Technology

In a world where societal issues often feel insurmountable, the upcoming release of Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles serves as a poignant reminder of the power of storytelling in video games. Originally launched in 1997, Final Fantasy Tactics has long been celebrated for its intricate narrative and deep political themes, and the remastered version promises to amplify these elements, making them even more relevant in today’s context.

At the heart of the game is Ramza Beoulve, the youngest son of a noble family, who grapples with the stark realities of class disparity in the war-torn land of Ivalice. In the very first battle, Ramza confronts a group of desperate former soldiers turned thieves, a reflection of the dire economic circumstances that drive people to make harrowing choices. His dismissive comment about their plight starkly illustrates a disconnect that resonates with modern audiences, especially in light of recent discussions around homelessness and mental health in America.

In a surprising turn of events, Apple has decided to block the live translation functionality of its AirPods for users located in the European Union (EU). This decision stems from the company’s interpretation of its obligations under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), as highlighted in a recent update on an Apple support page. The move has sparked a debate about the implications of regulatory compliance on technological innovation and consumer choice.

This week, Samsung has made waves in the tech world with the immediate launch of the Galaxy S25 FE, a more budget-friendly alternative to its flagship S-series smartphones. Alongside this new phone, Samsung also introduced its latest tablets, the Galaxy Tab S11 and Tab S11 Ultra. As consumers look for the best deals, let’s delve into the features of these new devices and explore some alternatives.

The Galaxy S25 FE is available for purchase without the need for pre-orders. Currently, buyers can take advantage of a promotional offer that includes a free storage upgrade from 128GB to 256GB, along with a $100 Amazon Gift Card. This is a notable shift from last week, when the Galaxy S24 FE was available for $460 for its base model. While the previous model’s offers have since disappeared, the question remains: is the older S24 FE still a viable option?

As we step into September, tech enthusiasts are in for a treat with a lineup of highly anticipated gadget announcements. Kicking off the month is Apple’s “Awe Dropping” event on September 9, where the tech giant is set to unveil the iPhone 17 family of phones, new Apple Watches, and potentially the AirPods Pro 3. However, Apple’s event isn’t the only highlight; right after Labor Day, IFA 2025 will take place in Berlin, promising a flurry of new tech innovations.

In a groundbreaking announcement last month, Samsung unveiled One UI 8, a transformative mobile experience that seamlessly integrates foldable design with advanced artificial intelligence (AI). This release, which coincided with the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7, is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first time a device has shipped with Android 16 pre-installed, a milestone achieved through a close partnership with Google. Galaxy users can now benefit from faster access to the latest Android features, combined with the enhanced capabilities of One UI 8.

In a surprising turn of events, Sony has announced a price increase for its popular PlayStation 5 (PS5) consoles, effective immediately. This price adjustment, which adds $50 to the cost of the PS5 with a disc drive, the PS5 Digital Edition, and the newly introduced PS5 Pro, has gamers feeling the pinch as they now face a starting price of $499 and a maximum of $749 for the latest gaming technology. However, GameStop is stepping in to soften the blow for those eager to upgrade.

In a significant leap forward in the realm of artificial intelligence, Google is set to unveil a host of new features for its AI assistant, Gemini Live, next week. This innovative tool is designed to facilitate real-time conversations, and the upcoming enhancements promise to make interactions even more intuitive and engaging.

One of the standout features is the ability for Gemini Live to highlight items directly on your screen while sharing your camera view. This functionality will be particularly useful for users trying to locate specific items. For instance, if you’re searching for the right tool for a project, simply point your smartphone’s camera at a collection of tools, and Gemini Live will highlight the correct one right on your display. This feature will debut with the newly announced Pixel 10 devices, launching on August 28th, and will be rolled out to other Android devices simultaneously, with plans to expand to iOS in the coming weeks.

In the ever-evolving world of gaming technology, Asus has made headlines with its latest announcement at Gamescom 2025: the ROG Swift OLED PG27AQWP-W. This monitor is not just another addition to the market; it promises to redefine the gaming experience with its stunning specifications and unique features. However, it also comes with a puzzling limitation that has generated considerable discussion among tech enthusiasts.

At the heart of the ROG Swift OLED PG27AQWP-W is a 26.5-inch QHD OLED screen that boasts a blistering refresh rate of 540Hz. What sets this monitor apart is its dual-mode capability, allowing it to switch to an astonishing 720Hz refresh rate. However, this remarkable speed comes at a cost—users must reduce the resolution to a blocky 720p to access this mode. This revelation has sparked debate within the gaming community, especially given the initial expectations that the monitor would support a higher 1080p resolution at 720Hz.

In today’s fast-paced digital world, managing storage on your devices can often feel like a daunting task. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is here to alleviate that concern, especially with a fantastic deal currently available. Over at Newegg, you can snag the 128GB version of this versatile tablet for just $209.99, down from its original price of $269.99. This 22% discount not only makes it affordable but also ensures you won’t have to worry about running out of storage anytime soon.

As the Nintendo Switch 2 continues to evolve, fans are eagerly anticipating new game releases. While the influx of fresh titles may not yet be overwhelming, Nintendo has taken a delightful step by expanding its Nintendo Classics games portal. The latest addition to this beloved collection is the charming GameCube classic, Chibi-Robo!

Exclusively available to subscribers of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, Chibi-Robo! joins an impressive roster of classic titles that includes fan favorites such as F-Zero GX, Super Mario Strikers, and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. This initiative not only revives nostalgic gaming experiences but also introduces a new generation of players to these timeless adventures.