July 22, 2026

PowerWash Simulator 2 STAR WARS Pack Review | TheXboxHub

Luckily, You Don’t Have to Clean the Death Star

What is not included in PowerWash Simulator 2 STAR WARS Pack is almost as interesting as what is in it. The six levels in the Pack are all chronologically drawn from the original series. The cleaning kicks off in Beru and Lars’s Moisture Farm (pre-massacre, by the way. You don’t have to dispose of some skeletons), then wends through Mos Eisley Cantina, an AT-AT from Empire, the bridge of a Super Star Destroyer, Wedge’s X-Wing and – finally – the Millennium Falcon. The Falcon is after the Battle of Endor, so you’re cleaning it as a favour for Lando.

I find it fascinating that the Pack dodges prequels, sequels and TV series. Perhaps those will come if this Pack is a success. But it does make me wonder if the PowerWash Simulator 2 fanbase might be on the older side. There’s a nostalgic aroma to PowerWash Simulator 2 STAR WARS Pack, and the choices are very deliberate.

PowerWash Simulator 2 - STAR WARS Pack X-Wing — Hit up that X-Wing

Use the Froth, Luke

I also find it fascinating that no single character makes an appearance in PowerWash Simulator 2 STAR WARS Pack. There’s no C3P0 to wash, no Jabba armpits to clean. Sure, Wedge and Lando will chatter over the intercom, but they’re invisible. And there’s no lampooning of the STAR WARS universe in the story. I’d argue that what you’re doing – cleaning the mess after STAR WARS characters have left the scene – is inherently a bit silly, but this Pack is deadly serious about the whole endeavour. It imagines precisely what a cleaning crew would be like in this universe. Characters grumble about the presence of droids; Admiral Piett wonders what Lord Vader is planning while you powerwash his consoles.

I’m making a wild leap here, but I can’t help wondering if Disney has been a little too protective over PowerWash Simulator 2 STAR WARS Pack. It would certainly address one of my overriding issues with this DLC. It all strikes me as so safe and timid when it comes to handling the STAR WARS property. There’s no slightly risqué dismembered limb in the Cantina, or any references to Greedo shooting first. The wider battle can be seen but not explored with the AT-AT. Someone has chosen Wedge’s X-Wing over Luke’s, probably because R2-D2 doesn’t then have to feature. It’s all a bit anonymous and colourless as a result.

Something else is lacking in PowerWash Simulator 2 STAR WARS Pack, which again invokes the dark, looming shadow of Disney, and that is a lack of new toys to play with. Unlike the Adventure Time Pack (which, we should note, did have characters in the scenes, a sense of humour, and more generous callbacks), there are no new ladders, abseils or hoses. It’s not hard to imagine a thermal detonator, rewired for water, or mechanical ladders that have the trademark blinking buttons of STAR WARS tech. But, again, the Pack opts for the easiest route, which is a shame.

Luke, I am Your Lather

On the positive side, there are still some nice touches – just not as many as I would like, and they don’t go as far as they could. There’s a glorious moment (spoiled in the launch trailer, so we can spoil it here), where the X-Wing opens its wings to reveal a whole host of additional crap to clean (I’d have loved some Dagobah monsters pouring out of Luke’s X-Wing). That’s wonderful. Something similar happens with the Millennium Falcon (not in the trailer, so we won’t spoil it). And mouse droids run away squealing if you trip over them in the Star Destroyer.

PowerWash Simulator 2 - STAR WARS Pack — Powerwashing, Star Wars style

And there’s still the built-in, delightful experience of cleaning a place that you’ve only seen in movies. For some reason, I loved the little pits on either side of the causeway in the Super Star Destroyer. I always wondered whether Imperials would accidentally fall into these pits when they’re not paying attention, and lo and behold I fell in at least a dozen times. And, ah, the irony of washing vaporators in the deserts of Tatooine. I imagine there’s a hosepipe ban that would make this normally impossible.

What the STAR WARS Pack gets right is the authenticity. I can only imagine that the developers and artists over at Futurlab have a well thumbed copy of a STAR WARS Incredible Cross-sections book. Every last knob and panel has been excruciatingly modelled and labelled, so that you can carefully apply foam and wash it. I’d find my eye drifting to the top-left of the screen, so I could find out what the parts of an AT-AT are called.

Mop It Up, Fuzzball

And that authenticity stretches to the presentation. The Super Star Destroyer buttons look delightfully ‘80s, exactly as they should. The astromech droid in the X-Wing gleams in exactly the right way once you clean it. Plus the audio is spot on. There are all the correct hums and growls from the things you wash, and you always feel like you’re interacting with something from the STAR WARS universe, even if you never quite feel like you’re in it yourself.

That authenticity is almost to a fault, actually. Something that became a problem – but it never occurred to me that it would be one – is that the STAR WARS universe is surprisingly drab. Having come off the Adventure Time Pack, it was stark how everything was sandy brown, grey, white or black. And most of those are dark, hidden in nooks within the Cantina or Super Star Destroyer. When the sand and snow that cover these elements are also sandy brown, grey, white or black, the experience can be a mixture of unintelligible and uninspiring.

The more I write, the more I realise that I am being a typical STAR WARS fanboy: complaining and griping rather than focusing on what something does well. This pack is one of the biggest that the Futurlab team have put out. I’m used to five levels, but this has six, and some of them – the AT-AT and Millennium Falcon in particular – are substantial. It’s massively authentic to the STAR WARS universe; the spaces are a dream to clean; and none of the things that make PowerWash Simulator 2 so friendly and relaxing have been lost.

PowerWash Simulator 2 - STAR WARS Pack AT-AT — That AT-AT won’t clean itself

Aren’t You a Little Short of Being a Perfect STAR WARS DLC?

But I also don’t think PowerWash Simulator 2 STAR WARS Pack should be excused for pulling its punches. STAR WARS is about characters, moments, items and events, just as much as its vehicles and sets, yet none of those things surface. It felt a little like I was being allowed to clean a museum set from the STAR WARS universe, rather than truly immerse myself in the space, and that was something of a shame.

Give me a mucky rancor and a cleaning-droid in a gold bikini and I would have been much happier. That’s the tone it should have gone for.

Important Links

PowerWash Simulator 2 Goes Full Jedi With The STAR WARS Pack – https://www.thexboxhub.com/powerwash-simulator-2-goes-full-jedi-with-the-star-wars-pack/

Buy from the Xbox Store – https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/powerwash-simulator-2-star-wars-pack/9P2DDLXDBVPJ/0010

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Miquita Oliver Fearne Cotton apology after feud

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July 22, 2026

Miquita Oliver Fearne Cotton apology after feud

Miquita Oliver and Fearne Cotton are back in the spotlight after Miquita admitted she still feels ashamed of the comments that wrecked their friendship and cost her a Radio 1 job.

Speaking on her Miss Me? podcast, Miquita looked back at the fallout with brutal honesty. She told co-host Jordan Stephens that she made the remarks when she was just 20.

She said: “I would like to tell the story of me and Fearne Cotton. So basically when I was 20 I did something really awful that I was really ashamed of for a long time.”

Miquita then explained what happened next. She said: “I did an interview in NME and I wasn’t very nice about her at all. I was awful about her and I was fired from Radio 1 because of it, so I lived in a lot of consequence.”

Miquita spoke about her feud with Fearne (Credit: Brett Cove / SOPA Images / Shutterstock)

Why the Miquita Oliver Fearne Cotton fallout lasted so long

The former Popworld host said the tension dragged on for years. They stayed civil, but the awkwardness never really left.

She said: “We didn’t like each other… I don’t even think she didn’t like me, but because I’d been so awful about her, she stayed away from me.”

Things got even trickier when Fearne started dating Steve Jones. Miquita worked with him on T4 every week, so they kept crossing paths.

She said: “When I was 24, she started going out with Steve Jones, who I presented T4 with every week. I’d see her all the time. We were civil, but it was a little bit uncomfortable, but it was ok.”

The remark at the centre of the row came in a 2005 NME interview. Asked how she would improve Top of the Pops, Miquita replied: “Get rid of the she-devil Fearne Cotton.”

That line had major consequences, with Miquita being sacked from Radio 1.

Miquita Oliver and Fearne Cotton: timeline of their fallout and reconciliation

In a 2005 NME interview, Miquita Oliver said Top of the Pops should “get rid of the she-devil Fearne Cotton”.
Miquita later said the comment led to her being sacked from Radio 1.
She said the pair remained civil for years but the relationship was uncomfortable after the remark.
Miquita also said she continued to see Fearne when Fearne was dating Steve Jones, Miquita’s T4 co-host.
On the Miss Me? podcast, Miquita said Fearne contacted her on Instagram last year during a difficult period.
Miquita described Fearne’s message as healing and said they are now on good terms.

The message that changed Miquita Oliver Fearne Cotton for good

Miquita said the real turning point came last year. Fearne contacted her directly on Instagram while Miquita was going through a terrible time.

She recalled: “Then last year she sent me a message on Instagram when I was having a [bleeping] awful time.”

Fearne’s words clearly stayed with her. Miquita said Fearne wrote: “Hey Miquita, I just watched a clip of you talking about how the press used to refer to you and it resonated deeply. I just wanted to say thank you for opening up about it. Sending love”.

Miquita said the kindness landed at exactly the right moment. She added: “I didn’t mean to be awful to her. I was unkind, and it wasn’t me.

“That message was really healing for me.”

She also revealed how she replied. “I sent her so much love back, and I knew she’d just been through a divorce and was on this new journey. I said, ‘I wish you so much [bleeping] luck on your new chapter’.

“It was all love.”

Now, it seems the bad blood has gone. Miquita even hinted that she would happily see Fearne again in that world.

She said: “So actually me and Fearne Cotton are fine. I’ll see you at Happy Place next year!”

The apology marks a full-circle moment for the pair. What started as a cruel swipe nearly 20 years ago has now turned into something warmer and far more grown-up.

Read more: Fearne Cotton appears to reference ex Ian Watkins’ child sex crimes conviction for very first time

So what do you think of this story? Tell us on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix.

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Centralized Elements ‘Frequently Persist’ in DeFi and Should Be Regulated: FATF – Decrypt

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July 22, 2026

Centralized Elements ‘Frequently Persist’ in DeFi and Should Be Regulated: FATF – Decrypt

In brief

The Financial Action Task Force said that many DeFi platforms are decentralized in name only and fall under its rules wherever identifiable people control them.
Its report urges countries to find those controllers and regulate them as virtual asset service providers, and, as a last resort, to ban platforms that refuse to cooperate.
Nearly 93% of surveyed jurisdictions have yet to apply the rules to qualifying DeFi arrangements, and just two have ever licensed or registered one.

Much of decentralized finance is not as decentralized as it looks, and the platforms behind it should be regulated like other financial businesses, the world’s main anti-money-laundering body said in a new report.

In a report published Tuesday, the Financial Action Task Force said its rules already apply to any DeFi arrangement where an identifiable person keeps “control or sufficient influence,” regardless of how decentralized a project claims to be. The Paris-based body, whose standards are used across more than 200 jurisdictions, sorts DeFi into three groups: platforms with identifiable controllers; those that are centralized in practice but whose operators stay hidden; and a genuinely leaderless minority it calls truly decentralized. Only the last escapes its standards.

Although many DeFi projects present themselves as fully decentralized, centralized elements “frequently persist in practice,” the report found, through concentrated governance tokens, administrative privileges, control over upgrades, and the fees and rewards that flow to insiders.

FATF President Giles Thomson said in a statement accompanying the report that the goal is to stop criminals exploiting new technology to “launder dirty money” while “supporting responsible financial innovation,” calling strong public-private information sharing central to the response.

Decentralized in name only?

The report lays out on-chain and off-chain signs of control, including upgrade keys and “kill switch” functions, the power to set fees or risk parameters, concentrated voting power, command of the public website or app, and the corporate entities that employ core developers or hold the treasury. Where such control exists, FATF said, the people behind it, whether developers, large token holders, front-end operators or funders, should be licensed and supervised like any financial firm. Even running a front-end that funnels users to a protocol can be enough to qualify.

In practice, almost no one is doing this. Nearly 93% of the jurisdictions that responded to a recent FATF survey have not applied the standards to any qualifying DeFi arrangement, and only 26 out of 142 have assessed the risks at all. Four have licensing rules on the books, while just two have ever used them to register or license a platform. FATF guidance is not law, but members are graded on how closely they follow it, and persistent gaps can help land a country on the watchdog’s “grey list.” The report comes on the heels of a broader FATF update days earlier that found most countries still struggling to enforce crypto rules across the board.

A ban as a last resort

FATF wants countries to close the gap by requiring, or at least encouraging, DeFi projects to build anti-money-laundering controls straight into their smart contracts or interfaces, from sanctions screening to proof-of-KYC checks before certain functions run.

For projects that really are leaderless, it steers regulators toward the choke points around them: stablecoin issuers that can freeze tokens, exchanges that handle fiat on- and off-ramps, and front-end operators. And where a platform refuses to cooperate, the report says, a jurisdiction can as a last resort ban it from operating in its territory. Banks and exchanges, for their part, are told to run due diligence on any DeFi platform they touch, or stop dealing with it.

North Korea’s DeFi haul

The report leans heavily on how criminals already work the sector. It singles out North Korea, whose state-linked hackers it says were behind two April attacks that together drained more than $570 million: the $285 million exploit of Solana perpetuals exchange Drift Protocol, pulled off in just 12 minutes, and a $292 million hack of KelpDAO.

Together they made up some 76% of the year’s crypto-hacking losses. The report also points to ransomware crews, professional laundering networks, and investor frauds as heavy users of DeFi’s mixers, bridges and swaps.

That crackdown is already underway elsewhere. U.S. prosecutors this year secured prison terms for the two co-founders of Bitcoin mixer Samourai Wallet and a conviction against Tornado Cash developer Roman Storm, cases built on the same idea FATF presses here: that the people who build and run the code can be treated as regulated money businesses.

DeFi’s total value locked reached $86.6 billion this year, up about 85% since 2023, with the top dozen protocols holding more than 60% of it, per the report, which calls for regulators to implement the FATF rulebook rather than leaving a gap that could enable illicit finance at scale.

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Strategy’s MSTR and Bitcoin Show Tight Correlation in Price Recovery

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July 22, 2026

Strategy’s MSTR and Bitcoin Show Tight Correlation in Price Recovery

As Bitcoin claws back from recent lows, Strategy Inc.’s shares (MSTR) have once again demonstrated outsized gains, reinforcing its status as a high-beta proxy for the leading cryptocurrency.

This latest surge underscores how deeply intertwined the company’s fortunes have become with Bitcoin’s price action, driven by its massive treasury holdings and strategic positioning in the market. Both the charts are showing a familiar pattern: when Bitcoin stabilizes or rebounds, MSTR doesn’t just follow—it often amplifies the move, sometimes by multiples.

Strategy Inc.’s shares serve as a high-beta proxy for Bitcoin, amplifying its price movements due to massive treasury holdings.

The company’s correlation with Bitcoin underscores the growing intersection of traditional finance and digital assets, influencing market sentiment.

MSTR’s performance has implications for investors and crypto market evolution, offering leveraged access to Bitcoin’s upside while demanding strong risk tolerance.

The correlation isn’t accidental. Strategy has transformed from a business intelligence software firm into what many describe as a Bitcoin development and treasury powerhouse. With hundreds of thousands of BTC on its balance sheet, the company’s equity has evolved into a leveraged bet on Bitcoin’s long-term value proposition. This dynamic has created both opportunity and amplified risk, as evidenced by sharp drawdowns during crypto winters and explosive rallies during recoveries.

As of publishing, with Bitcoin trading in the $65,000 to $66,000 range after bouncing from sub-$60,000 levels, MSTR has mirrored and exceeded that momentum, climbing from June lows near $82 to reclaim territory above $94–$100 in active sessions.

Source: Bitcoin Price (July 22, 2026) — TradingView

The Mechanics of a High-Beta Bitcoin Proxy

At the core of this relationship lies Strategy’s aggressive Bitcoin accumulation strategy, which began years ago and has positioned the company as the largest corporate holder of the asset. Currently holding approximately 843,775 BTC—acquired at an average cost basis around $75,000–$76,000 per coin—the firm’s treasury value now dwarfs its traditional software operations. This creates a direct transmission mechanism: fluctuations in Bitcoin’s spot price flow straight through to MSTR’s perceived net asset value (NAV).

Unlike a simple ETF or spot holding, MSTR introduces leverage through its capital structure. The company has utilized debt, equity issuances, and convertible instruments to fund purchases, effectively magnifying exposure.

When Bitcoin rises even modestly, the market reprices MSTR not only on the underlying asset appreciation but also on expectations of future accumulation, potential buybacks, or shifts in its “digital credit” framework. Rolling correlations between the two assets frequently hover between 0.65 and 0.95 on shorter timeframes, far higher than many traditional stock-crypto pairs.

This beta effect was on full display in recent weeks. As Bitcoin recovered roughly 6% from early July troughs, MSTR posted gains exceeding 20% from its June nadir around $81.81. Market participants attribute this to forced short covering—given elevated short interest in the name—combined with renewed optimism around Strategy’s ability to navigate volatility.

The stock’s moves aren’t purely mechanical; sentiment plays a role. Announcements around USD reserves for preferred dividends, selective Bitcoin monetization up to certain limits, or reaffirmations of “Bitcoin per share” growth targets act as catalysts that supercharge rallies. Yet the foundation remains the correlation: Bitcoin sets the tone, and MSTR dances to an accelerated rhythm.

Critics point out that this isn’t flawless synchronization. MSTR has at times traded at a discount to its Bitcoin holdings’ fair value, reflecting dilution concerns, execution risks on the software side, and broader market skepticism during prolonged drawdowns.

Still, the proxy dynamic persists because investors treat MSTR as accessible, liquid Bitcoin exposure with corporate governance and potential upside from operational cash flows. In essence, it’s a hybrid vehicle—part crypto vault, part leveraged equity—designed for those seeking amplified participation without direct custody hassles.

Recent Performance: From June Lows to Recovery Momentum

The past month provided a textbook case of this correlation in action. Bitcoin’s dip below $60,000 in late June triggered a steeper sell-off in MSTR, which hit its 52-week low amid broader risk-off sentiment and profit-taking. The stock plunged more than 40% year-to-date at one point, outpacing Bitcoin’s roughly 30% decline over similar periods. Heightened volatility, with daily swings often exceeding 5–10%, reflected leveraged unwinds and shifting investor conviction.

Then came the rebound. As Bitcoin stabilized and pushed toward $62,000–$65,000, buoyed by improving ETF flows and macro signals, MSTR responded with vigor. Sessions saw intraday gains of 7–12%, with the stock reclaiming the $100 level briefly before settling into the mid-$90s amid ongoing chop. Volume spiked during these moves, signaling strong participation from both retail and institutional traders rotating back into crypto proxies. Strategy’s holdings, valued at tens of billions despite paper losses relative to peak prices, began looking more attractive as unrealized pressures eased.

This recovery phase also highlighted operational nuances. The company’s framework for building cash reserves—potentially through limited Bitcoin sales to service dividends while pursuing buybacks—provided a narrative of prudent management rather than capitulation. Such moves helped stabilize sentiment, allowing the correlation to shine through without the drag of pure panic.

Compared to direct Bitcoin exposure, MSTR delivered outsized returns on the way up, consistent with historical patterns where the stock has outperformed in uptrends by 1.5x to 2x or more. Yet the asymmetry remains: drawdowns can be equally punishing, as seen earlier in 2026 when MSTR lagged on the downside too.

Broader market context amplified these moves. With Bitcoin’s market cap hovering around $1.31 trillion, Strategy’s position represents a meaningful slice of corporate adoption. Its performance influences sentiment across crypto equities, from miners to related tech plays.

As Bitcoin hovers near key technical levels, any sustained push above $65,000–$70,000 could trigger another leg higher for MSTR, testing resistance zones tied to prior highs.

Implications for Investors and Crypto Market Evolution

The MSTR-Bitcoin correlation offers a double-edged sword. It provides efficient, leveraged access to Bitcoin’s upside narrative—positioning Strategy as a proxy for those bullish on digital scarcity and institutional adoption—without needing to manage wallets or navigate spot market intricacies. Portfolio managers have increasingly allocated to MSTR for its convexity: strong Bitcoin rallies can produce asymmetric equity returns, potentially offsetting underperformance elsewhere.

However, this comes with caveats. The stock’s volatility exceeds Bitcoin’s, demanding strong risk tolerance and active monitoring. Factors like interest rate environments, regulatory shifts, or company-specific news (dilution, dividend policies) can decouple moves temporarily. Those betting purely on the correlation must weigh mNAV discounts, where MSTR trades below its Bitcoin stash value, against premiums during euphoria phases. Long-term holders see it as validation of Bitcoin treasury strategies, potentially inspiring more corporations to follow suit and deepening market integration.

Read: VanEck Pours $207M into Strategy’s STRC Despite Market Pressure on the Stock

On a macro level, this relationship signals crypto’s maturation. What began as a niche corporate experiment has become a bellwether for how traditional finance interacts with digital assets. Strategy’s model—financing Bitcoin buys through sophisticated capital markets tools—has created a feedback loop where equity performance influences Bitcoin sentiment and vice versa. As more entities adopt similar approaches, correlations could strengthen further, or new divergences might emerge based on execution quality.

As July-end unfolds, the “great correlation” appears resilient. With Bitcoin recovering and Strategy reiterating its commitment to growing holdings over time, MSTR stands poised to capture—and magnify—any further upside. Investors navigating this space must balance enthusiasm for the proxy’s power with disciplined risk management.

In a market where narratives drive prices as much as fundamentals, the MSTR-Bitcoin tandem remains one of the clearest expressions of conviction in cryptocurrency’s staying power. Whether this surge marks the start of a broader rally or another volatile chapter depends on Bitcoin holding its ground, but history suggests the correlation will once again prove its worth.

Also read: The Bitcoin Treasury Blueprint: What Stress Testing on Strategy Inc.’s MSTR-STRC Reveals

Disclaimer: The information researched and reported by The Crypto Times is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional financial advice. Investing in crypto assets involves significant risk due to market volatility. Always Do Your Own Research (DYOR) and consult with a qualified Financial Advisor before making any investment decisions.

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Fortnite Persona 5 crossover leaked for Season 4 – VideoGamer

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July 22, 2026

Fortnite Persona 5 crossover leaked for Season 4 – VideoGamer

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you’re reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games here

A long-rumoured Persona 5 crossover could finally be heading to Fortnite as part of the battle royale’s next season, according to a new leak.

Fortnite leaker SamLeakss claims that Persona will form the basis of an upcoming Rocket League event, complete with free rewards that can also be used in Fortnite. The leaker added that Persona may then appear during Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 4, which is widely rumoured to revolve around characters and franchises from across gaming.

A separate report states that the crossover will specifically be based on Persona 5, rather than another entry in Atlus’ long-running RPG series. However, neither Epic Games nor Atlus has officially announced the collaboration, so the information should still be treated as a rumour for the time being.

Persona 5 could finally join Fortnite

Persona has appeared in an impressive number of crossovers over the years, with Joker and the Phantom Thieves previously turning up in games including Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Granblue Fantasy, AFK Arena, and Identity V. Fortnite has remained one of the more obvious omissions, especially given Epic’s determination to turn its battle royale into gaming’s biggest digital toy box.

Rumours of a Persona crossover have circulated throughout several previous Fortnite seasons, usually whenever Epic introduces a Japanese theme or begins adding more gaming characters. Those rumours have repeatedly failed to produce anything tangible, but the reported connection to an upcoming Rocket League event gives the latest claim a little more substance.

SamLeakss specifically stated that Persona will be the subject of Rocket League’s next major event and that it will include free rewards transferable to Fortnite. That does not necessarily confirm character skins for the battle royale, but it suggests Epic is working with Atlus on content that spans more than one of its games.

Should the crossover happen, Joker would be the most obvious candidate for a Fortnite Outfit. Other members of the Phantom Thieves, including Ann, Ryuji, Makoto, and Futaba, could also appear, while Morgana feels almost purpose-built to become a Back Bling, Glider, or Sidekick.

None of those cosmetics have been mentioned by the leakers, though, and there is currently no reliable information regarding which characters, items, or music tracks might be included.

Fortnite Season 4 could be packed with gaming crossovers

Persona 5 is reportedly just one part of a much larger collection of gaming collaborations being prepared for Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 4.

Previous leaks have suggested that the season will carry a “Gaming Legends” theme and could feature characters from Sonic the Hedgehog, Mega Man, Crash Bandicoot, and Kingdom Hearts. Sonic has also been linked to the Season 4 Battle Pass, although that remains unconfirmed.

That would make Chapter 7 Season 4 one of Fortnite’s most ambitious crossover seasons to date, even by the game’s increasingly ridiculous standards. Epic has already added characters from Halo, God of War, Resident Evil, Street Fighter, Tomb Raider, The Witcher, and countless other gaming series, but an entire season built around recognisable video game characters would take the Gaming Legends label considerably further.

The current Chapter 7 Season 3 Battle Pass is scheduled to end on August 20, 2026. That date provides the most likely window for the next major season transition, although Epic has yet to announce when Chapter 7 Season 4 will begin.

Other reports have pointed towards a possible September launch based on internal update information, meaning the schedule is not currently clear. Until Epic publishes an official teaser or confirms the new season’s theme, players should be cautious about assuming that every leaked collaboration will arrive.

Still, after years of speculation, the prospect of Joker dropping from the Battle Bus while Morgana complains about everyone staying up too late feels considerably more plausible than it once did.

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Freddy Brazier rushed to hospital after dog attack

Metaverse Fashion Week Online

July 22, 2026

Freddy Brazier rushed to hospital after dog attack

Freddy Brazier was rushed to hospital after a horror dog attack at his nan Jackiey Budden’s London home.

The 21-year-old reportedly needed stitches after his Pocket Bully dog Pablo bit him on Tuesday, July 21.

A source told The Sun: “Freddy was shocked when it happened and was left in a lot of pain.”

The frightening incident happened while Freddy was at Jackiey’s house in London.

Jackiey also suffered injuries, according to the report. She tried to pull Pablo off Freddy during the ordeal.

A spokesman shared an update on his condition with ED!, saying: “Freddy is currently being treated; we will keep everyone updated on his recovery.”

Freddy is in hospital (Credit: BBC)

What happened during Freddy Brazier’s dog attack?

The report says Pablo attacked Freddy while he was at his grandmother’s home.

That left the young star needing hospital treatment.

Freddy Brazier has grown up in the public eye. Many know him as the youngest son of late Big Brother star Jade Goody and TV presenter Jeff Brazier.

That family connection has kept him in headlines for years. Now attention has turned to his recovery.

Freddy Brazier’s nan Jackiey Budden was ‘mauled’ days earlier

Freddy Brazier’s neighbours reportedly rang the police after hearing screams when nan Jackiey Budden was allegedly attacked by the dog.

According to claims, neighbours heard Jackiey cry as the pocket bully “gripped” onto her with its teeth.

London Fire Brigade and the Metropolitan Police are said to have attended the scene, as per The Sun.

A source claimed to the publication: “It’s been a shocking few days. During the first incident, Jackiey was home alone, and she was mauled – on this occasion, one of her panicked neighbours raised the alarm. Both the police and the fire brigade attended, but fortunately it wasn’t too serious – and they agreed not to pursue criminal charges.”

Sources also claim it has been “awful” for Freddy, who “absolutely adores Pablo”.

Freddy’s representative has been contacted for comment.

This Freddy update comes as a huge shock

The hospital dash comes just months after a major moment in his personal life.

Freddy and ex-girlfriend Holly Swinburn welcomed their first child in March.

They named their daughter Isla Jade Brazier. The name paid tribute to his late mum.

Freddy and Holly had an on-and-off relationship before they split. The Sun said the breakup followed a row involving his dog.

The same report added that Holly had tried to take the pet from him during the argument.

That claim had already put Pablo in the spotlight.

For now, Freddy Brazier remains focused on treatment and recovery.

No one has shared further details about the full extent of his injuries.

Still, the quotes released so far paint a grim picture. Freddy was “left in a lot of pain,” and Jackiey also appears to have been caught up in the chaos.

Fans will now hope for reassuring news soon. The focus remains on Freddy Brazier after a deeply distressing past 24 hours.

Read more: Freddy Brazier addresses split with daughter’s mum as he admits: ‘I’m doing therapy’

What do you think about this story? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix.

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Dune 2 – The C64 Demake – Arok Edition – Could Westwood’s classic RTS hit be coming to the C64?

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July 22, 2026

Dune 2 – The C64 Demake – Arok Edition – Could Westwood’s classic RTS hit be coming to the C64?

How about this for an incredible mid-week heads up, as Westwood’s legendary 1992 RTS masterpiece is unofficially invading the 8-bit era with Dune 2 – The C64 Demake – Arok Edition by Primal. This jaw-dropping project brings the iconic desert warfare to the Commodore 64, boasting a smooth four-direction scrolling battlefield, rich multicolor graphics utilizing clever single-sprite trickery, and support for 64 total units and buildings with zero limits on how many troops can flood the screen at once.

Players can look forward to building complex bases and producing massive armies to clash against a ruthless enemy AI that manages its own economy, expands its forces, fiercely defends its territory, and launches merciless counter-attacks when provoked. Best of all, this incredible demake is already looking like absolute business with future updates promising even more maps, unique units, and gameplay enhancements.

Seriously if this is as good as it sounds, it could be a Commodore 64 hit!

Links 1) Source ( Try out the latest version released at Arok Party 2026 )

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Samsung Enters the Robotics Arms Race: Inside the New RX Unit | Metaverse Planet

Metaverse

Metaverse Fashion Week Online

July 22, 2026

Samsung Enters the Robotics Arms Race: Inside the New RX Unit | Metaverse Planet

I have to admit, I’ve been watching the robotics space closely lately, and honestly, it’s starting to feel like we are living in the prequel to a sci-fi blockbuster. Every other week, a tech giant announces a massive leap in automation. We’ve watched Tesla relentlessly iterate on its Optimus humanoid, and we’ve seen LG launch its dedicated Robotics Business Center. Even companies like Honor and Hisense are throwing their hats into the ring.

But the news that crossed my desk today really made me sit up and take notice. Samsung isn’t just watching from the sidelines anymore—they are aggressively shifting into high gear. The South Korean tech behemoth has officially consolidated its robotic ambitions under a brand-new division: the Robotics eXperience (RX) unit.

Let’s dive into why this matters, and why I think this could fundamentally change how our electronics are built in the next decade.

What is the Robotics eXperience (RX) Unit?

Up until now, Samsung’s robotics research was somewhat fragmented across different departments. By establishing the RX unit, they are bringing all that raw R&D talent under one unified roof.

Led by Samsung Electronics CEO TM Roh, this new organization is designed to streamline and accelerate everything from basic research to commercial deployment. And they aren’t just keeping this local. While the RX unit will be headquartered at the Samsung R&D Campus in Seoul, they are rapidly expanding their footprint with global research hubs planned across the United States, China, and Japan.

To me, this geographical spread screams one thing: Samsung is hunting for the absolute best global talent they can find.

The Boston Dynamics Connection

Here is the detail that really caught my eye while researching this move. To spearhead their robotics strategy, Samsung didn’t just promote from within. They went out and poached Lee Dong-geon, a heavyweight who previously managed robotics strategies for Boston Dynamics under Hyundai.

When you bring in someone with Boston Dynamics on their resume, you aren’t just looking to build a basic assembly line arm. You are looking to build agile, advanced, and highly capable machines.

Joining him is Prof. Kim Eui-gyeom from Ajou University, a renowned expert in robotic hands and manipulation technologies. If you follow robotics, you know that creating a robotic hand that can match human dexterity is the “Holy Grail” of the industry. The fact that Samsung is prioritizing manipulation tech tells us exactly how complex they want these robots to be.

The First Milestone: Autonomous Factories by 2030

So, what is Samsung actually going to do with all this brainpower? They are starting at home.

Samsung’s immediate priority is industrial robotics. Their master plan is to integrate these newly developed robots directly into their own manufacturing facilities, pushing the boundaries of automated production. The ultimate goal is wildly ambitious: to transform all of their manufacturing facilities into AI-powered, fully autonomous factories by 2030.

Think about that for a second. In less than four years, the smartphones, TVs, and chips we buy could be manufactured in massive “dark factories” operated almost entirely by AI and robotics.

Here is how their rollout strategy breaks down:

Phase 1 (Internal Integration): Deploying proprietary robots in Samsung’s own factories to refine the hardware and software in real-world, high-stakes environments.Phase 2 (Commercialization): Once the systems are perfected and proven to increase efficiency, Samsung plans to package and sell these robotic solutions to other manufacturers globally.

It’s a brilliant playbook. They get to use their own massive supply chain as a testing ground before becoming a B2B robotics supplier.

Beyond the Factory: The Humanoid Horizon

While industrial automation pays the bills, Samsung clearly has its sights set on the future. They aren’t limiting themselves to stationary factory arms.

Samsung’s secretive Robot Hand Laboratory has been quietly working on advanced manipulation tech for years. Combine that with the creation of the RX unit, and it’s clear they are laying the groundwork for highly capable humanoid robots.

Let’s not forget that in 2024, Samsung became the largest shareholder of Rainbow Robotics, a company famous for developing robot dogs and advanced industrial bots. When you connect the dots—Rainbow Robotics’ mobility platforms, Prof. Kim’s robotic hand expertise, and Lee Dong-geon’s strategic vision—you have all the necessary ingredients to build a true competitor to Tesla’s Optimus.

My Takeaway

I’ve always felt that the true winner of the “robot wars” wouldn’t necessarily be the company with the flashiest demo video, but the one that can actually scale manufacturing and integrate AI flawlessly. Samsung builds the chips, they build the sensors, and they have the factories. They possess an ecosystem advantage that very few companies on Earth can match.

The establishment of the RX unit is a clear signal: the era of AI-driven robotics is moving out of the lab and onto the global factory floor.

I’m incredibly curious to see what their first commercial robot will look like. Will they go for a practical, wheeled design for factories, or will they surprise us with a fully bipedal humanoid sooner than we expect?

What do you guys think? If Samsung releases a consumer humanoid robot in the 2030s, would you trust it in your home over one made by Tesla or Apple? Let me know your thoughts!

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These Summer Sandals Are at Black Friday-Level Prices Right Now — Deals Start at $15

Metaverse Fashion Week Online

July 22, 2026

These Summer Sandals Are at Black Friday-Level Prices Right Now — Deals Start at

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If you’ve been looking for an excuse to refresh your shoe collection, there’s never been a better time than right now. Macy’s brought Black Friday-level deals to July, and the sale is overflowing with summer sandals, like flip-flops, kitten heels, slides and more. Oh, and the steep deals start at as low as $15.

Macy’s summer Black Friday sale runs from today through July 26th, which means you have five full days to save up to 60% off. The catch? The chicest summer sandals are selling out as we type, including pairs from Steve Madden, Marc Fisher, Michael Kors and Dolce Vita. Snag your favorites for this season (and the next) below!

17 Summer Sandals Deals at Macy’s — From $15

1. Shiny Chic: These gold Michael Kors sandals make any outfit look expensive, thanks to the low profile and minimal ‘M’ logo — was $100, now $50!

2. Total Classic: Everyone needs staple ankle-strap sandals, and these Steve Madden wonders are ones to consider — was $99, now $59!

3. Cute Kitten: Kitten heels are everywhere this summer. Nail the look with this colorful version — was $89, now $45!

4. Super Comfy: You can’t go wrong with these jewel-adorned FitFlop sandals, which combine comfort and style in one — was $140, now $70!

5. Hamptons Vibes: With a woven strap and a faux leather base, these slip-on slides radiate old money energy — was $79, now $47!

6. Pretty Platforms: Or should we say, ‘flatforms.’ These espadrille sandals are available in solid hues and a logo print that adds even more polish — was $100, now $50!

7. Sassy Slip-ons: When you’re running out the door, you’ll be glad you have these easy Marc Fisher slip-ons — was $89, now $45!

8. Wedding Guest: Instead of stilettos, opt for these classy, understated sandals that let the rest of your outfit shine — was $69, now $41!

9. Center of Attention: These pearly heels are the main event, so don’t even worry about your dress. The 1.75-inch heel ensures they’re walkable, too — was $129, now $77!

10. Year-Round Pick: Dolce Vita’s sleek blade-heel sandals come in a rich toffee color that transitions seamlessly from summer to fall — was $69, now $41!

11. Elevated Flip-Flops: Flip-flops can totally be sophisticated, and these cushiony wonders prove it — was $60, now $36!

12. Rustic Appeal: With a real leather strap, low block heel and studded detailing, these Naturalizer slides give off major boutique energy — was $138, now $83!

13. Cork, Yes: Nothing says ‘cool girl’ like these double-strap cork sandals. Every color is marked down — was $55, now $33!

14. Mesh Maven: Toe-loop styles don’t always feel secure, but these mesh sandals stay put while padding your foot — was $50, now $20!

15. Seriously Wealthy: Chunky thongs can downgrade an outfit, but these luxe-looking flip-flops have the opposite effect — was $79, now $40!

16. Block Heel: Low and luxurious, these triple-strap sandals work for brunches, work events and even weddings — was $40, now $15!

17. Designer Vibes: This logo-adorned style should costs hundreds, but it’s only $25 right now. Nobody will know the difference — was $69, now $25!

UsNow Summer Sale Alert: These Chic Fashion Finds are over 30% off – Plus Free Shipping

Welcome to summer with our biggest sale of the year. This summer’s chicest dresses, tops and swimsuits Swimsuits Under $25)” data-tag-index=”1″ data-tag-occurrence=”1″ data-tag-variant-id=”swimsuits-1″ data-tag-variant-mode=”random” data-tag-variant-name=”Swimsuits Sale” data-tag-variant-index=”0″ data-add-to=”first” data-tb-shoptags-tracking-bound=”true” data-tb-tracking-bound=”true” data-tb-tagrender-tracked=”true” data-tb-core-handler=”true” data-tracked-events=”click,mouseover,mouseout”>(Swimsuits Under $25) are all over 30% + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.

Shop the UsNow Summer Sale –>

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Are Jacques Marie Mage sunglasses any good?

Couture

Metaverse Fashion Week Online

July 22, 2026

Are Jacques Marie Mage sunglasses any good?

The author’s JMM glasses, worn with a vintage jungle jacket

The short answer to this question is yes; but a better answer considers value through design work and scarcity rather than just quality, and whether you actually want to wear slightly flashier sunglasses.

Let’s start with quality. With eyewear, quality comes down to a handful of things: acetate, hinges, the way the hinges are attached, smooth finishing and lenses.

Most people use the same acetate suppliers (Mazzuccheli, Takiron), same hinges (OBE) and run the pins all the way through the arms (so they can be repaired and replaced). Some of these, like the hinges, are easy details to watch out for. Finishing and in-store fitting are more subtle.

But a lot of the time, cheap sunglasses just feel cheap – mostly the use of less expensive acetates, which make them seem flimsy and brittle. A pair of glasses from a high-street brand can feel as if it’s just waiting to be snapped in half.

This is one of the slightly misleading things about Jacques Marie Mage (JMM) glasses. Because they use noticeably thicker frames, people talk about how substantial and well made they feel. But it’s just more acetate.

The Zephirin model from JMM, in colour ‘Tokyo’

Still, JMM ticks all of those quality points, and adds niche ones like developing its own hinges. These are very well-made glasses, unlike designer brands you might pick up in your local optician, many of which are famously made by one company, Luxottica.

However, the JMM glasses I have been wearing the past few months – the Zephirin in Tokyo colour, pictured above – were £830. What can justify that price?

Well, partly a few things you don’t want to pay for. When we visited the JMM store in Hollywood in the spring, most of it was taken up by a massive distressed-metal horse leaping over half of a similarly distressed-metal car. There was a velvet rope and a waiting area.

The glasses themselves also come with a lot of packaging – all beautiful, and more tasteful than the horse, but it is the kind of thing you keep on top of a shelf for a while, just because you feel you paid for it.

Part of the price does account for some things that elevate JMM glasses and make them genuinely special, however.

The way you usually make money in sunglasses is to make one or two popular styles and then mass produce them for years. The worst way to do it is to make lots and lots of designs, all interesting in different ways, and make many of them in limited editions.

This is the JMM business model. And while you may say it’s just another money-making strategy – because it creates hype that means everyone wants the limited pairs and will overpay for them – it’s definitely the harder way to do it. The glasses have to be genuinely desirable.

The frames themselves also include lots of details that make them complicated, unusual and time-consuming to make. Perhaps unnecessarily so.

On mine, for example, the arms are made of two layers of acetate – a tortoiseshell one and a clear one – that makes the arms a subtly brighter, more translucent colour than the fronts. It also enables them to have a clear section that wraps around the ears, but makes the arm look more like a straight line.

There are several of these details, all small and perhaps, as I said, unnecessary. But you can’t argue they’re not putting the work into the product.

Design-wise, the frames are also consistently interesting. I spoke to a couple of friends and vintage collectors in eyewear, and they all had reservations about the brand, but also all praised the sophistication of the designs.

As one of them put it: “It’s not easy to create so many designs that relate to classic pieces, but also all have real personality of their own.”

The problem with the designs is, for me, that they’re often quite bold and for that reason don’t suit many people. The frames are thick, often oversized, and sometimes come with eye-catching details on the arms.

When I visited the London store (which I should say, is nicer than LA and has some very knowledgeable staff) there were only two frames that really worked for me, and this Zephirin was easily the best.

Whether you like the brand or not, this will probably be the biggest stumbling block for most readers, given their natural tendency towards understated style.

The dramatic designs also create another problem – the kind of person that wears JMM.

Basile Khadiry, who runs the Beige store in Paris, was an early exponent of JMM. But he stopped carrying them after a while, saying in a recent interview with us: “They’re well made, but they became something flashy, worn by a certain kind of person.”

Because the glasses are a bit flashy they attract people who dress that way – and also, I find, those who collect glasses, and watches, who want a new pair every season and want them as a form of status symbol*.

It probably reveals how much of a snob I am, but this is honestly my biggest problem with JMM – not the price or the shops, but the association with someone that consumes fashion in a much more ostentatious and hype-driven way than I do.

Since I’ve been wearing my Zephirin pair on Permanent Style, a lot of people have asked what I think of them – are they any good?

The answer is yes, they are good, and actually not bad value given all the things that go into them. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re for you, exciting as they may seem.

I really like my pair, but there was no other model that suited me, and they wouldn’t be the first pair of sunglasses I’d buy. I’d always get a more classic pair first, and I’m always going to wear them more.

My JMMs are a nice way to add a little bit of interest to an outfit when I feel it needs it – to push it a little flashier on the fuddy-flashy scale, perhaps. In the same way as you’d add pattern or a pop of colour to an outfit that’s otherwise quite plain.

I also wouldn’t rule out getting another pair – if there’s another design that really suits me – because I genuinely enjoy and value them. But I know they’ll never be my default; it’s just not my style.

*There’s an interesting side topic here about why sunglasses have become such a collectable item. It might be because watches are a little played out, or perhaps because outfits today are otherwise quite plain and tonal.