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Video game makers aren’t doing enough to cater for gamers with disabilities, a study has revealed. A poll of 500 adults with physical and mental disabilities who play video games found 81 per cent have struggled to play their favourite games due to inaccessible game features. Specific problems include a lack of customisable control options (21 per cent), hard-to-read text (33 per cent), fast-paced gameplay (34 per cent), and flashing lighting effects (31 per cent). As a result, 39 per cent have been forced to stop playing a game - or abandon it altogether. The Samsung study also found 52 per cent would like to see more characters who represent their disability - and claim they would game more if this happened. The research follows the launch of the brand’s ‘Embrace Your Game’ portal - a European-wide gaming training initiative featuring expert guides, training sessions, and video workshops for gamers of all abilities. Steven Woodgate, chair of the True Ability Employee Resource Group at Samsung Electronics UK, said: “Gamers with disabilities not only make up a sizable portion of the player base. “But they also provide valuable perspectives and experiences to the gaming community. “While we’ve seen some strides in accessibility over recent years, this study reveals the pressing barriers still faced by many. “We must prioritise an inclusive gaming landscape, ensuring every player, regardless of their disability, can enjoy and connect through these digital realms. “The industry owes it to all its players to make games as accessible and representative as possible.” Despite the challenges, 22 per cent of those polled feel empowered by gaming, while 40 per cent said the pastime gives them a sense of escape. And 16 per cent said it provides them with a way to connect with other gamers with disabilities, with 28 per cent claiming video games are an ‘essential’ part of their routine. Barriers for those polled include games which result in ‘cognitive overload’ through complex control configurations and hard to follow information or instructions (28 per cent). While 24 per cent have experienced dexterity issues – such as controllers not being adequately designed for their ergonomic needs. In response, gamers with disabilities revealed the features and accessibility options they’d like to see in future titles. More accessory options for differently abled players (34 per cent) topped the list, closely followed by more online multiplayer options catering toward different disabilities (34 per cent). The research carried out through OnePoll, also found 31 per cent would like to see improved guides and tutorials to help them learn gaming controls more easily. And 31 per cent would also like a greater range of customisable controller options. Robin Christopherson of charity, AbilityNet, which works towards making the digital world more accessible, said: “It should be no surprise to learn that disabled people enjoy gaming as much as anyone else. “But this research demonstrates quite clearly the negative impact on people’s wellbeing when hardware or software isn’t accessible. “It also underlines that games are a vital part of the fabric of many people’s lives, creating social networks and bringing enjoyment which should be open to everyone.” Read More Brits are so fed up with emails that retail giants now send reminder letters Brits will eat over 5,000 slices of pizza in their adult life, study finds Millions of homeware items thrown away each year, research finds Facebook and Instagram users face monthly fee for ad-free version Japan startup unveils 15-foot robot suit for space exploration New discovery is ‘holy grail’ breakthrough in search for aliens, scientist say

Germany will bring several mothballed coal plants back to the market this winter to ensure that Europe’s largest

Millions of phones, TVs and radios across the US will receive an alert on Wednesday as part of a nationwide test for an emergency alert system. At 2.20pm ET, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will test the Emergency Alert System for TV and radio sets, and the Wireless Emergency Alerts for phones. “These test alerts are necessary to verify that the system is working properly so that, in a real case, citizens will know what to do, depending on the information that is issued,” said Nino Correa Filomeno, the commissioner of the Puerto Rico Emergency Management Bureau, who will coordinate with FEMA for the tests. “Amid this hurricane season, and any time an emergency occurs, it is necessary to have this system in place.” It is the seventh test for the system since FEMA set it up, however there are already conspiracy theories spreading online about its actual purpose. One false theory is that the signal is being sent to activate nanoparticles that have been introduced to people’s bodies, with one widely shared claim suggesting that it relates to the Covid-19 vaccine. Some users on X, formerly Twitter, advised people to shut off their phones in order to avoid receiving the alert. One user wrote: “Recommendations include not only disabling all alerts but also removing the sim card and shutting down your phone completely, possibly putting in a faraday bag if you have one.” Any smartphone that is switched on and within range of a cell tower will receive the emergency alert test message, which will be accompanied by a “unique tone” and vibration to make sure it is seen, heard or felt by as many people as possible, including those with disabilities. The radio and television portion of the test is being conducted with the participation of broadcasters, satellite providers and cable systems. “We want to ensure that the systems continue to be effective, that the public understands and uses these alerts and warnings about emergencies, particularly those on the national level, as we work to strengthen emergency readiness among our communities,” said Orlando Olivera, a coordinator at FEMA’s Caribbean office in Puerto Rico. “This is one step to be ready for emergencies. We are encouraging everyone, especially older adults to Take Control in 1, 2, 3: Assess your needs, Make a plan, and Engage your support network.” Read More Apple blames Instagram for overheating iPhones Facebook and Instagram users face monthly fee for ad-free version Japan startup unveils 15-foot robot suit for space exploration New discovery is ‘holy grail’ breakthrough in search for aliens, scientist say

It has been the US oil industry’s biggest environmental success story in recent years. Gas flares that once

Facebook and Instagram users in Europe could pay a monthly fee of at least €10 (£9) for an ad-free version of the platforms, according to reports. The charge, which follows a similar subscription fee introduced to X/Twitter, would allow parent company Meta to comply with Europe’s data privacy laws, The Wall Street Journal reported. Prices for Facebook and Instagram mobile users would be higher, at roughly €13 a month, because Meta needs to account for commissions charged by the Apple and Google app stores on in-app payments, the publication said, while adding more accounts would cost €6 each. The European Union data privacy rules pose a threat to its lucrative business model of showing personalised ads to users, meaning paid subscriptions could offset any potential losses in advertising revenue. Meta would give users the choice between continuing to use the platforms with ads or paying for the ad-free version, the WSJ said. “Meta believes in the value of free services which are supported by personalised ads,” the company said in a statement. “However, we continue to explore options to ensure we comply with evolving regulatory requirements. We have nothing further to share at this time.” The EU's top court said in July that Meta must first get consent before showing ads to users – a ruling that jeopardises the company's ability to make money by tailoring advertisements for individual users based on their online interests and digital activity. It's not clear if EU regulators will sign off on the plan or insist that the company offer cheaper versions. The newspaper said one issue regulators have is whether the proposed fees will be too expensive for most people who don't want to be targeted by ads. Additional reporting from agencies Read More Meta enters AI chatbot market with its own virtual assistant

NewJeans have released 'Gods' ahead of the esports tournament.

Uber is looking to help with a much-dreaded chore: returning packages.

The cost of the climate crisis keeps going up. In terms of damage to the atmosphere and life

Today is the day for the US government's big emergency alert drill, which will send a test message to every TV, radio and cell phone in the nation.

Millions of phones, TVs and radios across the US will receive an alert on Wednesday as part of a nationwide test for an emergency alert system. At 2.20pm ET, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will test the Emergency Alert System for TV and radio sets, and the Wireless Emergency Alerts for phones. “These test alerts are necessary to verify that the system is working properly so that, in a real case, citizens will know what to do, depending on the information that is issued,” said Nino Correa Filomeno, the commissioner of the Puerto Rico Emergency Management Bureau, who will coordinate with FEMA for the tests. “Amid this hurricane season, and any time an emergency occurs, it is necessary to have this system in place.” It is the seventh test for the system since FEMA set it up, however there are already conspiracy theories spreading online about its actual purpose. One false theory is that the signal is being sent to activate nanoparticles that have been introduced to people’s bodies, with one widely shared claim suggesting that it relates to the Covid-19 vaccine. Some users on X, formerly Twitter, advised people to shut off their phones in order to avoid receiving the alert. One user wrote: “Recommendations include not only disabling all alerts but also removing the sim card and shutting down your phone completely, possibly putting in a faraday bag if you have one.” Any smartphone that is switched on and within range of a cell tower will receive the emergency alert test message, which will be accompanied by a “unique tone” and vibration to make sure it is seen, heard or felt by as many people as possible, including those with disabilities. The radio and television portion of the test is being conducted with the participation of broadcasters, satellite providers and cable systems. “We want to ensure that the systems continue to be effective, that the public understands and uses these alerts and warnings about emergencies, particularly those on the national level, as we work to strengthen emergency readiness among our communities,” said Orlando Olivera, a coordinator at FEMA’s Caribbean office in Puerto Rico. “This is one step to be ready for emergencies. We are encouraging everyone, especially older adults to Take Control in 1, 2, 3: Assess your needs, Make a plan, and Engage your support network.” Read More Apple blames Instagram for overheating iPhones Japan startup unveils 15-foot robot suit for space exploration New discovery is ‘holy grail’ breakthrough in search for aliens, scientist say Elon Musk’s X ordered to pay over $1m in legal fees for laid off Twitter execs

Millions of phones, TVs and radios across the US will receive an alert on Wednesday as part of a nationwide test for an emergency alert system. At 2.20pm ET, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will test the Emergency Alert System for TV and radio sets, and the Wireless Emergency Alerts for phones. “These test alerts are necessary to verify that the system is working properly so that, in a real case, citizens will know what to do, depending on the information that is issued,” said Nino Correa Filomeno, the commissioner of the Puerto Rico Emergency Management Bureau, who will coordinate with FEMA for the tests. “Amid this hurricane season, and any time an emergency occurs, it is necessary to have this system in place.” It is the seventh test for the system since FEMA set it up, however there are already conspiracy theories spreading online about its actual purpose. One false theory is that the signal is being sent to activate nanoparticles that have been introduced to people’s bodies, with one widely shared claim suggesting that it relates to the Covid-19 vaccine. Some users on X, formerly Twitter, advised people to shut off their phones in order to avoid receiving the alert. One user wrote: “Recommendations include not only disabling all alerts but also removing the sim card and shutting down your phone completely, possibly putting in a faraday bag if you have one.” Any smartphone that is switched on and within range of a cell tower will receive the emergency alert test message, which will be accompanied by a “unique tone” and vibration to make sure it is seen, heard or felt by as many people as possible, including those with disabilities. The radio and television portion of the test is being conducted with the participation of broadcasters, satellite providers and cable systems. “We want to ensure that the systems continue to be effective, that the public understands and uses these alerts and warnings about emergencies, particularly those on the national level, as we work to strengthen emergency readiness among our communities,” said Orlando Olivera, a coordinator at FEMA’s Caribbean office in Puerto Rico. “This is one step to be ready for emergencies. We are encouraging everyone, especially older adults to Take Control in 1, 2, 3: Assess your needs, Make a plan, and Engage your support network.” Read More Apple blames Instagram for overheating iPhones Japan startup unveils 15-foot robot suit for space exploration New discovery is ‘holy grail’ breakthrough in search for aliens, scientist say Elon Musk’s X ordered to pay over $1m in legal fees for laid off Twitter execs

MrBeast has become the latest celebrity to tackle AI deepfakes, calling on social media to do more. "Lots of people are getting this deepfake scam ad of me… are social media platforms ready to handle the rise of AI deepfakes? This is a serious problem," the famed YouTuber posted to X/Twitter. MrBeast included a clip that has been circulating online, that shows an AI version of him saying he's giving away iPhones. "You’re one of the 10,000 lucky people who will get an iPhone 15 pro for just $2," the deceiving clip said. "I’m MrBeast and I am doing the world’s largest iPhone 15 giveaway." The clip then encouraged viewers to follow a link to "claim yours now!" It comes after Tom Hanks was targeted by artificial intelligence after one company featured him in a dental advert without his consent. The Hollywood actor was forced to speak out about the fake ad, writing: "There's a video out there promoting some dental plan with an AI version of me. I have nothing to do with it." The surge of AI scams is nothing new, following an alarming – and more sinister rise – in AI-generated porn, mostly targeting female influencers and celebrities. Billie Eilish previously fell victim to the fake tech in one NSFW incident – which saw a video eventually removed from social media after being viewed 11 million times. A separate incident saw popular Twitch streamer Sweet Anita horrified to learn her face had been used in X-rated material. Worryingly, there's not much legal action that can be taken either. Cybersecurity expert and What the Hack podcast host Adam Levin told Indy100 that "as long as every party involved is a legal adult, there aren’t very many laws on the books to prevent or punish the distribution of illicit content". He claimed "it’s nearly impossible to remove any content published online, pornographic or otherwise," before adding: "That said, if all the parties are known, there may be legally actionable kinds of deepfake porn content." Sign up for our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.