The Crew 2 Gets Hybrid Mode: Play Offline (With Limits) Ubisoft has updated The Crew 2 with a new Hybrid Mode that lets players run the game offline. The offline mode uses a separate save file from the online game, giving players a way to keep playing without relying on live servers. There are important limitations to note: offline saves are distinct from online saves, multiplayer content and user-generated content (LIVE Summits, Crew Credits purchases, etc.) are not available in offline mode, and exporting your online save to offline will overwrite any existing offline-only progress. Separate saves: online and offline progress do not merge automatically. Export option: you can overwrite your offline save with an online one, but this will erase offline-only progress. Unavailable features offline: multiplayer, UGC, LIVE Summits,…

Apple Reportedly Adding Touchscreens to MacBook Pro (M6, OLED) Apple is reportedly planning to introduce touchscreen MacBook Pro models in late 2026 or early 2027. Sources cited by Bloomberg suggest internal codenames K114 and K116, and indicate the machines will run on Apple’s next‑generation M6 chips. The displays are said to be OLED, and Apple is redesigning the hinge and screen hardware so the display won’t move when used as a touchscreen. Key reported details include: M6-powered MacBook Pro models (internal codenames K114 and K116) OLED displays with reinforced hinge and screen hardware Hole-punch camera instead of the current notch, keeping more usable display area Trackpad and keyboard retained; thinner, lighter chassis expected Apple historically resisted bringing touch to macOS devices, favoring the iPad as the touchscreen option. This shift…

Meta to Shut Down Messenger Desktop Apps on macOS and Windows Meta has confirmed it will shut down its Messenger desktop apps for macOS and Windows on December 15. After that date, users will no longer be able to access the standalone Messenger apps and will be directed to the Facebook app on Windows or the Facebook and Messenger websites to use the service. The company hasn’t provided an official reason for discontinuing the desktop apps. This move likely reflects usage patterns — many users already rely on mobile apps or web interfaces — but Meta did not offer a detailed explanation in its announcement. What you need to do to preserve your chats If you want to ensure your chats are saved going forward, Meta says you must enable…

Google's Gemini Photo Features Blocked in Texas and Illinois Amid Privacy Concerns Google has confirmed that two Gemini-powered Google Photos features — Ask Photos (which lets you query your photo library) and Conversational Editing (which lets you edit images via natural language) — are currently unavailable to users in Texas and Illinois. The company did not give a detailed explanation, saying only that it's "working to determine how to make Ask Photos available to more users." Reporting points to recent legal settlements as a likely cause: Google settled an Illinois class-action over Google Photos privacy in 2022 for $200M, and earlier this year reached a $1.4B settlement with Texas over unauthorized data collection. Both cases involved concerns around biometric data and facial recognition, and the missing features require the Photos…

Tesla Reintroduces Risky 'Mad Max' Mode in Full Self-Driving Tesla has reintroduced a controversial driving profile called "Mad Max" in its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software. The mode reportedly encourages higher speeds and more frequent lane changes compared with the company's previous "Hurry" setting. Early reports say the mode has already been observed running stop signs and exceeding speed limits by more than 15 mph (24 km/h). Key points: Mad Max mode increases target speeds and lane-change aggressiveness in FSD. Observers have reported unsafe behavior, including rolling stop signs and significant speeding. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation into Tesla's FSD after receiving more than 50 safety-related reports and multiple crash notifications. Mad Max is not entirely new: a similar profile appeared in Tesla's Autopilot offerings…

OnePlus unveils OxygenOS 16: Gemini-powered Mind Space and new AI tools OnePlus has revealed OxygenOS 16, its Android 16-based update that debuts on the upcoming OnePlus 15. The OS centers on a deeper integration between OnePlus’ Mind Space app and Google Gemini, enabling Gemini to reference your saved screenshots, notes, and voice memos for context-aware responses. Mind Space — introduced earlier this year — automatically organizes captures and memos. With OxygenOS 16, Gemini can access that content to personalize replies, aiming for more helpful AI assistance without manual context switching. AI features: AI Writer (convert text to mind maps/tables, social captions, summaries, proofreading) and photo tools like AI Portrait Glow and AI Perfect Shot. Customization: New lock-screen fonts/layouts, GIF/video lock screens, resizable app icons, new widgets. Performance: Smoother animations via…

IKEA expands USB‑C lineup with budget 65W SJÖSS charger and new cables IKEA has broadened its USB‑C accessory range, adding several new chargers and charging cables to its lineup. The standout is the compact SJÖSS 65W wall charger, which is being sold for €12.99 — a notably low price for a charger with that output. Key points: SJÖSS 65W USB‑C wall charger — compact form factor and 65W output, priced at €12.99. Additional USB‑C cables and lower‑wattage chargers have been added to IKEA’s portfolio, targeting budget‑conscious buyers. 65W PD-capable chargers can typically power smartphones, tablets and many laptops, making them versatile for home and travel use. While IKEA has long offered affordable tech accessories, this push into higher‑wattage USB‑C chargers makes it a more interesting option for people who want…

Battlefield 6 Smashes Franchise Records with 7M+ Sales in Three Days EA reports that Battlefield 6 sold over 7 million copies in its first three days, making it the biggest launch in the franchise's history. Players logged more than 172 million online matches over the holiday weekend, and the game racked up 15 million hours watched on streaming platforms. The game launched on October 10 for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Its early performance notably outpaces Battlefield 2042, which reportedly sold about 4.2 million copies in its first week. Season 1 content for Battlefield 6 is scheduled to arrive on October 28. Sales: 7M+ copies sold in 3 days Matches: 172M+ online matches during the holiday weekend Streams: 15M hours watched across streaming services The launch news arrived days…

Apple and NBCUniversal Launch Discounted Apple TV+ + Peacock Bundle Apple and NBCUniversal have officially announced a new streaming partnership: Apple TV+ and Peacock will be offered together as a discounted combined subscription. The move aims to attract new subscribers and broaden each service's reach by packaging content from both platforms at a lower combined price. This bundle pairs Apple’s original programming and platform features with Peacock’s library of network TV, movies, and sports content. While the companies confirmed the tie-up, specific pricing, regional availability, and launch dates may vary by market and will be detailed in official rollout communications. What’s included: Access to Apple TV+ content and Peacock’s catalog under a single, discounted subscription (exact tiers TBD). Why it matters: Bundles can reduce churn, simplify billing for consumers, and…

Apple TV+ and Peacock launch a $15/month bundle (with ads) Apple TV+ and Peacock are teaming up to offer a combined subscription that starts at $15 per month with ads, giving subscribers access to originals from both services plus Peacock’s network and cable catalog. The deal goes live on October 20 and represents a notable saving compared with subscribing to each service separately. Key details: The bundle price with ads: $15/month. Ad-free bundle price: $20/month (note: standalone Peacock ad-free is $17/month). Apple TV+ current standalone price: $13/month. Peacock’s base plan starts at $11/month, so the $15 bundle is roughly a $9 monthly saving compared to subscribing to both individually. Apple One subscribers receive a 35% discount on Peacock Premium Plus plans. Why this matters: Bundles can simplify billing and reduce…