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Gamescom 2024 Showcases New Witcher 3 Expansion and Alien: Isolation 2
Gamescom 2024 featured major game announcements, including "The Witcher 3: Songs of the Past," a new expansion for the 11-year-old game, and "Alien: Isolation 2," the sequel to the 2014 survival-horror title. These reveals highlight continued development for established franchises and were presented at the world's largest in-person gaming event.
Laytr iOS App Offers On-Device Digital Bookmarking and Reminder Features
The new iOS application Laytr provides a centralized solution for saving and organizing digital bookmarks with reminder capabilities. This app offers an alternative to scattered bookmarking methods by keeping all data stored locally on the device without cloud sync or accounts.
Bandai announces playable Tamagotchi Ring with color screen, available for pre-order in Japan
Bandai has announced a new Tamagotchi Ring, a functional and playable miniature Tamagotchi device with a color screen that can be worn on a finger. Pre-orders are open in Japan, with no official release details for other regions, and the device is expected to ship in February 2027.
BYOK distraction-free writing gadget to add custom scripting extensions
The BYOK distraction-free writing gadget is introducing an optional scripting system to allow users to add custom features. This change addresses user requests for expanded capabilities without cluttering the core device with features not needed by all users.
Google releases 'Froggy's World' mobile game accessible via Search weather results
Google has launched a new mobile game called 'Froggy's World,' which can be accessed by searching for "weather" on Google Search and tapping a play icon. The game involves helping Google's Weather Frog decorate its home by collecting tokens based on current weather conditions, which are then exchanged for decorative items.
TurboKV 0.6 Released: An Async Embedded Key-Value Store for Rust
TurboKV, an asynchronous embedded key-value database for Rust, has released version 0.6. This update provides features like atomic batches, ordered range scans, configurable durability, compression, and background compaction, offering Rust developers a new option for embedded data storage.
StemDeck Releases as Free, Open-Source Local AI Stem Separator
StemDeck, a new free and open-source application, allows users to separate audio files into up to six stems (vocals, drums, bass, guitar, piano, other) directly on their local machine. This tool provides an alternative to cloud-based stem separation services by offering local processing and a DAW-style mixer for audio manipulation.
Android 17 QPR2 Beta 4 Introduces Status Bar Customization Options
Android 17 QPR2 Beta 4 adds new Status bar settings, allowing users to customize notification and system icons. This update provides more control over the visibility of icons in the status bar, enhancing user interface personalization.
iOS 27 Updates iCloud Shared Albums with Full-Resolution Support and Cross-Platform Access
Apple's iOS 27 introduces significant updates to iCloud Shared Albums, including support for full-resolution photos and videos, expanded emoji reactions, and web-based contributions for Android and Windows users. These changes enhance the functionality and accessibility of the shared album feature within Apple Photos.
WhatsApp rolls out new chat themes, including animated wallpapers, for iOS users
WhatsApp is introducing new chat themes for iPhone users, featuring five categories including animated backgrounds. This update provides more customization options for chat interfaces, enhancing user experience with dynamic and static visual choices.
Htmx 4.0.0 Released with Internal Fetch() Migration and Attribute Inheritance Changes
Htmx 4.0.0 has been released, migrating its internal architecture from XMLHttpRequest to the Fetch API and introducing changes to attribute inheritance, event naming, and history support. This update aims to improve the library's internal workings and address previous support issues, though user-facing behavioral differences from version 2.x are minimal.
Apple TV acquires global streaming rights for British comedy "Small Prophets"
Apple TV has acquired the worldwide streaming rights for the British comedy series "Small Prophets" after its successful debut in the UK. This acquisition marks Apple's first such deal for an English-language title, expanding its content library and demonstrating flexibility in securing programming.
Grand Theft Auto VI Playthrough Estimated at Over 80 Hours; Extended Trailer Released
Rockstar North co-studio head Rob Nelson stated that a playthrough of Grand Theft Auto VI, including the main story and some optional goals, took him 80 hours. This suggests the game will be longer than its predecessor, Grand Theft Auto V, and an extended trailer for the game has also been released on YouTube.
Afterglow Project Enables Original After Dark Screen Savers on Modern macOS
The Afterglow project, created by Jeff Halter, allows users to run classic 68k After Dark screen saver modules on current macOS systems. This development simplifies the process of accessing these vintage screen savers, which previously required emulators or old hardware, making them more accessible for software preservation and nostalgic use.
OpenTIE and OpenXWA Projects Modernize Star Wars: TIE Fighter and X-Wing Alliance
OpenTIE and OpenXWA are open-source reimplementations that allow Star Wars: TIE Fighter and X-Wing Alliance to run on modern operating systems, combining features from different original releases and adding modern graphics and audio enhancements. These projects enable fans to play classic space combat simulators with updated visuals and sound while preserving original game data.
GTA VI introduces varied car theft mechanics based on vehicle make and model
Grand Theft Auto VI will feature more complex car theft mechanics, requiring different approaches depending on the vehicle's make and model. This change aims to add depth to gameplay and make vehicle acquisition more varied for players.
James Pond Creator Criticizes New Legacy Collection for Allegedly AI-Generated Art
Chris Sorrell, creator of the James Pond game series, has expressed strong disapproval of the upcoming "James Pond Legacy: The Pond Is Not Enough" collection, citing concerns over allegedly AI-generated art. Sorrell, who was not consulted on the project, stated that the developers show no respect for the series. This situation highlights ongoing debates about AI-generated content in legacy media and intellectual property rights.
Ubisoft apologizes for selling Heroes of Might and Magic III without game files on Steam
Ubisoft mistakenly released a version of Heroes of Might and Magic III on Steam that did not include the actual game files, prompting negative reviews. The issue has since been resolved, and Ubisoft apologized for the error, which occurred during a promotional release for an upcoming remake.
Voronoi Go Game Adds Strong Bot and Correspondence Play
The online game Voronoi Go has been updated to include a stronger bot opponent and a correspondence game mode. These additions aim to improve player engagement by making it easier to find opponents.
M5Stack Launches PaperMono ESP32-S3 E-Ink Development Terminal
M5Stack released PaperMono, an ESP32-S3-based E-Ink development terminal designed for low-power information display and IoT projects. This device integrates an E-Ink display, touch input, and connectivity options like NFC and LoRa, providing a compact platform for developers.
Sony Introduces Bravia 6 OLED TV, a More Affordable Option with Four HDMI 2.1 Ports
Sony has announced the Bravia 6 OLED TV, positioned as a more affordable alternative to its existing OLED models. This new TV is Sony's first OLED to feature four HDMI 2.1 ports, aiming to compete with midrange OLED offerings from Samsung and LG.
Google Messages Introduces Custom Chat Themes and Backgrounds on Android
Google Messages officially launched custom chat themes and backgrounds for Android users, allowing personalization of individual chat bubble colors and wallpapers. This feature, requiring RCS, enables users to customize chat aesthetics privately without affecting the recipient's view.
Google Pixel Recorder app updates with new Pixel 11 icon design
Google is rolling out an update to its Pixel Recorder app, introducing the new app icon design previously seen on Pixel 11 series devices. This update primarily focuses on visual changes, aligning the app's appearance with Google's updated design language for first-party Pixel applications.
Apple Arcade's Sneaky Sasquatch and Subway Surfers+ launch crossover event and new birdwatching update
Apple Arcade is hosting a crossover event between its games Sneaky Sasquatch and Subway Surfers+, which includes new character skins, hoverboards, and a reimagined level. Additionally, Sneaky Sasquatch will receive a birdwatching update on September 17, adding over 30 bird species to photograph.
CoMaps Integrates with Gadgetbridge and OpenVitals for FLOSS Ecosystem Interoperability
CoMaps, a free and open-source mapping application, has integrated with Gadgetbridge and OpenVitals to enhance interoperability within the FLOSS Android ecosystem. This allows users to receive turn-by-turn directions on smartwatches via Gadgetbridge and record outdoor activities with route context in OpenVitals, providing more comprehensive open-source solutions for navigation and health tracking.
MiTale uses IBM quantum computing simulator for C.L.A.Y. RPG asset generation
Game studio MiTale Ltd. announced at Gamescom that its upcoming RPG, C.L.A.Y. - The Last Redemption, utilized an IBM quantum computing simulator to generate game assets like maps, characters, and graphics. This marks an early application of quantum computing techniques in commercial game development, potentially paving the way for future integration of quantum hardware to accelerate complex tasks in gaming.
Xiaomi Launches Redmi Note 17 Pro Max with 9,210mAh Battery and Three-Day Battery Life
Xiaomi has released the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max, featuring a 9,210mAh silicon-carbon battery that provides up to three days of use. This release introduces a new phone model with a focus on extended battery life for global markets outside the US.
Atari Releases 39 Activision Games on Cartridges, Compatible with Original and Modern Consoles
Atari has launched the Atari x Activision Collection, offering 39 classic Activision games on physical cartridges. This release provides physical media options for retro gaming enthusiasts, compatible with both original Atari 2600/7800 and newer Atari 2600+/7800+ consoles.
Solo Developer Remigiusz Michalski Announces New Game "Trainwatch"
Solo developer Remigiusz Michalski, known as Harvester Games, announced his sixth game, "Trainwatch," a time-management mystery adventure. The game focuses on a railway worker managing a level crossing in a desolate area, exploring themes of isolation and mental anguish, similar to Michalski's previous works.
Apple details how to speed up Spotlight indexing for upcoming OS releases
Apple released a support document explaining how Spotlight indexing works and provided three tips to accelerate the process for iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27. This indexing creates a local, searchable catalog of device content, which is crucial for Spotlight and the new Siri AI to function efficiently.
Asahi Linux Releases Progress Report for Linux 7.2, Details Apple Silicon Power Management
Asahi Linux released a progress report for Linux 7.2, focusing on challenges in implementing power management for Apple Silicon platforms. The report details the complexities of Apple's power management infrastructure and the difficulties in upstreaming a custom cpuidle driver due to Linux kernel requirements for PSCI.
Google Keep for Android adds 'Find in note' search feature
Google Keep for Android has rolled out a new "Find in note" search feature, allowing users to search for specific text within individual notes. This update provides a basic text search capability directly within the note interface, improving usability for managing information in Keep.
Node.js 26.8.1 Released to Correct Version Reporting Error
Node.js released version 26.8.1 as an out-of-band update to fix an issue where the `node --version` command incorrectly reported an alpha version. This update ensures accurate version identification for users and systems.
RPG Game Uses Camera-Based Pose Detection to Count Push-Ups for Progression
A new role-playing game (RPG) has been released that integrates physical exercise by requiring players to perform push-ups, counted via on-device camera pose detection, to advance in the game. This approach aims to combine gaming with fitness, offering a novel way to engage users in physical activity through an RPG structure.
Pants for Birds Releases ADSBee m1421, a Small Dual-Band Open-Source Aircraft Tracker
Pants for Birds introduced ADSBee m1421, a new open-source dual-band ADS-B receiver designed for aircraft detect and avoid applications. This device offers a smaller form factor and lower power consumption compared to previous models, making it suitable for embedded systems.
JBL Pulse 6 Speaker with 360-Degree Light Show to Ship in September
JBL announced the Pulse 6 portable Bluetooth speaker, featuring a 360-degree light show and upgraded acoustics, will be available for $330 and ship starting September 6. This release updates JBL's Pulse collection with new lighting features and sound technology.
Roku to Stream Select NWSL Games for Free on The Roku Channel
Roku announced a partnership with the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) to stream eight Sunday night games for free on The Roku Channel, starting August 30. This expands Roku's sports content offerings and provides more access to NWSL matches for viewers.
Google Translate suggests Apple's Chinese event tagline hints at 'foldable' iPhone
Google Translate interpreted Apple's Chinese event tagline for an upcoming September event as "A new chapter unfolds, dazzling and brilliant," which some speculate hints at a foldable iPhone. This machine translation differs from other tools and is not an official Apple statement. The official English tagline is "Surprise and shine."
Apple launches custom hashmoji on X for upcoming "Surprise and shine" event
Apple has activated a custom hashmoji on X for its upcoming "Surprise and shine" event. Users posting with the #AppleEvent hashtag will see a special Apple logo, consistent with past event promotions.
Devolver Digital to release mascot platformer "Volvy's Adventure: Reslimed" on same day as GTA 6
Devolver Digital announced that its mascot platformer, "Volvy's Adventure: Reslimed," will launch on Steam on November 19, coinciding with the release of Grand Theft Auto 6. This release strategy positions the game as an alternative for PC gamers during a period expected to be dominated by GTA 6.