Facebook tests out Snapchat-like streaks feature

Facebook has on numerous occasions copied features from Snapchat both for its main app and its other properties (like Instagram and WhatsApp). That behaviour continues with the new feature the social network is trying out. This time, it’s copying the feature that has kept Snapchat users, particularly its teen user base, engaged: streaks. These streaks or having continues back and forth direct snaps with friends come with emoji rewards and have had Snapchat users obsessively trying to keep it going for as long as they can.

Facebook confirmed it’s testing this feature out in Messenger, complete with emoji-like icons and a counter that shows how long the streak is going. According to a spokesperson for Facebook, they are testing out the feature "to see at a glance fun facts about the people you message with. For example, a lightning bolt may appear next to the name of a person you've messaged with for at least three days in a row, and a counter will indicate how many consecutive days you've been chatting. We're interested to see if people enjoy this insight, but we don't have any additional information to share at this time." Now, whether this is something users would want, we can’t say. What we do know is this is Facebook’s way to keep users (hopefully) engaged.

Source: Mashable

‘MST3K’ gets renewed for another season on Netflix

If you’re a big fan of Twitch’s Mystery Science Theater 3000, you’re in for some good news. MST3K is making a comeback on Netflix for its second season on the streaming platform (and 12^th season overall). Series creator Joel Hodgson, current host Jonah Ray, and Felicia Day made the announcement on YouTube after Shout Factory’s annual Turkey Day marathon. While there aren’t details yet when MST3K: The Return is coming to Netflix, the streaming service has 20 classic episodes of the show for you to binge on right now. The new season will be available exclusively on Netflix in the U.S., Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.

Source: AV Club

These are the free Xbox One and Xbox 360 games coming for Xbox Live Gold subscribers in December

If you’re waiting on what free games are going to be available for Xbox Live Gold subscribers next month, here are the four games you can get. Warhammer: End Times – Vermintide, which will be available for the whole month of December; Child of Eden, which will be available from December 1 to 15; Marlow Briggs and the Mask of Death, which will be available from December 16 to 31; and Back to the Future: The Game, which will be available from December 16 to January 15. Picking up all the games will save you U$104+ and earn you 3,840 in gamescore. These titles work for both the Xbox 360 and Xbox One. So, if you’re looking for new games to check out, these might be worth taking a look at.

Source: BGR

‘Gran Turismo Sport’ to reintroduce classic solo racing format

For those craving to have the classic solo racing mode in Gran Turismo Sport on the PlayStation 4, you’re getting your wish. According to Polyphony Digital, they are releasing an update next month to introduce a new feature called the GT League. It’s basically a single-player mode that brings back the classic GT modes of the past. Just like before you need to compete in a series of cup competitions with some needing specific cars or models.

While the feature won’t be as fleshed out as those in the previous titles, there are supposedly more races coming next year. There will also be new free cars coming out starting November 27^th. Three will be coming then and then 12 more in December (including the Ferrari F40 and Enzo), and a total of 50 new rides by March.

Source: Engadget