Microsoft has introduced the Xbox Nano Controller, a compact, 3.5-ounce gamepad priced at $49.99 that retains all 18 standard Xbox inputs despite shrinking the overall size. It's just over 5 inches long, charges via USB-C, includes a customizable Action Button, and supports Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth for use with PCs, phones, and smart TVs. Pre-orders are open now ahead of a November 4 release, with purchases capped at five per account.
techspot.com
· 2026-10-15
A commentator argues that Rust's growing adoption carries risks, pointing out that the Rust Foundation was founded by Amazon, Google, Huawei, Microsoft and Mozilla, and that a board seat costs $325,000 per year. The piece also criticizes the trend of rewriting existing, mature software projects in Rust purely for the sake of using the language.
oxetene.net
· 2026-10-14
Netflix has released a trailer for Greta Gerwig's adaptation of C.S. Lewis' The Magician's Nephew, scored to Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" and featuring striking, psychedelic visuals. Gerwig has said the film draws inspiration from 1960s David Bowie but will not be a musical.
arstechnica.com
· 2026-10-14
Anker's Travel Essential power bank, which offers 20,000mAh capacity and 87W output with a built-in USB-C cable, is currently discounted by 14%, bringing its price down to $59.99.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-10-14
A project called Sprout Pi (and a lesser Sprout Pico version) replaces an iPod's motherboard to add Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB-C charging, a microSD slot and FLAC playback without requiring soldering. The upgrade supports audio over USB, the original 3.5mm jack, AirPlay and Google Cast streaming, podcast downloads, and on the Pi model, Spotify and Apple Music apps. It works only with 3rd- and 4th-generation iPods and the iPod mini, and will launch via a Crowd Supply crowdfunding campaign with pricing not yet announced.
theverge.com
· 2026-10-14
Fairphone has released the Fairbuds 2, a redesigned stemmed earbud with a case 37 percent smaller than its predecessor. Battery life nearly doubles to 40 hours without noise cancellation, and the buds add bio-cellulose drivers, LDAC codec support, multipoint connectivity and a five-band EQ. The earbuds cost £99/€119 in the UK and Europe now, with a US launch at $119 on November 2nd.
theverge.com
· 2026-10-14
Researchers developed a rhodium-catalysed reaction that inserts one carbon atom into C–C sigma bonds of biphenylene molecules, forming four new C–C bonds around a single spiro carbon center. The method uses N-isocyanoiminophosphorane as a carbon-atom source and works for both identical and different biphenylene partners, as well as reactions mixing sigma- and pi-bond activation.
nature.com
· 2026-10-14
Anthropic has filed a petition asking the full D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals to rehear its challenge to the Pentagon's designation of the company as a national-security 'supply chain risk.' A divided three-judge panel had upheld the designation in September, rejecting Anthropic's claims that the Defense Department's ban on its Claude models was arbitrary, unauthorized and unconstitutional. The Pentagon imposed the label in March after negotiations collapsed over how the military could use Claude, following a $200 million contract signed in July 2025.
cnbc.com
· 2026-10-13
Apple published a support document specifying that the wall-mounted HomeView needs a separately purchased USB-C power adapter rated at least 20W with 9V/2.22A support, since it ships without a mount or adapter in the box. Apple warns that using an insufficient adapter can trigger a 'Not Enough Power' message, and some third-party mounts allow hardwiring to a home's electrical system instead.
9to5mac.com
· 2026-10-13
The Anker Nano Charger Neo 45W, a compact USB-C wall charger with a built-in display, is on sale for $19.99, a 23% discount off its regular price. The charger is designed to be compact and travel-friendly while delivering 45W of power output.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-10-13
UGREEN's Nexode 500W GaN charging station is currently selling for $189.99, down 24% from its $249.99 list price. The unit features six charging ports, with its highest-output USB-C port capable of delivering up to 240W.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-10-13
Amazon is offering steep discounts on M5 Pro MacBook Pro configurations, including $600 off a 2TB 14-inch model and $500 off a 16-inch 24GB model. Both deals bring prices below Apple's pre-price-hike list prices from June. Other current deals include AirPods Pro 3 at $50 off, AirPods Max 2 at $120 off, the M6 Mac mini near $150 off, and a $199 clearance price on a Black Titanium Apple Watch Ultra 3.
9to5mac.com
· 2026-10-13
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