vendredi 1 février 2019
jeudi 2 juin 2016
No Man's Sky - news, trailer, gameplay
No Man's Sky is arguably one of the most hotly anticipated games of 2016. Made by small UK studio, Hello Games, this procedurally generated space adventure has big ambitions, and it's quickly become one of the PS4's indie darlings, so much so that lead developer Sean Murray got his very own slot at Sony's E3 press conference to talk about the game last year.
And rightly so. Ever since it was first unveiled at the VGX Awards in 2013, No Man's Sky has captured imaginations the world over. With an incredible 18,446,744,073,709,551,616 planets to discover (that's over 18 quintillion, if you were wondering), each with its own distinct set of flora and fauna, this is a world of truly epic proportions that will take several lifetimes to explore.
Luckily, the aim of the game isn't to visit every last planet. Instead, you'll be gradually making your way to the centre of the universe, although it's not yet clear what's there or what will happen when you get there. To help you get a better idea about what's in store, here's everything you need to know before you start playing.
Release date
Originally slated to launch at the end of June, No Man's Sky has now been officially delayed until 9th August in Europe and the 12th August in the UK.
Hello Games' Sean Murray broke the news on the PlayStation EU Blog. "As we approached our final deadlines, we realised that some key moments needed extra polish to bring them up to our standards," he wrote. "I have had to make the tough choice to delay the game for a few weeks to allow us to deliver something special.
"We understand that this news is disappointing. Making this game is the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life, but we are so close now, and we’re prepared to make the tough choices to get it right."
Gameplay
Exploration is a given in No Man's Sky, but trading, cataloguing and general survival also forms a major part of the overall game. When you touch down on each planet, you'll be able to use your multi-tool to scan new lifeforms and resources and upload the information to The Atlas, a kind of huge database that every player has access to. If you discover something new, you'll even be able to give it your own, unique name, which then remains fixed if another player comes across the same thing.
However, given the huge size of the universe, Sean Murray has said in several interviews that it's unlikely you'll ever see another player over the course of the game. You might have one or two encounters, but for the most part they'll be quite rare.
![NO MAN'S SKY New Gameplay Trailer [PGW 2015]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_t-kx2qNJE4YLXLw2ODInmo6F8pTJ53QgGYu1H3wCzMeb70Zbt9Junj2plhqEMNODGrLLdQ2aZOSTmgU5qMda7Dq2zDNpABadFNX3A8EGj2xXKA3rinhgBK=s0-d)
![No Man's Sky Gameplay Trailer [E3 2014] PS4](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_uHy7w0toJHtUMu8Z1rNP4mKuT_wQVaDUYRKZoSed2OjSDULhEbRgB2fGyIXS5gFU7olzNZt0AtLLtrzMg_nr9lRO9RxVmYKJYeuFDrGLyrqjdeWwXbqxw=s0-d)
![NO MAN'S SKY Gameplay [E3 2015]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_tEtlWOI3tg5xgeRRQUI6dRzSF6o4uic_LWa3kITHYwbUsGB8bVHVdKQA7L8InuCkbbZPCx2o_OeE5akzQEaJacJTLX4p4U4huRtVfi6SX74oYI5AZ57341=s0-d)
Trading your findings for other materials and upgrading your ship is another essential part of No Man's Sky, and is absolutely necessary if you want to make it to the centre of the universe. The hyperspace jump on your initial ship, for example, will only have a limited range, so you'll need to make improvements along the way before you can reach new solar systems.
There will be other NPC characters to interact with on your journeys as well, including faction leaders and other traders. Each race will have its own language, too, so you'll need to find monoliths scattered around various planets to learn a bit of their dialect so you can understand them better and make new alliances. If you accidentally offend someone, your actions could have some pretty dire consequences later on, so you'll need to be careful about what you say and to whom.
Of course, that leads us to No Man Sky's combat. Armed with a blaster gun, you're more or less free to use it however you like, but destroy too many animals or landmarks and you'll soon attract the attention of a planet's resident Sentinel, a heavily armoured robot that will stop at nothing to keep the peace. As such, it's advised that you keep your destructive tendencies to a minimum, as dying means you'll lose all your collected resources and any information entries that you haven't yet uploaded to The Atlas.
The same goes for No Man's Sky's space combat, but this is likely to be even more dangerous than tangling with planet Sentinels, as one misfire could accidentally engage an entire fleet of enemy ships. However, help one faction take down some ships and they might return the favour later on if you find yourself in a bit of trouble.
As a result, it looks like there will be quite of lot of menu busywork involved as you trade, upgrade and sort through all your discoveries, but at least it's balanced by some pretty spectacular-looking exploration elements. There's sure to be more news about the game at this year's E3 press conference, too, so be sure to check back soon for all the latest information.
Soon you can unlock Windows with wearables
Microsoft took to Computex in Tawan to reveal that soon you'll be able to use more than just your fingerprint or face to unlock your Windows 10 device. The Windows Hello Companion Device Framework will be opened up to other companies to take advantage of, meaning devices such as wearables will be able to unlock Windows 10 devices for another quick and convenient secure sign in method. Microsoft demonstrated the new feature using a band from Nymi, showcasing how a wearable could be used in the workplace. Other devices, such as smart cards, phones and other wearables will also be alternative options for quick sign in.
So far, Windows Hello hasn't been as prevalent as many would have liked. With only a handful of laptops initially supporting it at Windows 10's launch. The number is steadily increasing and many devices launched at Computex are including the functionality. At least Windows Hello's facial recognition has been shown as secure, with even twins not being able to fool it.
16/05/16 - More adverts coming to the Start menu
Microsoft has announced they are planning to double the amount of adverts shown on the Windows 10 Start menu as part of the upcoming Windows 10 Anniversary Update this summer.
The adverts, which Microsoft calls ‘Promoted apps’, will be much more frequent once the Anniversary Update, codenamed Redstone, finally rolls out this July. Announced at the Windows Hardware Engineering Community (WinHEC) series of conferences last week, ten promoted apps will be allocated on the Start menu of all Windows 10 PC’s, compared to the current five.
Promoted apps are used to encourage PC users to download certain Windows Store apps on new PCs based on their recommendations, yet Microsoft has always made sure to mention that promoted apps are never paid for. If you click on a promoted apps tile, it will take you directly to the Windows Store page for that app.
While some of the promoted apps are already installed, Microsoft says you do have the option to fully uninstall them, with promoted items able to be removed completely from the Start menu. The number of installed apps appearing on the Start menu by default is also expected to fall to just 12 from the current 17.
While Microsoft hasn’t officially announced the reasoning behind the move, it could be that the company are trying to encourage more developers to make the shift to the Windows Store. It’s likely that people won’t be best pleased with Microsoft tampering with the Start Menu yet again.
Back in March, Microsoft announced the free Anniversary Update pencilled in for July 2016, which is expected to introduce a bunch of different features and improvements including; changes to the action center, Start menu, Start screen as well as Microsoft’s version of Apple’s Handoff integration between desktops and smartphones.
06/05/16 - Windows 10 will soon cost £100 to upgrade
Our hopes that Microsoft might extend the free upgrade period to Windows 10 have been dashed by the company revealing the upgrade prices along with a reminder that time is running out. In a recent blog post, Yusuf Mehdi, corporate vice president of Microsoft's Windows and Devices group wrote that "time is running out".
Anyone that isn't running the new operating system at the moment, has until July 29th to claim the free Windows 10 upgrade. After that date the OS has to be paid for, with an upgrade to Windows 10 Home costing £100 and Windows 10 Pro costing £130. This is likely to mean that Microsoft will up its nagging of Windows 7 and Windows 8 users, as it tries to get them to upgrade before the deadline. Of course, if you've got this far without installing Windows 10, it's probably because you don't want the operating system. Fortunately, the instructions below (Say never to Windows 10) will show you how to block the Windows 10 nagging screens and keep you on your current OS.
Microsoft has also addressed one concern as to whether there would be paid-for updates to the operating system. In a YouTube video (embedded below for you), Bryan Roper explains that upgrading to Windows 10 now will get you all future updates for free, as well. This includes the anniversary update (Redstone), which is coming soon and is partly demoed in the video below.
30/03/16 - Say never to Windows 10
There are plenty of reasons for people not to want the latest version of Windows, from driver compatibility to games performance. We've already written about how you can say no to upgrading to Windows 10 using GWX Control Panel for those not wanting to upgrade. There's now another tool, Gibson's Never10, available that arguably makes the process even simpler. As described on its website: "The elegance of this “Never 10” utility, is that it does not install ANY software of its own. It simply and quickly performs the required system editing for its user." Should you ever change your mind about upgrading, Never10 can revert the changes as well.
Amazon justifies not selling Google Chromecast or Apple TV
You might have noticed a distinct lack of Google Chromecast or Apple TVs being sold through the Amazon website. That's because as of October 2015, Amazon pulled both products from its online store. Initially, everyone assumed this was a move on Amazon's part to push customers towards its own range of Amazon Fire TV streaming devices. However, according to The Verge, Jeff Bezos, Amazon CEO, said the decision was down to 'acceptable business terms'.
Amazon originally justified the move to pull Chromecasts and Apple TVs as not to confuse customers with products that did not support Amazon Prime Video but it seems based on Bezos' recent comments, there are deeper business reasons for Amazon not supporting either streaming device. This can likely be read as neither Google nor Apple being willing to give Amazon a cut of revenue generated through an Amazon Prime Video app. Amazon cited that it does indeed sell competing streaming devices, such as Roku devices, that do support Amazon Prime Video.
Recent Amazon news
11/05/16 - Jeremy Clarkson's Amazon exclusive Top Gear follow-up given a name
With the new Chris Evans-fronted series of Top Gear about to hit the UK, the big question was, what is Jeremy Clarkson's Amazon Prime show going to be called? Well, the wait is finally over, as it has been revealed that the show will be called The Grand Tour (not Gear Knobs) and it will hit the streaming video service in Autumn. So, why that name? According to the show's site, "Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May have decided that, because they are taking their new Amazon Prime Show around the world, it will be called The Grand Tour." As well as the presenters travelling around the world filming, the studio audience will also have to travel, with the live parts of the show filmed inside a giant tent. Tickets will be made available through a prize draw this summer.
The much-hyped show marks a big push for Amazon, with the company reputedly spending £160m on the entire series, which is an absolutely huge budget per episode, even if you take off the salaries that the three presenters are likely getting. As with everything on the Amazon video platform, The Grand Tour will be available as part of an Amazon Prime Subscription. You can find out how to share that subscription with other people in our complete guide.
Those that want to try out the show can sign up for a free 30-day Amazon Prime trial account. Although, you'll want to leave that until a bit closer to the time, in order to be able to watch the show.
10/05/16 - Amazon courting content producers with Amazon Video Direct
Amazon is looking to bolster its streaming content catalogue by courting 'creators and storytellers' and enticing them to host their videos on Amazon Video. Content producers will be paid royalties based on hours streamed and will have the option to provide their content either to rent or own, available for free for Prime members, viewed for free with ads for non-Prime members or packaged together and offered as an add-on subscription for US customers.
Amazon is describing Video Direct as a 'self-service programme' and will be available in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Austria and Japan. Content makers can decide which specific locations will have access to their content. Amazon also has a pot of $1m a month that it is doling out as part of its AVD Stars programme, which is rewarding creators based on customer engagement with their content. The top 100 AVD titles in Prime Video will receive the bonus on top of standard royalties. At launch, Amazon has already partnered with The Guardian, Conde Nast Entertainment, How Stuff Works, Mattel among other content creators.
It's an interesting move from Amazon as it looks to compete and differentiate from Netflix. It could also potentially give Amazon Video a way to target some of the more prolific and popular YouTube stars. According to reports in the Wall Street Journal, royalty rates compare favourably with YouTube, too. You can sign up for Amazon Video Direct here.
26/04/16 - Certain items becomes exclusive to Amazon Prime members
In a bizarre move, Amazon has started reserving access to some games and films for its Prime members only. Non-Prime members are locked out of buying a range of media sold and fulfilled by Amazon directly, including the 2015 Oscar winner, Birdman on Blu-ray, plus the Xbox One and PS4 versions of Far Cry Primal, Battlefield Hardline and FIFA 16.
With this Amazon seems to be stepping up their game when it comes to encouraging take up of the Prime subscription, which currently sits at £79 a year. The walled-off products, which include media titles such as Blu-rays and video games, is affecting US and UK customers, with cheaper DVD titles seemingly unaffected by the move.
Third-party retailers using Amazon to sell their goods are unaffected by this exclusivity, so all is not lost if you don't have a Prime subscription and want a copy of Birdman on Blu-ray. Of course, you could go elsewhere as well, with all the products being available on competing websites. However, if you're wedded to Amazon for your online shopping, but haven't taken out Prime membership, then we guess this could be the push that gets you signed up.
In response to the change, an Amazon spokesperson said: “one of the many benefits of Amazon Prime is access to exclusive selection on a number of great products. Customers who are not Prime members can sign-up for a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime, or they can purchase those items from a Marketplace seller.”
The £79 a year service gives customers free next day delivery, with same-day delivery in some cities, free online photo storage, free ebooks, Amazon Prime Instant Video and Prime Music. As the Prime exclusivity move is now restricting access to products on the site, the retail giant looks to be creating a big push for its customers to sign up for the pricey subscription.
05/04/16 - New Kindle incoming
Amazon founder and CEO, Jeff Bezos, took to Twitter to tease a brand new 8th generation Kindle, tweeting 'Heads up readers – all-new, top of the line Kindle almost ready. 8th generation. Details next week.'
Considering its description as being the 'top of the line' Kindle, it's expected to be a replacement for the current Kindle Voyage, which currently retails for £170. It has a bezel-less display, a high resolution screen and automatic brightness adjustment, so we can probably expect these on the new model when it's announced next week.
The Voyage is due an update, having originally been released in 2014 and also considering some of its features trickled down to the cheaper Kindle Paperwhite, which matches the Voyage where it comes to resolution. The current Voyage is the thinnest Kindle available and has the option of either touchscreen control or using the PagePress physical buttons. Having the option of using either will hopefully make the transition to the new model.
There has been speculation that Alexa and Audible integration could be on the cards, both of which would bring the Kindle in line with the rest of Amazon's business and current direction. Having said that, Amazon's Echo, which uses Alexa as its assistant, has yet to make it outside the United States.
If you're in need of an Amazon Kindle, right this very moment, you can read about the differences between the current Kindle, Kindle Paperwhite and Kindle Voyage models in this guide.
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