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.

If you’re eager to get a jump on selecting the right Samsung Galaxy S25 model, you can now consider potential color options, as shades for the upcoming Galaxy S25 lineup have been leaked.

Well-known leaker Ross Young posted on X that the Samsung Galaxy S25 will likely be available in Moon Night Blue, Silver Shadow, Sparkling Blue, and Sparkling Green.

The Galaxy S25 Plus is expected to include the same palette plus an additional Midnight Black option. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S25 Ultra may be offered in Titanium Black, Titanium Blue, Titanium Gray, and a new Titanium Silver shade.

It’s worth mentioning that even if these colors turn out to be accurate, Samsung typically offers additional exclusive shades on its online store.

Also, recent leaks for the S25 Ultra suggest slightly different color options, mentioning Black, Green, Blue, and Titanium as possibilities.

For comparison, the current Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24 Plus are sold in shades of Cobalt Violet, Amber Yellow, Onyx Black, and Marble Gray, with online exclusives like Sapphire Blue, Jade Green, and Sandstone Orange.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra’s palette includes Titanium Gray, Titanium Black, Titanium Violet, and Titanium Yellow, with online-exclusive shades in Titanium Blue, Green, and Orange. This would make Titanium Silver the only entirely new shade for the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

In addition to color options, another leak for details screen sizes: the Galaxy S25 is expected to have a 6.16-inch display, the Galaxy S25 Plus a 6.66-inch display, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra a 6.86-inch screen.

This aligns with previous rumors, adding weight to the claims, but there’s a twist—the Galaxy S25 series may use the same M13 display panels as its predecessors.

According to Ross Young, Samsung’s choice to retain the M13 panel could mean missed potential upgrades, as the M14 panel offers 20-30% better efficiency and a longer lifespan by 10-20%.

The iPhone 16 Pro models already use the M14 panel, so sticking with M13 may mean Samsung’s Galaxy S25 lineup could lag behind Apple’s displays in terms of efficiency and durability.

While all leaks should be taken with caution, we’re likely to get confirmation on these details soon, as the Galaxy S25 line is expected to launch in January or February.

OnePlus has fully revealed OxygenOS 15 as the Android 15 update for its supported

OnePlus announced that the Beta program for the OnePlus 12 will launch on October 30, but clarified that this date does not mark the beginning of the stable release, as previously reported.

Unlike last year, when OnePlus chose to avoid extensive AI features in favor of refining Android 14 to match its flagship hardware, the BBK-owned brand is now embracing AI with Android 15 and OxygenOS 15. This announcement includes many marketing terms, like “Parallel Processing.”

Parallel Processing enhances the fluidity of animations during rapid app-switching. This addresses situations where users open and close multiple apps back-to-back, as seen in videos demonstrating this.

OnePlus has reworked the animation pipeline so that quick app transitions appear smoother.

Additionally, OxygenOS 15 is reportedly up to 20% smaller than its predecessor. To achieve this, OnePlus removed various “redundant” features, freeing up considerable space.

AI Features in OxygenOS 15

OnePlus is introducing a range of AI-powered camera features. AI Detail Boost, integrated directly into the gallery, automatically identifies and enhances pixelated or blurry images with a single tap, even allowing for upscaling to 4K.

Combined with AI Unblur, this feature provides image clarity similar to the Pixel’s Photo Unblur function. AI Reflection Eraser can eliminate glass reflections from photos without distorting them, and this tool works for various surfaces, not just glass.

Intelligent Search is an on-device tool that enables users to search across system apps, such as Settings, Files, and Notes, for specific files. For example, users can search for “how much did I pay for my hotel stay last month?” and retrieve relevant information quickly.

The Circle to Search feature is also debuting with OxygenOS 15. Powered by Google Lens, it enables contextual searches for anything on the screen by long-pressing the gesture navbar. The update also introduces Theft Protection for added security.

Pass Scan is a key component of OxygenOS 15, allowing users to scan boarding passes, transit tickets, or images from the gallery to save in Google Wallet for easy access later.

Another addition is AI Notes, which uses advanced AI to organize and refine notes. Whether jotting down ideas or drafting reports, AI Notes can summarize key points, adjust tone and formality, and correct grammar for clarity.

The AI Toolbox 2.0 now includes AI Reply, a tool similar to Android’s Smart Reply, providing pre-generated responses. For more in-depth replies, users can use the sidebar to access detailed options.

Updated UI and Interface in OxygenOS 15

OxygenOS 15 also brings several UI enhancements aimed at refining user interaction and improving the experience.

The Shelf Cards feature now offers a broader color palette and more card sizes (such as 1×2, 2×2, and 4×4), allowing users more customization options on their home screen. Popular apps like Zomato and Blinkit are integrated into the Shelf.

Other new UI animations include shimmering effects during interactions such as charging, app installations, or unlocking the device, adding a subtle visual appeal to these actions. For example, when charging with a Super VOOC charger, shimmering effects highlight the charging speed.

The OnePlus OneTake feature is designed to make transitions between the Always-On Display (AOD), lock screen, and main screen smoother and more seamless, providing a natural navigation experience.

The “Depth” option allows users to adjust wallpapers so that the subject in a photo stands out prominently.

Open Canvas, previously only available on the OnePlus Open, is now available for slab-style phones. This multitasking feature allows users to run multiple apps in split-screen mode without shrinking window sizes, making it easier to multitask without feeling restricted.

The update also includes a new “Share with iPhone” app, designed to streamline file sharing between a OnePlus device and an iPhone.

This function requires the “O+ Connect” app on iOS and works similarly to Quick Share, with some additional steps.

OnePlus has confirmed that the OxygenOS 15 Beta rollout will start on October 30 for the OnePlus 12, with details on additional supported devices expected in the coming weeks and months.

World of Warcraft is now several months into its War Within expansion, while World of Warcraft Classic is five months into its Cataclysm era.

As always, Blizzard is working hard to keep players engaged, and their latest effort includes a special new subscription offer.

To encourage long-term gameplay, Blizzard has unveiled an enticing deal for those who opt for a 12-month subscription to World of Warcraft.

This offer includes a variety of exclusive mounts for both World of Warcraft and Cataclysm Classic, a new pet to accompany players on their journey, and additional items yet to be revealed.

While these bonus items don’t significantly impact gameplay, they may serve as a tempting incentive for returning players and newcomers during The War Within and Cataclysm Classic eras.

World of Warcraft Offers Multiple Bonuses with a 12-month Subscription

The highlight of the current 12-month subscription offer is four unique mounts, three of which are for use in World of Warcraft, and one for use in World of Warcraft Classic. Here’s a breakdown of the mounts included:

• Startouched Furline (World of Warcraft): A large, feline mount that “flies” by running through the air, its glowing blue tail and paws lighting the sky.
• Gigantic Grrloc (World of Warcraft): A ground mount similar to the Gargantuan Grrloc from a previous offer, but in a striking red color.
• Charming Courier (World of Warcraft): A majestic, glowing blue owl that soars gracefully through the skies.
• Lava Drake (World of Warcraft Classic): A coveted flying mount reminiscent of the highly sought-after drakes from the early days of the game.

Back in the early days of World of Warcraft, players had to invest hours of gameplay and reputation grinding to obtain a Drake mount.

Similarly, while Drake mounts are now easier to get in World of Warcraft Classic, the best ones are still valued for their impressive appearance.

Classic players looking for a stunning Drake should consider the Lava Drake included in this offer.

Each mount also features unique animations to enhance the experience.

A New Pet and More to Come

In addition to the four mounts, the offer includes the Swoopy owl pet for World of Warcraft Classic.

Swoopy is a mini version of the Charming Courier mount, with a few distinct features to make it unique. The pet was previously included in a 6-month subscription offer earlier this year.

Blizzard has also teased two more bonus items that will be revealed and added to the accounts of annual subscribers during the Lunar New Year festival in 2025.

Based on the silhouettes in the subscription offer’s promotional image, these items appear to be a Lunar New Year Drake flying mount for World of Warcraft and a Lunar New Year Drake pet for World of Warcraft Classic.

This 12-month subscription offer is a great opportunity for players to expand their collection of mounts and pets while enjoying the latest expansions in both World of Warcraft and Cataclysm Classic.

Comedy fans might recognize the phrase “have you tried turning it off and on again” from the British sitcom The IT Crowd, but what if that advice came from the National Security Agency (NSA) and was directed at all smartphone users?

More importantly, if you follow the NSA’s suggestion, will it really protect you from malware and spyware in 2024 and beyond?

The NSA’s advice to reboot smartphones originated in a 2020 mobile device best practices guide.

If you have trouble accessing the PDF through the provided link, there’s an alternative route to the document via the NSA press room, although it requires a few more clicks.

With smartphones across all operating systems becoming increasingly popular targets for cybercriminals, the NSA emphasized that while many features on these devices offer convenience, they often compromise security.

The guide outlined simple, non-technical steps that even the least tech-savvy users could take to safeguard their devices and the data they contain. Earlier this year, I covered the NSA’s advice, and the response to that article continues to pour in.

Security experts and smartphone users alike have reached out, some thanking me for highlighting the warning, while others criticized me for not delving deeper into what rebooting can’t protect against. All perspectives are valid, and I hope this article will offer greater clarity.

First off, let me say that the NSA’s guide deserves high praise. The advice is not only sound but also presented in a way that is accessible to all.

The NSA used an icon-based system to communicate what users should avoid, disable, do, and not do.

The “do” list includes using strong PINs and passwords, enabling biometric locks, and keeping software up to date.

On the “do not” list, the advice covers avoiding actions like rooting or jailbreaking your phone and not clicking on unknown links or opening suspicious attachments.

What caught my attention the most, however, was the “disable” icon, which suggested that users turn their devices off and on again weekly.

On the second page of this visually rich document, the NSA took a tabular approach to explain what actions smartphone users should take to mitigate threats.

The iconography here was divided between “sometimes prevents” and “almost always prevents.” In terms of rebooting your smartphone regularly, the advice falls under the “sometimes prevents” category.

This action is recommended because it can help mitigate risks like spear phishing attacks that install malware or prevent zero-click exploits. However, the NSA never claimed this was a one-size-fits-all solution or a comprehensive security fix.

Rebooting your phone regularly might not stop every threat, but it’s a useful step in a broader strategy to protect your device from evolving cyber risks.

I’m excited for the discussions we’ll have next week as we begin comparing our hearing health scores. According to my Apple AirPods Pro 2 hearing test, I have a 6-decibel loss in my left ear and a 12-decibel loss in my right.

These numbers might not mean much right now, but when the software becomes available next week in the US and Canada, you’ll likely be comparing hearing scores with family and friends after a quick test.

Apple provided me with early access to its new hearing health software for the AirPods Pro 2, which transforms the earbuds into clinical-grade hearing aids after a hearing test on an iPhone or iPad.

The software also includes features to protect against loud noises, enabled by default. Apple says this update will be rolled out next week as part of iOS 18.

Hearing loss is becoming increasingly common in the US, with estimates suggesting that 44.1 million American adults experience some degree of hearing loss.

More than half could benefit from using a hearing aid, but research shows that most people affected haven’t tried one yet.

With Apple’s new FDA-authorized software, this two-year-old product now offers anyone with AirPods an instant hearing test and hearing aid.

If the test is that easy to take, it may lead to conversations about hearing loss, much like how people discuss their eyesight prescriptions, potentially helping open up the dialogue about hearing issues when shared with others.

Last week, I started using the new features, which I look through further in the video above. The software also includes updated “Hearing Protection,” designed to shield your ears from prolonged exposure to loud sounds.

During my exploration, I gained a deeper understanding of hearing loss, current technological solutions, and how Apple’s test compares to a professional audiogram.

How the AirPods Hearing Test Works

After updating your device, you’ll find a new section in your AirPods settings for hearing health, where you can take a hearing test.

The test takes around 10 minutes and requires a very quiet environment, as the AirPods will pause if any outside noise is detected. I even noticed distant church bells causing interruptions. Once the noise stops, the test resumes.

The test begins by checking the ear tips’ seal to ensure a proper fit. It then involves tapping the screen whenever you hear a beep. Some of the tones are faint and require focus to catch.

Once the test is complete, your results are saved in the Health app, where they can be shared as a PDF. If needed, you can turn on Hearing Aid Mode, which amplifies specific frequencies that your test shows need boosting.

This mode is an enhanced version of AirPods’ Transparency Mode, amplifying external sounds as well as media and call audio.

You can adjust the amplification and balance via detailed controls. When Hearing Aid Mode is activated, your phone’s volume controls also change, allowing you to manage the volume of external sounds and media separately.

A new shortcut button, resembling an ear, appears in the Control Center for quick access to these settings.

Testing with Others

If you pass your AirPods to someone else to test their hearing, the app will display their results alongside yours.

The settings allow you to choose which result to apply to the hearing aid software, but don’t forget to switch it back before using the AirPods again, as using someone else’s hearing profile could harm your ears.

Professional Audiogram vs. Apple’s Test

To see how Apple’s hearing test compares to a professional one, I visited Columbia University Irving Medical Center. After an ear inspection, I took a standard beep test in a soundproof room.

While more controlled and detailed than Apple’s test, the results were strikingly similar, with both tests indicating difficulty in hearing high frequencies.

Apple allows you to upload professional audiogram results into the Health app, which will then adjust your AirPods’ settings accordingly.

You can scan a paper audiogram using your iPhone camera, and the app will graph the results, applying them to your hearing aid settings.

Conversation Boost and Hearing Aid Comparisons

Though my hearing loss was minimal, I used the hearing aid mode in various scenarios to better understand its capabilities.

A feature called “Conversation Boost” amplifies voices in front of you, which I tested in a noisy bar. It significantly improved my ability to hear my companion despite the background noise.

While AirPods are cheaper than traditional hearing aids—retailing for $250 compared to over-the-counter hearing aids that can range from $1,000 to $1,700—they have a shorter battery life of 6 hours, making them unsuitable as a full-day replacement.

During my visit to Columbia, Dr. Justin Golub from the Otolaryngology Department mentioned that while Apple’s $250 price point is affordable, the limited battery life may make AirPods more of an entry-level option for specific situations rather than a complete hearing aid substitute.

Real-World Insights from a Hearing Aid User

To get a better sense of how AirPods compare to dedicated hearing aids, I spoke with Nancy, the mother of a colleague, who has been using hearing aids for a decade.

She found the AirPods promising for music listening but didn’t think they would be practical for daily use due to the need for frequent recharging.

Nonetheless, she acknowledged that adopting hearing aids earlier in her life could have improved her quality of life and business performance.

AirPods Could Start the Hearing Loss Conversation

With this update, AirPods could be a helpful tool to start conversations about hearing loss, particularly with older family members who may be resistant to using hearing aids.

By offering a quick and easy test, Apple might help break down some of the barriers that prevent people from acknowledging their hearing issues.

Updated Hearing Protection Features

The AirPods Pro 2 now have more advanced hearing protection software that manages sustained loud noises more effectively, preserving sound details while lowering exposure levels.

This feature is useful for protecting your hearing in environments like concerts, but it may not offer adequate protection against sudden, loud sounds like fireworks or gunfire.

Apple claims the software can protect against sounds as loud as 110 decibels, though for extremely loud events, traditional earplugs might still be the safer option.

It’s ironic that while AirPods can contribute to hearing loss when used at high volumes, Apple is now positioning them as a solution to prevent and manage hearing loss.

New reports suggest that Samsung may equip most of its Galaxy S25 series with its own “low yield” Exynos processor, rather than the expected Snapdragon or Dimensity chips.

A post by industry insider Sawyer Galox on X reveals that Samsung plans to use the Exynos 2500 in both the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 Plus models.

However, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is still anticipated to feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor.

It remains unclear whether this decision applies globally or is specific to certain regions. For instance, when the Galaxy S24 series launched, markets like the USA, Canada, and a few other countries received the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip in their Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus models.

Other regions were given the reportedly inferior Exynos 2400. The Galaxy S24 Ultra, on the other hand, came with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in all markets.

This latest rumor contradicts earlier reports that suggested Samsung would go with an all-Snapdragon lineup, following concerns over the low yields of the 3nm GAA process used in the Exynos 2500 production.

Some industry analysts remain skeptical about Samsung’s ability to manufacture a sufficient quantity of Exynos 2500 chips due to these production challenges.

Previously, there was speculation that Samsung might consider using MediaTek’s Dimensity 9400 chip in the Galaxy S25 series.

As October draws to a close, Samsung has yet to officially announce the Exynos 2500, which is unusual given that the Exynos 2400 was revealed on October 5 last year.

Since Samsung traditionally launches its Galaxy S series in January, this delay raises questions about whether the company is running out of time or if the rumor itself is inaccurate.