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The question of whether you should say please or thank you to ChatGPT is having something of a moment right now, and that’s made me consider my own interactions with the popular chatbot.I’ve never really thought about it before, but on reflection I’m starting to wonder if I’m displaying sociopathic tendencies, because I never say please and thank you to ChatGPT, or am I being gaslit into thinking I'm at fault by well my well-meaning work colleagues who look at me in horror?The news that I never say please or thank you is probably coming as a great relief to Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, who recently admitted that people saying please and thank you to ChatGPT are costing the company millions of dollars in processing power, not to mention the harm all that extra processing will be causing to the environment.My reasons for no-frills approach to AI aren’t coming from a concern for OpenAI’s bottom line, or to do with environmental awareness issues: I simply can’t bring myself to be polite to machines, and also, like most of us, I’m in a hurry. I’ve got stuff to do, and it takes longer to be polite.I like to think that this behavior stands in stark contrast to how I treat people in real life, especially my work colleagues (although you’re going to have to take my word for that).Essentially, I’m a big 'please' and 'thank you' sayer in real life, but I don’t see ChatGPT as a person, in the same way that I don’t see Alexa as a person, or my car as a person. (Incidentally, I don’t say please and thank you to Alexa or my car, either.)It’s not like adding a please or thank you to a ChatGPT, or Alexa, request makes any real difference to the answers you get, either. Does ChatGPT care that I’m polite? It doesn’t – you get exactly the same results from asking it to 'find me 10 examples of people in sport who quit after not getting a pay rise' as you do if you ask it the same question and add 'please' at the end. I know because I just tried it.When you say 'please', ChatGPT starts its response with 'Certainly!', but you still get the same answers. The rest is just window dressing.Also, I don’t feel like I’m actively being rude to ChatGPT. I’m just missing out unnecessary words that don’t make any real difference.

Our survey says...

So why do people say please and thank you to machines?A 2024 study by Future (the publisher of TechRadar) revealed that 67% of US people are polite to AI. That’s staggeringly high.I get that politeness is an ingrained habit that’s hard to break for some people, and that you get your answer framed in a slightly different way when you’re polite (see the 'Certainly!' example above), which means ChatGPT feels all warm and cuddly when you interact with it.But beyond that, I think the logic starts to get a bit hazy. One person I know genuinely insists that they are polite to ChatGPT because one day it’s AI that will be in charge, and it will somehow remember them.Yes, I'm sure that when the AI killer robots executing the last remains of the human race, they will pause and say, 'Stop, this is Kevin, he always said thank you. We’ll let him live.'

Ghost in the machine

What worries me is the tacit assumption that if you’re rude to ChatGPT then you must be rude to people in everyday life as well, as if a person can only exist in one mode of being. I'd argue that if your politeness is based purely on habit, then are you really being polite? Or are you just unthinkingly acting out patterns of behaviour without any genuine emotion behind them?I can tell the difference between people and machines, and treat each accordingly.If ChatGPT ever (and depending on who you talk to this is either inevitable, or impossible) reaches the level where it can be said to be conscious, rather than the pattern matching algorithm we know and love today, then yes, I’ll start using please and thank you.Until then, I’m keeping my interactions with AI as short and limited as possible, and if that helps save the planet along the way then so much the better.

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RIP: Privacy Sandbox, 2019-2025 – Google confirms it won’t go ahead with plansThird-party cookies continue, but Incognito mode offers enhanced protectionSome tech, like Topics API, will continue to be used

Google is scaling back its Privacy Sandbox project, which was originally aimed at phasing out third-party cookies, after six years of hard work and its fair share of delays.Launched in 2019 to address privacy concerns and to meet regulatory standards without impacting advertisers’ abilities to target specific users, we now know that Google will not phase out third-party cookies.In a blog post confirming Privacy Sandbox’s demise, Google's Anthony Chavez blamed publishers, developers, regulators and the ads industry for resistance, as well as a changing landscape and increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies.

Google has pulled the plug on Privacy Sandbox

“Taking all of these factors into consideration, we’ve made the decision to maintain our current approach to offering users third-party cookie choice in Chrome, and will not be rolling out a new standalone prompt for third-party cookies,” Chavez confirmed.Although Google will continue to support cookies in Chrome, the company has promised to “enhance tracking protections” in Incognito mode, which already blocks third-party cookies.Some tech remains in development or use, though, including IP address protection in Incognito mode, which is planned for Q3 2025, and Topics API, which allows interest-based advertising without sharing full browsing history.Google is now committed to working with the industry to gather feedback in order to inform an updated roadmap for the technologies it’s already been developing. “In light of this update, we understand that the Privacy Sandbox APIs may have a different role to play in supporting the ecosystem,” Chavez said.Privacy advocates have argued that Google undermined its own privacy claims, noting that privacy came second to surveillance, with many users seeking to switch to alternative browsers like Firefox.Movement for an Open Web also hailed the announcement as the end of Google’s attempt to monopolize digital advertising standards.

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Max has become the latest streaming service to put a stop to password sharing among subscribers not in the same household.Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) confirmed the password-sharing crackdown plans in late 2024 and has since started to rollout new account restrictions in early 2025, starting with the US.The changes come after a Max price hike, which saw an increase of $1 a month and $10 per year in June 2024. The streamer's proposed password-sharing crackdown is essentially another form of a price rise, so it's another blow to subscribers.If you're subscribed to some of the best streaming services, you'll be all too familiar with recent efforts to crack down on password sharing. Netflix's password-sharing clampdown began in May 2023 and was followed by the Disney Plus password-sharing crackdown in Canada, the US, and UK (alongside Hulu in the US) in September 2024.So, if you want to continue watching the best Max shows and best Max movies, you'll want to know when these changes might take effect and what they'll involve, which we'll go into below. We'll be updating this article as soon as we have more up to date information regarding Max's password crackdown plans.

What are the Max password sharing rules?

(Image credit: Max)

We first learned about Max's password-sharing crackdown in November 2024 following WBD's earnings call, where the company's CEO of streaming JB Perrette said that it would start encouraging users to stop sharing their passwords.Perrette said that WDB would "start some early messaging with some people who we think are in the higher tier of usage", adding that new member fees would launch some time in early 2025.The first country to see the new 'Extra Member' fee was the US on April 22, 2025. The add-on feature was launched alongside a new ability to transfer an adult profile to an extra member account via a new 'Profile Transfer' feature.We don't have an exact confirmed date for when those new features will become available in Australia and other European countries where it's available, but Perrette did say that more progress on the crack down would occur during 2025 and 2026, so we can expect to hear more about when the changes will be enforced soon."We will then start gradually as we get the data and start figuring out, with some explicit and implicit signals, how good we are at detecting," Perrette says. "And then as we go through ’25, you’re going to see the filters get tighter and tighter.”

How will Max stop password sharing?

The Penguin is one of the critically acclaimed shows you can stream on Max. (Image credit: Macall Polay/HBO)

Just like Netflix and Disney+, Max has started requiring existing subscribers to pay for any additional members that they would like to continue to have access to their account.The 'Extra Member' fees are an additional cost on top of a usual subscription that allows for people from different households to share the same account without being unexpectedly kicked off.Extra members will have their own login credentials separate from the main account holder, allowing them to stream from one profile on one device at a time while still being under the same subscription.Max has also added the ability to transfer a profile when adding an extra member to an account., allowing users to keep their existing watch history, recommendations and settings from their existing profile.It's not yet official whether these same features will be launched in all regions where Max is available, but going by previous comments made by WBD executives, we can expect this to likely be the same elsewhere.That's down to the successful password clampdowns from Netflix and Disney+. Indeed, Perrette previously said at a Morgan Stanley’s Technology, Media & Telecom conference in March 2024 that WBD saw the account restrictions as a "growth opportunity" for Max, especially with the service launching in several European countries throughout 2025.Max officially launched in Europe in May 2024, starting with the Nordic countries, the Iberian Peninsula, as well as Central and Eastern Europe. It has since been scaling its global rollout with plans to launch Max in the UK in 2026.

How much is Max charging for password sharing?

Dune: Prophecy is a prequel to the epic sci-fi movie series and a Max exclusive. (Image credit: Max)

Max priced the new 'Extra Member' add-on at $7.99 per month in the US. That price is the same no matter which subscription tier you're signed up to, which means that it's just $1 off the cost of an ad-supported subscription to the service.It's most likely that a similar price for additional members will be launched in other countries where Max is available as that would be inline with what Netflix and Disney+ had previously done with their own password sharing crackdowns.Max also has a more expensive tier called 'Ultimate Ad Free', which allows you to stream on four devices at once in the same household, so provided you're living together, you'll be able to share the account with up to four other people.The Max plan costs $20.99 per month or $209.99 per year. This is the highest of the available tiers, as the cheapest is 'With Ads' for $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year or 'Ad-Free' at $16.99 per month or $169.99 per year – both of which only let you stream on two devices at the same time.As well as the ability to stream simultaneously with other household members, there are other benefits that come with the higher price tag, so it might be worth it if you use Max often.These include the ability to stream in 4K Ultra HD video quality and Dolby Atmos immersive audio, but these are as available on selected titles so there's no guarantee every title in the library will be compatible with high definition streaming. You can also have up to 100 downloads to watch on the go if you're traveling and need to stream offline.

What if I subscribed through a bundle from another company?

All eight seasons of Game of Thrones are on Max. (Image credit: HBO)

If you're signed up to a streaming bundle like the popular Disney+, Hulu and Max mega bundle, you won't be able to purchase an 'Extra Member'. The add-on is restricted to those signed up directly with the service and is not available for those subscribed via a bundle.Whether bundle subscribers in other regions will also be impacted by the new account restrictions when these are enforced is not yet clear, but we'll be updating this article with all the latest rules as they're launched.

What if I want to use my Max account on holiday, or if I'm travelling for work?

Max can be watched on the go via the app. (Image credit: Chris Delmas)

At the time of writing, if you want to stream Max content while you're abroad, you can only do so if it is available in the country you're visiting.Luckily, the streaming service is now accessible outside of the US. The streaming services has launched in 73 new countries across Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean since 2024.While it's available in Europe, it's not yet launched in the UK but that's expected to change in 2026 as Max has plans to eventually launch in the UK, Latin America and the Caribbean. It also finally arrived in Australia in the first half of 2025.For a full list of all the countries, visit the help page on Max's site to find where it's available.The best way to keep up with your favorite Max shows and movies is to download them onto your device before traveling. Top tip: Make sure that you're signed into the device you're traveling with to make sure you can access the content.

Will Max let me use a VPN?

Proton VPN is available in 110 countries. (Image credit: Proton)

Max, like other streaming services does block known IP addresses associated with some VPN networks, so it is not always guaranteed that you can stream using one.If you are considering trying one of the best VPNs, you should be aware that it's a potentially risky move, and what works today may well be blocked tomorrow.

Honor Band 10 has been released in ChinaThe design looks very similar to the Band 9We don’t yet know when it’ll be released in other regions

If you like the idea of the band-style fitness tracker format popularised by Fitbit, but you want a cheaper model, we’ve got great news for you: the Honor Band 10 has appeared on Honor’s Chinese website, indicating it could soon be sold in other countries.An alternative to the best Fitbit, the Honor Band series frequently appears on our list of the best cheap fitness trackers (although Huawei and Xiaomi have usurped its position for now) as perfectly good, functional fitness trackers with great battery life and deceptively large AMOLED displays.The Honor Band 10 hasn’t reinvented the wheel, based on these initial listings: it retains the large 1.57-inch screen and buttonless design of its predecessor, the Honor Band 9.Like its predecessor, it’s unlikely to be available in the US, but it’s on sale in China starting at 229 yuan, the equivalent of £23.50 / AU$49. It’s likely to be a little more expensive in other regions, to account for shipping costs, and a more premium version capable of NFC payments seems to be an option on the Honor website.

NFC questions

However, Honor watches struggle to use their NFC capabilities due to incompatibility with Google Wallet and Apple Pay, even though Honor phones support Google Wallet.It remains to be seen whether Honor Band 10 suffers the same fate, but it’s very likely, leaving the NFC version to be virtually unusable outside of China, unless you use an Honor phone’s proprietary digital wallet service.Nevertheless, expect heart rate, steps, sleep tracking, workout tracking, stress management, notification functionalities, and more, all wrapped up in an attractive-looking (and even more attractively-priced) total package.It won’t have some of the advanced features we see on Fitbits and the best Garmin watches, but for a cheap-and-cheerful fitness tracker, it looks great. Stay tuned for a full review when it hits shelves outside of China.

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80% of people would pay for Apple Intelligence, a survey has foundOver 50% of respondents would be happy to pay $10 a month or moreThe results are surprising given Apple Intelligence’s history of struggles

Apple Intelligence hasn’t exactly received rave reviews since it was announced in summer 2024, with critics pointing to its delayed features and disappointing performance compared to rivals like ChatGPT. Yet that apparently hasn’t dissuaded consumers, with a new survey suggesting that huge numbers of people are enticed by Apple’s artificial intelligence (AI) platform (via MacRumors).The survey was conducted by investment company Morgan Stanley, and it found that one in two respondents would be willing to pay at least $10 a month (around £7.50 / AU$15 p/month) for unlimited access to Apple Intelligence. Specifically, 30% would accept paying between $10 and $14.99, while a further 22% would be okay with paying $15 or more. Just 14% of respondents were unwilling to pay anything for Apple Intelligence and 6% weren’t sure, implying that 80% of people wouldn’t mind forking out for the service.According to 9to5Mac, the survey found that 42% of people said it was extremely important or very important that their next iPhone featured Apple Intelligence, while 54% of respondents who planned to upgrade in the next 12 months said the same thing. All in all, the survey claimed that its results showed “stronger-than-expected consumer perception for Apple Intelligence.”Morgan Stanley’s survey polled approximately 3,300 people, and it says that the sample is representative of the United States’ population in terms of age, gender, and religion.

Surprising results

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

If you’ve been following Apple Intelligence, you’ll probably know it’s faced a pretty bumpy road in the months since it launched. For one thing, it has received much criticism for its ability to carry out tasks for users, with many people comparing it unfavorably to some of the best AI services like ChatGPT and Microsoft’s Copilot.As well as that, Apple has been forced to delay some of Apple Intelligence’s headline features, such as its ability to work within apps and understand what is happening on your device’s screen. These were some of Apple Intelligence’s most intriguing aspects, yet Apple’s heavy promotion of these tools hasn’t translated into working features.That all makes these survey results seem rather surprising, but there could be a few reasons behind them. Perhaps consumers are happy to have any AI features on their Apple devices, even if they’re missing a few key aspects at the moment.Or maybe those people who were willing to pay for Apple Intelligence did so based on getting the full feature set, rather than the incomplete range of abilities that are currently available. Alternatively, it could be that everyday users haven’t been following Apple Intelligence’s struggles as much as tech-savvy consumers and so aren’t acutely aware of its early difficulties.Whatever the reasons, it’s interesting to see how many people are still enticed by Apple Intelligence. It will be encouraging reading for Apple, which has faced much bad press for its AI system, and might suggest that Apple Intelligence is not in as bad a spot as we might have thought.

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Following reported delays over political concerns, the European Commission (EC) has penalized Apple and Meta over anti-competitive activities. The fines of €500 million and €200 million respectively (around $570 million and $228 million) are the first to be issued under Europe's new Digital Markets Act (DMA), according to the EC.

The fines were issued after what the Commission called extensive consultation with the two companies after the probes were opened in March 2024. Apple violated the DMA by blocking developers from informing customers about sales and other offers outside the App Store. "Consumers cannot fully benefit from alternative and cheaper offers as Apple prevents app developers from directly informing consumers of such offers," the Commission wrote, adding that it failed to demonstrate the restrictions are "objectively necessary."

The €500 million fine levied against Apple takes into account the "gravity and duration" of the non-compliant behavior. The EC also ordered Apple to remove the restrictions and refrain from imposing them in the future.

However, the Commission also closed its investigation into another Apple matter around app choices "thanks to early and proactive engagement by Apple on a compliance solution." Namely, Apple changed its browser choice screen, made it easier for users to change default settings for things like calls, messages, keyboards and password managers, and agreed to allow users to uninstall apps like Safari.

Meanwhile, the EC hit Meta for its "consent or pay" system that forced EU users to either shell out €10 ($11) monthly for an ad-free subscription or be forced to share their data. Meta introduced a new version of the free personalized ads model in November 2024 that supposedly uses less personal data to display ads (while also cutting the subscription price to €6), but the Commission is still assessing that.

The €200 million fine thus takes into account the time period between March 2024 and November 2024 when Facebook was violating DMA rules. However, Meta could face further penalties depending on how the EC evaluates the new personalized adds. On a positive note for Meta, the EC rules that Facebook Marketplace is no longer designated under the DMA, following "careful assessment of Meta's arguments and as a result of... additional enforcement and continued monitoring measures."

Last month, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg specifically urged President Trump to intervene on potential EU sanctions around the pay for privacy issue. The White House also released a memo in February saying it could retaliate against any European DMA sanctions against US tech companies. However, Meta has its own problems in the US that could have more dire consequences. The Justice Department accused it of squashing competition through acquisition and could force it to sell off key apps like WhatsApp and Instagram. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/apple-and-meta-hit-with-first-fines-under-europes-new-digital-markets-act-112545713.html?src=rss

Despite having been announced over five years ago, we barely know anything about BioShock 4, and have next to nothing that's been officially confirmed. This is a shame given it's one of the most interesting and highly acclaimed gaming series of all time - and it's been more than a decade since the last game was released.We do know that 2K Games are publishing it and it's being developed by a studio called Cloud Chamber. Apart from that, we're clutching at straws in terms of where the game might be set, how it might play, what platforms it is going to release on, and so on.It would be easy to say that we 'expect' to hear something soon, but given the nearly five-year gap since the announcement and now, and the fact that it really is one of the most highly-anticipated upcoming games that's known to be in development, we really do hope that we get something concrete soon.However, while we wait for more info on BioShock 4, here's everything that's been revealed about the game so far, including some rumors about its development so far. Once new details come to light, this page will be updated.

BioShock 4: cut to the chase

What is it? The fourth entry in 2K Games' retrofuturistic game seriesWhen can I play it? TBCWhat can I play it on? TBC (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC are likely)Who is making it? Cloud Chamber Studios (a 2K Games studio)

BioShock 4 - what we know so far

(Image credit: 2K)

While we're certainly excited for the next BioShock game, we don't actually know when we'll get our hands on it. In a tweet officially announcing a new BioShock game back in 2019, publisher 2K Games stated that work had begun on the next iteration of the BioShock franchise. Here, it confirmed that the game would be in development "for the next several years".That may not have been the most welcome news, but it did give us an idea about what platforms BioShock 4 would eventually release on. Now that we're deep into the generation of the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S - and, by extension, further away from the Xbox One and PS4, we would strongly predict that, given the ongoing wait for the game as well, BioShock 4 will be a current-gen exclusive and not cross-generational.As spotted by GamesRadar (July 4, 2024), the studio's senior cinematic designer Jeff Spoonhower shared a bunch of open roles on LinkedIn, while also teasing what's to come."The BioShock team at 2K Cloud Chamber is ramping up!" the post reads. "We have many positions open across a variety of disciplines including art, animation, engineering, design, narrative, and production."Given the breadth of roles being advertised here, it's difficult to say whether or not BioShock 4 is far along in its development or not. For now, we expect the game to be re-revealed at some point, hopefully sooner rather than later.

BioShock 4 gameplay predictions

(Image credit: 2K Games)

Now, when looking at or thinking about BioShock 4 gameplay and setting details we are diving head first into a lot of speculation and clutching at straws. However, there have been some clues that we could investigate (read: 'cling to') to try and inform ourselves a little on both factors.First, to potential BioShock 4 gameplay. The original official 2K press release from 2019 (no longer live or available) did seem to indicate that it would be first-person again. 2K President David Ismailer said alongside that ”We can’t wait to see where its [BioShock's] powerful narrative and iconic, first-person shooter gameplay head in the future with our new studio team at Cloud Chamber leading the charge.” This rather implies that the first-person nature is likely to continue.

BioShock 4 setting prediction

(Image credit: 2K Games)

The settings of BioShock games are always incredibly important aspects. Ever since players first locked eyes on the underground city of Rapture, BioShock games' settings have mesmerized, while also became a core part of each game's story and narrative.In terms of possible BioShock 4 setting details, there was a lot of rumor floating around at the end of 2021 stating that the fourth game would take us back to a familiar time period. The crux of the rumors was that BioShock 4 would be set in the 1960s and in an Antarctic city called 'Borealis' - and that its story would connect the previous games in the series. While these claims did align with several publications' own sources at the time, there has been no official confirmation or word on them.Going back a bit further in 2021, there was a strong belief that BioShock 4 would be going open-world due to details stated in some job ads at the time that all pointed toward the design of a bust, crowd-filled, expansive open-world setting. Again, there was and has been no official comment on that.

BioShock 4 developer

(Image credit: 2K Games)

As we know, the studio making BioShock 4 is Cloud Chamber - but who exactly is leading development and has their hands on the tiller?Well, we know a few people involved - and we've addressed the Ken Levin-shaped question below too. Leading the studio is Kelley Gilmore, a veteran developer, formerly of Firaxis Games. However, with other folks involved who have experience with the BioShock series working on the game too, there is genuine "BioShock DNA" within the development team as Gilmore confirmed in an interview with our sister site GamesRadar+.

When was BioShock 4 announced?

Today, 2K announced the founding of Cloud Chamber, its newest development studio. This team of storytellers has begun work on the next iteration of the acclaimed @BioShock franchise, which will be in development for the next several years.

Learn more: https://t.co/L5hMVADxvY pic.twitter.com/SPvVVZoFCQDecember 9, 2019

BioShock 4 was officially announced on December 9, 2019. You can see the announcement Tweet embedded above, which simply states that a new BioShock game is in development, and reveals the team working on it. This is the last official news we received on the game.

BioShock 4 latest news

(Image credit: 2K)

Leaked screenshot gives us our first real look at BioShock 4A BioShock 4 screenshot has apparently leaked online, giving us what could be our first look at the game since its announcement. Read our full writeup here.New job listings confirm development is ramping upAfter almost five years since Bioshock 4 was announced to be in the works, its developer has officially confirmed it is now properly gearing up and is looking for additional members to join the team at 2K Cloud Chamber.BioShock movie is in the worksAfter years of stories about Universal trying and failing to bring a BioShock movie to life, we do know that Netflix now has a live-action movie in the works. We know that Francis Lawrence (Slumberland) is the director and screenwriter Michael Green (Logan, Blade Runner 2049) is also involved. Beyond this, however, we know very little - especially about anything that would potentially tie it to BioShock 4 somehow.Our guess is that there won't be much of a connection on the whole, with both BioShock 4 and the movie standing as separate entities.Ghost of Tsushima narrative lead joins BioShock 4Far Cry 4 and Ghost of Tsushima narrative lead Liz Albl announced on Twitter (opens in new tab) that she would be making the jump to 2K Games’ Cloud Chamber studio as part of the BioShock 4 story crew. This is the latest we've heard in terms of the game's development process.More job listings suggest the next BioShock will be open-worldIn a piece of juicy gossip supplied by a new round of job listings, it appears that Cloud Chamber will be taking BioShock in a different direction this time out, with the developer actively searching for someone "who can weave impactful, character-driven stories in an open world setting."Another job listing also points to the upcoming BioShock implementing an "urban crowd system" with a "systemic tribal ecology" backed by a "sometimes hostile AI". It's said the person who ultimately gets the job will need to "push the envelope of what is possible with interactive crowd systems".

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Tiny11 has been successfully installed on an iPad Air M2The lightweight version of Windows 11 works on Apple’s tablet via emulationHowever, don’t expect anything remotely close to smooth performance levels

In the ongoing quest to have software (or games – usually Doom) running on unexpected devices, a fresh twist has emerged as somebody has managed to get Windows 11 running on an iPad Air.Windows Central noticed the feat achieved by using Tiny11, a lightweight version of Windows 11 which was installed on an iPad Air with M2 chip.NTDEV, the developer of Tiny11, was behind this effort, and used the Arm64 variant of their slimline take on Windows 11. Microsoft’s OS was run on the iPad Air using emulation (UTM with JIT, the developer explains – a PC emulator, in short).So, is Windows 11 impressive on an iPad Air? No, in a word. The developer is waiting for over a minute and a half for the desktop to appear, and Windows 11’s features (Task Manager, Settings) and apps load pretty sluggishly – but they work.The illustrative YouTube clip below gives you a good idea of what to expect: it’s far, far from a smooth experience, but it’s still a bit better than the developer anticipated.

Analysis: Doing stuff for the hell of it

This stripped-back incarnation of Windows 11 certainly runs better on an iPad Air than it did on an iPhone 15 Pro, something NTDEV demonstrated in the past (booting the OS took 20 minutes on a smartphone).However, as noted at the outset, sometimes achievements in the tech world are simply about marvelling that something can be done at all, rather than having any practical value.You wouldn’t want to use Windows 11 on an iPad (or indeed iPhone) in this way, anyhow, just in the same way you wouldn’t want to play Doom on a toothbrush even though it’s possible (would you?).It also underlines the niftiness of Tiny11, the bloat-free take on Windows 11 which has been around for a couple of years now. If you need a more streamlined version of Microsoft’s newest operating system, Tiny11 certainly delivers (bearing some security-related caveats in mind).There are all sorts of takes on this app, including a ludicrously slimmed-down version of Tiny11 (that comes in at a featherweight 100MB). And, of course, the Arm64 spin used in this iPad Air demonstration, which we’ve previously seen installed on the Raspberry Pi.

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You can sink a lot of money into your kitchen without even realizing it. There’s no doubt that some of the best kitchen gadgets are on the pricey side, but there are also plenty of budget-friendly tools that can make your time meal prepping, cooking for a party and reheating leftovers much easier. All the recommendations on this list are either products I use currently, or more affordable versions of something I decided to splurge on after years of food prep. You may not consider every single item an essential for your kitchen, but all of them can save you time when you need to get dinner on the table quickly.

Best cheap kitchen gadgets for 2025

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Meta's Oversight Board has deemed Meta was right to leave up two videos reported for hate speech and harassment, though it recommends changes for the company. The decision follows revisions Meta made in January to its Hateful Conduct Policy.

The Board started looking into the two posts last August. One of the videos showed a trans woman being confronted in a bathroom by another woman who misgenders the trans woman and asks why they should be allowed to use the women's room. The included caption states that the trans woman is a "male student who thinks he's a girl." The second is of a trans woman winning a track race with onlookers disapproving. That caption similarly calls the individual, a "boy who thinks he's a girl" and names the person (who is a minor).

In its decision, the Board claims that "public debate on policies around transgender peoples' rights and inclusion is permitted, with offensive viewpoints protected under international human rights law on freedom of expression." Yes, you did read "offensive viewpoints" and "permitted" in the same sentence. It goes on to state that a majority of the Board couldn't find a strong enough "link" between removing these posts and limiting harm to trans individuals and that they didn't "represent" harassment or bullying.

"Transgender women and girls' access to women's bathrooms and participation in sports are the subjects of ongoing public debate that involves various human rights concerns. It is appropriate that a high threshold be required to suppress such speech," the decision continues.

The Board states that Meta's recent "hastily announced" policy changes didn't influence its decision but that it is concerned about content and implementation. "Meta should identify how the policy and enforcement updates may adversely impact the rights of LGBTQIA+ people, including minors, especially where these populations are at heightened risk," the Board states. "It should adopt measures to prevent and/or mitigate these risks and monitor their effectiveness. Finally, Meta should update the Board every six months on its progress, reporting on this publicly at the earliest opportunity."

The Board also calls out a specific line in Meta's updated policy which states, "We do allow allegations of mental illness or abnormality when based on gender or sexual orientation, given political and religious discourse about transgenderism and homosexuality and common non-serious usage of words such as 'weird.'" It recommends Meta remove the word "transgenderism," a phrase organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign called out as signaling "a disturbing alignment with anti-LGBTQ+ political rhetoric."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/metas-oversight-board-criticizes-companys-hastily-announced-hate-speech-policy-changes-120042137.html?src=rss

I liked Logitech's MX Creative Console when I tested it last year, but one of biggest issues was a lack of support for specific content creation and other apps. The company has rectified that with a major update now available on the company's Logi Marketplace. It expands the console's compatibility to several key apps including DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Lightroom and Figma.

As a reminder, the MX Creative Console is a control panel that connects to your Mac or PC and is designed to speed up creative chores for apps like Adobe Premiere and Photoshop. It's more compact than rival consoles and features a modern design and a pair of slick control dials, along with dynamic display keys that change depending on the app and page you’re looking at.

A key new addition is support for Adobe's Lightroom, rather than just Lightroom Classic as before. It lets you use the dial controller on the MX Creative Console to straighten images or adjust brightness, contrast and clarity. The buttons can also be set up to do things like rate and flag images for quicker processing.

Logitech also worked with Blackmagic Design to get the console working with DaVinci Resolve, a popular editing and effects app that's an alternative to Adobe Premiere Pro. You can now use the console to navigate the timeline, cut, trim and retime clips and navigate Fusion's effects nodes efficiently.

It added similar functionality for Apple's Final Cut Pro, while also letting you do precise color grading via the app's Color Wheels. For the interface design tool Figma, the MX Creative Console lets you quickly access essential tools and actions, manage assets, text alignments, spacing and layout adjustments and adjust text size, weight and height with the dial.

Logitech got into creative control surfaces in a big way when it purchased Steam Deck rival Loupedeck in 2023. The $200 MX Creative Console arrived a year later, and though it took Adobe nearly seven months to release a major update, support for the new apps makes the console far more versatile. "Adding these highly requested plugins will unlock the MX Creative Console’s potential for a broader range of creative professionals,” noted Logitech GM Anatoliy Polyanker.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/logitechs-mx-creative-console-editing-panel-now-supports-davinci-resolve-and-lightroom-120035406.html?src=rss

Much like that scene in this week's The Last of Us season 2 episode (spoilers! So many spoilers! Also: spoilers!), we knew it was coming, we were dreading it coming and now it's here: the promised Max password crackdown is happening.Max has launched a new add-on for its customers in the US, enabling you to add one person to your plan. It's available on all subscription plans and costs a flat $7.99 per month in the US. You can also only add one Extra Member per account.

How to add an extra member to your Max subscription

In order to add someone to your Max plan, you need to be the primary account holder. If they're under the same roof as you, an extra member account isn't necessary. But if they live somewhere else, you'll need to upgrade your account.The Extra Member account will have its own login credentials and will deliver all the same best Max shows, best Max movies and features as the main account. But they can only stream on one device at a time, so they can't share their login with others in the same place.If that person is already on your existing account, you'll be able to transfer their profile including their watch history, recommendations and settings to their new login.For now, you have to be a direct subscriber to Max: bundle subscribers who get Max as part of a bigger package can't use the Extra Member feature. The Extra Member feature is only available in the US at the time of writing, but it's expected to rollout to more regions soon.

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Cybercriminals are inviting victims to talk to "journalists"On the Zoom call, they're asked to grant permissions for remote accessThose that grant the permissions lose their crypto

Hackers are abusing Zoom’s remote desktop feature to steal people’s cryptocurrency, experts have warned.Cybersecurity researchers Trail of Bits claim to have seen the attack in the wild, focusing on “high-value targets,” people who the media would often contact for comments and discussion on everyday events. The attackers would reach out via social media (X, for example), and send them a Zoom invite via Calendly, pretending to be Bloomberg journalists.On Zoom, the attackers would join with an account named “Zoom”, and request remote control over the victim’s account. The victims would see a popup saying “Zoom is requesting remote control of your screen” which, for those used to granting permissions without thinking twice, might seem like a legitimate request from a legitimate app.

Get Keeper Personal for just $1.67/month, Keeper Family for just $3.54/month, and Keeper Business for just $7/month​Keeper is a cybersecurity platform primarily known for its password manager and digital vault, designed to help individuals, families, and businesses securely store and manage passwords, sensitive files, and other private data. It uses zero-knowledge encryption and offers features like two-factor authentication, dark web monitoring, secure file storage, and breach alerts to protect against cyber threats.Preferred partner (What does this mean?)View Deal

Elusive Comet

"What makes this attack particularly dangerous is the permission dialog's similarity to other harmless Zoom notifications," Trail of Bits said."Users habituated to clicking "Approve" on Zoom prompts may grant complete control of their computer without realizing the implications."Once the access is granted, the attackers would move fast, deploy a stealthy backdoor or other means of retaining access, and then disconnect from the call.The last step is to use the malware to access the victim’s cryptocurrency wallets and siphon out any funds found inside.The researchers named the group “Elusive Comet” and said the methodology is most likely copied from Lazarus, the infamous North Korean state-sponsored entity that targets crypto businesses."The ELUSIVE COMET methodology mirrors the techniques behind the recent $1.5 billion Bybit hack in February, where attackers manipulated legitimate workflows rather than exploiting code vulnerabilities," Trail of Bits said in its report.To mitigate the risk, it would be best not to grant people or apps remote access, unless you’re 100% certain the person is benign.Via BleepingComputer

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The 98th Oscars will be the first Academy Awards to have rules surrounding generative AI, and it means films can openly use the technology without hindering their chances of taking home a win.Following the controversy involving The Brutalist and Emilia Perez's 2025 Oscar campaigns, which were impacted by the use of AI to improve speech and dialect, you'd think the new rule change would be the most controversial addition to the upcoming year's overhaul. You'd be wrong.Instead, there's an even bigger issue that should be grabbing all the headlines and highlighting everything wrong with award ceremonies.

Wait... Why hasn't this rule always existed?

(Image credit: A24/Netflix)

While allowing AI to be used in any movie eligible for an Oscar win might sound controversial, the more controversial rule change highlights an issue that's plagued the Academy Awards for years.The statement on the Academy Awards website reads: "In a procedural change, Academy members must now watch all nominated films in each category to be eligible to vote in the final round for the Oscars."At first, I had to take a second glance, and then my jaw dropped to the floor. Yes, now Academy members need to watch all new movies in a category before voting, which means that we've had 97 Oscar ceremonies so far where that was not a criterion.How can anyone validate any Oscar win when, for almost a century, those who vote haven't even been required to watch the movies they are selecting from?Now, I'm not naive, so I always knew Oscars campaigns and marketing budgets played a significant part in propelling films towards a gold statue. However, I, and I suspect most of the wider population, thought that movies still had to stand out versus the field to win.Turns out, the Academy Awards are more of a popularity contest than I had ever realized, and up until this year, a good marketing campaign and getting your movie seen are probably enough to win.

Does this hinder credibility or benefit it?

(Image credit: Apple TV Plus)

As someone who watches the Oscars every year, hoping for my favorite movie to pick up a top prize, I'm not sure how I feel about the news that Academy members haven't needed to bother watching the nominations until now.You see, I think it absolutely hinders the credibility of the Academy Awards in terms of how it's perceived by the general public. The regular people of the world, who tune in on TV every year, and have no ties to Hollywood, do not even know that there was no criteria in the first place.That said, does this now give the 98th Academy Awards and all the subsequent award ceremonies increased credibility? Like, at some point, someone from the Academy would've known that this rule needed to be implemented. But it would always end up in backlash, so have they just been putting off the rule change, in the hope that when they do make the adjustment, it goes unnoticed?I'm no insider, no Academy member, just a mere fan of cinema, and while now I'll look back at the last century of Oscar wins with a newfound skepticism, it does make me think that moving forward, the movies that deserve recognition are more likely to receive it.The new AI rule might be grabbing all the headlines, but for us "normies," I think we should be focusing on the fact that the biggest awards in cinema haven't required those who make the selection to watch what they're voting for. It's absolutely baffling.

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Apple TV+ has a ton of popular originals like Ted Lasso, Severance, Slow Horses, For All Mankind, Foundation and Silo. If you've been meaning to check them out, you can do so for less right now. Apple TV+ is on sale right now for $3 per month for the first three months, bringing the total cost to just $9 for the entire period. That saves you a total of $21 off the standard $10 monthly cost of the subscription that we consider to be one of our favorite streaming services. But the deal expires on April 24, so you only have a bit more time to grab it.

Apple's shows won 10 Emmy Awards in 2024, including a Slow Horses victory for outstanding writing in a drama series. Although its films weren't up for anything at this year's Oscars, it received 13 nominations in 2024, including Best Picture nods for Killers of the Flower Moon and Napoleon.

Both new and qualified returning subscribers (those who haven't been subscribed for the past 30 days) are eligible for this deal. You also must sign up via Apple directly and not through a third-party provider or your mobile wireless provider. If you don't want to pay full price after three months, just remember to cancel before the renewal date.

Check out our coverage of the best streaming deals for more discounts, and follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/this-apple-tv-deal-ends-soon-get-three-months-of-access-for-only-9-193009579.html?src=rss

Amazon has sold Kindle ereaders for almost two decades but it wasn't until last year that it went beyond black and white. The Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition came out in October and — despite a previous screen issue that seems fixed — it's a great product overall. Our biggest quip is the price, $280 for the 32GB edition, compared to $200 for the 32GB Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, for example.

Now, a new sale is easing the strain on our wallets, dropping the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition to $225 — a 20 percent discount and record-low price. The deal is the same whether or not you opt for three months free of Kindle Unlimited. The seven-inch display touts "paper-like color," up to eight weeks of use in one charge and has an an IPX8 waterproof rating. Plus, it's especially nice for graphic novel readers who want to get the full effect.

Amazon is also running two types of book sales. If you have one of their ereaders, then you can get three times the amount of points every time you buy a Kindle book between today and Friday, April 25. If ereaders aren't your thing then you can check out Amazon's Book Sale, on through Monday, April 28.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/amazons-kindle-colorsoft-is-back-on-sale-for-a-record-low-price-125807447.html?src=rss

AWS believed to be pausing future colocation lease negotiationsMicrosoft has also shelved a $1 billion Ohio projectAWS VP said GenAI demand is still strong

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is reportedly reassessing some colocation lease negotiations, especially internationally, amid ongoing cost concerns.Although the company looks to be pausing some future discussions, it appears that Amazon will not be backing out of any signed agreements, with confirmed projects set to continue.However, it’s certainly a sign of the times, with Microsoft also recently confirming that it would be pausing a $1 billion project for a data center campus in Ohio.

AWS is also pausing some data center plans

Kevin Miller, AWS VP for Global Data Centers, confirmed in a LinkedIn post that the change was not indicative of reduced interest in artificial intelligence, but rather a shift in focus amid rising costs.“First and foremost, we continue to see strong demand for both Generative AI and foundational workloads on AWS,” Miller explained. “This is routine capacity management, and there haven’t been any recent fundamental changes in our expansion plans.”Billions have been knocked out of the stock market in recent weeks, with Trump’s tariffs playing a hefty role in economic fluctuations.Companies like Amazon and Microsoft have had to reassess their strategies, particularly abroad where currency conversions may no longer be as favorable, but it looks like plans are just being put on hold until economies become more stable rather than being scrapped altogether.In the case of AWS, changes to its colocation strategy don’t reflect the full story, because the company might also be shifting more compute in-house – more of a shift than an overall reduction, then.Reiterating the company’s commitment to expanding its data center operations globally, Miller’s LinkedIn feed is full of shared announcements, icnlduing an $8.3 billion commitment in Maharashtra, India; the launch of a new AWS Region in Asia Pacific (Thailand); an $11 billion investment into Georgia and $10 billion in funding for infrastructure in Ohio.Via The Register

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Google will not make any to changes to how third-party cookies work on the Chrome browser at all. Anthony Chavez, Google VP for Privacy Sandbox, has announced that the company has "made the decision to maintain [its] current approach to offering users third-party cookie choice in Chrome." It will also "not be rolling out a new standalone prompt for third-party cookies" that would have allowed users to opt out of being tracked by advertisers. Google has made the announced a few days after a federal judge ruled that it has an illegal monopoly on online advertising.

The company originally announced that it was going to phase out third-party tracking cookies in 2022 as part of its Privacy Sandbox initiative, which aims to make the web more secure and private to use. But due to a series of delays and regulatory hurdles — the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and the US Department of Justice both looked into Google's initiative out of concerns that it could harm smaller advertisers — the planned deprecation got delayed to 2024 and then again to 2025.

Last year, Google ultimately decided that it wasn't going to kill third-party cookies and will instead introduce "a new experience in Chrome that lets people make an informed choice that applies across their web browsing." That new experience isn't coming. In his new announcement, Chavez said that a lot has changed since the Privacy Sandbox initiative debuted, and Google has taken new developments in privacy-enhancing technologies that secure people's browsing into consideration when it made its decision.

Despite killing all its plans to remove third-party cookies from Chrome, Google will keep the Privacy Sandbox initiative alive. Chavez said it will continue enhancing tracking protections in Chrome's incognito mode, such as launching IP Protection later this year, and will continue working on features like Safe Browsing, Safety Check and built-in password protections.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/google-will-keep-third-party-tracking-cookies-on-chrome-as-they-are-130026362.html?src=rss

What's the next big Xbox game?(Image credit: id software/Bethesda)The next big Xbox game is Doom: The Dark Ages, which arrives May 15, 2025. It's a new shooter that arms the Doom Slayer with a chainsaw shield and even a rideable dragon. Then, GTA 6 will arrive to steal the show at some point in Fall, though a specific release date has yet to be revealed.

Fable 4, also currently just known as Fable, is a reboot of a beloved trilogy of fantasy action role-playing games (RPGs) originally developed by Lionhead Studios. However, the series is in the process of being revived under its new stewards Playground Games.The Fable series is renowned for two things: enabling the player to craft exactly the kind of character they want and side-splitting dark humor. For some, the original trilogy stands among the best RPGs ever made, offering an emphasis on player agency that rivals some of the best single-player games.Fortunately, if Fable 4's most recent trailer is anything to go by, it looks as though we can expect the series' trademark sense of humor in spades. While we've not seen any reveals as to the upcoming game's mechanics, the trailer did show off some stellar writing, as well as a hilarious performance from British actor Matt King.That said, we do know that Fable 4 will be an RPG. It also seems likely that it will follow the mold of its predecessors, offering real-time action with plenty of quests to complete and places to explore. Whether we'll see the return of Fable's iconic morality system remains to be seen, but we can't be alone in wanting to play a fantasy protagonist with a great big pair of devil horns like you could in the original trilogy, right? Read on to find out everything we know about Fable.

Fable 4: cut to the chase

What is it? The fourth installment in the mainline Fable franchiseWhen is it coming out? 2026What can I play it on? TBC, but it's an Xbox exclusiveWho is making it? Playground Games

Fable 4 release year and platforms

(Image credit: Playground Games)

Fable 4 will be released for Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC sometime in 2026, where it will be available on Xbox Game Pass from day one. It's unknown if it'll arrive on Xbox One consoles, but it seems unlikely.This Xbox exclusivity makes it exceedingly unlikely that Fable 4 will arrive on a PlayStation console. We'll have to wait until the game is shown again, as currently, we have no information on when it's expected to come out. It's worth noting that recently, some Xbox-exclusive games like Sea of Thieves have and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle have come to PS5, so it's certainly possible that Fable will do the same.

Fable 4 trailers

The most recent trailer for Fable came alongside the news of a delay to 2026. It features some new gameplay, check it out below:

A trailer for Fable was released at the Xbox Games Showcase event that aired on June 9, 2024. It was another cinematic trailer, showing Peep Show actor Matt King playing a retired hero. It was a fun trailer but once again offered a distinct lack of concrete information about the wider plot or game mechanics. It did reveal that Fable will be arriving at some point in 2025 (later delayed to 2026). You can check it out below:

Right now, only three Fable trailers have been released: the latest one, the world premiere announcement trailer, and the one shown off at Xbox Games Showcase 2023. While we wait for more, you can head to the official Xbox YouTube account to keep an eye out for new info.

Fable 4 gameplay

While we've yet to receive any concrete details about Fable's game mechanics, there were some glimpses of what we might be able to expect in the second trailer. Sword combat was shown, with a warrior depicted in battle with a bandit before performing a sort of finishing move, throwing them to the ground.Another shot of gameplay showed the main character throwing a fire bomb at a group of enemies, suggesting that these sorts of items might also be making a return. Unfortunately, this is all we've seen so far, alongside some in-engine cinematics.That said, Aaron Greenberg, general manager of Xbox Games Marketing at Microsoft, did make it clear after the reveal that "it's obviously going to be a role-playing game" (via GamesRadar). Though this gives us little to go on in terms of specifics, it confirms that Fable 4 will likely place an emphasis on storytelling, character customization, and player agency, much like its predecessors.

Fable 4 main character

(Image credit: Xbox)

We don't yet know much about the Fable 4 main character, but there are a few details we can glean from the teasers we've seen so far. First, it seems likely that the main character will be a 'hero' of some kind. This could potentially spell a connection to The Guild of Heroes - a powerful organization of do-gooders who feature in the original Fable (2004).It also seems likely that our hero will have to do battle with Richard Ayoade's giant at some point. The Fable franchise is no stranger to including celebrated actors and comedians. Fable 3 famously included Monty Python veteran John Cleese, comedian Stephen Fry, and actor Simon Pegg. The inclusion of Ayoade in Fable 4 beyond just a cameo in the trailer seems likely, given this tradition.While it hasn't been confirmed, it also seems probable that our main character will also be highly customizable. The Fable games have always been big on letting you tweak your character physically and cosmetically and it would be odd for Fable 4 to not continue the trend. We might also see the return of appearance changes based on character morality, too. In the original trilogy, evil choices would net you devil horns and sinister-looking eyes while good choices would get you a halo and angel wings. We imagine Fable 4 will iterate on these systems in some way, though we're not sure quite what's in store at this stage.

Fable 4 FAQ

Who's developing Fable 4?

The new Fable game is being worked on by the fine folks over at Playground Games. This team previously worked on the Forza Horizon series, so this is quite a switch up. Regardless, this is an excellent studio with a real knack for creating amazing environments with gorgeous atmospheric effects. There's no doubt that Fable 4 could be a very beautiful looking game indeed when it launches in 2026.

Will Fable 4 be on Game Pass?

The new Fable game will launch on Game Pass, available for subscribers at no extra cost. This has been confirmed since the game was first shown off, so expect it to drop onto your games lineup some time this year.

Will Fable come to PS5?

Currently, there are no announced plans to bring Fable to PS5, though that doesn't mean it won't happen. Recently, Xbox games have started to be ported over to PlayStation, including Sea of Thieves. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and Forza Horizon 5 also have PS5 versions, so it's possible that Fable could follow a similar release pattern.

Fable 4 news

(Image credit: Microsoft)

Xbox confirms Fable has been delayed to 2026, shares new pre-alpha gameplay footage offering a brand new look at the game"We are actually going to give Fable more time. It's going to ship in 2026 now. While I know that's not maybe the news people want to hear, what I want is to assure people that it's definitely worth the wait." - full story here.Xbox re-reveals FableFable was finally re-revealed during the Xbox Games Showcase 2023 event. Not much was shown, but it's clear that the game now has a strong tonal direction and comedic vibe to it. Hopefully, the next time we see the game, we'll get a look at the game mechanics as well as what to expect from the story.

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The Witcher 4 has now been officially revealed, with a new trailer confirming that the game will focus on Ciri as the main protagonist. This latest look does give us an idea as to the overall darker vibe of this new game, though it doesn't contain any hints on a possible release window.Ever since developer CD Projekt Red announced The Witcher 4 and referred to the game with its codename of 'Polaris', fans have been studying the teaser image shared alongside the upcoming game's announcement. It depicts a Lynx medallion, and could point to a new Witcher school that'll feature in what is set to be the first in a new trilogy.While we wait for further news on The Witcher 4, here's everything that's been revealed about the game so far. As more details are shared by the developer, you'll find this page updated - we're as excited as you are so can't wait to get more details.

The Witcher 4: cut to the chase

What is it? The next mainline game in The Witcher seriesWhen can I play it? TBCWhat can I play it on? TBCWho is making it? CD Projekt Red

The Witcher 4 - what we know so far

(Image credit: CD Projekt RED)

There are few details available about The Witcher 4. The announcement official blog post only confirms it's in development and that it's being built in Unreal Engine 5. We do now have a trailer, which confirms Ciri as the protagonist. Even so, aside from an admittedly gorgeous cinematic sequence, the trailer holds few concrete details related to the story.Unfortunately, you're probably not playing The Witcher 4 until 2027 at the earliest, according to CD Projekt's latest financial update. Hopefully it'll be well worth the wait.Over the years, CD Projekt Red has said plenty about what a future Witcher game would involve:"The first three 'Witchers' were by definition a trilogy, so we simply could not name the next game 'The Witcher 4'," Kiciński said in an interview. "This does not mean, of course, that we will leave the world of The Witcher."It would appear that the team has since had a change of heart in this regard, with the game having been officially revealed as The Witcher 4. It's possible that this could be a placeholder name, but seeing as we're following an older Ciri, it does seem to follow The Witcher 3.At the end of The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine, monster hunter Geralt was alive and well. Well, he was alive, at least. But his story arc had ended, the Wild Hunt was over. That doesn't mean he won't return in this new Witcher game, though we do now know that he won't be the main character.The developer said as much back in 2013: "We are not killing the world and walking away from it, but we will definitely want to make this game the finale in a big way," executive producer John Mamais told Polygon. "We might even include Geralt in later games potentially. We just need to talk about it and figure out what we're going to do next."In 2015, speaking to IGN, Senior Writer Jakub Szamałek confirmed that the studio felt that The Witcher 3 was a natural endpoint for Geralt: "[he] has had such an amazing adventure, and his saga is already so long and complex that this seemed like a good point to think about an appropriate finale for the story.”The confirmation that the medallion shown in the game's announcement picture is a lynx certainly suggests that the game will take things in a new direction. Potentially, that introduces an entirely new Witcher school.The author of the Witcher books, Andrzej Sapkowski, signed a new deal with the company to "further solidify their relationship". So. the studio is free to pull from any one of his short stories or novels. (If you want to get caught up, here's how to read The Witcher books in order.)

The Witcher 4 trailer

The Witcher 4 was fully revealed during The Game Awards 2024. The cinematic trailer, which can be viewed above, shows a young girl being prepared for sacrifice to a monster. Ciri intervenes, following the young girl and facing off against the creature. It's clear that Ciri is early on in her Witcher journey, but manages to best the monster in combat, making use of some new abilities.So far, we've only had one trailer for The Witcher 4. Keep an eye on the official The Witcher YouTube channel for new trailers, or find them in this section once they are released.

The Witcher 4 engine

(Image credit: Unreal Engine)

This is a relatively massive factor that's confirmed for The Witcher 4, and one we're certainly excited about. Back in the Spring of 2023, the development team confirmed that The Witcher 4 would be built on Unreal Engine 5 - instead of the studio's own engine, REDengine.The latter was used on The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 so has its merits, but, in brief, moving to Unreal Engine 5 means the studio has more access to wider features, solutions, and tools that can make environments more detailed, more realistic, and have a great sense of overall visual fidelity than ever before.As a note, this does mark the beginning of a partnership with Epic but does not mean the game will be an Epic Game Store exclusive.

The Witcher 4 FAQ

(Image credit: CD Projekt Red)

Who will be the main character in The Witcher 4?Ciri will be the main character in The Witcher 4. This was confirmed following the official reveal trailer that aired at the end of The Game Awards 2024.

Will The Witcher 4 be on PS5?CD Projekt RED is yet to confirm The Witcher 4 platforms. Given that there's no release window, it's possible that we could be waiting until next-gen for it to launch. The Witcher 3 originally launched for PS4, Xbox One and PC, so we're expecting The Witcher 4 to be multi-platform as well, at least until the developers reveal otherwise.

Will Geralt be in The Witcher 4?

While The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and its two expansions rounded off Geralt's trilogy incredibly well, there has been a constant desire from fans to know whether Geralt will be in The Witcher 4.Thanks to recent comments from Geralt's voice actor, it does seem that the character will feature in The Witcher 4, but won't be the protagonist. Spotted by VGC, Geralt's voice actor, Doug Cockle, spoke as a guest on a YouTube channel known as Fall Damage. During the spot, he revealed some rather interesting tidbits about the upcoming game."What we know is that Geralt will be part of the game, we just don't know how much," Cockle said during the interview. "The game won't focus on Geralt - it's not about him this time. We don't know who it's about, I'm excited to find out, I wanna know!"Of course, we now know that The Witcher 4 will focus on Ciri, though hopefully we'll see Geralt in some form or another.

Has Ciri been recast for The Witcher 4?

Eagle-eared fans were quick to notice that Ciri sounds very different in the recent The Witcher 4 cinematic trailer, which debuted at The Game Awards 2024 last week. This led many to speculate online that the character has been recast.Now we know that this is definitely the case as, in a new statement given to gaming blog The Gamer, developer CD Projekt Red confirmed that Irish actor “Ciara Berkeley was cast as Ciri for The Witcher 4 Cinematic Reveal Trailer.”

The Witcher 4 news

(Image credit: CD Projekt RED)

Geralt voice actor says CD Projekt Red's decision to make Ciri the star of The Witcher 4 is 'really exciting'Doug Cockle, the voice behind Geralt in the first three The Witcher games, has shared his enthusiasm for the switch to Ciri, saying there are "all kinds of reasons" that make the choice exciting, mainly for how her role in the books is portrayed.The Witcher 4 officially announced at The Game Awards 2024In a surprise turn of events, CD Projekt Red has unveiled the first official look at The Witcher 4 at The Game Awards 2024, and yes, Ciri is the playable protagonist.CD Projekt Red announces The Witcher 4 has now entered "full-scale production"CD Projekt Red has provided an update on the development of The Witcher 4, stating that the upcoming game is now in "full production".The Witcher 4 will have a focus on freedomSebastien Kalemba, game director at CDPR, was speaking at the very end of 2023 about creating new takes on RPG gameplay and features for The Witcher 4. The intent is to push the boundaries of RPG games and there's a desire to "tell something more intense, with also more intense gameplay."A huge chunk of CD Projekt Red's workforce is now working on The Witcher 4At the end of November 2023, CDPR revealed via an earnings report that the production team working on The Witcher 4 had grown to around 330 people actively working on the game. This number is set to grow to over 400 by mid-2024 as production gathers real steam. As first reported at the time of this news, 330 represents just under half of CDPR's development staff.CDPR is already running internal demos of The Witcher 4 on consolesLearning its lesson from Cyberpunk 2077, the devs at CDPR are already going to great lengths to test their next project - and do so from the early stages. As reported by our sister site GamesRadar+, in an interview with Inven Global, CD Projeckt Red engineering director Colin Walder has confirmed that, learning from Cyberpunk 2077's disastrous launch on consoles in 2020, "For our next project, Polaris, we're already running our demos and internal reviews on the console from the very beginning." This means that The Witcher 4 is already being tested on consoles to ensure that when the day comes, it'll have a better chance at sticking its landing.The Witcher 4 has its Game DirectorSebastian Kalemba, the former Lead Animator on The Witcher 3, has been announced as the Game Director for The Witcher 4. They announced this on Twitter, stating that they aim to 'raise the bar.'Polaris, and a brand new trilogyIn early October 2022, CD Projekt RED announced a bunch of new titles via Twitter, including a new The Witcher trilogy. Polaris (what we've been calling The Witcher 4) will kick off the new saga, which will then play out over 6 years from the first release. This is obviously a huge undertaking, so we'll have to wait and see whether it pays off.The Witcher 4 teaser image sparks many theoriesWhen The Witcher 4 was first announced it used the image we have as our header here - that of a partially snow-covered Witcher medallion - and it sparked much debate about which school it was, and whether that gave anything away. As reported by our brethren at GamesRadar+ at the time, the medallion was initially thought to be of the School of the Cat - which would imply a connection to Ciri as she came into possession of one after seizing it from Leo Bonhart. However, this was then debunked on Twitter when community director Marcin Momot reacted positively to a fan asking whether it was actually the medallion from the School of the Lynx.

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Sony launches the PS5 Pro(Image credit: PlayStation)Sony has now released the PS5 Pro, adding another all-digital console into the mix. It boasts a larger GPU, AI-driven upscaling as well as improved Raytracing, though it comes at a premium price. If you want to pick up the PS5 Pro, it'll cost you $699.99 / £699.99 / AU$1,999.95. To see our verdict, check out this PS5 Pro review.

Marvel's Wolverine may not have a release date or even a release window yet, but there are still plenty of juicy details floating around about the upcoming action-adventure game.Developer Insomniac Games is known for Marvel's Spider-Man, as well as its sequels, Marvel's Spider-Man Miles Morales and Marvel's Spider-Man 2. These games are all fantastic, gripping, and faithful realizations of the Spider-Man fantasy, and show that the studio has plenty of experience when it comes to crafting thoughtful adaptations of comic book greats. This suggests that Wolverine is in good hands and could turn out to join our lists of the best single-player games and the best story games when it eventually releases.Like Marvel's Spider-Man, we're expecting Marvel's Wolverine to be an action-oriented, story-driven game with plenty of satisfying punch-ups and engrossing cutscenes. However, as creative director Brian Horton put it, Wolverine is set to have a more "mature tone." Given that James 'Logan' Howlett, the titular Wolverine, is known for his gritty adventures and dark demeanor, it makes sense that Insomniac would be aiming in this direction. Read on for more details as well as an in-depth analysis of the teaser trailer.

Marvel's Wolverine: cut to the chase

What is it? A Wolverine game from the makers of Marvel's Spider-ManWhen does it come out? TBCWhat can I play it on? PS5Who is making it? Insomniac Games

Marvel's Wolverine - what we know so far

(Image credit: Insomniac Games)

We don't have a release date or even a release window for Marvel's Wolverine so far. However, it's clear that the game will be a PlayStation exclusive, in much the same vein as the Marvel's Spider-Man games. While it's been confirmed that Wolverine will be coming to the PS5, there's yet no indication that there will be a release for PS4 - a prospect that seems increasingly unlikely as the years roll by.It's not impossible, however, that the game might eventually be released on PC; after all, Sony exclusives have a track record of eventually arriving on the platform. Marvel's Spider-Man and Marvel's Spider-Man Miles Morales are both available on PC, with Marvel's Spider-Man 2 having followed earlier this year. This suggests that Wolverine could wind up on PC sometime, too, but likely a little while after its initial launch on PS5.

Marvel's Wolverine trailer

Marvel's Wolverine was announced during Sony's PlayStation Showcase in September 2021, with a brief teaser trailer giving us our first look at Insomniac's take on Logan.The teaser trailer shows a ruined dive bar, with injured men lying on the floor, before cutting to a back view of a man in a cowboy hat and checkered shirt drinking - his knuckles and surrounding area covered in blood. In the background, we see one of the injured men getting up and pulling out a knife. Sensing the assailant, the man at the bar - our hero - clenches his fist, revealing the iconic metallic claws.The trailer may not give us a look at when it comes to combat or at Logan himself, but it does set the tone of Marvel's Wolverine. At first glance, it appears to be a more bloody, mature alternative to Insomniac Games' Spider-Man series. You can check out the trailer below:

So far, the reveal trailer is the only preview we currently have access to. In the meantime, we recommend keeping your eyes on PlayStation's official YouTube channel for any future updates.

Marvel's Wolverine story and setting predictions

(Image credit: Sony)

Though we don't yet have any concrete details as to what to expect from Marvel's Wolverine, the reveal trailer does offer several Easter eggs which provide some interesting hints.Firstly, the trailer's setting seems to drop a big clue about when and where Marvel's Wolverine is set. Logan is drinking in the Princess Bar, located in Madripoor (which you may recognize from Marvel TV series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier), which we can see from the bar sign and the Madripoor tourist poster.In Marvel Comics Presents Volume 1 #1 (1988), Wolverine visits the Princess Bar while hunting down a crime lord called Roche. After wiping the bar floor with Roche's enforcers - who are trying to get protection money off the bar's owner O'Donnell - Wolverine becomes a regular of the bar, under the name "Patch", and even co-owned it for a time. The bar was essentially Logan's home away from home during a period when the X-Men were inactive. Is Insomniac Games hinting that this is the time when Marvel's Wolverine is set to take place? Will we see Logan taking on the criminal underworld? Both seem like distinct possibilities.Another possible Easter egg is the Radio Lowtown 104.8 poster. Lowtown is a district in Madipoor, so Madipoor as a setting seems pretty likely. It's also possible that the number 104.8 could be a reference to Marvel Earth-1048, the universe in which Marvel’s Spider-Man is set. This seems to suggest that Insomniac's Spider-Man games and Wolverine take place in the same universe, meaning we could see potential crossovers in the future. This could be huge, allowing Insomniac to build an answer to the Marvel Cinematic Universe that isn't bogged down in endless sequels and story bloat.The radio station isn't the only number that appears to reference a specific comic book. The license plate on the bar reads "HLK 181", which seems to reference The Incredible Hulk #18 - in which Wolverine makes an appearance. Does that mean we could see Hulk in Marvel's Wolverine? Again, we certainly hope so.

Marvel's Wolverine - what we'd like to see

(Image credit: Insomniac)

Embracing Wolverine's dark sideWhile Marvel's Spider-Man, Miles Morales, and Marvel's Spider-Man 2 are critically acclaimed, they're all pretty family-friendly affairs. This isn't a criticism - after all, Spider-Man himself is, famously, a 'friendly neighborhood Spidey', known for his youthful antics and cheeky quips. A more light-hearted tone suits the character. However, Wolverine isn't all sunshine and rainbows. His backstory and characterization are, comparatively speaking, pretty dark. Wolverine stories are full of angst, betrayal, and, more often than not, bloody violence.We're hoping that Insomniac explores this side of Logan in the Wolverine game, offering a more mature experience than Spider-Man did. We're not asking for gratuitous violence, but we do think a different tone is necessary. If you want to dig into Wolverine's backstory (depending on when this game is set), you can't shy away from the darker moments of Logan's past. Also, our hero would hardly be able to slash up enemies with his iconic claws without spilling at least a bit of blood. Without a bit of darkness, you'll only scratch the surface of his story - pun intended.The appearance of other Marvel heroes...We don't want them hogging the spotlight, but it would be nice to see Insomniac's take on some other Marvel heroes popping up in Wolverine as side characters. The specifics would really depend on the story Insomniac wants to tell, but we're hoping to see some of the X-Men make cameos, including Jean Grey, Professor X, or maybe even Rogue....and infamous villainsWe currently don't know who will serve as the main adversary in Marvel's Wolverine, but there are plenty of infamous villains to choose from - and we imagine some could appear as smaller roles. We're hoping we could see Logan battling Sabertooth, Lady Deathstrike, or even Silver Samurai. Or, perhaps, we'll see him battling to bring down the Weapon X program that saw him subjected to the painful experiments that gave him his famous adamantium skeleton in the first place.A Marvel Game UniverseInsomniac has done a great job of creating standalone products which have allowed us to meet all sorts of heroes and villains from across Marvel comics. However, now that the studio is stepping away from Spider-Man, it has a chance to flesh out a shared continuity that could offer many of the perks that the Marvel Cinematic Universe boasts, without the bloat. It's a tempting idea, and we'd love to see what the skilled storytellers at Insomniac would come up with if they decided to go down this route.

Marvel's Wolverine news

(Image credit: Sony)

Insomniac still can't confirm if Marvel's Wolverine will launch in 2025Nearly four years after its initial announcement, we still have no idea when Marvel's Wolverine is launching, and Insomniac Games still can't confirm if it will be released in 2025.A "full-size" game with a "mature tone"According to Marvel's Wolverine's creative director, Brian Horton, James 'Logan' Howlett's standalone adventure on PS5 will be a full-size game with a "mature tone". Horton confirmed this in response to a fan on Twitter asking whether Wolverine on PS5 will be "big or a [smaller] 'Miles Morales' size game".Directed by Spider-Man: Miles Morales creative leadsIn a PlayStation Blog post, Insomniac Games revealed that Marvel's Wolverine is being directed by Brian Horton (creative director) and Cameron Christian (game director), who led the creative efforts on Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales.Respecting the DNA with a fresh takeInsomniac Games has said that, while it intends to honor the "DNA" of what makes Wolverine popular, the studio will be putting a fresh spin on Logan."In the vein of our Spider-Man games, our goal here is to not only respect the DNA of what makes the character so popular, but also look for opportunities to make it feel fresh and truly reflect the Insomniac spirit," Insomniac Games wrote in a PlayStation blog post. According to the developer, despite being in early development, Marvel's Wolverine boasts an "emotional narrative and cutting-edge gameplay". We hope the pun was intended.

Marvel's Wolverine FAQ

Is Marvel's Wolverine set in the Spider-Man universe?

Yes, Marvel's Wolverine is indeed in the Spider-Man universe. Marvel's Spider-Man 2's creative director Bryan Intihar confirmed this during an interview with Kinda Funny Games. When asked whether the two series share the same universe, he responded:"They're all 1048."This is a reference to Earth 1048, the universe that the Marvel Spider-Man games take place in. Here's hoping for a Spider-Man cameo in the upcoming Wolverine game then!

Is Marvel's Wolverine coming to Xbox?

Marvel's Wolverine is not planned for release on Xbox. Currently, only PS5 is listed, but like other Sony projects, we could see it come to PC later down the line. Unless Sony's first-party strategy changes drastically over the next few years, we'll never see Marvel's Wolverine release on Xbox platforms.

Will Marvel's Wolverine be PS5 Pro enhanced?

Marvel's Wolverine is yet to be confirmed as a PS5 Pro-enhanced title, but we're betting it'll join the list of PS5 Pro games when it launches. This is largely down do it being a first party title, which appear to be getting upgraded modes thanks to Sony's new console.

When was Marvel's Wolverine announced?Marvel's Wolverine was announced during a PlayStation Showcase in September 2021. Interestingly, this was the same show that featured the reveal of Marvel's Spider-Man 2, which ended up launching in October 2023.

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