TikTok is all about the tunes, and the social network has added integrations to directly post audio from streaming services. Share to TikTok is a new feature that will let listeners in Apple Music and Spotify share music to the video platform. The tool can post a track, album, playlist or other content to the TikTok Feed, either in FYP or Stories. Streaming audio material can also be shared via a TikTok DM.
Even though TikTok has become a popular place to discover and share audio, the company recently announced that its TikTok Music platform would be shutting down later this month; the service never launched in the US. The business has also faced scrutiny for encouraging addictive behavior in its users, as well as posing a possible security threat. The US has considered banning the app, and Canada recently ordered TikTok to shut down its domestic operations.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/you-can-now-post-tracks-to-tiktok-from-spotify-and-apple-music-195521948.html?src=rss
TikTok is all about the tunes, and the social network has added integrations to directly post audio from streaming services. Share to TikTok is a new feature that will let listeners in Apple Music and Spotify share music to the video platform. The tool can post a track, album, playlist or other content to the TikTok Feed, either in FYP or Stories. Streaming audio material can also be shared via a TikTok DM.
Even though TikTok has become a popular place to discover and share audio, the company recently announced that its TikTok Music platform would be shutting down later this month; the service never launched in the US. The business has also faced scrutiny for encouraging addictive behavior in its users, as well as posing a possible security threat. The US has considered banning the app, and Canada recently ordered TikTok to shut down its domestic operations.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/you-can-now-post-tracks-to-tiktok-from-spotify-and-apple-music-195521948.html?src=rss
BioWare had told Mass Effect fans to expect a quiet N7 day without any updates on the new game in the works, but there is still some exciting news for the franchise today. Variety reports that Amazon MGM Studios is developing a TV series based on the sci-fi universe. Rumors first emerged about the tech company's interest in a Mass Effect show back in 2021, but now it's official.
Daniel Casey will be the series' writer and executive producer. He has action credits on the screenplay for F9: The Fast Saga and made contributions to sci-fi films Kin and 10 Cloverfield Lane. Variety noted some of the other executive producers, but there have been no details shared yet about the cast or plot of the project. Since a large part of the original Mass Effect games' appeal was players making their own choices about Commander Shepard's moral compass and love life, it seems likely that a show would want to tell an original story within that universe rather than retreading the same path as the trilogy.
Amazon had a huge win with its TV adaptation of Fallout earlier this year, and it seems the company is going to continue mining video games for source material. After some stumbles, Amazon is also reviving its plans for a live-action God of War show.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/amazon-is-making-a-mass-effect-television-show-185111285.html?src=rss
BioWare had told Mass Effect fans to expect a quiet N7 day without any updates on the new game in the works, but there is still some exciting news for the franchise today. Variety reports that Amazon MGM Studios is developing a TV series based on the sci-fi universe. Rumors first emerged about the tech company's interest in a Mass Effect show back in 2021, but now it's official.
Daniel Casey will be the series' writer and executive producer. He has action credits on the screenplay for F9: The Fast Saga and made contributions to sci-fi films Kin and 10 Cloverfield Lane. Variety noted some of the other executive producers, but there have been no details shared yet about the cast or plot of the project. Since a large part of the original Mass Effect games' appeal was players making their own choices about Commander Shepard's moral compass and love life, it seems likely that a show would want to tell an original story within that universe rather than retreading the same path as the trilogy.
Amazon had a huge win with its TV adaptation of Fallout earlier this year, and it seems the company is going to continue mining video games for source material. After some stumbles, Amazon is also reviving its plans for a live-action God of War show.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/amazon-is-making-a-mass-effect-television-show-185111285.html?src=rss
This announcement was made as part of a fake holiday called Stranger Things Day. Along with cross-platform support for Stranger Things VR, Netflix formally set a 2025 release date for season five of the show. This will be the final season. The platform dropped another trailer with the names of all of the episodes, so that’s something to look forward to.
As for Stranger Things VR, players take control of season four villain Vecna as he wreaks havoc on the poor citizens of Hawkins. Reviews were fairly middling, but it’s a VR game set in the universe of a mega-popular show. It’s going to move some units on the PS VR2. Even if you don’t end up liking the gameplay, hanging out in VR while listening to that blazing synth soundtrack will be fun.
To further commemorate, gulp, Stranger Things Day, the creative team also released some behind the scenes snapshots that chronicle the filming of the final season. They all look like they are having a grand ole time.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ar-vr/stranger-things-vr-is-coming-to-ps-vr2-on-december-5-180832394.html?src=rss
Looking to watch something really bittersweet? The co-creator of the absolutely incredible sci-fi cartoon Scavengers Reigndropped a trailer for the second season, just after Netflix decided it would not fund a renewal. It’s a full minute of new footage, complete with bloodthirsty plants, bat-monkey hybrid creatures and all kinds of psychedelic sci-fi madness.
The teaser was produced in-house, using the production company’s own money. Co-creator Joe Bennett wrote on Instagram that “this is not the end. There is more story to be told, we are ready to make another season.” However, he also added that “as of right now, Scavengers Reign is not being renewed for a second season.”
The show has had a rocky road, premiering on Max a couple of years back before being canceled. The critically-acclaimed first season eventually ended up on Netflix, where it attracted new viewers. The so-called “Netflix bump” made fans excited for a renewal, but that wasn’t in the cards. There’s still a chance that buzz generated from this trailer could entice another streamer to invest in the show. Apple TV+ sure has a lot of sci-fi shows, so why not add one more? Someone get Tim Cook on the horn.
If you’ve never watched Scavengers Reign, it’s on Netflix right now. This is one of the best sci-fi shows ever made, animated or not. It’s seriously so, so good. If you have any interest in classic sci-fi or gorgeous animation, this’ll be your jam. It’s been called a “Moebius comic brought to life” and a “gorgeous, hypnotic space trip.”
The show follows a group of survivors spread across an alien planet after a wreck. They encounter some of the trippiest things ever conceived as they struggle to stay alive and find rescue. It’s like a 1950s sci-fi novel come to life but, well, mixed with an acid trip.
The voice cast includes Alia Shawkat, from Arrested Development and Search Party, and Wunmi Mosaku from Loki, among others. There are 12 episodes in the first season, which makes for a nice binge or two. Just saying.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/heres-a-cool-trailer-for-scavengers-reign-season-two-which-will-likely-never-happen-171637717.html?src=rss
Looking to watch something really bittersweet? The co-creator of the absolutely incredible sci-fi cartoon Scavengers Reigndropped a trailer for the second season, just after Netflix decided it would not fund a renewal. It’s a full minute of new footage, complete with bloodthirsty plants, bat-monkey hybrid creatures and all kinds of psychedelic sci-fi madness.
The teaser was produced in-house, using the production company’s own money. Co-creator Joe Bennett wrote on Instagram that “this is not the end. There is more story to be told, we are ready to make another season.” However, he also added that “as of right now, Scavengers Reign is not being renewed for a second season.”
The show has had a rocky road, premiering on Max a couple of years back before being canceled. The critically-acclaimed first season eventually ended up on Netflix, where it attracted new viewers. The so-called “Netflix bump” made fans excited for a renewal, but that wasn’t in the cards. There’s still a chance that buzz generated from this trailer could entice another streamer to invest in the show. Apple TV+ sure has a lot of sci-fi shows, so why not add one more? Someone get Tim Cook on the horn.
If you’ve never watched Scavengers Reign, it’s on Netflix right now. This is one of the best sci-fi shows ever made, animated or not. It’s seriously so, so good. If you have any interest in classic sci-fi or gorgeous animation, this’ll be your jam. It’s been called a “Moebius comic brought to life” and a “gorgeous, hypnotic space trip.”
The show follows a group of survivors spread across an alien planet after a wreck. They encounter some of the trippiest things ever conceived as they struggle to stay alive and find rescue. It’s like a 1950s sci-fi novel come to life but, well, mixed with an acid trip.
The voice cast includes Alia Shawkat, from Arrested Development and Search Party, and Wunmi Mosaku from Loki, among others. There are 12 episodes in the first season, which makes for a nice binge or two. Just saying.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/heres-a-cool-trailer-for-scavengers-reign-season-two-which-will-likely-never-happen-171637717.html?src=rss
Black Friday may still be a week and a half away, but if you were hoping to score a deal on Samsung’s Music Frame, there’s no need to wait until Thanksgiving. Ahead of next week, both Amazon and Samsung are selling the speaker for under $250. At $150 off its regular price, that’s an all-time low for the Music Frame, which will usually set you back $400. Considering Samsung only released the device earlier this year, this is a great opportunity to pick up one (or even two) for your home theater.
For the uninitiated, think of the Music Frame as the speaker equivalent to Samsung’s popular Frame TV. Like its television counterpart, the Music Frame doubles as a piece of home decor. While it doesn't have a display that will automatically cycle through digital artwork, you can manually insert prints and photos. Moreover, while pairing two Music Frames with a Frame TV is possible, it’s not limited to home theater use. The Music Frame works just fine as a standalone Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speaker. You can even use it as a smart home hub. It’s possible to mount the Music Frame on a wall or on a table, thanks to the included stand.
As for sound quality, Engadget senior reporter and resident audio geek Billy Steele was surprised by how good the Music Frame sounded when he got to demo it at CES earlier this year. “I was shocked by how robust and clear the overall sound quality is coming from the speaker,” he wrote at the time. “Highs and mids are adequately represented with great detail, while the bass is more restrained.“ If you’re curious, the Music Frame features two rear-facing woofers complemented by a set of two tweeters and two mid-range drivers, all four of which fire from the front of the speaker. It also offers Dolby Atmos support, and Samsung has included its SpaceFit tech, which assists with room calibration.
All told, the Music Frame is a great option for those looking for a speaker that will disappear into their home decor, but its high price can make it unappealing. At $150 off, however, it’s much easier to recommend, even if you’re on a budget.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/speakers/black-friday-samsung-deals-include-the-music-frame-speaker-for-150-off-160759262.html?src=rss
The block button on X has changed. Now, it allows blocked users to see posts of the accounts that blocked them, but they still can’t interact with those accounts. You also can’t follow or message the user.
X previously said it was making the change because users can already see and interact with blocked accounts by switching to a non-blocked account. X also said blocking the old way could be used to share and hide harmful or private information about those they’ve blocked, so the new feature allows “greater transparency.”
Experts on social-media abuse disagree, noting these changes will help stalkers and trolls. “Enabling blocked users to see posts is catering to abusers and stalkers, indulging and facilitating their behaviors,” wrote London Victims’ Commissioner Claire Waxman last month.
While that is unlikely to sway opinion at X, the changes may run afoul of rules on iOS and Google Play app stores. Apple, for one, states in its developer terms of service that any apps with user-generated content must offer “the ability to block abusive users from the service.” There’s still a block button, of course, but it’s not really blocking anyone anymore.
Advanced ray tracing, higher frame rates and more.
Sony just published a list of 50-plus games with enhanced versions when the console launches later this week. It includes hits like Baldur’s Gate 3, The Last of Us Part II Remastered, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and God of War Ragnarök. Expect to see improvementslike advanced ray tracing, higher frame rates and Sony’s proprietary upscaling system, called PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution. Gran Turismo 7 is missing, despite an already announced enhanced version. It must not be ready yet. Final Fantasy XVI is also absent from the list, with its own frame rate struggles on the base PS5.
Netflix is deleting much of its interactive content, according to The Verge. The platform currently lists 24 Interactive Specials, but only four of them will remain after December 1. Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend, Ranveer vs. Wild with Bear Grylls will all live to stream another day. Sadly, specials based on Carmen Sandiego, Boss Baby and Puss in Boots, won’t.
The beta’s available to Fire TV customers from today.
Amazon just launched a new tool for Prime Video that uses AI to generate personalized recaps. X-Ray Recaps uses generative AI to create “brief, easy-to-digest summaries” of entire TV seasons, single episodes or even portions of episodes. All personalized. So the recap will go up to the “exact minute of where you are watching.” There are a lot of limits, however: X-Ray Recaps launches in beta for Fire TV customers and right now, it only works with content made by Amazon MGM Studios, like Upload, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, The Wheel of Time and The Boys.
Still, it might be a good time for me to finally get into The Boys.
Microsoft, Xbox and Halo Studios are celebrating Halo 2's 20th anniversary by releasing recreations of some of the game's most memorable maps on Halo Infinite, as well as its E3 demo that's probably one of the most important moments of the franchise's history. The demo Bungie presented at E3 way back in 2003 showed the future of Halo and demonstrated what the Xbox, as a console, was capable of. It even featured gameplay that never made its way to the finished game. "The response to the demo at E3 was electric," Halo community director Brian Jarrard said.
That demo went public more than a year before the game's actual release date, and it was built on an engine that no longer exists. It only became possible to make it available for fans to play because community modders and the game's community as a whole pitched in to restore it. The "wider Halo community" helped recover its original files and assets, while a team of community modders developed the tools needed to recreate the demo and to improve upon the original.
"Steven Garcia (known to the community as General_101) was vital in getting this scenario stood up and even improved over the original. He was a one-man army and did a significant chunk of the work in developing tools, updating scripts, and even arting the levels. Digsite team members Ludus, Neo Te Aika, Sean T, xScruffyDaSasquatchx, and Killzone then provided finishing touches to replicate the original demo experience and test for bugs. Without them, we would probably have only had a rather unceremonious drop of raw assets and that was it," said Halo Senior Franchise writer Kenneth Peters.
The Halo 2 E3 2003 demo will be available as a free mod on Steam Workshop for the Halo: The Master Chief Collection starting on November 9.
In addition, Halo Studios is adding new maps to Halo Infinite's Delta Playlist that will be a blast to the past for long-time fans of the franchise. They're modern recreations of Halo 2 multiplayer maps that were rebuilt in Forge, Halo's suite of in-game tools, by community "Forgers." Xbox adjusted the gameplay in the Delta Arena, as well, disabling sprint and clamber, enabling friendly collision and higher jumps to recreate the original feel of Halo 2.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/youll-soon-be-able-to-play-halo-2s-iconic-e3-demo-in-honor-of-its-20th-anniversary-120020668.html?src=rss