Xreal announced the launch of its Aura smart glasses with Google's Android XR and Qualcomm's Snapdragon Reality Elite, featuring a 70-degree FOV, hand-tracking, and strong multimodal AI.
Surface has evolved over 13 years through contributions from architects, developers, students, and engineers. In 2026, Surface will launch its most extensive Surface for Business lineup, including an integrated privacy screen and the Surface Laptop Ultra, designed for developers and creative professionals. The Surface RTX Spark Dev Box will cater to AI developers needing local compute power. The new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, powered by Snapdragon X2 processors, will be available starting June 16, with business options launching on July 14. The Surface Pro 13-inch features up to 53% faster graphics performance, 15.5 hours of battery life, and a 1440p Quad HD camera, priced from 9. The Surface Laptop, starting at 9, offers up to 20 hours of battery life and 58% more graphics performance than previous models. Both devices include vibrant LCD screens and are available in multiple colors. Surface devices are designed for AI workloads, featuring dedicated NPU silicon and robust cloud connectivity. The new touchpad and Slim Pen provide haptic feedback for enhanced user experience. Surface devices prioritize sustainability, with enclosures made from 100% recycled aluminum and ENERGY STAR certification. A new Surface Repair Tool assists users with repairs. Exclusive offers are available for U.S. customers from June 16 to June 30, including complimentary accessories and trade-in savings.
The Quick Share feature now integrates with AirDrop on the Pixel 8a and 9a, allowing for easier file and media sharing. Magic Cue will enhance Snapchat conversations with contextual suggestions. The Take a Message feature, which provides real-time text transcripts of voicemails and AI-generated next steps, is expanding to more markets and includes a new Custom Greetings feature for personalized outgoing messages. Additionally, Manual Call Screen is now available for Pixel phones in India, allowing users to screen unknown numbers.
Steam Next Fest has begun, featuring 4,347 game demos available for a week. This number is expected to increase during the event. If a player spends half an hour on each demo, it would take about three months to experience them all. Notable titles include Empulse, an FPS with wall-running and mech-dropping mechanics, and Omen, an isometric spaceship extraction shooter.
The gaming landscape is shifting with a rise in 'friendslop' games following Peak's success, while indie developers are creating small, affordable co-op games that emphasize camaraderie. The market is crowded with various co-op experiences on platforms like Steam, including lo-fi 3D games, survival crafting adventures, and roguelikes. Traditional co-op first-person shooters, characterized by a certain charm, offer a refreshing alternative. Turok: Origins exemplifies this by providing a satisfying gameplay experience without complex narratives or pressure for endless playthroughs. Games like Space Marine 2 and Turok: Origins allow for casual interaction among players, balancing intensity with light-hearted conversation.
Minecraft Java Edition 26.2, titled Chaos Cubed, will be released on June 16, 2026, featuring a new underground biome called sulfur caves, a unique mob named sulfur cube, and an experimental Vulkan graphics renderer. The sulfur caves introduce pale-yellow sulfur blocks and deep-red cinnabar, along with geysers that erupt every 50 seconds and sulfur spikes that can inflict damage. The sulfur cube is a passive mob that absorbs blocks, altering its behavior, and can transform into a mobile explosive when it absorbs TNT. The Vulkan renderer allows players to switch between OpenGL and Vulkan for improved performance, utilizing multiple CPU cores. A friends list feature will be added, enabling players to send friend requests and check online statuses, but peer-to-peer world hosting will not be included. Hardcore mode will now enforce permadeath by disabling certain options in the Open to LAN menu. The update also includes six new music tracks and the /unpublish command.
Meta AI is integrated into WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger, providing functionalities like chat, search, image generation, and automated customer support through the Meta Business Agent. Its availability varies by country, account type, app version, and language. Users should be aware that seeing a colleague's blue Meta AI ring in WhatsApp while they do not may indicate a rollout flag on Meta's end rather than an app malfunction.
Meta AI can answer queries, suggest ideas, generate images from prompts, clarify messages, assist with searches, and support customer interactions for business accounts. It is linked to the Llama model family, including Llama 2 and Llama 3.
To use Meta AI on WhatsApp, users need to update the app and can start a chat by locating the Meta AI button or circle. They can ask practical questions, request image generation, and utilize it in group chats. On Instagram, it enhances DMs and search functions, allowing users to create AI chats for content ideas and captions. In Messenger, there is an "Ask Meta AI" bar for direct interactions. Users can also utilize Meta AI on Facebook for search and content discovery.
The Meta Business Agent is a version of Meta AI for businesses, providing 24/7 responses to customer inquiries. It can be set up in Meta Business Suite or WhatsApp Business. Privacy measures should be considered, as users cannot entirely disable Meta AI and should avoid sharing sensitive information in chats.
For better responses, users should provide context and constraints in their prompts and consider training in prompt design and AI risk management for professional use.
PC gamers can celebrate Pride Month with the Townsqueer Vol. 1 bundle, which includes 39 games and zines focused on LGBTQ+ themes. The bundle is priced at a significant discount compared to purchasing the games individually, and proceeds are shared among creators. Notable titles in the bundle include "Tell Me Why," featuring a trans protagonist, and various other games and zines that highlight diverse queer experiences. The bundle is available on itch.io, with options to purchase individual titles.
Android Who Dreams of Stars is a visual novel developed by JinCycle, featuring an autonomous android named Eve Nova in a futuristic Tokyo where AI has eliminated war and hunger. The game relies heavily on AI-generated content for artwork, sound, narrative, and localization. My Summer Love Memories also uses generative AI for its videos, images, music, and dialogue. Kryonull has gained attention for its AI-generated voices, while some users on Steam question the legitimacy of its zero price tag. Typical NPC, developed by SmogGames, launched at a zero price with all AI-generated images, followed by After the Hero, which used AI-generated images but human-crafted text. KalendulaGames has released titles priced at zero, with extensive AI disclosures. Underwater claims to use AI-generated images only as art references. Steam emphasizes transparency in AI disclosures, with developers clarifying their use of AI in various ways. Many of the 120 games using generative AI focus on music and assets rather than translation. The Steam Deck has recently seen a resurgence in stock, with a price point higher than the average game. A humorous Steam review noted the unique experience of rummaging through trash for rewards in the game Where the F**k is my Bitcoin.
Blizzard in Baator is a fan-driven project aimed at expanding the CRPG Planescape: Torment, featuring new narratives, cinematics, music, characters, and locations like the Frozen Wastes of Cania. The first act has launched, and the project is described as significantly larger than Siege of Dragonspear, with plans for multiple parts. Players are advised to download the mod from Github and can engage with new quests tailored for a Nameless One character around level 16. The expansion offers a less combat-focused gameplay experience and allows players to replay the game to reach the appropriate level before accessing new content.
