‘Session’ doesn’t care about your pro-skater high scores

There hasn’t really been a good skateboarding game since Skate 3 in 2010. Don’t even try to mention Tony Hawk 5, either: that game was awful. Session, an upcoming skateboarding simulation game by Crea-ture Studios, aims to change that with a neat-looking dual-stick title that focuses on using physics to pull off cool, realistic tricks. If funded, Session will be available for Xbox One and Steam — sorry PS4 fans, this one isn’t for you.

Apparently we’re not the only ones that see the potential here, as the Kickstarter project is already over half-funded for its almost $63,000 goal with 28 days left to go. The whole point of Session, say the developers, is about skating and the feeling you get when you perform tricks. Of course, if no one sees you stick the landing after a nasty rail grind, it doesn’t count. To that end, Session has a robust set of video capture and editing tools that let you get the best angle on the action, then share it to social media for bragging rights. There’s no scoring system, either – you get to do whatever you want to do, whenever you want to do it.

Stretch goals include adding a character customization system, vertical and mini-ramps, an extra city hub based on a real city, online multiplayer, park editor tools, story mode and a “filmer mode” to let a buddy capture the action. The devs are asking for serious money to make these things work (like hitting $360,000 for online multiplayer and $450,000 for the filming mode. Let’s just hope the team gets to the online multiplayer, at least. If you’re interested, you can get an early bird key for the game for a $20 pledge.

Source: Kickstarter

Apple’s Black Friday Event Launches in the US With Free Gift Cards Up to $150

Apple’s annual Black Friday shopping event has kicked off in the United States, with Apple offering customers Apple Store gift cards worth up to $150 with the purchase of select devices including Macs, iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches.

Apple is offering gift cards for a range of products, but many newer devices, including the iPhone X and the Apple Watch Series 3, are not included in the promotion. Gift card amounts by product:

– iMac, Mac Pro, MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air – $150 gift card
– iPhone 6s and 6s Plus – $50 gift card
– iPhone 7 and 7 Plus – $50 gift card
– Apple Watch Series 1 – $25 gift card
– 5th-generation iPad – $50 gift card
– iPad mini 4 – $50 gift card
– iPad Pro – $100 gift card
– iPhone SE – $25 gift card

The gift card with purchase deal is available both online and in Apple’s retail stores. Customers are limited to two gift cards per product category, and as usual, refurbished products and educational store purchases do not quality for a free gift card.

Apple’s US Black Friday sale follows the launch of its Black Friday discounts in Australia and New Zealand, which started on Friday morning local time in those countries. Similar one-day deals are also being offered in several other countries in Europe and North America, including Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and more.

Many third-party retailers in the United Stated are offering better discounts than Apple on various iPhone, iPad, and Mac models, so it may be best to shop around before making a purchase. Make sure to check out our Black Friday roundup for all of the best deals we’ve found on Apple products and accessories.

Related Roundup: Apple Black Friday
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iPhone X Launches in 13 More Countries Today

The iPhone X officially landed in 13 more countries on Friday, with launches in Albania, Bosnia, Cambodia, Kosovo, Macau, Macedonia, Malaysia, Montenegro, Serbia, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, and Turkey.

In the countries and territories listed, Apple’s latest smartphone is being sold exclusively by authorized third-party resellers and carries, with the exception of Turkey, where Apple has a retail presence in Zorlu Center and Akasya Acıbadem, and Macau, where an Apple store is based at Galaxy Macau. Apple’s flagship device also became available to customers in Israel on Thursday for the first time.

The iPhone X is also available to buy through regional online Apple stores in Malaysia (from RM 5,149), South Korea (from ₩1,420,000), Thailand (from ฿40,500), and Turkey (from 6.099 TL), with prices varying depending on local currencies. Apple appears to have made provisions for launch day availability in the above countries, with online shipping estimates at 1 to 3 business days at the time of writing.

Over the last couple of days, iPhone X shipping estimates have improved to around 1-2 weeks in the U.S. and Canada, and across Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, where the iPhone X has been available since November 3. Early iPhone X rumors had suggested the device would be available in severely limited numbers until well into next year, but the balance between supply and demand appears to be leveling worldwide.

In related news, according to a report on Thursday in the London Metro, Apple’s offices in South Korea were “raided” earlier this week by state regulators. The article reports that authorities visited Apple’s Seoul offices and questioned the company’s business practices.

The raid is said to be part of an ongoing probe that was launched after Apple took action to address local authorities’ concerns about unfair contracts that the company had with South Korean firms commissioned to repair its devices. However, the incident has led some to question whether South Korean authorities are trying to hamper the success of the X in the region, which is home to rival Samsung.

Lee Jae-yong, acting chairman of Samsung, was jailed for five years for corruption in August 2017. He was charged with bribery, perjury and other crimes following an investigation which led to the impeachment of South Korea’s then-president, Park Geun-hye. Also known as Jay Y Lee, the 49-year-old business magnate was accused of making payments in exchange for political favors.

Related Roundup: iPhone XBuyer’s Guide: iPhone X (Buy Now)
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Elon Musk’s Tesla has finished building the world’s biggest battery

Your lithium-ion batteries power your smartphone, laptop and camera. Elon Musk’s will power South Australia.

The Tesla CEO revealed on Thursday that his company has just fulfilled its promise to build and install the world’s largest lithium-ion battery within 100 days.

In a bet made on Twitter, Musk said that if his company failed to meet the deadline to build the Powerpack system, he’d foot the approximate $50 million bill and the South Australia government could have it for free. Tesla crossed the line with about a week to spare.

Designed to store renewable energy, Tesla’s battery has 100 megawatts of capacity. Once fully tested, the system will be paired with the Hornsdale wind farm 120 miles north of Adelaide, operated by French renewable energy provider Neoen. The mega-battery will store excess energy created by the wind turbines and be used as and when required.

The South Australia government was prompted to review its energy supply systems last year after the region was rocked by a massive storm described as a one-in-50-year weather event that knocked out power for 1.7 million state residents. More blackouts occurred at the start of this year, with the new battery and wind farm aiming to bring such disruption to an end.

“Tesla’s Powerpack will charge using renewable energy from the Hornsdale Wind Farm and then deliver electricity during peak hours to help maintain the reliable operation of South Australia’s electrical infrastructure,” Musk’s company said, adding that the giant battery “will further transform the state’s movement towards renewable energy and see an advancement of a resilient and modern grid.”

State Premier Jay Weatherill was understandably delighted with the completion of the project, saying in a statement: “While others are just talking, we are delivering our energy plan, making South Australia more self-sufficient, and providing back up power and more affordable energy for South Australians this summer.”

Weatherill added, “The world’s largest lithium-ion battery will be an important part of our energy mix, and it sends the clearest message that South Australia will be a leader renewable energy with battery storage.”

Tesla is of course better known for its electric cars, but their need for batteries prompted the company to diversify into this field as it continues to explore the home and commercial energy market. At the start of 2017 it began manufacturing batteries at its massive Gigafactory in Nevada, which is thought to be the largest facility of its kind in the world.

In a tweet on Thursday, Musk praised the efforts of those who built the South Australia battery. “Congratulations to the Tesla crew and South Australian authorities who worked so hard to get this manufactured and installed in record time!” the CEO wrote.

Buy 3 Months of Wireless Service, Get 3 Free with Mint SIM’s Black Friday Deal

Mint SIM is offering HUGE savings for new customers today and Cyber Monday.

Mint SIM is a revolutionary mobile service that lets you prepay for your service in 3-, 6-, and 12-month increments, with various data plans, for much less than the other guys. Since Mint SIM already helps you save big on your phone bill every month, it only makes sense that it’s offering two of the best deals around for new customers today and Cyber Monday.

Starting today, new customers can get 3 FREE months with the purchase of 3 months of service. Mint SIM is offering this deal for all of its 3-month plans (2GB, 5GB, and 10GB), which means you’ll save $45 when you sign up for 2GB of fast 4G LTE data, $60 when you sign up for 5GB, and $75 when you sign up for 10GB. This deal is live now!

See at Mint SIM

But Mint SIM isn’t stopping there! Starting on Cyber Monday (November 27), new customers can get 3 FREE months with the purchase of any unlocked GSM phone from BestBuy.com. You’ll get 5GB of fast 4G LTE data and unlimited talk and text for 3 months, and all you have to do is buy your unlocked phone online from Best Buy. This deal runs all Cyber Week-long, November 27 to December 2. Save $60!

See at Mint SIM

Getting someone special a new phone for the holidays? Why not save with Mint SIM and Best Buy? Even if you’re just looking to save on your existing monthly bill, there’s never been a better time to try Mint SIM. Sign up for only 3 months and get an additional 3 months for free, no matter which plan you choose.

Check out Mint SIM for all the details!

EFF tool tells your members of Congress to fight for net neutrality

The FCC may be bent on killing net neutrality, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay silent or offer mostly symbolic protests. The Electronic Frontier Foundation has created a web tool that makes it easy to ask your members of Congress to fight for an open internet. All you have to do us plug in your address, personalize your message (if you like) and hit “submit” — your representatives and senators will receive your concerns and hopefully do something about it.

The FCC is likely to vote in favor of gutting protections on December 14th given its current composition and refusal to investigate anti-neutrality spam, but there’s a hope that Congress might raise the issue of defending net neutrality and even implement some safeguards. If nothing else, this puts your opposition to the FCC’s moves on the record. Politicians need to know how you feel if they’re going to act on your behalf, after all.

Via: 9to5Mac

Source: EFF Action

CBS TV channels are back on Dish

Following an intentional three-day blackout, CBS channels are available once again for Dish customers, as the two companies have reached an agreement in a financial dispute.

CBS and Dish have been feuding for months: CBS wanted Dish to pay higher fees to retransmit its content, and the carrier refused, arguing CBS was attempting to “tax” its customers amid declining viewership. On November 21st, CBS pulled 28 of its channels from 18 major markets serviced by Dish. Today, those channels are being restored and the companies have signed a multi-year carriage agreement, the terms of which have not been disclosed.

“We are grateful to our customers for their patience this holiday week as months of work has resulted in a deal that delivers CBS for years to come,” Dish EVP of marketing, programming and media sales Warren Schlichting said in a press release.

The restoration is good news for the Dish audience, though it may come a day late for some football fans. On Thursday — Thanksgiving Day in the US — CBS hosted notable NFL and college football games, though Dish viewers in the blackout markets couldn’t access them as usual. Dish offered these customers free digital over-the-air antennas, providing access to local TV broadcasts, including CBS.

Source: BusinessWire

Kick-start your Philips Hue obsession with up to 40 percent off (UK)

You name it. These smart bulbs can do almost everything.

Philips Hue lighting allows you to select between millions of colors and shades of light to add some mood to the home. These bulbs can be controlled by connected smartphones or tablets and can even be synchronized to change with entertainment media like games and movies. With 40 percent off Hue lighting in the UK, house lighting will never be boring again.

For example, you can pick up three Hue bulbs and the Philips Bridge for £149. The best part is how the bulbs do not require any special installation. Simply screw them in. Philips also bundles its bridge device, which is used to act as a link between all of the Hue lighting installed throughout the home.

Plug it in, connect everything together and you’re good to go. Individual bulbs and lighting strips can be purchased at a later date should you be happy with the setup.

See at Amazon

Budweiser is blasting barley into space to brew Mars beer

Settlers could arrive on Mars as soon as 2024, if SpaceX gets its way. And, those newcomers to the red planet are going to need supplies, like…beer. While Elon Musk and co. are aspiring to send (useful) cargo to Mars two years ahead of the first visitors, Budweiser is planning for the inevitable celebrations. The company previously said it wanted to be the first beer on Mars, and it’s moving ahead with its publicity-stunt-cum-science-experiment, with plans to send barley into space in December. Cue (disastrous) micro-gravity beer pong and drunk astronauts joyriding in Mars rovers (Engadget does not condone intergalactic drink-driving).

Before then, Budweiser needs to crack how to brew beer in space, and barley will form the basis of its initial tests on the International Space Station (ISS). The grain will be blasted to the giant orbiting spacecraft aboard SpaceX’s supply rocket on December 4th. Once on the ISS, scientists will examine Bud’s barley seeds (a core beer ingredient, in case you didn’t know) to see how they react to microgravity exposure and germination. The seedlings will be in orbit for 30 days before returning back to earth, for Budweiser to further analyze.

You may recall that Scottish distiller Ardbeg sent some actual booze to the ISS in 2011, later finding that the stay altered the ratio of its whisky’s chemicals. Does that mean ‘Bud Mars’ will be different than earth beer? Well, that remains to be seen.

Aside from providing good times on Mars, Budweiser claims the research could also proffer valuable insights for agriculture on our planet. If only Matt Damon hadn’t been too busy growing potatoes for survival, he could’ve caught some downtime with a cold brew.

Source: Anheuser-Busch

HBO’s interactive ‘Mosaic’ series arrives on Android

Despite all the high profile TV shows currently on the air, HBO and Steven Soderbergh have found a way to make Mosaic stand out in the age of binge-watching: hand over narrative control to the viewers. Billed as “interactive storytelling,” the 7.5-hour series starring Sharon Stone debuted earlier this month on iPhone/Apple TV, and is now available for Android users as well. You won’t decide the show’s outcome, but you can choose how to watch it across 15 chapters, with multiple perspectives available depending on which character you may be following.

If you want to go back and see things in another order, or from another angle, that’s possible too, and there’s additional content available for any story elements that need a deeper dive. Soderbergh’s six-episode cut of Mosaic will debut on HBO January 22nd, in case you’d like to see how your version matches up.

Steven Soderbergh’s interactive MOSAIC app, previously exclusive to iOS, is now available for free download on @Android devices: https://t.co/ErvVUx1sGN #WatchMosaic pic.twitter.com/j7vD6gTmNE

— HBO PR (@HBOPR) November 22, 2017

Source: Mosaic (Google Play), Watch Mosaic