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Tech News
Apple has announced a new Apple TV 4K streaming box featuring an A19 chip, said to be 50% faster with double the graphics power of its predecessor's A15 chip, plus three far-field microphones for hands-free Siri use. The device, priced at $299, also supports pairing with two HomePod Mini 2 speakers for four-speaker surround sound and is available for pre-order now, shipping November 13.
Kroger plans to reduce its corporate workforce by more than a third over the next three years, according to an internal memo from CEO Greg Foran obtained by Fast Company. Foran, who took over as CEO in February after interim leader Ron Sargent, told employees the company needs to make faster decisions and better use technology.
Apple announced a fourth-generation Siri Remote featuring Precision Finding support and a built-in speaker for locating a lost remote. The $59 accessory is compatible with both the new Apple TV 4K and older Apple TV HD and 4K models, and ships November 13 alongside the new $299 Apple TV 4K.
Apple announced HomeView, a smart screen-and-speaker device that acts as a control hub for smart home gadgets including cameras, a door lock, and thermostats from LG and Schneider Electric. The device pulls recently used app data from a connected iPhone or iPad and uses an upgraded Siri to respond to personalized, context-aware requests, such as playing a song mentioned in a text message. It also includes a recipe mode that formats ingredient lists and directions from compatible web recipes, with tappable inline timers.
Character.AI, the chatbot-creation startup, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to facilitate a sale of its assets, listing liabilities between $50 million and $100 million. Disney has been named the lead 'stalking horse' bidder at $20 million, with higher offers still possible before a sale expected to close by early December. Character.AI's services will keep running during the process but could shut down if no buyer emerges.
The Pentagon has announced it will livestream the execution of Nidal Hasan, convicted in the Fort Hood shooting, by firing squad on Dec. 3. Child psychology experts are urging parents to prepare for the likelihood that children could see footage of the execution, whether through the original broadcast or clips circulating on social media.
Taco Bell and Milk Bar are releasing a Birthday Cake Empanada, combining Milk Bar's signature cake flavor with pink frosting and rainbow sprinkles inside an empanada shell. It arrives nationwide on Oct. 15 for $3.49, marking the brands' third collaboration after Strawberry Bell Truffles in 2022 and Birthday Cake Churros earlier this year. Taco Bell Rewards members can also claim it as a free birthday treat from Oct. 15 through Oct. 28.
OpenAI is rolling out 'Dots,' an agent-like feature included free with Pro and Business Premium subscriptions, powered by its GPT-6 Astra model. The company says Dots usage will count against users' plan limits after an initial month of extended limits, though chatting with a Dot via text or ChatGPT will remain free. Work a Dot performs through Codex, ChatGPT Work, or autonomously will count against monthly usage caps, and additional Dots or increased capacity will eventually be available for extra payment.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Office of Defects Investigation received a petition on September 23, 2026, requesting a probe into Tesla's roughly 1,000 Robotaxis, including the Model Y and Cybercab, for allegedly exceeding posted speed limits in active school zones while their Automated Driving System is engaged. The Cybercab is already facing a separate investigation over its lack of side mirrors, pedals, and a steering wheel, and Tesla's Full Self-Driving system is under scrutiny for other traffic violations like running red lights and driving on the wrong side of the road.
A review of Acer's Googlebook 14 laptop describes premium build quality and hardware but points to software that feels unpolished or incomplete. Specific details of the testing and performance were not provided beyond this overall assessment.
Apple unveiled HomeView, a wall- or tabletop-mountable smart home hub with a 7-inch screen that recognizes individual household members by face and shows them relevant information. The device starts at $299 and ships Nov. 13, alongside a refreshed $299 Apple TV 4K with a trackable remote and a $149 HomePod Mini in new colors. All three products feature Apple's recently released Siri AI, letting users carry conversations from the hub to their iPhone or iPad.
Apple introduced the HomePod mini 2 at its smart home event, raising the price to $149 from the original's $99 launch price in 2020. The new speaker features an S10 chip for improved audio performance, smart home alarm detection, a glowing visual display called 'Sound Glow,' and tighter integration with other Apple devices. Siri AI-powered multi-turn conversations were announced but will arrive later via software update, with pre-orders starting immediately and shipping October 30.