Microsoft has been buying up studios in recent years, adding notable developers and game series to the Xbox, and correcting the flaws of previous generations of the company’s console – namely the lack of exclusive games. And while last year’s purchase of Bethesda seemed like the biggest deal in modern gaming, Microsoft bought Activision Blizzard blow it out of the water. However, there were mixed reactions.
First, the studio is embroiled in multiple investigations into allegations of sexual harassment and gender discrimination at the company, which are calling for the resignation of CEO Bobby Kotick. In addition, as Senior Editor Jessica Conditt lays, putting an incredible amount of industry power – and titles – in the hands of one gaming platform. (Two if you include the pc.)
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And what about exclusivity? In his blog entry Regarding the acquisition, Xbox’s Phil Spencer didn’t specifically address Sony or Nintendo platforms, but he did hint at the possibility of cross-platform support. “Activision Blizzard games are played across a variety of platforms, and we plan to continue supporting those communities as they progress,” he said, without going into specifics. said Spencer similar things regarding Bethesda’s Elder Scrolls VI, just for his comments to change later.
— Mat Smith
Nest speakers now play a different, shorter tone.
Several users have noticed that Google recently changed the white noise on their Nest speaker line. A new ambient noise would repeat every 10 minutes when it used to repeat every hour, with the previously clear sound file now seemingly “muffled” and quieter than before.
There have been at least 100 complaints on Nest community forums, with many people saying they use the white noise to lull their babies or toddlers to sleep. Feedback reached Google, which restored the feature to its original state. Rest in peace, angry toddlers.
You can request four tests per household, and the USPS will begin delivering them later this month.
A little ahead of schedule, people in the United States can now order free at-home COVID-19 tests from a United States Postal Service website. Households can each request a set of four rapid antigen tests. USPS will begin shipping the kits later this month, typically within seven to 12 days of ordering.
The premium multisport watch was previously only available at the touch of a button.
Garmin
Garmin’s new Fenix 7 line will now feature touchscreens – a first for this series. The great outdoors with sweat, dirt, gloves and the rest can usually prevent a touch surface from working properly, so it will be fascinating to see how this works. The new watches also include a new multi-LED flashlight that can alternate between red and white as you run to match your personal cadence.
And Tilted Towers are coming back!
epos
Say hello to Klombos. They are climbable monsters with blowholes in their heads to launch you into the sky. They also offer items when you feed them. However, provoke them and they will attack. The latest update also revives Tilted Towers, arguably Fortnite’s most iconic location. While there appear to be some cosmetic changes, you’ll have an opportunity to revisit the sniper-friendly Clock Tower.
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