iOS 26.1 Release Candidate released to developers and public beta testers Apple has made the iOS 26.1 Release Candidate (RC) available to registered developers and participants in the public beta program. A Release Candidate usually signals that Apple considers the build close to final — the general public release often follows within days if no critical issues are found. If you’re enrolled in Apple’s developer or public beta programs, you can install the RC via Settings > General > Software Update. As always, back up your device before installing beta or RC software to avoid data loss. What to expect The RC typically contains bug fixes, performance improvements and minor feature tweaks compared to the previous beta — Apple publishes detailed release notes in the Software Update screen and the…

Amazon launches Echo Dot Max and the new Echo Studio — audio upgrades arrive today Amazon has begun selling two new Echo speakers today: the Echo Dot Max and an updated Echo Studio. According to the announcement, both models emphasize improved audio performance alongside general updates. Meanwhile, the Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 11 are expected to arrive later, around mid‑November. The Dot Max and Studio are positioned for users who prioritize sound quality in their smart‑home setups. Amazon’s recent Echo refreshes continue to blend voice assistant features with better acoustics and design tweaks to suit living rooms and home audio setups. What to expect Echo Dot Max: A larger Dot variant aimed at stronger, fuller sound while keeping smart assistant features. New Echo Studio: An updated Studio model…

1X NEO: $20K humanoid home robot arrives with teleoperation trade‑offs California startup 1X has opened preorders for NEO, a humanoid home robot designed to handle everyday chores like opening doors, fetching items and toggling lights. NEO will ship next year with limited autonomous abilities, and owners can control it via app or voice commands for basic tasks. Crucially, 1X says the robot will learn from human teleoperators during its early deployments. Buyers who accept delivery must agree that remote operators may see inside their homes through NEO’s cameras to teach and refine the AI. 1X offers privacy controls such as owner approval for teleoperation, blurred people, and user‑defined no‑go zones. Key details Availability: Preorders open now with a $200 deposit; deliveries begin next year. Pricing: Early‑access purchase priced at $20,000;…

Airlock Games formed by ex‑MultiVersus directors — debuting sci‑fi sim‑management horror "What the Stars Forgot" Two former MultiVersus leads — production director Justin Fischer and technical director Brock Feldman — have founded a new independent studio called Airlock Games. Their first project is What the Stars Forgot, a sci‑fi sim management horror title that the team plans to fund via a Kickstarter campaign ahead of an early access launch in December. The move follows the closure of MultiVersus earlier this year after Player First Games was acquired and the live service was shuttered. The founders say they’re pivoting away from AAA scale to retain creative control, a trend that’s increasingly common as developers seek smaller, more sustainable projects. Key details Studio: Airlock Games (founded by Justin Fischer and Brock Feldman)…

Daily AI roundup: Microsoft–OpenAI deal, GPT-5, ChatGPT Atlas and more Here are the top AI developments today across major players like OpenAI and Microsoft. These items signal accelerating commercialization and platform integration of advanced AI models. 1. Microsoft–OpenAI partnership update Microsoft has reportedly finalized a new agreement with OpenAI, taking a substantial stake in the OpenAI Group PBC. The deal reinforces Microsoft’s strategic position in AI, keeping close integration with Azure and strengthening joint development plans. Read more: Microsoft blog. 2. OpenAI releases GPT-5 OpenAI has announced GPT-5, the next generation of its large language models. GPT-5 represents an incremental step in language understanding and generation capabilities and will likely be leveraged across OpenAI’s product suite and partner integrations. See OpenAI’s updates: OpenAI news. 3. ChatGPT Atlas — a browser…

Don't Nod is developing a narrative game for Netflix — Montreal studio to lead Don't Nod has confirmed a development agreement with Netflix to create a new narrative video game based on a major Netflix IP. The studio's Montreal team will handle development while Netflix will publish the title. Details about which IP is involved, release timing or platform plans were not included in the announcement. The partnership was disclosed in Don't Nod’s half-year financial report and adds to the studio’s track record of story‑driven games, from Life Is Strange to Tell Me Why and Lost Records. Netflix’s role as publisher suggests close creative alignment between the two companies for this project. Why this matters Genre fit: Don't Nod specializes in narrative adventures, making it a natural partner for story‑led…

Adobe expands AI across Creative Cloud at Adobe MAX At Adobe MAX, Adobe announced a broad expansion of AI features across its Creative Cloud suite. Photoshop, Lightroom, Premiere Pro and Illustrator will get enhanced AI-powered tools designed to speed workflows, automate routine tasks and provide contextual suggestions and explanations. Adobe highlighted a new AI assistant in Photoshop that can help automate repetitive tasks, offer editing suggestions and explain steps to users — aimed at both speeding up experienced creators and helping newcomers learn techniques. Similar AI enhancements are coming to Lightroom, Premiere Pro and Illustrator to streamline photo editing, video production and vector workflows. Key additions AI assistant in Photoshop for task automation, suggestions and explanations. Smarter editing and workflow tools coming to Lightroom, Premiere Pro and Illustrator. Focus on…

Simogo Legacy Collection arrives Dec 2 — Year Walk, Device 6 and more preserved for Steam & Nintendo Indie studio Simogo is celebrating its 15th anniversary by bringing its seven early mobile titles to new platforms. The Simogo Legacy Collection — which includes Year Walk, Device 6 and five other games from 2010–2015 — launches on December 2 for $15. The collection aims to preserve the original mobile experience while making the games playable on Steam, Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. Simogo says it made minimal changes to keep the games feeling authentic and added support for multiple input methods so players can choose how they want to play. What’s included All seven early Simogo mobile games (2010–2015), including Year Walk and Device 6. Touchscreen controls on Switch and Switch…

Doctor Who returns for a 2026 Christmas Special — Russell T. Davies to write The BBC has confirmed that Doctor Who will return for a Christmas Special in 2026, written by current executive producer Russell T. Davies. The broadcaster said details about the next full series will be revealed "in due course," bringing relief to fans after months of uncertainty about the show's future. The show’s funding and production have been turbulent in recent years. In 2022 the BBC partnered with Disney to co‑finance the revival and stream it globally on Disney+, but the deal did not deliver the runaway success hoped for. Behind‑the‑scenes issues — including reported recasting and reshoots — added to doubts about whether the series could continue on its previous footing. Why this matters Russell T.…

Amazon confirms ~14,000 corporate layoffs amid AI-driven reorganization Amazon has confirmed it eliminated approximately 14,000 corporate roles today as part of a global reorganization tied to accelerating its use of AI. The company says the move is meant to make its structure "leaner" so it can innovate faster, while reports indicate affected teams include video games, logistics, payments and parts of the cloud business. In a company statement, Beth Galetti, senior vice president of people experience and technology, said the current generation of AI is "the most transformative technology we’ve seen since the Internet" and that Amazon needs fewer layers and more ownership to move quickly for customers. The firm framed the cuts as part of broader internal restructuring. Key facts Confirmed layoffs: ~14,000 corporate employees, announced and executed today.…