Tech

Epic Games is about to let Fortnite creators publish experiences with first-person modes, and to help show what’s possible, Epic itself is introducing a tactical FPS shooter that seems like it will play a lot like Counter-Strike or Valorant. The new mode, called “Ballistic,” is “an adrenaline-filled, round-based 5v5 competitive game mode where strategy, tactical teamwork, and individual prowess are …

GenCast, a new AI model from Google DeepMind, is accurate enough to compete with traditional weather forecasting. It managed to outperform a leading forecast model when tested on data from 2019, according to recently published research. AI isn’t going to replace traditional forecasting anytime soon, but it could add to the arsenal of tools used to predict the weather and …

There’ve already been renders of Google’s yet-to-be-announced Pixel 9A and one real-world sneak peek. Now we’re getting yet another look at an early prototype of Google’s next mid-range phone. X user fenibook has posted two shots of the phone, and it’s got the company’s usual markings that designate this as a still-under-development device. These latest images offer yet more proof …

Google is now rolling out the ability to make a digital ID from your passport that you can store in Google Wallet and use at select TSA checkpoints — but only as a generic form of ID. It does not serve as a passport itself, Google spokesperson Liz Schulten tells IMR: “The digital ID can’t be used at immigration …

Macs with cellular connectivity reportedly won’t arrive before 2026, which is when Bloomberg expects Apple to launch its more advanced, second-generation custom modem. Apple may also add the 5G chip to a pair of augmented reality glasses that Bloomberg says is “years away.” In addition to the iPhone, the company already sells iPads and Apple Watches with cellular connectivity. Rumors …

If I told you that Valve could make a play to dethrone the Sony PlayStation and Microsoft Xbox in your living room this next year while simultaneously challenging the Meta Quest as the gamer’s VR headset of choice, would you believe me? Because Valve may have a lot of SteamOS hardware on the way. If there’s fire where we currently …

The Bright SwordThere are a lot of Arthurian legends out there, though few tales are quite as enchanting as Lev Grossman’s most recent work. The lengthy novel centers around an aspiring knight and his motley crew of companions, all of whom set out to rebuild Camelot in the wake of King Arthur’s death. It’s classic sword and sorcery, only with …

Microsoft’s first Copilot AI-ready Surface laptop arrived earlier this year, and now Windows Central reports that the rest of the lineup is due for a refresh in 2025. According to the report, we can expect new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop computers — and we’ve already seen a possible prototype pop up in October — with Intel Lunar Lake chips, that will be …

Arm CEO Rene Haas has a unique, bird’s eye view of the tech industry. His company’s chip designs are in the majority of devices you use on a daily basis, from your smartphone to your car. The SoftBank-backed company he leads is worth almost $150 billion, which is now considerably more than Intel. With the news earlier this week that …

T-Mobile is once again shuffling its 5G internet options, adding a streaming bundle to its priciest plan and introducing a new mid-tier option. The new plans start at $50 per month (including an autopay discount) and become available starting December 11th. Importantly, it seems that prices are staying consistent with T-Mobile’s previous 5G Home Internet options — if you’re new …