📰 New article from TorrentFreak

“A Cute Little LibGen Babysitter”: Music Publishers Sue Anthropic Founders Over Torrenting Spree

https://torrentfreak.com/a-cute-little-libgen-babysitter-music-publishers-sue-anthropic-founders-over-torrenting-spree/

### Turns out, “Sketchy AF” isn’t a great legal defense.

If you thought the AI industry was all about sophisticated algorithms and polished ethics, think again. A new lawsuit from major music publishers—including Sony and Warner—is pulling back the curtain on how Anthropic allegedly built its massive data library.

According to the complaint, Anthropic didn’t just “scrape” the web; they allegedly went on a massive torrenting spree. Internal Slack messages reveal employees describing pirate sites as “sketchy AF” and “a popular (and illegal) library.” One co-founder even bragged about a custom program he wrote to manage the downloads, calling it a “cute little LibGen babysitter.”

Here’s why this is a massive headache for Anthropic:

• It’s not just books: While Anthropic already paid $1.5 billion to settle a lawsuit with authors, this new wave targets music. We’re talking songbooks, sheet music, and lyrics from icons like Taylor Swift and The Beatles.
• The “Distribution” Trap: Because torrenting involves uploading while downloading, publishers argue Anthropic didn’t just steal data—they actively distributed pirated content to the world.
• The Bill is Growing: With statutory damages reaching up to $150,000 per work, the total cost could easily climb into the billions.

Anthropic is digging in, claiming their training is “fair use,” but as previous courts have noted: training might be one thing, but massive-scale piracy is quite another.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

ARC X1 Is a New Qualcomm-Powered Handheld With a Custom Version of Android

https://retrohandhelds.gg/arc-x1-is-a-new-qualcomm-powered-handheld-with-a-custom-version-of-android/

Just when you thought the handheld wars were settling into a predictable rhythm, a new player has entered the chat.

While everyone was busy watching Anbernic’s latest Snapdragon release, Qualcomm quietly teamed up with an Indian tech company called ARC to announce the ARC X1. This isn’t just another budget handheld; it’s a high-performance device specifically targeting the massive, rapidly growing gaming markets in India and beyond.

The real kicker, however, isn’t just the hardware—it’s the software. Instead of slapping a standard version of Android onto the device and calling it a day, ARC is building OwlOS. They claim it’s not just “Android in a gaming shell,” but a complete rebuild designed around how people actually play. They’ve even teased Hades II running smoothly at 60 fps to prove they mean business.

What we know so far:

• Custom OS: OwlOS aims to be faster and more unified than standard Android.
• Specs: Focused on high-end graphics, low-latency networking for cloud gaming, and better thermal management.
• Availability: It’s currently in the “waitlist” phase, so don’t expect to grab one at your local shop tomorrow.

If OwlOS actually delivers a seamless experience, it could spark a massive trend of custom operating systems in the handheld space. We’ll be watching this one closely.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

OSSC Pro Extra AV Out Addon Preview

https://retrorgb.com/ossc-pro-extra-av-out-addon-preview.html

If you thought the OSSC Pro was already the Swiss Army knife of retro gaming, hold onto your CRT. A new preview for the “Extra AV Out Addon” just dropped, and it’s turning this powerhouse up a notch.

While the original addon was great for digital-to-analog conversion, this updated version adds Composite and S-Video output to the mix. Thanks to a new AD723 encoder and firmware updates, it’s officially becoming a beast of versatility. We’re talking about a device that can output 240p over composite—a rarity that puts it in the same league as high-end professional gear.

Here is why this matters for your setup:

• Simultaneous Outputs: You can actually run HDMI, RGB, S-Video, and Composite all at once. Perfect for streaming to Twitch while playing on a vintage monitor.
• Format Flexibility: New menus allow for PAL and NTSC switching, making it easier to bridge the gap between different regional hardware.
• CRT Accessibility: It makes downscaling to older TVs much easier without needing a messy chain of extra encoders.

Expect small quantities to hit Video Game Perfection around late September 2026, provided the chips behave themselves.

📰 New article from TorrentFreak

Take-Two Says GTA 6 Leak Probe Is “Rapidly Evolving,” Wants New Discord Demands Under Seal

https://torrentfreak.com/take-two-says-gta-6-leak-probe-is-rapidly-evolving-wants-new-discord-demands-under-seal/

If you thought the Grand Theft Auto VI hype was peaking, hold onto your controllers—the legal drama is just getting started.

Following the massive gameplay leak from the mysterious “Cyberleek,” Take-Two (Rockstar’s parent company) isn’t just playing defense; they are going on a full-scale legal offensive. After an initial wave of public subpoenas that accidentally tipped off the internet about which Discord servers were under fire, the company is now trying to go “stealth mode.”

Take-Two has asked the court to keep its latest Discord subpoena under seal. Why the secrecy? Because they claim the investigation is “rapidly evolving” and they don’t want to tip off the leakers, who might just hit the “delete” button on all their evidence if they see the legal hammer coming.

Here’s the current state of play:

• Discord: Take-Two is hunting for one new user and more info on a previously identified one, but they want the details kept strictly confidential.
• YouTube: After a judge pushed back for more evidence, Take-Two officially dropped its request to unmask YouTube personas.

The hunt for the leaker continues, but for now, it’s a high-stakes game of digital hide-and-seek.

📰 New article from Wololo.net

Homebrew Release: Warnel Chawpiovs v1.6.0 (PC, Nintendo Switch, Android), adds “Next Evolution” expansion, improved support for fanmade cards

https://wololo.net/2026/08/31/homebrew-release-warnel-chawpiovs-v1-6-0-pc-nintendo-switch-android-adds-next-evolution-expansion-improved-support-for-fanmade-cards/

### Marvel fans, assemble! 🦸‍♂️

If you’ve ever wished you could take your favorite Marvel Champions card game on the go without lugging around a mountain of physical decks, the homebrew project Warnel Chawpiovs just got a massive upgrade. Version 1.6.0 has officially dropped, bringing a wave of new content to PC, Android, and even the Nintendo Switch.

The star of the show is the “Next Evolution” expansion. This isn’t just a minor patch; it’s a heavy hitter that introduces five new heroes—including the fan-favorite Spider-Ham and the powerhouse Gambit—along with five intense new scenarios like the Morlock Siege.

Here is the quick breakdown of what’s new:

• More Heroes & Villains: Play as Vision, Cable, or Domino while facing off against Mister Sinister or Stryfe.
• Better Modding: Fanmade content now lives in its own dedicated subfolder, making it way easier to toggle your custom cards on and off.
• Expanded Library: The game now boasts 41 heroes and 33 scenarios, covering roughly half of the original game’s content.

A quick heads-up for the Switch crowd: the developer notes that the port is a bit slow, so you might want to overclock your console to keep the action smooth. Happy battling!

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

KT-R2 Review: Three Years Makes a Difference

https://retrohandhelds.gg/kt-r2-review/

### Redemption Arc: The KT-R2 is Finally Here

If you were around for the original KTPocket KT-R1, you probably remember the mixed feelings. It had great ideas—like that custom D-pad and high-res screen—but the lackluster processor and QC hiccups left many wondering if the value was actually there.

Well, three years later, KTPocket is back with the KT-R2, and it looks like they’ve been doing some serious “cooking” behind the scenes. This isn’t just a minor tweak; it’s a massive leap forward in customization and build quality.

What’s new under the hood?

The KT-R2 is a bit of a Swiss Army knife for handheld enthusiasts. You can choose between 4:3 or 3:2 aspect ratios, plastic or magnesium alloy bodies, and various RAM/storage configurations.

The quick highlights:

• Better Performance: The jump to the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 means much smoother emulation for everything from Dreamcast to PS2.
• Premium Build: The magnesium model feels fantastic—cool to the touch and sturdy.
• Quiet Gaming: If you hate the “clack” of loud buttons, you’ll love these incredibly quiet, membrane-style controls.
• Display Wins: The 3:2 option is a sweet spot for GBA fans, offering a beautiful, high-res experience without the lightbleed issues of the past.

It’s not perfect—the software (KOS) still feels a bit restrictive, and you’ll likely want to install a custom launcher like Wave immediately—but the KT-R2 proves that sometimes, good things really do come to those who wait.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Scalable Video Switch (SVS) In Stock September 5th

https://retrorgb.com/scalable-video-switch-svs-in-stock-september-5th.html

If you’ve been staring at an empty shopping cart and a dream of the perfect CRT setup, mark your calendars. The Scalable Video Switch (SVS) is officially making its comeback on Saturday, September 5th, at 5 PM NYC time.

This isn’t just a minor refill, either. Arthrimus is bringing back the full lineup of modules, including the much-coveted transcoders. Even better? They’re introducing brand-new BNC Output and D-Terminal Input modules, meaning your custom switch dreams are about to get a lot more professional.

If you miss this window, don’t panic. The team has secured a massive stockpile of parts, so if this batch sells out, expect another restock in late September or early October. The ultimate goal is to move to a monthly restocking cadence until everything is permanently available.

The quick cheat sheet:

• When: Sept 5th, 5 PM NYC time.
• What’s new: BNC Output and D-Terminal Input modules.
• The Plan: Monthly restocks are the goal to keep the momentum going.

Get those fingers ready—these modules tend to move fast.

📰 New article from TorrentFreak

ACE Targets Dozens of Streaming Pirates Through Cloudflare and Discord Subpoenas

https://torrentfreak.com/ace-targets-dozens-of-streaming-pirates-through-cloudflare-and-discord-subpoenas/

The Hollywood Hit Squad is Coming for Your Streaming Shortcuts

If you thought your favorite pirate streaming site was a safe haven, think again. The Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE)—the legal heavy hitters representing giants like Disney, Netflix, and Warner Bros.—is currently on a massive digital manhunt.

Using a legal shortcut known as a DMCA subpoena, ACE has filed requests to unmask the people behind dozens of major piracy hubs. They aren’t just going after small-fry sites, either. The subpoena targets 49 domains, including massive anime networks like Miruro and Aniworld, as well as various clones of 123movies and StreamEast.

But they aren’t stopping at websites. ACE is also coming for Discord. They’ve filed subpoenas to identify the operators of specific servers used to distribute pirated movies and shows.

The bottom line: ACE is using service providers like Cloudflare and Discord to bypass the need for a full-blown lawsuit, aiming to get names, addresses, and payment details of site operators. While many pirates use fake info to stay anonymous, the Hollywood studios are clearly making it their mission to turn “anonymous” into “accountable.”

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Anbernic RG 55G1 Preorders Open on 8/31; Save $10 for 72 Hours

https://retrohandhelds.gg/anbernic-rg-55g1-preorders-open-on-8-31-save-10-for-72-hours/

If you’ve been eyeing a new piece of pocket-sized nostalgia, it’s time to clear your schedule. After months of teasing, Anbernic has finally pulled back the curtain on the RG 55G1, and preorders officially kick off on August 31 at 6 AM EDT.

The price tag is set at $149.99 for the base model (4GB/64GB) and $174.99 for the beefier version (8GB/128GB). But, in classic Anbernic fashion, there’s a “get it while it’s hot” window: you can snag a $10 discount if you jump in within the first 72 hours.

Is it perfect? Not quite. While the device looks suspiciously like a Nintendo Switch Lite, don’t expect to play actual Switch games on it—it’s an Android-powered machine that seems to be following a bit of a trend of “looks like a console, plays like a retro beast.” Early reviewers have noted the 60Hz refresh rate and the IPS panel might leave some purists wanting more, but it’s still a solid contender for your handheld collection.

The Quick Specs:

• Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon G1 Gen 2
• Display: 5.5-inch, 1080p
• Battery: 6000mAh (roughly 8 hours of play)
• Controls: Hall Effect sticks to prevent drift

📰 New article from RetroRGB

RetroTINK 6x/4K Firmware v1.77.0

https://retrorgb.com/retrotink-6x-4k-firmware-v1-77-0.html

If you own a RetroTINK, it’s time to clear a spot on your desk for a quick software update. Mike Chi has just dropped firmware v1.77.0, and while it might seem like routine maintenance, there’s some actual substance behind this one.

The big headline? Improved support for legacy SD and MMC cards. If you’ve been dealing with the dreaded “SD blip” or general card instability, this update is your new best friend. For RetroTINK 6x CE owners, this is a “must-do” not just to fix those storage hiccups, but to finally catch up to the latest tweaks and fixes that have been rolling out for the 4K models.

Here is the quick breakdown:

• 6x CE Owners: Update immediately to fix SD issues and sync up with the latest 4K features.
• 4K Owners: If everything is running smoothly, you can likely sit this one out.
• The Big Picture: Moving forward, all firmware updates will target the 6x CE, 4K CE, and 4K Pro simultaneously.

Mike continues his streak of being incredibly diligent, porting features across the lineup even when they seem technically “impossible.” It’s more proof that your hardware is in good hands.