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Steam launches Personal Calendar for personalized game recommendations
Steam released a new "Personal Calendar" feature that recommends games based on user preferences and play history. This feature aims to improve game discovery by providing tailored suggestions, addressing user feedback about store navigation.
PlayStation Creator Ken Kutaragi Supports Sony's Move Away From Physical Discs
Ken Kutaragi, the engineer behind the original PlayStation consoles, supports Sony's decision to cease physical PS5 disc production by 2028. He views the resistance to digital-only as a "mentality issue" and believes physical media is no longer economically reasonable, citing the prevalence of online connectivity similar to smartphones.
Valve adds CD-ROM drive support to Steam Frame kernel after user request
Valve developers added CD-ROM drive support to the Steam Frame Linux kernel in under ten minutes following a user request. This change allows the Steam Frame to potentially read optical discs directly, enabling users to watch movies or install older games from physical media.
Laika's new stop-motion film "Wildwood" is its largest production to date
Laika, the stop-motion animation studio, is releasing "Wildwood," its biggest production yet, after 16 years in development. The film required nearly 50 animators and over 200 puppets, blending traditional stop-motion with modern technology.
Martian cloud model suggests previously unobserved atmospheric physics
Researchers have successfully modeled the formation of the 1,000-mile-long Arsia Mons Elongated Cloud (AMEC) on Mars. The model suggests the cloud's formation is driven by a physical process not previously observed in any planetary atmosphere, indicating new insights into atmospheric physics.
Banking Apps Now Support GrapheneOS
Around a dozen banking applications have begun to specifically permit GrapheneOS, indicating a shift in compatibility for the privacy-focused Android operating system. This development allows users of GrapheneOS to access essential banking services without encountering previous restrictions.
Formula 1 on Apple TV in the US now supports Dolby Atmos audio
Apple TV subscribers in the US can now access Formula 1 coverage with Dolby Atmos audio, starting with the United States Grand Prix. This integration provides an immersive audio experience for race broadcasts, enhancing the viewing experience for fans.
Valve Developer Mentions "HLX" During GameSoundCon Panel
Valve composer Mike Morasky mentioned "HLX" during a GameSoundCon panel, referring to it as having its own version of HDR audio. "HLX" is an internal codename for a Half-Life project that has appeared in Valve engine code since 2024.
Android 17 introduces app bubbling feature, initially exclusive to Pixel devices
Android 17 now includes an app bubbling feature, allowing users to keep app icons persistently on screen for quick access. This functionality, currently available only on Pixel phones, will expand to other Android devices in the future.
Apple TV Announces November Content Lineup Including New Seasons and Original Series
Apple TV has announced its November content releases, featuring the second season of the comedy series "Stick," a new docuseries "Awkwafina: The Unlikely Cook," and the heist drama "12 12 12." The streaming service will also release the movie "Being Heumann," based on true events, during the month.
Google Wallet adds notifications feed and expands digital passport support to Ireland, Italy
Google Wallet for Android is rolling out a new notifications feed for updates on items within the app. Additionally, Google Wallet is expanding its support for digital passports to include Ireland and Italy, following previous launches in other countries.
Tesla Cancels Cybertruck Release in Australia and New Zealand, Refunds Deposits
Tesla has informed customers in Australia and New Zealand that it will not release the Cybertruck in those markets and will refund all deposits. The decision is due to the Texas factory not being configured for right-hand drive production, which is required for legal operation in these countries.
Rare Pokémon Red Prototype Cartridge Auctioned, Starting at $25,000
A prototype cartridge of the 1998 Nintendo Game Boy game Pokémon Red is currently up for auction, with a starting bid of $25,000. The cartridge features 32KB of readable data authenticated by PSA, which confirmed the game data is identical to the US release version, despite minor header differences. This discovery provides insight into early Game Boy development hardware.
Strava adds coach-designed strength workouts with live set and rep tracking
Strava introduced new strength training features, including coach-designed guided workouts with animations, form tips, and live set and rep tracking. This update expands on previous strength training overhauls by automating exercise logging and muscle map updates.
Delta Emulator 2.0 Adds iPhone Duo Support, Sega Genesis Compatibility
The Delta retro game emulator released version 2.0, introducing a Liquid Glass interface and specific optimizations for the iPhone Duo, including controller skins that adapt to its various display modes. The update also adds Sega Genesis ROM compatibility and improved library navigation.
Pantaloon Launches Playbill Subscription Service for Indie Games, Excludes Generative AI Titles
Publisher Pantaloon launched Playbill, a new subscription service offering a curated collection of "bold and bizarre" indie games, including its own titles and third-party games. The service explicitly excludes games that use generative AI and aims to provide an alternative to mainstream gaming platforms.
Teenage Engineering releases EP-35 multi-input instrument amplifier with built-in effects
Teenage Engineering launched the EP-35, a battery-powered instrument amplifier featuring multiple inputs, built-in effects, Bluetooth audio streaming, and Auracast connectivity. The device offers separate effects processors for guitar and vocals, controlled via style-based presets, and can be paired with accessories like the EP-127 KO Pedal for expanded control and MIDI functionality.
Daft Punk Alive Tour Pyramid to Become Official Lego Set
Lego will release an official set based on Daft Punk's 2007 Alive tour pyramid, originating from a fan-built model that won a Lego contest. This marks an official collaboration between Daft Punk and Lego, with more details expected in 2027.
Bluesky adds iPad support and external profile links in latest update
Bluesky has released an update that includes beta support for iPads, improving the social network's appearance and performance on Apple tablets. The update also adds the ability for users to include external links to other platforms directly on their profiles.
Orangetheory Fitness adds direct Apple Watch workout tracking for a one-time fee
Orangetheory Fitness is launching OTconnect for Apple Watch, allowing members to use their personal Apple Watch for in-studio performance tracking for a one-time $99 fee. This new integration replaces the need for a separate hardware accessory, providing real-time workout data directly on the watch.
VBoy Color Emulator Adds Full-Color Display to Nintendo Virtual Boy Games
A new emulator, VBoy Color, introduces a tile-based palette system to render Nintendo Virtual Boy games in full color. This allows for more distinct colors per frame, improving visual clarity over the original red-on-black display.
GM Reaffirms Commitment to EVs and Autonomy, Expands Super Cruise and OnStar AI
General Motors announced continued focus on electric vehicles and autonomous technology, expanding its Super Cruise hands-off driving system to nearly all vehicles. The company also introduced OnStar AI, which will integrate with vehicle systems to offer personalized services like ordering takeout.
Insta360 Launches New Wireless Mic with Expandable Storage and E-Ink Display
Insta360 has released a new wireless microphone system, the Insta360 Mic, priced at $250. This model features expandable microSD card storage for 32-bit float internal recording and customizable e-ink displays, positioning it between the existing Mic Pro and Mic Air models. The new Mic offers similar audio quality to the Mic Pro but lacks its triple-mic array.
Roku Pro Series LX OLED TVs Now Available on Amazon
Roku's Pro Series LX OLED TVs, previously announced in September, are now available for purchase exclusively on Amazon. These new models offer a 144Hz variable refresh rate and improved brightness compared to Roku's earlier OLED offerings.
Atari VCS platform to end support and close software store in February 2027
Atari will shut down the software store for its modern VCS console on February 1, 2027, and end platform support after that date. Users will receive an OS update to migrate functionality to local machines and access an Atari Homebrew App for independent game development and installation.
OpenAI Releases Official Command-Line Interface (CLI) for its REST API
OpenAI has released an official command-line interface (CLI) for interacting with its REST API. This tool allows developers to access OpenAI's services directly from the terminal, providing an alternative to programmatic API calls.
ArtCraft Releases GridCraft, an Open-Source, Cross-Platform Excel Alternative
ArtCraft has released GridCraft, a new open-source spreadsheet application designed to mimic Microsoft Excel's functionality. GridCraft runs natively on Linux, FreeBSD, macOS, and Windows, offering an alternative to commercial spreadsheet software.
User Develops 'Foldman' App for Galaxy Z Fold 8, Mimicking Sony Walkman
A user developed a new app called "Foldman" for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 that transforms the device into a virtual Sony Walkman, playing music from local storage, YouTube Music, and Apple Music. The app features a cassette player interface that expands when the phone is opened, with planned integration for Spotify and self-hosted streaming services.
Apple Music unveils new brand identity featuring Liquid Glass design
Apple Music introduced a new brand identity incorporating the Liquid Glass design language. This rebrand involved a detailed production process, including a design agency, a music producer, and specialized equipment to create visual effects.
Google Pixel Face Unlock to gain 'active illumination' feature in low light
Google is developing an "active illumination" feature for Pixel phones' Face Unlock, which will increase screen brightness in dim environments. This aims to improve Face Unlock reliability in low light, addressing a current limitation for users.
Amazon's Blink introduces five new security cameras, including a 4K wired model
Amazon's Blink has released five new security cameras, including its first 4K wired camera, the Blink Mini 4K+, and two extended-range models. These new cameras offer upgraded resolution and connectivity options for various indoor and outdoor surveillance needs. The product line expansion provides more choices for consumers seeking home security solutions.
Sega's "Stranger Than Heaven" is a more grounded "Like A Dragon" spin-off
Sega's upcoming game, "Stranger Than Heaven," is a new entry in the "Like A Dragon" series, offering a grittier, character-driven story set in early 1900s Japan. It focuses on protagonist Makoto Daito's journey across five decades, establishing a new narrative foundation for the franchise.
Google extends free Satellite SOS for Pixel 9 series for another year
Google confirmed it will not charge for Satellite SOS on Pixel 9 series devices for an additional year, extending the free service beyond its initial two-year period. This decision means Pixel 9 users will continue to have free access to emergency satellite connectivity until at least August 2027.
Subaru to cease gasoline car sales in Europe by end of 2027 due to EU regulations
Subaru will transition to an all-electric vehicle lineup in Europe by the end of 2027, discontinuing gasoline models like the Outback, Impreza, Crosstrek, and Forester. This decision is driven by the European Union's stricter CO2 emission limits and new mandatory driver assistance system requirements. The company will offer three electric models in the EU starting in 2028, while also developing its own EV technology for future vehicles.
Battlezone Online (BZO) Launches Browser-Based BZFlag Game with VR Support
Battlezone Online (BZO) has launched a free, browser-based 3D multiplayer tank game compatible with existing BZFlag clients and servers. This release allows players to access the game on various devices, including VR headsets, without installation.
JustWatch launches its own ad-supported and subscription streaming service, JustWatch TV
JustWatch, a service that guides users to movies across streaming platforms, has launched its own streaming service called JustWatch TV. The new service offers ad-supported free movies and a paid ad-free subscription option, aiming to compete in the fragmented streaming market.
Google's 3D Emoji Library Appears on Older Pixel Devices
Google's new 3D emoji library, initially launched with the Pixel 11, is reportedly appearing on older Pixel devices like the Pixel 6a. This suggests a gradual rollout of the updated emoji set beyond the latest Pixel model.
JustWatch launches its own streaming service, JustWatch TV, with free and paid tiers
JustWatch, a streaming guide service, has launched its own streaming platform called JustWatch TV, offering content from 30 partners across free and paid tiers, plus a movie rental store. This move expands JustWatch's role beyond content discovery into direct content delivery, aiming to grow its audience data and insights.
Beam App Streams Individual Mac App Windows to Another Mac for Agent Management
Noats launched Beam, a new macOS application that allows users to stream individual application windows from one Mac to another, making remote interaction with headless Macs running AI agents more efficient. This tool addresses the need for direct access to specific app windows without full desktop sharing, particularly for users managing AI workloads on dedicated Mac Minis.
Jepsen Analyzes Orkes Conductor 5.3.2 Workflow Orchestrator
Jepsen conducted an analysis of Orkes Conductor version 5.3.2, a workflow orchestration system. The analysis details the system's architecture and how it manages tasks and workflow executions.