Games
• PS Plus Essential members can claim Need for Speed Unbound, Epic Mickey: Rebrushed, and Core Keeper from Jan. 6–Feb. 2. • Need for Speed Unbound (EA) brings street racing and a Heat system; Epic Mickey: Rebrushed is THQ Nordic’s 2024 remaster; Core Keeper offers cozy-survival mining and crafting. • December’
Software
* Apple Fitness+ posted an Instagram Reel promising “something big” arriving in 2026. * The teaser shows fictional newspapers with headlines hinting at new content and a January reveal. * The post follows Apple’s Fitness+ market expansion with AI dubbing and reports the service was under review. What the teaser shows Apple’
Software
* Reading Mode in Chrome for Android has been rebuilt for easier access and persistent customization. * The redesign appears in Chrome version 143 and was first reported by 9to5Google. * New controls live in the three-dot menu; you can change fonts, sizes, and colors and keep those settings across pages. * The feature
Gadgets
* Key Takeaways: * AirPods Pro 3 include a built-in heart rate sensor that logs data to the iPhone Health app and can close Activity rings without an Apple Watch. * Enable the feature in iPhone Settings by selecting your AirPods Pro 3 and toggling “Heart Rate.” * Accuracy improves with a proper fit,
Software
* Show Reading mode is moving to the three-dot menu for manual activation. * New bottom-sheet Reading mode keeps the Omnibox and uses Material 3 styling. * Customization includes fonts (Sans/Serif/Mono), text size up to 250%, and Light/Sepia/Dark backgrounds. * Feature is appearing in Chrome 143 stable on some devices;
Gadgets
* Available in 55- and 65-inch sizes, LG’s new Gallery TV aims to compete directly with Samsung’s The Frame. * Flush-mount design, magnetic customizable frames, and built-in art display functionality mirror The Frame’s aesthetic approach. * Hardware includes MiniLED panels, the α (Alpha) 7 AI Processor, and AI Sound Pro
Reviews
• Key takeaways: * AirPods Pro 3 sharpen sound and Spatial Audio using H2 refinements and repositioned internals. * New foam ear tips boost Active Noise Cancellation but may need a break-in period for some ears. * Built-in infrared heart-rate sensor improves workout tracking and complements Apple Watch data. * Battery life per earbud increases
Games
* Readers submitted their votes for Eurogamer’s top 50 games of 2025, producing a wide-ranging list across AAA and indie titles. * The readers’ winner scored more points than the No.2 and No.3 entries combined, a decisive margin noted in the tally. * Standouts include Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Elden
Gadgets
Key Takeaways: * Samsung will sell the Galaxy A17 5G in the US for $199 beginning Jan. 7; the Galaxy Tab A11+ arrives Jan. 8 for $250. * Galaxy A17 5G uses the Exynos 1330, a 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display and a 5,000mAh battery with fast-charging. * Storage starts
Games
• GTA 6's November 19 release is the year's biggest wild card — delays remain possible. • Major 2026 launches include Resident Evil Requiem, Saros, Wolverine and Fable. • RAM shortages driven by AI data-centers could push hardware costs up, affecting consoles. • Generative AI debates and EA's $55bn
Gadgets
• Some iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max owners report a static or hissing noise when the phone is charging. • Reports appear on Reddit, MacRumors forums and Apple Support Communities; severity varies across users. • Some users fixed it by swapping devices; others see the issue across multiple units and iOS 26.
AI
* Apple has been criticized for holding back on the large AI investments its peers made. * Wall Street, pundits and media have flagged Apple’s apparent lack of urgency in the AI arms race. * Analysts and commentators now predict Apple could reverse that slump in 2026 by leaning on silicon, integration