Tech, page 3
Phones, plans and the tools a small operation pays for every month.
Wednesday, October 7
OpenAI brings GPT-6 to ChatGPT and debuts Intelligent UI
OpenAI released new GPT-6 models built for daily ChatGPT chats. The update introduces Intelligent UI to mix text, visuals, and interactive elements. ChatGPT can now generate live widgets, calculators, and bill splitters.
Apple teams up with LG and Schneider for new smart Home accessories
Apple is working with LG and Schneider on smart Home gear. A software leak shows a new thermostat and temperature sensor coming. These second party items get special treatment in the Apple operating system.
Spotify rolls out audiobooks to more than 180 markets worldwide
Spotify is expanding its audiobooks service to over 180 markets globally. Users now get access to more than 350,000 titles in over 120 languages. The massive rollout will continue through the end of 2026. Listeners can also buy individual books outright.
Anthropic releases Claude Haiku 5.5 with 75 percent lower running costs
Anthropic is a major artificial intelligence company that builds business software. They just released Claude Haiku 5.5 as their cheapest and fastest small model yet. It costs about 75 percent less to run than the previous version.
McDonald's sued in federal court over AI menu price-fixing
McDonald's faces a new federal class action lawsuit in Chicago. The case claims artificial intelligence illegally coordinates prices across nearly 14,000 restaurants. McDonald's calls the allegations speculative and says franchisees set their own prices.
Apple faces annual EU lump sum tax under new Brussels plan
Apple and other big tech companies face a new EU lump sum tax. The European Commission drafted the compromise to avoid a US trade war. Companies with over €100mn in revenue would pay the annual fee.
Samsung is changing its official safety advice on overheating Galaxy Buds
Samsung is about to reverse its rules on hot Galaxy Buds. The old rule told you never to put warm earbuds in the case. App code shows you will soon be told to put them right in the case to cool.
Tuesday, October 6
Amazon slashes Apple Mac mini by $150 and MacBook Air by $200
Amazon dropped prices on new Apple computers for fall Prime Day sales. You can save $200 on MacBook Air models and $500 on MacBook Pro machines. The sale runs through October on Amazon online.
Apple sets Q4 2026 earnings call for November 29 with new CEO
Apple announced it will report Q4 2026 earnings on Monday, November 29. New CEO John Ternus will host the call alongside CFO Kevan Parekh at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Apple expects revenue between $111.69 billion and $113.74 billion.
Google simplifies email verification in Chrome on Android
Chrome is its web browser. The new feature verifies email addresses automatically.
Amazon pays $309 million to customers
Amazon pays $309 million. Customers got incomplete or late refunds. Refunds are for returns from 2017 to 2024.
JMGO N1S Ultimate projector cuts to $1,299
The N1S Ultimate is a 4K triple-laser projector. It is now $1,299 on Amazon. This is a 54% discount from $2,799. It has a built-in gimbal stand and Google TV.
Apple updates MacBook Pro with OLED display
They will debut a new MacBook Pro soon. It will have an OLED display and touchscreen. The new MacBook Pro will be thinner and lighter. It will come out in October or November.
iPhone 18 Pro wider aperture makes small blur change
iPhone 18 Pro has wider aperture than iPhone 17 Pro. F/1.48 vs f/1.78 makes blur clearer.
Millions of price drops go live in the fall Prime Day sale
Amazon launched its massive 2026 fall Prime Day event with millions of markdowns. Shoppers can save up to $150 on the new M6 Mac mini and $120 on AirPods Max 2. Roborock is also offering up to $1,600 off its intelligent cleaning robots.
