Waze gets Google Assistant support

Using Waze on phones might be easier now. Google added Assistant support for Android users of the app. The only caveat right now is that it’s limited to English speakers in the US. The update brings some useful features like being able to report issues like traffic and crashes or accidents, help avoid toll roads if you weren’t able to specify this at the start, or ask for an alternative route. You can also speak to Assistant and ask for things like cueing up a podcast or playlist, performing a Google Search, having your notification read to you, among others. While the release is limited for now, we expect that Google will expand this to other markets later.

Source: Lifehacker

Arkane previews new game ‘Deathloop’

“If at first you don’t succeed… die, die again.” This rather witty catchphrase comes from a new game being developed by the studio behind the Dishonored series and Prey. Arkane showed off the trailer for Deathloop at Bethesda’s E3 press conference. It follows two assassins called “The Captain” and “Jules” who are locked in a constant battle trying to kill each other as well as their targets. As the title suggests, the characters are stuck in some time loop in a mysterious island called Blackreef. The trailer above gives us the feel for the game, but not much else is known beyond that. The game is being developed at Arkane’s Lyon studio and it’s expected to deliver a “mind-bending story” with “meticulously designed levels” that the studio is known for creating. We don’t have a target release date for it either, but we’re hoping to hear more soon.

Source: The Verge

‘Final Fantasy VII Remake’ will come out on March 3, 2020

Just ahead of Square Enix’s E3 keynote, the game developer dropped the release date and a new trailer for Final Fantasy VII Remake. The game is set to launch on the PlayStation 4 on March 3, 2020. What isn’t clear at the moment is whether this will be the full game. FFVII Remake was originally said to have an episodic release. According to a tweet from Square Enix Director Tetsuya Nomura, we will hear more about the game at Square Enix’s E3 event. The keynote kicks off on June 10^th at 9PM ET / 6PM PT.

Source: The Verge

Microsoft introduces Xbox Elite 2 controller

It’s been over a year since we’ve heard that a second-generation Xbox Elite controller was coming. The wait is now over. Microsoft just announced the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 at E3 2019. According to the company, the accessory has been completely re-engineered. It comes with new adjustable tension thumbsticks that just need a simple tool to improve precision. The trigger grips have been updated. The bumpers have also been redesigned. There are shorter hair trigger locks now so you can fire faster. The paddles and thumbsticks now have more customization options. It now has a wrap-around rubberized grip, which should make it easier to use these controllers.

The Xbox Elite 2 also gets USB-C and Bluetooth support. It also now has a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 40 hours per charge. You can play with it on the Xbox One or Windows PC. In the US, Microsoft is already taking pre-orders for this controller. It’ll be available on November 4^th in 24 countries. It’s priced at US$179.99 (approx. CA$240).

Source: The Verge