Artificial Intelligence
Ongoing coverage on Artificial Intelligence.
Latest coverage
August was a milestone month if you love watching robots completely eat it
August 2026 was a notable month for observing robotic failures, particularly at the World Robot Humanoid Games in Beijing. The article highlights numerous instances of robots malfunctioning, falling, catching fire, and exhibiting erratic behavior during various competitions and demonstrations, including a robotic barber incident and a laser mosquito-killing system.
A new Android Find Hub feature will help you remember where you put important things
Google announced a new 'Find Hub' feature for Android designed to help users locate important items. The company also revealed updates for Gemini Live and integration with Google Keep for Messages.
Aggro Crab launches publishing label to splash that Peak cash
Aggro Crab, the developer behind Peak and Another Crab's Treasure, has launched a new publishing label called Aggro Crab Presents. The initiative will support indie games requiring $500,000 or less to launch within two years, with a focus on "intense, stylized games with an attitude" and a strict rejection of "generative AI slop." The success of their game Peak has enabled this expansion, allowing Aggro Crab to leverage its experience and community to help other developers.
Stellar Blade uses Nvidia's DLSS alongside "frame interpolation" to hit 60fps on Switch 2
Shift Up has detailed the technical approach for Stellar Blade's Nintendo Switch port, aiming for 60fps using Nvidia's DLSS for upscaling and AMD's FSR 3.1 for frame interpolation. The article notes the game will not use DLSS 5's AI filters, and touches on the studio's broader AI-positive stance.
Dwarf Fortress creator says we have a natural lean towards human-made stories, but 'but we're all going to be very sorely tested in the coming years' by AI
Dwarf Fortress co-creator Tarn Adams discusses how the game's procedural generation has always created infinite stories without AI, contrasting it with the potential of generative AI. He suggests that human-made stories resonate due to shared experience, and that while AI may improve, it will be a significant challenge to replicate the 'human spark' that makes art engaging.
Perplexity's Hybrid Compute splits sensitive tasks between cloud and local AI
Perplexity has introduced a new feature called Hybrid Compute, which allows users to divide tasks between cloud-based and local artificial intelligence models. This enables a more flexible approach to AI processing.
'Sonos 27' brings a refreshed UI to the app and lets AI agents control your system
Sonos is integrating artificial intelligence into its next major software update, codenamed 'Sonos 27'. This update will feature a refreshed user interface for the Sonos app and allow AI agents to control the audio system.
30 years later, I finally got to play Quake on the PS1, but that's before I found a better version that doesn't rely on "substantial AI assistance"
The author explores playing Quake on the PlayStation 1, initially finding a promising homebrew demo that unfortunately relies on AI assistance. While the demo includes other impressive PS1 projects, the author expresses a preference for the older, non-AI QuakePSX port due to its mouse support and perceived better performance, despite the overall limitations of playing Quake on the original PlayStation.
NVIDIA lanserar DLSS 5. Jag är kluven och imponerad på samma gång.
NVIDIA has announced the launch of DLSS 5, a new tool for developers aimed at enhancing photorealism in games. While the technology promises impressive visual upgrades, the author expresses mixed feelings about its potential impact on creative vision and the distinction between developer-applied features and player-accessible mods. The article highlights that DLSS 5 is intended for developers to use selectively, not as a universal player mod.
Sonos Open House: Live updates from the company's September 2026 product launch
Sonos is holding a product launch event in September 2026, with live updates expected from the company. The event is anticipated to feature new speaker hardware and advancements in artificial intelligence.
Asha Sharma gives a positive response about the rising cost of tech
Xbox Executive Vice President and CEO Asha Sharma discussed the rising cost of gaming hardware and the impact of Artificial Intelligence during an interview at Gamescom. Sharma acknowledged challenges like component shortages and the need for innovation in affordability, while the article criticizes the perceived dismissal of concerns over GPU and CPU price hikes driven by AI demand.
Dwarf Fortress' creator says the industry's in shambles over AI and layoff-happy CEOs: 'Everyone I know, their bosses are slowly getting psychosis'
Dwarf Fortress creator Tarn Adams expresses deep concern over the current state of the game industry, citing widespread layoffs and the problematic integration of generative AI. He believes these trends are unsustainable and are leading to a 'psychosis' among industry leaders, drawing parallels to past economic downturns.
Gamescom 2026: Multiplayer creature collectors Aniimo and Roco Kingdom announce release plans
During Gamescom 2026, Aniimo announced a September 16th release date for Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, and PC, with mobile versions following on September 23rd. Roco Kingdom, developed by Morefun Studios, will have a global release soon and a closed beta in October. Both games are multiplayer creature collectors, with Aniimo's developer admitting to the use of AI tools, a practice not disclosed on Roco Kingdom's Steam page.
Apple adds more allegations to its trade secrets lawsuit against OpenAI
Apple has added new allegations to its trade secrets lawsuit against OpenAI. The company claims a former employee accessed and used proprietary files for OpenAI, suggesting a breach of trade secrets.
Evening Reading - August 31, 2026
This edition of Shacknews Evening Reading covers reviews for Onimusha: Way of the Sword, The Blood of Dawnwalker, and Blood Dungeon, alongside news about The Wolf Among Us 2, Take-Two's subpoena regarding GTA 6 leaks, and Housemarque co-founder Ilari Kuittinen's departure. The article also touches on GameStop's financial status and mentions various internet curiosities.
Xbox CEO Reacts To The Irony Of Rising Console Prices Being An Issue That Microsoft Itself Contributed To
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma acknowledged the irony of rising console prices, partly caused by Microsoft's own AI investments. She stated that future console generations, codenamed Helix, will prioritize efficiency and affordability alongside performance, potentially as a family of devices rather than a single unit. This comes as Xbox Series S prices have increased significantly, and Sony has also raised PlayStation 5 prices.
Instagram will demote AI-generated influencers if they don't clearly label their account
Instagram will begin demoting AI-generated influencers if their accounts are not clearly labeled as artificial. This policy change specifically targets AI-generated accounts, while other forms of AI content on the platform are not addressed.
1666: Amsterdam's developer says it 'won't be using AI anymore', and the tech was only used 'in conception and pre-production'—arguably the most creative phase of the entire process
Patrice Désilets' studio Panache Digital Games has stated it will no longer use artificial intelligence in the development of 1666: Amsterdam, after initial use in conception and pre-production. The game has launched into early access with a 'Mixed' Steam rating, with players divided on its experience.
MMO Week in Review: Gamescom, Asura, and Ascension
Gamescom was the dominant event this week, bringing news for numerous MMOs including launch dates for Aion 2 and Path of Exile 2, and trailers for Dune Awakening, Sea of Remnants, and Cinder City. Star Citizen's Squadron 42 received another delay into 2027, while Guild Wars 3 revealed its Asura, and Blizzard shut down another World of Warcraft private server. Other news included updates for Throne and Liberty, Ultima Online, and The Division 2, alongside discussions on game design, AI training lawsuits, and the shutdown of the Project Ascension World of Warcraft emulator.
People Who Say GTA 6 Looks Like GTA 5 Are “Out of Their Minds”, Says Michael De Santa’s Voice Actor
Ned Luke, the voice actor for Michael De Santa in Grand Theft Auto 5, stated that Grand Theft Auto 6 looks nothing like its predecessor and that comparisons are "out of their minds." He highlighted the significant advancements in animation and technology since Grand Theft Auto 5's release, noting that every character in GTA 6 is individually simulated, placing Rockstar ahead of the industry in NPC technology.
