Here’s Bungie’s roadmap for Destiny 2

Today, on the franchise's 10th anniversary, Bungie has released its roadmap Destiny 2. Buckle up, as we have quite some ground to cover.

Bungie will now release two expansions a year instead of only one. These expansions won’t be as large, but the team promises to make them interesting. They’ve already begun testing “non-linear campaigns, exploration experiences similar to the Dreaming City or Metroidvanias, and even more unusual formats like roguelikes or survival shooters.” Plus, they want to bring back the feeling of mystery older campaign storylines had.

Destiny 2 Frontiers Roadmap
Bungie

Since the expansion model has changed, so will the seasonal model. There will now be four major updates each year, one released every three months. Two of the major updates will coincide with the release of the biannual expansions. These updates contain various activities, weekly events, features and most importantly, rewards. Other changes include reworking the UI (the Director) and reward model, along with improving the Challenge Customization system.

Starting in Summer 2025, players can experience the first expansion of the year (right now it's been codenamed Apollo). Unlike older content, this expansion is a nonlinear adventure that lets you step into the boots of different characters at different times. The developers promise that the story will flow smoothly despite the nonlinearity. Other than the assumption that it will go live about six months after Apollo, there are no details yet on the second upcoming expansion (which they're calling Behemoth internally), so you’ll have to stay tuned for future updates.

These plans are ambitious, so let's hope Bungie can pull them off. Destiny 2's current expansion, The Final Shape, was delayed — a decision that was preceded a month earlier by layoffs at the studio.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/heres-bungies-roadmap-for-destiny-2-163138384.html?src=rss

Withings introduces a 39mm version of its ScanWatch Nova smartwatch

Withings is announcing the ScanWatch Nova Brilliant, a 39mm version of its ScanWatch Nova smartwatch. It comes in titanium silver and a two-tone silver and gold. For those with smaller wrists, this watch should be a more comfortable fit than the standard 42mm option.

The elegant timepiece mixes analog features with modern digital ones. A small OLED screen on the top half of the watch helps you tell the time quickly and can also display health metrics, but there are mechanical hands for a classic look. It’s also water resistant up to 50 meters (5 ATM) and has a five-link stainless steel bracelet for improved outdoor durability. The battery lasts for 30 days but there’s no info about the charging time.

Withings outfitted this health-tracking smartwatch with a medical-grade electrocardiogram to check your heartbeat for irregularities. The watch can also detect temperature fluctuations, blood oxygen levels, breathing disturbances overnight and measure sleep quality. By pairing the watch with the app, it can also count your steps, calories burned, elevation and workout routes via the app.

The Withings ScanWatch Nova Brilliant will be available starting in early November. Those who want to purchase the watch in person can do so in the US, EU and UK at selected retailers. The new watch is priced at $600, €600 and £550, respectively, an identical price to the ScanWatch Nova.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/withings-introduces-a-39mm-version-of-its-scanwatch-nova-smartwatch-060056915.html?src=rss

Lenovo announces new Aura edition laptops

Lenovo has just revealed its latest lineup of laptops at IFA Berlin. The standouts seem to be Aura editions of the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 and Yoga Slim 7i. The Aura software, which is the result of a collaboration with Intel, can quickly shift these machines into various modes to optimize for specific tasks, like safe internet browsing, better video call quality or distraction-free work.

Lenovo Aura UI
Lenovo

The ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition, It’s a 14-inch laptop with a 16:10 2.8K (2880x1800) OLED display and a refresh rate of 120Hz. It also has DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification and reaches 400 nits of brightness. The CPU is an Intel Core Ultra 9, and the Intel Arc Xe2 GPU handles graphics. The battery is rated at 57Wh and is a replaceable unit.

The Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition is larger at 15.3 inches and also has a screen resolution of 2.8K. The display can be an OLED or LCD touch panel, with a refresh rate of 120Hz and brightness of 500 nits. An Intel Core Ultra 7 processor powers this laptop and uses integrated graphics. With a battery life of 70Wh, it should last all day for web browsing and streaming video content.

Another laptop to look out for is the IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1. It's equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus 8-core processor and integrated Adreno GPU. The 14-inch WUXGA (1920x1200) OLED screen can reach 400 nits of brightness, and the battery is rated at 57Wh. Best of all, the whole package only costs about $850.

The Yoga Pro 7, IdeaPad Slim 5x and the 13- and 15-inch IdeaPad Slim 5s are among the new arrivals as well, but unfortunately, these models won’t be available in the US.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/lenovo-announces-new-aura-edition-laptops-150005439.html?src=rss

ASUS equips its NUC 14 Pro mini PC with AI capabilities

ASUS is now outfitting its NUC 14 Pro mini PC with a neural processing unit (NPU) capable of reaching 48 trillion operations per second (TOPS). The new model, the ASUS NUC Pro AI, will have up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 288V processor. With a height of only 1.3 inches, this mini PC can be carried anywhere and won’t get in your way. Most of the features like ports and internals should be similar compared to its predecessor.

To prevent overheating, ASUS installed some advanced thermal management solutions that meet EPEAT Climate+ energy efficiency requirements. Other features include Secure Boot, built-in speakers and voice command-ready microphones. There’s also a fingerprint reader for extra security, along with a trusted platform module (TPM). The latter is designed to secure the PC further using cryptography. Upgrading the ASUS NUC 14 Pro AI doesn’t require tools, and the mini PC can be controlled with ASUS Control Center.

This mini PC might be convenient, but it’s likely not going to run AAA games at higher settings. Fortunately, ASUS does have some NUC PCs capable of gaming.

As of now, there’s no release date for the ASUS NUC 14 Pro AI, but its announcement is less than a year following the first ASUS-built NUC that we saw at CES 2024.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/asus-equips-its-nuc-14-pro-mini-pc-with-ai-capabilities-160052047.html?src=rss

Microsoft is testing a new on-screen keyboard layout that works better with game controllers

Microsoft has been working on improving small-screen and touchscreen input, focusing on making it more accessible to Windows handheld console users (think the ASUS ROG Ally). Typing with a controller isn’t convenient, but Microsoft's latest small update introduced a new onscreen keyboard layout that’s a lot easier to use with an Xbox controller, or the controls on a portable gaming PC.

Windows New On-Screen Keyboard
Windows

The new layout isn’t confined to moving cursors and selecting specific keys anymore. For example, the X button can be used to backspace, while the Y button is a space bar. The left trigger opens the symbols and numbers page as well. It’s almost like a mobile keyboard but optimized for Xbox controller usage. Most importantly, all keys are vertically aligned, making navigating the keyboard easier.

The target users for this change include Windows-powered handheld users and PC gamers who prefer to stick to an Xbox controller while playing games. This latest update follows another change Microsoft made a few weeks ago that makes the Windows Game Bar easier to use on handhelds.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/microsoft-is-testing-a-new-on-screen-keyboard-layout-that-works-better-with-game-controllers-135058122.html?src=rss

Acer expands Swift line with four new AI laptops

Acer is expanding its line of Swift laptops with four new models, and they each have AI capabilities built in. They share functions such as Microsoft Copilot+, Acer User Sensing technology, Windows Studio Effects, PurifiedVoice 2.0 and PurifiedView. Other features include Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity.

We’ll take a look at the Swift 14 AI (SF14-51/T) first, a 14-inch 3K or 2K OLED laptop powered by either Intel Core Ultra 7 or Ultra 5 processors and Intel Arc Graphics. There’s also a model with a 2K IPS touchscreen. Its NPU’s AI performance is rated at 48 trillion of operations per second (TOPS). You get up to 29 hours of video playback and 23 hours of web browsing thanks to the 65Wh battery, perfect for those working on the go.

The Swift 16 AI is the beefier brother of the Swift 14 AI with a 16-inch 3K OLED screen or a 3K touch screen with edge-to-edge glass. The processor is either an Intel Core Ultra 9 or Ultra 7 CPU, and graphics are also handled by the Arc GPU. The NPU’s AI performance is the same as the Swift 14 AI (SF14-51/T), but it has a 75Wh battery.

Those who like AMD CPUs will love the Swift 14 AI (SF14-61/T), which has the AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 GPU (designed to reach 50 TOPS) and AMD Radeon 880M GPU. The 14-inch display is either an OLED 2880x1800 (WQXGA) screen, IPS WQXGA screen or WQXGA touch screen. The first one has DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification, helping reach 500 nits, but the others have a maximum brightness of 400 nits. The laptop has a battery life of 75Wh and is rated for 27 hours of video playback and 18.5 hours of web browsing.

Finally, we have the Swift Go 14 AI powered by a Snapdragon X Plus GPU with eight cores up to 3.2 GHz, while the Hexagon NPU can reach 45 TOPS. A Qualcomm Adreno GPU is responsible for the graphics. The 14.5-inch display comes in WQXGA or 1920x1200 (WUXGA) resolutions, with the former having a 350-nit brightness and the latter 300 nits, both with a 120Hz refresh rate. The 75Wh battery allows for similar battery life as the Swift 14 AI (SF14-61/T), but Acer claims the Swift Go 14 AI has 28 hours of video playback and 19.5 hours of browsing time.

Acer Swift Go 14 AI
Acer

The Swift 14 AI (SF14-51/T) will be available in the US, EMEA and Australia this September, while the Swift 16 AI comes out during October unless you’re in Australia, where it comes out Q1 2025. Both the Swift Go 14 AI and Swift 14 AI (SF14-61/T) will come out in the US and EMEA during September, but Australian customers must wait for a bit, as the release date is slated to be during Q4 2024.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/acer-expands-swift-line-with-four-new-ai-laptops-130037605.html?src=rss

Acer announces its latest Predator and Nitro monitors

Acer has just announced its latest Predator and Nitro UltraSpeed gaming monitors while also introducing two new smart monitors. We’ll take a look at the latest Nitro UltraSpeed screens first.

Starting off, we have the 24-inch Nitro XV240 F6 monitor rated for 1080p600Hz (FHD) and up to 0.1ms GTG response time. It has VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification, AMD FreeSync Premium technology, 400-nit brightness and covers 95 percent of the DCI-P3 color gamut. If frames are what you want, then frames are what you’ll get with this one. Unlike all the other IPS monitors announced here, this one has a TN panel.

The Nitro XV270 F5 has a 27-inch IPS panel rated for FHD resolution and maximum refresh rate of 520Hz. Its response time is slightly slower at 0.5ms GTG. Other features include HDR10 certification, 400 nits maximum brightness, and 100,000:1 contrast ratio to separate the whites and blacks.

Acer’s third new Nitro monitor is the Nitro XV270U F5. It’s a 27-inch monitor with a screen resolution of 2560x1440 (WQHD) and a 500Hz refresh rate. The response time and HDR rating are the same as the XV270 F5, but it differs by having a brightness of 250 nits and 99 percent sRGB color gamut support rating. Its dynamic contrast ratio is also 100,000:1.

Moving on to the first of the two smart monitors, we have the Acer CS322QK 31.5-inch monitor. It’s a 4K monitor with 98 percent DCI-Pe coverage, HDR10 support and 350 nit brightness. Acer says it’s great for remote workers and those who stream content frequently. Interestingly, the refresh rate is only 60Hz.

The Nitro GS272U M smart monitor measures 27 inches and has a WQHD screen resolution, but the refresh rate is 180Hz. It’s more suitable for gaming, but the 5ms GTG response time might be slower for power users. The maximum brightness is also 250 nits.

The Predator XB273U F5 has a WQHD resolution paired with a refresh rate of 360Hz. It measures 27 inches. To prevent screen tearing, it’s equipped with NVIDIA’s G-SYNC Pulsar. Other graphical features include HDR support, 90 percent DCI-P3 color gamut and a peak brightness of 550 nits.

For those who prefer gaming in 4K resolution, the Predator XB273K V5 (also 27 inches) is available. Its 160Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync Premium capabilities are sure to impress, but you can also run it at up to 1080p320Hz if you want more frames at the cost of screen resolution. Acer also kitted this monitor with a contrast ratio of 100,000:1, 400-nit maximum brightness, VESA DisplayHDR 400 support, and a 95 percent rating for DCI-P3 color gamut.

The Predator monitors and Acer CS322QK will be available starting Q4 2024, while the Nitro UltraSpeed and Nitro GS272U M have a Q1 2025 release date. The UltraSpeed monitors also have a Q4 2024 release date, but only if you live in China.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/acer-announces-its-latest-predator-and-nitro-monitors-130035964.html?src=rss

Android 15 is now here a month later than expected

We’re used to hearing about new Android versions during Google Pixel smartphone launch events, but Android 15’s source code is finally out at the Android Open Source Project. It was strangely missing from the Google Pixel launch event last month, but it’s better late than never. Check out the go-live link from the developers here.

Android 15 will be available on select Pixel models soon. Some devices from Samsung, Honor, iQOO, Lenovo, Motorola, Nothing, OnePlus, Oppo, realme, Sharp, Sony, Tecno, vivo and Xiaomi will receive support in the coming months. Some of the more interesting features are smart volume adjustment and dynamic range compression for apps with AAC audio content containing loudness metadata. Besides improved split-screen app access, there’s also edge-to-edge app display if the app targets SDK 35.

The developers are also starting a series called Spotlight Weeks to explore Android-related technical topics. They’ll start by covering what’s new on Android 15.

Ever since Android 10, Google has stopped naming its latest releases after desserts. Ending the tradition with Android 9 Pie, Google is now focusing on more conventional branding and regular feature releases. While these may be a sign of a mature OS, some of us miss the wilder days filled with anticipation. Take us back, maybe?

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/android-15-is-now-here-a-month-later-than-expected-180045026.html?src=rss

The MLS Season Pass on Apple TV is now $10 for the rest of the season

Soccer fans (or football to me, a Malaysian) who want to catch up on the latest Major League Soccer (MLS) matches for the rest of the 2024 season can now purchase the MLS Season Pass through Apple TV for $10. For Apple TV+ subscribers, the MLS Season Pass is free. The pass will last until the end of the 2024 season, October 19, and includes playoffs.

All matches will have English and Spanish audio, but you can also listen to the home club’s local radio announcers if you like. Additionally, the season pass includes MLS 360, the show completely covering each matchday, including pre-and post-game coverage, highlights, interviews and more.

You can also stream up to four matches at once thanks to Multiview, but the option is limited to 4K Apple TV devices or iPads. The Catch Up feature helps fans stay updated through automatically selected plays, going through goals, penalty kicks, red cards, notable shots and saves.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/the-mls-season-pass-on-apple-tv-is-now-10-for-the-rest-of-the-season-145100471.html?src=rss

Instagram may be adding real-time Spotify integration

Mobile developer Alessandro Paluzzi spotted an Instagram feature that may be in development: real-time Spotify integration. The extant code seems to indicate that songs played on Spotify will create Notes automatically within Instagram. These Notes appear on top of your inbox and profile picture if people tap to view your Instagram profile.

This sort of feature already exists in Discord. And Instagram Users can already add Spotify tracks to their Notes or Stories manually, so iterating on that isn't completely outrageous. That said, Instagram isn’t the type of chat platform people keep open for extended periods so it's unclear if there would be as much value in real-time music integration, should the feature ever properly see the light of day.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/instagram-may-be-adding-real-time-spotify-integration-170040342.html?src=rss