Apple's 'Veritas': internal ChatGPT-like app to test Siri's 2026 overhaul Apple has reportedly built an internal ChatGPT-style app named Veritas to prototype and test a major update to Siri slated for 2026. The app is designed for employee testing and won’t likely be released publicly in its current form, but it gives Apple a faster way to trial conversational features and actions that tap into personal data on the device. Key points Veritas is an internal chatbot to explore multi-turn, contextual interactions that can access on-device data (emails, messages, photos) and take actions inside apps. Apple reportedly delayed the broader Siri revamp from 2025 to 2026 while it refines the tech and partnerships. The planned Siri update will combine Apple-built AI models with at least one third-party foundation model; OpenAI,…

The Social Reckoning — Social Network Sequel Set for Oct 9, 2026 The long-awaited sequel to The Social Network is officially titled The Social Reckoning and is scheduled to hit theaters on October 9, 2026. Aaron Sorkin returns as both writer and director for this follow-up that examines recent controversies involving Facebook. Plot focus The film follows whistleblower Frances Haugen’s revelations and the reporting that exposed internal Facebook documents suggesting the company was aware of harm caused by its platform. Key cast Jeremy Strong as Mark Zuckerberg (takes over the role from Jesse Eisenberg) Mikey Madison as Frances Haugen Jeremy Allen White as Jeff Horowitz (Wall Street Journal reporter) Bill Burr — role not yet confirmed; reports suggest a fictional amalgam character Creative team Aaron Sorkin returns to write and…

ROG Xbox Ally & ROG Xbox Ally X — Preorder, Specs & Pricing Microsoft and ASUS (ROG) have launched preorders for two new Xbox-branded handhelds. The lineup includes: ROG Xbox Ally — $599.99 (standard model) ROG Xbox Ally X — $999.99 (premium model) Both devices launch globally on October 16, 2025. They run Windows 11 and can play your purchased Xbox and PC games, stream from your console, or use Xbox Cloud Gaming. Microsoft will mark thousands of titles as Handheld Optimized or Mostly Compatible at launch. Key differences CPU: Ally — AMD Ryzen Z2 A; Ally X — AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme RAM: Ally — 16GB (6,400 MT/s); Ally X — 24GB (8,000 MT/s) Storage: Ally — 512GB SSD; Ally X — 1TB SSD (both have M.2 2280…

Microsoft’s Advanced Shader Delivery aims to end long shader compile waits — first on ASUS ROG Xbox Ally Microsoft introduced Advanced Shader Delivery, a system that precompiles GPU shaders and distributes them (via the cloud) so games don't need to compile them at launch or during gameplay. The result: much shorter "compiling shaders" waits and less in-game stutter. Where it's launching first The initial rollout targets the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally handhelds and games distributed through the Xbox app. Microsoft chose the ROG Ally because it has only a couple of hardware configurations, which makes shipping precompiled shader sets manageable. How it works Shaders are compiled ahead of time and stored in the cloud. The Xbox app downloads the precompiled shader sets matching your hardware. This mirrors how consoles handle…

Apple tests ‘Veritas’ — internal Siri app similar to ChatGPT (reported) Summary (translated from German): Bloomberg reports Apple is working on a major overhaul of its voice assistant, Siri, using an internal test app for iPhone. The project — codenamed Veritas — is said to behave like chatbot systems (e.g., ChatGPT) and is currently used for internal testing by employees. Apple has not officially announced the project. Key points Codename: Veritas Form: Internal iPhone app used for testing Goal: Rebuild Siri into a more conversational, generative AI assistant Source: Reported by Bloomberg (secondary coverage summarized); no official confirmation from Apple Context & implications If true, Veritas would mark a major push by Apple to bring state-of-the-art conversational AI to Siri, responding to the growing prominence of large language models and…

Apple tests 'Veritas' — internal Siri app similar to ChatGPT (reported) Translation (from German): Apple is working on a major overhaul of its voice assistant Siri and is using an internal testing tool. According to Bloomberg (via iphone-ticker.de), the company built an iPhone app modeled after chatbots like ChatGPT. The project is codenamed "Veritas" and is currently only used internally. Key points Codename: Veritas Form: Internal iPhone app used for employee testing Goal: Rebuild Siri into a chatbot‑style AI assistant with more conversational, generative capabilities Source: Reported by Bloomberg (summarized on iphone-ticker.de); no official Apple announcement yet Context & implications If accurate, Veritas would signal Apple stepping up efforts to bring more advanced, chat‑style AI into Siri — responding to the rise of large language models (LLMs) and conversational assistants…

YouTube Labs tests AI Music Hosts on YouTube Music YouTube has launched YouTube Labs, an experiments hub, and is testing AI Music Hosts on YouTube Music. These AI hosts act like radio DJs, offering relevant stories, fan trivia and commentary to deepen the listening experience. Key details Availability: Opt-in experiment through YouTube Labs (youtube.com/new). Who can join: Currently limited to a small number of US-based YouTube Premium members. What it does: Adds AI-generated hosts to radio and mixes to provide stories, trivia and light commentary. YouTube says the AI may make mistakes and features may change or be removed without notice. Context: This follows a broader push by YouTube (announced at Made on YouTube 2025) to roll out more AI tools for creators and listeners, similar to Spotify's earlier AI…

SwitchBot Video Doorbell — 2K, 165° FOV and a separate indoor monitor SwitchBot has launched a new Video Doorbell, now available at an introductory price of roughly €130. The unit combines an outdoor camera with a separate 4.3-inch indoor monitor so users can check the door without needing a smartphone. Key features Video: 2K (2560×1440) with color night vision Field of view: 165° ultra-wide (16:9) Indoor monitor: 4.3" portable color display included Power: 5000mAh rechargeable battery (EcoPower), supports wired/charging options Storage: free 4GB SD included, supports up to 512GB SD; optional cloud storage Smart home: Alexa compatibility and fits into the SwitchBot ecosystem Official product page: https://us.switch-bot.com/products/switchbot-video-doorbell Would you prefer an indoor monitor over phone-only doorbells? Share your thoughts in the comments. Sources: SwitchBot official product page and CES 2025…

Best iPad & Apple Deals Right Now — Sept 26, 2025 We've rounded up the top Apple deals currently live, including record-low prices on several iPads and discounts across Apple Watches, MacBooks and accessories. Links to Amazon include our affiliate tag. Top iPad deals Apple iPad (A16) — $299Great entry-level tablet with A16 chip and 128GB. Ideal for browsing, streaming and light productivity. Buy on Amazon: Apple iPad (A16) 128GB Apple iPad Air 13" (M3) — $649Bigger screen for multitasking and media; excellent balance of power and price. Buy on Amazon: iPad Air 13" (M3) Apple iPad Pro 11" (M4) — $899Top-tier tablet with OLED display and M4 power — overkill for most but perfect for pro workflows. Buy on Amazon: iPad Pro 11" (M4) Other notable Apple deals Apple…

Aura Aspen: The digital photo frame that finally makes sharing easy for grandparents The Aura Aspen 12-inch digital photo frame (approx. 11.8–12", 1600×1200 anti-glare HD) is designed for simple, beautiful photo sharing. Its native iCloud and Google Photos sync make it ideal for iPhone users who want to keep grandparents updated without technical headaches. Current price is around €249 when bought from the manufacturer or retailers. Key specs Screen: ~12-inch HD anti-glare display (1600 × 1200) Orientation: portrait & landscape Connectivity: Wi‑Fi, iCloud Photos & Google Photos support Extras: paper-like mat, auto on/off, touch controls, built-in speaker Why it’s great for grandparents Syncing directly with iCloud means family members can push photos from their iPhones to the frame without the recipient needing to manage uploads. The high-res, anti-glare screen and…