Policy
* Key takeaways: * Google requires developers to enroll by Jan 28 to join its "external content links" and "alternative billing" programs. * Google plans per-install fees of $2.85 for apps and $3.65 for games when a user installs within 24 hours of clicking an external link.
Software
* Google is experimenting with moving the Dislike action in YouTube Shorts into the overflow (three-dot) menu. * The company is also testing phrasing changes: showing “Dislike,” “Not interested,” or a combined “Not interested” label next to the thumbs-down icon. * Participants in the experiment may receive an optional survey and can provide
Games
Key Takeaways: * Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 won Game of the Year at the Indie Game Awards, according to Game Informer. * The announcement was reported by Wesley LeBlanc on Dec 19, 2025. * The win is described as "another" Game of the Year accolade, underscoring broad critical acclaim for the
Games
• ININ Games briefly claimed Nintendo introduced “two new smaller cartridge sizes” for Switch 2, then removed the claim and issued a correction. • Nintendo has not confirmed any new Switch 2 cartridge capacities; developers still report high cartridge costs. • ININ will still release a physical Switch 2 version of R‑Type
AI
* Google has pushed the timeline for replacing Google Assistant with Gemini on Android into 2026. * The company said it will "continue our work to upgrade Assistant users to Gemini on mobile devices into 2026." * Once the transition finishes, eligible devices will no longer be able to access or
AI
* Key Takeaways: * Four AI coding agents (OpenAI Codex, Anthropic Claude Code, Google Gemini CLI, Mistral Vibe) were given a single-shot task to build a web version of Minesweeper with sound, mobile support and a surprise feature. * OpenAI’s Codex (GPT-5) produced the strongest one-shot result thanks to chording support, mobile-friendly
Security
• Riot’s Vanguard anti-cheat will block a subset of Valorant players until their motherboard BIOS includes a security patch. • The change targets a UEFI IOMMU bug (CVE-2025-11901, CVE-2025-14302–14304) that can allow pre-boot DMA access. • Patches are available for many newer Intel and AMD chipsets from ASRock, Asus, Gigabyte and
Games
• Inin Games said it could convert R-Type Dimensions III retail boxes from Game Key Cards to full Switch 2 cartridges after 'smaller cartridge' cost savings appeared to be available. • The publisher initially warned a switch to full cartridges would raise price by €15, then revised that to a
Gadgets
* Apple retired 17 products in 2025 across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, accessories and Vision Pro. * Many items were replaced by refreshed hardware: iPhone 17 lineup, M4/M5 Macs, M3/M4 iPads, Apple Watch Ultra 3 and updated SE. * Key upgrades include Apple Intelligence support, M5 processors, Qi2.2 MagSafe,
Games
* Key Takeaways: * Sony sued Tencent in July 2025 over alleged similarities between Horizon and LIGHT OF MOTIRAM. * The case was dismissed with prejudice after a confidential settlement; neither company will comment further. * LIGHT OF MOTIRAM has been removed from Steam and the Epic Games Store and its trailer deactivated. What
Security
* Key Takeaways: * Apple released iOS 26.2 with critical security fixes and also published iOS 18.7.3 for devices remaining on iOS 18. * Some iPhone owners who opted to stay on iOS 18 report being offered iOS 26.2 only, not the iOS 18.7.3 security update. * The
Policy
* Instagram will cap hashtags at five per post for reels and standard posts. * The change aims to reduce spam and encourage targeted tagging for better discovery. * Instagram tested lower limits earlier and now enforces a universal five-tag maximum. * Threads and other Meta products continue to adopt even stricter tag rules.