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Monster Hunter Wilds - a player yells in despair with their arms out, kneeling on the ground.
Gaming Gear

Over half of Japanese game companies are using AI in development according to a new survey, including Level-5 and Capcom

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As reported by Automaton, a survey conducted by the Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association (CESA) during June and July found that 51% of Japanese game companies are using AI in some capacity. The survey responses came from CESA member companies, which include the likes of Capcom, Level-5, Square Enix, Sega, and many more spanning major developers and indies alike.

The respondents reported using AI for generating visual game assets, story and text generation, and programming assistance. Additionally, 32% of CESA member companies also reported that they are using AI to help develop in-house game engines.

There’s been a lot of high-level discussion and grand statements about generative AI’s potential use in gaming, but it’s surprising just how much of a foothold it already has, at least in Japan. Some CESA members have been open about using AI, as Automaton points out, including Level-5 and Capcom. For instance, Level-5 is using it pretty extensively in everything from visual upscaling to character creation to code generation.


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The potential uses for generative AI in gaming vary drastically, though, just like opinions on it. Using AI to speed up repetitive coding or animation tasks is one frequently cited use case, but the idea of using it to “replace” human artists has proven incredibly controversial.

That controversy is probably why some game companies aren’t embracing the tech yet. For instance, Nintendo has said it’s steering clear of generative AI for the time being, citing copyright concerns⁠—an admirable bit of internal consistency from the fiercely litigious company. Other major players have spoken up about adopting this technology responsibly and protecting the human element in game development, like Larian Studios CEO Swen Vincke.

Vincke laid out his view on AI in an interview with IGN last year, explaining, “So my stance on AI is really straightforward. It is a tool that we use to help us do things faster. We have so much work that we’re happy to take assistance from anything. I don’t think it’ll ever replace [the] creative side of things.” He went on to state that his team had recently hired 15 new concept artists to solve a bottleneck, rather than using AI.



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James Gunn Talks Batman and 'Brave & the Bold' Status
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James Gunn Talks Batman and ‘Brave & the Bold’ Status

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What’s going on with Batman and Brave & the Bold, his first movie in this growing DC universe? According to James Gunn, things are going well, but not so well that they’ve found an actor for the superhero just yet.

In a recent Hollywood Reporter story, Gunn explained he’s not actively searching for actors to play the character he considers a big problem in several respects. Still, that hasn’t stopped some from putting their names out there well in advance like Brandon Sklenar; the It Ends With Us and 1923 star has openly shown interest and encouraged his fans to help spread his name out there.

Gunn previously mentioned 1923 on a recent Peacemaker podcast episode, prompting speculation that he was scouting out Sklenar. But he told THR he just likes the show and creator Taylor Sheridan’s work—he considers Sklenar “great” on it, but he’s watching “mostly for fun, definitely not because I need to find a Batman.” He did, however, single out Julia Schlaepfer, who plays Sklernar’s wife on the show: “She’s just so fantastic that I suggested her for something recently.”

As for Brave & the Bold, Gunn revealed to IGN the script is in a pretty good place. But when it comes to its co-lead Damian Wayne, “plenty of things are in flux. Some things have changed on what his situation is with his parentage and all that stuff.” When asked for clarification on what exactly that means, like who Damian’s parents are or if he’ll still be in the movie, he just said “you have to wait and see exactly what’s happening.”

Cryptic, but at least we know the movie still exists. Hopefully, we learn who our new Batman is, and what else to expect from Brave & the Bold, sooner rather than later.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.



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The 25 Best iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Cases for 2025
Gaming Gear

The 25 Best iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Cases for 2025

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All the iPhone 16 models are equipped with Apple’s MagSafe feature, which offers faster wireless charging with compatible chargers. It also supports optional accessories — including the MagSafe wallet, mini wallets and various mounts — that adhere magnetically to the back of your phone. Like the iPhone 15, the iPhone 16 has “an array of magnets” (Apple says they’re recycled) embedded around a charging coil that can pull up to 15 watts of power. 

If you want to use those MagSafe accessories without taking your phone out of its case, you need a phone case that’s equipped with MagSafe support. The MagSafe symbol is a circle with a short pipe below it. You can see it on clear cases, but it’s embedded on the inside of the case so if it’s nontransparent, you’ll only see it from the inside. 

If you already have a MagSafe accessory — or plan on buying MagSafe accessories in the future — you’ll want to get a MagSafe compatible case; it’s a good option to have. With that in mind, the majority of the cases in this roundup are equipped with MagSafe. 



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The Best Body Pillow, Tested and Reviewed (2025)
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The Best Body Pillow, Tested and Reviewed (2025)

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Compare Our Picks

Photograph: Molly Higgins

Others Tested

Pillow Cube Side Cube for $66: This isn’t technically a body pillow, but it’s specifically designed for side sleepers (and I love it), so it’s included in this list. This cuboid pillow is designed for the side sleeper, and aims to help with headaches and back and shoulder pains through its unique shape and soft, yet structured, filling. It has a breathable, soft-and-stretchy quilted side case that’s removable with a zipper, and the AeroPluff foam core is comfy, regulating temperature to keep you sleeping coolly. I can sleep only on my side, and one of the problems I regularly have is a sore neck from the gap between my shoulder and my head. This square, 90-degree-angled pillow perfectly fills that gap and sits at a manageable head pillow size of 24 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 5 inches deep. The breathable cover and soft density even helped with ear pressure.

Leacho Snoogle for $50: Though out of stock at the moment, this versatile body pillow is marketed for pregnant people because of its versatility and belly, hip, and knee support. Due to its unique shape, it can be contorted into many figures. With a removable cover made of a polyester/cotton blend and a polyester filling, this pillow is a lot more breathable than similar large body pillows on the list. Because of its unique shape for many positions, the pillow isn’t overstuffed, and I found that the fill tended to sink to the lower foot portion of the pillow when sleeping on it. Overall, this pillow is breathable and extremely customizable in shape, although I would’ve preferred something with a little more filling.

White Noise Memory Foam Body Pillow With Hypoallergenic Zippered Protector for $50: I absolutely love the fill of this 50 x 14-inch pillow—the shredded foam is the perfect mix of structure and softness. If it were wider, 20 or so inches rather than 14 inches, this pillow would be perfect. But because I’m a side-only sleeper, I like to hold the body pillow and wrap my arms and legs around it. Since it is so narrow, my knees knock together on the other side. I may be able to overlook the flaw of its narrowness because the pillow has a super-comfy fill, but I wouldn’t recommend it for bigger people with longer limbs.

Eli & Elm Memory Foam Body Pillow for $130: In my home, we call this one “the 7 pillow” because … well, take a guess. This long, L/7-shaped pillow is marketed as a pregnancy pillow, but it’s great for anyone who sleeps on their side. The short section fits neatly under your head, while the long end can reach down to fit between your legs. It comes with its own custom pillow case, which is great, because it’s not like you’ll have a ton of spares in this shape in your linen closet. —Eric Ravenscraft

Eli & Elm Side Sleeper for $116: The Eli & Elm Side Sleeper pillow is one of the firmest pillows right out of the box of any we’ve tested. You can remove some of the excess fill if you want to reduce that firmness, but if you’re the type of person who likes feeling like they’re sleeping on a very soft rock, this is the pillow for you. It’s not quite big enough for multiple people to cuddle up with, like our Honeydew pick, but for a single person, it’s a great option. —Eric Ravenscraft

Bearaby Cuddler for $229: Bearaby is best known for its weighted blankets, eye masks, and stuffed animals, but it makes other sleep products like heated pads, throw blankets, and the body pillow I tested, the Cuddler. At 75 inches long and 8 inches in diameter, with a filling of plant-based Melofoam, an all-natural foam made from rubber-tree sap, it’s unlike any other pillow fill I’ve slept on. It’s heavier than a stuffed pillow but lighter than memory foam and has a rubbery, bouncy quality. Its springy fill, skinny body, and extraordinary length made it fit awkwardly on the bed, but its bouncy quality and ability to conform into many shapes may make this an attractive pick for some side sleepers.

Not Recommended

Photograph: Molly Higgins

Alwyn Home Butcher Fiber Plush Pillow for $56: This 90 x 19-inch pillow disappoints. It’s egregiously long, which could be helpful for people who are taller or those who like more all-around body support. However, it just doesn’t have enough stuffing to fill 90 inches. The batting inside feels like typical fluffy batting found in homemade pillows, but it bunches throughout the pillow in clumps, leaving gaps where no filling reaches. These gaps often happen where your limbs rest, thus defeating the purpose of having a body pillow for support. The pillow is only about 2 inches deep and didn’t seem to ever spring up after I took it out of the box. I had to shake and knead the fiber to help make it more uniform throughout the inside of the pillow, but it did little to help.

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As a side sleeper, you’ll want a pillow that’s long enough to provide support between your arms and pressure points like between the knees. While firmness and softness are a matter of personal preference, you often want a body pillow that strikes the right balance, to provide support without being too heavy or firm for the limbs that rest underneath the pillow. If you’re just looking for a pillow to hug while you sleep, something lighter and softer is best. But if you have joint or spinal pain, something a bit more firm with more support is best. You’ll also want to think about which pillow shape will support which part of your body best, depending on your needs. I’m a strict side sleeper, but I toss and turn between both sides, so pillows with support on either side were tested too. I also tend to curl into a more fetal position, so I wanted something that had enough width to fully wrap my legs and arms around.

While many head pillows and mattresses favor memory foam, depending on the foam’s denseness, it can feel too heavy for a side sleeper whose limbs go underneath the pillow. Polyester or other synthetic filling is often the most plush and malleable but may not provide enough support. Many have a mixture of both or shredded memory foam, which can provide structure while still being soft enough to sink into. This depends on personal preference and need, but fill type is something to be aware of when looking for the perfect side-sleeper body pillow.

A standard body pillow that’s long enough to provide full-length support for the body is ideal, giving enough room to stretch out or cuddle in various positions. Body pillows in U or C shapes can provide more overall support and are ideal for pregnant people or those with back or leg issues, but can often make the sleeper run hot because of all of the surrounding material. But ultimately, the preferred shape is largely dependent on what parts of the body you want most supported in the side-sleeping position.

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I tested (slept with) each of the pillows for at least a week while sleeping, lounging, and sitting to see how the fill changed and moved over time. I contorted them in many shapes, and measured how supported I felt in different positions. I removed and added fill if I was able, and removed and washed covers to see how they were affected by cleaning and tested the differences with or without a cover.

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Gaming Gear

Pixel Buds Pro 2 get Adaptive Audio, gesture controls and more in latest update

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Google first teased some enticing upgrades for its Pixel Buds Pro 2 during the Made by Google event in August. More than a month later, Google is finally rolling out the update that makes its wireless earbuds earn the Pro label.

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 now get an Adaptive Audio feature in the Active Noise Control section of the Pixel Buds app. This ANC mode automatically adjusts the volume depending on your surrounding environment, balancing between hearing your music or podcasts and the world around you. If you want to drown out the outside world a little more, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 now also have the Loud Noise Protection feature, which can detect and reduce any sudden loud noises, like a passing ambulance siren or construction work. While these two features are already found in Apple’s AirPods Pro 3, they’re a welcome addition to the more affordable Pixel Buds Pro 2.

For anyone who frequently uses Gemini Live, you’ll notice that the AI assistant will be able to hear you better in noisy environments thanks to advanced audio processing that prioritizes your voice and eliminates background noise. For a truly hands-free experience, the update even adds gesture controls that let Pixel Buds Pro 2 users nod their head to answer a call or start dictation for a text reply and shake their head to decline a call or dismiss a text. Google is rolling out its 4.467 update to its users gradually, which takes about 10 minutes to download and another 10 minutes to install.



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Raleigh One e-bike review: redemption tour
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Raleigh One e-bike review: redemption tour

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Two good things have come from the 2023 bankruptcy of VanMoof. The first is the all-new VanMoof S6 e-bike that recently launched under new ownership. The second is a new commuter e-bike developed for Raleigh by VanMoof’s departed founders, Ties and Taco Carlier.

Like a VanMoof, the Raleigh One e-bike comes with anti-theft features like GPS tracking and an alarm, cables routed through the aluminum frame, wide tires, mudguards, integrated lighting, and hauling options needed for daily commutes across a city. It also comes packed with lessons learned about reduced complexity and serviceability, including a bevy of off-the-shelf parts and a single-speed, belt-driven transmission connected to a rear-hub motor with a battery that can be quickly removed for indoor charging. The bike also emits pleasant sounds when doing things like powering on, enabling the lights, and arming security without being all hey, look at me and my fancy bike like VanMoofs of old.

It’s pretty much the simpler VanMoof I always wanted the company to build. The only thing missing is the boost button, which is a shame.

I’ve been testing the Raleigh One in flat Amsterdam for the last few weeks. That’s important to know because this single-speed e-bike produces just 35Nm of torque from its 250W motor with a max speed of 25km/h (16 mph). It really suffers on hills without the boost button found on VanMoofs and the Tenways CGO009 this e-bike resembles.

Nevertheless, it is a very good e-bike priced at £2,399 / €2,699 (around $3,000 USD) for the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands. That’s expensive for a Raleigh, but it’s still close to the €2,681 average for European e-bikes and cheaper than local competitors like Cowboy and VanMoof.

$3155

The Good

  • Simple, single-speed belt drive
  • Removable battery
  • Decent range, fast charging
  • A very pleasant ride

The Bad

  • Weak 35Nm of torque and no boost button
  • Frame too tall for shorter riders
  • Software is a work in progress
  • Subscription upsell

The Raleigh One is the first premium, connected e-bike from the British brand established way back in 1887. Unfortunately, in 2025, Raleigh is essentially a logo on top of a marketing strategy after several acquisitions and factory closures. The brand is currently owned by the Accell Group, an industry behemoth responsible for brands like Batavus, Sparta, and Carqon’s electric cargo bikes.

Most people that buy a Raleigh One will take delivery at a local bike shop where it’ll be assembled and prepped for handover. I asked to have mine shipped to my house to test the direct-to-customer route. I had it ready to ride in 30 minutes with the help of excellent illustrated instructions and efficient packing. That’s fast for a DTC e-bike!

The nearly silent Mivice motor, wide 27.5 x 2.2-inch Innova tires, and 21kg (46.3lbs) bike weight combine to produce a sturdy ride. The pedal assist feels intuitive, with the Gates Carbon belt drive delivering power commensurate with the force exerted by my legs. The Tektro hydraulic disc brakes bring everything to a stop with confidence and control. Everything feels very serious, lacking the fun felt on more torquey e-bikes.

The Raleigh One performed fine on slopes up to about five percent, allowing me to maintain the 25km/h top speed without too much additional effort on my part. The single-speed transmission was utterly defeated by a 10 percent slope common in cities like Lisbon and San Francisco. Starting from a dead stop on a three percent slope was doable but required a strong push from my quads. It was my testing on hills that made me really miss that boost button.

Integrated front and rear lighting.

The controls and display are simple and intuitive. This single red light tells me the bike is armed.

The Mivice motor is paired with a single-speed Gates Carbon belt drive for flat city commuting.

A removable battery!

I felt comfortable riding in that single gear at speeds up to 30km/h on the downhill side without feeling like a clown. That’s good because many single-speed belt-driven e-bikes will have your legs spinning wildly at speeds that high.

Raleigh claims a range of up to 80km in the lowest pedal-assist mode, or closer to 50km in max power. I did all my testing at level five of five and managed 47.7km before depleting the battery. Most of my range test was ridden into a 10 to 15 knot headwind, with an hour spent trying to update the e-bike’s firmware from a problematic version 1.8.0 to a much more stable version 1.9.0.

The battery recharged to 50 percent in 55 minutes from the bike’s large 5A / 42V charging brick, 80 percent in 92 minutes, and full at 2 hours and 40 minutes — relatively speedy numbers for a 360Wh battery.

The Raleigh app is basic but does what I need. On the left is the main status screen, on the right is the dashboard displayed when riding.

The software on a connected e-bike needs to be as robust as the vehicle itself and here’s where Raleigh currently falls a little short. My review bike suffers from battery drain of about three percent every 24 hours when parked in my living room. A little drain is normal for connected e-bikes that regularly check in on owner proximity and use GSM/GPS to track location, but three percent (about 10.8Wh) is excessive. I also found the app to be a bit buggy, displaying the occasional “this operation can’t be completed” error or just going unresponsive if left open too long. These issues are concerning for a company offering subscription services highly reliant on its mastery of software. Accell Group is aware of the issues and is addressing my concerns.

“Our engineers are currently refining the power management algorithms,” says Darren Smith, Senior Category Manager at Accell Group. “A firmware update will be released shortly to optimize this standby mode, significantly reducing battery drain while the bike is idle without compromising its security features.” Likewise, the bugs I’m seeing in the app are attributed to its connection state. “Our app team is implementing a more robust connection handling protocol to resolve these specific bugs and an update addressing these stability points will be released very soon,” says Smith.

To be clear: you absolutely don’t need a subscription to ride the Raleigh One or to apply firmware updates, but you also won’t be able to track your bike if it’s stolen. For that you’ll need to pay €7.99 per month which also gets you theft alerts sent to your phone, fall detection to alert loved ones of a crash, and more. You can even pay €14.99 per month to add theft insurance for what Raleigh calls “peace of mind” — a line lifted from VanMoof — that lets you file a claim with Raleigh to handle replacement of your stolen bike. Arranging theft coverage from your e-bike company is certainly the easy route, but you’ll likely save some money with an AirBell and private theft insurance, instead.

Subscriptions suck, but they’re increasingly the norm for premium e-bikes. And with so many bike companies going under or posting dire losses, I’m not going to bemoan the Accell Group’s business model. For all its resources, the bicycle giant isn’t immune to the forces of bikeaggedon that took down VanMoof and Cake, and nearly wiped out Cowboy, Ampler, and many more European micromobility brands.

  • I like that the bike’s integrated front and rear lights can be set to automatically turn on when it’s dark.
  • The display ring next to the left hand grip is useful and remains mostly visible in direct sunlight. The five light segments change color and animate to show battery level, current power setting, alarm status, firmware update, and more.
  • The integrated SP-Connect phone mount requires a compatible case you must buy separately. I still prefer my Loop Micro.
  • The Raleigh One is only available in a step-over frame with a standover height of 83cm. I’m six feet tall and can barely straddle that top frame tube — this bike is for tall riders only. Arrange a test ride if you’re unsure.

1/17The ride is pleasant and serious, but there’s not enough torque to call it fun.

Overall I like the £2,399 / €2,699 Raleigh One for European commuters living in relatively flat cities. Sure, I wish the anti-theft features weren’t locked behind a subscription and the bike would benefit from a boost button to make up for its anemic torque. The idle battery drain will certainly be annoying if it’s not fixed in a future firmware update as promised, but at least you can remove the battery and charge it inside. I also like that all those off-the-shelf parts can be serviced at your local Raleigh shop.

Yes, the Carlier brothers failed at VanMoof, yet many of the lessons learned seem to have been applied to the Raleigh One. But I’ve only had it for a few weeks and most e-bikes perform well when new. Let’s see how it does after months of wear and tear in crowded bike racks, rain, dust, sand, snow, and the occasional fall or attempted theft. Ties and Taco’s attempt at redemption will take time, so let’s see how things are going in about a year, shall we?

Photography by Thomas Ricker / The Verge

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Nibs, Slightly, Wendy, Curly, and Smee standing close together in Alien: Earth season 1 episode 8
Gaming Gear

‘Alien: Earth’ season 2: everything we know so far about the sci-fi horror show’s return

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Alien: Earth season 2: key information

– Hasn’t been officially announced
– Showrunner Noah Hawley hopes a renewal order will come before 2025 ends
– Unclear when it could be released
– No trailer unveiled yet
– Main cast from season 1 expected to return
– Last season’s finale teases where the story could go next
– Hawley has ideas about what season 2’s plot will entail
– No word on how many seasons there could be

Want to know if Alien: Earth season 2 is on the way? Unfortunately, I can’t answer that question as the sci-fi horror show hasn’t yet been renewed for another outing.

Nonetheless, it’s worth discussing the prospect of another installment of Alien: Earth. Indeed, with its debut season ending on a cliffhanger, there’s plenty of narrative ground for showrunner Noah Hawley and its cast to cover in a follow-up.

There’s lots of reading to do to keep you occupied until we hear more about the FX TV Original’s possible return, too. Below, I’ve rounded up the latest information and rumors on season 2, including its likely cast and potential story beats. So, what are you waiting for? Dive in!


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Alien: Earth season 2 release date prediction

Don’t look so concerned, Wendy – I’m sure Alien: Earth season 2 will be announced soon (Image credit: FX Networks)

Predictably, with the series yet to be renewed, Alien: Earth season 2’s release date hasn’t been revealed. Hawley has discussed the prospect of a sequel season, though, so let’s see what he had to say.

Chatting to Polygon, Hawley stated he was “pretty confident” that the cast and crew would “get to make more [seasons]”. And in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter (THR), Hawley expressed his hope that he’d learn if FX Networks wants to make another installment before the end of 2025.

On the basis that Alien: Earth is renewed, it’ll be some time before we get to see it. Speaking to Variety, Hawley revealed that no script work had been carried out, but he and his writing team were ready to go if and when a season 2 announcement is made. Additionally, Hawley told ScreenRant that he doesn’t want the series to be off the air for too long.

That said, given it’ll take months for those scripts to be penned, and then, at my estimate, at least 12 to 18 months to complete pre-production, film the next eight-part season, and carry out its lengthy post-production phase, I’d be amazed if Alien: Earth is back on our screens before mid to late 2027.

Alien: Earth season 2 trailer: is there one?

Staring at our phones waiting for a season 2 trailer like… (Image credit: FX Networks)

No. Alien: Earth hasn’t even been renewed for a second season, let alone begun filming, so it’ll be a long time before a trailer is released. Once one is, I’ll update this section.

Alien: Earth season 2 cast: who’s likely to return?

Wendy and Joe are nailed on to return in a possible second season (Image credit: FX Networks)

Full spoilers follow for Alien: Earth season 1.

Based on how last season ended, here’s who I expect to see if a second season is greenlit:


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  • Sydney Chandler as Wendy
  • Alex Lawther as Joe ‘C.J.’ Hermit
  • Samuel Blenkin as Boy Kavalier
  • Babou Ceesay as Morrow
  • Timothy Olyphant as Kirsh
  • Essie Davis as Dame Sylvia
  • David Rysdahl as Arthur Sylvia
  • Adarsh Gourav as Slightly
  • Erana James as Curly
  • Lily Newhart as Nibs
  • Jonathan Ajayi as Smee
  • Adrian Edmondson as Atom Eins
  • Sandra Yi Sencindiver as Yutani

The only supporting characters who won’t return for another trip to Prodigy’s Neverland research facility are Diem Camille’s Siberian, Moe Bar-El’s Rashidi, and Kit Young’s Isaac/Tootles. The last one was killed by acid-spitting fly-like creatures in episode 6, while the other two were bumped off by the carnivorous plant-like monster that broke out of its laboratory confinement cell in the season 1 finale.

It’s possible that newcomers could be added to the Hulu and Disney+ show’s cast. For instance, it would be good to see the CEOs of Earth’s three other megacorporations – Threshold, Dynamic, and Lynch – make appearances. Their debuts in Alien: Earth season 2 are dependent on what direction the plot takes, though. Speaking of which…

Alien: Earth season 2 story speculation

What’ll become of Boy Kavalier in season 2? (Image credit: FX Networks)

Major spoilers follow for Alien: Earth‘s first season.

Alien: Earth season 2’s plot synopsis doesn’t exist yet. However, there’s stuff we can infer about it, thanks to its predecessor’s final episode.

I already covered many of the biggest talking points in my Alien: Earth season 1 ending explained piece, but let’s expand further on them with a little help from Hawley.

Let’s start with the Hybrids now ruling the roost at Prodigy HQ. With Boy, Dame, Morrow, Kirsh, and Atom all locked up and watched over by the xenomorphs under Wendy’s control, all seems well for Wendy and her fellow robot-humans (if they can be labeled as such).

However, it appears that their successful revolt will be short-lived. Weyland-Yutani forces are on their way to reclaim the dangerous alien lifeforms that Prodigy stole from them early in season 1. Will Prodigy’s rival take back what’s theirs and – potentially – the Hybrids, too? Or will Wendy and company steadfastly refuse to turn in themselves and the aliens?

Dame Sylvia is one of many Prodigy employees (and one from Weyland-Yutani) who are jailed in last season’s finale (Image credit: FX Networks)

Then there’s the worry that the xenomorphs could perform their own mini-revolution and rail against Wendy. Right now, she knows how to control them, and many fans believe they see her as their ‘queen’. Nevertheless, will her hold over them last? In conversation with Variety, Hawley suggested not, saying: “those of us who know xenomorphs are like ‘Well, maybe they can be controlled for a period of time…'”. Don’t be shocked, then, if Wendy’s pets eventually start disobeying their master.

Xenomorphs aren’t the only bioweapons Wendy and the gang have to contend with. The flesh-eating plant alien is now loose somewhere on the island. Meanwhile, everyone’s favorite eyeball monster – aka Trypanohyncha Ocellus, aka The Eye – is not only free, but has also taken over Arthur’s corpse following his death in episode 7. What will The Eye be able to do with Arthur’s body while it’s still in some usable state? And, once it’s too decomposed to be functional, will The Eye try to track down a new human host?

Will the xenomorphs continue to play nice with Wendy and company? (Image credit: FX Networks/Disney+)

On top of the numerous story strands left dangling after last season’s finale, there’s also the question about how Alien: Earth ties into two of the best movies in the Alien franchise. Those being, 1979’s Alien and 1986’s Aliens.

Speaking to TechRadar prior to the show’s two-episode premiere, Hawley and executive producer David W. Zucker confirmed Alien: Earth wouldn’t fully treat the Alien prequel movies as canon. Essentially, that means 2012’s Prometheus and 2017’s Alien: Covenant wouldn’t impact the story they wanted to tell with Alien: Earth.

However, with this series set in 2120, i.e., just two years before Alien, the former can’t necessarily ignore the lead-up to the 1979 original. So, how could Alien: Earth establish events to come in the franchise’s inaugural installment?

“I think there are bridges that you cross right when you come to them,” Hawley told Variety. “A big part of the world-building and the act of creation on these first eight episodes was to build something that was coherent to itself, that worked within the construct of… the first two movies. In a season 2 and beyond, then we really need to dig down and start to think about how these two stories are going to cohere together in the long term.”

Alien: Earth could end up setting the stage for 1979’s Alien (Image credit: 20th Century Fox)

And what of this TV show’s own ending? Whether it happens in Alien: Earth season 2 or not, Hawley told the Evolution of Horror YouTube channel: “I have a destination in mind story-wise, which allows me to know what the story is I’m telling, what it means. And I don’t know how long it takes to get there, but I do have a sense of where we’ll go.”

If, for whatever reason, FX chooses not to move forward with another season of Alien: Earth, Hawley said (via Polygon) of the prospect of the series’ open-ended nature: “A big part of what I try to do as a visual storyteller is always to engage the audience’s imagination. Too much of what we watch treats us as passive viewers. So, if the worst thing that happens is that the audience has to finish this story, I trust them to come up with some good ways to go forward”. Prepare to come up with your own canon ending, then, just in case Alien: Earth is a one-and-done situation.

Will there be more seasons of Alien: Earth?

How many seasons of Alien: Earth will characters like Morrow appear in? (Image credit: FX Networks/Hulu/Disney+)

We shouldn’t jump the gun about future seasons when a second one hasn’t been greenlit. Nevertheless, Hawley has expressed interest in making more than two installments if the opportunity arises.

In July, Hawley implied (via comicbook.com) that Alien: Earth could run for five seasons. However, he walked back that claim when talking to THR, saying, “I wouldn’t read too much into that”, before also telling Entertainment Weekly: “We always discussed it as a recurring series. I have a sense of where the journey goes in the long run, but I don’t necessarily know how long it’ll take me to get there.”

How many installments it takes to complete the sci-fi horror show’s overarching narrative, then, remains to be seen. Regardless of whether Alien: Earth season 2, its forebear, or another entry brings it to a close, we’ll be seated for every one of its chapters.

For more coverage of shows available on Hulu and Disney+, read our guides on Shogun season 2, Percy Jackson season 2, Daredevil: Born Again season 2, and Star Wars: Ahsoka season 2.



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A man wearing a suit kneels on the ground as a dog wearing a harness rushes toward the screen. Both characters are rendered in stylish silhouette.
Gaming Gear

4 years after launch, card-based brawler Fights in Tight Spaces gets an expansion that adds a canine companion and an ‘all new assistant system’

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It’s been four years since Fights in Tight Spaces grabbed turn-based tactics by the collar and beat it about the head with a stack of collectible cards, so the fact that it’s getting an expansion this far out was a surprise in and of itself. That this DLC primarily adds a dog to help you batter baddies in cramped conditions is, if anything, a pleasant bonus.

For the uninitiated, Fights in Tight Spaces takes the tactical layer of games like X-COM and replaces the aliens with a heavy dose of John Wick. Playing as suave silhouette Agent 11, each level places you in an isometric, turn-based action scenario filled with monochromatic goons, then deals you a handful of martial-arts themed playing cards. You need to play the cards to take out your opponents in the most efficient way possible. It’s a straightforward premise, but one sleekly presented and with more depth than you might expect.

The DLC, named K9 Division, adds a helpful hound into the game’s card-based brawls. According to developer Ground Shatter, this involves more than just an extra character to play with. While Agent K can fight on their own terms using an array of dog specific moves such as biting enemies, intimidating them by barking, or distracting them to give Agent 11 more breathing room, the DLC also layers in an “all-new assistant system” that allows both agents to team-up for flashy combinations.


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Fights in Tight Spaces: K9 Division Trailer – YouTube

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You can experiment with this system via not one but two canine starter decks, each offering a slightly different hound-assisted fighting style through a total of 50 new cards. The DLC also brings a “remixed story mode” letting you experience the game afresh with Agent K’s assistance, as well as new enemies for you to batter/bite. Oh, and in case you’re wondering, yes, there is a card for petting the dog.

If you’re wondering why Fights in Tight Spaces is getting this DLC four years after launch, it seems K9 Division ports over some of the companion systems seen in Ground Shatter’s sequel Knights in Tight Spaces, which released earlier this year. While a decent follow-up, Knights doesn’t appear to have gone down as well as Fights did. Knights’ ‘Mostly Positive’ Steam reviews claim that it’s a richer experience all-told, but one that takes a while to show its strengths, lacking the more immediate appeal of its predecessor.

In any case, Fights in Tight Spaces: K9 Division is available now, with an RRP of $10 (£8.50) Ground Shatter is currently running a 10% launch discount, bringing that price down to $9 (£7.65) until October 2.



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Get a Fascinating Look at Some of Nacelle's New 'Star Trek' Figures
Gaming Gear

Get a Fascinating Look at Some of Nacelle’s New ‘Star Trek’ Figures

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Even without a single one of them actually released and in our grubby little hands yet, the thing we love most about Nacelle’s line of Star Trek action figures is the company’s willingness to get as weird and dorky about its lineup as any Trekkie would. Picard and Kirk before calling it a day? Not here: how about Tuvix and Weyoun? How about Captain Janeway, but a version of her very specific to one episode? What about Jellico? What about Bem?

Nacelle’s desire to cover the whole breadth of Star Trek means we’ve had a look at three waves’ worth of wonderfully deep-cut action figures the company has plans for so far (wave three, at least, acquiesces to Trek‘s 60th anniversary next year, with a round dedicated entirely to the main crew of the original Star Trek). And while we know the lineups already, io9 has beamed in your first actual look at two more highlights from one of those waves in the form of T’Pol and Bem.

Revealed to audiences today at Nacelle’s panel at FanX Salt Lake (and in T’Pol’s case, timed to Enterprise‘s 25th anniversary), these two new renders of Bem and T’Pol join wave two alongside Generations Captain Kirk; Worf and Geordi in their sailor uniforms from the same movie; Captain Janeway from the iconic “Year of Hell” two-parter; Ensign Nog from Deep Space Nine; Valeris from The Undiscovered Country; Carol Marcus from Wrath of Khan; and the Romulan Commander from one of the greatest episodes of Star Trek ever made, “Balance of Terror.” The wave is due to ship out next year, but check out more looks at T’Pol and Bem below!

T’Pol

© Nacelle © Nacelle © Nacelle

Enterprise‘s no-nonsense science officer and XO aboard the NX-01, T’Pol comes with a host of accessories inspired by the back half of the show. Wearing her season three jumpsuit, T’Pol comes with four sets of alternate hands; she includes a PADD and extra data module, a phase pistol, a communicator, a Vulcan hand scanner and book, a canister of Trellium-D ore from “Impulse,” and her mother’s Syrrannite IDIC pendant from “Awakening.”

Bem

© Nacelle © Nacelle © Nacelle

The very first Animated Series figure in Nacelle’s line, Ari bn Bem faithfully recreates the mysterious Pandronian commander from the TAS season two episode “Bem” down to a tee—including the fact that his head, torso, and legs can be split apart as they did in the show and connected back together by magnets. Bem’s accessories include an alternate head, two sets of type-1 phasers and handheld communicators, and two sets of inner, noodly arms. If that wasn’t enough, he even comes with a piece of wooden caging to replicate the rudimentary prison he found himself in on Delta Theta III.

Each figure, alongside the rest of Wave Two, will retail for around $29. They’re available to pre-order now, ahead of expected shipping sometime next year.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.



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Best Smartwatch for 2025 - CNET
Gaming Gear

Best Smartwatch for 2025 – CNET

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We test smartwatches in the real world, focusing on key features from fitness tracking to connectivity that you’ll use every day. Starting with the watch itself, we check overall performance and responsiveness. Is there any lag when navigating menus? Is the touchscreen responsive? Do apps launch quickly?

Then we check if it has all the functionality you’d expect for the price. That could be everything from music playback controls to cellular connectivity so you can use the watch away from your phone or an always-on display. All smartwatches need to connect to a phone, so we also assess how easy the companion software is to navigate.

Lexy Savvides/CNET

Durability and design

Smartwatches are something you wear on your body, so we assess how comfortable they are to wear. We also know that everyone has a different-sized wrist, so we try to see how it fits and feels on a variety of people. 

Then we look at how it stands up to wear and tear with daily life. Some smartwatches offer increased durability like dust resistance, or water resistance that’s suited for activities like scuba diving and where possible we’ll test this out for ourselves.

James Martin/CNET

Battery life

Battery life will vary depending on how you use a smartwatch, so we test battery life with a few standard tests. We see how long it generally lasts on a single charge with features that represent typical use, like the always-on display, sleep tracking and doing an outdoor workout with GPS.

That small circle is the temperature sensor on the back of the Galaxy Watch 5.

Lexy Savvides/CNET

Fitness and health sensor accuracy

We test the accuracy of smartwatch sensors in a couple of different ways. For example, the heart rate sensor is compared against the readings taken from a chest strap, considered the gold standard in consumer heart rate tracking. We compare readings from the watch against the strap for resting heart rate, and heart rate during a variety of cardio-based activities like running or cycling. We check to see how long it takes to connect to a GPS signal when doing an outdoor workout.

Other health sensors, like a blood oxygen sensor, are compared against a pulse oximeter for spot readings where possible.



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