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Month: June 2018

  • PS4 Fortnite Players Locked from Playing on Switch

    PS4 Fortnite Players Locked from Playing on Switch

    Sony has been a notorious opponent of cross-platform play. Most recently, Sony has slammed the door shut on cross-platform play with the mega-popular Fortnite on their system. Fortnite players on Xbox One and Switch can’t play with their friends on PS4 and vice-versa. PS4 players can, however, play with players on iOS and PC. The worst part isn’t the cross-platform play, though, it’s Sony’s absurd account lockout policy. 

    Sony Holding Fortnite Accounts Hostage 

    Against the advice of literally every industry analyst, Sony has declared outright war on the concept of playing nice with Nintendo and Microsoft. After Fortnite’s Switch launch on June 12th, a number of Switch owners were stunned to see they couldn’t link their Epic accounts to their Switch. If you’ve paired your Epic account with the PlayStation 4, you’re locked out from linking it on the Switch. Or the Xbox One, for what it’s worth, but most people hadn’t ever tried to jump from the Xbox to PS4. Gamers were understandably outraged, though, as Sony had given no indication that accounts linked to the PS4 version of the game would be locked from future ports of the game. 

    Sony’s Response to Criticism 

    Sony has been frustratingly evasive on this matter. When asked directly about it, they elected to boast about user numbers on their platform. Classy, Sony. While Epic has given no indication yet of how they will handle this issue, Nintendo was quick to apologize to their affected fans. Reggie Fils-Aime, president of Nintendo of America, expressed how he wished Nintendo could help, but the issue is out of their hands. Sony has chosen to enter this battle unbidden, purposefully alienating PS4 owners who also have a Switch.  

    For context, Switch and Xbox owners are able to play with any system that has the game, except, of course, PS4. The only thing standing between the world’s most popular game and full cross-platform play across all systems is Sony. This is really a shame, as the company is  driving a wedge between the game’s community over stubbornness. 

    What Can Be Done? 

    Sadly, for the time being, it seems that there is nothing affected users can do. If a user were to make a new account, they could play on Switch. However, their progress and any real-world money spent on their account would be locked on the PS4.  

    Perhaps Epic could allow users to migrate their accounts as a one-time service. Perhaps allowing users to remove PlayStation markers from their account and move to Xbox or Switch. Doing so would be in direct opposition to Sony. However, it would be a reasonable act in light of Sony’s unprecedented stubborn attitude. Until more news breaks, though, PS4 Fortnite users who want to play on Switch are left with few options. That, and a great deal of frustration at Sony. 

  • 5 Game Releases From E3 That Are a Must Play

    5 Game Releases From E3 That Are a Must Play

    This was considered by most to be a week year at the E3 conference. Expectations going in where low to begin with and nothing earth shattering or even mildly interesting was revealed. What we did get is a ton of really amazing games. An endless supply of games were announced and they all look pretty great. Lets take a look at the biggest and best 5 Game Releases we will be playing all next year.

     

    1. Nintendo’s Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Finally we get what we wanted from Nintendo, and may have to go purchase a switch just for this. Nintendo Switch’s first “Smash Bros. was a classic hit, but Ultimate will be enev bigger. Yes, every character that’s ever appeared in a “Smash Bros.” is here (that’s over 60, including rarities like “Metal Gear’s” Solid Snake). Nintendo has really stepped up the combat and evolved every character to have the Ultimate moves, stages and animations. This will ensure “Ultimate” is the best, visually amazing, craziest and quickest “Smash” to date. This will be the game that keeps droves of children occupied this holiday season.

    2. Spiderman

    Just titled Spiderman and set for a Sept 7th release,  Sony and Insomniac’s “Spider-Man” is exploding with excitement and hitting number 2 on our top 5 Game Releases, The WebCrawlers latest installment  is going to be fantastic in its actions, NYC renderings and non stop Spidery action. Not to mention the best activity is still just swinging around over the Manhattan skyline, which will be greatly enhanced.  Bringing an “Arkham”-like combat system, impressive voice work and ridiculously cinematic battles, and endless parade of villains. This is  shaping up to be the best superhero games we’ve ever played. It’s also wowed a certain comic company: Marvel was so impressed with Insomniac’s work, they’re including the video game version of Spidey in their official canon. Hurry up and get here Sept 7th, im seriously pondering the Eric Cartman freezing my self idea.

    3. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

    Assassin’s Creed Origins was a magnificent success for Ubisoft, so much it decided to just take the leap  and blast out the next AC into a full-blown role-playing game for our enjoyment. For us, This one will be set during the Peloponnesian War in Greece, “Assassin’s Creed Odyssey” lets players choose genders, bulk up tons of stats, collect gear and goodies and even shape the story with new branching dialogue options. This is shaping up to take Assassins Creed to the next level of immersion and action. Ill be pre-ording this one ASAP. Its hard not to have this as the number 1 game on the 5 Game Releases list.

    4. CyberPunk 2077

    After three games of high fantasy, via an adaptation of The Witcher series, CD Projekt Red is starting up a new franchise in a completely different genre. It’s full of big ideas and promises huge amounts of customisation and individuality when it comes to your character and play-style. Cyberpunk 2077 is a role-playing video game played in a first-person perspective as V, a mercenary whose sex, hairstyles, face, body type, body modifications, background, and clothing are customisable. V’s clothing alters how interactions fare with non-player characters who are also at V’s disposal for romantic and sexual relationships. This looks to be the game we never saw coming, totally innovative and set to really blow us away, like the original resident evil did many years ago. This will be the game all the cool kids will be talking about around the water cooler.

    5. Fallout 76

    number 5 on our top 5 Game Releases for 2018…Who doesnt love Fallout? Who hasent been anticipating the next Fallout installment? Bethesda Game Studios, the award-winning creators of Skyrim and Fallout 4, welcomes us all to Fallout 76, the online prequel where every surviving human is a *real person*. Work together – or not – to survive. Under the threat of nuclear annihilation, you’ll experience the largest, most dynamic world ever created in the legendary Fallout universe.

  • Beau’s No. 1 App Review: Hole.io

    Beau’s No. 1 App Review: Hole.io

    Beau’s App series. Each week, I install whatever is the No. 1 bestselling app on the iOS or Android store and review it, to save you the effort in case it’s total waste of life. This week a game called Hole.io is in the top spot and we are gonna talk about it. Why isn’t it No. 1? not sure, its a very simple and basic game but it’s free. So let take a look and see what has this game rocketing to the top of the charts.

     

    The latest twist on multiplayer growth game “Agar.io” has arrived, with “Hole.io,” from French publisher Voodoo. Enter the arena and face the other holes in a fierce battle. you go head to head with 8 other live players. The goal is to eat everything in sight, including other holes to increase your size and consume larger object. Eat everything in sight with your black hole and expand it to eat more! Show them who is the biggest hole in town!

    So far I have enjoyed this game immensely, much more than I expected that I would. Its fun challenging and addictive. When Hole.io becomes bigger, its strength to pull other things becomes much more powerful.  Hole.io is easy to use yet very funny to play. What I enjoy is its a 2 min time investment, its quick fun, easy and challenging at the same time. 8 Players 2 mins…go.

    Good App Not Great

    While I have enjoyed the game a lot over the past few days, I do have some beefs and Id like to address them now. This is a good game but few minor improvements and this can be a great game and hit universal popularity. First, I need different modes. Size and Time variation to choose from. Its only been a few days and I feel like I have seen all there is to be seen. Second, some new maps would be great, right now there is only one. Spice it up with some new maps or even mock ups of real cities. Go obscure with it, instead of New York, DC and LA. Let me play Tucson, Daytona Beach and Bend, OR. Let me eat a city I’ve never been to and haven’t seen in a video game a billion times. Lastly, address the lag and lack of speed, make my hole faster and fix the lagging.

     

    The Final Thought

    This game has blown up on the scene in just a month. It fun, entertaining and has a ton of potential.

  • Which Mobility Scooter is Right for You?

    Which Mobility Scooter is Right for You?

    So your mobility isn’t what it used to be… no problem! Today, some insurance companies will actually help with coverage on a mobility scooter, or even pay for the whole thing. Check it out for yourself! Either way, it may be worth checking them out and seeing if it fits your lifestyle. With that in mind, let’s look at the top ten mobility scooters.

    Drive Medical Phoenix Heavy Duty

    A heavy, sturdy scooter for a great price, this one is a good pick. This one has a headlight, which is good for darker areas. It also has a basket in the front for carrying things, making it great for grocery store trips! The seat is customizable, broad and comfortable. For $1,200, this is a great heavy-duty pick.

    Pride Mobility Go-Go Sport

    This scooter is notable for its four-wheel drive and durability. It’s not terribly fast, topping at 4 MPH. That said, it’s rugged and durable, and works great when outdoors! If you like being outside and enjoying the sunlight, this is a great pick! For a combination of durability and mobility, check out the Go-Go Sport!

    E-Wheels EW-72

    A stylish and slick scooter, the E-Wheels EW-72 has a look inspired by classic cars! For those looking to really zoom, this scooter has a top speed of 15 MPH! As a heavy-duty scooter, it works quite well, as it has a top weight rating of 500 pounds! If you’re looking for a great, stylish, heavy-duty scooter, this is a great choice for you!

    Transformer Electric Folding Mobility Scooter

    Another great choice for carrying in a trunk and carrying around with you, this transforming scooter is pretty neat. It folds up into a nice, compact shape so it can go anywhere with you! The battery is airline compliant, so it can fly with you, which is great for those who fly often. If you’re on the move and need a scooter that can keep up, this is the one for you!

    E-Wheels Jellybean Electric Scooter

    The second E-Wheels scooter on our list, this one is also quite heavy-duty! This one is three-wheeled, though, so it’s got a bit of a different construction from some others on this list. The best thing about this scooter, though, is the high speed! It tops out at 18 MPH, which makes it a serious scooter! It has a great battery, too, offering up to 45 miles on a single charge. This one also has an anti-theft alarm, which is great! It sports a huge back-mounted basket, perfect for trips to the market.

    Spitfire 420 Ex

    Another great scooter, this one has interchangeable panels in different colors. The panels come in red, blue and silver, and are easy to change out! It also boasts quick-connect batteries, a comfortable seat and padded armrests. The wheels are anti-tip, which makes this a very safe pick. The front-mounted basket even has an interior lining, which is great for shopping. If you’re looking for a good mobility scooter for medical reasons, such as old age, this is a good pick.

    SmartScoot Lithium Foldable Travel Scooter

    This folding scooter is great to throw in the trunk or backseat and carry with you to a destination. The best thing about this scooter: the battery! It has great battery life for how portable it is for travel. It lasts for up to 12 miles! It also breaks down into three parts, and only weighs 27 pounds.

    Drive Medical Scout 3 Wheel

    At the very low price of right around $600, this three-wheeled scooter is a popular choice. A little less expensive than its four-wheeled counterpart, this one is a good value. The drawbacks to this scooter include its three-wheeled construction, slightly low battery life and make. There are more comfortable, high-end scooters, but if you’re looking for a good bargain, this is it. This scooter is the most affordable on our list!

    Best Value: Drive Medical Scout Compact 4 Wheel

    For those on a budget, the Drive Medical Scout Compact is a very popular choice. At $700, it’s a fantastic value, and it shows in its popularity. It’s a good scooter, with all the trimmings you’d expect from a medical mobility scooter. Older customers on a fixed income love the low price, and the price doesn’t compromise the quality. This one also has interchangeable panels in red and blue, so you can change your style! A great value for the money for those looking to save.

    Best Overall Mobility Scooter: Shopride Sunrunner

    If you’re looking for an especially comfortable scooter, look no further than the Sunrunner! It has a 300-pound capacity and a huge 25-mile battery. You can opt for a headlight, which is quite useful. It has a front basket, perfect for shopping. The star of the show is the big, comfortable seat, though. You can’t beat the level of comfort on display here! It’s hard to find something this premium and high-quality for this price! It retails for $1,500 but can often be found on sale for less.


  • Microsoft HoloLens 2 Could Be The VR Evolution

    Microsoft HoloLens 2 Could Be The VR Evolution

    They Said it, we know it, the Microsoft HoloLens 2 is coming. As itis said, It will arrive packing Qualcomm’s powerful XR1 chipset that’s designed for the next gen VR and AR experiences.

    In the guts of the Microsoft HoloLens 2 augmented/mixed-reality headset is stated to be an amazing and unexpected appearance of Qualcomm’s own XR1 VR chip. The Processor we thought was possible but seemed only plausible in theory. The processor isn’t technically as powerful as the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845, but according to all the information we have on the XR1 so far, it’s made for and capable of running the next gen VR headsets. The hardware itself is said to be coming to the market starting in early 2019.

    Qualcomm states that the XR1 is capable of streaming content at 4K resolution at 60 frames per second. This would certainly elevate the new HoloLens 2 to the top of the VR headset charts and dethrone the Oculus. The Microsoft HoloLens could re-invent the standard for the movie experience.

    Virtual and augmented reality headsets need to get cheaper and better to arouse casual buyers beyond hardcore gamers and tech geeks. We know the Oculus gets it, for just a mere $200. The current generation of Microsoft’s own headset, the HoloLens, starts at $3000. While its mostly for developers, the next generation needs lower price to be commercially viable.

     

    The Final Thought

    VR is set to explode, who wants to go first. The company that can get all the intricate pieced together and put out the headset that works great, easy to use and universally compatible with some jaw dropping experiences will get to rule the VR world. The platform is set the battle is open but no one seems to want to make a run at it. So they all know something we don’t ? I sure hope so and im not just standing here holding my breath for no reason. Come one Microsoft HoloLens 2, change my world… my VR world.

  • Best 5 Laptops Under $500 in 2018

    Best 5 Laptops Under $500 in 2018

    Laptops are very essential these days- for school, work, or just personal use. The price of a premium new laptop can cost up to $1,000, which is pricey for anyone. Numerous companies have made laptops more affordable while keeping the quality and capabilities of more expensive laptops.

    You don’t have to feel like you’re settling when shopping for a laptop under $500. There are value-priced notebooks that include full-HD displays, solid performance and long battery life, plus all the ports you need. We picked all the best all-purpose laptops in $500 price range which we think are best laptops to suit the wide range of requirements of people. Here is a list of the best five laptops under $500!

    1. Dell Inspiron i3567 Laptop

    The latest version of this Dell laptop has a powerful system in place with 8GB of memory and a 128GB hard drive and a Intel Core i3-7100U 2.4GHz processor. It has a professional feel in it’s all black look with a 15.6-inch laptop with a screen resolution of 1366 x 768. The operating system runs smoothly with Windows 10 and is backed with a 12 month warranty, with 12 months of tech support.

    • A new, powerful hardware system
    • Has many ports and slots to use your external devices
    • 8 GB Ram
    • 7th Gen Intel Core i5 processor
    • It is not backlit enabled
    • Battery life up to 5 hours

    2. Acer Aspire A515-51-50RR Laptop

    The Acer Aspire 5 is one of the best budget full-size laptops you can find in stores today. It checks most of the right boxes: well built, slim and fairly light, gets a decent keyboard, an IPS screen and modern hardware, performs well, runs cool and quiet and lasts for a long while on a charge. This slim and sleek laptop is a great all round performing laptop, especially for the price. The visuals are spot on with vivid, bright colors.

    • LCD display and is backlit
    • 2.50 GHz Intel Core i5-7200U processor
    • Storage: 1TB hard disk
    • Intel HD 620 graphics
    • Battery life up to 7 hours
    • All-plastic chassis

    3. HP 15-ay191ms Laptop

    The HP 15-ay191ms, a signature edition laptops that comes with a seventh-generation Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB DDR4 system memory, 1TB of storage and a touchscreen, but still remains insanely affordable. It’s one of those laptops you’d buy without a second thought if you find inexpensive chromebook attractive, but really, really need Windows. If you love touchscreen, this one’s for you! This laptop contains the Kaby Lake processor which makes this laptop consume little power. Apps are not an issue here, they all run very smoothly.

    • Touchscreen
    • Intel Core i3-7100U processor
    • 8GB RAM
    • 1TB hard drive
    • Lag-free performance
    • Battery life up to 6 hours

    4. Dell Inspiron i3567-5185BLK Laptop

    Yet another Inspiron made this list! This version comes in different color options and a textured finish.  Packed with a large 15.6 Inches display and a decent 7th Gen Intel Core i5-7200U up to 3.1GHz CPU processor. This Dell laptop model would work well for portability with its 4.85 Pounds lightweight design and sleek black look. Great for school work or the family computer. A huge bonus with this laptop is it doesn’t heat up much!

    • 2.4 GHz Intel Core i3-7100U processor
    • 8GB RAM
    • TB hard drive
    • LED display with a built-in webcam and mic
    • Battery life is up to 6 hours

    5. ASUS Chromebook Flip

    This is one of the best convertible laptops on the current market. The Asus Chromebook Flip C302 is worthy of its premium stature with a gorgeous screen, tactile keyboard and a classy design that’s equally as comfortable to use in tablet mode or as a traditional laptop. The screen is a full HD touchscreen and can be converted from a laptop to a tablet by turning the screen. A top pick for a college student!

    • Intel Core m3 processor
    • 4GB RAM
    • 64GB of SSD storage
    • Battery life of up to 10 hours

  • Top Ten Apps for Encouraging Mental Health

    Top Ten Apps for Encouraging Mental Health

    Mental health is a serious issue. Medical studies report that mood disorders like anxiety and depression are the third-highest cause for hospitalization among adults 18-44. A few steps anyone can take towards bettering their mental state include regular exercise and a healthy diet. However, there are other steps available too. As always, if you are able, seek professional help for mental disorders that are negatively impacting your quality of life. None of these apps should be considered a substitute for a doctor. That said, these apps all make great companions to help you promote healthy mental health habits! 

    Pacifica 

    Photo Credit: Routine Coach 

    Stress and anxiety are the main focus of Pacifica. Connecting users with a community of supportive people experiencing similar things, Pacifica is a great platform. The app also offers audio lessons to help with relaxation and mindfulness. Meditation and relaxation are also part of the app’s repertoire. Pacifica is described as an app that “helps break cycles of unhealthy thoughts.”  

  • Best Credit Cards in 2018

    Best Credit Cards in 2018

    From huge sign-up bonuses to generous rewards, there is a lot of factors to consider when you are choosing a credit card. The best credit cards will pay you cash back, offer luxury perks, provide travel rewards, and help you quickly pay off existing balances.

    Our experts analyzed  credit cards to find the best credit card offers  Today, we’re going to take a look at some of the best credit cards for various rewards and purposes. Without further ado, let’s look at the best credit cards in 2018! Explore our top picks and start getting rewarded.

    Best Credit Cards in 2018

    Citi Double Cash Card

    The best credit card for flat-rate cashback, the Citi Double Cash card is a good deal if you keep your monthly balances at zero. You earn one percent cash back on every dollar you spend, which is pretty standard. The cool thing? The 18-month, zero-percent interest period on balance transfers made in the first four months.

    Hilton Honors American Express Ascend Card

    As for the best hotel rewards card, this Hilton Honors card is the way to go. You get all the expected benefits for Hilton hotels, but you also get rewards points for normal purchases! That’s literally win-win. Oh, you get access to certain airport lounges, too! Who could pass that up?

    British Airways Visa Signature Card

    This card is easily the best for airline rewards. While Americans might question what they’d do with a British Airways card, don’t get hung up on the name. You can book American Airlines flights through Avios, so there’s no need to worry! Besides, the rewards you get with this card are stellar, no matter who you fly with.

    Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express

    The best tiered-reward cashback card, the Blue Cash Preferred offers a number of really great benefits for cardholders. The first, and most obvious, is the tiered cashback. It offers 6 percent cashback on purchases made in grocery stores, which makes it a very easy to use reward card. You buy groceries, right? Then this is the card for you!

    Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

    The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is by far the best travel rewards card. If you spend a good deal of time traveling, this is the card for you. You can spend the reward points you earn through the card on hotel and airline rewards, or in the Chase portal. As for how you get points, you get two points per dollar you spend traveling or dining while traveling. Well, that’s hard to beat!


  • Elon Musk’s Boring Company Selected to Build Tunnel in Chicago

    Elon Musk’s Boring Company Selected to Build Tunnel in Chicago

    Chicago’s downtown area is notably difficult to get to from the airport. O’Hare International is extremely busy, and traffic back and forth from there to Downtown Chicago is a nightmare any time of day. Obviously fed up with the gridlock, the Chicago city government has selected The Boring Company to build a tunnel from O’Hare to Block 37. Locals know downtown’s Block 37 as the Loop. 

    A Huge Win for the Boring Company 

    Until this point, the Boring Company’s biggest claims to fame were the concept tunnels underneath LA and Elon Musk owning it. This tunnel, if successful, could work as a template for future projects like it in other cities. Musk’s concept of a multilayered, car-centric network still seems rather far-off. A more grounded approach like this tunnel, however, seems to be a great starting point.  

    How the Company Was Chosen 

    Chicago had an open period of “Requests for Qualification,” and Boring passed through two rounds of such requests. Chicago maintained that the tunnel project was to not cost tax payers any money, for one thing. Another request was that it be capable of conveying passengers from the Loop to O’Hare in less than 20 minutes. Finally, Chicago requested that a ride on one of the tunnel cars cost less than a comparable taxi ride. It seems that Musk’s company fit all criteria, as Chicago has decided to go ahead with them. 

    A Few Details 

    The company has stated that the tunnel cars will travel between 125-150 MPH, meaning they can take passengers downtown in about 12 minutes. That’s a huge step up from the normal time to commute via car. It was also reported that cars would leave from both stations once about every 30 seconds, meaning you’re never waiting to board a car. While the exact costs and length of the construction are still to be negotiated, it seems Chicago is eager to have the project underway.  

    The most difficult part of these projects isn’t the actual work of moving earth and constructing tunnels. The hardest part is getting through all the regulations and safety protocols that come with digging beneath a city. The Boring Company likely wants to it can complete this project with speed and for a reasonable cost. If it can do that, and the tunnel is safe, they will have made quite the name for themselves. However, if the project is a bust, it might spell disaster for the company and Chicago’s plans. 

  • Which Alexa Skills are Our Favorites?

    Which Alexa Skills are Our Favorites?

    Alexa has a ton of skills. Over 30,000 skills, to be exact. That’s a pretty crazy number! With that many skills available, how do you know which ones are even worth getting? We’ve got a list for you of some of our favorite Alexa skills. The skills here are the most useful or fleshed-out, easy-to-use or helpful. Alexa, do something cool! 

    StubHub 

    The StubHub skill is great for finding out what’s going on around you. Say “Alexa, ask StubHub what’s going on tonight?” Then, it will have StubHub pull up events and shows in your area. You can even ask about other cities. As you could expect, you can buy tickets to any event connected to StubHub through the smart speaker. Going out for a night on the town, made easy! 

    Audible 

    Having your smart speaker read to you can be a great way to catch up on books you’ve been meaning to read. While Audible is awesome in the car, the Alexa skill lets you enjoy your audiobooks from the comfort of the couch! Whether you’re doing chores, relaxing or just showing off what books your trying to read, Alexa is a great medium for Audible. The callouts are common-sense and easy to remember. “Alexa, read my book” calls up your most recent audiobook. Or you can say “Alexa, read (insert book here)” and she’ll pull up that one instead. It’s simple and intuitive! 

    BBC 

    The BBC skill is great for getting news. You can set up Flash Briefings through your Alexa settings, and the BBC is a good source for news for such a briefing. If you like to hear your news while you take your coffee, Flash Briefings are awesome. They’re effectively a fast-paced recap of everything happening in the world, helping you to stay current. Just call it up by saying “Alexa, what’s in the news?” 

    Philips Hue 

    If you have the smart bulbs of the same name, the Hue skill lets you control them with your smart speaker. This is just super cool, to be honest. Once you set your various “scenes” from the app, they’re ready to be called up by voice. Ready for bed? Tell your virtual assistant to set the lights to sleep mode. Time for hosting company? Use your voice and set the room to “relax” mode. It’s quite convenient and makes you look like a tech wiz in front of company!