GoKawiil
Tech News
Apple opened pre-orders this week for its new Apple TV 4K and HomeView devices, officially launching November 13. However, Apple Store delivery estimates have already pushed into later November for many configurations, though in-store pickup and some Amazon orders still show launch-day availability.
Apple opens iPhone Duo pre-orders Friday, October 16 at 8:00 a.m. ET/5:00 a.m. PT. Shoppers who want faster checkout can pre-select color, storage and purchase or lease options through its 'Get Ready' tool, but must finalize those choices by 9 p.m. PT Thursday, October 15.
Apple released version 1.12.1 of its Invites app, adding the ability for hosts to manually add guests and update their RSVP status when confirmations happen outside the app. The update also adds support for an extra-large Home Screen widget introduced with iOS 27, alongside unspecified bug fixes and performance improvements.
Microsoft Threat Intelligence and its Digital Crimes Unit disclosed a Chinese-language phishing ecosystem built around a marketplace called Yam Store, tracked as Storm-3119. The operation sold phishing kits and infrastructure, including repurposed Microsoft and Google domains, and since January has sent over one billion phishing emails and texts to more than 75,000 organizations worldwide. Microsoft and Resecurity identified three kits used in the campaigns—CoGUI, Haozi/Phoenix, and Iron Man System—linked to developers tracked as Storm-2990.
Epic Games announced a redesigned Epic Games Store launcher that it says was built using AI-assisted "vibe coding," claiming it launches faster than Steam and offers a less clunky interface than the previous version. The release follows CEO Tim Sweeney's statement that Epic is undergoing a major AI pivot aimed at helping staff "build MORE and BETTER stuff." The update arrives after Epic cut roughly 1,000 jobs in March, reducing headcount by about a quarter.
Microsoft and Japan's National Police Agency disrupted a cybercrime operation centered on a marketplace called YAM Store and two phishing kits, CoGUI and Iron Man. Since January 2026, the network had reportedly sent over one billion malicious messages to more than 75,000 organizations in 150+ countries, including 750 million aimed at Microsoft customers, generating tens of millions of dollars for operators.
Apple's updated developer agreement confirms that third-party iOS widgets already built for CarPlay will also appear on HomeView, its newly unveiled smart display device. Developers must ensure widgets are safe for hands-free use and can exclude them via the disfavoredLocations function if unsuitable. Unlike CarPlay's audio/video app categories, widget support spans any iOS app category by default.
Epic Games has released a Preview version of a redesigned Epic Games Launcher for Windows, macOS, and Linux, marking its first official Linux client. The update promises faster cold starts, reduced background resource use, a unified library that can display games from multiple sources, customizable collections, and improved download tracking.
Apple has introduced a 'Get Ready' feature on its Online Store and Apple Store app, letting customers pick their iPhone Duo model, color, storage, carrier, trade-in and accessories ahead of time. Shoppers can also set up payment and shipping details before pre-orders officially open on Friday. Apple will then automatically place the order once the purchase window begins.
Epic Games has launched a preview of a redesigned Epic Games Launcher that it says is faster, more responsive, and now supports Linux. The company describes the rebuild as 'vibe coded,' meaning AI agents wrote and reviewed much of the code, according to Martin Keely, Epic's VP and GM of the Epic Games Store and Epic Online Services.
Microsoft and Japan's National Police Agency disrupted a cybercrime ecosystem that sent over a billion phishing messages to more than 75,000 organizations in 150 countries, including over 750 million targeting Microsoft customers this year. The investigation traced the activity to a marketplace called YAM Store, linked to phishing kits CoGUI, Haozi and Iron Man System, which sold compromised Microsoft and Google accounts and hijacked domains to impersonate real organizations.
Google has introduced Googlebooks, a new line of certified laptops built on an Android-based operating system rather than ChromeOS. Partners including Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP and Lenovo are producing Googlebook-certified devices with carbon-fiber chassis, high-end Intel or Snapdragon processors, high-resolution screens and Gemini built in, starting at 16GB RAM and 256GB storage with about 14 hours of battery life. The devices run Android apps natively via the full Google Play Store and integrate with Android phones running Android 17 or later, syncing passwords, notifications and files.