Local playback of stored music files once looked to be replaced by streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music. Recently, that classic use case has been making a comeback. Projects and apps such as Petrichor, Quicktunes and Monoplayer aim at users who want to manage and play their own MP3 libraries on the Mac. Leading the pack is Swinsian 3.0, released on August 20, 2025. Key highlights include: Native Apple Silicon support Dark mode and UI improvements ReplayGain tag support and volume normalization Enhanced tag/batch tag management Advanced audio device controls iTunes XML export Swinsian remains available from the developer’s website (it is not distributed through the Mac App Store). For downloads and the full changelog, see the official site and support pages below. Note: I couldn’t find authoritative product…

Amazon Kindle Colorsoft (16GB) — $30 Off Ahead of Labor DayAmazon's Kindle Colorsoft (16GB) is currently on sale for $220 — $30 off its usual price. If you're shopping for a color e-reader for reading digital comics or upgrading ahead of Labor Day, this model is a compelling option.Key SpecsDisplay: 7-inch color E InkPixel density: ~300 ppi (black-and-white content), ~150 ppi (color content)Storage: 16 GBBattery: Up to 8 weeks on a single charge (Amazon claim)Waterproof rating: IPX8 (immersion up to 2 meters for 60 minutes)Audiobook support: YesHow this model differs from the Signature EditionThe 16GB model lacks the Signature Edition's auto-adjusting front light and wireless charging.The Signature Edition typically includes 32GB storage and costs more (around $280).What reviewers sayReviewers praised the Kindle Colorsoft for quick load times, responsive page turns,…

Google Gemini adds DeepMind-powered image-editing tools — and watermarks all AI images Google has rolled out new image-editing features in the Gemini app powered by DeepMind models. The update—available starting May 2025—adds more advanced, consistent editing tools for both uploaded and AI-generated images. Key features Consistent human appearance across edits: Keep human subjects looking the same as backgrounds, clothing, or settings change. Advanced multi-stage editing: Apply sequential edits to different components without losing accumulated changes. Image merging and trait-based prompts: Combine two existing images into a new scene, or use a visual trait from one image as a prompt element for another. Conversational text prompts: Edit images using natural language within the Gemini app. Watermarking & ethics Google noted that all images generated or edited in Gemini include embedded digital…

Debate: Age limits for social media — Hendrik Streeck calls for clear thresholds The debate about age limits for social networks in Germany has intensified. While a recent legal opinion from the Scientific Service of the Bundestag dampened some expectations, Federal Addiction Commissioner Hendrik Streeck (CDU) is calling for clear age thresholds to better protect children and adolescents. Streeck points to studies indicating that children and teenagers spend several hours daily on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, exposing them to potentially harmful content and algorithmic mechanisms that can foster addictive use. Key points: Bundestag Scientific Service issued an advisory that moderated expectations about strict age bans. Hendrik Streeck supports clear age limits to protect young users from excessive exposure and manipulation. Debate centers on balancing protection with freedom and…

Spotify Introduces Messages: Share Songs, Playlists & Podcasts In-App Spotify has launched a new Messages feature that lets users send music, playlists, podcasts and audiobooks directly within the app. The feature is designed to make sharing easier without switching platforms and to complement — not replace — existing sharing options. How it works Access Messages from your profile photo or the share button on any track, playlist or podcast. Start one‑on‑one conversations with people youve interacted with on Spotify (collaborative playlists, shared plans, etc.). Approve message requests and return to past chats from the Messages tab. Rollout & availability Available to both Free and Premium users aged 16 and older. Launching on mobile devices in select markets (Spotify has indicated initial expansion to markets including the U.S., Canada, Brazil, the…

Nikkei and Asahi Shimbun Sue Perplexity over Alleged Article Copying and False Attribution Two major Japanese media organizations — Nikkei and the Asahi Shimbun — have filed a joint lawsuit against AI startup Perplexity, accusing it of copying and storing article content from their servers and publishing inaccurate information that was attributed to the newspapers. Key facts Each company seeks ¥2.2 billion (about $15 million) in damages and demands removal of any stored articles. The plaintiffs say Perplexity "copied and stored article content" without permission and that the AI provided false information credited to the outlets, which "could undermine the foundation of journalism." This comes a day after Perplexity announced a new Comet Plus subscription and revenue-sharing plan for publishers; critics say the economics still shortchange publishers compared with direct…

YouTube TV may lose Fox channels — deadline Aug 27, 5PM ET YouTube TV warned subscribers that Fox channels (Fox News, Fox Business and Fox Sports) could be removed if the two sides don't reach a renewal agreement by 5PM ET on August 27, 2025. YouTube TV says Fox is asking for significantly higher carriage fees than comparable partners, and the service wants a deal that "reflects the value of their content and is fair for both sides" without raising prices for subscribers. If no agreement is reached, YouTube TV says all Fox news and business programs and sporting events carried on Fox channels (including NFL games) will be removed. Saved library content from those channels will also disappear. YouTube TV has pledged a $10 credit to subscribers if the…

Prime Video — September 2025: New series & films (incl. The Runarounds) As August ends, streamers are announcing their September lineups. In Germany, Prime Video will join Disney+ with a sizeable catalog for September 2025, mixing originals and returning titles. A key highlight is the new series The Runarounds. The Runarounds — quick facts Premiere: September 1, 2025 (all 8 episodes released the same day) Genre: Teen / music drama — follows a group of recent high‑school graduates who form a band Creators / background: Developed by Jonas Pate (creator of Outer Banks); inspired by a real music scene in Wilmington, NC The series is expected to be one of Prime Video's main September releases in Germany alongside a mix of other originals and sequels. Official promotional materials and the…

Labor Day Deals: 2025 MacBook Air M4 — Amazon Discounts If you've been waiting for a new MacBook, current Labor Day Amazon deals have pushed the 2025 MacBook Air M4 (13" and 15") to record-low prices on several configurations. Prices fluctuate quickly — check the Amazon links below for live listings with our affiliate tag. Highlighted Prices 13" MacBook Air M4 — 16GB / 256GB SSD: $799 (was $999) 13" MacBook Air M4 — 512GB SSD: $999 (was $1,199) 13" MacBook Air M4 — 24GB / 512GB SSD: $1,199 (was $1,399) 15" MacBook Air M4 — base models from $999 (was $1,199) 15" MacBook Air M4 — 16GB / 512GB: $1,199 (was $1,399) 15" MacBook Air M4 — 24GB / 512GB: $1,399 (was $1,599) Why buy the M4 MacBook Air?…

Lumines Arise — Enhance’s music-driven puzzler (Fall 2025) Enhance has returned to the music-driven puzzle genre with Lumines Arise, arriving Fall 2025 on PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam. Building on the Lumines legacy and Enhance’s work on Tetris Effect, this new entry promises striking visuals, sensory effects, and a soundtrack by Hydelic (known for Tetris Effect: Connected). Key details Platforms: PlayStation 5 (optional PS VR2 support) and PC via Steam (optional PC VR support) Release window: Fall 2025 Demo: Playable demo available on Steam and PS5 until September 3, 2025. Includes the new Burst Battle multiplayer mode and three single-player Journey Mode stages. Full game: 30+ Journey Mode stages and multiple modes and challenges (more than the demo offers). Soundtrack: Composed by Hydelic Features to watch Burst mechanic to…