MindsEye, new thriller from former GTA producer and Hitman publisher, gets release dateAvailableEverywhere?Image credit: Build A Rocket Boy News by Ed Nightingale Deputy News Editor Published on March 28, 2025 MindsEye, the new game from former GTA producer Leslie Benzies, has finally been given a release date.The game was originally revealed as part of the Everywhere project from Benzies' studio Build A Rocket Boy; then in October last year Hitman developer IO Interactive announced it would be publishing MindsEye.Now it has a firm release date: 10th June 2025, across PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. And there's a new story trailer to go with it too.MindsEye - Welcome to Redrock - Official Story Trailer | 2025Watch on YouTubeThe trailer for the action-adventure thriller introduces the near-future desert metropolis of Redrock City, as well as the eccentric tech boss Marco Silva eager to change the course of human evolution."We cant wait for players to immerse themselves in our tightly crafted game, MindsEye, with a thought-provoking story where technology and ambition collide, and the inevitable consequences unravel," said Benzies.Adam Whiting, assistant game director at Build A Rocket Boy, told Eurogamer the team isn't worried about a June release clashing with the traditional E3 and Summer Game Fest period. "It maybe allows us to actually talk to players, engage with players around that time in a meaningful way," he said. "We're just very excited for players to finally get the chance to play."Further, Whiting confirmed that the developer is still working on Everywhere. "MindsEye is a standalone game, but it is kind of connected," he said. "You can access it through Everywhere as a platform, but mostly we're really focused on MindsEye."Everywhere was first revealed at Gamescom in 2022, though its purpose confused players and rumours swirled around cryptocurrency and NFTs. Benzies flatly denied this to Eurogamer during a preview of the project in March 2023.It is, essentially, a platform for user-generated content, akin to Roblox, with MindsEye as a primary example from the developer itself of what can be achieved. More recently, MindsEye has taken centre stage with Everywhere humming away in the background.MindsEye will be available as a standalone game for 54.99 / $59,99 / 59.99.The company was hit by layoffs in early 2024, a month after completing a fresh $110m funding round from investor NetEase.Whiting noted to Eurogamer the industry's rapid expansion during the Covid-19 pandemic, which was followed by global layoffs. "We're seeing a lot of that stuff happening in the industry right now and it makes me sad because the games industry is full of so many very talented, very lovely people," he said. "But it's this period of the ebbs and flows, the peaks and troughs, and maybe it's in a bit of a trough now, but I'm sure it'll peak again soon."He also noted that NetEase's recent, apparent pullback from video games hasn't affected the studio negatively. "Certainly, there's nothing that's let us to make any compromises or anything like that," he said."You know Leslie, he's a visionary, and he doesn't want to compromise on that vision for anything at all."For more on MindsEye, check out Chris Tapsell's full interview with Whiting on the game's cinematic storytelling and thematic similarities to GTA.

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games hereMarch has been a fantastic month for Steam Deck gamers as the excellent Split Fiction and Assassins Creed Shadows were both officially verified for Valves handheld system. In early April, users also have The Last of Us Part 2 to anticipate. While TLOU2 is exciting for early next month, Steam Deck users should also make sure to claim some wicked free games before they expire very soon.Free games for Steam Deck expiring soonSome Amazon Prime Gaming free games are set to expire soon in early-April. Below is the list of games alongside their performance rating on Steam Deck according to ProtonDB:Yes, Your Grace (GOG code) April 2nd PlatinumDeus Ex Human Revolution Directors Cut (GOG code) April 2nd GoldRedemption Reapers (Epic) April 2nd no ratingFightment 2 Creed Valley (Amazon Games) April 3rd PlatinumSurf World Series (Amazon Games) April 9th no ratingSpirit Mancer (Amazon Games) April 9th no ratingBioshock 2 Remastered April 9th GoldSkyDrift Infinity (Epic) April 9th PlatinumCrime Boss Rockay City (Epic) April 9th GoldSands of Aura (Epic) April 9th PlatinumThe Forgotten City (Amazon Games) April 10th PlatinumHardspace Shipbreaker (Epic) April 13th no ratingThere are more free games on offer from Amazon Prime Gaming set to expire between April and June, but all of the above are freebies set to expire in early-April, meaning their expiration is more imminent.You will need an Amazon Prime Gaming subscription to get the above for free. A subscription costs 8.99 a month, and it also bags one-day free delivery along with access to Prime TV. You can also get a 7-day free trial if you have not subscribed before.In addition, you will want to download the Heroic Games Launcher on your Steam Deck to claim the above games. The Heroic Games Launcher is free, and it supports Epic, GOG, and Amazon.Looking at the above list, the obvious big and best games are BioShock 2 Remastered, and the absolutely incredible Deus Ex Human Revolution Directors Cut. If you are claim to any of the free games, definitely make sure you get those two.In other gaming news, Helldivers 2 has literally become unplayable for some on PC due to new hard requirement.Related TopicsSteam Deck Subscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games hereWith Season 8 of Fortnite Festival coming in early April, many fans are wondering about the next artist. Epic Games has collaborated with many talented musicians over the past few years, and the Festival mode has brought some of the worlds biggest superstars to the virtual stage. Now, the game developer is gearing up for another season, and its release date is around the corner.The next Fortnite Festival artist was already leaked. Unsurprisingly, this is the star that already collaborated with Epic and has a couple of cosmetics in the game.Who will be the artist in Fortnite Festival Season 8?According to Hypex, the most popular Fortnite leaker, the next Festival artist will be Sabrina Carpenter. The 25-year-old singer has been one of the most popular singers lately, so adding her to Fortnite makes sense. On top of this, Epic released her bundle in late November, bringing two emotes and two Jam Tracks with it.With 66.3 million monthly listeners, Sabrina ranks among the top 20 most popular artists on Spotify. Furthermore, her hit song Espresso was the most-played song on the streaming platform in 2024. The superstar has a couple of songs that have surpassed a billion plays on Spotify, and we expect them all to be available with the next Music Pass, along with Sabrinas skin.Sabrina Carpenter was leaked as the next Fortnite Festival artist. Image by VideoGamerIts important to note that Epic Games still hasnt confirmed the next Fortnite Festival artist. However, considering that Season 8 will come out soon, we expect the confirmation to arrive soon. In the meantime, lets take a look at the stars featured in previous seasons.SeasonArtist1The Weeknd2Lady Gaga3Billie Eilish4Metallica5Karol G6Snoop Dogg7Hatsune Miku FortnitePlatform(s):Android, iOS, macOS, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/XGenre(s):Action, Massively Multiplayer, Shooter9VideoGamerRelated TopicsFortnite Subscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

For the AD100 firm Pierce & Ward, the opportunity to create a collection for West Elm represented a gratifying full-circle moment. When we started out, it was one of our go-to resources. That was when wed have a modest budget to decorate a 6,000-square-foot house, recalls Louisa Pierce. Her partner, Emily Ward, echoes the sentiment: We relied on them for things that combined quality with good value. This was our chance to build on that legacy.Shop the collection here A vignette includes sofas, a bentwood chair, a cocktail table, and a metal drinks table.Photo: Rich Stapleton.The 100-piece collection encompasses furniture, curtains, lighting, tabletop, accessories, wallpaper, and rugs. Dexterityin style, materials, and applicationis a hallmark of the group. Theres a broad mix of genres and aesthetic sensibilities, much the same as we decorate our projects, Pierce says. Certain pieces have a lean, Japanese quality, and others feel like they were crafted by a really good carpenter, she adds. True to the firms signature approach, many of the items have a distinctly vintage vibe, with color acting as a conceptual through line. We like earthy, dusty tones, Ward notes. Basically, ugly colors.The partners favorite items in the collection hint at the elasticity of their vision. For Ward, standouts include a barrel chair upholstered in a contrasting stripe, a burl wood vanity that nods to 1980s postmodernism, and a curvaceous acacia wood coatrack. Meanwhile, Pierces picks include a lacquered sideboard, metal barstools, and a chunky wooden step stool that synthesizes Asian and Craftsman influences. It isnt just variety for the sake of variety, says Ward. If you bought 20 pieces, we want it to look as if they were collected over time, not purchased all at once in one place. westelm.comShop it out:Pierce & Ward Burl Wood VanityPierce & Ward Ribbed Wood Floor LampPierce & Ward Floral Grid TableclothPierce & Ward Curved Burl Wood BedPierce & Ward Linen Table LampPierce & Ward Faceted Oval Wall MirrorPierce & Ward Deco Border Handwoven Wool RugPierce & Ward Painted Cereal Bowl SetsPierce & Ward Bar & Counter StoolsPierce & Ward Clay Match Strike

In a nutshell: President Donald Trump recently announced an additional 25 percent tariff on imported vehicles and parts, raising concerns about its potential impact on the US automotive sector. While supporters argue that the policy will spur growth, attract investment, and create jobs domestically, critics warn that it will lead to significantly higher prices for shoppers. The new tariff on imported cars will take effect on April 2, while the import duty on car parts will go into effect on May 3. The components subject to the new policy include engines and engine parts, transmissions and powertrain components, and electrical systems.The tariff will be applied under the USMCA trade agreement, which was ratified during the first Trump administration. Under the plan, imported vehicles will be taxed only on their non-US content. For example, a car with 20 percent US-made components under USMCA will face a 25 percent tariff on the remaining 80 percent of its price.According to Commerce Department data, Mexico is the largest automobile exporter to the US, followed by Japan, South Korea, Canada, and Germany. The biggest exporters of components include Mexico, China, Japan, and South Korea. Unsurprisingly, most foreign automakers and auto parts manufacturers have criticized the new tariffs, arguing that they will negatively impact both manufacturers and consumers.The United Auto Workers union, however, praised the proposed tariffs, claiming they could create more jobs in the US. In a statement, the organization described the move as a victory for auto workers and expressed hope that it would be part of a broader "Made in America renaissance." The union added that it believes the tariffs will encourage US automakers such as GM, Ford, and Stellantis to bring much of their production back to the U.S. after decades of offshoring.Not everyone is convinced, though. According to some industry analysts, the new tariffs could increase the price of an average new car or truck by at least $6,000, as nearly half of all vehicles sold in the US. are imported. They further argue that the policy is a blatant violation of the USMCA, the trade deal Trump himself signed during his first term. // Related Stories

PhwoarAssuming we're not being goofed on, Marvel Rivals is making Venom jiggle his symbiussy next week in celebration of April Fools' dayWell, at least NetEase and the game's modding community are finally on the same page.Image credit: NetEase News by Mark Warren Senior Staff Writer Published on March 28, 2025 Ok, so, it's March 28 as I write this, so I can't be in danger of falling victim to a news writer's worst nightmare aside from a hypothetical 2AM Geoff Keighley showcase that's running head to head with a Nintendo Direct, but NetEase still has me worried.It's revealed - assuming it's not goofing on us all, which looks unlikely if not impossible - that it's celebrating April Fools' day by bringing a Venom twerk emote to Marvel Rivals next week. Yep. You can see why I'm writing this with my fingers crossed, can't you?To see this content please enable targeting cookies. This Symbiote Boogie emote - which will be earnable (again assuming it's not a goof) as an in-game reward from 1AM GMT/8PM ET on April 1/March 31 until April 4 at 1AM GMT, which is 8PM ET on April 3 - was announced via a tweet and post on Marvel Rivals' official Discord server."April Fools is just around the corner, Rivals - and the smoothest symbiote in the Multiverse is ready to celebrate," NetEase wrote, "That's right, it's not a joke - finish Galacta's Cosmic Adventure and collect all 24 rewards on the path to unlock the Symbiote Boogie emote! Because nothing says 'cosmic chaos' like watching your hero bust a slimy move on the battlefield." To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Look, surely this has to be real. The company's posted this well before the morning of April 1 itself, surely you can't annouce a thing that has an in-game debut time that's in the danger zone for some places in the world, but before it starts for others, then retroactively go 'Ha, we got you, suckers'. Right? Come on. Otherwise you could just cheekily reveal an April Fools' joke emote in September the previous year, which would be ludicrous, if also quite funny.Anyway, we've seen this apparent emote well before April 1, and Venom's cheeks are looking a bit like thicc liquorice as he puts his back into throwing it back. His tongue's out too, though to be fair that's just the norm for him. "Venom cake is huge now, Venom mains ganna spam that emote every chance they get", one player on the Rivals Discord server wrote of this bollocks, and I think that pretty much sums up the situation.Are you desperately praying this Venom twerk emote isn't a goof? Let us know below!

DIRECTLYThe Legend of Zelda live-action movie now has a full release date, as Nintendo uses its swanky new app to reveal something directlyThe Miyamoto funny hand gesture prophecy has been fulfilled.Image credit: VG247/Nintendo News by Mark Warren Senior Staff Writer Published on March 28, 2025 It's happened. Nintendo has used the new Nintendo Today app it revealed and rolled out yesterday to announce some news. It's not Nintendo Switch 2 news, though, cos that won't start until next week - instead it's the full release date of that live-action Legend of Zelda movie, which we now know comes out on March 26, 2027Yep, it's only taken a day for the Today app to deliver on what Shigeru Miyamoto said it would - delivering big Nintendo news to you (does hand gesture) DIRECTLY. Outstanding efficiency from the Mario bunch, 10/10.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. All Nintendo Today has revealed is that date, though, there's no additional info about the movie. So, if you're looking for something to tide you over for the just under two years until that day rolls around, you're out of luck unless you happen to interested in other Nintendo things that are going on right now, like the very obscure and low-key new console it's putting out this year. At the very least, this is guaranteed to get boatloads of people to download the Today app anticipating that it'll blast a lot more big Nintendo news into their eyeballs 24/7 for the foreseeable future. To see this content please enable targeting cookies.This live-action Zelda movie was first revealed back in 2023, causing our contributor Oisin Kuhnke to experience an overwhelming sense of disbelief partially brought on by the fact Sony Pictures Entertainment was co-financing the film alongside Nintendo. They pulled themselves together and did the journalism though, because we're all professionals that would deliver you news even if our legs were being sawn off as we came up with shite kickers.I might also need to ask them to pick out my next set of lottery numbers, as they wrote that they'd not expect the Zelda movie "no sooner than 2027" back in November last year, when Nintendo confirmed that it'd at least be coming in a year that started with the numbers two, zero and then another two.Are you excited about seeing the Zelda movie in 2027? Let us know below!

Image: Nintendo LifeWe got a little distracted with the Nintendo Direct yesterday and ran out of time to take a look at the latest Japanese charts sorry! Fortunately, Famitsu's latest numbers paint a chart picture that's worth the wait.There has been quite the shake-up this week, with a bunch of newbies arriving in the top 10. Expectedly, Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition comes out on top of them all, putting up 74,689 sales and pushing the reigning champ, Monster Hunter Wilds, down into fourth.Fourth, you say? Yes, Capcom's latest has been booted a further two places by the arrival of Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land, for which the PS5 and Switch releases landed a podium spot heck even the PS4 release made it to seventh.Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube800kWatch on YouTube The top 10 also sees first appearances for Assassin's Creed Shadows and Bleach: Rebirth of Souls, which land in fifth and eighth respectively. Quite the week for newbies, eh?For the full breakdown, here's a look at the latest top ten:PositionGamePlatformUnit Sales (17th - 23rd Mar)Total Unit Sales1Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive EditionSwitch74,689NEW2Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned LandPS527,810NEW3Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned LandSwitch26,315NEW4Monster Hunter WildsPS520,621763,4905Assassin's Creed ShadowsPS517,701NEW6Super Mario Party JamboreeSwitch9,2141,237,7627Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned LandPS46,949NEW8BleachPS56,079NEW9MinecraftSwitch5,8763,838,83910Donkey Kong Country Returns HDSwitch5,803237,853The hardware charts see the Switch OLED return to the top spot after a few weeks of tough competition from the PS5. Even combining the two system's respective SKUs can't lean things in Sony's favour this week, with the Switch OLED, Lite and standard models adding together for 30,504, while the three PS5 options hit 15,212.Here's your look at this week's Japanese hardware chart in full:PositionConsoleUnit Sales (17th - 23rd Mar)Total Unit Sales1Switch OLED18,8088,889,0542PlayStation 59,5585,616,3083Switch Lite7,4336,496,7814Switch4,26320,078,9915PlayStation 5 Pro3,510185,7286PlayStation 5 Digital Edition2,144961,0167Xbox Series S182333,5158Xbox Series X Digital Edition5120,0439Xbox Series X19319,62010PlayStation 4187,929,354< Previous charts Robot JoxWhat do you make of this week's charts? Let us know your thoughts with a comment down below.[source famitsu.com]Related GamesSee AlsoShare:00 Jim came to Nintendo Life in 2022 and, despite his insistence that The Minish Cap is the best Zelda game and his unwavering love for the Star Wars prequels (yes, really), he has continued to write news and features on the site ever since. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...Related ArticlesNintendo Expands Switch Online's SNES Library With Four More TitlesUpdate: Now available to Switch Online membersNintendo Direct Confirmed For Today, 27th March 202530 minutes of news for OG Switch gamesMetroid Prime 4: Beyond's Official Switch Box Art Is Absolutely StunningAhhhh we want itPokmon Scarlet & Violet: Mystery Gift Codes ListAll the current Pokmon Scarlet and Violet Mystery Gift codes

Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube800kFollowing the recent release of Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition on the Switch, tech experts Digital Foundry have now provided an analysis of how the new version improves upon the original.In a video that narrator John Linneman calls the "end of an era" for Wii U > Switch conversions, he describes Xenoblade Chronicles X as a "moderately straightforward affair" on the surface, noting that the game on Switch is more or less in line with the original.However, with the resolution, the Wii U version maxes out at 720p, whereas the Switch utilises dynamic resolution that reaches native 1080p. Meanwhile, features such as motion blurring, distant detail, and shadow effects are all at least on par with the original game, if not improved. Linneman notes that the New Los Angeles locations display significantly more detail on the Switch when compared to Wii U.Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube800kWatch on YouTube Elsewhere, changes to character models are highlighted, with Linneman stating that the old Wii U characters were "off-putting" thanks to their facial features. With the Switch port, you may have already noticed significant improvements here, with changes to eye shape, facial structure, and even hairstyles. Finally, the last major improvement comes with the UI, which is much easier to understand with the new Switch port.It's not all good news, however. It's noted that there's still a lot of pop-in while exploring, particularly in the city, and texture filtering is still "poor". Cutscenes also boost black levels in the new port, making scenes appear slightly washed out when compared to the original. Hardly a dealbreaker, mind.Looking at the frame rate, both games perform at 30fps with a few minor dips here and there. As we've highlighted previously, there is a hidden 60fps mode hidden in game files, which might hint towards boosted performance on the upcoming Switch 2.Overall then, this is a pretty huge success for developer Monolith Soft. The improvements here could be compared to that of Metroid Prime Remastered, with character models receiving massive improvements and environments delivering more detail. If you didn't play Xenoblade Chronicles X on the Wii U, then you have to give it a punt on the Switch. Definitively DefinitiveRobot JoxHave you been playing Xenoblade Chronicles X on the Switch? What do you make of it so far? Let us know with a comment.[source youtube.com]Related GamesSee AlsoShare:01 Nintendo Lifes resident horror fanatic, when hes not knee-deep in Resident Evil and Silent Hill lore, Ollie likes to dive into a good horror book while nursing a lovely cup of tea. He also enjoys long walks and listens to everything from TOOL to Chuck Berry. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...Related ArticlesNintendo Expands Switch Online's SNES Library With Four More TitlesUpdate: Now available to Switch Online membersRumour: Nintendo Switch 2 To Launch In June With 3-Phase Software PlanGoing through phaazesNintendo Direct Confirmed For Today, 27th March 202530 minutes of news for OG Switch gamesMetroid Prime 4: Beyond's Official Switch Box Art Is Absolutely StunningAhhhh we want it

Welcome back to TechCrunch Mobility your central hub for news and insights on the future of transportation. Sign up here for free just click TechCrunch Mobility!Before we jump into the transportation news of the week, its worth pointing you to a couple of articles that are focused on Elon Musk, the CEO and largest shareholder of Tesla and the founder of several other companies, including SpaceX and Neuralink.You might recall an investigation the team here at TechCrunch published in February on the people in Elon Musks DOGE universe. The article, which continues to be updated, focused on those working for the Department of Government Efficiency, an entity established via President Trumps executive order. A new report, by another team here at TechCrunch, focuses on the founders and VCs working with DOGE. Check it out!Speaking of Musk, his close ally Trump has placed 25% tariffs on all cars imported to the United States, including those from Mexico and Canada. Hes also placed a 25% tariff on certain parts used to build cars. As reporter Sean OKane notes, its a decision that will likely supercharge the cost of new and used cars, but its also a gift to Tesla, the company run by Musk, his biggest financial supporter in the presidential election.And finally, in other am-I-in-a-simulation news, Trevor Milton, the founder of bankrupt hydrogen trucking startup Nikola who was convicted of fraud, has been pardoned by Trump, the White House confirmed to TechCrunch. Tidbit: We waited for hours and hours before the White House would confirm.OK, onward with the rest of the news of the week.A little birdImage Credits:Bryce DurbinA little bird recently told us that Lucid is eyeing partnerships as a way to reach higher levels of autonomy, particularly with the new Gravity SUV. Could we see a partnership with Mobileye or some other unlikely automated driving technology provider?Got a tip for us? Email Kirsten Korosec at kirsten.korosec@techcrunch.com or my Signal at kkorosec.07, Sean OKane at sean.okane@techcrunch.com, or Rebecca Bellan at rebecca.bellan@techcrunch.com. Or check out these instructions to learn how to contact us via encrypted messaging apps or SecureDrop.Deals!Image Credits:Bryce DurbinWelp, here is a deal that is not transportation related, but very much deserves some attention.TechCrunch was acquired by private investment firm Regent. No financial terms were disclosed, but our soon-to-be previous owner Yahoo Holdings is maintaining a small share of ownership. The acquisition, which has yet to close, comes just a few days after Regent bought Foundry, the publisher home to tech publications like PCWorld, Macworld, InfoWorld, and CIO.Other deals that got my attention BetterFleet, the Michigan-based company that developed EV charging fleet management software, raised $15 million in a Series A funding round led by Aligned Climate Capital, Ecosystem Integrity Fund (EIF), and Remarkable Ventures Climate (RVC).The Bot Company, the robotics startup founded by former Cruise co-founder and CEO Kyle Vogt, has raised $150 million in a round led by Greenoaks, Reuters reported, citing unnamed sources.DeCharge, an EV charging infrastructure startup, raised $2.5 million in a round led by Lemniscap. Other investors include Colosseum, Daedalus Angels, EV3 Labs, Echo Fundraiser Chainyoda Jedis, and Levitate Labs.Fleetio, a vehicle fleet software management company, raised $450 million in a round co-led by Elephant VC and Goldman Sachs Alternatives. The funds will be used to finance the purchase of maintenance-authorization platform Auto Integrate.Manna, the Dublin-based drone delivery company, raised $30 million in a round led by Tapestry VC and Molten Ventures. Coca-Cola and Dynama Venture also participated.Notable reads and other tidbitsImage Credits:Bryce DurbinAutonomous vehiclesWaymo will begin offering robotaxi rides in Washington, D.C., via the Waymo One app in 2026. There is an important catch: Before Waymo can launch commercially, the company will have to up its lobbying game in the capital, where autonomous vehicle permits still require a human behind the wheel, according to reporter Rebecca Bellan.Electric vehicles, charging, & batteriesBYDs breakthrough EV-charging announcement last week prompted reporter Tim De Chant to find out more. Cadillac debuted another EV: the Optiq SUV. Contributor Emme Hall got a chance to drive the Optiq and the new Escalade IQ. Revel, the Brooklyn-based electric vehicle charging infrastructure startup, launched its first fast-charging station in San Francisco.Rivian operated a skunkworks program for years focused on electric micromobility, founder and CEO RJ Scaringe told TechCrunch. Now, Rivian is spinning out the startup known as Also with $105 million in funding from Eclipse Ventures. Rivian has a minority stake in Also and Scaringe will serve on its board. Chris Yu, Rivians VP of future programs, will be its president.In-car techWaze has removed Google Assistant from iOS due to ongoing issues. The company plans to introduce an enhanced voice interaction solution sometime in the near future as a replacement.