Apple’s redesigned iPad mini keeps the previous model’s footprint while adding a larger 8.5-inch OLED display, thinner bezels, and a 5.4 mm thinner, lighter body. The screen offers deeper blacks, a contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1, up to 1,200 nits peak brightness, very low minimum brightness, and an optional nano-texture finish to reduce glare. The device is rated IP67 for water and dust resistance and comes in midnight and starlight. Apple also adds an Acoustic Display for fuller sound, a landscape-positioned 12MP Center Stage front camera, and a 12MP rear camera with 4K video and an Adaptive True Tone flash.
The A20 Pro chip is the central performance upgrade, with Apple citing up to 4.5 times faster AI performance, 2.7 times faster graphics, and 60 percent faster multithreaded CPU performance than the prior generation. The tablet adds Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, Thread, and, on cellular models, a new modem with up to 50 percent faster data speeds. iPadOS 27 brings a beta version of Siri AI, which can use personal context and onscreen content, alongside updated creative and productivity tools; Apple says its AI features use on-device processing and Private Cloud Compute to protect privacy. Preorders begin October 28, 2026, with availability from November 6.
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More than 300 Boston Dynamics employees urged executives to stop a deal supplying ICE with modified robot dogs, citing risks to the company and its workers. Executives stood by the sale, saying the robots would not be weaponized. (arstechnica.com)
Micron Taiwan’s new labor agreement raises pay for more than 80% of employees, with production workers’ annual salaries increasing from NT$630,000 to over NT$2 million. It also boosts employer pension contributions to 10% and triples day-shift allowances for production workers. (ec.ltn.com.tw)
Boston Dynamics employees petitioned the company to cancel a $1.3 million ICE contract for four Spot robot dogs and related technology. ICE says the robots will help assess dangerous scenes before agents enter, while workers argue the sale damages the company’s reputation. (wbur.org)
Linux 7.4 adds initial support for Apple’s M4 and A18 Pro chips, enough to boot and display a console, while most hardware features remain unsupported. The kernel also adds support for Google Tensor G5, Qualcomm chips and boards, and Valve’s Steam Frame headset. (phoronix.com)
AI coding tools are making it easier for hobbyists to modify smart TVs and revive abandoned gadgets, including removing ads and replacing outdated interfaces. These changes can improve old devices but also introduce security and reliability risks. (zdnet.com)
Intel agreed to acquire quantum software company Classiq, combining its synthesis platform with Intel’s spin-qubit hardware and software. The deal aims to create an accessible, full-stack quantum computing platform that can scale toward mainstream use. (intc.com)
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