-
The first rival Android app store just arrived in the US Play Store
Google’s US Play Store has begun listing a third-party app store within its own app, marking the first time this has been possible without pre-installation or sideloading. Aptoide, a store that specialises in mobile games, is the first to appear, a significant shift given that rival storefronts on Android have previously only been reachable through…
-
Subpoenaed pro-China outlet defends itself on Democracy Now!, which paid Singham-founded company millions
A US-based media outlet, BreakThrough News, has pushed back against a House Republican investigation into alleged pro-China influence operations, with its presenter Rania Khalek appearing on the programme Democracy Now! to describe the probe as a McCarthy-style attack on journalism. The outlet was recently subpoenaed by Congress as part of a broader inquiry into networks…
-
A California Program Is Bringing Down the Cost of Heat Pumps by Buying Bulk
A California scheme is using bulk-buying power to make heat pumps more affordable, as installers report a surge of interest during recent heatwaves. Only 54% of Californian homes have central air-conditioning, and heat pumps—which provide both heating and carbon-free cooling—typically cost more than standard air conditioners, which has slowed uptake. The “group-buy” model, launched last…
-
Cost-of-living relief plans, prisoner release row and White House shake-up dominate
Resolution Foundation urges emergency winter energy help as Powell vows vocational reform; Mail attacks early-release scheme; Trump names Scharf counsel; South African “murder cover-up” claims, Canada wildfires and Arsenal’s title defence also feature.
-
FC 26 Season 10 release countdown and Season Pass rewards
FC 26’s Season 10 is set to launch on Thursday, 13 August 2026, marking the final seasonal update before attention turns to FC 27. EA Sports is billing it as the “endgame” of Ultimate Team content, with players able to earn top-tier 99-rated cards, making it a key milestone for those grinding seasonal rewards before…
-
Millions in Great Britain can now face emergency power cuts at short notice
New grid rules that came into effect this week give Great Britain’s electricity system operator, Neso, the power to impose short-notice rolling blackouts as a last resort to prevent a total grid collapse, without needing the government to invoke emergency powers. This is significant because it is the first time such large-scale power cuts could…
-
Ayaneo drops a pink GBA homage to Princess Peach after restocking its Konkr Pocket Advance, but I feel sorry for fans who previously pre-ordered the portable
Ayaneo has released a pink, Game Boy Advance-inspired version of its Konkr Pocket Advance handheld, styled as an apparent tribute to Princess Peach. The announcement follows a restock of the portable and may matter to retro-gaming buyers because it introduces a more distinctive colour option shortly after earlier customers placed pre-orders. The article highlights potential…
-
‘It’s clear that the traditional record business is ending…’
Independent label Giant Music, co-founded in 2022 by Shawn “Tubby” Holiday alongside Irving and Jeffrey Azoff, has spoken to Music Business Worldwide about its strategy in the changing record industry. Sitting within the wider Azoff Company alongside Full Stop Management, Global Music Rights, Iconic Artists Group and Oak View Group, Giant positions itself against both…
-
A quiet rush for gold is sweeping the globe — here’s why countries are stockpiling it
Central banks around the world are quietly increasing their gold reserves at a rapid pace, driven by concerns over persistent inflation, mounting government debt and broader economic uncertainty. This trend reflects a growing desire among nations to diversify away from currencies such as the US dollar and hedge against potential instability in global financial markets,…
-
America’s depleted weapons stockpiles undermine Trump’s leverage with Iran
America’s depleted arsenal of premier offensive and defensive weapons stockpiles is undermining President Trump’s leverage with Iran. The military’s supply of its premium long-range missiles and interceptors for key missile defense systems is nearly exhausted after more than five months of airstrikes against Iran, recent news reports revealed, constraining Trump in authorizing major combat operations against…