Releases · Top stories
Sony's Pulse Elevate Wireless Gaming Speakers Launch November 12 for $219.99
Sony will release its Pulse Elevate wireless gaming speakers on November 12 for $219.99, with pre-orders starting September 1. These speakers feature planar magnetic drivers, PlayStation Link low-latency technology, and Tempest 3D AudioTech, offering a new audio option for PS5, PlayStation Portal, PC, and Mac users.
Microsoft tests faster File Explorer and customizable context menu in Windows 11 preview
Microsoft is testing a faster File Explorer and a redesigned, customizable context menu in Windows 11 preview builds. These updates aim to improve performance, reliability, and user experience by reducing clutter and offering more control over menu options.
Microsoft Edge to End Support for Manifest V2 Extensions, Impacting Ad Blockers
Microsoft Edge is ending support for Manifest V2 extensions, a move that will disable older ad blockers like uBlock Origin, mirroring a change previously made by Google Chrome. This transition means users of these specific extensions will need to switch to newer MV3 versions or alternative browsers, as MV3 limits the functionality of ad-blocking extensions.
Judge Orders Google to Simplify Third-Party App Store Installation on Android
A US District Court judge has ordered Google to remove "anticompetitive friction" that complicates the installation of rival app stores on Android. The ruling mandates changes to how third-party app stores appear in Google Play Store search results and their installation process, following arguments from Epic Games that Google's current implementation is insufficient.
Netflix Closes Night School Studio and Moonloot Games, Shifts Gaming Focus
Netflix is shutting down two game studios, Night School Studio and Moonloot Games, and reducing staff within its in-house games team. This move signals a shift in Netflix's gaming strategy towards TV-based party games, kids gaming, narrative experiences, and mainstream titles, moving away from its initial mobile-focused approach and prestige indie games.
X Open-Sources Ranking Algorithm and Tests 'Shadowban' Transparency Tool
X has open-sourced the code for its "For You" timeline algorithm and core ranking engine on GitHub under the Apache v2 license, significantly expanding its public codebase. Concurrently, X is testing a new transparency tool that allows users to download a JSON file of their aggregate stats to see if their account or posts have been impacted by ranking systems, addressing user concerns about "shadowbanning."
Virgin Galactic Delays Delta Class Spaceship Commercial Flights to February 2027
Virgin Galactic has postponed the first commercial flight of its new "Delta class" spaceship from late 2026 to February 2027 due to assembly issues. The company is also engaging the public to name the new vehicle, which is designed to expand suborbital space tourism operations.
2027 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport X Launches with Hybrid System and 721 Horsepower
Chevrolet has introduced the 2027 Corvette Grand Sport X, a new hybrid sports car that replaces the E-Ray model. This track-focused vehicle features a new engine, a hybrid system, and 721 horsepower, incorporating software adjustments and additional drive modes for enhanced performance.
Toni Schneider Appointed Permanent CEO of Bluesky; Jay Graber Becomes Chief Innovation Officer
Toni Schneider has been appointed the permanent CEO of Bluesky, transitioning from his interim role. Former CEO Jay Graber is now the Chief Innovation Officer. Schneider and COO Rose Wang will present at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 to discuss Bluesky's strategy for an open, protocol-based social media.
Amazon Exits MMO Publishing, Transfers Live Operations for Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty
Amazon is transferring the live operations of its Western MMO titles, Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty, to other companies, marking its exit from the MMO publishing space. Smilegate will take over Lost Ark in early 2027, and NC (via FirstSpark Games) will manage Throne and Liberty in Q4 2026. This follows Amazon's broader strategy shift towards cloud gaming, party games, and titles based on existing Amazon franchises.
Vital Signals Announces No-Calibration Signal Ring for Blood Pressure Monitoring
Vital Signals introduced the Signal Ring, a wearable device that offers continuous blood pressure monitoring without calibration. This ring aims to improve health management, particularly for those with hypertension, by providing accurate blood pressure readings and correlating them with lifestyle factors.
Formula E Racing Moves Global Streaming to Disney+ and ESPN+ Starting 2026/27 Season
The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship has signed a multiyear deal to broadcast races globally on Disney+ and ESPN+, beginning with the 2026/27 season. This agreement shifts the primary streaming home for Formula E from Roku, impacting how fans access the electric vehicle racing series in over 140 territories.
Google TV Freeplay Adds Over 10,000 On-Demand Movies and Shows
Google TV Freeplay, the company's free ad-supported streaming service, now offers over 10,000 on-demand movies and TV shows in addition to its existing live TV channels. This expansion allows users to select content to watch at any time, moving beyond its previous live-channels-only model and positioning it to compete with other free streaming services.
Samsung Launches Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra with New Form Factor and Pricing
Samsung has officially launched the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, with the Z Fold 8 featuring a new wider form factor starting at $1,899. The Z Fold 8 Ultra, which retains a similar design to its predecessor, starts at $2,099, marking a price increase. Both devices are available for preorder and ship with Android 17 and Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor.
Europe Finalizes IRIS² Satellite Constellation Plan, Expanding to 348 Satellites
The European Commission has finalized the implementation plan for its IRIS² satellite broadband service, signing an agreement with European manufacturers and partners. The project will now include 348 satellites, an increase of 66 from original plans, to enhance secure governmental capacity for defense, security, and emergency services. First launches are targeted for 2029.
Moderna's mRNA Flu Vaccine mFlusiva Approved by FDA for Adults 50 and Older
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Moderna's mRNA seasonal flu vaccine, mFlusiva (mRNA-1010), for adults aged 50 and over. This marks the first mRNA-based flu shot to receive FDA approval, expanding mRNA technology beyond COVID-19 vaccines and offering a new option for influenza prevention in older populations.
Bose Updates QuietComfort Headphones with Immersive Audio and Enhanced ANC
Bose released a second-generation version of its QuietComfort noise-canceling headphones, featuring TrueSpatial immersive audio, enhanced active noise cancellation (ANC), and lossless audio support via USB-C. These updates bring features previously exclusive to the higher-end QuietComfort Ultra series to the QuietComfort line, with a price of $359.
Grand Theft Auto VI 'Extended Look' to Premiere on Netflix Six Hours Before YouTube
Rockstar Games will release an "extended look" at Grand Theft Auto VI on August 27th. Netflix subscribers will have exclusive early access to the preview at 3 PM ET, six hours before it becomes available on Rockstar's YouTube channel at 9 PM ET. This marks a collaboration between Rockstar Games and Netflix for the highly anticipated game, which follows GTA V, a title that sold nearly 230 million copies.
SpaceX Plans Terrestrial Mobile Network to Compete with Major US Carriers
SpaceX announced plans to build a terrestrial mobile network using spectrum acquired from EchoStar, aiming to directly compete with T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon. This initiative expands on its existing Starlink Mobile service, which currently augments carrier networks, by offering a full mobile service.
Signal Expands Multi-Device Support to Link Multiple Phones to One Account
Signal has updated its messaging app to allow users to link multiple phones, including Android and iPhone devices, to a single Signal account. This update, rolling out with version 8.20 on Android and 8.22 on iOS, enables message synchronization across all linked devices and offers an option to transfer end-to-end encrypted message history.
Samsung Launches HDR10+ Advanced on 2026 TVs with Prime Video Content
Samsung is rolling out HDR10+ Advanced, an updated image quality format, to its 2026 TV models this month, initially for content on Prime Video. This new version introduces Enhanced Overall Brightness and Intelligent Motion Smoothing, aiming to deliver more precise HDR and localized tone mapping without Dolby's licensing fees.
Pokémon Go Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Live Mewtwo Raid in Times Square
Pokémon Go marked its 10th anniversary with a live event in New York City featuring nearly 2,000 players participating in a raid battle with Mewtwo. The event highlighted the game's enduring appeal and community-focused nature, achieving the game's original vision of bringing players together. Pokémon Go, since its 2016 launch, continues to draw millions of daily users worldwide.
Apple Expands Car Keys Feature to More Automaker Brands, Increasing Integration
Apple is expanding its Car Keys feature in its Wallet app to new automakers including Volkswagen, Xiaomi, Lucid Motors, and GWM's Tank vehicle lineup. This development broadens the digital car keys ecosystem, allowing users to operate their vehicles using their iPhone or Apple Watch with compatible cars.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma Outlines Strategy for Growth and Profitability by 2027
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma detailed a strategy to return Xbox to player and revenue growth and improve profits to industry averages by the end of fiscal year 2027. This plan follows recent layoffs, studio spin-offs, and a 10% quarterly revenue decline, aiming to address challenges like increasing component costs and an overextended studio slate.
Google Addresses Pixel Battery Drain, Samsung Users Report New Issues
Google announced that battery drain issues affecting Pixel 9 and 10 series devices are resolved with the July 2026 update, and Pixel 8a and 9a will receive a fix in September. Concurrently, Samsung Galaxy S24 and S25 series users are reporting new battery drain and overheating problems after the July 2026 One UI 8.5 update, potentially linked to a WhatsApp bug.
Netflix Pays $500 Million for Co-Exclusive Global Streaming Rights to 'The Walking Dead' Franchise
Netflix has secured co-exclusive global streaming rights for "The Walking Dead" and its six spinoffs in a $500 million deal with AMC Global Media. Starting in 2027, the franchise, comprising 371 episodes, will stream on both Netflix and AMC+, with Netflix gaining international rights in territories like the UK, Italy, and Australia, while AMC+ will stream the main show for the first time.
DJI Launches Osmo Pocket 4P Gimbal Camera with Dual Lenses, Unavailable in US
DJI has globally launched the Osmo Pocket 4P, a new gimbal camera featuring a dual-lens system with a 20mm-equivalent wide-angle and a 60mm-equivalent telephoto lens, offering 3x optical zoom. The device, which records 4K video, will not be sold in the United States due to ongoing government restrictions on DJI products.
Ferrari Luce EV Reaches 2026 Sales Target Within Two Months of Launch
Ferrari's first electric vehicle, the Luce, designed by Jony Ive, has reportedly met its 2026 sales goal of "just under 500" units within two months of its launch. The €550,000 EV saw strong demand from China and tech hubs like Silicon Valley, indicating early market acceptance despite initial criticism.
iOS Beta Code Suggests Apple Could Restrict iPhones for Missed Payments
Code in an iOS 27 beta indicates a "Restricted Mode" feature that could disable most apps on financed iPhones if payments are missed. A "Partner Finance Lock" would also prevent users from erasing or reselling devices in this mode. This potential feature would allow Apple or its financing partners to directly enforce payment terms on devices, altering device ownership rights for financed iPhones.
Minecraft: Java Edition System Requirements Increase to 16GB RAM, Newer CPU
Mojang has updated the system requirements for Minecraft: Java Edition, raising the recommended system memory from 4GB to 16GB and suggesting a 2020s or newer CPU. This is the first such increase in 17 years and aims to ensure smooth performance with advanced features, including preparation for a transition from OpenGL to Vulkan.
.NET 11 Preview 6 Released with New Optimizations and Features
.NET 11 Preview 6 has been released, offering enhancements across several aspects like the runtime, SDK, libraries, ASP.NET Core, and .NET MAUI. New features include asynchronous validation, improved JSON serialization, and performance optimizations for future development iterations. The preview aims to improve development efficiency and capability, reflecting significant advances since the prior preview release.
Google Maps Rolls Out 3D 'Immersive Navigation' for Android Auto
Google Maps has launched its 3D 'Immersive Navigation' feature for Android Auto, enhancing visual clarity and navigation. The update provides detailed 3D visuals of buildings and lanes, coupled with AI-guided voice navigation. It aims to improve navigation experiences, particularly in urban areas.
Meta Introduces Free Facebook Verified Badge for Human Identity Confirmation
Meta has launched a new, free Facebook Verified badge that confirms a user's human identity through facial recognition, distinct from the paid Meta Verified subscription. This initiative aims to help users identify real people amidst a rise in AI-generated fake profiles and scams on the platform.
Meta launches Seller app to professionalize Facebook Marketplace with AI tools
Meta has released the Seller app, an application designed to provide professional sales features for users on Facebook Marketplace. This app offers AI-powered listing creation, inventory management, and unified communication tools, aiming to support users who manage multiple listings and grow their businesses.
Microsoft Tests Free, Ad-Supported Cloud Gaming for Xbox Insiders
Microsoft is testing a free, ad-supported cloud gaming option for Xbox Insiders, allowing them to stream games they own for one-hour sessions. Ads will play before the session begins, and the test is available for a limited time. This initiative aims to provide more affordable access to Xbox games.
iOS 27 to enable video playback on CarPlay when stationary
Apple announced that iOS 27 will allow video playback on CarPlay in stationary vehicles. This feature enables users to browse and play videos on compatible CarPlay systems, enhancing the entertainment experience for waiting drivers.
Firefox 153 Introduces Native Containers for Better Privacy Management
Firefox 153 introduces a native Containers feature, allowing users to separate online activities by context within the same browser. This integration enhances user privacy by isolating cookies and ad tracking across different accounts and workflows.
Nintendo Unveils Solo-Focused Splatoon Raiders, a New Looter Shooter Spin-Off
Nintendo has introduced Splatoon Raiders, a looter shooter that shifts from the series' typical team-based format to focus on solo play. While some users find it engaging, others note that cooperative play enhances the experience. It represents Nintendo's ongoing effort to make shooters more accessible beyond competitive play.
Samsung Launches Galaxy Card Offering Cashback on Samsung Purchases
Samsung has introduced the Galaxy Card, a new credit card offering up to 5% cashback on Samsung product purchases. The card, issued by Barclays and operating on Visa, integrates with Samsung Wallet and provides varying cashback rates for different purchase types. It aims to enhance customer loyalty by rewarding users for spending on Samsung devices and services.
Apple's Game Porting Toolkit 4 Beta Boosts Windows Game Performance on Macs
Apple's Game Porting Toolkit 4 beta significantly improves the performance of Windows games on Macs. Testing on the M4 Pro MacBook Pro showed a considerable frame rate increase for games such as Grand Theft Auto V, highlighting the potential of Apple Silicon as a gaming platform. This development is crucial for users and developers interested in porting Windows games to macOS.