News

Microsoft confirms TikTok acquisition plans

In four countries

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Last Friday, Trump announced a decisive TikTok ban coming within the next few days. At the same time, Microsoft proposed an acquisition, taking the popular platform away from China. However, as the weekend finally wound down, neither a ban nor a deal has surfaced. If anything, Microsoft has further committed to achieving a deal for TikTok. Through a few recent comments, Microsoft confirms TikTok acquisition plans, covering at least four countries.

In an official Microsoft blog, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella finally engaged in discussions with Trump for the buyout plan. Microsoft expects a conclusion “in a matter of weeks” with a closeout happening no later than September 15. In the meantime, Trump confirms the plans as well, giving TikTok only up to 45 days to accept.

Further, the deal is apparently larger than previously reported. Besides TikTok’s US operations, Microsoft plans to acquire the platform’s operations in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Perhaps as a response to the ongoing big tech antitrust scandal, the company is also considering letting other investors in on a minority stake for TikTok.

Naturally, a Microsoft acquisition will snag the platform’s Chinese servers and place them safe and sound in their respective markets. It addresses a major concern surrounding TikTok’s current state in the US — cybersecurity. Since TikTok’s owner ByteDance was a Chinese company, the US government feared for potential attacks against American data. Further, TikTok’s massive global popularity will bolster Microsoft’s presence in the social media industry. Potentially, the buyout is a win-win decision for both parties. All that’s left is to wait for TikTok’s reply to the whole situation.

SEE ALSO: US looking to ban Chinese apps like TikTok

Gaming

HoYo FEST 2026 details announced; tickets on sale from July 16

Join the celebration

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HoYoverse’s annual flagship fan celebration in Southeast Asia, the HoYo FEST, as officially been announced with tickets selling starting July 16.

Fans across Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, and Singapore can enjoy four days of interactive experiences, live entertainment, and more activities featuring HoYoverse’s famed titles:

  • Genshin Impact
  • Honkai Impact 3
  • Honkai: Star Rail
  • Tears of Themis
  • Zenless Zone Zero

In addition, the gathering will spotlight a first look at the upcoming Honkai: Nexus Anima. The game will be offered at the Experience Zone so visitors can be among the first to try through limited hands-on sessions.

Fans can expect the following experiences at each HoYo FEST:

  • Check-in Zone: Kick off your journey with activities across all six titles, plus exclusive freebies
  • Game Booths: Jump into immersive mini games inspired by the aforementioned titles
  • Hands-on experiences for Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, and Zenless Zone Zero
  • Merch: Grab fan-favorite HoYo FEST merchandise from event-exclusive standees and pillows to Character Giftboxes and more
  • Artist Alley: An even larger creative hub for artists and fans to showcase, sell, and share HoYoverse-inspired art
  • HoYo FEST Stage: Feel the excitement with Open Stage performances, the Cosplay Runway Walk, and vibrant community showcases

Tickets will be available in the following categories:

  • 1-Day Pass
  • 1-Day Fast Pass with priority access and exclusive collectibles
  • 4-Day Pass (3-Day Pass in Singapore)

Venue details:

  • Bangkok: Central Ladprao, BCC Hall
  • Ho Chi Minh City: Sky Expo, Hall A4
  • Jakarta: Pondok Indah Mall 3, City Hall
  • Kuala Lumpur: Pavilion Exhibition Centre Bukit Jalil, Hall 1-3
  • Manila: SPACE at One Ayala, Hall A-D
  • Singapore: Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, Hall 403
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Gaming

Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced available worldwide now

It’s available on all major platforms.

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Last year was the year of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the franchise’s first Japan-themed entry. This year, however, the series is coming back to the one of its most popular worlds outside of Japan: pirates. Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced is now available on all major platforms.

Set during the Golden Age of Piracy, Black Flag Resynced brings players back into the boots of Edward Kenway, a vagabond pirate turned assassin. As he navigates the mysterious battle between Assassins and Templars, he travels the entire Caribbean and meets iconic pirates like Blackbeard and Anne Bonny.

This time, the 2013 game has been reengineered from the ground up using the latest Anvil engine. Besides amazing graphics, the remake has updated combat, new characters, and more narrative content.

Starting today, players can get Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Ubisoft Store, Ubisoft+, Steam, and Epic Games Store.

The Deluxe Edition packs the digital-only edition with the Master Assassin Character Pack and the Master Assassin Naval Pack. Meanwhile, the Collector’s Edition includes the Deluxe Edition and a catalog of physical goodies (Edward’s Figurine, an Edward wearable metal brooch, an exclusive SteelBook, a cloth map).

SEE ALSO: Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced launches on July 9

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News

New leak reveals first look at Samsung’s wide foldable

It looks like there’s only one book-style foldable this year.

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Image source: Android Headlines

Coming in just a heartbeat, Samsung will unveil the next foldables during the upcoming Unpacked event. The spotlight, naturally, lands on the rumored wide foldable. Now, we don’t have an official look yet, but a new leak is spoiling that for us.

Leaked by Android Headlines, the upcoming foldable, purportedly named the Galaxy Z Fold 8, looks as advertised. The brand’s first wide foldable takes a few inches off the top to deliver a, literally, wide resolution for more display real estate.

There’s not much to say about the specs, but the model does have a camera setup with two shooters. It will also be available in three colorway options: black, white, and lavender. A limited-edition green variant might also make an appearance.

Among the scheduled devices this coming Unpacked, the wide foldable is the main event. Plus, the new leak reveals that a regular Fold isn’t debuting with this batch. Rather, Samsung might go all-in on the wide foldable format.

If that’s not your style, the leak also unveiled the Galaxy Z Flip 8. The new model doesn’t look different from the usual Flips that we’re used to, so it’s not a big headline.

Image source: Android Headlines

Finally, the leak reveals the Galaxy Watch 9 and the Watch Ultra 2.

Image source: Android Headlines

It won’t be long before we see these devices for real. Samsung has officially scheduled the next Galaxy Unpacked event for July 22.

SEE ALSO: Samsung sets Galaxy Unpacked for July 22 in London

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