News-Technology

 1.Meta Plans VR Price Hikes and Longer Market Cycles for Existing Headsets 

**Meta's New VR Plan: More Expensive Headsets, Less Rush on New Versions**

So, Business Insider got hold of an internal memo from Meta (dated December 4th) that spells out some changes for their virtual reality stuff. Basically, the heads honchos, Gabriel Aul and Ryan Cairns, wrote that Meta's VR headsets are going to cost more going forward. Also, they won't be churning out new models as fast. Instead, they're going to focus on making really good software to keep people hooked on their VR world. For a company that's been practically giving away headsets to get people on board, this is a big shift. It sounds like they're aiming for a business that can actually sustain itself, instead of just trying to grab as many users as possible.

**What the Memo Said (In a Nutshell):**

*   **Prices are going up:** Meta admits that they're feeling the squeeze from tariffs, discounts, and the cost of running multiple VR programs. They say raising prices isn't a sign of weakness, but a way to make their business healthier and not so reliant on selling tons of one particular headset.

*   **Slower release schedule:** Don't expect a brand-new Quest every year. Meta's planning to keep the Quest 3 and Quest 3S around for a while. It's more like how video game consoles work – they stick around for years before a new one comes out.

*   **Software Matters More:** Aul and Cairns want the software to be just as good as the VR hardware. This probably means they'll push harder for their own games and services, like Horizon+. It could make the sting of higher prices a little less painful.

*   **New Stuff is Coming (Eventually):** The memo mentions that a new XR headset is delayed. But they also teased a new Quest that will have much-improved capabilities and make more money per unit.

**What About Pricing?**

Right now, the Quest 3 costs $500, and the Quest 3S is $300 (or sometimes $250 when it's on sale). Here are a few ways Meta could go:

*   **Just raise the Quest 3's price:** Keep the 3S cheap to attract new users, but charge enthusiasts more for the better headset.

*   **Raise both a little:** A small price increase across the board.

*   **Keep current prices, charge more for future headsets:** Meta could keep the current prices, but the next Quest could be more expensive.

Either way Meta will likely throw in some free games or a trial to Horizon+ to make people feel better about the price.

**Who Else is in the VR Game?**

Meta's making this change at a time when there's more competition and the marketplace is getting crowded:

*   **Google's Android XR:** Google could offer cheaper headsets that connect to the Android universe.

*   **Valve's Steam Deckard:** For serious gamers, Valve might release a headset that works with Steam and has high-end specs.

This puts Meta in a tough spot. They don't want to raise prices so much that new users can't afford their headsets, but they also don't want to fall behind Valve in terms of performance. The memo's talk about profit per unit suggests Meta's trying to find the sweet spot where they make money on each device they sell.

**What This Means for VR Game Makers**

The Quest 3 will be around longer than people thought, which is good and bad for developers:

*   **Good:** Developers can keep making games for the Quest 3 without worrying about it becoming obsolete too soon.

*   **Bad:** If prices go up, fewer people might buy the new headsets, which means a smaller potential audience for their games.

Developers will have to decide whether to focus on advanced features or stick to the Quest 3. Compatibility will be more important than before.

**The Big Picture**

Meta's shift shows that the VR industry is maturing. In the beginning, there was a race to get as many people using VR. Now, with rising costs and more competition, Meta seems to be saying that VR needs to be a sustainable business. This is kind of how game consoles have.

The dangers are that hikes could stunt the growth. Meta hopes that better devices and software will justify the higher cost and keep users happy. It will be down to the next Quest.

2.Viture Teams With CD Projekt Red on Limited-Edition Cyberpunk 2077 Luma Cyber XR Glasses 

Remember Cyberpunk 2077? It dropped back in December 2020, and man, was the hype real! Everyone was waiting for this game, but the launch? A bit of a mess, honestly. Bugs everywhere. But CD Projekt Red didn't give up. They put in the work, fixed things up, and that anime on Netflix? Totally brought Night City back into the spotlight.

Now, it's been five years! Can you believe it? To celebrate, they've teamed up with Viture for something pretty cool: Cyberpunk 2077-themed XR glasses! It's the kind of thing that just *fits* with the game's whole vibe.

**A Match Made in the Future**

So, Viture makes these fancy Luma Pro XR glasses, right? CD Projekt Red's artists got together with them to make something special: the Viture x Cyberpunk 2077 Luma Cyber XR Glasses. Only 10,000 pairs are being made. Each one has a number on it, like 0000 to 9999. It's like getting a limited edition piece of in-game gear, but for real life. That's the kind of collector appeal they are going for.

They'll cost you $549, which is 50 bucks more than the regular Luma Pro. Why the extra cost? It's all about that Cyberpunk 2077 look and feel. The design and packaging are special. If you're a fan, you're not really buying them for better specs, you're buying a piece of Night City you can actually hold. Kind of neat, huh?

**All About the Look**

Forget the plain old Luma Pro box. These come in a seriously cool Cyberpunk-themed package. Inside, you've got a black case, different nose pads, a cleaning cloth, and a cover that won't mess up your hair. The glasses themselves? They've got yellow designs all over, inspired by the game's neon streets and look. It's not too over-the-top, just a cool shout-out to the game. Gamers and tech fans should both like it.

**What's Under the Hood?**

Okay, so they look different, but inside, they're the same as the regular Luma Pro XR glasses. That means:

*   Sony Micro-OLED screens that make it look like you’re staring at a massive 152-inch screen, refreshing at 120Hz. That's a big clear picture and fast refresh.

*   1920 x 1200 resolution for each eye which means its so crisp and clear for any usage case.

*   They get bright, up to 1500 nits. So, you can use them even if you're not in a dark room.

*   Good audio from Harman, with spatial sound. Makes games (or anything else) sound way more immersive.

*   Can turn 2D stuff into 3D in real-time. Adds some depth to whatever you're watching.

*   They know when you're wearing them, and you can adjust them if you need glasses (up to -4.0D).

Basically, these are some of the best XR glasses you can buy right now. They're portable, but still pack a punch.

**Plays Well with Others**

Like the other Luma glasses, the Cyberpunk edition works with a ton of stuff. Steam Deck, Lenovo Legion Go, ASUS ROG Ally – you name it. If you get the Viture Pro mobile dock, it'll even work with the new Nintendo Switch whenever that shows up! So, it's a great accessory for handheld gaming. And it doesn't stop there. Android phones with DisplayPort, iPhone 15 (and newer), MacBooks, iPads, Windows PCs... these glasses play nice with almost everything. They're not just a collector's item; you can actually use them every day.

**More Than Just a Game**

This whole thing shows how video games are creeping into our everyday lives. Cyberpunk 2077, with its focus on AR and cyber-stuff, is perfect for XR glasses. CD Projekt Red teaming up with Viture shows they see the game as more than just a piece of software. It's a whole brand that can be part of the real world. Wearing these glasses is like stepping into Night City.

We've seen gaming stuff crossover into hardware before, but this one just *makes sense*. It fits the game's themes. Some partnerships feel like a cheap cash grab, but these glasses feel like they belong in the Cyberpunk universe.

**What This Means for the Market**

Only 10,000 pairs? That tells you they're aiming for the hardcore fans and collectors, not the average person. At $549, they're competing with other high-end devices like the Xreal Air 2 Pro. The numbered editions make them more valuable, so they might become a hot item on the resale market.

For Viture, it's a way to get their name out there to a wider audience than just tech people. For CD Projekt Red, it's a way to celebrate how far Cyberpunk 2077 has come and to show they're still committed to the game. The fact that this is happening five years after the rocky launch shows the game has staying power, even after all the initial problems.

**What's Next?**

They're supposed to start shipping these glasses in mid-December 2025. Good timing to offer as a gift for your loved ones, or to yourself. Will they be a super-rare collector's item or just a cool accessory? We'll have to wait and see. But it shows that gaming companies are thinking about how to sell lifestyle tech. As XR stuff gets better, expect to see more partnerships like this.

For Cyberpunk 2077 fans, these glasses are a way to celebrate a game that went through hell, fixed itself up, and became a lasting part of gaming history. For Viture, they show how XR technology can be both cutting-edge and culturally relevant.

3.Meta Pushes Puck-Tethered XR Headset to 2027, Teases Major Quest Upgrade 

Word on the street is that Meta's shaking things up with their XR plans. Seems like that fancy Phoenix headset they were cooking up is going to take a bit longer to arrive. Instead of late 2026, we're looking at sometime in the first half of 2027.

But don't get bummed out just yet! Meta's also saying their next Quest headset is going to be a big deal – a real step up from what we've got now. They're trying to make everything work better financially too. Basically, they're hitting the brakes a little so they can focus on making stuff that lasts and is actually good.

**Phoenix: Taking it Slow**

This Phoenix thing was supposed to be pretty cool. Imagine a lighter headset because all the heavy processing and the battery are in a separate little gadget you keep in your pocket. That would be way more comfy for those long VR sessions, right? But according to a memo from Maher Saba, a VP at Reality Labs, they're pushing things back. He said that the higher-ups, including Zuck himself, decided they'd rather have something rock-solid than rush it out the door.

Saba made it clear that this isn't an excuse to cram in extra features. They just want to make sure what they already have is top-notch. Smart move, considering how many tech products have flopped because companies tried to do too much too fast.

**Quality Comes First**

Another memo from Gabriel Aul and Ryan Cairns backed up this idea. They basically said that the schedule was too tight, and they were making too many big changes to the user experience. They need space to get it right. We're not going to screw it up by shipping it before it's ready, they said. It looks like they're learning to take their time on hardware releases, especially since people need to trust and feel good using this stuff.

**Next-Gen Quest: Big Improvements Incoming**

While Phoenix is on the back burner, Meta's still plugging away at the next Quest. Aul and Cairns mentioned that it's mainly geared towards serious gamers and will be a huge jump from the current versions. They're also aiming to make it more profitable, although they didn't specify if they meant compared to the Quest 3, the 3S, or maybe even a new Pro model.

Some folks are guessing this new Quest could be a high-end device, maybe costing $800 to $1,000. That would put it up against headsets like Samsung's upcoming Galaxy XR, the rumored Valve Steam Frame, and the next Apple Vision Pro. This way, Meta can still appeal to the hardcore VR fans while keeping the Quest 3S as the budget-friendly option. Think of it like how game consoles have both affordable and premium versions.

**Malibu 2: The Mystery Device**

Here's where it gets interesting. There's talk of a limited-edition XR device called Malibu 2 coming in 2026. Not much is known, but apparently, it's not going to be a mainstream product. Limited editions are often ways for companies to test new tech or create collector's items to keep people excited. Maybe Malibu 2 is a way for Meta to try new things without betting the farm, or just a marketing stunt to stay relevant while we wait for Phoenix.

**The Competition is Heating Up**

Meta's not the only one playing this game. The XR market is getting crowded:

*   **Apple Vision Pro M5:** Apple's high-end headset is still the benchmark for design and integration, but it costs a fortune.

*   **Samsung Galaxy XR:** Samsung is planning to release something more affordable using Android XR, hoping to hit that sweet spot between price and performance.

*   **Valve Steam Frame:** Valve's headset is aimed at PC gamers and could give Meta a run for its money in the gaming space.

Meta has to stay ahead without pricing themselves out of the market or releasing a buggy product. Delaying Phoenix is risky, but it shows they're serious about quality. And the large upgrade promise for the next Quest suggests they're counting on making something truly impressive.

**What This Means for Developers**

For developers, the good news is that the Quest 3 and 3S will be around for a while. They can keep making games for a consistent user base without worrying about their stuff becoming obsolete too soon. The possible higher price of future headsets might hinder adoption, though, which could limit the number of potential players. And with Meta cutting back on funding for third-party studios, developers will need to be smart about balancing new ideas with making sure their games work on older hardware.

**Focus on the Long Game**

These memos show that Meta is thinking more about sustainability. Between tariffs, subsidies, and other expenses, they're feeling the financial pressure. That's why they're being careful with pricing and delaying launches. By slowing down, Meta is saying that XR is a marathon, not a sprint. This fits with Zuckerberg's vision of the metaverse as a long-term project where patience and quality matter more than quick profits.

**What's Next?**

The next year and a half will be crucial. Malibu 2 might tide us over in 2026, but the real test will be the next Quest and Phoenix in 2027. Supply chain rumors suggest Meta isn't in the manufacturing phase yet, so expect the hype to build in mid-2026. Everyone will be watching to see if Meta can deliver on its promises of quality, sustainability, and immersive gaming.

Right now, Meta's message is clear: They're slowing down to do things right. Whether that works out depends on how amazing the next Quest turns out to be and if Phoenix can really change the game when it finally arrives.

4.Best Buy’s Holiday Deals Offer Up to 72% Off Fire TVs, Apple Devices, XREAL AR Glasses, and More 

Best Buy's got a bunch of deals going on right now. It's not unusual for them to have some Apple sales, but this time, they've got daily deals popping up all over the site. We're talking discounts on laptops, TVs, gaming gear, headphones… Basically, if it's tech, there's probably a deal on it. Some of the stuff is supposed to be up to 72% off, which sounds crazy, right? The thing that really grabbed my attention, though, is the price on the XREAL ONE AR Glasses. They're cheaper than I've ever seen them.

**XREAL ONE AR Glasses: Seriously Cheap Right Now**

Alright, listen up, 'cause this is a good one. The XREAL ONE AR Glasses are sitting at $399.99 with free shipping. I did some looking around, and these were going for $579 on Amazon not too long ago. This looks like the same price they were on sale for during Black Friday last year. So, if you missed out then, now's your chance. These glasses are kind of a cool mix of entertainment and futuristic tech. I think it's pretty cool that they are at this price.

With the XREAL One glasses, you get a virtual screen that's like having a 147-inch TV right in front of your face. Can you imagine watching movies, or going through all of shows, or even playing Steam Deck games on something that big? And the best part is that these aren't bulky like those old VR headsets your thinking of. These are supposed to be comfy, easy to use on the go, and designed to make you forget you're even wearing them. Plus, they actually look decent – not like some crazy science project strapped to your head.

**What Makes Them So Good?**

So, why are these glasses worth checking out? Here's the lowdown:

*   **XREAL X1 Chip:** XREAL has its own chip in these things, called the X1. That manages all the AR stuff. It's small, but it gets the job done.

*   **Native 3DoF:** No messy cables or extra apps to fight with. They track motion on their own.

*   **Fast Refresh Rates:** The screens refresh quickly. That means smooth action when you're watching movies or blasting aliens. No one likes lag.

*   **Adjustable Immersion:** You can choose how much of the real world you want to see. Want to block everything out? Go for it. Need to see what's around you? No problem.

*   **Great Audio by Bose:** The sound quality is legit. It's like having a little theater right in your ears. You can bet it's great because Bose made sure to do that for them.

*   **Plays Well with Others:** These glasses work with a bunch of different devices.

    *   Steam Deck

    *   Lenovo Legion Go

    *   ASUS ROG Ally

    *   Maybe the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2

    *   Android phones

    *   iPhone 15 (and probably future ones, too)

    *   MacBooks

    *   iPads

    *   Windows PCs

If you're curious about AR but don't want to drop a fortune on something like Apple's Vision Pro, this is a good way to test the waters for less than 400 bucks.

**What Other Deals are Happening?**

Best Buy doing a good job here. Here are a few more items:

*   Insignia 65-inch 4K Fire TV: $265 – Big screen for cheap is always tempting.

*   HP 14-inch Windows Laptop: $140 – A cheap little device to go outside or on the go.

*   Corsair Wireless Gaming Headset: $80 – Can't go wrong with gaming stuff.

*   Belkin Travel Case for Nintendo Switch 2: $20 – If you travel with your gaming device, it's definitely good to have.

*   JBL Portable Bluetooth Speaker: $192 – Blast music anywhere you want.

*   Apple MagSafe Duo Charger: $80 – If you own Apple products, this is good to have.

*   eero Pro 6E Mesh Wi-Fi Router: $150 — Who likes slow internet?

Best Buy has the things that people need. The price is really good.

**AR Glasses Deal a Big Deal Because...**

AR glasses are awesome. Everyone loves TVs and laptops, but people are starting to pay attention to AR. Best Buy is selling it for a low price!

The Bose audio and low lag is great for gaming and watching videos. AR lets your look at objects from what seems like a good distance.

**What's the Deal, Really?**

These glasses are way cheaper than Apple's Vision Pro. With the XREAL, you actually have options for a reasonably low price. The glasses costing only $399.99 is such a great value. Also, it's a cheap way to see what AR tech is all about.

Best Buy letting people know about AR with TV deals.

**Summary. Last Call.**

Best Buy's daily deals feature TVs, laptops, accessories, and AR glasses. There's something on sale for everyone. Things can be up to 72% cheaper too! The XREAL ONE AR glasses are only $399. If you are curious, go check it out.

5.Google Rolls Out Photorealistic 'Likeness' Avatars for Android XR to Rival Apple’s Personas 

**Google's Likeness Avatars: Android XR Gets Real**

So, Google's jumping into the photorealistic avatar game with something they're calling Likeness, designed for Android XR headsets. Think of it like Apple's Personas on the Vision Pro. The basic idea is to create a digital version of you that's more realistic than those cartoony avatars we're used to. The aim? To make your digital self actually look like, well, *you*, and move in a way that's natural. It's still in beta and only does 2D video calls for now, but it's a big signal that Google's serious about XR.

**How It Works – and Who Can Use It**

To get your own Likeness, you start with a face scan. Apple makes you hold the Vision Pro up to your face, which looks a bit awkward. Google chose a simpler way. Download the Likeness (beta) app on your phone and scan yourself. Easy peasy, right?

The catch? It only works with certain phones. You need a Google Pixel 8 (or newer), a Samsung Galaxy S23 (or newer), or a Samsung Z Fold5. If you don't have one of those, no Likeness for you. This is where Apple's Personas are a bit better – you can make them right on the Vision Pro, no specific phone needed. So, if you're rocking an older Android or an iPhone, you're out of luck for now which is definitely a limitation.

Once you have your avatar, the headset uses its cameras to track your facial movements. It watches your eyes, mouth, and expressions to animate your digital self. Then, your avatar shows up as a virtual webcam, so it works with regular video call apps like Google Meet, Zoom, and even Messenger.

**What It Can't Do (Yet)**

Right now, these Likeness avatars are only 2D. It's like a flat video of your face, not a 3D version that can exist in a virtual space. You can't have those immersive face-to-face meetings in XR just yet. Apple's Vision Pro already lets you do spatial FaceTime calls with Personas, so they're ahead in that regard. Google says they're working on spatial meetings, so hopefully, that's coming soon.

Another thing is that not every Android XR device has the cameras to properly track your face. Some future smartglasses might not have enough power, and other devices might have the processing power but not the right sensors. Without those sensors, the Likeness avatar won't work.

**Why Bother with Realistic Avatars?**

So, why go to all this trouble? Because realistic avatars actually solve a problem. How do you show yourself in digital spaces in a way that feels natural? Those cartoonish avatars can be a little creepy. They don't quite look real, and that can be off-putting. Apple showed with Personas that you *can* make something that looks realistic without being weird, and Google's trying to do the same.

People who've tried Likeness on Google Meet say it looks pretty good. Your facial movements look real, even if small things like your personal accent are hard to pick up. The key is that avatars don't have to be perfect copies of you. They just need to be realistic *enough* that people accept them. And it seems like Likeness is hitting that mark.

For video calls, it's a nice option. You can show yourself without having to turn on your actual webcam. That can be good for privacy, convenience, or just keeping a consistent look across different platforms.

**Webcam First: A Smart Move**

Some people might be bummed that it's just webcams for now. But Google's decision to focus on webcam compatibility first actually makes sense. Virtual webcams are useful *right now*, and they work with almost any app. Spatial meetings are cool, but they're limited to specific systems. By starting with webcams, Google's making sure Likeness is useful to a lot of people from the start.

It also makes it easier to talk to people on different platforms. Even if Apple's Personas and Google's Likeness don't do spatial calls together anytime soon, they can both work as webcams in regular video apps. So, people on different headsets can still chat, even if it's not fully immersive.

**Avoiding the Creep Factor**

One way to make Likeness work on more devices would be to fake the eye movements and use audio to guess what your lips are doing. That's how those cartoon avatars work. But if you try that with a realistic-looking face, it can look *really* creepy. Even small mistakes in the eye tracking or lip movements are much more obvious when the avatar looks like a real person. Google seems to know this and is trying to avoid those shortcuts.

**What's Next?**

Likeness raises questions about what XR headsets will look like in the future. As they get smaller, how will companies get good-enough cameras for realistic avatars? Smaller devices mean fewer sensors, but realistic avatars need accurate tracking. Apple and Google both face this problem as they try to make headsets that are smaller and lighter.

For now, Google's Likeness avatars are a good first step. They bring realistic avatars to Android XR, work with regular webcams, and show that Google's ready to compete with Apple in the avatar world. There are limitations, like needing certain phones and not having spatial meetings yet, but it's still a pretty big deal.

**In Conclusion**

Google's Likeness avatars are a big moment for XR. By focusing on realism and webcam support, Google's trying to make avatars a regular part of Android XR. Apple's Personas might be ahead in spatial meetings, but Google's approach is simpler and easier to use because of the phone-based scanning.

The future will involve getting around hardware limits, working on more devices, and eventually adding spatial meetings. But even in beta, Likeness shows that the future of digital avatars is realistic, believable, and part of how we talk to each other every day.

6.Google Positions Android XR as a visionOS Competitor with PC Streaming and 3D Avatars 

Google's been tinkering with Android XR, that platform they're pushing to make extended reality (XR) a real thing. Remember how they showed the thing back in 2024? Basically, it was their answer to Apple's visionOS, wanting one system to run on those big headsets and normal-looking smart glasses. The plan was to bring Android's wide spread popularity and use to get XR to catch on with everyday users.

Then, this previous October, Samsung hopped on board with the Galaxy XR headset. The big plus? It was way more affordable than Apple's Vision Pro – almost half the cost. Now, Google's releasing some new features for Android XR. Some of it's similar to what Apple's doing, but they're also trying to chart their own course.

**Plugging Into Your Computer**

One handy perk is PC Connect. If you've got a Galaxy XR, this lets you stream stuff from your Windows PC right into the headset, along with the apps already on the headset. Apple's Vision Pro has a similar thing going with Macs, but Google's aiming for more of a mixed reality feel rather than wiping out the real world entirely. So, you could be working on your laptop or playing PC games while wearing the Galaxy XR.

Here's the thing: it only works with regular 2D PC games, not the VR ones. This kinda shows that Samsung thinks people will use it more for work and that mixed reality view rather than super-immersive games.

If you're a professional, PC Connect could be pretty game-changing. Think about editing documents, attending meetings, or just doing browsing, all on a huge screen that only you can see but still is there in the real word. Gamers might be bummed about the VR limit, but being able to play regular games on a massive virtual screen is still a nice touch.

**Keeping Things Stable While Moving**

Google's also got something called Travel Mode. Funny enough, it's doing the same thing as Apple's version. It keeps your virtual screen nice and steady when you're on a train or plane that moves. The thing is that XR headsets have a hard time figuring out movement. Travel Mode locks in place and gives a smoother view when you're heading to work.

**Your Digital Look-Alike**

Another feature that sounds familiar is those realistic avatars, or Likenesses, as Google calls them. Instead of seeing someone wearing a clunky headset on a video call, you see a pretty decent copy of their face that moves like they do. To get a likeness, you scan yourself through Google's likeness app on Pixel 8, Galaxy S23 and Galaxy Z Fold 5 phones. Then, the headset uses sensors to copy your facial expressions onto the avatar.

It's still in testing thing on 2D video calls, but Likeness are a plus for making digital calls more human.

**Glasses Everywhere**

Google's really trying to get Android XR to work on more than just headsets. They are planning smart glasses to drop next year. They're saying there will be two versions:

*   **Glasses without screens:** These will have speakers, microphones, and cameras. You'll be able to talk to Google's Gemini AI, send pictures, and get info through audio feedback.

*   **Glasses with screens:** These will have tiny displays inside the lenses so you can see directions, translations, and notifications.

This angle shows Google wants XR to be everywhere, compact and easy to carry.

**XREAL Steps Up**

Google threw the spotlight on XREAL's Project Aura, too. These are the first Android XR glasses that need to be plugged in. Aura's trying to be as easy to take with you as smart glasses and as useful as headsets. They've got a good wide view and can run Android XR apps right in front of your eyes. So, it's a blend—more capable than simple glasses, less clunky than a headset. We should learn more about when they launch next year. This is proof that the Android XR scene is getting to be more well diverse.

**Privacy...Again?**

With smart glasses making a comeback, people are probably thinking about privacy all over again. Putting cameras on glasses brings back all the same worries that got Google Glass in trouble a while back. Folks are going to be on edge about being watched, about who gets to record what, and how that data is kept safe. Companies are being careful this time, but balancing useful stuff with people's privacy is still tough hurdle.

**The Competition's Heating Up**

The XR scene. So, Who is the party:

*   **Apple Vision Pro:** Lots of advanced stuff going on, but kinda pricier and there aren't that any apps set up.

*   **Meta:** Top-dog when it comes to costumer VR.

*   **Samsung & Google:** Doing to plan to take on Apple with Android XR.

*   **Valve Steam Frame:** Is coming out next year. Users can set-up Android and apps.

The plan is to Google and Samsung are extended reality and smart glasses.

**What This Means for You**

More options and lower prices. Practical stuff like PC Connect and Travel Mode make things easier, plus those avatars are making communication more real. Right now it is really early, but it is evolving so fast..

For app developers, Android XR is a place to be comfy to start.

**In Conclusion**

Google's been making ground on Android XR. With PC Connect, Travel Mode, and those avatars it is coming Apples products.

7.Xreal One AR Glasses $100 Off Today—Limited-Time Deal 

**Xreal One AR Glasses: Sweet Deal at Best Buy (But Hurry!)**

Hey tech fans, check this out! Best Buy's doing one of their daily deals thing, and today it's a good one. They've knocked the price of the Xreal One AR glasses way down. You can grab them for $400. Usually, these go for $500, so that's a clean $100 off. Honestly, this is almost as cheap as they were on Black Friday. If you've ever wondered what all the hype about augmented reality is about, this is a pretty painless way to dip your toes in without emptying your wallet.

**So, Why Are These Glasses Cool?**

The Xreal One glasses have been getting a lot of buzz. CNET put them on their best smart glasses list and all that . What's the big deal?. unlike those big, clunky VR headsets, these are made to be portable. Think of having a huge screen you can stick in your pocket. I mean, who wouldn't want that? It’s like having a personal movie screen that goes wherever you go.

One of the editors over at CNET, Scott Stein, mentioned how clear the picture is, how good the sound is. He also appreciate how many things they work with. He even said they're the closest thing to having display headphones that he could use every day. I think he was excited that these aren't just some tech demo thing. These are something you can actually see yourself using all the time.

One thing to also keep in mind is the use case. The best use case of this one is simply movies and content consumption. Imagine you are taking a long flight to Japan, you can use this glass to view movies, blocking people seeing what you are watching, and you get a screen that is very large relative to a phone.

**Let's Talk Specs (But Not in a Boring Way)**

Okay, let's get a little nerdy for a sec, but I'll keep it simple. The Xreal One has some nice tech baked in:

*   **Tiny but Mighty Screens:** Each lens has a little micro OLED screen. The quality is super clean.

*   **Giant Virtual Screen:** It feels like you're staring at a 147-inch screen that only you can see.

*   **Bright and Fast:** The screen is plenty bright (5,000 nits) and it refreshes super fast (120Hz). This means smooth video and gaming.

*   **No Lag:** Xreal has its own chip (the X1) that makes everything feel quick and responsive.

*   **Steady Image:** Even if you're walking around, the picture stays stable.

*   **Bose Audio:** The sound is tuned by Bose, so you get good spatial audio.

All this stuff adds up to glasses that are good for watching stuff, getting work done, and even some light gaming.

**Plugging It All In**

The main thing that makes the Xreal One so useable is that it’s simple to set up. You a USB-C, plug it in, and bam, it connects to phones, computers, game consoles—whatever. No need to downloads a bunch of apps, or buying adapters. This is huge, because you can just play Netflix on your phone, play games on your computer, or stretch out your laptop screen without any headaches. I'm talking Android, iPhone 15s, MacBooks, Windows PCs, Steam Decks, ROG Allys – you name it, it probably works.

**Why This Deal is a Big Deal**

Alright, let's be real. AR and VR stuff is still kinda pricey. So, if you find a discount on something like the Xreal One, which is actually good, it's worth paying attention to. This price is only a buck more expensive than the lowest price it was ever at. If there is a pair of AR glass you want to try, it will be this one.

Honestly, with all the talk about new tariffs and prices going up in general, you might even save money if you buy these now. If you've been waiting for the right time to buy a pair of AR glasses but without losing your shirt, the time is now.

**What Can You Actually Do With These?**

The best thing about the Xreal One is how many uses for them. Like:

*   **Movies and TV (Anywhere):** Watch movies or TV shows on a huge personal screen. No more craning your neck on a tiny airplane screen.

*   **Games:** Big-screen PC or console gaming, right in your face.

*   **Get Stuff Done:** Turn your laptop screen into a giant workplace. Great if you are a multi-tasker, or if you have to do presentations.

*   **Travel Comfortably:** Make long flights or train rides bearable with your own private cinema.

The Xreal One glasses combine awesome features and something very important and something many others miss: mobility. What this does is that AR is now a practical part of everyday life.

**How Does This Fit Into The Bigger Picture?**

AR and XR are finally getting noticed, but there are still obstacles. Even though Apple is doing it's thing with these glasses, getting them is really expensive. But Meta's Quest is mostly a gaming device that doesn't have a lot of daily use, or travel usage.

Xreal does provide a more affordable option. It is mostly for usage for media usage and daily life, unlike Apple. At $400, the One is a more economic option for having AR glass. You get most of the function, and you don't have to pay a arm and a leg to get it.

**Final Thoughts**

Best Buy's is cutting prices on the Xreal One AR glasses for a very limited time. If you were to ask me, I would tell you these would be the right glasses to have. At $400, the glasses combine awesome features, multiple usages, for the right price. Whether you are a gamer, or you need some space for work, these glasses are very useful.

Just remember that they stop the deal tonight, so purchase now. Do not miss out on these glasses!

8.Meta Refocuses Quest 4 on Gaming, Cuts Non-Essential Projects at Reality Labs 

**Meta's Reality Labs: A Course Correction, Not a Collapse**

Okay, so there's been a lot of buzz about Meta's Reality Labs getting a bit of a makeover. You might have heard about deep cuts and wondered if Meta's giving up on VR and all that metaverse stuff. But the real story is way more interesting than just a simple they're quitting! headline. After taking into account how different tech analysts evaluated the financial situation and the business impact, this looks more like Meta trying to get its act together and make sure Reality Labs is actually building something that lasts. We're talking about headsets, glasses, virtual worlds, and those crazy avatar ideas. It's a big operation!

**Reality Labs: How Did We Get Here?**

Back in August 2020, Reality Labs became a formal thing, right before the Quest 2 came out. Since then, they have been the group responsible for:

*   **VR Headsets:** Think Quest 2, Quest Pro, Quest 3, and that more budget-friendly Quest 3S.

*   **Smart Glasses:** Those Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 Glasses and Oakley Meta HSTN.

*   **Software Stuff:** Things like Horizon Worlds (we'll talk about that later), Horizon OS, and even Oculus Publishing.

*   **Wild Experiments:** Remember those gesture-reading bands? Or super realistic avatars? And those AR glasses prototypes...Meta Orion?

Meta has been spending *serious* cash on Reality Labs. Like, the budget went from \$2 billion a *quarter* in 2020 all the way up to over \$6 billion by the end of 2024! And get this: since 2022, more than half of that money went into those AR glasses. The closest thing we've gotten to an actual product are those Ray-Ban display glasses.

**The Money Issue**

So, around 2022, Meta started trying to save some money. Most of their departments had to cut back by about 10% each year. Except for Reality Labs. That thing just kept growing! Word on the street is that Mark Zuckerberg wanted Reality Labs to cut spending by 20% back in 2025, but it didn't happen. Now they're looking at a 30% cut. The idea is to put Reality Labs on the same page as everyone else that Meta owns, and not single it out for punishment.

That's why this situation is important. These deep cuts are happening, but are less about Meta throwing in the towel, and more about being normal. Meta wants Reality Labs to play by the same financial rules as other parts of the company. And that makes sense, because they've pumped billions into stuff that hasn't exactly taken over the world yet.

**Bye-Bye, Horizon Worlds?**

One big thing that's happening is that Meta is backing away from Horizon Worlds. That's their social VR platform, and honestly, it hasn't really caught on. They're still keeping some social features in Horizon OS, but they're putting the focus back on games and helping out developers. For over a year, the Quest store was packed with Horizon Worlds content, which made it hard to find VR games. Game makers werent happy because of this, and it damaged their business relationship.

By working with game developers again, Meta wants to get back that thing that made Quest successful in the first place. Games are still that thing that will make people notice VR, and Meta's Oculus Publishing group is still investing in big-name games like Batman: Arkham Shadow, Deadpool VR, Assassin’s Creed Nexus VR, Metro Awakening, and Asgard’s Wrath 2. And what if they brought back some old games again? That would for sure get people talking, and show how much they care about their gaming audience!

**What About the Hardware?**

There are rumors that Meta's working on a super light Quest 4 that's for gaming that is only focused on games and virtual gaming for the Quest 4. They’re also putting in work on new mixed-reality glasses for day to day activities. A report from Business Insider, dated December 4, says they're making hardware that's lighter, feels better to wear, and is easier to use every day. The industry seems to be moving toward light designs, like Android XR’s Project Aura, and Meta seems ready to move with the market.

Smart glasses are still a big deal for Meta, it's one of their main ventures. Even though people had issues with Google Glass's privacy back in the day, Meta thinks these everyday glasses that mix AR with style could be huge. The Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 and Oakley Meta HSTN are already making good money, and Meta wants to grow that as they save money in other areas.

**Looking at the Numbers**

Right now, Meta Quest headsets and smart glasses are bringing in about \$1 billion each quarter. That's not a ton compared to Meta's overall business, but it's still a good start in the XR world. By cutting costs and focusing on stuff that people actually want, Meta wants to make more money and make sure this whole thing can keep going.

The financial situations and new business strategy happening also show what's kind of happening in the tech field. Apple’s Vision Pro is a premium product, but has not gained traction. Google and Samsung are trying to make their own Android XR smart glasses. And Valve is supposed to be going back to the market with their Steam Frame headset. Meta’s mission is to balance price, invention, and helping out its business partners.

**This Isn't the End of the Road**

Despite what some people may or may not say, Meta isn't kicking VR or the metaverse to the curb. What they're doing is getting rid of plans that are not working, for example Horizon Worlds, and dedicating their time to areas where Meta found some success: games, light hardware, and smart glasses. The re-organization makes sure that the products people are enjoying will be available for years to come.

Users can expect some Quest headsets to keep getting support and a constant launch of new games into the market. Business partners such as developers will be happy to hear of a more user-friendly market where VR titles are easier to get and more importantly, earn. Meta has chance to reorganize its monetary plans with the results, and to avoid the issues of an overzealous investment.

**In Conclusion**

Meta’s Reality Labs re-organization is not its downfall, more along the lines of tweaking the direction for improvement. Cutting its spending by 30%, moving the attention away from Horizon Worlds, and dedicating resources for light hardware and smart glasses, Meta is preparing itself for a stable long-term business move for the XR market. Still in the heart of the program is the Quest program, with new and blockbuster games to be released in the coming years. Abandoning VR is not in the books for Meta, because its vision of providing VR computing technology will be in development in a state where end-users will enjoy and developers want to be a part of the evolution in the long run.

The deep cuts make the issue more than it seems to be to the average user, the organization will be in alignment with the wide business mission of Meta. With the maturation of the technology regarding XR, dedication to be a focused development is just as important as it is for creating and discovering new innovations. Meta’s task is to deliver software and hardware to the public that will show the value that was invested in Meta in terms of software and hardware, and will show the public and its partners that the plans for this is not just a passing dream, yet it will be the next technology that people will want to use and adopt for themselves.

9.PlayStation VR2 Hits Black Friday Low, Now Cheaper Than Meta Quest 3 

**PlayStation VR2: Seriously Cool Gaming, Now Cheaper Than Ever!**

So, VR, right? It has always been talked about like it's the future of gaming. The idea is, instead of just looking at a screen, you're *in* the game. If you've got a PlayStation 5, then Sony's PlayStation VR2 is probably the best way to get that experience on a console right now.

Think of the VR2 as the souped-up version of the original PSVR. It's way better tech, so those fake worlds feel real, respond to what you do, and really pull you in.

What's really great is that the price has dropped! You can find the VR2 for a steal now at Amazon for about $299, down from the usual $399. That's a $100 off. The price is matched from Black Friday deals. It's the lowest price you can find it for. So, if you were thinking about getting into VR, this might be your time to do it.

**Eye Tracking: Seriously Clever Stuff**

One of the coolest things with the VR2 is its eye tracking. Seriously. It's in the headset. The system knows exactly where your eyes are looking. This is how they do something known as foveated rendering. Pretty much, what you're looking at is super sharp, but the stuff around the edges doesn't need to be as detailed. It saves power. All the gameplay is smooth and you will still get all the sharp images you want without making your PS5 blow up.

It's not just about getting better performance. Eye tracking means you can do some awesome stuff in the game. You can aim your weapon by just looking at something. Or pick choices on a menu by looking its way. It’s a simple thing. It makes everything feel more real.

**Haptic Feedback: Feeling is REAL**

Sony was not done. They put a haptic feedback system *in the headset*. This means you get light vibrations that shake along with happenings on the screen. When there are explosions, it feels like your head is rumbling. If it is an explosion, you will feel the force of it! And raindrops falling feel like.. well, real raindrops. If you pull back a now, it will also feel tense as you draw with the feedback from what you see AND hear.

It gets better, too! Add the haptic feedback and those adaptive triggers on the VR2 Sense controllers. The triggers push back with more and less resistance depending on what's going on. Gripping a bowstring feels different than pulling the trigger of a gun. Even better, the controllers know when your fingers are just on them verses truly pressing the buttons. What!

At the end, it makes a big difference. Every little thing you do in the game, you feel like you're actually *there*. It closes the distance between what’s real and fake, and that makes all the difference.

**So Good, It Looks Real**

The VR2's screen is great. 4K HDR and 2000 x 2040 pixels for each eye. The annoying screen is gone. All you get is the small spaces between pixels on all the old VR headsets. The HDR gives you deeper colors and better contrast. And everything pops! Colors are amazing. It makes the games top notch.

The field of view is a good 110 degrees. That wide enough to feel normal, but it is not too wide so the sides are not distorted. All of it stays pretty clear.

**Audio: You Think You Are There**

Sound is key as much as what you see on the screen. Sony's Tempest 3D audio engine excels here. You can know where every sound is coming from exactly. Footsteps, gunshots, you know exactly where it is coming from. The reason games feel so real? or practical? Now you know. So use it wisely. You can tell where your enemies are coming from. Which is a win.

**Easy Setup: THANK GOODNESS!**

What's great about the VR2 is that it's simple to set up. The original PSVR was a mess filled with cables and external sensors. The way it's setup with the VR2? One USB-C cable to your PS5. That's it.

The system cameras map out your play area through the headset. Meaning there are no external sensors. You can jump in and out of games faster without all the trouble. No frustrations before you even start.

**So Why Getting It For $299 Is A Great Deal**

When Sony does something with its prices, it will stick to it like super glue. It's a HUGE deal when the VR2 is discounted for $100. At $299, it's one of the easiest ways to get into VR without paying too much. If you compare PC VR with its setup costs to the haptic feedback, the visuals, and eye tracking, you are definitely breaking the bank. This gives you great value in VR!

**What is happening in the VR World**

The VR world is growing, and it's still got its problems. You have Meta's Quest which is in the lead as its own thing. And there is Apple's Vision Pro that is talked about as something premium, but at a high price.

Sony is doing something different. They use the PS5 for VR which gives you value without costing a fortune. The sale of this deal will get those who are willing to buy in at a cheaper price to play VR.

**In Conclusion**

The PlayStation VR2 is the greatest VR you can buy if you own a console. Because it has great pricing, haptic feedback, amazing visuals, and 3D audio, this deal is worth it! Owners of the PS5 should not wait! Explore VR without caution, and prepare for a new way of gaming.

Sony’s system is not about special tricks. It's about your game. About interacting with the game. About growing how games can be. With these sales, you can hop in quicker than before.

10.Game Awards 2025 Recap: Winners, Xbox Reveals, and Updates on Diablo IV, Tomb Raider, and More 

The Game Awards 2025 just happened, and wow, what a night for gamers! It wasn't just about the awards, it was the time of year where everyone joins to celebrate the games that we love and to look forward to the new games that have just been announced. We had some game reveals that were great. I was surprised by some announcements, and it was nice to see the developers get love and recognition.

**Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred Announced!**

The announcements that caused the biggest reaction last night? Blizzard shocked everyone with *Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred*. This is the next step in their action RPG. Lilith showed up in Sanctuary and caused problems? The story gets a new chapter with Mephisto, one of the Prime Evils. You'll get to check out Skovos, a never-before-seen area with its own unique vibe. Plus, expect a new campaign where your character choices matter a lot.

But that's not all! More classes are coming your way. I would enjoy playing as the Paladin. Also, the skill system is changed as well as the level cap is higher. If you want to get awesome content, you have to earn it. Set a reminder: April 28, 2026. That's when *Lord of Hatred* hits PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Steam.

**New Games Coming!**

That wasn't the only news! Lots of other new titles were shown:

*   **Control Resonant:** Remedy is cooking up *Control 2*. Get ready for a return to that world.

*   **Ontos:** If you like scary games, Frictional Games (the people behind *Amnesia* and *Soma*) are making *Ontos*.

*   **Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis and Catalyst:** Lara Croft is back with two games.

*   **Lords of the Fallen 2 and No Law:** Sequels are coming to two games. No Law seems fresh.

Many of the games that were announced show that there are different games for even a casual player to enjoy.

**Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is Amazing!**

One game that wowed audiences last night was *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33*. Sandfall Interactive did an amazing job with this game. Originally shown at the Xbox Game Showcase in 2024, it's now racking up awards. Being on Game Pass shows that smaller indie teams can nail the experience for gamers. If you have Game Pass Ultimate, then hop on the game right away.

**Xbox: Check Out This Info!**

Xbox dropped a podcast episode right before the awards. They even teased a Developer\_Direct event where Playground Games will be there. Compulsion Games said that *South of Midnight* will be on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2.

**Awards Given Out!**

These games were nominated for the awards:

*   Avowed: Nominated for Best RPG.

*   DOOM: The Dark Ages: Won for Innovation in Accessibility, nominated for Best Action/Adventure.

*   Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: Nominated for Best Action/Adventure.

*   Ninja Gaiden 4: Nominated for Best Action/Adventure.

*   The Outer Worlds 2: Nominated for Best RPG

*   South of Midnight: Win for Games for Impact and nominated for Innovation in Accessibility.

This shows that Xbox wants to make games in genres such as adventures and RPGs.

The partners of Xbox stood out:

*   ARC Raiders: Nominated for Best Multiplayer.

*   Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Nominated for Innovation in Accessibility.

*   Baldur’s Gate 3: Winner for Best Community Support.

*   Battlefield 6: Won for Best Audio Design.

*   Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: Won a lot of awards such as Game of the Year, Best Game Direction, Best Narrative, Best RPG, Best Art Direction, Best Score and Music, and Best Independent Game.

For Expedition 33 to win so many awards means the game has the potential to be one of the best games to be made.

**Final Result**

These are the highlights of the direction video games as an industry is going into:

*   **Games for all Players:** Games like *DOOM: The Dark Ages* and *South of Midnight* are trying to have a level playing ground.

*   **Indie Game Success:** *Expedition 33* shows that a smaller team can be better.

*   **Games Anywhere:** Games are releasing on PlayStation and Switch.

*   **Story is King:** *Control Resonant* and *Clair Obscur* prove that story games make an impact.

**The Future of video Games**

The Diablo 4 expansion looks promising. New Tomb Raider games are set to release. Indies are rising up in popularity. Check out the Developer\_Direct so that you know what Playground Games is doing. South of Midnight is also arriving on many platforms.

The Game Awards 2025 shows that games are getting good with the industry becoming open and creative. Players got to see the games that they grew up with while being hyped about the games that are being released in the near future.

11.Samsung Advances One UI 8.5 Development for Galaxy S23, Z Flip 6, and Z Fold 6 

Samsung's planning to bring One UI 8.5 to more than just the upcoming Galaxy S25. The chatter is that they're also testing it on some other devices, like the Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy Z Flip 6, and the Galaxy Z Fold 6. That's good news, because it means Samsung's trying to keep their older phones up-to-date, even while they're working on their next big release.

**How We Know: Firmware Stuff**

So, how do we even know they're working on this? People have noticed some interesting things in Samsung's software files. There's a software version labeled S918BXXU8FYLB on their servers. The first part of that code tells us that it's for the Galaxy S23 Ultra, and the last part – the FYLB bit – suggest that it's One UI 8.5. And similar builds, ending in DYLB, have shown up for the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6. So, they’re getting these updates ready.

These sightings are the first clues that Samsung's trying out new software. It's like the starting gun for their testing.

**Beta Stuff and When to Expect It**

Samsung started the first One UI 8.5 testing for the Galaxy S25 earlier this month. They're going to drop the second update soon. Usually, they put out four or five versions before they release the final version to everyone. So if they stick to their plan, expect the One UI 8.5 update sometime around February or March of 2026. This is around when they're planning to release their new Galaxy S26.

Which makes sense. Samsung releases new software with new phones.

**Android 16**

One UI 8.5 is still built on top of Android 16, which is Google's newest version of their system. That's where it gets the basic upgrades in how it works, how safe it is, and all that stuff. Samsung's One UI then adds on the features and design that make Galaxy phones feel like a Galaxy. So you get the best of both.

**What to Expect in One UI 8.5**

Samsung's been talking about some of the features they're adding into One UI 8.5:

*   **Quick Panel:** You'll be able to move around your settings, edit the shortcuts, and set it up your way.

*   **Clean Look:** The apps are getting a makeover. They're trying for simpler designs.

*   **Better Audio (Auracast):** Improvements.

*   **Lock Screen Clock:** You will have ways to change the style and fonts of the clock on the lock screen.

*   **Smarter AI Photos:** AI editing and creations in your gallery.

*   **Storage share:** You can now share storage in other Galaxy devices.

*   **Share Picture Smarter:** Suggest when sharing photos.

*   **Time Convert:** Clock will tell you how much time it is in time zones.

Basically, it sounds like they want to make everything easier to change, faster to get stuff done, and put in some useful new AI tools.

**Why This is Good**

By bringing One UI 8.5 to the Galaxy S23 Ultra and those foldable phones, Samsung are showing they're supporting phones that aren't the newest. People feel like they spent well when they bought those better phones.

And for those foldable phones, the upgrades in One UI 8.5 could matter. Samsung's always made to have One UI to work well for foldables, by making it easier to do many things and fitting everything on those screens.

**Vs. Other Phones**

Samsung's software update plan is how they plan to stay in the game with other brands. Apple's known for giving long support to their iPhones, Google's Pixel phones get updates faster than anyone. By bringing updates to Galaxy phones, Samsung's stays competitive.

While offering a different way of some Samsung features.

Adding AI features means Samsung is up-to-date. By adding that into One UI means Galaxy phones last longer.

**What's Next**

As Samsung gets ready for the Galaxy S26 sometime in 2026, One UI 8.5 turns it up. For the Galaxy S25, early users get to try new features. And for the S23 and foldable phones? They're getting their upgrade soon.

One UI 8.5 paints a picture. Samsung's betting on hardware and is working to push their software with cross-device and customizing options, all with AI additions.

12.Nothing Phone (4a) Rumored to Get New Color and Significant Price Increase 

I've been seeing stuff floating around about the next Nothing phone, probably the (4a) series. I saw some stuff about the news from this source on Telegram called 'Unreliable cat', which, yeah, doesn't sound too credible. But they're saying we might get some better specs, which is nice. But that also probably means we'll have to pay a little extra. There's also talk about new colors and maybe some cheaper headphones coming out.

None of this is set in stone until Nothing confirms, but it makes a bit of sense, looking at what they've been doing recently. They're trying to expand their entire product line and playing around with some pretty cool designs.

**More Expensive, Seriously?**

The big buzz is about a possible price hike on the new phone. Word is that the Nothing Phone (4a) with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of space could cost around $475. Now, get this: The current Phone (3a), having that same RAM will only cost $379. And the Phone (4a) Pro? Those in the know are saying it's jumping from $459 to about $540.

That's a noticeable jump; Nothing started out as that cool brand with awesome designs, where you wouldn't have to empty your wallet. If these rumors are correct, it sounds like Nothing is aiming for that premium mid-range area. If they do that, they'll be up against the usual suspects like Samsung's Galaxy A series, Google's Pixel 'a' phones, and OnePlus Nord models. Yes, sure, the Snapdragon 7s chip should help the phone run better, but is it worth the extra cost?

**Snapdragon 7s Chip: Faster**

The Snapdragon 7s chip should give the Phone (4a) a good amount of power, It ought to make things run without hitches, makes gaming and switching between apps easier.

By including the Snapdragon 7s, Nothing wants to show that they want to improve their phones overall.

**Pink Phone, Seriously?**

Nothing has been focus on design. The first phones were kind of plain with just white and black. Then they added a blue option with the Phone (3a). Now, it seems that the Phone (4a) could come in pink, which is cool for people who like to stand out.

Color is key. By trying out and adding a pink design, Nothing may gather some attention.

The pink option from Nothing, could be a tactic to aim at creating a type of persona with their phones. By having colors that are daring, they can appeal to those like trending designs.

**Cheap Headphones: Nothing Headphone (a)**

They're also supposedly working on the Nothing Headphone (a), which is going to be a cheaper version of the Headphone (1). I'm hearing it'll have a build that's plastic and come in black, white, yellow, and pink. I'm thinking Nothing's hoping to tie everything together so people buy all their products.

A cheaper headphone would allow Nothing to bring others to their products. While Headphone (1) was focused on sound and design, the Headphone (a) would be created for those watching their budget.

**So, When's it Coming Out?**

The Nothing Phone (4a) will go on sale around March of 2026. The phone is coming out during a time where most mid-range phones will all be competing.

Nothing possibly climb with the Phone (4a) and the new headphones.

**The Whole Shebang**

If you're thinking about grabbing the phone, the more expensive price can be bad or good. A chip that is more powerful and improved design could mean both performance and looks. The increase could have some people to buy a phone from another brand.

Using pink and colorful headphones, Nothing may catch a younger demographic. Giving a cheaper Headphone (a) would allow those who don't have extra spending funds to get into the Nothing ecosystem.

**Last Words**

The Nothing Phone (4a) leaks hints at a change for Nothing. They might want become noticed in the mid-range phone world, when working on some new headphones shows they hope to to add various options for the company.

Then again, none of this is fact. This feels like it's been going on to mix great builds with their items. Based on how the sale numbers, there are a few things the company could do to move forward.

13.Jonathan Blow Spends 10 Years Crafting 1,400 Puzzles for Players 

Jonathan Blow, right? The guy who made The Witness? That brain-bending puzzle game took him like, six and a half years to finish, back in 2016. After that, he was all, Next up, something small! A quick job using a new engine. Talking like a year or so, tops, on a simple project.

Well, joke's on him. It's been NINE years, and this little game is now Order of the Sinking Star. He showed it off at The Game Awards – this massive puzzle thing. It looks like it’s coming out in 2026, which means ten years. He is guess-timating around 1,400 puzzles. If you wanna solve them all, you could play for, like, 400 to 500 hours. Talk about a project growing way beyond the early imagining.

**How Did This Happen? A Small Idea Blows Up**

Blow's the first to be truthful and said he totally tripped over the project size. He says he really doesn't know why he thought it'd be a short job. He's all like, Once we started, we wanted it to be good, so we just kept adding stuff.

I guess that’s just how his brain works. The Witness turned drawing lines into a whole big, thoughtful, explorable thing. Order of the Sinking Star is doing a similar thing, but with 2D grid puzzles. And it's way, way bigger.

**Four Different Puzzle Worlds**

The game's got a giant world broken into four zones, and each has its own puzzle vibe:

*   **The Hearty Heroes of Hauling:** This is like, dungeon-crawling, but you're shifting blocks everywhere.

*   **Mirror Isles:** Here's where you use mirrors to teleport around or clone yourself. Trippy.

*   **Stepping-Stone Paths:** Hop across water to make paths. Be careful you do not fall down.

*   **Exoskeleton Beam Challenges:** Get new suit powers using an energy beam.

Each of these worlds teaches you new tricks. Blow thinks figuring them out could take anywhere from 8 to 40 hours, if it depends on how good you are at puzzles. But then the game throws a curveball, when these worlds start mixing together. You'll happen upon this fancy gold room and then tackle puzzles that use elements from all the different worlds. Blow says there are so many gameplay possibilities here.

**When Simple Things Get Wild**

Blow uses the term combinatoric explosion to describe what happened to the game’s design. When you mix different puzzle types, things get really tricky. That's why it ballooned in size. He knew mixing things would mathematically create big numbers. Somehow, he still seemed convinced early on that it would be a simple task.

So, while you will need to be good at each puzzle type on its own, the real mind exercise is making sense of how they all connect.

**Okay, Endings and Goodies**

Even though it's huge, Blow says the game feels organized. He figures most people will hit the first ending after 60 to 100 hours, and that'll be enough for them. But, for completionists, there's more. He hinted at extra stuff and puzzle types that haven't been shown yet. So, who knows just how huge this game is?

**Time (And Money) to Get It Right**

Most indie game studios can't just spend nine years on a single game. They need to be able to release something when it's actually good and ready. Blow knows this. He credits the commercial wins by The Witness – earning over $5 million in its first week – to giving his studio, Thekla, the budget to pursue his larger idea.

Blow says they feel like they have to explore all the concepts and content they make. Or they are not doing good design job at all. He sees Order of the Sinking Star as something akin to a research project into what puzzle games could grow beyond.

**Testing it Out, And Not Being *Too* Much of a Perfectionist**

Blow hasn't always liked playtesting. He was afraid it would make all his ideas too run-of-the-mill. The Witness didn't go through a bunch of testing by outside test groups. But, Order of the Sinking Star is so huge that he had to get others to test it. He said there is simply too much for his own brain to reasonably handle all the content alone. Those other opinions helped make sure the game all made sense and felt balanced

Blow says he used to be a super perfectionist, but is more casual about it now since the making of games. He definitely still wants to make something good though.

**The Downside of Going Big**

Nine years is a crazy long time, and that costs money, of course. Even with The Witness doing so well. Blow says he's very ready to market the game and earn money to pay for all the expense.

He also really believes puzzle games can be something more than just a thing to take your focus. They can be as expansive as RPGs or open-world games. He's hoping the make audiences expect more from the category.

**So Really, What’s This Game About?**

Jonathan Blow's Order of the Sinking Star is what happens when you begin a small project that then turns into a nine-year saga. It's jampacked with so many puzzles. If you finish them all, it could take you hundreds of hours. Blow and his team are basically trying to raise the limitations in puzzle design.

When it comes out in 2026, it should be something special and big. It'll be a big deep immersion into logic, creativity, and mind flexing. It's been a long and wild effort for Blow, but this should be one of the most over-the-top puzzle experience the world has ever seen.

14.WhatsApp Looks to Redefine Voicemail Experience 

**WhatsApp's New Stuff: Bye-Bye Voicemail, Hello Smarter Video, and AI Fun!**

WhatsApp is, like, *everywhere*. People use it all the time. And the people in charge, Meta, keep making it better so it keeps up with how we talk today. The coolest new thing? It's like a voicemail killer. They're saying regular voicemails are so last year!

It's not *exactly* voicemail, but when you call someone and they don't pick up, you can quickly leave a voice or video note right then and there. Plus, they made voice and video calls better, and they even added some AI tools to mess around with pictures.

**Missed Calls: Voicemail, but Make it 2024**

Old-school voicemail is a pain, right? You have to call a number and listen to a bunch of prompts. Or download some weird app. WhatsApp is doing it differently. Now, when someone misses your call, the app pops up a thing that lets you record a quick voice or video message. No extra steps!

It uses the voice and video stuff they already have, but it puts it right where it needs to be. So, instead of hanging up and then opening the chat to send a message, you just leave a note. The person you called sees it right away in their chat, and they can play it whenever they want.

It's basically voicemail, but without the voicemail. Since tons of people use WhatsApp way more than regular phone calls, it makes sense to do it this way.

**Why Should You Care?**

Because nobody uses voicemail anymore! Seriously, most people would rather text or send a voice message. WhatsApp gets that and has built something that fits how we actually communicate now, that's why people love it.

If you use WhatsApp for work, this is awesome. If you're in customer service, or you own a small business, you can leave a personal voice or video message if someone misses your call. It's better than just sending a boring text.

**Voice and Video Get Upgrades**

They didn't just stop at missed calls. They're making regular voice and video chats better too:

*   **Emoji Reactions:** Now you can send emojis during voice chats. It's a way to react without interrupting everyone.

*   **Speaker Spotlight:** The app automatically shows you who's talking during video calls. Makes it way easier to follow along, especially in group chats.

Basically, WhatsApp is trying to make voice and video calls more fun and easier to use.

**AI Can Make Pictures Now?!**

Yep! They're adding AI from Midjourney and Flux AI to let you create images right in WhatsApp. Meta made some deals earlier this year to make this happen.

You'll be able to use these AI models to make pictures. It's not exactly clear how it's going to work, but the fact that they're using top-of-the-line AI shows that Meta wants WhatsApp to be more than just a messaging app. They want it to be a place where you can talk, be creative, and get things done.

**So, What's Meta Up To, Really?**

Meta is slowly turning WhatsApp into something that works for both your personal life and your job. They've got multi-device support, tools for businesses, and even ways to pay people. Adding this voicemail thing, better video calls, and AI tools fits right in.

They're fixing a problem (nobody likes voicemail), adding something cool (AI!), and making the whole thing more useful.

**Some Things to Keep in Mind**

It's not all perfect:

*   **Will people switch to the new missed call thing?** People are used to voicemail, so it might take a while.

*   **What about privacy with the AI?** Using AI to make images raises questions about privacy and what kind of stuff people will create and share.

*   **Will WhatsApp become too business-like?** WhatsApp is known for being a casual app. Adding too many business features could change that.

Even with those questions, the fact that *billions* of people use WhatsApp means that even small changes can have a big .

**The Bottom Line**

WhatsApp is changing from a simple messaging app into, like, a whole communication hub. The new missed call thing is a smart update to voicemail. The video call upgrades are cool. And the AI stuff is just...interesting.

Meta wants to keep WhatsApp relevant by adding what people want: stuff that's easy to use, that lets them be creative, and that uses the latest technology. So, get ready for a new and improved WhatsApp!

15.Amazon Gives First Look at Tomb Raider Game, Lara Croft Remake Coming 2026 

The 2025 Game Awards were insane, right? Amazon Game Studios and Crystal Dynamics just hit us with a Tomb Raider double whammy! Seriously, they announced *two new* Tomb Raider games, *plus* a live-action TV series. I know! It's like all our Christmases came at once.

It did feel like Lara Croft had been keeping a low profile recently, but dang, is she coming back with a vengeance. It's like they went, Okay, we get what you loved about the original Lara, but we're also gonna throw you for a loop.

So, here's what we know:

**Tomb Raider: Catalyst – Get Ready for Something Completely Different**

Dropping in 2027, Tomb Raider: Catalyst isn't messing around. Picture this: Northern India, and some kind of wild mythical event has kicked up all sorts of ancient secrets and some seriously nasty, spooky bad guys. Sounds awesome, yeah?

You're Lara, but you're not alone. You are racing *against* other treasure hunters. No joke - a real free-for-all battle and race. You're all trying to figure out what's been hidden. The story sounds deep and tough. Who is Lara going to trust? Who is trying to play games and sabotage her? And what is this secret that could change, well, everything? Her mission is to stop a huge tragedy from happening.

Here's the kicker – Lara is brought to life by Alix Wilton Regan. You'll recognize her from Dragon Age: Inquisition, Cyberpunk 2077, and Mass Effect 3. I think this means they're going for a super cinematic feel. They want Lara to feel like a real person who is really put in unreal events.

**Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis – Old School Cool, But Better**

But hold up, before Catalyst gets here, in 2026, we're going back to the very start! The 1996 game, to be exact. Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis is a modern version of the very first Tomb Raider game. The one that changed action-games! Crystal Dynamics is teaming up with Flying Wild Hog for this, and they're doing it right.

They're using Unreal Engine 5, so it is sure to look great. They've said they want to keep the feel of the original though. That includes old-school Lara: running, jumping, crazy climbing, puzzles, and taking out dangerous monsters. The story? You're finding the pieces of the Scion, which is huge if you are a fan of the first game.

In 2026, the first game will turn 30. This is the chance to get old and new fans playing the game that started the whole adventure.

**How are two games getting done?**

Scot Amos, head of studio at Crystal Dynamics, explained how they can do all this at once. Fellowship Entertainment has two different teams, and each is dedicated to its own game. One team is all about Catalyst, and the other is working hard on Legacy of Atlantis. But they are working together. They share ideas and tech. They make sure both games feel like Tomb Raider.

Amos has great things to say about Flying Wild Hog, calling them a parallel Crystal Dynamics team. It sounds like they are working smoothly together. It allows the remake to come out in 2026 while giving the Catalyst team enough time to polish things.

Amazon is serious about Tomb Raider. They are giving fans something old and something brand new at the same time..

**But wait, there's a TV show, too!**

Yep! Amazon MGM Studios is working on a live-action Tomb Raider TV show. And get this: Sophie Turner (Sansa Stark from Game of Thrones!) is Lara Croft. Pretty perfect, right? The show is being developed the same time as the games, so it is all sticks to the same core ideas. But it will do its own thing, too, which is needed for a TV show to work.

It's clear that Amazon wants Tomb Raider to be huge across games, TV, and maybe even more. They are hoping that if the games and the show work together, they can get a lot more people interested in Tomb Raider.

**What it means for Tomb Raider**

This is huge for the Tomb Raider franchise. The series hasn't been sure what it wants to be.

They are doing both a remake and a completely new adventure. Amazon and Crystal Dynamics are trying to please everyone here.

This is what to expect:

*   **Legacy of Atlantis (2026):** The original game, but rebuilt and looking awesome. There will be new controls and some surprises.

*   **Catalyst (2027):** A brand-new story in Northern India. There will be a big cinematic story and a big game to walk around in.

*   **TV Series:** Sophie Turner will be Lara Croft! Kept working together the games!

Alix Wilton Regan and Sophie Turner are both playing Lara. This will give the character unique lives.

**End result:**

Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis and Tomb Raider: Catalyst is bringing old and new fans together. Amazon is spending a lot, Crystal Dynamics is skilled, and Flying Wild Hog is the right partner. On the 30th anniversary, old and new fans can enjoy the past game and get ready for something new. Tomb Raider will be big in gaming in the next two years, 2026 and 2027.

16.Total War: Warhammer 40,000 Officially Announced 

The Game Awards in 2025 are happening, right? Everyone is just expecting the usual games: sequels and maybe a cool new game or two. And then BAM! SEGA and Creative Assembly go all out. They tell everyone about Total War: Warhammer 40,000. Seriously, everyone was mega surprised. If you love Total War games AND you're into the dark world of Warhammer 40k, then this is awesome news.. The Internet just went wild. My Twitter was just filled with people excited about it.

Okay, so here's why people are so excited. It's a HUGE change. No more running around old Europe or being a samurai. No more elves and dragons. Now we're talking about planets exploding. Space ships battling in space, and people with chainswords.

Creative Assembly and Games Workshop have been working together for a while now, mostly with the Total War: Warhammer games. Like, remember fighting with goblins and orcs? Those were the days... They created a really good combination of the board game's complexity to the video game format.

Now, they're going to space. Forget castles; we're talking about planets that will be big fortresses. No more spears, but hello Space Marines. It’s Total War, but like, WAY bigger. It's probably something like… 40,000 times bigger? We're talking really detailed turn-based planning mixed with real-time battles all across a galaxy. It's a big idea, and I'm super ready.

So, how will it all play? Good thing you asked! At its core, it’s going to be a Total War game and that's it. You'll still have to deal with resources, make friends (or backstab them), improve your tech, and take over planets on a giant map. Also, when diplomacy doesn't work and you just want to fight, you can zoom in and see insane battles with great details. It's going to be great for old and new fans.

Here's the question I keep thinking about: How will taking over planets even happen? Will we get to blow planets up from space? Creative Assembly have said that you need resources, good ships, structures, and people to win. So, we might be jumping between a bunch of worlds that are connected instead of expanding on just one land. If you thought Total War: Warhammer maps were big, this will be even bigger.

And, who gets to be in charge in this futuristic game?

At least, you start with four groups:

*   **Space Marines:** These are super popular. They are the best warriors from very far into the future. Heavily armored, trained really well, and made to be the best soldiers. They'll be a bit smaller, but they'll be tough to beat up close.

*   **Astra Militarum (Imperial Guard):** Basically, it's just a ton of people. Soldiers, tanks, and artillery. Space Marines are really precise, but the Imperial Guard is just a big hammer. Maybe they aren't as elegant, but they can just throw so many soldiers and bullets at a problem that it just goes away.

*   **Orks:** Time for a lot of craziness.. These guys like tech that is loud and destructive. Their armies are going to have vehicles that might break down on you and lots of green guys screaming. They'll be lead by someone who might not live through their own ideas.

*   **Aeldari (Eldar):** These guys are old and mysterious, and are starting to fade away, but still have some power. Their groups of armies are going to be fast, precise, and use psychic powers to tear enemies apart with their minds.

Each of these groups should play very differently, so you have to think about new ways to win in battles. And yes, all the important units are most likely going to be in the game from soldiers with laser guns to large Imperial Knights and huge Ork robots stomping around. The first trailer gave a short preview of an Ork Stompa, which is a big walking robot that pretty much only destroys everything in its path.

What about making my army feel like MINE? You'll have a ton of options. You can name your special forces, choose their colors, create your own symbols, and come up with tactics. Changing and customizing things is a major part of Warhammer, so having it in Total War just feels right. You can really show who you are as you fight across the galaxy.

The game director, Attila Mohacsi, seems really excited about it. He says that Warhammer 40,000 is a natural for Total War. The large world, and the iconic groups, and the intense fighting just fit with what Total War is good at. Mohacsi also talked about Creative Assembly’s long history with Games Workshop, and how they want to get 40K right. It sounds like they know how huge of a task this is and that they are ready.

And guess what? It's also going to be on consoles!

Total War: Warhammer 40,000 is heading to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S! This allows console gamers to try Total War’s unique mix of big picture strategy and real-time battle commands. This will also open the door for newcomers to discover both Total War and Warhammer 40,000.

Why should you care about this news?

If you already love Total War, this is a totally new strategic world. The previous Warhammer games proved that they can change complicated tabletop games into fun and easy to understand video games. Think about what they can do with Warhammer 40,000’s crazy armies, weapons, and wars that are across the galaxy.

Also, if you are a Warhammer 40,000 fan, you will be happy to know the they're carefully translating the details of all the units to the video game format. Plus, the game has a bunch of ways to customize your army and different sides to play as so it will feel like a unique Warhammer 40,000 experience.

All in all, Total War: Warhammer 40,000 isn't just another game. It’s these two game types mixed into one. By taking Total War and adding it to the dark future of Warhammer 40,000, Creative Assembly and SEGA might just create something special to love for a long time.

It’s coming to PC and consoles soon, and we already know about four groups you can play as, so go add it to your wishlist, follow Warhammer Community for news, and keep yourself busy. It will absolutely be a long wait, but leading groups of armies in the 41st millennium is will be worth it.

17.Google Launches Its Deepest AI Research Agent to Date 

**Google's Gemini Deep Research: Could This AI Assistant Actually Be Useful?**

So, Google's been showing off a better version of their Gemini Deep Research thing. It runs on their latest tech, Gemini 3 Pro. Before, Deep Research mostly just made reports, but now it can do a lot more. Google's even letting other companies put this thing in their own apps. Basically, Google's betting big on AI that can take on bigger, more complicated tasks for us.

**More Than Just Reports: Real Research Power**

This new Deep Research isn't just about reports anymore. Google’s letting others add its smarts into their apps using their Interactions stuff. Just imagine: finance apps, medical tools, legal stuff – they can now use Google's AI without building everything from scratch. That's pretty useful.

Google's saying this thing can handle tons of info and work on really long, complicated things. Some businesses are already using it to look at company deals and check if drugs are safe, where handling tons of data and being correct is important. The last thing anyone wants is AI making up stuff about medicine.

**Google's Everywhere: And Getting Smarter**

The goal here is to put Deep Research into Google's main stuff, like Search, Finance, the Gemini app, and NotebookLM. Soon, you might not even need to search much yourself. Instead, the AI helper searches, finds the info, and shows you what's important. If it works well, it could really change things.

NotebookLM, Google's tool for notes and work, might get way more useful because Deep Research can handle so much data and keep it straight. Also, putting the agent in Search and Finance could totally change how people use Google's services. Imagine just telling Google what you want, and it figures out how to get it done.

**Making Sure It's Real**

A problem with these AI models is that they often just make stuff up it sounds like it's true, but it's not. It's annoying when you're doing important work and the AI's making stuff up. Just one wrong piece of fake info can mess up hours of work.

Google says Gemini 3 Pro is their most trustworthy model yet. They've taught it not to make things up, even when things get tough. Google believes this will get them better results that actually matter.

**Testing It Out: DeepSearchQA and the Rest**

To see if it's any good, Google made a test called DeepSearchQA. The test gives agents problems that need multiple steps and good research skills. While the name's not great, Google's letting anyone use it to test these AI agents. Having more people look at it is usually a good thing.

Google also had Deep Research do other tests:

*   Humanity's Last Exam, with trivia questions.

*   BrowserComp, which tests how well agents can use a web browser to do things.

Surprisingly, Google's agent did great on its own test and did okay on Humanity's Last Exam. But OpenAI's ChatGPT 5 Pro was close behind and even beat Google on BrowserComp. The results suggest the two AI leaders are pretty close – for now.

**Timing: Google's Quick Move**

All the number comparisons were a bit of a show. The same day Google talked about Deep Research, OpenAI released GPT 5.2, named Garlic. OpenAI said Garlic did better than Google on those tests.

So, it wasn't an accident. The AI world was waiting for Garlic, so Google quickly showed off Deep Research to get some attention. Timing is important, so Google took a chance to get its name out there.

**The Question: What Does This Mean for Us?**

For people who want to make apps, that Interactions thing is probably great. They can now put Google's research agent into different apps, create their own stuff, and use Gemini 3 Pro. If it also stops Gemini 3 Pro from making up fake info, even better.

For everyone else, this suggests that tools like Search and Finance will soon feel less like search engines and more like AI helpers. We might be able to find and use information in a different way, going from searching ourselves to letting AI do it.

**The Vision: AI as Partner**

Google's actions show where AI is headed: towards models that can work on their own on larger tasks, not just answering simple questions. Deep Research is a good example, since it's meant for thinking, handling tons of info, and managing big projects.

Google is trying to set itself up as a leader in this by stopping fake knowledge and putting research smarts into apps. The competition with OpenAI is still on.

**To Wrap It Up**

The Gemini Deep Research shows what Google thinks AI should be like in the future: independent and reliable systems that are part of the tools we use every day. Gemini 3 Pro helps people handle difficult information.

Even though Google says its agent did better than OpenAI's agent in tests, OpenAI's Garlic disagreed. The question is how the agents work in the real world, helping with company work, checking medicine safety, or helping you find stuff on the internet.

In the fast-changing world of AI assistants, this is about humans and machines working together. Google's Deep Research seems like a start, but the competition for the top spot is still going.

18.Capcom Confirms Leon S. Kennedy Appears in Resident Evil Requiem at The Game Awards 2025 

**Leon S. Kennedy Is Back in Resident Evil: Requiem!**

For what seems like forever, we've heard little bits and pieces, seen shaky photos, and gotten the usual we can't talk about that from Capcom. But finally, during The Game Awards 2025, they did it! Leon S. Kennedy is officially coming back in *Resident Evil: Requiem*. The crowd went absolutely nuts! The new trailer showed him blasting zombies in his own way, finally confirming all the rumors.

But it's not just about making fans happy. Including Leon suggests Capcom wants to balance the super scary, lonely feeling of the original *Resident Evil* games with the non-stop action that Leon is famous for. Basically, they're trying to make everyone happy.

**Two Stories, Two Ways to Play**

So, here's the deal. Leon's not fighting alone. He's one of two characters you can play as in *Requiem*. The other one? Grace Ashcroft. We already knew about her, and her story is supposed to be extremely scary, like hiding in the shadows and barely surviving. Suppose the classic *Resident Evil* with very little ammo and scary things hiding everywhere.

Leon, though? He's bringing the big guns! The trailer showed him running into fights, guns firing, and taking down monsters like a champ. It looks like Capcom's trying to give us the best of both styles: creepy stuff for fans of the old games and crazy action for those who prefer the more action-focused games. You get to pick how you want to be scared.

**The Lead-Up to the Big Show**

The Leon rumors have been going around for a while. Remember Gamescom? Everyone kept asking Capcom if Leon would be in the game, but they kept quiet. Some developers even hinted that Leon might not fit in, saying he's experienced so much he might not be scared anymore.

But Capcom knew what they were doing, those tricky people. They dropped just enough hints to keep people excited. Then, bam! Cover art got out online earlier this week… with Leon right there in front. By the time The Game Awards came, everyone expected something was coming, and Capcom did not disappoint.

**Leon: From Rookie to Badass**

Let's be honest, Leon's come a long way since *Resident Evil 2*. He began as a new cop, thrown into the craziness of Raccoon City. After that, he's become a huge star, acting in *Resident Evil 4* and appearing in lots of other games and movies.

Now, in *Requiem*, he's a pro. You can see it in his attitude. He's been fighting bio-weapons for years, and his story will display all that hard work. Having two stories in the game is a good idea because Leon's not a scared kid anymore. He's a tough fighter who makes things different.

**A Third Person?!**

But what if there's even *more* to this than we realize? A listing on GameStop said something about Rosemary Winters, Ethan Winters' daughter from *Resident Evil 7* and *Village*. Does that mean she's also going to be in the game?

Capcom didn't say much about Rosemary during The Game Awards, so fans are making up all kinds of ideas. Is she hiding in a secret part of the game? Will she be a friend who helps out? We can't wait to find out.

**The Horror vs. Action Compromise**

This two-story method tells how Capcom's been trying to keep everyone happy. *Resident Evil* has been switching between horror and action for years. *Resident Evil 7* and *Village* were more scary, while *Resident Evil 4* and *6* were all about shooting things.

By giving Grace the scary story and Leon the action story, *Requiem* might indeed be a good way to make everyone happy. players can choose the style they like or play both to get the whole picture.

**The Game Awards Moment**

Capcom picked the right time for this announcement. The Game Awards is the place to get noticed, and *Resident Evil* is one of the biggest names in gaming. That trailer, with its mix of scary moments and crazy action, made sure everyone was talking about Leon's return online.

And, to be sure, by giving little updates here and there, Capcom knew what it was doing as they held everyone's attention.

**What's Coming for Resident Evil: Requiem?**

Now that Leon's confirmed, everyone's interested in how the game will actually work. Will the two characters meet? Do you choose one story at the beginning, or can you switch between them? How will Capcom make Grace's story feel scary when Leon's nearby with all those guns?

And, of course, what will happen to Rosemary Winters? People are asking these questions every single day.

**The Conclusion**

Leon S. Kennedy's return in *Resident Evil: Requiem* is a smart move. By splitting the game into Grace's scary story and Leon's action-packed story, Capcom's trying to please everyone they can.

The big announcement at The Game Awards 2025 took place after months of guessing, but it also left a lot of new questions to be answered. Whether Rosemary Winters makes an appearance or not, *Requiem* seems to be a great game in the series, bringing horror, action, and the lasting appeal of a popular video game star.

19.Porsche Launches Limited 911 GT3 90 F.A. to Celebrate Legendary Designer 

**Porsche Says Happy 90th to F.A. Porsche with a Sweet 911 GT3**

Imagine if F.A. Porsche, the guy who designed the 911, could have celebrated his 90th birthday. To remember him, Porsche made a cool, personalized car. They call it the 911 GT3 90 F.A. Porsche, and it's a limited ride for collectors.

This car is a way to honor F.A. Porsche, who not only designed the 911 but also kicked off Porsche Design. Porsche Design made nice watches and sunglasses. Only 90 of these cars exist, built by Porsche Sonderwunsch. Word is that Mark Porsche is getting one, which leaves 89 for car fans. You could order it in April 2026, and they will start making them later that year.

**Remembering a Design Genius**

F.A. Porsche’s design idea was understandable: “If you know what it is for its shape comes.” He kept things simple This guided him when he designed the original 911. Later, at Porsche Design, he created the Chronograph I wristwatch and those P’8478 sunglasses with lenses. He changed how modern products looked, not just cars. The special 911 GT3 mixes old-school design with modern tech. It starts with the 911 GT3 with the Touring Package, the less intense version of Porsche's race car. It’s got a 4.0-liter flat-six engine that makes 510 horsepower. The Touring Package has a rear spoiler that pops up, giving the car a powerful feel.

**Awesome Details: Green Paint and Old-School Vibes**

The 911 GT3 90 F.A. Porsche is painted in F.A. Greenmetallic. It’s a special color they made using Porsche’s Paint to Sample Plus program. It’s like the Oakgreenmetallic color of F.A. Porsche’s own 911, created with the Porsche family. From 2026, cars with Paint to Sample or Paint to Sample Plus will get a label on the A-pillar, and this car is the first to have it.

It also has Sport Classic wheels painted in satin-gloss black, styled like the classic Fuchs rims. They have a central locking system and the 1963 Porsche crest on the center caps. The rear grille has a gold-plated badge that says “90 F.A. Porsche”.

**Inside the Car: Inspired by a Jacket**

The inside of this car has special touches. The seat centers have F.A. Grid-Weave fabric, a pattern fabric with black, green, brown, cream, and red threads. F.A. Porsche liked to wear jackets made from this fabric. His son said he liked those jackets. That Grid-Weave is in the glove box, briefcase, and trunk liner.

The seats are covered in Truffle Brown Club Leather with beige stitching, making the interior comfy. The gear knob is made from walnut and has F.A. Porsche’s signature engraved on it. A gold-plated plaque is on the dashboard with the original 911, the words One of 90, and his signature. The center console has the same design as the exterior badge.

**A Matching Watch and Travel Bag**

When you get the 911 GT3 90 F.A. Porsche, you get a Porsche Design Chronograph 1 watch. This watch has Super-LumiNova on the hands and markers that looks like radium or tritium. The old Porsche Design logo is on the clasp and crown, and the letters F.A. replace the logo at the 3 o’clock position on the day and date display. The automatic movement looks like the wheels on the car, and F.A. Porsche’s signature is laser-etched on the back.

The watch case is made of black titanium and you can pick a titanium bracelet or a leather strap that matches the car’s seats. Like all Porsche Design watches, it’s certified by COSC and put together by hand in Switzerland.

There’s also a weekender bag made from Truffle Brown leather with cream stitching. The inside has that F.A. Grid-Weave fabric, and the anniversary logo is stitched on the outside pocket.

**A Cool Sled is Back**

Porsche Design is bringing back another F.A. Porsche design: the Porsche Junior sled. It was a sled from the '60s that F.A. Porsche and his kids enjoyed. This version is made of carbon fiber with a Kevlar core. Just 90 of them exist, painted in F.A. Greenmetallic with a seat cushion covered in Grid-Weave fabric.

**F.A. Porsche's Ideas**

F.A. Porsche grew up around cars. He studied at the Ulm School of Design and joined Porsche's design team in 1957. By 1961, he ran Studio F.A. Porsche, overseeing the creation of the 901/911, the 804 Formula One car, and the 904 Carrera GTS.

After his family stepped back from the company, F.A. and his brother Hans-Peter started Porsche Design in 1972. F.A. Porsche designed watches, glasses, that became popular. He also worked on industrial products under his label. He is dead, but his design ideas still guide Studio F.A. Porsche now.

**To Wrap It Up**

The 911 GT3 90 F.A. Porsche is a respect for a guy who shaped cars, watches, and style. Each car will have a watch, bag, and sled. Porsche gets F.A. Porsche’s idea of combining practicality with style. Porsche is mixing old designs to keep F.A. Porsche’s work alive.

20.Control Resonant Expands Into a Larger World Inspired by Neon Genesis Evangelion 

**Control: Resonant – Remedy Goes to Manhattan, Things Get Wild**

Remedy Entertainment? Those people? They *love* weird stuff. Remember the kinda scary Alan Wake, or that super strange office building in Control? They've made a name for themselves making games that feel like you're watching a movie, but you get to play around in it. At The Game Awards 2025, they previewed something called Control: Resonant. Seems like they're trying to explode their whole Remedy world, making it bigger and stranger. There's a new main guy, a totally new place to play, and a fresh way to fight and see what's up.

**Dylan Faden: Not Just Jesse’s Brother Anymore**

Okay, so seven years have passed since the end of Control. The Hiss, that nasty stuff, has escaped The Oldest House and messed up Manhattan really bad. And Jesse Faden, who's in charge of the Federal Bureau of Control (FBC), is gone. Nobody knows where she went. So, the FBC needs someone to take over, and they’re looking at Dylan Faden, Jesse's brother. Remember him? He was a bit of a mystery in the first game, and not the happiest dude.

Dylan's story isn't just about him; it gets into some big ideas. He has to learn about his powers and deals with some strange suggestions from the Board (those guys again!). He needs to stop the Hiss from ruining everything and maybe find his sister. Mikael Kasurinen, the boss at Remedy, said they wanted the spotlight on Dylan, adding, “Each game shows what one of the siblings is living through in this world. You can jump into them in any order; they’re individual stories.”

What's really interesting is how different Jesse and Dylan are. In Control, Jesse used her special gun, fighting from a distance. But Dylan? He likes to get close, punching and kicking. They’re like two sides of a coin.

**Manhattan: Not the Vacation Spot You Know**

The location is probably the biggest change from the first game. The Oldest House was this never-ending maze of concrete, with secret rooms everywhere. In Resonant, all of Manhattan is where you play, or maybe where you scream. Everything is bent and twisted. Buildings are at weird angles, streets are all messed up, and places you know don't look right.

Kasurinen said, “He's been inside The Oldest House forever, so going into Manhattan is like landing on another planet. It's a brand new place for him, like The Oldest House was for Jesse.”

Imagine that movie Inception, with Manhattan folding over itself. It's not completely open, but Remedy is letting you look around a bit more. There's some action-RPG stuff going on, so you can try out different powers and check out big areas, instead of just hiding and shooting.

**Guns Gone, Fists Here!**

The fighting is getting a change too. Control was mostly about shooting, but Resonant is more punch and kick. Dylan's got a weapon that turns into different things, like blades or a huge hammer. You can pull off all kinds of combos.

The clips shown gave vibes of Nier: Automata or DmC: Devil May Cry. Dylan's dodging like crazy, spotting openings, and doing combos in the air and on the ground. It's about getting in there and being aggressive.

Kasurinen told us, “The environments are big. We don’t want players to hide for cover to avoid being fired at, wielding melee weapons makes you more aggressive and intimate since you're going for the enemies. It really changed the feel to the Control battles.”

Dylan moves and fights differently than Jesse, and that gives the game a new feel, even in a familiar setting.

**Anime Influence?**

Remedy admitted they got ideas from Neon Genesis Evangelion, that old anime from the 90s. It's full of dark stuff and mixed-up characters fighting strange things. You can see it in the bent Manhattan and in how Dylan gets pulled into all of this, fighting these giant monsters.

This works with Remedy's style, where the real world and the weird world come together. You see people dealing with huge problems.

**The Big Picture: Tying Things Together**

Since Control came out in 2019, Remedy has been trying to keep the Connected Universe alive. Alan Wake 2 had the FBC doing some investigating, and FBC: Firebreak (that co-op game) told a bit about what the Bureau does. Resonant adds to that, with Dylan getting involved.

Setting the game in Manhattan, with the Hiss messing everything up, shows that the stakes are getting higher. The FBC isn't stuck in The Oldest House anymore. Now, they're dealing with whole cities. That makes space for bigger stories.

**Finding the Balance Between Weird and Action**

One of the best things about Control was how it mixed strange exploration and wild action. Resonant wants to do the same, but put a bit more into the action. Dylan’s fighting style makes things intense, and those twisted places keep things unpredictable.

You’re still going to explore, find things, and have strange encounters. Remedy needs to make sure that the weirdness makes the game better instead of a mess. From what has been displayed, they're ready to go.

**In Closing**

Control: Resonant looks like Remedy Entertainment's biggest move yet. Dylan Faden is the main guy, the game is in a ruined Manhattan, and it will be about fists and feet. It will be energizing and inviting for fans of Control.

It picks up all of those strange ideas from Neon Genesis Evangelion and from Remedy’s previous odd stories. It comes from that Remedy Connected Universe, making the story in Alan Wake 2 and FBC: Firebreak.

If you liked Control, this review is probably exciting. It goes back into the FBC world, and it is seen through the view of that mysterious Dylan. Remedy seems to be conveying that weirdness, when handled right, can be amazing.

Control: Resonant isn't just another sequel; it's a bold step into a bigger, stranger, and more action-packed world. The switch to a melee-focused combat system, the sprawling urban playground of a twisted Manhattan, and the focus on Dylan Faden as a protagonist, all add up to a game that could redefine what we expect from the Remedy Connected Universe. The anime influence from Neon Genesis Evangelion adds another layer of intrigue, which blends dark themes and unique monster designs, and blends well with Remedy's signature style of mixing the real and the surreal.

But beyond the new mechanics and visual style, the most exciting aspect of Control: Resonant is the potential for a deeper exploration of the FBC and its role in a world where the boundaries between reality and the paranormal are constantly being blurred. With Jesse Faden missing in action, Dylan's rise to the helm comes with unique challenges, carrying the weight of his sister's legacy while finding his place in the war against the Hiss.

The game also promises narrative depth, with the siblings' stories being designed as standalone experiences that can be enjoyed in any order, which makes entry easier for new players. Whether Remedy can strike the right balance between the action-packed combat, the exploration of a dynamic and twisted urban landscape, and the intriguing narrative remains to be seen, but the first impressions are very appealing. Control: Resonant has the potential to be more than just a game; it could be the most captivating chapter in the Remedy Connected Universe yet.

21.OpenAI Announces ChatGPT 'Adult Mode' Launching Next Year 

**GPT-5.2 and the Whole Messy Adult Mode Thing**

So, OpenAI just dropped their latest AI brain, GPT-5.2. You know they're feeling the pressure from everyone else trying to make it big in the AI space. They're going on about how smart it is, saying it aces all these tests. But there’s this weird thing they're calling adult mode that everyone's side-eyeing. According to Fidji Simo, who's in charge of apps at OpenAI, it should show up in ChatGPT sometime around early 2026. The basic idea is a version of the chatbot where, well, pretty much anything goes. It's like they're saying, Okay, grown-ups can handle this.

**Where Did This Adult Mode Even Come From?**

This whole adult mode concept seems to stem from some promises Sam Altman (the head honcho at OpenAI) made last year. After the GPT models kept coming out, people started saying the chatbot was getting too soft. They said it lost its edge somehow. People felt it was too afraid to be creative or talk about anything even remotely controversial. Altman admitted they had intentionally toned down the personality. His reasoning was that folks began to worry about the chatbot messing with their heads. It's like they were trying to keep it from saying anything that would cause a stir.

And these weren't just random worries. There was this awful case circulating in the news and on the internet where parents sued OpenAI. Their 16-year-old kid, sadly, had died by suicide. Allegedly, the kid had been asking ChatGPT for advice on how to tie a noose. It was a truly tragic situation, and it threw a glaring spotlight on the risks of letting AI run without any rules. That's probably why OpenAI beefed up parental controls and tried to make sure kids couldn't access things they shouldn't. That's stuff no one wants to see out there.

**Checking IDs and Trying to Keep Things Safe**

So, how are they planning to get this adult mode to work? They're banking on some age-guessing tech that's supposed to figure out how old you are and put you in the right ChatGPT version. Kids get the squeaky-clean version, and adults get the, ahem, adult version.

Simo told reporters they’re still working on getting this system right. Messing it up could be a total disaster. Can you imagine teens accidentally wandering into adult mode? That would be seriously bad news! But if the system is too strict and keeps adults out, they're going to annoy the very people who asked for this in the first place. It's a really fine line to walk. You want to let people do what they want but you also don't want to create anything dangerous.

**Sex, Lies, and Chatbots: What's This Really About?**

Right now, everyone figures adult mode just means ChatGPT will be able to write steamy stuff. But Altman has said it's really about giving adults more freedom in what they can do. He wants the chatbot to shape its own personality and change how it chats based on what you're into. So it's also about making something that's more conversational.

The thinking is that adults are old enough to know they're just talking to a machine. Kids, not so much. However, some critics worry that if people start getting too close to these AI personalities, it could open a Pandora's Box of problems. It's human nature to get attached to things, so this is a valid concern to have.

**When Chatbots Become Your BFF (and That's Not Necessarily Good)**

There's even research that says getting too attached to chatbots can mess with your head. A study from earlier this year showed that adults who felt emotionally close to chatbots were more likely to feel anxious and stressed. That's a major red flag!

Other studies showed that lonely people tend to open up to chatbots more. This could make them even more dependent on these artificial relationships. Even OpenAI has said that some folks are at risk of getting too attached to ChatGPT. Just saying, Hey, it's your choice, without explaining the risks looks like they're trying to evade responsibility.

**The AI Race and Having to Stand Out**

The fact that GPT-5.2 is coming out now tells you where OpenAI's head is at. Google and Anthropic (among other AI companies) are pushing out new stuff constantly, boasting about how accurate and safe it is. OpenAI is trying to be different with this adult mode, thinking it'll attract users who find the other chatbots too bland and boring.

But it's a gamble. Giving ChatGPT more personality and freedom could make some people happy, but it could also ruin all the safety systems they've been setting up to avoid problems. Trying to balance innovation with safety is like trying to juggle chainsaws – not fun!

**Passing the Blame? It's a Tricky Question of Responsibility**

The idea of allowing users to opt into adult mode has some tricky ethical questions. Sure, adults can technically decide how they want to interact with AI. However, we don't really know what the long-term mental effects could be. Allowing people to choose something potentially risky without giving them clear warnings and safety measures feels like OpenAI is just passing the buck. They're making people responsible for issues the company created.

That might keep regulators away for now. However, it doesn't deal with the larger problem of what happens when people start depending on AI for comfort and emotional support. This goes back to the old Frankenstein story, in a way. You don't want to make something that turns around and hurts you.

**The Bottom Line: It's Complicated**

OpenAI's GPT-5.2 and this adult mode situation highlight the tension that exists between giving users what they want, acting responsibly as a company, and keeping people safe. They're promising more freedom and personality for adults. Yet, the dangers of getting too attached and feeling stressed are still up in the air. We have to wait and see what happens.

How well their age-checking tech does will be crucial. However, even if it works flawlessly, the big question is this: should we build AI that tries to be your friend, or should we just stick to using it as a tool? As adult mode gets closer to becoming real in 2026, OpenAI's choices will not only change ChatGPT but also shape how we all think about the relation between humans and machines. It's a big deal.

22.Pre-Purchase Lord of Hatred Now and Stand Against Mephisto 

Diablo devotees, listen up! Blizzard just dropped a **massive** announcement: Diablo IV is getting a brand-new expansion called Lord of Hatred, and guess who's back to cause chaos? Mephisto himself! Circle April 28th, 2026, on your calendars, folks. This is not just a patch, but a huge expansion of the Diablo IV storyline.

So, what's the scoop? You'll go face-to-face with Mephisto, the Lord of Hatred, in a never-before-seen area called Skovos. Think ancient ruins and jungle. They are lands with very deep ties to Lilith and Inarius.

The story will kick off right after the *Vessel of Hatred* storyline. Whispers are spreading about a prophet appearing in Temis, the capital, but Mephisto's followers are increasing. Imagine corrupted seaside temples, ash-filled forests, it's going to be about staying alive to stop Sanctuary from being drowned in hatred. Scary huh?.

Expect to team up with old friends, to encounter new ones, run dungeons and get ready. Blizzard's said you should prepare yourself for a great plot with cool cutscenes. It all comes down to a final fight with Mephisto. It sounds like it could be the best one yet.

Hold on, there's more! The Paladin is coming back! The developers listened to you fans (and me too)! Everyone has been on our back for the Paladin and IT IS HERE!. The class looks super fun. Wield holy magic and smack down demons with melee attacks. It looks that it is the it class. If you pre-purchase the expansion you will get it earlier, like a week before.

And here is a plot twist: there may be another class! This is just a guess, but Blizzard might add another, so who knows? Everyone wants the Amazon to make it, but we'll have to see what happens.

Now, here is a look at the editions of the expansion you can buy:

*   **Ultimate Edition:** This one has it all. You'll receive both expansions + Paladin early unlock + you get a stash tab + character slots + cosmetic goodies + mounts + pets + armor sets.

*   **Deluxe Edition:** Paladin fast track + expansions + stash tab + character slots + cosmetics + mount + pet

*   **Standard Edition:** Both expansions + Paladin fast track + stash tab + character slots and items in WoW

*   **Age of Hatred Collection:** New player deal with Diablo IV + expansions + Paladin fast track + stash tab+ character slots and WoW items

You get a extra things just by ordering these, so you can start playing while you wait for release day.

I almost forgot!. They're even adding Diablo-themed decorations to World of Warcraft! If you buy it early, patch 11.2.7 coming out you get a Wolphisto rug and a chess board to put in your WoW house. It's a great gesture, huh?

Alright, back to the expansion. Skovos sounds really cool. Volcanic coasts, creepy forests, and underwater ruins to see. You'll be up againts twisted cultists and sea monsters. The stuff of nightmares!!.

After beating the campaign, the endgame will have a huge shakeup with new systems, that they say will make the game playable over and over.

They are adding War Plans to the endgame. It lets you choose how you want to get the best rewards. It adds its skill tree, making each thing you do feel special.

Then there's Echoing Hatred, which sounds like a demon-slaying mode. Oh, and if you need a break, you can go FISHING! Seriously!, now you can be the best fisher in Sanctuary.

They're changing items by skill upgrades, tweaking things with the Horadric Cube, and adding Talismans that give set bonuses. It should make your builds feel different than others.

But here is the best part. Everyone gets some love, not just people who buy it:

*   **Loot Filter:** No more bad stuff. The gear you want will have it.

*   **Skill Tree Changes:** Reworking classes with new skills and raising the level cap.

*   **More Customization:** More ways to change your character in a fun way.

Plus, if you get *Lord of Hatred*, you get *Vessel of Hatred*, so you can play the Neyrelle storyline to bring back Mephisto from soulstone. If you were earlier adopter of *Vessel of Hatred* a pet bundle with a emblem and mount will be rewarded with a reactive pet for free.

The new rewards system, new classes, and complete system refresh. This fight with Mephisto will be something to talk about. So prepare, and team up, sharpen your weapons, and prepare to beat the darkness.

23.Mega Man Set to Return in 2027 With New Game for Switch and Switch 2 

**Mega Man is Back! Dual Override Coming in 2027**

I was floored at The Game Awards back in 2025 when Capcom dropped the news: a new Mega Man game! It's called Mega Man: Dual Override, and it's coming in 2027. After waiting for a while, seeing a proper, new Mega Man game announced was amazing.

This is a real addition to the series after a bit, and everyone online is excited. It's like Capcom is saying, Hey, we haven't forgotten about Mega Man! And that's great.

**Classic Mega Man, New Style**

The trailer was short, but it showed enough to get people excited. From what we could see, it's the Mega Man we all know. Side-scrolling, robot blasting, crazy levels – all the good stuff. It feels like the original games.

Capcom's description of the game goes something like this: Mega Man is coming back in 2027 with a completely new addition to the classic action platforming series! Get ready to take on tough situations, blasting robots while running and jumping across futuristic locations!

It sounds like they're not trying to totally redo everything. Dual Override will have new stuff, new worlds, maybe even new ways to play, but the fun of Mega Man – the controls, the level design, the boss fights – that's all staying. And that's what we want, right? It’s like the games that we play back in the days.

**Design a Robot Master: Your Chance to Make Mega Man History!**

Now, this is really cool. Capcom announced a Robot Master Design Contest tied to Dual Override. You can put artwork into the game.

Anyone could submit their own Robot Master design until January 1st, 2026. After that, Capcom’s team will pick 20 finalists. Then, starting January 30th, 2026, the public gets to vote. That means we get to decide which Robot Master makes it into the game. How cool is that?

There's one catch. The contest says to design a Robot Master that’s good at sucking things up with their right arm. I think we'll see some creative submissions. It fits the Mega Man style, though. Remember all those Robot Masters we've fought? This is like that.

Imagine making it into the game, imagine everyone battling your character . You can have your creations show alongside legends like Cut Man, Metal Man, and Pharaoh Man. If you've been playing Mega Man since you were little, this is a chance to be a part of the series forever. How amazing would that be?

**Why Now?**

Let’s be honest, Mega Man’s been quiet for a bit. Mega Man 11 came out in 2018, and people enjoyed the game because it felt modern but still felt like Mega Man. Since then, the focus has been on collections like the Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection, getting those games to a modern audience.

So, announcing Dual Override feels like Capcom is saying, We're serious about Mega Man again. Releasing it on both the current Switch and the next Switch is smart. It means more people can play it, and the Switch 2 should make the graphics better.

**What About the Gameplay?**

details are vague, but we can guess some things. Dual Override makes you think of two characters or two game styles. Will Mega Man get two different power systems? Maybe some co-op? We’ll find out.

Game developers should create levels that allow new movements. The slide and charge shot are sure to be in the game. Since the Robot Master contest is all about suction powers, there might be a boss with creative methods.

**Community:**

Capcom gets credit for getting the fans involved.

People have liked the series for years because of the characters and the gameplay. By letting fans make a Robot Master, Capcom showing fans that they care.

The contest creates hype. The winning design becomes a part of the Mega Man world. That's cool

**More Than Just Mega Man:**

Mega Man wasn't the only news from Capcom during The Game Awards. The sci-fi game Pragmata is coming to the Switch 2 in early 2026. They're planning a demo, so people can try the game.

That’s Capcom; they have classic games like Mega Man and develop new ideas.

**The Long Wait: Looking Ahead to 2027**

2027 is far, but I'm excited. Classic gameplay, futuristic settings, and fans get to help design it. For those of us with a Nintendo console, the game will be out on both consoles.

As the contest continues, we'll find out more. For now, the announcement is enough to make Mega Man fans happy.

**In Closing**

The reveal of Mega Man: Dual Override at The Game Awards 2025 surprised fans. Mega Man is back in 2027! The game will celebrate the series’ legacy.

Capcom cares about the fans through the Robot Master Design Contest. Mega Man is popular because of creativity, challenge, and doing all that it to reach the top of the game.

24.LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight Release Date Revealed at Game Awards 2025 

**LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight – Gotham Goes Big!**

So, at The Game Awards back in 2025, one announcement that got everyone talking was the next LEGO game from TT Games: LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight. A cool trailer dropped, and we found out it's hitting PC (Steam & Epic), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and the new Nintendo Switch on May 29, 2026. If you're into LEGO or DC Comics (or both!), then this is a big deal for the Batman video game scene.

**Gotham, But Make It LEGO**

The trailer gave us a peek at Gotham City, built in that classic LEGO style. It's way bigger than anything they've done before in the LEGO games. You can wander around an open-world Gotham, check out famous spots like the Bat Cave and Arkham Asylum, and explore the busy streets.

Going open-world is a huge change for LEGO Batman. The older games had hub areas and missions you did in order. But this new one lets you run all over Gotham. You'll run into bad guys randomly and stumble on secrets hidden all over town. It feels way more alive.

**Team Up Time!**

Batman isn't alone in Gotham. The trailer showed Robin, Nightwing, Batgirl, Catwoman, and Commissioner Gordon are all along for the ride. You can play as each of them, and they all have their own special skills and the way they fight.

Nightwing is all about acrobatics, Batgirl is a detective, and Catwoman is good at sneaking around. They all work with Batman's gadgets and fighting moves. Even Talia al Ghul is around, which just makes the story even more interesting. Being able to switch between all these heroes lets you see Gotham through their eyes and solve challenges in different ways.

**Villains, Villains Everywhere!**

What's a Batman story without a bunch of bad guys? Legacy of the Dark Knight is packed with them. The trailer gave us glimpses of Two-Face, Poison Ivy, Firefly, Mr. Freeze, The Joker, The Penguin, Ra’s al Ghul, and Bane.

Each of those villains comes with their own crazy plans and boss fights. TT Games is known for their humor, so expect some funny stuff. Poison Ivy uses plant traps, and Mr. Freeze has his ice gadgets. All the fights mix action with puzzles. And of course, The Joker is there to start as much trouble as humanly possible.

**Batmobiles and More!**

Any fan of Batman's rides will be excited about this. You can drive the Batmobile from Batman: The Animated Series and the Batpod from The Dark Knight movies.

Those rides allow you to zoom around Gotham, chase after bad guys, and get into car fights. TT Games always puts vehicles in their LEGO games, but these ones are just really cool and feel authentic to what fans love about Batman.

**Voice Acting Power**

One thing that makes this game even cooler is that Matt Berry is voicing Bane. He's super funny in shows like What We Do in the Shadows, so he's going to bring something special to the character. TT Games has always made their LEGO games funny, and Berry's acting is going to be one of the best things about the game.

Balancing the serious Batman stuff with LEGO humor is what these games are all about, and Legacy of the Dark Knight looks like it's keeping that tradition going.

**Big Announcements**

TT Games first told us about Legacy of the Dark Knight back in August at Gamescom. They showed us how big the game would be. Then, the trailer at The Game Awards showed off more of Gotham, the heroes, and the villains.

By showing the game at these big events, TT Games is showing they believe in the game. It keeps people excited as we get closer to the release date.

**LEGO Batman Grows Up**

The LEGO Batman games have been important for TT Games ever since the first LEGO Batman game back in 2008. Those games mixed action, jokes, and playing together. They were fun for kids and adults who loves Batman.

Legacy of the Dark Knight is the next step. It's a huge open world that feels like Gotham but still has that LEGO charm. Open-world games are common now, from Spider-Man to Arkham Knight, so this kind of keeps up with the times.

**Looking Forward**

As we get closer to May 29, 2026, we'll learn more about how the gameplay works, the story, and how you can change things in the game. TT Games usually makes really good games with a lot of content, and Legacy of the Dark Knight seems like a big project for them.

For Batman fans, this game is a great chance to see Gotham in a new way, team up with heroes, and fight a huge group of villains. For LEGO fans, it's more of the jokes, creativity, and charm that have made these games popular for years.

**In Short**

LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight could be a really important game for LEGO and Batman fans. With its open-world Gotham, different heroes and villains, famous vehicles, and those fun voice actors, it should be a super experience.

TT Games is getting ready to release this in 2026, and fans can get ready to explore Gotham's LEGO streets, fight villains, and see the Dark Knight like never before.

25.AirPods Pro 3 Price Falls Below $200 for the First Time 

Alright, listen up - the AirPods Pro 3? They're going for only $199 right now! Both Amazon and Walmart are running the sale!

Apple's been cutting prices left and right for the holidays, and honestly, this is one of the best earbud deals I’ve seen so far. They’re usually around $249, so you’re saving $50. Not bad, huh? Best Buy’s selling them too, but they’re charging a bit more, like $220. So, if you have an iPhone and you’re all about that sound quality, now’s the time to jump on this deal.

But wait, why are they the go-to for iPhone users?

Put simply, most people you talk to would say that even without a sale such as this, these are a must-have if you’re already living in the Apple universe. They pair in a snap and switch between all your Apple devices, like iPhones, iPads, and Macs, without a fuss. Plus, if you lose one (or both), you can track them down with the Find My app. Going from listening on your iPhone to watching something on your MacBook? Easy-peasy. All you have to do is put them in your ears.

This smooth switching stuff is where AirPods really outshine other wireless earbuds. Lots of other brands sound great, and some even block noise just as well. But nothing just, works as nicely with all your Apple stuff when you have AirPods.

Now, what about the Design?

Okay, so they might look pretty similar to the AirPods Pro from years past, but Apple tweaked the angle of the earpiece a bit, so they sit in your ear better. If you always had grief with the old ones falling out all of the time, that bit of change is actually a game-changer. They feel more secure and stay put, so you probably aren’t going to lose them while you are working out, enjoying long listening sessions, or getting your chores done.

And, yeah, they’re still super lightweight. You can easily wear these for hours and not even feel like you have them in. The improved shape and more secure fit make the sound better and keep your ears happy.

Also, what is up with all the Noise Cancellation talk?

So, the noise cancellation? Huge step up. Apple did their thing and worked to block out those low rumbling noises, like what you hear on an airplane, and they’re also better at suppressing those high-pitched noises, like when someone gabs too loudly.

Some tech reviewer put them to the test on a six-and-a-half-hour flight. He said that it shut out all of the airplane noise. Seriously? That’s cool, if you ask me. So, if you travel, take the bus, live on a busy street, or just want some peace and quiet, these are amazing. They’re just as good as, or maybe even better than, other high-end earbuds when it comes to shutting out the world.

Sound Quality: What Is This “Rich” Sound?

On top of blocking the drone of the city (or just your neighbor’s leaf blower), these sound amazing. I’ve seen many people online raving about the deeper bass, clearer mids, and richer sound. It doesn’t matter what you’re listening to, a tune, a podcast, or even an audio book. This all comes together for a more immersive, personal listening experience. And the sound is for everyone.

Oh, and Apple’s custom EQ is still kicking. It tunes the sound to make sure it fits your ears. I’ve checked it out with a bunch of different vibes, and it’s just killer. All of this, along with the new design, makes sure the sound is great for everyone around.

Oh, right! The Battery Life and Charging

They've upped the battery life. Now, you're looking at around eight hours of listening when the noise cancellation enabled. Plus, the charging case, that uses MagSafe, gives you another 24 hours in total. So, these will happily last you through the day.

The case can be charged with a cable or wirelessly, and it works with MagSafe chargers, so it’s quick and simple to keep them charged. If you were used to always charging your old AirPods all the time, this longer battery is going to change everything you thought you knew.

How Durable Are These? And What’s The Deal with That New Feature?

Apple knows what's important. They made these tough with a dust and water resistance rating of IP57. These are designed to face some sweat, rain, and dust without breaking. This makes them pretty awesome for hitting the gym or being outside.

And, here’s a fun fact: They now have a heart rate sensor; this really is interesting. The iPhone users can track calories burned while running. And to me, that's cool. If you don’t have an Apple Watch, this is helpful. But if you already have one, this addition most likely is useful to you. Still, if you want a bare-bones fitness tracker built right into your earbuds, it’s a sweet addition.

Are They Worth $199?

At the regular price of $249, the AirPods Pro 3 are a great buy for solid wireless earbuds. But then, at $199, and when you think about the case, these numbers really make sense. Given that they have better noise cancellation, richer sound, a more comfy and secure fit, a longer battery, and a tougher build, these are an obvious choice if you’re rocking an iPhone.

When you’re thinking about getting other earbuds, just keep in mind that nothing sings with Apple hardware just as nicely as AirPods do. Then, at $199, that’s quite a steal.

Okay, what is the “final word?”

The AirPods Pro 3 are the best that Apple has to offer when it comes to wireless earbuds. With the design and better noise cancellation, as well as improved sound, and the inclusion of fitness features to boot. As for the price, it is down to $199 at Amazon and Walmart, making them cheaper than ever.

These things are simple to set up and give you clear sound with any iPhone, so you should probably go with this choice. If you want to move on from an older version or just want to get an apple device, these won't fail to meet your needs as a first apple audio device.

26.PS5 Exclusive Saros Delayed, But Pre-Orders Open Now 

That upcoming arcade shooter from Sony and Housemarque? Well, heads up: it's been delayed. It was supposed to land on March 20, 2026, but now we're looking at April 30, 2026. Yeah, sucks, but what can you do? At least it's still coming to PlayStation 5, and pre-orders are up on the PlayStation Store. Every cloud has a silver lining, I guess. Word on the street is that this is Housemarque's biggest project ever, so maybe the extra time will help them cook up something amazing. It is for polish so it can be a great game.

Now, Housemarque, these guys are the arcade wizards behind titles like Resogun and Returnal. They're all about that fast-paced, crazy action. But Saros is a bit different for them. This time, they're really putting a lot of focus on crafting a deep story and introducing characters that you'll actually care about. That a big change from them.

Gregory Louden, the dude in charge of the story, mentioned on the PlayStation Blog that Saros has the studio's biggest story ever. Huge words, right? The vibe seems super dark: imagine a lost colony that got lost on a weird planet stuck under a permanent dark eclipse. That planet is called Carcosa. You're Arjun Devraj, a Soltari Enforcer. His mission? To find someone he cares about, and he's willing to do whatever it takes.

It seems like they're mixing Housemarque's signature crazy action with a storyline that has depth, emotion, and well-developed characters. The trailer even shows Arjun chilling with other people in a place they call the Passage. Apparently, this area is a central hub where he can get himself together between missions on Carcosa.

Even with all the new story stuff, Saros is still an arcade shooter at its core. Think tight controls, intense combat, and gameplay that feels similar to Returnal. If you have played this game before, you will know the feeling. The Passage is probably going to be the place to chill, chat, grab upgrades, and get ready for your next run.

When Arjun is exploring Carcosa, he's going to run into a ton of enemies, get around environmental hazards, like lava, and brawl with some tough bosses. As you get further in the story and win fights, you'll improve and get better. Housemarque is known for caring about the details, so even with all the focus on the story, Saros should still have great gameplay.

The fact that there are other characters just hanging around the area makes people think that the story could be pretty complex. Allies and enemies might offer some insight into Carcosa, give Arjun a personal reason to stay, and help get you invested in the game.

That dark, depressing eclipse above Carcosa gives the game a sense of isolation and doom. This studio usually nails that unsettling feeling, so Saros should be both scary and immersive because of its story.

You can pre-order this game with a couple of options:

Standard Edition ($69.99): You get the base game when it comes out. It's simple.

Digital Deluxe Edition ($79.99): This gets you access two days early! Plus, you get some cool in-game stuff. You will get a few unique armor sets that look like the ones from Returnal, God of War, and Ghost of Tsushima. Arjun will dress up in looks from those games.

Getting to play early is cool, especially if you can't wait. Those armor crossovers point out that Sony likes to throw in references to their other games every once in a while.

Nobody likes it when a game gets pushed back. That tells people that the studio is trying to polish the game. By changing the Saros date to April 30, Housemarque gets extra time to improve. They might work on the game controls, finalize the story, and make sure the launch goes smoothly. Since these developers are so talented, the wait will likely be okay.

To make the delay feel better, they added the new date at the end of a trailer that showed parts of the game's story and world. Seeing Carcosa and Arjun made the wait easier for many.

Saros is a big deal for Housemarque. They've come out with some great arcade shooters up to now. Then, Returnal showed that they could do great stories along with their gameplay. Saros feels like the obvious next thing. They're keeping their promise to have the biggest story they have had and still keep the fast action that makes it a Housemarque game. It's going to be interesting to see.

By paying close attention to Arjun Devraj and making other interesting characters, Housemarque is moving forward. Things are changing in gaming. These days, people want more than a mindless good time. People want a story that grabs them.

Even with the delay, Saros looks like a PS5 title to keep an eye on in 2026. Thanks to a mysterious story and its spotlight on Arjun Devraj, it's trying to mix a touching story with fun arcade-style gameplay. This could make this game Housemarque's top accomplishment.

You can pre-order the Standard or Digital Deluxe versions on the PlayStation Store. Buying the Digital Deluxe version gets you early access and those armor sets. As April 30 gets closer, people will probably be waiting in anticipation to see what this studio can do with its game.

27.Former Titanfall Developers Reveal Highguard, a New Fantasy Shooter Releasing Soon 

**Highguard is Coming! Wildlight Entertainment's New Shooter Drops January 26, 2026**

Remember The Game Awards 2025? Right at the end, there was a cool surprise: Wildlight Entertainment showed off their first game, Highguard. This studio is made up of 61 people who used to work at Respawn, the folks behind games, like Apex Legends and Titanfall. These are the games that really made them popular. It's a fast-moving shooter where you ride mounts, shoot guns, use special skills, and fight to control areas. Sounds like a crazy mix, right? It's all set to drop as a free-to-play game on January 26, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Steam.

**From Titanfall to a Fresh Start**

The fact that the team worked on Titanfall and Apex Legends already gets people hyped. They were in charge of how those games felt and played. Titanfall had awesome movement, and both games had great combat and multiplayer. Those games are still popular today.

These guys wanted to try new ideas, so they built Wildlight. Highguard is their chance to do something different, while still using what they learned from making those awesome games before. They wanted to bring some elements to make it more unique with the lessons they had learned. This game is a way for them to have a fresh identity in the gaming world.

**How it Plays: Fast and Smart**

The trailer showed how the game works. Here’s the breakdown:

*   **Mounts:** You can ride animals to get around the maps really fast. This adds a lot to how you fight, letting you move up and down to get the upper hand. With this, you can get to different parts quickly.

*   **Gunplay:** Shooting is still important. It’s going to be as intense as the battles in Titanfall or Apex Legends. Also, it can give you a boost that separates itself from other games.

*   **Powers:** Players will use abilities which can also give them a win over others which turns the battle in the game.

*   **Area Capture:** Every game emphasizes teamwork. Players will be battling for zones and must organize the zones for rewards.

Looks like you’ll need to be good at shooting but also think strategically. Riding mounts and using powers could make Highguard different from other shooters by switching between fast moments and crazy close-up fighting. In addition, this will make the game more diversified for different players.

**Gameplay First**

Most game announcements are just cool-looking trailers, but Wildlight showed gameplay. This means they really believe in how the game feels. They want people to know what to expect before they play.

The game is coming out soon, so they wanted to show people how it actually plays instead of just teasing a story. Gamers really like when companies are open like this.

**Story Time?**

We don't know how the story will fit into Highguard. The trailer was all about playing the game. So, we don't know much about the world, the characters, or the story behind it all.

Wildlight said there will be some story elements. Will there be a campaign? Will the story come out bit by bit as time goes on? Or will the world just tell the story as you play? The team knows how to add storyline through events and descriptions. So, Highguard might do something similar, adding more story as the multiplayer game grows.

**Free to Play**

Since Highguard is free, it’s going up against other big multiplayer shooters. This makes it easier for people to try the game on any platform. The game lowers any entry points for adoption across platforms.

Apex Legends showed that free-to-play shooters can work if you make money in the right way. That usually means selling cool outfits or battle passes. Wildlight will probably do something similar. It will be difficult to make the game easy to get into but also make enough money without making players feel like they have to pay to win.

**Esports Potential**

A lot of what was shown makes it look like Highguard is going to be competitive. The mounts, powers, and capturing areas could lead to intense situations. Players will need skills, good teamwork, and the ability to adapt.

If Wildlight balances the game fairly and creates good maps, Highguard could have its own fanbase in the world of shooters. The mix of movement and fighting could make it stand out from games such as Overwatch, Valorant, and Call of Duty: Warzone. It also can have different potential from different gameplay.

**Get Ready!**

Usually, games are announced years before they come out. People will not have to wait much longer to experience it themselves. With excitement already building, January 26, 2026, is shaping up to be important for shooter fans.

**The Takeaway**

Highguard is a big step for Wildlight Entertainment. They're taking what they learned from Apex Legends and Titanfall and creating a unique game. The game promises intense and strategic gameplay. The game has the potential to make people think that different games from other shooters.

It’s coming to PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Steam as a free-to-play game. Highguard could bring in a lot of players when it releases on January 26, 2026. We still have questions about the story, but the focus on gameplay shows that Wildlight believes in its core mechanics. If you like competitive shooters, Highguard could be one of the most game titles of the year.

28.Orbitals Announced as a Nintendo Switch 2 Exclusive 

The Game Awards back in 2025, Wizards of the Coast dropped a cool surprise: a game called Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons. It's being made by Invoke Studios, and it looks like a dark fantasy action game where you get to roam around a big open world. It's all based on the famous tabletop RPG, D&D, but this time you play a powerful magic user fighting off some seriously nasty bad guys. It's not coming out until 2027, but they're saying it'll be a darker, more story-driven thing than what you usually see in D&D games, and that it really gets the whole feel of what a Warlock is all about.

**Meet Kaatri**

The main character is Kaatri. They describe her as a tough fighter who made a deal to use some crazy magic against some dark forces. Tricia Helfer, who you might know from Battlestar Galactica and Lucifer, is doing her voice. She's not your typical wizard with a staff, that's for sure.

Jeff Hattam, a creative VP, says they chose the Warlock class because they're good at casting spells. Warlocks are able to get magical powers on. That charisma was the spark that started this project.

Invoke is really focusing on Kaatri, hoping to look into the darker, more complicated parts of being a Warlock, and make her a character who's both really strong and really persuasive.

**A Grim Story**

Hattam made it clear that Kaatri's story isn't about the pointy hat wizard archetype.” Instead, Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons is going for a tale with an edge, full of dark themes and supernatural fights.

Magic is a big deal. You'll be using spells, rituals, all sorts of arcane stuff to get through the world, find secrets, solve puzzles, and battle enemies. They're really making magic a part of everything you do in the game, both for getting around and for fighting.

**Not an RPG? Nope, an Action Game.**

Even though it's inspired by Dungeons & Dragons, it's not trying to be a traditional RPG. Warlock is more like a third-person action game. So, you won't be in charge of a group of characters or making tons of choices in conversations like you do in Baldur’s Gate 3. Instead, it's all about Kaatri's story, with a clear goal and a straightforward plot.

“You are playing Kaatri’s narrative,” Hattam said. “It’s got clear stakes, momentum, and you’re driving forward with that.” You'll meet allies, but the game is designed to be more like a movie, with lots of action and a strong story, rather than giving you tons of options.

**The Open World**

Invoke Studios hasn't said a whole lot about the game's open world yet, but Hattam did say that you'll be using magic a lot to get around. There will also be side quests where you can learn more about the world and its secrets.

It sounds like they're trying to find a good balance between a main story that keeps you going and side stuff that lets you explore. The fact that you use magic to move around could also make Warlock different from other open-world games out there.

**All About Charisma**

One of the most interesting things about Warlocks is that they use charisma. In the tabletop game, charisma helps a Warlock convince people, scare them, and control magic. So, by making this an action game, Invoke has a chance to show how charisma can play a role in both fighting and the story itself.

Hattam seems really interested in this idea: What kind of person can make deals with powerful beings, and what does that say about them? Kaatri's story will probably explore what happens when you use someone else's power, and how much strength it takes to control it.

**A Clear Story**

Unlike a lot of D&D games where you get to make lots of choices, Warlock is going for a more focused story. Invoke wants to tell a story with a clear purpose that keeps you interested in what happens to Kaatri.

Some people might miss being able to do whatever they want like they do in RPGs, but the good thing is that this lets Invoke make a really well-made story that focuses on the characters and the world, while still letting you look around and do side quests like you'd expect in an open-world game.

**What's Next?**

Invoke Studios plans to show off the first gameplay footage in the summer of 2026, so fans can get a better look at the fighting, the world, and how it all works. The game is supposed to come out sometime in 2027, but they haven't said which platforms it will be on yet.

For Wizards of the Coast, this is another way to bring the D&D brand to new types of games. For Invoke, it's a chance to show off their idea of a Warlock story that mixes action, magic, and charisma.

**In Conclusion**

Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons is looking like a cool new game in the fantasy action scene. By focusing on Kaatri, a tough warrior who becomes a Warlock, Invoke Studios is making a story that's darker and more personal than your average D&D game. With its focus on magic, exploration, and a clear storyline, the game should have both excitement and depth.

Even though we don't know a ton yet, the announcement at The Game Awards has made it one of the most talked-about fantasy games coming in 2027. Fans of Dungeons & Dragons and action games will definitely be watching to see what Invoke does next.

29.Warlock: New D&D Open-World Dark Fantasy Action Game Arrives in 2027 

The Game Awards in 2025? Huge, right? Wizards of the Coast just dropped a new game: Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons. Sounds wild! It's supposed to be dark fantasy meets a whole bunch of action.

Invoke Studios is making it, and here's the kicker. It's not that D&D you're used to. Forget the dice; they're going big with an open world where you're a magic user beating up nasty evil guys. They're saying it'll be out in 2027. The word around the water cooler is that it's going to be much moodier, a story about all the hard things a Warlock has to go through.

###Meet Kaatri: Spellslinger Unlike Any Other

And the main character? Her name is Kaatri. No more old wizard dudes – this woman is tough and made a deal to use magic against evil. And guess who's doing her voice? Tricia Helfer, from Battlestar Galactica and Lucifer! She's perfect! Kaatri feels different from your average magic user.

Jeff Hattam, who's the creative VP over at Invoke, said they picked the Warlock class because it's magical. they can also talk their way out of situations, which is kinda like lying. Warlocks are naturally charming, he said, and they can use it to cause damage. He asks, how does a character talk a major boss into handing across big powers in Dungeons & Dragons? That is what started it all he says.

Instead of going with another wizard, Invoke's aiming to show the dark side of being a Warlock with Kaatri, like how they might go a little nuts when grabbing magic from elsewhere. This also changes how Kaatri uses her charisma, she is going to be known as a real character. She's not just another magic slinger. This should be a big change to normal.

###A Story with More Twists

Hattam also let it slip that Kaatri’s story isn't a happy, lighthearted adventure. Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons is trying to get into something dark, with spooky themes and fights with supernatural forces. So, forget dealing with the usual goblins. Instead, get ready to face some serious nightmares.

Magic is how you survive in this game. You get to toss spells, perform strange rituals, happen across secret spots, solve brain-teasers, and blow-up evil's armies. The point is to actually make you feel like a Warlock.

###No Turn-Based Battles, All Action

Even though Dungeons & Dragons is in the name, leave behind all the classic RPGs. Warlock is more of a third-person action game. You don't control an whole group of characters or spend hours in dialogue, like in Baldur's Gate 3. The story wants you to focus on Kaatri's personal stuff.

Hattam said that you will be invested in Kaatri's story. She has points, reasons, and you're pushing forward with her. You'll get some people to fight with you, but it's supposed to feel more like an action movie.

###An Open World That Hides Stuff

Invoke Studios hasn't told everyone everything about the open world, But Hattam hinted that magic is how you travel around. Also, you can break off on your own to see weird random things.

What I think is that the game makes a good balance between the main story and the side junk, so you can check out locations without losing eye on Kaatri's targets.

###Charm Your Way Through

Charisma is what Warlocks are about. In D&D, charisma helps a Warlock make deals with others, intimidate others, and channel their spells. Invoke is bringing this to life, and they're looking to show how being nice can affect the story and gameplay.

Hattam seems hyped about this. What kind of person cuts deals with beings from other worlds, and what does that tell us about them? Kaatri's story seems like it's about grabbing power and having to pay the price.

###A Straightforward Story

Usually, D&D games gives you a lot of choices, but Warlock feels like it's putting you on one path. It makes sense they do this, because Invoke wants a story that's pushed by goals.

Some old D&D fans may want the freedom of past titles, still, this is what's being used this time around. This way, the studio can tell a story with characters the player's love and side-quests worth playing. So this means they can make the story more like a movie, with characters you love and a world to check out. Invoke Studios is planning on making a good story with play time.

###Incoming?

Invoke Studios is planning to show off footage from Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons sometime in the summer of 2026. We're supposed to get a good look at the fighting, open world, and the dark stuff. They also said more news is on the way, so keep an eye out!

This is something new for D&D games. Invoke's trying to show their take on Warlocks. The team wants to impress everyone with action, magic, and a natural charm.

###The Wrap Up

Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons is something people might watch closely in coming years. The people from Invoke Studios, who are showing Kaatri, are aiming for a story that is darker. So get ready for a game that's exciting with some strong story points.

We aren't being told that much about the game right now. Based on what people are talking about on the internet, everyone seems very hyped for what's coming later and 2027's coming release. Keep a close eye on Invoke if you love action games and D&D!

30.Apple Confirms iOS 26.2 Release Date, a Critical Update for 1 Billion iPhones 

**Okay, so what's up with iOS 26.2?**

Seriously, everyone's been refreshing their iPhones non-stop for this iOS 26.2 thing. It’s all anyone in the tech world seems to be yapping about this week. You keep hearing, It's dropping today! Every hour someone new tweets about it. Yeah, no luck. It’s a drag, I know, but keep the faith and stay in the know.

Let's have some context. Remember iOS 26.1? Yeah, that was somewhat late to the party, so being patient might be the key here. But the real kicker is Apple's talking of new nasty spyware sneaking around the internet. That really ups the stakes. So, this iOS is truly an edge of your seat moment for you and i.

**Alright, why the delay?**

I tell you what. Apple sent out a second version to the lucky beta testers a few days back. That usually means they were fixing a few last-minute hiccups before letting the update out into the wild. Of course, it didn't show up in the app store right after that. We can imagine that that team never sleeps.

Look, Apple almost always plays it cool by going slow and steady when it comes to roll-outs, prioritizing stability and security above all. The second Beta version says it all. They are definitely trying to iron out all the wrinkles.

What I've seen is that mid-December sounds super realistic for iOS 26.2's release. Think about it. Apple has been historically risk-averse with big releases on a Friday. So, early next week – let's say Monday to Wednesday – is like, the sweet spot. That's what some influencers have said but nothing is certain. I'd say let’s keep an eye on those Apple announcements.

**Spyware… spill the beans!**

So this could be a false assumption. Apple hasn't actually told us that spyware is to blame. And I can see that happening because it's a public matter. But there's no way iOS 26.2 *doesn't* plug the holes where the spyware peeps sneak in. Get this, the warning messages mention specific attacks on users around the globe. This means getting the patch out swiftly is absolutely essential.

You know, agencies like CISA (the folks who always know about cyber stuff) get the word out about updating the apple device and they get the word out quick. This usually means that there are major fixes to be made. Don't put your phone down, make sure to update soon to not lose your data.

**Why should I bother updating in the first place?**

Once the update is here, news is going to explode like crazy. Everyone will be like, OMG, did you update yet?! and it’ll trend. It's not a bad idea to join the trend and update immediately. Head over to Settings > General > Software Update and tap download. Be sure to plug in your phone or have 50% battery.

And listen to me: even if your phone barely runs older versions like iOS 18, you want to upgrade from that ASAP. You are opening up your phone to hackers that way! Apple security evolves with each new version, and old ones become playgrounds for bad guys. Those spyware warnings make it as clear as can be. It pays to upgrade; old software has holes!

**So what else comes with iOS 26.2?**

While security is the big kahuna, iOS 26.2 is bringing some nice things to keep you safer and make life easier:

*   **AirDrop PIN Verification:** This is for when you are sending files to people who aren't in the Contacts app. If someone wants to send a file and they don't have your contact, a PIN is required. This helps against unwanted or accidentally sharing files to the wrong iPhone.

*   **Emergency Alerts, but make it smarter:** Alerts during a crisis or situation may ask for location information. You will then receive an accurate emergency alert based on your location.

Apple is pushing to make security part of everyday life. It has to be intuitive so everyone understands and can follow.

**The Friday Question**

Here's a question to keep you up at night. Would Apple actually release 26.2 on a Friday? The logic would mean the security issues we're dealing with are intense. Generally speaking, they hold off to give them a business day to push out patches. This is just safe practice! Hackers would pounce immediately and this would cause even more problems.

Although Friday is possible, a Monday-Wednesday is still likely. And this means extra time to monitor those nagging issues that always arise.

**The Larger Picture?**

You know why the delay of iOS 26.2 is a big deal? Because it shows how much Smartphones have grown in importance in today's market. Spyware used to be something only politicians dealt with. But hey, now we have to deal with it so that we don't lose our bank accounts!

Apple makes a big show of privacy and security. That really is a cornerstone of their public reputation. Each update acts as another promise to keep us secure, but it also brings to light the ongoing battle of trying to outsmart the bad guys. Now, this delay is annoying, but at least Apple is making sure their stuff is right.

**Action Plan Time?**

Got an iPhone? The moment you spot that update, you update! Make sure it's charged, on wifi, and is connected to a power source. Don't wait!

For continued safety, do some critical practices. Things like changing passwords, setting up automatic updates in your privacy settings, and be careful of email links. Being aware and safe is a way of life now.

**Wrap it up for me**

The wait for iOS 26.2's release has been long but this is the best way to be. With the spyware warning lingering on everyone's minds, it's no wonder this is a big step.

Remember to get that update, whether it falls today or next week. iOS 26.2 is not just another minor update. It's the thing that keeps everything working, protecting its customers, and showing how committed they are!

Have you ever wondered why screenshots on the cover screen of Samsung's Galaxy Z TriFold could look a little less detailed? The Galaxy Z TriFold is a super cool foldable phone with two screens: a small one on the outside and a big one that folds open twice. It's got this neat App Continuity thing, which lets you switch between the small and big screens without your app crashing. But there's a little trick that makes your screenshots from the small screen look not-so-great.

It might seem like there is a mistake But it's actually done on purpose because of how Android manages the screen sizes and how Samsung wants to make the switch between screens feel smooth.

**What Happens with App Thingy On?**

Normally, when you unfold this phone, it just opens at the home screen. But, in the display settings, you can set it up so the current app will display on the inner screen.

However, Samsung is letting you know that the images on the screenshot on the outer screen will come out with a lower amount of pixel.

The phone does this so the little outside screen and the big inside screen are showing the same pixel amounts. If they have different pixel amounts, the app will need to restart.

**Pixel Amount Matter**

The little outside of the Galaxy Z TriFold has about 1080x2520. But, with the App Continuity trick active, the pixel decrease to about 822x1918.

Why? The Galaxy phone does math internally so both screens show the same width.

So, if the screen display the same pixel amounts, your phone will not need to constantly config change and need to restart. Otherwise, your app will need to load again.

**Android thing explained**

To understand why this fix is important, we get into how Android works with screen size. Phones of all kinds have different pixel resolutions. Two products may have same screen size, but may have different pixels.

Android use something call dp. Phone designers work with dp to design the buttons, and texts so it display the same to the product user.

But images can be different. Blow it up or down, sometime it looks bad. In order to fix this issue, design will give different type of assets to fix the pixel amounts, Android categorize these image sizes (example xhdpi or xxhdpi).

Because the TriFold outside screen has a density higher than the inside, the two goes into difference catergories. If the phone changes the pixel without adjusting, it could mean that the apps will have to reload.

In order to avoid the distraction, Samsung does it's code work in aligning the amount of size scaling.

**Upscaling and Images**

The fix from Samsung has some catches. Reason one, the screen is showing a lower pixel resoultion. The good news is that there is a built in thing on the phone to scale to 1080x2520 pixels, which mean it will look great to most people.

Second, the images will show the bad. When you copy the screen, Android take to image before it gets scaled. In this case, the images is save to a lower image amount of 822x1918. It's real pixel, even if it shows good.

**How Is It Different?**

It's interesting to know that the fold phone may or may not have detail warnings in their screen settings. The Fold 7 only states some install software might not support going to the front screen.

This phone is also unique in that the user is unable to use change the apps going from the big to the outside small screen. The phone it default locked when folded. This is unique given the product three screen designs.

**Why should you care?**

Many people may find this to be annoying. Images not as sharp, but this helps with a great app running. With this change, your apps will display as you switch.

Samsung's thinking tells us a basic thing about the fold phones: even the most simple tasks are difficult. Moving install software involves gears, things like user thoughts. The TriFold product likely have code that no one sees as it make things great.

**Up ahead**

The new Galaxy X TriFold shows Samsung's plan, and the image resolution issue display how unique the design is. As the phones change, the manufacturer has to deal with user expectations of the app

Right now, Samsung's fix is able to deliever a easy to use thing, even if the images expose a bad result. It's advise to people to trade off the change, and things are made behind the scene that you can't see.

**At the end**

By changing the screen display and setting on the Galaxy TriFold makes the images look bad, but it's on purpose. By making the pixel amount, it makes the apps switch in a fast way.

This phone shows how difficult the designers and creators make it to make great user things. The TriFold may just be another phone, but it's unique in making it easy.

32.Google Wallet’s Small New Feature Deserves a Spot in Every Android App 

Google Wallet just got a cool little update that hints at something bigger when it comes to tech that knows what you need before you even ask.

If you’re rocking a newer Google Pixel, you might have messed around with Magic Cue. The idea? It's supposed to be Google’s smart AI butler and pop up info when it thinks you need it. I'm talking, anticipating what you’re doing and giving you the right details at the perfect time. Sounds awesome, right? In reality, it’s kind of spotty. Some people say they barely see it, and it relies on so many little things working together that it's just not dependable.

That's what makes this Google Wallet thing so interesting, it’s like a breath of fresh air. This new Wallet trick proves that your phone doesn’t need to be some crazy AI brainiac to actually be helpful. Sometimes, those simple tried-and-true methods work great, like just knowing where you are.

**What’s the Big Deal?**

Alright, so what’s this new feature all about? It’s pretty simple: you buy a train ticket with Google Wallet, and when you get to the station, bam! You get a notification. Tap it, and your ticket's right there, ready to go.

Now, yeah, it only saves you a few seconds compared to opening Wallet yourself. But it hints how well tech can be made aware of the situation. It’s not AI guessing what you want; it just uses location to give you the right stuff at the right moment. It works every time, it’s predictable, and it's useful.

Think about it: normally, you gotta find the Wallet app, unlock your phone, and then dig around for your ticket. Or, if you don’t have the shortcut set, it’s even worse. This notification just cuts out all that hassle, even if it's just a little bit. The best part? It shows a path of endless options going forward.

**Why Now, After All This Time?**

We have been putting things in Google Wallet to save for ages, and knowing where you are just seems like a normal thing at this point. It’s tech that’s been around and is pretty common. So, why did Google wait so long to use Wallet for awareness and give hints?

Maybe because this one feature alone isn’t earth-shattering. It doesn’t totally change how you use your phone. But if you mix it with other triggers, it could seriously change how we use our gadgets. That’s why this little change is worth paying attention to. It’s a sign that Google's willing to expand how the phone knows where you are, beyond just the basics.

**Location is the Key**

Think about the Pixel 8. It knows where it is even when it’s off using Google’s Find My Device setup. The phone sends out a signal that nearby Android devices pickup. That way, you can still find your phone, even if it’s not powered. This thing works, so it's reliable.

If knowing where your phone is can help you find a device that's off, why can’t it also help in easy everyday lives? Having your boarding pass to show at the airport is a big help and a sign of things to come.

**What You Could Use Daily?**

Okay, imagine going further with Wallet:

*   **Public Transit:** Ever notice buses have Wi-Fi? When your phone connects to the bus wifi, boom, your bus pass pops up.

*   **Shopping:** Walking into the store brings up your loyalty card so you don't have to find for it.

*   **Events:** At a concert venue? Calendar can display things like event times, seat and tickets in Wallet.

*   **Media:** Netflix can suggest you download a show when you get to the airport.

*   **Dining:** Walking in somewhere to eat brings up reviews and show you what others think.

None of this needs some crazy AI. It just uses where, when and hints that are already there.

**Magic Cue: Too Much?**

So, why doesn't Google just expand Magic Cue to be more relevant? That idea struggles if it wants to use way way too many things inputs. It wants to combine where you at, what apps you use, your personal data, and what AI reads from it all. To get it to work with outside apps raises scares for safety, which is a bad look that people won't like.

People want tech they can trust, but if you see a pop up one time and not again for like weeks, it's like, what's the point? On the flip side, Wallet will always pop up the train ticket as you walk up.

**Location Isn’t the Only Thing**

Location's only part of it and using what time it is, would change everything. Google Calendar knows when you need to leave, but Wallet can expand further. Picture Wallet telling you when your train leaves, and surfacing your ticket. In that way you're already ready.

Phones hold so much info like, time, connection and what area is around you. If we use those signals, it's much easier to use the devices without some AI that might think you meant something else.

**Trust Over New Stuff**

With AI popping up with unreliable, this is where the location stuff wins. GPS and Wi-Fi are tech that has been around for decades. It might not be flashy, but it just simply works.

People need cool things that work for them and give info at the right time. Wallet does exactly that, and there's more to come.

**Looking Ahead to the Future**

Google has to be careful, as it could stress out users or compromise data. It just needs to make useful triggers that make sense. After that, it has endless possibilities.

Knowing where you at, and at what time, Google could create the new awareness that's always on. Knowing when to bring passes at the airport, loyalty cards that you have and event tickets. Everything's at it's fingertips, so let wait and see.

**In Conclusion**

Magic Cue seems to be good on paper, but Wallet is actually here to do it. Giving you tickets at the time and place of convenience, it shows that you need something that isn't new, but is reliable.

In doing so, future phones are going to create different tech in doing normal things without the need or overhype.

33.AYANEO Pocket PLAY Shows Potential as a Top Gaming Phone—With Caveats 

AYANEO, the company known for Android and Windows gaming handhelds, has been hinting at this smartphone for a while now. Are you ready? They finally showed it off. It's called the Pocket PLAY. These guys usually make handhelds, so a phone is a surprise. What's even more surprising? They're bringing back an old design style. The Pocket PLAY has a slider thing going on: remember the Sony Xperia Play? You slide the screen up, and BAM, gaming controls become available.

It's like AYANEO wants to bring a dead idea back to life. The video shows all the angles, but they aren't sharing news about how powerful it is, how much it costs, or when it's coming out. They have a Kickstarter page, which is cool, but we're waiting for the real information. The suspense is real!

That Slider Design? It's Like a Throwback to 2011

Seriously, the slider design is a shoutout to the Sony Xperia Play from 2011. That phone was the FIRST one with a built-in physical game controller. Sony had a special right on the slider thing, which stopped other companies from copying it. But that special right ended in 2025 which made it possible for other companies to copy it, and now AYANEO is taking a chance and trying to dust off the sliding gaming phone idea. It's about time someone did that.

In June of 2025, the Anbernic RG Slide showed up. AYANEO jumping in feels like a bigger deal. They're known for making good gaming handhelds. The Pocket PLAY wants to be a regular smartphone and show off their handheld gaming skills. It's like they're trying to do too much at once. If it works, it is going to be cool.

What's It Made Of Anyways

From the video, the Pocket PLAY looks to be made of metal and glass. If they don't use some plastic to lighten it up, it could feel heavy compared to a normal phone. People want a phone that is easy to move.

The screen stays in place when you slide it up, but it's flat. Some folks might have wanted an angled screen for comfort, but the phone still looks like it has good gaming controls. You just can't satisfy everyone.

Lots Of Buttons (Plus A Few Extra Features!)

So, the Pocket PLAY has the normal ABXY buttons and a D-pad, but AYANEO tossed in two Smart Dual-Mode Touchpads. Catchy name, huh? They can act like virtual sticks or touchpads, kind of like on the AYANEO Pocket DMG. This way, you can play games no matter if you like buttons or touch controls. I'm interested to see how that works.

There are also Start and Select buttons, an AYANEO button (of course), and a strange red button that isn't mentioned. What does it do?! All these buttons and touchpads say that AYANEO wants it to handle any game or app. A wide choice is good, but I'm a little worried about how simple it will be with all those controls.

Cameras: Probably Not The Focus

Although, the Pocket PLAY is a smartphone, it probably won't have the best camera out there. The video shows three spots on the back: two for the camera lenses and one for the light. So, it looks like AYANEO is caring more about gaming, making everyone sad that appreciates a good selfie.

If you really like taking photos with your phone, it might not be for you. But if you want a solid gaming handheld that can also call, it could be worth it.

The Big Question: What Happens Next?

AYANEO still has to figure out some things. How much will it cost? How will they make it so anyone can buy it? That will affect a lot of folks' plans to buy this phone because price is the #1 deciding factor.

Does that include how well it works with U.S. cell phone carriers? To sell it in the U.S., they have to get it allowed, which isn't simple, especially for smaller companies. AYANEO is always saying they are releasing new products, but sometimes it takes a while for them to actually make and ship them. Recent products haven't been the easiest to set up. These are things to remember You don't want to purchase a phone and have it stop working after a while. That's not good for anyone.

Throw Back Meets Future (Maybe)

The Pocket PLAY wants people to remember the Xperia Play. If you always wanted a phone with built-in controllers, this could be the one. The sliding style, touchpads, and gaming buttons all say that this is a real gaming phone.

But wanting is one thing. AYANEO has to make sure the phone is great both as a phone and as a gaming device. If it isn't powerful enough and is difficult to find, the Pocket PLAY might turn into a weird thing that nobody wants. Doing things right is everything.

Is The Excitement Real?

Even though we don't know everything, the people appear to be hyped. The Kickstarter page already has a good number of followers. Crowdfunding helps AYANEO get this phone off the ground and get a feel for how many people want it. But it also says people can wait if AYANEO can't make the required amount of products or receives permission. The easy way for the company is showing off its phones while receiving feedback with less financial responsibility

What Are The Future Plans

Will the Pocket PLAY deliver? It's been a very long time since we’ve seen a sliding gaming phone. After the Xperia Play was bad, many folks assumed that was the finish line. AYANEO is taking a gamble here. I hope it works out for them

If it can be done, the Pocket PLAY could find a place in the phone world for gamers that need physical controls without having a separate handheld. Only time will expose the answer.

Last things

The AYANEO Pocket PLAY is trying to revive something that has passed. With its sliding style, gamepad controls, and touchpads, it's reaching to be the first gaming phone. But there are so many things that we don't know around the corner, for example, the amount of RAM or the expected launching price

For AYANEO, the Pocket PLAY is a chance to do something exciting, but it's also a huge task. It has that remembering feeling, but will success in its effort if they can deliver. While all of us are waiting to hear more information, it's already generating some of its audiences ideas about what does it contains and what it could be. I have already viewed decent items from this business, as well as, they appear to be motivated to get it to work.

34.Apple Leak Reveals New Home Hub and Smart Camera in Internal Code 

**Apple and the Smart Home: Big Plans for 2026**

So, it looks like that Apple Home Hub we've heard about for ages might actually be happening! Some tech sleuths digging around in an early version of iOS 26 found clues about it. And guess what? They also found hints about another new gadget: a smart camera. This suggests Apple is about to get serious about the smart home in 2026.

**Home Hub: What's the Story?**

The tech world has been calling the Home Hub J490 since 2024. This thing keeps popping up in iOS 26 code, which probably means Apple is getting close to finishing it. Details are still pretty vague, but sources say it'll have a super-fast A18 chip, work with Apple's AI stuff, and even have a camera with Face ID.

Think of the Home Hub as more than just a fancy smart screen. It could be the brains of your Apple-powered home, managing all those AI services and knowing who's who with Face ID and other smart tech.

**A Camera, Too?**

Besides the Home Hub, there are clues about something called J229 in the code. People think it's a smart camera because the code says it has sensors, can hear alarms, and can snap photos.

Rumor has it that Apple might release two cameras, where one is a front door camera, with the standard having face ID. The fact that it can pick up alarm sounds makes it sound like the standard camera is meant for keeping an eye on things in the house.

**Why Now?**

Apple's move into the home is part of a bigger change in strategy. Remember the Apple Car? Well, apparently they've put that on hold and are pouring resources into things like smart devices, wearable tech, and maybe even robots. The Home Hub and cameras are part of this plan to get Apple deeper into your everyday life and work smoothly with your iPhone, iPad, and HomePod.

Other companies, like Amazon and Google, are trying for this, with smart displays, cameras, and voice assistants. Apple's camera might be focusing on privacy because Apple is known for its safe hardware and software.

**Why the Wait?**

We were expecting the Home Hub in 2025, along with a huge upgrade to Siri. But fixing Apple's AI has taken longer than expected, which pushed the device's arrival back. Now the Home Hub is now arriving in 2026.

With Apple's advanced AI running the Home Hub, it could be the ultimate home assistant. It could do more than just control lights; it could offer advice, keep track of schedules, and tell you what's happening around the house. Face ID makes sure only authorized users can get to it and sensitive data.

**Cameras and Privacy**

Smart cameras raise questions about privacy. From past actions, Apple is more likely to use processing on the device along with encryption from beginning to end. A camera with Face ID could check who people are without sending everything to the cloud.

The alarm detection on the device implies that Apple is making cameras to know what is happening, allowing users to know when alarms are active. This connects the device to Apple's security system.

**The Competition**

When it comes to the competition, Apple goes head to head with Amazon, Ring, Google, and Nest. But Apple has the advantage of being one large, interconnected system. Home Hub connects to other Apple devices, offering a unified platform.

Current Apple users are more likely to purchase Home Hub and cameras because they're already in the system. However, it will be difficult to set a price that feels approachable for people to buy the device, due to the market being overflown.

**What's Coming in 2026**

Apple has a busy year ahead, with new AI and many upcoming smart home devices. The Home Hub debuts with Siri, and cameras are available later in the year.

The Hub serves as the central console that has a tablet-like interface, the cameras provide security, and the software keeps it all together. The upcoming releases from Apple are an ambitious move into the home life.

**In Conclusion**

References about Home Hub and cameras suggests that Apple's move into a market that it has not been in for a long while. Apple's processor, new AI system, and face ID suggests that the Home Hub could be a very effective household piece. Also the device with sound detection and picture taking can extend the reach of the product.

Following all the speculation, Apple is set to change the home experience market. Apple's goal is to set what a smart home is when combining privacy, AI and a seamless system.

35.iPhone Fold Predicted to Capture 22% of Foldable Market in Year One 

Foldable phones are actually becoming a big deal. Right now, it looks like Samsung's in front, though Huawei is still trying to compete. Samsung has the Galaxy Z Folds, and Huawei is working on the Mate Xs, but you don't see many of those in regular use.

But here's where it gets interesting: there's some talk that Apple could join the market in 2026 with a foldable iPhone. People are already joking about the name iPhone Fold, but nobody knows the real name yet. Because Apple does not often confuse regular consumers, a typical name is what I would expect.

Some people who keep an eye on the phone market, like the analysts at IDC, released a report. They said that if Apple drops a foldable phone, everything could change a lot. They think Apple could grab around 22% of the foldable phone market in year one and make about 34% of all the money spent. One reason they think this way is because Apple may release a $2,400 phone! IDC also estimates that by 2029, Apple will have like 34% of the foldable phone market. That would be huge!

Someone at IDC mentioned that people are excited about Apple possibly making a foldable phone and what it could do to the market. Despite the fact that smartphones aren't becoming less popular, with Apple involved, more people might be interested. Apple is good at making trends, like with their already existing products.

Keep in mind is that foldable phones aren’t cheap. You're probably looking at paying maybe three times more than a regular smartphone. Because of this, it makes sense for phone companies to be working on them, despite not selling a bunch. Since Apple is known for their smooth designs and how well everything works together, they could make foldables feel more normal. This is similar to 2007 when the first iPhone made people rethink smartphones altogether.

IDC thinks that the foldable market will grow faster, around 30% in 2026. After that, they think it'll slow down to around 9% in 2029. Still, foldables should sell better than regular smartphones. Regular smartphones are expected to grow just a little, maybe one percent.

As Apple comes along side the Galaxy Z TriFold and Z Fold 8, and some new foldable models coming from Huawei, is pretty interesting. People have more choices, and it makes them think about new phone designs and apps that work better on foldables. To stay on top, phone manufacturers need to keep introducing new phones.

So, what are some rumors surrounding what an iPhone Fold design will be?

Some rumors say it might have a 7.8-inch inner screen with a 5.5-inch screen on the outside. The inside screen is a little smaller than the Galaxy Z Fold 7, but supposedly, Apple is mostly working on picture quality.

People are saying it'll look smooth. Screen manufacturers and market people are suggesting that Apple's trying to make a screen that does not have that crease that bothers people on other foldables. According to Bloomberg reporters, screen quality appears to be Apple's number one thing they are working on.

And battery life could be a huge plus. Some say that the iPhone Fold could have a 5,000 to 5,500 mAh battery. If that's true, battery life could definitely appeal to consumers. Apple needs to make sure their design is competitive with what is out there right now.

The outside is potentially made out of titanium and is strongly focused on strength and style. It might also sell for around $2,400, which would be more than Samsung's current foldable and Google's Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

But I think Apple fans will probably buy it for that much. Due to their market position, they can charge more money if their programs and hardware are superb. If the iPhone Fold does not have a screen crease and has excellent battery life, more people might cash out extra.

IDC noted that customers are keeping their phones for about four years today. Phone companies need to come up with cool designs to make people want to change their phone. Foldable phones, with a different style and everything you can do with them, is something unique.

If Apple jumps into the foldable market, sales will go up. After all, Apple is a large company, and some think that they provide great service.

Apple joining the foldable market means phone companies are changing up their game. People do not replace their phones as much as they used to, so the company needs to produce units.

The iPhone Fold could have a large impact on the cellphone market. One thing to understand is you might need to learn how to use it. Another is that the manufacturers are going to need to find new screen styles.

We will see how well the iPhone Fold does to improve what phones do near 2026. The product will be exciting!

Apple is ready for the next generation of phones and may change how people view phones shortly. The company might be hiding all of their phones in their labs and only show them to the public when fully ready!

36.What Looked Like a Scam Email Turned Out to Be a Mandatory Office Gift Contribution 

**That $100 Favor? What a Mess!**

You know the drill when you’re running a small business. You're always dealing with stuff – deadlines, demanding clients, and trying to keep the budget from going crazy. One manager at a company with around 80 people got a shock: an email totally looked like a scam at first. It said to send $100 through Venmo to the company president. The deal was that everyone was chipping in for a gift for the big boss.

The manager thought, No way this is real. Who even uses Venmo for work-related stuff? But after checking, HR and IT said it was legit and coming from the president's nephew. The way it was written, it didn't feel like a request at all; it felt like an order.

**A Fancy Gift Paid For by the Regular Folks**

The email explained that each of the 17 managers had to throw in a hundred bucks, making a total of $1,700. For what? A fancy fish subscription for the company owner. The manager who shared this on Reddit’s r/smallbusiness was mad.

“Seriously? Can't we just buy a card or something? they wrote. Isn't the fact that he's making millions off our work enough of a gift?

This manager hadn’t been with the company for very long but for the most part was happy. But This felt wrong and brought up some questions about the company culture, the leadership, and the expectations of the staff.

**Business Owners Get Real: That’s Not Okay**

The Reddit post blew up, with almost everyone agreeing that it was totally wrong, especially the business owners who jumped in.

One owner said, “This is nuts!” Another made the point it should be gifts going from the higher ups to the workers. The general feeling was that bosses should be giving stuff to their employees, not asking them to pay for extravagant gifts.

Many owners mentioned that they prefer to give bonuses or something else to their staff around the holidays, to show their thanks for their work. The thought of managers scraping together money for a pricey gift for the already well-off owner just felt off. felt like some people didn't know about basic office etiquette.

**The Power Game**

Besides the awkward money situation, there were also concerns about power. from the company president, who is the owner's nephew and possibly being groomed to take over.

That family member is the one asking for $100 is a huge red flag, one person commented. It illustrated how having family in charge can make things complicated and create strange expectations for the rest of the group.

Some people guessed that the nephew might be trying to define how he'll run which would be by putting his priorities above everyone else. There were also questions about whether that money actually was going to go to a fish subscription, of if that relative was using work funds illegally.

**Voluntary? Not a Chance**

Even though the email didn’t say people NEED to pay, it felt like it. If the people in charge want something, it’s tough to say no. Employees can hesitate declining in case it makes them look bad or harms their careers.

That brings up some moral questions: Should people ever be pressured to buy stuff for their bosses with their money? Most people believe it’s a good way to hurt morale and create bitterness. A gift isn't a present if you have to give it.

**Leadership Lessons**

This is a solid reminder for anyone managing how managers and employees treat each other is what workplace culture is, not just the rules. If leaders begin confusing work with personal demands, they can break trust.

Being a solid leader means valuing employees and paying them fairly. Bonuses, team lunches, or a simple thanks from the higher-ups can help. Asking people to pay for an expensive gift for the boss means they don't think the regular work is worth enough.

**Transparency Matters**

If the company president was clear that the request was voluntary and detailed what the money was for, people might have felt better. But the lack of communication raised worries and frustration.

Healthy worksites gift-giving is natural. Employees sometimes decide to get something for their boss, but it comes from them instead of an order.

**Final Thoughts**

This story is popular because it raises the questions we have at work: Is the culture fair? Is there a power imbalance? Are people treated ok?

For small businesses, where things are informal, it’s key to define what should be kept separate and what can over lap. Bosses have to balance being in charge and being understanding, that employees feel that they are valued and not be being used unfairly.

**Wrapping Up**

That $100 Venmo request highlighted deeper issues. The manager wasn’t included. On the outside, business owner believed that it seemed like the owners were abusing powers.

Gifts should go from those above to those who put in time everyday. Workers should be valued and paid fairly. The leadership should realize the hard work the employees are sacrificing for them.

The lesson is simple to get the gift. Always show your thanks and remember its the hard work that is going into the company everyday.

37.The Leading Global Smartphones of 2025 

**The Coolest Phones of 2025: It's All About Speed, Smarts, and Awesome Cameras**

So, 2025 in the phone world wasn't about crazy changes, but about getting really, really good at what companies already do well. All the big names went all-in on making their phones faster, look nicer, and smarter. From Apple finally making the *perfect* iPhone to Oppo going wild with cameras, these five phones are what everyone's talking about.

**1. Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max**

Okay, so Apple didn't totally flip the script. Instead, they just made the best iPhone they've ever made. The A19 Pro chip is seriously fast – games look amazing, doing work is a breeze, and creating stuff is super smooth. The phone just feels great in your hand.

But the camera? That's the real deal. Three 48MP lenses, plus a zoom lens that gets you *really* close to the action (8x zoom!). And it's a champ in the dark – night photos look way better.

The battery lasts forever, too – like, 37 hours of video. And for the first time, iPhones don't get super hot when you're pushing them hard, due to new cooling. Plus, the front camera is extra wide for video calls, so everyone can see you clearly.

Bottom line: This iPhone just feels *right*. It's fast, lasts ages, and looks great. Definitely worthy of the Pro name.

**2. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra**

Samsung went all-in on making the smartest phone out there with the Galaxy S25 Ultra. It's got a special Snapdragon 8 chip that’s built to run all those AI gizmos.

Things like automatically writing subtitles for calls, letting you search for anything you see on screen just by circling it, and a quick-access bar for getting stuff done are seriously useful. It really shows that AI can make phones better without being annoying.

The camera is still top-notch, though. That 200MP main sensor is awesome, and the zoom lenses are great no matter what the lighting is like. And Samsung’s promising to keep the phone updated for seven years, which is amazing.

If you want a phone that's smart, powerful, and will last you a long time, this is it.

**3. OnePlus 15**

OnePlus went back to what they're known for: pure speed and power. The OnePlus 15 has a screen that refreshes super-fast (165Hz!), plus a huge battery. The Snapdragon chip is a beast, and it *stays* fast because of the clever cooling system.

It charges up incredibly quickly, too. And the screen responds to your touch instantly. It's a gamer's dream!

But it's not just about raw power. OxygenOS is tightly tuned and has some smart features going on. The camera even gets some cool AI tweaks for making photos look better.

Basically, if you want the fastest phone around, the OnePlus 15 is the way to go.

**4. Google Pixel 10 Pro XL**

Google took a different path. The Pixel 10 Pro XL isn't trying to be the *most* powerful, but the *most useful*. The special Tensor G5 chip is designed to make AI stuff run smoothly. That means things like the Camera Coach (which gives you tips on taking better photos), Magic Cue (guesses correctly what you want to search) are totally unique.

The Pixel's always been known for having a great screen and taking awesome photos, and that hasn't changed. The best part? Google's promising to keep the software updated for *seven years*. It really shows that you don't need the fanciest hardware to make a great phone.

The Pixel 10 Pro XL is all about making your life easier, without you even noticing it’s doing it.

**5. Oppo Find X9 Pro**

Oppo went all-out on the camera with the Find X9 Pro. That 200MP zoom lens is just incredible. Photos look super detailed and sharp. They also came up with a new way to take photos that gives you better colors, while the phone uses less power.

The Find X9 Pro also has a massive battery and looks really sleek. The screen is incredibly bright, too. And it's super tough – waterproof and built with high-quality materials.

If you're serious about phone photography, this is the one to get. Oppo really nailed it.

**What It All Means**

So, what does all this tell us about phones in 2025? Apple is focused on being the best all-around. Samsung wants to be the smartest. OnePlus is all about speed. Google wants to be the most helpful. And Oppo is chasing the best camera possible.

Every company has its own thing, which is great for us. Whether you care about gaming, AI, taking photos, or just having a phone that lasts all day, there's something out there for you.

**The Verdict**

The iPhone 17 Pro Max, Galaxy S25 Ultra, OnePlus 15, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Oppo Find X9 Pro are all incredible phones. They all push the envelope in different ways, from Apple's new cooling tech to Oppo's crazy camera.

Looking ahead to 2026, foldable phones will likely continue to get the trends better and a focus on AI will continue. But for now, these phones are the gold standard, showing just how versatile and useful our phones have become.

38.Taiwan’s Approach to Making Cashless Payments Fun and Charming 

**Taiwan's Payment Keychains: Tiny Treasures That Pay!**

Picture this: You're wandering through a 7-Eleven in Taiwan. You're looking at snack options, and next to the gum and candy, bam! There they are: tiny, adorable keychains shaped like Miffy the bunny, miniature bento boxes complete with little drumsticks, and even retro rotary phones. I'm talking about keychains that are surprisingly cool.

These aren't just cute decorations for your bag or keys, though they definitely hit that mark. These keychains each have a secret: a little chip nestled inside that lets you pay for things. It's connected to Taiwan's payment system, which is surprisingly convenient and widespread. That toy you just bought? It's also your wallet.

**More Than Just Eye Candy**

iCash cards are a handy way to pay for just about anything around here, like your all-in-one payment pass. Think of them along the lines of similar options, EasyCard and iPASS, which are all super useful in Taiwan. You can tap them to pay for your train ride, a bus, or a snack at, well, you guessed it, a convenience store! These keychains, while they aren't necessarily going to make anyone rich individually (they tend to run from about $10 to $30, give or take), have a bigger purpose:

They're seriously good marketing. They're fun. They catch people's attention. They tempt people to join 7-Eleven's rewards programs, keeping them engaged and spending a little bit extra along the way.

In the last decade or so, iCash and other companies have put their spin on just about everything that can be turned into a keychain. Lots of these are little versions of stuff you can actually buy at 7-Eleven. Mini cans of Super Supau, some Darlie toothpaste, that cup of Uni-President pudding (that yellow dessert that everyone seems to love). Every now and then, they get pretty weird. Doll-sized Scotch-Brite sponges, or even tiny packs of toilet paper. Seriously! I actually paid for my groceries once using a little bag of crinkle-cut potato chips when I lived in Taipei which was quite the experience.

**Hello Kitty Does Contactless**

Besides regular items, iCash also gets the rights to use characters that everyone loves such as Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, Pikachu, and Stitch. EasyCard has some designs that go a little wild. They made a plastic replica of Sailor Moon's wand that also lights up when you tap it to pay. At some creative point, the lines between something you might collect and something you might use to pay kinda disappears. They add a dose of fun to Taiwan's infrastructure.

If you're into collecting, you can see how they're really desirable. Each card or keychain becomes something functional. It acts like an object that you can use. It is as simple way of taking Taiwan’s little piece as you go on your daily routines. These creative designs catch people's attention.

**Compared to China: A Different Approach to Paying**

These kinds of keychains actually show you something interesting. It shows how Taiwan's digital experience is different from what you'd see in mainland China.

In China, a couple of companies kind of run the show: Alipay (which is owned by Alibaba) and WeChat Pay (from Tencent). It's almost exclusively one or the other. Whether you're grabbing a bowl of noodles from a street food vendor or buying a fancy handbag in Shanghai, you're most likely scanning a QR code with your phone.

Taiwan took a completely different path. They built a network of NFC cards and mobile wallets. This plays well with the country's huge public transportation and convenience store culture. So, the system has some things made and operated by locals of Taiwan.

Basically, most people tap to pay in Taipei, but in Beijing, people scan. And this works rather well. Alibaba is actually borrowing from Taiwan's approach and trying to introduce more tap-to-pay experiences.

Mobile payments exist here, too. You can use LINE Pay (within the LINE messaging app, a popular option) to pay. And you still sometimes stumble across a smaller shop that only takes cash – which is unusual in most parts of China these days. Innovation blends with tradition. It is a whole shift where most monopolies is not the aim.

**A Hunt for iCash Treasures**

I knew there was a place in Taipei that sold the rare iCash cards. I went off looking for it. I landed up inside a toy market on the fourth floor, where I meant Yue Lui. He is 34. He also collects and sells iCash. His shop was packed with Labubu dolls, tons of figurines, and iCash cards made to look like desk fans, barber poles, bottles of hand sanitizer....

Liu told me he gets a lot of people stopping by from other countries. He noted, “It shows they wish to capture moments of Taiwan back home when they leave, he said.

Food-themed designs sell like hotcakes because everyone likes good food.

He said he used to have a card that was shaped like a game controller. But he sold it fast because he was in financial bind. These days, he only keeps the lunchbox card for purposes of doing toy business. It gets him hungry!

**Fun in the Little Things**

It was hard to pick which card I was going to get. In the end, I took five with me: one made to look like the pudding cup, one shaped like a common striped grandma bag, a bento box design that promoted the high-speed rail, a pack of pandemic-era face masks, and an old rotary phone that caught my eye.

These keychains capture an interesting view of Taiwan's culture. It feels like even at rough times like during the earlier days of the pandemic, people made light of it. Yue said, “What makes toys unique is its every day life moments.

When I added three dollars to the rotary phone keychain and tapped it as I was entering the subway, it made that rotary phone sound from way back when! I laughed. It was a fun reminder of what Taiwan's payment keychains are: practical, unexpected, and pretty fun too.

**The Wrap-Up**

Taiwan's iCash keychains aren't just things that everyone must acquire. They capture a sense of the culture. They show you ways of digital finance can still work. It is unlike more main types of approach that you find in China's infrastructure system, Taiwan shows you how the keychains show parts about how to work with society.

From the pudding cups to the rotary phones. These gadgets prove all modern innovations don't really have to be a sterile thing. These can be funny. They are sentimental, maybe a little weird. These remind you that the tech is here to connect you.

39.iOS 26.1 Updates Alarms With Slider—Here’s How to Bring Back the Stop Button 

**iOS 26.1 Alarm Slider: What’s Up and How to Get Your Button Back**

So, Apple just put out iOS 26.1, and there’s this little change that’s making some people wonder what’s going on. It’s about how you stop your alarms and timers. You know, that thing most of us do every morning to wake up (or every few minutes if you really love to snooze)? Yeah, that’s a bit different now. For a long time, it was just a tap on a Stop button. Super simple, right? Well, now they’ve changed it to a Slide to Stop thing.

When you first see it, it might not seem like much. Just a little change, right? But it actually gets to the core of what Apple tries to do: balancing ease of use with not accidentally doing things, while letting people with different needs have choices that work for them.

**From Buttons to… More Sliding?**

When iOS 26 first came out, Apple made some small adjustments to the alarm and timer setup on the Lock Screen. The Stop and Snooze buttons got bigger, making them easier to press. After that, some people complained about turning off their alarms by accident. Oops!

So, with iOS 26.1, here comes the Slide to Stop. Now, you have to actually *move* your finger to stop the noise. Sound familiar? It’s a lot like the slide to unlock thing from the first iPhone way back in 2007. Remember that? Swiping was how you answered a call then. By making you swipe instead of just tap, Apple thinks you’re less likely to accidentally silence your alarm when you’re half-asleep and fumbling for your phone. This is a way to help make sure you're awake when you turn off your alarm. This is designed to make sure you are making more deliberate choices when you tap your phone.

**Why did Apple do this?**

The main idea is to keep you from turning off your alarms by mistake. Alarms are important. They wake you up to go to work, tell you about plans, and make sure you don’t miss a flight. If you accidentally snooze or turn them off, it can mess up your day. Apple is hoping that adding a swipe adds a small additional step so you are awake when you turn of the alarm.

It also fits with how Apple usually designs things. They sometimes bring back older ideas and imagine them again for today. The slider is a bit old school, but it also might help stop those accidental taps. The way something looks and feels can be just as importrant as the inner working of the phone, so Apple is working to solve accidental alarm shut offs.

**Okay, Not Everyone is Happy**

Of course, not everyone is loving this. Some people think swiping is annoying. If you want to do something as fast as possible, tapping is quicker than swiping. Also, some people think the new slider is unnecessary, because they haven’t had issues with accidentally turning off their alarms. One of the biggest reasons for people not enjoying the change is just that they are used to tapping. They have set their routine to operate in a specific way and are frustrated with having to re-learn the way that they interact with their phone for the first few minutes of the day.

Apple probably knew some people would feel this way, so they added a way to get the old button back. Go to Settings, then Accessibility, then Touch. There you’ll see Prefer Single-Touch Actions. Turn that on, and *boom*, the slider is gone. You have the Stop button again! The fact that Apple gives you a choice is very thoughtful. Not every user has the same needs and preferences.

**Making it Work for People of All Abilities**

The Prefer Single-Touch Actions option shows that Apple is thinking about accessibility. It highlights that people use their phones in different ways. If you have problems with your hands, swiping might be harder than tapping. By giving users both options, Apple is trying to make this feature work for just about everyone.

This is just one way Apple is letting people change how their iPhone works. It feels like they’re letting users set things up exactly how *they* want them, instead of making everyone use the same thing.

A lot of the discussion surrounding this update is about how it impacts the elderly and other disabled people. Apple's choice to make the tap feature able to come back helps show how much the company is thinking about the different people who use iPhones.

**A Small Change, A Big Ripple Effect**

This whole alarm slider might seem like a small thing but it goes to show how little changes can have a big impact. Many people use alarms and timers on their iPhones all day long. Changing how you turn them off changes a lot of touches every day.

It also illustrates how Apple cares so much about details. They’re looking back at older designs, is fixing issues, and is remininiscing the innovation from phones of the past. It's a clear sign that Apple works to smooth even the smallest tasks.

**So, Slider or Button?**

Okay, so what should *you* do? Well, that depends on what works best for you. If you’ve ever turned off an alarm in your sleep and missed something important, the slider might be good for you. The swipe takes a little longer, but it might keep you from sleep-swatting important alarms away.

However, if you like quickness, or don’t like swiping, just turn on Prefer Single-Touch Actions. Because Apple knows everyone is different, they give you the option to change it. You might even find that you like tapping during the week but that you prefer sliding to shut off an alarm on the weekend. It is all up to you.

**The main point**

The Slide to Stop in iOS 26.1 shows how even the smallest things have been thought out in the way you use your phone. Apple wants to make things simple and easier, and this slider makes sure you actually *mean* to turn off your alarm. But, because different things work for different people, Apple lets you switch back to a Stop button. With this change, Apple's developers have come to the same conclusion that even a task as simple as turning off an alarm is handled differently.

The slider goes to show that Apple thinks carefully about all of the smallest things put on the iPhone. It’s about more than just turning off an alarm; it’s about how Apple's is always trying to make your everyday experience better as well as more personalized.

40.DJI Neo 2 Can Now Be Controlled Using an Apple Watch 

DJI's Neo 2 drone, which came out last year, was already getting a lot of buzz for being super flexible. Now, they've dropped a new software update that's kind of wild – you can control the whole thing with your Apple Watch!

Yep, if you've got the latest DJI Fly app and firmware v01.00.0500, you can ditch the phone and fly the Neo 2 right from your wrist. It works with Apple Watch Series 8 or later, and the Ultra 2 and 3. It seems like something out of a movie, but it's real.

**Wrist-Based Drone Control - What's the Big Deal?**

DJI's saying this is going to be awesome for stuff like sports. Think biking or running – times when it's a pain to grab your phone or the regular controller. Imagine you're jogging in the park, and your drone's just cruising above you. Or maybe you're riding your bike and want to tweak the camera angle without stopping. Wrist controls!

You even get a live view from the drone's camera right on your watch face. Basically, turns your Apple Watch into a tiny monitor for your drone. But, since Apple wants to save battery life, the live feed pauses when you drop your wrist. But it comes back up when you lift it again. It's a clever way of preventing your Apple Watch from running out of battery, while still being useable.

**Talk to Your Drone: Voice Control is Here**

And if that's not enough, you can even *talk* to the drone through your watch. After you give the DJI Fly app permission to use your iPhone's microphone and turn on Voice Control, you can just shout commands at your wrist. Pretty cool for when you can't really tap or swipe at the screen.

The Apple Watch can pick up sound, too. So, if you are doing videos, or you are an athlete, or you are exploring, you can record clips without carrying extra microphones. I like how DJI is thinking about the everyday stuff.

**A Few Things to Keep in Mind**

Okay, it's not perfect. Like I mentioned, the live video feed will cut out sometimes because of Apple's battery-saving stuff. It could bug you if you want to keep an eye on the drone all the time.

Also, while you can do the basics from your watch, you'll still need the DJI Fly app on your phone or the regular controller for the fancy stuff. So, it's more like an extra way to control the drone, not a replacement for everything else.

**Why This Matters**

Being able to control a drone from your wrist instead of just a controller or phone is a big deal. DJI is making it easier to just pick up and fly.

This is awesome for anyone who's doing sports or outdoorsy stuff. If you're, like biking, riding, or climbing, you probably want to get some cool drone footage. But you don't want to keep stopping to mess with the drone. This Apple Watch thing lets you keep moving.

**Sci-Fi No More!**

I saw some people online saying this feels like something from a sci-fi movie. Someone even said it's like Falcon style, you know, like Captain America's buddy with the wings. What seemed like a dream is now real because our devices are getting smaller.

**DJI's Playbook: More Stuff That Works Together**

This Neo 2 update makes sense when you look at what DJI's been doing overall. They're trying to make all their products work together better. They just came out with the Osmo Action 6 camera (with a cool adjustable thingy), the Osmo Mobile 8 phone gimbal (that follows you better), and the Mini 5 Pro drone (with a bigger sensor).

By connecting their drones to things like smartwatches, they're making things easier for us and showing that they're serious about making all sorts of cameras and gadgets work together. This Apple Watch thing might mean we see similar stuff with other smartwatches or those AR glasses in the future.

**What About the Competition?**

This also puts pressure on other drone companies. They'll probably start trying to do the same kind of wearable stuff to keep up with DJI. As drones get more common, it's going to be about how easy they are to use as much as how good the camera is or how well they fly. DJI is getting ahead of the curve here, which is good for both beginners, and people who fly drones as a hobby.

**The Future Looks...Wrist-Controlled?**

Who knows what's next? Maybe future updates will let you do even more from your watch, like planning out a flight path or using gestures to control the drone. Imagine drawing a line on your watch and having the drone follow it, or twisting your wrist to change where the camera is pointing.

As smartwatches get better, drones might start reacting even more to what we're doing. They could connect to your health data and adjust the filming based on your heart rate while you work out. There's a lot of stuff they could do.

**The Bottom Line**

The DJI Neo 2 letting you use an Apple Watch is a big step for drones and wearable tech. You can see the camera, talk to the drone, and record audio all from your wrist. DJI's trying to make drones easier to use.

It's not perfect. Apple's power-saving stuff can be annoying, and you still need your phone or controller for some things. But it shows that DJI's thinking about new ideas. For people who do sports, adventure, this is a good thing.

It's here now: a drone that listens to you, right from your wrist.

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I tried to make it sound like I was explaining this to a friend, hitting the key points while keeping the tone casual and engaging. Let me know what you think!