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Microsoft blocks May 2019 Windows update on the Surface Book 2
Microsoft has blocked the latest major Windows 10 (May 2019, version 1903) update on its own Surface Book 2. According to the company, a compatibility issue caused some apps and games that used the Nvidia GPU to crash after the update was installed. Until that glitch is resolved, Surface Book 2 owners won't be able to download the update.
Windows 10's May update won’t work on PCs with USB storage or SD cards
Microsoft notified its users that the May Windows 10 update won't install on PCs using USB storage or SD cards. The company says it's blocking the installation on those PCs because "inappropriate drive reassignment" might occur and could impact both external devices and internal hard drives. As a workaround, users will need to remove any USB thumb drives, USB-based external hard drives or SD cards and restart the update.
'Sea of Thieves' will take up less space after pending update
There is good news and bad news for Sea of Thieves players regarding the game's next update. The bad news is you'll have to download and reinstall the entire game. The good news is, as a result of some behind the scenes improvements made by developer Rare, the game installation size will be cut by nearly half on all platforms.
EVE Online speeds up game installation and access
To "get people into the game quicker," CCP is smoothing out the download and installation process for EVE Online. This new method of deployment is scheduled to go into service at the start of 2015. This means that the installation package will go from a 7GB download to a zippy 200MB one instead. Once that game client is up and running, it will then download the rest of the game's resources as needed. "On a fast connection you probably won't notice much of a difference -– load times may be slightly longer at times. As you play more, more resources will be cached and fewer and fewer need to be downloaded. The client will be smart about pre-fetching resources it expects will be needed soon," the team said.
Dell charging EU customers for Firefox installation, Mozilla's not having it
Installing a web browser is not a challenging task. In fact, you probably installed the one you're using today all by yourself. Nevertheless, Dell is offering to take the burden off the hands of customers in Europe. The cost of avoiding a few lazy double clicks? Only £16 in the UK or €19.60 (about $26.74) the EU. The bizarre service can be found on the accessories page when ordering select workstations, specifically the OptiPlex 7010. It's a strange and unnecessary option, harkening back to Best Buy's silly PS3 Firmware upgrade surcharge. It's also a blatant violation of Mozilla's trademark policy, which states that companies may not charge for the company's software in its unaltered, Mozilla-branded form. According to The Register, Mozilla is already looking into the matter. That said, there's no reason for anybody to buy this absurd add-on: installing Firefox is ridiculously easy. We promise.
PS4 disc install trials: Knack playable in seconds, Killzone under 3 minutes
At a New York event yesterday, Sony demonstrated install speeds - the time from the point the disc is inserted, install is initiated and play can begin - for retail versions of two PS4 launch games: Knack and Killzone: Shadow Fall Knack, the action-adventure game from PS4 architect Mark Cerny, will take only tens of seconds before play can begin after priming the installation, Kotaku reports. Killzone: Shadow Fall will take a bit longer to reach play, Polygon reports, because there is an unskippable introduction movie and mandatory profile set-up. Guerrilla Games Managing Director Hermen Hulst told Polygon it takes under three minutes total to get into gameplay. Sony outlined the launch limitations of its PS4 console last month. All retail PS4 games will have to install data to the console's 500GB hard drive, which can be manually swapped out should the need for more space arise. The PS4 won't let users store data on an external hard drive or memory stick.
Install GTA 5 'Play' disc to USB for Xbox 360 workaround
While Rockstar doesn't recommend installing the second "Play" disc for GTA 5 on your Xbox 360 hard drive, the fine folks at Digital Foundry have found a workaround. Installing the disc to the hard drive presents texture and frame rate issues, but installing that disc to a USB flash drive produces much more favorable results. Digital Foundry warns mileage may vary depending on the flash drive you use, and it's definitely suggested you go with a 16GB stick over an 8GB model if possible. As you can see in the video above, the USB install clears a lot of the texture pop-in that comes from streaming off the Xbox 360 disc alone. Grand Theft Auto 5 officially launched today on the PS3 and Xbox 360. In our review, we cited complaints with the story's focus on deplorable characters, but found the sandbox to be the best Rockstar has ever created.
HTC Rezound finally ready to receive Android 4.0 update
Just a couple days short of its latest deadline, the HTC Rezound now appears to be ready to be knighted with Ice Cream Sandwich via an OTA update. Verizon has taken to its official site to publish upgrade instructions and benefits, indicating that the rollout has begun. Once your install is complete, you should find yourself gazing at Sense 3.6 and its many associated features. These types of refreshes usually take a couple weeks to reach its entire consumer base, so don't fret if your particular device doesn't ping you with a notification while you're jamming to your Beats today.
Metal Gear Solid 4 'Best Version' also includes full install option
The Japanese "The Best" re-release of Metal Gear Solid 4 won't just be updated with Trophies. The listing on Konami Japan's "Konami Style" shopping site also reveals a new installation method allowing you to fully install the game, rather than seeing the install screen between every chapter.This update will be in both the re-release and the Trophy patch for existing copies. Konami's American Twitter account announced the patch and new version, which suggests that they will be released here as well.In other Metal Gear news, Konami's 25th anniversary site for the series is up, with information about the Tokyo event and pictures of recent Metal Gear items.
Big Huge Games strongly recommends Reckoning install on Xbox 360
Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning's lead designer, Ian Frazier, calls upon the deities for Xbox 360 owners to install the game if they have the space. Speaking to OXM, Frazier stated quite plainly, "If you have a hard drive, for the love of God, please install."Installed copies will have "much, much smaller" load times, according to Frazier, which will allow players to get back to the "enemy-pounding funfest" as quickly as possible. Those looking to get a taste of Reckoning can try out the demo, downloadable now on PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 -- install required.
T-Mobile G2x gets its Gingerbread on (again), hopes it sticks
The G2x just can't seem to quit Gingerbread. After a series of upgrade starts and stops, LG is once again offering an OTA software upgrade for this pure Google experience device. The update started rolling out to handsets yesterday, but those impatient to part with FroYo can always opt for a manual install via the company's site. If you'll recall, the one-time T-Mobile flagship's woes began shortly after its launch, when complaints of random reboots, overheating and poor battery life overtook dedicated forums. Yet despite promises that Android 2.3 would hit "soon" to address these issues, frustrated owners were instead treated to an on again / off again melodrama of scheduled releases. Now, as we totter on the brink of 2012 and an Ice Cream Sandwich future, this drawn-out saga appears to be reaching some form of closure.
Lock and (re)load: BioWare preps us for The Old Republic's launch
With 15 days to go before Star Wars: The Old Republic's launch, it doesn't seem like there's much time to get everything stocked and ready before the year's biggest release happens. Fortunately, BioWare's helping us to run down the preparation list with a series of informative forum posts. First on the list is to make sure that SWTOR players have the latest version of the client installed on their computers. BioWare says that if you played the game prior to November 25th, you'll probably need to install a completely new client; if you played since, you should be good. There are instructions on the forums as to how you can check which version you have. Pre-orders are wondering about early access, which BioWare says is the same between the three editions of the game -- it only matters when you added your pre-order code, not which edition you purchased. More information about the early access program is coming later this week. Finally, BioWare is preparing to make major changes to SWTOR's forums following a December 10th outage, during which all posts and PMs will be erased (as will infractions!). New forums, including those covering crew skills, story, lore and PvP, will be added, and guild forums will be expanded significantly. Those just starting to learn about the game will appreciate the new player help forum and community blog that's coming with the update.
Rage requires 3 discs on Xbox 360, 8GB install on PS3, tolerance from fans
Rage will span three discs on Xbox 360 and require an 8GB install on PS3, id Software creative director Tim Willits has confirmed. It was rumored that Rage would have a large install and multiple discs on 360, but it seemed as if id was leaning toward a slim-and-trim two-disc set, stating that a separate multiplayer disc-swap would be "fail." id didn't have to pick a disc number for the PS3 version of Rage, effectively utilizing the Blu-ray drive to hold all of the game's gigs, something that Willits seemed very pleased about: "Sony was great," Willits said. "Kudos to Sony for letting us do that. They don't allow every game to do that. So definitely, hats off. What we were able to do is install all the textures to the highest level. What is nice about the PS3 platform is that it's just one platform. Everyone has one Blu-ray drive, one hard drive, it's all the same. Some of the other systems you have... should I install it on my 360? Should I not install it? So yes, it's very nice." For 360 versions, Willits said id recommends installing the game to the hard drive, or if you don't have the space for all 22GB, after installing and finishing the first half of the game from disc one, uninstall it, and then install disc two. There isn't a reason to disc-swap after completing the first half, and "you don't really need to install the multiplayer disc if you're really tight on hard disk space," Willits said.
Windows 8 on a laptop in-depth preview (video)
Less than 24 hours after it went live on Microsoft's site, Steve Ballmer reported a whopping 500,000 downloads of Windows 8 Developer Preview. That's half a million copies, if not eager Windows fans. Well, you can count us among them. Although we were treated to some private hands-on time with a tablet optimized for the OS, we hadn't, until now, had a chance to use it on a laptop -- i.e., the computing environment where we spend most of our time, and the one where we're most used to seeing Windows, in particular.For the past three days, we've been doing just that: getting acquainted with Windows 8 using the good 'ol mouse-and-keyboard combo. And while that might read like a redundant statement (what recent version of Windows hasn't accommodated a cursor?), Win 8 is a peculiar breed -- It's the first version of the operating system where finger input wasn't an afterthought, but a first-class citizen. It's clear that this time around, Windows is optimized for touch, but we had to wonder if that Windows Phone-inspired UI would present a steep learning curve, if it would get in the way while we tried to go about business as usual. So how's that working out for us? Suffice to say, we're not in Kansas anymore, so find your most comfortable chair and meet us after the break -- we've got oh-so many details to delve into.%Gallery-134097%
Apple's OS X Lion USB sticks now available online, for $69
After more than a week's worth of rumors and speculation, Apple has finally released its OS X Lion USB thumb drive, available now at its online store. This little stick offers a physical media alternative to Cupertino's otherwise App Store-centric distribution model, providing access to OS X Lion for $69. One caveat, however, is that users who download the software via thumb drive won't be able to re-install it using the recently released Lion Recovery Disk Assistant, but will have to rely upon the USB stick, instead. The other caveat, of course, is price, as just $29 will get you the exact same OS, via the App Store. To grab one for yourself, hit up the source link, below.
Gingerbread comes to T-Mobile G2x, users feel loved again
Dost our eyes deceive us, or are genuine, bona fide Gingerbread updates for the T-Mobile G2x taking to the airwaves? We're inclined to believe the latter, since the T-Mobile support site announced that the OTA download is now underway. The rollout begins less than a day after the refresh became available as a manual install via the LG Updater Tool. As if this isn't enough proof already, our inboxes have been flooded by G2x users who've personally witnessed Hades freeze over on their handset. Haven't seen it show up on yours yet? Fret not, getting these updates out to everyone takes time. But if you were an eager beaver who managed to beef your phone up with Android 2.3.3 manually, go ahead and relax; grab a lemonade, dust off the ol' hammock, and enjoy the rest of the summer afternoon free of (virtual) bugs. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Hulu Plus for Android is available now... for six devices
The good news is that Hulu Plus for Android is on the market, but the bad news is that you may not be able to install it yet. The official Hulu Blog has just been updated with news that six phones -- Nexus One, Nexus S, HTC Inspire 4G, Motorola Droid II, Motorola Droid X, and the Motorola Atrix -- are on the compatible list with "additional device announcements" due later in the year. While there's some crossover with the list of Netflix-compatible devices, it's hardly complete and many flagship phones are still missing. Here's hoping the tweakers can work their magic on that apk and get it running for the rest of us, whether we're shelling out $7.99 a month or just want to leech some Chappelle's Show eps on a free one week trial. If you can't get it running yourself, check out a quick video demo embedded after the break. [Thanks, Tyler, Isaac]
Gran Turismo 5 offers option to install while you play
No need to watch aging spies smoke cigarettes or take a sandwich break when it comes to installing Gran Turismo 5 -- Eurogamer has confirmed with Sony that the game will actually have a feature allowing users to install it in chunks while playing. "If users choose not to install the data straight away it will do it in stages as new areas, tracks, etc. are accessed during normal gameplay,"a Sony representative stated. The install weighs in at 6.3 gigglebytes, unsurprising considering there are like eleventy billion cars in the game and takes about 40 minutes when installing straight-up, Eurogamer reports. Gran Turismo 5 launches in the US on November 24. No, we're serious -- no joking!
Halo: Reach load times compared: hard drive install vs disc
If you're a hardcore FPS multiplayer ... player, odds are you'll see the business end of Halo: Reach's loading screen countless times over the next few months. According to a quick test conducted by Examiner, you're going to want to install Reach to your hard drive if you value your free time, as doing so reportedly cuts down load times drastically for just about all of the game's modes. Some of the sped-up load times are too fast to resist -- for instance, according to Examiner, an installed Reach can load a custom game in 9.7 seconds, as opposed to 28.7 seconds uninstalled. That would give us an extra 19 seconds to spend getting shot over and over and over again!
Yamauchi: Gran Turismo 5 has optional 10GB install
Yesterday, while answering Gran Turismo 5 fans' questions via his Twitter feed, series creator Kazunori Yamauchi made a fairly startling announcement. Though the game will only require a 256MB pseudo-install on the PS3 hard drive in order to be playable, Yamauchi suggests players reserve 10GB of HDD space for the smoothest possible gameplay experience. Yamauchi's 140-character missive wasn't able to explain exactly why the game has two install options, or how much of an improvement the 10GB installation would offer. Not that this should matter much to folks who own a newer PS3 with a beefier hard drive -- though folks with one of the older 20GB models probably have a few difficult deletion decisions to make if they pick up Gran Turismo 5 when it launches November 2.
