Image: 505 GamesAfter a pretty meaty delay, developer Rabbit & Bear Studios has announced revised release dates for the three upcoming Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes DLC packs, the first of which arrives later this month.The JRPG was supposed to land its story expansions last year, but a last-minute delay put the whole thing on pause while the team dealt with issuing digital codes to its Kickstarter backers. Until today, that is!According to the developer's newly-issued roadmap, the first wave of DLC will be available on the Switch eShop on 27th February, with Marisa in the starring role. Next up is Seign, whose DLC pack will drop on 13th March, before the Markus expansion arrives on 3rd April.Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube795kWatch on YouTube You can find a little more about what each pack entails in the following summaries from Rabbit & Bear and publisher 505 Games:27th February will see the release of The Chapter of MarisaIn the Marisa expansion you will get to know more about her journey as a Guardian. The story revolves around her encounter with an enchanted girl who is fascinated by ancient ruins and ends up becoming Marisa's cherished companion. However, mysterious and sinister forces at play, and the duo sets out to uncover the secrets surrounding the enigmatic "Child of the Rune" .13th March will see the release of The Chapter of SeignThis story extension immerses you in the saga, viewing events through Seign's perspective and those who parted ways with Nowa's troupe to address a certain "predicament" within the Galdean empire. What transpired inside the empire during their time apart? Moreover, what covert roles did Seign and his allies undertake, influencing the unfolding drama from the shadows?3rd April will see the release of The Chapter of MarkusIn this story expansion, Markus, Carrie, and Nowa brace themselves for an intriguing discovery. An anomaly dubbed "Menhir's Distortion" has unlocked a mysterious teleportation gateway. Venturing forth as a trio, they prepare to delve into the enigmatic realm beyond. What hidden truths await them there? Perhaps the revelations would shed light on Markus's shrouded past, unearthing long-buried secrets. With bated breath, they steel themselves for the unravelling of an extraordinary tale.Image: 505 GamesEach DLC pack will set you back $7.99 / 7.99 / 5.99, which we suppose is a small price to pay if you enjoyed the base game and want to find out more about its leads.We, unfortunately, didn't have the best time with Hundred Heroes at launch. While the narrative, sprite work and combat all received a thumbs up in our review, we referred to the title as "the epitome of a flawed gem", with outdated designs and performance issues at launch that were hard to overlook. The game has received a handful of patches in the months since, so there's every chance the DLC will land at a good time to dive in. The wait is overWill you be checking out the first Hundred Heroes DLC pack later this month? Let us know in the comments.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 Articles69 Games You Should Pick Up In Nintendo's 'Supercharge' eShop Sale (North America)Every game we scored 9/10 or higherNintendo Reconfirms Release Windows For Major Upcoming Switch Games... and the Switch 2!Japan's Switch eShop Will Soon No Longer Accept Overseas Payment MethodsChange will come into effect in March"Nintendo Is Probably The Easiest To Scam" - Devs Discuss The Current State Of The eShopThe rise of "eSlop"

Image: SHUEISHA GAMESThe latest Nintendo Download update for North America has arrived, and it's bringing new games galore to the eShop in your region. 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 - HighlightsSid Meiers Civilization VII (Take-Two Interactive, 11th Feb, $59.99) - Relive history or make it your own. The classic strategy game series returns, once again bringing players the opportunity to construct architectural wonders and expand their territories around the globe. This time, third century Japanese leader Himiko will be part of the story you weave. Will your monuments stand the test of time, or will they crumble into dusty ruins? Its all up to you.Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube795kWatch on YouTube Switch eShop - New ReleasesArcade Archives THUNDER FOX (HAMSTER, 30th Jan, $7.99) - "THUNDER FOX" is an action game released by TAITO in 1990. Become a member of the "THUNDER FOX" anti-terrorism team and join the fight against the terrorists. Complete varied missions using flying kicks, somersault attacks, and multiple unique vehicles such as gyrocopters, jet skis and more!.Astrorun (Nerd Games, 1st Feb, $0.49) - Play as an interstellar astronaut who needs to be an expert jumper by jumping across the ground of several different planets in near-zero gravity.Bad Parenthood (Tashlik, 6th Feb, $9.99) - Bad Parenthood plunges you into a psychological horror where bedtime stories turn into waking nightmares. Play in a suburban home haunted by The Storyteller, a sinister entity born from parental warnings and childhood fears.Beef Cat Ultra (Brainium Games, 7th Feb, $6.99) - In the vibrant world of Beeflandia, our hero Beef Cat and his friends always know how to celebrate the good times. But when a mysterious Big Guy shows up and stirs up trouble, everything changes. The peaceful vibes are over and its time for a new kind of adventure!Big Helmet Heroes (Plug In Digital, 6th Feb, $24.99) - Discover the hilarious world of Big Helmet Heroes, a 3D beat 'em up combining combat and adventure. Find 29 adorable heroes hidden in fantastic kingdoms and choose your favorites to save the princess. Play alone or with a friend, and try to overcome the formidable challenges that await you!Cats the Commander for Nintendo Switch (IGNITION M, 6th Feb, $6.49) - Too cute Cats "Bump! Bump!" adventure RPG! "Cats the Commander", popular tower defense game, is now available on Nintendo Switch!Cho Aniki Collection (Edia, 29th Jan, $44.99) - The first game in the legendary Cho Aniki series of shooting games created by Masaya, Cho Aniki (PC Engine), and the second game in the series, Ai Cho Aniki (PC Engine), have been fully ported for the Nintendo Switch. The ports of these classics boast a number of additional features, such as Sound Mode, Visual Mode, and Rewind.Citizen Sleeper: Helion Collection (Fellow Traveller, 31st Jan, $40.48) - The Helion Collection brings together the award-winning Citizen Sleeper, a gripping adventure inspired by the flexibility and freedom of TTRPGs, which has you living the life of an escaped worker as you attempt to survive on a lawless space station and its sequel, Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector, a dice-driven RPG where you get a ship, find a crew, and take on contracts while you navigate across the Starward Belt.Dino Market (Juan Rigante, 10th Feb, $4.00) - Dino decided to open a new market! Customers will ask for specific items and you have to prepare them! Once you complete a level, you can choose to rest and chill with your desktop companions. Use productivity tools like timers and to-do lists to help you focus!Drop That Cat (Asylum Square Interactive, 8th Feb, $4.99) - Connect the small cute kittens and experience how they grow bigger. There is a single-player mode and various two-player modes ('Time Limit' and 'Attack').EGGCONSOLE CARMINE 88 PC-8801mkIISR (D4 Enterprise, 6th Feb, $6.49) - This game, released in 1986 in Japan, is an adventure game where players take on the role of Lieutenant Brian=W=Kernighan. Piloting the Armored Fighting Walker, Galleouse, the player must defeat three bio-dolls lurking within the research facility.Genome Guardian (Stingbot Games, 6th Feb, $11.99) - COMBINE WEAPONS in the microscopic roguelite turret shooter with macroscopic depth. Survive 6 modes using an astounding array of turrets, perks, mutations and power-ups on this psychedelic journey to the heart of the abyss. Research permanent upgrades to survive a variety of microbes across 6 game modes, each with multiple "depths".Jumping Ninja (NOSTRA GAMES, 6th Feb, $3.99) - Find your warpath and go all the way. Remember that true strength is not in your body, but in your mind. Every step brings you closer to your goal. Make lightning decisions - there's no time to wait and doubt. The sharpness of your mind is also a weapon, and you must know how to use itKaraoke Animal Party: Sing & Dance (Aldora Games, 3rd Feb, $4.90) - In this charming karaoke, the protagonists are 5 adorable animals that sing, dance and guide the little ones through magical scenarios. Designed to provide unforgettable moments, this game combines fun, music and learning in a family environment.Last Monarch (Mango Council, 6th Feb, $5.00) - You are the Demon Lord Kuro on a mission to protect the last of the demonkind. Use your abilities to capture and ensnare other species, make them become one of your powerful weapons!Lets Cook Together 2 (Yellow Dot, 6th Feb, $25.00) - Cooperate & communicate to cook delicious dishes in this #TrulyTogetherGaming experience. Visit different countries to learn the secrets of local cuisines, upgrade your kitchen appliances and immerse yourself in a deep story about food, love and the hidden costs of freedom. Engage in split-second PvP battles or make your own kitchens in the Level Editor and share them with the community.Light Guardian (Kistler Studios, 30th Jan, $3.99) - Help the guardian of the light to retrieve and collect all light shards before the world fall into darkness! You are the light guardian which goes on a quest to find the stolen light shards across the country. On your journey you have to overcome different obstacles to collect them all and finally meet the light itself.Luck be a Landlord (TrampolineTales, 6th Feb, $14.99) - Luck be a Landlord combines the unpredictable thrill of slot machines with the strategic depth and replayability of classic deckbuilders. Choose symbols to add to your machine and watch them interact to earn you coins every spin - will you stack your deck with cats, gemstones, fruits?Macross -Shooting Insight- (RED ART GAMES, 7th Feb, $39.99) - Based on the popular long-running animated science fiction franchise, MACROSS -SHOOTING INSIGHT- is a brand-new Multi-Dimensional Shooting Game! Pilots, songstresses, and characters from five MACROSS series (MACROSS Plus, MACROSS 7, MACROSS Zero, MACROSS Frontier & MACROSS Delta) take center stage in a completely original story.Malu the Princess (Afil Games, 6th Feb, $4.99) - Embark on an exciting journey with Malu in Malu the Princess! After her crown is stolen, Malu sets off on a thrilling adventure to reclaim her royal treasure. Traverse through 40 challenging levels in this precision platformer, where sharp reflexes and skill are your best allies. Each level brings new obstacles and adversaries to overcome as you inch closer to recovering the stolen crown.Momodora: Moonlit Farewell (PLAYISM, 6th Feb, $16.99) - The culmination of the Momodora series. Purify demons and uncover myths untold. "Momodora: Moonlit Farewell" is the latest installment in the Momodora series. Join Momo, High Priestess of the village of Koho, as she embarks on a divine mission to save her people from imminent destruction at the hands of the demon hordes summoned by a malevolent bellringer. - Read our Momodora: Moonlit Farewell reviewMoons of Darsalon (Dr. Kucho! Games, 6th Feb, $17.99) - Teams of darsanauts got lost during their mining missions on the different moons of the planet Darsalon. You need to complete several rescue missions in which you will have to lead them to the closest base station. They will use their own AI to follow you and to obey your commands. On your way to the base you will have to protect them from dangers and enemies using your laser gun, jet pack, pilot ground and air vehicles, destroy terrain, and even make new paths with the ground maker gun.Penguin Flight (Afil Games, 12th Feb, $4.99) - Get ready to flap, dash, and soar in Penguin Flight, a delightful 2D pixel art platformer that blends charm, challenge, and creativity! Join a little penguin with big dreams as he embarks on a journey to touch the skies, navigating through 40 meticulously designed levels brimming with fun mechanics, vibrant visuals, and heartwarming adventures.Pixel Game Maker Series Timothy and the Tower of Mu (Gotcha Gotcha Games, 6th Feb, $11.99) - Use your shots, jumps and midair dashes to overcome the fearsome traps! Timing, accuracy and nerve are all required for this high-difficulty action game! Five highly themed dungeons, over 50 types of enemies, powerful bosses, subquests such as puzzles and cooking, countless hidden elements hidden in the world.Purrfect Collection (RedDeer.Games, 30th Jan, $19.99) - True Purrfection lays in roundness... of the cat! Purrfect collection is here with Fit My Cat, Neko Bento, Bomb Cat, and Magic Cats Pots. Cat lovers, game lovers, and cat game lovers rejoice! Here is a bundle with four different casual games that will furry-up your evenings in four different ways.Shieldwall (OverGamez, 8th Feb, $17.99) - Shieldwall is a funny third-person tactical battle simulator with strategy elements. This game allows you to feel like a squad leader right on the battlefield. Caesar needs you! Gaul won't be conquered by itself. Stand under the Eagle and lead the legion for the glory of Rome!Silent Forest: Deadly Night Horror (Iurie, 6th Feb, $4.99) - "Silent Forest: Deadly Night Horror" is an intense shooter-horror game that takes players into a dark and mysterious forest. Your mission is to track and eliminate an unknown creature that terrorizes the surroundings. You have only 7 days and nights to complete your task or you will become its next victim.Skyline Bowling (QubicGames, 7th Feb, $4.99) - Get ready for an action-packed challenge where every strike brings you closer to victory! Join friends or family in up to four-player matches, compete in thrilling tournaments against top bowlers from across the lanes, and bowl in amazing alleys with cool views. Only the best players make it to the final rounds will you be the one holding the trophy?Space CleanUp: Cosmic Robot Disinfector (MultiversalME, 8th Feb, $7.99) - Welcome to the not-so-glamorous side of space exploration! In Space CleanUp: Cosmic Robot Disinfector, you take control of a high-tech android tasked with a vital but messy job: cleaning up space stations after intense alien battles.Sugoro Quest: Dice Heroes (Ratalaika Games, 7th Feb, $5.99) - SUGORO Quest: The Quest of Dice Heroes comes to the West for the first time! This is a board game-style turn-based RPG where dice will decide your fate! The story begins in the kingdom of Siland, where four adventurers set out to talk to the king in search of intrepid adventures. Each adventure is different, so be sure to choose the most suitable member for each journey.Super Jagger Bomb 2: Go East (eastasiasoft, 12th Feb, $4.99) - Get ready for explosive arcade-style platforming action as the caped bomb-collecting superhero returns in Super Jagger Bomb 2: Go East! This time, bombs have been placed at landmarks and monuments across the globe, spanning from Europe and India to China and Mongolia, and its up to Super Jagger to save these international treasures from certain destruction. Run, jump, fly and dash your way across dozens of unique stages in 2. 5D style as you dodge enemies and collect bombs as fast as you can.Survival Gladiator: Blades of the Coliseum (DEMENCI Games, 6th Feb, $11.99) - Step into the brutal world of ancient Rome in Survival Gladiator: Blades of the Coliseum, a 3D game of action and strategy where you manage your own gladiator empire. As a master of gladiators, your mission is to train and equip your fighters, sending them into fierce battles in the Coliseum to prove their strength and earn glory.The Liars Tavern (COOL DEVS, 6th Feb, $6.99) - The Liars Tavern draws you into a shadowy pub where deception and danger collide. This immersive 3D psychological thriller pits you against three other players in a high-stakes game of dice or cardsbut with deadly consequences. Bluff, accuse, and strategize carefully, as every lie or misstep could lead to a fatal drink or a game of Russian roulette.Toon Breakout 3D (Pix Arts, 7th Feb, $4.99) - Get ready for a high-energy arcade adventure with Toon Breakout 3D! Smash through bricks, bounce off cartoon characters, and conquer a series of action-packed levels in a vibrant, cartoon-styled universe. With realistic physics, multiple soundtracks, immersive sound effects, and dazzling animations, this game delivers the ultimate breakout experience.Treflix: Mini Games (Trefl S.A, 6th Feb, $5.99) - 5 cozy mini games that will take you to the charming world of Treflix. Try your hand at: Memory, Connect the dots, Puzzle, Find the difference, etc. The adorable Treflix will show you their world and you'll have a great time with them!Turbo Overkill (Apogee Entertainment, 29th Jan, $19.99) - Turbo Overkill takes over-the-top to never-before-reached heights. Build incredible speed by wall-running and dashing. Slide on your chainsaw leg, eviscerating foes and opening up bosses for critical damage, and go car-surfing on the hoods of flying cars. Blast away with the Twin Magnums, which lock-on and instagib several foes, the Boomer Shotgun and its attached grenade launcher, or the Telefragger sniper rifle, which teleports Johnny inside an enemy before they explode from within.Under Defeat (Clear River Games, 6th Feb, $19.99) - Under Defeat is a vertically scrolling shooter where you control a helicopter capable of moving in eight directions. It's a sleek, streamlined experience with just two buttonsfire and bombmaking it easy to pick up but hard to master. What sets the game apart is the tilt mechanic: as you turn, your shots tilt slightly left or right, allowing for strategic, angled attacks. You also have a small, satellite-like option unit that shoots independently. However, charging it requires you to release the fire button for a while, creating a tactical ebb and flow rarely seen in this all-out shoot 'em up genre. - Read our Under Defeat reviewUndying (Skystone Games, 11th Feb, $19.99) - Make sure to add UNDYING to your Wishlist to be one of the first to experience this emotional tale when the game launches. Infected by a zombie bite, Anling's days are numbered. She must now fight to survive, not for herself but her young son, Cody. Ensure Cody's survival in a zombie-infested world by protecting him and teaching him valuable skills, at any cost.Urban Myth Dissolution Center (SHUEISHA GAMES, 12th Feb, $17.99) - The Urban Myth Dissolution Center your one-stop solution for dissolving and dealing with cursed relics, monstrous oddities, and dimensional anomalies! Take on cases revolving around urban myths as Azami Fukurai, the heroine, under the supervision of Ayumu Meguriya, Level S psychic and Center Director...YOU Game+ (G-MODE, 30th Jan, $2.99) - The "YOU Game" featured in "KUUKIYOMI 4: Consider It" supports multiplayer and score rankings! You can enjoy a quick 10 to 20-minute play session and replay as many times as you like! Of course, you can enjoy this game even if youre not familiar with the original game its based on.Zumba The Marble Shooter Tikki Adventure (EpiXR Games,6th Feb, $4.99) - The ultimate marble shooter game combines puzzle-solving skills with fast-paced action. Each level presents a unique puzzle layout filled with colorful marbles that you must skillfully shoot to match and clear. The game is simple to learn but hard to master, offering endless hours of engaging gameplay.Note: As with previous Nintendo Downloads, not all games in the above list are included in the poll.What will you be downloading this week? (38 votes)Sid Meier's Civilization VII18%Arcade Archives THUNDER FOX 0%Bad Parenthood 0%Beef Cat Ultra 0%Big Helmet Heroes 0%Cats the Commander for Nintendo Switch 0%Cho Aniki Collection3%Citizen Sleeper: Helion Collection5%Drop That Cat 0%EGGCONSOLE CARMINE 88 PC-8801mkIISR 0%Genome Guardian 0%Last Monarch 0%Let's Cook Together 2 0%Light Guardian 0%Luck be a Landlord 0%Macross: Shooting Insight5%Malu the Princess 0%Momodora: Moonlit Farewell21%Moons of Darsalon 0%Penguin Flight 0%Pixel Game Maker Series Timothy and the Tower of Mu 0%Shieldwall3%Silent Forest: Deadly Night Horror 0%Skyline Bowling 0%Space CleanUp: Cosmic Robot Disinfector 0%Sugoro Quest: Dice Heroes3%Super Jagger Bomb 2: Go East 0%Toon Breakout 3D 0%Treflix: Mini Games 0%Turbo Overkill3%Under Defeat5%Undying5%Urban Myth Dissolution Center3%YOU Game+ 0%Other 0%Nothing for me this week26%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!

Dating app giant Tinder updated its Explore page to give users access to new categories, Non-Monogamy, Serious Dater, Short-Term Fun, Long-Term Partner, and New Friends, the company announced on Thursday.These new categories are designed to help users find compatible matches by grouping profiles according to dating intentions. The Serious Dater option focuses on users looking for long-term relationships, while New Friends appears to be Tinders strategy to compete with Bumble BFF, which connects users for friendships.Launched in 2021, the Explore page organizes profiles into curated categories based on shared interests, including Binge Watchers, Coffee Date, and Nature Lovers. Theres also a feature called Free Tonight that connects users who are available on the same day.Navigating online dating can often feel overwhelming, with many users not clear enough about their relationship goals on their profiles. According to a Tinder report, users are apparently embracing a new trend called Loud Looking, where people say goodbye to dating ambiguity and are upfront about their desires. The updated Explore tiles aim to promote this clarity, reflecting a growing norm of being more honest about dating intentions.The update is also strategically timed the week before Valentines Day, likely meant to attract users who may be eager to find a date for the special occasion.

In BriefPosted:8:15 AM PST February 6, 2025Image Credits:Getty ImagesOpenAI co-founder John Schulman leaves Anthropic after just five monthsOpenAI co-founder and prominent AI researcher John Schulman has left Anthropic after five months, according to multiple reports.Credited as one of the leading architects of ChatGPT, Schulman left OpenAI last August for its direct competitor, Anthropic. Hepostedabout the decision on X, saying it stemmed from a desire to deepen his focus on AI alignment the science of ensuring AI behaves as intended and engage in more hands-on technical work.[At Anthropic], I believe I can gain new perspectives and do research alongside people deeply engaged with the topics Im most interested in, Schulman wrote.Schulman hasnt publicly addressed his departure from Anthropic, nor has he indicated what he plans to do next. In a statement provided to Bloomberg, Anthropics chief science officer, Jared Kaplan, said that he was sad to see John go, but fully support[s] his decision to pursue new opportunities.Topics

Breakdown & ShowreelsKingdom of the Planet of the Apes: Noa VFX Breakdown by Weta FXBy Vincent Frei - 06/02/2025 Discover how Weta FX brought the new ape character, Noa, to life in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. This in-depth video takes you through the meticulous process of creating Noas stunning VFX, from concept to final screen presence!WANT TO KNOW MORE?Weta FX: Dedicated page about Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes on Weta FX website.Stephen Unterfranz (Unter) and Phillip Leonhardt: Heres my interview of Stephen Unterfranz (Unter) and Phillip Leonhardt (Sequence VFX Supervisors) Weta FX. Vincent Frei The Art of VFX 2025

Las Vegas touts the Sphere, but the OG spherical performance venue is Avicii Arena. The bulbous venue in Stockholm previously held the title worlds largest spherical building, until it was dethroned by the Las Vegas spectacle. Avicii Arena is named after the EDM icon who warrants no introduction for anyone who slurped Four Loko in college and went to Dayglow. Formerly Stockholm Globe Arena, Avicii Arena was built in 1989 but renamed after the famous Swedish DJs death in 2018. The building was recently refurbished by HOKs London office. C.F. Mller Architects, schlaich bergermann partner (sbp), and the city of Stockholm were also on the project team.This project celebrates the past while embracing the future, Kirsty Mitchell, senior project manager at HOK, said in a statement. Our design solutions honor the arenas iconic architecture while introducing innovative and forward-thinking features that ensure its relevance for decades to come.The venue hosts sports and concerts. (Courtesy HOK)Avicii Arenas proportions are mind boggling enough to make tienne-Louis Boulle blush. The dome has an inner height of 279 feet, and a diameter of 360 feet. The exterior has Metabolist sensibilities, namely its porthole windows that evoke the Nakagin Capsule Tower. It was originally designed by Svante Berg, Lars Vretblad, and Esbjrn Adamson. The renovation at Avicii Arena entailed upgrading the structure for modern sports, concerts, and cultural needs while preserving the buildings architectural integrity, the designers shared. New retractable systems with movable panels offer unmatched acoustic optimization, and new gondola seating provides unique views of the stage set. Lounges afford exclusive hospitality areas.The new retractable acoustic panel system required innovative and thoughtful structural engineering by sbp. Both the panel system and rigging grid are suspended within the inner curved ring structure and the outer perimeter compression ring, the team shared. A slender cable net structure supports the retractable panels and rigging elements with mesh you can walk on that provides a workable platform during events.A slender cable net structure supports the retractable panels and rigging elements. (Courtesy HOK)Updating a structure as unique as the Avicii Arena requires a careful balance of preservation and innovation, added Knut Stockhusen, managing director at sbp. This project showcases how engineering excellence contributes to architectural heritage and modern performance.Mrten Leringe, partner and architect at C.F. Mller Architects, called the project a blend between technical innovation with intelligent design.The reopening was christened on February 1 with a live performance by Kite, a Swedish cult band.

The High LifeHome Studios puts a hospitality approach to its first retail project, luxury cannabis dispensary Charlie FoxByKelly Pau February 6, 2025East, Interiors (Brian W. Ferry)SHAREWelcome to the future. Weed is legal. Order it online and itll arrive at your door that same day. Peruse every strain in-store, displayed like a museum via glass boxes, and organized by notes, farm, organic origins, or aroma. Increasingly, New York is getting a feel for cannabishigh-craft erabut this time with a warm, earthy twist. In Times Square, luxury dispensary Charlie Fox recently opened (despite the fact that New YorksMarijuana Regulation & Taxation Actsaid it would prioritize licenses for those most victimized by the war on drugs). Unlike the bodega-like, fluorescent interiors of New Yorks typical dispensary, Charlie Fox is a lifestyle-oriented brand, defined by high-quality goods and refined customer service. As such, the 3-story dispensary tappedHome Studioswhose work of warm hospitality projects makes it a natural fit for the brands concept. The project is the first retail project for the studio, but the architects approached the interiors like its usual hospitality projects all the same. The goal was to evoke a sense of comfort, curiosity, and connection by integrating hospitality-driven design principles to create a transportive setting, Oliver Haslegrave, founder and creative director of Home Studios, toldAN Interior.The space is conceived as three floors: the first acts as a tranquil and welcoming retail space, the second floor features a private lounge for personalized shopping, and the third floor (opening in the spring of 2025) will hold space for dining and shopping.Read more about the shop on aninteriormag.com.

close From Captcha to catastrophe. How fake verification pages are spreading malware Hackers are using Captchas to infect your PC with malware Sometimes, when you need an answer to a complex life situation or a way to troubleshoot an error on your computer, regular articles on the web dont help. Some issues are so niche that no one writes about them, and those who do often say nothing useful in 1,000 words.In these cases, adding Reddit to your search query can be a game changer. Nine times out of 10, someone on Reddit has faced the same issue, and there's probably a solution.But bad actors have caught on to this, too. Theyre now mimicking Reddit to spread malware that can steal your personal information. Reddit app on home screen of smartphone (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)What you need to know about fake Reddit pagesHackers are distributing nearly 1,000 fake websites mimicking Reddit and WeTransfer to spread the Lumma Stealer malware. These sites are designed to trick you into downloading malicious software by imitating legitimate discussions and file-sharing services.On these fake Reddit pages, attackers create a fabricated discussion where one user asks for help downloading a tool, another offers a WeTransfer link and a third expresses gratitude to make the exchange seem real. Clicking the link redirects victims to a counterfeit WeTransfer site, where the download button delivers the Lumma Stealer malware.All these fake pages have the following things in common:The websites include a brand name (like "Reddit" or "WeTransfer") followed by random characters to appear legitimate at first glanceThey use ".org" or ".net" domains instead of the official one, which is ".com"The interface closely mimics the real sites to deceive usersThese fake websites were discovered bySekoia researcher crep1x, who compiled a full list of the pages involved in the scheme. In total, 529 of these sites mimic Reddit, while 407 impersonate WeTransfer to trick users into downloading malware.According toBleepingComputer, hackers may be driving traffic to these fake pages through methods like malicious ads (malvertising), search engine manipulation (SEO poisoning), harmful websites, direct messages on social media and other deceptive tactics. Illustration of a hacker at work (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)The dangers of info-stealer malwareHackers are using fake Reddit pages to spread Lumma Stealer, a powerful malware designed to steal personal data while staying under the radar. Once it infects a device, it can grab passwords stored in web browsers and session tokens, allowing attackers to hijack accounts without even needing a password.But Reddit isnt the only way this malware spreads. Hackers also push it through GitHub comments, deepfake websites and shady online ads. Once they steal login credentials, they often sell them on hacker forums, where others can use them for further attacks.This type of malware has already played a role in major security breaches, including attacks onPowerSchool,Hot Topic, CircleCI and Snowflake. Its a growing threat, especially for companies that rely on password-based security.WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)? Illustration of a hacker at work 6 ways to protect yourself from info-stealing malware1. Be cautious with download links:Avoid downloading files from random Reddit discussions, social media messages or unfamiliar websites. If an unknown user shares the link or seems out of place in the context, its better to err on the side of caution. If the link is directing you to a file-sharing site like WeTransfer or Google Drive, double-check the URL for any signs of manipulationlike random characters added to the domain name.2. Have strong antivirus software:The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware originating from these Reddit discussions, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE3.Verify website URLs:Fake websites often look convincing but have slight differences in their URLs. Check for misspellings, extra characters or unusual domains (e.g., ".org" or ".net" instead of the official ".com").4. Use strong, unique passwords and enable 2FA:Apassword manager can help generate and store strong passwords for each site. Meanwhile, enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for attackers to hijack your accounts. Get more details about mybest expert-reviewed Password Managers of 2025 here.5. Keep your software updated:Regularlyupdate your operating system, apps, browsers and other software on your PC or mobile devices. Updates often include patches for security vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit.6. Watch out for malvertising and SEO traps:Hackers manipulate search engine results andrun deceptive ads to trick users into visiting fake sites. Stick to official sources and avoid clicking on ads or search results that seem too good to be true.Kurts key takeawayHackers are getting sneakier, using fake Reddit and WeTransfer pages to spread dangerous malware like Lumma Stealer. These sites might look real, but theyre designed to steal your personal info. To stay safe, always double-check links and be cautious about downloading files from unfamiliar sources. Use strong, unique passwords, enable two-factor authentication and keep your software updated to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPHave you ever encountered a suspicious link on Reddit or social media? How did you handle it? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading toCyberguy.com/Newsletter.Follow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurts free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

The latest State of Java report from Azul Systems shows that the 30-year-old programming language has moved with the times and is being used for advanced applications like adding artificial intelligence (AI).More than 2,000 Java users were surveyed for this years report. Half (50%) of them were found to be building AI-enabled functionality that uses Java, surpassing the use of other popular languages, such as Python, that are more culturally associated with AI. This, according to Azul Systems, highlights Javas fit-for-purpose nature, offering scalability, extensive libraries and seamless integration with existing enterprise systems.Java uses a runtime platform and software development environment known as the Java Development Kit (JDK) for developing and running applications. It is one of the main languages used to build enterprise systems.While Oracle sells the JDK commercially as Oracle JDK, there is also an open source version called OpenJDK.All of us who are involved in OpenJDK are advancing Java so that it can much more rapidly integrate with AI capabilities, said Scott Sellers, CEO of Azul Systems.According to Sellers, a lot of traditional applications developers are using Java to build their AI-enabled applications, by using application programming interfaces (APIs) to send queries to the large language model (LLM). Good old Java is the best out there because of its scale, resiliency and security Scott Sellers, Azul SystemsThis is a very different approach to that taken by data scientists, who need to run ad hoc queries on the data using a language such as Python.Production-level applications need to handle hundreds of thousands and millions of users simultaneously, and good old Java is the best out there because of its scale, resiliency and security, said Sellers.He also pointed out that Java has been tried and tested over the decades, which makes it an extremely stable and well understood platform for running enterprise applications.However, cost has become a barrier for some organisations, given the licensing changes Oracle has made to Oracle JDK. According to research from Gartner, this makes it two to five times more costly than the subscription model it replaces.Gartners 3 steps to manage exposure for Oracle Java SE licensing report, published at the end of January, notes: If anyone in your organisation has downloaded any Oracle Java SE updates since April 2019, you probably need a subscription and you may have a compliance risk. You may determine that you want an Oracle Java SE subscription if you need a commercial support agreement, particularly if you are using a very old or new release of Java, such as Java 7 or 21.Beyond the Java subscription cost, Azuls survey shows that some organisations are choosing not to buy maintenance and support for Oracle JDK. Of the survey participants who do not pay for Java support, 21% cited expense as a deterrent, 31% said it was not a priority, and a significant 52% believed they simply did not need it.According to Azul Systems, this divide highlights the trade-offs organisations face between upfront costs and the long-term value of secure, reliable application performance, particularly in environments where stability and security are non-negotiable.Azul Systems believes the growing dissatisfaction reflects a pressing need for cost-effective concerns about affordability, fuelled in part by organisations re-examining their long-term strategies for managing Java licensing and support costs, driving a search for more predictable and sustainable options.In Azuls previous survey, 72% of Oracle Java users were already considering a switch to another JDK provider. That has surged to 88% in the latest Azul survey.Although 88% are considering switching from Oracle and 82% are concerned about the Oracle Java pricing, Sellers said some of the respondents were not directly impacted by the price increases, since the cost of Java is in someone elses budget. A developer whose whole life is about Java may not see a direct budget impact because someone else is paying the licence fee, he said.Read more about OpenJDKOracle Java licensing explained addressing complexity, cost and audits: Now that Oracle Java SE is sold as a subscription, organisations using the Oracle JDK have a minefield of licences to navigate.Tips for migrating to OpenJDK: Interest in OpenJDK, and in commercial support for it, has intensified as Oracle Java SE becomes increasingly expensive.Application owners are also not the people who ultimately pay for Java. The cost tends to be hidden since it is considered infrastructure, in the same way that facilities and internet access are budgeted as infrastructure. Software and infrastructure costs that are shared across applications cannot be managed by application owners, which means, according to Sellers, that they focus on other ways to reduce costs, rather than looking at the Oracle JDK licence bill.The survey, according to Sellers, showed that users realise they do not need to use Oracle JDK because the same functionality is available from OpenJDK. Why would you choose something thats commercially licensed with restrictions as opposed to open source?It tends to be the head of IT or CIO who ultimately makes the decision and is able to force a change.Sellers said Oracle is extremely aggressive in terms of audits, where it often demands usage reports from users. If you dont want to deal with software audits, then you may as well just get off Oracle and move on to something thats inherently open source and doesnt require commercial software licensing, he added.One of Azul Systems focus areas is helping enterprises understand their inventory of Oracle Java and working with them to deliver what Sellers calls a like-for-like replacement. This can be particularly difficult since many different versions of Java may be in use, each of which needs replacing with the correct version of OpenJDK to ensure Java applications that rely on a specific version of the JDK do not break.One of the challenges that exists when an organisation is looking to move off Oracle Java is that Oracle provides about 1,000 updates a quarter, said Sellers.This is further complicated by the fact that there may be patches for specific major releases of Java and minor releases. Unless you have a like-for-like equivalent for all of those different versions and subversions youre using from Oracle and youre trying to move, you can run into incompatibility problems, and that can be challenging.Give its extensive footprint, Java is set to play a major role in enterprise IT for many years to come. However, IT leaders are highly likely to switch from Oracle JDK to cheaper options.

The fixes secure several WiFi 6 access points and Nighthawk Pro Gaming routers from two critical bugs.