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Technology

Layers of Fear 3 Announced: Release Date & Trailer Details

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

Bloober Team, the Polish studio currently revitalizing the survival horror classic Silent Hill 2, has unveiled its next psychological horror project: Layers of Fear 3. The announcement came during a livestream celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Layers of Fear franchise, where CEO Piotr Babieno thanked fans for their continued support.

Layers of Fear 3 builds upon a series already known for its unsettling exploration of the human psyche. The original Layers of Fear debuted in 2016, followed by Layers of Fear 2 in 2019. Bloober Team also released a remake of the first title in 2023, further solidifying the franchise’s presence in the horror genre. The studio’s recent success with Silent Hill 2 for Konami has positioned it as a key player in the resurgence of psychological horror.

Details surrounding Layers of Fear 3 remain scarce. A launch window or confirmed platforms have not yet been announced. However, Bloober Team released a cryptic live-action teaser that offers a glimpse into the game’s atmosphere. The teaser features a man reciting William Blake’s poem, “The Sick Rose,” amidst a grand, yet decaying, room.

The teaser’s imagery is particularly striking. Viewers see paintings of a woman – presumably the “sick rose” referenced in the poem – and a disturbing depiction of a humanoid figure with a sewn-shut mouth. A ghostly apparition drifts past the artwork before the woman’s painting falls to the ground. The man in the teaser dismisses the event as the work of his “little friend,” a spectral companion who is still learning the nuances of the afterlife. The teaser concludes with a Valentine’s Day warning and a falling sand timer, accompanied by the tagline: “Some Things Never Leave The Walls. They Only Learn To Wait.”

A Return to Psychological Horror

The Layers of Fear series is characterized by its exploration of psychological torment and unreliable narratives. Players navigate environments that shift and distort, confronting the inner demons of tormented artists. The original games focused on a painter driven to madness and a filmmaker haunted by his past, respectively. The success of the franchise has cemented Bloober Team’s reputation for crafting immersive and disturbing horror experiences.

Bloober Team’s portfolio extends beyond the Layers of Fear series. The studio is also known for titles like Observer (2017), Blair Witch (2019), and The Medium (2021). In addition to the Silent Hill 2 remake, Bloober Team’s subsidiary, Broken Mirror Games, is currently developing a Switch exclusive codenamed Project M, indicating a continued commitment to diverse gaming platforms. The studio released a statement detailing their ongoing projects and commitment to the horror genre.

The studio’s recent projects, including Cronos: The New Dawn and The Medium, have demonstrated their ability to deliver compelling narratives and atmospheric horror. The positive reception to the Silent Hill 2 remake has further elevated Bloober Team’s profile within the gaming industry, setting high expectations for their future releases.

What’s Next for Bloober Team?

Whereas details about Layers of Fear 3 are currently limited, the teaser suggests a continuation of the series’ focus on psychological horror and unsettling imagery. The utilize of William Blake’s poetry hints at themes of decay, hidden darkness, and the fragility of the human psyche.

Bloober Team remains focused on the Silent Hill 2 remake alongside the development of Layers of Fear 3 and the mysterious Project M. The studio’s continued success hinges on its ability to deliver high-quality horror experiences that resonate with players. The announcement of Layers of Fear 3 signals a continued commitment to the franchise that established Bloober Team as a leading force in the psychological horror genre.

What are your thoughts on the Layers of Fear 3 announcement? Share your theories and expectations in the comments below!

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Technology

Lords of the Fallen 2: CI Games Differentiates From Souls-likes, Encourages Build Variety

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

The development of soulslike games is a delicate balancing act, according to CI Games, the studio behind the upcoming Lords of the Fallen 2. Even minor inspiration drawn from the genre-defining works of FromSoftware can quickly invite accusations of plagiarism. Following a challenging launch for the 2023 Lords of the Fallen, the studio is now outlining how its 2026 sequel will diverge from established conventions, prioritizing player experimentation and build variety.

Developers recently detailed the game’s combat system and build management in a modern video, emphasizing that this isn’t an attack on FromSoftware’s design philosophy, but rather a different approach. Lords of the Fallen 2 aims to move beyond the tendency for players to lock into a single, optimized build and stick with it for the entirety of a playthrough, a pattern often seen in titles like Elden Ring and Bloodborne.

In a YouTube video, game director James Lowe explained that in FromSoftware games, players often find a build they enjoy and then largely remain committed to it. “In a FromSoftware game – and I’m not slamming FromSoftware – if I find my build, I’m in, and I’ll probably use that for the whole game,” Lowe stated. Lords of the Fallen 2, conversely, intends to incentivize more frequent switching, encouraging players to experiment with dual-wielding or completely alter their playstyle when facing particularly challenging encounters.

CI Games believes simply telling players to “experiment” isn’t enough; the system itself must support it. The team asserts the game will “respect” and even “reward” build variety by lowering the costs associated with switching. Specifically, stat requirements will be reduced, respecs will be less punishing, and upgrading equipment and weapons will be more affordable. The goal is to avoid the feeling that hours of progress are wasted when trying a new approach, a common concern in games like Elden Ring, where optimizing a single weapon is a significant investment.

Another key difference, according to Lowe, lies in the function of heavy attacks. While often relegated to being “a slightly slower attack that does a bit more damage,” in Lords of the Fallen 2, they will have a more defined purpose. This includes breaking the defenses of shield-bearing enemies and staggering larger, more formidable creatures. The intention is to create “small decision loops” where players must quickly assess whether to commit to a powerful attack or react with a faster maneuver. Every action has consequences, demanding careful consideration before each button press, as noted via GamesRadar+.

Enemy Tempo and Adaptive Combat

This system is further supported by the varied movement and attack patterns of enemies, with some opponents being faster than the player. This forces adaptation rather than relying on a single solution. CI Games emphasizes they aren’t aiming to reinvent the soulslike genre, but rather to find a balance that preserves what works while establishing their own unique identity, and systems.

The studio’s approach extends to enemy design, with a focus on creating encounters that demand tactical flexibility. Recent accusations of asset copying, specifically regarding an enemy resembling Nightreign’s Wylder, were dismissed by CI Games CEO as “100% false,” as reported by Reddit’s r/pcgaming. The CEO shared a screenshot purportedly from a 2024 employee Slack message showing an earlier render of the character.

Lords of the Fallen 2 is currently slated for release in 2026 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, exclusively through the Epic Games Store. The game is built on Unreal Engine 5, as is the original 2023 release.

As development progresses, CI Games will likely share further details on the game’s mechanics and world. The studio’s commitment to build experimentation and adaptive combat suggests a soulslike experience that encourages players to embrace versatility and respond dynamically to the challenges ahead.

What are your thoughts on the direction CI Games is taking with Lords of the Fallen 2? Share your expectations in the comments below!

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Technology

iOS 27: Apple Focuses on Battery Life & Performance Alongside AI Features

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

Apple’s next major iPhone update, iOS 27, may quietly deliver one of the most practical upgrades users have been asking for: better battery life. While much of the spotlight this year is expected to shine on artificial intelligence, the upcoming operating system is shaping up to be just as much about streamlining performance as it is about adding latest features.

The focus on efficiency comes as Apple prepares for potential new hardware categories, including a foldable iPhone, and aims to deliver a more refined experience across its devices. This dual approach – enhancing AI capabilities while optimizing the underlying system – could translate to longer battery life for a wide range of iPhone users.

Over the years, iOS has become increasingly complex, accumulating layers of code and features. With iOS 27, Apple is attempting a significant reset, reminiscent of the company’s “Snow Leopard” era on macOS, where the emphasis was on refining performance and stability rather than introducing a plethora of new features. This internal project, codenamed “Rave,” is designed to address inefficiencies and improve the overall responsiveness of the operating system.

Engineers are actively removing outdated code and rewriting existing features to improve efficiency. The goal is a snappier, more responsive operating system, with minor interface tweaks planned but not as dramatic as last year’s “Liquid Glass” redesign. These optimizations are expected to reduce background activity and improve power management, potentially extending daily usage time, according to reports from Macworld.

Software Optimizations for Longer Lasting Power

Battery life consistently ranks as a top concern for smartphone users. Even incremental gains can create a noticeable difference, whether it’s lasting through a full workday or enjoying extended streaming during travel. Importantly, these improvements in iOS 27 are expected to benefit a broad range of existing iPhone users, not just those upgrading to the latest hardware. Software-level optimizations can extend the lifespan of devices, aligning with Apple’s commitment to sustainability and long-term support.

However, Apple’s push to integrate more advanced AI features could potentially increase system demands. More sophisticated on-device processing and contextual awareness features could strain performance and battery life if not carefully managed. By cleaning up the operating system in parallel, Apple appears to be proactively building a stronger foundation for these heavier AI workloads.

New Devices and the AI Race

The timing of iOS 27’s overhaul is also strategic, coinciding with reports that Apple is preparing to debut new device categories, including a touch-screen MacBook Pro and its first foldable iPhone. A leaner, more stable operating system will be critical to ensuring these new products deliver a smooth and reliable experience from the outset. 9to5Mac notes that iOS 27 will prioritize stability improvements alongside new Apple Intelligence features.

Beyond performance, Apple needs iOS 27 to help restore confidence in its AI roadmap. The company has been playing catch-up in the generative AI race, and delivering a more intelligent yet reliable operating system will be key to regaining ground. The update is expected to include a revamped, chatbot-style Siri designed to compete with offerings from rivals like OpenAI and Google, as TechRepublic reports.

Whether Apple will explicitly market battery gains as a headline feature remains to be seen. But if iOS 27 succeeds in trimming excess code while simultaneously enhancing AI capabilities, users may find their iPhones not only smarter but also longer-lasting.

The first beta of iOS 27 is anticipated to be released in June, with a public release expected in September. As development progresses, further details about the extent of battery life improvements will likely emerge.

What comes next for iOS 27 will be revealed at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June. The event will provide a more detailed look at the features and optimizations coming to the next generation of Apple’s mobile operating system.

What are your thoughts on the potential for improved battery life in iOS 27? Share your expectations in the comments below.

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Technology

Twitter WhatsApp Number Leaks: Why It’s Happening

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

Reports are surfacing online regarding the unauthorized sharing of WhatsApp phone numbers on Twitter, raising concerns about privacy and data security. Users are noticing instances where their contact information, seemingly obtained from WhatsApp, is being publicly posted on the social media platform. This practice, even as not new, is gaining attention as the scale of the issue appears to be increasing, prompting questions about how this data is being accessed and disseminated.

The core of the problem lies in the potential for malicious actors to exploit vulnerabilities or utilize scraping techniques to collect WhatsApp numbers and then share them publicly on Twitter. While WhatsApp employs end-to-end encryption to protect message content, the phone numbers themselves are visible to contacts and can be accessed through various means, including contact list backups and third-party applications. The unauthorized sharing of these numbers on a public platform like Twitter exposes individuals to potential spam, phishing attempts, and even harassment.

The issue isn’t limited to a single region. A post on X (formerly Twitter) from BBC News Hausa (@bbchausa) on August 6, 2025, highlights the concern, asking if users have joined their WhatsApp channel to receive news updates. This post, while promoting their WhatsApp channel, implicitly acknowledges the broader issue of WhatsApp numbers being shared and accessible on other platforms.

SAMU, the student union at MacEwan University, actively promotes its presence on social media, including WhatsApp and Twitter (@sa_macewan), according to a November 5, 2024, blog post. This demonstrates the widespread use of both platforms for communication and the potential for data to flow between them, creating opportunities for misuse.

While the exact methods used to extract and share these numbers remain unclear, several possibilities exist. Data breaches, though not confirmed in this specific case, are always a concern. Individuals may be sharing numbers without consent, either intentionally or unintentionally. The ease with which information can be copied and pasted on Twitter exacerbates the problem, allowing for rapid dissemination of potentially sensitive data.

SAMU First Response, a disaster relief organization, shared updates on their partnership with the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona on October 13, 2025, utilizing both Twitter and WhatsApp for dissemination. This illustrates how organizations are leveraging multiple platforms for outreach, potentially increasing the risk of data exposure if security measures are not robust.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that Twitter, now known as X, has undergone significant changes in its policies and moderation practices. A February 1, 2026, Facebook post references a situation involving CZ and Toly, a co-founder of Solana, and mentions a potential “crash” related to crypto, highlighting the volatile nature of information shared on the platform. This demonstrates the platform’s susceptibility to misinformation and rapid dissemination of potentially harmful content.

Users concerned about their privacy should review their WhatsApp privacy settings, limiting who can see their profile picture and “About” information. It’s likewise advisable to be cautious about sharing your phone number on public platforms and to report any instances of unauthorized sharing to both WhatsApp and Twitter. While there is no foolproof way to prevent your number from being shared if someone obtains it maliciously, taking proactive steps can minimize the risk.

Looking ahead, it’s likely that this issue will continue to evolve as social media platforms and messaging apps adapt to new security challenges. Increased awareness among users, coupled with stronger data protection measures from platform providers, will be crucial in mitigating the risks associated with the unauthorized sharing of personal information. The ongoing debate surrounding data privacy and the responsibility of social media companies to protect user data will undoubtedly continue to shape the landscape of online security.

What are your thoughts on this issue? Share your experiences and concerns in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family to raise awareness about the importance of protecting your personal information online.

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