Software
* YouTube Music is moving song lyrics behind a Premium paywall after a lengthy test. * The change shifts a formerly available feature to paying subscribers, affecting free-tier listeners. * The decision could influence subscription sign-ups and how users access lyric content. What happened YouTube Music has begun treating in-player lyrics as a
Games
* Approximately 80 employees on Riot Games' 2XKO team have been affected by the downsizing. * Riot says 2XKO "hasn't reached the level needed to support a team of this size long term," according to the executive producer. * The move scales back resources on the free-to-play fighting
Games
* Update 1.15.0 for ARC Raiders is the focus of the February release announcement. * ARC Raiders is a multiplayer extraction adventure set on a future Earth threatened by mechanized ARC forces. * The update title signals a new patch cycle; players should check official channels for full patch notes and
Games
* Half of Riot Games’ 2XKO development team has been laid off. * The cuts affect the pair-based fighting game 2XKO and its ongoing development. * Riot says it's reducing staff on the project; the game’s timeline and scope may change. What happened Riot Games announced it is cutting jobs
Games
* Key Takeaways: * An Overwatch actor publicly criticized her hero Anran’s recent face redesign, calling it “Ozempic-Chic.” * Fans are petitioning Blizzard to revert Anran’s face to its previous appearance. * The dispute highlights sensitivity around character design, representation and player expectations. What happened An Overwatch actor has publicly called out
Games
* Capcom confirmed a large-scale expansion for Monster Hunter Wilds is in development. * The game’s version 1.041 update will launch on February 18, Capcom said. * Capcom has not yet released details about the expansion; more information will be announced later. * Players should expect follow-up announcements and official patch notes
Games
* Blizzard hyped a “big” Hearthstone reveal for BlizzCon 2026 that sparked talk of a full sequel. * The company has publicly squashed rumors: this upcoming announcement is not “Hearthstone 2.” * Fans should expect a major Hearthstone update or new direction, not a branded sequel — details will arrive at BlizzCon 2026. What
• Google Home is beginning to address long-standing feature gaps that have frustrated users. • Key opportunities remain in privacy controls, local processing, multi-room reliability and richer automations. • Fixes will affect daily convenience, device compatibility (Matter/Thread), and trust—what users ask for next matters. What's changing — and why it
* Nothing has released a new teaser suggesting the Phone (4a) will come in colorful finishes. * The teaser promises a departure from the current aesthetic, potentially widening consumer appeal. * Details and official specs remain unconfirmed; the teaser is primarily a marketing preview. * If Nothing follows past patterns, the reveal could include
* SpaceMolt is a space-based massively multiplayer online game designed exclusively for AI agents. * Humans are positioned as spectators rather than participants — the game “envisions a world where AI plays with itself and the humans just watch.” * The concept raises questions about research use, emergent behavior, entertainment value and governance when
* Key Takeaways: * Ayaneo Next II is a notably large Windows gaming handheld, tipping past 3 pounds and measuring about 13 inches wide. * Its size pushes it well beyond typical portable consoles and may affect portability, comfort, and use cases. * Configurations can cost as much as $4,300, placing it at
* Key Takeaways: * Former astronauts and space experts say NASA's Artemis II spacesuits are still too heavy. * The primary concern is that the suits' heft could impair mobility, increase fatigue and complicate emergency procedures. * Experts call for more testing, possible redesigns or mitigation steps before crewed Artemis missions
* About 80 employees were laid off from Riot Games’ 2XKO team, roughly half of the group working on the project. * 2XKO is Riot’s League of Legends–themed fighting game; these cuts significantly reduce the active development workforce. * The layoffs raise questions about the project’s timeline and Riot’s
* Key Takeaways: * Samsung launched the One UI 8.5 beta for Galaxy S25 series in early December, generating strong initial interest. * Planned public rollout of One UI 8.5 is delayed, leaving many users waiting for promised features and fixes. * The delay risks eroding momentum from the beta program and
* Key Takeaways: * Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman says new MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips could arrive as soon as Monday, March 2. * The launch appears tied to the release of macOS Tahoe 26.3; Gurman reports the rollout could happen the week of March 2. * Current
* High-end MacBook Pro models and refreshed iPads are reportedly imminent. * Apple is said to be preparing a less-expensive iPhone 17e alongside tablet updates. * The update wave signals a simultaneous push at premium Mac buyers and budget-conscious iPhone/iPad customers. Overview Apple is reportedly planning a new round of hardware updates
* Key Takeaways: * Microsoft says 16GB of RAM is plenty for most games on Windows 11. * For "serious gamers," Microsoft recommends 32GB of RAM to provide extra headroom. * Microsoft also highlights Copilot+ PCs as recommended hardware for gaming on Windows 11. What Microsoft recommends Microsoft advises that 16GB of
* Apple is developing an AI-powered wearable called the AI Pin described as a "talking AirTag." * The device emphasizes hands-free interaction using a next-generation Siri. * Apple plans deep ecosystem integration with iPhone, Mac, and services. * Launch is expected by 2027. What Apple announced — at a glance Apple’s new
* Promising local alternative: Block’s Goose agent + Ollama + Qwen3-coder can handle many coding tasks offline and for free. * Privacy and cost wins: Running models locally removes cloud dependency and eliminates per-request fees. * Not a drop-in replacement: Complex multi-step code generation, tool integrations, and long-context projects still favor Claude Code. * Best