SALTZMAN: Can’t wait for GTA 6? Snag a ‘deep dive’ in late August

And other tech and gaming news you can use

Published Aug 08, 2026  •  5 minute read

"Grand Theft Auto 6: An Extended Look" will debut on Netflix on Aug. 27, 2026. Photo by Handout /Rockstar Games

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With just over three months until the launch of Grand Theft Auto 6, developer Rockstar Games has announced a first-of-its-kind strategy for revealing more about the game.

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On Aug. 27, at 3 p.m. EDT, Grand Theft Auto 6: An Extended Look will debut on Netflix.

This preview will serve as a deep dive into the upcoming open-world title, showing a substantial amount of in-game footage, mechanics, and story elements before the game’s hotly anticipated release.

The event marks an unprecedented marketing partnership bridging the streaming television giant and one of the biggest franchises in the video game industry.

If you don’t have Netflix, six hours later you can watch this showcase on the newly launched GTA 6 YouTube channel, at 9 p.m. EDT.

“Grand Theft Auto reveals have become cultural moments in their own right,” says Brandon Riegg, VP of Nonfiction Series, at Netflix. “The anticipation and fandom around Grand Theft Auto VI is unprecedented, and we’re honoured that Rockstar Games has partnered with us to debut the next part of the Grand Theft Auto story with Netflix members first.”

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Grand Theft Auto 6 launches Nov. 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S for $109.99. It will be rated “M” for “Mature” (for gamers age 17 and older).

Industry analysts predict Grand Theft Auto 6 could generate up to US$2 billion (C$2.79 billion) in sales on its first day, making it the most lucrative media launch in entertainment history.

Ghost Recon: Future Soldier. Photo by Handout /Ubisoft

Free ‘Ghost Recon’ game this week

Speaking of gaming, to celebrate the franchise’s 25th anniversary, Ubisoft is giving away the PC version of Ghost Recon: Future Soldier. You’ll need to head over to the Ubisoft Connect store (ubisoft.com) to download the “Standard Edition” of the computer game, on or before Aug. 13, at 4 a.m. EDT.

After a dirty bomb kills a previous Ghost unit, the game follows an elite U.S. special-ops team trying to stop a global conflict and prevent a war between the U.S. and Russia.

Note: Ghost Recon: Future Soldier is rated “Mature” because of blood, intense violence, and strong language.

The game was originally released on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in May 2012, before landing on Windows PC the following month.

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Travellers, know about these summer scams

Canadian families may be looking to head out on a vacation before the school season starts — but know about scams targeting travellers. Leading cybersecurity provider Norton is offering a few handy tips for protecting yourself:

• Watch out for fake travel agents: Scammers often masquerade as legitimate agents or tour operators, taking upfront deposits — especially for high-value trips like cruises — before vanishing completely. If you want to book online, stick with reputable sites/apps, like Expedia and Booking.com, plus vacation rental platforms like Airbnb and VRBO have policies and processes in place that protect renters from scammers.

• Avoid unverified SIM cards: While buying local physical SIMs, avoid roaming charges as well as vendor kiosks near airports and transit hubs as they frequently sell stolen, expired, or severely data-capped cards. Use a digital eSIM from an established carrier instead. With Nomad eSIM, use code GET22 for a 22% discount (note: I don’t benefit from this).

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• Use credit cards: Pay with a credit card instead of a debit card to ensure stronger fraud protection and prevent direct access to your bank account. Your Spidey sense should be tingling if you’re asked to send cash or use a cryptocurrency or wire transfers.

• Opt for digital locks: Dishonest guests sometimes copy physical keys to vacation rental properties and return to burglarize future occupants. Whenever possible, book properties featuring unique, changing digital entry codes.

• Protect against pickpockets: This isn’t a new threat, of course, but remember that dense areas like baggage claims and train stations make physical theft easy. Keep wallets in your front pocket and wear zipped crossbody bags to deter thieves in crowded spaces (even worn under your shirt).

Microsoft Office 2024 software. Photo by Handout /Groupon

Fine print of $24 ‘lifetime’ Microsoft Office deal

If you caught wind recently of a killer deal on Microsoft Office, know there are some limitations.

First, it’s true Groupon is offering a “lifetime” (one-time) digital download of Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus for $24 USD, as opposed to an annual subscription fee starting at C$115/year (for Microsoft 365).

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This is “perpetual” ownership, so you only pay once and you own the desktop software version indefinitely — no recurring fees or a credit card required to be kept on file.

On the surface, it’s a heck of a deal — even with the dollar exchange (about C$33).

Microsoft Office includes popular productivity apps like Word (word processing), Excel (spreadsheets), PowerPoint (presentations), Outlook (email, calendar, and contacts), OneNote (a digital notebook), and Access (database creation and management).

Groupon is offering it through a third-party called MyCodes24. It’s legit, but before you buy, be aware of the caveats:

• This is only for one PC — unlike Microsoft 365, which you can install and use (simultaneously) on up to five devices.

• You cannot transfer the licence to another PC.

• This is for Windows only, though there is a deal on a Mac licence for $10 USD more.

• Microsoft 365 includes 1 terabyte (1TB) of storage included in the annual fee. On its own, OneDrive costs $10/month for 1TB and so you’re essentially getting Microsoft Office for free. There is no cloud storage offered for this less expensive Microsoft Office deal.

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• Microsoft 365 also includes Windows Defender (cybersecurity protection), Microsoft Teams (collaboration and communication software), and Copilot support on many of its apps, which is Microsoft’s powerful AI tool. Microsoft 365 also includes the newest versions of all the productivity tools, like Word and Excel. With this discounted software, it’s limited to the 2024 programs, but you do get support until 2029, says MyCodes24.

If this Groupon deal is still available, just be aware of the restrictions.

Before you run the installer, be sure to remove any previous Office installation first or you may encounter issues.

— Marc Saltzman is the host of the Tech It Out podcast and is the author of the book, Apple Watch For Dummies (Wiley).

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