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Apple TV: Streaming Service or Content Store? | AppleInsider

by Sophie Lin - Technology Editor
written by Sophie Lin - Technology Editor

Apple’s tvOS 26.4 update has removed the dedicated iTunes Movies and TV Shows apps, prompting discussion among users about the company’s evolving strategy for its video offerings. The change consolidates movie and TV show purchases within the broader Apple TV app, but leaves some users questioning the accessibility of their existing iTunes libraries. This move underscores a broader shift in how Apple delivers content, increasingly prioritizing its Apple TV+ streaming service and digital storefront over legacy platforms.

The removal of the standalone iTunes apps isn’t a complete disappearance of purchased content. Users can still access movies and TV shows bought through iTunes within the Apple TV app, which now serves as the central hub for all of Apple’s video services. However, the change has sparked concerns about discoverability and a less streamlined experience for those accustomed to the separate iTunes apps. The debate centers on whether Apple is intentionally guiding users towards subscriptions, like Apple TV+, while potentially diminishing the value of digital purchases.

What’s Changing with Apple TV and iTunes?

With tvOS 26.4, the iTunes Movies and iTunes TV Shows apps are no longer available for download or use on Apple TV devices. Previously, these apps provided a dedicated space to browse and play content purchased or rented through the iTunes Store. Now, all purchased content is integrated into the Apple TV app alongside Apple TV+ originals and other streaming channels. This change mirrors a similar transition that occurred on macOS, where the iTunes app was replaced by separate Music, TV, and Podcasts apps in macOS Catalina (2019).

The Apple TV app itself offers access to a variety of content, including Apple TV+ shows like “Ted Lasso,” “Shrinking,” and “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,” as well as the ability to rent or purchase movies and TV shows. Users can also subscribe to other streaming services directly through the Apple TV app, such as Paramount+ or Showtime. Notably, Amazon Prime Video subscribers can now also add an Apple TV+ subscription directly through Prime Video for $9.99/month, as reported by Tom’s Guide.

The Broader Context: Apple’s Streaming Ecosystem

This move is part of a larger trend within Apple to unify its services and promote its Apple TV+ streaming platform. Apple TV+ currently costs $12.99/month, but offers a 7-day free trial. Apple’s TV website also highlights bundling options with Peacock, starting at $14.99/month. The company is heavily investing in original content to compete with established streaming giants like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video.

The integration of iTunes purchases into the Apple TV app also aligns with Apple’s strategy of creating a more seamless user experience across its devices. By centralizing all video content in one place, Apple aims to simplify navigation and encourage users to explore its entire ecosystem. However, this approach has also raised concerns about vendor lock-in and the potential for Apple to prioritize its own services over those of third-party providers.

User Reactions and Concerns

The change has generated mixed reactions from Apple TV users. Some appreciate the streamlined interface and the convenience of having all their content in one app. Others express frustration with the loss of dedicated iTunes apps and worry about the discoverability of their purchased content. The core of the discussion revolves around whether Apple is prioritizing its streaming service at the expense of users who prefer to own digital copies of movies and TV shows.

The debate also touches on the broader shift in the entertainment industry towards subscription-based models. As more consumers embrace streaming services, the value of owning digital content is diminishing. Apple’s move reflects this trend, signaling a potential future where digital ownership is less emphasized and subscriptions become the dominant form of content consumption.

What remains to be seen is how Apple will continue to evolve its video strategy and address the concerns of its users. The company’s next moves will likely shape the future of digital content ownership and the role of streaming services in the entertainment landscape.

Share your thoughts on the changes to the Apple TV app in the comments below. What are your experiences with accessing your iTunes purchases?

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Technology

Labo VR & Virtual Boy on Switch: Questions Answered – Nintendo Life

by Sophie Lin - Technology Editor
written by Sophie Lin - Technology Editor

Nintendo’s recent release of Virtual Boy games on Nintendo Switch Online has sparked a wave of nostalgia – and a practical question for those still holding onto older accessories. While Nintendo now offers dedicated Virtual Boy peripherals for an authentic experience, many are wondering if they can dust off their Nintendo Labo VR goggles and jump into these retro titles. The answer, surprisingly, is yes… with caveats.

Despite Nintendo initially suggesting incompatibility, the Labo VR goggles do work with the Virtual Boy library on the original Switch and Switch OLED models. However, the larger form factor of the Switch 2 presents a challenge, requiring significant modification to fit the cardboard headset. This unexpected functionality comes after Nintendo walked back an earlier statement regarding official support, likely due to the Labo VR’s limited availability and lack of necessary disclaimers, according to Nintendo Life.

Playing Virtual Boy Games with Labo VR: What to Expect

If you’re fortunate enough to still have a Labo VR kit, you can experience the Virtual Boy games, albeit with a less-than-ideal setup. Holding the Switch to your face for extended periods isn’t the most comfortable experience, especially considering the monochrome visuals. However, for shorter play sessions, it’s a viable option. There’s even room for creativity – some players are exploring ways to improve comfort by detaching the Joy-Cons and utilizing cushions for support.

Those hoping to use the Labo VR with the newer Switch 2 will face a hurdle. The console’s larger size necessitates modifications to the cardboard goggles, a task Nintendo doesn’t officially endorse. While technically possible with some ingenuity, it’s a suboptimal solution best suited for those willing to tinker.

Official Peripherals and Display Options

Nintendo is offering two official Virtual Boy accessories: a plastic headset for $99.99 and a cardboard alternative for $24.99, as reported by PCMag. However, playing the Virtual Boy games docked to a TV is not an option; the Switch requires handheld mode to function.

For those without any peripherals, attempting to view the 3D images directly on the Switch screen is possible, though not recommended. Even on the Switch 2, with the ability to increase the image size to 1.3x, the images remain incredibly small – approximately 1.1 x 1.8 inches. Trying to achieve the 3D effect by crossing your eyes is also discouraged, as it reverses the intended image for each eye and is generally uncomfortable.

Adjusting the 3D Experience and Available Games

Fortunately, Nintendo provides some in-game adjustments to enhance the 3D experience. Players can adjust the interpupillary distance (IPD) from -20 to +20 to fine-tune the image separation. Image size can also be adjusted, though reducing it below 1.0x on the original Switch degrades resolution. Later this year, Nintendo plans to add the ability to change the hue of the rendered visuals, allowing players to switch from the default red to other colors.

Currently, seven Virtual Boy games are available as part of the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack: 3-D Tetris, Galactic Pinball, GOLF, The Mansion of Innsmouth, Red Alarm, Teleroboxer, and Virtual Boy Wario Land. More titles, including Mario Clash and Mario’s Tennis, are slated for release later in the year.

Early impressions suggest that Wario Land is a standout title in the launch lineup, but Nintendo Life will be publishing a full review and comparison with the official Virtual Boy accessories soon.

The unexpected compatibility of the Labo VR goggles offers a budget-friendly way to experience these classic games, though it’s far from a perfect solution. As Nintendo continues to expand the Virtual Boy library on Switch Online, it will be interesting to see how players adapt and whether the official peripherals prove to be a worthwhile investment.

What are your thoughts on the Virtual Boy games on Switch? Have you tried playing with the Labo VR goggles or the official accessories? Share your experiences in the comments below!

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Technology

Hunt the Night: Retro RPG with Secret of Mana Composer Launches Feb 26 on Consoles

by Sophie Lin - Technology Editor
written by Sophie Lin - Technology Editor

Fans of retro-inspired action RPGs have a reason to celebrate: Hunt the Night, a title blending fast-paced combat with a dark fantasy narrative, is set to launch on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S on February 26, 2026. The digital release will be priced at $19.99, according to publisher DANGEN Entertainment and developer Moonlight Games. Adding to the excitement, physical editions for the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5, distributed by Selecta Play, are slated for release later in 2026 and are currently available for pre-order.

Originally released for PC via Steam and GOG in April 2023, Hunt the Night has undergone quality-of-life improvements ahead of its console debut, with these updates also rolling out to the PC version. The game casts players as Vesper, a member of the Stalkers, tasked with saving humanity from a recurring cycle of annihilation in the ruined world of Medhram. The story centers around a desperate struggle against the Night, a force that has repeatedly decimated humankind.

Hunt the Night distinguishes itself with its emphasis on skillful, dynamic combat. Players can seamlessly switch between melee and ranged attacks, utilizing combos and dodges to navigate challenging encounters. The game features multi-stage boss battles requiring players to exploit enemy weaknesses and adapt to escalating challenges. Character customization is also a key element, allowing players to upgrade Vesper’s weaponry and enhance attributes like critical damage and lifesteal.

Exploration is a core component of the Hunt the Night experience. Players will traverse a mysterious world filled with ancient cathedrals, ruined libraries, lost kingdoms, and floating cities, encountering traps, enemies, puzzles, and trials along the way. The game also features a “Crow’s Nest” system where players can accept hunting contracts to track down and defeat powerful creatures of the Night, earning rewards that increase health and energy limits.

Soundtrack Features Music by Hiroki Kikuta

A particularly noteworthy aspect of Hunt the Night is its soundtrack, composed in part by Hiroki Kikuta, renowned for his work on the classic Super Nintendo RPG Secret of Mana. Kikuta’s contribution promises to enhance the immersive atmosphere of the game, complementing its dark fantasy setting and intensifying moments of tension, discovery, and combat. The adaptive music is designed to react to the player’s actions and the environment, creating a more dynamic and engaging experience.

What to Expect in Hunt the Night

Hunt the Night offers a retro aesthetic combined with modern gameplay mechanics. Players will embody Vesper, a Stalker burdened by fate and shadow, as she journeys across the decaying land of Medhram. The game’s narrative explores themes of sacrifice, destiny, and the struggle for survival against overwhelming odds. The world is described as being trapped in a cycle where humans rule the day, and monstrous creatures dominate the night, a pattern that has led to humanity’s repeated destruction.

The game’s developers emphasize the importance of building a playstyle that suits individual preferences and specific boss encounters. Players can collect stones and items to boost stats and prepare for battle. The immersive soundtrack, coupled with the challenging gameplay and compelling story, aims to deliver a memorable experience for fans of the action RPG genre.

As the February 26th release date approaches, anticipation is building for Hunt the Night. The combination of retro visuals, engaging combat, and a captivating narrative, underscored by a soundtrack from a celebrated composer, positions the game as a promising addition to the console RPG landscape.

What are your thoughts on Hunt the Night? Share your excitement in the comments below, and be sure to spread the word to fellow RPG enthusiasts!

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Technology

Apple Watch Health Features: AI & Long-Term Tracking

by Sophie Lin - Technology Editor
written by Sophie Lin - Technology Editor

Apple Watch is increasingly becoming a proactive health tool, extending beyond simple fitness tracking to provide insights into potential health concerns. The latest example of this evolution is the device’s ability to provide notifications related to hypertension, or high blood pressure. This feature isn’t based on a single reading, but rather a sophisticated analysis of subtle physiological signals using machine learning, marking a significant step forward in preventative healthcare technology.

The development of these hypertension notifications highlights Apple’s growing investment in using wearable technology for early detection of health issues. Rather than relying on traditional blood pressure measurements, Apple’s approach focuses on identifying patterns in the data collected by the Apple Watch sensors. This allows for a more nuanced and continuous monitoring of cardiovascular health, potentially alerting users to changes that might warrant a visit to a doctor. The core of this capability lies in the application of advanced machine learning techniques to vast datasets.

Decoding Subtle Signals with Machine Learning

According to Waydo, a key figure in the development of these features, machine learning is “a key enabling technology” because the indicators of hypertension are often “extremely subtle.” The Apple Watch doesn’t directly measure blood pressure; instead, it analyzes the shape of the signals received from its sensors. These signals reveal information about how blood vessels respond with each heartbeat. By applying machine learning to “millions of data segments,” Apple can identify correlations between these subtle signals and elevated blood pressure.

This approach isn’t new for Apple. Waydo, who has been with the company for 13 years, explains that similar machine learning tools power a range of other Apple Watch features. These include activity tracking, sleep stage estimation, fall detection and emergency services connectivity. The consistent thread is the ability to extract meaningful insights from complex data streams. The company’s expertise in this area allows them to identify patterns that would be impossible for a human to detect manually.

The Importance of Longitudinal Data

A crucial element of Apple’s strategy is the emphasis on analyzing data over time. The system doesn’t issue a notification based on a single data point. Instead, it looks for evolving trends and patterns. This longitudinal approach is vital for accuracy and minimizing false alarms. By considering how a person’s data changes over a longer period, Apple can provide more reliable and personalized health insights. This is a departure from traditional, point-in-time measurements and reflects a growing trend towards continuous health monitoring.

The ability to analyze long-term data trends is a common thread across many of Apple’s health features. Whether it’s tracking activity levels, monitoring sleep patterns, or detecting falls, the Apple Watch is designed to learn from a user’s individual data and provide tailored feedback. This personalized approach is a key differentiator for Apple in the competitive wearable technology market.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Wearable Health Monitoring

Apple’s work on hypertension notifications represents a significant advancement in the field of wearable health technology. By leveraging the power of machine learning and focusing on longitudinal data analysis, the company is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with preventative healthcare. As the technology continues to evolve, One can expect to spot even more sophisticated health monitoring features integrated into the Apple Watch and other wearable devices. The focus will likely remain on early detection, personalized insights, and empowering users to capture proactive control of their health.

What other health conditions could benefit from this type of subtle signal analysis? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with anyone interested in the future of wearable health technology.

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