It’s a sad day for the dozens of players still grinding The Elder Scrolls: Blades. Bethesda announced that it’s permanently shutting down the servers for its free-to-play mobile spinoff on June 30. First spotted on Reddit, The Elder Scrolls: Blades has already been delisted from the App Store and Google Play store, and is currently unavailable on the Nintendo Store.

In the meantime, players will receive a free bundle of Gems and Sigils, while all items in the in-game store are available for just one Gem or Sigil each. With a server shutdown imminent, The Elder Scrolls: Blades‘ will at least cross its six-year mark since its official release was in 2020 for Android, iOS and Nintendo Switch. The dungeon-crawling spinoff did see early success when more than one million iOS users downloaded the game during the first week of its early access period, but it never amounted to the commercial success of Bethesda’s mainline titles.

In the end, The Elder Scrolls: Blades ended up with a “Generally Unfavorable” score on Metacritic, with critics calling it “repetitive” and filled with microtransactions. The shutdown doesn’t come as a total surprise, since Bethesda also killed off its other spinoff, The Elder Scrolls: Legends, by halting development in 2019 and ultimately taking the game’s servers offline in January 2025. For anyone who still wants to play a mobile spinoff of Bethesda’s fantasy world, there’s still The Elder Scrolls: Castles.

BGIS Grand Finals just wrapped up, and we’ve had a nail-biting competition that went down to the wire. In the end, there were just two rivals, Soul and Genesis. Soul had a horrible last match, which meant all hopes rested on Genesis, and, as you may have guessed from the title, they messed up. Soul ended the day by being crowned BGMIS Grand Finals champions, with Genesis and OG completing the podium. Here’s what the standings look like after day three of BGIS Grand Finals.

BGIS Grand Finals Standings After Day 3

The action, the thrill, and the fun were all just amazing in the day of action. Lots of tournaments await us in the next couple of months, but Soul does look like the team to beat if anyone else wants to clinch the title. If you missed the games, check out our highlights for both the first and second day.

I’ve had access to Alexa+ for a few days now, so not enough for a full review, but enough time to start getting a sense of what the new smart assistant is capable of. While I sort out the final review, here’s what I’ve learned so far.

Gone is Alexa Speak, replaced by the ability to phrase questions and requests more naturally, putting words in the order I see fit.

Alexa+ generally picks up the right context and remembers enough that it’s easy to add follow-up questions. If Alexa+ doesn’t understand, I can just rephrase the question or add a bit more information to try to get the result I want. 

It’s a big improvement over the old Alexa+, which felt a lot more transactional, able only to deal with specific requests.

Smart home control is better, with the odd caveat

Go beyond the basic of asking Alexa+ to turn on a light, and the system is surprisingly powerful. Take the little cold spell that we’ve just had. Rather than asking Alexa+ what the temperature currently is in the office, and then asking to set the heating to some level above that, I could just say, “Alexa, it’s cold in here.”

My heating turned on, above the target temperature and my office was given a little boost. 

I can also make a command temporary, asking Alexa+ to turn a device off after a specific period. I did find that this required a bit of specific wording: “Alexa, turn the heating off after 10 minutes” didn’t work, but, “Alexa, turn the heating off in ten minutes’ time”, did.

Alexa+ then created a temporary Routine that did what I wanted. It’s possible even to string together something more complicated: “Alexa, turn the heating on. Set the temperature to 21°C and turn the heating off in 30 minutes’ time.”. 

Impressively, that mostly worked, although Alexa did decide to set the Bathroom thermostat to 21°C, which was a bit odd. Small issues aside, it’s actually very easy to achieve something quite complex without going anywhere near the app.

The local business search is sub-par

“Alexa, what’s the nearest French restaurant?” I asked. The answer was Le Marmiton, Wanstead. Not only is that restaurant an eight-minute walk from my house, but, the main issue is that Le Marmiton shut down in 2023. 

Amazon has said that it’s looking to improve the real-time information, and it needs to do this urgently. This is just one example, but being almost three years out of date isn’t great.

Booking restaurants is good, even if it’s a bit limited

If a restaurant is on OpenTable, then you can get Alexa+ to book the table for you. It’s a neat way of interacting and getting Alexa+ to do the hard work of finding when there’s space free on the date and time you want.

There are some limitations, outside of only supporting OpenTable, with the main one that Alexa+ can’t currently reserve a table at a restaurant that requires a credit card for the booking. It’s a known issue, and Amazon is looking to fix this.

Alexa+ is great at disseminating data

One thing that AI is good at is making sense of data, and that applies with Alexa+, which can scan photos, documents and emails, and can then summarise the information and look for to-do items and calendar dates.

The information can be emailed to Amazon ([email protected]), provided you’re sending from a linked email address. At least, in my experience, that’s in theory. Despite my personal email address being linked, I’ve not had any success when emailing data over.

I can use the app, and that’s impressive. Adding a document for my daughter’s upcoming dance competition, Alexa+ added some checklist items for things that need to be done (costume, etc), and then found the date of the competition and added it to my calendar.

I also took a photo of the school’s term dates page (a hideous, messy table), and Alexa+ found all of the term dates and the inset dates, letting me add them to my calendar.

There’s no support for work calendars

If you’ve got a work Gmail or Exchange account, then you can’t link this to Alexa+. Amazon is working on it, but for now it’s a bit frustrating. I pay for email hosting for my personal account, but I can’t add this to Alexa+. Instead, I’ve had to find a third-party tool that synchronises a free Gmail calendar with my paid-for Exchange one. Amazon needs to fix this one fast.

Alexa+ is the best voice assistant

It’s early days, but my initial impressions are that Alexa+ is the best voice assistant: it understands more, is easier to talk to, and can do more complicated things than its rivals.

Shanling has officially unveiled the SM90, a compact network player that does more than just stream music. Priced just under $1,000, the SM90 integrates HDMI ARC, dual AKM DACs, and a modern Android-based platform into a single chassis designed to anchor both hi-fi and TV audio systems. That HDMI ARC input is the headline feature and not just for spec sheet bragging rights. It signals a shift in how companies like Shanling are positioning streamers in 2026: not as standalone music devices, but as central hubs for everything from Qobuz playlists to Netflix dialogue.

Although Shanling isn’t the first to build a capable streamer, the SM90 is among the first in its class to take HDMI ARC seriously. That single connection allows users to route TV audio directly into a two-channel system without needing an AVR or soundbar. It’s a practical move. More listeners are consolidating their systems, and the idea of separate music and TV setups feels increasingly outdated. The SM90 leans into that reality, even if purists might roll their eyes.

Familiar Hardware, More Focused Execution

Under the hood, Shanling sticks with a familiar and proven formula. Dual AKM AK4493S DACs handle conversion duties, paired with a closed Android 12 system running on a platform with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. A 4.96-inch 1080p touchscreen anchors the user experience. Nothing here reinvents the category, but that seems intentional. Shanling appears more focused on stability and refinement than chasing novelty this time around.

Streaming support covers most of what buyers expect at this level. Qobuz Connect, TIDAL Connect, AirPlay 2, DLNA, and access to major streaming apps are all included, alongside Wi-Fi 6, Ethernet, and Bluetooth 5.2 with LDAC. Roon Ready status is still pending, which may give some buyers pause. In this segment, that box usually needs to be checked on day one.

Connectivity is where the SM90 starts to separate itself from a crowded field. In addition to HDMI ARC, it offers USB DAC functionality, optical and coaxial inputs and outputs, balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs, and support for internal storage via SSD. That’s a broader and more flexible I/O set than many competitors, reinforcing the idea that Shanling wants this to be the center of a system rather than just another endpoint.

The timing, however, is not exactly forgiving. The sub-$1,000 streamer category is now one of the most competitive in hi-fi, with strong options from WiiM, Eversolo, Cambridge Audio, and HiFi Rose already entrenched. Shanling’s approach leans more traditional, but with a modern twist in the form of HDMI ARC. Whether that combination is enough will come down to execution, particularly on the software side, where stability and responsiveness matter more than another feature checkbox.

The SM90 is less about breaking new ground and more about acknowledging where the category is headed. By adding HDMI ARC and expanding connectivity, it positions itself as a true system hub rather than just another streamer. What remains uncertain is how well it all works in the real world.

There are no meaningful third-party reviews yet, Roon certification is still pending, and Shanling’s software track record is not spotless. But if those pieces fall into place, the SM90 could land exactly where a lot of systems are heading—right between your speakers and your TV, whether audiophiles like it or not.

Features

• Compact dimensions at 28 x 23 x 8.5 cm
• Reduced weight at just 3.3kg
• Dual AKM AK4493s DAC Section
• OPA1612 Analog Output
• 4.96-Inch 1080p Touch Screen
• Closed Android 12 platform, Rockchip CPU
• Qobuz Connect, Tidal Connect, Roon Ready (in process)
• Built-in Streaming Apps
• (Apple, Apple Classical, Amazon, Spotify, KKBox, Presto, Radio Paradise)
• NAS, DLNA, AirPlay 2 Playback
• Internal SSD Slot & USB Drive Playback
• Bluetooth 5.2 Input support LDAC, AAC, SBC
• Digital Inputs: Coaxial / Optical / USB DAC / HDMI ARC
• Digital Outputs: Coaxial / Optical / USB
• Analog Outputs: RCA & XLR

The Bottom Line

The Shanling SM90 is less about breaking new ground and more about acknowledging where the category is headed. By adding HDMI ARC and expanding connectivity, it positions itself as a true system hub rather than just another streamer, one clearly designed to sit between your TV and a modern two channel system without forcing you into an AVR or soundbar ecosystem.

What’s still missing is clarity where it matters. U.S. pricing appears to land somewhere around $900 to $1,000, but nothing feels fully locked, and that matters in a segment where even a modest price shift can change the conversation. There’s also no real world performance data yet, Roon certification remains pending, and Shanling’s software track record, while improving, has not been flawless. Past issues with app stability and gapless playback are still fresh enough to raise concern, and those are the kinds of problems that undermine an otherwise strong product.

It is also worth noting what is not here. There is no indication of built in room correction or system optimization tools, which feels like a missed opportunity in 2026, especially for buyers pairing a streamer with active speakers and expecting a more complete and flexible setup. At the same time, the competition is well established. WiiM, Cambridge Audio, Bluesound, Eversolo, and others already offer mature platforms, stable apps, and in some cases deeper ecosystem integration.

Shanling has been on a solid run lately with its higher end CD and SACD players and a steady stream of well received portable gear, so the SM90 is not arriving from a position of weakness. But this category does not reward potential, it rewards execution. If Shanling delivers stable software and consistent performance, the SM90 could be a serious contender. If not, it risks becoming just another well specified box in a segment that already has plenty of proven alternatives.

Where to buy: $969 (available April 2026)

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Unlike traditional casino sites, where you can wager real money, social casinos operate on virtual currencies or offer games for free. That’s why these special casinos saw remarkable growth across Southeast Asia recently, and Malaysia is one of the first countries in the region to embrace this type of entertainment. 

Strict Malaysian regulations have allowed players to enjoy casino-style games purely for entertainment, as most forms of gambling remain prohibited. The Betting Act 1953 and Shariah Law apply to the Muslim-majority population of Malaysia, and social casinos have established themselves as a culturally acceptable alternative for those seeking gaming entertainment. In 2026, the social casino industry in Malaysia is thriving, driven by smartphone adoption, rapid mobile internet penetration, innovative game features, and a digitally savvy population.  

The Definition of a Social Casino 

A social casino is a gaming platform, be it a website or a mobile app, that perfectly replicates the gambling atmosphere with casino games. At an online casino, you can claim a welcome bonus, for example, after you explore the sign-up bonuses on Plainenglish.io as a first-time player, then play for real money, and cash out actual winnings. In contrast, Malaysian social casinos do not involve real-money stakes and payouts, hence the name, as their effect remains purely social. 

Players use virtual coins, chips, or tokens that can be earned through gameplay, daily rewards, or purchased through microtransactions. Sign-up bonuses and other rewards might also be available, and they often come with very simple redemption conditions. This makes social casinos accessible to a broader Malaysian audience, including players who may avoid traditional gambling for religious, cultural, and legal reasons. 

Popular Social Casino Trends in Malaysia 

If you want to know the top social casino trends in Malaysia for 2026, take a look at the list below: 

• Booming mobile gaming: due to high nationwide mobile penetration with rates exceeding 96% in 2025, mobile internet usage averages over four hours daily. This is the main reason why social casino apps are thriving, and they offer games designed primarily for mobile devices. In short, these games are instantly accessible to millions of Malaysians. 
• Reducing cultural barriers: although slightly controversial with the gambling law, social casinos remove the ethical and legal concerns associated with real-money gambling. Players can enjoy online slots, roulette, and other classic casino games without financial risk, making them acceptable across diverse cultural and religious backgrounds – something that was a real barrier only a few decades ago. 
• Social network interaction: this trend is also known as “online social connectivity”, and it is a very new phenomenon. Malaysians are highly active on social media, using platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Social casinos boost this factor by offering multiplayer features, friend invitations, leaderboards, and social sharing. This trend turns solitary gameplay into a communal interaction that can be easily integrated into daily lifestyle. 
• New gameplay modes: social casinos use the free-to-play model, where the barrier to entry is literally zero. Live multiplayer tournaments are another innovative and increasingly popular model where players compete against friends or strangers. Online platforms now host daily and weekly poker and slot tournaments with leaderboard rankings and virtual prize pools. 
• Virtual gifting schemes: players can send virtual gifts, coins, or boosters to friends. This feature helps improve community bonds and encourages continued play for newcomers. Some platforms have even integrated live chat and emoji reactions during gameplay to mirror the social energy of a physical casino. 
• Personalized avatars and profiles: customization is a major trend in Malaysia. Players create detailed avatars, unlock exclusive outfits and accessories through achievements, and showcase their profiles on public leaderboards, social media, and other channels. This gamification trend transforms a social casino into something much more important than just a website to play free games. 
• Cross-platform synchronization: players expect seamless experiences across devices. Leading social casinos now synchronize progress between smartphones, tablets, and desktops. This allows virtual coins, achievements, tournament standings, and many other features to carry over regardless of how you access the social casino platform. 
• Popularization of story-driven slot games: modern social slots go beyond simple spinning reels. The top software providers now release slots with narrative-driven progression, where players unlock chapters, complete missions, and explore themed worlds. Although free to play, this storytelling approach matches particularly well the needs of Malaysian players who enjoy RPG-style mobile games. 
• Seasonal events and challenges: the best Malaysian social casino platforms regularly launch events tied to cultural celebrations, such as Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, and Malaysia Day. These events are accompanied by exclusive games, themed rewards, and time-limited challenges during festive periods. 
• Monetization: while social casinos are free to play, they generate revenue through in-app purchases. Players can buy virtual coin packages, premium boosters, or exclusive content. In Malaysia, spending on social casino microtransactions grew by an estimated 18% year-on-year in 2024. In addition, responsible spending features are becoming standard. Most reputable platforms now include purchase limits, spending trackers, and parental controls as a way to prevent excessive microtransaction spending. 

The Verdict 

Two things make social casinos important: they are modern and trend-driven, and they can be monetized. This combination is more than enough to show that there is a rise in social casinos in Malaysia. Looking into the future, their popularity is set to keep growing as technology advances and developers create increasingly immersive gaming opportunities for everyone. 

Because no real money is won or lost, social casinos fall outside the legal definition of gambling in most jurisdictions, including Malaysia. This is essential for the appeal of online gaming sites in countries where ethical and cultural barriers are still in place. 

The fighting game community is going to have their hands full this summer between the release of Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls and Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game. The studio behind the 2D fighting game based in the Avatar universe announced that a July 2 release date with a trailer that shows off new gameplay and a base price of $29.99.

The game will launch with 12 characters, encompassing both the heroes and villains from Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra. The game’s developer, Gameplay Group International, said that there are more than 900 hand-drawn frames for each character, which makes the game look like it came directly out of the beloved TV series. Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game will feature both casual and ranked matches, using a rollback netcode to ensure smooth frame-by-frame action between players, along with crossplay across PS5, Xbox Series X and S, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC.

For those more interested in the lore, there will be a single-player story mode and a gallery mode with “never before seen art.” Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game is currently available for pre-order, starting at $29.99, but there’s a $59.99 deluxe edition that includes a digital art book, music soundtrack, unique HUDs and a Year 1 Pass, which adds five additional characters that will be released in the future. Those who pre-order will also get a Samurai skin for Appa, exclusive character colors and voting privilege for the Year 1 Pass characters.