Technology News

Obviously, the release of the MoonSwatch, inspired by the famous Speedmaster Moonwatch and available in around ten models, was eagerly awaited this Saturday, March 26th. Maybe even a little too much.

MoonSwatch, Speedmaster d’Omega and Swatch version. Photo DR

There were so many people in front of the Swatch Store in Cap 3000 that it did not open at 10 a.m. as planned and was expected to remain closed all day.

The disappointment is great, as we have seen on social networks.

The Swatch Cap3000 store in Saint Laurent du Var does not open its doors today.

Thanks to the idiots who came to resell because they made a wrong event.

— Mr. Pipou (@Thaumaturgial) March 26, 2022

And with good reason, the jewel is inspired by one of the most famous watches in the world. Omega and Swatch surprised everyone with this unprecedented collaboration for €250, while the “Professional” version of the Speedmaster Moonwatch is worth €6,300.

Amateurs were also present in Cannes and Antibes this Saturday.

Dozens of people are waiting for the opening of the Swatch Store in Cannes this Saturday morning. Photo by Laurent Briard.

Ditto in several cities in France, such as Paris. According to witness statements, some stationed themselves in front of the Swatch Stores in the dark, others even decided to sleep there.

A masterpiece adored by PlayStation players, Bloodborne has just celebrated its 7th birthday. On this occasion, a Mario Kart version was announced. Unlikely.

On March 24th, 2015 Bloodborne was released, a PlayStation 4 exclusive game developed by FromSoftware (the studio to whom we owe Elden Ring). This spiritual son of Dark Souls quickly became a cult production and has often been cited as one of the best games on Sony’s console. Many years later, it still haunts people’s minds. Will a Mario Kart version have the same success?

Because yes, the unlikely Bloodborne Kart was announced by Lilith Walther, recently made famous by an excellent adaptation of Bloodborne in demake format (that is, with very old graphics, PlayStation era). “It’s coming, Bloodborne Kart is real and it will come out when it’s done!” ‘ she rejoices.

A Bloodborne in Mario Kart format, really?

For now we’ll have to be content with a small teaser of a few seconds, with a sequence that directly reminds us of a poster for the film Akira (another masterpiece, but this time animated). We’re still wondering how an action-oriented and challenging RPG can become a racing game more focused on usability – when in fact Mario Kart is the main source of inspiration.

Bloodborne Kart // Source: Capture YouTube

You’d think it was a hoax, except that Lilith Walther already made the hoax with this Bloodborne Kart. On April 1, 2021, it announced: “Today I’m announcing that Bloodborne PSX [le demake] canceled and we’re doing Bloodborne Kart instead! This April Fool’s joke was accompanied by a small game sequence thanks to which we quickly recognize the Mario Kart paw.

This very crazy project is a reminder that Bloodborne is a big video game. As proof, many fans are hoping for a remake – or simply a remastering – for the PlayStation 5 (with possibly a PC port). Others just start dreaming of a sequel – a hypothesis that becomes increasingly unlikely over time.

Idea?

NEW YORK (awp/afp) – Being able to communicate easily from WhatsApp to Snapchat or Telegram without changing the applications, the European Union promises in its new regulations announced on Thursday; A prospect viewed by some as user gain and by others as a risk to their data.

interoperability. Behind this long word hides the decompartmentalization of messaging, which the EU wants to impose on the tech giants by early 2023. The idea is to give netizens “more choices,” according to the press release published on Thursday.

Dubbed “DMA,” this arrangement aims to allow those using “smaller platforms” to “exchange messages, send files, and make video calls” with users of large applications without having to download them.

“No more silos,” responded on Twitter Sacha Haworth, executive director of the Tech Oversight Project, an organization campaigning for increased scrutiny of “big tech,” the big names in digital technology.

“The fact that we’re at a time in computing history where this kind of interoperability needs to be the subject of legislation is intriguing,” commented Mar Hicks, a professor at the Illinois Institute of Technology, on Twitter.

But for Benedict Evans, an independent analyst, the idea that the only difference between messengers “is their logo” is “a naïve idea,” which he posted on Twitter. “These are systems, and connecting them raises all sorts of questions.”

The security of personal data is the most frequently mentioned. How to guarantee a user that he will not expose himself by communicating with another messenger?

WhatsApp, a subsidiary of Meta (ex-Facebook), has implemented systematic end-to-end encryption (from author to recipient) of all messages, including in discussion groups.

On the other hand, Telegram doesn’t offer it by default, and Snapchat only offers it for photos and videos, not for written messages.

Furthermore, “because all couriers use different algorithms for encryption and some are the same that they can communicate (…) the statement is a misconception,” says cybersecurity expert Alec Muffett.

“Between Difficult and Impossible”

For Benedict Evans, DMA is “a trade-off, a metric that’s good for competition but bad for privacy and bad for products. You can’t have all three at the same time.”

“Interoperability with end-to-end encryption is somewhere between extremely difficult and impossible,” said Steve Bellovin, a Columbia University professor and privacy specialist, on Twitter.

And beyond message encryption: “Say you receive a message (via another messenger) from a WhatsApp user named SteveBellovin. Is that me? A hacker? Someone with the same name?”

“It’s not particularly complex from a technical point of view,” counters Ian Brown, a specialist in internet regulation. “Large groups have opposed it because the lack of interoperability is one of the key factors of their dominance.”

In addition, as it stands, the new framework is intended only for Europe, “once the necessary technology has been created, it will be relatively easy to extend it to users around the world,” believes the one who advised the American in particular Government and the European Commission on regulatory issues.

“Today is the Global Day of +, as we open the platforms (to competition) the world will implode, sponsored by lobbyists and fake noses,” tweeted Tim Sweeney, founder and CEO of video game publisher Epic Games.

For him, it is possible to develop standards and protocols that form the basis of interoperability, as has been the case with electronic mail, 3D animation or machine learning (artificial intelligence), the last two through the Khronos association.

Alec Muffett compares messengers to restaurants. Protocols would mean that each messenger “should serve the same menu and there would be no more differences. I hope that doesn’t happen because I use different tools (mailers) for different purposes.”

The EU has neglected social network interoperability for the time being, but already plans to examine it one day.

Tim Sweeney, whose publisher created the game Fortnite, is already dreaming on. “One day we will move to content (movies, series, games) and then to network games with compatibility across the metaverse.”

tu-jm / len / ob

Thirty years is something to celebrate. So this weekend, Kirby is back on our Nintendo Switch consoles in what may be his funniest adventure ever. It’s hard (read: impossible) not to smile when you take control of Kirby, Nintendo’s candy pink little hero. After all, he has accompanied us year after year for the past three decades with his always good mood. In short, we had a good time in his company. And that obviously won’t change.

This time our brave hero finds himself catapulted into a human-deserted world, now in ruins (remember the watered-down version of The Last of Us), from which he must save his friends Waddle Dees. Once again, he will achieve this with the help of his almost infinite skills, because, let’s remember for the novices, this little guy assimilate the skills of his enemies by swallowing them.

Nothing new under the sun, of course. But while Kirby and the Forgotten Land doesn’t reinvent the classic formula, it manages to polish and perfect it, bringing it to a climax.

Why even strive to revolutionize a mechanism that works perfectly? So we’d risk distorting our dear Kirby, the icon of an entire generation, the same way Mario and Luigi did.

Between tradition and modernity

But if it stays true to its essence, Kirby and the Forgotten Land does indeed bring its share of novelties. More greedy than ever, our hero is no longer content to devour his enemies. This time he devours various objects – some of impressive size – from the vending machine to the car, past the light bulb, the grandstand or the locker block.

Some of them grant him significant abilities in battle. On the other hand, others allow him to reveal secret passages, spin at high speeds, or even reach new heights. These are fun additions that stimulate the experience and add to the pleasure, which is already very important.

Another novelty? The integration of 3D that brings a touch of modernity, an aspect that has often been missing in previous Kirby adventures. However, we would have liked a more cooperative and less rigid camera.

Still, the conclusion is obvious. Our beloved Kirby hasn’t aged a bit. We are therefore delighted to follow him once again into his colourful, immensely creative and deliciously inviting universe.

• Kirby and the forgotten land ★★★★☆

Available for Nintendo Switch

Samsung will be using a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Plus on its Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4 this year, according to new information from Leaker Ice Universe.

Flex mode on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 // Source: Anthony Wonner – Frandroid

Samsung has increasingly established itself in the field of folding smartphones since the introduction of the first Fold. And so far we have seen developments and sales figures that tend to confirm that this format could have a future.

This is particularly throughice universe as we learn that Samsung’s next folding smartphones could potentially use the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, a variant of the latest classic Snapdragon 8 Gen 1.

Samsung Galaxy Fold4, Flip4, Snapdragon 8 Gen1 Plus, TSMC 4nm
100% sure

— Ice Universe (@UniverseIce) March 24, 2022

The information would be “100% reliable” according to him, but let’s take the statement with a grain of salt while we wait to learn a little more. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Plus would bring more performance to future products from the start, which a recent rumor says might also be joined by a brand new foldable smartphone format.

A Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Plus, produced by TSMC

The Qualcomm chip in question would not be produced by Samsung but by TSMC. Keep in mind that the brand’s latest folders (Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3) used the Snapdragon 888, which was also used by the American versions of the S21. And this despite the fact that the Snapdragon 888 Plus was already available at launch.

In terms of design, we’ve been able to find devices very similar to their predecessors, with some screen improvements and possibly an S Pen slot in the Z Fold 4. Samsung’s foldable smartphone event should happen this summer if all goes well. We hope to find a lot of new things there, especially since some hypotheses are already doing well.

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If Fortnite does a good deed to help the Ukrainian people… Due to the war in Ukraine, Epic Games announced on Friday March 25, 2022 that it had raised $70 million in funds for humanitarian aid. An announcement made as part of an operation launched at the beginning of Chapter 3 Season 2, declaring all between March 20th and 3 the Russian bombings.

Fourteen days against mobilize war in Ukraine ! Epic Games announced on Friday, March 25, 2022 that it had raised $70 million in funds for thehumanitarian aid to the Ukrainian people when Russian troops attacked the country a few weeks ago. An announcement made as part of a mobilization by the publisher, offering since March 20th and until April 3rd to donate all proceeds from the game by purchasing V Bucks and others to various associations dealing with humanitarian aid in Ukraine. Two days earlier, Epic Games was at 50 million.

 

To date, we have collectively raised $50 million in humanitarian aid to victims of the war in Ukraine. To find out how the funds will be distributed see https://t.co/I9qC1GjM0Y pic.twitter.com/Trw8SZkP9Q

– Fortnite 🇫🇷 official (@FortniteFR) March 22, 2022

And to state in a press release that it followed Xboxalso commits to its net profits Fourteen days During this time. To the selected associations Epic Games introduced the list. There she is : Direct Relief, UNICEF – United Nations Children’s Fund, WFP – World Food Program and theUNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Associations that work on the ground to provide emergency assistance in various areas: medical care, food and water supply, basic needs, legal assistance and shelter. Note that other organizations should join this selection.

How and at what pace will this money be redistributed? As soon as possible as explained Epic Games in his press release. All transactions are recorded and sent directly to humanitarian organizations within days. Regarding the purchases considered, the publisher also indicates that these are all purchases made within the game: Packs of V Buckspacks Fortnite club, combat steps cosmetic packs received as gifts, purchased with real money, etc. Note that the use of V Bucks in Fourteen days are not counted as they are not real money transactions.

And for those who do not want their purchases to be taken into account in this operation or donated to a specific association, Epic Games stipulates that all profits are redistributed to all selected clubs without distinction. It is therefore not recommended to make purchases with real money during this time.

Alongside the announcement of the new ID@Azure program, other news related to cloud gaming has also surfaced. In fact, a new cloud gaming entity is being created within Microsoft. At the helm is Kim Swift, Director of Cloud Gaming since joining Xbox last year. She is best known as a project manager and designer for Portal and Left 4 Dead.

Build cloud-native experiences

This division will “work with world-class development teams to create cloud-native games to provide players with unprecedented experiences.” The term cloud native is different from streaming a Game Pass game. Although we use the term in this case because it depends on remote servers, we are talking about games developed mainly for consoles. This would be about managing certain aspects of a title such as lighting, physics or environments via the cloud.

An example we’ve seen of this type of usage in the past is Demolition mode in Crackdown 3. Harnessing the computing power of the cloud, players can demolish such large buildings without sacrificing performance. And that’s about the only example we’ve got so far. Swift also points out in her presentation that the technology is still in its infancy.

When Netflix was developed, internet speeds were not sufficient to send packets fast enough to support streaming. So they sent physical packages in the form of DVDs in the mail and had to wait for technology to catch up with their vision. But they were willing to do it.

In her opinion, the cloud will be used in three fields of action: artificial intelligence, real-time calculations and ubiquity. If the first two are pretty impressive, the third is more cryptic. For Swift, it’s all about the ability to stream games to any device, even if the device isn’t powerful enough to run them natively.

Following last week’s announcement of a new cloud computing technology at Ubisoft, the race to democratize the tools and resources required seems to have begun.

The era is clearly in the revival of past hits of the 80’s and 90’s. Just a month after it was announced that a sequel to Ganryu 2 would soon see the light of day, publisher PixelHeart let us know that Andro Dunos 2 launches today Available for PC, PS4, Nintendo Switch and 3DS, both digital and boxed. The game will also be released on Xbox One and Dreamcast, but it will take a few more weeks/months. In the meantime, we can enjoy this launch trailer that proves to us that the developers of Picorinne Soft have kept the essence and spirit of the first episode, with probably an increased speed in the movements and much more inventiveness in the different internships.

Among the novelties of the gameplay we will have the possibility of walking with 4 different weapons that we can perlute depending on the situation, knowing that it is possible to evolve these weapons, either by picking up objects or during the end screen -levels -Improvement. Since the maximum level for boosting the weapons is 7, the developers also limited the development of the missiles and shields picked up to the same number. PixelHeart also has Collectors Editions planned, but only for PS4 and Nintendo Switch, including one that uses the boxed packaging of the MVS at the time. The Limited Edition includes an exclusive FuturePak.

The MVS Edition includes:

– The standard game box (game included)

– Anti-static pink bubble plastic

– Arcade headband

– Art print

– Instructions for playing the MVS version

– Reproduction of an MVS box

– Reproduction of an empty MVS cartridge used as a box for the game

– Original Soundtrack (OST)