Since the rise of other platforms, Facebook Groups haven’t enjoyed as much popularity anymore. Despite this (or maybe even to help with this), Meta has unleashed an all-new app called Forum.

Designed specifically with Facebook Groups in mind, Forum collates discussions from Groups that the user might be interested in. Much like the websites of the same name from the 2000s, the app wants to feature conversations, rather than canned content that the algorithm shoves towards users on the main Facebook feed.

Users can also ask questions. Forum will sift through real discussions to find an answer. The closest analog today is searching Reddit for troubleshooting questions to get answers based on human experience. The main feed of the new app, however, feels more in tune with Quora’s concept.

That said, it’s a refreshing way to bring social media back to human-made feeds. It’s also a stark admission that the main Facebook feed (and, frankly, Instagram too) is just too inundated with content that users are not interested in.

Lately, Instagram also made the same admission by launching its own “lightweight” app called Instants. Like Forum, Instants was made to recapture the essence of Instagram before the rise of the almighty algorithm.

Forum, however, was launched with much less fanfare than Instants. There was no announcement. Rather, it’s just a casual drop from out of nowhere. The app is available now on the App Store and the Play Store.

SEE ALSO: Instagram takes on Snapchat yet again with new Instants feature

As is often reported regularly these days, another subscription is getting yet another price hike. PlayStation has recently announced that the price of a new PlayStation Plus subscription is going up in some markets around the world.

Since May 20, PlayStation raised the prices of its subscription service. As announced on X, the base Essential tier will now cost US$ 10.99 a month (from US$ 9.99 a month). A three-month purchase now costs US$ 27.99 every three months.

However, unannounced by the original post, the costs of the Extra and the Premium tiers are also increasing. A PlayStation Plus Extra subscription now costs US$ 16.99 a month, while a Premium subscription costs US$ 19.99 a month.

Notably, this price hike will not affect current subscribers (except those living in Turkey and India). Ongoing users can still enjoy the same subscription price if they don’t change or cancel their subscription.

The caveat is likely meant to prevent current users from cancelling outright after hearing the price increase. However, for those wondering about why, PlayStation says that it’s “due to ongoing market conditions,” which implicates a hardware shortage for a software-related price hike.

The prices will, of course, vary per region. Unfortunately, the announcement does not confirm which regions are getting the increases. The announcement does, however, list the American dollar, the euro, and the British pound as currencies, so users can expect an increase in those regions.

SEE ALSO: PlayStation will stop releasing its games on PC

From phone cases to luggage, the collaboration turns the classic virtual pet into a lifestyle collection

CASETiFY has announced a new collaboration with Bandai Namco Entertainment inspired by Tamagotchi.

The collection mixes retro digital pet nostalgia with modern accessories. Designs feature bright colors, pixel-inspired graphics, and classic Tamagotchi characters.

First released in 1996, Tamagotchi became a global hit. The interactive virtual pet encouraged players to care for their digital companion. More than 100 million units have been sold worldwide.

The new collaboration includes phone cases, tech accessories, straps, charms, and customizable luggage.

One of the highlights is the CASETiFY Travel Tamagotchi luggage collection. Customers can choose their favorite Tamagotchi character and add custom text using the franchise’s signature font style.

The 21-inch Carry-On Bounce Suitcase comes in Primrose Pink and Cobalt Blue.

The collection also introduces a CASETiFY-exclusive Tamagotchi device. It features a custom CASETiFY shell design.

Fans can also pick up the Tamagotchi Plush Earbuds Pouch designed by Bandai. CASETiFY is also offering themed straps and charms for added personalization.

Accessories include a 3-Way Strap with adjustable lengths and a silicone phone charm with a detachable plush accessory. A Tamagotchi-shaped metal charm hook is also available.

CASETiFY is also launching Tamagotchi Chase Cards alongside the collection. The collectible cards come in seven rarity levels. These range from Common to Supreme Ultra Rare.

To celebrate the launch, CASETiFY will host activations at its Shibuya PARCO store in Tokyo and its Dosan flagship store in Seoul.

Visitors can try the exclusive CASETiFY Tamagotchi device and enjoy interactive photo activities.

Price and availability

The CASETiFY x Tamagotchi collection starts at US$36. It launches on May 29 through CASETiFY and select CASETiFY STUDiO stores worldwide.