This "Fake" Heart Saved a Life

Why Are Managers Bad At Their Jobs? (The Peter Principle)

Macworld With every iPhone launch, people are excited until they start to voice their frustration over Apple’s incremental hardware changes. The rage is typically justified. Over the past several years, Apple has given us largely tweaked iterations of the same device. Nevertheless, these small improvements do add up to meaningful year-over-year upgrades, but it’s been a while since Apple has truly blown us away This year’s iPhone 17 lineup could follow the same pattern. We’re not expecting groundbreaking additions such as a foldable display or a portless design, but rumors hint at a slew of welcome changes across the line. Regardless of the model you’re using right now, here are 10 main reasons you will want to buy an iPhone 17 this fall. 1. All-new Air variant Perhaps the most noticeable introduction will be the iPhone 17 Air. Apple is reportedly working on an ultra-thin phone that sacrifices some high-end specs in favor of sleeker aesthetics. With a rumored thinness of around 5.5mm, the Air model will easily dethrone the 6.9mm iPhone 6 as Apple’s thinnest smartphone ever. While it will likely sport a single camera like the iPhone 16e, the 17 Air edition is expected to still bring several high-end features, including support for MagSafe accessories, the Dynamic Island, the Camera Control button, and possibly even an always-on display. It’s the closest thing to a new design we’ve gotten in years, and the iPhone 17 Air will appeal to customers looking for something different. 2. Sharper selfie camera If you don’t really care about the Air edition, there are still plenty of other upgrades planned for the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max. For starters, all four models are expected to feature a 24MP TrueDepth camera system, a notable jump from the 12MP lens available on the last several generations. This upgrade will dramatically improve the quality of your selfies and possibly enable 2X zoom while maintaining image sharpness. The iPhone 16 Pro could get a major camera upgrade.Foundry 3. Main camera upgrades The newest iPhones always have better cameras, and the iPhone 17 will be no exception. Most notably, the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max could finally adopt a 48MP telephoto lens, making faraway shots even sharper and enabling even better digital zoom. Additionally, the ultrawide lens could gain a variable aperture, letting you decide how much light passes through. This would elevate mobile photography by giving users more control over the depth of field. However, it’s possible that this feature gets pushed to the iPhone 18 in 2026. Beyond that, the highest-end models could gain 8K video shooting capabilities for the first time, luring content creators who’d rather not carry a dedicated camera around. 4. Reimagined camera bump iPhone camera upgrades are usually limited to spec bumps, but this year’s models are also expected to adopt a fresh exterior design. For starters, the all-new iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature a new look with a horizontal bar to house its single wide lens, differentiating it from the entry-level 16e. Similarly, Apple may stretch the iPhone 17 Pro models’ camera bump across the back as well, departing from the classic square design. The back of the iPhone has generally looked the same ever since the iPhone 11, so an overhauled look will set the upcoming Pro iPhones apart from their predecessors. The entire iPhone lineup could have new camera designs.Foundry 5. Aluminum frame revival For nearly a decade, Apple has distinguished its flagship iPhones by offering distinct metallic chassis. The strategy was kickstarted by the iPhone X, offering a stainless steel frame as the iPhone 8 stuck to aluminum. Lower-end iPhones continued to feature the same aluminum frame, while Pro models eventually switched to titanium. Later this year, Apple could switch things up by using aluminum bodies across the entire iPhone 17 line. This shift could make the Pro models lighter, as titanium is significantly denser. Apart from that, the company could mix aluminum with the back glass to increase its durability. 6. In-house wireless chips With the iPhone 16e, Apple introduced its first 5G chip, delivering comparable performance using less energy. The first-party modem could make its way to the iPhone 17 Air later this year, which would improve its energy efficiency. Similarly, all iPhone 17 models could pack an Apple-made Wi-Fi chipset, potentially increasing their battery life. Apple might switch to new wireless chips that are more efficient.Foundry 7. RAM boost With the launch of the iPhone 16, Apple boosted the standard models to 8GB of RAM to support on-device Apple Intelligence features, matching the 8GB in the Pro models. To set its high-end phones apart, Apple is rumored to equip the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max with 12GB of RAM—a 50 percent increase over the current specs. Beyond more powerful AI tools, the upgrade could make apps snappier and practically eliminate lag across the system. 8. Improved thermal management After the iPhone 15 Pro’s overheating issues, the iPhone 16 Pro adopted an enhanced thermal management system. To help maintain the phone’s neutral temperature, the iPhone 17 Pro models could go one step further with a vapor chamber cooling technology. A special liquid would dissipate in a vacuum space when subjected to heat, which then distributes it across a wider area, keeping things cool in the most stressful conditions. 9. Longer battery life The homegrown Wi-Fi chip and vapor chamber cooling may not be the only factors improving battery life. The iPhone 17 Pro models could have a thicker design for the first time in years, presumably to accommodate larger batteries. Consequently, iPhone 17 Pro users could be able to go through a full day of heavy use without having to worry about charging. The non-Pro iPhone 17 models might get ProMotion displays for the first time.Foundry 10. Superior displays Lastly, all iPhone 17 models could adopt the ProMotion technology, finally unlocking 120Hz variable refresh rates for all users. Currently exclusive to Pro models since 2021, the addition would let iPhone 17 and 17 Air users finally enjoy smoother scrolling and transitions throughout iOS. Furthermore, the four displays could feature a more scratch-resistant coating to better withstand sharp objects. There have also been mixed rumors about a smaller Dynamic Island on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, but it’s unclear if it’ll actually materialize. There’s still room for innovation Smartphones have undoubtedly matured, and annual refreshes have arguably become redundant. Despite that, every once in a while, Apple manages to squeeze in enough hardware boosts in a single launch, enticing users to upgrade. What’s especially exciting about this year’s rumored iPhone line is how there are remarkable changes impacting each of the four variants—not just the highest-end ones. While the vanilla iPhone 17 may be the least interesting, there’s a lot to look forward to in the Air, Pro, and Pro Max models.

Federal prosecutors warned that Google might leverage artificial intelligence to entrench its search monopoly, demanding “strong measures” to prevent the tech giant from extending its market control into the AI era. In the latest phase of the major antitrust trial that began on Monday, government lawyer David Dahlquist argued that Google has built a system where its control of search helps improve its AI products, which then send more users back to Google search, creating a cycle that keeps competitors locked out of both markets. “Now is the time to tell Google and all other monopolists who are out there listening, and they are listening, that there are consequences when you break the antitrust laws,” Department of Justice attorney David Dahlquist told the court Monday, as the remedies phase of the landmark antitrust case against Google began, reported Reuters. The trial, which follows Judge Amit Mehta’s August 2024 ruling that Google illegally maintained a search monopoly, has evolved into a showdown over how deeply the government can intervene in tech markets—particularly as the industry rapidly shifts toward AI-powered services. The AI expansion strategy Evidence presented in court revealed that Google is employing familiar tactics to dominate the emerging AI landscape. The company has negotiated deals paying Samsung to preinstall its Gemini AI app on smartphones, with options to extend the arrangement through 2028. The Justice Department contended that this mirrors the exclusive agreements with device makers that Judge Mehta previously ruled helped Google maintain its search monopoly. The government’s case portrays a self-reinforcing cycle: Google’s search dominance improves its AI products, which in turn drive users back to its search engine. “This court’s remedy should be forward-looking and not ignore what is on the horizon,” Dahlquist emphasized, as per the report. To underscore its focus on AI competition, the DOJ called OpenAI’s product head for ChatGPT, Nick Turley, to testify—signaling the government’s concern about how search and generative AI are converging. “If Google’s conduct is not remedied, it will control much of the internet for the next decade and not just in internet search, but in new technologies like artificial intelligence,” DoJ Assistant Attorney General Gail Slater said in a statement. Remedies that reshape markets The Justice Department is pushing for interventions that would fundamentally alter Google’s business model. Their proposals include requiring Google to divest Chrome, end exclusive default search agreements, and license its search data to competitors. As a last resort, they’ve suggested Google might need to sell its Android operating system if other remedies fail. However, industry analysts question whether some of these remedies align with market realities. Neil Shah, VP for research and partner at Counterpoint Research, believes the Chrome divestiture may miss the bigger picture. “Chrome separation doesn’t impact Google much in the long run as we are moving from browser and app-centric to an Agentic world where search and content access will happen inside the agent app and browser becomes redundant property,” Shah said. “The AI agent itself becomes the search engine.” Sanchit Vir Gogia, chief analyst and CEO of Greyhound Research, expressed similar concerns about focusing too narrowly on Chrome: “Separating Chrome from Google risks destabilizing a global platform that underpins not just web access, but AI discovery itself.” Both analysts said that more attention should be directed toward Google’s control of the Android ecosystem, where default settings and bundled services most effectively limit competition. The DOJ’s proposal for Google to license its search data to competitors faces significant practical challenges, according to experts. “Mandating Google to license its search data may sound like fair market correction, but risks cascading privacy and compliance fallout,” Gogia noted. “Google’s behavioral query logs are rich and sensitive, anonymizing them without destroying contextual utility is technically tenuous.” Shah was more direct: “DOJ’s remedy of Google sharing search results data turns its advertising-led business model as well as tech stack upside down and won’t be practically feasible.” Google’s defense: national security and innovation Google has framed the government’s proposals as threats to the US technological leadership in the global AI race with China — an argument that has gained traction among some industry observers. “We’re in a fiercely competitive global race with China for the next generation of technology leadership, and Google is at the forefront of American companies making scientific and technological breakthroughs,” Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google’s vice president of regulatory affairs, wrote in a blog post. “With new services like ChatGPT (and foreign competitors like DeepSeek) thriving, DOJ’s sweeping remedy proposals are both unnecessary and harmful,” Mulholland added in the post. Gogia acknowledged the complexity of this argument, “Google’s concerns about national security aren’t misplaced. Fragmenting Google’s ecosystem may slow down America’s cohesive AI response to China. But a strong counter opinion to this is that it is a long-overdue correction to embedded defaults that restrict platform access.” Competitors seek a middle ground As the case unfolds, emerging AI search competitors are advocating for more nuanced solutions. Perplexity, an AI-powered search engine, published a blog post arguing that “the remedy isn’t breakup,” but rather increased consumer choice. “When we think about a search product that’s 10X better than 10 blue links, we also think about being a company that works better with OEMs, carriers, and partners of all kinds,” Perplexity wrote in the blog.  “That’s because the only way we (or anyone else) can compete after all the hard work of building a superior product, is to be chosen.” The company has been asked by both the DOJ and Google to share its opinion. This approach aligns with Shah’s analysis: “Maximum DOJ would end up focusing on the exclusive agreements with OEMs and other ecosystem players to make it a somewhat level playing field where users have the choice of the agent.” The remedies trial is expected to conclude May 9, with Judge Mehta’s ruling anticipated in August. Google has already indicated it plans to appeal.

This is today’s edition of The Download, our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of what’s going on in the world of technology. $8 billion of US climate tech projects have been canceled so far in 2025 This year has been rough for climate technology: Companies have canceled, downsized, or shut down at least 16 large-scale projects worth $8 billion in total in the first quarter of 2025, according to a new report. That’s far more cancellations than have typically occurred in recent years, according to a new report from E2, a nonpartisan policy group. The trend is due to a variety of reasons, including drastically revised federal policies. Here’s a map of all the cancellations so far this year. —Casey Crownhart Generative AI is reshaping South Korea’s web comics industry Since comics magazines faded at the turn of the century, web comics—serialized comics that read from top to bottom on digital platforms—have gone from niche subculture to global entertainment powerhouse, drawing in hundreds of millions of readers around the world.Lee Hyun-se, a legendary South Korean cartoonist, has long been at the forefront of the genre. But Lee wants his worldviews and characters to keep communicating and resonating with the people of a new era after he died, and believes that AI can help him realize his vision.This year, Lee is preparing to publish his first AI-assisted web comic, thanks to an AI model trained on 5,000 volumes of comics that he has published over 46 years. But while seasoned artists like Lee embrace the technology as a tool to expand their legacy, younger artists see it as a threat. Read the full story. —Michelle Kim This story is from the next edition of our print magazine, which is all about creativity. Subscribe now to read it and get a copy of the magazine when it lands! Yahoo will give millions to a settlement fund for Chinese dissidents, decades after exposing user data A lawsuit to hold Yahoo responsible for “willfully turning a blind eye” to the mismanagement of a human rights fund for Chinese dissidents was settled for $5.425 million last week, after an eight-year court battle.This ends a long fight for accountability stemming from decisions by Yahoo, starting in the early 2000s, to turn over information on Chinese internet users to state security, leading to their imprisonment and torture. After the actions were exposed and the company was publicly chastised, Yahoo created the Yahoo Human Rights Fund (YHRF), endowed with $17.3 million, to support individuals imprisoned for exercising free speech rights online. Read the full story. —Eileen Guo A Google Gemini model now has a “dial” to adjust how much it reasons Google DeepMind’s latest update to a top Gemini AI model includes a dial to control how much the system “thinks” through a response. The new feature is ostensibly designed to save money for developers, but it also concedes a problem: Reasoning models, the tech world’s new obsession, are prone to overthinking, burning money and energy in the process. Read the full story. —James O’Donnell Longevity clinics around the world are selling unproven treatments The quest for long, healthy life—and even immortality—is probably almost as old as humans are, but it’s never been hotter than it is right now, even though no drugs or supplements have yet been proven to extend human lifespan.A survey of longevity clinics around the world, carried out by an organization that publishes updates and research on the industry, is revealing a messier picture. In reality, these clinics—most of which cater only to the very wealthy—vary wildly in their offerings. Read the full story. —Jessica Hamzelou This article first appeared in The Checkup, MIT Technology Review’s weekly biotech newsletter. To receive it in your inbox every Thursday, and read articles like this first, sign up here. The must-reads I’ve combed the internet to find you today’s most fun/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology. 1 Google could be forced to sell ChromeA new remedies trial has begun, following last year’s ruling that Google illegally abused its search market power. (WP $)+ The DoJ alleges that Google is using AI to strengthen its monopoly. (Axios)+ Multiple states also want Google to share data with its rivals. (The Information $)+ Microsoft and other rivals will be watching the outcome closely. (WSJ $) 2 The FTC is suing UberThe lawsuit claims the company charged its customers without their consent. (WSJ $)+ It claimed its customers would save $25 a month thanks to its Uber One service. (Reuters)+ The Trump administration is really going after Big Tech. (FT $)3 Inside the fight to prevent DOGE from eradicating rural health careCommunity health centers are at the mercy of grant funding. (The Atlantic $)+ Cuts to sexual healthcare have come amid a rise in syphilis cases. (The Guardian)+ Here’s a who’s-who of DOGE staff. (NYT $)+ The ACLU is going after DOGE records. (Wired $) 4 Misleading political content is thriving on Facebook in CanadaAnd it’s become worse since the country blocked news from users’ feeds. (NYT $)+ The country is preparing to vote in a federal election, too. (The Guardian)+ Meta will start using AI tools to detect underage users. (The Verge) 5 How Big Tech conceals its hidden workforce in AfricaThey’re training AI models and moderating content behind the scenes. (Rest of World)+ We are all AI’s free data workers. (MIT Technology Review) 6 A school funded by Pricilla Chan is shutting downThe Primary School is closing at the end of the 2026 academic year. (Bloomberg $) 7 The FBI can’t find records of its hacking tool purchasesDespite spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on them. (404 Media)+ Cyberattacks by AI agents are coming. (MIT Technology Review) 8 Bluesky is finally getting blue checkmarks‘Authentic and notable’ accounts will be able to apply. (Engadget)+ It’s a mixture of Twitter’s old approach and a more decentralized option. (Wired $) 9 The hidden joys of Google MapsIt’s not just for navigation, y’know. (The Guardian) 10 A new game allows you to take photos of virtual environmentsThe question is: do you really want to? (FT $) Quote of the day “You think we’re afraid of America?” —A worker at womenswear manufacturer Kang Yang Apparel in Yiwu, China, reacts to the US’s tariff hikes, the Atlantic reports. The big story Will we ever trust robots? The world might seem to be on the brink of a humanoid-robot heyday. New breakthroughs in artificial intelligence promise the type of capable, general-purpose robots previously seen only in science fiction—robots that can do things like assemble cars, care for patients, or tidy our homes, all without being given specialized instructions. It’s an idea that has attracted an enormous amount of attention, capital, and optimism. Yet recent progress has arguably been more about style than substance. Advancements in AI have undoubtedly made robots easier to train, but they have yet to enable them to truly sense their surroundings, “think” of what to do next, and carry out those decisions in the way some viral videos might imply. But on the road to helping humanoid robots win our trust, one question looms larger than any other: How much will they be able to do on his own? And how much will they still rely on humans? Read the full story. —James O’Donnell We can still have nice things A place for comfort, fun and distraction to brighten up your day. (Got any ideas? Drop me a line or skeet ’em at me.) + Well done to Buford the rancher’s dog, who led a little boy lost in the Arizona wilderness to safety.+ How a small indie space film paved the way for today’s sci-fi blockbusters.+ Why we’re in desperate need of recession pop.+ Congratulations to everyone who took part in yesterday’s Boston Marathon—you deserve a medal!

Apple's machine learning researchers have worked on myriad ways to improve Apple Intelligence and other generative AI systems, as its research papers accepted by a major AI conference demonstrate.Apple Intelligence is Apple's current technology obsessionThe creation of Apple Intelligence and other machine learning tools at Apple requires a lot of research. This is both for improving existing offerings and for future services that Apple doesn't offer its users just yet.While Apple has offered glimpses into this work in previous releases, a selection of papers accepted by the Thirteenth International Conference on Learning Representations gives more of a look into the work. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Another rumor about the expected iPhone 17e claims that Apple is close to starting trial manufacturing of it, about a year before it's due to launch.iPhone 16e is a great budget device, though we miss MagSafeThe only previous rumor about an iPhone 17e came from leaker "Fixed Focus Digital" in February 2025. Now the same leaker is back to say more, if slightly tediously."The transformation of the 17e production line has been put on the agenda...," he or she writes on Weibo (in translation.) "Riddle: There will still be 17e next year, and now it is almost in the trial production stage." Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

OMA and partner Shohei Shigematsu have shared images from a recent scenographic exhibition design for a traveling show on Christian Dior that’s open now at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Seoul. Their design arranges four thematic rooms for the display, which is the fourth such collaboration between the firm and brand since 2018. Shigematsu says cultural references to Korea are embedded throughout and that it offers an expanded “new experience” thanks to the delimited nature of the DDP’s massive Art Hall. The spatial logic derived from traditional Hanok wood-framed houses and other new display strategies is among its must-see features. All are said to be aimed at "reinforcing the multi-faceted and ever-evolving history" of the Dior brand.Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams is open to the public now and will remain on view until July 13th, 2025.

Architizer’s Vision Awards are back! The global awards program honors the world’s best architectural concepts, ideas and imagery. Preregistration is now open — click here to receive program updates. The 19th International Architecture Exhibition, also known as the Venice Architecture Biennale, will take place from Saturday, May 10, to Sunday, November 23, 2025. A special preview will be held on May 8 and 9, just before the main event starts. This year’s exhibition is curated by architect and engineer Carlo Ratti and is titled “Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective.” It focuses on how architecture can help us respond to the growing climate crisis. As Ratti explains, “In the time of adaptation, architecture needs to draw on all forms of intelligence — natural, artificial, collective.” This means that instead of only trying to prevent climate problems, architects now need to help people and cities adjust to a changing world. That requires new ways of thinking and working together across different fields. Under that vision, the Venice Architecture Biennale will feature 66 national pavilions and over 750 participants from around the world, showing how teamwork and shared knowledge are key to building more sustainable and stronger cities. This year, we will also see the first participation of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Sultanate of Oman, Togo, and Qatar. Padiglione Centrale, Giardini, Courtesy La Biennale di Venezia In addition to the main exhibition, many extra events will be organized by institutions that examine architectural topics beyond national pavilions. Some of the most interesting collateral events include “Catalonia in Venice_Water Parliaments” by Institut Ramon Llull, which looks at eco-friendly architecture, and UNESCO’s “Deep Surfaces” at Palazzo Zorzi, showing how architecture helps protect cultural heritage. Other highlights include a project by Jean Nouvel at Fondazione Giorgio Cini and Taiwan’s exhibition “NON-Belief: Taiwan Intelligens of Precarity” at Palazzo delle Prigioni, which explores the idea of living in uncertain conditions. So, we’re really looking forward to this year’s Venice Architecture Biennale. There’s a lot to see, and while we recommend checking out the full program on the official website, here are a few national pavilions that already stand out to us. United States of America Photo by Timothy Hursley. Folsom, Alabama. Courtesy of “PORCH: An Architecture of Generosity” Co-Commissioners. At the Giardini venue, “PORCH: An Architecture of Generosity,” curated by Peter MacKeith from the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design, University of Arkansas, explores the timeless architectural and cultural significance of the American porch, showcasing its continued relevance as a space for connection, inclusivity, and civic engagement. The porch also will serve as a venue for a series of events, such as performances, readings, and workshops, and will also feature a new porch structure designed by a team of well-known architects and designers: Marlon Blackwell Architects, Stephen Burks Man Made, D.I.R.T Studio, and TEN x TEN Studio, AIA, RA. Bulgaria Photo by Iassen Markov. Pseudonature, 2025. Concept image. The Bulgaria Pavilion, titled “Pseudonature,” is curated by Iassen Markov and designed as an experimental installation positioned at the intersection of nature and technology, reality, and simulation. The installation contains both indoor and outdoor elements. Outside, physical interventions disrupt natural balances, highlighting the fragile interplay between technology and the environment. Inside, the space evolves into a setting for contemplation, where restoring equilibrium becomes a collective and introspective challenge. Japan Concept image of the renovation of the Japan Pavilion in Venice by AI. Visuals by Asako Fujikura and Takahiro Ohmura. The Japan Pavilion, curated by Jun Aoki, will focus on artificial intelligence in architecture, emphasizing the concept of the in-between. The pavilion will feature exhibitors such as Tamayo Iemura, Asako Fujikura + Takahiro Ohmura , and SUNAKI (Toshikatsu Kiuchi and Taichi Sunayama). The exhibitions will explore the increasing autonomy of AI in the design world and raise questions about human and machine intelligence. The exhibition program includes installations, spatial studies, and generative AI experiments.The design of the pavilion is structured as an active experiment, where its architectural components- including the Hole, Wall Columns, Outer Walls, Brick Terrace, Pensilina, Tilted Loop Path, and Yew Tree- are positioned as interactive participants. Iceland Photo by Iceland Design Centre. Lavaforming Iceland. The Iceland pavilion, titled “Lavaforming” and curated by Arnhildur Pálmadótti, focuses on creating sustainable building materials from controlled lava flows. The pavilion explores the country’s geological conditions, volcanic activities, and lava fields. Most interestingly, the pavilion sees lava not as destructive but as a renewable resource for construction. This concept envisions using lava flows as foundational material for buildings, significantly reducing environmental impact by avoiding harmful mining practices and leveraging nature’s power. United Arab Emirates Photo by Ola Allouz. Pressure Cooker, 2024. Courtesy of National Pavilion UAE – La Biennale di Venezia. The National Pavilion UAE, Pressure Cooker, curated by Emirati architect Azza Aboualam, it examines the link between architecture and food production, proposing sustainable food systems. The exhibition focuses on design, sustainability, and resource management in arid areas. Through research and fieldwork, pavilion will highlight food infrastructure in resource-rich landscapes. It reimagines both traditional and modern food production techniques, addressing food security and climate change. By exploring architecture’s role in food resilience, the exhibition envisions sustainable food systems in urban and rural settings. Architizer’s Vision Awards are back! The global awards program honors the world’s best architectural concepts, ideas and imagery. Preregistration is now open — click here to receive program updates. Top image: Overview Arsenale, Photo by Andrea Avezzù, Courtesy La Biennale di Venezia The post 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale: 5 Pavilions to Explore Before Visit appeared first on Journal.

Having just come out earlier this month, adventure game South of Midnight is proving itself to be quite successful for developer Compulsion Games and Microsoft. According to Circana analyst Mat Piscatella, South of Midnight ranked in 9th when it came to weekly active users on Xbox. In a post on social media platform BlueSky, Piscatella shared charts showing off the most played games on all platforms across the US, Canada and Mexico: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Steam (US), Steam (Canada), and Steam (Mexico). These charts measure active player counts for the week ending on April 12. For the consoles, Call of Duty dominated the number one spot in terms of active players, followed by Fortnite. Things diverge from there onwards, however; where GTA 5 Remastered sits at number 3 for PlayStation, the spot on Xbox Series X/S is taken up by Minecraft. Going further down the charts, South of Midnight sits at number 9 on Xbox, between Rainbow Six Siege at number 8 and EA Sports College Football 25 at number 10. When it comes to the top 15 played games on Steam, however, South of Midnight was unable to break through into the charts. South of Midnight is a single-player action adventure game that takes place in the American Deep South. Players take on the role of Hazel – a young girl that has set out on a journey to become a Weaver. Along the way, Hazel has to deal with encounters based on different myths, as well as take on the forces of the Haints in order to survive and complete her journey. The studio had previously explained that, with the story in South of Midnight, it didn’t want a “chosen one” narrative. At GDC 2025, writer Zaire Lanier spoke about creating the game’s narrative, saying that Hazel’s state of mind at the start of the game is “in this weird liminal space between [being] a kid and becoming an adult.” According to Lanier, the game’s narrative works because of the idea that “anyone can be a Weaver, it’s something that the land will choose for you, when you’re in a time of deep need. So Hazel, when she’s chasing after her mom’s trailer in the hurricane, the land chooses her.” “It’s kind of at random, she blinks and you can see the strands in the sky,” Lanier explained. “Weavers are able to see the fabric of the universe – we call it the grand tapestry – and they’re able to manipulate those strands to do various types of spells. Their mission is that they heal stigma in the land where bad things have happened.” “[Weavers] are able to see into your traumas. They don’t fix your traumas for you, only you can do that, but they listen to your story, they see your story, they get to see those memories, and I think sometimes that’s what you need.” South of Midnight is available on PC and Xbox Series X/S. The game is also available through PC and Xbox Game Pass. Check out our review for more details. Circana Player Engagement Tracker – Top 15 Titles by Total Weekly Active Users (Not Concurrent) – W/E Apr 12, 2025- South of Midnight reaches 9th on Xbox- …not many other big changes at the top of the rankings tbh — Mat Piscatella (@matpiscatella.bsky.social) 2025-04-21T12:58:40.825Z