Gadgets
• Key Takeaways: * High-end monitors add features (HDR local dimming, ultra-wide color, premium stand) that most users rarely use. * Midrange panels (IPS or VA at 1440p) deliver the best value for productivity and gaming, with fewer compromises. * Prioritize resolution, panel type, refresh rate, and ports over premium extras unless you have
Software
* Key Takeaways: * A Windows 11 shutdown bug triggered an out‑of‑band response from Microsoft. * The issue affected device shutdown behavior and prompted urgent user guidance. * Users should check Windows Update, back up important data, and follow safe shutdown workarounds. * Expect a formal advisory or patch from Microsoft; avoid risky
Games
* Key Takeaways: * Bungie's upcoming extraction shooter Marathon reportedly had its release date revealed in an Xbox Store pre-order trailer. * The leak follows an earlier Xbox-related report, and the store listing appears to confirm that date. * Xbox Store evidence suggests at least an Xbox release; an official Bungie announcement
Games
* Devon Pritchard appeared publicly for the first time as President and COO of Nintendo of America. * The appearance took place at the 15th Annual New York Game Awards. * Pritchard greeted the crowd, saying, "I'm excited to meet you," signaling a public-facing leadership style. * Her first outing
Policy
* Valve amended its guidance on AI disclosure and clarified expectations for developers. * The company says developers using "AI-powered tools" must make players aware when generative AI is used. * The update emphasizes transparency and could affect how games and apps describe content creation. * Developers should review the revised guidance
Security
* Five malicious Chrome extensions on the Chrome Web Store targeted enterprise HR and ERP platforms. * Attack methods included __session cookie exfiltration, blocking security admin pages, and bidirectional cookie injection for session hijack. * The campaign hit Workday, NetSuite and SAP SuccessFactors; the extensions had >2,300 installs and were reported
Games
* Key Takeaways: * Rockstar Games arranged an early play session of GTA 6 for a terminally ill fan after a LinkedIn plea from Ubisoft Toronto developer Anthony Armstrong. * Take-Two Interactive’s CEO contacted Armstrong and Rockstar to help facilitate access; an NDA and studio visit were discussed. * The gesture came while
How-Tos
• Key Takeaways: * Your two-decade-old PlayStation 3 can still play DVDs/Blu‑rays and CDs. * Turn a PS3 into a home media server via PS3 Media Server, Movian, or Linux (older models). * Install custom firmware and RetroArch for emulation, but be aware of compatibility and bricking risks. * If unusable, salvage the
Games
* Key Takeaways: * YouTuber TronicsFix bought four “refurbished” consoles on Temu: Nintendo Switch Lite, Nintendo Switch OLED, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo 64. * All four units powered on and worked, but most showed signs of being used rather than professionally refurbished. * Issues ranged from cosmetic scratches and dirt to dusty internals and
Games
* Dispatch Switch 2 edition listed at 28.5GB; the Switch version is 10.9GB. * They Are Billions appears at 1.5GB on Switch 2 listings. * eShop listings from North America, Europe and Japan provide a full size roundup for both platforms. What the listings reveal Nintendo eShop entries for both
Gadgets
• Third-party accessory support for Android wearables has lagged behind Apple for years. • Belkin’s new Qi2 modular charging dock adds adapters for Pixel Watch and Galaxy Watch charging pucks. • The dock shows larger accessory brands are starting to prioritize Android compatibility as standards like Qi2 spread. • Limited support (no Pixel
Games
* Key Takeaways: * Marc-Alexis Côté, former head of Assassin’s Creed, has filed a lawsuit in Quebec claiming constructive dismissal and seeking CAD 1.3M (~USD 935K). * The suit alleges he was effectively demoted after Ubisoft reorganized major IP under Vantage Studios, a new unit backed by Tencent funding. * Côté says
