For much of this season, the playoffs have felt like a pipe dream for the Boston Red Sox, who sank to the worst record in the American League last week.
After a five-game winning streak, however, the Red Sox are suddenly very much alive. Despite being nine games below .500, they enter play on Tuesday 4.5 games out of a wild card spot and with a roughly 20 percent chance of making the postseason, according to FanGraphs.
Given how weak the American League is this year, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal thinks Boston is still a playoff contender despite the team's rough first half.
The Red Sox have a long way to go, but you can't write them off in a watered-down American League. pic.twitter.com/BXWHpS65s8
"When a team like the Red Sox suddenly plays a little bit better, their roster is in a little bit better place...they're four and a half games out of the wild card in a bad league, yeah, they can dream," Rosenthal said on Tuesday's episode of "Foul Territory." "The team holding the third wild card spot in the American League right now is a .500 team... Anything is theoretically possible here."
Entering play on Tuesday, only five AL teams are above .500. Six teams are within five games of the third wild card spot, so most of the league is still in contention, including the Red Sox.
Boston has underperformed thus far relative to its talent level and expectations. Based on run differential, the Red Sox should be one game over .500 instead of nine games under.
They also have a soft schedule until the All-Star Break, which could help them stay hot and make up some ground over the next two weeks. If they do that and get some help at the trade deadline, it's not hard to envision them going on a run in the second half and potentially snagging a wild card berth.
Yesterday, with reports of mass layoffs at Xbox looming and set to happen late this week, the Communications Workers of America (CWA) hosted a press conference, where current employees at studios under Microsoft's gaming portfolio spoke out to make it clear they will be fighting these layoffs as much as possible. Though a report today from Kotaku, which spoke to CWA members who attended the conference and presented their own statements reveals yet again how Microsoft has been dragging its feet on negotiating with the unions, leaving developers in a "maddening" state of uncertainty. Seeing Xbox and Microsoft drag their […]
The rumored Xbox cuts are underway, with at least five first-party studios potentially closing: Double Fine, Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, Undead Labs, and Arkane Lyon. But Xbox CEO Asha Sharma is also trimming Xbox's funding for third-party studios: today, they officially pulled out of funding Project Fantasy, IO Interactive's fantasy online action RPG announced in early 2023 and still largely under wraps, given that the Danish developer was busy making 007 First Light. IO Interactive revealed the news in a tweet, confirming that Xbox's decision inevitably forces the studio to lay off staff. However, they also made it clear that […]
According to The Verge, Microsoft's next wave of Xbox layoffs is set for next week and could include studio closures or spin-offs, potential studio mergers, and canceled games. One of those games, according to the report, could be Marvel's Blade.
Now, it's important to mention that this is only something Microsoft is reportedly considering. The report also claims Xbox is exploring the possibility of selling Arkane.
In what is admittedly a bad situation all around, that would probably be the better outcome. I'd much rather see Xbox stick with the project and see it through, but Asha Sharma's reset appears to be focused on restructuring Xbox and returning the business to profitability.
The report also claims we could have seen Marvel's Blade as early as later this year before its internal release target reportedly slipped to late 2027. To me, that suggests the game may have been further along than many of us expected, although game development is unpredictable, so that's purely my own speculation.
I don't really want to drone on, because I think we're all painfully aware of what's potentially coming. It's going to be a difficult few weeks for Xbox fans, employees, and the wider games industry.
Gaming is supposed to be a hobby that helps us escape from everything else going on in the world, so it really does suck when those same problems keep finding their way into the industry we all enjoy so much.
With that said, I genuinely hope this remains something that's only being considered and that Arkane gets the chance to finish Marvel's Blade. Let me know your thoughts in the comments, and be sure to take part in our poll.
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
Once again, the video game industry is caught in a limbo state, waiting for the hammer of more mass layoffs to fall, and once again, it's Xbox and Microsoft bringing its gavel down. While Asha Sharma and the rest of Team Green's leadership position these cuts as a "reset" for the company, the CWA and its members point out that the company has tried mass layoffs, multiple times in recent years. Clearly, attempting to 'reset' the business like this hasn't been working, and now, Microsoft is poised to lose what veteran analyst Joost van Dreunen rightfully calls the gaming industry's […]
The entire video game industry is in a tense state this week. After Bloomberg reported that Xbox planned massive layoffs following the close of its current fiscal year (which ends today, June 30), we've seen multiple reports suggest that this could be one of the worst mass layoffs the industry has seen in recent years. A high bar to hit, but one that Xbox seems poised to clear. Now, as we're surely only hours away from official confirmation of the cuts, a new report suggests that the layoffs could involve shuttering "at least five studios," including Arkane Lyon, which would […]
DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY
Maxence Lacroix could cost £60 million
The report claims that Crystal Palace could accept £60 million for the defender, and it remains to be seen whether the Blues are willing to pay that amount.
Mick Brown said: “Lacroix is somebody I watched closely while he was at Wolfsburg, and since he’s gone to Palace he’s become more and more impressive, so it’s no surprise there is interest.
“When that interest comes from a club like Chelsea, you have to be realistic and say it’s going to be very difficult for Palace to keep hold of him and his exit could be inevitable.
“If he continues to perform at a high level at the World Cup, he will want to make that step up to a big club, and while Chelsea are the ones being mentioned, there are other clubs keen.
“But from a Palace point of view, they will be bracing for offers, and probably something around £60million will be enough to get a deal over the line.”
Want more CaughtOffside coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust.
They need to improve defensively, and the French defender would be the ideal acquisition. He has been outstanding for Crystal Palace since moving to the Premier League, and he has helped them win the FA Cup, the Community Shield and the UEFA Europa Conference League.
Chelsea had a disappointing season last year and missed out on European football. They will look to bounce back strongly, and they need quality players in order to get back on track. The French defender is already well settled in the Premier League, and he could make an immediate impact.
However, his departure would be a huge blow for Crystal Palace. They have already sanctioned Marc Guehi’s departure in January. Losing another quality central defender within a few months would be a major setback.
Meanwhile, the defender could be attracted to the idea of joining Chelsea as well. They are one of the biggest clubs in the world, and he would be able to fight for major trophies with them. They have the resources to build a formidable team, and they would like to push for trophies next year.
BOSTON — Like many of his Venezuelan countrymen, Willson Contreras is living a waking nightmare and has been since last Wednesday when two earthquakes struck his homeland, killing thousands with tens of thousands more still unaccounted for.
During the day, he makes phone calls and texts family and friends. Sometimes, before games, he ventures outside Fenway Park and personally collects contributions for the relief efforts.
When game time comes around, the Red Sox first baseman seeks an escape, hopeful that the next two and a half hours can serve as a distraction. It is, after all, just a game.
But Contreras can’t separate the harsh reality from the competition. Sometimes they can’t help but intersect.
Contreras was the absolute focal point of the game between the Red Sox and Washington Nationals Monday, a game in which he participated for just two innings.
In the first, Contreras launched a three-run homer in what would turn out to be a 6-3 Sox victory, their fifth straight. After making contact, Contreras flung his bat skyward and looking at his home dugout, pounded his chest repeatedly, energizing his teammates.
“I wasn’t feeling good the whole day. I was really kind of down, sad,” said Contreras. “I hit the homer and the first thing that came out of my mouth (on the way to first base) was ‘Venezuela,’ ‘’
Minutes later, TV cameras caught Contreras sobbing in the dugout, alone with his thoughts about his home country and the tragedy that struck there.
Some people can grieve in private. In uniform, on the field, Contreras isn’t allowed that luxury.
“It’s not easy to hide,” conceded Contreras. “It’s not easy just to show up and play with everything that’s going on.”
Contreras was asked why the homer — majestic as it was, belted over everything in left — triggered that sort of emotional outburst upon his return to the dugout.
“Because I feel like I could be there helping people,” said Contreras, “and I can’t do that. The homer just represents something that I prayed to God to happen because that’s the only thing I can do for Venezuela right now, physically.
“So many people have died and it’s not easy to be dealing with.”
From the first week of the season, Contreras has been the Red Sox’ best hitter, which might sound to some as faint praise. But Contreras is legitimately enjoying the best season of his career. He leads his team in homers, RBI, slugging percentage and virtually every significant offensive category.
Without apology, he later admitted that he was trying to spark his teammates and turn up the intensity of a rivalry gone flat.
Particularly in the absence of the injured Trevor Story, he has assumed the role of team leader — after all of three months tenure.
And now, he finds his emotions being split between his obligation to his country and his duty to his teammates. It is not an easy path to navigate. His loyalties are inexorably divided.
“Of course I like to help the team win and that’s good,” he said. “But I think every homer from now on is going to be for the Red Sox and Venezuela.”
Occasionally, the emotions boil over. When Contreras came to the plate in the second inning, he was rung up on a check-swing. First base umpire Nic Lentz denied the appeal, and when Contreras tapped his helmet repeatedly on his way to the dugout, Lentz saw it as a sign of disrespect and ejected Contreras from the game.
In the confusion, Contreras was unaware that he had been thrown out, only learning it from teammates in the dugout well after the fact.
By then, the Red Sox were comfortably ahead 5-1 and on their way to another victory. But for the final seven innings, Contreras, in the home clubhouse, found himself without the distraction of the game.
This spring, during the World Baseball Classic, Team Venezuela helped serve as a salve for a country dealing with political turmoil.
“Everybody was happy, even though the situation was bad,” he said.
Now, the stakes are far greater, literally an everyday matter of life and death. Contreras finds himself with one foot in his job, another back home.
“It’s my country,” he said. “I can’t turn around and look in a different direction just because I live here. That doesn’t make any sense to me. That’s why I’ve been outspoken from Day One because that’s the place that I was born and that’s the place I would like to go back to in the future.”
Contreras allowed that the games in which he plays can act as something of an escape for him, however briefly.
“But the thoughts about Venezuela are not going away,” he said. “At the same time, I have a responsibility to perform, to be there for my teammates and do the best I can help to the Red Sox win.”
The games continue. So, too, does real life. Willson Contreras tries to pay his respects to both.
“That’s really nice and I’m thankful for that,” Tolle said.
Beyond Rafaela’s support, there’s been buzz about Tolle’s All-Star candidacy on Boston sports radio and social media.
Tolle himself said he has thought about it.
“I have but it’s also I think that we have some incredible guys on this team that deserve it,” Tolle said. “So it’s cool. And just being in that conversation is amazing, but that’s kind of far out of mind for me.”
Tolle’s All-Star candidacy is remarkable considering he began this season at Triple-A Worcester. Boston promoted him April 23, when it needed a starter after placing Sonny Gray on the IL.
If all five starters in Boston’s Opening Day rotation had stayed healthy and performed well, Tolle might still be at Worcester.
“It is crazy. It’s a whirlwind,” Tolle said. “A little bit less of a whirlwind than it was last year.”
Last year was a whirlwind, for sure, with Tolle earning three different promotions from High-A Greenville to the majors in his first professional season.
“I think it’s just nice to be in the conversation,” he said. “I guess it doesn’t mean anything until it actually happens.”
So could it actually happen?
The 23-year-old lefty has a 2.78 ERA and 1.02 WHIP while holding opponents to a .203 batting average in 12 starts. His peripherals are also impressive. He ranks in the 90th percentile in expected ERA (2.91), the 86th percentile in chase percentage (34.3%) and 84th percentile in expected batting average (.209).
He’s had an absolutely electric fastball, throwing it 48.2% of the time and holding opponents to a .150 batting average and .233 slugging percentage against it. His fastball run value (nine) is in the 92nd percentile while his pitching run value (10) is in the 87th percentile.
BETTING: The over/under is currently set at 9 total runs on BetMGM for Tuesday night’s clash between the Red Sox and the Nationals. Our comprehensive BetMGM Sportsbook review makes it easy to figure out how to register and navigate their platform.
However, there’s a case against his selection. Because he was in the minors for the first few weeks, he ranks 104th among major league pitchers in innings pitched with 71 ⅓ innings. There are 105 pitchers who have made more starts than him.
But there is precedent for star rookies being selected despite limited sample sizes.
Brewers starter Jacob Misiorowski made the 2025 NL All-Star team after just five major league starts.
Paul Skenes made the 2024 NL All-Star team just 11 starts into his major league career.
Like Skenes and Misiorowski before him, Tolle brings star power and personality that MLB can market to younger fans.
Tolle has one of the league’s best personalities both on and off the field.
Tolle’s playful approach on the mound carries over into his postgame interviews. For example, he leaped — comically — for a ball about 30 feet over his head during a start against the Orioles on June 4, then jokingly told reporters, "That was close. I gave it an attempt."
Tolle also had an unusual balk during that same game. After being called for the balk, instead of holding onto the ball, he threw it to the backstop. He turned a balk into one of the better quotes of the season. He told reporters, “There was no brain there. ... I didn’t have a balk all year so I thought this was the perfect time for it. Yeah, I was in disbelief at myself. It creates good TV I guess. I don’t know.”
While Tolle is deserving, a case could be made that two other Red Sox starters, Sonny Gray and Ranger Suarez, are even more deserving.
Tolle named several teammates he thinks are All-Star worthy.
“Chappie (Aroldis Chapman),” he said. “I think Sonny should be up there. I think Willson (Contreras), Rafa (Rafaela), Wilyer (Abreu) are having great years. Whit (Garrett Whitlock) is having a good year. Ranger is having a great year. Like, there’s so many guys, especially just in this pitching staff that are having great years, and you can’t just choose one.”
BOSTON — Instant reactions from the Red Sox’ 6-3 win over the Washington Nationals on Monday at Fenway Park:
1. The Red Sox won their fifth straight game to improve to 37-46 overall and 17-25 at Fenway Park. The Nationals dropped to 43-43 overall and 26-18 on the road.
2.Willson Contreras got ejected in the second inning but not before putting Boston ahead in the first inning. He blasted his 18th home run, a three-run shot that gave Boston a 3-1 lead. He connected on a 94.5 mph fastball down the middle from Nationals starter Miles Mikolas and sent it 421 feet to left field. Contreras is on pace for 35 home runs.
3. Contreras was emotional in the dugout after hitting his first-inning home run. He said a couple days ago that he’s been thinking about his native Venezuela constantly after a devastating earthquake struck the country.
Contreras tapped his helmet several times while walking back to the dugout after he struck out swinging. Lentz ruled that Contreras swung at an outside slider to end the at-bat while the first baseman thought he checked his swing. Lentz reacted to Contreras by tapping his own head and throwing him out of the game.
5. Ranger Suarez allowed three runs on six hits and one walk while striking out eight in six innings. He threw 58 of his 95 pitches for strikes (61%). He induced 12 swings and misses, including six with his curveball and four with his slider. He settled down after allowing a home run to James Wood to lead off the game.
6. Suarez’s quality start marked Boston’s 12th consecutive quality starts, the longest such streak by the club since 1988.
7. Caleb Durbin belted his sixth home run in 24 games during June. His 338-foot blast just cleared the Green Monster and put Boston ahead 4-1 in the first inning. He connected on a sweeper from Mikolas that hung right over the middle of the plate.
8. Wilyer Abreu’s RBI sac fly in the second inning put Boston ahead 5-1. Carlos Narváez’s RBI sac fly in the third inning made it 6-1.
9. Gold Glove center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela made a leaping catch on CJ Abrams’ 367-foot, 106.7 mph line drive in the eighth inning.
10. Nationals starter Miles Mikolas gave up four runs in the first inning and six runs in the first three innings. But he retired the final 14 straight batters he faced.
11. With Aroldis Chapman unavailable, Garrett Whitlock recorded the save with a scoreless ninth inning.
12. The Red Sox and Nationals will play the second game of their three-game series Tuesday at 7:10 p.m. Rookie left-hander Connelly Early (7-5, 3.59 ERA) will start for Boston while righty Cade Cavalli (4-4, 4.00 ERA) will start for Washington.
BETTING: Red Sox -1.5 run line odds are listed at +150 on FanDuel for Tuesday night’s game against Washington. Our FanDuel Sportsbook review provides an in-depth look at how to navigate through their platform. Also, take a look at our MLB betting guide if you’re interested in learning more about how to bet on baseball.
The Boston Red Sox got off to a very slow start to the season, but are still hanging around in a very weak American League.
On the eve of July 1, only five teams in the AL have a winning record. The Red Sox sit 4 1/2 games out of a wild card spot, with five teams ahead of them. There is still plenty of season left, and the Red Sox have some hope after showing life and winning five straight games, including a four-game sweep of the New York Yankees.
The Red Sox still have plenty of ground to make up, but their postseason chances have gone from 9.7% on June 18 to 20.6% entering play on Tuesday, according to FanGraphs.
While their chances are still slim, they have a few reasons to believe they can make a push. For one, the starting rotation has been lights out. Ranger Suarez, Payton Tolle and Sonny Gray have all been phenomenal, and Garrett Crochet should return at some point.
Additionally, the offense could get Roman Anthony, Trevor Story and Romy González back at some point. González is more of a utility player, and Story was struggling before his injury, but Anthony could genuinely turn the entire season around. He was not playing great before his injury, but he is the face of the franchise now and has the potential to go on a tear.
He was amazing last year and was a superstar in the World Baseball Classic. If he can come back and provide some more power, the Red Sox could be set up with elite pitching and a scary offense.
Not to mention, if they can pull within three games of a wild card spot in the next couple of weeks, they could be serious buyers at the trade deadline.
BOSTON — Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras was ejected by first base umpire Nic Lentz during the second inning Monday.
Contreras tapped his helmet several times while walking back to the dugout after he struck out swinging. Lentz ruled that Contreras swung at an outside slider to end the at-bat while the first baseman thought he checked his swing.
Lentz reacted to Contreras by tapping his own head and throwing him out of the game.
Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy left the dugout to speak with Lentz after the ejection, then Contreras returned to the field with bench coach José Flores to join the discussion.
Contreras went 1 for 2. He blasted his 18th home run, a three-run shot that put Boston ahead 3-1 in the first inning. He connected on a 94.5 mph fastball right down the middle from Nationals starter Miles Mikolas and sent it 421 feet to left field. Contreras is on pace for 35 home runs.
Andruw Monasterio replaced Contreras at first base.
Contreras was emotional in the dugout after hitting his first-inning home run. He said a couple days ago that he’s been thinking about his native Venezuela constantly after a devastating earthquake struck the country.
BETTING: For Tuesday’s interleague clash featuring the Red Sox and the Nationals, the over/under is listed at 9 total runs on DraftKings. Our comprehensive DraftKings Sportsbook review provides a full guide on how to use their platform.
Mercedes Formula 1 team principal Toto Wolff says Kimi Antonelli will never make the same mistakes again, which lost him a better shot at Austrian Grand Prix victory.
The Italian saw his world championship lead trimmed to 40 points following George Russell’s win at the Red Bull Ring, as he controlled proceedings from pole position, holding off a late attack from Max Verstappen as Antonelli closed on them both in third.
But Antonelli missed his chance to take pole position when he bailed out of his final qualifying lap, mistaking a double-waved yellow flag when it was a just a single-waved yellow flag for Verstappen's crash, which Russell interpreted correctly to secure pole with his final lap.
With Antonelli starting fourth behind Russell and both Ferrari drivers, the 19-year-old was overly aggressive in the opening laps trying to get by Charles Leclerc, which cost him a position to Verstappen as he dropped to fifth.
“The first few corners, this is where the race got lost,” Wolff summarised. “Full attack mode, missing braking in Turn 1, missing braking in Turn 3, missing braking in Turn 4.
“But, as I said, this is exactly what I expect from him. Like yesterday [in qualifying], the yellow, that's never going to happen to him in his life again. To not see whether it's a double yellow or a single yellow.
“In the same way today [in the race], he just wanted to be right there on George. He wanted to be right behind him and that cost him a position or two.”
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
Antonelli held his hands up for the errors immediately after the race, accepting his aggressive driving cost him a better result.
“I was a bit too excited in the first few laps and definitely didn’t drive well,” Antonelli said. “I did too many mistakes. And even in the first stint on the medium [tyres], I lost three, four seconds with mistakes.
“I was struggling with the brakes, but then I think after I changed tyre, I reset, and the pace was again very strong. And it was a shame that I joined the party a bit too late.”
Antonelli put the errors down to relaxing too much as a result of topping both Friday practice sessions at the Red Bull Ring and then being too tense in qualifying.
“It was a weekend where I started very strong, and I think because of that I kind of lowered the intensity a bit too much,” he explained. “And coming to qualifying, I just felt a bit tense, driving-wise. We were still up there, but I felt like I wasn’t driving that well and not as free.
“Of course, the last lap, it went like that, but I was a tenth behind George, so it probably would have been P2, very close, but P2.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, George Russell, Mercedes, Toto Wolff, Mercedes
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, George Russell, Mercedes, Toto Wolff, Mercedes
“Starting from P4, the first lap was really bad for me. And then I really struggled with brakes, and I just lost a lot of time because I started to do mistakes. But then second stint was a bit better, and then third stint was really, really strong. The pace was just there but of course fell a bit short.”
He later added: “The mistakes were made and definitely without them, probably could have had the chance to fight for P2 or even P1. But of course, easy to say now, and need to make sure they don’t happen again.”
Contreras tapped his helmet several times while walking back to the dugout after he struck out swinging during the second inning. Lentz ruled on an appeal at first base that Contreras swung at an outside slider to end the at-bat and that the slugger did not check his swing.
“I called him out on appeal for the check swing, and as he was walking back to the dugout, he started gesturing, tapping his helmet, like he wanted to challenge something that is not a challengeable call,” Lentz said to a pool reporter. “And so disrespect, and again gesturing towards what he thought was an incorrect call, got him removed from the game.”
Lentz — who tapped his own head while throwing out Contreras — said it is an automatic ejection if a player makes that gesture in a mocking way.
“It’s a lot like drawing a line in the dirt,” Lentz said.
Lentz added the gesture is “on the list for items for removal from the game.”
“You can have a little bit of discretion,” Lentz said. “But in a situation like this, where it’s pretty immediate and showing disagreement or trying to gesture in that sort of manner, it would be immediate.”
Lentz confirmed that it was only the gesture — and nothing Contreras said to him — that led to the ejection.
“Nic and I have a really good relationship,” Contreras said. “We had a really good talk right before the game. He also mentioned Venezuela, which is good for him to know about it. ... I think it kind of surprised me because I never made eye contact with him.”
Contreras said the only time he looked at Lentz was to see his decision on the check swing. Contreras said he didn’t look at Lentz while returning to the dugout and the tapping “wasn’t directed at” Lentz.
“He (Lentz) felt like he showed him up and threw him out of the game,” Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy said.
Tracy left the dugout to speak with Lentz after the ejection. Contreras then returned to the field with bench coach José Flores to join the discussion.
“To be honest with you, when it happened, I didn’t know what was going on,” Tracy said. “I kind of looked up and saw him throw somebody out. I thought somebody maybe had said something from the dugout. So if you guys saw me go out there, I was kind of trying to figure out what was happening.”
Contreras didn’t know Lentz ejected him until he returned inside the dugout and teammate Marcelo Mayer told him.
“And then I went out there to ask him why he threw me out,” Contreras said. “He told me, ‘Because you tapped your helmet.’ Yeah, but I didn’t make eye contact with you. I didn’t argue. I didn’t yell. I didn’t do nothing wrong. And he told me, ‘Yeah, but I have to throw you out.’”
Contreras added, “You didn’t have to, but you made that choice.”
Tracy said Contreras acted calmly when he left the dugout to speak with Lentz, telling the umpire he meant nothing by the gesture.
“He didn’t get heated at him or anything like that,” Tracy said.
BETTING: Red Sox moneyline is listed at -135 on FanDuel for Tuesday’s matchup versus Washington. Our FanDuel Sportsbook review provides a reliable guide on how to navigate through their app.
Paraguay fans packed into a bar to watch their country’s biggest World Cup match in years were left screaming after the venue’s TV suddenly slipped into sleep mode just as defender Jose Canale stepped up to take the kick that would eliminate Germany from the tournament in a gripping penalty shootout.
The interruption came after an absorbing contest between Paraguay and four-time World Cup champion Germany finished 1-1 after extra time.
Paraguay took the lead late in the first half through a Julio Enciso header before Germany’s Kai Havertz equalized in the 52nd minute, forcing the match beyond regulation.
After both teams converted three of their first five penalty attempts, the shootout remained tied and moved into sudden death, where each side takes one penalty at a time until one team scores and the other misses in the same round.
Germany failed to convert its next attempt, leaving Canale with the chance to win the match.
Just as Canale prepared to take his penalty, however, at the height of the drama, the bar’s screen suddenly displayed a Spanish-language “Automatic Suspension” prompt.
— Santiago Ravidlas (@SantiRavidlasPy) June 30, 2026
The message, hiding the view of the goal line, warned viewers that automatic sleep mode would begin in 114 seconds unless it was canceled, prompting groans and screams from supporters gathered inside the bar.
It was the worst possible placement at the worst possible time.
As Canale kicked the ball, the screen went black, leaving panicked fans roaring in frustration.
Fans scrambled to check their phones, but within seconds, the TV booted up again, showing the scenes after Canale’s winning goal, sealing Paraguay’s knockout victory that will go down in soccer history.
The crowd cheered as the euphoric realization spread throughout the bar in a moment that immediately went viral online, drawing 2.8 million views in just 12 hours.
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced launches on July 9, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC, and we've just got our first look from Ubisoft at what console players can expect in terms of performance. Honestly, it's looking pretty solid.
The Xbox Series X keeps pace with the PlayStation 5 in terms of resolution and frame rate, while the PS5 Pro gains the edge thanks to its enhanced PSSR upscaling. Series S fans, however, are a bit out of luck, and I'm a little disappointed to see it.
While the game does support ray tracing on Series S and is upscaled to 1620p, players are limited to a single 30 FPS fidelity mode, with seemingly no access to the other graphics presets. On Series X and PS5, players can choose between Performance, Fidelity, and Balanced modes, with Performance targeting 60 FPS and Balanced targeting 40 FPS.
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced console performance (Image credit: Ubisoft)
It feels like a missed opportunity not to offer some kind of 60fps mode on Series S, even if that meant dropping ray tracing and reducing the resolution to 1080p. That said, I've actually picked the game up anyway, mainly for my dad, who's a big Assassin's Creed fan. Since we share games, I'll be playing it too. It is a shame, though, that the game doesn't support Xbox Play Anywhere.
We also already know the game's PC system requirements. For those wondering how demanding it is, the minimum specs call for a GTX 1660 or AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT, 16GB of RAM, and either an Intel Core i7-8700K or Ryzen 5 3600. That'll get you 1080p at 30 FPS using the Low preset with standard ray tracing.
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced PC system requirements (Image credit: Ubisoft)
I'm actually looking forward to this remake. I never really got into Black Flag back in the day because I'd just finished Ezio's story and had started to lose interest in Assassin's Creed. Despite that, I've always heard it's one of the best entries in the series, so I'm excited to finally experience it for myself when it launches.
With that said, let me know what you think about the console and PC performance in the comments below, and don't forget to take part in our poll below:
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
In a new report from GameFile, it was revealed that Xbox had been funding 1666: Amsterdam, a new game from the lead creator of Assassin's Creed, Patrice Désilets. However, in a story I'm sure we're all too familiar with, Microsoft reportedly pulled funding, similar to reports surrounding John Romero's game, where Xbox had reportedly met with Romero just a day before deciding to cancel funding.
For those out of the loop, 1666: Amsterdam is still coming out, and it's shaping up to be a story-driven, third-person action adventure spanning multiple time periods. You can even play as a cat, which I can imagine my girlfriend being quite into, considering we have three ourselves.
The game also currently has a 30-minute demo available on Steam and the Epic Games Store. From what I could gather, though, reception to the demo has been a bit mixed online. Interestingly, on release, the game is currently only coming to PC, though I assume consoles will come later; whether that includes Xbox or not is a mystery.
It's hard to say whether Xbox funding and publishing this game would've paid off. The game isn't out yet, and Xbox is currently undergoing a plethora of changes since Asha Sharma became CEO. As I'm sure we're all aware, her first 100 days were largely about scoring wins with fans.
However, the 100 days after that seem as though they may be far bleaker, with a major restructuring looming on the horizon. The results of that restructuring are still unknown, but that hasn't stopped negative rumors from swirling around Xbox, with some being disproven rather quickly. However, it feels like the wave of negativity around Xbox is stronger than ever.
Back to 1666: Amsterdam, though. It'll ultimately be a wait-and-see situation as to whether Xbox made the right decision to pull funding. Given the mixed reception to the demo, they may have made the right call, but it's still a shame to see what feels like a genuine passion project lose backing from what is, ultimately, a company worth trillions.
But let me know your thoughts. Are you excited for 1666: Amsterdam? Let me know in the comments, and be sure to take part in our poll!
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
With GTA 6, Rockstar Games is set to raise the bar for what is possible to achieve on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, much like the studio did with Red Dead Redemption 2, but this is likely coming at a price. Although the highly anticipated next entry in the series is rumored to feature a performance mode running at 60 FPS, the tech experts at Digital Foundry believe it to be highly unlikely, as the level of detail shown in the latest footage would make it very difficult to scale everything down to allow for 60 frames per second […]
Almaniya millisinin futbolçusu Coşua Kimmix dünya çempionatına vidalarını şərh edib.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, yarımmüdafiəçi Paraqvaya uduzduqları (1:1, penaltilər 3:4) görüşdən sonra “Maqenta TV”yə açıqlamasında bunları deyib:
“Məğlubiyyətə layiq idik. Dəhşətli hisslər yaşayırıq. Səviyyəmizə bərabər olmayan üç komandaya qarşı pis oynadıq. Yekunda mundialla vidalaşdıq. Növbəti turnirlərdə daha güclü olmaq üçün çalışmalıyıq.
Məsuliyyətin səbəbkarı biz oyunçulardır. Meydanda olan bizik. Burda nə baş məşqçinin, nə medianın günahı var. Səhvləri edən biz olduq”.
Grand Theft Auto 6 is fast approaching, and the rumors are already in full swing. Unlike some of the recent, more upsetting Xbox rumors, this is one I'm genuinely hoping turns out to be true. The claim comes from the same source that reportedly leaked The Witcher 3 DLC ahead of its official reveal, which gives this rumor at least some credibility.
Of course, it's still just a rumor, so it's worth taking with a grain of salt. Here's what they had to say: “Xbox Series S is being locked at 30 FPS right now, but they’re fighting to get it to 60 FPS. From what I’ve learned, they’re not 100% sure yet whether 60 FPS will be available at launch.”
It continues with more hints: “A source close to Rockstar, but I emphasize that this is a single source, but a very reliable one. It’s very likely, and ultimately, according to the information I’ve received, there will be two graphical modes: 30 and 60 FPS on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.”
Interestingly, we could expect two graphics modes, which, I believe, might be a first for a Rockstar game (don't quote me on that). Many people, myself included, have expected Grand Theft Auto 6 to be capped at 30 FPS, and given the sheer scope of the game, that does seem believable.
Perhaps the most interesting part of this rumor, though, is the mention of a 60 FPS mode on Xbox Series S. While the report claims it's currently locked to 30, hearing that Rockstar is actively trying to get it to 60 is at least promising, at least to me.
The source also states that Microsoft is working with Rockstar on the Series S version of the game, so hopefully fans with a Series S do manage to see 60 FPS. Hopefully, we hear something official sooner rather than later, although there's a good chance we'll have to wait until much closer to launch.
As for me, I probably won't be picking up Grand Theft Auto 6 on day one. I've been a fan of the series from the beginning, but I grew a little tired of Grand Theft Auto 5, and I still prefer Grand Theft Auto 4. I'll be waiting to see how the game shapes up before deciding whether to jump in.
But let me know your thoughts. Would a 60 FPS mode make a big difference to you? Be sure to take part in our poll and leave a comment below!
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
It's hard to believe, but it seems like even State of Decay 3 developer Undead Labs may be in danger of being closed by Microsoft in the imminent round of Xbox layoffs. The studio recently kicked off Alpha testing and even nailed down a 2027 launch window across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S|X, and yet it may still face closure (or they may be sold or go independent, in the best-case scenario) as Microsoft trims its first-party studio roster in an attempt to restore profitability. The news came from the press conference held yesterday by the Communications Workers […]
The skyrocketing prices of memory chips, driven largely by the huge demand for AI, have now landed the big three DRAM makers in hot water.
Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and Micron Technology (which together control nearly 95% of the global DRAM market) are facing a new class action lawsuit filed in California’s Northern District federal court. The suit accuses them of deliberately restricting production of key DRAM chips, even as demand from smartphones and PCs remains very strong.
According to the plaintiffs (which include individuals and small businesses), this artificial shortage has fueled what some are calling the “RAMpocalypse.” DRAM prices have shot up dramatically, in some cases by hundreds of percent, far more than what normal market forces would explain.
The impact is already being felt by everyday consumers. Apple recently raised prices on Macs, iPads, and other products, openly blaming surging memory and storage costs tied to the AI boom. Other PC and smartphone makers have also adjusted pricing or delayed launches.
The lawsuit, filed around June 25, 2026, claims the companies violated antitrust laws (specifically Section 1 of the Sherman Act) by shifting production capacity toward high-margin, high-bandwidth memory (HBM) for AI servers while holding back on standard DRAM. This isn’t the first time these companies have faced such allegations: they paid billions in fines in the 2000s after similar collusion investigations.
So far, Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron haven’t given detailed public responses to the new suit. In the past, they’ve denied any wrongdoing, saying their decisions on production and pricing are simply reactions to market conditions and the massive surge in AI demand.
The memory market is still under heavy pressure. Lenovo expects supply to remain tight well into 2027–2028 as data centers keep eating up chips, with new factories taking time to come online.
With DRAM now being one of the most expensive parts in many devices, how this case unfolds could have a big impact on pricing, competition, and innovation across the entire tech world for years to come.
One of the greatest things about sports is the ability to take our minds away from whatever is happening in the world and get behind a common goal for three hours.
But for the players on the field, it is a lot easier said than done.
The Boston Red Sox roster is chock full of Venezuelan talent. The country of Venezuela was rocked by an earthquake over the weekend, and 50,000 people are still missing.
On more than one occasion, right fielder Wilyer Abreu has used his platform to raise awareness about the crisis.
After Boston's fifth straight win, he told NESN's Jahmai Webster that it has not been easy for him and his teammates.
"It's very hard to play right now with everything that is going on in Venezuela," Abreu said. "We are doing everything we can to stay focused on the game. It's very emotional.
"We feel like we're there trying to support everything we can. We are trying to do whatever it takes to stay focused on the game, but it's hard to play like that."
Abreu had a run and an RBI in the Red Sox's 6-3 victory over the Washington Nationals.
Wilyer Abreu gives @WebsterOnTV a very honest answer about playing baseball right now 💔
"It's very hard to play right now with everything that's going on in Venezuela, but we're doing everything we can to stay focused on the game."
Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras has been playing with a heavy heart this week after earthquakes rocked his home country of Venezuela. More than 50,000 people remain missing as the death toll rises every day.
Contreras has been vocal in his activism for his home country, but has not missed a game since the crisis unfolded.
On Monday night, he stepped into the batter's box in the first inning and launched a 421-foot home run.
embed
It was a moment he said he prayed to God for. After barreling up the Miles Mikolas pitch, Contreras sent his bat sky high with a two-handed bat flip.
He made sure to tell reporters that he was not trying to show up Mikolas or the Washington Nationals.
"It was nothing against the Nationals. I apologize to them if they felt the bat flip was wrong," Contreras said. "And to Mikolas. He is a great friend of mine, I don't think he took it personally. But I apologize to them anyway.
"I was thinking of my country. Thinking of so many kids that have died. So many people that have died. And it's not easy to be dealing with."
Mikolas and Contreras were teammates for three years in St. Louis.
Willson Contreras with a powerful postgame scrum 🇻🇪💪
Contreras, who homered in the first inning, struck out on a check swing. When the home plate umpire went to the first base umpire to appeal the K, Contreras disagreed with his decision.
On the way back to Boston's dugout, Contreras simply tapped his head so as to signify he would like to challenge the call.
This act alone got him tossed from the game with seven innings to play.
Tim Healey of the Boston Globe did some digging on umpire Nic Lentz, and as it turns out, Lentz has a history of quick hooks.
Umpire Nic Lentz, who ejected Willson Contreras for tapping his helmet tonight, also ejected the Rays' Taylor Walls for tapping his helmet earlier this season. https://t.co/BN5T5TtBN5
In this instance, on June 1, 2025, Walls was ejected for "tapping his helmet" during his at-bat before the implementation of the ABS Challenge.
Contreras took it a lot better than Walls did. The Tampa Bay Rays batter had to be held back by multiple members of the coaching staff after being caught on the hot mic saying his fair share of expletives.
All fans agree that there needs to be some sort of punishment for an umpire who takes over the game like Lentz did tonight. No one is there to watch him.
The Boston Red Sox signed Venezuelan native Franklin Primera to a minor league contract two years ago when he was just 17 years old.
Primera played 45 games of rookie ball in 2025. He batted .333, averaging one hit every game, but never showed the slugging.
That is not the case this season for Primera, who turned 19 this month.
The Venezuelan catcher has played 32 games in the Florida Complex League, a rookie-level Minor League Baseball circuit. He's batting .427 on the season with an OPS of 1.267 and eight home runs.
Primera's efforts have earned him a trip out of rookie ball after being promoted to the Red Sox's Low-A affiliate, the Salem RidgeYaks, as reported by Chris Hatfield of SoxProspects.com.
"Primera, the SoxProspects.com Player of the Week in the last two editions of this post, continues to dominate the Florida complex league," a SoxProspects.com article posted before his promotion read. "In 28 games, he is hitting .461/.581/.798 with eight home runs, leading the circuit in all three of the slash categories. During his current 16-game hitting streak (excluding Saturday's suspended game), he is an astonishing 26 for 55 with 22 runs scored and 25 RBI, with seven home runs, four doubles, and twice as many walks (eight) as strikeouts (four), adding up to a .509/.592/.964 surge."
The RidgeYaks season lasts well into September, so Primera should have every opportunity to continue his farm system climb.
Correction: Today's Assembly layoffs were part of an agency-wide reorganization and were not related to Xbox ending contracts. People on the Xbox account were laid off but the agency is still continuing to work with Xbox, I'm told
Insert joke here about how Microsoft's layoffs are reportedly so big, they're impacting companies that aren't even part of Microsoft. Oh wait, that actually might be what's happening.
According to industry insider Jason Schreier of Bloomberg, Assembly, a PR agency whose biggest client is Microsoft, is laying off employees today.
“The massive Xbox layoffs won't happen until after the fiscal year ends, but the company is already ending contracts and cutting vendors. So Assembly, Xbox's main PR agency, is laying people off today.”
Assembly appears to be responsible for quite a broad range of services, including media planning, communications, marketing research, and more. As for the full extent of its relationship with Microsoft, however, I couldn't find much publicly available beyond the comment above from Schreier.
It's hard to know what to say about layoffs, because I'm sure we can all agree they suck, regardless of the company involved. I genuinely hope those affected are able to land on their feet.
I'm also really curious to see what the next 100 days of Xbox look like. Rumors are everywhere at the moment, with recent reports even suggesting Undead Labs, the studio behind State of Decay 3, could be affected. If that were true, it would be a disastrous decision, especially considering the time and investment that's reportedly gone into the game and just how promising it's shaping up to be.
It's an exhausting time to be a fan of anything lately; skyrocketing prices are sucking the joy out of what would otherwise be fun hobbies. It's not to say that we can't still enjoy things like gaming, but egregious prices certainly put a damper on things.
With all that said, let me know your thoughts in the comments, because I'm honestly just tired of all the negativity surrounding Xbox lately.
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
The death of trust at Xbox may be imminent, if this latest report is to be believed.
One of the most hotly anticipated upcoming Xbox games is State of Decay 3 from Undead Labs. State of Decay is a zombie apocalypse management simulation game, where players in small teams can develop settlements, fight against zombie hordes, and scavenge for supplies. The previous games had a variety of limitations, but many of these have been eliminated in State of Decay 3, which looks incredibly promising.
Despite having trailers at the previous two showcases and a well-received alpha test which boasted thousands of sign ups, Microsoft is exploring selling off Undead Labs and potentially cancelling State of Decay 3 if it can't find a buyer for the team. Given that State of Decay 3 is nearly finished, looks spectacular, and has had multiple trailers — this is one of the most self-immolating ideas I've seen of Xbox since I started reporting on it over a decade ago.
The report comes from GamesBeat, which lists studios having discussions with Xbox leadership. It coincides with information I received over the weekend. Indeed, Undead Labs could be among the studios Microsoft is looking to offload as part of its fiscal year end.
I'm told the cuts are being driven by Microsoft corporate CFO Amy Hood, who has demanded a variety of savings at Xbox to offset losses ... which were also a result of her previous 30% margin demands.
Xbox's administrative teams are working 7 day weeks to meet Microsoft's cutbacks, potentially saving studios with sales to third-party suitors or self-funded independence ventures. But for me, we shouldn't even be here.
At the end of the day, to run a business you need to be able to sell things. Some studios haven't sold products in years, eventually the math catches up. At the same time, Microsoft's gaming division had its most profitable year after in the previous fiscal, and Satya Nadella's compensation package was valued at almost $100 million last year.
Gaming is a risky business, and increasingly a luxury business for consumers (in part driven by the RAMpocalypse fostered by ... erm, Microsoft and its AI fad.) With gaming moving further and further into discretionary spending territory, I would argue trust and culture matter more than ever. Microsoft corporate either doesn't understand this, or perhaps more realistically, just doesn't care.
If State of Decay 3, which is clearly nearly finished isn't safe, how is ANYTHING safe anymore? How can you trust ANY announcement Xbox will make in the near future?
State of Decay 3 is clearly nearly finished. If that isn't safe, how is ANYTHING safe anymore? How can you trust ANY announcement Xbox will make in the near future? How is this not indicative of a Microsoft actively trying to set up Asha Sharma and her team for failure?
State of Decay 3 received multiple trailers. Undead Labs built up a passionate fanbase across decades, and was an early pioneer building games directly with fan-led feedback over the internet.
Microsoft's share price is imploding on fears that it missed the boat on the AI race (which let's be real, it has). And ... its response is to take an axe to one of its only businesses people actually like? Never change Microsoft. (Actually, change, change NOW.)
Are you looking forward to State of Decay 3? Let us know your thoughts on all of this in the comments.
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
AMD Radeon GPUs have now gained support for NVIDIA's PhysX with the ZLUDA v6 release, providing a massive boost in PhysX games. NVIDIA's PhysX Can Now Be Enjoyed on AMD Radeon GPUs At A Playable Frame Rate with ZLUDA ZLUDA, an open-source library, has been in the headlines for bringing NVIDIA CUDA support to Non-NVIDIA GPUs. The team behind the library has been working hard on adding new features, but at the same time, they have faced crackdowns for not complying with legal terms. Due to the nature of ZLUDA's work, the team is no longer receiving commercial assistance, but […]
The Boston Red Sox may have saved their season by completing a four-game sweep over the New York Yankees. Marc Bertrand doesn't seem convinced that the series will spark a midseason turnaround.
Boston is just 4.5 games away from the American League's last wild-card spot after beating the Yankees four straight times at Fenway Park. They're one of only five AL teams with a positive run differential (+5) after outscoring their long-time rivals 21-9.
Red Sox fans are riding high from a successful weekend, but Bertrand tried to temper any excitement during Monday's "Zolak & Bertrand" on 98.5 The Sports Hub.
"The Red Sox sweep the Yankees, and it means absolutely nothing," Bertrand claimed. "It doesn't mean anything."
Bertrand appears to see the latest hot streak as too little, too late for the Red Sox. The radio host doesn't think they should start planning to buy before the trade deadline because they swept the Yankees.
"They've won seven of 10. It doesn't mean they're back in it," Bertrand continued. "It doesn't mean they're capable of competing for a playoff spot. It doesn't mean they're getting themselves back into the wild-card race ... It changes absolutely nothing."
Or it could change everything for a team scuffling to build momentum throughout the first half.
The Red Sox had gone 6-17 against the American League East before snatching four straight wins over the Yankees, who began the series boasting the AL's best record. Boston was also 12-25 at home to start the series and 5-12 in one-run games before Sunday night's 5-4 victory in extra innings.
FanGraphs now gives the Red Sox an 18 percent chance of making the playoffs, up from 9.7 percent after the Jays completed a sweep over them on June 18.
Boston's work remains far from finished, but sweeping the Yankees could prove the catalyst to a second-half run. The Red Sox will try to sustain that goodwill during a three-game series against the Washington Nationals.
Cyberpunk Edgerunners 2’s second teaser has arrived, and it’s stunning Netflix has officially released its second teaser for Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2, confirming that the anime will debut on the platform in Fall 2026. Edgerunners 2 will be a standalone story. The series will not continue the story of Netflix’s original Edgerunners series and will feature […]
Those affected by the maneuver have no recourse to retain access to the content. There's no option to download the content for offline playback on another device. Sony isn't offering refunds either.
Several quotes have popped up repeatedly in online forums about Sony's announcement, such as "if buying isn't owning, piracy isn't theft." But a different quote about piracy came to my mind:
Piracy is not a pricing issue. It’s a service issue.
Gabe Newell (2011)
Gabe Newell, the co-founder of Valve, explained that providing excellent service is the best method to combat piracy. He added that, "The easiest way to stop piracy is not by putting antipiracy technology to work. It’s by giving those people a service that’s better than what they’re receiving from the pirates."
Newell specifically referenced localization efforts during his time on stage at the Washington Technology Industry Association's (WTIA) Tech NW conference, but the principles he broke down apply to what Sony is doing.
If "buying" content only gives you access for an undetermined amount of time dependent on volatile corporate licensing deals, the service is fundamentally broken. Naturally, people will look for other methods to acquire the same content.
You wouldn't steal a car
The infamous "You wouldn't steal a car" commercial pushed back against piracy over 20 years ago. The ad has received its fair share of criticism over the years, but please humor me as I look at it from a different angle.
If pirating digital content is akin to stealing a car, what is selling digital content and then revoking access without offering a refund? In this hypothetical world in which physical goods work the same way as digital content, what Sony is doing is like selling someone a DVD then breaking into their house and stealing it back after a few years.
I imagine Sony's legal team is getting ready to argue that people agree to terms and that Sony reserved the right to revoke access. But that's nonsense. When people obtained content through Sony, they clicked a button that said "Buy."
That Buy button was presented right next to a "Rent" button in most cases, meaning Sony was offering people two choices: purchase a piece of content or rent it.
Even Sony's statement sent informing people of the removal of Studio Canal content uses the word "purchased" rather than rent:
"As of 1 September 2026 due to our content licensing arrangements, you will no longer be able to watch any of your previously purchased Studio Canal content and the content will be removed from your video library."
Sony could argue that people purchased a revocable license, but if that's the case the company never should have used a Buy button.
Could this happen to Xbox?
Physical purchases of video games continue to dip each year.
Anything is possible, but I don't want to venture into speculation. We're trying to get confirmation from Microsoft regarding digital ownership of media.
What I will say is that legal protections of digitally purchased content need to be secured. Reportedly, over 90% of Xbox games are purchased digitally. PlayStation isn't that far behind, with digital sales reportedly making up 78% of purchases.
Buying habits have shifted dramatically over the last decade. There are plenty of gamers with entirely digital collections. The advent of online streaming has made physical movie collections rarer, though I know many cinephiles who cling to physical copies.
If companies want to continue to sell movies, TV shows, and games, potential buyers need confidence that purchases are secure. Otherwise, people will take some inspiration from Sea of Thieves.
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
As such, I'm creating this page to show you the latest deals and inventory on the Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, and associated accessories like the ever-so-important expansion cards.
I'll be updating this page every day, usually multiple times.
Xbox Series X prices
The Xbox Series X (see our updated review) is the top-tier Xbox model and is aimed at 4K/60 FPS gaming for those who want the best and fastest available.
Because it's in such high demand, this one often sells out or goes through frequent and rapid price shifts. We think it's the version most people should buy.
We have seen Xbox Series X (1TB, optical) drop down to $573 in the last few days (during Prime Day), and that could happen again for the July 4th holiday.
With new steep price hikes only about a month away, this killer Xbox Series X deal is a must-buy right now if you're interested in picking the console up.
The Xbox Series X Digital Edition 1TB ditches the disc drive to give you additional savings. The white console is otherwise largely unchanged, save for a new CPU process that should boost power efficiency slightly.
If you want to save some more money and don't quite need the power of the Series X (or simply can't afford it), you can go for the more budget-friendly Xbox Series S. If you're not familiar with this model, you can read our Xbox Series S review (2025) for more context and to see what we have to say about it.
The tl;dr is the Xbox Series X is the more powerful console, built for native 4K gaming, higher frame rates, and larger storage with its 1TB SSD. The Xbox Series S is a smaller, more affordable model designed for 1440p gaming, with reduced GPU power and a 512GB or 1TB SSD.
Both run the same games and features, but the Series X targets premium performance while the Series S focuses on value and accessibility.
The Xbox Series S is a smaller, more affordable model designed for 1440p gaming, with reduced GPU power and a 512GB SSD or 1TB SSD.
The good news is that while the savings are not as much for Xbox Series S, they are often in stock at most stores either for pickup or shipping.
How much (and when) are Xbox prices going up?
Beginning August 1, the Xbox Series X Digital will rise to $749 (up from $599) and the Series S to $499 (up from $399) in the United States, with similar jumps across multiple regions.
And those are the entry-level models!
Xbox Series X (1TB) with optical drive is going up to $799 (from $649), while the Xbox Series S (1TB) increases to $599 (from $449).
To put that in perspective, the Xbox Series X (1TB) with optical drive launched at $499, but is going up a total of $300.
The company cites rising manufacturing and component costs as the primary driver, noting that the broader hardware market continues to face pressure that shows no signs of easing.
New Xbox price structure (Aug 1, 2026)
Product
New Price
Previous Price
Xbox Series S (512GB)
$499.99
$399.99
Xbox Series S (1TB)
$599.99
$449.99
Xbox Series X Digital
$749.99
$599.99
Xbox Series X
$799.99
$649.99
Analysts expect component prices to climb again in 2027, driven by supply constraints and increased demand for advanced chips. Microsoft’s own internal projections suggest that the “Rampocalypse” — the ongoing surge in RAM and component pricing — will continue well into 2028, making this price hike potentially the first of several.
For consumers, the timing is significant. Xbox consoles have remained relatively stable in price for years, but this shift signals a new era where premium hardware will cost more to produce and more to buy.
With the August 1 increase approaching, the window to buy an Xbox Series X|S at current pricing is closing quickly. We’ll keep updating this tracker as retailers react, deals appear, and the market adjusts, so you always know the best time to make your move.
What about expansion cards?
If you're picking up an Xbox Series X or Series S, extra storage becomes essential fast. Constantly deleting games or clearing space for updates interrupts play and makes managing your library a chore.
The Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S adds more room instantly with true plug‑and‑play support, giving your console the storage it needs without slowing anything down.
Like Xbox consoles, we've seen pricing on these vary a lot, and many times they go out of stock, so give it some serious thought, as we do expect these cards to cost even more later this year.
"Seagate's Storage Expansion Card is the best way to add more space to the latest Xbox consoles, while avoiding the annoying limitations of USB drives. While it's an expensive investment that might be hard to justify, those who drop the cash won't be disappointed with the returns." — Matt Brown, former Senior Editor
"The WD_BLACK C50 is a great expansion card for Xbox Series X|S, with a new lower price point, a fantastic design, and impeccable performance." — Zachary Boddy, former Staff Writer
As to why get a storage card, it really depends on the size of your gaming library.
For instance, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 alone is 161 GB, without any DLC. The Seagate Expansion Card delivers similar speeds to the native storage of the Xbox Series X|S, so you can store games on the card and play them without having to transfer or delete files.
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
When Xbox was looking to complete its purchase of Activision Blizzard King, one of the factors that helped get it over the line was agreeing to a neutrality framework with the Communications Workers of America (CWA). Ensuring that game developers under Microsoft and Xbox could unionize without fear or opposition from management. Thousands of workers have unionized since, though that hasn't stopped mass layoffs at Microsoft following the closure of the ABK deal. Now, as yet another case of mass layoffs looms over Xbox, the CWA held a press conference today, June 29, to make it clear they are ready […]
Grand Theft Auto 6 is selling eight times faster on PS5 than Xbox says IGN
Xbox disputes this, however, in a statement to Windows Central
This potential bad news comes just as Xbox announced console price hikes
IGN has reported that, based on its internal affiliate data, Grand Theft Auto 6 preorders on PS5 are surging ahead of Xbox preorders of the game at a rate of eight to one — Xbox is now saying this is far from the full picture. Though, I have a hard time believing Xbox is doing a heck of a lot better than this data suggests.
In a statement to Windows Central, an Xbox spokesperson explained that “This doesn’t represent pre-order data. We’ve had record orders. People should wait for real data and not clicks on affiliate links."
Through IGN Finds' and commerce affiliate linking program, the data is showing that PlayStation is outperforming Xbox by a rate of 8-to-1. Link in bio for more on GTA's effect on console sales. #IGNSummerOfGaminghttps://t.co/Hc8yYr0FQJ#IGNSummerOfGaming pic.twitter.com/TaKQS2RgxHJune 27, 2026
Now, I don’t doubt that GTA 6 is selling gangbusters everywhere it’s playable, leading to “record sales.” Grand Theft Auto 5 is considered the third-best-selling game of all time — trailing only Minecraft and Tetris (though not everyone counts Tetris, as the figures aggregate several versions of the game, and you might see some places calling GTA 5 the second-best-selling of all time). So it tracks that out of the gate GTA 6 would be hugely popular too, and I expect it will only get more popular when GTA 6 Online and the PC port eventually release.
However, Xbox seeing record orders and its preorders lagging behind PlayStation’s aren’t mutually exclusive. In fact, it’s no secret that the PS5 has outsold Xbox consoles this generation, so you’d expect the Sony hardware to have more GTA 6 game sales — though with estimated sales figures sitting at around 95 million for PlayStation to 35 million Xboxes, you would expect a rate of two or three to one, not eight to one.
Is something more going on here as Xbox suggests?
(Image credit: Rockstar Games)
What's going on with GTA 6 sales?
On Xbox’s side of the argument, there are reasons not to extrapolate too much from affiliate link data.
First, people might simply be picking the game up digitally directly from Xbox’s store rather than through typical affiliate partners like Walmart, Argos, and Amazon. Given that GTA 6’s physical edition is functionally identical to the digital version — as there’s no disc, just a download code in a plastic case — there’s little to no advantage to buying from a retail store.
And given Xbox's digital gaming focus with services like Game Pass and multi-platform gaming across consoles, PCs, and PC handhelds (even if GTA 6 doesn’t look set to be a Play Anywhere title at launch), it makes sense that Xbox gamers would be more comfortable (and possibly more likely to shop) at Xbox’s own store compared with PS5 gamers and PlayStation's store.
What’s more, affiliate data doesn’t necessarily mean sales. IGN hasn’t said much on what exactly its data is based on, but if it's affiliate link clicks (as the Xbox spokesperson suggests it is), then that doesn’t necessarily mean the PS5 version is selling eight times more copies, just that links for the PS5 version are eight times more popular.
(Image credit: Rockstar Games)
Gamers could simply be clicking on them more but then not buying the game, or clicking a few times before making a purchase, though I’m not sure why you wouldn’t expect Xbox and PlayStation gamers to be equally flaky on a post-click purchase.
The only final piece of support for Xbox would be if IGN’s audience skewed more towards PlayStation at a rate disproportionate to the overall population’s two- or three-to-one.
Though as a general gaming outlet rather than one dedicated to either side of the aisle, I don’t see that being the case — all I could see happening is IGN’s audience of gaming enthusiasts could be more likely to own both an Xbox Series and PlayStation 5 console, and then with Sony’s promise that GTA 6 “plays best on PS5” they’d be more likely to pick up a copy for Sony’s hardware compared with Xbox’s.
(Image credit: Sony / Microsoft)
All that’s to say, while IGN’s stats might not be entirely accurate to the final picture, I don’t doubt that PS5 sales of GTA 6 are blowing Xbox’s out of the water. And even if current sales aren’t quite eight-to-one, I wouldn’t be surprised if sales trend in that direction.
My argument here is Xbox consoles are set to get a major price hike effective August 1, 2026, putting the Series X at $749 for the all-digital, and $899 for the disc drive equipped model (price increases outside the US are yet to be confirmed) — a sharp raise on the previous costs of $599 and $649 respectively which are the identical to the equivalent PS5 models.
Sony may announce similar hikes itself — it isn’t immune to the cost increases hitting the whole industry, though its drastically better sales may help it weather the storm for a little longer — but until it does, the PS5 looks like a much better deal. If casual gamers still rocking a last-gen console finally want to upgrade so they can play GTA 6, there will be a clear winner: the PlayStation 5.
There’s still a lot of time before Grand Theft Auto 6’s eventual November 19 release date (I’ll be ready for another delay until it’s actually in my hands), but I don’t think Xbox’s fortunes will turn around dramatically by then.
Another day, another Xbox rumor! Today's revolves around Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft's controversy-prone subscription service giving access to hundreds of games on a monthly subscription.
Xbox Game Pass took a battering last year when Microsoft made the spectacularly ill-advised move of making it $30 a month — a 50% increase. In one fell swoop, Microsoft destroyed one of its most stable revenue drivers for its gaming operation, leading to the biggest decline its seen in its history.
New Xbox CEO Asha Sharma remarked a few weeks ago that, now that Game Pass Ultimate has returned to a far more respectable $22 per month, they've started seeing growth return to the service. But I am curious if it's anywhere near back to previous levels.
Indeed, Asha previously spoke about Game Pass retention, and the business model revolves entirely around offsetting churn, i.e., the number of users subscribing month in, month out. If you make it too expensive, you risk users unsubscribing and never coming back. Subscription services work best when people subscribe and then ... just leave it rolling in perpetuity. If you make it so expensive that it becomes discretionary spending, it's going to end up being a net loss per head, rather than habit-forming perpetual income.
That's why I'm casting "big doubt" over this latest Xbox Game Pass rumor, which suggests Microsoft is no longer planning to new third-party funding for new Game Pass titles (via Insider Gaming).
(Image credit: Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
During an episode of The Business of Gaming PodcastFernando Rizo of Caboodle Games shared rumors that Microsoft "rug pulled" Game Pass deals from industry colleagues Rizo had spoken with recently.
"I was at a trade show in Italy, had some nice lunches, some nice dinners with industry colleagues. Word on the street was that loads of people who were in the frame for Game Pass deals. You know, nothing was inked yet, but the deals were in advanced discussions. Everybody got the rug pulled out from under them."
I'm not doubting the idea that Microsoft cancelled discussions. But it has been used to frame an idea that Xbox is done completely with third-party deals for Xbox Game Pass.
Right now, Xbox is undergoing something of a "reset," with new CEO Asha Sharma and CSO Matthew Ball reviewing practically every corner of the business, including deals like the above. Microsoft's fiscal year is ending too, where budgets will be allocated (or re-allocated). Microsoft is exploring closing down entire studios at Xbox as part of this "review," so it stands to reason that some ID@Xbox deals might've been skewered in the cross-fire. I know of at least one example of a third-party Game Pass deal that didn't go through as a direct result of July re-budgeting.
Yeah, no. From someone who works in publishing, has had games in game pass (won't say more) this isnt even remotely true. Crazy thing to spread.June 28, 2026
But that doesn't mean they're done with Xbox Game Pass deals forever. Indeed, at least one industry publishing figure Stephen DuCrest poured cold water on the rumors earlier, saying it wasn't "remotely true."
Even if some deals had fallen through, I would expect as soon as next week or the week after when Microsoft's next fiscal starts, discussions for funding will immediately resume. The bottom line is simple: Xbox Game Pass needs content in order to operate. With Xbox rumored to be gutting first-party content, I expect it to lean even more into third-party deals, rather than less. But hey, Microsoft works in mysterious ways, as we all know.
Either way, I've reached out to Microsoft and other sources to get some firm clarification, but wanted to share some thoughts ahead of that. I'll update this article soon with more info.
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
We're still months away from GTA 6, but pre-orders for what's been called the most anticipated singular entertainment release in history have gone live, and the game is living up to its given title by already dominating industry conversation. Rockstar and Take-Two's approach to its pricing, its digital-forward launch, and now the split over which console scoops up most of the launch sales for a new third-party AAA single-player title are all being contested. Which, perhaps unsurprisingly, seems to fall in PlayStation's favour. This began with IGN surveying its community through its IGN Finds and commerce affiliate linking program, and […]
The change is small, but it reflects the rebrand Microsoft is in the middle of. Earlier this year, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma polled people on X asking if the name of the brand should be Xbox or XBOX. The overwhelming majority preferred the all-caps version, and Microsoft listened to the feedback.
In several places, Microsoft has swapped in the XBOX name. The official XBOX website and XBOX social media handles show the all-caps version. Even the Microsoft Store shows love for capital letters.
Sharma has made more meaningful changes to the XBOX brand since being promoted, but the XBOX rebrand is quite visible. The move aligns XBOX with the original console, which is a clever bit of marketing.
Windows 11 Experimental build 26300.8758 updates the name of "Xbox mode" to "XBOX mode". pic.twitter.com/9F0p5JLCcQJune 26, 2026
The change was flagged by X user @phantomofearth. Microsoft's release notes for Windows 11 Experimental Build 26300.8758 do not note the new name for XBOX mode.
XBOX mode (and Xbox mode) was originally called "Xbox Fullscreen Experience." Throughout all three names, the concept of the feature has been the same: provide a console-like experience on Windows 11.
When enabled, XBOX mode makes Windows 11 open with a controller-friendly interface that also works well with built-in controllers on gaming handhelds. Microsoft has worked on XBOX mode for a while and overcome some awkward limitations. For example, it's now easier to sign in to Windows 11 when in XBOX mode by using a PIN.
XBOX mode also prioritizes gaming and reduces background tasks on Windows 11. It can free up to 2GB of memory on your PC, according to Microsoft. Considering it's increasingly expensive to get a PC with a lot of memory, freeing up 2GB makes a big difference.
The next generation of Xbox, known currently as Project Helix, is meant to run some form of XBOX mode. Before that device ships, XBOX mode needs more meaningful changes to smooth out the experience. We spent a week with XBOX mode last month and had a mixed experience.
Microsoft is aggressively pushing improvements to Windows 11 through its K2 initiative. Among those upgrades will be a smoother gaming experience. But for now, we can enjoy the unified branding of XBOX mode.
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
Netflix users are being asked to add email addresses to their individual profiles
The platform says this will allow separate sign-ins while offering even more personalized recommendations
It seems convenient on paper, but users think it could lead to another big crackdown
Sharing Netflix accounts today isn’t as easy as it was in the mid-2010s, but now the best streaming service has another account crackdown on the way that’s already getting under people’s skins.
A handful of users have noticed a new in-app pop-up asking each member in a shared account to add individual email addresses to their individual profiles, instead of using the account owner’s email address as the primary one. One of the most jarring parts about it is that the pop-up doesn’t clear unless the request is fulfilled.
This hasn’t rolled out to all Netflix account holders yet, but the company informed Ars Technica that the new sign-in update began on June 15, so we imagine a wider rollout is inevitable. The outlet also stated that this pop-up doesn’t apply to profiles that are labelled as belonging to children.
(Image credit: Reddit / scotti_dev)
Netflix households accounts have always been built on the traditional 'one email, one password’ foundation, allowing you to create up to five profiles to keep watchlists and recommendations separate from other members in your family. That’s all about to change, but why Netflix has decided to roll out yet another crackdown is the question that everyone is asking.
According to the details mentioned in the pop-up, this is purely a convenience reason. Having individual emails assigned to individual profiles under one account means you won’t have to keep relying on using the account holder’s email to sign in each time. It also means that if you ever need a verification code to log into Netflix, you won’t have to chase up the account holder for it in their inbox.
Additionally, the pop-up also says that adding an email address to your profile will make it a lot easier for you to recover the account when needed, and get personalized content recommendations with more features to come. On paper it sounds like Netflix is adding this requirement as a user experience enhancer, but subscribers are convinced it’s just another way for the company to surveil user activity.
When Netflix rolled out its password crackdown back in 2023, it ended an era of serial account sharing and that’s where the service decided one account was strictly for one household, the ‘Netflix Household’ in official terms. With its latest move, we believe that there’s more than meets the eye — and so do a vast majority of users online.
Over the past few weeks Reddit has seen a swarm of reactions following the first appearances of the pop-up, but the main concern expressed by users is the possibility of this morphing into a payment system, charging account holders to fork out extra just to add more profiles. “This is killing Netflix for me”, one user added.
Based on Netflix’s past crackdowns, the new requirement could also give the streaming giant another way to better distinguish between the activity of individual profiles, or even shift them to individual accounts later down the line. But while users have expressed outrage over this, some say they’ve found a workaround.
It appears that creating email aliases has helped some users get past the pop-up without giving Netflix all of their information, however this has only worked for those using Gmail.
One person in particular says that you can amend your Gmail address in order to create an alias, giving the example that if your email is ‘johnsmith@ gmail.com’ you could set up ‘johnsmith+kid1@gmail.com’. They go into further detail in their Reddit post, while others in the replies who use this workaround for other situations confirmed that it works.
As mentioned, this update hasn’t reached every Netflix subscriber yet and is rolling out slowly to start, similar to how the platform kick-started its password crackdown. Given Netflix’s history, we’re definitely keeping one eye open on this one.
With modern PC games becoming increasingly heavy — especially open-world titles built on Unreal Engine 5 — default graphics presets rarely (if ever) provide the best balance between visual fidelity and performance. Gothic 1 Remake is no exception to that rule. Alkimia Interactive’s remake of the cult-classic RPG is clearly much more visually ambitious than the 2001 original, with a fully rebuilt Valley of Mines, dense settlements, physically richer materials, dynamic lighting, more detailed characters, thicker foliage, and a far more cinematic presentation. However, that jump in visual ambition also comes with a fairly steep hardware cost, and frankly, the […]
CXMT has reportedly signed a long-term agreement to supply memory worth almost $3 billion to Tencent. CXMT & Tencent Lock-In $3 Billion Worth of Memory, Signaling That China's Premier Memory Maker Is No Different Than The Rest Memory shortages are sky-high, and they are affecting regional markets, including China, which is going through a revolution in the adoption of AI as it races with the United States to secure the lead in the segment. This has created a boom in the number of AI firms that are showing up, leading to massive demand for compute, memory, and AI-related infrastructure. To […]
The Elder Scrolls VI was announced back in 2018 during that year's Bethesda E3 showcase, and it may well be over a decade until it is released on PC and consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. While the long absence of the series has unnerved fans, the game taking so long to release may not be a bad thing, as Bethesda Game Studios veteran and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim lead designer Bruce Nesmith warned that faster development times could lead to reduced features and polish. "There is an old adage in software development about the process […]
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is widely considered as one of the best entries in the entire series to date, but this doesn't mean the game is without flaws. The most evident is the flat lighting which has a significant impact on the visuals of the game's open world, and a far cry from the significantly better lighting used for interiors. Although there was an attempt to fix the issue in places, it was never truly addressed, but this is now no longer an issue in the PC version of the game, as a Shader Injector mod has been released online […]
BitMEX has replaced its chief executive and two other senior executives as the cryptocurrency derivatives exchange continues efforts to reorganize its business while reports of a potential sale persist. According to a Coindesk report, BitMEX has removed chief executive Stephan…
Last week I was lucky enough to visit Auckland in New Zealand. The car landscape is fascinating here, and it is well worth an Explore update. New Zealand’s particularity is that, unlike neighbour Australia, it allows the mass importation of used cars, mainly cheap Japanese models. Japanese car buyers are traditionally reluctant to purchase used cars as they tend to place high value on being the “first owner”, and view second hand objects as undesirable. On top of this, Japan’s vehicle inspection system (the shaken) requires expensive mandatory roadworthy checks every two years, with costs rising as the car ages — this makes older cars increasingly costly to maintain.
Toyota Aqua
As a result, there is a high amount of used cars in Japan that cannot find a buyer locally, pushing the country to flood export markets. This is something I already observed during my Trans-Siberian exploration in 2013, starting in Yekaterinburg and getting more and more intense as we went further East and closer to Japan. It was also the case in Mongolia with lots of used Toyota Priuses.
Toyota Corolla Fielder
New Zealand, or at least in its biggest city Auckland, is probably among the most extreme situations, with the majority of vehicles on the streets being used Japanese imports. These used imports were down -14.2% year-on-year in 2025 to 89,188 units, including 85,031 passenger cars (-13.2%) and 4,157 commercial vehicles (-31.9%). But the market seems to have bottomed out: in April 2026 (latest results available), used imports sales are up 5.3% year-on-year to 7,110 including 6,786 passenger cars (+5.4%) and 324 commercial vehicles (+3.5%). For comparison, the New Zealand new car market stood at 138,073 (+7.2%) over the Full Year 2025 and 9,863 (+11.6%) last April.
Toyota Prius
Toyota overwhelmingly dominates the used passenger car market with a 37.5% share in 2025 and 37.2% in April 2026. Nissan follows at 14% share last year and 13.9% last month, with Mazda grabbing the third spot with 13.8% share last year and 11% last month. Honda (9% and 9.3%) and Subaru (8.6% and 8.7%) complete a Top 5 unsurprisingly 100% Japanese.
Now onto observations about the car landscape in Auckland. One good thing is that what I saw is reflected into the official models data that we’ll cover further down. The most frequent used Japanese import (and most frequent car overall in the streets) is the Toyota Aqua. Briefly marketed as new as the Toyota Prius C, it was not met with a warm welcome both in New Zealand and Australia. Called Aqua in Japan, it was named by BSCB as the most successful new launch in the country in at least 20 years thanks to 266,567 sales in 2012 and topped the overall ranking over the Full Years 2013 and 2015. The Aqua sold almost 1 million units in Japan over its first four years. That’s a lot of available used versions thereafter.
Toyota Wish XToyota Will VSToyota SAIToyota Ist
The second most frequent used Japanese import in Auckland is the Toyota Prius, also used as taxi. This highlights the preference of New Zealand car buyers for hybrid vehicles. Third in line is the Toyota Corolla, but more precisely the Corolla Fielder station wagon. This order is reflected in the official 2025 used models ranking: the Aqua is by far #1 with 10.6% share ahead of the Prius at 7.2% and Corolla at 5.5%. Strikingly, the 19 best-selling used imports in New Zealand in 2025 are Japanese. In April 2026, the podium is unchanged, while the Nissan Note (+22.9%) and Toyota C-HR (+4.7%) round out the Top 5. This trip was the opportunity to (re) discover some obscure Japanese nameplates such as the Toyota Will VS, Ist, Sai and bB as pictured above. The detail of the 20 best-selling used brands and models is in the data section of this article below.
Toyota RAV4
As for new cars, in 2025 the Toyota RAV4 spectacularly ended 10 years of Ford Ranger dominance and this can be verified in the Auckland recent cars landscape, with the RAV4 by far the most frequent. Note although that the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux, respectively #2 and #3 in 2025, would be underrepresented in a city landscape. I however still saw two new generation Hilux in the few days I spent there.
BYD Atto 3GWM Haval JolionMG 4 and Leapmotor C10Tesla Model 3
Chinese manufacturers are present (GWM ranked #5 in April), but potentially not as prominent as in Australia. BYD models are well implanted but the biggest surprise was Leapmotor. The taxi from the airport to the CBD was one, and the driver very impressed by its 447 km range. Interestingly, he chose it over a Tesla Model Y for its sharper pricing and equivalent performance. Talking of which, Tesla is also there of course, but nowhere near as frequent as in Australia.
Full Year 2025 and April 2026 Top 20 used imported brands and models below.
New Zealand Full Year 2025 – used imported passenger car brands:
Pos
Brand
2025
%
/25
2024
%
Pos
1
Toyota
31,851
37.5%
– 11.5%
35,983
36.7%
1
2
Nissan
11,894
14.0%
– 11.2%
13,388
13.7%
2
3
Mazda
11,710
13.8%
– 10.7%
13,115
13.4%
3
4
Honda
7,617
9.0%
– 9.0%
8,367
8.5%
5
5
Subaru
7,282
8.6%
– 15.4%
8,610
8.8%
4
6
BMW
3,008
3.5%
+ 0.6%
2,989
3.1%
6
7
Suzuki
2,142
2.5%
– 21.1%
2,714
2.8%
7
8
Mercedes
1,725
2.0%
– 5.9%
1,834
1.9%
11
9
Audi
1,499
1.8%
– 15.8%
1,781
1.8%
12
10
Mitsubishi
1,451
1.7%
– 38.6%
2,364
2.4%
8
11
Lexus
1,350
1.6%
– 28.4%
1,885
1.9%
9
12
Volkswagen
993
1.2%
– 47.0%
1,872
1.9%
10
13
Land Rover
464
0.5%
– 3.5%
481
0.5%
13
14
Ford
247
0.3%
– 31.8%
362
0.4%
14
15
Tesla
205
0.2%
+ 58.9%
129
0.1%
20
16
Jaguar
197
0.2%
– 8.8%
216
0.2%
15
17
Volvo
185
0.2%
+ 12.1%
165
0.2%
17
18
Mini
181
0.2%
+ 44.8%
125
0.1%
21
19
Jeep
127
0.1%
– 40.9%
215
0.2%
16
20
Porsche
127
0.1%
– 18.1%
155
0.2%
19
New Zealand April 2026 – used imported passenger car brands:
Pos
Brand
Apr-26
%
/25
1
Toyota
2,527
37.2%
+ 5.4%
2
Nissan
945
13.9%
+ 6.2%
3
Mazda
745
11.0%
– 14.5%
4
Honda
634
9.3%
+ 12.2%
5
Subaru
588
8.7%
– 0.5%
6
BMW
222
3.3%
– 9.4%
7
Lexus
176
2.6%
+ 102.3%
8
Mercedes
155
2.3%
+ 26.0%
9
Suzuki
150
2.2%
– 13.8%
10
Audi
137
2.0%
+ 28.0%
11
Mitsubishi
116
1.7%
+ 2.7%
12
Tesla
57
0.8%
+ 235.3%
13
Volkswagen
56
0.8%
– 29.1%
14
Land Rover
44
0.6%
+ 7.3%
15
Ford
31
0.5%
+ 34.8%
16
Mini
28
0.4%
+ 133.3%
17
BYD
24
0.4%
+ 1100.0%
18
Jaguar
23
0.3%
+ 283.3%
19
Volvo
21
0.3%
+ 50.0%
20
Jeep
20
0.3%
+ 185.7%
New Zealand Full Year 2025 – used imported passenger car models:
Pos
Model
2026
%
/25
2025
%
Pos
1
Toyota Aqua
9,010
10.6%
– 7.5%
9,740
9.9%
1
2
Toyota Prius
6,122
7.2%
– 16.4%
7,325
7.5%
2
3
Toyota Corolla
4,664
5.5%
+ 4.3%
4,473
4.6%
3
4
Nissan Note
3,605
4.2%
+ 6.8%
3,374
3.4%
5
5
Mazda Axela
3,340
3.9%
– 14.3%
3,898
4.0%
4
6
Honda Fit
3,202
3.8%
+ 2.4%
3,128
3.2%
8
7
Toyota C-HR
2,790
3.3%
– 2.2%
2,852
2.9%
10
8
Subaru Impreza
2,677
3.1%
– 17.3%
3,236
3.3%
6
9
Nissan X-Trail
2,343
2.8%
– 26.0%
3,167
3.2%
7
10
Mazda Demio
2,250
2.6%
– 25.2%
3,010
3.1%
9
11
Mazda CX-5
2,143
2.5%
– 8.0%
2,330
2.4%
12
12
Subaru XV
2,052
2.4%
– 6.2%
2,187
2.2%
13
13
Nissan Serena
1,987
2.3%
– 27.0%
2,723
2.8%
11
14
Honda Vezel
1,562
1.8%
+ 0.5%
1,555
1.6%
15
15
Suzuki Swift
1,517
1.8%
– 22.5%
1,958
2.0%
14
16
Nissan Leaf
1,383
1.6%
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
17
Toyota Vellfire
1,004
1.2%
– 14.1%
1,169
1.2%
20
18
Mitsubishi Outlander
923
1.1%
– 35.7%
1,435
1.5%
16
19
Toyota Vitz
830
1.0%
– 35.9%
1,295
1.3%
17
20
BMW 3 Series
826
1.0%
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
New Zealand April 2026 – used passenger car models:
Over the weekend, tipster Digital Chat Station revealed key details about the upcoming Vivo X500e. Now, a new leak courtesy of tipster Smart Pikachu suggests that the lineup will include as many as four models. At the same time, Digital Chat Station is back with another leak revealing more details about the Vivo X500 Pro Max.
Vivo X500 series variants revealed
As seen in the latest leak, tipster Smart Pikachu claims that the Vivo X500 series will include four models: the Vivo X500e, X500, X500 Pro, and X500 Pro Max. While the leak does not mention them, the brand may also introduce two additional models, namely the X500s and X500 Ultra, in the first half of 2027.
Vivo X500 Pro Max key details tipped
According to Digital Chat Station, the current Vivo X500 Pro Max engineering prototype is said to feature a 6.85-inch 2K LTPO display with a 144Hz refresh rate. The panel is reportedly manufactured using LIPO packaging technology, allowing for ultra-slim, symmetrical bezels on all four sides. It is also tipped to feature large, rounded corners and a 2.5D flat display, with BOE expected to supply the panel.
The leak further claims that the engineering prototype is equipped with LPDDR6 RAM, indicating that Vivo could be among the first smartphone brands to adopt the next-generation memory standard. This also suggests that the device may be powered by the upcoming Dimensity 9600 Pro chipset.
On the camera front, the X500 Pro Max is tipped to retain a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto camera with a large 1/1.4-inch sensor. According to previous reports, it will also feature a Sony LYT-838 50-megapixel primary camera with LOFIC technology, a 50-megapixel IMX8-series ultra-wide camera.
As for the battery, Digital Chat Station says Vivo is targeting a capacity beginning with the number “8,” suggesting that the phone could pack an 8,000mAh-class battery. However, the battery design has reportedly not been finalized yet.
As always, these details are based on an early engineering prototype, so the final specifications could change before launch.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Samsung, SK Hynix & Micron are facing a class action lawsuit in the US as memory prices spiral out of control due to persistent shortages. Consumers File A Class Action Lawsuit Against Samsung, SK Hynix & Micron Alleging That The Memory Trio Restricted DRAM Supply To Inflate Prices Memory prices have reached a historical high due to ongoing shortages as demand continues to outstrip supply. The worst is yet to come, but as the situation continues to evolve, consumers are getting fed up and have filed a private class-action lawsuit in the US against the three big DRAM manufacturers. The […]
BOSTON — Instant reactions as Sonny Gray pitches 7 ⅓ no-hit innings, the Red Sox (36-46) blow a late lead — and then rally for a crazy, dramatic 5-4, 10-inning win to finish off a four-game sweep of the Yankees on Sunday night:
Shortly after Justin Slaten allowed two Yankees runs in the top of the inning, Anthony Seigler led off with an RBI single to make it a one-run game, scoring the automatic runner. Pinch-hitter Masataka Yoshida then jumped on the first pitch Fernando Cruz threw him to put two runners in scoring position with a double into right field. Then, Tsung-Che Cheng’s sacrifice fly tied it before Duran — who didn’t start the game against lefty Carlos Rodón — ended it by shooting a 1-1 slider into right field, finding green grass with the Yankees playing with five infielders.
Cruz allowed three runs while recording just one out. It was Boston’s second walk-off win of the year and the first since April 17. Duran now has two walk-off hits, with the other coming in 2024.
2) For much of the night, Gray looked like he was going to make history, dominating the Yankees lineup for 7 ⅓ hitless innings in his best outing of 2026. With one out in the eighth, Amed Rosario laced a single up the middle, ending Gray’s no-hit bid — and his night.
Gray allowed just one baserunner (he walked Rosario in the fifth) in the first eight innings and struck out nine batters. He threw 97 pitches and received a very loud ovation from the crowd at Fenway Park. Gray tipped his cap to the fans and was greeted with hugs from various teammates as he approached the dugout.
It was the longest no-hit bid of Gray’s 14-year big league career, beating a seven-inning effort when he was with the A’s back in April 2015. The last Red Sox pitcher to have a bid that long was Garrett Crochet last April in Chicago. Crochet also went 7 ⅓ no-hit innings in that game.
3) The crazy win allowed the Red Sox to do something they hadn’t done all season: win a fourth game in a row. Boston now has its longest winning streak of 2026 after stalling out at three straight wins on three separate occasions, with the last coming May 20 after a sweep in Kansas City.
The Red Sox had not swept a four-game series against New York since August 2018. They’ve now won five of their last six against the Yankees this season after dropping the first three. The rivalry will be renewed in the Bronx in late August.
4) Gray’s part of the game came easy for the Red Sox. Once Aroldis Chapman entered for the ninth, things went off the rails as the closer blew his second save in six days.
Chapman allowed a leadoff single to José Caballero, then walked Anthony Volpe before Ben Rice lifted a deep fly ball to Abreu. With Caballero trying to advance to third, Abreu threw into the infield but airmailed second baseman Anthony Seigler with no Sox in position to back up.
The ball got all the way to the backstop as Caballero scored and Volpe got all the way to third. Volpe then scored the tying run on a Paul Goldschmidt chopper to shortstop Tsung-Che Cheng, sliding under Connor Wong’s tag at the plate.
5) More aggressive Yankees baserunning and sloppiness by Abreu led to the Yankees taking a 4-2 lead in the 10th. Facing Slaten with automatic runner Max Schuemann on second, Rosario lifted a fly ball into shallow left. Schuemann — for some reason — was off on contact and right fielder Wilyer Abreu failed to make the catch, dropping the ball. Schuemann aggressively went home to score as Rosario took second. The Yankees then went up two runs when Rosario broke for home on an Austin Wells swinging bunt and beat Slaten’s flip home.
At that point, it looked like the Red Sox were staring down the barrel of their worst loss of the season — and recent memory, really. But the bats ensured that wouldn’t happen against a flustered Cruz in the 10th.
6) Despite blowing the save, Chapman made a bit of history with two strikeouts. His inning-ending punch-out of Schuemann was the 1,363rd of his career, tying Hoyt Wilhelm for the most by a reliever in MLB history. Chapman will have that record all to himself with one more strikeout the next time he pitches.
Gray also had a personal milestone, notching his 2,000th strikeout when he got Spencer Jones to lead off the eighth. He’s the seventh active pitcher to get to that mark.
7) Gray’s deep bid came after a series of no-hit flirtations by his Red Sox rotation mates. Last Friday in Seattle, Ranger Suarez went 6 ⅓ innings before giving up a hit. The two games before Sunday’s saw Payton Tolle throw 5 ⅓ perfect innings Friday night and Jake Bennett take a no-hit bid into the fifth Saturday.
Gray’s attempt, though, felt more real than the others. If he had gotten the final five outs without allowing a hit, he would have been the first Red Sox pitcher to throw a no-hitter since Jon Lester in 2008 (and the first major league starter to do it since Los Angeles’ Blake Snell in 2024).
“I legitimately thought he was gonna do it,” said interim manager Chad Tracy.
8) The Red Sox took the lead with some timely hitting in the fourth. Facing a staunch Carlos Rodón, Abreu worked a one-out walk, then Willson Contreras reached on a fielding error by Oswaldo Cabrera at third base. With two outs, Caleb Durbin dumped a two-run single into shallow center field. Durbin had the go-ahead hit in two of Boston’s four wins in the series.
Durbin’s hit was the only hit of the game until the bottom of the seventh, when Wong went the other way with a one-out single. It was a sleepy offensive effort until the late-inning fireworks, and there were just nine total hits between the clubs.
Gray tipped his cap toward his right fielder after the play. It was a night of high highs and low lows for the two-time Gold Glover, who had a two-error game.
10) Chad Tracy went to Tyron Guerrero — and not Garrett Whitlock — to replace Gray in the eighth. Whitlock had already pitched twice in the series (Thursday and Saturday) and was not available, according to Tracy. In any case, Guerrero got the call before passing the baton to Chapman.
11) The Red Sox couldn’t get much going against Rodón, who allowed just the one hit in five innings. But four walks drove up the lefty’s pitch count and he left the game at 96 pitches after five innings.
Both of Boston’s runs off him were unearned.
12) Romy Gonzalez went 0-for-4 in his return to the lineup (and season debut), grounding out all four times he came to the plate. He grounded into a double play in the bottom of the ninth after Willson Contreras led off with a single.
13) The frustrations of a long weekend in Boston boiled over for the Yankees after the sixth inning when Jazz Chisholm Jr. took exception to home plate umpire Adam Hamari ruling that he swung on a pitch in the dirt for strike three. Chisholm threw his helmet and was ejected as manager Aaron Boone ran out to calm things down.
14) The hot-hitting Nationals are next up on the schedule for the Red Sox. Here’s the schedule (with pitching probables) for the three-game series, which starts Monday night at Fenway:
Monday, 7:10 p.m. ET — RHP Miles Mikolas (2-6, 5.24 ERA) vs. LHP Ranger Suarez (3-3, 2.83 ERA)
Tuesday, 7:10 p.m. ET — RHP Cade Cavalli (4-4, 4.00 ERA) vs. LHP Connelly Early (7-5, 3.59 ERA)
Wednesday, 1:35 p.m. ET — LHP Andrew Alvarez (1-1, 3.44 ERA) vs. LHP Payton Tolle (4-5, 2.78 ERA)
Prior to Sunday, the 2026 Boston Red Sox didn't have much in common with the 2018 Red Sox, but they do now.
Boston completed a stunning four-game sweep of the New York Yankees at Fenway Park over the weekend, overcoming a 4-2 deficit in extra innings on Sunday to win the series finale on Jarren Duran's walk-off single.
Not only was it the Red Sox's first four-game winning streak of the season, but it was also their first four-game sweep of the Yankees since August 2-5, 2018.
Boston went on to win a franchise record 108 regular-season games that year and the World Series, capping off the greatest season in team history.
The 2026 campaign has not been as successful for the Red Sox, who have no active players remaining from that 2018 squad. Even after sweeping their top rivals, they are still last in the AL East at 36-46.
There's still time for them to turn things around, however, and their thrilling sweep could be the spark they need to finally get their season back on track.
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 8: Pitcher Sonny Gray #54 of the Boston Red Sox tips his cap to the fans as he leaves the game during the seventh inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Fenway Park on April 8, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 28: Sonny Gray #54 of the Boston Red Sox throws in the first inning against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park on June 28, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images)BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 12: Starting pitcher Sonny Gray #54 of the Boston Red Sox throws in the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Fenway Park on June 12, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images)
On Sunday evening, the Boston Red Sox are looking to sweep the New York Yankees in their four-game series.
The Red Sox got an incredible start from Sonny Gray.
He took a no-hitter into the middle of the 8th inning.
MLB World Reacts To Gray Nearly Throwing No-Hitter
GettySonny Gray #54 of the Boston Red Sox throws in the first inning against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park on June 28, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts.
Here’s what people were saying on social media:
Tyler Milliken: “The no-hitter is over, but the night ends with the Fenway Faithful showing Sonny Gray some love. 18 years since the last Red Sox no-hitter. The drought continues.”
David Borges: “Remember when Sonny Gray couldnât handle New York? He did tonight.”
Just Baseball: “Sonny Gray, WOW! 7.1 IP 1 H 0 R 1 BB 9 Kâs The only hit he allowed was to the final batter he faced”
@pamsson: “Sonny Gray was serving up meatballs all game but the lineup is so cold right now it looks like he did this amazing job. This reminds me of the Luis Gil start in Fenway back in April. He was bad but got away with it.”
GettyStarting pitcher Sonny Gray #54 of the Boston Red Sox throws in the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Fenway Park on June 12, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts.
Chris Cotillo: “Amed Rosario singles up the middle and Sonny Gray’s bid at a no-hitter is over. The Fenway faithful gives him a nice hand and his night is over.”
Adam Kaufman: “There are like four good things about this miserable Red Sox season and Sonny Gray is certainly one of them”
@BOSSportsGordo: “Sonny Gray was masterful against the Yankees: 7.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 9 Ks Dude no-hit the Yankees into the 8th and put the boys in position to four game 𧹠the Yankees. His ERA for the season is down to 2.69 ð³”
The Boston Red Sox's bench is getting a major boost for the rest of the season with versatile infielder Romy González's return from injury.
González has been out all season after undergoing shoulder surgery in March, but made his season debut on Sunday against the New York Yankees. Though Boston will enjoy having González back from injury, the team had to unfortunately option third-year catcher Mickey Gasper to open room on the roster.
The Red Sox called up Gasper in early May, and the 30-year-old catcher has made his impact with the team, slashing .243/.305/.308 with five doubles and a triple across 34 games.
Though Gasper has performed well this season, Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy revealed that the team optioned the veteran catcher to avoid having three catchers on its roster and have more versatility.
“Obviously, he has cooled off a little bit with the bat,” Tracy said on Sunday, per MassLive's Chris Cotillo. “The quality is still really good. It’s more about with Romy active -- and you know Romy’s not going to be able to run out there and play five or six games in a row at second base -- so you’re gonna have to take him down some DH at-bats.
"You’re going to have Masa (Yoshida) take down some DH at-bats. The need to get away from three catchers and have more versatility on the bench was just imperative at this point. We rode that for a while.”
Last season was the most impressive year of González's career, as the versatile infielder slashed .305/.343/.483 with nine home runs and 53 runs batted in across 96 games. In addition to providing Boston with a reliable right-handed bat, the 29-year-old offers plenty of defensive versatility with his ability to play multiple infield positions.
Gasper has played well this season, but having three catchers on the roster does not make sense for Boston. As the Red Sox strive to improve down the stretch, having a versatile player like González coming off the bench is important.
Speaking at his locker at Fenway Park on Friday, Crochet said he’s not concerned that there’s anything more serious than anticipated going on with his shoulder after a recent strength test showed that his strength had not improved enough for him to restart a throwing program. Instead, Crochet said, it’s a matter of following protocols and making sure he’s good to go after a mild lat strain interrupted his progress as he ramped up late last month.
Crochet has been throwing with plyometric (lighter) balls but has not played catch with a baseball since throwing a one-inning live batting practice session on May 26, then being shut down with lat issues a few days later. He hopes he takes that step soon.
“I hope to have a ball — a real baseball — in my hand here soon,“ Crochet said. ”The plyos that I’m doing, though, are not far off. I’m throwing seven ounces, so it’s not like I’m afraid to get close to baseball weight. It’s moreso just the protocol.
“Just still just throwing plyos, doing a lot of (isometric) work. When the team was on the road and I stayed back, I made some good headway. Been trending up for a while. I think that let setback is making us be extra cautious this time, naturally. Just in that situation where it’s like, wait until you feel great, then wait a couple more days.”
Crochet was hopeful to restart his throwing program last week when he stayed back in Boston as the team traveled west to Seattle and Denver. Tests Monday revealed less-than-desirable strength numbers in his shoulder, so the team decided to continue with a cautious approach. Still, there’s no structural damage in the area and Crochet doesn’t believe surgery is on the table. The goal for the past 10 days or so has been trying to avoid overcompensating while throwing.
“When one thing gets weak, something else takes over and that’s kinda what we were doing when the team was on the road, just trying to get out of the compensation as much as possible,” Crochet said. “I’ve never had crazy strength numbers when doing testing with the training stuff. For me, it’s moreso just that I operate really well within certain limits and when I fall out of those ranges, my mechanics get off and things start to compensate. Then, that weakness is exploited.”
“I have target dates I won’t share,” Crochet said, laughing. “I have target dates in my mind but I don’t know what the team’s target date is. I just want to get back as soon as I can.”
For Crochet, the downtime has allowed him to re-examine his mechanics, which he felt were out of whack during a six-outing start to the season in which he logged a 6.30 ERA. It has also allowed him to retroactively re-think how he prepared for 2026 after pitching a career-high 213 innings (including the postseason) last year.
“Disappointing,” Crochet said. “It’s not like I was throwing the ball great, so to go on the IL on top of that kinda sucks. When I initially went on the IL, it was like, ‘Well this is an (expletive) feeling. I was throwing the ball well, then I had a good one and started to feel like I’m making ground (up). Then go on the IL.
“You try to find the bright side in it. For me, this is a good chance to get my mechanics in a good spot. I think I was still just kinda dealing with a little bit of a hangover from the previous year. Just formed some bad habits once the fatigue hit, and even in the offseason. I took some time off but then because of the (World Baseball Classic), we’re getting ready for spring a little earlier. I took more time off, but that made the ramp-up have to be quicker. Just things I hope to learn from.”
Boston activated Romy Gonzalez from the injured list and optioned Gasper before Sunday’s game against the Yankees Gonzalez will make his season debut Sunday night against the Yankees and lefty Carlos Rodón as the designated hitter. To re-add Gonzalez to the 40-man roster, the Red Sox transferred Roman Anthony to the 60-day injured list in a paper move that will not impact his timetable because he has already been out nearly two months.
Gasper, who was called up from the WooSox in early May when Anthony first hit the IL, has appeared in 34 games since May 10, starting 27. He. hit .328 with a .789 OPS (19-for-58 with three doubles and a triple) in his first 19 games but has struggled since. In 15 games since June 5, Gasper has hit just .143 (7-for-49) with two doubles, six strikeouts and a .406 OPS. The Red Sox have hit him either first or second 15 times in the last six weeks. Now, he’s off the roster because Gonzalez and Masataka Yoshida are expected to get most of the at-bats at DH in the coming weeks.
“Obviously, he has cooled off a little bit with the bat,” said interim manager Chad Tracy. “The quality is still really good. It’s more about with Romy active — and you know Romy’s not going to be able to run out there and play five or six games in a row at second base — so you’re gonna have to take him down some DH at-bats. You’re going to have Masa (Yoshida) take down some DH at-bats. The need to get away from three catchers and have more versatility on the bench was just imperative at this point. We rode that for a while.”
Gonzalez appeared in 96 games for the Red Sox last season and hit .305 with nine homers, 53 RBIs and an .826 OPS. He was particularly effective against left-handed pitching, batting .331 with a .978 OPS against southpaws. Gonzalez hurt his shoulder during the final week of the season and played hurt during Boston’s brief trip to the postseason. He thought the issue would subside by the beginning of spring training but experienced continued discomfort when he arrived in Fort Myers. After further testing, Gonzalez underwent an “arthroscopic debridement” procedure on his left, non-throwing shoulder on March 12.
“Obviously, I didn’t think this would be this serious,” Gonzalez said Sunday. “I’m happy it got it done. Just super excited to be back.”
Gonzalez is expected to see time at both DH and second base now that he’s healthy while also serving as a depth option behind Willson Contreras at first base. The Red Sox believe he can add an element to their lineup that has been missing all year. That begins Sunday against Rodón, though Gonzalez is just 1-for-16 against the veteran in his career.
“It’s been a while,” Gonzalez said. “Obviously, I haven’t played since October. I’m excited.”
BOSTON — Facing New York’s Carlos Rodón on Sunday night, the Red Sox will welcome back lefty-masher Romy Gonzalez and hold the struggling Jarren Duran out of the lineup.
Gonzalez, who missed the first half of the season after undergoing shoulder surgery in March, will hit fifth as the designated hitter Sunday night. Duran is not starting and the Red Sox will instead use Nate Eaton as their left fielder and leadoff man. Boston will start seven right-handed hitters — including switch-hitting second baseman Anthony Seigler and catcher Connor Wong — against the veteran Rodón as it looks to cap off a four-game sweep over the Yankees.
Duran had started 73 of Boston’s first 81 games, including 14 against left-handed starters. With Gonzalez back and Eaton on the roster, it’s possible the Red Sox will look to be more selective with how they use Duran against left-handed pitchers.
“The lefty’s out there, Romy’s back,” said interim manager Chad Tracy. “It allows us, by doing that, to keep Seigler in the lineup, get Romy in the lineup and get Nate in the lineup. It’s very logical (for Duran) to take a breather and we’ve got two righties coming up with Washington the next two days. He’ll be right back in there.”
“His timing’s a little mixed up,” Tracy said. “When he got hot in May, he was locked and the timing was locked. Everything was squared up and there were balls going over the fence. His timing’s off and mixed up and he’s searching for it.”
The return of Gonzalez gives the Red Sox a potent right-handed bat against left-handed pitchers. In 2025, the utility man hit .331 with a .978 OPS in 143 plate appearances against lefties. Boston is 9-10 against southpaws so far this season.
BOSTON, MA - JULY 25: Jarren Duran #16 of the Boston Red Sox is congratulated in the dugout after scoring against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the third inning at Fenway Park on July 25, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 25: Jarren Duran #16 of the Boston Red Sox watches after hitting a RBI against the New York Yankees during the fifth inning at Fenway Park on June 25, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
On Sunday, the Boston Red Sox will finish their four-game series with the New York Yankees at Fenway Park.
They are coming off a 4-1 victory Saturday (and are looking to go for the sweep).
Boston Red Sox Announce Jarren Duran Decision
GettyJarren Duran #16 of the Boston Red Sox watches after hitting a RBI against the New York Yankees during the fifth inning at Fenway Park on June 25, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts.
For Sunday’s game, the Red Sox have announced their starting lineup.
Via Underdog MLB: “Red Sox 6/28 N. Eaton LF C. Rafaela CF W. Abreu RF W. Contreras 1B R. Gonzalez DH C. Durbin 3B A. Seigler 2B C. Wong C T. Cheng SS S. Gray SP”
Red Sox 6/28
N. Eaton LFC. Rafaela CFW. Abreu RFW. Contreras 1BR. Gonzalez DHC. Durbin 3BA. Seigler 2BC. Wong CT. Cheng SS
New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole's perfect game bid lasted all of two pitches on Saturday afternoon before Boston Red Sox leadoff hitter Masataka Yoshida deposited a lazy 93-mile-an-hour fastball down the middle into Boston's bullpen.
Yoshida is no slugger. It was only the 5-foot-8 Japanese native's second home run of the season, and sixth since 2024. But hey, that's Gerrit Cole at Fenway Park for you.
The next inning, he gave Triple-A call-up Anthony Seigler his first career home run. The inning after that, the entire Red Sox lineup ate with back-to-back singles from Yoshida and Ceddanne Rafaela coming to roost after Willson Contereas doubled to the deepest part of the ballpark.
It was another loss for Cole at Fenway, which has hilariously become his Yankees' legacy.
In seven starts in Boston, Cole has pitched 35 1/3 innings, allowed 39 hits, and a whopping 27 earned runs. He has given up 14 home runs and boasts an ERA of 6.88.
According to ESPN Insights, his career ERA against the Red Sox as a member of the Yankees is not much better.
"Cole has a 5.87 ERA in 14 career starts against the Red Sox as a member of the Yankees," ESPN Insightswrote. "Among the 67 Yankees pitchers with at least 75 IP against their rival, only Tommy Byrne (6.10) has a higher ERA than Cole."
Gerrit Cole will take the hill against the Red Sox today. Cole has a 5.87 ERA in 14 career starts against the Red Sox as a member of the Yankees.
Among the 67 Yankees pitchers with at least 75 IP against their rival, only Tommy Byrne (6.10) has a higher ERA than Cole 😮 pic.twitter.com/hdE2nmQ1dJ
Barcelona’s salary limit issues are well-documented over the years, with the Catalan side often having to make some painful exit decisions, as well as no shortage of financial engineering in order to register players. A large part of that has been down to their burgeoning wage bill at the start of the decade, something that still dogs them to this day.
That at least is the case with veteran goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen. The 34-year-old signed a new deal with Barcelona valid until 2028 two years ago, but having now signed Joan Garcia, ter Stegen is surplus to requirements at the club. Despite being the captain, Barcelona have been keen to move him on for some time.
Barcelona to pay €15m of ter Stegen’s wages while playing for Ajax
Marc-Andre ter Stegen in action for the German national team (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
Last season, ter Stegen headed to Girona on loan for the second half of the season in the January transfer window, but then suffered an injury just weeks into his time at Montilivi. He is now due to head on loan to Ajax this season, but they are unwilling to pay much of his hefty wages. As explained by Marca, Barcelona will cover around €15m (£12.94m) over the course of the season in his wages. That equates to around 10-15% of his total salary for the year, as he joins up with manager Michel Sanchez for a second time.
Barcelona still to register Anthony Gordon
Image via The Mirror
While they still have some time to work it out, Barcelona will have to ensure they have around €16m for the fee of Anthony Gordon and sufficient space for his wages in their salary limit this summer. This will likely come to around €30m (£25.88m), and ter Stegen’s exit could aid with that. The Catalan side will no doubt be pursuing several sales this summer to ease their salary limit situation again, even if they are hoping to be back within their limit this summer.
Red Bull's Max Verstappen says it was satisfying to finally be in the hunt for victory at Formula 1's Austrian Grand Prix, as he detailed the car issues that prevented him from taking the fight to winner George Russell.
In a heavily revised Red Bull RB22, Verstappen and his team cut a much more competitive figure at the team's home race in Austria, with the four-time world champion on course to qualify second or third behind polesitter Russell until a crash in the penultimate corner kept him in fifth.
But Verstappen rebounded in the race to take the fight to the leading Mercedes cars. After clearing Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton in an extended wheel-to-wheel battle, Verstappen was able to put pressure on Russell, prompting the Briton to expedite his final pitstop to avoid being undercut by Red Bull.
Verstappen delayed his final stop to build a tyre advantage, but lost too much time doing so to mount a real challenge at the end of the 71-lap race.
Handling issues with the rear axle of his car further played a part in not being able to fully push for his first win of the season, though the Dutchman was still pleased to take his best result of 2026 and his second podium of the campaign.
"What was satisfying is that this was the first time I felt like actually I could fight for the win," Verstappen said.
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
"In the first half of the race we were more competitive, because for whatever reason in the second half something felt off on the rear of the car. Everything was just extremely difficult from bumps, kerbs, traction - it was just completely gone.
"That's a bit of a shame, but to be that close to a win I think is a great effort from the team. They have worked really hard to get these upgrades on the car here and this is the first time in the race where I felt really competitive and I could push a bit more."
At the time Verstappen told his race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase on the radio that staying out longer before his final pitstop was "not the right call", and in hindsight he hadn't changed his mind.
"I do think I had the degradation [advantage] over George, but I also knew it was going to be a very long stint to the end," he explained.
"I personally felt that during the laps I stayed out I probably lost a little bit too much compared to what I gained back from those extra laps on new tyres.
"But it's easy to say now. We still had a very good race to be honest. It's been a pretty long road to be here [on the podium] and have a real shot at it. That is already [positive]."
George Russell finally claimed his second victory of the 2026 Formula 1 campaign by winning the Austrian Grand Prix from pole ahead of Max Verstappen.
The Mercedes driver crossed the line 1.6 seconds clear of the Red Bull world champion with Russell’s team-mate and title rival Kimi Antonelli completing the podium.
This has given Russell his first win since the Melbourne opener after an underwhelming start to 2026, as Antonelli ha taken five victories during that time to claim the championship lead.
But the 19-year-old’s retirement in Barcelona last time out, which was won by Lewis Hamilton, gave Russell the perfect opportunity to claw back his deficit after finishing second in Spain.
The 28-year-old followed that up by snatching pole from Charles Leclerc at the Red Bull Ring after Verstappen’s late crash, with Hamilton and Antonelli behind on the second row.
All four started on the medium rubber and it was a frantic opening lap that saw Russell hold firm, Antonelli go wide at Turns 1 and 3, before Hamilton overtook Ferrari team-mate Leclerc at Turn 5.
That put the Monegasque immediately under pressure from Antonelli, who’d still managed to keep fourth, and the championship leader launched his attack at Turn 1 on the second lap.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
Although he briefly got ahead, he went off in the process much like lap one, so was forced to hand third back heading into Turn 3 but this opened the door for fifth-placed Verstappen.
The Red Bull driver therefore wasted no time in making progress by overtaking Antonelli at Turn 5, before passing Leclerc the following corner, and subsequently closing in on Hamilton.
This set up an aggressive fight between the former title rivals with Verstappen lunging down the inside of Turn 3 on lap 11, before Hamilton fought back at Turn 5 and completed his move the following corner.
It put Verstappen onto the gravel at the exit, prompting complaints from the four-time world champion, before the fight resumed after the first pit window where drivers all kept position.
On this occasion, however, Verstappen finally took second from Hamilton by again going down the inside of the Turn 3 hairpin on lap 22, before the Ferrari driver reclaimed position at Turn 5.
But having learnt from the previous occasion where he was on the outside into Turn 6, this time Verstappen moved down the inside of that corner to finally end the wheel-to-wheel battle.
It was only three laps later that Hamilton made his second pitstop though, moving from hards to softs, after Carlos Sainz suddenly lost power and stopped next to the pit wall to cause a VSC.
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
Yet Hamilton’s rivals stayed out - though Antonelli pitted seconds before the VSC - and in clean air Verstappen began to close on leader Russell while drivers squabbled behind.
On lap 30, for example, Antonelli overtook Leclerc for third at Turn 5 before the Ferrari driver dropped into sixth behind Oscar Piastri and Hamilton just seven tours later.
By this point Ferrari had resigned to fighting in the mid-points positions, as the Mercedes pair and Verstappen had streaked clear come the second pit window.
It saw Russell stop for hards again on lap 44, just as Verstappen had got within two-seconds, but instead of instantly reacting, Red Bull opted to keep its Dutchman out for five extra tours.
That was ultimately the wrong decision though as Verstappen left the pitlane 10s behind Russell, who’d benefitted from fresher tyres during that window to all-but end hopes of Red Bull victory.
The Austrian outfit was therefore left ruing what could have been and despite the Dutchman closing the gap across the final stages, Russell had done enough to take victory.
But Antonelli wasn’t far behind Verstappen either, just 0.3s, after late pressure, while a further 19.823s off the podium was fourth-placed Piastri with Hamilton completing the top five.
This leaves Antonelli top of the championship on 171 points, 40 clear of second-placed Russell, who has now moved ahead of third-placed Hamilton with 125 points.
Mercedes weathers storm as Russell returns to form
Mercedes' rivals have thrown their proverbial kitchen sinks at the Silver Arrows in recent weeks with barrages of upgrades. But while Lewis Hamilton's pace towards the end of the Barcelona race may have been alarming, Mercedes swiftly re-established its lead in Spielberg to dampen hopes of a genuine title battle stretching beyond Kimi Antonelli and George Russell.
That is especially good news for Russell, who found himself with his back against the wall following a string of bad luck combined with Antonelli's superior form. Antonelli's own misfortune in Spain brought the gap down to 50 points and Russell's faultless pole-to-flag win made another dent as he aims to get his title campaign back on the rails.
Given he had to lift for a yellow flag, Russell's pole lap on Saturday could have been a lot quicker still, likely stretching beyond four tenths on the very short Red Bull Ring. That's ominous news for Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull, who are going to need a lot more to challenge on a regular basis.
- Filip Cleeren
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Red Bull's upgrades delivered the desired step
For a couple of months it had been clear Red Bull was targeting a major step forward with a significant upgrade at its home race in Spielberg - not only to close the gap to Mercedes and Ferrari, but also to show its star driver it still has what it takes to fight for victories.
Team boss Laurent Mekies never suggested the package would eliminate the deficit to its rivals in one go, but he did expect it to bring Red Bull much closer. Featuring multiple aerodynamic revisions, the upgrade is also believed to have reduced the car's weight further, bringing it down to the minimum permitted by the regulations.
It's fair to say it delivered exactly what Red Bull had hoped for - if not more. Max Verstappen was in contention for pole before crashing in qualifying. Starting only fifth, he was still able to fight the Mercedes and Ferrari drivers and, whenever he had clean air, consistently lapped quicker than them during the race.
Victory was on the cards - and while it did not happen, Red Bull clearly achieved the goal of starting to close the gap. Verstappen is perhaps satisfied with the progress, too. To make him truly happy, though, Red Bull will need to take one more step.
- Oleg Karpov
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Ferrari's power unit upgrade wasn't enough
Barcelona wasn't the start of a new trend, after all. Ferrari hasn't suddenly become the team to beat in 2026, and Austria - despite similarly scorching temperatures - came as something of a cold shower for the Scuderia's supporters and perhaps even for the team itself, despite Fred Vasseur's efforts to manage expectations after Lewis Hamilton's victory in Spain.
Finishing behind both Mercedes drivers, Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri was not the result Ferrari had hoped for in Spielberg - especially after introducing an upgraded power unit.
A strategic misstep with Hamilton didn't help, but Ferrari simply wasn't quick enough on Sunday to keep its fans dreaming of a title fight.
- Oleg Karpov
Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Lando Norris, McLaren
Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Lando Norris, McLaren
Piastri limits damage but McLaren faces reality check in Austria
McLaren looked like the second best team during Friday's long runs, but the papaya squad flattered to deceive when it mattered, being the fourth quickest team in qualifying.
Both Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris were also well off the pace during the first stint of the race, with it telling that Norris couldn't up his pace in clear air after Piastri had pitted.
As Ferrari ran into overheating issues and found out the hard way that the hard tyre was the one ideal compound to be on, its mid-race collapse somewhat let McLaren off the hook as Piastri, who drove a very strong race, claimed fourth.
But crucially, Red Bull appears to have leapfrogged McLaren on pure pace. With Ferrari bringing a huge upgrade package in Spain, and Red Bull transforming the RB22 in Austria, it is clear that McLaren will have to up the ante as well if it is to keep up with its rivals, never mind reclaim ground on the leading Mercedes. As team boss Andrea Stella said, the team will have to up the "intensity" of its development plan back at the factory.
- Filip Cleeren
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing
Aston Martin's B-spec will have to be a real game changer
To the surprise of nobody, Aston Martin endured an especially difficult weekend at the Red Bull Ring.
On one of the shortest laps on the calendar, Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll were once again a long way off the pace, qualifying almost a second behind the slower of the two Cadillacs, a team that introduced a substantial upgrade package in Austria.
The race offered little encouragement either. Alonso was unable to match the pace of a struggling Alex Albon even after switching to a fresh set of soft tyres, while Stroll retired after running at the back throughout the race.
Aston Martin has made it clear that its focus is not on bringing small, incremental updates. Instead, the team is pinning its hopes on a major upgrade package scheduled to arrive at Spa in mid-July.
However, judging by the current performance of Adrian Newey's AMR26, further compromised by Honda's power unit, there is little doubt those upgrades will have to deliver an enormous step forward if its drivers are to challenge anyone other than each other.
The 2026 XBOX Games Showcase was undeniably packed with exciting game reveals from AAA studios and independent teams alike, but there was one particular reveal that I can’t stop thinking about. As soon as the large purple text and adorably odd bird-like creatures appeared on screen, I recognized the art style. Everybody’s favorite little purple dragon was back to face a new foe, albeit with a little more of a mature redesign that reflects some of the new gameplay mechanics.
Toys for Bob unveiled Spyro: A Realm Beyond in a flashy cinematic trailer, complete with a tease for our hero’s newest ability — goodbye gliding, hello flight. Spyro can be seen soaring through the air with his new skill: freely flying through the arches of a bridge and collecting orbs in the sky of the beautifully color-saturated world, where the danger of a dark and mysterious big bad lurks above the clouds.
The reveal for Spyro: A Realm Beyond has been nothing shy of successful. The cinematic reveal trailer on the Spyro The Dragon YouTube channel has amassed more than 16 million views in just two weeks. Add yet another million when you combine view counts across the XBOX, Nintendo, and PlayStation channels.
But the successful revival of Spyro almost didn’t happen. Toys for Bob had to return to its independent roots after being targeted for closure by Activision to give its beloved purple dragon his big-boy wings.
The path forged by Toys for Bob — avoiding closure and spinning out to become an independent studio that continues to work in partnership with Activision and XBOX to publish its next game — could prove to be the solution that just might save studios like Ninja Theory and Compulsion Games, which are rumored to be next on the chopping block under new XBOX CEO Asha Sharma’s “reset.”
A notable history that led to a radical plan
After providing support for Call of Duty and Overwatch 2, the Toys for Bob team wanted to return to crafting colorful worlds. (Image credit: Toys for Bob | Microsoft)
Few game studios make it to see their 35th anniversary. With the tumultuous state of the games industry today, that elite club seems even more elusive. But Toys for Bob, originally founded in 1989 and operating as a partnership between founders Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford until the pair incorporated the studio in 2002, has somehow managed to not just see the 35-year mark — it has surpassed that milestone and continues trucking along, creating mesmerizing and meaningful digital worlds for a dedicated fanbase.
However, the Toys for Bob story is one of resilience. In 1990, the studio changed the landscape for science fiction games with the release of Star Control, followed by the 1992 sequel Star Control II with Accolade, Inc. and Crystal Dynamics as its publisher. Toys for Bob continued its partnership with Crystal Dynamics until the early 2000s, when it faced a layoff following the release of Disney’s 102 Dalmatians: Puppies to the Rescue.
We were getting away from the types of games that we love to make and that we’re best known for doing.
Paul Yan, Toys for Bob Studio Head
The studio found a new publisher in Activision and was fully acquired by the publisher in 2005. Activision then merged Toys for Bob with Vivendi Games, which held the rights to the Spyro IP at the time, setting the studio up to launch the Skylanders series and pioneer the toys-to-life game genre. “We had a fantastic, successful partnership over that time,” Toys for Bob studio head Paul Yan said in a recent IGN interview. Toys for Bob’s time with Spyro didn’t end there, as they then released the Spyro Reignited Trilogy in 2018.
After the unbelievably successful launch of Call of Duty: Warzone in March 2020, however, things changed for the studio as Activision began to allocate all of its studio teams to the resource-hungry free-to-play battle royale. Toys for Bob took its place as part of the dozen-plus studio machine that was fueling Call of Duty in addition to providing support for Overwatch 2 and other Activision properties.
Check out some early explorations on how #Spyro might evolve to take on new challenges in #ARealmBeyond pic.twitter.com/jz2ttxzgttJune 16, 2026
“Toys for Bob stepped up to support those initiatives, and those teams, and those games. We’re very proud of the work that we did, but deep down inside, we knew it wasn’t the right fit. We were getting away from the types of games that we love to make and that we’re best known for doing,” said Yan.
Activision was then acquired by Microsoft in 2022. Despite statements by then Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer on the potential for studios to revive past IPs, Toys for Bob still found its studio offices closed down amid massive layoffs that affected 1900 jobs across Microsoft’s workforce in January of 2024. Just four months later, Toys for Bob successfully spun off from Activision and regained its independence.
How to save a game development studio the Toys for Bob way
A close up of Spyro in the upcoming "A Realm Beyond" shows some of the little purple dragon's new styling. (Image credit: Toys for Bob | Microsoft)
Toys for Bob’s plan was unprecedented. Buy back its independence. Take back creative, financial, and organizational control. And preserve its tenured team. For the plan to succeed, it hinged on the past success of Spyro. The team pitched a new Spyro title, published by Activision and XBOX with plans to drop day one on XBOX Game Pass, to secure its future. Two years after going independent, the Spyro: A Realm Beyond trailer showing up during the XBOX Showcase feels like a step in the right direction for a radical plan at independence paying off.
The more things change, however, the more they stay the same. XBOX has a new CEO with fresh eyes for the future of the company, but rising hardware prices and ballooning development costs are cutting into the bottom line. We’re told a ‘hard reset’ is on the horizon. Microsoft-owned studios like Ninja Theory and Compulsion Games are the new sacrificial lambs sitting on the proverbial chopping block, despite a strong showing for Senua at the 2026 XBOX showcase and South of Midnight’s ongoing award-pick-up spree.
The villains lair in Spyro: A Realm Beyond. (Image credit: Toys for Bob | Microsoft)
Studio closures are a scourge on the gaming industry. Studios are often formed from teams that come together organically to bring life to a creative vision, and then those studios are scooped up by publishers who promise financial security. Then, when the tides of a fickle industry shift, the studio is shuttered, and creative talent that was being fostered finds itself fractured between other studios, where the cycle starts again. That’s without taking into consideration the talent that simply leaves the games industry altogether.
Spyro: A Realm Beyond was more than just a game announcement. It felt like a victory lap for independent game development and a survival plan for how studios could keep things together even in the face of closure.
Should Asha Sharma consider taking any pages from Phil Spencer’s playbook as CEO, I hope it’s the one that saw fit to accept Toys for Bob’s independence plan so that we can continue to see studios in danger of closure have a chance to stand on their own and create what they love. When studios like Toys for Bob have the opportunity to return to their independent roots and keep creative teams together rather than just finding locks on the studio doors, consumers win.
With any luck, the radical plan that let Toys for Bob become an indie studio with creative control can serve as a roadmap for studios like Ninja Theory and Compulsion Games if the rumors of their impending closures turn true. If there's anything the games industry can use right now, it's radical plans for independence that pay off.
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
The Boston Red Sox have won three straight games against the New York Yankees, and things are starting to look up for them.
The season has not gone as anyone had expected for the Red Sox, but they still have time to go on a miraculous run. They have talented players, but everything has not clicked at once. Injuries have played a role, as the Red Sox have been without Garrett Crochet and Roman Anthony all season.
Crochet was one of the best pitchers in the league last season, and even though he has been out for a while, Ceddanne Rafaela thinks one of the Red Sox's offseason additions has filled his role nicely. Rafaela noted that Sonny Gray's start days are like Crochet's in the sense that the team is confident they will win.
“He’s been really, really good and I think he’s like when (Garrett) Crochet was last year out there — we feel we’re going to win that game,” Rafaela said to MassLive's Christopher Smith. “It feels like that.”
Gray has a 2.95 ERA in 14 starts this year. He has certainly pitched like an All-Star, and being compared to Crochet is no small feat. The Red Sox are 10-4 in his starts. Through 14 starts last year, Crochet had a 2.35 ERA and the team was 8-6 in his starts.
McLaren Formula 1 team boss Andrea Stella says the team needs to step up its development program if it is to catch Mercedes and keep up with the other top teams.
McLaren has been consistently behind the leading Mercedes cars this season and in recent races it saw both Ferrari and Red Bull make bigger swings with rafts of aerodynamic upgrades. McLaren didn't bring significant upgrades to this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri qualifying sixth and seventh respectively - four tenths behind polesitter George Russell over the Red Bull Ring's short lap.
Team principal Stella acknowledged McLaren is two to three months behind Mercedes regarding its aerodynamic development and has called on his team to step up the intensity of its upgrade programme to keep up with what he called the highest level he's ever seen in F1.
"We talk about three months of development that we need to catch up. There's only one way of doing so, which is to out-develop competitors," Stella acknowledged on Saturday night. "We need to rev our engine higher. We need to have more intensity in the business. We need to be good at delivering effective solutions.
"What I see in the pipeline is very promising, especially in terms of aerodynamic upgrades, but at the same time we need to land with these upgrades trackside as soon as possible.
"I think what we see in 2026 is Formula 1 operating at a level that has never been the case before. If we see the upgrades that Red Bull did, they are quite voluminous. So, the overall game in terms of pure performance development, but also performance delivery to track, is to a higher level than I've ever seen before. These are the conversations we are having internally, and we need to make sure that at McLaren we can, if possible, out-develop and out-deliver our competitors, and this will allow us to close the gap."
Lando Norris, McLaren
Lando Norris, McLaren
When quizzed specifically about where McLaren's MCL40 is lacking, he said the Spielberg weekend didn't uncover anything the Woking squad wasn't already aware of, further exposing its general lack of aerodynamic load and efficiency. Stella also suggested his team is still trying to figure out how to get the same performance out of its Mercedes power units as the works team.
"Our gap to Mercedes has always been between three and four tenths," Stella explained. "It comes in the corners predominantly, probably 70% in the corners and 30% in the straights.
"In the corners, it's very clear why that is the case, it's the fact that their car generates more downforce than our car, and this is something that we are working on. The 30% happening in the straights might have to do with some additional aerodynamic drag that we have on our car, but we are also looking at the way we exploit the power unit, because the speed deficit is quite significant.
"Certainly, the power unit is the first [factor], and we are looking into why we are somehow in a position of deficit, but also you have the drag of your car, the straight mode efficiency. There's probably one and a half tenths, one tenth at least that we lose in the straights, and definitely we need to go and look into why that is the case."
Ferrari exceeded expectations in qualifying after lagging significantly behind Mercedes in practice, but its drivers benefitted from setting their lap before Max Verstappen’s late crash.
That forced provisional polesitter Antonelli to abort his final lap, while Russell managed to just sneak his in, so the Scuderia is aware that it still holds a pace deficit to the Silver Arrows.
It is for said reason that Hamilton is hoping to team up with Leclerc to topple Russell, with a two-stop strategy on medium and hard rubber looking optimal for Sunday’s hot race.
The seven-time world champion said: “This weekend we’ve not been confident that we could fight for a win. These guys have been six tenths quicker than us most of the weekend.
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
“We closed the gap overnight, but we still are three tenths down, or two-and-a-bit tenths down, today. It’s going to be very tough to challenge them tomorrow, but with a long run down to Turn 3, hopefully together we can.
“It’s great having Charles here as well, because we can hopefully work together in a strategy and try to apply pressure to them.”
So Hamilton is aware that the high-speed Austrian track will suit Mercedes more with its superior engine, making a repeat of his Barcelona win last time out quite unlikely.
But Russell knows that if his former Mercedes team-mate and Leclerc do work together, he’ll have a tough job of securing his second win of the campaign - particularly with championship leader Antonelli also on the second row.
“These guys are super-fast and it’s going to be a challenge having the two of them nearby,” said Russell. “We saw Lewis in Barcelona, how great his pace was.
“I think it will be challenging for them to overtake us in the straights because we’ve got the straight-line advantage, but they’ve got the advantage in the corners.
“And if they’re splitting the strategy or putting us under pressure, it may be difficult to hold on to. And, of course, Kimi is going to be super-fast.”
George Russell starts Sunday’s Austrian grand prix from pole after a chaotic qualifying finish at the Red Bull Ring.
The Mercedes driver avoided an investigation after completing his fastest lap under yellow flags following Max Verstappen's crash, while Charles Leclerc secured second ahead of Lewis Hamilton. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli starts fourth after losing his chance to improve when the session was disrupted.
With hot, dry weather expected and the FIA’s Heat Hazard still in effect, tyre life, cooling and driver management could all play a role in the race - that is if the field manages to make it cleanly through an often chaotic first lap in Spielberg.
In the United States, Apple TV is broadcasting the entire Austrian GP weekend free for viewers in the US as a one-race promotion.
Apple TV is the primary broadcast partner for the 2026 season, with all sessions available on the platform following a multi-year deal. F1 TV remains the series’ global subscription streaming service.
Broadcast coverage of Formula 1 varies by region. For viewers in the United Kingdom, Sky Sports continues as the championship’s exclusive broadcaster, showing every session live throughout the 2026 season. F1 coverage can also be streamed via Sky Go or NOW, with highlights available free-to-air on Channel 4.
Sunday, June 28 — 2026 Austrian Grand Prix — 3:00pm CEST
For UK viewers:
Sunday, June 28 — 2026 Austrian Grand Prix — 2:00pm BST
For US Eastern Time viewers:
Sunday, June 28 — 2026 Austrian Grand Prix — 9:00am ET
F1 Austrian GP full weekend schedule
All times local to Austria:
Friday, June 26 — free practice 1 — 1:30pm CEST
Friday, June 26 — free practice 2 — 5:00pm CEST
Saturday, June 27 — free practice 3 — 12:30pm CEST
Saturday, June 27 — qualifying — 4:00pm CEST
Sunday, June 28 — 2026 Austrian Grand Prix — 3:00pm CEST
Austrian GP Sunday weather forecast
George Russell, Mercedes
George Russell, Mercedes
Sunday is expected to stay hot, sunny and dry at the Red Bull Ring for the Austrian grand prix.
With the FIA’s Heat Hazard still in effect, cooling and tyre life will be key concerns for teams across the race. The high temperatures could also make the grand prix more physically demanding for drivers, especially if they spend long periods in traffic.
Rain is not expected to play a major role, so the main weather factor should be heat rather than disruption.
* Circuit: Red Bull Ring * Location: Austria * Event: Austrian GP * Circuit type: permanent road course * Friday sessions: free practice 1 and free practice 2 * Saturday sessions: free practice 3 and grand prix qualifying * Race: Sunday, June 28 * The Red Bull Ring is a short, fast Formula 1 lap, with long straights, heavy braking zones and a final sector where traffic and track limits can quickly become important.
As smartphone chipsets get more advanced generation after generation, they’ll also be prone to excessive heat, thanks to packing all that performance under the hood. Looking at the direction that these SoCs are headed, Samsung could define a new packaging standard with the Exynos 2600, as the LPDDR5X RAM chip paired with the latter is half the size of the standard module and comes with no performance loss at all. Custom LPDDR5X RAM size has been made exclusively for the Exynos 2600, but the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro could also adopt the new packaging The older PoP (Package-on-Package), […]
Jan 1, 2026; New Orleans, LA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart reacts after a play against the Mississippi Rebels in the third quarter during the 2025 Sugar Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Georgia Bulldogs are still in a decent position in terms of their recruiting, even after losing out on Sean Fox.
The Georgia Bulldogs lost out on one of the top linebackers in the 2026 recruiting class when four-star linebacker Sean Fox committed to Kentucky over Georgia, Clemson, and Notre Dame.
The 6’5″, 225-pound Fox, a top-150 player on 247Sports and the No. 10 linebacker in the class, picked the Wildcats in a decision that stings for a Georgia program that needed his size and athleticism. Fox holds a 90.37 composite rating on Rivals Industry and ranks as the No. 2 player in the state of Indiana, where he plays at Warren Central.
BREAKING: Four-Star LB Sean Fox has Committed to Kentucky, he tells me for @Rivals
The 6'5 225 LB chose the Wildcats over Clemson and Georgia
Fox chose Kentucky, a school relatively close to his home compared to the other finalists. Clemson and Georgia finished second and third, with Notre Dame fourth and Kansas fifth. He took two visits to each of Kentucky, Clemson, and Georgia, meaning the Wildcats clearly nailed their pitch on the same number of opportunities the Bulldogs had.
Kentucky lands a program-changing defender
For Kentucky, this is a significant recruiting win. The Wildcats currently hold the 22nd-ranked class nationally and the ninth-best class in the SEC. Fox becomes their fourth-highest-rated commit and the best defensive player in the class. They already had linebacker Drew Williams and Ty Ashley committed, so adding Fox gives them serious depth at the position.
Whether Kentucky won this recruitment on fit, proximity, or NIL, the result is the same. That’s how recruiting works now.
Georgia feels the sting despite a solid class
The Bulldogs have Joakim Gouda committed at linebacker, so this isn’t a devastating loss. Georgia also has Temorris Campbell Jr. in the fold. But the program still needed one more linebacker, and Fox’s combination of length and athleticism had Georgia written all over him.
Georgia’s 2026 class sits at No. 14 nationally and No. 7 in the SEC with 17 commits. The Bulldogs have two five-stars and six four-stars, and 47% of their class comes from in-state recruits. Those are solid numbers. But landing Fox would have pushed the class further up the rankings and filled a clear need on the defensive side of the ball.
The Bulldogs weren’t able to close the deal here, and that’s going to leave a mark when you consider the caliber of player they missed. Georgia still has time to address the linebacker position, but opportunities to add a top-150 talent don’t come around every day.
Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton ended up second and third in Formula 1 Austrian GP qualifying, beaten only by George Russell, who set the fastest lap of the session at the very end despite passing through a yellow flag zone following Max Verstappen's crash.
Leclerc and Hamilton completed their final laps just before the Dutchman lost control of his Red Bull and hit the barriers at Turn 9 in the closing moments of qualifying. Had race control immediately deployed double yellow flags instead of single yellows, Ferrari could well have secured a front-row lockout.
Both Mercedes drivers were still on flying laps when they reached Turn 9 under single yellow conditions. While Kimi Antonelli aborted his lap, Russell only lifted before the braking zone, then resumed pushing after Turn 9 to complete his lap and secure pole position.
Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur believes it risks encouraging drivers to keep pushing in similar situations.
“First, I'm a bit surprised that they didn't put double yellow,” he told Sky Germany. “When you deploy the medical car, you can imagine that you need to have the double yellow… but it's another story.
“And George did a fantastic lap and nothing to do with the performance of George. And then there is a rule that you have to slow down by 5% in the mini sector and we don't have access to the data. I think that race control did it.”
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing crash
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing crash
Vasseur stressed he has no issue with Russell's lap itself and trusts the FIA correctly judged that the Mercedes driver had complied with the yellow flag regulations.
“I trust them. If you are not able to trust the race control, it's a disaster,” he said. “If they took the decision of no further action, it's because they checked. The point is for me that I don't understand why we don't have a double yellow in this case.”
He believes the bigger issue is the message the incident sends to the rest of the field.
“I think the negative side of this is that next quali, if you have a crash, everybody will push,” he said.
Stella: Rules are working as intended
The rule automatically deleting qualifying lap times set under double yellow flags became part of Formula 1's sporting regulations in 2022. It followed several controversial incidents in which drivers kept their lap times despite passing through double yellow zones after the stewards judged they had slowed sufficiently. During 2021, under then race director Michael Masi, the FIA first introduced the automatic lap deletion through the event notes before making it a permanent regulation the following season.
Under single yellow flags, however, drivers may still keep their lap times provided they reduce speed sufficiently.
“I think because there is an option to go for double yellow flag, it's useful to retain the distinction between what you are allowed to do on a single yellow flag,” McLaren boss Andrea Stella said.
George Russell, Mercedes
George Russell, Mercedes
“The double [yellow] itself and the deletion of the lap is a relatively recent change, and I think this [rule] is very welcome. Definitely any driver will have to be absolutely disincentivised to push in a section with a double yellow flag, but if there's a distinction between double and [single] yellow, eventually the stewards will have, or the marshals will have retained, or the race director will have deemed that this only requires the single yellow flag, therefore this is left to the judgement of the driver. And if the driver pushes too much, it will be penalised.
“So, I personally think that we are in a good situation from this point of view.”
Stella also believes Russell judged the situation perfectly from his side.
“For what I saw from the GPS overlays, I think Russell has done a good job of executing a lift,” he said. “I can only see that the speed reduces before braking, losing a little bit of time through corner 9, at the same time losing little enough to actually be in pole position.
“This, I think, is subject to the interpretation of the stewards as to the fact that this action complies with the requirements of a yellow flag, but there is action. And I think we have to recognise that while drivers are incredibly able and good in executing the standard driving, sometimes they are also good at executing some manoeuvres that may be required in yellow flag, may give you justification and a rationale that the stewards can interpret like they did.
“So I think it was a kind of a case on the edge, but no particular concern with the fact that this has been accepted by the stewards.”
Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 Pro series may not just introduce hardware upgrades, but could also bring one of the biggest price increases in recent years. A new prediction from market research firm IDC suggests buyers may have to pay considerably more for the Pro models, following Apple’s recent pricing changes for Macs and iPads.
IDC expects a steeper price increase
iPhone 17 Pro series
IDC’s latest forecast indicates that the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max could see a price increase of as much as $200 over their predecessors. Earlier, the firm had expected Apple to raise prices by around $100 for the Pro models and $50 for the standard iPhone 18. However, after Apple increased Mac and iPad prices by as much as $300 on certain models, IDC’s Senior Director of Data & Analytics, Nabila Popal, believes the iPhone lineup could follow a similar trend.
If IDC’s prediction turns out to be accurate, the iPhone 18 Pro could start between $1,249 and $1,299, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max could be priced between $1,349 and $1,399. The research firm also expects Apple’s first foldable iPhone to debut this year with an estimated starting price of around $2,500, while higher storage variants could cost as much as $3,000.
According to IDC, rising memory prices are one of the key reasons behind the expected increase. The iPhone 18 Pro models are widely rumoured to feature 12GB of RAM, and the research firm points to Apple’s recent pricing strategy for devices with similar memory configurations. The M4 iPad Air and entry-level M5 iPad Pro both received notable price increases, suggesting Apple may adopt a similar approach for its premium smartphones.
Despite the expected increase, IDC believes demand for the Pro models is unlikely to suffer significantly. The firm says many users with an iPhone 15 or older are expected to upgrade to access Apple’s new Siri AI features, while Pro buyers generally remain less sensitive to higher prices. Monthly instalment plans could also make the increase easier for many customers to absorb.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Redmi is expected to unveil the Redmi Note 17 series next month in China. The lineup is said to include three models: the Note 17, Note 17 Pro, and Note 17 Pro Max. A recent leak revealed the key details of the Pro and Pro Max variants. Now, a new leak, courtesy of tipster Experience More, has once again tipped the key specifications of the Note 17 lineup, including the standard Note 17.
Redmi Note 17 key specifications
According to the tipster, the standard model will have a 6.83-inch flat OLED panel offering a 1.5K resolution. Under the hood, it will house the Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 chipset. While there is no information about its battery size, it is said to support 67W fast charging. It is also said to feature a 50-megapixel main camera and an optical in-display fingerprint sensor.
Redmi Note 17 Pro key specifications
The Pro model is said to feature a 1.5K flat display panel, but its screen size is not mentioned in the leak. It will be powered by the all-new Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 chip and a massive 9,000mAh battery.
The Pro edition will also have a 50-megapixel primary camera. The leak also mentions other features, such as dual speakers and a fully water-resistant body.
Redmi Note 17 Pro Max key specifications
The Pro Max edition’s screen size is also not mentioned, but it will again feature a flat display with 1.5K resolution support. It will be powered by the recently announced Dimensity 7500.
One of the major highlights of this phone is that it will house a huge 10,100mAh battery. For photography, it will have a 200-megapixel main camera. It will also feature dual speakers and a fully water-resistant chassis.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Apple being forced to raise the prices of its products due to the unavoidable RAM shortage has given resellers an opportunity to squeeze unfair profits from its customers. One person who had already paid for the M5 Max MacBook Pro is now being demanded to fork over the difference, despite the order successfully being placed before the Cupertino giant’s dreaded announcement came through. An M5 Max MacBook Pro with 128GB unified memory was paid in full on June 5, but the reseller is giving the customer two difficult choices In the U.K., a Redditor user with the handle “sw1000” claims that KRCS, […]
The Boston Red Sox have been recipients of outstanding pitching on all three nights of the series against the New York Yankees.
On Saturday night, it was Triple-A call-up Jake Bennett, who was pitching in just his fourth game since replacing Brayan Bello, who put together a career night.
Bennett carried a Red Sox no-hitter into the fifth inning for the second night in a row. It wasn't until Max Schuemann squared up a first-pitch fastball and deposited it into the batter's eye in straight-away center field that the slumping Yankees were able to record their first and only run of the night with two outs in the fifth inning.
The home run was the only hit Bennett allowed in the first six full innings of his start.
Interim manager Chad Tracy made the decision to send Bennett out in the seventh. He allowed a weak infield single to the first batter before giving Cody Bellinger a pitch to hit as well. He struck out Jasson Dominguez in what would be the last at-bat of his outing.
Bennett's final line read: 6.1 innings pitched, three hits, one earned run, three strikeouts and two walks.
More impressively, Tim Healey of the Boston Globe reported after the game that Saturday was the first time in Bennett's pro career, Majors or minors, that the rookie had pitched into the seventh inning of a start.
Bennett's ERA was lowered to a respectable 3.27 on the season as the Red Sox pulled off a third consecutive victory over the first-place Yankees.
Unfortunately for Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran, it has become a trend during his career for lame fans to hurl insults his way from the safety of the stands.
On Saturday, Duran and interim manager Chad Tracy teamed up with a Fenway Park security guard to get an unruly fan removed during the eighth inning of Boston's third-straight win over the New York Yankees.
Tracy confirmed that the fan had been removed for "chirping for a few innings and chirping toward Jarren again."
However, Duran had no part in discussing the incident when reporters asked him about it after the game. Greg Dudek of the Boston Herald chronicled Duran's testy response.
Reporter: "Jarren, obviously, there was that exchange with the fan."
Duran: “Nothing happened.”
Reporter: “Tracy was saying…”
Duran: “Nothing happened.”
Reporter: “You guys were…”
Duran: “Nothing happened.”
Reporter (continuing previous question): “Frustrated over something chirping-wise?”
Duran: “Nope. Nothing happened”
Duran has famously had a few interactions with fans in the past that undoubtedly play a part in the rambunctious spectators targeting the 29-year-old when they feel like getting kicked out of a game.
Duran is still the everyday starter in left field, but his June hitting slump came to a head Saturday against the Yankees when he went 0-4 after registering a hit in each of the first two games of the series.
Duran is now 13-88 in June, with 30 strikeouts and only three extra base hits.
Compare this to May, when Duran caught fire and batted .261 on the month, ending with at least one hit in 12 of the final 14 games.
The Boston Red Sox became winners of three straight on Saturday afternoon during a rare 1:00 PM first pitch at Fenway Park against the New York Yankees.
But it wasn't all smiles during the Red Sox's trouncing of their rivals. Reports emerged late in the game claiming that interim manager Chad Tracy was forced to involve security to remove a few fans sitting near the Red Sox dugout.
"Just some people who were chirping, had been chirping for a few innings, and started chirping toward Jarren again," Tracy said. "We grabbed him, and we got him down (into the dugout) and told them, 'Can you get him (the fan) out?'"
Tracy's request resulted in a single fan being removed just before the start of the ninth inning.
The chirps came after Duran grounded out in the bottom of the eighth inning to fall to 0-4 on the day at the plate.
Tracy declined to expand on what the fan said.
"I don’t want to get into the details, just enough for us to say, 'Can you please get him out?'" Tracy said.
Toto Wolff has attempted to pour cold water on the Formula 1 driver market rumours, firmly stating that Mercedes has no desire to alter its current pairing of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. However, F1 fans have been left divided over the Mercedes chief's comments.
Speaking to Sky Sports F1 ahead of qualifying in Austria, Wolff was strong in his support for his current drivers. "We don’t want to change things. We’ve said that also to George, I think it’s a line-up that is good for us. I’m very happy with the two of them," Wolff said.
Wolff's comments became the subject of debate on social media. For a large portion of fans, Wolff's reluctance to dip into the driver market, which could include four-time champion Max Verstappen, makes perfect sense.
"Makes sense, ideal scenario for Toto is Kimi dominates and George hangs around. He won’t fancy another 2016, and Max is a very expensive way to relive those years," one fan wrote on Reddit, while someone else posted: "He's got a good first and second driver, no need to change things up."
Someone else wrote: "Yes, no s***. They are both very good drivers and have been a part of Mercedes for yonks. I don’t want Kimi to leave, and I don’t want George to leave. Wish people would rein it in a bit tbh."
George Russell, Mercedes, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
George Russell, Mercedes, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
But others argued that while Wolff has dismissed the rumours for now, he has not completely closed the door to a driver change.
"'We have no plans to change' isn’t the same as 'we won’t make a change'. I’m sure they are not actively planning on replacing Russell, but if unplanned things happen, they still will," one fan commented, while another added: "'We don't want to change things, but we will if a driver becomes available.'"
Others echoed these opinions. "They don’t want to change things, but they will if both drivers don’t perform," another fan commented. Someone else posted: "Translation: As long as Max is not available, we don't want to replace George."
Jim Keller isn't bothered by Cerebras's recent IPO and says that he welcomes it, but Tenstorrent will still beat them on everything. Tenstorrent CEO, Jim Keller, Signals Deal With Intel or Qualcomm While Promising To Beat Cerebras "on everything" Tenstorrent recently introduced its latest BlackHole Galaxy server, a system with which it can disrupt the entire AI segment, with performance levels that crush the competition. We covered the announcement last month when the company demoed its Blackhole server undercutting a NVIDIA GB300 with up to five times better TCO. Keller Accepts The Challenge To Beat NVIDIA, Cerebras & Others At […]
Memory prices are all set to rise further in the coming quarters of 2026 as persistent shortages continue to grip the market. Memory Prices Will Continue Going Up, Massive 50% Hike In Q3 2026 Followed By Another 40% In Q4 Ongoing memory shortages continue to result in higher prices across the tech industry. With no positive outlook presented by the big three DRAM makers, Samsung, SK Hynix, Micron, and China's CXMT not being the savior that the industry hoped for as the "Cheap Chinese Memory" narrative was nothing but a myth, analysts expect the prices to see a sharp increase […]
Max Verstappen believes his crash in one of the fastest sections at the Red Bull Ring should have triggered double yellow flags earlier, with the FIA explaining that the standard procedure was followed.
Verstappen lost control of his RB22 on the entry to Turn 9 after already experiencing a significant snap three corners earlier.
The rear of the Red Bull stepped out immediately on turn-in for Turn 9, resulting in a sizeable impact. Speaking in the media pen, Verstappen said he was physically fine, although he added with a smile: “Well, as good as it can be.”
Aside from Verstappen’s own result, the crash also had consequences for the closing stages of qualifying.
The Dutchman believes he would otherwise have finished third behind both Mercedes drivers, although Andrea Kimi Antonelli abandoned his flying lap following Verstappen’s crash.
The championship leader described that in the media pen as “a mistake”, as he had expected to pass double yellow flags. Verstappen, however, believes that should indeed have been the case.
Asked what he thought of initially just a single yellow flag being shown after a crash in one of the fastest sections of the circuit, the four-time world champion replied: “I only heard about that now. That's quite crazy.”
The FIA has explained that the standard procedure was followed and at the moment the marshals saw Verstappen lose control while he was still on the track, a single yellow flag was immediately displayed.
Race control then takes some time to assess the situation and the level of danger – once the car has actually hit the barrier – to determine whether the situation needs to be upgraded to double yellows or a red flag.
According to the FIA, that also happened in this case, some 15 to 20 seconds after the first yellow flag was shown. During that intervening period, Russell and Antonelli passed the scene of the accident, meaning that at that point it was still only a single yellow flag.
Russell did not see Verstappen’s car: “Thought he had continued”
Russell unsurprisingly viewed the situation differently from Verstappen. After qualifying, the polesitter said he had not even seen the Red Bull and therefore assumed Verstappen had been able to continue.
“It’s a corner where you can see quite a lot. I just did a huge lift and I was going to assess the situation as soon as I got to the corner, if the car was there. But as it was a single yellow, I was pretty confident there was no danger,” he said.
“And as soon as I turned into the corner, I already saw the green up ahead. I actually thought the car had continued because I didn't see the car at all. It was so far off the track.
George Russell, Mercedes
George Russell, Mercedes
“It was only when I saw the replay afterwards, I saw that it was well off into the wall. I was glad common sense prevailed there.”
Under the regulations for a single yellow flag, Russell acted correctly. In such a situation, a driver has to make a significant lift – something that needs to be demonstrated in the data compared to previous laps – and must be prepared to change direction.
Under double yellows, Russell would not have been allowed to improve his lap time at all and that lap would have been deleted immediately. According to Russell, however, there was no reason for that.
“I think in that instance, a single yellow was correct. Because as I said, a double yellow is immediate danger,” he reasoned.
“The only reason Verstappen was in the wall that far away is because he was attacking and lost the car. I think the single yellow was correct.
“I think I did everything right to be very much under control. And it's a very different story to a double.”
The Boston Red Sox (34-46) can clinch their four-game series with the New York Yankees (48-33) at Fenway Park on Saturday after winning the first two matchups, including a dominant pitching performance on Friday night.
Jun 25, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Paul Goldschmidt (48) grounds out to drive in a run against the Boston Red Sox in the seventh inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Payton Tolle didn’t allow a baserunner until the sixth inning and allowed just one hit in seven scoreless innings to lead Boston to a 6-1 victory over the Yankees on Friday night. Willson Contreras hit a ball over the Green Monster and out of Fenway Park in the third inning as the Red Sox built an early 4-0 lead, and backup catcher Connor Wong drove in two runs. Tolle threw 88 pitches, 61 for strikes, and struck out seven.
The Yankees mustered just three hits, getting their lone run in the eighth inning when Austin Wells grounded out to chase Anthony Volpe home from third base. Will Warren struggled through 5.2 innings, allowing five runs on seven hits while walking three, and didn’t record a strikeout.
Left-hander Jake Bennett (1-3) gets the start for the Red Sox on Saturday. In five starts and 26.2 innings, Bennett owns a 3.71 ERA and 1.125 WHIP and comes off six scoreless innings against the Colorado Rockies on Monday in Denver. New York gives the ball to veteran Gerrit Cole (2-2), who comes in with a 3.62 ERA and 1.175 WHIP in six starts and 32.1 innings.
With Fubo, you can watch live television without cable on your phone, TV, or tablet. Fubo carries a wide array of sports and entertainment channels, including local sports packages and top national channels like ABC, FOX, CBS, ESPN, FS1, MTV, Comedy Central, and much more. The best part is you can try it out today for free.
Regional restrictions may apply. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.
Max Verstappen walked away from a Q3 shunt at the Red Bull Ring on Saturday uninjured but with questions his team can’t yet answer. A car that had behaved itself all weekend suddenly bit him twice on the same flying lap – and the four-time world champion wants to know why.
Speaking to Sky Sports after qualifying, Verstappen described the sequence that ended his session. “In that lap, on Turn 6, there was a big moment on entry. It is a bit weird as I have not had something like that all weekend.”
That was the warning. He didn’t heed it in time. “Then, in Turn 9, it was immediately gone. Not a small correction but full-lock off. That is a bit odd, so we will have a look.”
The RB22 found the barriers at Turn 9 in front of Red Bull’s home crowd, scattering gravel and bringing out double yellows through the final sector. The chaos that followed – George Russell completing a pole lap under those conditions, stewards initially noting a yellow flag infringement before clearing him entirely – somewhat overshadowed Verstappen’s situation. His earlier Q3 effort had clocked a 1m06.475s, placing him third at that stage of the session. Ultimately, the accident left him fifth on the grid, with Russell, Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton, and Kimi Antonelli all ahead of him.
Fifth at a track where Verstappen had taken pole four years running, from 2021 through 2024, stings. He admitted the opportunity that slipped away. “It’s a shame as realistically we could have been P3. But getting off the line is hard for us so even P3 we might drop to P5.”
The qualifying session had already been trickier than it needed to be. In Q2, Red Bull left Verstappen in the garage deep into the session, calculating that his 1m07.183s would hold up – a decision partly driven by a desire to keep a fresh set of softs for Q3. The gamble nearly failed; he slid from seventh down to tenth before scraping through as cars around him couldn’t improve enough to bump him out.
On Sunday, the team will be working through what went wrong mechanically.
“There are still some things we want to understand from the package, some that worked well and some not so well, and work from there.”
Former Formula 1 chief Bernie Ecclestone has backed moves by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali for the series to shift to bigger engines amid talks of a V8 switch by 2030 or 2031.
As previously stated by Ben Sulayem, F1's governing body the FIA is very keen to switch to bigger, louder and cheaper engines for the series' next rules cycle, which is set to arrive in 2031 but could be brought forward if agreed upon by F1's manufacturers.
The advent of sustainable fuels, combined with a shift of the automotive industry's stance on EVs, has made a return to high-cylinder, high-revving engines a more appealing proposition, with it hoped that V8 engines with a simpler hybrid component would also bring costs down.
Speaking to select media at the Austrian Grand Prix, including Motorsport.com, former F1 supremo Ecclestone said returning to bigger engines is "the right thing to do".
"There's one of the two things which I hope [Ben Sulayem] is going to do in the future," said Ecclestone. "A three-litre engine. I don't care if it's a V8 or a V10 or a V12. I think probably all of you would be happy with that. I think it's the right thing to do."
Max Verstappen has been a vocal critic of the F1 2026 power unit regulations.
Max Verstappen has been a vocal critic of the F1 2026 power unit regulations.
Ecclestone, who left the championship a decade ago as Liberty Media acquired the series, said four-time world champion Max Verstappen was right to be a vocal critic of the current, extremely complex power unit regulations, which are being gradually adjusted over the next two seasons amid driver pushback.
Verstappen frequently indicated his F1 future would depend on whether or not the current crop of cars will become more exciting and pure to drive, and move away from the overbearing emphasis on energy management. Following smaller tweaks in May, F1 will increase the ratio between combustion power and electric energy to 58/42 for next year.
When asked by Motorsport.com if F1 should be afraid of losing Verstappen, Ecclestone replied: "I mean, he was right criticising. I think the regulations weren't necessary to do what has been done. And that's what Max was complaining about."
Now, Ecclestone believes there will be enough support from F1's manufacturers to push the changes through.
"[Ben Sulayem] would like it if all the teams put their hands up and said it's fantastic, which I'm sure they would do if they weren't controlled by a manufacturer," Ecclestone said. "And I think the manufacturers will come on board, because it's obvious."
Amongst what feels like a deluge of bad news for Xbox right now, from console price rises (again) and threatened studio closures, it seems GTA 6 preorder sales data has become the next battleground for which fans and publications are using to stick the knife in. There’s a particular social media post right now being shared from IGN stating that, based on their affiliate data, PlayStation is outperforming Xbox on GTA 6 preorders by a rate of 8-to-1.
Windows Central can confirm that we’ve received a statement from an Xbox spokesperson on this matter: “This doesn’t represent pre-order data. We’ve had record orders. People should wait for real data and not clicks on affiliate links."
Why affiliate data isn’t reliable on its own
Through IGN Finds' and commerce affiliate linking program, the data is showing that PlayStation is outperforming Xbox by a rate of 8-to-1. Link in bio for more on GTA's effect on console sales. #IGNSummerOfGaminghttps://t.co/Hc8yYr0FQJ#IGNSummerOfGaming pic.twitter.com/TaKQS2RgxHJune 27, 2026
We’re living in an era where social media narratives often outpace verified market reality, and to be clear, IGN does state in the quote that it's based on their own community data. But it’s worth noting that while it is likely true that PlayStation is receiving more orders based on their console share of the market, nobody actually knows the concrete sales data yet, and relying on affiliate linking programs from one website to draw broad conclusions about the state of affairs is a shaky tactic.
But it IS one that’s gathering traction as it’s being amplified by reports such as this one from Vice, and it’s gathering significant engagement. Engagement that will no doubt have reached the general public outside of the gaming sphere, too, as it's being shared around on Instagram, X, and other platforms.
Affiliate programs track user traffic and clicks directed through specific retail links. Such data inherently reflects the specific demographics, regional biases, and shopping habits of a single publication's readership rather than being a mirror for total industry performance. Treating click-through metrics as a proxy for platform health risks spreading misinformation, as can be seen in the current cycle regarding Grand Theft Auto 6 preorders.
(Speaking of which, we have our own list of links for pre-ordering Rockstar’s highly anticipated game, so go check that out. Girl's gotta plug!)
The discourse right now is occurring against the backdrop of an incredibly volatile console market. There’s a perfect storm of economic pressures, including the significant price hikes taking effect on August 1, 2026, on Xbox consoles, driven by the global crisis in memory and storage component supply.
On a personal note, I’ve wondered why Xbox, during the week of GTA 6 preorders, would choose this moment to announce price increases. GTA 6 is the final major catalyst that will push many remaining Xbox One and PS4 users to the current generation, and both Microsoft and Sony should be utilizing this to their full advantage. While Sony will likely announce its own price increases, waiting until after GTA 6 has launched could be a savvy move to maintain goodwill with the general gaming public, letting Xbox take the brunt of the frustration during a critical sales window for both platforms.
XBOX is increasing the prices of their consoles Effective August 1, 2026:• Series S 512GB: $399 ➡️ $499• Series S 1TB: $449 ➡️ $599 • Series X 1TB: $649 ➡️ $800• Series X 1TB Digital: $599 ➡️ $750The price of XBOX consoles will increase by US$100 for 512 GB models and… pic.twitter.com/weU6YlIDHeJune 25, 2026
However, by announcing these hikes in advance, could Xbox have actually secured a surge of panic orders during Amazon Prime Week? If we were to look at our own affiliate data, we saw significant click-through rates on discounted Xbox Series X units at Walmart and Target. But for the reasons I have already mentioned, to base a market analysis on that would be biased reporting. Our audience, which is already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem, is naturally drawn to deals on Xbox hardware; that doesn't necessarily reflect the wider gaming community, does it?
It’s more important than ever right now for the gaming community to distinguish between anecdotal affiliate traffic and concrete commercial data. As our Xbox contact noted, waiting for official comprehensive sales reports is the only way to gauge the true state of the market. Until then, statistics derived from click-based affiliate programs should be viewed for what they are: a measurement of a specific website's outgoing traffic, not a reflection of the global gaming state of affairs.
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
Avatar: The Last Airbender season 3: key information
- Was renewed at the same time as season 2 - Rumored release window of Summer 2027 - Production has wrapped - Core cast is expected to return - Is expected to adapt the third book in the original book series
Luckily for us, it had incredibly early confirmation. We've known all along that Aang (Gordon Cormier) needs to learn all four elemental bending skills in order to stop the Fire Nation, led by Lord Ozai (Daniel Dae Kim), from controlling the Four Nations.
As our current batch of episodes draws to a close, we're still far from reaching this conclusion. Enter Avatar: The Last Airbender season 3, which is already poised to take over.
From release window predictions to returning cast, here's everything we know about the next installment.
Avatar: The Last Airbender season 3 release window prediction
It's worth pointing out that, as of writing, Avatar: The Last Airbender season 3 doesn't have a confirmed release date or window. However, internet rumors suggest we could be seeing new episodes at some point in summer 2027.
The Avatar will return. AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER Seasons 2 & 3. Only on Netflix. pic.twitter.com/sUnY5w6JgfMarch 6, 2024
Seasons 2 and 3 were shot back-to-back, and filming for new episodes wrapped back in November 2025.
Worst case, we can expect season 3 at some point in 2028, given that there's been a two-year gap between seasons 1 and 2.
Avatar: The Last Airbender season 3 trailer: is there one?
A trailer for Avatar: The Last Airbender season 3 hasn't made its debut yet. Once one is released, we'll update this section.
Avatar: The Last Airbender season 3 cast
Commander Zhao's return in season 2 seems unlikely (Image credit: Netflix)
We can expect the following cast to return for Avatar: The Last Airbender season 3:
Gordon Cormier as Aang
Kiawentiio as Katara
Ian Ousley as Sokka
Dallas Liu as Zuko
Daniel Dae Kim as Ozai
Paul Sun-Hyung Lee as Zuko
Elizabeth Yu as Princess Azula
Miya Cech as Toph
Chin Han as Long Feng
Justin Chien as King Kuei
Amanda Zhao as Joo Dee
Crystal Yu as Lady Beifong
Kelemete Misipeka as The Boulder
Hoa Xuande as Professor Zei
Lourdes Faberes as General Sung
Rekha Sharma as Amita
Madison Hu as Fei
Dichen Lachman as Yangchen
Lily Gao as Ursa
Terry Chen as Jeong Jeong
Dolly De Leon as Lo and Li, Jon Jon Briones as Piandao, and Tantoo Cardinal as Hama were all originally tipped to appear in the second reason, but do not. Despite this, we can expect them to star in season 3.
More new names will likely be announced as we get closer to the show's release, so keep your eyes peeled.
Avatar: The Last Airbender season 3 plot predictions
Suki and Sokka will continue to support Aang in battle (Image credit: Netflix)
Spoilers for Avatar: The Last Airbender season 2 ahead.
We're pretty confident that season 3 is going to directly adapt the third Avatar book, following Aang learning to firebend, infiltrating the Fire Nation, and preparing for his climactic showdown with Fire Lord Ozai before Sozin's Comet arrives. Not too much, then.
We also know that Zuko will eventually team up with Aang and the gang to make this happen, so we can expect to see some more emotional upheaval from him.
Obviously, finding out if Aang has actually survived the battle is a top priority for season 3. But the mere fact that season 3 has already been greenlit basically confirms that we'll be seeing Aang again anyway.
Will there be more seasons of Avatar: The Last Airbender?
(Image credit: Netflix)
As of writing, nothing has been announced. Narratively, it makes sense for season 3 to be the last, if Books 1, 2, and 3 have all been adapted in each.
However, the fact that there are so many written and comic book continuations means that the possibilities could be endless. Even if we don't get a direct season 4, Netflix could invest in spinoffs galore.
Paul Monaghan is set to leave Red Bull to join the Cadillac Formula 1 team, with the move effectively finalised, but no formal resignation has been submitted to the Milton Keynes team, Motorsport.com can reveal.
Monaghan, chief engineer of car engineering at Red Bull, is one of the team's longest-serving and most respected members. Having joined the team in 2005, he was one of the less visible but most influential architects of the team's success during the Christian Horner era.
In recent weeks, speculation had emerged about a possible departure, with the rumours intensifying on the eve of the Austrian Grand Prix.
Those reports were effectively confirmed at Spielberg, where it became clear that Cadillac is Monaghan's next destination, ruling out speculation that had linked him to other teams in recent weeks.
However, one final procedural step remains. This weekend, Monaghan is carrying out his duties as usual in the Red Bull garage, carrying out business as usual, with Red Bull yet to be served his resignation officially.
For Red Bull, Monaghan's departure would represent yet another loss of a key figure, further evidence of the personnel exodus that began following the departures of Christian Horner and Adrian Newey.
Paul Monaghan, Chief Engineer, Red Bull Racing, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, 1st position, talk in Parc Ferme
Paul Monaghan, Chief Engineer, Red Bull Racing, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, 1st position, talk in Parc Ferme
A major restructuring of the team's technical organisation is currently under way in Milton Keynes, but losing Monaghan would be another significant setback for a team working to rebuild its internal structure and stability.
The continuing trend remains a source of concern for Max Verstappen amid focus on his future at the team.
Cadillac, meanwhile, has built much of its organisation by recruiting extensively from the UK-based F1 teams. In addition to Monaghan, the new American outfit has hired personnel from Red Bull and several other paddock operations, particularly among mechanics and trackside staff.
Replacing someone with Monaghan's experience will be no easy task. His F1 career began at McLaren in 1990, shortly after completing a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering. He started at the highest level, working as a data engineer with Ayrton Senna, Gerhard Berger and David Coulthard.
In 2000, he left McLaren to join Benetton, where he worked with a young Fernando Alonso during the Spaniard's early years in F1. After a spell at Jordan, he joined the newly formed Red Bull F1 team in 2005, going on to become one of the team's technical cornerstones and playing a key role in the success that ultimately delivered 14 F1 world championships.
Back in Barcelona, Lewis Hamilton secured one of the most defining victories of his late-stage career, finally shattering his winless drought and putting a Ferrari on the top step of the podium. Given the immense pressure, the massive media scrutiny, and the grueling physical challenges he has faced since moving to Maranello, you would naturally expect the seven-time World Champion to throw the party of the century.
Instead, his celebration was entirely digital, deeply personal, and incredibly quiet.
A Thousand Times Bigger Than a Normal Win
Speaking in an interview with Super Sport TV, Hamilton revealed that the traditional post-race extravaganzas were completely put on hold. Rather than popping champagne at a crowded club, he spent the aftermath of his triumph absorbing the raw, unfiltered emotion of his global fanbase.
“Everyone’s come up to me like this past week, you know, ‘how did you celebrate?’ And I’m like, I didn’t celebrate,” Hamilton explained. “My celebration was reposting everybody’s videos. And then I saw these videos of kids, and so many of my fans just watching the race and how it meant to them.”
May 24, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CANADA; Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton (44) during the Lenovo Grand Prix Du Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
For a driver who has stood on the top step of the podium over a hundred times, finding new ways to appreciate a victory can be difficult. But connecting with his supporters elevated this specific milestone into something entirely unprecedented.
“And that, for me, made that day a thousand times bigger than it would have been if it was just a normal, normal win,” he continued. “Because I know that they’re my ride or dies.”
Hamilton: From a Lonely Start to a Global Community
Formula 1 is inherently a solitary sport once the visor drops, but Hamilton has spent the last decade aggressively cultivating a community that transcends the race track. Looking back at his early days in motorsport, the sheer scale of his current support system still catches him completely off guard.
“I’ve always said we win and we lose together because it’s far bigger than just me in the car. I’ve got my whole team. I’ve got people that travel around the world,” Hamilton noted. “And I remember when I was a kid before, even, you know, when I first started racing and I never, ever thought that I would have anyone but my, my mom supporting me, you know?”
Barcelona – Catalunya Grand Prix, Saturday, Getty Images BARCELONA, SPAIN – JUNE 13: Pole position qualifier George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team Second placed qualifier Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Scuderia Ferrari and Third placed qualifier Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team look oon during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Barcelona-Catalunya at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on June 13, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)
The contrast between that lonely kid in a go-kart and the global icon he is today remains a major source of reflection for the British driver, especially when considering the emotional struggles his fans navigate in their daily lives.
“So over the years, as you start to see people decide to choose and come on the journey with you, and you see that grow and grow, and you have a community, everyone in life is going through something and battling, and we all support each other. You know, it’s really, it’s really the most amazing thing.”
The Power of the “Red Top”
Moving to Ferrari brings a completely different weight of expectation, but it also brings the unparalleled devotion of the Tifosi.
Validating that monumental career move wasn’t just about cementing his own legacy; it was about connecting with a completely new generation of fans and sharing that overwhelming support with his own family.
“I think my parents can’t believe the support and love that, that we get. My mom’s so proud and grateful to everybody,” Hamilton shared. “And I think for me to see the young kids, particularly, be excited and wearing the, wearing the red top as well, you know, it’s really, really, really amazing moment.”
On one side lies the racetrack, on the other the automotive world. The engine set to power Formula 1 cars from 2031 will have to find a balance between these two aspects. Some are calling for a power unit conceived purely for racing and entertainment, while others are investing hundreds of millions of euros in technologies that must retain, even minimally, a connection to mass‑production road cars.
On one side stands FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, determined to steer Formula 1 back toward an engine philosophy built primarily around the needs of motorsport: a naturally aspirated V8 with a small KERS. On the other side stand those who design and build the engines, the six manufacturers shaping the future of the category: Mercedes, Ferrari, Audi, Red Bull-Ford Powertrains, Honda and Cadillac.
Even among the manufacturers, however, positions are far from aligned. Ferrari, Cadillac and Red Bull are keeping an open mind, without dismissing the FIA’s vision. Mercedes and Audi are leaning more toward having a turbocharged unit, an understandable position for two automotive giants aiming to develop a product that is technologically more efficient and less detached from road‑car applications. The issue is that the presence of a turbocharger would inevitably reduce engine noise, which is considered a priority to restore by Ben Sulayem.
Even on this topic, there are question marks. Today, about 50% of Formula 1’s audience is under 35, a generation that has never witnessed a live grand prix with engines capable of screaming close to 19,000 rpm and producing a sound level vastly different from what we hear today.
Very few F1 fans today have actually witnessed a V8-powered race live
Very few F1 fans today have actually witnessed a V8-powered race live
“It’s one thing to watch a road show with a single naturally aspirated car running alone for 10 minutes,” an engineer explained in the Austrian paddock. “But it’s something else entirely to have 22 cars on track for a two‑hour race. Are we really sure this is what the audience will want in 2030?”
While the debate over noise remains wide open, there seem to be far fewer doubts regarding the inclusion of KERS – a kinetic energy recovery system. Its power output is expected to settle between 10-20% of what the internal combustion engine delivers, since nobody wants to risk repeating the lift‑and‑coast scenarios that defined 2026. That trauma left a mark. Even the turbocharger, should it be confirmed, will have to play a limited role.
Formula 1 hasn't featured in-race refuelling since 2009
Formula 1 hasn't featured in-race refuelling since 2009
The controversial plan: Bring back in‑race refuelling
One of the goals the FIA has set for the new engine project is a significant reduction in car weight. The target is to return to around 700kg, and possibly even drop below that threshold. Simplifying the power unit would move precisely in this direction: much more compact batteries and a scaled‑back hybrid component would allow the cars to become lighter and, at the same time, smaller in overall size.
With this in mind, a proposal that once seemed permanently shelved has resurfaced: the return of in‑race refuelling. On paper, the advantages would be significant. With smaller fuel tanks, the cars could be more compact, and the amount of fuel loaded at the start of a grand prix would be less than half of what it is today. The result would be a weight reduction of more than 50kg when the lights go out.
On this front, however, the path forward appears far more complex. The issue is not so much the safety concerns that led to the ban on refuelling at the end of 2009, since today’s technologies would allow for much higher standards. Rather, the main obstacle lies in the philosophy Formula 1 has embraced in recent years, increasingly focused on reducing the amount of equipment transported to each circuit.
In 2023, Formula 1 decided to reduce the number of tyre sets available during a weekend from 13 to 11 as part of a broader sustainability initiative. Reintroducing all the equipment required for refuelling, with a logistical impact certainly greater than that of the two eliminated tire sets, would amount to a U‑turn that is difficult to justify.
It is also for this reason that the battle over the 2031 engine has only just begun. Reducing weight, costs and complexity is a goal shared by all. The path to achieving it, however, is far less agreed upon.
Ahead of this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali hosted the grid for the annual drivers' dinner on Thursday evening.
The dinner has become a regular part of the Austrian Grand Prix weekend, and all 22 drivers were in attendance along with Domenicali the evening before the on-track action began on Friday.
Domenicali sat at the head of the table. Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton and his former team-mate George Russell sat on one side of the F1 CEO, while Williams' Carlos Sainz and four-time champion Max Verstappen sat on the other side.
Fans were quick to react after the official group photograph was shared on social media, with many picking apart the seating arrangements and driver dynamics.
"Yay, time to overanalyse the seating positions!" one fan commented on Reddit, while another added, referring to Australian driver Oscar Piastri and Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas, who has been branded an honorary Australian: "Aussies sitting next to each other!"
Someone else posted along the same lines: "Oscar and Valtteri next to each other makes me really happy because they seem like they would get along. With them being two chill Aussies and everything."
McLaren's Lando Norris drew a lot of attention from fans, with many arguing that he appeared disengaged in the photo. "It’s all too much for little Lando Norris," one commented, and someone else posted: "Lando looks asleep haha."
Further reactions included: "Lewis took the seat closest to Stefano just so George wouldn’t get it," and "One advantage of supporting a Ferrari driver is how easy it is to spot them in a crowded photo."
The dinner came ahead of the first day of practice at the Red Bull Ring. Kimi Antonelli topped the timesheets in FP1 and FP2. Russell went second fastest in FP1, while McLaren's Piastri put in the second-fastest time in FP2.
NVIDIA has gained the top spot in the datacenter ethernet switching segment for the first time as the market swells to a record $15.4b in Q1 2026. Not GPUs, Not CPUs, This Time NVIDIA Is Topping The Datacenter Ethernet Switching Market With Record Revenue The GPU market, mainly AI accelerators and consumer chips, is dominated by NVIDIA. The green team is also set to post record revenues with its Vera CPUs, making it one of the top suppliers of the current fiscal year. But there's a new market that NVIDIA is topping, & that shows further trust in NVIDIA's ecosystem. […]
The Muay Thai and kickboxing action delivered from top to bottom at ONE Fight Night 44: Jarvis vs. Rungrawee II, which aired live in U.S. primetime from Bangkok’s historic Lumpinee Stadium on Friday, June 26.
A young Colombian scored the biggest win of his career, a British debutant made the entrance he had been waiting years for, a Fairtex standout displayed a more dangerous version of himself, and a Thai veteran ended a difficult run with a hard-fought decision.
Here’s what went down in the early Muay Thai and kickboxing matches at ONE Fight Night 44: Jarvis vs. Rungrawee II.
Estupinan Overwhelms Guluzada To Score Biggest Win Of Career
Johan “Panda Kick” Estupinan put on his most complete performance yet, outworking Akif Guluzada by unanimous decision in their flyweight kickboxing clash to snap the Azerbaijani’s five-bout winning streak and get himself back in the winner’s circle after two straight losses.
Estupinan, who made his ONE Championship kickboxing debut, was the aggressor in the first, as he flicked out left kicks to keep his opponent off-guard. Guluzada turned up the heat midway through the stanza and began landing unorthodox kick-punch combinations, but the 23-year-old Colombian wrestled back control.
With his braids flopping behind him, “Panda Kick” bounded into range in the second like the wild man the fans have come to expect, blasting Guluzada with punches and then mixing in kicks to the torso and legs. The Azerbaijani failed to answer with anything that registered on the scorecards.
Estupinan continued the onslaught in the third, upping his output with even more kicks and punches. He even launched himself into spinning kicks. Guluzada played the counter game, but he threw too little, too far between to turn the tide.
The judges gave the decision victory to the Colombian firecracker, who moved his record to 28-2.
Guest Announces ONE Arrival With Three-Knockdown Finish
In a battle of two highly technical clinch fighters, both men stayed as close as twin brothers in the first round. They drilled each other with knees and elbows, and whenever they separated from the clinch, they traded punishing body shots. Fitzgerald began to edge ahead late in the round, stinging his opponent with a hook to the midsection.
Guest came out with a different energy in the second frame, exploding into a barrage of punches that forced the New Zealander to cover up behind a defensive shell. Two ripping body shots forced Fitzgerald’s hands down, and the Brit went upstairs with a right hand to score the first knockdown of the match.
Fitzgerald answered the referee’s eight-count, returned to his feet, and fired back with elbows, but Guest stayed in the pocket and cracked him with an overhand right to put him down again.
The New Zealander showed tremendous heart by rising once more, but the Brit cornered him. Then, he unleashed punches and elbows to the head and body until Fitzgerald dropped to the ground for the last time. The referee instantly waved off the action, stopping the contest at the 2:08 mark of round two.
After years of trying to break into the world’s largest martial arts organization, the 30-year-old Englishman arrived in dominant fashion. The TKO victory pushed his record to 38-15.
Nakrob Breaks Skid With Hard-Fought Decision Victory
Nakrob Fairtex ended a turbulent 12-month stretch, as he battled his way to a unanimous decision victory over former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title challenger Jacob Smith in their bantamweight Muay Thai clash.
Smith came out confident in the first, matching the Thai punch for punch. A jab from Nakrob sent the 33-year-old Brit stumbling backward, though the referee waved it off without ruling it a knockdown.
The clinch became Nakrob’s home in the second frame. The Fairtex Training Center representative hung off Smith’s neck and drove knees into his midsection, and the Englishman looked increasingly lost as he tried to punch his way free. On the outside, the Thai stunned him with punches and right kicks before swimming back into the clinch, where an elbow opened a cut on Smith’s hairline.
After a brief pause for an eye poke from Smith early in round three, Nakrob locked up his opponent inside the clinch like a ram, dancing in place before sending knees into his ribs. Both fighters then engaged in a war of elbows, with Smith giving as good as he got and damaging the Thai in return. Wearing the wounds like badges of honor, both men rallied until the final bell.
The verdict was clear, as the 27-year-old Thai swept the judges’ scorecards. With the hard-earned win, Nakrob lifted his record to 70-25.
Ferrari Dominates With Revamped Arsenal, Returns To Win Column
Ferrari Fairtex made a statement with a dominant performance over Shinji Suzuki in their bantamweight Muay Thai clash, showing a revolutionized skill set packed with aggression to earn a unanimous decision and nudge his all-striking record to 138-34.
The 28-year-old Thai, who prepares at Fairtex Training Center, controlled the opening round from the front foot, with a crisp straight right proving to be the decisive weapon.
Ferrari marched into the clinch in the second frame, where he pulverized the Japanese veteran with knees and elbows. Suzuki tried to punch his way out but only left himself open for more elbows. When they separated, the Thai sent right kicks crashing into his opponent’s torso to maintain his dominance.
The third and final stanza, however, was the most explosive. A step-in right knee to the body dropped Suzuki for an eight-count. He answered it, but Ferrari attacked with punches – a left hand whacked the Japanese striker flush, followed by a left high kick that dropped him for the second knockdown of the round. Suzuki rose again, but the damage was done.
In the end, Ferrari swept the judges scorecards to leave Lumpinee Stadium with the unanimous decision victory. He returns to the win column with a performance that suggested a more dangerous version of the Fairtex product has arrived.
“I think that’s why I hit the wall so hard in the seventh — just not sleeping great and being a lazy bum in bed all day," Tolle said.
The 23-year-old lefty retired the first 16 Yankees batters before allowing a one-out single to Spencer Jones in the sixth inning. It was the only hit he allowed in seven scoreless innings. He gave up two walks and struck out seven.
“He was awesome,” interim manager Chad Tracy said. “Yeah, awesome. I don’t really know much to say about it other than awesome. Pounded the strike zone. Was ahead in the count all night. Struck out seven. Had his secondaries working. Was landing curveballs. Used the cutter very effectively. He was just really, really good.”
Tolle was set on pitching throughout the day despite being under the weather.
“This morning, I was like, ‘I don’t feel great, but I’m gonna pitch today,’” he said. “And there were a couple times where I was like, ‘Do I tell anybody? Should I just push through this?’”
Some vitamin boosters also helped him push through.
“It was a grinder one,” Tolle said.
He didn’t show his usual level of emotion on the mound.
“All business because he was very focused on making sure he got through it and conserved his energy,” Tracy said.
With his body aching, Tolle didn’t have his best velocity either. He averaged 94.4 mph with his 30 four-seam fastballs, down from his yearly average of 96.1 mph.
“I’m definitely trying to like get to spots better because you can’t just blow guys away,” Tolle said. “But there’s also some points you get to two strikes ... or something and it’s like, ‘We gotta let it eat. We gotta go.’”
Tolle, who has reached triple-digits with his fastball this season, topped out at 96.4 mph.
“Felt like going into the outing, we may not see a bunch of 98s and touching 99s,” Tracy said. “But to watch him pitch the way he did, it was awesome. He knew he might be a couple ticks down, but he just navigated the strike zone and moved the ball around and used his arsenal. It was awesome.”
The crowd gave Tolle a nice ovation after Jones’ hit in the sixth.
Tolle joked that he began thinking “way too early” about how he hadn’t yet allowed a baserunner.
“I might have thought about it third inning,” Tolle said. “Whenever those guys that have thrown no hitters or perfect games and they say, ‘I didn’t think about it until the end of the game,’ it’s like, ‘All right, dude. You thought about it at least once in there. You looked up at the scoreboard at some point.’”
Tolle was efficient throughout. He struck out the side on 10 pitches in the second inning. He threw 61 of his 88 pitches for strikes (69.3%).
“Mostly just watching him jump ahead strike-one constantly, that was the most impressive part,” Tracy said.
Tolle induced 11 swings and misses: four with his four-seam fastball, four with his cutter and three with his curveball.
“I really took the best one-inning-at-a-time approach that I’ve had all year with it,” Tolle said. “It’s like, ‘All right, everything you got for the first and the second.’ And then it just kind of kept going and going.”
Red Sox fans gave him a standing ovation as he walked off after recording the final out of the seventh inning.
“It was really cool,” Tolle said. “I figured it was my last (inning), too. So I took a moment. It was a slow walk in just because I wanted to look up and take it in again. It’s a good environment. Friday night against the Yankees is going to be a great environment here. So yeah, take it in, and it was a lot of fun.”
Marvell has set out to utilize every bit of available memory through its Structera CXL, which compresses data to solve capacity & bandwidth challenges. Up To 3.64x Data Compression Is Achieved With Marvell's Structera CXL Accelerators - Boosting Memory Capacity & Bandwidth As AI workloads continue to consume massive amounts of memory, the need for high capacities and bandwidth is ever more important. But at the same time, the AI and tech segment as a whole is facing widespread memory and storage solution shortages. This has prompted tech companies to come up with innovations to mitigate the capacity/bandwidth requirements for […]
BOSTON — For the first time in years, the Red Sox and Yankees had a benches-clearing incident Friday at Fenway. And you guessed it, Willson Contreras was right in the middle of the action.
Contreras, who two innings earlier had hit a 111.9 mph, 418-foot homer off Warren that easily cleared the Green Monster, seemed to take exception that three of the four balls from Warren in his fifth-inning plate appearance were high and inside.
“Part of the game. That’s it,” Contreras said. “Many people can look at it in different ways. I look at it one way. It’s just part of the game.”
Warren, speaking to reporters in the Yankees clubhouse, said he “was trying to make a pitch up and in” and said Contreras — who is known for standing closer to the plate than most hitters — was “playing games in the box.” Yankees manager Aaron Boone called Contreras’ actions “ridiculous.”
“That’s what he does a lot,” Boone said. “I mean, his arms hang over the plate, so I don’t know where we’re supposed to go. I think there’s probably a method to what he’s doing -- probably wants that -- but obviously, nothing’s going on. We probably needed to do a better job of getting the ball in on him tonight. So the warnings and the barking seemed kind of ridiculous.”
After the benches emptied, the Sox and Yankees stayed on their sides of the field and the clubs never came together. The bullpens slowly emptied from right field. No punches were thrown or shoves were exchanged. The umpiring crew issued a warning to both teams as Contreras kept jawing toward the Yankees dugout — in a colorful manner.
“Stuff happens sometimes,” said Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy. “We were all out there and there was nothing happening. I didn’t see it all, but I think the two of them chirped at each other a little bit on the way down the line. Everybody went out there and stood out there and had a picnic and came back in. Nothing going on, not a huge deal.”
Contreras, who also had an RBI single in the first inning off Warren, made headlines in January when he took a shot at the Yankees shortly after the Red Sox acquired him in a trade. At that point, he vowed to “play with fire” whenever the rivals squared off and said the Yankees were “probably going to start hating” him when the teams played each other. On Friday, he seemed to attempt to make good on his word.
“It’s a really good rivalry,” Contreras said. “I played with the Cubs, I played with the Cardinals and that’s a good rivalry. This one is really good. I think it’s good for baseball. Makes baseball fun. Everything you guys saw tonight is part of the game.
“So many people are trying to push to take that away from the game. I think we need a little bit more of that saltiness and rivalry. I’ll say that.”
“He’s a fiery player. We all know that by now,” said Tracy. “He plays with a lot of emotion and you saw it tonight. I don’t think he’s doing anything. I just think he’s a fiery player and he came up big for us tonight.”
Tis' the season of product recalibration at Apple, with its labyrinthine supply chain now leaking the kind of atypical product specifications that would have attracted a serious flak at any other time. Such is the upheaval currently permeating through the entire global consumer electronics industry, however, that Apple's growing litany of compromises now barely raises any eyebrows. Apple's so-called MacBook Ultra won't launch with a brand-new silicon We reported recently that Apple has significantly revamped its silicon-related plans, settling on the launch of the M5 Ultra and the base M6 later this year, and then jumping straight to the base […]
Not only do I review gaming gear for a living, I game every day, which is how I know how important a truly reliable gamepad can be. Fortunately, while we're on the final day of Prime Day, I'm still seeing loads of offers out there on some of my favorite Xbox controllers. That's why I've brought you together the best I've found.
For a long time, when gaming on my PC and Xbox Series X, I just stuck with the Robot White Xbox Wireless Controller that came with my console. And who could blame me? It's a seriously well-designed controller, from its multi-platform connectivity to its Impulse Triggers. But there's a whole rainbow of different colorways out there: given they're so cheap, why not opt for the badass bubblegum vibes of Deep Pink or the exhilarating Electric Volt?
And although it may have taken me a while, I have since upgraded to a pro-grade pad: the fantastic Asus ROG Raikiri II Xbox Wireless, one of the many premium controllers you can get an enormous discount on this Prime Day. Can't quite stretch to a high-end controller? Fortunately, plenty of cheaper options like the PowerA Wired Controller are still going for a song, so there's never been a better time to get your hands on a new one.
So, when will House of the Dragon's next chapter air? And which of the world's streamers will it be released on? Warm up your scrolling finger, and read on for more details.
What time can I watch House of the Dragon season 3 episode 2?
The battles have just begun. #HOTD pic.twitter.com/oS52WXpBVlJune 22, 2026
Season 3 episode 2 will come out in North and South America on Sunday, June 28 at 6pm PT / 9pm ET.
"But, what about those of us who don't live on those continents?", I hear you cry. Don't worry, I've got you covered. Read the list below to learn when the Game of Thrones prequel's next installment will make its debut where you live:
US — Sunday, June 28 at 6pm PT / 9pm ET
Canada — Sunday, June 28 at 6pm PT / 9pm ET
UK — Monday, June 29 at 2am BST
India — Monday, June 29 at 6:30am IST
Singapore — Monday, June 29 at 9am SGT
Australia — Monday, June 29 at 11am AEST
New Zealand — Monday, June 29 at 1pm NZST
Where can I stream House of the Dragon season 3?
Some victories cost everything. #HOTD pic.twitter.com/jD2dA9akCMJune 22, 2026
If you live in a country in which HBO Max has already launched, that platform will be your go-to destination for all things House of the Dragon season 3.
Fear not if one of the world's best streaming services isn't out in your neck of the woods, though, because the high fantasy show has somewhere to live where you, well, live:
US — HBO and HBO Max
Canada — Crave
UK — HBO Max, Sky Atlantic, and Now TV
India — JioHotstar
Singapore — HBO Max
Australia — HBO Max
New Zealand — HBO Max
When do new episodes of House of the Dragon season 3 come out?
Every Sunday in the Americas and every Monday in other parts of the world. That'll remain the case until this season's final episode drops in early August.
Need to know the exact dates that new chapters will be released? Check out the list below:
House of the Dragon season 3 episode 1 — out now
House of the Dragon season 3 episode 2 — June 28/29
House of the Dragon season 3 episode 3 — July 5/6
House of the Dragon season 3 episode 4— July 12/13
House of the Dragon season 3 episode 5 — July 19/20
House of the Dragon season 3 episode 6 — July 26/27
House of the Dragon season 3 episode 7 — August 2/3
House of the Dragon season 3 episode 8 — August 9/10
Supergirl has finally taken flight in theaters — and, if you're weighing up whether to see it, read my Supergirl review first to find out if it's worth doing so.
If you've already made up your mind about not seeing the DC Universe (DCU) movie on the big screen, though, you might be wondering when it'll be available to watch at home.
So, when might the Milly Alcock-fronted superhero film make its streaming debut? Below, I've offered my thoughts on its possible HBO Max release date, so read on to see when it might come to one of the world's best streaming services.
Does Supergirl have an HBO Max release date?
Supergirl and Krypto's first joint big-screen adventure will drop on HBO Max later this year (Image credit: DC Studios/Warner Bros. Pictures)
No. One of this year's many new movies only landed in theaters globally on June 26, so it'll be a while before it airs on Warner Bros. Discovery's (WBD) streaming platform.
That said, we can use some recent examples of WBD movies releasing on HBO Max to take an educated guess at when it may join the service's library.
For starters, Superman, the first DCU Chapter One flick, dropped on HBO Max on September 19, 2025. That means it came to the platform exactly 70 days after its initial theatrical release on July 11, 2025.
Ruthye is one of many supporting characters you'll see in Supergirl (Image credit: DC Studios/Warner Bros. Pictures)
If Supergirl follows in Superman's footsteps, it would make its HBO Max bow on September 4, 2026 — but, how likely is that to happen?
Well, Warner Bros. movies that have come out this year and are now on HBO Max include Wuthering Heights, The Bride!, and They Will Kill You. Curiously, this trio all launched on the service 77 days their original theatrical release dates.
Should other films yet to launch on HBO Max, such as Mortal Kombat II and Lee Cronin's The Mummy, also arrive 77 days after their theatrical debuts, Supergirl may similarlyfollow this release pattern, and be available to stream at home on September 11.
However, considering the aforementioned date is when the 9/11 attacks, aka one of the most tragic events in US history, occurred, I'd be very surprised if the movie formerly known as Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow comes out on that date. My best guess, then, is that Supergirl will make its streaming bow on September 4 or 18.
What is the runtime for Supergirl?
Supergirl's first silver screen story in 40 years clocks in at under two hours (Image credit: DC Studios/Warner Bros. Pictures)
Supergirl is one of the shortest superhero films of all time. Indeed, at just one hour and 47 minutes, Kara Zor-El's second-ever standalone film, which includes its end-credits crawl, is certainly on the punchier side.
For those of you with small bladders, though, that means you might only need to take one bathroom break during your screening, if you need to take any at all!
Does Supergirl have any end-credits scenes?
Does Lobo make an appearance in any Supergirl post-credits scenes? (Image credit: DC Studios/Warner Bros. Pictures)
You'll need to read my Supergirl ending explained piece to find out. It goes without saying, but that article is full of spoilers, so only read it once you've seen the DCU flick.
The Honor X80 Pro Max is now on sale in China. It features the world’s largest smartphone battery at 11,000mAh and an incredibly bright 10,000-nit display. Additionally, Honor is offering a two-year drop-damage replacement guarantee that covers accidental screen damage caused by drops, collisions, or pressure, and includes both parts and labor for first-time drop damage. The base model is priced at 1,999 yuan (~$293).
As we covered at launch, the Honor X80 Pro Max is a mid-range phone focused on battery endurance and display brightness.
Price and Storage
The phone comes in four variants:
8GB + 128GB: 1,999 yuan (~$293)
8GB + 256GB: 2,199 yuan (~$322)
8GB + 512GB: 2,499 yuan (~$366)
12GB + 512GB: 2,799 yuan (~$410)
Color options include Vibrant Orange, Lightning Red, Moon Shadow White, and Mystic Black.
Honor X80 Pro Max Specifications
The Honor X80 Pro Max has a 6.8-inch screen with a 1.3mm bezel. The resolution and refresh rate peak at 1.5K (1280×2788) and 120Hz, respectively. But the 10,000-nit peak brightness is another industry first here.
Moreover, its 11,000mAh battery supports 90W wired fast charging and 27W reverse wired charging. Honor says the phone achieved a Guinness World Record for the longest continuous smartphone live stream at 26 hours, 8 minutes, and 34 seconds.
For photography, the X80 Pro Max includes a 50-megapixel rear camera with OIS and a CIPA 6.0-rated stabilization system, while selfies are handled by an 8-megapixel front camera.
The phone runs MagicOS 10.0 based on Android 16, powered by the Hummingbird Architecture 2.0 for background memory management. The chipset is the Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 platform. Other features include AI grip detection for calls, NFC, an infrared remote, and stereo dual speakers.
The Sopranos: The Complete Series is a limited edition 4K Blu-ray release
86 episodes over 28 discs including 2 bonus Blu-rays
December 2026 (US), $149.99
One of the greatest TV dramas of all time is coming to 4K Blu-ray. The Sopranos: The Complete Series box set is available for pre-order in the US and Canada, and will be released at the end of 2026.
This far from the first Sopranos box set: in addition to the DVD box set I've got on the shelf, there was a Blu-ray box in 2014, plus a 25th anniversary Blu-ray box set in 2024, which included The Many Saints of Newark as well. So this is the first time it's all available in 4K.
This edition delivers a brand new and currently untitled featurette with Sopranos creator and writer David Chase. That featurette is on one of the two bonus discs that also include hours of extra material including a two-part documentary, seven behind-the-scenes featurettes, and all of the bonus content previously released on The Sopranos: Complete Series Blu-ray release. And it's all delivered in hardcover lay-flat book packaging.
For fans of the show, this looks like the ultimate release: the best-looking, most pristine way to see one of the most influential TV shows ever.
(Image credit: HBO)
Why The Sopranos in 4K is a must-have mafia drama
The Sopranos tells the story of depressed mob boss Tony Soprano, who's going to therapy in secret because he knows that if word gets out about his "weakness", he's a dead man walking. It's as much about family as it is about mafia families, and it features stellar performances throughout.
During its run the show amassed multiple well-deserved awards including 111 Primetime Emmy nominations and 21 wins, 5 Golden Globe awards, and Emmys for cast members James Gandolfini, Edie Falco, Michael Imperioli, Drea de Matteo, and Joe Pantoliano.
I'm not being hyperbolic when I tell you that The Sopranos began a golden age of TV drama. Without The Sopranos, there would be no Breaking Bad, Mad Men or any of the other premium shows we love so much.
It was pivotal in shifting the view that TV was inferior to cinema, and that our relatable protagonists couldn't be awful people. And it was really, really, really good: the writing, the performances and the cinematography were all superb.
While much of the praise for The Sopranos centers on the cast, and rightly so, the work of cinematographer Alik Sakharov was crucial too. The cinematography was groundbreaking in how it contributed to the story, and there's a fascinating article about it on No Film School. And if that's the kind of thing you find interesting, then this new 4K box set was made for you.
The Sopranos 4K Blu-ray box set has a release date of 8 December 2026 in the US and a recommended price of $149.99.
Thinking of buying a new TV?
Try our TV size and model finder! You tell it how far you sit from your TV, we'll tell you what size to buy based on viewing angle advice from image quality experts, and we'll recommend our three top TVs at that size for different prices.
If you're an Xbox One or Xbox Series X owner, then the Amazon Prime Day deals represent the perfect time to stock up on new games.
I test the console extensively whenever I'm experimenting with new Xbox accessories as part of my job here at TechRadar Gaming, so I have a strong handle on the best titles on offer.
Below you will find a selection of games that I recommend, spanning all the way from massive adventures like Crimson Desert to recent spy thriller 007 First Light. These are the releases that I'm spending the most time in right now, so I can personally vouch for the quality of each one.
Price hikes! Get your price hikes here! Hot on the heels of Apple's upward push of dollar figures, ganging up with Framework, and harnessing the disillusion caused by the price of Valve's Steam Machine... It's now Microsoft's turn. The ailing division is enacting yet another increase to the price of the Xbox Series consoles, at $100 more for the 512 GB versions and $150 more for the 1 TB model. The pricing will come into effect in roughly a month and change, on August 1st.
The firm is also killing the 2 TB version of the Xbox Series X, in an echo of Apple slicing away the higher-RAM variants of its Mac Studio computers. If you were on the fence about buying one of those, it would be wise to rush, as at the current price of "only" around $799.99, stocks are unlikely to last. Here's the new pricing, in all its glory:
Xbox Series S, 512 GB, Digital Edition: $499.99
Xbox Series S, 1 TB, Digital Edition: $599.99
Xbox Series X, 1 TB, Digital Edition: $749.99
Xbox Series X, 1 TB: $799.99
Microsoft is also adding a few options for payment and alternative purchases. Buy Now, Pay Later for splitting purchases across short-term installments for consoles bought at the Microsoft store, confirming rumors of a partnership with well-known payment processor Klarna. If that's not quite your jam, there's also interest-free 12-month financing available at Amazon for Xbox hardware.
The company is expanding Xbox trade-ins, stating that it's "working with retail partners" to enable players to sell their consoles to stores for cash or store credit. This isn't a new thing in the gaming world, as GameStop and Amazon have historically had this feature, but Microsoft's wording makes it sound like the program will be expanded to more retailers. As always, you can buy a certified refurbished console from the Microsoft Store and a number of retailers.
The highly anticipated Steam Machine is being shot down by flak due to its high release price, but all of a sudden, the $1,349 on ask for the 2 TB version doesn't sound so absurd, considering the superior hardware, gigantic game library, and low prices for games. Following Microsoft's logic, the upswing for the now-dead 2 TB version of the Xbox Series X would be $300, putting it at a nice round $1,099.99. Are you not entertained, if not excited, to be living in such interesting times?
HBO Max will be the movie's US streaming home after a successful theatrical run
The Long Walk is based on a Stephen King story and was a box office success
The Long Walk is finally coming to HBO Max for US subscribers, joining a host of exciting new movies arriving in July.
HBO Max has confirmed that The Long Walk will arrive on July 10, so we don't have long to wait before we can stream it at home. The movie was a huge success among critics and saw box office takings of $63.1 million before it moved onto streaming.
If you haven't seen The Long Walk yet, it's based on the novel by Stephen King and follows 50 boys in an annually televised competitive walking contest which is meant to inspire viewers.
They maintain a pace of 4.8 km/h of nonstop walking for days, and failure to do so after three warnings results in their death. The boy who lasts the longest wins a large cash prize and the fulfilment of one wish of his choice.
The walk only ends when one survivor remains, so it is a nail-biting watch. If you enjoyed director Francis Lawrence's adaptations of The Hunger Games, I think you'll love what he's done with The Long Walk too.
There's some other great titles arriving on HBO Max in July too. Sofia Coppola's movie about iconic designer Marc Jacobs., Marc by Sofia, arrives on July 16.
Elsewhere, dark comedy The Drama starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson arrives on July 31, and it promises to be the most dramatic wedding of the season. Hence the name, of course.
If you've had your sights set on a new Xbox console, I strongly recommend you get one as soon as possible, because in just over a month, they're about to get much, much pricier.
On Thursday afternoon this week, Microsoft announced that its Xbox Series X|S consoles are getting a price hike come August 1, and this one is steep. Specifically, the cost of all 512GB models of these systems is climbing by $100, while 1TB units are skyrocketing an eye-watering $150. Microsoft is also sunsetting its 2TB Xbox Series X entirely.
I've included what the MSRP of Xbox Series X|S consoles will be after these price increases go into effect in the table below:
Product
New Price
Previous Price
Xbox Series S (512GB)
$499.99
$399.99
Xbox Series S (1TB)
$599.99
$449.99
Xbox Series X Digital
$749.99
$599.99
Xbox Series X
$799.99
$649.99
As you can see, we'll soon be living in a sobering reality in which the Xbox Series S — once heralded by many as an affordable and low-cost option for enjoying modern gaming on a budget — costs as much as the Xbox Series X did at launch, and in which the Series X has hit the $800 mark. Awful.
Tariffs were largely responsible for those, though this time around, the ongoing RAM and storage crisis that's being perpetuated by the tech industry's all-in bet on AI is to blame.
AI's insatiable hunger for silicon has brought on severe worldwide memory and storage shortages, driving up component costs and making just about every electronic device on the market more expensive as a result. Tragically, the problem is projected to get even worse next year, which may mean additional price hikes are on the horizon.
"Unfortunately, console storage and memory prices have increased by more than 2.5x and we expect another doubling by the fall of 2027," Xbox lamented in its notice about new prices. "The entire consumer electronics industry is struggling with the current components crisis, but the effects are particularly hard on consoles. Unlike phones, computers, speakers, and other consumer devices, consoles are typically not sold at a profit, but instead for less than they cost to make."
Ironically, the new Xbox price hike comes days after CEO Asha Sharma made a point of discussing the fact that "gaming is unaffordable in many cases." (Image credit: Microsoft (edit by Windows Central))
How do you feel about the latest round of Xbox console cost increases? Do you believe the Xbox Series X|S is still worth getting at their new prices? Let me know, and be sure to check out the incredible Prime Day deal on the Series X I've included below. It's a killer chance to get one for less before August.
With new steep price hikes only about a month away, this killer Xbox Series X deal is a must buy right now if you're interested in picking the console up.
The number of businesses operating with digital assets and crypto payments just keeps growing. These days, using traditional accounting software with crypto integrations is considered one of the easiest ways to track and reconcile transactions, whether it’s for corporate tax…
Microsoft has just announced that the price of the Xbox Series X and Series S consoles will increase "effective August 1, 2026" in a post on Xbox News Wire. Specifically, the company says that "The price of Xbox consoles will increase by US$100 for 512 GB models and US$150 for 1 TB models. We will also be sunsetting our 2 TB model."
We don't have confirmation on what this will mean in countries outside the US, but we know there will be changes worldwide; the question is how much.
This will make the prices of Xbox consoles in the US as follows:
New Xbox console pricing
Old price
New price
Xbox Series S 512GB
$399
$499
Xbox Series S 1TB
$449
$599
Xbox Series X 1TB All-Digital
$599
$749
Xbox Series X 1TB Disc
$649
$899
So the Xbox Series S now costs the same as the Series X used to, and is the same price as the PS5 Digital Edition currently costs (though we'll see if that changes again too…).
Fortunately, you have a chance to beat the price rise at the moment — if you're in the US, Walmart has a great discount on the 1TB disc version currently.
The Xbox Series X serves up stunning graphics and super smooth performance — this is a great discount for the disc version, and may sell out quickly now that the price rise has been announced.View Deal
We're getting into a real crunch point when it comes to price rises caused by the AI-driven memory crisis.
It's hard to say if the price rise coming just before the GTA IV launch is a cynical move by Xbox, or if letting us know six weeks in advance, during a sales event, just after GTA VI pre-orders went live is doing us a favor — I'm inclined to lean towards the latter.
Bitcoin price has rebounded toward $62,000 after a sharp selloff pushed the crypto asset below $60,000, though weak institutional demand and persistent macroeconomic risks continue to keep traders on the defensive. According to data from crypto.news, Bitcoin (BTC) price climbed…
Amazon Prime Day is here, and like always, we have some of the best deals out there highlighted for you. To add a little flair to it, I am someone who very rarely posts about deals. It’s not my jam, but when I do, you can bet it’s about something I think is a real deal!
Introducing the Turtle Beach Velocity One Racing Wheel and Pedal System. One of the best setups I’ve laid my hands on and reviewed in 2024 is now on sale for an absolutely crazy price. Not only that, but its sister system is also on sale, the Turtle Beach VelocityOne Race KD3.
A premium racing wheel setup that delivers a fantastic drive-system alongside a slew of bonus features that will leave newcomers and people looking to upgrade extremely satisfied.
This thing is a tiny little beast of a base! (Image credit: Windows Central)
These are insane deals coming from my favorite new racing wheel creator, Turtle Beach. It still feels weird seeing them make something that isn’t a headset, but it's always amazing to see new entrants into the simulation space.
While I didn’t entirely recommend the VelocityOne system at the $650 price point, I can say without a shadow of a doubt that $399 would make this a ten out of ten deal. You'll get a 7.2nm base with a side control unit that delivers over a dozen different buttons and switches. Alongside a triple-pedal setup, perfect for manual/clutch racers.
Then, there's the $237 for the KD3 system, which is even more shocking. Completely undercutting the half-decade-old Logitech G923, which is also on sale, it’s $25 less than its main competitor!
With a slimmer look and a slightly reduced feedback system, the KD3 wheel and base are phenomenal for the price. With two pedals rather than three, those looking to skip the clutch and have a more realistic, but still casual racing experience will absolutely love this setup.
Whether you’re looking for a cheaper, higher-end setup or something cheaper than the old price of the Xbox Series S, look no further than the Turtle Beach Racing Wheel family. And while you’re at it, pick up Forza Horizon 6 too, you’ll thank me later!
What is the main difference between these two devices?
Turtle Beach - VelocityOne Race Wheel & Pedal System comes with a Control Unit and third pedal, alongside a stronger force feedback wheelbase. Meaning, you'll feel more of the car.
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
The second season of Netflix crime drama Dept Q begins production in Edinburgh, Scotland
Core cast set to return alongside nine new faces
No word yet on release date or the number of episodes
Netflix has confirmed that the second season of the hit crime drama Dept Q. is now in production, filming in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Our core cast is set to return, including:
Matthew Goode as DCI Carl Morck
Alexej Manvelov as Akram Salim
Jamie Sives as DS James Hardy
Leah Byrne as DC Rose Dickson
Mark Bonnar as Stephen Burns,
Kate Dickie as Moira Jacobson
Aaron McVeigh as Jasper
Sanjeev Kohli as Martin Flemming
Nine new cast members will also be seen in new episodes. While we don't know exactly what their roles will be, we do have names:
Aisling Franciosi as Kimmie
Greg Wise as Derek Powell
Nicholas Rowe as Thomas Fulton
Tony Curran as Winnie Calderwood
Hamish Clark as Christopher Herron
Alex Ferns as Phil Allenbeck
Ross Anderson as Ricky Daddario
Rebecca Root as June Lovesay
Isla Johnston as Agnes
Currently, there's no word on exactly when Dept Q. season 2 will be released, nor how many episodes will make up the series.
However, we do have a brief idea of what the plot will involve thanks to the synopsis below.
Dept Q. season 2 set to explore a brand-new case
As per Netflix, Dept Q. season 2 follows "DCI Carl Morck heading up the maverick Dept. Q from the basement of an Edinburgh police station, charged with cases previously deemed unsolvable.
"This darkly humorous, propulsive show delivers all the pleasures of a procedural but takes us into the complex mysteries not just of the cases but of the detectives themselves."
Unsurprisingly, this is all very vague at this point in development. However, Rob Bullock, Executive Producer, Left Bank Pictures, added in a statement,“This season, Carl and his band of misfits tackle a terrible crime hidden in the highest echelons of Scottish society. It is a story for our times: rich and powerful people who believe they are above the law."
Executive Manda Levin agreed, "The story of season 2 is as darkly delicious as you’d expect, and Carl and his glorious gang will have their work cut out pinning down the perpetrators as we launch back in for more!”
What we know for sure is that we will continue to see an adaptation of Jussi Adler-Olsen’s original novels — but how faithful the show will be remains to be seen.
Two years ago, Netflix dramatically let me down. As a massive anime fan, I tuned into the first season of their live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender remake and was horrifically disappointed within minutes. In fact, the most positive critique you could give it is that it was better than the live-action movies, which are widely considered to be garbage.
Why? The action was all there, but the heart of Aang's story wasn't. Spectacular VFX tried to cover up the hollow, mundane narrative underneath. In fact, to quote a fantastic jaw-dropping writer called Jasmine Valentine: "There’s little room to learn, with life-changing realizations made in a ridiculously short amount of time. If a tale can’t be paid its due diligence in a certain remit, should we even bother at all?"
In 2026, my excitement for Avatar: The Last Airbender season 2 is non-existent. I've approached its seven-episode run with complete trepidation, honestly wondering if there is anything better that I could be covering this week. However — while a long way from being a masterpiece — the hit Netflix show has clearly been listening.
Now that all of the exhausting worldbuilding is out of the way (for the most part), fans can finally focus on the character relationships that they want to invest in. There's a lot of tenderness and vulnerability on display, which is the most fulfilling part of our cast having grown up so much between seasons.
But there's still something obvious that's really bothering me... and it comes back to Netflix's "cookie-cutter" mold that none of its programs can escape.
Avatar: The Last Airbender season 2 has finally learned its lesson about the importance of heart
Read it and weep (for joy), kids — Avatar: The Last Airbender season 2 actually has heart. If we're being honest, nobody had to put any effort into achieving this, with the mere fact that the lore of the Four Nations is fully established meaning there's now room for bigger, better things.
A mature Aang (Gordon Cormier) now straddles his inner struggles of legacy and constant imposter syndrome even more effectively, with the likes of Katara (Kiawentiio), Sokka (Ian Ousley), and Suki (Maria Zhang) now all settled into their selves, wants and needs.
If anything, Zuko (Dallas Liu) is going through it the most. After deserting his family and retreating into hiding at the end of season 1, we've got a lot more sympathy with him this time around as he grapples with his supposed destiny of capturing Aang for the Fire Nation's glory. Unlike Lord Ozai (Daniel Dae Kim), he's no longer a villain, but a victim.
The standout character of season 2 is easily Toph (Miya Cech), who has finally been introduced after not appearing in season 2. Coming from a complicated family background that routinely dismisses her Earthbending, she comes into her own sassy self after teaming up with Aang to teach him the next element.
Collectively, the team is now firing on all cylinders, and it's nothing short of a joy to watch. Now we understand who they are and what the bigger picture looks like; intimacy, fun, and genuinely satisfying friendships are now flourishing. The jokes land, the serious moments stab you in the heart, and whimsy is flying around like Appa the sky bison.
Netflix makes season 2 look exactly like The Witcher — just with different lore
(Image credit: Netflix)
Everything else in Avatar: The Last Airbender season 2 feels like more of the same — and that's a huge problem when it comes to the visuals. Broadly speaking, the Four Nations are jaw-droppingly gorgeous, and the detail that the creative team has packed into the landscapes is nothing short of impressive.
The immediate VFX, such as the bending that our characters use, leave a lot to be desired. It's obviously not a usual thing for people to have fire and water shooting out of their hands, so we're suspending a great deal of belief anyway... but being in the moment doesn't help when seeing it happen looks so fake.
This lumps season 2 into the same visually poor category as The Witcher, which is another comparison I made during season 1's debut. Cover the faces of the actors, stick them in the woods for a combat scene, and you'd be hard-pressed to tell the shows apart. Netflix is determined to make all of its genre programs look exactly like one another, and I'm baffled as to why.
Then there's the ultimate ending, which we already know without including spoilers. Much like other long-running anime series like One Piece (with its Netflix adaptation also guilty of this), we've known about the final endgame from its first five minutes. Here, it's for Aang to learn his bending skills, become all-powerful, and defeat Lord Ozai and the Fire Nation.
With a third series already confirmed, this is being drawn out for as long as humanly possible. It was obvious that none of the above was going to be achieved by the time season 2 wrapped up, so we've made little substantial progress from when Aang's goal was first introduced.
For me, the constant theme of "Oh no! Danger is on the horizon, and the Fire Nation must be stopped" is going to wear thin quickly. I'd really like to see season 3 mix things up, but I'm guessing that it won't.
Did I enjoy seeing Aang and the gang in 2026 more than in 2024? Absolutely. Has it renewed my interest in seeing them again at the end of 2027 (season 3's assumed release window)? Far from it.
In the latest batch of seven episodes, the target is the hidden city of Ba Sing Se — and as of season 2 episode 6, it's been captured.
With Avatar Aang (Gordon Cormier) the only person who can save the day, the pressure is on to stop Fire Lord Ozai (Daniel Dae Kim) from doing any more damage.
Unluckily, Princess Azula (Elizabeth Yu) is taking her dad's wishes into her own hands. But can our favorite gang cope with her fiendish plans?
Here's everything you need to know about the Avatar: The Last Airbender season 2 ending... and what it might mean for the already confirmed season 3.
Appa, Sokka, Zuko and Katara are all captured by the Dai Li — which is now controlled by Azula
(Image credit: Netflix)
We kick off Avatar: The Last Airbender season 2 episode 8 with a flashback of baby Aang meeting Appa the sky bison for the first time. Aang feeds Appa an apple (trying to say that three times fast), and they embrace.
Cut to the present day, where Appa has been kidnapped by the Dai Li — Ba Sing Se's secret police force — which is now being controlled by Princess Azula. Trust me, you will cry seeing him in chains.
In a meeting with the city's Grand Secretariat, Long Feng (Chin Han), Azula kills all of Ba Sing Se's highest-ranking men in the force when they question why the Fire Nation wants to control the city. Long Feng, however, begrudgingly but fearfully complies with Azula's plan: to raise Ba Sing Se's drawbridge and let the Fire Nation troops roll in, taking out anything they want in the process.
Remember, this is all coming from Lord Ozai's orders, despite Azula being a more than willing vehicle for them. But Appa isn't the only Aang ally the Dai Li has captured on her orders, with Sokka (Ian Ousley) and Katara (Kiawentiio) also in separate cells.
Sokka reunites with inventor Sai (Danny Pudi) in his cell, with the inventor already being captured before his arrival. Together, they try to figure out how to use the prison's underground structure to break free.
Katara has been put in a cell with Zuko (Dallas Liu), who was caught by the Dai Li after "doing a good act." This marks the biggest pinnacle in Zuko's personal struggle between good and evil so far, and Azula has no idea that he's jailed.
Meanwhile, Toph (Miya Cech) returns home to her mother, complaining that Aang and co. "don't understand her" after their huge falling out in episode 6. While initially seeming on board with how great Toph's earthbending powers are, her mother poisons Toph's tea in order to try and control her urge to leave home forever.
Aang and Iroh plan an escape mission
(Image credit: Netflix )
So where is Aang in this? Right behind his pals, having already figured out where Appa is underground just by sensing him. When the Azula-controlled Dai Li parade through the center of Ba Sing Se, he's hidden by allies made in season 2, episode 1.
When he attempts to approach the Dai Li's underground jail, he's spotted by Iroh (Paul Sun-Hyung Lee) and is immediately suspicious. Iroh reveals that he's also on a mission to break Zuko out of jail, thinking that the pair should team up for maximum effect.
Iroh tells Aang about a secret door that Avatar Kyoshi once installed to lead into the underground caves, but it needs all four elements bent at once to be able to open it. Aang is missing his firebending powers at this stage, so he needs Iroh just as much as Iroh needs Aang.
Together, the pair locate and open the door, and set off on their rescue mission.
Zuko tries to bond with Katara
(Image credit: Netflix)
While Sokka and Sai try to be proactive, Katara learns who Zuko really is. Immediately, she goes on the defensive, telling him how all of her family — and the entire Waterbending tribe — were wiped out thanks to the hostile Fire Nation invasion.
Zuko definitely feels empathy for Katara, but still has a chip on his shoulder. He tells her that the Fire Nation also stripped him of his family, with his mother dying at the hands of Lord Ozai.
The more the two talk, the more they realize that they have a lot in common. It's the closest we've even seen Zuko come to his "good" side, and it seems as though he's finally going to stay that way for good.
Looking at the burn mark around his left eye, Katara offers to try and heal Zuko using the waterbending potion in the locket around her neck. Just as she's about to apply it, Aang and Iroh storm in, having found and released Sokka and Sai first.
Aang goes to fight Zuko, but Iroh stops him, claiming that he's seen huge changes for the better in his nephew. Not quite believing that Zuko has defected from the Fire Nation, the gang sets off in search of the exit.
Aang's escape plan is thwarted
(Image credit: Netflix)
With the Dai Li everywhere, the gang splits up. Aang goes to find Appa after Long Feng brings him up to speed with Azula's plans, earthbending a hole through the ceiling so that Appa can fly to safety.
But as he tries to rejoin the others, he passes another prisoner who was originally being psychologically tortured by a Dai Li officer earlier on. Aang offers to bring her with them, but instead of accepting his offer, she shouts that "the Avatar is here," alerting the guards.
From there, it's fighting on all fronts. In pairs, the group makes light work of the Dai Li roaming the hallways, especially when Toph joins suits, revealing that she has invented "metalbending."
In fact, metalbending is how she ended up there in the first place. When she wakes up after her poisoning, Toph awakes in a metal box riding inside her mother's horse and carriage. Coming to the conclusion that Aang really does understand her, where her family doesn't, she bends the box and flies out of the carriage, making her way to safety.
An all-out battle with Azula changes Zuko's allegiance
(Image credit: Netflix)
With the fight raging on, Azula soon joins the mix, learning that her brother is among the escapees. Honing her focus on him, she tries to convince him, once again, to rejoin her side.
At first, Zuko remains hesitant, more confident in his newfound ability to do good things. But when Azula brings up the death of their mother, he changes his mind.
Where Zuko has always held a grudge against Azula for how she acted when their mother died, Azula reveals that she was only acting on her mother's orders. Their mom wanted the siblings to stay together through the trauma, breaking an emotional trigger point inside Zuko when he hears this.
By the time the rest of the gang reach a large clearing in the underground caves, Azula and Zuko emerge to fight them all as a team. This shocks Katara, who had genuinely believed that Zuko was coming around to being on their side.
After a lot of intense bending and fighting, it looks as though Azula has Aang right where she wants him — after all, the entire point of kidnapping his friends was to lure Aang to Ba Sing Se.
But in his hour of need, Aang taps into what can best be described as an "Avatar portal," seeing physical forms of all the Avatars that came before him in his mind's eye. More clearly, it's what causes Aang's eyes and head arrow to turn a shining blue, as he's essentially channelling their collective power through his body.
Aang is left unconscious
(Image credit: Netflix)
At this point, we see Aang's best bending to date, turning the tables on Azula and leaving her (and the Dai Li guards who join her) powerless.
But just as he's about to deliver the final blow, Aang loses his inner vision, effectively shutting his power off. He collapses to the floor, but Katara, Sokka and Toph are able to get him to safety thanks to Appa having waited outside.
With Ba Sing Se still under Azula's control, our final scene shows the gang flying away on Appa's back. Kata uses the potion she initially offered to Zuko on Aang, aiming to heal him and bring him back to full health.
However, nothing happens after she gives it to him, with the final shot showing Aang completely unconscious and unresponsive.
Season 3 predictions
(Image credit: Netflix)
Obviously, finding out if Aang has actually survived the battle is a top priority for season 3. But the mere fact that season 3 has already been greenlit basically confirms that we'll be seeing Aang again anyway.
In a nutshell, we can expect to see Aang learning to firebend, infiltrating the Fire Nation, and preparing for his climactic showdown with Fire Lord Ozai before Sozin's Comet arrives. Not too much, then.
We also know that Zuko will eventually team up with Aang and the gang to make this happen, so we can expect to see some more emotional upheaval from him.
We're hoping to see season 3 episodes next summer.
Michelle Bond has lost her bid to dismiss criminal charges, with a federal judge setting her trial to begin on Nov. 9 after rejecting arguments tied to her husband Ryan Salame’s plea agreement. According to an order from Judge George…
So now we know that GTA 6 will cost £69.99 for the Standard Edition, and £89.99 for the Ultimate Edition — we're in a brave new world of video game prices here, folks.
We're updating this page as different retailers start showing their pre-order pages — here's a quick list of search page links for now, but we'll put solid links in as they appear.
One of this week's bigger stories in the world of Xbox was the platform's new CEO Asha Sharma stating that "gaming is unaffordable in many cases" in a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly.
We were curious to hear how you, our readers, feel on the matter, and so when we reported on Sharma's statement, we included a poll about it in our article in which many of you voted to voice your opinion. It remains ongoing, and I'll embed it below, but even now, the way our community feels has been made clear by the votes we've tallied up thus far.
At the time of writing, of the 228 of you that have participated in the poll, a whopping 151 gamers — 66% — believe that the cost of gaming is getting out of control. 28% of you, a count of 63, think it's a growing problem but that affordable options still exist, while the remaining minority think gaming isn't unreasonably expensive.
It's clear that the vast majority of you feel that gaming has become partially or completely unaffordable, and honestly? I'm not surprised.
In fact, I'm right there with you; between the ongoing RAM and storage crisis brought on by the tech industry going all in on AI and rising development costs leading to higher game prices (GTA 6 is $80, by the way), the cost of both new games and the hardware to play them on is becoming untenable.
Xbox's new CEO Asha Sharma is correct in saying that gaming has become unaffordable for many, though ironically, Microsoft has driven much of the AI push that's led to hardware shortages affecting the game industry. (Image credit: Microsoft)
Sharma made a good point that memory shortages aren't the only culprit, and that "the attention economy and competing subscriptions" in other entertainment mediums like film and TV have made it harder for many to afford games and gaming devices too.
With that said, though, it's undeniable that the AI-driven hardware crisis is largelyresponsible for what we're seeing, which is why Sharma considers navigating it Xbox's next big "challenge and opportunity." In your responses to Sharma's comments over on our subreddit, though, many of you have rightfully pointed out that Microsoft itself has massively contributed to this problem with its own push for AI.
"Wonder who's fault that is? 🤔," wrote one reader, reacting to Sharma's statement about the price of gaming in 2026. "Well, of course gaming is becoming unaffordable at the moment. No s***, Sherlock. The call is coming from inside the house," said another.
"'Gaming is becoming unaffordable' says CEO of a company making gaming unaffordable," added another, hammering home the point as another of you did: "Yeah. Maybe she should talk to her boss about that."
Like many of you, I too believe that Microsoft has effectively stepped on a rake as it continues to invest in AI through initiatives like its partnership with OpenAI, sabotaging the game and tech industry alongside other big-name AI developers even as its AI products fail to move the needle and AI in general still lacks a clear road to any kind of stable profitability.
Put simply, gaming has become unaffordable — and quite a bit of the blame for that frustrating truth lies on Microsoft's shoulders.
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
Now, in the latest Xbox update — available now for Xbox Insiders in the Alpha Skip-Ahead ring of the Xbox Insider Program, and hopefully soon to all — Microsoft has further elevated the Xbox user experience with a few major feature enhancements and additions.
The first and arguably most exciting part of the update is a change for Xbox gamertags that expands their character limit from 12 to 15. Provided you create a gamertag that's both unique and doesn't contain non-Latin characters, you can take advantage of this. Non-unique gamertags will still have a 12-character limit, and will be assigned a random numerical suffix.
"This update applies to gamertags that are unique and available, giving you more room to create a gamertag that feels like you," reads Microsoft's blog post.
Xbox 360 games playable through the Xbox Backwards Compatibility feature have also been updated so that they have game hubs within their game cards in the Xbox UI. These allow you to "quickly view achievement progress, captures, and other useful information," and give these titles parity with Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S games in the Xbox Dashboard.
Xbox 360 games now have game hubs within their game cards thanks to this update, giving them parity with Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S titles in the Xbox UI. (Image credit: Xbox Game Studios)
Another big addition for Xbox Game Pass subscribers specifically is the ability to play a game through Xbox Cloud Gaming while you're updating it. This allows you to circumvent the time you'd normally have to spend waiting for an update to finish entirely, and jump right in while one downloads in the background. Do note that this feature will only work with games that support play through streaming.
Finally, you now also have the ability to add games to your wishlist directly from game cards, making it quick and easy to bookmark a title you're interested in when you come across it on the Xbox Dashboard. This works with "both released and upcoming games," notably.
All in all, I think these are some excellent improvements to the Xbox platform, and continue the streak of speedy updates that have come after Xbox's new CEO Asha Sharma stepped into the position earlier this year.
They also come about a month and a half after Sharma vowed to deliver new Xbox updates every two weeks, admitting that "We have to sweat every single detail" and announcing that one of her core goals this year would be to "fix the fundamentals on console and PC."
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe: key information
- Releases on HBO Max from July 23 on a weekly basis, consists of 10 episodes - First full trailer has been released - Kevin Sussman, Brian Posehn, Lauren Lapkus and John Ross Bowie are all set to reprise their roles from The Big Bang Theory - Follows Stuart starting a 'multiverse Armageddon' after breaking a device built by Sheldon and Leonard
Created by Chuck Lorre, Zak Penn, and Bill Prady, Kevin Sussman reprises the role of Stuart, the awkward and angsty comic book shop owner who often plays host to many classic TBBT scenes, not to mention its ever-spiralling scientific lore.
While the main season ran until 2019, Young Sheldonand Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage have taken over the reins when it comes to keeping the 'Sheldonverse' alive. Seven years later, and we're returning to the original story — only it's nothing like it, really.
In all honesty, it looks like a hilarious spoof of The Walking Dead with a comic book twist. But what do we actually know about the new HBO Max show?
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe release date
(Image credit: HBO Max)
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe consists of 10 episodes, which will debut on HBO on July 23 at 9pm ET.
It will also be available to stream on HBO Max. New episodes will debut on subsequent Thursdays.
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe trailer
The full trailer was released on June 23, which you can watch above. There's a bunch of direct references to classic movies, from Mad Max to Alien.
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe cast
(Image credit: HBO Max)
We're expecting the following main cast members to appear in Stuart Fails to Save the Universe:
Kevin Sussman as Stuart Bloom / Alternate Stuart Bloom
Brian Posehn as Bert Kibbler
Lauren Lapkus as Denise
John Ross Bowie as Barry Kripke / Supreme Ruler Barry Kripke
Ryan Cartwright as Kyle
Josh Brener as Trevor
Tommy Walker as Gary
However, according to the synopsis (which you can read in full below), we can also expect to see some cameo appearances of alternate TBBT characters.
Annoyingly, we don't know exactly who yet. This will likely be kept under wraps until episodes air, so keep your eyes peeled.
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe plot
(Image credit: HBO Max)
Here's the official synopsis: "Comic book store owner Stuart Bloom is tasked with restoring reality after he breaks a device built by Sheldon (Jim Parsons) and Leonard (Johnny Galecki), accidentally bringing about a multiverse Armageddon.
"Stuart is aided in this quest by his girlfriend Denise, geologist friend Bert, and quantum physicist/all-around pain in the ass Barry Kripke. Along the way, they meet alternate-universe versions of characters we’ve come to know and love from The Big Bang Theory. As the title implies, things don’t go well."
See what I mean about those potential cameos? A lot of TBBT lore is set to be featured here, and fan theories are already spreading across the internet like wildfire.
None of these is confirmed, however, so don't believe everything you read.
The Big Bang Theory timeline — will it cross over?
(Image credit: CBS)
Out of the four shows that currently make up the Sheldonverse, this is the correct chronological order for them (according to time, not when they were released):
Young Sheldon
Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage
The Big Bang Theory
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe
There's currently no confirmation that Stuart Fails to Save the Universe and The Big Bang Theory will directly cross over, outside of the tipped cameos.
However, as a show with alternate realities, it is logically feasible that some of these realities just happen to be the set of TBBT, or Sheldon's childhood home in Medford, Texas. Even more so for the latter, as the set is currently being used to film Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage season 3.
We'll have to wait until the show starts airing to see if any of this is true.
With GTA 6 pre-orders going live at midnight tonight, the pressure is on to ensure your hardware is up to the task, especially since the title is exclusive to current-gen consoles. If you haven't upgraded yet, Amazon Prime week Day is the perfect time to secure an Xbox Series X.
I'm not going to pretend that the current deal sets the gaming world alight, but it does bring us closer to an actually reasonable price for Xbox's flagship console. This is currently the only active deal for the Series X. You can pick it up for $573 at Walmart (not AMAZON), saving you $76.99 just in time for the GTA 6 launch.
A rare price drop since the initial increases on September 19, 2025, the standard Series X is edging closer to being a bargain again. This edition includes a disc drive, too.
The Xbox Series X 1TB will be the best place to play GTA 6
(Image credit: Windows Central | Jez Corden)
The Xbox Series X remains the gold standard for Xbox gaming, and will be the best place to experience GTA 6 (if you don't want to fork out PS5 Pro prices, that is). With a custom 8-core Zen 2 CPU and 12 teraflops of RDNA 2 GPU power, it is built to handle the heavy lifting that Rockstar’s latest beast of a game will demand.
This deal is mostly for those who have been waiting for the right moment to retire an aging Xbox One X or Series S. This console generation has been a rocky one, with prices being hiked upward rather than dropping as the hardware ages, so we always knew steep discounts were off the table. However, if you are looking to upgrade without heading to the second-hand market, this is the most sensible way to do it.
Is Xbox Series X better than Xbox Series S?
With the Xbox Series X|S consoles, Microsoft offers options to suit different budgets. Both the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S play the same games, but the Xbox Series X delivers superior graphics processing power. This means it can handle higher resolutions, enhanced visual effects, and occasionally higher framerates — up to 120 FPS in some games.
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
The BYD Atto 2 ranks #3 for its first Top 10 finish in Montenegro.
Based on data shared with us by our local partner CE Auto, the Montenegrin new car market stands at 398 sales in May, a painful -17.1% year-on-year loss. This means the year-to-date tally tilts into negative territory at -0.6% to 1,859. This month the Renault Captur (+20%) cements its YTD lead with 7.5% share. It is follows by the VW Golf (+47.4%) now #4 so far this year. The BYD Atto 2 storms into the Top 10 for the first time, landing directly in third place. The Audi A6 (#5), Isuzu D-Max (#7) and VW Tayron (#10) also point their bonnet inside the Top 10.
Changan holds 4.9% of the Panamanian market in May.
4,972 new light vehicles found a buyer in Panama in May, a solid 7.4% year-on-year improvement. The year-to-date tally is up an even better +12.7% to 26,689. Toyota (-10.5%) stays ahead in the brands charts despite a painful YoY drop. Kia (+41.7%) overtakes sister brand Hyundai (-1.3%) for 2nd place while Changan (+125.7%) surges to #4, the brands’s first incursion inside the Panamanian Top 5. Suzuki (+13.5%) and Geely (-3.8%) follow. Below, Jaecoo (+288.9%), Soueast (+214.3%), Volkswagen (+171.4%), Dongfeng (+61.8%) and Jetour (+25.4%) stand out.
Model-wise, the Hyundai Grand i10 (+43.9%) scores a 4th straight win, but once again this is not enough to dislodge the Toyota Hilux (-15.5%) from the YTD top spot as the latter had scored a phenomenal January result (12.4% share). The Kia Soluto (+113.3%) more than doubles its year-ago volume to stay at #2, with the Toyota Yaris Cross (+28.6%) and Isuzu D-Max (+29%) rounding out the Top 5. Illustrating its record performance, Changan places the CS35 Plus at #6 and the Alsvin V3 at #10.
OKX and Intercontinental Exchange have appointed Andrew Cuomo to co-chair a tokenization venture that would give users access to ICE futures and NYSE-linked digital equities. According to a joint June 22 announcement released by OKX and Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), the…
South Korea has expanded plans for its financial regulatory sandbox to include digital asset related laws, opening the door for a wider range of blockchain and fintech services to seek regulatory exemptions. According to local media, South Korea’s Financial Services…
The Philippine SEC has reinforced its support for real-world asset tokenization as four companies, including a tokenized real estate project, advance through its regulatory sandbox. Speaking at Philippine Blockchain Week 2026, SEC Commissioner Rogelio Quevedo said the regulator is now…
Illinois has approved a new 0.2% tax on crypto transactions that state officials estimate could generate up to $60 million annually, prompting public criticism from Strategy co-founder Michael Saylor and several industry groups. In a June 17 X post, Saylor…
Japan's lower house moved to reclassify crypto and cut tax from 55% to 20%. What it actually did, what it did not, and why the change matters beyond Japan.
More than 80% of crypto exchanges currently operating in Europe could disappear after the EU’s July 1 MiCA transition deadline, according to OKX Europe, which has launched an incentive program offering up to 8% bonuses to attract customers from firms…
Barcelona will double the tourist tax charged to cruise passengers in a move aimed at reducing congestion in one of Europe’s busiest destinations. City officials said the daily levy for cruise travellers will rise from […]
Spain Joins Ireland, and Switzerland as Dominant Best-Value Travel Destinations Outperforming High-Tax Hubs Like France and the Netherlands Acording to...
Login
