Amazon Fire HD 10 review (2017)

If you just want a basic tablet that can do all the things and do them reasonably well, this is the one to get.

Here’s all you need to know about Amazon’s 2017 Fire HD 10 tablet. It has Alexa built in. It runs all the Android apps Amazon has in its own Appstore. It’s got access to Amazon Books and Music and Games and Photos and everything else Amazon has.

And it starts at $150.

That’s it. It’s a middle-of-the-road, won’t-break-the-bank, no-frills tablet.

And it’s the only one I’d ever buy for that kind of money.

See at Amazon

OK, OK. There’s a little more to this story. Only, not really. Amazon keeps doing what it’s been doing with its tablet hardware for some time now. You get something that works, and works surprisingly well, for not a lot of money.

The intent, of course, is to make up the difference buy buying things from Amazon. Preferably, Amazon would tell you, all the things from Amazon. The Fire HD 10 is the upsized gateway, just like the Fire HD 8 is the smaller, even less-expensive model.

Watch this …

The Amazon Fire HD 10 video review

None better for the money …

Amazon Fire HD 10 (2017) Review

The Fire HD 10 specs are exactly what you’d expect in an Amazon tablet at this point. It gets the job done, it gets it done reasonably well enough, and it doesn’t make too much of a fuss about it. There’s no talk of cutting-edge processors. No display resolution so dense that it threatens to question reality itself.

• Display: 10.1-inch IPS LCD (1920×1200 resolution)
• OS: Amazon Fire OS 5.3.4 (based on Android 5.1)
• Price: Starts at $149
• Processor: MediaTek Quad-Core 2 @ 1.8 GHz and 1.4GHz
• RAM: 2GB
• Storage: 32GB or 64GB internal, up to 256GB microSD
• Weight: 17.7 ounces (500 grams)
• Size: 10.3 x 6.3 x 0.4 inches (262 x 159 x 9.8mm)
• Wifi: 802.11ac
• Connector: MicroUSB
• Cameras: 2MP rear, VGA front
• Colors: Black, blue, red

Nope, it’s just a good, inexpensive tablet, with a whole lot of apps at its disposal, and pretty much the same content (or in some cases even more) than you’ll find on the mainstream offerings from Apple and Samsung.

For a lot of folks, that’s plenty good enough. For those who don’t mind wading into the gray areas of life, it’s simple enough to install the Google Play Store and then get access to everything you’re used to.

Really, though, this all comes back to the fact that we’re looking at a tablet that starts at $150. That’s for the version “with special offers,” which means ads on the lock screen that while awful on principle really aren’t all that bad in actuality. And if you don’t want to deal with that sort of thing, it’s just an extra $15. And $165 for a 10-inch tablet that can actually play basic games and show shows and do email ain’t bad at all.

That bare-bones price is also for the model with just 32GB of storage. You have about 28GB free to do whatever you want with, though, and for a lot of folks that’s going to be plenty. And it can be augmented with a microSD card of up to 256GB — and that’s just what we call (in technical terms) a butt-ton of storage. There’s almost no reason to buy the 64GB model.

See the best SD cards for a Fire HD tablet

Watching video on a 10-inch, 1080p display still isn’t my favorite thing to do. That’s just 218 pixels per inch. Video is certainly watchable, despite my snobbery. And if you’re not used to something with a higher resolution, it’ll be just fine for you. And the stereo speakers (they fire downward from the left-side long edge) are decent, but nowhere near what you’d find in, say, an iPad.

Would I want to use this tablet myself? Not if I could get away with spending five times that amount on a nice iPad. But I also wouldn’t fault anyone who just wants something basic that works. Because the Fire HD 10 very much fits that bill.

The Amazon Fire HD 10 with case. ($39 at Amazon)

Would I want to hand this tablet over to my kids? Absolutely. I’ve said in the past that the Fire HD tablet is the best there is for kids — not just because it’s inexpensive, but because Amazon has some excellent screen time controls, and you get an email anytime a new app is installed. And this tablet continues that tradition.

And it’s worth spending a few extra dollars for a case for this thing. For one, it’ll protect your investment. Even though you didn’t pay out the arm for the Fire HD 10, you still want your money to go just as far as it possibly can. Amazon’s own case isn’t inexpensive at $40, but I’m glad I picked it up. In addition to protecting the screen, it does a fine job of proving up the tablet for watching video.

So all told, we’re about $210 in for a perfectly capable tablet whose true purpose is to pump Amazon content at you as often and as fast as possible — while also doing other normal tablet things.

The Fire HD 10 isn’t the best tablet that’s out there. But it’s the best one for the price you pay — less than $200 — that you’ll find anywhere.

See at Amazon

Amazon Fire tablets

• Amazon Fire 7
• Amazon Fire HD 8
• Amazon Fire 7 Kids Edition
• Amazon Fire 8 Kids Edition
• Amazon Fire HD 10

See more at Amazon

Huawei is bringing its app store and video streaming service to Europe in Q1 2018

Huawei is launching its digital content ecosystem in Europe.

Huawei has announced that it will expand its digital marketplace, the Huawei AppStore, to Europe starting early next year. The company says it struck up deals with 15 app and game developers, as well as ” strategic partnerships” with two content providers for its video streaming service. The Huawei AppStore and Video Service will be pre-installed on all Huawei and Honor-branded phones sold in Europe from Q1 2018.

Huawei’s AppStore will feature a discovery and recommendation service that lets customers find new apps, with the company stating that the content in its store has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5. The video streaming service will feature a “broad catalog” of TV shows of movies — both global and local — and will be ad-free.

Huawei is partnering with Under The Milky Way, an “international digital film and documentary distributor that distributes more than 4,000 films on behalf of more than 400 rights-holders in 100 countries around the world.” The manufacturer has also teamed up with ATRESMEDIA, a Spanish content provider that owns Antena 3, la Sextra, Neox, Nova, Mega and Atreseries.

From Walter Ji, president of Huawei Western Europe’s mobile unit:

The Silk Road was significant for bringing prosperity to East and West. Huawei Consumer Business Group, the world’s number three smartphone vendor, already has several million users in China and Europe. With this strong customer base we are determined to extend the legacy of the Silk Road into the digital age. We will do this by growing the European market together with partners, collaborating on AI and content first as well as extending our global reach.

Huawei will also introduce paid themes via the Huawei Themes Store app. Themes are an integral part of Huawei’s digital ecosystem, with the company seeing 160 million active users and 40 million downloads monthly. As for its app store, Huawei says that over 240,000 developers have joined the Huawei Developer Alliance, and that the company paid out $400 million in revenue last year.

Here’s a look at some of the apps that will be available in Huawei’s marketplace:

• MobiSystem: The leading provider of mobile productivity and business applications will bring over 20 apps to the Huawei AppStore.
• Skoobe: A reading startup from Munich transforms smartphones and tablets into a huge entertainment library with more than 200,000 books from more than 4,800 publishers.
• VizEat: The world´s largest social eating platform, VizEat connects travelers and local hosts around the world to create authentic food experiences at their home.
• APUS Group: APUS User System automatically sorts the apps on the home screen, cleans and boosts the phone’s RAM and adds new themes and wallpapers on a monthly basis.
• NLL APPS: An indie developer that will launch three apps, including call and sound recorders.
• Goodgame Studios: A leading free-to-play, online games development company with over 300 million registered users worldwide.
• Imperia Online LTD: One of the biggest game production companies in Southeastern Europe with 24 released games that are used by more than 40 million people worldwide.
• Bigpoint & Yoozoo: The German publisher and developer is well-known for its browser games such as Farmerama, Seafight and DarkOrbit Reloaded which have hundreds of millions of players.
• Sygic: A global navigation leader in the automotive, travel and mobility industries, Sygic GPS Navigation is the world’s most advanced navigation app, trusted by more than 200 million users worldwide.
• Cliqz GmbH: Cliqz is the first browser with a built-in quick search and heuristic Anti-Tracking technology for better privacy protection.
• Tribuna Digital: Tribuna Digital brings all its apps to the Huawei AppStore to help more fans around the world stay in touch with the games, teams and leagues they love.
• Bonial.com: A leading location-based worldwide shopping platform, which allows owners to discover deals, follow favourite stores and create shopping lists.
• Vodafone Spain Foundation: A non-profit organisation aimed to promote people with disabilities, and seniors’ autonomy. EVA Facial Mouse is a free application that allows owners to control an Android device by tracking the movements of the head.
• BTC.com: A leading multi-platform Bitcoin & Bitcoin Cash wallet.
• Stremio: A one-stop entertainment hub that lets people discover, organise, stream and share video content from different sources.

Pick up a refurbished ASUS Chromebook Flip for $155 right now

This deal may make you want to flip.

Is this deal for me?

If you’re in the market for a new computer and don’t demand a lot out of it, a Chromebook may be the way to go. When compared to computers that run macOS and Windows, the price is way more affordable, and with a deal like this, it’s hard to say no.

Right now you can pick up a refurbished ASUS Chromebook Flip for $149.99 (plus a mandatory $5 shipping fee) at Woot. This is $50 less than retailers like B&H are selling used versions for, and $100 cheaper than you can find it new for at Best Buy.

This Chromebook has 2GB of RAM, 16GB of onboard storage, and a 1.8GHz processor, which is all pretty average for machines in this price range. The touchscreen allows for easier navigation, drawing and more. You’ll be covered by a 90-day warranty from ASUS, and Woot does offer a 21-day return policy.

TL;DR

• What makes this deal worth considering? – Simply put: the price. You are getting a heck of a value here for going with the refurbished version instead of a new one.
• Things to know before you buy! – As with any Woot deal, there is a risk that this can sell out at any time. If you want one, you’ll want to act quickly.

See at Woot

Happy thrifting!

Every Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL Case We Could Find

Looking for a case for your brand new Google Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL? We’ve got you covered!

There are so many reasons to get a case for your Google Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL. Whether you want the highest level of protection available to prevent damage to your new phone or the most transparent, thinnest case available to show off your new phone with pride, there are plenty of options out there.

Regardless of the reason, if you want a case for your Google Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL, we’ve compiled a massive list of all the cases we could find that are worth your while!

NOTE: Due to the large size of the list, we made the pictures smaller than usual; however, you can enlarge any image to full size by clicking or tapping on the image.

Thin Cases

Spigen Thin Fit

A thin polycarbonate back plate with a little cushion in the corners to help prevent damage if you drop your Pixel.

You can pick one up for about $12.

• See Thin Fit for Pixel 2 at Amazon
• See Thin Fit for Pixel 2 XL at Amazon

Maxboost mSnap series

A hard polycarbonate case that protects the back and sides of the Google Pixel 2 from scratches and scuffs.

Get the Maxboost mSnap series in black, pink, or mint for $20.

• See Maxboost mSnap for Pixel 2 at Amazon
• See Maxboost mSnap for Pixel 2 XL at Amazon

Vinve felixble case

Made from TPU, the Vinve flexible case will help prevent damage from drops. The textured back also provides extra grip.

You can pick one up in black or blue for about $8.

• See Vinve flexible case for Pixel 2 at at Amazon
• See Vinve flexible case for Pixel 2 XL at at Amazon

Peel case

The thinnest case you’ll find, it will almost look like you have no case on your phone at all.

You can pick it up in black, white, and kinda blue for $25.

• See Peel case for Pixel 2 at Peel
• See Peel case for Pixel 2 XL at Peel

MNML case

Only 0.35mm thick and made with a matte finish that won’t show fingerprints.

You can find the MNML case in gray, black, white, red, and blue for about $15.

• See the MNML case for Pixel 2 at Amazon
• See the MNML case for Pixel 2 XL at Amazon

Google Live Case

Pick from a wide selection of designs, places, and even stunning scenes from Google Earth.

You can even send Google your pictures to make a personal case for you; perfect for a gift. Starts at $40.

• See Google Live Cases for Pixel 2 at Google
• See Google Live Cases for Pixel 2 XL at Google

LK Slim Thin

For those who want a cheap clear case to keep your phone protected without obscuring the Pixel 2’s cool design.

You can pick up the LK Slim Thin case for just $8.

• See LK Slim Thin for Pixel 2 at Amazon
• See LK Slim Thin for Pixel 2 XL at Amazon

Clear Cases

Spigen Liquid Crystal

This thin flexible TPU case will provide your Google Pixel 2 or 2 XL with more grip and has cushioning on the corner to help prevent damage from drops.

You can pick up the Spigen Liquid Crystal for $12.

• See Spigen Liquid Crystal for Pixel 2 at Spigen
• See Spigen Liquid Crystal for Pixel 2 XL at Amazon

Spigen Crystal Shell

Dual-layered protection consisting of both TPU and polycarbonate, the Spigen Crystal Shell offers protection while keeping the design of your Google Pixel 2 in clear sight.

You can pick up the Spigen Crystal Shell for $25.

• See Spigen Crystal Shell for Pixel 2 at Spigen
• See Spigen Crystal Shell for Pixel 2 XL at Spigen

Ringke Fusion

Ringke has their rugged clear case available for the Pixel 2. Made with a sturdy panel of polycarbonate on the back panel and an easy-grip TPU bumper, this case will keep your new device protected while also letting the Pixel 2’s design shine through.

You can pick up the Ringke Fusion for about $10.

• See Ringke Fusion for Pixel 2 at Amazon
• See Ringke Fusion for Pixel 2 XL at Amazon

Ringke Bevel

Just like the Ringke Fusion, the Bevel provides the same protection with a bevel design on the back to enhance grip and make your phone stand out. The case is still clear enough not to take away from the design of the Pixel 2.

Grab it for around $9.

• See Ringke Bevel for Pixel 2 at Amazon
• See Ringke Bevel for Pixel 2 XL at Amazon

Speck Presidio Clear

Dual-layered protection drop tested for eight feet. Thick cutouts for camera prevent scratches on the lens when lying on a flat surface.

The Speck Presidio Clear case will cost you $40 for the Pixel 2 and $45 for the larger Pixel 2 XL.

• See Speck Presidio Clear for Pixel 2 at Speck
• See Speck Presidio Clear for Pixel 2 XL at Speck

Trianium CLARIUM

Shock-absorbing TPU mixed with a hard polycarbonate back give the Trianium CLARIUM dual-layered protection to keep your phone safe.

You can pick up the Trianium CLARIUM for $8.

• See Trianium CLARIUM for Pixel 2 at Amazon
• See Trianium CLARIUM for Pixel 2 XL at Amazon

Rugged cases

Caseology Vault Series

Made of flexible TPU, it features a sleek finish along the back and textured grip around the edges.

You can pick up the Caseology Vault Series for around $11.

Note: This case is only available for the Pixel 2 XL.

• See Caseology Vault Series for Pixel 2 XL at Amazon

Otterbox Symmetry series

Otterbox’s Symmetry series offers the classic protection you expect from the company in a slimmer profile. The one-piece design is thick enough to prevent damage from drop and scratches, and the raised edges help protect your Pixel 2 when lying on a flat surface.

• See Otterbox Symmetry series for Pixel 2 at Otterbox
• See Otterbox Symmetry series for Pixel 2 XL at Otterbox

Spigen Rugged Armor

Single layer TPU with rasied edges to protect screen and camera while lying on a flat surface. Plus, the corner of the case are extra protected to help prevent damage from drops.

You can pick up the Spigen Ruged Armor for $13.

• See Rugged Armor for Pixel 2 at Amazon
• See Rugged Armor for Pixel 2 XL at Amazon

Spigen Neo Hybrid

A TPU sleeve and a hard polycarbonate bumper make up Spigen’s New Hybrid case offering adequate protection with a sense of style. The way the bumper is designed it sit completely flush with the rest of the case, make the Neo Hybrid feel good when you’re holding your phone.

You can pick up the Neo Hybrid for $16.

• See Neo Hybrid for Pixel 2 at Amazon
• See Neo Hybrid for Pixel 2 XL at Amazon

DGtle shockproof case

Made from a single layer of TPU, the DGtle shockproof case has lots of extra protection around the corners to help prevent damage when the phone is dropped on a corner.

Available in a wide variety of colors, such as blue, pink, and smoke black for $8.

• See DGtle shockproof case for Pixel 2 at Amazon
• See DGtle shockproof case for Pixel 2 XL at Amazon

UAG Plasma series

This translucent rugged case features a two-tone single piece design that cover the back and sides of the Google Pixel 2 and meet military drop test standards.

You can pick up the UAG Plasma series in ice or ask color option for about $40.

• See UAG Plasma series for Pixel 2 XL at UAG
• See UAG Plasma series for Pixel 2 XL at UAG

Suensan protective case

A single TPU layer that covers the back and side of the Google Pixel 2 with raised bezels to protect the camera and screen on flat surfaces.

You can pick on up in mint green, black, blue, gray, and red for $9.

• See Suensan protective case for Pixel 2 at Amazon
• See Suensan protective case for Pixel 2 XL at Amazon

Heavy Duty

Caseology Parallax series

The Caseology Parallax Series offers a slim, two-piece design to keep your Pixel 2 well-protected.

It’s available in a wide variety of colors such as black, burgundy, navy blue, and ocean gray. You can pick on up for about $15.

Note: This case is only available for the Google Pixel 2 XL.

• See Caseology Parallax series for Pixel 2 XL at Amazon

Caseology Legion Series

The Caseology Legion Series offers the same dual-layered protection as its Parallax series; however, the Legion series focuses on protecting the back of the phone a lot more.

You can grab it for $18.

Note: This case is only available for the Pixel 2 XL.

• See Caseology Legion Series for Pixel 2 XL at Amazon

Spigen Tough Armor

A personal favorite of mine, Spigen Tough Armor offers robust dual-layered protection with TPU and hard polycarbonate materials. The metal kickstand is perfect for watching videos and other media while your hands are other wise preoccupied.

You can pick up the Spigen Tough Armor in black or gunmetal for $35.

• See Spigen Tough Armor for Pixel 2 at Spigen
• See Spigen Tough Armor for Pixel 2 XL at Spigen

Spigen Slim Armor

Just like Spigen’s Tough Armor, the Slim Armor case uses TPU and hard polycarbonate materials for dual-layered protection, but comes in a slimmer package.

You can pick up the Spigen Slim Armor in black or gunmetal for $30.

• See Spigen Slim Armor for Pixel 2 at Spigen
• See Spigen Slim Armor for Pixel 2 XL at Spigen

Otterbox Defender series

The ultimate name in protection, Otterbox’s Defender series is the Mack Daddy of all protective cases. With four different layers, your Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL will be as safe as it possibly can be.

The Otterbox Defender series will cost you $50 or $60 for the Pixel 2 and the Pixel 2 XL respectively.

• See Otterbox Defender series for Pixel 2 at Otterbox
• See Otterbox Defender series for Pixel 2 XL at Otterbox

Leather Cases

Bellroy Leather case

Made using premium leather and featuring a soft microfiber lining this is a lightweight case that will keep your phone well protected and age beautifully over time. It’s also backed by a 3-year warranty from Bellroy.

You can pick up the Bellroy Leather case from the Google Store for $45 with free shipping!

• See Bellroy Leather case for Pixel 2 at Google
• See Bellroy Leather case for Pixel 2 XL at Google

Wallet cases

JD wallet case

Made from a faux leather material, the JD wallet case has plenty of room for cards and cash. The case even comes with a built in RFID blocker, meaning your credit card numbers should be safe.

The JD wallet case comes in black, blue, pink, and brown for about $16.

• See JD wallet case for Pixel 2 at Amazon
• See JD wallet case for Pixel 2 XL at Amazon

Trianium wallet case

A hard protective shell with a card slot that card hold ID, credit cards, and cash, the Trianium wallet case offers protection and functionality.

You can pick up a Trianium wallet case for $10.

Note This case is only available for the Pixel 2 XL.

• See Trianium wallet case for Pixel 2 XL at Amazon

Maxboost wallet case

With three cards slots and a place to store your cash, the Maxboost wallet case has a magenetic lock to keep the wallet case firmly closed when not in use.

Grab the Maxboost wallet case for only $13.

• See Maxboost wallet case for Pixel 2 at Amazon
• See Maxboost wallet case for Pixel 2 XL at Amazon

LK wallet case

With a TPU inner skin, the LK wallet case offers mild protection against damage when your Pixel 2 takes a fall. With three card slots, and a place to put your cash, you can venture out into the world with your normal bulky wallet with ease.

The LK wallet case comes in black, brown, purple, and rose gold and will cost you about $10.

• See LK wallet case for Pixel 2 at Amazon
• See LK wallet case for Pixel 2 XL at Amazon

Other types of cases

Moment Photo case

Another personal favorite of mine, the Moment Photo case is designed to work with the wide-variety of Moment lenes. If you want a beautiful looking case that will up you photography game, check it out.

You can pick one up with a walnut finish for only $30.

• See Moment Photo case for Pixel 2 at Moment
• See Moment Photo case for Pixel 2 XL at Moment

Google Fabric case

If you prefer your phone case to have some texture for grip, you’re probably going to love the Google Fabric Case. It features the same fabric finish look found on other recent Google products such as the Google Home Mini.

These cases offer a premium microfiber liner to ensure your device stays scuff-free and your choice of four color combinations for $40.

• See Google Fabric case for Pixel 2 at Google
• See Google Fabric case for Pixel 2 XL at Google

What case did you go with for your Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL?

Let us know in the comment below!

Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL

• Pixel 2 FAQ: Everything you need to know!
• Google Pixel 2 and 2 XL review: The new standard
• Google Pixel 2 specs
• Google Pixel 2 vs. Pixel 2 XL: What’s the difference?
• Join our Pixel 2 forums

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Amazon offers $250,000 prize fund for Alexa skills aimed at kids

Amazon’s latest bid to boost its smart assistant’s skill set is centered around kids. Oh, and a big pile of money. Alexa Skills Challenge: Kids wants Alexa tricks aimed at kids under the age of 13, with the best ones claiming cash prizes from a fund of $250,000. The overall winner will claim $25,000, so a farm yard animal noise generator won’t cut it. All eligible participants in the challenge will also pick up a limited-edition Echo Dot, and there’s dedicated prizes for high school and university student devs.

Amazon is looking for educational or fun vocal tricks for its voice assistant profile, having added kids skill functionality back in August. The company apparently wants to make its smart assistant a “valuable service” for the entire family — and that includes distracting / educating the little ‘uns.
Bringing together smart devices and kids is a delicate business: Mattel recently canned its Aristotle project, its own smart device set to launch in 2018.

As reported in the New York Times, the decision came after child advocacy groups, lawmakers and parents raised concerns about the impact the artificial intelligence device could have had on children’s privacy, development and well-being. Many said that babies and older children shouldn’t be encouraged to form bonds with devices that were constantly collecting data. Amazon hasn’t faced such criticism just yet.

For those tempted by that cash price, Amazon offers up plenty of developer tips on its site to get people started.

Source: Amazon

Solar windows use sunlight to retain a building’s heat

A domestic property loses as much as 20 percent of its heat through windows. For big glassy commercial buildings, that figure is a lot higher, resulting in big heating bills and inevitable disputes among employees about the thermostat. But researchers have now found a way to turn ordinary windows into solar-powered heaters, using energy from the sun to boost window temperature by as much as 15 degrees Fahrenheit.

Using nanotechnology, researchers from the University of Gothenburg created plasmonic nanoantennas which strongly absorb light and heat the surface they’re placed on (which could be anything, although they’re most suited to glass). Even when a pane of glass is covered in the nanoantennas it remains transparent and colorless, and almost completely preserves the color spectrum of sunlight.

“We’ve developed a surprisingly simple, cheap, and effective way to transform regular glass windows into solar-powered heat-screens that could significantly change the thermal balance of living and working spaces, especially if one thinks of the ever increasing amount of huge glass surfaces used in modern architecture,” lead researcher Alexandre Dmitriev told Phys.org. He added that while the technology’s prominent application is reducing heating costs, the nature of the nanoantennas means it could have uses in other areas, such as radiative cooling and solar-powered thermal isolation. The team is now working on achieving even larger temperature increases through the absorption of ultraviolet and near-infrared radiation, so it might not be long until the desk by the window is the prime office spot, even on chilly days.

Via: Phys.org

Source: Nano Letters

Steam’s curator update tackles shady review key requests

Steam’s curator program will be getting a makeover this fall as Valve takes steps to make the system more effective for both gamers and developers. Under the banner “Curator Connect,” players will now see their favorite curators’ recommendations show up in other parts of the Steam Store, as well as their home page. Curators will also be able to embed videos in their reviews, create lists from reviews they’ve already written, have more control over their home page and get their hands on more data showing the impact their reviews have on their followers’ buying habits.

For developers, the overhaul means they’ll be able to search for curators — or groups of curators — via select parameters, such as name, operating system, language or specific tags. They’ll be able to see curators’ follower counts and linked social media accounts to help verify their identity, and then — in one of the more beneficial changes — send review game copies directly through Steam itself. Good news for developers wary of sending out keys to fake reviewers, or keys falling into the hands of resellers. The program launched into closed beta today with a few dozen curators, but it’s expected to roll out after feedback in a several weeks’ time.

Via: Gamasutra

Source: Steam

‘Nonplayer’ comic series is being turned into a movie

You might not be familiar with Nonplayer right now, but if Legendary does it right, then everybody might know the name “Dana Stevens” in the future. According to Deadline, Legendary has acquired the movie rights to the beautifully drawn comic book series by Nate Simpson and Image Comics. It has also tapped Eric Pearson, known for co-writing Thor: Ragnarok and the Agent Carter TV series, to write the script.

Deadline describes Nonplayer as Guardians of the Galaxy meets The Matrix. It features Dana, who spends her free time playing as a high-ranking warrior in an augmented reality video game to escape the reality of her dead-end tamale delivery job, as its main protagonist. After she defeats a major character, though, the game’s AI goes out of control, and the virtual world starts merging with the real world.

Simpson has only released two volumes over the past six years so far, but the series already garnered critical acclaim. He even won an Eisner Award, which you could think of as the Oscar Awards for comics. Warner Bros. first optioned the title after its first volume was released in 2011, and a couple of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows producers were attached to the project. However, it never quite moved forward — hopefully, Legendary can finally bring the story to the big screen.

Source: Deadline

Facebook Announces Halloween-Themed Camera Effects, Posts, and Interactive Game

Following Instagram’s debut of Halloween filters yesterday, Facebook today announced the launch of Halloween-themed camera effects, posts, and even a new interactive game within the camera on the app. The update will be rolling out starting today and leading up to Halloween next Tuesday, October 31.

Included in the update are more than twelve different masks and frames themed around the holiday, and Facebook Live broadcasts will gain Halloween effects that you can place directly into your videos. In the camera there will also be a virtual game that turns you into a trick-or-treater who has to jump their way out of a haunted house by hopping up the walls to escape.

The game uses face tracking as its controls, so turning your head side to side changes the direction in which you jump, allowing you to climb higher and avoid traps, similar to the iOS game Doodle Jump. When you finish you can share your high score with a photo and send a challenge to friends to beat your record.

The colored background options on text posts will gain new themed backgrounds, including bats, pumpkins, a graveyard, and more. Additionally, Facebook plans to ensure that you’re aware of Halloween events near you by sending prompts about local events to your feed.

Besides the main Facebook iOS app, Messenger will also gain various Halloween masks and frames for you to take pictures with, as well as send videos to friends. Facebook is known to launch holiday updates like this, doing the same one year ago with Halloween-themed reactions and using its acquisition of MSQRD to debut Halloween live filters in its camera.

Tags: Facebook, Facebook Messenger
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Belkin’s New iPhone X Screen Protectors Now Available

Belkin’s new InvisiGlass Ultra and Anti-Glare screen protectors for iPhone X are now available to purchase.

Left to right: Anti-Glare, InvisiGlass Ultra, and EasyAlign sticker
InvisiGlass Ultra is made with 0.21mm ion-strengthened glass supplied by Corning, the same manufacturer of iPhone display glass. Belkin says the screen protector improves the iPhone X’s scratch resistance by up to three to five times, with up to a 25 percent increase in protection against cracking and breakage from drops.

The anti-glare screen protector is said to reduce harsh reflections from both sunlight and artificial lighting, allowing you to view the screen comfortably in bright conditions. The ultra-thin screen protector has an anti-scratch coating.

Both screen protectors include a cleaning cloth and so-called EasyAlign sticker in the box for easier installation at home. The anti-glare version can also be professionally installed at an Apple Store with Apple’s ScreenCare+ application system.

Belkin’s InvisiGlass Ultra and Anti-Glare screen protectors are $39.95 and $19.95 respectively on Apple’s online store in the United States. Both are currently estimated to ship in one business day.

Related Roundup: iPhone XTags: Belkin, Apple retailBuyer’s Guide: iPhone X (Buy Now)
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