From Engadget · 40 stories
Gecko Emulator Emerges as Alternative to Dolphin for GameCube and Wii Emulation
A new emulator named Gecko has been released, providing an alternative to the long-standing Dolphin emulator for GameCube and Wii games. Gecko is designed for homebrew development and reverse engineering, though it currently has lower game compatibility compared to Dolphin.
DJI Mic Mini 2S Adds 32-bit Float Internal Recording and Increased Storage
DJI released the Mic Mini 2S, an updated wireless microphone system that introduces 32-bit float internal audio recording, a feature absent in previous Mini models. This addition provides a backup recording option and prevents audio clipping, addressing a limitation for professional videographers and content creators. The new model also includes 14.5GB of internal memory.
Google announces software updates for Pixel Buds Pro 2 and 2a, including Gemini integration
Google is releasing software updates for its Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Pixel Buds 2a earbuds, adding features like dynamic active noise cancellation, deeper Gemini integration for voice commands, and enhanced live translation. These updates aim to improve functionality and user experience for existing Pixel earbud owners.
Ghost of Yōtei Complete Edition launches October 1 with new story and roguelike mode
Ghost of Yōtei Complete Edition will be released on October 1 for PS5, featuring a new narrative expansion called Echoes of Sekigahara and a roguelike-inspired single-player combat survival mode called Most Wanted. This release provides new content for existing players and a comprehensive package for new buyers, impacting the game's longevity and player engagement.
Abbott and Google Health Partner for AI-Powered Glucose Monitoring with Lingo CGM
Abbott has partnered with Google Health to integrate its Lingo continuous glucose monitor (CGM) data into the Google Health app, offering AI-driven recommendations for non-diabetic users. This collaboration aims to help individuals make lifestyle and nutrition choices based on their metabolic data, despite existing research indicating limited proven benefits of CGM use for non-diabetics.
Authors face backlash for participation in 2022 Google AI writing study
Thirteen authors, including Ken Liu and Robin Sloan, are facing criticism for their involvement in a 2022 Google AI study called Wordcraft Writers Workshop, which used an experimental writing tool based on the LaMDA model. The backlash stems from a shift in public sentiment regarding AI in creative fields since the study's completion. This event highlights the growing tension between AI development and creative professions.
Meta's new AI optimism ad uses David Bowie's 'Five Years,' a song about human extinction
Meta released a new advertisement promoting AI's positive impact, featuring visuals of human connection and an optimistic voiceover. The ad's soundtrack is David Bowie's 'Five Years,' a song about humanity facing extinction in five years. This choice creates a stark contrast between the ad's message and the song's lyrical content.
Mario Kart 64 VR Mod Offers First-Person Perspective
A new VR mod for Mario Kart 64, developed by RaYRoD TV, allows players to experience the game in a first-person, head-tracked virtual reality environment. This mod provides a different sense of speed and immersion compared to the original third-person view, offering a novel way to play a classic title.
VR exercise app Supernatural relaunches as independent company after Meta cuts
The VR exercise platform Supernatural is relaunching as an independent company after Meta previously cut staff and paused content for the app. The reboot will bring back existing content and coaches, with new content planned, and will see a price increase to $20 a month or $200 a year.
Static Hour game challenges players to discern truth as a 1980s radio news editor
The game Static Hour, set in a 1980s small-town radio station, tasks players with managing news reporting during a crisis by sifting through unreliable information. It explores themes of media responsibility and information overload, offering a narrative experience for players interested in journalism ethics and mystery.
D.Mon revealed as Overwatch's 53rd playable hero, launching in Season 4
Blizzard has announced D.Mon as the 53rd playable hero and 15th tank for Overwatch, set to release in Season 4: Heroes of Busan on August 11. D.Mon combines elements from existing heroes like D.Va and Reinhardt, featuring a mech with boosters, a machine gun, a shield, and a melee energy sword.
BT Group's 1846 Origins Traced to Electric Telegraph Company
BT Group, known for broadband and mobile services, traces its origins to the Electric Telegraph Company founded in 1846, making it one of the world's oldest telecommunications companies. This lineage highlights the complex history of early telecom, involving mergers and government takeovers, rather than continuous operation of a single entity.
Final Girl Games announces physical edition of 'VILE: Exhumed' one year after Steam censorship
Final Girl Games announced a physical edition of its game 'VILE: Exhumed', a year after the game faced censorship on Steam. This release provides an alternative distribution for the game, which explores a found-footage horror story set on a '90s PC desktop.
Minecraft to launch on Nintendo Switch 2 on October 27 with enhanced visuals
Minecraft will be released on the Nintendo Switch 2 on October 27, featuring enhanced graphics through the Vibrant Visuals mode. An upgrade path for existing Switch owners will be provided, with more details to follow.
Corsair Launches Skiff 100 Keyboards, Harpoon v2 Mouse, and Acquires Trak Racer
Corsair released two new gaming keyboards, the Skiff 100 and Skiff 100 Plus, featuring a rotary dial and multi-platform compatibility, alongside the Harpoon v2 wireless gaming mouse with a 140-hour battery life. Additionally, Corsair acquired Trak Racer, a manufacturer of high-end racing and flight simulation peripherals, expanding its presence in the simulation hardware market.
SanDisk Extreme Fit USB-C drive offers up to 1TB storage in a compact form factor
SanDisk released the Extreme Fit, a small USB-C flash drive offering up to 1TB of storage. This device provides a compact and portable storage option for users seeking alternatives to more expensive SSDs.
Xbox offers free dynamic theme, avatars, and highlights classic Game Pass titles for 25th anniversary
Xbox is providing free digital items, including a dynamic theme and avatars, to celebrate its 25th anniversary this fall. The company is also featuring classic titles on Game Pass to commemorate the milestone, which matters to Xbox users interested in cosmetic customizations and curated game lists.
2026 Lexus ES 500e First Drive: Classy Sedan with Slow Charging
Lexus has introduced the 2026 ES 500e, an all-electric luxury sedan, as part of its expanded ES lineup. While the vehicle offers a comfortable ride and competitive pricing, its charging speed is slower compared to other EVs in its class. This release marks Lexus's entry into the all-electric sedan market, aiming to fill the gap left by the discontinued LS model.
Amazon MGM Studios, Blur Studios, and Games Workshop develop Warhammer 40,000 animated show
Amazon MGM Studios, Blur Studios, and Games Workshop are developing an animated TV show based on the Warhammer 40,000 franchise. Henry Cavill is attached as an executive producer, and the project is a spinoff of the "Secret Level" episode based on the game.
Anbernic Announces RG SP Handheld, a Modern Interpretation of the Game Boy Advance SP
Anbernic is releasing the RG SP, a new retro gaming handheld that updates the design of the Game Boy Advance SP with a thinner chassis, higher resolution screen, and dual hinges. This device aims to provide a modern experience for playing older retro titles while maintaining a classic aesthetic.
Ayaneo Unveils Konkr Pocket Advance Handheld, a Game Boy Advance-Inspired Device
Ayaneo introduced the Konkr Pocket Advance, a new horizontal handheld gaming device inspired by the Game Boy Advance, featuring a higher resolution screen, additional buttons, and modern connectivity. This release provides a contemporary option for fans of the classic handheld design, updating its features for current gaming needs.
Itch.io Bundle Supports Game Developers Hardship Fund, New Indie Games Released
Necrosoft Games organized an Itch.io bundle featuring nearly 150 games, with all proceeds benefiting a hardship fund for unemployed or under-employed game developers in the US and Canada. This initiative provides financial support for basic needs to individuals affected by recent industry layoffs. Additionally, new indie games like "Truck-kun is Supporting Me from Another World?!" have been released.
Ubisoft to shut down NFT game Champions Tactics: Grimoria Chronicles
Ubisoft is shutting down its Web3-enabled NFT strategy game, Champions Tactics: Grimoria Chronicles, with servers officially closing on October 30. The game, launched in 2024, featured battle units that could be minted and traded on the blockchain, but the company had already begun transitioning it away from Web3 functionality in May.
Super Mario Sunshine Joins Nintendo Switch Online's GameCube Library Next Month
Nintendo is adding Super Mario Sunshine to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack's GameCube library on August 13. This release means all home console 3D Mario games are now playable on the Switch 2.
Tecno to showcase a concept smartphone with a zero-millimeter bezel display at IFA 2026
Tecno, a Chinese phone manufacturer, will present a concept smartphone at IFA 2026 featuring a display with a zero-millimeter border. This development aims to achieve a truly bezel-less screen by reengineering the display structure and using advanced internal stacking techniques.
Sony secures sufficient RAM for projected PS5 sales through fiscal year 2026
Sony announced it has secured enough memory to meet its projected PlayStation 5 sales volume for fiscal year 2026, which ends in April 2027. This assurance addresses investor concerns regarding potential memory shortages and aims to support anticipated demand, especially with upcoming game releases.
Sonos to host product event in September, focusing on AI integration in smart home audio
Sonos announced plans for a product event in September, where new products are expected to be unveiled with a focus on AI integration within its smart home audio ecosystem. This move follows a challenging period for the company after a 2024 app redesign and aims to position Sonos's hardware and system as central to AI in the home.
Lumines Remastered, a classic PSP puzzle game, launches on iOS and Android
The remastered version of the puzzle game Lumines is now available on iOS and Android devices, following its 2018 release on PC, consoles, and Amazon Luna. This release expands the game's availability to mobile users, offering touch controls and gamepad support.
Lego introduces Pokémon Smart Play sets with interactive building, training, and battling
Lego is releasing new Pokémon Smart Play sets that integrate Smart Brick technology to enable interactive building, training, and battling experiences. These sets differ from previous lines by focusing on replicating the video game mechanics of the Pokémon franchise, allowing figures to react, battle, and train with each other.
Maingear launches new 'Zero' pre-built PCs with hidden cables and NVIDIA RTX 50-series GPUs
Maingear has introduced a new lineup of 'Zero' pre-built PCs featuring hidden cable management and NVIDIA's latest RTX 50-series GPUs. These systems utilize Maingear's patented rear-connection technology, requiring compatible motherboards to route cables to the back of the case for a cleaner aesthetic.
Pokémon Pokopia's first DLC, Bubbly Basin, launches on Switch 2 on August 5
The first paid DLC for Pokémon Pokopia, titled Bubbly Basin, will be released on August 5 for the Switch 2, introducing a new underwater exploration area and mechanics. This expansion adds new building options and decorative items, requiring the $35 Expansion Pass for access.
Fully functional Nintendo Famicombox consoles discovered in Japanese love hotel
A Famicom archivist, Orochi, discovered multiple fully functional Nintendo Famicombox consoles installed in a Japanese love hotel. These rare 1986 commercial Famicom systems, designed for hotel use, were found in nearly every room, with most games still playable.
CW Sports Live Programming to Stream on ESPN Unlimited Starting August 4
The CW's live sports programming, including WWE NXT, NASCAR, and college games, will be available to ESPN Unlimited subscribers starting August 4. This partnership expands the content offerings for ESPN's relaunched subscription service, adding a variety of sports to its higher-tier plan.
Sega Dreamcast continues to receive new games 25 years after discontinuation
Independent developers are still creating and releasing new games for Sega's Dreamcast console, which was discontinued in 2001. This ongoing development is possible due to the console's open architecture and early online capabilities, allowing a community to sustain its lifespan.
Motorola Launches Indigenous Collections App for Ojibwe Language and Cultural Preservation
Motorola released the Indigenous Collections app, a free Android application developed with the Rainy Lake Ojibwe community to preserve the Ojibwe language, stories, landmarks, and family knowledge. This initiative is part of Motorola's broader Indigenous Languages Initiative, aiming to digitize and preserve indigenous languages while integrating them into smartphone technology.
Researchers Repurpose Old Google Pixel Phones into Data Center Clusters for Education
Researchers at the University of San Diego, in collaboration with Google, are repurposing discarded Google Pixel phone motherboards into computing clusters for educational use. This initiative aims to reduce e-waste and provide affordable computing resources to schools, with a pilot program launching this fall.
2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Electric offers 425-mile range and 483 hp
Mercedes-Benz introduced the 2027 C-Class Electric, featuring a 94 kWh battery, 483 horsepower, and an estimated 425-mile EPA range. This new electric sedan aims to compete in a challenging market with its enhanced range and performance.
Spotify Experiences Second Outage of the Day Affecting Web Page and Apps
Spotify experienced a second major outage on July 27, affecting its web page and applications for many users. This incident followed an earlier outage on the same day that had been resolved, causing disruptions for subscribers.
Ubisoft Greenlights New Far Cry Game Codenamed Kodiak, Cancels Another
Ubisoft has approved a new Far Cry game, codenamed Kodiak, which will be an open-world FPS, while simultaneously canceling another Far Cry title, codenamed Maverick, that was rumored to be an extraction shooter. This development indicates a shift in focus for the franchise's upcoming releases, with Kodiak expected to be ambitious and several years away.
Nike and Hyperice Release Hyperslide Recovery Footwear with Heat and Vibration
Nike and Hyperice have launched the Air Zoom Hyperslide, a new recovery slide that provides heat and vibration to the feet. This product is designed to aid post-workout recovery and will be available for purchase on September 29.