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Mafia IV could be on the horizon for next-gen consoles
Mafia's official Twitter account causes tons of buzz with a single line, igniting speculation of a remaster collection or even a new big-budget sequel.
2K Games is teasing something Mafia-related. The series' Twitter account just broke its near two-year silence with a simple one-word Tweet that's the main theme in all Mafia games: Family. So what does it mean? The general consensus is 2K will re-release a Mafia I & II remaster collection on current-gen systems. But it's also possible a new entry is on the way, too.
Take-Two Interactive's current pipeline of games is its biggest ever in the history of the company. There's lots of games on the way from all of its labels and studios. Hangar 13, the dev behind Mafia III, is also working on a new project. Job listings say Hangar 13's new game is set in a fresh IP. So it's more likely the tease isn't for Mafia IV, but a remaster collection. Hangar 13 could assist in the remaster while it works on the new IP.
Continue reading: Mafia IV could be on the horizon for next-gen consoles (full post)
Microsoft 365 roadmap highlights 'text predictions' coming this month
It's been a while since Google's Gmail application introduced a feature that predicted the text a user might want to enter next when composing an email. Gmail calls its feature called Smart Compose and when you're in a hurry or trying to send an email from a smartphone or other mobile device, it's a welcome feature. A new roadmap has surfaced for Microsoft 365, and it shows that the software giant is ready to take a page out of Gmail's book with its version of the feature called "text predictions."
With text predictions, when a user sees a text suggestion, they like they can select it with the tab or arrow keys, according to Microsoft. Microsoft also notes that if the user doesn't want to use the text suggestion that turns up on the screen, they can simply keep typing, and the suggestion will disappear. The feature can also be turned off for those who don't want to use it.
Turning off text predictions requires users to go to settings, view all Outlook settings, mail, compose, and reply. Under that section will be a checkbox titled "Text predictions" that can be cleared to turn them off. Another interesting feature that Microsoft is working on is a scheduled email feature called "Send Later for Outlook.com" that would allow users to pick a time when an email will be sent.
Continue reading: Microsoft 365 roadmap highlights 'text predictions' coming this month (full post)
Far Cry 6 reveal possible at Ubisoft's new all-digital July event
E3 is toast, and pretty much every games conference is going all-digital. Ubisoft responds with their own event called Ubisoft Forward, which goes live on July 12 at 3PM EST. "Get ready for an E3-style showcase with plenty of exclusive game news, exciting reveals, and much more."
Ubisoft is working on a bunch of big projects right now. The company plans to ship five AAA games in FY2021, this fiscal year. We already know most of the big games: Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Watch Dogs Legion, Rainbow Six Quarantine, and Gods and Monsters. Reports say the last mystery game is a new Far Cry game for next-gen consoles. We might get an official reveal of Far Cry 6 at the July event.
Then again, it's possible these plans have dramatically shifted due to COVID-19. Ubisoft will confirm any changes to the release slate on May 14. The 5-game slate was announced in November 2019 when key games were shifted after Ghost Recon: Breakpoint's disappointing performance. Ubisoft has since changed the main creative design teams responsible for its biggest franchises.
Continue reading: Far Cry 6 reveal possible at Ubisoft's new all-digital July event (full post)
WWDC 2020 rumor claims the AirPods Studio headphones will debut
A new rumor is going around that claims Apple will be unveiling a new set of over-ear headphones at WWDC 2020. The rumor claims that headphones are over-ear units called the AirPods Studio (AirPods Pro pictured). The headphones are said to be highly customizable and aiming at a price point of $349.
If Apple brings the AirPods Studio headphones to market at that price, it would put them on equal footing with the popular Bose 700 and Sony WH-1000XM4 offerings. The headphones would be Apple's first over-ear units, developed under the codename B515. Rumors have claimed that the AirPods Studio will feature a magnetic headband and earcups, which aren't offered on any competitor's products.
One interesting fact is that the headphones are claimed to be as customizable as an Apple Watch. There is no indication of how exactly that customization will be pulled off. Presumably, the sound will be customizable along with the levels of noise cancellation.
Continue reading: WWDC 2020 rumor claims the AirPods Studio headphones will debut (full post)
Call of Duty dev Sledgehammer games plans massive studio expansions
Slegehammer Games is gearing up for some big projects, and plans to expand their forces to 300 developers across two studios.
Back in the day, Call of Duty games rotated between three studios: Sledgehammer Games, Treyarch, and Infinity Ward. Every year each studio released their own Call of Duty game, adding a lot of variety to the lineup. But now that mantle falls to Infinity Ward and Treyarch. Sledgehammer is more of a support team that sits alongside Raven Software and Beenox to help flesh out the experiences, with each team working on different portions of the game. Call of Duty games have always been collaborative efforts, and this time Sledgehammer is more in the trenches.
Now Sledgehammer is massively ramping up headcount across its California and Australia-based studios to prepare for a multi-project slate. Sledgehammer is 200-strong now, but wants to add 100 people to its pool, signifying big things are on the way. It's possible the studio could be reaching outside of the Call of Duty franchise for its own games.
Continue reading: Call of Duty dev Sledgehammer games plans massive studio expansions (full post)
Thunderbolt port vulnerability could leak personal data
A report is making the rounds that claims attackers could steal data from a PC or Linux computer even if the computer is locked and the data is encrypted. The report comes from a security researcher called Bjorn Ruytenberg, who says that the technique to steal the data is relatively simple, and it is called "Thunderspy." All the attacker needs is physical access to the computer, and they would be able to steal personal data in only five minutes using a screwdriver and easily portable hardware.
Thunderbolt offers very fast transfer speeds gives direct access to the PC memory, creating several vulnerabilities. Previously researchers believed that weaknesses in the Thunderbolt protocol could be mitigated by disabling access to untrusted devices or disabling Thunderbolt altogether. However, the attack method that Ruytenberg has discovered can get around those settings by changing the firmware that controls the Thunderbolt Port to allow any device access.
The security researcher also notes that the act leaves no trace and the user would never know their PC was altered. To perform the attack, which the researcher dubbed the "evil maid attack" the attacker would only need to unscrew the backplate, attach device momentarily, reprogram the firmware, reattach the backplate, and they would gain full access to the laptop.
Continue reading: Thunderbolt port vulnerability could leak personal data (full post)
Grab a deal on the previous generation 13.3-inch MacBook Pro
Not long ago, Apple announced the updated version of the 13.3-inch MacBook Pro bringing with it updated processors and a revised keyboard. Apple fans who don't mind using the last generation 13.3-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar from mid-2019 have an opportunity to pick up an excellent deal with B & H Photo.
B & H has a special going right now that drops the price of a well-configured 13.3-inch MacBook Pro by $400. Discounts on Apple hardware this significant are rare, making this a deal that many may want to take advantage of. For about 12 hours as of writing, the machine is available for $1399.
For the money, buyers get a 13.3-inch MacBook Pro with a 2.4 GHz Intel Core i5 CPU paired with 8 GB of 2133 MHz LPDDR3 RAM. The Mac includes 256 GB of SSD storage and uses Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655. Keep in mind that this is the previous-generation MacBook Pro using eighth-generation Intel processors.
Continue reading: Grab a deal on the previous generation 13.3-inch MacBook Pro (full post)
MediaTek Dimensity 1000+ 5G-integrated chipset family debuts
The MediaTek chipset family has a new product aimed at mobile devices focused on 5G connectivity and gaming. The Dimensity 1000+ chipset family has integrated 5G connectivity and promises "a number of leading technologies and upgrades for gaming, video, and power efficiency." The Dimensity 1000+ is based on the flagship Dimensity 1000 from MediaTek.
The chipset promises leading 5G capabilities, including Carrier Aggregation, dual 5G SIM, superfast 5G speeds, and the MediaTek 5G UltraSave power-saving technologies. The power-saving technology automatically adjusts the modem's power configuration and operating frequency according to network conditions and based on user activity to save power.
The chipset also supports 144 Hz displays that are becoming more common in flagship devices and phones aimed at mobile gamers. The Dimensity 1000+ also uses the latest HyperEngine 2.0 technologies to optimize the smartphone for a more fluid and immersive gaming experience. Those technologies include a Resource Management Engine designed to ensure game performance fluidity with minimal power consumption.
Continue reading: MediaTek Dimensity 1000+ 5G-integrated chipset family debuts (full post)
Google talks about reopening its offices to workers
Alphabet is the parent company to search giant Google and has announced when it will begin to reopen its offices. Google will slowly begin to reopen offices starting in June, according to CEO Sundar Pichai. The company CEO announced the June reopening date for offices in an email sent to employees that turned up online. However, workers won't have to go into the office until they feel it is safe to do so according to a Google spokesperson.
Pichai said about employees returning that the "ramp" back to the office will be slow. He said there would be no one-size-fits-all approach and guidance will vary from location to location. The leaked memo claims that Alphabet is aiming for between 10 and 15% capacity in the office at any time around the globe.
Pichai noted that currently, fewer than 5% of employees are working from offices. He also took time in the memo to thank the employees in the offices and data centers that were working in offices. The first employees to return to offices will be those who have jobs requiring them to be in the office. Those first workers to return will include those needing access to specialized equipment.
Continue reading: Google talks about reopening its offices to workers (full post)
Resident Evil 8 is 'dark as f*ck', the darkest Resident Evil ever
I still remember sitting on the bottom bunk in my room with my brother when I was 13 years old, playing the original Resident Evil on the first-gen PlayStation and almost sh*tting my pants when those damn dogs smashed through the windows in the mansion. But hopefully we're about to get some even darker, more gruesome gameplay.
According to a Capcom insider, Resident Evil 8 will be one of the darkest, much more horror-fueled outings in the long-running franchise. Capcom insider Dusk Golem explained that Capcom is reportedly pushing the boundaries on Resident Evil 8, saying that Resident Evil 8 is "by far the darkest & most gruesome RE yet".
A follow up tweet teased us to "get ready for some of the most disturbing enemy designs" in the Resident Evil series, which will see a slew of new zombies, beastmen, a huge "juggernaut", and a witch-like enemy "stalker" with a hidden face.
Continue reading: Resident Evil 8 is 'dark as f*ck', the darkest Resident Evil ever (full post)
Twitch is making talk shows and dating shows for gamers
Twitch is ramping things up in 2020 and beyond, with Bloomberg reporting that the Amazon-owned gaming-focused company is taking in pitches for "unscripted" TV shows.
These new unscripted TV shows are being aimed at male gamers that are aged between 18-24, with the idea that Twitch will make its own game shows, dating shows, and other reality TV shows. The budgets for these new Twitch-made shows will be between $50,000 per week and $250,000 per week.
Twitch is expecting to make a show better than a normal video podcast that goes onto YouTube, or a multi-window Zoom chat. But it doesn't want the TV shows to swell out to the size of a traditional show. We should see these new Twitch shows in the coming months.
Continue reading: Twitch is making talk shows and dating shows for gamers (full post)
Democrat politician: 'f*ck Elon Musk' over threats to move Tesla HQ
Elon Musk has had a pretty busy week, with his partner giving birth to their son -- named X Æ A-12, which you can learn on how to pronounce the name here -- but the real-life Tony Stark is also dealing with some drama.
Musk has threatened to move the Tesla HQ out of California and into Texas or Nevada, over the attempts of containing COVID-19 coronavirus. But now a Democratic state politician is getting fired up, with Lorena S Gonzalez from San Diego putting it pretty bluntly:
"F*ck Elon Musk".
Continue reading: Democrat politician: 'f*ck Elon Musk' over threats to move Tesla HQ (full post)
Elon Musk sues county over COVID-19, says Tesla HQ will leave CA
I don't know about you, but I wouldn't want to piss someone like Elon Musk off. He's someone that you'd want on your side, and to keep happy and let him do what he does best -- 24/7. Right? Yeah, not if you're Alameda County.
Tesla Motors filed a new lawsuit over the weekend against Alameda County, which is stopping the EV maker from re-opening its factory based in Fremont, California. The new lawsuit is seeking injunctive and declaratory relief against Alameda County, with Musk firing off some heavy-worded tweets.
Musk tweeted: "Tesla is filing a lawsuit against Alameda County immediately. The unelected & ignorant 'Interim Health Officer' of Alameda is acting contrary to the Governor, the President, our Constitutional freedoms & just plain common sense!"
Continue reading: Elon Musk sues county over COVID-19, says Tesla HQ will leave CA (full post)
Cyberpunk 2077 fan film looks insane, check it out here
Cyberpunk 2077 on its own looks jaw droppingly good, but what about a movie version of the game? There's plenty of movies that Cyberpunk 2077 takes influence from, but now a fan film has been made and there's a 1-minute teaser you just need to check out:
How good does that look? Cyberpunk 2077: Phoenix Program is a fan fiulm made by action movie director Vi-Dan Tran who is an action designer/stuntman with the Jackie Chan Stuntteam. The fan film was made with a bunch of out-of-this-world cosplayers, including actor Ben Bergmann who plays Johnny Silverhand, which in Cyberpunk 2077 is played by The Matrix and John Wick franchise star Keanu Reeves.
Bergmann looks breathtaking in the role of Silverhand, featuring the same hairstyle, glasses, and more. He looks great in the role, and while we only see very quick shots of Phoenix Program, what we see makes me want to watch a hell of a lot more.
Continue reading: Cyberpunk 2077 fan film looks insane, check it out here (full post)
The White House talking with Intel, TSMC to set up factories in the US
The news of shifting over some manufacturing from Asia to the US isn't new, with news that Trump wanted TSMC and Foxconn to consider moving to the US for manufacturing breaking in January 2017 -- right as Donald Trump was being inaugurated as the 45th president of the United States.
But now, there are renewed talks between the Trump administration and Intel and TSMC about moving production to the US for some of its chip factories. Intel might already have a big presence in the US, but the talks with Intel could see Team Blue opening up a foundry that other companies could use to make products.
The Wall Street Journal reports that a "new crop of cutting-edge chip factories in the US would reshape the industry and mark a U-turn after decades of expansion into Asia by many American companies eager to reap investment incentives and take part in a robust regional supply chain".
Continue reading: The White House talking with Intel, TSMC to set up factories in the US (full post)
AMD, Intel, NVIDIA, others rumored to soon pull out of Computex 2020
We all knew it was going to happen, and it now seems that we're not far from official announcements from all major companies that they're pulling out of Computex 2020.
According to a new report from DigiTimes, it seems that AMD, Intel, and NVIDIA will be pulling out of Computex 2020 because of the current COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. It won't just be the major players like AMD, Intel, and NVIDIA -- with MSI reportedly not attending Computex 2020 either.
Computex 2020 was originally slated for its usual late-May kick off, but was delayed until September 2020 because of coronavirus. It seems that companies are now opting in for a virtual event, versus an in-person event in Taiwan.
Continue reading: AMD, Intel, NVIDIA, others rumored to soon pull out of Computex 2020 (full post)
NVIDIA Ampere rumor: next-gen GeForce has no perf hit with RTX On
It was just yesterday I wrote about NVCache, a new Ampere GPU architecture feature that will use system RAM and SSDs to speed up game load times and optimize VRAM usage. We're in throwing distance of the new Ampere-based GeForce RTX 3000 series cards with some exciting news.
In a new video from YouTube channel Moore's Law is Dead, according to "exclusive insider info" secured by Tom -- NVIDIA's new Ampere cards are not just a die shrink of Turing with more RT Cores. It is not just the "Pascal version of Turing" and instead Ampere is a "multipurpose architecture".
One of the more exciting parts of the new Ampere rumors is that ray tracing performance is significantly better than Turing -- so much so that it reportedly offers 4x better performance per tier. This means a GeForce RTX 3060 will offer the same ray tracing performance as the flagship GeForce RTX 2080 Ti -- if not better.
Continue reading: NVIDIA Ampere rumor: next-gen GeForce has no perf hit with RTX On (full post)
Intel's first DG1 3GB graphics card is faster than a PlayStation 4
Intel's upcoming DG1 graphics card has been spotted hanging out in the SiSoft Sandra database, with its 768 cores at up to 1.5GHz (expect this to be higher at launch) as well as 3GB of VRAM.
This isn't going to be some GeForce killer, but we should instead expect this particular DG1 graphics card from Intel to start knocking around the enterprise market. There will be another SKU that will be for gamers, and I'm sure it'll also have much more VRAM (at least 4GB, more likely 6-8GB and hopefully many more GPU cores and clock speed).
However, in this form the Intel DG1 has 1.9TFLOPs of compute power -- meaning it is faster than the original PlayStation 4. It's also good enough for minimum spec for VR gaming, in case you wanted to do that.
Continue reading: Intel's first DG1 3GB graphics card is faster than a PlayStation 4 (full post)
Xbox Series X could cost $400, analyst predicts, but it's not likely
The Xbox Series X's high-end specs promise a high price tab. But one analyst thinks Microsoft could take a serious hit on manufacturing costs in an effort to undercut Sony at the start of the new generation. The move isn't very likely, however.
The Xbox Series X is a beastly system with premium components befit of an enthusiast PC. It features a 12TFLOP Navi 2X GPU, a 3.8GHz 8-core 16-thread Zen 2 CPU, 16GB of GDDR6 RAM, and a PCIe 4.0 SSD. That kind of powerful hardware comes with a steep price for consumers, but big companies are able to reduce costs due to mass quantities. Even still, they have to price out their consoles accordingly, but a cheaper price tag could conquer next-gen. So who will take the bigger hit and make their system cheaper?
Wedbush Securities analyst Michael Pachter says Microsoft can afford to take the hit. And honestly, he's right. Microsoft made $30 billion in one quarter alone, and Xbox is less than 10% of total earnings. If Microsoft wanted, they could sell the Xbox Series X for $400. But it doesn't mean they will.
Continue reading: Xbox Series X could cost $400, analyst predicts, but it's not likely (full post)
Coronavirus could delay Switch games, Nintendo warns
If the coronavirus continues to get worse or lengthens the shut downs in worldwide countries and markets, Nintendo warns that Switch games could get delayed
In its latest FY2020 earnings report, Nintendo outlined a number of risk factors for its business. COVID-19, which has thrown a monkey wrench in the already-chaotic machine of games development, could have a direct impact on Nintendo's upcoming slate.
Devs are forced to work from home and key things like motion capture and voice recording are all hard to come by. The company was lucky enough to dodge significant development impact by releasing Pokemon in 2018 and Animal Crossing before the shutdowns in 2020, but other Switch games might not be so lucky.
Continue reading: Coronavirus could delay Switch games, Nintendo warns (full post)






















