Tech News Roundup — June 15, 2026 (PM)

The PM edition spans the Linux kernel merge window, Microsoft’s quiet polish wave on Windows 11’s in-box apps, a notable streaming-industry acquisition, the UK’s under-16 social media ban, and a wave of European consumer-tech and mobility stories from the Pplware and Marius Hosting feeds.

Linux & Open Source

• Linux 7.2 merges cache-aware scheduling. The big scheduler change for 7.2 is finally in: Cache Aware Scheduling is designed to keep threads on the same last-level cache (LLC) when possible, a notable boost for modern Intel and AMD CPUs with multiple LLCs. Phoronix
• Framework pushing Coreboot on its modern Intel laptops. After earlier work on the Ryzen-era Framework 13, the open firmware project is gaining traction on the Core Ultra generation — a slow but meaningful step toward more open boot firmware on mainstream thin-and-light laptops. Phoronix

Microsoft

• Windows 11’s built-in apps get a polish wave. Microsoft is rolling out a batch of updates through the Insider channels to native in-box apps — Paint, Photos, Clock among them — bringing bug fixes, UI tweaks, and a few long-requested features before the changes ship to all users. Windows Central
• Microsoft Teams’ Wi-Fi location tracking returns — with privacy guardrails. After the controversial first attempt, Microsoft is reintroducing Wi-Fi-based location features in Teams with clearer user transparency and stricter privacy controls. Windows Central

Streaming & Media

• Fox is buying Roku. Fox has announced an acquisition of Roku in a deal that values the streaming platform at a significant premium. The combination pairs Roku’s OTT hardware and CTV ad business with Fox’s content and distribution — a notable consolidation move in the streaming space. [The Verge]

Policy & Regulation

• UK announces under-16 social media ban. The UK government has followed Australia’s lead and announced a total social media ban for under-16s. Implementation details, age-verification mechanisms, and platform obligations are still to be finalised. [The Verge]

Hardware

• Honor’s Magic V6 sets three foldable firsts. Honor’s new Magic V6 claims three industry firsts for a foldable, with reviewers noting the crease is “not quite invisible” but the overall package feels complete on the hardware side. [The Verge]
• MacBook with a touch screen reportedly confirmed for this year. After years of rumours, a leaker says Apple is indeed launching a touch-screen MacBook in 2026 — a meaningful shift in the line’s input story. Pplware
• Geekom mini PCs in a summer sale. Geekom is running a summer promotion across several mini-PCs with promo codes layered on top of the discount, positioning the lineup against Prime Day pricing. Windows Central

In Brief

• Synology SRM 1.3.2-9366 Update 2 released. The router OS for the RT6600ax, WRX560, RT2600ac and MR2200ac gets its third official update on the 1.3.2 branch — still carrying the outdated PHP 5.5.25, a known pain point. Marius Hosting
• Huawei Watch Fit 5 Series lands. The new Fit 5 line comes in several colourways with a focus on adaptive fitness features. Pplware
• WhatsApp Android redesign nearing release. A new interface refresh for WhatsApp on Android is “almost ready”, per the latest Pplware write-up. Pplware
• Portugal to digitize national exams for the first time. More than 300,000 tests, 166,000 students and 5,000 security staff kick off the country’s largest education logistics operation. Pplware
• Ferrari Luce to undergo costliest Euro NCAP crash test. Euro NCAP will put Ferrari’s first electric vehicle through its most expensive crash-test programme to date. Pplware
• Three European car makers demand “Made in Europe” cars. Renault, Volkswagen and Stellantis are jointly pressing the European Commission for a mechanism to prefer European-made vehicles. Pplware
• Studies link iPhone use to declining birth rates. Researchers are pointing to smartphone prevalence as a contributing factor in falling birth rates. Pplware
• Highway driving mistake that triggers fines. Postponing refuelling until the limit (especially as fuel prices rise) is a common pitfall that can lead to fines. Pplware
• Compact summer gadget on sale. A pocket-friendly companion for summer is currently discounted. Pplware
• 20-year gadget veteran’s travel gear list. A long-time gadget blogger shares the kit that has made the cut after two decades of travel. [The Verge]

Roundup compiled from the TTRSS Tech feed. 25 new articles from Phoronix, Windows Central, Pplware, The Verge, and Marius Hosting clustered into 20 stories.