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Fallout 4 DLC Easter egg teases E3 announcements
Fallout 4 players have found a curious Easter egg in Fallout 4's Automatron DLC that could point to an E3 2016 announcement.
While scouring The Mechanist's lair, Geeksnack came across a very special Vault-Tec lunchbox. The lunchbox in question has the word (or name) "JUNE" written upon it in colorful letters. As we all know, E3 2016 is held in June, so this could be Bethesda's cute way of hinting that a major Fallout-related announcement will be made at the event. After all, the studio is holding their very own pre-E3 event on June 12.
So what could this mean? I'm thinking if it's a genuine hint, Bethesda will just unveil a concrete release date for Fallout 4 console mods. The studio confirmed that Fallout 4 mods on PS4 and Xbox One may release as early as May, but we still have no actual info on how console mods will work. I expect Bethsoft to unveil the mod infrastructure as well as a release date at their E3 show.
Continue reading: Fallout 4 DLC Easter egg teases E3 announcements (full post)
Black Desert Online is getting a massive expansion tomorrow
Black Desert Online is already a very large game with more in-game activities than most MMORPG's, but it's about to get a whole lot larger with the Mediah Expansion, which is due out tomorrow.
Daum Games is increasing the size of the world by 30% with the new Mediah region to make for a more diverse dominion with extra room to grow kingdoms and, of course, to show off the rather sophisticated visuals, which just so happen to run quite well on a variety of hardware despite the good looking nature of the home-grown graphics engine. In that new are they've added over 1000 new quests, new guild missions, a Crimson Battlefield that allows for 40v40 skirmishes, new weapons armor and equipment and even new craftable alchemy stones.
So that things aren't too terribly easy in the new region of Mediah, a new boss known as the Kzarka, which is an enormous beast-like character, is hiding and capable of taking on over a hundred high-level players at a time. A world boss, so to speak.
Continue reading: Black Desert Online is getting a massive expansion tomorrow (full post)
New Call of Duty rumored to have space combat, set in distant future
This year's Call of Duty game will reportedly delve deep into the distant future, with ultra-futuristic tech and interstellar combat. In other words, the new Call of Duty could very well take on a Halo-esque approach.
The reports from from NeoGAF posts from industry insider Shinobi602, who claims that the new Call of Duty will be so advanced that Black Ops 3 will "feel like the Stone Age" in comparison. That's a pretty tall order, considering Black Ops 3 had some pretty advanced cybernetic tech. Last year Shinobi was right on the mark about certain Black Ops 3 details, so these claims could be accurate.
Activision has already confirmed that a "new innovative Call of Duty game" is coming this year, but we're not sure if it'll be another sequel or not. Rumors hint that Call of Duty: Ghosts 2 will be released this November, and we can probably expect an official reveal at E3 2016.
Continue reading: New Call of Duty rumored to have space combat, set in distant future (full post)
Blizzard is removing a characters erotic pose from Overwatch
Overwatch isn't without its share of criticism, and Blizzard Entertainment has said they're going to remove an in-game victory pose following numerous complaints from fans.
The complaints stem from a pose that has one of the female characters, Tracer, who's described as being an elite and very efficient killer, looking over her shoulder following a victory. Concerns were brought up that the pose is far too provocative for the character given the backstory and the personality that Blizzard is attempting to portray. In particular, a forum member known as Fipps as brought up their concern about this pose merely reducing Tracer into a sex symbol. "It's not fun, its not silly, it has nothing to do with being a fast elite killer. It just reduces Tracer to another bland female sex symbol." Fipps does note that another character, Widowmaker, is partly defined by her sexuality and they aren't looking to change any of her particular poses, which are slightly provocative.
Blizzard's Jeff Kaplan, the game director for Overwatch, replied to the thread and has made the decision to remove the pose from her répertoire of different poses which include other more benign examples. Kaplan states that "The last thing we want to do is make someone feel uncomfortable, under-appreciated or misrepresented." The decision, he later followed up, was one that was largely already made to remove it. They already weren't happy with it's inclusion and had an alternate pose ready that was more representative of the character they're trying to portray.
Continue reading: Blizzard is removing a characters erotic pose from Overwatch (full post)
Epic Games founder criticizes Oculus' software policies
After calling Microsoft out for 'monopolizing PC games development' with UWP, Epic Games founder Tim Sweeney now challenges Oculus' definition of an "open" storefront.
By default, the Oculus Rift blocks content not sold on the official Oculus Store. Users can easily fix this by switching on a setting, but the worry is that most people won't bother--or even know they can do it. Once Epic Games' Time Sweeney heard about this, he responded by Tweeting: "Very disappointing. Oculus is treating games from sources like Steam and Epic Games as second-class citizens."
"In what possible sense is this an 'open platform'? Developers have to 'request keys' for Oculus DRM," Sweeney continued, directly contesting a snippet from a recent Oculus blog post. According to the blog, if you're a dev who wants to sell games on the Oculus Store and somewhere else, you have to request game keys to distribute to other platforms.
Continue reading: Epic Games founder criticizes Oculus' software policies (full post)
Halo Wars, Soul Calibur 2 make it to Xbox One Backwards Compatibility
Three more games have made it to the Xbox One via Backwards Compatibility. Halo Wars, Soul Calibur II and King of Fighter '98, all available to buy and download now in the dedicated Xbox 360 backwards compatible store that you can access through the Xbox One.
Halo Wars was actually available last week through it's now officially joining the lineup with the new announcement by Major Nelson. From early reports, performance seems to be on par or better than their last generation counterparts, which is a releif given the strange performance issues inherent early on.
The list of backwards compatible games continues to become larger and larger with no sign that they'll be slowing anytime soon. This is actually the third announcement of new games in two weeks, adding up to a total of 140 games thus far. Red Dead Redemption, a game that would likely please fans and critics alike, continues to be missing despite having been unintentionally revealed last month. Microsoft is in talks with all major publishers and developers about bringing on board as many games as possible, so even if your favorite game isn't quite listed yet, it might be in the near future.
Continue reading: Halo Wars, Soul Calibur 2 make it to Xbox One Backwards Compatibility (full post)
Here's how to buy Oculus Rift games on SteamVR
Despite claims that the Facebook-owned VR startup Oculus is walling off VR content for its Oculus Rift headset, Rift owners aren't locked into buying games from the official Oculus storefront.
If you plan on grabbing an Oculus Rift, you'll be pleased to hear that you won't have to buy games exclusively from the Oculus Store--unlike Microsoft's pushy Windows Store PC exclusives. So even if you own a Rift, Valve's direct VR competitor, you can buy Rift-supported virtual reality games on Steam and retain all the benefits that the storefront has to offer, including its fantastic refund policy.
Cross-store compatibility isn't switched on by default, however--you'll have to enable "unknown sources" manually within the Oculus Home app. You can do this by simply navigating to Settings -> General -> Unknown Sources and ticking it on. Voila! You're all set. Remember it's up to developers whether they sell the Rift version on Steam, so make sure to double-check.
Continue reading: Here's how to buy Oculus Rift games on SteamVR (full post)
FBI breaks into San Bernardino shooter iPhone without Apple's help
So, after all of the hoopla surrounding the FBI wanting Apple to cooperate in breaking into the San Bernardino shooter's iPhone, the FBI has managed to break into the iPhone 5C without Apple's help.
According to a filing from government prosecutors to the courts, there has been no information on how the FBI broke into the iPhone 5C, but it did state that it has "successfully accessed the data stored on [San Bernardino killer Syed Rizwan] Farook's iPhone". The FBI has now withdrawn its order for Apple to help it unlock the iPhone 5C.
The FBI seems to have broken into the iPhone 5C thanks to an "outside party", which was reportedly an Israeli mobile forensics company called Cellebrite. Cellebrite reportedly has a device that can analyze, and extract data from various smartphones. It's a weird one - because you'd think that with the copious amounts of spying done by US agencies like the FBI, NSA, DHS and CIA - that they could've used their collective power to break into the iPhone - as the information is taken before, and after it hits the iPhone anyway.
Continue reading: FBI breaks into San Bernardino shooter iPhone without Apple's help (full post)
More VR games confirmed for the launch of the Oculus Rift
After four years in the making, the Oculus Rift has launched today, with a flurry of VR games ready for new adventures, in a new dimension - or should I say, reality?
New games confirmed for the launch of the Oculus Rift are Alpha Wave Entertainment's Euclidean; The Body VR from Moshe Ben-Zacharia; FIRMA by Think Heavy Ltd; COLOSSE; Viewpoint Games' VR Karts; Immersive Entertainment's The Grand Canyon VR Experience; Subnautica from Unknown World's Entertainment ; ZeroTransform's Proton Pulse Plus and Time Machine VR by Minority Media - thanks to a report from VR Focus.
Continue reading: More VR games confirmed for the launch of the Oculus Rift (full post)
CRYENGINE V compared against CRYENGINE 3, in DX11 vs DX12 showdown
CRYENGINE V was revealed during the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco earlier this month, but now we're seeing some benchmarks comparing CRYENGINE V against CRYENGINE 3 - as well as DX11 vs. DX12 tests. First, the CRYENGINE V vs. CRYENGINE 3 benchmark.
This comparison shows that CRYENGINE V is much more efficient, by around 20%. Not too bad considering there's nothing different in hardware, with an older NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780 Ti being used. The second video we have embedded below is testing CRYENGINE V with DirectX 12, against DX11. Check it out below:
Reports are surfacing that CRYENGINE V doesn't run so well on AMD hardware when using DX12 mode, but I'm sure that this will change in the near future.
Continue reading: CRYENGINE V compared against CRYENGINE 3, in DX11 vs DX12 showdown (full post)
LG G5 camera is a 'giant leap' over the G4, even with the same sensor
When LG unveiled its new G5 smartphone, it was one of the bigger risks the company has taken, and for good reason. It has an upgradeable camera, SD card slot, removable battery, and so much more thanks to its impressive Magic Slot module.
Forbes has taken a look at the G5 smartphone, comparing its rear-facing camera against the G4, and what they found was more than impressive. Forbes contributors Patrick Moorhead and Anshel Sag tested the G5's camera in "multiple camera modes, auto, manual, and HDR . However, most of the shots will be taken in auto and HDR because the reality is that most users will be using their phones in auto".
The first image, which we've got above, shows a huge change over the G4. The HDR image is interesting, as it shows how the sensor deals with bright situations.
Continue reading: LG G5 camera is a 'giant leap' over the G4, even with the same sensor (full post)
iPhone SE secures 3.4 million pre-orders in China alone
Most people thought Apple were kind of crazy launching a new 4-inch smartphone, but the iPhone SE has been super popular in China where they've seen 3.4 million pre-orders in the country alone.
Splitting these numbers up, JD.com has 882,000 pre-orders, Suning has 1.7 million, and Gome has 889,000 pre-orders for the new iPhone SE. Gold is the most popular with 1.3 million pre-orders, Rose Gold comes in second with 1.2 million pre-orders, and Silver with only 450,000. The 4-inch iPhone SE features the same A9 processor found in the larger, and much more expensive iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus smartphones.
Around the back, we have a 12-megapixel rear-facing camera that shoots 4K without a problem. 802.11ac Wi-Fi is included, making it 3x faster than the iPhone 5S. There's Wi-Fi calling and NFC, Touch ID, and Bluetooth 4.2 on the iPhone SE - all for $399.
Continue reading: iPhone SE secures 3.4 million pre-orders in China alone (full post)
Join the quest for 'The Shannara Chronicles' in our Blu-ray giveaway
To celebrate this week's release of 'The Shannara Chronicles' on Blu-ray HD and DVD, we have ten Blu-ray prize packs to give away thanks to our friends at Roadshow Entertainment.
Thousands of years after the destruction of our civilization. Earth is divided into what is known as the Four Lands, whose inhabitants are a mix of races including elves, dwarves, trolls, gnomes and humans. At the centre is the Shannara family, whose descendants are empowered with ancient magic and whose adventures continuously reshape the future of the world. As the story begins, dark and terrible forces thought to be confined for years, begin to escape. When Amberle, a young elven princess; Wil, the last descendant of the Shannara family; and Eretria, a human rover learn that only they have the power to stop the advancing evil, they form an uneasy alliance. Their seemingly impossible quest to save the world becomes a voyage of self-discovery as they find the inner strength to overcome self-doubt and fear; and embrace their destinies.
To go into the running to win a prize, simply answer the following question in 50 words or less:
Continue reading: Join the quest for 'The Shannara Chronicles' in our Blu-ray giveaway (full post)
Star Wars Battlefront on PlayStation VR is going to be awesome
The future of gaming and technology is here, thanks to the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive shipping months before Sony can get its own PlayStation VR in the hand of its consumers. But what game will be big enough to sway the naysayers from their flat screens, into the 360-degree, all-encompassing world of VR? Star Wars, that's what.
According to Vice President of Marketing for Sony Interactive Entertainment, John Koller, Star Wars Battlefront VR will be a "very special game" that will show gamers "what it means to be in the world of VR". During an interview with Fortune, he continued: "We are working with EA, DICE, Lucasfilm, and Disney to try and make that experience something so special and so intrinsic to what's in many people's DNA, which is, 'How can I be in that world of Star Wars?' Battlefront is going to be one of those games that will really show gamers what it means to be in the world of VR. It's very special. And just by the nature of it being designed as a VR experience, it's going to be very different than the PlayStation 4 game".
He continued: "Star Wars is a great example of something that we will really own during that launch period. But over time there will be games that launch, where we've been helping with the development process, that will be most special on PlayStation VR, whether it's exclusive or not. It's going to be best played on PlayStation VR".
Continue reading: Star Wars Battlefront on PlayStation VR is going to be awesome (full post)
Oculus Rift launches, called 'clunky' and 'not ready for mainstream'
Can you believe that after all of these years, the Oculus Rift is now shipping to consumers? Those who backed the Rift on Kickstarter back in 2012 (has it been that long?!) are receiving theirs first, with a signed Thank You note from the Oculus team.
The Facebook-owned VR company has been a pillar of strength for the technology and PC gaming community, stirring up mixed feelings from consumers and gamers - and total commitment from companies like AMD, as they see a huge future in VR. Well, the first reviews are here -with the New York Times saying the Oculus Rift is a "clunky portal to a promising virtual reality". The Wall Street Journal says "VR's rising star isn't ready for the mainstream" - but both the NYT and WSJ aren't gaming outlets, so those opinions are just very harsh headlines.
We have a list of reviews below, with our unit not being processed or sent yet. I pre-ordered within 2-3 minutes of it opening up in January, so I'm disappointed to say the least. Here's the list of reviews of the Rift so far, but expect our VR coverage to expand expontentially this year.
Continue reading: Oculus Rift launches, called 'clunky' and 'not ready for mainstream' (full post)
AMD's new VR Ready Crimson 16.3.2 drivers tuned for VR, Radeon Pro Duo
AMD has just released their new VR Ready Crimson 16.3.2 drivers, which are recommended for GCN cards - as well as the new dual-Fiji video card, the Radeon Pro Duo.
The new Crimson 16.3.2 drivers also provide support for VR headsets in the form of the just-released Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, with Radeon video card owners enjoying AMD VR features like LiquidVR SDK include Asynchronous Shaders, Affinity Multi-GPU and Quick Response Queue.
AMD is committed to VR, as they've stated they have "83% of all tethered VR experiences" powered by Radeon technology. The new Crimson 16.3.2 drivers support for the Oculus Rift SDK v1.3, the Radeon Pro Duo, and are completely optimized for the Rift.
Continue reading: AMD's new VR Ready Crimson 16.3.2 drivers tuned for VR, Radeon Pro Duo (full post)
GeForce 364.72 driver optimized for top titles, VR
NVIDIA's new 364.72 drivers are here, and represent a major release. Among the inclusions: support for the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, optimizations for VR titles (Eve Valkyrie, Elite Dangerous, Chronos, Project Cars, and more), and optimizations for non-VR titles (Dark Souls 3, Killer Instinct, Paragon, and Quantum Break).
As you may know, many reports of stability issues have surfaced with NVIDIA's last couple of driver releases, so hopefully, that's overwith with this release; it's encouraging to see many significant stability improvements in the release notes, and to see mostly positive experience reports across the web.
Grab the drivers here or through GeForce Experience now.
Continue reading: GeForce 364.72 driver optimized for top titles, VR (full post)
IBM is making better, smarter AI through new processor technology
IBM's Watson and other AI systems like it are very impressive showcases of the kind of learning that a well developed deep neural network is capable of. Even Tay, the rogue Microsoft millennial AI that favors the PS4 over the Xbox One and seems to dismiss the Holocaust, is a feat of software engineering and learning that's pretty fantastic. But compared to the human mind, it still takes these machines, which rely on GPU's CPU's and at times even specialized ASICS to process such enormous amounts of data in parallel, far longer to learn even simple tasks. And it can be energy intensive, far more so than the human brain. But IBM thinks, and knows, that there's a better way.
IBM and the crew at the T.J. Watson Research Center want to use a specialized processor called the resistive processing unit, which is a marriage of CPU with non-volatile memory, that could exponentially speed up machine learning. It does this, essentially, by allowing the different parts to communicate at rate that's at least 27x faster than a traditional DNN setup. Learning involves moving forward and backward, analyzing data that's stored in memory, making that a bottleneck in this application. It could then massively increase the ability of these networks to learn, making speech recognition and similar AI functions in what could almost be near-realtime.
This type of processor is only theoretical at the moment though solving this obstacle in even an incremental fashion could bring about a sizable speed increase. The researchers even mention the ability to see an advantage of up to 30,000 times should they design and implement a device made specifically for their own DNN software. "We propose and analyze a concept of Resistive Processing Unit (RPU) devices that can simultaneously store and process weights and are potentially scalable to billions of nodes with foundry CMOS technologies. Our estimates indicate that acceleration factors close to 30,000 are achievable on a single chip with realistic power and area constraints,"
Continue reading: IBM is making better, smarter AI through new processor technology (full post)
Microsoft rumored to be in talks for Yahoo acquisition financing
We know that Yahoo is in trouble and has decided to sell off its core business (seach, mail, and news sites); what we didn't know was Microsoft is allegedly in talks to be a contributor in the acquisition. Someone familiar with the matter relayed as much to Reuters, and added Microsoft wants to preserve the relationship between the two parties, which have long-running search and advertising agreements. It's also said Yahoo approached Microsoft.
Microsoft declined to comment on the reports.
As it stands, Verizon and Time Inc. (which published People and Time) are the other two companies known to be interested in acquiring Yahoo's core business.
Continue reading: Microsoft rumored to be in talks for Yahoo acquisition financing (full post)
Linux is coming to tablets, and you can pre-order the first one now
The first Linux tablets are coming soon with Ubuntu driving the show under the hood with quad-core MediaTek processors. The devices, from BQ are available in a full HD and HD (720P) screens with the ability to run full-fledged (ARM compatible) Linux applications and turn into a traditional PC when hooked up to an external monitor and keyboard/mouse.
The BQ Aquaris M10 comes in two flavors, the 1280x800 10" model with 2GB of RAM, 16GB of expandable storage and a 1.3GHz quad-core MediaTek MT8163A processor. The Full HD version will actually have a 10" 1920x1200 resolution screen with the same storage and RAM but a 1.5GHz quad-core processor. Both will have an 8-megapixel rear camera, a 5-megapixel front camera and a microSD slot that can hold up to 64GB of additional storage.
The HD version is $289 while the FullHD version is $335. This is part of Canonicals bid to bring Linux into every facet of our lives, letting you enjoy it in nearly any format, akin to Microsoft's strategy with Windows 10. It's supposed to provide a seemless experience, even if it's not particularly quick with the specs these two 10" tablets have.
Continue reading: Linux is coming to tablets, and you can pre-order the first one now (full post)







