Koei Tecmo and Team Ninja have unexpectedly launched *Ninja Gaiden 2 Black*, a remastered version of the 2008 Xbox 360 game *Ninja Gaiden 2*. Released on 23rd January 2025, this definitive edition is available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC platforms including Steam, Microsoft Store, and Xbox Game Pass. Built with Unreal Engine 5, the game enhances the original's brutal combat and gore with updated visuals and redesigned elements. It introduces new playable characters and a beginner-friendly mode, alongside adjustments to the weapon upgrade system. This release coincides with the announcement of *Ninja Gaiden 4*, marking a significant revival of the franchise.
On Thursday, 23 January 2025, Three UK experienced a significant network outage affecting thousands of customers, including users of Smarty and iD Mobile. The issue, starting around 1pm, disrupted phone calls and, in some cases, access to emergency services. Despite initial reports that data services and 999 calls were unaffected, customer complaints prompted an investigation. The outage tracker Downdetector recorded over 10,000 reports, with social media flooded with frustrations over missed appointments and stranded individuals. Three UK apologized and restored services overnight but warned of potential further disruptions due to Storm Éowyn. Ofcom is in contact with Three to assess the situation, and while compensation eligibility remains unclear, guidelines suggest refunds may be appropriate. This incident follows regulatory approval for Three's £16.5bn merger with Vodafone, expected to complete in 2025. Three has deployed additional engineering resources to mitigate further disruptions and advises customers to restart devices or toggle airplane mode to restore service.
Koei Tecmo and Team Ninja have surprise-released *Ninja Gaiden 2 Black*, a definitive remaster of the 2008 action game *Ninja Gaiden 2*. This remaster, built using Unreal Engine 5, features enhanced visuals, redesigned stages, characters, effects, and lighting, aiming to immerse players deeper into the game’s dark ninja world. It includes additional content from spin-off titles, such as the ability to play as three extra characters: Momiji, Ayane, and Rachel. The remaster also introduces a 'HERO PLAY STYLE' mode for beginners, offering automatic support during challenging moments to make the notoriously difficult game more accessible. Gore elements have been remastered to heighten the action experience, though players can toggle these features on or off in the options menu. The release of *Ninja Gaiden 2 Black* comes alongside the announcement of *Ninja Gaiden 4*, the next mainline entry in the series, which is set to launch later in 2025.
Morrisons, the popular UK supermarket chain, is experiencing notable food shortages due to a cyber attack on its supply chain management provider, Blue Yonder. This incident has primarily affected the supply of fresh produce, leading to customer frustration as grocery aisles remain barren. While ambient and frozen products are spared, thanks to backup systems, the supermarket faces challenges in managing stock levels effectively. Shoppers have taken to social media to voice their concerns, highlighting the impact on their shopping experiences and questioning the lack of communication from Morrisons regarding the issue. The supermarket is striving to restore normalcy as quickly as possible.
Octopus Energy, in collaboration with the UK government, has launched a major initiative aimed at reducing energy bills for UK households by transitioning from traditional gas boilers to more efficient heat pumps. The programme offers £300 annual savings for those who make the switch, supported by £7,500 government grants. Regulatory changes will ease installation, and Octopus's Cosy Heat Pump Tariff promises further savings. This initiative supports the UK's clean energy goals and includes Octopus's expansion into international renewable markets.
On Thursday, November 21, 2024, PayPal experienced a substantial global outage, affecting thousands of users who reported issues logging into their accounts and conducting transactions. The outage, which began around 10:53 GMT, spurred a peak of over 9,000 reports from users according to Downdetector, an outage monitoring website. Various functionalities were impacted, including account withdrawals, express checkout, and the Venmo app, as well as issues with PayPal's cryptocurrency services. Many users feared their accounts had been compromised, as the outage led to an inability to access their accounts. However, PayPal's technical team quickly addressed the 'system issue', resolving the problem by 12:59 GMT. Although services resumed, users questioned potential compensation for any costs incurred during the outage, but such compensation is not typically provided by PayPal. By early afternoon, reports had abated, and services were predominantly restored.
Reddit experienced a global outage on November 20, 2024, affecting millions of users. The issue was traced back to a bug from a recent update, which was addressed by Reddit's engineering team, although some issues persisted.
Jaguar has launched a significant rebranding initiative, unveiling a new logo as it prepares to transition to a fully electric vehicle lineup. The luxury car maker, owned by Tata Motors, plans to release three electric models by 2026 from UK-based manufacturing sites. The reimagined logo, 'JaGUar,' and new marketing strategies aim to reconnect with the brand’s heritage while appealing to modern consumers. Despite criticism for its current promotional approach, which lacks actual vehicles, Jaguar maintains its focus on redefining its identity in the luxury automotive market.
In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict with Russia, Ukraine has deployed UK-made Storm Shadow missiles to strike targets in Russian territory for the first time. This move follows the recent US approval for Ukraine to use ATACMS missiles and signifies a shift in the dynamics of international military support and strategic response. Reports confirm the use of these long-range missiles against the Kursk region amid rising tensions and the mobilisation of additional military forces.
Nvidia has reported impressive third-quarter earnings, surpassing market expectations primarily due to the strong performance of its AI chip segment. The company credits substantial demand for its latest chip, Blackwell, and a significant year-on-year growth in its Data Center segment. Despite these positive financial results, Nvidia faces potential geopolitical risks and market concerns over the sustainability of its growth, along with noted shifts in investor positions.