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Jaguar's 2021 I-Pace features faster charging and an improved infotainment system
The Jaguar I-Pace has been updated for 2021.
The Julia smart cooking system even washes itself up
For some, cooking is an exercise in passion, relaxation and creativity. For others, it's a tedious, time-consuming chore. Fortunately, for the less culinary-inclined folk, there's an ever-growing market of gadgets that promise to make cooking an altogether easier, quicker and more intuitive experience -- and the latest to arrive is Julia, an intelligent autonomous cooking system that pretty much does everything. (While it's not officially associated with the late master chef Julia Childs, the insinuation is pretty obvious).
The legendary Nintendo PlayStation prototype is up for auction
For years it was the stuff of legend -- a games console that incorporated both a CD drive and SNES cartridge slot made with the official backing of PlayStation and Nintendo? But back in 2015 we saw the magical prototype for ourselves and even had a play with it. Now, after years of touring the world to show off the system to classic gaming fans, the owner of what is believed to be the only remaining Nintendo PlayStation system is putting the console up for sale.
You can now buy Brilliant's light switch smart home hubs
Brilliant debuted its smart home control system at CES back in January, and now it's finally available to buy. Unlike other smart home products, Brilliant's works by plugging directly into your home's existing light switch ports, and from there controls a range of devices, including lights, music, Alexa, thermostats and video entry systems. Just connect your gear over WiFi, and use the device's touch screen or voice commands to do your thing. It also comes with Android and iOS apps for remote control, so you can manage your home when you're not in it.
Dolby Vision is coming to Xbox One
Starting today, Microsoft is giving Xbox Insiders a preview of system update 1810. Xbox Wire reveals the update contains several new features -- some of which will be trickling out over the coming weeks, including Dolby Vision video streaming, dashboard avatars, an expanded search feature, and improved linguistic diversity when using the narrator function.
Airbnb helps hosts in San Francisco get city approval online
Airbnb has had a bumpy ride in San Francisco. After the city passed a law that required all short-term rental hosts to register with the city, only a small percentage did (thanks largely to the onerous process involved), and many of those who didn't were hit with fines totalling $1 million. Differences were set aside in January though, when the parties agreed on a way to automatically register all hosts in the city. That service rolls out today, with hosts now able to apply directly through the Airbnb site for their Short-Term Residential Rental Certificate and Business Registration Certificate, instead of schlepping down to City Hall. New hosts will only be able to list their properties once they're registered, while existing hosts will have to input their registration number to keep their listings active.
Nintendo confirms it will end Wii U production in Japan
When Nintendo announced its upcoming Switch console a few weeks ago, the writing was clearly on the wall for its current-gen entry, the noble but niche Wii U. Exactly when they'd be shuttering the four-year-old system was unclear. The company first denied rumors that the last model would roll off the assembly lines at the end of this week. But in its quiet Nintendo way, they confirmed today that they had scheduled an end to Wii U production in Japan via text on the console's product page.
Guild Wars 2 is replacing its trait unlock system
Do you like the current unlocking system for traits in Guild Wars 2? If you don't, you're in good company; very few people actually like it. The good news, at least, is that it doesn't appear that it's going to be a problem in the near future. Game director Colin Johanson spoke out recently on the game's forums stating that the pending release of Heart of Thorns gave the team more freedom for discussing future plans and core gameplay changes. With the inclusions of specializations and account-wide masteries, the existing trait system is going to be replaced by a simpler system to ensure that progress and advancement is where the development team wants it for all Guild Wars 2 characters. More updates on how the system will work are promised as the release draws closer, but if you don't like the existing system, you can at least take heart that it's going to be gone before too much longer.
Would you be a part of a crowdsourced environmental warning system?
Picture the scene: you're watching the kids play in the local park when, suddenly, your smartphone goes nuts. The sensor that you're wearing on your belt loop, along with several other sensors in the area, have noticed an increase of gamma radiation. Thankfully, you're able to gather up your children and race back to the car before anyone suffers an uncomfortable dose. If that all sounds like the sort of thing you'd be interested in, then you should probably check out Scarab.
Final Fantasy XI drops a new patch for the new year
Another year has come to Final Fantasy XI, and it brings with it a new year's version update with a host of new improvements. From a system standpoint, players can now equip two linkshells at the same time, complete with two separate chat modes. The game will also allow players to send tells and invite other players by clicking their names in the log window rather than relying purely upon text commands. In terms of content, new quests have been added to Adoulin regions, several Records of Eminence objectives have either been added or had their requirements lowered, and new Wanted objectives have been implemented. Puppetmaster players can also benefit from improved spell lists for their automaton and a new set of automaton improvements. Take a gander at the full list of changes, all of which should make the game less punishing and more engaging for veteran players.
Shroud of the Avatar's update 10 stresses stability, challenge dungeons
Any game with a strong online component is only as strong as its servers. You could make the best game in history, but if no one can log in and play it, it's not going to be worth much. The latest update on Shroud of the Avatar's development notes that one of the big issues plaguing the game's 10th major update was stability. That means that the team needs more people connected and playing (or trying to) so that the issues can be documented and solved. The team also introduced the Challenge Dungeon to get a clearer picture of PvE combat, noting that it had become a bit too single-note even against different sorts of enemies. PvP, meanwhile, is a matter of constantly moving, which is very network-intensive. The update discusses some of the patches planned to address both issues in the future, including better enemy AI and skills reworked to not make constantly darting about the most attractive update. Take a look at the full developer dispatch for more information.
GameStop discounting used Xbox 360 and PS3 systems
Ahead of next-gen console launches this November, GameStop is cutting the prices of its used PS3 and Xbox 360 hardware from October 11 to October 24. During the promotion, customers can pick up the original Xbox 360 for $99.99 (previously $129.99) and the Xbox 360 Slim 4 GB system for $119.99 (previously $179.99). All pre-owned PS3 hardware is marked down to $149.99 (from up to $259.99). GameStop is also throwing in any used game priced at $19.99 or less for free with any used hardware purchase. Additionally, those with GameStop's PowerUp Rewards loyalty program card in hand can get in on the promotion a day early and also receive a 30 percent discount on used PS3 and Xbox 360 accessories. That is on top of the 10 percent discount program members receive off their used purchases.
Xbox One will automatically adjust when overheating
The Xbox One will automatically detect if it is overheating and will make adjustments to cool the system down, General Manager of Console Development Leo del Castillo told Gizmodo. As is common with some PCs, Castillo said the development team can "dial back the power of the box considerably," forcing the system into a low-power state to correct issues. Of course, the primary method for cooling the system down revolves around how the fan inside the box operates. "The way we designed the box, we don't actually intend it to ever have to go to maximum speed under normal environmental conditions," Castillo said. "But there is overhead. So we'll allow the fan to go all the way up to its maximum speed and if that solves the condition without the user having to do anything." The Xbox One will launch this November in 13 regions, but will arrive in eight others in 2014.
Rumor: Leaked Target ad shows Vita for $200
The PlayStation Vita's price may be coming down in the near future, providing a leaked Target ad by the Blu-Ray Forum is accurate. The ad, a snippet of which can be seen above, shows a $200 price point for the system. The standard retail price for the WiFi-only Vita is $250, while the 3G-enabled Vita is $300. Japan received a price cut for the system in February, which was followed by Sony Worldwide Studios head Shuhei Yoshida saying that North American players would not see the same price drop. Whether this ad indicates a permanent price drop is on the way is unclear, though it's just a matter of time before we know for sure; the ad is reportedly for the week of August 18 through August 24.
Watch Dogs gets exclusive outfit, hour of content on PlayStation 4
Ubisoft just showed a quick demo of Watch Dogs at Sony's E3 press conference, featuring some new police-escaping gameplay by hero Aiden Pearce, and a hacking ability that allows him to apparently blackout all of Chicago, if only temporarily. Sony also announced that Watch Dogs would have exclusive content on the PlayStation 4, including a new outfit for Pearce, and a full hour of content exclusive to the platform. You may remember this deal from Ubisoft's other series, Assassin's Creed. Watch Dogs is set to arrive on November 19.
Apple now allowing Paypal payment for Apple Store purchases (in Germany)
German users have noticed one other change from the Apple Store downtime last night, and that is that Apple will now accept Paypal payments through their Apple.com store. You could previously use Paypal as a payment service on the iTunes and Mac App Stores, but you can't (in most places) on the official Apple website. The German store, however, has now implemented Paypal. So German users can now use that extra eBay money to pick up a new accessory or charger cable. Odds are that this is a pilot program over there, and it will likely make its way out to the rest of the world very soon. I just checked, and unfortunately this option isn't yet available on the American Apple.com store. But if German users can use their Paypal accounts to buy Apple products, there's no reason why the rest of us won't eventually get the chance to do the same. [via App Advice]
Grid 2's 'Live Routes' alter tracks and turns
This latest trailer from Grid 2 shows off the game's "Live Routes" system, which pitches different forks in the road every time you play it.
Daily iPhone App: Real Racing 3 is a showcase of the best (and not quite) that iOS has to offer
Here's the bottom line on this one, right away: Real Racing 3 is an amazing game, and EA has put it on the App Store for free. Go grab it and be awed, right now. That said, I do have one issue with this game, and it's that I'm actually a terrible driver. I do fine on real roads at less-than-deadly speeds. But whenever I play a racing simulation game like this one, where real racing vehicles are modeled on real racing tracks, I always drive way too fast, brake way too late and I spin out on the track as the rest of the pack flies by me. It's a personal problem, I know, but personally I prefer arcade racers, or another genre completely. I still enjoy playing Real Racing, though, just because it is such an excellent showcase of what's possible on iOS. This time around, Firemonkeys (who I'd really rather see making another Puzzle Quest, but whatever) has outdone itself, with some gorgeous graphics and some very impressive social features. Even in standard campaign races, you see your friends and their Game Center icons driving around you, and all of the standard social services are seamlessly integrated into the game. There's no shortage of racing to do here, and you could (and some people will) probably play for years trying to lock down all of the top spots in the various tracks and time trials. One of the biggest controversies about this game pre-release has been its freemium mechanic, and it is sort of a pain: You need to pay for repairs to your vehicle, which presents a drain on your in-game currency (that you can of course fill with IAP if you choose), and when you choose to upgrade a vehicle, each upgrade is done on a timer, which means you don't get the fruits of your upgrade right away unless you spend some in-game gold, also available via real money. In practice, it's somewhat annoying, but not unbearable at all. I don't necessarily like paying to repair after every race (especially since, as previously stated, I am not the most gentle driver), but in general, there seems to be enough money to go around without having to dive into IAP. You can also buy new cars and tracks with real money, and while those prices are relatively high, selling extra content in a freemium game isn't a new idea by any means. The biggest wrinkle is that when your car needs a major system repair, you're forced to wait on racing with that car, or you can pay a real-money currency to complete it quickly. That can be a real pain, especially if you only have one or two cars to race (so save up and buy a few cars right away). And shame on Firemonkey for including a mechanic like that, meant to serve their publishers rather than their players. But for the most part, it looks like EA at least found a safe balance here: The freemium system isn't exceptionally heinous, and having the game released for free means those excellent social features will always be populated with plenty of players. Real Racing 3 is a gorgeous game, a perfectly designed game (at least while racing), and probably the best example, at this moment, of what an iOS game can be. The freemium hooks do drag the experience down a bit, but that seems appropriate for this time and place, given how much of an effect the iOS platform has had on models like this. You should download this one, for free, without question, if only to experience that first race for yourself and see what Firemonkeys has done with Apple's devices. After that, whether you cough up more in-game currency or even real money is up to you. I plan to play a whole lot without spending a dime, and I'll be easy to spot: Just look for the beat-up car spinning out in the dirt.
Editorial: when the ecosystem is the product, picking a favorite isn't easy
Have you ever taken the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator personality test? If not, you will eventually fail in a happy hour when people compare their personality-type acronyms. I took the test years ago, and have no recollection of my official personality type. ENTJ (Extroverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging)? ISFP (Introverted, Sensual, Feeling, Perceiving)? No idea. But I can tell you this: I am a WiBG digital citizen. That is my Ecosystem Type Indicator. Back to that in a minute. First, some ecosystem history.
Apple employs reservation system in China ahead of iPad launch
China hasn't had the best of luck with new iDevice launches. The devices are so popular in that part of the world, and the black market over there is so hungry for goods, that Apple often has issues with legitimate customers trying to get devices. Sometimes fights or vandalism break out when the items go on sale. But Apple has a new weapon against that kind of shenanigans with the upcoming iPad 2 new iPad launch: The company is rolling out a reservation system over in China, designed to make the iPad buying process a lot easier and calmer. Basically, customers will have to make a reservation online to even buy an iPad, which should hopefully do away with the long lines and long waits that led to frustration during previous launches. I'm sure there will still be some annoyed customers who are turned away because they don't have a reservation, but maybe the annoyance will be a little more spread out and not quite as inflammatory. Of course, the real issue here is supply. Apple needs to make sure it has enough devices to meet demand over in China, and so far, it hasn't been able to do that. Meeting that demand will solve both the problem of raucous sales as well as increase profits overall. #next_pages_container { width: 5px; hight: 5px; position: absolute; top: -100px; left: -100px; z-index: 2147483647 !important; }
