Gamers have discovered a simple method to bypass age verification on several UK online platforms using the photo mode in the video game Death Stranding. Dany Sterkhov revealed on Friday that by pointing a phone's camera at a monitor displaying Death Stranding's photo mode, the in-game character Sam Bridges can fool facial recognition systems used by platforms like Reddit (using Persona) and Discord (using k-ID). The technique involves manipulating Sam's facial expressions within the game's photo mode to satisfy the verification requests. While successful on Reddit and Discord, the method failed on Bluesky's age verification system, which uses Yoti. Instagram is also expected to use Yoti's facial age estimation technology.

This bypass allows users to avoid sharing personal data with third-party verification services and eliminates the need for VPNs to circumvent age restrictions, at least for platforms vulnerable to this specific method. The ease of the bypass highlights potential weaknesses in current age verification technologies.

Google's Android Earthquake Alerts (AEA) system failed to issue timely and accurate warnings during the devastating 2023 Turkey earthquakes, the company has admitted. While potentially reaching 10 million people within 98 miles of the epicenter with its highest-level "Take Action" alert, only 469 such alerts were sent for the initial 7.8 magnitude quake. Instead, approximately half a million users received a less prominent "Be Aware" alert for light shaking. Google's system underestimated the earthquake's magnitude, initially registering it between 4.5 and 4.9 on the moment magnitude scale (MMS). A post-event analysis and algorithm adjustments have shown the system could have generated 10 million "Take Action" alerts had it correctly assessed the situation.

The system's underperformance is concerning given that over 55,000 people died and more than 100,000 were injured in the earthquakes. Experts express frustration over the delay in disclosing the system's shortcomings, emphasizing the need for transparency in assessing the effectiveness of such technology. Google maintains that the AEA system is supplementary to national early warning systems, but some scientists worry about over-reliance on technology not fully tested. Google researchers attribute the failure to "limitations to the detection algorithms".

Impact Statement: The revelation raises concerns about the reliability of privately developed earthquake early warning systems and the potential for over-dependence on such technology in disaster preparedness.

The Fujifilm X-E5, priced at $1,699, is a compact camera lauded for its elegant design, solid build quality, and user-friendly features including a dedicated film simulation dial. The review highlights its sharp image quality from its 40MP BSI CMOS 5 sensor, effective 7-stop IBIS, and versatile video capabilities (6.2k up to 30fps and 1080p up to 240fps, including F-Log and HLG HDR). However, the reviewer notes video limitations, including overheating after 13 minutes of continuous filming and battery drain. The camera's performance is considered largely similar to other recent Fujifilm models, lacking a unique selling point despite its premium price.

The X-E5 performed well as a travel camera, thanks to its compact size and compatibility with various lenses. While praised for its image quality and build, the high price point compared to its predecessor (X-E4, $850) might deter some buyers. The reviewer concludes that it’s a "brilliant and gorgeous camera," but the lack of unique features makes it a "jack of all trades" rather than a standout model.

Impact Statement: The Fujifilm X-E5's release presents a premium option in the compact camera market but faces competition from its own lineup due to similar performance characteristics and a higher price point.

This article provides a comprehensive guide for selecting a laptop for students, considering factors like operating system, processor, RAM, storage, screen size, keyboard, trackpad, ports, battery life, and build quality. Recommendations include MacBooks (Air and Pro models with M1, M2, M4 chips), Framework laptops emphasizing repairability and modularity, Microsoft Surface Pro and Laptop models, and several Chromebooks from Lenovo, Acer, and Asus, catering to various budgets and needs. Specific models mentioned include the MacBook Air (M1, M2), MacBook Pro (M4), Framework Laptop 13 and 2-in-1 Laptop 12, Surface Pro 12-inch and Surface Laptop 13-inch, Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14, Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714, Asus Chromebook Plus CX34, Asus Zenbook S 16, and Asus ROG Zephyrus G14. The guide highlights the strengths and weaknesses of each model, assisting parents and students in making informed purchasing decisions.

Impact Statement: The article significantly aids parents and students in navigating the diverse laptop market by offering informed recommendations based on performance, features, and price points.

The Drifter, a new point-and-click adventure game from Powerhoof, offers a dark and twist-filled narrative, a departure from the genre's typically lighthearted fare. Players control Mick Carter, a stowaway who witnesses a murder and subsequently goes on the run. The game features full voice acting by Adrian Vaughan, gorgeous pixel art, and dramatic lighting. Puzzle-solving is central to progressing the story.

While generally intuitive, some puzzles proved challenging, occasionally requiring trial-and-error or online walkthroughs. The game's control scheme, adaptable for both controllers and mouse, streamlines interaction. Despite moments of frustration with puzzle difficulty, the compelling narrative and surprising twists kept players engaged.

The Drifter is available now on PC.

The OnePlus Nord 5, available in Europe and India (but not the US), offers strong specifications at a relatively low price (£399/€449). It features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8S Gen 3 chipset, 8GB/12GB RAM, 256GB/512GB storage, a 6.81-inch 144Hz OLED display, and a 5,200mAh battery with 80W wired charging. However, competitors like the Poco F7 offer better chipsets and batteries for a similar or lower price.

The Nord 5's main selling point is its performance, particularly in gaming, and its impressive 50-megapixel selfie camera, especially in low-light conditions. Other aspects, including the main rear camera and the "Plus Key" with its Mind AI features, are deemed average compared to similarly priced competitors. The phone includes OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15, with four years of major OS updates and six years of security support.

The Nord 5 lacks a unique selling proposition, facing stiff competition from phones offering more power or better cameras for similar or slightly higher prices. Its strong selfie camera might appeal to a niche market, but it is not a substantial differentiator against the competition.

Przemysław Dębiak, a Polish coder known online as Psyho, won the AtCoder World Tour Finals 2025 in Tokyo, narrowly defeating an OpenAI-designed coding algorithm. The competition involved solving complex optimization problems within a 10-hour timeframe. Psyho, however, predicts this may be the last human victory in the competition, citing the rapid advancement of AI. OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, congratulated Psyho on his win via Twitter.

The AI, finishing second, achieved a score 9.5% lower than Psyho's. While acknowledging AI's impressive speed in testing numerous solutions, Psyho emphasized that top human coders still excel in complex reasoning and problem-solving. He compared the AI's parallel processing to "cloning a single human multiple times," highlighting its speed advantage.

The event comes as major tech firms increasingly use AI for software coding, with concerns raised about AI's potential impact on white-collar jobs. Psyho expressed concerns about the rapid pace of technological progress and its broader societal implications, including disinformation and the potential for humans to lose their purpose.

Impact Statement: The near-victory of OpenAI's algorithm highlights the rapidly closing gap between human and AI capabilities in competitive coding and raises concerns about the future of white-collar jobs in the face of advancing AI technology.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang proposed a new international organization to foster cooperation on artificial intelligence (AI) development and security at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai. Li emphasized the need for global coordination to create a framework for AI governance, warning of the security risks associated with AI and the potential for it to become an "exclusive game" for a few nations. He highlighted the importance of open-source development and China's willingness to share AI advancements, particularly with developing countries. This announcement follows the US unveiling plans to deregulate the AI industry.

Li's speech comes amid rising technological competition between China and the US, with the US imposing export restrictions on advanced AI technology to China. The WAIC, a three-day event, brought together industry leaders and policymakers, including speakers such as Anne Bouverot, Geoffrey Hinton, and Eric Schmidt. Concerns raised include the ethical implications of AI, its impact on employment, and the potential for misinformation.

Impact Statement: The proposal could significantly impact the global AI landscape by promoting international collaboration and potentially mitigating the risks associated with rapid AI development.

Air conditioning, once a luxury, is becoming a necessity as global temperatures rise. This technology's history spans from Michael Faraday's 1820 discovery of ammonia's cooling properties to Willis Carrier's 1902 invention of the first true air conditioner, initially designed for a printing press. Subsequent innovations, including the window-mounted unit (1931) and the mini-split system (late 1950s), increased accessibility and efficiency. However, the environmental impact of refrigerants, initially CFCs and later HFCs, is significant, contributing to global warming. Recent advancements focus on low-emission refrigerants like R-32 and R-290.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that space cooling consumed approximately 2,100 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity globally in 2022, representing about 7 percent of total global electricity use and nearly 20 percent of building electricity consumption. This resulted in approximately 1 billion tonnes of CO₂ emissions. The widespread adoption of air conditioning in high-income countries contrasts sharply with lower ownership in many developing nations despite increasing heatwaves.

Impact Statement: The increasing reliance on air conditioning presents a significant challenge due to its energy consumption and environmental impact, demanding a shift towards more sustainable technologies and energy sources.

The upcoming GPD Win 5 handheld gaming PC will utilize AMD's Ryzen AI Max+ 395 chip with powerful integrated graphics, housed in a PlayStation Vita-sized form factor. To accommodate the large chip, GPD has opted to omit an internal battery. Instead, the device will require either a wall power connection using a 180-watt charger or an optional, separately sold 80 watt-hour external battery "backpack."

The Win 5's 7-inch screen necessitates a larger chassis than its predecessor, the 6-inch Win 4. While narrower than the Asus ROG Ally X, it will be thicker, particularly when the external battery is attached. The external battery is approximately 4 inches wide and tall, and 0.7 inches deep. Details regarding its attachment method remain unclear.

Impact Statement: The GPD Win 5's design choices highlight the trade-offs in creating a powerful yet portable handheld gaming PC. The decision to forgo an internal battery in favor of external power solutions will likely influence consumer opinions regarding portability and usability.

The near-identical SkyRover X1 drone, a close copy of DJI's Mini 4 Pro, is available for purchase on Amazon despite a de facto ban on DJI drones in the US. Security researchers, including Kevin Finisterre and Jon Sawyer, have discovered the SkyRover X1 uses DJI's infrastructure, app, and even encryption keys, with only superficial attempts to mask its origin. The drone's app developer is listed as SZ Knowact in Malaysia, a country increasingly used by Chinese companies to circumvent US tariffs. Drone reviewer AirPhotography initially agreed not to mention DJI in his review before later highlighting the similarities. DJI has not confirmed nor denied its involvement in the SkyRover X1's creation.

While the SkyRover X1 has minor differences from the DJI Mini 4 Pro, including incompatibility with existing DJI batteries and controllers, its close resemblance and shared infrastructure suggest a potential DJI connection. This strategy mirrors past practices where DJI used other companies to manufacture similar drones, namely Anzu Robotics and Cogito, to seemingly bypass US restrictions. A formal US ban on DJI drones is pending, with a deadline in December, unless a national security agency clears DJI products.

Impact Statement: The SkyRover X1 highlights DJI's potential methods to circumvent US trade restrictions and the challenges in regulating the drone market. The situation raises questions about intellectual property rights and national security concerns.

Google reported strong AI performance metrics during its recent earnings call. CEO Sundar Pichai announced that AI Overviews in search results are driving over 10 percent more queries globally, particularly among younger demographics. The Gemini app also saw daily prompts increase by over 50 percent from the previous quarter, reaching over 450 million monthly users. Google processed nearly a quadrillion AI tokens last month, more than double the amount in May. Despite talent acquisition efforts by competitors like Meta, Google executives expressed confidence in their retention and acquisition of new talent. DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis indicated that Google is operating from a position of strength in the AI race.

While acknowledging potential future threats from competitors like GPT-5 and regulatory challenges, the overall assessment suggests that AI, rather than harming Google, has strengthened its position. This contrasts with concerns raised by executives at other companies like OpenAI regarding talent poaching.

Impact Statement: Google's strong AI performance and talent retention indicate resilience against the current competitive landscape, though challenges remain.

Comcast is launching StreamStore, a new hub on its Xfinity Xumo Stream Box and X1 devices, as well as online, to manage streaming subscriptions. StreamStore offers access to over 450 streaming apps and channels, along with a library of over 200,000 movies and TV shows for rent or purchase. Users can add and remove subscriptions through the platform, integrating the charges into their existing Xfinity internet or TV bill. The service includes major platforms like Netflix, Peacock, Disney+, Paramount+, Hulu, Apple TV+, and HBO Max, in addition to over 100 "niche" streaming options.

Xfinity also offers a pre-bundled StreamSaver package via StreamStore, including Apple TV+, Netflix (with ads), and Peacock (ad-supported) for $15 per month. Comcast plans to expand StreamStore's functionality with new bundles, apps, and enhanced subscription management tools in the future.

Impact Statement: Comcast's StreamStore aims to simplify the management of numerous streaming subscriptions, potentially addressing user frustration with fragmented services.

Anker has indefinitely stopped sales of its AnkerMake M5 and M5C 3D printers. The company spun off its 3D printing business into a sub-brand, EufyMake, in March. However, EufyMake is no longer selling the printers and has also discontinued sales of some essential parts, such as the M5C hotend. Anker spokesperson Brett White confirmed the sales pause but did not confirm if sales would resume or if future models are planned. EufyMake's website currently only lists a UV printer.

Reddit users report difficulty obtaining replacement parts, particularly the hotend, a critical component. While Anker states customers can contact support for accessories, the lack of readily available parts raises concerns for existing owners. Anker's experience highlights the challenges of entering the consumer-friendly 3D printer market, mirroring difficulties faced by other companies like Creality.

Impact Statement: The discontinuation of the AnkerMake M5 and M5C 3D printers and limited parts availability negatively impacts existing customers and casts doubt on Anker's long-term commitment to the 3D printing market.

Apple's iPhone 16 series, including the budget-friendly 16E, is now available. iOS 18.1 introduces Apple Intelligence, featuring AI writing tools and ChatGPT integration, but these features are not groundbreaking. Siri has received a minor update. Apple's full Apple Intelligence rollout will be gradual, extending into the fall. The review suggests that users without issues with their current phones should not rush to upgrade solely for Apple Intelligence. The article highlights key features and comparisons across the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16E models, focusing on camera improvements, processing power (A18 chipset), and battery life. Specific details on screen size, camera specifications, and charging capabilities are provided for each model. The 16E, while the most affordable, lacks features like MagSafe and an ultrawide camera. The reviewer suggests that the iPhone 15 might be a better option for some buyers.

The iPhone 16 series offers incremental upgrades over its predecessors, with the most significant improvements in the base model. The main selling points are an enhanced camera system, including the Action Button, new Photographic Style filters, and a boosted A18 chipset for better performance. However, the lack of a ProMotion screen (120Hz refresh rate) in the standard iPhone 16 and the 16E's omission of key features like MagSafe remain notable drawbacks.

Impact Statement: The iPhone 16 series launch presents a nuanced upgrade path for consumers, with varying value propositions across the different models. The gradual rollout of Apple Intelligence may influence purchasing decisions for some users.

The Nintendo Switch 2, initially hampered by limited availability following its launch, is now readily available online at major US retailers including Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and Amazon (by invitation). This contrasts sharply with the console's initially messy pre-order process and spotty launch availability. The improved supply seemingly follows a reported delay of the console's launch from late 2024 to build up stock, according to Nikkei (translated by VGC). The launch coincided with the release of Donkey Kong Bananza, a Switch 2 exclusive.

Despite a $449.99 price point ($499.99 bundled with Mario Kart World), the Switch 2 achieved record-breaking sales, becoming the fastest-selling game hardware in US history, selling 1.6 million units in its first month in the US and a record 3.5 million units globally in its first four days, according to marketing firm Circana. The ease of current online purchase suggests Nintendo successfully addressed initial supply chain issues.

Impact Statement: The swift resolution of the Nintendo Switch 2's supply issues demonstrates effective production scaling by Nintendo, potentially setting a positive precedent for future console launches.

James Gunn's new Superman film features the iconic Fortress of Solitude, built largely with practical effects rather than CGI. Production designer Beth Mickle, a veteran of Gunn's other projects, spearheaded the creation of the structure, drawing inspiration from classic Superman comics, particularly the Silver Age depictions, and natural formations like crystalline growths and frozen ocean sprays. The team faced numerous challenges in creating the 242 large resin crystals, ranging from 12 to 40 feet in length, requiring a three-month research and development period to perfect a pouring and bonding method that ensured structural integrity and a visually stunning effect.

The final design incorporated a multilevel, terraced interior inspired by mid-century minimalist architecture, reflecting the Fortress as "Superman's man cave," as Gunn described it. To achieve the desired explosive, upward-growing look of the crystals without compromising their translucent appearance, the team devised a system of using aircraft cable and precise positioning to support the massive resin structures.

Mickle expressed enthusiasm for the creative exploration involved in building the Fortress and looks forward to future collaborations with Gunn on similar projects within the DC universe.

Impact Statement: The film's reliance on practical effects in creating the Fortress of Solitude highlights a unique approach to visual filmmaking and potentially influences future productions aiming for a blend of modern technology and classic aesthetic sensibilities.