Artificial Intelligence
Ongoing coverage on Artificial Intelligence.
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PCs under $500 to "disappear by 2028." Apparently water's wet, too.
The PC market, particularly entry-level laptops, is projected to become nonviable by 2028 due to rising memory and SSD costs. This trend is exacerbated by the continued high consumption of AI chips, which are expected to drive up hardware prices.
Scientists Make Breakthrough That Allows Lab-Grown Brain Cells To Play A Sort Of Video Game
Researchers have successfully trained lab-grown human brain cells to play a simplified video game, demonstrating a significant advancement in bioelectrical interfaces. The brain organoids learned to solve a 'cart-pole' problem by receiving electronic signals as rewards or punishments, improving their success rate dramatically. This breakthrough could pave the way for future applications combining AI with biological brain cells, while AI itself continues to integrate into the gaming industry, with companies like Activision Blizzard using generative content.
MWC 2026: Lenovo Annouces Many New Additions To Its Product Line
Lenovo announced a range of new products at Mobile World Congress 2026, including laptops, tablets, and gaming devices aimed at creators, gamers, and productivity users. Key reveals include the foldable Legion Go Fold concept, the Legion Tab gaming tablet, and the Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition laptop. The company also introduced its new Personal Ambient Intelligence platform, Qira, to enhance cross-device AI capabilities.
Is the Xbox ending? Don’t count on it yet
Despite predictions of its demise, the Xbox brand is undergoing a strategic course correction rather than a shutdown. New leadership, including CEO Asha Sharma, emphasizes a renewed commitment to core players and console hardware, moving away from a solely services-focused approach. While recent revenue drops and executive changes have fueled speculation, Microsoft's significant investments in studios and Game Pass suggest a continued focus on hardware and its dedicated player base.
How the video games industry will finally destroy itself - Reader's Feature
This reader's feature argues that the video game industry is unsustainable due to a financial system that disincentivizes innovation and leads to conservatism and consolidation. The author suggests that increasing costs, reliance on finance capital over productive labor, and the rise of AI threaten the industry's long-term survival, potentially leading to a crisis similar to broader economic issues.
You need a VPN now to stop the new Facebook Black Mirror horror
Meta's Project Lazarus, which proposes creating AI duplicates of individuals after their death, is discussed as a concerning concept. The article also highlights the potential need for Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) in light of such technological advancements.
Marathon might be the perfect 2026 shooter in that I feel like I'm stuck in a giant Nvidia graphics card
The Marathon reboot playtest offers a glimpse into a shooter that evokes feelings of overwhelm and exhaustion related to the current tech industry, particularly Nvidia's influence. Players take on the role of a cybernetic body controlled by a brain, boarding an interstellar ark to strip it for parts for various corporations, engaging in combat with robots and alien lifeforms. The art direction and gameplay mechanics, while familiar, create a compelling atmosphere that mirrors the chaotic state of modern high technology.
Xbox's new boss could herald the changes the division needs | Opinion
Following Phil Spencer's departure, Microsoft has appointed Asha Sharma, formerly of the CoreAI team, as the new CEO of Xbox. While Sharma lacks direct video game experience, the article suggests this change could signal a necessary strategic pivot for the division, which has struggled despite significant investment and acquisitions. The author expresses cautious optimism that Sharma's background in consumer-facing services and potential focus on hardware could revitalize the Xbox brand.
Valve in hot water, Discord begs forgiveness, and more game media layoffs - Patch Notes #42
This week's gaming news roundup covers significant industry events including Microsoft's Xbox leadership changes, Valve facing a lawsuit over gambling in Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2, and layoffs at companies like Riot Games and Eurogamer. Additionally, Krafton appointed a chief AI officer, Embark Studios' CEO became Nexon's executive chairman, and Discord delayed its age verification rollout.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Series Unpacked Led by Camera, AI and Power Upgrades
Samsung has launched its Galaxy S26 series, emphasizing AI-centered features for proactive assistance and reduced user friction. The Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces a built-in Privacy Display and is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform for Galaxy, offering significant performance gains for AI tasks. The series also features upgraded camera systems with enhanced low-light performance and new video codecs, alongside AI-powered editing tools and proactive assistance features.
Genshin Impact's Privacy Policy indicated players' voice comms data may be used to train AI models
Genshin Impact's privacy policy initially stated that voice chat data could be used for AI model training, but this clause has since been removed. MiHoYo, the developer, has previously expressed interest in generative AI, with plans for an Unreal Engine 5 MMO featuring AI-driven elements. The company has been contacted for comment regarding the removed clause and the use of voice data.
"I am committed to 'returning to Xbox', and that starts with console, that starts with hardware" - Xbox's new leaders pledge to bring the brand back again
Xbox's new leadership, CEO Asha Sharma and chief content officer Matt Booty, have emphasized a commitment to returning to Xbox's roots, starting with new console hardware. Sharma stated that investments will be made in hardware and that more announcements are forthcoming. Both leaders also reaffirmed their dedication to first-party game development and partnership with the platform team, while addressing the company's recent changes and the potential role of AI in game development.
New Xbox leadership commits to consoles and first-party games
New Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and Chief Content Officer Matt Booty have stated that the Xbox console and first-party game development remain a priority. They addressed concerns about multi-platform releases and the future of the hardware, emphasizing a commitment to serving the core audience and protecting creative culture from excessive AI implementation. Hardware announcements related to this renewed focus are expected soon.
Xbox faces "no pressure from Microsoft" to use AI, says new leadership
Xbox leadership, including CEO Asha Sharma and CCO Matt Booty, stated there is no pressure from Microsoft to implement AI technologies. They emphasized a commitment to human-created art, with AI serving only as a supportive tool in the production pipeline. Sharma also reaffirmed dedication to console hardware while acknowledging the need to serve players across all platforms.
Microsoft’s shift could affect your next console purchase
Seamus Blackley, an original architect of the Xbox brand, expresses concern over Microsoft's strategic shift towards artificial intelligence, suggesting it may lead to the phasing out of the Xbox console business. Recent leadership changes, including the appointment of Asha Sharma from the CoreAI division as CEO of Microsoft Gaming and the departure of Xbox President Sarah Bond, have fueled speculation about the company's evolving priorities. Despite these concerns, Microsoft has publicly reaffirmed its commitment to gaming, with Sharma emphasizing a focus on quality experiences and creative authenticity.
The future of Xbox is vague and contradictory, with just a glimmer of hope
Microsoft has announced significant leadership changes within Xbox, with Asha Sharma stepping into a combined CEO role previously held by Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond. The article analyzes the implications of these changes, Sharma's background in AI, and the perceived contradictions in Xbox's future strategy, highlighting concerns about talent retention and the company's long-term direction.
"Her job is going to be as a palliative care doctor who slides Xbox gently into the night" - original Xbox co-creator thinks Microsoft's reshuffle is all about AI
Original Xbox co-creator Seamus Blackley believes Microsoft's recent leadership changes at Xbox, including the appointment of Asha Sharma as CEO, indicate the company is prioritizing generative AI and phasing out its gaming division. Blackley suggests Sharma's role is to manage the 'sunset' of Xbox as Microsoft focuses its investments on AI technologies, viewing all business units through an AI lens.
"Microsoft wants a turnaround and is worried about losing Xbox" - Insider report paints a different picture of Phil Spencer's retirement and Sarah Bond's sudden departure
An insider report suggests Microsoft's recent leadership changes at Xbox, including Phil Spencer's retirement and Sarah Bond's departure, signal a genuine attempt to revitalize the brand. Asha Sharma, formerly of CoreAI, has been appointed head of Microsoft Gaming, with sources indicating the company is concerned about losing Xbox as a consumer brand and aims for a turnaround, potentially moving away from Bond's 'Xbox Anywhere' vision.
Xbox Creator Warns Brand Could “Fade Away” as Microsoft Shifts to AI
Seamus Blackley, a co-creator of the original Xbox, has expressed concerns that Microsoft's increasing focus on artificial intelligence could lead to the gradual phasing out of the Xbox brand. He suggests that the new CEO of Microsoft Gaming, Asha Sharma, may be tasked with slowly transitioning the brand away. While Microsoft has stated a renewed commitment to Xbox, Blackley and others worry about the impact of AI on game development and creativity.
Krafton appoints new chief AI officer to "further enhance its game AI R&D framework"
Krafton has appointed Kangwook Lee as its new Chief AI Officer to bolster its game AI research and development. Lee, formerly head of Krafton AI, will focus on machine learning, language models, and other AI domains to enhance gameplay, operational efficiency, and secure new growth opportunities. This move follows Krafton's record-breaking financial results for 2025, driven significantly by its PUBG franchise.
