MacworldAll signs point to this being another big week for Apple. Thats unusual for February, generally a bleak and cold month for Cupertino watchers. Apple loves to launch in the spring, summer, and fall, but ever since Apple abandoned Macworld San Francisco, it generally hibernates during the winter months. Theres been precisely one February event in Apples history and that, inauspiciously, was the launch of the iPod Hi-Fi 19 Februaries ago.Of course, this weeks launch isnt an Apple event in the usual sense of hype and hyperbole, skits and specs, and bento grids showing off the new features. All we have to go on is a brief and cryptic tweet posted last week by Tim Cook: Get ready to meet the newest member of the family. Wednesday, February 19. #AppleLaunch Thats hashtag AppleLaunch, not hashtag AppleEvent as he tweeted last spring ahead of the Let Loose bash. Hashtag BigDifference.Rather than a weirdly early spring event, then, the newest member of Apples family will probably be announced via a press release and an update to the companys website. One of the companys lower-key launches, but still teased almost a week in advance. Its the same sort of canny compromisebuild anticipation, without raising expectations beyond what can be metthat we saw last year when Greg Joswiak advised us to Mac our calendars for a week of event-free announcement action. Is this a model for how Apple will launch more of its products in the future? Maybe.In any case, as with the week of Mac, the likely absence of a conventional press event should not be taken as an admission of insignificance. Were pretty sure, despite the AirTag-resembling artwork, that the family member in question is the latest iPhone SE (or 16e if one rumor proves to be correct), and as weve explained on numerous occasions, this is an important and valuable addition to the Cupertino ecosystemone that will change the iPhone lineup in major ways. In one sense it helps to close out a departing era, with the new handsets USB-C port likely to solve a big headache in the EU and marking the end of the Lightning port in the U.S. And in another, it helps to usher in a new one: Apple Intelligence on a sub-$500 phone would be something of a game-changer in driving the adoption of an AI platform thats playing a desperate game of catch-up and starting to limp.We dont know how much Apple will ask for the new SE. But if its anywhere close to the $429 previous model, we could be looking at a real bargain: a true budget phone we can recommend wholeheartedly. The 4th-gen SE is going to boast a killer set of specs, not because Apple is feeling generous, but because it needs the SE to support Apple Intelligence. So were looking at an A17 Pro chip and 8GB of RAM, minimum. On that level at least its going to be punching the same weight as an iPhone 15 Pro.Thats comparing the device to a phone that was state of the art as recently as late 2023. But compared to the 3rd-gen SE, which came out in early 2022 and was underwhelming even then, the SE 4 should be a massive step forward. Its screen will grow, lose the obstruction of a Home button, and see an upgrade from LCD (the last in Apples iPhone lineup) to OLED. The rear camera will get a lot more powerful (48MP is expected). The baseline storage is likely to jump from an inadequate 64GB to 128GB. We even think Apples long-awaited in-house 5G modem, bringing power and battery improvements, will make its debut on this phone, a solid six months before it lands on a flagship iPhone in the fall. For those whove been waiting three years for this update, it should represent an almost irresistible buy.For understandable reasons, Apple loves to talk about its top-end products. Theyre the ones its most proud of, and the ones most likely to win over Android or Windows waverers. A budget phone is never going to get the same red-carpet treatment as a flagship. But a substantive upgrade to the SE will affect far more people in far more profound ways than a redesign to the camera module on the iPhone 17 Pro. This is about raising the baseline offering and delivering a high standard of design and processing power to those who cant afford to pay silly money for a new smartphone every fall.Starting Wednesday, the clunky older iPhones still on the Apple Store will start to be phased out. Apple fans on a budget wont have to settle anymore; theyll be able to afford a phone with a relatively new design, top-notch components, and access to all the software features on the way in the next few years. This is huge. Event or no event, Im really excited.Unless, you know, it just turns out to be a new AirTag.FoundryWelcome to our weekly Apple Breakfast column, which includes all the Apple news you missed last week in a handy bite-sized roundup. We call it Apple Breakfast because we think it goes great with a Monday morning cup of coffee or tea, but its cool if you want to give it a read during lunch or dinner hours too.Trending: Top storiesCould it be that the era of the Apple event is over?Mahmoud Itani explains how a single Apple Watch alert changed his life.Apple Intelligences biggest problem isnt the Intelligenceits Apple.Apples magic robot lamp is coming to save us all, reports a cheerful Macalope.iCloud encryption explained: How secure is your data?Any case can protect your iPad. This one protects you when you die.You can get extra cash for your Mac trade-in until April 2.Podcast of the weekApples smallest products are actually some of the biggest in its lineup. The latest Macworld Podcast discusses the state of Apples AirPods lineup, the new Powerbeats Pro 2, and more.You can catch every episode of the Macworld Podcast onSpotify,Soundcloud, thePodcasts app, orour own site.Reviews cornerPowerbeats Pro 2 review: The best fitness earbuds groove to their own (heart) beat.Malwarebytes Free Antivirus review: Good at removing malware, but bugs dont help.Surfshark VPN review: A great option for families.Best antivirus for Mac 2025: Top security software compared.Best Mac cleaner software: Boost performance and disk space.The rumor millApples going to unveil the newest member of the family on February 19! (Our moneys on a new iPhone.)Talking of new iPhones Leak reveals iPhone 17 Pros bizarre redesigned camera module.2025 iPad Air: Everything you need to know about Apples next mid-range tablet.Apple research video offers a glimpse into its tabletop robot tech.Apple still chasing the AR glasses dream but fears another flop.Software updates, bugs, and problemsU.K. demands backdoor to Apples encrypted cloud storage, putting everyone at risk.iOS 18.3.1 released to fix extremely sophisticated security flaw.PSA: Apples latest updates turn on Apple Intelligence even if you had switched it off.U.S. iPhone users can no longer find the Gulf of Mexico on Apple Maps.And with that, were done for this weeks Apple Breakfast. If youd like to get regular roundups, sign up forour newsletters, including our new email from The Macalopean irreverent, humorous take on the latest news and rumors from a half-man, half-mythical Mac beast. You can also follow usonFacebook,Threads,Bluesky, orXfor discussion of breaking Apple news stories. See you next Monday, and stay Appley.

Metas Ray-Ban smart glasses have quietly achieved a milestone that its enterprise-focused competitors could only dream of selling over two million pairs since their debut in October 2023.EssilorLuxottica, the eyewear giant that manufactures glasses for Meta, has recently announced that two million pairs of Meta Ray-Bans have been sold since their October 2023 launch. The company also aims to produce 10 million Meta glasses annually by the end of 2026.In contrast, Microsofts HoloLens and Apples Vision Pro have struggled to gain traction despite their advanced mixed-reality capabilities.The answer may lie not just in features or branding but in the fundamental user interface itself Metas lightweight, audio-focused design seems to align more with enterprise needs than fully immersive mixed-reality headsets.The biggest barriers to AR headset adoption have been cost, efficiency, and battery life, all of which become more challenging with higher levels of immersivity, said Neil Shah, VP for research and partner at Counterpoint Research. Additionally, the lack of a standardized OS or UI has made enterprise integration more fragmented.Rather than pushing an entirely new wearable concept, Meta retrofitted VR capabilities into an existing accessory that people were already comfortable with, said Faisal Kawoosa, founder and lead analyst at Techarc. The partnership with Ray-Ban also played a key role in making these smart glasses more socially acceptable.Enterprise adoption: simplicity over immersion?While Microsofts HoloLens and Apples Vision Pro pushed the boundaries of augmented and virtual reality, their enterprise adoption remained limited due to cost, complexity, and user resistance. HoloLens found some traction in industrial training and fieldwork, and Vision Pro positioned itself as the future of spatial computing, but neither saw mass adoption.The failure of AR-heavy wearables such as HoloLens and Vision Pro highlights a fundamental mismatch with workplace needs, said Riya Agrawal, senior analyst at Everest Group. High costs, complexity of use, and extensive training requirements have slowed deployment. Furthermore, frontline workersespecially in field servicestypically need quick, hands-free AI assistance rather than distracting digital overlays.Metas smart glasses, in contrast, take a different approach. They offer an audio-centric interface with a discreet camera, enabling hands-free communication, real-time guidance, and live transcription without overwhelming users with AR overlays.This approach fits naturally into enterprise workflows where workers need digital assistance without obstructing their physical environment.Enterprise users ideally seek more immersion for use cases like design and development, but current AR/VR limitations make mainstream adoption difficult, Shah pointed out. While immersive headsets promise to overlay the digital world onto the physical, limited app integrations and power-hungry designs hinder their viability in real-world enterprise settings.In the enterprise space, VR applications tend to be highly specialized and customized to specific business needs, Kawoosa added. Unlike consumer VR, which benefits from broad applications, enterprises see AR as a layer within their existing tech stack rather than a standalone solution. This means generic, one-size-fits-all AR/VR products may struggle in the long run.Why do enterprise users prefer audio-centric wearables?Seamless integration into daily workflows has been a major reason for the success of Metas smart glasses. Unlike bulky AR headsets, they resemble traditional eyewear, making them more socially and professionally acceptable in meetings, fieldwork, and customer interactions. Open-ear speakers allow users to receive AI-powered insights, instructions, or language translations while staying engaged with their surroundings.In many enterprise use cases, HoloLens and Vision Pro offer more computational power than necessary, which only drives up costs without delivering proportional benefits, Agrawal said. Smart glasses or audio-driven interfaces solve this by being more cost-effective and practical, aligning better with enterprise workflows.The cost has been another decisive factor.Vision Pro and HoloLens come at steep prices Apples headset costs $3,499, and HoloLens 2 starts at around $3,500. Meanwhile, Metas Ray-Ban smart glasses start at a fraction of that price less than $380, making them more viable for enterprise deployment at scale. Lower costs encourage broader experimentation, allowing businesses to deploy smart glasses across departments rather than limiting them to niche applications.For field workers, hands-free assistance is critical. Remote guidance and real-time AI-driven instructions are invaluable in sectors like logistics, healthcare, and maintenance.For frontline agents, minimizing visual overload is key, Agrawal said. The lightweight design and better battery life of smart glasses make them truly wearable all day, unlike bulkier AR headsets that drain power quickly.Metas smart glasses enable professionals to stream video to remote experts without interrupting their workflow. In contrast, Vision Pro and HoloLens often require users to engage with floating screens or hand gestures, which may not be practical for workers who need to stay focused on manual tasks.Simple, AI-driven smart glassessuch as Metas Ray-Ban modelsoffer a hands-free and ear-free approach that feels natural, said Shah. Features like real-time guidance for warehouse workers, last-mile delivery directions, and field service assistance make them useful in enterprise settings without the complexity of AR overlays.Another key advantage is the ease of adoption. Employees are less likely to resist using audio-centric glasses compared to full-fledged AR headsets, which can feel intrusive or overwhelming.The appeal of smart glasses extends beyond costthey also offer faster adoption and return on investment, Agrawal pointed out. Compared to full AR headsets, they require minimal training, making enterprise-wide deployment easier and more scalable.Training time is minimal, as users can interact naturally through voice commands and AI-based responses, making enterprise adoption smoother.Audio-based interfaces make even more sense in enterprise settings, where they function like an AI-powered assistant essentially a machine colleague that can provide real-time guidance, transcriptions, and hands-free instructions, Kawoosa pointed out.The future: will more enterprises embrace smart audio glasses?With plans to scale up production to 10 million units annually by 2026, Metas strategy suggests that audio-first smart glasses could become a staple in enterprise environments.Meanwhile, reports indicate that Meta is working on a version with an integrated display, potentially bringing a hybrid approach that balances visual AR with the audio-first experience that has proven successful.While AR and VR can augment meaningful enterprise use cases, their economic and ergonomic limitations have slowed adoption, Counterpoints Shah said. Simpler AI-powered glasses are serving as an entry point, building familiarity before AR technology matures.As immersive AR headsets struggle to find their footing, the rapid success of Metas smart glasses may signal a shift in how enterprises perceive wearable technology. Instead of seeking full virtual immersion, businesses may prioritize frictionless, real-world interactions an area where audio-first smart glasses appear to have the upper hand. While enterprises currently prefer augmentation over full immersion, AI-driven advancements could accelerate VR adoption in the long term, Kawoosa said, adding, However, we are still in the early stages of that transition.

This is todays edition ofThe Download,our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of whats going on in the world of technology.Adventures in the genetic time machineAn ancient-DNA revolution is turning the high-speed equipment used to study the DNA of living things on to specimens from the past.The technology is being used to create genetic maps of saber-toothed cats, cave bears, and thousands of ancient humans, including Vikings, Polynesian navigators, and numerous Neanderthals. The total number of ancient humans studied is more than 10,000 and rising fast.The old genes have already revealed remarkable stories of human migrations around the globe.But researchers are hoping ancient DNA will be more than a telescope on the pastthey hope it will have concrete practical use in the present. Read the full story.Antonio RegaladoThis artist collaborates with AI and robotsMany artists worry about the encroachment of artificial intelligence on artistic creation. But Sougwen Chung, a nonbinary Canadian-Chinese artist, instead sees AI as an opportunity for artists to embrace uncertainty and challenge people to think about technology and creativity in unexpected ways.Chungs exhibitions are driven by technology; theyre also live and kinetic, with the artwork emerging in real time. Audiences watch as the artist works alongside or surrounded by one or more robots, human and machine drawing simultaneously. These works are at the frontier of what it means to make art in an age of fast-accelerating artificial intelligence and robotics. Heres what they have to say about their work, and AI in art generally.Stephen OrnesBoth of the subscriber-only stories above are from the next edition of our print magazine, which is all about relationships. Subscribe now to get a copy when it lands on February 26!The must-readsIve combed the internet to find you todays most fun/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology.1 US disease monitoring capabilities are disappearingDOGE just fired half of a critical disease detective team at the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. (CBS)+ A measles outbreak in Texas is spreading rapidly. (NBC)+ Louisiana said itll stop promoting mass vaccination programs, on the same day RFK Jr was sworn in as health secretary. (NYT $)+ Why childhood vaccines are a public health success story. (MIT Technology Review)2 Who is Elon Musk accountable to?When youre the worlds richest man, it seems the answer is: no one. (WSJ $)+ Musk is using X to spread misinformation about DOGEs targets. (WP $)+ A Musk-linked group offered $5 million for proof of voter fraud. It couldnt find any. (The Guardian)3 South Korea removed DeepSeek from app storesQuite a few countries have done this now, citing privacy concerns. (BBC)+ Baidu and OpenAI are responding to DeepSeek with new launches. (CNN)+ E-scooter brands are among many companies in China racing to integrate DeepSeek AI. (South China Morning Post $)+ Four Chinese AI startups to watch beyond DeepSeek. (MIT Technology Review)4 Inside the USs fragile nuclear renaissanceTech companies are betting that it can help meet AIs energy demands. But huge challenges lay ahead. (The Information $)+ Why Microsoft made a deal to help restart Three Mile Island. (MIT Technology Review)5 OpenAIs board rejected Elon Musks offer to buy it for $97.4 billionUnanimously. (WSJ $)+ Musk did it to try to chuck a grenade into OpenAIs process of transitioning from a research lab to a for-profit company. (Vox $)6 A new system can clone your voice from just five seconds of audioAnd the end result is scarily good. (The Register)+ Motor neuron diseases took their voices. AI is bringing them back. (MIT Technology Review)7 People who lost money on crypto are furious with Argentinas PresidentHes facing impeachment calls over allegations he promoted a classic pump and dump scam over the weekend. (CNN)8 How musicians are using AI toolsAI makes it easy to do traditionally tricky engineering tasks like isolating and extracting sounds. (The Next Web)+ A Disney director triedand failedto use an AI Hans Zimmer to create a soundtrack. (MIT Technology Review)9Meta is working on humanoid robotsIts hoping it can combine its experience in both hardware and AI to win in this increasingly crowded category. (Bloomberg $)+ Chinas EV giants are betting big on humanoid robots. (MIT Technology Review)10 How Diablo hackers uncovered a speedrunning scandalThis makes me wonder just how endemic cheating could be in the gaming community. (Ars Technica)Quote of the dayHe seems to have ghosted his own company.Investor Nell Minow, vice chair of ValueEdge Advisors, tells the Washington Post that Elon Musks inattention is starting to do real harm to Tesla.The big storyThree-parent baby technique could create babies at risk of severe diseaseMarch 2023When the first baby born using a controversial procedure that meant he had three genetic parents was born back in 2016, it made headlines. The baby boy inherited most of his DNA from his mother and father, but he also had a tiny amount from a third person.The idea was to avoid having the baby inherit a fatal illness, and it seemed to work. But new evidence now suggests this technique might not work as hoped, due to a phenomenon scientists call reversion. Read the full story.Jessica HamzelouWe can still have nice thingsA place for comfort, fun and distraction to brighten up your day. (Got any ideas? Drop me a line or skeet em at me.)+ Willing to bet your weekend wasnt as eventful as this guys was.+ Stop overthinking. Start satisficing.+ Well, thats one thing AI definitely cant do.+ If youve only got the time or energy for one stretch, make it this one.

Dockcase has combined its USB-C hub and SSD enclosure prowess to make a formidable all-in-one USB-C accessory.Dockcase 7-in-1 USB-C Hub with SSD Enclosure reviewSSD enclosures are useful for extra storage, and USB-C adapters let you connect to monitors and other acessories. This hub and enclosure combo shows how much you can get away with, allowing you to be connected to the storage and peripherals you'd need for work or recreation.As a company, the 7-in-1 is Dockcase's 14th successful Kickstarter after 8 years of making USB-C products. I've reviewed their USB-C hub and more recently their SSD enclosure, both of them standing out for their LCD screens that convey important technical information. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Following our previous visit toTwo Street Studio, we are moving ourMeet Your Next Employer seriesto Salt Lake City this week to explore the work ofFeldman Architecture.Founded by Jonathan Feldman in 2003, the architecture and interior studio describes its mission as to honor the spirit of each site and champion regenerative practices for a better future. Headquartered in San Francisco, the firm looking to quickly and meaningfully expand in the Intermountain West region.Over on Archinect Jobs, the firm iscurrently hiringfor a Senior Job Captain from the Intermountain West. For candidates interested in applying for a position or anybody interested in learning more about the firms output, we have rounded up five homes by Feldman Architecture that exemplify the firms ethos.The Phoenix. Image credit: Ema PeterThe Phoenix, Healdsburg, CASituated atop a ridge in Healdsburg, California, The Phoenix was designed to capture long views of the valley and Mount Saint Helena. Desi...

The latest edition of Architizer: The Worlds Best Architecture a stunning, hardbound book celebrating the most inspiring contemporary architecture from around the globe is now available. Order your copy today.The A-frame has long been associated with cabins and alpine retreats, its steeply pitched roof designed for shedding snow and maximizing loft space. While its iconic triangular form remains instantly recognizable, architects today are pushing its boundaries splitting, curving, multiplying and fragmenting the shape to create something new.Some reinterpret the A-frame by splitting its structure to create courtyards and unexpected openings, while others soften its rigid angles with curved walls or multiply its peaks into sculptural compositions. New material approaches, from prefabricated timber to cast aluminum tiles, further expand its possibilities. This collection shows how a familiar architectural form can be pushed in unexpected directions, adapting to new contexts while maintaining its distinctive character.Harudot By Nana Coffee RoastersBy IDIN Architects, Tambon Samet, ThailandJury Winner and Popular Choice Winner, Restaurants (L > 1000 sq ft), 12th Annual A+Awards Harudot Caf offers a fresh take on the A-frame, pulling apart its gabled forms to create a central courtyard where a bottle tree (baobab) rises through the architecture. This break-in structure reinforces the cafs theme of new beginnings, connecting built space with nature.Inside, rigid lines soften into fluid curves, with continuous ribbon-like seating guiding visitors through the space. Skylit voids and Barrisol ceilings diffuse light, reflecting the openings in the courtyard. Terrazzo floors feature floral inlays and playful embedded text, while outdoor seating incorporates coffee grounds, rice husks and leaves. Every element, from material choices to custom typography, transforms the caf into a layered, interactive experience.Bunkie on the HillBy Dubbeldam Architecture + Design, Muskoka District Municipality, CanadaPopular Choice Winner, Private House (S 1000 2000 sq ft), 12th Annual A+Awards The smallest in a collection of family cabins, Bunkie on the Hill reinterprets the A-frame with a split roof design, where two intersecting gables create openings for framed views and natural light. Positioned atop a steep slope, the compact retreat offers a quiet escape from the larger cottages below.The shifted roof volumes echo the layered shale rock of the region, while the geometry carves out distinct elevationsa glazed faade facing the lake and a more enclosed side opening to the forest. Inside, built-in nooks maximize space and natural materials like oak, maple and cedar contrast with the raw board-formed concrete base. Designed with passive insulation and FSC-rated wood, the cabin sits lightly on the landscape, adapting to its surroundings over time.KujdaneBy Shomali Design Studio, Gilan Province, IranPopular Choice Winner, Private House (S < 3000 sq ft), 10th Annual A+Awards Kujdane Cabin reinterprets the A-frame, splitting its iconic form with a vertical glass passage that introduces natural light and unexpected openness. Instead of sharp-angled corners, the structure adopts a softened, curved roofline, creating a distinct contrast with its traditional counterparts in the forests of northern Iran.Suspended above the ground on a horizontal concrete slab, the cabins floor-to-ceiling glazing frames uninterrupted views of the landscape. Inside, a compact duplex layout maximizes space, with an upper-level bedroom and study overlooking an open kitchen and living area. Wood and muted-grey tones define the interiors, reinforcing a sense of warmth and refuge. By deconstructing and reshaping the familiar, Kujdane offers a fresh take on the A-frame retreat.SANU 2nd HomeBy ADX inc, JapanJury Winner, Sustainable Hospitality Building, 12th Annual A+Awards Designed as part of the SANU 2nd Home subscription service, this cabin responds to the growing need for remote work and time in nature. Its A-frame structure takes on a distinctive honeycomb-inspired form, reinforcing the frame while evoking mountain peaks.Inside, curved cedar walls divide the space into distinct yet flowing zones, keeping the layout organized for work, rest and gatherings. Floor-to-ceiling windows open the cabin to its surroundings, while the natural scent of wood enhances the experience. Built for Japans humid climate, the elevated floor prevents moisture buildup and high-performance insulation and vacuum glass ensure comfort in all seasons. Computer-assisted design techniques made the precise curvature of the walls possible, shaping a retreat that balances function and immersion in nature.Futtsu Weekend HouseBy Atelier MEME, Chiba, Japan Futtsu Weekend House reinterprets the A-frame with a fragmented, asymmetrical roof that extends dramatically toward the ground. Instead of a single triangular volume, the structure divides its roof into four sweeping sections, creating deep overhangs that shelter the home while framing views of the surrounding sea and mountains.The contrast between the exposed timber rafters and the solid base emphasizes the weight and movement of the roof, making it an active part of the living experience. By breaking apart the traditional A-frame, the house achieves a sense of openness while still maintaining the protective, tent-like quality that defines the typology.Double AsBy Ion Eremciuc Architects, Romania This dual A-frame retreat reworks the traditional form, linking two angular volumes through a central shared space. The connection creates both privacy and openness, allowing residents to experience the landscape from multiple perspectives. Dark, sharply pitched roofs contrast with floor-to-ceiling glass, framing expansive views of Brans forested surroundings.Inside, the layout balances communal gathering areas with quiet, secluded bedrooms. High ceilings and panoramic windows define the living spaces, while private terraces with hot baths extend relaxation outdoors. Marble finishes and soft, neutral tones bring warmth to the interiors, reinforcing a refined yet grounded atmosphere.Sayama Forest ChapelBy Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP, Tokorozawa, JapanPopular Choice Winner, Religious Buildings & Memorials, 4th Annual A+Awards This unique chapel transforms the A-frame into a sculptural composition of interlocking gables. The structure rises like a forest canopy, with walls that lean inward to avoid tree branches, creating a meditative enclosure. Unlike a traditional A-frame, which forms a singular pitched volume, this chapel multiplies and angles its forms, resulting in a rhythmic, faceted structure that channels light and air.The sharply peaked entrances recall the familiar triangular profile but are reworked into a fluid, organic arrangement that feels both ancient and contemporary. Through this reimagined geometry, the chapel retains the essence of an A-frame while dissolving its rigid symmetry, embracing the surrounding landscape with an almost ethereal presence.The latest edition of Architizer: The Worlds Best Architecture a stunning, hardbound book celebrating the most inspiring contemporary architecture from around the globe is now available. Order your copy today.The post Atypical A-Frames: 7 Projects That Push the Limits of a Classic Form appeared first on Journal.

Falcoms latest title in The Legend of Heroes series is now available for PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and PC. As a sequel to last years Trails through Daybreak, the story again follows Van Arkride in the Calvard Republic. Though things start out relaxing enough, especially after the first games conclusion, a serial killer case quickly stirs things up.Characters like Agns Claudel, Feri Al-Fayed, and Elaine Auclaire return, while Swin Abel and Nadia Rayne from Trails into Reverie join the cast. Unlike its predecessor, players will follow two branching paths with separate party members, tackling different problems. New mechanics like hacking and tailing suspects also come into play.Theres also a new side activity, the Mrchen Garten, where you can choose your own party and venture through various floors, earning rewards along the way. Check out our review for more details on all the ups (and downs).Falcom hasnt announced when The Legend of Heroes: Kai no Kiseki Farewell, O Zemuria,the next chapter, will launch in the West, but stay tuned for more updates. Its out now in Japan for PS4 and PS5.

While Nintendos recent patents might have created some cause for concern, especially for fans of Pocketpairs take on the monster collecting genre in Palworld, the patents dont seem to be squarely aimed at taking Pocketpair down. According to Japanese patent attorney Kiyoshi Kurihara through Yahoo Japan, the purpose for these patents is altogether different.According to Kurihara, patent applications like Nintendos recent ones are quite routine in the corporate world. Kurihara notes that companies tend to submit broad and narrow patent claims, with the expectations that the broader ones will get rejected anyway. The narrow patents submitted tend to have better chances of being approved.Kurihara is referring to the fact that, out of the 23 patents Nintendo was trying to register, only one was approved. These patents revolved around a player being able to ride in-game characters, such as mounts, to traverse the world. This mechanic, while present in the Pokemon games, is also seen in quite a few other titles, including heavy-hitters like MMORPG World of Warcraft.Incidentally, Nintendo also recently got a patent for gameplay mechanics that would involve a player capturing characters in a game by using various items on them. The patent also described different modes a player could enter, with one of these modes giving the player detailed information about their target.The patent can be used to describe the Pokmon Legends series, which features Pokmon Legends: Arceus and the upcoming Pokmon Legends: Z-A. What this means for Nintendos legal battles against Pocketpair remains to be seen.

Replit partners with Anthropic's Claude and Google Cloud to enable non-programmers to build enterprise software, as Zillow and others deploy AI-generated applications at scale, signaling a shift in who can create valuable business software.Read More

India's 88 Games, the game development arm of 88 Pictures, announced its debut title Kapih, which is based on Indian folklore.Read More