Azure outage disrupts Microsoft 365, Xbox and Minecraft — Microsoft deploying fixes and rerouting traffic Microsoft is investigating an Azure outage that has affected several consumer and enterprise services, including Microsoft 365, Xbox and Minecraft. Outage trackers showed spikes in reports around midday ET, and Microsoft’s status updates point to problems with Azure Front Door and access to the Azure Portal. In its latest update, Microsoft said it "initiated the deployment of our 'last known good configuration'" but ran into delays because of protective blocks put in place to protect Azure Front Door. The company is also rerouting affected traffic to alternate healthy infrastructure while it investigates. Microsoft has not provided an overall ETA for full recovery. Quick facts Issue start: Reports began rising around 12:00 PM ET; Microsoft cites…

How to get early access to Google’s Gemini for Home (voice AI for Nest speakers) Google has opened early access for Gemini for Home, its next‑generation voice assistant powered by Gemini. The new assistant brings conversational, follow‑up capable interactions (called Gemini Live) to compatible Nest devices and is currently in beta — which means features may change and the assistant can still make mistakes. Gemini for Home offers more natural back‑and‑forth voice chats than the classic Google Assistant. You can ask complex questions, request explanations, plan meals with dietary constraints or hold longer, context‑rich conversations — all by voice. Keep in mind that Gemini for Home is an upgrade: once you switch a supported speaker over, Google says you can’t revert that device back to the older Assistant. Compatible devices…

ISDT MASS2: Compact 200W 8‑port desktop charger ISDT’s new MASS2 is a compact desktop power station designed to replace cluttered chargers and crowded power strips. With a total output of 200 watts and eight ports (six USB‑C and two USB‑A), it aims to serve multi‑device desks, home offices and charging hubs while keeping things tidy on the table. The charger is built for convenience: its small footprint fits on a desk, and the mix of USB‑C and USB‑A ports covers a wide range of devices. ISDT positions the MASS2 as a practical solution for households with many phones, tablets, laptops and accessories that need reliable power. Key specs Total output: 200 W Ports: 6 × USB‑C (PD), 2 × USB‑A Form factor: compact desktop/tower charger Use case: multi‑device charging for…

1X NEO pre-orders open: humanoid home robot learns chores via teleoperation California startup 1X is now accepting pre-orders for NEO, a humanoid robot designed to automate everyday household tasks and offer personalized assistance. The company says NEO will perform basic chores autonomously at launch — opening doors, fetching items and controlling lights — but more complex or tailored tasks will initially require remote human teleoperators to take control and train the AI. Pricing and availability are aimed at early adopters: a $200 deposit secures preorder access, with an early purchase price of about $20,000. 1X also offers a subscription option at $499/month. The company expects deliveries to begin next year, while the AI continues to learn from teleoperated sessions. Human‑in‑the‑loop training and privacy 1X CEO Bernt Børnich told WSJ that…

YouTube adds AI upscaling ("Super Resolution") and new TV app features YouTube is rolling out several upgrades aimed at improving how videos look and feel on TV apps. The headline feature is an automatic AI upscaling tool called Super Resolution that will boost uploads under 1080p up to HD, with 4K upscaling planned for the future. Creators can opt out if they don’t want Super Resolution applied to their content. Alongside Super Resolution, YouTube is increasing the thumbnail upload limit from 2MB to 50MB — a change that lets creators use larger, higher-quality cover art. The platform is also testing immersive preview tiles on TV homepages so viewers can flip through channel previews more visually, a move designed to improve content discovery on big screens. What’s changing for creators and…

Homematic IP app v3.6.13 adds custom icons, new automations and improved thermostat info eQ-3 has released version 3.6.13 of the Homematic IP app, bringing a set of quality-of-life improvements aimed at simplifying the management of connected devices in smart homes. The update introduces more visual customization and expanded automation options to help users tailor their setups more quickly and intuitively. Highlights of the 3.6.13 update include: Custom symbols for switch actuators: You can now assign individual icons to Schaltaktoren (switch actuators) so lamps, outlets and other switches are easier to identify at a glance. New automation options: Enhanced automation tools let you create smarter routines and triggers for devices across rooms and scenes. Expanded thermostat information: The app provides improved visibility into thermostat data (readouts and status), making climate control…

Amazon winds down New World content as studio shifts away from MMOs Amazon Games announced it will stop producing new content for New World: Aeternum. The recently launched Season 10 and the Nighthaven update will serve as the game’s final content release, with Nighthaven made available to all players for free. The studio said it will keep servers running through 2026 and provide at least six months' notice before any changes that affect playability. The decision comes amid wide layoffs across Amazon and cuts inside Amazon Games. Company messaging said continued content support is no longer sustainable. Bloomberg reporting links the move to broader restructuring at Amazon, and the publisher confirmed it is dialing back work on big‑budget MMOs in favor of other priorities. Key details Final update: Season 10…

Deal: Baseus Picogo 5K magnetic power bank — $36 (record low) Magnetic power banks are ideal for carrying extra juice without bulk, and Baseus’ Picogo 5K is currently at a record-low price of $36. The compact 5,000mAh battery is Qi2-certified, includes a built-in stand and a soft silicone finish for a secure grip — a handy companion for iPhone users on the go. In our testing the Picogo 5K delivered a 43% charge to an iPhone 15 in about 42 minutes (bringing it to ≈91%), and supports MagSafe-style alignment. Note: to reach the full 15W Qi2 speed you’ll need an iPhone 13 or later. Key specs Capacity: 5,000mAh — compact for daily carry Wireless: Qi2-certified magnetic charging (MagSafe-compatible) Extras: built-in kickstand, soft silicone exterior, curved design Performance: ~43% charge to…

Vampire Survivors adds free Balatro expansion: Ante Chamber Vampire Survivors has released a free expansion called Ante Chamber, inspired by the indie card game Balatro. The update introduces a new card‑themed stage, new characters (including the joker Jimbo), Balatro‑style power‑ups and weapons, and online co‑op on supported platforms. The expansion is available to download now on Steam, Android, iOS, PS4 and PS5. It will arrive on Nintendo Switch and the Epic Games Store on October 31. Xbox players were expected to get the update at the same time, but the studio said builds for Xbox One and Series X/S missed certification and will follow as soon as they clear it. What’s new in Ante Chamber New stage: Ante Chamber — a playing‑card themed map with Balatro references. New characters: including…

YouTube strengthens rules on violent gaming scenes and gambling-style content (effective Nov 17) YouTube will implement stricter policies starting November 17 to better police graphic in-game violence and gambling-style videos. Key changes include age‑restricting gaming videos that show realistic human characters in scenes of torture or mass violence, and broadening gambling restrictions to cover digital items like NFTs and game skins. The platform will assess the prominence and cumulative duration of graphic scenes when deciding whether to apply an age check. Age‑restricted videos will be unavailable to viewers under 18 and to users who are not signed into a Google account. Creators can avoid restrictions by blurring or trimming violent segments before the deadline. New gambling rules YouTube will no longer allow videos that direct viewers to uncertified online gambling…