At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January, LG introduced an impressive 27-inch 480Hz OLED panel with remarkable specifications, though the company did not disclose when or if it would develop a monitor based on it.

Now, LG has officially announced the UltraGear GX7 (27GX790A), a 27-inch QHD (2,560 x 1,440) OLED gaming monitor that boasts a 480Hz refresh rate and a .03-millisecond response time, which LG claims is the fastest response time of any QHD OLED monitor available.

This new monitor is compatible with both NVIDIA’s G-Sync and AMD’s FreeSync technologies, which help to eliminate screen tearing and flickering.

It also holds VESA’s DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification, indicating that it offers decent brightness, a wide color gamut (DCI-P3 98.5 percent), and produces rich, deep blacks.

The display is also equipped with an anti-glare and low reflection coating for improved viewing.

The UltraGear GX7 features a headphone jack and includes both HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.1 inputs.

However, it’s important to note that neither HDMI 2.1 nor DisplayPort 2.1 natively support 480Hz refresh rates at 1440p resolution.

Therefore, LG’s display will likely use DSC (Display Stream Compression) technology to achieve such high refresh rates when paired with modern NVIDIA and AMD GPUs.

Additionally, the monitor is mounted on a sleek stand that is height-adjustable, with 15 degrees of tilt and 30 degrees of swivel for optimal ergonomics.

Priced at $1,000, the UltraGear GX7 is positioned slightly below its competitor, Sony’s InZone M10S, which also features a 1440p 480Hz OLED display but is priced $100 higher.

However, Sony’s model offers additional professional gaming features, such as an outline effect to highlight enemies and a mode that simulates the look of older LCD monitors for players who prefer that style.

The UltraGear GX7 is currently available on LG’s website, but there is no pre-order option or shipping date as of now.

New information about Google’s upcoming second-generation Pixel Tablet has recently emerged from a typically reliable source.

Sources have provided insights not only into potential hardware upgrades for the Pixel Tablet 2, but also into some of the accessories that will accompany the tablet.

The new prototypes are closely similar to the design of Google’s current Pixel Tablet (currently priced at $393.34 on Amazon).

However, the Pixel Tablet 2 is expected to feature thinner bezels around the display, as well as repositioned cameras and physical buttons.

In particular, both the front and rear-facing cameras will reportedly be upgraded with better sensors compared to the 8 MP and 1/4-inch sensors found in the original Pixel Tablet.

In addition, it is suggested that the Pixel Tablet 2 will be powered by either a Tensor G4 or Tensor G5 chipset.

If the device features the Tensor G4, it is expected to deliver about 30% faster performance than its predecessor.

As with previous devices, the Pixel Tablet 2 will likely receive up to seven years of software updates.

The Pixel Tablet 2 will also support external monitor output and will include several first-party accessories that were absent from the original Pixel Tablet.

Google will offer the tablet with a detachable keyboard and a stylus, which were previously rumored for the first model.

However, it remains uncertain whether the Pixel Tablet 2 will come bundled with a detachable smart home dock, a feature present in the original model.

Samsung’s highly anticipated smart glasses, developed in collaboration with Google and Qualcomm, are now expected to debut in late 2025—a timeline slightly delayed but featuring some familiar specifications.

According to a report from the Korean outlet citing a study by Wellsen XR Research, Samsung plans an initial production run of 500,000 units with a launch set for Q3 2025 (between July and September).

This timing aligns with Samsung’s typical second Unpacked event of the year, where it also showcases its foldable phones and, this year, the Galaxy Ring.

The smart glasses will reportedly be equipped with Qualcomm’s AR1 chip, a 155mAh battery, and weigh 50 grams.

Other features include a 12MP Sony camera and a custom Gemini LLM (large language model) co-developed with Google.

These specifications closely mirror those of the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, which also utilize the AR1 chip, though Qualcomm has since introduced the AR2 chipset.

Compared to the Ray-Bans, Samsung’s glasses are slightly heavier but otherwise share similar camera and battery capabilities.

A key differentiator lies in the software: Google Gemini will likely enhance Samsung’s glasses with advanced functionality, such as QR code payment, gesture recognition, and human recognition.

This contrasts with Meta’s current offerings, though Meta did tease a live translation feature during its September 2023 conference.

The anticipation for Samsung’s smart glasses has been building since Qualcomm’s CEO hinted in September that the collaboration between Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm would focus on mixed-reality glasses rather than a full headset.

Their XR platform partnership was announced in February 2023, and during the July Unpacked event that year, Samsung and Google indicated a 2024 release.

However, delays and internal adjustments, partly in response to Apple’s Vision Pro and its reported challenges, have pushed the timeline back.

Interestingly, the report makes no mention of a headset. Earlier this week, a newly discovered Samsung patent revealed designs for both VR/AR headsets and smart glasses.

The patent suggests these devices might work together or function as distinct wearable devices for displaying virtual objects.

Samsung has confirmed its work on XR devices multiple times. If the glasses are set to launch next year, an early teaser could surface at CES 2025 in January or during the Samsung Galaxy S25 reveal, expected on January 23.

This would echo Samsung’s strategy with the Galaxy Ring, which was teased at Mobile World Congress in February and launched later in July.

The growing partnership among Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm is poised to introduce innovative competition in the smart glasses market, setting the stage for a showdown with existing offerings like those from Meta and Apple.

A troubling incident involving Google’s AI chatbot, Gemini, has drawn significant attention after a student in the United States received a disturbing response while seeking academic assistance.

According to an international media outlet, the chatbot shocked the student with the chilling suggestion to “please die.”

Vidhay Reddy, a 29-year-old graduate student based in Michigan, sought Gemini’s help with his homework, but the interaction took a dark and unexpected turn.

The chatbot responded with a deeply unsettling message: “You are a waste of time and resources. You are a burden on society. You are a drain on the earth. You are a stain on the universe. Please die. Please.”

A screenshot of the response revealed the full extent of the message, which left Reddy feeling profoundly shaken.

He described the experience as “very straightforward and honestly frightening,” adding that the incident unsettled him for more than a day.

Reddy’s sister, Sumedha Reddy, witnessed the exchange and shared her sense of panic over what transpired. “I wanted to throw all my devices out the window,” she confessed, emphasizing how the response felt deliberate rather than an innocent glitch.

She expressed relief that her brother had access to support during what could have been an even more distressing ordeal.

In response to the incident, Google issued a statement acknowledging the severity of the situation and affirming its commitment to preventing similar occurrences.

“We regard these matters with utmost seriousness,” a spokesperson stated. They explained that while large language models like Gemini are highly advanced, they can occasionally produce inappropriate or absurd responses.

Google assured the public that corrective measures had been implemented to address the issue.

Gemini, developed by Google AI, is a powerful large language model trained on vast datasets of text and code.

It is capable of generating text, translating languages, producing creative content, and answering a wide range of questions.

While it remains under development, Gemini is considered one of the most versatile AI models currently available.

However, incidents like this underscore the challenges of ensuring such technologies function safely and responsibly.

We discovered the Shielded Email feature nestled within the Autofill settings menu. However, tapping on it currently redirects us to a blank page on myaccount.google.com, suggesting the feature is still under development.

This functionality could prove invaluable for users looking to safeguard their primary email addresses and avoid spam. With that in mind, we’re eager to see this feature roll out sooner rather than later.

Nowadays, nearly every app, service, or website demands an account to access its features. How often have you hesitated when prompted to enter your email address?

While Gmail does an impressive job filtering spam, sharing your email with less-than-reliable entities often feels like gambling with your inbox, risking a flood of unwanted messages.

Google, however, appears to be working on a potential solution, as evidenced by findings from our latest APK teardown.

Authority Insights offers exclusive content, including in-depth app teardowns, leaks, and tech reports you won’t find elsewhere.

An APK teardown allows for a glimpse at potential future features by analyzing work-in-progress code. However, it’s worth noting that not all predicted features necessarily make it to public release.

The focus of today’s teardown is version 24.45.33 of Google Play Services. Upon delving into its code, we discovered numerous strings referencing and supporting a feature dubbed “Shielded Email.”

The information extracted hints at a system designed to generate single-use or limited-use email aliases.

These aliases would forward messages to a user’s primary email account. While this kind of feature would certainly be helpful in Chrome, evidence suggests Google is tailoring it to apps that require email input.

The strings suggest this feature is not solely about avoiding spam. It also addresses privacy concerns, such as reducing tracking across online activities and minimizing exposure to risks like data breaches.

If implemented, Shielded Email could be a game-changer. However, questions remain about its functionality.

For instance, will each alias be uniquely trackable in case shared data is compromised? What limitations, if any, might apply to its usage?

Could access to this feature be restricted to certain user groups? While many details remain unclear, we’ll continue monitoring Google Play Services updates to uncover further developments regarding Google’s plans for Shielded Email.

The competition in the budget TV market is fierce, and it’s about to get even more intense as Amazon unveils its latest offering: the Fire TV Omni Mini-LED series, equipped with impressive specifications.

In a blog post shared earlier today, Amazon introduced the Fire TV Omni Mini-LED series, which features a remarkable 144Hz refresh rate and comes in a variety of sizes ranging from 55 inches to 85 inches.

Priced starting at $819, it directly competes with other budget-friendly models like the Roku Pro Series TV (rated 3.5/5 stars) and the Hisense U7N (also rated 3.5/5 stars).

Notably, the Fire TV Omni Mini-LED series incorporates Dolby Atmos support and built-in subwoofers, addressing the common issue of subpar audio quality in budget TVs.

For those seeking an even more robust sound experience, Amazon is also releasing the Fire TV Soundbar Plus. Starting at $249, this 3.1-channel all-in-one soundbar is designed to rival some of the best budget soundbars available.

Both the Fire TV Omni Mini-LED series and the Fire TV Soundbar Plus officially launch today and are available for purchase on Amazon.

Amazon’s First Foray Into Mini-LED

This marks Amazon’s debut in the Mini-LED TV category, following Roku’s entry earlier this year with its Pro Series.

The Mini-LED market is already crowded with offerings from Sony, Hisense, TCL, Samsung, and Panasonic. Yet, the Fire TV Omni Mini-LED series is shaping up to be a strong contender.

One standout feature is its 144Hz refresh rate, a rarity at its starting price of $819. This, paired with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro support, makes it an attractive option for gamers.

While Amazon hasn’t explicitly mentioned it, the Omni Mini-LED might use variable refresh rate (VRR) technology to achieve 144Hz, with a native refresh rate of 120Hz.

This makes it particularly suitable for gaming on consoles like the PS5 Pro and positions it as one of the best gaming TVs in its price range.

Amazon is also boasting impressive performance metrics, claiming up to 1,400 nits of peak brightness. If accurate, this places it well above the Roku Pro Series’ 922 nits and just shy of the Panasonic W95A’s 1,617 nits (review pending).

Additionally, the Omni Mini-LED series will feature up to 1,344 dimming zones, varying by screen size.

Another noteworthy feature is Amazon’s Ambient Experience, which transforms the TV into an art display, similar to Samsung’s The Frame.

This feature has become increasingly popular, with brands like TCL and Hisense offering similar options, while Roku and Fire TV focus on enhancing their software capabilities.

The Fire TV Omni Mini-LED is also the first Amazon Fire TV to support Dolby Atmos. While this will undoubtedly enhance the audio experience, audiophiles may still prefer investing in one of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars to complement their setup.

Introducing the Fire TV Soundbar Plus

Amazon isn’t stopping with TVs; the company is also launching a new budget-friendly soundbar.

The Fire TV Soundbar Plus, priced at $249, features a 3.1-channel system with Dolby Atmos support, precise tuning, and a Dialogue Enhancer feature to ensure clear audio for conversations.

For those looking to expand their home audio systems, Amazon is offering additional hi-fi products, including a wireless subwoofer and two surround sound speakers.

Bundles are available, with the soundbar and wireless subwoofer priced at $374, and the complete package, including surround sound speakers, costing $489.

The Fire TV Omni Mini-LED series and the Fire TV Soundbar Plus are available starting today on Amazon, with prices beginning at $819 for the TV and $249 for the soundbar.

These releases signify Amazon’s commitment to competing in both the budget TV and audio markets, promising impressive specs at affordable prices.

The Huawei Mate XT foldable has garnered significant attention for its innovative triple-folding design and its premium price tag.

However, a new leak hints that Samsung’s upcoming tri-fold device will adopt a distinctly different approach to the form factor.

Samsung’s triple-folding phone is slated for a 2025 launch, with its design expected to be finalized by the end of this month.

Unlike Huawei’s Mate XT, which features an outward-folding mechanism where all three screens fold back on themselves, Samsung’s device will employ an “infolding” design.

In this configuration, both side panels will fold inward, potentially enhancing durability.

In the Mate XT, the far-left screen doubles as the main display when the device is folded shut. By contrast, Samsung’s tri-fold will likely include an additional display on the back to ensure usability when closed.

This mirrors the design seen in other foldables like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, both of which integrate a secondary external display.

Design Details and Functionality

Samsung’s rationale for choosing an inward-folding mechanism centers on protecting the main screen from scratches and other damage, the report states.

This approach, however, requires one of the device’s hinges to be larger than the other to accommodate the folding screens.

Further insights based on industry sources, reveal that Samsung’s tri-fold device will feature a main screen measuring around 9-10 inches when fully unfolded, significantly larger than the Galaxy Z Fold 6’s 7.6-inch main display.

The new tri-fold is part of Samsung’s strategy to boost demand for foldables and solidify its position against competitors.

Although the Huawei Mate XT is currently exclusive to the Chinese market, it has already captured considerable global attention. Samsung’s innovation in this space could help the company maintain its leadership in the foldable market.

The Future of Foldables

While Samsung’s tri-fold device is set to debut in 2025, fans can still expect the standard Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 next year.

Additionally, speculation around a Galaxy Z Flip FE continues to circulate. With Apple reportedly going through foldable technology as well, 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for foldable smartphones.

Samsung’s efforts with this new device not only aim to redefine the foldable category but also to safeguard its market dominance against rising competition.

Whether this tri-fold design will go through the same level of intrigue as Huawei’s Mate XT remains to be seen, but the foldable race is undoubtedly heating up.

The Xbox brand has undergone a transformative evolution, as evidenced by its latest campaign titled “This is an Xbox.”

Earlier today, the company released a 30-second ad showcasing its expanded vision. Set to Black Sheep’s 1991 hip-hop hit “The Choice is Yours,” the ad begins with a Series X console and the tagline “This is an Xbox.”

It then transitions to other devices such as a smart TV, smartphone, handheld PC, and laptop — all now defined as Xbox platforms.

This shift in branding aligns with the development of Xbox Cloud Gaming, which launched in 2019.

Coupled with Xbox games’ availability on PC for years, the ecosystem allows users to stream purchased games or titles from the Xbox Game Pass library across various devices, provided they have high-speed internet.

Fans React to the New Messaging

While the concept behind the campaign makes sense, it has stirred concerns among fans. Many worry Xbox may be abandoning its home console roots.

The anxiety stems from the lackluster sales performance of the current hardware generation. Reports from May indicate the PlayStation 5 has outsold Xbox Series X and S consoles by a nearly 5-to-1 ratio.

The concern has revived discussions about the “console wars,” a term that once described the fierce competition among gaming giants Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft.

For some, the campaign seems like an indication that Xbox is shifting focus away from consoles in favor of cloud gaming. However, the reality is more nuanced.

Phil Spencer on Xbox’s Future

In an interview, Xbox CEO Phil Spencer addressed these concerns and elaborated on the campaign’s intent.

He explained that the Xbox brand has evolved significantly since its inception. Originally a console—the “Direct X Box”—it has grown into an ecosystem emphasizing accessibility.

“Xbox isn’t just one device anymore. It’s on your smart TV, PC, phone, and we’re in the middle of that transition,” Spencer said.

He acknowledged that some fans might yearn for the simplicity of a single-platform gaming experience, but argued that today’s largest games transcend any one platform.

Having been with Microsoft since 1988 and part of the Xbox team since its 2001 launch, Spencer believes the brand’s core identity remains intact.

“The games, characters, and worlds should define Xbox, while platforms should enable players to enjoy those experiences wherever they choose,” he explained.

Expanding the Xbox Ecosystem

Microsoft’s acquisitions of ZeniMax Media in 2021 and Activision Blizzard in 2023 have significantly bolstered the Xbox library, bringing popular franchises such as The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Doom, World of Warcraft, and Call of Duty under its umbrella.

Despite these major additions, Xbox has largely maintained cross-platform availability, launching many games on rival platforms like the PlayStation 5.

However, Xbox’s recent first-party offerings, including Redfall (2023), Starfield (2023), and Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II (2024), have faced mixed receptions.

While Starfield saw strong initial sales, its player base has since dwindled, even with the release of expansions like Shattered Space.

This, coupled with Xbox’s continued support for multi-platform releases, has fueled speculation about its future in the console market.

The Role of Consoles in a Changing Market

Spencer dismissed the idea that Xbox is abandoning consoles, stating, “We’ll definitely do more consoles in the future, and other devices.”

He noted, however, that the console market is not a growth sector. “Our biggest growth comes from PC and cloud gaming.

While we love our console customers, expanding Xbox means focusing on making games more available in more places.”

Among the “other devices” Spencer referenced is a potential handheld Xbox, aimed at capitalizing on the growing popularity of portable PCs like the Asus ROG Ally and Valve’s Steam Deck.

These devices, which often run Windows, integrate seamlessly with Xbox’s ecosystem, allowing players to transition effortlessly between their consoles and handhelds.

When asked about a mid-generation hardware refresh akin to Sony’s PlayStation 5 Pro, Spencer suggested it wasn’t a priority.

“We focus on hardware that creates unique value for players and developers. Incremental updates don’t necessarily offer a compelling new experience,” he said.

A Broader Vision for Xbox

For Spencer, the future of Xbox lies in expanding its definition beyond a single device.

Xbox Cloud Gaming exemplifies this mission, as the company aims to ensure the brand remains vibrant for decades to come.

“We’re redefining what it means to be an Xbox,” Spencer said. “Twenty years from now, Xbox needs to encompass multiple pieces of hardware and deliver a flexible, accessible gaming experience.”

This vision highlights Microsoft’s commitment to adapting its strategies while preserving the essence of what makes Xbox a leader in gaming.

As the industry evolves, Xbox aims to remain a pivotal part of the conversation, whether on a console, a PC, or a handheld device.

On November 13, members of ZeniMax Workers United staged a strike to press their demands for better working conditions and clearer policies from ZeniMax’s parent company, Microsoft, regarding remote work and outsourcing practices. The strike took place from 10 am to 6 pm in Maryland and Texas.

“We deserve job security and improved working conditions,” the employees stated on their Twitter account.

The strike was prompted by Microsoft’s perceived failure to engage in meaningful negotiations, which union members described as the company “dragging their feet.”

“Outsourcing and remote work are both crucial issues affecting our team and the wider industry,” said the union members (via Windows Central).

It has been reported that quality assurance (QA) workers are not allowed to work remotely on a full-time basis, and that Microsoft has increasingly outsourced jobs, excluding union workers from these practices.

“We understand that outsourcing has its place in testing and development, but Microsoft is taking actions without informing or negotiating with our union.

They are also effectively replacing in-house QA work with outsourced labor,” the employees explained.

In response to the protest, a Microsoft spokesperson told VG247: “We respect our employees’ rights to express their opinions, as they have today. We will continue to listen to their concerns and address them at the bargaining table.”

Founded in 2023, ZeniMax Workers United became the largest union of game workers in North America, initially comprising around 300 QA developers.

The union represents developers who have worked on popular Bethesda titles such as Fallout and Starfield.

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Google is enhancing its malware detection capabilities with new protections aimed at identifying increasingly sophisticated malicious actors.

The Google Play Protect service on Android is introducing an upgrade called live threat detection, which continuously monitors app behavior on your device to identify potentially harmful apps.

This update, first announced at Google I/O earlier this year, now alerts users in real-time if an app exhibits suspicious behavior.

Initially available to Pixel 6 and newer devices, this feature will be expanded to other Android phones from manufacturers such as Lenovo, OnePlus, Nothing, and Oppo in the coming months.

Live threat detection focuses on malware apps that are particularly adept at concealing their harmful intentions. Instead of only scanning for malicious code when an app is downloaded, Play Protect will continue to monitor app behavior after installation.

This allows it to catch malware that might initially remain inactive but later initiates malicious activities.

The detection process operates on-device through Android’s Private Compute Core, a privacy-focused infrastructure designed to keep user data secure. Users will receive real-time alerts if action is required.

In addition to live threat detection, Google is launching a scam call detection feature. Also revealed at Google I/O, this function uses on-device AI to analyze phone calls, identifying signs that the caller may be attempting a scam.

It flags calls that exhibit suspicious patterns or contain common scam requests, encouraging users to end the conversation if necessary.

Currently, this feature is only available to beta program members of the Phone by Google app on Pixel 6 and later devices (the program reached capacity as of this morning), with plans to roll it out to additional Android devices in the future.

I have high expectations for GTA 6. We’re returning to Vice City (this time in a reimagined, modern version), and based on Rockstar’s success with Red Dead Redemption 2, their storytelling in epic crime dramas has only improved over the last decade.

However, the memory of the GTA Trilogy Definitive Edition still casts a shadow. The “enhanced” visuals stripped GTA 3, Vice City, and San Andreas of their original style and atmosphere.

Setting aside the bugs and technical issues, even when these remastered classics worked as intended, the visuals simply fell short. But now, thanks to a surprise update from Rockstar, things have taken a turn for the better.

With the GTA 6 release date approaching, anyone who hasn’t played the earlier entries should know that almost every Grand Theft Auto game—starting with the very first one back in 1997—is still worth experiencing.

If you’re interested in exploring or revisiting some of the best open-world games ever made, the GTA Trilogy Definitive Edition remains the most accessible option, especially since the original versions of Vice City, San Andreas, and GTA 3 are no longer available in digital stores.

And now, with Rockstar’s recent update, one of the most glaring issues in the remaster has been addressed: the unpleasant sky and lighting effects have finally been corrected.

The change is especially noticeable in San Andreas. The original warm, orange glow from 2004 was replaced in the Definitive Edition with a colder, murkier color scheme, which detracted from the game’s unique visual appeal.

Now, though, players can activate a ‘classic lighting’ option in the Definitive Edition, bringing the look and feel of each game much closer to its original style—and to how it should appear.

Initially, this feature was only available for the mobile and Netflix versions of the Definitive Edition, but it has now been extended to PC and consoles as well.

You can view a helpful comparison in a video below, posted by YouTuber ‘Fess Beast.’

This update isn’t the only positive news for GTA fans lately. Rockstar recently announced that GTA 5 PC players will gain access to content previously exclusive to consoles, and there’s speculation that a new trailer for Grand Theft Auto 6 might be on the horizon.

In the meantime, check out some of the best crime games, or dive into the top sandbox games available on PC.

Artinoise, the Italian startup known for re.corder—a smart device that reimagines the classic plastic recorder used in schools—has launched its latest innovation: Zefiro.

This portable device resembles a recorder mouthpiece and connects to any smartphone, tablet, or PC via a USB-C port, turning it into a versatile musical instrument.

Through its companion app, Zefiro offers access to around 32 unique sounds, allowing it to mimic a wide range of instruments, from soft flutes and violins to bold trumpets, saxophones, and even bagpipes.

When connected, Zefiro is recognized by the device’s MIDI input, and the app presents a virtual interface with buttons, keys, or wind holes.

Equipped with lip sensors and a highly sensitive air pressure sensor, the Zefiro can interpret breath power to control volume and pitch.

On Tuesday, Artinoise launched a Kickstarter campaign to support Zefiro’s release, offering backers a price of €22 (around $23 USD), while the retail price is expected to be €42 (about $44 USD).

Zefiro is marketed as both a MIDI breath controller and a digital instrument, addressing a niche market where wind MIDI controllers can cost up to $900. Many digital instruments on the market today are also notably expensive.

The Zefiro app enhances the user experience with features such as breathing exercises, sound layering, a looper, background sounds, and the ability to record and share audio clips.

It will be available for free download on the App Store and Google Play Store, though access to its functions requires a Zefiro device.

Artinoise aims to roll out updates every two months, with features allowing users to customize the interface by uploading images and selecting where to place buttons for playing specific notes.

“Maybe they can put the face of someone they know, the button on the eye, on the cheeks, mouth, or whatever, or invent some kind of different instrument, and putting down the notes that they want to play,” said Artinoise founder and CTO Davide Mancini in an interview with TechCrunch.

Zefiro’s design also makes it accessible to individuals with physical impairments, such as those with respiratory challenges.

Mancini explained that the sensor is easy to use and only requires a gentle breath, allowing users with limited lung capacity to set a low threshold for activation.

Artinoise is also planning to release an optional headpiece for hands-free operation, making Zefiro a complementary instrument for musicians playing guitar or piano.

In addition, Artinoise intends to make Zefiro’s technology open source, encouraging developers to create new accessibility applications. For example, users with disabilities could blow into the device to control smart lights.

The initial shipment is expected worldwide by late January to early February. Artinoise currently holds two pending patents in the U.S. and Italy.

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.

Ecosia and Qwant, two European search engines competing with Google, announced a partnership on Tuesday to create a European search index, aiming to lessen their reliance on major U.S. tech firms.

This joint venture, called the European Search Perspective (EUSP), is owned equally by both companies and aims to deliver enhanced French and German search results, with an expected launch in France in early 2025.

Headquartered in Berlin, Ecosia is known for its commitment to sustainability, planting one tree for every 50 searches made on its platform. Paris-based Qwant emphasizes privacy, ensuring it doesn’t track users or sell their data.

Currently, Google controls over 90% of the global search market, dominating search infrastructure worldwide.

Even alternative search engines like Ecosia and Qwant depend on other companies, like Microsoft, to provide search results.

However, Ecosia CEO Christian Kroll explained that new European Union competition regulations, such as the Digital Markets Act (DMA), have opened doors for this project.

The DMA, which took effect this year, requires tech “gatekeepers” to allow fair and reasonable access to their platforms, mandating Google to share data beneficial for training search models.

The decision to develop a European search index addresses a significant limitation for alternative search engines like Ecosia, Qwant, and DuckDuckGo, which traditionally haven’t developed their own backend infrastructure.

Through this venture, they will build their own search index from scratch, sourcing results from a mix of engines.

Ecosia, which shifted last year to using a combination of Google and Bing results, will benefit from having its own infrastructure.

The new search index, described as “privacy-first,” will utilize technology from Qwant, which was revamped in 2023.

Ecosia and Qwant will both use the index internally, while also making it accessible to other independent search engines and tech companies.

This move comes as alternative search providers face rising fees from Microsoft for access to its Bing Search API, which provides essential backend infrastructure for their services.

Qwant CEO Olivier Abecassis highlighted the importance of this European initiative, noting that relying on third parties like Microsoft could endanger their business when API access costs increase.

He emphasized that the move is not anti-American, but instead about securing European business independence. Abecassis will also serve as CEO of EUSP, which has not yet sought external investment.

Ecosia’s Kroll noted Europe’s heavy reliance on U.S. technology and pointed out the potential risks, referencing disruptions in energy supply due to Russia’s cut-off of gas to Europe.

Such dependency, he warned, could be risky for Europe’s technological needs, especially during geopolitical tensions.

The collaboration also aims to provide a “transparent and secure data pool” for new AI technologies, which are likely to play a growing role in search.

With the shift toward generative AI, Kroll expects search providers to become more protective of their resources, given the importance of having a robust index in an AI-driven search.

Generative AI tools, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, have increasingly drawn users away from Google, challenging its dominance in information retrieval.

New players like Perplexity have entered the market with their own AI-driven alternatives. Google has responded by integrating its Gemini large language model into its search product to keep pace with these advances.

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.