PlayStation Plus subscribers will gain access to three games in July: Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 from developer Treyarch, WWE 2K Battlegrounds from Saber Interactive, and A Plague Tale: Innocence from Asobo Studio. Black Ops 4 and WWE 2K Battlegrounds are both available on PlayStation 4 consoles and on PlayStation 5 through backward compatibility, while A Plague Tale: Innocence is only available on PlayStation 5.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 was released in 2018 on PlayStation 4, Windows PC, and Xbox One. The game doesn’t have a single-player campaign like Call of Duty games before it, instead featuring different missions that flesh out multiplayer character stories.
WWE 2K Battlegrounds is an arcade wrestling game that was originally released in 2020 by Saber Interactive. It replaced 2K’s yearly WWE game, which was canceled after WWE 2K20 was criticized for its poor performance.
A Plague Tale: Innocence is an adventure survival game published in 2019 by Focus Home Interactive. The game was nominated for awards for its narrative, which is set in the late Middle Ages during the second bubonic plague pandemic.
Sony has revealed that the PlayStation Plus games for July 2021 include the new PS5 version of A Plague Tale: Innocence and PS4's Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 and WWE 2K Battlegrounds.
Announced on PlayStation.Blog, all three of these games will be available from July 6, 2021 through August 2, 2021. Sony also has reminded subscribers that Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown, which is part of June 2021's PlayStation Plus games, will stay on the service until August 5.
The PS5 version of A Plague Tale: Innocence features targeted 60 FPS, "highly improved visuals," and faster loading. Unfortunately for PS4 owners, only the PS5 version is part of this month's selections. Even still, this will help PS5 owners get ready for the game's sequel - A Plague Tale: Requiem - that was announced at E3 2021 with a 2022 release date.
2018's Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 will also be available for PlayStation Plus subscribers, and brings with it an extensive multiplayer suite. However, those looking for a traditional Call of Duty campaign will be disappointed as this was the first title in the franchise without a single-player story mode.
In our review of Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, we said that it "has a few rough edges, but any of its three modes make for an enjoyable shooter experience that feel distinct and personalized."
In our review of WWE 2K Battlegrounds, we said that it "works as a shallow party game you play for an hour, then move on to something else, and that's it."
Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.
Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.
In Nintendo's latest report for Metroid Dread, more information has been provided on the E.M.M.I, a new threat for Samus in the upcoming game and the inspiration behind one of its shiny new amiibo figures.
In the game, the E.M.M.I are dispatched by the Galactic Federation for research purposes and end up in a relentless pursuit of Samus. They were a major focus of the game's early footage, with plenty of time being spent during Nintendo Treehouse Live showing them in action; for the most part, Samus has no way to destroy them and must instead run away and hide before unlocking temporary power-ups that can get rid of them one at a time.
So, let's learn all about this deadly new foe, shall we?
What are E.M.M.I.?
An Extraplanetary Multiform Mobile Identifier – or E.M.M.I. – is a highly agile research robot equipped with the ability to extract DNA. The Galactic Federation dispatched several to research the X parasite, a lifeform with mimicking capabilities, on the uncharted planet ZDR. But, somehow, the E.M.M.I. on ZDR went dark.
On her subsequent mission to investigate what’s happening on ZDR, Samus encounters the E.M.M.I., only to find their behaviours and intent seemingly corrupted.
Metroid Dread dev team: "The E.M.M.I. are robots that belong to the Galactic Federation, so they are not ordinarily an enemy of Samus. However, the E.M.M.I. that appear before Samus identify her as a target and relentlessly chase after her. Our belief is that the E.M.M.I.’s lack of emotion and overwhelming power will combine to create a threat so great that they strike terror in the hearts of players."
What happens if Samus is caught?
E.M.M.I. roam freely within their zone. Depending on what their sensors are picking up, they are programmed to take one of three courses of actions, indicated by the colour of their light:
Patrol Mode (blue light) - Roaming the area and has not yet detected Samus.
Search Mode (yellow light)- Investigating a suspicious sound.
Pursuit Mode (red light)- Pursuing a locked-on target at high speed.
When Samus is caught by the E.M.M.I., it’s almost certainly the end for her. Be very careful to avoid detection as you explore areas where E.M.M.I. are active.
Metroid Dread dev team: "If caught by the E.M.M.I., you may still have a chance to escape – however slim it may be! Strike with a well-timed Melee Counter the instant the E.M.M.I. opens itself up to attack. However, this timed window of opportunity is so narrow you may consider it nearly impossible to successfully land a counter – so much so that you might want to avoid being put in this situation at all costs.
A checkpoint where you can restart from is always nearby, though, which should be helpful in case something goes sideways and Samus is captured."
You really, really don't wanna get caught by one of these...
E.M.M.I. Zone Doors
The E.M.M.I. are confined to roam only within designated E.M.M.I. Zones. These zones are separated from the rest of the world by E.M.M.I. Zone Doors, and only Samus can move through them freely.
When the E.M.M.I. visually identifies Samus and begins its heated pursuit, the E.M.M.I. Zone Doors lock down. To get them back open, you have to get the E.M.M.I. off your trail.
Metroid Dread dev team: "The areas where you must contend with the E.M.M.I. threat are limited. It’s otherwise too stressful to have this kind of sustained tension!
When you enter an E.M.M.I. Zone, your map registers the layout of the zone and the locations of the Zone Doors, which is helpful for making important decisions about where to go. Just remember: stay calm and check the map when you enter."
A new ability: Phantom Cloak
Phantom Cloak is one of Samus’ new Aeion Abilities, using optical camouflage to make her invisible. While this ability is active, Samus can move without causing any sound. She will also go undetected by the E.M.M.I.’s optical sensor.
Samus can activate this ability by consuming a special type of energy called Aeion. However, if Samus walks or otherwise engages while the ability is active, she will burn through her Aeion faster. If all Aeion is depleted, Samus may continue using Phantom Cloak at the cost of her Energy. Manage these resources carefully.
Metroid Dread dev team: "By using Phantom Cloak, you can not only prevent the E.M.M.I. from detecting Samus, but also walk through doors that close when detecting humans. You’ll find this ability is useful against all enemies – not just the E.M.M.I. – so you may want to consider using it to bypass others when you’re low on Energy."
Here's how the Phantom Cloak looks in-game.
Are the E.M.M.I. invincible?
The protective plating on the E.M.M.I. is made of a special material said to be the strongest in the universe, and can deflect Samus’ standard attacks.
However, by taking in the energy from the Central Units – the mother computers managing each E.M.M.I. Zone – her Arm Cannon temporarily powers up to become an Omega Cannon, and she becomes able to fire the Omega Stream and Omega Blaster. The E.M.M.I. are vulnerable to these forces.
Omega Stream
When Samus' Omega Cannon is online, hold down the L Button to enter Aim Mode. Next, hold the Y Button to unleash the Omega Stream, a powerful rapid-fire attack. Continuously striking the head of the E.M.M.I. with this attack will cause its protective plating to overheat and shatter, leaving its core – the E.M.M.I.'s weak point – exposed.
Omega Blaster
Hold down the R Button while aiming with the Omega Cannon to power up a charged shot. Press the Y Button after fully charging to unleash a deadly Omega Blaster attack. Strike the exposed core of the E.M.M.I. with this blast to defeat it. The Omega Cannon will revert to Samus' regular Arm Cannon once the E.M.M.I. is defeated.
Metroid Dread dev team: "Samus cannot move when charging the Omega Blaster. As the deadly E.M.M.I. approaches, you’ll have to overcome your fear and charge the Omega Blaster, then unleash the energy to land a finishing blow. This creates a build-up of tension and an exhilarating payoff for the player after successfully pulling it off."
How many E.M.M.I. are there?
The announcement trailer shows several E.M.M.I., including two models that differ in colour and a broken one. However, the packshot illustration shows seven shadows of E.M.M.I. behind Samus. It seems there are more kinds of E.M.M.I. out there!
Metroid Dread dev team: "Each of the E.M.M.I. have different abilities. What kinds of abilities, you may ask? Well, the E.M.M.I. hold countless mysteries...but we’ll save this one for another time."
They sound pretty terrifying, but should make for a fun twist when Metroid Dread launches later this year. Are you excited for the new game? Let us know with a comment.
July's PlayStation Plus Games have been officially announced, following two different leaks over the course of the last few days. As it turns out, the second leak was correct.
On PS5, subscribers are getting the next-gen port of A Plague Tale: Innocence. Meanwhile, on PS4, we've got Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 and WWE 2K Battlegrounds. We suppose that there's a bit of something for everyone, although we wouldn't be surprised to see some degree of backlash given how strong previous months have been on PS Plus.
All three games will be available to add to your library or download starting from Tuesday 6th July, 2021.
What do you make of July's PS Plus selection? Give us an honest take in the comment section below.
The PlayStation 5 version of GreedFall is now available on the PS Store, meaning those who previously bought the game can grab the free PS4 to PS5 upgrade right now. Unfortunately, the PS Plus version cannot be upgraded to the PS5 version. If you don't qualify for the free upgrade, you can either opt to purchase the base version at £29.99/$34.99 or pick up the new Gold Edition that bundles in a new expansion, priced at £34.99/$39.99. The DLC on its own is £5.79/$6.99, so you're saving just a little bit of cash.
As a reminder, The De Vespe Conspiracy expansion introduces a "nefarious conspiracy that threatens the balance of power. Explore a previously-undiscovered region of the island, battle strange new beasts and face off against a villainous new enemy faction in your hunt to uncover the truth." The new region you can explore is named Aidág ol creidaw, with new enemies, weapons, and costumes to discover.
We also have a few details on the PS5 modes you can pick between. Quality mode will run at 30 frames-per-second using a native 4K resolution while Performance Mode opts for 1440p at 60 frames-per-second. The UI will be in 4K.
Had you been waiting on the PS5 version of this RPG before jumping in? Talk your way out of this one in the comments below.
Konami and Bloober Team have signed a new “strategic co-operation agreement” that will see the companies create games together.
The new partnership between the Silent Hill publisher and The Medium developer will include “jointly developing selected contents and exchanging know-how”, according to a statement released by Bloober Team.
In a seperate press release, Konami said it was “excited to work with Bloober Team and other highly regarded development partners to produce games from existing and new IPs.”
According to people with knowledge of Bloober’s plans, one of the projects it’s working on is Silent Hill related
However, VGC understands that Konami has already outsourced at least one other Silent Hill project to a prominent developer in Japan – and there could even be more developers working on their own projects.
Bloober Team enjoyed success with The Medium earlier this year
Bloober Team CEO Piotr Babieno commented on the deal: “It is a historic day for me and the culmination of several years of our work. The fact that such a renowned company as Konami has decided to strategically cooperate with the Bloober Team means that we [have] also joined the world leaders in gaming and become an equal partner for the leading players in this market.”
Bloober Team said in February that it was working on an existing horror IP from “a very famous gaming publisher”, fuelling speculation it could be reviving Konami‘s Silent Hill.
While the studio did not reveal the identity of the franchise it was working on, Bloober Team CEO Piotr Babieno told GI.biz he believed it would cause quite a stir once it’s revealed.
Babieno’s comments caused fans to speculate that the Polish developer could be working on Silent Hill, the Konami horror series that has reportedly been shopped around by the publisher in recent years.
The Bloober Team news means that more than one franchise reboot could be in the works for Silent Hill, which is something that industry insiders had previously suggested could be Konami’s intention.
Two people with knowledge of the Japanese publisher’s plans told VGC that it had originally approached Dark Pictures developer Supermassive to pitch a Silent Hill reboot. The Supermassive project was ultimately not signed, but the framework for that game evolved into the episodic Dark Pictures titles.
There hasn’t been a new Silent Hill game since Silent Hill: Downpour in 2009
Separate sources told VGC that the Japanese Silent Hill project was something of a departure from past Silent Hill games, so this also matches suggestions that Konami was looking to license alternative takes on the horror series.
Konami’s Japanese bosses are understood to have historically pushed back against most pitches to outsource their key games brands, which is a big reason why the Supermassive game wasn’t greenlit.
However, following the disappointing performance of recent in-house titles Metal Gear Survive and Contra: Rogue Corps, sources said the company has become more willing to contract outside studios for its major franchises.
In addition to Silent Hill, sources said that Konami also has plans to work on Castlevania and Metal Gear Solid games via external companies, but any potential releases are still years away.
As soon as things are full up, Google will then ask users to start paying for more memory which can up costing as much as £7.99 per month. Now, you might be wondering what that has to do with your Gmail account and why it's a good idea to check your inbox.
The new rules apply to all Google accounts with the storage limit set across a number of services including Photos, Gmail and Drive.
That means your Gmail inbox and Google Drive all eat into the 15GB limit.
As Google explains, "Starting June 1, 2021, any new photos and videos you upload will count toward the free 15 GB of storage that comes with every Google Account or the additional storage you’ve purchased as a Google One member. Your Google Account storage is shared across Drive, Gmail and Photos."
Although an email is clearly not the same size as a photo snapped on your smartphone, thousands of messages can all add up and make a serious dent in your allowance.
If you've been sent endless videos, PDFs, photos and other files from friends and family these can also clog up your Gmail and push you closer to that 15GB cut-off.
Years of leaving an inbox unchecked can mean it holds huge amounts of data and it could be time to spend a few hours giving it a serious spring clean.
It's easy to check just how much space your Gmail and Drive accounts are taking up.
All you need to do is head to Google's storage page, see here, where you'll see a simple chart showing what each service is using up and how much space you have left.
If you're getting close to the limit and have nothing more that you can delete then you will need to start paying a monthly fee via Google One.
Prices for extra space start from £1.59 per month for 100GB, £2.49 for 200GB or £7.99 for a whopping 2TB.
As well that big storage change coming into force next month there's another big update that Google users should know about.
That's because the US firm says Gmail, Google Photos and Google Drive content could be deleted unless users follow new rules. Google has brought in these changes to enable it to do some serious spring cleaning when users stop using these services and don't bother to inform the tech giant.
The new refresh was first released in the US in October 2020 and saw a substantial drop from $259 for the Google Wifi router with two coverage extenders down to $199, a $60 cut. The price cut in the UK is comparable (around £30) access points/routers $60 drop in price over the first-generation Google Wifi router.
Both Google Wifi generations are priced lower than the Google Nest Wifi, which is the company's more premium smart home product line. But that doesn't mean Google Wifi is anything less than one of our top-rated mesh routers for several years running, so it's not surprising that Google would want to bring Google Wifi to the European market.
Hey Carmelo, thanks for the tweet! That's right, Google Wifi (2nd Gen) looks similar to the 1st Generation Google Wifi with minor visual differences and a lower price than its predecessor and Nest Wifi. Learn more here on how each of our devices compare: https://t.co/VNI78TOPcCJune 29, 2021
See more
A Google representative told TechRadar that Google Wifi Gen 2 provides an "Improved work from home experience [and] expanded the preferred activities by adding support for Microsoft Teams, Slack, Webex, GoToMeeting."
The rep also pointed to new additions to the Google Home App, specifically the new Network Insight feature that can help users figure out when and why their internet speeds are slowing down.
Beyond that, there aren't a whole lot of dramatic spec changes other than the price, but given how good Google Wifi is, probably better to not mess with a good thing.
Australia loses Google Wifi – for now
Google Wifi also appears to have vanished from Google's Australian product page entirely, a strong indication that Google is preparing to release the new refresh in that market as well.
While we followed up with Google about the missing Google Wifi listing on its product page in Australia, we have yet to hear back so all we can do is speculate that an Australian release is likely coming pretty soon. When we get further clarity on the situation with the Australian market, we'll be sure to update this page.
Tech startup Nothing will announce its debut pair of true wireless earbuds, the Nothing Ear (1), at 9AM ET on July 27th, the company’s founder Carl Pei announced today. The launch comes around a month later than the June launch window Nothing previously announced, after Pei tweeted that the company was delaying the launch because it had “a few things left to finalize.” Carl Pei is best known as one of the co-founders of OnePlus, a company he parted ways with last year.
Details about the Nothing Ear (1) are thin, but the company has teased several details about them over the past few months. We know they’ll have a “stripped-down aesthetic” featuring transparent materials in their construction, and that they’ve been designed in collaboration with Teenage Engineering. But Nothing has been far less forthcoming about the earbuds’ tech specs.
Wireless earbuds are the first product category that Nothing is planning to tackle, but Carl Pei has talked about moving into more areas over time. In an interview with The Verge in January, Pei said the company eventually hopes to build up an entire ecosystem of interconnected devices. “The ultimate vision of having everything connected in a seamless way, that can only happen when you have multiple categories of products,” Pei said.
Planet Alpha! Rock of Ages 3! Conker! Midway Arcade Origins!
Microsoft has announced July's lineup of Xbox Games with Gold titles.
Xbox One and Xbox Series X and S gets gorgeous Another World-esque sci-fi side-scroller Planet Alpha for the entire month of July, and competitive tower defense meets arcade action game Rock of Ages 3: Make & Break from 16th July to 15th August.
Two games are available via backwards compatibility: Rare's OG Xbox game Conker: Live & Reloaded (1st to 15th July); and 2012 Xbox 360 collection Midway Arcade Origins (16th to 31st July).
Microsoft has now made Xbox Cloud Gaming widely available on PC and iPhones.
What was once called Project xCloud is now available to all Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members with Windows 10 PCs and Apple phones and tablets, via browser, in 22 countries, Microsoft said.
Ultimate members (it costs £10.99-a-month) can go to Xbox.com/play on Microsoft Edge, Chrome or Safari on a PC or mobile device to start over 100 games from the Xbox Game Pass library.
Xbox Cloud Gaming is now powered by custom Xbox Series X hardware, Microsoft added, which should result in faster load times and improved framerates. Microsoft is streaming at 1080p and up to 60fps "to ensure the lowest latency, highest quality experience across the broadest set of devices". Expect the service to improve over time, Microsoft said.
When you're streaming games on a PC or mobile device, your game is playing from Xbox hardware in a Microsoft datacenter. This has a number of benefits, including your game saves being available to pick up where you left off.
Earlier this month, Microsoft said some of its exclusives set for release in 2022 require the power of the Xbox Series X and S, and so will use Xbox Cloud Gaming to run on the eight-year old Xbox One.
Microsoft confirmed it will use Xbox Cloud Gaming to bring Microsoft Flight Simulator, for example, to Xbox One. Other games mentioned by Microsoft that fall into this category include Bethesda's Starfield, Arkane's Redfall, and GSC Game World's Stalker 2.
An Id Software project codenamed Project 2021B has been rated by the Australian Classification Board, and naturally, fans of the studio have all sorts of theories about what it could be.
You can check out the listing here, but there isn't a whole lot to parse through there. Project 2021B is rated M for "violence" and "online interactivity," which is pretty much just modern-day Id Software in a nutshell. It's listed as a multiplatform "computer game," and it's being published by Zenimax Europe.
Curiously, its code name is very similar to Project 2021A, another Id Software game rated by the same board back in January which ended up being Doom 3 on PSVR. On the surface, that seems to suggest the new Project 2021B is something else Doom-related, but in actuality, Id Software could just use a similar template for codenaming its various projects.
There are a couple of key differences between the two ratings. Notably, Doom 3 VR is rated R18+ for "high impact violence," which is two whole levels higher than Project 2021B's Mature rating. It's also, obviously, a VR game, while Project 2021B is listed as multiplatform. In summary, whatever Project 2021B is, it appears its violence isn't as "high impact" as Doom 3 VR, and it probably isn't a VR game.
On to the theories, of which Resetera and Twitter users have a combined few. Some folks are keen to note that the 25th anniversary of Quake 2 is coming next year, which could mean Id Software is working on a remaster, a collection of ports for new-gen hardware, or something else Quake-related. With QuakeCon 2021 happening in August, the mysterious Project 2021B could be unmasked relatively soon.
Or, since it does share a similar codename to Project 2021A, it could be another Doom port, maybe of the OG games considering the lack of "high impact violence." Or maybe, just maybe, as fans are speculating, Id Software could throw us a wild card and reveal a new game from one of its other series, like Rage, Wolfenstein, or Commander Keen. Only time will tell.
Until we know for sure what Id Software's up to, check out our guide to all the (confirmed) new games of 2021.
After a prolonged Android exclusivity, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can now stream games in-browser on Windows 10 PCs. The service went into beta in April, but now it's available to all subscribers of Ultimate—so long as you're in the right region. The United States, UK and a handful of European countries are among the 22 countries supported, though the service hasn't rolled out in Australia just yet.
If you are a subscriber, you can head to xbox.com/play to access in-browser streaming. The service supports Chrome, Microsoft Edge and Safari, and has also rolled out on iOS devices. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate costs $15 a month (£10.99 / AU$14.95) but if you're a newcomer you can get it for $1 / £1 / AU$1 for the first two months.
Xbox Cloud Gaming currently supported more than 100 titles, including Halo: The Masterchief Collection, Outriders, Minecraft Dungeons, Doom and more. Some games, including Minecraft Dungeons, even have touchscreen UI added, in case you're playing them on Android or iOS devices.
In its announcement, Microsoft confirmed that Xbox Cloud Gaming is being powered by custom Xbox Series X hardware. "We’ve been upgrading Microsoft datacenters around the globe with the fastest, most powerful Xbox hardware to give you faster load times, improved frame rates, and an experience of a new generation of gaming," the announcement reads.
"To ensure the lowest latency, highest quality experience across the broadest set of devices, we will be streaming at 1080p and up to 60fps."
Microsoft on Monday released its first Windows 11 Insider Preview build (22000.51) to its Dev channel. It also took the opportunity to tackle head on the criticism it faced over the operating system's tough hardware requirements.
A Microsoft document [PDF] released last week details the hardware requirements for Windows 11. It states TPM 2.0 support is required: "All device models, lines or series must implement and be in compliance with the International Standard ISO/IE C 11889:2015 or the Trusted Computing Group TPM 2.0 Library and a component which implements the TPM 2.0 must be present and enabled by default."
At the same time, some hardware makers will be exempt from that requirement though only with Microsoft's permission. "Upon approval from Microsoft, OEM systems for special purpose commercial systems, custom order, and customer systems with a custom image are not required to ship with a TPM support enabled," the document stated.
The Register asked Microsoft to elaborate on exceptions, and a spokesperson declined to provide more detail than had been published in the Windows giant's blog post, published earlier today.
The TPM 2.0 requirement applies to all x86 and ARM64 hardware apart from Hardware-level Fault Tolerant sets of Windows Server systems, which are incompatible with TPM. Microsoft's documentation specifies that TPM 2.0 is required in servers introduced to the market from January 1, 2021 onward, which suggests older servers may get a pass if approved by Microsoft.
The TPM and Secure Boot requirements are supposed to set a high bar for security, at a time when Microsoft signed off a malicious third-party Windows driver that could snoop on users.
So some stuff will work, for now
Microsoft's post updates its minimum system requirements for Windows 11 in an effort to clarify its statement last week that Windows Insiders who have already been installing Dev channel builds through June 24, 2021 will be allowed to continue doing so for Windows 11 "even if their PC does not meet the minimum hardware requirements."
"The intention of today’s post is to acknowledge and clarify the confusion caused by our PC Health Check tool, share more details as to why we updated the system requirements for Windows 11 and set the path for how we will learn and adjust," the mega-corp said in its update.
The PC Health Check app was previously available from Microsoft's website. The app had been removed for maintenance at the time this article was filed because it confused people.
"Based on the feedback so far, we acknowledge that it was not fully prepared to share the level of detail or accuracy you expected from us on why a Windows 10 PC doesn’t meet upgrade requirements," Microsoft said. "We are temporarily removing the app so that our teams can address the feedback."
The weirdest thing about Windows 11 so far that I'm seeing is that the upgrade check returns *only* a pass or fail. Despite obviously checking for specific things internally, no more detail is given. That's really strange user-frustrating behavior. pic.twitter.com/1VMAaDS6Hj
At issue have been systems like the Microsoft Surface Studio 2, which supports TPM 2.0 yet uses an Intel seventh-generation Kaby Lake Core i7-7920HQ microprocessor from 2017 – which is not an approved processor. Even though it's recent enough to have the needed TPM support, why would it be too old to run Windows 11? Especially seeing as the Studio 2 is a Microsoft product.
Microsoft said it's confident that Intel eighth-generation Core processors, AMD Zen 2 processors, and Qualcomm 7 and 8 Series silicon will work with Windows 11. Things become more uncertain with Intel seventh-generation Core chips, and first-generation AMD Ryzen processors, which may work with preview builds though presently won't make the cut when Windows 11 reaches general release.
Some of the confusion followed from the fact that Windows Insider Program hardware requirements and the Windows 11 final build hardware requirements were not the same. As of Monday, Microsoft said it has mostly synchronized the two sets of requirements. "In support of the Windows 11 system requirements, we’ve set the bar for previewing in our Windows Insider Program to match the minimum system requirements for Windows 11, with the exception for TPM 2.0 and CPU family/model," the company said.
Currently, the minimum system requirements for Windows 11 are as follows:
Processor
1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC)
Memory
4 GB RAM
Storage
64 GB or larger storage device
System Firmware
UEFI, Secure Boot capable
TPM
Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0
Graphics Card
DirectX 12 compatible graphics / WDDM 2.x
Display
>9” with HD Resolution (720p)
Internet connection
Microsoft account and internet connectivity required for setup for Windows 11 Home
So for the time being, those who have devices on the list compiled by Microsoft (AMD, Intel, Qualcomm) and participate in the Windows Insider program should be able to take the Windows 11 Insider Preview out for a spin. Those who managed to get Windows 11 Insider Preview up and running using systems not specifically endorsed by Microsoft for Windows 11 should not expect stability or compatibility in future builds.
This chart explains, sort of.
Click to enlarge
Worth the new look?
Microsoft's latest desktop operating system brings a new look that rounds previously squared windows and adds a sense of liveliness through interaction animations.
The Start bar and the Taskbar have been revised and now sit at the center of the window bar. There's a button for Notification Center and Quick Settings in the Taskbar. File Explorer has been reworked and enhanced with context menus that developers can extend. There are also new sounds and themes, and Widgets too.
Multitasking has been enhanced with features like Snap layouts, Snap groups, and Desktops, which provide ways to organize applications and workspace environments. Docking behavior has been adjusted, there are various input and display improvements, the Settings interface has been redesigned, and the Windows setup experience has been improved. There's even Wi-Fi 6E support, for those who have a compatible Wi-Fi router.
Anticipated features like Chat with Microsoft Teams and Android apps in the Microsoft Store aren't yet available but are expected within the next few months. The operating system may be released as early as October. ®
It was first rumored earlier this year that Samsung will ditch Tizen for its smartwatches. The company was expected to start using Android instead. This would have been a significant change since Samsung ditched Android for Tizen in the first place.
Samsung confirmed this during Google I/O 2021. It has collaborated with Google on a new unified platform called Wear. This platform will be used by Samsung and all other OEMs that make Android smartwatches. Samsung gets to slap its custom UI on this new platform and the company provided the first look of its new One UI Watch today.
Here’s your first look at the One UI Watch
Samsung has provided a glimpse of One UI Watch during its virtual MWC 2021 press event today. The company also confirmed that its upcoming Galaxy Watch will be the first device to come with this new interface. That smartwatch is likely going to be launched as the Galaxy Watch 4.
One UI Watch was developed to enable deeper integration between your Samsung Galaxy smartwatch and smartphone. So when you install a watch-compatible app like Spotify on your smartphone, its smartwatch version will be automatically downloaded on your watch.
If you customize the clock on your phone to show time in different cities then this will automatically reflect on your smartwatch as well. Any calls and messages blocked from the Galaxy Watch will also be blocked on the smartphone. These may seem like minor improvements but they will significantly improve the user experience.
The biggest benefit that this Android-based unified platform provides Samsung is access to Google Play. New Galaxy Watch users will be able to download popular third-party apps that were previously unavailable for Tizen, including popular health tracking apps. Google’s native apps will also be available so users can get the benefit of Google Maps, YouTube Music and Messages.
Samsung is launching an improved watch face design tool that will make it easier for designers to create new watch faces. Android developers will be able to create watch faces for One UI Watch later this year as well. Samsung has confirmed that its new Galaxy Watch will be the first to feature One UI Watch, adding that it will be unveiled at Samsung’s Unpacked event “later this summer.”
The company hasn’t showcased all of the visual improvements that have been made to One UI Watch. It’s obviously keeping that for the Unpacked event. Today’s first look only raises expectations for the Galaxy Watch 4. It’s going to be unlike any other smartwatch yet from Samsung.
“Snapdragon is synonymous with premium Android experiences. Our latest flagship Snapdragon 888 Plus 5G Mobile Platform will help deliver the premium entertainment, connectivity, and gaming experiences users deserve,” said Christopher Patrick, senior vice president and general manager, mobile handset business, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “We’re excited to see OEMs launch with products based on our highest performing platform.”
Although this new chip has only just been revealed, a number of firms including Motorola, Xiaomi, ASUS and HONOR have already committed to using it.
“As part of our portfolio, the Snapdragon 888 Plus 5G Mobile Platform will support us on our mission to continue delivering smarter technology for all," said Sergio Buniac, president, Motorola Mobility. "The Snapdragon 888 Plus will help us bring the most significant performance and 5G speeds to our consumers."
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate will see its final DLC character released later this year, series director Masahiro Sakurai has confirmed.
In a video showing off DLC character Kazuya Mishima, out tomorrow, 29th June, Sakurai said the final character to be released as part of Fighters Pass Vol. 2 will be Ultimate's last.
"Up until now, we've created all sorts of fighters and stages," Sakurai said.
"Gathering all of these games, new and old, and compiling them into a single product is a task that has meant a lot to me.
"Now that I think about it, it's been close to 10 years since Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS was in development. I've been working on this for a long time. You could call it my life's work.
"But finally, the next DLC fighter will be the last one. There won't be any more after that.
"It'll be a while before that announcement, but it'll be available this year as planned, so please be patient.
"It seems like the team will have to complete this project at home, right up until the end."
Sakurai's comments clearly signal the end of Ultimate character DLC, but do they also signal the end of Sakurai's involvement with Smash Bros.?
In a May column for Japanese magazine Famitsu, Sakurai said he recently thought about what he'd do after he quits making video games.
"Everybody grows old eventually, and it's not like I'll be able to keep on working forever," he said, as translated by IGN. "Speaking honestly, it would be nice to have a bit more free time. There's something pretty attractive about the idea of early retirement, right?!
The question of 'How much longer can I keep working at this job?' does cross my mind pretty often. 'How long should I keep going for? What should I do afterwards?' I believe these sorts of questions are particularly unavoidable for people my age or older."
All challenger packs from Fighters Pass Vol. 2 will be released by 21st December 2021, so we know Ultimate's mystery final character will be out this year.
Meanwhile, Nintendo announced the next set of Mii Fighter costumes that launch alongside Kazuya this week. They are Lloyd from Tales of Symphonia, Dragonborn from Skyrim, Shantae, and Dante from Devil May Cry. You can see them all in the video below:
When running Windows 11 a TPM (Trusted Platform Modules) chip will become mandatory, the purpose of TPM 2.0 is "to protect encrypted keys, user credentials and other confidential data behind the hardware so that malware cannot access or cause any damage to that data.
It can be used to encrypt drives using Windows or prevent password attacks, for example. Since 2011, TPM 1.2 has been present in computers and business equipment . By requiring Trusted Platform Modules on common users' computers, Microsoft aims to raise the level of security seen in businesses. In a recent survey by the owner of Windows, it was found that firmware attacks have increased. "Our report showed that 83% of companies suffered a firmware attack on their computers and only 29% are investing resources to protect this critical layer, " says David Weston.
Since Windows is the world's most widely used computer operating system, it's easy to be the worst-hit platform. An estimated 1.3 billion Windows 10 computers are in use today. Also according to the site, Microsoft has been asking partner manufacturers (OEMs) to sell their products with the TPM chip since Windows 10 , and it's only now demanding this from the common user for the new version.
Due to the TPM 2.0 chip requirement, there is already a great search for this component on the Internet. According to Shen Ye, director of HTC, thanks to Windows 11, the search for the modules sent prices skyrocketing to $ 75 in 12 hours. TPM support can be enabled through the BIOS of most current systems and remember that on some motherboards the functionality may be called "PTT" on Intel systems and "fTPM" on AMD platforms.
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Update: Lenovo has since made an official announcement of the Smart Clock 2, revealing a starting price of $90 (about £70, AU$130) and release date in September.
Without any fanfare or an official announcement, Lenovo has unveiled the successor to its Google-powered Smart Clock – quietly allowing the Smart Clock 2 to slip into the world's collective consciousness by way of a product page.
Marked as 'coming soon' on Lenovo's official US site, the second generation of Smart Clock presents a reinvented shape, improved speaker design, new (but separate) charging dock accessory, and a 4-inch display that appears to be the same as its predecessor, although we don't yet have any details on its resolution.
(Image credit: Lenovo)
Based on Lenovo's language in its disclaimers – "wireless charging dock may be sold separately" and "requires the Lenovo Smart Clock 2 to be docked (select models) to use charging base" – we suspect that the Smart Clock 2 will be sold both as a standalone unit, and with the charging dock as a bundle.
As with the previous model, the Smart Clock 2 is a Google Home device that's able to play music and use Google Assistant for all the usual smart home needs, including the ability to control other smart devices in the home.
The slightly taller design has allowed the integration of two front-firing 3W speakers and stereo audio – certainly an improvement on the predecessor's singular 3W speaker and mono playback, but we don't expect it'll bring up to the quality of dedicated smart speaker audio.
The singular USB-A port on the original Smart Clock is gone in this successor, meaning you'll need to fork out for the wireless charging dock bundle if you want to charge your other devices, as the latter includes both a USB-A port and a wireless charging mat.
Another new feature that requires the dock to function is a built-in nightlight, which is "just bright enough to illuminate your way without bothering anyone else".
There's currently no word on pricing for the Smart Clock 2 bundle with the dock, and we've only seen information from the US version of Lenovo's website, so at this stage, consider availability in other regions as TBC.
Simplify and omit
We're never too thrilled to see popular, mainstay features of products get removed from newer iterations, only to be made accessible via a peripheral accessory – a prominent example being the wave of smartphones that removed the headphone jack and forced either a Bluetooth alternative or a dongle attachment.
The shifting of the USB-A charging output to the wireless charging dock accessory feels largely uncalled for in this instance and looks to us like a deliberate move to force customers into buying the bundle rather than the standalone product, resulting in a greater cost and bedside footprint.
For those users that possess their own wireless charging mat that would have plugged directly into the original Smart Clock, they'll now need to commit to the dock to achieve the same affect, forcing a redundancy.
The only possible redemption of this design decision would have been if the standalone Smart Clock 2 were to cost significantly less than its predecessor, and the dock bundle not be a considerable extra cost – but the Clock 2 by itself is $10 more (about £10, AU$20) than its predecessor, and we're yet to hear about pricing for the dock.
Windows 11 is the next generation of Microsoft's hugely popular operating system. This latest upgrade was announced last week and will bring a swathe of new features and upgrades including a new Start Menu, easy access to info-packed widgets and improved integration with Microsoft Teams. Windows 11 users will also find it easier to keep their PCs updated thanks to downloads that are 40 percent smaller and Microsoft is boasting that laptops could see improved battery life thanks to better efficiency.
Windows 11 will start arriving on devices in the coming months but it seems some Windows 10 fans will face a big bill if they want to upgrade. That's because this new software needs something called a TPM (Trusted Platform Module) chip to work.
This piece of hardware makes things far more secure and it seems Microsoft wants Windows 11 to be safer for people to use.
TPMs work by offering an additional layer of security on the PC itself and, with cyber attacks on the rise, it makes sense for Microsoft to beef up protection for its billions of users.
As Microsoft explains, "Trusted Platform Module (TPM) technology is designed to provide hardware-based, security-related functions. A TPM chip is a secure crypto-processor that is designed to carry out cryptographic operations. The chip includes multiple physical security mechanisms to make it tamper resistant, and malicious software is unable to tamper with the security functions of the TPM."
Clearly, most people would agree that this is a good move from the US tech firm but it could mean some users will be to upgrade their PC before being able to install Windows 11.
Microsoft has confirmed that it will require PCs to have the latest TPM 2.0 installed on them and some older machines may not have that technology.
As spotted by The Verge, it appears that any PC running a processor that's older than 8th Gen Intel Core and AMD Ryzen 2000 will not work. That means an expensive trip to the local gadget shop to buy a new computer.
To help users find out if they are going to need to buy a new PC, Microsoft has launched a dedicated webpage where users can check if their current machine is compatible.
Microsoft says it hopes to launch this new operating system later this year but that doesn't mean everyone will be able to upgrade to it. It appears that a bunch of brand new PCs will be launched soon that will have Windows 11 pre-installed but, if you want to keep your current machine, then the release will be pushed out in stages.
That means some current Windows 10 users won't see the new features arriving on their devices until 2022.
Explaining more, Microsoft said: "The upgrade rollout plan is still being finalised, but for most devices already in use today, we expect it to be ready sometime in early 2022. Not all Windows 10 PCs that are eligible to upgrade to Windows 11 will be offered to upgrade at the same time."
When the Ferrari 458 Italia succeeded the F430, we said that it set a new standard for supercars and that it was arguably Maranello’s greatest achievement.
It’s certainly one for kids’ bedroom walls, and even now, more than a decade after the 458 was introduced, its mid-mounted 562bhp 4.5-litre atmo V8 is a tasty proposition for a second-hand toy – if you can afford it.
The Pininfarina-penned 458 was launched in 2010 with performance on a par with the hallowed F40, although it was touted as the ‘junior’ Ferrari of the time, being positioned just above the entry-level California at a somewhat meagre £175,000.
As is always the way, optional extras added substantially to the cost, with some cars commanding a premium of up to £40,000 for goodies including racing seats, Alcantara headlining and a carbonfibre steering wheel.
We’ve moved on slightly in terms of point-to-point pace since then, but the 458 remains stupendously fast in a real-world sense, capable of getting from 0-62mph in 3.3sec and mustering a top speed of 210mph.
It made use of Ferrari’s seamless seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, and the accessibility of its reserves set the car apart from rivals, with its redline at 9000rpm and 80% of its peak power available from just 3250rpm.
Such was the praise on the car’s release that customers who had managed to get their hands on a 458 were quickly attempting to flog them for £25,000 more than their original list price (and often succeeding).
In 2013, the exclusive 458 Speciale arrived, complete with coveted central racing stripe and, more excitingly, a power hike to 597bhp. Technological upgrades included a carbonfibre undertray, upgraded ceramic brakes, magnetic dampers, a new diffuser and uprated anti-roll bars. The Speciale was so hardcore that even its windows were made thinner, yet Ferrari’s Side Slip Angle Control (SSC) system gave it a level of accessibility for all drivers brave enough to get behind the wheel.
As you would expect from a supercar, most used examples of the 458 have relatively low mileage but will no doubt have been driven eagerly and potentially even on track. Colour combinations, mileage and the number of owners can contribute to reduced prices, which now start from around £115,000 – not pocket change, of course, but enticing for an old V8 Ferrari with new V12 Ferrari levels of performance.
The soft-top 458 Spider commands a premium for its open-air thrills, and many examples were crammed full of costly extras.
Prices for the Speciale are a different proposition altogether. Appreciation has been kind to the top-link 458, which starts at almost £30,000 more than its original price and climbs as high as £320,000. That’s about £100,000 more than you need for a new F8 Tributo – although it could well be a safer long-term bet.
How to get one in your garage
An owner’s view
Jason Burtman: “I was driven to the 458 because it was the last Pininfarina-designed Ferrari at the time and had the last naturally aspirated Ferrari V8. It has soul that the 488 and F8 Tributo lost. People should look for specific options that they might want, since quite a lot of cars come stripped down with no extra features. I think the 488 will be worth less than a 458 in a few years, so if somebody wants one, they have a small window to get in at a better price before it starts to go up.”
Buyer beware…
■ Optional extras: Optional extras can push up the price of a used 458 to unfathomable levels, so take care to ensure any car you have your eye on has everything listed and look out for options yourself when examining it.
■ Transmission: Some 458 owners have reported transmission failures for models built between 2010 and 2011, with gears being ‘missed’ or damage to the speed sensor wiring. Although this isn’t a common issue, it has occurred most commonly between 6000 and 8000 miles.
■ Rear-wheel adhesive: In 2010, Ferrari recalled all 458 models – some 1200 cars – in light of a series of high-profile incidents in which five customers lost their cars after the adhesive in the inner arch-liner caught fire. The recall prompted new liners to be fitted at local dealers, so check that this has been completed.
■ Tyres: Check for tyre wear, especially at the rear, and find out if the 458 you are eyeing has been used previously on a track. If they’re worn, new tyres can cost around £300 each.
■ Spider's roof: There have been reports of owners having their Spider’s electrically operated roof jam when opening, and others have complained of water seeping through, so keep an eye out for any water damage or staining.
Also worth knowing
Every derivative of the Ferrari 458 carries an annual road tax figure of £600, due to its large engine and hefty CO2 output of 275g/km. You’re also likely to pay around £110 for each full tank of petrol – though if you can afford a 458 in the first place, hypermiling is unlikely to cross your mind.
How much to spend
£115,000–£124,999: Almost all coupés with more than 20,000 miles on the clock and fewer optional extras. Spiders are a very rare proposition at this price.
£125,000-£139,999: Coupés with 10,000-20,000 miles, usually built in 2013 or later. Spiders are readily available here, with a few examples sporting optional extras.
£140,000-£180,000: The finest coupé and Spider variants brimming with options. Most are still in showroom condition, having driven fewer than 5000 miles.
£230,000 and above: Here’s where you’ll find the Speciale coupé. It’s a big jump, but this hardcore model arrived in such limited numbers that its desirability has only gone upwards. Towards the top of the scale (around £350,000) are those with fewer than 1000 miles on the clock.
One we found
Ferrari 458 Italia, 2012/62-reg, £119,990: This 2012 coupé is packed with £25,000 worth of options, including cruise control, a carbonfibre steering wheel and sat-nav, has a full service history and is listed at a reasonable price. There’s no exterior or interior damage to note, but it’s worth checking to see if the new arch-liners have been fitted for peace of mind.
