Software
• Key Takeaways: • Spotify is expanding its Prompted Playlists feature in beta to more markets for Premium listeners. • The feature lets users describe a feeling, memory, or vibe to steer playlist curation and discovery. • Spotify frames the tool as a collaboration between technology and human intent: “We believe that technology is
Policy
* Key Takeaways: * The Federal Trade Commission says the proposed Epic Games–Google settlement “may fail to restore meaningful competition” for Android app distribution. * The FTC’s skepticism signals continuing regulatory scrutiny and could delay or reshape any agreed remedies. * If regulators or courts agree, Google and Epic may need to
Games
* Key Takeaways: * Fable now has a confirmed release window: Autumn 2026. * The game will launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC. * Announcement came following an Xbox Developer Direct showcase. * This gives players and platforms a clear target for the next Fable installment. What was announced Microsoft’s
AI
* Key Takeaways: * Apple’s software chief Craig Federighi is taking a cautious approach to AI amid a Google deal. * Last fall Federighi told Apple’s combined software and AI groups he was excited about deeper collaboration. * He also voiced criticism of aspects of AI work, signaling restraint alongside enthusiasm. * The
Gadgets
* Two new Bluetooth turntables announced by Sony, designed with a sleek, minimalist look. * The models emphasize ease of use and wireless playback for modern vinyl listeners. * Targeted at casual listeners and design-conscious homes, they bridge analog records with Bluetooth convenience. Overview Sony has lifted the lid on two new Bluetooth
Games
* Forza Horizon 6 launches on May 19 and is set in Japan, Playground Games says. * A large Developer_Direct interview digs into the country, culture and the cars that will appear. * Playground Games frames the release around authentic Japanese locations and automotive culture. * The Developer_Direct promises deeper context on
Games
* Key Takeaways: * Xbox Developer Direct 2026 is streaming live with major updates and reveals. * The showcase is highlighted by appearances from Fable and Forza Horizon 6. * Expect developer-focused news, gameplay previews, and release updates. * Watch the event via Xbox’s official channels; check Xbox.com and social feeds for the
Games
* Ubisoft shares plunged by their largest-ever drop after the company announced cancellations, studio closures and a cut to its revenue/earnings guidance. * The moves affect the Assassin’s Creed maker’s future release pipeline and signal a significant strategic reset aimed at controlling costs and refocusing development. * Investors and players
Research
• ExoMiner++ is an open-source deep learning model developed to validate exoplanet candidates, previously credited with finding 370 planets. • The model was trained on data from NASA’s exoplanet-hunting missions and now targets observations from TESS to speed candidate vetting. • By automating validation, ExoMiner++ helps prioritize follow-up observations and reduces the
Retail
* Customers used a trade-in loophole to generate hundreds in store credit by repeatedly trading a Switch 2 paired with a game purchase. * GameStop has shut down the exploit, closing the path that allowed repeated trade-ins to yield large credit amounts. * The incident highlights vulnerabilities in trade-in and receipt-based credit systems
Gadgets
* Apple is reportedly developing a high-end, secondary AirPods Pro 3 variant with IR cameras for 2026. * The model would expand Apple’s audio lineup with advanced sensing features while targeting premium buyers. * Details are limited; IR cameras could enable new controls, personalization or biometric sensing, but remain speculative. Overview New
AI
* Key Takeaways: * Adobe has integrated generative AI into Acrobat Studio to automate slide-deck creation from documents. * New features include chat-driven PDF editing and podcast-style audio summaries derived from documents. * The updates aim to speed content repurposing, improve accessibility, and change how teams extract insights from files. What Adobe added Adobe
