Ubisoft Is Inviting The Public To Play-Test Assassin's Creed Syndicate

Ubisoft will be hosting a select number of individuals to play-test the next title in the Assassin's Creed series. The first invitation-only session will be taking place next week in Los Angeles alongside E3.

In order to apply, you need to be over the age of 17 and send an email to playtestroadshow@ubisoft.com. You'll need to include your name, age, and 100 words or less about your experience playing Assassin's Creed games.

Ubisoft is looking for those experienced with the franchise. If you're selected, you'll be given a specific appointment time on Wednesday, June 17, and further information. For more, check out our previous coverage.

Our TakeWhile we're checking out the game inside the Los Angeles Convention Center, you might be doing the same. Ubisoft appears to be working to involve the community a bit more after last year's problems with Assassin's Creed Unity. Anything the publisher can do to restore confidence and engage its community, the better.

Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate to get collectible replica weapons and novel

Never has it been easier to poke someone’s eye out while looking like a stylish gentleman about town. Ubisoft has announced books and collectibles for the upcoming Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate, including figurines and life-size replica weapons.

As well as an official art book, there will also be a new novel. The story will take place in ” 1862, and with London in the grip of the Industrial Revolution, the world’s first underground railway is under construction. When a body is discovered at the dig, it sparks the beginning of the latest deadly chapter in the centuries-old battle between the Assassins and Templars.”

“Deep undercover is an Assassin with dark secrets and a mission to defeat the Templar stranglehold on the nation’s capital. Soon the Brotherhood will know him as Henry Green, mentor to Jacob and Evie Frye. For now, he is simply The Ghost.”

The new collectibles will include life-size replicas of Jacob’s guantlet and cane sword, and two figurines – one of Jacob (33cm tall) and one of Eve (22cm tall).

The collectibles have a limited run, so if you want to snap them up, pop over to Ubisoft store.

You can check out the gallery below for a closer look.

MORE : Ubisoft Is Inviting The Public To Play-Test Assassin's Creed Syndicate (YOU CAN BE ONE OF THEM)

Assassins creed movie : first poster

Here's one for your Eagle Vision. The first feathery poster for the Assassin's Creed movie has been revealed. Running with Assassin's Creed: The Movie as (hopefully) a working title, Ubisoft Motion Pictures will be showing off more at E3 according to released promo material. 

Due to start filming in September, the adaptation stars Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard and will be directed by Justin Kurzel who has already worked with the pair on this year's Macbeth. 

Previously rumoured to be starring as Desmond Miles, Fassbender - who is also on producer duties - has been tight lipped on setting and storyline but has discussed the rich world that the Assassin's Creed universe offers. In an interview with IGN he said "we're working very hard to make sure that we've got the best and most exciting, original package." The Spanish Inquisition has been a rumoured setting and given the fact that Assassins change on a yearly basis now, it wouldn't be too much of a leap of faith to forge some new characters rather than rely on one from six games ago. 

Given that the poster is covered in the distinct lines of the Animus, it's clear that whatever the time period, the past and present division will take a starring role rather than being unfortunately sidelined like in recent games. We'll have to see what E3 2015 brings but the current official release date is listed for December 21st next year. 

When will we Get android M update ?

Earlier this week at Google I/O 2015, Android M became official as the technology company announced Android M- the next version of it’s Android OS.

Android M developer preview has been released by Google but the question that’s haunting the Android users is- When will my smartphone get the Android M update?

Here we have tried to compile a list consisting of the updates from different smartphone makers about their future plans regarding Android M.

Biggest Improvements and New Features in Android M

Note: Android M has been announced just few days back, so this article will be updated from time to time as more updates surface and more smartphone makers reveal their plans.

Let’s take a look:

Android M update for Google Nexus:

Just like every other version of Android, Android M is coming first on Google Nexus devices. According to Google, Nexus 4, Nexus 10, Nexus 6 and Nexus 5 will be receiving Android M update in future.

Apart from this, Google has also released a pre-release version i.e. the Android M Developer Preview for the users.

This version is available for Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 9 and Nexus Player.

Know how to download and install Android M on your Nexus device right now.

Android M update for HTC:

If you leave Google aside, HTC is the first company to announce Android M updates for its flagship devices.

HTC has announced that HTC M9 and M9+ will be getting the Android M update soon. The smartphone manufacturer has said that more devices will be announced soon.

Android M update for Samsung:

Just like the delayed Android Lollipop updates, Samsung hasn’t announced anything regarding the Android M update. Samsung is the largest Android OEM at the moment and when it comes to handling updates, they don’t seem to be the fastest.

Last year the company was pretty quick in rolling out the Lollipop update for Galaxy S5 and the update for Galaxy S4 and Note 4 followed in February.

It has been confirmed that Galaxy Note 5 isn’t coming with Android M in September. It is expected that Galaxy S6, S6 Edge Note 4 and Note 5 will be receiving Android M updates within a month once it is rolled out.

Android M update for Motorola:

Last year with Android 5.0 Lollipop, Motorola beat every other smartphone OEM by launching the update the same month Google rolled it out and was quick to release the Android 5.1 updates, so it should release the Android M updates for its devices as soon as it is rolled out.

Also, Motorola is set to launch its 2015 version of Moto X, so it’s possible that the phone could come out with Android M out of the box.

“Now On Tap” is Android’s Coolest Feature in a Long Time

Android M update for LG:

Just like Motorola, LG was pretty quick to launch Lollipop for its flagship LG G3 in the early December.

Company’s LG G4 runs Android 5.1 out of the box, so it should be the first device to receive Android M update. LG G3 too will certainly Android M update.

Android M update for Sony:

Sony’s track-record hasn’t been much impressive regarding timely updates and it has been slow in releasing Lollipop updates.

It is expected that Sony Xperia Z4, Z3 and Z3+ and its tablet should receive Android M update once it is released.

Android M update for ASUS:

Asus is another sad story. The company hasn’t fulfilled its promise to release Lollipop updates for Zenfone 4,5,6 and only Android 5.0 runs Lollipop out of the box. We hope ASUS improves its track-record with Android M updates.

Note: Android M has been announced just few days back, so this article will be updated from time to time as more updates surface and more smartphone makers reveal their plans.

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Here are all the new features coming with Windows 10

As we learned earlier this month, Windows 10 is ready for launch on July 29th, a major update to the operating system that will cost most legitimate Windows users nothing to upgrade.

Besides bringing back the Start Menu (thankfully), and adding smaller but important features like quick startup and resume, Windows 10 will introduce some serious updates on the browser and software side. Windows 10 will also be the first of Microsoft's operating systems to be a true ecosystem, one that expands to the Internet of Things, console gaming, tablets, desktops and of course, mobile.


Here's the list, courtesy of Microsoft:


Cortana, the world's first truly personal digital assistant helps you get things done. Cortana learns your preferences to provide relevant recommendations, fast access to information, and important reminders. Interaction is natural and easy via talking or typing. And the Cortana experience works not just on your PC, but can notify and help you on your smartphone too.


Microsoft Edge, is an all-new browser designed to get things done online in new ways, with built-in commenting on the web – via typing or inking -- sharing comments, and a reading view that makes reading web sites much faster and easier. With Cortana integrated, Microsoft Edge offers quick results and content based on your interests and preferences. Fast, streamlined and personal, you can focus on just the content that matters to you and actively engage with the web.

Office on Windows: In addition to the Office 2016 full featured desktop suite, Windows 10 users will be able to experience new universal Windows applications for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, all available separately. These offer a consistent, touch-first experience across a range of devices to increase you productivity. Designed from the ground up to run on Windows 10, you can easily create and edit Word documents, and deliver PowerPoint presentations while annotating on the fly. With new touch-first controls in Excel you can create or update spreadsheets without a keyboard or mouse. You will also be able to enjoy new versions of OneNote and Outlook, which are included with Windows 10 at no additional cost.

Xbox Live and the integrated Xbox App bring new game experiences to Windows 10. Xbox on Windows 10 brings the expansive Xbox Live gaming network to both Windows 10 PCs and tablets. Communicate with your friends on Windows 10 PCs and Xbox One – while playing any PC game. You can capture, edit and share your greatest gaming moments with Game DVR, and play new games with friends across devices. You can play games on your PC, streamed directly from your Xbox One console to your Windows 10 tablets or PCs, within your home. Games developed for DirectX 12 in Windows 10 will see improvements in speed, efficiency and graphics capability.


New Photos, Videos, Music, Maps, People, Mail & Calendar apps have updated designs that look and feel familiar from app to app and device to device. You can start something on one device and continue it on another since your content is stored on and synched through OneDrive.

Windows Continuum enables today's best laptops and 2-in-1 devices to elegantly transform from one form factor to the other, enabling smooth transitions of your tablet into a PC, and back. And new Windows phones with Continuum can be connected to a monitor, mouse and physical keyboard to make your phone work like a PC.

Windows Hello, greets you by name and with a smile, letting you log in without a password and providing instant, more secure access to your Windows 10 devices. With Windows Hello, biometric authentication is easy with your face, iris, or finger, providing instant recognition.

Windows Store, with easy install and uninstall of trusted applications, supported by the broadest range of global payment methods. 

Fallout - 4

Release Date

Fallout 4 will launch in 2015, according to Bethesda's online store. Its estimated ship date is listed as "TBA 2015," both before and after Fallout 4 is added to your cart. This date could be a placeholder.

Setting

With the reveal trailer, it has been confirmed that Fallout 4 is set in the Massachusetts area of the East Coast, including the city of Boston. Certain areas of Boston appear to be in good condition, whether they survived the bombs or were rebuilt since the Great War, including one district near Fenway Park called Diamond City which features inhabitants dressed in baseball attrire and a giant nail bat.

Images depict mutants wandering wastelands, robotic or armored scavengers, and places of business built onf the rubble of old Boston.

Iconic locales include the Massachusetts State House and establishing shots of the Paul Revere statue in a thunderstorm.

Also appearing is a modified version of the USS Constitution. Old Ironsides appears to have been retrofitted as an airship

Also depicted is a ruined version of the Bunker Hill Monument commemorating the famous Revolutionary War battle.

Story

Not much about the story is known at this time, but rumors suggest through casting calls that a male and female version of The Player are indicated, and both begin in a cryogenic chamber, perhaps similar to those seen in the Fallout 3 Mothership Zeta DLC mission Among the Stars. The rumors also talk of the Main Character's great-grandfather who knew the end was coming after returning from war in 1945.

Weapons and Armor

Close-ups of the still reveal a number of iconic Fallout items:

 

Visible in this still: the Power Armor, Nuka Cola, a canine companion, comics, a Vault poster, and Abraxo.  

A chain-fed heavy weapon and a disassembled Mr. Handy are visible.

Pip and an arsenal of weapons, including a laser rifle. 

An unidentified, customized weapon.

Rumors

According to documents leaked to Kotaku by a source associated with the Fallout 4's voice acting casting call, the next Fallout project is code-named The Institute. [1] the word "Fallout" never actually makes an appearance anywhere. The contents of the documents make it quite clear that the game is Fallout 4.

 

Click on the images to view them in their full resolution.

The beginning of one page starts with “War. War never changes,” perhaps the single most well-known line in the Fallout series. It discusses the main character’s great great-grandfather, who served in the army in 1945. Expecting that the bombs that ended World War II would be a harbinger of absolute atomic warfare, the narrator expresses surprise that it took until the 21st century for the world to end in nuclear fire.

Though much is unknown about Fallout 4's characters, at least one voice actor has confirmed his involvement with a Fallout project. Erik Todd Dellums, who voiced Galaxy News Radio DJ Three Dog in the game, tweeted that it looked like he would be reprising his role in the near future. Dellums later confirmed Bethesda gave him permission to release the tease. [2]

In the leaked voice-acting documents other characters are revealed, including another DJ named Travis Miles, a character named Sturgeswho is an engineer described as "a cross between Buddy Holly and Vin Diesel," and Preston Garvey, a character who The Player interacts with in the sample script.

A depiction of The Player from the leaked documents.

FIFA 16 WOMEN TEAM OUT NOW

FIFA 16 is to feature women's soccer for the first time. Depressingly, a backlash quickly followed the announcement.

It’s somewhat ironic that the announcement by EA Sports that the nextFIFA game would feature women’s soccer came as the organization that gives the series its name were busy fighting their biggest ever corruption scandal. One can only wonder what Sepp 'Female players should wear tighter shorts to improve the viewing figures' Blatter might have had to say about it, if he wasn’t otherwise engaged with standing unopposed in yet another election while his enemies were getting arrested.

Fortunately for Blatter and his unenlightened views, the internet exists, so there were plenty of commenters and Tweeters chomping at the bit to step in and register their outrage at the very idea of expanding their favorite game’s scope to include an increasingly significant area of world soccer. These reactions seemed to divide neatly into two types: lame, predictable sexist jokes (usually involving the in-game stats revolving around "ironing” and “cooking”) or genuine, downright affrontedness at EA having the nerve to cater for somebody else.

It’s somewhat irritating that in the year 2015 we even have to go through this, but the especially annoying thing about the negative reaction is that it’s not even a feature that’s being forced upon these gamers, if they’re so desperate to avoid it. Do you know how you will be able to avoid playing with the female teams in FIFA 16? By choosing not to play with them. To quote EA’s own publicity, FIFA 15 contained “35 licensed leagues, over 600 clubs, and 16000+ players.” I strongly doubt that the majority of FIFAfans have played matches with even a tenth of those available teams – so why is the addition of twelve more teams such a big problem?

Indeed, the sheer scope that FIFA has grown to cover over the past decade is one of the things that makes the leaving out of women’s teams until now such an oversight: if it’s okay to include teams from League Two or the Irish Airtricity League, both of which can feature match attendances below a thousand, then what good reason is there not to represent the Women’s World Cup, which averaged 25,000 a match at the last tournament in 2011?

That’s to say nothing of the fact that FIFA has for many years included a Be a Pro mode, enabling players to play out an entire football career with an uncannily-realized version of themselves – so long as they’re male. But any girl or woman wanting to play a fantasy soccer life only really has the option of giving her avatar an Andy Carroll-esque ponytail and attempting to recreate the plot of the early ‘90s Screen One dramaBorn Kicking. It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to play as a woman in this mode in the new game either – but at least it’s a step towards some kind of Mass Effect-esque equality of choice.

Perhaps the one argument against this addition to the game that holds any kind of weight (if a very small amount) is the annoyance that EA have prioritized this particular element over improving several elements of the game that are still frustratingly sub-par.FIFA series vice-president David Rutter spoke of “the time and effort required for travelling around the world to scan faces and heads, record motion capture, etc,” as well as the fact that they had to “rebuild the animation rig” to account for physiological differences. Evidently, adding these teams in hasn’t just been a five minute job. But to be frank, we’ve had 23 years of FIFA games being incrementally developed year on year in which to get it right: and it’s probably fair to say that, based on past form, any annoying glitches that were present in the last few versions wouldn’t have been fixed with or without the time spent on this anyway.

Another comment that Rutter made, incidentally, belied a slightly disappointing attitude on EA’s part, and one that suggests that maybe not everyone involved in the game was necessarily desperate for this to happen either. When asked if the female teams would be able to play matches against the male ones, Rutter was slightly dismissive in saying, “The sport itself doesn’t support that. If that changed, we definitely would.” Yet in every single previous installment so far, it’s been possible to play FIFA matches between two iterations of the same team, despite the fact that neither the Laws of the Game nor available cloning technology would permit that to happen in reality. So it’s a shame that, for the moment at least, the women’s portion of the game will remain arbitrarily walled off from the rest of it.

Of course, it should be no surprise that when you combine the twin groups of soccer fans and video game fans, you get a perfect storm of angry entitled teenage boys spewing misogynistic nonsense. It’s just that in this case, it seems so unnecessary. The standard FIFA experience will not be changed in the slightest by this – but the game will suddenly be more appealing and inclusive to a particular part of its audience (or even to a new audience entirely). It’s hard to see why anyone could get particularly annoyed about that – even if they’re Sepp Blatte