Aliro, the new open standard for smart locks that enables NFC-based tap-to-unlock and UWB hands-free unlocking, is set to launch in early 2026, allowing Android and other smart device users to access smart locks seamlessly, similar to Apple's Home Key feature, through collaboration among major tech and lock manufacturers.
Wizards of the Coast announced significant bans across multiple Magic: The Gathering formats, including banning Vivi Ornitier in Standard to curb deck dominance, along with bans on Proft’s Eidetic Memory, Screaming Nemesis, and others to promote diversity and balance. Additionally, they banned Entomb and Nadu in Legacy, and re-banned High Tide in Pauper due to problematic gameplay. Several pre-bans were also issued in Historic and Brawl, reflecting a focus on maintaining format health. The next bans are scheduled for February 9th, with hopes for a more balanced metagame.
Wizards of the Coast banned Vivi Ornitier and Proft’s Eidetic Memory in Standard to address their dominance, along with banning Screaming Nemesis to balance Mono-Red Aggro, and made additional bans across Pioneer, Legacy, and Pauper formats to maintain game health and diversity.
The article details the November 10, 2025, banned and restricted list updates across various Magic: The Gathering formats, including bans in Standard (Vivi Ornitier, Screaming Nemesis, Proft's Eidetic Memory), Pioneer (Heartfire Hero), Legacy (Entomb, Nadu, Winged Wisdom), and Brawl (multiple cards), with explanations from Wizards' design team on the reasons behind these changes aimed at maintaining game balance and diversity. No changes were made in Modern, Vintage, Pauper, Alchemy, Historic, or Timeless formats.
The article discusses leaked cards from the Edge of Eternities set, highlighting three notable ones: Lightstall Inquisitor, a rare one-mana Angel with disruptive abilities; Hardlight Containment, an aura that counters artifacts but with limited deck options; and Pinnacle Emissary, a flying artifact creature promising in artifact-focused Commander decks. These leaks showcase efficient and potentially impactful cards across various formats, though their authenticity is not confirmed.
Recent bans in Magic: The Gathering's Standard format aimed to curb problematic strategies, but new threats like Tinybones Joins Up and persistent decks like Orzhov Pixie and Dimir Midrange are emerging as dominant forces, indicating the bans may not fully resolve the meta's issues and could lead to ongoing shifts in deck strategies.
A major Magic: The Gathering ban announcement is expected to target cards like Cori-Steel Cutter and Monstrous Rage in Standard and Pioneer, with potential restrictions on Lurrus and Stock Up in Vintage, while other formats like Legacy and Pauper are unlikely to see changes.
Outlaws of Thunder Junction is set to release on MTG Arena, and the article discusses the evaluation philosophy for new cards, highlighting potential impactful cards for Standard and Alchemy. It covers cards that could be added to existing decks, create new decks, or revive abandoned ones, as well as impactful sideboard options. The article provides examples of cards like Duelist of the Mind and The Gitrog for Standard, and Lively Dirge and Honest Rutstein for Alchemy, while also mentioning Legion Extruder and Loot, the Key to Everything. It concludes with a discussion on impactful sideboard options like Rest in Peace and Requisition Raid, and expresses excitement for trying out new brews in both formats.
Outlaws of Thunder Junction spoiler season for Magic: The Gathering has begun with early leaks of new cards, including the introduction of a new mechanic called Spree. Cards like Insatiable Avarice and Vraska Joins Up showcase exciting abilities and potential for play in Standard and Commander formats. Additional early spoilers hint at more intriguing cards to come, building anticipation for the upcoming set release.
MagicCon: Chicago saw Seth Manfield win with Rakdos Vampires and Rei "ctfsoc" Zhang triumph with Sultai Ramp at the $75K Standard Open, while the impact of Murders at Karlov Manor on the Standard format was analyzed. The most-played new-to-Standard cards were revealed, and innovative new decks and developments, including Sultai Ramp with Aftermath Analyst and Boros Convoke with Novice Inspector, were highlighted. The article also discussed Azorius Control with No More Lies, Boros Control with Lightning Helix, Sultai Reanimator with Steamcore Scholar, Dimir Reanimator with Reenact the Crime, and Grixis Hidetsugu and Kairi with Push // Pull, showcasing the diverse and powerful new strategies in Standard.
A newly spoiled uncommon card, Forensic Researcher, from the Murders at Karlov Manor set has been discovered to create a three-card infinite combo in Standard, allowing players to generate an infinite number of Merfolk tokens. While the combo seems powerful, it can be disrupted easily and relies on specific conditions to work. However, with enough Merfolk support in Standard and potential untap effects from the new set, the combo could become a viable strategy for competitive play.
A unique Gruul Artifacts archetype has emerged in the Standard format of Magic: The Gathering, utilizing the strategy of growing creatures by playing artifacts. The deck features creatures like Patchwork Automaton, Teething Wurmlet, and Syr Ginger, which grow in size as more artifacts are played. Cheap artifacts such as Gingerbrute, Experimental Synthesizer, and Mishra's Research Desk are crucial to the deck's success. The deck's strength lies in its efficiency and ability to race against control decks, but it struggles against board wipes and cheap removal. Overall, the archetype shows promise and offers a fresh take on the Hardened Scales playstyle.
Dimir Midrange decks are dominating the Standard format in Magic: The Gathering, with over 40% of the metagame being comprised of Dimir Midrange. This is a significant anomaly compared to the metagames of Modern and Pioneer, where the dominant decks represent a much smaller percentage. Dimir Midrange utilizes a mix of removal, counterspells, and value engines to establish an early presence and maintain control of the game. While the upcoming release of the Wilds of Eldraine expansion may impact the dominance of Dimir, for now, it remains the top deck in Standard.
Tesla's stock rose 5% after General Motors announced that its electric vehicles would be able to charge using Tesla's charging network, following a similar announcement from Ford two weeks prior. Both automakers will need special adapters for now, but plan to build new electric vehicles that use Tesla-style chargers with no adapter needed. This move towards Tesla's charging standard, named the "North American Charging Standard," could make it easier for Tesla to lobby for financial assistance under federal infrastructure laws for building EV chargers.
Wizards of the Coast has banned three cards in the MTG Standard format to curb the dominance of Rakdos Midrange. The banned cards are Fable of the Mirror-Breaker // Reflection of Kiki-Jiki, Invoke Despair, and Reckoner Bankbuster. In addition to the bans, Wizards is delaying the rotation cycle for a year, allowing around 1000 cards to enter the Standard environment, and changing up their ban schedule. These changes are aimed at creating a more diverse and interesting card pool and developing archetypes over time. It remains to be seen if these changes will work, but Wizards is committed to making the format successful once again.