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Articles by Sam Shedden
Bitcoin, Ethereum prices fall amid macroeconomic woes
Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) experienced price declines as fears of prolonged inflation gripped the macroeconomic landscape. At the time of writing, Bitcoin is trading at almost exactly $95,000 after losing 5.44% of its value over the last 24 hours. The price of the world’s first cryptocurrency is still 1.25% higher than where its price stood seven days ago. Similarly, Ethereum is currently trading at a few dollars over $3,350 after losing 7.35% over the last 24 hours.
Severance season 2: When will it be released and what are reviewers saying?
The dystopian thriller Severance will soon be back again with season 2 receiving a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes from reviewers. The mind-bending office drama, starring Adam Scott, proved to be a hit the first time around and it could see more praise as new episodes are just a week away from being released. Scott’s character Mark is a widow who is shown going through the process of becoming a ‘severed’ employee at Lumon Industries.
Panasonic, Anthropic team up on AI wellness
The 105-year-old electronic giant Panasonic is adopting AI as its venture and business incubator, Panasonic Well, has unveiled an artificial intelligence wellness coach for families. At the CES event in Las Vegas, CEO Yoky Matsuoka took the stage on Tuesday (January 7) to announce the new platform named Umi which marks a move into both wellness and AI by the brand.
SteamOS finally makes the leap from the Steam Deck to a new gaming handheld from Lenovo
It’s not like we didn’t know it was coming and it was just a a case of when, but that when is now, and as of a joint announcement from Valve and Lenovo we know that the first hardware to officially run Steam OS outside of the Steam Deck itself will be the sexily titled Lenovo Legion Go S (8”, 1) Powered by SteamOS Now for us, you can never have too many brackets in your product name – they just ooze excitement, but the real story here is that Valve finally is ready to uinleash its gaming...
AI increases chances to detect breast cancer, study finds
Researchers have indicated the use of AI in breast cancer screening increases the chances of detecting the disease. There have been claims that AI could assist clinicians in combating cancer cases, but much of this has been based on retrospective work. This real-time development appears to be a breakthrough as AI has been used from the outset in a nationwide screening program.
UK government to criminalize sexually explicit deepfake imagery
The U.K. government announced on Tuesday (Jan 7) it would outlaw the creation and sharing of sexually explicit deepfake images. The action has been taken to protect women and young girls, who are mainly targeted with this type of material. It is already illegal to make such imagery of children, but the law is being extended to protect those aged over 18. Deepfake is a term given to AI-powered images or videos that have been altered or edited to depict a real person.
Nvidia displays next-gen Blackwell RTX series at CES 2025
Nvidia has used the significant platform at CES 2025 to unveil its latest generation Blackwell graphics cards. The company’s CEO Jensen Huang made his presence felt, donning a snakeskin-design jacket instead of his typical leather jacket, but this presentation was about more than him. The new release of Blackwell GPUs has been long-awaited and with the world’s biggest tech show in Las Vegas providing the backdrop, the all-important details were displayed.
Stalker 2 - patch fixes up a whole host of AI issues and more in time for the weekend
A huge patch bringing over 650 fixes to Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl has been released by GSC Game World to make venturing into the Zone this weekend a lot more enjoyable. We always knew it was going to take some major patching to get the game ship-shape and this one will likely be the first of a fair few to make strides towards that. AI has come in for a lot of work here, although as yet there are still no fixes for the largely broken A-Life aspect of the game.
UFO sightings over Washington - is our smart tech tricking us more than ever or are “they” really here?
Depending on your view of the UFO (or UAP to use the trendy, less-tainted vernacular) “scene”, the strange lights appearing over the Capitol building in Washington DC this week have caused an international stir, with news outlets the world over-reporting the potential phenomena.
Reach for your Nokia 6110s, Snake is back but this time you play in the dark
The Nokia 6110 (or 6190 in North America) is synonymous with the mainstream arrival of mobile phones in everybody’s pockets, alongside one other thing – Snake. The tiny arcade game that basically became a precursor to every mobile game, well, ever. Play Assassin’s Creed on your iPhone? Thank Snake. Candy Crush on the bus? Cheers Snakey, and so on. The concept of a game on your cellphone was alien to everybody. Wtf was it doing there? Changing the world, that’s what. Thanks Snake.
Alibaba's new AI model goes head to head with OpenAI o1
Alibaba, the Chinese retail giant, has introduced an open-source competitor to OpenAI’s o1 artificial intelligence (AI) model. Dubbed QwQ, Alibaba claims that this particular model is on par with the ChatGPT maker’s current reasoning models. QwQ-32B’s is released under the Apache 2.0 license, which means it can be deployed in commercial endeavors. The AI isn’t complete yet, as QwQ-32B hasn’t been fully released.
Elon Musk wants to start a gaming studio with xAI
Elon Musk has taken to X to claim that xAI, his artificial intelligence company, will “start an AI game studio to make games great again!” Musk states that “too many games studios” are “owned by massive corporations.” It is unclear if xAI will go through with Musk’s proposed idea. However, generative AI has already seen a rise in use in the gaming development space.
EVE Vanguard handing out access codes for free play - here’s how to get one
EVE Online spinoff Vanguard is set to enter Early Access early next year, but CCP Games are playtesting the game right now for the next week and a bit and are allowing the public to head planetside and join in the fight. Unlike EVE Online which takes place in outer space, Vanguard brings things a bit more personal in this MMO FPS but is still set in the same EVE universe. Like its older brother Vanguard has a persistent universe when player actions have consequences long term.
Experts are outperformed by AI when predicting neuroscience results, study suggests
AI large language models (LLMs) can predict the results of neuroscience studies more accurately than human experts, a new study found. Researchers from the University College London (UCL) found that LLMs trained on vast datasets of text can distill patterns from scientific literature which allows them to forecast scientific outcomes with superhuman accuracy.
Now Nintendo goes to war against Redditors in its battle against Switch piracy - are its lawyers coming for you next?
Remember those Nintendo Switch emulators you used to post about on Reddit? You know, when you used to comment on all those stories on r/SwitchPirates gloating about playing Tears of the Kingdom a week early on Yuzu? Yeah. Nintendo was watching. Nintendo sees (or is that sues) everything.
Ex-CFTC Chair Chris Giancarlo could be in running to become first 'Crypto Czar'
As Donald Trump considers implementing a new ‘Crypto Czar’ position in the White House, Chris Giancarlo is said to be one of the candidates in the running. This is the first time a position like this will be created, with the selected person possibly having oversight of the $3 trillion blockchain industry. While several frontrunners have been spoken about, The Block is reporting that the former Commodity Futures Trading Commission Chair Chris Giancarlo is a serious contender.
Russia's new crypto tax bill makes it to desk of Putin
A bill has made its way to Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, which would make cryptocurrency taxable by the Russian government. The bill has been approved by the upper house of parliament and aims to introduce tax rules to mining and crypto transactions. While approved by the upper house, it will still need to be signed into law by Putin. The bill would see trading income from cryptocurrencies be brought under the same tax rate as trading securities. It would cap at 15%.
Five great games to pick up in the Steam Autumn Sale
Even in a year of what has seemed like one big permanent sale certain spots in the calendar are always highlighted as “the big sale”. Steam’s Autumn / Fall sale is one such event (even though it is followed by the Winter sale about 20 minutes after this one finishes).
Mercedes launches Apple Watch app
The Apple Watch will now be able to see the addition of a Mercedes-Benz app that allows users to interact with their vehicles from their wrists. In a press release, the automotive company states they are aiming to enhance “the digital customer experience with the introduction” of a new app as they respond “to customer demand.” With this, customers no longer need their smartphone for a number of tasks as several features are now accessible on their watch.
Australian AI inquiry senator labels major players "pirates"
Major tech companies have been slammed as “pirates” in Australia as the artificial intelligence (AI) boom continues. Amazon, Google, and Meta were in the firing line as a Senate inquiry probed how Australian data is used. The Australian inquiry is about adopting artificial intelligence and the impacts and opportunities it could present. Originally scheduled for September 19, 2024, it was delayed until November 26.
This is how much time people in UK spend online in 2024
Social media has become a huge part of day-to-day life, with a recent study finding that adults in the UK spend a daily average of four hours 20 minutes online. The study, published by Ofcom the regulator for communication services in the UK, shows people are now spending a high amount of time online.
Brazilian lawmaker proposes a national Bitcoin reserve
Brazilian Congressman Eros Biondini has proposed for the nation to create its own Bitcoin (BTC) reserve. Biondini’s bill proposes creating a “Reserva Estratégica Soberana de Bitcoins (RESBit)” with up to 5% of Brazil’s international reserve funds—currently amounting to about $372 billion. Bitcoin would be added to the reserve through a phased acquisition strategy.
Conor McGregor dumped from Hitman series after recent guilty verdict
UFC superstar Conor McGregor who recently was found guilty of sexual assault in a civil rape case in Dublin, Ireland has been removed from IO Interactive’s Hitman series, alongside a raft of other endorsements and products associated with the fighter, being removed from the shelves.
Doctor plans to bring Sarco 'death pods' to U.K. if assisted dying law changes
A doctor has pledged to introduce “death pods” to the United Kingdom if an assisted dying bill is passed into law. Dr. Philip Nitschke, 77, has developed the Sarco, a 3D-printed, portable machine designed to fill with nitrogen gas. He has announced plans to bring the device to the U.K. should assisted dying become legal.
When is Spotify Wrapped 2024 expected to come out?
Spotify Wrapped 2024 could be popping up on devices any time soon, bursting with statistics that document a user’s year of listening. The digital music streaming service has run this every year since 2016, with it offering a deeper look into what a user is listening to throughout the year. It’s available for all people who use the platform, as long as they have an account and have racked up a few hours of listening to songs or podcasts.
Microsoft denies claims of using Word and Excel data for AI training
Microsoft is facing allegations of “scraping” user-generated data from its desktop publishing software Word and spreadsheet tool Excel to train its AI systems, a claim the company denies. Recent reports suggested that users of Word and Excel are required to opt out if they do not wish their data to be used for AI training. According to nixCraft, a contributor to Cyberciti.biz, Microsoft’s Connected Experiences feature is at the center of the controversy.
Generative AI model Fugatto unveiled, can create never-before-heard sounds
Researchers at Nvidia have created a new generative AI model named Fugatto which can generate ‘entirely new sounds’ from any mix of music, voices, and sounds. The tool has been likened to a ‘Swiss Army knife’ for sound as it can allow users to control audio output by text alone. The Fugatto model, short for Foundational Generative Audio Transformer Opus 1, can generate or transform any mix of music, voices and sounds described with prompts using any combination of text and audio files.
Activision bans over 19,000 accounts with AI anti-cheat measures
Activision has acknowledged an increase in complaints about cheaters in ranked play for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and has issued a response detailing recent banning efforts. Following a major surge in cheating incidents after the game’s October 25 launch, which disrupted gameplay for legitimate players, the company is now reportedly integrating AI technology into its anti-cheat system for Black Ops 6.
Star Wars Hunters: Nobody expected a PC version but we are getting one - here’s what we know so far
The popular mobile (and Nintendo Switch) game Star Wars Hunters was never slated to get a PC release, destined only to be carried around in people’s bags and pockets for all eternity. Now, out of seemingly nowhere, the multi-player droid ‘em-up has not only a January release date but a Steam playtest which is already open for sign-ups before going live in two weeks or so. So what is Star Wars: Hunters and what do we know about the incoming PC version?
Over half of LinkedIn long form posts are AI-generated, study finds
AI is sweeping across industries worldwide and LinkedIn is no different as over half of long posts on the platform are likely to be AI-generated according to a new study. The Microsoft-owned social media site is a place for networking between businesses, employees, and employers but it’s now believed to have seen an explosive growth of the new technology.
Chrome, Opera, and Vivaldi form alliance that accuses Microsoft of restricting Windows user choice
Google, Opera, Vivaldi, and several other companies have united to form the Browser Choice Alliance, alleging that Microsoft is restricting web browser options on Windows. The coalition claims Microsoft employs “dark patterns” to discourage users from choosing alternative browsers and instead push them toward its own browser, Edge.
GameSir releases the Cyclone 2 multi-platform wireless controller with sticks that should not drift
We have been lucky enough to get our hands on some of the best GameSir tech the controller manufacturer has to offer here at ReadWrite Gaming over the last year, and the announcement of its new Cyclone 2 controller has got us looking forward to playing with what the company is billing as “offering the ultimate gaming controller solution for players seeking precision, durability, and immersive gameplay across multiple platforms.” That’s me, that’s me.
Huawei launches Mate 70 smartphone
Huawei officially unveiled its latest flagship smartphone, the Mate 70 series, on Tuesday (November 26) as the business faces potential export controls in the future.
Stalker 2 map glitch - how to take advantage before it gets patched out
So, we fancy a bit of cheating in Stalker 2 eh? Can’t be bothered with traversing its radiation-soaked landscape properly and want to zip around like some kind of nuclear Batman do you? Well, believe it or not, there is a bug (I know right?) that will speed up your journeys exponentially as you play.
Bitcoin may strengthen ties between El Salvador and Trump
El Salvador could become a key ally for incoming U.S. President Donald Trump. It was the first country in the world to establish Bitcoin as legal tender and Trump has positioned himself as a crypto champion, reportedly holding over $9 million worth of cryptocurrency and tokens. The Republican candidate’s victory in the United States presidential election even triggered a major crypto bull run.
OpenAI suspends access to Sora after alleged leak sparks controversy
OpenAI temporarily suspended access to its highly anticipated, unreleased video generation tool, Sora, on Tuesday (Nov 26), after an apparent leak of the tool by a group protesting what they describe as duplicity and “corporate art washing” by OpenAI. The group released a project on the AI development platform Hugging Face that appeared to be linked to OpenAI’s unreleased Sora API.
Runway launches new photorealistic AI image generator, Frames
Runway has just launched a new AI image generation tool called Frames, offering high-quality photorealism and advanced levels of control. Powered by Gen-3 Alpha and Runway’s in-house API, Frames offers photorealistic quality and stylistic control, with separate ‘Worlds’ to afford consistent aesthetics when switching, for example, between brands. You can assign different effects and aesthetics to different Worlds, such as 1970s album art, Japanese zines, or dynamic landscapes.
ARMA 3 - new Expeditionary Forces DLC drops on Steam bringing advances in amphibious warfare
We may have had the recent confirmation of ARMA 4 from Bohemia Interactive, but as we found at the time, it’s still several light years away from being ready. So who’s ready for some new ARMA 3 stuff then? (Probably) the world’s best-loved milsim has been around for a long time now, but this latest DLC – called Creator DLC because it comes from a third-party creator but is actually published by Bohemia – brings the game firmly back into the spotlight.
Google begins inserting search links into webpage
Google has reportedly launched a new feature in the Google App, named Page Annotation, which takes users away from websites and to the platform’s search tool. This was spotted by Search Engine Roundtable who shared that certain items within web pages are now being linked out to Google Search, with the platform “injecting links” onto other sites. This takes people away from the original site and to search, making it harder to return to the previous page or find that information again.
How to play the Kaiserpunk public playtest this weekend - grand strategy city-builder shows off its secrets
We have had our eye on next February’s Kaiserpunk for a while now and the grand strategy city-builder, set in a gloriously alternative 20th-century universe is set to take up our playtime this weekend when it starts its second public playtest on Steam. With air, sea, and land battles to get to grips with, Kaiserpunk looks just novel enough to take it away from the plethora of similar ideas that we have seen of late.
Instagram launches live location sharing feature in the DMs
Instagram has just announced a new feature which will allow users to share their exact live location in private direct messages. “Now, in your DMs, you can share your live location for up to 1 hour or pin a spot on the map to coordinate arrival times, activities or find each other in crowded spaces – perfect for concerts, outings, or other gatherings with friends,” writes the company in a news update.
This YouTuber built an Ultrawide Steam Deck Nintendo DS thing and it is very, very cool
At times the internet really shows its good side. Not often, but when it does become a place to showcase learning and potential it provides a portal into a future happier time for humanity Then we get kicked back to reality.
Spotify rolls out Recents page that tracks the last 90 days of history
Spotify is rolling out a new ‘Recents’ page that will allow users to see the content they’ve consumed over the last 90 days and it will be integrated with music, podcasts, and audiobooks. The page will replace the ‘Listening History’ tab and be accessible for all accounts, including those on the free plan. The recently listened to content will be stored and users can then toggle between ‘Music,’ ‘Podcasts’ or ‘Audiobooks’ to see tailored history.
Rumble announces $20 million Bitcoin treasury strategy
Video-sharing platform Rumble has become the latest in a recent flurry of companies adding Bitcoin to their official balance sheets. Rumble, a YouTube alternative with more lenient content moderation policies, has officially confirmed that the Board of Directors has approved a corporate treasury diversification strategy of allocating a portion of the company’s excess cash reserves to Bitcoin.
Huawei to say bye to Android
Huawei is officially bidding farewell to Android as its smartphones and tablets will run on a completely separate operating system from next year, named HarmonyOS NEXT. This is a proprietary distributed operating system developed by the company to support only native apps and it marks its first fully self-developed mobile operating system. The company is debuting this on the Mate 70 its new flagship smartphone and the successor to the Mate 60.
Train Sim World 5 now simulates one of the longest journeys in the game with over 100 miles of new track added
Train Sim World 5 from Dovetail Games may be a recent addition to the gaming scene but it already has more DLC and routes than you could have imagined. And while its aerial sim competitor Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has struggled to take off, fans of rolling stock seem pretty happy with Train Sim World 5’s launch.
Threads tests allowing users to choose their own default feed
Threads could soon see a permanent change-up to its feed, as the CEO Mark Zuckerberg announces some new testing to the default feed. On Monday (November 25) the Meta founder took to the app to share the news: “Testing the option to choose any feed – – For You, following, or a custom one – – as your default. “Also making this more visible in the app. Interested to see how and if people use this.” Currently, the For You feed is the default on mobile and web.
Blue Yonder ransomware attack leaves global brands scrambling
A ransomware attack has resulted in an outage affecting US and UK grocery chains and other major companies. Blue Yonder, a major software supply chain company for huge brands, has been the subject of the attack. The incident took place on November 21 and was seemingly still in progress days later on November 26.
What AI chatbots are similar to ChatGPT?
ChatGPT has definitely proven itself—it’s a solid choice, but the AI chatbot is not the only option out there. Depending on what you’re trying to get done, it might not even be the best fit for you. Sure, it’s a fantastic all-around chatbot, but like any jack-of-all-trades, it can sometimes fall short when compared to tools designed for specific tasks. In those cases, it’s worth checking out some of the many alternatives to OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
Dogecoin rallies amid X integration speculation
Dogecoin (DOGE) has surged more than 11.2% over the past seven days after X CEO Elon Musk’s post ignited speculation about its integration into the platform. Musk recently posted on X a screenshot of podcaster Joe Rogan’s profile, which features a dollar icon different from that of the social media service’s tipping service.
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