- YouTube Hones In on Accessibility: Crowdsourcing Captions for Clarity YouTube is embarking on an innovative approach to refine the accuracy of its auto-captured subtitles. Recognizing the pivotal role captions play in video accessibility, the platform is currently piloting a feature that invites viewers to contribute caption corrections directly within the video stream. This initiative presents a harnessing of collective viewer insight to enhance the viewing experience for all. As part of this experimental feature, users viewing an eligible video can now propose amendments to captions by navigating through the video settings. This interactive process not only empowers viewers to participate in content improvement but also allows other viewers to endorse... Continue reading
- Anticipation Grows for Sequels to Action Hits "Nobody" and "Violent Night" Excitement is building around the next chapters of two much-loved action films, as shared by film producer Kelly McCormick during promotions for an upcoming movie at SXWS. There is a buzz around the return to the cinematic worlds of "Nobody", featuring Bob Odenkirk, and "Violent Night", with David Harbour in the lead, both productions set to advance under the banner of Universal Pictures. McCormick expressed optimism about the possible timely commencement of both sequels, hinting at the end of the current year for "Nobody 2" and the start of the next for "Violent Night 2", dependent on aligning the busy... Continue reading
- The Unforeseen Triumph of Balatro: A Solo Developer's Journey In the highly competitive gaming industry, the poker-inspired deckbuilding game Balatro emerged as an unexpected success story. Its solo developer, known by the pseudonym Localthunk, was caught off guard by the game's sudden acclaim. It wasn't until a mere day before Balatro's release that the developer began to grasp the game's potential for widespread success. This realization was sparked by the flattering pre-launch reviews from prestigious gaming publications, a reaction that had seemed unattainable given the game's unconventional mechanics and aesthetics. Despite Localthunk's personal satisfaction with Balatro during the final stages of development, they harbored no grand expectations for its performance... Continue reading
- Unlocking the Future: 1Password Introduces Passkey Support for Android Users In an era where digital security is paramount, the quest for a safer, more efficient authentication method has led to a groundbreaking development. The introduction of passkeys by 1Password on Android platforms marks a significant leap towards redefining how we protect our online identities. This innovative approach aims to blend the convenience of biometric authentication with the security of cryptographic keys, offering a promising solution to the perennial problems of password theft and phishing attacks. 1Password, a leading name in credential management, has been at the forefront of adopting passkey technology. Their recent announcement to extend support for passkeys to Android... Continue reading
- Customize Your Gaming Experience with the New Fallout Xbox Controller Attention all Fallout enthusiasts and gaming aficionados! The Xbox Design Lab has unveiled an exciting new addition that's bound to pique the interest of fans across the globe - a Fallout-themed Xbox controller. This isn't just any controller; it's a customizable piece of art that allows players to infuse their personal style into their gaming gear, making it a must-have for anyone looking to enhance their console setup. The controller's design is heavily inspired by the iconic Fallout universe, featuring a faceplate adorned with Vault Boy imagery and the Vault-Tec logo, instantly recognizable to fans of the franchise. However, the real... Continue reading
- Criterion Games Announces Extended Support for Need for Speed Unbound In a thrilling turn of events for racing game enthusiasts, Criterion Games has lifted spirits across the gaming community with the announcement of an extended support plan for their latest title, Need for Speed Unbound. This declaration aligns with the series' momentous 30th anniversary and underscores Criterion's commitment to enhance the franchise's legacy by incrementally building upon the present iteration with an array of new content and features in the coming year. The intricate roadmap for Need for Speed Unbound's post-launch development promises an invigorating blend of nostalgia and innovation with the release of four distinct volumes. These expansion sets are... Continue reading
- YouTube's Reign Over TV Streaming: Nielsen's Report Unveils the Platform's Supremacy in the US In a landscape where viewers have more choices than ever for streaming video content, YouTube has emerged as a frontrunner in the United States. Nielsen's January report on television viewing habits illuminates this trend, with YouTube commandeering a significant share of the audience. As the lines between digital and traditional television continue to blur, YouTube's allure signifies a shift in consumer preferences toward diverse and readily accessible content. The most recent figures from Nielsen illuminate a fascinating landscape shift, wherein YouTube now commands 8.6% of all television screen viewing. This statistic places it above Netflix, which holds 7.9%, showcasing a change... Continue reading
- Google's AI-Based Gemini App and Toggle Released for Android and iOS Globally India and multiple other regions are beginning to witness the introduction of Google's Gemini application for Android. Reportedly, while there is no standalone Gemini app for iOS, users can find a new switch on the Google app's top, permitting them to apply the AI-assisted chatbot's features. Debuting on Android on February 8, initially it was restricted to the US; now, the propagation is extending to over 150 nations and territories. As per the details mentioned on the company’s support page, currently, the Gemini mobile app supports English, Korean, and Japanese languages and is available in over 150 nations. The full country... Continue reading
- Embracer Group Conveys Over 1,300 Staff Dismissals Amidst Restructuring The Sweden-based Embracer Group, renowned for owning a vast array of subsidiaries including THQ Nordic, Saber Interactive, and Plaion among others, acknowledged letting go roughly 8% of its personnel after implementing a restructuring initiative, which kickstarted last year. In June of 2023, the company initially unveiled this significant restructuring program. Since its introduction, huge staff reductions have occurred within several of its studios. Notably, studios such as Saints Row’s Volition faced complete shutdown in August, followed by TimeSplitters’ Free Radical Design halting its operations in December. Last month, Eidos-Montréal, the brains behind Shadow of the Tomb Raider, also reported laying off... Continue reading
- Take-Two Interactive CEO Reflects on GTA 6 Trailer Leak Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick talks about the recent Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) trailer leak aftermath. The trailer concerning the highly-anticipated game in the Grand Theft Auto line was unveiled abruptly on Twitter / X the day before it was to be officially launched. This turn of events left Rockstar Games, the game's developer, with no other option but to publish the trailer earlier than scheduled, causing a stir among gaming journalists around the globe. While discussing the company’s latest financial results, Zelnick admitted that the trailer leak was a let-down despite not causing any significant damage to the... Continue reading
- Delayed Payments to PUBG Content Creators Soon to Be Resolved, Says Krafton Many content creators of the battle royale game, PUBG (PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds), have been left unpaid for over four months, unable to withdraw their earnings as part of the 'Creator Appreciation Program'. This issue has not gone unnoticed, with publisher Krafton stating they're working to rectify the situation. PUBG’s 'Creator Appreciation Program' permits players to designate chosen creators to obtain a 5% cut from any personal in-game purchases they make. Typically, creators are paid monthly, but many stopped receiving their regular payments several months ago. As per our source, these creators can view their pending balances but cannot withdrawal the funds. The... Continue reading
- Rat Revolution: Gloomwood's Cutting-Edge Rodent AI Takes Stealth Gaming to New Heights In the shadowy corners of the gaming world, an unsuspecting protagonist emerges—not your usual stealth game hero, but rather a small, whiskered creature. The developers at Dillon Rogers and David Szymanski's Gloomwood have turned their attention to the minutiae of rodent life, elevating the role of rats from mere background scurrying to a dynamic element integral to the game's immersive sim experience. The developers' recent expedition into vermin behavior has led to an intriguing breakthrough in NPC AI, encompassing the cheese-seeking antics of the game's rats. The critters exhibit an impressive array of naturalistic behaviors: they forage, feast, and even navigate... Continue reading