Apple appears to be expanding its pool of partner companies supplying data for Apple Maps, as it has now released an app especially for firms to contribute updated information.


Just as it did with the Apple Vision Pro Demo Fit app — releasing it in the App Store but practically hiding it, Apple now has another new app. This one is called Surveyor, and while it is available in the US App Store, it does not appear to be intended for public use.

Rather than the GPS tracking, multiple cameras and LiDAR scanning that Apple's fleet of Apple Maps cars use, Surveyor is intended to capture images of street signs. While members of the public can already send certain updates to Apple Maps, this appears to be more about getting the company extensive information without its own cars having to repeat routes.


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If you own an Echo smart speaker, it will soon lose a key privacy feature — and be replaced with cloud processing of all voice commands.


Users of Amazon's Echo smart speaker will soon receive an email from the company detailing changes to the device's voice request processing. Beginning March 28, everything users say to Echo's Alexa engine will be sent to Amazon.

The move will disable local processing of voice requests in favor of a new Alexa+ feature called Amazon Voice ID, notes Ars Technica.


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Welcome to another episode of the 30th best computer podcast on the planet!  (you'll see)
We've got the CPU review, GPU rumors and facts, and enough malware stories to choke Microsoft, TP-Link…

💾

Apple's latest M4 MacBook Air is just as repairable as the previous two iterations, as a teardown of the device shows no major changes from the M2 model.


The new MacBook Air, with an M4 system-on-chip, was announced on March 5, 2025. Though the laptop features an upgraded 12MP front camera with center stage support and is available in a new Sky Blue color option, it's practically identical to the M3 MacBook Air. The new-and-improved MacBook Air is even available in the same 13-inch and 15-inch sizes as its predecessor.

As was noted by iFixit in a teardown of the M4 MacBook Air, the device uses the same chassis as the M2 MacBook Air, which was introduced in 2022. This means that the entire disassembly process remains unchanged, with the laptop's USB-C ports being just as easily replaceable as they were before.


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One of Apple's top executives has called the delay of the new, more personalized Siri "ugly and embarrassing" and vows to "ship the world's greatest virtual assistant" at some point.


Apple has been facing significant challenges in deploying one of its most highly advertised Apple Intelligence features: an enhanced, personalized Siri.

The company had heavily promoted it at both WWDC and the September iPhone event. And it still airs most of the commercials that reference it.


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A new rumor claims that Apple will overhaul its naming of the entire iPhone 17 range and see the highest-end model renamed the iPhone 17 Ultra.


There have been rumors of an iPhone Ultra for years, with it sometimes being a new model and sometimes a renamed Pro Max edition. This new claim, however, says that Apple will do this in particular to make a greater and perhaps clearer separation between iPhone models.

"It seems that the existing lineup will be differentiated by changing the naming to Ultra, which is more different from the existing Pro and Max," claims leaker Yeux1122 (in translation). "Essentially, Apple is trying to make new changes by making major design changes to existing iPhones + iOS19 changes in terms of marketing and sales."


Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible


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Tryx has expanded the Panorama AIO liquid cooler series by introducing the Panorama SE, a new model designed to bring its signature AMOLED curved screen experience to a broader audience. Building upon the success of the original Panorama, the Panorama SE leverages the newly developed Asetek Adela cooling system, promising reliable and consistent performance, all while maintaining a more accessible price point.

The Panorama SE aims to make the premium Panorama experience more accessible. It features a 6.5-inch 2K, 60Hz AMOLED display, which allows PC enthusiasts on a tighter budget to enjoy the 3D visual capabilities that have become synonymous with the Tryx brand.

A key feature of the Panorama SE is its fully customisable display orientation. The rotating display module can be adjusted for horizontal or vertical mounting, ensuring that users can fully appreciate the AMOLED display regardless of their PC's orientation. This flexibility enhances the visual appeal of any system, allowing for seamless integration into diverse setups.

Installation is streamlined with pre-installed Rota fans, simplifying the mounting process. Furthermore, the Panorama SE incorporates the next generation of Asetek's water cooling technology, featuring the Adela pump. This pump is optimised for demanding CPU workloads, such as rendering, content creation, AI tasks, and gaming, providing a dynamic thermal power capacity ranging from 280W to 300W.

Another of the Panorama SE's most compelling aspects is its independent computer. Equipped with a 4-core CPU, 2 GB of RAM, and 8 GB of ROM, the cooler handles video playback directly from its onboard PCB. This offloads processing tasks from the main CPU, freeing up resources for gaming and other demanding applications. The new Panorama SE is now available at OverclockersUK in black and white in 240-mm (£229.99) and 360-mm (£249.99) formats.

KitGuru says: To further reduce the cost, do you think Tryx should launch a Panorama AIO liquid cooler without a built-in system?

The post Tryx launches new Panorama SE AIO liquid coolers first appeared on KitGuru.

Silicon Power has launched its new Endura series of SSDs, a comprehensive lineup designed to cater to diverse storage needs. The series comprises four models: the E55, E60, ED90, and ES75. All models are built using 3D TLC NAND technology, offering a balanced combination of performance and reliability.

The E55 targets mainstream users and system integrators seeking affordable and reliable storage. It uses a SATA III 6Gb/s interface and is available in capacities ranging from 512GB to 2TB. With read and write speeds of up to 500 MB/s and 450 MB/s, respectively, the E55 provides a significant performance boost over traditional hard drives, offering a solid storage solution.

For users seeking to go beyond the limitations of SATA, the E60 offers a PCIe Gen 3×4 interface, delivering faster data transfer rates in up to 2 TB drives. This SSD balances performance and longevity, boasting read and write speeds of up to 2,200 MB/s and 1,600 MB/s. NVMe 1.3 compatibility and LDPC and ECC support make the E60 suited for multitasking, casual gaming, and demanding applications.

The ED90 is designed for both personal and professional users requiring high-performance storage. It features PCIe 4.0 and NVMe 1.4 compatibility and is available in capacities up to 4 TB. The ED90 is designed to handle creative workloads, data archiving, and storage-intensive tasks. Read and write speeds reach up to 5,000 MB/s and 4,800 MB/s, respectively. LDPC and RAID support enhance data integrity and reliability.

At the pinnacle of the Endura series, the ES75 delivers exceptional speed and endurance for professionals. Leveraging PCIe 4.0, it achieves read and write speeds of up to 7,000 MB/s and 6,500 MB/s, respectively. This makes the ES75 ideal for multimedia creators, hardcore gamers, and anyone requiring high-speed, professional-grade storage. NVMe 2.0 compatibility and LDPC and RAID support ensure outstanding durability and dependability.

KitGuru says: Interested in any of Silicon Power's new Endura SSDs?

The post Silicon Power rolls out Endura SSD with TLC NAND flash memory first appeared on KitGuru.

As Ubisoft struggles to improve its share price, the company has been quietly evaluating all options behind the scenes, from selling off IP to a potential full company buyout. According to the latest reports, the current idea being floated behind the scenes is a spin-off move that will see Ubisoft split up into a new holding group. 

According to sources speaking with Bloomberg, Ubisoft is considering forming a new entity, one that would serve as the new home for major Ubisoft IP like Assassin's Creed. Ubisoft has apparently contacted suitors to bid for a minority stake in the new company, including Tencent, which already has a sizable stake in Ubisoft.

According to the report, Ubisoft is looking to have a selection of bids to look through by the end of the month. However, no final decisions have been made at this stage, so plans could change or be scrapped entirely. We also recently learned that Ubisoft has held discussions with companies like Microsoft and EA regarding potential IP acquisitions.

Ubisoft is likely waiting to see how Assassin's Creed Shadows performs at launch before making any final decisions on its future.

KitGuru Says: It seems that at this stage, unless Assassin's Creed Shadows is able to break revenue records, there are going to be major changes at Ubisoft this year and those changes will likely involve more job losses, project cancellations and studio closures. 

The post Ubisoft bosses mulling over company split and spin-off first appeared on KitGuru.

Antec has expanded its Flux series by releasing the new Flux SE ATX mid-tower, a chassis prioritising silent operation alongside Flux's renowned high-airflow design.

Building upon the success of the Flux and Flux Pro models, the Flux SE is based on Antec's F-Lux Platform, a structural design engineered for optimal airflow. This platform features strategically placed air intakes at the bottom, PSU shroud, and lower sides, complemented by top vents and a large-area mesh front panel to create a dedicated airflow channel.

 

The Flux SE has four P12 120-mm PWM fans, three of which are pre-installed in the front, and one is a reverse blade fan positioned atop the PSU shroud to direct airflow towards the GPU (there's space for another one). Additionally, a P14 140-mm PWM fan at the rear expels hot air to complete the airflow cycle. There's also space for up to 3x 120-mm fans or 2x 140-mm fans on the top. Radiator support is also decent, with space for 360/420 models on the front, 360/280 on the top, and 120/140 on the rear. Moreover, you can mount GPUs up to 408 mm long, CPU towers up to 180 mm long, and PSUs up to 235 mm long.

Aesthetically, the Flux SE distinguishes itself with a front panel that combines metal mesh and walnut wood, giving it a look that allows it to integrate into modern home environments. Furthermore, both side panels are lined with sound-dampening foam, significantly reducing noise levels and enhancing the overall user experience. The Antec Flux SE is available now and costs around €115/£99.

KitGuru says: If you were to get an Antec Flux case, which one would you go for?

The post Antec unveils silent Flux SE chassis first appeared on KitGuru.

The Kioxia Exceria Plus G4 features Phison’s new E31 controller, designed for PCI-Express 5.0 with a focus on power efficiency. This allows for fan-free operation without compromising performance. Pricing is also competitive, it's the most affordable Gen 5 SSD on the market right now.

Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 has already made a strong case for itself as one of the best games of 2025, but the team at Warhorse Studios is far from finished with the game. This week, a massive patch for the game began rolling out across all platforms, bringing the first free DLC, over 1000 fixes and improvements, and official modding support. 

With Patch 1.2, players can now visit the barber in Zhelejov or Kuttenberg to make changes to Henry's appearance. This update also brings official modding support to the game via Steamworks, so you can easily browse and add mods to your game through the Steam Workshop.

While those are some of the headlining features of this patch, the primary focus is delivering improvements to the game. Patch 1.2 includes over 1000 new fixes, ironing out a long list of bugs. You can find the full patch notes, HERE.

On the 20th of March, Warhorse Studios will go live with a developer stream to give more updates on what's coming to Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 in the months ahead.

KitGuru Says: Are you still playing Kingdom Come Deliverance 2? Will you be playing around with mods now that Steam Workshop support has been added? 

The post Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 gets official mod support alongside huge patch first appeared on KitGuru.

Apple's mistakes and even lies about Apple Intelligence are ultimately the responsibility of CEO Tim Cook, but he's not going anywhere — and nor should he.


It's true that the buck stops at the CEO, but without Tim Cook, Apple would not have so many bucks. So while there is much to criticize in how Apple has managed Apple Intelligence, there's also much we'll never know — and no justification for wild cries for his apologizing or being fired.

This is what we know was wrong. Apple should not have released that ad showing a woman using Siri to remind her of the name of someone she'd met before.


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Elevate your new iPad experience with more versatile accessories from ESR, like the multi-angle Flip Magnetic Case, easy-application UltraFit Screen Protector, affordable Geo Digital Pencil with Find My, and productive Magnetic Keyboard Case.


ESR has been making high-quality accessories for Apple products since 2009. Its range of iPad products fits Apple's newly unveiled iPad models, so don't go without these protective, creativity and productivity-increasing products.

There's no reason to stick with Apple's default set of expensive products. ESR has more protective cases with more viewing options, a feature-filled stylus, strong screen protectors, and magnetic keyboard options.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider

After first releasing on PC and mobile platforms, the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Collection has now spread to all platforms, including Nintendo and PlayStation consoles. With the games being more widely available, sales have picked up too, surpassing the five million milestone. 

The Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster collection has surpassed five million copies sold worldwide, Square Enix has revealed. This boost puts the entire Final Fantasy franchise at over 200 million units sold.

The Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster collection includes the original six games, before the series made the switch to 3D graphics. These titles offer the classic Final Fantasy experience, from the original soundtracks and pixel graphics to the old-school turn-based gameplay.

Square Enix has not yet provided updates on the sales of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and Final Fantasy 16, both of which were expected to see significant boosts upon launching on PC via Steam.

KitGuru Says: Do you prefer the original turn-based Final Fantasy games, or the more modern titles? 

The post Final Fantasy franchise surpasses 200 million sales first appeared on KitGuru.

Apple has already launched products in the early months of 2025, but it has many other plans for the year. Here's what's coming up between now and the end of 2025.


As a company with a wide array of popular products and a tendency to keep to a regular schedule, Apple often introduces products throughout the year. Barring major incidents, such as a pandemic interfering with things, Apple is quite predicable about what it will be doing at which part of the year.

It seems 2025 is shaping up to be like the others, with launches set to occur at key times throughout the calendar.


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With President Trump imposing strict tariffs on goods coming from US trade partners, Apple is joining other top tech companies in a trip to Vietnam to discuss what comes next.


For Trump's second term, the administration seems dead set on igniting yet another trade war with the Chinese government. While he seemed amenable to talks in January, he recently imposed an additional 10% tariff on goods coming from China on March 6, on top of the initial tariff that went into effect on February 4.

Now, more than 60 large US companies are headed to Vietnam for the annual United States and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (US-ASEAN) mission, and tariff talks will likely be front and center. The list, seen by Reuters, includes technology companies like Apple, Intel, Boeing, Amazon, as well as energy companies like Excelerate Energy and GE Vernon.


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We're still waiting for Nintendo to share more details about its launch plans for the Switch 2. However, analysts are already laying the groundwork for what to expect. Based on the latest reports, the Switch 2 will be landing this summer, with a price tag in the $400 range. 

According to industry analysts speaking with IGN and Bloomberg, the Switch 2 is expected to launch with a $399 price tag. This estimate is based on supply chain costs, combined with current market conditions.

Assuming the price does end up being $399, gamers would need to spend extra accruing some new titles. Nintendo has not yet revealed the launch line-up of games, but we expect to see a number of hits from the original Switch console getting graphics/performance updates to take advantage of the more powerful Switch 2 hardware.

In terms of new games, a new Mario Kart game is anticipated, alongside a new 3D Mario game, Pokémon Legends Z-A, Metroid Prime 4 and perhaps a new RPG from Monolith.

KitGuru Says: Are you planning on picking up a Switch 2 when the console launches later this year? 

The post Nintendo Switch 2 expected to launch in June at $399 first appeared on KitGuru.

On a rare podcast appearance, in conjunction with an Apple press release, series star Jason Sudeikis has confirmed without a doubt that there will be a fourth season of "Ted Lasso," and has also confirmed what the titular character is doing.


Other stars have said that they were hearing whispers about a fourth season, and rumors have been pointing to it, but Sudeikis' remarks on the New Heights podcast eliminate any doubt. It's not clear who will be returning for a fourth season other than Sudeikis.

Despite the reveal, the star refused to respond to the Kelce brothers' questions about the new season. Some of the answers he just didn't have given the early stages of the production — but he was clear about what Lasso was doing after the events of season 3.


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Minority Ubisoft stakeholder, AJ Investments, has made headlines a few times over the past few years due to their willingness to protest the decisions of Ubisoft management., Most recently, the investment firm once again lambasted current leadership and went as far as to claim that Ubisoft has been hiding important development from investors, such as recent negotiations around IP acquisition. 

As reported by IGN, AJ Investments is called out Ubisoft once again, stating that the company is “horribly mismanaged by current management” and calling for “a clear roadmap for recovery”.

The most interesting part of the statement has the firm pointing to a paywalled article on MergerMarket, which claims that Ubisoft had discussions with rivals like Microsoft and EA over potentially selling off IP. Investors were not informed of these discussions, and those discussions likely didn't go very far, as this is the first time any of this is being made public.

Currently, Ubisoft is considering a number of changes to stay afloat. A few teams have already been dissolved and several projects have been cancelled. Now we know that Ubisoft has been actively testing its IP valuations on the market, and there have reportedly been discussions between the Guillemot family and Tencent regarding a company buyout, while keeping the Guillemot family in charge.

KitGuru Says: There has been a lot of doom and gloom surrounding Ubisoft recently but if Assassin's Creed Shadows can exceed expectations, then we should start to see much more positive discussions about the company's future. 

The post Ubisoft reportedly held talks to sell IP to Microsoft and EA first appeared on KitGuru.

On 19 May 2025, the prestigious European Hardware Awards will once again – to honour the best hardware available in the market. The event takes place on the eve of Computex in Taipei, at the Courtyard by Marriott, Nangang hotel. As well as the awards themselves, brand new research about the market will also be presented for the first time, giving a much clearer insight into how the market is likely to change over the next 12-18 months.

KitGuru is a proud member of the European Hardware Association (EHA), the organisation behind the EHA Awards – the largest of their kind in the world.

Alongside KitGuru, the association includes Geeknetic (Spain), Hardware Upgrade (Italy), Cowcotland (France), Hardwareluxx (Germany), ioTech (Finland), TechnologyInsider (Netherlands), Lab501 (Romania), and PurePC (Poland).

Right now, all of the publications are working on their own list of nominees for this year's awards. Those nominations are based on thousands of tests performed by each publication over the last year. Once the nomination process has completed, the real voting will begin and the finalists will be published. Ahead of that announcement, here is an overview of the categories that are being considered.

Processing

1. Best Desktop CPU
2. Best Laptop CPU
3. Best Smartphone SoC
4. Best AMD ATX / Micro-ATX Motherboard
5. Best Intel ATX / Micro-ATX Motherboard
6. Best AMD Mini-ITX Motherboard
7. Best Intel Mini-ITX Motherboard
8. Best System Memory Series

Visual

9. Best Desktop GPU
10. Best Laptop GPU
11. Best AMD-Based Graphics Card
12. Best NVIDIA-Based Graphics Card
13. Best Gaming Monitor
14. Best Professional Monitor

Cooling

15. Best CPU Cooler (Air)
16. Best CPU Cooler (Water)
17. Best Custom Cooling Solution
18. Best Thermal Paste
19. Best Fan Series

Storage

20. Best Hard Drive
21. Best SSD
22. Best NAS Device
23. Best External Storage

Case & PSU

24. Best ATX Case
25. Best Micro-ATX / ITX Case
26. Best PSU Series

Peripherals

27. Best Gaming Mouse
28. Best Gaming Keyboard
29. Best Router
30. Best Gaming Chair
31. Best Streaming Equipment

Audio

32. Best Gaming Headset
33. Best Headphones
34. Best Earphones
35. Best Speakers

Systems

36. Best Mini-PC
37. Best Gaming Desktop System
38. Best Notebook (Non-Gaming)
39. Best 2-in-1 Device
40. Best Gaming Notebook
41. Best Creator Laptop
42. Best Console

Mobile / Smart Living

43. Best Smartphone
44. Best Wearable
45. Best Smart Home Product

Best Value Categories

46. Best Value CPU
47. Best Value GPU
48. Best Value Component (Non-CPU, Non-GPU)
49. Best Value Peripheral
50. Best Value Laptop
51. Best Value Desktop System
52. Best Value Smartphone

Best AI Hardware Categories

53. Best AI CPU
54. Best AI GPU
55. Best AI Laptop
56. Best AI Smartphone

Overall

57. Best Gaming Product
58. Best Overclocking Product
59. Best AI Hardware Solution (Consumer)
60. Best New Technology
61. Product of the Year

KitGuru Says: We'll be back closer to Computex to announce the winners for each category. 

The post Categories announced for the EHA Awards 2025 in Taipei first appeared on KitGuru.

Gust has streamlined the alchemy RPG down to its roots and drawn great inspiration from the likes of Genshin Impact to create Atelier Yumia.

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/review/atelier-yumia-the-alchemist-of-memories-the-envisioned-land-make-aladiss-great-again/

Multiple reports from owners of the new iPhone 16e claim that Bluetooth audio keeps dropping out — but there appears to be a fix on the way.


In what appears to be a repeat of the 2018 issues with the iPhone XS, an unknown number of iPhone 16e users are consistently having audio connectivity issues with Bluetooth speakers and headphones. It appears to be much more widespread than the iPhone XS issue, and may be related to having multiple Bluetooth accessories connected at the same time.



Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Sonos has cancelled its streaming device, Apple has delayed the Home Hub, more iPhone 17 rumors, and Apple Intelligence is now being called an overhyped lie, all on the AppleInsider Podcast.


After last week's high with so many new devices from Apple, this week is a startling low with so many delays and cancellations. Only Sonos has outright cancelled anything, though, as its streaming Apple TV 4K rival has been dropped. That's got to be a shame for everyone who worked on it, since the device was reportedly in testing, but maybe Sonos is right to drop attempts to move into new areas when its core business needs attention.

But speaking of attention, sheer floodlights have been shone onto Apple this week after it quietly admitted to delays in Apple Intelligence and specifically Siri's personalization. It's been like the emperor's new clothes, but if criticisms of Apple and of its AI efforts are valid, there is still the strong chance that the company's Apple Intelligence may yet prove to be the best of them all.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Apple Music is a behemoth, offering millions of songs, music videos, and more — if you've ever felt like it's been a daunting task to figure it all out, we're here to help you with this useful guide.

The CEO of Apple partner Foxconn has broken silence on President Trump's tariffs, and is predicting disruption and perhaps an expansion of US manufacturing by big tech in the coming years.


The remarks by Foxconn CEO Young Liu during an earnings call were uncharacteristic for the executive. When asked about the impact of tariffs, the executive didn't dance around the matter.

"The issue of tariffs is something that is giving the CEOs of our customers a big headache now. Judging by the attitude and the approach we see the US government taking towards tariffs, it is very, very hard to predict how things will develop over the next year," Liu said. "So we can only concentrate on doing well what we can control."


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Apple has announced that it will add support for end-to-end encryption to RCS messaging on iOS, although there are few details about when this will happen.


After years of bizarre pressure over how Messages has blue bubbles for iOS users and green for Android ones, and maybe a nudge from China, Apple finally added support for RCS messaging with iOS 18. Its implementation, though, did not support Google's implementation of end-to-end encryption.

Now as first spotted by 9to5mac, the RCS standards body GSM Assocation (GSMA) and Apple have announced new end-to-end encryption support on iOS.


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With the NP-01S V2 Wireless, VAXEE updates the right-handed ergonomic NP-01S across the board. Aside from featuring PixArt's latest PAW3950 sensor, the V2 also comes with a much lower weight of 57 g, improved clicks, and lower latency.

Disco Elysium was revered upon its release back in 2019 with the choice-based RPG being praised for its writing, atmosphere and freedom. In an interesting move, the game is now being adapted for Android – with quite a different take on the original game’s formula.

Making the announcement, the team at ZA/UM officially detailed this remake/reimagining of the Disco Elysium story but in a different medium, with them explaining:

“The world of Disco Elysium comes to you with new incredible handpainted art. The city of Revachol is yours to inspect one beautiful scene at a time. Seek out the details among the brushstrokes that will illuminate the truth.”

They continue: “Move your phone around in new 360-degree scenes that put you right in the middle of the investigation. New captivating audio helps you sink further into the world by appealing to your senses while full voiceover brings every character to life in your ears.”

Disco Elysium is set to come to Android sometime during the Summer of this year. Upon launch, players will be able to play the first two chapters for free, at which point you can then pay a single fee to unlock the remainder of the game.

While this adaptation for mobile does seem like an interesting concept, the legal and ethical controversies surrounding ZA/UM does put a bit of a damper on the announcement. Regardless, hopefully they managed to translate the experience to mobile well.

KitGuru says: What do you think of the trailer? Are you surprised by the approach they’re taking? Let us know down below.

The post Disco Elysium is getting a pseudo-reimagining for Android first appeared on KitGuru.

Ever since its 1.0 launch back in Summer 2022, PowerWash Simulator has been able to keep fans captivated not only through its satisfying gameplay loop, but also thanks to a number of free and paid DLCs. With the team seemingly having achieved everything they could, FuturLab have now announced a sequel coming later this year.

Releasing a brief trailer onto YouTube, the developers of Powerwash Simulator (FuturLab) officially announced and unveiled Powerwash Simulator 2. While a brief teaser, the game’s Steam page is live, offering a bunch of additional details.

Alongside expected improvements to the power washing system itself, the sequel is set to take players outside of Muckingham as part of a larger expansion of the world.

In addition, players will now be able to “Kick back and relax in your home-base after a hard-days-cleaning. Put down your roots and make the place yours by collecting furniture and trinkets to spruce it up along the way, then invite your power wash pals over to check out your pad.”

Last but certainly not least, Powerwash Simulator 2 will include a bunch of enhancements to co-op, including full campaign progression and more surprisingly full local split-screen support.

Unlike the first game, Powerwash Simulator 2 is being self-published by FuturLab. As such, it will be interesting to see whether the team does anything differently this time round.

That said, with the first game selling millions of copies, perhaps keeping things exactly the same wouldn’t be too bad. We’ll have to wait and see.

KitGuru says: Were you surprised by the announcement? Is a sequel necessary or could they have just expanded the original game? Which of the new additions are you most looking forward to? Let us know down below.

The post Powerwash Simulator 2 gets surprise announcement; coming later this year first appeared on KitGuru.

Earlier this week, the team at Hazelight Studios celebrated the launch of their latest title Split Fiction – revealing that the game had sold over 1 million copies in its first 48 hours. In the days following, momentum for the title has continued, having now surpassed 2 million copies.

Making the announcement on BlueSky, the team at Hazelight Studios wrote: “SPLIT FICTION has sold 2 MILLION copies in 1 WEEK!! Holy crap, we’re blown away! Simply amazing…Thank you to all of our new and old fans – we love how excited you are for our game!”

Split Fiction has received nothing but praise across the board since release, currently sitting as the highest rated game of 2025 so far.

For the uninitiated, Hazelight Studios is known for their work on co-op focused narrative experiences, with their two prior titles – A Way Out and It Takes Two – selling 11 and 23 million copies respectively.

As with the team’s prior titles, Split Fiction requires just one copy of the game to play, letting you buddy up with any of your friends no matter their system of choice, making the milestone even more impressive.

Both A Way Out and It Takes Two had long legs, selling millions of copies years after release. If Split Fiction winds up going down the same road, then Hazelight will have another monumental hit on their hands.

KitGuru says: Are you one of the 2 (4) million who’ve played Split Fiction? Is it Hazelight’s best work yet? How long will it take to hit 5 million copies sold? Let us know down below.

The post Hazelight Studios’ Split Fiction has sold 2 million copies in its first week first appeared on KitGuru.

Every week, the Epic Games Store gives away a title or two for free to all those with an EGS account. Available to claim right now, Epic is offering the action Souls-like Mortal Shell alongside bonus content for World of Warships.

Available to add to your library from now until the 20th of March at 3PM UK time, Mortal Shell is a Souls-like action title from developer Cold Symmetry in which you “Explore a deep action-RPG that tests your sanity and resilience in a shattered world. Your adversaries spare no mercy, with survival demanding superior awareness, precision, and instincts.”

Released back in 2020, the game received decent reviews from critics – though slightly less so from players. That said, the team did update the game quite substantially following its launch, including both paid and free content.

Though not included with the free package, players can get their hands on the Virtuous Cycle DLC for just £3.99 which offers “an entirely new roguelike mode that brings random and repeatable savagery to Fallgrim” as well as the Rotten Autumn update – adding unique Shell shades; a new mini-quest; a new photo mode; and an alternative boss fight soundtrack.

Mortal Shell is available to add to your library for free from now until the 20th of March at which point it will be replaced by the management sim ‘Jurassic World Evolution 2’.

KitGuru says: What do you think of this week’s offerings? Have you given Mortal Shell a fair shake? What’s your favourite management sim series? Let us know down below.

The post Mortal Shell is free on the Epic Games Store first appeared on KitGuru.

To use Siri on macOS, there's a requirement to send Apple your contacts. Here's how to avoid handing that data over to Apple.


If you have enabled Siri in System Settings in macOS, you may have noticed an alert that warns you turning Siri on will result in macOS sending your contacts, location, and voice data to Apple.

This is a ridiculous requirement by Apple, and in fact it flies in the face of Apple's claims of respecting user privacy. For obvious reasons, you might not want all your contacts sent to Apple.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

March 9 kicked off sleep awareness week, and Jabees has an interesting tool for soothing you to sleep — an under-pillow speaker.


I have never, ever been what one would call "a good sleeper." Even as an infant, I had difficulty catching the required amount of sleep.

I've tried everything. Different beds, different pillows, yoga, breathing techniques, supplements — you name it, I've probably tried it. I can't take sleep medications like zolpidem as I'm one of the "lucky few" who tend to experience a wide swath of adverse reactions to drugs.


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OpenAI may have already crawled the internet for all the world's data to train ChatGPT, but it seems that isn't enough as it wants protection from copyright holders to allow it to continue stealing everything that both is and isn't nailed down.


The latest manufactured goalpost OpenAI has set dubbed "AGI" can't be reached unless the company is free to do whatever it takes to steal everything good and turn it into AI slop. At least, that's what the latest OpenAI submission to the United States Government suggests.

An OpenAI proposal submitted regarding President Trump's executive order on sustaining America's global dominance explains how the administration's boogeyman might overtake the US in the AI race. It seems that the alleged theft of copyright material by Chinese-based LLMs put them at an advantage because OpenAI has to follow the law.


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Apple's iconic AirPods are rumored to receive an entirely new feature that translates in-person conversations from one language to another.


The rumored live translation capability will make it significantly easier for speakers of two different languages to communicate. The feature is expected to roll out in 2025 alongside the iOS 19 and macOS 16 updates. Beyond that, both operating systems are said to feature major design changes.

If an English speaker with AirPods is listening to a person speaking in another language, such as Spanish, the iPhone will detect the audio of the Spanish speaker and translate it into English. The English translation will then be played via the AirPods.


Rumor Score: 🤯 Likely


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ViewSonic's new 27-inch high-resolution monitor offers pro-level color accuracy for creatives without the premium Apple Studio Display price.


The VP2788-5K marks an important step in ViewSonic's expansion into the premium creative display space. While the company has long been a player in the professional monitor segment, this is its first 5K-resolution display.

ViewSonic is positioning it as a direct competitor to Apple Studio Display and LG's UltraFine 5K.


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A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers are coming to Apple's defense over the UK government's attempts to get backdoor access to users' iCloud data, demanding that the UK remove the cloak of secrecy surrounding the order.


Apple is in a battle with the government of the United Kingdom over iCloud privacy, with a secret hearing by the Investigatory Powers Tribunal on Friday set to consider an appeal. However, the closed-door hearing at the High Court isn't being made public at all, something U.S. lawmakers are unhappy about.

A bipartisan letter from the U.S. Congress to the President of the Investigatory Powers Tribunal published on Thursday demands that the IPT "remove the cloak of secrecy related to notices given to American technology companies by the United Kingdom.


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Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo called the performance of Apple Intelligence "underwhelming," adding that it won't entice people to replace their older iPhones.


In a social media post on Thursday, Kuo reiterated his previous claims that Apple Intelligence would "contribute less than expected to shipment volumes." In October 2024, the analyst said more or less the same thing — that Apple's AI features would not facilitate a short-term boost in iPhone sales.

According to Kuo, the market has recently adopted a more cautious view of Apple Intelligence, presumably because of the debacle Apple faced with its planned Siri upgrades. We can already see signs of this, as Morgan Stanley decreased their expectations for Apple's stock prices, citing concerns regarding the current status of Siri and its postponed Apple Intelligence overhaul.


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The MSI GeForce RTX 5070 Gaming Trio OC impresses with whisper-quiet noise levels, even with heavy gaming, and excellent temperatures. You also get a small factory overclock out of the box, which helps boost performance bit.