Ninja Gaiden 4, showcased at Xbox's recent event, introduces a fresh start for the series with a new protagonist, Yakumo of the Raven Clan, fighting to save Tokyo from corruption. The game features hack-and-slash combat with dynamic combos and a dark aesthetic reminiscent of earlier eras. Players can utilize various weapons and abilities, including a power boost that turns Yakumo into a demonic raven. Early hands-on experience highlights fast-paced action and visually impressive fight sequences.
The upcoming Nothing Phone 3, set for a July 1st reveal, might not feature the signature Glyph lights seen in previous models. Leaker Max Jambor shared an image showing the phone without Glyph lights, but with three rear cameras similar to the Nothing 3A and 3A Pro, and a translucent back design. CEO Carl Pei has described the Phone 3 as a flagship device emphasizing AI integration to enhance user experience.
Google has rolled out nine exciting new features in its Home app, mostly available now in public preview. Highlights include picture-in-picture support for Nest Cams on Google TV, allowing users to view camera feeds on a portion of their TV screen. The Gemini AI now offers enhanced smart home controls, such as broadcasting voice through speakers and searching camera clips by typing queries. Users can also navigate camera footage more efficiently by jumping in 10-second intervals. Customization improvements include easier automation setup with presence sensing using phone location and Soli sensors on select Nest devices. Nest Protect smoke and CO status can now be monitored within the Home app, eliminating the need for the standalone Nest app. Third-party Matter-enabled smart locks get expanded support with advanced settings for guests and notifications. The Favorites section sees new tile options like an indoor temperature dashboard and master light switch, with settings adjustable for different devices like smartwatches. Web controls have been enhanced to allow remote adjustments of lights, temperatures, and door locks via browser. Lastly, the Home Summary widget for Pixel phones, announced at I/O 2025, is available by invite.
Eufy’s X10 Pro Omni robot vacuum is currently available at a record-low price on Amazon. Modern robot vacuums have evolved to not only vacuum but mop, self-empty, and clean themselves. Many of them come with advanced features like AI-powered navigation, object recognition, and smart home compatibility. Major brands like Roborock, Dreame, SwitchBot, Eufy, Yeedi, Shark, and Roomba are offering significant discounts on their latest models. For example, the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra offers powerful suction and effective mopping with AI obstacle avoidance at $1,299.99, while budget-friendly options like the Yeedi Cube and Eufy 11S Max provide solid daily cleaning performance. These deals offer a great opportunity to upgrade your cleaning routine with smart, hands-free technology.
At the Summer Game Fest keynote livestream, Ian Proulx, CEO of 1047 Games and creator of Splitgate 2, wore a black hat stating "Make FPS Great Again," echoing Donald Trump's slogan. This sparked immediate backlash from the gaming community, journalists, and fans who called the message inappropriate and tone-deaf. Initially, Proulx refused to apologize, asserting the hat wasn’t political but a simple attention grabber. However, he later issued a public apology on X, sharing a video explaining the reasoning behind the hat and acknowledging the misstep. The incident highlights the risks of using provocative marketing tactics in the gaming industry.
Alexa Plus, Amazon's generative AI-powered voice assistant overhaul, announced in February 2025, is now being gradually rolled out to users through an Early Access program. Over a million users currently have access, up from hundreds of thousands last month, with availability increasing for Echo smart speaker and display owners. The rollout, led by Panos Panay, emphasizes ironing out issues before full release, expected to be widely available by summer. Although some features like Fire TV scene jumping, hands-free grocery ordering, and Alexa access on browsers are not yet live, nearly 90% of announced features including a conversational assistant and personalized memory capabilities are active. Users report positive feedback on Alexa Plus's natural conversational abilities and multi-device smart home control, despite some bugs and limitations compared to the classic Alexa. The new assistant will eventually cost $19.99 monthly, free for Prime members, aiming to compete with AI rivals through enhanced user interaction and functionality.
Google has initiated voluntary exit programs offering buyouts to US-based employees in its Search division and other areas such as marketing, research, and core engineering. These buyouts provide a minimum of 14 weeks' pay with an enrollment deadline of July 1st. However, this offer excludes employees in DeepMind AI, Google Cloud, YouTube, and the central ad sales team. Earlier this year, buyouts were offered to the platforms and services group, including Android and Pixel. Additionally, YouTube and other divisions require some employees near offices to return to work on-site at least three days a week by September or face layoffs with severance. The company’s future layoff plans remain uncertain.
Google introduced Android 16 on Tuesday, bringing new features like Live Updates with progress-centric notifications and improved settings for hearing aid users, initially available on Pixel devices. However, the significant Material 3 Expressive redesign, which includes updated icon shapes, type styles, and color palettes with natural animations, is postponed to September 3rd, 2025. Some design updates are present in the Android 16 QPR1 beta, with more expected in Beta 2. Additionally, Android's desktop mode, enhancing large-screen device optimization and multi-window resizing, will launch in September, with Pixel 8 users having early access in the beta.
With the summer of 2025 approaching, our team shares their top picks for gear that makes outdoor adventures more enjoyable and convenient. From the innovative Ninja Swirl Creami that transforms store-bought ice cream into soft-serve treats in seconds, to mess-free sunscreen applicators ideal for family use, these items promise a hassle-free summer. Stay hydrated on long bike rides with the CamelBak Hydrobak hydration pack, enjoy music anywhere with the portable UE Wonderboom 4 Bluetooth speaker, and consider the rugged Ruckers backpack for weighted walks and workouts. Stay refreshed with a thermos-like 40-oz flask for all-day cold water and explore nature with lightweight, adjustable walking poles. Don't forget the ultra-portable Matador Pocket Blanket for picnics and reliable Thermacell mosquito repellers to keep bugs away during outdoor relaxation. These thoughtful gadgets bring convenience, protection, and fun to your summer activities.
Vivo recently launched its flagship X200 Ultra in China, touted as one of the best camera phones globally. The device stands out with an innovative accessory: a custom 2.35x telephoto extender lens that attaches to the phone's existing 3.7x telephoto lens, delivering a total of 8.7x optical zoom, equivalent to a 200mm lens. This advancement follows concept smartphones revealed earlier in the year by Xiaomi and Realme, but Vivo's approach balances these ideas by enhancing zoom capabilities while maintaining design practicality. Vivo's collaboration with Zeiss continues to cement its reputation for developing top-tier Android camera systems.