Titanfall on PCs will soon support 4K and NVIDIA's latest graphics tricks (updated)

Many gamers already argue that the PC version of Titanfall is the best-looking of the bunch. Pretty soon, though, it won't even be a contest. Respawn plans to update its robotic shooter to handle both 4K displays as well as a host of technology from NVIDIA's GameWorks program, including full support for multiple GeForce cards, improved antialiasing and more realistic shadow effects. The upgrades aren't all that surprising. Some modern video hardware is powerful enough for 4K gaming, and developers have already used GameWorks to spruce up flagship titles like Assassin's Creed 4 and Call of Duty: Ghosts. Still, the visual improvements are bound to make a big impact -- Titanfall is one of the most important games of the year, and a good excuse to pick up a new gaming rig.

Update: Right now however, Titanfall is getting some tweaks on its servers that will change how it plays on PC and Xbox One. The updates will roll out over the next day, but you can see a changelog on Respawn's forums here. There are a number of fixes and updates included, and among them it appears the controversial Smart Pistol is having its effectiveness reduced, with slightly lower accuracy from hip fire and decreased damage when it's not locked-on. A troublesome glitch that allowed Burn Cards to be duplicated has also been fixed, and point values for certain actions in Hardpoint and Capture The Flag games have been adjusted.

Hey guys, Titanfall servers being updated! Changelog here http://t.co/7Q84dARBaf

- Drew McCoy (

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Latest Apple TV rumors have it teaming up with Comcast for streaming

Rumors Apple will launch a new TV-connected device/service seemingly never die, and now the Wall Street Journal reports it's in talks with Comcast (and that rumored discussions with Time Warner Cable over a "Project Jupiter" team-up stalled when it became a takeover target). With interesting timing, the rumors focus on an aspect of the deal that would give Apple's streaming of live TV and cloud DVR recordings over a "managed connection" avoiding last-mile bottlenecks. That's similar to how Comcast sends video on-demand to its Xbox 360 app, and a contrast to the recent net neutrality discussions arising over its deal with Netflix. Noting that the companies "aren't close to an agreement," the rumors suggest an arrangement where Apple sells its hardware at retail TiVo-style, although how customers log in and who controls that relationship is something where the two continue to differ.

As the article notes, this proposal is similar to Comcast's arrangement with TiVo -- it sells boxes at retail that in some areas can access Comcast VOD -- but going in with Apple to create some kind of hybrid service would be a major change. So far, Comcast has pushed its X1 platform with live TV, internet features and eventually cloud DVR streaming to multiple devices, while also testing out a full IPTV service on college campuses.

Despite years of rumored negotiations and device testing we still haven't seen Apple jump out with a product to modernize/revolutionize the existing TV experience. Now, we wonder if pressure from regulators on the proposed Time Warner Cable / Comcast merger, cord-cutting (the number of customers paying for cable, satellite and fiber TV dropped slightly last year, the first time that's happened), and competing internet TV services (Netflix, Sony, Amazon etc.) is creating a new reason for cooperation. If any of those are true, the next steps are figuring out how the two sides will split the money coming in, if the studios and networks that supply content will play ball, and if Reed Hastings will fire off another angry open letter (following up his net neutrality-related posts on Comcast's Xbox 360 video on-demand and peering).

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Source: Wall Street Journal

Tags: apple, apple tv, appletv, cloud, comcast, hdpostcross, rumor, streaming Next: LSTN headphones: helping people hear in style
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Test out easier syncing and new customizations in the latest Firefox beta

If you've been frustrated with Firefox Sync, this is for you: a new beta release of Mozilla's browser looks to simplify the process of saving settings across multiple devices. Expect an easier-to-navigate setup menu, with fewer steps to create an account. Improving your experience across difference devices is probably the most important feature in Mozilla's latest beta, but a new customization mode is helpful, too. Accessible from the new Menu panel, this mode lets you drag and drop your preferred features, add-ons and tools anywhere in the browser. From the menu, you can also access tools such as copy/paste, print, save and more -- and you'll be able to add Firefox add-ons to the menu area as soon as you download them. Test out the beta for Android, Linux, Mac and Windows via the download link below.

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Source: The Mozilla Blog

Tags: browser, firefox, firefox beta, Firefox Sync, mozilla Next: Orange shares all its call data with France's intelligence agency, according to new Snowden leak .fyre .fyre-comment-divider

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Valve shows off latest Steam Controller ahead of GDC

With the annual Game Developers Conference in San Francisco next week, Valve sheds light on the development progress of the controller it plans to trot out for more player feedback.

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Sprint's latest prepaid plan offers 2.5GB of LTE data for $60

Sprint has slapped a fresh coat of paint on its prepaid mobile by rebranding Sprint As You Go to Sprint Prepaid and launching all-new plans. The carrier has more attractive pricing too, though there's a caveat. The Smart Plus LTE data plan is $10 less at $60, but the previously unlimited data is now throttled after 2.5GB like plans on Sprint's Virgin and Boost Mobile brands. If you don't need network data, the basic Smart Plan is $45 for unlimited calls and texts (plus WiFi data), a $5 drop over last year. You'll also be able to pick any device you want, as long as it's an LTE Samsung Galaxy S3, LTE Galaxy S4 mini, 3G Moto G or pre-owned Apple iPhone 4s. With T-Mobile having just doubled down on data, we're not sure how tempting that sounds -- but if Softbank gets its merger, it may soon not matter.

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Source: Sprint

Tags: 4G, data, mobilepostcross, plans, prepaid, spark, sprint Next: Reported Amazon game controller appears in pictures .fyre .fyre-comment-divider

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Windows Phone passes BlackBerry in latest comScore report

The latest comScore report shows that Windows Phone has surpassed BlackBerry in U.S. smartphone market share. For the three months ended in January, Windows Phone averaged a 3.2% slice of the pie. While that was flat from the 3.2% that Microsoft's mobile OS scored on average for the three months ended in October, BlackBerry's share tumbled .5 percentage points during the same time period to 3.1%.

At the top of the list, Android also lost .5 percentage points to 51.7%, but remains on top. Apple's iOS picked up the market share losses from both Android and BlackBerry, tacking on 1 percentage point to 41.6%. Symbian was flat with .2% of the U.S. smartphone market.

As far as manufacturer's market share is concerned, Apple remains on top with that 41.6% tally. Samsung is still in the number two spot after tacking on 1.3 percentage points to 26.7%. LG's share rose to 6.9% from the 6.6% slice it owned for the three months ended in October. After that, Motorola and HTC had poor quarters. With market shares of 6.4% and 5.4% respectively, Motorola dropped .6 percentage points and HTC dropped 1.3 percentage points from the three months ended in October.

The report also revealed that Google's sites remain the top properties on smartphones reaching 89.4% of the intelligent handsets. Facebook (86.6% reach) and Yahoo (86.2%) both trailed. Looking at mobile apps, Facebook has the widest reach (77.6%) followed by the Google Play Store (52.4%) and YouTube (49.7%).

Latest comScore report has Windows Phone on top of BlackBerry Fullscreen More popular slideshows

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Camera360′s Latest Version Is Streamlined But Packed With Features

Camera360, which now claims more than 250 million users, is one of the world’s most successful photo apps. But Camera360 still faces plenty of competition from other apps like Camera

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Easter egg-filled panorama of Seattle is Microsoft's latest Photosynth art project

After all the panoramas, street views and 3D flights of fancy through cityscapes, how can Microsoft make the next one different? Apparently, by teaming up with over 100 of Seattle's local artists and performers to cram this 360-degree panorama full of imaginative easter eggs (like the airship seen above). Dubbed the Gigapixel ArtZoom, Microsoft unveiled it tonight at the Seattle Art Museum but like other Photosynth projects, anyone with a browser can dive in right now. 2,368 twenty-two-megapixel images were shot from the Bay View condominium building and stitched together with Microsoft's Image Composite Editor software -- it's the same system behind Windows 8.1's panorama feature and Bing Maps. Click and zoom through the resulting image on a Where's Waldo-style search for the performers (inserted via separate photoshoots after the original shoot and highlighted with additional info) on its dedicated website here, or check after the break for a behind the scenes look at how it was made.

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Source: GigaPixel ArtZoom

Seattle Times, Fast Company Design Tags: 360, art, gigapixelartzoom, microsoft, panorama, photosynth, seattle Next: Netflix 'post-play' feature that automatically jumps to the next episode is now optional .fyre .fyre-comment-divider

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Dyson’s Latest Vacuums Ditch Not Only The Bag But Also The Filter Maintenance

I hate vacuuming but I actually like using my Dyson, and the UK company has a few new models it’s unveiling today. For the U.S. market, there’s the DC59, which is a handheld cordless stick vac that bumps up the suction, and for the UK, there are new Cinetic models of three of its canister vacuums that do away with the sole remaining piece of maintenance required by Dyson hardware: the occasional filter cleaning.

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Magellan's latest dashboard navigator has built-in dashcam

(Credit:Magellan)

Magellan one-ups Garmin's announcement of updated GPS navigators and a new dashboard camera with its announcement of a GPS navigator with a built-in dashboard camera.

On the backside of the Roadmate 6230T-LM DashCam, you'll find a 120-degree wide-angle camera that watches the road ahead waiting for the integrated G-sensor to detect sudden motion or speed changes. In the event of sharp braking, rapid acceleration, excessive cornering, or sudden impact, the camera automatically captures video of the event. Because the camera is constantly recording on a continuous loop, it is also able to grab video from the moments preceding and immediately following the event.

Related stories:Garmin updates HUD

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Workplace Fashions: How to Familiarize Yourself with the Latest Trends

Are you preparing to start a new job or do you just like to always look trendy and fashionable for work? If you do, you may be interested in keeping up the latest in workplace fashions. If you are and if this is your first time trying to do so, you may be curious as to what all of your options are. If you are, you will want to continue reading on.



One of the many ways that you can go about familiarizing yourself with the latest in workplace fashions, like which clothing and clothing accessories are popular, is by buying fashion magazines. A large number of fashion magazines can be purchased for fewer than five dollars. If you are interested in buying a fashion magazine, you may want to flip through the magazine in question before doing so. While most fashion magazines do have a section that talks about workplace fashions, not all do. If you are able to find a magazine that does, you may walk away with very helpful information on workplace fashions, like what you should and shouldnt wear to work.



Another way that you can go about familiarizing yourself with the latest in workplace fashions is by using the internet. Online, there are a large number of fashion websites, as well as online fashion magazines that you can gain free access to. These online resources are a great way to learn more about workplace fashions, particularly the trends that are popular at the current moment. Since you would likely be focused on workplace fashions and not necessarily casual wear, you may want to think about customizing your internet search to include phrases like workplace fashions, work wear clothing, and so forth.



You may also be able to familiarize yourself with the latest in workplace fashions by turning on your television. As fashion becomes loved by more individuals each day, it is easier to find fashion focused television shows and even television channels. By checking your televisions onscreen guide or by viewing a printed television schedule, you should be able to see if any upcoming fashion shows will be focusing on fashion in the workplace.



Another one of the many ways that you can familiarize yourself with the latest in workplace fashions is to start shopping. If you choose to shop online, you will likely find that fashion retailers have their most popular clothing pieces and accessories prominently displayed on their websites main page. For storefront retail locations, you will likely find that popular and sought after clothing pieces and accessories are often the part of a store display. Also, by customizing your store search to include those that are focused on career orientated individuals, you are more likely to find what you are looking for, in terms of clothing and fashion accessories to wear to work.



As you can see, you have a number of different options when it comes to familiarizing yourself with workplace fashion trends. As a reminder, just because you see that something is popular at the moment, it doesnt necessarily mean that it is right for you and your workplace. Before implementing any new workplace fashion trends, you are encouraged to examine your workplace environment. You will also want to keep in mind what is considered acceptable and what is not.

Dealing with Your Teenager and the Latest Fashion Trends

Are you the parent of a teenager? If you are, you likely already know that many teens want to look their best, at least fashion wise. For that reason, many teens keep up on the latest fashion tends and use them. While this is okay in some aspects, it can result in your teenager wearing baggy pants showing their boxers or revealing shirts that show off too much cleavage. While these do seem to be popular fashion trends, do you really want your child displaying them? If not, you may be wondering what you should do.



When it comes to your teenager and fashion trends that you may not necessarily approve of, your first thought may be to lay down the law. As a parent, this is your right to do, but did you know that you may actually end up causing more damage? Do you remember what it was like being a teenager? If you were like most teenagers, there was a good chance that the last thing you wanted was to be told how to dress by your parents and the same is likely so for your own teen. That is why you may want to think about taking a different approach.



One of the many instances where you should speak to your child about their fashions is if it may end up causing them some harm. As previously mentioned, many of the latest fashion trends for women and for girls are low cut shirts and low rise pants. This often ends up leaving a good portion of the body exposed. In todays society, you always need to be on the lookout for sexual predators. While your teenager may not necessarily be interested in someone, someone may actually end up getting that type feeling from them. This could put your teenager in a weird and possibly dangerous situation. If that is the case, you may want to take the time to explain that, as it may sink in better than if you were just to say change your clothes; you cant wear that.



It is also important that both you and your teenager remember that fashion trends regularly change. It is not uncommon for a fashion trend to only last a few months. If you are not happy with the current fashion trends, but your teenagers are, you may want to encourage them to explore other options. There are a number of fashion magazines and online fashion websites that have a large number of fashion trends and information on those trends. Not all fashion trends require the wearing of skimpy, clothing. For that reason, you may want to explore other options. If your teenager is a girl, it could actually turn into a neat mother daughter bonding experience between the two of you.



Something else that you may not necessarily think about, but should, is if your child goes to high school. Many high schools have dress codes and these dress codes often prohibit the wearing of revealing clothing. While not all schools actively enforce their dress codes, many out there do. Like with being told not wear certain clothes by their parents, many teenagers may feel angered being told by school officials. For that reason, you may want to take action before anything serious happens that could seriously jeopardize your child and their school records. It is not uncommon to hear of instances where children are suspended from school due to not following the schools dress code.



In short, teenagers and fashion are something that just seems to click together. While it is important for your teenager to fit in with others and be popular at school, they do not necessarily have to be wearing the hottest, clothes or fashion accessories to do so. They may not necessarily understand it at the time, but as a parent it is your job to help them and keep them safe.

Google says Android app permission manager was released by mistake, removes it from latest update

Remember that "Apps Ops" feature Google snuck into Android 4.3? The company seems to have changed its mind. The feature was originally hidden, but when activated with a third party app it gave users the ability to pick and choose what data apps have access to -- blocking seemingly harmless flashlight apps from accessing your call history, GPS data or address book. Now, users upgrading to Android 4.4.2 are reporting that the permission management tool has disappeared. According to Google, the feature was deployed by mistake; it wasn't ready for consumers yet. Continuing to use the incomplete feature could reportedly generate errors in certain apps. It sounds reasonable, considering that the user had to download special software to activate the feature in the first place, but it's always disappointing when updating removes features, rather than improves them. Hopefully, a complete and public version of App Ops will be available soon.

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Source: Reuters, EFF

Tags: android, android 4.4.2, app ops, google, privacy, update Next: Daily Roundup: New Nexus 5 hardware, Amazon Pantry, next-gen console sales and more! .fyre .fyre-comment-divider

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