This is the 2TB Xbox One S to pre-order right now: Gears of War 4 Limited Edition
No matter how sexy we thought the new Xbox One S was when we saw it at E3 2016 in Los Angeles we’ve just seen a model even more drop-dead gorgeous.
Yes, it costs more, but the Xbox One S Gears of War 4 Limited Edition is the bees knees. Not only does it have a custom look, designed in blood-red, battleworn and with Gears 4 motifs all over, it comes with a few added extras that more that justify its loftier price point.
The Gears 4 edition 2TB Xbox One S costs $449 in the States, which is only $50 more than the launch edition white model. It is also coming to the UK, so we expect to see an equivalent price for it soon.
As well as the console, you also get full game downloads for both the Xbox One and Windows 10 versions of Gears of War 4 – thanks to Xbox Play Anywhere. In addition, you get early access to the game on 7 October (it officially comes out 11 October) and the Gears of War 4 Season Pass.
- Xbox One Gears of War 4 Elite Controller: The best gamepad just got even better
- Xbox One S preview: Thinner, better PS4 beater
- Xbox One S: Release date, specs and everything you need to know
- Xbox One S vs Xbox One: What’s the difference?
That latter add-on, which would cost you extra normally, includes the exclusive Vintage VIP Pack, permanent access to future multiplayer maps, six additional Gear Packs, early previews to upcoming modes and much more.
Not bad for an extra $50.
Sadly, the bundle does not come with the Gears of War 4 Xbox One Elite Controller, which we saw at E3. That will have to be added separately if you really want to complete the collection. As will an additional JD Fenix Limited Edition Wireless Controller, which is also being sold separately for $74.99.
The pack comes with the Crimson Omen Controller, which is also sold separately for those who don’t want the console itself.
The Gears 4 2TB Xbox One S bundle is now available through pre-order and will ship from mid-September. The all-white, launch edition Xbox One S will be available from 31 August. Both versions have a 40 per cent smaller body size than the standard Xbox One, the power pack built-in, HDR video and gaming abilities and 4K output for Netflix, other streaming services and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray playback.
Ford’s new robots can build cars, make coffee
This new robotic technology could be a big help to assembly workers and offer more design freedom. Ford Motor Company announced today its early testing of a new type of assembly line robot that were co-developed with German robotics company KUKA Roboter GmbH with the intention of assisting human line workers. Two of these three-foot-tall machines are in use at the Cologne, Germany factory, where they assist human workers to install shock absorbers on Ford Fiestas. These workers would have originally had to juggle the shocks and tools to install them, but now the robot helps them position and install the parts.
The robots feature technology that senses where the person is and will stay close by for assistance. This also allows them to make sure they don’t maneuver in such a way that could injure the person. In addition to heavy lifting, Ford notes the robots can even be programmed to make coffee as well as other delicate tasks. Ford also explains that these robots can lead to safer, faster and higher quality vehicle assembly, as well as making the process easier for employees.
Although the robots are only in use at the Cologne factory, they may end up in other locations in the near future. According to Kelli Felker, Ford’s manufacturing and labor communications manager, the company is also looking at how they could be implemented at North American factories.
Of particular interest to car enthusiasts is something Karl Anton, Ford of Europe’s director of vehicle operations, said. He explained that this technology could “open up unlimited worlds of production and design for new Ford models.” He didn’t elaborate on specific ways these robots could affect car design, but if designers and engineers don’t have to compromise for the physical limits of human workers, it would seem they would have much more design freedom.
Related Video:
Source: Ford Europe (YouTube)
Behold the ‘Gears of War 4’ custom Xbox One S
The Xbox One S isn’t even out yet but that hasn’t stopped Microsoft from taking the smaller console to the custom shop for the first time. If the base model’s white exterior doesn’t match your decor, maybe a Gears of War 4 blood red one will. It’s ugly as sin (now we know what the “S” actually denotes), packs 2TB of internal storage and has laser-etched “claw marks” left by Gears of War 4’s new enemies, the Swarm. Of course, HDR video is here as well, and GoW4 is the first game to take advantage of it.
The $449 bundle includes a digital version of the game’s Ultimate Edition, a custom gamepad, advance access to the game starting October 7th (four days ahead of its retail launch on the 11th) and some in-game weapon skins. The controller didn’t make it out unscathed either, as it follows the design cues of the console, with faux-scratch marks and a bloody thumbprint on the D-pad.
If you don’t want a pre-scratched red paddle, Microsoft has a blue one inspired by protagonist JD Fenix — son of original trilogy star Marcus Fenix — and his armor. Each are $75 and will be available to pre-order August 1st while reservations for the console bundle are open now.
Source: Xbox Wire
BitTorrent Now heads to iOS devices and Apple TV
BitTorrent hasn’t quite shaken off its rep as a tool for piracy yet, but it’s sure giving its best shot by making apps that serve up legal content. One of those is BitTorrent Now, which the company has just released for the iPhone, iPad and Apple TV. BT’s streaming platform originally came out for Android in June and gives you access to tunes and videos from BT’s partner musicians and filmmakers, including IHEARTCOMIX and The Onion. You might have to pay up to be able to stream some of them. But if money is tight, you can always just play the ad-supported entries in its repertoire. The images above show what the app’s interface looks like, though you can download it right now from iTunes if you want to explore it yourself.
Source: BitTorrent, iTunes
Sprint is offering lures and free charging stations for Pokémon Go players at its stores
Sprint is getting in on the Pokémon Go action by placing lures at its stores. Sprint and Boost Mobile stores will offer free charging stations should you need a quick top-up before heading out on your hunt. Sprint will also have “Pokémon Go experts” on-site that can provide assistance with nearby PokéStops.
You can find your closest Sprint store here, and your Boost Mobile store here.
Press release follows:
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – July 14, 2016 – Starting tomorrow millions of Pokémon Go players are invited to visit neighborhood Sprint (NYSE: S) and Boost Mobile retail store locations around the country for help in stepping up their monster search. Sprint stores will have lures to attract monsters that players can capture. For the closest store locations visit http://www.sprint.com/store and http://www.boostmobile.com/store.
Additionally, gamers can take advantage of free charging stations and knowledgeable on-site Pokémon Go experts that can help beginners learn the game or more advanced hunters with strategy and location of nearby Gyms and PokéStops.
“We welcome Pokémon Go players to visit their local Sprint and Boost Mobile stores to capture some of the monsters in town,” said Roger Sole, Sprint chief marketing officer. “Our knowledgeable staff will help you download the game on your phone, explain how it’s played, locate PokéStops in the area and even provide a power up for your device so game players can continue their adventures fully charged.”
Sole added: “Since the game launched just nine days ago, we’ve seen its meteoric rise with millions of our customers across the country playing on the Sprint network – often simultaneously — including in our more than 200 LTE Plus markets. Of course, customers can enjoy the benefit of our unlimited data plans, so they can play without the worry of overage charges as they continue their Pokémon Go adventures. We also want to remind gamers to play responsibly while hunting monsters: be aware of their surroundings and never play while driving.”
Google joins U.S. carriers in offering free calls to France following terror attack in Nice
France was rocked by yet another senseless tragedy earlier tonight when a lorry ploughed into crowds watching a fireworks display as part of Bastille Day celebrations in Nice. The terrorist incident has left at least 80 people dead, and dozens injured. U.S. carriers are offering free calls and texts to connect with family and friends in France, and Google is joining in by providing free Hangouts, Google Voice and Project Fi calls to the country following the aftermath of the attack.
From Google:
To all those affected by the attack in Nice, you’re in our thoughts.
To help people stay informed and connected with their loved ones, we’re making calls to France from Hangouts, Google Voice and Project Fi, free — from anywhere in the world those services are supported.
Grab Hangouts Dialer from here.
T-Mobile is allowing free calls and texts to France for its customers through July 17:
Our hearts are with all those affected by the horrible attack in Nice. To help our customers connect with loved ones in the area, T-Mobile is making it free to call and text from the United States to Nice, France. T-Mobile will also waive roaming fees on calls and texts for customers in that area.
The offer applies to all T-Mobile Simple Choice postpaid and prepaid customers, as well as customers of MetroPCS, GoSmart Mobile, and WalMart Family Mobile. It is effective from Thursday, July 14 through Sunday, July 17. Customers will see regular charges on their bills with corresponding credits.
Verizon is offering free calls and texts to the country through July 16:
More than 170,000 Verizon employees worldwide extend condolences to all our friends and family in France. In this time of uncertainty, we want to support our customers affected by the horrific attack in Nice, France today, so Verizon is offering free wireless and wireline calling from the U.S. to France to connect with family and friends.
Wireless users will incur no charges for texts or international long distance calls originating from the U.S. to France on July 14 through 16, 2016 (applicable taxes and surcharges will apply).
Home wireline telephone customers can make free calls to France from their U.S. landlines on July 14 through 16, 2016, (applicable taxes and surcharges will apply).
Sprint is similarly waiving off charges for calls and text to and from France through July 17:
Effective July 14 through July 17, 2016, Sprint is waiving charges for international calls and SMS to France for all Sprint, Boost and Virgin Mobile customers and international roaming for call and SMS charges while in France for all Sprint customers following the tragic events in Nice.
“We are deeply saddened by the reports from Nice and send our thoughts and prayers to the people of France and all those affected by tonight’s tragic events,” said Sprint CEO Marcelo Claure. “We want to do everything we can to help our Sprint, Boost Mobile, and Virgin Mobile customers stay connected with family and friends in the region.”
AT&T is also offering free calls and texts between the U.S. and France until July 17:
Our thoughts are with the people of France and our customers who have friends and family there.
AT&T will waive or credit charges incurred for calls placed by AT&T’s customers from the United States to France between July 14 to July 17 in the local time zone. This includes landline, texting, and mobility (Postpaid and GoPhone) calls.
Follow all the updates from the attack here. If you’ve got any family and friends in the region, follow this Reddit thread for emergency contact information for the area.
Samsung Pay is going live in Brazil on July 19
Samsung Pay has made its way to Brazil. The service is launching with Banco do Brasil, Brasil Pré-Pagos, Caixa, Porto Seguro, and Santander, with Samsung working to bring Banrisul, Bradesco, Nubank and Itaú-Unibanco on-board. List of compatible handsets include the Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 edge, Galaxy A5 2016, Galaxy A7 2016, Galaxy Note 5, Galaxy S6 edge+, Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge. The service will go live starting July 19.
After launching in South Korea, Samsung Pay is now available in the United States, China, Spain, Singapore, Australia, Puerto Rico. Brazil is the latest on the list, becoming the first country in South America to receive Samsung’s contactless payments service. The differentiator with Samsung Pay is that it works with NFC-enabled registers as well as older systems with magnetic readers.
Cattle-herding just got a lot more futuristic with SwagBot
Robots are taking over. No, really. They’re taking over jobs, especially when they have the opportunity to be better at them than we are. Even dogs aren’t safe, if the world’s first herding robot has anything to say about it.
Enter SwagBot, a robot developed by the Australian Centre for Field Robotics at the University of Sydney. Created for the sole purpose of herding cattle, it can scuttle its way even across not-so-ideal terrain like farmland and even pull trailers across said terrain. It’s the hope that SwagBot will eventually be able to manage the livestock across Australia’s various regions.
The robot is as efficient as it is rugged, proving it can get around ditches, swamps and a host of other obstacles that mean to keep it from doing its job. The next phase is to help SwagBot recognize whether an animal is sick or ailing. Temperature and motion sensors on board will aid it in this endeavor.
All in all, it sounds like a pretty great farmhand. It could be capable of a whole lot more in the future, too.
Source: New Scientist
eStories launches an alternative source for audiobooks
After ditching the major labels to go pure indie in 2014, digital music store eMusic and its new parent company TriPlay are now ready to take on Amazon and Audible’s audiobook dominance. Today, TriPlay launched their eStories competitor with 80,000 titles and memberships starting at $11.95 per month.
Audible, which is owned by Amazon, boasts over three times as many titles – about 250,000 total according to TechCrunch – but eStories is hoping their slightly lower price will be enough to win over at least some of Audible’s 55 million global users. For comparison, Audible’s rates start at $14.95 per month for a single title with 30 percent discount on subsequent titles after that. After the monthly fee, eStories offers a 33 percent discount per book if you buy them a la carte. From there, prices go up to $21.99 or $49.99 per month for two or five monthly titles.
The new service isn’t exactly following the eMusic indie-only format, however, and the company has partnered with the audiobooks divisions of major publishing houses like Hachette, Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster and others to bring some major bestsellers like The Hunger Games and Game of Thrones series, The Girl on the Train and Between the World and Me.
Also per TechCrunch, eMusic’s core service will be getting its own relaunch soon. After TriPlay acquired the company last year, the new owners shifted to a cloud streaming model rather than forcing users to go old school (circa 2007) and download purchased audio to their devices.
‘Hyper Light Drifter’ is touching down on consoles this month
Hyper Light Drifter is finally making its way to consoles soon, after a few harrowing months of waiting for PS4 and Xbox One owners. Developer Heart Machine’s neon wonderland, which originally launched on PC and Mac in early 2016, is touching down on both systems on July 26th. The information was outed early via Sony’s summer sale announcement — Heart Machine has now confirmed it.
While the game will launch on both consoles, there’s no mention just yet of whether or not its co-op mode will be included at launch. The playable mode was originally present during the PC beta on Steam, then removed for tweaks. It only just returned to the game in May.
If you’re interested in trying the game out, you’ll have three options as far as how you want to experience it. Pick it up on Steam here if you don’t want to wait.
Via: Destructoid
