M3GAN 2.0 review: The AI camp queen pulls a Terminator 2

M3GAN was an unexpected hit, and for good reason: It was the best killer toy horror film since Child’s Play, combining comedy and camp with a meme-worthy android lead. For the sequel, writer/director Gerard Johnstone (working off a story from him and the first film’s writer Akela Cooper), have taken a few notes from Terminator 2. This time around, there’s an even more evil android on the scene (Amelia, played by Ivanna Sakhno) who wants AI to rule the world. And there’s only one somewhat less evil android that can stop her: M3GAN.

If that setup sounds silly and campy to you, well… it is. That’s the point. More so than the first film, M3GAN 2.0 leans into the sheer silliness of its premise and is all the more fun for it. It’s also not really a horror movie this time, it’s a full-on action film with tons of gunplay, hand-to-hand combat and one wingsuit infiltration sequence that would be right at home in a Mission: Impossible film.

Universal Pictures

Speaking of Mission: Impossible, it’s hard not to notice that M3GAN 2.0 features practically the same AI takeover plotline that bogged down The Final Reckoning. The difference here is that it’s actually somewhat well-informed — M3GAN 2.0 isn’t just about “evil AI,” it also explores (however briefly) the notion of AI autonomy, technology regulation and ethics. (For God sakes, there’s a killer Section 230 joke that only tech-savvy readers would understand.)

M3GAN 2.0 once again centers on Gemma (Allison Williams), the engineer who originally created M3GAN, and her niece Cady (Violet McGraw). Following the events of the first film, Gemma was briefly sent to jail but reemerges as a technology critic. (Isn’t it funny how many “tech critics” pop up after making bank from Big Tech?) She then teams up with a tech ethicist (Aristotle Athari) to push governments for stronger technology regulation, especially when it comes to AI.

The existence of Amelia seems to prove her point. In the opening of M3GAN 2.0, we watch as she goes on a covert mission to rescue a military scientist, only to disobey her programming and kill him instead. It turns out Amelia was built on the bones of M3GAN’s design, and for some reason she’s aiming to kill everyone involved with her creation. That mission inevitably leads back to Gemma and Cady, of course.

Universal Pictures

It’s not a spoiler to say that M3GAN didn’t really die at the end of the first movie. Turns out, she backed herself up to the cloud and has been watching Gemma and Cady via their smart home devices. After a set piece involving inept FBI agents, M3GAN convinces Gemma that she needs some sort of physical body to stop Amelia. Funnily enough, her first new outfit is the not at all fictional Moxie child companion robot I tested a few years ago. (Embodied, the startup behind Moxie, folded last year, leaving its handful of customers with a dead robot. That may be why Moxie M3GAN is allowed to swear.)

M3GAN gets her wish and, like the Six Million Dollar Man, receives a fully upgraded body, one that’s better, faster and stronger. (And also one that’s more befitting of Amie Donald, the talented young actress who plays her.) And at that point, the movie turns into a full-on action fest as M3GAN infiltrates a tech lab to save Cady. Thankfully, MEGAN 2.0 understands the assignment: Fight scenes are energetic and well-choreographed, and Johnstone makes sure that everything is easily legible. The multitude of Steven Seagal references also makes it clear he’s a fan of schlocky action cinema.

Universal Pictures

Johnstone is also clearly a tech nerd: the film is filled with references to places like Xerox PARC, one of the early R&D labs that developed concepts like the GUI (graphical user interface) and mouse. There’s an Elon Musk analog, played by the great Jemaine Clement, who has an over-inflated ego and an obsession with brain interface devices. And the film pokes fun at anti-tech crusaders, who sometimes push back against any sort of technological advancement as inherently evil.

M3GAN 2.0 balances a smart view of tech alongside sheer summer movie fun. And while it runs close to two hours, it never feels like a slog like the nearly three-hour long The Final Reckoning. Both movies are about the impending doom of an AI apocalypse, but M3GAN 2.0 manages to do it without being too self-serious and far more well-informed. Now that it seems like we’re just a few clicks away from some sort of tech apocalypse, poking fun at it just seems like a better way to cope.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/m3gan-20-review-the-ai-camp-queen-pulls-a-terminator-2-160049818.html?src=rss 

YouTube will increase the minimum age for live streaming to 16

YouTube is increasing the minimum age required for its users to live stream to 16. In a message uploaded to the YouTube Help support page, it was confirmed that as of July 22, creators will need to be 16 or older to stream unaccompanied on the platform. Previously, YouTube stipulated that children under the age of 13 had to be visibly accompanied by an adult if they wanted to post live content, but going forward this rule will extend to anyone between anyone aged 13-15.

YouTube warns that anyone who isn’t 16 or older and is continuing to live stream without an adult present beyond July 22 risks having their live chat disabled, along with access to other features temporarily revoked. YouTube adds its eventual intention is to remove live streams found to be breaking the rules, and anyone whose account is hit with restrictions will be forbidden from live streaming using a different channel. Doing so could ultimately lead to a terminated account. The TeamYouTube account said on X that creators impacted by the rule changes will be notified by email if their streams are taken down.

Creators under the age of 16 who want to continue live streaming will be able to grant an adult access to their channel as an editor, manager or owner, which allows them to start a stream from the account linked to their channel. Previously, this had to be done from YouTube’s Live Control room. YouTube said adults co-creating with someone younger than 16 will have to be “visibly present” and clearly just as much a part of the live stream.

We’ve reached out to Youtube for more details, as the post doesn’t offer an explanation for why it has decided to make these changes now. But it will no doubt come as a blow for younger creators with a large existing audience.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/youtube-will-increase-the-minimum-age-for-live-streaming-to-16-163315489.html?src=rss 

Apple shoves F1 movie ad into Wallet

Apple’s F1 movie opens in theaters on June 27, and the company really wants you to know about it.

On Tuesday morning, Wallet users noticed an Apple Pay notification that was both a coupon and an advertisement for the racing film. It offered “$10 off 2+ tickets to F1 The Movie at Fandango.” When they clicked “Get tickets now,” they were taken to a dedicated Fandango link that instructed them to use the promo code “APPLEPAYTEN” as well as use Apple Pay to receive their discount.

Not everyone likes being advertised to in such a forceful manner, and while it’s not nearly as bad, it’s reminiscent of the U2 album fiasco. In 2014, Apple pushed U2’s album Songs of Innocence to the devices of every iTunes user in the world. Over 81 million users received the free album, and it did not go over well.

The budget for F1 was, by some reports, as high as $200 to $300 million, though its lead producer and director have both disputed that figure. This is Apple’s first real attempt at making a summer blockbuster, and the company is pulling out all the stops from aggressive ads to a haptic trailer just for iPhones.

For those planning to see the movie anyway, the discount runs through June 29, and $10 off is nothing to sneeze at. That being said, I hope it doesn’t become a trend. After all, if I pulled my wallet out of my back pocket, opened it to grab a $20 bill, and saw that someone stuck a coupon for a movie inside it, I’d be a little miffed.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/apple-shoves-f1-movie-ad-into-wallet-144539300.html?src=rss 

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 hits PS5 on August 12

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 will be released for PS5 on August 12. We knew the port was coming this summer, and now we have an actual date. Ninja Theory says the title will be optimized for both the standard-issue PS5 and the more powerful PS5 Pro. This is a real homecoming for the franchise, as Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice was originally released for PS4 back in 2017.

That PS5 release date coincides with the cross-platform launch of Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II Enhanced. This version includes a performance mode that pushes the frame rate up to 60FPS. Ninja Theory says this results in smoother gameplay that’s “especially noticeable during combat and fast-moving moments.” This mode won’t be available for Xbox Series S.

The PC version is getting a new “Very High” preset to push the settings to the max and the update includes optimizations to make the game Steam Deck Verified. We love to see it.

Hellblade II Enhanced also includes a new gameplay mode that significantly amps up the difficulty, complete with perma-death. Beyond that, there’s a developer commentary track and a refreshed photo mode. These features arrive as a free update. The PS5 version of the game will cost $50, though there’s a Deluxe Edition available for $70 that also includes the soundtrack and an optimized version of the original Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice.

For the uninitiated, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 is a third-person adventure that first hit the Xbox and PC in 2024. The brutal and gorgeous game is set in Iceland during the 10th century. We called it an outstanding “interactive brutality visualizer” in our original review, going on to call out the game’s “extended, extremely anxious and violent vibe.” Let’s hear it for simulated violence!

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/senuas-saga-hellblade-2-hits-ps5-on-august-12-151731215.html?src=rss 

Does Marge Simpson Get Killed Off? About Her Rumored Death

After the season 36 finale of ‘The Simpsons’ aired in the UK, viewers around the world freaked out about a rumor: Marge’s potential death. Find out if it’s true here.

After the season 36 finale of ‘The Simpsons’ aired in the UK, viewers around the world freaked out about a rumor: Marge’s potential death. Find out if it’s true here. 

Belkin Charging Case for Switch 2 review: Simple but effective

Aside from a screen protector, the best accessory to keep your Switch 2 safe is a carrying case. And with the increased price of Nintendo’s latest console compared to the original, there are even more reasons (about $150 of them) to figure out a way to shelter your console. But why stop there? With one important tweak, Belkin engineered a great way to add extra utility to a basic travel case by allowing you to charge the Switch 2 while keeping it out of harm’s way.

Design

Belkin’s Charging Case for the Switch 2 doesn’t stray too far from the official Nintendo version, but there are a handful of subtle but welcome improvements. It features a polyester exterior (available in gray, green and tan) with reinforced sides and a soft velvet interior. There’s a zipper that runs along the perimeter with Belkin thoughtfully including an inner liner to prevent any metal from coming in direct contact with the Switch 2. There are also cutouts and indents that allow the console to snuggle safely inside. Belkin did a good job of providing a secure fit without too much wiggle room.

Sam Rutherford for Engadget

The one small downside to this is that if you’re planning on using a bulky skin or sleeve, things may be extra-tight (or might not fit at all). But for people like me who prefer to keep their devices naked, it’s a great companion. As for durability, while I don’t want to risk my Switch 2 by dropping it off a building, I did push the console off a table a few times while it was stashed inside the case without it suffering any damage.

Battery pack

OK, but what about the charging part? Instead of integrating the battery into the case itself, Belkin kept things incredibly straightforward. The kit comes with an included battery pack and a cutout with a strap to make sure it won’t slide around in transit. Granted, this isn’t the most elegant solution, but it’s simple and effective while giving you the flexibility to charge other devices when needed.

Sam Rutherford for Engadget

Now, it’s possible that if Belkin had opted for a battery that was built into the case, there may have been room to add more capacity. But at 10,000mAh, I feel like the kit strikes a good balance between size and longevity. With the Switch 2 having a 5,220mAh cell, Belkin’s power pack has enough juice for almost two full recharges. Plus, because it’s removable, if you ever need to top off something other than a Switch 2, you can simply grab the battery and leave the case behind.

I appreciate that Belkin didn’t cut too many corners either. The pack features two USB-C ports that support both charging and recharging. Speeds are decent too, with the battery capable of sending out up to 20 watts, which is similar to if the Switch 2 were plugged into the wall (though it’s closer to 15 watts in real life). You can even recharge two devices simultaneously, but because you’re splitting the output, things will take a bit longer. There’s even a handy built-in display, so you never have to guess how much juice is left in the tank. And thanks to an included cable with a right-angle connector and a little channel for the cable inside the case, it’s super easy to keep everything neat and orderly while charging.

Extra features

Sam Rutherford for Engadget

Some other small but useful details about Belkin’s case include a mesh pocket for stashing small accessories like cables. Just don’t stuff too much in there or else you may put extra pressure on the console. There’s also a flap with elastic pockets that can store up to 12 game cartridges. But my favorite feature is the AirTag compartment hidden behind the mesh on the right, which allows you to put a tracker inside without it being super obvious.

Wrap-up

The Belkin Charging Case for the Switch 2 isn’t very sophisticated. But considering it costs $70, that’s just fine by me because it has everything you want from a basic case with a very handy bonus. It looks good, the Switch 2 fits well inside and short of being something like a beefy Pelican crate, it offers more than enough protection from everyday bumps and tumbles. 

Sam Rutherford for Engadget

I kind of wish Belkin sold a version that doesn’t come with a battery for anyone who wants to use their own power pack. The company’s non-charging version of this case isn’t an ideal alternative as it doesn’t have much extra space inside. But even so, this kit offers a solid combination of price and practicality, which is all I’m ever really asking for.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/belkin-charging-case-for-switch-2-review-simple-but-effective-140016952.html?src=rss 

PS Plus Monthly games for July include Diablo 4 and Jusant

Sony has revealed the PS Plus Monthly games for July as the subscription service is about to reach its 15th anniversary. Between July 1 and August 4, members on all tiers will be able to add Diablo IV (PS5 and PS4), The King of Fighters XV (PS5 and PS4) and Jusant (PS5 only) to their collection. The monthly games for June — NBA 2K25, Alone in the Dark (2024), Bomb Rush Cyberfunk and Destiny 2: The Final Shape — are available to claim until July 1.

Diablo IV is the clear headliner this time around. The 2023 action RPG from Blizzard is just about to get a big update too, including the expansion of endgame dungeons and the addition of keyboard and mouse support on consoles. Don’t Nod’s Jusant is a really lovely, narrative-based climbing game, a fairly relaxing way to spend a few hours. SNK’s The King of Fighters XV, meanwhile, retains the series’ 3 vs. 3 tag fighting format and it includes rollback netcode to minimize lag while playing online.

Meanwhile, June 29 marks the 15th anniversary of PS Plus. Sony is marking the occasion by offering free multiplayer to non subscribers this weekend, adding a couple of game trials (WWE 2K25 and Monster Hunter Wilds) for Premium members and offering discounts on games and Sony Pictures Core movies. The company says that, throughout the lifespan of PS Plus, it has made more than 500 monthly games available for subscribers to keep in their collection as long as they maintain their membership.

Sony still isn’t sharing PS Plus subscriber numbers, though it told Game File that the Premium tier has grown by 18 percent over the last year. Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Hideaki Nishino recently said that PS Plus price increases are “partly a result of increasing value we bring to the players” and that they hadn’t slowed down subscriptions. The company still has no plans to offer its own games on the service on their release date, unlike Xbox does with Game Pass, though it will continue to add some third-party games to PS Plus on day one.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/ps-plus-monthly-games-for-july-include-diablo-4-and-jusant-142438637.html?src=rss 

The modular Fairphone 6 offers two-day battery life and a modern design

With the flagship smartphone market in a continued state of stagnation and more people making an effort to be more sustainable with their tech purchases, it feels like a good time for the Fairphone 6 to arrive. It’s been nearly two years since the Fairphone 5 first launched, and as you’d expect, its successor is another highly repairable modular smartphone designed to last you a long time.

The Fairphone 6 is smaller and lighter than its predecessor, and ships with a 4415mAh battery that Fairphone says will last you nearly two days. You can get 50 percent of juice back into the phone in 25 minutes with a 30W charger. When that battery inevitably degrades a few years down the line, it’s one of the 12 components in the phone that can be swapped out after removing a few screws. Nothing in the phone is glued down, so tinkering is fully encouraged here. That said, like the Fairphone 5 before it, its water and dust resistance is only rated at IP55, which means it won’t take well to a swim.

The Fairphone 6 has a 6.31-inch 1,116 x 2,484 OLED display with up to a 120Hz refresh rate, which is a jump up from the previous model’s 90 Hz panel. You get 256GB of internal storage which is expandable by up to 2TB via microSD, and the phone is powered by a Snapdragon 7s Gen 3.

As for cameras, you have a 50MP main rear lens with up to 10x digital zoom, which is flanked by a 13MP ultra-wide camera. On the front, there’s a 32-megapixel selfie camera. On paper, the Fairphone’s photographic arsenal is actually a fairly sizable step downgrade from its predecessor, which used a 50MP lens for all three cameras.

The Fairphone 6 runs Android 15 and its maker guarantees updates until 2033 (on top of the phone’s five-year warranty). There’s also some custom software called Fairphone Moments. Activated by flicking the lime green-colored switch on the side of the device, it’s effectively a minimalist focus mode that lets you streamline your phone to show only five apps of your choice. You can have multiple Moments collections, from essentials to more relaxation-oriented apps.

As well as the phone’s modular innards, you’re also free to replace its backplates with custom alternatives with built-in features like a cardholder, finger loop or lanyard. And that remains the main appeal of the Fairphone brand. The fairly mid-range specs are less important than its future-proofed, anti-wastage design.

The Fairphone 6 is available to buy now for €599 (around $695), and comes in three colors: Cloud White, Forest Green and Horizon Black.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/the-modular-fairphone-6-offers-two-day-battery-life-and-a-modern-design-143634840.html?src=rss 

Generated by Feedzy
Exit mobile version