Author: GizNews

  • Gabe Newell: Gamers Have Choices in Valve Antitrust Defense

    Gabe Newell: Gamers Have Choices in Valve Antitrust Defense

    Key Takeaway

    – Valve faces ongoing antitrust lawsuits in the US and UK over alleged monopolistic practices on Steam.
    – Gabe Newell denies dictating prices on other platforms, but developers report threats of delisting for offering cheaper games elsewhere.
    – The 30% fee Steam charges publishers is widely criticized, including by Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney.
    – 72% of industry representatives surveyed believe Valve holds a monopoly, with Steam earning over $16 billion in 2025.
    – If Valve loses the UK lawsuit, it could face up to $900 million in damages to affected buyers.


    Valve’s Legal Troubles and Market Dominance

    Valve co-founder Gabe Newell usualy takes a hands-off approach to operations at Steam. However, in 2023, a court forced him to testify in an ongoing antitrust lawsuit. Wolfire Games began the proceedings in 2021, accusing the gaming giant of holding a monopoly. Newell denied that the company has an unfair advantage, but questions linger about anti-competitive policies.

    Newell’s Defense in Court Testimony

    Bloomberg published an extensive report highlighting the litigation Valve faces in the US and UK. In transcripts from the Wolfire Games case, Newell argued, “Customers have enormous choice.” He then explained that buyers can decide:

    • Where they purchase their products, whether they buy the game on an Xbox, whether they buy it on Steam, whether they buy it on Epic Games Store, or whether they buy it directly from software developers.

    Critics, including Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney, believe the 30% fee the marketplace charges publishers is excessive. Another focus of the Valve antitrust lawsuit is whether it influences pricing on other storefronts. When asked about the matter, Newell replied:

    • Valve does not have a policy or practice of dictating prices to third-party software developers on other platforms.

    Allegations of Anti-Competitive Pressure

    The unorthodox executive didn’t provide clarification when pressed. Regardless, various developers have described threats of delisting Steam games. Smaller studios reportedly were dissuaded from offering the same titles for cheaper elsewhere. Bloomberg also documented how Valve discouraged the more powerful Ubisoft from selling exclusive DLC off-site.

    Industry Perception of Valve’s Monopoly

    A survey conducted by Rokky found that 72% of industry representatives agreed that Valve has a monopoly. It dominates the Epic Games Store and other competitors, having earned more than an estimated $16 billion in revenue in 2025 alone. Many gamers remain loyal to Steam for its immense selection, regular discounts, and useful community features.

    Courts may decide that Newell’s company acted illegally to maintain its position. Allegations that it prevents publishers from listing Steam games for less on other stores are a critical issue. If Valve loses a separate UK antitrust lawsuit, it risks paying out up to $900 million to affected buyers.

  • New Casio G-Steel Minimalist Watches: Black Metal, Tough Solar, Bluetooth

    New Casio G-Steel Minimalist Watches: Black Metal, Tough Solar, Bluetooth

    Key Takeaway

    – Sleek, minimalist design with a logo-free bezel and stainless steel band, marking a departure from traditional bold G-Shocks.
    – Two dial color options: all-black (B1000BD-1) and deep blue (B1000BD-2), with identical size and materials.
    – Powered by Tough Solar charging, Bluetooth connectivity for smartphone pairing, and standard G-Shock durability (200m water resistance, shock resistance).
    – Eco-friendly construction using biomass plastics in the carbon fiber reinforced resin case.
    – Initially launched in Japan at ¥75,900, with global release expected shortly after.


    New G-Steel Watches Unveiled

    Casio has took the wraps off two new sleek G-Steel watches. We’ve known the company was gearing up to launch the GST-B1000BD-1 and GST-B1000BD-2 for a few weeks now, thanks to a May leak that gave us a pretty good look at the upcoming lineup. Now, they’re finally out and launching first in Japan before shortly making their way to the global markets.

    Designed for Everyday Style

    Casio is positioning the G-Shock GST-B1000BD-1 and B1000BD-2 as stylish “all-around watches,” something you can practically wear all the time. Except for the dial color, both watches are identical in size and material, with the dial hue being the only real differentiator. The B1000BD-1 sports an all-black dial, while the B1000BD-2 comes with a deep blue dial, with both featuring dual sub-dials and a date display.

    The minimalist design of the GST-B1000BD is quite a departure from your usual bold, logo-clad G-Shocks. Here, we have a sleek, logo-free bezel that shifts its appearance depending on the lighting. You also get a stainless steel band showing off both hairline and mirror finishes, alongside a newly developed one-push tri-fold clasp. Throwing a nod to the original DW-5000C, the dial incorporates a brick pattern for a sporty touch. Underneath the black ion-plated exterior, the carbon fiber reinforced resin case—made using eco-friendly biomass plastics—keeps the module safe. The result is a highly wearable footprint measuring 46.9 x 44.2 x 11.6 millimeters and weighing just 118 grams.

    Technical Features and Pricing

    As for the technical features, these models are packing Casio’s Tough Solar charging system, delivering up to five months of battery life on normal use or eighteen months on power-saving mode. You also get Bluetooth connectivity to pair the watch to your smartphone using the Casio Watches app, which offers features like automatic time correction, easy clock settings, and a handy phone finder tool. Standard G-Shock perks like 20 ATM (200 meters) water resistance, a Super Illuminator LED light, and a shock-resistant structure are all present.

    International Launch Details

    Both models are currently available for pre-order in Japan for ¥75,900 and are set to go on sale later in June. They are expected to make their way to international markets, including the US and Europe, shortly after.


    Sources

  • Baldur’s Gate 2 Remake Officially Confirmed

    Baldur’s Gate 2 Remake Officially Confirmed

    Key Takeaway

    – Kevin Martens, former BioWare co-lead designer of Baldur’s Gate 2, has reportedly returned to work on a remake.
    – The project is unannounced, with no official details on gameplay, platforms, or release window.
    – A modern remake would likely update visuals and introduce quality-of-life improvements.
    – The remake is not expected to resemble Baldur’s Gate 3, but may borrow modern RPG mechanics.
    – Until an official announcement, the project should be treated as a rumor.


    A Beloved Classic May Be Getting Another Revival

    Baldur’s Gate 2 was released over two decades ago, in September 2000, and it is one of the most beloved RPGs ever made. More than a decade later, an Enhanced Edition arrived in 2013 for Windows, bringing several improvements such as support for high-resolution displays, bug fixes, cross-play multiplayer, and other quality-of-life features. Now, it seems that the classic RPG could be getting another major revival.

    Former BioWare Dev Reportedly Returns

    According to a new report from PC Gamer, former BioWare developer and Baldur’s Gate 2 co-lead designer Kevin Martens has returned to work on a remake of the game. The report claims that, according to a source familiar with the project, Martens is already involved and actively working on the remake. At the moment, information about the project is extremely limited.

    No Official Details Yet

    There are no official details regarding gameplay, platforms, or a release window. It is also unclear how long the remake has been in development. In fact, there has been no official announcement from any studio involved, meaning the only information currently available comes from the source cited in PC Gamer’s report. The original game was built using technology from more than two decades ago.

    What a Remake Could Look Like

    A modern remake would likely update the visuals significantly and introduce several other improvements. That said, fans probably shouldn’t expect it to resemble Baldur’s Gate 3, the latest entry in the series. Baldur’s Gate 3 was built with modern technology and features a very different presentation style. However, a remake could still borrow certain ideas, mechanics, and quality-of-life improvements from newer RPGs while staying faithful to the original experience.

    But for now, it’s best to treat the project as a rumor until an official announcement is made. PC Gamer is the source of this information.

    Sources
  • New PixVerse R1 Model: Live Input and Subject Priority

    Key Takeaway

    – PixVerse focuses on maintaining subject consistency across clips to improve narrative storytelling.
    – It calculates token cost before generation to reduce user risk.
    – The R1 model enables real-time, collaborative video generation from live prompts.
    – AI video excels at dangerous or costly scenes but struggles with realistic physics.
    – Aggressive pricing allows low-risk trial for both novices and professionals.


    A New Approach to AI Video

    Undoubtedly, text-to-video generation has made huge leaps in capabilities over the past few years, and while this has improved quality and video fidelity, the core narrative function of what video represents has largely been overlooked. This is where PixVerse takes a new approach. In addition to generating higher-quality AI videos, the platform emphasizes keeping the video’s subject as consistent as possible across generated clips, allowing users to focus on directing character movements and establishing narrative concepts. Also, to address the risk involved whenever a user commits to generating a video, the PixVerse platform calculates the number of tokens required to generate that specific video. With features like these, PixVerse aims to cater to both novices and professionals.

    Struggles with Real-World Physics

    While this is ambitious, there are still a few pitfalls to address in practice, as well as the purpose of AI-generated video. One of the examples used in the presentation was to generate a video of a car accident where a taxi was going underwater, an event that would be too dangerous for a person to film. This type of scene is ideal for generating effects to avoid the high costs of filming, but it faces the perpetual struggle of replicating real-world physics. Additionally, because the platform offers three tiers of capabilities, users will still need to navigate the model selection process. However, among these models, the R1 is by far their most ambitious offering, featuring real-time video generation from live user prompts.

    By gathering information from multiple users simultaneously, the R1 model uses context from each second of video to maintain PixVerses’ character focus while incorporating user requests. In the demo, the results were disjointed, but the potential for true collaboration is there if a team is all on the same page.

    Aggressive Pricing and Availability

    Lastly, PixVerse is aggressive with its pricing strategy, so at the very least, users can try out the platform without too much investment. Curious users can find more information in the resources below. The platform offers a free tier for basic generation, with paid plans starting at $15 per month for 5000 tokens, while the Pro plan at $49 per month gives 25000 tokens and access to the R1 model. The R1 model processes video at 720p resolution, generating up to 15 seconds per clip, with token costs varying based on complexity—typically 60 tokens for a short scene. Special effects and longer durations require additional tokens, but the precise calculations are handled automatically during generation.

    Sources
  • Vivo Premium Foldable Leak Reveals Key Highlights

    Vivo Premium Foldable Leak Reveals Key Highlights

    Key Takeaway

    – Dimensity 9500 chipset
    – 7,000mAh battery
    – Slim and lightweight body
    – 200MP primary camera + 50MP periscope telephoto lens
    – Expected launch in late June 2026 in China


    The Vivo X Fold 5 was launched back in July 2025 as the companys flagship foldable smartphone. Equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset a 50MP triple rear camera arraingment and a respectable 6,000mAh battery, its had a decent run. But now, a fresh leak from a tipster known as Digital Chat Station on Weibo has revealed some key highlites of Vivios next-generation foldable device, which is expected to be called the Vivo X Fold 6.

    New Processor and Battery Leak

    According to the tipster, the upcoming Vivo X Fold 6 may be powered by the Dimensity 9500 chipset, which is MediaTeks latest flagship processor. Interestingly enough, this same silicon is also rumored to be used in the Vivo X300 and the Vivo X300 Pro, showing MediaTek’s increasing presence in high-end mobile hardware. Beyond the chip, the leak points to a massive 7,000mAh battery, which is a huge step up from the 4,400mAh cell found inside the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. The tipster also mentions that the X Fold 6 will maintain a slim and lightweight body, despite that larger power pack.

    Camera Upgrades and Design Details

    In terms of photography, the Vivo X Fold 6 is expected to recieve some substantial upgrades. The leak suggests a 200MP primary camera, a massive jump from the previous generation, combined with a 50MP periscope telephoto lens for improved zoom capabilitys. According to Digital Chat Station, the camera module might feature a circular design, similar to what we saw on last years model, keeping the aesthetic familier but with better internal hardware. For reference, the current Vivo X Fold 5 measures 9.2mm when folded and weighs 217 grams, so users can expect a similar if not more refined form factor.

    Release Timeline and Official Status

    At the time of writing this, Vivo has not yet revealed any official details about the X Fold 6, so all this remains in the realm of rumor and speculation. The foldable phone is rumored to be anounced in late June 2026 in China, which would be about 11 months after the X Fold 5 debut. In other news that may be related, the Vivo X500 series has recently appeared on the GSMA IMEI database, hinting at future product launches from the brand.

    Sources
  • LG 32-Inch E-Ink Display Powers Qi2 Magnetic Power Banks

    Key Takeaway

    – 31.5-inch E Ink Spectra 6 panel with 2560×1440 resolution and 15:1 contrast ratio.
    – Excellent readability in daylight (like printed paper), but unusable in darkness without external light.
    – Extremely low power consumption; power used only when changing the displayed image.
    – Powered by a 72 Wh battery with unknown life; chargeable via USB-C or magnetic power bank.
    – Runs webOS Micro, fully controllable via web browser; launches July 2026.


    A Different Kind of Monitor For Low Power Needs

    So the LG E-Paper Display is another option for adding a low-power color display to business premises or even the living room at home. LG relies on a 31.5 inch E Ink Spectra 6 panel, which is designed in 16:9 format. The display achieves a resolution of 2,560 x 1,440 pixels and a contrast ratio of 15:1.

    How The Screen Technology Works Differently

    While the contrast on paper is low, E Ink relies on reflected light instead of a backlight. As a result, the display should look almost like a printed image in daylight, but cannot be recognized at night without artificial light. In addition to the good readability in daylight, the enormously low power consumption is the biggest advantage of E Ink, as the panel uses ink particles so that power is only consumed when the displayed image changes.

    Battery, Charging and Software Details

    LG has installed a 72 Wh battery, but the manufacturer does not provide any information on the battery life – whether the screen lasts for days or years on a single charge is likely to depend on how often the displayed image is changed and whether an active Wi-Fi connection is maintained. Unusually, the battery can not only be charged via a USB-C cable, but also via a magnetic power bank, such as the Anker MagGo ($69.99). The screen is powered by webOS Micro and, according to LG, all settings can be adjusted via a web browser without additional software.

    Launch Timeline and Pricing Details

    The LG E-Paper Display (32RS1Q-B) will be launched in July 2026, details on the price should be confirmed at the launch at the latest. Further details on the features can be found on the official product page.


  • Abxylute S9V Controller: Viture XR Glasses Support

    Abxylute S9V Controller: Viture XR Glasses Support

    Key Takeaway

    – Abxylute S9V is a telescopic mobile controller with a dedicated USB-C port for connecting Viture XR glasses.
    – Includes full-size Hall Effect joysticks, Hall Effect analog triggers, programmable back buttons, and dual vibration motors.
    – Supports smartphones and compact tablets up to 216mm, compatible with Android and iOS via USB-C.
    – Priced at $79.99, matching 8BitDo’s Viture-compatible controller.


    The New Abxylute S9V Controller for Viture Glasses

    A year ago, 8BitDo announced a special version of its Ultimate Mobile Controller that is designed to work with Viture’s XR glasses. If you have been waiting for an alternative, Abxylute has announced its own mobile controller with compatibility with Viture’s XR glasses.

    Design and Connectivity Features

    The new telescopic controller is called the Abxylute S9V Type-C Mobile Controller for Viture Glasses, and actually, it is a variant of the Abxylute S9 (currently available on Amazon for $62.99). The controller, which connects via USB-C to a supported device, has a USB-C port at the bottom for pass-through charging.

    There’s a second USB-C port on the right grip for connecting a pair of Viture XR glasses. On the standard S9 controller, instead of a USB-C port, you have an audio jack on the right grip. Unfortunately, the S9V doesn’t have an audio jack, and Abxylute doesn’t say if the USB-C port in the middle has audio support.

    Full Controller Specifications

    The Abxylute S9V has full-size Hall Effect joysticks, Hall Effect analog triggers, programmable back buttons, a dedicated screenshot key, and dual vibration motors with four vibration levels. Abxylute says the joysticks, D-pad, and spacers are interchangeable. Included in the box are two extra joysticks, 2 extra D-pads, and 6 silicone spacers.

    The controller also has a gyroscope, turbo function, and support for X-input, Nintendo Switch input, PlayStation, and Android devices. Its telescopic design allows it to support smartphones and compact tablets with a maximum length of 216mm. The controller is compatible with Android and iOS devices with a Type-C port.

    Pricing and Availablity

    The Abxylute S9V Type-C Mobile Controller for Viture Glasses is available to buy on the manufacturer’s website for $79.99, the same price as 8BitDo’s controller (available on Amazon). Viture

    Sources
  • Microsoft expands Game Pass with 60 new Stream Your Own Game titles

    Microsoft expands Game Pass with 60 new Stream Your Own Game titles

    Key Takeaway

    – Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes Stream Your Own Game, letting subscribers stream supported games they already own.
    – 60 new games have been added to the Stream Your Own Game library in June.
    – Titles like 007 First Light are now streamable, but only if you own them—they are not part of the Game Pass catalog.


    Xbox Game Pass Ultimate’s latest feature expansion

    Xbox Game Pass Ultimate offers features, and one of the most useful is Stream Your Own Game. The feature allows subscribers to stream supported games they already own through Xbox Cloud Gaming, even if those titles are not included in the Game Pass catalog. Microsoft has been expanding the service on a regular basis, adding more supported titles every month.

    June’s massive update for cloud streaming

    And now that June has started, the latest batch of additions has arrived. In fact, this appears to be a big update for the service, with 60 new games being added to the Stream Your Own Game library. One of the biggest additions in the new lineup is 007 First Light, which was released a few days ago. However, it’s worth noting that while 007 First Light can now be streamed through Stream Your Own Game, it is not currently part of the Xbox Game Pass library itself. So, players still need to own the game to access it through the service.

    Complete list of newly supported titles

    That said, here’s a complete list of new games that have been added to the Stream Your Own Game library. The lineup includes a mix of AAA blockbusters and indie gems, offering players more choice than ever before. For those who frequently use cloud gaming, this update significantly expands what you can play without downloading anything.

    • A Plague Tale: Requiem
    • Atomic Heart
    • Back 4 Blood
    • Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden
    • Batman: Arkham Knight
    • Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
    • Cyberpunk 2077
    • Dragon Age: The Veilguard
    • Elden Ring
    • Fallout 4
    • Forza Horizon 5
    • Gotham Knights
    • Halo Infinite
    • Hi-Fi Rush
    • Immortals of Aveum
    • Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
    • Lies of P
    • Madden NFL 25
    • Metro Exodus
    • Minecraft Legends
    • Mortal Kombat 1
    • NBA 2K25
    • Octopath Traveler II
    • Ori and the Will of the Wisps
    • Palworld
    • Payday 3
    • Persona 5 Royal
    • Quantum Break
    • Red Dead Redemption 2
    • Resident Evil 4
    • Sea of Thieves
    • Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II
    • Skull and Bones
    • South Park: The Fractured but Whole
    • Starfield
    • State of Decay 2
    • Stray
    • Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League
    • Tales of Arise
    • The Callisto Protocol
    • The Elder Scrolls Online
    • The Last of Us Part I
    • Thymesia
    • Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege
    • Tom Clancy’s The Division 2
    • Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition
    • Total War: Pharaoh
    • Trackmania
    • Train Sim World 5
    • Two Point Campus
    • Ultimate Chicken Horse
    • Unravel Two
    • Vampire Survivors
    • Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2
    • Wolfenstein: Youngblood
    • Wreckfest
    • WWE 2K24
    • XDefiant
    • Yakuza: Like a Dragon
    • 007 First Light

    How to access the new streaming library

    To use Stream Your Own Game, you simply need a active Game Pass Ultimate subscription and a compatible device, such as a phone, tablet, or PC. From there, navigate to the cloud streaming section and look for the new “Your Games” tab. Its worth noting that some titles have region restrictions or require a strong internet connection, so check Microsoft’s support page for full compatibility details.

    Sources
  • Steam Free Games: Indie Hit with 89 Metacritic Score

    Steam Free Games: Indie Hit with 89 Metacritic Score

    Key Takeaway

    – Gravity Circuit is free on Steam until June 14 to promote its 2027 sequel.
    – Moonrise Fall is free on Steam until June 2, but only for Windows.
    – Gravity Circuit has a 90%+ positive rating, a Metascore of 89, and is Steam Deck verified.
    – Both games have seen major player spikes due to their free promotions.


    Grab Two Free Steam Games Right Now!

    There is two indie games that you can get for free on Steam right now. The first one is called Gravity Circuit, its a 2D jump ‘n’ run adventure that is very obviously based on Mega Man, as each level is inspired by a boss that must be fought at the end. Each of the twelve single-player levels has its own mechanics, so there is no shortage of variety through the gameplay.

    Gravity Circuit Details and Pricing

    Gravity Circuit runs on Windows as well as macOS and SteamOS, and the game is verified for the Steam Deck. Of over 3,000 reviews, more than 90 percent are positive, and the Metascore of 89 out of a possible 100 points is nothing to sneeze at. The developers Domesticated Ant Games are offering Gravity Circuit for free from now until June 14 to promote Gravity Circuit 2, the next game in the series, which is expected to be released in 2027. This promotion is apperently working, because according to SteamDB, the game has recorded over 1,700 simultanious active players over the past 24 hours, more than ever before. The highest number so far was 483 players at launch in July 2023.

    Moonrise Fall Is Also Free for a Short Time

    At the same time, Moonrise Fall is also available for free on Steam, its an atmospheric puzzle and exploration adventure that was released in May 2019 and is only available for Windows PCs. Howevre, this game is only available for free until June 2nd. Moonrise Fall has never been particularly popular, the title was usually played by less than three people at a time, but since the start of the campaign, the number of players has climbed to over 300 .

    Important Terms and Conditions

    Prices are subject to change. The offer was available at the time of publication of the article, but may be limited in time or quantity. All information without guarantee.

    Steam (Gravity Circuit | Moonrise Fall)


  • Acer unveils two new OLED Android tablets

    Acer unveils two new OLED Android tablets

    Key Takeaway

    – Acer announced two new Android tablets (Iconia Duo S14 and S12) with 3:2 OLED displays.
    – The S14 has a 14.2-inch 120Hz screen, MediaTek Dimensity 8300, 10,000mAh battery, and 6.2mm thickness.
    – The S12 features a 12.2-inch OLED, MediaTek Dimensity 7400, 8,000mAh battery, and weighs 580 grams.
    – Both tablets offer up to 8GB RAM, 256GB storage, and dual USB-C ports (S14).
    – EMEA launch in Q3 2026; North America release in August (S12) and September (S14); pricing unannounced.


    New Tablets Unveiled

    Acer has introduced two new Android tablets with OLED displays featuring a 3:2 aspect ratio. The Acer Iconia Duo S14 is positioned as the higher-end offering, while the Iconia Duo S12 comes with a smaller display and less powerful chipset. These devices aim to provide a different experience for users looking for vibrant screens and portable designs.

    Iconia Duo S14 Specifications and Features

    The Iconia Duo S14 features a large 14.2-inch OLED panel with a resolution of 2,880 x 1,840 pixels. Its screen supports a 120Hz refresh rate, a peak brightness of 400 nits, and 100% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage. It is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8300, an octa-core chipset built on a 4nm process, with an average AnTuTu V10 score of around 1.2 million.

    Memory, Battery, and Connectivity

    The tablet has up to 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM and up to 256GB of internal storage. It packs a 10,000mAh battery and features dual USB Type-C ports. For connectivity, the tablet has Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. The Iconia Duo S14 weighs 730 grams and measures 6.2mm thick. This combination makes it a heftier option compared to its sibling.

    Iconia Duo S12 Details and Differences

    The Iconia Duo S12 has a 12.2-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2,800 x 1,840 pixels. It has a 13MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera. The tablet is powered by the mid-range MediaTek Dimensity 7400 chipset with up to 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of internal storage. It supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3.

    Weight, Battery, and Dimensions

    The Iconia Duo S12 measures 6.5mm in thickness and weighs 580 grams. The tablet features an 8,000mAh battery. These specifications show a clear focus on a lighter and slightly thinner device. Acer has revealed that both tablets will launch in the EMEA region in Q3 2026.

    Availabilty and Pricing

    In North America, the Iconia Duo S14 will be available in September, while the Iconia Duo S12 will arrive in August. Acer has yet to reveal the pricing of the new tablets. The lack of price information leaves potential buyers waiting for further announcements from the company.


    Sources