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Recap: Biggest Announcements from Nintendo Direct (Sept 2025) Nintendo's September Direct was jam-packed. Below are the top highlights, release dates, and where to find more information. Mario's 40th Anniversary & Galaxy remasters Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 are coming to Nintendo Switch on October 2 (available separately or as a bundle). A Switch 2 version will support 4K and is available as a combined physical cartridge. Mario Movie The next movie is titled The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, due in US cinemas on April 3. Switch 2-first Mario games Mario Tennis Fever — coming to Switch 2 in February. Yoshi and the Mysterious Book — Switch 2 platformer arriving next spring. Super Mario Bros. Wonder — Switch 2 version with new multiplayer modes coming next spring. Donkey…

Kindle Colorsoft — Colorful e-reader, especially for young readers Amazon recently expanded its Kindle lineup with the Kindle Colorsoft, a color-display e-reader that comes in a standard and a Kids edition. We tested both versions over several weeks and share our impressions below. Key specs Color display (E Ink color technology) 16 GB storage Available in a Kids edition with parental controls and child-friendly UI Standard Colorsoft available outside the Kids mode What we found The Colorsoft brings color to the Kindle family, which makes illustrated books and kids' content more engaging. The Kids edition adds safety features and a simplified interface geared toward younger readers. When exiting Kids mode, the device behaves like a regular Colorsoft for adults. Who it's for While adults can enjoy the color display, the…

Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave — Announced for Nintendo Switch 2 (2026) Nintendo announced a new mainline Fire Emblem titled Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, scheduled to release sometime in 2026. The reveal came during the September 2025 Nintendo Direct and was accompanied by an official trailer. What we know Platform: Nintendo Switch 2 (exclusive) Release window: 2026 Theme: Gladiator-style "Heroic Games" — arena trials and contests feature prominently Gameplay: Tactical, turn-based combat typical of the Fire Emblem series Connection to Three Houses: The trailer suggests a tie to Fire Emblem: Three Houses (a character resembling Sothis appears), indicating this could be a sequel or linked story Trailer Watch the official reveal trailer on YouTube: Official Trailer — Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave Background Fire Emblem is…

FTC Probes Amazon and Google Over Ad-Auction Pricing Transparency The U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s consumer protection unit is investigating whether Amazon and Google misled advertisers about pricing and terms in their ad-auction systems. The inquiry centers on Amazon’s use of “reserve pricing” (a minimum price floor for some sponsored ads) and whether Google used internal pricing processes that effectively increased ad costs without adequate disclosure to advertisers. Key points Amazon: The FTC is examining whether Amazon disclosed reserve pricing for certain sponsored listings and how that affected advertisers’ bids. Google: Investigators are probing whether Google’s internal pricing practices led to undisclosed cost increases for advertisers in its near-instant search auctions. Wider context: The probe adds to broader federal scrutiny of big tech ad practices — the DOJ recently found Google…

Spotube 5.0: Mac music app streams from the gray zone German outlet ifun.de reports that Spotube 5.0 for macOS is circulating again. Spotube is an open-source Mac music app that accesses Spotify interfaces to stream music while hiding some features (for example, podcasts). That approach has landed the app in legal trouble in the past. What we found Official project site and downloads: https://spotube.krtirtho.dev Source code and releases (authoritative release notes): https://github.com/KRTirtho/spotube/releases — no explicit 5.0 release was found in the official releases at the time of checking; v4.x is documented there. Guides and user writeups: e.g. Ondesoft's guide to using Spotube: https://www.ondesoft.com/spotify-tips/how-to-use-spotube.html Legal and practical notes Spotube historically accessed Spotify's interfaces in ways that can violate Spotify's terms and may raise copyright or service-abuse concerns. The ifun.de report frames…

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade coming to Switch 2 on Jan 22, 2026 Square Enix has announced that Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade will be released for the Nintendo Switch 2 on January 22, 2026. This edition includes the Episode INTERmission DLC starring Yuffie, which takes place after the main Midgar campaign. Key points Release date: January 22, 2026 (Switch 2) Includes Episode INTERmission (Yuffie) Primarily covers the Midgar portion of the story — the overworld is coming in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (no Switch 2 date yet) Originally launched in 2021 as a reimagining of the classic JRPG; Rebirth released in 2024. A third chapter is in development. The trailer looks gorgeous, suggesting the Switch 2 can handle this remaster well. Will you replay the Midgar arc on Switch…

iPhone 17: Why the 18MP square Center Stage front camera matters Apple’s iPhone 17 introduces a new 18-megapixel front-facing camera built on a square sensor and integrated with Center Stage. That small hardware change enables some big usability wins: you can hold the phone vertically and still capture landscape group selfies, FaceTime framing auto-centers better, and Dual Capture makes simultaneous front+rear recording more practical. Key features 18MP square sensor: Wider field-of-view in a vertically held phone for landscape-style selfies and group shots. Center Stage improvements: AI-driven framing that keeps subjects centered during video calls and recordings. Dual Capture: Front and rear cameras can record at the same time, now easier to use thanks to Center Stage. 4K HDR and stabilization: Front camera supports ultra-stabilized 4K HDR video. Why it matters…

Mathmatico: Free‑text calculator for iPhone — summary & iOS alternative Original (translated): "With Mathmatico, iPhone users have an alternative calculator app that breaks from the classic button-based input. Instead of stepwise keystrokes, the app allows free-text input where the entire calculation path is visible at a glance. Numbers and operators can be entered, edited and moved directly inline." Short summary: Mathmatico is described as an iPhone calculator that accepts free-text calculations (type whole expressions in the text stream), shows the full calculation path, and lets you edit and rearrange values inline. Research note: I could not find an independent app named "Mathmatico" in public app listings. A similar built-in solution exists on iOS 18+: Apple’s Calculator includes a feature called Math Notes, which supports free-text and handwriting input for calculations,…

Paramount+ 50% Off Annual Plans — Limited-Time Deal Paramount+ is currently offering a 50% discount on annual subscriptions through September 18. That drops the Essential (with ads) plan to $30/year (regularly $60) and the Premium plan to $60/year (regularly $120). This promotion requires paying for the full year up front; month-to-month pricing is unchanged. Why this matters Both new and returning subscribers can take advantage of the price cut. Premium also grants access to Showtime titles (Yellowjackets, Dexter: Resurrection) and the ad-free experience. Paramount+ features strong franchises like Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and Star Trek: Lower Decks, plus reality and entertainment offerings such as RuPaul-related content and sports coverage. Highlights Essential (with ads): $30/year (was $60) Premium (ad-free + Showtime): $60/year (was $120) Offer valid through September 18 Full-year…

EU Data Act takes effect — new rules for connected device data As of 12 September 2025 the EU Data Act enters into force. The new regulation sets who can access data generated by connected devices (smartwatches, smart home appliances, industrial machines, etc.) and how that data can be used, with the stated aim of giving users more control and promoting a fairer data economy. Key points Access rights: Users and certain businesses gain clearer rights to access data produced by their devices. Data sharing & interoperability: Rules to reduce exclusive control by device makers and cloud providers, encouraging data portability and switching providers. Scope: Applies to IoT devices, connected products, and related services across the EU. Objectives: Boost competition, innovation, and user control while protecting legitimate interests and security.…