BioWare confirms no ‘Mass Effect: Andromeda’ DLC for single-player campaign

Why it matters to you

In a departure from previous games in the series, the Andromeda storyline will come to an abrupt end.

In a post on its website, BioWare announced that there will be no Mass Effect: Andromeda DLC, and that support for the single-player campaign has come to an end: “There are no planned future patches for single-player or in-game story content.”

The game was put on “temporary hiatus” back in May 2017, with many team members relocated to EA Motive for the upcoming Star Wars: Battlefront II. Several game websites had speculated that there would be no more DLC for the game following a mixed reception, underwhelming sales, and middling reviews.

The announcement leaves the future of the franchise in doubt. Plagued by numerous delays, staff changes, and technological difficulties, the ambitious game didn’t seem to realiz its full potential from the beginning, and has relied on the multiplayer loot-box system for much of its revenue.

The other three Mass Effect games had major single-player DLC packs that complemented the main narrative, and this cancellation leaves much of the unfinished Andromeda story in limbo. Whatever happened to Ryder’s family, and who was the Benefactor behind the Andromeda initiative? What about the Quarians? We may never know.

However, BioWare promises that they “will continue to tell stories in the Andromeda Galaxy through our upcoming comics and novels, including the fate of the quarian ark.” More details about multiplayer enhancements and “N7 Day” (November 7th) will be revealed in the coming weeks.

EA and BioWare never seemed happy with the game. In an interview with Engadget, EA Executive Vice President Patrick Soderlund was quite candid about their disappointment with Andromeda. “A game that we launched in the market that doesn’t function and is full of bugs, that’s not who we are and that’s not who we should be,” he said. “With Mass Effect [Andromeda], the game wasn’t maybe as finished as people wanted it to be.”

BioWare is hoping to right the ship with a new franchise set to debut in 2018. Anthem is an open-world sci-fi RPG set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland featuring giant monsters and Iron Man-esque suits of armor.

Still, the announcement about Andromeda marks an inglorious and unfortunate end to an epic franchise that redefined the art of single-player narrative games.

This iPhone 8 dummy may not be real, but it still gives a glimpse of the future

Why it matters to you

The iPhone 8 has had a lot of leaked information, this video gives you another take on what the phone might look like.

Every iPhone release brings rumors and possible leaks before the big unveil, but the iPhone 8 has elicited more speculation than ever. Plentiful leaked information has given avid fans of Apple products a possible glimpse at the new iPhone’s wireless charging, design, and color. Two videos have also appeared, showing what looks like iPhone 8 phones in a factory. Remember: All the assumptions made in this video are based on leaked photos and videos, so take this information with a grain of salt. Until the new iPhone 8 actually comes out, we can’t be sure what it will be able to do. These are the predictions of David Cogen, the Unlockr, based on an iPhone 8 concept model used by case manufacturers.

Front

The front of the phone is basically all screen with tiny bezels on all sides. Most glaringly, the phone is missing the home button or fingerprint reader. Along the top there are a variety of sensors. These sensors could possibly foretell the use of facial and iris recognition to unlock the phone, which would explain the currently missing fingerprint reader. If the sensors are for facial and iris recognition, the sensors on the top could include an infrared sensor. With the work that Apple has been doing with Augmented Reality, there could be additional depth and AR sensors as well.

One question that is probably on your mind is how you will return to the home screen with no home button. Well, there are several possible solutions. A squeezable frame could be in the works, but a new 3D touch input method is more likely. Maybe the power button will also act as a home button. We can’t know for sure, but Apple probably has something up its sleeve.

Back

As on older iPhones, you have dual cameras on the back, but now they are arranged in vertically instead of horizontally, like on the iPhone 7 Plus. The camera will probably do the same things as cameras on past iPhones, but the new alignment might be better for depth perception and AR – which could explain why Apple rearranged their camera design. The back appears to be glass, which goes towards supporting wireless charging as a possibility for this new phone.

Color

The three colors that have been showing up in the leaked photos are silver white, black, and blush gold. However, colors are the features that are the most unknown before the new iPhone is officially released. There might only be three colors, and they might have the same names, but the actual shade will probably be different from what has been leaked. Many times prototypes or dummy models don’t come in the exact correct shade that the final result will have.

Please keep in mind that these are just predictions based on leaked information and rumors that may not be true. We won’t know anything for sure until the iPhone 8 is released.

The best flight games for Gear VR

Fly through VR.

Games on Gear VR can take you to amazing places. If you’ve been looking for awesome flight games that let you pilot a vessel, then you’re in luck. From manning a Spitfire in the skies during World War II, to soaring through space firing missiles at enemy spaceships, there are a number of different flight games that can take you to the skies. Finding the ones worth their salt can be pesky though.

That’s why we did the work for you and found the best flight games for Gear VR!

Read more at VRHeads

Samsung’s Gear VR app provides help to the visually impaired

Samsung isn’t just using VR headsets as a means of boosting phone sales. The company’s C-Lab has launched Relumino, a Gear VR app that uses augmented reality to compensate for vision problems. It can magnify the picture or adjust the contrast of what you’re looking at if it’s just a question of clarity, but it can also remap your field of view (to deal with blind spots or tunnel vision), outline objects and filter colors.

The app is free in the Oculus Store, and don’t be dissuaded by the Korean-only product page — it supports English.

Yes, it would be awkward and impractical to walk around wearing a VR headset (and your phone) at all times, so the current app is more for special situations. And Samsung knows it — the Relumino team hopes to develop “glasses-like” hardware that achieves similar results without drawing attention to wearers or adding too much bulk. Even in its current state, though, this could be valuable for any visually impaired person who’d like to supplement their eyesight without springing for expensive specialized equipment.

Source: Samsung Newsroom, Relumino

Build your own dinosaur park in ‘Jurassic World Evolution’

Did you watch Jurassic World and think that the chaos could have been avoided with better park design? You’re going to get a chance to prove your theory. Elite: Dangerous developer Frontier has taken the wraps off of Jurassic World Evolution, which will have you running your own park on Isla Nublar. Think of it as a very violent Rollercoaster Tycoon — you’ll build attractions, engineer new dinosaurs and try to prevent your creations from chomping on guests.

The title will arrive on PC, PS4 and Xbox One in summer 2018, or soon after the June release of the Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom movie (convenient, isn’t it?). As such, it’s not clear just what the game mechanics are like. With that said, Frontier has a strong pedigree — it’s probably going to produce something considerably better than Trespasser.

Source: Xbox (YouTube)

Xbox One X will launch with a limited Project Scorpio Edition

The rumors were true. Microsoft is marking the launch of the Xbox One X by starting pre-orders for a limited Project Scorpio Edition for the console. It’ll cost the same $499 as the standard model, but this is more than a rehash of the Day One system that commemorated the Xbox One launch in 2013. On top of Project Scorpio lettering on the console and controller, the machine gets a “sophisticated and dynamic” pattern and an exclusive vertical stand to flaunt your early adopter status. Even the packaging has a twist — it harkens back to the 2001-era Xbox.

You can pre-order from retailers right now (including Microsoft’s own store), and you’ll probably want to consider it if you were already bent on getting the Xbox One X come November 7th. It’s possible that stock will linger around, but we wouldn’t count on it if there’s a rush.

As it is, there will be something if you’re content with “just” 1080p gaming. On top of the Minecraft console, Microsoft is prepping Xbox One S Middle-earth: Shadow of War bundles that include the fantasy slasher as well as 1 month of Xbox Game Pass and 2 weeks of Xbox Live Gold. Both models arrive on October 10th, when they’ll be available in nearly every market at $279 for a 500GB bundle and $349 for the 1TB system.

Source: Microsoft Store

Microsoft unveils ‘Minecraft’ edition Xbox One S

How devoted are you to Minecraft? Devoted enough that you want your console to be a living, breathing representation of the construction game? If so, you’re in luck. Microsoft has unveiled a limited edition Minecraft Xbox One S that drapes the entire console in Mojang’s blocky art style. There’s a grass block on the front, a transparent, redstone-laced bottom and a Creeper-themed green controller (there’s an optional pink, pig-themed gamepad). Naturally, it’ll include a copy of Minecraft (with the Better Together update).

The system arrives on October 3rd. Microsoft hasn’t detailed pricing or regional availability as we write this, but it’ll ship with a 1TB hard drive. We wouldn’t expect it to carry a significant premium over a plain Xbox One S with a bundled game, but don’t be surprised if this becomes the system to get among Minecraft players… well, those who don’t want to play in 4K, at least.

Source: Xbox Wire

Jeff Immelt could be Uber’s new CEO, and he has his work cut out for him

Why it matters to you

After months without a leader, Uber is eager for someone new to take the reins. And it could be Jeff Immelt.

After a tumultuous several months, complete with resignations, lawsuits, and plenty of bad blood, it looks like Uber is finally gaining new leadership. As first reported by Recode, it would appear that the former chairman of General Electric, Jeff Immelt, has emerged as the top candidate to take on the reins at Uber. According to sources, the majority of Uber’s board has decided to back the experienced executive.

While there are apparently two other contenders still in consideration, a final decision is fast approaching. Uber’s directors are expected to vote on a new CEO within the next two weeks, and whichever candidate wins the majority will certainly have his work cut out for him. Although the hope is that the final vote will be unanimous, it doesn’t necessarily have to be (nor is it guaranteed to be).

“We know it is never going to be a perfect choice, but everyone is becoming exhausted,” one person close to the situation said, as per Recode. “We need someone with the skills to move us along.”

And based on his resume, it certainly appears that Immelt has those skills. As another source told Recode, “[Immelt] certainly is not someone anyone can push around easily, which is probably his best characteristic. We all know Immelt’s not the dynamic entrepreneur that Travis is, but he can certainly settle things down.”

Even so, there’s quite a bit to be done at the beleaguered ride sharing giant. Competitors in both the U.S. and abroad seem to have made up ground in the wake of the leadership fiasco that has hijacked headlines for most of 2017. Uber faces more challengers than ever in international markets, and even at home, Lyft is proving that it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. Moreover, Uber has plenty of lawsuits from disgruntled drivers to face, as well as some from disabled persons’ advocates. And while the company has a seemingly astronomical valuation, it’s still losing about a billion dollars a year.

So whether Uber’s next CEO is Jeff Immelt or someone else entirely, it would be nice to see the company make some improvements from within.

Best new songs to stream: LCD Soundsystem, Washed Out, and more

Every week, there are thousands of new songs hitting the airwaves — and it’s just too much for your two ears to handle. With all those options, you can’t be wasting your time on tracks that deserve a thumbs-down click — you want the best new songs to stream now.

But don’t worry, we’re going to save you the hassle. We listen to some of the most-hyped and interesting songs each week, and tell you which are worthy of your precious listening time.

Here are our five best new songs to stream this week. And don’t forget to subscribe to our Spotify page for a playlist of our weekly picks, which can also be found at the bottom of this post. Not sure which streaming service is best for you? Check out our post about the best music streaming services, or go in depth and learn the differences between Apple Music and Spotify to better weigh your options.

LCD Soundsystem — Tonite

LCD Soundsystem channel their love of ’80s synthesizers, drum machines, and VHS videotapes in the music video for Tonite, the most recent single off the band’s upcoming album American Dream. Band members spin around on a circular stage in the nearly six-minute video, with a wide assortment of percussion and synthesizer gear surrounding each member and providing a cool visual complement to the lo-fi dance track.

Washed Out — Floating By (Live on KCRW)

Afro-Cuban drum and piano grooves drive this live take from Georgia’s Washed Out. Thom Yorke-like vocals float over the top to create a heady but danceable single. The level of production is extremely high for a live-radio take, creating a compelling reason to check out the band if their current tour stops at a venue near you.

Julien Baker — Appointments

Over the past several years, Julien Baker has grown into one of her generation’s most heartbreaking songwriters. With a simple piano and guitar arrangement, and Baker’s signature vocal tone, Appointments — the lead single off of her upcoming sophomore record Turn Out The Lights — showcases the core of her songwriting ability. This is the kind of song that helps you through your worst moments, a beautiful ballad that offers just the right amount of hope.

(Sandy) Alex G — Bobby (Live on KEXP)

Prolific indie rocker Alex G recently appeared on Seattle’s KEXP radio, performing a smattering of easygoing rock songs with simple and elegant arrangements. Slide guitar lines and rhythmic lyrics make Bobby the catchiest tune from the live-on-radio set. It’s the kind of song to help you unwind as you head home from a long day at the office.

KMD — True Lightyears

Legendary underground rapper MF Doom originally launched his solo career after the tragic death of his brother, DJ Subroc, which marked the end of his original rap group KMD, in the mid-’90s. You can imagine listeners’ surprise when the group released its first new song in 25 years this week, via Adult Swim. The classic mash-up of vinyl samples and rhymes may feel a bit more like a Doom track than a KMD single — especially in that it showcases verses from Doom and Jay Electronica — but it pleasingly propels you through its short runtime.

That’s it for now, but tune in next week for more songs to stream, and check out the playlist loaded with our recent selections below:

Google can now erase watermarks from stock photos

Why it matters to you

If you’re trying to keep your photos safe, it helps to know that Google also figured out a way to counteract this.

Professional photographers and just about anybody who enjoys taking pictures should know the importance of watermarking their work. It’s a safe and easy way to make sure your pictures aren’t being used carelessly all over the internet. Artists in general prefer to receive payment for their work if someone wants to use it for themselves. Unfortunately, it looks like a team of Google researchers has some bad news for those folks.

It turns out they discovered an algorithm that allows them to automatically erase watermarks from images, including stock photography organizations, according to Gizmodo. They presented their findings at the Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition Conference recently. Though this can be upsetting for some, it may sound like a golden opportunity for others.

Before this, if you wanted to use an image but had to find a way around the watermark, you had to take it into Photoshop and spend a large amount of time trying to erase it. Either that or you could have just simply paid for it — but we all know how the internet works. If there’s a way to getting it without paying for it, someone will find a way. It’s why programs like Exif were created. But even with the latest versions of Photoshop, erasing a watermark completely is still a real chore.

Google, however, has found its way around this, as long as it can study several sample images that have all been touched with the same watermark or logo. The software scans a very large number of sample images from any given stock picture provider, carefully comparing them until it can find a repeating pattern that shows the watermark being used. Now that it knows what the watermark looks like, this makes it much easier for the software to simply remove it and leave behind a perfectly clean photo, without reducing the quality.

This only works on pictures from a stock photo provider with thousands of watermarked samples that can be analyzed. In addition, Google did create a way to counteract this. Randomly warping the watermark, ever so slightly, for each image will prevent the software from removing it entirely. Google did add that it’s possible someone will figure out a way around this method in the future, however.