Month: August 2024
Microsoft’s new Xbox Game Pass Standard tier is now available to test for $1
Image: Microsoft
Microsoft is starting to test its new Xbox Game Pass Standard tier with Xbox Insiders today. The new Game Pass Standard subscription includes the usual Game Pass library for Xbox but with online console multiplayer, too. Crucially, it doesn’t include immediate access to day-one game releases, though.
During the test period, Xbox Insiders will be able to access Xbox Game Pass Standard for just $1. “Any renewals during the preview period will also be $1 per month,” says Megan Spurr, senior community lead for Xbox Game Pass. Once this Standard tier launches fully, it will be priced at $14.99 per month.
Image: Microsoft
The new Game Pass lineup.
Microsoft is also providing some clarity on when day-one games and other titles will be available in the Standard tier. “Some games coming to Game Pass Ultimate (day one games or other game entries) will not be immediately available with Game Pass Standard and may be added to the library at a future date (can be up to 12 months or more and will vary by title),” says Spurr.
Microsoft first revealed its new Xbox Game Pass Standard tier in July, alongside price increases for Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers. Microsoft has promised to launch Xbox Game Pass Standard in the “coming months.” The existing Xbox Game Pass for Console subscription will continue for current subscribers, but new Game Pass subscribers are no longer able to select the console option until the new Game Pass Standard subscription is available more broadly.
Image: Microsoft
Microsoft is starting to test its new Xbox Game Pass Standard tier with Xbox Insiders today. The new Game Pass Standard subscription includes the usual Game Pass library for Xbox but with online console multiplayer, too. Crucially, it doesn’t include immediate access to day-one game releases, though.
During the test period, Xbox Insiders will be able to access Xbox Game Pass Standard for just $1. “Any renewals during the preview period will also be $1 per month,” says Megan Spurr, senior community lead for Xbox Game Pass. Once this Standard tier launches fully, it will be priced at $14.99 per month.
Image: Microsoft
The new Game Pass lineup.
Microsoft is also providing some clarity on when day-one games and other titles will be available in the Standard tier. “Some games coming to Game Pass Ultimate (day one games or other game entries) will not be immediately available with Game Pass Standard and may be added to the library at a future date (can be up to 12 months or more and will vary by title),” says Spurr.
Microsoft first revealed its new Xbox Game Pass Standard tier in July, alongside price increases for Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers. Microsoft has promised to launch Xbox Game Pass Standard in the “coming months.” The existing Xbox Game Pass for Console subscription will continue for current subscribers, but new Game Pass subscribers are no longer able to select the console option until the new Game Pass Standard subscription is available more broadly.
The Roborock Q7 Max Plus Robot Vacuum and Mop Is a Staggering 56% Off at Amazon
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Keep your home clean with this massive discount of $490 on Roborock’s Q7 Max Plus robot vacuum and mop combo.
Windows 11 is getting useful changes to give your laptop more battery life for free
Want better battery life for your laptop? Who doesn’t, and luckily, Microsoft is changing Windows 11 to help with that.
Windows 11 has received some useful tweaks to enable laptop owners to get more battery life, although these changes are still in testing right now.
Microsoft implemented a couple of measures in the latest preview build (27686) in the Canary channel (the earliest testing channel).
The major change is actually under the hood here, and in its blog post for build 27686, Microsoft says that it has enacted various “optimizations to improve battery life” without going into any details of exactly what has been done.
More recently, as Tom’s Hardware spotted, Microsoft made another change with this build, as the company explains: “We’re beginning to roll out improvements to Settings > System > Power & battery including the ability to set your Power Mode for both when your PC is plugged in [and] when it’s on battery along with a few other UI improvements to the page.”
Actually, the ability to change your power preferences depending on whether your laptop is plugged in, or running on battery, has always been possible with Windows 11 – you just had to dig deeper into the settings for the OS to change these options.
Now, Microsoft is putting them in a more accessible place where Windows 11 users will be able to see and easily switch these options, right there in the Power & battery panel.
(Image credit: Shutterstock/Zamrznuti tonovi)
Analysis: On the cutting-edge of testing
Clearly, making the settings for changing your power mode in Windows 11 much easier to see and adjust is a good thing. We can’t imagine this change won’t make it through the various testing channels and on to the release version of Windows 11 before too long.
The other move here in the optimizations to extend battery life is a bit different. Microsoft sounds less sure of the impact here, as when asking for feedback on the change, the software giant notes: “Let us know what you think and if you are not seeing the battery life on your PC you are expecting, let us know via Feedback Hub.”
As we mentioned before, the Canary channel is the earliest testing avenue, and therefore the riskiest bet – this is the port of call for testers who want to be on the cutting-edge, where the dangers are higher than with other builds.
In other words, this early work on implemented power-saving changes might go awry, and your battery life could end up diminished, rather than extended. At least until any kinks are ironed out, anyway – and we expect they will be, in time, if there are major wrinkles present.
Microsoft is pretty vague about this change, but with any luck, it’ll help Windows 11 laptops eke out more battery life – and surfacing the ability to tweak power modes, making this more visible to everyday users, won’t hurt either.
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‘The Acolyte’s cancellation is a huge mistake for Star Wars
Lucasfilm canceling “The Acolyte” is yet another sign that Star Wars is unwilling to embrace new, interesting ideas.
For seven glorious weeks in June and July, I was excited about Star Wars again, and it was all thanks to The Acolyte.
Created by Leslye Headland, the latest Star Wars series was a breath of fresh air for a franchise whose biggest live-action TV offerings had mostly devolved into stale Easter egg hunts. (Looking at you, The Mandalorian and Ahsoka.) While The Acolyte certainly wasn’t without its own Easter eggs, it was also primarily original material.
We got our first taste of the High Republic Era in live-action Star Wars, as well as new heroes in twins Mae and Osha (both played by Amandla Stenberg), and a new Sith Lord in the Stranger (Manny Jacinto). A cast of mostly original characters and a lack of gratuitous Skywalker cameos kept The Acolyte feeling fresh from week to week, as did its no-holds-barred action sequences, hints of enemies-to-lovers romance, and interrogation of the Jedi Order. By the time the finale rolled around, teasing exciting new possibilities for the show’s future, I was locked in and burning for more.
But on Tuesday, Deadline reported that Lucasfilm would not be renewing The Acolyte for a second season. According to the publisher, citing “sources”, the reasoning was ratings-based, with the season finale drawing what is believed to be the lowest minutes viewed for a Star Wars finale.
Credit: Lucasfilm Ltd.
The cancellation might make sense from a numbers standpoint, as The Acolyte‘s budget was reportedly $180 million for eight episodes. (Never mind that a Star Wars show with fewer connections to existing IP was always going to be a riskier bet.) But from a storytelling standpoint, the decision does a major disservice to Star Wars going forward. It sends the unfortunate message that any attempts at original storytelling will be sidelined in favor of more self-referential slogs. Nothing new is allowed, nor is any show given the chance to grow past its first season unless it’s an instant smash hit. So why even bother getting invested in a new Star Wars series in the first place? (Notably, Andor, the best Star Wars series, was guaranteed a Season 2 from the jump. Could you imagine if its low viewership resulted in an Acolyte-style cancellation?)
‘The Acolyte’ gave me hope for the future of Star Wars. Now, I’m not so sure.
The loss of The Acolyte is also a blow to its audience, many of whom, like me, saw the series as a way to reconnect with a franchise that had otherwise lost their trust and interest. Whether people were seeing themselves in The Acolyte‘s diverse cast or rejoicing in Star Wars actually embracing an enemies-to-lovers romance, it was a joy to watch viewers geek out every week over the show’s every twist and turn.
Of course, there is a nasty flip side to that fandom. Bigoted, so-called Star Wars “fans” took every opportunity to attack the series with racist, sexist, and homophobic rhetoric, all because The Acolyte dared center women and people of color. Stenberg has been a target for this vitriol since her role in the show was announced, the same kind of racist attacks Star Wars actors like John Boyega, Kelly Marie Tran, and Moses Ingram faced before her. Following the cancellation announcement, comments on Stenberg’s social media have been a parade of hateful gloating. (Thankfully, there is still quite a bit of support.) Clearly, this subset of the Star Wars audience views The Acolyte‘s cancellation as a moral victory and as proof that Star Wars remains “theirs.”
That Lucasfilm and Disney did little to speak out against this hate during The Acolyte‘s run speaks volumes. That they continue to push aside audience members eager for something new speaks volumes too. As one of those audience members, The Acolyte gave me hope for the future of Star Wars. Now, I’m not so sure.
Apple’s Custom 5G Modem Could ‘Change the Way iPhone Looks and Works’ in the Long Term
Apple is investing billions of dollars into developing an in-house cellular modem, but the project is not expected to yield immediate improvements for users, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports.
In last week’s “Power On” newsletter, Gurman explained that, unlike the transition to Apple silicon, the company’s first custom modem will not offer noticeable benefits for users. Individuals within Apple apparently “acknowledge that customers don’t really care who makes the modem in their phone” and “it’s hard to tell how big the benefits will be in the near term.”
Instead, Apple is looking to play “the long game, hoping its modem will evolve into a more advanced component that could ultimately change the way an iPhone looks and works.”
Down the road, there are plans for Apple to fold its modem design into a new wireless chip that handles Wi-Fi and Bluetooth access. That would create a single connectivity component, potentially improving reliability and battery life.
There’s also the possibility that Apple could one day combine all of this into the device’s main system on a chip, or SoC. That could further cut costs and save space inside the iPhone, allowing for more design choices.
Apple has used modems designed by Qualcomm for over a decade, but moved to design its own following a legal battle over royalties and patents in 2018. Since then, it has faced issues with performance and overheating, and the component’s debut has been pushed back until next year at the earliest. Its rollout is expected to take place on a gradual basis, starting with more niche devices and expanding across the lineup over the period of a few years. Tags: Apple 5G Modem, Bloomberg, Mark GurmanThis article, “Apple’s Custom 5G Modem Could ‘Change the Way iPhone Looks and Works’ in the Long Term” first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
Apple is investing billions of dollars into developing an in-house cellular modem, but the project is not expected to yield immediate improvements for users, Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman reports.
In last week’s “Power On” newsletter, Gurman explained that, unlike the transition to Apple silicon, the company’s first custom modem will not offer noticeable benefits for users. Individuals within Apple apparently “acknowledge that customers don’t really care who makes the modem in their phone” and “it’s hard to tell how big the benefits will be in the near term.”
Instead, Apple is looking to play “the long game, hoping its modem will evolve into a more advanced component that could ultimately change the way an iPhone looks and works.”
Down the road, there are plans for Apple to fold its modem design into a new wireless chip that handles Wi-Fi and Bluetooth access. That would create a single connectivity component, potentially improving reliability and battery life.
There’s also the possibility that Apple could one day combine all of this into the device’s main system on a chip, or SoC. That could further cut costs and save space inside the iPhone, allowing for more design choices.
Apple has used modems designed by Qualcomm for over a decade, but moved to design its own following a legal battle over royalties and patents in 2018. Since then, it has faced issues with performance and overheating, and the component’s debut has been pushed back until next year at the earliest. Its rollout is expected to take place on a gradual basis, starting with more niche devices and expanding across the lineup over the period of a few years.
This article, “Apple’s Custom 5G Modem Could ‘Change the Way iPhone Looks and Works’ in the Long Term” first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Valve bans Razer and Wooting keyboard automation in Counter-Strike 2
Earlier this week Valve started kicking Counter-Strike 2 players who used a feature called Simultaneous Opposing Cardinal Directions (SOCD). It’s available on some of Razer and Wooting’s keyboards, and you’ll be kicked from matches if you play Counter-Strike 2 and the game detects you using it. Fortunately, Valve isn’t planning to ban Steam accounts right now.
The Verge tested Valve’s ruling and confirmed the game kicks you from matches if you play with SOCD. We still don’t recommend challenging Valve’s leniency, as the admins still have every right to ban accounts from playing the game. Don’t come crying if they do, thanks.
Razer calls the feature Snap Tap, while Wooting prefers the cuter term Snappy Tappy. Valve’s post says that those who own these keyboards must disable the features to “avoid any interruption to your matches.”
SOCD allows players to automate strafing, which means they can move in two directions without releasing the first key. This entails that you can always peek out of cover and get back out of harm’s way as fast as the game’s limitations allow. For example, as you move left with the A key, pressing the D key without letting the A key go enables you to go right instantly. Additionally, your reticule widens while moving, so coming to a stop sooner helps with your aim. SOCD lets you stop almost instantly, which can improve your head-clicking rate.
Both Razer and Wooting have made posts on X accepting Valve’s decision. Wooting, in particular, called for SOCD keyboard owners to disable the feature while playing Counter-Strike 2.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/valve-bans-razer-and-wooting-keyboard-automation-in-counter-strike-2-160502376.html?src=rss
Earlier this week Valve started kicking Counter-Strike 2 players who used a feature called Simultaneous Opposing Cardinal Directions (SOCD). It’s available on some of Razer and Wooting’s keyboards, and you’ll be kicked from matches if you play Counter-Strike 2 and the game detects you using it. Fortunately, Valve isn’t planning to ban Steam accounts right now.
The Verge tested Valve’s ruling and confirmed the game kicks you from matches if you play with SOCD. We still don’t recommend challenging Valve’s leniency, as the admins still have every right to ban accounts from playing the game. Don’t come crying if they do, thanks.
Razer calls the feature Snap Tap, while Wooting prefers the cuter term Snappy Tappy. Valve’s post says that those who own these keyboards must disable the features to “avoid any interruption to your matches.”
SOCD allows players to automate strafing, which means they can move in two directions without releasing the first key. This entails that you can always peek out of cover and get back out of harm’s way as fast as the game’s limitations allow. For example, as you move left with the A key, pressing the D key without letting the A key go enables you to go right instantly. Additionally, your reticule widens while moving, so coming to a stop sooner helps with your aim. SOCD lets you stop almost instantly, which can improve your head-clicking rate.
Both Razer and Wooting have made posts on X accepting Valve’s decision. Wooting, in particular, called for SOCD keyboard owners to disable the feature while playing Counter-Strike 2.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/valve-bans-razer-and-wooting-keyboard-automation-in-counter-strike-2-160502376.html?src=rss
You can now stream your favorite Apple Podcasts shows right from your web browser
Apple has brought its Podcasts app to the web, enabling Windows and Android users to listen without needing an app.
Apple’s walled garden is usually pretty all-encompassing, with many apps and services only working on Apple devices. For a long time that was true of the Podcasts app, but Apple has just taken the unusual step of opening it up to users of other platforms, granting access to all of the best podcasts and exclusives in the process.
But before you head over to the Google Play Store, it’s not Apple’s Podcasts app that is now available on your Windows PC or Android phone. Instead, you can now access the Podcasts service from any of the best web browsers simply by heading to the new Apple Podcasts page.
There, you’ll find the full Apple Podcasts library for you to browse through. Featured podcasts are highlighted at the top of the page, with various categories and shows listed as you scroll downwards.
Select a podcast and you’ll be taken to its dedicated page, where you can see all of its episodes, read their synopses or leave a review. Press the play button next to any episode – or the button that appears on the podcast’s cover art on the website’s homepage – and you’ll be able to listen to it in your browser, with a full set of playback controls at the top of the page.
Apple encourages you to create an account or sign in with your Apple Account so that you can “save your place, follow shows and see the latest episodes,” but you don’t need to do that to start listening in the first place.
Cracks in the walled garden
(Image credit: Future)
It’s unclear exactly what motivated Apple to make this change, but news website AppleInsider has quoted Apple as saying: “Users can now get the favorite features they love, including the ability to browse millions of shows across a variety of categories, access their Library and Top Charts, purchase premium podcast subscriptions and much more.”
AppleInsider says Apple argued that the new system – where a shared link will open in the Podcasts app for Apple users but on the web for everyone else – improves the process of sharing podcasts by making it simpler and more straightforward. As well as that, Apple said there are benefits for podcast creators, since shows are now “accessible to anyone with a web browser on any device, reaching a wider global audience”.
Apple made its Maps app available on the web for the first time in July, and with Podcasts following in its footsteps, you might be wondering if any other Apple services are going to go web-based and become accessible even if you don’t have one of the company’s devices.
We can’t know for sure if anything else will follow, but it’s worth keeping an eye out in case a few more cracks appear in the company’s famous walled garden.
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