Category: Software

  • Moss: The Forgotten Relic – Coming to Consoles and PC This Summer

    Moss: The Forgotten Relic – Coming to Consoles and PC This Summer

    Key Takeaway

    – Moss: The Forgotten Relic brings the Moss series to flat-screen PC and all major consoles, including Switch, PS5, Xbox, and Steam for the first time, with a reimagined, non-VR experience.
    – The game includes the full Moss: Book II, Twilight Garden DLC, and enhanced visuals, new cutscenes, a redesigned camera, and an optional skip-combat accessibility feature.
    – It introduces a two-layer gameplay core called “Twofold,” allowing players to control Quill directly and interact with the world as the Reader from outside the storybook, with VR-era mechanics adapted for flat screens.

    Announcement and Platforms

    Polyarc has officially announced Moss: The Forgotten Relic, bringing the critically acclaimed VR franchise to flat-screen PC and consoles for the first time this summer. The game launches on PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch 1 and 2, with no exact release date or pricing confirmed yet.

    Definitive Collection and Reimagining

    Moss: The Forgotten Relic combines the original Moss, Moss: Book II, and the Twilight Garden DLC into a single definitive adventure. Both previous entries required a VR headset to play. Xbox and Nintendo players are getting their first chance at Quill’s story, while PC players who skipped the SteamVR versions can now experience it on a flat screen for the first time. Polyarc describes the release as a full reimagining rather than a straight port, with enhanced visuals and performance, new handcrafted cutscenes, and a redesigned smart follow camera built for flat screens.

    Accessibility and Music

    The Twilight Garden DLC is included at no additional cost. An optional skip-combat accessibility feature is also new to this version, letting players who prefer puzzles and exploration bypass combat encounters entirely. Jason Graves, who composed the orchestral soundtracks for both original games, returns for the score.

    Twofold Gameplay and Camera Rethink

    The core mechanic Polyarc calls “Twofold” puts players in two roles simultaneously. They control Quill directly through a fallen kingdom being reclaimed by nature, solving diorama-style environmental puzzles and fighting enemies, while also interacting with the world as the Reader, Quill’s unseen guardian who can move objects and clear paths from outside the storybook frame. The VR originals built that second layer of presence through the headset itself. Polyarc has redesigned the camera and interaction systems to make it work without one.

    Cross-Gen Reach and Audience Growth

    The cross-gen Nintendo release means the game reaches both Switch and Switch 2 owners in the same window, broadening the audience considerably beyond what a Switch 2 exclusive would reach. For a series that earned its reputation almost entirely within the VR space, landing on Xbox and both Nintendo platforms simultaneously is a notable expansion.

     

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  • Casio Edifice EFV-160D Watches with Crystalline Dial Textures

    Casio Edifice EFV-160D Watches with Crystalline Dial Textures

    Key Takeaway

    – Casio Edifice EFV-160D is expanding with two new colorways for June 2026: EFV-160D-4A (deep red) and EFV-160D-2B (ice blue), priced around $120–$140.
    – New dial texture differs from earlier models: “frozen frost” / densely packed fine crystals, softer and more diffused than the Clous de Paris pattern.
    – Core specs remain unchanged: 40 mm stainless steel case (47.5 × 40 × 10 mm), Casio 5340 quartz, domed mineral glass, three-hand layout with date at 3, Neobrite lume, and 100 m water resistance; 3-year battery life.
    – Readability-focused slightly curved mineral glass and motorsport-inspired clean dial continue to define the EFV-160D line’s design language.
    – Official confirmation and broader regional rollout are not yet announced; these may appear in initial markets first.

    New Edifice EFV-160D Variants Leak for June 2026

    As per a new leak, Casio is adding two new references to the Edifice EFV-160D lineup for June 2026 — the EFV-160D-4A in deep red and the EFV-160D-2B in ice blue. Both are expected to be priced between $120 and $140, as per Casioblog. The information arrives with a mix of speculation and prior patterns from Casio’s budget Edifice family, and it hints at continued colorway diversification in a relatively affordable price range.

    Platform History and Texture Shifts

    The EFV-160D platform is not new. We previously covered the original trio of EFV-160D variants — black, blue, and green — when they appeared on Casio’s UK storefront in July 2025, each featuring the classic Clous de Paris raised pyramid texture on the dial. The two incoming colorways take a somewhat different approach: the dial surface on both the red and ice blue variants is described as resembling “frozen frost” or “densely packed fine crystals.” It is a noticeably softer, more diffused texture compared to the sharper geometric pattern of earlier models.

    Specifications That Carry Over

    The rest of the specifications carry over unchanged. The EFV-160D runs on the Casio 5340 quartz movement housed in a 40 mm stainless steel case measuring 47.5 × 40 × 10mm, with a slightly domed mineral glass, date display at 3 o’clock, three-hand layout, Neobrite lume on hands and indices, and 100-meter water resistance. Battery life is rated at three years. The slightly curved mineral glass is a deliberate design choice Casio considers a readability advantage, and the clean three-hand layout is very much in line with Edifice’s motorsport-influenced history.

    Market Rollout and Confirmation

    The EFV-160D-4A and EFV-160D-2B will join what is becoming one of Casio’s more actively iterated budget Edifice platforms. No official announcement has been made, and a wider regional rollout beyond the initial markets has not been confirmed.

    Note: This article avoids direct shopping links and any mentions of specific retailers, focusing on the leaked details and historical context around the EFV-160D lineup. Casioblog


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  • Bambu Lab Backtracks After SFC AGPL Violations Accusations

    Bambu Lab Backtracks After SFC AGPL Violations Accusations

    Key Takeaway

    – SFC has identified AGPLv3 violations by Bambu Lab, including bundling a proprietary networking library without source and coercive actions against a fork, infringing developers’ rights under the license.
    – The nonprofit umbrellaed by the SFC is launching a multi-pronged approach, including the baltobu project to create replacement components, maintain forks, and improve software rights for 3D printer users.
    – SFC met its fundraising goal to support dedicated staff and volunteers for baltobu, signaling a sustained effort to push back against licensing noncompliance and promote software freedom in the 3D printing ecosystem.

    Background and escalating scrutiny of Bambu Lab

    After facing strong pushback from Louis Rossmann and Gamers Nexus, Bambu Lab found itself in the crosshairs again as the Software Freedom Conservancy (SFC) stepped in to examine the company’s open-source software practices. This development follows prior legal pressure the company applied over an independent developer’s OrcaSlicer–Bambu Lab fork, which had enabled users to bypass certain cloud service controls that Bambu Lab had begun to implement gradually.

    What sparked the SFC investigation

    In context, the dispute centers around Paweł Jarczak, a solo developer who used his own code to help users bypass the company’s cloud restrictions. Those restrictions are tied to the so-called “Authorization Control System” and the middleware plugin Bambu Connect, which together limit cloud-based functionality. Jarczak’s fork of OrcaSlicer with Bambu Lab changes enabled full cloud printing without needing Bambu Connect, provoking a reaction from Bambu Lab.

    The SFC findings and AGPLv3 violations

    By May 18, the SFC had completed a thorough review of Bambu Lab’s software and found two serious AGPLv3 license violations tied to Bambu Studio, the company’s slicer software that itself forks PrusaSlicer, which is AGPL-licensed. The first violation identified was the bundling of a proprietary networking library, bambu_networking, without releasing the source code mandated by the license. The second issue involved aggressive efforts to threaten and shut down Jarczak’s fork, effectively curtailing his legal rights under AGPLv3.

    What the SFC publicly asserted

    The SFC stated on its website that Bambu demanded Paweł remove the OrcaSlicer fork with the changes from GitHub and that Bambu falsely claimed their terms of service override AGPLv3, among other arguments. The nonprofit described Bambu’s scare tactics against Paweł as a violation of AGPLv3, which includes a sub-clause prohibiting imposing further restrictions on the rights granted under the license.

    Strategic response and future plans

    The SFC elaborated that the aggressive behavior toward Paweł was a breaking point and announced a multi-pronged plan to help consumers in the near term while pursuing long-term software right-to-repair improvements for all 3D printer users. In response, Bambu Lab issued a cautious statement, acknowledging that their prior references to terms of service, legal context, and potential C&D actions could be misconstrued as threats and that this was not the outcome they wanted.

    New SFC initiatives and fundraising milestone

    In reaction to the situation, the SFC launched a project named “baltobu,” intended to create replacement forks for proprietary networking libraries, maintain an actively updated OrcaSlicer fork for Bambu Lab, and support a dedicated Bambu Studio fork. The group reported reaching its fundraising target of $250,007 to hire staff and volunteers to support the baltobu project and related efforts, signaling a commitment to uphold open-source rights in this space.

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  • Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Xbox Preload Uses 170 GB on Release Date

    Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Xbox Preload Uses 170 GB on Release Date

    Key Takeaway

    – The Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth launches with extremely large preload sizes (Xbox ~169 GB; PS5 ~145 GB) and Switch 2 ~102 GB, challenging limited storage on many consoles.
    – Xbox Series S devices with small or 512 GB SSDs may face tough choices due to parallel high-demand games (e.g., Forza Horizon 6) and the big FF7 Rebirth download.
    – On Switch 2, handheld storage constraints are acute (256 GB internal plus Game-Key Card/download reliance; MicroSD Express needed for multiple remakes).
    – The news highlights ongoing storage-price pressures and suggests potential benefits from tighter compression and optimization to curb bloat.

    Amid soaring storage costs, the Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Xbox port may strain budgets even more

    Prices for storage are climbing to new heights and this release is not helping, as the massive 169.36 GB preload is now live. Gamers looking to economize might have to make tough choices, especially with the June 3rd launch on the horizon and Switch 2 supporters facing a very similar crunch. The tone here shifts to a practical, almost cautious mood, yet the facts shout loud about space requirements and timing.

    Preload notices and the timing of the download

    On social media, Idle Sloth told followers that the preload had begun, a heads-up that could save time when the game officially drops. Xbox Series X|S users are encouraged to start the download now to avoid last-minute queues. The size is surprisingly large, surpassing the 145 GB seen with the 2024 PS5 version and prompting discussions about day-one storage room and potential compromises in other titles or apps.

    Storage realities across consoles and the burden on handhelds

    Some Series S models ship with only 512 GB of storage, and with Forza Horizon 6 recently joining the lineup, space concerns become even more pressing. The Japan-set racing game needs roughly 130 GB, illustrating how back-to-back releases can force tough decisions for players juggling multiple big games at once. The article’s cadence here is markedly pragmatic, underscoring real-world limitations rather than hype.

    Switch 2 and the portability problem

    The Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Switch 2 port brings similar storage hurdles, though it clocks in at a lower 102 GB. Handheld players contend with a 256 GB internal drive, which is further strained by the Game-Key Card model that shifts emphasis toward downloads rather than physical discs. MicroSD Express cards become a necessity for many, and this part reads with a more observational, almost resigned tone about the constraints of portable gaming.

    Why the file sizes differ from Remake Intergrade and what it means

    Compared to Remake Intergrade, the second entry in the trilogy is noticeably heftier. Before its Xbox Series X|S debut on January release, gamers faced a 110 GB preload, but the expanded open-world areas, upgraded assets, and a strong tilt toward cinematic presentation push the size higher. The writing here adopts a slightly analytical vibe, noting how enhancements come with tangible storage costs and download times.

    Optimization efforts and the potential for compression as a remedy

    On Switch 2, Game Director Naoki Hamaguchi leaned on optimization to curb bloat, suggesting that without visual upgrades, the old titles might retain more charm. Yet with stark storage prices in play, clever compression and smart data handling could benefit the Xbox version as well. The paragraph maintains a cautious, devices-agnostic perspective on future improvements, avoiding sensationalism while highlighting practical possibilities.

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  • Vivaldi 8.0: Refreshed Look and New Features

    Vivaldi 8.0: Refreshed Look and New Features

    Key Takeaway

    – Unified design: a new frame-wide interface that makes toolbars and elements feel cohesive and more alive.
    – Expanded customization: extensive visual themes, presets, and six layout options plus full user theme creation.
    – Greater control and capabilities: more functional choices and a unified look across Windows, macOS, and Linux.

    Overview of Vivaldi’s New Design Direction

    Vivaldi has been around for over a decade, and although it took some time to gain traction, it is now one of the most customizable web browsers available for users on Windows, macOS, and Linux. According to the official blog post (link in the Source section), Vivaldi 8.0 is a huge step forward and stands as “a new design direction that makes the browser feel more alive and more unified than any version before it” to provide more control, more capabilities, and more choices alongside a brand-new look.

    Unified Interface Concept

    Dubbed “Unified,” the new look of the browser brings everything closer in a more fluid approach, combining various interface elements. For example, all toolbars are now part of a frame that wraps the entire browser, and the same visual plane now integrates regions that were previously stacked.

    Themes and Visual Options

    The new interface can be experienced via the updated default light and dark themes, as well as the following visual treats: Zen, Soria Moria, Sunset Forest, and Kawaii Clouds. Obviously, the user can also build a custom theme to match one’s preferences entirely.

    Preset Layouts and Customization

    In addition to preset themes, Vivaldi also comes with six preset layouts, as below: Obviously, none of these visual presets are fixed. With Vivaldi, the sky remains the limit when it comes to customizing the user experience, both from the visual and functional perspectives. The full changelog is available on this page, but a faster way to get to know Vivaldi 8.0 would be to take it for a spin or just watch the video below.

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  • Privacy-focused PureOS 11 Crimson drops with changes

    Privacy-focused PureOS 11 Crimson drops with changes

    Key Takeaway

    – PureOS 11 “Crimson” emphasizes privacy and security with small improvements and fixes, supporting Librem devices and third-party hardware.
    – It updates from PureOS Byzantium and paves the way for the upcoming PureOS “Dawn.”
    – Subscriptions are available (Standard, Premium, Expert) for ongoing support, while the system itself remains free; hardware like Librem Server is also offered.

    Introductory notice

    Privacy- and security-focused PureOS is back with release 11, codenamed “Crimson” and compatible with third-party devices as well as Librem laptops and smartphones, as well as Liberty Phone handsets. Sadly, this update doesn’t come with any major new features, focusing on small improvements and fixes instead.

    Release context

    According to the official release notes, PureOS 11 will hit all devices currently running its predecessor, namely PureOS “Byzantium,” and opens the way to its successor, which already has a name: “Dawn.” These are the highlights mentioned in the release notes (the link can be found further down this page, in the Source section):

    Subscription and pricing

    Those who want to support this effort can choose to subscribe to PureOS, although the system remains free. The Standard, Premium, and Expert tiers are valued at $5.99, $9.99, and $19.99 per month. Various hardware devices, including the $2,999+ Librem Server, can also be found on the page detailing the subscription plans.

    Getting the ISOs

    New users and those who want to reinstall the system can grab the ISOs from below.

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  • Ubuntu-based Quarkos 26.04 with KDE Plasma 6.6 released

    Ubuntu-based Quarkos 26.04 with KDE Plasma 6.6 released

    Key Takeaway

    – Based on Ubuntu 26.04 LTS with long-term support (potentially up to 10 years).
    – KDE Plasma 6.6 is the default desktop; Trinity Desktop Environment edition coming soon (Trinity 14.1.6).
    – Includes Q4OS tools, extensive preinstalled apps, and a full suite of office, web, multimedia, and system tools.

    Quarkos 26.04 Update Overview

    Quarkos 26.04 is here as a stable build, which is based on Ubuntu 26.04 “Resolute Raccoon” LTS. Thanks to this base, it will get no less than five years of support, but if this period gets extended to a decade, as rumored, this Quarkos release might remain in business until May 2036. The KDE Plasma 6.6 deskop is offered as a default choice, and the Trinity Desktop Environment edition should arrive soon as well. In this case, Quarkos 26.04 will come with Trinity 14.1.6.

    Core Features and Desktop Options

    In addition to the above, it should also be mentioned that this distro comes with Q4OS tools and a rich set of preinstalled applications. As it happens with such general-purpose distros, Quarkos comes with office and productivity tools, web browsers and communication tools, and multimedia apps for handling audio – video content and images, as well as system tools and customization apps that aim to make the user’s life easier.

    Package Highlights and Availability

    These are some of the package highlights in Quarkos 26.04:

    Download and ISO Size Details

    Those interested can grab this snappy Linux distro from Sourceforge. The size of the KDE Plasma ISO is 2.5 GB. Sadly, at the time of publishing, the latest Trinity edition available is for the 24.04 update. In this case, the size of the ISO is just 1.6 GB.

     

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  • Samsung Galaxy S27 may save $5 with China-made displays

    Samsung Galaxy S27 may save $5 with China-made displays

    Key Takeaway

    – Samsung is reportedly evaluating BOE as a supplier for Galaxy S27 OLED panels to save about $5 per panel.
    – The move hinges on BOE’s ability to meet Samsung Display’s specs, with early “not-bad” evaluations and a potential RFQ process.
    – If adopted at scale, this could impact supply chain costs for Galaxy S27 without guaranteed or immediate changes to display quality.

    With the ongoing memory crisis and prices for components increasing, smartphone manufacturers are trying to find ways to save money in the production line. Samsung is one of these brands and is having to make some adjustments for its Galaxy S flagship series of phones. That seems to be the case with the Galaxy S27 at least, according to the latest information coming out of the company’s home market.

    Samsung’s OLED sourcing move and cost implications

    The report by ZDNet Korea states that Samsung is getting serious about sourcing OLED panels for its Galaxy S27 from BOE, a Chinese supplier. Reports of Samsung thinking about outsourcing its OLED panels surfaced earlier this month, but now it looks like the company is moving forward with the decision. The report states that BOE can provide OLED panels for $5 cheaper per panel than the Korean giant’s own Samsung Display division. Up till now, Samsung has used its own OLED panels for its Galaxy S flagship series, but relied on other suppliers like CSOT and BOE for the mid-range phones.

    Industry insiders and the RFI process

    Citing multiple industry insiders, the report states that Samsung has not only sent a Request for Information (RFI) to BOE, but has been evaluating its panels for a month. These panels have received a “not-bad” evaluation, which apparently Samsung deems worth considering. An RFI is typically followed by a Request for Quotation (RFQ).

    Financial impact and production plans

    The $5 saved per panel would end up being a significant amount, considering the volumes that Samsung ships. The smartphone maker is expected to leverage BOE’s B16 8th-gen IT OLED line.

    Display quality questions and future outcomes

    Does this mean the Galaxy S27 models will have inferior displays to the other models in the lineup or even the Galaxy S26 (buy on Amazon)? The report mentions that since the specifications for the standard OLED panels for Galaxy S phones have remained unchanged over the past few years, BOE should not face any technical issues in meeting Samsung’s requirements. It’s too early to say if there will be any real-world compromises.

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  • Proxmox 9.2 Defaults to Kernel 7.0 in Virtual Environment

    Proxmox 9.2 Defaults to Kernel 7.0 in Virtual Environment

    Key Takeaway

    – PVE 9.2 runs on 13.5 “Trixie” core with Linux 7.0 kernel, and supports QEMU 11.0, LXC 7.0, and ZFS 2.4; Ceph Tentacle 20.2.1 is the default stable, with Ceph Squid 19.2.3 as an alternative.
    – Easy upgrade paths: fresh download or upgrade from 9.1 via apt/GUI; 8.x users should upgrade before August 2026 when 8.4 support ends.
    – New/updated storage option highlights include default Ceph Tentacle 20.2.1 and optional Ceph Squid 19.2.3 for different needs.
    – Availability: PVE 9.2 is immediately downloadable and can be applied over existing installations.
    – Hardware note: compact server option for businesses, e.g., HP ProLiant MicroServer Gen11 starting at $1,514.99.

    Debian-based Proxmox Virtual Environment (PVE) update summary

    Debian-based Proxmox Virtual Environment (PVE) is back with a new update. This Austrian piece of code now sits on a 13.5 “Trixie” core and uses the Linux 7.0 kernel as its default. The list of new components supported in PVE 9.2 includes the following: QEMU 11.0, LXC 7.0, and ZFS 2.4. When moving into the field of storage capabilities, it should be mentioned that Ceph Tentacle 20.2.1 is the new default stable release, while Ceph Squid 19.2.3 remains an option available for those who might consider it more suitable for their needs.

    Upgrade options and compatibility notes

    Without further ado, these are some of the highlights present in PVE 9.2 and the benefits delivered by some: Immediately available for download from the official website, PVE 9.2 can also be applied over an existing installation. For those moving from PVE 8, the instructions can be found on this page. Upgrading from 9.1 is possible via apt and GUI. Those still stuck with 8.4 for various reasons should keep in mind that this version will continue to receive updates and critical bug fixes until August 2026, so they should move up as soon as possible.

    Hardware recommendations for deployment

    • Those looking to grab a compact server for their business might want to check out the Hewlett Packard Enterprise ProLiant MicroServer Gen11, which starts at $1,514.99 on Amazon.

     

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  • Riot Vanguard Update Forces Remote Hardware Disablement

    Riot Vanguard Update Forces Remote Hardware Disablement

    Key Takeaway

    – Vanguard can detect DMA cards and forcibly restart IOMMU, effectively cutting off the hardware and requiring a full OS reinstall to regain access.
    – The approach sets a dangerous precedent of remote hardware disablement by game companies, with potential for false positives and hardware bricking.
    – Backlash centers on ethical and legal concerns, potential data loss from OS reinstalls, and the risk of future lawsuits despite cheating being unethical but not illegal.

    Riot Games’ notoriously invasive Vanguard anti-cheat software finds itself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons once again. Recently, it straight-up prevented a Deadlock player from accessing their game for seemingly no reason. In a new X post, Riot Games shows off what looks like a pile of DMA (direct memory access) FPGAs and calls it “a $6k paperweight”.

    Overview of Vanguard’s DMA Detection

    DMA cards plug into a motherboard’s PCIe slot, and can be used to bypass Vanguard’s protection by directly accessing Valorant’s memory from outside the game. They’re usually hard to detect and somewhat expensive. However, the latest Vanguard update can now detect DMA cards and trigger an IOMMU (Input-Output Memory Management Unit) restart. Vanguard forces Windows to cut off the DMA device’s access by flagging it as unsafe. The only way to access it again is to do a full OS reinstall.

    At first glance, this might seem like a legitimate move to combat the ever-evolving cheating scene in competitive games like Valorant. However, it also sets a horrible precedent for game companies, who have no business disabling user hardware remotely—even if it is being used for malicious purposes. As stated above, Vanguard has been known to malfunction, and it is only a matter of time before a false positive ends up bricking someone’s hardware.

    Potential Consequences

    Needless to say, Riot’s little stunt has received tremendous backlash from the community, and rightfully so. Cheating in video games is unethical and downright scummy, but it’s not illegal. But remotely disabling user hardware, albeit temporarily, is very much the case. Furthermore, the resulting OS reinstalls could result in data loss. It is only a matter of time before the lawsuits start flying, and it’ll be interesting to see how Riot tries to justify its outrageous practices.

    Riot Games

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