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Updated:12:45 PM CEST Jul,08

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Gameguru Mania News - Jul,08 2026 - all

Sony Dangles 50% PS Plus Discounts as Gamers Cancel Over No-Disc Plans - console
(hx) 12:43 PM CEST - Jul,08 2026 - Post a comment / read (1)

Sony is offering big discounts on PlayStation Plus to some users who try to cancel their subscriptions.

The move comes after huge backlash over Sony's decision to stop physical game discs starting in 2028.

Many players started canceling in protest, leading to targeted retention offers of up to 50% off shorter plans.

The discounts appear on the cancel screen for some but not everyone, and Sony has stayed mostly silent on the disc issue.

The Blood of Dawnwalker Hands-On Preview - preview/review
(hx) 10:13 AM CEST - Jul,08 2026 - Post a comment
IGN provides an exclusive look at the upcoming vampire RPG, exploring mechanics like a unique time-as-a-resource system and complex, directional combat. Players navigate the Carpathian Valley of Veil Sangora, balancing daily chores with nocturnal responsibilities while making choices that shape the narrative and character relationships in this immersive medieval world.

Apex Legends x Cyberpunk Event Trailer - movie
(hx) 10:12 AM CEST - Jul,08 2026 - Post a comment
Check out the Cyberpunk Event Trailer for Apex Legends, the hit first-person battle royale developed by Respawn Entertainment. Players will soon be able to explore the neon streets of the upcoming event, packed with a limited redesign of the E-District map, two new Cyberware mods in Wildcard, Cyberpunk-themed Legend and Weapon Skins, and more. See what's in store with the Cyberpunk Event launching on July 14 for PlayStation 4 (PS4), PlayStation 5 (PS5), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC (Steam and EA).

Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis to end service on October 7 - briefly
(hx) 10:08 AM CEST - Jul,08 2026 - Post a comment / read (1)
Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis will end service on October 6 at 11:00 p.m. PT / October 7 at 2:00 a.m. ET / 15:00 JST, Square Enix announced. The free-to-play RPG first launched for iOS and Android on September 7, 2023, followed by PC via Steam on December 7, 2023.

Here is the full end of service announcement and schedule:

** End of Service Announcement

Thank you for playing Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis.

This is a message from the management team.

We regret to inform you that we will be ending service for Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis on October 6, 2026, at 11:00 p.m. PDT.

We understand that this news may be disappointing, and we sincerely apologize for the abrupt nature of this announcement.

Since the launch of the App Store and Google Play versions on September 7, 2023, and the Steam version on December 6, 2023, we have worked to provide the best possible experience for our players. After careful consideration, however, we have determined that it will be difficult to continue doing so and have made the decision to end service.

Below you will find the details regarding the end of service.

** End of Service Schedule

End of Service Notice

July 7, 2026, 7:00 p.m. PDT

Red Crystal Sales End

July 7, 2026, 7:00 p.m.PDT

*Red Crystals in your possession can be used until the end of service.

End of Service
October 6, 2026, 11:00 p.m. PDT

*In-game events are scheduled to be released and updated until the end of service.
*To protect users’ personal information, account information will be deleted once all procedures associated with the end of the service have been completed.

Unused In-Game Currency (Paid) Refunds—Taiwan Residents Only

Details will be provided in-game and on the official website at a later date.

When processing inquiries regarding unused in-game currency (paid Red Crystals), your account information will need to be verified. Please do not delete the app or switch devices and reinstall the app until the refund process has concluded.

Refunds are available only to users residing in Taiwan.

We hope you continue to enjoy Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis during the limited time remaining until the end of service on Oct. 6, 2026, at 11:00 PM PDT. Thank you, as always, for your support.

The Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis Management Team
July 7, 2026

Palworld Early Access tops 40M players - briefly
(hx) 10:05 AM CEST - Jul,08 2026 - Post a comment
Open-world survival crafting game Palworld has surpassed 40 million players ahead of its version 1.0 release this week, developer Pocketpair announced. Palworld first launched in Early Access for Xbox Series, Xbox One, and PC on January 19, 2024, followed by PlayStation 5 on September 24, 2024. It is also available via Game Pass. The version 1.0 release is due out for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Xbox One, and PC via Steam and Microsoft Store on July 10.

Flesh & Wire trailer #2 - movie
(hx) 10:04 AM CEST - Jul,08 2026 - Post a comment
Running With Scissors has released the second trailer for Flesh & Wire, its upcoming first-person shooter that delves in the psychological horror roots of the POSTAL series. Flesh & Wire is due out for PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam and GOG in 2027.

Xbox Boss Asha Sharma Admits Game Pass Strategy Has Failed - interview
(hx) 10:02 AM CEST - Jul,08 2026 - Post a comment / read (2)
In an interview with Bloomberg, Xbox boss Asha Sharma has admitted Game Pass was in a period of decline when she took over for former head Phil Spencer. But now they seemed to have stopped the bleeding, after dropping the price of the service and removing Call of Duty as a Day One title. Still, Xbox has admitted that the previous strategy of pumping money and resources into Game Pass has not paid off, and are now in the process of offloading some of the studios they've acquired to boost the service's value. In other news, Assassin's Creed: Black Flag - Resynced has already sold more in pre-orders than Ubisoft's other pirate game, Skull and Bones, has sold in its lifetime. And finally, IO Interactive has closed one of its studios—despite having a hit with 007: First Light—after Xbox funding for an upcoming game was pulled.

The First 20 Minutes of Doom: The Dark Ages - Revelations - movie
(hx) 10:01 AM CEST - Jul,08 2026 - Post a comment / read (1)
The ripping and tearing isn't done yet. Check out the first 20 minutes of Doom: The Dark Ages - Revelations, a story expansion that continue the Slayer's story after the events of the base game. Played on a PC in 4K, on a Nvidia Geforce RTX 5090.

With the release of Patch 4.0, Bethesda and id Software have removed the Denuvo anti-tamper tech from Doom: The Dark Ages. This should be great news for those who have boycotted games that used it. As such, there is no reason to sail on the high seas. You can now finally purchase it

Gameguru Mania News - Jul,07 2026 - all

NVIDIA Releases GeForce 610.74 WHQL Game Ready Drivers - tech
(hx) 05:01 PM CEST - Jul,07 2026 - Post a comment / read (1)

NVIDIA today released the latest GeForce Game Ready drivers. Version 610.74 WHQL comes with optimization for "DOOM: The Dark Ages Revelations" DLC, and "Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced." "Revelations" is a major DLC of "DOOM: The Dark Ages," which introduces several new campaign missions, new weapons, and new monster types. It advances the lore around Doomguy. "Resynced" meanwhile, is a major remaster of "Black Flag" that significantly improves eye-candy. The drivers don't address any game-specific bugs, but address an issue with Tencent Meeting where Smooth Motion causes display flickering. Game Ready for DOOM: The Dark Ages | Revelations
This new Game Ready Driver provides the best gaming experience for the latest new games supporting DLSS and RTX technologies including DOOM: The Dark Ages | Revelations and Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced.

NVIDIA RTX 5080 SUPER Rumored with 415W TDP and Massive VRAM Boost - tech
(hx) 03:24 PM CEST - Jul,07 2026 - Post a comment

NVIDIA is reportedly working on a more powerful GeForce RTX 5080 SUPER graphics card.

According to PSU maker Seasonic, the card will feature a 415W TDP — about 15% higher than the standard RTX 5080’s 360W.

It is also expected to come with 24GB of faster GDDR7 memory, delivering a significant bandwidth increase over the regular model.

This update is part of the broader RTX 50 SUPER series, which was earlier rumored to be delayed but now appears back on track.

The new card could launch in late 2026 or early 2027.

NVIDIA RTX 5080 SUPER Specs at a Glance

So, coming to the memory specifications, it is stated that the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 SUPER will feature 24 GB of VRAM across a 256-bit bus while running at 32 Gbps, a 2 Gbps bump over the 30 Gbps used by the non-SUPER variant. These will be the latest 3 GB GDDR7 modules, and this gives us the full 1 TB/s of bandwidth, which wcftech reported long time ago.

RTX 5080 SUPER vs RTX 5080 Non-SUPER:

Same Cores but Different GB203 SKU (450 vs 400)
Possibly Higher Clock Speeds
24 GB VRAM vs 16 GB VRAM (+50%)
Same 256-bit Bus Interface
6.6% Higher GDDR7 speeds (32 Gbps vs 30 Gbps)
6.6% More Bandwidth (1024 GB/s vs 960 GB/s)
15% Higher TBP (415W vs 360W)

MoonHack announced - briefly
(hx) 12:40 PM CEST - Jul,07 2026 - Post a comment
ASTRA, an original independent games label under Astro Production, has announced MoonHack, an 'emotional cyber-noir adventure game' coming to PC via Steam in 2027. It will support English, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese language options.

eBaseball: PRO SPIRIT 2026 trailer - movie
(hx) 12:39 PM CEST - Jul,07 2026 - Post a comment
Konami has released the official trailer and a 45-minute gameplay video for eBaseball: PRO SPIRIT 2026. The gameplay video features former professional baseball players Yoshio Itoi and Kenshi Sugiya.

eBaseball: PRO SPIRIT 2026 is due out for PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam on July 16. The game will be available digitally worldwide, and both physically and digitally in Japan and Asia. The Japanese and Asian versions, which support English, will also feature the “2026 World Baseball Classic” mode, where the global version will not.

Valve Boosts Steam Deck Wi-Fi with New Update - tech
(hx) 12:15 PM CEST - Jul,07 2026 - Post a comment
Valve has rolled out SteamOS 3.8.14 for the Steam Deck, fixing a frustrating bug that slowed down Wi-Fi on some routers.

The update solves the issue where certain routers advertised wrong speed settings, causing slower game downloads. Users should now see much faster connections and smoother performance. It also adds general security improvements and stability fixes. General

Fixed an issue where WiFi would be limited to lower speeds on certain routers that advertise incorrect MCS requirements

Security and stability improvements

Windows 11 Storage Bug Can Quietly Devour Hundreds of GB on Your C: Drive - tech
(hx) 11:45 AM CEST - Jul,07 2026 - Post a comment / read (1)

Microsoft has confirmed a nasty Windows 11 bug that causes a hidden system file to grow uncontrollably and eat up massive amounts of storage space.

The problematic file, CapabilityAccessManager.db-wal, sits in C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\CapabilityAccessManager\ and is tied to privacy and access logging for features like camera, microphone, location, and screen capture.

On affected PCs, the file can balloon from a few megabytes to 70GB, 200GB, or even over 500GB, appearing under “System files” in Storage settings.

Microsoft quietly fixed the issue in the optional update **KB5095093**, which improves disk space usage for this file.

The fix is expected to roll out automatically to all users with the July 2026 Patch Tuesday update.

Windows 11 26H2 Turns Backup On by Default - tech
(hx) 11:41 AM CEST - Jul,07 2026 - Post a comment

Microsoft has confirmed a key default change coming with Windows 11 version 26H2: the Windows settings backup policy will now be enabled automatically on eligible devices. This makes backing up apps, settings, and Microsoft Store apps a standard resilience feature, helping users recover faster after resets, replacements, or upgrades. The app is also being renamed to “Windows settings backup and restore,” while restore options stay admin-controlled and off by default. The change applies to non-EU DMA countries and privacy-sensitive regions where admins haven’t manually configured the policy. It’s already rolling out in Insider Experimental builds, with the full update expected later in 2026. Starting with Windows 11, version 26H2, the default behavior of the Windows settings backup policy will shift from disabled to enabled. Default-on applies only to eligible devices and only when admins haven't explicitly set the policy. Explicit enablement and disablement settings are always honored. Restore behavior is unchanged: it remains admin-controlled and isn’t enabled by default.

This change makes backup a baseline resilience capability, so you can restore users' apps, settings, and Microsoft Store app list easier after a device reset, replacement, or upgrade. Admins keep full control through Microsoft Intune, Group Policy, or other MDM solutions. Learn more in Windows settings backup becoming a new resilience baseline.

Gameguru Mania News - Jul,06 2026 - all

Ubisoft Listens to Fans, Tweaks Black Flag Resynced Scene - movie
(hx) 11:06 PM CEST - Jul,06 2026 - Post a comment / read (2)
Ubisoft has adjusted a key scene in Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced after fans pointed out it didn't match the original game's atmosphere. Gaming Landmarks posted the side-by-side, praising the change as proof that constructive fan feedback works. The scene features Edward Kenway and Adewale on a ship dock. Fans are divided—some love the moodier final look while others preferred the clearer reveal version.

COMPARISON: Ubisoft listened to fan feedback about a particular scene in Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced and altered it in the final build to fit the vibes of the original game.

Proof that fan feedback through constructive criticism prevails. Thank you, Ubi devs! pic.twitter.com/Iv6H5GkoBx
— Gaming Landmarks (@ac_landmarks) July 6, 2026

Housemarque Offers 2.5-Hour SAROS Trial on PS Plus Premium - briefly
(hx) 06:31 PM CEST - Jul,06 2026 - Post a comment
Housemarque has launched a 2.5-hour trial for its hit PS5 action game SAROS on PlayStation Plus Premium.

Players can now try the fast-paced sci-fi shooter without buying it right away. Progress and trophies carry over if you purchase the full game later. SAROS, released in April 2026, has earned strong reviews for its intense gameplay.

VALORANT Pros Sniff Thai 'Yardom' for Quick Focus Boost - briefly
(hx) 05:52 PM CEST - Jul,06 2026 - Post a comment / read (2)
VALORANT pros are turning heads by using Yardom, a popular Thai menthol nasal inhaler, during matches for instant alertness.

This everyday Thai item, often called Yadom, helps fight drowsiness and refresh the mind with its strong herbal scent—many Thais carry it daily.

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— FPS G33KS?FPS?????? (@FPS_G33KS) July 6, 2026

Indie Dev Hit by 55,000 Refunds on Short Steam Game - briefly
(hx) 04:43 PM CEST - Jul,06 2026 - Post a comment
An indie developer says over 55,000 players refunded his co-op rowing game Paddle Paddle Paddle after finishing it too fast. Many beat the game in under two hours and used Steam's refund policy, which allows returns within 14 days if playtime stays below that limit. The game still holds a "Very Positive" 90% review rating on Steam, with players often leaving good feedback even after refunding. Zoroarts called the situation unfair and urged Steam to update its rules for shorter titles. The developer noted the full game offers about four hours of content, yet speedrunners exploited the window.

An indie developer claims over 55,000 players refunded their Steam game after beating it fast enough to qualify for Valve's refund policy

Steam's policy allows players to refund games if they have less than two hours of play time pic.twitter.com/xveQdWvObb
— Dexerto (@Dexerto) July 6, 2026

Update: The 55,000 refunds refer to the game's total 21% refund rate, not players who beat it in under 2 hours, which the developer said affected only "dozens" of reviews

Xbox to lay off 3,200 employees, divest five studios - console
(hx) 04:32 PM CEST - Jul,06 2026 - Post a comment / read (1)
Xbox has announced a major restructuring, reducing its headcount by 3,200 employees throughout fiscal year 2027, with 1,600 roles eliminated today. Four studios—Compulsion Games, Double Fine Productions, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs—will leave Xbox ownership, while Marvel’s Blade developer Arkane Studios has begun consultations in France to explore “strategic options.” Since 2018, we have aggressively expanded our studio portfolio while the number of games created each month across the industry now outpaces the last ten years combined. We now find ourselves competing not only with the largest publishers, but also with smaller independent studios. It is neither possible nor desirable to own every great independent studio. We have also learned that we are not the best home for every type of studio; in a typical year, we lost 64 cents for every dollar we invested. As we reset XBOX, we will help independent creators succeed by providing open development tools and audiences to realize their vision.

Compulsion Games and Double Fine Productions will return to management and transition to independent studios with their IP, catalog, and runway for their next games. Ninja Theory and Undead Labs have entered terms to join new ownership with funding to complete and grow Senua and State of Decay 3. In France, Arkane’s management is beginning required consultation with its Works Council to review potential strategic options.

We are also making reductions across other units, and in some cases, shifting investment to focus on higher priority projects. These changes vary in size across Activision, Bethesda/ZeniMax, Blizzard, King, Mojang, and XBOX Game Studios. None of our first party publicly announced games or projects are being cancelled as part of these reductions.

In addition, Mojang and King will now report directly to me. These two studios have increasingly become platforms and are our largest by monthly active players. They bring critical geographic, demographic, and differentiation to XBOX.
Ed.note: FY2025 (ended June 30, 2025): Gaming revenue reached a record $23.5 billion, up 9% (or ~$2 billion) from FY2024. So there’s no financial crisis here—just unbelievable greed… and it’s not just Microsoft with the Xbox, but absolutely all the big companies… they want more and more and more. But we, as users, have a defense: we can simply choose not to buy their products, services, or games. Personally, it really doesn’t bother me much anymore—I have so many books, movies, and old games (and all of them are great classics from the past) that I won’t have a chance to enjoy them all even by the end of my life.

BREAKING: Microsoft is spinning off four Xbox studios as part of significant gaming cuts. Double Fine and Compulsion Games are going independent, and Ninja Theory and Undead Labs are leaving Xbox to new management. Full details and Xbox CEO's memo here? https://t.co/YokM9C9tuS
— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) July 6, 2026

7 Exciting New Features Coming to Windows 11 26H2 Update - tech
(hx) 11:03 AM CEST - Jul,06 2026 - Post a comment / read (2)

Windows 11 version 26H2 is bringing practical improvements that could change how you use your PC every day.

Key highlights include a more customizable Taskbar that can be positioned anywhere and resized, plus a redesigned Start menu with better layout and privacy options.

You’ll also get improved Windows Search without unwanted web results, and better control over updates with longer pause options.

Other notable additions are enhanced Copilot integration in search, a new Administrator Protection security feature, and a modernized Run dialog with recent commands.

These changes focus on user control, customization, and everyday usability rather than a full redesign.

Chinese SSDs are now starting to appear in mainstream laptops - tech
(hx) 10:37 AM CEST - Jul,06 2026 - Post a comment / read (3)
Chinese SSDs are now starting to appear in mainstream laptops. For the first time, a Lenovo ThinkBook has been spotted with a 512GB SSD made by China's YMTC instead of brands like Samsung, Kioxia or Western Digital.

The drive delivers around 3,950 MB/s read and 2,514 MB/s write speeds. Most PCIe 4.0 SSDs in today's laptops usually reach 5,000-7,000 MB/s read and 4,000-6,500 MB/s write, so this one is noticeably slower.

But the bigger story is that Chinese storage is now entering the global laptop supply chain. More SSD suppliers means laptop brands have more choices.

That could help keep SSD and laptop prices under control, especially as AI continues to increase demand for memory chips.

Chinese-Made Auto-Paint Hack Ruins Popular Tag Game - briefly
(hx) 12:31 AM CEST - Jul,06 2026 - Post a comment

A video shows a cheating program called "Mecha Chameleon" that automatically paints players in a hide-and-seek style game, completely removing the challenge.

The hack, reportedly created by Chinese developers, has sparked outrage as it lets users win effortlessly by coloring opponents without any skill.

The game has seen explosive growth in popularity on platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and Chzzk, with user numbers increasing tenfold in just days.

Many players are questioning the mentality behind using such cheats, arguing it destroys the fun and fairness of the experience.

The developer community has already seen copycat versions appear, including fake maps on Roblox.

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Gameguru Mania News - Jul,05 2026 - all

Steam Global Top Sellers for week of 23 Jun - 30 June 2026 - briefly
(hx) 10:53 PM CEST - Jul,05 2026 - Post a comment / read (1)
The top selling games on Steam by revenue for the Week ending 30 June 2026. MECCHA CHAMELEON
Cyberpunk 2077
Dead by Daylight
The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth
Warhammer 40,000: Darktide
Steam Deck
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II
EA SPORTS FC 26
Baldur's Gate 3
Red Dead Redemption 2

Blood Message - UE5 Lumen, Nanite and PS5 Pro Info - movie
(hx) 07:42 PM CEST - Jul,05 2026 - Post a comment
Digital Foundry provides an in-depth look at this upcoming AAA singleplayer adventure set in the late Tang Dynasty. Featuring 18 minutes of gameplay, the analysis explores how Unreal Engine 5 technologies like Lumen, Nanite, and advanced fluid simulations bring its historically grounded combat and world to life.

The 63 Biggest 2026 Games Still to Come - GTA 6, Wolverine, and More! - briefly
(hx) 01:48 PM CEST - Jul,05 2026 - Post a comment / read (3)
This video covers upcoming video game release dates, gameplay details for major titles, and we break down if they are coming to Xbox, PlayStation, PC, Switch, Mobile or other gaming platforms. A few of the biggest games to get excited about include Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6), Marvel’s Wolverine, Gears of War: E-Day, and the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake. We also dive into other notable launches like Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, Dune Awakening, Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol 2, and Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave. Keep track of the games you’re most excited for that are coming out in the second half of this year.

DOOM: The Dark Ages - Revelations: add-on details - briefly
(hx) 12:22 PM CEST - Jul,05 2026 - Post a comment
Bethesda Softworks, together with id Software, has revealed details of the first large-scale story addition for the shooter DOOM: The Dark Ages called Revelations. The DLC will be released on July 7, 2026 on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. The add-on offers a full-fledged single-player campaign lasting from 10 to 12 hours. According to the developers, the gameplay structure can be divided into 60% main story and 40% endgame content. This makes Revelations larger than both DOOM Eternal expansions combined.

The Quest for Gaming at 1000 FPS - tech
(hx) 01:00 AM CEST - Jul,05 2026 - Post a comment / read (3)
My 1000Hz monitor is on the way, but there’s one thing we kinda need to address. A Gaming PC to push 1000 frames isn’t so easy to come by... So with the help of our friend Splave, join us on this overclocking quest for gaming at 1000 fps!

Gameguru Mania News - Jul,04 2026 - all

Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game at Anime Expo 2026 - preview/review
(hx) 11:56 PM CEST - Jul,04 2026 - Post a comment
IGN explores the gameplay mechanics of this movement-focused fighter, featuring a unique flow button for auto-parries.

Sony PlayStation to Delete Accounts and Games After 3 Years of Inactivity - console
(hx) 10:29 PM CEST - Jul,04 2026 - Post a comment / read (4)

Sony's updated Terms of Service state that PlayStation accounts inactive for three years may be permanently closed.

Users receive an email notification and have six months to log in or respond before the account is terminated.

Once closed, all access to purchased digital games and content is lost forever with no refunds.

The policy has triggered widespread backlash from players who fear losing valuable game libraries during long breaks or life changes.

Critics accuse Sony of anti-consumer practices that punish ownership of digital purchases. "If you have not used your Account for at least 36 months we may take steps to close it. In that case, we will contact you via the email address registered to your Account and give you 6 months to either log in to your Account or contact us and tell us to keep your Account open. After your Account is closed, you will not be able to access the PlayStation Online Services or use the Digital Products purchased with that Account. Account closure is irreversible."
Source: Section 21.2–21.3 of the PlayStation Terms of Service. This means Sony can permanently delete access to your digital games and services after 3 years of inactivity (with notification).

UBTECH U1 PRO Bionic Humanoid Robot - tech
(hx) 01:56 PM CEST - Jul,04 2026 - Post a comment / read (2)
China’s next consumer humanoid may not arrive with a mop, a tray, or a toolbox. UBTECH Robotics has opened presales for the U1, a full-size humanoid from its UWORLD consumer brand, and the product is being sold first as an emotional companion rather than a household worker.

The U1 is available in Lite, Pro and Ultra variants, with prices ranging from 119,800 yuan (around $17,650) to 990,000 yuan (about $138,000). It is offered in male and female versions measuring 183 cm and 168 cm in height, respectively. According to the company, the robot features 88 servo joints, a silicone exterior and an emotional AI system running locally on Rockchip’s RK3588 processor, allowing user data to remain stored on the device rather than in the cloud.

UBTech said the robot is designed for social interaction, with capabilities including conversation, eye contact and emotional engagement. The company also claims the system can recognise more than 20 emotional states with an accuracy exceeding 90 per cent, although those figures have yet to be independently verified in real-world settings.

A Chinese company just launched a $17,600 humanoid robot that promises to never betray you, love you unconditionally, and stay loyal for life. You can customize its face to look like anyone you want including a celebrity or a deceased loved one. Over 13,300 people have already… pic.twitter.com/B71UStDsyx
— Clown World ™ ? (@ClownWorld) July 4, 2026

DirectStorage 1.4 Delivers Mixed Wins in New Tests - tech
(hx) 12:24 PM CEST - Jul,04 2026 - Post a comment
Microsoft’s new DirectStorage 1.4 update promises faster game loading and smoother streaming with Zstandard compression. Tech reviewer AncientGameplay just released hands-on tests showing real results on PC hardware. The update cuts RAM and VRAM usage, dropping it from 12GB to 11GB in some cases. Loading times, however, were often slightly slower than expected.

Valorant Goes to School: Now Part of Philippine Middle School Curriculum - briefly
(hx) 12:06 PM CEST - Jul,04 2026 - Post a comment / read (1)

Valorant is officially being taught in middle schools in the Philippines as part of the national curriculum.

Students in Grade 10 learn game mechanics, agent roles, teamwork, strategy, and even how to organize esports events through the popular tactical shooter.

The lessons fall under the Department of Education’s Matatag Curriculum in physical education and health, focusing on digital wellness and esports literacy.

Schools can choose other games too, but Valorant has become a standout example of using gaming to teach real-world skills like communication and decision-making.

The program has sparked widespread discussion online, with many seeing it as an innovative way to engage students.

Critics question whether video games belong in core education, but supporters highlight the benefits for modern skill-building.

Sony's largest PlayStation disc plant is already reassigning staff to make other products - briefly
(hx) 11:33 AM CEST - Jul,04 2026 - Post a comment
Sony is reassigning staff at its largest PlayStation disc manufacturing plant in Thalgau, Austria, to produce optical microlenses instead.

The facility, which currently produces hundreds of thousands of discs daily for games, Blu-rays, and CDs, will see output drop sharply starting in 2028 as Sony moves away from physical game releases.

The company has invested €30 million in new equipment and is retraining its roughly 300 employees for micro optics production, with no layoffs planned.

This change follows Sony's earlier announcement ending physical disc releases for PlayStation games from 2028 onward.

The pivot allows the plant to continue operations by focusing on miniaturization of optical systems for various industries.

PlayStation Removes Play Hours from Physical Games - briefly
(hx) 11:12 AM CEST - Jul,04 2026 - Post a comment / read (1)

PlayStation users are furious after discovering that their playtime hours have been wiped from physical disc-based games on their profiles.

Many report that games like various Resident Evil titles no longer appear in their collections on PS5, even though the discs are still owned and trophies remain intact.

The issue has affected hundreds of players, with some losing hundreds of hours across multiple physical titles, and it appears to have been ongoing for weeks.

Sony support has described it as a "known bug" caused by a recent system fix, with the team reportedly working on a resolution.

Critics argue the change highlights broader concerns about physical game ownership in an increasingly digital ecosystem.

Users are urging others to back up their data and voicing fears that similar issues could affect digital libraries in the future.

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