The battle over Reddit’s API changes continues, even after coming into effect. Reddit made the controversial decision to charge for access to its API in an effort to combat the scraping of the website to train Large Language Models for generative AI. While the move was aimed at companies, it also affects thousands of third-party clients and apps that tie into the platform, including ones with powerful moderation tools not available on the main site and app.
The decision sparked widespread protest from thousands of communities, leading many to set their subreddits private and make them inaccessible. However, in an unexpected turn of events, several popular subreddits that historically prohibited porn have started allowing users to post NSFW (Not Safe For Work) content. Examples include r/mildlyinteresting and r/videos. In the case of r/TIHI (Thanks, I Hate It), the subreddit has removed a rule that forbids extreme NSFW content and is now welcoming it, as long as it abides by US law. By allowing their subreddits to be filled with NSFW posts, the moderators have effectively prevented Reddit from monetizing them. In response, Reddit administrators reportedly removed entire moderating teams for communities that labeled themselves as NSFW.
Despite the protests and backlash, Reddit CEO Steve Huffman remains firm in his decision. In an interview with NPR, Huffman stated that while there is a small group of upset users, the company made a business decision that upset them.
In other news, Square Enix has announced the latest installment in the Final Fantasy series, Final Fantasy XVI. This time, the game takes a real-time action-centric approach, heavily inspired by epic TV fantasy series. With nuanced characters, occasional “horny” moments, and significant violence, the game seems to be entering its moody teenager era. The storyline of FFXVI bears a resemblance to Game of Thrones, featuring tropes such as the early death of a father, mysterious wolves, and creepy mother-son relations. Despite these similarities, the game promises a fantasy adventure with a captivating plot.
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Google has also released its latest WiFi product, the Nest WiFi Pro. This flagship device offers WiFi 6E and emphasizes ease of use and integration with smart home devices. While it may not have the advanced features and speed of other routers like the TP-Link XE75, the Nest WiFi Pro is a solid option for those who want a guest network and simple setup.
Nintendo is bringing back another classic with the remastered version of Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon for the Switch. Additionally, Super Mario RPG is being remade with “brand-new graphics” and will be released on November 17th. Originally released in 1996, Super Mario RPG was the first Mario RPG game, featuring a collaboration between Nintendo and Squaresoft (now Square Enix). The remake retains the same art style as modern Mario games.
For those in the market for wireless headphones, Engadget has compiled a list of the best options. The guide includes models with various features, such as noise cancellation and sound quality, and spans a range of prices to cater to different budgets.
In the realm of streaming, Twitch has revamped its mature content policies. Instead of a general toggle, Twitch now uses specific categories to describe the content viewers can expect. This includes labels for mature-rated games, sexual themes, profanity or vulgarity, gambling, violent and graphic depictions, and drugs or intoxication. The new classification system helps both streamers and viewers know what to expect from a particular stream.
Finally, AST SpaceMobile, with the help of AT&T, has made progress in its mission to bring satellite connectivity to consumers. The company recently completed multiple tests in Hawaii, achieving download speeds of 10Mbps from its BlueWalker 3 satellite to unmodified phones on the ground. This brings AST closer to realizing its goal of providing global mobile broadband coverage through a network of satellites in low-Earth orbit.
