Gadgets
• Key Takeaways: * LG unveiled UltraGear evo, a premium gaming monitor lineup offering 5K visuals and on-device AI upscaling. * Three initial models: 39-inch OLED (39GX950B), 27-inch MiniLED (27GM950B) and a 52-inch large-format display (52G930B). * Features include variable refresh modes (up to 330Hz), aggressive response times, 2,304 local dimming zones and
Games
* Balatro emerges as Dominik Diamond’s personal lifesaver and top emotional pick. * Marvel Snap was his most-played title but fell out of favor over microtransaction-driven changes. * Family favourites: Just Dance 2024, Overwatch, Resident Evil Biohazard, Crash Bandicoot and Minecraft dominated household playtime. * Blue Prince and Doom: The Dark Ages are
Games
• Key Takeaways: * ConcernedApe released a free Nintendo Switch 2 edition update for Stardew Valley on Dec. 25, 2025. * New features include mouse controls, local split-screen for up to 4 players, and online multiplayer for up to 8 players. * Existing Switch owners receive the update as a free "Upgrade Pack&
Policy
* Key Takeaways: * Leaked documents obtained by The Washington Post show Meta pursued a yearslong strategy to bring teens back to Instagram. * Two weeks after dozens of state attorneys general sued Meta over teen safety and addiction concerns, Instagram head Adam Mosseri circulated a memo urging staff to "bring more
Gadgets
Key Takeaways: * Samsung is offering significant holiday discounts on the Galaxy Z Fold 7, including instant savings and trade-in promotions. * With a maxed trade-in, you can save $1,120 on the 512GB model, bringing the price down to $999. * Without a trade-in, Samsung provides $600 in instant savings plus a
Games
* Key Takeaways: * Wing Commander: Privateer (1993) taught the author to prefer open-world, player-driven experiences over tightly authored stories. * The game combined Elite-style sandbox mechanics with Wing Commander flight and a richly hand-crafted setting. * Privateer influenced later space sandboxes — Freelancer, the X series, EVE Online, Elite Dangerous, No Man’s Sky,
Games
* A mix of high-profile sequels and unexpected indie hits made Ars Technica’s 2025 top-20 list. * Franchise entries like Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Avowed, and Civilization VII anchored the year, while GTA VI slipped into 2026. * Indie standouts — Blue Prince, Baby Steps, Ball x Pit, and Dragonsweeper — proved small teams
Games
• A wide slate of indie and mid-tier releases in 2025 delivered standout experiences across roguelikes, platformers, puzzles, and party games. • Notable picks: Monster Train 2 (deckbuilder roguelike), Shotgun Cop Man (physics platformer), Abandoned Archive (spell‑based roguelike), Promise Mascot Agency (open‑world collectathon). • Many titles are available across PC and
Reviews
* Key Takeaways: * Consumer Reports highlights five 2025 electric vehicles with trims under $50,000 that balance reliability, range and features. * Standouts include the Hyundai Ioniq 6 for range, the Mustang Mach‑E for performance, and the Nissan Ariya for safety. * Practical choices like the Kia Niro EV and Audi Q4
Games
• Free upgrade: Stardew Valley — Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is now available to existing Switch owners. • New features: Mouse controls, four‑player split‑screen, eight‑player online, and GameShare support are included. • Rollout: Update is live on the US eShop; regional availability may follow. • Ongoing content: Creator Eric "ConcernedApe"
Enterprise
* Key Takeaways: * CachyOS, an Arch Linux–based distribution known for desktop performance, is developing a dedicated Server Edition for NAS, workstations and hosting providers. * The Server Edition will ship as a verified image with hardened configurations, pre-tuned settings, and performance-optimized packages for web servers and databases. * Ongoing compiler work (PGO
Games
• Fortnite and PlayStation Network saw major login spikes on Christmas Day, briefly stressing servers. • Epic Games CTO Tim Sweeney acknowledged issues as "the servers are melting down, sorry fam." • Fortnite Status later reported logins were recovering; PSN experienced limited, intermittent problems. • Engineers responded quickly; most players were able