Image: Nintendo Life / Bandai NamcoBig, bold characters. Comfortable story beats that deal with multiple worlds, gods, and the power of friendship. Confusingly titled battle systems. And colourful anime openings featuring J-pop songs. The Tales series has made a name for itself over the last 30 years for many different reasons, and it's why many myself included call it the comfort-food JRPG.Despite growing up with big names like Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy, I can pinpoint the exact moment I knew that RPGs were my genre: Tales of Symphonia's release on the GameCube. It was cheesy, over the top, full of heart, and exactly what I needed as I stood on the brink of my teenage years.This year the series celebrates its 30th anniversary as its first title Tales of Phantasia launched nearly three decades ago on 15th December 1995. Right now, there are 17 mainline ('mothership' you'll get used to the terminology) Tales games out there, and Bandai Namco is currently working on a 30th Anniversary Remastered Project the goal being to rerelease older entries on modern systems. Last month's Tales of Graces f Remastered is the first to bloom from that project.Images: Bandai NamcoThe Switch has seen two other rereleases Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition, Tales of Symphonia Remastered (though you might want to skip that version) with a handful of other modern entries available on PC. But we're still missing multiple games, many of which are stuck in Japan, while the rest are relegated to older consoles.I'm confident we'll see more remasters on either Switch or Switch 2, so, looking back at 30 years of history, I've plucked out five (ish) games that I think we're likely to see next. No spin-offs or mobile games. f yeahTales of PhantasiaImage: Bandai NamcoNo Tales game has been rereleased more times than Tales of Phantasia. In Japan, you can get it for the Super Famicom, PS1, GBA, PSP, and cell phones. That would normally be a case against it getting another premium-priced port, but there's a very strong reason why I think this should be remastered.The only official English releases we got were the GBA port and an iOS version, which was famously free-to-play but required you to be connected to the internet and was stuffed egregiously with microtransactions. It shut down in 2014, to no one's surprise. The GBA version is the un-ideal way to play this.Despite all of these issues, I adore Tales of Phantasia. Its story focuses on time travel and environmentalism and features an extremely well-written antagonist. And I love Kosuke Fujishima's character designs (one of the series' regular character designers) they're incredibly simple, but give a slight twist on classic RPG classes like Medic, Mage, and Summoner.Images: Bandai NamcoThe combat is a little basic though that's hugely improved in those PS1 and PSP versions, the latter of which also features full voice acting. And if you've played Star Ocean: First Departure R, it's not going to feel that different.Simply put, the West deserves a good version of Phantasia. Bandai Namco could pull a Falcom and work with the people who created the fan translations. As long as we avoid the Kangaroo War translation debacle...Anyway, with the game's 30th anniversary coming up, this feels like a no-brainer.Tales of EterniaImage: Bandai NamcoAfter Phantasia, the Tales series jumped ship to the PlayStation until 2003's Tales of Symphonia. North America got its first taste of the series with Tales of Destiny, while Tales of Eternia (known as Tales of Destiny II unrelated to the actual Japan-exclusive Tales of Destiny 2) followed suit soon after.I think both PS1 games deserve rereleases, but Destiny's PS1 release hasn't exactly aged well in the gameplay department. The PS2 Director's Cut remake is the way to go there and my word does that look incredible.Eternia, though. This is the best 2D Tales game. Even 25 years after its release, it plays like a dream. The combat is excellent and every 2D game from here has evolved from Eternia's template. The cast and story are charming. Motoi Sakuraba's music is at its best here. It's essentially the perfect package and would be one of the easiest games to bring to Switch.Images: Bandai NamcoI'd 100% prefer a Tales of Destiny remaster second-hand copies of the PS1 game regularly go for over $100 and Eternia at least has a PSP version (the only way you can play it in Europe, and easily importable and region-free for North America). But updated skit portraits, no encounters, fast-forward all of these could benefit a new rerelease of one of the cosiest Tales games.Tales of the AbyssImage: Bandai NamcoIf it's a story-based RPG you're after, Tales of the Abyss is the best choice in this series. A grander, more mature narrative. A bigger, more diverse world. The ability to run around in full 3D in battle no more 2D planes and line-based constraints! I love Tales of the Abyss; it's my favourite game in the series by a mile.It's got wonky pacing issues and there's a lot of backtracking in the final hours, but its core story about free will, redemption, and individuality is beautifully handled. The main cast is a bunch of traumatised screw-ups some whose actions have shaped the world and narrative for the worst, while others have lived a lie of a life who are attempting to do right in their way. And Luke's transformation from spoilt brat to empathetic, caring person over the course of 50 hours is incredible. Just... bear with him for the first 10 or so.Images: Bandai NamcoBy today's standards, Tales of the Abyss can feel a bit dated. It doesn't help that the only version some of us can play (i.e. Europeans) is the 3DS one, but that's how I played it, and I still fell head over heels for this. The PS2 US release is better, but those long load times don't do it any favours.As a fan favourite, I think Abyss has a really good chance of getting a rerelease. If Vesperia and Graces two other fan picks can both get Switch remasters, I see no reason to skip over the best game in the series. Don't fight me.Tales of Xillia & Tales of Xillia 2Image: Nintendo LifeOf all five picks here, this is the one that's almost definitely making the jump to modern consoles and, likely Switch (and/or Switch 2) soon.I know I'm cheating here with two games, but Bandai Namco would be foolish not to package Xillia 1 & Xillia 2 together. Sure, it skipped it with Tales of Symphonia and Dawn of the New World on Switch which was previously bundled in the Chronicles version on PS3 and PC but with the Xillia games, both are part of the main series. Splitting hairs here.Xillia 1 feels incomplete and rushed without Xillia 2. Xillia 2 also has the best TP (Tech Points) based combat in the series, but you can't really play it without playing the first. There's too much narrative build-up and the relationships you form are vital to your enjoyment of the sequel.Images: Bandai NamcoPlus, the Xillia games represent a bit of a step forward for the series there are more open zones, crafting systems are expanded on from Graces, and there's no fixed camera angle when exploring the world. It's an important part of the series' legacy, no matter how you slice it.At the very least, Xillia 1 is probably a lock, as last summer retail listings popped up for a Remaster.Tales of AriseImage: Bandai NamcoThis is probably the biggest stretch of the bunch here, but c'mon, Tales of Arise is one of the most critically and commercially successful entries in the series. Bandai Namco would be silly not to put this on the Switch 2. Yeah, this one would probably skip the Switch.This is the most recent mainline Tales game released on consoles, and was lauded in particular for its battle mechanics. Linear Motion Battle System this is not. You can now run in full 3D without holding down any shoulder or trigger buttons. Healing spells now consume Cure Points, which are shared among the party. Swapping in and out characters during battle is easier than ever. And you have more options than previous Tales games. Oh, and everyone is fun to play as.Images: Bandai NamcoCombat isn't the only place Arise got an upgrade. The visuals are extremely polished, with a greater emphasis on environments. Skits now feature dynamic character models rather than animated portraits. It presents a clear break from past titles, but with one toe dipped in the series' history in a way that had a lot of long-time fans... debating.The game got some follow-up DLC in 2023, called Beyond the Dawn, but that was much less well-received. Still, if you bundle it in with the main game and rerelease it on Switch 2, people probably won't complain. Right?In reality, I'd love to see some of those Japan-only titles finally make their way to the West, like Innocence or Rebirth. But I think Bandai Namco will keep it safe to start with.Anyway, enough about what I think tell us what Tales game you'd like to see on Switch or Switch 2 next by voting in the poll below and leaving a comment.Which Tales game do you most want to see on Switch/Switch 2 next? (17 votes)Tales of Phantasia6%Tales of Destiny12%Tales of Eternia 0%Tales of Destiny 2 0%Tales of Rebirth 0%Tales of Legendia 0%Tales of the Abyss18%Tales of Innocence 0%Tales of Hearts 0%Tales of Xillia & Xillia 235%Tales of Zestiria 0%Tales of Berseria12%Tales of Arise12%One of the spin-offs6%Related GamesSee AlsoShare:00 Alana has been with Nintendo Life since 2022, and while RPGs are her first love, Nintendo is a close second. She enjoys nothing more than overthinking battle strategies, characters, and stories. She also wishes she was a Sega air pirate. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...Related ArticlesNintendo Reconfirms Release Windows For Major Upcoming Switch Games... and the Switch 2!Ex-PlayStation Boss On Switch 2's Name: Nintendo Created So Much "Brand Value""Why would you mess with that?""Nintendo Is Probably The Easiest To Scam" - Devs Discuss The Current State Of The eShopThe rise of "eSlop"Nintendo Talks About Future Switch Support Ahead Of Switch 2 Launch"We would like to continue releasing new titles"69 Games You Should Pick Up In Nintendo's 'Supercharge' eShop Sale (North America)Every game we scored 9/10 or higher

In BriefPosted:8:13 AM PST February 9, 2025Image Credits:Akio Kon / Bloomberg / Getty ImagesSony says PlayStation Plus members will get five-day extension after outageAfter the PlayStation Network experienced a global outage that lasted for nearly a day, Sony says it will compensate PlayStation Plus subscribers by giving them an extra five days of service.The outage seems to have lasted from Friday evening until Saturday evening in the United States, with many PlayStation owners reporting difficulty loading their digital games or connecting with friends online. Downdetector shows that outage reports peaked at around midday Saturday on the East Coast before falling throughout the afternoon and evening.The Ask PlayStation account on X posted at around 7pm that PSN has been restored, following up five hours later with a message that network services have fully recovered from an operational issue.We apologize for the inconvenience and thank the community for their patience, the account said. All PlayStation Plus members will automatically receive an additional 5 days of service.Topics

Super Bowl weekend is here with the Philadelphia Eagles set to take on the Kansas City Chiefs in New Orleans on Sunday evening. While many folks tune in to the Super Bowl for the actual football, others do so for the halftime performance, and some tune in just for the ads.The ad roster this year includes many of the names one comes to expect to see at the Super Bowl, from beer companies like Budweiser and Coors to savory snack companies like Doritos. Well also see some ads from a handful of startups.It might seem odd for a startup, especially one with limited cash flow and venture capital investors, to spend the millions required to grab an ad slot at the big game. But sometimes the marketing strategy can pay off.Bernard Schmitt, a professor at Columbia Business School focused on marketing, told TechCrunch ahead of last years Super Bowl that while the Super Bowl is a big audience to get in front of, its often too broad to be an effective approach for many companies. But he added that it does allow a startup to flaunt their prowess, which can help them stand out.It gives you bragging rights, Schmitt said at the time. Now I can say, Oh we had an ad on the Super Bowl. It changes the image. It sounds like you are a major player, a serious player.Here are the startups running ads during this years game:RampPhiladelphia Eagles star running back Saquon Barkley has not only become an investor in fintech startup Ramp, he is also the star of the companys first Super Bowl commercial. The 15-second ad which features Barkley buried in a mountain of expense reports was conceived, shot, and finished in seven days, Ramp co-founder and CEO Eric Glyman said.OpenAIOpenAI is set to debut its first television ad at this years Super Bowl, according to The Wall Street Journal, which cited insider sources. While the details on what this ad will look like are slim, this move isnt super surprising as the battle for AI dominance continues to heat up. OpenAI rival Anthropic ran a five-second ad last year that just said Claude is AI for all of us. Anthropic, but it chose to sit this years game out.Hims & HersTelehealth company Hims and Hers is running its first Super Bowl ad, and its getting a lot of attention. The 60-second ad, which criticizes the makers of approved weight-loss drugs, has been described as provocative. We should note that the company sells its own knock-off versions of some of the most popular prescription weight-loss drugs and is being investigated by the FDA for misleading patients.PoppiPrebiotic soda brand Poppi is airing its second Super Bowl commercial. Titled Soda Thoughts, this years ad explores the guilt people face when contemplating drinking a soda, according to Adweek. Creators Alix Earle, Jake Shane, and Rob Rausch from Love Island USA are the stars of the ad.Papaya GlobalPapaya Global, a global workforce payment platform that has raised more than $440 million in venture capital, will be back for its second Super Bowl. The startups first Super Bowl ad ran in 2024 and garnered 114 million views, tripling traffic to the companys website, according to a press release. This year, the companys ad focuses on how complex a global payroll can be.

Published February 9, 2025 10:00am EST close Hiding the apps on your Android can protect your privacy Kurt 'CyberGuy' Knutsson walks you through the process. If something is free, youre the product being sold. This is especially true for most online services we use. For example, Googles primary source of revenue is ads. They make money by collecting data about you and me and selling targeted advertising to companies, which then show us products relevant to our interests.You might have noticed that the moment you search for a product on Google, you start seeing ads for it on Facebook. The same applies to apps like Instagram, Threads and LinkedIn. In fact, research shows that the apps collecting the most data about you are also among the most widely used.Lets look at the top 20 of them and explore how you can take control of your personal information. A man scrolling through his apps on his phone (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)The most invasive apps youre probably usingApps collect all sorts of data about you, but lets get one thing straight. Not all data collection is bad. Some apps genuinely need access to certain information to function properly. For example, Uber stores your location data to help you find a ride faster, while WhatsApp requires access to your contacts so you can send messages.The real issue is data collection that serves no purpose other than showing you ads or selling your information to third parties. According to Marin Marini, head of IT Infrastructure atNsoft, the top 20 most invasive apps collect data that is not necessary for their core functions.WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?Leading the list is Meta with all four of its major apps. Facebook, Messenger, Instagram and Threads share 68% of collected data with third parties while also using it for targeted ads. LinkedIn follows, sharing around 37% of user data, with Amazon in third place, followed by YouTube.What makes this concerning is how deeply embedded these apps are in our daily lives, making it nearly impossible to find alternatives or avoid data collection altogether.The list also includes Elon Musks X at No. 5, followed by Uber Eats, PayPal, Uber, Google and Amazon Prime Video. TikTok, despite ongoing scrutiny over its data policies, ranks 14th. While many of these names were expected, one surprising entry is the mobile game Candy Crush, which uses 28% of collected data for ads. You can find the full list in the image below. The top 20 most invasive applications (Nsoft)Looking for alternatives is the only solutionAvoiding data collection is nearly impossible if you use the apps above. The only way to dodge these invasive apps is to switch to apps that respect your privacy. While it may seem impossible to replace some of the biggest platforms, there are alternatives that collect little to no unnecessary data.For messaging, Signal is one of the best options. Unlike WhatsApp, it does not store metadata or share information with third parties. If you need a search engine that does not track your activity,check out these options instead of Google.When it comes to social media, Mastodon and Bluesky offer decentralized alternatives to Twitter.For those looking to replace YouTube, PeerTube and Nebula are worth exploring.If you shop frequently on Amazon, consider smaller online retailers or direct brand websites that may be less likely to track your every move.Instead of Google Drive, considerthese solutions which offer cloud storage with strong encryption.Switching to these alternatives may require some effort, but it is the best way to limit how much of your personal data is being collected. Taking control of your privacy starts with making conscious choices about the apps you use.GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE Apps on the home screen of an Android phone (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)5 ways to reduce data sharingIf youre not able to delete the apps listed above, follow the simple steps below to minimize how much information is being collected and shared.1. Review app permissions:Most apps request access to data they do not actually need. Go to your phone settings and check app permissions on youriPhone andAndroid. Disable access to location, microphone, contacts and other sensitive data unless absolutely necessary.2. Turn off ad personalization:Many companies track your online activity to show targeted ads. You can limit this by disabling ad personalization inGoogle,Facebook, and other accounts. This reduces the amount of data collected about your interests and behavior.3. Limit social media tracking:Social media platforms track your activity even when you are not using them.Adjust privacy settings to restrict data collection.4. Avoid signing in with Google or Facebook:Many websites offer login options using Google or Facebook. While convenient, this shares even more data with these platforms. Instead, create separate accounts using email whenever possible.5. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) and private browsing mode:AVPN hides your IP address, helping to obscure your location and online activity, making it harder for websites to track you. Combined with private browsing or incognito mode, this reduces the amount of data companies can collect about your online activity. Using a VPN service can also enhance your privacy by encrypting your internet traffic, making it harder for hackers and third parties to intercept your data, especially on public Wi-Fi.While VPNs dont directly prevent phishing emails, they reduce the exposure of your browsing habits to trackers that may use this data maliciously. With a VPN, you can securely access your email accounts from anywhere, even in areas with restrictive internet policies.6. Regular app cleanup:Uninstall apps you no longer use to reduce passive data collection.App-specific suggestions to safeguard your digital footprintProtect your personal information across the popular platforms mentioned above with these essential privacy adjustments.Facebook/Instagram/Threads:Disable activity tracking by going toSettings > Privacy > Activity Tracking.Turn off"Apps, Websites and Games" to limit third-party data sharing.LinkedIn:Turn off ad targeting inSettings > Advertising preferences.Disableprofile viewing history.Amazon/Prime Video:Opt-out of personalized ads in your account settings.Limit sharing by disabling Alexa voice data storage (if applicable).YouTube/Google Products (e.g., Gmail, Google Maps):Disable ad personalization underGoogle Account > Data & Personalization > Ad Settings.Turn off location history and web/app activity tracking.Uber/Uber Eats:Use the app only when needed, and avoid storing payment methods if possible.Disable tracking after rides/deliveries are complete.PayPal:Restrict sharing underSettings > Privacy & Security by opting out of data sharing for marketing purposes.Snapchat:Disable location sharing via Snap Map and turn off ad personalization underAd Preferences.TikTok:Restrict personalized content recommendations inPrivacy > Personalization and Data.Avoid posting unnecessary personal information.Spotify:Adjust data sharing preferences inAccount Settings > Privacy Settings.Opt out of tailored ads.Roblox:Setstrict privacy controls in the account settings, especially for children.Use a separate,disposable email for account registration.Kurts key takeawayThe best way to reduce companies from collecting your data is to remove invasive apps from your phone. Many apps request unnecessary permissions that can track your activity, so deleting them limits exposure. Instead of downloading standalone apps, try using the browser versions of popular social media platforms, as they typically have fewer permissions.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPHowever, web tracking still exists through cookies and fingerprinting, so using aprivacy-focused browser like Brave, Firefox with enhanced tracking protection, or Safari with Intelligent Tracking Prevention (ITP) can further reduce data collection. However, some apps are so deeply integrated that replacing them is difficult. For example, if you use an Android phone, avoiding Googles ecosystem is nearly impossible. Apple, on the other hand, offers more privacy controls, giving users better options to limit data collection.Do you check app permissions before installing? How do you decide which permissions are acceptable?Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/ContactFor more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading toCyberguy.com/NewsletterAsk Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to coverFollow Kurt on his social channelsAnswers 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 new Shokz OpenFit 2 feature improved audio playback, a more comfortable design, and a slew of stylish colors.

After a two-year hiatus, Apple is set to release the new iPhone SE in a matter of days. Here's what we know so far.

Google Photos will now show you when images have been edited with Magic Editor's Reimagine tool.SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty ImagesGoogle is making it easier to tell when images have been modified with AI by adding invisible digital watermarks to pictures edited with its powerful Reimagine tool.February 9 update below: This article was originally posted on February 7Reimagine, launched with the Pixel 9 series as part of the Google Photos Magic Editor feature, lets you circle any region in an image and transform it into anything you like by typing a simple text prompt. These AI-generated edits are often creative and amusing but are potentially misleading, as it can become difficult to tell whats real and what is not.Google Photos: AI Generated Images Will Be WatermarkedNow, as revealed in a recent Google Photos blog post, images manipulated with Reimagine will receive an invisible embedded watermark using a Google DeepMind technology called SynthID that will alert others to the fact that AI-powered modifications are present. If a picture contains a SynthID watermark, youll be able to tell by checking its associated About this image information.This information should make it much easier to spot fake images on social media or sent via messaging apps if they were edited with Googles AI tools.Google Photos will now show you when the Magic Editor Reimagine feature has been used to transform ... [+] an image.PAUL MONCKTONFor example, images edited with Reimagine will display an AI info section in Google Photos stating Credit: Edited with Google AI, Digital source type: Edited using Generative AI. You can also view this information outside of Google Photos: If someone sends you a suspicious-looking photo, just use Circle to Search to examine the image and check for AI-generated elements as above.MORE FOR YOUSynthID watermarks can be read only by specific decoder software and arent visible to the naked eye. Because they form part of the image itself, theyre harder to remove than regular image tags, which anyone can easily strip out of image files, deliberately or accidentally when using software that doesnt preserve them.Google already uses SynthID to watermark pictures created with its Imagen image generation tool. However, it has now added the feature to pictures, AI-generated or not, that users have edited with Reimagine. Reimagine is currently available only on the Pixel 9 series and newer, but all devices can read the SynthID watermarks.Google Photos AI Watermarks An Imperfect SolutionSynthID watermarks are designed to be impervious to casual editing and manipulation and are hard to remove. However, repeated edits can cause them to degrade. Furthermore, Google notes that minor edits, such as changing the color of a small flower in the background of an image, may still slip through the cracks and avoid watermarking, as the changes may be too small for SynthID to detect.In addition to images, SynthID can also watermark audio, text and video. Software to encode and decode SynthID watermarks in text is already publicly available, but Google is keeping its image-based watermarking tools under wraps for now. This approach helps slow down those who might develop ways to circumvent the technology but also means that, without open scrutiny, we cant tell what other information Google might choose to embed in our images with invisible SynthID watermarks.February 9 update: SynthID must become more widely available if it is to be truly usefulGoogle Must Make SynthID Tools More Widely AvailableWhile Googles moves to add watermarks to its AI-generated tools are to be commended, SynthID for images is just one small weapon in the fight against deepfakes and AI-generated disinformation. One significant limiting factor is that, unlike text documents, only Google can detect Synth ID watermarks in images. This means that while Google Photos, Circle to Search and Google Lens will flag SynthID watermarked images, other software and services will not. Meta requires users to label certain realistic content that's made with AIPAUL MONCKTONIf you upload a Reimagined image to Instagram, for example, the app wont detect that your picture contains AI-generated components. Instagram prompts users to add an AI label to uploaded images where appropriate, noting that Meta requires such labeling to be used under certain circumstances. However, the decision to activate the label is still left up to the uploader.The same does not apply to other tools, such as Adobe Photoshop, which uses industry-standard tags that services like Instagram can read to label AI-generated content automatically. To ensure wider adoption, Google must make SynthID decoders available to third parties for both text and images.Casual users of Magic Editor are unlikely to care, or even know, about Googles watermarking. Still, those who set out to deliberately misinform will almost certainly be able to circumvent it. The many free and open-source tools available do not, and never will, compel users to embed tags or watermarks that identify their output as AI-generated.Follow @paul_monckton on Instagram.https://www.forbes.com/sites/paulmonckton/2025/02/05/google-adds-much-needed-new-google-photos-library-features/https://www.forbes.com/sites/paulmonckton/2025/01/31/samsung-galaxy-s25-series-omits-important-android-feature-report-claims/

Updated Feb. 9 with more details of whats coming and how things will work. When an iPhone user receives a message from an Android phone, it shows up as a green bubble (not the more highly prized blue bubbles that appear when the message is from another iPhone). When this greater compatibility began, some claimed that green bubbles were about to disappear. Thats far from the truth now and will continue for the foreseeable future while people still use Apple iMessage.Apple Messages to and from Android phones could become more advanced soon.NurPhoto via Getty ImagesThe arrival of this more sophisticated set of features is very welcome. Its coming about because of changes made last year. In June 2024, The GSMA Association responsible for RCS finalized the latest standard with features like the ability to delete a sent message, and Google Messages is readying support, reports 9to5Google.The publication worked out whats going on by decompiling the latest version of an application that Google uploaded to the Play Store. When we decompile these files (called APKs, in the case of Android apps), were able to see various lines of code within that hint at possible future features, it said. But there was also a disclaimer: Keep in mind that Google may or may not ever ship these features, and our interpretation of what they are may be imperfect.MORE FOR YOUWhat were waiting for is something from the GSMA called Universal Profile 2.7, which was described in July 2024 to have properties where: Compared to their previous version(s) they bring support for more engaging messaging experiences such as reactions to messages and the user editing a message that they sent earlier, according to the GSMA.These include the message sender to be able to Edit, Recall and Delete message that they sent earlier for themselves and the message recipient, 9to5Google says. Thats different from the current situation where deleting a message removes it from the senders device only.The reason this looks like its coming soon is that a beta version of Google Messages has strings of code that relate to that, offering options such as Delete for me or Delete for everyone.Its worth noting that for the feature to work, users need the latest version of Google Messages. Without the latest, Messages may still be seen by others on older app versions. For a while, its a good idea to bear this in mind to avoid embarrassment when someone on an older version can still see whatever it was you so urgently wanted to remove.And, of course, the Universal Profile needs to be adopted by both Apple and Google to work.There are other benefits in the profile, including official replies and reactions, including custom reactions to sent and received messages, so the separate apps no longer need to convert reactions manually. And threaded and inline replies should include the message being replied to. Additionally, there are also plans so users can undo a message for a brief period after it is sent. Finally, the profile promises native editing support across platforms. All of which are welcome improvements.Theres no date for these new features but the fact that Google Messages is working on them is a good start and may mean theyre coming soon.

What just happened? President Trump's recent implementation of a 10 percent tariff on Chinese imports has sent shockwaves through the e-commerce world, disrupting online shoppers, shipping providers, and e-commerce platforms. The change stems from the reversal of the de minimis rule, a regulation that allows U.S. consumers to receive foreign packages valued under $800 duty-free. After some immediate backlash, Trump reversed his decision temporarily until a proper system to collect tariffs on packages under $800 is put in place. This exemption had fueled the growth of cross-border e-commerce, particularly benefiting platforms selling low-cost items from China like Temu and Shein. Now, the sudden imposition of tariffs on previously exempt low-value packages has led to unexpected import fees for consumers and confusion among shipping providers.Social media has been flooded with complaints about these new costs. One TikTok user shared her frustration over a DHL notice demanding an extra $115.91 for package delivery, exclaiming, "I'm calling out all shopping girlies: We've been hit."Shipping providers have struggled to adapt to the new regulations. UPS initially applied fees to all Chinese imports as if they were valued at $800, regardless of their actual worth, and is now working on contingency plans. USPS is preparing to collect import duties on all inbound packages from China and Hong Kong, having briefly suspended and then reinstated parcels from these regions. Meanwhile, DHL has introduced additional charges on packages from China, contributing to consumer sticker shock.In response to the backlash, President Trump issued a new executive order temporarily reinstating the de minimis exemption. However, this revival is conditional, lasting only until adequate systems are in place to process and collect tariff revenue on packages under $800.The policy shift has also impacted major e-commerce platforms specializing in direct-from-China shopping. Temu and Shein now require Chinese merchants to pay an additional 30 percent levy on all retail goods sold through their platforms a cost that will likely be passed on to consumers, as merchants struggle to maintain their already thin profit margins. // Related StoriesAlthough the reversal of the de minimis rule was ostensibly aimed at curbing the flow of fentanyl and precursor chemicals into the United States, its consequences extend far beyond its intended purpose.The change has disrupted e-commerce firms that built their business models around low-value, duty-free shipments to U.S. shoppers. American consumers, accustomed to purchasing inexpensive items like $5 shirts, $10 lamps, and $20 shoes from Chinese platforms, may soon face higher prices.As the situation continues to evolve, online shopping from China is undergoing a dramatic shift. Consumers, shipping providers, and e-commerce platforms must now navigate an uncertain landscape. While the full impact on online shopping habits and the broader e-commerce industry remains to be seen, one thing is clear: the era of effortless, ultra-cheap imports from China may be coming to an end.

html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd" Table of ContentsTable of ContentsDifferent model numbers, same TVs?Better upscaler: Do you actually need one?Viewing 8K content: Now you knowNew TV FOMOOn todays episode of You Asked: Why do TVs at Costco and other stores have different model numbers than everyone else? Is it time to upgrade your OLED TV or do you just have FOMO? Should you spend more money on a disc player for superior upscaling? And does 8K content actually look better than 4K content?Digital TrendsJoshua and Jim both wrote to ask how Costco is selling a 98-inch TCL Q672G for about $1500, noting that the deal comes with Costcos extended warranty and a $100 gift card as a bonus, sweetening the deal. They wondered why the model number seems to be exclusive to Costco and whether the TV is the same as the Q651G, which sells for the same price at other retailers.First, why do we see retailer-exclusive models? Costco has a tremendous amount of buying power. Their business model is about moving large amounts of goods: They have both the money to buy a bunch of TVs and the ability to sell them all. This puts them in a great place to make special requests and offer TVs at lower prices than anyone else.RelatedThere are rules around minimum advertised pricing, or MAP as it is known in the retail industry. For example, TCL will mandate that a certain model of TV cannot be advertised lower than a certain price the MAP. This helps prevent price gouging and keeps the market relatively competitive among retailers.However, Costco can buy their way around those rules by telling a TV brand: Hey, were going to buy a massive number of TVs from you. Well guarantee this massive minimum order quantity for the year, meaning you are going to clean up. But part of the deal is that you slap model numbers on the TVs unique to us. That way we can sell them for whatever price we want, create unique bundles with them, and offer extended warranties on them in whatever way we desire. And we can also protect other retailers because the unique model numbers make them exempt from price-matching policies, which, by the way, is a two-way street we dont have to price-match someone else.There is a long list of advantages that come with having your own TV model numbers from any number of brands and thats exactly whats going on with the Q672G at Costco.Sometimes these custom models are more stripped down, but in this case the Costco-only model appears to be the same as the Q651G, aside from the fact that it is only available in 98 inches. However, its also true that retailer-exclusive models can sometimes have extras that the most comparable models dont.Regardless, it is important to look closely at the specs sheets when comparing models to see where differences may exist. In this case, the Q672G looks like a 98-inch only version of the Q651G with a few Costco perks tossed in for good measure. (And its a great deal.)LG G3 Zeke Jones / Digital TrendsChristian writes: I recently started collecting more 4K Blu-rays, Blu-rays, and DVDs, and now I am looking to get a dedicated player for them. One of the main features Im looking for: a good upscaler for my non-4K Blu-ray discs. Do I need a good upscaler if I am using a higher-end TV like the LG C3? The upscaling on the C3 seems good to me, so would it be worth buying a more expensive 4K Blu-ray player that has great upscaling capabilities vs. a cheaper one that still has a solid feature set (DV, Atmos, HDR 10+)?The upscaler in a higher-end TV like the LG C3 will be at least as good, if not better, than the upscaler built into a high-end disc player. Choose the disc player based on other criteria, like build quality, audio and video codec support, or other highly specific needs like advanced DACs for audio (potentially better than whats built into your receiver).Outside of professional-grade video devices, the upscaler in a TV is almost always going to be better than whats built into a consumer-level video device streaming box, game console, etc.Douglas Murray / Digital TrendsGrayson writes: Does 8K native content look better on an 8K TV than on a 4K TV? People often say that its impossible for human eyes to tell the difference, but people were also saying the same thing about 4K when it was new! If there is a difference, on what size TVs does it start to become noticeable? I know 8K is still years away Id just like an expert to weigh in.Resolution benefits of the higher pixel density of an 8K display are only really meaningful when, for example, sitting unusually close to a large display like a 55- or 65-inch TV. Practically speaking, though, 8K makes little difference in TVs under 85 inches. If you were sitting really close to a TV, like you might with a computer monitor, you might be able to see pixels from 4K, but not from 8K.However, resolution is only one of the many factors that contribute to image quality. The upscaling process is hard, even from 4K to 8K, so its sometimes possible for 4K content to look better on a similarly equipped 4K TV than an 8K model.Heres the thing: 8K content production has not been democratized in the same way as 4K. Many folks can make content on their phones that is technically 4K, but that doesnt make it high-quality.For now, recording 8K native content requires a pretty expensive camera. The folks who own those pricey devices also tend to be really good at making videos, from taking a lot of care when color grading to actively avoiding too much compression. Quality 8K content will often have a higher bit-depth, too, which means better color.In short, 8K native content like the kind available from Eugene Belskys or Jennifer Galas channels on YouTube, among others is super high quality for many reasons, with resolution being a relatively small part of it.On an 8K TV, native 8K content looks better than upscaled 4K content largely because its consistently very high quality. Also, upscaling even 4K to 8K is a resource-intensive job. Even though upscaling 4K to 8K is easier than upscaling 1080p to 4K, theres no getting around the fact that having information for every pixel is almost always going to be better than making up information for three out of four pixels.Now you know, and as GI Joe says, Knowing is half the battle.LG B2 OLED LGZane writes: I currently have a 65 LG B2 OLED with a 5.1.3 soundbar. When I purchased my TV, I had to order online the best OLED I could get/afford at the time (thankfully it was a good one). Seeing all of the praise for the latest OLEDs makes me want to get one. I currently love my TV and at times I find it blindingly bright and cant really fit anything larger. With that, I have three questions:Should I consider getting a newer TV already, or is it just FOMO?Is it a good idea to sell my TV and put that cash toward a new one?Ive never seen you review the LG B series TVs and I think theyre overlooked gems. Have you considered looking into them?First, my hope is to help folks understand when it makes sense to upgrade from an already awesome TV specifically an OLED TV, which tends to be fundamentally awesome. With that in mind, here are my answers:1. Are you just having FOMO, or upgrade-itus? Theres definitely some of that going on. However, if youre not disappointed with your TV on a daily basis, you probably dont need to upgrade. However, you may want to upgrade because you love this stuff: It brings you joy and it is exciting to dream about getting something awesome. Its all totally valid. Some folks like to upgrade their cars, some like to upgrade their kitchen appliances or cookware, some like to upgrade their speakers, and some like to upgrade their computer accessories. TVs are a hobby for some of us, and hobbies come with enthusiasm and upgrade-itus, and the constant pursuit of more excitement through new and improved gear. So, you may be having a bit of FOMO, but there is nothing wrong with that, unless of course, you are spending frivolously and avoiding other responsibilities thats when hobbies can go too far.2. Is it a good idea to sell your TV and put that cash toward a new one? I struggle to think of a scenario where it wouldnt be a good idea. Youre proposing selling something you no longer want to help offset the cost of something you do want. Unless you have a use for that TV elsewhere, sell it and use the proceeds to offset the upgrade cost. Otherwise, you just have a TV collecting dust, and that isnt worth much at all, is it?3. With regards to reviewing those overlooked gems, the LG B-series TVs I havent been able to make time for them in my review schedule, but I have often considered them. I think I am going to bring in the latest LG B-series OLED TV this year. One reason: Sansui is coming to the U.S. market with competitively priced OLED TVs and its important to see what you get for spending a bit more with LGs B series. In the past, the price difference between the C series and B series has not been significant enough to warrant special attention because the price of all of them was well into the premium tier. If you were going to spend that kind of money, you might as well get the only slightly more expensive, higher-performance model. However times have changed, and I think the B Series is going to be more attractive than ever. LG isnt pushing that model super hard, so they are more likely to display the more expensive, higher-margin C and G series in the coveted retail spaces they are afforded at places like Best Buy.Editors Recommendations