Monthly Archives: June 2024

Fractal Design unveils maiden gaming chair and over-ear headphones

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At Computex 2024 Fractal Design has unveiled its first-ever gaming chair and pair of headphones that should have you interested. There’s a belief around the tech community that the best gaming chair isn’t a pure gaming chair – thus, your quest for the endgame chair for playing games should end at the Refine.

Keeping things to the basics with ergonomic comfort and intuitive controls at the helm, the Refine gaming chair brings the assuring comfort of high-end office chairs to the fore. According to Fractal Design, the gaming chair has mesh fabric and Alcantara finishes to get you through long gaming sessions without any discomfort. Refine is going to be available this summer in five different variants – ranging from $550 up to $890.

Designer: Fractal Design

Secretlab fans will write off this one just at first glance since the chair seems to be from the Herman Miller clan. But there are subtle design distinctions that will entice gamers into buying this one. The tall mesh seatback (Fractal is also offering a variant with solid padded fabric) and the ergonomic freedom of an office chair (something I love) are a good fusion of both worlds.

There is adjustable lower back support, supportive head cushion, impressive lumbar support and 4D armrests with a four-point adjustment system. This gives the user freedom to adjust the forward/back position and height rotation too. For maximum body comfort, Refine can be tilted and locked in 13 different positions. The mesh version will cost $550 and the most premium Alcantra variant will set you back $890.

Talking of the Scape headphones, the USP is the included wireless charging stand. Quality of life features such as flip-to-mute microphone that’s detachable should tilt the buying decision in the brand’s favor that’s if they manage to provide quality audio drivers and decent battery life of around 30 hours. Although the details of the drivers is not known, Fractal confirms the over-ear headset supports Bluetooth 5.3 and connectivity via a low-latency dongle. The headphones will come with ambient lighting and audio presets that can be tweaked. The audio accessory will be available later this year in two color options for $200.

The post Fractal Design unveils maiden gaming chair and over-ear headphones first appeared on Yanko Design.

An all-digital Xbox Series X is coming this holiday season

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Toward the end of the Xbox Games Showcase, Microsoft unveiled a refreshed console lineup. For the first time, the company will offer an Xbox Series X with no disc drive in a robot white colorway. It comes with 1TB of storage and will cost $450. The MSRP of the original Series X is $500, but it often goes on sale (Microsoft itself is currently selling the console for $450).

A Xbox Series X without a disc drive had long been expected. A leak in March suggested that an all-digital robot white model was in the works. As with the PS5 refresh Sony released last year, perhaps Microsoft will offer a disc drive attachment for folks who later decide they want to play physical games on their Series X too.

A special edition Xbox Series X will also soon be available. This model, in galaxy black, does have a disc drive and double the internal storage of the regular Series X at 2TB. It will come with a matching controller and cost $600. 

The Xbox Series S is getting a more modest update. Microsoft released a 1TB model in carbon black last year, and a version with the same storage and original colorway is in the pipeline. The 1TB robot white option will be offered in select markets and cost $350. The company notes that the black model will be available "while supplies last," indicating it's phasing that variant out.

More details on availability and regional pricing will be revealed soon. Microsoft says it also has plans for controller designs to match certain games and more Xbox Series X console wraps.

Catch up on all of the news from Summer Game Fest 2024 right here!

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/an-all-digital-xbox-series-x-is-coming-this-holiday-season-184539660.html?src=rss

Gears of War: E-Day is the origin story of the Gears franchise

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As the grand finale of Xbox’s Summer Game Fest showcase, after the new consoles, we were treated to the exclusive premiere of the latest addition to the Gears series, Gears of War: E-Day.

The trailer kicks off with a one-on-one brawl between the Gears guy and a grunt, ending in a headshot. Immediately after, however, the floor collapses between them. Fortunately, Gears’ Guy #2 is there to grab your hand. And the sad Mad World melody plays in the background. Because Gears. Called E-Day, and ending on an apocalyptic view of a city, it looks like this game will center on an invasion. Apparently, this is the origin story centered on the Locust invasion on Emergence Day, through the eyes of Marcus Fenix — AKA Gears guy. Get the big guns. There’s no release window just yet, but it will, of course, be landing on Game Pass when it does arrive.

Catch up on all of the news from Summer Game Fest 2024 right here!

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gears-of-war-e-day-is-the-origin-story-of-the-gears-franchise-183755128.html?src=rss

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 kicks it back to the ’90s on October 25

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It’s Treyarch’s turn at bat for a big ol’ Call of Duty game, which means it’s time for a new Black Ops. Today we learned that Black Ops 6 will have a full campaign set in the 1990s that picks up (broadly) where the ‘80s-infused Cold War left off. Raven Software is actually handling the campaign, and is promising “globetrotting missions along with stealth gameplay mixed with blockbuster action. ” Sure sounds a lot like Black Ops!

Locations for the storyline include the Middle East, southern Europe, Russia and the US. For those deeply entwined in Blops' gripping storyline, Frank Woods and Russel Adler will return for 6, and the story will be tied to the 1980s flashbacks in Black Ops 2. The campaign will branch out from an “expanded campaign hub” set in a safehouse where you’ll be able to “learn about allies, explore and solve puzzles, gather lore and upgrades” and, of course, select missions.

Multiplayer is the main event for most Call of Duty players, and is also the area where Treyarch typically excels. This year, the developers are talking up “omnimovement,” which will seemingly deemphasize linear strafing and movement in favor of a more fluid chained system. We didn't see this in action — check the livestream above for that — but here’s a description from Activision:

“Omnimovement lets players sprint, slide, and dive in any direction, along with the new Supine Prone, the ability to rotate while prone, granting Black Ops 6 players more freedom of movement and tactical flexibility.”

And a screenshot called BO6_Multiplayer_Omnimovement.jpg that Activision sent over:

BO6_Multiplayer_Omnimovement.jpg
Activision

Rad! In terms of multiplayer modes, there’ll be 16 basic maps — 12 for six-on-six battles, and four Strike levels that support two-on-two and six-on-six matches. As pre-launch rumors suggested, Black Ops 6 marks the return of the classic Prestige gameplay for the most advanced players. Round-Based Zombies will also be in the game at launch with two all-new maps, Liberty Falls and Terminus. Activision promises more maps and modes post-launch.

Expect to hear a ton more about Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 as we get closer to its launch date — October 25, 2024. There’ll be a free Open Beta, with pre-orders granting early access as usual. It’s coming to PC (Battle.net, Microsoft Store and Steam), Playstation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series consoles. No Nintendo Switch this time around — I guess Microsoft’s deal with Nintendo is predicated on the Japanese company having a console more powerful than a mid ‘10s smartphone.

Catch up on all of the news from Summer Game Fest 2024 right here!

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/call-of-duty-black-ops-6-kicks-it-back-to-the-90s-on-october-25-182038777.html?src=rss

Xbox’s Fable reboot will come to Xbox Series X/S and PC next year

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After years of teasing its arrival, Xbox has finally announced a release window for the upcoming Fable reboot. The game is slated to hit Xbox Series X/S and PC in 2025, and will be available on Xbox Game Pass from day one. The company dropped a new trailer during the Xbox Games Showcase on Sunday. Fable, which is being developed by Playground Games, was first announced with a teaser back in 2020.

Xbox is billing it as “a new beginning” for the series. The new Fable focuses on a washed-up ex-hero named Humphry, who we see in the latest trailer. He’ll be “forced out of retirement when a mysterious figure from his past threatens Albion's very existence.” In our last glimpse at the game, released during last year’s Summer Game Fest, we were introduced to a character named Dave, who is voiced by Richard Ayoade. The new trailer gives us a bit more of a look at some in-game footage and doubles down on the offbeat tone of the previous teasers.

We'll still have to wait a while for it to actually be released, but at least now there's a timeframe we can cling to. 

Catch up on all of the news from Summer Game Fest 2024 right here!

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/xboxs-fable-reboot-will-come-to-xbox-series-xs-and-pc-next-year-181914674.html?src=rss

Mixtape brings a killer ’80s soundtrack to Xbox, PS5 and PC in 2025

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Mixtape is a coming-of-age story about the reality-bending adventures of three teenage friends on their final night of high school, featuring a soundtrack of classic punk and alternative hits. It's due to hit Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5 and PC in 2025, and it'll be available day-one on Xbox Game Pass.

Mixtape follows three friends on their way to their final high school party, as they relive their glory days to the tunes of a perfectly curated playlist. Their memories appear in dreamlike sequences, featuring songs by Iggy Pop, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Joy Division, DEVO, The Smashing Pumpkins and other old-school hit makers.

The main trio in Mixtape provide plenty of teenage sass in the game's reveal trailer, and its art style feels like something between stop-motion and cel-shaded cinematics. It's a welcoming, stylish world. The Mixtape microsite includes the mantra, "Skate. Party. Avoid the law. Make out. Sneak out. Hang out." Sounds like high school to me.

Mixtape comes from Beethoven & Dinosaur, the studio behind the musical adventure The Artful Escape and fronted by Australian rockstar Johnny Galvatron. It's published by Annapurna Interactive.

Catch up on all of the news from Summer Game Fest 2024 right here!

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mixtape-brings-a-killer-80s-soundtrack-to-xbox-and-pc-in-2025-181740393.html?src=rss

Perfect Dark reboot trailer shows Joanna Dark hunting bad guys in a near-future Cairo

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It's been a long, long time since we learned that a Perfect Dark reboot was in the works, and there are finally some fresh signs of life. A gameplay trailer was shown during the Xbox Games Showcase, though there's no release date or window as yet.

Xbox is billing the reboot as a "first-person secret agent thriller in a near-future world" that includes immersive sim and stealth-action elements. Based on this first look, co-developers The Initiative and may have nailed the brief. 

The clip shows Joanna Dark dropping into a near-future version of Cairo in search of a bad guy who possesses a radioactive device. She's able to capture goons' voice prints to open voice-activated door locks, and she can kick off walls to clamber up drain pipes and gain extra distance for jumps. Along with blasting enemies with guns, Joanna has some hand-to-hand combat skills too.

According to an Xbox Wire blog post, you'll have a range of traversal abilities and gadgets at your disposal, so you'll be able to choose how to complete missions. I'm just a little bummed that there was no sign of a laptop gun. 

The blog post also notes that "at the widest level, Perfect Dark will be a single-player experience." That could be a hint that there will be multiplayer modes too. I have my fingers crossed for that, as the original Perfect Dark was a better multiplayer shooter than Goldeneye 007.

Catch up on all of the news from Summer Game Fest 2024 right here!

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/perfect-dark-reboot-trailer-shows-joanna-dark-hunting-bad-guys-in-a-near-future-cairo-180150819.html?src=rss

Compulsion Games’ South of Midnight will arrive in 2025

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South of Midnight, first revealed at last year’s Summer Game Fest, will launch on Xbox and PC sometime next year. During today's Xbox showcase, we got a first look at how the third-person action-adventure will play. 

Right off the bat, it reminds me of Square Enix’s fun-but-flawed Forspoken. In South of Midnight, protagonist Hazel is apparently pulled into a “Southern Gothic world” where reality and fantasy are blurred. Hazel is able to move around the environment fluidly, with the new trailer showing off gliding skills, double jumps, and some sort of magical grapple hook to speed up level navigation. 

We also got even more cutscenes to help flesh out this world, and they still have that Into The Spider-verse jumpy frame-rate trick to separate cutscenes from in-game actionYou’ll be able to fight monsters with close-up magical blade attacks and other midrange weaponry. Oh and you seem to befriend – and ride – a giant catfish around the magical bayou.

Catch up on all of the news from Summer Game Fest 2024 right here!

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/compulsion-games-south-of-midnight-will-arrive-in-2025-174928203.html?src=rss

Doom: The Dark Ages hits PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC in 2025

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There's a new Doom in town. Doom: The Dark Ages is heading to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC, day one on Game Pass, in 2025. The game's first trailer showcases a world of hulking monsters in blood-soaked environments, badass new weapons and what looks to be a player-controlled dragon. At one point, the Doom Slayer steps inside a giant mech suit in order to battle a huge demon, buildings crumbling beneath their feet. 

The weapons and creatures in Doom: The Dark Ages have a distinct medieval flare, as is expected, with lots of sharpened blades, at least one flail and heavy armor all around. One new weapon that stands out in the game's reveal trailer is an automatic shotgun with a skull in the center of it, menacing and slightly silly at the same time. As is custom in Doom games, the level of gory, gruesome detail on display in The Dark Ages is exceptional, and it looks like the game is leaning into everything that makes this franchise so deliciously disgusting.

Doom: The Dark Ages is a prequel to 2016's Doom and Doom Eternal, developed by series shepherd id Software. Its story will illuminate the origin of the Doom Slayer. Spoiler: He will slaughter a lot of demons.

It's possible this is the rumored Doom: Year Zero that was mentioned in leaked documents related to Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The leak happened in September 2023 and it outlined Bethesda's roadmap over the coming years as part of the Xbox Game Studios brand.

Catch up on all of the news from Summer Game Fest 2024 right here!

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/doom-the-dark-ages-hits-ps5-xbox-series-xs-and-pc-in-2025-172938801.html?src=rss

WWDC 2024: New Apple Intelligence From the Core

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Apologies for today’s Sneakers Sunday feature being replaced, but there’s a compelling reason: Apple’s special event, WWDC 2024, is taking place tomorrow. Given the significance of this event, I’ll be attending WWDC to provide firsthand insights and experiences. The keynote begins at 10 a.m. PT (1 p.m. ET) on Monday, June 10, and I’ll be on the ground for two days to dive deeper into the announcements and hopefully experience some of the new features Apple will unveil.

Apple Park Steve Jobs Theatre

WWDC holds a special place for Apple and the entire tech community. It’s an annual gathering where developers come to learn, network, and gain insights directly from Apple’s engineers and executives. For Apple, it’s a platform to showcase their latest innovations and set the tone for the year ahead. For developers, it’s an invaluable opportunity to get hands-on experience with new tools and technologies that will shape the apps and services they create. And for end users, WWDC often hints at the future capabilities of their devices, offering a glimpse into the enhancements and features that will soon be at their fingertips.

The anticipation surrounding WWDC isn’t solely about the big reveals; it’s about the entire ecosystem Apple has built. From beta testing new versions of iOS, macOS, watchOS, and more, to understanding the deeper integration of software and hardware, WWDC is a comprehensive showcase of Apple’s vision. The joy of beta testing is something that many tech enthusiasts look forward to every year. It’s a chance to experience the cutting-edge developments before they are officially released, and to contribute feedback that helps refine the final product. This iterative process of development, testing, and feedback is crucial in delivering the polished, user-friendly experiences that Apple is known for.

Tomorrow’s WWDC promises to be particularly exciting due to the speculations and rumors that have been swirling for months. From AI advancements to the integration of new technologies in their operating systems, Apple is expected to make several significant announcements. The focus on AI is especially intriguing, with rumors suggesting that Apple will introduce a range of new AI-driven features across its platforms. The term “Apple Intelligence” has been floated, hinting at features like voice memo transcriptions, enhanced search capabilities, and a more conversational Siri. The integration of AI is expected to be subtle yet impactful, enhancing the user experience in ways that feel intuitive and seamless.

In recent years, the tech industry has seen a surge in AI developments from companies like OpenAI, Microsoft, Samsung, and Google. Apple’s response to this trend will be closely watched, as the company has traditionally taken a more measured approach to integrating new technologies, prioritizing user privacy and security. The upcoming announcements are expected to reflect this philosophy, with a focus on on-device AI processing. This approach not only enhances performance but also reinforces Apple’s commitment to privacy, ensuring that user data remains secure.

While the prospect of new hardware always generates excitement, it’s the software updates that are the true highlight of WWDC. The introduction of new operating system versions for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch will set the stage for the next generation of apps and services. The iPad Pro M4, with its advanced capabilities, is a prime example of the kind of device that will benefit from these updates. Developers and users alike are eager to see how Apple and third-party developers will leverage the hardware to create new, innovative experiences.

The Importance of WWDC for Apple, Developers, and Consumers

WWDC is a cornerstone event for Apple, providing a platform to unveil its latest software advancements and to set the strategic direction for the coming year. For developers, WWDC is a goldmine of information, offering detailed sessions on new APIs, frameworks, and tools that will empower them to create more sophisticated and powerful apps. This event is crucial for keeping the developer community engaged and informed, fostering innovation, and ensuring that Apple’s ecosystem continues to thrive.

For consumers, WWDC is equally important. The announcements made at the event often translate into new features and improvements that enhance the everyday use of their devices. Whether it’s a new operating system with improved functionality, enhanced security features, or entirely new apps, the ripple effect of WWDC is felt across the user base. The excitement generated by WWDC stems from the promise of better, more integrated experiences that make technology more useful and enjoyable.

The Joy of Beta Testing

One of the most exciting aspects of WWDC for many tech enthusiasts is the opportunity to beta test new software. Apple’s beta programs for iOS, macOS, watchOS, and other platforms allow users to experience the latest features before they are officially released. This early access provides a unique opportunity to explore new functionalities, discover bugs, and provide feedback that can help shape the final product.

Beta testing isn’t just about getting a sneak peek at new features; it’s about being part of the development process. Users who participate in beta testing contribute valuable insights that help Apple refine its software, ensuring that the final release is as polished and user-friendly as possible. This collaborative approach underscores Apple’s commitment to delivering high-quality experiences that meet the needs and expectations of its users.

Analysis of Expected Announcements

This year’s WWDC is expected to be rich with announcements that will shape the future of Apple’s ecosystem. The emphasis on AI, particularly on on-device processing, is likely to be a major theme. Apple’s approach to AI, dubbed “Apple Intelligence,” is expected to bring a host of new features designed to enhance productivity and user experience. These include voice memo transcriptions, faster search capabilities, and a more conversational Siri.

Apple Siri

Siri’s at the heart of Apple’s AI strategy. The assistant is poised for a major upgrade, potentially becoming more context-aware and capable of handling multi-step tasks. Imagine asking Siri to create a GIF from a set of photos and send it to one of your contacts in a single command. This evolution is expected to make Siri a more powerful digital assistant, aligning it with advancements seen in other AI systems. The integration of AI isn’t limited to iOS. macOS and watchOS are also expected to receive significant updates that incorporate AI capabilities. For example, macOS may see enhancements that improve multitasking and productivity, while watchOS could introduce new health and fitness features powered by AI. The Apple Watch, already a leader in wearable technology, could become even more indispensable with these new capabilities.

In addition to AI, there are rumors that Apple is working with OpenAI to integrate advanced language models into its operating systems. This collaboration could lead to more sophisticated natural language processing features, enhancing the way users interact with their devices. Although previous reports suggested that Apple was also in talks with Google about incorporating its Gemini AI system, it appears that these discussions may not have resulted in a partnership.

Another area of focus at WWDC is expected to be customization and accessibility. With iOS 18, users may gain more control over the appearance and layout of their Home Screen, allowing for greater personalization. Accessibility features, such as Eye Tracking on iPad and iPhone and Live Captions on VisionOS, will likely be highlighted, reflecting Apple’s ongoing commitment to making its products accessible to everyone.

The Role of Security in AI and On-Device Processing

Security has always been a cornerstone of Apple’s philosophy, and this is especially true when it comes to AI. By processing AI tasks on-device, Apple can ensure that user data remains secure and private. This approach minimizes the need to send data to the cloud, reducing the risk of exposure to potential security breaches. It also aligns with Apple’s broader strategy of maintaining user trust by prioritizing privacy in its product designs.

The integration of on-device AI processing will allow Apple to offer advanced features without compromising security. For example, AI-powered features like voice memo transcriptions and enhanced search can be processed locally on the device, ensuring that sensitive information remains secure. This approach not only enhances performance but also reinforces Apple’s commitment to privacy, a key differentiator in an industry where data security is increasingly a concern.

New Hardware and Software Updates

While new hardware announcements are always exciting, it’s the software updates that truly steal the show at WWDC. The introduction of new versions of iOS, macOS, watchOS, and other operating systems will set the stage for the next generation of apps and services. These updates are expected to bring a host of new features and improvements that will enhance the user experience across Apple’s ecosystem.

The iPad Pro M4, with its advanced capabilities, is a prime example of the kind of device that will benefit from these updates. With the new software, developers will have the tools they need to create innovative apps that leverage the hardware’s full potential. From productivity enhancements to new creative tools, the possibilities are endless.

Apple M4 Chip

WWDC 2024 promises to be a landmark event for Apple and its community of developers and users. The focus on AI and on-device processing highlights Apple’s commitment to innovation while maintaining its core principles of privacy and security. The joy of beta testing, the anticipation of new software updates, and the excitement of potential hardware announcements all contribute to the unique allure of WWDC. As we look forward to the keynote and the days that follow, the tech world eagerly awaits the next chapter in Apple’s ongoing story of innovation and excellence.

Don’t miss out on our coverage from the “mothership.” Be sure to check back tomorrow and Tuesday for Yanko Design’s in-depth analysis and updates straight from WWDC 2024.

The post WWDC 2024: New Apple Intelligence From the Core first appeared on Yanko Design.