news,technology

A pair of cult classics from Sony's PlayStation Portable library are heading to Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 and PC. As part of the Nintendo Direct showcase this March, Bandai Namco announced Patapon 1 + 2 Replay, a package that brings together brand new remasters of 2007's Patapon and 2008's Patapon 2. Originally developed by Pyramid and Sony Japan Studio, which shuttered in 2021, the two games combine elements from strategy and rhythm games.

As the player, you must guide a tribe of anthropomorphic eyeballs to victory over their foes through a combination of drum beats. Patapon and Patapon 2 were well-received on release and went on to define the PSP's library of quirky but fun games. In addition to HD graphics, Patapon 1 + 2 Replay includes quality of life changes that should hopefully make this the best way to play these two gems.

Update, March 31, 1:15PM ET: Bandai Namco confirmed that Patapon 1 + 2 Replay is coming to PS5 and PC as well as Switch, and this information has been included in the article.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/patapon-1--2-replay-brings-two-psp-classics-to-pc-ps5-and-switch-on-july-11-143627055.html?src=rss

Microsoft has reportedly canceled data center leases amid shifting infrastructure priorities TD Cowen analysts suggest lease deferrals reflect oversupply vs demandMicrosoft doesn't deny the report but says it's investing $80 billion in infrastructure

We recently reported Microsoft had cancelled leases with at least two private data center operators in the US, totaling “a couple hundred megawatts,” and how the company was also not converting “so-called statements of qualifications into leases,” according to claims from TD Cowen analysts.Shortly after that news broke, Microsoft pulled out of a $12 billion deal with CoreWeave (the "WeWork of AI"), passing on buying more data center capacity from the AI hyperscaler. That option was snapped up by OpenAI, but as it counts Microsoft as its biggest backer, it was essentially paying CoreWeave with Microsoft money!Microsoft appears to be taking a more tactical approach to AI spending, a move that is echoed in a new Bloomberg report quoting TD Cowen analysts saying Microsoft has walked away from additional data center projects in the US and Europe.

On track to spend $80 billion

Bloomberg writes, “Microsoft’s retrenchment in the last six months included lease cancellations and deferrals, the TD Cowen analysts said in their latest research note. Alphabet Inc.’s Google had stepped in to grab some leases Microsoft abandoned in Europe, the analysts wrote, while Meta Platforms Inc. had scooped up some of the freed capacity in Europe.”Responding to the article, Microsoft pointed out that it was still on track to spend about $80 billion investing in growing infrastructure projects.“Thanks to the significant investments we have made up to this point, we are well positioned to meet our current and increasing customer demand,” a Microsoft spokesperson said in a statement.“While we may strategically pace or adjust our infrastructure in some areas, we will continue to grow strongly in all regions. This allows us to invest and allocate resources to growth areas for our future.”Bloomberg adds TD Cowen analysts Michael Elias, Cooper Belanger, and Gregory Williams said, “We continue to believe the lease cancellations and deferrals of capacity points to data center oversupply relative to its current demand forecast.”

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Black Mirror season 7: key information- Launching on Netflix on April 10, 2025- Will be six episodes- An official trailer is available- New and returning cast confirmed- First ever sequel episode based on season 4’s USS Callister- Episode titles and synopses have been confirmed- Brooker “in it for the long haul” for future seasons

Black Mirror season 7, the highly-praised and darkly satirical anthology Netflix series, will return in 2025.In this guide to the upcoming show, we have gathered intel about season 7 that’ll be sure to excite. It's one of the best Netflix shows, offering a wealth of sci-fi scenarios spanning dystopias and tackling themes of surveillance, AI, and societal issues, to name but a few.For season 7, the show looks set to return with more chaotic and thought-provoking tales on the best streaming service. Plus, there's an all-star cast already confirmed, which features returning characters in an unprecedented move for Black Mirror with the first-ever sequel.With a show like this, you're never quite sure what to expect, but we've scoured high and low for everything you need to know about Black Mirror season 7 from release date, to confirmed cast, to confirmed plot synopses, and more news.

Black Mirror season 7: is there a release date?

Yes, Black Mirror season 7 arrives on Netflix on Thursday, April 10. The news was confirmed in a Tudum press release alongside episode titles and synopses.

Black Mirror season 7: has a trailer been released?

Yes, an official trailer is out, which also confirms the titles of the six new episodes. These are as follows:

"Common People""Bête Noire","Hotel Reverie""Plaything""Eulogy""USS Callister: Into Infinity".

Black Mirror season 7: confirmed cast

The biggest Black Mirror season 7 news so far - the return of USS Callister (Image credit: Netflix)

Potential spoilers follow for Black Mirror season 7.

Black Mirror is renowned for its stellar cast list, which changes in every episode, thanks to its anthology style. And, during Geeked Week 2024, the Black Mirror season 7 lead cast was revealed and Brooker calls it: “embarrassingly stacked”:

Milanka Brooks as Elena TulaskaWaleed Hammad as PoOsy Ikhile as Nate PackerJimmi Simpson as WaltonPaul G. Raymond as Kabir DudaniCristin Milioti as Nanette ColeEdward Pishiyski Chlerich as Walton CloneBilly Magnussen as ValdackSiena Kelly as MariaRosy McEwen as VerityJames Nelson-Joyce as KanoAwkwafina as KimmyWill Poulter as Colin Ritman Asim Chaudhry as Mohan ThakurPeter Capaldi as CameronLewis Gribben as young Cameron WalkerEmma Corrin as DorothyPatsy Ferran as The GuidePaul Giamatti as PhillipRashida Jones as AmandaChris O’Dowd as MikeIssa Rae as BrandyTracee Ellis Ross as GaynorHarriet Walter as Judith Keyworth

Thanks to What’s On Netflix, we know a little more about some of the roles listed above, but the rest it seems we’ll have to wait to see. The report reveals that two of the characters, Verity (Rosy McEwen) and Maria (Siena Kelly), will play old schoolmates.These schoolmates, however, weren’t really mates at all. They work together at the same company – an international snack company called SavoritaWe also know that Milanka Brooks, Billy Magnussen, Paul G. Raymond, Cristin Milioti, Osy Ikhile, and Jimmi Simpson are all cast members from season 4’s USS Callister episode. And why are their names here again? Well, we’ll delve into that exciting plot news below.

Black Mirror season 7: confirmed story synopses

The crew of the USS Callister - minus two - star in Black Mirror season 7 (Image credit: Netflix)

We now know what each episode of Black Mirror season 7 will be about, so no need to speculate any longer!Here are all six episodes and what to expect."Common People”Synopsis: When a medical emergency leaves schoolteacher Amanda fighting for her life, desperate husband Mike signs her up for Rivermind, a high-tech system that will keep her alive — but at a cost.“Bête Noire”Synopsis: Maria is a high-flying development executive at a chocolate company. Everything is going well for her until someone she hasn’t seen since school — a woman named Verity — shows up for a focus group tasting session. It could be the chance for a heartfelt reunion, except there’s something very odd about Verity, and Maria seems to be the only person who notices.“Plaything”Synopsis: An eccentric loner named Cameron, who harbors an obsession with a mysterious 1990s video game, is arrested in connection with a grisly cold case — and his interrogation soon goes to places the police weren’t expecting. “Eulogy”Synopsis: An innovative system that enables users to literally step into photographic memories of the past leads a lonely man to re-examine a heartbreaking period in his past.“USS Callister: Into Infinity” Synopsis: Robert Daly is dead, but the crew of the USS Callister — led by Captain Nanette Cole — find that their problems are just beginning.

Will there be more seasons of Black Mirror?

We'd love to see more Black Mirror, and so would Charlie Brooker (Image credit: Netflix)

With six seasons under his belt and a seventh on the way, the question emerges as to how much more there is to come from Brooker, but thankfully The Hollywood Reporter posed this very question to the man himself.With an anthology series, the possibilities are seemingly endless, though he said: “I’m sure I’ll find out when we’re not doing any more seasons! It will be made apparent to me at some point, I’m sure. But I’m in it for the long haul. I’m not going anywhere.”After taking over Black Mirror from Channel 4 in 2015, the fate of the show now belongs to Netflix – though there’s been no official news from them yet as to whether a season eight is coming.

For more Netflix-based coverage, read our guides on 3 Body Problem season 2, Stranger Things season 5, Arcane season 2, and One Piece season 2.

Apple has released iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, macOS 15.4 and visionOS 2.4, bringing a grab bag of new features to the companies devices and expanding Apple Intelligence to new countries and languages.

As previously announced by Apple iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4 and macOS 15.4 include a new Apple News+ Food section in the News app that collects recipes and food-oriented articles, including exclusive recipes for Apple News+ subscribers. The updates also introduce new emoji, AI-sorted Priority Notifications in Notification Center, new ways to filter photos in the Photos app and lossless audio on the AirPods Max. That's on top of a random assortment of other quality-of-life features like:

AI-generated summaries of App Store reviews

An Ambient Music tool in Control Center

The ability to add and control Matter-compatible robot vacuums to the Home app

New widgets for the Podcasts app

A new "Sketch" style for images in Image Playground

Apple

The update to visionOS 2.4 will add Apple Intelligence features like Writing Tools and Image Playground to the Vision Pro for the first time, on top of a streamlined process for sharing your headset with another person, a new Apple Vision Pro app for the iPhone to download apps and experiences to your Vision Pro remotely, and a Spatial Gallery app for the headset itself that features a rotating collection of spatial videos and photos curated by Apple.

After a bit of a delay, Apple says Apple Intelligence will be available in the European Union for the first time on iPhone and iPad. The suite of AI features will now also work in several new languages "including French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese (simplified) — as well as localized English for Singapore and India," Apple says.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/ios-184-is-available-now-with-new-emoji-apple-news-food-and-priority-notifications-175358845.html?src=rss

Yesterday morning, I logged into Facebook and saw an image of the Colosseum turned into a water park. On LinkedIn, everyone was busy transforming their headshots into Studio Ghibli characters, courtesy of ChatGPT’s latest update. Threads showed me a video reimagining the cast of Severance crawling around Lumon as babies. And X kindly served up a Grok-generated image of Elon Musk and Donald Trump in a pose I wish I could unsee.It’s not just me, right? Social media has become a swirling mess of synthetic content. We’ve written about the rise of AI slop before – part cringe-inducing art gallery, part uncanny valley fever dream. And sure, the algorithm is feeding me stuff it thinks I care about – Severance babies, travel inspo, a healthy dose of Musk mockery. That checks out.But I keep thinking: has AI officially ruined social media? And is this just harmless chaos or is it quietly rewiring how we see truth, trust, and reality?

The four horsemen of the AI slopocalypse

One of the biggest problems with AI content is the sheer volume – and it’s coming from all sides. AI evangelists. Your coworkers. Your friends. Your gran (who probably doesn’t even realize what she’s reposting). And brands that absolutely should know better.To make sense of the mess, I spoke to Joe Goulcher, a creative director and social media expert. He works with brands on this stuff daily and has a front-row seat to the AI slop flood. According to Joe, AI content tends to fall into four distinct “strains” – “like a virus,” he tells me.

Functional AI slop“Crudely, badly made stuff that is basically stock imagery used to fill a hole where an image should be,” Goulcher explains. “It's bottom of the barrel, and barely any conscious thought has gone into why or what it is.” This is the lowest-effort tier. Bland visuals slapped onto posts just to have something there. Placeholder content that somehow became the content.Clickbait slop“Stuff that makes us stop scrolling and think ‘god this is disgusting and bad,’ but it’s by design to generate conversation,” Goulcher says. This one’s the most insidious. It’s not trying to be good, it’s trying to be just bad enough to go viral.The ‘look what I made!’ post“This is where people use AI to create something that looks like LOTR, Star Wars or another behemoth IP because it’s trained on it,” Goulcher tells me. “They say things like ‘look what I did in ten mins!! this is going to change the industry and you should be scared and using it now instead of spending thousands with artists.’ It usually goes down like a sack of bricks.” This is the hype-fuelled, tech-bro theatre of generative content. The tone is always breathless, and the results are always underwhelming.The genuinely good stuff“There are actually good AI campaigns, with purpose, permission, and laced with incredible VFX, handcrafted where AI couldn't do the job,” Goulcher says. Yes, some brands are doing it well, with thought, care, and actual artistry. But it’s rare. And usually buried under a steaming pile of junk.

Breaking it down like this might feel bleak – like we’ve gone full epidemiology on the most cursed content – but it’s actually useful. Categorizing the chaos helps explain why AI content feels inescapable, and why it hits so many different shades of dystopian.

AI for the sake of AI

We’re in an era of AI content being made simply because it can be. People, brands, entire businesses are churning it out. Not necessarily because they have something to say, and not because it’s better than the alternatives, but because the tools exist, they're easy to use, and the pressure to use them is enormous.This speaks to a deeper issue in tech. Just look at Apple’s recent AI missteps. Despite all the hype, AI isn’t delivering the magic it was sold on. It’s being shoved into products not because users need it, but because shareholders want to hear “AI” on earnings calls.And right now? It’s not revolutionizing much of anything. In fact, in most applications, it’s starting to look like a very expensive gimmick.“It reminds me of the early days of torrenting or music streaming – a bit of a Wild West,” Goulcher explains. “Even though brands whacked a logo on them, it didn't make it ethically good in any way. They were just trying to ride the waves of legality and dosh until legislation kicked in far too late.”Like crypto or NFTs, we see there’s innovation, hype, overuse, and then fatigue. “I think we can apply the same tech hype graph to AI content,” Goulcher says. “There's always something in my gut that’s like, ‘this bubble will burst.’ And I still think that will happen. When AI data sets start eating themselves, and the innovative wow factor wears off – what’s left?”And he’s asking the question more of us probably should be: “How are any of these billion-dollar tools actually making our lives better? Because the novelty is wearing off, the ethics (or lack of them) are becoming clearer, and the shock value is beginning to wane.”

AI hasn’t just broken social media, it’s broken the truth

It’s not like social media was perfect before this. AI didn’t start the rot, things were already slipping. But this latest wave of generative content has pushed it straight into uncanny, derivative, brain-melting chaos.And if AI is flooding our feeds with pointless slop, it’s also doing something more dangerous: weaponizing it. It’s easy to laugh at AI-generated celeb babies or cringe at a brand ad that crawled out of the uncanny valley. But that reaction misses the bigger, scarier picture.Because AI can fuel misinformation at scale. For example, across Europe, far-right groups are using AI-generated images to provoke outrage, spread conspiracy theories, and stoke division. And these aren’t just fringe trolls – they’re coordinated campaigns, designed to manipulate public opinion.That’s just one example. Election misinformation. Deepfake porn. Fake war footage. Yes, it's the kind of content that has always existed online. Only now, the rules have changed. You don’t need skills. You don’t need a team. You don’t even need a budget. Just a narrative and a willingness to abandon reality. And on social media, the rest takes care of itself.That’s the real horror story. Not just that we’re drowning in junk, or that brands think we want AI-generated ads, but that we’re slipping into a world where what’s fake moves faster than what’s true. And the algorithm doesn’t care if it’s real – just that it’s getting your clicks, your likes, your attention.

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If there’s one thing you can count on with AI tools is that they’ll launch without most of the promised features. It happened with Apple Intelligence. It happened with Galaxy AI. Now, it’s happening with Alexa+, Amazon’s AI-heavy upgrade to its virtual assistant. The tool is officially available but it doesn’t do a whole lot, according to reporting by The Washington Post.

The paper reviewed a number of internal company documents that noted the delay of many features. These documents suggest that a bunch of tools won’t be available for two months or longer. Alexa+ users won’t be able to use the platform to order takeout on Grubhub or identify family members via camera to remind them to do chores.

The same goes for that neat-sounding tool that the company says will auto-generate a story to entertain kids. Also, Alexa+ cannot be used to brainstorm gift ideas or order groceries. Finally, there isn’t a browser-based version available. The company says these delays are because the features do not “meet Amazon’s standards for public release.”

So what can Alexa+ do right now? I haven’t gotten a chance to fool around with it, but the early access page suggests customers can use it to order an Uber, identify objects and draft emails. That’s something, I guess.

Alexa+ is included with Amazon Prime but non-members have to pony up $20 per month. It may not be accessible to everyone just yet, as availability is expanding over the coming weeks and months. Also, it only works on devices with screens. These include the Echo Show 8, 10, 15 and 21.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/alexa-is-out-but-missing-a-lot-of-features-amazon-demoed-last-month-180741504.html?src=rss

Remember that time TikTok shut down and disappeared from app stores? It wasn't that long ago. For roughly 12 hours on January 19, TikTok was stripped away from roughly 175M US users only to be saved by a Presidential executive order decree that extended the ban deadline by 75 days. Don't worry; the White House promised we'll have a sale in place by then.Guess what? While TikTok has multiple suitors, no US company, and certainly not the White House, has purchased any portion of ByteDance's popular social media content-sharing platform.Throughout this process, ByteDance – a Chinese company – has yet to comment directly on the potential of a sale to a US firm. TikTok's US leadership and its CEO, Shou Zi Chew, have publicly praised President Donald Trump for his intervention but have been mostly silent since then.In the meantime, TikTok has spent millions on televised ads and infomercial segments touting TikTok's positive impact on people and US businesses, specifically small businesses. The company currently says it has roughly 7.5M businesses on the platform. In a recent economic impact report, TikTok claims small businesses drove $15B in revenue in 2023.There's no question that TikTok has had a significant impact on US business and, especially, culture (remember the pivotal role it played during COVID?). However, the US climate and appetite for a last-minute save of the social media platform may have shifted since January.After all, that was the literal dawn of President Trump's second term. Since then, there have been dozens of Executive Orders touching almost every part of American life (including technology; see this AI-related order), and there's a chance consumers may have bigger fish to fry.Even so, the fate of one of the world's most popular social media platforms does hang in the balance. Here's what we know about what comes next:I did reach out to the White House, Apple, Google, and TikTok about the current state of negotiations and what might happen if the ban does not get another extension. As of this writing, only Google responded, but it had nothing new to share.While there have been no public indications of any real progress or movement in the TikTok sale negotiation process, we do know that multiple suitors include:

Mr BeastPerplexity AIOracleA consortium that includes Shark Tank's Kevin O'LearyThe White House

Oracle is already managing TikTok's US data, so it might be the leading prospective buyer.The White House has often been mentioned as acquiring a partial stake in the US-owned version of the company. here are already legal hurdles involved with a sitting President also running a private or non-public-sector business.Perplexity AI is the most interesting suitor. In a lengthy blog post, the AI search company made an impassioned case for "Rebuilding TikTok in America."While ByteDance and the White House remain mum on deal details or progress, multiple US senators are still urging the White House to extend the ban postponement to October of this year.The White House stated this week that a deal would be done before the April 5 deadline but has yet to offer any further details beyond reiterating that there are "lots of potential buyers" and they have "tremendous interest."

What's next?

(Image credit: Future)

If the deal does not happen by then, TikTok could face a new ban, and that might mean the removal not only of TikTok but all of ByteDance's US apps, including Lemon8 and the popular video-editing app CapCut.Apple and Google removed the apps, and even after the US president extended the ban, they remained unavailable on the app stores for weeks.Apple did not respond to my request for comment. As I noted above, Google told me it had nothing new to share at this time.So, the current state of play is that while there's a lot of sale chatter from some major US business players and investors, there is nothing solid. There are not even leaks of a deal being close. All we have is Trump's promises and mostly silence from TikTok and ByteDance.What this boils down to is that you can't buy something that isn't for sale. ByteDance has never publicly stated that it is open to a sale. TikTok in the US, which has publicly appreciated the extension, may not have control of the situation without a sale agreement from its parent company. TikTok might be out of options.With five days left, anything could happen, but realistically, it's been almost a year since Former President Joe Biden signed the bill that triggered the ban countdown.Nothing material has changed, and time is running out.

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Google's latest feature drop might be a big win for summer travelAs with flights, you can now track prices and set alerts for hotelsGoogle Maps can also now pull potential places to visit from screenshots

If you’re a fan of Google Flights, especially for the price tracking data and how the current prices you’re seeing rank against other days, you’re in for a treat. As part of a drop of features fit for upcoming summer travel, Google aims to do for hotels what it’s done for flights.And yes, it’s as good as it sounds. Now, when you search for hotels on Google, you’ll have the option to ask the search giant to track prices. Essentially, you turn on the feature and then get an alert if there is a price drop.Similar to flights, you can be a bit descriptive, setting a price range or a 'don’t bother me if it doesn’t fall' here. It will even factor in a star rating if you have one selected and the general area where you were searching for a hotel.

(Image credit: Google)

Google is rolling out this new hotel price tracking feature globally on desktop and mobile. Once it’s available, you’ll find it right in search, complementing the historical knowledge of hotel pricing history.This hotel-focused feature is launching alongside some other new functionality from Google, all billed under getting ready for summer travel. The ability to set up price alerts for hotels is undoubtedly the most user-friendly feature and could have the most significant impact. It could potentially help you save on a stay.Another new feature that could help you better prepare for a trip is screenshot support within Google Maps. If you enable it, Google Maps will look through photos and deliver a list of places you've screenshotted.So, if you've been screenshotting TikToks about the best places to eat in New York City or maybe a list of the best ice cream spots in Boston, you won't need to dig through all of them to find every place mentioned.Instead, with some AI help, Google Maps will look through your screenshots, find those spots, and list them well in a handy list for you. It'll live in the app in a list titled "Screenshots," and this feature is entirely optional.

(Image credit: Google)

This feature could prove helpful, but considering that screenshots aren’t just used for travel or remembering specific spots, this could also be a bit of a privacy concern.It is opt-in only and not on by default, but it is rolling out now to mobile devices with U.S. English on iOS first, with Android following shortly.

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Storyblok says website issues cost businesses up to $101,000 in lost revenueHigh marketing budgets fail to prevent costly website inefficienciesDespite issues, 96% of businesses claim their website meets expectations

A new survey has revealed nearly half of businesses worldwide are dissatisfied with their websites, even after substantial financial investments.Despite these significant investments, 36% of ecommerce businesses admitted that their website had caused embarrassment in front of customers or stakeholders.This highlights a growing gap between spending and satisfaction, suggesting that even with the best website builder or the best web hosting for small businesses, many businesses struggle to maintain a site that meets their expectations.

The growing impact of website inefficiencies

Storyblok surveyed 300 senior business leaders across the US and Europe, finding companies spent an average of $550,688 on marketing technology over five years, with 18% exceeding $1 million.96% of those surveyed still claimed their website met all or most of their expectations, suggesting that while companies acknowledge website shortcomings, they may underestimate their impact on customer experience and revenue.Losses due to poor website performance have risen from $72,000 in 2023 to $94,500 per year, demonstrating the financial consequences of neglecting site optimization.“When we conducted this research two years ago, we were surprised to find so many businesses were embarrassed by their website and believed it was losing them vast sums of money. What made it more puzzling is that the majority of businesses said they received good ROI on their marketing technology,” said Dominik Angerer, Storyblok's CEO and co-founder.“Fast forward to today, and we are genuinely shocked to find the situation has become worse. Businesses are losing a lot more money, maintenance times are increasing, and costs are soaring. Yet, satisfaction with marketing solutions has increased.”European businesses are seeing the largest losses, with an average estimated impact of $101,000 annually, compared to $80,500 for US companies.Despite investing in the best web hosting solutions, many businesses continue to face website inefficiencies that contribute to these losses.With cybersecurity threats and accessibility needs rising, maintaining a high-performing website is becoming increasingly complex.However, Storyblok believes that “a new generation of composable architecture and solutions provides a much more cost and time-effective solution than inefficient legacy tech stacks that are increasingly unfit for their purpose.”

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The only real way to increase the storage of an Xbox Series X/S is to use a specialized expansion card. Luckily, a really good one is heavily discounted right now. The WD 1TB C40 storage card is down to $110 as part of the Amazon Spring Sale. This is a discount of 30 percent, as the regular price is around $158.

This is an officially-licensed product, so it’ll be a plug-and-play experience. It also delivers roughly the same performance as the internal drive. It’s important to note that this allows for both the storage and playing of games. Most external drives can only store, and not play, titles on an Xbox Series X/S.

Most modern AAA games require at least 50GB of available space. In other words, this drive will accommodate around 20 of these titles. Indie games tend to be much smaller, so the drive could conceivably house hundreds of smaller releases. The 2TB model is also on sale, for $200 instead of $260. The 512GB version is still at the original $80 asking price.

This is a handy drive that gets the job done. The only drawback is the price. Most 1TB external drives are cheaper than $110. It sucks that Microsoft went this weird route with storage, but that’s certainly not WD’s fault. On the positive side, this is a small and light card that won’t add any real weight to the already bulky Xbox consoles.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/wds-1tb-c50-xbox-storage-card-is-30-percent-off-in-the-amazon-spring-sale-184918803.html?src=rss

Substack is taking one more step towards becoming an all-in-one social media / creator platform by adding a vertical video feed to its app. Technically, the new TikTok-style feed is a redesign of the existing Media tab that the company added to the app in 2024, but either way Substack's intentions are clear: It wants a piece of the short-video pie currently being shared by Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

The feed features scrollable videos from creators you're subscribed to and others that have been algorithmically suggested. Multiple forms of short-form content can be included, like videos posted through Substack Notes, the company's Twitter-esque microblogging feature, clips from longer video posts and eventually previews of podcasts.

Adding multimedia features like podcasts and videos has been a boon to creators, according to Substack. The company says that "82% of Substack’s top-earning writers are using multimedia, up from just over 50% last April." Supporting short-form videos is an attempt to push things even further.

Substack added support for native video in 2022, expanded those features in 2023 and more recently, gave creators the ability to host live video streams in 2024. The company has been pretty upfront that it views Substack as a home for more than just newsletters, and it's been trying to court TikTok creators specifically since at least 2024.

Redesigning the Substack app gives subscribers a new way to find creators to follow, and makes the platform a better home for a whole new type of creator. The timing of Substack's change is purposeful. The extra breathing room President Trump gave TikTok by not enforcing the app's ban is supposed to end in April, meaning there could be room for alternative vertical video apps.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/substack-updated-its-app-to-make-it-even-more-like-tiktok-193415204.html?src=rss

Plugable USBC-7400H4 adapter supports four HDMI outputs and 90W power deliveryMulti-display support for Windows, macOS, and Apple M4 laptopsQuad 4K at 60Hz plus virtual 8K monitor via USB-C

Plugable, an American brand known for USB flash devices, has introduced the USBC-7400H4, a new graphics adapter which connects up to four 4K displays at 60Hz from a single USB-C port.This is the first adapter to feature the DisplayLink DL-7400 chipset, providing extensive screen space for demanding workloads, making it one of the best docking stations in the market.It works with both Windows and macOS, including base models of M1, M2, M3, and M4 MacBooks. It can also be paired with the best monitor for MacBook Pro or the best monitor for Mac Mini.

High-resolution output with integrated power delivery

The adapter also introduces a virtual 8K monitor powered through a single USB Type-C connection, allowing even Apple M4 laptops, which have limited built-in multi-display support, to create an extended workspace.Unlike many competing adapters that are limited to 1080p resolution or fewer displays, this device supports multiple high-resolution screens via four HDMI outputs, enabling users to expand their display setup beyond what most business laptops natively support.With 100W pass-through Power Delivery, the adapter allows users to charge their laptops while expanding their display setup, delivering 90W to the host. If external power isn’t needed, it can operate in a bus-powered mode, drawing power directly from the host computer.The USBC-7400H4 is available from Plugable and Amazon for $124.95, with a 10% launch discount, and is also offered for bulk and business purchases through affiliate partners

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OpenAI has been doubling its audience for ChatGPT at a rapid rate, and the addition of its latest image generation feature has increased the AI assistant's popularity. Today, CEO Sam Altman posted to X that the service "added one million users in the last hour," calling it a "biblical demand" for the image generation.

the chatgpt launch 26 months ago was one of the craziest viral moments i'd ever seen, and we added one million users in five days.we added one million users in the last hour.— Sam Altman (@sama) March 31, 2025

When the company announced the rollout of image generation in ChatGPT last week, the tool was meant to be available to all user tiers. However, the high degree of interest meant that access for free users was walked back. Now, the company is reporting "issues with new signups," which has been its status for more than a day.

While ChatGPT's ability to create original images has been a delight (and occasional horror show) for users, the AI platform continues to draw the ire of artists and creatives. Many of these people have their work taken, either as training material for the large-language model scraped from the internet or improperly taken and modified by ChatGPT users, without any credit or compensation. One of the more visible examples have been the many memes image inspired by the animation style of Studio Ghibli. Altman is currently using one such image as his X profile photo, but other users have used ChatGPT to apply the look of the studio's films to violent or triggering content, raising a fresh round of questions about how creators can protect their work from misuse. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/chatgpt-gained-one-million-new-users-in-an-hour-today-201314746.html?src=rss

YouTube demonetized two channels for sharing AI-made fake trailersSome Hollywood studios secretly claimed ad revenue from the misleading trailersThe crackdown comes amid new contracts and laws limiting unauthorized AI replicas

If you've ever visited YouTube and clicked on a trailer for the next superhero film and thought it seemed too good to be true, well, you might have been right. Wishful thinking, clever editing, and a scoop of AI fakery produced clips enticing billions of clicks and earning plenty of cash through advertising. The shocking part is that a lot of that money apparently found its way to the very studios you might expect to try and shut down any such unauthorized use of their intellectual property, at least according to information uncovered recently by Deadline.That sidehustle may now be over with YouTube removing two of the biggest homes of these AI-laced fake trailers, Screen Culture and KH Studio, from its Partner Program. That means no more ad revenue for them or the studios reportedly getting a piece of the action.Screen Culture has made many popular trailers full of AI-generated shots for upcoming films like The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Superman. KH Studio is more famous for its imaginary casting, like Leonardo DiCaprio in the next Squid Game or Henry Cavill as the next James Bond. You would be forgiven for assuming the plotlines, characters, and visuals on display were teasing details of the films, but they were produced far from the real film development.The fakes were good enough to sometimes come up in searches before the real trailers, and enough clicks could prompt YouTube’s recommendation algorithm to highlight the fakes above the real deal. That translates into a lot of cash for a monetized video. That's likely why, according to Deadline, studios made arrangements with YouTube to redirect the ad revenue from these fake trailers into their own accounts.

Trailer tricks

Still, YouTube has its own rules. The monetization deal may have been okay in theory, but the channels broke other rules. For instance, to earn ad revenue, a creator can't just remix someone else's content; they need to add original elements. A reviewer might show a brief clip of a film to comment on it, but most of the video is the review, not the movie. You also can't copy others' work, mislead viewers, or make content for the “sole purpose of getting views.”Screen Culture and KH Studio can appeal the demonetization, but that might be a long shot. YouTube's decision reflects a larger ongoing debate about AI in the entertainment industry. The SAG-AFTRA strike highlighted the demands of actors for limits and control of any AI replicas of people in film and TV. The final agreement reached following the long strike set out new rules for consent by a performer before any studio can use AI to mimic their likeness.In case that wasn't clear enough, California lawmakers passed two bills barring the use of AI to recreate a performer’s voice or image without their consent, even posthumously. That makes it harder for studios or rogue creators to conjure digital versions of famous faces just to juice a trailer, real or otherwise.YouTube is somewhat stuck as fan-made trailers have long been a popular kind of content. Using AI, though, can make a fake trailer seem good enough to trick people, even if only by accident. And YouTube doesn't want to encourage the practice by monetizing it. For now, the message from YouTube is clear: you can imagine a world where Cavill is Bond or Galactus shows up in Fantastic Four, but you can’t cash in on that fantasy if it's built only around AI.

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With a Tomodachi Life sequel teased and the last few Switch 1 games announced, the deck is cleared for Nintendo's next video presentation on the Switch 2. The appropriately titled "Nintendo Direct: Switch 2" presentation is slated for April 2 at 9AM ET / 6AM PT, and will stream on Nintendo's YouTube channel.

Nintendo revealed what the new console looks like in a short teaser video in January, which confirmed details like the device's larger screen, and teased things like a new Mario Kart and some sort of mouse functionality for the Switch 2's Joy-Con controllers. The company's April 2 presentation should answer even more questions about what's exactly different about the Switch successor, how much it'll cost and when it'll launch.

Join us on April 2nd at 6am PT for #NintendoDirect: Nintendo Switch 2 – 4.2.2025, where we will share a closer look at #NintendoSwitch2.► https://t.co/XCecVa9Zid pic.twitter.com/ACu5pZUd0D— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) February 5, 2025

You can read our article collecting Switch 2 rumors and reports for a preview of what Nintendo might cover. Particularly pertinent for anyone thinking about buying the new console, recent leaks indicate that Nintendo could open up pre-orders for the Switch 2 as early as April 9, and ship out the device in June.

We'll have to wait for the Nintendo Direct to fill in those details, and hopefully learn more about the launch lineup of Switch 2 games in the process. You can watch along on Nintendo's YouTube channel or right in this article once the stream goes live.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/how-to-watch-the-switch-2-nintendo-direct-210632411.html?src=rss

Riot Games has unveiled new details for its upcoming tabletop game, called Riftbound - The League of Legends Trading Card Game. We first got a look at this TCG under the codename Project K in December. The latest trailer showed off new artwork for the cards, including fresh takes on the LoL characters that aren't just copies of their in-game champion portraits. The card UI has also gotten some extra polish compared with what was showed late last year.

The team at Riot has been incorporating player feedback into the game's first set, called Origins. This set will have more than 300 different cards, and familiar LoL champions including Jinx, Viktor and Lee Sin will star in pre-built decks for this inaugural set. For the serious collectors, there will also be secret rare versions of the champion cards with unique art.

In addition to the previously revealed multiplayer aspect, Riftbound offers a path for reaching fans who don't have experience in this card game genre. Riftbound will have a box called Proving Grounds where champions like Lux, Annie, Master Yi and Garen will help newer players to get acclimated to TCG basics.

The timeline for the Riftbound is also starting to firm up, with its China launch is scheduled for summer 2025. Some English speaking countries will also see the game arrive this year, but other markets will have to wait until 2026; the devs didn't specify which regions will be on which timeline.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/riot-games-league-of-legends-tcg-is-officially-called-riftbound-212507458.html?src=rss

Asus just teased it's 'cooking something up' on X (formerly Twitter)We think the device might be the rumored Xbox handheldThe computer brand is promising more power with the device

Sure, we’re all waiting for Nintendo to spill all the remaining beans about the Switch 2 during its ‘Direct’ live stream on April 2, 2025, but there is another handheld courting our attention right now.ASUS has just formally teased a gaming handheld in one of the most delightful ways possible. This comes after rumors of Microsoft partnering with the tech brand on a potential Xbox gaming handheld. We're hoping that means a device that’s as well equipped as a Steam Deck with Xbox flare.The teaser, which was posted on X (formerly Twitter), reads, “Our little robot friend is cooking something up… #ROG #ROGALLY #PlayALLYourGames #NextLevelGaming” and features a 34-second video of that ‘little robot friend’ building out something on a large-screen monitor and then tossing a ROG Ally and a ROG Raikiri Pro controller into a chamber emitting smoke.

Our little robot friend is cooking something up...#ROG #ROGALLY #PlayALLYourGames #NextLevelGaming pic.twitter.com/nDG7rlEIhHMarch 31, 2025

What comes out? Well, it’s seemingly the rumored ASUS x Xbox handheld, and we couldn’t be more excited. The device that appears has a simple character winking with one eye with a grin and controls on either side.It’s worth noting that on the screen during the building process, four things are being worked on:

Marathon StaminaFaster SpeedsMore CapacityFresh Look!

(Image credit: Asus)

e qualities of both an upgrade to the ASUS Rog Ally and what you’d want from a portable handheld console. While the original post on X doesn’t exactly mention Xbox anywhere, this post comes after rumors earlier this year, and Xbox did slide in here with a reply.

pic.twitter.com/ONZpeEmNkaMarch 31, 2025

The social team at Xbox responded with a member showing a side-eye, at least hopefully hinting at the partnership or maybe just causing false hope for us all.Either way, whether this future ASUS ROG device runs on the Xbox platform or opts for an alternative operating system, it surely seems that it will be plenty powerful. Asus also seemingly wants to get ahead of Nintendo’s much-anticipated Direct stream on April 2, 2025.As for when Asus we’ll share more, no exact date or timeframe is given. Though Computex 2025, which kicks off on May 19, 2025, is a potential event where this device could debut. Either route, stick with TechRadar for the news as it breaks during the April 2 Nintendo Direct and forever when Asus is ready to share more.

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visionOS 2.4 brings Apple Intelligence to the $3,499 spatial computerImage Playground, Writing Tools, and Genmoji lead the enhancementsAVision Pro app for the iPhone highlights new content and makes hardware information easily accessible

Apple Vision Pro just got a lot smarter with a visionOS 2.4 update that brings some of the best parts of Apple Intelligence to the mixed reality headset.Apple's visionOS 2.4 is available now for download to your $3,499 headset. It adds key Apple Intelligence features, including:

Image PlaygroundGenmojisWriting Tools

Image 1 of 2(Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2(Image credit: Future)

While Writing Tools brings AI-powered writing suggestions to Messages, Notes, and other first-party Apple tools, Image Playground is an entirely new app in the Vision Pro arsenal.It works pretty much the way it does on iOS. There's an app that you can open and then, using gesture and voice, create wild generative images that feature Apple Intelligence interpretations of you and your contacts. These images are manipulated based on your prompt and other visual options you apply, like "Rainforest," "Sci-fi," "Spring," "Party," and more.The artwork now appears in three style options: Animations, Illustration, and Sketch.

(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

Vision Pro's OS update arrives simultaneously alongside iOS 18.4, which delivers the new Apple Vision Pro app to the iPhone. Inside the app are tech details about your own Vision Pro headset, including the specifics of your prescription inserts, if you have them. It's also a great place to discover fresh content for the headset.Meanwhile, back on the Vision Pro, there's the new Spatial Gallery, which is an immersive content gallery. It'll be where Apple will highlight its newest piece of spatial video content: VIP: Yankee Stadium, an immersive look at the iconic ballpark.

Image 1 of 3(Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 3(Image credit: Future)Image 3 of 3(Image credit: Future)

We spent a little bit of time with the new Apple Intelligence features in Vision Pro. They're all easy to use and integrate well with the Vision pro's gaze and gesture-based interface. This is especially effective when you want to use your voice to alter your Image Playground creations.As for Siri, you do gain access to ChatGPT via Apple's digital assistant, but, as in iOS, there are still no significant updates with visionOS 2.4. That said, we cannot wait until we finally have a Siri that can recognize everything on our Vision Pro desktop and take mixed-reality actions on our behalf.Finally, visionOS 2.4 updates Guest Mode. Now, you can enable the mode from your iPhone without having to first wear the headset, hand it to a guest wearer, and see what they see through your iPhone or iPad. It makes sharing much easier.

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Apple Home now supports select Matter-enabled robot vacuumsAssuming your vacuum is supported, you could soon be saying, 'Siri, vacuum the kitchen'It's been a long time coming, as support was originally promised by the end of 2024

If you’ve been dreaming about one day saying, ‘Hey Siri, have the vacuum clean the living room and the kitchen,’ Apple’s answering your prayers. Well, at least if you have one of the eligible robot vacuum cleaners.With iOS 18.4 – Apple’s latest software, which is rolling out right now alongside iPadOS 18.4, macOS Sequoia 15.4, tvOS 18.4, and HomePods software – Apple Home can now play nice and control eligible Matter-compatible robot vacuums from Roborock, iRobot, and Ecovacs.It’s been a long time coming, to say the least.Apple first promised that support for these smart home cleaners would arrive by the end of 2024, but it took a little bit longer – four months exactly. Still, the support is here with the latest release.

(Image credit: Apple)

So what does this mean? Well, if you have a supported model from those three brands, you can add your robot vacuum to your Apple Home and control it right from there or even integrate it into an existing automation.That latter means you could set up a routine to have your vacuum cleaner start up a session when you leave the house on Wednesdays to ensure that when you return, the floor is clean.Additionally, within Apple Home or via Siri from really any Apple device, you’ll be able to ask the robot vacuum to clean a specific room or ask for it’s status. Now, you may need to update your robot vacuum cleaner. Roborock announced many firmware updates today that will enable the models to work with Apple Home when they roll out in early April 2025. Those include the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra, Saros Z70, Saros 10, Saros 10R, Qrevo Curv, Qrevo Edge, and Qrevo Master.Models from Ecovacs and iRobot will likely require software updates as well, and we’ll update you when we hear more about those. Regardless of whether an update is required, it’s excellent to see Apple make good on its promise of rolling out robot vacuum support to Apple Home, and it really will bolster the smart home offering.Of course, we’re all still waiting on the AI-infused Siri as part of Apple Intelligence, which could make smart home control even better, but that’s set to arrive ‘in the coming year.’ That’ll likely need to arrive before the smart home display – aka a HomePod with a screen – that I and many others dream of, if it ever arrives.

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Looking for a different day?A new NYT Wordle puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Monday's puzzle instead then click here.

It's time for your guide to today's Wordle answer, featuring my commentary on the latest puzzle, plus a selection of hints designed to help you keep your streak going.Don't think you need any clues for Wordle today? No problem, just skip to my daily column. But remember: failure in this game is only ever six guesses away.Want more word-based fun? TechRadar's Quordle today page contains hints and answers for that game, and you can also take a look at our NYT Strands today and NYT Connections today pages for our verdict on two of the New York Times' other brainteasers.SPOILER WARNING: Today's Wordle answer and hints are below, so don't read on if you don't want to see them.

Wordle hints (game #1382) - clue #1 - Vowels

How many vowels does today's Wordle have?• Wordle today has vowels in two places*.

* Note that by vowel we mean the five standard vowels (A, E, I, O, U), not Y (which is sometimes counted as a vowel too).

Wordle hints (game #1382) - clue #2 - first letter

What letter does today's Wordle begin with?• The first letter in today's Wordle answer is J.

J is the least common letter overall in Wordle, but is only the fourth least likely starting letter. That's because it begins 20 out of the 27 answers it appears in (Y, Z and X are all less common starting letters).

Wordle hints (game #1382) - clue #3 - repeated letters

Does today's Wordle have any repeated letters?• There are repeated letters in today's Wordle.

Repeated letters are quite common in the game, with 748 of the 2,309 Wordle answers containing one. However, it's still more likely that a Wordle doesn't have one.

Wordle hints (game #1382) - clue #4 - ending letter

What letter does today's Wordle end with?• The last letter in today's Wordle is L.

L is a really common letter to find at the end of a Wordle. There are 155 games that finish with an L, and it ranks as the fifth most likely letter there.

Wordle hints (game #1382) - clue #5 - last chance

Still looking for more Wordle hints today? Here's an extra one for game #1382.

Today's Wordle answer is a precious gem.

If you just want to know today's Wordle answer now, simply scroll down – but I'd always recommend trying to solve it on your own first. We've got lots of Wordle tips and tricks to help you, including a guide to the best Wordle start words.If you don't want to know today's answer then DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER BECAUSE IT IS PRINTED BELOW. So don't say you weren't warned!

Today's Wordle answer (game #1382)

(Image credit: New York Times)

NYT average score: 4.6My score: 4WordleBot's score: 4My start word performance: WRACK (59 remaining answers)WordleBot's start word performance: CRANE (273)

Today's Wordle answer (game #1382) is… JEWEL.Oof! Wordle not tough enough for you lately, even with QUOTA and BOOTY in successive games? Well, try JEWEL for size.Like QUOTA, it begins with an uncommon letter – in this case J, the least common in the entire game. And like BOOTY, it contains a repeated letter, E in this case. But it also has a relatively rare W in the middle, plus more than a passing resemblance to the likes of BEVEL, REVEL, LEVEL, REBEL, BEZEL, REPEL and others.Put all that together and you have an average score of 4.6. Or, in other words, a very difficult Wordle indeed.I was therefore very fortunate to play WRACK on my first guess today. This gave me the W right away, and cut the possible answers list to 59 – a far better result than WordleBot got with CRANE (273).I deliberated for what seemed like hours over what to play next. I figured that W may well go after an S or T, and so nearly played SWINE or SWIPE before ultimately choosing TWINE.This was a decent choice – but not fantastic, and it only cut my options to an unlucky 13. I didn't find anywhere near that many myself – I had BELOW, and ELBOW (which I knew was a past Wordle answer), and VOWEL and JEWEL.Many of the others were not true misses on my part, though – WordleBot included lots of ED words such as MOWED and VOWED, and they're unlikely to ever be solutions.Based on the words I'd found, BELOW was guaranteed to give me the answer on the fourth guess.And though I had missed a couple of genuine options (namely DOWEL and BOWEL), it did indeed point me in the right direction; with the W still yellow and the B and O ruled out, JEWEL was the only possible solution.How did you do today? Send me an email or let me know in the comments.

Yesterday's Wordle hints (game #1381)

In a different time zone where it's still Monday? Don't worry – I can give you some clues for Wordle #1381, too.

Wordle yesterday had vowels in two places.

* Note that by vowel we mean the five standard vowels (A, E, I, O, U), not Y (which is sometimes counted as a vowel too).

The first letter in yesterday's Wordle answer was B.

B is a very, very common starting letter in Wordle. In fact, it's the third most common overall, behind only S and C.

There were repeated letters in yesterday's Wordle.

Repeated letters are quite common in the game, with 748 of the 2,309 Wordle answers containing one. However, it's still more likely that a Wordle doesn't have one.

The last letter in yesterday's Wordle was Y.

Y is the second most common ending letter in the game, behind only E. In total, 364 Wordle answers end with a Y.

Still looking for more Wordle hints? Here's an extra one for game #1381.

Yesterday's Wordle answer is plunder, or something you might shake.

Yesterday's Wordle answer (game #1381)

(Image credit: New York Times)

NYT average score: 4.2My score: 5WordleBot's score: 3My start word performance: FIGHT (288 remaining answers)WordleBot's start word performance: CRANE (356)

Yesterday's Wordle answer (game #1381) was… BOOTY.While Sunday's QUOTA was a difficult Wordle with a lower-than-expected average score due to a single start word skewing the statistics, Monday's is simply a difficult Wordle, full stop.It has an average score of 4.2, and features my least favorite of all Wordle formats: the dreaded OO. And, as if to prove that it's my nemesis, it caused me to suffer my first 5/6 since LADLE more than two weeks ago.Oh, how I do hate those double-Os. I never spot them early and always struggle to place letters either side of them. It's becoming a bit of a cliche.Still, I'm clearly not the only one to struggle yesterday – although annoyingly, the 'Bot managed a three despite its opening CRANE leaving 356 possible solutions compared to the 288 left by my FIGHT.WordleBot's trick was to play SLOTH second time out, which left at most two words (BOOTY and FOOTY) and most likely just the one. In contrast, I followed up with STALE, and this was unlucky in leaving 24.My third guess was TRUNK, which made sense at the time as T had already been ruled out in its most common position at the end of a word and therefore would surely go at the start. The other letters were all common apart from K, which is a regular visitor to the end of words and therefore not a bad choice given that I knew T, E and L would not be going there.The problem was simply that I hadn't considered enough words at this stage. I knew that TROOP, TRUNK, TRUCK, POTTY, PUTTY, DOTTY, NUTTY and TRUMP were all possibles, but had missed a dozen or so more including MOTTO, TUTOR, MOTOR, OUTDO, TUBBY and, yes, BOOTY. Maybe if I'd found some more I would have played something else; WordleBot suggested that TRUMP was the better bet.Anyway, TRUNK was unsuccessful but did cut those 20-plus options down to a quartet of POTTY, DOTTY, BOOTY and MOTTO.POTTY and DOTTY would guarantee a five at worst, the other two wouldn't – so I played DOTTY then had to follow up with BOOTY for that five. Frustrating.

Wordle answers: The past 50

I've been playing Wordle every day for more than three years now and have tracked all of the previous answers so I can help you improve your game. Here are the last 50 solutions starting with yesterday's answer, or check out my past Wordle answers page for the full list.

Wordle #1381, Monday's 31 March: BOOTYWordle #1380, Sunday 30 March: QUOTAWordle #1379, Saturday 29 March: SORRYWordle #1378, Friday 28 March: VERSEWordle #1377, Thursday 27 March: SHEETWordle #1376, Wednesday 26 March: ELBOWWordle #1375, Tuesday 25 March: SHELFWordle #1374, Monday 24 March: ANGLEWordle #1373, Sunday 23 March: DOPEYWordle #1372, Saturday 22 March: AMBLEWordle #1371, Friday 21 March: NUDGEWordle #1370, Thursday 20 March: BASTEWordle #1369, Wednesday 19 March: SPARKWordle #1368, Tuesday 18 March: TIMERWordle #1367, Monday 17 March: LASSOWordle #1366, Sunday 16 March: STAMPWordle #1365, Saturday 15 March: LADLEWordle #1364, Friday 14 March: PIECEWordle #1363, Thursday 13 March: CHASEWordle #1362, Wednesday 12 March: MANGOWordle #1361, Tuesday 11 March: TRACKWordle #1360, Monday 10 March: SPITEWordle #1359, Sunday 9 March: GREEDWordle #1358, Saturday 8 March: NAVELWordle #1357, Friday 7 March: TROOPWordle #1356, Thursday 6 March: ALERTWordle #1355, Wednesday 5 March: SCRUMWordle #1354, Tuesday 4 March: CHECKWordle #1353, Monday 3 March: SPEARWordle #1352, Sunday 2 March: DEITYWordle #1351, Saturday 1 March: HOVERWordle #1350, Friday 28 February: FUZZYWordle #1349, Thursday 27 February: LODGEWordle #1348, Wednesday 26 February: AWARDWordle #1347, Tuesday 25 February: DRYERWordle #1346, Monday 24 February: GLANDWordle #1345, Sunday 23 February: OTTERWordle #1344, Saturday 22 February: CREAMWordle #1343, Friday 21 February: CLOVEWordle #1342, Thursday 20 February: ROACHWordle #1341, Wednesday 19 February: MADLYWordle #1340, Tuesday 18 February: INDIEWordle #1339, Monday 17 February: TRAILWordle #1338, Sunday 16 February: SUAVEWordle #1337, Saturday 15 February: CROOKWordle #1336, Friday 14 February: DITTYWordle #1335, Thursday 13 February: RUMBAWordle #1334, Wednesday 12 February: RAPIDWordle #1333, Tuesday 11 February: SCOREWordle #1332, Monday 10 February: GOODYWordle #1331, Sunday 9 February: BONUS

What is Wordle?

If you're on this page then you almost certainly know what Wordle is already, and indeed have probably been playing it for a while. And even if you've not been playing it, you must surely have heard of it by now, because it's the viral word game phenomenon that took the world by storm last year and is still going strong in 2024.We've got a full guide to the game in our What is Wordle page, but if you just want a refresher then here are the basics.

What is Wordle?Wordle challenges you to guess a new five-letter word each day. You get six guesses, with each one revealing a little more information. If one of the letters in your guess is in the answer and in the right place, it turns green. If it's in the answer but in the wrong place, it turns yellow. And if it's not in the answer at all it turns gray. Simple, eh?It's played online via the Wordle website or the New York Times' Crossword app (iOS / Android), and is entirely free. Crucially, the answer is the same for everyone each day, meaning that you're competing against the rest of the world, rather than just against yourself or the game. The puzzle then resets each day at midnight in your local time, giving you a new challenge, and the chance to extend your streak.

What are the Wordle rules?The rules of Wordle are pretty straightforward, but with a couple of curveballs thrown in for good measure.1. Letters that are in the answer and in the right place turn green.2. Letters that are in the answer but in the wrong place turn yellow.3. Letters that are not in the answer turn gray.4. Answers are never plural.5. Letters can appear more than once. So if your guess includes two of one letter, they may both turn yellow, both turn green, or one could be yellow and the other green.6. Each guess must be a valid word in Wordle's dictionary. You can't guess ABCDE, for instance.7. You do not have to include correct letters in subsequent guesses unless you play on Hard mode.8. You have six guesses to solve the Wordle.9. You must complete the daily Wordle before midnight in your timezone.10. All answers are drawn from Wordle's list of 2,309 solutions. However…11. Wordle will accept a wider pool of words as guesses – some 10,000 of them. For instance, you can guess a plural such as WORDS. It definitely won't be right (see point 4 above), but Wordle will accept it as a guess.

Apple has released iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, macOS 15.4 and visionOS 2.4, bringing a grab bag of new features to the companies devices and expanding Apple Intelligence to new countries and languages.

As previously announced by Apple iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4 and macOS 15.4 include a new Apple News+ Food section in the News app that collects recipes and food-oriented articles, including exclusive recipes for Apple News+ subscribers. The updates also introduce new emoji, AI-sorted Priority Notifications in Notification Center, new ways to filter photos in the Photos app and lossless audio on the AirPods Max. That's on top of a random assortment of other quality-of-life features like:

AI-generated summaries of App Store reviews

An Ambient Music tool in Control Center

The ability to add and control Matter-compatible robot vacuums to the Home app

New widgets for the Podcasts app

A new "Sketch" style for images in Image Playground

Apple

The update to visionOS 2.4 will add Apple Intelligence features like Writing Tools and Image Playground to the Vision Pro for the first time, on top of a streamlined process for sharing your headset with another person, a new Apple Vision Pro app for the iPhone to download apps and experiences to your Vision Pro remotely, and a Spatial Gallery app for the headset itself that features a rotating collection of spatial videos and photos curated by Apple.

After a bit of a delay, Apple says Apple Intelligence will be available in the European Union for the first time on iPhone and iPad. The suite of AI features will now also work in several new languages "including French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese (simplified) — as well as localized English for Singapore and India," Apple says.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ios-18-4-available-now-175358838.html?src=rss

The recent disclosure of another major firewall exploit should serve as a wake-up call to security teams everywhere. The latest vulnerabilities impacting Palo Alto Networks’ firewalls have once again exposed how fragile network security architectures are. While the immediate response has followed the predictable cycle of patching, monitoring, and damage assessment, the bigger issue remains unresolved.The problem is not just a software flaw or an unpatched device. It is the lack of extensive network security policy management (NSPM) strategies. These are essential for any organization that is serious about attack surface reduction.Modern network security cannot afford to operate reactively. Organizations that focus solely on perimeter defense and emergency patch management are constantly playing catch-up. The traditional ‘fix and forget’ model no longer works in an environment where threats evolve faster than most teams can respond.Attackers are not just targeting known vulnerabilities; they are probing security policies, misconfigurations, and access control gaps that enterprises often overlook. This is where NSPM becomes a game-changer. Instead of reacting to breaches, organizations need to proactively manage their security posture, ensuring that their policies and configurations don’t introduce new risks.

Expanding complexity

The expansion of hybrid and cloud computing environments has made managing security policies more difficult than ever. Enterprises operate across on-premises data centers, multi-cloud architectures, and remote workforces, each introducing new layers of complexity.Without a structured approach to NSPM, security teams lack visibility into how policies interact across these environments. This blind spot increases the risk of misconfigurations, redundant rules, and security gaps that adversaries can exploit. Gartner’s research on Attack Surface Management (ASM) highlights the challenges which businesses must contend with when it comes to policy complexity.Attack surface management and NSPM go hand in hand. ASM focuses on identifying and monitoring all exposed digital assets, but without NSPM, that visibility is meaningless. Effective security starts with knowing whether firewall rules and access policies allow unauthorized traffic to exploit vulnerabilities.The question every security team should be able to answer is: are there any security policy enforcement rules that allow access to known vulnerabilities across your environment? More importantly, when new rules are created, can you determine if they inadvertently expose an asset that was previously secure? Without an NSPM strategy in place, these risks remain unchecked, leaving enterprises vulnerable even when they believe they are secure.

Welcome to automation

Recent research shows that automation plays a critical role in minimizing attack surfaces. According to an IDC report on Firewall Policy Management, automating firewall policy management reduces human error and enforces compliance across complex architectures. Enterprises that adopt automated NSPM strategies experience fewer misconfigurations and can implement rule optimizations that remove redundant access points. When combined with ASM, this approach reduces the number of exploitable attack paths while maintaining flexibility for legitimate access requirements.The importance of proactive security policy management is underscored by the increasing frequency of firewall-related breaches. While the immediate response to the latest Palo Alto vulnerability will be to patch and monitor affected devices, organizations should view this as an opportunity to rethink how they manage security policies. Patching alone is not enough. Attackers are always looking for the next unpatched device or the next misconfigured rule that provides a pathway into critical systems.

Ongoing process

An effective NSPM approach extends beyond simple rule enforcement. It enables security teams to continuously assess and refine policies based on evolving threats. A structured NSPM approach helps enforce segmentation strategies by dynamically validating policy changes. But segmentation alone is not enough without continuous network monitoring to ensure assets remain protected.Organizations should be implementing a zero-trust approach that dynamically evaluates policy changes and their potential impact on security posture. This requires integrating NSPM into a broader risk management framework that considers exposure, compliance, and operational efficiency.Another challenge is the growing reliance on multi-vendor security environments. Many enterprises use a mix of firewalls, cloud security controls, and endpoint protection platforms, each with its own policy management approach. Without a unified NSPM solution, security teams struggle to enforce consistent policies across different platforms. This inconsistency increases the likelihood of gaps in security enforcement, making it easier for attackers to exploit weak points in the network.

Compliance cornerstone

As cyber threats evolve, regulatory pressures are also increasing. Compliance standards such as GDPR, NIS2, and PCI-DSS require organizations to demonstrate effective security controls, including robust policy management. The IDC highlights that compliance is not just about avoiding fines.Businesses should view it as potential for competitive differentiation. Companies that can demonstrate proactive security policy enforcement are in a stronger position to gain customer trust and meet regulatory expectations. NSPM provides a structured way to ensure that policies remain compliant, reducing the risk of audit failures and costly remediations.Security teams must shift their approach from reactive to proactive policy management. The latest firewall vulnerabilities are proof that outdated security models are failing. Today, NSPM is a strategic imperative for reducing risk and ensuring resilience against the next inevitable breach.

We list the best small and medium business (SMB) firewall and the best cloud firewall.

This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro

Daredevil: Born Again season 1 is almost over already.The hit Marvel TV show's final episode will be with us sooner than you'd think – but, before we reach its climax, there's the small matter of two other chapters coming to Disney+ first.So, when will Daredevil: Born Again episode 7 be released on Disney's primary streaming platform? Below, I've outlined when you can watch it in the US, UK, and Australia. You'll also find out when new episodes will launch on one of the world's best streaming services, too. Without further ado, then, here's when you can catch Born Again's seventh installment.

When will Daredevil: Born Again episode 7 launch in the US?

"Vanessa, when will the next episode of our show be released on Disney+?" (Image credit: Marvel Studios/Disney+)

Born Again's next entry is set to arrive on Disney+ in the US at 6PM PT / 9PM ET on Tuesday, April 1.If you're wondering why we've jumped from Born Again episode 5's release time to episode 7's, it's because two chapters were released on Disney+ last week. Indeed, there was a double helping of Daredevil's standalone Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) TV series last week (March 25). So, if you somehow missed that double-header, you'll need to watch its sixth installment ASAP.

When can I watch Daredevil: Born Again episode 7 in the UK?

Jumping into a new episode of Born Again like... (Image credit: Marvel Studios/Disney+)

The Marvel Phase 5 TV show's next outing will make its debut on Disney+ UK at 2AM BST on Wednesday, April 2.Why the time shift? The clocks went forward one hour in the UK last Sunday (March 30), so those of us on British shores will have to wait an extra hour to watch The Man Without Fear's next law- or vigilante-based story on the streaming giant.

What time is Daredevil: Born Again episode 7 going to debut on Disney+ in Australia?

Things won't get any easier for Matt Murdock from here on out (Image credit: Marvel Studios/Disney+)

Those Down Under can check out Born Again's next chapter on Wednesday, April 2 at 12PM AEDT.This is the final time you'll be able to watch the show at this time, too. The clocks are due to go back on Sunday (April 6), which makes things better for Australian viewers because you'll be able to stream episodes 8 and 9 at the earlier time of 11PM AEST.

What is the full release schedule for new episodes of Daredevil: Born Again?

We're not a-Muse-d that Born Again's first season has almost ended already (Image credit: Marvel Studios/Disney+)

There are only two more episodes of Daredevil: Born Again to come before its first season ends. Find out when new entries for one of the best Disney+ shows will arrive in the US, UK, and Australia below:

Episode 1 – out nowEpisode 2 – out nowEpisode 3 – out nowEpisode 4 – out nowEpisode 5 – out nowEpisode 6 – out nowEpisode 7 – April 1 (US); April 2 (UK and Australia)Episode 8 – April 8 (US); April 9 (UK and Australia)Episode 9 – April 15 (US); April 16 (UK and Australia)

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Marvel Unlimited monthly subscription: was $9.99 per month now $4.99 at MarvelThe ultimate digital comics subscription for Marvel fans is offering new and returning customers 50% off their first month, which is much cheaper than a streaming subscription to watch all the best superhero movies. To gain access to a library of more than 30,000 comics, use the code 'SPIDEY50' at checkout. You're able to use the Marvel Unlimited app on all iOS and Android devices, including the web, too. But, be quick – the deal expires on May 5!View Deal

Ransomware attacks continue to be on the rise and show no signs of slowing down. In fact, a ransomware attack occurs every 39 seconds. That’s over 2200 attacks per day. The sophistication of these attacks evolves constantly, making it extremely challenging for any organization to maintain a strong security posture.New ransomware variants employ various tactics to compromise data, including slow encryption, shadow encryption, and byte replacement techniques. Additionally, attackers are increasingly focusing on data exfiltration, threatening to publish sensitive information if a ransom is not paid. No industry is immune to these threats, with ransomware campaigns specifically targeting sectors like supply chain, healthcare, and state and local governments.

The risk in paying the ransom

Many organizations believe that paying the ransom will restore their operations quickly, but the reality is far more complex. A 2024 study by security provider Sophos found that recovering from a ransomware attack typically costs 10 times more than the ransom itself. Attackers have also learned to target critical backup and data protection infrastructure, further complicating recovery. In fact, 94% of ransomware attacks involve attempts to compromise backups, with 57% of those attempts proving successful.Beyond the financial costs, ransomware attacks lead to operational downtime, disrupting business processes, reducing productivity, and harming profitability. The financial consequences extend beyond the ransom itself, including recovery expenses, regulatory fines, and in some cases, business closures. Organizations that pay ransoms and cannot recover their data often see significant increases in cyber insurance rates because they are at a higher risk of a second attack.Even when paying the ransom, ransomware can also corrupt or permanently delete critical data, undermining long-term business continuity. Customer trust is difficult to rebuild after a data breach, and failure to protect sensitive information can lead to severe penalties under regulations like GDPR and HIPAA.

Prioritize recovery - Every ransom fuels the next attack

Paying the ransom only perpetuates the cycle of cybercrime. Instead of funding attackers, organizations must invest in a recovery-first approach that ensures operational resilience and minimizes downtime. This approach starts with immutable backups or snapshots, ensuring that data cannot be altered or deleted by ransomware.Secure ransomware detection mechanisms must be in place to identify ransomware attacks and give confidence that data brought back online does not reinfect the system. Continuous data validation ensures that backups remain recoverable and uncompromised. Finally, proven recovery strategies must be implemented to restore operations without resorting to ransom payments.By prioritizing recovery, organizations can disrupt the economic incentives that drive cybercriminals and enhance their long-term security posture. A strong focus on recovery does not just mitigate the effects of a ransomware attack, it helps break the cycle of funding future attacks.Every ransom paid strengthens cybercriminals, enabling them to develop more sophisticated attacks that target more victims. Organizations that invest in secure, reliable recovery measures play a crucial role in stopping the spread of ransomware.

Post-attack recovery

Businesses are doing what they believe is right and many are making heavy investments in security. Yet the vulnerabilities persist, leaving these organizations susceptible to ransomware. Many traditional resilience solutions fall short in ensuring quick and reliable recovery. To truly secure their environments, businesses must go beyond conventional approaches and implement comprehensive data integrity strategies.A robust post-attack recovery plan should include forensic analysis to understand how the attack occurred and identify compromised systems, accurate ransomware behavior detection to detect anomalies that signal an ongoing attack, and a unified approach to data integrity to ensure that only clean and uncorrupted backups are restored. Organizations must also establish clear recovery objectives, including defined recovery timeframes and prioritized systems for restoration, to ensure minimal disruption and maximum effectiveness.

Prepare for the future

Cyber resilience requires a proactive, team-oriented approach. Siloed organizations mean less institutional knowledge shared, creating gaps in security. Organizations should take multiple steps to strengthen their defenses, including implementing multi-factor authentication, network segmentation, and intrusion detection systems. Regular security audits should be conducted to identify vulnerabilities before attackers can get in and exploit them. Incident response training is also important to prepare teams with simulations and drills to ensure a coordinated response.The bottom line is it’s not if, but when ransomware will come to call, and prevention alone is not enough. A comprehensive data recovery plan, regularly tested and updated, will ensure that organizations can restore operations with minimal disruption and as quickly as possible. Recovery-first strategies must be ingrained in business continuity planning, ensuring that businesses can continue functioning even in the face of sophisticated cyber threats. By emphasizing data integrity and adopting a recovery-first mindset, organizations can break the cycle of ransomware attacks and fortify their cybersecurity defenses for the future.

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This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro

TVs are getting slimmer and sleeker, but that often comes at the expense of sound quality. Built-in speakers just don’t cut it when you want room-filling audio for movies, gaming or even just hearing dialogue clearly. That’s where a good soundbar comes in — an easy space-saving way to dramatically improve your TV’s audio without the hassle of a full home theater system.Whether you’re after a Dolby Atmos setup for immersive surround sound, a compact, budget-friendly option or a feature-packed soundbar with smart assistant support, there’s something out there to match your needs.

Table of contents

The post-CES soundbar outlook for 2025

Best soundbars for 2025

What to look for in a soundbar

Other soundbars we tested

Soundbar FAQs

The post-CES soundbar outlook for 2025

I typically come out of CES with a pretty clear understanding of the new soundbars that are coming for the year, but that wasn’t exactly the case in 2025. LG decided to carry over its most premium soundbars from 2024, but it will add the compact S20A this year. The company only previewed the model at CES, so full specs are still forthcoming.

Samsung will once again keep the same overall design and features for its top-end Q990 soundbar. However, the company is adding a few new tools and it drastically reduced the size of the wireless subwoofer that comes in the box. Samsung does have one new model for 2025, the QS700F, that’s designed to sit on a table or automatically adjust to being mounted flat on a wall. Details are scarce on that soundbar for now and I anticipate a full spec sheet when the company is really to sell it.

Of the big three TV companies, Sony is the only one that didn’t announce any home theater gear at CES. The company has decided to focus mainly on its automotive efforts at the show recently, leaving TV and audio announcements for later in the year. The company debuted multiple soundbar options in 2024 and a four-speaker setup for the living room in the Bravia Quad. That said, it wouldn’t surprise me if Sony released new soundbars later in the year since its most recent models were only announced last April.

One company I would keep an eye on is Sennheiser. The original Ambeo model is nearly six years old and could use a refresh. The company has added medium and mini options to the Ambeo lineup since then, but it would be nice to see a refined version of the largest model too. The original Ambeo soundbar is huge, so no matter how good it sounds, it will always be a tough sell for some people.

Although I think it’s less likely, it’s also possible that Sonos has new soundbars this year. While the company’s next device will likely be the rumored set-top streaming box, the Sound Motion tech inside the Arc Ultra would offer a big improvement to bass performance in compact models like the Beam and Ray. The company may bring Sound Motion to standalone speakers first, but it’s destined for those smaller soundbars eventually.

The best soundbars for 2025

What to look for in a soundbar

Features

When it comes to features, the more you pay the more you're going to get in your new audio system. Most affordable options ($150 or less) will improve your television's audio quality, but that's about it. Step into the $300 to $400 range and you'll find a smart soundbar with things like built-in voice control, wireless connectivity, Google Chromecast, AirPlay 2 and even Android TV. They're all helpful when you want to avoid looking for the remote control, but the best sound quality is usually only in the top tier and the formats those premium soundbar systems support. I’m talking about things like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and other high-resolution audio standards. These are essential if you want truly cinematic sound for your living-room setup. And not all Atmos soundbars are equal, so you'll need to look at the finer details carefully before you break into the savings account. If you're looking for one of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars, size, channels and subwoofer options will be important factors to consider. Some models even include a dedicated subwoofer to enhance bass performance, bringing an extra punch to action scenes and soundtracks.

Ports

This is a big one. A lot of the more affordable soundbars are limited when it comes to connectivity options. They either offer an optical port or one HDMI jack and, if you're lucky, both. Things get slightly better in the mid-range section, but that's not always the case. The Sonos Beam, for example, is $449, but only has a single HDMI port. Even at the higher-end, the $899 Sonos Arc still only has one HDMI port. If you plan to connect multiple devices like a set-top box, gaming laptop or console directly to your soundbar for the best audio experience, you’ll want an option with at least two HDMI (eARC) inputs. HDMI connections are critical for supporting Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital audio formats, as well as high-res passthrough for HDR and 8K/4K content.

Channels

Another big thing you’ll want to pay attention to when looking for the best soundbar is channels. That’s the 2.1, 7.1.2 or other decimal number that companies include in product descriptions. The first figure corresponds to the number of channels. A two would just be left and right while a more robust Atmos system, especially one with rear surround speakers, could be five or seven (left, right, center and upward). The second number refers to the dedicated subwoofer, so if your new soundbar comes with one or has them built in, you’ll see one here. The third numeral is up-firing speakers, important for the immersive effect of Dolby Atmos. Not all Atmos-enabled units have them, but if they do, the third number will tell you how many are in play and how they contribute to the overall soundstage.

Wireless

Most soundbars these days offer either Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or both. When it comes to Wi-Fi, that connectivity affords you luxuries like voice control (either built-in or with a separate device), Chromecast, Spotify Connect and AirPlay 2. Depending on your preferences, you might be able to live without some of these. For me, AirPlay 2 and Chromecast are essentials, but the rest I can live without. Those two give me the ability to beam music and podcasts from my go-to apps without having to settle for — or struggle with — a Bluetooth connection. For instance, Sonos speakers often offer seamless integration with iOS devices, making it easy to connect and stream music wirelessly. If you’re looking for a wireless speaker that can enhance your TV setup while also offering flexibility for audio throughout the house, it's worth considering a multi-room system.

Size

This one might seem obvious but humor me for a minute. Nothing is more soul-crushing than getting a pricey soundbar in your living room only to discover you have to rearrange everything to find a spot for it. This was my plight when the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar arrived at my door. Yes, that speaker is absurdly large (and heavy), and most soundbars aren't nearly as big. I learned a valuable lesson: Make sure the space where you want to put a soundbar will accommodate the thing you're about to spend hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars on.

Basically, it all comes down to the TV you have (or are planning to get) and what the primary goal is for your living-room audio. Is it ease of use? Do you want the best possible sound from a single speaker or speaker/sub combo? Do you just want to be able to actually hear your TV better? Or do you want to turn your living room into an immersive home theater system with surround sound?

By paying attention to each of those areas, you should have a good idea of what to look for in a soundbar, soundbar/subwoofer combo, Dolby Digital system or a more robust setup. With that said, we've put numerous products through their paces at Engadget and have a few favorites for best soundbar at various price points to get you started.

Other soundbars we tested

Sonos Arc

There’s no doubt that the Arc is Sonos’ best-sounding soundbar, but it’s also the company’s most expensive. With a new model based on the Arc rumored to be on the way, it’s difficult to recommend this product over the likes of Samsung and Sony. The Arc works well as both a soundbar and a speaker, and the device will fit in nicely with other Sonos gear you might already have for a multiroom setup. It only has one HDMI port though, where much of the competition allows you to connect streaming and gaming devices directly to their soundbars.

Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus

I don’t think Sennheiser’s medium-sized model offers enough to stand out from the more powerful Ambeo Soundbar Max or the Ambeo Soundbar Mini. The Mini is more affordable and does a solid job with immersive audio in its own right. Like the rest of the Ambeo lineup, there’s no option for satellite speakers as you can only add a subwoofer to the soundbars. However, the Ambeo Soundbar Plus does have RCA input, so you can use it with a turntable if you’re into vinyl.

Soundbar FAQs

Is a soundbar better than speakers?

It really depends on what you’re after. A soundbar is definitely a simpler, more compact solution compared to a full speaker setup. If you want better sound than your TV’s built-in setup but don’t want to deal with multiple speakers and wires everywhere, a soundbar is probably the way to go. Some soundbars can even deliver impressive surround sound effects, thanks to features like Dolby Atmos and virtual audio technology.

However, if you’re an audiophile or want true surround sound for an at-home theater experience, a multi-speaker setup with a receiver, surround speakers and subwoofer will give you a richer soundstage and more control over your experience.

What connection do I need for a soundbar?

Most modern soundbars connect to your TV via HDMI ARC or eARC, which is the easiest and best option for achieving high-quality audio. If your TV supports this, all you need is an HDMI cable, and you’ll get not only great sound but also some extra features like controlling the soundbar with your TV remote.

If HDMI ARC isn’t an option on your TV, you can use an optical cable, which also delivers solid audio quality. Some soundbars even offer Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connections for streaming music, and a few still have a 3.5mm aux jack for connecting to older devices.

Do all soundbars come with subwoofers?

Not all soundbars come with subwoofers, but many do or at least offer one as an optional add-on that you can purchase separately. A subwoofer is what gives you that deep, booming bass, so if you like action movies or want a fuller sound for music, having one can make a big difference. Some soundbars have a built-in subwoofer, but these generally don’t provide the same punch as a separate one. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/speakers/best-soundbars-143041791.html?src=rss

Is the Nintendo Switch 2 launching this year?(Image credit: Nintendo)Thanks to a short presentation in January, we know that the Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch later this year. For now, we know what it looks like, that most Switch games will be playable on it, and that there's a new Mario Kart on the way. Now it's just a short wait before a Direct on April 2 is set to reveal more.

Now that we're into 2025, there's plenty of big games to look forward to in the coming months. These include a few games that were delayed out of last year, as well as some very highly anticipated titles indeed.From Doom: The Dark Ages to GTA 6, the games slated for upcoming release look to be a very fine line-up indeed, regardless of whether you're playing on console or PC. Some games are much closer than others however, so it can be a little tricky to keep track of everything. That's where we come in.Below, we’ve collated release dates and windows for the biggest confirmed games of 2025 and beyond. So whether you’re playing on PC or consoles, there will likely be at least one game on this list that you’ll want to mark on your calendar. Here's the upcoming games to look forward to in 2025.

Upcoming games 2025: this year’s biggest games

The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered - April 3 (PC)South of Midnight - April 8 (PC, XSX|S)Doom: The Dark Ages - May 15 (XSX|S, PS5, PC)Death Stranding 2 - June 26, 2025 (PS5)Borderlands 4 - September 23 (XSX|S, PS5, PC)GTA 6 - 2025 (PS5, XSX|S)

April

(Image credit: Compulsion Games)

It's looking like a big year for Xbox, with April seeing the release of South of Midnight. PC players will also get to play The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered.

The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered - April 3 (PC)South of Midnight - April 8 (PC, XSX|S)Lost Records: Bloom and Rage Tape 2 - April 15 (PC, PS5, XSX|S)Indiana Jones and the Great Circle - April 17 (PS5)Fatal Fury: City of Wolves - April 24, 2025 (PS5, PS4, XSX|S, XBO, PC)Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - April 24 (PC, PS5, XSX|S)Days Gone Remastered - April 25 (PS5)Forza Horizon 5 - 29th April (PS5)

May

(Image credit: id software/Bethesda)

May brings with it a brand new Doom game, and a sequel to a much-beloved cult sci-fi game.

Metal Eden - May 5 (PS5, PC)The Midnight Walk - May 8 (PS5, PC)Doom: The Dark Ages - May 15 (XSX|S, PS5, PC)Sonic Wings Reunion - May 29 (PC, PS5, PS4, Switch)Lost Soul Aside - May 30 (PS5, PC)Elden Ring: Nightrein - May 30, 2025 (PS5, PS4, PC, XBO, XSX|S)Revenge of the Savage Planet - May TBC (PC, XSX|S, XBO, PS5, PS4)

June

(Image credit: Kojima Productions)

We'll finally get our hands on Death Stranding 2 in June. Here's what else is coming out:

Five Nights At Freddy's: Secret of the Mimic - June 13, 2025 (PS5, PSVR2)Death Stranding 2 - June 26, 2025 (PS5)Stellar Blade - June TBC (PC)

Rest of 2025 and TBC

(Image credit: Rockstar)

Finally, here's a list of games that have been announced, but either don't have more than a release year attached to them yet, or are much further out. For now, they're simply TBC, but once each game does receive a release date, this page will be updated.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 - 11th July (PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch)Metal Solid Delta: Snake Eater - August 28 (PS5, XSX|S, PC)Shinobi: Art of Vengeance - August 29 (PS5, PS4, XSX|S, XBO, Switch, PC)Hell Is Us - September 4, 2025 (PS5, XSX|S, PC)Borderlands 4 - September 23, 2025Directive 8020 - October 2, 2025 (PS5, XSX|S, PC)MindsEye - Summer 2025 (PS5)Arc Raiders - 2025Dreams of Another - 2025Dune Awakening - Early 2025 (PC)Digimon Time Stranger - 2025GTA 6 - Fall 2025Darwin's Paradox - 2025Fable - 2026 (XSX|S, PC)Forever Skies - 2025 (PS5)Ballad of Antara - 2025 (PS5)Ghost of Yotei - 2025 (PS5)Where Winds Meet - 2025 (PS5, PC)Onimusha: Way of the Sword - 2026Saros - 2026Beyond Good and Evil 2 - TBCMarvel's Blade - TBCBioShock 4 - TBCDokeV - TBC (PC, PS5, XSX|S, PS4, XBO)Everwild - TBC (XSX|S, PC)Fallout 5 - TBCHades 2 - TBC (PC)Haunted Chocolatier - TBCHollow Knight: Silksong - TBC (PS5, XSX|S, PS4, XBO, PC, Switch)Judas - TBCMarvel's Wolverine - TBC (PS5)Kingdom Hearts 4 - TBCMass Effect 5 - TBCFairgame$ - TBC (PS5, PC)Marathon - TBC (PS5, PC)Metroid Prime 4 : Beyond - TBC 2025 (Switch)Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake - 2026Phantom Blade 0 - TBC (PS5)Project 007 - TBCProject Mara - TBC (XSX|S, PC)Revenant Hill - TBC (PS5, PS4)Splinter Cell remake - TBCStar Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Remake - TBC (PS5)Star Wars Eclipse - TBCState of Decay 3 - TBC (XSX|S, PC)The Elder Scrolls 6 - TBCThe Outer Worlds 2 - TBC (PC, XSX|S)The Sims 5 - TBCThe Witcher 4 - TBCDying Light: The Beast - TBC

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Sony and Marvel have revealed the official title for Spider-Man 4The superhero movie's real name was unveiled at CinemaCon 2025Tom Holland's next big-screen adventure isn't likely to adapt its comic book namesake's story

Spider-Man 4 is no more. No, I don't mean one of the most anticipated comic book movies has suddenly been canceled. I'm actually referring to the fact that the superhero film finally has an official title.Revealed during Sony Pictures' CinemaCon 2025 presentation yesterday (March 31), the webslinger's next outing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is called Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day 🕷️ July 31, 2026. pic.twitter.com/R6OY8tAHObApril 1, 2025

Sony also reconfirmed the forthcoming flick's recently revised launch date, too, with Spider-Man 4 set to swing into theaters on July 31, 2026. Originally, Brand New Day was going to land in theaters worldwide on July 24, 2026, but its launch was delayed so it won't go up against The Odyssey, aka Christopher Nolan's movie reimagining of Homer's ancient Greek epic poem.Taking to the stage during Sony's presentation, director Daniel Destin Cretton also reaffirmed filming will begin on Spider-Man's latest MCU outing in mid-2025. Tom Holland, who plays the titular hero and his civilian identity Peter Parker, addressed the audience via a pre-recorded message.Given he has previous form for spoiling the plot of Marvel movies, Holland erred on the side of caution this time around. Indeed, after apologizing for not being at the event in-person – Holland is part of The Odyssey's all-star cast, so he's currently filming that flick – he went to say about Spider-Man 4: "I know we left you with a massive cliff hanger at the end of Spider-Man: No Way Home, so Spider Man: Brand New Day is a fresh start. It is exactly that. That’s all I can say."

Spider-Man: Brand New Day's controversial title explained

'Brand New Day' is the title of a Marvel comic book series that began in early 2008 (Image credit: Marvel Comics)

Spider-Man 4's new name obviously alludes to the start of a *ahem* brand new trilogy for the beloved wallcrawler that'll begin with this Marvel Phase 6 project. No Way Home effectively closed the door on the most recent chapter in Peter Parker's life; the superpowered teenager beginning anew after Doctor Strange cast a spell to make everyone – including Peter's girlfriend MJ and best buddy Ned – forget he was Spider-Man in No Way Home's final act.Nevertheless, the mere mention of the upcoming movie's subtitle is enough to send a shiver down the most devoted Spider-Man fan. Indeed, Brand New Day is also the title of a comic book storyline, which ran from January 2008 to July 2008, that followed the most controversial comic series in the Marvel hero's 80-year-plus existence.For the uninitiated: the 'Brand New Day' storyline was the sequel to the extremely divisive 'One More Day' event. In the latter four-part series, Peter and Mary Jane sacrificed their marriage to save Aunt May's life after she was shot by Kingpin. The Parkers made a deal with the demon lord known as Mephisto to spare Aunt May, but he'd erase the couple's entire history in order to do so.

Spider-Man: No Way Home took some inspiration from the 'One More Day' comic book miniseries (Image credit: Matt Kennedy / Columbia Pictures)

While fans praised Joe Quesada's artwork within the pages of the 'Brand New Day' comics, many were infuriated by the decision to wipe out decades of history between Peter and Mary Jane. Others called the story "downright disrespectful" and that it not only "undermined" Spider-Man lore, but also went against everything the hero, plus the wider themes at play throughout his illustrious history, stood for.Fortunately, it's incredibly unlikely that 'Brand New Day' will be adapted ad verbatim for Spider-Man 4. No Way Home was only loosely inspired by 'One More Day', so I expect Brand New Day to eschew much of its comic book namesake's story to tell an original tale instead. Now, about the character that Sadie Sink is reportedly going to play in Spider-Man 4, Sony and Marvel...

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Apple has released almost all of its latest software for iPhone, iPad, and other devicesWe were also expecting watchOS 11.4 with a couple of new updatesHowever, the Apple Watch software hasn't been released

While Apple's WWDC 2025 event and the unveiling of watchOS 12 are just a few weeks away, Apple continues to support watchOS 11 for the best Apple Watch models. However, the latest version of the software, watchOS 11.4 has failed to materialize alongside the rest of Apple's latest software.As spotted by numerous software watchers on X, Apple released iOS 18.4 for all the best iPhones on March 31, alongside iPadOS 18.4, macOS 15.4, and updates for tvOS and the Apple Vision Pro.At first glance, everyone assumed that the latest Apple Watch software would appear alongside the other OS updates. However, shortly after the customary 1pm ET rollout time it became clear that watchOS 11.4 hadn't actually been released, despite Apple listing it on its website.

Where is watchOS 11.4?

Just an fyi. It looks like Apple never released watchOS 11.4 despite listing it on their website. It has since been removed.March 31, 2025

It does indeed seem strange that Apple would list watchOS 11.4 for release alongside all of its other software before choosing not to roll it out.As it stands, there doesn't seem to be any sign of the latest software, which could suggest any number of things. It's possible that Apple hadn't planned to release watchOS 11.4 on March 31, and that its listing was a mistake. Reasons for this could include server or download issues, or simply the software being not ready.WatchOS 11.4 was due to bring us some new emojis, a couple of bug fixes, an update for Matter-compatible robot vacuum cleaners, and a great new feature that can force Sleep Wake Up alarms to break through Silent Mode on your watch.Sadly, these features aren't available as yet. We don't have a clear indication as to why watchOS 11.4 didn't launch this week and no idea when it might come out; it could be today, or it might still be days or even weeks away.We've reached out to Apple for confirmation, and we'll report back with any developments.

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Editor's noteWe've updated this guide with reference to the iPhone 16e, new iPad models, and newer versions of iOS 18.

Both iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 are now available to download, but which iPhone and iPad models are supported by Apple's latest updates?Helpfully, Apple has confirmed the device requirements for iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, so below, we’ve listed every supported iPhone and iPad. If your device supports the software, it will be compatible with all subsequent versions of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 (e.g. iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4), too.We also have details on which iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 features aren't available on every device, since Apple is restricting certain tools to newer Apple chipsets.

iOS 18 compatibility

Even the iPhone 12 mini (above) is compatible with iOS 18 (Image credit: TechRadar)

Apple has confirmed that all iPhone models including and newer than the iPhone XS (i.e. any iPhone with the A12 Bionic chipset or better) are compatible with iOS 18. Incidentally, that’s the same eligibility criteria as iOS 17, so if you’re currently running Apple’s last-generation flagship software, you’ll be able to download iOS 18, too.The full list of iOS 18-compatible iPhones is as follows:

iPhone 16eiPhone 16iPhone 16 PlusiPhone 16 ProiPhone 16 Pro MaxiPhone 15iPhone 15 PlusiPhone 15 ProiPhone 15 Pro MaxiPhone 14iPhone 14 PlusiPhone 14 ProiPhone 14 Pro MaxiPhone 13iPhone 13 miniiPhone 13 ProiPhone 13 Pro MaxiPhone 12iPhone 12 miniiPhone 12 ProiPhone 12 Pro MaxiPhone 11iPhone 11 ProiPhone 11 Pro MaxiPhone XSiPhone XS MaxiPhone XRiPhone SE (2020)iPhone SE (2022)

iPadOS 18 compatibility

(Image credit: Future)

Almost all iPad models are available in multiple sizes, as well as Wi-Fi-only and Wi-Fi + Cellular configurations, so in the interest of readability, we’ve grouped the below list of iPadOS 18-compatible models into dated categories:

iPad Pro models from 2018 and later (3rd generation onwards)iPad Air models from 2019 and later (3rd generation onwards)iPad models from 2020 and later (8th generation onwards)iPad mini models from 2019 and later (5th generation onwards)

Unlike with iOS 17, not every iPad that runs iPadOS 17 is compatible with iPadOS 18. Specifically, Apple has dropped support for the iPad Pro 10.5-inch (2017), the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2017), and the iPad 9.7-inch (2018).

Feature compatibility

The Messages via Satellite feature is limited to the iPhone 14 series and upwards (Image credit: Apple)

Not every iOS 18 and iPadOS 18-compatible iPhone and iPad can benefit from every iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 feature.Apple Intelligence features, for instance, are exclusive to devices running Apple’s M-series, A18, A18 Pro, and A17 Pro chipsets, while the Messages via Satellite tool is limited to the iPhone 14 series and newer.Below, we’ve detailed a list of exclusive iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 features, alongside their respective device requirements. Apple Intelligence features notwithstanding, we’ve only been able to track down information relating to iPhone compatibility, but we’ll be updating the list with iPad compatibility once we've been able to confirm that information with Apple.

Apple Intelligence features – iPhone 16 series, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max and M1-equipped iPad and Mac models (or newer)Messages via Satellite – iPhone 14 or newerAudio transcription in Notes – iPhone 12 or newerEye tracking – iPhone 12 or newerMusic Haptics – iPhone 12 or newerWireless smart lock opening – iPhone 11 or newerEnhance Dialogue feature in Apple TV – iPhone 11 or newer

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Take-Two won't reveal the GTA 6 launch date until we're 'relatively' close to its releaseTake-Two boss Strauss Zelnick says the publisher wants to "maintain the anticipation and the excitement"GTA 6 is still scheduled to launch in Fall 2025

Take-Two has confirmed that it won't be announcing the release date for Grand Theft Auto 6 until we're "relatively" close to launch.Speaking in a recent interview with Bloomberg TV's Wall St. Week, Take-Two boss Strauss Zelnick was asked about the highly-anticipated release of Rockstar Games' upcoming GTA title and why the publisher is being so secretive about its release date (via GameSpot).Zelnick explained that Take-Two likes to hold back from revealing the date too soon in favor of sharing marketing materials closer to release to maintain excitement around the game."The anticipation for [GTA 6] may be the greatest anticipation I've ever seen for an entertainment property, and I've been around the block a few times. And I've been in every entertainment business there is," Zelnick said."We want to maintain the anticipation and the excitement. We have competitors who will describe their release schedule for years in advance. We've found the better thing to do is to provide marketing materials relatively close to the release window in order to create that excitement, and balance the excitement with unmet expectation. We don't always get it right. But that's what we're trying to do."

Zelnick went on to discuss why it's taken Rockstar over a decade to make the follow-up to its massively successful GTA 5, saying that Take-Two's team's "set an intention" of letting some franchises rest to build hype and that it simply "takes a long time" to make a game as big as GTA 6."Rockstar Games seeks perfection in what they do. Perfection is a pretty high bar. It takes a long time," he added.Grand Theft Auto 6 was finally announced in December 2023 alongside the first trailer teasing the game's Vice City setting and dual protagonists Lucia and Jason.It's slated to release in Fall 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S, and despite the lack of updates throughout 2024, Take-Two has reaffirmed that the game will be launching on time.

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CinemaCon 2025 is underway, bringing together all the biggest movie theater owners, Hollywood studios and industry execs for a four-day showcase of presentations and screenings, and we're here to roundup the most important entertainment announcements in one place for you.The event kicked off yesterday (March 31) in the sunny city of Las Vegas with Sony taking the stage to unveil a packed lineup of new movies. But there's a lot more in store over the next few days, as we're still yet to hear from Warners Bros. Discovery, Lionsgate, Universal, DreamWorks Animation, Focus Features, Amazon MGM Studios, Paramount Pictures and Walt Disney Studios.Hollywood's biggest studios have been working on some huge movies, so it's exciting to get an update on where each film is at in development, with some far enough in production that there's been some sneak peeks of what to expect. So, sit back and grab the popcorn – here's everything that's been announced so far at CinemaCon 2025.

Leaked renders show the possible design of the Google Pixel 10 Pro FoldIt appears identical to the Pixel 9 Pro FoldThe rumored dimensions and specs are also mostly identical, just with a new chipset

It’s not just Samsung launching foldable phones this year, we’re also expecting new models from various other brands, with the most high-profile alternative to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 likely to be the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold, and we’ve now seen how this phone might look.But going by the renders – shared by Android Headlines in collaboration with @OnLeaks – you might as well just stick with the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold.The phone shown here looks identical to the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, right down to the size of the lenses in the camera module, suggesting that there will be few if any changes to the cameras. That would probably mean we’re getting a 48MP main, 10.5MP ultra-wide, and 10.8MP telephoto (with 5x optical zoom) on the back.

Image 1 of 2(Image credit: Android Headlines / @OnLeaks)Image 2 of 2(Image credit: Android Headlines / @OnLeaks)

The dimensions are also roughly the same – this source claims the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is 155.2 x 150.4 x 5.3mm when unfolded, while the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is 155.2 x 150.2 x 5.1mm. That would make the new model marginally wider and thicker, but there’s apparently a 0.1-0.3mm margin of error in the leaked dimensions, with Android Headlines predicting that the actual dimensions will be identical to those of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.In any case, Android Headlines also expects the storage and RAM configurations to remain the same as last year, meaning 16GB of RAM and a choice of 256GB or 512GB of storage.So in short, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold might have the same design, dimensions, cameras, storage, and RAM as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and given the dimensions are seemingly around the same it probably has the same screen sizes too – meaning an 8.0-inch foldable display and a 6.3-inch cover screen.That all assumes this leak is right, but it comes from a reputable source, so it could well be. In which case, what is actually changing for this new model? Well, the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold is expected to have a new Tensor G5 chipset, but that alone is unlikely to make it worth upgrading to.

A promising price

Its secret weapon – if it has one at all – could be its price, with Android Headlines claiming the Pixel 10 Pro Fold might have a “modest price reduction” compared to the $1,799 / £1,799 / AU $2,699 Pixel 9 Pro Fold.That would make sense given how little of an upgrade it apparently is, but then the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will probably be available for far less by the time this phone launches, and if the chipset is the only major difference, the new phone might still have a tough time tempting buyers.Hopefully then this leak is wrong, or at least missing some important pieces of the puzzle. With the Pixel 10 Pro Fold probably not landing until August, we might not know exactly how tempting this phone will be for a while yet.

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The Nintendo Today app has provided another Switch 2 hintThis time it's a video that hints at Joy-Con mouse functionalityThe Switch 2 Direct is happening tomorrow on April 2

While Nintendo hasn't outright confirmed the Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con controllers have mouse functionality, the company sure isn't shy about teasing it.The latest hint was spotted by VGC, and it comes via the recently launched Nintendo Today app. The app featured a short teaser video today (April 1) that displays the Nintendo Switch 2 console in a variety of setups including docked, handheld and tabletop modes.The tabletop mode setup off to the right is what we're focusing on. It shows the Joy-Con controllers detached from the console, with one of them placed on its side like it was in the initial Switch 2 announcement video.

(Image credit: Nintendo)

While VGC originally spotted the video via its Japanese Nintendo account, it can now be viewed on the Nintendo Today app globally. You'll just need to download the app via Google Play or the Apple Store and log in with your own Nintendo account.Now again, it's important to note that this is just a teaser video and it doesn't outright confirm mouse functionality is enabled for Switch 2's Joy-Con. However, you have to think that placing the Joy-Con on its side like that is a pretty deliberate choice, and it's not likely to be the default way to place them down after you've finished using them.Of course, we'll likely know for sure at tomorrow's big Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, which is airing on April 2 at 6am PDT / 9am EST / 2pm GMT / 3pm CEST.We'll be covering the presentation live here at TechRadar Gaming, so be sure to stay tuned!

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Amazon has reached a multi-year agreement with EACertain EA games will now come to the Amazon Luna cloud gaming serviceThis starts with Star War Jedi: Survivor, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, and Dead Space available now

Amazon has reached a multi-year agreement with publisher Electronic Arts (EA) that will see many of its best games added to the Amazon Luna cloud gaming service.This starts with Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, and Dead Space, which are all available right now. Although a limited version of Amazon Luna can be accessed at no additional cost for Amazon Prime members, these games are part of the Luna+ subscription service - a $9.99 / £8.99 per month add-on.More EA titles are on the way too, including a number from its popular EA Sports franchises. I'm personally really hoping for an Amazon Luna version of The Sims 4 though, as it just seems like the perfect fit for a cloud gaming service that you can play almost anywhere.I would love to be able to check in with my sims from my TV when I'm sprawled on the sofa at home, spend a few hours playing from my phone the next time I go on a big trip.David Tinson, EVP and chief experiences officer at EA said that the company is "focused on building experiences that entertain and engage EA’s massive online communities.""We’re excited to partner with Amazon to make those games available to even more people,” he continued. “We look forward to a selection of EA games joining Amazon Luna, offering new ways for players and fans to come together across a variety of devices they already own, wherever they are.”You can try Amazon Luna on a plethora of devices, including PC, mobile, and select smart TVs.

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The Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo is a portable fan with misting functionIt's a shrunk-down version of the FlexBreeze, available in six colorsIt's currently only available in the US, and costs $129.99

Shark has added a new model to its fan range: the Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo is a portable version of the ultra-popular FlexBreeze, and comes with the same misting functionality, so not only does it blast you with cool air, it also sprays you with a fine mist of water to help bring some chill to hot days.In our Shark FlexBreeze review, we were blown away (pun intended) by the full-size version, rating it one of the best fans you can buy. The shrunk-down version has many of the same benefits – it can be used corded or cordless, indoors or out. Shark has gone a step further by making this one available in a variety of colors: a couple of shades of grey alongside four more summery candy tones.

(Image credit: Shark )

It has a carry handle to make it easier to tote around, so you need never be without your own personal wind machine. That's particularly useful because I'd say that this portable fan isn't especially small – think desktop rather than handheld. That's probably good news for the power though (Shark claims it has a blowing radius of up to 70 feet, although we'll get back to you on that once we've tested it.)The misting – once you've got used to the idea of a fan that spits on you – is actually a very smart addition. Fans don't actually lower the temperature, they just make you feel cooler by moving the air around and speeding up the evaporation of sweat from your skin. A mister can lower the temperature of a room, as well as intensifying that cooling feeling created by the fan.

(Image credit: Shark )

Shark has form when it comes to innovative fans – we've just reviewed the Shark TurboBlade, which can blast out concentrated blades of air in any direction from its pivotable arms.Currently, the FlexBreeze HydroGo is only available in the US, and costs $129.99 when purchased directly from Shark. The brand also has a big presence in the UK and Australia, so we're hoping it might make its way to other territories soon.

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