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Microsoft wants to avoid another disastrous CrowdStrike PR abomination and here's how it wants to do it - Thursday, June 26, 2025 - 12:00
  • Microsoft and partners have a new Windows resilience strategy for enterprises
  • WRI shifts antivirus tools outside kernel for better reliability and recovery
  • CrowdStrike and Bitdefender praise Microsoft’s new approach to security collaboration

Microsoft wants to avoid a repeat of the backlash that followed the 2024 CrowdStrike-related outage, and it’s launching a new framework to do so.

With its new Windows Resiliency Initiative (WRI), the tech giant is looking to harden the Windows platform against potential disruption.

Announced at Ignite, WRI is Microsoft’s strategy to build resilience into the core of how Windows operates - across updates, third-party integrations, and endpoint security.

Resilience isn’t optional

At the heart of WRI are three focus areas: ecosystem collaboration, practical guidance, and product innovation.

Microsoft brought together security vendors and government officials at the Windows Endpoint Security Ecosystem Summit in 2024 to begin that work. Since then, the company has been working closely with its Microsoft Virus Initiative (MVI) partners to improve how Windows handles security software and operating system updates.

Microsoft said the goal is to reduce disruption while maintaining high security standards. "Resilience isn’t optional - it’s a strategic imperative," David Weston, head of Enterprise and OS Security at Microsoft, said in a new blog post.

Security vendors are not just watching from the sidelines. Florin Virlan, SVP of Product and Engineering at Bitdefender Customer Solutions Group, said, “Bitdefender is pleased to collaborate with Microsoft to redefine how security is delivered to Windows users. Through the Windows Resiliency Initiative and development of the Windows endpoint security platform, our teams have worked together to modernize the security architecture - creating a resilient, forward-looking foundation that enhances protection against evolving threats while maintaining a seamless user experience.”

Alex Ionescu, Chief Technology Innovation Officer at CrowdStrike, added, “We spoke at WESES last year to emphasize the importance of our industry coming together and, since then, have seen significant customer interest in the progress toward greater platform resiliency. Through this collaboration, we’ve driven substantial improvements to the planned capabilities for the Windows endpoint security platform, paving the way for a more integrated high-performing security solution.”

Part of the update is structural: Microsoft is shifting antivirus and endpoint protection tools out of the Windows kernel and into user mode. This change should make it easier to recover from issues and limit their scope.

Microsoft aims to release these capabilities to partners in a private preview soon.

Beyond security vendors, Microsoft is also updating Windows 11 to include new recovery tools and reliability features.

A simplified crash screen, faster reboot processes, and a new tool called Quick Machine Recovery will begin rolling out with Windows 11 24H2.

Bandwidth-saving tools like Connected Cache and secure, flexible printing through Universal Print are also being refined to keep businesses running with fewer interruptions.

Windows 365 Reserve, a new offering, will also allow users to shift quickly to a Cloud PC when their main device is out of commission.

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The Elder Scrolls 6 - everything we know so far - Thursday, June 26, 2025 - 12:03
What's next for Xbox?

(Image credit: Activision)

Given that Xbox players received South of Midnight earlier this year, we're now looking ahead to the rest of 2025 to see what's in store. First will be the release of Borderlands 4, followed by Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. Beyond that, there's Gears of War: E-Day, and then a 2026 release window for Fable.

The Elder Scrolls 6's release date is still a mystery in 2025, given that we've not received a substantial update on the highly-anticipated fantasy RPG in over seven years. Given the pedigree of its predecessor, however, it's easy to see why The Elder Scrolls 6 is at the absolute top of many gamer's wishlists, even after all these years of relative silence.

What we can tell you for certain is that The Elder Scrolls 6 is indeed in development, and that it will be the next release for Bethesda Game Studios, now that Starfield is well and truly in the rearview mirror. Even so, it's clear that the game is quite a ways out, especially following comments from Xbox head Phil Spencer last year. A shame, given it's easily one of the most highly anticipated upcoming games out there.

Here's what we know about The Elder Scrolls 6 so far, including a look at platforms we can expect it to launch on. Hopefully, we will hear more about the game by the end of 2025. When details do emerge, this page will be updated.

The Elder Scrolls 6: cut to the chase
  • What is it? The long-awaited successor to Skyrim
  • When does it come out? TBC
  • What can I play it on? TBC - but evidence points to it being only on PC and Xbox Series X|S
The Elder Scrolls 6 platforms prediction

(Image credit: Bethesda)

Platforms for The Elder Scrolls 6 haven't been confirmed yet but, given Microsoft's acquisition of Bethesda's parent company ZeniMax Media in 2021, releases on PC, and Xbox Series X|S are almost a certainty. A PS5 release was previously ruled out, according to documents revealed as part of the FTC vs Microsoft court case. Similarly, releases on Xbox One seems extremely unlikely, as Starfield shows Bethesda's moving on from last-gen hardware.

One thing to consider here is that since we last heard about The Elder Scrolls 6's Xbox exclusivity, Microsoft has started taking a very different approach to its releases. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, for example, launched on PS5 a few months after its launch on Xbox. Similarly, we've now seen Sea of Thieves arrive on PS5, so it's possible that The Elder Scrolls 6 will follow a similar pattern. We'll have to wait and see.

Will The Elder Scrolls 6 release on Xbox Game Pass?

(Image credit: Bethesda)

The Elder Scrolls 6 will be available on Xbox Game Pass on day one. This means that subscribers will be able to pick up the game at no extra cost the same day it releases for everyone else.

The Elder Scrolls 6 trailer

The only footage we have of The Elder Scrolls 6 is a very short clip of the game's logo. Other than that, you might be waiting a while to see more. Here's the announcement trailer:

Elder Scrolls 6 setting prediction

(Image credit: Bethesda)

We’re willing to bet that like all the other games in the series, The Elder Scrolls 6 will take place on the continent of Tamriel. Previous games have taken us to High Rock, Hammerfell, Morrowind, Cyrodil, and Skyrim. Valenwood, Elsweyr, and Black Marsh are the biggest places left to explore. However, even though these areas are prime spots for exploration, that's not to say that Bethesda won't return to areas from previous games.

There were rumors that The Elder Scrolls 6 could be set in Valenwood, the home of the Bosmer. It’s an area of Tamriel that Bethesda hasn’t explored much and that's based on a reported internal Bethesda memo from all the way back in 2014. In this memo, Bethesda employees were reportedly warned against using the terms Fallout: Nuka World, Elder Scrolls VI or Project Greenheart.

It's hard to tell from the short E3 clip we have of the game. However, since it was shown, general opinion has moved towards the idea that The Elder Scrolls 6 will be set in either Hammerfell or High Rock.

Adding credence to the Hammerfell rumor is a post from the official Elder Scrolls Twitter account at the end of 2020. That says "transcribe the past and map the future" and shows an image with an unmapped Hammerfell region. There is, however, a chance that this teaser doesn't relate to Elder Scrolls 6 at all.

Obviously, those of us who know the world of Tamriel thanks to Morrowind, Oblivion, Skyrim and yes, even Elder Scrolls Online, the entire world is a veritable expanse of different lands and settings where the game could be set. We do know one thing for certain; wherever it does end up being set, we can expect to be fulfilling a great many side quests.

The Elder Scrolls 6 news

(Image credit: Bethesda)

Oblivion Remastered is now available on Xbox, PC and PS5
Well, it wasn't exactly the best kept secret, but The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered has now dropped for players to dig into. It was a secret release that happened April 22, 2025, and you can play the game on Game Pass. Read our Oblivion Remastered review for our full thoughts.

New release window rumors
According to a court document revealed from the FTC v. Microsoft case, The Elder Scrolls 6 is expected to be released sometime during or after 2026, and is seemingly planned to be released solely on PC and Xbox (via The Verge).

The Elder Scrolls 6 is still in early development
In an interview with Spanish publication Vandal (as translated by Gamespot), Pete Hines revealed that The Elder Scrolls 6 is still likely a long way off.

"It's in development, but it's in early development."

Fallout 5 is coming after The Elder Scrolls 6
In an interview with IGN, Todd Howard confirmed that Fallout 5 will be Bethesda's next project after The Elder Scrolls 6.

"Yes, Elder Scrolls 6 is in pre-production and, you know, we’re going to be doing Fallout 5 after that, so our slate’s pretty full going forward for a while" Howard told the publication. "We have some other projects that we look at from time to time as well."

Bethesda wants to take its time to get it right
The Elder Scrolls 6 is probably still a few years away yet but that’s not because Bethesda is deliberately dragging its heels. In an interview with IGN, when discussing the gap between Skyrim and its follow up, Howard said “Would you plan to have the kind of gap we're having between Skyrim and the follow-up? I can't say that's a good thing. Do I wish I could wave a wand and the game we wanted to make [...] just came out? Absolutely.”

According to Howard, however, the time felt right for Bethesda to try something new with Starfield and The Elder Scrolls Online meant that the Elder Scrolls franchise was in a relatively good place.

“That being said,” he added, “everything takes longer than we would like as well, but we want to make sure that we get it right. Hopefully Elder Scrolls 6, you don’t want to say hey, that it’s worth that kind of wait, but that it does stand up to the series as it has been in a really big, impactful way for when it comes out.”

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Full Galaxy Buds Core specs revealed, and Samsung’s finally fixed our main issue with the Buds FE - Thursday, June 26, 2025 - 12:05
  • Samsung Galaxy Buds Core are now live on Samsung's UAE site
  • The Buds Core boast increased stamina over the Buds FE with ANC off
  • A (reduced) list price of 159AED would make them just $43 / £32 / AU$66

It's been a turbulent but exciting few weeks for Samsung's incoming Galaxy Buds Core – aka the Galaxy Buds 2 FE (which is effectively what they'll be).

On June 12 we reported their sighting in an APK teardown alongside the still-unofficial Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE, then three days ago they were spotted by name in a tweet by Samsung India alongside a June 27 launch date (and even an Amazon listing).

And now, a day earlier than promised (for today is June 26), we've got actual published specs and images, this time from Samsung's UAE site.

The first thing to note is their listed regular 189AED price tag, which would make them around $51.50, £37.50 or AU$79, but they're currently showing a reduced price of just 159AED on Samsung's site.

Either way, that is a lot cheaper than the $99 / £99 / AU$149 asking fee of the inaugural Buds FE at launch, in September 2023 – and more than enough to see them fit for inclusion in our best budget earbuds roundup.

(Image credit: Samsung)Samsung Buds Core: what we now know (aside from affordability)

In our review of the Galaxy Buds FE, we noted their "respectable battery life… right in the middle of what's expected of ANC-based earbuds these days". That said, I found they only lasted around 4.5 hours with ANC deployed before needing a charge (and I'm not alone there, the good people over at SoundGuys listed a Buds FE battery test of just four hours and 39 minutes). Also, demands in 2025 are quite different.

We also noted a lack of wireless charging support in the Buds FE, and while that doesn't seem to have been added in the Buds Core, Samsung claims you do now get up to 35 hours of total battery time in the Buds Core without ANC deployed, up from 30 hours in the Buds FE. With ANC on, it's a 21-hour claim.

Elsewhere, they're available in black or white with Samsung's silicone wingtips to achieve a decent fit. You also get three mics per bud – so far, so same-as-the-FE. But this is where things change…

(Image credit: Samsung)

Now, thanks to support for Galaxy Interpreter (which is part of Galaxy AI), you should be able to hear translations on the spot – ie without needing to look at the screen of your Galaxy smartphone while wearing the Buds Core. You simply wear the earbuds and converse: Galaxy AI provides translations in real-time.

You also get Samsung's scalable codec, for better-quality audio within Samsung's ecosystem, plus multi-point seamless connectivity between your Samsung devices.

And for the quoted asking fee, that seems more than reasonable. It's also the 27th tomorrow, so we'll be keeping our eyes peeled for more official Buds Core pricing from Samsung. Watch this space!

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Fallout 5 - everything we know so far - Thursday, June 26, 2025 - 12:09

While Fallout 5 has yet to be officially revealed, we do know that it is being worked on in some respect, and that it'll follow Bethesda's next RPG: The Elder Scrolls 6. Unfortunately, this means it is likely many years off from coming out.

Ranking among the best RPGs of recent memory, Fallout 3 and Fallout 4 offered complex and deeply affecting stories. Reinforced by generous environmental storytelling, these games have been some of the most immersive sci-fi offerings to ever grace PCs and consoles. Now, they've even been adapted into a TV show, which has been a hit with critics and fans alike.

Though information on a potential sequel is scarce, there are scattered morsels of information here and there which we've collated for your reading pleasure. Read on to learn everything we know about Fallout 5.

Fallout 5: cut to the chase
  • What is it? The next installment of the Fallout franchise
  • When can I play it? TBC
  • Which console will it be on? Possibly not PlayStation
Fallout 5 setting predictions - where could it be set?

(Image credit: Bethesda)

If you've ever played a Fallout game, you'll know the series revels in its nuclear-ravaged American setting. Fallout games have all been set in a US state, so it would stand to reason this aspect wouldn't change. Fallout 3, for example, was set in Washington while Fallout 4 took place in Boston.

In fact, Todd Howard recently commented on Fallout's American setting in an interview with Kinda Funny. In it, he explains that the series' main themes are inherently tied to America:

"My view is part of the Fallout schtick is on the Americana naivete. And so, you know, it's okay to acknowledge some of those other areas but our plan is to predominantly keep it in the US"

For those looking for a different experience, however, modders have been hard at work crafting their own takes on other locations in the Fallout universe. You don't have to look far to see fans discussing and fantasizing about where Fallout 5 will take place.

It is possible that a new Fallout game could be set in New Orleans given that a trademark application for 'Fallout New Orleans' was spotted online way back in 2016.

We've already visited swampy areas in Fallout, but a game set entirely around the deep South would certainly be an interesting take, especially given New Orleans' distinctive urban environments.

Fallout 5 news

(Image credit: Bethesda)

Oblivion Remastered is now available on Xbox, PC and PS5
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Todd Howard isn't putting a date on Fallout 5 anytime soon
In an interview with IGN, Todd Howard revealed that he is avoiding putting even a rough date on Fallout 5. He confirmed that the team is currently working on Elder Scrolls 6, but added that this 'doesn't mean that we're not making plans for other things.'

Fallout TV show is "almost like Fallout 5"
Speaking to Total Film (via Gamesradar), Fallout TV director Jonathan Nolan described the series as "almost like Fallout 5".

Fallout 5 is coming after The Elder Scrolls 6
In an interview with IGN, Todd Howard confirmed that Fallout 5 will be Bethesda's next major project after The Elder Scrolls 6.

"Yes, Elder Scrolls 6 is in pre-production and, you know, we’re going to be doing Fallout 5 after that, so our slate’s pretty full going forward for a while" Howard told the publication. "We have some other projects that we look at from time to time as well."

Work has begun...sort of
Work has started on Fallout 5 but don’t hold your breath for seeing it any time soon. Speaking to IGN in November 2021, regarding the impending release of The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim Anniversary Edition, Bethesda studio director Todd Howard revealed that a “one-pager” design document was already in place for Fallout 5, being a very early blueprint for what the studio has planned for the game.

Being a “one-pager”, the design document is a high-level outline and there is, therefore, little to share. With Starfield and The Elder Scrolls 6 both up first, it’ll be a while before we hear more about Fallout 5.

As for whether or not Obsidian—the studio which handled development duties on the Xbox 360-era Fallout: New Vegas—could have some involvement, Howard said "We've worked with other people from time to time. I can't say what's gonna happen...If I could wave my hand and have [Fallout 5] out...you know, I'd like to find a way to accelerate what we do, but I can't really say today or commit to anything... other than [the fact that] our cadence is Starfield then Elder Scrolls 6".

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Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater - everything we know so far - Thursday, June 26, 2025 - 12:18

The Metal Gear Solid 3 remake will reintroduce a landmark stealth game series in 4K glory, with all the shine and gleam that comes from a modern remake. Now we've had time to let the announcement trailer marinade a bit, and gawk over the recent gameplay showcase, there are even more reasons to get excited about revisiting one of the most esteemed Metal Gear Solid games ever made.

Over twenty years after the release of the original, we expect the remake to recreate a similar experience while boasting more modernized mechanics and visuals. Titled Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, and also being referred to as just 'Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater', the information we have regarding the title right now is fairly substantial, making it one of the most anticipated upcoming games. Thanks to a hands-on event at Gamescom last year, we actually got the chance to play the game. Check out our thoughts in our Metal Gear Solid 3 remake preview.

Now that the release date has been fully revealed, we know a fair bit about the game. Here’s everything we know about Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater.

Metal Gear Solid 3 Remake - Cut to the chase 
  • What is it? A remaster of the esteemed Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
  • When does it come out? August 28, 2025
  • What can I play it on? PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
  • Who is making it? Konami
Metal Gear Solid 3 remake release date and platforms

(Image credit: Konami)

Metal Gear Solid 3 Remake will launch August 28, 2025. This was revealed during a recent State of Play event.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater will come to PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Whether or not it’ll be available on day one on Xbox Game Pass is also yet to be announced - though news of this could come around, or after, a concrete release date is confirmed.

Unfortunately, the game isn’t going to receive any last-gen ports, so if you’re still rocking older hardware, it might be worth looking to upgrade your setup prior to release if the game is a must-play for you. With how highly praised the original game was, there's a strong chance that once the remake arrives it could fall among not only the best Xbox Series X games, but the best PS5 games too.

Metal Gear Solid 3 remake trailers

(Image credit: Konami)

The latest Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater trailer gives an overview of the new online mode. It's called Fox Hunt, and pits players against each other in a deadly game of hide and seek:

A trailer for Metal Gear Solid 3 Remake dropped alongside the full release date:

Konami dropped a dazzling in-engine look at the game as part of the Xbox Showcase event that aired on June 9, 2024. In it, we see plenty of gameplay, including our first look at The Boss. Check it out below:

Before that, there was our first proper look at gameplay. This trailer not only gave us a splendid look at how the game runs and moves, but also showed us some updated shots of iconic parts and areas of the game, from the ruins where Snake finds Sokolov, to the mountaintop trenches, to the swamps with large reptile friends, the rope bridge that houses the climax of the Virtuous mission, and what looks like the location of the boss battle with The Pain. It really does look incredible and looks to be brilliantly brought to life in the Unreal Engine 5.

In these short clips, however, we also get a brief look at gameplay with Snake taking cover behind trees to investigate patrolling guards and also eyeing one up to shoot in first-person view. Check it out in all its 4K glory below.

Before the above video, we only had one Metal Gear Solid 3 remake trailer in the form of the announcement - and it doesn’t give any information away regarding in-game content. Instead, it takes us through an animated rendition of the jungle landscape players of the original Metal Gear Solid 3 may recognize.

After following a colony of ants, followed by a bird in flight, and then a large snake and crocodile, we get our first glimpse at Snake. The end of the trailer announces the name Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, but we don’t receive anything about platforms or a release date.

What we can glean from the trailer though are a bunch of call-backs, nods, and 'easter eggs' which are great fun for existing fans to identify - even if we don't see any in-game action or mechanics. Some specifically good nods are being able to make out the silhouette of the Shagohod in the clouds at the beginning, the parrot almost certainly being The End's companion bird, and the poison dart frog giving a nod to The Fear.

Also, as well as the trailer, the official screenshots that have been released make for great viewing too: and importantly seem to indicate that environments and spaces won't be drastically changed, and will get the beautifying treatment while retaining their original layout, style, and features.

Metal Gear Solid 3 remake story and setting

(Image credit: Konami)

Since Metal Gear Solid 3 remake is revisiting the original MGS3 game, there are plenty of conclusions we can draw based on what we already know. The majority of the setting of Metal Gear Solid 3 is in a jungle in Russia, during the Cold War, which is echoed through the brief pan we receive in the announcement trailer.

The story has been confirmed to remain the same as the original game, so if you’ve already played the 2004 version, you’ll probably know what to expect. But, if you’re among the players who are yet to experience what Metal Gear Solid 3 has to offer, and you’d rather now wait for the remake rather than play the original, then the story is still worth brushing up on so you’ll be able to experience the high-stakes action without having to learn too much on the spot.

MGS3 serves as a prequel to the rest of the saga, and because of this, it lays out the origins of Big Boss, a major character within the series, and walks you through the infiltration of Soviet territory to prevent the construction of a weapon of mass destruction. It becomes your job as 'Naked Snake' to carry out missions (as part of the larger mission at hand) translated through radio messages, boss fights, stealthy espionage action, and to avoid blowing your cover to do what's right.

In addition to setting up the series, MGS3 is the first game (despite being a prequel) to stray from the traditional formula of Metal Gear Solid games in terms of its technology, relying more on using the wilderness to your advantage rather than leaning on and defending yourself against high tech. Even though you can use it to your advantage, the wilderness and its ferocious inhabitants are also ready to blow Snake’s cover, so you need to stay alert at all times.

Metal Gear Solid 3 remake gameplay

(Image credit: Konami)

As mentioned above, the latest in-engine look at the Metal Gear 3 remake also showed off some glimpses of familiar gameplay. We see Snake taking aim in first-person view from long grass, carefully wading through marshes past reptilian beasts, taking cover behind trees and ruins, and also a clear look at the way Snake moves while crouched, walking, climbing, and leaning. We also see a short clip of Snake taking down a guard from behind - the motions are familiar but much more fluid and seamless when compared to the original.

Away from what we've seen in that trailer, however, and similarly to the story, we expect the Metal Gear Solid 3 remake gameplay to stick pretty closely to the source material. While the general premise of stealth and combat-heavy interactions is expected to continue, we do expect the newest iteration of the game to feel more polished in comparison to its 2004 counterpart.

That said, there could be several mechanics that have been fine-tuned or adapted to make the experience more streamlined and up-to-date. As confirmed in a Tweet posted on the official Metal Gear Solid page, MGS Delta: Snake Eater, is intended to be a ‘faithful recreation of the original story and game design, while evolving the gameplay with stunning visuals and a seamless user experience.’ Perhaps the game will get similar treatment to the Resident Evil remakes of recent years, with a full overhaul of the camera and mechanics to bring the game into the modern day.

The content of the original game was praised for being before its time, so we are keen to see how exactly these are adapted for a more beneficial user experience. Mechanics such as healing were pretty challenging throughout the original and included a lot of in-menu work, but whether or not this will be among the elements being evolved is currently unknown. If there's an aim to make this, in particular, more fluid, then this would be music to the ears of a lot of existing fans, as well as a new audience.

While there’s still a lot to uncover about how exactly the remake will build upon the foundations set by the original, we aren’t going in entirely blind. A new showcase diving into the game's mechanics reveals two ways to play. A legacy mode will allow players to keep classic controls, and a camera view that more closely resembles the original experience. The modern mode offers an over the shoulder third-person shooter feel, matching more modern shooters.

Metal Gear Solid 3 remake news

(Image credit: Konami)

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is getting a new online mode
Revealed during the Konami Press Start livestream on June 12, the publisher describes Fox Hunt as a "completely original online battle mode" that will play differently from 2008's Metal Gear Online.

Fox Hunt, which is being directed by series veteran Yu Sahara, takes place in the same world as the main game and will offer "hide and seek" mechanics, mixed with stealth and survival elements.

Konami provides new deep-dive into the latest trailer
Thanks to a new Metal Gear Production Hotline video, you can get some additional info, and a breakdown of the latest trailer. You'll see some details on the game's legacy mode, as well as some reveals on how the team has approached voice acting.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater will feature all the original voices As confirmed in a Tweet, all the original voices from the 2004 Metal Gear Solid 3 will be used in the remake. Rather than inviting voice actors back to re-record lines, the audio will be taken from the original game, which will feed into the honest recreation the remake promises to deliver.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater announced as part of Sony’s State of Play Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, a remake of the 2004 Metal Gear Solid 3, was announced as part of Sony’s State of Play on May 24, 2023. Although the trailer showcased no in-game content or information regarding the storyline or a release date, it has been confirmed a remake is in the works.

Metal Gear Solid 3 remake Hideo Kojima involvement

When the official announcement of the Metal Gear Solid 3 remake came, one of the major things that fans were wondering was whether or not Hideo Kojima himself would be involved. Even though the famous game creator is no longer at Konami and has his own game development studio, the intrigue was still strong as to whether he may consult with the remake or give advice in some capacity - it is one of his games after all, and one of the best he has made.

However, as IGN reported after speaking to Konami about the remake earlier this summer. IGN asked about whether Kojima or Yoji Shinkawa - another crucial cog in the Metal Gear Solid series - would be involved. A Konami spokesperson responded plainly by saying that: "They are not involved."

So there we have it, clear as day, Hideo Kojima is not involved with the Metal Gear Solid 3 remake.

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Dying Light's upcoming Retouched update won't be coming to the Nintendo Switch, as Techland confirms there are 'no plans' for a Switch 2 port - Thursday, June 26, 2025 - 12:36
  • The Dying Light: Retouched update won't be coming to Nintendo Switch, Techland confirms
  • There are also "no plans" to bring Dying Light to Nintendo Switch 2
  • The free visual and audio enhancement update will be available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox

Techland has confirmed that its Dying Light: Retouched update won't be coming to the Nintendo Switch and that there are no plans for a Switch 2 port.

This week, the studio finally shared the details of the update after first announcing its plans during Dying Light's 10th year anniversary earlier this year.

The free upgrade, which arrives today on June 26, will offer new enhancements for both visuals and audio. Texture quality of surroundings and resolution have been improved, along with lighting, and PBR (physics-based rendering).

Techland is also introducing a new 8K Ultra shadow quality and has improved the lighting options of surfaces, and the original composer Paweł Blaszczak has come back to remaster the soundtrack with new tracks and ambient sounds.

"One of the best things about working with your own engine is that the people building it are just next door," Techland said on its blog. "Over the past couple of years, we've added a lot, customised a lot, and learned how to squeeze more from the tech we already have. One day, someone just started applying those learnings to some old assets - and it just clicked that we could do that across the whole game."

At the time, Techland said that the Dying Light: Retouched update will be available to Dying Light owners on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S, however, there was no mention of a Nintendo Switch release.

Now, in an email statement to IGN, the developer has confirmed that the free update won't be available for the console.

"The Dying Light: Retouched Update is not coming to Nintendo Switch," Techland said.

Unfortunately, it also looks like a Switch 2 won't be happening either, making the original Dying Light game only playable on the console via backward compatibility.

"When it comes to a Switch 2 port of the original Dying Light: We have no plans at this moment," Techland said. "We're currently fully focused on delivering Dying Light: The Beast on August 22, 2025, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. We have no news to share about Nintendo Switch 2 at this time."

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Apple CarPlay Ultra stalls as these 5 car giants have reportedly decided to U-turn - Thursday, June 26, 2025 - 12:36
  • Aston Martin recently debuted the CarPlay Ultra experience
  • Apple-based system takes over all digital displays in a car
  • Report suggests some automakers have changed their minds

Although Aston Martin was the first major automotive manufacturer to introduce Apple CarPlay Ultra into a production vehicle, the Californian tech giant announced that a whole host of big name punters were lined up to take on the tech in the near future.

The original list of names, which was revealed by Apple in 2022 after CarPlay Ultra was previewed at its WWDC event, included Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Renault, Polestar and Volvo Cars, Ford, Nissan and many more. But a recent report by The Financial Times suggests that the numbers are dwindling.

According to The FT, the Hyundai Motor Group, which includes Kia, Hyundai and luxury brand Genesis, remains committed to introducing CarPlay Ultra, while Porsche has long been working with the tech company’s developer toolkit to improve the CarPlay experience. Ultra will likely appear on its next new model.

However, the report goes on to state that the technology is "facing resistance" from the automotive industry, with German luxury brands Mercedes-Benz and Audi, as well as Volvo, Polestar and Renault, all now saying they have no plans to introduce CarPlay Ultra.

The reasons for the U-turn are unclear, but some of the industry insiders quoted in the FT’s report claim that Apple’s takeover of the entire infotainment system is a step too far, with one Renault employed warning Apple to not “invade our systems”.

The invasion said employee speaks of is in reference to the fact Apple CarPlay Ultra differs to the regular CarPlay experience in so much as the tech giant goes one step further and introduces its OS into the digital driver display.

In essence, the vehicle’s digital real estate becomes an extension of your iPad, Mac or iPhone.

Analysis: software is the new battleground

(Image credit: Aston Martin)

The widespread introduction of battery packs and electric motors has effectively leveled the automotive playing field, with performance no longer such an important differentiator between value and premium products.

Throw into the mix the fact that emerging Chinese brands have been able to offer an impressive suite of the latest technology at the fraction of the cost of many western rivals and it has resulted in a tumultuous time for the auto industry as a whole.

Now, brand value and perceived quality, particularly where luxury marques are concerned, is more important than ever, which could go some way to explain the hesitance for some automakers to hand everything over to Apple.

Despite Aston Martin doing its very best to ensure its digital clocks and instruments retain its heritage and identity when CarPlay Ultra is used, there’s no escaping the fact it still feels very Apple… all the way down to the fonts and color schemes employed.

While some automakers feel that it is pointless trying to compete with tech companies on the software side, others believe that developing a solid digital offering from the inside is important to future success.

As the battle for differentiation between car brands hots up and the digital offering becomes an increasingly important revenue stream, we could see more companies push for software development in house, rather than relying on Apple to do the hard work.

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Doctor Who is my #1 Disney+ recommendation – here's why it's my TV show of choice across all of time and space - Thursday, June 26, 2025 - 13:00

Disney+ may boast an embarrassment of riches when it comes to blockbuster sci-fi TV shows – it's the home of Marvel and Star Wars after all – but when it comes to engrossing, epic action across space and time that the whole family can enjoy, British show Doctor Who ranks as one of the best Disney+ shows.

For global fans (outside the UK), the new re-envisioned, renumbered era of Doctor Who is available in its entirety starting from the 60th Anniversary Specials up to season 2. It’s a phase of the show that both delivers everything existing fans are looking for, and acts as a great place to start for those who’ve never seen a sonic screwdriver.

Starting way back in 1963, Doctor Who has been a TV staple in Blighty ever since. The show did take a hiatus from 1989-2005, however, even that period saw a few non-canon charity telethon specials featuring the likes of Rowan Atkinson and Hugh Grant as The Doctor and a canon TV movie starring Paul McGann.

As mentioned, the series returned in the mid-00s with Queer as Folk creator and Doctor Who mega-fan Russell T. Davies at the helm. While still canon with what had come before, Davies rebooted the show for a whole new generation with Christopher Ecclestone delivering a new, modern take on The Doctor and then-pop star Billie Piper playing street smart Rose Tyler, his companion in the TARDIS.

The new version of the show somewhat did away with decades of complex lore, giving new viewers a fresh jumping on point. What followed was two decades and counting of adventures for the Timelord, with David Tennant, Matt Smith, Peter Capaldi, Jodie Whittaker and, erm, David Tennant again, taking on the lead role before current incarnation Ncuti Gatwa arrived. There were also a few new incarnations plucked from The Doctor’s timeline with John Hurt and Jo Martin playing ‘forgotten’ iterations from the character’s past (or present, or future, it gets a little… 'timey wimey').

Notable companions have included the likes of Catherine Tate, Jenna Coleman, Matt Lucas and even Guardian’s of the Galaxy’s Karen Gillan, with Sherlock creator Steven Moffat running the show after Davies and Broadchurch writer Chris Chibnal succeeding him, before the return of RTD… and that’s where Disney come in.

A Disney Doctor

(Image credit: BBC)

Following the departure of both Jodie Whittaker and Chris Chibnall, Doctor Who undertook a regeneration of its own, moving production studios, bringing back Russell T. Davies to oversee proceedings and entering in to a deal with Disney that would see the House of Mouse inject some of that Hollywood money in exchange for being the exclusive international streaming home for the show.

The episodes that followed were the sort of big-budget, bonkers adventures fans could only dream of back in the day, with outstanding production values and mind-blowing CGI. It helped, of course, that the scripts were also great fun, with Davies and guest writers pulling from the past but also looking forward, with the sort of heavy, but never clumsy, social commentary you’d expect from the man behind Years & Years and It’s a Sin.

David Tennant excelled in his brief return to the role for the 60th Anniversary, giving a take on the character that was familiar, but distinctly different and darker than his previous incarnation, and when Ncuti Gatwa literally burst onto the screen in the anniversary trilogy's finale, he instantly owned a role he’s only got better in. Gatwa’s take is fresh, inventive, incensed, vulnerable and just a little camp, with outfits that absolutely slay.

The future of Doctor Who and Disney+

The original deal struck with Disney has, for the main show, come to an end. It seems unlikely to be extended – the BBC are activley trying to find a new international partner for the show – however, the episodes that have dropped so far should live on the service for a while. But it’s not goodbye just yet, with spin-off The War Between the Land and the Sea due to hit Disney+ towards the end of 2025.

For those interested in seeing more of modern Doctor Who, the first 13 seasons can be streamed on another one of the best streaming services, HBO Max in the US, but Disney+ is where you want to park your TARDIS to catch some of the best episodes Doctor Who has produced in over 60 years.

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New bill could see DeepSeek and Chinese AI models banned in government departments - Thursday, June 26, 2025 - 13:00
  • A new bill is coming in which might see AI models from 'adversarial nations' banned
  • Models such as DeepSeek will be prohibited
  • Many private firms have already banned the model

Artificial intelligence models built in China, Iran, Russia, or the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea could soon be banned from use in government agencies thanks to the newly introduced ‘No Adversarial AI Act’.

Lawmakers introduced this bill in both the House and Senate by Michigan Rep. John Moolenaar, a Republican and Chair of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and Democrat Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois, a ranking member on the committee, CyberNews reports.

“We are in a new Cold War—and AI is the strategic technology at the center. The CCP doesn’t innovate—it steals, scales, and subverts," argues Moolenaar.

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DeepSeek rivals

The Chinese DeepSeek model rose to popularity quickly as a rival to existing western AI models - costing a fraction of the cost to make, and achieving impressively similar results.

However, DeepSeek, as with all AI models, comes with privacy concerns, and lawmakers argue that this puts data at risk, especially if those users enter information relevant to work within government organizations.

“From IP theft and chip smuggling to embedding AI in surveillance and military platforms, the Chinese Communist Party is racing to weaponize this technology. We must draw a clear line: US government systems cannot be powered by tools built to serve authoritarian interests,” said Moolenaar.

If this new bill passes, all government agencies will join the list of private companies and government departments which have also banned DeepSeek, such as Microsoft, the US Department of Commerce, and the US Navy.

The new bill will require the US Federal Acquisition Security Council to create and maintain a publicly available list of AI models developed in the listed “adversarial nations” - and government agencies would not be able to use or purchase any of these models without an exemption from the US Congress - most likely in the cases of research or testing.

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Intel set to transfer marketing jobs to an AI which could ironically be running on Intel processors - Thursday, June 26, 2025 - 13:31
  • Intel will outsource marketing roles to Accenture and artificial intelligence
  • Company CEO Lip-Bu Tan pushes structural cuts to speed up operations
  • Marketing staff may help train replacements as layoffs are planned

Intel has begun informing its marketing staff that many of their roles will be outsourced to Accenture, which will use artificial intelligence to manage parts of Intel’s marketing efforts, potentially powered by Intel’s own processors.

This move is part of CEO Lip-Bu Tan’s broader plan to overhaul operations, cut costs, and speed up decision-making.

Intel revealed its plans with a statement describing Accenture as “a longtime partner and trusted leader,” and said it is expanding that relationship, with affected employees notified by July 11.

Significant changes to team structures

“The transition of our marketing and operations functions will result in significant changes to team structures, including potential headcount reductions, with only lean teams remaining,” Intel wrote in a staff notice. The company did not reveal how many employees could be affected by the cuts.

Intel added, “We are focused on modernizing our digital capabilities to serve our customers better and strengthen our brand.”

Intel describes the shift to Accenture as a way to streamline marketing work.

“We need to change our ‘go to market’ model to be more responsive to what customers want,” the company reportedly told its marketing team. “We have received feedback that our decision-making is too slow, our programs are too complex, and our competitors are moving faster.”

Intel is struggling to regain ground after losing market share in PCs, data centers, and AI chips. Its sales have dropped by about one-third in recent years.

“We are partnering with Accenture to leverage AI-driven technologies with the goals of moving faster, simplifying processes and reflecting best practices, while also managing our spending,” Intel told employees, adding that some staff may be asked to train their replacements during the handoff period.

A few days previously, manufacturing employees were warned that up to 20% of their jobs could be cut in July 2025.

Via Oregon Live

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Finally! These AI smart glasses are giving me a feature I’ve been desperate for the Meta Ray-Bans to get since launch - Thursday, June 26, 2025 - 14:00
  • Xiaomi announced AI smart glasses
  • They share a lot of similarities with Meta's Ray-Bans, even priced similarly
  • Xiaomi's specs have some unique features, like electrochromic dimming

Chinese tech brand Xiaomi isn’t about to let Android XR, Meta, and others race ahead of it in the smart glasses world as it just announced its AI glasses – and while they’re awfully similiar to Meta’s specs, they offer a few upgrades including one I’ve been begging Meta to add since launch.

Word of warning, however, while they’re set to cost about as much as Meta’s specs, many of us reading this won’t be snagging a pair, as right now it looks like they’ll be exclusive to Xiaomi’s home turf: China.

At a glance, they look very similar to the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses I use regularly. They offer a stylish frame in a handful of color options that’s thicker than normal but still fairly sleek.

They boast similar hardware, such as a 12MP camera which can apparently capture 2K video at 30FPS, built-in microphones for capturing what you’re saying, and open ear speakers for audio playback.

(Image credit: Xiaomi)

You can also use the glasses hands-free, getting its AI assistant to snap photos for you or answer your queries – and again, just like Meta’s specs, these Xiaomi glasses capture an image to use as context for your questions like “identify this flower.”

But right away, there are some key differences.

At the end of one arm, you can find a USB-C port allowing you to charge the AI glasses while wearing them – Meta’s specs only charge in their case.

They offer a bigger battery too, with Xiaomi promising “8.6 hours” or around eight hours, 36 minutes of use between charges.

You can also use the glasses for paying vendors if they offer the ability to pay via scanning a QR code. It might not be something you see often, but it’s a very common payment method in China.

Crucially, however, these glasses offer electrochromic dimming. This is the feature I think is coolest.

Enjoying the shades

(Image credit: Xiaomi)

For smart glasses to be a success, they need to be something you can wear all the time.

Imagine if your phone only worked in certain weather.

Tech-wise, you can use smart glasses in all the same conditions, but the lenses you have will decide how practical that is.

Clear lenses are perfect for cloudier days, while shaded lenses are a lot more suitable for bright sunny conditions, but a non-starter for darker weather or indoor use.

Since swapping my Meta Ray-Bans, which were always shaded, for a pair with transition lenses, I use them much more frequently because I can rely on them in a broader range of weather conditions.

Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses have a lot of lens options (Image credit: Meta)

Electrochromic dimming offers this same practicality, but instead of being determined by the weather, Xiaomi’s smart glasses can be darkened or brightened manually by sliding your finger along their arm.

In many ways, it’s about as useful as transition lenses, but for me, electrochromic dimming wins because you have more personal control over the shading, allowing you to alter your vision at will.

Though it is a close race, especially because the features look to cost about the same.

While the base Xiaomi glasses cost 1999¥ – similar to the $299 / £299 / AU$449 you’d pay for the base Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses – they don’t have electrochromic dimming. The cheapest pair with the feature are 2699¥, which is around the same price as the $379 / £379 / AU$539 transition lens equipped Meta Ray-Bans.

So for now I’ll be sticking with my transition lens smart glasses, but I’ll be watching this space as color changing lens tech becomes such an essential feature, it needs to be included with even the base model – though for now both key options are inescapably pricey.

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