theverge--2020-11-06--The Xbox reviews are in and Microsoft is off to a good start

Something Tom Warren said in today ’ s Vergecast ( forthcoming ! )
has stuck with me : the ideal next-gen gaming console would combine the games and controller from the PS5 with the chiller design and software ecosystem of the Xbox .
Couldn ’ t agree more — but in consumer tech , as in all things , you rarely get everything you want .
His reviews of the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S landed yesterday and we can expect reviews of the PS5 imminently .
Tom ’ s reviews contain lots of fascinating little details about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convinced that I think most people will want to pony up the extra money for the Series X .
Even if you don ’ t have a 4K TV now , your next set likely will be one and the Series X will work best with it .
Plus , the money you will save on the Series S isn ’ t worth the hassles of its anemic storage .
But before you pick between the two Xboxes , I suspect that many of you are in the same boat I am : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the PS5 .
Unluckily for those of us in that particular boat , we ’ ll have plenty of time to keep waffling between the two .
It looks like the impending launch days for each console are going to be nearly as chaotic and messy as the original preorders .
The PlayStation 5 won ’ t be available for in-store purchase on launch day , plus Best Buy won ’ t let you buy a PS5 or Xbox Series X in stores until 2021 .
On the whole it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lines of people waiting for store openings , because of the pandemic .
But it ’ s still super strange to me that there would be a console launch without that tradition .
I can ’ t speak to the PS5 until the reviews are out , so let ’ s focus on the Xbox .
I find Microsoft ’ s Game Pass subscription very compelling .
There are a ton of games I haven ’ t gotten around to and even more that I would never buy but would enjoy trying out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back in August .
Microsoft has also hustled some games out of EA like Star Wars Jedi : Fallen Order , and don ’ t forget it recently bought Bethesda , the company behind Doom , Fallout , Wolfenstein , and The Elder Scrolls .
Game and set , but I ’ m not sure it ’ s a match yet .
Sony ’ s more traditional “ just make a great console and have great exclusive games ” strategy means there will still be games I dearly want to play but can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sony ’ s new controller may well be so good in actual use that it becomes a genuine reason to prefer playing cross-platform games on the PS5 .
I could go on , but the point is simply that this next generation of consoles is exciting for reasons that go beyond graphics and ray tracing .
I expected it to go this way , but now that reviews are coming out it ’ s gratifying to see it playing out .
See , it was never a guarantee ( or even much of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ successfully execute on its next-gen Xbox launch plan .
We ’ ve seen this company duff a console launch before , after all .
There ’ s still more work for Microsoft to do to keep this Xbox competitive with the Playstation 5 ( launching Halo Infinite would be a good start ) .
These reviews show us that the company isn ’ t tripping out of the gate .
The catalog of current games that will be optimized is decent , flashy new games will ( hopefully ) come , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being able to buy the damn things .
So far , so good .
┏ Sizing up the iPhone 12 mini and 12 Pro Max .
Chaim Gartenberg got a chance to go look at all the new models of the iPhone 12 in one space .
It ’ s the closest we ’ re going to get this year to a Apple Park hands-on experience , and Chaim did a great job explaining the size differences and what they could mean .
Boy howdy does the 12 Pro Max look big .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are huge on crowdfunding , even if you ’ d never know it .
Ashley Carman : ┏ Jabra Elite 85t review : noise cancellation isn ’ t the only big change .
It ’ s been a long time since I ’ ve used Jabra headphones and honestly I ’ ve forgotten how damn convenient this is .
I ’ ve been using hacks like Tooth Fairy on the Mac ( highly recommended ) and fussing with hitting the connect button on Android and iPhone for a year or two now .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ reminder that Jabra solved all those problems a long time ago and it ’ s frankly baffling that they ’ re really the only ones who have gotten it right , at least in my experience .
┏ DJI ’ s palm-sized Mini 2 drone flies further and shoots 4K for $ 449 .
A ton of upgrades here , but it still keeps one particularly important spec the same : ┏ Razer ’ s new Razer Book 13 is a productivity laptop with a 16:10 screen .
I think this thing looks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s going to end up in an uncanny valley between people who know it ’ s not powerful enough for great gaming and people who think it ’ s not for them because Razer is a gaming brand .
Also a big YES , MORE PLEASE to the trend of switching from 16:9 aspect ratios to 16:10 .
It ’ s a subtle but important change , and maybe a good enough happy medium between media consumption ( better at 16:9 ) and work ( better at 3:2 ) .
┏ Fortnite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through Nvidia ’ s GeForce Now .
┏ You can borrow a friend ’ s Google Stadia library with new family sharing feature .
┏ The Nintendo Switch still keeps selling well .
┏ Razer ’ s Kaira Pro is a feature-packed headset for the latest Xbox consoles .
Just watch this , trust me ┏ First Lego Star Wars Holiday Special trailer teases a fun update to the original 1978 version .
Okay I didn ’ t expect to have a huge massive face-hurting grin plastered across my face when I clicked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what happened .
This looks so fun !

Something Tom Warren said in today’s Vergecast (forthcoming!) has stuck with me: the ideal next-gen gaming console would combine the games and controller from the PS5 with the chiller design and software ecosystem of the Xbox. Couldn’t agree more — but in consumer tech, as in all things, you rarely get everything you want.
His reviews of the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S landed yesterday and we can expect reviews of the PS5 imminently. Tom’s reviews contain lots of fascinating little details about each console, but I came away convinced that I think most people will want to pony up the extra money for the Series X. Even if you don’t have a 4K TV now, your next set likely will be one and the Series X will work best with it. Plus, the money you will save on the Series S isn’t worth the hassles of its anemic storage.
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But before you pick between the two Xboxes, I suspect that many of you are in the same boat I am: trying to decide between one of them and the PS5. Unluckily for those of us in that particular boat, we’ll have plenty of time to keep waffling between the two. It looks like the impending launch days for each console are going to be nearly as chaotic and messy as the original preorders.
The PlayStation 5 won’t be available for in-store purchase on launch day, plus Best Buy won’t let you buy a PS5 or Xbox Series X in stores until 2021. On the whole it’s good that there won’t be lines of people waiting for store openings, because of the pandemic. But it’s still super strange to me that there would be a console launch without that tradition.
I can’t speak to the PS5 until the reviews are out, so let’s focus on the Xbox. I find Microsoft’s Game Pass subscription very compelling. There are a ton of games I haven’t gotten around to and even more that I would never buy but would enjoy trying out — Andrew Webster made this exact point back in August. Microsoft has also hustled some games out of EA like Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, and don’t forget it recently bought Bethesda, the company behind Doom, Fallout, Wolfenstein, and The Elder Scrolls.
Game and set, but I’m not sure it’s a match yet. Sony’s more traditional “just make a great console and have great exclusive games” strategy means there will still be games I dearly want to play but can’t on the Xbox. And Sony’s new controller may well be so good in actual use that it becomes a genuine reason to prefer playing cross-platform games on the PS5.
I could go on, but the point is simply that this next generation of consoles is exciting for reasons that go beyond graphics and ray tracing. I expected it to go this way, but now that reviews are coming out it’s gratifying to see it playing out. See, it was never a guarantee (or even much of a sure thing) that Microsoft would successfully execute on its next-gen Xbox launch plan. We’ve seen this company duff a console launch before, after all.
There’s still more work for Microsoft to do to keep this Xbox competitive with the Playstation 5 (launching Halo Infinite would be a good start). These reviews show us that the company isn’t tripping out of the gate. The catalog of current games that will be optimized is decent, flashy new games will (hopefully) come, and the early demand will give way to actually being able to buy the damn things. So far, so good.
Now it’s Sony’s turn.
Gadget news and reviews
┏ Sizing up the iPhone 12 mini and 12 Pro Max. Chaim Gartenberg got a chance to go look at all the new models of the iPhone 12 in one space. It’s the closest we’re going to get this year to a Apple Park hands-on experience, and Chaim did a great job explaining the size differences and what they could mean. Boy howdy does the 12 Pro Max look big. Like really big.
“In 2017, when we started to do this skateboard crowdfunding, we [had] to deemphasize the truth that we’re from China,” he says. It’s not that he and his team lied about where they live and where their product came from, but they preferred not to say so directly. He says other companies will bring in a Western actor as a spokesperson or will advertise a lower member of their team, who is white, as an executive to deemphasize where they’re from.
┏ Jabra Elite 85t review: noise cancellation isn’t the only big change. It’s been a long time since I’ve used Jabra headphones and honestly I’ve forgotten how damn convenient this is. I’ve been using hacks like Tooth Fairy on the Mac (highly recommended) and fussing with hitting the connect button on Android and iPhone for a year or two now. Chris Welch’s review is a reminder that Jabra solved all those problems a long time ago and it’s frankly baffling that they’re really the only ones who have gotten it right, at least in my experience.
Before we get to the noise cancellation, let’s quickly call out one of the best things about Jabra earbuds: multipoint. While most true wireless earbuds can only connect to a single device at a time, Jabra’s can handle two at once. You can be listening to music from your laptop and take an incoming call on your phone without having to manually switch the earbuds over.
┏ DJI’s palm-sized Mini 2 drone flies further and shoots 4K for $449. A ton of upgrades here, but it still keeps one particularly important spec the same:
While the new $449 drone might look identical to the original, even weighing the same 249 grams (which means you don’t need to register it with the FAA), it now comes with DJI’s OcuSync 2 wireless connectivity for up to 2.5 times the wireless range and more stable connectivity.
┏ Razer’s new Razer Book 13 is a productivity laptop with a 16:10 screen. I think this thing looks really good, but I worry it’s going to end up in an uncanny valley between people who know it’s not powerful enough for great gaming and people who think it’s not for them because Razer is a gaming brand.
Also a big YES, MORE PLEASE to the trend of switching from 16:9 aspect ratios to 16:10. It’s a subtle but important change, and maybe a good enough happy medium between media consumption (better at 16:9) and work (better at 3:2).
More console news
Just watch this, trust me


theverge--2020-11-06--Apple’s MagSafe Duo charger will cost $129, but there’s no release date yet

Preorders for the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 Pro Max are officially live , and with it , Apple has also offered more pricing and release information on the next wave of iPhone 12 accessories , including the MagSafe Duo charger and the leather cases for the new phones .
The MagSafe Duo has officially gotten a $ 129 price tag , which includes the charger itself ( that can charge both an Apple Watch and an iPhone 12 at the same time ) and a 1-meter-long USB-C to Lightning cable .
Not included in that price is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you buy its own 20W USB-C power brick for an extra $ 19 .
And while Apple has updated the product page , there ’ s still no release date or preorder option — just a note that the charger is “ coming soon.
” Given that a regular MagSafe charger costs $ 39 ( plus $ 20 for the brick ) and a USB-C Apple Watch charger costs $ 29 ( plus $ 20 for the brick ) , you ’ re paying a fair amount extra for the convenience factor , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apple Watch charging dock that Apple sells , there ’ s at least a little more utility for the price .
Similarly , the new leather sleeve case option has also gotten a $ 129 price ( which is the same whether you ’ re buying it for the iPhone 12 mini , the iPhone 12 / 12 Pro , or the iPhone 12 Pro Max ) .
It ’ ll come in four colors — blue , pink , brown , and red — and offer both an interior pocket to store @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strap .
The leather sleeves also work with MagSafe wireless charging , so you ’ ll still be able to recharge your phone even when it ’ s stowed away .
Like the MagSafe Duo , it ’ s also listed as “ coming soon , ” with no firm release date .
If you ’ re looking for an iPhone accessory you can buy today , Apple has released its leather case options for the iPhone 12 mini , the iPhone 12 / 12 Pro , and the iPhone 12 Pro Max @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right now that feature support for Apple ’ s new MagSafe charging system .
All three sizes of the case will cost $ 59 , and come in blue , yellow , brown , black , and red color options .

Preorders for the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 Pro Max are officially live, and with it, Apple has also offered more pricing and release information on the next wave of iPhone 12 accessories, including the MagSafe Duo charger and the leather cases for the new phones.
The MagSafe Duo has officially gotten a $129 price tag, which includes the charger itself (that can charge both an Apple Watch and an iPhone 12 at the same time) and a 1-meter-long USB-C to Lightning cable. Not included in that price is a power brick, although Apple recommends that you buy its own 20W USB-C power brick for an extra $19. And while Apple has updated the product page, there’s still no release date or preorder option — just a note that the charger is “coming soon.”
Given that a regular MagSafe charger costs $39 (plus $20 for the brick) and a USB-C Apple Watch charger costs $29 (plus $20 for the brick), you’re paying a fair amount extra for the convenience factor, although compared to the existing $79 Apple Watch charging dock that Apple sells, there’s at least a little more utility for the price.
Similarly, the new leather sleeve case option has also gotten a $129 price (which is the same whether you’re buying it for the iPhone 12 mini, the iPhone 12 / 12 Pro, or the iPhone 12 Pro Max). It’ll come in four colors — blue, pink, brown, and red — and offer both an interior pocket to store a credit card and a matching wrist strap. The leather sleeves also work with MagSafe wireless charging, so you’ll still be able to recharge your phone even when it’s stowed away. Like the MagSafe Duo, it’s also listed as “coming soon,” with no firm release date.


theverge--2020-11-06--The iPhone’s ultrawide camera could get a big boost in 2021, says Kuo

The iPhone 12 has just barely launched , but we already have some idea what next year ’ s lineup could look like — according to TFI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo , Apple ’ s 2021 iPhones will keep the new form factor and screen sizes introduced with the iPhone 12 line , but offer an improved ultrawide camera on the high-end Pro and Pro Max models ( via MacRumors ) .
Kuo predicted the iPhone 12 line and now seems set to reveal what to expect from the 2021 models nearly a year before they launch .
This time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Pro and Pro Max will be upgraded from the current f/2.4 , five-element lens setup to an f/1.8 , six-element lens with autofocus .
The larger aperture should let in more light , potentially enhancing low-light shots , and we ’ re curious to see if the autofocus and an increased number of lens elements might make it easier to take great ultrawide pictures .
Recently , we ’ ve seen Apple reserving the best cameras for its priciest iPhones , with the iPhone 12 Pro Max getting a larger sensor and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ camera , and a longer telephoto lens as well .
But the Pro Max didn ’ t buy you a better ultrawide camera than any other iPhone 12 ; that will change next year , according to Kuo .
In 2022 , Kuo expects the new ultrawide will become standard across the entire iPhone line , but there could be a new high-end camera : Kuo previously predicted that 2022 iPhones would feature a periscope telephoto lens like the one we first saw torn down in the Huawei P30 Pro .
Periscope telephoto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spacing out lenses inside the body of the phone and using a mirror to point them out the back .
The new cameras join Kuo ’ s other predictions for the iPhone in 2021 : a completely port-free flagship , 120Hz ProMotion displays , and a new generation of Touch ID built directly into the display and/or the power button .
So while Kuo says they may look visually similar to the iPhone 12 , they could come with some important changes .

The iPhone 12 has just barely launched, but we already have some idea what next year’s lineup could look like — according to TFI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple’s 2021 iPhones will keep the new form factor and screen sizes introduced with the iPhone 12 line, but offer an improved ultrawide camera on the high-end Pro and Pro Max models (via MacRumors).
Kuo predicted the iPhone 12 line and now seems set to reveal what to expect from the 2021 models nearly a year before they launch. This time, Kuo says the ultrawide camera of the Pro and Pro Max will be upgraded from the current f/2.4, five-element lens setup to an f/1.8, six-element lens with autofocus. The larger aperture should let in more light, potentially enhancing low-light shots, and we’re curious to see if the autofocus and an increased number of lens elements might make it easier to take great ultrawide pictures.
Recently, we’ve seen Apple reserving the best cameras for its priciest iPhones, with the iPhone 12 Pro Max getting a larger sensor and sensor-shift optical image stabilization for its main camera, and a longer telephoto lens as well. But the Pro Max didn’t buy you a better ultrawide camera than any other iPhone 12; that will change next year, according to Kuo.
In 2022, Kuo expects the new ultrawide will become standard across the entire iPhone line, but there could be a new high-end camera: Kuo previously predicted that 2022 iPhones would feature a periscope telephoto lens like the one we first saw torn down in the Huawei P30 Pro. Periscope telephoto lenses allow for increased optical zoom by spacing out lenses inside the body of the phone and using a mirror to point them out the back.


theverge--2020-11-06--Watch the PS5 play PS4 games better than ever before

A new video from Digital Foundry makes it immediately clear that the PS5 brings notable performance improvements to many PS4 games .
The 30-minute video shows off a lot of big PS4 titles on running PS5 , including Crysis Remastered , Dark Souls 3 , Days Gone ( with its PS5-exclusive 60fps framerate ) , Ghost of Tsushima ( with its PS5-exclusive 60fps framerate ) , Hitman , Just Cause 3 , Rise of the Tomb Raider , and Sekiro : Shadows Die Twice .
I highly recommend that you watch it to see the games in action : In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ launch , Sony promised that the “ overwhelming majority ” of the more 4,000 PS4 games would work on the new console , and we ’ ve seen some developers announce PS5-exclusive optimizations ( like Ghost of Tsushima ’ s boost to 60fps ) , but we just didn ’ t know how well PS4 games would actually play on the PS5 .
Based on Digital Foundry ’ s video ( and an accompanying article ) , it appears that most PS4 games will play just fine on the PS5 — and many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve got a big PS4 backlog you ’ ve been meaning to get through ( *raises hand* ) , the PS5 seems like it will be a great way to play those older games .

A new video from Digital Foundry makes it immediately clear that the PS5 brings notable performance improvements to many PS4 games. The 30-minute video shows off a lot of big PS4 titles on running PS5, including Crysis Remastered, Dark Souls 3, Days Gone (with its PS5-exclusive 60fps framerate), Ghost of Tsushima (with its PS5-exclusive 60fps framerate), Hitman, Just Cause 3, Rise of the Tomb Raider, and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.
I highly recommend that you watch it to see the games in action:
In the leadup to the PS5’s launch, Sony promised that the “overwhelming majority” of the more 4,000 PS4 games would work on the new console, and we’ve seen some developers announce PS5-exclusive optimizations (like Ghost of Tsushima’s boost to 60fps), but we just didn’t know how well PS4 games would actually play on the PS5.


theverge--2020-11-06--ViacomCBS wants to prove to skeptics it finally understands streaming

If you ’ re still unsure of what Paramount Plus is , don ’ t worry — you ’ ll learn soon , because ViacomCBS is going to spend a good portion of 2021 trying to get you to sign up for it .
Paramount Plus is ViacomCBS ’ s rebrand of its current streaming service , CBS All Access .
The revamped streamer will carry live sports ( including NFL games that air on CBS ) , live news , and thousands of films and TV shows from its networks .
Those include Nickelodeon , MTV , BET , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ library programming from CBS .
As the company prepares to end 2020 with “ at least ” 19 million paid subscribers in the United States , and plans to expand in 2021 , executives used their time on an earnings call today to try and convince skeptical investors and analysts they know what they ’ re doing — ironic considering CBS All Access is one of the earliest major streamers .
“ Streaming is obviously a big opportunity , ” ViacomCBS ’ s new chief financial officer , Navreen Chopra , said on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It ’ s one where we ’ ve got several years of experience and increasing momentum.
” There are two main streaming areas of focus heading into 2021 : Paramount Plus and Pluto TV .
The latter is its ad-supported free streaming service that the company sees as straight advertising revenue play .
The platform has more than 28 million monthly active users , up 57 percent year over year .
People sign up to use the service , and ViacomCBS sells ads .
It ’ s a platform that CEO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t be happier ” to have acquired in late 2018 .
Paramount Plus , however , is what will compete with services like Peacock , HBO Max , Disney Plus , and Netflix .
Figuring out how to “ lean into streaming even more , ” as Bakish said he wanted to do , comes with deciding what doesn ’ t make sense to continue .
Part of that includes offering live TV , like sports and news .
Other moves include shutting smaller niche platforms like MTV Hits .
Although the CEO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players ( like NickHits or Comedy Central Now ) , the idea seems to be that the content will fold into Paramount Plus .
Services like NickHits are available on more general digital retailers like Amazon , where they can be purchased for an additional monthly fee on top of Amazon Prime ’ s membership fee .
One big difference that will separates ViacomCBS is how the company is thinking about its content .
The company will continue to license its series and films to other companies .
Notably , South Park airs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — but the deal brought in a reported $ 500 million .
Popular shows like Avatar : The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra were also licensed to Netflix .
Weekly breakdowns from Nielsen of top streaming titles in the US routinely have ViacomCBS programs like Shameless , Criminal Minds , and NCIS listed , even if those programs air on different platforms .
“ We can ’ t keep all that for ourselves .
It doesn ’ t make sense .
It ’ s too much ” That doesn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on exclusives ; it will .
Originals and exclusives bring people in , and libraries retain subscribers .
Bakish ’ s argument is their libraries have content to allow more licensing through non-exclusive deals ( like Legend of Korra on Netflix ) to generate additional revenue .
“ We have a film library of 4,000 titles , a TV library of 140,000 episodes — we can ’ t keep all that for ourselves , ” Bakish said .
“ It doesn ’ t make sense .
It ’ s too much .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are proven hitmakers , and that demand , we can reliably and profitably monetize it.
” With Paramount Plus set to debut in early 2021 , and Pluto TV continuing to expand into new countries , ViacomCBS is putting its eggs in streaming ’ s basket .
Whether or not ViacomCBS manages to quell analysts ’ and investors ’ concerns about being able to compete with some of the biggest players at the table will take time to play out , but it ’ s clear that Bakish and his team are @ @ @

If you’re still unsure of what Paramount Plus is, don’t worry — you’ll learn soon, because ViacomCBS is going to spend a good portion of 2021 trying to get you to sign up for it.
Paramount Plus is ViacomCBS’s rebrand of its current streaming service, CBS All Access. The revamped streamer will carry live sports (including NFL games that air on CBS), live news, and thousands of films and TV shows from its networks. Those include Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, Comedy Central, and both current and library programming from CBS. As the company prepares to end 2020 with “at least” 19 million paid subscribers in the United States, and plans to expand in 2021, executives used their time on an earnings call today to try and convince skeptical investors and analysts they know what they’re doing — ironic considering CBS All Access is one of the earliest major streamers.
“Streaming is obviously a big opportunity,” ViacomCBS’s new chief financial officer, Navreen Chopra, said on the company’s third-quarter earnings call. “It’s one where we’ve got several years of experience and increasing momentum.”
“Streaming is obviously a big opportunity”
There are two main streaming areas of focus heading into 2021: Paramount Plus and Pluto TV. The latter is its ad-supported free streaming service that the company sees as straight advertising revenue play. The platform has more than 28 million monthly active users, up 57 percent year over year. People sign up to use the service, and ViacomCBS sells ads. It’s a platform that CEO Bob Bakish said he “couldn’t be happier” to have acquired in late 2018.
Paramount Plus, however, is what will compete with services like Peacock, HBO Max, Disney Plus, and Netflix. Figuring out how to “lean into streaming even more,” as Bakish said he wanted to do, comes with deciding what doesn’t make sense to continue. Part of that includes offering live TV, like sports and news. Other moves include shutting smaller niche platforms like MTV Hits. Although the CEO didn’t speak to other niche players (like NickHits or Comedy Central Now), the idea seems to be that the content will fold into Paramount Plus. Services like NickHits are available on more general digital retailers like Amazon, where they can be purchased for an additional monthly fee on top of Amazon Prime’s membership fee.
One big difference that will separates ViacomCBS is how the company is thinking about its content. The company will continue to license its series and films to other companies. Notably, South Park airs on HBO Max — a direct competitor — but the deal brought in a reported $500 million. Popular shows like Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra were also licensed to Netflix. Weekly breakdowns from Nielsen of top streaming titles in the US routinely have ViacomCBS programs like Shameless, Criminal Minds, and NCIS listed, even if those programs air on different platforms.
“We can’t keep all that for ourselves. It doesn’t make sense. It’s too much”
That doesn’t mean Paramount Plus won’t rely on exclusives; it will. Originals and exclusives bring people in, and libraries retain subscribers. Bakish’s argument is their libraries have content to allow more licensing through non-exclusive deals (like Legend of Korra on Netflix) to generate additional revenue.
“We have a film library of 4,000 titles, a TV library of 140,000 episodes — we can’t keep all that for ourselves,” Bakish said. “It doesn’t make sense. It’s too much. We have strong demand from third parties because we are proven hitmakers, and that demand, we can reliably and profitably monetize it.”


theverge--2020-11-06--Google Photos might put some editing features behind a subscription paywall

Google Photos is a superb photo management and editing app .
As it has grown in popularity , Google has made the occasional attempt to monetize Photos — most recently by launching a subscription service where customers receive a selection of 10 printed shots every month .
But now , according to XDA Developers ( and also highlighted by Android Police ) , Google might be planning to reserve certain editing tricks — some that were previously available for free — for Google One subscribers .
That ’ s one way to start ruining a beloved service , Google .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the latest update to Google Photos , there are strings that clearly point to the app moving in this direction : But these aren ’ t just hidden code snippets ; it seems that Google is already testing this approach with some people right now , as you can see in the below screenshots shared with XDA ’ s Mishaal Rahman .
However , Google tells The Verge it ’ s not actually locking the free “ color pop ” tool behind a paywall ; it ’ s simply offering a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ photos than before : In Google Photos , color pop is a feature that continues to be available for anyone to use , at no cost , for photos with depth information ( such as portrait mode ) .
As a part of an ongoing roll out that began earlier this year , Google One members can apply the feature to even more photos of people , including those without depth information .
That said , Google wouldn ’ t tell us which other editing tools and features it might decide to exclusively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying it had “ nothing to share.
” With monthly subscriptions that start at $ 1.99 per month ( for 100GB of cloud storage spread across your Google services ) , Google One isn ’ t terribly expensive .
It ’ s also used for Android device backups , and the company recently announced that it ’ s adding a VPN feature for Google One subscribers on the $ 9.99/month ( 2TB storage ) plan .
But the notion that you soon might have to pay a recurring fee to unlock everything Google @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frustrating .
Maybe this is the cost of all that free photos storage .
Update , 7:30PM ET : Added Google statement and clarification that the paywalled “ color pop ” feature works with more photos than the original free version did .

Google Photos is a superb photo management and editing app. As it has grown in popularity, Google has made the occasional attempt to monetize Photos — most recently by launching a subscription service where customers receive a selection of 10 printed shots every month. But now, according to XDA Developers (and also highlighted by Android Police), Google might be planning to reserve certain editing tricks — some that were previously available for free — for Google One subscribers. That’s one way to start ruining a beloved service, Google. Maybe rethink this.
Inside the code for the latest update to Google Photos, there are strings that clearly point to the app moving in this direction:
As a Google One member, you get access to extra editing features. Get extra editing features with a Google One membership. Unlock this feature and more with a Google One membership. Unlock more editing features and {storage_amount} of storage with a Google One membership.
But these aren’t just hidden code snippets; it seems that Google is already testing this approach with some people right now, as you can see in the below screenshots shared with XDA’s Mishaal Rahman.
However, Google tells The Verge it’s not actually locking the free “color pop” tool behind a paywall; it’s simply offering a new version that can be used on more photos than before:
In Google Photos, color pop is a feature that continues to be available for anyone to use, at no cost, for photos with depth information (such as portrait mode). As a part of an ongoing roll out that began earlier this year, Google One members can apply the feature to even more photos of people, including those without depth information.
That said, Google wouldn’t tell us which other editing tools and features it might decide to exclusively offer to its Google One subscribers, saying it had “nothing to share.”
With monthly subscriptions that start at $1.99 per month (for 100GB of cloud storage spread across your Google services), Google One isn’t terribly expensive. It’s also used for Android device backups, and the company recently announced that it’s adding a VPN feature for Google One subscribers on the $9.99/month (2TB storage) plan. But the notion that you soon might have to pay a recurring fee to unlock everything Google Photos has to offer is still pretty frustrating. Maybe this is the cost of all that free photos storage.


theverge--2020-11-06--Disney’s live-action Mulan will be out on Blu-ray next week

Disney ’ s live-action adaptation of Mulan , one of the company ’ s biggest streaming titles this year , will finally be available on physical media next week .
You ’ ll be able to get it on 4K UHD Blu-ray , Blu-ray , and DVD on November 10th .
Mulan ’ s physical media launch marks the end of a whirlwind release schedule brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic .
The movie was originally set to premiere in theaters on March 27th , but was delayed to July 24th due to pandemic-related theater closures .
As the year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to August 21st , which then was followed by another — and indefinite — delay .
In early August , Disney made the notable call to have Mulan exclusively premiere on Disney Plus on September 4th , though subscribers had to pay $ 30 to watch the movie , on top of the $ 6.99 monthly fee .
That $ 30 price won ’ t be in place too much longer , though , as Disney will be making Mulan available to all Disney Plus subscribers on December 4th .
And the movie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ digital retailers if you don ’ t want to watch it on Disney Plus .
November 10th doesn ’ t just bring the release of the live-action Mulan on physical media , though — you ’ ll also be able to get the classic animated Mulan in 4K UHD Blu-ray as part of a two-movie collection .

Disney’s live-action adaptation of Mulan, one of the company’s biggest streaming titles this year, will finally be available on physical media next week. You’ll be able to get it on 4K UHD Blu-ray, Blu-ray, and DVD on November 10th.
Mulan’s physical media launch marks the end of a whirlwind release schedule brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The movie was originally set to premiere in theaters on March 27th, but was delayed to July 24th due to pandemic-related theater closures. As the year wore on, closures forced another delay to August 21st, which then was followed by another — and indefinite — delay.
In early August, Disney made the notable call to have Mulan exclusively premiere on Disney Plus on September 4th, though subscribers had to pay $30 to watch the movie, on top of the $6.99 monthly fee. That $30 price won’t be in place too much longer, though, as Disney will be making Mulan available to all Disney Plus subscribers on December 4th. And the movie is already available to purchase on other digital retailers if you don’t want to watch it on Disney Plus.


theverge--2020-11-06--Gray wolves win in historic Colorado election

Gray wolves came out on top in a nail-biting Colorado state election that could be a boon for the species across the US .
A ballot measure to reintroduce the species in Colorado , Proposition 114 , won Tuesday ’ s election with a narrow lead .
The wolves are native to the state but were completely wiped out there by the mid-1940s .
Millions of gray wolves once called North America their home , but they were shot , trapped , and poisoned to near-extinction to make way for western development and livestock .
The passage of Prop 114 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ push to destigmatize “ the big , bad wolf ” and bring their numbers back .
Now the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission needs to craft a plan to bring the wolves back to regions west of the continental divide by the end of 2023 .
There ’ s a long road ahead to ensure the species ’ survival , which also hinges on bringing people together who have been split on what to do with the wolves .
The local victory for fans of the wolf in Colorado is all the more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a huge national roadblock for wolves ’ recovery .
Last week , the Trump administration decided to remove the animal from protection under the Endangered Species Act in the lower 48 states , making the case that they had already successfully made a comeback .
( The decision excludes Mexican wolves , a subspecies in the Southwest , whose numbers are sparse . )
Conservationists have signaled that they ’ ll challenge the decision in court .
“ The decision to remove critical protections for still-recovering gray wolves is dangerously short-sighted , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and biodiversity crisis , ” Bonnie Rice , senior representative for Sierra Club ’ s Our Wild America Campaign , said in a statement .
“ We should be putting more effort into coexistence with wolves and reinstating endangered species protections critical for their full recovery.
” The animals have only returned to about 10 percent of their historic range in the US , according to conservationists .
Their populations are fragmented , but bringing gray wolves back to Colorado has the potential to help bridge gaps between packs in the Great Lakes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West .
That would lead to more genetic exchange and healthier future generations of wolves , according to Diana Tomback , a professor of integrative biology at University of Colorado Denver who has also served on the science advisory team of the Rocky Mountain Wolf Project .
“ It makes the future of the gray wolf in the lower 48 much more certain , ” Tomback says .
Protections for gray wolves from state to state are patchy .
In Colorado , they ’ re still listed as an endangered species .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed to kill them .
Prop 114 marks the first time voters have made the call on whether or not to reintroduce an animal , a spokesperson for Coloradans for Protecting Wildlife told National Geographic .
Votes were pretty split between big urban and rural areas , with ballots from communities around cities like Denver , Boulder , and Colorado Springs pushing the ballot measure over the edge .
“ [ Wolves ] are a very symbolic species , ” says Rebecca Niemiec , an assistant professor in the Human Dimensions of Natural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For some , wolves represent a broader mission to make amends with wilderness , she says .
For others , the encroaching wolves might signal a threat to a way of life they ’ ve become accustomed to , without neighboring predators .
There have also been tensions because of a perception that city-dwellers are influencing policies that directly affect other communities living closer to the wild .
An important next step after the election Bringing all of those perspectives together will be an important next step after the election .
“ Research @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if we don ’ t bring together people with these diverse values — actually together in a room to engage in shared dialogue and shared decision-making — then conflict between people over wolves can actually escalate .
And this can result in negative outcomes for both people and for wolves , ” Niemiec says .
Prop 114 stipulates that ranchers should be compensated for any livestock they lose .
But fair compensation might mean more than a simple cash payout , Niemiec points out .
Her work with local stakeholders has found that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with preparing for wolves ’ comeback .
Local ranchers , Native American tribes , hunters — pretty much everyone with skin in the game — can all help officials determine what compensation is appropriate .
It might involve additional compensation for any indirect effects the wolves might have , like how livestock losses affect the genetic health of the herd , for example .
That could foster more support for the wolves moving forward .
Prior to this year ’ s polarizing election , recent research already found relatively similar levels of tolerance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state , including among ranchers and hunters .
When wolves come back , they ’ re much more likely to stick to their typical diet of deer and elk than to turn to livestock .
Wolves kill less than 0.01 percent of cattle each year in the northern Rockies , according to Tomback .
They ’ re also typically shy and stay away from humans .
One study of wolf encounters in Alaska and Canada between 1900 and 2000 found only 16 cases of wild , healthy wolves biting people , of which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were documented killing any person in North America in the same time period .
The wolves ’ return could also restore some balance to ecosystems by culling sick deer and elk in herds that have had an uptick of chronic wasting disease , an illness similar to mad cow disease .
Gray wolves might have helped stabilize elk populations in Yellowstone National Park after they were reintroduced there in the 1990s .
The wolves have also become an attraction for admirers hoping to catch a peek of them from afar at the park @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , says Tomback .
Even though the wolves are likely to lead private lives in the wilds of Colorado , people might encounter them from a distance — and that ’ s something to celebrate , rather than to fear , Tomback points out .
“ People who like to hike and backpack , they will be treated to the occasional fleeting glimpse of a wolf , maybe .
Maybe while they ’ re camped , they ’ ll hear the howl of a wolf at night , ” Tomback says .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that all is right ecologically , that wildness has returned .
”

Gray wolves came out on top in a nail-biting Colorado state election that could be a boon for the species across the US. A ballot measure to reintroduce the species in Colorado, Proposition 114, won Tuesday’s election with a narrow lead.
The wolves are native to the state but were completely wiped out there by the mid-1940s. Millions of gray wolves once called North America their home, but they were shot, trapped, and poisoned to near-extinction to make way for western development and livestock.
There’s a long road ahead to ensure the species’ survival
The passage of Prop 114 is the latest win in a decades-long push to destigmatize “the big, bad wolf” and bring their numbers back. Now the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission needs to craft a plan to bring the wolves back to regions west of the continental divide by the end of 2023. There’s a long road ahead to ensure the species’ survival, which also hinges on bringing people together who have been split on what to do with the wolves.
The local victory for fans of the wolf in Colorado is all the more important because it follows what conservationists see as a huge national roadblock for wolves’ recovery. Last week, the Trump administration decided to remove the animal from protection under the Endangered Species Act in the lower 48 states, making the case that they had already successfully made a comeback. (The decision excludes Mexican wolves, a subspecies in the Southwest, whose numbers are sparse.)
Conservationists have signaled that they’ll challenge the decision in court.
“The decision to remove critical protections for still-recovering gray wolves is dangerously short-sighted, especially in the face of an extinction and biodiversity crisis,” Bonnie Rice, senior representative for Sierra Club’s Our Wild America Campaign, said in a statement. “We should be putting more effort into coexistence with wolves and reinstating endangered species protections critical for their full recovery.”
The animals have only returned to about 10 percent of their historic range in the US, according to conservationists. Their populations are fragmented, but bringing gray wolves back to Colorado has the potential to help bridge gaps between packs in the Great Lakes, the Northern Rockies, and the West. That would lead to more genetic exchange and healthier future generations of wolves, according to Diana Tomback, a professor of integrative biology at University of Colorado Denver who has also served on the science advisory team of the Rocky Mountain Wolf Project. “It makes the future of the gray wolf in the lower 48 much more certain,” Tomback says.
“A very symbolic species”
Protections for gray wolves from state to state are patchy. In Colorado, they’re still listed as an endangered species. But across the border in Wyoming people are allowed to kill them.
Prop 114 marks the first time voters have made the call on whether or not to reintroduce an animal, a spokesperson for Coloradans for Protecting Wildlife told National Geographic. Votes were pretty split between big urban and rural areas, with ballots from communities around cities like Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs pushing the ballot measure over the edge.
“[Wolves] are a very symbolic species,” says Rebecca Niemiec, an assistant professor in the Human Dimensions of Natural Resources Department at Colorado State University. For some, wolves represent a broader mission to make amends with wilderness, she says. For others, the encroaching wolves might signal a threat to a way of life they’ve become accustomed to, without neighboring predators. There have also been tensions because of a perception that city-dwellers are influencing policies that directly affect other communities living closer to the wild.
An important next step after the election
Bringing all of those perspectives together will be an important next step after the election. “Research shows that with these contentious issues, if we don’t bring together people with these diverse values — actually together in a room to engage in shared dialogue and shared decision-making — then conflict between people over wolves can actually escalate. And this can result in negative outcomes for both people and for wolves,” Niemiec says.
Prop 114 stipulates that ranchers should be compensated for any livestock they lose. But fair compensation might mean more than a simple cash payout, Niemiec points out. Her work with local stakeholders has found that additional emotional and stress-related pressures can come with preparing for wolves’ comeback. Local ranchers, Native American tribes, hunters — pretty much everyone with skin in the game — can all help officials determine what compensation is appropriate. It might involve additional compensation for any indirect effects the wolves might have, like how livestock losses affect the genetic health of the herd, for example. That could foster more support for the wolves moving forward. Prior to this year’s polarizing election, recent research already found relatively similar levels of tolerance for wolves across different demographics in the state, including among ranchers and hunters.
When wolves come back, they’re much more likely to stick to their typical diet of deer and elk than to turn to livestock. Wolves kill less than 0.01 percent of cattle each year in the northern Rockies, according to Tomback. They’re also typically shy and stay away from humans. One study of wolf encounters in Alaska and Canada between 1900 and 2000 found only 16 cases of wild, healthy wolves biting people, of which six cases were severe. No wolves were documented killing any person in North America in the same time period.
The occasional fleeting glimpse of a wolf
The wolves’ return could also restore some balance to ecosystems by culling sick deer and elk in herds that have had an uptick of chronic wasting disease, an illness similar to mad cow disease. Gray wolves might have helped stabilize elk populations in Yellowstone National Park after they were reintroduced there in the 1990s.
The wolves have also become an attraction for admirers hoping to catch a peek of them from afar at the park. The same could happen in Colorado, says Tomback. Even though the wolves are likely to lead private lives in the wilds of Colorado, people might encounter them from a distance — and that’s something to celebrate, rather than to fear, Tomback points out.


theverge--2020-11-06--Spotify hints at subscription podcast service

Spotify appears to be interested in launching a subscription podcast service that would offer access to original shows or exclusive episodes for a monthly fee .
The potential service was described in a survey sent out through Spotify ’ s app , which was reported on by Andrew Wallenstein , president of Variety ’ s Intelligence Platform .
The survey describes at least four possible subscription podcast plans , ranging from $ 3 to $ 8 per month .
The cheapest plan would include “ access to exclusive interviews and episodes , ” but would still include ads .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ high quality original content , ” early access to some episodes , and no platform-inserted ads .
None of these plans would include access to Spotify ’ s premium music subscription .
A spokesperson for Spotify indicated that the survey should not be taken as concrete product plans .
“ At Spotify , we routinely conduct a number of surveys in an effort to improve our user experience .
Some of those end up paving the path for our broader user experience and others serve only as important learnings , ” the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further news to share on future plans at this time.
” That means there ’ s no guarantee that Spotify will follow through with launching any of the described services .
Companies often survey customers about potential new products and may shape their plans based on the results .
But the fact that Spotify is surveying users means that it ’ s likely considering launching some sort of subscription podcast plan , even if it doesn ’ t necessarily end up taking any of the exact forms described here .
Spotify has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past two years .
The company acquired several major podcast producers , including Gimlet , Parcast , and The Ringer ; signed exclusive podcast deals with Michelle Obama , Kim Kardashian West , and Joe Rogan ; and has increasingly promoted podcasts inside its app .
Podcasts offer a lucrative opportunity for Spotify because it doesn ’ t have to pay licensing fees and royalties to stream them , but it can still make money on subscriptions and app-inserted ads played around them .
Eventually , Spotify is going to want to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has sunk into podcasting — and it seems we may have an early look at what that ’ ll be like .
Whether Spotify can pull it off is another question , though .
The podcast service Luminary signed a splashy roster of talent to make podcasts for its subscription service , but it frustrated the podcast industry in the process and seems to have struggled to get listeners to sign up .

Spotify appears to be interested in launching a subscription podcast service that would offer access to original shows or exclusive episodes for a monthly fee. The potential service was described in a survey sent out through Spotify’s app, which was reported on by Andrew Wallenstein, president of Variety’s Intelligence Platform.
The survey describes at least four possible subscription podcast plans, ranging from $3 to $8 per month. The cheapest plan would include “access to exclusive interviews and episodes,” but would still include ads. The most expensive plan would include access to “high quality original content,” early access to some episodes, and no platform-inserted ads. None of these plans would include access to Spotify’s premium music subscription.
A spokesperson for Spotify indicated that the survey should not be taken as concrete product plans. “At Spotify, we routinely conduct a number of surveys in an effort to improve our user experience. Some of those end up paving the path for our broader user experience and others serve only as important learnings,” the spokesperson said. “We have no further news to share on future plans at this time.”
That means there’s no guarantee that Spotify will follow through with launching any of the described services. Companies often survey customers about potential new products and may shape their plans based on the results. But the fact that Spotify is surveying users means that it’s likely considering launching some sort of subscription podcast plan, even if it doesn’t necessarily end up taking any of the exact forms described here.
Spotify has been making big investments into podcasting over the past two years. The company acquired several major podcast producers, including Gimlet, Parcast, and The Ringer; signed exclusive podcast deals with Michelle Obama, Kim Kardashian West, and Joe Rogan; and has increasingly promoted podcasts inside its app. Podcasts offer a lucrative opportunity for Spotify because it doesn’t have to pay licensing fees and royalties to stream them, but it can still make money on subscriptions and app-inserted ads played around them.


theverge--2020-11-06--People are making fancams for states that have gone blue

It ’ s the third day of the US presidential election , and the country is finally starting to get some clarity on who actually won the race .
As states have been finalizing their vote counts , election maps have been updating their colors .
And now , as a result , we have these .
These are colloquially known as fancams .
( More on that in a minute . )
The videos have even extended to people like MSNBC anchor Steve Kornacki and Joe Biden .
Let ’ s talk about fancams .
As Twitter user @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , fancams are fan-made concert videos of idols taken by fans .
“ They often ( but not always ) focused on a ‘ bias ’ , their favourite member of a particular group , ” they wrote .
“ For a popular group you could find fancams of each member for any particular performance from a specific date.
” Right !
Cool .
Fancams don ’ t just live on YouTube or forums anymore , though .
People started replying with them on Twitter , and eventually the meaning of a fancam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stopped referring to a specific thing .
This , of course , is how you turn a fancam into an AMV ( anime music video ) .
Time , semantic drift , and the eternal September .
For the record : AMVs are an old form of fan-made media .
Teens used to take pivotal moments of popular shows like Naruto or Sailor Moon and set them to emotional music .
They ’ re beautiful !
Anyway , next time you see a fancam on Twitter , now you ’ ll know where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , log onto YouTube and watch a ton of AMVs .

It’s the third day of the US presidential election, and the country is finally starting to get some clarity on who actually won the race. As states have been finalizing their vote counts, election maps have been updating their colors. And now, as a result, we have these.
These are colloquially known as fancams. (More on that in a minute.) The videos have even extended to people like MSNBC anchor Steve Kornacki and Joe Biden.
Let’s talk about fancams. As Twitter user @S_Bareerah pointed out in an archived thread, fancams are fan-made concert videos of idols taken by fans. “They often (but not always) focused on a ‘bias’, their favourite member of a particular group,” they wrote. “For a popular group you could find fancams of each member for any particular performance from a specific date.”
Right! Cool. Fancams don’t just live on YouTube or forums anymore, though. People started replying with them on Twitter, and eventually the meaning of a fancam changed. They became an aesthetic and stopped referring to a specific thing.
This, of course, is how you turn a fancam into an AMV (anime music video). Time, semantic drift, and the eternal September.
For the record: AMVs are an old form of fan-made media. Teens used to take pivotal moments of popular shows like Naruto or Sailor Moon and set them to emotional music. They’re beautiful!


theverge--2020-11-06--Here’s where and when you can buy the Xbox Series S and Series X consoles

The Xbox Series S and Series X consoles will both be available starting on November 10th , and if you missed out on preordering either ( or both — look , I ’ m not going to judge ) , you might be able to snag one online on launch day .
Due to the pandemic , combined with the high demand for these consoles , retailers like Best Buy and Target are only selling online .
That means you won ’ t be able to walk into a store to pick one up — unless you ’ ve purchased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you be able to arrange an in-store pickup .
• Speaking of online sales , Walmart announced that it will be selling both consoles online on Tuesday , November 10th , at 12PM ET / 9AM PT .
So , get ready for that .
• Best Buy encourages shoppers to visit its site to order instead of showing up at its stores .
It doesn ’ t have set time slots for when it expects stock to be available .
Until we hear from more retailers , I recommend keeping it locked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Target , the Microsoft Store , GameStop , Newegg , and ( if you have memberships ) Costco and Sam ’ s Club .
If you ’ re trying to decide between the Xbox Series S or Series X , my colleague Tom Warren recently reviewed both consoles .
Buy with the Xbox All Access plan As an alternative to paying full price upfront for each console , you can pay a monthly installment for either of them through the Xbox All Access plan .
It ’ s a financing option that lets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cost .
You ’ ll be billed one monthly payment for the console and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate together ( $ 24.99 per month for the Series S , $ 34.99 per month for the Series X ) for 24 months .
Available at the Microsoft Store , Best Buy , Walmart , Target .
Update November 6th , 1:30PM ET : With consoles launching next week , we ’ ve updated this post to be a resource that tells you when and where you can buy a Series X or Series S @ @

Microsoft’s next-gen gaming consoles, the Xbox Series X and Series S, came out in November 2020, but buying one even now has been challenging. If you have a hard time keeping up with restocks on where to buy either console, don’t worry. We are here to help you keep tabs and better your chances of securing either next-gen Xbox console.
Keep in mind that due to the high demand of this console, supply will likely not last long, with inventory selling out typically less than an hour after being made available. Nevertheless, we’ll do our best to keep this article updated with the latest in-stock alerts and tell you when the most recent restock was available at the retailers.
We will also note any opportunities to buy either Xbox console through the Xbox All Access Plan.
Where can I buy an Xbox Series X / Series S right now?
What is an Xbox All Access plan?
As an alternative to making a one-time payment for each console, some retailers also allow the option to pay for the Xbox Series X or Series S via an installment payment plan, allowing you to get the console with no upfront cost. Xbox All Access will bill you monthly ($24.99 per month for the Series S, $34.99 per month for the Series X) for 24 months. This package includes either console, plus a subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
Due to the pandemic, most retailers, including Best Buy and Target, will only sell the console online until further notice. We see restocks happening multiple times throughout a week from various retailers; most notably, we have seen frequent restocks recently appear at Best Buy, GameStop, Microsoft Store, and Walmart, in particular.
The Xbox Series S costs $300 and is currently the most affordable ninth-generation home gaming console. It is smaller, less powerful, and lacks a disc drive, limiting you to only playing digital games. The $500 Xbox Series X serves as Microsoft’s flagship gaming console, including a disc drive and more powerful hardware.
Microsoft Xbox Series S $ 240 $ 300 20 % off $ 240 $ 240 $ 300 20 % off The Xbox Series S is smaller than the 4K-capable Xbox Series X, but it can still play the same digital games — albeit topping out at 2560 x 1440 QHD resolution. $240 at Microsoft$240 at Walmart
Microsoft Xbox Series X $ 500 The Xbox Series X is Microsoft’s flagship console, serving as its most powerful (and biggest) option. While the Series S is aimed at smooth 1440p performance and takes a disc-less aproach, the $500 Series X is focused on fast, 4K gameplay. $500 at Walmart
What accessories do I need to buy for the Xbox Series X / Series S?
Whether you purchase the most affordable next-gen console (the Xbox Series S) or Microsoft’s most powerful gaming console to date (Series X), they share many accessories that will help you get the most out of your experience.
If you plan to share this console and play local co-op games with family or friends, the purchase of an additional controller is a must. Normally $60, the new Xbox controller does get discounted sometimes.
If you are planning to subscribe to both Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass, I recommend consolidating those separate purchases and subscribing to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. It combines both services into one package, while also providing additional access to Game Pass for PC and access to Microsoft’s cloud gaming service, xCloud.
When it comes to additional storage, both consoles are rather limited: 512GB on the Series S, 1TB on the Series X. You can buy an SSD expansion card that only comes in 1TB, but it is very expensive, costing $220.


theverge--2020-11-06--Here’s where and when you can buy the PS5

Sony ’ s PlayStation 5 will be available starting November 12th , and if you missed your chances of securing one on launch , ( it ’ s ok , preordering was a mess ) , you might be able to secure the console on launch day .
Due to the pandemic and high demand of the PS5 , retailers such as Best Buy and Target will only sell the console online at least until the end of 2020 .
So , if you were planning to camp outside your local Target hoping to buy the console on November 12th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ available this year .
But , you can order one online and request an in-store pickup .
• If you are looking to secure the console at Walmart , the retailer announced that it will be selling the console on Thursday , November 10th .
Walmart will have four different windows for PS5 launch day sales : 12PM ET , 3PM ET , 6PM ET , and 9PM ET .
• Best Buy encourages shoppers to visit its site to order instead of showing up at its stores .
It doesn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the stock to be available .
Until we hear more information from retailers , I strongly advise you keep a close eye on other popular retailers , including Amazon , Target , GameStop , Newegg , B & H Photo , and if you have membership , Sam ’ s Club .
If you are torn between which PS5 console to buy , no need to worry .
The biggest differences to note is that the PS5 Digital Edition is smaller than the PS5 standard , costs $ 399 , and it does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The PS5 standard is $ 100 more , is a bit bulkier than the digital edition , and includes a disc drive , allowing you to play game discs .
Update , November 6th : With consoles launching next week , we ’ ve updated this post to be a resource that tells you when and where you can buy a PS5 online .

The great PlayStation 5 shortage is over — well, at least according to Sony. Thanks to the increased availability of Sony’s next-gen console, there are now multiple options for bringing home a PS5, none of which are an uphill battle. While availability is occasionally limited to bundles that come packaged with a game, specifically God of War Ragnarök, it’s nowhere near as difficult to find a standalone console as it once was. We’re keeping an eye out for where you can buy either the PS5 (with a disc drive) or the PS5 Digital Edition as well as any bundles.
Obviously, there’s no guarantee that inventory will remain available for long, but we’ll do our best to keep this article updated with the latest in-stock alerts and tell you where to look.
Where can I buy a PS5 right now?
Where can I buy a PS5 right now?
Above, we’ve collected the PS5 landing pages for various retailers if you want to check the available stock for standalone consoles or bundles.
Most major retailers restock consoles and bundles both online and in physical stores on an intermittent basis, but availability can fluctuate based on your local store. It’s important to note that some retailers won’t ship your console, too, so make sure the store you select is within a reasonable distance if you’re planning to pick one up. You’ll also need a verified account with these retailers in order to check out.
Restocks can happen at any time. Note, however, that if you’re trying to get a standalone console through Amazon, you’ll need to sign up for an invitation first. Thankfully, you don’t need to be an Amazon Prime subscriber to do so.
Opting for a bundle that includes a game like God of War Ragnarök is a perfectly viable option for getting a console without having to pay a premium. Bundles are made available through the PlayStation Direct store and other retailers, with new bundles becoming available alongside the release of new PlayStation exclusives. Whether it’s due to their higher price or that they’re packaged with a game someone may not want, bundles tend to sell out less quickly than standalone consoles.
Every PS5 comes with one DualSense controller. You can use the DualShock 4 controller, but it’ll only work when you’re playing PS4 games on the next-gen console. Photo by Vjeran Pavic / The Verge
What accessories do I need to buy for the PS5?
The PlayStation 5 includes all the basic things you need to get started (minus games, of course). However, you might want to consider picking up a few additional accessories if you’re looking to get the most out of your new console.
First, there’s the controller. Every PS5 includes one DualSense Wireless Controller, but there are a few benefits to owning at least one additional controller, such as if you plan to play local co-op games with a friend or family member. Or, if you’re like us and want to keep playing your game but don’t want to be tethered to the charging cable, a second controller lets you continue playing while the other charges.
If you’re looking for a pro-grade controller for your PlayStation 5, we recommend you turn your attention to Sony’s modular DualSense Edge. At $199.99, it’s substantially more expensive than the standard DualSense; however, like the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, the premium accessory features a wealth of customization options that make it a good fit for anyone who wants more control over how they game.
The DualSense Edge features a hardshell case and some added grip as well as four back paddles, swappable analog stick modules, and function keys that let you swap controls and adjust the volume on the fly. It offers worse battery life than the standard DualSense, sure, but that’s the price you pay for the ability to execute trigger patterns with ease. Read our review.
Sony’s official gaming headphones are a fantastic way to experience the spatial audio of the PlayStation 5. The Pulse 3D sports a clean, minimalist aesthetic and is still one of our favorite gaming headsets thanks to its comfortable fit and solid sound quality.
The PS5 HD Camera is a neat accessory for people interested in using their PS5 to livestream video games or broadcast their gameplay with friends. It includes dual 1080p lenses and allows you to remove the background of your camera’s feed and replace it with something else.
We recommend subscribing to PlayStation Plus if you have not already done so; outside of taking advantage of exclusive discounts and online multiplayer, PlayStation Plus provides a ton of additional incentives. Most notably, PS5 owners will have access to the PlayStation Plus Collection through May 8th, which is essentially a digital library of some of the most impactful titles to have ever been released on the PlayStation 4, including God of War, Persona 5, and The Last of Us Remastered. Best of all, once you’ve claimed the games, you can still access them after May 9th as long as you have a PlayStation Plus subscription.
PlayStation Plus has changed substantially since the service launched in 2010 and now offers tiered memberships with different pricing. An annual membership to PlayStation Plus Essential, the lowest tier, costs $59.99 and provides you with free games each month, exclusive discounts, cloud storage for saved games, and access to the PlayStation Plus Collection on the PS5. A year of PlayStation Plus Extra, on the other hand, will run you $99.99 and grants you all the Essential benefits in addition to even more free games by way of the PlayStation Game Catalog.
At the top of the heap, we have PlayStation Plus Premium, which costs $119.99 for an annual subscription. It offers all of the same benefits as lower tiers but provides access to the PlayStation Classics catalog in addition to the ability to stream games to your PC and mobile devices. Premium subscribers also get the perk of game trials for eligible titles, allowing for time-limited access to games for free.
The PS5 looks pretty sharp on its own, but if white isn’t your color, Dbrand and Sony both make custom covers for personalizing your console. Sony’s console covers are available in the same six shades as its DualSense controllers, and like Dbrand’s Darkplates, clip onto either side of your console. Dbrand’s alternatives aren’t available in as many colors as Sony’s apt-titled console covers but can be combined with Dbrand vinyl skins, which can be applied to the middle of your PS5 to create something a little more unique.
Dbrand Darkplates 2.0 $ 59 $ 69 14 % off $ 59 $ 59 $ 69 14 % off Dbrand’s Darkplates let you customize the outer shell of your PlayStation 5 in addition to the light strips and middle section. $59 at Dbrand
The PS5 comes with 825GB of storage out of the box but is compatible with a variety of M.2 SSDs if you need more space. There’s no shortage of M.2 SSDs on the market, but they can vary wildly in terms of their performance. Also, not all M.2 SSDs come packaged with a heatsink, which is necessary if you’re planning to use this drive with your PS5. Here are a couple of options we can recommend based on their performance and price point.
Samsung 980 Pro (with heatsink) $ 100 $ 200 50 % off $ 100 $ 100 $ 200 50 % off Samsung’s 980 Pro is a fast PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD that’s capable of sequential read speeds of up to 7,000MB/s and write speeds of up to 5,000MB/s. These specs make it a great choice for a modern PCIe 4.0-equipped PC or for a PS5. $100 at Best Buy (2TB)
WD Black SN850 (1TB, with heatsink) $ 125 $ 180 31 % off $ 125 $ 125 $ 180 31 % off The WD Black SN850 is one of the fastest M.2 drives around, with a sequential read speed of up to 7,000MB/s and a write speed of up to 4,100MB/s. It can perform best in a PC that has a PCIe 4.0 motherboard or in a PS5. $125 at Amazon$150 at Best Buy


theverge--2020-11-07--Fortnite players who make in-game purchases can get two months of Disney Plus for free

Fortnite developer Epic Games announced a new promotion that allows players who make a real-money purchase in-game and are new Disney Plus subscribers to get up to two months of the streaming service for free .
The offer is valid November 10th starting at 7PM ET through December 31st for players 18 years old or older in North America , Europe , Australia , and New Zealand where Disney Plus is available .
Any real-money purchases made in Fortnite beginning November 6th , including the purchase of its-in game V-Bucks currency , will qualify users for the offer .
Purchases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ however .
Once the two-month Disney Plus trial ends , users will be charged the monthly rate for a subscription unless they cancel .
Epic is currently embroiled in a legal dispute with Apple over Fortnite ’ s in-app payment system .
Apple removed the battle royale game from its App Store in August , because the payment system bypassed Apple ’ s 30 percent fee , a violation of App Store policy .
Google also removed the Android version of Fortnite from the Play Store for violating its policies over in-app payments @

Fortnite developer Epic Games announced a new promotion that allows players who make a real-money purchase in-game and are new Disney Plus subscribers to get up to two months of the streaming service for free. The offer is valid November 10th starting at 7PM ET through December 31st for players 18 years old or older in North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand where Disney Plus is available.
Any real-money purchases made in Fortnite beginning November 6th, including the purchase of its-in game V-Bucks currency, will qualify users for the offer. Purchases made with V-Bucks are not eligible, however. Once the two-month Disney Plus trial ends, users will be charged the monthly rate for a subscription unless they cancel.


theverge--2020-11-07--Apple’s AirPods are $60 off this weekend

Only the best deals on Verge-approved gadgets get the Verge Deals stamp of approval , so if you 're looking for a deal on your next gadget or gift from major retailers like Amazon , Walmart , Best Buy , Target , and more , this is the place to be .
If you ’ re trying to get some holiday ( or personal ) shopping done ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday , this week hosted several great deals on wireless earbuds , tablets , and more that are still happening .
Apple ’ s ever-popular and reliable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first time ( they ’ re usually around $ 130 ) , which is the most affordable price we ’ ve seen .
Both Amazon and Costco are offering the deal , if you ’ re interested in snagging a set .
Apple ’ s AirPods Pro wireless noise-canceling earbuds don ’ t see as many steep price drops , but Back Market is selling refurbished models for $ 180 ( normally $ 250 new ) .
These are in “ mint ” condition , according to Back Market ’ s standards , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ nearly perfect , 100 % functional , ” which are things you want in a set of used earphones .
This purchase has a 30-day money back guarantee and a one-year warranty through Back Market .
The best price for new AirPods Pro we ’ ve seen was $ 185 through Woot as an exclusive from Amazon Prime members .
I imagine we ’ ll see a $ 180 price for a new set sometime soon , but if you need some now , Back Market ’ s refurbished option seems like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can get $ 50 off the Apple Watch SE smartwatch at Target , which brings down the cost of the 40mm GPS version to $ 230 .
Previous discounts reduced it only by $ 20 , so this is the time to buy if you ’ ve been waiting on a deal .
The Apple Watch Series 3 occupies the sub- $ 200 price point , so I have doubts that it will drop much further than this .
Amazon now offers this deal , though it ’ s not clear how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Through Sunday , Amazon is offering a few of its Fire tablets for the lowest prices we ’ ve seen yet .
My colleague Taylor Lyles hit all of the individual deals in this post , but if you ’ re just looking for a few options , we ’ ve got you covered .
The Fire HD 8 is just $ 55 ( $ 35 off ) and the larger Fire HD 10 tablet is $ 80 ( $ 70 off ) .

If you’re trying to get some holiday (or personal) shopping done ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, this week hosted several great deals on wireless earbuds, tablets, and more that are still happening. Apple’s ever-popular and reliable AirPods fell to $100 for the first time (they’re usually around $130), which is the most affordable price we’ve seen. Both Amazon and Costco are offering the deal, if you’re interested in snagging a set.
Photo by Chris Welch / The Verge
Apple’s AirPods Pro wireless noise-canceling earbuds don’t see as many steep price drops, but Back Market is selling refurbished models for $180 (normally $250 new). These are in “mint” condition, according to Back Market’s standards, and the refurbishing company describes them as “nearly perfect, 100% functional,” which are things you want in a set of used earphones. This purchase has a 30-day money back guarantee and a one-year warranty through Back Market.
The best price for new AirPods Pro we’ve seen was $185 through Woot as an exclusive from Amazon Prime members. I imagine we’ll see a $180 price for a new set sometime soon, but if you need some now, Back Market’s refurbished option seems like a good value.
Photo by Dan Seifert / The Verge
Until Sunday, you can get $50 off the Apple Watch SE smartwatch at Target, which brings down the cost of the 40mm GPS version to $230. Previous discounts reduced it only by $20, so this is the time to buy if you’ve been waiting on a deal. The Apple Watch Series 3 occupies the sub-$200 price point, so I have doubts that it will drop much further than this. Amazon now offers this deal, though it’s not clear how long the sale will last there.
Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge


theverge--2020-11-07--Facebook says it will put groups on probation for violating its content rules

In yet another attempt to slow the spread of misinformation on its platform , Facebook plans to put groups on its platform with too many posts that violate its content rules on a kind of probation , the company said .
First reported by The Washington Post , Facebook will restrict any groups— both public and private ones— with multiple posts violating its community standards .
Moderators for the groups will have to approve any posts manually for 60 days , and there ’ s no appeal available for groups on probationary status .
“ We are temporarily requiring admins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups in the US to approve all posts , if their group has a number of Community Standards violations from members , ” Facebook spokesperson Leonard Lam said in a statement emailed to The Verge , “ a measure we ’ re taking in order to protect people during this unprecedented time.
” Admins will be notified of their group ’ s status and told when the restrictions will be lifted .
During the probationary period , Facebook will keep tabs on how the moderators of restricted groups deal with posts ; if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its rules , Facebook may shut down the groups entirely .
Earlier this week , Facebook shut down the Stop the Steal group — which had more than 300,000 members— that had posted election misinformation about vote-rigging , and which falsely claimed Democrats were trying to steal the election .
The social media platform has taken several steps to try to stem the tide of election misinformation ; Facebook currently has a ban on US-based political ads in place , and had specifically barred ads that falsely claimed victory .
Major news outlets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden , with Pennsylvania and Nevada pushing the former vice president over the 270 electoral college votes needed for victory .
As of this writing , President Trump has yet to concede .

In yet another attempt to slow the spread of misinformation on its platform, Facebook plans to put groups on its platform with too many posts that violate its content rules on a kind of probation, the company said. First reported by The Washington Post, Facebook will restrict any groups— both public and private ones— with multiple posts violating its community standards. Moderators for the groups will have to approve any posts manually for 60 days, and there’s no appeal available for groups on probationary status.
“We are temporarily requiring admins and moderators of some political and social groups in the US to approve all posts, if their group has a number of Community Standards violations from members,” Facebook spokesperson Leonard Lam said in a statement emailed to The Verge, “a measure we’re taking in order to protect people during this unprecedented time.”
Admins will be notified of their group’s status and told when the restrictions will be lifted. During the probationary period, Facebook will keep tabs on how the moderators of restricted groups deal with posts; if they continue to allow posts that break its rules, Facebook may shut down the groups entirely.
Earlier this week, Facebook shut down the Stop the Steal group — which had more than 300,000 members— that had posted election misinformation about vote-rigging, and which falsely claimed Democrats were trying to steal the election. The social media platform has taken several steps to try to stem the tide of election misinformation; Facebook currently has a ban on US-based political ads in place, and had specifically barred ads that falsely claimed victory.


theverge--2020-11-07--Trump will lose his Twitter ‘public interest’ protections in January

President Donald Trump will lose Twitter privileges he enjoys as a world leader when President-Elect Joe Biden takes office on January 20th , 2021 .
Twitter confirmed that Trump ’ s @ realDonaldTrump account will be subject to the same rules as any other user — including bans on inciting violence and posting false information about voting or the coronavirus pandemic .
Twitter applies special policies to world leaders and some other officials , leaving rule-breaking content online if there ’ s “ a clear public interest value to keeping the tweet on the service.
” The public interest policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rule that had been informally enforced for some time .
“ Twitter ’ s approach to world leaders , candidates , and public officials is based on the principle that people should be able to choose to see what their leaders are saying with clear context .
This means that we may apply warnings and labels , and limit engagement to certain tweets .
This policy framework applies to current world leaders and candidates for office , and not private citizens when they no longer hold these positions , ” a Twitter spokesperson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will cover Trump ’ s personal account .
Position-specific accounts like @ WhiteHouse , @ POTUS , and @ FLOTUS are transferred to a new administration after an outgoing president steps down .
Twitter emphasizes that world leaders can still be subject to enforcement if they promote terrorism , make direct threats of violence against an individual , post private information like someone ’ s home address , post intimate photos or videos without the subject ’ s consent , engage in behavior related to child sexual exploitation , or encourage self-harm .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s public interest value .
Unlike his predecessor Barack Obama , also an active Twitter user , Trump has repeatedly tested the platform ’ s boundaries with untrue or inflammatory tweets .
Twitter has restricted Trump posts like a May threat that “ when the looting starts , the shooting starts , ” which violated rules against glorifying violence , or a tweet attacking ballot dropboxes .
But it ’ s kept them on the platform .
Twitter and Facebook have posted warning labels on many Trump posts since election night , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claims about how voting works .
Trump ’ s most recent tweet reads , inaccurately , “ I WON THIS ELECTION , BY A LOT !
!
!
”

President Donald Trump will lose Twitter privileges he enjoys as a world leader when President-Elect Joe Biden takes office on January 20th, 2021. Twitter confirmed that Trump’s @realDonaldTrump account will be subject to the same rules as any other user — including bans on inciting violence and posting false information about voting or the coronavirus pandemic.
Twitter applies special policies to world leaders and some other officials, leaving rule-breaking content online if there’s “a clear public interest value to keeping the tweet on the service.” The public interest policy was formalized in 2019, codifying a rule that had been informally enforced for some time.
“Twitter’s approach to world leaders, candidates, and public officials is based on the principle that people should be able to choose to see what their leaders are saying with clear context. This means that we may apply warnings and labels, and limit engagement to certain tweets. This policy framework applies to current world leaders and candidates for office, and not private citizens when they no longer hold these positions,” a Twitter spokesperson confirms to The Verge.
These changes will cover Trump’s personal account. Position-specific accounts like @WhiteHouse, @POTUS, and @FLOTUS are transferred to a new administration after an outgoing president steps down.
Twitter emphasizes that world leaders can still be subject to enforcement if they promote terrorism, make direct threats of violence against an individual, post private information like someone’s home address, post intimate photos or videos without the subject’s consent, engage in behavior related to child sexual exploitation, or encourage self-harm. These rules apply regardless of a tweet’s public interest value.
Unlike his predecessor Barack Obama, also an active Twitter user, Trump has repeatedly tested the platform’s boundaries with untrue or inflammatory tweets. Twitter has restricted Trump posts like a May threat that “when the looting starts, the shooting starts,” which violated rules against glorifying violence, or a tweet attacking ballot dropboxes. But it’s kept them on the platform.


theverge--2020-11-07--Netflix is testing a linear channel in France that should help with decision fatigue

Netflix is testing a programmed linear content channel in France , Variety reported .
The channel , called Netflix Direct , will be available to Netflix streaming subscribers and will provide content from its existing streaming library in a linear format , much like cable and broadcast TV stations do .
“ Maybe you ’ re not in the mood to decide , or you ’ re new and finding your way around , or you just want to be surprised by something new and different , ” Netflix said in a statement announcing the new service .
It chose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because traditional TV is “ hugely popular ” there , and people “ just want a ‘ lean back ’ experience where they don ’ t have to choose shows , ” the company said .
Netflix Direct rolled out in some parts of France November 5th , and will expand to more parts of the country next month .
According to Variety , Netflix has about 9 million subscribers in France .
Netflix has tested other alternatives to its standard streaming offerings , launching a “ Shuffle ” button in August to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ viewing options .
With Netflix Direct , all viewers on the channel will be watching the same programming at the same time .
The streaming giant saw a sharp increase in its business at the start of the coronavirus pandemic ; in the first two quarters of 2020 it added 26 million subscribers— nearly as many as it added for all of 2019 .

Netflix is testing a programmed linear content channel in France, Variety reported. The channel, called Netflix Direct, will be available to Netflix streaming subscribers and will provide content from its existing streaming library in a linear format, much like cable and broadcast TV stations do.
“Maybe you’re not in the mood to decide, or you’re new and finding your way around, or you just want to be surprised by something new and different,” Netflix said in a statement announcing the new service. It chose France for the launch of Netflix Direct because traditional TV is “hugely popular” there, and people “just want a ‘lean back’ experience where they don’t have to choose shows,” the company said.
Netflix Direct rolled out in some parts of France November 5th, and will expand to more parts of the country next month. According to Variety, Netflix has about 9 million subscribers in France.
Netflix has tested other alternatives to its standard streaming offerings, launching a “Shuffle” button in August to allow users to randomly scroll through recommended viewing options. With Netflix Direct, all viewers on the channel will be watching the same programming at the same time.


theverge--2020-11-07--BioWare is working on a new Mass Effect game

Following the announcement of a remaster of the original trilogy coming next year , BioWare announced that a brand new Mass Effect game is currently in development , in a surprise announcement for N7 day .
Not much is known about the next installment in BioWare ’ s epic space opera , but the studio says a team of veterans at the company is working on it .
Do not expect the game to come out anytime soon as BioWare general manager Casey Hudson noted in a blog post that the game is in “ early stages ” of development @ @ @ @ @ @ @ additional details at this time .
With the announcement of Mass Effect : Legendary Edition and a new game confirmed to be in development , this is a nice win for fans of the series .
Many wondered what would happen following the poor reception of the most recent title , Mass Effect : Andromeda , which struggled to gain the same traction from fans .
A few months after Andromeda ’ s release , our sister site Polygon reported that the game was made in a year and a half and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Not much is known about the next installment in BioWare’s epic space opera, but the studio says a team of veterans at the company is working on it. Do not expect the game to come out anytime soon as BioWare general manager Casey Hudson noted in a blog post that the game is in “early stages” of development and the studio cannot share any additional details at this time.


theverge--2020-11-07--President Trump is defeated: the timeline is restored

After years of chaos , extremism , and death , Americans have chosen to remove President Donald Trump from office .
Despite the president ’ s attempt to sow discord in the late hours of the election , Joe Biden will replace him .
Four years ago , Trump ’ s win rearranged reality and hijacked our timeline , setting us on a darker path .
He was extreme even as a candidate : denying science , praising dictators , promising to torture his enemies , and making politics more vulgar with every tweet .
Millions of people around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Day in 2016 , but even the alarmists could not have predicted that the president-elect would someday be meaningfully responsible for the death of hundreds of thousands of American lives and the needless prolonging of economic destruction .
The White House may become less vulgar and destructive on Inauguration Day , but the damage Trump has done to the government could take a long time to repair .
Trump ’ s decision to disband a federal pandemic response team and cut funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention may become his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration has infested agencies across the government with unqualified political appointees .
Trump infected every mechanism of government with politics where none was required .
He even managed to make weather forecasting a partisan battlefield .
We won ’ t know how much harm has been inflicted on our democracy until we root out the corruption and inspect the damage .
It has been too easy for one man to smother hope , trust , and the things that make life worth living .
And it has been too easy to succumb to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amid suffering or to feel guilty for doing so .
But we ’ re still hopeful .
The timeline has been restored .
And while the hard work to repair it lies ahead , today there ’ s room for joy .

After years of chaos, extremism, and death, Americans have chosen to remove President Donald Trump from office. Despite the president’s attempt to sow discord in the late hours of the election, Joe Biden will replace him.
Four years ago, Trump’s win rearranged reality and hijacked our timeline, setting us on a darker path. He was extreme even as a candidate: denying science, praising dictators, promising to torture his enemies, and making politics more vulgar with every tweet. Millions of people around the world were shocked and alarmed on Election Day in 2016, but even the alarmists could not have predicted that the president-elect would someday be meaningfully responsible for the death of hundreds of thousands of American lives and the needless prolonging of economic destruction.
The White House may become less vulgar and destructive on Inauguration Day, but the damage Trump has done to the government could take a long time to repair. Trump’s decision to disband a federal pandemic response team and cut funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention may become his most famous bureaucratic failure, but his administration has infested agencies across the government with unqualified political appointees. Trump infected every mechanism of government with politics where none was required. He even managed to make weather forecasting a partisan battlefield. We won’t know how much harm has been inflicted on our democracy until we root out the corruption and inspect the damage.


theverge--2020-11-07--Mass Effect Legendary Edition is a remaster of the original trilogy coming to PC and consoles

The original Mass Effect trilogy is getting a 4K remaster and its coming to PC , PS4 , and Xbox One in 2021 .
The game will also have enhancements for the PS5 and Xbox Series X .
During N7 day celebration , BioWare announced Mass Effect Legendary Edition a compilation of the first three installments in the studio ’ s action RPG series , which released between 2007 and 2012 .
Mass Effect Legendary Edition will also include all the single-player DLC plus additional in-game content such as weapons and armor .
BioWare also confirmed that the compilation will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is important to note , however , that this is not a full remake but enhanced versions of the first three Mass Effect games with BioWare ’ s focus on improving the games so players can experience the epic space opera .
The compilation follows similar remasters that BioWare ’ s publisher EA has released in recent years , including Burnout Paradise and Need for Speed : Hot Pursuit .
Despite no official release date being announced yet for the compilation , the PS4 and Xbox One versions of the game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Best Buy .

The original Mass Effect trilogy is getting a 4K remaster and its coming to PC, PS4, and Xbox One in 2021. The game will also have enhancements for the PS5 and Xbox Series X.
During N7 day celebration, BioWare announced Mass Effect Legendary Edition a compilation of the first three installments in the studio’s action RPG series, which released between 2007 and 2012. Mass Effect Legendary Edition will also include all the single-player DLC plus additional in-game content such as weapons and armor. BioWare also confirmed that the compilation will be optimized for 4K Ultra HD visuals.
It is important to note, however, that this is not a full remake but enhanced versions of the first three Mass Effect games with BioWare’s focus on improving the games so players can experience the epic space opera. The compilation follows similar remasters that BioWare’s publisher EA has released in recent years, including Burnout Paradise and Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit.
Despite no official release date being announced yet for the compilation, the PS4 and Xbox One versions of the game are now up for preorder on Amazon and Best Buy.
Mass Effect Legendary Edition $ 28 $ 60 53 % off $ 28 $ 28 $ 60 53 % off A compilation of the first three Mass Effect games repackaged and optimized for 4K with reduced load times, improved performance, and various gameplay tweaks. $28 at Amazon