Technology News for Tuesday 9th November 2021

1. Call of Duty: Vanguard data miner leaks unreleased operators and skins

Call of Duty data miner Nanikos posted an image yesterday of what seems to be swords from Attack on Titan equipped by a Vanguard operator, indicating an Attack on Titan crossover might come to the title. Nanikos also ...

2. Pokémon Go players aren't happy about Shadow Lugia's new look

This would usually be a fair addition, but Shadow Lugia isn't a new species for Pokémon Go. It first appeared in the GameCube title Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, and its appearance was drastically different.

3. The 7 Elon Musk tweets that have sent Tesla shares on a rollercoaster ride

Even by the standards of Elon Musk—who said in 2019 his Twitter feed had pretty much descended into nonsense—last weekend's poll on whether he should sell 10% of his Tesla Inc. stock was outlandish. After a clear majority (58%) of 3.5 million Twitter ...

4. Samsung's Super-Charged DRAM Will Power Future Phones—and Maybe Even the Metaverse

Not to be confused with new DDR5 RAM for desktops rolling out alongside Intel's new 12th-gen CPUs, today Samsung has announced the “industry's first” LPDDR5X DRAM for smartphones and mobile devices. Advertisement. When compared to the LPDDR5 memory ...

5. 11 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting Forza Horizon 5

Forza Horizon 5, the latest massive open-world racer from Playground Games, is officially out now on Xbox and PC. At first glance, playing this racing game might seem fundamentally the same as playing any other racing game: press the right trigger to ...

6. Among Us Just Added Scientist, Shapeshifter Roles

Among Us, once regarded as a simplistic take on the Mafia and Werewolf party games, is finally expanding on the basic Crewmates vs. Impostors format. Advertisement. In an update released today, Among Us players will be able to take on the role of ...

7. Mass Effect DLC With Lost Source Code Returns To Legendary Edition Via Mod

Back in February it was announced that Mass Effect Legendary Edition wasn't going to be including everything in the trilogy, because the source code for a single piece of old DLC—Pinnacle Station, which we reviewed back in 2009—had been lost.

8. PlayStation 4 Exclusive The Tomorrow Children Will Be Relaunched

PlayStation 4 exclusive The Tomorrow Children is coming back to life after Q-Games, the main creative force behind the game, secured the title's intellectual property rights from Sony. Advertisement. Developed by Q-Games and Sony's Japan Studio, ...

9. The Best Borderlands 2 DLC Is Yours For Free

Do you like free things? They're certainly a lot cheaper than expensive things, I find. A free thing you could have right now is Borderlands 2's original Tiny Tina DLC, up on the Epic Game Store now as a standalone expansion (for which the correct name ...

10. iOS 15.2 includes Apple's new safety feature for kids in Messages

Messages will be able to use on-device machine learning to analyze image attachments and determine if a photo being shared is sexually explicit. This technology does not require Apple to access or read the child's private communications, as all the ...

11. Google tests Project Relate, a voice recognition and synthesis app for people with speech impairments

The effort was spearheaded by Google research scientist Dimitri Kanevsky, who himself has impaired speech and brought firsthand knowledge to the AI-based solution. Now one of the project's main partners and users of the app is ...

12. Netflix launches games to iPhone and iPad users worldwide

The lineup, which includes two “Stranger Things” games and a few other casual gaming titles, will be delivered to iOS users the same way they are on Android. That is, they're not streamed from the cloud, but actually installed to users' phones or tablets ...

13. The $495 Peloton Guide brings connected strength training to the popular fitness platform

Most companies would kill for Peloton's level of user buy-in. The company's cycling and treadmill products have built an almost cult-like mystique around the connected fitness platform. It's a level of devotion that had seemingly only grown during the ...

14. Unity is buying Peter Jackson's Weta Digital for over $1.6B

Unity has just announced its intent to acquire Weta Digital, the legendary visual effects company co-founded by Peter Jackson, for a massive $1.625 billion. Whether or not you recognize the name, you've seen Weta Digital's work.

15. Why Paytm may not see the big listing pop like Zomato and Nykaa

It received bids for 1.74 crore equity shares against offer size of 4.83 crore shares. The portion set aside for retail investors was subscribed 1.07 times, while the reserved portion of non-institutional investors was subscribed only 3 per cent.

16. An expired domain caused issues launching games

The infamous digital rights management (DRM) technology Denuvo is often in the news. Rarely are those headlines because gaming fans are happy. Developers use DRM protection software to prevent piracy, but the software often causes other issues with games.

17. AI-driven search engine You.com takes on Google with $20M

You.com, which bills itself as the world's first open source search engine, today announced its public beta launch along with $20 million in funding led by Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff with participation from Breyer Capital, Sound Ventures, ...

18. The Fitbit Sense Is Already $100 Off For Black Friday

High-tech wearables that track your health data can certainly be a bit splurge-y, often costing well over $300. But with all the fitness tracker Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals happening right now, you might be able to snag one that better fits ...

19. Thanksgiving dressing vs. stuffing: A look at the 10 states where each is most popular in Google search

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Whether you serve dressing or stuffing as a side dish at your Thanksgiving meal usually depends on how the dish is prepared, but it also can vary based on where in the country you are located. A look at Google Trends data over the ...

20. Google Nest Hub gets Calm app, better sound detection and more

Last year, I reviewed the second generation of the Nest Hub (formerly the Home Hub) smart display from Google. It doesn't have a camera, but it does have a miniature radar sensor that can monitor and analyze your sleep when you place the Hub at your ...

21. Microsoft's $249 Surface Laptop SE takes on Chromebooks

Microsoft's trying to shoulder Google out of the way for a spot at the education trough -- again -- with a low-end Surface sibling. The Surface Laptop SE is a clamshell laptop priced between $249 and $329, depending on the configuration, ...

22. Qualcomm is building a bridge between phones and smart glasses. Here's how it will work

The glasses become an extension of a phone, using the phone's processing power and cellular connection to drive experiences. Lenovo (and Motorola), Oppo and Xiaomi are the first hardware partners expected to have compatible ...

23. Vibrant new Logitech Pop Keys keyboard is both retro and modern

The Logitech Pop Keys and Pop Mouse ship this month. David Carnoy/CNET. Logitech calls its new Pop Keys wireless mechanical keyboard "beautifully retro." And while it may seem like it's designed for kids, it's actually targeted more at mobile ...

24. Borderlands is back with a standalone re-release of Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep

Remember Borderlands 2? The sequel that catapulted it to broader mainstream acclaim? Get the CNET Culture newsletter. Explore movies, games, superheroes and more with CNET Culture. Delivered Tuesdays and ...

25. Nintendo Switch OLED restock: Walmart has consoles in stock today

This new Nintendo Switch has a slightly larger 7-inch OLED display while delivering the same 720p resolution when not in its cradle and 1080p visuals when connected to your television. Despite the increased screen size, your favorite Joy-Cons are still ...

26. PS5 restock tracker: PlayStation Direct has consoles starting at 2p.m. ET today

Last week saw three different PS5 restock events from Walmart and very little else. That likely means we can expect to see a PS5 restock from GameStop or Target this week unless these retailers have decided to withhold stock for a big Black Friday PS5 ...

27. Xbox Series X restock: Tracking console availability at GameStop, Amazon and more

Walmart dominated last week with three different Xbox restock events in a week, something not frequently seen from any retailer. This week, the big Xbox restocks we've seen so far have been limited to those with access to subscription services.

28. Peloton introduces TV set-top-box strength training device

The camera-equipped Peloton Guide will leverage AI technology to analyze and give you feedback on your home workouts. ... Peloton Guide users will be able to exercise in their homes with their own equipment.

29. Samsung's QD-OLED TV might be here very soon. Here's everything we know

It's a hybrid between OLED and quantum dots called QD Display. Samsung Display will end production of LCD panels by the end of 2021, moving to QD Display next year, according to a February report from Korea IT News. At the same time, Samsung Electronics ...

30. Alleged OnePlus 10 Pro renders reveal huge rear-camera bump

The next OnePlus flagship phone? OnLeaks. For its next flagship phone, OnePlus appears to be taking a tip from Samsung. Prominent leaker OnLeaks teamed up with Zouton to deliver purported renders of the as-yet-unannounced OnePlus 10 Pro.

31. Fitbit's new feature tells you if you're ready to hit the gym or take the day off

The Fitbit Luxe is one of Fitbit's devices that will be compatible with the new Daily Readiness Score. Scott Stein/CNET. Fitbit devices already provide loads of data about our activity and sleep. Now certain Fitbit smartwatches and trackers will ...

32. Galaxy, Apple Watch, Switch? Tech gifts are great, but learn these rules before you give

No matter what tech gift you're considering -- gaming console, computer or even smart garden -- due diligence is not just recommended, it's necessary. In this guide we'll take a closer look at the do's and don'ts when considering buying a gadget, ranging ...

33. iOS 15 hidden features: 6 tricks you didn't know your iPhone could do

My favorite part about the new software is all of the hidden features that Apple didn't trumpet, though. For example, the new Live Text tool isn't only available when you're dealing with photos -- you can use it to scan documents or text into any text ...

34. Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro settings tweaks that make your new phone even better

Some of these changes will give the user interface a fresh look, while others will help you get more out of your Pixel phone's camera or battery. Google has also baked some interesting new features into the phone app that can make it easier to call ...

35. Pixel 6 Pro vs. iPhone 13 Pro vs. Samsung S21 Ultra: Zoom shootout

That last camera is particularly important. Following the widespread adoption of Portrait mode and Night mode, zoom is becoming the big phone camera feature for many companies. That's particularly true of Samsung, which marketed its last two Galaxy S ...

36. You.com challenges Google search with a new look and private mode

You.com, which is in public beta testing for the time being, won't sell users' personal information, track them online or profile them for targeted ads, the company says. An incognito mode promises full anonymity.

37. You.com search challenges Google with a new look and private mode

A new search engine called You.com is challenging Google's dominance with a promise of better privacy and more elaborate results. The startup launched its service Tuesday with $20 million in funding from venture capital firms and from a big name in tech, ...

38. Call of Duty Vanguard best STG44 loadout: STG44 class setup and how to unlock the STG44 in Vanguard

The STG44 is an assault rifle that debuted in Call of Duty: Vanguard's release lineup, and it's already a daunting option to take to the battlefield with you. It wouldn't be a Call of Duty game without a prominence of powerful assault rifles, ...

39. Ferrari 812 Competizione 2021 review – a front-engined V12 crescendo

The most powerful purely petrol-powered road car engine Ferrari has ever made; a naturally aspirated V12, revving to 9,500rpm, that produces 819bhp. Yes, the numbers alone are enough to be wowed by Ferrari's new 812 Competizione, the latest special ...

40. Apple iPhone 13 shortages to continue until February

Just some number in software update change is all they know. Also people know that updates can do harm for the phone as in past IOS updates have bricked phones and if you are one of them who's phone was bricked by update you probably dont want to upgrade ...

41. Peter Jackson's Weta Digital Sold for $1.62B to Tech Firm Unity

James Cameron and Jon Landau are currently working with Weta on their Avatar sequels. Unity is the maker of the Unity real-time game engine using virtual production for entertainment content. “Weta Digital's tools created ...

42. Talking Point: Will Nintendo Abandon The Switch Concept For Its Next Console?

Nintendo isn't a company that likes to stand still for too long. It has often innovated and driven the entire industry forward, such as when it popularised motion-control gaming with the Wii and touch-based interfaces with the DS.

43. An original Apple-1 computer sells for $400000

John Moran Auctioneers in Monrovia, Calif., auctioned it off on Tuesday, one of 200 Apple-1 computers that were designed, built and tested by Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs, with help from Patty Jobs and Daniel Kottke.

44. Microsoft to stop supporting OneDrive on Windows 8 and earlier

This means that these versions of OneDrive not only won't receive new updates, but also will lose the ability to automatically upload files. Users will be able to access OneDrive, and manually upload and download files via a browser, as well as continue to ...

45. Pinnochio Bloodborne-alike Lies of P leaves a bloody trail of puppets in its first gameplay trailer

The FromSoftware flavour is evident from the jump, with booming choirs, bloody cleavers and grand, gothic streets. It's a competent riff on the Souls aesthetic too, and probably one of the closest things we'll see to a PC port of Bloodborne alongside an ...

46. Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep is now a standalone game, and it's free on Epic

The 2013 DLC is also available on Steam, and it introduces the central conceit of Wonderlands: Tiny Tina as the game master in a Borderlands-flavoured spin on Dungeons & Dragons. In Assault on Dragon ...

47. Borderlands' Tiny Tina DLC gets stand-alone release to prep you for Wonderlands

Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep, the campaign extension for 2013's Borderlands 2, will relaunch Tuesday as a stand-alone title for PlayStation 4, Windows PC, and Xbox One. The game is $9.99 on consoles and Steam, and it will be free on the Epic ...

48. Fitbit is rolling out an ECG app to the Charge 5

Fitbit released its Charge 5 fitness tracker with a brand new design and a color screen in September, but it launched without two key software features: an electrocardiogram (ECG) app and Fitbit's new Daily Readiness Score, which recommends how hard ...

49. Microsoft announces Windows 11 SE, a new Chrome OS competitor

Microsoft has created a new edition of Windows 11 designed for students and schools. Windows 11 SE will ship exclusively on low-cost laptops that are built for K-8 classrooms, and it marks another attempt by Microsoft to take on Google's range of ...

50. Peloton takes on strength training with its $495 Guide camera system, coming in 2022

Peloton Guide is also the company's cheapest product yet, set to cost $495 at launch in “early 2022” for a bundle that includes the Guide camera, the company's newly updated Peloton Heart Rate Band, and a remote. You'll have to provide other workout ...

51. Apple backs off of breaking Face ID after DIY iPhone 13 screen replacements

It's a complex process that makes one of the most common types of repairs prohibitively difficult for independent repair shops. (Apple-authorized repair shops, on the other hand, have access to a software tool that can make a phone accept a new screen.) ...

52. Samsung announces its next-gen RAM for phones and 'the metaverse'

Samsung has announced its next-generation RAM tech made for mobile devices, which it says can be used in future smartphones but also in servers, cars, and “the metaverse.” While Samsung's press release doesn't mention how its new LPDDR5X RAM chips ...

53. Netflix Games is available on your iPhone and iPad

Per the tweet from @NetflixGeeked, tomorrow we'll find out how Netflix adjusts its main app and if it serves as an all-in-one gaming hub as it does on Android, where users can select games to download from the Play Store.

54. Google is taking sign-ups for Relate, a voice assistant that recognizes impaired speech

Google launched a beta app today that people with speech impairments can use as a voice assistant while contributing to a multiyear research effort to improve Google's speech recognition. The goal is to make Google Assistant, as well as other features ...

55. Among Us gives crewmates their own powers just in time for Thanksgiving murder sessions

Among Us — the incredibly easy-to-play, viral backstabbing game where you spend the majority of your time lying to your friends while doing cutesy inane tasks aboard a rickety deathtrap — is getting perhaps one of its biggest updates yet: one that will ...

56. Why Niantic is a dark horse in the metaverse wars

Platformer is an independent newsletter from Casey Newton that follows the intersection of Silicon Valley and democracy. Subscribe here. Today let's talk about a concept that we can all agree is well ...

57. Hextech Mayhem joins Riot Games' LoL single-player line-up

The game will star hexplosive expert Ziggs and, according to the press release, it will see players jump and attack to the game's soundtrack in order to “avoid obstacles, disarm enemies, and light fuses for satisfying and explosive chain reactions to ...

58. Airbnb upgrades app with automatic translations, verified Wi-Fi and more as international travel picks up

The short-term rental platform is introducing a translation engine that will automatically translate reviews and listing descriptions in over 60 languages. The feature is set to launch before the end of the year. "Translation ...

59. SpaceX Crew-2 astronauts splash down in the Gulf of Mexico, completing their mission

On Wednesday, SpaceX is scheduled to launch another quartet of astronauts to the space station — a mission that had been scheduled to lift off last week but was delayed because of weather and an astronaut's illness. NASA did not say which astronaut got ...

60. Peloton Guide is Comming: New Home Workout Kit that Has Nothing to Do with the Bike or Treadmill

Designed for every experience level, from strength training newbies to aficionados, it has a huge range of Instructors, with different coaching styles (FYI: Ally Love is a WH team fave), and class options, including a total intro — 'Beginner Strength' — ...