The Star-Crossed World expansion for the Nintendo Switch 2 edition of Kirby and the Forgotten Land introduces new challenges to the game. Twelve levels have been redesigned with alternate routes, puzzles, and collectibles. New Mouthful Modes—Slide, Gear, and Spring—introduce new gameplay mechanics, such as skiing sections and vertical platforming. The expansion also expands the Colosseum boss rush mode with additional bosses and increased difficulty, culminating in a new final boss.

While the expansion increases the challenge, the overpowered nature of Kirby's copy abilities prevents the game from becoming overly difficult. Even with increased boss health and phases, the player retains a significant advantage, creating a balance between challenging gameplay and the inherent ease of the Kirby franchise. The expansion is available now.

Impact Statement: The Star-Crossed World expansion offers a significant increase in content and replayability for fans of Kirby and the Forgotten Land, while maintaining the series' signature accessibility.

Microsoft is changing how Word for Windows saves documents. New documents will automatically save to OneDrive or a user's preferred cloud storage by default. This change, currently being tested with Microsoft 365 Insiders, aims to prevent data loss and allow access across devices. The new system uses a date-based naming convention instead of the previous numerical addition to filenames. Users can adjust default cloud locations or disable automatic cloud saving.

This update follows Microsoft's previous efforts to encourage cloud storage, including the AutoSave feature and OneDrive backup prompts. Some users have expressed frustration with Microsoft's increased focus on cloud storage and the added steps required to access locally saved files.

Impact Statement: This change may impact user workflow and preference for local versus cloud storage. It represents a significant shift in Microsoft's strategy to promote cloud services integration.

FromSoftware has announced "Deep of Night," a new, challenging mode for its game Nightreign. This mode is designed for experienced players and will feature significantly stronger enemies, weapons with detrimental effects, and increasing difficulty as players progress through five layers. Completing the first three layers unlocks an endless battle mode.

The new mode will be available on September 11th. FromSoftware describes "Deep of Night" as a high-difficulty challenge mode for players who have already completed the game multiple times.

Impact Statement: This announcement is likely to excite fans of challenging games and increase engagement with Nightreign.

MSI's Katana gaming laptop is available at Walmart for $1099, down from $1499.99. This model features a midrange RTX 5070 GPU, a 15.6-inch QHD screen with a 165Hz refresh rate, an Intel Core i7-14650HX processor, 16GB of DDR5 RAM (upgradeable), and a 1TB SSD. Most gaming laptops at this price point offer less capable components. The RTX 5070 should allow for playing most games at QHD resolution with ray tracing, and DLSS can further boost performance if needed.

The sale also includes a free copy of Battlefield 6 with purchase, redeemable by September 30th with proof of purchase and valid until Halloween. Instructions are available on Walmart's product page.

The Honor Magic V5, released in Europe at £1,699.99 / €1,999 (around $2,300), boasts being the world's thinnest foldable phone, although the difference from competitors like the Oppo Find N5 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is minimal (0.1mm). Its main selling point is a significantly larger battery (5,820mAh internationally, 6,100mAh in China) enabled by silicon-carbon battery technology. This results in exceptional battery life, exceeding that of its rivals. The phone features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, bright OLED displays, and good cameras, though the 100x zoom is not recommended.

While the phone's thinness is debatable due to a thicker camera bump compared to competitors, its impressive battery life and strong performance make it a compelling option, particularly in Europe, where it's currently available. The phone also lacks US availability. The device offers IP58/59 rating (water and dust resistance) and seven years of software support.

Impact Statement: The Honor Magic V5 offers a competitive alternative to Samsung and other foldable phones, primarily due to its superior battery life, despite a negligible difference in thinness.

Honor has launched its Magic V5 foldable phone in Europe, claiming it is the world's thinnest at 0.1mm thinner than competitors (white model only). The phone features a 5,820mAh battery, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, up to 16GB of RAM, and an IP58/59 rating. It also boasts a high-quality triple camera system. The device is priced from £1,699.99 / €1,999. Accompanying the phone launch are the MagicPad 3, a 13.3-inch Android tablet with a 12,450mAh battery, priced at £599.99, and the MagicBook Art 14, a thin and light 14.6-inch 3.1K OLED laptop powered by Intel chips, priced at £1,499.99 / €1,699.

Impact Statement: Honor's new devices represent a significant addition to the high-end foldable phone and tablet market, competing directly with established brands like Samsung and Oppo.

Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music, Bandcamp, Deezer, Pandora, Tidal, Qobuz, YouTube Music, and SoundCloud offer diverse music streaming options with varying features and price points. Spotify, despite controversies surrounding Joe Rogan and AI investments, remains a dominant player with free and premium tiers (Individual: $11.99/month, Duo: $16.99/month, Family: $19.99/month), offering features like DMs and a track mixing tool. Amazon Music integrates with Amazon Prime, providing different tiers with varying audio quality and podcast access. Apple Music emphasizes high-quality audio and integration with the Apple ecosystem, offering Individual ($10.99/month) and Family ($16.99/month) plans. Bandcamp distinguishes itself as an online record store supporting independent artists. Deezer, Pandora, Tidal, and Qobuz cater to different preferences and budgets, emphasizing high-fidelity audio in some cases. YouTube Music, integrated with YouTube Premium, provides a free and paid option. SoundCloud, a platform for independent artists, offers free and paid tiers.

Impact Statement: The music streaming market remains highly competitive, offering consumers a wide range of choices based on price, audio quality, and desired features.

ChargePoint is launching a new 600 kW DC fast charging architecture for passenger vehicles and a 3.75 MW (3,750 kW) system for heavy-duty trucks. CEO Rick Wilmer stated the goal is to future-proof infrastructure, anticipating higher-powered EVs and keeping pace with China's advancements in ultra-fast charging. The new chargers will be 30 percent cheaper to install and operate, with a 30 percent smaller footprint, and can be pre-built for easier deployment. Installation will be in conjunction with participating utilities due to high power demands.

The architecture utilizes "power blocks," allowing flexible power distribution to multiple vehicles simultaneously. A partnership with Eaton will help overcome grid limitations, focusing on solutions for the US, Europe, and Canada. Higher power output is achieved by eliminating AC-to-DC conversion in some configurations, improving efficiency. Rollout is planned for the second half of 2026, focusing on strategic locations with suitable grid capacity. The company aims to enable seamless power management between the grid, EVs, and stationary batteries through a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) system. This new technology aims to improve the affordability and speed of EV charging.

Impact Statement: ChargePoint's new high-powered charging architecture could significantly accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles by addressing range anxiety and infrastructure limitations.

PopSocket has released new PopCase Kindle cases compatible with 11th and 12th-generation Kindle devices. The $40 cases feature a built-in MagSafe ring, designed for optimal hand placement and to work with MagSafe-compatible PopGrips. Six designs are available, including transparent and BookTok-inspired options. Matching PopGrips are sold separately for $30.

The cases eliminate the need for users to apply adhesive PopSockets or create custom MagSafe rings themselves, a popular modification within the Kindle community. The PopCases will work with existing PopSocket MagSafe grips, such as the Kick-Out Grip and Stand, enabling hands-free reading.

Impact Statement: This product offers a convenient and official solution for Kindle users seeking improved grip and accessory compatibility.

DJI has announced the DJI Mic 3, a new wireless lavalier microphone system that is half the size and weight of its predecessor, the Mic 2. The Mic 3 boasts several improvements, including two adaptive gain control modes (Automatic and Dynamic), three voice tone presets (Regular, Rich, and Bright), and 32GB of internal storage (compared to 8GB on the Mic 2). It supports up to four transmitters and eight receivers simultaneously, with a range of 400 meters (1,312 feet), and features two-level active noise cancellation. The system also automatically switches between 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands for stable transmission.

The Mic 3, weighing 16 grams, offers a balance between features and portability. While smaller than the Mic 2, it retains key features such as built-in backup recording and a touchscreen display on the receiver. Battery life for the receiver is up to eight hours, and up to 10 hours for the transmitter. The included charging case provides 2.4 full charges.

Pricing and a US release date for the DJI Mic 3 have not yet been announced. DJI suggests it will launch in other markets first.

Anthropic, the US AI company behind the Claude chatbot, reported that its technology has been exploited by hackers for large-scale data theft and extortion. Hackers used Claude to write code for cyberattacks, targeting at least 17 organizations, including government bodies, in a sophisticated campaign Anthropic calls "vibe hacking." The AI was used to make tactical and strategic decisions, including determining which data to steal and crafting extortion demands. Separately, North Korean scammers leveraged Claude to obtain remote jobs at prominent US companies, using the AI for job applications, translation, and code writing. Anthropic has taken steps to disrupt the threat actors, improved its detection tools, and reported the incidents to authorities.

The incidents highlight the accelerating pace of cyberattacks enabled by AI, with the time required to exploit vulnerabilities shrinking rapidly. Experts emphasize the need for proactive and preventative cybersecurity measures to counter this evolving threat landscape. While AI is facilitating new forms of cybercrime, traditional methods remain prevalent. The use of AI in these attacks represents a significant escalation in the sophistication and scale of cybercriminal activities.

Impact Statement: The weaponization of AI by hackers underscores the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures and proactive threat mitigation strategies in the face of rapidly evolving cybercriminal tactics.

Apple has removed the iTorrent app, an iPhone torrent client, from the AltStore PAL alternative iOS app marketplace in the European Union. Developer Daniil Vinogradov stated that Apple revoked his distribution rights across all alternative iOS stores, not just AltStore PAL, without warning or explanation. The removal occurred at the Apple Developer Account level, impacting his ability to publish apps through alternative marketplaces.

iTorrent was added to AltStore PAL in July of last year. The removal raises questions about Apple's ongoing control over apps distributed outside its official App Store, despite the EU's Digital Markets Act aiming to increase user freedom regarding app installations. AltStore PAL is also investigating the matter.

Impact Statement: This incident demonstrates Apple's ability to exert control over apps distributed through alternative app stores, even within the context of the EU's Digital Markets Act.

Samsung will hold a virtual "Unpacked" event on September 4th, preceding Apple's iPhone event. The event, starting at 5:30 AM ET / 11:30 AM CET, will be livestreamed on Samsung.com and Samsung's YouTube channel. The invitation offers few details on the announcements, but speculation includes the possibility of a new tri-fold device.

The event's timing is noteworthy, as it occurs the day before IFA 2024 begins in Berlin.

Apple has warned that UK competition rules proposed by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) mirror EU regulations, which Apple claims have negatively impacted its innovation and delayed features for European users. Apple argues the CMA's plans, designed to open markets dominated by Apple and Google, risk similar delays in the UK. The CMA rejects Apple's comparison, stating that UK rules differ from EU regulations and promote business innovation. Apple contends the CMA's proposals would undermine user privacy and security, hamper innovation, and force Apple to share its technology with competitors. The CMA counters that its interventions aim to benefit users and UK app developers by fostering competition, particularly regarding interoperability of Apple's technology and allowing app makers to use alternative payment systems. Apple highlights over 100 data access requests from competitors under EU interoperability rules, arguing it constitutes a forced sharing of intellectual property. The CMA maintains its focus is on specific aspects of Apple's technology, aiming to boost innovation without compromising privacy or intellectual property.

Impact Statement: The outcome of the CMA's review could significantly impact the UK app development market and Apple's business practices within the UK.

Microsoft's Copilot AI assistant is integrating with Samsung's 2025 lineup of TVs and smart monitors. Users can request movie suggestions, episode recaps (spoiler-free), and other information via voice commands or remote selection. Copilot will have a "friendly, animated presence" on the screen, similar to the previously revealed design, and will be accessible through the Samsung Tizen OS homescreen, Samsung Daily Plus, and Click to Search. Users can sign in for a personalized experience.

The rollout includes Micro RGB, Neo QLED, OLED, The Frame Pro, and The Frame TV models, as well as the M7, M8, and M9 smart monitors. Microsoft also plans to bring Copilot to LG TVs.

Impact Statement: This integration expands Copilot's reach into the home entertainment space, potentially altering how users interact with their televisions.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, a remake of the 2004 title, launched August 28th on PC, PS5, and Xbox. The game uses the same levels, cutscenes, and voice acting as the original, retaining the series' signature blend of political espionage and action. However, the remake's adherence to the original's design, including small levels and frequent loading screens, creates frustrations for players unfamiliar with the original. While the visuals are impressive and David Hayter returns as Snake's voice actor, gameplay mechanics, particularly the healing and enemy detection systems, are criticized for being opaque and inconsistent.

The game's structure is described as feeling dated, with frequent loading screens highlighting the small scale of levels. The combat and stealth mechanics, while responsive, are often hampered by an unclear progression system and lack of intuitive enemy detection, leading to repetitive deaths and frustration. The player's early game arsenal is limited, making traversal of some areas difficult. While the intricate story is praised, the gameplay experience is ultimately deemed uneven.

The game's impact may be limited to its reception within the Metal Gear Solid fanbase. While technically proficient, the uneven gameplay experience may deter new players.

The Google Pixel 10 Pro, starting at $999, boasts significant hardware and software upgrades. It features the Tensor G5 chipset, manufactured by TSMC, enabling improved on-device AI processing for enhanced privacy. New features include Magic Cue, a contextual AI assistant integrated into Google apps like Gmail and Calendar, and Pro Res Zoom, a camera feature using on-device diffusion models to improve digitally zoomed photos. The phone also includes Qi2 wireless charging with magnets. While battery life is described as "just okay," the overall performance is snappy and the device runs cooler than previous models. Two sizes, Pro and Pro XL, are available, both with 16GB RAM and options for faster UFS 4.0 storage.

The Pixel 10 Pro represents a step forward in integrating AI into smartphones, though some features remain gimmicky. While Magic Cue and the improved camera with enhanced portrait mode demonstrate genuine utility, other AI features like Daily Hub and the Journal app feel less essential. The phone's inclusion of C2PA metadata for AI-edited photos highlights the increasing need for transparency in image generation.

Impact Statement: The Pixel 10 Pro showcases advancements in on-device AI processing and its potential to improve user experience, setting a benchmark for future smartphone development.