Return to ‘Smuggler’s Run’ in the next ‘GTA: Online’ expansion

For the next expansion to GTA: Online, Rockstar Games is looking to its past. “Smuggler’s Run” will task you to move inventory for the perpetually paranoid Nervous Ron by land and air. “Smuggler’s Run opens up the air corridors above Los Santos and Blaine Country, providing new business opportunities while introducing a range of planes, choppers and even ultralights as highly viable options for transporting criminal cargo across the state — simultaneously opening up some creative new methods of dispatching any rival gangs along the way,” a post on the Rockstar Newswire says.

That will launch August 29th. Later this fall, Rockstar teases that it’s going to make some pretty big changes to how races work. “New and strategically placed checkpoints will instantly change your vehicle class to match the portion of the course ahead, creating dynamic racing with ever shifting challenges to take the checkered flag,” the blog post reads.

Beyond that, expect additional game modes/expansions, cars, holiday-themed events and more as the year progresses.

Before Grand Theft Auto III, the developer was doing all sorts of weird stuff, and had a number of (now dormant) franchises under its belt. One of them was Smuggler’s Run, an off-road racing game of sorts where you were transporting illegal goods across borders and under Johnny Law’s radar. Maybe you shouldn’t hope that this expansion is signaling the franchise’s return, though. The last game came out in 2002 on the Gamecube, and Rockstar still has to get Red Dead Redemption 2 out the door.

Source: Rockstar

The new story mode in ‘FIFA 18’ is all about choice

The Journey was one of the best additions to FIFA 17, crafting a dramatic but believable story around a rookie football (sorry, soccer) player in England. With FIFA 18, EA is building on the mode with a “second season” for rising star Alex Hunter. It promises a “global” story with more football clubs, branching pathways and some character customisation, culminating in a campaign that should feel less scripted, but no less cinematic.

At Gamescom, I was able to play a brief snippet from early in the game. Alex has spent his summer in Brazil and completed a brief pre-season tour in Los Angeles, before settling back down in England. The demo started in his apartment with Alex’s grandfather, Jim Hunter, preparing breakfast and his mother, Catherine Hunter, working on a laptop. Soon enough Michael, Alex’s agent, bursts into the room with some big news: he’s been on the phone with someone representing Real Madrid an apparently, ‘Los Blancos’ is interested in signing Hunter. Alex, unsurprisingly, is elated.

Before the deal can go through, however, Hunter needs to play a few games with his current team. In this scenario, it was Chelsea, though that could change depending on your particular playthrough. Soon enough, you’re sat in the locker room, waiting for a match with Manchester United to begin. But the coach, Butler, has bad news: The manager wants Hunter to start on the bench, fearing that his heart and thoughts are no longer with the London club. “Personally, I hope you stay, lad,” Butler says with a sigh.

Deep in the second half, the manager brings you on. Chelsea are 3-0 down and the manager, Antonio Conte, expects you to achieve a rating of 8.5 for the rest of the game. The other match “bonuses,” which affect how the manager sees you, include winning the game and completing 10 passes. No pressure, then. In my game, I was able to score and set up a couple of team mates, drawing the two teams level. While I managed a rating of 9.4, I didn’t complete the passing objective or ultimately win the game.

Then, disaster strikes. I won’t spoil what happens, but the result is that you won’t, it seems, be signing for Real Madrid any time soon.

Still, it’s clear that Hunter will, at some point, get the chance to move abroad. Sam Rivera, lead gameplay producer on FIFA 18, says these moments are a reflection of the game’s fanbase, which stretches all over the world. Soccer is a truly global sport, so it makes sense to show the profession and fan culture from different perspectives. “For people in the UK, they probably liked The Journey last year because it was all based there,” he says. “But, people around the world want to see more places. And even if you’re in the UK, sometimes other places are fun, right?”

You won’t visit every division on the planet, however. The Journey is successful because it balances wish fulfilment with authenticity. Last year, Hunter was able to play in the Premier League, but not before dropping down to a Championship side. The campaign stopped with an FA Cup Final which, while exciting, is far from the sport’s apex. It’s not like Hunter won the UEFA Champions League, or picked up the coveted Ballon d’Or.

“Even if you finished The Journey, you didn’t play against Ronaldo, Messi, or other superstars,” Rivera says. “Because that’s how it goes in real life. It takes time, right?”

At least one of those players will feature in Hunter’s second season, however. Cristiano Ronaldo is confirmed for the second season, alongside Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann, Bayern Munich legend Thomas Muller and Tottenham Hotspur’s Dele Alli. That doesn’t mean you’ll play for their respective clubs — at least, it’s not confirmed — but Rivera promises they’ll impact Hunter’s career somehow. EA visited Ronaldo in Madrid to capture his likeness and dialog, and while that’s no guarantee of acting prowess, Rivera hopes players will be impressed by the results.

“He’s a player-actor,” Rivera says. “He’s doing so many commercials that he probably knows how to act, right? So, having that in The Journey just makes the game richer. It’s all about adding more and we think it’s a nice touch.”

While last year’s game had some choices, they were mostly superficial. You could choose the clubs you played for, but the core narrative was essentially the same. Gareth Walker was always your rival and Danny Williams was your Championship team mate, regardless of which side you decided to join. In FIFA 18, however, there will be genuine branching paths. Your performances on the pitch and decisions away from the turf will influence these pivotal moments. “If you play The Journey and we meet up tomorrow, we might not have anything in common to talk about,” he hints. “Because I went through a different path.”

The path you take and the clubs you join will affect your immediate objectives. Rivera wouldn’t give any examples, but hints that the “expectations” on Hunter will differ. At Real Madrid, hypothetically, you would be expected to win La Liga comfortably, while at Espanyol, a mid-table finish would probably suffice. “At the end of the day, if you fail at the club, you might have to go on loan…” he teases.

The second season of The Journey will also feature short and medium-term objectives. Last year, some people complained that there wasn’t enough direction, or “goals” to complete match-to-match. Sure, there were performance targets, but the game became a slow trudge towards the end of the season and some possible silverware. The story in FIFA 18 has, therefore, been split into “chapters” with distinct milestones, or requirements, that must be completed to unlock the next one.

Hunter will also be customisable this time around. Though you can’t create a character from scratch, or import your previous save Mass Effect style, EA wants players to have a sense of ownership over the game’s central star. You’ll be able to pick his hair style, clothes and soccer boots, as well as whether he has facial hair or tattoos. “There are some very exotic haircuts,” Rivera says. So if you want to look like Paul Pogba, with a streak of color down one side, that’s totally up to you. Personally, I’m praying for a Marouane Fellaini option, if only to see how it looks in cutscenes.

Rivera is promising other surprises. You will be able to control other characters during The Journey, for instance. “A lot of things are being added,” he says cryptically. Maybe they’ll involve a new player?

FIFA’s first attempt at a story mode was a resounding success last year. For casual fans, it was a new way to learn the game’s mechanics and understand English soccer culture. A third season, while not guaranteed, seems likely. “So far, the feedback from people has been really positive,” Rivera says. “And if it’s a popular mode, obviously it’s worth investing in. Short-term, for sure, there are plans in place.” Perhaps future seasons will cover an older Hunter, or a new footballer keen to take his place. As we’ve seen with the Neymar transfer this summer, there are plenty of events, fictional and real, that EA could use to spice up the mode in the future.

Stadium’s 24/7 sports stream is live on Twitter

In May, Twitter announced that among a handful of sports-focused streams that would be coming to the site was a 24/7 livestream from Stadium. Starting today, that all-day sports content hits Twitter via Stadium’s @WatchStadium account.

The stream will air live and on-demand games and events as well as classic games and original studio programming. Three studio shows — Inside the League, Campus Insiders and The Rally — are scheduled to air Monday through Friday. Along with Twitter, viewers will also be able to catch the stream through Stadium’s website and Pluto TV.

Stadium, which just announced a deal with Facebook to livestream college football games through its Facebook page, is also reportedly working on a subscription service that would give viewers access to an additional 500 exclusive games and events, on demand videos and commercial-free, re-aired Stadium TV content. The service, Stadium Plus, will cost $5 per month. The company is also gearing up for its over-the-air sports network that’s set to launch next month.

You can start watching Stadium’s livestream through Twitter now, but it’s only available to US users.

Source: TechCrunch

Judge orders DreamHost to hand over data from anti-Trump site

Earlier this week, after DreamHost challenged its warrant in court, the Department of Justice narrowed what sorts of information it would seek from the website host in regards to activity on the site disruptj20.org. The website was used to help organize protests against Donald Trump on Inauguration Day and the government claims visitors to the site used it to plan violence. Today, a judge ordered DreamHost to comply with the newly refocused warrant.

Along with IP addresses, the DoJ also removed unpublished drafts, images, HTTP requests, error logs and metadata from its search request. While the judge approved the amended warrant request, he also set up additional measures meant to protect innocent visitors to the website. The government will have to disclose the names of the officers who will sort through the data and it will also have to inform the court how it plans to minimize the data collected on innocent site visitors and share its method for going through the data. Further, the DoJ will have to give the court one set of data not covered by the warrant that will be sealed and not reviewed thereafter and a second set of data with the reasoning behind why it’s evidence of a crime.

DreamHost has been instructed to begin handing over its data to the government starting immediately. However, if it decides to appeal the decision — which it hasn’t decided if it will or not — then a stay will be ordered until the appeal process is completed. The government isn’t supposed to begin reviewing the data until DreamHost makes a decision about whether it will appeal.

In a statement to Gizmodo, DreamHost said, “Given the extraordinary privacy and First Amendment issues raised by this case, the court has chosen to effectively shackle the Department of Justice in several key ways, all of which act to limit exposure of sensitive and private user information.”

Source: The Hill, Gizmodo

Recover from your workouts more quickly with the Powerdot

Why it matters to you

Devices like this one suggest that you don’t have to settle for aches and pains after a workout.

As important as your workout may be, equally crucial to helping you achieve your fitness goals is your recovery. After all, there’s a reason your trainer won’t let you off the hook without a good stretch. Now, there’s a new device that wants to help you recover faster and grow stronger — it’s called the Powerdot, and it’s an electric muscle stimulation device that promises to activate your muscle fibers before, during, or after your workout.

With ten different “workouts” and the option to select the muscle group you’d most like to target, the Powerdot allows you to send impulses to different parts of your body, helping increase blood and oxygen flow. That means that even if you’re not recovering from a hard workout, you can use the Powerdot to revitalize your muscles after sitting at your desk for hours on end, getting off a plane, or finishing a road trip.

Different programs are best suited for different activities — for example, there’s the active recovery mode, which claims to help you reduce blood lactate accumulation and targets Type I muscle fibers. And there’s the massage mode, which temporarily increases blood circulation in the area applied, promoting muscle relaxation.

So how do you actually use these programs? Simply attach the Powerdot to the part of your body that needs the treatment, and then use the companion app to select the mode you’re most interested in exploring. The app will also show you where and how to properly place the pre-charged pods and electrode pads on your body. Then, get ready for some serious neuromuscular electrical stimulation NMES.

The PowerDot uses FDA-cleared NMES to help you contract muscle groups you want to target, helping you get the same treatment that many professional athletes enjoy.

Currently available for $249 (for just one PowerDot) or $449 for a duo (which will work both sides of your body at the same time), the Powerdot promises to be “easy to use, convenient, effective, and compact.” So if you constantly find yourself battling aches and sores that come after a hard workout, know that you don’t have to resign yourself to discomfort. Just hook yourself up to a Powerdot and start relieving those pains.

Recover from your workouts more quickly with the Powerdot

Why it matters to you

Devices like this one suggest that you don’t have to settle for aches and pains after a workout.

As important as your workout may be, equally crucial to helping you achieve your fitness goals is your recovery. After all, there’s a reason your trainer won’t let you off the hook without a good stretch. Now, there’s a new device that wants to help you recover faster and grow stronger — it’s called the Powerdot, and it’s an electric muscle stimulation device that promises to activate your muscle fibers before, during, or after your workout.

With ten different “workouts” and the option to select the muscle group you’d most like to target, the Powerdot allows you to send impulses to different parts of your body, helping increase blood and oxygen flow. That means that even if you’re not recovering from a hard workout, you can use the Powerdot to revitalize your muscles after sitting at your desk for hours on end, getting off a plane, or finishing a road trip.

Different programs are best suited for different activities — for example, there’s the active recovery mode, which claims to help you reduce blood lactate accumulation and targets Type I muscle fibers. And there’s the massage mode, which temporarily increases blood circulation in the area applied, promoting muscle relaxation.

So how do you actually use these programs? Simply attach the Powerdot to the part of your body that needs the treatment, and then use the companion app to select the mode you’re most interested in exploring. The app will also show you where and how to properly place the pre-charged pods and electrode pads on your body. Then, get ready for some serious neuromuscular electrical stimulation NMES.

The PowerDot uses FDA-cleared NMES to help you contract muscle groups you want to target, helping you get the same treatment that many professional athletes enjoy.

Currently available for $249 (for just one PowerDot) or $449 for a duo (which will work both sides of your body at the same time), the Powerdot promises to be “easy to use, convenient, effective, and compact.” So if you constantly find yourself battling aches and sores that come after a hard workout, know that you don’t have to resign yourself to discomfort. Just hook yourself up to a Powerdot and start relieving those pains.

‘Minecraft’ for Xbox One finally gets mouse and keyboard support

Why it matters to you

Many players agree that the keyboard and mouse offers the best Minecraft experience and that control scheme is set to be available to Xbox One owners.

At E3 2017, developer Mojang shared plans to bring the various different Minecraft communities across consoles, PC, and mobile devices under one umbrella in the form of the “Better Together” update. That patch is currently being tested by Xbox One players who opted into a beta and the preview confirmed the introduction of a long-requested feature.

The current version of the beta allows Minecraft fans to test Xbox Live multiplayer and other functionality in the new “Bedrock Edition” of the game. On top of that, there is a nifty option hidden away in a menu screen that can be used to select a keyboard and mouse as the primary input device rather than the standard Xbox One controller, according to OnMSFT.

This is pretty big news. Minecraft started out on the PC and as such many players are most comfortable building their creations and navigating the game world with the freedom of control afforded by a mouse. There have been numerous requests from fans for this functionality to be implemented in the console version of the game and it seems that those wishes have finally been granted.

It remains to be seen whether the PlayStation 4 version of Minecraft will also receive official support for keyboard and mouse control schemes somewhere down the line. Sony declined to take part in the Better Together update, so the system is currently positioned separately to the central strand of the game’s development moving forward.

The fact that Minecraft is adding keyboard and mouse support on the Xbox One might suggest that this control scheme will become a more prominent component of the console’s identity. Microsoft has made no secret of its intention to bring Windows 10 and the Xbox One closer together and since so many of its big releases are cross-play and already have keyboard and mouse control schemes established, it should not be too difficult to set up.

The Better Together update for Minecraft will see the Xbox One, Windows 10, Nintendo Switch, and mobile versions of the game drop their platform specific-branding and enable players using different hardware to create alongside one another. There is currently no official release date for the final version of the patch.

The Vinyl Recorder app lets you rip your favorite analog tunes to your phone

Why it matters to you

If you’re a vinyl listener looking to take rips of your favorite records on the go, there is now an app for that.

Fans of analog audio who want to listen to their favorite records on the go now have a new option for putting their coveted collection in their pocket with Convert Technologies‘ new Vinyl Recorder app.

All listeners need is a USB turntable and a micro-USB cable to attach it to their phone, at which point they simply load the Vinyl Recorder app and press record. An integration with Gracenote means that after a few seconds, the service will identify the song from its online database, then add information to your digital vinyl rip — including the artist name, song title, album title, album artwork, and genre tags.

Best of all, the music is recorded to your phone in high-quality 16-bit, 48k FLAC files, which means you will be able to hear CD-quality versions of every track you rip, wherever you go. This makes it an excellent option for record collectors who always listen to vinyl at home but who have yet to settle on a good portable solution. With the Vinyl Recorder app, you can take your rarest and most coveted vinyl wherever you are not willing to risk taking the real thing.

The app itself is free, but Convert Technologies does charge a fee per-track for ripping your favorite analog cuts. Those who plan on ripping just a few of their favorite tracks can do so for cheap — 10 tracks costs around $2.50 — and those interested in backing up more of their library can do so for a reasonably affordable sum as well, with 250 tracks costing about $40.

The application is currently for Android only but the company is planning to port it to iOS as soon as it can, even offering an email sign up for iPhone users on its website. To learn more, be sure to check out the promo video included at the top of this post.

Looking to get into vinyl but don’t know where to start? We have a list of our favorite affordable turntables and the best entry-level phono preamps, as well as a good amount of pointers as to how to start a perfect vinyl record collection.

Best Galaxy Note 8 cases to safeguard your Samsung phablet

Samsung’s Galaxy Note 8 smartphone is a giant blend of curved glass and metal that probably won’t survive an encounter with the sidewalk unscathed. If you’re going to spend close to $1,000 on a smartphone, then you had better invest a little more in some decent protection. We’ve highlighted a few different styles to help you find the right look and feel for you. These are the best Galaxy Note 8 cases and covers so far.

Incipio DualPro Case ($30)

The DualPro design is one of the original and best dual layer cases, combining a hard, polycarbonate exterior with a shock absorbent inner core. The soft layer includes chunky button covers and generous cut-outs for all your ports, cameras, and other features. This solid, unfussy case offers drop protection up to 12 feet and there’s a raised edge to safeguard that curved display. It comes in a choice of different color combinations to provide a bit of contrast between the inner and outer layers. You’ll also find that this case has a soft-touch finish that enhances grip and makes it really comfy to hold. Incipio puts a lot into making cases, so you can be sure of a quality product.

Buy one now from:

Incipio

Speck Presidio Grip + Glitter Case ($50)

It’s tough to find cases that combine style and reliability with clever design like this one does. This is a protective case that combines a hard polycarbonate shell with a shock absorbing rubber material that will keep your Note 8 safe from falls of up to 10 feet. The flexible material is also used to create a series of ridges on the outside which give it an interesting look, but, perhaps more importantly, seriously improve your grip. This eye-catching pink and peach combo is also infused with gold glitter, but you can get the same design, minus the glitter, in more conservative colors if you prefer.

Buy one now from:

Speck

Carved Traveler Wood Case ($24+)

We’re big fans of Carved’s range of real wood cases, all designed and made in Elkhart, Indiana. They start out from $24 for a plain wood grain finish, or you can pay a bit more for inlaid wooden designs, painted finishes, inlaid shell and mother of pearl, or even cases made from recycled skateboards. There are a lot of beautiful and unique designs to choose from and they work with some talented artists to make Note 8 cases that really stand out from the crowd. The wooden panels are mounted on a basic black, plastic shell that holds your Note 8 securely. All the cut-outs you need are present and correct, there are thin button covers, and the texture on the sides enhances your grip.

Buy one now from:

Carved

Samsung Alcantara Case ($65)

This official Samsung Galaxy Note 8 case is covered in alcantara, which is a soft blend of polyester and polyurethane that feels like suede, but is more durable. The case is a slim shell, so it won’t interfere with wireless chargers and it adds very little to the profile of your phone, but it does cover the corners and extend around the screen to provide basic protection. You’ll find large openings for uninhibited use of the camera, ports, S Pen, and other features, and there are button covers on the side for the volume and power. If you want a soft, warm feel with your case, then this could be the one for you. It comes in black, gray, khaki, or pink.

Buy one now from:

Mobile Fun

Griffin Survivor Clear Case ($20)

Why not protect your phone without masking Samsung’s gorgeous design? Griffin’s clear Survivor case can do exactly that with solid drop protection for falls from up to 4 feet, a 6H hardness rating, and scratch-resistance. The crystal clear back panel is glossy polycarbonate, but the bumper around the frame is a softer material designed to take the sting out of bumps and falls. It’s a slim and subtle case that will still provide the protection you need. Opt for a completely clear version or pick up a case with a translucent colored tint.

Buy one now from:

Griffin

UAG Monarch Series Case ($60)

If you want really solid protection for your Galaxy Note 8, why not go all in with a tough case from Urban Armor Gear? The Monarch Series sports the usual industrial UAG look, adding leather panels and alloy metal highlights to the lightweight, but strong, plastic frame. This case exceeds military drop test standards, so there’s no need to be concerned if your Note 8 takes a tumble. You also get big textured, tactile button covers and generous openings for easy access to everything. The sides are textured to add grip and the corners are reinforced and extend in all directions to prevent your phone from ever touching down. This Note 8 case also doesn’t interfere with Samsung Pay or the fast wireless charging. You can get it in black or crimson.

Buy one now from:

UAG

Tech21 Evo Tactical Case ($45)

Having seen Tech21’s testing methods first hand, we know they take drop protection very seriously. The Evo Tactical has a clever design that goes around the frame of your Note 8, effectively providing three layers of protection and ensuring your phone can survive drops of up to 10 feet without a mark. Despite this level of protection, the case is fairly thin and light. There are large openings for easy access to ports, camera, and other features. You’ll also find button covers and raised lips top and bottom to protect the screen. Although it just comes in black, Tech21 has thrown in a design flourish on the back with a geometric pattern that’s also textured to create an interesting look and enhance your grip.

Buy one now from:

Tech21

Skech Polo Book Case ($45)

This Galaxy Note 8 wallet case from Skech has a very clever design. The folio-style, wallet exterior has a leather-look with a textured finish and stitching. It folds back to act as a viewing stand and also sports a handy magnetic clasp for secure closure. Inside there are three pockets for cards, one windowed for an ID, and a larger pocket at the back for cash. The slim, hard shell case for your Note 8 is minimal, with large openings for easy access to phone features. It can also detach from the folio and be used a slim, standalone case if you prefer. The back is magnetic, so you can stick it on a magnetic mount in your car and use your Note 8 to navigate.

Buy one now from:

Skech

Snap the Shaveman on a disposable razor to instantly turn it into an electric shaver

Why it matters to you

Tired of your boring old disposable razor? Then you may want to check out the Shaveman, a razor-vibration applicator designed to be mounted on any disposable razor.

Do you ever find yourself yourself shaving with your boring old disposable razor and wishing that you had some kind of high-tech attachment, resembling a tiny electric hockey puck, to vibrate the blade at a rate of hundreds of times per second for an altogether more thrilling shave? Probably not, but someone has invented one anyway — and you can pre-order it right now on Kickstarter.

Called the Shaveman, the device is a razor-vibration applicator designed to be mounted on any disposable razor available on the market. With a compact housing, containing a lithium polymer battery, the Shaverman will bring your otherwise stationary razor to life with up to 11,000 fine vibrations per minute. The result? A smooth shave at a low cost.

“In most cases, each man’s facial hair lies in a different direction,” Benjamin Kim, director of manufacturer Dearbros, told Digital Trends. “However, regular razors often fail to cut those lying-down beard hairs. They get swept along, or they get caught and pulled out. Due to this, users try to stick the razor up closer to their skin, and this leads to the skin becoming more irritated, among other complications. [But] if you make the razor vibrate, the vibration transfers to the skin and catches the beard hairs that lie flat, reducing skin irritation and allowing for a cleaner shave.”

As to the all-important question of safety, Kim says that Shaveman’s waterproof body makes it safe enough to wash with water after you’re done shaving. The built-in lithium polymer batteries also feature a function that prevents overcharging.

As to that minor issue of whether or not it’s going to cut your face off like Hannibal Lecter escaping his captors in Silence of the Lambs: “Those worried about cutting themselves due to the vibration during shaving can have those worries alleviated by taking a glance at the brand-name vibration razors being sold on the market already,” Kim said.

You can pre-order Shaveman on Kickstarter right now, with prices starting at $30 and shipping set to take place in December. We recommend you just grow a beard until then.