Entertainment Updates: Hitman: Absolution is out now for mobile, with this contentious entry making a polished return

Source:

https://www.pocketgamer.com/hitman-absolution/out-now/

ChatGPT:

Hitman: Absolution has officially launched on iOS and Android, marking the return of one of the franchise’s most divisive yet distinctive entries. Priced at US$14.99, this polished mobile port is developed by Feral Interactive, the studio known for high-quality adaptations like Alien: Isolation and Total War: Empire.

Originally released in 2012, Hitman: Absolution took the stealth series in a different direction — replacing its signature sandbox assassinations and global missions with a more linear, action-focused story. The game follows Agent 47 as he goes rogue to protect a mysterious young girl tied to The Agency, taking on violent foes across a darker, grindhouse-style narrative. While its emphasis on gunplay over stealth drew criticism at launch, the game has since earned renewed appreciation for its cinematic presentation and focused gameplay.

Feral’s new mobile port revitalises the experience with customisable touch controls, controller and keyboard support, and auto-aim for smoother shooting. Players can also adjust performance through multiple graphics presets, ensuring it runs well on both flagship and mid-range devices. The intuitive Instinct mode helps newcomers identify targets easily, while classic disguises and stealth mechanics preserve the series’ signature feel.

This release offers both veterans and newcomers a chance to re-evaluate Absolution in its most accessible form yet. It may not be the most traditional entry in the Hitman series, but with Feral’s trademark polish and technical optimisation, the mobile version stands as a refined and portable way to experience Agent 47’s most personal mission to date.

Opinion:

Never liked this genre of games.

But I can see why some people may like it.

Entertainment Updates: Sonic Rumble set to launch this November

Source:

https://www.pocketgamer.biz/sonic-rumble-set-to-launch-this-november/

ChatGPT:

Sega’s upcoming multiplayer title, Sonic Rumble, is officially set to launch in November 2025, marking the Sonic franchise’s first-ever multiplayer game. Now open for pre-registration on both PC and mobile platforms, the 32-player battle royale pits fan-favourite characters such as Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy, Shadow, and Dr Eggman against one another to be the last one standing.

Originally planned for release earlier this year, Sonic Rumble faced several delays — first from winter to spring, then indefinitely just a week before its May launch. According to Rovio’s head of beacon growth, Veli Kiviaho, these postponements were to ensure the game runs smoothly on mid-tier devices, having already achieved strong performance on high-end hardware.

Set in a colourful toy world created by Dr Eggman, the game features chaotic obstacle-course gameplay reminiscent of Fall Guys, with the added speed and flair of the Sonic universe. Players can join global matches either solo or in four-person squads, competing across various arenas filled with hazards and moving traps.

The latest trailer showcases expanded features, including friend-based “Crews” for timed events and team rewards, as well as new stages, modes, and dynamic abilities to obstruct opponents. Sega has also overhauled the progression system, making it easier to unlock cosmetics and character abilities while simplifying achievements for a more rewarding grind.

With its blend of fast-paced action, accessible multiplayer mechanics, and nostalgic characters, Sonic Rumble looks poised to deliver a lively and competitive twist on the iconic blue hedgehog’s world when it launches this November.

Opinion:

Looks cool.

Sonic > Mario on mobile games.

Mario > Sonic on console games.

Gaming Updates: ROG Xbox Ally X review: Finally, a proper Windows-based gaming handheld

Source:

https://www.hardwarezone.com.sg/entertainment/gaming/rog-xbox-ally-x-gaming-handheld-review

ChatGPT:

ASUS’s ROG Xbox Ally X marks a major refinement for Windows-based handheld gaming. Co-developed with Microsoft, it’s the first officially Xbox-branded Windows device, aiming to deliver a console-like experience while retaining full PC flexibility. Priced at S$1,299, it’s premium but arguably the most balanced Windows handheld to date.

Powered by the new AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chip with RDNA 3.5 graphics and a dedicated NPU, the Ally X runs cooler, faster, and more efficiently than its predecessors. It comes with 24GB LPDDR5X RAM, 1TB SSD, and an 80Wh battery, offering up to 9.5 hours of office use or three hours of gaming — a huge leap in battery life. The 7-inch FHD 120Hz IPS display remains bright and responsive, trading OLED contrast for better efficiency.

Design-wise, ASUS nailed ergonomics and build quality. The handheld now feels sturdier, better balanced, and more comfortable with chunkier grips and Xbox-style controls. Cooling is quieter and smoother, while the dual USB-C ports and simplified layout improve practicality, even if the proprietary GPU dock is gone.

Performance is steady across demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Horizon Zero Dawn, showing no major throttling issues. More importantly, the Xbox-first interface finally feels native — booting straight into Game Pass and Xbox Cloud titles, while still supporting Steam, Epic, and emulators.

While Windows 11 remains clunky for handheld use, ASUS and Microsoft have made major strides toward making it viable. The ROG Xbox Ally X isn’t for everyone, but for PC gamers seeking a powerful, portable, and polished Windows handheld, it’s the first one that truly gets it right.

Opinion:

Nice device.

Will work well for emulation.

The price though is tough to take. 😅

Food Updates: KITKAT Launches Collectible Plushies In 4 Adorable Designs

Source:

https://eatbook.sg/kitkat-plushies-singapore/

ChatGPT:

KITKAT Singapore has launched a line of limited-edition collectible plushies called Break Buddies, giving fans a fun, tangible way to “take a break.” Released on 15 October 2025, the collection features four unique designs, each reflecting popular local ways to unwind: BBT Buddy, Gym Bro, Travel Kaki, and Chill Homie.

Priced at S$14.90 per box, each package contains one random plushie and two KITKAT 10s share bags. The plushies are available at major supermarkets and convenience stores, including FairPrice, Cold Storage, Giant, Sheng Siong, Prime, 7-Eleven, Cheers, and FairPrice Online, while stocks last.

Each plushie represents a different “break personality.” BBT Buddy is perfect for those who enjoy a midday bubble tea run. Gym Bro targets fitness enthusiasts, featuring a KITKAT bar plushie holding a pickleball paddle. Travel Kakiappeals to those who destress through holidays, equipped with a suitcase and passport, reflecting Singaporeans’ love of travel. Finally, Chill Homie is designed for those who prefer quiet nights in with snacks and music, embodying the calm, relaxing side of taking a break.

This launch follows KITKAT’s July 2025 collaboration with DIMOO, which featured a limited-edition blind box collection, continuing the brand’s playful engagement with collectors and fans. The Break Buddies plushies combine cute design, local cultural references, and KITKAT branding, making them both a collectible item and a fun gift for fans of the chocolate bar.

With their limited availability, these plushies are likely to generate excitement among collectors and KITKAT enthusiasts, reinforcing the brand’s message of taking enjoyable, stress-free breaks. Fans are encouraged to grab them while supplies last, making them a charming addition to KITKAT’s creative merchandise lineup.

Opinion:

So many plushies marketing... 😅

Entertainment Updates: Car rental company in Thailand promises ‘no questions, no judgment, just comfort’ in controversial ad

Source:

https://mustsharenews.com/car-rental-ad-thailand/

ChatGPT:

A Bangkok-based luxury car rental company, MIIV Car Rental, has gone viral with a controversial advertisementpromising clients absolute privacy and discretion. Shared on Instagram on Oct 5, the ad features a seemingly AI-generated image of a well-dressed man and woman sitting closely in the backseat of a luxury car, with the bold tagline: “NOT MY WIFE.” Beneath it reads, “We didn’t see. We don’t know. We just drive.”

The caption reinforces the company’s message of confidentiality: “Our chauffeurs deliver silence, discretion, and seamless service — no questions, no judgment, just comfort.” MIIV promotes itself as a premium chauffeured service, boasting a fleet of luxury vehicles, personal security options, and private bookings via WhatsApp.

The advertisement sparked mixed reactions online. Some netizens praised the company’s “next level marketing” and clever branding for standing out in a competitive market. Others found the ad “wild” or “morally questionable,” interpreting it as a wink at extramarital affairs or secret liaisons. One commenter joked that the company’s service ensures there will be no repeat of the infamous “Coldplay affair” scandal in Thailand.

Though the ad never explicitly mentions infidelity, its provocative tone and imagery have ignited discussions about the line between bold marketing and poor taste. Still, marketing experts noted that the campaign achieved its main goal — massive publicity and brand recognition.

By blending humor, controversy, and luxury, MIIV Car Rental has positioned itself as a symbol of discretion and exclusivity in Thailand’s high-end transport scene — one that promises “no questions, no judgment, just comfort.”

Opinion:

😂

Entertainment Updates: IN FOCUS: Are PC cafes making a comeback in Singapore?

Source:

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/pc-cafes-lan-shops-esports-gaming-mobile-in-focus-5397816

ChatGPT:

Once a staple of Singapore’s youth culture in the 2000s, PC cafes—or LAN shops—have largely disappeared, shrinking from over 100 outlets to just 15 licensed computer game centres today. Yet, they are now experiencing a quiet reinvention rather than extinction. Modern PC cafes are cleaner, more comfortable, and premium, featuring private gaming rooms, high-end equipment, and even bubble tea.

Industry veterans and new entrepreneurs are reshaping the scene. Titan Gaming, Ignite Gaming SG, and Elixir Esportshave turned traditional LAN shops into esports arenas, offering professional-grade setups, tournaments, and social experiences. For example, Elixir provides hospitality-style amenities—blankets, slippers, and drinks—while Titan and Ignite host leagues and sponsor esports teams. These operators aim to make gaming social, aspirational, and community-driven, not just a casual pastime.

Meanwhile, long-time players like Clique Gaming and Good Speed Game Cafe have diversified into board games, cuesports, and console gaming, evolving into multi-entertainment hubs. Clique now earns most of its revenue from pool and PlayStation setups, while Good Speed has transformed into a “community space” focused on human connection.

Experts note that Singapore’s scene lags behind gaming hotspots like South Korea, China, or Malaysia, where esports are nationally integrated. Still, Singapore’s rising interest in competitive gaming and government support for major esports events suggest potential for a revival.

Beyond gaming, PC cafes now serve as modern “third places”—safe, social environments where youths and even seniors can connect offline. As Redd+E’s Yip Ren Kai put it: “Devices may change, but the desire to connect, compete, and share experiences hasn’t.”

Opinion:

Lan shops experience was part of my childhood.

I think there will be a resurgence of this form of entertainment when my generation grows older.

Food Updates: will you eat this atas mixed veg rice?

Source:

https://www.reddit.com/r/SingaporeRaw/comments/1o0y8ju/will_you_eat_this_atas_mixed_veg_rice/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

Food Updates: Genki Sushi Launches Adorable Plushie Sling Bags In Blind Boxes

Source:

https://eatbook.sg/genki-sushi-plushie-bags/

ChatGPT:

Genki Sushi is celebrating its sixth anniversary in Singapore with a playful mix of food and collectibles. From now until 12 November 2025, diners can enjoy a special anniversary menu and snag limited-edition plushie sling bags available through blind boxes.

The plushies, which double as sling bags, feature a fuzzy sushi rice body with detachable, swappable toppings. Customers spending $60 in a single receipt will receive one blind box containing one of four designs: Ebi-Kun, Tama-Chan, Mentai-San, or Ikura-Chan. A secret Ikura-Chan variant is reserved exclusively for Genki Premium Members. Each plushie also comes with a $10 voucher, redeemable with a minimum $50 spend on the next visit. Plushies can also be found at Fun Claw machines.

Alongside the collectibles, all 21 outlets will serve an anniversary menu spotlighting Genki Sushi’s popular series. The Authentic Trio ($7.90++) brings together hotate, salmon, and hamachi sashimi, while the Tuna Trio ($9.90++) features otoro, chutoro, and maguro cuts. The Umami Trio ($3.80++) delivers savoury bites with torched unagi, teriyaki saba, and halibut.

For those who prefer heartier sushi, the Thick-Cut Series offers chunkier salmon slices. Highlights include Thick-Cut Salmon with Ikura ($2.90++), topped with roe for extra umami, and Thick-Cut Salmon with Spicy Miso ($2.30++) for a fiery twist. Fans of oversized portions can indulge in the returning Dai Man Zoku Series, with items like Unagi Cheese Dai Man Zoku ($2.90) and Akaebi Garlic Butter Dai Man Zoku ($2.80), offering generous servings and bold flavours.

The plushie sling bags and special menu are available until 12 November 2025 across all Genki Sushi restaurants in Singapore.

Entertainment Updates: Apple Arcade Adding These Four Games Next Month

Source:

https://www.macrumors.com/2025/10/07/apple-arcade-games-coming-in-november/

ChatGPT:

Apple announced four new games coming to Apple Arcade in early November 2025.

• Football Manager 26 Touch launches on November 4, featuring updated graphics, Premier League licensing, and women’s soccer.

• On November 6, three more titles arrive: MySims, MySims Kingdom, and Toca Boca Jr Classics.

Apple Arcade, priced at US$6.99/month in the U.S. or bundled in Apple One, offers unlimited access to hundreds of ad-free, in-app-purchase-free games across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro.

Food Updates: F&N MAGNOLIA serves up breakfast joy with exclusive collectible towels until 9 November 2025

Source:

https://singpromos.com/dining-restaurants-food/fn-magnolia-serves-up-breakfast-joy-with-exclusive-collectible-towels-until-9-november-2025-294676/

ChatGPT:

F&N MAGNOLIA is adding a cheerful twist to breakfast routines with the launch of an exclusive collectible towel series, available from 6 October to 9 November 2025. With every purchase of two 946ml packs of F&N MAGNOLIA Pasteurised Milk or two 700ml bottles of MAGNOLIA Yoghurt Smoothies, shoppers can redeem one of five limited-edition towels while stocks last.

The initiative builds on MAGNOLIA’s long-standing role in Singaporean households, where its milk products have been a breakfast staple since 1937. Generations have grown up with its pyramid packs and wide selection of milk and yoghurt drinks, and this campaign reinforces the brand’s connection to family nourishment and morning traditions.

The towel collection is designed to inject fun and warmth into daily routines. Each of the five designs is inspired by breakfast moments, blending playful imagery with a stylish, homely appeal. From bright patterns to charming motifs, the towels aim to capture the joy and comfort of mornings shared with loved ones.

This promotion highlights MAGNOLIA’s commitment not just to quality nutrition but also to enhancing everyday living. By tying the collectible towels to regular grocery purchases, the campaign makes participation seamless and rewarding, encouraging families to stock up on essentials while receiving an added treat.

Running for just over a month, the offer provides limited-time excitement that aligns with MAGNOLIA’s brand promise of wholesome goodness and everyday delight. For consumers, it’s a chance to pair nourishing breakfasts with a touch of charm at home. For the brand, it’s a reminder of its enduring presence at the heart of Singapore’s breakfast tables.

Food Updates: Pizza Hut S’pore $10 Large Pizza Takeaway Deal Returns on 14, 15, 21 & 22 Oct 2025

Source:

https://singpromos.com/dining-restaurants-food/pizza-hut-spore-10-large-pizza-takeaway-deal-returns-on-14-15-21-22-oct-2025-294688/

ChatGPT:

Pizza Hut Singapore is reintroducing its popular $10 Large Pizza Takeaway Deal this October 2025, giving pizza lovers the chance to enjoy significant savings. Available on just four days – 14, 15, 21, and 22 October (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) – customers can purchase large pizzas for $10 each, down from the usual price of $35.05.

The promotion is strictly for takeaway orders and limited to self-collection only. Customers can order through the Pizza Hut Singapore app or website, selecting the “Self-Collection” option at checkout to qualify. Each order is capped at two pizzas, subject to availability, and terms specify that the deal cannot be combined with other vouchers, discounts, or promotions.

Pizza choices cover popular options such as BBQ Chunky Chic, Very Beefy, and Chic Ham ’n’ Shroom, and diners can choose between Pan or Crackin’ Thin Crust. By offering classic flavours and popular crust types, the deal caters to both meat-lovers and those seeking variety.

Positioned as an affordable midweek treat, the $10 pizza campaign encourages customers to skip cooking and enjoy a hearty, cheesy meal at a fraction of the usual cost. Whether it’s a casual family dinner, a convenient lunch pickup, or a comfort-food indulgence after work, the limited-time offer is designed to attract strong demand.

Given Pizza Hut’s usual pricing, the promotion represents almost a 70 per cent discount and is expected to generate significant buzz, particularly among budget-conscious diners. Fans are advised to mark their calendars to avoid missing out, as stocks are limited.

With only two weeks in October offering this special, Pizza Hut’s $10 Large Pizza Deal promises an irresistible mix of value, convenience, and indulgence.

Rewards Updates: Commentary: SIA is introducing dynamic pricing to KrisFlyer. Should members be worried?

 

Source:

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/sia-krisflyer-update-mile-redeem-dynamic-pricing-5384061

ChatGPT:

Singapore Airlines (SIA) will introduce Access awards under KrisFlyer from Nov 1, shifting towards dynamic award pricing. Unlike Saver and Advantage awards, which follow a published chart, Access awards will have variable mileage costs based on demand, route, and seasonality. While framed as offering more options, frequent flyers fear this marks the start of a major devaluation.

Dynamic pricing is not new. Carriers such as Delta, United, Air France-KLM, and Virgin Atlantic have already adopted it, often justifying the change as delivering greater flexibility, more availability, and no blackout dates. In practice, however, it has led to loss of transparency, stealthy price hikes, and diminished value for members. With no fixed chart, redemption prices can be changed overnight without notice, leaving customers uncertain whether to save or spend miles. Many may instead shift to flexible bank rewards points, weakening airline loyalty.

Another consequence is the removal of sweet spots—redemptions where fixed-mileage awards deliver exceptional value compared to cash fares. For instance, a Business Class ticket from Singapore to Cape Town currently costs 56,500 miles, far below its cash equivalent of S$4,000. Under dynamic pricing, such outsized value disappears as mileage requirements track market fares more closely. Airlines also tend to impose floors, meaning members don’t benefit proportionally when cash prices fall.

Dynamic pricing risks alienating loyal customers. Frequent flyer miles, accumulated slowly over years of travel, may lose predictability and reliability. Although SIA insists Access awards will supplement rather than replace Saver and Advantage awards, history elsewhere suggests gradual expansion of dynamic pricing. Competitors in the region may follow suit, potentially reshaping the frequent flyer landscape in Asia.

Rewards Updates: Warning: UOB expands instant UNI$ redemptions to Johor Bahru

Source:

https://milelion.com/2025/10/05/warning-uob-expands-instant-uni-redemptions-to-johor-bahru/

ChatGPT:

UOB has expanded its controversial instant UNI$ redemptions programme to Johor Bahru, allowing Singapore cardholders to offset purchases at over 150 participating outlets. While marketed as a benefit, the value is poor: redemptions in JB are fixed at UNI$500 = S$5, or 0.5 cents per mile, far below the 1.8–2 cents per mile you’d get by converting to airline miles. Worse, cashiers can sometimes trigger redemptions without explicit consent, and once done, they can’t be reversed.

Participating JB merchants include popular retailers (Courts, Decathlon, Samsung), clinics, beauty services, and F&B outlets like Subway, with more expected to join. Redemptions are tied to prevailing foreign exchange rates, but UOB waives its usual 3.25% FX fee. Still, the opportunity cost makes this unattractive—you lose both the chance to earn miles and the superior redemption value miles provide. Even if you hold a small UNI$ balance, converting them to KrisPay miles (minimum 1,000 UNI$), where they’re worth 1 cent per mile, is a better deal.

Unlike in Singapore, where mobile wallet payments can also trigger UNI$ redemptions, JB transactions require the physical card. This means digitising your card on Apple Pay or Google Pay provides protection, while still earning bonus miles with cards like the UOB Preferred Platinum Visa. UOB AMEX cards are immune to instant UNI$ redemptions, so using a PRVI Miles AMEX, for instance, avoids the risk.

Confusion can arise because UOB also offers UOB$, a cashback currency that should be redeemed at merchants. Both UNI$ and UOB$ may appear at the same outlets, so customers must be clear which currency they want to use.
Bottom line: UOB’s instant UNI$ redemption in Johor offers terrible value. Treat it not as a perk, but as a pitfall to avoid.

Rewards Updates: How does Scoot’s Cancel Your Trip feature work?

Source:

https://milelion.com/2025/10/05/how-does-scoots-cancel-your-trip-feature-work/

ChatGPT:

Scoot’s Cancel Your Trip add-on, introduced in 2024, gives passengers flexibility to cancel flights for any reason up to four hours before departure, provided they haven’t checked in. Instead of a cash refund, customers receive Scoot vouchers equal to the full booking value (including add-ons like seats, meals, and baggage), excluding the add-on fee itself, insurance, and payment processing charges. Vouchers are issued within 24 hours, valid for one year, and must be used in a single transaction. Partial cancellations aren’t allowed—the entire booking and all passengers must be cancelled together.

The add-on must be purchased either during booking or within 24 hours, and applies to all passengers on the reservation. Prices start from S$20 for regional routes (e.g., Kuala Lumpur) and go up to S$104 for long-haul destinations like Athens; round-trip tickets double the cost. Cancel Your Trip isn’t available for flights to or from India and South Korea, KrisFlyer portal bookings, or award tickets. Ineligible passengers (e.g., KrisFlyer Elite tiers booking via the KrisFlyer portal) instead see an option to expand a one-time flexibility waiver.

In contrast, Scoot’s Change Your Flight add-on, from S$15, allows unlimited date and time changes but locks passengers into the same route. Cancel Your Trip is more flexible since vouchers can be applied to any destination, effectively giving travelers freedom to switch trips altogether.

The add-on is best for passengers who want maximum flexibility, especially if uncertain about both travel dates and destinations. However, for those committed to flying a specific route but needing only date flexibility, Change Your Flight is the cheaper and more practical option.

Rewards Updates: Cobrand vs non-cobrand cards: Which are better for earning miles?

Source:

https://milelion.com/2025/10/04/cobrand-vs-non-cobrand-cards-which-are-better-for-earning-miles/

ChatGPT:

When deciding between Singapore Airlines cobrand and non-cobrand credit cards for KrisFlyer miles, the choice boils down to trade-offs between convenience and rewards.

Cobrand cards, issued by AMEX and UOB, link directly to KrisFlyer. They offer automatic monthly transfers with no fees, eliminating wait times when award seats appear. They also provide perks like fast-tracks to KrisFlyer Elite Gold or Silver, Scoot privileges, and occasional redemption discounts. However, their earn rates are weak. AMEX KrisFlyer cards typically give only 1.1–1.3 miles per dollar (mpd) on general spend and 2 mpd on SIA, Scoot, and KrisShop. The KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card does better, with 3 mpd on SIA-related spending and 2.4 mpd on dining, shopping, travel, and transport—but still trails the best alternatives.

Non-cobrand cards shine for miles maximizers. Popular options like the UOB Preferred Platinum Visa, Citi Rewards, DBS Woman’s World, and HSBC Revolution earn up to 4 mpd on everyday spend, albeit with caps. More importantly, bank reward points can be transferred not only to KrisFlyer but to other frequent flyer programmes, unlocking sweet spots like redeeming the same Singapore–Bangkok business class seat for 20,000 miles via Aeroplan versus 24,000 via KrisFlyer. Bank points also generally last longer—some never expire—giving more time to build balances before airline devaluation risk.

The catch? Transfers may cost up to S$25 and aren’t always instant. Yet, the higher earn rates and flexibility usually outweigh this inconvenience.

In summary, non-cobrand cards are superior for rapid, flexible mile accumulation. Cobrand cards suit those who prefer simplicity, automatic transfers, and SIA-linked perks. A balanced strategy is to use non-cobrand cards for everyday spend while holding one cobrand card for niche benefits or uncapped earn opportunities.

Sports Updates: How A Team Of New Signings Are Shocking The Premier League

Source:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDjr1r1beGs&list=WL&index=2

ChatGPT:

The video explores how a club with limited historical resources and expectations is making waves in the Premier League through bold transfer moves and shrewd recruitment. Despite being underdogs, their recent form and results have surprised many pundits. Key new signings have not just filled squad gaps, but transformed areas of weakness into strengths, enabling a tactical shift and greater cohesion on the pitch.

We see profiles of several arrival players, their backgrounds, and how they’ve adapted to life in the Premier League. Some came from lesser leagues or smaller clubs and had something to prove; others are experienced professionals brought in to steady the ship. The video emphasizes how recruitment has been both strategic and opportunistic — seeking undervalued talent, investing in work ethic and character, and enabling a cultural reset in the dressing room.

Tactically, the manager is praised for flexibility: he adjusts formations to suit opponents, gives new signings creative freedom, and doesn’t cling rigidly to one system. The team’s performances have oscillated early in the season, but momentum is building. They now sit in the top half of the table, with realistic aspirations for European qualification if they maintain consistency.

The narrative underscores that success isn’t just about marquee stars or huge spending; it’s about alignment between ambition, data-driven scouting, club culture, and adaptability. The “shock” the video refers to is not a fluke — it’s the product of a carefully constructed plan finally bearing fruit. If the team continues on this trajectory, they may redefine expectations for how a newly promoted or smaller club can compete in England’s top flight.

Entertainment Updates: S$6.8M for a single Pokemon card? Inside the billion-dollar TCG obsession.

Source:

https://vulcanpost.com/897421/singapore-pokemon-cards-hype/

ChatGPT:

Spending S$6.8 million on a single Pokémon card might sound absurd, but in the trading card game (TCG) world, it represents the height of a booming billion-dollar industry. The card in question—Logan Paul’s Pikachu Illustrator, one of only 39 in existence—earned its astronomical price due to rarity, pristine condition (PSA 10 rating), and cultural value. Cards like these are carefully authenticated and preserved, sometimes even displayed with luxury cases.

The Pokémon TCG, with over 75 billion cards sold worldwide, stands as the best-selling trading card game, eclipsing rivals like Yu-Gi-Oh! and Magic: The Gathering. Demand surged during the pandemic, when nostalgia and investment frenzy collided, pushing auction prices and returns to dizzying levels—some cards have risen over 3,000% since 2004. In Singapore, the hype is visible at store launches and conventions that draw thousands, sometimes sparking chaotic scenes like the cancelled Prismatic Evolutions release at Jewel Changi.

While the speculative mania has cooled, vendors note that interest remains strong. Collectors-turned-retailers like The Pokemon Guys and Capybara Cards highlight how the hobby shifted from casual pastime to side hustles and even full businesses. Yet, the market is now saturated, with demand normalising post-pandemic. Investors continue to monitor prices, but the true lifeblood of the community lies with passionate fans.

Collectors such as Red Mora, who has amassed over 100 Charizard cards since childhood, embody the enduring heart of Pokémon. For him and many others, cards are not just financial assets but cherished memories, artworks, and pieces of nostalgia. Even amid market fluctuations, the thrill of pulling a rare card, trading with friends, or completing a set reminds players that at its core, Pokémon is still about joy—not just profit.

Gaming Updates: RidePods is the first iPhone game you control with AirPods

Source:

https://www.theverge.com/news/787396/ride-pods-race-with-head-apple-airpods-spatial-audio-motion-controls

ChatGPT:

Developer Ali Tanis has introduced RidePods – Race with Head, the first iOS and iPadOS game controlled entirely through Apple’s AirPods. Instead of swiping the screen or tilting the phone, players steer a motorcycle through oncoming traffic by tilting their heads while wearing AirPods that support Spatial Audio, such as AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and the 3rd and 4th generation AirPods. These models use built-in gyroscopes and accelerometers to track head movements, which the game repurposes for controls.

Although Tanis reverse-engineered Spatial Audio to make the game work, Apple already allows developers access to headphone motion data for other applications, like fitness tracking. Early tests show the controls feel more natural and responsive than expected, with the bike reacting smoothly even to subtle head shifts. Players can also use just one AirPod, or turn off Automatic Head/Ear Detection to transform an earbud into a handheld motion controller for extra challenge.

Gameplay, however, remains limited. The racing occurs on a perfectly straight road, with occasional graphical glitches such as disappearing terrain. The app includes optional settings to control acceleration and braking by nodding or tilting, but these appear inconsistent. Players can switch between first- and third-person perspectives, and even record gameplay clips paired with a selfie video for sharing.

While RidePods feels more like a tech demo than a polished game, it demonstrates the potential of AirPods as motion-based controllers for mobile gaming. The concept hints at possibilities for hands-free gaming experiences far beyond racing, with the developer joking that even a head-gesture-controlled version of Solitaire could be a fun future use case.

Opinion:

Cool concept. 

Curious to see where this goes.

Imagine a Dance Dance Revolution spin-off where you just whip your head around violently. 

Rewards Updates: UOB taps rising Johor spend with cross-border rewards redemption scheme for Singapore cardholders

Source:

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/asean/uob-taps-rising-johor-spend-cross-border-rewards-redemption-scheme-singapore-cardholders

ChatGPT:

UOB has launched a new cross-border rewards redemption scheme for its Singapore-issued credit card customers in Johor, marking the first such initiative by a local bank. From Sept 29, cardholders can redeem UNI$ reward points directly at over 150 participating outlets in Johor, including Subway, Jean Yip, and MOG Eyewear. The redemption rate is set at UNI$500 for S$5 in bill offsets, or the equivalent in Malaysian ringgit.

Jacquelyn Tan, UOB’s head of group personal financial services, said the initiative is part of the bank’s broader ambition to enhance cross-border engagement for customers, starting with rewards redemption. More merchants are expected to join, with eventual expansion to other UOB markets across ASEAN, including Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The launch took place at Aeon Mall Tebrau City in Johor Bahru.

The move comes amid rising spending by Singapore customers in Malaysia. Credit card billings grew 40% annually between 2022 and 2024, with a further 20% year-on-year increase in H1 2025. Johor spending consistently accounted for nearly half of all UOB credit card spend in Malaysia. Transaction volumes more than tripled over the period, even as average receipt sizes dipped slightly, suggesting more frequent cross-border trips by Singaporeans.

Dining has been the top spend category for Singapore cardholders in Johor, making up 15% of total billings in recent years, followed by supermarkets (10%) and apparel (9%).

Tan emphasized that UOB values frequent customer engagement over transaction size, as more activity generates richer data to personalize offers. The cross-border rewards programme aims to tap into these spending patterns while deepening loyalty among Singapore cardholders.

Opinion:

Not convinced it’s worth redeeming UNI$500 across the Causeway. 

Will wait and see what the influencers say, but my gut tells me it’s probably not a great deal.

Technology Updates: Goodbye human pop stars: First AI singer tops Billboard charts, bags a US$3M record deal

Source:

https://vulcanpost.com/897650/first-ai-singer-xania-monet/

ChatGPT:

The music industry has reached a milestone with the rise of Xania Monet, the first AI singer to break into Billboard charts and land a US$3 million record deal. Created by Mississippi R&B songwriter Telisha “Nikki” Jones, Monet made waves in September 2025, debuting at No. 25 on the Emerging Artists list and No. 21 on Hot Gospel Songs with Let Go, Let God. Her breakout single How Was I Supposed to Know topped R&B Digital Song Sales, hit No. 3 on R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Song Sales, and secured No. 22 on the overall chart, amassing 9.8 million streams in the U.S., with over half in a single week.

The success sparked bidding wars, though major labels hesitated amid ongoing lawsuits tied to Suno, the AI platform behind Monet’s music. Smaller labels, however, saw opportunity and pushed the deal to US$3 million. For them, an AI pop star could be a disruptive gateway into the industry, attracting publicity and normalizing AI-generated artists. While major companies tread cautiously, others may lean on AI to produce market-ready performers at scale.

Yet this shift also highlights a new kind of creative partnership. Jones, a poet and songwriter without strong vocal ability, leveraged AI to give her words a powerful musical voice that resonated globally—something impossible only a few years ago. Monet’s rise demonstrates that AI alone is not enough; human talent and direction remain crucial in shaping successful art.

The episode underscores how AI could democratize opportunities for creators, challenging traditional gatekeeping in music while sparking broader debates about authenticity, copyright, and the future role of human performers.

Opinion:

Interesting times ahead. A blend of human and AI musicians could actually work—it sort of makes sense.

The real drama, though, will be in how the money gets split. 

Who gets what: the songwriter, the coder, or the algorithm?