mrlloyd.net's Tech Brief

Daily edition

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

AI

1 stories

Google DeepMind and Singapore Government announce new AI tool to protect citizens against scams

Google DeepMind and the Singapore Government have developed an on-device scam detection model to protect citizens against scams. The model is optimized to run on typical smartphones in Singapore and can detect manipulative conversational patterns in real-time. The model was fine-tuned on local scam conversations and processes conversation data on the device, preserving citizens' privacy.

Tesla & EVs

1 stories

Tesla is unveiling the new Roadster for real this time, promise

Tesla is rescheduling its next-generation Roadster unveiling event for October 15, after previously pushing back the date from October 1 due to weather concerns. The event will be a livestreamed outdoor show, and the company has teased features such as cold gas thrusters and a full redesign. The Roadster has been in development for nearly nine years, with multiple production delays and unveil date changes.

Apple

5 stories

Apple challenges Taction’s $5.7B patent verdict, says damages were based on ‘guesswork’

Apple has filed a motion to overturn a $5.7 billion patent verdict in a lawsuit brought by Taction Technology over the Taptic Engine used in iPhones and Apple Watches. The company argues that the damages awarded were based on 'guesswork' and that Taction failed to present sufficient evidence to support the award. Apple claims that Taction's expert witness relied on a 'rigged' test to support his findings of patent infringement.

Apple's HomeView Repair Fees Revealed

Apple has revealed the repair fees for its HomeView smart home hub, which cost $39 with AppleCare+ coverage and $279 without. The fees apply to both tabletop and wall-mounted models. The prices are for any type of damage to the device.

Apple has appealed the $5.7B Taction verdict, arguing jury got it all wrong

Apple has filed an appeal against a $5.7 billion patent infringement verdict, arguing that the jury's decision was based on guesswork and that the company's Taptic Engine does not infringe on Taction's patents. The jury found Apple guilty of violating two Taction patents related to haptic feedback technology. Apple argues that the patent claims are invalid and that the company is entitled to no damages.

Third-party HomeView apps? Think CarPlay

Apple's HomeView device has a limited app platform, only supporting selected Apple apps and CarPlay-compatible audio and video apps. Users can access their iPhone or iPad apps via Siri queries, but cannot run them directly. The device's capabilities are likely to expand in the future.

Here’s how much it costs to repair the new Apple HomeView

Apple has published estimated service costs for its new HomeView smart display, with a $279 repair cost listed under 'Other damage'. The cost is the same for both the standard and wall-mounted models. AppleCare+ subscribers can get coverage for $2.49 monthly or $24.99 annually.