Here’s what HEIF and HEVC are, and why they’ll improve your iPhone with iOS 11

Apple’s iOS 11 is officially here, you will notice several new camera and photo features. But one change you may not be aware of is Apple’s adoption of the HEIF and HEVC formats, and you may not be aware of its benefits and limitations immediately. HEIF and HEVC promise to deliver improved resolution and more manageable photo and video file sizes, but those are just the start. You should know, not every hardware and software support these two formats yet. So, as you’re familiarizing yourself with iOS 11, here’s what you need to know about HEIF and HEVC.

What is HEIF?

HEIF stands for High Efficiency Image Format. Like JPEG, GIF, TIFF, and PNG, HEIF is a type of image format put forth by the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG). While much of the current discussion regarding HEIF is centered around Apple’s upcoming iOS 11 and MacOS High Sierra operating systems, the format was finalized in 2015 and is not exclusive to Apple.

Apple

What does it do?

Like JPEG, HEIF is a standard for lossy digital image compression. It’s a technology for maintaining some quality while keeping file sizes small; compared to a lossless technology like TIFF, which employs little to no compression but file sizes are very large. HEIF, according to Apple, maintains the image quality of JPEG but at up to half the size, or offers better quality at the same size. It achieves this by comparing all the data of an image and only saving the areas that are different, instead of every piece of information (it’s more technical than that).

Why is there a need for a new standard?

JPEG has been the universal standard since it was created in 1992, and is used by nearly everything that involves digital photography. But JPEG file sizes are getting larger, thanks to constant improvements in camera tech and new features, like new sensors with more megapixels, which affects storage capacity as well as bandwidth limitations. Apple’s adoption of HEIF is one way to deal with increasing file sizes without sacrificing image quality or needing to dedicate significant storage.

Why are we only hearing about HEIF now?

It’s simply because Apple is using it, and that carries a lot of weight for any emerging technology. The company announced support for HEIF at WWDC 2017, but it remains to be seen whether Apple will promote it publicly or keep it as behind-the-scenes tech.

Is JPEG dead?

Not at all. Because HEIF is still new, it’s not universally supported, even if Apple is using it. In fact, iOS 11 will still support JPEG. In the camera settings, users can choose between High Efficiency and Most Compatible, the latter being JPEG (iOS 11 will also convert an HEIF file to JPEG when it’s required, but not all hardware and software can read an HEIF file natively). That means you’ll still need JPEG for editing and sharing with incompatible apps. Also, older JPEG files you have on your phone will remain in that format, even after you upgrade to iOS 11.

However, compatibility might not be an issue since Apple software developers have had some time to build support for HEIF into their apps — if developers join the bandwagon, naturally. Google Photos, it seems, is supporting the format in some fashion, based on a recent test we did.

Let’s not forget that JPEG has been around more than two decades. HEIF, if it picks up steam, will live side by side with JPEG, PNG, GIF, TIFF, and all the other formats in existence.

Lastly, HEIF is more than just a new file format. As CNET’s Stephen Shankland best puts it, it’s a container for different types of files. That means, in addition to a still photo, a HEIF file could also be an animated GIF, HDR photo, burst, Live Photo, short video, etc., as well as the depth-sensing data for augmented reality.

So, is the industry moving to HEIF?

Not quite. While Apple is surely using its clout to push things in that direction, the industry hasn’t embraced it yet. As mentioned, it’s not universally supported, and Apple hasn’t abandoned JPEG completely. And, there are other formats in the works, such as Google’s WebP.

There’s also an issue of licensing. Yes, to use the format a company has to pay for it, in addition to building code to support it. That might not be an issue if the benefits outweigh the cost, but companies may not rush to do so, either.

What about HEVC? What’s that?

HEVC, or High Efficiency Video Coding, is the compression standard Apple is adopting for video, along with HEIF for photos. Also known as H.265, the reason for the switch from the current standard, H.264 (or MPEG-4), is the same as the change from JPEG to HEIF. Since new iPhones now shoot up to 4K resolution, video file sizes have increased significantly. That affects not only storage and transfer speeds, but also bandwidth for streaming video. HEVC helps to maintain that high resolution by delivering clearer image quality with fewer artifacts, while keeping the file sizes manageable. Apple already uses HEVC for FaceTime, and the industry is adopting the codec to overcome the limitations of H.264. You can read more about HEVC and how it’s redefining video encoding.

If you want to get geeky, Apple’s Developer website offers more information on how HEIF and HEVC work, and how to build support for it. For everything else about iOS 11, you can read all about the new improvements here.

Here’s what HEIF and HEVC are, and why they’ll improve your iPhone with iOS 11

Apple’s iOS 11 is officially here, you will notice several new camera and photo features. But one change you may not be aware of is Apple’s adoption of the HEIF and HEVC formats, and you may not be aware of its benefits and limitations immediately. HEIF and HEVC promise to deliver improved resolution and more manageable photo and video file sizes, but those are just the start. You should know, not every hardware and software support these two formats yet. So, as you’re familiarizing yourself with iOS 11, here’s what you need to know about HEIF and HEVC.

What is HEIF?

HEIF stands for High Efficiency Image Format. Like JPEG, GIF, TIFF, and PNG, HEIF is a type of image format put forth by the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG). While much of the current discussion regarding HEIF is centered around Apple’s upcoming iOS 11 and MacOS High Sierra operating systems, the format was finalized in 2015 and is not exclusive to Apple.

Apple

What does it do?

Like JPEG, HEIF is a standard for lossy digital image compression. It’s a technology for maintaining some quality while keeping file sizes small; compared to a lossless technology like TIFF, which employs little to no compression but file sizes are very large. HEIF, according to Apple, maintains the image quality of JPEG but at up to half the size, or offers better quality at the same size. It achieves this by comparing all the data of an image and only saving the areas that are different, instead of every piece of information (it’s more technical than that).

Why is there a need for a new standard?

JPEG has been the universal standard since it was created in 1992, and is used by nearly everything that involves digital photography. But JPEG file sizes are getting larger, thanks to constant improvements in camera tech and new features, like new sensors with more megapixels, which affects storage capacity as well as bandwidth limitations. Apple’s adoption of HEIF is one way to deal with increasing file sizes without sacrificing image quality or needing to dedicate significant storage.

Why are we only hearing about HEIF now?

It’s simply because Apple is using it, and that carries a lot of weight for any emerging technology. The company announced support for HEIF at WWDC 2017, but it remains to be seen whether Apple will promote it publicly or keep it as behind-the-scenes tech.

Is JPEG dead?

Not at all. Because HEIF is still new, it’s not universally supported, even if Apple is using it. In fact, iOS 11 will still support JPEG. In the camera settings, users can choose between High Efficiency and Most Compatible, the latter being JPEG (iOS 11 will also convert an HEIF file to JPEG when it’s required, but not all hardware and software can read an HEIF file natively). That means you’ll still need JPEG for editing and sharing with incompatible apps. Also, older JPEG files you have on your phone will remain in that format, even after you upgrade to iOS 11.

However, compatibility might not be an issue since Apple software developers have had some time to build support for HEIF into their apps — if developers join the bandwagon, naturally. Google Photos, it seems, is supporting the format in some fashion, based on a recent test we did.

Let’s not forget that JPEG has been around more than two decades. HEIF, if it picks up steam, will live side by side with JPEG, PNG, GIF, TIFF, and all the other formats in existence.

Lastly, HEIF is more than just a new file format. As CNET’s Stephen Shankland best puts it, it’s a container for different types of files. That means, in addition to a still photo, a HEIF file could also be an animated GIF, HDR photo, burst, Live Photo, short video, etc., as well as the depth-sensing data for augmented reality.

So, is the industry moving to HEIF?

Not quite. While Apple is surely using its clout to push things in that direction, the industry hasn’t embraced it yet. As mentioned, it’s not universally supported, and Apple hasn’t abandoned JPEG completely. And, there are other formats in the works, such as Google’s WebP.

There’s also an issue of licensing. Yes, to use the format a company has to pay for it, in addition to building code to support it. That might not be an issue if the benefits outweigh the cost, but companies may not rush to do so, either.

What about HEVC? What’s that?

HEVC, or High Efficiency Video Coding, is the compression standard Apple is adopting for video, along with HEIF for photos. Also known as H.265, the reason for the switch from the current standard, H.264 (or MPEG-4), is the same as the change from JPEG to HEIF. Since new iPhones now shoot up to 4K resolution, video file sizes have increased significantly. That affects not only storage and transfer speeds, but also bandwidth for streaming video. HEVC helps to maintain that high resolution by delivering clearer image quality with fewer artifacts, while keeping the file sizes manageable. Apple already uses HEVC for FaceTime, and the industry is adopting the codec to overcome the limitations of H.264. You can read more about HEVC and how it’s redefining video encoding.

If you want to get geeky, Apple’s Developer website offers more information on how HEIF and HEVC work, and how to build support for it. For everything else about iOS 11, you can read all about the new improvements here.

NASA satellite data could help predict and mitigate malaria outbreaks

Why it matters to you

Malaria remains one of the deadliest diseases in the world, but NASA could be helping to fight it.

It’s an exclusively terrestrial problem, but we’re now devoting extraterrestrial resources to help fight one of the deadliest diseases in the world — malaria. The bright minds at NASA are helping scientists track “the types of human and environmental events that typically precede a [malaria] outbreak” by using data from satellites. University researchers, in partnership with NASA and the Peruvian government, are developing a system that employs satellite and other data to predict outbreaks at a surprisingly granular level up to months in advance. This level of preparedness, scientists hope, will help households prevent the disease from taking its deadly toll.

“Malaria is a vector-borne disease, which means you have to have a vector, or mosquito, in this case, transmit the disease,” explained principal investigator William Pan, an assistant professor of global environmental health at Duke University, in a NASA report. “The key to our malaria forecasting tool lies in pinpointing areas where prime breeding grounds for these mosquitos overlap simultaneously with human populations.”

These breeding grounds, as many know, are usually puddles and ponds, and using NASA’s Land Data Assimilation System (LDAS), scientists can predict where these standing pools of water are likely to form. For example, if heavy rains are on the horizon, researchers know that this will likely result in flooding conditions, resulting in prime mosquito habitats. LDAS is also capable of tracking deforestation, another key indicator for malaria outbreaks.

“It’s an exercise in indirect reasoning,” said Ben Zaitchik, the project’s co-investigator responsible for the LDAS component and an associate professor at Johns Hopkins University’s Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences. “These models let us predict where the soil moisture is going to be in a condition that will allow for breeding sites to form.”

Ultimately, this data could be used to assess the “probability of when, where, and how many people are expected to get bitten and infected with the disease,” NASA explained. And this information could be used by governments to take preventive measures, such as distributing bed nets, sprays, and anti-malaria treatment.

While the focus of the project is currently malaria, there’s no reason the same technology couldn’t be used more broadly. “I think that government health agencies will find not just one but many uses for the system that can benefit a lot people,” Pan said. “That’s always been our goal.”

Adobe Spark will now customize graphics, video, web pages in just three steps

Why it matters to you

Adobe Spark can now create custom graphics quickly and without the Adobe branding — and if you already subscribe to the Creative Cloud, it’s free.

Adobe Spark brings the software giant’s graphics capabilities into a program that generates graphics, videos, and web pages quickly — but now Spark’s options are getting even more custom. On Tuesday, September 19, Adobe launched several premium customization options inside Spark, with branding options that automatically adjust across all of the program’s templates. Unlike the previously launched free version, a Spark subscription now gives users customization options, including removing the Adobe Spark branding from the final design.

The update allows for more branding and customization options inside the program, a significant change since Spark’s simple platform is often utilized by small businesses that may not have big budgets for creating media. Adobe says that the most-requested features by current users is for more customization options.

The upgraded features aim to keep Spark’s simplicity — just three choices adjusts all of the templates at once. Users can now upload a logo (or auto-generate one inside Spark), choose colors, or have Spark automatically extract the colors from the logo, and then pick a font family. Once selected, those choices are adjusted instantly across Spark’s different templates for graphics, videos, and web pages.

After the initial setup, premium users then have the option to use one of 20 customizable templates or apply those branding choices to a basic template. The new setup also makes it easier for brands to maintain a consistent brand image across graphics, videos, and web pages, Adobe says. The new premium version replaces Adobe’s Spark logo with the user’s custom logo, eliminating the Spark branding from the finished graphics.

“At Spark we believe that the stories we tell define us,” Adobe’s Aubrey Cattell wrote in a blog post. “The content you create and share with the world represents what you care about, what moves you, what inspires you, and what your goals are. Spark with premium features offers more self expression options so you can quickly and easily show people who you are — whether you are just starting to craft your online identity, already growing your following on social media, or creating marketing content for a nonprofit or small business.”

The new customization features are part of a premium version of Spark. While Spark remains a free program, a subscription is required for the new premium customization options. Those features are included in any existing Creative Cloud subscription or with a Spark-only subscription, which is $10 a month or $100 for a year.

Spark launched last year when Adobe renamed three separate apps under the Adobe Spark name. The graphics program remains available on desktop browsers as well as with iOS mobile apps, with separate versions for graphics, video, and web pages.

Pixel and Nexus owners, how’s the Oreo update holding up?

The Oreo update has been out for a few weeks now. How’s it going so far?

The Google Pixel received Android 8.0 Oreo on August 21, though thousands of people had been using it in Developer Preview form for longer than that.

Still, a finished Android version is sure to attract a lot of attention, even from average folks whose lives don’t revolve around the comings and goings of updates named after sweet treats. And while Android 8.0 Oreo is only available for five devices — the Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, and Pixel C tablet — it’s been long enough now that we can reasonably evaluate its success or failure based on a number of metrics.

Besides a few minor issues, Oreo seems to be a solid update so far.

Personally, I’ve had some issues with Oreo on my Pixel XL. Bluetooth has never been great on the Pixel, but Oreo promised improvements; alas, those don’t seem to have been included in my bundle. Indeed, I’ve had tremendous trouble keeping various Bluetooth headphones and speakers connected without stuttering and dropouts, even when the device is close by. Occasionally I even lose the connection altogether and have to re-pair the Pixel to the headphones to continue playing wirelessly.

Another issue I’ve had, which could just be my phone, is a lack of incoming text messages. Doesn’t matter if I’m using the default Messages app or something like Facebook Messenger or Textra, SMS are just not getting through. Removing the SIM and putting it in another phone resolves the problem. This wasn’t an issue prior to the update to Oreo, but I took this phone through the Developer Previews, which could have installed some gremlins. I’m going to factory reset my Pixel XL to see if it resolves things on that end.

Other than those two minor issues, Oreo has been a solid update so far. Performance is good, apps run well (even those that haven’t been updated to support Oreo’s new features) and I really like some of the user-facing changes, like Adaptive Icons and improvements to notifications (including the divisive colored media notifications).

So, how’s it going for you? Any issues that we should know about? How’s battery life holding up post-Oreo? Let us know in the comments below!

Android Oreo

• Android Oreo review!
• Everything new in Android Oreo
• How to get Android Oreo on your Pixel or Nexus
• Oreo will make you love notifications again
• Will my phone get Android Oreo?
• Join the Discussion

Motorola is bringing the Moto X4 to India on October 3

The Moto X4 will be debuting early next month in India.

India is Motorola’s largest market, so it’s no surprise that the company is getting ready to introduce the Moto X4 in the country early next month. According to a tweet posted by Motorola India, the Moto X4 will be making its debut in India on October 3.

Get ready for an #xperience unlike any other with the #MotoX4. Unveiling on 3rd October. pic.twitter.com/6ZNeOXBuXJ

— Motorola India (@motorolaindia) September 19, 2017

The Moto X4 was unveiled last month at IFA with dual rear cameras, an anodized aluminum frame along with a glass back, and IP68 dust and water resistance. The phone has a 5.2-inch Full HD panel, Snapdragon 630, 3GB/4GB of RAM, 32GB/64GB storage, 12MP camera backed by an 8MP shooter, 16MP front camera, and a 3000mAh battery.

The Moto X4 retails for €399, which comes out to around ₹30,700. We’ll know more about availability and pricing details at the launch, so stay tuned.

Amazon’s all-new Fire HD 10 has a 1080p display, costs just $149

The latest generation Fire HD 10 costs $80 less than its predecessor.

Amazon is rolling out much-needed updates to the Fire HD 10 and decreasing its price point at the same time. The latest generation Fire HD 10 features a 10.1-inch Full HD display, double the amount of storage at 32GB, and a 1.8GHz MediaTek quad-core CPU that’s 30% faster than the one used in its predecessor. The tablet will go up for sale starting October 11 for $149, or $80 less than the starting price of its predecessor.

The tablet comes with 2GB of RAM, a microSD slot that can accommodate cards up to 256GB, stereo speakers with audio tuned by Dolby, Wi-Fi ac, 2MP rear camera, VGA front camera, 3.5mm jack, and a microUSB charging port. Amazon is touting a battery life of up to ten hours, and claims that the Fire HD 10 is much more durable than the iPad Pro 10.5.

The Fire HD 10 also comes with hands-free Alexa, allowing you to control music playback, turn off the lights, see weather-related updates, sports scores, and so much more.

Amazon is offering the Fire HD 10 in two variants: a base model with 32GB storage that will retail for $149, and a version with 64GB storage that will set you back $189. As always, both models come with lock screen ads, but you can shell out an additional $15 to get the variants without “special offers.”

The Fire HD 10 is made out of plastic, and comes in three color options — Black, Marine Blue and Punch Red. Amazon is also rolling out protective covers starting at $39.

Overall, the upgrades make the Fire HD 10 a much more enticing option, particularly at that $149 price point. The tablet is now up for pre-order on Amazon, with deliveries going out from October 11.

See at Amazon

10 essential Chromebook keyboard shortcuts you need to know

Getting to know your Chromebook’s keyboard can save time and make you more productive.

If you’re one of those people who want to keep their hands on the keyboard when they’re sitting in front of a computer — I know I am — then you need to check out the keyboard shortcuts built into your Chromebook.

There are over 100 different things you can do with the keys alone. You can access menus, start apps, switch between things, check your notifications and do just about anything you would ever need in the browser using a combination of the modifier keys (Control, Alt, and Shift) combined with other keys. Some of them you already know because they are universal across most things with a keyboard, like copying text with the Control + c key combo. Others you might not know — like switching languages with Control + Shift + space bar. Even shortcuts you should never need to use, like Alt + Search for CAPS LOCK are there. PLEASE BE CAREFUL WITH THE CAPS LOCK.

Of course very few of us will memorize all the different things we can do through our Chromebook keyboard or which keys we need to press to do them. But I do have a few I use every day, and I think you’ll benefit from knowing my top ten. Here they are, in no specific order.

• See all the shortcuts with Control + Alt + / (see a full keyboard overlay with Control + Alt + ?)
• Open the file manager with Alt + Shift + m
• Launch an app from your shelf with Alt + 1 through 8
• Open the browser menu with Alt + e
• Snap open windows with Alt + [ (snap to the left side) and Alt + ] (snap to the right side)
• Turn a word into a URL by typing it into the Ominbar then pressing Control + Enter
• Move the cursor by the word instead of the letter in a text field with Control + right/left arrows (highlight each word as you move through them with Control + Shift + right/left arrow)
• Open your notifications with Control + Alt + n
• Switch tabs with Control + 1 through 8 (open the last tab on the right with Control + 9)
• Reopen the last tab you closed with Control + Shift + T

Protip: If you use the same tab(s) day in and day out, drop it in the number one (furthest left) spot. I keep three tabs I always have open in positions one, two, and three. And none of them are Android Central because it stays at the very end at all times. With my pinky finger on the Control key, I can get to them without ever moving the cursor.

These are the ones I know by heart — my brain just can’t hold any more of them in memory — my RAM is full. I know there are shortcuts for changing screen zoom (Control + and – because I just looked. Again.) but I can never remember them when I need them. Instead, I know Alt + e opens the menu where I can click the tiny button to do it. Thankfully, you can bookmark a page that has them all at Google’s Chromebook Help center or just memorize the first one in my list.

I’m sure I’m not the only one who gets plenty of mileage from my keyboard. If you have any shortcuts you use every day, let us know in the comments!

Update, September 2017: Nothing has changed, so we can stay productive on our Chromebooks!

Chromebooks

• The best Chromebooks
• Should you buy a Chromebook?
• Google Play is coming to Chromebooks
• Acer Chromebook 14 review
• Join our Chromebook forums

Become one with the virtual worlds with this PlayStation VR bundle for $300

If you haven’t already taken the plunge and picked up a PlayStation VR, today may be the day that changes. Amazon is currently offering a bundle that includes both the headset and camera for $299.99 when you use the coupon code PSVRSAVE at checkout. This is a great deal considering the headset itself normally runs $350, and the camera is around $50 as well.

Unlike the last time this bundle was available for this price, this one doesn’t appear to come with any extra games. Don’t worry though, you can take some of that $100 you just saved and pick up some great games to get yourself started. Our friends at VR Heads say that Eve: Valkyrie, Job Simulator and Star Trek: Bridge Crew are some of the best games out there right now.

See at Amazon

More from Thrifter

• Tips for becoming an expert eBay seller
• Skip the expensive pet store options and make your own dog bed at home

For more great deals be sure to check out our friends at Thrifter now!

‘Planet of the Apes: Last Frontier’ multiplayer will test friendships

Planet of the Apes: Last Frontier is an entirely choice-based game. There are no real heroes or villains among the humans and apes you play as, and no right or wrong paths to take towards the conclusion of this choose your own adventure. Atypical of storytelling games, though, there’s a multiplayer element that’s almost meta. Not only do you have to resolve conflicts within the game, you also have to do it within your own living room, debating, persuading and occasionally forcing other players to accept your point of view to move the narrative forward.

The origin story of Planet of the Apes: Last Frontier is one of fortuitous timing. Former VP of Disney Interactive Martin Alltimes had planned to leave his post with the goal of setting up a nimbler, independent studio focused on narrative-driven games. Andy Serkis’ The Imaginarium, a production company specializing in motion capture, had finished work on Ryse: Son of Rome and thought an in-house video game arm would be a sensible expansion. A few pitches later and The Imaginati Studios was born, with Alltimes at the helm and a license from 20th Century Fox in hand.

The game is set between the events of the last two movies in the rebooted franchise. It follows a shrewdness of apes that left San Francisco after their chosen leader, Koba, was defeated by protagonist Caesar (the climax of Dawn of the Planet of the Apes). Fearing reprisal, they journeyed hundreds of miles to the Rocky Mountains to start their own community, arriving in spring. We join the story as winter is setting in and food is scarce, forcing the apes to come into contact with a human compound occupied by mid-western farmer types that are themselves most concerned with quiet survival.

Both camps have similarly messy internal dynamics, and it’s your job to decide how those take shape and, ultimately, how interactions between the groups play out. On the side of the apes, you assume the role of Bryn, one of three sons of troupe leader Kahn. On either side of him, you have the aggressive and warmongering Tola, and the fearful Juno, who has a genetic deformity that makes other apes see him as weak and expendable.

This simpler, high school-esque hierarchy is in contrast with the more political power struggle looming over the human camp. Jess’ status as leader is vulnerable, since she inherited the title from her late husband. She’s a relatively diplomatic member of the group, and must contend with more pragmatic views and manage the aggressive nature of trigger-happy, ape-hunter types.

By playing as both races, you are encouraged to empathize with each side, making no decision truly black or white. And Last Frontier is all about decisions. It’s more like an interactive movie in that respect, as choosing what road the story takes is the sole gameplay mechanic. When Last Frontier is released later this year (no firm launch details as yet), it’ll be priced to reflect that. I’m told around the $20-25 mark — somewhere in between the cost of a cinema ticket and triple-A title.

Alltimes was inspired to go all-in on the storytelling side of things by some of his favorite games, such as Until Dawn, Life Is Strange and particularly, Heavy Rain. “I thought what they did at Quantic Dream was really groundbreaking. They took a big risk. They put storytelling front and center, they didn’t rely on traditional game mechanics,” he said.

Setting a narrative game in the Planet of the Apes universe felt like a good fit. The Imaginarium already had a long relationship with 20th Century Fox, the technology to capture lifelike and emotionally engaging performances for the game, and it was an easy way for investors to understand how that expertise could be leveraged by an in-house development team. Importantly for Alltimes, though, it’s a compelling storyline.

“[Planet of the Apes] gave me a great basis for a choice-based game because it meant I could have legitimately interesting endings. So you’ve got this morally ambiguous universe where both sides of the story have good and bad sides to them and where there are legitimate reasons for their behavior — because bottom line, they’re both trying to survive.”

Keen for Last Frontier not to appear as merchandise, the game includes an all-new cast of characters and isn’t timed to coincide with anything from the film franchise. And by doing the exact opposite of sticking an ape on a horse, handing it a machine gun and turning into an action game, Alltimes hopes it’ll be judged on its own merit. Making you play as both sides of the conflict and toying with your loyalties is also key. “Otherwise, there’s no tension. There’s no drama.”

The sheer simplicity of the game design is precarious, of course. It relies completely on A or B decisions, mostly guiding the narrative but occasionally a real-time action that must be judged upon swiftly. The rest is just watching. Since there’s no ‘detective’ element to the game, The Imaginati felt adding manual character controls, just for the sake of running over to another character to spark an interaction, was unnecessary.

Alltimes hopes this simplicity will broaden the title’s appeal beyond the traditional console gamer. The yang to that yin is that there’ll also be plenty of pad warriors that’ll ignore the title for exactly the same reason, regardless of the price. At some point during the development cycle, The Imaginati realized that the straightforward mechanics presented an interesting opportunity. “If I’m not directly in control of this character, then other people can vote with me, and that’s what lead us down the route to multiplayer,” Alltimes recalls.

What changes during a multiplayer run is up to four people get to choose the next course of action independently. This part is blind, but when everyone’s made a decision, their names appear on-screen next to their preference. Only a unanimous choice will advance the story, unless one of the players spends their override token (my words) to force A or B through. This power-up resets when everyone has assumed the role of dictator once. On PS4, the game works with Sony’s PlayLink, meaning players can use their smartphones instead of a pad if there aren’t enough to go around. This feature is also very mom-friendly since the choices are mirrored on the smaller screen — you only need one finger to play, effectively.

Multiplayer doesn’t alter the story one bit, but what it promises is as much action taking place off-screen as on-screen, with players debating, persuading and trolling each other with their trump cards to move the story forward. Alltimes calls it “a more intimate experience” that adds a thin layer of strategy to the mix. “You can’t underestimate what people bring to it, what their personalities bring to it. You can’t plan for that, you can’t design for that, it just comes out naturally.”

“We can have a social experience around the television, which used to be part of console gaming and has now largely gone away with online.” That social experience, of course, could mean having a nice time sitting through an interactive movie with your friends. Or it could mean a heavily charged debate that ends with you overriding everyone else and watching them squirm as an orangutan gets beaten half to death with a metal pipe on your orders.

In this way, there’s potential for the game to be a case of resolving conflicts between players, and not the apes and humans on the other side of the glass. “Some people are mischievous, some people are very collaborative and sincere, and that changes the dynamic every time you play it.” Replayability is something The Imaginati focused on during development. Removing any player-controlled movement keeps the pace consistent, making for a relatively bite-sized two-to-three-hour total playtime.

The upside of this — as far as the pitch goes, at least — is that you’re more likely to revisit it. There are three main conclusions you can arrive at, with another layer of endings beyond that depending on things like who you’ve killed along the way, you monster. Whether you’ll want to replay the story when your first attempt ended in a family shouting match is another matter entirely, of course.