Twitch’s ‘Choice Chamber’ is here, will make you hate your viewers
Ah simpler, pre-internet, times: when screwing up someone’s perfect game was as easy as “accidentally” tripping over those absurdly short controller wires during a pal’s perfect Sonic The Hedgehog run. Choice Chamber, the first title funded by game-broadcasting juggernaut Twitch brings that sort of griefing into the modern era and it’s out now. A brief recap: while playing the game and broadcasting it on your channel, the audience in chat has a direct impact on what happens next in the 2D side-scroller. So if I’m feeling particularly nasty, I could set one of the game’s procedurally-generated rooms on fire and give someone’s player character the pogo ability, which makes them jump around all willy nilly. You know, if I was in a dour mood and could get the folks in chat to agree with me (I am very charming).
As an incentive to get folks playing, developer Studio Bean is running a contest this weekend and all you need to do is create a highlight reel of your playthrough to enter. There are four ways to win: be the first to beat the game, be the first to finish the game the fastest, hit the highest room number or be the person with the most money. What do you win for your efforts? An honorary in-game statue and Studio Bean will make a game for you. Seriously. If that isn’t reason enough to deal with a little pain suggested by yours truly, I’m not sure what is.
Filed under: Gaming, Home Entertainment, HD
Source: Twitch
Hugo Barra confirms again that Xiaomi is coming to the US
VP of Global Operations at Xiaomi Hugo Barra has confirmed once again that Xiaomi is coming to the US “soon”. We reported on Xiaomi coming to the US not too long ago, but now Hugo Barra gives a more exact date. In an interview with Bloomberg Barra states that he thinks Xiaomi will be in the US within a couple years.
“It’s no less than a year, plus, away… Potentially much more than a year away.”
Xiaomi seems to have big plans for the US market, but there sounds like a lot of behind the scenes problems stopping them from really jumping in. For now they are sticking with just selling accessories.
Source: Bloomberg
Via: Androidcentral
Come comment on this article: Hugo Barra confirms again that Xiaomi is coming to the US
OnePlus promises its invite system for the OnePlus 2 is going to be different
style=”display:block”
data-ad-client=”ca-pub-8150504804865896″
data-ad-slot=”8461248232″
data-ad-format=”auto”>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push();
When OnePlus revealed that it was going to be utilizing an “improved” invite system for the OnePlus 2, much like for the OnePlus One, we were a little disappointed – were we going to have to trawl through forums begging people to give us their invites again? Well, OnePlus has heard our cries and has posted a blog post today that talks about the “improved” invite system and how they think it’s going to be better this time around.
The biggest change mentioned is the change in OnePlus’ approach to inventory. Because the OnePlus One was their first device, profit margins on the devices was so small, and they weren’t even sure who was going to want one, OnePlus had to keep their inventory tight and conservative to keep expenses in check. This time around with the OnePlus 2, OnePlus has understandably gained a whole lot of confidence and is extending their inventory “30-50 times” what it was for the OnePlus One. That along should make invites more plentiful, but OnePlus is also making sure that referral invites are coming sooner and also has a reservation system that just requires you to submit your email and wait for your invite, priority list depending, of course.
These changes might seem subtle, but it does appear like the OnePlus 2 will be much more readily available than its predecessor, and that can only be a good thing – with specs like a Snapdragon 810, 4GB RAM, 13MP camera, 3,300mAh battery and cost less than $450, there’s not much not to like.
What do you think about the new invite system for the OnePlus 2? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
The post OnePlus promises its invite system for the OnePlus 2 is going to be different appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Angry Birds 2 coming July 30th
Angry Birds is about to get its first-ever sequel, well, ignoring the many, many spin-off sequels that Rovio has already thrown our way including Angry Birds Star Wars, Bad Piggies, Angry Birds Fight, and countless others (well, they can be counted .. And they number 14).
While calling this new title “Angry Birds 2” seems a bit funny considering the many chapters this game has already seen, we can hope this means that the game will offer the same classic gameplay as the original but expanded in a greater way that goes beyond what we’ve seen in bird-flinging spin-offs like Star Wars or Space. Some fetching new graphics or a new camera angle (3D bird flicking anyone) would be pretty cool too. For now, all we can do is speculate what the sequel will bring, but Rovio has announced it will be hitting Google Play, and all other major app stores, July 30th.
The big question is whether Angry Birds 2 can recapture the magic of the original, as well as the attention. Angry Birds is still a highly known franchise, but the reality is it’s not nearly as popular as it once was and many smartphone users are growing weary of the series. The obvious answer would be to give the birds a break and try something new, but for now Rovio seems content to keep milking the cash cow dry.
What kind of changes would it take to make you interested in Angry Birds 2? Or are you simply sick of the birdies at this point?
Gear VR just got the best game about disarming bombs you’ll ever play
Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes. It sounds like a threat, but it’s really the title of (and the instructions for) one of the best dang cooperative video games I’ve ever played. It’s a virtual reality thriller: two players must work together to defuse a bomb–one wears a VR headset and handles the explosive, the other rifles through a convoluted manual in search of defusal instructions. Neither player can see what the other sees. It’s intense, hilarious and completely unique in every way–and now it’s available for Gear VR.
The game hits the Gear VR store today for $9.99, but folks who wandered the GDC 2015 showfloor back in March might have seen it at Alt.Ctrl.GDC’s alternative gaming arcade — a unique showcase of games that defy traditional controller and gameplay conventions. Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes embodies the spirit the gallery perfectly: not only does it simulate the absurdity of the b-movie over-the-phone bomb disarming scene (cut the red wire! No! The green wire!), but it also redefines cooperative gameplay and leverages the inherent isolation of virtual reality gaming to create a new type of video game.
Now you can plan it at home — and if you have a Gear VR and a friend (you don’t need a gamepad, while it will work with one, it’s been adjusted to use the Gear VR’s built-in touchpad too), you really should. Check out the game’s official launch announcement at the source link below.
Source: Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes
Uber’s fake feature blasts NYC regulators
Uber cars began outnumbering yellow cabs in NYC back in March, but that will change if Mayor Bill de Blasio’s proposal passes. See, de Blasio wants to put a cap on the number of licenses given out to ride-sharing companies. Obviously, Uber isn’t happy about that, so it’s putting the mayor on blast by adding a fake feature on its app named after him. While the app’s normal modes still show available rides you can call, the “de Blasio mode” strips ’em all out and replaces them with an ominous-looking “No Cars Available” sign. Clicking the sign shows this message: “This is what Uber will look like in NYC if Mayor de Blasio’s Uber cap bill passes.”
In addition to the fake mode, Uber has also been buying commercial spots on local TV, appealing to people’s emotions — watch the video below to see what we’re talking about. After all, the City Council is scheduled to vote on the proposal as soon as next week, and de Blasio will surely attempt to convince members that the move will improve the city’s traffic flow. This isn’t the first time Uber and NYC’s authorities locked horns: the company was served with a temporary restraining order when it was just starting out in the city. And, just earlier this year, five of six Uber hubs in NYC were suspended until the company surrendered its travel data to the Taxi & Limousine Commission.
[Image credit: AFP/Getty Images]
Filed under: Transportation
Source: Wired
Top Speed is the latest in a long line of drag racing games, coming July 23rd
style=”display:block”
data-ad-client=”ca-pub-8150504804865896″
data-ad-slot=”8461248232″
data-ad-format=”auto”>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push();
Drag racing games have always been a staple on mobile devices, and the latest entry in this genre of games is going to be Top Speed, developed by T-Bull. Boasting a career mode and a roster of 69 cars to own and tune, and even be able to race with police cars from various parts of the world – Dubai, we’re looking at you – Top Speed looks like it has enough gears to keep you occupied for some time. Check out its trailer below:
Top Speed comes out for Android devices on July 23rd. Keep your car in neutral as we wait for more details – and hopefully a review is coming as well. Check out more details on the Top Speed website here.
What do you think about Top Speed? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
The post Top Speed is the latest in a long line of drag racing games, coming July 23rd appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Oculus wants in on VR moviemaking, partners with Felix & Paul
The consumer launch of Oculus Rift is still many months away (planned for Q1 next year), but every now and then, the company reveals its plans and it gets even the most jaded followers stoked again. This time around, Oculus is going the moviemaking way. The Facebook-acquired outfit has partnered with Felix & Paul Studios for a host of VR experiences that will be available both on the Rift and Samsung Gear VR for Galaxy S6. According to Jason Rubin, Head of Studios at Oculus, the company is “incredibly excited by the artistry and entertainment made possible by the rapidly expanding world of 3D 360 VR moviemaking.”
The collaboration, which has been described as the “largest live-action VR deal to date”, reinforces the idea of VR as a legit art form, but it isn’t a complete surprise. Felix & Paul Studios, led by directors Felix Lajeunesse and Paul Raphaël, is a celebrated VR production house that has already been creating elaborate and effective cinematic experiences like Jurassic World and Wild for Gear VR. It was only a matter of time before their prowess as VR filmmakers extended to the Rift.
[Image credit: Felix & Paul Studios]
The Marshall London is the audiophile’s ideal smartphone
style=”display:block”
data-ad-client=”ca-pub-8150504804865896″
data-ad-slot=”8461248232″
data-ad-format=”auto”>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push();
Marshall is making a smartphone. Yes, that Marshall – high-end audio equipment making Marshall. Unsurprisingly, their first smartphone, the Marshall London, takes its visual appearance from the iconic look of Marshall’s audio equipment range, replete with gravel-finish black plastic and gold highlights. It’s not going to set the world on fire with its mid-range specs – a Snapdragon 410, 2GB RAM and 4.7-inch display will presumably still give you some zippy Android 5.0.2 performance – but it’s the predictably audio-centric features of the London that will have audiophiles salivating (or at least Marshall hopes).
If you take a look at the device, you’ll notice that it has dual audio jacks, allowing for those random, but necessary, dual listening sessions. But the pièce de résistance of the Marshall London is its bespoke audio processing – the use of a special Wolfson soundcard, global equalizer, and Bluetooth aptX audio. That makes the London sound a lot like another device, namely the $1,000 Sony Walkman that Sony announced at CES 2015, which begs the question: how much will the Marshall London cost? Well, the answer is actually ‘less’.
Yes, despite Marshall’s pedigree and the London’s obvious audio prowess, the Marshall London is going to work out to be around $600 USD, or thereabouts based on a rough conversion. Sure, for the Average Joe, $600 is much too much to pay for a phone with mediocre specs, but for the audiophile that has been looking for a smartphone to match their audiophillic needs, this might just be the ideal handset. Marshall says that the London should be shipping in August and will ship with a pair of Monitor headphones as a free gift. Bonus.
What do you think about the Marshall London? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Marshall Headphones via Droid-life
The post The Marshall London is the audiophile’s ideal smartphone appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
1byone pocket sized folding mini Bluetooth keyboard [Review]
1byone’s foldable keyboard is a grand little device. With portability in mind, the keyboard connects to a wide variety of devices including most Android, iOS and Windows devices. In fact, the keyboard has three dedicated modes for these three popular operating systems.
Setup
The keyboard is really simple to set up. By unfolding the keyboard, the keyboard will automatically turn on.
Once the keyboard is on, you just have to hit Fn + c to enter pairing mode. You will know that you have successfully entered pairing mode when the left light on the top of the keyboard flashes blue.
After you enter pairing mode, you just have to enter the Bluetooth menu on the device you want to pair and complete the pairing by selecting the 1byone keyboard.
Functionality
The keyboard has buttons that allow the user to switch between three modes, Android, Windows and iOS.
These modes provide functionality specific to these systems. For an example, the Android mode gives you a home button and media controls via the ‘Fn’ key.
The same key combinations would provide function keys when you are in the Windows mode.
Usability (Typing)
The keyboard layout is smaller than a standard keyboard. This was most likely in an attempt to keep the keyboard as small and portable as possible.
The result is a compact keyboard with slightly unnatural feeling keys. I often find myself hitting the wrong key or hitting the up arrow instead of the right shift button.
While this does cause some frustration, it is a lot better than trying to type a lot in one sitting with an on-screen keyboard.
Ignoring the smaller keyboard size, the keyboard has a nice feeling when typing. The keyboard reminds me of the keyboard on the HP Chromebook 11, one of my favorite keyboards on a laptop.
There is a bit of a learning curve as you get used to the condensed layout, but the keys are nice and responsive and have a lovely sound to go along with they typing.
Portability
The small form factor and the ability to fold the keyboard um into a third of its full size allows for unparalleled portability.
The folded up size of the keyboard allows you to just slip it into a backpack or any other bag. There really are no limitations to where you can take this keyboard.
The small size makes it perfect for times when you just want to grab a tablet and keyboard without having to lug around a full sized laptop.
You don’t even have to grab a tablet. It works great for typing up something on a phone/phablet if the need arises.
Build Quality
They keyboard is very well built. The folding feature is really nice, but I was afraid that it would result in a flimsy keyboard that wouldn’t be able to withstand the demands of portability.
The two hinges that allow the keyboard to fold up are sturdier than I expected.
While they are made out of plastic (just like the rest of the keyboard), the hinges don’t leave anything to be desired. Except for the fact that they squeak and creak quite a bit.
The entire rest of the keyboard feels nice and strong. It is a gadget that I wouldn’t mind throwing into a bag and dragging around town for those cases when I just need a physical keyboard.
Wrap Up
The 1byone Bluetooth keyboard is a great little device for on the go typing. For those who prefer tablets over laptops, this keyboard would be a great typing solution for you.
The keyboard offers great portability and works really well. It is great for me because I can now just throw it into my bag without worrying about damaging it and use it with my tablet to get work done on the go.
If you are looking for a way to be more productive on the go, this keyboard is a great way to do it by pairing it to your tablet. Boom, instant workstation on the run!
For under $40 on Amazon, I would go ahead and give this guy a go if you are in the market for a similar type product!
Be sure to check out 1by0ne’s other products like the 4 port USB 3.0 hub that I reviewed earlier this week or check them out on Amazon.
The post 1byone pocket sized folding mini Bluetooth keyboard [Review] appeared first on AndroidGuys.
AIVAnet 