Today’s highlights
- Spotify rolls out “Exclusive Mode” on Windows for bit-perfect playback to subscribers — worth checking if you’re an audiophile on PC.
- Fortnite returns to Google’s Play Store globally on March 19 — easier, official access for Android users.
- Subnautica 2 is now slated for early access on PC and Xbox in May — consider waiting for early-access offers instead of preordering full releases.
- Meta will cut VR headset access to Horizon Worlds after June 15, 2026, as it separates the platform from Quest; VR users should note the change.
- WhatsApp launched an official (free) app for select Garmin smartwatches in the Garmin Connect IQ Store.
- Nintendo pushed a Switch 2 update adding “Handheld Mode Boost” for older games, increasing the value of existing game libraries on newer hardware.
- Apple began delivering Background Security Improvements for iOS, iPadOS and macOS — keep devices updated for small, rolling fixes.
What to do now
- Update iPhone/iPad/Mac to get Background Security Improvements when available.
- If you use Spotify on Windows and care about audio fidelity, check subscriber settings for “Exclusive Mode.”
- Android users who previously sideloaded Fortnite can reinstall from Google Play on/after March 19.
- Garmin users: search the Connect IQ Store for the official WhatsApp app (free).
- Gamers interested in Subnautica 2: watch for May early access announcements before buying full-release bundles.
Key takeaways
- Small software changes can deliver big value: security patches, audio improvements, and watch apps are free or subscriber-driven.
- Platform shifts (Horizon Worlds, Fortnite) affect access more than pricing — check platform updates to avoid surprises.
- Hardware updates (Switch 2 boost) can increase the effective value of games you already own.
Sources
- Subnautica 2 might finally be entering early access in May — https://www.engadget.com/gaming/subnautica-2-might-finally-be-entering-early-access-in-may-223747369.html?src=rss
- Meta will shut down VR Horizon Worlds access in June — https://www.engadget.com/ar-vr/meta-will-shut-down-vr-horizon-worlds-access-in-june-222028919.html?src=rss
- Apple releases its first Background Security Improvement for macOS, iOS and iPadOS — https://www.engadget.com/computing/apple-releases-its-first-background-security-improvement-for-macos-ios-and-ipados-214052311.html?src=rss
- Remedy releases its final content update for FBC: Firebreak — https://www.engadget.com/gaming/remedy-releases-its-final-content-update-for-fbc-firebreak-212000463.html?src=rss
- Spotify rolls out ‘bit-perfect’ playback in Windows app — https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/music/spotify-rolls-out-bit-perfect-playback-in-windows-app-211036176.html?src=rss
- The Dune: Part Three trailer introduces Robert Pattinson’s villainous new character — https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/the-dune-part-three-trailer-introduces-robert-pattinsons-villainous-new-character-173758393.html?src=rss
- Arizona attorney general sues Kalshi on illegal gambling charges — https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/arizona-attorney-general-sues-kalshi-on-illegal-gambling-charges-172006290.html?src=rss
- YouTube and FIFA partner up for the 2026 World Cup — https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/youtube-and-fifa-partner-up-for-the-2026-world-cup-170200470.html?src=rss
- Fortnite will return to Google’s Play Store globally on March 19 — https://www.engadget.com/gaming/fortnite-will-return-to-googles-play-store-globally-on-march-19-170200794.html?src=rss
- GPT-5.4 mini brings some of the smarts of OpenAI’s latest model to ChatGPT Free and Go users — https://www.engadget.com/ai/gpt-54-mini-brings-some-of-the-smarts-of-openais-latest-model-to-chatgpt-free-and-go-users-170000585.html?src=rss
- Switch 2 software update adds ‘Handheld Mode Boost’ for your old games — https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/switch-2-software-update-adds-handheld-mode-boost-for-your-old-games-165451808.html?src=rss
- WhatsApp is now officially available on Garmin smartwatches — https://www.engadget.com/apps/whatsapp-is-now-officially-available-on-garmin-smartwatches-164156538.html?src=rss
Not financial/professional advice