Here’s how ‘Halo 5: Guardians’ multiplayer rankings work
Halo 5: Guardians is almost upon us, and once the campaign credits roll (or the game itself finishes installing on your Xbox One, depending on your style) you might be curious how multiplayer ranking works. Wonder no more because it’s similar to League of Legends according to a post on Halo Waypoint. Your starting placement in matchmade Arena games is determined by how you fare in your first ten games. That “Competitive Skill Rating” breaks down into seven categories: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, Onyx and Champion. The post stresses that the only way to increase your rank after those initial ten matches are set is by winning.
“Whether you drop 30 kills in a game of Slayer or single-handedly capture every flag in a CTF match, wins are the only way to improve your CSR,” it says. “If you are skilled enough to continue winning at tier 6 [the highest per rank], you will advance to the next rank.”
And doing the opposite? It’ll cause your progress to drop, but not at the expense of your current rank. League of Legends isn’t quite so kind in that regard. So, say you have a bad night and you’re losing matches left and right in the Diamond rank. That won’t drop you back to Gold. In theory, this’ll help you keep in that sweet spot of consistently grouping with folks of your skill level regardless of a nasty cold streak.
Oh, and in ranked Arena matches you don’t have to worry about joining a game that’s already in progress and getting dumped onto the losing team, hurting your CSR. How’s that? Every match starts from the beginning and there isn’t such a thing as joining one halfway through. That feature still lives in Warzone and Custom Games, though. You’ll be penalized for dropping out of matches too. What’s more, Arena plays out in “seasons” now. They’ll debut sometime later this year and from the sounds of it, only live within specific playlists. Seasons last a month each, and your CSR resets with each successive season. Should you earn some of those points in the playlist, you’ll be rewarded with cosmetic items like an in-game banner for your Gamertag.
Sounds good, yeah? Well, I don’t know about you folks, but I’m pretty sure that I’m gonna be stuck in Bronze for quite awhile come October 27th — no eSports stardom for this guy.
Source: Halo Waypoint
Some Sony devices will skip Android 5.1.1 and upgrade directly to Marshmallow
A good amount of H1 2015 Sony devices still have yet to get an update to Android 5.1.1 Lollipop, and it looks like that will remain the case for some time. According to Sony’s support pages, the Xperia Z3+, Z4 Tablet and a handful of mid-range devices such as the C4, C5 Ultra, M4 Aqua and M5 won’t receive another software update until Android 6.0 Marshmallow rolls out to these devices. All of these devices are currently running Android 5.0 Lollipop.
On one hand, this is bad news for owners of these smartphones and tablets. Android 5.0 has a notoriously irritating memory leak that can wreak havoc on non-beast-mode devices. Which is to say, exactly the kind of devices we’re talking about. Android 5.1.1 fixes these issues for the most part, so it would be nice for Sony to push out the updates as soon as possible.
On the other hand, this means Sony will begin working on the update to 6.0 Marshmallow much sooner. Owners of these Sony devices will be able to run one of the latest versions of Android much sooner than they would previously.
See also: Android 6.0 Marshmallow updates roundup – October 15, 2015
For a while, it looked like Sony was holding off on rolling out the 5.1.1 update until after the Xperia Z5 came out. Owners of seemingly abandoned devices clung to the hope that 5.1.1 would arrive in the night shortly after the Z5’s release, but that date passed without a word from Sony. Although Sony has made no official announcement regarding this issue, their Mobile Support pages indicate that a large number of devices will move directly to Marshmallow.
Are you affected by this update skip? Tell us about it in the comments.
Sony in video
.rvs_wrapper
width: 350px;
.rvs_wrapper.align_left
float: left;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right
float: right;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none
width: 100%;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center
text-align: center;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
float: none;
display: inline-block;
vertical-align: top;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos:not(.align_none) ul li:nth-child(2n+1)
clear: both;
.rvs_title
font-weight: 600 !important;
margin: 0 !important;
font-size: 24px !important;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right .rvs_title
padding-left: 20px;
.rvs_title a
font-family: ‘Roboto Condensed’;
color: #3a3a3a;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
padding-top: 10px;
.rvs_wrapper.align_left.cbc-latest-videos ul li,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 15px 0 0;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 0 0 15px;
float: right;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 7px;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a
font-weight: 400;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a .yt-thumbnail
margin-bottom: 0;
@media only screen and (min-width : 480px)
body #page .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
width: 100% !important;
@media only screen and (max-width : 480px)
body #page .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos
width: 100%;
float: none !important;
overflow-x: auto;
overflow-y: hidden;
body #page .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
overflow: auto;
max-height: none;
body .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li
float: left !important;
clear: none !important;
Google Calendar gains new illustrations and support for more languages
Illustrations have long been a staple of Google products dating back to the the first Google Doodle in 1998. Now, with last year’s introduction of Material Design in Android 5.0 Lollipop, illustrations are used everywhere by the company. It’s no surprise that Calendar really takes thrives from illustrations as people like to see a graphics represent what they’re doing. And now over twelve new illustrations are being added to Calendar.
Stella Schieffer, a product manager at Google, explains the use of illustrations in Calendar:
“Your calendar is more than just a list of dates and times — it’s your life! That’s why Calendar adds illustrations to many of your favorite events automatically.”
In addition to having illustrations for new events like weddings and Halloween parties, Google announced that illustrations now appear in thirty languages. Dutch, Finnish, Catalan, and Korean are among the languages supporting illustrations.
Click GIF to enlarge/play
Google is also encouraging people to send them suggestions for new illustrations. To do so, take a picture and tweet the photo with the hashtag #makethemost attached. Who knows, Google might choose it when the next set of Calendar illustrations is released.
Source: Google
Come comment on this article: Google Calendar gains new illustrations and support for more languages
PSA: Samsung Pay finally works with select phones on Verizon
The long wait for Verizon to allow customers with select Samsung phones to use the company’s mobile payments service is finally over. Owners of the Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge, Galaxy Note 5, and Galaxy S6 Edge+ can start using Samsung Pay right now.
Upon downloading a software update that is currently rolling out, the Samsung Pay app will be available to install from Google Play. Then you can start using your phone to pay for goods and services from your phone at more locations than any other mobile payments service.
It’s time to celebrate!
The software update also includes security patches, likely fixing the recent Stagefright issues.
Via: /r/Android
Come comment on this article: PSA: Samsung Pay finally works with select phones on Verizon
Droid Turbo 2 leak hints at ‘shatterproof’ screen and Moto Maker
Those rumors of Verizon launching the Droid Turbo 2 and Droid Maxx 2 at its October 27th event? They just got much more concrete. Droid-Life has obtained leaked promos spilling the beans on both of the carrier-specific Motorola smartphones. As suspected, the Droid Turbo 2 should be advertised as having a “shatterproof” screen — we’re a bit skeptical of that claim, but Big Red will apparently back that up by accepting trade-ins of phones with cracked screens. Even if the display doesn’t live up to that billing, though, the new Turbo will reportedly offer Moto Maker customization. Finally, you won’t be stuck picking from a handful of black-and-red models while your Moto X-toting friends show off their more colorful devices.
The ad copy also talks about the Droid Maxx 2, although it largely says what you might already know: this is really just a Moto X Play gussied up for Verizon, complete with a 48-hour battery. It’s not going to be nearly as exciting as the Turbo 2, then, but you’ll at least have one option on the network if you value battery life above all else.
Source: Droid-Life
T-Mobile said to be carrying the upcoming Alcatel OneTouch Fierce XL
Most hardware manufacturers choose Android over Windows Phone Windows 10 Mobile as Google has built a powerful mobile operating system with plenty of developer support; however, there are a handful of companies that design phones for both Google and Microsoft’s platforms. Even HTC has designed a single phone to sell with either Android or Windows Phone running on it. And now it looks like Alcatel OneTouch will join that approach with an upcoming phone.
The Fierce XL, according to Evan Blass, will come in two variants. Alcatel OneTouch will sell the Fierce XL with your choice of Windows 10 Mobile (left) or Android (right). Both variants are apparently going to be sold by T-Mobile here in the United States. As you can see in the image above, the Fierce XL will not have on-screen buttons like its maker’s Idol 3. Alcatel OneTouch seems to be going with a low-end or mid-range handset that is exclusive to T-Mobile customers.
Source: Evan Blass (Twitter)
Come comment on this article: T-Mobile said to be carrying the upcoming Alcatel OneTouch Fierce XL
Leaked promo materials reveal Moto Maker for DROID Turbo 2, 48-hour battery life for DROID MAXX 2
The launch of the DROID Turbo 2 and DROID MAXX 2, two handsets that will be exclusive to Verizon, is fast approaching. What does that mean? Leaks are happening and they are happening with greater frequency. The DROID Turbo 2’s specifications surfaced earlier in the week and then we learned that the DROID MAXX 2 would have a removable back. Now there are alleged promotional materials from Verizon that show a bit more about both.
Motorola is giving Verizon customization, lengthy battery life, and durable hardware.
The DROID Turbo 2 will join the Moto X, Moto G, and Moto 360 as Motorola-made devices that can be customized through the company’s Moto Maker design suite. Verizon notes that there are over 1,000 combinations for customers to explore.
And Verizon is throwing in a promotion where buyers of the 64GB model can redesign their DROID Turbo 2 if unhappy the first time around.
The promotional materials obtained also mentioned the DROID MAXX 2, confirming that the handset will live up to it predecessor’s success by having 48-hour battery life. The original DROID MAXX also touted 48-hour battery life behind a 3500mAh battery. Now that specifications have evolved from the original’s 1280×720 display resolution and dual-core processor, it should be interesting to see how Motorola manages to give Verizon an exclusive that doesn’t resemble a brick.
Another promotion, applicable to both of the aforementioned phones, will be receiving $300 back when trading in your current smartphone. When purchasing the DROID Turbo 2, Big Red is going to be willing to accept one’s with cracked screens. Not bad considering the DROID Turbo 2 will prevent that from ever happening with its “world’s first shatterproof screen.”
The DROID Turbo 2 and DROID MAXX 2 will be revealed officially at an event co-hosted by Motorola and Verizon in New York City on October 27.
Source: Droid Life
Come comment on this article: Leaked promo materials reveal Moto Maker for DROID Turbo 2, 48-hour battery life for DROID MAXX 2
Droid Turbo 2 teased on accessory manufacturer website
The announcement of the new Motorola Droid devices is just around the corner. However, if you’re too ansy to wait, this news might help hold you over. Case manufacturer Qmadix has jumped the gun and outted a couple listings for the Droid Turbo 2.
The device is only shown with the case installed, so we don’t have the best look at the chassis. However, we get a nice frontal view.
In comparison to the Moto X Pure, the bottom speaker grill appears to have been split into two (if that’s what they really are). On the back, Motorola is carrying over that metal accent that runs from the camera down to the logo dimple.
From the top and bottom image, we can see a standard microUSB port. The headphone jack isn’t centered on the top like on the Moto X.
This is all we have for now on the new Turbo 2. Based on previous leaks, we’re expecting a 5.43″ QHD display, Snapdragon 810 SoC, 21MP main camera, and 3,760mAh battery. Also, unlike the previous Turbo, this one is said to be customizable through Moto Maker.
Stay tuned for the Motorola/Verizon announcement on Oct. 27th! We’ll pass along any other trickles from leaks.
Source: Qmadix
The post Droid Turbo 2 teased on accessory manufacturer website appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Apple Stores show off iPhone 6s 3D Touch with fancy tables
Apple is doing a new trick at its flagship San Francisco and New York Stores to show off the benefits of 3D Touch on the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus. A video from Grate App (below) shows the phones rigged up to a table that’s actually a very large display. When you press on the iPhone’s swimming fish screen-saver, it creates ripples in the screen around the phone, which vary in size depending on how hard you press. (The table itself doesn’t appear to be force-sensitive, but rather just takes 3D Touch input from the phones.) It’s a clever way to tout a feature that’s a bit hard to grok, but there’s no word on whether you’ll see it in any other stores.
Via: 9to5 Mac
Source: Grate App
Scoot launches electric car rentals and plans second city expansion
Scoot is moving beyond its namesake. Today the company announced the availability of the Scoot Quad, a four-wheeled electric car from Nissan called the Mobility Concept (worst name ever) based on the Renault Twizy. The company’s fleet of scooters will be joined by 10 Quads as the company evolves into a light-electric vehicle sharing company that will soon be expanding into an unnamed second city. Mike Waltman, vice president of fleet said, “We are narrowing it down now and we expect to be the second city next year.” But the Quad is here now and I got a chance to drive it through the streets of San Francisco ahead of today’s launch.Slideshow-330491
Right off the bat, like the rest of the Scoot line, renting it easy. The company has been able to seamlessly add the little car into its app. Find a vehicle in a garage, reserve it and then when you arrive, turn it on with the app. After you complete the rather elaborate startup sequence you can start cruising around town.
The bubble of a car is more like a go cart or really awesome golf cart then a economy car. There’s a windshield and roof, but no windows in the doors which incidentally open up like a Lamborghini. It seems ostentatious until you realize the doors run the length of the car and if you want to bring a passenger along, you need the extra room.
Oh and about that passenger, they sit in the back seat. The seating situation is like a log ride or Disney’s Space Mountain ride. The passenger sits behind the driver with their legs on either side of them.
Scoot was looking for a way to let its users give rides to passengers. It’s current line of scooters don’t allow for a second person on the bike. This solution not only lets you bring along a friend, but also opens up opportunities for different types of rentals. Like showing off your city to family members when they visit or a very odd date.
On the road, the narrow wheelbase and short length make for a fun, nimble car. Then you hit 25 miles per hour and the acceleration stops (I was able to get it to 26 miles per hour once). Scoot has limited the top speed. If you’re used to driving a car, it takes a few miles to get used too. The speed limit of most streets in San Francisco is 25, so it’s technically ok. But drivers will need to avoid some of the main thoroughfares in the city so they don’t piss off other drivers. Fortunately, the acceleration isn’t damped by the speed cap. It’s on par with an economy car. Not quick, but adequate.
Slow top speed aside, I had fun driving the Quad and talking to the people that approached me when I pulled over to take photos. And people will approach you. They’re not going to see this vehicle anywhere else. You can’t buy the Mobility Concept in the United States. While Nissan has modified the vehicle for US roads, the company isn’t jumping into the market just yet. That’s where Scoot comes in. The two companies have partnered for what they are calling a “research project.” Scoot gets to expand its fleet offerings and Nissan gets data about the car in a busy urban environment.
Scoot members can start renting the Quad today if they’re fortunate enough to receive an invitation. The 10 vehicles will most likely be in high demand initially, so Scoot is slowly rolling out access to its members starting with its most active. At launch the car must be picked up and returned to select garages while the company adds the appropriate chargers to other parking spots. The price is four times that of a regular scooter rental. So instead of $2 for a 30 minutes ride, it’ll be $8. It’s pricier than the bus, but probably cheaper than Uber or a taxi.
Plus, a bit more fun.
Source: Scoot
AIVAnet 