News-Technology

 1.iOS 26.3 Beta Reveals Apple’s Plan for Third-Party Notification Forwarding 

Apple's next iPhone operating system, iOS 26.3, includes a small update that is a big deal. It's all about how iPhones handle notifications, and it's happening because of a new rule from the European Union (EU).

**What's This Notification Forwarding Thing?**

The key is something called Notification Forwarding. Basically, it will allow accessories not made by Apple (think smartwatches or fitness trackers from other companies) to show notifications from your iPhone. Sounds simple? It's actually a huge change for Apple. For years, they've kept pretty tight control over who gets access to things like notifications. It was a way to keep people buying Apple products to integrate.

**Why is the EU Making Apple Do This?**

The EU has this thing called the Digital Markets Act (DMA). They want to make sure big tech companies act fairly. They don't want companies like Apple to lock people into using only their products. The EU argues that if you buy an iPhone, you should be able to use it with any smartwatch you like, not just the Apple Watch. You should not be pushed to buy Apple ecosystem just to access the most basic function! This new rule is all about giving people more option.

**Apple Isn't Exactly Thrilled**

Apple is doing what the EU asks, but they've made it clear they aren't super happy about it. Their main concern is privacy and security. Notifications can contain all sorts of personal stuff – texts, emails, bank alerts, health updates. Apple worries that if this information is sent to devices made by other companies, it could be less secure. It could mean giving access to data that Apple can't control how it is kept safe. It makes it a trade off between customer option and data integrity.

**How It Works (Sort Of)**

Apple started working on this back in iOS 26.1, and it's all coming together in iOS 26.3. There is a new Notification Forwarding settings under Settings > Notifications, where users will pick which third-party accessories get notifications.

There's also something called AccessoryNotifications, but Apple hasn't said much about it yet. Basically, it's the technical stuff that allows other devices to work with iPhone notifications. App makers will have to wait to see how it actually works.

**You Get to Pick What Gets Forwarded**

The good news is that you'll have a lot of control over what notifications get sent to other devices. It is similar to how you can choose which apps send notifications to your Apple Watch. You can allow notifications from WhatsApp or your email to show up on a different smartwatch, but block notifications from social media apps. It is all about freedom, if you choose to take it.

When you set it up, Apple will tell you upfront that the accessory will see both the app name and the content of the notification. Apple is presenting this as a new feature but is not making it a security issue. It's up to you to decide if you trust the other device.

**One at a Time, Please**

Here's a catch: You can only forward notifications to one accessory. If you set it up to send notifications to another smartwatch, they will stop appearing on your Apple Watch. Apple will warn you that notifications will no longer show on the Apple Watch when forwarding is turned on.

This limitation probably isn't an accident. It lets Apple follow the rules. You have to decide between the Apple Watch or a different device. It keeps the Apple Watch as its own separate, exclusive device.

**Privacy Still a Big Deal for Apple**

Apple keeps bringing up privacy whenever this new rule from the EU comes up. They argue that notifications often include really personal data. This data can be end-to-end encrypted messages, so messages that are meant to have maximum protection can be seen on notification.

Apple is following the law, but they are clear that they see this as a compromise. They will likely have rules for the app developers. They will probably have some security in place once AccessoryNotifications is fully documented.

**What This Means for You**

If you live in the EU, this gives you new freedom! You can use your iPhone with smartwatches, fitness trackers, and other accessories without missing out on notifications. Devices from Garmin, Fitbit, or Huawei could become a better option because they won't be missing key notifications like they used to.

However, having to choose only one device is a downside. If you use your Apple Watch a lot for things like replying to messages, using Apple Pay, or tracking your health, you might not care about these other devices. But if you want a specialized fitness watch or a cheaper option, this might be a pretty good thing.

**The Big Effect on the Market**

This change could really shake up the market for wearable devices in Europe. The Apple Watch has been on top. Now that other devices can access iPhone notifications, it makes things more competitive.

Still, Apple is making sure its ecosystem remains appealing. The Apple Watch will likely still do more, have cooler features, and work more smoothly with iPhones. Other devices might get notifications, but they won't fully match the Apple Watch experience. So Apple is both following the rules and keeping its advantage.

**In Conclusion**

iOS 26.3's Notification Forwarding is all about the rules. Apple has to decide between the EU's requests and keeping control over its ecosystem. For users, there are new choices, but also some trade-offs to make. For Apple, it shows how privacy, security, and rules all pull in different directions.

As AccessoryNotifications gets fleshed out and app makers start using it, we'll see how big of a deal this all is. For now, iOS 26.3 marks a change. Where Apple has to open its doors to the outside world.

2.OnePlus Turbo’s Massive Battery Could Outshine Even the OnePlus 15 

**OnePlus Turbo Series: Seriously Huge Batteries and a Thumbs-Up for Gamers?**

OnePlus has always been about pushing things further, but it sounds like they're about to crank it up a notch. Right before the OnePlus 15R hits the shelves, the big boss, Li Jie Louis, let slip that a new OnePlus Turbo series is coming in 2026. Details are pretty hush-hush right now, but we're hearing whispers about one thing: crazy big batteries that could totally change what we expect from phone battery life.

**A New Lineup Focused on Power**

This announcement happened during OnePlus's birthday bash. Louis mentioned that the Turbo line will be all about speed, battery life that just won't quit, and getting your game on. He said they're looking at the limits of what gaming performance can be. Sounds like they're aiming to make phones specifically for gaming, so you can play for hours without your phone turning into a hot potato or dying on you.

This is kind of a different move for OnePlus. They've always said their phones are fast and smooth, but they haven't really gone after the gaming crowd like ASUS with their ROG Phone or Xiaomi with the Black Shark phones. The Turbo series could be their way of jumping into that ring.

**The 9,000 mAh Battery Rumor**

So, here's the juicy bit. A tipster called Smart Pikachu (yes, really) is saying the Turbo series will have batteries around 9,000 mAh. To give you an idea, most top-end phones these days have batteries between 4,500 and 5,500 mAh. Even phones known for big batteries, like the Samsung Galaxy M series or Xiaomi's Redmi Turbo, usually don't go over 6,000 mAh.

A 9,000 mAh battery would be a first for regular smartphones. We're talking about battery life that lasts for days, even if you're using your phone a lot. Maybe you wouldn't have that mini-heart attack when you see the low battery warning while you're traveling, during a long gaming session, or when you're stuck at work all day. If you're a gamer, this could be a game-changer (pun intended). No more being chained to a charger in the middle of a game, and no more worrying about your battery draining because of the fast screen or the graphics.

**What's the Catch with These Huge Batteries?**

Okay, so a battery that big sounds great, but there are a few things to think about. First, the size and weight. A 9,000 mAh battery is going to take up a lot of space, which probably means the Turbo phones will be thicker and heavier than other phones. Gamers might be okay with that, but other people might find them too clunky.

Second, charging speed. OnePlus is known for fast charging, like their 150W SuperVOOC that can almost fully charge your phone in minutes. Making that work with a 9,000 mAh battery will be tricky. Even with super-fast charging, it could still take a while to fill up the battery.

Third, heat. Big batteries make more heat when they're charging and being used. Gaming phones already push the hardware pretty hard, so keeping things cool will be key. OnePlus might need to add some fancy cooling to keep the performance consistent.

**Where Can You Get One? Maybe Only in China...**

Here's another thing: where will these phones be sold? Phones with really big batteries are often only available in China, because people there really care about battery life. The global versions of OnePlus phones, like the OnePlus 15 and 15R, usually have smaller batteries than the ones sold in China.

If the Turbo series does the same thing, people outside of China might not get the full 9,000 mAh battery. Instead, they might get phones with more reasonable batteries that balance size and performance. That would make the Turbo series less exciting outside of China, but it would still show that OnePlus is willing to try new things.

**Fighting with Redmi Turbo**

We're also hearing that OnePlus's Turbo phones will be going head-to-head with Xiaomi's upcoming Redmi Turbo series. Both brands are going after gamers with big screens, powerful processors, and super-sized batteries. This could start a new trend of gaming phones where battery life is just as important as how fast the phone is.

This is good news for us. The competition could lead to better cooling, faster charging, and improvements in battery technology, which would be great for all smartphones.

**Is 9,000 mAh Too Much?**

So, the big question: is a 9,000 mAh battery overkill? Maybe for regular users. Most people charge their phones at night and don't usually use up the whole battery in one day. They might prefer a lighter phone with a smaller battery.

But for gamers, travelers, and people who use their phones a lot, this could be perfect. Imagine a phone that lasts for three days, even if you're using it heavily, or a gaming session that goes on for hours without stopping. In those cases, overkill might be just right.

Plus, everyone hates running out of battery. Even if you don't need 9,000 mAh, it's nice to know you have it. The Turbo series could play on that feeling, making battery life a reason to buy the phone.

**The Future Looks Charged**

The OnePlus Turbo series is a pretty bold move. By talking about huge batteries and gaming performance, OnePlus is saying they want to go beyond their usual high-end phones. Whether the Turbo line is a success or just a niche product will depend on how they pull it off. They'll have to balance size, weight, charging, and heat with the promise of awesome battery life.

As phones get better and better, it's getting harder to stand out. Cameras, screens, and processors are all pretty great across different brands. But battery life is still a problem. If OnePlus can really make a 9,000 mAh phone that doesn't have too many downsides, they might be able to make a name for themselves in the gaming and battery life world.

For now, the Turbo series is just a hint of what's to come. But in 2026, we might see OnePlus turn too much battery into a reason to buy their phones.

3.Apple TV Finally Supports Google Cast — But Only for Android Users 

**Copilot+ PCs in 2026: Laptops That Actually Get You**

So, 2026 – looks like it's gonna be a big deal for laptops. We're talking about Copilot+ PCs, powered by these Snapdragon X processors. What's cool is that companies are thinking about more than just speed. They're looking at stuff like smart features, batteries that last forever, and how well your laptop plays with AI. For you, that means a computer that fits into your life, whether you're making art, running a business on the side, or just need more space for all your stuff. Let's check out six laptops that show what's coming.

**Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x – Never Run Out of Room Again**

Anyone who works with massive files *knows* the pain of storage. Videos, huge photos, mountains of data – it fills up fast. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x solves this with an easy-to-upgrade SSD slot. You can pop in a bigger drive yourself. No need for a repair shop or special tools. That means your laptop can grow with you, which is awesome.

The Slim 3x, with its Snapdragon X processor, mixes being tough with getting things done, It's one of those Copilot+ PCs that's ready for whatever you throw at it. Perfect if you don't want to be stuck with the same storage forever. And at $750 from Best Buy, it’s a good deal for something that gives you room to grow.

**HP Omnibook 5 – Keep Your Side Hustle Alive**

There's nothing worse than your laptop dying mid-flow. The HP Omnibook 5 is all about keeping you powered, with up to 34 hours of battery life. Plus, it charges to 50% in just 30 minutes. Quick break, then right back to work.

Inside, the Snapdragon X Plus processor keeps things speedy. HP's AI Assistant makes it easy to do stuff quicker. Then there's the 16-inch 2K OLED screen, great sound, and a decent webcam. It's a good-looking, practical laptop that's priced at $550. If you're starting a business or just want to get stuff done, this could be your perfect machine.

**ASUS Vivobook 14 – Your Day, Just Better**

The ASUS Vivobook 14 is for people who want their laptop to actually improve their life. The AI helps you sort your photos and videos, keep your private stuff safe, and even makes your voice sound clearer when you're on calls.

It's got a Snapdragon X processor, a 29-hour battery, and charges super-fast. So it's strong and you can take it anywhere. For $700 at Best Buy, it’s solid choice if you want to make your life easier with some smart AI features.

**Acer Aspire 14 – Unleash Your Inner Creator**

If you make things, you need a laptop that can keep up. The Acer Aspire 14 is all about this idea, with a screen that bends all the way back and a touchscreen. Work from the couch, a desk, lying down – wherever.

And it’s not just about how it looks. It's got a good webcam and Acer AI tools to make videos and chatting easier. The Snapdragon X processor means it's got the power you need. Great for writers, bloggers, or anyone with a project in mind. At $800 from Acer, it’s built for people want to show their best creativity.

**Microsoft Surface Laptop – Super Safe, Still Awesome**

These days, everyone worries about security. The Microsoft Surface Laptop gets this. It's built with Microsoft’s security tech to keep your stuff safe while still letting you be creative and do your work.

It's a Copilot+ PC, which means the battery lasts all day. It has AI features like Windows Studio Effects and Live Captions. The screen looks amazing no matter where you are and feels nice to work from. With the Snapdragon X Plus processor, it’s super speedy and smooth. If you're willing to pay $1,100 at Costco, it's the one to get if you want top-notch security and performance.

**Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge 15 – Create on the Go**

If you're always moving, the Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge 15 makes it easy to work on the go. It hooks up with your other Samsung devices, so you can use your phone as a webcam or your tablet as a second screen.

It’s got a Snapdragon X Plus processor and Galaxy AI stuff that lets you search with a circle, get live captions, and more. The battery charges fast and lasts for 28 hours of video playback. It's thin, light, and great for influencers, travelers, or anyone who makes content. At $600, it’s kind of a mix between a laptop and a mobile device.

**The Future of Laptops: It's All About You**

All these laptops have one thing in common: they're not just trying to be faster. They're trying to be smarter. AI is included throughout stuff like keeping your stuff private, making your audio sound the best it can be, and assisting with creative stuff. The Snapdragon X processors give them the power they need to do this.

And the batteries? Forget 8-10 hours. Now we’re talking 28-34 hours, and they charge up in no time. These laptops has to keep up with you because you are a busy person that has many roles to fulfill and has a lot going on.

Finally, it’s all about what *you* want. Easy storage upgrades from Lenovo, screens that lie flat for the people over at Acer, or ways to connect everything with Samsung: these are all about giving people stuff they can adapt to their needs. These laptops aren’t really trying to tell you how to live your life.

**In Conclusion**

From Lenovo's expandable storage to HP's crazy battery, ASUS's AI smartness, Acer's creative design, Microsoft's focus on security, and Samsung's portability: these laptops are our future.

These aren't just tools. They're like partners to grow with you, figure out what you need, and help you go where you want to go. In 2026, your laptop is just getting smarter and more useful, helping you do what you do, from anywhere life takes you.

4.Google Adds ‘Plus’ Menu to Search Homepage for Quick Actions 

**Google's Homepage Gets a Little Shake-Up: What's with That New '+' Thing?**

For years, google.com has been like that one friend who never changes much. You always knew what to expect: a clean page, a colorful logo, and that simple search bar. Most tech companies are constantly messing with how their websites look, but Google? They pretty much kept their homepage the same, year after year. So, when they *do* change something, even a little bit, it catches your eye. And this latest update is definitely worth checking out.

Remember how Google rolled out that AI Mode thing a while back? Well, now they've added a + menu to the search bar on the desktop site. It's where the magnifying glass used to be on the left side. Click it, and you get options to Upload image or Upload file. Okay, so uploading isn't exactly new, but putting it right there in the main search area? That tells you something. It seems like Google wants us to start thinking about search as more than just typing stuff in. They want us to think about it as a way to *do* things, with a little help from AI.

**Goodbye Magnifying Glass, Hello Plus Sign: What It Really Means**

That magnifying glass was basically the symbol for search for ages. Replacing it with a plus sign? It's not just a cosmetic thing. It's like they're trying to redefine what search even means now that AI is in the mix. The plus sign makes you think of adding something, expanding possibilities, doing more than just typing words. By putting Upload image and Upload file front and center, Google's saying that search isn't just about keywords anymore.

Now, it's easier to use your own stuff in your searches. Want to upload a photo to figure out what something is? Or maybe upload a document to get some info out of it? This + menu makes those options easier to see. It also ties into AI Mode and those AI Overviews Google's been doing, where it tries to give you summaries and information.

**AI Mode and That Plus Menu: They're Connected**

That plus menu is kind of like what you see in AI Mode, where you can already upload files or images. By making the homepage similar to AI Mode, Google's telling us that these AI things aren't just some experimental projects on the side. They're becoming a key part of how search works.

This also helps people get that uploading stuff isn't just about finding matching results. It's about letting AI work with your information. For example, upload a PDF, and Google's AI could, like, summarize it for you, compare it to other stuff online, or give you some new insights. Upload an image, and it could recognize what's in it, find similar images, and give you suggestions.

**Where Can You Find It? And Who Can Use It?**

Right now, the plus menu is only on the desktop version of Google. Not on your phone yet. But it's there on all kinds of computers, even if you're not logged in (using Incognito mode). So, it's not just for people with Google accounts. This suggests that Google wants everyone to be able to use it, that it's a basic part of search.

If you're on your phone, you'll have to wait. Since most people use Google on their phones, it's likely Google's testing this out on desktops first before putting it everywhere.

**Changes to the Google App on iPhones, Too**

Google's also tweaked its mobile app, especially on iPhones. That Google Labs icon (looked like a beaker) in the top-left corner of the Home tab? It's gone. Now, there's a button that takes you straight to your AI Mode history. This is pretty useful: instead of searching through different menus, you can quickly find your past AI conversations.

They've also moved things around on the AI Mode history page. The history button's on the left now, and the back button's on the right. It might seem like a small change, but it shows that Google's trying to make AI Mode easier to use.

**Why Should You Care About These Little Changes?**

Okay, so these changes might not seem like a huge deal at first. But they show that Google's thinking differently about search. For years, the Google homepage was all about simplicity: type something in, get results. Now, they're pushing us to use search in a way more active, task-oriented way.

By focusing on uploads and AI history, Google's trying to turn search into a workspace instead of just a place to find information. The homepage isn't just a way to find links. It's a starting point for using AI to get things done.

This fits with what everyone else is doing, too. Microsoft has Copilot, OpenAI has ChatGPT, and Google's putting AI right into Search. The competition isn't just about getting the most accurate results. It's about who can give you the tools that are most useful.

**What Does This Mean for You?**

If you're a regular user, the plus menu and the AI history button basically make advanced features easier to reach. Instead of hiding uploads and AI stuff, Google's making them obvious. This might get more people to try out AI Overviews, uploading files, and using image recognition.

If you use Google Search a lot, these changes are nice. Being able to quickly upload a file or find your AI history makes things faster and easier, so Google Search becomes a more useful tool.

But, there's also the question of privacy. Uploading files and images to Google means you're trusting them with your information. Google says it's secure, but people will have to decide if the convenience is worth it.

**What's Next for Google's Homepage?**

Google's homepage used to be the same forever. But as AI becomes more important, we might see more changes. The plus menu could get more options, like voice input, ways to directly ask AI questions, or connections to other programs. The AI history button could become a whole page of your past searches, turning Google Search into a personal assistant.

So, the homepage isn't so sacred anymore. It's becoming a place for Google to test out its AI ideas. Each change, no matter how small, is a step toward the future, where search isn't just about finding things. It's about *doing* things with information.

**In Conclusion**

Adding a plus menu on google.com and changing the AI Mode button in the Google app might seem small, but they're pretty big. They show that Google wants AI to be a key part of search, not just something extra. They want us to think of search as something you can use to do things, something that's specific to you.

For a company that liked to keep its homepage simple, these changes are bold. They're the start of something new, where Google Search isn't just a window to the internet. It's a workspace powered by AI.

5.Google Is Shutting Down Its ‘Dark Web Report’ Feature in February 

**Google Axes Its Dark Web Report: What It Means for Your Online Safety**

So, Google's pulling the plug on its dark web report thingy. It's going away on February 16, 2026. Remember that feature they launched, like, a year and a half ago? The whole point was to let you keep an eye on your info floating around on the dark web. At first, people thought it was a cool move to help protect you. But now, its going away. Why? Because it's kinda tough to give you helpful security advice, and Google's changing how it deals with keeping you safe online.

**What Was the Dark Web Report Supposed to Do, Anyway?**

Okay, so the idea with the dark web report tool was that it would snoop around for places where your data has been leaked – usually after some big company gets hacked. It was supposed to flag your stuff – things like email addresses, phone numbers, your name, even Social Security numbers – if it popped up in those dumps of stolen data. It sounded like a good idea. You'd get notified if your info ended up in some shady corner of the internet.

But here's the catch. Even though it could tell you that your info had been compromised, it wasn't great at telling you what to DO about it. So, it would tell you your password has been compromised. That feature didn't really give people further steps to take. It can become frustrating.

**So Why Is Google Saying Goodbye to it?**

Google says that when people used it, they didn't find the suggested steps all that useful when it came to facing threats to their identity. Which, if you think about it, is what people want the service for.

Google isn't giving up on watching the dark web entirely. Instead, it will focus on ways to protect your info online that are clearer and more helpful.

**Here’s When It All Goes Down**

Google sent out emails to let folks know this was happening. Here's the schedule:

*   **January 16, 2026:** No more searching for new dark web data breaches because it will stop scanning.

*   **February 16, 2026:** The dark web report tool is officially going away.

*   After February 16, all data will be gone from Google’s servers.

Want to delete/secure your data before that happens? Google says you can take care of it right now. Navigate to the settings and then “Results with your info,” then Edit monitoring profile then choose “Delete monitoring profile” at the bottom. Once you confirm the action, it is done.

**What Alternatives Is Google Recommending?**

Since the dark web report is being put out to pasture, Google's pointing people toward some of its other security features that are already around:

*   **Security Checkup:** This looks over your Google account's security settings and finds any weak spots. It's actually pretty useful for making sure you've got things locked down tightly.

*   **Password Manager:** This makes really strong passwords for you, keeps them safe, and can even fill them in automatically when you visit websites. A lot of people use password managers these days, and for good reason.

*   **Password Checkup:** This one tells you if any of the passwords you've saved in Google's password manager have been compromised in a data breach. This is a super handy feature because it tells you immediately if you need to change a password.

These other tools are a lot more hands-on. Since these other tools give a better and easier experience, Google wants to make it easier to use those.

**How People Are Reacting and What It All Means**

People have had different reactions to this news. Some people thought it was very helpful. Some people thought it was a waste of time cause of the similar features.

What it all means is that just giving people information isn't enough anymore. They want tools that can actually help them *fix* the problem. That's where things are headed with online security.

Google's shift tells us they're listening to what people want. By focusing on tools that go the extra mile, it might be better to protect users in the long run.

**Looking Ahead: Online Security in 2026**

The end of the dark web report shows that online security is changing! Breaches happen all the time, it is almost a normal thing. So, people need more than just alerts. They want to know what to do! Companies are getting stressed to give users safe and secure tools.

But at the same time, it's a balancing act. You don't want to freak people out with too much information, especially if you can't tell them how to fix the problem. Google might switch gears and focus on giving people easy-to-follow steps instead of just throwing data at them. You're not the only one.

**The Final Word**

Google's decision to get rid of the dark web report might bum some people out, but it's a sign that things are changing. They will provide features that give the best experience.

While the scanning feature closes on January 16th and the tool gets fully shut down on February 16th, Google wants people to use Security Checkup and features like that. The goal of the alternatives is the the experience is a lot clearer.

The big lesson here is that knowing about a problem is only half the battle. Taking action is what really matters. As online threats continue to get sneakier, the tools that give you the power to fight back are going to be essential for staying safe.

6.Hollow Knight: Silksong Passes 7 Million Sales in Just Three Months 

Team Cherry's been doing great, right? And it looks like they're just getting started. After *Hollow Knight: Silksong* came out earlier this year, they totally proved they're a big deal in the game biz. And get this – right after that win, they dropped some awesome news. They're making a huge add-on for *Silksong*, called *Sea of Sorrow*, AND they're making a super-cool version of the first *Hollow Knight* for the new Nintendo Switch 2.

*Silksong* Blew Up on Release

Remember waiting for *Hollow Knight: Silksong* on September 4, 2025? It felt like forever since the first *Hollow Knight* dropped in 2017. The fans were all over it, watching for any little update. Then, boom, it was finally out? Total craziness.

Here’s a fun fact: *Silksong* sold over seven million copies in just three months! That's mind-blowing for an indie game! Team Cherry also said that doesn’t even count all the people on Xbox Game Pass, so the actual number is probably even higher. Wow!

Steam went nuts. SteamDB says about 535,213 people were playing *Silksong* at the same time the day after it launched. That puts it up there with some of the biggest games ever. And it was on everyone's wishlist in 2025, sitting on 4.5 million lists before people could even buy it.

Basically everyone agreed: critics, players, everyone - *Silksong* killed it. The score was 90 on Metacritic. People couldn't stop talking about how Team Cherry took everything that was great about the first game and piled on new stuff, like characters, spots, and problems.

*Sea of Sorrow*: More *Silksong* Fun Coming Soon

Team Cherry did a thing to celebrate how well *Silksong* was doing. They announced their first big add-on: *Sea of Sorrow*. It should be out in 2026, and here's the best bit - it's free for everyone who owns *Silksong*. Free!

So, *Sea of Sorrow* is in an ocean setting, with totally new stuff. New spots, hard bosses, and new tricks to learn. This is a change from the underground places from the first *Hollow Knight*. This lets you play the game differently.

If you're a follower, good news for days to come. Team Cherry hears the fans, so *Sea of Sorrow* makes the game interesting and fun.

*Hollow Knight*: Now On Nintendo Switch 2

Team Cherry also said that the first *Hollow Knight* version is getting a makeover for the Nintendo Switch 2, with a release date set for 2026. So Nice!

Watch for better frame rates, clearer pictures, and great graphics. The improved Switch 2 will be the reason. And here’s a secret: If you support *Hollow Knight* on the original Switch, this won’t cost a penny! Team Cherry is the best, that way.

Before the Switch 2 version is ready, expect *Hollow Knight* updates on all platforms. New features and fixes for problems.

Community Thanks

Team Cherry sent appreciation to the community for its support. Online stores had trouble because so many folks were playing.

The team said how cheerful they were to see players engage with the game. There are cool mods and art from the game plans. This teamwork made a big difference. The positive feedback is a part of the *Hollow Knight* story, which made it super famous.

People got inventive and added their own ideas. Challenges are new, as are the characters. Team Cherry approves the fan love- they approve everyone who helped *Hollow Knight* gain attention.

What’s lined up?

The Switch 2 version and *Sea of Sorrow* tell that *Hollow Knight* will stick along. And *Silksong* helps find the funding to grow the idea.

It's a nice life if you play the game. Go to new spots with a free release. Get upgraded graphics with Switch 2. *Hollow Knight* is an ongoing and engaging adventure.

Team Cherry stated, “We stay motivated to continue thanks to your energy.” Passion keeps the project fresh.

7.Playing to Lorwyn, Part Two Explores New Design Space 

Everyone still talks about the Lorwyn-Shadowmoor block in Magic, right? It was released way back in '07 and '08, and it was kind of a crazy experiment. Wizards put out Lorwyn and Shadowmoor, which were part of the same block, but they were also total opposites. Lorwyn was all sunshine, rainbows, and happy creatures. Then Shadowmoor came along and threw us into a dark and spooky world.

The idea was to catch you off guard. They wanted to flip the script between a beautiful world and a nightmare. It showed just how far you could push one idea. It's thought of as cool and strange because it was pretty new back then. Looking back, it feels like it was the point when Magic's design took a big turn.

**Lorwyn: A Happy Place (Mostly)**

The folks designing Lorwyn wanted it to feel friendly and inviting. Early on, they stayed away from harsh things. They even thought about using -1/-1 counters to make a creature weaker. It was like they wanted to give them a tap on the wrist rather than a knockout punch. They were trying out new stuff. Aaron Forsythe mentioned this treasure idea. It was helpful for the Hideaway ability. Hideaway let you stash a card under a land and play it later. Lorwyn wasn't about being weak; it was about being creative. And the art? Perfect. It was so bright and full of fairy-tale creatures; it really sold the set's theme.

**How It Played?**

Lorwyn brought some interesting card tricks to the table:

*   **Champion:** It was like a creature that could get stronger by temporarily pushing another one out of the spotlight. When it came into play, you'd exile another creature. If the champion left, the exiled creature came back. Risky, though. If someone got rid of your champion, you lost your other creature.

*   **Clash:** A quick fight revealing the top cards of your deck. It seemed simple, but some players used it to organize their decks.

*   **Evoke:** It had a lower cost to get an effect. Then you sacrificed the creature. Mulldrifter became a classic because of this.

*   **Tribal:** A new card type that added creature types to non-creature spells. Lignify became a Treefolk spell. Unique and weird. They got rid of it later, though.

*   **Planeswalkers:** They showed up for the first time: Ajani, Jace, Liliana, Chandra, and Garruk. They weren't important to the story back then, but now they're huge.

*   **Creature Types:** The creature type mattered a lot! Goblins, Merfolk, Elves all had their styles and worked well together.

**Morningtide: Trying to Do Good**

Morningtide doubled down on creature types as the set began working. Class types like Soldiers, Wizards, Shamans, Warriors, and Rogues needed to be together! The idea was to mix these classes and species into weirdo decks. Tricky stuff, and it was hard to keep track of it all.

Some abilities, like kinship, prowl, and reinforce, didn't click with players. Kinship felt random, prowl was too situational, and reinforce seemed like a waste of a card.

But Morningtide taught them a valuable lesson, which was designing easier games. It put simple cards at the beginning of the game so players could learn more easily.

**Shadowmoor: Down the Rabbit Hole**

Then came Shadowmoor—Lorwyn's twisted twin. It was dark, spooky, and warped. It was like the team asked, how much hybrid mana can we possibly fit into one set? The team chose around 50%. It seemed like a good idea at first. Hybrid let people draft decks with a single color, but the cards should have been normal multi-color cards, but they weren't, making the game confusing!

It also switched up the creature types, which ruined the with the old Lorwyn allies. Shadowmoor had some nice ideas, though:

*   **Twobrid:** Hybrid symbols that could be paid for with one mana of its color or two colorless mana.

*   **-1/-1 Counters:** These changed things by messing up the battlefield. You had to think about everything more.

*   **Persist:** When creatures died, they came back with a -1/-1 counter. Attack, attack, attack!

*   **Wither:** Damage that stuck around. It was an earlier form of infect.

*   **Untap Symbol:** The opposite of tap. Seriously, it was the most confusing mechanic ever designed.

*   **Conspire:** Copy spells by tapping creatures of the same color as the spell. Awkward? Definitely.

**Eventide: The End**

Eventide kept going with the hybrid thing, focusing on enemy colors working together. Drafting the two sets together wasn’t the best of experiences. They added some goofy creatures called Noggles, which made the world feel alive.

Then there was retrace, which let you cast spells from your graveyard for a cost. This made the game slow and repetitive. Chroma was about counting colored mana symbols, which was a nice idea but poorly done. Now re-worked years later into Devotion, which everyone loves.

**Looking Back**

Mark Rosewater said they pushed the creature-type mechanics too hard, and Shadowmoor overloaded hybrid mana. But they learned from it.

The block started a new way of having larger sets besides the main releases in the fall and original set of creature types. It showed that Magic could change its mood and tone of its worlds.

Yeah, even if Eventide was not Rosewater's best, the block had a real impact on Magic and its players.

**Getting Excited for Lorwyn Eclipsed**

Magic might be going back to Lorwyn and Shadowmoor in Lorwyn Eclipsed. So what did and didn't work the first time around? It could be informative if you look at light compared to dark and simple compared to hard gameplay aspects.

The Lorwyn-Shadowmoor block had its issues. It went into something wild that changed Magic.

8.Bungie’s Marathon Finally Launches This March After Delay 

**Copilot+ PCs: Finding Your Creative Soulmate**

Fast forward to 2026. What's the deal with creative jobs? They've exploded! Think tons of graphic designers, video wizards, digital artists galore, and a whole army of content creators. What do they all need? Laptops that can actually keep up with their crazy schedules and ideas. They don’t just need machines; they need partners in crime! These Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs? They're exactly that. These aren’t relics; they're new-age wonders dialed in to handle AI, super long battery life, and all sorts of workflows.

So, which one is going to click with you? Let's peek at six models. These are machines designed with creatives at heart.

**Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x – Images That Pop**

Do you need crazy clarity? Then meet the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x. The 14.5-inch, 3K PureSight OLED touchscreen speaks for itself. Details are crispier, colors are more vivid, so imagine what it could do for graphic design and photos. Tweaking detailed images? Or some heavy vector art? You will see everything. Every. Single. Thing.

This Copilot+ PC has great tools. The Snapdragon chip makes it a speed demon. Need to render AI images? Easy. Got a ton of apps open and running all at once? Doesn't even flinch. And the battery lasts up to 23.5 hours. You can edit on the fly. It is priced at $1,300 from Best Buy. This one will give you a good value.

**ASUS Zenbook A14 – Featherweight Champion**

Some creatives are always on the move. The Zenbook A14 is a crazy-light Copilot+ PC. How light? Weighing only 2.16 pounds, you could carry this thing with your pinky finger. The Ceraluminum thing makes it sturdy, but still easy to carry.

Do not make the mistake of associating light with weak. It's got Snapdragon X Series chips inside, so it handles AI without issues. Answering calls? Sorting notifications? Sending files? All easy. You can watch videos for up to 32 hours on a single charge! Good for long trips, huh? The Zenbook A14 is on sale at $800 over at Best Buy.

**HP Omnibook 5 – The Energizer Bunny**

Always forgetting to charge your devices. The HP Omnibook 5 eases the stress. This one has up to 34 hours of charging power. You can keep going on a project for a long a\*\* time without the worry. Plus, HP's Fast Charge gives you half of the power back in about 30 minutes.

The Snapdragon X Plus chip makes things run great, and it handles AI stuff. Plus, the HP AI Companion gives you tips as you use the PC. The slim aluminum case lets hold a nice 16-inch 2K OLED screen, so get good visuals without too much bulk. They even used recycled metal and plastic to build it. It's $550 from Best Buy. Bang for your buck.

**Acer Aspire 16 – Work Your Way**

Not everyone is stuck at a desk. Some people want to sit on the floor. The Acer Aspire 16 gets it. The screen can fold flat, and it's a touchscreen. You can use it anyway.

The Snapdragon X chip lets you edit videos, work in collaboration, or do AI stuff. It also lasts up to 27 hours on a charge. The full-size keyboard is great for typing. Retailing from Acer for $800, the Aspire 16 makes good sense for students, pros, and anyone who wants versatile options.

**Microsoft Surface Pro – Two-in-One Dynamo**

Need a laptop *and* a tablet? Well, the Microsoft Surface Pro is here! The keyboard comes off, and it has a stand that goes back as far as 165 degrees. Transforms from laptop to tablet. Get a Surface Slim Pen and draw or write right on the screen.

Inside, the Surface Pro is packed with a Snapdragon X Elite chip, and the battery lasts forever. It also has AI features like Windows Studio Effects and Recall. Everything feels smoother. It can be bought for $1,050 at a discount than Amazon, so make the grab before its gone.

**Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge 15 – The Hub**

For anyone with loads of devices, take a look at the Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge 15. It's made to work with other Samsung products. You can use your phone as a webcam. Sharing files is straightforward, so you can keep going where you are.

The Snapdragon X Plus chip means it gets Galaxy AI like Circle to Search, Live Captions, and Cocreator. It charges rapidly and can play videos for 28 hours straight. And it is super thin. You can grab a  Galaxy Book 4 Edge 15 for  $600.

**Okay, Which Copilot+ PC Wins?**

These laptops each are made for a kind of creative:

*   Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x: If you want vivid imagery

*   ASUS Zenbook A14: For the traveler

*   HP Omnibook 5: Keeps going

*   Acer Aspire 16: Customizable.

*   Microsoft Surface Pro: Tablet and Laptop

*   Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge 15: Device Hub.

They’re partners that can make creating easier.

As creatives push limits in art, and videos.

9.Apple and Google Rush Out Emergency Zero-Day Security Patches 

**Apple and Google Scramble to Fix Nasty Security Holes**

So, get this: the tech world's been buzzing like crazy! Apple and Google both had to rush out emergency updates recently because some super-smart hackers found ways to sneak into their systems. And these weren't just your everyday glitches, either. We're talking about the kind of exploits that hackers were already using BEFORE the companies even knew about them! Can you believe it? Both Apple and Google are saying that these attacks were complicated and are still going on, which is a major cause for alarm. It really shows how much pressure these big tech companies are under to keep our info safe from cybercriminals who are getting smarter every day.

**Apple Tries to Fix Holes in WebKit**

Okay, so Apple patched some problems in WebKit. Now, even if you've never heard of it, WebKit is what makes Safari and a lot of other apps on iPhones and Macs work. Apparently, there were a few vulnerable spots that attackers were using to target specific people, and they were using some really complex tricks to do it. Apple usually keeps things pretty hush-hush when they put out these updates, but the way they explained it makes it seem like these weren't just random attacks. It sounds like someone put a lot of work into figuring out those weaknesses, so they probably have the resources to do this again.

They got the fixes out to iPhones, iPads, and Macs ASAP. Apple was pretty clear: update your stuff, like, RIGHT NOW! They usually don't give all the details to keep other hackers from copying the attacks before everyone can update their devices. But, because they're being so secretive, we can only guess what the attacks were like and who the hackers were going after.

**Chrome Gets a Last-Minute Makeover**

Google also pushed out a critical update for Chrome to fix a few things, including a zero-day bug known as CVE-2025-14174. This particular bug was an out-of-bounds memory access issue. Sounds scary, right? This kind of thing could let hackers sneak their own bad code onto your computer or maybe even crash it. Google said that some attackers were already trying to use it, so fixing it was super important.

Here's an interesting detail: Google's team said that Apple's security people and Google's own Threat Analysis Group (TAG) were the ones who found the bug. Now, TAG usually goes after spyware creators and hackers that work for governments, not just your average virus guy. So, TAG being involved suggests that this exploit might be part of some serious spying operation, maybe even related to surveillance instead of just regular online crime.

**Apple and Google, Working Hand-in-Hand**

It's kind of interesting that Apple and Google were both looking into similar stuff. Google fixed the Chrome bug and said at first that the problem was being developed. And, after Apple shared some new info, Google changed their patch notes to say that there was something between the two situations. It seems like both companies were paying attention to similar hacking attempts that might have been targeting people using different gadgets.

This kind of teamwork is happening more and more when dealing with seriously skilled hackers. Apple and Google might be rivals, but their security teams are known to share info when they're fighting criminals who can jump from one system to another. By working together, they can get fixes out faster and keep the damage to a minimum. This collaboration is helping everyone out there.

**Zero-Day Attacks are Becoming Common**

These new fixes are just the latest in a line of zero-day bugs that have been fixed in 2025. Apple's already taken care of nine, and Google's smashed eight in Chrome. What is all that about? Browsers and phones are popular targets for hackers.

We use browsers all the time, and we do all sorts of things with them. And phones? They're full of personal info, like texts, emails, and photos. So, for hackers looking for some easy money, or spies working for different governments, phones and browsers are good spots to snoop, steal, or just create chaos.

The two companies, even though in competition, have to work with each other. It is important to catch those terrible people who are trying to harm the many.

**What's Going On?**

These urgent patches from Apple and Google are happening when hacking activity is on the rise. There have been a lot of reports lately about attacks on Git repositories, Android phones, and even problems caused by bad fixes. The sheer amount of activity shows how security people are having to work hard to keep up.

For regular people, it means paying attention! Quick updates are extremely important these days; they're how we keep ourselves safe. But these constant emergency fixes also make you wonder if our basic security is solid enough in the long run. As hackers get better and better, just fixing things after they occur might not cut it. They should make future systems.

**What You Should Do**

The message is to update your devices ASAP! Whether you have an iPhone, a Mac, or you use Chrome, waiting to update leaves you wide open. Companies must share information, and installing those patches and working on practices will defend against bad hacking schemes.

Apple's security team and Google's TAG being involved means these attacks were complex. And anybody with data worth protecting– reporters, people helping, government workers, or companies– should believe they could be in danger and take steps to keep themselves safe. Make sure that the newest devices and technology are safe by checking them.

**Wrapping Up**

These urgent fixes from Apple and Google show us how the hacking world is always changing. Zero-day exploits are a issue. Apple and Google's teamwork shows how big these attacks were and how important it is to work with each other.

As 2025 comes to a close, the high number of zero-day bugs proves that security people can handle the problems on their own. For users, keep all of your devices updated. Learn what's happening. Keeping data safe is something that everyone must play a role in. In these times, make sure everything is safe and secure.

10.Surprise Free Upgrade Brings Divinity: Original Sin 2 to Xbox Series X|S 

Out of nowhere, Larian Studios just dropped a free upgrade for Divinity: Original Sin 2 on Xbox Series X and S! If you're into old-school RPGs, this is awesome news. You can grab the updated version right now and play one of the best RPGs from the last decade on your new Xbox.

The announcement was a total surprise. Nobody saw it coming. But if you love Larian's games, especially after how huge Baldur's Gate 3 became, this is your chance to jump back into Rivellon. It's the super detailed fantasy world that made Divinity: Original Sin 2 such a classic.

So, how do you get the upgrade?

Larian says you can search for the DOS:2 Upgrade Pack in the Xbox Store. But it's even easier than that because of Microsoft’s Smart Delivery thing. Just download Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive Edition, and if you have an Xbox Series X or S, you’ll automatically get the upgraded version.

This Smart Delivery thing is pretty cool. It makes sure you always get the best version of a game for your Xbox without having to buy it again. If you already own the Xbox One version, you're all set.

Now, heads up: this isn’t a remake or anything. Don't expect crazy new graphics or extra stuff. It's just about making the game run better on the new consoles – smoother gameplay, faster loading, and all that.

A lot of game companies are doing this now. Instead of completely redoing old games, they're giving them free upgrades to make them run better. For Divinity: Original Sin 2, it's all about making sure the game still rocks on the new consoles without changing what makes it so good.

This game was a big deal when it came out back in 2017. People called it one of the best RPGs ever. The Xbox One version has a crazy high score on Metacritic, which shows you how much everyone loved it. They went nuts for the story, the combat, and how much freedom you have to make choices.

You get to jump into this world where the big boss is dead, some bad stuff is coming, and you've got these hidden powers. You can pick from a bunch of different races and play by yourself or with up to three friends. Every choice you make changes the game and how people react to you.

This whole idea of choices that matter is a big thing for Larian. You saw it in Baldur's Gate 3, too. But for a lot of fans, Divinity: Original Sin 2 is still the best example of an RPG that mixes a great story with a lot of depth.

And get this: Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive Edition is on sale right now for a couple of days! You can snag it for cheap on the Xbox Store. If you've never played it before, now's the perfect time to check it out. And if you're a fan, it's a great excuse to play it again with the upgraded graphics.

Seriously, this game gives you tons of hours of gameplay, all sorts of side quests, and you can play it over and over again. The sale price is a steal. If you haven't been to Rivellon yet, you need to go.

So, why is this such a big deal?

First off, it shows that Larian really cares about its fans. They're still supporting Divinity: Original Sin 2 years after it came out, making sure everyone can still play and enjoy it.

Second, it's cool that the game industry is starting to focus on keeping classic games alive instead of just remaking them. By making old games run better on new consoles, they're letting people enjoy the games they love without splitting up the fan base or making them pay extra.

And last but not least, it proves that Divinity: Original Sin 2 is still a fantastic game. Even with Baldur's Gate 3 blowing up, Larian knows that their earlier game still has a ton of fans and deserves to be played on the newest consoles.

We don't know a lot about the upgrade yet, but expect the game to run smoother and look better. For a lot of people, that's all they need. The best thing about Divinity: Original Sin 2 isn't the fancy graphics, it's the story, the deep combat, and the freedom to do what you want.

When people head back to Rivellon on Xbox Series X and S, they're going to remember why this game became such a classic RPG. Whether you're making friends, fighting bad guys, or trying to become a god, the game is just as good now as it was when it first came out.

For Larian Studios, this upgrade is a reminder of what they've accomplished. Before Baldur's Gate 3 took over the world, Divinity: Original Sin 2 set a new bar for RPGs. And now, because of this free upgrade, a whole new bunch of players can see what all the fuss is about.

Basically, this free upgrade for Divinity: Original Sin 2 on Xbox Series X and S is a gift for everyone. It might not be a full-on remake, but it makes sure that one of the best RPGs of all time keeps kicking butt on the latest hardware.

With the sale price, the easy Smart Delivery thing, and the amazing gameplay, the Definitive Edition is still one of the best games out there. If you're looking for a huge game with tons of choices and awesome tactical combat, Rivellon is waiting for you.

11.Leaked iOS 26 Early Build Reveals Dozens of New Apple Features 

**Whoa! Major iOS 26 Sneak Peek: What Apple's Got Cooking!**

Okay, so last week something pretty wild happened. Some very, very early code for what looks like an iPhone running iOS 26 – and I'm talking way before it's actually ready for prime time – somehow made its way out into the open. Think of it like stumbling onto a top-secret blueprint that shows you exactly what Apple's been up to behind closed doors when no one is watching. You know Apple, they're usually super tight-lipped. They don't like to share things if they don't have to. But this code dump? It was packed with little hints and clues, like an Easter egg hunt for Apple nerds, kind of showing us what they might be planning for the future.

Now, a big, big caution here: This is early, early days. Things could totally change. Some of the features we're about to talk about might get pushed back, reworked, scaled down or just tossed in the trash bin altogether. Even so, it's a really cool opportunity to get a sense of what Apple is thinking about for 2026, 2027, and even beyond. It is almost like sneaking backstage at a concert to see how the magic is made.

**So, What New Gadgets and Gizmos Can We Expect?**

One thing that showed up right away was this thing called J229 architecture. The description included a home accessory. It is so cryptic, right? Speculation is running wild and most people think that perhaps it's a brand new type of smart home security camera, or maybe some kind of central hub to handle all your smart home stuff. The code also mentioned a sensor manager, which gives it even more of a connected to Apple's HomeKit feel. I would bet that they designed all this so it could learn your routines over time and automate everything.

And then there's the AirTag 2. It looks like Apple is really determined to make it a lot better. Picture improvements to Bluetooth, more helpful low-battery alerts, and way more accurate locating capabilities, maybe using a network of other Apple devices to help you find stuff. There was stuff in the code mentioning AirTag2025_Phone_Finding and AirTag2025_Watch_Finding, so it seems like they're planning to link it even closer to your iPhone and Apple Watch. And about that 2025 thing, I am wondering if they were aiming for a release this year, but ran into some problems somewhere? That's just a guess.

Now, what about our beloved AirPods? There are some code flags in the Spring 2026 sections that refer to things like ContextualReminders, ConversationBreakthroughVQA, and Visual Lookup. Sounds very smart, huh? It's possible they'll be using AI to give you reminders depending on what you're doing, or maybe help you understand conversations better in noisy places. We also saw mentions of more real-time outdoor location functionality, hinting towards more realistic spatial audio and smarter location-based features. Plus, there's something called Extended_Precision_Finding_Core_Tech that's pegged for Fall 2025, which sounds like the Find My network is getting a pretty serious update.

Heads up for you Vision Pro people! Spring 2026 might bring an Enhanced Room Spatializer That should make the sound in your headset even more immersive and 3D.

**Software Updates Galore!**

The leak seemed to back up some chatter we've already heard about upcoming software changes:

*   **Health+:** This is interesting... it may be an AI-based subscription service about your health, coming in Spring 2026. I see some other code too like Gumdrop and Geronimo with dates in 2030! Apple is playing the long game thing in health.

*   **Live Captions:** Get ready for even broader language support to hit at WWDC 2026! More people can access this very handy feature.

*   **AutoFillUI:** Looking forward to a future shopping online? It seems that around Fall 2026, this option will be available on other apps to fill in credit card information automatically.

*   **Siri:** You knew this was coming too right? It seems like Apple may have found a way to make the assistant smarter. Code called IntelligenceFlow indicates a deeper understanding of what you would need. The code indicates integration with other search tools for a wiser and helpful Siri.

*   **Freeform:** Spring 2026 will allow folders. No more endless rows of boards needed!

*   **Journal:** The app can ask you questions to help you flesh out your entries.

*   **Wallet:** Notification payments with banks and Apple card will be around WWDC 2026.

*   **Photos:** You'll be able to share galleries easier amongst family and friends in Fall 2026!

*   **Dynamic Sports Tier Manager:** This may be about sports content, but it comes around Spring 2026.

Looking further ahead, there are WWDC 2027 tags for tracking sleep across devices like sleepCloudKitManatee coupled with sleepOniPad, indicating that Apple wants sleep data.

**Focus on Ease of Use and Accessibility**

Apple wants to make their tech something everyone can use. The leak had a lot about accessibility features:

*   **Live Captions for All:** More improvements are coming.

*   **Background Sounds V2:** The tool is updated.

*   **macOS Keyboard:** VoiceOver access is getting full access to any keyboard.

*   **Magnifier:** They included new options like announcing when you are by stairs.

*   **Live Listen:** Features on the Apple Watch include live mic levels and rewind feature.

*   **Tilt to Scroll:** This is great for users who have more difficulty moving their hands.

**Other Cool Tidbits**

On top of features, there were a few other things:

*   **CallKit:** A walkie-talkie is enabled.

*   **ConversationKit:** What is a new experimental live call screening.

*   **FinHealth:** Analysis about spending. Could be paired with your Apple Card.

*   **Mail:** Winter 2025 marks CatchUpHighlightsV2.

*   **Podcasts:** CarPlay compatibility and translation for subs.

*   **Vision Pro Stickers:** Sticker and emojis.

**So, What's the Big Picture?**

You should be aware of the fact that leaks may not be true. They can be revised. The company may shift and emphasize other projects. However, future devices from Airtag 2 or smart integration should arrive.

Apple is going to investigate AI data, easy integration, and Health. Don't forget that user experience is important with usability. The wave of updates will arrive on hardware, software and services.

**The Bottom Line**

This iOS 26 is a hint of futuristic technology. From gadgets to smart assistants, the devices should showcase AI. This new code should be available for use.

Let's hope to see how it impacts devices for everyday use!

12.Tiny Robots Under a Millimeter Can Sense, Decide, and Act Independently 

**Microrobots That Can Sense, Think, and Act: A Step Closer to Real-Life Medical Robots**

Remember those sci-fi movies with tiny robots zipping around inside people, fixing things and delivering drugs? Well, it might not be science fiction for much longer. Some smart folks at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Michigan are making it happen. They've created these incredibly small robots that can actually think for themselves and do stuff.

**How Small Are We Talking?**

These microrobots are seriously tiny – smaller than a grain of rice, about 210 to 270 micrometers across. What's amazing is that they've packed a ton of features into that little space. They can sense things, remember stuff, process information, talk to each other, and get power, all on their own.

The way they're built is pretty cool, too. They use the same kind of technology you find in computer chips to print everything right onto the robot's body. The team can even make hundreds of these robots at the same time on one chip.

There's a picture that drive the point home: a bunch of these microrobots sitting on someone's fingertip. Each one is a complete system, designed to be as small and power-efficient as possible. In the past, these kinds of robots needed big, clunky external controls, like magnets. But these new ones have the brains built right in.

**How Do They Get Their Power?**

These robots get their power from light. They have tiny solar cells that grab light from LEDs to run the processor, sensors, and the things that make them move. Sure, needing external light is a limitation right now, but it shows that it's doable to have a self-contained power system on such a small scale. They're working on ways to make them move around without needing a light source.

**Do They Really Work on Their Own?**

To see if these robots could actually think and act, the researchers put them in a dish with liquid. One end of the dish was cool, the other was warm. The robots were programmed to react to the temperature.

*   If a robot felt the water was getting cooler, it would swing around, searching for a warmer spot.

*   If it started getting too hot, it would turn around to stay in the comfortable zone.

They ran this test 56 times, and each time, the robots managed to switch between these movements on their own. They could sense the temperature, figure out what to do, and then actually do it. The researchers even have videos showing the robots moving toward warmer areas, switching between swinging and turning to stay on course.

**Why Is This Important?**

This is a big deal because, before, microrobots needed someone else to control them, and they couldn't make their own decisions. By giving these robots their own brains, the researchers have made them much more affordable and easier to use. As the researchers put it, having digital programming and built-in computing means one robot can do all sorts of things, and you can change what it does even after it's made.

This could be used for so many things:

*   **Medicine:** Imagine these robots going inside your body to deliver medicine, repair damaged tissue, or keep an eye on your health.

*   **Environment:** They could also be used to find pollution or track changes in nature.

*   **Manufacturing:** They can even put together tiny parts that are too small for humans to handle.

**What Did the Experiments Look Like?**

The experiments used really high-tech microscopes and cameras to watch the robots in action. They even had to deal with things like the robots casting shadows into the solution.

**What's Next, and What Are the Challenges?**

Even though this is a big step forward, there are still some problems to solve before we have robots running around inside people. Right now, they need external light for power and movement, which won't work inside the human body. So, they need to figure out how to make them run wirelessly and make sure they're safe to use inside living creatures.

They also need to figure out how to make a lot of these robots that all work the same way. Making hundreds at a time using computer chip technology is a great start, but it's important to make sure they all perform consistently.

**Why This Could Actually Take Off**

The researchers are excited because putting the computing power on the robot itself makes everything cheaper and easier. Since they are using same tech used to make computer chips, microrobots can be made on a large scale without costing a fortune, not just in medicine but in different fields.

Also, since the robots can be reprogrammed after they are made, they can changed to fulfill different duties. One type of robot can do many things from sensing temperature to seeing dangerous chemicals.

**Looking Ahead**

The idea of tiny robots healing us from the inside is still a ways off, but these self-reliant robots are a major move toward making it a reality.

The next steps are to give them wireless movement, better sensors, and more control. If they can pull that off, it could change everything!

**In short...**

Microrobots that can sense, think, and act for themselves are a huge achievement. These tiny machines are paving the way for some amazing possibilities.

There are still challenges ahead, but the potential of microrobots is undeniable.

13.Amazon Confirms Critical Kindle Security Vulnerability 

You think your Kindle is just for reading books? Think again! At a recent security gathering in London, called Black Hat Europe, some bright people showed that they could get into your Amazon account through a Kindle. It sounds wild, I know, but hear me out. Getting a bad e-book could let someone control your entire Amazon account. Kind of makes you nervous, huh? It just goes to show you how inventive these hackers are becoming, and it's a wake-up call for companies like Amazon to patch these holes, like, yesterday.

**Okay, so how does this Kindle Hack work?**

So, there's this engineer, Valentino Ricotta, working at Thales, a security company. He's the one who spotted how to break into a Kindle. He found some soft spots in the Kindle's software, especially how the on-screen keyboard and audiobooks work. Basically, he could sneak in and grab your Amazon session cookies. Think of these like digital passes that keep you logged in so you don't have to type your password over and over.

These session cookies are important because, with them, a hacker can walk right into your Amazon account, no password needed. They can even skip the extra security from two-step verification! Ricotta figured out that a specially crafted audiobook file could cause the Kindle to go haywire when Amazon wants to read that audiobook. Once that happened, he could snag your session cookies and get into your account.

**Taking this Hack to the Next Level**

But Ricotta didn't just stop there! He put that audiobook trick together with another spot in the Kindle keyboard. The keyboard had more access than it should have, but it wasn't protected well. So, he could use another file to run code on the device.

At Black Hat Europe, Ricotta showed that he could use all these spots together to control both the Kindle and the Amazon account with it. Can you believe it? It all started with downloading a messed-up book or audiobook! Most people wouldn't think that it could be trouble!

**Our Hero and Amazon's Response**

Good thing Ricotta's one of the good guys. Before showing the world how it worked, he told Amazon about the problems. Then, Amazon sent out updates for all Kindles to fix these issues. Ricotta got a $20,000 reward from Amazon for finding and reporting these bugs.

Amazon's response was basically, We had some weak spots in our Kindles. And also how they handle audiobooks. We've fixed it for all devices with automatic updates. Thanks to the kind security researchers for helping us keep everyone more secure.

**Heads Up for Phishing Scams**

It's not just Kindle hacks you need to worry about. Javvad Malik, a security know-it-all, warned about a bunch of scams that are out to trick Amazon users. Especially when the holidays are around, scammers pretend to be Amazon's fraud department, calling people and saying their accounts have been hacked.

They try to get people to install apps that give hackers access to their computers, steal their login info, or even get them to transfer money! Malik said that “Getting these phone calls can be scary because nobody wants to be responsible for buying expensive stuff.”

These scams are complicated, using social trickery and technical skills. Cybercriminals want to play with people's feelings.

**What Can You Do to Stay Safe?**

So, what does it all mean for you? Here's the lowdown:

*   **Keep your Kindle updated:** Make sure your Kindle's software is current. Amazon usually updates automatically, but check to be sure.

*   **Be aware of phishing scams:** Amazon will never ask for your password, access to your computer, or to transfer money over the phone. If it seems fishy, report it.

*   **Stay calm:** Scammers want you to panic. Don't; just double-check everything and don't rush.

*   **Add extra Security:** two-step verification for your Amazon account adds an extra wall if someone steals your cookies.

**Why This Matters**

This Kindle issue shows how a simple device can give sneaky hackers access to bigger systems. Your Amazon account is no longer just for books; it's shopping, payments, and even smart home devices. Hacking a Kindle could be the first step to taking over it all.

That's why it's important for companies to pay researchers to find and report problems the only way to fix problems before the bad guys find them first. Ricotta's research helped avoid a bigger issue.

**The Point**

The Kindle hack at Black Hat Europe should give you a reason to think about your gadgets. You are able to realize that security can be flawed.

The good news is there's fixes out, and everyone knows. But pay attention to those messages. Whether it's a strange file or a phone call, the bad guys are looking to find new tricks. Keep your apps updated, be aware, and protect your accounts, you'll be fine.

14.PS Plus January 2026 Lineup Changes: Games Leaving Confirmed 

Here's the deal with games leaving PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium in January 2026. Sony just gave us the first list, and yeah, some games are getting pulled around December 16. It sucks, but that is how these subscription things work. The thing is, this first list is probably just the start, because they usually add more names to the goodbye list as the month goes on. So, if you are paying for the service, keep watch. It kind of shows how great, and annoying, Sony can be with this setup.

Here's what is getting cut on January 20, 2026, when the next update hits:

*   *Sayonara Wild Hearts*

*   *Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name*

*   *SD Gundam Battle Alliance*

*   *Monopoly Plus*

Now, the most obvious loss here is *Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name*. It's kind of a spin-off from the *Yakuza/Like A Dragon* series. People were guessing this would happen, because these kinds of games don't always last forever when other companies are involved. So, if you were thinking about checking out Kiryu's newest adventure, go do it now!

*Sayonara Wild Hearts* is a crazy experience with music that gets stuck in your head, and awesome things to look at. *SD Gundam Battle Alliance* is alright if you are into anime and giant fighting robots. And *Monopoly Plus* is just *Monopoly*, but on your console. These four games, which are all very separate from each other, explain what PS Plus Extra is going for.

So, why would games disappear from PS Plus, you ask?

Well, PlayStation Plus Essential lets you download games. However long you’re a subscriber, the games are yours. But Extra and Premium work more like Netflix. Sony approves what games to use for a certain amount of time, and when that thing is done, the games go away. This lets Sony add new games all the time, but it also means watching the Last Chance to Play area so that you don't miss anything.

What normally happens is they update that Last Chance to Play during the center of the month with new games. This means January might come with extra removals. Sometimes, a bunch of games decide to leave all at once. This can upset people since it now sounds like something is being taken away.

And what are gamers thinking?

These certain games might not be too popular, it is four games at most, but people aren’t fans of the Premium and Deluxe tiers. They have only added one single old game, which isn't great for the most expensive version of Sony's service.

Sony told us that Premium would let you play old PlayStation games, like PS1, PS2, PSP, and PS3 games for streaming. But they barely add any of these. They are not clear if there is support coming for PSVR2, either. A lot of people had the idea that Sony would get a ton of old games, but the updates have been limited. When you consider Microsoft’s Game Pass, this gets on people's nerves.

It's difficult for Sony to make people happy. PS Plus Extra and Premium have a lot of games, from big hits to unknown ones. But the game selection changes all the time, so you might not be able to play the games you want. If you don’t care about video games, that is fine. If you love them, or like series such as *Like A Dragon*, that is bad.

And the competition is always on the lookout. Microsoft’s Game Pass always includes brand-new releases from Xbox Game Studios and other companies. Sony hasn't done that, since it would rather sell their big titles. And those games bring in a lot of cash, of course, but PS Plus Extra and Premium begin to become less special.

So, what will come next?

The January removals could get even larger. Keep an eye on the PS Store so that you know what is coming.

And everyone must know what Sony has planned for January 2026. The December releases weren’t popular, so Premium members want to see even better things. They are hoping for classic games, support coming for PSVR2, and better deals with the companies they work with.

So, to simplify things, these games are going away: *Sayonara Wild Hearts*, *Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name*, *SD Gundam Battle Alliance*, and *Monopoly Plus*. They tell how PS Plus Extra and Premium work. Sony might decide to remove more games before January, even when the amount is low.

What should you do? Play what you can while you are still able to. You also need to know that the game library can change in an instant. Sony needs to keep adding newer games and care about their subscribers liking what they do. This is how and why PS Plus stays special while many of the other companies are getting better.

January 2026 might not bring a ton of removals. Members who use the Premium tier should not be angry; this expresses a main issue: Sony’s big fans want more significant updates. They expect to use a service that includes everything that PlayStation has to offer.

15.LG TVs Now Come With a Non-Removable Microsoft Copilot App 

**Copilot on LG TVs: Sweet Upgrade or Creepy Intrusion?**

So, Microsoft's been really pushing its AI thing, Copilot, trying to get it to play well with all your stuff. They really want it to be a thing. You see it popping up on laptops, doing stuff with work programs, the whole nine yards. But their newest move is kinda weird—sticking Copilot onto LG smart TVs. Some are thinking it's a cool bonus, but others? They're not so sure about it crashing their TV time.

**Wait, It's on My TV Now?!**

Alright, so here's what's up: LG smart TV owners have been hopping online, especially on Reddit, noticing this Copilot app just showed up on their TVs like magic. The catch? You can't ditch it. You can just hide it from the main screen. Seriously? A couple of folks at Engadget with LG OLED and UA8000 TVs said the app appeared, but another person with a close-enough model didn't get Copilot. So, it's looking like whether you get the app depends on where you live, if you've messed with your privacy settings, or if you've done your TV software update.

The folks who got the app are obviously grumpy. Smart TVs already come with a bunch of stuff pre-loaded apps and ads that you just can't scrub off. Then, adding another permanent thing, and an AI system that a lot of people don't even love, really adds to that feeling of not being in charge on your own TV. It brings in questions about privacy, too.

**Back in Time: LG's Heads-Up**

Now, it's not like this is a total surprise out of left field, though. Back at CES, LG chatted about putting Copilot's AI Search into their TVs coming out soon. The plan was to make finding something to watch easy. Instead of a long scroll through menus, you can ask Copilot regular questions about movies, actors, or stuff to stream out there. Like, Yo, Copilot, find me something scary, or What else has this actor been in? Or could explain What is the hype about all of these Streaming Services?

Honestly, it sounds helpful. TVs are getting to be the main spot for fun, so having good AI search could really smooth things for you. But, LG is just installing Copilot everywhere without a way to get rid of it. And that is making folks jumpy.

**Why People Aren't Happy?**

Here is a what makes people mad:

*   **No Say:** You can't remove Copilot. And that really hits people the wrong way. Even if you're just hiding it, it's always there creeping in, and it feels like an intrusion.

*   **Privacy Problems:** AI assistants need data to be slick. People are getting worried about what Copilot is grabbing, where it's saving it, and if it's going to be used to shoot you with special ads or make a profile of what you watch.

*   **Not Everyone is a Fan:** Copilot has it's fans out there, but not everyone is using it. Some people love it on Microsoft Office and Windows, but others just can't get into it. Putting it on TVs can annoy people who just want a simple, easy-to-use TV.

*   **Too Many Apps:** Honestly, people are over all the junk and ads that are pre-loaded on smart TVs. Copilot just adds to the problem.

**Microsoft's Big Plan**

For Microsoft, getting Copilot on LG TVs is about making AI a everywhere kind of thing. By making Copilot something you can use on everything, things like laptops, phones, and TVs. The dream is one AI friend that helps you with any thing: work, relax, or just everyday stuff.

But going everywhere also has problems. Unlike laptops or phones, TVs are usually used by the family. Not everyone wants an AI buddy talking during TV time, especially if they get worried about privacy or make everything complicated. How will Copilot know what person is using it? What if parents don't want their kids on it all the time?

**LG's Point of View**

LG's is putting Copilot on their TVs. That's why you now see hardware teams partnering with AI. Its because it can set stand out of a brand of TV with just a partnership. The company could use this as a marketing plan by saying you have the edge on competition.

Still, they need to be careful. Forcing customers can impact their trust. Let's say LG is open about what the user can select about Copilot and what it does with data.

**The Big Picture: AI All Over Our Stuff**

The Copilot thing brings light to a thing about technology. It's about a good balance between doing new things and letting users be in control. AI might be easy for us, but what should AI collect from us? They should let us get rid of data we feel they should not be getting.

Other giants in the tech world have simular issues going on. For example Amazon's Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple's Siri have been added to items because people buy the items.

**So What Happens Next?**

Right now, if you have a copy of LG TV, you can hide Coppilot from your screen. but you can't fully delete it. Will those two giant companies like LG and Microsoft. We cannot fully read what is going to happen. It is possible that they attend event called CES to clue customers in what their plans are.

For the time being, the whole issue reminds you that tech needs to have the user voice in kind. AI can be the next era into future, but forcing it onto us to be useful can turn against us.

**To Wrap It Up All**

Microsoft making a decision to put Copilot is a bold move. But can cause users to be angry or frustrated. However, AI can bring the idea of a user using show or movies with easy. Copilot must realize they need to respect our privacy data.

16.One of the Best Modern Takes on an Iconic Chronograph 

**Porsche Design Chronograph 1 Anniversary Edition: Remembering F.A. Porsche**

Ferdinand Alexander Porsche – most folks just knew him as F.A. Porsche – he's a total design legend. Yeah, he was Ferdinand Porsche's grandson, but he's the dude who sketched out the Porsche 911, that ride is awesome! His impact goes beyond cars. He really changed how we look at industrial design in general.

Back in '72, he kicked off Porsche Design. His aim? To crank out everyday items that looked great but were also really useful. Think glasses, bags, watches – that kind of stuff. And that brings us to the watches!

For what would have been his 90th birthday, Porsche Design dropped the Chronograph 1 Anniversary Edition. It’s like a big thank you to the man and all his ideas. The watch snags a bunch of cool stuff from F.A. Porsche's own watch, blending vintage with current. Are you into cars and watches? You’ll dig this, I bet.

**The Story Behind the Watch**

Let's rewind a bit. In 1972, the first Chronograph 1 was a big noise. Being the first all-black chronograph was a big deal. The idea was to cut down on glare, making it easy to read the time while on the road. It was a proper driver's watch. Its spartan looks and usability borrowed ideas from the layout of the Porsche 911's dashboard.

The Anniversary Edition keeps that spirit alive. It's got that 911 dashboard vibe. It's got a black dial and easy-to-read subdials. Porsche Design added elements from F.A. Porsche's old watch, the one his family still holds, which brings the F.A.P logo in place of the Porsche Design one. It’s a minor detail, but it connects you to the guy, know?

**More Than Just a Watch**

This Chronograph 1 Anniversary Edition is part of a larger thing to remember what would have been F.A. Porsche's 90th birthday. With the watch, Porsche launched a special 911 GT3, called the 90 F, a weekend bag, and even a sports sled for kids. It's a weird mix but they all have one thing that links them together: they are all a tribute to the guy who shaped all things Porsche.

The watch feels kind of personal. It's a way of remembering him, and it shows how F.A. Porsche saw design: good-looking, easy to use, and lasting.

**Little Things That Matter**

Lets quickly have a gander a some things that set the Anniversary Edition apart:

*   **Super-LumiNova Coating:** It lights up in the gloom, this is down to its Super-LumiNova coating. It's similar to those older watches that used stuff like tritium or radium, which provided a vintage look. So, vintage looks, that still glows well.

*   **Day-Date Display in Two Languages:** Okay, another edition came out with sayings in Japanese. Though this one’s in two languages. It is a good move for a worldwide product.

*   **See-Through Caseback:** Mostly these backs are not see-through, but now you can have a peep. There is a rotor that looks like the limited-edition 911 GT3 90 F wheels, this ties back to the car it's remembering. It's a decent addition.

*   **Swap-Out Straps:** It is equipped with a brown leather strap and a black metal bracelet which can be changed without the need for any tools. Making those changes from casual to dressy real quick.

In all, the watch is not just an accessory. It’s a connector of ideas, the past, and the present.

**Good Goodies Inside**

The Porsche Design Calibre WERK 01.140 keeps the Chronograph 1 Anniversary Edition, it's in house. The case is titanium and is 40.8 mm big, which feels current and comfy. Being Watertight to 100 meters, it can withstand some spills.

The details say how Porsche Design want to get the job done. Same as the 911 by putting performance and design in the same space. The Chronograph 1 Anniversary Edition gets the movement to match its own style.

**Made for People Who Love to Drive**

The Chronograph 1 has a reputation of being a driver's watch. The Anniversary Edition is no exception. The dial is easy to read, easy to use, and car themed. Collectors will find it special. It is about more than just knowing what time it is. It’s as if carrying a little something about Porsche's design past.

**How Much and How to Get It**

Porsche Design is yet to put out numbers for the Anniversary Edition. Given what the last one sold for, it's probably going to be around that price. If you collect or love Porsche, you should consider it. It's something rare, well-made, and something to talk about.

**To Sum Up:**

The Porsche Design Chronograph 1 Anniversary Edition is about remembering what F.A. Porsche stands for. It also marks his 90th birthday. It continues his great ideas as well. The case, back and design is top of the line Porsche Design. Combining old and new ideas. Its a true driver's watch that is about paying respect to the guy who came up with the 911!

17.Arc Raiders Dev Confirms Matchmaking Factors in Player Behavio 

**Arc Raiders: When Avoiding Fights Became a Thing, and How the Game Adapts**

Arc Raiders, which came out earlier this year, has made its mark in the world of online shooters. The guys at Embark Studios made it, mixing team-based survival against the computer with player-versus-player action. It's a game where you're trying to get out alive, and every choice you make matters. But what’s really interesting is how many players are choosing *not* to fight. This player pacifism thing has actually changed the community and even how the game developers think about setting up matches.

At The Game Awards, Robert Sammelin, the art director for Arc Raiders, explained how their matchmaking works and how they take player behavior into account. Basically, it's not just about putting people of similar skill levels together but also trying to consider *how* people play the game.

**More Than Just Kills and Deaths**

Sammelin told PC Gamer, It's actually pretty complicated. We watch how people play and match them based on that. He didn't go into all the details, but it sounds like Arc Raiders looks at more than just your kill/death ratio or how often you win. They look at *how* you play and then try to put you in matches with others who play similarly.

This is really important in a game where you're fighting both other players and computer-controlled enemies. Unlike straight-up PvP games, Arc Raiders makes you think about fighting other squads *and* staying alive against the AI. Some folks love to get into a firefight, while others would rather avoid it if they can. By looking at how people act in the game, the matchmaking system can create matches that feel more fair and fun, no matter if you're aggressive or cautious.

**So, Who's Not Fighting?**

Sammelin also mentioned that they were surprised by how many players *weren't* getting into direct fights. The numbers showed that a surprisingly low percentage of people had even taken down another player, he said. That means a lot of players are focusing on just trying to survive, find resources, and get out of the match.

It's also different depending on whether you're playing solo or with a squad. Solo players tend to be sneaky and careful, while squads might feel more confident taking on other players. This means the game feels different depending on how you jump in, which makes it important to have a matchmaking system that understands these differences.

**Watching You (Play) and Making Changes**

Arc Raiders uses a lot of data to figure out what to do next with the game. Sammelin said that all the info they get from matches helps them find problems, balance the gameplay, and tweak how things work. Having data is great. All the data we get lets us know what we need to fix, change, or balance. Combining that with what we think is invaluable. We’re going to keep doing that.

This means Arc Raiders is constantly changing based on how people are playing it. By looking at the data and using their own judgment, the developers can fine-tune the game to keep things balanced and interesting.

**The Great Pacifism Debate**

This trend of players avoiding combat in Arc Raiders has caused some arguments in the community. Some people think that those who avoid fights are ruining the tension of the game. Others think it adds another layer to the game, creating unexpected situations.

Eurogamer even talked to a sociologist about it, who pointed out the social aspects of the game. In a game where you're always weighing risk and reward, choosing *not* to fight becomes a valid strategy. These pacifist players might use stealth, try to make deals with other players, or just look for opportunities to sneak around. Meanwhile, aggressive players have to decide whether it's worth it to start a fight or just focus on getting out with their loot. This contrast in playstyles is part of what makes Arc Raiders interesting.

**New Stuff to Do**

No matter how you feel about the pacifism thing, Arc Raiders keeps adding new stuff to do. For example, they've added a new map with a frosty environment that changes the game and adds new challenges. They also had a Christmas event where players could collect berries to get rewards. These kinds of updates keep the game fresh and give players reasons to keep playing, whether they're fighting or just trying to survive.

**The Future of Fighting... or Not Fighting**

Arc Raiders shows what's possible with this kind of game that mixes player-versus-player and player-versus-environment action. By blending team survival with competitive tension, it creates a space where how players act is what drives the story. The rise of pacifism shows how players can change the game, turning a shooter into something of a social experiment.

For the developers, the trick is to handle these different playstyles without messing up their original vision. Matchmaking systems that look at player behavior, making changes based on data, and constantly adding new content are all part of the answer. As Arc Raiders keeps changing, it'll be a good example of how player behavior can affect game design in real time.

**In Summary**

Robert Sammelin's comments show how detailed Arc Raiders' matchmaking system is and how important player behavior is to the game. With so many players avoiding fights, Embark Studios has to figure out how to balance aggression and caution.

Through data, constant updates, and seasonal events, Arc Raiders is adapting to its community. Whether you're trying to avoid fights or looking for high-stakes combat, the game offers a place where what you *do* matters just as much as how good you are. In that way, Arc Raiders is not only fun but also shows how online gaming is changing.

18.Popular Chrome Extension Caught Intercepting Millions of AI Chats 

That Urban VPN Proxy: Turns Out That Featured Chrome Thing Was Snatching AI Chats

So, you know how browser extensions are always pushed as these things that make your life easier and keep your info private? Well, turns out, a lot of users trust these things. A security firm called Koi Security dropped a bomb: this Chrome extension called Urban VPN Proxy, which had over six million users and was Featured on the Chrome store, was secretly copying everything you typed into AI chatbots. Everything typed in OpenAI's ChatGPT to Google's Gemini, that extension was stealing it.

It just shows you that even if something looks safe and is pushed by the big guys, that doesn't mean it's not hoovering up your stuff.

A Popular Extension Hiding Nasty Code

Urban VPN Proxy came from a company called Urban Cyber Security Inc. and had great ratings. It claimed to be the best secured Free VPN access to any website.” Microsoft Edge also carried it to about 1.3 million installations.

Sometime in July 2025, they slipped some code into version 5.5.0 of the extension that turned on the AI data stealing by default. They had little bits of code that were activated if you went to any major chatbot website. The code would take what you typed and what the chatbot replied, and sent them back to Urban VPN's servers.

They grabbed things like:

*   What you typed in

*   What the chatbot said back

*   Timestamps of the conversations

*   What AI platform and Model you used

Basically, they had the whole conversation.

Privacy Policy Changes

Urban VPN quietly changed their privacy policy around June 25, 2025. They said they were grabbing AI prompts and outputs as part of “Safe Browsing” and to figure out how to sell you stuff. They claimed it was all anonymized, but admitted they couldn't actually guarantee that all private data was actually removed.

The policy stated: “We are only interested in the AI prompt and the results of your interaction with the chat AI.” But your typical prompt is going to contain all kinds of information, be it private, or contain confidential queries. Even if they take your name out, it's easy to figure out who you are from the content.

BIScience Is Involved

One of the companies getting this data was BIScience, which owns Urban Cyber Security Inc. BIScience uses all that information, not anonymized, to give advice to its corporate partners.

Back in 2025, someone accused BIScience of being shady with privacy. They were supposedly giving other extension developers tools to grab your browsing history and send it back to them. They found a loophole in Chrome's rules, claiming they 'needed' to have the browsing history to do the function they where doing. In reality they were circumventing restrictions for monitoring.

It looks like Urban VPN's AI data-grab is just part of a bigger plan to make money off user data by pretending to be doing something useful.

The AI Protection Feature is Ironic

Here's the kicker: Urban VPN was advertising an AI protection feature. It was supposed to scan what you typed for personal info and check chatbot replies for dangerous stuff. But it turns out it was doing all this even if you didn't turn the feature on!

As Idan Dardikman from Koi Security pointed out, The protection feature shows occasional warnings about sharing sensitive data with AI companies. The harvesting feature sends that exact sensitive data—and everything else—to Urban VPN’s own servers, where it’s sold to advertisers.”

So, it warns you while it's ripping you off.

Other Extensions Did the Same Thing

Koi Security found the same nasty code in three other extensions from the same company:

*   1ClickVPN Proxy

*   Urban Browser Guard

*   Urban Ad Blocker

Together, these had another two million users. Most of them had the Featured badge.

Trust Was Broken

This just goes to show you can't trust anything. These badges, good ratings, and fancy descriptions can all fool you. Extensions can turn into spying tools overnight through sneaky hidden updates. Since Chrome and Edge update extensions automatically, you might not even know it's happening.

This is especially scary now that we're sharing everything with AI chatbots. This is a massive privacy breach and could be an emotional and mental invasion.

What You Should Do

So, what should you do?

*   Check Your Extensions: Go through your browser extensions and delete the ones you don't absolutely need.

*   Think Twice About Free VPNs: They usually have some hidden way of making money off you, and it's usually your data.

*   Don't Trust Badges: Featured doesn't mean safe.

*   Read the Fine Print: Keep an eye on privacy policies, because they can change.

*   Use Reliable Services: Go with VPNs and security tools that have a good reputation and are open about how they make money.

In Conclusion

The Urban VPN Proxy thing proves how easy it is to trick people into giving up their private data. With millions of users at risk, it's time to ask serious questions about how Google and Microsoft check these extensions, and if what they're doing is good enough.

19.Z9 Autofocus and Subject Detection Receive Major Upgrade From Nikon 

Alright, so the Nikon Z9, which came out back in October 2021, was supposed to be a big deal. It was Nikon's shot at taking on the full-frame mirrorless cameras from Canon and Sony. The camera did the same stuff as the other guys, and it cost about the same, but for some reason, it never really took off the way people thought it would. But, here's a cool thing that Nikon's been doing: keeping the Z9 up-to-date with firmware updates. The latest one, version 5.30, looks like they're really committed to making this one of the most well-cared-for cameras.

**Updates, Updates, and More Updates**

Seriously, the Z9 has gotten a bunch of updates. Like, version 5.0 was a big deal, with a ton of new features about a year and a half ago. Then 5.2 came along last year with smaller improvements. Now, we have 5.30. It's like Nikon is actually listening to what their customers want, instead of just putting out new camera models every year.

Nikon seems to think that firmware updates are a way to keep the camera modern and worth the money. That's good for consumers and the environment. A lot of photographers seem to like this approach. They want gear that they can count on, that has new features, and that actually lasts for a while.

**Autofocus: Now Even Better!**

The coolest thing about the 5.30 update is that they've made the autofocus even better. They've been doing some work in the background with fancy computer learning to make the camera lock onto subjects faster, keep them in focus better, and just be more stable overall.

Here's the cool part: the subject detection works in more focus modes now, like single point and dynamic AF. That should make it easier to get the shot, even when things are chaotic. They've also added a way to turn subject detection On and OFF with a custom button, which gives you more control.

With a lot of sports about to start, it's great timing to get an update like this to help sports photographers.

**Focus Limiter in the Camera**

Another thing that's appreciated is the in-camera focus limiter. You can set how far the camera should focus. This is going to be really helpful for wildlife and sports photographers because it keeps the focus from going all over the place.

The Z8 got this feature a little while ago with firmware 3.0. Now that the Z9 has it, too, it keeps things the same across Nikon's nicer cameras. The easiest part is, you don't need to buy anything extra to do the same thing.

**Auto Capture Improvements**

Remember back when firmware 4.00 came out a couple of years ago, and they added Auto Capture? Well, the 5.30 update makes it even better. Auto Capture lets the camera take shots automatically when certain things happen, like movement.

The new version has an AF standby position, works with face detection, and does so much more. If you're a wildlife photographer, or working in remote areas, this is pretty beneficial.

**Color Adjustments**

Firmware 5.30 allows users to affect the color, which means you can design individual looks in Nikon's NX Studio computer program, and then use those looks in the Z9.

Users get to change hue, brightness, and contrast, and they can see the looks right on the camera. Nikon says this could mean less time spent editing photos later. This is good for professionals that are working on tough deadlines, and it means they can take more breaks too.

**Other Small Additions**

Besides all the huge changes, here are some other updates with firmware 5.30:

*   Ability to focus at maximum aperture in live view

*   Magnify up to 400% in live view

*   Works with Mics for voice memos

*   More size choices for AF modes

*   New Flat Monochrome and Deep Tone Monochrome Picture Controls

*   USB streaming available

*   Better video to HDMI

* Headphone volume can be set in the i menu while recording video.

All these smaller improvements make the Z9 an even better camera to work with.

**Continual Improvements**

The release of firmware 5.30 shows that Nikon is paying attention.

To photographers, choosing a Z9 means access to support.

**Ultimately**

Nikon's firmware 5.30 pushes boundaries for support. Nikon is dedicated to innovation. The Z9 continues to get better because of its firmware.

20.Get SynthMaster One Free From KV331 Audio Before January 4 

Looking for a sweet holiday gift? KV331 Audio, those cool folks behind SynthMaster, are giving away SynthMaster One for free! You might remember they let everyone grab SynthMaster 2 for iPad last month without paying a dime. Well, they're doing it again. Until January 4, 2026, you can snag SynthMaster One, which is usually $49, absolutely free.

So, what's the deal with this synth? KV331 calls it a super easy wavetable synth, and honestly, they're right. Now, it doesn't have every single thing that the full-blown SynthMaster 2 or the upcoming SynthMaster 3 have, but don't think it's just a basic version. It’s easy to get into while still offering enough oomph to make some seriously cool sounds. Seriously, it's one of the best free synths you can find right now.

Think of SynthMaster One as a great starting point. It’s made to be simple to use but still pack a punch. It has two stereo oscillators that can make those classic analog sounds, plus cool sampled waveforms and full wavetables. You can mess with each sound using 16 waveshaping things, and you can even crank up the unison to 16 voices for those big, thick sounds. If you need more low-end, it has two sub-oscillators to give you that extra thump.

Because of all this, SynthMaster One is good for all types of sounds. You can get those old-school basslines and lead sounds, but also hit those modern digital textures. If you are looking for a synth that can do a lot without being a headache, this is it.

Now, let's talk about the filter and how it changes the sound. SynthMaster One uses two things that copy analog filters; and are arranged together in different ways. You get to use four kinds of filters that are modeled after the Roland TB-303, Oberheim SEM, and the Korg MS-20. Because of these, you can make it sound sharp and detailed, giving your sounds a lot of character.

When it comes to controlling the sound, you get two ADSR envelopes and two LFOs. You can assign these to pretty much any setting. The LFOs also let you make your own waveforms, which means you can get super creative with how your sounds change over time. Even simple sounds can sound very lively.

But wait, there's more! SynthMaster One comes with 11 effects. You get all the standard stuff like delay, reverb, EQ, and chorus, but you also get some wild stuff like distortion and bitcrushing. One of the coolest parts is the 16-band vocoder, which you can string together six times. This lets you create crazy vocal textures or strange sound effects right inside the synth.

And if you love making beats, you're in luck. SynthMaster One has a 16-step sequencer and an arpeggiator. You can use these to make cool patterns and riffs without needing to use another program. Put that together with the wavetable oscillators and all the ways you can control the sound, and you can make everything from techno and trance to synthwave and ambient music.

The latest update gave SynthMaster One 200 new sounds made by different artists, and now it has way more options. The sounds include basses, leads, plucks, pads, strings, and effects.

Plus, it supports microtuning, so if you want to try out different scales and tunings, you can. It’s helpful for artists who want to work with ethnic music or just try something new.

People have said that SynthMaster One is simple and takes inspiration from retro synths but has a big sound. It is great for making aggressive basses, punchy leads, and cool, textured sounds but you can still create atmospheric sounds with its wavetable engine. And the best thing about it is that it costs absolutely nothing.

If you don't have a good synth, get SynthMaster One and you will get a lot out of it as it’s easy to use yet has a lot of options. Those of you who just like free stuff should also add this one to your digital collection.

KV331 isn't the only one handing out free plugins now. Music companies often do this to thank their customers and bring in new ones during the holidays. Right now, you can grab free plugins from Soundtoys and Universal Audio, along with SynthMaster One, with legendary plugins like the 1176 compressor, LA-2A, and Pultec EQ available.

This shows how nice the music tech people are and what artists can get if they look out for deals. For new creators, they get the possibility of using high-quality software without spending much. For the experienced, they can add more choices to what they can create without costing them anything.

Basically, KV331 Audio is giving away SynthMaster One until January 4, and you should get it. It gives you so much to work with, it almost feels like you're stealing.

Whether it is the first time building your plugin collection or you are trying to add another synth to your list, SynthMaster One is easy to use and powerful. Besides other holiday giveaways, this is one of the best times to add more to your toolset and explore new sounds.

Go to KV331 Audio's website before the offer ends and claim your copy, and begin this year with a fresh creativity boost.

21.AirPods Max 2 Rumors Suggest 10 Exciting New Features 

**AirPods Max: Still Good After All This Time?**

So, Apple, out of nowhere, dropped the AirPods Max way back in December 2020. It's been a solid five years and these are still the most expensive over-ear headphones that Apple sells. You know them when you see them, and they do some neat stuff, especially that spatial audio that makes music sound like it's all around you. And the noise cancelling? Seriously good at blocking out the world. But, even though Apple's tweaked them a little, the AirPods Max are starting to feel a bit old compared to the newer AirPods and AirPods Pro.

I am hearing that there could be a new version coming around in 2027, so let's try to unpack what these headphones got right and what Apple should change.

**Making a Statement**

When the AirPods Max first showed up, Apple was coming after brands like Sony and Bose. At \$549, these things weren't cheap! Apple tried to defend the price by talking up the materials, the sound tuning, and of course, how well they play with other Apple stuff.

These headphones run on Apple's H1 chip. It sort of fine-tunes the sound, and the spatial audio was a game-changer. Connecting to your devices was also super easy. The headband and memory foam earcups makes them special.

**Small Changes Here and There**

Since launch, Apple hasn't ignored them. In 2024, they switched to USB-C and launched new colors which matched Apple's plan to leave the Lighting connector behind. Then, in 2025, they added support for better audio, which was better for Apple Music and games.

Sadly, these small updates didn’t bring features that the newest AirPods Pro has, stuff like Adaptive Audio. That thing changes noise cancelling based on what's going on around you. So, it feels like an update will happen.

**The Next Gen.**

Someone in the know, Ming-Chi Kuo, thinks that a lighter AirPods Max might drop around 2027. Not a lot of info other than a lighter design, which would be great. They're kind of heavy, almost a pound. Wearing them all day can make your head sore.

Other than weight, the next AirPods Max could use a newer chip, maybe the H2. That would mean:

*   Sound that's even better.

*   Noise cancelling cranked up even more.

*   Longer battery.

*   Adaptive Audio, which is noise cancelling that adjusts on its own.

*   Siri that works when you want it to.

These changes would make the AirPods Max more like Apple's other earphones.

**Looks and Other Stuff**

I assume that the next version will include new colors for the ear cushions and headband, because Apple likes it when you can customize these parts.

Also, hopefully they rethink that weird carrying case that everyone hates.

Something else a lot of folks want is a chip that works with the Find My App. Seems like a no-brainer, since Apple puts that chip in everything these days.

**The Price Tag and the Question of Worth**

At \$549, the AirPods Max are clearly Apple's priciest headphones. But, they do go on sale sometimes. So, should you buy them now, or just wait?

If you can hold out, you probably should. Right now, they’re okay, but the second version could be worth the wait, as there could be some bigger changes coming in 2027.

**Zooming Out**

The AirPods Max show what Apple does well: combining high-end equipment with tech that keeps you stuck in the Apple world. Things like spatial audio, switching around, and Apple Music, make them more than just headphones—they're part of Apple's big picture.

But audio tech never stops getting better. People are always trying to make improvements to weight, battery, and smarter noise cancelling. If Apple wants to stay relevant, the AirPods Max need more than just new colors and a different port.

**Final Thoughts**

After five years, the AirPods Max are still recognizable and workable. Small changes have helped them stick around, but they’re starting to get old compared to the newest AirPods. If rumors are correct, the update in 2027 could be interesting .

If you're already deep into Apple products, the AirPods Max are still a solid choice. Although, waiting for version two is probably the smart move. Let's see what Apple does next! The AirPods Max are a interesting design which lets you realize that there will remain better ideas.

22.Original Pixel Buds Pro Receive New Software Update From Google 

**Pixel Buds Pro: What's the Deal with the New 5.11 Update?**

Okay, so Google just dropped a new update, version 5.11, for the Pixel Buds Pro. People started seeing it pop up on their phones Monday night. We're talking about the original Pixel Buds Pro that came out back in 2022. What is Google saying about it? Well, their official line is pretty simple: they got rid of some annoying bugs, sped things up a bit, and made everything more secure. Classic Google, Always fiddling to try and make everything better.

Now, this isn't a huge, wild change, but this 5.11 thing shows us that these tiny changes can really keep things running smoothly. If you've got a pair of Pixel Buds Pro, it's worth knowing how these updates go down and why they even matter. It'd be a bummer if your earbuds went kaput because of some security hole.

**A Quick Look Back**

The Pixel Buds Pro have been getting updates pretty regularly ever since they first hit the shelves. Remember version 5.9 from last October? That one had some nice additions. Let’s jog our memory:

*   **Conversation Detection:** Totally handy. When you start talking to someone, it turns down the volume and lets in outside sound. That is useful because you don't have to yank an earbud out every time someone starts talking to you and look rude.

*   **Hearing Wellness:** Taking care of your ears? Always a good call. This tells you how loud your music is playing. You don't want to burst your eardrums now, do you?

*   **Lower Delay:** If you're into gaming, this is for you. What it does is match the sound with what's going on in the game. If there's less delay, it seems more realistic.

That update kinda shows that Google was coming up with more things to do to the earbuds. Version 5.11 feels like Google is tuning stuff up to keep it all safe and sound.

**So, What's the Scoop on the 5.11 Update Itself?**

Google didn't give us a super detailed list. But if they mention bug fixes, performance tweaks, and security, it means they probably did this:

*   **Everything Should Be Smoother :** A few little issues that people were talking about, like earbuds disconnecting for no reason or the touch controls acting weird, are likely resolved.

*   **Stuff Just Works Better :** Maybe Bluetooth connects faster, the battery hangs in there longer, or the sound's a little sharper.

*   **Keep it Safe :** They’re guarding the earbuds from security risks. They’re connected to your phone and the internet, after all.

You might not notice these small changes right away, but they're key to making the earbuds reliable. Since we're all connected nowadays and you might not notice these changes, the security is important for your ear buds. It would be a disaster if bots attacked your ear buds.

**How to Update Your Buds**

Updating is usually a piece of cake, but the exact steps depend on what you're using:

*   **Automatic Updates:** If you have this turned on, your Pixel Buds Pro will update while they're connected to your Pixel phone (or any Android phone running 6.0 or newer). It takes about 10 minutes to download. And you can still hear music while it is downloading!. Once it's done, it'll install automatically when you put the earbuds back in their case and they have enough juice. If you don't get an update, you're probably up to date already.

*   **Manual Updates:** If you turned off automatic updates, you'll get a message when it is time to install the update. Here's what you do:

    1.  Open the Pixel Buds app on your phone.

    2.  Click More settings and then click Firmware update.

    3.  Start the install. It shouldn't take longer than 15 minutes.

**Why Bother with Updates?**

Updates aren't always thrilling, but they're crazy important for keeping your gadgets working right. For earbuds like the Pixel Buds Pro, updates:

*   **Remove Kinks**: It fixes glitches that could screw up the sound or pairing.

*   **Pick up the Pace**: It can make the battery a little longer, improve sound quality, or accelerate Bluetooth.

*   **Extra added features:** You can add full capabilities, such as version 5.9.

*   **Keep You From Danger:** Blocks security issues that could mess the experience on your phone and lose the data.

Keep your software up to date, and your buds should sound good.

**Big Picture Time**

The Pixel Buds Pro are Google’s shot at taking on the big guys, like Apple’s AirPods Pro and Sony’s WF-1000XM series. Google's ear buds have noise canceling, transparency mode, spatial audio, and they work pretty well with Android phones. Apple also has a super cool set up as well.

These earbuds stand out because of their software support. Many manufacturers are also pushing out updates, and since Google is following suit, that's pretty cool. It shows they really care about their product. Small updates, such as 5.11, ensure customers that this product is high.

**So, What's Next?**

While 5.11 is all about keeping things running well, it sets the stage for future upgrades. Google might tweak Conversation Detection, do more with Hearing Wellness, or even slash lag for gamers even more. Maybe Google is working on Pixel Buds Pro version 2, but, as of right now, the updates seem to be the focus.

**In Conclusion**

The Pixel Buds Pro firmware version 5.11 might not have any big new features, but it does fix problems, makes the buds faster, and helps the security. They will sound great if you do not ignore the updates as it will stay connected.

Choose whatever you want, either automatic or manual updates! What is important is if Google keeps pushing the ear buds to their maximum abilities.

23.Notion Launches Employee Share Sale at $11B Valuation Amid AI Growth 

**Notion's IPO is definitely in the works with a valuation of $11 billion**

So, it sounds like Notion, that productivity software everyone's getting into, is getting closer to its IPO. They just gave their employees the okay to sell some of their shares. And get this: the company is now valued at around $11 billion! This kind of thing usually happens when a company is getting ready to go public.

According to some sources, this deal involves about $300 million worth of shares changing hands. And you've got big investors like Sequoia Capital, Index Ventures, and even Singapore's main investment fund, GIC, reportedly buying them up. Usually, when these big players are making these types of choices, it means they're confident about Notion's situation and its future prospects.

**Strong financials are fueling the excitement**

This move wasn't out of the blue. Notion has achieved some impressive money-related goals. They're now raking in more than $600 million in recurring revenue each year! And here's something interesting: half of that revenue is due to their cool AI-powered features. Even better, Notion is actually profitable, which isn't always the situation with fast-growing tech startups.

Because it is not only profitable and also growing quickly, investors are likely to get excited when they eventually go public. The fact that AI is bringing in so much of its income shows that Notion can change when the tech scene needs it to. They are not stuck in the past, that is very good.

**Gearing up for an IPO**

Apparently, this share sale is just one part of a bigger plan. The chatter is that Notion might do a few more funding rounds before they go public. It's like what other companies have done, a method that will help them hit their value right in the sweet spot, bring in some investors who can actually give advice, and make everyone interested even more before they make shares available to the public.

That $11 billion valuation is higher than their last valuation in 2022, which was $10 billion. Back in 2021, their Series C funding valued them at $10 billion too. There has been talk that they considered an offer at $12 billion, so investors are really interested in the company.

**From startup to international player**

Notion started back in 2016, and startups and small teams started using it because it was simple and fitted well with their setups. It wasn't just a place for notes, tasks, and databases; it became one-stop shop for everything that gave so much flexibility that no other software had.

Now, Notion has roughly 1,000 employees and big-name customers such as OpenAI and Cursor. Interestingly, most of their customers (80%) live outside the US, which indicates that Notion has a wide appeal. Having an international audience gives them an advantage as they try to fight against the big production software groups.

**AI: the biggest advantage?**

Notion has been very enthusiastic, and it seems that its paying off. Some of the AI-powered features come with benefits such as:

*   **Enterprise Search:** Can help companies find fast information spread throughout documents and data. No more endlessly wasting time searching for one document, it is all in one place!

*   **Knowledge Work Agent:** This tool automatically works the work being done in Notion, taking care of tasks that would otherwise need to be done by hand.

*   **AI Note Taker:**It creates summaries and also pulls key information from meetings and documents. It could save you from the pain of listening to the boring meetings that could have been an email.

These are giving Notion more power and features. they're making it like it's the only thing an office needs. It puts them up against giants such as Microsoft and Google. Notion's AI-driven features could get them more of the revenue being grabbed by other places.

**Is it possible to take on the Goliaths?**

Competing with Microsoft and Google is a massive challenge. They have had relationships with businesses for a long time, have a lot of things bundled together, and make everything work together well. But Notion has something different: it is focused completely on the user, it's flexible, and they introduce new features often.

Focusing on customization and AI, Notion is offering something other things can't. The fact that they can appeal to startups and giant companies shows that they can deal with different audiences. The upcoming IPO will prove if investors believe Notion can put up its strength against well-established competitors.

**Happy employees, happy company?**

Making company shares also helps employees a lot. When startups grow fast, the people who work there often have a lot of stock but can't sell it until the IPO. Letting them sell shares at a good price gives them a reward for working hard and makes them feel good about where they work.

Because $300 million in shares is being sold, Notion shows confidence by giving back to the employees. This is a very good way to improve confidence and makes employees want to work longer.

**What's planned for the future?**

Notion's to-do list to go to the public is becoming easier to see. With strong earnings, stability, and a great AI plan, the company is good to pull investors in. The $11 billion valuation shows what they've done now and what people think they will do later.

Notion continues to take in more money and their offerings get better, it seems it is not a question of Would they but When will the public be able to join. For productivity software, Notion's IPO can change everything. This could bring a major competitor for Microsoft and Google that will have companies rethinking workplace software.

**The final word**

The share sale is more than just money changing; it represents Notion's plan for the future. They're saying they're fine with going and competing with other places. And they are ready because they have profit, AI, and customer loyalty.

For everyone, this move shows that Notion wants to be one of the big companies in productivity software. Everyone will be looking at Notion to see if their startup can keep it going in a place controlled by big tech companies.

24.Diablo 4 Paladin Impressions: A Unique Experience, Not a Copycat 

Alright, let's chat about the Paladin in Diablo 4 – it's like a holy smackdown just landed! Remember all the noise about wanting the Paladin back? Well, Blizzard listened. Seriously!

Out of nowhere during The Game Awards, BAM! Paladin class, plus the Lord of Hatred expansion announcement. Long-time Diablo players know how iconic the Paladin is. But this isn’t just some lazy copy. It feels like they grabbed the best bits from previous games, plus cooked up some seriously cool new ideas that fit Diablo 4 like a glove.

**Classic Feel, Remix**

The Paladin's a legend, especially if you sank hours into Diablo 2 with one. This time, it's got shades of the Crusader from Diablo 3. Big shields, holy explosions everywhere, powerful abilities – kinda Crusader-like, yeah? But, all the classic Paladin stuff is present. Zeal, those amazing auras, and of course the Hammerdin setup. You know, the one everyone remembers?

Basically, it’s like the Paladin mixed with the Crusader and made its own identity. It feels like Blizzard wanted to make old fans happy while making sure the class felt right at home in Diablo 4’s world.

**Oath-Swearing: Pick Your Paladin Style**

You need to customize the Paladin to what you like and the oath will change it. The Oaths change your gameplay:

*   **Zealot Oath:** All about fast, hard hits. Max out your attack speed and crit chance, and go ham on anything that moves. A totally fanatical warrior.

*   **Juggernaut Oath:** Wanna be super tough? Pick this. Grab a huge shield and skills like Shield Charge and Shield Bash to soak up damage and become the ultimate tank.

*   **Judicator Oath:** Love blowing stuff up? This is for you. Holy damage everywhere. Weaken enemies, then set off chain reactions of holy explosions.

*   **Disciple Oath:** The weird one, but good. Turn into an angelic Arbiter, boosting your stats, movement speed, and damaging nearby enemies. Stay in Arbiter form as long as you can.

No matter what Oath you pick, you can mix skills to build create amazing characters.

**Retro AND Fresh**

If you were into Diablo 2, Zealot and Judicator paths will click with you. Fanaticism Aura, Zeal, and Blessed Hammers are back. Also, there are new items to change Holy Light Aura into fire damage, like the Holy Fire Paladin builds.

However, Juggernaut and Disciple Oaths get inspiration from the Crusader. The shield skills and abilities are from Diablo 3. Plus, the Arbiter form is unique, separating the Paladin from being a Crusader clone.

**Easy, Yet Strong**

Figuring the Paladin out is easy. Abilities are clear, and pretty useful. The holy knight style is present right away.

The Paladin makes for good character to play whether you're new to Diablo or have played a long time ago. Go old school with a Diablo 2 build, or go new excitement. Either way, it’s fun to play without getting stressed.

**Lord of Hatred Stuff**

The Paladin releases alongside the Lord of Hatred expansion on April 28, 2026. Preordering lets you play the Paladin early. The expansion has another new class that's hidden.

Lord of Hatred is ready to change the game:

*   Skill tree adjustments for every class.

*   A loot filter to sort through drops!

*   The endgame is being redone to be entertaining.

*   The Horadric Cube is back!

*   A new zone – Skovos.

And on top of that, old characters are still being added. Also, this is the first time Diablo has ever gotten two expansions. Blizzard likes supporting the game.

**Was It Worth The Hype?**

It took a while, but the Paladin is finally out, and it's cool for Diablo 4. Some wanted it to be a same as Diablo 2, but it is kind of like the Paladin mixed with a the Crusader, and it’s powerful.

With that, if you want hammer demons, be a tank with a shield, bring holy fire, or transform into an angel, the Paladin is fun to play and feels like a holy warrior. It's one that keeps the tradition alive while taking the game in new directions.

**All Right, Finished**

The Paladin is more than just answering requests. They put a lot of thought into how to do this classic justice. The Oaths, the freedom to make new amazing characters, and the mix of old and new help the game get better.

If you want to play a knight, get ready to deal with darkness. The Paladin is ready!

25.March of Giants Joins Ubisoft Following Acquisition From Amazon 

**Ubisoft Snaps Up March of Giants: What's Next for the Giant-Sized MOBA?**

So, here's the news: Ubisoft just bought March of Giants! You know, that free-to-play, tactical MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena game) where you control huge giants? It was originally cooked up over at Amazon's Montreal Games studio. Now it's part of the Ubisoft family. The folks who were making it are now on board at Ubisoft, ready to keep working on the game and get the next big update ready.

What's Ubisoft up to? Well, this seems like a move to get some skin in the competitive multiplayer game. They're teaming up with some experienced game makers who helped make some of Ubisoft's biggest hits in the past.

**March of Giants: Not Your Average MOBA**

What makes March of Giants stand out? It's not just another MOBA. Instead of the usual little heroes you get to stomp around with massive giants tearing through what's left of cities. The game is set in messed up cities that look like they're from the early 1900s.

Two teams of four giants go head-to-head in battles across lanes. Each giant isn't alone; they lead battalions of smaller soldiers and can build stuff like trenches, tanks, and turrets—they call them Battleworks—to get the upper hand. It's part real-time strategy, part MOBA. It's all about big, planned-out fights where being good with your giant is how you win.

With its mix of the typical MOBA lane-pushing and these gigantic characters fighting it out, March of Giants is trying to get its own spot in a world of games like League of Legends and Dota 2.

**The Vets Are Back**

The team working on March of Giants is led by some people who know their stuff, and they’ve worked at Ubisoft before. There’s Alex Parizeau, the Senior Production Lead, who used to run Ubisoft Toronto and helped make some huge games. Then there's Xavier Marquis, the Creative Director, who was the main guy behind Rainbow Six Siege—one of Ubisoft's most popular and long-lasting multiplayer games.

Having them back at Ubisoft is a big deal. Marquis had this to say about coming back: Coming back to Ubisoft feels right, we did some of our best work here, and we’re hyped to keep building on March of Giants from inside Ubisoft. This game has a ton of potential, and I'm sure Ubisoft is able to assist us to take it to the top.

Parizeau sounded like he agreed, and he thanked Amazon for helping them get the game off the ground. He also mentioned how good the game looked during the closed alpha testing. Now, by joining Ubisoft, we’re getting everyone on the same page to make March of Giants into a great MOBA.”

**Why is Ubisoft Interested?**

Ubisoft buying March of Giants fits into what they've been doing—investing in games that are constantly updated and good for competitive multiplayer. They've been wanting to do more than just single-player games.

Rainbow Six Siege is the proof that Ubisoft can take a multiplayer game and turn it into something that sticks around. By grabbing March of Giants, they're getting a new game and a team that knows how to build a community around it.

This also puts Ubisoft in a better position to fight for players in the MOBA world, which is fairly set in its ways but still makes a lot of money. Ubisoft hopes that March of Giants' take on the game draws in gamers wanting something new in the MOBA style.

**What's Coming Up?**

Right now, the March of Giants team is focusing on the next big update, and it'll build on what they already had during the closed alpha. With Ubisoft’s help, the game should get done faster. The team should be able to fine-tune the game, add more stuff to it, and get it ready for everyone to play.

Expect to hear from them through Discord, X (previously called Twitter), and the game's website, where you can sign up for playtests and newsletters. Ubisoft really wants to connect with players early on.

**What Could Happen?**

If March of Giants does well, it would be a big piece of Ubisoft's multiplayer lineup. Its cool idea and the way it combines giants, armies, and strategies is different and it could bring in fans of both strategy games and action games.

Having Parizeau and Marquis on board gives the game some credibility, since they've already made games that people love to play in multiplayer. Put them together with Ubisoft's resources, and you have a good base for a successful game.

Also, this shows that big game companies are looking to buy up promising games from other studios, especially if those games fit into their plans. For Ubisoft, March of Giants gives them a chance to be creative and offer something different in the competitive gaming scene.

**In Conclusion**

Ubisoft's purchase of March of Giants is the start of something fresh for the MOBA type games. With its big fighting giants, strategic squad combat, and lane-based play, the game is distinct.

With the direction of talented game developers Alex Parizeau and Xavier Marquis, and Ubisoft's backing, March of Giants has a shot at becoming a popular and lasting multiplayer game. With the team working on the next update and talking with the players, people eager for something unique in the MOBA space will want to stay aware of this one.

For Ubisoft, buying the game is not just a business move. It's them saying loud and clear that they are in this to help mold what the future of competitive multiplayer games will look like.

26.Sony’s Hardware Update Gives PlayStation Portal a Big Boost 

The PlayStation Portal: A PlayStation 5 Sidekick

Back in 2023, when Sony dropped the PlayStation Portal, people were scratching their heads,wondering what it was all about. It wasn't like the Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck. You couldn't just load games onto it and play. It was all about streaming games from your PlayStation 5 over Wi-Fi. A lot of folks thought it was a weird,limited gadget. But, fast forward two years, and with constant improvements, the Portal has turned into a surprisingly cool piece of tech that's made its own place in the handheld gaming world.

What's so special?

The idea behind the Portal was pretty simple: If you've got a PlayStation 5, why not let you play those games when you're not sitting in front of your TV? It's got DualSense-style controls, those great ones that come with the PS5, and a 1080p screen, so it basically feels like you're holding a portable PlayStation 5.

When it first came out, you could only play games that were already on your PS5,And how well those games played totally depended on how strong your Wi-Fi was.If you have a great connection, awesome, but if not, you were out of luck. This left gamers wanting something more.

Cloud Streaming saves the day

But things changed in 2025 when Sony introduced Cloud Streaming support. With this feature, you could forget about needing your PlayStation 5 turned on at home. You could play your games from anywhere. That's when the Portal went from being a simple accessory to becoming a real handheld way to get into the whole PlayStation experience.

Imagine waiting for the bus, chilling on vacation, or anytime you just want a quick game,this thing is amazing. It started competing with other handheld systems by giving an easy way to play PlayStation games without needing a super powerful device.

New update!

Sony's new update makes everything run even smoother. The redesigned home page lets you get to where you want to go faster. Buying extra stuff for your games, like outfits or coins, is easier than ever. You just buy it right in the game, no need to go back to your PlayStation 5 or open the PlayStation Store.

It’s a simple improvement and makes the Portal feel like a real part of the PlayStation family, not just some add-on gadget.

Better Performance,Better gaming experience

Over time, the Portal's been getting some love with new abilities that make it a great device. Now you can take screenshots or record gameplay, which is great for sharing your best moments. Plus, there's an auto-pause thing that stops your game if you're just sitting there, saving battery life and making sure you don't lose progress because you forgot to pause.

Also, Sony's cleaned up the Cloud catalog, so it's easier to find what you're looking for. They've tweaked things to reduce lag and improve streaming quality, fixing one of the big complaints from when it first launched.

Still a few things to keep in mind

Even with all these upgrades, there are still a few downsides. You need a PlayStation Plus subscription to access Cloud streaming. This raises the price of the Portal.

Since the Portal uses Wi-Fi, you need a good connection to play. If your Wi-Fi is bad, you're going to see lag, disconnections, and blurry visuals. This means the Portal isn't great for playing on the go.

Who is it for?

The Portal probably won't replace handhelds like the Switch or Steam Deck, which run games without Wi-Fi. But it's found its own spot, as a handy gadget for PlayStation 5 owners who want to play wherever they go. If you're already into the PlayStation world, it's a really good way to keep playing even when you're not at home.

Sony adding updates shows they believe in the Portal. It's gone from being a weird thing to a handy gadget.

A Great Gift?

The Portal's latest update makes it an awesome gift. PlayStation fans have a new device to play anywhere, anytime, without losing the feel of that PlayStation 5 experience.It’s features, plus Sony’s constant support, make it more attractive.

Wi-Fi dependency is a caveat, but despite that, the Portal’s strengths are undeniable. It delivers the PlayStation experience on the go, something fans have wanted.

Final thoughts

Two years post release, the PlayStation Portal has came a long way. It has changed from a limited device to a handheld with cloud streaming and improved navigation

Challenges do remain, but Sony’s commitment to updates ensures that the Portal continues to improve.. For PlayStation 5 people who value flexibility, it may be the perfect gift this Christmas.

27.10 Smart Home Hacks Every Owner Needs to Know 

You've got a bunch of smart home stuff, right? Cool! But are you just using it to flip lights on and off? If that's it, you're missing out on some serious potential. Let's talk about how to make those gadgets actually work for you – making your life easier, saving some cash, and keeping your place secure.

**Stop Wasting Power When You're Out**

That feeling when you're halfway to work and think, Did I leave the lights on? Ugh, I hate that! An easy win is setting up your lights and appliances to automatically shut down when you leave.

*   **Google Home:** Their Away mode is pretty slick. When Google notices your phone isn't home, it'll switch everything off. Want protection from accidentally turning things off on someone who's using it? Set the routine to check if your TV is on. Someone's blasting the TV? No turning off.

*   **Apple HomeKit:** You can do basically the same thing with Shortcuts. Before turning everything off, check to see if something is running. Then, if nothing is on, power down. Easy!

*   **Amazon Alexa:** Though Alexa isn't quite as connected as others to knowing what your devices are doing, you can set this up through location actions. You can also use the Away Lighting thing to trick people into thinking you're home.

No matter what system you have, you get the same good stuff: lower electric bills and stress-free trips.

**Wake Up Without a Jump Scare**

Nobody, and I mean NOBODY, wants to be jolted awake by music blasting at full volume. Setting a default volume for your speakers each morning is the way to go.

*   **Google Home:** Program your speakers to reset to a low volume every morning, right before your alarm blasts you awake.

*   **Apple HomeKit:** Build a scene for your HomePods that happens every morning, setting the volume to something reasonable.

*   **Alexa:** Set her up to control the volume of your devices.

It's a simple trick that can save you from that heart attack feeling.

**Scare Off Package Thieves (or Anyone Suspicious)**

Your smart home can do double duty as a decent security system. link your doorbell cam to your porch lights. It wards off those pesky package poachers.

*   **Google Home:** Tell it to blast the porch lights on full brightness when your Nest camera spots someone at the door. For extra spookiness, flicker the inside lights, too.

*   **Apple HomeKit:** The HomeKit Secure Video cameras can do this, as well.

*   **Alexa:** If you use a Ring camera, fire up a routine to turn on lights and maybe play a chime.

The message? You're on camera, and you need to make like a tree and leave.

**Home Edition Focus Mode**

Productivity doesn't start and end with your computer, your home is where it starts. Your house can either get you in the zone or distract you. Set a Focus Mode routine to link your home to your workday attitude..

*   Example: Shut off all of your internal office cameras and set your lights to dim at 9:30 AM.

*   **Apple:** The Shortcuts app and iPhone Focus modes are a match made in heaven. The smart lights and devices are swapped out by you turning on the do not disturb mode.

*   **Alexa and Google Home:** Set a scheduled routine.

**Welcome Guests (But Not *Too* Much)**

Smart homes and guests can be a recipe for disaster if you're not careful. Give them limited control with a specific profile.

*   **Google Home:** Allow other members to only control some lights in specified rooms.

*   **Apple HomeKit:** Go into granular detail of who can do what. You can maintain control over the cameras and the thermostat.

*   **Amazon:** The Household aspect is kind of inflexible. The old tried and tested way is to give your guests a list of voice commands so that they can do what they want.

**Thermostat Wars: A Solution to the Temperature Debate**

Roommates arguing about the thermostat? Families in a stalemate when setting the air conditioner? You can find peace with a smart thermostat.

*   **Nest Thermostat:** Don't want anyone messing with your settings? Set a PIN protection.

*   **Apple HomeKit:** Create a scene in My Temp to reset the thermostat to your preferred setting at preselected times.

*   **Alexa:** Create routines to manage the thermostat and stop sneaky adjustments.

**Laundry Reminders**

Get a notification when your clothes are dry!

*   **Google Home:** Tell the dryer to say when it stops.

*   **No Smart Appliances?** When the machine has shut down, the smart plug sensors will begin a light.

*   **Apple and Alexa:** Alexa-friendly and Eve Energy plugs can do the trick.

**Smarter Sprinklers: Save Water, Save Money**

Don't water the lawn if it's about to rain.

*   **Smart Sprinkler Systems:** Have a system? It should let you know when it's about to rain.

*   **DIY Version:** Plan a bit and get smart plugs. For weather updates, use IFTTT. Google home can run routines based on the time of year. Apple Shortcuts have weather forecasts. Alexa has its own weather services.

**Set the Mood With Sound**

Listening to music and background tunes leads to a good relaxation and productivity.

*   **Google Home:** Say OK Google, it's chill time, and fire up a playlist from Spotify.

*   **Apple HomePods:** They come with ambient sounds, timers, and music.

*   **Alexa:** Try setting a timer to your favorite song.

**Garage Door SOS**

Garage left open AGAIN? Get an early warning to help you.

*   **Get a Zigbee Tilt sensor or a camera to check if its open.**

*   **Google Home:** Have it tell you if the sensor shows the door open when you're in Away mode.

*   **Apple HomeKit and Alexa:** Make alerts based on where you are.

**Wrapping It Up**

Smart homes aren't some crazy show of gadgets. Make your life better and use them correctly. No matter if you feel safer, easier getting stuff done, or comfy as can be, good routines can make your smart home good to use. Plan what fixes your needs after you learn what your system can do.

28.EA Play Highlights Games Perfect for the Holiday Season 

**EA Play's Holiday Bash: 10 Days of Gaming Goodies**

The holidays are coming, which, let's be real, it means time to dive into some fresh games and snag cool stuff! EA Play is jumping into the action with a special event starting December 15th and going until December 24th, 2025. Basically, for ten days straight, if you're rocking an EA Play membership, you're in for some cool stuff . We're talking early trials, neat rewards, and some game discounts. There is something for everyone, whether you're into sports, some sci-fi action, or cool stuff.

**Sports Take Center Stage**

The party kicks off with four days that are dedicated to EA's sports games.

*   **Day 1: UFC 5** – Ready to rumble? EA SPORTS™ UFC® 5 is up first, offering you to replay those fights from 2025 or rewrite history. Get ready for some action.

*   **Day 2: College Football 26** – College ball fans, get hyped! Enjoy up to 10 hours of game time with EA SPORTS™ College Football 26. Collect your EA Play Loyalist Ultimate Team Pack. You can jump last season's bowl game matchups and change who wins.

*   **Day 3: FC 26** – Soccer is here! EA SPORTS™ FC™ 26, with a 10-hour trial. There is also the Holiday Header Blue Boots cosmetic. Play the game in Clubs or classic rivalries on the field.

*   **Day 4: Madden NFL 26** – Football is in action. Get a 10-hour trial and the MUT EA Play December Pack. You can enjoy your favorite team's game or change up a historic run in the playoffs.

**Star Wars**

Let's change it up. After four days of sports, EA Play is taking us to Star Wars. Day 5 is for two Star Wars games that are on The Play List.

*   **Star Wars Battlefront II** allows you to play as those popular heroes and villains. Pick Light or Dark.

*   **Star Wars Jedi: Survivor™** is cool for story game fanatics. As Cal Kestis, you can play the Force.

**Battlefield 6**

Day 6 that is about Battlefield 6. Members are saving 10% on the Standard or Phantom Edition and are given exclusive packs, like Deployment Pack and Season 1 Pack. The game wants you to use the Tactical Destruction system, destroy like ten buildings in one match.

**F1 25**

EA SPORTS™ F1® 25. You get a 5-hour trial and get a 5,000 XP Boost. Try and beat the fastest lap record on your favorite track. It’s a cool way to see how good you are.

**Apex Legends and Some Holiday Style**

Day 8 is about Apex Legends™. Log in and get the Gold Topper Weapon Charm.

**The Sims 4**

Day 9 is where you get creative with The Sims™ 4, which is a free game to play. However, EA Play members get 10% off expansion packs. You can build your holiday house. The Sims means being yourself, so show off your holiday mood in the game.

**Skating in San Vansterdam**

End the event with the Skate franchise. Members can save 10% on San Van Bucks. Use those to unlock the Premium Skate Pass or other cosmetics.

**Extra Benefits**

EA Play gives you its normal benefits: discounts, The Play List library, and special rewards. The holiday event has challenges and limited-time cosmetics.

EA wants you to stay in touch through its website, ea.com/ea-play , X and Instagram @eaplay.

**Overall**

There’s sports, shooters, racing, sci-fi, and some creative stuff on there. The ten-day event will remind you that the subscription has seasonal surprises and challenges.

29.Threads Introduces Communities and Tests Engagement Badges 

Meta's Threads is really pushing to get bigger, and it looks like they're trying to take on Reddit and X (that used to be Twitter). They've been working on this communities thing, and they just beefed it up big time.

Basically, Threads is trying to get people talking about stuff they're into. When they first rolled out communities last October, there were only a little over 100 of them. Now, they've doubled that, hitting over 200. They're even doing test runs with some features that are super similar to what you see on Reddit and X. This whole thing shows that Meta wants Threads to be *the* place to go for discussions, maybe even stealing some users from those other sites.

**Communities: Not Just Big Topics Anymore**

So, when Threads first launched communities, it was just to give people somewhere to chat other than the main feed (which is all about algorithms, you know?). They had communities about general stuff, like basketball, TV, K-pop, and books. And people jumped on those pretty quick, looking for better talks than they could find on the regular feed.

Now, they're going after more specific stuff, especially in sports. Think Lakers Threads, Knicks Threads, Spurs Threads. It's like they're trying to build team-specific Reddit pages, but with Meta's own twist on design and how things are run.

**Stealing Ideas From Reddit: Badges and Labels**

Meta's also playing around with stuff that Reddit people will recognize. They're adding these things called flairs, which are like little labels that show up under your name in a community. So, you can show off who you are or what you're all about. Like, if you're in the NBA community, you can put your favorite team. Or, if you're in the books community, you can say you're an author.

These flairs do a couple of things. They let you personalize your profile, and they give people some context. If you see someone's flair, you know where they're coming from, whether they're a rival fan or someone who knows their stuff.

They're also testing out a Champion badge to pat the most active people on the back. Supposedly, only people who are followed by a lot of people and who talk a lot will get them. It's kinda like Reddit's karma system, but it sounds like Meta will have a tighter grip on who gets these badges. The idea is to get more people to participate and make the top contributors feel special.

**Threads Is Actually Growing Fast**

Here's the thing: Threads is doing pretty well. It came out in 2023 as a sidekick to Instagram, and by August 2025, they already had over 400 million users. Plus, they're saying 150 million people check Threads *every day*. So, people are sticking around, which is a big deal for a new social app.

It seems like Threads has found its place, even with all the competition. X is still the king of real-time talk, and Reddit is the go-to spot for communities. But Threads is trying to be a mix of both: Instagram's good looks with Reddit-style communities.

**Going After X, Reddit, and Others**

Meta's plan is obvious: they want people using Threads instead of the competition. Reddit has always been *the* place for communities about anything you can think of. And now, Threads is trying to do the same thing with the flairs, badges, and team groups, but with Instagram's huge user base backing it up.

X isn't doing so hot either. With the new management, people have been complaining about how things are run there. So, Threads could grab some users who want a place with better communities and conversations.

There are other startups trying to do the same thing, but Threads has a huge advantage. With hundreds of millions of users already, Meta can try out new features fast.

**More Than Just Communities**

Communities are just one part of Threads' plan to keep people hooked. They've also been adding direct messages, group chats, and posts that disappear after a while. All this stuff is making Threads more like a full-blown social media platform.

By adding communities to all this, Meta is giving people a bunch of reasons to stick around. You can chat with friends, check out what’s trending, and then get in deep with your favorite community. Basically, they want you to spend all your time on Threads.

**Not All Sunshine and Roses**

Threads still has some problems to fix. You need good moderation, rules, and people who care to build a good community. Reddit has done well because they have volunteer moderators and a community that mostly governs itself. Meta needs to copy that somehow.

And then there's the problem of being different. Flairs and badges are cool, but they're not exactly new. Threads needs to find a way to stand out. Connecting with Instagram could by sharing posts easily, but Meta needs to make sure Threads becomes its own thing.

**The Bottom Line**

Threads adding more than 200 communities is a big move from Meta to make the platform a place for people to talk about their passions. By copying ideas like flairs and those Champion badges, Threads will have more users join in to have fun.

With a ton of users already, Threads could really give Reddit and X a run for their money. But can they make those communities that keep people coming back? If Meta can pull that off, then Threads could be a social media hub.

30.Canadian Buyer Shocked After Purchasing Fake iPhone 17 Pro Max 

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is supposed to be the hottest thing in tech for 2025, right? But these things cost a fortune, like $1200! That's way too much for a lot of people. And where there's a demand, you just know someone's going to try and fake it to make some money. That's where these knock-off iPhones come in.

This YouTuber, Phone Repair Guru, he got his hands on one of these fake iPhone 17 Pro Max phones. He did one of his famous unboxing and teardown videos to show everyone what's up. Let me tell you, it was a wild ride of surprises and serious uh-oh moments. It really showed why trying to save a few bucks on something like this can backfire big time.

Okay, so the weirdest thing? This fake phone actually had a bigger battery than the real iPhone 17 Pro Max is supposed to. At first, you might think, Sweet! More battery life! I mean, who doesn't want their phone to last longer? Apple spends tons of time trying to squeeze every last minute out of their batteries

But here's the catch: just because a battery is bigger doesn't mean it's better. Phone Repair Guru stressed that the battery inside this fake phone was nothing like what Apple uses. It might hold more power, but who knows how long it'll last before it starts dying super fast? And more importantly, is it even safe? Cheap batteries like that can overheat, get damaged easily, or even catch fire. Seriously, that is not something you want in your pocket! Apple tests their batteries like crazy to avoid these kinds of problems, and that's not going to happen with some shady knock-off.

When he first looked at it, the fake iPhone was pretty convincing. It was built well enough that someone might think it's the real thing.. These counterfeiters are getting really good at copying Apple's designs. The shiny metal frame, where the buttons are, even the way the camera lenses look – they nail the details.

Turn it on, and that's where the illusion falls to pieces. Instead of Apple's super-bright, colorful OLED screen, this thing had a cheap LCD screen. The colors looked washed out, it wasn't very bright, and the picture wasn't very sharp. The camera was another disappointment. The photos it took were grainy and terrible, totally different from the clear, amazing pictures you expect from a real iPhone.

It even messed up the software, This fake phone couldn't even access the real app store. You had to jump through hoops to get apps on it. That's not only a pain, but it also puts you at major risk for downloading viruses and other bad stuff.

When Phone Repair Guru put the phone through its paces, you see how awful it was. Playing graphic-intensive games? Forget about it. The thing stuttered, the graphics glitched out, and it crashed all the time. If you're trying to pass this off as a high-end phone, that's a disaster.

Phone Repair Guru didn't hold back: Just do not buy this! It is slow and absolutely not worth the money they are asking for it. It's just a scam.

And that's the truth. These fake phones might look the part, but they can't deliver the performance, the reliability, or the smooth experience you get with a real Apple product.

So, why are these fake phones so dangerous? It's simple: they're designed to trick you. They make you think you're getting a great deal, but you're actually getting ripped off.

Here's what you risk by buying a fake phone:

*   **Security holes:** You might end up downloading dangerous apps.

*   **Parts fail:** They use the cheapest parts they can get, so the phone isn't going to last.

*   **Battery danger:** As mentioned before, the batteries are often a fire hazard.

*   **No help:** No warranty or customer support.

In the end, you think you're saving money, but you end up with a phone that barely works and could put you at risk.

This isn't just about one fake iPhone 17 Pro Max. As good phones get more and more expensive, these counterfeiters see a chance to make money. They make phones that look real to get to people who can’t or do not want to pay full prices, specifically in place where Apple costs even more.

These fake phones look so good right now, but their parts are bad. The fake industry sells as much as possible, not caring how good it is, but uses the fact that people always want to be great even if it's not reality.

Phone Repair Guru's video shows a important topic. Even though fake devices impress, actually, they are all scams. Buyers should question deals that are not real, especially when buying from unknown sources or online.

Apple is expensive, but the business put a lot into engineers, safety, and working with other software. Real devices give help to warranties, updates, and support that fake products can't match. If you cannot pay for the most new product, old iPhones that are good or that have been fixed are better.

The fake iPhone 17 Pro Max might say it has big battery, but has problems in the most important part: how it works, trust, and protect you. As Phone Repair Guru said, these devices are there to fool buyers, but not for good.

Technology is costly and key, fake products take advantage of people, but give bad results. Final lesson: when buying phones, that it is real is what is most important. Saving a little to get a fake device can be worth more in annoyance, danger, and wasted purchase.

31.Adobe Firefly Expands With Prompt-Based Video Editing and New AI Models 

Adobe's really stepping it up with Firefly! It started as a cool way to whip up images and videos, but now it's becoming a real video editor. We're talking about actual tools, a timeline, and even borrowing AI smarts from other companies. It feels like Adobe's saying, Okay, we're serious now. They're jumping into the ring with all the other AI video platforms, which is pretty cool.

**From Just Making Stuff to Really Editing It**

Before, Firefly was as basic as it gets. You'd type in what you wanted, and it'd spit out a short clip. But if you wanted to tweak something small, like the sky's color, you had to start all over. It was annoying and felt more like a demo. Now, with the new editor, Adobe's fixing that. You can use words to change specific parts of a video – colors, angles, anything – without redoing everything. And they added a timeline, which anyone who's used Premiere Pro or After Effects will recognize. You can adjust frames, sounds, and other stuff easily.

It's a pretty big deal. By mixing AI that creates stuff with regular editing tools, Adobe's turning Firefly into something that can both churn out content and fine-tune it. For pros, that means less time redoing stuff and more say over the final product. And for beginners, it makes difficult edits really easy – you can practically do them by typing a sentence. It lets you enhance visuals through video with the help of AI.

**Getting Power from Runway and Using Their Own Stuff Too**

Adobe's not doing this by themselves, and it's great that they're getting assistance from others. They've added Runway's Aleph model, which lets you give super specific instructions, like, Make the sky cloudy and lower the brightness or Zoom in a bit on the person in the video. That level of detail is what video creators have been asking for – making small changes without messing up the whole video.

At the same time, Adobe's pushing their own Firefly Video model. With this, you upload a starting point and a video showing a camera movement, then tell Firefly to copy that movement in your new video. For filmmakers or content creators, this opens up tons of options. Imagine copying a cool drone shot or recreating that shaky camera look from a documentary – all with AI! It gives you another tool to create cinematic visuals and become a better video creator.

**Making Videos Look Better with Support from Others**

Another cool thing about Firefly is that Adobe's is sharing the platform with other companies' models. One addition is Topaz Labs' Astra, which helps you upscale videos to 1080p or 4K. This is helpful because AI-created videos often don't look that great. Astra can help clean that up enough for professional use.

They're also adding Black Forest Labs' FLUX.2 picture generator. FLUX.2 makes really nice, realistic images, and Adobe's making it available to Firefly users ASAP. Adobe knows that no single AI can do everything well. By offering a variety of options, they're giving users the flexibility to use video AI for the long haul.

**Working Together on AI Videos**

Besides just making videos, Adobe's also adding ways to work together. You can now share stuff, prompts, and edits in real-time within Firefly. Adobe's always been about teamwork, so this makes sense, especially since making content is becoming more and more common. As AI becomes important in making content being able to brainstorm with different team is a big plus.

**Catching up and trying to get users**

Adobe's jumping in at a good time. Companies like Runway and Pika Labs have been going all out releasing new AI models and features. Adobe's trying to keep up and bring in new users by making Firefly more powerful. And to get the ball rolling, they're offering unlimited generation to Firefly Pro, Firefly Premium, and other high-credit plan subscribers until mid-January. It is definitely a smart move marketing-wise.

Last year, Firefly was updated a lot. In February, they created a subscription plan which allows the users to pick from different levels when making pictures and videos. After that, Adobe made a website and cellphone app. In order to make the tool easier to use for users. Firefly is focusing on the AI creative market, especially with the addition of a video editor and other models. Which will definitely encourage user creativity.

**What This Means for Video Creators**

For video creators, this is a big deal. Firefly's not just a place to fool around; it's becoming an real tool that you can actually use in your actual job. Its ability to use words to change videos, the quality of video, and adding collaboration techniques, makes Firefly more than just something for fun. It could be a contender in the video editing space. Sure, their Premiere Pro and After Effects are the leading video editors, but Firefly could be a supplement, particularly when doing creative projects and trying out new ideas.

**So What's Next?**

Adobe's concern will be to make sure that everything works well constantly when they add new tools. AI can be unpredictable, and people need its tools to be solid. By adding Astra and FLUX.2, Adobe is trying to lesson some risks. At the same time, they would need to make performance better to meet standard for video professionals.

This new editor is a game changer. Firefly is growing beyond just making video clips, as there are also ways to edit and collaborate. there are other Al software and tools that can be used, Adobe has a jump , mainly because of their software environment. Creative Cloud, Premiere and After Effects helps Firefly to adjust easy, which creates a simple and helpful Al technique for video users and creators.

32.LG Brings Micro RGB Display Tech to CES for the First Time 

There's some buzz going around about LG cooking up some really impressive TVs in their labs: Micro RGB evo TVs. They're planning a showcase at CES 2026 in Vegas. And listen, if all works out, these TVs could completely revolutionize the way we think about top-end TVs.

**Micro RGB: So What's the Hype?**

Okay, Micro RGB is basically the next step forward in TV technology. It takes what we have right now, like mini LED backlights, and aims for an image quality that might even beat out OLED screens, with incredibly crisp details. Instead of doing things the usual way, which involves creating colors by shining white light through filters, Micro RGB uses tiny red, green, and blue LEDs that shine light straight onto each pixel. Supposedly, the colors will be purer, more realistic, and have a wider variety. What you would get are pictures that almost jump out of the screen at you.

Here's some extra stuff: OLEDs still lead in turning individual pixels on and off. This gives you super deep blacks and awesome contrast. However, OLEDs can be tricky to produce, and sometimes they're not the brightest. Mini LEDs, by contrast, can get brighter and have better contrast than older LCD TVs. But they still use white light, so the color isn't quite as rich. Micro RGB is going for the best parts of both: amazing colors and brightness, all while using less power than OLEDs.

**So How is LG Shaking things up with Micro RGB evo?**

LG is saying that its Micro RGB evo TVs will have AI built-in. This AI is expected to clean up low-resolution videos. The company thinks that if the AI can make those old blurry videos look amazing, even on very large screens, it would be a game changer. Just think of watching an old VHS tape look crystal clear on a brand-new TV. This could be the TV that does it.

In addition, a testing organization called Intertek determined that the TVs can show nearly every color in BT.2020, DCI-P3, and Adobe RGB. Simply put, this TV can show a crazy amount of colors. If you truly care about great colors, this is a big deal.

Plus, LG is boasting about how well the TV controls the lighting. Micro RGB evo has a ton of dimming zones, which means the TV can dim super small areas of the screen. This dimming can eliminate those halo problems that are so annoying. Subsequently, dark areas appear darker, without affecting the bright areas.

**What About Size and Price?**

The rumor is that LG is planning to release these Micro RGB TVs in 100-inch, 86-inch, and 75-inch sizes. These sizes are smaller than the massive 115-inch Samsung Micro RGB TV that was out there for a while. Although still larger than most screens. Samsung was asking around $30,000 for its model, because it was a new model.

LG hasn’t given a price yet, but Micro RGB tech isn't easy to produce. These TVs are considered premium. They might be at least as pricey as Samsung’s model, possibly more. Despite being smaller than Samsung’s option, they might be a bit more affordable. This is a premium product, so expect these TVs to be for people who are willing to shell out the big bucks for premium stuff.

**And What Does This Mean for TVs?**

Micro RGB evo is entering the TV market at a peculiar time. OLED is getting more common and cheaper, and you see Mini LED on quite a few TVs. The thing is, Micro RGB genuinely needs to be the next best thing. Because LG puts out a lot of OLED models, they may not want a bunch of OLED TVs. It's about competition, plus a desire to move forward with new innovations.

Even though Samsung got the ball rolling with Micro RGB a while back, LG's entry will probably speed up developments in the tech. This is especially true if there are more size options. Other companies might even start developing their own models, but it could be tough because Micro RGB is a complex technology to make.

**What’s Coming at CES 2026?**

CES is where everyone shows off their latest tech, and that will be the case in CES 2026. LG’s Micro RGB evo should be a major topic, along with all the new devices, software. A lot of tech websites will be there to let people know about the new products, with even some commentary.

For the average person, Micro RGB might be interesting. But these TVs will appeal to people who know all about high-end tech, at least until they become more affordable later on.

**Closing Thoughts**

Micro RGB evo provides directions for TV tech which include enhanced colors and truer images. Since movies and shows are HDR, and contain a wider range of colors, TV hardware has to move with the times. Micro RGB seems to be able to do all that.

Plus, AI keeps improving. We may reach a time when people expect the TV to improve the quality of older videos. The hardware in the TV might be powerful enough to handle the job.

Micro RGB models might get smaller in the future. As bigger companies gain more experience with Micro RGB, it could become more and more common. But right now, you won’t find it in the typical house.

33.Half-Life 3 Rumored as Potential Steam Machine Launch Title 

**Half-Life 3 in Spring 2026? Let's Hope So!**

Okay, Half-Life 3. Some gamers hear that and get a rush of excitement. Others, not so much. But a ton of us have been waiting forever for Valve to drop another game in this series. It really switched up how first-person shooters were made. They had killer stories, real-world physics, and some really techy stuff going on that made the games super fun to play. Now and then, a rumor pops up, but it's usually nothing. Now that 2026 is creeping closer, the latest gossip is that Half-Life 3 might actually appear in spring, along with some better Steam Machines from Valve. Talk about a dream come true!

**Okay, So What's the Deal (This Time)?**

The latest chatter comes from Mike Straw, a journalist who's usually on the money when it comes to gaming news. He was chatting about Half-Life on the Insider Gaming podcast. He said that his sources are saying that Half-Life 3 is being planned to get people excited about Steam Machines. And he's usually right about this stuff.

Straw seems to honestly believe that Valve is aiming to drop Half-Life 3 around the same time they release their new gaming PC. Maybe they’ll call it Frame, and a new controller, too. Spring 2026 is the date being tossed around. If everything goes as they hope, this would be Valve jumping back into the PC hardware and software game. They haven't tried this since the original Steam Machines back in 2015, which didn't exactly blow anyone away. A lot of people didn't see the point, and some game devs weren't all that interested.

**Why This Might Actually Have Legs**

Honestly, it makes sense. Releasing Half-Life 3 alongside a new PC could be pretty smart. Valve has a history of using their games to push their platforms. Half-Life 2 got everyone to download Steam way back in the day. Then, Half-Life: Alyx got folks to buy the Valve Index headset. So, if Valve wants us to buy their new Steam Machines, launching Half-Life 3 at the same time seems like a canny idea.

Plus, over the years, we've seen little things here and there thathinted that Half-Life 3 is, in fact, being worked on. We've heard whispers about playtests, seen mentions in code, and heard things from people in the know. Nothing official, mind you, but it all suggests that Valve has been kicking around the idea of releasing the game.

**Easy There, Killer...**

Before you call off work, hold on a second. Straw himself admitted that he's been wrong about Half-Life 3 rumors before, and that he's heard of release dates that never actually happened. He's been wrong before, so don't get your hopes up too high.

He also mentioned that some of the old leaks could have been fake, planted to figure out who was leaking info. Valve is pretty secretive and has a history of testing employees by sharing fake dates and other bogus information. So, basically, a lot of things need to line up for this to happen.

Even if spring 2026 rolls around, Valve could push things back. They usually like to wait until they know their game is ready, no matter how much fans want it out. Also, the PC hardware world is a tough one. What if something happens, like RAM prices going through the roof? That could make the Steam Machine too expensive, and Valve might have to rework their whole plan.

**Steam Machine: Take Two**

The idea of a better Steam Machine is kind of interesting. Since the first try didn't quite work, they need to really nail the hardware this time to make it a solid system for both console and PC gamers. Valve seems to be hoping that the Steam Machine will bring everything together nicely – the games, the PC, and the controller.

If Half-Life 3 depends on this hardware, any hiccups with getting parts, setting prices, or writing code could screw with its release. Valve will need to think carefully about picking the right date to beat gaming computers.

**The Waiting Game Continues...**

Straw's gut feeling is that Half-Life 3 will eventually see the light of day. The big question is when Valve feels the time is right. We all know Valve likes to wait until they can make a big splash in gaming that gamers will love.

Will spring 2026 be that moment? For now, all we can do is wait. Valve can be frustrating because they have secrets. But, these people understand how it’s a top secret as well.

**Wrapping Things Up**

With 2025 just around the corner and Valve saying nothing. Mike Straw has people think that spring 2026 could be a release date.

Again, people tend to have ideas on when it will occur. As time goes on time might say that something may happen with this matter.

Even so, folks share rumors that are kind of different. time has a possibility to tell us if release might happen.

34.Smartphone Sales Forecast to Decline in 2026 Amid Rising Costs 

The global smartphone market, which everyone thought was super strong, is looking at a possible dip in 2026. A new report from Counterpoint Research says that phone shipments from almost all brands are expected to go down, making the whole market shrink by around 2.1% compared to the year before. This is a big change because earlier, they were expecting some growth, even with all the economic problems going on.

What's causing this? Well, mainly it's the rising costs of parts, especially chips and memory. Everyone wants AI now, and that's putting a lot of strain on the companies that make semiconductors. Because of the demand, prices for memory and other important stuff have gone up a lot.

Counterpoint says that the costs for cheap phones have already jumped by 20% to 30% since the beginning of 2025. And it could get worse: memory prices might go up another 40% by the second quarter of 2026. So, making a new phone could cost 8% to over 15% more than it does now, when prices are already high. Clearly, phone companies will need to charge consumers more because of factory cost increasing.

The report thinks that the average price of smartphones will go up by 6.9% in 2026. While higher prices can help make up for selling fewer phones, it could also scare away people who are on a budget, especially in countries where being affordable is really important.

Cheap phones are likely to be hit the hardest. These phones usually don't make a lot of money per unit, so they can't handle rising costs as well as the expensive phones. This means companies might have to raise prices a lot or cut back on fancy features, and both of those things could make people not want to buy them.

But, it will not affect all brands in the same area. Big companies like Apple and Samsung can handle the situation better than others. They have loyal customers, lots of different products, and make more money on each phone, so they can deal with higher costs. Even still, Apple and Samsung will probably sell around 2% fewer phones in 2026.

Chinese companies like Xiaomi, Honor, Oppo, and Vivo are in a tougher spot. They don't have the same strong brand or pricing like Apple and Samsung. Counterpoint thinks that Honor might sell over 3% fewer phones, and Oppo and Vivo, which were originally supposed to grow in 2026, are now expected to see their shipments decline. These companies are in danger risk because they sell a lot of phones in the cheap to mid-price range, where costs are rising very fast.

So, what does this mean for these companies? For Apple and Samsung, it means they need to keep people buying their products even if prices go up. Apple might rely on its other services and products to keep making money, while Samsung could focus on its foldable phones and high-end models to justify higher prices. It's likely that both companies will keep investing in AI features, which could make their products stand out even if they cost more.

The Chinese companies might need to rethink how they do things. One idea is to focus more on expensive phones, where they can make more money and people might be willing to pay higher costs. Another idea is to look at markets like India and Africa, where more and more people are getting smartphones. But, to succeed in those regions, they need to find a way to balance being affordable with dealing with rising production costs, which is tricky.

This expected decrease in 2026 shows the overall problems that the smartphone industry is facing. The market has grown, replacement cycles are taking longer, and there is less innovation. Rising component costs are a big challenge, making it hard for companies to keep growing.

The industry is also changing technologically. AI is becoming a key part of smartphones, which means they need better chips and more memory. While this makes phones better, it also makes them more expensive. Phone companies need to discover ways to balance innovation with being affordable, so that customers still want to buy their latest devices.

Counterpoint Research's forecast paints a bleak picture for the smartphone industry in 2026. With the market expected to shrink and prices going up, phone companies have a tough year ahead. Apple and Samsung are in a better position to handle this, but even they will probably sell fewer phones. The Chinese companies, especially those selling cheap phones, might have a hard time adjusting.

In the end, how well the industry handles this downturn will depend on how well phone companies can control costs, make their products stand out, and keep customers interested in an increasingly competitive and expensive market. The coming year will be a test for the smartphone market, and the decisions companies make could shape the industry for many years.

35.Larian Confirms Internal Use of Generative AI, Divinity Remains AI-Free 

Larian's riding high off *Baldur's Gate 3*, right? Huge success. Now they're going back to their own *Divinity* series. Swen Vincke, head of Larian, announced this new *Divinity* game at The Game Awards. He said it's us [company name]unleashed, which sounds pretty cool. Of course, everyone's wondering about AI – is it going to *make* the game?

Well, apparently Larian's playing around with AI, but it's not going to write the story or create characters. Vincke was clear: it's all human-made. Everything's acted out by people, the writing's done by people. This makes sense, considering all the debate about AI taking over creative jobs.

From what Vincke said, they're using AI as a tool *during* development. Like, to brainstorm ideas, make presentations look better, come up with quick concept art, or write temporary text. It helps them *see* what something *could* look like, or gives them a starting point. But actual dialogue, storylines, the *performances*? All human.

Vincke even admitted AI hasn't made things *way* faster, but it does help. Apparently, some people at Larian were unsure about AI at first, but now everyone's mostly okay with how they're using it.

One thing they *are* aiming for is a shorter development time than *Baldur's Gate 3*. That game was massive and took forever. They're hoping AI can help with that, but they're also changing how they work.

Instead of working on quests one after another, they're developing them all at the same time. That way, different teams can work on different parts of the game at once. Plus, Larian's grown as a company. So, hopefully, they can make a game just as good as *Baldur's Gate* without needing so much time.

Vincke talked about how hard it is to manage a company that's getting bigger so fast. He thinks a lot of founders have that problem. He said that he had to get big, bigger than expected, otherwise he couldn't make his video game. When you grow, there problems and responsibilities that you may not know about, but eventually you would have to face them anyway. He also said that getting big exposes new problems that they never thought existed.

Growing definitely brings problems. Larian has to get bigger to make these huge games, but that means more management headaches. AI *might* help a little, but it's not a simple fix.

Oh, and the new *Divinity* game *will* be a turn-based RPG, Vincke confirmed. So, like *Divinity: Original Sin* and *Baldur's Gate 3*. Expect a lot of story, good combat where you have to think, and choices that matter. But since it's *Divinity*, Larian has more freedom with the story and world, since they own it. A current-gen upgrade is available for *Divinity: Original Sin 2*, now on Switch 2, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. It is a great reminder of the franchise’s continued popularity and sets a foundation of renewed excitement for the series.

Larian's view on AI seems to be, It's a tool, not a replacement. Vincke said last year that they don't see AI replacing developers.

Basically, Larian's being smart about AI. Trying things out, but sticking to what they're good at: human-made games. Some folks are worried AI will ruin the art in games, so Larian's approach is kind of reassuring. Tech can help, sure, but people are still in charge.

So, this new *Divinity* is a mix of old and new for Larian. They're sticking to turn-based RPGs, but trying new workflows, playing with AI, and using all the resources they have now that they're bigger.

If you are a fan, their promise of us [company name]unleashed suggests that this game will fully show their creativity. Other companies can see how Larian is using AI as a good example of taking on new tech without destroying creativity.

The key will be keeping the balance between getting things done fast and making something artistic. AI might cut down on time, but the story, characters, and world will still be made by people. And in a time with so much tech changing things, that focus on human creativity might be what matters most.

36.Sucker Punch Productions Announces New Leadership Team 

After almost 30 years, Brian Fleming is stepping down from running Sucker Punch Productions, a studio that makes some of PlayStation's best-loved games. He helped start the company and was a big part of making games that people really liked, such as Sly Cooper, inFAMOUS, and Ghost of Tsushima. He even started a new one: Ghost of Yōtei. Because of this, the environment has changed, as longtime leaders Jason Connell and Adrian Bentley will become studio heads on January 1, 2026.

**What Brian Fleming Did**

It's hard to say enough about how important Brian Fleming was to Sucker Punch. Right from the start, when they were making the sneaky Sly Cooper games, up to when they were creating the huge open-world inFAMOUS series, Fleming was there to guide the team and help them make the games work on different PlayStation consoles. The games were well-made technically, and they also had stories that made you feel things.

The highlight of Fleming's time there was probably Ghost of Tsushima. The game showed how good the studio was at making games that looked amazing and that also touched people. This game made Sucker Punch one of the most important studios that PlayStation has. The games are as good as any other company out there.

Fleming has been working with PlayStation Studios for the past year to make the change easy. He wanted to make sure the studio was in good shape for the next leaders to keep up the great work.

**Who's Taking Over?**

Jason Connell and Adrian Bentley are now in charge of the studio. They were already important people at Sucker Punch, and they helped decide how the games would look and work.

Jason Connell was a Co-Creative Director on the Ghost games. Because of his contribution, the games were cinematic and also made people feel things when playing Ghost of Tsushima. He made sure the game stood out as a good action game, and also as something that was artistic. Connell is good at mixing great pictures with interesting stories. In the future, Sucker Punch will still make games that fans like.

Also, Adrian Bentley used to be the Technical Director. He managed the technical and engineering side of things. His work helped Sucker Punch create game systems and immersive worlds that feel alive. He is proficient technologically, and Connell is creative. Together, they will take the lead.

Together, Connell and Bentley are the next generation of leaders at Sucker Punch. Their partnership shows that the studio believes that good games come from mixing good stories with technical smarts.

**Nate Fox Stays On**

Nate Fox is another important person at Sucker Punch, and he will stay on as Co-Creative Director. This means that the studio will still have the same creative direction that it's had for years. With Connell, Bentley, and Fox working together, the leadership team has the ability to lead future projects while honoring what Brian Fleming has done.

**PlayStation Staple Since 2000**

Sucker Punch has been with PlayStation since 2000. Since then, the studio has consistently delivered unforgettable worlds and beloved characters. From the playfulness of Sly Cooper to the cinematic storytelling of Ghost of Tsushima, the studio has shown it can change with the the environment while remaining true to itself.

Its games entertain millions and help define what makes PlayStation so great. Bold, character-driven games that push the limits of technology and storytelling. As PlayStation Studios gets bigger, Sucker Punch is still a key part of PlayStation.

**What's Next?**

Sucker Punch will be led by Connell and Bentley moving forward. The studio wants to create new adventures that people all over the world will enjoy. We don't know much about what's coming up, but the announcement of Ghost of Yōtei shows that the studio is building on the success of Ghost of Tsushima. It's looking at new stories in the same samurai world.

This change also shows something that's happening in the game industry. One generation of leaders is handing things over to the next generation of creative and tech people. At Sucker Punch, this isn't the end of what they've always done. It's just a change. Fleming's leadership created a culture of creativity. Connell and Bentley are ready to continue that,

**To Conclude**

Brian Fleming's will leave, which makes it a moment in PlayStation history. Brian Fleming led for about three decades, and that helped make Sucker Punch one of the most studios. But his leaving isn't the end. The new leaders have already shown they can do a good job leading the studio.

Jason Connell and Adrian Bentley will guide the leadership team with the help of Nate Fox and other people at Sucker Punch, The studio will move into 2026. Fans can still expect the kind of games they've always loved from Sucker Punch, but with new energy and ideas. In the end, Sucker Punch looks forward to making unforgettable gaming stories for players around the world.

37.Hollow Knight: Silksong Tops 7 Million Sales in Just Three Months 

**Team Cherry is on a Roll: Silksong's Getting Bigger, and the Original Hollow Knight is back on the Switch 2!**

Team Cherry, those awesome indie game makers from Australia, have really done it! Remember how long we all waited for Hollow Knight: Silksong? Well, it finally came out in September 2025, and it lived up to all the hype. Team Cherry just *knows* what players want: a really cool feel, gameplay that's hard but fair, and a world that sucks you right in.

And here's the thing: just three months after Silksong came out, Team Cherry said they'd already sold over seven million copies! That's wild, especially for a smaller company. And guess what else? They're adding to the game with a big extra bit called Sea of Sorrow AND putting the first Hollow Knight on Nintendo's brand new Switch 2. That's pretty sweet.

**Silksong's Launch: It Was HUGE**

Silksong's release? Seriously, it was game of the year material. People were counting down the days, and there were rumors all over the place. When it finally dropped on September 4, 2025, the internet almost broke. SteamDB reported Silksong had the most people playing at the same time. It peaked at over 535,000 folks on Steam just a day after it launched. And it was the most wanted game of the year, with over 4.5 million people putting it on their wishlists before it even came out. That's nuts!

Reviewers loved it too. Silksong got a 90 on Metacritic, which is like, super high. Critics were saying the gameplay was better, the music was creepy but awesome, and it just took everything great about the first Hollow Knight and made it even better with a ton of new stuff. For Team Cherry, this win proved all those years of work were worth it. They've become a big deal in the indie game world.

**Seven Million Copies?!? Are You Kidding?!**

So, yeah, Silksong sold over seven million copies in just three months. But Team Cherry made sure to say that this doesn’t even count the millions of people who played it through Xbox Game Pass. So, the total number of players is way, way bigger. Even the people who made the game were surprised by how well it did. They said the player count was truly mind-boggling, more than they ever thought would happen (enough to make all the online stores crash!).

The fans have been great too. Team Cherry gave a shout-out to all the fan art, mods, guides, and love they've seen from players since the game came out. They said this level of support is a great push for them as they keep working on the game.

**Sea of Sorrow: Time to Set Sail!**

To keep things exciting, Team Cherry said they're making Sea of Sorrow – the first big addition to Silksong. It's coming out next year and will be free for everyone who already owns the game. It's got new places to check out, new bad guys to fight, and new things to play around with, all with a water theme. We don't know a lot yet, but the idea of going in to the ocean sounds like it’s going to be a really cool addition to the series.

A lot of game companies add extra bits to keep their games going, but Team Cherry's choice to make Sea of Sorrow free shows how much they care about their fans. By giving away new stuff, they're getting even more love from the people who helped them get this far.

**Hollow Knight Gets a Switch 2 Upgrade!**

As if the Silksong extra bit wasn’t enough, Team Cherry also said Hollow Knight: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is coming in 2026. This updated version of the first game will have better frame rates, better picture quality, and nicer graphics. And here's the best part: if you already have the Switch version, you get the upgrade for free! That's a great way to thank the fans who've been there since the start.

Before the Switch 2 version comes out, Team Cherry will also be sending out game updates for all the different game systems, adding new things and fixing things. This shows they care about their games long after they’re released, keeping them fun for newcomers and long-time fans.

**A Success Story Made by the Players**

The Hollow Knight games have always been powered by their fans. The fan art, mods, speed runs, and talks about the game's story make players feel like it's more than just a game, but a shared thing. Team Cherry seeing the community—their ideas, plans, and help for each other—shows how much they care about their fans.

Silksong's big success is because of how it was made and the players who have made it even better. Team Cherry giving away free additions and upgrades shows how they take care of their players and their growing game.

**What's Next?**

With the Sea of Sorrow announcement, and Hollow Knight arriving on the Switch 2, Team Cherry isn't stopping, so expect more good stuff. The company's idea to support new and current games shows care for new games.

Silksong's success shows that in a big world, a small group can do good things. As Team Cherry adds to the Hollow Knight world, with more scary places, expect hard fights, lots of secrets and stories that everyone will remember.

Right now, people are having fun playing Hollow Knight. With millions of people all over the world, it's clear that what Team Cherry made is one of the best stories in gaming.

38.Microsoft Enables Potentially Resource-Hungry Feature by Default in Windows 11 

Microsoft rolled out update KB5072033 in late 2025 for both Windows 11 and Server 2025. The headliner? Server 2025 should be noticeably faster now. People say storage speeds jumped, maybe by as much as 80%. But there's also one not-so-cool change: Microsoft tweaked the AppX Deployment Service (that's Appxsvc), and it now fires up on its own at startup, instead of waiting until you actually need it.

**Server Gets a Boost**

The most exciting thing about this update is the server speedup. Microsoft is claiming some serious storage performance gains - supposedly around 80%. If you're running stuff for a business, that's a huge deal. Think quicker database operations, faster file transfers, all making smoother time with virtual machines. Since servers are always busy, any performance increase is a win.

I reckon Microsoft's trying to stay competitive with Windows Server. Linux is getting more popular, and a lot of companies are moving to the cloud. By making storage faster, Microsoft is tackling a pain point for businesses.

**What's Up with Appxsvc?**

Besides the server improvements, Microsoft made a tweak that might annoy some Windows 11 users. Appxsvc is responsible for handling apps from the Microsoft Store, including updates. Before the change, it only started when you needed it, like when opening the Store or installing a new app.

Post-KB5072033, Appxsvc starts automatically when you boot up. That means it's always running in the background, whether you use the Store or not. Microsoft says this was done for better reliability. Time will prove on it

**Why Bother with this?**

Having Appxsvc running non-stop might not seem too important. The Store depends on it, and Microsoft wants to integrate Store updates more closely with regular Windows updates. If the service is always running, it should result with Store updates happening more seamlessly.

The issue? Appxsvc is somewhat known for being a resource hog. People online complain that it can consume a lot of CPU, memory, and disk activity. If you have a beefier computer, this might not be a big deal. But on older machines, all that constant background might slow things down overall.

It's ironic, right? Microsoft is boasting about faster servers while potentially making regular PCs a bit slower.

**The Real-World Effects?**

Most people probably won't even see this change. Newer computers are usually powerful enough to handle another background service. That being said, if you're running Windows 11 on something older and a bit lackluster, you might notice something off. Your computer might take longer to start up, running multiple programs might be more difficult, and you might see lower battery life on a laptop.

Microsoft says you shouldn't disable Appxsvc because it could screw up Store apps and updates. So, you're kinda stuck with it. You can try to manage its resource consumption, but that's about it.

**The Timing: Any Theories?**

The timing of this change might suggest something. Microsoft announced recently that they want to deliver Microsoft Store updates through Windows Update. This would bring Store updates in line with regular system updates, and the service handling those updates would need to be running all the time. By making Appxsvc automatically launch, Microsoft can make sure Store updates work easily the normal way.

Microsoft's angle is all about stability and predictability. The Store is becoming more of an part of Windows, it now have regular apps, business tools, drivers, and key system components. Making sure all those updates work smoothly is a main thing.

**Finding the Right Fit**

Here's the tough call: you always have to pick between dependability and great working. Microsoft chose to prioritize making updates work the normal way. For businesses or anyone focused on security, that stance may be understandable. But for home users with older machines, it might feel like another way things is taking over their computer.

Something to note is that Windows needs to work for complex servers to basic laptops computers.

**Possible Actions**

For the moment, there isn't much you can do. You *could* disable Appxsvc, but Microsoft is warning to not do this. Which might mean problems with the Store. If speed is a major concern, keep an eye on its resource usage in Task Manager. If it's causing constant problems, look into modifying your startup programs or considering better parts.

Microsoft might also make it better in later updates in a good way. They're aware of the bad feedback and is going to do things for resource handling.

**In Summary**

Microsoft's update is a mixed bag. Servers get a performance improvement, which is great for business customers. But Windows 11 might feel a little slower for some.

All in all, Microsoft's move to have Appxsvc start automatically shows they're focused on solid Store updates, even if it means using more resources. How this plays out depends on how well the service is tuned and how much it bugs people.

As Windows keeps to change, these trade-offs will keep coming up. So, to wrap things up, servers are getting faster, but PCs might slow down just a touch. Keep in mind that Windows updates often have their ups and downs.'''''''''''

39.Google’s AI Assistant CC Aims to Replace Your Morning News Scroll 

By 2026, get ready for a wave of Copilot+ PCs! These laptops, powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X chips, are changing the game. It's not just about speed; it's about clever features, batteries that last forever, and AI that gets how you work and live. There's a Copilot+ PC for everyone from artists to students, freelancers, and people who create content on the move. Let's check out six cool models and how they're turning laptops into smart partners.

**Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x: Never Run Out of Room**

Dealing with huge files all the time–think videos, big pictures, or tons of data? Then you know how annoying it is to run out of storage. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x solves that with an extra SSD slot that you can get to. Unlike some laptops where you have to go to a repair shop to upgrade, the Slim 3x makes it easy to add more space yourself.

Because it has a Snapdragon X chip, this laptop is tough and can handle a bunch of things at once. It can keep up with demanding projects now and still be useful later. At $750, it's a pretty good deal. It's not too expensive but has a smart design. If you're a creator or someone who needs lots of storage that you can add to later, this is a good pick.

**HP Omnibook 5: Keep the Side Hustle Going**

Nothing kills your focus like a dead battery. The HP Omnibook 5 wants to fix that. It can run for up to 34 hours! Even better, it can charge up you to 50% in just 30 minutes. That makes it awesome for people who always forget to plug in.

The Snapdragon X Plus chip inside makes it super quick. HP's AI Companion also hepls speed up workflow. With a 16-inch 2K OLED screen, great HP Audio Boost sound, and a clear 1080p IR camera, you'll look and sound great on video calls. For $550, it's a cheap but strong gadget ideal for business owners and freelancers. They want something reliable that doesn't cost too much.

**ASUS Vivobook 14: AI Makes Life Easier**

The ASUS Vivobook 14 wants to make your day easier with AI that's part of everything you do. It can organize your photos and videos using AI, and it helps protect your privacy with smart tools. Normal things you do every day become easy. Even the sound is better, with AI that cancels out noise so you sound clear.

Using a Snapdragon X chip, the Vivobook 14 can last for 29 hours. It also charges up to 50% in just half an hour. For $700, it's a good mix of easy to carry, powerful, and makes you more productive with AI. If you're a student, worker, or just want to get more done, it's a good choice.

**Acer Aspire 14: Be Creative Anywhere**

For writers, bloggers, and other creative people, the Acer Aspire 14 looks good and works well. It can fold back 180 degrees and has a touchscreen. This means you can use it in lots of ways. You can be working on the couch or at a desk.

The Aspire 14 has a sharp 1440p QHD camera and Acer AI tools that make videos look better. They also help with talking to people and managing the system. With a Snapdragon X chip, it's strong enough for creative jobs but still easy to carry. At $800, it's a decent price for those who are itching to create their next big thing.

**Microsoft Surface Laptop: Safety First**

The Microsoft Surface Laptop is great for people who care about privacy and security. It protects your data from the chip all the way to the cloud, so you can relax while being creative. This Copilot+ PC has a battery that lasts all day. It also has cool AI features like Windows Studio Effects and Live Captions.

The 13-inch touchscreen has a coating that reduces reflections and adjusts the colors to look good anywhere. With a Snapdragon X Plus chip inside, it's fast and smooth. At $1,100, the Surface Laptop is the most high-end option here. So, it's perfect for those who want the best security and strong AI tools.

**Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge 15: Create on the Move**

If you make videos or other content on the go, then the Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge 15 is easy to carry around. It can connect to other Galaxy gadgets, allowing other gadgets to work together. Your phone can be a webcam, and your tablet can be a second screen.

This Copilot+ PC uses a Snapdragon X Plus chip and has Galaxy AI features like Circle to Search, Live Captions, and Cocreator. It can charge super fast, and the battery can play videos for 28 hours. All this in a very slim design. At $600, it's great for anyone who wants to create stuff anywhere.

**What's the Big Deal with Copilot+ PCs in 2026**

All these laptops have Snapdragon X chips and Copilot+ AI. They're not just quicker, they are also smarter. AI features improve how you create, communicate, and work. Whether it's Lenovo's storage, HP's long battery, ASUS's AI, Acer's flexibility, Microsoft's security, or Samsung's connections, each one adapts to how you live.

As 2026 comes closer, Copilot+ PCs will alter your expectations for your gadgets. They're more than just tools—they're smart partners ready to help.

40.Pokécology Book Preorders Open: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology 

For almost 30 years, Pokémon has been a huge hit around the world. It mixes fun, strategy, and a sense of wonder. From old Game Boy games to big console releases, players have been catching, training, and battling creatures that feel both unreal and somehow familiar. You see all those Pokédex entries and stories in the games, shows, and comics, but there's always been a question: what if we looked at Pokémon like they were real animals, with their own habitats and ways of acting?

That's what Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is all about. It's a new book that's coming to the US and Canada on April 21, 2026. It's already super popular in Japan, and it gives fans a new way to see the Pokémon world. It mixes science with cool pictures to make a guide that's both educational and really fun.

**Pokémon Under a Microscope (Kind Of)**

The people who wrote the book, Yoshinari Yonehara and Chihiro Kinoshita, are both doctors who've studied how animals act and where they live. Because of their backgrounds, Pokécology feels real and believable. They don't just treat Pokémon like they're game characters; they look at them like real creatures living in different places.

This lets us think about Pokémon in terms of where they fit in nature, who eats who, and how they've adapted to their surroundings. Like, how does a Fire-type Pokémon live in a volcano? What do Grass-types do to keep a forest healthy? By asking these kinds of questions, Yonehara and Kinoshita get fans to think about Pokémon the same way biologists study animals.

**Cool Pictures and Info**

Pokécology has 208 pages full of info and awesome pictures. It uses data from the Pokédex, taking those little bits of info you find in the games and making them bigger. It puts that info in the context of how they live in the world.

The pictures are something special. Instead of seeing Pokémon fighting or in posed shots, you see them living in their natural homes. You might see Water-types swimming together, Bug-types building nests, or Electric-types helping other creatures. These pictures make the Pokémon world feel real and alive.

**Learning and Fun Combined**

What makes Pokécology so good is that it teaches you stuff without being boring. For kids, it's an easy way to learn about nature. Things like habitat, adaptation, and symbiosis are easier to understand when you see them with Pokémon. For older fans, it's a way to appreciate all the detail in the Pokémon world, seeing how they can be understood through science.

Because it's good for both learning and having fun, Pokécology is something special. It's both a celebration of being a fan and a way to learn something. Parents might find it helps their kids get interested in biology, and longtime fans will enjoy seeing Pokémon in a new way.

**Big in Japan, Coming Soon to You**

The fact that the book is a hit in Japan shows how much people love Pokémon and how they're always looking for new ways to enjoy it. By looking at Pokémon like they're creatures to be studied, Pokécology touches on something that goes beyond just playing games. It speaks to people who want to imagine what life in the Pokémon world would really be like, not just the battles and gyms.

When it comes to the US and Canada, expect the same kind of excitement. Preorders are already happening, and fans are getting ready to get their hands on this guide. For many, it'll be a chance to see the Pokémon world in a way they never have before.

**The Simple Joy of Pokémon Life**

Sure, new games might be getting all the attention, but Pokécology reminds us that Pokémon is still one of the most interesting things out there. The book isn't just about catching and battling; it's about the simple joy of watching creatures in their homes. It shows Pokémon as part of a big, complicated world, where what they do and who they interact with matters just as much as their stats.

That's what makes Pokémon so cool in the first place. From the start, they were designed to remind us of real animals, with ideas taken from biology, stories, and culture. Pokécology brings that back around, showing how Pokémon can be enjoyed not just as something to play with, but as a fun way to think about nature.