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Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Amazon.
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LinkedIn's new Crosscheck feature lets premium subscribers test competing AI models for free
LinkedIn has launched a new feature called Crosscheck, allowing Premium subscribers in the United States to test various AI models from companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google without token limits. Users are presented with two AI-generated answers to a prompt and choose their preferred one before seeing which model produced it. While currently text-based, the feature aims to help users compare AI models and will eventually expand to more countries and free users.
Blue Origin landed its recycled New Glenn booster but failed to put payload in orbit
Blue Origin successfully landed and reused its New Glenn rocket booster for the second time on its third mission. However, the mission failed to place the AST SpaceMobile communications satellite into orbit due to an "off-nominal orbit" at too low an altitude. Despite the payload failure, the successful booster reuse marks a significant step for the company's reusability program.
MMO Week in Review: Gorgon’s drama, TurtleWoW’s demise, Ashes’ docs
This week in the MMORPG genre saw significant drama and updates across various titles. Ashes of Creation's former boss released legal documents, Project Gorgon faced community backlash over bans, and TurtleWoW announced its closure following a lawsuit. Additionally, Book of Travels is transitioning to a solo offline game, while new content and updates arrived for games like Guild Wars 2, Final Fantasy XIV, and Elder Scrolls Online.
Nintendo pre-order updates – April 19, 2026 – Rhythm Heaven Groove and more
This article provides a comprehensive list of Nintendo products available for pre-order across various retailers in the United States, Canada, and the UK. It details release dates, editions, and participating stores for a wide range of upcoming games and amiibo.
Saturday Legal Briefs
Newly unsealed records indicate that Amazon engaged in price-fixing tactics, according to claims made by the California Attorney General. The article details the legal proceedings and allegations against the e-commerce giant.
Amazon’s Counterfeit Game Problem Reaches Nintendo Switch Physical Copies
Amazon is facing a significant problem with counterfeit Nintendo Switch game cartridges being sold directly through its platform, even with the "shipped and sold by Amazon" label. This issue is particularly concerning for physical game collectors due to the sophistication of the fakes and the speed at which they are appearing in circulation, raising questions about Amazon's inventory management and the future of physical game collecting.
Something for the Weekend – 18/04/26
This week's gaming news includes the reveal of Metro 2039 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC, and Masters of Albion launching into Early Access. Updates were announced for Battlefield 6, Hell Let Loose: Vietnam, Fortnite Save the World, and STALKER 2. Several games received reviews, including Pragmata with a 9/10 score, and new trailers were released for 007: First Light and Northgard: Battleground.
Evening Metaverse
Japan's Foreign Minister made comments regarding White House tweets that referenced Nintendo intellectual property. Separately, Amazon will no longer release Fire TV Sticks that support sideloading applications.
Fallout 2 and New Vegas designer still hates the series' Amazon TV show: "I had to shut it off within a…
Fallout 2 and Fallout: New Vegas designer Chris Avellone expressed strong dissatisfaction with Amazon's Fallout TV show, finding both seasons difficult to watch due to perceived flaws in storytelling and cinematography. Despite his criticisms, Avellone acknowledged the show's success and its positive impact on the Fallout franchise.
AneeMate Reveals Q2 2026 Playtest with Survival Mode and Proximity Chat
QORPO Game Studio's AneeMate will feature a survival mode with proximity chat in its Q2 2026 playtest, focusing on resource gathering and co-op against robotic enemies. The game integrates creature-collecting with extraction shooter mechanics, player customization, and NFT-based ownership of in-game items facilitated by the TOY Chain blockchain.
Daily Video Game Deals Apr 17 – Lil Gator Game: Gator of the Year, Wars: The Skywalker Saga – Currently Under $20 at the Time of This Posting via Amazon, MindsEye, IMMORTALITY, Let’s Sing 2026 + 2 Mics, Loop8: Summer of Gods & More
Daily video game deals for April 17, 2026, include significant discounts on titles such as Lil Gator Game: Gator of the Year, LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, and IMMORTALITY across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Several other games are also available at reduced prices via Amazon and other retailers.
The Expanse: A Telltale Series Launches on Nintendo Switch With Deluxe Edition
The Expanse: A Telltale Series, a narrative adventure prequel to the Amazon Prime Video show, is now available on Nintendo Switch as a Deluxe Edition. Developed by Telltale and Deck Nine, the game allows players to control Camina Drummer and make choices that shape the story, with the Deluxe Edition including a bonus chapter featuring Chrisjen Avasarala. The game is also available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
RAM prices are levelling off, but even with these Newegg deals those rates are still sky-high
RAM prices are stabilizing but remain high, with Newegg offering some discounts on Corsair Vengeance LPX kits. While DDR4 prices have increased significantly over the past year, DDR5 kits are considerably more expensive, with 32GB sets costing around $500. Prices are not expected to fall until next year at the earliest.
The search for the new James Bond is taking so long because of Amazon's "care and deep respect" for the…
Amazon MGM Studios is taking its time to cast the next James Bond actor, with studio head Courtenay Valenti stating the decision is being made with "care and deep respect" for the franchise. A world-class filmmaking team, including director Denis Villeneuve and writer Steven Knight, is reportedly being assembled for the next installment.
LOOP//ERROR Expands Beyond the Desktop with a New Psychological Horror Novel Launching Globally on Amazon.
Dark Product announced the global release of LOOP//ERROR, a psychological horror novel that expands the universe of the PC video game Loop//Error. The novel, available on Amazon, reconstructs fragments of a lost online community from the early internet era, exploring themes of memory, identity, and reality collapse. It serves as a companion to the game, offering a deeper, more interpretive perspective on the same events.
Snap is laying off 16 percent of its workforce, blames AI
Snap is laying off approximately 1,000 employees, representing 16 percent of its workforce, with CEO Evan Spiegel citing advancements in artificial intelligence as a reason for the reduction. The company expects these changes to save over $500 million by the second half of 2026 and improve net-income profitability. This move follows similar workforce reductions at other tech companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Pinterest, as they increasingly integrate AI to boost efficiency.
Game Crossovers and Collaborations
Filming for Amazon's Tomb Raider adaptation has resumed after a production halt caused by Sophie Turner's back injury last month. The article notes that back injuries are an occupational hazard for the character Lara Croft.
Amazon’s New Fire TV Stick HD and Ember Artline Aim to Clean Up Your Entertainment Setup
Amazon has launched new Fire TV products, including the Fire TV Stick HD and the Ember Artline smart TV which doubles as an art display. Both devices feature a redesigned, cleaner user interface and integrated Alexa AI for recommendations. The Fire TV Stick HD is available now for $34.99, while the Ember Artline starts at $899.99 and begins shipping April 22.
Lost Ark rolls out a new raid with The Shadows Rise update as recent Steam reviews shrivel
Amazon has released 'The Shadows Rise' update for Lost Ark, introducing the Serca, Witch Of Pain Shadow Raid, new Tier 4 progression gear, and other endgame content. This update aims to revitalize the game's community and improve its recent performance on Steam, despite recent layoffs and the potential transfer of the game's management to Smilegate.
Filming resumes on Amazon's Tomb Raider adaptation, after Sophie Turner's back injury halted production last month
Filming for Amazon's live-action Tomb Raider series has reportedly resumed after a production halt due to star Sophie Turner's back injury. The series, which also features Celia Imrie, Jason Isaacs, Sigourney Weaver, and Martin Bobb-Semple, began filming in January. Additionally, fans speculate that Wrest Park in Bedfordshire, a Grade I-listed estate, is being used as the filming location for Croft Manor.
