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Spotify puts publicly available lyrics behind a premium paywall in 'routine test'
Spotify is experimenting with making its in-app lyrics a Premium-only feature. However, this move isn't sitting well with some users.
United Airlines grounded flights for an hour after a bad software update
United Airlines briefly grounded all flights in the US due to a "computer issue." The cause of the problem is not yet clear.
TikTok job postings point to social features to help it compete with Meta
TikTok appears ready to move the platform closer to a full-fledged social network. The company has posted new job listings for positions focused on social networking features and expanded direct messaging.
KitchenAid stand mixers and immersion blenders are up to 25 percent off
KitchenAid stand mixers and immersion blenders are on sale at Amazon. They're up to 25 percent off.
Attorneys General from all 50 states urge Congress to help fight AI-generated CSAM
The attorneys general from all 50 states have banned together and sent an open letter to Congress, asking for increased protective measures against AI-enhanced child sexual abuse images. The letter calls on lawmakers to “establish an expert commission to study the means and methods of AI that can be used to exploit children specifically.”
Xbox’s reporting system for abusive-voice chat arrives this week
Microsoft is set to launch its abusive voice reporting feature for Xbox consoles. Announced in July, it lets gamers submit inappropriate remarks heard while playing multiplayer titles. The system captures a 60-second clip saved to the console; you then have 24 hours to complete the report. The feature arrives this week in the September update for Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One. However, it’s initially limited to the “select English-language markets” of the US, UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.
Cyberpunk adventure game Stray will be adapted as an animated movie
The critically-acclaimed cat-based adventure game ‘Stray’ is getting an actual animated movie. Even cooler? The game’s publisher Annapurna is actually making the flick, after it scored a surprise hit on Netflix with its first animated feature ‘Nimona.’ The creative team is still under wraps, but Annapurna Animation head Robert Baird told Entertainment Weekly that the film is in active development.
The Android logo gets a new look and a 3D bugdroid
Android 14 is fast approaching. But before Google publicly releases the next big version of the mobile operating system alongside its latest Pixel devices, the company has revealed a refreshed Android logo.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor patch promises 'solid 60 fps' performance on consoles
Respawn and EA are rolling out a significant patch for Star Wars: Jedi Survivor. The game, plagued with performance issues at launch, now supports a “solid 60 fps” in performance mode on consoles. In addition, the PC version (which bore the brunt of many of the complaints) also received some stability improvements in patch seven.
Alone in the Dark reboot delayed to the oh-so-spooky month of January
The classic survival horror series Alone in the Dark recently announced a reboot set to release in October, but it just got delayed to January. This delay isn’t for the usual reasons. The game doesn’t need more polish or anything like that. It’s simply a matter of finding an audience in the bustling gaming month of October, given the flood of titles coming next month.
Anker chargers and accessories are up to 49 percent off right now
Anker makes a wide range of useful devices, from charging gear to USB hubs and beyond. You can save on many of the company's products right now as a sale is taking place on Amazon.
Facebook’s News tab is going away in the UK, France and Germany
Meta will kill off Facebook’s News tab in the UK, France and Germany in early December. Unlike in Canada, publishers can still share news on the platform in those countries.
China plans $40 billion fund for its chip industry
It follows continued trade sanctions from the US.
Spotify reportedly locks white noise podcasters out of an ad program
Spotify will reportedly stop paying white noise podcasts to read ads for its products. The move will impact podcasters' earnings and boost the company's bottom line.
The Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 improves an already great gaming mouse
The new Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 gaming mouse shares the same agreeable shape as its predecessor, but cleans up many of the older model's minor annoyances.
Nintendo's new mobile game lets you pluck Pikmin on your browser
Nintendo's Pikmin Finder works on any mobile browser
Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 returns from the shadows with a new developer
Paradox Interactive has brought in Dear Esther and Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture studio The Chinese Room to work on Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2. The sequel is now expected to arrive in fall 2024.
Final Fantasy XVI is coming to PC, Square Enix confirms
Final Fantasy XVI producer Naoki Yoshida has confirmed his team is currently working on a PC version of the game. Two paid expansions are on the way as well.
Mercedes-Benz teases a smaller, cheaper G-Wagon luxury EV
Mercedes-Benz is reportedly developing a more budget-friendly sibling to its hotly-anticipated G-Class all-electric SUV. The EV will be a smaller, cheaper version of its iconic G-Wagon and it was unveiled this weekend at IAA Mobility 2023 in Munich. CEO Ola Kallenius confirmed the move and said the “baby” G-Class EV will be significantly more compact than its cousin and that it’ll be “fun to drive.”
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is $300 off right now
You can snap up the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 with 256GB of storage for $300 less than usual at the moment. The Galaxy Z Flip 5 has also dropped by $200 as part of a Labor Day sale.