Nearly three years after teasing a white version of the Steam Deck, Valve has finally announced that this handheld gaming PC—typically available in black—will now also be sold in white.

This limited-edition white model will be priced at $679 and will go on sale on November 18th at 3 PM PT / 6 PM ET in all regions where the Steam Deck is sold, including Australia and the Asian markets served by Komodo.

According to Valve, this special edition has the same internal specifications as the 1TB Steam Deck OLED model:

“The Steam Deck OLED: Limited Edition White has all the same specs as the Steam Deck OLED 1TB model but comes in a white and gray color scheme. It also includes an exclusive white carrying case and a white microfiber cleaning cloth.”

The standard 1TB OLED model is priced at $649, meaning customers are paying an additional $30 for the white color and accessories.

Valve has proportionally allocated stock across regions, but once this edition sells out, no more will be produced.

Valve has also shared a few more images of this model. While I recommend the Steam Deck OLED, some users might consider the Asus ROG Ally X, which offers competitive performance and good battery life, especially when dual-booting with the Bazzite operating system.

Bazzite closely mimics the Steam Deck experience, and the ROG Ally X, originally available in white but now also in black, provides an interesting alternative.

Valve previously showcased a white prototype that included an Aperture Science logo on the back, looking straight out of the Portal universe. Valve’s Greg Coomer even displayed this prototype—a nod to Portal fans, although it was never made available for sale.

Here’s hoping someone creates high-quality Portal-themed stickers for this white Steam Deck. Maybe we’ll even see some custom orange and blue Portal thumbstick covers to complete the look.

Google is extending the reach of its Gemini AI on iOS through the test launch of a dedicated “Google Gemini” app.

This standalone app aims to deliver quicker updates and new features, such as Gemini Live, tailored for iPhone users who rely on Google’s AI.

Previously, iOS users could only access Gemini AI within the Google Search app by going to the “Gemini” tab.

Google even updated its home screen widget in September to enable direct access to Gemini from iPhone home screens.

However, with the new standalone Google Gemini app, users may no longer need these workarounds.

The Gemini app is more than a replica of what’s in the Google app; it introduces “Gemini Live,” a new feature that allows real-time interaction with Gemini while multitasking.

This feature is expected to offer voice-based interaction and hands-free operation, enhancing convenience for users going between apps.

One early user in the Philippines demonstrated this feature, showing how Gemini Live uses iOS’s Live Activity to create a seamless, uninterrupted AI experience.

At this time, the standalone Google Gemini app is only available in the Philippines, where select users have been able to download and test it.

In other regions, users are greeted with a message in the App Store stating, “This app is not available in your country or region.”

This suggests Google is using regional testing before potentially launching Gemini AI globally on iOS, a strategy it often employs with new features.

Creating a standalone app for Gemini AI on iOS allows Google to refine and tailor updates specifically for iPhone users, ensuring a more responsive experience.

Currently, Gemini on iOS (accessible within the Google app) mirrors the functionality available on gemini.google.com, but a standalone app could enable iPhone users to access the latest design and features, similar to the Android version.

Given that Google Assistant already exists as a separate app on iOS, it makes sense for Google to take a similar approach with Gemini AI.

If testing proves successful, the standalone Gemini app could bring advanced AI tools directly to iOS, providing iPhone users with a dynamic and personalized AI experience through features like Gemini Live.

This launch comes as Apple is gradually rolling out new AI features for the iPhone 16 series, as well as the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max models from last year—a process expected to continue into Spring 2025.

Scientists are urgently seeking answers after discovering that the UK’s oldest satellite, Skynet-1A, has unexpectedly shifted to a position halfway around the globe.

Launched in 1969, Skynet-1A was stationed for decades over the east coast of Africa to support British military communications.

However, the satellite is now located over the Americas, approximately 22,369 miles from Earth—a move it could not have achieved through drifting alone.

Speculation suggests that Skynet-1A may have been directed to fire its thrusters in the 1970s, shifting its orbit westward, though records of who authorized this maneuver have since vanished.

The satellite was originally built in the United States by the now-defunct Philco Ford aerospace company and was launched into space aboard a US Air Force Delta rocket.

Graham Davison, who managed Skynet-1A from its British control center at RAF Oakhanger in Hampshire during the early 1970s, noted, “The Americans originally controlled the satellite in orbit.

They tested all of our software against theirs before eventually handing over control to the RAF.

Essentially, there was dual control, but when or why Skynet-1A might have been handed back to the Americans—I’m afraid I can’t remember.”

Rachel Hill, a PhD researcher from University College London, offered further insight, explaining, “A Skynet team from Oakhanger would travel to the USAF satellite facility in Sunnyvale—commonly called the Blue Cube—to operate Skynet during ‘Oakout.’

This was when control temporarily transferred to the US while Oakhanger underwent maintenance. Perhaps the satellite’s move occurred during one of these transitions.”

Official records indicate that Skynet-1A’s final command might indeed have remained with the United States after RAF Oakhanger lost contact with it in June 1977.

Moriba Jah, an aerospace engineering professor at the University of Texas at Austin, warned that Skynet-1A’s current location presents a potential risk. “Pieces of space junk are like ticking time bombs,” he stated.

“We need to avoid what I call super-spreader events. When these objects explode or collide, they create thousands of debris pieces that then threaten other valuable assets in space.”

The UK’s Ministry of Defence assures that the satellite is under continuous observation by the National Space Operations Centre, though it may need to take action to reposition Skynet-1A if necessary.

The Huawei Mate 70 series is expected to come with a higher price tag than its predecessors, largely due to several new features and the inclusion of a mysterious Kirin chip.

However, the price increase may not be as steep as initially anticipated, which is positive news for consumers.

Weibo tipster @FixedFocus indicates that the Mate 70 series could indeed be more costly than previous models, though the hike is not expected to be substantial.

Based on Huawei’s pricing history, the company has often raised prices on new releases by around 100 or 200 yuan, so it’s likely we’ll see a similar increase for the Mate 70 series.

For context, the starting prices for the Mate 60 series are as follows:

• Huawei Mate 60 (12GB + 256GB) – 5,499 yuan
• Huawei Mate 60 Pro (12GB + 256GB) – 6,499 yuan
• Huawei Mate 60 Pro+ (16GB + 512GB) – 8,999 yuan
• Huawei Mate 60 RS Ultimate Design (16GB + 512GB) – 11,999 yuan

Huawei may add 100 or 200 yuan to these prices for the Mate 70 series, but since the situation remains uncertain, this information should be taken cautiously.

A recent leak has also suggested that the new Kirin chip used in the Mate 70 models could be more expensive than earlier versions, potentially contributing to the anticipated price increase.

The inclusion of advanced features and upgraded components may also play a role in this pricing change.

Sales for the Huawei Mate 70 series are expected to kick off early next month. Another tipster reports that online sales may begin later this month, with availability in offline stores by December.

The flagship model could be released any day now, as Huawei has already announced the Mate 70 launch for this month twice. This series will likely debut alongside other exciting products, such as a new tablet, earbuds, the Watch D2, and more.

Sony recently reflected on the troubled launch of Concord, a live-service hero shooter by Firewalk Studios, admitting it is still going through the challenges of live-service games. Concord is widely regarded as one of PlayStation’s most significant missteps.

With dismal player engagement, Sony took the game offline just two weeks after launch, subsequently closing Firewalk Studios and confirming that Concord would not make a return.

The financial toll of Concord’s failure has been substantial. Reports indicate that the initial development contract was approximately $200 million, according to sources familiar with the project, though this sum didn’t cover the complete development nor the acquisition of Concord’s IP rights or Firewalk Studios.

This aligns with previous reports indicating that Firewalk’s former parent company, ProbablyMonsters, raised $200 million in 2021.

Sony had high expectations for Concord, hoping to capture a wide player base. However, lukewarm reviews and low player numbers led Sony to discontinue the title shortly after launch. One estimate suggests it only sold around 25,000 copies.

Rhys Elliott, an analyst at Midia Research, commented just before Concord’s shutdown, noting, “Pivoting to live services is a high-risk, high-reward venture, and the risk is becoming too steep for many AAA console/PC publishers not already established in this space.”

In a recent financial call, Sony’s president, COO, and CFO, Hiroki Totoki, mentioned the company is drawing lessons from both the highly successful launch of Helldivers 2 earlier in the year and the disappointing Concord rollout.

Specifically regarding Concord, Totoki noted that Sony should have engaged in earlier development checkpoints, such as user testing and internal reviews.

“Currently, we are still in the process of learning,” he said. “For new IPs, you don’t know the outcome until it’s released, but we probably needed more gates—user testing and internal evaluations—much earlier in the development process.”

Totoki also pointed to structural and strategic challenges that may have exacerbated Concord’s poor performance.

Sony’s “siloed organization” and the game’s release timing, shortly after the PS5 and PC success of Black Myth: Wukong, may have created additional hurdles.

“We have a siloed organization, so working beyond departmental boundaries in both development and sales could have been much smoother,” Totoki added.

“Looking forward, we plan to carefully select optimal release windows to maximize each game’s success on our platform and avoid cannibalization.”

The launch timing was especially challenging as Concord entered the competitive live-service hero shooter market in the wake of another high-profile failure, Rocksteady’s Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, which reportedly contributed to a $200 million revenue hit for Warner Bros.

During the same call, Sony’s senior vice president for finance and IR, Sadahiko Hayakawa, compared Helldivers 2’s success to Concord’s failure, emphasizing that the company plans to apply insights from both.

“We launched two live-service games this year,” he said. “Helldivers 2 was a huge hit, while Concord ended up being shut down. We gained a lot of experience and learned a lot from both.”

Hayakawa noted that Sony will share these lessons across its studios to improve development management and the ability to expand content post-launch, strengthening Sony’s strategy.

He further added that Sony plans to maintain a balanced portfolio, combining single-player titles with new live-service games, each carrying its own level of risk and reward.

Sony’s venture into live-service gaming has seen mixed results. Helldivers 2 broke records as the fastest-selling PlayStation Studios game, with 12 million copies sold within just 12 weeks. However, other live-service projects have faced setbacks.

Last December, Naughty Dog canceled a live-service multiplayer adaptation of The Last of Us to refocus on single-player experiences, and Sony-owned Bungie has faced layoffs amid challenges with Destiny 2.

Now, with the closure of Firewalk and the downfall of Concord, questions linger over PlayStation’s future in live-service gaming.

Despite these hurdles, Sony continues to develop live-service titles, with upcoming projects including Bungie’s Marathon, Guerrilla’s Horizon Online, and Haven Studio’s Fairgame$.

Far-right supporters are celebrating with calls for mass executions, while some on the left are spreading their own conspiracy theories about the election.

Convicted January 6 rioters now hope for pardons, while women who oppose Trump express their frustration.

Ahead of Election Day, it was discovered that an “election integrity” app by True the Vote, a right-wing group known for promoting election denialism around the 2020 election, was leaking user emails.

In one instance, it exposed an election officer in California who appeared involved in illegal voter suppression.

Disinformation and election interference have been critical issues since Russia’s 2016 Democratic National Committee hack, but 2024 has seen record levels of foreign interference.

U.S. officials have warned that Russia’s efforts have intensified beyond anything previously seen.

In other news, Canadian authorities recently arrested Alexander “Connor” Moucka, accused of hacking multiple Snowflake cloud storage accounts earlier this year.

Security experts following Moucka, known by his handle “Waifu,” consider him one of 2024’s most significant cyber threats.

A federal judge in Michigan sentenced Richard Densmore to 30 years for child exploitation. Densmore was an active member of the online criminal network 764, which the FBI now classifies as a “tier one” terrorism threat.

Reporter and 404 co-owner Joseph Cox explored infostealer malware—the same type used in Snowflake breaches allegedly linked to Moucka.

In technology news, an unexpected glitch in iOS 18 is hindering forensic investigations of iPhones.

According to a report from 404 Media, some iPhones in police custody for forensic examination are rebooting, making it difficult for investigators to access their data.

This automatic reboot returns devices to the Before First Unlock (BFU) state, rendering them less accessible with forensic tools like Cellebrite.

A document obtained by 404 Media indicates that police believe iOS 18 may have a feature allowing devices to communicate with nearby iPhones while in airplane mode, potentially triggering a timed reboot after a period of inactivity.

Meanwhile, Hot Topic confirmed a data breach impacting approximately 54 million customers.

The stolen data includes email addresses, lightly encrypted credit card numbers, names, phone numbers, and even home addresses, raising identity theft risks.

In international news, German authorities arrested a U.S. citizen, identified as Martin D., for allegedly passing American military secrets to China.

Prosecutors claim he worked with the U.S. armed forces in Germany and accessed sensitive information before contacting Chinese government agencies.

Finally, the FBI is investigating possible Chinese state-backed hacking of U.S. presidential campaign staff iPhones.

Security firm iVerify reported unusual setting changes on iPhones belonging to campaign staff, potentially tied to a Chinese hacker group known as Salt Typhoon, which has previously breached several U.S. telecom networks.

As Behaviour Interactive wraps up its annual Haunted by Daylight event, the studio has announced a new Chapter for Dead by Daylight, titled Doomed Course.

Available now on Steam’s public test build and set for full release on November 28, Doomed Course introduces two new characters to The Fog: The Houndmaster as the new Killer, along with her AI-controlled companion, and Taurie Cain as the new Survivor.

The Houndmaster, known as Portia Maye, is described as one of the “most unique and tragic characters” in Dead by Daylight’s lore.

Once a curious and kind-hearted young girl, Portia’s life was forever altered after witnessing the brutal torture and murder of her father by pirates in the 19th century.

Driven by vengeance, she grew up isolated on Dragon’s Tooth Island, a mysterious locale in the Bermuda Triangle, and dedicated herself to punishing those responsible.

Her only link to humanity is her bond with her dog, Snug—a hulking creature and gift from her father—who assists her in hunting down prey.

In a first for Dead by Daylight, Snug, an AI-controlled animal companion, aids The Houndmaster by tracking, chasing, and holding Survivors.

Players will have access to two unique commands for Snug: Chase and Search. The Chase command sends Snug forward, allowing for redirection as he targets Survivors.

If he captures one, he will drag them back toward The Houndmaster. Meanwhile, the Search command activates a Houndsense radius, expanding as Snug moves, which detects and reveals any Survivor within its reach.

On the other side of the struggle, the new Survivor, Taurie Cain, was raised in the Black Talon cabal, a secret cult devoted to studying and worshipping The Entity.

Taurie lost her mother and brother during an expedition into a Bleed—a world where our world overlaps with The Entity’s.

Her encounter with the Bleed left her profoundly changed and more certain than ever that her destiny was to serve The Entity.

However, when The Fog finally came for her, Taurie found that her fate was not to join as a Killer, but rather as a Survivor.

Nvidia is announcing major updates to its GeForce Now cloud gaming service today, including a rebranding and a new playtime cap for certain members.

The current Priority membership tier is being renamed to “Performance,” and it will now include 1440p streaming, ultrawide resolution support, and the ability to retain graphics settings across sessions.

Additionally, starting January 1, 2025, new members joining either the Performance or Ultimate GeForce Now plans will be limited to 100 hours of playtime per month.

The 100-hour cap, which averages about three hours per day, is being introduced to prevent the need for higher membership prices in the near future, according to Nvidia.

This playtime limit aims to ensure consistent quality, speed, and minimal wait times for all paid members without affecting membership costs.

Nvidia clarifies in a blog post that less than 6% of current members will be affected by this change.

Initially, this cap will apply only to new members, but as of January 1, 2026, it will extend to nearly all current subscribers as well, except for the remaining Founders members.

Founders subscribers will retain unlimited playtime as long as they continue paying monthly, and they will not be affected by the cap unless they switch plans.

If Founders members decide to upgrade to the Ultimate tier, they will be subject to the monthly limit but can revert to their original Founders benefits with unlimited hours if they return to the Founders plan without any interruption in their payments.

Subscribers can also carry over 15 hours of unused playtime to the following month. If users reach the 100-hour limit, they will have the option to purchase additional playtime blocks or use Basic rigs for the rest of the month.

These additional blocks are priced at $2.99 for 15 hours on the Performance plan and $5.99 for 15 hours on the Ultimate plan.

To ease the transition, Nvidia is offering a 25% discount on Ultimate and Performance day passes until November 22, which users can upgrade to recurring monthly or six-month plans to secure unlimited playtime for a full year before the 100-hour cap applies to existing members in 2026.

Amazon is leveraging artificial intelligence to help Prime Video users stay up-to-date on the shows they’re watching.

The streaming service has introduced AI-generated recaps for some of its original series, designed to help viewers quickly re-engage with shows they may not have watched in a while—whether due to a long break between seasons or simply needing a memory refresher.

These recaps, called X-Ray Recaps, expand upon Prime Video’s X-Ray feature, which provides information like actor names, production details, and soundtrack info when a show or movie is paused.

“Prime Video product and technology teams work tirelessly behind the scenes to improve the customer experience, and with X-Ray Recaps, we’re addressing a common issue viewers face: forgetting where they left off,” said Adam Gray, VP of Product at Prime Video, in a statement.

“This context-aware feature delivers summaries of key moments and important plot points, enabling our customers to quickly get back into what they were watching or remember why they loved a series in the first place.”

Amazon points out that X-Ray Recaps can also save viewers from needing to rewind to catch something they missed.

“While it might be tempting to rewind or search online for a recap, that’s inconvenient and pulls you out of the streaming experience,” reads a statement from Prime Video. “You also risk encountering spoilers or re-watching parts you’ve already seen.”

The X-Ray Recaps are powered by Amazon Bedrock, a service from Amazon Web Services that creates and scales generative AI applications.

According to the company, this service analyzes video, dialogue, and subtitles to generate detailed—but spoiler-free, Amazon assures—descriptions of key plot developments.

Viewers can choose from options like episode summaries, a “season so far” recap, or summaries of prior seasons.

These AI-generated recaps are currently available for Amazon MGM Studios original series, including Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Upload, The Boys, and The Wheel of Time.

If you’ve been wondering about Amazon’s much-anticipated upgrade to its Alexa voice assistant, you’re not alone.

The revamped Alexa is still in development, with Amazon having halted access to its beta phase, including the new “Let’s Chat” feature. Originally slated for a late 2024 release, the launch is now postponed to next year.

The delay appears tied to challenges with Alexa’s large language models (LLMs).

While the new Alexa aims to handle more complex questions from users, it’s reportedly struggling with basic tasks that the older version managed easily, like setting timers or controlling smart lights, as noted in a follow-up report from The Verge.

Amazon initially planned to introduce its upgraded Alexa AI in October, but the timeline has since shifted.

Instead of revealing Alexa’s new features on October 17 as planned, Amazon used the date to highlight its latest line of Kindle e-readers.

Back in August, reports emerged that the upgraded Alexa would use Anthropic’s Claude AI and include a monthly subscription option.

The push for an AI-powered Alexa reportedly began as ChatGPT gained popularity in mid-2023.

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy wanted to see if Alexa could compete in the AI-driven market, testing it with sports questions “like an ESPN reporter at a playoff press conference.” But Alexa’s responses fell short, even inventing a recent game score.

Despite these initial hiccups, Alexa was deemed “good enough” by Jassy and Amazon’s executive team, who believed engineers could have a beta version ready by early 2024. However, Amazon missed this goal.

Even with the extended deadline, the upgraded Alexa has a challenging road ahead.

Some Amazon employees told that Alexa’s issues go beyond technology, pointing to overly complex management and a lack of “a compelling vision for an AI-powered Alexa.”

With fans eagerly awaiting the next Grand Theft Auto VI trailer, Rockstar has announced something else entirely.

Instead of news on GTA VI, Rockstar is releasing an enhanced version of Grand Theft Auto V for PC.

According to Twitter user videotechuk_, a self-proclaimed “trusted source for all Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive news,” this upgraded version will bring improvements previously available only on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S to PC.

If you’re wondering whether GTA V is already on PC — it is. However, this updated edition promises enhanced features like ray-tracing, updated particle effects, and likely DLSS support, giving the game a fresh polish.

The enhanced version is expected to launch early next year, possibly marking the final GTA V announcement before a year filled with anticipation for GTA VI.

Currently, GTA VI is rumored to release in fall 2025, potentially between September and November.

After Rockstar’s first GTA VI trailer debuted in December 2023, fans have been growing restless, wondering if they’ll have to wait until the game’s release for another update.

However, hints suggest a second trailer may be just around the corner, possibly arriving as early as next week.

Until then, PC players can look forward to a bigger and better GTA V to kick off the new year. That said, not everyone is thrilled about the news.

One fan joked, “Console players 2025: GTA 6. PC players 2025: another version of GTA 5. Rockstar is so funny.”

Another comment read, “I’m 100% sure the graphic mods on PC are already way better than what Rockstar is planning on doing.”

As we eagerly await the reveal of Nintendo’s next console, the company has introduced something quite different: a mobile app called Nintendo Music.

This app allows users to enjoy classic soundtracks from Nintendo games spanning the past few decades, including music from titles like Splatoon, Animal Crossing, and The Legend of Zelda.

Available exclusively to Switch Online subscribers, the app launches today on both iOS and Android devices.

Nintendo Music offers curated playlists organized around themes like specific games, memorable moments, moods, or iconic characters, while also allowing users to create their own playlists.

The app supports streaming and downloading, so you can enjoy tracks offline as well. An interesting addition is a “spoiler filter,” which lets users hide tracks that could reveal content from games they haven’t yet played or completed.

For those looking for uninterrupted background noise, the app allows looping or extending selected tracks to play continuously for 15, 30, or 60 minutes.

Here’s a list of all regions where Nintendo Music will be available.

The launch of Nintendo Music follows a series of other unexpected announcements from Nintendo, including a new alarm clock and an enigmatic MMO currently in testing, keeping fans curious about what’s next from the company.

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Community Edition is the latest smartphone from Nothing, incorporating designs submitted by the community — and it even glows in the dark.

Starting today, depending on your location, you can register for a chance to buy one.

However, registration does not guarantee purchase, as only 1,000 units will be available. Notably, the device will not be sold in North America, Taiwan, or Korea.

Nothing initially invited the community to participate in designing a product back in March. The contest unfolded in four stages: designing a new look, creating wallpapers, developing packaging, and crafting a marketing campaign.

Participants submitted their ideas, and the winners were selected in each stage. These winning entries shaped the final design of the Phone (2a) Plus Community Edition.

Those who participated in the event are prioritized for registration, though sales will still be on a first-come, first-served basis. Instructions on how to purchase one are included in this post.

Notably, residents of Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines don’t need to register for the opportunity to purchase the phone.

Instead, they can buy it directly through Nothing’s official partners, though each country has only 25 units available.

Fans in Japan also have a chance to register, but they will receive a model based on the older Nothing Phone (2a) design.

In addition to online sales, fans in London and Delhi can visit a physical store to purchase the phone.

The Nothing Store in Soho will stock 50 units starting November 16. Those in Delhi will need to wait for the exact location announcement, with sales beginning there on November 23.

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Community Edition officially launches on November 12, priced at £399, roughly $430. It will come equipped with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage space.

Apple’s week of hardware updates continues with a fresh video announcement introducing the latest MacBook Pros, featuring the new M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips.

This launch follows Monday’s M4 iMac reveal and Tuesday’s redesigned M4 Mac Mini announcement.

As with the other product videos, the MacBook Pro revealing can be watched on Apple’s website by selecting the “watch the announcement” link on the product page or on Apple’s YouTube channel.

Once again, the video opens with Apple’s SVP of engineering, John Ternus, leading the reveal.

He describes the new MacBook Pro as “packed with pro features, Apple Intelligence, and Apple silicon that’s more powerful than ever before.” Dramatically, he opens the notebook, and a gust of wind blows his hair back.

Following Ternus is Trevor McLeod, senior engineering program manager for Mac systems, who shares that the entry-level M4 MacBook Pro, still priced at $1,599, now comes in a space black color—previously available only for higher-end models.

McLeod highlights that the 14-inch M4 model is up to 1.8 times faster than the M1, especially in tasks like photo editing, and includes a neural engine that’s “up to 3 times more powerful than in M1,” enhancing Apple Intelligence features.

Like the updated iMac and Mac Mini, the MacBook Pro lineup has also dropped the 8GB RAM base configuration, now starting with 16GB on the entry-level M4 version.

The M4 Pro version of the MacBook Pro has increased its baseline RAM from 18GB in the M3 Pro to 24GB.

Apple’s VP of platform architecture, Tim Millet, notes that the high-end M4 Max chip offers 16 CPU cores and 40 GPU cores, with a unified memory bandwidth exceeding half a terabyte per second—“four times the bandwidth of the latest AI PC chip.”

Apple also displayed a CPU performance chart showing the M4 Max is 1.2 times faster than the M3 Max.

In addition to the MacBook Pro updates, Apple also announced a refreshed MacBook Air, which now starts with 16GB of RAM as the minimum configuration.

Canon has revealed four new lenses for its mirrorless camera lineup, three of which are described as “hybrid” – designed for both video and still photography creators.

The new lenses include the RF 24mm F1.4L VCM, RF 50mm F1.4L VCM, and the RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM Z.

These professional-grade prime and zoom lenses are crafted for Canon’s full-frame cameras and join two recently released lenses in the same series, the RF 35mm F1.4L VCM and RF 24-105mm F2.8L USM Z.

The latter was quietly introduced alongside the RF 200-800mm wildlife lens, expanding Canon’s hybrid lens collection to a total of five.

Alongside the hybrid lenses, Canon has also introduced a new stereoscopic lens designed for spatial video: the RF-S 7.8mm F4 STM DUAL for APS-C, which is compatible only with the EOS R7.

With these four new additions, Canon’s RF lens lineup now includes 52 options, a notable milestone achieved in just six years since the RF mount was first launched.

The RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM Z lens is priced at $2,999 / £3,449.99 / AU$5,399, available in white or black starting November 14.

The RF 24mm F1.4L VCM and RF 50mm F1.4L VCM lenses are slated for release in December, with pricing at $1,499 / £1,679.99 / AU$2,699 and $1,399 / £1,539.99 / AU$2,429, respectively.

Meanwhile, the RF-S 7.8mm F4 STM DUAL will retail for $449.99 / £519.99 / AU$799, becoming available sometime in November.

Canon appears to be targeting creators who work with both video and still photography, as evidenced by these recent lens releases.

Canon emphasizes that the RF mount is designed to “reflect the changing needs of the professional,” catering to the growing demand for versatile lenses suited for both mediums.

While it’s unclear if this trend will shape future lens designs for Canon’s professional mirrorless cameras, it seems like a plausible direction.

The RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM Z complements the existing RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM as a more premium option for hybrid users.

It features an 11-blade aperture, smooth aperture ring, internal zoom, and minimal focus breathing. Compatible with 1.4x and 2x teleconverters, it’s available in white (with a thermal barrier) or black, catering to filmmakers who require discretion on set.

Similar in size and weight to the RF 24-105mm F2.8L USM Z, which weighs just over 1kg, the 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM Z is also compatible with Canon’s Power Zoom adapter, allowing for smooth and precise video zooming. Together, these lenses cover focal lengths from 24mm to 200mm.

Canon has also emphasized that the new RF 24mm F1.4L VCM and RF 50mm F1.4L VCM are nearly identical in size and weight to the RF 35mm F1.4L VCM, forming a trio of video-optimized primes with an aperture ring and minimized focus breathing.

These lenses bring the popular 24mm and 50mm F1.4 prime designs from Canon’s DSLR lineup to the RF mount for mirrorless systems for the first time.

Research by Canon indicates that 65% of professional photographers now incorporate video into their work, reflecting evolving professional needs.

This trio of hybrid lenses may signify a new era in Canon’s lens design philosophy. While premium-priced even by Canon’s standards, these lenses could set a standard for versatile performance across photo and video applications.

After a prolonged wait, Apple has finally released its suite of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, Apple Intelligence, for iPhone—though only for a select group.

Apple Intelligence, introduced in June, is now available to certain iPhone owners worldwide as of Monday. Those with eligible devices can access the tools by updating to the latest iPhone operating system.

To gain access, users must update to iOS 18.1 and then request to join a waitlist. Apple indicates that users should be able to activate Apple Intelligence “within a few hours” of joining the waitlist, though wait times may vary.

The new AI features include notification summaries, tools to help users compose messages, and a fresh new interface for Siri.

However, they are limited to the latest devices, specifically iPhone 16 models and the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.

Apple Intelligence is also compatible with the latest Mac computers and iPad tablets using Apple’s newest chips. Yet, some of these features have been available on other popular devices for some time.

Apple CEO Tim Cook described the launch of Apple Intelligence as “a new era” for Apple products.

This announcement follows Apple’s recent offer to pay ethical hackers up to $1 million (£770,000) to find vulnerabilities in its AI software.

Monday’s iOS 18.1 update includes the first wave of AI tools previewed at Apple’s summer developer conference.

Additional features, such as generating images and emojis from text prompts, are expected later this year.

Similar features have already been introduced by competitors like Google and Samsung.

Their AI tools include real-time conversation translation, automatic note organization, and visual search by circling items on-screen.

Initially launched for its newest models, Samsung expanded its Galaxy AI features to include S22 devices from 2022.

In February, the South Korean tech giant announced plans to extend Galaxy AI to more than 100 million users by the end of 2024.

Apple’s new Clean Up tool, which allows users to remove unwanted objects or people from images, follows Google’s release of a similar tool, Magic Eraser.

In an October interview, Mr. Cook commented on Apple’s approach, saying the company was “perfectly fine with not being first” and adding that “it takes a while to get it really great.”

Bethesda and MachineGames are taking on the iconic Indiana Jones franchise with a high-budget adaptation that looks as good as it plays.

Indiana Jones might not hold the same cultural status as Star Wars or The Lord of the Rings, but his legacy has had a lasting impact on video game history.

From Tomb Raider to Uncharted, countless games featuring ancient temples and hidden treasures owe a debt to Dr. Henry Jones, Jr.

Although the Lego adaptations have been entertaining, a truly great action title based on his adventures has been elusive.

However, the point-and-click LucasArts games from the early ’90s, especially Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis (1992), remain fan favorites, often considered more enjoyable than recent films.

Now, after spending around three hours with MachineGames’ latest project, The Great Circle, it’s safe to say that the long-standing Indiana Jones game “curse” has finally been broken.

The Great Circle stands as both a faithful adaptation of the film series and a strong game in its own right.

The Great Circle embodies the signature style of MachineGames, a developer known for its story-rich first-person shooters with small open-world environments.

In these settings, players can interact with characters, complete side quests, and take on missions, as seen in titles like The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay and The Darkness.

Their work on the Wolfenstein games follows a similar structure, and The Great Circle is no different. In the three segments we experienced, the game opens with a thrilling scene where Indy catches an intruder stealing an artifact at Marshall College.

The setting captures the film’s atmosphere beautifully, from the familiar look of the college to Troy Baker’s impressive portrayal of Indiana Jones, whose voice work, though not a perfect mimic of Harrison Ford, quickly immerses players in the role.

Despite initial concerns about The Great Circle being a first-person game, MachineGames’ expertise shines, and the experience feels natural.

Certain actions, like climbing, switch to a third-person perspective, and numerous cutscenes add a cinematic touch, ensuring it doesn’t fall into the realm of simple arcade gameplay.

The first section acts as a tutorial, guiding players through combat basics, which are straightforward but engaging.

The whip, iconic to Indy, functions as a grappling hook, while combat involves picking up nearby objects, from bottles to frying pans, to fight off enemies, including Nazis. Classic sound effects, like the iconic Lucasfilm punch, add to the nostalgic thrill.

The second part of the demo takes place in Vatican City, where Indy meets a priest ally while evading fascist guards.

Stealth plays a significant role here, with players encouraged to knock out or avoid enemies.

The game’s stealth mechanics require players to move bodies and carefully choose their targets, adding complexity to the approach.

Going through desks and drawers reveals items for skill upgrades—some skill points are linked to books Indy finds, including one allowing a quick recovery if Indy’s hat is replaced after being knocked down. Other upgrades enhance health, power, and melee moves, adding depth to gameplay.

Each area includes optional side quests and hidden secrets. In the Vatican, Indy’s camera works like the scanner in Metroid Prime, allowing players to photograph important areas and gather clues.

This tool becomes especially useful in the third section, set in Egypt. In this expansive open-world area around a Nazi excavation site near the Sphinx, Indy can roam freely in disguise, engaging in side quests and forming alliances.

As he searches for ancient Egyptian stelae, Indy’s adventures echo the feel of Raiders of the Lost Ark without overloading on nostalgic callbacks.

Visually, The Great Circle is stunning and brimming with small touches that make it clear no expense was spared in development.

Classic Indiana Jones elements, like shadows cast on walls and creepy critters, add authenticity to the adventure. Fans and newcomers alike are likely to enjoy the gameplay, but the success of the puzzle mechanics remains to be seen.

While not as intricate as Fate of Atlantis, the puzzles in The Great Circle demand more thought than typical blockbuster titles, avoiding excessive guidance and ensuring players are challenged.

MachineGames has a stellar track record, and The Great Circle feels like a promising evolution of their style.

Although the franchise’s reputation took a hit with the latest film, The Great Circle could redeem Indiana Jones in the gaming world and, potentially, set a new standard for faithful cinematic adaptations, challenging even Alien: Isolation for the title of most authentic movie adaptation.

Speculation about a Nintendo Switch 2 announcement remains high, with many fans convinced the reveal could happen this month. Rumors are also circulating about a port of a major third-party open-world game potentially coming to the new console.

With November just around the corner, it seems likely that predictions for a Switch 2 revealed in October might be off the mark.

Recently, leaker PH Brazil suggested a 2024 announcement is still on the cards, narrowing it down to either Monday or Tuesday of this week. However, this seems based more on informed guesses than confirmed insider information.

Numerous smaller sources are also suggesting a reveal this week, but there’s no solid evidence. The most notable event scheduled is a Nintendo investors meeting on Tuesday, November 5, which historically has sometimes included major announcements.

The practical timing for a Switch 2 reveal might be January or February of next year, as a holiday season announcement could risk discouraging holiday sales of the existing Nintendo Switch.

However, one could argue that those who have waited almost eight years to buy a Switch might not follow game news closely enough to be deterred by a Switch 2 announcement.

Over the weekend, social media has been buzzing with these rumors, although prominent insiders have been cautious.

Jeff Grubb commented on Twitter that he’s “living the ‘We’ll get it when we get it’ life,” while Nate the Hate pointed out that while the timing “would make sense,” no one has claimed to know for sure.

Nintendo has promised to reveal the new console before the end of March 2025, although the announcement might be brief—possibly just a name or a vague teaser image.

Adding fuel to the rumor fire, there’s also speculation about a “Definitive Edition” of Elden Ring for the Switch 2, slated for a late 2025 release.

This rumor originated with Nash Weedle, who claims that Virtuos, the studio behind Metal Gear Delta, may handle the port. Since Elden Ring was available on Xbox One and PlayStation 4, a Switch 2 port could be feasible even with only a modest power boost from the current Switch model.

Virtuos previously ported Dark Souls: Remastered to the original Switch, which could support the plausibility of the rumor or simply be a reason it was created.

The release window for the Switch 2 remains officially unconfirmed, with most rumors pointing to late spring or autumn of next year but leaving open the possibility of a later launch in 2026.

We’ll likely find out soon enough if this week brings any concrete news, but for now, fans will have to wait to see if these rumors come to fruition.

It was reported Friday that Apple has tested an app designed to help individuals with prediabetes manage their diet and make healthier lifestyle choices.

They are potentially positioning the company as a competitor to established glucose monitoring firms like Abbott and DexCom.

Earlier this year, Apple conducted a trial with several employees diagnosed with prediabetes.

Sources familiar with the initiative suggest that this project aligns with Apple’s broader efforts to incorporate blood sugar-related features into its health offerings.

Although the tech giant reportedly has no immediate plans to release the app, it may integrate this technology into future health products.

Apple has also been working for over a decade on a noninvasive glucose monitor, which could significantly impact diabetes management.

In 2022, shares of DexCom and Abbott came under pressure as Apple’s advancements in developing a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device signaled increased competition within the health-tech industry.

Apple’s highly anticipated hearing health features for the AirPods Pro 2 were released today via a firmware update.

While you can update your AirPods Pro now to access these features, they won’t be usable until October 28, when iOS 18.1 is officially launched.

This hearing health update introduces three key features: a hearing test, hearing aid functionality, and active hearing protection. All features are free to use and compatible with both iPhone and iPad, provided they’re running iOS 18.1.

The first feature enables at-home hearing assessment, offering a convenient and cost-effective way to diagnose potential hearing loss.

At a hearing health briefing, Apple highlighted that millions of Americans unknowingly live with hearing loss, often misinterpreting it as only complete deafness, though hearing loss varies widely in degree.

Regular checkups are vital to monitor and understand one’s hearing health over time.

Conducted in the iOS Health app, the hearing test takes around five minutes and involves responding to a series of tones by tapping on your screen.

Upon completion, you receive individual scores for each ear along with an interpretation, such as “Your test indicates moderate hearing loss.”

These results are stored in the Health app, allowing you to track changes over time, and can be downloaded to share with a healthcare provider.

The second feature turns your AirPods Pro into hearing aids, amplifying certain frequencies for clearer and more vibrant sound. They also make real-time intensity adjustments based on your environment.

Although designed to aid those with hearing loss, this feature can benefit anyone by enhancing the sound quality, making it useful for healthy listeners who simply want better audio on their AirPods.

The third feature protects your ears in loud environments. In settings that reach up to 110 dBA, such as a fitness class (100 dBA) or lawn mowing (90 dBA), the hearing protection feature reduces the sound level at a rate of 48,000 times per second to alleviate strain on your ears.

This protective function works across all listening modes, with the silicone ear tips providing additional noise reduction.