news,technology

Millions of free VPN users have sent their data to China without realizing itAt least five VPNs are linked to Qihoo 360, a Shanghai-based firm believed to have links with the Chinese military Experts found a total of 20 China-owned apps, counting over 70 million downloads on the US Apple store

Millions of free VPN users in America have sent their data to China without knowing it. At least five of these services are linked to Qihoo 360, a Shanghai-based firm hit by US sanctions in 2020 for alleged links with the Chinese military.These are the worrying findings from an investigation carried on by the Tech Transparency Project (TTP) into the top 100 free VPN apps on Apple's official app store in the US. Overall, experts found 20 apps had undisclosed Chinese ownership and have been downloaded more than 70 million times.The China-linked VPN apps are also currently available in both Apple and Google's official app stores in and out of the US, the UK included. This indicates that the real number of impacted users is likely to be even higher.

The danger of China-linked VPNs

While the best VPN services boost your online anonymity and security by encrypting your internet traffic and spoofing your IP address, malicious apps pose great risks to your privacy.That's because providers can potentially read the internet traffic rerouted via their servers. "That risk is compounded in the case of Chinese apps, given China’s strict laws that can force companies in that country to secretly share access to their users’ data with the government," TTP experts noted.Worse still, understanding the real ownership behind these free VPN applications isn't easy. TTP found that none of the 20 China-linked services disclosed this crucial information. The team was able to determine this by piecing together several corporate documents.Turbo VPN, VPN Proxy Master, Thunder VPN, Snap VPN, and Signal Secure VPN are the five services linked to Qihoo 360. The Shanghai-based firm has been previously accused of having ties with the Chinese military. For this, the US sanctioned the company on national security grounds in June 2020.All in all, "Apple is not taking adequate steps to determine who owns the apps it offers its users and what they do with the data they collect," TTP experts note.We contacted Apple, but we are still waiting for a response at the time of writing.

I first raised the alarm about the Turbo VPN family of #VPN apps and their Chinese ownership links in 2018. Looks like I was right & they're connected to blacklisted Chinese security firm Qihoo 360. It highlights the problem with free VPNs...April 2, 2025

Apple isn't alone to allegedly failing user privacy, though.As reported by the Financial Times, Qihoo-linked apps were all available on Apple and Google’s US stores as of last week. "After the Financial Times contacted Apple for comment, Thunder VPN and Snap VPN were pulled from its store," pointed out the publication.It's estimated that three of these apps alone were downloaded more than 1 million times from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store combined in the past three months.Turbo VPN even obtained Google's verified badge, a label that helps users easily identify secure and trustworthy services.TechRadar was also able to confirm that, at the time of writing, these apps are still available across Apple and Google's official app stores in the UK. The apps are likely to remain available in other markets, too, considerably raising the number of impacted users.

Which are the China-linked free VPNs?

TTP experts flagged a total of 20 free VPN apps with shady Chinese ownership. This count excludes those services clearly labelling themselves as Chinese in the App Store, making their China connection clear to users.As mentioned earlier, five of these have links with Shanghai-based Qihoo 360, a company believed to have ties with the country's military bodies. Below is the full list:

Nintendo just dropped a boatload of Switch 2 news. We got the release date, which is June 5, and plenty of details. The company also pulled the lid off a mysterious Joy-Con feature. The rumors were right. They can double as mouse-like controllers.

One Joy-Con can be used as a traditional controller, held vertically, while the other slides along the table as a mouse. This could allow for near-perfect ports of Wii and Wii U games that relied on motion control, in addition to ports of PC titles. A Joy-Con will also combine with the gyroscope for unique gameplay experiences.

Nintendo

The good use case here should be first-person shooters. Computer mouse controllers offer a level of precision that consoles have typically struggled to match, but this looks like an attempt to address this particular issue. It could even make the Switch 2 a powerhouse for franchises like Civilization.

The company revealed that a Switch 2 version of Metroid Prime 4 will use this feature. Nintendo might also release games that make special use of this functionality down the line. It also pulled the lid off a game called Drag x Drive that's controlled via mouse Joy-Con.

Nintendo

The company even showed off nifty-looking demos, but these look mostly like mini-games. I, for one, would very much like a new Mario Paint.

Nintendo

The company also revealed another tool for the Switch 2. This is the mysterious "C" button. The button calls up voice chat. Finally, a Nintendo console with easy voice chat.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/the-switch-2s-joy-cons-can-double-as-mouse-like-controllers-133355339.html?src=rss

Voice chat was never easy on the Nintendo Switch. Thankfully, with the Switch 2, Nintendo is making it an integral part of the new console. By pressing the new "C" button, located on the right Joy-Con, players can jump into a Game Chat with their friends and family. Nintendo demoed the feature during its recent Switch 2 Direct, alongside a new Switch 2 Camera that will go on sale on June 5, the same day as the new handheld.

If you've ever watched someone stream on Discord, you'll have an idea of what to expect from Game Chat.

Developing...This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/the-nintendo-switch-2-offers-built-in-voice-chat-and-screensharing-133334225.html?src=rss

We finally have all the answers about the Nintendo Switch 2, including its games. The company used its Switch 2 Nintendo Direct to announce Mario Kart World, the latest iteration in the series, and one that is all about off-roading.

That's right, Mario Kart World will allow you to "drive virtually everywhere." That means you can grind down railings, jump off walls and even drive off the race track. You can also enter a mode called Free Roam which let's you simply drive around and enjoy the scenery with friends. Cue me as my forever choice Yoshi excitedly driving across the globe.

Unsurprisingly, with a name like Mario Kart World, the courses will take place in regions around the world. You'll also get a bit more of an immersive experience as Nintendo is going to change things up based on the time of day and the weather.

When it comes to a four-race Grand Prix, Nintendo is even having you do the legwork and drive between the courses. How you do along the way will impact your standing in the competition. There's also a new mode called Knockout Tour, which takes you from one end of the globe to another — but with elimination checkpoints along the way. You must be above the place listed on the screen, say eighth for example, or you'll get kicked out of the race. Oh and did we mention there's now 24 drivers, upping the competition?

A new Mario Kart game for the Switch 2 isn't exactly a surprise. We got a first look at a potential Mario Kart game back in January, when Nintendo released a first-look at the Switch 2. While the gaming company didn't say anything specific about Mario Kart World, it did show a snippet of play on the device. You can watch that original preview here — it starts at about 1:40 in the video.

Mario Kart World will exclusively be available for the new Nintendo Switch 2. Both the game and the device will arrive on June 5, but Nintendo will announce more information about Mario Kart World during another Nintendo Direct on April 17.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/mario-kart-world-features-24-player-races-off-roading-and-sick-grinds-134117381.html?src=rss

Nintendo won't let you escape two of its most critically-acclaimed games ever. It's announced there will be Switch 2 versions of both Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. Both titles will benefit from the next-gen console's increased power, with enhanced framerates and resolution during play, as well as HDR support for deeper colors and contrast. Nintendo wasn't specific on the difference between handheld and TV play just yet, but we know the new console will feature several resolutions for play, from 1080p through to 4K.

The Switch 2 is also capable of up to 120 FPS, so you're likely to see a difference. For reference, Tears of the Kingdom on the original Switch was locked at 30 FPS in both the Switch's handheld and TV modes

Also, finally! You can turn your smartphone into a (sort-of) Sheikah Slate. Zelda Notes is a feature inside the new Switch App. It'll guide you around maps with voiced directions, and you'll be able to share your creations with QR codes so that others can create your Mad Max destruction machines in their games.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/nintendo-announces-upgraded-switch-2-editions-of-zelda-breath-of-the-wild-and-tears-of-the-kingdom-134039778.html?src=rss

Elden Ring is coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025

Elden Ring is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 this yearFromSoftware made the announcement at the Switch 2 Direct todayMore games like Split Fiction and Hogwarts Legacy are also arriving as launch titles on June 5

FromSoftware's award-winning Elden Ring is coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025.The announcement comes from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct Showcase today, where the company finally unveiled a full breakdown of the Switch 2 and confirmed a June 5, 2025 release date.Alongside Elden Ring, we also received confirmation that a bunch of other games, including Hazelight Studios' Split Fiction, Hogwarts Legacy, and Street Fighter 6, will be coming to the console as a launch title, as well as Tony Hawk: Pro Skater 3 + 4 this summer.We can expect even more from Nintendo this week as it's announced that it will be airing two Treehouse presentations this week, offering a new look at Switch 2 gameplay.You'll be able to tune in for the first broadcast on April 3 at 7AM PT / 9AM ET / 2PM BST, and the second will take place at the same time on April 4.

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GreyNoise observed a spike in scanning throughout March 2025Thousands of IP addresses were scanning PAN-OS GlobalProtect portalsThese activities usually lead up to a cyberattack, researchers claim

Someone may be getting ready to attack Palo Alto Network devices, security researchers are warning after spotting a rise in activity.Analysts from GreyNoise said they observed a “significant surge” in login scanning activity against the company’s PAN-OS GlobalProtect portals, with almost 24,000 unique IP addresses attempting to access these portals in March 2025.“The pattern suggests a coordinated effort to probe network defenses and identify exposed or vulnerable systems, potentially as a precursor to targeted exploitation,” the article reads. This could also mean that someone’s found a zero-day vulnerability in these endpoints and is now looking to see how many endpoints it can compromise through it.

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Remote code execution risks

“Over the past 18 to 24 months, we’ve observed a consistent pattern of deliberate targeting of older vulnerabilities or well-worn attack and reconnaissance attempts against specific technologies,” said Bob Rudis, VP of Data Science at GreyNoise. “These patterns often coincide with new vulnerabilities emerging 2 to 4 weeks later.”For GreyNoise, there is no doubt that this is a malicious campaign. Of the 24,000 unique IP addresses that scanned Palo Alto devices, 154 were labeled as “malicious” beyond reasonable doubt, while the rest were classified as “suspicious” in the past. Their locations are mostly in North America, throughout the US and Canada.The majority of the targets are also based in the US.GreyNoise says this activity could be linked to separate PAN-OS reconnaissance-related tags, such as PAN-OS Crawler, where they observed a single spike on March 26, 2025 involving 2,580 unique source IPs.Obviously, the end goal is not known at this time, but vigilance is advised. IT teams should review their logs since mid-March to see if they were targeted, and should be on the lookout for signs of compromise. They should also harden their login portals and block known malicious IPs.Via BleepingComputer

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A Minecraft Movie director Jared Hess has given short shrift to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the entertainment industry.Speaking to TechRadar ahead of the film's release on April 4, Hess revealed that AI wasn't used at any point during A Minecraft Movie's development. However, he admitted that its wide-ranging application throughout the movie- and TV-making business was inevitable, even though it can't – and likely won't – come close to replicating the creativity that human artists, animators, voice actors, and other talented industry folk possess in abundance."We didn't use it as part of development," Hess emphatically replied when I asked if he leaned on AI during production on one of 2025's new movies. "We were old school, so we used human artists with awesome brains and imaginations.

I just hope AI is used as a tool and not as a shortcutJared Hess, A Minecraft Movie director

"Look, AI is going to affect every aspect of life, including entertainment," he continued. "I just hope it's used as a tool and not as a shortcut. Again, the human experience is so critical to all forms of art, and that kind of nuance and voice and perspective is something that AI can't replicate. It's currently able to imitate things, sure, but I'm always just going to gravitate toward the human [experience] wherever I can."AI's application in the entertainment business has exploded over the past year. From its controversial use in Oscar-nominated flick like The Brutalist and its fellow Academy Award nominee Emilia Perez, to its multifaceted application on some of the world's best streaming services, artificial intelligence's influence on Hollywood will only grow from here.As Hess said, here's hoping it's implemented in the correct manner and at the right time, rather than being mishandled in order to replace the human workforce and human invention as we know it.

'I wanted to barf my brains out!'

Jared Hess had a hard time using one piece of technology during the movie's development (Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures/Mojang Studios)

Warner Bros' take on Mojang Studios' universally popular Minecraft sandbox video game benefitted from the use of other forms of technology, though. There was one particular piece of virtual reality (VR) tech that Hess says he "couldn't handle", too, because of how nauseating it felt."We actually used Minecraft VR," he told me. "We also had this thing called the virtual art department. It was based in Unreal Engine, and allowed us to physically drop ourselves into Minecraft's Overworld and the Nether to set up shots, position cameras, and work out how to film in this environment."I remember that the crew brought me some VR goggles and, dude, I wanted to barf my brains out!" he added with a laugh. "I'm not meant for VR – I couldn't handle it. So, I just said to my team 'pass me a controller [and] let's do this old school on an Xbox console!'"Be sure to keep an eye out for my review of A Minecraft Movie later today (April 2) to see whether it's worth watching when the film arrives in theaters. In the meantime, read more coverage of A Minecraft Movie, plus some other intriguing articles of mine, below.

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Hollow Knight: Silksong does not currently have a release date, after being delayed out of its last window. Thankfully, we did get a short update during the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal event which let us know that it'll come out sometime in 2025.So far, Team Cherry has revealed a fair bit of gameplay, a couple of trailers, and provided an update on the development of Hollow Knight Silksong nearly two years ago. In terms of upcoming games, Silksong is easily one of the most highly anticipated, so hopefully we see more of it sooner rather than later.There's still plenty to learn about Hollow Knight Silksong, namely whether or not it can measure up to the lofty legacy of its predecessor. Here's what we know about the upcoming sequel so far, including a look at gameplay, all of the latest news, and what's been said about when Hollow Knight Silksong is coming out, and on what platforms.

Hollow Knight Silksong - Cut to the chase

What is it? The sequel to Hollow Knight, a modern-classic metroidvania gameWhen does it come out? TBC 2025What can I play it on? PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo SwitchWho is making it? Team Cherry

Hollow Knight Silksong platforms

(Image credit: Team Cherry)

Hollow Knight Silksong is currently being developed for PS5, PS4, XSX|S, XBO, PC and Nintendo Switch 2 / Nintendo Switch. Given that it's been quite a while since we had an update about the game, this is subject to change. If platforms for Silksong do change, we'll update this page.What we do know is that it'll arrive sometime in 2025, according to a short glimpse during the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal event.

Hollow Knight Silksong trailers

The most recent trailer we've seen from Hollow Knight Silksong arrived as part of the Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase event in late 2022. This trailer, which you can view below, shows off gameplay, as well as a look at the new protagonist and setting.

There have been a few more trailers released for Hollow Knight Silksong over the last four years or so. We've included some of them throughout this article, but to see all of them you can head over to the game's official YouTube channel.

Hollow Knight Silksong story and setting

Hollow Knight Silksong is set in the haunted kingdom of Pharloom. Visually, it is a gilded, gloomy sort of area, not dissimilar to the deepnest setting of the first game. Hornet will start at the very bottom, having been brought there after being captured. From there, she must climb higher and higher, hunting down foes and ultimately determining the fate of the world around her.Much like in the first game, Silksong looks likely to convey most of its story via NPC dialogue and lore found in the environment. A story is definitely there if you want to and it, but perhaps takes less of a spotlight when compared to other facets of the game. What we do know is that there will once again be a variety of bosses to take down, friends to meet, and subtle choices to decide on while you play. There's still a lot to learn about the story in Silksong, but we're betting most of it will be kept a mystery, right up until the game is in the hands of players.

Hollow Knight Silksong gameplay

(Image credit: Team Cherry)

Players will play as Hornet in Hollow Knight Silksong, who is a pretty stark contrast when compared to the Knight from the first game. She is much more agile, able to dart and grapple around the world, with her needle weapon in hand. Once again, players will be able to find new abilities as they progress, giving them options for customizing Hornet.So far, we've yet to see too much gameplay for Silksong, but what's been shown looks to be a continuation of the platforming/boss fighting of its predecessor. You'll explore different zones, slowly unlocking the map. It's a Metroidvania game once again, meaning that certain areas are locked behind ability upgrades, with lots of backtracking involved. Boss fights look to be a big part of Silksong, with the gameplay trailer released last year having shown off a couple of the main foes we'll be taking on.Generally, if you played Hollow Knight, it seems as though you'll be right at home with the gameplay in Silksong. We'll have to wait and see just how many new bells and whistles are included this time around, but, for now, the action is looking like more Hollow Knight - which is certainly not a bad thing.

Hollow Knight Silksong latest news

Hollow Knight Silksong confirmed for 2025During a sizzle reel that was shown during the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal event, Hollow Knight Silksong is planned for 2025.Hollow Knight Silksong delayed out of 'first half of 2023'In a Tweet, Team Cherry's Marketing Director announced that the game will no longer hit its release window of the 'first half of 2023'.

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Samsung has debuted the Galaxy Tab S10 FE and S10 FE PlusThe latter model features a series-first 13.1-inch screenThey start at $499.99 / £499 / AU$TBC, and are available now

In our Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus review, we described Samsung’s 2024 entry-level tablet as the “anti-iPad Air”, and its newly announced successor – the Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus – further improves on the company’s winning formula.Debuting alongside the smaller Galaxy Tab S10 FE (which has almost identical specs), the Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus features a supersized 13.1-inch display – scaled up from last year’s 12.4-inch model – an Exynos 1580 chipset, a 10,090mAh battery, IP68 dust- and water-resistance, up to 12GB of RAM, and up to 256GB​ of storage.The standard Tab S10 FE, meanwhile, sports a 10.9-inch display and an 8,000mAh battery. Both models get a 13MP wide rear camera, a 12MP ultra-wide front camera, and support for the included S Pen stylus.Aside from their superior chipsets and that display size increase for the Plus, both models best their respective predecessors with a suite of Galaxy AI features, including an upgraded Object Eraser, Best Face, and Auto Trim. Samsung’s glare-reducing Vision Booster technology has also made the jump over from the best Samsung TVs (and indeed the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra) to the Galaxy Tab S10 FE and S10 FE Plus.

Image 1 of 2The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE (Image credit: Samsung)Image 2 of 2The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus (Image credit: Samsung)

Annoyingly, you’ll pay for these upgrades via a price increase, albeit a relatively minor one – the Galaxy Tab S10 FE starts at $499.99 / £499 / AU$TBC while the S10 FE Plus starts at $649.99 / £649 / AU$TBC. But both models are still significantly cheaper than their closest Apple counterparts in the iPad Air (2025) series.Of course, the Exynos 1580 chipset is no match for Apple’s M3 behemoth, but Samsung’s new tablets do benefit from a similar-looking LCD display – in fact, you’ll get a variable 90Hz refresh rate here, where the iPad Air remains stuck at 60Hz.The appeal of Samsung’s FE tablets, then, remains as strong as ever: if you want a more powerful Android slate, look to something like the “exceptional” Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Plus, but for those in need of a no-frills tablet with a beautiful display and great software, the Galaxy Tab S10 FE and S10 FE Plus could be great options.Both models ship in three colors – Gray, Silver, and Blue – and are available now from Samsung.com in 5G and Wi-Fi variants. Stay tuned for our full reviews.

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Looking for a different day?A new NYT Connections 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 Wednesday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Wednesday, April 2 (game #661).

Good morning! Let's play Connections, the NYT's clever word game that challenges you to group answers in various categories. It can be tough, so read on if you need Connections hints.What should you do once you've finished? Why, play some more word games of course. I've also got daily Strands hints and answers and Quordle hints and answers articles if you need help for those too, while Marc's Wordle today page covers the original viral word game.SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Connections today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

NYT Connections today (game #662) - today's words

(Image credit: New York Times)

Today's NYT Connections words are…

SCANNERBROWSERPOSTERREADERNOTICEBEACHREGISTERFOLDERSUNDAYBULLETINSCALETREESODA CANCONVEYOR BELTKEYBOARDANNOUNCEMENT

NYT Connections today (game #662) - hint #1 - group hints

What are some clues for today's NYT Connections groups?

YELLOW: Written proclaimationsGREEN: As seen at WalmartBLUE: The common word rhymes with “cabs”PURPLE: The answer is a part of your hand

Need more clues?We're firmly in spoiler territory now, but read on if you want to know what the four theme answers are for today's NYT Connections puzzles…

NYT Connections today (game #662) - hint #2 - group answers

What are the answers for today's NYT Connections groups?

YELLOW: PRINTED NOTIFICATION GREEN: SEEN AT A GROCERY CHECKOUT COUNTER BLUE: THINGS WITH TABSPURPLE: PALM ___

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

NYT Connections today (game #662) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Connections, game #662, are…

YELLOW: PRINTED NOTIFICATION ANNOUNCEMENT, BULLETIN, NOTICE, POSTERGREEN: SEEN AT A GROCERY CHECKOUT COUNTER CONVEYOR BELT, REGISTER, SCALE, SCANNERBLUE: THINGS WITH TABS BROWSER, FOLDER, KEYBOARD, SODA CANPURPLE: PALM ___ BEACH, READER, SUNDAY, TREE

My rating: HardMy score: 2 mistakes

Although PALM__ made up the purple group, and I was very pleased with myself to get it, the blue collection of THINGS WITH TABS was far harder — as if often the case when Connections has fun with the multiple meanings of words.In this case it was even harder for me, as the thing Americans call a tab on a soda can is called a ring pull in the UK.I made my two mistakes trying and failing to get SEEN AT A GROCERY CHECKOUT COUNTER.In my head I was associating CONVEYOR BELT and SCANNER with airport security, so I tried multiple variations with KEYBOARD and READER before getting the right foursome. Shameful, seeing as I worked at a grocery checkout for several years in my late teens.I’m glad to say I was never one of those cashiers who would comment on what the customer was buying, those people are the worst.How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.

Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Wednesday, 2 April, game #661)

YELLOW: CAPRICE FANCY, IMPULSE, LARK, WHIMGREEN: ILK KIND, LIKE, SORT, TYPEBLUE: WILLIAMSES HANK, ROBIN, TENNESSEE, VENUSPURPLE: WORDS PRONOUNCED DIFFERENTLY AS PROPER NOUNS HERB, JOB, NICE, READING

What is NYT Connections?NYT Connections is one of several increasingly popular word games made by the New York Times. It challenges you to find groups of four items that share something in common, and each group has a different difficulty level: green is easy, yellow a little harder, blue often quite tough and purple usually very difficult.On the plus side, you don't technically need to solve the final one, as you'll be able to answer that one by a process of elimination. What's more, you can make up to four mistakes, which gives you a little bit of breathing room.It's a little more involved than something like Wordle, however, and there are plenty of opportunities for the game to trip you up with tricks. For instance, watch out for homophones and other word games that could disguise the answers.It's playable for free via the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

Looking for a different day?A new Quordle 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 Wednesday's puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Wednesday, April 2 (game #1164).

Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now more than 1,100 games later. It offers a genuine challenge, though, so read on if you need some Quordle hints today – or scroll down further for the answers.Enjoy playing word games? You can also check out my NYT Connections today and NYT Strands today pages for hints and answers for those puzzles, while Marc's Wordle today column covers the original viral word game.SPOILER WARNING: Information about Quordle today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

Quordle today (game #1165) - hint #1 - Vowels

How many different vowels are in Quordle today?• The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 4*.

* 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).

Quordle today (game #1165) - hint #2 - repeated letters

Do any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?• The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 2.

Quordle today (game #1165) - hint #3 - uncommon letters

Do the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?• Yes. Two of Q, Z, X or J appear among today's Quordle answers.

Quordle today (game #1165) - hint #4 - starting letters (1)

Do any of today's Quordle puzzles start with the same letter?• The number of today's Quordle answers starting with the same letter is 2.

If you just want to know the answers at this stage, simply scroll down. If you're not ready yet then here's one more clue to make things a lot easier:

Quordle today (game #1165) - hint #5 - starting letters (2)

What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?• A• J• D• J

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

Quordle today (game #1165) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1165, are…

ASCOTJETTYDRUNKJOLLY

I’m allowing myself a deep sigh of satisfaction and some shoulder dusting today, after completing Quordle without a hitch. I’ll save my rooster dance for if I ever finish after six turns (unlikely).In truth, the only tricky word was ASCOT and I only got that as it’s been in Quordle before, but hey they all count.How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.

Daily Sequence today (game #1165) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1165, are…

ERECTLURCHRALPHMADAM

Quordle answers: The past 20

Quordle #1164, Wednesday 2 April: INDEX, QUEEN, INCUR, STOLEQuordle #1163, Tuesday 1 April: HUMUS, BALMY, WORRY, ERECTQuordle #1162, Monday 31 March: RECUT, MOODY, WHERE, BRACEQuordle #1161, Sunday 30 March: CRIME, DRINK, CLOVE, TRUERQuordle #1160, Saturday 29 March: LATER, ODDLY, CUMIN, AGREEQuordle #1159, Friday 28 March: TERSE, MUSHY, PROVE, FRONDQuordle #1158, Thursday 27 March: CRONE, APNEA, LIGHT, AWOKEQuordle #1157, Wednesday 26 March: LEFTY, NOOSE, NOISE, TRIADQuordle #1156, Tuesday 25 March: SNEER, WATCH, FLORA, STAINQuordle #1155, Monday 24 March: FLOUT, SMASH, RAZOR, SMALLQuordle #1154, Sunday 23 March: ALLEY, GAMUT, GEESE, RADIIQuordle #1153, Saturday 22 March: PICKY, BRACE, BOOZE, SURLYQuordle #1152, Friday 21 March: DITTY, VALOR, TOWER, AMISSQuordle #1151, Thursday 20 March: RIPER, STILL, WAFER, NOTCHQuordle #1150, Wednesday 19 March: FLAME, CARAT, SPAWN, TUNICQuordle #1149, Tuesday 18 March: NAVEL, TREAT, COPSE, SLINKQuordle #1148, Monday 17 March: INFER, FLINT, CHUMP, SHEERQuordle #1147, Sunday 16 March: INPUT, RUMBA, ELUDE, BLANKQuordle #1146, Saturday 15 March: SPEED, CLASH, RISKY, GRATEQuordle #1145, Friday 14 March: BELIE, SPEAR, GROWL, ADOBE

Looking for a different day?A new NYT Strands 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 Wednesday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Strands hints and answers for Wednesday, April 2 (game #395).

Strands is the NYT's latest word game after the likes of Wordle, Spelling Bee and Connections – and it's great fun. It can be difficult, though, so read on for my Strands hints.Want more word-based fun? Then check out my NYT Connections today and Quordle today pages for hints and answers for those games, and Marc's Wordle today page for the original viral word game.SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Strands today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

NYT Strands today (game #396) - hint #1 - today's theme

What is the theme of today's NYT Strands?• Today's NYT Strands theme is… Get the bug

NYT Strands today (game #396) - hint #2 - clue words

Play any of these words to unlock the in-game hints system.

THANDOLESOAPTOOLSNAPLADS

NYT Strands today (game #396) - hint #3 - spangram letters

How many letters are in today's spangram?• Spangram has 10 letters

NYT Strands today (game #396) - hint #4 - spangram position

What are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?First side: left, 4th rowLast side: right, 3rd row

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

NYT Strands today (game #396) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #396, are…

LADYSTINKDOODLELIGHTNINGPOTATOASSASSINSPANGRAM: ENTOMOLOGY

My rating: HardMy score: 3 hints

ENOTOMOLOGY, and I will tell you as I’ve just googled it, is the study of insects, encompassing their biology, ecology, behavior, and interactions with humans.I must admit that a couple of the bugs that made today’s search are ones that I thought were just names for things, rather than names for actual insects.Until today I thought DOODLEbug was the name given, during the Second World War, to flying bombs – rather than a small unattractive creature that lives in sand.Strictly speaking, LADYbugs are beetles rather than bugs and they’re really fascinating.The two facts that I remember most about them is that although they have a short lifespan (two years at most) they hibernate for about nine months of that time and secondly that the charming name for a large group of them is a “loveliness”.STINKbugs don’t have an official collective term but the experts like to call large groups “a stench”.How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.

Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Wednesday, 2 April, game #395)

DAZZLETWINKLESHIMMERSPARKLEGLEAMRADIATESPANGRAM: STAR POWER

What is NYT Strands?Strands is the NYT's not-so-new-any-more word game, following Wordle and Connections. It's now a fully fledged member of the NYT's games stable that has been running for a year and which can be played on the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.I've got a full guide to how to play NYT Strands, complete with tips for solving it, so check that out if you're struggling to beat it each day.

Nintendo is today laying out the goodies for the Switch 2, which includes the third-party titles available at launch. The roster may be small, but it includes a number of notable titles from the current generation, trimmed and polished to work on the new hardware. That includes Cyberpunk: 2077, Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition, Street Fighter 6, Hitman: World of Assassination and Split Fiction. EA has also committed to putting whatever the hell we pretend to call FIFA these days EA Sports FC as well as this year’s Madden. There’s also a Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD remaster and Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut plus a tweaked version of Hogwarts: Legacy.

The breadth and depth of titles available on day one is testament both to the fact there are plenty of good titles in the air right now, and that the Switch 2 must be fairly easy for developers to work with.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/cyberpunk-2077-and-split-fiction-are-third-party-launch-titles-for-nintendo-switch-2-135648661.html?src=rss

Nintendo Switch Online is getting a Switch 2-exclusive upgrade. On June 5, the same day the new console goes on sale, the service's Expansion Pack service will begin including GameCube games. At launch, Nintendo will offer The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Soulcaliber II and F-Zero GX, with more games to come following the Switch 2's release.

Games that support multiplayer, including F-Zero GX, will offer online play, with support for up to four players. Additionally, the Switch 2 will render every GameCube game at a higher resolution for improved image quality. Nintendo will also release a new version of the GameCube's classic controller that features a USB-C connection, wireless connectivity and a dedicated C button for GameChat functionality.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/the-nintendo-switch-2-will-play-gamecube-games-141025334.html?src=rss

During today's Nintendo Direct all about the Switch 2, the company shared how and when fans can finally get the handheld into their hands. After a long, long wait, pre-orders for the Switch 2 will begin on April 9. Its starting price tag is $450, and the console will be widely available on June 5. The console will be available from the usual lineup of retailers, which we expect to include Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, Walmart and others.

We knew from the teaser trailer for the Switch 2 that Nintendo's new hardware would be bigger and would have a new approach to the detachable Joy-Cons. The new Joy-Con 2 have a new C button, mouse controls and a built in gyroscope for tilt control. The console has a built-in mic to support a new feature called Game Chat that will let you communicate with friends in-game. The device is indeed a bit larger, with a 7.9-inch LCD screen that supports a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR and a 1080p resolution.

When docked, you'll be able to play at up to 4K on your TV, and Nintendo says it improved the consoles internal speakers as well. The new dock also has a built-in fan to keep the console cool and help maintain performance during long play sessions. The Switch 2 has dual USB-C ports for charging, and the base storage amount has increased to 256GB. The Switch 2's storage can be expanded like the previous model, but it will only work with newer microSD Express cards.

Developing...This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/how-to-pre-order-the-nintendo-switch-2-140931639.html?src=rss

If you were hoping for Bloodborne 2, it's good and bad news. This isn't that, because that's a Sony thing. However, FromSoftware's new game, coming to the Switch 2, looks to borrow a lot of the gothic cues and style of Bloodborne.

The Duskbloods leans into a slightly more Steampunk style too, with what appears to be steam-powered automatons and a Victorian London setting. There are also vampire shenanigans, a man with an axe in a pyjama onesie, a dinosaur, and a rune-covered rodent. In short, there's lots of mystery, lots of violence and some magic, too.

In today's brief trailer, we got to see one of the characters leap into a busy Victorian cityscape, shady churches and huge vicious beasts to slay. We also got teases of several characters wielding different weapons and attack patterns.

For now, The Duskbloods doesn't have a specific release date; it will land on Nintendo's new console sometime in 2026.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/fromsoftware-the-duskbloods-switch-2-2026-release-142025792.html?src=rss

FromSoftware has revealed its new game, The Duskbloods, at the Nintendo Switch 2 DirectThe Duskbloods is a new multiplayer game that looks like a mix between Bloodborne and Elden RingThe game is launching exclusively on the Switch 2 in 2026

FromSoftware has unveiled its next major title The Duskbloods and it's launching exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026.The surprise announcement comes from today's Nintendo Switch 2 Direct alongside a lengthy gameplay trailer, which almost had me thinking it was a Bloodborne sequelIt's a new multiplayer role-playing game (RPG), and from the footage, it looks like a cross between Bloodborne and Elden Ring, with a Victorian gothic style blended with fantasy, with gruesome monsters and grand locations to encounter.The Duskbloods is currently only confirmed for the Switch 2, but it's hard to imagine the FromSoftware title not also getting a PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC release, post-launch.

The Duskbloods, a brand new multiplayer title from the creators of Dark Souls and ELDEN RING, FromSoftware. Coming exclusively to #NintendoSwitch2 in 2026. pic.twitter.com/fJXiveG3ZvApril 2, 2025

Nintendo also confirmed that a Creator's Voice article from The Duskblood's director, Hidetaka Miyazaki, will be published on the official Nintendo website on April 4, which should hopefully offer more details.During the exciting broadcast, we also received confirmation that the Nintendo Switch 2 will be released on June 5, 2025, but unfortunately, pricing and preorder details still have yet to be revealed.It was also announced that Elden Ring will be coming to the console this year, alongside a number of other popular titles like Split Fiction, Hogwarts Legacy, and Street Fighter 6.

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Mario Kart World officially revealed as a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusiveTwo Nintendo Treehouse streams will air this week and feature hands-on gameplay of Switch 2 titlesThese are my five dream Nintendo Switch 2 games that I want to see at launch

Nintendo just held a livestream to drop more details on the forthcoming Switch 2 console. At the very end, it revealed a brand-new 3D platformer starring Donkey Kong. This is the first game of its type since Donkey Kong 64 hit the Nintendo 64 all the way back in 1999. It’s called Donkey Kong Bananza and launches exclusively for the Switch 2 on July 17, which is just over a month after the console hits store shelves.

It looks cool! Much of the environment is destructible, so DK can get in there and break stuff. It also features sidescrolling segments, sort of like how modern Mario 3D platformers dip into their 2D roots every once in a while.

The whole thing has a funky and cartoonish vibe one would expect from our favorite gorilla. However, I didn’t hear one lick of the famous Donkey Kong rap during the trailer but the equally iconic "ooh banana" sound effect from DK64 does make a brief cameo.

The trailer does show DK climbing up the sides of mountains (getting his BOTW-era Link on) and rollicking through several locations. These include a forest and an ice region, among others. The footage also shows the meanest looking Kong I’ve ever seen.

Nintendo

We don’t know too much about this game beyond what the trailer shows, but we don’t have that long to wait. Once again, Donkey Kong Bananza comes out on July 17.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/donkey-kong-bananza-is-a-brand-new-3d-platformer-for-switch-2-143108835.html?src=rss

The C button will trigger the new Game Chat mode This mode lets Switch 2 users have audio and video chats with each otherAnd that means a Switch console will finally have built-in chat options; just be prepared to pay for it after a year

We just got a deeper look at the Nintendo Switch 2 and with that came an explanation of the mysterious C button. And the C basically stands for chat.That’s because this new button on the right Joy-Con is designed to trigger the new Game Chat feature for the Switch 2. This is a form of chat that’s not too far away from Discord, that allows users to chat with their friends via a built-in microphone in the Joy-Con.Working in handheld and docked mode, Game Chat also lets you chat with friends who may be playing different games. Hitting the C button basically triggers the Game Chat mode’s menu in-game for audio and video chat. And this will all work in tandem with the new Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, which will naturally provide the video feed for you to appear in Game Chat.Now chatting in games with friends will be nothing new to PS5 or Xbox Series X players, especially as the latter has Discord support, but for Nintendo, it’s a whole new world.The idea here is that the chats Switch players may have had when playing local multiplayer - think yelling at each other over being piped to the post in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or being smug about Super Smash Bros Ultimate victories - to take place online, with the video aspect helping get closer to replication of couch-based multiplayer.For me, a 38-year-old gamer who grew up playing Goldeneye 64, Super Smash Bros, and Mario Kart 64 multiplayer hunched around a CRT TV with neighbors and my brother, I somewhat miss the couch-based multiplayer of my youth.And while the current Switch does offer a pretty special in-person multiplayer mode in that you can basically start a Mario Kart tournament in the pub, thanks to the stand and detachable Joy-Cons, remote multiplayer with friends isn't great due the lack of a built-in chat for the Switch.That’ll all change with the Switch 2 and Game Chat. But there’s a slight sting in the tail in that Game Chat will only be free to use for the first year of use, then Nintendo will want you to pay for it; what that price will be, so stay tuned and check out our Nintendo Switch 2 Direct live blog for a beat-by-beat account of what was announced at the latest Direct.

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Two very different but fan-favorite series have just been ordered by Hulu and Paramount+: the former has commissioned The Testaments, a follow-up to The Handmaid's Tale, and Paramount has commissioned a second season of the Dexter spin-off Dexter: Original Sin.Production of The Testaments will begin this week on April 7 but there are no dates for Original Sin just yet.

What do we know so far about The Testaments?

Based once again on the books by Margaret Atwood, The Testaments takes place 15 years after The Handmaid's Tale in the bleak theocracy of Gilead.Elisabeth Moss is executive producing, and Deadline says that the hope is for her to guest star in the sequel by reprising her role as June Osborne.That's not guaranteed, though. The Handmaid's Tale starts its final season on April 8, and the story that tells may or may not make it impossible for June to return.The new drama is a coming-of-age story centred on a new generation of young Gilead women. In addition to the principal cast of Chase Infiniti as Agnes, Lucy Halliday as Daisy, Ann Dowd as Aunt Lydia, Rowan Blanchard as Shunammite and Mattea Conforti as Becka, it also introduces nine new actors: Mabel Li, Amy Seimetz, Brad Alexander, Zarrin Darnell-Martin, Eva Foote, Isolde Ardies, Shechinah Mpumlwana, Birva Pandya, and Kira Guloien.These young women have never known life before Gilead, and the show follows their battle to find freedom.Expectations are really high for this series: The Handmaid's Tale seasons 1-5 have been excellent and reviews for the book The Testaments were glowing. Writing in The Guardian, Anne Enright said "The Testaments is Atwood at her best... to read this book is to feel the world turning".

What do we know so far about Dexter: Original Sin season 2?

Dexter: Original Sin isn't quite so literary and it's a lot less dystopian. As with the first season it stars Patrick Gibson as the titular killer in his late teen years, with events taking place roughly 15 years before the original series begins.Season 1 was set in 1991 Miami where Dexter is refining his slaying skills with the help of adoptive dad Harry, played by Christian Slater. Harry teaches him a killing code and how to avoid being caught by the cops – which comes in handy as Dexter hsa just started interning at the Miami Metro PD.Although the show has attracted fairly middling reviews it was Showtime‘s most-streamed series in 10 years so a sequel was highly likely.If you've already enjoyed season one and can't wait for the writers to finish your next Dexter fix, you can stream Dexter: New Blood, starring Michael C Hall, on Paramount+in the US, UK and Australia. The original Dexter is on Netflix in the US and UK.

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The Nintendo Switch 2 specs have been revealedThe console will feature a 7.9-inch LCD screen, 120 FPS, and 4K HDR support while dockedThe Switch 2 will also offer 256GB of internal storage

The big day has arrived at last, and after months and months of rumors, leaks, and speculation, we finally have confirmation on the Nintendo Switch 2 specs.During the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct today, we were offered a deep dive into the Switch 2, including a breakdown of the console's many features and a June 5, 2025, release date.For starters, the Nintendo Switch 2 will be the same thickness as the original Switch but will feature a bigger screen, from 6.2 inches to 7.9 inches. The panel type is what Nintendo is calling a 'Vivid LCD' screen.Near enough everything has been upgraded from the original Switch, including the frame rate, which will now offer 120 frames per second and 4K HDR support while docked.The Switch 2 will also feature 256GB of internal storage, and although it may have leaked, Nintendo also revealed that the console's Joy-Con controllers will have mouse controls that can be magnetically detached from the unit and utilized for certain games.There's more to look forward to, as Nintendo has announced that it will be airing two Treehouse presentations this week, offering a new look at Switch 2 gameplay.The first broadcast will air on April 3 at 7AM PT / 9AM ET / 2PM BST, and the second will take place at the same time on April 4.

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After months of anticipation and years of speculation, Nintendo is finally spilling all the beans about the Switch 2. In a Nintendo Direct presentation, the company is filling in questions we've had about the console since it was first officially revealed in a short teaser this past January.

Switch 2 launch date and pricing

We finally know when the console will be available: June 5, 2025. It'll cost $450 at launch, and pre-orders start on April 9.

Switch 2 hardware

The Switch 2 console has the same thickness but has a much larger display — 7.9 inches at a 1080p resolution, versus the 6.2-inch 720p screen on the old console. And it runs at up to 120fps. It is an LCD display, rather than OLED, but it supports HDR at least.

As expected, the new Joy-Con controllers attach magnetically and have much bigger SL and SR buttons for when you're playing on a single Joy-Con controller. The sticks are also bigger, and each Joy-Con can be used as a mouse on compatible games.

The built-in stand looks much better than the ones on older Switch systems, and there are two USB-C ports on the console as well. Nintendo also highlighted 3D audio when using compatible headphones, and the speakers on the console itself should be a lot better as well. The console has 256GB of storage, far surpassing the 32GB on the original model. The Switch 2 dock outputs at up to 4K with compatible games and the dock has a built-in fan to keep things cool when running at higher resolutions.

Switch 2 is using similar game cards to the original Switch, but Nintendo notes that they're faster; you'll have to use microSD Express cards for extra storage this time though. Standard microSD ones won't be compatible with the new hardware.

A new Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller will also be available with the C button to activate GameChat, and it also has GL and GR buttons on the back that you can assign to any specific actions. There's also a headphone jack, too.

Voice and video chat

The first new feature Nintendo highlighted on its updated Joy-Con controllers was the C button. The C button lets you enter the new GameChat features. You can voice chat while playing using a built-in microphone, even when the console is docked. It's the first time that a Nintendo system has had voice chat, and you can also share your game screen with friends as you play as well. For example, in Mario Kart this gives you more of a feel like you're all playing connected to a TV even though you're remote, because you can see everything that your friends are doing as well.

And the chat and screen-share features work even if you're all playing different games, so you can just get a group together to hang out while playing different titles. There's also a Switch 2 camera that enables video chat that'll show you on screen while you're playing. These features will require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, but Nintendo will offer it for free to everyone until March 31, 2026.

Mario Kart World

As expected, we're finally getting a new entry in the venerable Mario Kart series, Mario Kart World. It looks looks familiar while also showing off some wild new tricks, like skateboard-style grinds on rails and wall jumps. The courses also look much larger and wider than any we've ever seen before. For the first time, it looks like there's an open world connecting all the various courses, and weather and time of day will change.

Nintendo also says that you can go off-course and drive "virtually everywhere." And fitting those huge tracks, the Grand Prix will have 24 competitors in one race. Overall, it's a massive update which feels appropriate — the last Mario Kart game arrived way back in 2014 for the Wii U and was updated for the original Switch. It'll be out the same day as the Switch 2, June 5.

Other games coming to Switch 2

Nintendo ran down a handful of other games coming to the Switch 2, including Eldin Ring: Tarnished Edition, a new title called Drag x Drive that uses the Switch 2 mouse controls in what looks like an extreme wheelchair sporting event, Hades II, Street Fighter 6, Split Fiction, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 +4, Hitman: World of Assassination and Daemon x Machina.

Nintendo is also working on Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, which will be out this winter; it's being developed in with Koei Techmo games and will have the same combat-focused vibes as other Dynasty Warrior-style titles.

From Software is also releasing a new game exclusively for the Switch 2 called The Duskbloods in 2026. It feels a lot like Bloodbourne at first glance.

Perhaps the biggest first-party game to be revealed today besides Mario Kart World is a new 3D platformer starring Donkey Kong: Donkey Kong Bonanza. It definitely has similar vibes to 3D Mario adventures, but in a totally new context.

There's a laundry list of games that were mentioned today; Nintendo has helpfully pulled them together in this press release.

Finally, Nintendo has announced that the Switch Online service will host another classic console, the GameCube. The initial game library includes The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, F-Zero GX and SOULCALIBUR II. For the first time on Nintendo's classic consoles through the Switch Online service, GameCube games will run at higher resolutions than the original titles.

Nintendo Switch 2 edition games

In addition to games expressly designed for the Switch 2, Nintendo will also be releasing "Switch 2 edition" for selected titles, like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. Those titles will have improved resolutions and frame rates as well as new features that'll show up in a companion smartphone app. Nintendo didn't say how much these upgrades would cost yet.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land is also getting a Switch 2 edition that adds an additional world to explore, while Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will have both a Switch and Switch 2 edition; the Switch 2 edition can run in 4K at 60fps or up to 120fps at a lower resolution.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/nintendo-switch-2-everything-announced-including-a-new-mario-kart-game-new-switch-features-and-more-133105264.html?src=rss

Nintendo Switch 2 will launch on June 5Nintendo unveiled GameShare which allows users to play together on multiple consoles with one single cartridgeThis functionality was known as Download Play on the Nintendo DS and was discontinued with the Wii U

Nintendo just unveiled all the Nintendo Switch 2 information we'd been waiting for including a release date, price, and the showcase of Mario Kart World. While that information might grab the headlines, there's another announcement that I'm more excited about.Nintendo just announced GameShare, the spiritual successor to DS Download Play, and I can't believe we're returning to the heyday of gaming, where friends could hang out on park benches and play multiplayer with only one game cartridge.Download Play was a staple of the Nintendo DS and 3DS and was later discontinued when Nintendo moved from the Wii U to the Nintendo Switch. Considering just how portable the Nintendo Switch is, it always felt like the console was missing a feature like Download Play, but now Nintendo has rectified that glaring omission.GameShare will allow multiple Nintendo Switch 2 owners to play games like Mario Kart World in local multiplayer without needing to own more than one copy. This is an excellent feature for kids as they can play with all their friends without everyone forking out the price of a game.If GameShare is anything like DS Download Play, everyone will be able to access the same experience with one cartridge, so you can pick tracks, karts, and characters without any limitations.The return of local multiplayer game sharing might not seem like the flashiest reveal from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, but it will come in handy when you least expect it.

Back to the glory days

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Now, this might be my nostalgia talking but the Mario Kart DS is one of my favorite games of all time thanks to DS Download Play. Back when I had hair and no beard, I was a young kid who used to play lots of tennis at summer camp. During those summers, Mario Kart DS was the best time of the day as me and my friends would sit outside under the sun and race with only one cartridge.As a kid, you didn't always get the latest games, and for multiplayer experiences that was often an issue. The Nintendo DS completely rectified that, allowing you to play competitively with others without begging your parents for more pocket money.As a 30-year-old adult now, I think GameShare will be equally useful. You see, many of those kids from tennis camp are now adults, and just like back then we still play multiplayer games.So whether that's rocking up to the TechRadar office or meeting a mate in the pub, GameShare will allow us to play the best games Nintendo Switch 2 has to offer without needing to buy a second copy.

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Silksong, the long-awaited to sequel to 2017's Hollow Knight, will arrive later this year, according to a brief sizzle reel Nintendo shared during today's Switch 2 Direct. In fact, the snippet was so short you might have missed it if you blinked, and featured the same section of gameplay we first saw during the game's announcement trailer back in 2019.

Of course this being Silksong we're talking about, I wouldn't count on the game's developer, Team Cherry, sticking to that date until we have the game in our hands. If you recall, back in 2022 there was speculation the game would arrive by June 12, 2023 after Microsoft included it in a Xbox Game Pass trailer and said all the titles featured in said clip would be available within 12 months. Well, June 12, 2023 came and went with no release of Silksong.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/hollow-knight-silksong-purportedly-arrives-this-year-144515332.html?src=rss

Researchers at Wiz spot a new cryptojacking campaignIt has targeted more than 1,500 misconfigured PostgreSQL serversA variant of the infamous XMRig miner was deployed to try and steal crypto

Hackers are targeting misconfigured and publicly exposed PostgreSQL servers with cryptocurrency miners, rendering them practically unusable as they rake up the electricity bill for the victims, researchers have warned.Wiz Threat Research experts said the new attack was actually a variant of an already observed, ongoing campaign, as the threat actors (which they call JINX-0126) are targeting PostgreSQL instances configured with weak and guessable login credentials. Once they find them and log in, they deploy the XMRig-C3 cryptominer.XMRig is a hugely popular cryptominer, since it mines the Monero cryptocurrency, which is generally a lot more difficult to trace, compared to Bitcoin, or other mineable currencies.

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Mining Monero

A cryptocurrency miner uses up almost all of the device’s compute power, rendering it useless for pretty much anything else. This also means increased electricity consumption, which results in an inflated bill at the end of the month.Cybercriminals, on the other hand, get Monero sent directly into their wallets, which they can sell on the open market for US dollars, or any other cryptocurrency. In many cases, the money gets spent on other malicious campaigns.Wiz says that the campaign was first documented by researchers from Aqua Security, but it has since evolved.The threat actors have allegedly implemented additional defense mechanisms and are deploying the miner filelessly in order to evade being spotted.The researchers found that the threat actor assigned a unique mining worker to each victim, making it relatively easy to determine how many devices were likely compromised. Based on their analysis, the campaign likely impacted more than 1,500 devices.“This suggests that misconfigured PostgreSQL instances are highly common, providing a low hanging fruit entry point for opportunistic threat actors to exploit,” they said.“Furthermore, our data shows that nearly 90% of cloud environments self-host PostgreSQL instances, of which a third have at least one instance that is publicly exposed to the internet.”Via The Hacker News

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The Switch 2 Nintendo Direct has officially come and gone, leaving in its wake some big news about the system and its upcoming games. One of arguably the cutest announcements came courtesy of Kirby Air Riders, a new game from Super Smash Bros. director Masahiro Sakurai. So, while there's sadly no new Smash game on the horizon, you can glide around with Kirby and friends.

Kirby Air Riders comes over two decades after Sakurai designed Kirby Air Ride for the GameCube. Yes, you can now take a moment if reading this has made you feel old. After nearly a minute of build-up, the trailer shows Kirby riding along on the Warp Star machine, through a pleasant looking valley. It ends with the "rs" being dramatically attached to the original Kirby Air Ride title.

We don't have an exact release date for Kirby Air Riders yet, but Nintendo says it will be sometime this year. As for the Switch 2, you can pick one up for $450 on June 5, along with new games like Mario Kart World.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/super-smash-bros-directors-kirby-air-riders-will-come-to-the-switch-2-150234970.html?src=rss

At last, we have the critical details millions of gamers have awaited for years: the Nintendo Switch 2 release date, price and other details about the new system. The console will arrive on June 5 and it costs $450. Pre-orders will open on April 9, so you have a week to break open your piggy bank.

The June release date confirms the long-standing rumors that had percolated since Nintendo first revealed the details of the new console in January. As suspected, it dovetails with the series of roadshow events Nintendo is holding around the globe to let folks try the Switch 2 for the first time. Those wrap up in early June.

It's been reported that Nintendo wanted to have as many units of the console ready to sell out of the gate as possible to mitigate shortages. The Switch 2 is likely to be in high demand, even though Nintendo plans to keep releasing new games for the original Switch (which has sold more than 150 million units) into at least 2026. Still, if the demand is robust enough and reports that Nintendo has between 6 million and 8 million units ready to go hold true, the company is poised to smash sales records with the Switch 2.

Nintendo Switch 2 hardware

Nintendo says it redesigned the system from the ground up. As expected, the Nintendo Switch 2 is larger than its predecessor. It measures 7.9 inches, compared with 6.2 inches for the original system, though no thicker than the previous console. The Switch 2 has around double the pixel density of the original Switch, Nintendo says, as it has a 1080p display. In docked mode, you'll be able to play at up to 4K on your TV.

There's some great news for frame rate appreciators, as the system will support up to 120 Hz gameplay on its own screen. There's HDR support too. Sadly, it's an LCD display rather than an OLED.

Nintendo says it improved the speakers to deliver clearer audio, while you'll be able to enjoy 3D audio in select games through compatible surround sound systems or headphones. There's a built-in mic with voice cancelling tech too (more on that in a moment). Some other hardware features had already been revealed, including the multi-angled kickstand and dual USB-C ports, either of which can be used for charging.

Gratefully, Nintendo has given the Switch 2's internal storage a serious upgrade. At 256GB, it has eight times the built-in storage of the Switch. That's was a necessary change, as many games already weighed in at over 32GB and required a microSD card to install locally.

To add more storage, you'll need a microSD Express card, which supports higher-speed data transfers. Regular microSD cards won't be supported. As for the physical game cards, they're the same size and shape as the ones for the Nintendo Switch.

As is usually the case, Nintendo isn't saying much about the processor or graphics processing hardware. The company simply notes that the "Nintendo Switch 2 has significantly improved CPU and GPU performance over Nintendo Switch, resulting in faster processing speed and enabling new visually advanced gameplay. It also makes it possible to achieve more detailed graphics and faster loading times."

The new dock has a built-in fan to keep the console cool and maintain stable performance. That's something that might come in handy if you're playing, say, Elden Ring on the Switch 2 — which is something you'll actually be able to do.

Nintendo is promising a swatch of new accessibility features on the Switch 2. These include the option to change the font size, a speech-to-text function in GameChat (which we'll get to momentarily) and a screen reader.

To help you get to grips with all of the new features of this console, you'll be able to check out tech demos, minigames and more in Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour. This will be a day-one paid launch title for the system.

Explore the new system through tech demos, minigames, and quizzes with Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, a paid downloadable launch title for #NintendoSwitch2. #NintendoDirect pic.twitter.com/doZVYS0wjV— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) April 2, 2025

Joy-Con 2

The rumors were true, the Joy-Con 2 includes a mouse control feature. Each controller can be used as a mouse, so you can maybe expect more strategy games (oh hi, Civilization VII) and even first-person shooters — Nintendo is adding this feature just in time for Microsoft to start bringing Call of Duty games to its systems. A new 3 vs. 3 sports game called Drag x Drive, which will arrive this summer, uses the mouse controls of both Joy-Cons.

The controllers attach to the main unit magnetically. To detach them, you need to press release button on the rear. The control sticks are larger, as are the SL and SR buttons. The latter are made of steel, and these are what the magnets built into the system attach to, seemingly electromagnetically.

It is not yet clear if the Joy-Cons from the Switch will be compatible with the Switch 2 or, if so, how they'd attach. So if you have a large collection of Joy-Cons, they may soon be gathering dust.

Elsewhere, a new Pro controller with rear, assignable buttons will also be available. It has an audio jack and, like the Joy-Con 2, it has a C button. About that...

C button and GameChat

The much-discussed new C button on the right Joy-Con 2 (and the new Pro controller) can control a new feature called GameChat. For one thing, it can activate voice chat with up to 12 people.

The microphone that's built into the main Switch 2 unit can pick up your voice from across a room when the console is in docked mode, Nintendo says. Through GameChat, the option to share your gameplay with up to four friends, so you can all see what each other is doing (though these friend streams seemed to be running at a low frame rate in Nintendo's Switch 2 Direct).

A camera accessory will allow you to jump into video chat with up to four buds. You can choose to superimpose your camera feed over your gameplay. The camera will be available on the Switch 2 launch day.

GameChat will require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription in the long run, but access will be free until March 31, 2026. Parents and guardians can set GameChat restrictions through the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app. The company says it has safety features in place for GameChat.

Nintendo Switch 2 games

Of course, Nintendo unveiled several Switch 2 games, including Mario Kart World, the new title it teased in the console's announcement video. That will be a Switch 2 launch title. Expect more details about that during a dedicated Direct on April 17.

I'm very excited about Donkey Kong Bonanza, a 3D platformer that will hit Switch 2 on July 17. A Donkey Kong game with destructible environments just feels right. On top of that, Kirby Air Riders, a racing game from Super Smash Bros. Ultimate director Masahiro Sakurai, is coming later this year.

A wave of major third-party games are coming to Switch 2 on launch day, including Cyberpunk 2077, Split Fiction, Hitman World of Assassination and Street Fighter 6. Also coming to Switch 2 at some point are Hades II, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, Borderlands 4, Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition (an ironically very funny name for a game that's being ported to a lass-powerful console), EA Sports FC, Project 007 and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4.

We got an update on a little game called Hollow Knight: Silksong, which now has a 2025 release window. Grand Theft Auto 6 better watch its back.

In a major surprise, Nintendo revealed a brand new FromSoftware game that's coming exclusively to the Switch 2 in 2026. It's called The Duskbloods and it looks very much like a spiritual successor to Bloodborne.

Meanwhile, the Switch 2 version of Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack will include a library of GameCube games, such as F-Zero GX, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and SoulCalibur II. A version of the GameCube controller will soon be available. And yes, it has a C button for GameChat.

In addition, several first-party Switch games will be enhanced on the Switch 2 — but only if you shell out for a paid upgrade. These include The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, Super Mario Party Jamboree and Kirby and the Forgotten Land, as well as the upcoming Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

Transitioning from the Switch

Players will be able to carry over most of their purchased Switch games, Nintendo Switch Online memberships and so on to the new console thanks to the Switch 2's backward compatibility. A new system that will also be available on the upcoming hybrid aims to make it easier for people to lend digital Switch games to friends and family but, as is so often the case with Nintendo, the company made things more complicated than they ought to be.

Thankfully, Nintendo is looking to make it easy to transition from a Switch to a Switch 2. You'll be able to transfer your games, save data and so on directly to the new console.

A GameShare feature will allow people to play the same Switch 2 game locally on multiple systems without having to purchase it more than once. That's a really nice quality of life upgrade for families and friends who like to play games together. Switch 2 owners can even share their game with Switch systems. On the downside, GameShare will only be available for select games, including Super Mario Odyssey for those who really want to play as Kappy on their own device. Naturally, it'll also work on some Switch 2-exclusive games.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/the-nintendo-switch-2-arrives-on-june-5-at-450-140642208.html?src=rss

Nintendo has announced Donkey Kong BananzaDonkey Kong Bananza is a new 3D platformer action-adventure gameIt's launching exclusively on the Switch 2 on July 17, 2025

Nintendo has announced the next entry in the Donkey Kong series, Donkey Kong Bananza, set to launch for the Switch 2 on July 17, 2025.Donkey Kong Bananza was the final major game announcement of the rollercoaster that was the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct today and is described as a new 3D platforming game."Explore a vast underground world - by smashing your way through it! Bash, throw, and climb through just about anything in DK’s brand-new 3D platforming action-adventure game!" Nintendo said.We got our first look at the game with the first trailer, showcasing the titular character traversing what appears to be a mix of linear open-world levels and a number of unique biomes.

The game will also feature some side-scrolling elements during exploration, boss fights, collectible resources, and a mysterious underground location.Donkey Kong Bananza's announcement joined a ton of other major reveals, including Mario Kart World, the next entry in the racing series featuring an open world and 24 players.It was also announced that the Nintendo Switch 2 will be launching on June 5, 2025. Preorders open on April 8 and will cost you $449.99 / £395.99.Nintendo has confirmed that two Treehouse presentations will also air this week, offering a new look at Switch 2 gameplay.The first broadcast will air on April 3 at 7AM PT / 9AM ET / 2PM BST, and the second will take place at the same time on April 4.

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Mario Kart World has now been revealed, having been showcased during the recent Nintendo Switch 2 reveal event. From what we've seen so far, the new Mario Kart looks primed to push the franchise forward, with a new art style, and seamless racing between tracks across a large map.Of course, we've known about a new Mario Kart game for a while, as it was teased during the initial Nintendo Switch 2 event back in January. This reveal is no doubt music to your ears, given just how long it's been since we got a brand new Mario Kart game on consoles.Now we know that it's coming to Nintendo Switch 2, as well as some new details on what to expect. The promise of a new Mario Kart has certainly convinced us here at TechRadar Gaming to stay up to date with Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders.Following its reveal, Mario Kart World is easily one of the most highly anticipated upcoming games for 2025. Hopefully, it'll end up on our list of the best Nintendo Switch games by the end of the year. Who knows, maybe it'll even dethrone its predecessor after many, many years at the top of sales charts? Rather big shoes to fill indeed.Here's everything we know so far about Mario Kart World so far, including a look at gameplay, as well as all of the latest news and trailers. As new info drops this page will be updated.

Mario Kart World: cut to the chase

What is it? The next entry in the legendary Mario Kart seriesWhen does it come out? June 5, 2025What can I play it on? Nintendo Switch 2 (exclusively)Who's making it? Nintendo

Mario Kart World release date and platforms

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Mario Kart World will launch on June 5, 2025, for Nintendo Switch 2, alongside the main console.This new Mario Kart is going to be an exclusive for the Nintendo Switch 2.

Mario Kart World trailer

So far, we've only received one trailer for Mario Kart World. It was revealed during the Nintendo Switch reveal event on April 2, 2025. This reveals the game's name and gives us our first look at the new 24-player races.

Drive virtually everywhere in Mario Kart World, a brand-new Mario Kart game releasing exclusively on #NintendoSwitch2 as a launch title! #NintendoDirect pic.twitter.com/zvN4C6l3ftApril 2, 2025

We'll likely hear more about Mario Kart World in the coming months. To keep up to date with every trailer release for the game, be sure to check out the official Nintendo YouTube channel. Alternatively, you can stay up to date with all things Nintendo using the Nintendo Today app.

Mario Kart World gameplay

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Mario Kart World gameplay was shown off during the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal event that aired on April 2, 2025. In it, we see that all tracks in the game lead into one another, in a large interconnected world map. This allows players to drive between tracks during Grand Prix. In addition, you can drive anywhere on a track, even outside of the guidelines.From what we've seen so far, Mario Kart World features a bunch of new mechanics. The first is the ability to grind, which is shown in the reveal trailer. Players can seemingly drive into larger vehicles and take them over as well. There are new items to play with too, like a burger seen in the aforementioned trailer. There's wall-riding, and an expanded flying mechanic as well.Races can now contain 24 players, the largest in the series so far. We'll have to see how this works in action, but given the larger scope of the game's world, we think it'll be just the right mix of chaos and fun.

Mario Kart World characters

(Image credit: Nintendo)

So far, the following characters have been revealed for Mario Kart X:

RosalinaPeachToadMarioYoshiDonkey KongBowserLuigiWaluigiWarioCowPaulineDiddy KongGrabbit

Mario Kart World tracks

(Image credit: Nintendo)

We've only seen a few Mario Kart World tracks in action - also called courses - with some returning from previous titles, while others are brand new to the series. Here's what's been revealed so far:

Mario Bros. CircuitCrown CityDK SpaceportWhistlestop

Mario Kart World: FAQs

Is Mario Kart World Nintendo Switch 2 only?

Yes, Mario Kart World is being developed exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2. It will not be available on the previous console.

Can you pre-order Mario Kart World?

Pre-orders for Mario Kart World are not live yet, and will go live once the Nintendo Switch 2 console goes live. There will be bundles too. Stay tuned.

Does Mario Kart World have splitscreen?

Mario Kart World does indeed have splitscreen. You can also play online, though a Nintendo Online subscription will likely be required.

Mario Kart World news

Mario Kart World has been revealedMario Kart World has now been officially revealed, and it's a launch title!Mario Kart World teasedWhat we now know to be Mario Kart World was first teased during the first look at Nintendo Switch 2 event. We only saw a brief glimpse of gameplay, but it certainly got the internet talking.

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After rolling it out gradually, dark mode for Google Photos on the web is finally available to all users Google made an official announcement, saying that the new feature follows users' feedback You can now use the new setting to customize your Google Photos appearance, and it's very simple to do

Almost everyone I know, including myself, uses dark mode on their smartphones, and there’s a multitude of reasons why. The three main ones are simple; it means less eye strain for when you’re endlessly doom-scrolling TikTok at night when you should be sleeping, it saves battery, and because dark mode just packs a more sophisticated appearance than the offensively luminous light mode.With the case of Google Photos, display rendering options have always been amendable in its mobile version, but its web version has lacked this option leaving many users to navigate their photo galleries through strained eyes. Thankfully, Google has officially announced that dark mode is now available on desktop to all users, and I can already feel the relief of my squinting eyes.Instead of embedding it discreetly in a software test like it’s been doing with its group chat updates for Google Messages, the company made an official announcement with the statement “Dark mode is now available for Google Photos on web! We've launched this long-awaited new feature thanks to feedback from users like you”.Bringing dark mode to the desktop version of Google Photos certainly is a big step, and one that many users will appreciate, but it’s a move that we’ve been anticipating since the start of the year. Back in late January Google started advertising a dark mode support for Google Photos on the web following its roll out to Search, YouTube, Gmail, Calendar, Drive, and Gemini. The initial roll out was staggered, but now it’s accessible to everyone.

How you can activate dark mode for Google Photos on the web

Google has introduced a wide roll out for dark mode support for Photos on the web as a response to user feedback expressing a need for personalized rendering options. Now that it's widely available, it’s very easy to enable:

Head to photos.google.com in your web browserClick Settings, and then go into the Appearance sectionFrom there, you can select your choice from different options including Light, Dark, or Use Device Default

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Hollow Knight: Silksong is launching in 2025Confirmation comes from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct today with a six-second-long teaserSilksong is getting a Switch 2 release

Everybody stay calm, it's finally happening! Hollow Knight: Silksong just received a 2025 release window confirmation at the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct.During a montage showcasing the numerous games coming to the Nintendo Switch 2, we finally got our first glimpse of Silksong since the game was delayed in early 2023.It's a blink-and-you'll-miss-it clip, but the six-second-long footage provides us with just enough gameplay to let us know that the game is alive and well and will finally be launching this year.Silksong was first announced in 2019 and has made appearances at several live presentations throughout the past few years, with no news of a release date each time.Last month, new changes to the game's Steam data were discovered, including a new copyright update from 2019 to 2025, convincing fans that the game was finally arriving this year.We'll have to wait for a specific release date, but Silksong is also expected to launch on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, the original Nintendo Switch, and PC.Elsewhere in the presentation, it was announced that the Switch 2 is launching on June 5, 2025. Preorders open on April 8 and will cost you $449.99 / £395.99.

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Windows 11 24H2 gains new Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) toolIt will help Microsoft to fix boot crashes remotely via Windows UpdatesIt’s available in the Beta Channel for all Windows Insiders

Microsoft is testing a Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) tool for fixing boot crashes remotely, and it’s now available to Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel for 24H2 who are prepared to try the tool, too.Part of the Windows Resiliency Initiative, QMR aims to reduce the amount of downtime resulting from system failures and comes into play when Windows 11 can’t start due to faulty drivers or configurations.Senior Program Manager Riddhi Ameser described the feature, first introduced by CEO Satya Nadella at Microsoft Ignite 2024, as a “game-changer for Windows 11 devices facing boot issues.”

Windows 11 gets a new Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) feature

System failures can sometimes lead to devices getting stuck in the Windows Recovery Environment (RE), explained Ameser, which can severely impact productivity. QMR enables automated fixes “getting users to a productive state without requiring complex manual intervention,” Ameser explains in a blog post.Windows 11 Home devices will eventually have this feature enabled by default, but Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise local and IT admins will be able to control whether they want the feature to work within their organizations.“If a Windows 11, version 24H2 device encounters a critical failure preventing normal boot, it enters Windows RE,” explains Ameser. From there, the device reconnects to the network using ethernet or Wi-Fi protected access (WPA) for Microsoft to analyze the crash data and identify the root cause of the issue. Microsoft then delivers a fix via Windows Update.The initial release allows IT admins to enable or disable QMR, configure the scanning interval and test to ensure readiness before full deployment.The company is asking early adopters to file feedback for the tool under Recovery and Uninstall > Quick Machine Recovery to help improve QMR, but there’s no word on general availability as yet.

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Sony has announced its 2025 TV lineup, with the new offerings led by a mark II version of its Bravia 8 OLED TV that uses a QD-OLED display panel. Other new TVs announced today include entry-level mini-LED and regular LED models, and there’s a new entry-level addition to its Bravia Projector lineup.The current Sony Bravia 8, one of 2024's best OLED TVs, will carry over in Sony’s 2025 TV lineup along with the 77-inch version of the Sony A95L, a 2023 model that also uses a QD-OLED panel. The flagship Sony Bravia 9 mini-LED TV series carries over for 2025 as well, along with its mid-range Bravia 5 mini-LED and Bravia 3 LED series TVs.The new Bravia 5 series mini-LED TV series will feature a 98-inch model, the company’s first mini-LED TV in an extra-large screen size and a replacement for the outgoing Sony X90L, which also featured a 98-inch screen size option.Prices and availability for all new models are yet to be announced.

Bravia 8 II OLED

(Image credit: Sony)

The Sony Bravia 8 II will be available in 55- and 65-inch screen sizes and, according to Sony, gives viewers a 50% brighter OLED TV option than the Sony Bravia 8 series, which uses a standard W-OLED panel. Sony claims that the new OLEDs are also 125% brighter than the earlier flagship A95L series.Bravia 8 II TVs use the company’s XR Processor with XR Triluminos Max and XR Clear Image. They feature a One Slate design, with a slimmer chassis than the Bravia 8 series models.Audio features on the Bravia 8 II include Acoustic Surface Audio +, which uses transducers embedded behind the display that turn the OLED panel into a speaker, and Acoustic Center Sync, which lets the TV be used as a center channel with a compatible Sony speaker system. Another upgrade the Bravia 8 II brings is dual subwoofers vs the single subwoofer present on Bravia 8 series models.

Bravia 5 mini-LED

(Image credit: Sony)

The Sony Bravia 5 is the company’s new entry-level mini-LED TV series and will be available in 55-, 65-, 75-, 85-, and 98-inch screen sizes, making the Bravia 5 the largest size option in Sony’s 2025 TV lineup. These TVs use an XR Processor and an XR Backlight Master Drive panel with up to six times more local dimming zones than the Sony X90L series, according to Sony. They also feature Studio Calibrated and IMAX Enhanced picture modes.On the audio side, Bravia 5 TVs feature Acoustic Multi-Audio, which uses new magnetic tweeters positioned on the left and right sides of the TV’s frame along with down-firing X-Balanced speakers. There is also an Acoustic Center Sync feature that lets the TV work as a center channel with a compatible Sony speaker system.

Bravia 2 II LED

(Image credit: Sony )

The Sony Bravia 2 II is the company’s new entry-level TV series and features an LED display panel with an X1 4K processor that was previously used in the company’s flagship TVs. These models will be available in 43-, 50, 55-, 65-, and 75-inch screen sizes with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio support.

Bravia Projector 7

(Image credit: Sony)

The Sony Bravia Projector 7 is the new entry-level home theater projector in the company’s lineup, which also includes the Bravia Projector 9 and the Bravia Projector 8, our pick as the best premium gaming option in our best 4K projectors guide. The Projector 7 is a 2,200-lumen native 4K laser model that gives viewers a more compact and lightweight (28 lbs) projector option compared to the upper-tier models in the Sony Bravia Projector lineup.The Projector 7 features the same XR Processor for Projector found in the company’s step-up models with XR Deep Black to enhance contrast. The Projector 7 is also well-suited for gaming, with 4K 120Hz support on its dual HDMI inputs and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM).A new feature making its debut on the Projector 7 is an Aspect Ratio Scaling Mode. This conveniently lets viewers switch between 2.35:1 and 16:9 display without any lens adjustments when using a Cinemascope screen by simply tapping on a remote control button.

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Samsung and LG got a headstart on Sony when they announced their new 2025 TVs a few months ago at CES. But now, the latter is catching up with the pending arrival of three new Bravia sets, including a refreshed flagship QD-OLED, a midrange mini LED option and an updated budget alternative.

Before we get into the specific models, it's important to note that after revamping the naming scheme for all of its home theater gear last year, Sony isn't doing a full top-to-bottom overhaul of its entire lineup for 2025. Instead, it's introducing a handful of new TVs that will replace old models or slot into some existing gaps in its current portfolio. That means the Bravia 9 will continue to be the company's top-tier TV, with everything else falling in line under that.

Sam Rutherford for Engadget

This brings us to the Bravia 8 II, which as you may have guessed, is the replacement to the Bravia 8 and will be Sony's most premium QD-OLED TV. Like the Bravia 9, it features the company's XR processor which supports AI scene recognition tech to help preserve details in tricky scenes. The way it works is that by analyzing your content, the TV can compare what's being displayed with a reference library of known backgrounds and patterns to help fill in any gaps the source material may not have fully captured.

I had a chance to see this AI trick in person and while the effect is subtle, it definitely makes a difference during shots with lots of foliage, rocks or other challenging textures. I also noticed that the Bravia 8 II demonstrated improved tone mapping and much more accurate color gradients, which resulted in more detailed and realistic images, especially in very bright or dark shots. And of course, you get those lovely deep blacks and the excellent contrast that modern QD-OLED panels are known for.

Sam Rutherford for Engadget

Moving down the line, there's the Bravia 5, which neatly fills the void between Sony's existing 7 and 3 series TVs. It features a mini LED panel powered by the company's Backlight Master Drive tech, which delivers reduced digital noise and improved contrast. The most noticeable example I saw of this was the almost complete lack of halos or light bleed when viewing bright objects on a dark background. Another important spec is that the Bravia 5 is available in sizes of up to 98 inches, which makes it one of Sony's largest TVs (including the 83-inch flagship Bravia 9).

Sam Rutherford for Engadget

Finally we come to the Bravia 2 II, where the biggest change is the shift to full direct lit LED instead of an edge lit panel like the previous model. This delivers much more vibrant colors in addition to significantly wider viewing angles on sizes ranging from 43 to 75 inches. Like Sony's other TVs, its OS is powered by Google TV and it includes an upscaler to bring old content up to 4K. The one major limitation on the Bravia 2 II is that it features a refresh rate of just 60Hz.

Unfortunately, official pricing and availability for all of Sony's new TV's won't be available until sometime later this spring. So if you're currently shopping for a new set, you may want to hold off for another couple of months.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/home-theater/sonys-2025-bravia-tv-lineup-includes-a-new-flagship-qd-oled-model-160019669.html?src=rss

Last spring, Sony debuted its Bravia Theater line of soundbars and speakers, ditching its confusing product names in the process. The initial group consisted of the flagship Bar 9, Bar 8, Bravia Quad speaker set and a Theater U neck speaker. Now the company is looking to offer a more compact midrange option that's still capable of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio. With the new Bravia Theater Bar 6, Sony gives users a 3.1.2-channel option, and this time, it comes with a wireless subwoofer in the box.

The Bar 6 will be the entry-level option in Sony's Bravia Theater soundbar lineup when compared to the more robust Bar 8 and Bar 9. The company says the goal here is to provide both immersive sound and clear dialogue. The soundbar's two up-firing drivers are paired with three more across the front for Dolby Atmos and DTS/X dimensional audio. Sony provides up-mixing tech to transform stereo content to 3D sound when those immersive formats aren't available. For dialogue, Sony utilizes both a dedicated center speaker and so-called Voice Zoom 3. That latter item is an AI-powered tool that recognizes human voices and adjusts their volume as needed to keep speech clear.

Sony is offering two packages for the Bar 6. First, you can opt for all-in-one setup that comes with rear satellite speakers and a subwoofer for a 5.1.2 surround sound setup. The company calls this the Bravia Theater System 6. If you don't need the rears, you can get the Bar 6 and a sub. Just note that the two subwoofers in those two configurations are different, and the back speakers with the System 6 don't have up-firing drivers.

Sony's Bravia Theater System 6Sony

One item that's notable about the System 6 is Sony's new Multi Stereo Mode. With living room setups that have rear speakers, those satellites sometimes provide awkward audio performance for music. This feature on Sony's new all-inclusive package replicates stereo left/right channels to the center and rear speakers for a more enjoyable audio experience.

Lastly, Sony has a new set of rear speakers, dubbed the Bravia Theater Rear 8. These are compatible with the company's soundbars and work with its 360 Spatial Sound Mapping tech to calibrate your system to your living room's acoustics. The Rear 8 are different from the speakers that come with the System 6, so you'll want to consider that when making your buying decision.

When paired with a Bravia TV, Sony's soundbars can be controlled with the Bravia Connect app on a phone. Here, you can adjust volume and other settings without a remote or on-screen menu. Both the Bravia TV and Bravia Theater lineups can be controlled via on-screen prompts without having to change remotes. More specifically, a Bravia TV controller can be used to adjust volume, sound field and more on the Bravia Theater soundbars and speakers.

There's no word on pricing or availability yet for the Bravia Theater Bar 6, Bravia Theater System 6 or the Bravia Theater Rear 8. All Sony has divulged thus far is that the trio of new products is set to arrive sometime this spring. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/home-theater/sony-adds-the-bravia-theater-bar-6-to-its-dolby-atmos-soundbar-lineup-160012544.html?src=rss

MSI will be extending panel refreshes on its OLED Care 2.0 monitors to 24 hours instead of 16 hoursIt will eliminate gameplay disruptions for gamers This will come into effect starting in May

OLED monitors have gradually become a mainstream option for many users (especially gamers) with advanced care technologies built to help prevent image retention and burn-in. Fortunately, MSI is introducing a new measure to further improve this technology's efficiency.As stated in a press release, MSI will be extending its OLED Care 2.0 timer to 24 hours to prevent panel protection (pixel shifts) from activating automatically to stop burn-in (permanent image retention). Previously, this would occur every 16 hours which would disrupt activities - but now, users will have more flexibility with this function without many disturbances.It goes a long way to show how advanced MSI's OLED care is, as most other monitors advise users to start pixel refreshes at least every 4 or 6 hours: with my Alienware AW3423DWF QD-OLED ultrawide, prompts will be presented every 6 hours, and while you can always set this to not show up at all, it's also easy to forget to activate.Measures such as this could prove to be beneficial for MSI and other OLED displays: one of the biggest reasons why most PC users won't make the transition to OLED from a regular LED monitor (besides its expensive nature), is the fear of potential burn-in, but that's very quickly becoming a non-issue.

RE4 remake in OLED greatness... (Image credit: Future)

OLED monitors are finally getting the attention they deserve, and I love it

There's still a long way for OLED monitors to go in terms of pricing and improvements for work-related activities - as most OLED users complain about text fringing when working from home - but it's great to see that companies are making extra efforts to make them more accessible.Samsung has already announced that it will introduce cheaper OLED monitors to help speed up the transition from regular LED, which could encourage gamers to make the switch. I've stated this before, but OLED is quite literally the best display type I've had the pleasure of using, with deeper black levels thanks to an infinite contrast ratio, ultimately providing great image accuracy.Updates to technologies like OLED Care 2.0 are examples of what will only help the display type become mainstream. We're also seeing discounts more often for the likes of Samsung's Odyssey G6 QD-OLED, which is currently 31% off at Amazon.It's only a matter of time before LED is left behind for a large majority, and I can't wait until that day comes.

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Google's Threat Intelligence Group has identified more threats from the DPRKNorth Korean hackers pose as IT workers to get jobs in Western firmsThis brings a host of security threats for companies

A new report by Google’s Threat Intelligence Group has warned of an expansion of operations by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea).The researchers claim an increasing number of Western firms accidentally hiring North Korean IT workers who are raising funds for the regime.These workers pose a serious security threat to organizations, which are at risk of data theft, disruption, and espionage.

Extortion tactics

This is part of a much wider campaign from the DPRK which has seen state-sponsored threat actors infiltrate dozens of Fortune 100 companies, resulting in as much as $6.8 million in revenue earned for the DPRK.This led to the US Justice Department arresting several US citizens who were running ‘laptop farms’ which house US equipment sent to new employees - the facilitators installed remote access technology allowing workers from the DPRK to log in.Google also located facilitators in both the US and UK sharing equipment, indicating a “complex logistical chain”.An investigation into the campaign’s infrastructure revealed a ‘heightened interest in Europe’, and a global expansion of tactics from the DPRK and an increased volume of extortion attempts.The threat intelligence group identified cases where recently fired IT workers “threatened to release their former employers’ sensitive data or to provide it to a competitor” including proprietary data and source code for internal projects.To combat this phenomenon, Google reports that many companies are operating a bring your own device policy , but these often lack traditional security and logging tools and make threat detection much more difficult, dramatically increasing a risk in undetected malicious activity.“The increase in extortion campaigns coincided with heightened United States law enforcement actions against DPRK IT workers, including disruptions and indictments. This suggests a potential link, where pressure on these workers may be driving them to adopt more aggressive measures to maintain their revenue stream.

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NordVPN research notes commuters are increasingly using devices during their journeys, but few are protecting their dataMany travelers connect to public Wi-Fi unprotectedCommuters also warned over "shoulder surfers" spying on their devices

Commuters are using devices on their journeys more than ever, but new research from NordVPN has warned this is leaving some travelers exposed by unsecured devices.The company's research found the most common protection method is a strong password/passcode, with 47% of commuters using these, and 46% keeping their software regularly updated to keep safe. A fifth of commuters use a privacy screen protector to keep their information safe from ‘shoulder surfers’, and 17% use a virtual private network (VPN).However, a worrying 13% of commuters take no data protection measures at all, and a third of smartphone users admit to connecting to a public Wi-Fi network on their journey (without a VPN).

Device distractions

Commuters are primarily using their smartphones to listen to music or podcasts (54%) - especially in Sweden (68%), the US (63%) and Canada (60%). In Japan, commuters typically catch up with the news on their journeys, white Spain and Italy are more social, choosing to message and call people.Interestingly, in English-speaking countries (plus France and Spain) commuters are highly concerned about cybersecurity threats, with the least worried nation being Sweden, with 7 out of 10 people only slightly or not at all concerned by cyber threats while commuting.Despite the risks, nearly two-thirds (60%) of commuters say they use public Wi-Fi at least sometimes, with South Koreans the most common offenders (80%). That being said, most don’t connect for long - with half spending up to 30 minutes connected.It’s never a good idea to access sensitive accounts like health apps, banking, or work-related platforms on public Wi-Fi - as hackers can exploit the networks to intercept your data.If you’re commuting, don’t let public Wi-Fi convenience compromise your safety and use a VPN if you don't already - as well as ensuring 2-factor authentication is always enabled to avoid compromises.The best VPN service will encrypt your data, so even threat actors lurking on the same public Wi-Fi will only be able to see jumbled, unusable information.

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