, and which ones to skip.

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.

For most peopleMake it about you →

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

Your call: hype or real?

Face-off of the day · Phones

Pick the iPhone 17 for software and updates and photos and video.

See who wins →Images: Honor via GSMArena, Apple

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.

For most peopleMake it about you →

Worth a look if your PC feels slow.

Your call: hype or real?

Fresh from China

New phones and AI launching in China this week, and whether they’re coming your way.

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.

For most peopleMake it about you →

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

Your call: hype or real?

AIReport

ChatGPT's Chrome extension can now read and use your open tabs

OpenAI added tab context, tab control and a sidebar to the ChatGPT extension. It can compare pages and fill forms.

Why it matters. You can ask about several pages at once without copying text. It can also act in tabs, so check what it does.

In simple words. OpenAI's ChatGPT add-on for Chrome can now look at the web pages you already have open. It can help compare them or fill in forms for you. It is smart to check its work.

For most peopleMake it about you →

Worth a look if you often juggle many tabs.

Your call: hype or real?

In focus · Robot vacuums

Roborock Q10 X5+

$500

GoodSmall and medium homes that want a simple, self-emptying robot on a budget.

Watch outThe mop is a basic one, for light wiping.

  • value8
  • cleaning6
  • navigation6

See the specs →Compare it

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.

Hype3
Real5
Underrated

Your call: hype or real?

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.

For most peopleMake it about you →

Skip: nothing changes for you.

Hype3
Real3
As advertised

Your call: hype or real?

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 →

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