Vampire Survivors, a standout title from 2022, is finally making its way to PlayStation consoles. Fans can look forward to playing it on PS4 and PS5 starting August 29. Additionally, all the game’s paid expansions will be available at launch.

A Major Milestone

Vampire Survivors has already made its mark on various platforms since its early access release on PC and Mac in October 2022. It quickly expanded to Xbox and mobile, including a recent ad-free version on Apple Arcade. The game was also released on the Nintendo Switch last year. The PlayStation release is the final major platform the game has yet to reach.

What to Expect

• Unique Gameplay: Each character comes with special starting perks and automatic weapons.
• Simple Controls: Players focus on moving their character and strategically choosing upgrades.
• Chaotic Fun: The game features intense action with runs lasting up to 30 minutes, depending on survival.
• Affordable: Priced at just five dollars, Vampire Survivors remains a budget-friendly option.

Future Possibilities

With PlayStation being the last major platform to receive Vampire Survivors, fans are now wondering if a VR version might be the next step. For now, the game’s arrival on PS4 and PS5 is highly anticipated and marks a significant expansion of its availability.

The design of gaming PCs is evolving from large, flashy setups to more compact and stylish forms. MINISFORUM’s latest creation, the AtomMan G7 Ti, exemplifies this trend with its slim, modern design. Though it stands over 15 inches tall, its slim profile makes it a space-saver compared to traditional gaming towers.

A New Design Approach

The AtomMan G7 Ti is designed to resemble a gaming laptop without a screen. This unique look blends elements of a slim desktop with the compactness of a gaming laptop. Here are some key features:

• Slim Profile: At just 1.3 inches thick, it offers a minimalist aesthetic.
• Tall Build: Standing over 15 inches, it resembles a tall PlayStation 5 or a vertical gaming laptop.

Inside the AtomMan G7 Ti

Despite its compact size, the AtomMan G7 Ti packs impressive hardware:

• Processor: Equipped with an Intel Core i9 14900HX.
• Graphics: Features an NVIDIA RTX 4070 mobile GPU.
• Cooling: Uses two thin fans located on one side, a design more typical of gaming laptops.

Features and Performance

• RAM Support: Can handle up to 96GB of RAM.
• Connectivity: Offers numerous ports for a wide range of peripherals.
• RGB Lighting: Includes subtle LED “arrows” on the front for a touch of style.

Considerations

While the AtomMan G7 Ti brings a fresh look to gaming PCs, it may not appeal to everyone. Its design prioritizes aesthetics and space efficiency over raw power and cooling. Potential buyers should weigh its unique style against performance and cooling capabilities.

Pricing and Availability

Details on pricing and availability are still pending, but the AtomMan G7 Ti is set to make waves in the gaming PC market with its distinctive and modern design.

Intel has unveiled its latest innovation, the Arc A760A, a discrete GPU specifically designed for automobiles. This new technology aims to bring the high-end gaming experience, typically enjoyed at home, directly into vehicles. Intel announced that cars equipped with the Arc A760A will be available as early as 2025, although no specific automotive partners have been revealed yet.

Key Features and Capabilities

The Arc A760A is designed to cater to the growing demand for in-vehicle entertainment. According to Intel, the chip will usher in a new era of AI-powered cockpit experiences, enabling:

• High-Definition Displays: The ability to control up to seven HD screens rendering 3D graphics, along with six in-vehicle cameras.
• Triple-A Gaming: The capability to run demanding gaming titles, providing passengers with a high-quality gaming experience on the go.
• AI-Powered Features: Voice, camera, and gesture recognition for easier control of in-vehicle systems, alongside AI-driven productivity apps.
• Personalized Experience: Advanced AI features that allow for natural language processing, accurate vehicle-related inquiries, and even casual conversations with the AI, making journeys more interactive and enjoyable.

Integration and Compatibility

Intel has developed over 500 features and AI applications for automotive use, working closely with more than 100 independent software vendors. The Arc A760A GPU will be fully compatible with software already developed for Intel’s iGPU PC platform, allowing it to be integrated across a range of vehicles, from entry-level to high-end models.

Intel’s Strategic Shift

This move reflects Intel’s strategy to diversify its product offerings amidst challenges in its core PC chip business, including quality control issues and potential large-scale layoffs. By positioning itself as the “go-to partner for automakers,” Intel aims to solidify its presence in the automotive industry, particularly in the rapidly evolving field of in-vehicle entertainment and AI-driven systems.

Archer Aviation has announced a new agreement with Stellantis, where the automaker will cover up to $370 million of labor-related costs to help Archer ramp up production of its ‘Midnight’ aircraft. This deal is crucial for Archer as it provides access to significant capital, allowing the company to reach its goal of producing 650 units annually.

Key Points:

• Production Support: Stellantis will help fund Archer’s production costs, specifically covering labor expenses up to $370 million.
• Capital Boost: The funding will allow Archer to increase the production of its flagship aircraft, the ‘Midnight’.
• Financial Situation: As of June, Archer had $360.4 million in cash and equivalents. Since then, the company secured an additional $230 million in equity capital, including investments from Stellantis and United Airlines.
• Shares in Exchange: Stellantis, Archer’s largest shareholder, will receive shares in Archer on a rolling quarterly basis, proportional to the labor costs they cover.

Industry Challenges:

• eVTOL Sector: The electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft industry faces significant hurdles, including battery and infrastructure challenges.
• Certification Delays: Despite progress, the industry is still awaiting certification to carry passengers in the U.S.

Apple is expected to charge users between $10 and $20 for access to its new advanced artificial intelligence features, according to analysts. This move comes as the tech giant prepares to launch its AI system, Apple Intelligence, later this year, aiming to enhance its already lucrative services business.

What to Expect from Apple Intelligence

• AI Features: Apple Intelligence will bring enhanced capabilities to devices, including an improved Siri voice assistant, automatic email generation, and image creation.
• Regional Rollout: The rollout will be gradual, with some regions, such as China and Europe, not receiving access initially.
• Potential Costs: Analysts suggest that Apple could integrate these advanced AI features into its Apple One subscription, which currently costs $19.95 per month. The AI enhancements could add an extra $10 to $20 to the subscription price.

Analyst Insights

• Neil Shah, Counterpoint Research: Shah notes that investing in AI is costly, and Apple will likely pass these costs onto users, possibly through its Apple One subscription model.
• Ben Wood, CCS Insight: Wood highlights that Apple has successfully monetized its value-added services, setting a precedent for charging users for premium features. He also suggests that Apple Intelligence could be bundled with other services under a single subscription price, although Apple may be cautious about diluting revenue from individual product subscriptions.

AI in the Tech Industry

Charging for AI services is becoming increasingly common in the tech industry. For instance, OpenAI charges for advanced ChatGPT features, and Microsoft offers its AI Copilot tool at a premium. Apple’s main competitor, Samsung, is also exploring various revenue models for its AI services, known as Galaxy AI.

Locking in Loyalty

Apple’s AI advancements are expected to further solidify customer loyalty. The AI system will learn from user behavior, making the experience more personalized and difficult to replicate on other platforms, such as Android. This personalization could lead to increased usage and, consequently, more opportunities for Apple to monetize its AI features.

As Apple continues to innovate and expand its service offerings, the introduction of Apple Intelligence represents a significant step in the company’s strategy to boost its revenue through advanced technology and premium services.

Instagram has introduced a special Easter egg in honor of the 2024 Paris Olympics, adding a unique twist to its Notes feature. The Meta-owned platform now turns Notes gold when users mention Olympic-related words or emojis, celebrating the global sporting event as it nears its conclusion.

What’s New?

• Golden Notes: Words and emojis related to the Olympics—like “Gold,” “Olympics,” “Medal,” “Torch,” and 🥇—will automatically change the color of Notes to gold, adding a festive touch to the platform.
• Expanded Notes Feature: Originally, Notes were visible at the top of the inbox or on a profile picture. However, in a recent update rolled out in July, users can now leave Notes directly on Reels or feed posts, allowing for real-time interactions and reactions.

List of Trigger Words and Emojis

Here are some of the words and emojis that will turn Instagram Notes gold:

• Words: Gold, Olympics, Olympic, Olympiad, Olympian, Medal, Podium, GOAT, Champion, Champs, Victory, Closing ceremony, Torch, World Record, Summer Games, 2024 games, 2028 games.
• Emojis: 🥇, 🏅, 🐐.

Meta’s Olympic Celebration

As Instagram celebrates the Paris 2024 Olympics, this feature is just one of the ways Meta, which also owns Facebook and WhatsApp, is engaging users around the world. The gold-themed Easter egg offers a fun and interactive way for Instagram users to join in the Olympic spirit.

The World Federation of Advertisers (WFA) has announced the suspension of its Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM) initiative, just two days after Elon Musk’s social media company, X (formerly Twitter), filed an antitrust lawsuit against the organization. The lawsuit alleges that the WFA and its members engaged in illegal activities that led to an advertising boycott, harming X’s financial health.

Background

• GARM’s Purpose: Launched in 2019, GARM was created to help advertisers avoid having their promotions appear alongside harmful content. The initiative aimed to uphold brand safety across digital platforms.
• Musk’s Acquisition of Twitter: Following Musk’s $44 billion acquisition of Twitter in 2022, many advertisers paused their campaigns, citing concerns about increased hate speech and problematic content on the platform.

The Lawsuit

• Allegations: X’s lawsuit, filed in the Northern District of Texas, accuses the WFA of organizing an illegal ad boycott, which it claims has had a detrimental impact on the company’s finances. The lawsuit also references previous claims made by the Republican-led House Judiciary Committee, which argued that GARM’s activities were potentially illegal under antitrust laws.
• Response: In response to the lawsuit, X CEO Linda Yaccarino expressed hope that the suspension of GARM signals the beginning of broader reform in the advertising industry.

Industry Reactions

• Criticism of X’s Legal Actions: Ruben Schreurs, chief strategy officer at media marketing group Ebiquity, criticized the lawsuit, describing it as “weaponized litigation” intended to stifle organizations that strive to make the web safer, especially for children. Schreurs suggested that the legal actions are more political than factual and predicted that the lawsuit against WFA is likely to be dismissed.

Broader Implications

• Political Tensions: The suspension of GARM and the lawsuit against the WFA highlight the increasing political tensions surrounding content moderation and advertising practices. The situation also underscores the challenges faced by brands as they navigate the complex landscape of digital advertising, where they must balance business interests with social responsibility.

Cisco Systems will implement a second round of layoffs this year, affecting thousands of employees as the company shifts its focus to growth areas like cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI).

Key Details

• Layoffs Overview: The upcoming job cuts could match or exceed the 4,000 employees Cisco laid off in February. The announcement is expected alongside the company’s fourth-quarter results, which are set to be released on Wednesday.
• Employee Numbers: As of July 2023, Cisco employed approximately 84,900 people. This figure does not include the February layoffs.

Financial Impact

• Stock Reaction: Following the news of the layoffs, Cisco’s shares fell nearly 1%. The stock has decreased by over 9% this year as of Thursday’s close.

Russia’s state communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor, has blocked access to the encrypted messaging app Signal, citing violations related to anti-terrorist laws.

Reasons for the Block

• Violation of Laws: Roskomnadzor announced that Signal was blocked for not complying with Russian legislation aimed at preventing the use of messaging apps for terrorist and extremist activities.
• User Impact: Signal users in Russia reported issues accessing the app, with over 1,500 complaints from Moscow and St Petersburg. However, the app remained functional for some users through VPNs or censorship bypass modes.

Reactions and Observations

• Technical Issues: Reports suggest that Signal’s blocking is specific to Russia, not a technical issue on the app’s side. Users outside Russia or those using VPNs could still access the service.
• Account Registration Problems: Users have been unable to register new accounts on Signal without using a VPN, with error messages displayed when attempting to enter mobile numbers.

Context

• Previous Blocks: This is the first instance of Signal being blocked in Russia. In 2018, Russia began blocking Telegram, which led to interruptions but did not significantly affect its availability.

Apple has revised its policy in the European Union to comply with new tech regulations following a charge from the European Commission. The updated policy, effective Thursday, will allow developers to engage with customers outside the App Store.

Key Changes

• New Communication Rules: Developers can now promote offers and communicate with users directly within their apps, beyond just linking to their own websites.
• Introduction of Fees: Apple will implement two new fees:
  • 5% Acquisition Fee: Charged for new users.
  • 10% Store Services Fee: Applied to sales made on any platform within 12 months of the app’s installation.

These new fees will replace the previously reduced commission rates for digital goods and services sold through the App Store.

Industry Reactions

• Spotify’s Response: Spotify, which has had ongoing disputes with Apple over in-app linking, is reviewing the changes. A Spotify spokesperson criticized the high fees as being inconsistent with the Digital Markets Act’s requirements.
• EU Commission’s Stance: The Commission, which criticized Apple’s previous fees, will evaluate the new compliance measures and consider feedback from developers. This charge is the first under the Digital Markets Act, which targets Big Tech’s market power and could lead to significant fines.

Background

The European Commission charged Apple in June for breaching tech rules by restricting how developers could interact with their users. The Digital Markets Act aims to curb the influence of major tech companies like Apple by enforcing stricter regulations and promoting fairer competition.