Science

 1.iPhone Air Launch Postponed Following Underwhelming Sales Figures 

Apple might be rethinking that super-skinny iPhone Air idea. The Information (via The Verge) is saying the iPhone Air 2, which we thought was coming Fall 2026, is now pushed back to at least Spring 2027. Why? Apparently, the first iPhone Air didn't exactly set the world on fire when it came out in September 2025, even though it was the thinnest iPhone ever.

This news is dropping right before Apple is about to show off the new iPhone 18 and 18E. Those are still on track, but this report makes it seem like something's changed with the Air. Apple hasn't said anything official, but it sounds like they're wondering if everyone really wants a super-thin phone, especially since the hype didn't translate into actual sales.

**What Was the Deal With That First iPhone Air Anyway?**

Let's be honest, the first iPhone Air was pretty impressive from a technical point of view. Titanium frame, 6.5-inch ProMotion display, the fast A19 Pro chip – it was meant to be a high-end alternative to the regular iPhone. Apple really pushed the whole thin is in thing, and yeah, it felt good in your hand. Early reviews said it was light and had a clean design.

But good looks only get you so far. The iPhone Air didn't quite find its place. People are saying it came down to a few things: it was expensive, not that different from the iPhone Pro, and folks were worried about the battery life and how durable it would be. It looked great, yeah, but lots of people went for more reliable iPhones that lasted longer and took better photos.

The iPhone Air 2 is supposed to fix all that. Rumor has it, it'll be even thinner, have a better battery, and maybe even a vapor chamber to keep it cool. But this delay makes you wonder if Apple will stick with the Air line or go back to more standard designs.

**Neal's Perspective: Where Tech Meets Real Life**

Mashable is all about where tech and culture meet. Neal, who's been writing for their Social Good team since 2024, really gets that. He used to be in charge at The Advocate and Out, and he's written for places like the Los Angeles Times, Curbed, and Los Angeles Magazine. He's great at taking tech stories and showing how they connect to bigger social issues, especially for communities that don't always get a voice.

Neal often writes about how tech stuff changes society. The iPhone Air's reception isn't just about processor speed or how many phones they sold. It shows how people react to designs that focus on looks over everything else, and how tech companies try to balance being innovative with being inclusive.

Neal also won the Sarah Pettit Memorial Award for LGBTQ Journalist of the Year. He brings awareness to his work. He lives in Los Angeles with his family and keeps writing stories that make you think and give a voice to those who are often overlooked in the tech world.

**What's Next for Apple's Thin Phone Hopes?**

The iPhone Air 2 delay doesn't mean Apple is giving up on thin phones forever. They've brought back products before that didn't do so well at first. Remember the iPhone SE or the HomePod? Even the Apple Watch Ultra had its doubters. If Apple can figure out what went wrong with the first Air, it could still find its audience with people who really care about design.

Spring 2027 might actually be a good time to drop the Air 2, especially if Apple releases it at the same time as the iPhone 18 and 18E. Battery tech and cooling could be way better by then, making super-thin phones more practical without losing performance.

**Stay Updated with Mashable Light Speed**

If you're into tech, space, and science news, sign up for Mashable's Light Speed newsletter. You'll get the inside scoop on trends, product releases, and cultural takes – including any updates on Apple's plans.

Whether you're hooked on the future of the iPhone Air or how tech shapes our world, Mashable has the info, explains what's going on, and gives you something to think about. Writers like Neal make sure the stories go beyond the surface and show the real impact on people.

2.New Google Play Feature Warns Users About Battery-Hungry Apps 

Google's getting tough on apps that drain your phone battery. They're even teaming up with Samsung to fix those annoying battery issues on Android devices. This could really change things!

Basically, some apps keep running stuff in the background, even when you're not actively using them. It's like they're secretly sucking the life out of your battery, and you don't even know it. Google is stepping in to put an end to this nonsense. They plan to punish apps that don't play fair so everyone can have a better mobile experience.

Starting March 1, 2026, Google will crack down on apps that break the new rules in the Play Store. If your app is a battery hog, it's going to become nearly impossible to find. You won't see it at the top of the search results. The app is pushed down, and Google will also display a warning message right on the app's page.

**Wake Locks: What's the big deal?**

Okay, so what are wake locks? Think of it this way: to save the battery, your phone turns off after a while. A wake lock basically instructs your phone to remain active for a bit. It makes sense when you're using Maps, downloading a file, or playing music, but the issue pops up when apps cling to these wake locks for too long and don't let go.

Sometimes, it may not be a good thing to keep apps active. In short, apps can remain active while the screen is off. This gives an app the ability to search for new versions or secretly do some tasks in the background. Since apps can do these things in the background, Google is thinking of a way to tell the apps to stop eating up the battery.

**How Google's New Plan Works**

Consider Google's new system like a police officer. The police officer checks the app to see if the wake lock has been active for too long. First, Google will call out an app if the app keeps the display active for over two hours a day. The good news is, this will not affect everyone. For example, if you listen using Pandora or music apps.

To find out who the big battery eaters are, Google came up with a limit. Google will flag an app if 5% of phone users have battery problems. Following this, Google is deciding to put a time limit on the app.

Guess what? In the past year, Google checked this out, and Samsung was useful. Having Samsung helped because they are aware of how people use their phones and how it can affect the battery.

**How will the misbehaving apps get punished?**

Google isn't just sending out simple warnings. Here are the steps they're taking:

*   **Hide them**: The app will not appear on the main list when you look at the Play Store. The app also will not get suggestions from Google.

*   **Warnings**: Google plans to have a warning pop up that informs the users that the app can drain the battery because it's active when it shouldn't be.

Hopefully, Google's actions will encourage the people who the apps to think about ways to save battery. This will also give you information regarding which apps consume more energy than others.

**Tools for People who Create Apps**

Google is providing some extra tools to help people who make apps. The tools help see how the apps affect wake locks and when they keep the phone awake.

The Google Play Console includes guidelines. The guidelines show how to keep an eye on wake locks. Google hopes the people who create the apps will watch what happens in the background and make sure nothing dangerous happens.

**So, why is This a Big Deal?**

Google wants Android smartphones to be better at saving battery. They made things like Doze Mode and App Standby Buckets to fix some stuff.

However, wake locks can be hard to watch, so that's why Google is paying extra attention to them. An app that has a secret wake lock will eat up the battery faster than an app that works as intended.

**Samsung's Involvement**

Including Samsung is important because it proves that big businesses are interested in helping. Samsung is valuable because they understand how people use their phones and how it drains the battery.

It is possible that other companies and creators will begin to do this too. It should be alright, because of this.

**In short**

To sum it up, your battery should remain active for longer, and you'll figure out which apps use up more fuel. If the app is flagged, you are able to then decide if it is okay to keep the app on your phone.

Google is keeping up, meaning phones should become better through time! Usually, the features are working smoothly. Google wants apps to be efficient.

3.Apple May Be Preparing a New HomePod Mini as Retailers Pull Current Model 

**HomePod Mini Might Be Getting a Makeover – Here's Why It's Worth Waiting**

Thinking about grabbing a HomePod mini for your smart home? Hold up a sec. There are good signs that Apple's about to drop a new version of their little smart speaker. The clues are building up, and they're getting harder to miss. Stores are running out of them, and some places even say it's been canned. It looks like the end of the road for the original, and a new one could be just around the corner.

**Vanishing Act at Stores**

One of the biggest hints? B&H Photo, a big name in Apple selling, especially for audio and video stuff, now lists the HomePod mini as discontinued. They don’t usually do that unless something's really about to be replaced.

And it's not just one store. You can't find certain colors of the HomePod mini at places like Target and Walmart either. Even Apple's own stores have limited stock, and you can only pick them up at certain big stores, and only in certain colors. These speakers used to be everywhere, so it's pretty obvious something's up.

**Been a While Since It Got New Stuff Inside**

The HomePod mini came out back in 2020 as a cheaper and smaller version of the main HomePod. They added some new colors in 2021, but the insides haven't been touched for over three years. That's a long time in Apple-world, especially for a device that’s a key part of their smart home setup.

Despite its age, the HomePod mini is still popular because it works so well with Siri, Apple Music, and HomeKit. But Apple's pushing ahead with things like Apple Intelligence and better Siri, so the current hardware might be struggling to keep up. It's like having a car that's great but can't use the latest tech.

**Rumors Say It'll Be Smarter and Better**

Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, who's usually right about Apple stuff, said back in September that Apple's working on a new HomePod mini. Gurman says the new one will probably have:

*   A new chip to run Apple Intelligence and the newest Siri features. Think of it as a brain boost.

*   A better wireless chip for stronger, faster Wi-Fi. Because nobody likes a speaker that cuts out.

*   A new chip for better spatial awareness. This could let it know exactly where it is in a room.

*   Better sound. Always a good thing.

*   Maybe some new colors, including a red one they've been testing.

These upgrades would bring the HomePod mini up to speed with Apple's focus on smarter devices that know what you need. The new spatial awareness chip, for example, could let it track your location better and hand off tasks between Apple devices more easily. Like how AirTags and iPhones can do now. Imagine walking into a room and your music automatically switches to the HomePod mini.

**New Apple Store Setup Hints at Launch**

To make things even more interesting, Gurman also said Apple was getting ready to change things around in their stores on sometime in November. It could just be getting ready for the holiday shopping rush, but it could also be when they release the new HomePod mini. Apple sometimes adds new accessories and small hardware updates without making a big announcement.

If they do launch the new HomePod mini this month, it would give Apple a strong smart home product to sell during Black Friday and the holidays. That's a smart move since they're up against Amazon Echo and Google Nest.

**Should You Buy Now or Wait a Bit?**

If you're thinking about buying a HomePod mini, you might be better off waiting. Stock is low, and a new version is likely coming soon. If you buy now, you might miss out on better features and performance. Even if the new one costs a little more, it might be worth it in the long run.

That said, if you find a HomePod mini on sale for super cheap and don't care about having the newest features, the old one still sounds great and works well with Apple's smart home stuff. But for most people, waiting a few weeks might be the best idea.

**What It All Means**

The HomePod mini has been a hit for Apple, and it's a key part of their smart home plans. But after three years without any new hardware being added, it looks like an upgrade is coming. Stores are running out, there are rumors of new features, and it all points to a new HomePod mini being just around the corner.

Whether you're upgrading your smart home or getting your first Apple speaker, it might pay to be patient. Keep an eye on Apple's store updates and announcements. The next HomePod mini might be here faster than you think.

4.New Google Play Update Simplifies Managing and Removing Apps Across Devices 

## Google Play Store's New Trick: Delete Apps Remotely!

Hey Android peeps! Google just slipped in a neat little update to the Play Store that's gonna be a lifesaver for those of us swimming in Android gadgets. So, version 48.8 of the Google Play Store is rolling out, and guess what? You can finally dump apps off your other devices without even having to touch them! We've been bugging them about this forever, so it's about freakin' time.

### Small Change, Huge Win

Okay, so the update was kinda quietly dropped into the latest Google System Release Notes. The notes said something along the lines of, “Now you can uninstall apps from your phone using the Play Store, no need to have the other device near you.” It might take a sec to show up on your end, but trust me, it's a sweet upgrade.

Before this, the Play Store would let you push apps from your phone to, say, your tablet or Android TV. You know, that Available on more devices thing? But deleting stuff remotely? No way! You'd have to dig through menus, find the right device, and manually trash the app. Seriously annoying!

Well, they finally fixed it. Now, when you're checking out an app in the Play Store, you'll see simple Uninstall buttons for every device that has that app. This is perfect if you've got a work phone, your kid's tablet, or whatever, and you just want to keep things tidy without having to hunt everything down.

### Why Should You Be Excited?

Let's face it, most of us are swimming in tech these days. Between smartwatches, tablets, phones, and TVs, we've got Android stuff scattered everywhere. Trying to keep track of all the apps can be a total drag. This new thing from Google just makes it a lot less of a headache.

And think about keeping things tidy and secure. You know you've got apps chilling on ancient devices that you haven't touched in ages. Those apps are just sucking up storage, running in the background, and potentially causing headaches if they're not up-to-date. Being able to remotely uninstall them? Golden! It helps keep your devices running smooth and keeps things secure.

### How to Use the Cool New Feature

Alright, once you have version 48.8 of the Play Store, here's how it goes down:

1.  Fire up the Play Store on your phone.

2.  Find an app that's installed on multiple devices.

3.  Check out the app page – you'll see Uninstall buttons for your device.

4.  Spot the little list of your devices.

5.  You should see Uninstall buttons sitting next to each device on the list.

6.  Tap the one you want to uninstall the app from.

Want to know if you've already got the update? Open the Play Store, tap your profile pic, go to Settings, then About, and tap Update Play Store. It will confirm you have the last update installed or not.

### A Step Forward

This feels like one small step in Google's mission to make Android easier to live with. They've been smoothing out the experience, from Find My Device to app syncing. It kind of shows that Google is listening and wants to make life easier. Centralizing app management is a good step to making Android more organized.

### What's Next for the Play Store?

Honestly, this update is pretty basic. I wouldn't be surprised if we see more remote control options coming soon. Maybe Google will add features to schedule app removals or set parameters for applications you very rarely access with Alert notifications popping up when new apps get downloaded to different devices. These types of options give Users the power to control their digital devices usage.

But in the meantime, being able to uninstall apps remotely rules!

So, go check your Play Store version. Have a stack of old apps on devices that collect dust? Start the clean-up! It's a breeze now.

5.Leaked Nano Banana 2 Image Samples Reveal Exciting Details 

Google about to drop some seriously mind-blowing visual AI on us with something called Nano Banana 2?

The whole AI world is going wild right now. There's talk that Google's been secretly cooking up something big with their Gemini project. People are saying it's a next-level visual AI, and they're calling it Nano Banana 2. Apparently, someone messed up, and we got a sneak peek. Now, everyone's freaking out, wondering what this thing can actually do.

Here's what happened: Nano Banana 2 was live for a hot minute on Media.ai, which is where they usually test AI models. Then, poof! It was gone. Someone pulled the plug. But you know how the internet is; nothing really disappears. People were quick to grab screenshots and blast them all over social media. From those pics, it looks like it's got some seriously wild upgrades, and now everyone's itching to see Google unleash it for real.

**Leaked and People are Loving It**

So, what's all the fuss about? Well, the quick glimpses on Media.ai showed those in the tech know what Nano Banana 2 is capable of when it comes to images. Judging from the examples floating around, it seems like it's gotten way better at fixing up old photos, coloring them smoothly, and really getting what you tell it to do – something that earlier models struggled with. It appears the instructions and prompts are followed with precise implementation.

And then things got even crazier! More examples started to show up, supposedly coming straight from Google's Gemini AI team. These examples seemed to confirm that Nano Banana 2 is keeping up with, or maybe even beating, other visual AIs out there. What really grabbed everyone's attention was how well it could fix blurry, low-quality photos and pull off complex edits based on simple directions. It looks like the upgrades could really change the game for creators looking to enhance and restore their existing content. This may also pave the way for easier creation by allowing people to focus on ideas instead of cumbersome and tedious editing processes.

**Seeing is Believing**

A user with that handle @synthwavedd posted about Nano Banana 2 (who they also called GemPix 2) supposedly solving a physics problem. I mean, the AI actually drew the path of a falling ball perfectly. Apparently, it's using some method called img2img. People have been saying that no other AI has ever been able to do this with that level of accuracy. It looks like this model understands how the world works and has some grasp of physics and other real-world concepts. It’s able to use its knowledge to enhance image generation.

From the looks of it, it's also gotten a whole lot better at creating text. Older models would often mess up text, especially when trying to copy handwriting or different font styles. But it appears Nano Banana 2 can handle it with ease. Someone showed how it drew pretty detailed text on a whiteboard, keeping everything aligned and the font spot-on. This hints that it doesn't just see things well but also understands precise directions. This hints that the program may be extremely useful for design-related work in the future. It may also be useful for creating realistic documents and images that would normally be very difficult to generate.

**What This Means for Visual Content Creators**

Here's what's really important: These upgrades could change things for a lot of different jobs. If you're in content creation, marketing, or design, Nano Banana 2 could really speed things up. If this tech can understand specific instructions and create stunning images, then automated content creation might actually be within reach. Just imagine: banners, social media posts, infographics, all created using some kind of API! With new improvements to AI-generated content, the possibilities may be endless in the future. It could also cut down on time used for production, giving users the ability to come up with more content in greater amount with minimal effort.

If Nano Banana 2 is as good as people say it is, it could get rid of all the boring, manual stuff. Workers would then be able to focus on making specialized content on a large scale. This may be especially useful for smaller businesses that cannot currently afford to create high-quality content with limited funds.

**The Secret Weapon?**

Google hasn't said when they're going to let this out into the wild, but the fact that it keeps leaking suggests it's probably coming pretty soon. Nano Banana is just one part of Gemini's visual abilities. As Google keeps improving their AI, it'll likely combine text, videos, and pictures under the Gemini name. There is a chance that Google may be working on a better version to make sure to avoid all potential problems.

**What's Next?**

As AI continues to change, and with the arrival of Nano Banana 2, we're seeing visual AI become way more advanced. From understanding physics to creating infographics, Nano Banana 2's capabilities suggest that AI can not only create visuals but also understand them much like people do. Everyone's excited to see what Google ends up doing with it. If these leaks are true, Nano Banana 2 is going to be awesome, and it might be here sooner than we think. Overall, content creation may be completely reinvented in the near future because of upgrades to AI platforms.

6.iPhone Pocket Debuts: Stylish and Convenient Way to Carry Your iPhone 

**Apple and ISSEY MIYAKE Just Dropped an iPhone Pocket – Seriously!**

So, get this: Apple and ISSEY MIYAKE, the crazy cool Japanese fashion brand, teamed up. And what did they make? An iPhone Pocket. Yeah, you read that right. It's dropping soon. This isn't just your average phone case. It's like, a fashion statement you can wear that also, you know, holds your phone. It's a limited edition thing, made with this awesome 3D-knitted stuff. Think ISSEY MIYAKE's mind-blowing fabric tech meets Apple's super simple style. They were inspired by just a piece of cloth. Pretty neat, huh?

It'll be up for grabs on Friday, November 14th. You can snag one at some Apple Stores and on apple.com in a bunch of countries – France , China, Italy, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, the UK, and the U.S. Just in time for the holidays, if you're looking for a gift that's a little different.

**How It's Made?**

These pockets are made in Japan. ISSEY MIYAKE put a lot of work . It's got this ribbed, stretchy thing going on. It kinda reminds you of their pleated clothes since it stretches to fit whatever iPhone you've got. But wait, there's additional. It can fit other stuff, too! Like your AirPods, cards, keys. So, it's useful.

When the fabric stretches, you can kinda see what's inside. You can peek at your iPhone screen. It still feels kinda private. ISSEY MIYAKE likes making things that aren't too clearly defined. They want you to decide how you want to use it.

Yoshiyuki Miyamae (MIYAKE DESIGN STUDIO’s design big shot, it gives you “the joy of wearing iPhone in your own way.” It’s supposed to be simple which allows for people to have interpretations and possibilities.

**Wear it How You Want**

You can hold it, attach it to your bag, or wear it. Do whatever feels right. It's light and comfy. You can dress it up or dress it down. It goes with anything.

They didn't skimp on colors, either. The short strap version comes in 8 shades: lemon, mandarin, purple, pink, peacock, sapphire, cinnamon, and black. The one with the long strap? The sapphire, cinnamon, and black. So you can mix and match.

“The colors were all designed to match with all our iPhone models and colors,” according to Molly Anderson (Apple’s vice president). “Its recognizable shape has a new method to carry your iPhone, AirPods, and everyday staples.”

**Good Design**

Apple and ISSEY MIYAKE just click. They care about making things right and simple. Both are known for having new ideas. The iPhone Pocket is a perfect combination.

Apple assisted with insight within design and production. The iPhone Pocket still carries ISSEY MIYAKE’s art.

**Where To buy**

Since it's a limited thing, they won't be around forever. The short strap ones $149.95 and the long strap versions are $229.95.

They go on sale November 14th. You can ask an Apple person online or in store for design questions.

**You can buy it at these Apple Stores:**

*   Apple Canton Road, Hong Kong

*   Apple Ginza, Tokyo

*   Apple Jing’an, Shanghai

*   Apple Marché Saint-Germain, Paris

*   Apple Myeongdong, Seoul

*   Apple Orchard Road, Singapore

*   Apple Piazza Liberty, Milan

*   Apple Regent Street, London

*   Apple SoHo, New York City

*   Apple Xinyi A13, Taipei

**Carry Your iPhone in Style**

The iPhone Pocket is a cool way to carry your phone. It is design, useful, and expressive.

7.Sony’s PlayStation Platform Sees Strong First‑Half Growth; PS5 Lifetime Sales Pass 84 M 

Big news from Sony! They're raking in the dough, especially over in their gaming division. They've upped their sales predictions for the whole year, which is awesome.

What's doing so well, you ask? A mix of things. People are buying more games, and PlayStation Plus subscriptions are way up. But let's talk about Ghost of Yōtei-- it's a new game and sold 3.3 million copies in its first month! That's huge for them.

**Breaking Down Those Numbers**

Over the last six months (ending September 30, 2025), Sony's Game & Network Services (G&NS) brought in about $13.6 billion. That’s a 5.2% jump from last year. Their profits also went up by 31.3%, hitting $1.7 billion. Games and online services are really paying off for them.

Looking at just the July-September time frame, sales were still good at $7.19 billion (up 3.7%). The profit for that period dipped a bit (around 13.2%) to $780 million. Apparently, they had some losses with Bungie (the guys behind Destiny 2). Even with that bump in the road, things are still looking great overall.

Because everything's looking good, Sony revised their sales projection for the whole G&NS year upward to around $28.5 billion. They had predicted less, but they are now more confident.

**PlayStation Plus & Games: The Powerhouse Duo**

PlayStation Plus is a cash cow. In the last quarter, revenue from the service bumped up around 13.7% to $1.1 billion. They've got 119 million monthly active users now. That's an increase of a few million since last year.

And then there are game sales. Sales went up about 2.7% to $4 billion. People are still buying physical copies (up 2.9% to $228.7 million. But most folks are buying digital copies and add-ons: those sales are up 1.6% to $3.68 billion

In terms of units, Sony sold around 80.3 million copies of games in the last quarter, beating last year's 77.7 million. A chunk of those (6.3 million) were Sony-made games, boosted by the launch of Ghost of Yōtei. The game's doing incredibly well.

**Ghost of Yōtei: The New Kid on the Block**

This game is selling like hotcakes! Released in October, Ghost of Yōtei moved 3.3 million copies in a single month. That's proof that exclusive games still get people excited, invest into a console, and get sales going.

Sony hasn't gotten into specifics on the regional sales numbers, but it's safe to say the game's a hit worldwide. It may be the start of a big franchise for them.

**PS5 Stays Strong**

The PlayStation 5 is still going strong. They moved 6.4 million units in the first half of the year, which is a little better than last year. Nearly 4 million of those were sold in the last quarter, putting the total number of PS5s out there at 84.2 million.

Hardware sales brought in $1.4 billion, which is a 5.8% increase. The PS5 is doing well, even as it gets older.

**The Big Picture**

Because of how things are going, Sony's feeling good about the future, with a solid lineup of games and a growing PlayStation Plus user base.

The downside is always the risk involved with buying studios and investing in those live service type games that keep getting updates. Sony has got to find a balance between those games and the single-player games to keep everyone happy.

The holiday season is right around the corner, and Sony's in a good place. No matter if it's hardware (the PS5), software (games), or online services (PS Plus), PlayStation is still the king in the gaming world.

8.Sony Acknowledges Bungie Acquisition Setback, Reports Impairment Loss 

Sony's big Bungie buy – wasn't exactly a home run, huh? Remember when Sony dropped $3.6 billion on Bungie, the guys who made Destiny 2? Everyone thought it was this huge move to dominate those live-service games. Well, fast forward a little over two years, and Sony's kind of scratching their heads, wondering if it was such a great idea after all.

Basically, in their recent financial report, Sony admitted they had to write down some of Bungie's value. Which is business speak for Bungie isn't doing as well as we thought it would.

**What Went Wrong with Destiny 2?**

During a Q&A call about the money stuff, Sony's money guy, Lin Tao, was pretty blunt. He said Destiny 2 hasn't been pulling in the sales or keeping players hooked like they'd hoped. He blamed it partly on games like Destiny 2 getting too popular, but whatever the reason, they've lowered their expectations for Bungie and had to adjust some things on the books.

It seems like Destiny 2's popularity took a nosedive after that big The Final Shape update. Once the main story wrapped up, a lot of players just moved on. The whole idea was for Bungie to lead the way in live-service games for Sony, but it just hasn't worked out that way.

Sony wanted Bungie to help them create a bunch of cool multiplayer and live-service games. But a lot of those projects got canned. The only big game Bungie's been working on for Sony, called Marathon, has had its share of problems, with people accusing them of copying ideas and just generally not being very creative.

**Sony Takes Control**

So, what's Sony doing about it? They're bringing Bungie closer to home. Sony is keeping a closer eye on things and making sure Bungie's plans are in line with what they want to achieve.

This is a change from how Sony usually handles buying studios. They usually let them do their own thing. But with Destiny 2 not doing so hot and no new hit games coming out, Sony's decided to step in and offer some guidance. They're hoping that by working more closely with the PlayStation Studios team, they can get Bungie back on track.

**Good News on Other Fronts**

It's not all doom and gloom for Sony's gaming division. Lin Tao pointed out that Helldivers 2 has been a massive win, especially now that it's on Xbox. “Helldivers 2 is doing extremely well, not only attracting users on Xbox, but also seeing increased from players on PS5 and PC,” Tao said. This has led to a big jump in sales compared to last year.

This game is resonating with players across different platforms, and provides a fun and amazing approach. Its success just goes to show the value of releasing games on multiple platforms and making sure the multiplayer experience is top-notch. Sony might start doing this with more games.

Another hit for Sony is Ghost of Yōtei. The game has sold 3.3 million copies since it came out on October 2, and both critics and players love it. Tao called it “a major hit ”, which just proves that Sony still knows how to make great single-player games with awesome stories.

**What’s Next for Sony?**

This past quarter shows that Sony's gaming strategy has its ups and downs. Buying Bungie seemed great at the time, but it's turned out to be a lesson about how hard it is to guess what the market will do and how to bring studios together. But the success of games like Helldivers 2 and Ghost of Yōtei shows that Sony still has what it takes to make great games that people want to play.

Tao said that they want to build on their recent wins and make their studios this recent success to get better.

So, Sony needs to find a balance between trying new things and being smart about where they put their money. The Bungie thing might be a setback, but it's a chance to learn and remember that in the gaming world, making quality games that players love is the most important thing.

9.Nintendo Switch 2 Firmware 21.0.0 Now Available: Full Patch Notes Released 

Nintendo just dropped a pretty big update for the Switch and Switch 2 – they're calling it Version 21.0.0. It came out on November 10th, 2025, and it's got a bunch of tweaks and additions all over the place, from how things look on the screen to making it easier for everyone to use, even with some handicaps or disabilities. Oh, and they messed with the GameChat a bit, plus some behind-the-scenes stuff. They even threw in some new languages, so that's cool.

Usually, these updates are just fixing stuff you don't even see, but this one? This one's actually got some changes you'll notice right away. Looks like Nintendo's trying to keep things fresh, especially with the Switch 2 getting more popular.

**Home Screen and Downloads**

First thing you might spot: little icons show up over your game icons now. One indicates if that's a game you physically own, another one indicates if you downloaded the game from the eShop. It’s easy to differentiate and help you keep your digital games organized so you can get to your games faster.

They also made dealing with downloads less of a drag. If you have a bunch of stuff downloading all at once, you can just hit one button to cancel them all. Way better than having to do it one by one!.

If you got a Switch bundle with a game download, there's now a Get Software icon on the home screen when you set up your profile. Click that, and it takes you straight to the eShop to grab your free stuff. Or if you want, you can just go to the eShop the old-fashioned way.

**Friends and Chatting**

They also tweaked the social stuff a bit. When you go to add a friend, the People You've Played With search now includes folks you met in GameChat rooms that your other friends own. It's a small addition, but makes it a bit easier to make online friends.

Speaking of GameChat, that got a bit of work, too. The Switch won't go to sleep in the middle of a chat anymore, which is nice. And you can turn off this weird Chat Audio Panning thing if it bugs you. Gives you more control over the sound.

Coolest of all: GameChat keeps going even if you switch from playing on your TV (docked) to playing handheld, or on a table. The session will still be going on after you play on the handheld version. It will also do this with the wireless setting. This is great if you move around while you play.

**Making it Easier to Use for Everyone**

Nintendo’s trying to make the Switch more accessible. If you turn on Text to Speech, the Switch will now read out loud what those suggested words are on the Japanese keyboard. That’s a big help if you have trouble seeing.

They also cranked up the max speed for Text-to-Speech. Now you can set it to 400% speed, up from 300%. More options are always good.

Also, in the sound settings, you can now tweak the audio on the Switch 2 Pro Controller when it's wireless. You can pick Stable for good sound all the time, or Low Latency to cut down on delays. The Low Latency is good for fast-paced games, but it might not sound as good if there's a lot of interference.

**Screen Stuff**

They cleaned up the display settings a bit. HDR Output is now System Screen's HDR Output, which makes more sense. The screen for setting your screen size got a makeover too, so it's easier to get it just right.

Here's a weird one: some people who dig into the Switch code (Dataminer OatmealDome) found that you can now see how bright things are when you mess with the HDR settings on your TV. Sounds like it got lost in translation in the official notes. If you have a fancy TV, this might be cool for getting the best picture.

**Notifications and Other Settings**

The Platinum Points alerts are now called Nintendo Switch Online Notifications. Makes sense, since it covers more than just points.

The Stop Charging at 90% setting got a minor tweak. It’s now Stop Charging Around 80-90%. Maybe it's a bit smarter about how it keeps your battery healthy.

**New Languages**

The Switch now speaks Thai and Polish! You'll only see those languages in games that support them, but it's cool to see Nintendo adding more.

**The Usual Stuff**

Like always, they snuck in some stability improvements to make things run smoother. You never really know what they do, but hopefully it means fewer crashes and glitches.

This update comes after Version 20.5.0, which came out back in September. That one was mostly behind-the-scenes stuff. But Version 21.0.0 feels like a bigger deal, with changes that actually make a difference in how you use the Switch.

So, whether you've had a Switch since day one or you just picked up a Switch 2, this update's got something for you. It makes the whole system a little better, from easier downloads to more languages and better chat. Looks like Nintendo’s listening to what people want and trying to make the Switch the best it can be.

10.Verizon Leaks November Pixel Update Details Ahead of Official Rollout 

Verizon kind of messed up and spilled the beans on the November 2025 Pixel update before Google could even say anything! Can you believe it? They accidentally put all the details on their website, like the list of changes and all those code numbers, for everyone to see. But don't worry, the DroidLife guys were quick enough to snag all the info before Verizon caught their mistake and took it down.

Now, what's the deal with this update? Basically, it sounds like Google's been busy fixing some of the annoying little glitches that make your phone act weird. If your Pixel hasn't been running as fast as it should be, this update should help get it back up to speed. And, of course, it'll include the standard monthly security patches that keep the digital nasties away, that's really key. The best part is that there's a chance of an early Pixel Feature Drop showing up. That means we might get a bunch of cool new stuff sooner than we were expecting!

So, let's get into the specifics. What's getting fixed? Well...

**Sound Issues Getting Sorted**

Apparently, some Pixels have had issues with playing sound, with music or videos slowing down or getting choppy. Super annoying, right? Nobody wants their music messed up. This update should take care of those problems.

Here's a list of phones that should receive these audio fixes:

*   Pixel Fold

*   Pixel 9a

*   Pixel 9 Pro Fold

*   Pixel 9 Pro / XL

*   Pixel 9

*   Pixel 8a

*   Pixel 8 Pro

*   Pixel 8

**Battery and Charging Improvements**

Google isn't saying too much exactly, but they're claiming they've worked to make your battery last longer, and made charging better too. What this means is that maybe we can quit charging the phone so much because this thing should last longer. Plus, I really hope they fix the inaccurate battery indicator. Nothing's worse than thinking you are sitting at 20% and then the phone just dies.

**Rainbow camera effect Begone**

If you've got one of the newer Pixels, you might have noticed some odd rainbow-like effects in your photos, mostly when using the wide-angle or zoom lenses . Sorry to say, but it is not some cool art project, it's a bug. This update tackles it directly.

Here are the devices that will be getting this camera fix:

*   Pixel 10 Pro / XL

*   Pixel 10

*   Pixel 9a

*   Pixel 9 Pro Fold

*   Pixel 9 Pro / XL

*   Pixel 9

**Background Bugs Fixed**

These following touches are on the software side of things. You might not see these, but they have a material effect:

1.  Some apps are flat-out just not opening. This makes many people quite upset, and it should be fixed now.

2.  The webcam mode has had problems with some devices. This update is meant to fix that.

The good news is that every Pixel phone gets these improvements. Nice!

**Security Updates**

Just like with all other updates, this one's got the latest security updates from Android. They're super important to have, as they'll help defend your phone from digital bad guys. Google is working hard on security, and will defend your phone. It's good to know your are defended.

**Here are those Build Numbers...**

For anyone who's interested, Verizon leaked the build numbers for the update. You can use these to make sure your phone's updated correctly.

*   BP3A.251105.015

    *   Pixel 7a

    *   Pixel 8

    *   Pixel 8 Pro

    *   Pixel 8a

    *   Pixel 9

    *   Pixel 9 Pro / XL

    *   Pixel 9 Pro Fold

    *   Pixel 9a

    *   Pixel Fold

*   BD3A.251105.010.E1

    *   Pixel 10

    *   Pixel 10 Pro / XL

    *   Pixel 10 Pro Fold

It seems like the Pixel 6 and 7 aren't on that first list, but they should be getting the update pretty soon. Verizon said that the update will start rolling out on November 10, so we shouldn't have too long to wait.

**The Early Pixel Drop Chance..**

Okay, so there's a little talk that Google could be dropping a Pixel Feature Drop early. So what's that? It is like an cool update with new, exclusive, capabilities for your pixel phones. Fingers crossed! If these rumors are right, then we might get a new camera options with cool new ways to make a personalized phone.

**In a Nutshell...**

We got an early look at the November 2025 Pixel update because Verizon jumped the gun. Get ready for some fixes to slow performance, plus camera problems and app crashes. Battery life should also improve. Now you will get more time playing mobile games. Also included are the latest security patches. Who knows, maybe we will even get a Pixel Drop. Which will make this update even more exciting.

When the update's ready for your phone, you'll get a notification. So, don't miss it. All indications point to this update being well worth getting because of all the bug fixes, plus the new features if the Pixel Drop is real.

11.Pokémon GO Wild Area 2025: Global Prep Guide for Trainers 

The Pokémon GO Wild Area 2025 Global event is coming on November 15th and 16th. If you're wanting to do well, you need to get ready *now*. We're talking about tough raids, rare Pokémon appearing everywhere, and better odds of getting cool shinies. Plus the habitats are swapping really fast, like two different ones switching every hour. There are so many choices available and you will not want to miss many! Whether you're a super experienced Pokémon player or just want to have some fun, getting ready will allow you to score big and also have a fun experience. You do wish to the most out of it, right?

**Get all your stuff: The Backpack Checklist**

Alright, let's do this. First, the basics: Poké Balls. I mean, a *ton* of them. Seriously, aim for hundreds! Great and Ultra Balls for sure, think of those as your go to when trying to catch. It's the worst feeling when you run out while playing. Next, Potions and Revives? Don't grab too many, you'll get a ton just from the raids. What you don't get from those is what you should worry about. Berries and Evolution items, just keep some, but no need to get too many, okay? Maybe like 30 of each, this will help you overall.

Have some Rare Candy just sitting there? Then use it! If you're going to use Dialga and Origin Forme Palkia Effects, then those candies are great for leveling it up. Using them ends up freeing up bag space since you're using the candies.

**Friends are Great: Get Free Goodies With Them**

Open and send gifts *every day* so you can collect as many Poké Balls as possible. Send as many gifts as the game allows and don't hold back! Post your friend code on social media, join any local groups that have the game. More friends gives you more gifts, and the more that you get, the better chance of a awesome Pokémon. You got it? Having others will help get you ready!

**Start Up: Time to get Boosts**

Get Incense, Star Pieces, and Lucky Eggs ahead of time, before the event. The game lets you use several at once, so jump on the chance and as soon as the event starts, use them all. This makes sure that they're up all day. Incense is the best when it comes to more spawns, so remember to keep it running.

**Let's Raid: So Many Boss Fights**

Wild Area 2025 Global will have Gigantamax Grimmsnarl showing up in Max Battles, and Shadow Darkrai and Shadow Cresselia are gonna be in Raids. That means you need Raid Passes and Max Particles. Get them soon! Don't be that person and wait till the second to buy coins. Get ready so you can quickly get in battles when the events start without losing any possible fights.

Use your free Raid Passes when you get them, but always have premium ones ready in case you don't want to pass up a good battle. Max Particles are important for the Gigantamax battles, so check and make sure that you have enough before the event.

**Egg Hunts: So Much Hatching**

Some Pokémon will only come out of Eggs. This gives a special chance given to those who buy the ticket. Make sure that you have egg space before the event and plan if you want to buy extra Incubators. Do you want to buy a ton of eggs? You're going to be walking a lot, so put Eggs into your default Incubator and get going whenever you can.

**Time to Clean: Bag Space is Important.**

Since you're catching a lot of Pokémon, clean some bag space. Be honest with yourself, are you going to use that Pidgey? Save only good ones if you are keeping up with a Living dex. If not, then throw those Community Day shinies and send it to Pokémon HOME or Professor Willow.

Trade the rare Pokémon with your friends, sometimes stats change after. Morning of event, make as much space in your bag as you can, if you don't you will fill it fast.

What Spinda patterns do you need to keep? Only keep one of the costume Pokémon. Remember to keep boys and girls for those, if the versions are gender based. Purify the Shadow Pokémon you don't need and transfer them, mostly the ones that cost 1,000 stardust. That dust is for saving, and to use for the perfect ones.

**Strategic Buddies: Choose Wisely**

Think about your Buddy Pokémon option. Make them a Great Buddy if you're doing raids all day. This is because of their Buddy Assist, which will help catch the boss from the raid.

Don't pick a Buddy that's popular. Adventure Effects from Origin Forme Palkia (more spawn range) and Dialga (longer item durations) are the best ones. Spawns is what people want, but do what *you* want.

Always have enough stardust and candy before using the Effects. Rare Candy will help if you don't.

**Habitat Hopping: Being there helps.**

Wild Area 2025 Global gives event to habitat zones that change every hour:

| Time           | Habitat           |

| :------------- | :---------------- |

| 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. | Lurking Dark Hour |

| 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Fanciful Fairy Hour |

| 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. | Lurking Dark Hour |

| 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.  | Fanciful Fairy Hour |

| 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.  | Lurking Dark Hour |

| 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.  | Fanciful Fairy Hour |

| 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.  | Lurking Dark Hour |

| 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.  | Fanciful Fairy Hour |

The spot where the Pokémon are spawning is important, so plan around it. If you're not wanting to catch those Pokémon, eat, relax, or make bag space.

**Time for Shinies: A list guide**

Write a list before the event. Open your Pokédex and write down the ones that are missing. New shinies for Wild Area 2025 Global include:

*   Imidimp

*   Hatenna

*   Unown W

*   Tinkatink

*   Costume Bewear (in Raids)

People will want these, so get them now, if you want to make trades.

**Catches to Look For: What's Important**

Here's what important to catch:

*   Gigantamax Grimmsnarl (Max Battles)

*   Shadow Darkrai and Shadow Cresselia (Raids)

*   The new shinies and costume Pokémon

*   Pokémon that are good for raids and PvP battles

*   Rare Pokémon for trades

If you come ready, Wild Area 2025 will be good. Clean your bag, set your items up, make a plan, and get ready!

12.PokéPark Kanto, a New Pokémon Theme Park, Set to Open This February 

**Hey Pokémon Trainers! PokéPark Kanto is Coming to Tokyo in 2026!**

Big news, Pokémon fans! The Pokémon Company just announced that PokéPark Kanto is coming! Mark your calendars for February 5th, 2026, because that's when the park is set to open in Yomiuriland Amusement Park in Tokyo. This won't be a temporary thing The park's opening has fans from all corners of the world excited.

Getting tickets right now is somewhat complicated. If you're already living in Japan, you can enter a lottery starting November 21st, 2025, for a chance to grab tickets. If you are planning to visit Japan and want to buy in the lottery but don't have a Japanese address, you can ask someone in Japan to help you with that, or hire a reliable concierge service. If you live elsewhere, the English website just says, Coming Soon. Keep an eye on it for updates, and hopefully, more information from international tickets will come out soon. 2026 will be the year for you to go to Tokyo!

**So, What’s the Big Deal?**

Here's the thing: PokéPark Kanto is the first permanent outdoor Pokémon park *ever*. A lot of temporary exhibitions and pop-up shops have come and gone, but never has there been a sustainable park. It's designed to be a real location that brings the Pokémon world to life, where you can meet Pikachu and Charmander.

The Park itself is divided into two main parts: Pokémon Forest and Sedge Town. Each has a distinct vibe and different things to do.

**Pokémon Forest: Go on an Adventure**

Can you see yourself walking through a forest and bumping into life-sized Pokémon? In Pokémon Forest, you can experience that. Instead of robots or augmented reality, you're on a laid-back nature path where you can see Pokémon statues hidden in trees and bushes.

Picture Pikachu, Eevee, and Nidoran chilling among the plants. It's made to feel like you're going on a real safari. This is ideal for families and people who both like nature and Pokémon. Remember to bring your camera for photos!

**Sedge Town: Shops, Rides, and So Much More!**

Sedge Town is the park's, exciting part. It looks like the towns in the Pokémon games. You'll see a Pokémon Center and Poké Mart that sell cool items, themed snacks, and collections. It's all about catching everything!

Sedge Town also has two major attractions:

*   **Pika Pika Paradise:** All about Pikachu. There are bright colors, mild excitement, and all the electric-type fun you could potentially want.

*   **Vee Vee Voyage:** This ride is based on Eevee and its various forms. It's possible to go through different paths or scenes depending on which Eeveelutions you pick. Every way to get involved is available.

Sedge Gym is a place where they put on shows. I'm unsure of all the details, but I assume there will be people dressed as trainers, music, and Pokémon appearing. It seems like there may be a show you can take part in.

**Back to the Kanto Region**

PokéPark Kanto is not just a random name. The park is an ode to the Kanto region from the first Pokémon games, like Red, Blue, and Yellow. Everything in the park is intended to evoke that nostalgic atmosphere while remaining pleasant for new players whether you go to Pokémon Forest or look at the layout of the town.

It is an expression of nostalgia for earlier franchise fans, though new fans will also like it.

**How to Obtain Tickets**

Currently, only Japanese residents are permitted to participate in the ticket lottery that begins on November 21. The Pokémon Company seeks to prepare, manage the rush, and ensure that everything proceeds smoothly at first. The positive aspect is that they provide an English version of their webpage.

Tickets are likely to be very hard to come by. If you're trying to plan a trip for 2026, keep an eye out for formal announcements and be prepared to get tickets when they go on sale.

**But Should You go?**

PokéPark Kanto is a big thing for Pokémon fans. For years, people have wondered what it would be like to live in the Pokémon world. There are shows, video games, and toys, but there's never been an actual park.

This is a place to enjoy Pokémon with family, where young children can meet their characters, and where adults can feel their childhood nostalgia.

**In Conclusion**

PokéPark Kanto sounds like a great experience whether you've been a Pokémon trainer from the beginning or are just becoming interested in the franchise. It is a great blend of nostalgia and a new experience that has a calming character given the Pokémon Forest and an exciting and refreshing tone when visiting Sedge Town.

If you decide to take your vacation in Tokyo in 2026, consider visiting this tourist spot. Maybe it's time for a visit even if you weren't considering it.

13.ClickFix Could Be the Most Dangerous App You’ve Never Heard Of 

There's this really awful thing going around called ClickFix, and it's becoming a total drag. The security people are saying it's gotten seriously bad in the last year. It's a pain because it messes with both Macs and Windows, and it's really good at getting past most security stuff. The messed-up thing is, it tricks *you* into infecting your own computer. How crazy is that?

Okay, here’s how it goes down: These con artists try to talk you into copying and pasting a single line of code into your computer's terminal thing. On Windows, that’s the Command Prompt; if you are using a Mac then it is the Terminal app. It sounds innocent, but don't you fall for it. This little copy-paste trick lets malware sneak in and steal your passwords, turn your computer into a remote-control zombie for some hacker, or even worse. And the worst part? You might not even know you've been hit.

**Let's Break Down This ClickFix Scam**

Where does this all begin? Almost all the time, things start off with something that looks totally real. Check this out: an email that seems to be from your hotel. It could even have correct booking information, so it looks legit. Or maybe you see WhatsApp messages or links popping up in Google search results, a sneaky plan where these criminals actually pay to get their fake sites at the very top of the search results.

You click on the link, and it takes you to a website that looks like one of those CAPTCHA things (where you have to prove you're a real human). However, in place of clicking on pictures of storefronts, you are tasked with random tasks and instructed to open your terminal, paste in the code, and then press Enter. As soon as you do that, BAM! You just gave them access. That little command tells your computer to phone up hacker servers, grab malware without you knowing, and set it up fast.

**Why Does This Work So Well?**

The reason it is so successful is because of how simple it is. Many of us know that we are not supposed to click on weird links, but we might not think twice about using instructions from a hotel or something from a Google search. That line of code? Usually, it's all jumbled up so that it is not easy to understand.

That command runs where scripts should be safe. This puts the malware in place using simple computer tools. Your computer doesn't see any dangerous files.

**Macs, Too? Seriously?**

Yeah, sorry to break it to you, ClickFix scams don't care what kind of computer you've got. One time, there was a Mac scam that used malware called Shamos. It steals your passwords, sets up fake crypto wallets, turns your computer into a robot in an army, and messes with your settings, so it sticks around even after you've restarted it.

And then there was this time when some bad guys hacked into real hotel accounts on Booking.com. Then, they used that booking information to message guests. It had all the right stuff; even the dates were correct. If anyone clicked those links, they were taken to a fake CAPTCHA page that looked like something from Cloudflare. After that, they pasted in that line, and BOOM, PureRAT was downloaded.

Reports show that those tricks operate differently between Windows and Mac, constantly shifting and adapting.

**It's All About Trust and Catching You Off Guard**

ClickFix scams work by using your trust from links. If the message seems like it's from a hotel you know, it seems okay. They aren’t going after problems in the software; they’re going after you.

Hackers are always waiting for the right moment to strike. This includes travel seasons such as school breaks, summer vacation, and holidays. It is very important to know about this before you travel and book.

**How to Stay Safe**

Okay, your antivirus *might* catch it, but don't bet on it. The attacks operate with simple stuff so there is no harmful software at all. This is one thing to always have in the back of your mind: stay alert.

Here are some things to remember to save you:

*   Never copy and paste commands into a terminal if you *don't* know what it's doing. Check the website or personal message to ensure they are who they appear to be.

*   Double-check travel company messages. If you're worried, you can even call them directly or visit their websites on your own.

*   Keep an eye out for CAPTCHAs. They could be a fake.

*   Keep your computer and antivirus program current. But that is not always safe.

*   Spread the word. Many people don't know about this, and spreading this around your friends and family could help.

**Okay, What Happens Next?**

This ClickFix thing shows that this type of crime is getting more crafty. They are constantly coming up with new methods to sneak in. Hackers will always use human interactions to get your info. Going forward, you may possibly see stronger efforts to combat this problem. Keep a watchful eye so that you and your computer are secure.

If you know anyone who might be traveling, please tell them regarding this. Don't fail to speak about this serious issue. You can stay safe if you don't copy anything!

14.Researchers Discover How to Distinguish Memorization from Problem-Solving in AI 

**AI and Math: Are They Really That Smart?**

So, those amazing AI models that are everywhere these days – ever wonder how they handle math problems? It turns out there's a good chance they're not actually thinking it through. A recent study from Goodfire.ai, an AI company, makes this look like it's true: AI models, like the yet-to-be-seen GPT-5, may just be memorizing answers instead of using real reasoning skills to solve them.

What's really interesting is that the people who did the study were able to see that there's a distinction in what they do. Remembering facts and figuring out problems seem to use different routes within the AI's brain – what they call a neural network. The study found that even when doing basic math, the AI seemed to use the same brain networks as when it remembers random pieces of trivia! This is pretty important because it could explain why AI sometimes fails math questions badly, and now know better how to get the AIs to be better.

**The AI Brain: Two Separate Systems?**

When the people who build AI systems train the models, they're trying to instill two important skills into it: memorization (like memorizing facts for trivia night) and reasoning (like using knowledge to solve problems or create something new). Goodfire.ai's study shows that those skills aren't identical - in fact, they seem to be handled by separate parts of the AI's system.

The research scientists used the language model to discover which parts of the model did what. They tracked how much the model on each part on specific actions. The parts that were more important or did more of the work were assigned a larger rating value. Comparatively, the parts that did less work or not as significant were assigned a lower rating value.

The study showed most memorization behavior was in the lower half, and the top 10% was text manipulation. This allowed the research team to surgically remove memorization bits without affecting the rest of the model.

**What If You Erase the AI's Memory?**

Next, they took away the parts of the AI model linked to memorizing things. The AI's ability to remember something word for word was shot. However, it still did pretty well on logic games and figured out complicated rules. This is because it's more about seeing the patterns instead of memorizing facts.

The math scores were seriously impacted! The ability to do math was cut. Models are treating the problem as simple facts and not using mathematics to get the right answer. This is why some models need calculator tools.

The researchers said this is like a student who memorizes their times tables but can't explain multiplication to you. Now, AI Models seem to be pulling information from their databases so they can be correct, instead of discovering the answer for you.

**Inside the AI's Model: Brain Scans**

To understand their work, the team did what they referred to as a loss landscape. Consider tweaking some countless machine knobs and each setting impacted the errors it makes. A loss landscape is an error map and the different combinations of knobs.

When training, models attempt to set things up to reduce the errors that occurred. The researchers used a fancy technique to see the change and performance that occurred in the models. Big changes meant facts that were memorized, while smaller adjustments showed reasoning was taking place.

They discovered memorized facts made spikes in the terrain, while reasoning made smoother hills. It is a single knob turn when it comes to memorization and reasoning is all knobs adjusting.

**Testing the Conclusion**

To confirm everything, testing was conducted on different AI systems and was tested on vision models (image recognition). They intentionally mislabeled images to force the model to memorize incorrect information. Then they compared their approach to others.

Ditching the low-curvature parts cut down how much memorized stuff the models recalled, while completing things such as logic puzzles and benchmarks.

Pulling facts from memory, or doing math really hurt. If the model got it right, it could choke.

**Not All Memory is Equal Here**

Funnily enough, deleting some of the AI's memories didn't affect all its knowledge in the same way. It could still remember common facts, like capital cities, but it had trouble recollecting unusual stuff, It means AI models prioritize what it remembers based on the training.

However, if they got some outside help, the models still thrived! The performance of the model stayed put.

The K-FAC tech was way better than BalancedSubnet at removing memorized content. K-FAC did lower memorization, and they didn't need examples to find how it works.

**The Vision is All the Same Here**

The researchers looked at different vision models and found the same thing happening. When the models were trained on wrong info, they made pathways to memorize labels and the different patterns. By eliminating the memorization pathways, they fixed the images.

**What's Next? Limitations**

This isn't perfect work necessarily because the memories can always sneak in when the model does training. These AI models are able to hide the data they memorized rather than completely remove it.

As a result, their approach may be mistaken higher-level thinking. The math that they used may be unreliable and impact the results.

However, there are benefits to this. Imagine being able to get rid of data that included sensitive information or copyrights from AI models while still keeping their performance. Furthermore, a new way to help better understand how the AI stores the information it receives.

**In Conclusion**

Goodfire.ai's recent research has advanced how we understand AI works. By finding separate ways that reasoning and memorizing can happen, they've made a way to edit models and make them safer and smarter for everyone. As AI grows faster, we need to determine key factors that involve the technology for the best possible outcome!

15.Google Cracks Down on Hidden Battery Drainers in Android Apps 

**Google Play Store is Getting Serious About Battery-Hogging Apps**

Ever feel like you're glued to a charger? Well, Google's finally doing something about those apps that are constantly sucking the life out of your battery. Seriously, it's about time! Starting March 1, 2026, they're putting in place some new rules to make apps play nice with your phone's power.

Basically, if an app is going crazy with something called wake locks, it's going to get penalized. What are wake locks? I'll explain that right now!. The simplest way to explain it is that Google Play Store will make these apps harder to find when someone searches for it. Some might even get a Scarlet Letter, so to speak, labeled This app destroys battery! The aim of this is for Google to inspire developers to make apps that are a little more conservative with your battery life. Ultimately, they want everyone to see which apps on their phone are secretly draining their battery.

**Wake Locks: What Are These Things?**

Okay, so imagine a wake lock like an app repeatedly shouting at your phone, Hey! Don't go to sleep! I'm still doing stuff! And for certain things, wake locks are absolutely crucial. When you're listening to Spotify, trying to download a big file, or using Google Maps to find your way, you don't want your screen to keep turning off. That would be so annoying!

But the deal is, some apps abuse wake locks way too much. They keep your phone awake far longer than necessary and for no good reason . This is why your battery is always dead! These apps can be tough to identify, and often developers can't fix the issue. Google's taking the initiative and stepping in with these new methods that monitor how apps are using wake locks.

**What's Going to Change in the Play Store?**

Alright, here’s the gist of how it's all going to work:

Google will start watching how long apps keep wake locks active. If an app holds a wake lock for a cumulative of over two hours in a day *without* needing it, Google's going to flag it for using up an excessive amount of battery. What happens then? Here's what expect.

*   **Hidden From View**: People definitely will have a difficult time encountering these apps on the Play Store. They won't land on any recommendations that's shown, and may not even pop up on the best performing chart.

*   **Warning Labels**: The app's listing on the Play Store will have a flashing signs warning users that the app consumes battery life faster than a toddler eats sweets.

Google is clearly indicating that battery behavior of apps is now an essential attribute for deciding what apps are good overall. Before this, Google would inspect if an app would crash, or how fast it responds. This is a complete 180!

**For All You App Creators Out There...**

If you create apps for a living, then be sure to pay attention to how your apps affecting the resources of different phones. Should your apps be processing information or working for an extended amount of time, then you best have a good reason for using wake locks. If not, be prepared for the negative reception.

Google is advising developers to audit their apps and making sure that they're not too hard on using all the power. They are listing the following reminders:

*   Only enable wake locks when absolutely required.

*   Disable any wake locks the instant the tasks are completed.

*   Look into better replacements providing better controls for background tasks.

These guidelines aim to have the apps be well-performing while having acceptable battery performance, without having to decrease any feature.

**What About My Smartwatch?**

So right now, the new wake lock rules only apply to devices. Wear OS is getting similar treatment as well. A Wear OS app can expect a warning to show up if battery performance drops lower than 4.44% per hour.

This is a big deal, especially because a Smartwatch can barely house a battery. Because of this, Google is ensuring the rules of phones apply to watches, setting different barometers for app usage in both mediums.

**So, Why Do I Care?**

You might actually care about this, and here's why these changes will improve your phone's ecosystem:

*   **Longer usage**: Phones will be working more efficiently, with apps no longer keeping system modules awake. Your phone or device might keep a charge for more extended amounts of time! This is especially the case when your devices are running on older hardware.

*   **Transparency**: Before downloading anything, you will be alerted if an app can potentially cause battery drain, based on user reviews. No more surprise!

*   **Improved Store suggestions**: Apps that save the most power can be potentially suggested to you by the store itself.

All these improvements couldn't be at a better time, especially in today's life. Devices are essentials nowadays, and it's comforting to know that you have to charge it less.

**Apps Are Catching Up**

This push from Google indicates new devices are improving power management. The app market can also be seeing an increase from new wake-lock regulations from Google.

**What Can You Do Now?**

Remember, this new change isn't going to happen until next year. But here are somethings you can start to put in place!

*   Access your app's settings to improve the background processing and permissions granted.

*   Look at apps that will constantly run in the background, and start to remove them.

*   Utilize Android management tools, and put restrictions on background apps.

*   Keep an eye for Android updates! New iterations are focused on battery efficiencies.

When these changes start to roll out, make sure to look out for the notification icon!

**In Summary**

Consumers generally have a positive reactions towards the announcement, and are seeing it as an early warning to app creators. With Google now prioritizing battery, the overall ecosystem will become more reliable and have more powerful Android devices.

Ultimately, these enforcement policies are important, enabling your device to continue receiving updates!

16.iOS 26.2 Update: Release Date Officially Announced by Apple 

**Apple iOS 26.2: The December iPhone Update – Here’s What’s Coming**

Okay, so Apple’s got a new iPhone update coming soon: iOS 26.2. What's cool is that Apple actually told us when a big feature will arrive. They said that Live Translation for AirPods is coming to Europe next month in a news post. So, it’s pretty likely iOS 26.2 will drop in December 2025. Good news if you have an iPhone 11 or any of the newer iPhone 17 models – you’re good to go.

Apple didn’t straight-up say Hey, it’s iOS 26.2!, but all signs point to it. The timing lines up, and it's packed with new stuff. Usually, the small updates like iOS 26.1.1 are just for fixing problems. The developer version is already out and regular folks got the test version on November 6th – so things seem to be rolling as planned.

**Release Date: When Can You Get It?**

Apple usually releases these kinds of updates (the x.2 ones) in like early to mid-December, usually on a Monday or Tuesday. Last year they broke the pattern a little, releasing their update on Wednesday, December 11. This year, the test versions were released a bit later, so maybe we'll see it on Monday, December 15, or Tuesday, December 16.

One thing that’s weird, you can’t try the developer version if you have certain modems (the C1 or C1X). That includes some phones like the iPhone 16e, iPhone Air, and the cellular version of the iPad Pro M5. They'll probably fix this quickly so it shouldn’t hold anything up too much.

**Cool Stuff in iOS 26.2**

Apple’s still adding things to the test versions as the rollout approaches, but we already know about some definite improvements. Here's a taste:

1.  **Live Translation for AirPods (Europe Only)**

    So, this is what everyone’s talking about: Live Translation for AirPods in the EU. You can have a conversation, and your AirPods will translate in real-time. This will make talking to people who speak different languages a lot easier. This is a big deal for making things more accessible and for travel. It also kinda shows that Apple is focusing more on AI tools that work in real-time.

2.  **Reminders with Alarms**

    The Reminders app is getting a little more helpful. You can now mark something as urgent, and, your phone will set an alarm. You can also mark things as done right from the alarm notification. It simplifies how you manage tasks and deadlines.

3.  **Offline Lyrics in Apple Music**

    Apple Music will let you see song lyrics even when you don’t have an internet . This is really useful if you listen to music where you don't have . You'll see full-screen artwork for playlists, making the app look nicer and more engaging.

4.  **Sleep Score Changes**

    Apple is changing how they rate your sleep.

    *   An 81-95 score is now High (used to be Excellent).

    *   Scores 96+ are now Very High.

    *   A score of 71, which was High, is now just OK.

    This change is meant to better show true sleep quality, hopefully pushing people to reach for better sleep scores.

5.  **Clock Transparency**

    You’ll be able to change how see-through the Lock Screen clock is when you’re using the Liquid Glass wallpaper. It’s small, but a nice personal touch.

6.  **Apple News Redesign**

    The News app is getting a big makeover. There’s a new search bar and organized topics so you can actually find stuff. A Find More section will suggest things you might like. The goal is to make the app easier to use and understand.

7.  **Encrypted RCS Messaging (Maybe)**

    Encrypted RCS (what Android uses) messaging might show up in iOS 26.2. But, it might rely if your wireless-carrier is supporting it. If it happens, it’s a big step towards more secure messaging between iPhones and Android phones.

8.  **CarPlay Improvements**

    CarPlay will support widget stacks, so you can swipe through different widgets instead of looking away from the while you're driving. It’ll hopefully make using your dashboard in the car safer and faster.

9.  **Changes Just for People in Europe**

    To follow the EU’s Digital Markets Act, Apple will stop syncing Wi-Fi networks in Europe. This is part of adjusting to regulations while keeping region-focused features like Live Translation.

**How Fast Is It? What About Battery Life?**

Early tests appear to show iOS 26.2 has a little performance boost and better battery . It should last longer for folks. The performance improvements might not be earth-shattering, but anything is welcome, especially on older iPhones.

**Final Thoughts**

iOS 26.2 seems like a solid update with useful improvements and user-centered features. Live translation, better sleep data, and reminders will definitely improve user experience in all aspects of the iOS user experience.

We’ll know the exact release date soon. And get your iPhone ready to update.

17.New Venmo Program Offers Cash Back on Debit Card Purchases 

Venmo's got this new thing called Stash, and it's pretty cool. Basically, they're paying you to use your Venmo debit card. Seriously! They just rolled it out, and it sounds like a win. If you shop at certain places and start using Venmo more, they'll give you up to 5% cash back.

This just came out, and what they want is for you to spend more with Venmo. They really want you to use their Venmo Mastercard Debit Card. To make you want to, they give you money in your Venmo balance. Who doesn't want some free cash?

Usually, when you hear about getting cash back, it's about credit cards. But Venmo Stash does it with a debit card. That's actually a big deal. It kind of shows that these money apps are trying to appeal to younger people, especially Gen Z. And lots of Gen Z folks would rather use a debit card than a credit card.

**Why Debit Cards Are Suddenly a Big Deal**

Gen Z is changing things up. Credit cards aren't the only choice anymore. Lots of younger shoppers like debit cards more. A study this year said that only about 40% of Gen Z use credit cards regularly, while over half of older people do. Plus, another survey said that almost two-thirds of Gen Z prefer debit cards.

Because of this, companies have to think differently. They're not just pushing credit card rewards anymore. Now, they're trying debit card perks to do things like buy now, pay later options like Affirm, Klarna, and PayPal Pay Later. They're trying to keep up with what Gen Z likes.

Venmo Stash fits right in with this. The more you use Venmo, the more money back you can get.

**How to Get That Cash**

Venmo Stash has different levels, depending on how much you use the app now:

*   **1% Cash Back:** Just use your Venmo Debit Mastercard from your Venmo balance when you buy something.

*   **2% Cash Back:** Turn on auto reloads. This way, Venmo will add money from your bank when your balance gets low.

*   **5% Cash Back:** Have your paycheck sent straight to your Venmo account each month.

Basically, they want you to move money through Venmo all the time, so it's your main place to spend.

With credit cards, you usually get rewards for specific things (like 3% back on groceries). But Venmo Stash focuses on which stores you shop at. You pick the stores you like to shop at, so your rewards are for the places you go to all the time.

For example, you might have a group with McDonald's, TikTok Shop, Uber, and Uber Eats. Or another could have Amazon, DoorDash, Domino's, and Walgreens. So, you can pick the ones you use the most. That makes it way better for you!

**Venmo vs. the Other Guys**

Venmo is doing this to compete with apps like Cash App, which also gives cash back on its debit card. Venmo wants to keep all its users and get new ones, too, since many people use the app just to send money but don't use the debit card for shopping.

Also, PayPal (which owns Venmo) wants Venmo to be more than just an app for splitting bills. By giving money back for spending, Venmo is trying to be something people use every day.

**What's Next for Venmo Stash**

Venmo plans to give rewards for in-store purchases using Venmo in 2026, so you could use it for in-app payments, too.

**Good for You, Good for Venmo**

It's easy to get cash back without a credit card. Just pick the stores you like, and get more money by using Venmo to pay.

Venmo gets people to use the app more, make bigger purchases, and try more of their services. Giving rewards for auto reloads and direct deposits means people will keep money in their Venmo accounts, which helps everyone.

**All In All**

Venmo Stash shows how money companies are changing to fit what Gen Z wants. They're giving rewards for using debit cards and letting you shop how you want.

If Venmo Stash gets popular, it could be like a plan for other apps. If you already spend money on Venmo or plan to, Venmo Stash seems like a good reason to keep your money all in one place.

18.Get More Cash for Your Old Smartwatch Thanks to Samsung UK’s Improved Trade-Ins 

UK Samsung fans! If you've got an old smartwatch gathering dust in a drawer, now's the time to dig it out. Samsung UK is doing this sweet Black Friday deal where you can trade it in and score up to £170 off one of their spanking new 2025 Galaxy Watches. We're talking the regular Galaxy Watch 8, the cool Watch 8 Classic, and even the super-tough, top-of-the-line Galaxy Watch Ultra.

This isn't some long, drawn-out thing either. It's happening right now on Samsung's UK website, but you only have until November 18th to get in on it.

**Seriously, £100 Minimum, Easy Peasy.**

The best part in my opinion? They're guaranteeing at least £100 off, no matter how ancient your old watch is! Seriously. Maybe you’ve been rocking the same beat-up smartwatch since 2018, and the strap might be held together with tape and hope, no sweat. Samsung's still going to give you at least a hundred quid toward a brand new Galaxy Watch.

And if you happen to have a newer model that still works great? You could get even more – up to £170! It all depends on what you're trading in and what kind of shape it's in when you swap it over for a new one. It's a surprisingly great way to get something back for tech you might have otherwise tossed out.

For those of you who’ve been loyal to Samsung for ages and have an old Galaxy Watch gathering dust, it's a chance to get some real money off a new model. And If you jumped ship to a different brand years ago, this is the perfect time to come home.

**So, What's the Deal with These 2025 Galaxy Watches?**

Let’s break down what the new models are all about, they are interesting little gadgets.

*   **Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic:** These are your everyday, do-everything smartwatches. Good for tracking your steps, getting notifications, paying for coffee, all that stuff. The Watch 8 is sleek and simple and has a great look and feel. The Classic brings back the rotating bezel, which some people love.

*   **Galaxy Watch Ultra:** This one's for the adventurers. It's tougher, has a bigger battery, and has even more fancy sensors for tracking your hikes, swims, and whatever else you get up to. If you like doing anything outdoors, this is what you want on your wrist. It's a proper competitor to some of the super-rugged smartwatches out there.

**But Wait, There's More! (In this normal, not an infomercial, way...)**

Samsung isn't just doing the trade-in thing. They're throwing in a few extra goodies to sweet the deal:

*   **Free Samsung Care+ Trial:** It's like insurance for your watch. You get a free month to see if you like it.

*   **Half-Price Wristband:** Wanna change up the look of your new watch? Pick up another wristband when you buy the watch, and it's half off. Boom, you can match your watch to your favorite outfits.

*   **Bundle Savings:** Buying a new phone, tablet, or computer too? Add a Galaxy Watch to your basket and get 10% off the watch, too!

All these deals vanish on November 18, so don't miss out!

**Why Should You Care?**

In the past, trade-in deals for smartwatches have been pretty rubbish. You barely got anything for your old kit. Samsung raising the minimum trade-in to £100 is a pretty big deal. It shows they're serious about getting people to stick with Galaxy products.

Plus, it's a good thing overall. It means older gadgets don't just end up in the bin. They either get recycled or get a new life, which is better for everyone. You're getting a cheaper upgrade, and you're being a bit greener at the same time.

**The Bottom Line**

If you're thinking about getting a new smartwatch, and you've got an old one lying around, this Samsung Black Friday deal is properly good. You're guaranteed to save at least £100, you might save even more, and you can get other little bonuses on top.

But you need to make a decision, fast. This offer disappears on November 18th. Get to the Samsung website and see how much your old smartwatch is worth!

19.Russian Lawmaker Says Nation Won’t Cut Off From Global Internet Despite Tighter Controls 

Russia just put in place this rule that hands more control over the internet to state watchdogs starting March 1, 2026. Specifically, Roskomnadzor (think of them as Russia's version of the FCC) and the Ministry of Digital Development can step in and run the show if there's a major disaster.

Now, what kind of disaster are we talking about? Imagine big outages, cyberattacks, or even when important systems fail, making websites inaccessible both in Russia and abroad. The Federal Security Service (FSB) would also get to call the shots if they needed to shut down the internet altogether during these severe situations.

Because of how this new rule is phrased, people are getting a little anxious. Does this mean Russia might actually cut itself off from the worldwide web? But Sergei Boyarsky, a politician from the United Russia party and head of the State Duma’s info policy group, is trying to calm everyone down. He told TASS, a state-run news outlet, that they're not even thinking about isolating the Russian internet. According to him the goal is to make sure everything runs well and stable.

**It's all about becoming more self-reliant, so they claim.**

Boyarsky explains that this new rule is patching things up from the 2019 laws that created Russia's sovereign internet law. The idea behind that law was to make Russia’s internet more self-supporting, strong enough to keep working even if there are troubles from other countries.

Boyarsky states that the government has been fighting cyberattacks and cleaning up the internet. Still people can visit foreign sites and enjoy foreign services. This new rule isn't a change of plans.

He was responding to Alexei Chepa, another politician who wondered if Russia should disconnect from the internet during the upcoming elections if foreign countries try to meddle. Chepa's comment stirred up the conversation again about Russia's internet policies and what it all means for the average internet user.

**So, what does this thing actually *do*?**

The new order allows Roskomnadzor and the Ministry of Digital Development to instruct phone and internet companies on what to do if the going gets rough.. They could tell them to route internet traffic through Russian servers, block access to certain websites, or, in extreme cases, temporarily cut off the internet entirely.

Naturally, some folks are worried that these powers could be used to censor information or stifle free speech, especially regarding political matters. But some tech experts and digital rights advocates aren't too concerned. They argue that it just formalizes what Roskomnadzor has already been doing for some time now.

An insider at Beeline, a major Russian internet and phone company, told reporters that the rules of engagement for emergencies have already been in place for quite a while. According to them, this new order is mostly business as usual for their customers.

**It's Part of a Larger Strategy**

This new directive is part of a bigger trend: Russia is slowly tightening its grip on the internet. For a decade, the government has been rolling out stricter rules. They say it’s all about national security and protecting users from foreign meddling.

They've been building their own system for web addresses (DNS), creating tools to monitor and filter online traffic, and even developing Russian equivalents of popular foreign websites. Russia has also passed laws forcing tech companies to store user data within Russia, remove prohibited content, and cooperate with law enforcement.

The Russian government argues that all of this is essential to maintain a stable and resilient internet, even if there's interference from other countries. Digital rights groups, however, are getting uneasy.

**What's next on the horizon?**

Everyone will be keeping a close watch on this rule after March 2026. Despite assurances from people like Boyarsky that there are no plans to disconnect from the world, the government still has the power to pull the plug if they chose to.

For now, Russia insists that they are keeping things stable. The government claims they're merely improving how they deal with internet issues and aren't looking to isolate themselves. At the end of the day everything is about protection not control.

But with international tensions on the rise and governments increasingly managing the internet, it's tricky to know for sure—is it really about protection, or is it about control?