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Microsoft's new college deal is a half-hearted answer to the $500 MacBook Neo
Microsoft has launched the "Microsoft College Offer," a bundle aimed at students that includes Microsoft 365 Premium, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, a custom Xbox controller, and a discounted laptop. This offer is a response to Apple's new MacBook Neo, providing a value proposition that includes deals on devices from manufacturers like HP, ASUS, Acer, and Lenovo, as well as Microsoft's own Surface line.
Google unleashes a native Gemini app for the Mac
Google has released a native Gemini application for macOS, allowing users to access its AI assistant directly from their Macs. The app offers a desktop experience with customizable keyboard shortcuts for quick access and full chat functionality. Users can share screen content, files, and web pages with Gemini for analysis and can utilize its image and video generation capabilities.
Apple rubberstamps an open source driver to allow Nvidia GPUs to run on Macs, though gaming isn't on the table just…
Apple has approved an open-source driver that allows Nvidia GPUs to function on Macs via Thunderbolt or USB4 eGPUs. While this enables the use of Nvidia hardware for tasks like AI processing, gaming on Macs with these drivers is not currently supported due to focus on AI and potential performance limitations.
EU Parliament Takes Aim at Game-Killing Publishers This Week
The European Parliament is holding a public hearing on the 'Stop Destroying Videogames' initiative to address concerns about publishers shutting down servers for games that players have purchased. The initiative aims to establish clearer digital ownership rights and explore options for community-run servers after official ones are decommissioned. This move signifies a growing regulatory focus on consumer rights within the gaming industry, with potential implications for how games are sold and maintained.
Evening Metaverse
Prime Video is offering a bundle that includes Apple TV+ and Peacock Premium Plus for $19.99 per month. This deal aims to expand content accessibility through bundled subscriptions.
Amazon buys the satellite internet company behind Apple’s SOS system
Amazon announced a merger with satellite internet provider Globalstar Inc. to enhance its Project Kuiper satellite network, a rival to Starlink. This deal will leverage Globalstar's existing infrastructure, which currently powers Apple's emergency SOS feature on iPhones and Apple Watches. The direct-to-device service is expected to launch in 2028, with the merger anticipated to close in 2027.
The Morning After: Meta is reportedly working on an AI model of Mark Zuckerberg
Meta is reportedly developing an AI model trained on Mark Zuckerberg's mannerisms and statements to interact with employees. Separately, a leaked memo suggests Xbox CEO Asha Sharma believes Game Pass is too expensive for players, indicating potential pricing changes. Additionally, Apple is testing up to four styles of smart glasses, aiming to compete with Meta's Ray-Ban Meta model.
Apple’s Copy-Cat Playbook is Crushing Mobile Gaming Innovation
This article criticizes Apple's strategy of 'borrowing' innovations from competitors, arguing it stifles progress in mobile gaming. Developers face limitations due to Apple's slow adoption of new features and technologies, impacting the entire iOS gaming ecosystem. The piece suggests the industry is moving towards alternatives as Apple continues its conservative approach.
Virtual Reality Check
A report claims that Apple is developing AI-powered glasses. The article references a report from The Independent regarding this potential new hardware.
UK Steam Lawsuit Seeks $900M: Gamers Could Get Just £22 Each
A UK lawsuit is seeking $900 million from Valve, alleging anti-competitive practices by Steam through its 30% commission and most-favored-nation clauses. If successful, individual payouts are estimated to be between £22-£44. The article argues that Steam provides significant value for its fees, including robust customer service and features, and that a loss could negatively impact future development and services.
The MacBook Neo is moonlighting as a Windows gaming machine, and it’s doing it well
The MacBook Neo, powered by Apple's A18 Pro chip, has demonstrated surprising Windows gaming capabilities when run through Parallels Desktop. Despite its budget positioning and 8GB of RAM, it achieved playable frame rates in titles like Dirt 3 and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, though Grand Theft Auto V struggled. This suggests that Apple's more affordable hardware can serve as a viable platform for casual Windows gaming through virtualization.
Apple reportedly testing out four different styles for its smart glasses that will rival Meta Ray-Bans
Apple is reportedly testing four distinct styles for its upcoming smart glasses, aiming to compete with Meta's Ray-Ban models. These designs range from rectangular to oval frames, with potential color options. The smart glasses, internally codenamed N50, are expected to launch in late 2026 or 2027 and will focus on seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem.
Engadget review recap: ASUS ZenBook A16, AirPods Max 2, Sonos Play and LG Sound Suite
Engadget has published a recap of recent reviews, including the ASUS ZenBook A16 laptop, which features an OLED screen and a Snapdragon X2 Elite chip. Also reviewed are the Apple AirPods Max 2 with the H2 chip, the portable Sonos Play speaker, and LG's Sound Suite audio system. Other reviewed items include DJI drones, Fender Audio products, and Robosen Transformers robots.
Don't like the MacBook Neo's storage options? Well, with lots of electronics gear, years of experience, and nerves of steel, you too can have a 1 TB model
A YouTuber named dosdude1 has successfully upgraded a MacBook Neo to 1 TB of storage by replacing the original NAND flash chip. This process involves desoldering the existing chip and installing a larger one, a complex task due to surrounding components and underfill. The article notes that Apple likely omitted larger storage options due to cost, but this modification offers a potential alternative for users seeking more space.
YouTube Premium’s US pricing is going up
YouTube Premium is increasing its subscription prices in the US, with individual plans rising by $2 to $16 per month and family plans increasing by $4 to $27 per month. These changes, which will take effect in June 2026, also affect the Lite and Music Premium tiers. This follows similar price hikes from Spotify and Netflix.
Turns out the Nintendo Wii can run Mac OS X, and I've now got cursed Apple iMac G3 ideas
Modder Bryan Keller has successfully ported Mac OS X to run on the Nintendo Wii, a complex process involving bootloader and kernel adjustments. While still a prototype with some issues like audio output, the port is available for jailbroken consoles. The article also explores the author's idea of installing a Wii into an Apple iMac G3 for a retro-tech fusion project.
Apple (AAPL) is closing its first unionized store
Apple is closing its first unionized retail store located in Towson, Maryland. The store's employees successfully unionized in 2022.
Apple is closing three US stores, including the first to unionize
Apple is closing three US retail stores this summer, including its first location to unionize in Towson, Maryland. The company cited declining conditions at the shopping centers as the reason for the closures. The union representing the Towson workers expressed concerns that the closure is an attempt to bust the union and is exploring legal options.
After a Redditor said there's a 'zero percent chance' of porting macOS to a Wii, one developer went and…
Developer Bryan Keller successfully ported macOS to a Nintendo Wii, inspired by a Redditor's claim that it was impossible. Keller overcame hardware differences, including the Wii's processor and limited RAM, by writing custom drivers and a bootloader. This accomplishment highlights the pursuit of challenging projects and the satisfaction of proving doubters wrong.
Triple-I Initiative Showcase 2026: Castlevania, Dead As Disco, And Every Game Shown
The Triple-I Initiative Showcase featured 40 game announcements, including world premieres and DLC for existing titles. Highlights included new looks at Castlevania: Belmont's Curse, Dead as Disco, and Windrose, alongside reveals for games like Final Sentence and Crop. Several titles announced release dates or entered early access, with many coming to PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.
