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.

With the launch of Apple Intelligence for iPhone and Mac, Apple’s first public foray into generative AI is now underway.

Currently, only a limited set of these AI features are available, but December is expected to be a significant milestone, as that’s when ChatGPT will be integrated into iOS and macOS.

This development marks a notable shift for Apple, a company known for keeping much of its technology in-house to carefully manage user experience and protect personal data.

Integrating ChatGPT on its platform signals Apple’s intention to participate more actively in the broader generative AI ecosystem.

However, this move also highlights Apple’s position as somewhat behind in the AI technology race compared to its competitors.

Yet, there’s a cost attached to this integration, with users needing to pay to unlock the full capabilities of ChatGPT through Apple Intelligence.

Adding ChatGPT to iPhone and Siri

Juli Clover’s report on the second beta version of iOS 18.2, set for a December release, covers this upcoming wave of Apple Intelligence apps.

In the system settings, users will find a daily usage limit for ChatGPT, along with an option to upgrade to the ChatGPT Plus subscription or revert to an older AI model.

Current ChatGPT Plus subscribers can log in on their iPhone, while new users are offered an Upgrade to ChatGPT Plus option.

It remains to be seen if Apple will apply its standard 30% commission on the $19.99 monthly subscription fee.

While OpenAI has long offered a tiered pricing structure for ChatGPT, Apple’s approach with this paid model differs from other AI-enabled platforms.

Both Google and Samsung have introduced free AI tools, aiming to encourage adoption by demonstrating the technology’s value to users.

In contrast, Apple is embracing a freemium model from the outset, though small print in Google and Samsung’s AI terms indicates that their services may eventually require payment.

Balancing AI on the iPhone

Apple’s gradual entry into generative AI is at odds with the high-profile marketing push behind Apple Intelligence.

The iPhone 16 series debuted a month before Apple Intelligence went live, yet the delay wasn’t reflected in promotional materials.

Apple’s messaging around the new iPhone strongly emphasizes AI, even prompting mobile carriers in the UK to clarify their marketing due to the delayed rollout of Apple’s AI features.

As generative AI reshapes consumer experiences across platforms, Apple’s approach stands out as one of the first that involves direct costs for users.

Over the next few months, it will be critical to monitor how this pricing model affects the adoption of Apple Intelligence, especially compared to the more accessible AI offerings available on Android and Windows.

Elon Musk made a surprising appearance on Joe Rogan’s show the day before the election, taking a moment away from political topics to reveal an unexpected accomplishment: he’s one of the top 20 players worldwide in Diablo 4.

In a leaderboard dominated by non-Americans, Musk stands as one of only two U.S. players.

It’s hard to believe, right? The wealthiest person on the planet also ranks among the most dedicated Diablo 4 players. But it’s not just a brag—it’s true.

Musk is currently ranked #19 in the world for timed runs in Pit 150, a high-level challenge within the game.

For those who follow Musk on social media, this news may not come as a total shock. While his posts are mostly political or space-related, he occasionally shares clips of himself playing Diablo 4 at expert levels.

He typically plays as a Barbarian and has even voiced complaints to Blizzard, the game’s developer, about the class needing improvements.

Recently, he switched to the Spiritborn character for the Vessel of Hatred expansion, which helped him achieve his current #19 rank using a popular Quill build—although he’s clearly optimized it to great effect.

There are skeptics, of course, who suggest that Musk could be relying on someone else to boost his stats or paying for top-tier loot to gain an edge.

While this isn’t outside the world of possibility, there’s no evidence to support it.

The real question is how he manages to find the time to grind Diablo 4 while juggling responsibilities at SpaceX, Tesla, and Twitter (X), not to mention tweeting dozens of times each day.

It raises the question of whether he’s perhaps more hands-off with his companies than he lets on—or if he’s somehow gaming efficiently in the margins of his busy life.

A longtime gamer, Musk has previously shown enthusiasm for titles like Cyberpunk 2077 (in which Grimes, the mother of some of his children, appears) and was once widely mocked for a poorly built character in Elden Ring.

Recently, he even rallied for a “gamer” voting block, tweeting “make video games great again!” and sharing posts critical of “woke” content in games, aligning himself with certain factions in the gaming culture wars.

Love him or hate him, Musk is undeniably a Diablo player of exceptional skill. Whether he’ll retain his spot in the world rankings remains to be seen as the election passes and his focus potentially shifts back to his business ventures.

Nintendo has reaffirmed that its next-generation console, the successor to the Switch, will be revealed by the end of March 2025, aligning with the close of the company’s current fiscal year.

Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa confirmed this during an online press conference on Tuesday, following the release of Nintendo’s latest earnings report, and stated that the company’s timeline for announcing the new console remains unchanged.

Industry analysts believe an announcement won’t happen this year, as it could impact Nintendo’s sales for the 2024 holiday season.

“Announcing it this year has become quite challenging,” noted Hideki Yasuda, an analyst at Toyo Securities, in a statement. “You wouldn’t want to draw attention to a future console during the critical year-end shopping season.”

In its updated forecast, Nintendo has adjusted its Switch hardware sales projections for the remainder of the fiscal year from 13.5 million to 12.5 million units.

“For a platform entering its eighth year on the market, both hardware and software continue to see stable demand and robust sales,” Furukawa commented (via VGC).

Nintendo reported a 34% drop in net sales, with hardware sales down 31% and software sales declining by 27.6%.

Despite this, Nintendo saw considerable success in 2023, largely thanks to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Illumination’s blockbuster The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which significantly boosted Nintendo’s stock performance.

In September, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom sold 2.58 million copies, while other recent titles, such as Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door and Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD, sold 1.94 million and 1.57 million units, respectively.

Switch hardware lifetime sales—including OLED, standard, and Lite models—have now surpassed 146 million units.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe remains Nintendo’s top-selling game, with lifetime sales of 64.27 million copies, solidifying the Switch’s legacy in gaming.

If you’re not feeling plugged in enough during the 2024 election, Apple News has a way to get up-to-the-second results on your Lock Screen and Apple Watch through Live Activities.

Apple originally introduced Live Activities as a way to whimsically take advantage of the Dynamic Island and present live, updated information to the user.

It has been handy for now playing music, sports scores, and active calls, but Apple News is using it for something a little more anxiety-inducing.

Starting late on Tuesday, users will be able to have a Live Activity from Apple News that tracks the results of the election.

So, the Lock Screen will have a large, interactive widget that will launch to the latest election coverage, and the Dynamic Island will show the electoral count for each candidate continuously.

So, while you’re doom scrolling X and arguing with your relatives in iMessage, you’ll have a constant reminder of exactly how things are going as Americans vote for their future.

Of course, users can dismiss the Dynamic Island content with a swipe without closing the Live Activity, which might help preserve some sense of sanity for a moment.

To activate the US election results Live Activity: Tap on the banner again, and the scheduled Live Activity will be turned back off.

Live Activities will appear on iPhone and iPad Lock Screens, but only devices with a Dynamic Island will get the special UI. Apple Watch can show Live Activity data in the widget view as well.

Apple News had Live Activities for caucus results earlier in the year, and it proved to be a useful way to track the events.

While the stakes are much higher for the actual election, the tool will be an excellent way to quickly view immediate results while staying away from polarizing news coverage.

It isn’t clear how long Apple News will keep the Live Activity active, as it could be days before preliminary calls are made on the results and final tallies aren’t due until December 11.

The US election could be an interesting stress test on how users interact with the feature and how it holds up after hours of being active.

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.

Mike Verdu has officially revealed his new role at Netflix: vice president of Generative AI (GenAI) for Games.

While specific details about the position are limited, Verdu hinted in a LinkedIn post that he is focused on steering a “once-in-a-generation” turning point in game development and player experiences, with generative AI as the driving force behind it.

The news of Verdu’s role first surfaced in June, soon followed by confirmation that former Epic Games executive Alain Tascan would be stepping into Verdu’s previous position as president of Netflix Games.

In his LinkedIn post, Verdu urged industry peers to ignore “uninformed speculation in the media” about changes within Netflix Games, clarifying that both Tascan’s hiring and his own transition to the new role were part of a “planned transition.”

Discussing the impact of generative AI on gaming, Verdu shared that he sees the technology enabling large development teams to work more efficiently and expanding what smaller teams can accomplish.

“Many people view this technology with fear, but as a game-maker at heart, I see its potential to unlock incredible new experiences for players, lifting us to new heights,” he wrote.

“Yes, we’ll need to adapt and evolve, but as an industry, when have we shied away from meeting that challenge?”

Netflix has been significantly investing in gaming over the past few years, particularly since Verdu joined in 2021.

The streaming giant has acquired several studios and launched two of its own, although it recently announced the closure of its California studio, which had been working on AAA titles.

Currently, Netflix’s games are exclusively available on mobile, with the platform’s 100-plus titles surpassing 210 million downloads as of September.

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.”

OnePlus has officially unveiled its latest flagship device, the OnePlus 13, during an event in China. This marks the company’s most powerful smartphone yet, featuring its largest battery to date and an array of high-performance components.

The OnePlus 13 also continues the brand’s collaboration with iconic camera manufacturer Hasselblad, with Hasselblad’s expertise contributing to the design and tuning of the device’s triple-camera system.

The camera setup on the OnePlus 13 doesn’t stray far from its predecessor, the OnePlus 12, as both models feature three lenses: a wide, an ultra-wide, and a periscope 3x zoom.

Like before, these cameras were developed in partnership with Hasselblad, incorporating Hasselblad’s renowned color science and the ability to emulate the look of some of their highly sought-after lenses.

The main camera on the OnePlus 13 uses the same Sony LYT-808 sensor as the OnePlus 12, offering a 1/1.4″ sensor paired with an f/1.6 aperture and capable of producing 50MP images.

It also has optical image stabilization to enhance video smoothness and a remarkable 1/10,000 second shutter speed, ideal for capturing even the fastest-moving subjects.

The ultra-wide camera has been upgraded to 50MP, up from 48MP in the OnePlus 12, and now boasts a slightly wider field of view, expanding from 116º to 120º.

This lens also functions as the macro camera, allowing close-ups with a focus distance of 3.5cm (1.38 inches).

The biggest change is in the periscope telephoto camera, which has been reduced from 64MP to 50MP but gains a larger 1/1.95″ sensor (up from the 1/2″ in the OnePlus 12).

This sensor also has optical stabilization, offering improved clarity and stability when zooming.

The OnePlus 13 features the second generation of OnePlus’ 2K Oriental screen, with a large 6.82-inch display at a 3168×1440 resolution, producing a sharp 510 ppi.

Capable of displaying 1.07 billion colors, it enhances color accuracy for photo editing and has a peak brightness of 4,500 nits for better outdoor visibility.

The screen is protected by Crystal Shield Ultra Ceramic Glass, designed to withstand minor bumps and drops.

Beneath the display lies OnePlus’ first ultrasonic fingerprint reader, which is expected to be faster than the optical fingerprint readers of previous models.

The screen also supports OnePlus Glove Touch and Rain Touch, making it easier to use in wet conditions or while wearing gloves.

The OnePlus 13 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Extreme Edition, offering a 45% improvement in single-core and multi-core performance, a 40% boost in GPU performance, and reduced power consumption by 44% and 40% in the CPU and GPU, respectively, compared to the prior generation. It boasts a massive 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 1TB of storage.

Equipped with OnePlus’ largest-ever battery at 6,000mAh, the device is estimated to last up to 1.96 days on a full charge.

The battery can be quickly recharged, supporting 100W wired charging and 50W wireless charging, achieving 50% in just 13 minutes and a full charge in 36 minutes.

Currently, the OnePlus 13 has only been announced in China, in keeping with OnePlus’ usual release pattern.

A global launch is expected in the coming months, likely with regional software adjustments, network compatibility tweaks, and tailored photo algorithms.

The international model will likely run on OxygenOS 15, OnePlus’ global version of the Android operating system.

The OnePlus 13 will be available in three uniquely named colors: “White Dew Dawn” with a silky glass back, “Blues Hour” featuring a faux leather texture, and “Obsidian Secret Realm” with a black wood-grain finish.

It is not yet confirmed if all these colors will be available globally or if the names will be altered for different markets.

Microsoft has once again postponed the rollout of its controversial Recall feature for Copilot Plus PCs.

Initially, the tech giant intended to begin testing Recall—a tool that captures screenshots of nearly everything displayed or done on a Copilot Plus PC—with Windows Insiders in October. However, Microsoft now states that it needs additional time to prepare the feature.

“We are committed to delivering a secure and trusted experience with Recall. To ensure we meet these important standards, we’re taking extra time to refine the experience before previewing it with Windows Insiders,” explained Brandon LeBlanc, senior product manager of Windows.

Originally scheduled for October, Recall will now be previewed with Windows Insiders on Copilot Plus PCs by December.

Microsoft initially held back Recall due to security concerns raised prior to its planned launch on Copilot Plus PCs in June.

Following that delay, Recall was expected to be available to Windows Insiders within weeks, but the release was then moved to October. Now, the timeline has been extended to December.

The ongoing delays are largely attributed to Microsoft’s efforts to improve Recall’s security, make it an opt-in feature, and allow Copilot Plus PC users the option to completely uninstall it.

Over the past few months, Microsoft has been focused on fully encrypting the Recall database and ensuring access only through authentication via Windows Hello.

Recall operates using local AI models integrated into Windows 11 on Copilot Plus PCs, capturing screenshots of most activities on the device.

It provides a searchable, scrollable timeline that allows users to review past activities on any given day.

Earlier this week, Microsoft reiterated that Recall would not be a mandatory feature on Copilot Plus PCs and will be available as an opt-in experience that can be completely removed.

This clarification followed misinformation circulating on YouTube, which claimed Recall was being automatically installed on all PCs running Windows 11, version 24H2.

The spread of this misinformation stemmed from some references to Recall appearing in version 24H2, fueling fear, uncertainty, and doubt.

Microsoft’s abrupt removal of Recall over the summer seemingly caused a few bugs related to the feature’s visibility and management within Windows 11.

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.

The term “Galaxy” has become nearly synonymous with Samsung’s Android-powered smartphones. Every device in the company’s lineup, from entry-level models priced around $100 to foldables costing up to $1,800, bears the Galaxy name.

This has been the case since 2009, with every Android phone Samsung has released following this naming convention.

Samsung’s product lines have evolved over the years, with new series such as the Galaxy M and Galaxy J added and phased out. Despite these changes, the Galaxy brand has remained a constant, unifying the lineup.

This brand cohesion certainly offers some advantages. However, if recent reports are accurate, Samsung may see this branding as a limitation for its highest-end devices.

A new report from South Korea suggests that Samsung is considering new branding options, particularly to boost its reputation in the premium smartphone market.

The company is reportedly looking at Hyundai’s success with its Genesis brand for luxury vehicles as inspiration.

Currently, all Samsung phones fall under the Galaxy umbrella, which may dilute the brand’s perception.

While an iPhone is widely understood as a premium product, the Galaxy name spans a broad range, from budget-friendly Androids to premium foldables.

According to the report, Samsung has conducted an internal study on a potential rebranding strategy.

Although no new names have emerged, the report hints that Samsung may consider dropping the “Galaxy” prefix for future flagships and using the Samsung name alone.

For instance, the next flagship could be branded as the Samsung S25 instead of the Galaxy S25.

Interestingly, Samsung has already experimented with the opposite approach in Japan since 2015, where it removed the “Samsung” name entirely from its phones and marketing materials, using only the Galaxy brand.

This branding approach began with the Galaxy S6 series, and only last year did Samsung reintroduce its corporate branding in Japan.

While that decision was influenced by geopolitical factors, this rumored shift is driven by competition, especially with younger consumers increasingly favoring the iPhone, which they see as more premium.

In South Korea, Samsung’s home market, a recent survey indicated that 64% of respondents in their 20s use iPhones, and among young women, the number rises to 75%.

The idea appears to be that a new premium brand could appeal to these aspirational buyers without the extensive “Galaxy” identity that covers all price ranges.

While this shift could seem farfetched and a massive undertaking for Samsung’s premium lineup, stranger rebranding moves have happened, so only time will tell if Samsung will ultimately follow through.

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.

AMD is set to release its Ryzen 9800X3D CPU at a higher price point than its predecessor, as anticipated by prior reports. The Ryzen 9800X3D will reportedly be priced near $500, with an official launch scheduled for November 7.

Numerous speculations and reports previously suggested that the Ryzen 9800X3D would be priced higher than the previous model.

This has now been confirmed by a prominent leaker who shared the expected price of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D in a recent X post.

Leaker @AnhPhuH (Hoang Anh Phu) disclosed that the AMD Ryzen 9800X3D will cost $30 more than the Ryzen 7800X3D. Anh Phu has previously shared accurate information about AMD X3D processors prior to their release.

Earlier rumors indicated that the 9800X3D would be priced between $450 and $500, and early listings have shown the CPU available in some retail stores for prices exceeding $480.

The CPU has also recently appeared on some EU retail sites, but those prices, which included 20% VAT, were considerably higher than other listings.

Regardless, it’s likely the 9800X3D will remain under the $500 threshold, positioning it as the most expensive 800-series X3D processor so far, surpassing the Ryzen 5800X3D and Ryzen 7800X3D.

Both prior models were launched at $449 and featured an 8-core, 16-thread configuration. The Ryzen 9800X3D offers the same core and thread count but includes significantly higher clock speeds, which reportedly outperform even the non-X3D versions.

The 9800X3D is anticipated to not only exceed the gaming performance of the 7800X3D but also deliver substantially better results in synthetic benchmarks.

The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is primarily aimed at gaming enthusiasts and boasts a revised die design compared to the Ryzen 5000X3D and 7000X3D CPUs.

Unlike previous X3D models, its 3D chiplet will not be stacked atop the CCD but instead positioned underneath.

The chip will feature a 4.7 GHz base clock and a 5.2 GHz boost clock, both of which can be exceeded through overclocking, as some benchmarks have demonstrated speeds surpassing 5.6 GHz using PBO.

The 9800X3D is expected to launch on November 7, with reviews going live the day before.

Despite the price increase, Ryzen X3D processors have historically sold out quickly, favored for their strong gaming performance and exceptional power efficiency.

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.”

A new report suggests that the iPhone 17 Pro Max, due next September, will feature a noticeable design change with a smaller screen cut-out, known as the Dynamic Island.

Additionally, Apple is reportedly considering a shift in display technology for the iPhone, aligning it with the Apple Watch’s latest advancements. It’s also speculated that the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 may share the same screen size.

Currently, the iPhone 16 has a 6.1-inch display, while the Pro model measures 6.3 inches. With the iPhone 17, both models are expected to adopt the 6.3-inch display. This marks one of several significant design updates.

The iPhone 16 lineup includes the larger iPhone 16 Plus, but reports indicate there will be no Plus model in the iPhone 17 series.

Instead, a new model, the iPhone 17 Air, is anticipated. This model is rumored to have a unique screen size of 6.6 inches, a dimension previously unseen in iPhones.

The redesigned iPhone 17 series will showcase distinct display sizes: two phones at 6.3 inches (matching the current iPhone 16 Pro), the Pro Max at a sizable 6.9 inches, and the new Air at 6.6 inches.

The appearance of the Dynamic Island on each iPhone 17 model remains uncertain.

Regarding the iPhone 17 Pro display, changes to align it with Apple Watch technology are being explored.

According to Korean site, after updating the display technology in the latest Apple Watch Series 10, Apple may introduce this technology to the iPhone in the future.

The Series 10 Watch uses LTPO3, a new variant of LTPO technology that differs from previous models.

“Apple announced on its website that the OLED LTPO TFT technology applied to the Apple Watch 10 series is LTPO3,” as per a machine-translated version.

In the past, Apple transferred the LTPO OLED screen from the Apple Watch Series 4 to the iPhone 13 after three years.

It’s plausible that this new tech might also transition to iPhones, potentially starting with the Pro models by 2025.

Analyst Jeff Pu, reported by Joe Rossignol, adds that the iPhone 17 Pro Max may feature a new metalens that allows for a smaller area dedicated to the front-facing camera and Face ID.

Dynamic Island, Apple’s term for the adaptive display around the cut-out, adjusts in size and shape to show additional information, like album art or flight updates.

Interestingly, Pu suggests that only the iPhone 17 Pro Max—not the smaller Pro model—will receive this update, which is a departure from Apple’s tradition of keeping Pro and Pro Max designs largely identical. Meanwhile, this modification is not expected for the standard iPhone 17 models.

For those unfamiliar with metalens technology, it explains, “A traditional iPhone camera has curved lenses that redirect light to the image sensor.

In contrast, a metalens is thin, flat, and has microscopic patterns that focus light more precisely.”

Pu didn’t specify how Apple would use metalens for the Face ID system or how it would impact the Dynamic Island’s size.

This latest report reinforces Pu’s earlier predictions, indicating Apple’s commitment to this design direction.

Given Pu’s strong track record, it’s a change worth considering seriously, even if the exclusion of the Pro from these updates is unexpected.

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.