Technology

Netflix has acquired Estonian startup Ready Player Me, known for its ‘cross-game avatar tech’ that allows players to use their digital personas across different games. The acquisition is part of Netflix’s new games strategy, emphasizing approachable multiplayer titles and adaptations of its streaming service’s IP. Ready Player Me’s team of around 20 employees will join Netflix, with the founder Timmu Tõke continuing post-acquisition. The avatar tech integration timeline and supported games have not been disclosed yet.

Hackers have stolen millions of PornHub users’ data for extortion, highlighting the importance of safeguarding personal information online. In addition, Cisco has disclosed a zero-day vulnerability with no available patch, while Venezuela accuses the US of a cyberattack. Stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect your digital privacy and security.

Experts predict significant challenges for the AI industry in 2026, including the possibility of major layoffs and the spread of propaganda to disrupt data-center building initiatives. Additionally, the future of AI agents raises concerns about their direction and impact on society.

The Verge’s art team highlights the most impactful projects of 2025, including the intersections of technology with DOGE, Vietnam War narratives, online privacy for trans individuals, surveillance networks targeting Iranian dissidents, and more. Explore how these projects reflect the evolving tech landscape and its implications on culture and society.

OpenAI has launched an app directory within ChatGPT, allowing users to access apps for tasks like ordering groceries, creating slides, and searching for apartments. Developers can submit apps for review and publication, with resources provided to build such apps. The move aligns with OpenAI’s goal of enhancing ChatGPT’s versatility and creating a thriving ecosystem for developers.

Netflix has acquired Estonian startup Ready Player Me, known for its ‘cross-game avatar tech’ allowing players to carry their digital personas across different games. The acquisition is part of Netflix’s new games strategy, emphasizing approachable multiplayer titles and adaptations of its IP. Ready Player Me’s team will join Netflix, with the startup’s AI-driven avatar system potentially being integrated into Netflix’s games in the future.

The year 2025 saw a significant surge in the adoption of AI technology, smart glasses, and notable adjustments by Big Tech companies. From the rise of innovative gadgets to the reshaping of social media policies, the tech landscape witnessed pivotal changes that are shaping the industry’s future trajectory.

Riot Games is gearing up for a significant overhaul of League of Legends in 2027, with plans for a new around-game client, visual improvements to Summoner’s Rift, changes to Runes, and an overall enhancement to the player experience. This update aims to attract new players and improve the overall gaming experience for existing ones, offering a fresh and revamped gameplay environment.

A recent cyberattack saw hackers stealing millions of user data from PornHub in an attempt to extort money, while Cisco reveals a zero-day vulnerability with no available patch. The incident highlights the ongoing threat of cybercrime and the importance of cybersecurity measures in today’s digital landscape.

President Trump signed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 with measures supporting the development of next-generation nuclear power plants. This move is expected to provide a new energy source for data centers requiring more electricity for AI applications, highlighting the practical impact on the tech industry.