Software News, Tips, Tricks & Ideas

Unreal Engine 5 is increasingly the go-to option for current-gen development, and now, the latest version of Epic’s software is here. We got a taste of Unreal Engine 5.4 during last month’s State of Unreal GDC 2024 showcase, but now the software is in developers’ hands.

PS5 System Update 24.03-09.20.00 is now rolling out to all players.

PS5 System Update 24.03-09.20.00 has been deployed by Sony and we've got you covered with the official release notes.

A new software update is available for PlayStation 5, adding the recently announced Community Game Help feature. Unlike regular Game Help, this feature uses gameplay videos from other players to provide hints.

The Entertainment Software Association, the big trade organization for the video game industry in the US, says it's fully opposed to a proposed copyright exemption that would allow gaming scholars to access online libraries of preserved games.

Last week, a government hearing took place between representatives of the Video Game History Foundation, the Rhizome project, and the Software Preservation Network among others, with legal representation for the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) and the AACS among those in opposition. The hearing was a follow-up to the SPN petitioning the US copyright office, last year, for a DMCA exemption that would allow researchers to access games in libraries and archives. As reported by Game Developer, ESA legal representative Steve Englund said in the hearing that, currently, there’s “[no] combination of limitations [ESA members] would support to provide remote access."

In a surprising move, Meta has announced the opening of the operating system behind its Quest mixed-reality headset. This means third-party hardware makers will be able to create their own mixed reality headsets; in fact, ASUS has already announced it is developing a high-performance gaming headset. S.Y. Hsu, Co-CEO of ASUS, said in a statement:

The hype around PSVR 2 has largely died off just a year after its launch, though there’s no denying it’s a cool piece of tech. Making big strides from the original PSVR, the latest headset from Sony offers better graphics, improved tracking capabilities, and introduced the world to the sleek new Sense controllers, which make it easier than ever to interact with your virtual world.

Intel has rolled out its latest Arc graphics driver 5444 which adds new game fixes and brings more DX11 game performance uplifts for GPUs.

NVIDIA has finally acknowledged tough competition in the AI segment, claiming that AI is the "largest computational problem in history."

The director of upcoming Sims competitor Life By You has said that players are free to create and monetize their future mods. 

AirDrop stands as one of the most convenient tools in the Apple ecosystem, allowing seamless file transfers between devices. However, despite its usefulness, it can sometimes falter, leaving users frustrated. Thankfully, most AirDrop problems are simple to resolve. Here are several quick fixes to get your AirDrop back up and running!

The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has issued a critical vulnerability note (CIVN-2024-0129) regarding Microsoft Defender for IoT, a cybersecurity product aimed at safeguarding Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The warning highlights multiple vulnerabilities within the Defender for IoT software, posing a significant risk of remote attacks.

Although we're still waiting on Sony's official announcement, the PS5 Pro seems to be all systems go behind the scenes. Following on from several leaks over the last few months, a new report from The Verge says that Sony is really starting to push its supercharged console, as it's currently asking development teams to make sure that their games are compatible with the new hardware — presumably ahead of its launch later in the year.

Most times, when you buy a brand new Windows laptop, a PC, or a Mac, you don't get Microsoft Office included. So, if you need to type up a document or put together a presentation, you'll have to buy the two modern versions of Office. You can subscribe to Microsoft 365 for a yearly or monthly fee and get the core Microsoft Office apps (and other bonuses), or you can purchase Office 2021 for a one-time fee and worry less about subscriptions. Office 2021 Professional Plus is a one-time purchase in what's known as a perpetual license that you get for a one-time fee without a subscription or expiration dates to worry about. You buy it and own it for life on your computer.

Apple finally updated its App Store guidelines to allow global developers to host retro game emulators on iOS. Now, you don’t need to jailbreak your iPhone or download any sketchy software — you can get a sophisticated emulator right in the palm of your hand for free on the App Store.

The market for iPhone games has become so wide and diverse that it can realistically compete with most console and PC offerings. Where we once only got cheap time-wasters, we now have complete experiences that don’t feel any less impressive than what the competition offers. In fact, a lot of games made for consoles are appearing on the iPhone now that it is becoming so powerful. However, older games have paradoxically been mostly absent from the app store. That all could be about to change as emulation is now allowed on iPhone, though with some caveats that any retro fan should know about before getting too excited to play all your favorite NES games on your phone. Here’s what’s up with iPhone emulators, as well as our picks for a few of the best ones you can get right now.

Apple has rolled out the second public beta of its upcoming macOS Sonoma 14.5 update, inviting non-developers to try out the new software ahead of its official release. This public beta release comes just two weeks after Apple introduced the initial public beta, signalling ongoing progress in the software development cycle.

A free retro Nintendo game emulator is now live on the Apple App Store, and because of recent changes made to Apple's app review guidelines, it's actually permitted to be on there. Whether Nintendo will take kindly to it is another matter, given its stance that "supporting emulation also supports the illegal piracy of our products."

A keyboard is one of the few pieces of technology you may use for hours every day. Why not make it something that brings you joy? Sure, the people who gush over these things can be intense, but the upgraded comfort, durability and customizability that comes with a good mechanical keyboard is a real thing. If you’re looking to make the switch (ahem), we tested a couple dozen mechanical keyboards over the past few months and rounded up our favorites below. We’ve also broken down what to look for when shopping for one.

Remember the thrill of unboxing a new phone? Over time, the clutter of apps, sluggish performance, and software glitches may have dulled that excitement. But fear not! A factory reset can revive your device, returning it to its original state. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate through the process seamlessly.

The NZXT Lift 2 Ergo lightweight wired gaming mouse is designed for those who want a no-frills device that just works. The mouse delivers a good feel in the hand, a solid gaming experience, and decent software for customization. Though the lack of RGB is a little bit of a downside, the Lift 2 Ergo makes up for that in how well it handles every other area. For $50, this mouse is a solid choice for budget gaming setups.

AI startup TensorWave, believes that AMD's Instinct MI300X accelerator is a far better option than competitors such as NVIDIA's H100.

Take-Two Interactive Software, the parent company of 2K, The Gearbox Entertainment Company, Private Division, and Rockstar Games, will lay off about five percent of its workforce, or around 600 employees, the company announced.

An official modding tool for The Witcher 3 has started rolling out to select players on Steam, with anyone free to sign up for the playtest now. 

Pixar’s Inside Out left a twofold legacy in the animation world. Some people think of it as a poignant movie about the necessity of sadness that turned abstract psychological theories into whimsical set-pieces and a resonant storyline. But a certain subsection of the internet decided that Riley’s dad (voiced by Kyle MacLachlan) is actually a hot daddy.

Pixar’s 2015 movie Inside Outextended the studio’s proven story formula to its logical end point by asking the question What if emotions had emotions? The result is a poignant, whimsical adventure that delves into the mind of an 11-year-old girl grappling with some big life changes. The sequel, Inside Out 2, picks up a year or so after the first movie — and introduces new emotions as characters, which has raised a lot of questions for Pixar fans. During a press visit to the Pixar campus, we got a first look atInside Out 2, and got to talk to the filmmakers about creating a teenager’s emotional landscape.

NVIDIA's former researcher has made interesting claims about the company's reign within the AI space, stating that its CUDA software ecosystem helped it a lot in securing dominance over the competition.

The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has issued a high-risk warning concerning various Microsoft services due to multiple vulnerabilities found in Microsoft products. These vulnerabilities affect a range of Microsoft software, including Windows, Office, Developer Tools, Azure services, Bing, System Center, Dynamics, and Exchange Server.

iOS 18 is reported to be Apple's biggest update for the iPhone as the company is planning a swarm of new AI-related utilities on a system level. There have been numerous reports highlighting how the iPhone could benefit from generative AI and what advancements it could bring to Siri and Spotlight Search. While the company is gradually expanding its efforts to bring the technology to the older and newer models of the iPhone, a prominent analyst claims that the first wave of AI features will not rely on AI cloud servers on the iPhone.

Playdate came out two years ago, and it’s still miniscule and yellow with a black-and-white screen and a delightful crank on its side. Today, the device has a built-in library of more than 100 titles, none of which are Call of Duty, Dark Souls, The Last of Us or any other big-budget, mainstream game — and this is precisely what makes it so damn charming. The community that’s sprung up around this palmheld is lively and creative, and scrolling through the Playdate tags on itch.io or github feels like hanging out in a friendly underground clubhouse populated by crank-obsessed video game freaks.

Intel has finally revealed its next-gen AI Accelerator, the Gaudi 3, based on a 5nm process node and competing directly against NVIDIA's H100 GPUs.

We have the solution to Wordle on April 9, as well as some helpful hints to help you figure out the answer yourself, right here. We’ve placed the answer at the bottom of the page, so we don’t ruin the surprise before you’ve had a chance to work through the clues. So let’s dive in, starting with a reminder of yesterday’s answer.

The House of Mouse has made a number of additions to the management of its games division.

The talks about the upcoming Poco F6 smartphone have been surfacing the internet for quite some time. Now, tipsters speculate that the new Poco F-series will debut in May 2024. With the launch nearing, several leaks about the smartphone have already been shared, giving us an idea about what might be announced at the launch event. The leaks also suggest that the Poco F6 may receive a few upgrades from last year's Poco F5. Know what the Poco F6 has in store for users. 

The recent AI craze may have nerfed some upcoming SOCs as chipmakers such as AMD & Intel prioritize NPU over other core IPs.

AI roundup: AI automation has become a new trend in the tech industry. With the growing use of AI, a company named TestGrid unveiled the world's first AI Software Tester which will simplify the automation testing process. In other news, CGI and Microsoft had a brief discussion about the digital revolution and generative AI's impact on our lives. Know more about what happened in the world of AI in our roundup.

When it comes to the Office productivity suite, Microsoft Office is supreme. While there are several budgetary choices, they can all be summed up as "Office substitutions." Furthermore, they aren't very affordable. Most modern programs have converted to a subscription service, requiring annual payment rather than a single payment. Fortunately, the Office suite from Microsoft is lifetime use. But expenses may be your concern! That's the good news we want to share: Godeal24 provides a Software Super Sale where you can get 100% genuine and lifetime Microsoft Office suites and Windows OS at the floor price! Office 2021 Professional for $25.25 will easily become yours! Equip your devices with premium Microsoft software without breaking the bank! If your budget is not enough to buy Office 2021, take Office 2019 Pro for $19.99 into consideration. To share digital keys with your friends, a keys bundle can be your choice. Office 2021 Pro key for 5 PCs is as low as $15.05/PC, and the Office 2019 key for 5 PCs is $12.99/PC. Hurry, these incredible deals won't last forever! Visit Godeal24 now to take advantage of this exclusive offer and experience the power of Office like never before.

Nvidia has quietly dropped an update for their Streamline software, alongside some patches for the DLSS library. The additions in this update could come quite in handy for PC gamers with an Nvidia GPU.

The new iPad Pro models with OLED technology were previously reported to launch on March 26, but since then, there have been updates to that information, stating that an announcement would instead take place sometime in May. This means we must wait nearly one more month for the unveiling. Thankfully, a new report provides insights on which week these new 11-inch and 12.9-inch slates could arrive while also mentioning a new iPad Air and accessories that may also be a part of those announcements.

Apple enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting the release of Apple's new iPad Pro models, which promise to be the most significant update since 2018. However, recent reports suggest that the launch of these highly-anticipated devices has been delayed due to various development and production challenges.

In the world of cybersecurity, the market for zero-day exploits is booming, with prices skyrocketing for hacks targeting popular devices and software. Crowdfense, a startup specializing in acquiring and reselling zero-day vulnerabilities, recently unveiled its latest pricing list, revealing staggering sums for exploits targeting iPhones, iMessage, and more.

In addition to updating its developer guidelines to allow music streaming apps to link to external website, Apple has also added new language that allows game emulators on the App Store. The updated guidelines, first noticed by 9to5Mac, now say that retro gaming console emulator apps are welcome and can even offer downloadable games. Apple also reportedly confirmed to developers in an email that they can create and offer emulators on its marketplace.

Embracer is done with their long-term restructuring.

When Steven Spohn wants to play a video game, he boots up the computer and puts on a baseball cap that allows him to use head movements to input keyboard presses. Attached to the hat is a piece of hardware called TrackIR, which uses an infrared camera and metallic reflectors to read the position of his head; Spohn then uses another program to turn those head movements into keyboard presses.

The stereotype of PC gaming is a huge desktop tower filled with rainbow lights and spinning fans, while water gurgles through pipes. However, the reality is much more modest, and most people don't even need a big rig PC to play.

A patent application by streaming TV company Roku suggests it wants to be able to display ads on its branded smart TVs when HDMI devices such as consoles are paused.

Google Pixel 8 Pro's fantastic camera offers a multitude of features, ranging from Super Res Zoom to astrophotography capabilities, along with editing tools like Magic Eraser. While relying on the camera's intelligent software can yield incredible photos effortlessly, users also have the option to utilize the Pro Controls for more precise adjustments.

The US Government has dealt a blow to the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) by turning down its facial-age estimation tool for gaming. In a new announcement, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rejected an application seeking approval for this ESRB-backed technology, at least for the time being.

The upcoming Redmi 13 smartphone has recently surfaced in FCC listings, providing a glimpse into its specifications. Expected to be an affordable handset, the Redmi 13 is anticipated to offer impressive features despite its budget-friendly nature.

The recent warning issued by the Indian government has put Apple iPhone, iPad, MacBook, and Vision Pro headset users on high alert due to a critical vulnerability identified in their devices. The warning, issued by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), emphasizes the risk associated with remote code execution.

The latest PlayStation Portal update has supposedly addressed an exploit that allowed PlayStation Portable (PSP) games to be emulated natively on the streaming handheld.

Unity has announced it will no longer be selling or supporting Ziva Dynamics products, and has entered an agreement with VFX and animation studio DNEG to license the software.

AMD plans to open-source portions of its ROCm software stack and hardware documentation in a future update as the company aims to refine its software and AI ecosystem for consumers.

PS Portal owners may have noted that system update 2.0.6 is now available, requiring the usual restart rigamarole. The patch notes for the update are incredibly sparse but potentially quite profound, reading simply: «We've improved system software performance and stability.» In the hours since, players have been reporting a drastic increase in video quality.

The US Federal Trade Commission has denied an attempt to add facial age estimation technology to the list of acceptable forms of obtaining parental consent for collecting kids' information under the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

Nvidia and AMD make the best graphics cards you can buy, but choosing between them isn’t easy. Unlike previous generations, AMD and Nvidia trade blows point-for-point in 2024, and picking a brand to go with isn’t as easy as counting the dollars in your wallet.

Gearbox Entertainment has confirmed layoffs at the company, following the announcement of its sale by Embracer.

The Android 15 update is coming soon and will surely be full of exciting new features. If you're interested in trying the beta or wondering if your phone is supported, here's which Pixel phones and tablets will officially get Android 15 and which won't.

The upcoming Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree expansion has been rated in the US by the ESRB, but its description might come across as familiar.

The US Federal Trade Commission has blocked plans to introduce «privacy-protective facial age estimation» technology, which would have analysed the geometry of a user's face to determine their age.

Just days after revealing the smartphones that are to benefit from the Xiaomi HyperOS update, the company has now announced that several Poco smartphones will get the same. The update was introduced in February this year but was limited to a handful of devices. While the new Poco X6 Pro came with HyperOS out of the box and Poco M6 Pro and M4 5G received it later on, other Poco smartphones still featured MIUI, but not anymore. Check out the full list of Poco smartphones that will get Xiaomi's most powerful software update. 

The best gaming keyboards don’t always need to be full-size. Tenkeyless (TKL) options can be just as great if not better, especially for those tight on gaming desk space or who want to take their keyboard on the go to a LAN party or tournament. So, if you’re okay with losing that number pad, consider a TKL mechanical gaming keyboard, like our favorite the Higround Basecamp 65. Even if that’s not for you, we’ve found three others; one is bound to fit your needs.

Apple failed to announce any iPad upgrade last year, and the company appears to be taking its time again this year. The OLED iPad Pro has seen various delays in the past, and we experienced another one last week. Originally, the OLED iPad Pro was reported to launch in the last quarter of 2023 alongside the M3 MacBook Pro models. However, the company saw fit to announce the new M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max MacBook Pro models. With so many delays in the past, could Apple launch the OLED iPad Pro models at its WWDC 2024 event?

Easter is coming early this year, which means Easter sales are available to shop right now from all your favorite retailers like Godeal24. To help you find all the best offers in one place, this guide is here with the best 2024 Easter sales and stand-out deals for MS Software keys - Godeal24 Easter Deals. Windows 11 Pro is built for business. Simple and flexible management - Windows 11 Pro is user-friendly and flexible: connect to business resources with Azure Active Directory. Windows 11 Pro from Godeal24 is no longer out of reach.

Welcome to the 2024 edition of Gematsu‘s annual April Fools’ Day games industry jokes and gags roundup, featuring a new Goddess of Victory: NIKKE shooter game, Palworld dating simulation game, a 16-bit edition of Kanon, and more.

The government has issued a warning urging citizens to be cautious when using public phone charging stations in places like airports, cafes, hotels, and bus stands. The advisory comes amidst growing concerns over the "USB charger scam," a tactic cybercriminals use to exploit unsuspecting individuals who rely on these stations while on the move.

One UI 6.1 is finally making its way to Galaxy S23 and all the other supported devices. The new update brings a number of improvements, including Galaxy AI. However, the latest update now appears that the latest update appears to be throttling the charging speed, which could be an issue for a lot of people.

There are few things more frustrating than trying to work, game, or stream a movie and experiencing stuttering, pausing, and other unstable behavior due to a dodgy internet connection. Even if your Wi-Fi signal is strong or you’re using a wired connection, you can still experience hiccups due to the irritating phenomenon of packet loss.

Keychron’s keyboards may not be as flashy as most models from Corsair or Razer, but it can’t be argued that they absolutely nail the basics. If you need a reliable daily driver with some extensive customization options, you can currently pick up the Keychron K8 from Amazon for its lowest price to date. Originally $69.99, the Keychron K8 is available for $56, but only if you click the on-page coupon before checkout.

Following the sales of Saber Interactive (to a new company founded by Saber CEO Matthew Karch) and Gearbox Software (to Take-Two), the Embracer Group held an investors call to confirm the end of its dreaded restructuring program.

Activision is reportedly in the midst of investigating a hacking campaign that's stealing login credentials from people playing its games. According to TechCrunch, bad actors have been successfully installing malware onto victims' computers and using their access to steal logins for their gaming accounts and even their crypto wallets. The video game publisher has apparently been helping victims remove the malware and regain control of their accounts, but it doesn't have enough information at the moment to say how the malware is spreading.

Rumours about the possible launch dates of the Apple iPad Pro and iPad Air models have been surfacing for some time now, with a handful of them suggesting they could come out on March 26. Obviously, that did not come to fruition. While this isn't the first time that the launch of new iPads has been delayed, the updates are desperately needed because there have been no upgrades in the last two years. Now, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has suggested that both new iPads may debut in early May 2024 ahead of Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024. 

Video game giant Activision is investigating a hacking campaign that’s targeting players with the goal of stealing their credentials, TechCrunch has learned.

Embracer Group finally confirmed that it is selling Borderlands studio Gearbox Entertainment to Take-Two Interactive, but there’s a catch: Embracer Group will retain ownership of Gearbox Publishing.

Take-Two Interactive Software will acquire The Gearbox Entertainment Company from Embracer Group in a $460 million deal, the companies announced (2).

Embracer Group has been itching to sell some of its recently acquired studios for quite some time now, having seemingly had eyes bigger than its belly during its spending spree a couple of years ago. Borderlands creator Gearbox Software was one of the developers lined up for a potential sale, and it's now been confirmed that Take-Two is the publisher to have acquired the studio.

Intel has just released its latest MLPerf v4.0 performance figures covering the Gaudi 2 Accelerators & 5th Gen Xeon "Emerald Rapids" CPUs, with the former showcasing strong performance per dollar values against NVIDIA's H100 GPU.

NVIDIA continues to push the AI envelope with its strong TensorRT-LLM suite, boosting the H200 GPUs to new heights in the latest MLPerf v4.0 results.

Looking to up your photo game? A new, camera-focused smartphone will do wonders for your social media pictures. These are the best Android camera phones that will make sunsets sparkle, food look irresistible, and nighttime landscapes dazzle.