HeyWhatsNew: Spotify Cracks Down on AI Music and Forza Horizon 6 Heads to Japan
Welcome back, Heyuppers! Ready for your weekly scoop? From tech and gaming to the latest in innovation, here are the stories shaping the week of 29/09/2025.
Microsoft Rolls Out ‘Vibe Working’ in Excel and Word
Microsoft has introduced a new Agent Mode for Excel and Word, designed to make complex tasks simpler and more accessible. Instead of relying on technical expertise, users can now generate spreadsheets or documents through a single prompt. Powered by OpenAI’s GPT-5, Agent Mode breaks tasks into step-by-step actions that are transparent and verifiable. In Excel, this means turning intricate data into clear, accurate sheets, while in Word it enables “vibe writing,” a more interactive way to draft, refine, and summarize content.
Alongside Agent Mode, Microsoft is also launching a new Office Agent in Copilot chat, powered by Anthropic models. This feature can create fully structured presentations and documents directly from a chat prompt, complete with research and live previews. By combining OpenAI and Anthropic technologies, Microsoft is positioning Office as a leader in AI-powered productivity. Both Agent Mode and Office Agent are available through the Frontier program for Microsoft 365 Copilot users and personal subscribers in the US.
Anker Expands Prime Charger Lineup With Three New Releases
Anker has launched three new additions to its high-end Prime charger series, bringing faster charging speeds, active cooling, and more compact designs. The lineup includes a 160W wall adapter with three USB-C ports and a built-in display, a 3-in-1 Qi2 MagSafe wireless charging stand capable of powering an iPhone, Apple Watch, and earbuds simultaneously, and a 26,250mAh power bank with 300W maximum output. All three products aim to improve on Anker’s existing Prime range with higher power capacity and features tailored for everyday use.
The new chargers arrive shortly after Apple’s iPhone 17 and Watch Series 11 release, highlighting Anker’s focus on keeping pace with modern devices. The Prime collection has long been positioned as the more professional counterpart to the company’s Nano lineup, offering larger batteries and higher power outputs. For the launch, Anker is offering a 20% discount on all three new chargers via Amazon.
Spotify Introduces AI Track Labels and Tools to Stop Spam
Spotify is updating its AI policy to make music creation more transparent and protect artists from misuse. The platform will adopt the DDEX industry standard to label AI-generated elements in tracks, including vocals, instrumentation, and post-production. Unauthorized AI voice clones, deepfakes, and impersonations will be strictly prohibited and removed.
To tackle the surge of AI-generated uploads, Spotify is introducing a new spam filter this fall to detect duplicates and manipulative tactics, while also working with distributors to prevent fraudulent “profile mismatches.” The company emphasized that responsible AI use by artists is welcome, aiming to support creativity while cracking down on bad actors.
Florida Mom Wins Mortal Kombat Tournament Just Days After Giving Birth
A Florida mother made headlines after winning her local Mortal Kombat XL tournament while holding her five-day-old baby. The event, hosted by Juicy Game Night on September 27, drew the local fighting game community, and her remarkable victory has quickly gone viral on social media.
The mother, known as Legi0n, had delivered her daughter, Cereza, via cesarean section on September 22 due to a high-risk pregnancy complication. Despite recovering from surgery and experiencing severe pain, she attended the tournament with her newborn and emerged victorious, impressively balancing new motherhood with competitive gaming.
Electronic Arts to Go Private in $55 Billion Deal
Electronic Arts, the company behind popular games like Battlefield and Madden NFL, has agreed to sell itself to a group of private investors for $55 billion. The deal is led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners, and the private equity firm Silver Lake. It would be the largest leveraged buyout in history if it goes through. EA shareholders will get $210 per share, a 25% increase over the stock price before the deal was announced.
The move comes at a time when EA is relying on its sports and shooter games to stay strong in a slow gaming market. Analysts say going private could give the company more freedom to try bigger projects without the pressure of public shareholders. For Saudi Arabia’s wealth fund, the deal is also part of a plan to invest in gaming and diversify its economy. The sale is expected to close in early 2027, with EA CEO Andrew Wilson staying in charge.
Forza Horizon 6 Takes Players to Japan in 2026
Forza Horizon fans have something to look forward to: the next game in the series is heading to Japan and will launch in 2026. Playground Games and Turn 10 are bringing Tokyo’s bustling streets, scenic countryside, and even Mount Fuji to life, while keeping the series’ iconic seasonal changes. The game will release first on PC and Xbox, with PlayStation 5 players getting access post-launch, and it will be available on Xbox Game Pass and as an Xbox Play Anywhere title.
The move to Japan comes after years of fan requests and new technical advances that let the team create more detailed and intricate environments than ever before. Tokyo City, in particular, is expected to be the most complex drivable area in a Horizon game yet, blending urban chaos with beautiful landscapes. The developers say lessons from past expansions, like the Hot Wheels DLC in Forza Horizon 5, helped shape this next entry, promising a fresh, immersive experience for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
All caught up, Heyuppers! Join us next week for another round of news and updates.
