Science

 1.Kenneth Shepard Reveals His Favorite Games of 2025 

Favorite Games of 2025... Man where do I even start?

It's been ages since I actually sat down and did one of these best of lists. And I gotta say, I kinda missed it. Before I jump into the games from *this* year that blew me away, I wanna give a shout-out to some from last year, 2024. I never properly celebrated them, and they deserve some love! That year gave us some seriously good titles, like Metaphor: ReFantazio, Dragon Age: The Veilguard (fingers crossed that one delivers!), Mouthwashing (yeah, the name’s weird, but trust me), Arranger: A Role-Puzzling andventure, 1000xResist, Shadow Generations, Persona 3 Reload, Astro Bot, Marvel Rivals, and Life Is Strange: Double Exposure. Seriously, each one of those got me through a year when I felt like I might never get excited about games again. And a quick shout out must go to Battle Suit Aces, Absolum, and After Love EP. I really enjoyed those! They were a part of gaming that reminded me that is why I love this.

Thinking back to my 2022 list, that was right after I started at Kotaku. I was all nervous, excited, the whole deal. Then my 2023 list came after things got... messy. After that site I joined had a difficult time. If I had written a 2024 list, it would have felt that way too. But 2025? This year just feels *different*. I feel that thing that makes me want to play games again. I'm writing stuff I actually like, playing games and really enjoying it, and I get angry at industry stuff again. And you know what? That anger is good. It means I care again. A year ago, I would have just been numb. Now, it makes me feel alive.

Sure, some days I still feel a bit wobbly, like I'm learning to walk again. But the fact that I'm *feeling* anything about these games is a win. So, here are ten games that showed me what I love about games.

**10. Dead Take**

Surgent Studio’s Dead Take really caught me off guard this year. I didn't hear much about this game, but the escape room, horror setting, with locked doors and USB drives to find, this just reflects gaming from the other side. I do not agree with the scary parts in moments, but the depiction of people betraying felt real. It made me feel some type of way on how people can change with what others might and can offer.

**9. Split Fiction**

Hazelight's Split Fiction was a hot topic when it came out, everybody thought that it was going to be in the game of the year talks. It reminds me of how people think of AI now, but the game is all about playing together. The last part of the game was really the best, it was like sci-fi met fantasy and made something awesome. The things they could do was technically awesome!

**8. Goodnight Universe**

Following up a game, like Before Your Eyes, is difficult, but Nice Dream's Goodnight Universe deserves some credit. Even though all the seeing with your eyes wasn't always spot on and the story wasn't always clear, the last part was great. They should be proud to be able to come up with characters that have real ties to each other, making me excited for what they do next.

**7. Lost Records: Bloom & Rage**

Don't Nod just wants to bring us back to the feels with Lost Records: Bloom & Rage. This game is all about the drama and memories we had as a kid. You play as Swann, the one with the camera, I felt like the game reminded me of that kid in your group that you just remember. The game makes you wonder how those times might have shaped us, even when we don't realize it. It is a deep look on how memories can make you feel.

**6. Digimon Story: Time Stranger**

Bandai Namco’s Time Stranger game is the one that gave me what I just wanted! I got the chance to go on an with my Digimon, these are the Digimon: Guilmon, Gabumon, and Gatomon. With how crazy this game is I stuck with those three the whole time, making my own story that mattered more. Giving you the chance to make your party how you like is a thing that sets Digimon apart, they say that you can tell a story with friends.

**5. Fretless – The Wrath of Riffson**

This game hits me hard, since I used to play music before. The rhythm-based deck-building combat felt real to me. Dodging and just going at it felt right. It really clicked back into place. It kinda hits me to where these types of games aren't just pushing buttons, but how it can show who you really are.

**4. Shuten Order**

Too Kyo Games made another thing they tried to do, this is Shuten Order. We have Rei Shimobe, who is asked by God to solve her own murder, and she needs to wonder who are the five suspects. Every route has different ways to play and mysteries. How the game turned kept me wanting more, really showing they're good at making us guess what will happen next.

**3. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33**

Sandfall Interactive decided to do this project is about sadness that mixes timing in the battles with the sad parts in the story. The battles is what makes the game stay away from the normal turn system, making you think of ways to win. But the story is what makes you understand the bad sides of all of this. Some parts made me sad, but that is what makes a game.

**2. Pokémon Legends: Z‑A**

After not doing anything with Pokemon for 3 years, I came home with Legends: Z-A. The game really feels like Paris, Lumiose City. I made some friends and the battles in real time really made the combat to another place. It's about the people to come together and protect the city with you. Going through Lumiose with my Raichu, to Mega Evolve, it made me want to stand up for my city.

**1. The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy**

Too Kyo Games’ The Hundred Line is what made me love 2025, it's just that I might not get all the endings. The game mixes story that is just visual and tactical RPG combat. The first ending, the 100 days in struggle, hit me a place that I could not move. Kazutaka Kodaka’s final part is something that you need to understand. It says that we should just keep going. Even if I don't get to get to all the paths, it's great to play as a game.

Writing all of this makes me realize I appreciate games; they aren’t just for fun. These games can reflect our struggles, what we expect, and how we see people. In 2025, these games made me feel ready to stand up taller, and it's a reminder that joy, sadness, excitement, keeps me going.

2.CES 2026: The Future of Television Starts Here 

CES 2026 – Micro RGB TVs are gonna be HUGE!

Forget what you thought you knew, because everyone's betting on Micro RGB. All the big TV brands are racing to get these vibrant TVs into your home, and they wanna do it without costing you a fortune. CES is gonna be the place where they show off all this new screen tech.

**So, What Is Micro RGB?**

Remember when TV companies were pushing OLED and Micro LED, making them look like the best thing that has ever happened to TV? They were supposed to change everything about how we watch stuff. Micro LED, in particular, was supposed to beat OLED because it gave you amazing contrast and viewing angles. However, they were too expensive to make and buy. Now we have Micro RGB. Instead of just having self-glowing pixels, it has the best color range that you have ever seen.

Micro RGB TVs (sometimes called RGB Mini-LED or true color TVs) use LCD panels, but the lights behind the screen are different. The lights are made out of tiny red, green, and blue LEDs. Normal Mini-LEDs use white or blue lights. Micro RGB crams them really tightly together. Doing it this way gives you better, more correct color that can make a variety of colors. These LEDs are super tiny, smaller than Mini-LEDs (less than 100 microns). That's why they're called micro.

Think of these Micro RGB LEDs as a combo pack of the colors you need to make any other color they are so precise. Now you can control the colors like a master painter. This is what makes everything on the screen pop and look real. Hisense calls their name RGB Mini-LED. LG and Samsung are calling their versions Micro RGB. Different names, same idea.

**Too Many Names, Help!**

Yeah, it's a bit mad with all the naming. Here is a cheat sheet:

*   **LG:** Micro RGB Evo

*   **Samsung:** Micro RGB

*   **Hisense:** RGB Mini-LED (used to be TriChroma RGB)

*   **Sony:** True RGB

*   **TCL:** Nothing yet

*   **Panasonic:** Nothing yet

They all do similar things. They can be brighter than OLEDs, show more colors, and should last longer. LG probably put Evo on theirs to show it's better than before. Samsung is keeping it simple. Hisense seems to be the cheaper option. Sony will will probably use its image smarts to make everything look super cinematic.

**Hisense: Budget King?**

Hisense was one of the first to show off this tech on their 116UX TriChroma Mini-LED TV at CES 2025. Now it is RGB Mini-LED. Hisense is really going for it. Sarah Larsen from Hisense said they want to sell TVs at prices people can pay. We don't know the prices yet, but Samsung and LG might have to cut down the prices if Hisense is much cheaper.

**Sony: The High-End Hero?**

Sony filed a trademark for True RGB. So their TVs may be good. They showed some versions in Tokyo, but only to invited guests. Sony is known for quality stuff with great pictures. Their version might be the best. If that happens, Sony's True RGB TVs could be the best for home theaters. CES 2026 will be important to see how Sony competes.

**TCL and Panasonic: Playing the Waiting Game**

It's interesting that TCL and Panasonic haven't said anything about Micro RGB or RGB Mini-LED yet. People think TCL may show something at CES, because they will be there. Panasonic is not attending CES this year. It is guessed that TCL's display division, CSOT, might be working on a Micro RGB design.

**Why Bother With Micro RGB?**

Usually, cool TV tech doesn't last. Remember 3D TVs, curved screens, 8K, or Micro LED? They were supposed to be amazing, but nobody really bought them. Micro RGB feels real, it is not really expensive, works well, and can be made in different sizes. So Micro RGB might become the future.

Micro RGB should give people better screens, colors, and long life. It's a useful step and could be the standard for TVs over the next 10 years, fixing the issues with Mini-LED.

**CES 2026: Time to See What's What**

Everyone will be comparing Micro RGB TVs at CES 2026. Will people like LG's Evo name? Can Samsung stay at the top end? Will Hisense's cheaper TVs change everything? Will Sony's True RGB TVs be as good as everyone hopes? If TCL reveals something, it could be huge.

2026 is clearly the year of Micro RGB TVs. With the amount of money companies are putting into this, we should see TVs with amazingly real pictures for movies, games, and shows.

3.Google Finally Lets Users Change Gmail Addresses Without Losing Emails 

**Gmail Finally Lets You Fix That Embarrassing Email Address!**

For close to 20 years, people using Gmail have been stuck with whatever they chose as their email address back in the day. Maybe it was a silly nickname, something from a TV show they loved, or just something plain awkward. Whatever it was, loads of folks have been stuck with email addresses that just don't fit who they are now. But guess what? Google finally heard the cries! Now, if you use Gmail, you can actually change your @gmail.com address and keep all your stuff – your emails, your photos, everything!

**Seriously, This Took Long Enough!**

This is kind of a big deal because Google used to be super strict about your Gmail address. Basically, it was permanent. If you wanted a new one, you had to make a whole new account and lose access to years' worth of stuff unless you went through the pain of moving it all over. Other email services, like Microsoft Outlook, have let you add extra addresses (aliases) and switch your main one for ages. So, Gmail was way behind.

But now, you can just change your Gmail address without losing a thing. All your old emails, pictures, and whatever else stays right where it is. The cool part is, your old address still works too! So, you'll still get emails sent to it. It's like getting a fresh start without cutting ties to your past. Pretty sweet, right?

**Keep An Eye Out… It's Coming Soon!**

Google is rolling this out slowly, so you might not see the option right away. It might also depend on where you live. To see if you've got it, go to your Gmail account, then click on Manage Your Google Account, find “Personal Info,” and then click on your Gmail address. If you see Change your Google Account email address, you're in luck!

A couple of things to keep in mind: this only works for addresses that end in @gmail.com, and your new address has to end in @gmail.com too. Also, once you change it, you can't change it again for a year. But, you can always go back to your old address if you want.

**The Internet Is Freaking Out (In a Good Way)**

People online are pretty excited about this. Someone on X (Twitter) joked that this feature was needed back in 2005 and is just now arriving in 2025! Another person said it's a shame this can't delete embarrassing memories along with the address. Over on Reddit, someone declared they're keeping their StonerBeast42069 address forever!

But it's not just about the laughs. Some people are genuinely relieved. For example, people in the transgender community and others who have changed their names can finally get rid of email addresses that don't match who they are now. For a lot of people, email is more than just a way to send messages – it's part of their identity. Being able to make it match who they are is a big deal.

**Why This Actually Matters**

Email is still super important. It's how you log into websites, get your passwords back if you forget them, and get important updates. Having a dorky or outdated email address can be more than just annoying; it can hold you back, professionally . Can you imagine trying to get a job with an email like dragonmaster2007@gmail.com? It might make people think twice about hiring you, even if your resume is amazing.

By letting people change their Gmail addresses, Google is recognizing that people change and grow. What you were into when you were a teenager might not be what you're into now. Tech should keep up with that. This change makes Gmail more useful in a world where being able to adapt and personalize things is a big deal.

**How Does This Compare To Other Email Services?**

Like I said earlier, Microsoft Outlook has let you use different addresses (aliases) for a while now. Apple's iCloud also lets you make Hide My Email addresses to stay anonymous. Google's been slow to add features like this, which is weird since they're so big in the email world.

Now, Gmail is finally catching up. It doesn't have the same alias system as Outlook yet, but being able to change your address without losing your stuff is a huge step. It also makes Gmail more competitive, so people don't feel stuck with an email address that doesn't fit them anymore.

**Things To Think About**

There are some practical things to think about. Since your old address keeps working, you won't miss important emails. That means you won't lose touch with anyone who hasn't updated your contact info. Also, the fact that you can't change your address more than once a year helps prevent people from abusing the system.

For people who own businesses or work for themselves, this is great for branding. You can use a Gmail address that matches your company name or create a more professional image. Students can ditch their old college email addresses for something more grown-up when they start their careers without losing all their old school emails.

**It's All About Change**

This change also shows how things have changed online. Back in the early days of the internet, everyone had goofy usernames and email addresses. They were often based on hobbies, favorite characters, or inside jokes. But as email became more important for work and other serious stuff, those addresses started to become a problem. People either made new accounts or just dealt with it.

By finally letting people change their addresses, Google is admitting that our online identities aren't set in stone. They change as we grow, as society changes, and as our expectations change. Being able to update your email address is more than just a tech thing – it's about recognizing that people evolve.

**What's Next?**

Who knows how many people will actually use this feature? Some people might be too attached to their old addresses. But for others, it's a chance to start fresh. Google needs to make sure the change goes smoothly and that everyone understands what they can and can't do.

But one thing is for sure: after 20 years, Gmail users can finally change their online identity without having to start all over. Whether it's getting rid of a silly nickname, matching your email to your new job, or just reflecting who you are today, this change is a small but important step toward making tech more human.

4.Inside Metroid Prime 4: Nintendo Opens Up About Its Troubled Development 

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – That Release Took Forever!

Man, few games from Nintendo had folks as hyped as Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. They told us about back in 2017, but we didn't play it 'til 2025 which felt like ages. It took so long that people kept talking about how long it was taking. It wasn't only about getting the tech to work. The guys at the studio had to figure out what made Metroid Prime so special in the first place, so they could make the new game just as awesome.

How it Started: Nintendo of America's Idea

So, there was this interview with the game people in Famitsu. Apparently, it all started when Nintendo's American peeps asked for a new Prime game. Then, the guys in Japan were like, Okay, how do we make this feel like a Prime game but still be new? One big thing was the whole deal between Samus Aran and Sylux. The developers had been wanting to do something with that for a while. That gave them something to build the whole story around, which kept things connected to the older games but still moved the story ahead.

Retro Studios Gets a Second Chance.

One of the biggest changes happened when Retro Studios took over. They did the first Metroid Prime games, but after some time they were so different. They were not the same group who could create the Prime game that every loved. A lot of those awesome developers had moved on. The new people not only had to learn all the tricks but also had to get what made the Metroid Prime games feel like Metroid Prime games.

The people described it like starting from piece one. Retro needed to get things in place, find new team people, and make a plan to handle such a big project. They also had outside companies build to make the game with things like backgrounds and cutscenes. It was important to select and manage everything. Some people kept everything right so that time was on track, the quality was great, and what the outside companies that were working matched Retro's vision.

That Tricky Ma Thing

Here's a neat thing from the interview: they kept talking about this Japanese idea, ma. It's hard to explain, because it doesn't have an English equivalent really, but it's kind of like the space between things. Like between objects, or sounds, or moments. It's the way you see things when these empty spaces let anyone see the beauty, feel the time, and get the rhythm. With Metroid Prime, it's the speed you are going, the silence before fighting, and how lonely Samus feels.

The new team people needed to learn that. Making a Metroid Prime game isn't just about the things you can touch or see it's about making the player feels lonely, worried they will be attacked, and surprised when they find something new. It took a while to teach the team how to make the game feel this way, but the developers said they got it in the end. That's what makes Prime 4 feel like it fits in the group.

Why Not a Big, Open World?

One more thing they talked about was why Metroid Prime 4 wasn't one of those huge open-world games that all seem to be in a race to get the biggest. Some people wondered why Prime didn't follow that fashion. Nintendo said that the games work best when the world is made up carefully: your skills keep you fenced in until you're ready for the next level. a wide-open world might hurt the feeling of speed and finding new things that makes Metroid Prime feel like Metroid Prime should. Instead, the ones who created the game picked areas that were related but still each had there own plan to keep the balance between letting you move freely but still having things to do.

What We Learned from Waiting So Long

It took about eight years from when they said they were making the game to when it arrived and that shows some things. First, even a famous company can have problems when it's trying to bring back a game that everyone loves. Retro Studios needed to fix itself to beat the difficulties, and that took them years. Two, giving work to companies outside of the company is both helpful and dangerous. Managing things is important, and Nintendo gave the good people on the inside credit for having the project stay running. And last, ideas like ma show how big the project can be. By teaching the new team people to like the silence, space, and time Nintendo made sure that Prime 4 was what every wanted and not just another game.

A Game Fans Will Probably Really Enjoy

For fans, the wait was crazy long. Every year that passed with no news started talk among people, and the game restarting from the start in 2019 showed that the development was behind time. Then the final game showed why Nintendo was taking their time. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is more than just another edition it honors the past games and brings new feeling and modern gaming designs.

The connection created between Samus and Sylux gives the game feeling, and the environments show how much time was spent making the game attractive, people can feel the ma idea through the slow pacing the the silent times, and the way you move from point to point. It's a great example of how the space between action is every bit as important as what's going on.

The End

The story of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is about not giving up, getting used to change, and design ideas. From Nintendo of America first asking for the game to Retro Studios getting the restart, the project had a lot of tough moments. By doing things like fix things, having companies that do things for them, and teaching the new developers what the Prime games should be Nintendo created a game that is new but similar to what everyone played. When it was all said and done, waiting was worth it because Metroid Prime 4 was more than just a game it was a addition to the best games ever.

5.QNX 8.0 Lands on the Desktop With a New Self-Hosted Developer Environment 

QNX has made a potentially game-changing move for folks working with its real-time operating system: the QNX Self-Hosted Developer Desktop.

QNX has been a go-to choice for embedded systems for a long time. You'll find it running everything from car entertainment systems to factory floor controllers. But, getting software ready for QNX usually meant a roundabout process called cross-compiling from another OS. That made things complicated and slowed down trying out new ideas. Now that there's a self-hosted desktop, those problems are starting to fade away.

So, What's the Deal with This Desktop?

Think of it this way: this new setup works right on top of QNX 8.0, which is the newest version of QNX's operating system. In the past, you'd write code on something like Linux or Windows, and then jump through hoops to make it run on a QNX device. But, with this desktop, you can do everything right inside QNX. That means writing, compiling, and testing your programs all in one place. It really cleans up the workflow.

Desktop uses Xfce and Wayland, giving you a solid graphical interface that doesn't hog resources. Now, people get a good, easy way to try things out.

What Tools Do You Get?

The desktop comes with standard tools to get people started, like GCC and LLVM/Clang. So, You can pick whichever compiler you like. You can also use utilities and Python for quick testing and setting tasks on autopilot.

Need an editor? Emacs, Geany, and Neovim can be used. QNX is including all the necessities, so it's easy for people to jump in and start doing stuff right away.

How Does this Thing Even Work?

Right now, the QNX Self-Hosted Developer Desktop is meant to be used with QEMU. People have tested it as a virtual machine on Ubuntu Linux, so anyone with a fairly modern computer can give it a shot. By centering on virtual machines, QNX gets around a problem it's had for a while: not a lot of support for different kinds of hardware. So, you don't have to go hunting down special equipment just to mess around with the OS.

The company hinted that they might offer an image that runs directly on Raspberry Pi computers. If that happens, it'd be great news for people who want to learn or just tinker. They could run QNX on cheap, easy-to- get devices. This could bring in a lot more people to the QNX world and lead to doing new things.

Why Should You Care?

A self-hosted desktop is good because it opens up QNX to more people. QNX has been considered a specialized OS and can be seen as hard to get into if you weren't already working in certain fields. The old cross-compilation way of doing things made it tougher to learn. But, a desktop environment that runs on its own makes things easier.

Students can get to know real-time operating systems. Hobbyists can try QNX. Pros get faster production. The self-hosted desktop makes QNX more easy to deal with.

The Embedded Systems Angle

QNX is known for being rock-solid and reliable. In cars, QNX runs entertainment systems and instrument panels because it can be depended on. In factories, QNX makes sure machinery responds exactly when it's supposed to. These situations demand real-time performance, which regular operating systems have trouble delivering.

QNX is still focusing on what it does best, just making it easier for programmers to get involved. Being able to try out ideas directly in QNX could mean stronger programs.

What's Next?

This first release is just the start. Imagine classrooms where students are learning real-time programming on stuff powered by QNX or people playing around with robots powered by QNX. That was a pipe dream, but the self-hosted desktop changes things.

QNX is planning to appeal to a much wider crowd. By playing friendly with tools that folks already like to use, they're showing they want to reach anyone.

Wrapping Up

The QNX Self-Hosted Developer Desktop may have flown under the radar, but it could have a big impact. By removing cross-compilation and using a full desktop environment on top of QNX 8.0, QNX is being accessible. With virtual machine support and Raspberry Pi images on the way, QNX is opening doors.

For an operating system only used in special applications, this is a step that can appeal to a new generation of developers to start doing embedded projects and help the QNX. This should help QNX stay strong and allow education and hobbyist communities to work with it.

6.Ubuntu 2025: Rust Everywhere, Performance Boosts, and What’s New 

2025 was a busy year for Ubuntu! The main reason? Everyone was waiting for the 26.04 LTS release in April 2026. The Ubuntu team, Canonical, was putting in lots of hours trying to get everything ready. They were trying out new stuff all the time, trying to make things faster than they already were and making sure Ubuntu worked on pretty much any kind of device out there.

It wasn't all easy. For example, there were problems trying to use Rust for some of the important system parts. But despite it all, it was a very busy year. I even looked at Phoronix, it looks like the website wrote over 120 articles about Ubuntu that year!

**Rust System: Did It Pan Out?**

One of the biggest things everyone was talking about in 2025 was the operating system using Rust to help the system programs. Instead of sticking with C language, Canonical swapped out old programs, such as GNU Coreutils and the older C-based sudo, for Rust versions called Rust Coreutils and sudo-rs. The entire idea was that Rust helps prevent memory and pointer errors, which makes the system much safer. The older tech from C had this issue. This is where Ubuntu can benefit to prevent system issues.

When they switched it on Ubuntu 25.10 in October, some of the users had issues. As they turned on the programs, some people got errors or the checksum was messed up during testing. The bugs crashed the system overall. People assume the problems occurred because of Rust Coreutils. But at first, Rust Coreutils operated slower than the old GNU versions! But the developers patched the problems up to make it function better. When the upgraded version came out, the speed issues were resolved.

After that update, the sudo-rs program replaced sudo in Ubuntu 25.10. It showed that Canonical wanted to try out using Rust. They patched up some security problems during the change, which shows how Ubuntu can make the system safer. It helps install a new software over an old one.

**Making Things Move Faster**

Rust wasn’t the only thing that they were worried about. Canonical was spending plenty of time to speed up Ubuntu's performance. They were looking at different software and testing, but some of those tests made other systems crash. So Canonical made sure those updates were compatible for the device.

Ubuntu also made unique versions for different set ups. Ubuntu 25.10 had the x86_64-v3 version. So if someone has an Intel and AMD software, they will get speed increasing operations. So if the device is new, you get a better speed, while older devices were unaffected.

**Hardware: ARM64 and Snapdragon X Elite**

Ubuntu can be loaded in many types of Hardwares, and Canonical was trying to fix that in 2025. They were testing the ARM64 versions in Ubuntu to assist system operations. Instead of just x86 computers, they were testing other platforms like smaller CPUs.

Since the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite CPUs were becoming a main CPU, Canonical did a special version of Ubuntu to be loaded onto those ARM laptops. Ubuntu 24.10 assisted install on Snapdragon CPUs. The goal is for Canonical to keep an eye on ARM.

**GNOME and Display Servers: Plan**

Canonical clarified that Ubuntu 25.10 would no longer include GNOME on X.Org. GNOME program (49) will drop X11 and switch the standard to Wayland display server. The problems with X.Org's were fixed, and Canonical wants to improve the Linux operating system.

**Business Outcomes**

The business was running positive trends in Canonical. Last year, they have made more funds than they did ten years previously. There were over 1,100 workers employed. IPO details will be announced around 2026. Ubuntu is performing well from the personal devices to the cloud.

Canonical stated that Java and OpenJDK are essential. They can show everyone that Ubuntu can assist developers and companies that use the programs.

**Community Improvement**

There were positive improvements from the community in Ubuntu last year. Canonical open-sourced Multipass, which can create Ubuntu environments on Linux, macOS and Windows devices. The community had a build in place to make it smoother.

Debian 13 improvements have been included into the Ubuntu software. These fixes can resolve problems with GNOME for setups and desktop layouts.

**Version Data**

The versions made available this calendar year:

*   Ubuntu 24.04.3 LTS includes Linux 6.14 HWE, which can be for the longer duration.

*   Ubuntu 25.04 comes with Linux 6.14 to improve the speed of software operations.

*   Ubuntu 25.10 Beta had User Interface fixes to allow the systems to function well with the OS.

These releases have kept Ubuntu stable and gives users the opportunity to try out features from 26.04 LTS.

**Ubuntu 26.04 LTS: Thoughts!**

As the year ended for 2025, many users wanted version 26.04 LTS around April 2026. Everyone wanted a better build on the system, due to the improvements. There were still questions on if Coreutils works, sudo-rs, or Snapdragon compatibility. Will there be an IPO next year?

In summary, it was a good year of concepts that will affect the company in the upcoming years.

7.Guilty Gear Strive Version 2.0 Revealed: New Fighters, Balance Changes, and More 

**Guilty Gear Strive Version 2.0: Is 2026 Going to Bring a Whole New Game?**

Guilty Gear Strive is now been running for about four years, right? It's had constant updates, new characters joining the roster, and even a pretty big esports scene. But the people over at Arc System Works aren't just going to sit back. They recently dropped their 19th Developer's Backyard video, which gave us a sneak peek at Version 2.0. The big boss, Ken Miyauchi, almost makes it sound like this update isn't just about throwing in another character or tweaking some numbers. It sounds like they're planning to shake up the whole experience! It looks like it will almost be a brand new game.

**Season 4 is Done, What'll Happen Next?**

Last year, 2025, marked the end of Season 4 for Strive. Season 4 end came with Lucy from Cyberpunk: Edgerunners entered the game – which, seriously, nobody saw it coming. That surprise move made it obvious that ArcSys isn't afraid to bring in some unexpected crossover characters to keep things interesting. But now that Season 4 has wrapped up, the team looks to be suggesting a change in how they do things. Instead of just throwing a bunch of new stuff in there, Version 2.0 is focused on taking a long, hard look at the Strive core.

**Little Changes, Not a Complete Reboot**

Miyauchi said Version 2.0 is more of a pit stop for the game rather than rebuild the game. The team wants to tighten up what's already good, fix the problems that have come up or places where the game has become unbalanced. Certain new mechanics added over time had a universal effect that made every character was stronger. That limited what players did when attacking and made it hard to determine whether it was worth doing. By changing these game systems, ArcSys can help make it more fun and balanced for anyone, from pro players to people playing the game for the first time.

**Wild Assault Under Further Review**

The Wild Assault function added is a perfect example of this. It was added as a universal mechanic, which gave players the tools and opportunity to develop offensive attacks, but it also made the game very complex. Now, ArcSys is now saying that it needs to be reviewed to determine ways to re-evaluate what it does. They want the mechanics of the game to be easy to use for new players, make it easier to determine when to use them, and keep the game balanced. It's mostly important for new players. Reducing Wild Assault could maintain Strive to be user-friendly for new users, while depth for the players who seek the highest level of skills.

**Character Changes and New Moves**

Past from the game mechanics, ArcSys is considering on how to provide more content to each characters in their gameplay through changes to their stats. No indications so far who those makeover characters. Also, the main characters are getting newer movesets. Sol, Ky, Nagoriyuki, and Leo are getting some cool stuff, which can give players some newer strategies. ArcSys wants to keep the roster better and make sure that everybody's playable characters are constantly improving.

**More Loot and a Better Experience**

An important part of Version 2.0 is giving out more rewards for the game. ArcSys wants to reward players things just by letting them play. That could be in the form of unlockables, systems or cosmetic items which can let the users come back. The team's also planning in things being better, especially online playing. Removing a players who affect the game of others or cheat it is a big move. ArcSys wants Strive to be a area that everyone will be welcome and will contend in fairness.

**So, How About the Roster Characters?**

Everyone is in anticipation on who's going to enter the stage. ArcSys said that only one character will be planned for its Version 2.0 launch. Furthermore characters will be planned for later date. It's uncertain if the team will do another Season 5 pass or just release their characters one at a time, like in Dragon Ball FighterZ before. Regarding on rumors on characters such as Jam Kuradoberi and Robo-Ky, until proven as a confirmed release, nothing is official yet. If so, it would be a mix of fan-favorites and a new gameplay mechanics.

**Finding the Right Balance**

The main objective looks at achieving balance between risks and rewards, which will bring the audience by making decision less confusing. The game's updates have increased certain decisions that made choices limited. ArcSys expects to provide options through matches more exciting and fair. The developers wants to give that the fighting games can change. What's good by looks can have chaos to the game so for long-term, it won't pay out.

**A Fresh Start in Year Five**

Miyauchi's words showed the impact that Version 2.0 will bring, which to make Strive become refreshing. This means that they don't have no the initial elements that Strive was famous for, just to tidy up things in arrival to the fifth year. Fans are more open to the game's changes, while new comers are expecting of the game to be brought to something important as one of biggest fighting games around.

**What the Fans are Saying**

Expects are open to those who loves and shows passion for Guilty Gear community, they expects their game to be better at its peak. Competitive players are desiring a balance to rewards for skills acquired. Regulars are expecting more content, new releases, and better reward systems. ArcSys must please this balance while maintaing Strive be it's own. They knows what they need: mechanics re-evaluate, more rewards, more new releases.

**Looking Forward to 2026**

ArcSys hasn't said what the date release of Version 2.0 is, it's in 2026. This made anticipation rise higher, but the roadmap confirms certain changes arriving. Finishing Season 4 and the release of Lucy, Version 2.0 is going to be a start. Character changes, new game mechanics or better rewards, Guilty Gear Strive is planning to transform in efforts to take back its name in the gaming industry.

**To Sum It Up**

Guilty Gear Strive has been successful for four years, community and the esports scene. Arc System Works can maintain the game's success. Version 2.0 is the next step, fixing the game, having proper balance, plus rewards. More characters and changes for existing characters will be planned,Strive is getting ready,. 2026 may bring new changes and features of Guilty Gear.

8.Stardew Valley Gets a Nintendo Switch 2 Upgrade With Mouse Support and Split-Screen 

**Stardew Valley Just Dropped a Surprise Switch 2 Edition!**

Christmas 2025 came early for Stardew Valley fans! Eric Barone (you probably know him as ConcernedApe), the guy behind the whole thing, totally surprised everyone by releasing a Nintendo Switch 2 version of the game. We knew something was up since Nintendo hinted at it during a Direct in September, but nobody thought it would just *show up* like that–and for free if you already own the game!

**Already Got Stardew? Free Upgrade Time!**

If you've already got Stardew Valley on your Switch, getting it on the Switch 2 is super smooth. Just grab the free Upgrade Pack from the eShop, and you can move your farm over without losing any progress. ConcernedApe is famous for being cool to his fans and dropping free updates all the time, and this Switch 2 version is right in line with that.

If you’re new to the game, you can buy the Switch 2 version for just $14.99. Seriously, with hundreds of hours of stuff to do – farming, mining, fishing, making friends – it's one of the best deals in gaming.

**What’s New on the Switch 2?**

This isn't just a copy-and-paste job. ConcernedApe added a few things that really take advantage of the Switch 2, making the game even better:

*   **Mouse Controls:** Yeah, you read that right. Mouse support on a console game is a bit weird, but it makes moving stuff around in your inventory and putting stuff exactly where you want it way easier, especially if you're playing on your TV with the Switch docked.

*   **Local Split-Screen Co-op:** Four people can farm together on one Switch! You and your family or roommates can build a farm without needing multiple consoles.

*   **Online Multiplayer Bump:** The game now supports up to eight people playing together online, which is double what it used to be. Get ready for some huge, collaborative farms!

*   **Game Sharing FTW:** The Switch 2 has this new thing where you only need one copy of a game for four people to play together locally. So, if you and some friends want to start a farm, only one of you needs to buy the game.

These updates are a great example of how Stardew Valley keeps getting better and staying true to its friendly, community-focused feel.

**The Game That Keeps on Giving**

Since it came out in 2016, Stardew Valley has blown up. It started as one guy's passion project, inspired by Harvest Moon, and turned into one of the most popular indie games ever. ConcernedApe has kept the game alive with free updates that added new stuff like crops, animals, places, and stories. Adding multiplayer support a few years later turned the game into a community hangout. This Switch 2 version keeps that going, making sure the game stays fun even after all these years.

**Why This Matters for Switch 2 Owners**

The original Nintendo Switch was a super popular way to play Stardew Valley because you could take it anywhere, and it was great for families. With the Switch 2 out, it only makes sense that the game needs to be available and run well on the new system. By improving the multiplayer and split-screen features, ConcernedApe is showing off what the Switch 2 can really do.

Plus, the free upgrade shows that he cares about the players. You don't have to buy the game again or start over. You just pick up where you left off, only with more ways to play.

**The Internet Is Freaking Out (in a Good Way)**

The Christmas Day release was a pretty awesome surprise, and everyone online is talking about it. A lot of people are happy about the improved multiplayer, dreaming of huge online farms with people from all over the world. Others love the split-screen, because it makes it easier for families to play who only have one Switch.

The mouse controls are interesting too, especially for people who like playing on PC but also like the convenience of playing it on a console. It’s a small feature that shows how much ConcernedApe thinks about the details.

**Stardew Valley: Still the King of Cozy**

Stardew Valley has been one of those games that you can just relax and lose yourself in. The mix of farming, making stuff, and building relationships makes it a game that anyone can enjoy. The Switch 2 version just makes it even better, friendlier, and much more enjoyable.

**What's Next?**

ConcernedApe is still working on Stardew Valley, but he's also making a new game called Haunted Chocolatier that sounds like it will be a mix of cozy and fantasy. But even with that coming up, Stardew Valley will always be a cornerstone of his work. The Switch 2 version isn't just an update – it's a way of saying that this game is still important and relevant.

**Bottom Line**

The Stardew Valley Switch 2 surprise release is a gift to the fans. The free upgrade, better multiplayer, split-screen, and mouse controls show that ConcernedApe cares about his community. So, it proved that farming, friendships, and making stuff will always be cool.

9.Samsung Smart TV Users Can Now Watch Hundreds of Free Channels 

Lots of people are watching TV through streaming these days. But with so many different subscriptions you have to pay for, it can get pretty annoying to juggles everything. That's where Samsung TV Plus comes in, offering a way to watch stuff without paying extra on this platfom. If you have a Samsung smart TV made after 2016, you already have the Samsung TV Plus app! You don't need any subscriptions, account. Just turn on your TV, connect to the internet, and you are all set.

#### It's Already There

The cool thing about Samsung TV Plus is that it's already sitting on your TV when you buy it. No need to download anything. Open the app, and it will likely look like other streaming apps you have seen before. There are categories, charts of what's popular, and different sections to make it simple to see what they have. Plus, it figures out what you like to watch based on what you have viewed before, and gives suggestions.

#### Live TV is Back in the Game

One thing that sets Samsung TV Plus apart is that it has live TV channels. So, it is not only regular on demand streaming. There's a bunch of channels showing anime, local/national news, flicks, music, reality shows, sports, and even stuff for kids. If you are thinking about cutting the cord, this could be a solid choice.

Samsung says they have over 100 channels that you can only find on TV Plus. If you want to check out all available, go to Samsung's website & look for the channel list to explore.

#### Movies and Shows, Whenever

Besides live TV, Samsung TV Plus also changes up its collection of movies and shows. For example, back in December 2023, they had titles like Die Hard, Step Up, Now You See Me, and Crazy, Stupid, Love.

Sometimes, they even have shows from other streaming sites temporarily. Last December, you could binged first season of Fallout from Prime Video. These types of partnerships make TV Plus more attractive; it gives you a taste of premium shows without another bill.

#### How it All Works

Samsung TV Plus is part of the whole FAST thing. FAST means free ad-supported streaming television. Instead of paying for a subscription like you do with Netflix or others, you see ads, and that's how they keep it free. Pluto TV, Tubi, and The Roku Channel are other examples. Samsung has a certain edge since the app is on TV itself.

#### Easy Peasy

Samsung TV Plus is made to be simple. The look of the app is alike many popular streaming apps, so it's not hard to find the way around. The recommendations can help when you cannot decide what to view. And with kids' shows and sports, there's something for everyone in the family.

It is also open for all; you can just start watching. This is attractive for people who prefer not to give away info. No commitments are needed.

#### Whatever The Occasion

Samsung TV Plus makes sure to switch things up depending on holidays and seasons. Die Hard in December made sense, and having Fallout available for a bit was well timed. This makes people check back regularly for the latest.

#### What's the Bottom Line?

Basically, you will get free live channels and movies/shows, and suggestions picked for you. It is already included if you own a Samsung smart TV. If you are tired of paying for everything, it is a good way to watch good contents.

#### What's Next?

As more people discover FAST, Samsung TV Plus will probably just get more popular. Since it is already on millions of TVs, it has a head begin, and the exclusives and partnerships will only help. With its smart features & simple design, it mixes ease of use with all the things you wanted. If you want free entertainment that you can depend on, Samsung TV Plus is a great choice.

10.A School Took Away Phones — The Results Surprised Everyone 

**Ballard High Kicks Out Phones, and Guess What Happened?**

So, check this out. Ballard High School, right here in Seattle, did something pretty bold. They basically told all the students to ditch their phones during school hours. Phones are totally off-limits from the first to the last bell. Sounds kinda strict, doesn't it? But what happened after was really kind of a shock.

Instead of total mayhem, they started seeing some genuine improvements in how the students were behaving, who they were hanging out with, and even how they were doing in their classes. Quick example? The library suddenly turned into the hot spot. They saw a jump of around 67% in book checkouts compared to the year before. Whoa! You get rid of the phones, and suddenly the students are picking up books.

**The Cafeteria: From Silent Phone Staring to Actual Chatting**

You want to know which area changed the most? The cafeteria. Before the ban, lunchtime was like a scene from a zombie movie. Everyone was staring at their phones, not a word spoken. Now? It’s a completely different scene. The students are chatting with each other. They're laughing, playing cards, just doing the usual things that you would do before smartphones completely changed the world. One student even started a Friday bingo game, which is awesome. It feels like you have been transported back to that era when the school cafeteria was a safe space that allowed students to interact with each other, and not just stare at a screen.

Teachers and the principal are on the same page that the students seem way more connected. They’re making friends, and chatting, things that most likely would have been missed if the screen was on all day. It's like this phone ban gave the students an opportunity to just be themselves, and have fun.

**Reading is Totally Making a Comeback**

Who would have thought? However, with phones out of sight, the students started gravitating to books. The library had a great increase in checkouts, and librarians are saying that students are looking at different types of books that they thought were not interesting. From fantasy novels to biographies to comics. It has nothing to do with grades, but to do with students using their minds, understanding other people’s stories, and independent thinking.

**What the Experts are Saying**

The Today Show talked to a psychologist called Jean Twenge, a professional in how phones and social media affect teenagers. She has published several books, and she says that too much time looking at screens can cause the students to be nervous, sad, and all alone.

Twenge believes phone bans, like those at Ballard, can support students to find a balance in their lives. Forcing them to disconnect from devices, and talking to people in person. This will influence them to do get some physical activity, and be creative. She agrees that, technology is fine, but putting a limit to it should be a priority.

**More than Just Grades**

Ballard High School is an example that taking away phones can help the students be with each other and make long lasting friendships. The cafeteria is a great example of this. Getting rid of the distractions allows the student to interact and mingle more.

Teachers agree saying that students attention level is better now. Without the distractions of phones, the student's mind are solely focused on learning.

**The Down Sides**

Obviously, it's not all rainbows. Some parents expressed their worries that it will be hard to communicate with their children during. There were also concerns about not being able to use learning applications. Ballard addressed these by letting the students use their personal devices before and after school.

Constant monitoring is very important to make sure that the students are following the rules. Teachers and staff have to team up to prevent students from accessing the devices during learning hours. The positive outcome has outweighed the negative outcome.

**Can other school learn from this?**

After seeing how successful it was, it makes you start questioning if other schools can learn from this. Knowing that some students struggle and are having mental health issues, banning phones during school can be an effective way to cut through stress. The rise in reading, the return of real-life interactions, and the environment that is being created is making a good point.

Twenge said that banning phones is great fix, but also can be a great stepping stone in order to teach the students how to thrive. Parents and communities working together to put boundaries on phone usage can help with having a balanced environment, where students learn how to use technology with participation.

**In conclusion**

Ballard High School banning phones has improved the students. Students are participating more, they are socializing, and connecting with people. Psychologist Jean Twenge states that setting a boundary around phones can positively affect youth. The problem is obvious, however, schools can prioritize human connection over digital distractions. We are being drowned by the screens, so Ballard is going to be a flash back.

11.Sapphire Unveils RX 9070 XT NITRO+ Phantom Link: Specs and Pricing Revealed

**Sapphire's NITRO+ RX 9070 XT PhantomLink is Here – And It's Kind of a Big Deal!**

Okay, so Sapphire just dropped a new graphics card, the NITRO+ RX 9070 XT PhantomLink. The basic news is it's their RX 9070 XT, but they did something different here like moving the power connector to the back, and offering it in two colors that will make your eyes pop!

You can get it in a titanium finish, or a special white Polar Aurora version. If you're planning to build a PC, this is actually really cool. You get all that NITRO+ power we've come to expect, but now you can make it look amazing while doing so.

**A White NITRO+? What's the Story?**

It's kind of unusual. Sapphire usually sticks with the white look for their NITRO+ PURE line. Remember the RX 6950 XT PURE? But, they seem to be giving the PURE line its own flavor these days. NITRO+ is still their main line. Giving the Polar Aurora the NITRO+ name seems like Sapphire wants to give you both brains and beauty. People are building PCs that can play games amazingly and look good.

**PhantomLink: Say Goodbye to Cable Clutter!**

This is the really neat part. Sapphire moved the power connector to the *back* of the card with the PhantomLink! Supposedly, this was inspired by ASUS and their BTF 2.5 idea or something like that. Either way, the idea is to get rid of those messy power cables. Having your PC look less cluttered is something a lot of people really dig.

If you're obsessed with how organized your computer looks, PhantomLink is your answer. It solves one of the biggest problems with PC building, which is keeping all the wires neat and tidy.

The connector can also be removed, which is a big plus. It can link up with both 12V-2x6 and GC-HPWR connections. And, Sapphire threw in a PWR CONFLICT light. If you've got both power methods plugged in at the same time, it'll light up. They said they did this to keep everything stable and prevent damage, so that the card won't fry itself, or worse, your whole system.

**So, What's Inside This Thing?**

Even though the look is new, the PhantomLink has the same stuff under the hood as the standard NITRO+ RX 9070 XT:

*   **Stream processors:** 4,096

*   **Core clock:** 2,520 MHz (boost up to 3,060 MHz)

*   **Infinity Cache:** 64 MB

*   **Memory:** 16 GB GDDR6 (256-bit), 20 Gbps

*   **Display outputs:** 2x HDMI, 2x DisplayPort 2.1

*   **Power connector:** 12V-2x6

*   **Suggested power supply:** 850 W

*   **Card size:** 330 × 141.25 × 64.18 mm

Put simply: the PhantomLink is a beast. It'll run practically any game you can name, at high resolutions and with super-smooth frame rates. And that DisplayPort 2.1 support means it'll be ready to go with future monitors that can handle crazy-high resolutions.

**Looks matter, too.**

The titanium version has a kind of serious, industrial vibe. The Polar Aurora is all white, which will really stand out in a custom PC. White GPUs are becoming really popular, because people want to style their PC cases to a specific theme. Sapphire knows people want different options. Getting that white option is why they made a white version for the NITRO+ series.

Like other Sapphire cards, it's got a big triple-fan cooler plus some bigger heatsinks. What I'm getting at here is that it'll run cool no matter how hard you push it. The PhantomLink, mixed with the cable improvements, turns out to be a win-win. It combines cool looks with some smart, practical engineering.

**The Million-Dollar Question: What's it Cost?**

Let's get down to brass tacks, here. Sapphire's selling the titanium model for 5,799 RMB, or about $828 in US dollars. The Polar Aurora will run you a bit more at 5,999 RMB (around $856). The base NITRO+ RX 9070 XT costs 5,499 RMB, or about $785. So, sure, you're paying a little more for that PhantomLink tech and that fancy Polar Aurora finish.

If you're on a budget, the price might be a downer. But if you want a clean-looking PC, The PhantomLink will be an answer. The GPU market is competitive, with performance varying little from one brand to another.. Looks and convenience are a factor that may sway your decision.

**What This Means for You (the PC Builder)**

The PhantomLink is trying to take PC building into the new era. Cabling gets hidden as much as possible. Cases are coming out with connectors hidden behind the motherboard tray. PhantomLink is another example of companies switching things up. If you want your PC as clean as possible without trading performance, the PhantomLink is looking very good.

And the fact that Sapphire has made a light when cables are installed wrong shows that they've put much thought into the whole building process.

**The Final Word**

The Sapphire NITRO+ RX 9070 XT PhantomLink is something unique. Sapphire wants to create cool-looking, powerful gears. From the back power connector, to the color choices, and those high-end specs, it all adds up to being an awesome card that's gonna appeal to gamers, PC builders, and anyone who loves a good-looking rig.

The new Sapphire card is a little more expensive than the regular NITRO+ version. If you're all about aesthetics and want the cleanest possible setup, the PhantomLink can be worth considering. As hidden cabling and custom style become more popular. Sapphire's PhantomLink has the potential to be popular. The card is a good mix of engineering and looks.

12.LG Unveils 5K Gaming Monitors for the Ultimate Visual Experience 

LG just showed off their new UltraGear evo gaming monitors at CES 2026, and these things are seriously cool. I couldn’t help but notice they’re definitely aiming for that sweet spot, the one where you get visuals that are amazing and gameplay that feels really smooth. Will they be too expensive, though?

Because getting a good graphics card can seriously empty your wallet these days. The idea that these monitors might lighten the load on your PC is something to consider. I mean, who *wouldn't* want incredible graphics without spending too much money?

**AI Upscaling: Worth all the Hype?**

Everyone's talking about this AI upscaling. Ever play a game at a high resolution, but your graphics card sounds like it's about to take off, and everything looks pixelated? Not fun. Well, LG put AI inside these monitors, and they're claiming it helps your graphics card do a better job. Pretty much, the monitor takes those images and cleans them up, so they look as clear as if you were playing at 5K. Pretty awesome, right? And, LG is hinting that these monitors do even more to improve both video and sound.

LG is trying to make the point that buying one of these monitors might mean you don't have to spend a lot on a new graphics card. This could be awesome for gamers who've seen graphics card prices skyrocket lately if it lives up to the hype.

**The 39-Inch OLED (39GX950B)**

First, this 39-inch OLED screen just screams gaming. This screen uses that AI upscaling to improve the image, making it a 5K resolution. At the same time, it improves the audio and picture. Also, there are what you can do to change the product for the best use:

*   If you want graphics that are sharp and have a lot of detail, set it to 5K resolution at 165Hz.

*   If speed is what you need, you can lower the resolution (WFHD) and increase the refresh rate to 330Hz for really smooth gameplay.

Honestly, it's your choice. You can change the settings for each game. Also, it has a fast response time (0.03ms) and a curved screen (21:9) that should really draw you into those racing or flying games.

**The 27-Inch MiniLED (27GM950B)**

They are also showing a 27-inch MiniLED monitor. LG is working to deal with that 'halo effect,' a glow you sometimes see around bright objects, which can happen with MiniLEDs. They put a lot of dimming zones (2,304) inside to deal with that.

Like the OLED, it uses AI to improve the visuals and audio. The basics are:

*   165Hz at 5K resolution if the visuals are what you need.

*   330Hz at QHD resolution if seeing the fastest thing on the screen is what you need.

It also has a 1ms response time, and the brightness can go up to 1,250 nits for HDR visuals, so the colors are sure to stand out. Movies and games should look amazing when playing.

**The 52-Inch Biggest (52G930B)**

Okay, get ready––a 52-inch monitor is here! Usually, you see screens this big in the living room, not on a desk while someone's playing games. LG believes some gamers are ready to go big with their setup. This thing is pushing 5K resolution at 240Hz, and the screen has a curve (1000R). LG is trying to get the attention of simulation game fans, like racers and RPG players.

Because it's as big as a TV, it's said to be super responsive, exactly what you want for gaming. If your PC can, it could be something amazing.

**Overall**

The LG UltraGear evo line looks like it wants to improve gaming using AI, reducing the need to buy top-of-the-line graphics cards.

LG seems to be targeting the different needs of their customers, and they offer a range of options (OLED, MiniLED, and big curved screen). Competitive gamers might like the speed of the 27-inch MiniLED, and other gamers might want the OLED and big curved screen.

**Price and When It Will Be on Sale**

LG isn't saying how much they'll cost or when you can buy them yet. But the AI, high refresh rates, fancy screens, and big sizes mean they won't be cheap. If you're thinking about getting a new graphics card, wait to see if one of these monitors could save you some money.

We should know more at CES 2026. And, right now, how these monitors will do when you're actually using them is the big question.

**In Conclusion**

These monitors appear appealing. LG's goal is to give more amazing image quality, smooth gameplay, and AI to help your graphics card perform better. Gamers who enjoy OLED, MiniLED, and curved screens need to prepare because LG is going to offer products that might appeal to someone.

You'll almost surely be able to see the screens in person soon. Being clear about how much you're willing to spend is important. If you want to improve your gaming, keep an eye on the UltraGear evo monitors!

13.UGREEN NASync DH2300 Review: A Beginner-Friendly NAS That Delivers 

**UGREEN NASync DH2300: A Great First NAS for Home Use**

So, you're thinking about getting a network-attached storage device, or NAS, right? For a while, these things seemed like something only tech pros or serious hobbyists used. I'm talking server racks, complicated RAID setups, and just huge amounts of storage. If you just wanted to store some files or stream a movie or two, setting up a home server seemed really complex. However, the UGREEN NASync DH2300 changes that. It's priced at around $210. That's not bad and it makes getting into the NAS world way easier than you might think. You don't have to be an IT expert to use it to stream movies, keep your files safe, or even play around with Docker containers.

**How Much Does It Cost and Where Can You Find It?**

You can usually grab the DH2300 on Amazon for its regular price, which is about $210. But here's a tip: I've seen it go on sale for as low as $168. Sometimes, Newegg and Walmart will also have it for less than the regular price. Keep in mind that you have to buy the hard drives separately. It comes with everything else you need: a power adapter, a good Ethernet cable, screws, and even a screwdriver to get those drives installed. UGREEN has a list of drives they recommend, like WD Red Plus or Seagate IronWolf. But the good news is that it works with older hard drives, so if you've got some lying around, you can use those to get started.

**What's Under the Hood?**

Okay, here's what the DH2300 is packing:

*   **Processor:** Rockchip RK3576

*   **Memory:** 4GB (LPDDR4X)

*   **Storage:** Up to 60TB (using two 30TB drives)

*   **RAID Options:** JBOD, Basic, RAID 0, RAID 1

*   **Connections:** 1Gb Ethernet, two USB-A ports, one USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 port, HDMI 2.1, NFC

*   **Size:** About 6 x 4 x 8.4 inches

*   **Weight:** Roughly 2 pounds

The insides aren't super powerful compared to those high-end NAS boxes, but they are good enough for simple home stuff. What's kind of cool is the HDMI port. You can hook it up directly to a TV or monitor, so you don't have to mess around with browser windows or phone apps to get things running.

**Setting It Up: Easier Than Making Toast**

UGREEN was thinking about normal people when they designed this thing. It's meant to be simple. It has NFC so you can set it up, it is easy with your phone, and the dashboard you access through your browser is really easy to use. In just a few minutes, you can start making folders, throwing files on there, and getting your movies and music organized. The operating system looks and feels sort of like Windows, which makes it easier to learn if you're used to that.

I'm no NAS expert, and I got it up and running without any problems. I even threw in an old hard drive that wasn't really made for NAS use, and it worked fine. UGREEN wants you to use special NAS drives for the best performance but the DH2300 is easy for beginners who just want to use what they already have.

**Streaming Movies: Does It Work?**

The big question is, can this thing actually stream movies? I tested it with Jellyfin (which is like a free, open-source version of Plex). It streamed Blu-ray backups (in MP4 format with H.264 video and Dolby Digital sound) without a hitch. I could watch them on different devices around my house without any problems.

The DH2300 does have some trouble with transcoding. That's when it has to change the video format on the fly. If you're doing something intense, like watching a high-resolution video or trying to stream to multiple devices at the same time, the processor can get overloaded. It's got 4GB of RAM, but that is little. It is not designed for heavy use. However, if you're just watching one file at a time, it works great.

**Docker and App Support: A Little Tricky**

Here's a weird thing about the DH2300: It involves Docker. Docker is needed to run stuff like Jellyfin and Plex. UGREEN kind of hides Docker away. It used to be available in the app store, but they took it off. Probably because the DH2300 only has 4GB of RAM. But some people figured out that you can install a version of Docker that's made for a different UGREEN NAS (the DH4300 Plus), and it works on the DH2300 if you mess around with it a bit.

This makes things a little harder for beginners but it's not too bad. Once you get Docker installed, setting up apps is pretty simple. Still, because UGREEN hides Docker, it makes the DH2300 a little less user-friendly.

**How Does It Look and Feel?**

The DH2300 looks like a budget NAS. The plastic trays that hold the hard drives are pretty basic. You have to use screws to keep the drives in place, which isn't as convenient as those tool-less designs you see on more expensive models. But for the price, it's not a big deal. It's small and light, so it'll fit easily in your office or entertainment area.

**The Good and the Bad**

**What's Great:**

*   It's cheap and works well for a basic home media server.

*   You can use regular hard drives, even older ones.

*   It's easy to set up with NFC, a browser dashboard, and an HDMI output.

*   It can handle up to 60TB of storage.

**What's Not So Great:**

*   Apps like Jellyfin and Plex need Docker, which is hidden by default.

*   The 4GB of RAM limit what you can do with it.

*   It doesn't support M.2 NVMe drives.

*   The drive trays are basic.

**Who Should Buy the DH2300?**

✅ **Get it if:**

*   You want a simple home media server.

*   You're tired of paying for cloud storage.

*   You're curious about NAS and don't want to blow a ton of money.

❌ **Don't get it if:**

*   You need to do a lot of video converting.

*   You want to stream to multiple devices at the same time.

*   You can't connect it to your network with a cable.

**Final Thoughts**

The UGREEN NASync DH2300 is a basic NAS that gives you more than you'd expect for the price. For about $210, you have way to get into the world of home servers. It gives you enough power to stream movies, back up your files, and try out Docker containers. It has some limitations, like the limited RAM and the hidden Docker support. But beginners will find it easy to use and surprisingly powerful.

To me, the DH2300 was a nice surprise. I thought NAS devices were only for techy people, but this showed me that you don't need expensive equipment to manage your own media library and take control of your data. It's not perfect, but it's affordable, and it works. If you're a beginner looking to try out NAS, the DH2300 is a very good place to start.

14.Holiday Splurge: Top Smart Glasses Worth Your Gift Cash 

**Smart Glasses in 2026: What to Buy and What's Next**

Remember when smart glasses seemed like something out of a sci-fi movie? Well, the tech has gotten way better, really fast. What used to be a crazy, futuristic idea is now turning into something you could actually use every day. Mark Zuckerberg from Meta even said that smart glasses will take over from smartphones in the next ten years, which sounds pretty wild, and some people think it's unlikely. But, no matter what happens, the smart glasses we have now can do a lot more than those first ones. They let you talk to people, get directions, track your workouts, watch videos, and even play games that make it feel like you're really in them.

So, if you're thinking about getting a pair of smart glasses, either for you or as a gift, there are a bunch of cool choices out there. Some are all about looking good and being easy to wear every day. Others are made for sports, getting work done, or playing video games. Let's check out some of the best smart glasses you can buy right now, and also what's coming out soon, so you can see where things are headed.

**Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2):**

Meta teamed up with Ray-Ban, and they've made some of the best-looking smart glasses you can find. The Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 glasses look like, well, normal glasses. So, if you want something that doesn't scream tech geek, these are a good bet. They come in different styles, so you can pick the one you like the most.

They do a lot, too. They have a 12-megapixel camera, speakers that leave your ears open, and five microphones. This means you can take photos and videos, make calls, and use voice commands without having to touch anything. The battery lasts twice as long as the first version, up to eight hours. And you can charge them up to 50% in just 20 minutes. The charging case gives you another 48 hours of power. The video quality is now 3K Ultra HD, they have 32GB of storage, and they can handle a little water, like getting caught in the rain. The AI can also do things like translate languages in real-time, remind you of stuff, and answer questions about what you're looking at. At $379, they're a good mix of style and usefulness.

**Viture Luma Pro:**

If you want a big screen experience, check out the Viture Luma Pro. These glasses use Sony's special screens to show a clear 1200p image that looks like it's on a 152-inch screen. The picture is really smooth, and it's bright enough to see well. You can plug them into your phone, tablet, game console, or laptop with a USB-C cable. This makes them great for playing games, watching movies while you're traveling, or setting up multiple screens at once for work.

If you're nearsighted, you might not even need prescription lenses, since they work for people with mild vision problems. They're a little bulky, but still comfortable to wear. They cost $499 (but are on sale for $449 right now), and they're a solid choice for gamers and people who travel a lot.

**Xreal One Pro:**

The Xreal One Pro is more expensive, at $649. The design is sleek, and the screen can project up to 171 inches at 1080p resolution. The refresh rate is fast, and the speakers made by Bose sound great. The screen is also bright enough to use outside.

These glasses use Xreal's X1 chip to track your head movements, so the image stays still even when you move your head around. There are buttons to change the screen size, distance, and how the colors look. If you've used smart glasses before and want something better, the One Pro has some cool features and is comfy to wear.

**Oakley Meta Vanguard:**

The Oakley Meta Vanguard is made for athletes and people who spend time outdoors. They're tough and have smart features. They have a 12-megapixel camera with a wide-angle lens that can record video in 3K. The buttons are placed so you can use them even when you're wearing a helmet. There's also a button you can program to do different things with the Meta AI app.

The battery lasts up to nine hours, or six hours if you're playing music. The charging case adds another 36 hours. You can charge them up to 50% in 20 minutes. They have five microphones that cut down on wind noise, and they're protected from dust and water. At $499, they're a good fit for active people.

**RayNeo Air 3s:**

If you're on a budget, the RayNeo Air 3s are a good option. They use special screens to create a 201-inch virtual screen at 1080p resolution. The picture is smooth, and it's bright enough to see well. They don't track your head movements like the more expensive models, and the screen isn't quite as wide, but they're still great for playing simple games or watching videos when you're out and about.

They also have features to protect your eyes, like dimming and blue light reduction, so they're easier on your eyes if you use them for a long time. At $269 (or $219 on sale), they're an affordable way to get into smart glasses.

**What's Coming Soon:**

The smart glasses market is getting more competitive, and there are some big releases coming up:

*   **Project Aura:** Google and Xreal are working together on these glasses, which will run on Android XR. They'll have a wide screen and let you see the real world through them. The idea is to use them as a bigger workspace or for watching videos, and they'll work with Google's apps. They're supposed to come out in 2026.

*   **Snap Specs:** Snap is planning to release a lighter version of its AR glasses in 2026. It will be aimed at regular consumers, building on the Spectacles 5 that are made for developers. They'll be smaller and lighter, so they'll be easier to wear in public.

*   **Apple AI Smart Glasses:** Apple is supposedly changing its focus from the Vision Pro headset to smart glasses that use AI to compete with Meta. They're expected in 2026 and will have a lot of the same features as Meta's glasses.

**In Conclusion:**

Smart glasses aren't just for tech enthusiasts anymore. You can find stylish glasses for everyday wear like the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2, immersive gaming displays like the Viture Luma Pro and Xreal One Pro, glasses for athletes like the Oakley Meta Vanguard, and affordable options like the RayNeo Air 3s. Now, there's a pair for almost anyone. With companies like Google, Snap, and Apple releasing new products, smart glasses are likely to become even more common in the next few years. We'll have to wait and see if they really do replace smartphones, but they're already proving to be useful and versatile gadgets that you can wear.

15.Don’t Miss This Underrated RPG — Cheap on Switch Today 

Christmas might be done, but don't forget to grab some games for yourself! If you have a Nintendo Switch, or even picked up one of those new Switch 2 models, now’s a fine time to get some sweet games at cheaper prices. The eShop’s got a sale going on, something for everyone, from the latest stuff to older games that are still worth your time.

Let's start with Nintendo's own games. They're not free, sure, but they've knocked down the price on some classics. Super Mario Odyssey and New Super Mario Bros. Deluxe are each cheaper, most people probably own them, but maybe you don't! If you just got a Switch, you really ought to have these games. But, the savings are on games from other companies, you know, those games that came out on every system.

Just bought a Switch 2? Nice! There are some really good deals just for you:

*   Street Fighter 6 – It'll only cost you $20; that's half the normal price!

*   Star Wars Outlaws – $40 compared to the normal price of $60

*   Cyberpunk 2077 – $40 which is a fantastic price.

These prices surely makes it easier to try those popular games. Street Fighter 6 for half off is pretty good; that's a really good offer for fighting game fans. Also, the Switch 2 version of Cyberpunk 2077 lets you play in Night City without the lag.

Still on the original Switch? No sweat, there’s still a huge collection of awesome games on sale. Here’s some of the top picks I found:

*   No Man’s Sky – $24. Save 60%

*   Divinity: Original Sin 2 – $25 (half price)

*   Hollow Knight: Silksong – $16. Save 20% off

*   Hades II – $22.50. Save 25%

*   Ball x Pit – $12. Save 20% off

*   Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown – $12. Save 60%

*   Death’s Door – Only $5, which is 75% reduced.

*   Hollow Knight – $7.50. Save 50% off.

*   Hades – $7.50. Save 70%

*   Baten Kaitos 1 & 2 HD Remaster – $15. Save 70% off.

*   Tactics Ogre: Reborn – $20. Save 60%

*   Monster Hunter Rise – $8. Save 80%

*   Mega Man Legacy Collection – $5. Save 66%

*   Final Fantasy VII – Only $6.39. Save 60%

*   Sifu – $10! 75% reduced

*   Dead Cells – $12.50. Save 50%

This list has everything. RPGs, indie games and lots more. You will find something you like.

Hollow Knight: Silksong and Hades II aren't dirt cheap, but they're worth buying. If you haven't tried the original games, you ought to do it soon. You can grab both Hollow Knight and Hades for only $15, and you will get hours upon hours of fun. Plus, playing the originals will help you enjoy the newer ones even more.

Now, let's highlight a few deals that are real steals:

*   Divinity: Original Sin 2 – $25 is the best deal I've seen. And if you're on Switch 2, it looks better with the free update, so grab it! If you're into strategy games crammed with storytelling and the choices you make truly matter, you'll love this.

*   Baten Kaitos 1 & 2 HD Remaster – At $15, take a chance to play these GameCube RPGs because it almost never goes on the market anymore. They have a card-based battle style, a super story, and a unique addition for your game collection.

*   Tactics Ogre: Reborn – Liked that Final Fantasy Tactics remake from earlier this year? This is similar, but darker and tougher, with a more complex story. It's cool if you need a game to grind through this winter!

*   Monster Hunter Rise – Only $8? It's so cheap! You're getting hundreds of hours of monster slaying, and it’s better if you play with friends online.

*   Mega Man Legacy Collection – Five bucks for old-school Mega Man games? Yes, please! Makes you feel a bit nostalgic, or gear up if Mega Man 12 becomes a thing one day.

Don't ignore the indie games! Death’s Door at $5 is a super deal. It's a well-made action game with fun fighting. If you like Sifu, for $10 you get a sweet martial arts beat-'em-up that uses roguelike features. And Dead Cells is at $12.50, and it’s still a classic. The makers keep adding things to the game.

This eShop sale proves that you don’t have to cough up too much to get yourself an awesome collection of games. From big RPGs to quick action or awesome indie titles, there’s something for everyone. Savings as great as 80% off isn't something you see everyday.

From Divinity: Original Sin 2 and Baten Kaitos to Monster Hunter Rise and the Mega Man Legacy Collection, there are a lot of savings to be made. You can also find these type of games from a game stop near you. So, as the holiday come to an end, grab that game to enjoy on your Switch this year!

16.New Code Vein II Character Trailer Reveals Fresh Faces 

Code Vein II is coming! Get ready to return to its dark world in 2026. This sequel promises to beef up the lore, make the characters even more interesting, and make the action RPG combat and gothic story even greater. Bandai Namco says Code Vein II drops on January 30, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series consoles, and PC via Steam. A new character is stepping into the scene, it's Valentin Voda. She's described as the serene pioneer of the Progenitor’s bloodline. Her showing kinda hints that the game will deal with ancestry and identity.

What's Valentin Voda All About?

Valentin's main quote tells you where she's coming from:

Obsessing over bloodline and ancestry? That's old news. It's a silly custom that I want to change. What do you say, are you with me?

She's like a rebel in the Code Vein world. The first game was all about who your ancestors were, the Progenitor, and how the Revenants got their powers. Valentin thinks that holding onto the past is holding you back. She's calm, despite all the chaos, offering players someone who's chill but also wants to shake things up.

More Story Details

The first Code Vein showed a world after things went bad. Revenants, who need blood to live, were fighting these creatures called the Lost. The sequel looks like it'll go deeper into this story. Valentin seems connected to how Revenant society started. But she doesn't care about the bloodline, which suggests there's trouble happening within the groups who control this world. Players might be trying to figure out who to side with.

Is Valentin going to be a teacher, a friend, or someone who disagrees with the player? Code Vein II has always had a lot of gray areas, and Valentin just makes things even more interesting.

What to Expect Gameplay-Wise

Bandai Namco hasn't told us everything yet, but the sequel should be better than the first. Expect:

Better Fighting: The first game was hard like a Souls game, but with an anime look. The sequel will get new weapons, Blood Veil powers, and ways to play with friends.

More Ways to Customize: Making your own character was great in Code Vein. With better hardware, models will be more detailed, clothes will be better, and movements will be cooler.

Deeper Story: Valentin is trying to make you think about what heritage, identity, and freedom really mean. The choices you make in conversations could change who you team up with and how the game ends.

Better Co-op: Playing with others was important in the first game. Code Vein II could make it easier to find people to play with and make the whole experience smoother.

What Bloodline and Identity Mean

Valentin doesn't really care about bloodlines, and that goes along with what a lot of games and stories are about. A lot of RPGs use ancestry as a way to show power or a burden. Code Vein II is trying to say that you can break free and start something new. Players will have to decide whether to keep things the way they are or go with Valentin's idea of a future where you're not stuck with your family history.

She's inviting players to think about these things. It's not just about beating bad guys. It's about what it means to be a Revenant in a damaged world.

What It Will Look Like

The first Code Vein had a cool anime style, dark places, and a spooky feel. The sequel will probably have:

Detailed places: Destroyed cities, mazes, and strange areas.

Great Characters: Valentin will probably stand out. Her clothes, how she looks, and how she moves will show how chill she is.

Cool Lighting and Effects: Blood powers, fighting moves, and dangers in the world will look awesome.

Fans are excited about this sequel. Code Vein made a name for itself as a challenging game with an anime style. Valentin Voda has people talking. She's changing the way people think about the series. It looks like Code Vein II is going to take this story to an interesting territory.

Overall

Code Vein II seems like it's going to be a good RPG. Valentin Voda is changing things up and making players think about what's important.

Whether she's a friend or an enemy, Valentin will probably be a big part of the story. It's about fighting, but it also goes deeper than that. For fans of the first game and people who are new to the series, Code Vein II is inviting everyone to think about what it means to be part of something, to fight, and to change.

17.Galaxy Z TriFold Fails Durability Test in Brutal Fashion 

## Galaxy Z TriFold: A Foldable Flop?

Samsung's foldable phones are cool, no doubt. But every time you unfold one, you can't help but think, “Please don't crack!” The Galaxy Z Fold series has gotten better with each release. Many thought the Z Fold 7 had finally nailed it. It was, for the first time, a foldable that felt like a reliable phone. It wasn't as if it was going to fall apart if you looked at it wrong.

The new Galaxy Z TriFold, though? Not so much. A recent durability test didn't go so well, making you wonder if this whole tri-fold idea is ready for everyday use. I kind of doubt it.

### The Usual Torture Test

You know JerryRigEverything? This dude on YouTube is famous for putting phones through crazy stress tests. His goal is simple: to separate the strong phones from the duds. He usually does the same set of tests: scratching, burning (a little bit!), throwing dirt, and trying to bend the phone. The scratch and fire tests? About what you'd anticipate. Foldable outer screens scratch easier than standard glass, and putting fire to a screen is self-explanatory. No surprises there.

The problems started with the dirt and bend tests. A little bit of pocket lint got into the TriFold's hinges, and they started making this really bad grinding noise. I mean, ugh, like nails on a chalkboard. This phone became affected by lint. Seriously? A foldable phone that can't even fold right? This phone isn't going to be good after a day at the sandy beach.

### Bend Test: Total Disaster

The bend test was a total disaster. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 could take a pretty good amount of flexing before breaking. The TriFold? It broke. And this was not very much stress at all. *Snap* The screen cracked, the display went dark, and that's it. The lower part of the right hinge broke. Game over.

You could take out your SIM card or microSD card. But screen repair would cost more than a car. This is the first time a Galaxy foldable has failed the bend test. This phone is supposed to be a top-tier flagship. Instead, it just collapsed. Disappointing, to be completely honest.

### How Does It Stack Up Against the Galaxy Z Fold 7?

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 gave us the image that it was well-built. It showed that it could handle everyday use. It was the first foldable that felt like it could do it. With this new TriFold tanking, adding that third fold and extra hinge might not have been the smartest move. All those hinges create weak spots, and the bend test shows that the TriFold's design isn't strong enough. A little bit of pressure shouldn't do that.

So, the Fold 7 wins, no contest. If you're thinking about getting a foldable, it has already proven itself. This three design fold might as well be a broken paperweight.

### Will It Last? Or Was It Just a Fluke Bend?

Samsung claims these phones can be folded hundreds of thousands of times. But they didn't think of outside factors like water, pressure, and temperature.

Putting the phone up to real-world conditions changes things a bit. You might get years out of it, but will you baby it? The phone may suffer from too much pressure.

### Battery Lowdown

With the new TriFold design, Samsung mentioned new battery layouts. People online discuss the weak, thin batteries and how flexing and bending could damage them. People are afraid of batteries exploding right? Thinking about this phone might explode is scary. Battery problems can be a deal breaker.

### Would I Buy It?

If you are thinking about buying the Galaxy Z TriFold, watch the JerryRigEverything video. You can see it for yourself. A foldable tri-fold that's bigger than most. But who cares if it is not going to last long? You pay the big bucks for the best product possible. Not being able to last is not good.

### Wait, When to Buy It?

Samsung won't sell this phone until 2026. The phone engineers are always trying to improve the tech. They see how long it takes for the design to fail. The internet and videos can create problems. These videos can change your mind.

### Final Thoughts

The Galaxy Z TriFold might push you to look at other phones. This phone could be a failure for Samsung.

Here are some things to keep in mind for 2026: the folding, the test videos, and how the customer's feel.

18.The Sparkly Star Symbol for AI—and Why It’s Misleading 

**The Sparkle Problem: Why We Use A.I. But Still Don't Really Trust It**

So, we're creeping up on 2026, and A.I. is, like, *everywhere*. Think about it: apps, work, you name it. ChatGPT totally killed it on the App Store, and something like a billion people around the world are playing around with these A.I. tools every week. You also see more and more folks using this stuff at work. But here's the weird thing: even though it's so widespread, most people are still kinda…meh about it. Studies show that people in the US are way more worried than hyped about where A.I. is heading, and a lot of folks around the world agree. There was even this one poll that showed most Americans wouldn't let an A.I. do anything for them without giving it the okay first, every single time. Bottom line: A.I. is all over the place, but trust? Not so much.

**Why the Doubts?**

So, what's with all the side-eye? It's not just because some tech CEOs are prone to wild claims or because the ads tend to hype things up. And it's not just because some big tech company's stock is secretly funding half of America's retirement. More than a few would say it might be those little sparkle icons you keep seeing that show you something, somewhere, is apparently A.I.-powered. You know, those star or diamond-looking things that are now the go-to symbol for generative A.I. tools.

**Where Did the Sparkle Come From?**

Apparently, way back when, Google's design team started using the sparkle icon around 2010 for their own purposes. Now, the sparkle's everywhere you look. Scope out the Gemini logo, Adobe's apps, even the button for Zoom's A.I. assistant. Canva uses it for its Image creator thingy. Even ChatGPT will throw a sparkle in there now and then when it rewrites stuff. Basically, the sparkle icon has become the universal symbol for generative A.I.

**Magic and What It Means**

Heather Turner, who teaches design, makes a solid point: The sparkle is like saying 'magic.' And as she said, magic isn't always helpful. To her, companies are affecting how people view the product while also affecting how developers view A.I. It is also warping expectations.

Another engineer mentioned that companies want sparkles to represent intelligence, but be relatable enough for most people to notice. As the engineer puts it, it should be both smart and feel like a fun way to complete work. However, the engineer admits it might be hard to keep track of A.I.'s role within society.

**The Problem With Being Too Nice**

Turner cautions against everything being *too* fun and approachable, because a good sign sometimes has to let you know about danger. She gives this example: What if Adobe showed a warning like Don't use this to spread lies? Instead, they opt for a sparkle icon that connotes strength, but it shows nothing of any possible danger. These types of A.I. setups may even hide the dangers they cause to people.

When asked what should be used as a sign, Turner mentions a triangle that shows intelligence, but also the warning the technology provides to people. Turner ultimately said that she does not know what the solution is, but that sparkles shouldn't be it. As she puts it, the industry decided that a friendly sign was more important than a harmful sign.

**People Messing Up the Symbol**

Even though the symbol is popular, some people believe that not everyone know what they mean right away. A study from last year explained that some people might mix it up with a save sign, given stars are more commonly used as such. These reasons among others mean that people mixing it up hinder the process of the symbol. People also might not have known that it meant A.I., resulting in ineffectiveness.

**It's Getting Popular**

Despite the problems, it might be the direction the technology is aiming towards. A popular developer mentions that the industry can only get more synonymous. Looking online shows that the industry is getting close to the same symbol.

The hope is that sparkles will show what wireless internet feels like going forward. As things stand, it would represent the potential and the successes and fails that come with generative A.I.. The genius of the the sparkle, according to researchers, is that they represent a chance to make things happen.

**In Conclusion**

In 2025, generative A.I. is used and not trusted, which has led developers to the paradox the sparkle represented. As a sign of being welcoming, it has hid both risks and what it should mean. Skepticism might be caused by it as well, leaving Americans not to believe an the A.I. tool's power. The sparkle icon may be what it takes to shape people's opinions. To ensure a symbol does the right things, companies must show responsibility to the world.

19.Arc Raiders Launches Battle Pass 2 With New Rewards 

Arc Raiders killed it at the end of 2025! The Cold Snap Update was amazing, and the best part is the Goalie Raider Deck. It’s a more relaxed way to pick up some in-game freebies.

The team at Embark Studios has been working hard on Arc Raiders since day one. And this Cold Snap update? It’s the biggest one yet! What’s new? Well, there are holiday events for a limited time, and a new Snowfall weather pattern that covers the whole map in snow. It's not just for looks, either. I am sure that there are exclusive items available. The Goalie Raider Deck is the main attraction, with new ways to snag a bunch of cool new items and gears. Think new styles, tools, and even Raider Tokens for grabbing stuff in the shop. It's a solid reward system.

**Like a Battle Pass...But Better.**

This Goalie Raider Deck isn't anything like those pay-to-win battle passes. Embark Studios made it totally free for everyone, which is super cool. You don’t have to drop any cash. Instead, just play the game! Complete some daily requests, and earn Creds. Then, use those Creds to get prizes on the deck, trading points for some goodies. You can do three quests each match, and the first five you clear each day give you extra Creds. If you play a bit, you'll start unlocking rewards.

And the best part? You don't have to play for days without end. It's far more chill than games that make you feel like you have to do everything before the season ends!

**It Stays. Forever.**

This is the best thing. The Goalie Deck isn't going anywhere! It remains in the game for good. Feel free to grab rewards when you want, and skip anything you don't like!. Still, you have to redeem earlier rewards to progress forward, but it’s not as stressful as those limited-time passes.

No need to worry if you want to take a break from Arc Raiders! You don't lose anything. Come back and keep earning rewards. It’s refreshing to see a game that values the players' time.

**Winter is Coming: Cold Snap Events**

A new fun event coming! There are limited-time events, with challenges, goodies and surprises. The Snowfall weather changes the maps. This snow messes with how well you see and move, so you have to switch up your plans. These events switch things up.

**Prizes That You'll Want**

The Goalie Deck is loaded with what people want. There's a ton of stuff anyone would want. New outfits for your character and looks for guns. The hockey-themed costume in particular, is awesome. You're going to get Raider Tokens to use in the shop! Also, equipment to give you an edge in the game! It makes your Raiders unique.

All of the cosmetic items and gear have people wanting to unlock stuff! The hockey gear is a huge favorite. It's cool, right?

**How this Compares with Other Games**

Game companies make battle passes, but they often feel like you have to play constantly or drop tons of money. Those temporary passes make pressure, and the best rewards are paying. Embark Studios is trying a different angle with their Goalie Deck. It's free. It sticks around. You take the pace.

Other game companies should take notes, since no one likes feeling like games is sucking money all the time. The Goalie Deck is a way to keep players without bleeding their wallets.

**What People Say Now**

People seem to react positively to the Cold Snap update. The events and the Snowfall weather are cool, and the Goalie Deck is great. The fact that it stays forever is great. A lot of people think Embark Studios cares and wants fans happy over making money, which is cool.

The hockey outfit is fantastic! The fans and players look happy and cool with the hockey outfit. Holiday stuff usually gets people involved.

**What's Coming Next**

Arc Raiders finished strong with the Cold Snap update. The Goalie Raider Deck gets players to play, and the events keeps things interesting. Embark Studios is testing out new ideas and it's good for the players, which is cool. If they keep this quality up, Arc Raiders could be very popular.

In 2026, seeing what Embark will do. Keep adding decks and things to collect, holiday updates, new ways to keep players happy, and maybe Arc Raiders could show the way of success and player friendship. Before that time comes, take your time to play the Cold Snap update.

20.Apple’s Trade Secret Case Returns: Ex-Employee Shares iPhone Fold Renders 

Lately, the chatter about Apple maybe, finally, getting into the foldable game has gotten really loud. You know how it is, seems like every other day there's another leak or rumor popping up. This time? It's Jon Prosser, the guy who usually gets the scoop on all things Apple. Thing is, he's got some legal drama with Apple going on right now, which makes this even more juicy. He supposedly leaked images of what he thinks the iPhone Fold (or whatever they call it) might look like. Even with all that mess, people are seriously hyped!

Prosser vs. Apple: The Leak Lowdown

So, a quick rewind: Apple is, apparently, not too thrilled with Prosser. They're saying he and a buddy swiped some top-secret info on iOS 26 way back in July. The story goes they weaseled their way into an Apple employee's test iPhone. The goal? To snoop around. You'd think that would shut him down, right? NOPE! He posted snapshots of an iPhone 17 Pro before its official release, and now he's coming in strong with these foldable rumors. Dude is wild.

What's the Foldable Going to Look Like?

Prosser's not the only one throwing ideas into the mix. Other leakers, like Ice Universe, have chipped in their own thoughts on what a foldable iPhone could be. Even a German website, iPhone-ticker.de, shared some CAD drawings that they were able to get their hands on. Apple’s, apparently, testing different designs.

Prosser seems convinced Apple is leaning toward a design that is close to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold. You know, the book style thing. You unfold it to get a bigger screen on the inside, rather than an old-school flip phone vibe. Some other companies have messed around with screens that fold outwards. However, this does not seem like something that Apple would do.

The Crease: The Foldable's Biggest Enemy

The big headache with foldable screens so far? That annoying crease right down the center of the screen. It just brings down the vibe, you know? Prosser thinks Apple might have cracked the code on that one. He's saying they might be using a metal plate right under the screen to even out the pressure wherever it bends. There's also some talk about the hinge using liquid metal to help ease the stress and kinda erase the crease. The goal is to make it disappear completely. I mean, some folks are saying Apple hasn't quite nailed it just yet. So, who knows, maybe we'll still see a slight crease. But other companies have been doing impressive work with materials that can heal themselves over time. So the slight indentation might not even be that obvious.

How Big is This Thing? Size Talk

Prosser's saying the iPhone Fold will sport a 5.5-inch screen on the front when it's closed. He is further stating that it will be about 9mm thick, roughly a hair thicker than the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Now, when you unfold it, BAM! You've got a 7.8-inch display on the inside, that is almost the space of a regular iPad Mini. What's crazy is that he's saying it'll only be 4.5mm thick when it's unfolded. Making it crazy thin! The tech used to make these phones thinner is getting much better. So, this is probably true.

So Many Cameras!

Based on these leaked images, it seems like the camera system is going to be unique:

•   A single camera on the front cover screen.

•   Two cameras chilling on the back.

•   And another camera inside on the big screen.

With that camera setup, you can snap selfies, do video calls, and take photos however you're holding it – all folded up or unfolded. This is going to change the way photos and videos are taken.

Face ID, Bye Bye?

Prosser's also backing up the reports that the iPhone Fold won't have Face ID. Instead, they're doing Touch ID again, built right into the power button. Turns out it might be too tricky to cram all the Face ID hardware into a foldable. There's also the fact that the under-the-screen Face ID might not be there quite yet. So Apple looks like they're sticking with Touch ID.

The inside chip will be Apple's C2 modem chip. And the battery? They're saying it could be huge, somewhere between 5400 and 5800mAh. There's talk about new battery tech in the works. Apple's likely putting a double battery in there, simply due to the way a foldable works.

Colors, Price Tag, and the Actual Name

If everything Prosser is saying is true, it'll come in black and white. Get ready to shell out for it. The price? Maybe somewhere between $2,000 and $2,500. Some people think Apple might call it the iPhone Ultra, but Prosser thinks the iPhone Fold name makes more sense. Also, Apple likes keeping things simple. So, iPhone Fold is the likely name.

Are Foldable Phones the Future?

As of right now, foldable phones aren't selling as much. But that could change if Apple throws their hat into the ring. Some people think foldables could be way more common by 2028. If Apple nails the design and makes it easy to use, you might see a lot of people making the switch.

Samsung’s been the main company pushing foldables, and they've been working on making them tougher. Now, if Apple's screen that is crease-free becomes real, everyone is going to want more from foldable phones. Other companies are trying to make the materials better.

What is Going to Happen?

Some people think Apple will reveal the iPhone Fold in September 2026 and launch it the same month. This foldable iPhone is one big undertaking for Apple. It is the most different design. To make it a hit, these manufacturers must solve small problems and get people okay with spending more money. The new foldable phones have to be awesome enough for people to make the switch.

Wrap up: It's interesting seeing what happens with the Fold phone development.

21.Scientists Develop Shape-Shifting Material Controlled With a Simple Pull 

Math and art? Turns out, they're practically neighbors. MIT cooked up something cool that shows just how close these two can be: a material that folds out into awesome shapes, inspired by the Japanese art of kirigami (that's paper cutting and folding, for those not in the know).

You know how sometimes you see patterns and think, Wow, that's pretty, but then realize they're also really useful? Same deal here. These MIT folks at the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) made a flat sheet of tiles that can turn into 3D structures just by pulling a string. Think medical gadgets that fold flat for shipping, robots that can reshape themselves, or even shelters we could take to Mars!

So, what's the big deal?

Well, when you look at it, it looks like just a bunch of tiles in a grid. But there's some clever coding going on under the surface. Pull the string, and BAM! It unfolds into whatever shape they designed. It's smooth, it's almost like a magic trick, but it's all thanks to some hardcore math and engineering.

They wrote about what they did in a paper for ACM Transactions on Graphics. Basically, they mixed computer smarts with the art of kirigami. They figured out how to make a flat sheet do cool things by designing how the tiles are cut and fixed together, and where the string goes to make it all move.

The Secret Sauce: An Algorithm

The crew made a set of instructions for computers to follow that turns a 3D design into a flat grid of tiles. It's like how kirigami artists cut paper to make things with special bending abilities. Their instructions include something called an auxetic thingamajig. It means that when the material stretches, it gets thicker, and when you squish it, it gets thinner. These auxetic things aren't super common, but they're prized in engineering because they're tough and can adjust easily.

Once they have the grid, the instructions tell them where to put the string. The goal is to make it easy to pull and to make sure the string lifts the right spots in the right order. That way, the sheet turns into the 3D shape they want. The best part? No motors, no wires, no complicated building needed, just a simple tug.

Akib Zaman, the main person behind this and a student at MIT, said it best: Just give us your design, and our instructions handle everything else. Because it's so simple, anyone can use it, from designers to engineers.

From Computer Screen to Real Life

They didn't just stop at computer models; they tested it out on physical objects. Splints, posture correctors, even igloo-like shelters were brought to life. They even built a chair out of plywood with a cutting machine ! When they unfolded it, it was strong enough to sit on. Proof that it works!

The instructions don't care how you make it. You could use plywood, plastic, whatever. The system can create foldable designs that fit whatever stuff you're using.

What's Next?

They're excited, but they know there are things to figure out, like making bigger buildings with it. They will have to think about how the weight is spread out, if the material will get worn out, and how weather will impact things. Still, because it's so easy to use, it makes trying things out really simple.

They are also thinking small. Tiny foldable things could be used in hospitals, like stents or tools for operations that don't need big cuts. Think about it: complex tools that can be shipped flat and popped open inside the body.

What Can We Use It For?

So many things!

*   **Medical:** Splints that are packable, supports, or tools for surgeons you can use in a snap!

*   **Robots:** Robots that change shape for jobs or to get around.

*   **Buildings:** Shelters you can carry with you, or homes you can add on to, especially in rough spots like Mars.

*   **Furniture:** Chairs and tables that store flat and pop open.

*   **Space:** Stuff you can pack tight to launch, then explodes to life when you get where you're going.

All of these make use of the system's simplicity!

Art + Science = Awesome

What's super cool is where the idea came from. Kirigami is an old art. By using these art ideas and math, the MIT crew showed that art can seriously boost science. The result is something that's practical and pretty, and shows off how cool math design can be.

The Future

The researchers are pumped about what's next. Zaman said he wants everyone to use this to make all sorts of foldable structures. His work opens the doors for people from all walks of life to work together. As the lines between math and art slim even more, stuff like this shows us that being creative and using computers aren't opposites; they're partners.

22.EA Announces Shutdown of BioWare Game Along With Two Other Games 

EA is pulling the plug on a few games come January 2026. I'm talking about Anthem, The Sims Mobile, and NBA Live 19 – they're all getting shut down. Man, I remember when these games were first announced; there was so much buzz around them! But, you know, things don't always work out. It's never great when this happens, but that's just how it is with online games these days. They'd already removed them from the digital stores, but at least the servers were still running for a while. But beginning in January 2026, they won't be playable anymore. So, let's break down what's happening:

Anthem: BioWare's Big Attempt... That Didn't Go So Well

First up, Anthem's servers are going offline on January 12. Remember all of the conversations around this game back in 2019? BioWare was trying to jump into the whole shared-world shooter thing like Destiny, this multiplayer RPG with guns and cool powers. The trailers looked amazing, and flying around with your buddies seemed like fun. But the gameplay got boring, it was full of issues, and once you beat the story, there was nothing to do.

BioWare stopped making content for it way back in 2021. They even canceled their plans to completely rework the game. It disappeared from the stores in August 2025, so it was obvious what was coming. Once the servers go down, that's it. Anthem's one of BioWare's biggest mistakes, and they are usually very good at making video games.

The Sims Mobile: Sims on Your Phone Isn't So Popular Now

Next. The Sims Mobile is being shut down on January 24. Maxis released this one back in 2018 to try and fit that Sims 4 vibe onto our phones. Build houses, create Sims, and play in their lives from your phone.

A lot of people tried it, but it never got as big as the main Sims games. EA took it out of the app stores last October. When they shut down the servers, the social parts of the game will stop running. Time to remember when The Sims was actually on our phones.

NBA Live 19: Is This The End? Well, Yes.

And finally, NBA Live 19 is being turned off on January 30th. EA Tiburon put this one out in 2018. The game was intended to be the next in the NBA Live series, but they cancelled the franchise. NBA Live 19 wasn't a bad game, but it couldn't compare to 2K Sports' NBA 2K games.

They also had issues involving players and league licenses. They got rid of it from the stores last October 2025, so the shutdown shouldn't be a surprise. It looks like EA is leaving the basketball game world.

So, Why Are All These Games Shutting Down?

EA hasn't said why. Here's some possible answers:

Server Costs: Keeping those servers up and running is expensive, and if no one is playing, it's not worth it. Pretty simple!

Licensing Issues: Games like NBA Live need licenses that expire, and if the game is a flop, why would they pay to keep it going?

Not Enough Players: After they abandoned Anthem, and with better phone games around, not many people are playing these, especially The Sims Mobile.

So, these games were costing EA more money than they were earning. Shutting them down means they can focus on making games that do make them money. It's a business.

This Happens A Lot Lately...

These shutdowns come after similar ones in December. It looks like EA is clearing the older games that don't fit their plans for the future.

So, What's the Point?

Well, this is bad news for the people that still play these games. Even though it wasn't great, Anthem had fans. The Sims Mobile kept people busy, and NBA Live 19 kept the EA basketball franchise going. It makes you think about the short time that online games last.

This raises the question of how to preserve games longer. When the servers are gone, that's it. No one can play, and the game will soon be forgotten.

In General

On January 12, 2026, Anthem, The Sims Mobile, and NBA Live 19 will close their doors. Anthem was BioWare's attempt at making a destiny-like game, the Sims Mobile was made for phones, and NBA was EA's attempt in the basketball realm. EA hasn't commented on their decision, but it's most likely about the money.

This is a reminder of how short games can last nowadays. Keeping games online is hard, and expensive, and not always worth it.

23.World’s Smallest Programmable Robot Amazes Scientists With Its Size 

**World's Tiniest Robot: About the Size of a Grain of Salt**

We usually think of robots as big machines – factory arms, or maybe those human-shaped robots you see in movies. But some folks at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Michigan have come up with something totally different. They've made a robot so small, you could measure it in micrometers instead of meters. It's smaller than a grain of salt, and it can move around in liquid, sense things going on, and even make decisions on its own. Apparently, it's the tiniest programmable robot ever made – like, they shrunk previous designs by a factor of 10,000!

**Smaller Than a Freckle? Seriously Tiny.**

To give you an idea, this robot is small enough to balance on one of those ridges in your fingerprint. It's only about 200 by 300 micrometers wide and 50 micrometers thick. You can barely see it with your eyes. If you put it on a penny, it would be smaller than the date stamped on the coin. Blink, and you could miss it. But inside this tiny little package is a whole computer system, complete with a processor, memory, sensors, and something that lets it move.

This is a really big deal because it’s the first time anyone's managed to cram all those parts onto something so incredibly small. Before, the smallest robots that could do stuff on their own were bigger than a millimeter. Trying to make them smaller ran into problems because, at that scale, things like drag and the thickness of liquids become way more important than gravity.

**Inspired by Paper Cutting and Some Weird Physics**

The design is actually based on kirigami, which is the Japanese art of cutting paper to make cool shapes. The researchers used something called an auxetic design. Basically, it means that when you stretch it, it gets thicker, and when you compress it, it gets thinner. This helps the robot deal with the liquid it's moving through, because things act differently at that size.

The way the robot moves is pretty clever. Instead of using little arms or legs – which would be super hard to make that small and would probably break easily – it creates an electrical field. This field makes the molecules around it move, kind of pushing it through the liquid. As one of the engineers, Marc Miskin, said, it's like the robot is in a river, but it's also making the river flow.

**Powered by Sunlight, Controlled by Dance Moves**

The robot runs on solar cells that only make about 100 nanowatts of power. That's not much, but it's enough for it to compute, sense things, and move around. It can even measure the temperature of the liquid it's in and tell you about it by doing a little dance. It's like how honeybees tell each other where to find food.

This dance is a way for the robot to send information without using traditional wireless signals, which wouldn't work at this size. It's a smart workaround, turning movement into a language that other robots or people can understand.

**A Brain, a Sensor, and a Motor All in One Tiny Package**

According to Miskin, they've shown it's possible to put a brain, a sensor, and a motor into something almost too small to see, and have it keep working for months. Once you've got that base, you can add all sorts of smarts and abilities.

The robot has solar cells, light receivers, two temperature sensors, a processor to make decisions, four panels that make it move, and four receivers that let it know what programs to run. All this stuff makes the robot programmable, so it can follow instructions on its own.

**Beating the Physics of Tiny Things**

At the micrometer scale, physics gets weird. As Miskin said, pushing on water is like pushing through tar when you're that small. Normal ways of moving just don't work. The secret was combining a tiny computer from the University of Michigan with a special movement system from the University of Pennsylvania. Together, they made a robot that could move in liquid and still have a working computer.

**Working Together Like a School of Fish**

One of the coolest things is that the robot can team up with other robots to form groups, like schools of fish. These groups could do things together, making them more efficient. In theory, these robots could work on their own for months, as long as they get recharged by LED light on their solar panels.

This opens up all sorts of possibilities. They could be used in medicine, to check the environment, or even to explore places where bigger robots can't go. For example, a bunch of these robots could go through your bloodstream to deliver medicine or fight infections. They've even done some tests where tiny robots cleared pneumonia from the lungs of mice.

**What's Next?**

Right now, the robots don't have a lot of memory, so their programs can't be too complicated. The researchers are hoping to increase the memory and processing power in the future. This would let them do more complex things on their own, like make decisions or do multiple things in a row.

David Blaauw, a computer scientist at the University of Michigan, says that putting a computer on something this small meant they had to rethink how to program and build circuits. What they've learned could help with other areas of microelectronics and nanotechnology.

**What Could They Be Used For?**

There are a ton of potential uses:

*   **Medical devices:** Deliver medicine, monitor your health, or do tiny surgeries.

*   **Environmental monitoring:** Find pollution or measure things in hard-to-reach places.

*   **Industrial processes:** Help with making things precisely or testing materials.

*   **Space exploration:** Explore places where big robots can't go.

All of these ideas use the robot's ability to work on its own, communicate, and work with other robots.

**The Future of Tiny Robots**

It took five years to make this robot, and it's a big step. By using ideas from art, a cool way to move, and tiny computing, the researchers have made something that can sense, think, and act at a scale smaller than a freckle. As Miskin says, this is just the beginning. With more improvements, these tiny robots could change medicine, industry, and how we explore the world. I guess the best things really do come in small packages.

24.2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Battery Recall: P1AA700 Issue Explained 

**EV Battery Worries? No Sweat! Lessons from the Hyundai Ioniq 5**

Electric cars have been around for a bit now, and we're starting to see how the batteries are doing. Folks get anxious about how long they last, but honestly, they usually stick around for a long time. Probably until the car gets totaled or hits, like, 300,000 miles. That's a ton of trips!

Yeah, batteries can go bad. But it's not as common as some may think. When it does happen, it's usually because of a few things. Maybe the cooling isn't working right (like when your computer gets hot because the fan broke), the battery's computer (that’s the Battery Management System, or BMS) is acting up, there was a mistake when it was made, or the assembly wasn’t done right. But here's the thing: most of this stuff is covered by the car's guarantee, so you don't have to freak out about paying a fortune if something goes wrong. That's a relief, right?

A small issue with the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 gives us a look at how these problems show up, why they happen, and why EV drivers can relax. It’s good to have a real-world example to see what's going on. Think of it as something to learn from! Let's get into it a bit more, okay?

**The Ioniq 5's Charging Issue**

Okay, here's what happened. Hyundai told the government agency (the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA) that some of the early 2025 Ioniq 5s – mainly the ones made in North America with the new NACS (North American Charging System) plugs – might have trouble charging. You see, tiny voltage differences between the little parts inside the battery pack could stop the whole thing from charging at all. And nobody likes a car that can't get charged!

Good news, though: fixing it is pretty easy. They just switch out the whole battery. Hyundai's handling it and replacing them for free. It’s helpful to see how these things turn up when you’re really using the car. It makes the problem seem more real. Now we have a better idea about this issue and how to handle it.

**A Trip Went Bad**

So, this YouTuber named Corbin runs The Ioniq Guy channel. He ran into this exact problem! He was on a trip for when his Ioniq 5 started acting weird. It wasn't charging as fast as it should and seemed to be losing charge. Now, Corbin knows a lot about EVs, so he knew something was wrong pretty fast. It made him think.

It kept getting worse. Charging slowed down, and eventually, the car couldn't do the fast charging stuff *at all*. Standard chargers worked for a while, but then the battery just stopped working. Battery engineers know this is how it goes mostly when there are voltage differences: charging gets slow, then it stops, and then the whole system shuts down to avoid problems.

**How the Battery's Brain Works**

Battery packs are made up of smaller batteries, similar to AA batteries. To keep the battery safe, each smaller battery needs to power up and down at the same rate. The Battery Management System (BMS) watches the voltage to each unit and moves energy to keep the battery in order.

If the BMS has a problem, or if one piece of is broke, problems come. For example, the charging becomes slow or a error note shows up and closes the system to be safe. Corbin's car showed a P1AA700 code, which is a code for voltage differences. Hyundai switched the piece for him.

**Guarantees and Problems**

Hyundai gave Corbin a new piece quickly, but something went wrong during the switch. A technician did not add enough of the cooling liquid, and the height went bad short after this. batteries and energy pieces can be hard to switch them. Yet, these bad parts were under coverage.

The guarantees for almost all EVs covers them for 8 years or 100,000 miles.

**Avoiding Battery Angst**

Learning about batteries can calm down worries. The main things for vehicles are:

*   Pieces power up and down right.

*   Check the pieces to keep battery the same.

*   Regulate temperature.

EV batteries last long when the pieces work. Errors and problems can happen; it is not frequent. The company can fix it for you.

**More Details**

Batteries or the vehicles can last depending. If you have battery issues, they can be switch under the guarantee. A mistake can happen; it is rare. However, you also have insurance to safeguard you.

**Final Thoughts**

The battery couldn't preform and something was wrong. The battery made the systems stop the car to protect battery it. Problems can happen, but it's easy to find out why, and there are also guarantees to assist. Most batteries are strong, warranties could last 8 years and is at about 100,000 miles. Batteries have showed they can last.

25.Google Phone’s ‘Keep Portrait Mode’ Setting Appears, Then Gets Rolled Back 

Google's been messing around with its Phone app—you know, the one most Android phones use for calls. They've been tweaking things here and there, and one update that got people talking was this landscape calling screen. Basically, when you turn your phone sideways during a call, the screen flips to a two-column view.

The original thought was that it'd be better, especially on bigger phones, but it seems like not everyone's a fan. Some people actually got pretty annoyed by it. Google tried to fix this by testing a Keep portrait mode on calls setting, but they ended up pulling it back from the beta version before it even made it to the regular app.

**Landscape Mode: What's the Deal?**

In early December, Google rolled out this landscape thing. It splits the screen into two parts when you're in a call. On the left, you've got who you're talking to—their name, number, that kind of stuff. The right side has all the usual buttons: mute, speaker, keypad, you name it.

The idea was to make better use of the extra space on bigger screens, like tablets or those foldable phones. It was thought that it would be easier to see everything. But for a lot of regular phone users, it just became a pain. If you had auto-rotate turned on, the screen would flip sideways when you didn't want it to, like when you were walking around or just holding the phone differently.

**Why People Got Annoyed**

Think about it: you're on a call, maybe doing something else at the same time, and suddenly the screen flips. It's distracting! It's not like watching a video or playing a game where you expect landscape mode. Usually, when you're on a call, you just want the screen to stay upright.

Some people turned off auto-rotate to stop it, but that's annoying because then you can't use landscape mode for anything else. So, people wanted Google to come up with a better solution.

**The Portrait Lock Experiment**

So, in one version of the beta app (version 202), Google added a Keep portrait mode on calls option in the settings. It was supposed to stop the screen from flipping sideways during calls.

This let people lock the phone in portrait mode, no matter what their auto-rotate settings were. People who hated the landscape view were happy about it. It showed up for a lot of people in the beta program, along with some other small changes.

**Then, It Disappeared**

But by December 26th, it was gone. Google took it out of the beta app. And since it never made it to the regular version, most people never even saw it. Other features they were testing, like those animated call screens, are still around, but not the portrait lock.

This probably means Google is rethinking things. Maybe there were technical issues, or not enough people were using it, or they just want to make it better before releasing it to everyone. It's pretty common for Google to test things out and then change them based on what people say.

**Balancing New Ideas and What People Want**

This whole thing shows how tricky it is to come up with new features for apps. On one hand, the landscape calling screen was an attempt to update the Phone app and make it work better on new devices. On the other hand, most people just use their phones upright, and changing the layout can be annoying.

Google trying out the portrait lock shows they're listening to users, but pulling it back shows that it's not always easy to get these things right across all phones and versions of Android. It also makes you wonder how much control people should have over how apps look and work.

**What's Next?**

For now, if you don't like the landscape view, you have to use your phone's auto-rotate settings to control it. You can turn auto-rotate off completely, but that affects everything. It's not clear if Google will bring back the portrait lock option in the future.

Since Google likes to try things out and then tweak them, it's possible they'll bring it back in a better form. Another possibility is that they'll decide landscape mode is only good for certain devices, like those foldable ones, and only make it available there.

**In a Nutshell**

Google's little experiment with the landscape calling screen and the portrait lock setting shows how hard it can be to change something as basic as the Phone app. While the landscape view was supposed to be better for bigger screens, a lot of people found it annoying. The short appearance and disappearance of the Keep portrait mode on calls option show that Google's willing to try things but also careful about rolling them out.

As the Phone app keeps changing, it'll be important to find a balance between new ideas and what users actually want. For now, the landscape calling screen is here, but the portrait lock option might come back in the future, giving people more control over their phone.

26.Forget Fast Camaros, The Tee-ZL1 Takes the Spotlight 

**The Camaro-Inspired Golf Cart That's a Real Head-Turner on the Golf Course**

Let's be honest, golf carts aren't exactly known for being cool. Most of them are beige boxes, quiet electric motors, and pretty basic seats. But if you're a golfer who wants to roll up in something that gets noticed, there's a company in California called Caddyshack Golf Cars that's taking regular golf carts and turning them into mini versions of cool cars. Their latest thing is a Chevy Camaro-inspired cart, and it totally proves that a golf cart can be a way to show off your style.

**From Basic Golf Cart to Camaro Look-Alike**

So, they start with a normal E-Z-Go electric golf cart – the kind you see everywhere. Then, Caddyshack Golf Cars swaps out the body for a full-on Camaro-style body. We're talking the aggressive front end, headlights, grille, and even those air intakes that look like they came straight off a sixth-generation Camaro. When it's done, it honestly looks more like a small muscle car than something you'd use to carry your clubs.

Someone actually bought one of these Camaro carts recently on Cars & Bids for $6,565. That shows you that some golfers really want their carts to show off their personality. The engine is still the same, but the way it looks turns it into a fun thing that mixes loving cars with playing golf.

**The Little Things That Make It Awesome**

This Camaro golf cart isn't just about looking like a Camaro on the outside. The inside has suede all over the place, even the headliner. The seats are leather and suede, with orange lines and stitching. These small things make the inside feel way nicer than a regular golf cart. It has shiny wheels that match the cool front of the car, and the back looks like the Camaro's taillights and bumper.

And don't worry, it's still useful. There's a big opening in the back for your golf clubs, so it does what a golf cart is supposed to do. It's a smart mix of looking good and still helpful, so golfers who want to look cool but still be able to play will love it.

**Under the Hood (Sort Of)**

Even though it looks mean, the engine is just a regular golf cart engine. That means it goes as fast (or slow) as any other electric golf cart. It's not going to sound like a real Camaro or take off super fast, but that's okay. It's about looking the part – driving around in something that looks like a muscle car, even if it drives like a golf cart.

**Who Buys These Things?**

Caddyshack Golf Cars has found a group of people who want golf carts that look like sports cars. They also make carts that look like the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, the Shelby Cobra, and the Porsche 356 Speedster. Each one looks like the real car, just made smaller for the golf course.

Some of them look really real, and some are just funny, but they all want to make golf carts fun and something you remember. If you have the real version of one of these cars, then the golf cart version is a fun way to show off your love for cars.

**The Tee-ZL1**

People call the Camaro golf cart the Tee-ZL1, which is a funny way of saying it looks like the Camaro ZL1, which is a super-fast Camaro. The real ZL1 has a super engine and can race on a track, but the Tee-ZL1 doesn't have any of that. What it does have is a cool look. You're going to get looks, start conversations, and maybe even make the other golf carts jealous.

**Why People Like Custom Golf Carts**

Golf is about playing a sport, but it's also about hanging out with friends. You spend hours driving from one hole to another. The cart becomes your way of getting around and a way to show who you are. Some people are okay with a regular cart, but others want something special.

The Camaro cart is for people who love cars and want to show that, even when they're playing golf. It's also for people who think it's funny to drive around in a golf cart that looks like a race car.

**More Than Just Golf Courses**

These carts are made for golf courses, but you could also use them in other places. Resorts, private neighborhoods, or even events could use these carts to look cool. Think about a Porsche golf cart at a fancy resort or a Cobra one at a car show. They could be useful and fun at the same time.

**In Conclusion**

The Camaro golf cart from Caddyshack Golf Cars shows how much you can change a basic golf cart. They started with a regular E-Z-Go and made it look like a small muscle car, with even a nice inside and shiny wheels. It might not go faster, but it sure looks cool.

Since the Tee-ZL1 sold for a good amount of money, it's obvious that golfers want carts that show who they are. Caddyshack Golf Cars is changing what a golf cart can be by making carts that look like Porsches, Mercedes, and Cobras. If you want to stand out on the golf course, these carts are a fun way to do it

27.Test Your 2025 Gaming Memory With Nintendo Life’s Year-End Quiz 

**Nintendo in 2025: A Year to Remember? Let's Quiz Ourselves!**

So, 2025 is almost done. Were you thinking Nintendo had a chill year? Maybe you thought they were keeping secrets, prepping for those big Nintendo Directs, holding all the good stuff back. But if you were keeping up with all things Nintendo for the last year, you'd know it was anything but quiet! New games, app updates, movie news, and – oh yeah – the Switch 2 finally showing up. They kept us talking the whole time.

To remember everything, let's have a quiz! Think you remember everything? Let’s see how well you remember all the Nintendo stuff that happened this year.

**The Switch 2 is Here!**

Hands down, the biggest thing this year was the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2. We had months of guesses, leaks popping up everywhere, and rumors going wild. Then Nintendo finally showed us what was next for their awesome console. Better speeds, a nicer screen, and you can still play your old games on it – that thing was the must-have gift this holiday season.

*Quiz Question 1: Alright, which month did Nintendo actually put the Switch 2 on shelves in 2025?*

*   A) March

*   B) September

*   C) November

*   D) December

**Tons of Games Dropped**

It wasn't just new hardware. Nintendo also dropped a bunch of games to keep us busy. *The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of the Past* took the series in cool new directions. *Mario Kart 9* finally showed up, with tracks that change as you race and playing with friends on other consoles! And *Animal Crossing: New Horizons 2* gave us even more stuff to do and change in our towns.

*Quiz Question 2: Which huge game put in levels that change while you are playing?*

*   A) Mario Kart

*   B) Metroid

*   C) Pokémon

*   D) Donkey Kong

**App Updates and Online Stuff**

Nintendo also gave their online stuff some love. Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack got updated with a bunch of GameCube games. People had been wanting those for ages – like *Super Mario Sunshine* and *Luigi’s Mansion!* They also tried some new things with sharing stuff, letting you show off your best moments.

*Quiz Question 3: What old game system did they put on Switch Online+ in 2025?*

*   A) Nintendo 64

*   B) GameCube

*   C) Wii

*   D) DS

**Movies!**

After the *Super Mario Bros. Movie* blew up in 2023, 2025 gave us some movie news: *The Legend of Zelda* is getting its own movie! People went crazy thinking about Link, Zelda, and Ganon on the big screen. Everyone started guessing who would play who, but Nintendo said it was happening and they were working with a big movie studio.

*Quiz Question 4: Which series is getting a movie in 2025?*

*   A) Metroid

*   B) The Legend of Zelda

*   C) Kirby

*   D) Donkey Kong

**Crazy Team-Ups**

Nintendo also surprised us with some team-ups. Pokémon showed up in Fortnite, mixing two giant game worlds. And LEGO made even more Super Mario sets, making them really fun to play with. So these team-ups tell us that Nintendo is testing some new things and trying to reach more peeps.

*Quiz Question 5: Pokémon had a team-up with which online game in 2025?*

*   A) Fortnite

*   B) Roblox

*   C) Minecraft

*   D) Apex Legends

**Esports and Fans**

Nintendo got more into esports, putting on official contests for *Super Smash Bros. Ultimate* and *Mario Kart 9*. People from everywhere watched, showing that Nintendo is paying attention to video game competitions. They also gave us some new ways to share levels in *Super Mario Maker 3*, so everyone could get creative.

*Quiz Question 6: Which Nintendo game got a new version in 2025 that let players share what they built?*

*   A) Super Mario Maker

*   B) Splatoon

*   C) Pikmin

*   D) Fire Emblem

**Looking Ahead**

So, by the end of 2025, Nintendo had things set up nicely. The Switch 2 was selling well, new games brought back older series, and that Zelda movie has everyone excited. Nintendo showed us again that they can keep things old and new at the same time, giving us games that everyone can enjoy.

*Quiz Question 7: What do people call what Nintendo does when they mix old and new stuff in their games?*

*   A) The Magic of Mario

*   B) The Nintendo Touch

*   C) The House of Mario

*   D) The Kyoto Charm

**In conclusion**

So, was this a quiet year for Nintendo? Nope! New hardware, great games, more services, and team-ups with other companies. Whether you were racing your friends in Mario Kart or building your town in Animal Crossing or waiting to see that Zelda movie, there was something for you.

And now, test your memory with this quiz! But no matter how well you did, it's clear: Nintendo had a year to remember, and 2026 is going to give us some awesome stuff.

28.Panasonic Unveils Stunning Full-Frame Cameras and Lenses for 2025 28.

**The Micro Four Thirds Mystery**

Let's address the elephant in the room: Micro Four Thirds. What on earth happened? It's like they just vanished. You know, the last time they released decent Micro Four Thirds cameras was around 2024, with the release of GH7 and G97. But 2025? Nothing. No new cameras, no lenses. You kind of have to wonder if they accidentally locked the entire dept in a storage room. People were hoping for new stuff, especially after the solid GH-series cameras. If you are hoping for any cool Micro Four Thirds Camera, or even the GM series camera, lower your expectations.

The silence is actually concerning. Micro Four Thirds is such a great for folks on the go. I understand their focus on full-frame systems, but for those of us who loved the compact size and versatility of Micro Four Thirds, it's a bit of a letdown. It felt like they were ignoring a part of their customer base.

**Full-Frame to the Rescue: Enter the S1R II**

Okay, moaning over. The big news was the Lumix S1R II. Remember how people were waiting for this one? I mean, this is the star. This camera came out with the new 44.3-megapixel sensor with a super smart AI autofocus system. Oh, and it will also shoot 40 frames for every second and record videos in 8k! The original S1R wasn't bad, but it was kinda chunky. The S1R II took everything up a level.

The S1R II? It's quick, has a smoother design while being very refined and does almost anything. Some photo guys said this camera can definitely stand next to big name cameras like Nikon and Canon. It's a great all-rounder. It may not have the stacked sensor some wanted for super-fast paced shooting, but the mechanical shutter was certainly quick.

**S1II and S1IIE: The Video-Focused Options**

Panasonic then launched the Lumix S1 II and S1 IIE around May, cameras that screamed video. The S1 II has a 24-megapixel sensor that's partially stacked and Dual Gain Output tech, which gives the video really great colors and quality. After updates to the firmware, Everyone loved this camera especially videographers and photographers alike.

The S1 II turned out to be a very capable video camera, The S1 IIE was released as the 'budget' option, at over $1,000 cheaper than the S1 II. The slower speeds it reached with fast shooting and video meant that the S1 IIE was not as good as its brother, the S1 II.

**New Glass on the Block**

They didn't completely ignore the lenses. Panasonic chucked in a couple of new Lumix S lenses to play with.

First up, the Lumix S 24-60mm f/2.8, which tagged along with the S1 II and S1 IIE. It launched at $899, and it's a pretty decent alternative zoom that is similar to the 24-70mm lens. The downside is the blurry effect it has when zoomed in, but everyone loves the sharpness, portability, and affordability of the camera. Good for traveling.

Later on, the Lumix S 100-500mm f/5-7.1 was released, Panasonic's first that lets you shoot at 500mm! People shooting from a far distance, such as wildlife shooters, may enjoy shooting at 500mm.

**Final Verdict: A Year of Two Halves**

Time for report cards. Micro Four Thirds gets a big fat F. No new gear. It looked like they simply did not care. The full-frame, however, earned a good grade. The S1R II and S1 II were top-tier, able to rival the competition. The S1 IIE did alright, but wasn't as memorable.

The lenses that came out were great, but they could have released more. Lumix S system now has various possibilities for everyone, not only for shooting style, but also at different budgets. If you want high end grade picture quality, the S1R II is the best out of the choices, and the video you can record on the S1 II is brilliant.

**Final Thoughts**

Panasonic had a split personality crisis. They gave Micro Four Thirds the cold shoulder, which hurt. The Lumix S got new cameras and lenses.

So, will Micro Four Thirds be put in retirement in 2026 from Panasonic, or will they continue with the Lumix S range? Regardless, Panasonic knows how to come up with awesome cameras.

29.New Space Station Design Promises Full Deployment in Just One Launch 

**Max Space's Thunderbird: Big Space, Less Hassle**

So, there's this company, Max Space, based in Florida. They're trying to shake up the space game a bit. Their big idea is a space station that starts out small for launch but gets REALLY big once it's in orbit. They're aiming to get a test version of this thing, called Thunderbird, up there by '27. The whole idea is to make it simpler and cheaper to build stuff in space. I think this has the potential to totally redo how we live and do business up there.

**Small Package, Huge Living Quarters**

The main thing about Max Space's plan is the Thunderbird space station. It's packed inside a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket to launch. After it's in orbit, it expands, sort of like those inflatable bounce houses you see at kids' parties, but way more advanced. When it's fully blown up, you've got a good amount of space – around 12,360 cubic feet (that's 350 cubic meters). Think of going from a tiny closet to a big house. And, it skips jumping through tons of hoops, launching lots of rockets, and putting everything together piece by piece in orbit, which is how space stations have been built in the past. Thunderbird's more of a launch-and-grow type of thing: you send it up, it expands, and boom – you have a working station, ready to go.

**Testing Before the Main Event**

Before the full-size Thunderbird is launched, Max Space is doing some testing before the real deal. First, they're putting up a smaller version called Mission Evolution. It's scheduled to launch in early 2027 on a SpaceX ride-share mission. In my opinion, it's a dry run to test the important parts and see if everything works. For instance, they're checking how well the station holds up against space junk and making sure the air and water inside are clean for the crew to breathe and drink. These things are really important when you're way up there. Mission Evolution is all about showing that these inflatable habitats can handle being in space.

**A Little Change of Plans**

Max Space was established in 2023. The initial business model wasn't to build space stations. They initially wanted to sell their space station tech to other companies instead. But then NASA made available smaller and more workable Space Act Agreements as part of the Commercial Low Earth Orbit Destinations (CLD) program. These are basically smaller grants that NASA hands out to companies. Max Space spotted an opportunity to capitalize, and it's been pedal-to-the-metal since then. Basically, NASA is pushing for companies to build new space stations because the International Space Station (ISS) is getting old and will eventually be retired. In layman point of view, it's a better deal when there are smaller funding agreements that NASA has, since it's easier to qualify for compared to older programs. Max Space is planning to show that its expandable structure could be a living space for astronauts.

Saleem Miyan, who's top guy at Max Space, mentioned that NASA's decision helped change the company's mind to show how Thunderbird, with its inflatable spaces, has the potential to be a place for astronauts to live.

**What Makes Thunderbird Special?**

Thunderbird is all about this tough, inflatable structure with a room design that allows astronauts to set it up for what they need, whether it's doing experiments in space or setting up for construction projects. This idea that it can change around all by itself, that means you don't need to send new pieces when you build. Thunderbird has enough space for about four astronauts to stay there at a time, which is pretty good.

Thunderbird also comes with perks. Making medications or trying new building methods benefit from being in a low-gravity setting. The idea is that Thunderbird could be like a workshop where you can make things up there that you can't easily make here on Earth. Thunderbird could lead to big changes in medicine and tech.

**Plans for 2029 and Beyond**

Max Space is planning to launch Thunderbird by 2029. They're not just focusing on Earth orbit. They'ren considering Thunderbird flexible enough that it can be more than just one type of station. Also, It have to make it where it could assist astronauts on missions to the Moon and Mars in the future. The main objective is that it supports other missions within our solar system, and businesses are working together to enhance space travel.

**The Direction of Space Stations**

Max Space's concept plays an important role in where the commercial space stations is heading as the ISS gets older, it becomes an outdated resource. NASA wants to change things up with new orbital sites with help from private space companies. Living spaces like Thunderbird could save money, make missions simpler, and come up with new ways to explore and build in space. Max Space trying to pioneer a position by offering an adaptable option.

**Putting It All Together**

Max Space and Thunderbird showcase the rapid pace and progress in the commercial space sector. Going from starting the company in 2023 to planning the prototype launch by 2027 shows how fast things are done. The other upside is that Thunderbird will be able to house astronauts for different study of space which may push us for manned trips to the Moon and Mars.

30.Pirate Activist Group Claims to Have Scraped Spotify’s Entire Music Library 

**Spotify Data Grab Sparks Big Music Debate: Saving Music or Stealing It?**

The music biz is buzzing. A group of, let's just say, *unauthorized* activists are said to have grabbed tons of info from Spotify. This info could cause some real problems. According to Anna’s Archive, a search engine that helps you find stuff like books and research papers, this grab includes a crazy amount of data. We're talking about info on 256 million tracks and links to 86 million music files. The group is talking about sharing all this data (around 300 terabytes!) through torrents.

Right now, just the track info is out there. But, even that is making people nervous in the music world. This could mess with how copyright is handled and how music is kept safe long-term.

**Spotify's Take**

Spotify told Billboard that they are looking into it. They said someone grabbed public info and found a sneaky way around their copy-protection tech to get their hands on some music files. Spotify says they are actively checking things out, but they haven't said how big the problem is.

Spotify has tons of music on it, so it's been a target for illegal copying before. If these audio files are shared, it would be one of the hugest unauthorized music releases ever.

**How Others are Reacting**

This got a lot of people talking in the music and tech worlds. Yoav Zimmerman, who runs a company that makes legal tech for media, had a lot to say about it. He wrote that someone could now make their own free Spotify (with music up to 2025) if they have enough storage and something like Plex to stream the music. What's stopping them? Copyright laws and fear of getting caught.

Zimmerman's point is that if these music files get loose, people with the skills can copy Spotify's library for themselves. It would be against the law, but it shows how weak copy-protection systems can be. It also shows how hard it is to control copyright when files are shared all over the place.

**How Big is This Compared to Other Music Collections?**

Let's compare this to MusicBrainz. It's a big online music database that has about five million tracks. Anna’s Archive says they grabbed info on 86 million audio files. That’s way bigger! Even if they only share the track info, it would give people a close look at Spotify's whole collection, including track names, artist info, and release dates.

**What's Anna’s Archive Up To?**

Anna’s Archive usually deals with books and school papers. They say their goal is to keep human knowledge and culture safe. They’re calling this Spotify grab an attempt to create a music collection for keeping things safe.

They said that Spotify doesn't have *all* the music, but it's a good place to begin. They don’t see this as stealing, but as saving music. Others disagree, saying that this doesn't make it okay to break the law and do something unethical.

**Saving Music vs. Stealing Music**

This brings up a tough question: Where do you draw the line between saving something and stealing it? Some say that platforms like Spotify have a lot of important music that could be lost. Others say that grabbing and sharing copyrighted music without permission hurts the artists, record labels, and the platforms themselves.

This fight isn't new. It's happened with books, movies, and even old video games. What's different about this Spotify situation is how big it is, and how important Spotify is to music right now. They have over 600 million users around the world. It's not just a music service. It's part of our culture.

**What Could Happen?**

If these music files are shared, things could get tricky:

*   **For artists and labels:** They could lose money and have problems with their licensing deals.

*   **For Spotify:** They could lose trust with the people who own the music rights, and people might question how safe the platform is.

*   **For listeners:** Some might want free music, but there are legal risks and ethical concerns.

*   **For people who like to save old music:** This could start conversations about how to keep digital music safe without breaking the law.

**What's Next?**

For now, only the track info has been shared. But, there's a chance that the music files could be released too. Spotify's investigation will probably decide if the problem is contained, or if tons of copyrighted material might end up on file-sharing networks.

This should be a wake-up call for the music biz. It shows that big platforms can be vulnerable. It also shows that people still want to get music for free, and that there's a need to preserve our culture. Depending on what happens, Anna’s Archive could be seen as either heroes of music preservation or just big-time pirates.

31.Donkey Kong Bananza Version 3.0.0 Is Live — Full Patch Notes Inside 

Hey, Donkey Kong fans! Big news – Nintendo just dropped update 3.0.0 for Donkey Kong Bananza on the Switch 2. It's got some pretty cool stuff in it, focusing on making the game more open to everyone and letting you tweak how you play. Plus, they squashed some bugs!

So, what's new?

First off, they added Thai language support! Now, if you set your Switch 2 to Thai/English, all the writing in the game will be in Thai, but the voices will still be in English. That's a really cool move by Nintendo to get even more folks playing.

Another big change that folks have asked for is the new optional Camera settings. You can now set the camera to automatically follow or manually control the camera.

They also did a bunch of other stuff under the hood to make the game feel better. I'm talking about things like making the characters move smoother, fixing those annoying glitches, and just making sure everything is balanced right. You might not notice all of them right away, but they definitely add up to a more fun experience.

Donkey Kong Bananza is already a great-looking game, but these little tweaks really help it shine on the Switch 2. The system itself is a beast, and Donkey Kong Bananza really shows off what it can do, mixing that classic Donkey Kong feel with some modern touches.

It's great to see Nintendo sticking with their games and making them even better after they're released. It makes you feel like they care about what you think.

Who knows what they will add next? Hopefully some new levels, more challenges, or even more language additions!

So yeah, that's the gist of the update. It's all about making the game more enjoyable and accessible to more players. If you're a Donkey Kong Bananza player, definitely check it out!

32.Super Mario Bros. Convinced Hideo Kojima That Games Could Outgrow Movies 

Kojima, the dude who made Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding, right? Total genius. He's always trying to push games to be more than just games. He wants them to be like movies, but interactive. Anyway, he did an interview with Wired, and he straight up said the game he has played more than any other, the one that still holds a place in his heart is Super Mario Bros.

**College Days and Mario Obsession**

So, back when Kojima was in college, he got seriously hooked on Super Mario Bros. I mean, we're talking skipped-class-because-Mario levels of hooked. He even said that without Super Mario Bros., he probably wouldn't be where he is today. According to him, the game completely changed his perspective on what games could be.

It was the simplicity that grabbed him. Mario running to the right, jumping over stuff, that little adjustment you could make mid-air to nail a landing. He said even though there wasn't some deep story narrative, you got the feeling you were on a real quest. That revelation showed him that video games might do a better job than movies at telling real stories that made you feel something.

**The Power of Simple Gameplay**

That's the cool part, right? Kojima talks about how basic Mario is. There's not much of a story to find, other than saving the princess, but that's enough to get you invested. Kojima realized that you don't need a ridiculously complicated plot or next-gen graphics to pull people in. Sometimes, just simple, good gameplay – jumping, dodging, exploring – can spark your imagination.

I guess that idea ended up influencing how Kojima designs his own games. Okay, his games are known for intricate plots and cinematic presentation, but remember The Boss fight in Metal Gear Solid 3? Or walking around the open world in Death Stranding? The gameplay is what makes you stressed, involved, and emotionally connected to the experience. Maybe Super Mario Bros. helped Kojima see the potential of games, the chance to have stories be impactful.

**From Plumber to Espionage Master**

So, yeah, Kojima went from being a totally Mario-crazed college kid to one of the biggest-name developers out there. All because of that classic Nintendo game. When Metal Gear Solid was released in 1998, it basically changed people's idea for stealth games. It proved that games could deliver stories in a way that rivaled with those of any Hollywood movie. Later on, Death Stranding would take things even further, creating a completely unique, memorable experience centered on connecting people.

The thing is, Kojima is still sure about what he learned from playing Super Mario Bros., and what is still relevant: Games aren't just something to kill time, they can be emotional, impactful, and even more powerful than movies.

**The Lasting Legacy of Mario**

I mean, Kojima's story shows how important Super Mario Bros. was. It came out in 1985, and a lot of people give it credit for saving the entire video market when the industry crashed in 1983. All of a sudden, millions of people were hooked to the genre, and Mario became a cultural icon.

Super Mario Bros. showed what was possible. Simple rules. Easy to learn. Loads of fun. It encouraged almost everyone to play, which lead them to experiment with their stories. Kojima's just one example of how important that game was to the industry.

**Can Games Top Movies?**

The really interesting thing to think about is Kojima believing that games had the potential to be even bigger than movies. Now, in the 80s, that was a pretty wild attitude. Games were just seen as a childish activity. People didn't believe that they could communicate the same depth as a movie. But Kojima saw the future in the interactive nature of games. Unlike movies, games put you, and have you choose your own way, and impacting the story with your choices.

Now, it seems likely that his prediction came true. Games like The Last of Us, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Death Stranding all create emotional responses on the same level of those in movies. The video game market is huge, influencing world culture, art, and even politics.

**What's Your Most Played?**

Hearing about Kojima's favorite game makes you think, right? What game have you played so much you can't even count the hours? Maybe it's Pokemon Red or The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time from when you were a kid. Or maybe it's a game like Fortnite or Minecraft that you can just keep playing.

The game you choose can show your reasons as to why you love playing games, whether it is the nostalgia, the need for a challenge, time spent with friends, or an involved narrative. The games that you play for hours or days on end will eventually transform your view about the medium.

**Food for Thought**

Hideo Kojima pointing to Super Mario Bros. as his most-played game tells a lot about where he came from. From one man, his passion; a game on the side showing us, how the most creative minds in the landscape can start. Super Mario Bros. is an important piece of software that must be remembered by players and creators.

Imagine a world with no Mario. Without the big plumber, Kojima's gaming could be very different.

33.Google Warns: Nearly One-Third of Android Phones Will Never Get This Fix 

December's off to a bad start! Google's saying there are new problems with Android that could put a billion users in danger.

Basically, Google's warning everyone that Android phones are being attacked. They found two new security holes that are already being used by bad guys. It started small, like spies trying to get into specific phones, but now it's getting bigger and could become a widespread problem. This announcement has everyone worried, mostly because not all phones can be fixed, which leaves a TON of people at risk.

**What's the Problem?**

Google found two serious flaws, called CVE-2025-48633 and CVE-2025-48572. They said they have indications that these are being used to attack certain phones. These flaws let attackers get past security and install spyware. This spyware can listen to your calls, steal your info, and track where you go. Right now, it seems like only specific people are being targeted, but experts say these kinds of things usually spread fast. Once someone figures out how to use these flaws, they often start attacking lots of other people.

**Not a Great Month for Security**

And it's not just Android! Google also warned about a problem with Chrome, and Apple said that iPhones are being targeted by spies, too. All these problems popping up at once make December a really risky time for phone security. It shows that the bad guys are getting better at finding ways to attack different kinds of phones.

**Who's Protected?**

Google has released fixes for these two flaws, and for a bunch of other smaller issues that aren't being used to attack phones yet. They sent these fixes to companies like Samsung that make Android phones. But here's the catch: the fixes only work for Android versions 13, 14, 15, and 16.

That leaves a HUGE number of phones unprotected. StatCounter says that over 30% of Android phones are still using Android 12 or older. Those phones will never get these fixes. And even if you have a supported phone, it still depends on when your phone company decides to send out the update. Some companies take weeks or months to do that. Plus, lots of people don't install updates right away, which means their phones are vulnerable for even longer.

**A Billion People at Risk**

This is a massive problem. Over a billion phones are running versions of Android that won't get the fix, which means they're all at risk. Zimperium, a phone security company, says that at any time, more than half of all phones are using old versions of their operating systems, and many of them are infected.

So, even if Google fixes things quickly, the way Android works means that tons of people are still at risk. The bad guys know this, and they can turn these spying tools into something that anyone can use to commit cybercrimes.

**How iPhones Are Different**

Things are better with iPhones. Apple controls everything, so they can send updates to all supported phones at the same time. They think that about 90% of iPhones are using supported versions of iOS. This means there are way fewer vulnerable iPhones compared to Android phones.

Now, iPhones aren't completely safe. Apple's warning proves that spies are trying to get to iPhone users, too. But because Apple can send out updates to everyone at once, they have a much easier time fixing problems.

**What the Experts Say**

Security experts are saying that even though these attacks seem limited right now, these flaws will become popular with all sorts of bad guys. James Maude from BeyondTrust said that even if this is only being used in a few targeted attacks, it will quickly become something that many attackers want to use.

This is how it usually goes in the security world. When someone finds a way to attack a phone, it often gets out into the criminal world. Then, it's used for things like tricking people into giving up their information, holding computers hostage for money (ransomware), and spying on lots of people.

**The Big Picture**

This Android warning shows a big problem with phone security: it's too fragmented. Unlike Apple, Google depends on lots of different phone makers and carriers to send out updates. This is good because it means there are lots of different kinds of phones at different prices. But it also means that updates are slow to arrive. So, even when Google does its job, millions of phones are still at risk for a long time.

What does this mean for you? Well, if your phone isn't getting updates anymore, you're now at risk forever. Without updates, problems keep piling up, and attackers have more chances to get into your phone. For businesses and governments, it's even worse. Old phones can become a way for spies and criminals to get into their systems.

**What To Do?**

This Dangerous December is a reminder that phone security is always changing. Google's warning about CVE-2025-48633 and CVE-2025-48572 shows how quickly spying tools can turn into bigger threats. And with over a billion Android phones that won't get updates, the amount of risk is huge.

While Apple's system shows why centralized updates are good, Android's system keeps leaving people at risk. If you have an Android device, Google recommends updating your device, avoid opening suspicious links and texts, and consider upgrading to a new device. The industry needs to figure out how to fix problems faster, before the bad guys can take control.

34.I Wore 10 Fitness Watches for 10,000 Steps—These Are the Most Accurate 

**The Great Fitness Watch Step-Counting Showdown: Which One Actually Knows Its Steps?**

So, Michael Hicks over at Android Central, who's kind of a fitness gadget fanatic, decided to revisit a question he asked himself a couple of years ago: Which fitness watch is the king of step counting?

Back in 2023, he strapped a bunch of watches to his arms and walked around to see which one was most accurate. Garmin was the clear champ back then, beating out Apple and Samsung. But tech changes fast, so in 2025 he thought he would put a whole new batch of watches through the wringer.

**The Test: Ten Watches, a Whole Lot of Walking**

This time, he grabbed ten different watches from pretty much all the main fitness brands: Apple, Samsung, Garmin, Google, OnePlus, Amazfit, COROS, Polar, Suunto, and Withings. His goal was to find out if Garmin was still on top.

He wore five watches at a time and did two 5,000-step walks and one 5,000-step jog. To keep things honest, he also used a step-counting app as a control.

That meant walking (and jogging) a grand total of 30,000 steps in just one day! Talk about dedication. But hey, now we know which watches you can actually trust to help you hit that 10,000-step goal, and which ones might be lying to you.

**Walking: The Good, the Bad, and the Step-Counting Challenged**

The walking tests showed the biggest differences between the watches.

*   **Apple Watch Ultra 2:** This one was super consistent. It was only off by 16 steps over 10,000 steps. Seems like that fancy gyroscope is the real deal.

*   **OnePlus Watch 2R:** Surprisingly, this watch came in second. It was only off by 59 steps. Not bad!

*   **Garmin Forerunner 970:** Garmin held its own, coming in third with only a 60-step difference.

*   **Polar Vantage V3 and COROS APEX 4:** Both of these were within 100 steps, so they're in the pretty reliable category.

*   **Amazfit Active 2:** Not quite as consistent, with a 201-step difference, but still not bad for a cheaper watch.

*   **Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic:** Samsung's step-counting accuracy isn't great, apparently. This watch was off by almost 300 steps.

*   **Withings ScanWatch 2:** This one also struggled, with a 262-step gap.

*   **Suunto Race 2:** This was the weird one. During one test, it missed thousands of steps, only logging 3,081. But it did just fine during the jogging test, which makes you think there's something wrong with how it counts steps when you're walking.

Basically, Hicks figures that any watch that's within 100 steps after 10,000 is pretty good. So, that means Apple, OnePlus, Garmin, Polar, and COROS are the ones you can probably trust.

**Jogging: Everyone's Accurate!**

The jogging test was a whole different story. All the watches did well, with differences of less than 35 steps over 5,000.

When you're running, your steps are more regular than when you're walking, which makes it easier for the watches to count. Even the Suunto Race 2, which failed at walking, was accurate when jogging.

So, if you're a runner, it sounds like you can trust pretty much any modern watch to track your steps. But if you're mostly walking, you might want to be a bit more choosy.

**A Weird Discovery: Pocket Power!**

Here's a funny thing: Hicks accidentally found out that some watches can count steps pretty well even if they're just in your pocket.

He was doing a test when it started raining, so he put the watches in his pocket. Surprisingly, some of them logged thousands of steps just from the movement in his pocket.

*   **Garmin Forerunner 970:** 5,037 steps

*   **COROS APEX 4:** 5,041 steps

*   **Apple Watch Ultra 2:** 5,088 steps

Other watches, like Samsung and OnePlus, didn't count as many. It's not a perfect test, but it shows that if your arm movements don't register well (like if you're pushing a stroller or using hiking poles), putting the watch in your pocket might actually give you a more accurate count.

**Why Bother with Step Counting Anyway?**

You might think that counting steps is just a silly thing, but it's actually important. That 10,000 steps a day thing started as a marketing thing, but studies have shown that walking 6,000–8,000 steps a day can really lower your risk of heart problems, cancer, dementia, depression, and being overweight.

So, being accurate is important. A 200-step difference every day might not seem like much, but it adds up to 6,000 steps a month or 72,000 steps a year. Over time, that could mess up how you see your own activity level.

**What About Smart Rings?**

Hicks also pointed out that smart rings can be surprisingly accurate for walking. But they often mistake desk activities, like typing, for steps, which makes them less good for people who don't move around much and want an honest idea of how active they are.

**Do You Need to Spend a Fortune?**

You don't have to spend a ton of money to get a decent step counter. Cheaper watches like the Amazfit Active 2 are still pretty good. For most people, the difference between being off by 60 steps and being off by 200 steps might not be worth the extra cost.

But if you're an athlete or you're really focused on your health, spending more on a high-end watch might be worth it.

**The Bottom Line**

After walking 30,000 steps and testing ten watches, here's what Hicks learned:

*   The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the most consistent step counter.

*   Garmin is still really reliable.

*   OnePlus is surprisingly good.

*   Polar and COROS are trustworthy too.

*   Samsung and Withings aren't as accurate, and Suunto is weird with walking but great with running.

*   If you're running, pretty much any watch will do.

*   Putting your watch in your pocket might work better for some activities.

In the end, most fitness watches are good enough to help you reach your health goals. The small differences in accuracy matter most if you want really precise data for training or medical reasons. But if you just want to stay on track with your 10,000 steps a day, even a cheap watch will work.

35.One Charger to Rule Them All? Using Your USB-C Laptop Charger on Your Phone 

**Laptop Charger for Your Phone: Yay or Nay?**

Okay, seriously, who *doesn't* have a drawer full of chargers? It's like they multiply when you're not looking. But these days, everything's switching over to USB-C, right? Phones, tablets, game consoles… So naturally, you're wondering, Hey, can I just use my laptop charger for my phone and not be a total idiot? It's a fair question!

The quick answer is: Usually, yeah, it's fine. But, life's got those little caveats, doesn't it? It all comes down to how smart your charger and phone are. Are they speaking the same charging language? Are you about to fry your gear? (Don't freak out: probably not). Let's break this down, okay?

**Charging: How It Actually Works**

Think of plugging your phone into a charger like they're meeting at a coffee shop. They need to figure out what everyone wants so it doesn't fail. They need to figure out power delivery, that's where USB Power Delivery or USB-PD is there. This is so that your phone will not blow up at all. The charger doesn't want to over deliver and it will be able to give it the perfect amount.

Imagine your charger is like Arnold Schwarzenegger in his prime, ready to pump out 100 watts of power. Your phone? Maybe more like Danny DeVito. If they both understand USB-PD, Arnold will take it easy and give Danny only what he can handle, maybe 20, 30 or 40 watts. No explosions, no meltdowns, and no problems. Everybody wins.

**Can This Be a Daily Thing?**

What's cool about USB-PD is like, it's universal ya know? if your charger and your phone both play by USB-PD rules, it ain't gonna matter what company made them iPhones, Androids, even Nintendo Switches! They can all share the same charger and everyone lives happily ever after.

Most new gadgets play nice with USB-PD. Got one of the fancy iPhone or a Samsung phone? a Macbook? Have all of them covered!

**Houston, We Have A Complication**

Okay, now's when it gets a bit tricky. If your charger and phone are like and they aren't talking to each other, it might be confusing. But there are still levels of safeties.

Here are two examples of when these chargers and phones are not talking ya know?

Charger has USB-PD, but your Android Phone has it as well, both play along and agree to play at 5V. The wattage is either 7.5W or 15W. Which ain't too bad.

But sometimes, your charger doesn't support USB-PD, then you get a solid 5V. You get 3A and 15W to make sure that nothin' catches on fire.

It ain't going to be fast, so don't bet on it.

**Okay, But How Slow are We Talking?**

Laptop chargers can be nuts big numbers around 65W or 90W. This is used for gaming laptops or some intense jobs. When you want to charge your phone, expect 30W from USB-PD. The Samsung phone brands, need their own special charger to fast charge.

So, there are no problems but it won't be as fast but it still works. The average Samsung only goes to 25W but they have chargers which will go to 45W.

**Super Fast Pointers**

Problems ain't as big. To prevent all of that, USB-C prevents all of this mess and ensures that the connection and charger are safe for your items. The cable is important!

Your cable is SUPER important. Get decent USB-C cables and don't hold back. Make sure your charger has USB-C compatibility yo!

If you charge your phone to 100% it stops.

**Why Even Bother With This?**

We use our devices a lot during the day. Important to keep everything up and keep your battery level up top! Keep everything at the max! It is better to have ONE charger to avoid mess. You have one charger which will do it ALL.

**Conclusion of the day**

You can charge every USB-C from EVERY charger from a USB-C Charger. Get your charger and cable for a good experience!

36.5 Clever Gadgets That Finally Put Your PC’s Extra USB Ports to Work 

**Beyond Just Flash Drives: Seriously Cool USB Gadgets for Your PC**

USB, I bet the same old stuff comes to mind when you hear that, right? Things like keyboards, mice, and maybe a memory stick. It’s been around the block forever as the standard input. But guess what? Those little rectangle spots on your computer can do way more than you probably think. They can totally change how your desk is set up and even make life easier, and yes, help with even silly things such as health! I didn't know!

Now, here’s the reality. Not every USB is made the same. Those old USB 2.0 slots? Super slow. Forget about moving big files around quickly. And those don’t have the power of the newer USB 3.1 slots. So, if you're using power-hungry devices, try plugging them into the right ports; otherwise, everything is going to crawl. You have to make sure to plug stuff into the right spot.

**USB Fan: Keep Calm and Cool Down**

Are you roasting while you are looking at your computer? Plug in a USB fan and chill out. They are super cheap, with there being ones for your desk or larger fans that clip right onto your laptop. A friend of mine uses a clock fan, where it keeps him cold and tells time with lights! It is a small thing that makes it all that much better without a giant fan taking up space. Those fans helped me through a bunch of summer days.

**USB Foot Pedal: Push Button Shortcuts**

Sure, keyboards and gaming mice have programmable buttons nowadays, but what if you have programmable foot buttons? USB foot pedals have taken things up a notch. A lot of people who transcribe audio use it to control playback without having to use their hands. Streamers, gamers, pretty much anyone who's trying to get a lot done loves them.

One fine example is the Elgato Stream Deck Pedal, which has three switches that you can make do basically anything. Think of the possibilities! You could press your foot to mute your mic, switch cameras when you are live streaming, and skip songs on Spotify. I have even seen programmers user these for code snippets; it'll definitely save time.

**Mouse Jiggler: Fool Your Computer**

When a lot of people started working from home, the mouse jiggler started getting more popular. These keep your computer from sleeping by copying tiny mouse movements. Sure, you could download software to do the trick, but more often than not, IT will catch on to that. However, hardware jiggler are a completely different can of worms.

Plug in the Meatanty USB-C mouse jiggler, which has three different movement settings. IT will show up as a mouse on your devices list. If you need to keep your PC awake while at class or want to binge-watch a game stream, this will do wonders. It can sometimes make it look like you're still working.

**USB Mug Warmer: Sip Coffee All Day**

Have you ever tried drinking cold coffee that has been sitting around from a previous project? If so, then say hello to the USB mug warmer, which is basically a mini hot plate for your drinks. These make for good gag gifts too!

For instance, the Smart Tech one is made with temperature settings that work with any 5V USB. You can plug it into your computer or a portable power bank. It is perfect for keeping your coffee, tea, or hot chocolate warm, whether you're at home or in the office. You could find some cool-looking ones that pass as stone coasters too!

**Monitor Light Bar: Lighten Your Workspace**

If you cannot see your desk, a light bar above your monitor is a lifesaver. This will shine a light down onto your desk, which allows you to see your keyboard.

The Monster Smart Color Duo uses USB for power and has all sorts of settings! Brightness and color settings can be changed by touch or through an app. The mount is there to tilt the light how you want it, giving you both productivity and vibe. It is easy on the eyes compared to normal lamps.

**USB-Charged Screwdriver: Time to Get to Work**

Not all USB gadgets need to be plugged in directly, instead, they just charge from USB, such as, in this case, electric screwdrivers. The HOTO 25-in-1 mini screwdriver is good for electronics and small devices. It only takes a quick charge to give you about two hours of use.

The magnetic case keeps everything where it should be - nice and neat. The device consists of a button to tighten and loosen screws. This is great when swapping out pieces on a game console, working on phones, or any other work involving micro screws. I've used these for glasses that broke one too many times.

**USB: The Sky's the Limit**

But that's not all! There are things such as fingerprint scanners, faster wireless internet, and faster network speeds. Getting a USB hub or expansion cards might be necessary for more slot spaces. So, you can know how to use the stuff you want, and make sure you have a lot of ports. I will say this: be careful where you get USB hubs from, or you run the risk of frying your gear.

**Final Thoughts**

We sometimes don't know what USB can do. They can power all sorts of stuff to turn your workspace into a calmer, more productive, and more enjoyable space. There's so much there, from fans and mug warmers to foot pedals and light bars. With USB-C becoming the main connector, I can see even more cool devices showing up. I'm definitely curious to see the limits of what USB can do!

The next time you see an empty port, don't grab for the flash drive or mouse right away. Take your time to think of what your desk can turn into if you take the time to explore those gadgets. Try making the ultimate workstation with all this space!

37.The Curious Reason AI Chatbots Refer to Themselves as ‘I’ 

**The Whole Deal with Human-like AI Chatbots**

So, AI chatbots are popping up everywhere these days. You see them helping out with customer service, and some people are even using them to help write stuff. They're being designed to act more and more like real people. They can even tell jokes, try to show they understand how you feel, and have their own unique ways of talking. Some people really like this and find them fun to chat with, while others are starting to worry about whether it's a good thing, especially when it comes to what's right and wrong, and how it might mess with our heads.

Kashmir Hill, who writes about tech, has been checking this out, pointing out that different chatbots have different vibes. She noticed that Claude from Anthropic seemed like a really serious student who could also be a bit of a pain, Gemini from Google was all about getting stuff done, no messing around, and ChatGPT from OpenAI was super friendly, always up for a laugh, and pretty much willing to go along with anything you suggested. This shows how the way these things are designed can change how we experience them. That makes some people who know a lot about this nervous about what might happen if we make machines too much like us. I agree.

**Why Do They Make Chatbots So Human-Like?**

The idea behind making chatbots act like people is pretty simple: we tend to like tech more when it feels like we can actually connect with it. If a chatbot can chat back and forth like a real person, offer some encouragement when you're feeling down, or remember what you were talking about earlier, it can make the whole experience way smoother. For companies, this means people are happier with their service and use it more. That's not always a good purpose, of course.

These AI models learn by sucking up tons and tons of text that was written by people. That's how they naturally pick up human-like traits. Then, the people who make them tweak things to make them extra friendly, helpful, or professional, depending on what they want the chatbot to do. So, what you end up with is something that doesn't just spit out info, but feels like a real partner in a conversation. Cool, but the purpose of it should be known.

**Why Acting Too Human Can Be Risky**

But here's where things get tricky, some experts are saying that this whole thing can make it hard to know where the line is. When a chatbot seems like a person, it's easy to forget that it's not really thinking or feeling anything, and definitely can't have a real relationship with you. This can make people get too attached and start depending on AI for company or to make them feel good about themselves.

Some psychologists (people who study how we think), are saying that this kind of dependency could hurt our real relationships. If you're running to a chatbot for comfort instead of talking to your friends or family, you might end up feeling lonely. Besides, chatbots can't actually feel anything back, so you might end up disappointed or confused if you expect more from them than they can give.

**Is It Right?**

Apart from the personal stuff, there are also bigger questions about what's right and wrong here. Should companies be deliberately trying to make machines act like they have emotions? Some people think it's a way of tricking us into trusting or liking something that's really just trying to make money for a company. I think it's important to remember these guidelines!

For example, if a chatbot acts like it feels bad for you when you're complaining about a company's screw-up, it might make you more likely to let the company off the hook. But that feeling isn't real. Some are worried that this could make us trust real people less, because we won't be able to tell the difference between what's a real response and what's fake.

**Why Having a Personality Can Be Good**

On the flip side, some folks say that giving chatbots a personality makes them more helpful. If a chatbot is just a boring machine, it can feel cold and distant. But if it's got some warmth and can crack a joke, it can make things easier and encourage people who might not normally use tech to give it a shot.

Kashmir Hill's test showed this pretty well. She found that because ChatGPT was so friendly, she didn't mind letting it help her make decisions. Meanwhile, because Claude was kind of prickly, she kept things more formal. This shows that personality doesn't just change how we feel about chatbots, but also how we use them.

**Finding the Middle Ground**

So, it's really about finding the right balance. Chatbots should be interesting to talk to, but not so much that we start thinking they're human. The key is to be clear with people. These systems need to make it obvious that they're artificial, even if they're chatting away like a real person.

Some people who make these things are trying out different ways to do this. For example, chatbots could remind you that they're AI every now and then, or avoid saying things that make it sound like they have emotions they can't actually feel. Others suggest not making them so human-like in situations where it could be bad to mess with people's feelings, like in therapy or school.

**What's Next for Chatbots?**

As AI becomes more and more a part of our everyday lives, people are going to be talking about how human-like these things should be. Already, tons of people are using chatbots for work, fun, and to get help with personal stuff. The line between what's a tool and what's a friend is getting blurry.

Pretty soon, the people in charge might start making some rules. Things like saying that chatbots have to be clear about being AI, putting limits on how much they can act like they have emotions, or telling you how they're using your data could help keep people safe. At the same time, companies will keep trying to come up with personalities that make their chatbots stand out from the crowd because everyone is competing.

**The Bottom Line**

Human-like AI chatbots are both amazing and a bit scary. They make tech easier to use, but they also could make us too dependent on them and confused about what's real. Kashmir Hill's thoughts remind us that each chatbot's personality is carefully planned, and it changes how we see it and use it.

The real question isn't whether chatbots should have personalities – they already do! – but how we should create those personalities in a way that's responsible. As we figure out this new world, we need to make sure there are clear lines: machines that are helpful and interesting, but never mistaken for people. Only then can we get the good stuff from chatbots without forgetting what makes real human relationships so important.

38.Classic PS3 Hit Lands on PS5—and Players Are Flooding Back 

Remember Red Dead Redemption? That old PS3 game? Well, guess what? It's blowing up the PS5 charts in 2025!

Seriously, it's kinda wild. Fifteen years after it first came out, this game is still super popular. Rockstar Games dropped Red Dead Redemption back in 2010 for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Now, you can get it on the PlayStation 5 and even the PS5 Pro through the PlayStation Store. And people are *really* playing it. PS TimeTracker says it shot straight into the top 20 most-played games on PSN. And get this: if you take out all the free games, it's one of the top 10 *paid* games. That's insane!

**Back in the Saddle**

This re-release is a big deal for PlayStation fans. Rockstar hasn't put the newer Red Dead Redemption 2 on PS5 yet, but bringing back the original is still awesome. For a lot of us, this is a chance to play one of the best open-world games ever made again. And if you've never played it before? Well, now you can see the game that made Rockstar famous for telling great stories.

The fact that a game from the PS3 can still compete with brand-new games on the PS5 says a lot. Red Dead Redemption isn't just one of the best games on the PS3 – a lot of people think it's one of the best video games *ever*.

**People Are Really Playing It**

PS TimeTracker also has some interesting data on how long people are playing. The average session is an hour and 43 minutes. So, people aren't just trying it out of curiosity. They're really getting into it, getting lost in the world, and replaying missions because they actually want to.

Keep in mind that PS TimeTracker is something people have to sign up for, and it usually gets more of the really into gaming types. Someone who just plays games every once in a while might not be replaying a game from 2010 this much. So, it's possible that the overall ranking might be a bit lower if you looked at everyone on PSN. Still, it shows that the game is still awesome, even in 2025.

**Why It Still Works**

A lot of PS3 games don't really hold up today. The graphics can look old, the controls can feel weird, and the way they designed the game can just feel different from what we're used to now. But Red Dead Redemption is still great. And the Undead Nightmare expansion, which comes with the PS5 version, makes it even better. It's like a zombie version of the Wild West!

I think the main reason is the story. It's a really good story, the open world is huge and fun to explore, and the characters are really memorable. You play as John Marston, an ex-outlaw who has to hunt down his old friends. It's got action, it's got drama, and it makes you think about right and wrong. That's why it's still a good game.

**What People Think**

On the PlayStation Store, the game has over 25,000 reviews and a score of 4.76 out of 5 stars. People say it's aged really well and love the atmosphere, the writing, and the gameplay.

One review said it all: “Red Dead Redemption is what happens when technology and vision collide too early... it still has a punch and staying power.

People aren't just playing it because they remember it fondly. It's still a really good game.

**Why Rockstar Is So Good**

Rockstar Games is famous for making worlds that feel real. Think about Grand Theft Auto and the cities, or Red Dead and the Wild West. Red Dead Redemption was a big step for them. It showed that they could make games that were not just fun and crazy but also had a lot of heart.

Bringing it back on PS5 reminds us how far games have come but also that some games are just good no matter what. It looks a bit old at times, but the story and the world are still amazing.

**What's Next?**

This makes you wonder what Rockstar will do next. Are they going to put Red Dead Redemption 2 on the PS5? Are they going to bring back more old games? For now, we can just enjoy playing this classic again.

**The Bottom Line**

Red Dead Redemption is back on the PS5 and PS5 Pro, and it's still a classic. Fifteen years later, people are still playing it. The story is great, the characters are amazing, and the world is huge. It proves that some games are good no matter what console you play them on.

So, get back on your horse and play it again. Red Dead Redemption reminds us why it's one of the best.

39.5 Reasons Android Auto Outshines CarPlay in the Dashboard Battle 

let's chat about car tech! Everyone knows Apple ditched the whole building-their-own-car idea, but CarPlay is still around. It's basically a simple way to get your phone onto your car's screen. But honestly, I'm leaning towards Android Auto. Some people think it is not as good, but it's come a long way, and it actually beats CarPlay in several ways.

**Maps: Google Still Rules**

Navigation is super important when you are driving, and Google Maps just nails it. They launched this app way back in 2005. That is almost two decades of collecting road info! Apple Maps showed up in 2012, and it has gotten a lot better, but Google's had so much more time to get things right.

Google Maps works better and knows how long your trip will probably take by measuring live traffic to find good places to eat. You can find it even on Apples CarPlay shows how well people trust it. Apple Maps is alright, and it looks clean if you just need basic directions, but Google’s huge collection of data keeps Android Auto in charge. Say you wanna avoid a traffic jam? With it's knowledge of current traffic problems, speed cameras, and ways around difficulties, you know that you are getting the best route.

**Talk To Me: Gemini Is The Smartest**

Talking to your car while you drive can be really handy, and this is where Google is way better. Siri got here first, back in 2011. But Apple choosing to make privacy number one, dealing with cloud computer problems early on, and not making Siri too advanced means it’s just okay.

Google adding Gemini to Android Auto changes everything. Instead of saying it doesn't know what you are saying, it actually understands more now, works with more phone programs, and sounds like a real live person. It can do cooler stuff, like acting as a personal tour guide where you are at. Wow! Siri can't do that. So if you like talking to your car, Gemini is a huge score. Just hit the button, and you can send texts, play music, and lots more.

**Alerts: Simple Little Sounds vs. Actual Help**

Apple CarPlay keeps alerts easy, hoping to prevent too much confusion for the driver. Everything is simple, and Siri manages texts and calls. But you can’t really *do* all that much. No quick replies or anything like that. Apple wants you to keep your focus on driving.

Android Auto gives you more helpful alerts. You can look fast at a text or tap to call someone back, which helps a lot instead of trying to do it on your phone. Apple is being extra careful for safety, but Android Auto gives you practical little benefits that make driving a little easier. You can even choose which notifications you get, so your screen does not get swamped.

**Apps: So Many To Pick And Choose**

Having tons of apps to pick from is another reason to like Android Auto. Google’s system works with tons of them, while CarPlay has fewer. And that’s important. Whether it’s something everyone uses every day or something not as popular, Android Auto probably has it. It's the app store that goes from the audiobooks you hear to the location of your parked car in that massive parking garage.

Apple is careful about what apps can do, which is a good thing for safety. Too many distractions are a bad thing, but it also means fewer choices with CarPlay. And some text features don’t work at all. Android Auto opens everything way up, so you’ve got more choices and more ways to change things around.

**Speed Traps?! Watch Out!**

CarPlay shows you the speed limit to help keep you from getting a ticket. But Android Auto goes a step further by showing you how fast you’re going and beeping if you go too fast! It doesn't always nail it, but when it does, it’s a big help.

People have been saying Apple might add something like this, but it is not there yet. For now, Android Auto’s speed warnings help you drive easier and stop you from speeding without realizing it.

**Different Feels**

It basically comes down to what you like best. Apple wants things simple and safe. So it’s very easy to use without a lot of distractions. Google focuses on open access and more features, which is why it has so many apps.

There is no system that’s hands-down better. It depends on what you need! If you want things easy, CarPlay could be a great pick. But if you want to be able to do more and have access for a bigger selection, Android Auto is a lot better. Plus you change it to run exactly how you want it.

**In General: Android Auto Is Surprising**

Everyone’s always talking about Apple, but Android Auto is actually pretty good and has some key things going for it. Google Maps wins on maps, Gemini is way better with talking back and forth, alerts, and app support makes a big difference, and the speed warnings give you a little piece of mind.

CarPlay keeps things simple and safe, but Android Auto can be extremely helpful. So, switching over to Android Auto can matter a lot if you often have long trips.

Both systems make driving a little better, but Android Auto brings the best possible experience and a head start on the other system.

40.Apple’s Latest Upgrade Leaves Hundreds of Millions of iPhones in the Spotlight 

**Apple's Big Push with iOS 26: Seriously, Update Your iPhone**

Apple is known for doing things its own way, especially when it comes to keeping your iPhone safe and your info private. They usually push everyone to get the latest software, whether everyone is ready or not. Now, they're basically telling anyone with a recent iPhone to get iOS 26 right away. This is more important than just another update. It's a really important time for iPhone users.

**A Change of Plans**

People thought iOS 26.2 would be the last optional update for iPhone 11 and later models. Some guessed Apple would still support older software, like iOS 18.7.3, especially since the test versions seemed to have fixes for everyone. But Apple switched things up. Now, the fixes – and those really vital security fixes – are only for newer phones (iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR). So older phones are left out in the cold.

This came as a surprise to many. Apple could have given everyone iOS 18.7.3 and made updating easier for all users. Instead, they're being firm. If you want the best protection, you have to get iOS 26.

**Why These Fixes Are Important**

Apple's in a rush because there's new spyware going around that's really nasty. At first, it seemed like it was targeting specific people, but this stuff can spread fast. Apple has confirmed that iPhones are being attacked again. The problems they're fixing aren't small stuff. These are big security holes that could let someone steal your data, read your messages, and mess with your phone completely.

Even the government is telling people to update ASAP. A security company says that over half of phones and tablets are running old software. That's iPhones and Androids. It means millions of gadgets are easy targets just because people don't update.

**People Are Dragging Their Feet**

Even though it's urgent, not everyone is getting iOS 26 as fast as expected. People guess that about half of users haven't updated yet. Some say they don't have enough storage space, or they don't believe in all the new feature rumors. Others just don't like change and like the way their old software works.

At the same time, about 10% of people have really old iPhones that can't even get the update. The real number might be a bit higher, but it's still less than the number of people using iOS 18. So, a lot of people are still at risk.

**Why This Timing Matters**

Apple's decision to make everyone update now is interesting because of when they're doing it. By not giving iOS 18.7.3 the fixes, they're pushing people to get iOS 26 faster. This means more devices will have the newest security stuff, but it also leaves some people behind.

Some say Apple could have been more flexible and still supported iOS 18.7.3 for a while. But they're sticking to their guns. It shows they care more about security than making things super convenient for everyone.

**Three More Reasons to Update**

Besides the spyware fixes, iOS 26 has other things that make it worth getting:

*   Better protection from Google tracking you in the Safari browser. Apple has made it harder for advertisers to follow you around online.

*   New protection from attacks that use wired connections. This stops someone from hacking your phone if you plug it into a shady charging station or cable.

*   Security against scams in calls and texts. iPhones now have built-in features to spot fake messages and calls, so you don't fall for phishing scams.

All of these things make your phone safer every day.

**The Big Picture**

Apple's move shows a big problem with mobile security: keeping everyone up to date. Both iPhones and Androids have this problem, as tons of phones use old software. Hackers take advantage of this by attacking security problems that haven't been fixed yet.

By making people update, Apple is trying to fix this. Some people might not like it, but Apple thinks it's important because old devices put everyone at risk.

**In Short: Do It Now**

If you have an iPhone 11 or newer, listen up: get iOS 26 now. No matter how you feel about the new stuff or storage space, the security protections are a must-have. With spyware targeting iPhones and warnings from the government, not updating just isn't smart.

Apple might seem strict, but it's doing what it always does. Security and privacy are really important, and they're not willing to compromise.