Blog

Metacritic changes its user review policy to combat score bombing

[ad_1]

“We recently implemented the 36 hour waiting period for all user reviews in our games section to ensure our gamers have time to play these games before writing their reviews. This new waiting period for user reviews has been rolled out across Metacritic’s Games section and was based on data-driven research and with the input of critics and industry experts,” a Metacritic spokesperson said in a statement provided to Engadget.

The change was first noticed about two weeks ago, but it’s getting more attention following the release of Ghost of Tsushima, the first big launch since the wait period was created, Forbes notes.

Metacritic isn’t the only platform that’s trying to keep users from destroying scores before giving games a fair chance. Steam’s review system attempts to hold users accountable by noting how much time they’ve spent playing the game. Steam also shows how many reviews a user has made and lists recent reviews.

Neither solution is perfect. In Metacritic’s case, postponing user reviews isn’t going to fix the issue of score bombing, and it might create release-day issues when people visit a game listing for buying advice only to find zero user reviews. Ultimately, the problem isn’t the review platforms or how they’re structured. There’s no silver bullet to stop people from blasting their baseless opinions online.

Update 7/17/2020 12:00PM ET: This story was updated to include a statement from Metacritic.

[ad_2]

Source link

What Intel’s Thunderbolt 4 means for your next PC

[ad_1]

Storage speeds will also jump from 16 Gb/s to 32, making Thunderbolt 4 a godsend for video editors or anyone else moving gigantic files around. Intel is also bumping up security by requiring its VT-d virtualization technology that protects against Direct Memory Access, or DMA, attacks. That includes the recent Thunderspy vulnerability, a complex hack that could allow someone to steal your data, even if your system was locked and had encrypted storage. Every major OS already supports VT-d DMA protection as of last year, but since that security tech is fairly recent, Intel tells us it couldn’t require it when Thunderbolt 3 launched.

So what does all of this mean for you? Probably not much if you’re just browsing the web and not really pushing your PC much. But if you’re the sort of user who regularly connects your notebook to multiple screens, or juggles vast amounts of data, Thunderbolt 4 could make your life a lot easier. Intel is debuting the technology this fall alongside its Tiger Lake chips, which are expected to be powerful in their own right. 

You can also look forward to a few other nice bonuses with Thunderbolt 4: Intel is requiring USB-C charging on at least one port, as well as the ability to wake up your PC when it’s connected to a dock. Those accessories will also be able to support up to four Thunderbolt ports, which should make it easier to string together all sorts of gadgets to your desk-bound laptop. 

Thunderbolt 4 also supports the upcoming USB-4 standard, which helps to future-proof it a bit. Confusingly enough, USB-4 shares most of the features of Thunderbolt 3 — and don’t forget, they all rely on the same USB-C port. If you’re not paying close attention to the specs of your next PC, it may also be tough to tell if it supports Thunderbolt 4 or 3. You’ll likely only see the small lightning logo on most PCs, with no visible version number, according to Intel.

It’s a shame that after spending years developing an intriguing new protocol, something that could genuinely help consumers, Intel may stumble a bit when it comes to communication. I know plenty of techies who still have trouble dealing with the different types of USB-C ports on their systems. Thunderbolt 4 may just well lead to more confusion.

Still, there’s a lot to look forward to, especially if you push your PC more than most. And maybe, these improvements will lead to more computer makers adopting Thunderbolt. Microsoft has infamously avoided the technology on its Surface machines, which are otherwise some of the best PCs you can buy today. Maybe one day, we’ll finally get a Thunderbolt-equipped version of a Surface tablet that can be powered by an external GPU.

[ad_2]

Source link

Watch Geoff Keighley go hands-on with the PS5 controller at 12PM ET

[ad_1]

We know a fair bit about the PlayStation 5 controller. For starters, it has a two-tone aesthetic that looks dramatically different from the DualShock 4 and every PlayStation pad that came before it. (I still think it looks like a tiny robot from Detroit: Become Human.) We know that it features adaptive triggers which can provide resistance while gaming (to simulate the feeling of drawing a bow, or driving a car through thick mud), better rumble — sorry, “haptic feedback” — and a built-in microphone. The lightbar has been moved to the sides of the touch pad, the Share button is now a ‘Create’ shortcut, and the Home button looks like the classic PlayStation logo.

But what’s it like to hold? Is the extra weight noticeable in your hands? And is the battery life any better than the unjustifiably-bad DualShock 4? Hopefully Geoff Keighley, the creator of The Game Awards, will be able to answer at least some of these questions today. The journalist and presenter will be hosting “a first look (and play)” of the new controller on YouTube at 12PM ET/9AM PT. We don’t know what games he’ll be booting up, but Ghost of Tsushima is out today and Insomniac’s Spider-Man has been used numerous times to showcase the system’s power behind closed doors.



[ad_2]

Source link

Engadget Podcast: Understanding Windows on ARM and Apple Silicon

[ad_1]

After Cherlynn’s review of the Snapdragon-powered Lenovo Flex 5G laptop was published this week, our hosts decided to take a deeper look at Windows on ARM. Between buggy performance and confusion over app compatibility, there’s a lot to unpack. Then, Devindra and Cherlynn look at Apple Silicon and the challenges that might be in the company’s way as it makes its two-year transition to ARM. Will an ARM-based Macbook be powerful enough for the most demanding users? Then, as usual, we share what we’ve been working on and relaxing with, and offer entertainment recommendations you should check out.

Listen below, or subscribe on your podcast app of choice. If you’ve got suggestions or topics you’d like covered on the show, be sure to let us know on our form or drop a note in the comments! And be sure to check out our other podcasts, the Morning After and Engadget News!

[ad_2]

Source link

Lenovo’s next gaming phone could have a pop-out side camera

[ad_1]

Apart from the selfie camera gimmick, the Legion phone has an impressive spec sheet. It packs a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 144 Hz refresh rate and is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ processor with 6GB of RAM, 128GB of storage and 90 watt fast charging. You’d also get a 64-megapixel main and 16-megapixel wide-angle cameras, along with dual front speakers, RGB lighting and aggressive Legion branding.

According to a Lenovo video in the listing, the phone will be released in China on July 22nd for around RS 50,000, or about $670. There’s no word yet on whether it will come to North America or Europe.

[ad_2]

Source link

NASA delays James Webb Space Telescope launch until October 2021

[ad_1]

The telescope is being built to replace the Hubble, which has long outlived its lifespan. It has longer wavelength coverage than the Hubble and has greatly improved sensitivity, giving it the power to detect light from the first galaxies that formed after the Big Bang. The telescope can also be used to observe the atmospheres of nearby exoplanets to look for signs of habitability.

The James Webb team still has to complete a set of “extremely difficult environmental tests” before the observatory can be shipped to its launch site in Kourou, French Guiana. If everything goes well and the pandemic doesn’t cause additional issues, the telescope will be folded “origami-style” for shipment and will be fitted inside its launch vehicle early next year.

[ad_2]

Source link

Engadget The Morning After | Engadget

[ad_1]

Wednesday’s weird Twitter attack is still quite a mystery, but we can catch you up on some new details quickly:

Twitter believes the attackers targeted about 130 accounts but hasn’t confirmed if they accessed ‘non-public’ data, like DMs.

The FBI is investigating.

Whoever was behind it may have trouble hiding what they do with the profits.

So far, the most specific report about what may have happened has come from security journalist Brian Krebs. He laid out posts that popped up days ahead of the attack on a gray market forum for people who trade in social media accounts, and he even identified a 21-year-old as a possible ‘pivotal’ figure in the attack.

— Richard

Lenovo’s new budget AMD gaming laptops start at $660

You’ll have to wait until August for some of the more powerful options.

Legion 5

Lenovo

If you need a new gaming PC and you don’t want to spend a lot of money, these Lenovo laptops might be what you’re looking for. They have AMD’s Ryzen CPUs inside and you can configure them to include powerful NVIDIA RTX 2060 GPUs. The cheapest model starts at $660, while a Legion 5 with AMD Ryzen 7 4800 and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti GPU is available now for $760.
Continue reading.

Leica’s 41-megapixel M10-R rangefinder is made for landscape photography

Yes, it’s expensive.

Leica M10-R

Leica

Meet Leica’s highest-resolution model yet, the $8,295 full-frame, 40.9-megapixel M10-R. Unlike past models, it has more potential for landscape or city photography requiring maximum detail. Steve Dent went on a photo tour to see what those extra pixels can do.
Continue reading.

Microsoft discontinues the Xbox One X and plugs xCloud into Game Pass

The Xbox One S All-Digital is getting the ax, too.

xCloud

Engadget

Before Microsoft reveals more information about the Xbox Series X, it has some news to break about current generation consoles and cloud gaming. First, its ending production of two consoles: the top of the line Xbox One X, and its cheapest box, the discless Xbox One S All-Digital edition. With the Xbox Series X on the way (and rumors of a cheaper “Xbox Series X” console to go along with it), that provides some extra room in the lineup. Meanwhile, any gamers who want to pick one up can likely expect to see them still on shelves for the next few months.

The other big Xbox news concerned Project xCloud, as Microsoft revealed that starting in September, its Xbox Game Pass subscription will include the cloud gaming setup for no extra charge.
Continue reading.

Sponsored Content by: IdentityForce

Identity Force

[ad_2]

Source link

Intel’s Mobileye will test self-driving cars at up to 80 MPH in Germany

[ad_1]

Intel recently purchased mobility startup Moovit for $900 million and intends to create an app-based ride-hailing service using Moovit and Mobileye technology. The company is already doing autonomous vehicle testing in Jerusalem, and plans to deploy self-driving fleets in Tel Aviv, Daegu City, South Korea and Paris by 2022.

Mobileye is working on two self-driving systems. One is based purely on cameras, much like Tesla’s Autopilot, while the other uses radar, LiDAR and other depth-detection sensors. So far, it has not proven (nor has any other self-driving company) that its systems are remotely ready for hands-off level 5 or even level 4 self-driving. Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently said that its full self-driving systems are “very close,” but German regulators recently ordered it to stop mentioning “autonomous driving” or “Autopilot” in its ads.

[ad_2]

Source link

Twitch will stream video from Radio.com broadcasts

[ad_1]

Twitch and Entercom, the talk radio specialist behind Radio.com, are partnering to get the latter’s big-name stations onto the former’s streaming platform. Live video feeds from a number of sports stations will get their own branded channel, showing the whole week’s worth of content. That includes WFAN in New York, WEEI in Boston and The Score in Chicago. Each one will focus on their respective city’s “hometown heroes,” including the Red Sox, Yankees and Falcons, with dedicated coverage for each team. 

“Over the last few years,” said Twitch’s Jane Weedon, “there has been a growing sports community on Twitch.” “With the addition of sports radio, on-air talent and fans will be able to interact and discuss […] with one another in real-time,” she added. Naturally, the station channels will include Twitch chat, enabling them to contribute to the on-air discussion even if they’re not calling in from the local area. It’s not clear if money changed hands to grease these wheels, but it’s likely that the stations can benefit from the greater exposure such a prime placement on Twitch can get you. 

[ad_2]

Source link

Netflix’s ‘Old Guard’ video game contest promises an 83-year subscription

[ad_1]

Netflix is holding a gaming tournament for The Old Guard fans, and the winner won’t have to pay for a subscription for the rest of their life. To celebrate the launch and to promote the Charlize Theron flick, the streaming giant is hosting a gaming competition featuring an original The Old Guard video game from July 17th through the 19th. Those interested in winning an “immortal” subscription will have to beat everyone else and be #1 by the end of the event this weekend.

Okay, so the subscription won’t actually last forever, but it’ll be good for 1,000 months or 83 years — if civilization hasn’t collapsed yet, Netflix might not even exist by then. Netflix says fans can expect to play a “browser-based, top-down beat ‘em up video game” that mirrors the events of the film, which is based on a graphic novel by Greg Rucka. Competitors will play as Andromache of Scythia, Theron’s character, who’s the oldest immortal in her crew. They’ll also be wielding Andromache’s weapon of choice: a double-bladed axe called the Labrys.

[ad_2]

Source link