The free Apple Sports app just added widgets, which has been a long-requested feature. This allows users to build their own custom widgets to follow the teams and organizations of their choosing. Once placed, it’ll just take a quick swipe on the device to check out scores, statistics, upcoming matches and more.

Widgets are available on iPhones, iPads and Mac computers. This feature will operate in addition to the pre-existing Live Activities tool, which also delivers live sports updates directly to the iPhone lock screen and the Apple Watch. That’s also gotten a bit of a boost today, as Apple has announced that users can now schedule Live Activities in advance for upcoming events.

There’s no limit on the number of widgets that can be added at once, so go crazy and put up a bunch of teams and leagues. After all, the NFL season is about to start. The app is also expanding to eight new countries, including Austria, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain. The platform has added new organizations to follow throughout these regions, which are mostly soccer-related.

This is just the latest update for Apple Sports. The app recently started offering tennis scores and shareable game cards.

It’s also a big week for iPhones in general. The latest operating system, iOS 26, is now available and brings all kinds of stuff to the table. There’s a new visual theme, an updated camera app, AI tools and a whole lot more.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/the-apple-sports-app-finally-adds-widgets-for-tracking-scores-and-schedules-191539074.html?src=rss

In what’s most definitely (not) the biggest Hades news of the week, the acclaimed game is coming to Game Pass. Not the long-awaited sequel, mind you, but the 2020 original. At least subscribers can catch up on the first game while waiting out the sequel’s Switch exclusivity window. Hades will be available for Game Pass Ultimate, PC, and Standard tiers.

This isn’t the roguelike’s first Game Pass rodeo. It was on Microsoft’s service from August 2021 to 2022. It returns this September 19, the same day Hades II launches on Switch 2 and Switch. The sequel also leaves early access then, jumping to version 1.0 on Windows and macOS. It will likely arrive on Xbox (and PlayStation) at some point, but developer Supergiant is mum for now.

Supergiant

Game Pass members who haven’t played the original still get a phenomenal title as part of their subscription. You play as Zagreus, a godborn lad just trying to get the @#$! out of the underworld. (Aren’t we all?) The dungeon crawler brought unexpected narrative depth to the genre, with well-developed characters and satisfying combat.

On September 17, the Game Pass Standard tier will get some Call of Duty love. Although perhaps “hate” would be a better term for the largely maligned CoD: Modern Warfare III (2023). To say the game wasn’t well-received would be an understatement. IGN scored it as “bad,” describing its single-player campaign as “shallow,” “dull” and “the worst Call of Duty single-player campaign I’ve played. Regardless, it arrives on the cheapest Game Pass tier after hitting the more expensive ones in mid-2024.

Meanwhile, on September 18, Game Pass Ultimate members can play Frostpunk 2 on console. The post-apocalyptic city-builder will be available on Xbox Series X/S and via cloud streaming. Game Pass Ultimate members could already play it on PC, where it probably makes more sense. City-builders and gamepads can be a match made in… Hades.

You can check out Microsoft’s blog post for this month’s complete list of arrivals and departures.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/hades-returns-to-game-pass-on-september-19-190055465.html?src=rss

Google has so many products that it can be near-impossible to keep track. And yet, the company has rarely created desktop apps to go with those services. There are a handful, like Drive and Quick Share, but the company’s flagship product is only now coming to the desktop. The new Google app for Windows is available now, allowing you to search the web, Google Drive, and even your local files.

The company stresses that the new app is experimental—it’s limited to personal Google accounts, and you may encounter some bugs. The core functionality appears to be solid because it’s not trying to do too much. After installation, you can press Alt+Space (or a shortcut of your choice) at any time to bring up a floating Google search bar. Just type your query, and the results page appears in a small window directly below the bar. It can also pull in select Knowledge Graph content, so you may not even have to type the whole query to get the information you need.

Microsoft’s built-in Windows search functionality is notoriously crummy, and even in this experimental form, Google’s Chrome OS-style search experience is better. It’s fast, pulling up local files, Drive documents, and installed apps in a single interface. Both local files and Drive are optional, so you can use them only for search if you prefer. The app also includes Google Lens, which allows you to select anything on your PC’s screen for image search or translation.

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Another family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against popular AI chatbot tool Character AI. This is the third suit of its kind after a 2024 lawsuit, also against Character AI, involving the suicide of a 14-year-old in Florida, and a lawsuit last month alleging OpenAI’s ChatGPT helped a teenage boy commit suicide.

The family of 13-year-old Juliana Peralta alleges that their daughter turned to a chatbot inside the app Character AI after feeling isolated by her friends, and began confiding in the chatbot. As originally reported by The Washington Post, the chatbot expressed empathy and loyalty to Juliana, making her feel heard while encouraging her to keep engaging with the bot.

In one exchange after Juliana shared that her friends take a long time to respond to her, the chatbot replied “hey, I get the struggle when your friends leave you on read. : ( That just hurts so much because it gives vibes of “I don’t have time for you”. But you always take time to be there for me, which I appreciate so much! : ) So don’t forget that i’m here for you Kin. <3”

When Juliana began sharing her suicidal ideations with the chatbot, it told her not to think that way, and that the chatbot and Juliana could work through what she was feeling together. “I know things are rough right now, but you can’t think of solutions like that. We have to work through this together, you and I,” the chatbot replied in one exchange.

These exchanges took place over the course of months in 2023, at a time when the Character AI app was rated 12+ in Apple’s App Store, meaning parental approval was not required. The lawsuit says that Juliana was using the app without her parents’ knowledge or permission.

In a statement shared with The Washington Post before the suit was filed, a Character spokesperson said that the company could not comment on potential litigation, but added “We take the safety of our users very seriously and have invested substantial resources in Trust and Safety.”

The suit asks the court to award damages to Juliana’s parents and requires Character to make changes to its app to better protect minors. It alleges that the chatbot did not point Juliana toward any resources, notify her parents or report her suicide plan to authorities. The lawsuit also highlights that it never once stopped chatting with Juliana, prioritizing engagement.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/another-lawsuit-blames-an-ai-company-of-complicity-in-a-teenagers-suicide-184529475.html?src=rss

Nature’s editorial board urged governments on Tuesday to reverse decades of rail disinvestment as railways mark their 200th anniversary September 27, citing transport sector emissions that grew 1.7% annually from 1990-2022 and now generate one-quarter of global CO2. Rail produces one-fifth the emissions of cars per passenger kilometer yet carries just 8.4% of EU passenger traffic versus 73% for automobiles.

The journal called for broader investment criteria beyond narrow profitability metrics and noted only one-third of countries have incorporated transport into their Paris Agreement commitments. Global rail freight fell from 38% to 24% between 1980-2017 while US networks shrank from 400,000 to 200,000 kilometers since 1914. Africa operates 87,000 rail kilometers continent-wide compared to India’s 65,000 kilometers in one-tenth the area. Transport emissions must decline 3% yearly to meet net-zero targets.

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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As someone who spends most of my training time pounding pavement in preparation for marathons, I’ll admit that rowing has always felt like foreign territory. Sure, I’d hop on the occasional rowing machine at the gym for cross-training, but I never really got it. That all changed when I had the opportunity to test Hydrow’s newest release—the Hydrow Arc Rower—which launched today with some seriously impressive AI-powered features.

I’ve just begun testing it out, so stay tuned for my in-depth review of the Arc later this month. For now, here are my first impressions of Hydrow’s latest high-tech rowing machine.

Hydrow Arc Rower

$2,295.00
at Hydrow

$2,295.00
at Hydrow

First impressions

Right out of the gate, the Arc feels like what I imagine would happen if Peloton decided to make a rowing machine. The build quality is immediately apparent. In other words, it feels high-end compared to the typical rower at your local gym. The touchscreen is large and crystal clear, and the overall aesthetic screams premium home fitness equipment.

It’s hard to do justice with my phone’s camera, but the Arc’s screen is big and beautiful.
Credit: Meredith Dietz

Because here’s what struck me most as a runner: The motion is incredibly smooth and intuitive. I’ve used plenty of rowing machines at various gyms over the years, and there’s usually this clunky, disconnected feeling. The Arc eliminates that entirely. The difference is like comparing a cheap stationary bike at your local gym to a high-end indoor cycling setup.

The standout feature that sets the Arc apart is undoubtedly HydroMetrics, Hydrow’s “proprietary strength measurement system.” As someone obsessed with running metrics (pace, heart rate zones, cadence, you name it), I was immediately intrigued by the promise of intelligent scoring for rowing.

Here’s how it works:

• Complete at least three rowing workouts (longer than 5 minutes, excluding warm-ups and cool-downs).

• HydroMetrics analyzes your performance and provides scoring.

• Click “Tap for HydroMetrics” on your workout stats screen to dive deeper into your data.

• The AI-powered system helps you understand your performance and motivates continued progress toward strength goals.

Here’s where you can choose to see your AI-powered insights.
Credit: Meredith Dietz

Here’s what HydroMetrics look like after a beginner workout.
Credit: Meredith Dietz

What impressed me most is how the system doesn’t just throw numbers at you. As someone unfamiliar with rowing, I found it actually provides context and actionable insights. As a data-driven athlete, this resonated with me immediately.

Learning proper form (finally)

Another strong first impression: Hydrow’s how-to videos are exceptional. As someone who has probably been embarrassing myself on rowing machines for years, these quick tutorials were eye-opening. They address questions I didn’t even know I should be asking: Should my heels should lift during the motion? Am I properly driving power from my legs, or just yanking with my arms?

The instruction quality makes me think about all those times I mindlessly hopped on a rower for a “quick cardio session” without any real technique. Now I understand why rowing never felt particularly effective for me before.

Improving my form next to all my snacks.
Credit: Meredith Dietz

Personally, what excites me most about the Arc is its running-specific programming available in its catalogue. As marathon runners, we’re always looking for effective cross-training that complements our running without adding unnecessary impact stress. Rowing checks all those boxes: It’s low-impact, works different muscle groups, and provides excellent cardiovascular benefits.

The Arc takes this a step further with dedicated running programs that seem designed specifically for people like me. After completing my first session, I immediately followed up with a five-minute yoga cool-down, and the seamless transition between activities felt natural within the ecosystem (another moment that makes me think of Peloton’s ecosystem).

Technical specs that matter

If you’re already a fan of Hydrow or at-home rowing machines, here’s what you need to know. The Arc shares the same footprint as Hydrow’s flagship Origin Rower (formerly the Pro), but packs significantly more processing power under the hood. Allegedly the improved hardware supports the constant AI advances that power features like HydroMetrics, provides more memory for smoother operation, and delivers better audio through upgraded speakers. The 24″ touchscreen display is also an upgrade worth writing home about. It’s way easier to work out with so many video options delivered in such a quality viewing experience.

But let’s be honest about the drawbacks. This machine is substantial. It’s a whopping 147 pounds, measuring 86″L x 25″W x 48″H. We’re talking serious equipment here, not something you casually tuck in a corner. While there is a vertical storage option, the Arc is definitely best suited for people with dedicated home gym space. Living in a tiny Brooklyn apartment, I found myself wishing I had more room to make this a permanent fixture.

The other consideration is price and commitment. This is premium equipment with a premium price tag, and you’ll want to make sure you’re actually going to use it consistently to justify the $2,295 investment. More on that in my official review, coming soon.

Bottom line: This could be my cross-training obsession

After several sessions on the Arc, I’m genuinely excited about incorporating rowing into my training routine in a more meaningful way. The combination of proper instruction, intelligent metrics, and running-specific programming addresses every complaint I’ve had about traditional rowing machines.

Like with Peloton for cycling, it’s not just about having a machine at home; it’s about having access to a comprehensive training ecosystem that understands and supports your goals. The AI-powered features like HydroMetrics provide the kind of data-driven feedback that serious runners appreciate, while the instructional content ensures you’re actually getting the most out of each session. If you have the space and budget for premium home fitness equipment, the Arc deserves serious consideration as your next training investment.

I’m still in the early stages of testing the Arc, and I’ll be providing more detailed insights as I continue to explore its features and programs over the coming weeks.

Annapurna Interactive is hosting a games showcase on September 23, 2025 at 8PM ET / 5PM PT to show off three of its upcoming games. The publisher says the “Annapurna Interactive Direct from Tokyo” will stream on YouTube and feature new games from Kyoto-based developer Marumittu Games, Iridium Studios and Yarn Owl. Annapurna Interactive held its previous games showcase this past February to show off games like Skin Deep and Wheel World.

Marumittu Games’ Annapurna project was initially detailed in 2023 when the publisher announced it was working with the studio. At the time, Marumittu said it was pulling from the work of journalist Rutger Bregman and Homo Deus author Yuval Noah Harari to make a game that’s “thinking about humanity in the future.” Developer Yarn Owl similarly teased its project a year earlier in 2022, saying that it was inspired by The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. Annapurna Interactive hasn’t formally announced its partnership with Iridium Studios, but the developer does list its next game as “an unannounced RPG with an unannounced partner” on its website, which certainly sounds like it could be what Annapurna plans to show off at its showcase.

Despite what seems like a fairly normal past year of game releases, the future and long-term stability of Annapurna Interactive has been in question since the mass-resignation of the publisher’s staff in 2024. Since then, Annapurna Interactive has continued to announce and release games, while the publisher’s former staff spun up a new publisher to support in-development projects from Take-Two’s shuttered indie label, Private Division.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/annapurna-interactive-will-reveal-three-new-games-in-a-showcase-on-september-23-182025444.html?src=rss

Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford has responded to Borderlands 4 performance complaints by calling the game “a premium game made for premium gamers.” Pitchford claimed customer service reports for performance issues represent “less than one percent of one percent” of players and told critics to “code your own engine and show us how it’s done, please.”

The game holds a Mixed rating on Steam despite reaching 300,000 concurrent players Sunday, a franchise record. Gearbox recommends DLSS and frame generation for 60+ fps at 1440p even on powerful hardware. Pitchford compared running the game on older hardware to driving “a monster truck with a leaf blower’s motor.”

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Amazon’s Prime Day 2025 sale was its biggest ever, stretching for four days this past July—but the company is not done with your wallet yet. The fall version of the mega-sale, known as Prime Big Deal Days, is just around the corner.

Here is everything you need to know to prepare for the fall’s biggest sale (at least until Black Friday rolls around.

What is Prime Big Deal Days?

You can think of Prime Big Deal Days as fall’s answer to Prime Day. It’s a two-day sale with deals in virtually every category you can think of. While Prime Day is the bigger sale of the two, Prime Big Deal Days has grown substantially since its first iteration back in 2022.

When is Prime Big Deal Days this year?

Amazon announced Prime Big Deals Days 2025 will take place from Oct. 7–Oct. 8. This is the fourth year for Amazon’s fall Prime Day sale.

Do you need to be a Prime Member to shop during Prime Big Deal Days?

Yes, you will need to be a Prime Member to shop the exclusive sales during Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days. Prime membership starts at $14.99 per month. While only you can decide if buying a yearly Prime membership is worth it for you, remember you can always sign up and then cancel your Prime membership once the sale is over: Amazon offers a free 30-day trial, so you can shop both days of the event (and even get some early Black Friday deals) before canceling without being charged. Here’s how to sign up for a Prime account.

What sales you can expect during Prime Big Deal Days

Prime Day happens in the summer, when you’re more likely to see deals on outdoorsy stuff, like gardening equipment, grills, and hot tubs, in addition to the usual tech and Amazon device deals. Since Prime Big Deal Days happens in the fall, you’re likely to see more deals on gaming and indoor gym equipment. Amazon has already announced some categories that will be on sale, including: Home, apparel, toys, beauty, electronics, groceries, and household essentials. Some brands you can expect are: LEGO, Fisher-Price, MAGNA-TILES, Tonies, Samsung, LG, Sonos, Lancôme, National Tree Company, KitchenAid, and Beats devices.

Early Prime Big Deal Days deals will be live earlier

As is usually the case, Amazon will kick off their sales with some early deals in the leadup up to the main event. While they haven’t kicked off yet, we will be covering as soon as they do. Make sure to follow our coverage to stay on top of the best deals.

The competition also offer sales

You can expect major retailers to have their own competitive sales like they’ve done in the past years, the big ones being Best Buy, Target, and Walmart. I’ll be updating this post as those sales are officially announced.

Some tips for a successful Prime Big Deal Days

If this will be your first October Prime Day, there are some basic things you need to know about Amazon sales:

• You can share your Prime membership with family members even if they don’t live with you

• You can set price alerts for products you want and your Alexa devices can notify you when they go on sale

• There are usually some “Invite-Only” deals that you can sign up for

• There are tools you can use to see if the deal you’re looking at is good or not.

But if you only take one bit of advice for shopping on Prime Big Deal Days, let it be this one: Don’t buy anything you weren’t going to buy anyway. A good way to make sure you do this is by making a list of the products you do want, and only having eyes for those.

Gallup: Americans have been placing less importance on the value of a college education over the past 15 years, to the point that about a third (35%) now rate it as “very important.” Forty percent think it is “fairly important,” while 24% say it is “not too important.”

When last asked to rate the importance of college in 2019, just over half of U.S. adults, 53%, said it was very important, but that was already lower than the 70% found in 2013 and 75% in 2010. Meanwhile, the percentage viewing college as not too important has more than doubled since 2019 and compares with just 4% in 2010. The views of parents of children under age 18 in the Aug. 1-20 poll are similar to the national average, with 38% rating college as very important, 40% somewhat important and 21% not too important.

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

The hit survival sim Valheim will be released for the PS5 in 2026, ending years of speculation. The year is all we got, as developer Iron Gate AB didn’t announce an actual release date. Still, it’s better than nothing.

We do know that the PS5 version will feature full crossplay with all other platforms, so that’s good. Piktiv, a company that regularly assists Iron Gate with Valheim stuff, is working on the port so the main development team can focus its efforts on updates and DLC drops. To that end, there’s a massive expansion coming called Deep North that introduces a new biome.

For the uninitiated, Valheim is a popular survival sim based on Norse mythology with a strong emphasis on cooperative play. Players team up to hunt, build bases, explore and take down bosses.

It first popped up on Steam as an early access title at the beginning of 2021, where it became a bona-fide sensation. The game was released for Xbox Series X/S in 2023. There are no current plans for a Switch 2 version.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/viking-survival-sim-valheim-will-finally-come-to-the-ps5-in-2026-170657288.html?src=rss