News May 17, 2024
Engadget Podcast: Reviewing the iPad Pro M4 and iPad Air
We’ve been spending some quality time with the iPad Pro M4 and new iPad Air, and while the former is certainly powerful, its price tag still has us feeling a bit hesitant. Joining us today is Engadget Deputy Editor Nathan Ingraham, who recently reviewed both devices and shares his thoughts on why he’s still sticking with the more affordable iPad Air. We also take some time to wrap up Google I/O 2024, where we got our hands on Project Astra and discuss Apple’s exciting new accessibility features, including eye tracking for iPhones and iPads. And as always, we’ve got a packed show with news from OpenAI, Intel, and more.
The Morning After: Grand Theft Auto 6 is coming fall 2025
The wait is almost over for one of the most iconic gaming series - Grand Theft Auto 6 is reportedly on track for a fall launch next year. While there’s no new trailer or specific release date, fans can expect the game to be set in Rockstar’s Florida equivalent, Leonida, with a focus on Vice City (Miami). The sixth mainline installment will feature contemporary elements, including OnlyFans pastiches, vapes, and self-driving cars, alongside explosions and crime. With no new trailer to speak of, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick has left the release date vague for now. Fans can only hope that the wait won’t be too long before they get their hands on this highly anticipated game.
The 20 best PC games you can play right now for 2024
Final Fantasy XIV is an exceptional multiplayer experience that effortlessly draws in players who aren’t typically fans of MMOs. At its core, it’s a story-driven RPG with a narrative that unfolds like any other Final Fantasy title. The game’s design allows for solo play, and you can even tackle dungeons with AI party members if you prefer. As you progress through the four major expansions, the story grows in complexity and depth, culminating in the thrilling conclusion of the eight-year-long storyline in Endwalker. With its versatile class system and numerous side activities, such as crafting, hunting for treasure, or simply enjoying the game’s many social features, Final Fantasy XIV offers an unparalleled level of customization and replayability. And with a welcoming community to boot, it’s no wonder that this MMO has become a beloved destination for players from all walks of life.
Microsoft to add next Call of Duty to Xbox Game Pass, WSJ reports
Microsoft has made the bold move to bring the next installment of Call of Duty to its Xbox Game Pass subscription service, according to reports from The Wall Street Journal. This decision is expected to be announced during the company’s highly anticipated Xbox showcase on June 9th, which will also feature a special Call of Duty direct following the main event. The addition of Call of Duty to Game Pass has been a topic of debate within Microsoft, with some concerns about potentially undermining revenue from traditional sales. Activision typically sells copies of Call of Duty for around $70 or more, with over 20 million copies sold on average. It remains unclear whether Microsoft will charge extra for the game inside Game Pass or raise its subscription fee. The next Call of Duty is rumored to be set during the ’90s Gulf War and is expected to release in late October.
There’s New Hope for an HIV Vaccine
Since its discovery in 1983, HIV has ravaged the world, infecting over 85 million people and claiming nearly 40 million lives. Despite the availability of medication like PrEP, which can significantly reduce the risk of contracting HIV, a vaccine providing lasting protection remains elusive. However, researchers at Duke University may have finally cracked the code with an experimental vaccine that triggered broadly neutralizing antibodies in a small group of participants during a 2019 clinical trial. This breakthrough could be the key to developing an effective HIV vaccine, according to experts like Glenda Gray and Barton Haynes. The challenge lies in HIV’s unique ability to mutate rapidly and integrate into human cells, making it difficult for the immune system to recognize and attack. But with this new strategy, researchers may finally have a viable path forward in creating a vaccine that can target multiple strains of the virus.