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The popular open-source VLC video player was demonstrated on the floor of CES 2025 with automatic AI subtitling and translation, generated locally and offline in real time. Parent organization VideoLAN shared a video on Tuesday in which president Jean-Baptiste Kempf shows off the new feature, which uses open-source AI models to generate subtitles for videos in several languages.At the same time we have automatic translation working to translate the subtitles to your own language, Kempf says, with more than 100 languages planned for support. Whats important is that this is running on your machine locally, offline, without any cloud services. It runs directly inside the executable.AI-powered subtitling has been under development for some time in the form of a plug-in using OpenAIs speech recognition system Whisper, but this new demo appears to be built directly into the VLC app and generates translated subtitles in real time. Theres no word on when the feature will roll out.This week, VideoLAN also celebrated hitting 6 billion downloads, with Kempf boasting, The number of active users of VLC is actually growing, even in this age of streaming services.With CES 2025 still in full swing, well track VideoLAN down on the show floor to see the AI subtitling in action for ourselves.

Money TalksPokemon TCG Pocket has blown past $400 million in revenue since October, with Japan spending the most PokemoolahOn top of that, average spending has increased slightly, showing steady growth for the game.Image credit: The Pokemon Company/VG247 News by Connor Makar Staff Writer Published on Jan. 9, 2025 It's been around 10 weeks since the launch of Pokemon TCG Pocket, and the game is estimated to have already shot past $400 million in gross revenue. This figure comes from Aaron Astle at PocketGamer.biz, who reported having found it on data analytics service AppMagic.According to AppMagic, the game owes a sizable portion of its thanks to the people of Japan, who have made up 43% of total earnings all on their lonesome. In addition, it seems the game is slowly growing in player spending, with a estimated 1% increase since its first two weeks.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. What has led to this continued growth and steady momentum towards the billion milestone? Well, in this writer's opinion, it's got to be consistent updates. Not only in terms of major updates like the recent Mythical Island card expansion, but the steady release of limited-time events. As of writing, the game is wrapping up a big Mythical Island PvP event. In addition, there's an ongoing PvE event that offers a special Blastoise among other exclusive card variants, and a Wonder Pick event that can reward players who log on often a special Charmander and Squirtle. If you have players logging in often, then you're making the game a major part of their day-to-day lives. And if they've got a game as a major part of their lives, then they're usually more willing to spend money on it. Splash on top of all this the recently added discount packs of premium currency over the new year period and you've got a recipe for some consistent cash flow.It also helps, of course, that Pokemon TCG Pocket is a fantastic game. Yeah, MewTwo EX might still be top tier, but there's enough room to expirment and mess around to make the game a compelling and enjoyable mobile title.Are you still playing Pokemon TCG Pocket? How much have you spent? Let us know below!

Clobberin' TimeThe Thing's most iconic catchphrase was used during The Fantastic Four: First Steps' production, but Ben Grimm actor Ebon Moss-Bachrach isn't sure it'll make the cutMarvel Studios has to keep it in, right?Image credit: NetEase Games News by Fran Ruiz Contributor Published on Jan. 9, 2025 As we eagerly await Marvel Rivals' Fantastic Four-led Season 1 kickoff tomorrow, January 10, we're starting to hear more interesting bits about Marvel Studios' The Fantastic Four: First Steps from the cast and crew ahead of a first public trailer.Ebon Moss-Bachrach, who plays Ben Grimm aka The Thing in the long-anticipated movie, dropped by Jimmy Kimmel Live earlier this week (via Entertainment Weekly), where he teased that the character's most iconic catchphrase ("It's clobberin' time!") may or may not be in the movie come July 25.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. "I slipped it in there a couple times... We'll see what happens. I don't have final cut on this one." He makes it sound like the actual phrase wasn't in the script and it was up to him to sneak it in, but it's hard to imagine Marvel Studios (known nowadays for being as fan service-y as possible) overlooking that key bit of the superhero. That's like having Deadpool never say the word 'chimichanga' or making Tony Stark humble.In any case, it might be a while before we learn whether it's in or out, as post-production on the movie only kicked off recently and a final cut likely won't be ready until extremely close to its late July release date. On the other hand, the first public trailer should arrive soon-ish, especially with Captain America: Brave New World offering the perfect opportunity to begin promoting Marvel Studios' third and final 2025 movie (Thunderbolts* is dropping between them).As for The Thing himself, he might not have a ton of screentime in the first preview either, as he's a complex CGI character that's being fully figured out and worked on as we speak. "I have seen a very crude rendering, because it takes a while to build this stuff... They've got lots of animators working on this. I wore a motion-capture suit, two cameras right here and so they're capturing absolutely everything, every nuance in my eye. It takes a while to build it, and they're building it right now," explained Moss-Bachrach, who also revealed that mo-cap godfather and pioneer Andy Serkis helped them get the character totally right.The Fantastic Four: First Steps releases on July 25, 2025, and stars Pedro Pascal (Reed Richards aka Mister Fantastic), Vanessa Kirby (Susan Storm aka The Invisible Woman), Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Ben Grimm aka The Thing), Joseph Quinn (Johnny Storm aka The Human Torch), Ralph Ineson (Galactus), and Julia Garner (Silver Surfer). NetEase Games and Marvel Games' seems to be leading the cross-media charge with the four characters hitting Marvel Rivals over the course of online hero shooter's first season.

Trapped In AmberJurassic World: Rebirth writer David Koepp teases the 'nine commandments' for the script and says that nothing from the previous films will be retconnedFresh start, same Jurassic World.Image credit: Universal Pictures News by Fran Ruiz Contributor Published on Jan. 9, 2025 2025 will be filled with huge new entries in numerous movie franchises after a somewhat quieter 2024, and Jurassic World: Rebirth is near the top of this year's 'most anticipated blockbusters' lists even if 2022's Dominion was a T-Rex-sized disappointment. One of its secret weapons could be return of Jurassic Park and The Lost World scribe David Koepp, and he's got more to share about his approach to the seventh installment.While director Gareth Edwards (of Godzilla and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story fame) has been discussing a bit of the process of shooting on-location and introducing a new cast of characters, Koepp is understandably much more excited about the opportunity (and challenges) that came with returning to a world he'd helped assemble back in the 1990s. If he's being honest, it really sounds like Rebirth is a return to the basics, but one that won't ignore any of the forward movement made by the three previous Jurassic World movies.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. "Writing those first two movies were some of my favorite experiences in my career so far. The combination of grand adventure and real science is right up my alley. And it was fun to be able to decide on a new tone, because every three movies seems like a good time to change tone and characters in a franchise," he told TheWrap recently. Like 'em or hate 'em, the three Jurassic World movies have successfully resurrected the franchise across theatrical, TV, and video games, each grossing over $1 billion worldwide at the box office, so another entry would arrive sooner rather than later.After Colin Trevorrow wrapped up this three-movie story arc and helped get the animated show Camp Cretaceous off the ground, the long-running franchise quietly started looking for new DNA under the supervision of original filmmaker (now producer) Steven Spielberg, who turned to Koepp to usher in a new era that's both fresh and a continuation of the ideas that were introduced by Trevorrow and his collaborators.Koepp says he quickly established "nine commandments" (like the ones "Chuck Jones made for the Road Runner shorts") to keep things coherent and clear moving forward. Chief among them was that "the events of the previous six movies cannot be denied or contradicted," which should put some odd fan theories to rest. Image credit: Universal PicturesIn fact, we already know the story kicks off a few years about the events of Dominion, with dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures, now another part of modern nature, gradually returning to the tropical zones of the globe after failing to thrive in different climates. The action follows a group of scientists and hired muscle who are trying to take samples from a number of animals in a remote island; they could help develop miracle medicines and cures for mankind. But, you know, capitalism will probably mess things up. That and overly hungry dinos.Koepp also insists that the team was chasing the "spirit of the first movie, which is the tone that we would like to get closest to... It felt low pressure, even though Universal might be horrified to hear that." Hopefully, that also means the movie, which will 100% remain a family-oriented adventure, will have some of the extra 'bite' which was absent from the shockingly bloodless sixth installment.Jurassic World: Rebirth opens on July 2, 2025. Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, and Mahershala Ali lead the cast. The first trailer is expected to drop during next month's Super Bowl or earlier if we're lucky.

Image: Bandai NamcoThe latest Nintendo Download update for North America has arrived! We're still early on in the year, so don't expect a ton of big new games, but the eShop is picking up a bit. So let's see what's coming!As always, be sure to drop a vote in our poll and comment down below with your potential picks for the week. Enjoy!Switch eShop - New Releases18 in 1: Family Games Giga Pack (RuWaMo Games, 28th Dec, $49.99) - Dive into endless family-friendly fun with 18 in 1: Family Games Giga Pack, a diverse collection of entertaining games for all ages! This incredible bundle features a wide range of puzzles, bubble-shooting challenges, and engaging adventures that guarantee hours of enjoyment.Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube791kWatch on YouTube 2 in 1: Trash Punk & Moto Rush GT (Baltoro Games, 9th Jan, $19.99) - Get double the excitement and value with this Trash Punk bundle! Each game offers its own unique experience, and together, they provide hours of fun across different genres.Battle Royal Battlegrounds Call (Yellow Ink, 10th Jan, $9.99) - Enter a brutal battle where every moment is a test of survival. In a world where danger lurks around every corner, your instincts will be your greatest weapon. Choose your landing spot wisely, gather weapons, and prepare to face waves of opponents, all fighting for the same goal: to be the last one standing.Beyond Memories Darkness of the Soul (EpiXR, 9th Jan, $11.99) - Embrace the eerie charm of a Grim Reaper in this haunting narrative flight simulation. The game plunges you into dark, mysterious landscapes shrouded in shadows and secrets. Your task is to glide through these foreboding realms, shooting cages to free tormented souls.Block Blaster DX! (Max Interactive Studio, 12th Dec, $2.99) - Block Blaster DX! is a block puzzle game with an exciting twistyou have full control of where the blocks go! Its a popular choice for casual play while providing a fun mental challenge. The goal is simple yet engaging: match and clear as many colored blocks as possible on the board.Blockxy Puzzle Adventure (Kistler Studios, 26th Dec, $3.99) - Blockxy Puzzle Adventure includes two Game Modes. A classic mode and an adventure mode for varied gameplay experiences. The classic mode is a simple arcade mode where you beat the highscore and the adventure mode includes 150 levels where you have to achieve different goals like item collection or score goals. Enjoy!Boti: Byteland Overclocked (Untold Tales, 9th Jan, $19.99) - The full Boti: Byteland Overclocked experience + all 4 add-on DLCs in one. A Unique Blend of Nostalgic and Fresh 3D Platformer Experience Boti: Byteland Overclocked combines classic 3D platforming with a splash of innovation. Double jump, dash, hover, and glide through vibrant levels, discovering fantastic combos inspired by the very essence of computers and technology.Bright Side: Quiz (QubicGames, 27th Dec, $9.99) - How well do you know your planet and the universe beyond? Lets put your knowledge to the test! Embark on an exciting journey filled with captivating trivia, stunning visuals, and surprising discoveries! Whether you're exploring Earth's wonders, unlocking secrets of the cosmos, or challenging friends and family, this game offers endless opportunities to learn and have fun.BURGER RACE (SAT-BOX, 9th Jan, $7.00) - Burger Race is a simple and fun game that anyone can enjoy! Up to 4 players can race together in local multiplayer by sharing Joy-Con! Every machine has a unique set of characteristics! Will you go with raw speed? Smooth handling? The choice is yours!Chernobylite Premium Edition (Untold Tales, 10th Jan, $39.99) - Chernobylite is a Science Fiction Survival Horror RPG from developers The Farm 51. Venture into the wasteland of Chernobyls Exclusion Zone, as Igor, a physicist and ex-employee of the Chernobyl Power Plant. Return to Pripyat to investigate the mysterious disappearance of your fiance, 30 years after the infamous disaster.Christmas Tree: Holiday Decorate Simulator (CGI LAB, 26th Dec, $9.99) - Step into a world of festive cheer and create the perfect holiday atmosphere! In this game, you'll decorate your own Christmas tree with a variety of ornaments, lights, and magical decorations. Choose from different locations to set up your tree - whether it's by a cozy fireplace, in a snowy village, or under twinkling stars.Cozy Farming 3 in 1 Collection (Rokaplay, 26th Dec, $9.99) - The Cozy Farming 3-in-1 Collection brings you three relaxing adventures filled with farming, exploration, and creativity. Grow crops, explore islands, and build your dream life at your own pace. Perfect for players who love fun and easy-going games!Crowd Run (NOSTRA GAMES, 9th Jan, $2.99) - Being a hero isn't easy. Use all your skills to protect people from the hordes. Stay alert to keep everyone safe. Use all available weapons to cause as much damage as possible. Find the explosives on the levels and blow up your enemies. Clear all levels from danger and keep your fortress safe.Cute Puppy Academy (COMMANDO PANDA, 27th Dec, $2.99) - Take in a variety of playful pups, each with their own unique personality, and embark on an exciting journey of care, training, and companionship. Feed them, groom them, and teach them tricks that will make their tails wag with joy. Take your puppies on delightful walks through a vibrant environment where fun mini-games await, testing their agility, obedience, and training skills.Felinea Tales (Nerd Games, 28th Dec, $19.99) - Felinea Tales is a captivating 2. 5D platformer where players step into the paws of Bill, a brave and agile cat. After the peaceful village of Felinea falls victim to the sinister experiments of the wizard Abyssius, Bill sets out on an epic journey to restore order and save his home. Jump, fight enemies, and dodge dangers as you help Bill seek justice.FREEDOM WARS Remastered (Bandai Namco, 10th Jan, $39.99) - Born into a one-million-year prison sentence, you must survive deadly missions to earn any hope of freedom. Die in prison or live on the battlefield. The choice is yours. - Read our FREEDOM WARS Remastered reviewGravity Escape (Happy Player, 9th Jan, $9.99) - Change gravity, pull objects, teleport, and swap positions! This magical gravity gun is so much fun. Enjoy diverse level designs. Theres more than one way to clear each levelunleash your imagination! Use the gravity gun and various mechanisms to defeat all kinds of bosses.Hole io & Candivity (Qubic, 26th Dec, $6.99) - Here's the ultimate arcade bundle you've been waiting for! Grow & merge solo or with friends in multiplayer mode!Kiting Cat (Afil, 9th Jan, $4.99) - This cute pixel art game offers 40 levels packed with culinary challenges, featuring 4 unique biomes: the bustling city, a relaxing beach, a mysterious forest, and a fiery volcano. With over 10 different recipes to master, including grilled steak, sushi, pizza, and more, every level will test your cooking and puzzle-solving skills.Korean Drone Flying Tour Chuncheon City (14Dimension, 26th Dec, $9.99) - This game is a drone simulation game that allows you to experience real drone flight based on footage captured by an actual flying drone. There is no up, down, left, or right direction manipulation, only manipulation to speed up/slow down the drone's speed.Kosmo Skirmish (Jeremy Entressangle, 9th Jan, $4.99) - Kosmo Skirmish is a multiplayer space combat game. Choose your arsenal carefully to take down your opponents!KUUKIYOMI: Consider It! 123 Bundle (G-MODE, 26th Dec, $11.99) - With the bundle version, you can purchase the 3 titles in the "KUUKIYOMI: Consider It! " series at a great price.Make it! Oden (SAT-BOX, 26th Dec, $5.00) - Let's make oden on the Nintendo Switch! Every customer has unique tasteskeep track of each order and don't mess up! Prepare every order accurately and quickly to keep your customers satisfied! Share Joy-Con, and up to 4 players can join in! Reach for the ultimate high score!Platform 4 (KOSEI YASUDA, 26th Dec, $3.00) - This train includes mild horror elements. Please offer your seat to all passengers, including the elderly, those with a low tolerance for fear, pregnant individuals, and those with infants or small children. Approaching Platform 4 shortly. For horror, escape, puzzle, and mystery elements, please transfer here.Runny Bunny (eastasiasoft, 15th Jan, $4.99) - Play as a frantic little bunny as you dash between floors, walls and ceilings collecting power dots and yummy carrots. Mazelike stages will take you from grassy wilds to twisted caverns and deadly laboratories. The bunny moves in lightning-quick straight lines and clings to walls and ceilings, but youll still need to strategically maneuver him around traps and enemies to keep him safe from harm.Santas Adventure: Christmas Gifts Rush (CGI LAB, 26th Dec, $9.99) - As Santas trusted helper, embark on a quest through snowy landscapes, enchanted forests, and holiday villages to recover lost gifts before time runs outStill Joking: Visual Novel (Purple Brick Games, 14th Jan, $14.99) - Still Joking is A mix of visual novel, interactive fiction, and adventure. A world of reflections where everything is like on our side of the mirror but a little different. A story about characters with complex and unique relationship scales. A detective mystery where you know who but want to also know why.Super Onion Boy+ (Ratalaika Games, 9th Jan, $4.99) - Super Onion Boy+ offers an exhilarating journey in a 2D platformer filled with action and adventure, in the nostalgic retro style. As you traverse pixel art environments teeming with enemies, get ready to face epic challenges. Collect coins and stars to secure extra lives and discover chests containing magical potions that grant superpowers.TCG Empire: Card Shop Simulator (COOL DEVS, 26th Dec, $9.99) - Welcome to TCG Empire: Card Shop Simulator! Dive into the exciting world of trading cards as you create, manage, and grow your very own card shop. Start from scratch and build your very own hub for collectors and enthusiasts.The Foxs Way Home (BeXide, 9th Jan, $15.99) - The game is very simple! First, watch the dance performed by the Fox Shrine Maiden carefully and memorize it well. Be sure not to get distracted by her sexy allure and miss any part of the dance.Traffic Master Collection (Pixelmob, 30th Dec, $23.99) - Prepare for the ultimate driving and parking exercise! With elaborate, complex parking lots and a huge, detailed outdoor environment, the challenge is here to keep you engaged for a long time!Trench Shooter: Warfare Tactics (GOGAME CONSOLE PUBLISHER, 27th Dec, $12.99) - Enter the battlefield, where every step forward is a fight for survival. As a soldier on a high-stakes mission, youll traverse dangerous terrain, eliminate enemies, and navigate from point A to point B while facing a series of increasingly difficult challenges.Warfront Tactics: Battlefield Chronicles Battle Simulator (16BIT, 16th Jan, $7.99) - Unleash the commander within Warfront Tactics - Battlefield Chronicles Battle Simulator, a captivating physics-based strategy game that thrusts you into the heart of epic warfare. Strategically allocate your resources, craft a formidable army, and outmanoeuvre your opponents in intense battles governed by realistic physics.Windborn Journey to the South (EpiXR, 9th Jan, $6.99) - Embark on an exhilarating journey as a bird navigating the skies alongside your flock. In this beautifully crafted adventure, you will soar through 11 vibrant and diverse levels, each offering unique challenges and breathtaking landscapes.What will you be downloading this week? (0 votes)No results yet, check back later...So that's your lot for this week's North American Nintendo Download. Go on, be a sport and drop a vote in the poll above, and comment below with your hot picks!

Eh, what's up Dock?When Nintendo released the 3DS, it equipped all new game cartridges with a plastic nub, preventing them from being inserted into your classic clamshell. Why are we bringing this up as 'Switch 2' leaks reach fever pitch? Because accessory manufacturer Genki (the talk of the town this week) has claimed that a similar 'indentation' approach has been used to keep people from squeezing their new console into a 'Switch 1' dock (thanks, IGN).In case you haven't graced the internet in the past 48 hours, Genki has taken this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) by storm, showcasing its upcoming accessories via a "Switch 2 replica". This model, which is allegedly based on the real thing and appears very much in line with what every other leak has suggested, has given us our best look yet at what 'Switch 2' might be (remember, Nintendo is still yet to officially reveal anything). What's more, the accessory manufacturer has been answering questions about it.Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Google searches for how to cancel and delete Facebook, Instagram, and Threads accounts have seen explosive rises in the U.S. since Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced that the company will end its third-party fact-checking system, loosen content moderation policies, and roll back previous limits to the amount of political content in user feeds.Experts see the move as an attempt to cater to the incoming Trump administration and avoid political retaliation. The consequences of Metas new policies could have serious implications for the types of posts, hateful and violent speech, and misinformation that can spread even faster than they already do across Metas platforms.The backlash has been swift. Interest in searches related to getting off Meta platforms soared this week, particularly in the last two days. Google searches for terms like how to permanently delete facebook hit a maximum score of 100 the highest level of interest possible on Google Trends.Image Credits:Google TrendsAccording to Google Trends, related searches like how to delete all photos facebook, alternative to facebook, how to quit facebook, how to delete threads account, and how to delete instagram account without logging in have become breakout searches, with popularity suddenly increasing by over 5,000% compared to previous periods.The explosive growth underscores a recoil against Metas decision to roll back protections against hateful speech and inflammatory political content.Meta had put fact-checking and content moderation policies into place after years of misinformation and violent speech proliferating on its platforms, which have caused real-world harm. Case in point, the attempted insurrection at the Capitol on January 6, 2021, which was fueled by coordinated calls for violence on Facebook and Instagram. Internal documents revealed that Facebook did not act forcefully enough against the Stop the Steal movement pushed by Trumps allies, even though the company had identified ways to diminish the spread of political polarization, conspiracy theories, and incitements to violence.A Breakout means that the search term grew by more than 5000%.Image Credits:Google TrendsMeta has also admitted that its platforms were used to incite violence in Myanmar, where members of the Burmese military committed genocide against the Rohingya people.In 2021, Zuckerberg said that the Meta community doesnt want politics and fighting to take over their experience on our services, leading to the companys push to scale back political discourse. Last year, the company also stopped proactively recommending political content to users on Instagram and Threads, a move that was controversial among creators and users. Now Meta will phase back in political content to feeds.Zuckerberg said that the new policies are an attempt to restore free expression on Metas platform, parroting comments made by Elon Musk on his platform X. The Meta CEO noted that his platforms would replace third-party fact-checkers with a community notes system akin to Xs, in which users can flag posts they think need more context.Searches for Bluesky also explode following Metas content moderation and fact-checking changes.Image Credits:Google TrendsOver the same period, Google searches facebook alternatives have also skyrocketed, as have searches for Bluesky and Mastodon, two decentralized social media platforms that have been gaining in popularity since Elon Musk took over Twitter and renamed it X.Mastodons CEO Eugen Rochko spoke out this week about Metas content moderation changes, calling the changes a concert to anyone with a conscience. He also noted that users who cross-post from Threads to Mastodon via Threads fediverse-sharing feature will be monitored on Mastodon for hate speech and violation of the platforms policies.

Watch Duty, an app to track wildfires with live maps and alerts, has become the No. 1 free app in Apples App Store as of Wednesday morning. The fire-tracking app surpassed the ChatGPT app for the No. 1 spot as devastating fires continue to rage across Southern California. ChatGPT had been in the No. 1 spot in the U.S. since August 9, according to app intelligence provider Appfigures.Watch Duty has been around since 2021 and says its used by firefighters and first responders across the western United States.Fire-tracking app goes viral amid wildfires.Image Credits:Maxwell ZeffThe Watch Duty app pulls information about active wildfires from a network of active and retired firefighters, first responders, official government reports, and volunteer reporters who monitor radio scanners around the clock. While other fire-tracking apps solely rely on government alerts, Watch Duty claims to have more real-time information. However, its important to remember the app is not a replacement for official information.Downloading the app will show you wildfires in your immediate area, and alert you about nearby fires, evacuation warnings, and firefighting efforts. You can also use the app to check in other areas, which may be especially helpful if you have loved ones in Southern California.Image Credits:Watch DutyThe fire-tracking app shot to the top of the charts Wednesday morning as more than 70,000 people in and around Los Angeles county face evacuation orders from the Palisades Fire near Santa Monica and the Eaton Fire near Pasadena. At the time of writing, the Associated Press reports that the fires have destroyed more than 1,000 structures and killed at least two people. The fires continue to rage, pushed by a ferocious windstorm affecting the area, with winds topping out at 100 mph.Friends in LA: Download the Watch Duty app to track the fire in real time, said Ryan Petersen, the CEO of Flexport, in a tweet on Tuesday. Its the official wild fire app used by the firemen in California with very granular real time updates, video feeds and evacuation maps.The apps founder and CEO, John Mills, told The Washington Post earlier this year that he started Watch Duty after moving to a fire-prone area of Northern California.Update: This story originally published January 8 and was updated on January 9 to include how long ChatGPT had been in the top spot.

Edtech giant PowerSchool has warned customers that hackers accessed its customers highly sensitive information including student Social Security numbers, grades, and medical information during a recent data breach, TechCrunch has learned.In an FAQ obtained by TechCrunch that was sent to affected customers this week, PowerSchool says that sensitive personal information was accessed during its December breach, which was confirmed by PowerSchool on Wednesday.The hackers broke into PowerSchools internal customer support portal using a stolen credential, the company previously said. The breach affects users of PowerSchools school information system, which schools use to manage student records, grades, attendance, and enrollment.PowerSchool said in its FAQ that while the stolen data primarily includes contact details, such as individuals names and addresses, the hackers were also able to access Social Security numbers, and some medical and grade information, and other unspecified personally identifiable information belonging to students and teachers.The California-based education tech firm, the largest provider of cloud-based education software for K-12 education in the United States, says the personal information of parents and guardians, including names, phone numbers, and email addresses, was also potentially compromised in some school districts. The company said the types of stolen data will vary by customer.PowerSchool spokesperson Beth Keebler confirmed the legitimacy of the information in the FAQ on Thursday but declined to say how many individuals are affected by the breach. PowerSchool says its software is used by over 16,000 customers to support more than 50 million students across North America.In the FAQ, PowerSchool confirmed that the security incident was not ransomware in nature, but noted that it worked with CyberSteward, a Canadian organization that offers cyber-extortion incident response services, to negotiate with the threat actors responsible for the breach.This confirms previous reporting that PowerSchool was the target of an extortion-only attack and that it paid a financial sum to prevent the hackers from publishing the stolen data.PowerSchool declined to say what evidence it had to suggest that the stolen data had been deleted, when asked by TechCrunch on Thursday. CyberSteward did not respond to TechCrunchs questions.PowerSchool has taken all appropriate steps to prevent the data involved from further unauthorized misuse and does not anticipate the data being shared or made public, Keebler said. PowerSchool believes the data has been deleted without any further replication or dissemination.PowerSchool was acquired by Bain Capital in 2024 in a $5.6 billion deal. When reached by TechCrunch this week, Bain Capital spokesperson Rachel Colson did not provide comment.Do you have more information about the PowerSchool data breach? Wed love to hear from you. From a non-work device, you can contact Carly Page securely on Signal at +44 1536 853968 or via email atcarly.page@techcrunch.com.