The Engadget Podcast: EA Goes Private and the Messy State of Xbox This week on the Engadget Podcast, we are diving into a massive shift in the gaming world. Electronic Arts, the publisher behind giants like Madden and Apex Legends, has announced plans to go private as part of a colossal 55 billion dollar sale. This move is set to reshape the gaming landscape, and we are breaking down what it really means. A key point of discussion is the involvement of a Saudi Arabian investment fund in the deal, a detail that raises questions about the future of game development and global investment in the industry. Following that, we turn our attention to the increasingly confusing state of Xbox. The conversation centers on the new ROG Ally Xbox X, a high-end handheld device that is reportedly priced at a steep 1000 dollars. We explore whether this device is already positioned for failure before it even launches, and what this says about Microsofts broader hardware strategy. Is Xbox losing its focus, and what does this mean for gamers who have invested in the ecosystem? In other gaming news, we highlight some of the great games you can play right now. The list includes the long-awaited Hollow Knight Silksong, the critically acclaimed Hades II, and a fresh release of the classic Final Fantasy Tactics. Whether you are into challenging action games or deep strategic RPGs, there is something new to enjoy. Shifting to tech hardware, we cover announcements from recent Amazon and Google events. Amazon unveiled a new lineup of Echo smart speakers, an updated Fire TV, and expanded its Ring security ecosystem with features that some are calling a panopticon of surveillance. Google, not to be outdone, announced a new Nest Doorbell and a couple of updated Nest Cams, continuing the battle for your smart home. We also tackle some of the stranger stories emerging from the world of AI. A Dutch production studio created an AI actress named Tilly Norwood, a move that prompted reactions of disgust from Hollywood film stars concerned about the implications for human performers. Meanwhile, OpenAIs Sora video generation app is being flooded with fake clips of shoplifting, showcasing both the power and the potential for misuse of this new technology. Finally, we wrap up with our pop culture picks, sharing what we have been watching and reading lately. Listen to the Engadget Podcast on platforms like iTunes, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Stitcher, and Google Podcasts. Hosts: Devindra Hardawar and Sam Rutherford Producer: Ben Ellman Music: Dale North and Terrence OBrien
