Author: alex

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles — Rebuilding the Game from Scratch According to interviews with director Kazutoyo Maehiro (reported by Bloomberg and covered broadly), the team behind The Ivalice Chronicles had to reconstruct the original Final Fantasy Tactics codebase from the ground up. The original 1997 source was lost after multiple overwrites during localization and later releases, so developers relied on retail copies, the 2011 War of the Lions edition, smartphone versions, and fan-maintained databases to piece together the game. Key points Original 1997 source code was lost; devs rebuilt the game by reverse-engineering retail/master discs and using fan resources. Kazutoyo Maehiro said they leaned on fan databases and their own institutional knowledge (discussed publicly at PAX West 2025). Controversial balance choice: Count Cidolfus Orlandeau (Thunder God Cid) remains…

Apple "Awe dropping" Event — How to Watch & What to Expect (Sept 9) Date & time: September 9 — 1PM ET / 10AM PT Apple is expected to unveil its next iPhone lineup at the "Awe dropping" event, with rumors pointing to an ultralight model called the iPhone 17 Air, plus a base iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Other likely announcements include new Apple Watch models and updated AirPods Pro. Apple also previewed iOS 26 earlier this year at WWDC, which will likely accompany the new phones. Where to watch Official Apple Events page: https://www.apple.com/apple-events/ Apple on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Apple What to expect iPhone 17 lineup — rumors suggest an ultralight "iPhone 17 Air" plus standard and Pro models Three new Apple Watch models and…

Porsche & Audi EVs Join Tesla Supercharger Network in North America Starting September 9, Porsche and Audi owners in North America will gain access to Tesla's Supercharger network through NACS-to-DC adapters. Key details Porsche: A soft launch lets Taycan and Macan Electric owners reserve a free NACS-to-DC adapter via the My Porsche app and use the Tesla app at Superchargers during the initial phase. Integration with the My Porsche app for charging is expected in the coming months. Model year 2026+ Taycan and Macan Electric vehicles will include a free adapter; older Porsche EVs (2024 and earlier) must purchase the adapter (about $185) from Porsche’s shop or dealers. Audi: Audi will offer a branded adapter arriving with select 2025 models (Q6 e-tron, A6 Sportback e-tron, e-tron GT). The Q4 e-tron…

Zuckerberg’s hot-mic moment with Trump: $600B AI spending claim and clarification At a White House tech dinner, Mark Zuckerberg told President Donald Trump that Meta would spend "at least $600 billion through 2028" in the U.S. on AI and related investment — a moment widely shared online. Shortly after, a hot mic caught Zuckerberg apologizing that he hadn’t been ready and wasn’t sure which figure Trump wanted. Zuckerberg later posted on Threads saying he’d shared a lower number through 2028, had briefed the president on potential spending through the end of the decade, and that it’s possible Meta will invest even more. Key points Hot-mic quote: “probably going to be something like, I don’t know, at least $600 billion through [20]28 in the US.” Hot-mic follow-up: Zuckerberg apologized, saying he…

8BitDo Ultimate 2 for Switch 2 — On Sale for $54 (white) 8BitDo's Ultimate 2 Bluetooth controller, compatible with Switch 2 and PC, is currently discounted to $54 (white color only) after a coupon — down from its usual ~$70 price. It's a great value for players who prefer an Xbox-style controller. Key features TMR joysticks for improved sensitivity and durability Switchable triggers: linear Hall Effect or non-linear tactile Included charging dock; auto-reconnect to console Customizable via Ultimate Software — remap buttons, adjust joystick/trigger sensitivity, vibration, save 3 profiles RGB rings around joysticks with multiple lighting modes The sale applies only to the white model. If you want to check availability or buy one, use this Amazon link (affiliate): https://www.amazon.com/s?k=8BitDo+Ultimate+2&tag=f1rede-20 Have you tried the Ultimate 2 yet? How does it…

Authors sue Apple over alleged use of pirated books to train AI Two authors, Grady Hendrix and Jennifer Roberson, have filed a lawsuit against Apple alleging the company used pirated copies of copyrighted books from so-called "shadow libraries" to train its AI systems (Apple Intelligence) via its web crawler, Applebot. The plaintiffs claim Apple used their works without consent or payment and are seeking class-action status. Key claims Plaintiffs: Grady Hendrix and Jennifer Roberson Allegation: Applebot accessed unlicensed/pirated book collections ("shadow libraries") and used those works to train AI models without permission Relief sought: Class-action status, damages, and an injunction to stop unauthorized use Claimed harm: Loss of control over works, economic harm to authors, and unfair commercial gain by Apple Context This case joins a wave of lawsuits targeting…

Sonos Labor Day / Back-to-School Deals: Era 300 $359 & Ace Headphones $299 Back-to-school and Labor Day sales have knocked prices down on Sonos gear. The Sonos Era 300 (spatial-audio speaker) is currently on sale for $359 (was $449, ~20% off). The Sonos Ace headphones are also discounted to $299 (was $399, ~25% off). Why it’s worth considering Era 300: Sonos’ 2023 spatial-audio speaker with excellent sound, easy setup, and Trueplay tuning for room optimization. Ace headphones: Improved since launch, with features like TrueCinema when paired with a Sonos soundbar for enhanced spatial audio. Where to buy (affiliate links) Sonos Era 300 — https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Sonos+Era+300&tag=f1rede-20 Sonos Ace headphones — https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Sonos+Ace+headphones&tag=f1rede-20 These prices were observed on major retailers (Amazon and Sonos store) during current Labor Day / back-to-school promotions and may end…

Paramount+ — 50% Off Annual Plans (Through Sep 18) Paramount+ is offering a limited-time promotion: 50% off annual subscriptions through September 18. That drops the annual pricing to: Essential (with ads): $30/year (regularly $60) Premium: $60/year (regularly $120) Important: The discount applies only to annual plans and requires paying for the full year up front. Monthly plans remain at the usual monthly rate. What’s included Star Trek highlights — Strange New Worlds and Lower Decks, plus other Star Trek series and movies RuPaul’s shows Showtime titles (Premium plan) such as Yellowjackets and Dexter: Resurrection Live sports and local CBS content depending on region and plan How to get the deal Visit the Paramount+ website: https://www.paramountplus.com/ Select the annual plan (Essential or Premium) and complete checkout before Sep 18. Remember you’ll…

Apple Event — Sept 9: What to Expect Apple's livestreamed keynote is set for Tuesday, September 9 at 1PM ET. Watch the official livestream on YouTube: Apple Event — September 9 (YouTube). Top rumors to watch iPhone Air (rumored): An ultra‑thin iPhone (~5.55 mm) that may be positioned as a lighter, thinner model. Reports suggest compromises such as a single 48MP camera and a smaller battery, though TrendForce has suggested a high‑density "silicon anode battery" could help offset capacity limits. iPhone 17 / iPhone 17 Pro: Expect the new iPhone 17 lineup, possible Pro design tweaks (aluminum instead of titanium), an expanded rear camera island, improved telephoto (rumored 48MP zoom), and potential 120Hz ProMotion on the standard iPhone 17. iOS 26: New phones will ship with iOS 26, which brings…

Pokémon Legends: Z-A — Hands-on Preview & Release Info Pokémon Legends: Z-A shifts the series toward an action-RPG with real-time combat, dodgeable attacks, and dramatic Mega-Evolved boss encounters in a Paris-inspired Lumiose City. The demo impressions suggest a promising evolution of the franchise for players who want a more active, moment-to-moment trainer experience. What to expect Real-time combat: No turn-based battles — you control a trainer who locks on to enemy Pokémon, uses active skills on cooldowns, and dodges attacks to protect your party. Action-RPG feel: Combat plays more like a smaller-scale JRPG (think elements of Xenoblade Chronicles), with sneak attacks, active skill timing, and player mobility. Rogue boss encounters: Boss battles feature Mega-Evolved Pokémon in special arenas and can include allied Pokémon joining the fight, creating showy, cinematic encounters.…