Meta is finally adding passkey support for Facebook and Messenger on mobile devices. This should make for more seamless logins, as a passkey lets people sign in by using the same data they already use to verify their identities on a smartphone. This includes stuff like a PIN code, a fingerprint or a quick face scan.

This is not only convenient, but more secure than traditional passwords. Passkeys are resistant to many types of malicious attacks, as they can’t be easily guessed or stolen. This will vary depending on the type of passkey you use, as a four-digit PIN is easier to fake than a full face scan or a fingerprint.

Meta says this feature will be rolling out soon for Facebook on iOS and Android devices, but Messenger users will have to wait a bit longer. The company says that's headed our way "in the coming months." However, the same passkey will work with both Facebook and Messenger. 

Meta

Facebook has been slow to adopt this login method. Google has offered this feature for years, and X jumped on board last year. Microsoft uses passkeys, as does Amazon, eBay, PayPal and many others. Even Meta's other chat platform Whatsapp has started allowing passkey logins. Instagram is still a holdout.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/meta-is-finally-adding-passkey-support-for-facebook-and-messenger-182549616.html?src=rss

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© Meta

Nintendo just dropped a ton of details about the next major Switch 2 first-party game. Donkey Kong Bananza was the star of a Nintendo Direct livestream this morning and it was filled to the brim with nifty tidbits to get fans excited about the 3D platformer.

The biggest news is the addition of Pauline as DK's sidekick. She goes all the way back to the original Donkey Kong arcade game. Nintendo really pulled a fast one here, as the first trailer showed the sidekick as an anthropomorphic rock of some kind. This would be in line with Mario's various partners in his 3D platformers, as he's teamed up with hats, stars and other inanimate objects.

However, it was all a ruse. Pauline is the sidekick, as she was trapped inside of that rock. Nintendo really went all in with this prank. Even the original box art showed the little rock character, which has now been replaced by Pauline. There's even a two-player co-op mode in which one person controls Pauline. This will work on GameShare, so it only requires one copy of the game.

There are some major lore implications here. Donkey Kong Bananza features Pauline as a kid and the Donkey Kong arcade cabinet starred her as an adult. This throws everything we know about the arcade game into question. Was Donkey Kong just protecting his surrogate daughter from the evil mustached plumber? Remember, Donkey Kong Jr. featured Mario as the antagonist.

It's also worth noting that Pauline last appeared in Super Mario Odyssey, as the mayor of New Donk City. Did she create the city to honor her childhood hero? I have so many questions.

Pauline wasn't the only cool thing that Nintendo revealed today. Donkey Kong Bananza has some light RPG mechanics, in the form of a skill tree. There are outfits to purchase for both DK and Pauline, which is always fun. DK can also turn into other creatures, offering the ape new abilities. Transforming into an ostrich inexplicably grants flight and turning into a zebra lets players run on water.

The trailer also placed a heavy emphasis on the destructive nature of the gameplay. We already knew that DK could destroy just about anything, leading to novel exploration methods, but that looks to be an even bigger part of the game than we thought. Remember how much climbing up anything changed the Zelda formula with Breath of the Wild? This is Donkey Kong's take on that.

Finally, the game will make use of the Joy-Con's mouse functionality. There's a bonus mode where players can sculpt rocks via mouse controls. Donkey Kong Bananza is a Switch 2 exclusive that will be available on July 17. Nintendo is also prepping an Amiibo figure that stars both Donkey Kong and Pauline. This grants a new outfit for Pauline. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/nintendo-just-revealed-pauline-as-a-surprise-character-in-donkey-kong-bananza-165132377.html?src=rss

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Google will integrate the Veo 3 video generation tool into YouTube Shorts later this summer. This was revealed by YouTube CEO Neal Mohan at a keynote during the Cannes Lions film festival that was transcribed by The Hollywood Reporter.

This means that creators will be able to whip up endless clips via prompts, as Mohan said "the possibilities with AI are limitless." He went on to opine that "anyone with a story to share can turn their dream into a career" and "anyone with a voice can bring people together and change the world," thanks to "cutting-edge AI technology." Those are some high-falutin words for something that'll likely mostly be used to create clips of dogs playing piano or whatever.

To that end, there's the AI slop of it all. I use YouTube Shorts primarily to watch quick tutorials or clips of comedians. I don't want AI-generated tutorials because I think they'll probably offer incorrect information. I don't want AI-generated comedians because they aren't funny. So this isn't for me. If the platform becomes too stuffed with AI I'll just move onto TikTok or, gasp, Instagram Reels.

It's worth noting that YouTube already uses an older version of Veo for its Dream Screen background generation tool. However, Veo 3 is a fairly massive upgrade. It can generate full clips, with both video and sound, from prompts. It'll be able to crank out YouTube Shorts that look mostly real but maybe sort of a bit off if you squint.

There's an elephant in this AI-generated room. Veo 3 could easily be used to deepfake celebrities and pre-existing creators. The company is trying to get ahead of this by partnering with the talent agency CAA and creators to develop a tool that gives celebrities and other high-profile people control over their likeness on the platform.

Here's another lingering question. Will current successful creators that actually make stuff want to share the wealth with people who spit a few words into a chat field? More than 25 percent of people enrolled in YouTube's Partner Program make money from Shorts. This could scare some of them to rival services. We'll keep an eye on how this Veo 3 integration impacts traffic metrics of the various short-form video platforms.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/youtube/google-is-adding-the-veo-3-video-generator-to-youtube-to-slopify-shorts-155339183.html?src=rss

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© Unsplash/Shubham Dhage

Waymo is expanding its service area in two major metropolitan parts of California, according to a report by TechCrunch. The company is bringing its robotaxis to several new cities and neighborhoods around Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Beginning today, riders along the San Francisco Peninsula in cities like Brisbane, South San Francisco, San Bruno, Millbrae and Burlingame will be able to try out a Waymo driverless cab. The same goes for Silicon Valley locations like Palo Alto and Menlo Park.

The greater Los Angeles area gets an expansion on June 18. Robotaxis will be available in neighborhoods like Echo Park, Silver Lake, Ladera Heights and Playa del Rey. They will also run through the entirety of Sunset Boulevard.

The company says this recent expansion will grow its operational borders in both regions by around 80 square miles. This brings the total coverage area in California to 250 square miles, following other expansions throughout the state.

Waymo recently boasted that it reached a milestone of 10 million paid rides, with 250,000 weekly rides in all four of its US markets. The Waymo One service also operates in Phoenix and Austin. This is a decent metric, considering the company ditched its waitlist and began offering rides to the public just last year.

The company plans on testing its driverless system in 10 new cities this year, including Las Vegas and San Diego. It has also announced that it'll begin offering driverless taxi rides in Washington DC in 2026. Waymo hasn't abandoned the rest of the world. It started testing robotaxis in Tokyo earlier this year.

The company is also planning on more than doubling its fleet of vehicles. Waymo currently operates 1,500 Jaguar I-Pace SUVs. with 2,000 joining the fleet in the next year or so.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/waymo-expands-service-area-around-san-francisco-and-los-angeles-180811473.html?src=rss

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© Waymo

It's that time of year again. Amazon Prime Day will rain deals upon the world on July 8, but some companies have already begun slashing prices. For instance, the iconic GoPro Hero 13 Black action camera is currently on sale for $329, which is a discount of over $100. That's not a record-low price, but it's close.

This model topped our list of the best action cameras, and for good reason. It's a near-perfect device with plenty of bells and whistles. This is the most versatile Hero camera the company has ever made, thanks to a new family of modular lenses. It can shoot up to 5.3K, with 2X optical zoom and a photo resolution of 27MP.

It also features a larger battery than previous iterations, which allows for around 90 minutes of continuous shooting in 4K and 30FPS. It's waterproof up to 10 millimeters and can be operated via voice control. The full-color front screen makes it easy to review footage without having to upload anything to the computer.

There's no internal storage, which is something of a bummer, but the camera can accommodate microSD cards. We did say it offers the "best image quality in its class" but that doesn't apply to low-light conditions. If you shoot primarily in low light, consider the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro instead.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/early-prime-day-deals-include-100-off-the-gopro-hero-13-black-164100482.html?src=rss

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Looking to grab an official Tires shirt or a sandwich based on Arnold Schwarzenegger's FUBAR? Netflix will have you covered in the near future. The streaming platform's long-promised Netflix House amusement centers will open up shop in Dallas and outside of Philadelphia by the end of the year, with a third location coming to Las Vegas in 2027.

These 100,000-square feet behemoths will operate throughout the year and will celebrate all things Netflix. There's a retail component, a restaurant called Netflix Bites and all kinds of "immersive story-driven experiences" based on some of its biggest shows. The locations will also offer mini-golf, which maybe is a tribute to that one episode of Cobra Kai? We aren't sure about that one.

Netflix

As for the aforementioned story-driven experiences, the locations will include stuff like the iconic “Red Light, Green Light” race from Squid Game and a Demogorgan chase inspired by Stranger Things. Netflix says each location will "regularly update its offerings" so these experiences should vary.

The platform promises experiences based on hits like Wednesday, One Piece and the Knives Out movie franchise. Sadly, there was no mention of Is it Cake? or the social media-adjacent reality show The Circle. I want to sit in a weirdly-decorated room and talk to strangers on the internet! Wait a minute. I already do that.

The Philadelphia location is being built at King of Prussia Mall and the Dallas branch will exist at Galleria Dallas. The third location pops up in the Las Vegas Strip at BLVD Las Vegas in 2027. Netflix-heads can sign up for an early visit right here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/the-first-two-netflix-entertainment-complexes-will-open-at-the-end-of-the-year-152129495.html?src=rss

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© Netflix

Spotify is rolling out a new feature that lets Premium subscribers remotely download playlists to additional devices. For instance, a user could initiate a download on an iPhone for an iPad or for a backup phone ahead of a trip.

That's all fine and good, and useful in limited circumstances. The big news here, however, is that this functionality also works with smartwatches, with integration for Wear OS devices and Apple Watch models. Nothing ruins a good walk or run like forgetting to download a playlist, so this lets people square that away whenever they think of it, even when the secondary device is out of reach.

Spotify is also introducing a new "Manage Downloads" button to assist with the aforementioned feature. This button accompanies playlists and provides a list of devices in which a particular batch of songs has been downloaded. That way folks can be sure they aren't reaching Spotify's five-device limit the company places on downloads.

This stuff is rolling out right now for users across the globe. It could take a few weeks to reach everyone. A version of this tool has previously been available for Apple Watch users, but this is the first time something like this will be available to those in the Wear OS ecosystem.

Spotify has been busy lately. The platform recently opened up an audiobook shop for iOS users and unveiled a dedicated Following feed for podcasts.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/spotify-is-adding-the-ability-to-remotely-download-playlists-to-secondary-devices-162154743.html?src=rss

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© Spotify

Now's a good time to pick up a new pair of AirPods while the AirPods Pro 2 are on sale for $169 on Amazon. This is close to their record-low price and a 32-percent discount.

For those enmeshed in the Apple ecosystem, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better pair of wireless earbuds. These buds quickly pair with iPhones, iPads and Macs and switch seamlessly between them when you're multitasking. ANC is solid and Apple's transparency mode is one of the best we've tried.

They also sound great, thanks to a new amplifier, driver and transducer, in addition to updated algorithms. We found that they offered a "massively improved" experience over the first-gen version of these earbuds. Music even sounds better at lower levels here, which is something we noticed in our official review.

The battery life is just average, with six hours of listening per charge and 30 hours with the case. The major downside with these earbuds is the price. No matter how you slice it, $249 is a whole lot of money. Luckily, today's sale alleviates some of that sticker shock. If you're looking to spend even less, you can get the AirPods 4 earbuds (without ANC) for only $99 right now.

Check out our coverage of the best Apple deals for more discounts, and follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/apples-airpods-pro-2-are-on-sale-for-169-right-now-154646693.html?src=rss

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© Billy Steele for Engadget

The Nothing Phone 3 is getting an official release for US customers. The handset will be available to purchase from Amazon or directly from the company, according to a report by TechCrunch. Nothing CEO Carl Pei has been teasing this news since April, but now it's official.

Canadians will also be able to get in on the retail action, as Nothing has inked a deal with Best Buy to sell the new handset in the region. The phone goes on sale next month.

The company has produced eight handsets since forming back in 2020, but only the Phone 2 has made it to general sale in the US. For the other models, users would have to buy a unit via a beta program and there was no after-sale support. So this is good news for North Americans who are tired of Samsung and Apple. 

“The smartphone market in the US is dominated by two players, but a lot of people are hungry for something different,” Pei told TechCrunch. "This is the right product, and the right moment, to start scaling in North America."

The downside here? The phone will only be available from Amazon and Nothing, so there will be no option to purchase from a carrier for a discount. However, it'll support 4G and 5G with AT&T and T-Mobile. There's no explicit support for Verizon, but the Phone 2 worked well with its network and the same thing will likely be true here.

There's no official US price yet. Pei recently said that it would cost £800 in England at launch, which would translate to around $1,080 in US dollars. This is far and away the most expensive handset the company has ever released, as it has primarily been known for mid-tier offerings. Pei says the higher cost accounts for "premium materials, major performance upgrades and software that really levels things up."

We don't have actual specs yet, but a recent leak certainly points to the kind of leveled up experience Pei was talking about. A reliable leaker suggested that it'll include a "flagship Snapdragon chipset" from Qualcomm and a new camera system with a triple-lens module on the rear. The battery is also reportedly on the larger side, with indications it'll likely exceed the 5,000 mAh mark. The Nothing Phone 2 shipped with a 4,700 mAh battery.

That's not the only product the company is bringing stateside. It's making some over-ear headphones that will be available to purchase for US and Canadian residents.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/the-nothing-phone-3-will-be-available-in-the-us-via-amazon-184534970.html?src=rss

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© Igor Bonifacic for Engadget

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds will only visit around 26 strange new worlds before shuttling into that cancellation sunset. The show will end with a truncated fifth season of six episodes, according to reporting by Deadline.

This news is relatively surprising, given that Strange New Worlds seems like the most popular and successful show of the modern era. However, not a single newer Trek series has made it past five seasons, so maybe that's just the way things go now. It's worth remembering that Captain Kirk's narration in the original 1960s Star Trek spoke of a five-year mission.

“We’re deeply grateful to Paramount+ for the chance to complete our five-season mission, just as we envisioned it, alongside our extraordinary cast and crew. And to the passionate fans who’ve boldly joined us on this journey," executive producers Akiva Goldsman, Henry Alonso Myers, and Alex Kurtzman said in a joint statement provided via press release.

This is a bummer, as Strange New Worlds is a fantastic watch, but it's not the end of the world. The show is about to premiere its third season on July 17. A full fourth season is already in production, and the shortened fifth season will ramp up sometime in the next year. So there are still 26 episodes left to watch. That's a good amount of Trek.

It's also not the end of live-action Star Trek on television screens. The upcoming Starfleet Academy has already been renewed for a second season, though that's the only new show on our radar. There have been rumblings of movies, but we aren't sure what's actually being made. A film chronicling the formation of Starfleet was announced around 18 months ago, but there hasn't been any news since then. Patrick Stewart has been openly campaigning for a Captain Picard movie, but, well, he's 84 as of this writing.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/star-trek-strange-new-worlds-will-end-with-a-truncated-fifth-season-171054923.html?src=rss

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© Paramount

Google has released Android 16 to the masses, as it's now available for compatible handsets. The company says new devices will come preloaded with the OS in "the coming months." As usual, it's first coming to Google's own Pixel phones.

The update includes several notable features. The biggest one might be live updates in notifications. This means that stuff like ride-shares and food deliveries will get a progress bar directly in the notification, so folks won't have to constantly open and close the app to wonder why a burrito seems to be stuck four blocks away.

Google

Also, notifications from the same app will now be automatically grouped together to reduce clutter and pings. There's now support for LE audio hearing aids, with a native control option. Users can also switch to the phone's microphone when using one of these hearing devices for clearer audio in noisy places.

Google has tied all of its security features together, so users can now be protected from "online attacks, harmful apps, unsafe websites, scam calls and more in just a tap." This includes new scam detection features that were previewed back in May.

Google

Shutterbugs are getting a fairly robust suite of new features, including automatic night mode scene detection, hybrid auto exposure and more precise color temperature adjustments. UltraHDR images have been improved, with support for HEIC encoding, and Android 16 offers integration with the high-end Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec.

Google

The company is finally bringing desktop windowing to Android, but it's not ready just yet. That feature will be available to general users later in the year, but Android 16 QPR 3 Beta 2 is currently previewing the feature.

There's also a neat Android ecosystem update with some nifty features. This includes upgraded RCS group chats, with custom icons and the ability to mute threads. Google Photos now offers an AI-enhanced image editor that will recommend suggested edits. Emoji Kitchen is receiving new sticker combinations and Wear OS devices can now pay for transit fares without having to open a dedicated app.

Google

Finally, Google has offered details on the Pixel Drop for June. New features include a Pixel VIPs widget that displays information on preferred contacts and more expressive captions on videos.

Update, June 10, 2PM ET: Well, we jumped the gun on that a little bit. Android 16 should now be available, as previously (and incorrectly) stated. We regret the error.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/android-16-is-out-complete-with-new-features-for-pixel-phones-including-live-notification-updates-170006935.html?src=rss

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Infinite Machine made waves with its retro-futuristic P1 electric bike. That one was built for speed, but the company is back with something that's more for urbanites commuting to and from work. The Olto boasts 40 miles of range and a top speed of 33 MPH, with a 20 MPH limit while riding in the bike lane.

Just like the P1, the Olto e-bike looks both futuristic and retro, with a design that can only be described as "Cybertruck meets a scooter from Tron." This bike could be a boon for commuters, as it can accommodate two riders at the same time. The design is also fairly modular, so riders can add accessories like child carriers, rear racks and baskets, among other items. 

The battery is easily removed with one hand, for nighttime charging, and can reach 50 percent in just an hour at the outlet. This removable battery also helps with security, as the battery is typically one of the most expensive components of an e-bike.

Infinite Machine

However, that's not the only security feature that Infinite Machine has implemented here. The company claims the Olto "virtually theft-proof." Each bike is connected to the internet and tracked in real time with precise GPS coordinates. There's an app to keep an eye on things and the vehicle features a dedicated slot for AirTags.

Once parked, the bike automatically locks the steering and wheels, making it difficult to move. If someone tampers with the vehicle, an alarm will sound and an alert gets sent to the owner's phone. The phone also doubles as the key.

Now for some bad news. All of these high-tech features come with a high-end price tag. The Olto costs $3,495. Preorders are available right now, with shipments going out later in the year.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/the-olto-is-a-future-forward-e-bike-that-can-accommodate-two-passengers-140044468.html?src=rss

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© Infinite Machine

There's a new shop management sim in town. Discounty will be released on August 21 for PC, Switch, PS4, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. The game tasks players with managing a discount supermarket in a bustling town.

The core gameplay loop reminds me of the shopkeeper portion of Moonlighter, but Discounty lets folks freely organize the shop's layout. It's also more than just a management sim. Players can walk around the town and "get caught up in small-town drama" while attempting to strike lucrative trade deals.

There's a story here, as the tight knit community of Blomkest will react to how well the shop is doing. Getting too popular could ruffle feathers in the town, so players will have to manage sales expectations against the needs of the community. A tagline asks "will you pursue endless profits, or find a way to benefit everyone in Blomkest?"

First time developer Crinkle Cut Games promises that the game holds some kind of dark secret, and we are dying to know what it is. Do capitalistic ghosts come out at night to haunt the town's residents? We'll find out this August.

This news came to us via the Wholesome Direct livestream, which happened right in the middle of Summer Game Fest. Follow all of the SGF happenings and trailers right here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/the-cozy-management-sim-discounty-arrives-on-august-21-170037206.html?src=rss

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The egg-cooking roguelike Omelet You Cook is officially available for PC via Steam. It was shadow-dropped during the Wholesome Direct livestream, which falls in the middle of Summer Game Fest. This quirky title was first revealed last year, but now we can get our grubby little paws on it.

The game looks like a good combination of chaos and strategy, casting players as a line cook at a middle school cafeteria. There's a bit of Overcooked here, along with the narrative-focused cooking sim Venba and the sushi minigame part of Dave the Diver. It looks really fun.

It's not just a chaotic minigame. Players can add and prep ingredients between rounds, and there are rare relics that provide power-ups. There's even a hungry dog that hoovers up unwanted ingredients.

This is an early access release, so folks should expect updates and changes as the months roll on. Developer SchuBox Games is also working on a football sim that stars chickens called Dicey Birdball, but that one didn't get a surprise drop today. That team sure does love poultry. 

This news comes from today's Wholesome Direct livestream, which coincides with Summer Game Fest. The announcements keep coming in from SGF, so stay on top of things right here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/the-breakfast-making-roguelike-omelet-you-cook-was-just-surprise-released-on-steam-170024208.html?src=rss

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© SchuBox Games

Monument Valley 3 is finally coming to more platforms, after being a Netflix exclusive since December. The game will be released on July 22 for PC, Switch, PS4, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Remember, Switch games are playable on Switch 2, so it should also technically be available on Nintendo's new console.

Monument Valley 3 is considered a solid entry in the franchise, with plenty of fresh puzzles that play with perspective. You navigate a character through bizarre mazes and strangely-designed levels.

These games are partially inspired by artists like M.C. Escher, as the pathways don't necessarily follow the laws of physics. It's a whole lot of fun, and sort of plays like a more psychedelic version of the Switch exclusive Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker.

The third entry in the franchise brings in a new gameplay mechanic in the form of a sailboat that freely moves between sections. The vibes are top-tier, with gorgeous art and a great ambient soundtrack. We don't have a price yet, as Monument Valley 3 was free with a Netflix subscription, but Monument Valley 2 ranged from $5 to $8 depending on the platform.

This news comes from today's Wholesome Direct livestream, which happens during Summer Game Fest. The announcements are coming in fast and hot from SGF, so stay on top of things right here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/monument-valley-3-breaks-free-from-netflix-on-july-22-170002131.html?src=rss

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There's a new puzzle game in town, and this one tackles remote work and corporate data manipulation. Pocket Boss is coming to Steam and the developers just dropped a trailer during the Day of the Devs showcase event, which is part of Summer Game Fest.

Pocket Boss casts players as an employee working remotely, trapped by the whims of an ever-demanding boss. The game is primarily set inside of a chat window, though the puzzle element kicks in when the aforementioned job creator demands changes to data in order to maximize profits and erase competitors.

When that happens, the perspective shifts to a minigame. There looks to be plenty of different designs here. One game involves flinging a competitor's market share off of the screen, while another has players navigate a physical representation of the stock market without crashing. It's like a corporation-soaked take on the WarioWare franchise.

The game is published by Playables, which is the studio behind the novel-looking Time Flies and the interactive cartoon KIDS. We don't have a release date for Pocket Boss just yet.

Playables

Of course, this is just one game announced during the beefy Day of the Devs stream, and that's just one event of many throughout Summer Game Fest. It's a good time to be someone who likes to read and watch trailers about upcoming video games.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/pocket-boss-turns-corporate-data-manipulation-into-a-puzzle-game-000042457.html?src=rss

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Tribute Games, the developer behind the fantastic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge, is back with its take on another comic book IP. Scott Pilgrim EX is a beat-em-up coming to PC and consoles in 2026.

This looks like a real evolution of its work with those pizza-loving turtles. There's a large map to explore with plenty of secrets, seven playable characters and, most importantly for Pilgrim fans, a brand-new story. Vegans, robots and demons have taken over Toronto! This seems only nominally better than ex-boyfriends.

The developer promises "countless creative combos" and all kinds of quests "across space and time." The graphics and soundtrack are both absolutely soaked in retro goodness.

If the idea of a sidescrolling Scott Pilgrim beat-em-up seems eerily familiar to you, it's not the Mandela Effect. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game was first released all the way back in 2010.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/the-dev-behind-tmnt-shredders-revenge-is-making-a-scott-pilgrim-beat-em-up-223721054.html?src=rss

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© Tribute Games

Bandai Namco is making a sequel to the 2019 action RPG Code Vein. The sequel, appropriately-named Code Vein II, is coming to PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S in 2026. The announcement was made during the Summer Game Fest kickoff stream. 

The first one was a popular soulslike, and the sequel will probably follow this winning formula. It received mixed reviews, but the dungeon-crawling seemed solid and the difficulty wasn't over the top.

The graphics for Code Vein II look sharp and the story seems convoluted, but fun. It looks to be carrying over some story beats from the first one. It's still set in a post-apocalyptic future and still follows a protagonist with vampire-like abilities. We'll have more on this one as it gets closer to the actual release.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/the-soulslike-action-rpg-code-vein-is-getting-a-sequel-214216149.html?src=rss

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© Bandai Namco

Walmart just announced a major expansion of its drone delivery service to five new cities. These areas include Atlanta, Tampa, Orlando, Charlotte and Houston. This makes it the first retailer to offer drone-based deliveries across five states, as the service has already been operating in Arkansas.

This isn't a small beta test, like some of Amazon's pilot programs. Walmart says the service is launching at 100 stores. This is thanks to a partnership with Wing, which operates its drones within FAA guidelines.

“This is real drone delivery at scale,” said Adam Woodworth, CEO of Wing. “People all around the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex have made drone delivery part of their normal shopping habits over the past year. Now we’re excited to share this ultra-fast delivery experience with millions more people across many more US cities.”

Walmart

These drones can deliver up to six miles from the retail location. Walmart says it's building out the service right now, but it could take up to a year to reach every store. Customers are encouraged to sign up for notifications as to when drone deliveries open up in their area. The company notes that it has made over 150,000 drone deliveries so far, with an average fulfillment time of 19 minutes. There is a weight limit, however, and Wing drones will only deliver certain items. 

Rival Amazon recently experienced a hiccup with its in-house drone delivery program. There were two crashes, which forced the company to put the project on hold for a bit. It's back now, and can now deliver new items like smartphones and video doorbells.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/walmart-expands-drone-deliveries-to-five-new-cities-including-atlanta-200030301.html?src=rss

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In space, no one can hear you, uh, stream. We finally have a real trailer for the upcoming Alien: Earth TV series and it looks extremely cool. FX dropped a teaser a few months back, but that was just vibes. This is an actual two-minute trailer that's absolutely packed with footage.

For the uninitiated, Alien: Earth is the first TV series in the franchise's long history and is being helmed by Noah Hawley. That's the guy who made the Fargo TV series and the criminally underrated Marvel show Legion. Franchise creator Ridley Scott is also on board as an executive producer.

This is a prequel that's set just two years before the original film. As the name suggests, it takes place on Earth. The trailer indicates the story will involve a ship crashing into a large corporate-controlled city. This vessel may or may not have a fearsome Xenomorph aboard, among other notable alien species.

A character in the clip says that the ship "collected five different life forms from the darkest corners of the universe," going on to suggest that one is "predatory." That's right. We could be getting a dang Predator in our Alien TV show.

Alien: Earth premieres on August 12 on FX and will be available to stream on Hulu. The show stars Sydney Chandler as a hybrid robot/human lifeform tasked with investigating the crash. The rest of the cast includes Timothy Olyphant, Alex Lawther and Samuel Blenkin, among others.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/the-full-alien-earth-trailer-is-finally-here-and-its-a-doozy-184921361.html?src=rss

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