Category: Software

  • Mageia 10 RC1: New Artwork, Screensavers, and Updates

    Mageia 10 RC1: New Artwork, Screensavers, and Updates

    Key Takeaway

    – Mageia 10 RC1 is available in multiple ISO options (full 5.6 GB, and live images for Plasma, GNOME, and Xfce ~4.5–5.1 GB).
    – Stable Mageia 10 is not released yet; users should check the Mageia 10 Errata before testing.
    – The RC1 edition runs well on ~1.2 GB memory and includes updated apps, packages, and new artwork; post-build updates/fixes were applied to some packages.
    – Testers are urged to report undocumented issues via Bugzilla.

    Mageia 10 RC1 lands in three ISO variants beyond the full size, which weighs in at 5.6 GB, and the live flavors include Plasma, GNOME, and Xfce. The approximate sizes for these three live images are about 5.1 GB, 4.8 GB, and 4.5 GB respectively, to give you a rough idea. Since the stable Mageia 10 release is still ahead, those who wish to test this build should first check the Mageia 10 Errata before proceeding.

    Overview and early impressions

    The RC1 release runs reasonably smooth, using around 1.2 GB of memory during a brief hands-on period, and it performed quite well overall. The official blog post mentions new artwork and a lengthy list of updated apps and packages, signaling ongoing polish and enhancements. The atmosphere around this release is cautiously optimistic, with users eager to see how the final product shapes up.

    Updates and packages

    Following the ISO build, some packages received additional updates and fixes. These updates cover various components and code areas, reflecting ongoing maintenance and refinement in preparation for the eventual stable release. The release notes point to a number of improvements, although not every change is itemized in detail here.

    Bug reporting and community feedback

    Testers are encouraged to report issues that aren’t documented in the referenced page (see the link at the end of the first paragraph) via Bugzilla. This pathway helps collate user experiences, reproduce problems, and track resolutions as Mageia 10 moves toward finalization. Community participation remains a key part of the RC1 lifecycle.

    Mageia Blog (English)


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  • Nothing Phone (4a): More Personalized with Nothing Playground

    Nothing Phone (4a): More Personalized with Nothing Playground

    Key Takeaway

    – Nothing Playground personalizes the experience: expanded Glyph LEDs, customizable light patterns, and playful visual cues turn the Phone (4a) into a more interactive, emotional device beyond typical Android skins.
    – Focus on minimalism and control: minimalist widgets, simple menus, monochrome elements, and reduced sensory overload create a calmer, more intentional user experience.
    – Software-driven differentiation: the ecosystem and design philosophy—more than hardware—shape how users interact, making the device feel unique and creative rather than just mid-range specs.

    Nothing Phone (4a): a playful software-first philosophy

    With this device, Nothing keeps its quirky path in the smartphone world, and it shows in a brighter 120Hz OLED screen, a speedy Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 processor, and a notably capable periscope zoom cam. Yet, its real distinctiveness isn’t just the hardware; it’s how the whole experience feels under the hood. This is exactly where the so-called Nothing Playground comes into play.

    Creative software as the draw

    The Phone (4a) acts like a doorway into Nothing’s bespoke software and design world. While plenty of Android makers chase ultra-similar user interfaces, Nothing chooses a far more individualized route. Playground is the embodiment of making phones more personal, playful, and emotional again. Users aren’t just meant to use their device, but to actively shape and feel it.

    The glyphs that blink with intent

    The focus centers on the familiar Glyph LEDs on the back. On the Nothing Phone (4a), these LEDs are expanded and can be set up more deeply than before. Through Playground, you can tune various light patterns, notification profiles, or visual cues. For instance, the phone can flash for new messages, display timers visually, or signal that recording is happening through special light animations. It creates a unique form of interaction that stands apart from conventional Android devices.

    More than just lights

    But Playground goes further. Nothing leans into minimalist widgets, customizable interfaces, and tiny design experiments meant to make the device feel more purposeful and less cluttered. The aim is to curb the constant sensory onslaught of modern phones and instead craft a clearer, calmer user experience. The clean Nothing OS backs this with simple menus, monochrome elements, and unusually smooth operation.

    In sum, the Nothing Phone (4a) shows how software and design can shape today’s user experience more strongly than hardware alone. Technically, the gadget offers solid mid-range punch, a decent camera, solid battery life, and a up-to-date display. Yet it truly comes alive through Nothing Playground, turning the phone from a everyday tool into a substantially more personalized and creative stage. This is what sets Nothing apart from many other Android makers.

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    • OpenBSD 7.9 Security Focus: Scheduling Improvements and More

      OpenBSD 7.9 Security Focus: Scheduling Improvements and More

      Key Takeaway

      – OpenBSD 7.9 is the 60th release, adding updates across supported platforms and introducing the new “Diamond in the Rough” song as the first since 7.3.
      – Pre-built packages are available for multiple architectures, including updated GNOME, Chromium, Firefox/Firefox ESR, Python, Sudo, and Xfce versions.
      – The floppy disk remains a boot option, illustrating continued legacy hardware support.

      OpenBSD 7.9 is here as the 60th release of this open-source, security-focused operating system

      OpenBSD 7.9 arrives with a new refresh that introduces a fresh song and a broad array of changes across the multiple platforms it supports. The “Diamond in the Rough” track marks the first new audio since “The Wizard and the Fish” paired with the 7.3 release. Since version 3.0 this tradition has continued, and to date, three audio CDs have been produced with roughly five songs per, though now we shift toward the 7.9 edition itself.

      In addition to the above, many pre-built packages for each architecture are available

      Beyond the core system updates, a variety of pre-built packages for different architectures are provided. Notable inclusions in the package lineup include GNOME 49, Chromium 147.0.7727.101, Mozilla Firefox 150.0 along with ESR 140.10.0, Sudo 1.9.17p2, Python 2.7.18 and 3.13.13, and Xfce 4.20.0, among others. This release also notes that the floppy disk remains a boot option in modern setups, underscoring the system’s compatibility with legacy hardware while pushing forward with current tech.

      OpenBSD 7.9 highlights and platform portability

      The release page lists several noteworthy items as highlights, with emphasis on improved security features and broader platform support. While the details span many areas, the overarching message is one of continued refinement and stability across the ecosystem. The document mentions additional changes across kernels, drivers, and userland tools designed to enhance everyday reliability for administrators and users alike.

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    • Harry Potter Series: New School and Quidditch Uniforms Evoke Hogwarts Legacy Vibes

      Harry Potter Series: New School and Quidditch Uniforms Evoke Hogwarts Legacy Vibes

      Key Takeaway

      – HBO’s Hogwarts uniforms and Quidditch outfits feature cape-like robes, burgundy-toned sweaters, and a checked pattern for girls, diverging from the film versions’ gray and wide sleeves.
      – The overall look conveys a more muted, vintage, and “old-fashioned” vibe with a clean, atmospheric aesthetic that fans liken to Hogwarts Legacy.
      – Some viewers praise the fresh, non-copycat approach, while others wish for a more magical, film-like magic in the costumes; lighting at trade shows may affect color perception.

      Licensing Expo 2026 Reveals HBO Harry Potter Costumes

      At Licensing Expo 2026 in Las Vegas, costumes from HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series were publicly displayed for the first time, and a photo has now appeared on X. The image shows Gryffindor school uniforms for boys and girls, as well as Quidditch outfits for Gryffindor and Slytherin. While earlier promotional material had already offered brief glimpses of the costumes, the new photo likely provides the clearest look yet.

      Uniforms Compared to the Films

      Compared with the Warner Bros. films, HBO is clearly taking the uniforms in a different direction. The robes now lean more heavily into cape-like elements instead of the wide sleeves seen in the movie versions. There are also noticeable color changes: instead of plain gray, HBO appears to favor burgundy tones for the sweaters – at least for Gryffindor. A similar color palette can be seen in the girls’ uniforms, although there it appears as a checked pattern. In the original films, the girls’ school uniforms were mostly gray. The Quidditch outfits have also been adjusted: rather than bright red and green, HBO uses more muted, earthy colors, giving the costumes a subtle vintage look.

      Fan Reactions and Vintage Vibes

      Fans on X and Reddit see one thing above all in the robes, checked patterns and subdued colors: strong Hogwarts Legacy vibes (PS5 version currently $29 on Amazon) – and many seem to like that. The uniforms are being described as “clean,” atmospheric and pleasantly old-fashioned. Fans are also praising HBO for not simply copying the costume designs from the original films. Some viewers, however, would have preferred a more “magical” look. It is also worth noting that the photo was apparently taken under trade show lighting, so the colors could look different in the finished series.

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    • Free Camera App Adds 16-bit RAW and Modular UI to Android

      Free Camera App Adds 16-bit RAW and Modular UI to Android

      Key Takeaway

      – Offers 8-bit JPEGs with minimal processing or 16-bit DNG RAWs, plus encrypted metadata to verify authenticity and track editing steps.
      – Focuses on essential UI with adjustable button layout, manual focus, and semi-automatic modes (manual shutter with automatic ISO for correct exposure); supports only the main camera.
      – Free to use in Google Play Store with no in-app purchases or subscriptions required.

      Introduction

      While smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra ($1,249 on Amazon) offer powerful camera hardware, flagship smartphones are increasingly relying on artificial intelligence to process photos that may look stylish, but in many cases no longer accurately reflect reality. This is exactly where the new VWFNDR + MBL camera app for Android comes in.

      Pricing and file formats

      This is because the app can record 8-bit JPEGs with minimal image processing, or 16-bit DNG RAW files that can be developed in software such as Capture One Pro or Lightroom. The metadata is provided with encrypted content credentials that allow the authenticity of a photo to be verified retrospectively and editing steps to be traced. This should make it easier for photographers to prove that they have recorded reality instead of having generated an image using artificial intelligence, for example.

      User interface and controls

      The user interface focuses on the essentials – a large shutter button and the setting of shutter speed, sensor light sensitivity and exposure compensation. The position of the buttons can be adjusted. The app also supports manual focus and semi-automatic modes, allowing photographers to set the shutter speed manually, for example, while the app adjusts the ISO value to ensure correct exposure. However, the app only supports the main camera of a smartphone and cannot use the selfie, ultra-wide-angle or telephoto camera.

      Availability and access

      The VWFNDR + MBL camera app for Android smartphones is now available free of charge in the Google Play Store. Neither in-app purchases nor subscriptions are required to use all features. More information about the app can be found on the developer’s website.

       


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    • Pokémon Winds and Waves Pre-Orders Open in Europe at High Price

      Pokémon Winds and Waves Pre-Orders Open in Europe at High Price

      Key Takeaway

      – Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves are set for a 2027 worldwide release with a simultaneous launch.
      – Pre-orders are live on Amazon Germany, with a placeholder release date of December 31, 2027 and a listed price of €79.99.
      – Price details are uncertain and may differ between physical (game module) and digital (Nintendo eShop); digital prices could be around €69.99 if the higher physical price persists.

      Overview of the Announcement

      Nintendo released the first trailer for Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves two months ago, not only giving us a first look at the improved graphics and the new starter Pokémon, but also confirming that the two games will be released in 2027 and that the release is planned at the same time worldwide. The information presented hints at a global simultaneity which fans have been hoping for, though specifics remain to be fully clarified by Nintendo in upcoming updates and official communications.

      Preorders and Pricing Details

      The games can now be pre-ordered from Amazon Germany. The stated release date, December 31, 2027, is obviously a placeholder. It is unclear whether this also applies to the price, which is currently set at €79.99. This would be a drastic price increase, as Pokémon Crimson and Ivy were launched in 2022 for a recommended retail price of €59.99 each. Newer Pokémon games for the Nintendo Switch 2, such as Pokémon Pokopia and Pokémon Legends: Z-A, cost €69.99 each. The pricing signals a potential shift in how Nintendo prices new hardware era titles versus older releases.

      Economic Rationale and Potential Market Impact

      This price increase comes after Nintendo has announced that games on game modules will be offered at a higher price than the digital version of the respective game – probably not least a reaction to the rising cost of flash memory. If this pricing model does not change by next year, at least the digital version in the Nintendo eShop is likely to be offered at a slightly lower price, possibly for €69.99. The strategic move could influence consumer choices between physical and digital formats, while also impacting resale value and bundle options.

      Market Caution and Retailer Practices

      As usual, such early information from retailers should be viewed with caution, as it is currently unclear whether Nintendo has even set the final list price. Thanks to the Amazon pre-order price guarantee, customers who pre-order the games now will receive them at a lower price if it is reduced before release. These nuances illustrate how retail channels often present speculative data prior to official confirmations, and why buyers should wait for official price announcements when possible.

      Amazon Germany


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    • Debian TileOS 2.0 Update with Multiple Changes

      Debian TileOS 2.0 Update with Multiple Changes

      Key Takeaway

      – Introduces TileOS 2.0 “Sauropod,” a Debian-based distro featuring two new Wayland tiling compositors and updated components.
      – Default kernel is Debian 13 Stable with Secure Boot; option to install Liquorix kernel for desktop-focused optimizations.
      – Stable release supports multiple Wayland tilers (Sway, River, Qtile, Niri, MiracleWM) with ~2.25 GB ISOs available for quick trials.

      TileOS 2.0 Brings Two New Wayland Tiling Compositors

      One of the younger Debian-based distros, TileOS, presents a fresh stable release that focuses on offering two new Wayland tiling compositors along with multiple updated pieces of code. Labeled 2.0 and dubbed “Sauropod,” this distro hails from Russia and ships with the native Debian 13 Stable kernel as default. But those who want a system with optimizations for typical desktop tasks can opt to install the Liquorix kernel instead. Before moving to the other highlights, it should be noted that the default kernel comes with Secure Boot support.

      New Highlights and Core Details

      TileOS 2.0 also sports the following highlights: In addition to the above, there are several other new and updated components. All the release notes are available in the source link further down the page.

      How to Try TileOS 2.0

      While the source code is also available for download, those who want to take this distro for a quick spin can grab one of the ISO files available, each for one of the Wayland tiling compositors available for TileOS, namely Sway, River, Qtile, Niri, and MiracleWM. All ISOs have roughly 2.25 GB in size and can be found on this page.

      Additional Context

      TileOS Git

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    • Party Animals cancels AI video contest after vote

      Party Animals cancels AI video contest after vote

      Key Takeaway

      – The Party Animals AI video contest was canceled after a landslide community vote, with 57.3% proposing a full shutdown.
      – The Golden Paw Awards and AI mandate caused a rapid drop in Steam reviews (Very Positive to Mostly Negative) within 24 hours, seen as a failure in planning and communication.
      – The contest’s rules were criticized as contradictory: requiring “original works” while mandating AI as the core creative tool across all media.

      Recreate Games Cancels AI Video Contest After Community Poll

      Recreate Games has officially cancelled Party Animals’ AI video contest, confirming the decision on May 19 after a community poll returned a decisive verdict against it. The studio’s Golden Paw Awards had already driven the game’s Steam rating from Very Positive to Mostly Negative in under 24 hours, a collapse the developer acknowledged as a failure of both planning and communication. The outcome was driven by a clear majority that preferred discontinuation rather than a modification.

      Poll Results and Immediate Reactions

      Cancel entirely: 57.3% Change to non-AI contest: 34.6% Keep AI, add human category: 8.1% With a clear majority opting for a full shutdown, Recreate Games moved to cancel rather than pivot. The studio’s statement admitted the contest was “insufficiently conceived,” the design “inadequately thought through,” and the community communication “not up to par.” The original intent was to lower the barrier to entry for players without traditional video-editing skills, though the developer now acknowledges it has achieved the opposite by mandating AI as the sole creative tool.

      Contracted Rules and Public Discourse

      The rules compounded the problem. While the contest required all submissions to be “original works,” it simultaneously demanded that generative AI serve as “the core creative tool” across images, video, music, voiceovers, and 3D assets. Players flagged the contradiction publicly within hours of the announcement. The speed and scale of the backlash reflect how quickly AI pushback now converts into direct commercial damage for games with an active player base. A years-long, very positive rating was wiped out in a single day. Several fans pointed out during the controversy that if accessibility was the real goal, releasing game assets for players to use in handcrafted submissions would have achieved it without the AI mandate.

      Context and Related Reactions

      Party Animals is not the only title to face this kind of response in recent weeks. Notebookcheck reported earlier this month on Neverness to Everness facing community backlash after players identified suspected AI-generated assets in the game’s environments, with VTuber Ironmouse publicly cutting ties with the developer over the claims. The incident illustrates how communities scrutinize AI usage in games and how those reactions can influence a publisher’s or developer’s standing with fans, backers, and potential buyers. Past coverage Shacknews

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    • 007 First Light: Sony PSSR Implemented in One Day, Claims Developer

      007 First Light: Sony PSSR Implemented in One Day, Claims Developer

      Key Takeaway

      – PSSR 2 in 007 First Light is reportedly easy to implement, with no per-scene tuning needed and immediate, consistent results across the game.
      – The upgrade significantly improves image quality by resolving more details and reducing noise, per Digital Foundry.
      – PSSR 2 shares similarities with FSR 4, and AMD confirms FSR 4 will reach older RDNA 3 GPUs, suggesting comparable image gains on those cards.

      IO Interactive’s 007 First Light is a AAA James Bond spy action-adventure that many have been waiting for

      the game is scheduled to release on May 27 for the Xbox Series X | S, the Sony PlayStation 5 consoles, and Steam. 007 First Light will also be available on the PS5 Pro, where the game will utilize Sony’s upgraded PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR).

      Image quality boosts and quick implementation

      while 007 First Light using the upgraded PSSR is a big deal for image quality, more on that later, it is the manner of the implementation that has piqued our interest. IO Interactive reports on the PlayStation Blog that implementing PSSR 2 in 007 First Light was a breeze.

      Developer notes on the ease of PSSR 2

      Jon Rocatis, Principal Render Engineer at IO Interactive, claims that it only took the developers about a day to implement the new PSSR, and developers “were essentially happy with what we saw straight away. No per-scene tuning, no special-case work — it just held up across the whole game”. Jon’s statement was backed by another IO Interactive developer on X who also claimed that PSSR 2 was super easy to implement and the results looked good right out of the box.

      Expectation of widespread adoption

      so, it seems like it doesn’t need a lot of work to get the upgraded PSSR working in a game. we can expect a lot of games to have the technology baked in, which will be very good news, as Digital Foundry has confirmed that PSSR 2 is a huge upgrade over the original.

      Digital Foundry and comparisons

      Digital Foundry’s analysis of the new PSSR (linked below) essentially backs what IO Interactive exclaims in their write-up on the PlayStation Blog. the upgraded PSSR resolves more details, improves noise, and outputs a much better image than the original.

      Relation to FSR 4 and hardware considerations

      interestingly, it looks like the upgraded PSSR shares a lot in common with FSR 4. some even consider it just an INT8 version of FSR 4. AMD has now confirmed that FSR 4 is coming to older RDNA 3 GPUs, which don’t have access to RDNA 4’s FP8 acceleration. so, when FSR 4 comes to RDNA 3 cards like the RX 7800 XT, we can expect image quality similar to that of the upgraded PSSR.

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    • Dissidia Final Fantasy Duellum Update Showcase May 23

      Dissidia Final Fantasy Duellum Update Showcase May 23

      Key Takeaway

      – The May 23, 2026 update broadcast will showcase new characters, abilities, and fixes, with Naoya Matsumoto presenting the segment starting around 2 am PT / 5 am ET after a beta-tournament finale.
      – The event marks Square Enix’s first formal roadmap-style communication for Dissidia Duellum since launch, addressing direction beyond filler events.
      – A persistent bug involves bursts and abilities triggering unintentionally against bosses, which developers plan to address in the update.

      Square Enix will hold the first official Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy update broadcast on May 23, 2026, with producer Naoya Matsumoto set to outline upcoming characters, new abilities, and game adjustments. Viewers will first sit through the final round of a beta test tournament before the update content begins roughly two hours in.

      Broadcast timings and content shift

      The stream opens at 12 am PT / 3 am ET, but the actual update content shifts to 2 am PT / 5 am ET when Matsumoto takes over. His segment is expected to address new character additions, ability drops, and fixes for known bugs. One persistent issue involves bursts and abilities triggering unintentionally when facing bosses, which developers have flagged for attention.

      Roster and future roadmap questions

      The last characters added to the roster were Rikku from Final Fantasy X and Clive from Final Fantasy XVI. Fans have been waiting for a clearer roadmap for future picks since launch. Whether Matsumoto provides one on May 23 remains the broadcast’s biggest unanswered question.

      Upcoming events and scope

      The only confirmed upcoming event before the showcase is a Final Fantasy Record Keeper collaboration landing at the end of May, limited to new abilities rather than playable characters. That scope makes the May 23 broadcast the game’s first meaningful communication about where it goes beyond filler events.

      Launch reception and player sentiment

      Dissidia Duellum launched on iOS and Android on March 24, 2026, to mixed-to-positive reviews. Players praised the 3v3 combat and art direction while aiming for the gacha system and the pacing of story access. This broadcast is Square Enix’s first formal attempt to address the game’s direction since launch, and it arrives at a point when player confidence in Square Enix’s mobile commitments is already under scrutiny.

      Context within Square Enix’s fan engagement

      The May 23 broadcast lands as Square Enix’s broader relationship with its fanbase faces friction on multiple fronts. For more on that tension, read our report on how Final Fantasy VI creator Hironobu Sakaguchi stood by his praise of an AI-generated remake video despite significant backlash.

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