Star Citizen spinoff Squadron 42 has been delayed again until 2026

The single-player Squadron 42, set in the Star Citizen universe, has been delayed all the way to 2026. This is interesting because the developers said the game was “feature complete” last year. Squadron 42 was first announced in 2014 and has experienced numerous delays throughout the past decade.

The stated reason for the delay is to apply more polish. Cloud Imperium Games (CIG) boss Chris Roberts said at this weekend’s CitizenCon that he’s “confident” the title will make its 2026 release window. To sate eager fans, the developer dropped an hour-long gameplay video that chronicles the opening segments, seen below.

Roberts also told convention-goers that Squadron 42 would feature “30 to 40 hours of gameplay.” He went on to note that there’s still some work left to “bring the quality of the game up to” the level shown in the gameplay video.

Squadron 42 is a first-person action game that features on-foot exploration and combat, ship piloting and more. It has an absolutely stacked voice and mocap cast, many of whom are featured in the above gameplay video. The cast includes Gary Oldman, Henry Cavill, Mark Hamill, Gillian Anderson, Andy Serkis and Sophie Wu, among many others.

There’s also the matter of the parent game Star Citizen. It’s still not ready for a full release, after being a huge Kickstarter success story in 2012. However, the game has an active alpha community and is still racking up impressive crowdfunding numbers. All told, CIG has raised over $729 million for the title in the past 12 years.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/star-citizen-spinoff-squadron-42-has-been-delayed-again-until-2026-180946358.html?src=rss

Did We Get Duped by This Leaked Galaxy Z Fold6 Invitation?


Happy Mobile Monday! Today, the tech world finds itself wrapped in yet another mystery. Over the weekend, a video surfaced showing what appeared to be an invitation to a Samsung fold event, hinting at the launch of a new Galaxy foldable device. But here’s the twist: is this invitation real, or is it an AI-generated prank designed to ignite excitement among fans eagerly awaiting the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition? Let’s break down what we know and what remains uncertain about this mysterious leak.

With its elegant design, the leaked invitation features an envelope that unfolds to reveal a sleek message reading “You’re Invited,” seemingly displayed on a foldable screen. The presentation is intimate and exclusive, evoking a formal, old-world charm contrasting with Samsung’s typical mass-market marketing style. The premium choice of typography and colors hints at something more significant than a standard product launch. Yet, the October 21, 2024, date—which happens to be today—casts serious doubt on the authenticity, given the absence of any official announcement. With AI capable of creating remarkably convincing content, how much can we trust these leaks?

Samsung Galaxy Ring and Fold6

There is no denying that Samsung, much like Apple, follows a predictable yearly release schedule, and we know they’re planning a major event. The only question is when. Most sources suggest this event will feature either the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim or a Special Edition—a version that pushes the boundaries of foldable technology while focusing on style and portability. As always, rumors must be taken with a grain of salt, especially when tied to specific dates. So, is this invitation authentic, or is it just another bait using generative AI?

A Premium Touch: Breaking Down the Design Elements—Or Is It Meant to Fool Us?

Looking closely at the invitation, its elegance and minimalism offer an interesting contrast to past Samsung event invitations. The carefully staged unwrapping, paired with the luxurious appearance of the invitation, suggests this product launch is something special—almost like an intimate gallery reveal rather than a tech event. If future invitations are this extravagant, it only adds credibility to the theory that Samsung could launch a Special Edition Z Fold—designed for true enthusiasts who value exclusivity and innovation.

The “You’re Invited” message is presented with understated simplicity as if giving a sly nod to those who think they’re in on an exclusive secret—though, let’s be honest, some of those people are probably laughing away in their parent’s basement, thinking they’re masterminds. It could be an invitation intended for a select few—those who still believe pigs are pink and can fly—hinting at a limited release or an exclusive event. Given the rumored scarcity of the Special Edition Z Fold6, this seems plausible. Eventually, the truth will come out, and maybe we’ll all have a good laugh. But for now, the question stands: Is this elegance the work of Samsung’s designers, or is AI simply tricking us into craving exclusivity?

What We Know About the Galaxy Z Fold6 Special Edition

Rumors and speculation about this device suggest significant changes compared to the standard Galaxy Z Fold 6. First and foremost, these changes focus heavily on the physical hardware—particularly the slimness of the device. The Special Edition is expected to be just 10.6mm thick when folded, making it slimmer and likely lighter than its predecessor, which is 12.1mm thick. The reduction in thickness aims to make the foldable more practical and less cumbersome, suited for everyday use. This appears to be Samsung’s response to users who want portability without giving up the spacious screens foldable offer.

Speaking of screens, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition is rumored to feature an even larger foldable display, increasing it to 8 inches compared to the regular Fold 6’s 7.6-inch panel. The cover screen will also grow, reaching 6.5 inches versus the previous 6.3 inches. This larger footprint suggests Samsung is targeting those who see their Z Fold as a productivity powerhouse—more screen space means fewer compromises when multitasking, viewing documents, or streaming content.

Adding to the design allure are rumors of a boxy structure with a brushed metal finish, giving the Special Edition an industrial yet refined look. The separate, protruding camera module hints at Samsung embracing a bolder design. The decision to let the camera stand out suggests that the photography experience is being taken up a notch. In fact, the under-display camera—a feature that received mixed reviews in earlier models—is rumored to get an upgrade to 5MP from the standard version’s 4MP.

Real or AI Prank—Does It Matter?

Whether the leaked invitation is real or just AI-generated hype, one thing is clear—it has caught the attention of the tech community. It fits into a narrative that Samsung could be heading towards more exclusive launches, releasing devices that are reserved for a select few rather than for the masses. However, today is October 21, and without an official announcement in sight, the doubts about this invitation are growing. The uncertainty has created a mixture of buzz, disappointments, and even grief, keeping tech enthusiasts guessing and questioning what’s true.

At the end of the day, whether the invitation is real or fake doesn’t change the fact that we are anticipating an ambitious, more refined foldable. One that is slimmer, offers larger displays, and showcases a unique design aimed at making a statement. If Samsung delivers what this invitation suggests, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition could easily be one of the most memorable foldables they’ve produced—a device less about mass-market appeal and more about exclusivity, just as the invitation implies.

The post Did We Get Duped by This Leaked Galaxy Z Fold6 Invitation? first appeared on Yanko Design.

Alan Wake 2’s upcoming PS5 Pro update will add a 4K ray-tracing mode

Today marks five days before Alan Wake 2’s first anniversary, and the developers at Remedy Entertainment have some great news for players. Firstly, those who plan to get the game on PS5 Pro will get to enjoy improved Quality and Performance modes. There will also be a free anniversary update promising many improvements and “cheats.”

The team at Remedy dove deep into Alan Wake 2’s PS5 Pro improvements, but we’ll keep things brief here. Both quality and performance modes depend on Sony’s PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) upscaling method. This allows quality mode to reach an output resolution of 4K while the render resolution is 2,176 x 1,224. Ray-traced reflections are on, but only at 30FPS On the other hand, the performance mode also outputs at 4K, but the render resolution is only 1,536 x 864, and there’s no ray-tracing. However, the FPS counter will reach 60.

Remedy also claims that Pro performance mode has improved fog, volumetric lighting, shadow accuracy and image stability. The company further explains that performance mode for the PS5 Pro is superior to the base PS5’s quality mode in terms of output resolution and visual detail. The render detail isn’t exactly the same, but it’s close.

Moving on to the anniversary update, Alan Wake 2 players (all of you, not just PS5 Pro owners) will be able to enjoy improvements like an inverted X axis on mouse and keyboard, DualSense gyro aiming support, haptics support for more items and the Gameplay Assist menu. The menu contains some “features” including invulnerability to damage, immortality, unlimited ammo, flashlight batteries not running out and more.

We aren’t sure about you, but it sounds like a recipe for disaster and chaos, but that’s what some players want. Remedy Entertainment is improving the game’s accessibility first and foremost, and it’s a welcome sight for those who struggle with the currently available control schemes. The anniversary update will be available tomorrow on October 22, while the PS5 Pro enhancements don’t have a release date yet.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/alan-wake-2s-upcoming-ps5-pro-update-will-add-a-4k-ray-tracing-mode-170403388.html?src=rss

The critically acclaimed Neva will get a physical release next year

The indie platformer Neva, from the same developer that made the beloved Gris, is getting a physical edition. It comes out on March 14, 2025 for both the Nintendo Switch and the PS5. Preorders are available now in both standard and deluxe editions.

The standard edition will get you the game and a box. The deluxe edition, however, also ships with a collector’s box, the original soundtrack on CD and an 88-page artbook. Neva has absolutely stunning art design, so that artbook is likely going to be something special.

For the uninitiated, Neva is an indie platformer that came out last week to near-universal rave reviews. We called it “perfect” and a “faultless game” in our official review. That’s high praise, but well-deserved. The graphics and art design are top-tier and the narrative is a masterclass in environmental storytelling. The platforming is also pretty darn great, with “light and responsive” controls.

As for the story, the less said the better. It involves a woman and her wolf as they rely on each other to traverse a dangerous world. Yes, you can pet the wolf. There’s actually an achievement for that. Neva was developed by Nomada Studio and published by Devolver Digital. It’s also available for PC, macOS and Xbox Series X/S, but those platforms aren’t getting a physical edition.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/the-critically-acclaimed-neva-will-get-a-physical-release-next-year-162247507.html?src=rss

Sun-like pendant lamp is actually made from orange peel waste

We hear a lot of sustainable designs that use recycled materials, though these often involve metal, plastics, wood, or even rubber. There are plenty more things that can be recycled and reused, from textile to food waste. The latter might be biodegradable, but they still contribute to the growing mass of garbage in landfills as well as the pollution of water. Of course, some of the parts of plants and animals that we throw can’t exactly be used for other purposes, but fruit skin can apparently be transformed into interesting materials, including a leather-like cover for a gigantic glowing orange.

Designer: Alkesh Parmar

Orange skins have very little use after they’ve been peeled off. Their oils and scents can be used for fragrances, but the peels themselves are often thrown out. They will decompose over time, but before that happens, they can pile up, clog pipes, and dirty the waters if disposed incorrectly. They might seem to be insignificant in number, but, like any waste, they all add up to become pollutants.

It turns out that the skin of citrus fruits like oranges can actually be used in a different way once they start to dry. They become pliable despite their thickness, making them feel like leather. And if you sew these pieces together, you can have a hard, cloth-like material that can then be used as part of other products, like this spherical pendant lamp that, perhaps by no coincidence, looks like a gigantic orange.

APeel is the name of the patent-pending process that utilizes waste citrus peels this way. Different citrus fruit peels have different properties, and orange seems to be well suited for fabric-like purposes. This creates a lamp with a unique visual that also looks like a miniature dying sun, and the equally unique texture it provides invites onlookers to interact with the object rather than just look at it.

Being made from a biodegradable base, APeel itself can be decomposed once it reaches the end of its life. The best use for it would be fertilizer for growing fruit trees like oranges, creating a circular economy that has very little waste. It’s a process that combines craftsmanship with critical design, resulting in an eye-catching product that captures the imagination and stimulates the mind.

The post Sun-like pendant lamp is actually made from orange peel waste first appeared on Yanko Design.

Vampire Survivors is getting a Castlevania expansion, but still no vampires

Vampire Survivors is one of the biggest gaming success stories of recent years and developer Poncle hasn’t taken its foot off the gas. It continues to ship updates and expansions, and the latest is a crossover that (almost) makes all the sense in the world.

Poncle has revealed a DLC based on its biggest inspiration, Castlevania. The studio says it’s “an all-out celebration of Konami’s iconic franchise.”

The largest paid Vampire Survivors expansion to date has more than 20 new characters, such as some Belmonts and Belnades. There are dozens of additional weapons, including eight more whips. As a devotee of the game’s original whip, I’m pleased to hear that. Alucard’s sword, spear and shield are present, as is elemental magic in a first for Vampire Survivors. There will be more than 30 new music tracks as well, with Poncle borrowing dozens of them from the Castlevania series.

What’s more, the DLC will introduce the largest Vampire Survivors level so far, with a whole heap of secrets and bosses to track down. Despite this expansion tying into a series that is all about vampires and vampire hunters, Vampire Survivors still won’t actually feature any vampires — even though we’re “literally at Dracula's castle.” This lack-of-vampires bit continues to be pretty funny.

Vampire Survivors: Ode to Castlevania will arrive on Halloween (October 31) on PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PS4, PS5 and mobile. It’ll cost $4.

In the meantime, Poncle has opened up a very ‘90s-style online guest book, which is perhaps inspired by Castlevania: Harmony of Despair. There's also a Castlevania sale on Steam that highlights some of the series' other collaborations.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/vampire-survivors-is-getting-a-castlevania-expansion-but-still-no-vampires-143149407.html?src=rss

Bathtope lets you set up a removable bathtub in your bathroom

One of my favorite parts about hotel stays is if there is a bathtub. I put in my favorite soaks and just while my worries away if only for a few minutes and if only for a day. My bathroom in my apartment does not have a space for it of course, so it is a luxury I can afford on staycations. It would be nice to have a removable bathtub that I can use every once in a while of course.

Designer: LIXIL Corporation

To celebrate their 100th anniversary, Japanese plumbing and tile company LIXIL Corporation is launching Bathtope, a bathroom space with a removable bathtub. Basically it’s a fabric that you can fill up with hot or cold (or lukewarm) water and it will serve as your bathtub. When you’re done using it, you can fold it up and hang it and that space becomes your shower area.

Bathtope is made from a single sheet of fabric and the design is inspired by both kimono and origami. They used just one cut to lessen the possibility of water leaks. To set up the fabric baththub, you need to attach hooks on the walls with which to suspend the cloth from. It is able to adjust its zie and form to the space that you decide to set it up in.

Thus unique bathroom space will be available for consumers by November this year but it will be on display at DesignArt Tokyo 2024 this month. Even though I still don’t have space in my current bathroom, it’s an interesting option for those who want to have their own bathtub without going through the hassles of installing one.

The post Bathtope lets you set up a removable bathtub in your bathroom first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition will only be sold in Korea and China

Samsung fans interested in the Galaxy Z Fold series may be curious about the the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition (SE), which is coming out on October 25, this Friday. However, this smartphone will only reach stores in Korea and China.

The Galaxy Z Fold SE is 1.5mm thinner and three grams lighter than the Galaxy Z Fold 6, measuring 1.6mm thick and weighing 236 grams. The inner and outer screens are 8 and 6.5 inches, respectively. The Galaxy Z Fold 6’s screens are 7.6 and 6.3 inches, in comparison.

While the Galaxy Fold 6 has 12GB of RAM, the Galaxy Z Fold SE will have 16GB of RAM, which allows it to perform better at AI tasks courtesy of Samsung’s Galaxy AI. These tasks include real-time conversation interpretation, image editing, summarizing audio and transcription functions. Samsung aims to help users “unleash” their creativity with these and other functions.

The final notable change is the rear camera. The Special Edition rear sensor has been upgraded to 200 megapixels from 50 on the standard model, which is sure to please smartphone photography fans.

Samsung’s suggested price for the Galaxy Z Fold SE is 2,789,600 won, which is approximately $2,025. There are currently no sources mentioning a Chinese price. The Galaxy Fold SE is fundamentally the same as the other Galaxy Z Fold models, but it’s currently the thinnest and lightest one. It’s more challenging to procure if you’re not in Korea or China, but perhaps Samsung will change that in the future.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/the-samsung-galaxy-z-fold-special-edition-will-only-be-sold-in-korea-and-china-135302341.html?src=rss

iOS 18.1 launches next week with Apple Intelligence and AirPods Pro hearing tests and aids

Apple iOS 18.1 is officially coming next week, bringing hearing aid software for the AirPods Pro 2 and Apple Intelligence across devices, multiple sources report, including The Wall Street Journal and Tech Crunch. The company previously released a beta version of the update in September. Here's what we know about iOS 18.1.

Let's start with the hearing aids. Since late 2022, companies have been allowed to sell hearing aids over-the-counter. Apple announced the new feature at its September keynote event with the FDA approving it for use just a few days later. It involves a test that lets people know if they might have hearing loss and, if you do, it recommends going for a professional exam. It will also allow people to set their AirPods up as hearing aids.

As for the hearing aid aspect, the device will boost sounds and allow users to customize dynamic adjustments in real-time. The one obvious issue? Unlike hearing aids, wearing AirPods while talking to someone might look like you're not engaging or ignoring them. But, if it helps, then it's worth it. The update could also make a big difference in access for individuals with hearing loss. Hearing aids can cost thousands of dollars, while the AirPods Pro 2 are $249 (not nothing, but much better in comparison).

Apple Intelligence is the other major feature coming through iOS 18.1. The company first revealed its take on AI at its June Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). It includes a range of initial features, including smart audio recording and transcriptions for apps like Mail, Notes and Pages. It also has Writing Tools for things like checking spelling and grammar. Apple should release more features for its AI tool in future updates.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/ios-181-launches-next-week-with-apple-intelligence-and-airpods-pro-hearing-tests-and-aids-134617152.html?src=rss