1.Google Maps integrates Gemini AI for smarter navigation and hands-free control
Google Maps is about to get a whole lot smarter because Google is sticking its AI, Gemini, right in the middle of it. This isn't just a minor change, it's going to totally revamp how we find our way around.
Google's been experimenting with AI in Maps, but this Gemini update sounds like a game-changer. It's giving Maps way more brain and making it better at guiding you and answering questions when you're out and about. Heads up, though: If you're still using a really old phone, you might want to think about getting a new one, since this update will have a lot of new improvements.
### Basically, a Genius in Your Car
This is where it gets interesting. Soon, you'll be able to talk to Gemini while you drive. Say you want a good burger place. Or maybe you need to remember the name of that coffee shop you liked. Just ask! Gemini is there to help you out, so you can actually keep your eyes on the road!
Basically, Google is trying to turn Maps into a smart assistant, a friend who knows everything. If you drive a lot or visit new places often, this update could seriously make things easier.
Here's how it might go: You're driving and know you're going to be in the downtown area. Gemini can find a whole list of places in a heartbeat and can even check if they have parking or not.
Wait, it gets better! Gemini can also figure out how much the tolls are going to cost you too. It might be able to scout out open parking spots too. That would save you from driving around forever, wasting gas, just to find a place to park.
### Real-Time Traffic
Gemini is more than just talk. It can improve how Maps works in general. See an accident? Report it super quick with Gemini. It can warn other drivers heading that way. Then, Maps can update everyone close to the location.
It's like real-time alerts from drivers who are nearby. This is a big plus if you're driving in a city you are totally unfamiliar with.
### Actually Useful Directions
Here's how it will change directions: Instead of hearing turn right in a half mile, you will hear turn by that McDonalds, or turn at the yellow gas station on the corner.
Now that Gemini can use Google Street View, the directions will feel a lot more personal. The AI can see where you are. This is great if you're visiting and don't know your way around.
Google is planning to test Gemini in one area before it's fully released for everyone.
### Lens + Gemini: Info Instantly
Google envisions Lens and Gemini making Maps an all-in-one app. All you do is point your camera at something and ask:
* What is this?
* What is its backstory?
* Is the food inexpensive here?
Gemini can provide important details, like the opening hours, info on the store, and the pricing.
If Google does it right, Maps might change entirely. If the AI gets confused by simple questions, though, you might find it more annoying than anything.
### When Does It Arrive?
Google will include Gemini in Maps pretty soon. To sum it up:
* Traffic updates: It is in one area only on Android phones right now.
* Landmark directions: They're testing on both iPhones and Androids.
* Lens and Gemini: Needs to be adjusted, but check for it soon.
* Android Auto: It can be acquired everywhere right now.
### Why Is This Important?
Gemini plus Maps might rewrite travel. Plus, the chat feature will make planning trips a breeze.
2.Galaxy S26 Ultra rumored to bring back Samsung’s classic curved design
Everyone's buzzing about the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The big thing people are talking about is that Samsung might tweak the design, and everyone wants to know what they're up to. From what I'm hearing, Samsung wants to make the phone feel better in your hand, trying to find a sweet spot where it's comfy but still durable. Some people are even saying they might bring back some of that classic Galaxy feel.
The latest I heard is that the corners might be getting rounder, kind of like those older Ultra models. But here's the kicker: they're supposedly keeping the screen flat. Why? Well, if you're into using the S Pen for drawing or writing, a flat screen is the way to go. It's clean, precise, and you don't accidentally tap the screen when you don't mean to.
Someone even put a screen protector online, and now everyone's trying to figure out what it all means. This guy, Ice Universe, usually knows what's up with these leaks, and he shared it. If you look closely, this screen protector for the S26 Ultra looks a little different from the S25 Ultra's. The S26 Ultra one has round corners, so maybe they're stepping away from the boxy look Samsung's been doing since 2022.
Remember, those rounded corners were kind of the Ultra phones' signature look, like with the Galaxy S20 and S21 Ultra. People liked how they looked and how they felt. But when Samsung stopped the Galaxy Note and put the S Pen in the Ultra phones, they went with those squarer corners. They probably thought it'd make using the pen feel better and wanted the phone to look more professional.
But not everyone was crazy about the boxy design. Some people thought they weren't as comfy to hold, and they missed the look of the older, rounder phones. With the current model, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, they already made the corners slightly rounder; some say they are bringing back the S26 Ultra's look again.
Now, keep in mind that this screen protector probably came from a phone accessories company, like a case maker, so you shouldn't get too caught up in small stuff like the frame around the screen. However, it should give us some idea of the shape, if they made it using the phone's specs. So, all in all, this might be a pretty good idea of what the next S26 Ultra will look like.
People are saying the S26 Ultra's corners will be like the Galaxy S21 Ultra's. The latest whispers are that the S26 Ultra is sticking with a flat screen. So, if the phone has round corners and a flat screen, it might just be more lasting and comfy while also letting you use the S Pen without any problems. Seems like a win-win.
Speaking of the S Pen, where's it going to sit on the phone? Some people think it'll be more on the side than before. Also, the pen button might be a little curved to match the phone's shape. Those small changes can actually make a big difference in how you use it every day.
A flat screen really does help when you're trying to draw, write, or create something with the S Pen. It's a pain when you're using a curved screen all the time; you accidentally hit the screen all the time. So, by keeping the screen flat, Samsung seems to want you to have the best experience with the S Pen, no matter what else they change about the design.
Wait, there's even more. The Galaxy S26 Ultra might put all its back cameras in one shape. That'll make the S26 Ultra look unique, since the older models have them separated. It's hard to really know since the specs are quite far away. But rumors are that Samsung is making things better when it comes to the camera, battery, and A.I. Also, we'll probably see the Exynos 2600 or Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6; it'll just depend on where you happen to be. And don't forget about the super-fast LPDDR6 RAM and UFS 5.0 storage.
Expect Samsung to show off the Galaxy S26 in early 2026, at a Galaxy Unpacked event. They'll show off the standard S26, S26+, and the S26 Ultra, and then we'll probably get different Edge models later on.
So, thinking about the flat screen and the slightly rounded corners, it sounds like Samsung is really paying attention to what made the Ultra series so successful from day one. By mixing the curve and the screen just right, they might make the ideal phone for all Samsung lovers.
The S26 Ultra seems to be trying to focus on the things people have always loved about Samsung Ultra phones. Great looks combined with accessibility; it'll be cool to see what the next S26 Ultra looks like. If all these predictions are correct, we might get the best Ultra model yet.
3.Samsung Galaxy XR may soon debut in UK, Canada, and select European markets
Samsung's getting ready to take its Galaxy XR headset to a bunch more places in 2026. Right now, you can only buy it in the U.S. and South Korea, but according to the rumors, they're planning on selling it in the UK, Germany, France, and Canada starting next year.
This is kind of a big deal because it means Samsung wants to go head-to-head with Apple’s Vision Pro and Meta's Quest Pro. Those are the big names when it comes to fancy headsets that put computer stuff all around you.
🌍 A Careful Plan
Samsung released the Galaxy XR earlier this year; it's their first try at making a next-level gadget that surrounds you with computer images. It sells for about $1,799 in the U.S. It uses Android XR, which is something Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm built together. Inside, it has a super-speedy Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chip, 16GB of RAM, 256GB for storage, a really sharp 4.3K Micro-OLED screen, shows you the real world in full color plus Dolby Atmos sound.
Even though it is pretty amazing, Samsung didn't want to sell it everywhere at once. They only started in the U.S. and Korea so they could improve it and get stuff ready, like apps and other content. Now that things are going well, they think they can sell it in more spots.
Keep in mind that those countries—the UK, Germany, France, and Canada—might not be the only ones. They could add more before they make the official announcement. They haven't said exactly when it will be available—just that it will be sometime in 2026.
🧠 Why This Matters
It’s a big deal that Samsung wants to sell the Galaxy XR in more places because it shows they have a strategy. By getting into important markets in Europe and North America, Samsung is trying to:
Get more people to create stuff for Android XR.
Try to beat Apple and Meta with a high-quality headset.
Use the Samsung brand to get more folks using this type of tech.
The Galaxy XR is more than just the hardware. It also shows off Samsung’s One UI in 3D, Gemini AI stuff, and things for work and fun. It can recognize things, help you with tasks, and even create 3D stuff. It’s not just for watching movies—it's a whole platform for computers all around you.
📈 Building for the Long Term
Samsung's not rushing things. They just want to make sure everything is ready. By starting with a few countries, they can be sure that:
It speaks the right languages and has the right apps.
The stores and support people know what they’re doing.
The people who create apps know what to work on.
This is kind of like what they did with foldable phones. They didn’t sell them everywhere at first, just in a few placed until the tech got better.
🧭 What Happens Next?
We don’t know exactly when the Galaxy XR will arrive in other countries, but it sounds like 2026 is when things will start moving. As more apps and uses come out, it could turn into a main of Samsung’s whole system—especially as AI and computers blend.
So, if you live in the UK, Germany, France, or Canada, you might get to check out the Galaxy XR soon. And if Samsung’s past is anything to judge by, hopefully more countries will follow. Also Samsung probably has spent time on making sure the device has the proper certification that conforms to the laws in the region. Hopefully this reduces the risk of danger using the product. This is just a guess as there is no current details on this.
4.Apple may rely on Google’s Gemini to power next-gen Siri, says Bloomberg
**Apple & Google: Could Siri actually get smarter?**
People are claiming Apple might cough up a billion dollars each year to get Google's Gemini AI actually working with Siri. Let's be honest, Siri is way behind Alexa or Google Assistant. Everyone on the market has moved up, and Siri hasn't. This team-up with Google could change that.
It sounds unusual. Apple and Google working together on AI is surprising. This shows how important AI has become for tech companies. Google and Amazon are fighting super hard, making their voice assistants better by throwing tons of money at the problem. Apple has to move fast, or people might stop buying Apple stuff.
🤖 **Gemini: A Brainpower Upgrade for sure**
So, Google has this smart AI, called Gemini. Apparently, it has something like 1.2 trillion parameters. That means it's good at solving tricky problems, giving proper answers, and sorting out tasks. Realistically, it should overall make life easier.
What if Siri was using something that's like Gemini? It could actually sort out hard questions easy, have real conversations, and work with your apps. Right now, Siri struggles with simple things.
🗣️ **Siri: How Things Used to Be...**
Remember when Siri launched in 2011? It felt like magic. Now, it feels outdated. Google Assistant and Alexa got smarter and are all over the place. This leaves Apple users without features they should have.
People complain that Siri can't sort complex requests, understand follow-up questions, or work with smart home devices. Apple has tried to fix it, but no real change. The experience isn't like Google's experience.
Apple said there have been issues with Siri AI upgrades. Rumors say Tim Cook wasn't happy with how Apple's AI was doing. So, Mike Rockwell, who was working on Apple's AR/VR, will lead on Siri now. Hopefully that fixes things.
💼 **A Quick, Temporary Fix?**
People in the tech industry are saying that Gemini won't override Siri completely. Looks like Apple is getting help from Google now to fill a space. Gemini can offer some extra intelligence. Apple can take its time and work on their current AI. They're buying time.
Remember that Google search won't change from this. Apple wants to keep the vibe on its devices in control, so they don't want to be too dependent on Google.
Thing is that Siri isn’t going to be a Google chatbot. Apple will use Gemini to help support Siri's AI, while you speak to Siri the same.
🏁 **The AI Race**
Remember that Apple's not the only one. Google has thrown its Gemini tech into its Assistant, for easier conversations and app sorting. Amazon's with Alexa, trying to get to know you so they are customized. Amazon is encouraging developers to add more skills and features that work with Alexa.
Apple will use this Gemini thing to not fall behind.
📱 **How This Affects You**
If you use an iPhone, a Google team-up with Siri means Siri understands you and gets things right on the mark. Here's how things may change:
* **Questions:** Imagine asking, “Will it rain here, and will it rain where I asked about last week?” And Siri replies!
* **Tasks:** “Tell Mom I'm late, and remind me to call her tomorrow morning.” Easy.
* **Places:** “Where's the best restaurant open near my hotel now?” And Siri gives the correct answer!
Apple hasn't said when the changes are coming. Reports say 2026. Gemini might be a short fix while Apple works on its AI. If they don't fix their systems, they will have issues.
**🧭 Summary**
Apple's paying Google a billion dollars to use Gemini shows how important it is to fix Siri now. They want to fix their AI so they are keeping up by using Google's Gemini.
This deal means there will be cooperation with tech companies to accomplish different tasks. For Apple, this can mean making do with the products its population wants. Whether Siri's working improves to 2026 is still up in the air, and is exactly the action that Apple will require to to stay in the game.
5.New Motorola mid-ranger packs a 7,000mAh battery and Android 16 out of the box
Everyone's chatting about the new Motorola Moto G57 Power phone, mostly because it's a good deal if you're over in Europe. What gets people excited? Well, for starters, it has a price that doesn't hurt too much. The battery life is honestly kind of ridiculous, in a good way, but people are loving other things about it too. The phone looks nice, seems well-built, and get this – it's already running Android 16! That's not typical for a phone that doesn't cost a fortune.
**Let's Talk Batteries**
Seriously, this thing has a 7,000mAh battery. Remember when that was unheard of? It's like Motorola's new thing, popping these huge batteries into a bunch of their phones – they've done it like, five times recently? With the G57 Power, you could probably go over two days without a thought charge. If you hate constantly plugging in your phone, this is for you.
Oh, and the normal G57, the one without the Power bit, it has a smaller battery at 5,200mAh. Even then, it should still last you two days easily though.
**How Does It Feel to Use Each Day?**
Inside, the G57 Power has a Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 chip, which is pretty fresh. Motorola claims they're one of the first to put it in a phone. Okay, so it's probably not quite as speedy as the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 you might see in the Moto G67 Power, but it should be fine for doing regular stuff, playing games, and jumping from app to app super fast.
You get 8GB of RAM and 256GB for storing things. It means plenty of room for your photos, videos, and all that stuff you don't like to delete. Oh, and here’s something cool: Android 16 is already installed when you open the box. Other Motorola pricier models are using still Android 15. It is nice if you like have the latest phone version.
**Peeking at the Camera**
On the back, there's a 50MP camera with a Sony Lytia 600 sensor. It also has an f/1.8 aperture and Quad Pixel tech, whatever that means. Supposedly, it makes your pictures in bad light look better. Plus, it comes with an 8MP ultra-wide lens for taking landscape photos, and the selfie camera is 8MP.
This camera should take good enough pictures for everyday life, posting on social media, and doing video calls. I'd bet the photos are perfect for sharing your life with relatives, but don't think it's going to beat the crazy good camera on more expensive phones. Motorola keeps calling it a pro-grade camera, and honestly, for what you're paying, it's a pretty good deal.
**Looks and Sounds**
The screen is a 6.72-inch LCD, with a 2400 x 1080 resolution and a 120Hz – cool! It ought to look good and seems very responsive when you touch or scroll. And it has Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, which helps stop it from getting scratched.
What about sound? It's actually not bad. It has stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and Hi-Res Audio support. This is good for watching videos, listening to songs, or just having fun playing games.
**Staying Connected and Safe**
As for connecting to stuff, it has anything: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, NFC, and 5G. Also, it still has a USB Type-C port and a headphone jack, which some people are still thankful for, as some people want use wired headphones instead of wireless.
It probably needs to handle a few bumps, and drops every now and then. It's rated IP64 for water and dust, plus it get a MIL-STD-810H. It's not super light at 210 grams, but it's not overly thick either, measuring at 8.6mm. The finish come in a vegan leather.
**Money Talk**
In Europe, the Moto G57 Power is selling for €279, or around $320 USD. It's a little more expensive than some of Motorola's other phones that are popular in Asia, but it's still worth it. If you don't need such a big battery, the basic Moto G57 is cheaper at €249 ($285), but right now it looks like you can only get that one in the Middle East.
6.Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 PC Specs Revealed — Needs Just 3GB VRAM Minimum, 16GB for 4K Ultra
The new Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is dropping on PC on November 14th. You can grab it on Battle.net, Steam, or Xbox. Activision just showed off what your computer needs to run it, so let's check it out. They broke it down into four groups: Minimum, recommended, competitive, and Ultra 4K. Plus, they're trying to get it running smooth on those handheld Windows gaming PCs like the Steam Deck. They're pushing AMD FSR 4 to hopefully make the game run smoother. To keep cheaters away, they're using TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot to pick up any suspicious stuff. They're trying to get the game running on almost any PC to reach as many players as they can.
🧱 **Minimum Specs: Can It Even Run?**
Okay, these PC builds are the absolute lowest you can go. If you barely hit these requirements, the game *might* start, but it's not going to be pretty. Playing on these specs means you'll be able to play, but it probably won't be that much fun. It's the absolute basics to get you in the door.
* **OS:** Windows 10 64-bit
* **CPU:** AMD Ryzen 5 1400 or Intel Core i5-6600
* **GPU:** Radeon RX 470, GeForce GTX 970/1060, or Intel Arc A580
* **RAM:** 8 GB
* **VRAM:** 3 GB
* **Storage:** 116 GB SSD
* **DirectX:** Version 12
So, if your PC's rocking these parts, you *might* be able to start the game. I wouldn't count on anything special, though. You'll probably be stuck playing on low settings and might see some lag. Those video cards are pretty old. If your PC is the absolute bare minimum, get ready to play on low settings and deal with some lag. This will be like playing a game from 2015.
⚙️ **Recommended Specs: Should you upgrade?**
Want the game to look good and actually run well? Then try shooting for this:
* **OS:** Windows 11
* **CPU:** AMD Ryzen 5 1600X or Intel Core i7-6700K
* **GPU:** Radeon RX 6600 XT, GeForce RTX 3060, or Intel Arc B580
* **RAM:** 12 GB
* **VRAM:** 8 GB
The recommended specs are way better if you want the game to look good. Windows 11 should also make sure the game looks and runs great here without too many problems. If you bought a video card recently, this should get you running at 1080p or 1440p with okay settings. The Intel Arc card (B580) shouldn't struggle much to give you solid FPS. Turning on Resizable BAR may give you better performance. Make sure your drivers are updated so there are no problems.
🏁 **Competitive and Ultra 4K: ALLMAXED!**
So, you want to crank everything up to the max and run this game at top speed? Yeah, you're going to need a seriously powerful setup.
* **CPU:** AMD Ryzen 5 5600X or Intel Core i7-10700K
* **RAM:** 16 GB
* **GPU:** Radeon RX 9070 XT, GeForce RTX 4080, or RTX 5070
* **VRAM:** 16 GB (that RTX 5070 number might be wrong)
These specs are for real PC gaming fans only. It runs great and smooth with no lag, but you should have a top setup. There have been rumors that the RTX 5070 is actually 12 GB, so keep an eye out before you get anything. The RX 9070 XT isn't out yet, it seems like it's going to be a powerful choice to play the game on.
🎮 **Handheld Gaming PCs: Black Ops on the Go**
Beenox, which is doing the PC version, is thinking about handheld Windows and Linux machines like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally. They're trying to save battery life and make sure the game looks good on the smaller screens. Here's what they're planning:
* AMD FSR 4
* Frame rate scaling
They didn't say anything about FSR Redstone, but FSR 4 should help on weaker systems. FSR will generate the frames and upscale to fit the screen, making for better performance with less power.
🔐 **Security: No More Cheaters**
They're fighting cheaters by adding TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. This makes the game check out your computer and find anything that's off. You'll need:
* A new CPU that supports AVX
* Resizable BAR for Intel Arc GPUs
This will be a big hit stopping cheaters. If your PC doesn't have these things, you may have problems running the game. Go to your BIOS and check that your PC is ready before you start.
📦 **Storage Size**
You're going to need a 116 GB SSD, or your load times will be super long. When the preload starts, go ahead and be ready to play on launch.
Call of Duty is really trying to get everyone to play its game, no matter what kind of PC they're using. There a few features that help older computers that it seems they are looking into. So, do a little research and make sure your PC can handle all of this.
7.Football Manager 26 Gets Cold Reception on Steam: UI, Bugs & Missing Features Criticised
**Football Manager 26: Big Disappointment or Just a Bumpy Start?**
Okay, so everyone was pumped for Football Manager 26. Imagine this: It's been two long years since the last big release, and fans were really bummed when they canned Football Manager 25. The soccer sim crowd was itching for a win. What did they get instead? a lot of unhappy players ready to complain online.
Over on Steam, the reviews are, well, not good. We're talking Mostly Negative. Only around 22% of the 4,000+ players are giving it a thumbs up. That's a huge problem. Since this series is usually so popular, it's like a trainwreck right from the start.
Think about it: Football Manager 24 *still* has a Very Positive rating. This has got to be bugging the Sports Interactive team, because they were really hyping up FM26. They promised a brand new game engine and visuals that were amazing. It was supposed to be the best Football Manager ever. The fact that they scrapped FM25 because they weren't happy with it made everyone think FM26 would be mind-blowing. Too bad, the hype train crashed and burned.
**First Look: Yikes. What's Up?**
So, why all the complaining? One of the biggest issues seems to be the user interface (UI). People are straight-up calling it confusing and not easy to use. We're talking about longtime fans, who've been playing for years, struggling to figure out how to do simple things. The menus don't flow well, things aren't organized well, and it's just a pain to get around. Instead of making it easier to scout players, arrange transfers, and change tactics, it's now a hassle.
But it's not just the UI. Sports Interactive said they were trying to make the game easier for new players to get into. That looks fine, right? But this has upset hardcore fans who loved the depth and detail. They're saying it feels dumbed down. There are fewer important calls to make, and you've got less control over your team. It feels like the heart and soul of the series is missing.
I saw some online reviews saying:
One reviewer online said: It feels like Sports Interactive tried so hard to make it *different*, they just forgot what people actually liked in the first place.
Another person, who says they've been playing since the 90s, said it's the worst version ever. Ouch. But it shows how bummed some players are.
**The Annoying B-Word: Bugs (and Performance Problems...)**
Also, the UI and gameplay changes weren't enough, FM26 also launched with some serious performance issues. People are seeing crazy frame rate drops, weird visual glitches, and menus that lag like crazy. And it doesn't seem to matter if you've got a fancy gaming computer or something basic.
Social media is full of screenshots and videos showing how unstable the game is. Some people are saying the game is in an unplayable state, so they're just playing Football Manager 24 until (hopefully) things get fixed.
Now, here's where it gets worse. There wasn't a launch-day patch to fix anything. The developers knew about some issues during testing, so how did these problems end up in the final game? Players are feeling like they've been ignored.
**The Score Is In – Nobody's Happy**
Average players aren't the only unhappy; the reviewers aren't impressed either. It looks like Football Manager 26 is sitting at an average score, and less than half the critics are saying others should buy the game. Compare that to FM24, which everyone really liked.
The reviewers are repeating what the players are saying: the UI is hard to use, the gameplay is too simple, and the game has issues. Most agreed that it has not become something greater. It looks like FM26 is a fumble.
**A Key Point for the Series**
This is a pretty important time for the Football Manager series. Sports Interactive has a lot of needs to resolve these problems and save the series. Okay, here's some good news: a patch is coming soon. Fans are hoping it works out some of the biggest issues.
If the patch fixes the performance, makes the UI better, and balances the gameplay, Sports Interactive has a chance to make things right. They need to communicate with the fanbase. Give the player what they really want.
Many game series have had bad launches. It's all about how quickly and how well the studio acts. Football Manager has lots of players who enjoy it, and they all expect the game to do well. If developers don't fix it, fans might lose faith.
**It's Not Just a Game, the Anger Is About A Lot**
The anger about FM26 isn't just about the bugs or the questionable design calls. Football Manager fans really care about the game. It's a hobby, an addiction, for many. They spend hours building their teams, training young players, and riding the ups and downs of a virtual soccer season.
So, when a new release disappoints, people take it badly. It has to do with the community. None likes when they get ignored.
**Can Football Manager 26 Make a Comeback?**
Despite the bad start, Football Manager 26 could pull things around. The essential parts are there: a game engine, improved graphics, and a motivation to innovate. Sports Interactive just needs to polish it. If they fix the bugs, keep the features players like, and improve the UI, FM26 could still be a success.
The next patch will tell us if the developer has taken care of the real problems. If it shows that they plan to take care of the game going forward, people might start to support them again. But if the changes are small, or they take too long, people might just play older versions or find other games to try.
Ultimately, Football Manager 26 reminds us how important it is to balance change with tradition. Fans want improvements, but not if it means losing the depth and realism that have made the series popular. If Sports Interactive is careful, they can still make things better.
8.Apple Watch Ultra 3 Discounted $100 Ahead of Holiday Shopping Season
**Hey Everyone! Guess What? Apple Watch Ultra 3 Deal is Here!**
So, the holiday shopping craziness seems to be kicking off way early this year, and some seriously killer deals are already popping up all over the place. So one deal that really made me wonder is on the Apple Watch Ultra 3. The Price has gone down to $700! It was $800 before. So, if you're trying to find a really awesome gift for someone, or looking to reward yourself and get a cool new gadget, this watch is a great choice. This isn't just the everyday smartwatch; it's a premium watch.
**So, what makes the Ultra 3 so special?**
The Ultra 3 first came out around early September, and it's a big step up from the other watches. The materials and build of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 help with its lasting life, and that is awesome, but they also added some great new things. The coolest thing, I think, is the ability to connect to satellites. Think of the ones that are literally floating in outer space!. That means you can send messages, share your location, or call for help even if you're way out in the middle of literally nowhere with absolutely zero phone signal or Wi-Fi. This watch is a total game-changer if you like any outdoorsy activities, like hiking or camping. Knowing you're able to call for help is great.
Here are some things that make the Ultra 3 shine:
* **Great Screen:** The screen is 49mm, and the edges are super thin, almost non-existent. That means you get way more screen area for maps and notifications. Also, the screen is made to be tougher and more able to handle scratches and stuff.
* **Storage Space:** You get a roomy 64GB of storage. That's enough for all your regular apps, tons of music, and even offline maps. When I go hiking, I generally keep music on the watch.
* **No Phone Needed:** The built-in GPS and cellular connection mean you can ditch your phone. This is really nice if you're going for a run or a bike ride, especially if you don't want to carry a heavy phone.
* **Long Battery:** The battery is able to last up to 42 hours on a single charge. That's pretty good for an Apple Watch. You won't have to charge it every day.
**Cool Colors and Bands**
The model that's on sale comes in a few different styles:
* **Black and Black:** A black titanium case with a black Ocean band.
* **Natural and Blue:** A natural titanium case with an Anchor Blue Ocean band.
It only comes in one size, but the size fits most people. Other Apple Watches give you more options for customization, but the Ultra 3 has a super tough and high-end style.
**Trying to save money? Check Out the Apple Watch SE**
If the Ultra 3 is too much money, Apple has another option that costs less if you don't need all the extra features. The Apple Watch SE is on sale for just $199. It handles all the standard Apple Watch things, like keeping track of your workouts and monitoring your heart rate, and it links to your iPhone.
It doesn't have the satellite stuff, the bigger screen, or the long battery found on the Ultra, but the SE is still a fantastic option that get things done without causing the user a fortune of money.
**Time to Buy?**
Stores are starting their sales now because Black Friday and Cyber Monday are close. Apple is trying to get people excited about the Ultra 3 by lowering the price now. It might be worth your time to take a look at the deals out there.
The Ultra 3 is affordable right now if you're thinking about upgrading. It is top of the line, so it's a good buy for the next few years.
**Is the Ultra 3 a good watch for you?**
You should think about this watch if you are:
* **A person who likes the outdoors:** The satellite is an awesome feature. It is able to use when you go camping, hiking, and traveling.
* **A person who loves exercises:** It comes with a bunch of sensors and GPS for workouts.
* **A person who is obsessed with Technology:** You can now get the most recent Apple Watch from Apple.
* **A frequent traveler:** It allows you to connect with cellular.
**Wrap-Up**
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 isn't just for trainers anymore. With the new lowered price, it's now reachable for a lot of people. No matter what you need, Apple has options: the Apple Watch SE and the Apple Watch Ultra 3.
Take a little time to check out these deals. You might get the chance to grab the watch that you've wanted for years.
9.PlayStation Portal Gets Huge Update: Cloud Streaming, New Features, and Improved UI
Alright, listen up, gamers! Sony just switched cloud gaming on for the PlayStation Portal. So, what's the deal? You can now play a ton of games – over 2,000 – on your Portal *without* needing a PS5 around.
This thing was in beta for a bit, with PlayStation Plus Premium folks getting first dibs. But now, as of today, November 5th, everyone else gets in on the action. If you’re a Premium Plus member, you can stream some of the PS5 games you own digitally right to your Portal. Seriously, you can ditch that PS5 if you feel like it.
Before, the Portal was kind of just a fancy remote for your PS5. You had to be connected to your console to play anything. Now? It’s becoming its own thing, a proper handheld console. With loads of games suddenly available and a fresh look, Sony's trying to be a big player in the cloud gaming thing.
**Portal Goes Solo: No More Strings**
Before this change, you pretty much had to be attached to your PS5 using Remote Play. This meant a decent internet connection. It was alright, but not that great unless you were already invested in the PlayStation world or had really good internet.
But now, if you're paying for Premium Plus, you can get PS5 games straight from the cloud. Think about it: games like Astro Bot, Borderlands 4, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Fortnite, Ghost of Yōtei, Grand Theft Auto V, and Resident Evil 4 are all available without even turning on your console. Pretty cool, huh? Sony's really trying to get gamers interested by letting them play console-quality games without the actual console!
And it’s not just the games you bought. Sony's also saying hundreds of games from the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog and Classics Catalog can be streamed too. We’re talking about Cyberpunk 2077, God of War Ragnarök, Hogwarts Legacy, Sword of the Sea, and The Last of Us Part II Remastered. In total, there are over 2,000 games available through the cloud right now.
**A Nice new Look**
To make all this cloud stuff easier, the Portal has a new menu. There are three sections you can swipe through:
* **Remote Play**: Still using your PS5? Stream games from your console here.
* **Cloud Streaming**: This is where you find all the games you can play from the cloud, either games you own or the PS Plus stuff.
* **Search**: A quick way to find what you're looking for, whether it’s for streaming or Remote Play.
It’s much easier to switch between options now. It’s really great for people who don’t even own a PS5 but still want to play PlayStation games.
**Some extras**
But hold on, there's more! Sony isn’t just pushing cloud gaming. They’ve also added some little things that make the Portal better to use:
* **3D Audio:** Get better sound with wired headphones or Sony’s PlayStation Link headsets in games that support it.
* **Accessiblity**: They've thrown in stuff for people who need extra settings to make the Portal easy to use.
* **Shopping In game:** Buy stuff on the fly! You never have to get out of your game from now on.
* **Multiplayer Time:** Get invites from friends and jump into their games right from the Quick Menu.
* **Lock It Down:** There’s now a passcode thing to keep your account safe.
These changes show that Sony’s really trying to make the Portal a good handheld, not just something used for streaming.
**But Remember the Internet**
Even with all the cool stuff, your internet connection is still what matters most. Cloud gaming needs fast, stable Wi-Fi to work well. Lag or blurry images aren’t fun.
To help with this, there’s a network status screen in the Quick Menu now. You can check your internet to make sure everything’s running smoothly.
**What's in the future?**
This cloud streaming update is a big step for the PlayStation Portal. By letting you play games without a PS5, Sony’s trying to get more people interested in the Portal and prepare for a future where cloud gaming is a big deal.
There are talks about a new PlayStation handheld coming out with the PS6 sometime for the upcoming years. If that happens, this Portal update might be a small teaser of what we can get in the future for console-quality games on the go.
The Portal is now a big deal. It’s now a good option for gamers. With cloud streaming, a nicer menu, and lots of new things, Sony is becoming an important part of the gaming industry.
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